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THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY,
PUBLIBMED ^VEEKIJY.
VOL. XXXIX.
>ia)OX: HEXnV GRKKXW(»0I) a ro.. pniLISITE^3F^*rORK STREET. CO VENT GAKDEN.
XEW YORK: ANTHONT ft 00.,.8C0VILL ft ADAMS 00., Ain> LOEBER BROS.
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MELBODRNBi i. W, SMALL.* CO., BAKER ft ROUSE, W. 8, STEWART ft CO., WATSON ft SONS.
8YDXEY : BAKER ft R0C8E, J. W. SMALL ft CO., tJn WM. OAROILL.
ADELjUDB a»p nOBAinBi BAJUa ft BOUSE.
XDoooxon,
<»».* W C in the County of Middlesex, for the Proprietott..
HBNaY OBKBKWOOD * Co.. Pctushies. 2 YORK STREET, OOVKBi
TR.
\
V.39
BuTKB JorasAL or Pagtosurct Pre, M, 18l|.
Aaid laMn elDn««at Favw*. ByVnImmtW.t.
Hwtlcr - - ^. »»
AwMMittWIrtMli— By A. Bonhtr'BlBtoa
AiiitHliil Hjy ■■»>■ BtrO. W. Wakrtw ...
rm
INDEX.
PiBinl ttrtatt ... -
Bmi4. Tta. ByH.Oili>iii>
Mi Btvo rUi« Buk
Qw ttaiL TW. Br J. K. TaBodl
Sata a^ Sam •. a. iS, W. HI. SaJ^«b
W«k n4 Wof fan. B7 CMtarla* t tt
CUori* Ptvoi. nmhVMM of. Bjr B. Talairtk
OklotU* Pitatii««« PkfM* B7W. B.Ballaa «i.an
Oral I iHiiumi^ at amr TnamU. BjJ.BatmtSa
ChM H^nMiM. Br '■ Plk* _ „ _. ... «K
OhMtatBafatfoH _ 417
Oamtk. Br'-W.W*d. _ _. «»
Br T. C raManm. r.LC „ ... ^ _.
Oa^ ytwliniaffcy. Bj X. W. Cl^daa 4»
Tka lata Mr. Bdwia _. „. U7
OaUaaaOMaaa(SMaa4P>«aU „. W
Br W. a Beltoa
73*. 7»
Batok Brw. B.BaHi» mt,m
Waiklat. TatteliaM la tll^tV. MS
" ta ... „
n.u«,i«
(WnrlBtka
»W* ... „. M
8U
a( Okroaa aad Ooa-
Awuritmm Atunal af Pkotompky
Aaattar PMtofraaHar'i ^aaaal, 11
Aadmr't Shulfaa la nuMafrapt* T
rua
KmOBIAL TiUM :—
AtaaT*! f ■■(nictum w Ptutofrapky (Piper A Oartor) 8B
A Oat^S Tap ISil
AdaiM A Co.'ii Annnal 413
A^m>' BiBocuUr Putoaonps SM
■ I »,818
Un 808
PkaUfrapfci (BaaiU) 603
Aa"OBtia«aToap" SO
AsMkata IWekrieqpa 8V
4 nuttfitfk mU Btm to TalM it 488
Aptaa I^aiata Sama 7M
ilra«a4 tA« B—aa Oaai|nj«a. Bt U. K. Thomaon 7«3
Bakar-a Paakat Ckai«iii|r Ban
Ikiaark A Lmak'f Haw DiaolirHai Shnttsr ..
BfimtT't QtUr (Parkaa, fioo, A Uariaent)
Bottoaa-i (>««d< ta BUitrto t<^i>J(WhlttiiAar)
Braa'a Oo!oBia „
ffriWiN Bwiii
Brolkan- JTawul mT Pkota^rapliy (Ortfla) '.'.'.
Bartaa'a Mtttn Paataaraska
Bartaa'a f*iti|ia»kt<i KWta« (lUrioa) ...
Byaaa Pitattar riaaa „
330
87
301
TCBttoaSk
I'a
.746
.<30
. 498
, S79
, la
308
4n
TariaM _ m
». 778
„ 314
... -. ... MO, 585,188
■la BlUaa (Saanyi) 77>
inoaanTabla ... „. ... SIS
DLBaataa*aaM'<MiilotM ... „ 8B
DMrMy** AH attMm 778
PtiiTi Bnmidt BalarfWf (IW) 4M
~ ' "oh- Pkohiufkto BtptaJaattaa fi»caw» ■■■ 480
>'• Pk«*Mraak«r'( Obwinaiaa 438
■ - " •■ .. 4U
.. MD
.. m
" su
„ 833
.. 138
.. 448
.. SU
SIS
Daaaofa't PkaiMraaE
kutaaa't SaHo npar
Bdar'a IN* WiHtrapXwlM Oaaiara ...
Bnatar* ITalai
IkUoarlald'a Aaaaal
lUlawMd'a Xaw OaUoidia Papar ...
ntok'aniM „
riaakMurMan. B7J. O. Byboa
Oaa. Wkailar'a Fkil»i>apHa 3Wlai>— i»ti .
aiamte*aay»r Watofraptodki BiioaalU .
OriM 0»l III Ilia an
Oa*r«teatMa«aMlOaloBriatMadU 371
OaatW WiwHr'i Ttaupanat Alkomn (Moon... 478
HatTlaftaa'a OtMBlaab ..Ml
BkilaA PirJialM Dtakw ...
Bod«a-» Praittial fclai'ihn iDifc)
HalkalB 8oeM|'i TataM „. an
Hakaat « Aft 3 Bi«iai>(M 170
aaatafaParilalUtktrUlar ... ...SIS
BartarADrUaU'aAaMMfnfh 41
VtmA iMduaMtls FMn „ 188
IMnllfaaaaiVnatafrapkB „. _ 133
dbnl P.aP „. ... „. „ 555
r*r4 Tmr-Utk > „. 381
ItUatraiiMa „ _. „. ... 383
ta|nnal"Opal"Pb»ai... _ 330
laiavtelPkiEa 333
Jutt 301
JaaTi Briiadi Pa|Mr Balanfaa 170
KaOitjpa _ 138
Tiaaaroa Oka aflat Boa aad Bairtaoti) OO
LmXmkmUtXSM. Br J. A. Badfai 78t
i«al«ni aUAm aat Hta b Jhti Tftna. B7 A. B.
Uapa>^<PlntPr<«<<]rt«ynata|nipA«(IUBa) -333
Z 480
... 83
... U7
_. 188
_. US
... 83
... 715
... 818
... 7U
taaaar'a OalltaM ^Oryaaic CkaatMry
La Oaai«aat Bkaltar
Loakar Braa.' Oataloirna...
ItawwIPralwaa 4< PI>ot«tn><f
Marlaa'* OatataRaa
Mattla'* Pkotaciapk e( aa lea OrTstal
llaOUa*Oe.'(Caklofaa
MalBl Uirtan Ulda Bbaiae Btrlpa ...
Mr. Oaa. Paadir'* Baa
MoaiaolaadTkkitoM
"ll7*"D'7Pkktai
ObariMltar RaRBtira FUaw
Optiaas Laatara OblaatHa
Panj LuMTa /win b PMafrapMc Utnstwt
Pla«7 Laad A O&'i Labd Baak
Panqr Laad A Oo.'a Plata WarMM Papara, Ao.
Pnaj Laad A Oa.'a 8iia|iualM .4nitm
~ ' ' B/ Carl Schraabatadtur ...
... U7
... 74S
~US
...380
... 87
... 48
... 31*
INDEX.
[Snppltment, B>n|BB Joobhal or Photooeapht. Doo. 30. 1892.
BanoauL
lisr^ss'is^.
rSSamaUa Ohb'* Praoa«lia|i
I fWmitla.
tt^
^'^^^'^rfUU r«n^
-"itiMiiiaJ
ri-ri The
J>MwW Sri«eM<m >> PMofrraky
PkatomplUr Ckrutmu ^MHol
>o/aPlM(«(r<>l
. ._.__- -, - nttfrttphit Lrai
PrisHac PNirn- V«rkm.
BaUrrXBimal BtodlM
Boaeh'i " Bndiior " Huid Omam% ...
"Saodta" PIktM 'V..
8oh«H^* Oekmnd Photomphi on 8Uk
M. By O. * W. Wimpy
Sob'i WttttUpJUMipU ~ •••
Swhud L«i* t1aiig«« (Taylor ft Hobaon) ...
mr—dUaguiM .^ ...
8m PW<i««A<>»» *"»y "*"
SmmMm. By Amy Johnwa
BanrlM Bud Cuwrm
BataUAri StndiM .;.
Bain's Ortalotru (Oots)
BwUf • lAnttrn OUaoUTM
I^kn'* Op«Mt 0/ Pketo«nq>ky (Whittakor)...
rAOK
... »
80,122
... 138
ITO
By Sir D. Salo-
31S
U, 3SZ, 546
... «8
74
... 315
... 827
... 764
... 442
... IS
...570
...764
... 18
...715
... 41
... U
... 478
... 478
... 393
... 283
... 570
... 330
... 478
... 554
... 4S8
TW».pliioto Lam (I>>Um«y<r)
Tk* MOMtpM 8k«to|Ma»
Tha lUlowMid Oamara
TluMUr
Tha Leetnrer Candle Lamp ... ... . •
Tka Optical Loatflm. By C. H. Botliamley ...
The l4o*o<hromoic<^
n* Pk«(<><rapkOT'
Tha Shnttle Hand Oamara ... _••■„••;, ^.-
7%* Studio aad ITkat to So in It. By H. P. Bobin-
•on
Todd.Forret Flaah Lamp
Todd-Forret Lamp Speotmem
Tylar's Filter for the Million
Tylar's Tap Sprinkler* ...
TWntan-Pickard Company's New Calalognc
Underwood's Oataloffna .... ...
Fsrwm Hsatk's BMoiiMtiOTU (Gassell)
Watson k Sons' Oataloimea ... ...
Welfoid's Hand Csaura and How to Uu It
Wormald's Practioal Tadax
rsar.tioot o/PkotojTTophv
Bectrioal Action in Derelopmeut
Xlsotrio Lighting for Photographers
Baotrio Lighting in Photography. By H. Tander-
By
... 74
... 583
... 188
... 636
301,570
... 392
.. 138
... 745
... 138
... 481
... 603
12
105
778
42
490
122
393
218
ItoTocnpricUod-brown Prints. ByO.A.Kenyon,M.B. la
Ferrotype Porttaltnre by Flashlight ^
Ferrotypes »»rt»»PhotograTiiro8 ,ii' 509
Perrons Oxalate Dereloper ' "„,„
Fortons Oxalate. Preparing Strong. ByO.W.MUler
Fixation of SUror Prints. By Lyonel Clark
Fixing and Fixing Agents
Flashlight Photography. By Dr. N. A. PowcU ...
Ibonssing Eyepieces. Use of • —
Foonsaing. The Use of Diaphragms. By J. Ctark ...
Foreign Photographic InstitnUons and their Influ-
ence. By W. H. Harrison
Frena Camera
Frena Hand Camera
Fnsed Hltrato of Silver. By J. Barker
Gaa-iegnhitor Checks. By H. M. Whit«aeld
Ganges for High-preisnre Gases. By C. F. Budenberg
GehOine Negatiroe. Preserration and Detenorot^on
of. By T. N. Armstrong
Gelatine Prints. Finishing
GeUtine Prints. Fixation of
Gelatine smius Starch as a Mountant
202, 260, 310
578
386
765
Oehitino-bromidc of SiWor. A Neglected Properi;y of 737
Oelatino-chloride Paper. Coating ^
Gelatino-bromide Process. The Originator of. By
W. B. Bolton
GeUtino.ohloride. By J. C. a Mnmmery ... 346, 360
Gibson. J. P., at the Camera Clnb 25
Glass PositiTes and Ferrotypes with Gelatino-bromide 193
Grinding the Edges of Glass Plates. By W. B. Bolton ^^^
36
.'478
. 89
. 820
. 168
232
Bementary Notes on Photographic Lenses. By H. W.
3gBll^t( 120,137,154,160,185
|{p«i-«n«.l Prints. A Simple Method of Producing... 835
KBlargeaents. Tignetting 49
Bnlarging Arrangement. A Simple 18
Iqaaliaing the Ulnmination of NegatiTes 513
Brtlmation and Dehydration of Silver Oxide. By
*M n T ...
M. Carey Lea
Btbar-oxygen Lantern.
New Form of. By 9. E.
Exeisa and Methylated Spirit
BxHiarnog :—
Aberdeen
Boston Camera Clnb
Brixton and CUpham Camera Club ...
Bnuaals
OamaiaClnb
CaatleWemrss
Edinborgh Photographio Society
Exeter
F. Hollyer's
Glawow and West of ScotUnd
Haokney Photographio Society
Holbom Camera Club
Leytonstono Camera Clnb
Linooln Camera Club
New EnsUsh Art Clnb
North Middleeex Pfaotocraphlc Society
Photographio Society of Great Britain
Boyal Cornwall Polytechnic Society ...
Bottth London Photographic Society ...
tBtanleyShow
Tnnbridge Wells
West London Photographic Society ...
Exhibition Ethics
Exhibitions and Judges. By J. Pike ...
Exhibitions— Old and New
Kxpaditing Work for GhristBas
Bneriments in Combined Toning and Fixing.
(Jharies Ehrmann
Bxpoiara and Density
bpeanre. AQnestionaf
Bxpoanre. Ikotonin
Bxttacting CUoridas
Fair Prices. A Plea tor
. 644
467
803
Hoyi
■■^Boat
■iBMan
m)
348
762
187
674
364
... 762, 778
778
665
697
742
187
741
392
250
777
565,626,628
392, 553, 568
776
762
777
41
33
... 791,839
Halation. Prevention of. By J. Pike 504
Hand Cameni. Use and Abii-se of 339
Hand Camera. Work with 824
Harmonising Harsh Negatives. By J. Mcintosh 538, i^
Has Albumen received its Death-blow ? 767
Have Gelatino-bromide Plates Benefited Photo-
graphy? "
HeliochromoBcope. The. By F. E. Ives 758
Hints on the Use of Magnesium ^^
Holbom Hinged Spring Printing Frame 811
How a famous Animal Photographer works ... ..841
How Mr. Henry Stevens Works 787
How Solio Paper is made 724
How to Make Drawings for Process Blocks. By A. J.
Gough ^•'*
Hypo. Decomposition of 51
Impressionistic Photogi-aphy. By A. E. S 69
Improving the Tone of Bromide Prints 680
Inaccuracy of Description of Photographic Objectives.
By Professor W. K. Burton
Indian Studio. An
India Tinting of Photographs
Individuality in Photography : A Reply to Mr. H. P.
Robinson. By J. K. Tullooh, M.B
Indoor Portraiture
Isochromatic Photography. By John Howson
LEADKit6 {continued) : —
Carina Tissue. Effect of Moisture in
Carbm Transparencies. Toning
Cole tial Photography without an Equatonal
Celliioid Films
Celliloid Negatives. Varnishing
Chatginir Boies tici-suji Dark Slides
Ohhride Kmnlsiou Papers. Development of
Cleaiug Solutions
Coll as a Cansc of SUvinod Prints
Colbtyiie Process. Difficulties in
Colrared Photographs ...
Cottcntric Lens. The New
Coping Positives
I^ip and Gelatino-chloride Paper ..
Deb of Artphotography to Science ..
Defctive Negatives. Printing from..
Dewlopmeut Theories
DiSised Light
Do Negatives Fade i^
Do Negatives Lose Density in Fixing ?
Dr>Monnting
Dii
By
. 722
648
. 769
. 321
. 401
. 402
21
Jottings. By Cosmos
Jndgas at Work. The.
Kallitype. Advances in
309, 355, 407, 436, 519, 549, 599,
660, 755, 820
.. 810
By Hector Maclean .
, 210
Landsoapi' Phutographv with Orthochromatic Films.
By Charles L. Mitchell 506
Lantern Slides. Binocnhu- Examination of 161
Lantern Slides. By Fred. Dunsterville 280
Lantern Slides by the Carbon Process 6
Leaders :—
Accurate Exposures 56;>
Aerial Perspactive— The Tele-photo Lens 305
Alum and Hypo Fixing Bath 481
Alum, Common and Chrome. The Comparative
Hardening Effects of 689
Amidol 577,754
Analony of Gelatino-bromide of Silver to Biohro-
mated Gelatine 98
Anhitectnnil Distoraou by the Hand Camera ... 657
Artilicial Illnmination for Enlarging or Eedncing.
MothmUof 721, 7:«
Backgronnds 753,786
liichromatrd (iclatinc and its Expansive Properties 129
Biuocnliir Cameras. Lens Diaphragms for 337
Binocular Examination of Lantern Slides 161
Carbon Printing 641
Carbon Printin};. Direct lU
Carbon Printing. Moisture and Heat in 194
PACK
... 162
... 67
... 661
... 81
... 115
... 833
241, 274
... 487
769
... 450
82, 116, 146
... 273
3, .■J4
... 706
... 257
. 163, 178
... 145
819
354
... 465
... 593
419, 451
385,
49
18
803
33
529
785
722
769
321
401
17
402
Enmelled Prints. A Simple Method of Producing 835
Eni-rgements. Vignetting
Enlrging Arrangcuent. Simple
Eiise and the Methylated Spirit
Exlbition Ethics
Exlbitions. Old and New
Exlbitions, Recent, and their Lessons
Expditing Work for Christmas
Expsure and Density
Exp.sure. A Question of
Expsure. Factors in
Expsure. Fallacy in Connexion with the Curtail-
nnit of
Exticting Ohloridos
Ferins Oxalate Developer 513, 530
Finhing G-elatiue Prints 578
Fixi Stop of a Lens. Opening Out 4:3.3
Fix.g and Fixing Agents 817
Focusing Eyepieces. Use of 209
Geliine Prints. Fixation of 386
Geliine uersus Starch as a Mountant 705
Gcliino-bromide of Silver. A Neglected Property of 737
Qebino-chloride Paper. Coating 65
Gla Positives and Ferrotypes with Gelatino-bro-
mie
Hai Camera. Use and Abnse of
Hai Gelatino-bromide Plates Benefited Photo-
giphy?
Hyj. The Decomposition of
Dlnination of Negatives. Equalising the
Ind Tinting of Photogi-aphs
Ind.r Portniiture
Kal ype Printing. Advances in
Liging. Abnormal Effects in
Loc Reduction of Negatives
Lonfocns Single Lenses from Rectilinear Com-
poids
Lo8J*f Density in Fixing
Mapfying Glasses for Hetouohers
Metl Alcohol versus the New Spirit
Molting Stereoscopic Pictures
Mr. ivison's Address to the Convention.
Mysrions Markings on Negative
OU-te Methylated Spirit. Purchasing
One ens for All Angles
Ortbhromatic Photography
Paraidoplxenol
Paraidopheuol in Cold Weather
Pho.dyeing
Pho^raphers and the Trade
Pbo:,'raphic Apparatu'i. Accuracy of
Phovraphic Blunder at the World's Fair .
PhoV'nxphic P^xhibition. The
Pbotrapbic Institute
Photraphic Record and Survey
PhoVraphic Printers
Photraphing on Wood
Photraphs in Natural Colours np to Date
Photraphy and the Detection of Crime ..
Photraphy at the Royal Society's Oouversaziouo 321
Photraphy. Some Popular Ideaji of '''''
Photravnre
Photravure and Aquatint Engraving
Photravnre at Home and Abroad
Photravnre in America
Photiincography
Platitype Moditi<.^atious
Platim and Platinum Re.<idnes ».
Potanm Ferridcyanide and Ammonium Sulpho.
cyjde Reducer
Prestation of Modem Prints
Prinljersus Processes
Prof tonal Photography. Decay of
Proftonal Photography. Position and Prospects
. of
Heco-ing Silver from Spoilt Plates
Resid:. An Improved Method of Treating
Restag Faded Albumen Prints
Revod Negatives
RoUa; Celluloid Films. Keeping Properties
Sensi^d Papers. Storage .and Treatment of
Silvei Mirrors. Preservation of
Silveirints. Fixation of
Slummses
Spota Albumenised Paper Prints
Spottf
Staiiiype Process for Lantern Slides
193
339
51
513
8.33
545
210
609
802
401
129
785
19
546
Points in 449
... 673, 689
529
562
387
1
34
562
113
594
753
, 625
, 97
306
, 353
225
114
161
, 515
, 546
, 48;j
770
579
281
. 466
49
3:J7
657
497
... 610
... 258
... 481
626,658
641
305
674
417
s of..
... 145
... 177
241, 274
610
Stanivpe Process for Transparencies. A Note on
the 642
Stereopic Pictni'e.^ Without a Steveu.-copic
Cara 225
BBirm JOBWBU. or PaoToeaAraT. Dm. 30, I8M.]
Work, tmttiijmtmt tl
INDEX.
aoi.n7
ttlWOmZ _ ... „ _.«7
n.._i.. Tiiiiiij"niiS7iWMir7ii f™ ~ -'. m
Th»»tf ChMteM -. - Mk(*
TaOnr Blihii lor Orlkoeknnatie Wocfc _ -.310
Ii^iiaUaelFtetagnfky. B7T.WatnBBrawB-.IM
UgM to ItakBM^ btnMiV te BMr af nolo.
lafS^BtlTai
7U
Uai««ninllj l»fhia> ._
Mriirw FbbiI -. - .-U>.U7,i
it^fc) laalani lUMwa. 4|r W. L Chaawkk
M^aHili^ Olaw he Biliiiilii ... -.
>7«
417
7S
•( Fko*a«iBpUa Imam wA
M««vlAlaakalMnwlkBl««8|Mt ... .- ... U
MoJamrilali Praanatiaaaf- - - .- 3V
Manual MMaariaa L%U far Uatara HkhiL By
aB. "
Fholopaphio Blaadar at th* World's Fair ...
FhetociBpUe flaHa-hook. A. By W. J. StiUman
PhoteKiaphie iHtitBla. A
FhotattapUe I«r Obm ...
FkatoinapUe Map of ttaa Haa««u
FholofftBfUe Prlateim
PhotactapUe 3aeonl and Barraj _
rasa
.. 7SS
.. 714
.. W
. SSS
306
Photaanphie Sodatiea. OoadMoBi InanannlBg the
Wdfaiaol. B7W. H. Hairina
311
at,S6
.„M0
8B.3IB
Htftwl of
Eaw. Br Malar Oarwtm
Matkod* al AilMitil
Xr.A.B.DiaaM'aBhlHBiaB- - - • »•
XaMpbOaaladarMaMivlaniBFMn. BjOnfar
Oraal- -. - - •■
MyHrtWi Mafklaa* •■ Ba^tiTCi. Br '*£7j£r ^
latPinf— taMi
»«» OuBaiatrte i^B*
S«wDaTCl>p«. BrJ. FU.
X«r Day Plata -....- 3a
.<«« D>y Plata IhHny „ -. - lOT
XMKadaka .. _ - - - SB
X«« Pka(««iB»kia bt^lBo PiaaaM, By Laato &
Ut7 _.__.- ... _
Pbotocnpkia SaeiatT*! LaetBiaa -.
PkolatnpUe Baaiatr'a Btaadu*
PhottgntUs Bar*af of Wanriekihln . .
rtntnrapMi^ «b Wood -.US
P>olapMg>t» OB Wood tor KagiaTfan Parpoooi. By
PliatntiapH^ Staiaod Okai Wiadowa. Br T. H.
Ai^itra^ ... _ 805,837
PhotacrapkraaoKUMUbaralAitiatOUe^o. Br
Bar. P. a laaAart .„ -. ... 40«
>*nlnBri>^ aad Motanrolop 300
Pkattfrapkr aad Pkote-Baohaakal PnaUaa. Bt
Pad I.. WatKlsw aMiJ. Ol Oadda UaTbS. Mflk tm
PtitPtraffcy aad tha BHartlnB ef OH«aa ... _. Ul
Pkotimrtgr AMliad to Madhal H«aanh. By A.
Phatonaky aa a Bnaok at Taekaokgy. 1^ Pro-
PkitmBiky al tka BayU 8eoia«)r'« OoBwnaatoBa » 3n
Pfc>to»iBpky by Bala. By TVwia Baddte« 48S
Pkotapapky to MlUtaiy BaaaaMiaaacw By O. K.
rAsa
... 481
98,658
... 8
... 641
810
^^««^d^l«^. An Imprared Method of Traatiiig
BartorioglWdadAIbDBienPriati
Bannali. By Hearr Batton
Batcnad HecatiTaa
JtotoBoUait by KUctricity
B^iwaAiBg with the Inoaadatcent Light. By B. W.
Harriaoo ... ... y^
Booker Worted by a Fendnlnm. Bj W. K. Barton... 13
BoBabla OaOahiid ntaa. Keepiog Proporties of ... 305
Batharted. The late L. M _. 4U
Sda^UfleBaManh in Photography. By J. Beynolda.
"-«• 7S8
500,587
... 674
566
417
e( Viewi, By B. Dnnmore ...
HianMeed PBpeia. Stotage and Traatnent of
lltHltog about. By W. J. BtUlsian
Sarcrtd Mbren. PtaaomtioB of
Bihar Hamtwilphata. ByM. Oan^Lea ... 8
BUrarPriata. AUigad Padiag of
SQTar Print*. Fnang of. By KUeralie Wallaoe
BUferPrinU. IbattoB of
HiaqttoCbeaiealAaalyrii. ByB.Benert ...
BiaaofBloptoUM. By W. K. Bniton...
341
Pkatagiafhy to Xataral Caloan IV to DBto ... „. 114
PMBBiafky to HixHliail. By Wnk Uiw, Jaa., F.C.8. 833
toBaBthAMea. By H.B. BItorkaefc .. 673
to Baok aad Pattodkal
mr ttm tfiiai an, SIS
. 6IS
.SIS
. aee
. 6M
. 808
. lU
Baall I«Btanie aad DlaolTlog View* 711
Soaa Popalar Ideaa of Photography 4SS
Bpaetadae aad Magaiaeta tor Photographen. 8y
O. L Bakar 840
Bprta oa iltoimealied Papw Priato 177
Spottlag „ „. au,274
Maadud Derelopar. A 506
HtoadafdOenlaper. A. ByP.HniteraadT.C.Driaeld <13
far LutofB BUde* ... „ 810
tor Truupanaelea. AHotoea 642
Btor Phatagmphy. Hotai oa. By Bonya Httohooidk 506
(Wwioeeuiii aad Btweeeaeple Pbotagia^y. ByA-L.
- -. •• - SBO
Thai By W. P. Daado 5a
- ^ . A Haply to Mr. 3. O.
By W. L C&ulwtok ... _. 317
By ■• J. Appleby ... 388
Pkotography. 1^ Oaoiga A. Thoiuaoa 6M
■■B* tar iBfytog PrapantaB* a( taaga
Vy W. ■. MMBhaa 37*
lafortaf liilia aad Pimtaetol Daliaatii to Iha
^aiiatliiB, By f. M*t Brown •>H R. P Dr>«»
WarwtotaMra Bartay. By Rkhanl Kaena -. ...346
WetCaOodtoaPnma. By J. Barkar ... „. ...311
By Thniaai Ptoiaat 334
Wtotv Work wUh OalaHnivaktoride Paper. By
Sigan 774
Why Pholorrrapto Fade. By B. 8. BtnniMi 131, 165, 231,
ZM, :e7
TfUowror
[Bapplement, Bbitish Jouenai of Photooeapht. Doc. 30, 189J,
AUTHORS' INDEX.
Aun, Cattaiii W. db W., C.B., P.RJ.-
lUeait BelMioa and Pbolotmpby
AaiAS, J. C—
... 791
Mi
BIwcnoopIo
•oBcMftir
lio Photogriiph;. Podtion of,' in 'ragard
•ad CUlity 200
Am-nr, K. J.—
BMtMKiOvie Photognphy
ABamuws, H. K., r.R.S.—
1 OluuigM attending Pliotogniphic Opont-
186
276
A»Mano>a, T. R.—
Adnaeed Photogrmpliio Woric fnr Amiktaara :t2X, 379,
■421, 425, 502, 521, 535. S5l. 598
Ootttaet Printing 603,772
OiiialliMi MegatiTM. Prmemtion and Detoriora-
UoBof 208,260,310
Pbotognphiag Stained Ola« Windows ... 805, 837
AvuT, Joaa H.—
Danlopment 758
BAnB.0. B —
OpUoal Projection SMS
notogrsphjr in Xilitary RcconnaiswDec 341
SpooUalMi and Magniflon for Fhotographen '.. »M
BAnAKT, Oaoaac—
Carbon Printing 121, 135, 151
BABKn, J.—
Pnaed Nitnta of SilTsr 408
Wat OoUodion Prooou 311
BA»n, OAntAantn Wxed—
Amatenr Pbotograplij in America 471
American Worlc and Worlcer< 567
Object of Pbotoglaptiy 661
Photo LimiU 632
BlACH, F. C—
Amidol Developer 807
llEDblKti, Thohah —
Photogiaphy by Bale 185
Bum, E
Simide Chemical Analysii 6iMr
Bmkett, H. W.—
Elementary Notea on Pbotographio Leiues 120, 137,
154,166,185
Myitariona Harkinga on NegatiTes 695
BiiBOr, W.—
Oompoaite Helioclvomy 362
BlAHCIUBD, VALEKTIItl—
A Scrioiu Blow Up : A Bcntiniacenue 645
Bbowk, J.—
PhotographBr's KuKlUb .v .j "• ?S
Platinum Toning as Applied to Gelatmo-chlonde... 188
Beowk, J. WaiE-
Uraniam Toning of Bromide Prints 133
BEOWN, J. WkIB, AND Dbadk, R. P.—
Report of Loudon and Prorincial Delegates to the
Convention *!''
BBOwn, T. Watbos—
Legal Side of PbotogTspby
BUUKSBEBO, C. F.—
Gauges for High-presetu-o OaBes
BUBCHKTT, A.—
Photofirapby in Relation to Piiiuting
184
70
46!)
BdBTOH, PBOyBSSOB W. K.—
Inaccuracy of Description of Photographic Objec-
tives 520
Rocker Workwl by a Pendulum 12
Size of Stop to Uso 808
Cbadwick, W. 1.—
Magic Lantern Matters 437
Stereoscopic Photography. A Reply to Mr. J. C.
Annan 217
BOLTOB, W. B,—
Chloride Printin^.ont Papers 404,581
Collodion Kmnlnon. Density in 738, 755
Collodion Emnhnon Kotes 293, 307
Dwting'^D Prooeaa. A New Formula for Sii
OelatiBoJiromide Proeeaa. The Originator of ... 36
Orindimr the Kdgea of Ohua Pbtes 101,118
Batlo of Gradation 148,196,230
BamAKLBT, C. H.-
DeTalopmast of the Latent Image 2ii3
Bozxix, TEOMAa—
Copying Stand. A Simple 11
Bbabut, J. Fateb—
Pinhola Photography in Japan 842
Bbbibkb, Huob—
Light in Darkneu: Introducing the Btody of
261, 314
... 648
... 344
... 439
Cbanbor, H. J.—
Ratio of Gnidation
Clark, J.—
Focussing and the Use of Diaphragms
Clabe, LTOJTBI/—
Fixation of Silver Prints
Clabke, Archeb —
Amidol
Claydkk, a. W. —
Cloud Photography
COAH, T.—
(jnlet Nook on the Norfolic Coast
COLKBEOOK, H. —
All Round Hand. The
Cosmos—
Jottings 309, 355, 407, 436, 519, 549, 599. 660, 755, 820
Dallhbteb, T. R. —
Reflections Combined with Befraotious
Te'e-pboto Lens
Tele>pboto Lens : Angles and Foci ...
Tele-photo Lens. Improvunts in
Da BUG, W. P.—
Stereoscope. The
Daewin, Major, M.P. —
Method of Examination of Photographic Lenses at
Kew 696, 713, 729, 743, 760, 774, 792, 809
Dawson, A. —
Photogravure 523,534
... 103
... 22
... 377
... 166
552
FbatofiapUc Mahistasii
.... 712
paoe
Knolabd, J. D. —
Celluloid Films 87
Ehbhanh, Chaeleb—
Experiments in Combined Toning and Fixing ... 646
Urauinm Salts. Toning and Intensifying by ... 263
Fabmeb, E. Howard —
Deficiencies in the Early Training of Photographei-8 473
FiTZPATNE, F. —
Toning Platinum Prints with Uranium 668
FOKEEST, Thomas —
Wet-collodion Process 234
Free Lance—
On Tilings in Genei-al 53, 72, 150, 245, 388, 485, 615, 740
Feeshwateb, T. E., F.R.M.S.—
Photo-micrographs in the Lantern ...219
GoLDINd, A. J. —
Composition and Selection of Subject 0
OOTZ, J. R.—
Optical Glass 6S4
GouoH, A. J. —
How to Make Drawings for Process Blocks 82i
Gkant, Geeooe—
Multiple Coated or Multiple Film Plates 8-i3
Hackett, J. T.—
Amidol 677
HAE.S, Feank —
Early Days of Animal Photography 246
Haskingion, F. C—
Detective Hand and Magazine Cameras 618
Harm KB, J. —
Binocular Vision and Astronomical Photogi-aphy ... 425
Cbrono-pliotograpliy of Star Transits 312
Outdoor Photography 8,217
Haebis, G. T.—
Art : its Mission and Catholicity 426,137
Harbison, R. W.—
Retouching with the Incandescent Light 826
Harrison, W. H.—
Foreign Photographic Institutions and their lu-
tluenoe ; ... 213
Photographic Societies. Conditions Influencing the
Welfare of .\ 311
Thunderbolts. Photographing 85
Hartley, Professor W. N. —
Acid Action of Dl-awing Papers 204
Henuersov, a. L. —
Stereoscope and Stereoscopic Photography bbO
HiNTON, A. HORSLKY —
Accident and Intention
Dekekham, W. E.—
Roliitive Exposures for varying Proportions of
Image to Original 378
DCNHOBR, E.—
Decorations and Fittings
Old Silver Prints
Selection of Views
Ddbsteeville, Feed.—
Lantern Slides
Elleebeck, H. S.—
Photography in South Africa
614,633
408,423
500,587
280
... 679
... 679
HorwoOD, Jambs R., Ph.D. —
Celluloid Films
Ratio of Gradation
HowsoH, John —
Isochromatic Photography
Hubtee, F., and Dbiffield, V. C—
Ratio of Gradation
Standard Developer
Ives, F. E.—
Composite Heliochromy
Heliochromosoope. The
... 533
... 53
103, 181, 297
613
... 357
... 758
MyptaMM. BBrnaa Jotbsal or Pmromunr.}
r
Kkms.
Dk.SO.uk. AUTHORS' INDEX (Canhmed).
Biwmui, P. H.—
SM I RccMt BxkiMtiM> _ ... 9
KanoB, e. A., ILB.—
hutBrnmr, Rs*. F. C—
r th« UtMnl Alt* •( CUaw*
Puts, FBBOCXirK—
'- Brmiiife iBkiviat
I
4M ' PiBnTT.K. W.—
1>7
Loa. Wb., j«>., t.CJi.—
rial
L>*. M. C*<n—
IMviqMiaa e( tk« Klrcr HiJaU
Patsbios, T. L., F.I.O.—
doai K<«MiTW. and kmr le SMOrd tlMir UcWm
LiTf.A. M.-
'•nmary" 9I
L«TY, Loon B.—
bnnssa, A. as* U—
W>T*' Banoa. r.0.a.—
AiMtanofBBHMT
nir>» III Matttt
Pm,J.-
Otaaa BtffUiTM ...
~ vvnatflttrPur
liaa. PiOTwtlasol _ » ..
HawPiniiiiBi .„ ~
PowBU, Da. B. A.—
PlHkltokt Pkali«Ta«h7
PaiaatB, A.—
FkolociBpkT AnlM to Mallaal Bwiih...
JH.J
TV
Pkolafnfk;
PBOTm,0. K.—
jff IWi oijgtii liulcra. B«w Ptona of
MO
ru Ktwmaa, W. J.—
Pka*a»n*Uac •• Wm< lor I
.an
. TV
.71*
BuTCurra, P. M.—
Bow to I/ook at Photognphi
Simoa, Bbbbt—
B«««t<ai« ...
8T>HOn, Tom—
Photainajijr <a Bolatioa to Book aad Periodioal
ru
PAoa
... 476
MO.SIS
... 648
Tbokuob, Oaoaac A.
BImoaeopie PkotoKiaphj
Tnixoca. J. K., B.B.—
AMrtoorQaeitkm. Tbo 7S
Aitr PiaaAitr OrWkatF M
tadlflilMMtJ la PhotORTaphr : A Hrplj to Mr. H.
.. .Wl
aa
P.
UnmawooD. B.—
Ohlorid* o( Sanr Oalatiao Papo'
Tausia, ■.—
Chloride Pkpan. DaralopaMat of
TAaocawBTiic, B.—
BiMtrto UchliiW la PhotognMihy
Wam, J. W.-
247,178
333
... 678
... 738
... 245
Vi,3K>.*<»
in. l•^al.M,l
Wauacb. Buaaaua—
OepTiBB Old PortmHi
■UrwPriat*. Vkdiavof
W. a O—
Pfc««W SolBstioa IB Photcvraphr
Watsbbocsb, Odiasbl J.—
AaiUal aad IMoL Bo4ot on 921
■arlj PfcplB ■BBtaalBil Prialiv ProuMWi ... «t4
WATBBunr, PAn. L» abb Obbdbs. J. D.—
PkoMviavIv aad Pkota^Mahaakal PrlBttw ^Slt'Si
, O. W—
AaUMad Bjvo Batt
WBUnsB, BsT. 0. W. —
WBiranauk B. K.—
Wiuas, B. a—
AJtrBBOBdaJ Photafiaphy
WooBMAB, Oa. C. B.—
PBTAllaglic Muted al Itewriat
/
. <1l«
... ir;
i
[Sopplemmit, British JodW*!- "t Photoobapht. Deo. 30, l892.
r
THE LANTERN RECOED.
(Monthly Sapplemcnt to Thk British Journal of Fhotoorapet.)
OCTOBER — NOVEMBER — DECEMBER — 1892.
Charitable lAntcrn Rntertainment Society ...
Doable LKntenui. OrerheatiDfr in
Birinir lAntenu from Photofrnphic Sodotiefi
liuitem Apparatna. Becent Norelties in
Lutern Condeiuers. Bj W. I. Chadwick ...
Lantern Grace in Photofrraphic Societiee
Laotem If em. By O.B. Baker
lAntem Note* and Hem
Lantern Patent!
Ijuitem Qneriea
Lantern Shorn at Home. By E. Dnnmore ...
Lantern Slidea by Bedaction. By J. F. Sterens
PASK 1
.. 16 1
6
12.
7
21
3
«
10
19
,9,
17
8
15
16
24
20
4
FAOB
Lantern Slides. A. Note on Colonring. By E. Dnu
more
Lantern Slides in Collodion and Gelatine. By "W. B,
Bolton
Lant«n) Slidefl of Bees
Lantern-slide Work. Gelatine Plates for. By G. T.
Harris
Lbadbrr :—
Commou das for Domestic Entertainments...
Compre8se<l Hydrogen. DisadFantagres of ...
Lantern in Photoyrnphic Demonstrations ...
Limelight Lecturing. New Features in Conuexioii
with. By T. N. Armstrong 11
Limelight Polariscope. Sumll Prisms for.
Leach
National Lantcni Society. Advantages of
New Ether Satunxtor. By E. Pnrtoii ...
Optical I^rojeetion. By Sir D. Salomons
Oxygen Halving, Dangers of
Otygen. Purity of
Pears' Magic Lantern
Progress or Fashion ? By G. B. Baker...
Reflector with the Projection Microscope.
Bnckton
Stereoscopic Screen Pictures
PAOK
By W.
23
15
13
S
15
24
2
22
6
ByO.
ABMSTIOIIfl, T. K.
Bakrr. O. B. ...
BoLioii, W. B.
Bncnx», O. B.
... U
2, 10, 20
... 19
CONTRIBUTORS.
Ohadwicx, W. I,
Ddhkore, E. ...
Harris, G. T. ...
Lracr, W.
... 3
10,20
... s
... 23
PORTON, E. ...
Salouons, Sir D.
Stevkks, J. F.
24
13
4
,vt/
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1652. Voi. XXXIX.— ,TAXUARY 1, 1892.
P.4RA-AMID0PHEN0L.
A XEw dereloper B«taral1j Ukes some time to find ita proper
place in the estimation of photogimpben, for, wh&tCTer iti in-
trinsic qoalities, it is pretty eerttin to poMenaome peeulisrities
that have to be maatered before a real jcid);ment can tie arrired
at as to iu value. In the earlier dajs of gelatine plates there
was a elioiee of two developers, each equaOy nord to the
m^iority of photographers, who reiy largely gave their pre-
ference to the one which most resembled in its behaTionr what
thej lud been accustomed to with wet plates. Ferrous oxalate,
being praetieany a *'aii»«olatioo'' devabpcr, performing its
task m a single cfiemtioB, much in IIm aame manner as the
&aiiliar aolatioii 6t nlphate of iron and aoetie aeid, and more-
oTtr ylililliig an iaage maek more of Um wi» plate type, took
the Cuiey of the old wtyhf trarlter aooiMr than alkaline
pyro, with ita more eonplieated method of working, simply
^Meaaae the latter required more Uaming ; bat, as the know-
ledge of how to oa* pyro inerened, sod tkm fuactk— af the
diffmot eooatitaaati of the developer b^fsa to be mdanlood,
ite mperior CBpahiUtiw wan rwcgnjeed, with the reaah that
it aooD displaeed femma oxalatai, exeept for poattiTe woric.
Ilyitroqniiiooe, and aabeequently eikooogen, next came into
the riclil, and, after figwfaig aa ehaoiteal Busaltiet far a while,
gradually beeua* the aabieoC tt awioas trial, giriBg riao to
mtimMRy aa to their real valoa, and eran at the
; tiaa aaither eao bo tralr miA to hara takai a fixed
Though each of tliem may hare numenwia frieodt
and adniran, it wiO aearealy be deoiad tlMk pyro atill maiaa
the fMaral bnronrita, aod that ia ipita of drawfaaoka frooi
vbieh tha yowgir rivak ai* ftaa.
The M««t flddMoB to oar Hat of dambpi^ ^Mta, pars-
amidopheaql, altboogh it baa been bafare the pabUe now for
aosne time, laa aot yet paasad oat of the noeaity itage^ and it
win in all probability be bmg yet ere it aaenrea any very
genaral sdoption. All the acooanta of ita behavioar have
bow, ao for aa «a are aware, entirely favourable, and in many
eaaaa ovaa enthnsiaatio ; bat thia ia geoerally the eaaa^ for the
axparimeataliat is pnaa to go iato raptarsa over aoy new
tUiig that provee tolea^bly aaeoaasfol at the outaat withoat
waitinf to diaeovar its ttwliiiiiilini, or miiMiini it com-
paiativriy with prs-exiatiag aalhoda.
In aayioK thia we do aot for a mniaaiit tataad to
decry the new agent, nor to saggsat that ita pfaiaaa have
been ovspaung. On the cootraiy, wa are bonnd to oon-
fen that panMaatdophaDoI ataru iiH^^ bottar record than
either of ita immediate predeoeason, aoftr aa the quality of iU
rsMlia airi ita fsaanl adaptability are eaneemed. But the
-quaatioa to ba deeMed (and that can only oome with time) is,
does it offer any real advantage over pyro, hydroquinooe, and
nkooogcnl Ita spoaaaea eia^ it to be the noat poiratfol
developer extant, which possibly it may be, and yet without
satisfying every requirement ; but, at any rate, there must be
reckoned on the other side of the account ita insolubility,
which forms a serious hindrance to its general adoption.
We have pnrpoaely deferred expreeaing any definite opinion
oo the new agent, samples of which were sent to us some time
ago by Meaara. Becker k Co., until we had had opportunities of
giving It a pretty extended trial, and, though even now we can
scaroely consider onraelvee in a position to arrive at a deoisive
judgment, we can at least indicate some of the moet noticeable
featurea in its character.
Without going into ecstasiea on the matter, we may at once
say that first impreaaioas of para-amidophenol arc decidedly
favourable, so far, at least, aa its developing action is ooncemod.
It ia rapid in ita aotioa, clean in woriting, gives an image of
excellent quality, and aeenu to be peculiarly elastic in ita
eapabilitica, thmigh preciady the same may be said of pyto,
and parbapa of other developen.
Bat the first drawback is found in ita comparative in-
solubility, which readers it almost, if not abeolntely, com-
pulsory that it be employed aa a onosolution developer, as,
without the alkali, it is praotically impossible to get sufficient
dissolved to form a useful stock solution. There is, perhaps,
no resaon why we ahould olgeot to a developer which ia
coaaplete in a aingle aolutioo if it doea iti work as well as
saothar ; bat it is dittioult to believe that, under such oiivum-
Staoces, there is as much control over the action, as it pro-
y »■■■»> M wheo, by the addition of alkali or restrainer,
<l«fMwwisa cr srron m the exposure may be rectified so soon
ss tbey become apparent.
It is traa that in tba old wat-plate days the developer was a
single solutiuo, and oxposuree had tii be touod with something
approaching accuracy, in order to ensure saocesi^ sod possibly
the general quality of the work turned out was none the worse
for that ; bat, under the new ir^iW of dry phttes, the system
of " rational davtfepmont," as it has been called, i.<-., the modi-
fication of the developer to suit the image as it progresses
baa always found greater favour than the ap{>lication of a com-
plete solution, whether mixed at the moment or kept in stock.
Kvsn with fenoos oxalate, originally a ono-aolution developer
pnnuin^'rimi^ the practice of modifying the solution as the
plate seemed to re<|uire it gradually crept in, and, so long as
our sensitive films continue to possess the latitude that permits
this {latching up of a wrong ex|nsure, so long will the so-called
rational development be reeorted to.
For a single solution developer para-amidophenol behaves
remarkably well. It kee|ia well, remaining colourless for a
I very long period ; some that we prepared upwards of thrae
I months sgo is apparently nncbanged, and so far aa we can judge
I retains ita enaigy intact. Ita developing action ia rapid and
l-HE BRITISH JODKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[January 1, 1892
(he one, TWiuahing would bo a very great improveinont, a
bonaol Tarniah, ua«d without heat, may be applied with
■kfety and adTantege, the plate being first dusted with
■crupulous care. A singular point may here be mentioned :
a reTcraed picture — that is, one in which the right hand
appean to be the left, aud so on— is never satisfactory ; hence
all the requesU to make the picture "face the other wiiy
about " must be mot witli a refusal, otherwise the copy will be a
failure. This remark applies to all kinds of photographs.
But the difficulty about glass pictures is that they usually are
reveraed, the film side being generally that e.vposed to view.
Our advice hero is not to bring the picture back to nature
(which may be done by copying from the back, if it be upon
clear, oolourlees glass), unless it be a very recent one, for the
eye has become acciistomod to the aspect of the glass picture,
and a reversal will disappoint. We could add very much upon
this aspect of portraiture, but must not here do so, to avoid
making our articles wanting in conciseness. We must again
say that the best results in copying these photographs are
obtained by wet collodion, though careful attention to exposure
and development will enable very good results to be produced
by dry plates.
In fixing up the picture for copying, the same care is needed
to obviate reflections that we have indicated with Daguerreo-
types, especially as regards the front of the camera ; but a more
all-round light may be used. Those who have not copied glass
pictures will be astonished at the plucky, vigorous negatives
obtainable even when the enlargement is to several diameters.
Fbox the ninth Annual Report of the Committee on Indexing
Chemical Literature we find one bibliogrephy which would be most
oaeful to photographers. It ia entitled A Bibliography of the
Chemical Influence of Light, by Alfred Tuckerman. It is in the
Smithsonian Miscellaneous Collection, numbered 785, published at
Washington, in 1891, and consists of twenty-two pages 8ro. Great
iiiterest is aroused in the chemical world by recent investigations
upon a newly discovered gaseous compound of iron. Finely divided
iron is heated in a stream of carbonic oxide, the product, after a
long operation, being the new compound we speak of, which is
termed ferro-penta-carbonyL It is a light amber-coloured liquid,
which may be distilled without decomposition, and has a specific
gravity of I '44. Its interest to photographers lies in the fact that it
is senmtive to light. Kept in the dark it is perfectly stable, but when
exposed to light an important change takes place, gold-coloured
crystals rapidly form in it, which, upon analysis, are found to consist
of a second iron carbonyl. They are insoluble in ordinary solvents
but when heated to 80° C. they decompose.
Onk of the latest uses of chloride of gold, but which we yet think is
not likely to enhance its value to photographers, is au extremely
remarkable one, being no less than as a cure for dipsomania !
Most scientific photographers are aware of the difficulty of obtaining
a trustworthy standard of light for comparative experiments, We
described, at the time it was first adopted by a scientific committee,
the meldng platinum standard, which is quite impracticable for photo-
graphic use. Then we have Mr. Vernon Harcourt's pentane lamp,
and lastly the authorised standard of the Board of Trade — the
" standard candle." For a long time past it has been seen that the
latter is open to serious objection, in that it is far from a constant
illuminant, quite apart from the statement, which we believe to be
correct, that special candles are made, which, apparently legal, are so
made as to give indications favourable to the gas-manufacturors.
Such a condition of affairs has led the Board to appoint a committee
to consider what the standard light for testing the gas supply of
London should be. The South London Oas Company, of which Mr. G.
Livesey is Chairman, have undertaken to pay the whole of the expenses,
and the committee will shortly be formed. It will consist of two mem-
bers of the County Council, one appointed by the City Corporation,
three by the London Gas Company, together with three gas referees
and two independent scientific men. Dr. E. Frankland, F.H.S., and
Mr. Uibdin, the Council's chemist, will represent the London County
Council. Pending the report of this Committee, the Council has
deferred action in the direction of obtaining legislation for a more
exact standard of light.
It is quite evident that, if a practicable and reliable standard can be
devised, it will be of considerable valua to photographers ; for, although
it goes without saying that a light standard is not necessarily a
standard of actinism, its advent will be hailed with satisfaction, if
only on the principle of half a loaf being better than no bread.
Whiting on this topic, a correspondent suggests to us the advis-
ability of designing a suitable burner for burning the ordinary ether
of commerce, which can be obtained practically pure at a cost which
would be merely nominal.
Mb. W. T. Suffolk writes to the Chemical Xews on the subject of
the new methylated spirit, and makes a suggestion of a very practical
nature, in which we are sure many photographers and photographic
manufacturers will heartily join. " By the new order," says Mr.
Suffolk, " histologists are deprived of their most valuable reagent.
Alcohol in histology, like [sulphuric acid in chemistry, is the key to
most of the work, and a heavy duty on either would bring work to a.
standstill. Among the societies whose members are affected, besides
the lloyal Microscopical, are the Chemical, Photographic, Linnean,
Zoological, &c. Hospitals, large museums, and medical schools are
able to obtain quantities of five gallons and upwards of the old kind of
spirit ; but small laboratories, and the whole race of amateurs must
either leave off work or pay the duty of ten shillings and sixpence per
gallon. Truly ' endowment of research ' with a vengeance."
Mr. Suffolk brought the matter before the Council of the Koyal
Microscopical Society, and that Society rightly considered that other
societies might take united action in the matter, and bring pressure to
bear upon the Inland Revenue. We should hope, with Mr. Suffolk,
that this body is ignorant of the mischief it is doing. So far, no
photographic society has moved in the matter of a protest, but Mr.
Suffolk's invitation will surely not go unheeded. Some weeks ago it
was mentioned at a meeting of the London and Provincial, but no
action was taken. With so much energy at command at 50, Great
Russell-street, we suggest that this is a fitting opportunity for the
Photographic Society of Great Britain to approach the Somerset
House authorities.
Now that the subject is engaging popular attention, it is reasonable
to expect that a decided impetus will be given to the provision of
other agents for altering the tones of bromide prints besides uranium.
Mr. A. Haddon is already in the field with some experiments in
this direction. He has just allowed us to inspect a bromide print
having a far from disagreeable brown colour, which he informs us
was produced by treating the picture with a solution of a salt of
copper alone. When some necessary further experiments in the
improvement of the method are completed, Mr. Haddon will probably
enlighten us as to the identity of the particular salt which has the
valuable property of reacting with metallic silver, thus improving
the tones of developed bromide prints.
A BEVEBSING eyepiece for the stereoscope has been patented by Mr.
Birt Acres. The eye-tube is necessarily somewhat longer than is
usual in oculars for the stereoscope, because it has to contain foui
lenses, each separated from the other by a certain space. The
advantage of such eyepieces is in its being possible to print a trans-
parency by superposition from the uncut negative, and then to
examine it in a stereoscope thus fitted, the effect of solidity being
given. This was done long years ago by means of reversing prisms,,
but Mr. Acres' method is distinctly different^
JaniMTf 1, 18B9J
THE BRiriSU JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
Ov* tftightlj oMming ecatempormrf , the Daify Ckronielt, reoentl j
treated its Teederi to a lengthr and solemn reriew of Mr. AV. E.
Woodboiy't Inok oa the geIatino-chloride-of-«ilTer printiiifr proceas,
which, howerer, waa le« of a teriew of the hook than a critical
examination, mon or Ie« trustworthj, of the proce« itaelf, and the
rarioM eoameraal Inrnnda of paper on tale. We congratulate Mr.
niackie and the Blackfiian Photographic Company opon the lauda-
torr notice which celerotrpe i« fortanate enough to obtain from .luch
an impartial authority. But we are euriooi to learn the tvaaon of
our contemporarr'i diamitMl of the Ilford printing-oat paper in the
damaatioa-with-faint-praiae rein whidb the writer tiiinks fit tu adopt.
Ajide of theae pecofiaritiaa, the CknmieU reriew contain* a great deal
of infomation which wiU he new, if not inatnictire, to photiigraphers,
and on that groond, to quote the old phraae, it i« well worthy of
peruaL It ia abo maUdioitly hamor>as, which, fnr the reputation
of the Orvmidt, we ancerely tm«t ta attributable to the fe*tiTene«s of
the teaaon, and nothing more. Aa oar reader* will Me from the letters
in another part of the Joubval, the Britannia Work* Company are
onable to enter into a kiad of humour of which they are the innocent
rictlm*. and they hare property entered a proteat againat lome of our
contemporary's remarka.
Mb. Fka.yk Ham waa kind ■ooqgfa reoeatly to exhibit to na a photo-
gn^kie nfie of poaahly the higheat Uatotieal istanat. Thi* waa a
docMMfnt in the handwriting of Dagaeira, giviag iaatruetiona for the
working of tka pnetM with which hi* name will ba for vnt identified.
The docuoeat b aaithar agaed nor dated, althoagfc tka» i* erideaoe
ia eiiatenra to ahow that it ii prohahly a gaaulaa prodnetion of
flu nail >'*, tnm wkooi it waa aaid to have baaa reniTad br Mr. L.
Loe«a,priTat» aaentaty to the lata Sir MoMa Mnnlalnii , ia the vear
ISM. If aaj ooa iMa a letter wiittao and rigaad by Dagnene, Mr-
Haea waald ha glad of a photograph of it, ia order that the writing
might be eoaapaied with that of the doeomeat referred to.
AMERICAN .NOTES AND NEWS.
Fnnw « notiee ia the F%»tojfrmJue Timet we gather that tha Amtrietin
■ 1409 ia paWiifcifl Ahkoagh wa bar* aot yet aeea it.
. .... array of nasMa of eOBtilbatora giraa kavaa ao doubt for
belieriag it wOl prove aa
Wa learn that a baa with a t««Bty-fooi>-ineh apartoie, and focal
leiwth of timnm fbat, b to be Cited to the photo-tebeeope for
llarrard UaJranity aow being made by Alraa Clark. 5c Son*.
It ia laU that it will ba tha fatal iaitnnaeat of iU kind erer con-
•tiveltd.
Vii
a daatk of a waD-kaowa Caaadiaa photographer (Mr. William
otmaa, of Maatiaal) n annoaaeed aa baring takaa plan on
forembar S5. Mr. 5olaaa wa* a Seotdunaa, haviag been bora
Pftiiley ia ISM, la 18M he want to MoUieal. where ha eatand
into the "dry^goodi* bariaea*, bal (ooa gara it up in faroar of
ptotograpby, ia whbk ha bad baaa aa amalaor pterioiii to leaving
Seoilaad. He aooB aeqdbad gnat dietiaetioo. Branch buiiaaMa*
ware artabliahed ia Boatoa, Halifax (N.S.), aod New York aadar the
of hb •00*. Ha wa* much reapectad whererer haowa.
Vot oolj to any of hi* owa eoaipalriota, hat to aot a faw aelf-
^bflmi huiwluii oa thi* rid* of tiba .Vtkntic, 4o we comnen<l for
iaHalioa a oMal nfkaabing piece of hooaaty which mw the liirht a
litlb whib ago at a ■aating of the I>hotograpbie Society of Pbila-
dalpUa. Her* b ila reeori : " Mr. Jaaaa Wiboo exhibited a new
abattar for iaalBBlaaaooa or time woi^ It wm* eopied from an
Kqglah iaraatfaa, kaowa a* the Saijtent ibntter.' Honoor to thee,
Mr. JaoM* Wiboa, for that ackaowbdgmrat ; hut bow, pray, can
a "eopbd" ilmtlar be "aawf Nerer mind. Yoa own that it
wMco^iad, and yoadaMrrt a decoration for tha adaiiimoo. "Ofiine
Mb. a. H. Calserwood, in AntAony't Builettn, recommends the
following method of stripping negfttirea for reversing : — Coat with
robber turning solution (para gum dissolved in benzole to tlio thick-
nesa of collodion) and allow to set, which is shown by the disappear-
ance of the glossy surface. Next coat with a thin, plain coUodioo,
which will set immediately. Run a sharp-pointed instrument round
the film to the depth of an inch, and place the plate in a tray con-
taining a solution of acetic acid in water 1 : 6. When the film is
loosened, the stripping and reversing is done in the usual manner.
By the way, would not sach a strong solution of acetic acid have
aome considerable solvent effect on the gelatine ?
Is an article in the PKoto<fraplue Time* Mr. W. Jerome Harrison says
that the first notice he has been able to find of the commonly adopted
process of intensifying by bleaching with mercury followed by
ammonia is contained in Hunt's Manual of Plioto(prai>hy of 1853. On
referring to Scott Archer's Manual i^f the Collodion Procew, puhlished
in March \^'y2, we find detailed directions given for whitening the
image by mercury, after which he add* : " After this bleaching it caa
be changed into a deep-tooed negative many shades darker than it wax
orif^nally, by immersing it, after a thorough washing, in a weak
solution of hypoeolphite of soda, or a weak tobition nf amntoma. The
white picture will vanish, and a black negative will be the reanlt."
Thu estahlithe* the priority of Archer orer Hunt.
SoMa month* ago we wrote in farourahk terms of aome bromide
print* with moet charming aepia tone* by Meesra. Inglis & Co., of
Chicago. Mr. Inglis was recently present at a meeting of a New York
photographic society, where the subject of uranium-toned bromide
prints wa* under dtscnaaion, and said bin company'* prooea* differed
in every feature from the uranium toning method. 'Tbe ba*b of the
tone, in fact, on their paper* waa within the preparation of the paper,
and a patent had been applied for. We auppoee that what is meant
is that the toaiag basu U in the emulsion with which the paper is
coat<nl. Such a prooeaa of toning, as we pointed out in a leading
article a short time since, would be very welcome. The tones of Mr.
Ingli*'* print* are eqoal to any of thoae produced by the uranium bath,
which is high praiaa.
Tuis movement for oiganixing a Photographic A«*istant*' Union ia
this country unfortunately never came to a head, although there was
a univerml agrvemmt that such a Union waa not only practicable, but
desirable. In New York the aasiatanta are forming a Union for the
porpoa* of *ecuriag rediea* for the nuroerou* grieraaoe* of which they
complain. Theae are headed by " aiiaerabb wage*." More than this,
they aaiert that thay are aeorehad on tha roof* in summer while
looking after the printing, and tnmn ia the winter. All the blame
for bad work i* thifted on their ahooldar* by the employers. They
also allege that thay have to eompela with a lot of young men wh*
pn not adapted for the baaiaa**, and, by accepting low wages, keep
down the standard of wage* all round. We wish the Union every
■acee**. Some of the New York grievaaeea are not unknown in this
country, and the pity of it b that they ate at present practically
irramediabb.
Tbx eatahfiehaaat of another monthly Canadian photographic
joonial b aaaooaead. There U already one largely devoted to the
iatertata of photogiaphera In the Dominion, the St. LaiUt and Canadian
Pkatcgrapher, the publisher and proprietraa* of which (.Mrs. Htz-
gi^aw^lark) moat ba ooogntoUted upon the energetic manner in
Wffin Mr Joarnal b oondoeted. Apropo* at the Bladdox Testimonial,
now baiag raised both in thb country and America, the St. Lorn* and
Canadian make* a *trang and generoo* appeal on behalf of one of its
own oooDtrymen, Piofeasor B. H. Snelling, who ia one of the fathers
of photography in America, bat who i* now *ged, blind, infirm, nnd
in deetitnte circumstance*. I^et us hopo. that such a response will iit
once be made a* will place him, not only beyond wsnt, but in cotu-
fortsble drcumstancea. It is not to the credit of .\merica that o w
like l'rr>fes»:>r Snelling should be allowed to remain in want uf the
Been*arie* of Ufa.
6
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAl'HY.
[January 1, 1892
LANTERN SLIDES BY THE CARBON PROCESS.
Thk euhoa prooeM for l»ntem slide* poseeasea several advantages
OTW thoss of any other. For example, it is easy in practice, the
pietttXM c*n be produced in any colour, and cerUin parts can be
dodged by local treatment in the development ; also, the tones of the
slide can be modified after it is finished. For these and other reasons
the piooeas is one that should especially commend itself to the amateur
and others deurous of obtaining variety in effects.
The practice of the carbon process has been much simplified since
the Autotype Company and other manufacturers have supplied the
paper in small quantities sensitised and ready for use. Not only is
the trouble of sensitising avoided, but the tissue is secured in the best
condition for work. It is now tolerably well known to most of our
leaden that, in carbon printing, one of the most important points is
that of senritidng and iying the tissue, and when this is accomplished
iatiafactorily the whole of the after-operations are simplicity itself.
Most amateurs who go in for carbon hmtern slides will, we surmise,
prefer to purchase the tissue ready for printing ; however, this article
would not be complete without instructions for sensitising it at home.
With regaid to the choice of the tissue for lantern slides, this is
quite a matter of taste. There are several shades of brown and
purple in the market, as well as red, sepia, and other colours, all of
which are suitable for lantern slides. A special tissue is made for
transparencies, the colouring matter of which, we believe, is Chins
ink, which yirfds an excellent black picture. In this tissue the pig-
ment is said to be in a^fine state of division, and in greater quantity
than in any of the others. Still, as we have said, any ordinary tissue
may be used with good result; indeed, in some cases, as will be
explained further on, a tissue highly charged with pigment is not
desirable.
There are different methods of procedure.in sensitising carbon tissue.
Some simply immerse it in the bath, take it out, and then hang it up
to dry. Some, after taking it from the solution, place it on a glass
plate and pass a squeegee over the back before suspending it to dry.
Others, after the tissue is removed from the solution, squeegee it upon
a coUodionised glass, and allow it to dry in situ, and remove it after-
wards. When either of the latter plans are adopted, the bath should
be used a little stronger than in the case of the first, inasmuch as
there is no superfluous solution left on the surface to afterwards soak
into the tissue.
For lantern-slide making, a suitable sensitising bath, for this season
of the year, is one of throe ounces of bichromate of potash dissolved
in three pints of water, to which is added a drachm of strong
liquor ammonise. The bath should be made up a day or so before
use, then the upper portion can be decanted from any sediment, and
thus dispense with filtration. It may be used many times, but should
be discarded as soon as it acquires a decided brown colour. The
solution is poured [into a dish to the depth of half an inch at least.
In this, after being carefully dusted, the tissue is immersed, all air-
bubbles, of course, being removed until it becomes quite flaccid, which
it will do in from two to three minutes, according to the temperature
of the solution. It is then taken out and placed, face downwards, on
a g^aia plate, and a squeegee passed lightly over the back to remove
the superfluous liquid, and then hung up to dry spontaneously in a
room free from the fumes of burning gas or other noxious vapours.
For suspending the tissue, there is nothing better than letter-clips.
Those known as the " Bulldog Clips " are the best for the purpose, as
the jaws of them cover a space of two and half or three inches, and
thus secure a finn hold on the wet paper. The drying should be
effected in from six to nine hours, otherwise there will be a danger
of the tissue becoming insoluble. It should not be allowed to become
over-dry, that is, crisp, or its sensitiveness will be impaired, also
there will bo a difficulty in obtaining perfect contact with the negative
in the printing frame.
The above method answers very well for ordinary work, but for
lantern slides the following one should be employed. Take some glass
plates, say, twelve inches square, as that size will suit sheets of tissue,
from which nine lantern-size pieces can be cut. Prepare the surface
by rubbing it over with French chalk, and then coat it with plain
collodion. Commercial enamel collodion will answer. After the
collodion has well set, place the plates in water untU all greasiness is
removed ; or the ether and alcohol may be washed out under the tap.
The gksses are then well drained, and the tissue, after it is taken from
the bichromate solution, is squeegeed, face downward, on to the
coUodionised surface, a piece of indiarubber cloth being used to
prevent injury to the film, and allowed to dry on the glass. This
system of sensitising and drying possesses several advantages for
lantern-slide making. The surface of the tissue is protected from
dust. It is not exposed to the atmosphere while di-ying, which, if it
contains any injurious vapour, would tend to cause a degradation of
the light when the picture is developed. The surface, when stripped
from the glass, is perfectly even, so that the best contact with the
negative is secured. Further, an otherwise after-operatioa is saved.
The tissue may be sensitised in the light at an ordinary room, as,
while it is wet, it is practically insensitive.
When the tissue is dry, it must he preserved from the air, either by
keeping it in a metal case, or under pressure between glass plates. If
it be dried on the coUodionised glass, it is best preserved by keeping it
on the plat«, and only stripping it off when required for use, the plates
being packed together, tissue to tissue. When tissue is dried under
the conditions named, it will keep in good working order for from
one to three or four weeks, according to the time occupied in the
drying and the^care with which it is kept.
The pictures may be developed on plain glass, or on a substratum of
collodion. But, as gelatine is a highly contractile substance when
subjected to heat, it is advisable, in the case of lantern slides, to have
a .-ery tenacious substratum, such as one of insoluble gelatine. This
forms a good one : Nelson's " No. 1" photographic gelatine, an ounce
dissolved in a pint of water. To this sufficient bichromate of potash
is added to just give a pale lemon colour. The plates, after being
thoroughly cleaned, are coated with the solution and allowed to dry in
a good light. The light renders the coating insoluble. Theoretically,
plates so treated should have a slightly yellow tint, but practically
they have not when finished. However, here is another formula
that wUl yield a substratum free from any suspicion of colour :
Gelatine, as before, one ounce ; water a pint ; when dissolved, add
twenty grains of chrome alum in one ounce of warm water. Plates
prepared according to either formula will keep for many months if
kept dry. Therefore a good stock may be made at a time.
We have treated the sensitising of the tissue iu detail, although
we assume that the majority of amateurs would prefer to purchase
it ready sensitised, and thus avoid the trouble of doing it them-
selves. We shall now proceed to the printing. In the first
first place it is necessary to protect the edges of the tissue from the
action of light while it is being exposed ; otherwise, when the picture
is developed, it will frill at the margins. The most convenient way
of providing a " safe edge " as it is termed, in the case of lantern
pictures, is to place on the negative a lantern-slide mask, with an
opening the same size as, or preferably a little larger than, the finished
picture is required,
The tissue, cut a trifle smaller than the glass plates, is placed on
the masked negative and exposed to light, the same as in alver
printing ; but, as the image will not be visible when printed, the ex-
posure should be judged by an actlnometer, of which there are several
forms in the market. Or a negative may be selected of the same
density as those to be printed from, and that, with a piece of albumen
paper upon it, used as a guide for exposure. With regard to this,
it may be mentioned that it is governed very much by the quality of
the light at the time of printing.
Carbon tissue of normal sensitiveness, if printed in a strong light,
requires but about halt the time of silver paper; whereas, if it be
printed in a feeble light, quite as long an exposure will be necessary.
For transparencies a much longer exposure is necessary than what
would be required for carbon pictures on paper — double, at least. As
considerable latitude is allowable, it is better to err on the side of
over rather than vmder-exposure, as there is great scope for remedy-
ing it in the development As wiU be explained presently, what might
be termed over-exposure is a positive advantage in some instances. It
may be explained that carbon tissue becomes more sensitive by keep-
ing ; therefore, that which has been kept for a week or two wiU
require less exposure than that just sensitised — in some cases not more
than half. If the tissue has to be kept many hours between exposure
and development, allowance must be made in the exposure. It is
now pretty generally understood by the majority of our readers that
Jannvy 1, 18(6]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHS.
the actioB of ligbt on carbon tiaeue, odm sUrtod, goe* on in the dark .
coaMqaaotly, if the image ia not to ba deralopud aa aoon aa printed,
tha axpoaoM anat b« cartaiM aeooiding to tha atata of the atmo-
aphare. Haat and damp aooelerate the action, while oold and dryneaa
act aa a latardw.
The tiaaiM being expoeed, we now proeeed to the deTelopment of
the toMge. For this a daap xinc or tin trar ia naiiaUr employed ; bat,
of coone, any other Towel will aaawOT quite aa welL If the tiasue in
tJiP^tMiiy wa« not aquaegeed tm eoDodioniaed glaM, it ahoold now be
eoatad with collodion. Tliia ia ttjulj done bj pinning it bj three of
ila eomaia to a anaQ pieee of thin board— euch aa a piece of cigar
boK aad iimm poviiag the oollodWwi on and off at the free eomer, aa
ia eoatiDfr a ghaa plan, Tha anllndioaiaiair may be diapeand with ;
bat, a« it poaaeaaea •evatml adTaatagea,and inrolTee ao Httla trouble, it
iibould alwajra be adopted, partiralarly when it ia deaired to modify
th>^ tone of the pictme after it ia finiahed. The collodion being dry,
th*; next operation is to moont the tiaaoe on the glaaa.
The piatM, prepared aa deaoibed ia the former article, are placed in
a diah of dean eold water. A piece of the espoaed tiaaoa ia tbea
i^mmfm^A antil it beconea alightly limp, bat not ao limp aa i» naaal
wfaaa woridng on paper. It ia then plaoed, while (till in the water,
oa one of the plataa, ao ai to areid ab bwbblea, laatovad, laid on a dat
aofMe, aad then w^ aqoaegeed down. A aheat of maeintoah doth
may be need to protect tha back of the paper, bat, with plataa pre-
pared a« directed, it it aeatealj sacataary. If, howerer, the glaa ba
ooatad with coDodioii inataad of iaaolabia gelatine, aa ia aooMtiiBee
doae, then tha aiarintoah ia «MMtiaI to protect that film from iajnry.
Tha ptiata, aa they are uiiiilai o« Aa plataa, aia pilad ooa opoa
aaolhar, with a piece or two of hbttiiig paper bataaau aad, with a
■aifht Bpea the topp oaa. Tha whole ia thaa alowad to reiaain for
taa ^mitaa or ao, aad they are than ready for deralopiog.
To darebp, the plataa aia placed, tiana apwaida, in a diah or tray
of waiiB water, tempeiatan MT to lOQT rahr. In a few whmtaa
tha coloar wiD begin to axada (ran tha adgaa of the paper, which
ahovld that ba atrippcd away, aad tha daraloymaBt allowed to pnv
caed. TUa will baaaaated^ laying tha walaroTar the aoifaoa with
the hand. The davafepoMBt ia aotapleta when the whole of tha pig>-
naaated gaUliaa —tWiil apoa hy Mght ia waahad away, and tha
h||hail H|hta ahow withoal fail, whaa tha ptetara ia laid on white
papw. "nk, if tha pielna waa Ightly printed, and tha tiaae fraahly
MMtiiad. wfll occupy but a few minatea ; bat, if it haa been darkly
priatad, aa it ahoold ba, it wiQ take ten or fifteaa miantai^ or area
longer. Whea tUa ia tha eaaa, it will be fooad aMia eoovaaiat,
wlM* tha maior portion of tha niatiaa haa diaiolfad, to tiaaaf er tha
fifltaraa to eleaa water at a hkhar taaapaiataia, aay, from 100* to
nor Fkhr., aa they CBB thaa ha t& hatter MM.
At eaa tioM giaorad daiahiyiBt taaka* aaoh aa Ihoae need for tha
deiahipBMBt of Woodboiy laBafa, wen aold. Bat it ia obriooa to
aay oaa thai, if tha plataa are placad in aa ordiaary waahiag aad
draiaiag lack, aad that ia wapaadid te a vaawl of warm watar, aay, a
large tia ■ncapan, o«ar a aaaaO gaa-jat, it will aaawar arery nqair*-
Moaa aacB anemBporary aivaBgamaBtwiij aenaaamoraouavMtaat
than a tank with llaad grooTW. Shoald the ph-fieeprora fatymach
orer-printed, thay aaad laia^ ha loal, aa it ia riaply a maatioa of
liBa aad teoiperatara la tha deralopmaat. Ia aoeh eaaaa, tha haat of
thawatwaiay baiaanaaadtol»*lo UOr,aBdthatiaBaprdoi«ad aatil
they are aaffleiently redaead.
It mqr ba well to poiat oat here why tha adTiaabOity of deep
priatiag haa been ao atioBgly awphaaiaed. A darkly printed traoa-
paranay, foaead ia tha davalofNaaat, ia alwaya omib brilliant thaa one
that ia Bghily pcfalad and qoiekly developed. Agaia, if the tfaaoa
haa beaa kaft for a loag time, or it waa dried oader advana ooadi-
tioaa, tha pietaia win often prore fomd or vailed in the lighta whea
developed. Thk veil, however, will be diaaolvad away with a pro-
loagad datalofamat, thaa(^ it woold not with a brief ooe. Forther-
■aaa^ deafly priatad ahdN, ladaeed ia davalopiag, do aot laqaira
'iNataaaal wtth alam, which, by the way, ia ao impiuiuaiiiBt to the
fietaia. If, howovar, the alidae are lightly priated ia tha fliat ia-
ataaca, the^ maat ba imataraad far a few miaataa ia a fiva-par-eent.
akaa inhaioa, aad thaa wall waahed to remove tha asaaaa of abm
tnm tha Urn. Tha laaaoa f or thia ia that, with waak pnatiag, tha
gelatine in the lighter portions of the picture ia still soluble, if sufficient
heat be applied in the presence of moisture. This latter, as many are
aware, sometimes finds its way between the two glasses ; hence the
heat of the lantern, but for the aluming, might cause the film to mn.
When the deTelopment of the image is completed, the plate is well
rinsed under the tap, and the transparency put away, to dry, where it
will be free from dust.
It may be pointed out, for the benefit of novices, that, from the
time the printed tissue is plaoed in the eoU wat«r, prior to mounting
it on tho glass, all the operations may be conducted in broad day-
light.
A QUIET NOOK ON TEE NOBFOLK COAST.
It ia prestmied that photographers, both amatenra and profeasionala, are
hnman fleah and bonisa as other folk, and aa the sommer oomes, with its
regular march, aeeompanisd often by irregular weather, they both think
with a sigh II is time to rest their weaiy minds and wiah for a change for
themselTee and their little group. Then oomes where to go.
In advunng a holiday haunt there exists some difficulty in the different
opfaiieaa aad taales how to spend a holiday. The quiet man would shun
a deethialioB thoroaghly suitable to a party of merry single young ohappies
oa ton aad froUe bent ; still, as it's impossible for one drug to core all
and creiy eomplaint, it only remains tor yourself, as the ever-wise
iWrirmttT. lo lalaot and mix in quantitiea and proportions such as yon
iasM moat snitahie for general porpcaea. I, as a young man, with
wife aad joveoQa family of three souls, have found always ererythinB to
meet oar tequiiamenia oa the Norfolk eoast. We frequent a little plaoe
kaawa aa Manadal^ir.aiteated between Oromer and Yarmoalh. Allhongb
wa doa't Blv**t Miuwdaley Proper, there can be found nice, clean little
eottagaa at vary reaaonihia flgnrea for a little (amihr there. It ia a fishing
Tillage ; it is quiet aad vary quaint ; ao qoiat, iadaad, that hardly ever more
than a doxen people are to be acen on the beaeh at one time, and no
alalia, niggers aad hawkara. more or leaa frequent with other seaside
raaorta, are lo ba fonnd. Kow, to a man not reoeiving the aalanr of a
prtaaa ■■»»«'-*"' or priaa-figbter, the qnastioa of railway tarea will, do
what yoa may, pieaent Itaelf stroagly, more or leaa, aeoording to the
flHu-yrt In Ihtt raepeel the Oreal Easlem an indeed generous to the
poblie, aad dso not too particular aa lo whether a child i< or U not three
by a lew aeeonds ; or tha eldest hat or hat not just itruok twelve. I
cr;
people go oa long xidea with a baU-tieket that anywhere
a rail aar wodld ao doabt faal highly oflaaded did yon eonaider
tbam ao yoaag ia yean i atill. aa bafoM mantioDad, In tbe partienlan of
agaa thay aia net sarere, and no doubt are ia Iha long run ^nera by not
ao baiag, aa, did Ihsv roam among their passengers with the eagle eye,
amny aad many tamdiea that now get ooce a vear the braoing aea air
woold b7 eoopulaion stay near at home, and Uie oompany lose anoh
IraAe aa Ibay now ast ; therefore the public admit qf their geneioiu spirit,
and give Otm all laa bosineas they ean. This ia a digreaaion ; stiu, to
many, Ihia iatennatioa may ba aapedallyinteresling.
Tba two naateat alrtiooa are fforth Walsham or Oonton, from tho
dial Ibara roaa a baa laaAng yoo right to Ihe dealination. The return
taiaa ma U*. far a tertaigbt, 10<. ^'riday till Toaaday. Tbe diatanee is
U4 rnUaa, and IbaM are fast trains.
Wa loaala ooiaelvaa with frieada at a tarrohoaaa hard by, aad oar dan
■iwaiaanllypaaaad by early rising, the little oaea Urfng to teleh from the
haabooaaagia foa breakfast Then ootaae tha paekiag baakat with aat-
afclaa lor diaaer or laaah, ihaa all ia ready far oar aoovayaaos. It must
a^oaoa ha haowa, ia Kodtolk the maeh-abaaed dookay — or " Diokay," aa
Ibay ean bim— is ia great reqoeat, aad, with a nice, smart rillaga aart
laugeil lo him. tbaia ia somsthiiig much worae to be had, although many
may think distantly ; atill, each ia my experieaee. We then add a large-
aixe ambtalla leal, and away wa go.
BaaaWng ear daatinaHfm with& two milea, tba little vehiele is put up
allha"Lii^boat,''aad a abort iaaBne leads on tha beadi— a beaeh o( tha
aoAaat aaa^ aad mOaa ia dialaaee both lo the right aad left. We pitch
oar tset, get the jiiinnstiii ready for wading, and the fun eommeneea.
Wa eaa aaa Iha taal tor away porpoasa. The tide may be ready, aad I
vidl tha Ooaatgaaada, and borrow, (or a faw ooopaia, a toU-aixe abitmolng
aet, a api^ old. tattarad-aad-tom suit, aondartng only of an old Una
pati ■rtiiiisai mil 1 1 Ihi ihmlaisi nf Inlnkwlinnkirr Baek to tha tent,
aoon reappeari^ h ta Bohiwann Craaoa, and ao beaalifnllv dlamiaad that
yoor aaaiaat hjead aU hot laila lo raoogniaa yoa in yoarallaredooadition.
With yoat net-pole aeroaa your shoulder, you push out to the deaiiod
daplh, net ia boot, every little while ooming baok to a dry sand-
bank, aad throw out yoor cateh of small fry and hopping shrimps, to the
bnmanse delight of the little ones waiting to snatch them up, half timid,
and drop faito the large baakat broogbt lo lake home the day's sport ; and
ao yon podi on nalil tm retom of the tide dosea voor labour. Two of ur
have trequaatly tahaa hema a bosbel of splaadid shrimps, had them
eo^ed, and awed hot for tea. On a beaeh of this Und there are no rc-
strietions, aad no dangarooa breakwaters lo tbe danger o( the children.
Ladiaa aaa aa aaaily hatha aa the men. Many axaol a teni, and leave it
itaading Iha tarm thxangh.
8
THE BWTISn JOUKNAL OF I'HOTOGKAPHY.
[January 1, 1892
AMar wm* hean of tiiii we all ratnrn to a jolly Norfolk meat t«a,
whmt •TWTthinc th« hoQM poMeuea ii placed on the table. Tb*
•hadmi an MOt to bad, near friendi call in, and the evening soon passes
Ib musie, and song and mirth andinR a (airly representative day of many.
From North WaUbam and Ganton yoa can easily reach by cheap
exounion train many well-known place*, a* Cromer or Yarmoutli, while
I find many woodertol pleasant dayti in company with rod and line.
A I>. 6W. ticket giru you a retnrn (are to Wrozham Broads, a most
kaaatitel atreteb of water, (rom which can be taken a good load o( fish.
AH thuti riT«n and broads are wild and wonderful. Again, the lanes in
Norfolk are very pretty indeed, abounding as tliey do with an ever variety
and multitude of wild flowers and strawberries, while the ferns are in
pfofoaioo tor ipaoiM and quantity. A road trip to Unnton Park is one
worth doing, and one to recollect. About here is simply alive with game
of all kindi.
Norfolk people are homely and kind. They are clean and reasonable
in their ohmrge*. I have had a good bed and eggs and ham breaUast
be(ora now, Um whole eoeting lees than ii. Going back to Maundsley,
TOO can find rarperior olaaaei of houses i( you desire, and you have a
ieUgraph office, post office, provision merchant, boot dealer, in (act
dealer in generai, all done in one little shop, with a low door that you
moat bob to get in. To those who wish qnietude and no restraint, by all
means give tliis haunt a trial. The Great Ea.stern Bailway issues free a
little pamphlet entitled Farmhoutts and Lodyint/s, which every one should
possess before deciding. T. Coan.
♦
OUTDOOR PHOTOGR.VPHY.
I. — Iktroductokt.
Tbk principal object of this short series of articles is to endeavour to
affora some asaistaoce to young members of our craft wbc-e fatu or
inclination it is to have to earn a living a.s an outdoor operator. As
the writer is fully aware of the disappointments and ditticultieo in
the way of success, he will try, in as practical a manner as possible,
to communicate his experience. It will possibly be old news to old
Lands who are well acquainted with the abundant literature of the
aubject which has been published in the past, but which, neverthi'less,
is only accessible to very few who have entered the ranks at a later
period. The desire to provide for the latter class must be the excuse
for reiterating what, perhaps, has been written a<;ain and again.
The practice of outdoor photography as one of these, is a very dif-
ferent thing to skimming the country with a hand camera for pleasure,
under no compulsion to put forth effort to produce anything good,
er to go beyond mere plate sjwiling, the thing most to be wondered
at in such nroceedings being that so many can be found to take so
much trouble to prepare plates for the sink when it can be done
with much greater ease at home by simply opening a parcel of them
in daylight. One fair result per hundred of plates used would
scarcely satisfy a first-class employer, even if it proved a model
picture; sixty to seventy per cent, for all-round work is more like
what is expected, and these obtained under all conditions of weather
and mood of the man. Many of the writers and speakers who profess
to know so much of the matter are entirely ignorant of the routine
•f photography as a business, and I venture to say that if they were
placed for twelve months in a good hou.se their general estimate and
ideas of the possibilities of photography would undergo a great
change. It wouW be a thorough clipping" of wings. To take orders
over-night, or perhaps with only an hour or two's notice, for all kinds
of photography— including landscape, group, cattle, outdoor portraits,
Mippmg, &c.— and do the work at the time appointed, is something
different to contemplating a scene for a twelvemonth and taking it
» few dozen times before anything worth printing is obtained, and
that possibly coming decent through no fault of the man. Under-
stand, the writer bos no wish to decry the spirit of thorough pains-
taking and desire to put character into one's work. It is worthy of
all pnue. and, provided extra caref ubiess does not interfere too much
with the number of negatives produced in the day's work, will be
appreciated by employers and paid for accordingly. To be uniformly
■Doceasful in photography, a thorough training under such influences
■sneoessary. Skill and re.source and cultivated judgment only come
from long practical experience, and are neither bought with a dozen
qiurters or a guinea set. Fortunate is the aspirant who has had the
pnnlege of receiving a few years' preliminary training under such
eircnnistances J then he may feel some confidence that, when the time
•omes for him to take sole charge of the outdoor branch, he will not
to at fault in dealmg with work not unusual in character. If, in
addition to this, he he a lover of good order, and take a delight in
keqiing things mce he will b.! an acquisition to any estabUshment,
and hi* value soon become known.
When entering upon a fresh engagement, it is a good plan to have
•n understanding as to the apparatus set apart for outdoor work, to
note well its kind, and carefully examine it as to its fitness for the
purpose ; to have any small repairs attended to, and make suggestions
as to what is desirable to add to the " kit." Some ask permission to
take charge of it, and find some nook where it may be placed and
kept in readiness for immediate use. .<n endeavour must then be
made to impress upon others in the firm the necessity of asking per-
misiiion to use any article, and of returning the same to its place in
good condition as soon after it is done with as possible. Should there
be a slovenly man about, the wisdom of this course will soon appear.
The necessaries for various kinds of work should be tabulated, and
lists of contents or belongings pasted into cases or other receptacles
used for packing the traps. A system of this kind abolishes half the
"wear and tear" of getting away to a job, and leaves the operator
free to think over the details of the^most important part of his duties —
that of making the photographs. Let no pains be spared, go com-
pletely equipped, intent upon doing the best that can be done, with
means for developing a plate, or the whole of the work, on the spot
if it be of an uncommon or uncertain kind. With this extra trouble
the business is light compared with what was absolutely necessary
when wet collodion was in vogue. The preparation and paraphernalia
necessary for successfully working this process would astonish modem
men. Six months' practice of it by each would-be photographer
would go far towards extinguishing the craze for the saving of
trouble, and the sacrificing of the most desirable qualities in apparatus
that the outfit may be a few ounces lighter, and have the effect of
thinning the ranks to the advantage of men of more solid cast who
are uiiaffrcted by considerations of this nature.
After the work is done the list must be run through to see that
everything is present before quitting the ground, and on arriving at
home, especially if the weather has been damp, the camera and slides
should be opened out and placed neatly together till there is leisure to
look them over and place them ready for another jaunt. Any
peculiarity worthy of note or to be guarded against in using any part
ought to be jotted down, and some definite mark made in the list
against it ; then, whatever time elapse before it is required again, the
preliminar3' scanning of the list will warn the operator and prevent
his being taken in a second time. Strict attention to such small
matters saves much vexation and disappointment, as it often happens
that an otherwise good negative is spoiled by [some trifling defect
from a cause that the slightest inspection or a moment's thought Avould
have detected.
For the benefit of those who have the privilege of being able to
order what they require, instead of taking to and making the best of
tilings as they find them, the writer will endeavour in another article
to show how to make a selection and distinguish between mere fads of
construction and really useful contrivances likely to stand our splendid
climate. Kvery old hand knows quit« well that a piece of apparatus is
one thing in the warm and dry atmosphere of a dealer's show-room,
andjquite another after use outside. John Habubb.
EEVEESAL.
[A Paper read before the Camera Club, and printed ia its JonmaL]
In opening the subject of reversal this evening, it would be well to
understand that a reversal negative and a reversed negative are different
things, a reversal negative being the result of what has been termed
reversing action ; it is produced direct from a negative, and is reversed as
regards right and left. A reversed negative is reversed as regards right
and left, but is produced from a positive.
We all know that over-exposure produces flatness owing to the difficulty
of obtaining density in the high lights ; it is easy to conceive an exposure
sufficiently prolonged as to cause an entire loss of the high lights. If in
such an exposure the shadows have not received sufficient light to pro-
duce a strongly developable image, the result on fixing would be an
extreme case of over-exposure, as understood by a thin image ; but,
if during development stray light obtains access to the plate, the shadows
fog, and we have reversal.
The original high lights, as we shall see this evening, are both unde-
velopable and insensitive, therefore do not fog. We may produce this
fog by preliminary, concurrent, or supplementary exposiue ; in all my
experiments it is deliberately produced in order to supply the necessary
reduction to those parts of the plate not rendered undevelopable \n
oxidation.
In a reversal exposure this oxidation is regulated by the interposed
negative or positive ; therefore, when we fog or expose the still sensitive
portions of the plate, a reduced image is formed capable of being
developed.
In our experiments this evening the reduction will be prodneed by
concurrent exposure, that is, while we are oxidising through the shadows
of the interposed negative, we are fogging or reducing through the high
hghta with stray light.
J»nu»ry 1, 1802J
THE BRITISII JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
b uiiw lulllaiiiito IhU m«tter, I will ezpow a plats to imgniinm
U||ht»i^UMltfaM lociukble ozidstioD to prodaee tba ondeyeloiMbl* and
bm^ahtmttUtti ■aother plata will he taken, and tha piur aspoaad in
tmttmH witk s nacatiTe. I think w« ahall flod one plate giva a ivranal
ftA iIk odMr diow it ia nallj nndaralopable and imenaitiTC. Tba
limiiwiliiii or «««m— i^ plata will show the state of the ihadowa in the
iiiiwwl plate, tUa latter harisg a gtadatioa ol otidatioa and the net of
tba ptale IoimmL The inaaoaitiTeaeea mM be only eowpaiatiTe. (or,
tho^ the plate hM iliU the namm of pninetnc a print-oat image, I
ha«a not aneeeeilad in pradoe&g a leeoad developed rerenal trora it
Captain Abnejr ha« ahown the nnderelopafala ttate ia doe to oxidation.
Althoogh it ia poaaible lo prodoea an exact rcTeiaal, I do not think
tbaae phjneal rerenala are of moefa pcaeiieal aeeonat, fioin the iaet that
m vaiy exact balaoee ia the two faeton el radoetica aad oridatinn ii
IT. U the latter be m die laaat orardane, the Wieate tonee aie
I mil III iihlwiii . er, U the redoatioa hee been too aneh. deHeate
I fciMid !■< iharf Ml Uadv UMae eoodiltaM Oe gndatea
an quite laCe. In aoae eaeae refeieal iMiUM tha naalt; Mb(e««a
haTii^ too maiv loMe ntay have tha wiUlt toaea oUitHalad. Bard
Tilnaa an leprodoeed pecfeetly.
bavi
have hen a rrverMl Ba«atiTe. the priat (rom whieh npreeaati the
•ixth pbotoanpUe faoMe. Tba elood aad cattU nagativae wen aepa-
Tatri7likMi.BadaM^faMtlatt«lMapdJMi«an4efieBtfaetwo; tron
the imriHii a eootaat nigaMte wae auda. and tnm thia a
neaaiiTe. thaa frooi the latter tha print.
Oae e( the amall priata repreeeata \
nriijill a— itlm. glaaa poaitive, eonlaet nagattre, rerenal negattve,
the aaiaU priaU repreeeata the ftfth image, the nriea beiiig
■ Doaitive, eonlaet nacatiTe. rerenal nettatiTe, and
MBtatht
^riSCal
Ite vOa ftiat alee lepnaaate the fifth
■*ptHa.Jwipht.
TiM liw yvtai
•nrtJ their iaflt
paMlhcoogh. Ilia
the
bei eg original
■■ print.
ita, phllBnm
the toor priata, ninalaen photogaphie iaiacM have
rather a Mreie ordeal lor the origiaal imagat lo
lo a^ than it Moe loea. While thaee
a tavetMi aegaHTe fron aa
alHghlaing an the
of tMa hte4.«M
WTi*eB at is. th^ dark flashee seen oa phala|n|
neaHel isieinl
In ikaatraiia we teea aaase ol the Inest ilsatrii sleisa. aad than I
haTs sssB maojr daahsa, the inftaeeioa e< whieh oa the eye «aa e( gnaler
daraltaB Itea «eaU be tm to yasMtease e( Tiaieo.
On «ne OMtifan I wae tetiMala in «4avriag a brilliant thread aaa>
jpMhet— >noelon<el»ra>yalea>ena«. I mealioo thia to show
TwSgkl »M OM pain aC hwdif MOHiaa U aSBWenl to prodaee
reeersal. aa ws shall aee by iiiwiaiMl Ihfa eraoing. Bo wsmajeoaeUsr
a Ugfataing iMh hari^ a aiallar aaUaia ar pbotopaphia valae thanU de
IbsaaaM. TUi nine OM^ ha daa to a diMtMuaa o( eMaaliaaal doialioa.
or to a brilliant iMfc—wlly a I— rinnw JiiiUunioiw lone wMb a
Uto el aaH* in tka yalk aTlhe
tfitMohewiiMaa^lay ofeiaetrle Hithanii ia a large
the loeal
drawn, but
«< the nertheni aland wm MOn noliaed: a
on the Bonthtra abad, by aid ol
An baii« U rsadinsn. and the shatter of rttde
. bat en sMB en the leoa. I waited erwtiL When the notthsra
raaehef the aanith, H banaa to dMw seneHwaMs mnytewe ot
siishris iifltianntlMwednt. Knawing tWa to be agr apaectanity. the
laae waa oaeappai, nai in 2ant half a aiaate a pair o( briOiaat flai
4lartedtoathaMnMbt»thaaMliMmaiead. I ostfanatad the
Tha plate wae Immsihl^y <iesle|id. bwt not a Mgn el Ihe iarfias I
iiptetaJ l« Oad a pair of early bbek sinaka right aenae tha plate ;
liirtmil than avpearsd a ran lair eland asBlire. and tha blaek oatliaee
«t aoan bnfldfawi low down to te Md. Theae boildi^s eaahlad om lo
veify Ihajaridn, el Oie lajnwa, whM. boiag attended to, gweedtte
toaind whilst
Mhedthe
ia eaperJMsat 14 ol my 9*9" ia the CUk
Jemnmt tor Ssptsnber. I gire tben parlienlan to show erenr ean waa
lakao la the ■udaatoai *a ahetapaph the pair of flaahee. * * '^
There may be tatotonWik, with oar artesnt limited knewlodge of the
One of tfaeee paims ie elated by Pioliiiii Baitan ia fk—trt^kf,
Seatmber 17. asaisly. the croeaiag of dark aad bsight flaahee being
br^ Thie ia pesbably dne to aa eleetniytie snspfa^ aatioa of the
the dark flaah daring daeeMoaat. aad not doe lo tha
U the dark flMk be dae to the nnderelopabU
eoodition at the junetion between the redoeed and oxidised flaahes is
probably aufSeient to prodaoe a ditferenoe of potential, that may determine
an electroljtie action. A plate brought to the insenaitiTe state by ozida-
Moo ghoold form a Tery fair eouple with a plate simply redaced ; it ia
difBenlt to eoae^ire it otherwise, for where there is reduction or oxidation
we inrariably find electric pnergy, and when we find electric energy under
raitable electrolytic conditions tliere we find reduction auJ oxidation.
HxMBI ScTToa.
.tkaatthafoinlol
the
PREPARINQ STRONG FERROUS OXALATE.
(A Oeamuiaalisa to the FhotatnvUs.Sosietr ot PhiUdalphim.]
Thb Strongest form of oxalate dereloper, made by disaolring ferrous
oxalate in potassium oxalate, is not aa much used as it deserres to
be, the explanation of which, no doubt, is to be found in the very j
considi<rable amount of trouble entailed in the ordinary manner of ■
preparinj^ it. Thuj, two distinct proceduiea are required ; tirst, the '■
precipitation of the ferrous oxalate ; then the solution of it in the
alkalme oxalate, which operation is not rery satisfactory on account
of the tendency to oialation if heat be applied for any leni^h of
time. In trying to find a more conrenient plan of getting a .'saturated
dereloper I hit upon the following, which I find answers every
porpoae.
Br estimating the quantity of iron actually in solution in different
derelopera, and further by the point (rolumetically), when precipi-
tatioQ takaa place I founid that I could not in any way make a
dxTeloper which ahould permanently contain over about (XVj gntins
of ferroas oxalate per 1(H) c.c Acting on this datum I took, a
saturated solution of potassium oxalate, and to it added an excM
of the oxalat<>, whieh would he auffieient to conrert enough ferrotp
!>tilpb*t<< to make the 065 graianie of ferrous oxalate. The exoeaa ot
the alkaline oxalate ao added waa ({otten into solution by heat, when .
the iron waa added. In this matmer a developer waa mt>duced with- *.
oat exeeea of anything, except the inert potassium •ulphate formed in
the reaction.
In comparing a developer so obtained with the atrongost form of
the ordiaarr oae (say, that issued by the Eastman Company for
their braiaides), we find that the latter contains for t-rery lOO c.c.
(yfO gramme ferroaa aolphate, which quantity can only give
OS gramme of ferrous oxalate, as against at least twice that in a
aataratod delevoper.
Ia praetioe, the moot convenient way to make up ia to dissolve the
fall qaantity of alkaline oxalate at onoe in water, so that the formula
leads:—
Potassium oxalate SSOfi grammee.
Ferrous solpbaU 186-0 „
Water OOOO c.c.
Disaolve the oxalate by acid and heat, then cool until it joat henns
to be precipitated, then add the eiTaUls of iron at onoe. Aiter
solotioa haa taken plaee, oool completely as raoidly as poemble (I
aiaaa the containing vessel in cold water), and filter off into cloeed
bolUea.
In the above we have 3500 grammee of potaasium oxalate which
remain in solntioo, while the other 800 gruamee are loet in forming
the oxalate.
The quantitr of water aeoeatary to hold SfiOO grammes of
polassiam oialatee in eolation ia <0OO ex., but we need only
take 6B00 ex., since the l-'VW) grammee of ferrou« nulphate will
fomiab 600 ac, the sulphate crystallising with seven molecules of
water.
The oxalata of iron ia alowly precipitated after the b >tt]es have
stood aoan tiaae, thanlore it is better not to malte up a large stock at
a tiBM. The fomola ia calculated to give an exoees of ferrouH oxalate
of O I *i grammee in each 100 c.c, most of which will rxmain for a
short JimMD sohitiaa. The iron and potaasium oxalate are bslanced.
- C. W. MiLUta.
»
COMPOSITION AND BKLBCTION OF SUBJECT.
CIsad Mwa tba Balkan OSMm OUb.]
!!< IntrodnciDff tlili •abi«et to yva this svaalBg I fad that the men I consider
- ippean to b«. It Is br ramored tram the technical >nb-
I'latlr ban deoonstiatad so sbly to a» in thin room. I
•un II wm lo ni V junrw tals evaalng lo be shir to practically (Irmnnstrate in
the Haid of astef* ; br, with the eaaMra on iu tripo<l sn>i natun* iH'fort ns, I
eeeld aooa show yea the fores of some of the priucipln whidi I wish to
advoeals tkia nbitct The subject of my lectura as lnar<I in tin' monthly
Botiea U "OoapoalUoB,' bat Iflod It aext to impassible to kery it diatinct
from Its stalsr sattjeet, "BeleelioB ofSubrject," and It is with your forheanuice
IS
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY,
[January 1, 1892
that w« will conildsr the two rabjwU this evening. I find the difficulty in
munXbut th« two «iiM«!t» 1^ th»t we nraat «r»t edomte the eye to see In
Bi2M«wha wfll form ft platan, ud when thii i> done to apply the leading
adMiplM Ot eoBpoiitioB to H. This cannot be done without study ; and, a-i a
Cu ^Sm thto isdtamiidad we find that the worlcer frequently wonder>< why
UMBBot ail the mum nanlt ts other worken, who fi^aentlv an- not ]>erhap9
Meh good photograpben from a technical point of view. Phis is, to some
•zteaL doe to artistic tndnlng, and the photographer who has these instincts
will in moit easM axoeL I am not advocating that an artist is a born genius,
fcr, iB my opintoB, his laecess is only the result of hard study met with (Wquent
ttOam. But even the {aUoni inittuct him, insomuch as they teach him what
to aroJd. What to avoid ; that U the point. If amateurs were to give this a
tittle more thought, their collections of photogniph.i would be very aifferent to
what they are at present We mnst remember that it is quality and not
quantity that should be our aim. Our aim should be to produce worlc with
which we do not tire, and I maintain that a good photograph may do so. It
mnst alwava appear pleasant to the eye. Not on account of its beautilul
thiains flnish, or its delightfnl matt surface, but because it portray.s to the eye
an tmneMion of naton which is beautiful. I would most earnestly urge you
to study the leiectioo of subject, and one way in which this may be done is by
not missing an opportunity of looking at examples of pictorial art, and at every
example look beneath the surface and try to realise what makes it look so
pleasut and what man it By doing this I am sure you will be able to apply
it with ease when ont on photography bent. , , . . ^ ^ .»
With regard to composition, I am sure the need to study this important item
in regard to photography must be obvious to every member of this Club, for,
althonrii it may be quite possible for ns to produce fair work accidentally
witbomnich knowledge^ it is not this that we must seek. I am sure that the
earneet endeavoun of one and all is to be able to make the most of any
particular subject as we see it before us in nature, and I will before you a few
well-known rules and try to apjily them to photography. Wo mu.st remember
that we have not the ftee lance of the arti.st who can omit any objectionable
feature that is before him, and, knowing this, it should make us much more
careful in our sMection of a suitable subject We must also remember that
we are not working in colour but in monochrome, an<l I venture to say that
there is not one of us present who has not noticed the ilifference between what
we imagine we have treasured in our dark slide, and what it eventually turns
ont to be.
We sometimes wonder, perhaps, at a club outing what Mr. A—— can be
doing, and when we ask Mm how many plates he has exposed he replies, " Not
any at present." You have seen him wandering about most probably by him-
self, focussing sevemd objects, on whicli many plates have been exposed. What
can he lie up to t Why is he not satisfied with this or that ? You are sure
they will come out well. Tliese matters pass through our minds. Well, 1
will tell you what he is up to. He Is looking for a picture and not a mere
photograph, fie is, perhaps, waiting for a certain light, and later on he will
takeMvantage of that light I venture to say " that a thing worth doing is
worth doing well." It is working at random and taking anything and every-
thing that I am to-night trying to condemn. I think you will agree with me
when I say that we are far too anxious to expose our plates, and I think it
would be a very good plan, which I believe was suggested by Mr. H. P. Robin-
aorn, to ask ourselves tne question, "Will it do}" I think that if this question
were asked, there would be less exposures and a corresponding gain in the
quality of work. The number of negatives which are never printed from is
enormous, and the reason why it is so is, because all interest in the subject has
ceased on the conclusion of development. Now, " a thiug of beauty is a joy
for ever," and there are some phot(^xsphs which never tire one, no matter
how long you have had it. Our chief aim should be to produce this sort of
work.
Yon will, I am sore, pardon such a long introduction to the subject really
before us this evening. I have nothing very original to tell you. Art is not
new, but it has laws which must be obeyed. The eye must be trained to see
the making of a picture ; and, again, let me impress upon you to look
thoroughly at the work of endnent artists, and try to find the reason why the
picture is so beautiful. If this advice is followed, I am sure you ivill be able to
apply it to your work with the camera.
1 will now briefly mention a few leading features which may assist you : —
1. Avoid having the principal objects in the centre of the picture. 2. The
horizon should never be in the centre of the picture, but rather below or above
it 3. Avoid straight lines. Take the subject, if po-ssible, at an angle, and
TOO will get a much better perspective of it. It will also tend to break the
flitnees of the pictora. 4. Avoid repetition of lines. 5. Avoid an uninterest-
ing uid unbroken foreground. This can often be overcome by the introduction
of figures, which, however, mnst be in their proper place.
In introducing figures be careful that they are in harmony with the sur-
roundings, and be careful also not to include a friend also busy with his
camera. Avoid, ahio, the attention of the figures being directed towards the
camera. This is an objectionable feature which spoils so many otherwise good
photographs. Take them in as natural a pose as you can, and then your
picture will tell its own tale. A.ssistanco in these rules may be gained by
ruling the focnsslng screen into three equal divisions each way, making nine
divisions on the screen, and where the lines intersect is termed "the forte
points." These are the best positions for prominent features in your picture.
They are also generally the best position for the introduction of figures in a
landscape.
Now, I must ask yon to give an eye to the future of things, and I mtist ask
alio you not to think that the following remark is intended in the slightest
degree personal. I ask yon. Is the outside of a village inn the place for
taking clnb groniu, or our friends, the cyclists 3 This same spot may be an
excellent accessory to the villagers, with their waggons and implements of
agricnlture, but I must certainly raise a protest to any of us handing down
to a future age the insinuation that we, wiien out on our hobby, were all as
bad as the proverbial cobbler or tailor keeping St Monday. A little more
thought ana seriousness in our work is all that is needed, and let not one of
ns willingly bring our art science into ridicule. We are here iudividually to
benefit one another, and the knowledge we have I am sure is at the dis-
posal of each member, whether upon the field or upon technicalities. In.
advancing this we are helping each other in the path we traverse together.
Let the path be one of progress. Let each try as they go on to produce-
better results, and be not discouraged by failures. Let the latter teach us
the real road to success. A. J. Goldiko.
NOTES FEOM SCOTLAND.
{By Our Special Correspondent.)
As one of the evidences of the generally good state of professions
hasiness, a new departure may be noticed in the " Leaderdale Photo-
graphic Art Works," which have been built and opened by Messrs. M. and
T. Scott, and are intended to be strictly devoted to artistic work for the
profession, they, so far as the public is concerned, entirely smking their
own personality. The present design embraces enlarging, retouching,,
tinting, painting, copying, &o. The works are situate in one of the finest
positions possible, on the outskirts of a city which is of itself almost a
romance, at the base of Blackford-hill, of the view from which Sur Walter
Scott makes Blount say, after he has fully described its beauties, and been,
animated by the prospect —
" Where is the coward who would not dare
To fight for such a land ? "
Having paid a visit there recently, a description of their appliances anff
methods of work may prove practically valuable, especially to those-
desirous of going in for a big thing, and establishing other proofs that
professional photography is not yet played out.
The place is of easy access by road, tramways, and rail from every part,
and in going so far afield care has been taken that there can be no-
building up ; the district having been secured by the city as a public park
in perpetuity, thanks to the authorities ; but none to those who, in the
midst of this sylvan beauty, chose to erect an iron and stone ornamental
gate, as a monument to Sir George Harrison, who, as Lord Provost and
M.P., secured this unique park for the city. Think, citizens ! inhabitants
of London ! of an ornamental gate to Epping Forest or to Hampstead
Heath I That is the one detraction to the otherwise fine situation of this
establishment, devoted to artistic photography. In all the rest it has
secured a position, as Artemus Ward remarked, " ekalled by few and
surpassed by none."
Entering by the carriage way, the entire arrangements are on the
ground-floor level, there being abundance of space. The studio proper
has been treated with a double-ridged roof, the area (32 x 28 feet) being
so arranged that it can be made into two by means of a curtain. The
lighting is from north and east. Adjoining this is the artistic workroom,
which has ample desk and studio accommodation for many artists, the
north light being here utiUsed. The comforts of the lady artists are
fully attended to, there being cloak-rooms, lavatory, diessing-rooms, and
BO forth. In the dark room, which is also used for the enlarging appa-
ratus, there is ample room for moving about, the space being about
26 X 22 feet, with similar great height of ceiling as the artists' room has,
at least fifteen feet. The enlarging apparatus, of which there are at '
present two, are upon the floor level, and arranged to focus by sliding on
rails, fixed in the cemented water and damp-tight floor, so that any en-
largement up to four and a half feet in height can be made easily, the
workers moving about in the large, well-heated and lighted camera obscura
as in a large hall, the light being non-actinic. For such sizes, as, indeed,
for aU large increments, the much beUttled, derided, but best of all pro-
cesses for this kind of work, the old wet collodion, only is used. The
size of the baths and the treatment of plates where feet are measurements
in place of inches may be imagined by the workers of hand cameras of
quarter or half-plates, and will be described more fully later on. In
addition to the arrangements for coating such large plates, what may he
called the permanent structures must be noted. The developing sinks
or trays are in proportion to the plates, and are built entirely of seasoned
teak wood. The water supply, which is almost pure, is practically
illimitable, and, by skilled plumbing arrangements, so arranged that the
operator can have at will either a few drops or full force from the main
stream, which supplies Edinburgh, and this, by rose jets, is passed over
tlie plates almost as fine as spray by the operator, or fuller if desired.
The drainage, which is as essential as the supply, has been most carefully
managed, separate outlets being arranged for the catchment of the neces-
sarily large amount of silver waste and of the much greater quantity oV
washing waters, and free ventilations of both systems has been fully-
provided for.
One feature ot all the drainage pipes sure claimed by the sanitary-
1,1893]
THE BRinsn JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPnY.
11
«i«uieen, who bAn carried oat this work, m being pecfML Tbey ue
ciaM eokted internally and externally to prertnt oonosion, bnt that must
be ttkaa emm frama$alu, the different expaiuioiw of bUm and metal, or
Any othv matekl, moat ultimately remit into eraeka. into tboea eraeks
the waate ehawicala viU ieek a way, and ao they may be aftor aU only
what time will prore. Tba intentiaoa have been ot the beat ; the earing
•ppttanee* win at IbemaalTea pay new aeta o( pipe*, ao perfect are they.
In the opeiatia« room with large platea. the fixing ol which ia by
«yanide ot polMaiam, there ia alw^yi the difflenlty o( the emanation
Iran it, and ita efleeti on thoM aagaged in the work. Thia ia ledaeed to
Ha mjnimmii by Qaing dipping hatha and thoM kept lo far eoTered, at
mU aa by the efficient •yUan of wntllatiwi adopted.
The pratiag dapaitaant ia quita aa tally equipped, the lensitigiDg
toom for ait*w iihliiiiiw aad aaibaa, eomMnicating by eliding doort,
the diyiiv laak. alMtag ap iatha ab oat «l th* way o( Ifaa workera or of
Ant. The taaifyaMlw. wfaMi UtmaiwOy wgiiliHd thioajjioot. ia main-
taiaad by hoi wal« pipaa. Vb«* 4taaa4 mtmmtj. aa in the eaae of
jwid aohitiaM. riMa rfnki an a4nptai. m ii •!*> lead, whan that metal U
iliwiiil moat adtaUa. aa in tba aaae of ijaaida. A Teiy oaafol anange-
Maot tat Urn *rj^ ** gilatina nap thai, ia a large ahaat ina atore,
•nttaUy taokad for Mhfaa* risea^ Md aapahb o( ngolatioa to any deaiTMl
heat, gaa jati bMg OMd lor thia pvpoea with a (tm droolalioa of air.
Thia paper hM «il«di4 l0 toe gnat a langth to admh of larid daMrip-
4ioa of tha eanwwa, aataisiac appantaa,aM the looia nd trp*"*^
«taan«Ufa Bwinewtad wUdt aia «f apaeial intafaat. aad ao atMt be left
lor Mott* ntwiiinn Tba arnMlerti. MiHn. M'Aithy A WatMm, who
•aea to make a epaeiality of Ihia daaa of abtaatara, have giaat credit in
and eanying out a vary perfaot plmtograplilw artiat'a workihop.
THB OmOAOO EXHIBITION
g— watii aaavunoai roa i
1. TnBtl*MaBw<nbalMUoatiM
City
nBtl*MaBW<nbalMUoatiM*eN of Laka MaWpii, in the
of Cftliigi.aiadwai ka op«ai ao tha lal^af May, IMS, and
deal>aiOihdiyafOila>wiBnMali^.
to aptfint rcmlidnai lor tha
aflkabkiWtiaa. ThalMnalor.
t. AU
trfatobfamigB
1 win ba foniabad to tha teaicn
laaaMarMgn?«ai^I.iaM,ia^aaliac Iha loaaBtiae to be
hf aaah ■aHaa. wbteal. nuaam, to ranrioa aad i»«4|wt-
«ieaal
Sw MfaMllo«atobar 1.
Tllli ■ppinirtMli plaaa. JwalMlhi annw [rfaHnttli^
4befpaaaaarivMdtb«maada)aewlttMaotllMir aiUMton, and otbar
Infnrmatioa aaawMy far tba pwpwttf ef tba ofBatol iiUlofni
Prodaeto brgadht lato IbaTWa Stotoa at tba Fiorto of Ptortland.
Maina. Boatoa, KairTarit. PtiHi IJjWi. Brilimow. Tkaapa. Haw Oriaaaa.
8aa Wnatltm, WflMailaa, FmlaBl. O^po^ Port Towaaend, Waah.,
gealUa, Waeb., Tlii laai. Wa*^ Mt fliliii, Pt. or at aiy otb» gart af
antry. intended far Wt^ at tba lalwaaWia J ■ihWHiin.wBlkailluaad
to go farwMd to tba MbttiHaa IwMlap^ mt§K pia|ito wpirifafao of
vWVO^Hb O^M^BBf iVIvHBBV Chh^HBOIbBOS flv flO^H BOIal OV OVIHMIftl 4ttCV7e SBOa
at tha doaa al tha KiMUlkB, aU ba aDowadto ao farwatd to the pott
fron whfab ttiv an to la aivartai. Me * ' '^- ■ •-
MBplfaa ia *a UaHad Malaii
of tba
poedfcaaltoa ■laid far aaaaMMtha la tfaa Oafaad t
«. Iba Iwaaanrtalloa. inrtita. aapaddM. «tf
pradaato far aiblMlfaa wOI ba idjha ommS tba a
7. Iba hmniHoa of heavy
<«MMAeaM.br
laawk apoalba
■'uelaaattta
aadaaartiafaaafllba
<*■ haw Mrfnai to
10th^of]^SruW,wffl'ntarttotbadfaa«ar.Oanaral Iw
tnnjt.
u prodoeto an Dtaadad Isr
Hitor. if aol, ihqr wta ba
aa Iba prograai
faaapiioo of
ibarl,18M.
OB Iba
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
J.
K.
h.
Ifli Aa
aa.it BMalbanitotedbythe
tnm Iba WMdaartmi by tba
kOoiat «0 ba pabHibad faiKaifieb. Vnnab. 0«Ma.
■la «( Mriann fa nowad to Iba Worid'a Oatena-
Tbataalva
of tfM
wfaWiwffl
relatiTe location of articlei in the exhibition (except in sneh ooUective
exhibita aa may leoeive epeeial lanction), also the arrangement of namea
in the eatalogna, are as follows : —
Agricaltnral. Forest Products, Forestry, Maohineiy and appllanc«8.
Viticoltore, Hortiealtiire, Flortonltore.
Live Stock : Domestic and Wild Animals.
Fiah, Fialieriee, Fish Prodaets, and Apparatus for Fishing.
Hinee, Mining, Metallorgy.
Manhinery.
Transportation : Bailwaya, VeaaeU, Veliicles.
Manoiaotarea.
Electricity.
Fine Arts : Pietorial, Plaatie, and Decorative.
Liberal Arts : Edneation, Engineering, Pablio Works, Arehiteetara,
Mnsie, and the Drama.
IL Ethnology. AieluBology, Progreai of Laboor and Invention,
lM>latad and ColleetiTe Exhibits.
11. Foreign commiaaions may publish eatalognes of their respeotive
aections.
la. Exhibitors will not be charged for space.
A limited qoantity of steam and water power will be supplied gratuit-
onsly. The quantity of each will be settled definitely at the time of the
allotment of speee. Any power required br the euibitor in excess ol
that allewod will be furniued by the WorU'a Onlnmbian Bipositian at
a fixed priea. Demands for sneh exoeaa of power mosl alao be settfad al
the time of the allotaMOt of apaea.
18. Ezhibitars must proride, at their own eoat, all ghow-easei, shelring,
eonnters, fittinga, Ac., which they m«y require, and aU oonnterahafts,
with tbeir palleiya, baiting. Sec, tot the tranamisaion of power from tha
main aittfla in the boilding where the exhibit is locateci AU arrange-
manta of aitieiaa and dannrations most bo in oonXonnity with the general
plaa adopted Itj tha Diraetor-Oeaexal.
KoiB^— Tba gmanl plan reqniree aU deoorations, si^ns, Aa, to be in
hannoay with tba diputjr and magnitnde of a magnificent exhibition,
and the Direetor-Oanaral is empowered to aeenre this raeult.
The World's Colombian Expoaition wiU take praeaations for the sale
praaerralion of aU objeeta in the Exhibition, but it wiU in no way be
nspwiiihle for damage or loaa of any kind, or for aoddents by fire or
otberwtae. bowavar I'nltliiating
Mots. — A Iboroaihly oqnlppad An department wiU protect the buildings
and wWWfa, and a Iwaa poUea faraa wiU maintain order. The entire
wiubaoadarlha immadiate saparrialoa of the City
ot Obfaite aad of tba Btoto of DUaoia. A gnard, aqnal to any possible
ia thoa provided, tba manWpal authority being upheld, if
... the Blato troopa. and tha State by tba army ot tho United
ae tbat no apprehension need arise aa to loasaa resnlting from
lawiaanan.
IA Flavoorable facilitiee wiU be arrmngad by whloh exhibiton or foreign
anwiiaiiafaaa —y laaaia tbair ewa aoods.
Non.— SpaaW oan haa bosa laiaa to nadar erflXthing about the
BspoaUioa aa aaariy fba-proot as possible ; and it is naaonably oertoin
that Iba ntaa ef inaaiaaes wiU aat baaseeaaiTa, but, on the contrary, very
KshlMtors may inaua in any ooapany, foreign or domestic.
■ wiU be mada with BagUsh, Fnaeb, Oerman, and American
to fix oniform or spaoial rates on aibibito and boUdinga ; so
wiU ba lakaa of any athibitor wbe wiahaa to Insaire his
■HP Maple* aalafaBMB of their own choice to
gaard tfair gaada dariaflba booH Iba Bxpoaiitoa ia open to tha public,
aabiaot to Iba lafaa aad ragolalfaaa of the Xspoaition.
U. tanf/n anaiiiilMhais, or aaab aasnte aa th«j mi^ daslgnate, sliaU
be raaaaaaiUafar Iba lawsiviai, ttaiiaiiking, and arrangamanl of objeote,
aa well aa far fta naMtal at Iba eleaa of ua Expositioa ; but no person
shaU ba pamiitadto aot aa aaab aant until ba eaa gin to the Direetor-
Oaaeral writtM srideDea of bii naviiig baa apprond by tb» proper
16. Bach paeksge most St aMteaaad " To ibe OoaualaioB (name of
eoaatiy) at the World's Oolambian Exposition, Chicago, Onlted Stotes ot
Aaeriea," aad abeaU ban at laaat two labaia afflzad to diffaraat. but not
cpeeaito.aidso at aaAaaas,aad aha tba toUowinc iatamiation :—
17. (1) Tba eoaatiy tken wUBh it eaeMa; (J) nana of firm of the
axWbitor ; (9) rssidaaaa of tba eabibitar ; (41 departmaat to whioh objeoU
- nnmbarof paekagn seat by that exhibitor; (6) serial
paitiealar paeksga
IS. mbia aaab paekage shoold ba a list ol aU oljaels.
19. Bao aalheriaad ptnoa is at hand to reeaiTe goods on tbeIr arrival
at the Expooitioa baildiavi. they wiU be remond withoat delay, and
stored at toe risk and eoat of wbomsoever it iB«y eoneen.
n. Aftiahs Ibat an in any way danMnms or ofTensiTe, also palsal
aoctroms and empirieal prsparations, wboae ingredienta an eonoealed,
wUl not be admitted.
31. Tba nmovat of goods on exhibition wUl not be permitted prior to
tho eloaa ot Ibe Bild^&on.
Hon.— Aitfafai aot on exhibition for eompetition may be sold under
I, dnwinoi, photographs, or other reproductions of articlss
■tWWtail WiU only be aUowad npon the joint asaeat of the exhibitor aad
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[January 1, 1892
the DJTector-Q«neT»I ; bnt Tjew« ot portioM of the buildings may bemada
opoo the IHreetor-Oenena'i lanotlon.
Ml. Immedialdy alter the eloee of the Exhibition, exhibitors shall
nmove their effects, and complete iuch removal before January 1, 189-1 ;
Modi then Mmaining will be remOTcd and gold for expenses, or otherwise
dinoMd d under the direeUon of the World's Columbian Exposition.
S4. Each penon who becomes an exhibitor thereby aeknowledges and
agnee to be g«>Tanied by the mlee and regulations ostabliahed for the
government of the Exhibition.
Special legnhitions will be issued concerning the exhibition of fine arte,
awards, the organisation ot the international jaries, and sales of special
•itieUs within the buildings, and on other points not touched upon in
IImm preliminary instructions.
86, All eonununications concerning the Exhibition will be addressed to
the Director-General, World's Columbian Exhibition, Chicago, Illinois,
U.8A.
The management reserves the right to explidn or amend these regolo.
tions, whenever it may be deemed neeessaiyj for the interest ot the
Exhibition.
— /cwmai of the &'«ew(y of Art*.
Th« following articles were received too late for the Almanac : —
A SIMPLE COPYING STAND.
By Thos. Boxbll.
In rebuilding my studio last year, I found I could not copy pictures
at one comer only (as I had been in the habit of doing in the old
studio) without a flare on them, unless done at one particular time of
the day. I therefore hit upon the following very simple plan, viz. : —
I got a piece of board very similar in shape to a cricket bat,
but, of course, flat, the handle of which I inserted into the
hottom half of tie head rest, which, as may be supposed,
can be placed at any angle from the light, raised up or down,
and is as firm us a "rock. On the bat I have a ledge, where
the photograph to be copied rests, which is held in its place hy
a piece of glass larger than the photograph, which also rests on the
ledge, and is fastened at the top by a button similar to those used to
fasten cupboard doors. There is, therefore, no damage done to the
original photograph by the use of pins or tacks, and they can be
chsnged with great rapidity. I ought also to state that the bat is
held firm by the ordinary screws of the head-rest, and when the
copying is done the bat is taken out and the head-rest used as usual.
ON FERROCUPUIC RED-BROWN PRINTS AND
EASTM.VN'S TRANSPARENT FILMS.
By G. A. Kknyon, M.B. (Lond.)
By way of contribution to the Almanac, I should like to put on
record my experience with —
1. Eastman's transparent film. This I find simply perfect for
small negatives for enlargement. Other transparent films are too
thick ; but this can be enlarged from as easily as glass, and definition
is very good, owing to the fineness of the deposit. For want of
practice, I have not yet quite overcome the difficulties arising from
the cockling of the film in the developer, so as to make a perfect
result a matter of certainty, but this is only an aSair of time.
And,
•2. As to the exquisite beauty of the results ohtainable by the
Obemetter's ferrocupric process described at page .36i) of The
Bbitish JotmNAL Photoghaphic Almanac for 1889, which I
demonstrated before the Liverpool Photographic Association this
summer. The description ^iven is rather inadequate ; perhaps it was
good luck enabled me with perseverance to get proper results, which
were of a fine reddish-brown colour, very desirable, and of most
exquisite detail ; although done on common writing paper, there was
no Hinking in, and absolutely no loss in fixing, so that a magnifying
glass could be used to render visible the finest and most minute
points. The only drawback, the slowness of the printing, except in
direct sun with clear negatives, was entirely overcome by using cold
platinotype, i.e., ferric-oxalate paper; only then an increased amount
of sensitiser had to be added to the developer to make up for the
absence in the paper of copper salts, wth tne result that the lights
became slightly muddy, which spoiled the beauty.
The special point in which the description fails is the omission of
any statement of the fact that during th« washing after development
the image entirely disappears, and one might think it was lost ; but
it comes back when placed in the solution of ferridcyanide of potas-
nnm.
A "ROCKliR" WORKED BY A PENDULUM.
By W. K. BcBTON (ToWo.)
I 8RK that, some time ago, there was a discussion at a meeting of the
London and Provincial Photographic Society about "rockers ;" or, to
speak more correctly, it ■ was suggested that there should be a discus-
sion, but the only result was that Mr. A. Mackie humorously
remarked that " the first rockers worked beautifully, but only with an
empty dish."
Taken " humorously," I think Mr. Mackie's remark is very true.
In other words, it is wonderful how a few ounces of developer in a
dish " deadens " any rocking motion that is not veiy energetic, or
extremely slow. A heavy pendulum, for example, with a top piece in
the form of a small table for holding the developing dish, may swing
for an hour, either unloaded, or with an empty dish, say, 12x10, but
let a few ounces of developer be poured into the dish, and it is
a-stonishing how few seconds it will take for the pendulum to come to-
rest, unless it is extraoi-dinarily heavy, and is also very long.
I have had some experience with " rockers " of the kind mentioned
— the simplest possible kind. I set up the first one two or three years
ago. It consisted of a twelve-pound shot at the end of a pendulum
three feet long, hung over a bit of an old Japanese sword-blade as a
knife-edge. It was so frictionless that it would swing for more than
an hour unloaded, yet if a l;i x 10 disli were placed on it, and tea
ounces of water were poured into the dish, the pendulum would be
completely at rest at the end of twenty seconds. It was therefore of
very little use.
I gave a little thought to the matter, and, with a few experiments,
found out that the " deadening " action varied greatly with the size of
the dish, but principally with its length in the direction in wliich the
ivave passed. Thus, if the 12 x 10 dish were so placed that the wavet
passed across it, the pendulum would swing twice as long as if the
wave passed along it. I further found that, if the period of swing of
the pendulum corresponded to the wave period of the bath, the
deadening action was reduced to a minimum, and that it was much
less if the pendulum period were longer than the wave period than if
it were shorter.
It is impossible to have a pendulum whose period will correspond
•with those of the waves in different sizes of dishes, and impracticablw
to have one whose period will even correspond with the wave period
in one size of dish, as the period of wave varies with the depth of
liquid ir. a flat-bottomed vessel. It is evident that the only thing to
do is to have as heavy a pendulum as possible, and to have as long a
rod as is piacticable, so that the period will be very slow. It is not
likely to be practicable to get a pendulum so long that the period of
motion would be too long. A " three-seconds " pendulum is nearly
thirty feet long.
My own limit was reached with a thirty-two-pound shot at the
end of a rod six feet long, itself weighing about six pounds. I found
that with this a 12 x 10 dish was kept in motion from one to two
minutes with the wave passing lengthways, nearly three minutes
passing crossways, whilst with smaller dishes tlie time was longer.
I think that, with a cabinet dish, the motion will continue for nearly
an hour.
1 find the arrangement a great convenience. Indeed, I found the
first one a convenience, because it is so much easier just to give the
pendulum rod a touch now and then than to have to keep the dish in
the hand, or even than to have to hf t it every few seconds and give it
a rock.
To those who want a " rocker," my advice is to get the heaviest
mass of metal at hand, and to make the longest practical pendulum
with it. Of course, if the pendulum is more than about three feet
long, it must pass through the floor.
®ur Ctiiterial Eatle.
The Studio and What to Do in It.
By H. p. RoBiNsox. Loudon : Piper & Cai-ter, FnrniT.^l-street, B.C.
We are glad to see a reissue of this standard -work. We have
already reviewed it, hence there is no necessity for reiterating our
high opinion of its excellence.
Rough's " Excelsior " Hand Camera.
This new hand camera is an evolution of the well-known " Eureka "
of Messrs. Rouch & Co., and much ingenuity has been displayed in its ,
construction. While the external dimensions, when packed for
carrying, remain the same, it has been made amenable to several
improvements of a marked nature. First of all, it is capable of being-
itmajj 1. laOS)
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
13
fnemwrl, tU* focoMing embracing^ » r«oge so grvt m to parmit of
•itlMr of the two Immm with whicli it i« fitted— one of a lontir, and
ths otkar of • tmt abort focna— being oaed. To do thia with
aeeanej, them ia a itouUe graduated aeak and index on the top, this
adjaatment beiag operated by a rack and pinion. It baa alao a rising
front, the utility of which is wall leeogniaad. The ahattar ia capable
of receiring any degree of apeed, from the highest to the kweat, in-
eloding time exnoaures. It has two finders ; and, to sum op, the
changing bade, which eontains twelT* plates, can be detadied from
the camera in the open fielda, and anutber, containing unexposed
plates, aahstitnted for it. In this wav the supply of plates which
ma^ be brought in the field ia pacticauy unfimited. The siie of the
" hzeaUor," with a twerroir of piat«a, is only 8 x 5 x41 inches.
Thb Pki.vciplxs or a Pbotoobaphic Laxa Simply Explambo.
Tins pampUet, by R. Jt J. Beefc, Comhill, London, forms a r«piy to
quntions nowitiiitly being aaked of th« authors by photuffraphers who
want to know the most suitable lens for any particular kind of wori^
and the msanhg of the terms angle, aperturv, and focus of a lens.
The authors treat of jfohole pbotograpby, showing that a pinhole
has DO focus, has unlimited depth of detioition, no distortiun, and
no rapidity. In trsating of lenses soae excellent and s^gparthra hints
are nrao, t«gi«har with a eompsadioas eatalogoe ol tW pradnotiooa
of the firm. It may be had ftw on applieatioii.
TmX PROTOMSnBFII.
Uwu this dsiignation Measrs. Wurmsld A Co., Sutton, Surrey,
h».« l>r,,..D.ht oat, at the low prioe of lialf-a-«rown, a pbotograpUe
vd ■: coora* it haa no lana, a pinbtiW in front forming a sab>
' »> Hguw from spaeimena which aoeoapan; the " Pho-
aiDibas,' it i» poswble to take fair phutognpha by it.
Wb hafe receifed from Jfanwa. Pntj Lwid * Ca a finely boond
eopy of VoL U. of th* Pirmedemt ' Fkntfrmjtkir, priaiMl om tawd
RECENT PATBMTa
ATPUQATIONS FOR PATBHTa,
^I^ywjJ"*^ to Phofvmphk U«ssa" T. & DAUMam.-
PATBITB OOM PUtmX
A !»sw cm Jwrwrm Panruss Pbtsttvo
.( y, .■.,■■; w, ..,w Pbxua. 4 OeUsmlth read, JbtoB, Uwdsn.
< ' rot^lMiaes. CUswirk. UVUImix.-S0wmttr
Iw tlw primaUns
Othb.
Debt to
•ttta^
.rimaHaa |rsesm ef phetagrsphy. as tatredaeKi by M< . ,
•HtaMMief ht*M »• r«BrftUy«rl«i(r-d«»pegm«Waad
Tm fctnsw Jocwm ar PaonMaArsT. Oc«ak« ir. llSCdiMttasd
.Jf^v" •**? ■'l«'tol, was sabmHuil ar essssad la thaasUsaef
le aatua any 4si|
amkr the attest ar
piMiat K. in iMbar a wat ar dry
sdTiS eamtaff the nys ef iWbt
lataaUsas or partomtioas of
'iSS! ^J"^'?^' imaOMd ud ssnwt.laad tbs aatarsef oarmM
'^ST'i.'^i'* aK'y* t^ -yp^it^ttrtwmi*. w.aadais that whu
«••■■■:— 1- T%e — wsrhsptoied lahWfcawlrtlMMasaaiL sahstaatkllT
iMS^teofM. t AlrtMlia.HlBtiB(|SSS^wSuas«tl«<2
.^ is «pleya4 to eblala & tepraJoaTlACSly M w!ta di^^
r»f»riv sjuviB m 0* ArmrrAixow to ArrxmAm km Clumnn m Vrein
m A Maao LAmraajr.
"^^ "**• Q4?"»^^H«*« Hww^ RS«~ York-bafldl^ I>sl»rti.rt.
Ufwpeol, LaMaikirc— ir«Ha«rr 7, 18W.
t,^ - -?-''°^>'*^ to etstabaiirin—iaU ta ar eeaaeetsd whb awMatas
bt •kuifiag Ihs vteOT ia msgls IsatsnM^ Ms e^eet Miv ta pravkCalsinis
whereby the ten*— or, what is the jwiiis thing, the liuuinous field of the screen
npon which the riews are proje«-t*d — may be more or less obseored during tbs
CDsnginf; of the pUtea or transpimncies in the lantern.
In carryiBg the invention into effect, I anaoge, iu connexion with the plate
carrier or slide, a shield which is adapted to be operated in snch manner that,
prior to the moTement of the carrier to change the view, the lens is obscmed,
and, daring the mOTement of the carrier, remiSns obscured, being again placed
in an nnobscored oondition after the movement of the carrier is complete. AU
these movements of the carrier and the obscuring device are performed in their
proper onkr by the simple movement of an operating lever connected br suit-
able meebaaism to the carrier and thield.
The daiiaa era :— 1. In eo^janetk» with the plate carrier of a magic lantern,
and with a movable shield forobaenring the lens thereof, mechanism connected
»ith said plate carrier and shield, and so combined and arranged that, during
the middle portion of the travel of an operating lever, the lens is obscured by
the shiaU and the carrier operated, while, daring the initial and terminal
portteDs of said lever's movameat, the shield is moved to respectively obscure
and onobacare the lens witbont a corresponding movement of the carrier, sub-
»*«™lly as dsscribed. 2. The eombinatiou, with the plate carrier and the
revoWaj shield, of the lever movable with the carrier and the oi>erating
haadle movable with the shield, and so mounted and arranged with respect to
Mdlsver that it is automaticaUy coupled to the UtUr during the middle
poraoB of the stroke and nnconpled therefrom during the initial .ind tenuiaol
portiaas of iu stroke, sabatantially as and for the purposes described. 3.
The improved apparatus for temporarily obscuring the lens of a magic lantern,
Ukan as a whole, and combined and arranged substantially as shown and
described.
iio.iSe.
Ccttixo Olsss Platb bt Machixbbt.
WnxuM JoHB Wasoti, «. Maldan-road, Watford, HerU—
Sofcmber 14, 1»L
Mr ianaUw has fur iu objael the catttagof gUas plates (partienlariy those
nta^ad fcrphotapiqihk poiposas) by ouwhinery, whereby the opwatkm
"S??" **" *" V*it rapidity and prtdskm than by hand, ss hithsrto
pracossq. *
iBCBiryfag oat my iaveatioa, the pistes srs prssentsd ia snocaasion to the
<!ntaa(lool^aad.aeeatdiBetoone anaacament, the cattiac is elTeoted by the
mottoaefthephte oadsr ths stationary tool or toobs wuS an mechanicsUy
Bwa^tdowB aad praaad oa the pUte st the proper time, whilst, in another
■maiiiani the eatUag is sAslsd by the modign of the catting tool or toob
overdM^ wbilst Oa IsMv b St i«t
.?• *"? .^"■•'■•■* ••■*•*"• M sadism carrier band upon which the
pWas an bU ia eoatiaanns msranion, aad prorUad with means whereby the
plates sre gripped or eanlsd along aad prmsutsd to ths aetiaa of the cutting
{2^ >*f«^ h^ saitablysappottsd andsr ths prsisaraof the cotUog tool.
2** "S? " ' «■■•»■* osrtsd on a haldsr mooated above the carrier, and
tronghtdewn at the pnpor measMt aa eaoh plaU eomaa beneath It, an<l raixd
spia aftsr enaplsKag a cat
aalsKac
cat by a oaiak<
eanim or torn OM aTiU driving roUsmi, the pnasoa of the tool a|«u til
lil&iTSJtL'W-^-:!?^'^^ t«J. belag a.«i
rsoafaai ta mall
thaatharair
operate<l from the
the plate
itU
_ , — larotattagtableptovtdadwithmschaaloally
PVt"*' " eqaivalaat bmsbil wbaraby the pUtes laid upon the table
._ ■«y mtnimiiiii are tenly held wfaea under the actton of the cutting
!!iJL??"' T** '•'^ m«*»«s intsimittaat metlaw through successive
|MrtiMMorsrevaiaUea,with tat««enta« pariote afnA aa.1 a pUU laidoa
Z^^^^^iy^^ •"** »• by the next partial rsvoluUon of the Uble
moa^t Ma pmttion to be aelad oa by the sattliig tool daring the next |>erio<l
°f?*.. T>af»«M»g tool to momMad ia a sliding carriage. woriOng on guides
sbiwe the tebletasaohmanmr that the tool may be bnmgfat down upon the
PtoH dmwa amea it, and Ulled. aAw wUok H latans tsMs oiigfaisl position
dBrtaglbaaaatpaslfal rsrolatioa of the taUs, in imdinms for opwaUag on
aadtog BiBtsL If the plate ia to be i«ain cat at right aaglea to
.. . . ^^"* eat, H ia hreaght by aadi partial revolution under a
♦ 'JJgi'.!}*"'*'^— ^ *** op«to<bywUoh tt b oat dariag the
•rnagdja tbe deabad diiaetlan of the eat to be made. Aflsr the entting b
snmpMn^ the jpip)isis wlmi tbs pbts at the next stoppage, and it b
*******"** tnamhifc
_Ju "**'??■ "' ""T ■■ smny dbnwnds as there are parallel cuU to be
""^ 2^*S^ T* i^ «»qto«a»ay be opwated by hand or by imwhsnicsl
■fS?" 5??" *!.?*'■ •*™" "•''«'»•» toble rotateo, or otharwbs.
(The (ttU spseiflcatioa b iHastratsd by flre sheata of dm«^. ]
the
..■T"**?.?"*?^ ■«»'**«ton at the Ouaara Oab wffl hadsvoted to the
ptotaNsar Mr. J. PtttboB Qifaaoa. Ths Bihihltlea opens on Tossday next.
Inrnora exUbitm* at Ifea tothaomfam Chicaco Exhibition will do well
" P«y*Ji* ■«eml rsgalatieas Ibr fota^a exhiblton, which we print on
^* ?^*^ f ^"^ "^ *•» ''^'' ">' "'• B- TnmbuU, of Obmow, who
~«»»J^ •» toJj-w^Mr.'RwBboll wiU be remembend as a prominent
^mySjft^^^^ff**"^ OoBventlon of the United Kfaurdom. Ho not
"■*."■•• •••Bbt Mr. A I>, Bondanga's London baslnaas. He was a t)lioto-
grapher of vsfy nwiiiilstaMs akiM, and eajoyed a gieat deal of sacesss.
TokssB oneantad nteta Hat, Mr. Albert Levj- recommends tbe following
yy"v '• .f ***. ?'?«'■ ^ Pmonally employ. :— Take a piece of rubber
•eeljabeilt tfar(»«i|Mhs to half an Inch thick, and, prassing the face of the
Pf»toP*»* f""/ «•» " It with a wooden paper-knife's edge, pull tb
pbotagmph l^tTy ftimA it sseersl timm, ui.tifyou obtainX Spio.
resalt, vU, s pnmooassd bmd backward. Then lav under pressure for a d
fLi!7 "^Zt. •***.* ■'^"""•-*^ '>«<*'*'rth tt wUl remain flat, un
rooso ap agna pvpasNy.
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OP PHOTOGRAPHY.
[January 1, 1892
ilUetmgjEf of &occettej9*
MIBTINOS or 80CIITIB8 FOB NEXT WEEK.
ammmtmt.
MMa«Cle*ty.
PlaMolIlMttaf.
Juaat7 >.___.
Xortli I^mdoB
WAllinfton Hall. IiUnston, K.
Sutton BeiratUlc Soei^s Room:.
Bvllon
- i
Ofc^iUM Photo Boel«tT
MaMnio Hall, Sarre7.«treet.
" t"
OonBtrr and Midluul
Taohnical loititiita, Corentrr.
J^ttit
ProteMional HaU,20,O6orB<M*reet.
Aiul«rton-i Hotel, FlMt-rtnet,E.O.
The BaUu, Bridfnian.>tro«t.
Laadi Mechaniof Iiutitute.
= pz
Obifow Photo. ilBooUtion
Lunb'i Hotel, Dandee.
PhOoeophictil Booms, 207, Bath-nt.
Otaaaploii Hotel, IS, Aldanmte-it.
Z i^..~.
Inthiid ,
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN.
DKlllBnt 22— Technical Meeting. — Mr. A. Maclcie in the chair.
Ilie ChajBHAM obaerve<l that at a former meeting he had etatcd that the
hTpo and potaaium ferridcyani<Ie reducer, used for removing the imiige, always
len a deposit in the film. He recently applied this reducer to films for a
a Barter of an hour, and had then washed them. The films were staiucii, but
le itain was got lid of by farther washing. The image could still be seen.
With potaniam bichromate and sulphnrlc acid the stain could not be ^ot rid
oC He had tried to re-develop one of these plates, but only got a stain over
the plate.
Fhotognpbs of a spider's web liy Mr. H. P. Chandler, as also strips of a
plate exposed to a gas flame for geometrically increasing periods, and subjected
to varioQS modificauons of the developer, to illustrate the different degrees of
density obtainable, were exhibited.
Mr. E W. Pahfitt asked the beet way to photograph hoar frost on a
window pane!
Mr. William England suggested a piece of black velvet, placed at an angle
at the back of the window.
Kr. J. D. England said that, to produce the effects desired, it was not
meeanry to photograph frost, as a great many crystallisable salts could be
naed to give tne same effects.
A number of magnesium fUshlamps, including Vever's, Hibbert's, Shew's
Fniee (single and continuous flashes), and England's, were then demonstrated,
and the meeting tenninated.
»
Hortta Klddlesez Photographic Society.— December 28, Mr. J. W. Mar-
chant (i'resident), in the chair.— Mr. J. K. Smith, F.R. M. S., showed prints
from a number of negatives in duplicate on Obernetter and Ilford printing-oat
paper. In some cases even Mr. Smith could not say which was which ; in
others the advantapie leaned sometimes to one side, sometimes to the other, the
general opinion bemg that the papers were equally good. Mr. Marchant then
related an extraordinary ex]>erience which he had liad. He had made an ex-
posnre by gaslight on a vase of flowers, and on developing the plate found it
much under-exposed. Having forced the development as far as pos.sible, and
the image being barely discernible, he lit the gas, and, taking the plate from
the bath, showed it to his son, pointing out the lack of detail. While they
were looking at it, a positive image of the son's face appeared on one corner of
the plate, about the size of a halfpenny. Thinking it must be a reflection, Mr.
Marchant altered the position of the plate, and the lad walked away. Mr.
Merchant was astonished to tind that the image remained. He showed it to
his son, who recognised the j)ortrait, and while they were looking at it
the image increased in strength and clearness, until, in a few minutes, the
plate fogged all over, and the image was obliterated. The matter was
-aiscassed, and as the developer had not been washed from the plate,
and bearing in mind the peculiar effects produced in the way of reversal
by prolonged exposure, supplementary exposure, &c., it was felt that the mere
development of the image, and in a positive form, might be explained if it
could be shown how the reflected light from the boy's face came to be con-
Tcaged on the plate. It was sug^ted that Mr. Marchant's spectacles might
nave focnssed the rays, but the difference in height of the two actors made tnis
immobable; Mr. Habchant explained that the plate had been taken from the
maker's box immediately before the exposure, could not have been in contact
with any negative or print of his own, and, indeed, that no portrait in the
•ame position 'existed. The matter was voted a mystery, and explanations
are invited. Mr. H. Smith called attention to the new developer " Rodinal,"
and a short discussion followed.
Sontli London Photographic Society.— December 21, Mr. F. W. Webb in
the chair.— The evening was devoted to the explanation and demonstration of
varions "printing processes." The Autocopyist Company, London-wall, E.C.,
first gave a demonstration of their method of easily producing a large number
of permanent prints. Prints in platinum (the President), silver (Mr. Herbert),
and bromide (Mr. Whitby), from a 12 x 10 negative of Shanklin Chine, were
then compared and examined. Mr. Herbert said it was always his practice,
in silver printing, to salt the paper before toning in a bath containing one
onnee of salt to a pint of water, as it produced more brilliant prints. The
prints were then washed twice in water, and toned in a borax bath— half a
Uanwonfol of borax to a pint of water. The quantity of gold required varied
wtth the brand of paper used. The toning action was stopped by placing the
prinU «n water. As a preventive of blisters, he used a fixing bath made as
foUows : Two ounces of hypo, dissolved in perfectly cold water, and a tea-
spoonftU of borax in half a pint of warm waUr, the two being mixed together
twfore using. Mr. Millbr said he always used a few drops of ammonia for
the same purpose. It also assisted in washing out the hypo. Mr. Whitby,
to explaining the method of printing on bromide paper, said that he considered
n paaatMed adrantages over other methods of printing. To get rid of any
Jdtow stain which might be left after development and washing, he used a
stomgsolntion of tartaric acid. Prints could be reduced in a dUute solution
or chloride of lime. Fading was the result of insufficient Washing
Bath Photographic Society.- December 17, Mr. W. Pumphrey in the
chair.— Jlr. Hedlky M. S.M1TH discoursed on the Kodak form of hand camera,
explaining fully the working details of the several instruments bearing that
uame.
Deceubkb 18. — The members of the Society filled the lecture programme of
the Literary and Pliilo-sophical Association. The Chairman (Mr. W. Pum-
phrey) said the Society felt honoured in being requested to fill up that evening
witli matters of photographic interest. In the first place, Mr. P. Braham
would photograph a microscopic object, and explain the method of doing so.
Then he (the Chairman) would exhibit on the screen a series of photographs
taken by him in the Nortli of Ireland last September. The Chairman then
referred in detail to photographs exhibited by Messrs. Appleby, Dugdale,
Lambert, Lewis, Perren, Powell, Payton, Howe, Wells, and himself, which
were displayed for examination.
Glasgow and West of Scotland Amateur Photographic Association. —
December 24, Mr. John Morrison, j«n. (President), in the chair. — Tlie oIKce-
liearers for the eusuing year were nominated, and Mr. William Goodwin (Hon.
Secretary) read a paper on Lenses.
$9" Oorrespoindents should iwver write on both sides of th§ pafwr.
THE PHOTOGBAPHIC SOCIETY.
To the Ediiob.
Sib, — To Mr. Mackie'a last handful of mud, as far as it concerns myself,
I have only a short reply. He says I used certain words on a certain
occasion, and spoke one of them in italics. I say that I did not, and
could not have used them, therefore it is reduced to a matter of veracity
between him and me. I am content to leave it there. My reputation is
quite safe in the hands of photographers. — I am, yours, &c.,
Tunhridge Wells, December 26, 1891. H. P. Eobinson.
To the Editob.
SrR, — There is one part of Mr. Chapman Jones's letter, which appears
in your last issue, which ought not to be passed without notice, as it
appears not to accord with the sense of what that gentleman said at the
meeting of the Society on the 8th inst. At that meeting Mr. Jones was
asked if he could support the view that the scandal, that Mr. Eobinson
had suggested places of honour for his own pictures, did not take place.
His reply, apparently somewhat reluctantly given, was that it was im-
possible for him to say that it did not take place. He further admitted
that Mr. Eobinson said that he should like his pictures hnng at a certain
spot, thus supporting the gravamen of the charge made against Mr.
Eobinson. Mr. Jones now says that, if any extraordinary speech had
been delivered in his hearing, he should have noticed it, and he regards
the decisive statement attributed to Mr. Eobinson as extraordinary. As
the decisive statement referred to and Mr. Jones's own statement differ
only as to the reason assigned by Mr. Eobinson for his request, Mr.
Jones is apparently leading us to understand that he is able to draw an
impossibly minute distinction between ordinary and extraordinary, in a
matter in which he avowedly cannot trust his memory, but in reality he
is attempting to discredit by imphcation a statement which he dare
not contradict. — I am, yours, <fec., Alexandek Mackie.
3, Upper Baker-street, N.W., December 28, 1891.
To the Editor.
Sib, — ^Editors — as you, of course, are aware — are a long-suffering race;
they have much to put up with, so have tlieir readers ; but the line should
be drawn somewhere. For more than three months the " P. S. G. B."
incident, as it has been called, has occupied valuable space in most photo-
graphic journals, and scores of letters and paragraphs have appeared on
the subject. The half-dozen gentlemen immediately concerned may take
some interest in the matter ; but I put it to you, Mr. Editor, with all sub-
mission, candidly, now, don't you think the generality of your readers
have had nearly enough of it ? The " incident " itself was a very trivial
matter, and reflects credit on nobody concerned. Besides, the old lady
in Great Eussell-street has soUcited all the photographic societies to
become affiliated with her, and, more curiously still, sixteen have
already consented tp be received into her maternal bosom. Several
others are hanging aloof, wisely waiting to see what is to be gained by
their union with a Society which makes such a mnddle of its own affairs
and don't apparently understand its own rules and bye-laws.
The more this correspondence is prolonged, the less respect will be felt
for the Society and those responsible for its management. The " inci-
dent " was regarded by many as a good joke at first, but the fun has
been washed out of it long ago. Please, therefore, Mr. Editor, draw the
liru;, and let me conclude, as our old friend Sam Weller did on a memo-
rable occasion, with a " werse : " —
Oh, please, Mr. Editor, stop it,
We're sick of the subject, so drop it,
And each letter you get from this quarrelsome set
In the waste-paper basket, please " flop it.'
—I am, yours, Ac, Drop Shutter
December 29, 1891.
JtnuMij 1, 18U]
TlIE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
16
BLISTEBS.
T* the EstTOB.
So,— AiMBt the muiAa oo bliita* in jroor lait iiciM 1^ Mr. W. B.
BoMoa, the OM o( » «aak hno 'bath it fhan m « ran jamntif of
Uatan, aad not • lid^ one m to lb«ir ptnoAnaaej. Many iwu* ago a
paper waa nad balora the Fbotagnphie Soaatj of Onat Bdtain, in
which lh« author draMMtnlid that, toenann abioluu pwrmanangy.eaieh
pdat moat ba Aaad aqaunl^f >» '■■■'> ^Tpo aolntioo. Thia may be
IhaantiaBlbf eenaet, bat aetoallj iBinaatieaUe, and in dealing with
anmbafa of nriala a plan mart ba ilaTiaad to fix them all pioparly, and a
■ambar at tha avaa tiM. ItedHMrof oaingavaak hnwoathiathat,
at anj mta, tha ImI ftteH hMtii aw moca liMy to ba on^ partiaUy
dooa ; bat, aatting aaida thia laaaea, a waak bath, loois »PPlMd. u dilTeient
in ita aadoa to a rtwg» ona far a abortar tiina. Mr. Bolton, as a
elerer experimenter, ia awaie ot thia, and, la treating a bateh of prints, I
am afraid thoae fixed in a weak biOh woald hardlj bold their own ai
recBida penBaaMCQT vifli othen fixed in a aiiougw obal
OOaa a tek ama «f iwiiiaiianiMi ia obtahiad an^r wriMeni that
wooM indteato wpM daliriof aWew. Wbjr tttey lemaiaet ndMBfid tor a
eeandmble period can only be attribnted to the naa at abrong iohition
to (tart with, aa in the eaaa I allnde to ; the Muae aalnifen o( hypo waa
naed day after dar, until it waa qaite diaeobored — I m^ Mgr Uaek — and
the printe had a tow ehaagea of water, aod ware then eoaamnd finished
ao far aa fixing aad waging want Pmaaaaney wamt to dapeod maeh
more on tha ttem«|^ aomiitB ef tha dtar Mto oat of the ptinta than
washing afl««iHiL Ttajwwtiaacl »M<im ia tha paint at iaaae ; as
Willi Ml niiltiai I Onil an»atlBiaa thil lailiiidag Ilia aliw^tli iif Ilia lij|iii
the twahia. bg»jytoitwonldh>faMtttoorBosflset.
fuar, andllael
elihemirlii^it
flhMy
itaiathe
htoOa
ealyafcwthin»wMili.ifyi»to, to
dsMito ct tha aoMIgM a^aol Im Iha eMHa, the
little fram the plain —iWiigwatofc HwTabied.alaae'ltaMer
erery plan I bate seen inggaatsil. awBetjiaaa with upayrant bsMfit. and
a^ ^iOioat any. The dsrisa of Mr. lUfhmnnd of polKng tha Aw
aMB bifatora en tha priou in the Imkm taOk, bat
topfovatetlbi
priaM dlraattr eat of tha priatiiw teMaa into a bath of methylated rairit
haa. eaeh tiaaa I hBM trial it. ItoiihadMindeaeet: bat.of eoaiSTit
mitmmi alwMa ana—. Wmtmmtilg, IHaliri aia aot of e*ai7.d^y
MiBMoac lUa nlaa iHtas sbmbmIw (mm Mr. Stoart'a, who leMe
Ms yvtoti >ai. bsfcie the sfMt bath. It wUl net be ootil tha
bllrtafa b 4e(toft<fr kaem that a rsoe^y. If poaaOrie, wOl ba
them ; at pnMBt «• worii to the dark, aad aeoN eos d^y laaam
The pfohaMHtar ii Ih^ an ban dUtanat eoaaaa, meh of wfaieh raqnires
separata aad iWfMt InaiaaBt— I aa,
DKtmbtr
'fl».lMl.
EvwABs Drnmoaa.
•«A XEW DSPABTUU III FHOTOUBAPHT."
reiA«K»n«a.
ba,— We latar to aa aitiato on nafa 8 of the DmOf Ckromkl* of
MthineLaaaatriUagenaiptoefwUtatonaco of aeaosMa (or wonsj
BC tiiihHiMi HP aw BMha ef tatbatet aabjaela. Wa aaafaaa aopgr of
•iplrtoflMpai«bpanaaalpaiMcllhaartiala,CBaadt yoo to be
topahttktttiayoarMtaMa.
ofoany
goods. wMih appaisuUy rtaalla aaad of tt
If thaarilar of the aitWa had bean -
> pobSb it ia voar
Ihe partkMof the aitiaU aot latonad to fai oar fwbara
lodisnms to the eraart raadar, aad an a daUetooa (Ihe^ dai
coopoaad ef want of baawtodas aad a tooendant tefn to poC a
Tin aaad of tUt adtaatMcna aid.
laatiBl topag"hfa Waod'a
. I ha ooai oat el Ui WM, aad,
n^thaeiedk ai iriluiil JBrowaan. liMlttii o« aayv. wa <MMt
nfrain tram annUag aa Ba^^jhrnaa'a right to fit eat turn *a
'iMUer.-WaM.jam.ito.. IWa BvEuma WaMa Oonan.
ItTerd. loadoo. Hnwriii ». 1«1.
"A mnv KPAKrcRi or photoobaphy.
"IV Utar, ftoOp CInwfafr.
'A°"t~*S^yy.**?*l L'l 'I •• »««*l qosBllsa the eeoaiasy, net taly
thaahasalMt, hot ef saMiy mtaiii li^ asaJstayoar taa* af ynlwlar,
't«m«ia wM «• aet oaljr HtM^ to* oatolr to as as sMMofcetanaa, wbo
•1— ■>* **■ *^ 0— laaa a bsmwh ef trade wbkb tbwstmsil to Uaw
dlMtbsr.
"WkiM year laile— ctasaBliamsBalMtwmehle iasllini1s_ smalhtss iiii
• **'.'■■'■«* "fel^togyytfa PHMrWqSSSTer^etn triftosta. be
oasafcvaaad'.baiwhaaba goes os to exprsss aay oitotaal opIaidM, bta
'1 III iijai Ii i|aaslius r i ^— .
OBthepetotef|aawamij,fartastaaeshe»yi^ 'Alariato psraMsaey
^ ia ear epiaiOBi ba gaanotMd to aarirtot Mds tan asasEn «h ot
■ Itew, arinllla aptolaa aad abaalato kets MiMr aaatiotsrt Ikb siM»
'■^IT^^fT "* t*''**Vf^ sdsatlsu we bant ^fa an stated ei
•ototaly
'Tton eptotan ef axpvli an amalr
snpbsnk wtie lor rix years ban ben ni
Ibis papsr
by aneUnl
latMrw«ri
w«k;tbey
■Onn that 'they nenr saw * tuled!:nniit on tha paper.' Yet your reviewer
nys, ' The paper hss not ben tested by thnei' He is either ignorant of weU-
known fscts, or his too erident partislity for Mr. Blsckie's paper blinds him to
their existence.
" By the way, would it not have been nearer the trath to say that celerotype
owes its origin to Hr. Woodbnry himself I
"The review goes on to say that 'a fourth paper, the Ilford printin«.ont
V*pa,' Unotdascribei b^^Mr. Woodbmy. We may at once expWn that the
ba* Oder review dsscRbes only those capers iniose mann&ctarers paid
5(. Ss. fer sdvertisemnt space therein, and that we had no need of such a
method of pafiag oar WBiea.
"The next menint to whidi we would take exception is the reference to
prtee. The rariewer says: 'This (Dfonl) paper ia rather cheaper than tha
others. Bock a statemmt is a iiMimiu esK, too eridently intenUonaL aa onr
paper is leas than half the price oOts pradaosiMra.
" Of its eompsntive qoalities we would prefer not to speak, it would not bo
becoming to laud our own ware^
" We are next told that our ' paper is little known." Here, again, ignorance
or partiaUty has infinenoed the rariewsr ; and. Uking into account Hs subse-
quent Uad^km ofeaiera^p^ it ssaos probable that partiality u the moUva.
• ' It is troa that we ban not advertised the paper either in Mr. Woodbury's
book or in the photonaphlc ioumals (and therein, perhaps, lies the cause of
the attack on us). If sales, however, indicate popularity, we are more than
satisfied ; sad, if we may be aUowed to say so much, we would state that we
havsnnr ban able to execute aU the otden received, so great has been the
,"jy°*°!P'Vbm,fmtimdctitl end amateur alike, an^ aod have been, keenly
*^ ^^^"^ !^!?^*!r '^JP^"^^!^^'"*^ p^wr, which is no new tUng,
"^J^iT**"' ***^ TtMODlTdog on {u'widMpiead use has been
lofptioe; sad, now that the pbotagrapUoptiblio have such a paper
bat has I
ths iiMstiQa *-. , __„
** *.S**^*^I^°*^'*'**' *"** "o^ ben^wlo'avaa IhemielvMof it.
"Tliey ban takn it up at booie here just as eagerly, end as sncoessfullv, ss
their bnthrao in ths Udted States have token up similar papers madedire.
To than who know the tnsda, the soocen of this class of paper U phenomenal.
■^ *^!l!T_5f J?^i?SJ^ "^ disagtesment with your reviewer, and leads
JJjtomeaktwtthesrtatotyttatwahave in thb papw Oe printing process of
"la the ynrly nnaniinilluu of albonenissd paper totals up to several
Biminas ef pounds aanaally. aad nail this sum bin tha bands of tha Oennan
maao&etuws *• trast yon wiU oonaider the qBastiaa one worthy of a pUoe
ia your oolnmafc
•If IbuHsbmn en tutatm thb Oennaa-made albomenlaed paper, even to
any, with nigj^-nwdegdatinepa^, &iglaiid will be the
LOStttotf
tt
efOair
who sflKt this suMtn'tlon'deaerve well at
Mtows tibotuaiaiiblc sad otbsi alss.— We sre, youii, *c,
"For Oe BamunR* WoBca Oomfaitt, Uutid,
"(Avned) JoH-t Howsos."
[We bare nrf«n«d to this subject elaewhere, and may here mt that
^",toeaaure the Ckrvmela article as a curiosity of the reviewers art.
— Bd.1
THE LANTERN EXPLOSIONS.
To (A< EniTOB.
Sib, — Mr. A. P. OkaU, in his valnableremarics on the Ilkeston explosion
is a littto too eenn on the lanteraisu who make the|k final preparations
to the praaoM of an aadienoa. I qoite agm with Cm that no operator
^?V5* "l*'*"*'* "W^ ever do so ((^ »« eouU htlp it). Bat what
nya experieanf How often then is not time to finish befon the doors
an opra. I«st night I found niyielf thirty miln from London, the
planaehapal, to wbidi I had never shown before, the time befon open -
ag Mia.aad-a-hall hoaia. the airaagamenU lor a hmUm exhibiUon
lai|Blj neglaetod, and almost everything to be done. Having made local
,, ^ plan I
the aadienn wan doing a Uttle eoneert oatslde, and
the net had to bo deoe to their iinaiiiii. to their inwnsnd enjoyment.
" V^^ ' *■**• "^ ' '•" ■' ""*" *•*■ Mybody ein ; but is not this
a eonnoa eanf It we coald get into rooms as sarly m we liked, and
have^ao^ of time tot ptaparatioa, the pablie would hare no shan in
the gattiag nodr. to oar own gnat eooftirt and aan to the after-working ;
but we han to do tin beet we ean.
In Mr. Bnttargood's ean it should be nmembered that aU tha arrange-
BMBl^ adjostnaato «e.. had been made and tntad the night befon, and
be had no raaaon to suppon that anything more waa needed than inst to
light ^vid go ahead.
OiaMEtfaelaiitanmaa n muoh u you like for not being ready betore-
■•■ft ■■■•jMt to the OMaan^— I am, yoora, Ao. Oaa o» 'Em.
D»umitr », 180L
MB. J. PATTI80N GIBSON AT THE CAMEBA CLUB.
To the EsrroB.
Bn,— Win you kindly allow me to state that the ei^th ot the serin of
" One Man " pbotognmhie exhibitioas wUl be open at the Camera Olnb
oo aad altar Tneeday, Januarys? ThapietomwillbebyMr.J. Pattison
Oibeoa. of Hexham, by whom we shall be favoond with a rapraeentativa
eoUeetion of bis pholc^raphs.
▼isiton win be admitted from ten to four by tickets, which can be
L
ie
THE BRinsn JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[January], 1892
li
oMainnl from the Hon. SeewUry of the elnb, and from members
exhibition will remain open about rix weeki.— I am, toutb, *e.,
Camtrm CW>, Charing Crounad, O. Vkviaon, Hon. See.
DtttmUr -U, 1891.
The
flitBtoeTB to €on;c0ponlim«.
p»rtum of Utit JocTBifAL, including qutria for
Att matUrt tor O* i
"Aniwn'' wmd "
% Tnhtkmt, OmmU Omim, Ltndon.
A* mMm lakm V tommmmleaHomi —
InaiUnticm to tAu emura dday.
and addrttt of vrHer or*
;• OmmmlttHmt nlating to Adr)irti$tmenU and general butineu afairi
mmt t* nddrtmid to "Bviar QaanmooD & Co.," 2, Yorkitreet, Cment
Omrdtn, Lmuhm.
W. A. Mrioh.— Th« bnxil ride.
WaLTOS ADAM.— We are much obliged to yon. Kindly let us have the
detaili. -"
Bnamo. — Place a piece of ruby glus in front of the lantern objective, and
me a oondenicr.
Oou OtJBBisa.— The Univemal Adapter is, we believe, sold by Fallowfield, of
Charisg Crou-rMd, and other dealers.
J. a a— The addree* of Mr. J. A. Kuniivel, the maker of the micro-projector,
is 5, Kay-street, Ardwick-green, Manchester.
IKTORMATJOU.— The prints are produced by the carbon process. Apply to any
house which makes that process a speciality.
SOHIBSET.— -You do not give the quantity of pyro employed. State the com-
plete fonnuU, and we may be able to assist yon.
Lahcelet L. Hasu)pi.— " Rodinal," which is sent out in a very high degree
of concentration, would probably suit your purpose.
T. W. Thobktoh. — Our special representative unfortunately disappointed us.
Your letter came too late for us to do as you suggested.
F. Bryast.— Apply a solution of mercuric chloride with a brush, and then
blacken with ammonia. Other intensifiers mav be used in the same way.
J. H. Baloock.— If the Siilts dissolve in hot alcohol, sensitise with a liot
solution of silver nitrate, and the trouble will in all probibility disappear.
R Lix>TD JoSFS, of Sale, near Manchester, wishes to know if there is a pos-
sibility of his liiring a lantern near Carmarthen, Haverfordwest, or Pembroke,
for a lecture he is to give at Tenby.
R. Mc. F. M. writes : " Regarding the lantern accident of Mr. Scattergood's, I
will simply call your attention to your issue of February 18, 1870, page 81.
Perhaps it may shed some light on this much-debated subject.
E. Blake. — Excellent enlargements on bromide paper may be, and are
constantly being, made with a lantern having only a paraffin oil lamp. We
refar yon to the advertisement columns of the Journal and Almanac.
A. MuiTDT writes : " I am desirous of getting an Americm weekly publica-
tion in connexion with the lithographic and collotype trades, and 1 would lie
oblige<l if anybo<Iy could name one, with the publisher's name and address."
A. Z. — Tlie cause of the frilling was that the developing and fixing solutions
were made too warm. Although in exceedingly cold weather it is advan-
tageous to warm the .solutions, they should not be made of a higher tempera-
e than they are when working under ordinary conditions.
PtJCK. — Scenes on the stage, with the actom, have been photographed over and
over again. ''Snap shots " with a detective camera with a lens working at
/•ll are. however, not likely to be a successful, unless the light he exceplinn-
aJlf brilliant, and the plates excetdinglij rapid, and sjiecially sensitised for the
yellow rays.
"W. C asks how, as it is said not to be safe to use gauges, one is to know, when
he has bis cylinder fillwl with oxygen, that he gets full measure ?— If he
cannot trust those who supjily the gas, he has a check by weighing the
cylinder. By its weight the approximate quantity of the gas it coutains can
be ascertained.
R. A. W. complains that hi« studio windows are continually being broken
maliciously by, he suspects, one of his neighbour's boys, though he cannot
detect the delinquent. He asks how we should advise him to act ?— We
should see the superintendent of police in the district, and state his sus-
picions, and the reasons for them. The annoyance will then probably
cease.
Alex. McC. — For photo-lithography, gelatine negatives are not so suitable as
those by wet collodion. It is a sinr. quA mm that the lines are represented
by clear glass without veil. This is rarely the ciise with dry plates, except
thoae supplied by one or two firms, specially made for photo-mechanical
work. Messrs, Mawson k Swan and the Autotype Company supply such
plates.
DODOLAB M'Nbili — If you copy a single picture by a binocular camera the
result will not be stereoscojiic, but i'. is po-ssiblc to trim two similiir
I)ictnres and so mount them that when viewed in the stereoscope they shall
apiiear as if they stood quite outside of the mount. The principles of this
will be found described m the editorial article of our Almanac for 1887, to
which we refer you.
H. p. Bibtalt.— The discrepancy in the measurement of the iris diaphragm
arises from the values of the apertures being engraved on the mount without
each lens being carefully measured. The difference may not have existed in
th« case of the lens wliii;h formed the fainiile given to tlie engraver, but a
dilferenee in the density, and consequently in the curves of the others
which were placed in the previously engrave<l mounts, will account for the
'discrepancy.
C Wii.KlNS.— The mere fact thit the view has been photographed Iwfore, and
the photograph made copyright, does not prevent you, or any one else, from
photographing it again, even from exactly the same spot. The copyright is in
the photograph, and not in the scene.
W. W. Randall writes :— " When a pyro-develoi)ed plate is not thorouflhh/
washed, and is then put into the alum bath, it will often show a Hash of
phosphorescence, lasting sometimes for a second. It always occurs to me
when I do not wash plate well. A friend of mine also lias the same ex-
twrience. The place where the alum tray is set must be rather dark, other-
wise the phenomenon cannot be seen. Can any of your readers tell me the
reason thereof?"
T. Bkdwell a.sks if the methylated spirit now being sold under the new
Excise regulations is suitable for making collodion with for enamelling silver
prints, and whether the mineral naphtha is likely to act injuriously on the
photographs ?— We should imagine that the spirit would answer quite well,
though we have not actually tried it for this particular purpose. It wonM
be very unlikely that the presence of such a minute quantity of mineral
spirit would have any iuHuence on the permanence of the print.
S. B. K. says some years ago he was " shown a portrait, or, rather, two por-
traits, of a man playing chess with himself— that is, the same man was
seated on either side of the table, apparently playing the game, iind there
was no appearance of joining or masking in of the second figure, it was so
neatly done." He wishes to know how it was accomplished. — Such pictures
were very common many yeiirs ago, and are easily taken. Apparatus for the
purpose is described by Mr. T. Gulliver on page 655 of the Almanac.
Amateur (N. W.) asks how to prepare a background in "size colour," of an
even slate colour, such as those often seen m professional studios?— Mix
lampblack and whiting together in water into a thin paste, to the colour
desired. Then add sufficient hot "patent size" to form a tremulous jelly
when cold. Apply in this state with a whitewa.sh brush. As the colour
dries of a different tint from what it apjiears when wet, it is a goo<l jdan to
apply a little to one corner first, and allow it to dry, in order to see that it
is right before going over the whole, or the work may possibly have to be
done a second time.
G. E. S. writes : 1. Can you recommeml me a good mountant for fixiug bromide
prints to mounts which I want to have bouml eventually into an album. I
have tried starch, which is nice and clean, but the mounts "buckle " so
much in drying that it seems doubtful to my mind if that is the best thiu^
to use. I may add, that mounting on both sides of the card does not counteract
the evil. 2. Do you think, in a collection of views of a single district, that
monntingon both sides of the mount detracts from the interest and character
of the work, or would you advise mounting on one side only? .3. Can you tell
me anj-thing aliout Watkiu's exposure meter? Is its action simple and
reliable, and quickly ready ? Is the instniment for copying and enlargins
also available for landscape negative work ? 4. I should like to see a model
design for an amateur's dark room to work, say, 12x10. Has this ever
been published? — 1. Starch is .as good as anything. A solution of gelatine,
in which alcohol is made to take the place of part of the water, is ctcellent
for avoiding cockling. As the prints have to be bound into a vohnne,
would it not be better to let the binder do the mounting, in which line he is
experienced? 2. Usually such pictures are mounted on one side of the
mount only. 3. Yes. 4. Several designs have appeared in back volumes
of the Journal and the Almanac, but most amateurs prefer to design,
and fit their own dark rooms, according to their individual tastes and
requirements.
Photoorai-hic Club.— January 6, The Various Applicationt of Film
Negatives. 13, Glass amongst the Ancients.
South London Photooraphic Sociftt. — January 4, Beginners' Night ;
Paper and Demonstration on Developing, Mr. F. W. Webb.
London and PROviNctAL Photographic Association.— January 7, a paper
on Sonie Recent Exhihitions, P. H. Newman. Visitors invited.
North London Photographic Society, Wellington Hall, Islington.—
Tuesday, January 5, at a quarter past eight. Technical Night. Visitors are
invited.
Croydon Microscopical and Natural History Club (Photographic
Section).- 1892: Friday, January 1, Apparatm and Backing I'lnlrs. W. K.
Baker. 8, Further Hints on Toning Bromide I'rints, John Weir Brown. 15,
Extra Lantern Night. 22, Hand Camera Work, J. Sinclair. 29, Lantern
Night. February 5, Bromide Enlarging, J. H. Baldock, F.C.S. 12, JJiax-
type, A. G. Green. 19, Extra Lantern Night, American slides. 26, Lantern
Night, members' slides, March 4, Pictorial Composition, J. Henry Drage.
11, AHstotype and Platinum Printing, D. E. Goddard, F.R.M.S, 18, General
Meeting. 25, Last Lantern Night, members' slides.
CONTENTS,
PUK
PARA-AMIDOPHENOL 1
have GELATISO . BROMIDE PLATES
benefited PHOTOORAPHYr ....... 2
ropvixo positives . " 3
AMEUICAS NOTES AND NEWS 5
''process ^■'""^^ ^^ '^^^ CARBON
A griET nook "on "the "NORFOLK
coast. EyT. COAN 7
oi;ti)iiou photooraphy.-i. Bv
JOHN HARMEB 8
REVERSAL I)v HENRY SUTTON 8
PREPAKINO 8TUONO FERROUS OXA.
..i:^'"'''' By C. W. MILLER 9
COMPOSITfON AND SELECTION OP
SUBJECT, By A, J. OOLDINO 9
Pa«>
NOTES FROM SCOTLAND In
THE CHICAGO EXHIBITION II
A SIMPLE COPYING STAND. By TH08.
BOXELL 11
ON FERBOCUPRIC REDBROWN PRINTS
AND EASTMAN'S TRANSPARENT
FILMS, By G. A. KEXYON, M.B 13
A "ROCKER" WORKED BY A PENDU-
LUM. Bv W. K. BURTON H
OUR EDITORIAL TABLK 12
RECENT PATENTS 13
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THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1653. Vol. XXXIX.— JANUARY 8, 1892.
A FALLACY IN CONNEXION WITH THE CURTAIL
MKNT OF EXPOSURE.
Fbom the mriiest dajs of photography expedients hare been
attempted and methodn put forward for the purpose of shorten-
ing.the camera ezpoaore ; but, to far as we are aware, not one
of them has proved a sac cess, or established a just claim to
haTS. effected what was intended. Auxiliary exposure, that is
to say, the submission of the plate beforv or sfter itt exposure
in the camera to the action of T«ry feeble light, with or with-
out the interposition of coloiired aewsns, has at Tarioua times
found supporters even smoogst praetieal men, and has formed
the subject of at least one patent ; bat, though noder certain
ctreumstanoes an apparent advantage may seem to be gained,
the effect may be, perhaps, best described by the term applied
to it, " judiciona togfpag,' tfaoagh with soom doubt upon tha
sdjectiTc.
Some few yean ago Mr. W. K. Button and Mr. W. E.
Debcnham exploded the idea of the utility of auxiliary ex-
poeore by weans of ssnsitnmster experiments, which showed
that though a gelatine plat*, that had bean eipoaed to a light
so feeble as not to ptodaet visifala feg, might show one, or,
perhAp*. t »o higher 0gana on the ssaaitonietsr than withoot
tb« preliniinaiy espoanre, they poasaaed no printing value,
and the effect was so slight as to make no practical difiierence
in the sensitiveness of the film. It is just possible that m the
case of sttbjeets MBprWBg SBaMSs ot haavy shadow this pre-
liminary fogging may nadar vWbIa in the nagativa a certain
amount of feeble detail not oChsrwisa obtainable, and thia is
the elass of example invariably selected, in conjunction with a
Mef exposnre. by promoteis of the various procsssts to which
• have alluded ; but there it ended, fbr, though a negative of
black veUet drapery might by the aid </ auxiliary lighting
show more detail than one exposed in the ordinary way for the
same time, there would be little, if any, difl'crence on the
peinta ; and where the same amount of detail was produced by
a shorter exposure the printing rsault woold be inflBrior.
Auxiliary lighting waa. in fart, only intended to help out very
•hert expoaufta, cepecially in portraiture, when our filma were
mneh 1«b rapid than they are now, and it was scarcely, we
twUeve. daimed to have any valne in materially shortening the
me of expneure under normal oondilioas. The bllacy we
DOW propose to aipase is of a diflhiant eharactar, and is
suppoaed to ha of nao in oasss where ■hnorwally long exposures
are rsqniata, aa, for inatanea, in photwfwphing interiots where
the incipient fog set up by the other mathods would under any
eiraimatanoea be nselees. It consists in making a portion of
the expeaure with a comparatively small stop, and the mnaindar
with a larger or the fall apwtora of the lens.
The idea is that, bj mtaf tha sniall slop for a portion of the
'time, daftnition ia aaeuad and indelibly (Ixcd upon the pUte,
and that what is wanting in the way of light, to complete tho
details of the picture, may be supplied by a flood of light for a
abort period through the full aperture of the lens. But this
supposition overlooks the fact that the sharp image obtained
by the partial exposure with the stop is too feeble to stand
alone, or to assert itself in opposition to the blurred image
given by the full aperture, unless, indeed, the proportion of
light that reaches the plate through the stop is much in excess
of the full apertare, in which case the advantage is not very
palpable. Moreover, the method is only practicable to any
extent when using a lens of the rapid rectilinear type, and
these are not invariably applicable in the case of interiors.
With lenses of the wide-angle type, such as the portable
symmetrica], there is no necessity for stopping down tmless a
very wide angle has to be inoludea ; and, as the largest working
apertare of such instruments givss very satisfactory definition
over a considerable area, it will generally be used where at all
possible. Even where a smaller stop mutt be used, the
diflbreooe between it and the full aperture is not great enough
to oflar any advantage in the oae of the latter during a portion
of the expuaure.
It is true that, under some circumstances, when usiii^' a
Ttfid rectilinear, a curtailment of the cxpoear& may be effected
in thia manner without serious loss of deflBition, as, for in-
stance, when photographing some object that covers but a
narrow angle or a portion only of the plate. Take, for ex-
ample, a monument or piece of sutunry in a dimly li<;htcd
sdiSoe, where the satrounding objects are of no importuocc.
Then the full aperture may be used, but it would be preferable
to use it entirely, since the construction of the lens enables it
to aatisfikctorily cover the requisite angle ; but, where it is neoes-
■-<jver the full-sixed plate for which the lens is intended
11 to the edges can only be obtained by the use of a
stopi
The hoUowness of the fallacy can be proved by a reference
to figures, and we shall detail an experiment tluit will, wo
think, make our oontontion cicsr, that nothing is to be gained,
but rather the contrary, by the adoption of the piecemeal
method of working with different apertures. The exposures,
it-shltlft understood, arc not intended to reprexent such as
would be given for interiors ; but, increased proportionately, tho
principle and result nould be the same.
Aa a starting point, a oheet of printed matter waa focussed
with a rapici ructiliuetir lenit giving a very Hat field, using the
stop No. 3'J of the Society's stanitnrd or /•22'625, under con-
ditions that made sn exposnre nf lixteeu seconds about correct,
though sbsolute accuracy in this cose was immaterial, .is the
ciuivalent exposure can be arrived at mathematically, the
object of the experiment being confined to a comparison of the
different degrees of definition. In this instance, the definition
18
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[Januarj' 8, 1892
ms extremely good over the whole plate, which included an
angle of about 45'. The next exposure was made partly with
the same stop and the remainder with the full-working aper-
ture of f-8 or the 4US, the actual light reaching the plate
being equally divided Iwtween the two, or, in other words,
«aoh aperture hod similar work thrown upon it. This re-
quired an expomire of eight seconds with No. 32 stop, and one
second with No. 4, or a total exposure of nine seconds, re-
presenting the same effective action of light as the previous
one.
But, when examined for definition, the falling off was lament-
able, Uking into consideration the character of the lens, for,
though over a small central area it was as perfect as in the first
plate, the loss of sharpness towards the edges was very great.
The influence of the small stop was nowhere apparent, so com-
pletely masked was it by the action of the fuller aperture, and
the result was little, if any, better than if the latter alone had
been employed. This will not appear so surprising if it be
considered that the larger aperture is free to impress its blurred
image on top of the finer definition given by the stop, while the
latter is incapable of undoing the work of the other — of, in fact,
rendering coarse lines fine when once formed. Such would be
possible if the effective exposure given by the stop prepon-
derated considerably over the other ; but here they are equal.
If such preponderance were allowed, then the gain in time
would disappear. Thus, if the relative work thrown on to the
two apertures were to be as 3 : 1, the larger share being
given to the stop, we have actual exposures of twelve seconds
with No. 32, and half a second with No. 4, or a total of twelve
and a half as against sixteen seconds with the former alone.
But, even with this slight gain, the counterbalancing loss of
definition was very considerable.
By calculation we next arrived at the size of stop with which
a single exposure would give the same amount of effective
light in nine seconds, the time required by the two apertures
we have already mentioned, when doing the work equally.
This was found to be /-1 7, equivalent to the 18 of the standard
aeries, and a picture taken with this diaphragm as accurately
aa we could make it, proved almost as satisfiictory in point
of definition as that produced by No. 32, though, of course,
not actually so crisp at the edges. Going a step further,
and taking the stop that represents the full working aperture
of the series of portable symmetricals, lenses which, as every
one knows, work admirably with full apertures over the angle
we are working, the definition was scarcely different from the
previous exposure, in fact was, for all intents and purposes,
perfect, and the exposure was just half of the first one with
No. 32 stop, and a little less than two-thirds of that with the
work divided equally between that stop and full aperture. One
other instance, and we have, we think, proved our case. If the
stop/-20 be substituted for/-22'62.5 and an exposure of twelve
and a half seconds given, a picture showing almost equally
good definition will be obtained, and in precisely the same
time as when one-fourth of the work is done with full aperture
and the definition ruined.
Instances might be multiplied without limit to show that no
combination of stops used in the manner described is capable
of shortening exposure to any extent without a more than
pn)portionate loss of definition ; in fact, the first attempt we
iiinde in equally apportioning the work between Nos. 4 and 32,
though chosen hap-hazard, as a start, is perhaps the best that
coidd be made. But the definition is inferior to that given by
No. 8 (/-1 1 '31), with an exposure of four seconds, as against 9.
The rapid rectilinear is not a lens that can be used for wide-
angle work, otherwise the comparative results would be,
perhaps, worse, while the wide-angle lenses, if they afforded
facilities for such dodging, do not recjuire it, as they may be
used with satisfactory result3 with full aperture, or nearly so.
But the moral is, Give a straight-away exposure with the
largest aperture the lens will permit, and the best result wil be
obtained.
■*-
A SIMPLE ENLARGING ARRANGEMENT.
At a time when enlarging is practised by amateurs to an ex-
tent never previously known, it is well that we point out
one among several things which may conduce to fiiilure in
obtaining the best results. In order to do this, we select as a
text on which to hang a few hints the following letter from
Colonel Senior, which recently appeared in our Eastern con-
temporary, the Journal of tlie Photographic Society of India.
It is headed "A Simple Enlarging Arrangement : " —
" Supposing an amateur wishes to obtain a bromide enlargement
from a half-plate or any other larger-size negative, and has no time
to do it by dayliglit, but has a magic-lantern with a three or four-
inch condenser, which, however, is not large enoufrh to enable him to
enlarge by the light of the lantern, he may get over the difficulty by
using the following simple arrangement : —
" Place the magic-lantern near enough so as to throw a disc of
alx)ut eight to twelve inches, or more, according to the size of the
negative in diameter, on a piece of ground glass placed in front of
tlie negative fixed into the back of the camera, thus throwing a circle
of condensed light, which equally illuminates all parts of the negative,
and enables the lens in the front of the camera to enlarge the image
in the usual manner, thus : —
"If the lantern or room reflects light so as to injure the enlarge-
ment, the back part of the camera and magic-lantern should be
screened off.'"
Where the method described by Colonel Senior is defective
lies in the fact that the illumination of the negative is good
only in and near to the centre, the light becoming so weak as
it approaches the margins as to necessitate an exposure many
times greater than suffices for the centre. A plate of ground
glass is unable to radiate light which falls upon its margins
at an angle of such obliquity as that projected from the nozzle
of a lantern as shown in the drawing. Without such a ground-
glass backing no light whatever would be transmitted through
the negative to the enlarging lens but what passed axially or
through the centre, while with two or three such plates there
would be a greater approach to evenness of lighting at the
expense of central darkness.
To rectify this, and assuming that it is requisite that rays of
light pass from the lamp throughthe negative in a line as
JtaoMry 8, 1803]
THE BHITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
1»
QMriy direct to the lena aa poasible, the beet way would be to
place a large lens, one equal in dimensions to the negative, in
Juxtaposition with it, this lens being of such focus as to con-
dense all the light upon the object-glass or enlarging lens.
Bat this implies the powaiion of a large condenser, which is
not supposed to be on hand at the time.
A good and simple waj to get a negative — say, one of half-
plate sixe^well illuminated for either enlarging or reduction,
and one bj which we have often mad* kntem tranaparencies
firom 8x5 negatives, is to discard altogether the lantern
shown in Colonel Senior's method, and illuminate the negative
by two lamps alone without any condenser at alL As in his
system, a ground glass most be placed outside the negative ;
but the lampa, two m nombar, most be dirvotad on the ground
glass in aaflh a maimar m to point to the otgeetf lass, or
enlarging leas, the line of direetion of the flame being through
• portion at the negative about half way between the eentre
and the margin. The letter < (placed on Hs nde) repnaenta
the an^ at which the two lamps shoold be plaflad, the i^wx
being tbelsna.
* '
METHYL ALCOHOL VERSUS THE NEW SPIRIT.
A oc»utnro!n>sirr this wtA Moda as » aoggeatkn that is worth
the eooaidaratkm of thoae who are compelled to vaa methylated
spirit, and who distrust the new preparation that has now come
into use. It la to employ, in place of it, methyl aloohol, which,
in ita coauBaittal form oif wood naphtha, serTfla parfacAly well
moat of tlia purpoaea ior whieh oriinaay aloohol ia ansployad,
and whkh, antfl now, haa baan tha only addition made in
methylating. Its odoor la not partieaUriy agreeable to some
tastes; but, that littla prqodioa being oranome^ it ia conaolatoty
to know that it ia readily obtdaabla, without Eifaiaa rsatriotiona,
in a saOdaDtty poia stale Cor asoat poipoaa^ and at a price
not mudi abofa that of natbyktad spirit
Oar corraapeadant writes chief j from the point of view of a
collodion-wcritar, and, perfaapa, ovarloofcs some of the uses of
methyUted akolxd beyond his particular boundary, though we
are not aware of »aj qtadal otijaetioa to the propoaed sabatitn-
tion. Methyl aleobol ia parfaetly miiabla with water, and
•hoald theiaCgn be equally atnriUbla for oaa in oooaaiioQ with
'■"latina emnbioo, or in tha mawhoUiw of gelatine mounting
'.-dia. Bat we are not ao aora aboak iu utility for suah pa»>
Ma aa tha lapid drying of platoa, and similar naea, wbara tha
rang aftrity of aie^iol for water rendered it so tohiabla.
For viimt«h making, and aa a solvent of the varioua (oaiaa
and gutu resins, as well aa volatils oik, it is every whit aa good
aa alcohol, except for its smoQ, which, by the way, bekmga only
to the orada wood ^irit, or n^ththa of eommeroa, and not to
para methyl aloohoL It aBaw— parfaetly, alao, for ooDodion-
makinit for whioh poipoaa it is eoaatdaiad bj aoma to have
I'lvantagaa over ordinary alcoboL It ia, indeed, a pariJMt solvent
' good gan-eotton, without the asaiatanca of ether, and aa aaeh
«aa pat fkirward in a soggestiva way aooM yean ago.
Tboogh «a have not oarselvaa aneaaaded in aeooring a com-
maitial mmpla that acted aa a petfiet aolTant of pyrozyline by
ttaall^ wa know it to be at leaat a partial aolvaat ; but, when
combined with a small proportion of athar, its solvent powers
beooma poiiiMt, and tha naalt is a colkdion pnaessing great
fluidity and leas atraetora than ia usual with otdinary alcohoL
For emnlaion pu/poaaa it anawers well, tboa^ it is apt to
give a too fluid and slowly setting emnlaion, and the " sua-
pending power " of collodion made with it is aoaroely equal to
that in which ordiaafy aloohol m employed. This fltiUsg is,
however, easily remedied by increasing the proportion of
pyroxyline ; but this, again, constitutes an additional expense.
Though we have used the crude wood naphtha successfully
for making emulsion, we should scarcely recommend the prac-
tice unless a fairly clean sample ia obtainable with certain^.
Without, however, going to the expense of the perfectly pure
article, which is as costly as ordinary alcohol, a sample of
pyrozylic spirit, purified for medicinal purpoaes, is obtainable at
about a couple of shillings the pound.
At any rate, should the new spirit prove objectionable for
any of the above purposes, our readers can but try wood
spirit.
«
Fadlnr of Bromide Prlnta. — The vexed subject of the
penaaneney of iBver — siicl in particular silver bromide — prints came
under rliwiiisiuu at the last meeting of the London and Provindal
PhotoRrapUe Association, and formed tlie theme of some instructive
and enlightening remarks by Mr. T. Solas, which will be found else*
wiiere. AeoonUng to his theory, which we mav confess strikes us as
aa extreoiely fesiible oae, the fading of bromide prints in s damp
atmosphere is doe to the preesiiue of sulphate of lime in the paper
upon which the prints sre made. Under the influence of moistoia
this subetanee reacts to form sulphide of calcium, which, in its tun,
is converted to.hydrogea sulphide. This changes the metallic silvei
to the state tl solpUde, and k itself sgidn resolved into sulphate, and
yet once mora into sulphide, and so on. As there is not sufficient
silver sulphide formed to give a dense image in that compound, the
fading of the picture, on this bypotheeia, is easily socouoted for.
Vratalam Healdaas. — Few photographic societies that we are
soqeeiiileH witii can boast of such a large number of practical and
theowHieal photographers, able and willing to grapple with the
oaaMioaa pnUama that ars constantly being brought to light in the
laegrsss of photartapky, as the one jost naiaod. Conspicuous among
thMw is Mr. A. Madden, upon whoss tUelm, ss we have before re-
matked.aot only ooiaslves, bat moot photographen, kwk with a great
deal of laapaet At the ■ssriwg above alludMi to, Mr. Haddon sog-
gerted that, ia'araniuia toaiag, the spent solution was unnecessarily
wasted, ioasmneh as, by adding a solution of potaAium ferroeyanide
thereto, the oaemployed oraniam could be recovered in the form of
feiiueyaaida. Mr. Haddon promised, at a future meeting, to give a
method whereby the oraniam ferroeyanide so obtained may be oon-
vsftad to nitrste. Uranium salts as he remarked, are likely to b
employed to a great'extent in the near future, and the information he
prnmises will therefbre be of much value to many. Experimentalists
of the stamp of Mr. Haddon deserve the thanks of the photographic
htotharbood.
Coloured Uqoida na Xtlgtat Soroeaa. — The use of various
coloured liquid* m light acrwai f jr the dark room, thnn^rli, perhaps,
the sMMt useful of any light-modifier, is practicull^ iuailmissible,
owing to the difficuhy of obtaining, without great trouble, a con«
venieot leeeptade for containing them. There has, however, lately
been introduoed a larlee of vessels which, if of sufficient sixe and not
too costly, ought to be just the thing wanted. In a German technical
jonraal a deaoiptioa of the new receptacles is given. They consist
of esQui^ flat aides, atade of oniform thickness, and trte from
. — The stroctura of luminous flames has
given rise to many discussions for yean past, and at a recent meeting
of tlie Chemical Society a paper was read on the subject. After
passing in review tlie various theories hitherto advanced, the author,
Mr. Arthur Smithells, RSc, gives what be eonsiders to be a true
description of a luminous flame, which it is unnecessary for us bare
to repeat But it would not appear difficult, with the aid of ortho-
chromatic plates, to make exact and precise illustrations of the
various points of importance by means of photography. Full de-
scriptions of each print could then be given, and a reference made to
90
l-HB BRITISH JODRNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[January 8, 1893
tLa jnrticuUr photograph illiutniting it. Eren if the photographs
failed to give the luminoaty in iu true value, the Tarious " sheaths "
and forms produced under different conditions could be reproduced in
• manner quite sufficient for the artniment.
A Simple riash Xiamp, and a Dark-room Ziamp.—
la tba Seientific American Mr. George M. Hopkins, under the title of
"SoggMtions in Photography," brings forward some neat and inex-
peiiaiv* modes of constmcting sundry apparatus for photographic
wotkew. There is a magnesium flash lamp. It consists amply of a
block of wood, upon which is placed a small tin pan, like an old
canister lid. A piece of asbestos is fixed to a wire hasp, worked by a
piece of string. The asbestos is charged with spirit, %hted, and, by
a puU of the twine, made to dip into and ignite the magnesium
powder, which, of course, has to be mixed after some pyrotechnic
fwhion. He pictures s pasteboard blank with dotted hnes, showing
where to bend it to make a developing tray. The comers are to be
fastened with glue and cloth, and the whole paraffined when com-
pleted. Perhaps the neatest piece of apparatus he describes is a
portable dark-room lamp. It consists of a two-candle-power incan-
descent lamp, attached to a handle, and enclosed in a hemispherical
reflector, closed at the front with a disc of ruby glass. The lamp is
held near the plate. All the light is thrown downwards, so that the
eyes receive no light, and are thus free from glare, which prevents
due and clear perception of objects. Further, a small portion only
of the plate receives light at any time ; and, when the lamp is not in
use, it can be laid, face down, on the table, or suspended so as to
illuminate the dark room.
Another Xarvel in Photography.— According to the
Edto, Captain Colson, of the French Ghiie, has succeeded in photo-
graphing without a lens. The apparatus used by the Captain is
described as " a simple camera into which the light is admitted by a
pinhole." Specimens illustrating the practicability of the method, it
is stated, were presented to the Conservatoire des Arts et Metiers one
day last week. Our contemporary adds, by way of comment on this
important discovery, " Photography has by no means exhausted its
stock of marvels, which are revealed one by one to a wondering
world.'' What an interminable mess the non-technical press seem to
get into when they touch upon technical matters !
The Vatican Bqnatorial. — The ?arge equatorial recently
installed in the Observatory at the Vatican is under the charge of
Father Denza, who is now at work taking photographs in connexion
with the universal mapping out of the heavens. One by one the
different observatories are getting tliis gigantic work in hand.
Sketching In Court. — Mr. Justice Denman administered a
severe rebuke to some members of the junior Bar whom he noticed
making sketches of the witnesses during the trial of the now famous
" Pearl Case." Portraits of witnesses in notable cases are required by
the regular illustrated papers, and by others who treat their readers
occasionally with portraits when a highly sensational case is on.
IDtherto we imagined that these were sketched by artists engaged for
the purpose, from that portion of the court set apart for the press or
ihc public, and not from that retained for Counsel. Be that as it may,
the majority of the portraits which appear, are little better than
caricatures of the individuals depicted, and reflect very little credit on
those who make them, whoever they may be. Unfortunately, or
fortunately, our law courts are too badly lighted to permit of the use
of detective cameras, or undoubtedly they would, long ere this, have
bei-n pressed into service for obtaining surreptitious portraits of those
who are often reluctantly compelled to appear in sensational
caaes.
Photographlngr Scenes of Accidents.— We have fre-
quently alluded to the great service photography might render in the
casos of awMJidents or catastrophes, if the scene were photographed
before anything was disturbed. By this means, often, a more correct
idea could be formed as to the cause than any amount of verbal
evidence. In the case of the late explosion at Dublin Castle, we are
given to understand, as soon as the excitement, consequent upon it,
had somewhat subsided, the authorities had the scene photographed.
Pastel Portraits Once More. — Trade, Finance, and He-
creation, which is treating its readers to a series of articles on " Roads
to Easy Fortune," deals, last week, pretty roughly with the " Pastel
Portrait Business." Although this affair, or affairs, has been exposed
time after time, and in spite of legal proceedings, it appears, according
to our contemporary, to be still flourishing, and recommending its
" No. 614 " as the most suitable frame for the two guinea free portrait.
Something for nothing will always be a good bait for the gullible.
Patents in 1891. — The number of patents applied for during
the year just ended was over fifteen hundred more than in the year
before, which was much in excess of any previous one. Last year the
actual number was twenty-two thousand eight hundred and seventy-
two. As yet the numbers are not classified, but, to judge from the
lists that have appeared weekly in our columns, the applications in
connexion with photography will show a considerable increase over
all previous years. What a marked difference there is in the number
of applications for photographic patents now and in former times !
Going back, say, twenty years — that is, 1871 — we find the total
number of patents, directly and indirectly connected with photo-
graphy applied for, was only twelve for the whole year, a few
more than are sometimes applied for in a single week now. Are
photographic inventors more mercenary now than they were formerly?
It would certainly seem so. Now, any little improvement or modifi-
cation appears to be made the subject of patents. In former days it
used to be freely given away, and this was the case with all the most
valuable inventions in connexion with the art.
Bromides for Platinotypes. — A provincial photographer
says he is told that it is very general with London houses, when
platinotypes are ordered, to supply bromide prints instead when the-
light is bad for printing. He adds that one of his customers showed
him some portraits sent out as platinotypes that he feels convinced
were bromide prints, though they were very good. The object of our
correspondent's letter was to inquire if, in such cases, the Trade
Marks Act would not apply .'' That some photographers may some-
times supply bromide for platinum prints is quite possible, but that
the practice is at all general we do not for a moment believe. It is a
pity that the writer did not satisfy himself as to the genuineness or
otherwise of the prints he suspected. This he could have conclusively
done by simply immersing one of them in a solution of bichloride of
mercury, which would quickly bleach a silver image, while it would
have no effect on a platinum one. Undoubtedly the Trade Marks
Act is infringed, and a penalty incun-ed, if silver prints are sold for
platinotypes.
Purity of Water. — As the purity of water is always a subject
of importance to photographers, we draw the attention of our readers
to an address deUvered by Professor Leeds before the Chamber of
Commerce of Rochester, New York, which is printed at length in
the Chemical News for January 1. One leading point in it we may
here allude to. We have heard the presence of bacteria in water
held accountable for many sins of oniiesion and commission on the
part of the operator, from blisters and bad toning in prints to foggi-
ness in dry plates— which latter, \>y the bye, might easily be caused
by bacteria setting up decomposition in the emulsion before washing.
The point, however, we wish to draw attention to in Professor
Leeds' paper is his observation, which has thoroughly been I'ediiced to
practice, that a water which is opalescent or unclear-looking after
filtration may be made perfectly clear and bright by the addition,
before filtering, of so small a quantity of alum as one quarter of a
grain to the gallon. This has a marvellous effect in producing a
bright and limpid water, and it assists in arresting almost all the
microbes present.
itnvxj 8, 1802]
THE BRTTIsa JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
2
A PLEA FOR FAIR PRICES.
Fok Um pMt ton rean the pncM eh«ig<ed by photofrnpbers for thrir
work hiiTe had • dowmrara teDdcae]r,and when a guinea a dozen was
at one time caioljr obtained for Tignette eartet or Berlin heads, half
that price i* aKoot the piwnt arerage. It teeme to me that the
]^t4imim have been thennelrea to Uarae for this whobaale lowering
of prioM, and there ia little doubt that thej are now tattmog tot it.
A few jeais back the proprietor at a moderatelT quiet bvaineM, taking
acme twaatr-fiTe ntten a we^ could make a' eomfortabk Irving for
liiawtf aaa bmUj ; with the rednetaoo of prices be undoubtedly
ilniWfht there woud be aa inoeaaad btuiaeM, and a proportionately
iiiLiiiawd iaeome, but he now finda that, with about the Mine number
d dttera per diem aa ha thM had per week, hia income, after
dedaeting working txpwme, ia leaa than it waa before ! The main
eaoae of this lie* in Um fact that, in cfdar to get thtoogh the iacreaaed
woA, he has notonlj had to take iMijTr pMBMMi hot to taipkiy a much
larger staff. Tlian, again, eeaaprtition kaa baeooM mmk nnier than
it was, and many a town whidk thea cafy onwtainaH ooa photographic
stndio haa now wreral to anpport. I eooU nawa mtaj a town as
proofs, but let two sofiee. One in the aaaOiiii eonnliaa, of between
XifiOO and atVOOO inhabitanta, had, at the ttrna I speak of, three
photographaie IhmiB phnng thair ealEag ; now it eootaina no laas
than tea or alarm Another, in the wealarn diMriet, had two where
now six are to be found. At fair priess, each of thaae stodios would
brine in a raapeetabia income to ita propriatota; but, what with the
evttng down of prieea and the aiiiatear eoaapetitioa (mre the mark '.),
thej can only barelj exist, and some maat, ia the end, go to the wall.
The saflwH* will, n moat casaa, ba those who try to ran between the
itiemaa of hi^ and hnr prieaai Tba beat class of sitter* will con-
tinaa to patioaaa those whoaa chanaa are the highmt ; while the
middk and fewer daasea win go ia for the thiapaat gooda they can
obtain, laariag very Ibw aatnaa iadaad for the iiisdiiiiii mire nan.
Thsra is oaa braaeh of the pufcawan wUeh I Wd fondly hoped
woold maintain ita ehanctw aad eoatiaaa fairly i— ii— atira. The
biaaek to whieh I nfw iieladm aalaigaMi iiu aad eokoad work ;
b«t eraa than the pihxwllar ia at work, and I was diagnslad ooly
a few daya «nea at seehy a twelro-t— opal nieely worked in mooo-
duome and tastaf aDy framed. asUbilad m " Omr twmty/f MUy
tiilaiasmiaf." Thia mast Isaro a Tciy shmII margin of proAt indeed,
aad M daddodly a alep ia the wrong dinctioa. Thoaa iittais who
rnmre, or whom wa caa amha hdiiri they rsonira, aatoigamsnta
will pay two gaiaaaa or armi thraa jast aa rsadily as tw«aty-8va
ihilliiifi, aad I tail to see why wa ahoald roh not ouy oanalrm of a
litUa ama pnCl, bat also eat dowa tha lamaaaratin of the aolatpr,
the aHlal, aad this Cramaamkar for ao porpoaa whatarar. aalam it is
to aaaaa other photagiaphma to do tha mma.
Ptamih^y aamhrn mam tor tha ladaetfaa ia prica a< mlaigamaiits is
to ba foaad ia tha Cm* that aomaof the tade aaltoiaa haea kaaa and
■ablieat tha
lor thopnCmrioa: thia la moilMy nfair to tha
) who haea saypansd tham hbharto, aad
oa thair part. PMhans the beat tUag wwdd ho to
" boyeott' aay Arm foaad working for the pablie at piDfmrfnaal
prieea; if thay liha to aapBly tha pahlie at fair ptirra, as charged by
tbe phntngrapham, it weald manly ba fair eompetitioa, but nnder-
selliag raaant he tolaiated at aay prioa. I hat* aa idea that, if
srreral profaaaiaaal photograahan wan to form a tyadSeata for the
porpoaa d aala(i«gaad wutkii» ai iiilinmawils. it would ba found
a paytag aoaHBL Thay thamsalfm woaU aot ooly get
wdl doaa at modanto prieaa, hat woaU ahan aay pnAia
thammltea, added to wUeh maay other mamban of Um an
not aaeaamritT mamban of the syadiea>^^woald and thetr work to
tham to ba doaa aad pay a fair rata nrimpa this hint may bear
f rmt ia tha Bsar fatan. 0. BiuiMwiit Ujuuna.
bowl with a hoUow stem. A muxture of air and hydrogen carbon
Tapour is then introduced under pressure. The mixture is set alight,
the flame disappeaI^ and the strip of platinum incandesces, the
intensity being in the ratio of the pressure. "With moderate pressure,
the light is said to be comparable to that of an electric lamp.
Dlnnor to X. Jannaen.— .\ body termed the "Sdentia,"
apparently a kind of Parisian science club of a somewhat exclusive
character, " dined " Mr. Jannaen, the astronomer, on Christmas Eve,
in recognition of his eminence and achievements as a man of science.
Some of his predecessors in the honour are Pasteur. Renan,
de QuatiefagM, Jules Simon, Chevreul, Leon Say, de Leasep. Eiffel^
*c. M. Gaston Tl'tsandier presided. " Giving a man a dinner " when
he has done, or is goinjr to do, something has hitherto been looked
upon as a purely British custom. Apparently it is not
COSTIXENTAL NOTES AND NEWS.
for Mjpo,—'' If yoo want to kaow," aay* M. E.
Clapalo» af Kapha, " whether tha waah water of yoar nagatiraa or
ariata atfll eoamiaa hypo or not, drop a little of ' this roae-cofeond
JPlirid'faMe tha water. If the water is eofeand thereby, ao hypo ia
' if, oa the other haad, tha water goaa coioailaaB, ooatinoe
^ Vsrygood; but what m the "roaacolonnd liquid,
' rather Sigaor— Caputo, plaan f
Zacaadeacont Flatlnam Llrbt.— In the Ctmpttt Ktndus,
M. rai|a«Ua dsscribss an lacaadaMcnt platinum %ht of his own
devisiag. A atrip of piatiBiB mIM oa todf ia plaead ia a platinum
freitob Pbotographlc Papora.— During the year 1891
French photographic papers have increased to a large extent upon
preceding years, some fourteen publications devoted to photography
b«ag now published, while others an in contemplation, if all aro
read, says our confrire of the MmUtmr, ao mndi the better, and we
echo the sentiment. " Frees buttons," however, according to the same
authority, do not read photographic papers ; with them photography i3
purely antomaUe tfaroogboat. They require to read nothing except
tha "dirsetiona oa the box." Such as these could not undentand
what was printed in a photographic paper.
▲ ZfAdloa' Photorraphio Clab.— There is talk of the forma-
tion in London of a photographic club to whieh ladies are to be
admitted. The dab will comprise reception-rooms, laboratoriee, a
library, and will be furnished with the atmost possible comfort.
Basidm ladies residing in London, the dub it-ill admit country
members, who would be desirous of finding a temporary photographic
home when paaaing through the metropolis. They say other people
always know more about you than you do yourself, and this, we
think, is a case in point. The information comae to us all the way
from Vienna. We have not beard anything about it in Loudon. It
reads too rich to be true.
FroBohPatenta. — According to an acooooLof the photographic
pataats takaa out in France since the introdooflon of photofpraphy,
it appaaia that the first patent applied for waa ia 18S0, for a camera.
In IMO than were two patenta taken out. From 1844 to 1860, the
nnmbar of patents for apparatus, on account of more liberal Uws, in-
cnaaadvaty largely, the latter year recording forty-«ne. In 1871
(tha gnat war year) the number dropped to four. In 1800 it ascended
to seventy-two. Tba chemical patents were, of course, much smaller,
aad the total number, looked at from every point of view, oomparea
most unfavourably with that of British patents. Perfidiotis Albion
Hmply " keea" la Belle France, in thia leapeet at any rata.
Kalloa of Prtmoral Photorraphx. — Happy Soci^tu
Franfaise de I'hotographie! At the meeting on December 4 last,
M. Davanne |iwmUeil a veritable camera negative obtained by
Nioiphore Niepca, " the inventor of photography ," accompanied by a
latter written by Niepca himmlf. At the sauM meeting M. Forest
also ptiaantaJ a Dagiieiiaotype view of the village of Bry-sur-Sfame,.
Dagaaiia, and duly authenticated. In years to come theae
ba of inaatlmable value, and, the greater number of them
that ooaaa iato tha haada of public bodies like the Socitit<5 Fran^iee,
the gnatar their chance of uktmato preservation. Private individuaU
an, for obvious reasons, the worst caatodiaas of these treasure;!.
Macio Pliotocrapba. — Metaphorically speaking, we rub our
eyes at beholding in one of our Parisian contemporaries a full, true,
and particular account of bow to make magia photographs. Several
of iu readais, it seems, had asked how tham pieturea were done, and
the journal quotaa the method from Lei Riertation* Sdentijiquet of
MM. Baigaret at Dronin. Who art MM. Baigeret et Drouin that
■29
THE BRITIPH .lOUENAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[January 8, 1892
f elxMld be held up to u» a* aulhoritie* on this momentous
■t? Tken the journal in queition goe« cja to gravely t«ll the
J how U Ue»ch prints with mercuric chloride, and blacken them
atdphite or hyposulphite of soda, and winds up with the in-
.^-ladoB that suclt is the "secret" of magic photographs. Shade of
^aattArcher— thy "secret" in the keeping of MM. BergeretetDrouin!
tnext?
Slkonoren-Pyro Development. — The Deuttehe Photo-
yyliff^f Ztitunff reoomraen'ls, where any difficulty is experienced
am gvttii^ sufficient density with an eikonogen developer, to add a
aJrtiiin of pyro to the solution, and proceeds to give formulae for the
yipmiu If there is one property of the photographic negative more
^thaa any other which it is deiirable to have completely under control,
it ia that of density. Without it the finest detiul, the most deli-
«ata ludf-tonee, and the completest absence of veil from lights and
«hadows are of secondary importance. There is a touch of the irony
«f fate in the necessity experienced or even suggested that pyre's
■ival, eikonogen, should sometimes require its assistance to finish its
-work for it. Pyro still holds the field as an all-round developing
«geat, from which no one of its homologues or congeners will ever
j^itMy dislodge it.
A NEW TELESCOPIC PHOTOGRAPHIC LENS.
(JOUENAL OF THE CaMBBA ClITB.)
Tkb object I have in view, in the lens-construction to which I invite
ycmr attention to-night, has been to produce large primary images,
of sofficient brilliancy to be of practical value in rapid photography ;
there are also other advantages, to which I shall refer later on.
Hitherto only two methods of accomplishing the end in view have
lieea employed to produce large images: first, the employment of
TBiy long-focus positive ordinary lenses ; and, second, the production
<t • primary image by one positive lens, and placing a secondary
'ai^piiner, or second positive lens, behind the plane of the primary
ionse, which enlarges it more or less, according to its focal length,
jiMtts adjustment between the positions of the planes of the primary
m«ge and that of the focussing screen, as in the photo-heliograph, &c.
The first of the older methods has been seldom employed, except
ia astronomical photography, on account of its unwieldy dimensions,
«ad the second method referred to is practically useless for ordinal y
f hotographic work, on account of the great loss of light involved,
leadering the length of time necessary for proper exposures so great
as to cause it to be almost prohibitive, except for inanimate objects.
Tlie new lens, as you are already aware, is composed of only two
-elements, and the image given by it is primary and inverted. By the
fact of the image being primary and inverted, it looks, at first sight,
anomalous that for equal extensions of camera, the image given by
tke new lens is several times larger than that g^ven by an ordinary
lens of hitht rto known construction.
la comparing two lenses, no matter of what form of construction
^«bea focussed upon a distant object), if the size of the image given
fcy one is n times that given by the other, you are aware that the
focus of the one is n times that of the other, provided, as before
stated, the images compared are direct, primary, and inverted.
The focal length of a lens is measured, for practical purposes, by
'tiu distance between one of the principal planes passing through one
of the nodal points of the lens towards the principal focal plane
^vhere the image is received) and that plane.
In most lenses in existence the position of the principal plane
referred to can be marked upon the lebs-raount and has already been
-sagseeted, first, I believe, by Mr. Wamerke, as an important addition
to toe measurement and description of lenses, as furnished by opti-
oaao. The most recent and important contribution, however, on
-this suDJect was recently furnished by Professor Silvanus Thompson
ia a very interesting paper, deUvered on the 2-<th of November last, at
tke Society of Arts, and published in its Journal. In the case of the
capid rectilinear, for example, the nodal point referred to is not
■^xae&j at the diaphragm slot, but a little behind it ; but in most
leaa constructions in use the nodal point is within the mounting of
*Im instrument.
In some, however, by the accidents of construction, it is shghtly
%ehiad the lens, as, for example, in certain forms of deep Meniscus,
«b4 in others it is slightly in front or beyond the mount, as in
Petsval's orthoscopic. [In last week's British Joubnal of Photo-
'aULlPHY this construction was referred to in a letter signed "E.
iSiuselL" I wish to call attention to the fact, that the object in
introducing a negative element, in the orthoscopic lens referred was
for the pi.rpose of the cure of distortion, as its name signifies,
although it was not perfectly accomplished, and the model point is
thrown only sliehtly in front of the lens mount by the accident of
construction. Mr. J. Traill Taylor has, I believe, already pointed out
that this form of construction necessitated a slight enlargement of the
image; but in his leading article in The British Joubn-al of
PHOTOanAPHy, of the 16th of October, describing my new lens, he
says : " We have frequently dwelt on the advantages that would
accrue from such a construction." The argument in Mr. Kussell's
letter, however, appears to be the good, chary, old one, " that there
is nothing new under the sun."]
Now, the main object of this invention has been to puiyoiely throw
the nodal point, from which the focus is actually measured, to any
distance I choose in front of the lens itself into space, thus attaining a
large direct image, without the necessity of a bulky and long exten-
sion apparatus. This, then, is the principle of the construction, and 1
will now proceed to demonstrate the manner in which it is arrived at,
as also point out the possibilities that the construction permits of
qualities that have never existed in any former lens.
The anterior element ia a positive lens, preferabU' of large
aperture and short focus ; the posterior lens is a negative element of
SQV1& fractional portion of the focal length of the anterior positive
lens (in Petzval's Orthoscopic it was more than twice the focu?).
Roughly, the shorter the focus of the posterior lens as compared with
that of the anterior lens, the greater is the size (for a given extension
cf camera) of the enlarged primary image produced.
I have said that the anterior lens should be preferably of large
aperture and short focus. It is self-evident, as, in ordinary construc-
tions, the larger the aperture the greater will be the rapidity ; and
the reason of its being preferably of short focus lies in the fact that
the absolute distance between the planes of its own focus for parallel
rays on the one hand, and a near object on the other, is, of course,
less with a short-focus lens than with a lens of long focus.
A similarity between this construction and the Galilean Telescope
was referred to lately in a French paper, the Photo Gazette, by M.
W^allon. This, as I pointed out to M. Wallon, of course, is not so
absolutely, in that the rays emerging from the Galilean Telescope are
divergent, and not convergent ; but, by a correct adjustment of the
two elements composing the new lens, it can be employed as a Galilean
Telescope, as I described to Mr. Traill Taylor in the latter part of
September.
Referring to the figure, if the negative lens B be placed at proper
distances from the positive lens A, the raj'S can be made to emerge
parallel, divergent, or convergent.
For the purpose of forming an image for any given position of the
focussing screen, they must be made convergent, producing a direct
primary inverted image.
It is immaterial what position may be chosen for the plane upon
which the image is to be received ; it may be either in close proximity
to the posterior lens, or removed to any distance whatever further
away ; but, in order to focus, it is essential that a con-ect distance be
given between the two elements of the lens itself ; in other words, a
correct adjustment of their separation, focussing always being most
easily and sometimes necessarily accomplished in this manner
(Fig. 1). For example, supposing the lens were focussed upon a
very distant object — say, the sun — with the focussing screen set at a
given distance, it would be impossible by any adjustment whatever
of the focussing screen to find a plane where the instrument would
come to focus for very near objects (Fig. 2).
Near objects with the lenses in their former adjusted or fixed posi-
tion wiiuld send the rays from such objects, after passing through
the entire lens, divergent and not convergent.
On the other hand, if the separation were adjusted between the
two elements for a near object, and it was then pointed towards a
distant object, it would be found equally impossible to find any posi-
tion for the focussing screen, in which the focus could be observed,
except, as before stated, by an alteration between the separation of
the component element of the lens itself.
It is evident that, the longer the focus of the positive element in
the construction, the greater would have to be the separation between
the two elements for near or distant planes.
In this construction there is, then, no limit to the size of the
image that can be obtained, a slight adjustment in the separation of
the two elements producing the correct focus on the screen, be it
near or distant from the lens itself ; but it must be borne in mind
that the greater the separation between the plane of the foccussing
screen and the lens, the less is the rapidity that can be attianed
I will now call your attention to the question of rapidity. Sup-
JumaiT 8, 1809]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
»^
Um Knea ba placed at a diatawea of Mn incbM from aa
J iaam, tad a dutaat objaet fiieiwwrt, mj the leaa has a focus
tut fvaltel n^a of t«»lT« iaaltM, if the naw lens be made to take its
plMe, aad tka aanw object b» fatiwiil, it will be foond that the
difference with one and the same instrument in tMe angle incladed for
moderate ampliScation or great amplification; bat, of coarse, more ff'
the plate is covered when it is rumored farther and further awsy
from the posterior lens.
Tkalamr
ra. ItrLb*
hU lain Ik* pMWa
tk* Imh « pwvlU to tk« ub. uid. br > propn- adiutiaaBt batwecn a kbA »,
•4 fartkv baa «a* taw ■ '
M« faritlM «l Ik* *lrti r> L°. at r*.
k puBlM tar A>Bi>r apoB a', wkiok I
to foou at r
moTcd •llfhtlr
I tkieaf k tb* ■«g«th« l«u s, yad esmiat to f ixu npon th*
I to t>k* tM poaitioa r* l'. Ikd Ubm a w.U hard to be
imajje ptodaead b fire timw bi^tr with tb* aaw 1mi than with the
cKdiaaij one, yoa kaow then that 70a em ptMetkaDr, and to all
Dtsota and pipoais, amploTBif a bat of atxty inebaa focus !
The quMfaoB aatwaPy aafad ia. What will ba th> wyidity ? The
[The principU- employed has a ttseful bearinj^ on the subject of '
ttJeaoope c-m.«truc'ion, enabfing very much higher powers to teem-
ploTed on short te1e»eop>^]
f shall feel indebted for any suggestions that may be made by tmc
r\t- 1--0« Ik* mmm ft^ tt I
I » Mar okH* j™.y >^
Ul»ol»»»«>«ir««i>»ia— .ka»»n».4l«>iii»Siiltotok»»>'iiirjirtluaia*'«rt
islitai ifci»^ikl>»iBiMi I— »*»fclfc«Wflk»>ta»fali»l»»<|ii<Mi]a
*'•
njtnm tkoi
.U».
»n'<n-r U. tliAt toa bata ta waiilir tk fraot kaa plaaad at a
' ioebea f rum tba focnaaiaf aeiaao ; ia ocbar words,
LI thrown forward oolaida tbe laoa to a diataaca of
i-ii't i:uii-i (r.m iba focatijag acrsaa (F%.3>.
I; i. -iit-nt to TOu, tban. tbat loo Maea scrsaa caaaot ba laid upon
th' 4«»irabiIit,T of lu)ra apvctaM for tka aatarior poaitira Was.
In tb« CMvcitad. aaMosiM tba bos to ba of tkiaa iaalHa apartoia,
^ on woaM tbaa ba wonoaf at aa iataositT of /-ia
aa to what ma^' ba adTanttgeooi for any partieolar appUoatioat yoa.
isar bare in «iew.
^'itb ragaid to tba band camera, in which the back lens is, say^
fire iachas from tba pkle, what focus would you likasoch a construe-
tioB to rapnaentf
Tbaa, airaitt. for corerini; larger plates, what A the minimum ax-
ana minimum an^rUi that wiO be required P
for tbe sportsman or naturalist, what ia abocrt the-
I
■ItwM* Ik* M»MNy. H I*
*». *Ulkwa*4*totok*av
Tk«|iiain«««ka— <d '
r u To
tkaasdU polat
In emplorinir this laaa, fdjllaui of l«bt will aatarally 8nia|«at
whether It be adriMble to asflof aMderaU amptiHcMioa br bavinK
■■ f-««wtaK sete»a near tba ian, Iha aedal poiat baiiv' tbiowa
*\Ay forward, or whether the eaadiliaaa am sarh aa to have a
Arable distance betwaea the leas ami the fotaMOf sewiaa, and
' r. • threw the aedal point, by the toaal a^jaatoeat, a kaf way ia
f - - if fTiM lana
tbia aad fonatr
lyefeooaato
M the ratio
amia that the
I n«e ia the fact that aay fc
Staiaad fVoo the minimam (d
• of the elaiaeDta), when the' ahts is 'dote to the
a auximam, oontroUed nlaly by the laafth of
:xiapible.
■l«teope.the srrater tbe magirilcatiuu r»-
-be Bflfb inehded, aad thcf* ia my iittia
nMwt oaaraniant lao^ and diaeiwiae of plate of box camera t»-
canyf^
~ ^HfdPSoabtlata ba intCTvating to many to know that the appli-
eaneoa of this bns to «.<tr>nimiical photography are easily accosk-
plisbed, aod, ~ - - . rahiabU. I think.
The iwffati nnnn that i.« before rou was taken with the-
fifrt roogii Wj.- 1 V .,.,,>i<-t«d, with an exteii^ion of only twenty-«i^t
inebaa. I look apoa it more aa an example of poasibilitiaa in its»
and rapidity of action than definition (thst, a^ you aee, I have sabse-
aoaatly attained), although as it is, it ha.^ been, I am pleased to tay^
faTooiBbly critiriiivd by peiaons whose judgments I hignly ralue.
Ia eoaiieaiae with tut iastmment, 1 should like to {>oint out that
the optieal flniah rcqnirad is necessarily that of the Bnest tralisk'
baatowad npoa aatrooomieal work, for, the greater tho rize of imag^
cboata, the man ate aay alight optical defects axaggvrated.
L
M
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[January 8, 1892
It ia poaaiUe that the •ppUcstion of short-focus concave lenses,
such aa myoptie spectacle eves, in connection with rapid i>ortrait
lansea (that in themaelrea will form the positive elements), will sug-
gest itaelf to your minda.
UDOorrected lenses in this application will, I ma^ say, cause dis-
appointment ; but I am enji^aged upon the construction of a properly
corrected M'ries of negative elements that may be employed in con-
nexion with rapid short-focus portrait lenses, whose construction
and com-ction 1 am responsible for, so that many who have prac-
tically placed their very rapid short-focus portrait lenses upon the
shelf wiU now find a new and interesting application for them.
In conclusion, I may say that I have endeavoured, in this new
lena, to reduce the bulk, weight, and loss of light to a minimum ;
and, while thanking you, gentlemen, for the very kind hearing you
have accorded me, I hope that you yourselves may perchance find
the instrument as interesting in its various applications as its concep-
tion and construction have been to me. Thomas R. Dallmeybs.
i'revious to reading his paper Mr. Dallmeyer exhibited two sets of
nef^tives of distant objects, taken from' one and the same point of
view with a 10 x 8 rapid rectilinear lens of thirteen inches focus, and
the new lens, with the same extension of camera. One set shown
represented a church a quarter of a mile distant, and another set
representing the Alexandra Palace Station, the distance in this case
being estimated at somewhat over a mile. In both instances the
images produced by the new lens were five times (linear) greater than
the corresponding images produced by the rapid rectilinear lens.
Other negatives were also shown ; the magnification and fine defini-
tion with the new lens was the subject of much comment and ad-
miration by the members present.
To practically illustrate the properties of the instrument, Mr.
Dallmeyer had placed two cameras at a distance of about twenty
feet from a small oil lamp, on which were fixed respectively a fifteen-
inch " long-focus landscape lens," and the new '• tele-photographic
lens." It was clearly demonstrated that with equal extensions of
camera, the image of the flame on the ground glass was five times
greater in the case of the new lens than in that of the ordinary
" long-focus " lens ; with a greater extension of camera for the new
lens, the image was very much larger.
In the course of the paper, lantern slides, representing sheep and
horses, taken from 250 yards to a quarter of a mile off, were also shown.
In the case of the sheep, comparison slides, taken from the same point
of view, with a lo x 12 rapid rectilinear of twenty inches focus, and
the new lens, were shown, the effect of comparison being very strik-
ing. These transparencies represented instantaneous work in dull
weather, but were very favourably commented on by the audience.
A transparency from a negative of the October full moon was also
much aamired.
Discussion.
■Mr. Traill Taylor said it was a matter for congratulation that one of
-their members was giving them a lens which, in his (the speaker's) opinion,
would be useful in several directions, and had long been a desideratum.
He himself had many years since adapted a barrel of the ordinary twelve-
lens Voigtlander opera-glass to the camera, and had thus obtained greatly
enlarged views, but his fault with it was that its covering power was
limited ; the image was sharp enough in the centre, but the sharpness
was confined to only a few inches around the centre. He had prepared
a paper On Makimj Enlarged Vietm by One Operation, intended to be
read at the Bradford meeting of the British Association in 1873, but,
instead of devoting it to that purpose, he slightly altered it, and gave it
as an editorial article in The Bbitish Jouiinal op Photography in that
same year and month (September 19, 1873), where it would be found.
He had not been able to see what construction of eyepiece or negative
lens Sir. Dallmeyer employed, but he liad no doubt that it was efficient,
would answer its purpose well, and do all that was claimed for it.
Dr. G. L. Johnson wished to refer to a point not directly bearing on
the lens now described by Mr. Dallmeyer. He had been using a lens
working at ^4, not a portrait lens, for copying equal size, and found at
some points it was absolutely impossible to get a sharp focus. Thecamera
might be moved back half an inch, and then it w.as easy to obtain focus ;
another half an inch, and aRain no focus is obtainable, and so on alter-
nately. He wished to obtain an explanation of this.
Mr. A. Hayman did not see why the new form of objective should not
be used with the binocular telescope. He also referred to its adaptation
to microscopic objectives of high powers, and inquired as to the origin of
Mr. Dallraeyer's experiments.
Dr. Fison asked what was the exposure given for the moon photograph
ebown ? He hod not seen anythiug so good not taken with clockwork
movement.
In reply. Mr. Dallmeyer thanked the members who had spoken for
their kind expressions with regard to the invention. Mr. Traill Taylor
had spoken in very complimentary terms of the achievement, but at the
same time seemed to infer that the idea was of his own suggestion. This
vras very surprising to him, in that when the instrument was first shown
to Mr. Traill Taylor, on the 24th of September, he had expressed himself
as attonished, and had said he bad no notion as to the manner in wbicb
it was accomplished. He had invited Mr. Traill Taylor, in a friendly
way, to see the invention at his office, in the latter part of September,
and in this sense had asked Mr. Taylor to furnish him, from his long ex-
perience, with any methods that he knew of that would accomplish the end
in view. Mr. Traill Taylor had not referred to what Mr. Dallmeyer now
understood was put forward as a suggestion originated by Mr. Traill
Taylor. In reply to Dr. Lindsay Johnson, Mr. Dallmeyer said that the
experiment as described appeared to be anomalous, for at first sight it
seemed suggestive that there was some curious property at the positions
of the planes for equal magnification, now known as the " symmetrical "
planes (happily christened by Dr. Silvanus Thompson). There was,
however, in reality no such property, and the only suggestion Mr.
Dallmeyer could make for the lack of defining power for near objects was
that, if a lens were perfectly free from spherical aberration for parallel
rays, there would be a tendency to show negative spherical aberration for
near objects, and this would render focussing more difficult. Mr. Dall-
meyer would be very pleased to try and elucidate the matter, and examine
the lens with Dr. Lindsay Johnson. Mr. Dallmeyer thanked Mr. Hayman
for his suggestions. With regard to the binocular telescope, the sugges-
tion was useful and valuable, but at present the great difficulty one had
to contend with in the ordinary binocular was the smallness of the field
when high powers were employed, so that, although it was possible, by
adding a second negative element removed to a proper position from the
first, to attain very much higher power, the field would thereby become
very small. Mr. Dallmeyer had already considered the adaptation of the
■principle involved to the microscope, and, although the thoughtful sug-
gestion Mr. Hayman had made could be employed, he must remember
that by its introduction the magnifying power also of the objective would
be reduced by necessarily lengthening its focus. Mr. Hayman had asked
how the construction of the instrument had been brought about. Mr.
Dallmeyer was glad of the opportunity of referring to this. In his
summer holiday, spent with his friend Dr. Emerson, whose attention was
now partly devoted to the study of natural history, that gentleman had
asked Mr. Dallmeyer to try and fix up tor him a large object-glass of
some six feet focus, corrected for photographic purposes, mounted in
something very light and collapsible, such as in bamboo, carrying the
lens at one end and the sensitive plate at the other, in order to obtain
large images of distant objects. As a matter of fact, Mr. Dallmeyer had
tried, in the first instance, to get such bamboos, but had failed, and he
thereupon devoted his attention to some means whereby a direct enlarged
image could be obtained, which resulted in the construction he had pre-
sented to them that evening. Mr. Dallmeyer was very gratified with Dr.
Fison's criticism of the photographic transparency of the moon. The length
of exposure was barely one second, in fact, cap " off and on " simply.
[Had there been a short-hand reporter at the meeting to take down
what was really said, it would have been seen that Mr. Taylor
promptly denied having been asked by Mr. Dallmeyer wliether he
knew of any means by which such a telescopic effect as that shown
him could be produced. Mr. Dallmeyer's memory is slightly at fault
as to our having expressed " astonishment" at such effects" It was
quite another thing that elicited the expression of this feeling — viz.,
the exhibition to us of a reflecting or mirror objective for a telescope
to be employed as a comet-searcher, and our astonishment arose from
its enormous angular aperture, for the focus was very short, and,
when the means for correcting the spherical aberration of the miri'or
were explained, we expressed our admiration, which has not suffered
any diminution since, of the ingenuity of the clever optician.
As regards the teleo-photo lens, had Mr. Dallmeyer asked us the
qutjstion above narrated, we should have been a good deal astonished,
for we thought that every optician knew that both the astronomical
and the Galilean, nay, even the ordinary terrestrial, telescope had
long b«"en employed in the production of photographic pictures. Mr.
Dallmeyer had not at this time afforded us an opportunity of seeing
his new objective, or of learning anything concerning its construction,
although we saw the image of his lamp-flame on the ground glass,
and expressed our gratification at the prospect of the commercial
introduction of a lens which would place a new power in the hands
of photographers.
It was only at the Camera Club meeting that we learned for the
first time the construction of the negative lens of the combination.
But that this application of the Galilean or opera-glass telescope
was, or ought to have been well known, at any rate to the readers of
Thr British JoDRNAL OF Photography, is a fair assumption, seeing
that in the Joubnai, and its Almanac it has been described no fewer
than three times, and not as a crude suggestion, but as an accomplished
fact, and never, in any sense, as an original suggestion of our own.
Now for the proof. In this Journai, of September 19, 1873, and in
course of an article entitled "Enlarged Views by One Operation,"
after speaking of lenses made expressly for taking telescopic photo-
graphs m military and naval engineering, we say : —
" As lenses of very long focus necessitate the use of cameras of great
Jtnukiy 8, 19M]
THE BRITISII JOURNAL OF PIIOTOGRAJHY.
25
tai«|]i, the MUM object— that k, the pradnetiaii ot ui enlarged direet
Tif— any be obtained (eartainlj oo a plate of imaU nse) bj the ose of
a eanbiiiatka of lenaee, the optiaal eectn of which (hall be at a eon-
Mmttih diilanee eatatde the leaii 0( thia kiiid the eonuBon opan-Rlaaa
fimjahaa an eiample An op«a or flaU-^aae, it need ■• a caaMm lens,
IKofaeee an enlafged imiy ot Mtm in natora. We do not ban refer
to the OM o( the kise or • objaet pmt ' tt the inetrament, bat the oom-
^-HM*^— tt oMeet^Me and eyegl— aa need for looking throogb. An
objeetiTe d thu Uod will prodoee an image having a eonaiderable degree
of ■mpKflaaticn, this depaading npoo the power c( the instroment
ft^tMngh there ia a fair degne of iharpoeea in the centre of the pictore,
it iirfilitil" it'^ doea not exttad to any diitanee from the centre. This,
bswwivr, eooM be ranadiad, witbni iwrtiin liBita, hj the adoptioa of an
erafjaee poaaeariiM a ilmOtg tatm to that of the aegattT* w— bmation of
the old orthoMopM cnmWmirtnn. We have aa old opara-glaH which
poaMaaaa in a tamarkable degree the propertr of prodoeaag a large image
with iharpnoM. Ila peeoUarity of eooatmetioa oooaiiia in each barxel
containing three Irnieaa, each eompoeed of three elaaaota cemented
together. The ohjiet ^aw ia amrently a pUno-eoovcs, bat U in reality
a donbla eoovas ol very ■iwniiil aitemal aarfee ; tha OMrtre leaa ia hi-
coaenve, and tha ^yapiiaa |dii>n wmii*. aMfa «t tbaaa bring aduomatic
in itaell Tha laegnltjlag pewar ia very great, and, whan need aa a
camera leoi^ it givea foita a leleaeopie hanga "
Again, in the Joceiial for Februry 18, \^76. ia aa article headed
by the rhiiwMii t» tka thM MMtivf Soatk Loadoa Seeietr. rdative
to eBbrKiag aa aerial ima((e, «• apoha of the " old familiar fact "
that taliianpee with their erepiaeaa eould be employed in tbt- produc-
tion of talaamia ybnfmia|ilie, and deeeribMl the appUcatiao of one of
tha Oalilaas mm (•■ nyaii gliw) to thia parpnae.
OMe mora: la oor KutkHxc tat 1^7, at pa((e IM, ondar the
haadiaK A Sottl JEmlargiitf Lout, we «y : —
" n 1*7 aatbagMatanykaewB that, by mini of aa epar»-claaa need
aa aeamara objaerfva. a gira^y wlanil iamf* of aay vtaw le which it ia
paaHBtad MM ba abtoioad. 0«iig«lallM ibaitaeea «l tha taba. and to
tbe'opliaal ariadplai ia<«hadiadMteaMliaa of alaqp iMga by maaaa
of an ofaianiva when need la enajaaaMea with a eoaeava eyepieea. tbia
farm o0cn advaatAitm io the prodaetMO of a direetlr aMgnitteil image
aot powieiiij by the ordinary tilieenye. Thia form of ' lube,'
whan aaed aa aa o^adlee lor Uw eaaam, pradaeed Iwagee of great
ihaipnaw ia the aiia. tha ihaipaeai briag aMat itwdid Ifaan I have
eeea it with aay other farm. By aMaaa of lUa faMtnuMat I obMiaed aa
aicellent aad aharp pbotegrapb of tha aaa thraa laahea in dtamatar."
From tit* fcaagouv ** ^i" ^ ***" *^ *^ priacipla of applying
the Ualiiaaa Hlmeopa to photography ia oot a norehy. We repeat
what we ka«a afaaady taid, that wa aia aaeh aliiaiil to And that
Mr. UalhMyOT kaa iatradaead tha laaa oniBiaawiMHy, aad thia qaHa
apart fraai what haa heca yravioaaiy wiittmi enaawiiiitif the poa-
anffitlaa of aaah iMHaa. Ia iatiadaciag aew knaai^ or lanraa heliered
to be aaw, bovarar, optiriaaa maat ta£e tha fortoaa of war, aad th*y
are eartainly opea to raproaeh if thay da aot aeak oidiaary mrane for
aaeertaialar what haa bean aehiered or attempted ia formwr timea.
Doai Mr. Dalfaaayar aaa aay paaribiHiy of eacape from this iaeoo*
Kka riaty laaiwf i piataim byvhieh Mr. J. PatliMHi Oibaaa ia rrpia-
^n**«d at the ai^tfl Oaa-ama Cshibitiea of the Oaaaara Chb that opmMd
' oa Taeeday laat. Hmmtj i, nafaaalieaahiy lake eqaat tnak, Jodgad fay
any tyetam of eompaifaao. with the beat of tha eeilaetloar whidi have
tharto bai plaead am flaw theaa.
Mr. Othaon ia a loviag atadaat of ^aatar* iaiMr aomeUeet mooda. for
itia ptataiaa are moatly tnwHripla of aorihars wayaida, ri*«r, aad wood-
tboagh. by way ef rdief, or pethape eoatraat, to thia vein of
ha aow aad thea ditaal* hia aavera lawarda a aaow aeeae. a
abbey, or a ipiai, roafc-parahad aMtle. Theae of aa who wtay
mtiadad to bellere, and laah wniigh to aay, that tha Tyae was
iMiatliBy, if aot aatlrely. a •• eeajyrhir.-^ba larpriaed aadddighted
at iadiag that H ia oceaaiaaany aot JaJwtor ■§ hiJaty to tha Thamm at
Viiiihead. Of the aawOer worka, TV UmOf JToer. Tkt Btmutifml
A<*ar, Tht B»mk» o/ Tfm, aad TW FaH, are. parhapa. Aa meat artiati-
eally ehoaaa, aad parfaetly cspeaed pietarve in the auBeaUoa.
llr.e{heaa'efmanwerfcia.iadaad.eB the whala. ta ba preftoiad, bodt
I fiaterlaay.to hia laffw tranMe. the lattw. howaver, beiag
aalflxia Ottba(a.nf TkavUaotoalyavafytrathfal
of a dUleaW afaal, bat aaaeaada la aothiag ao mneh aa eon-
'<^7iag tha aaaaalioa «t dipartlag ihtlHaaea to tha miad of the q^eeUlor.
A* Jmlmmm B»xt, aa tha olh« haad. tha haxa ia, aa It were, too
.,«arty aad ebrlearly IowBmI ta M>a aeatra of tha plctare aad Twlfff At,
a most ambitions attempt, from the same species ot defect, only just tails
of real mastarfolneaa. Mr. Oibeon's haze effects, in (act, as well as a
somewhat prominent idiosyncrasy In shading off distances, to secure the
beet effects of depth and separation, are not so happy as one could
wish.
To our mind, however ,' Mr. Gibson soorea an unqualified triumph in
Weary, a fine theme, most ably and] dramatieally handled. In the fore-
ground ot the picture reclines a tired woman, while the road stretches
away for miles, forbiddingly hard and cruel, across an undulating country.
It is late aft«moon, and the sun is well on the decline. On all hands, it
must be allowed that in this picture Mr. Gibson shines poetically, pio-
torially, and technically. lU is unqoaetionably the finest in the collec-
tion.
Mr. Gibeon's prints are seemingly chiefly done in platinum or bromide,
and the key of most of bis tones is that ot thoughtfully subdued warmth.
His clouds are always cleverly choeen and carefully introduced, and he ia
landably sparing in the employment ot figurea. Thia very sparingneas,
however, ia the seeret ot his anocees in a branch ot his art in which tew
photographera ezeeL Shall we add, too, that we do not find in any of
his picturee a semblance of that unfortunate misapprehension of the
functions of a photographic objective which has recently prevailed among
many otherwiaa elever photographers 1
Alike to the stodent or beginner in landscape photography, and that large
seetion of the pablie to whom the high level of artistic excellence reached
by modem photographers is as yet but a partly opened book, Mr. Patti-
•oa Gibeon's admirahle eoUeetion offers a capital educational opportunity
for the BMat aearrhii^ iaapeetion and analysis. Modem landscape photo-
graphy aad oae»f ita acknowledged matters are hare aeen at their best.
THE ACIDIFIED "HYPO" BATH.
[" AasBU-Aj> AsaetLor PaorooBArsT."]
Foa ao many jaars photogr^>ber8 have been warned against the danger
of aaid ia their "hypo" bath, that the mention, at no distant date, of aa
" acid Aaiag bath " woold have excited derision only. In many ways
thia dread of aeid ia a' desirable fright to enltivate, for acid hypo waa
oae of the eaaaea ot the fading in old silver prints oi\ p^ier, and so many
artiata' work by " rule of thumb " only that, unleae the fear of acid in
thrir ** Sxing adation " were constantly held before their eyes, there
woald be dangK of aa era ot eeonomieal experimenting and fading.
A bath ot hypo rendered acid by mere addition of acid, such as tartaric,
eitrie, Ac, it i> not advisable to nse. Several unstable sulphur acids
reanh from the mixture, and tha inevitable reenlt woold be deposition of
•utphor and salts of rilvrr within tha film— be it of alanman oo paper or
gelatine open glass. It ha*, however, been shown tliat an acid sulphite
may be added to the hypo without any apparent reaction whatever
taking place, and this is tlie form in which the fixing bath is mode acid
whan reqnirad.
At this alaga aoeae ef my readers laay ask, •■ What doea all this tend
to— why make the bath acid ?" Tha anavrer ia (first letting it be under-
st»d tliat oaly tha hypo bath for negativea is now in question) that,
when the bath ia readsrad aeid. it kcepe in very good condition much
lunger than whaa made ia the ordinary way, and it prevents to a great
exteat the yellowing of the negativea that is broaght about when they are
fixed day after dajr in aa old bath. Negativea fixed in an acid bath have
a eriapsr, elearrr appaaianae. ar* oaaalty trsa from yellowness, and, in
I iiaasniMiiia. " print asaeh qoieker." It may be safely raid that no one
who has givea tlta method a fair trial will go back to the old plan.
Bat it will be well to point oot aertain i(ovemini.-c<iii'litionsin tlieuseof
fixiag hatha ganirally. A given weight of hypo can only take up a certain
aaooat of biWBlda of dinr, and. if the bath approach saturation point,
the result of adag it may be the prodnetjoa of insoluble salts of silver
within th^^lm, whiah evantaally deoompoee aad lead to the destruction
ot 4fc4lStty of the aa^live, or. perhaps, oaaae a ao-ealled fading.
Haaaa it aboald be a rale of worldng always to nse a Urge overplna of the
salt to be oo the safe side aa legarda permaneney.
Then, as to the yellowing, the real caaae of which is not by any means
wall oaderatood : Whea time ia ao sulphite in the developer, tha dis-
eoloaraiiea alwaya oeanra through the products ot deeompoeition of
pyrogalloi etaining tha film ; with sulphite in the developer this is mini-
adaed to a greater or leaa extent, but not always preventad entirely.
Singalarly aaoo^, another cause (for years welt known to me and very
likely to other*) had oot been publicly mentioned till Mr. Cowan, at
tha London aad Provincial I'botographio Association, pointed out that
the employment of tlie hypo after being previonaly oaad for the fixing
woold eaaai the yellowing. Thia is perfectly correot, and it is strange
S6
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
f January 8, 1892
that no ooe befon ealled attantion to the fact. I vould, however, add
here that tctj mneh depends apon the character of the film as to the
extent it will diseolour. A thin film will, in ordinary hypo, remain
lUMoloortd when a thick one would be a dark yellow. The same will be
ob— ived when nsing acid hypo : if working with one kind of plate the
bath may be osed for days, while another kind will begin to discolonr
after corapanttiTe brief oae. It is snch unnoticed variations of con-
ditions as thene thatoaase the discordant verdict we so often peruse when
novel modes of treatment are written about.
In conclusion, I may say I have, since I first used acid in the " hypo "
bath, developed it with many hundredweights of hypo without any evil
reeolts, and with great benefit to the appearance of my negatives.
It is said that the best plan is to use the bisulphite of soda of the
ihops. But this is not so readily obtained as ordinary sulphite, and it
does not keep well. Hence, I use, for the sake of uniformity, recrystal-
Uted neutral sulphite, and I acidify it with sulphuric acid, as being
cheaper and just as good as any of the crystallised acids, tartaric, &c.,
omally recommended. Here is the formula : —
Sulphite of soda 2 ponnds.
Strong sulph one acid 2 ounces.
■Water 1 gallon.
Mix the acid with a pint of the water ; dissolve the sulphite in the
remainder ; add the two liquids together.
Of tlie solution so made, add half a pint to each pound weight of hypo
when dissolved to the required strength.
G. Watmocoh Wbbstkr, F.C.S.
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY'S LECTUEES.
Mb. Thomas Boias os toe Applicatios of I'HoTooBATHr to the Indds-
TBiAL Arts.
Os Tuesday evening last the first of the three public lectures arranged for
by the Photographic .Society of Great Britain wai delivered by Mr. Thomas
Bolas, F.C.S., the subject lieing "The Applioaiion of Photography to the
Industrial Arts." Mr. H. Chapman Jones took the chair, and the atten-
dance numbered between twenty and thirty.
ArUtntWt and Kant's Drfinition of Art.
Mr. Bolas quoted Aristotle «8 saying that .art is a system in which con-
templation and contrivanco precede production or makini?, Kant taking
much the same view ; and then went on to deal with the incentives to its
cultivation, among these l)ein^' the purchasing power of money, impulse,
renown, and the necessities of life. As to the aisthetic sense, the beauty
of a fieet of ships appealed to one man, and well made machinery to
another. Photography had been expressively, if loosely, called an "art-
science." It was a popular phrase, and not a strict definiUon, suoh as
Aristotle or Kant would use,
ScifHtinc Principlet.
Science was the knowledge of principles rather tlian knowledge of appU-
cations. Aristotle's view was that knowledge of conclusions was less
import int than knowledg- of principles. He ridiculed mere scientific
jargon, such as that it wus more scientific to use grammes than Rrains.
He once read something in « Inch the student was exhorted to use ten
percent, colntions, and then told to make up solutions which were
certainly not in ten per cent, proportions. A friend of his recently came
into his laboratory, and adversely criticised the label on a bottle of gum
It should have Ix-en, his frieiid said, hydrate of gum. Unmeaning minute-
ness was often wisapplie.l, and was a hindrance to progress. A little
laboratory jargon was only uneful in enabling a man to pose as a scientific
man m some quarters. Delin te untrutlis hindered progress. He would
give an instance of this. An individual recently using a knife said the
rteel was as soft a.s butter, and condemned it, but said he found a softer
•pecimen to be as hard as a diamond. The scientific aim had led to good
results, when the efforts of the noisy commercialist had not. The negative
gelatine process was an Ulustration of the influence of the scientific aim.
The Seicntijii: aim in the Gelatine Process.
Prior to 18C1, suggestions for the employment of gelatine were vague
and attracted httle attention. The subject was then brought forward by
Captain Dixon, who was a co-worker with Hardwich and Sutton Dixon's
experiment cnl.,:,„atcd in the taking out of apatent for collodion emulsion ■
Oaudin, working about this time, stated his preference for gelatine ovei-
coll(^ion for the purpose. At p. 1.57, of Sutton's ".Notes." f,>r June 1801
Oandin said gelatine which could be mixed in nitrate of silver, was most
convenient for photogeiies. His emulsion was made with separately
waahed silver iodide and excess of nitrate,, and the directions wore
explicit enough for others to follow. The emulsion was adapted fof-
negatives, and also for positives, by long exposure for printing out.
He also pointed out, in the same memoir, how emulsions could be used
for readily making developed prints on paper. An exposure of thirty
seconds to candlelight and one in diffused light gave a latent image.
Gaudin predicted the revolutionary effects of gelatine, but he was not a
Commercialist. The matter rested there till 1868, when Mr. W. H.
Harrison published a remarkable paper in The BniTian Joukxal or
Photoobaphy, on the " Philosophy of Dry Plates," which, from the
Fcientific point of view, was a good elucidation of general principles. He
prepared a gelatine bromide emulsion developable in an alkaline solution j
Gaudin had developed in solution of tannin, which was non-alkalinc. Mr.
Harrison did not appear to have made any endeavour to put emiilsiong
or plates on the market. He treated the matter from a scientific point
of view, and there was no doubt that to him belonged the credit of having
first prepared a gelatino-bromide plate, for alkahne development. He dealt
fully with the scientific principles involved. In 1871 Sutton wrote a long
letter in The Bkitish Jouknal of Photography dealing comprehensively
with the whole question of emulsion making. Maddox followed next,
and his process was analogous to Gaudin's. By this time, the way had
been prepared for Burgess, Kennett, and others ; but ten years elapsed
before photographers realised the utility of the process. Gaudin, Harrison,
and Sutton, showed the way for the commercialist. A knowledge of
principles was the direct outcome of scientific aim, and scientific aim was
at the bottom of scientific progress.
Facilities for Experimental Work.
In connexion with the suggested establishment of technological schools,
facilities for experimental work should be afforded. At present this has
to be done at a person's own expense, but it should be altered ; he should
not only have tools, but food and lodging. The modern principle of
scarcely recognising work with the scientific aim was calculated to hinder
the progress of technology. Public or national laboratories had bejn
dealt with by Professor Oliver Lodge at the last meeting of the British
Association. The commercialist at present had no means of knowing
what had been done in the past, and great national wa^te had occurred
through his attempting operations which experience had shown to be
futile. The manufacturer should be able to get such information from a
technical institute.
Discussion.
At the conclusion of the paper there was a brief discussion. Mr.
William Bedford asked if Mr. Bolas would apply the same ruli>, to
the a;t side as to the scientific side in teacliiug, and the lecturer replied
by quoting Kant aud Bacon to show that the teaching of art was im-
possible, although certain manipulations might be taught which would
enable a man to manifes-t his (iwn individual impressions. The Chair-
man, from his experience as a teacher of so many years standinc, found
it ditlicult to persuade people that principles must be taught?' They
looked for an immediate application of them. Mr. E. Clifton looked in
the near future to great assistance from the popular press, and thought
journals of the Tit-bits type useful in disseminating technical information
Mr. Bolas avowed himself a reader of Tit-hits, and said he thought
that these items of technical news should have a date and tlieir source
appended to them. Mr. W. Coles wanted to know how the food and
clothing were to he provided, and how Mr. Bolas would distinguish between
those entitled to facilities for experimental work and those who were not?
The lecturer thought thd questions outside the scope of his lecture. They
must first recognise principles, aud then find means. The meau.s were a
diflSculty in all conilitions of society, and were a ditliculty now The
matter would gradually solve itself. Absolute, complete, and unfettered
democracy in the ideal sense was coming ; but they were not ready for it
now. ^
The lecturer was thanked, and the meeting ended.
COLOUB PHOTOGRAPHY "AN ESTABLISHED FACT."
(Philadelphia Public Ledgek.)
A LAiiGE audience of ladies and gentlemen, which crowded the hall of the
Franklin Institute last evening, heard a most interesting lecture by Mr
William Jennings, on the beauties and wonders of the Yellowstone region
and witnessed, thrown upon a screen, a fine collection of photographic
views. 111 which Mr. Frederic E. Ives successfully reproduced the colours
of nature. On August 9 last Mr. Ives and Mr. Jennings started from the
Broad-street station of the Pennsylvania Kailroad, fully equipped with
cameras and kodaks for a four thousand mile journey, aud they succeeded
in capturing views of some of the grandest scenery in the country.
Mr. Ives, who was introduced by Professor Houston, said the greater
portion of the illustrations shown were " snap-shots " made by Mr
Jennings, and the pictures, he said, would do credit to the best photo-
Jmtuj 0, laos]
THE BRmsiI JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
27
gmpiqr. This tiMi »iu»i was straoglir borne oot by the entbastssm of ths
•fpndatiTe sodisoee. Hr. Ives siso npUined that he had remedied
Mrtaia isfcets ia his eoloar etinen, and he had been so (oooessral in
nhtoislag Ofsa hndseapes and other nsva as to eunTinee former Meptica
ol IIm poasibilil]' of making pboUgrapb* ia the eoloar* of natare. The
linnHght Bssd Utt •raainit, ks said, was not poaerfal enoa;;h to bring
oot <h« saaUiriit Uloainatiaa. but the efbet'prodoeed was intermediate
>isl»asD Boealicht and snolight. The oeoasioB. be said, was the first in
the world ia whiah an attMipt was made lo illnatiato ajieetnre with photo-
grapUs jirtaisi ia the nataral aoloan. aad before the elose of the season
he meant to dcmoni trate ths aaeeeas attained with a greater Tariety of
■nbjaels.
Mr. Jeaaiacs then foUowisd with Iha story of the trip, and told it in
ineh a vivid ntaaasr aa to fairly oairy hia haaias along with him. Some
of the riawB skowa were eztnaaly bsaatifal. and whan ths last picture
had bean thiowa opoo the lerssB, ths fsnaral fecliog ssnmsd to be that
the npradaeliaa of tlia oaioois of natnrs was an establiahad faet.
A ••PAKALLACnC" METHOD OF FOCCSSING.
I" AaMi««a jLnsALO* PMnoaaArsT."!
Etut oaa who osas a eopyiaf OMMn i« well awara at tha dwrtaotaiaffi
of tha ocfiaaiy grcoad-giaM tawa. when it is a gnisrtoa of
fnwiasiwt Aa diflaol^ powa aa Iha seals el
aad Iha «un>l»yaiaut of a aMSBifyiafl.^asa oflaa asrraa ealy to
TTiatlwa warsa. aa it exagcimlaa Iha Inliwl daiselB of Iha grooad-
ehtaa ■arfaee lo soeh a degree that the Sasr Raaa of tka aalargad iaiaca
aia wtth diflaol^ aesa. and with still gnalac dUkaUy broagfat to a
Examiaa a pisaa of grooad gtaas with a mtenneopa : U wfll be toaad
to ba ac« a ptaaa wuHm by amj ■sani. bat a vciy roogh a^fiamtioe of
hills aad TsUfja, itran all oiar wilb jagasd poiatt whiah raflaet tha
light in all direstiaas. MslhiMSliMl sasaiasy of toeaa saaaet ba aeearsd
«a sash a suifcsa; wa aight as wall sapael lo make fias mieromatsr
Bkaanuaflsfata oa a cobhiaslpaa roadwi^.
laiiispiaa at fowiilag aaw prepaaaa la this artiela. Iha iaaaasiag
f*et*tB, aa each. U diasardsd atlsgilhar (Us oflaa hsiag ■•Mt <•>!«• »
genstal idaaaf what wiO affaar oa lbs plala). and Iha imago, tormad in
tpoet, ia aiaaiiMil aad maiia daar and sharp by a specially made msa-
Dlfler. TkaoMlhod U aalM a -paiaUaatie* ooa. from luUkaaawlo
thawaD-kaowa asaiw of irtmauaiwi ia laMlag a shaip T^aas aa a Mat
i'lMsofia ahjutL Tha wasUag ayapfasa of lilsasopm aa amThody
ws wha haa poapai thwgh Ifcaai— hava oaa or met* tim Haas
«taha« aMaa tha Oali. Ijteg ia Iha ptatlM foeal plana of ths eyapisca.
Tbaaa liaaa ais varioaaly eallad ~ sroas-haifs." » spida
wins," Aa. Now. wkaa aa ohaariat at tha eye aad of a N
to aaaaM khaasM that IB ehfaet «i<hia Iha flald ct eiaw b aaevaMy
focaaaad. ha ttu baiaga U lata aealaal with oaa ef Iha cfOM-wiiaa of Iha
cyapiaea. Thea ha aMvaa hia ajoa vsiy alighliy bam om sida lo ika
other, or ap aad dava. M Iba sbasrvi d objast - wabMea " in Iha sMghtast
degrss aa Iha ays ahaagse plaas. tha focoa Is at oaaa knowa lo be iaexacL
<For. oalaaa tka Im«s aad tha wirs afa ia tha plaaa. thars wiU ba aa
•ppaiaet mil I Mini of tha fonaar, <laa to paiallai.) Bal whaa. hf
moTiog tha «y«piaaa hi or aal, a paaMaa is toaad ia whiah tka ohfacl
■n* qaita itlluaaij oe tha wire, tha toau ia parfaet.
Sow. to apply tkia pmaadata to tha eamata :
Ost aay optidaa to make what l« knowa aa a •• paaUiia ayapiaca,"
magatOli»>. say, twaoty or tweatyflvs Umsa. with twa efaaa-wiiaa placed
:« -f- ■« iia toaaa. (Bash avspieaaa eagbt aot to aoat awsa thaa t»
h.) Afooad tha toba of thia ayapiaca hara a aoOar flltad-llha the
Mga'af alcaa-sothatwhaalba sallar. or flaaga, nata against tha
Mtk hca ol Iha gmoadnlsas sarssa, Iha c*«a».«ina will ba ia Ika
e> plaaa af Ma saagkaaad or faansKag saHaer, tka ijiplisa. ef aoatM.
jaaUag Ikiaa^ aa apartmo la tha glass.
I of ggfag to tha iraaUa of hotiag a hole hi tha giaead glata.
anaa aoald bs laads ia twa piaaaa or stripe, laavhig aa
vixa spaas as wids aa Iha diaaster of iha lyipisss labs, aloag tha
Uaa (lalermny or eartiaally. aa fcraad aoat aoavaaiaat) aiai«
fcayspiiBislidsa; IhaaginagaehaiaaalaHaatotofooasaa.
For w—pli. aa •« 10 tniassiag setasa adiflMl ia this way (or aae
with aa lyrplsca ef oas inch eatsUo illainslif aaald ba made ef two
•tripe each H • 10 iadiea. faataaad ia Iha appar aad lawn halvaa of tha
<tamiiiinghama.laa«ag a sai task slot for tha ^yapleaa to Uaval aloag.
Thsaa alripa am pntaaUy aada ef platt glaaa with Italy paratM
•arlHaa. aad Ikv skoaU ba asisatod ftnt of an. and giraB to On eptidaa
aa Ikal ba MB aAtMl Iht eMiaa flaagi to eenamad.
To use : —
Get the picture approximately focasaed on the cround-glasa strips.
Place the e.vepiooe in the groove. Move it about so that the cross-wires
are in contact with any convenient object in the pictore. Rack the
foenssing loreen in or out until a movement of the eye in any direction
prodnees no apparent duplacement of the image on the wire. The focus
is then accurate. Clabxkcs E. Woodman, Ph. D.
^«r diitanal Caftlc.
Thb Amuucan* .■Vn.vi-al ok Photooiu.phy fob 1803.
l««Joi» A3t»t$: Hampton, Joilil A Co., FMringOon Street, K.C.
I.v this Annual the Xew York Plioti^raphie 7Votm baa given us a
volume which amplv keeps up its hijjh c"har«ct«T. It is quite plethoric
with illostratioDS, there betn^' no fewer than iwentv-four, reprvsentiofc
various »tvle8 of printin;:. Hie text portion covers manv phases of
pbotofnraphv, and is contributed bv .\merican and Engli&h authors,
wboae names are well known. £;U«where we give extracts from its
pagea. The name of the Editor does not appear.
Pebcy LrsD & Co"8. Platb IUckiko Pafbbs and
Pbivt-dryi.n'o Pads.
M— «BB. LrxD .t Co. have aubmitted to us samples of non-actinic
papmr, coated with an adhe-ive substance. TheM will be found ex-
ceediagljr effective for backing purposes. The same 6rm's print-drying
pad coasisliniT of a number of sheets of bibulous blotting-paper, placed
betareenmetal^ sheets, is an addition to the implements of the
aawtrur's printing room of cnnsiderablo convenience. The need of a
ataaaa for eaatlr drying and flattening prints is often experienced, aad
ia these pads it is neatlv suppfied.
Fallowfirld's Remmmirmmetr for Janoarr, quite sostoins its repu-
tatioo for placing bayart «i rnpimrt with 'the newest iotrodaclions
and appUaaeca oa tha market at the earliest momenU
Xkw DtAPHBAOM SHirrruu
B*a<«h a Lamb OpUcml Comftaj.
This new American shutter has been introduced into this country by
Messrs. Charles. Iteynold. A: Co.. ":», Fore-stieet, London, K.C., who
tia the wholesale ag«nts tut it. The cut givee such a good illustration
-— -.'Ir
of tha shutter as aot to neorssitate much explanation. It can be set
for tiiaa aa well as for instantanet^os exposarea, and by rotating the
disc at the top, the iris diaphragm can be set to any desired aperture,
fmm the greataat to the amal^t. The shutter is neat and elegant,
and,aa regard* construction, is a finespecimen of mechanical exoelloaca.
38
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[January 8, 1892
Thb Photoobaphkb's Diahy and Dksk-book fob 1892.
JaBM BUekmorv, 55. Cluuic«r7>Une.
For »eTer«l ymn part we have been happjr to welcome the pnWica-
tjon of this aerriceaUe Toluroe. In addition to a larfre collection of
■teodard formul* and other information likely to be of use to photo-
graphers, the diarv portion, interleaved with blotting-paper, will be
foood T9TJ bandy by business men. The book has, by way of frontis-
piece, a portrait of Mr. William Bedford, which is a capital likennss.
Accompanying it is a short sympathetically written bio(fraphy of the
past President of the Convention, the Cdelity of which will be in-
stantly recognised and appreciated by that gentleman's many friends.
Lantkbn Supks AJrr How to Makk Thkm.
B7 A. R. DsissxB.
Thk second edition of this manual (published, as before, by the
Flry Manufacturing Co.) has received several additions at the hands
of the author, and now numbers fifty-aix pages. In this edition Mr.
Diesser gives directions for toning slides by the uranium aud ferrid-
cyanide process, presumably already known to most of our readers.
But such directions, coming from a practical man like the author, will
ever be received with interest. The brochure is written in a pleasant
style.
iClr^ttngjS of ftocCetteg.
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK.
OMaofllMUaf.
autoiSoeMr.
ria<»otll««tin|.
JaniurT 11
„ 11
Darlington
TrereVTan Hotel Darlington.'
Assn. Stndio, Nethergate, Dandee.
20, HanoTer-sqnare.
„ U
11
11
North Middleiez
" 12 . ...
Arcli 40a, Killf?'8-ro:id, Brighton.
Smith's Hcstunraut, Victoria-street
50, Great Rnssell-Bt., Bloomsbnry.
n la
Derby
18
12 :::
:: Jl :;:::;
Newcutle-on-T]meA:N.OoimttM
Mosley-st.Caft*. Newcastle-on-Tjne.
12
Stockton
Muonic Court, High-street.
Art Gallery, Tpswich.
Mayor's Parlour, Old Town Hall.
School of Art, Nebon-place, Cork.
Anflerton's Hotel. Fleet-street, K.C.
High-street, Putney.
" 13 :::::
.. IS
IS
Leioetter and I<«iceat«rahiro ..
„ IS
Phot09Ti^>hio Club
: IS ::::::
„ 13
Reading
„ 13
Stockport
Mechanif^* Institnte, Stockport.
Association Rooms. Price-street.
n u
„ u
Birkenhead Pboto. Association
; 14
Bradford Photo. Society ....
50. God win- street, Bradford.!
Chariug-cross-road, W.C.
^ 14
n 14
Oheltifnham
r ; „ 14
Morley Hall, Trlanple, Hackney.
Champion Hotel, 15, Alderseate-st,
36, Oeoi^e-street, Manchester.
Grayesend.
I^ceum, Union-str^t, Oldham.
I 14
r w
14
14
Manchester Photo. Sodetr
North Kent „
Oldham
„ IS
Cardiff
" IS
Holbom
„ 15
Leamington
Trinity Churoh Boom, Morton-st.
n IS
Maidstone
n 15
Greybonnd Hotel, Richmond.^
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
Dkckmbkb 31,— Mr. C. H. Cooke in the chair.
Messrs. A. J. Campbell, J. Cole, and G. T. Harris were imanimously elected
memben of the Association.
Mr. J. Traill Taylor presented a copy of Tbk British Journal Photo-
ciiAPHlc Alma.vac for 1892, and Mr. H. E. Davis The Tannin Process, by C.
Kussell, for the Association's library. The ilonors were thanked.
Mr. W. K Debenhani exhibited a glass-cutting board of his own contrivance.
Tlie ganges were hinged together, and folded back. The size of the board was
10x12. The gau^ t<«ether measured •ei.^lit and a half inches, and cuts to
that size, and to aiz and a half inches, four and three quarter inches, four and
a quarter inches down to one and five eights of an inch could be made by turning
back the flaps as required.
Mr. G. W. Atkins showe<l a nnmber of lantern slides developed with the
rodinal developer distributed at a previous meeting. He had found it very
quick in action.
Mr. A. Haddon inquired the grounds ujwn which Mr. J. Weir Brown con-
aiilered the pictures produced by his new uranium toning process permanent.
Hypo and potassium ferridcyanide were used to dissolve out the silver, and
this iiecessiuted prolonged washing, which would remove the image. A dilute
solution of acetic acid would retain the uranium image, but this could not be
naed on account of the hypo. In consequence of these toning experiments
iiraniam would probably be used a great deal in future. Uranium nitrate was
not a very cheap salt, and it might !« useful to know how to save the residues.
rhe Baatmnn Company, in their uranium toning instructions, advised the
emptying of the useil solution down the sink. He (Mr. Haddon) thought it
would be better to use a small quantity of a cheap salt to enable one to recover
the nranium. If a small quantity of potassium ferrocyanide were added to the I
Bsed toning solution, it would throw a deposit of ferrocyanide of uranium. On
same future occasion ho would give a method of converting the uranium ferro-
cyanide into nitrate.
Mr. T. E. Freshwater, in connexion with the permanency of bromide
prints, quoted from a letter he had received from a friend residing among the
Himalayas complaining that some bromide prints issued as book illustrations
during tlie last five years were badly faded, and, in some cases, nearly
obliterated. The silver print, issued with Abney and Robinson's silver printing,
waa nearly as good as when issued. Platinum prints, when mounted behind
glass, develop^ a fungoid growth over the surface. Some 12 x 10 albumen
prints showed no change, although the mounts had yellowed. Tliey were made
from vigorous negatives, and the paper sensitised in a fifty-grain bath. They
lasted longer and were better than the prints now issued in tine black tones.
Mr. T. BoLAS observed that there was one condition under which no silver
print would not fade. In referring to silver prints he excluded prints toned
with gold. ITie condition most destructive to permanency was the presence of
sulphuretted hydrogen. If silver prints were kept in a damp place, sul-
phuretted hydrogen would be formed, and destroy the print. It was the
custom of paper-makers to search for substances for tenacious fibres, and
sulphate of lime had long been used. The action of moisture and organic
matter on sulphate of lime produced sulphide of calcium, caused by the or-
ganic matter of the paper reacting with the lime, and so forming the sulphide.
The carbonic oxide or dioxide of the atmosphere dejiosited carbonate of lime
and free sulphuretted hydrogen in the paper. They knew that any ordinary
book, if put in a damp place, would soon smell of sulphuretted hydrogen.
Sulphate of lime being reduced to sulphide, the reaction .of the latter with
carbon dioxide liberated sulphuretted hydrogen, which no silver print would
stand ; for all silver prints would fade under the action of sulphuretted hy-
drogen. The presence of sulphate of lime in papers and mounts would account
for the fading of silver prints. The sulphide of silver formed was dark, if
there was enough of it ; but probably it was oxydised into sulphate, and
became diffused through the paper, which would account for the fading of the
prints. In time the whole of the silver would be diffused through the book.
It had been said that the paper of the books referred to, when sent out, was
damp. A damp book, put on a dry shelf, would be months before it was dry.
The subject for the evening was Warm Tones on Lantern Slides, and Mr.
Cowan ob.served that he found no difficulty in getting warm tones with chloride
plates. With bromide plates he recommended the use of carbonate of ammonia
in the developer.
Mr. J. Traill Taylor exhibited several slides produced by various methods.
One, which had a beautiful warm tone, produced either by mercury followed
by ammonia, or sulphide of ammonium, had, as they could sec, faded very
much. There was another in the act of disappearing. Some, made in 1868
by wet collodion were toned by immersion in a weak solution of potassium
sulphide, and were quite as good now as when done.
Mr. BoLAS asked Mr. Taylor if he thought the whole of the image was con-
verted into silver sulphide, or whether another compound was formed which
might be more stable tlian the normal sulphide ?
Mr. Tavlor said prol)ably such a compound was formed. In reference to
one of the slides, he might say that Fox Tiilbot had borrowed it of him, in
order to engrave it by photoglyptography. He did not undo it, but got
excellent sharpness, employing a light which gave no parallax. He placed
it in contact with the steel plate, and sent the light through the glass. The
result was perfectly sharp, having the light at a considerable distance. The
small beam of sunlight used gave no parallax.
Mr. Bolas thought the method quite practicable, and referred to the making
of a single carbon print by printing through the glass at the bottom of a box
two feet deep, pointed towards the sky.
Mr. W. Coi.es inquired if the method would do for larger sized prints.
Mr. Bolas replied in the affirmative, and said a single print produced by
that metliod would be good enough for ordinary purposes.
Mr. Taylor said that he had borrowed a hint from Fox Talbot in printing
wet-collodion transparencies separated by strip.s of pajier or cardboard. The
sharpne.ss was excellent, the light being the limelight, placed at a considerable
distance away.
Reverting "to the subject for the evening, Mr. E. W. Pabfitt asked if the
illuminant employed had anything to do with warm tones ?
Mr. W. Bkdkobd thought the tones of lantern slides were influenced by the
developer, and not. as some thought, by the exposure. If, .as had been said
that evening, the illuminant were the cause of the different tones, they might
soon liope for pictures in natural colours.
Mr. Beckett alluded to a remark of Mr. Wellington's at a previous meeting,
alleging that the tones on bromide prints were affected by exposure. He sup-
pose<l this applied to plates as well.
After some further remarks by Messrs. Debenham, Everitt, the Chairman,
and others, the meeting terminated.
Camera Club.— December 31.— Mr. T. M. Brownrigg exhibited a collection
of his slides, including scenes in London, cathedral interiors, and landscapes.
Amongst the latter, which were mostly from hand-camera negatives, were some
pictures of subjects taken on the Wey and around Guildfon!. Mr. Brownrigg
gave the most entertaining and amusing descriptions with his pictures. Other
slides were shown by Messrs. Frank Howard, Williams, Howlett, Patterson,
Burchett, and Lieut.-Colonel Gale. On January 14, a paper will be read by
Mr. J. Howson, entitled, The twos and cons of Chloride Printing.
North London Photographic Society.— January .5, Mr. J. Traill Taylor in
the chair.— After the lucseutation of The British Journal Photooraphic
Almanac, 1892, by the President, a circular from the Photographic Society of
Great Britain was laid before the Society, and Mr. A. Mackie was appointed a
delegate to represent the Society on the Affiliation Committee. The evening
being oc.upied as a technical night, several members brought objects of interest,
among them Mr. A. E. Smith, who showed some very successful carbon prints,
and also some negatives of electric sparks. Mr. Coventon asked the solubility
of carbonate of lithium, and it was stated, on the authoritv of Mr. Cowan, to be
JaniMiy », 1893]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
S9
foar
to tk* ouoc Mr. A. E. Smith uked if DaUmcTcr's new lent
be nilakU far eopjing. Mr._ M acku pointed oat tlwt the field would
be too omU itrpfBttkal aM. Mr. OBomihowadioaie bromide printa,toi>ed
_ Tbe print* kad been denloped bj fenooe
It wu iMintiltfiiT the
by Mr. Weir Bwwb'i janrMi Tbe print* bad been developed br
' ' [tobmfldeatdeariaK, weraimpidlyyellowiiigintbewbiteR.
I wbr bTdnqaiBODe WB* reoomiiMaded in this
by bydro<_
WW arobatly owinc to tbe diiBcnhy of thoroocUy leoioTing tbe iron
Mr. OoramM lnweM an old iteraaaaapie ebattar oo the raUer-Uind
le, bente Ddlaayer^ aaae. nd belia««l tobeortbedaUofabont
ISn. 'Mr. PABmr aeatioMd tbat Mr. Bmxi had made far him a afety
rtaa, Itar pnfVBtinf ezpladcaa in peann
giije betif doeed by a eerrw haTingaitot paw .
B» aadda pnaaaraL Mr. OaorxKilatad that tbe prindpie had been
MM Ib a vall-kBowa water «■>«% whkk waa a«w enpaneded. Mr. Oaom
t a Htlaa of e»|ia imeati wUA ha had made to prainea exploaioa* by
of oxygen Asm a eyUader in pfeaaaea of a number of diMfent aab-
apfawtaa, ftar ptafantinf ezpladcaa in aeaaiue ganra, the entraaea to the
' ' ' *" |e in the thread*, prermti
ifiaree, each aa inm, tital, aad bnaa Uiaps ■■ ■'•o acrap* of leather, and a
fnTdrapaofoO, tha rtaolt Utag t^t wHh the leathv, aa wdl a* with the
aO, there waa a Tiolaal axploriaa, Madaat to have daatroyad any (anga which
■i(ht have been attaohtd.
fhlljllw niH»> OrnbL— JaanaiT 4, the Praaident (Mr. H. Maclean
P.O.&) ia the ehalr.— /toMmm Prtmlimg, by Mr. a naT-WnjuKsos. By
meaaa of priaU takaa ftam (ach aoUNa aeaatlte* aa Tkt Skrimftr. Th4
KtUng Tide, ke., Mr. WOkiaaaa axpUaad. irtthoat arriin pnttf. how be
work* tha piiUBua ffwaa no iiiiiiiiMjy aa to cairy off the " bine ribbon '
idea Mr tha lirt tta*b ta MMy to ha ataa a fM4 4m1
tha
of the piifMiiMa JwtM, whIA ha hi« *m man thaa ooaa. It ii
todMcrihaMwmaalp»htiBBegBBaftioilrfi,b«tc»apoiat that i* aotcwotthy
Ii III Ihia i>MMilw iif Ihi aiiallito airtial with Thaaa. hdi« daveloped I7
pyr^aaHMila, ae doobt ha** a (p— Iw imm of daaetty thaa it anMnaahle to
the aya. bat aeaa tha lata Mr. wniitaaim\ aagaUma an aot vigoroaa aad
■paifc]^ aa wo an aAaa toU they (hoaU ha for tha ' "
fcadaOy waa lU* tttmm anWaaahli ia tha earn of as eeaalii «ket apoa
' ••* " • -•• • ^ t whfah, Bwdaead oa thhoBca-
' ' - Ma ar «■ tka waOa of
Mr. Wmriaaea ihewaj
abar af hk baUra aUdai; hUawiTalu Ikat^ fflaalnUoee with maay
It amy be lai rfaaabia to rmdaa to
I Mr. WinrlMimt inilmli'ii «■• aO dcM m Wiattaa'a platai^
yim\ liiHii ftawlOKSaa^owr. Aa
I aahaUlwy dla to aaeeaaa, ha baHaeaa to aaiyaitac IriMaiaic aad
Ha doaa aot aaa a haad famen.
dab, ^faaaary I, Mr. Ctaabnao preaidiaK.— Laatara
byUawltobt,
lie cUaToM
rkotegraphle loatoty.— Daeamhar >l-<;eMral P. Dai
aid Calaaal R. M. aaaadanja*e a limuaiUillin of ftjMalaaaad Badartag
, werkiw with Mr. Hartaa'i BQaa half-plato iManlat laaten.
- Vt II liii^ad to fiav waa to AowSS with ao
I Hi
lmtfaaJ|iwfa»lili ■»iHii|i caaH ba maJawtlh
4ayl%ht.the
arilh aa aipaaaia of ftaaa Mar to taa aeeoada,
tim AaaaUiaw
with nlhw weak ■
■aeoada, wtU Mow-
wlihthiaaB^afi
>ii iwlili. the 111 iiw'i wmtimmt 6 ka aawart. tkaad iilifiiaflMa
-•(a paMod aat to ka Ika aaanaitowa af thaeupaialaakyaatottkafaat-
xalar aaadMaw ; tUa WH tta Maite aa M erdfaary kalf -ylBto ar at X
tiiiiiitil kattha riiiiiiaiw.Htodaaaaaayoaaaaadtoakiitamp
■llM aatfy todka Ito khMril neiiltai lapfaaadibaato
^-rtM^tiklf Yrt-w wad. aad
earOaa to Ika 4MHty of aaga-
la dMitj toltelidddbaad
a WW Jated to ka afght
nKaUdaaStoL Daialapad
aoda,wrkirira pate of
■Mabythe
tiabt. Tka aapitea to thaa toairtad to Ma carrier, aad the
< eaalaaf MhMwntoaaiMAMllMatoaMrkaakaf
jaatmeat maia^aa nek af dto aMMaJlha fUl I
lb* iaaa ww aaad, of nald netiUaaar clan, als laiiii
rslaiaeaMal with Iha BBoa appantaa wae thaa ■
the fiw iappUad flkm half^dato to Uxll,,lka
aaHMtokik apaateg af
wiklkaMlopaBtvaf
"dftay Btogiar (PMi
'<la< w awiban af
a^, W. A.JLJhwwB. Herbert
ily aad witk a gaad eoloar.
n, Aaanal Meetiag, Mf
X tL itoh, MJL, M.a,
T. W. Tkoratoa, J. H. Wi
QodAay
K,A.i.
Ba*. I. & Pabaar, Robert Slarfa,
A a. A Wvkartaa. Tka tkaaka af tha SaeMr wna fivca to Meaara.
itaturwtwtk. BadwaO, Tkaralaa, aad Wnkaif Ito Ik* ia^ aad nlaahia
•er^c-ttbeykadnadMadtolhaliodaty. Ike aaamforlha rear UN an w
(r>i:.,.. r;,m4rml: E. B. Jacobs M.A, M.R— Wn.|Vn«Bil« • Oodftay
K A Warkartaa.— «»>. Lihmrimm : W. A. M. Brawn.— /Tea.
I, H. Walkar.— i7«t. Trmumrtr T. W. Tkoratoa ttvn. »trf
Tt tvaleaa.— AaaiiTaal Mtm. Stawlmti : RekntMaala.
T/s«*lda Camera Oteki— Oaeankar lA Iha PmMieat (Mr. J. P. MeKlel
la (be chair.— A manbar nad a paav aa OU and Sne DniUftn, aad ahoweii
Iha (eparaUd l^padlwta of a darelopcr vm alpaatad to do. Ia tha
diiciuaion whidi followed, tbe Pbisidkit »aid that the new <lev«lop«ni were
like delicaciea, bat when we want good, steady work, we generally faU back on
pyro^anunonia. Jannarr 19, Eidargiitg, Copying, ami Reducing, and (Ke
AppantuM, by J. F. McKie. '' ■'
Fhotocnipble Booiaty of PhlladalpUa.— December 9, 1891, the President
(Mr. John C. Bollock) in the chair.— A very lame eolleetioa of interchanging
slidee from the Lantern Society of London, England, was shown. They are a
remarkably tine set, and certainly one of the b^t collections ever sent to the
Society in this manner. Mr. CHrrsrr called the attention of membets to an
intereating book which be had come acroas, {>ablisbed in Philadelphia in 1853.
It WW aotitled Plain DinctumM for OUatning Pkolographie Ptcturti by th«
Calotype and Snergiatme, Sc. ; alao Praetieal Bint3 on the Daguerreotype,
by J. H. Croacher. He read rarioa* extracts ftom tbe book, which were
interesting as contrasting some of the old-time photographic prooessea with
thoaa of the present day. Peenliar interest, howerer, was attached to one of
tha axtraeta on " Dagneneotype Panoramiqae," an aoconnt of recent threats
■id to hare been made by M. Moissard to proaecota certain Americans for an
illagad Tiolatiwi of his pataata. The extract read as follows : — "Daguerrtotype
/>aa*tam«fw;— This appaiatw ia coustnietad to admit of a riew of con-
rid«abb leagth and of axtrana nioaty of dalinwtion, being taken with a lens
of moderate diameter. Tha law is made to have a horizontal movement,
which brinn it to bnr tnoeenirely upon every part of tbe horixon within
iStf. Havfiig been fixed so that the vertical linn of the objrct are perpen-
dicnlar with a line drawn through the ground glasa on which the focn* is
taken, the prepared plate is placed in »Jlrxiilt/mme, and retained in a certain
cnrre by stops fixed to the frame. The lens is now turned to the extreme
limit of tha view to be taken, and then gradually and smoothly moved onward
by a raekwotk attached to tha camera till it reaches the other extremity,
wahiag a loagar or ahortar tima at each {loint as the object is mora or Ins
Qhnaiaatad. na plain are |weparcd and fixed in the ordinary way. The
UM of this fautmment is difficult, however, and requim considerable practice
to produn good pteturea." Mr. CABBi'rr stated that, in view of the increaM
to rtatauaiBBit w«*k, it nlRkt ba wall to ■mtfaa that a vary simple way of
Ibr tta ifaeacopa eouiMi 1 to tha an of cut film* with
To ohtato a parlbet •temnaplD aAct, tha negative has to be
th^viaws changed aronnd. If the negative was taken on a film,
tt eoaM readily be cat with a aqnara aad knife so that they would come
tagathn parikatly. Wkanjian plain ware nawl, tkay had to be cut with a
dhwiaail, Ihatahy laaatog tha riak of a roegh adga. At the next mmting ha
lalaijad to abnr aoaw nry food reaalU to traa^arondn of the kind referred
to. Dr. Mnoonx aAad whalkar any of tk* membett had tried the new
davalopn, " paia<nHo|»haBol. " Ha axpaetad to show a few lantern slidn at
tha aaitaMtUaa Bad* Iqr thia davatopar, whieh wn elaimad to ba tha oaadng
davatopst. Sobrit wwastraoaly axpaaaiv*, tha whelatalapilnbatogaboiU
thhty-lNa ewto par draehm ; bat It wn vtry powerful, aad woikad quiddy
aad ilioiuli to a vary dUato aolatioa, aboat one part to two thoonnd. It
WW partieolirly azedlnt Itar bnnida paper, giving much better whitn than
ttMhlk* obtalaed with ozabto.
RBCIMTLY KLRTED OPPICEKS OF SOCITmEL
IBmiifd lae hit for the Alxavac.)
AAaKli-c«i>Hi-LTXi AMani-R PBoTuaaArHic Soairr.- BsUbllshed 1891.
Pfmidml. Dr. A Hamlltoa. — IV»./V<Mi<ni^: J. W. Kaawotthy, C. E.
Badftra, Bev. H. J. Palmar, Malor Bradley.— ComaUy* .- W. Cbadwick, T.
Oknktaok. W. Oraeawood, B. Hall, W. Ldgk. K. Matthews, J. H. Storey,
O. Wdd.— JCaUMwa ■gnKknm.Wat .- MaatrTBaBatoa, Kenworthy, Palmer.
ManUad, Qtoaabrook. aad Okadalat— rnasanr; R. T. Manland.— J7on.
gfratory.- O. B. Dana, 1^ Bpaoat-tamea, StalyWdga.
BllMltoWtM fmatoomjLrmic Stxinr.— BstofaUahad 188S. Tha Society
aMato aaeoad aad third Tkaraday tt Ualf-paat Sevan at tha liactore Room,
MkOaad laatltata, each awalh Oetobar to April, aad fouith Thunday only
dartag tha >«• lawaiir aoatha OMapl Laatera Nigfata, when roeetlnn are
held rt Iha Yoaag Man's ChrHUta Anadatinn Room. Needlen Ariey. i>>«n'-
dtmt: J. a Stoaa, ■ ' I'mUnU: W. J. Harrison, F.O.S., E. H.
Jaqnea, J. J. Batton V. B. Ooode. W. Jonrs, A. J. Loeson, A. R.
Leagmna, O. A Tk.....— ^u, 1. Ttytor, K. E. l'nderwao<l. G. Wilke*,—
Attranaa; W. M. Hortaa. - IVwatamr ; W. Rooke. — .<fe<Ta<ari«t ; J. T.
Moaday, M, Portiaad-fwd, Mirtiaston ; A B. Tucker, 6, ParadiaMtmt
BmiMMwitmi aocnrr < - Sctvc* (PaarooaArBic SacnoK).—
Patabllahad 18W. Prmid , antt*.-rioi-Prvidfnt . Rev. J. R.
Hatkaad. ILA.-Ckmmiu>r n<T ... a. Weet, D.D., a Baidwiok, F. W.
Oarr, P. B. Priea, O. Ptanr, O. BehoaakL— TVeajarvr.- W. Doloaora.—
- - WIUhuaJ«a**,9alaadlOSOUChristcharch-n)ad.
AcalNOfT or PKraoaaaniT.— laeorporatad Febraarr, 1887.
aad Sodal aad Working Rooms are located in the Brooklyn
tadt Oonpaay'a Baildiu|, 177 aad 179 MoatHne-atraet llie
giraa to tha Baaglaad Laboratory, Baaiy-atraat, oornar of
Bariaan Madlay an bald the vconil Wadnnday evening of
Blgfctp.m. Aanod Meeting - vlty in February at
IkM plb. Prtmdnt: Frank La Manna. nU. Uonsalo Poey,
waUHaAraold.— Cb«iK<f.-thaOflk*naailJ.M''rT:i-.. <i i).,Ucorge S.Wheder,
Btarka, W. Lewi*. T. a MUti, H. Allaa Siuith, K. .V. Daodaoa, H.D.—
IVsatangr.- BdwaH H. Qaaatto.— Ammfte^ .Si-'-n-^/ry, Hermaan Tremper,
W«at Bweklyn. —Corrajumdimt /WrrUry: Harry S. Fowler, 578, Halny-
strvet. Brooklyn, New York.
Oaa aowioi. CaJinu Cura— btabtiahad 1888. Prtttdent: Haary J.
Laakai— Pfa PvnidM : Aithnr a BWml— IWosurrr .- P«ny W. OabK—
aMndanr; Bobert B Smith.— CbrranaaAM Aerstonr.- Otu L. Kannkott,
Ckn flebsol of Applied Sdaaot, Cleveland. Ohio.
CTcuan' PaixrouaArMO Pnarroun Club.- A Circulating Photographic
C1al>, aambotof at pinssut thirty members. Four portfolios are dreulatcd
from laatober to mmber, each member changing jtfs prints and criticising
Tha
LnLw
ao
THE BRITISH JODRNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[January 8, 1S92
of oth«n wben the portfolio rocbe* him. Stcntarji : W. L. J. Orton,
7, Biibop-ctrwt, Conntry.
Otwi SciESTlKic SociiCTT, PUoTOOiurBlc SiCTloN. — Meeting* held
at Medunics' In»titnte monthly. President . A. H. HIgnett, Esq.— C'ommi«e« :
W. Allwood, J. 8. Hough, .1. Lewi«, H. J. Paricinson, F. S. Ransome, P. C.
TWtL— JVoa. Sttrttarie* ; W. Biiphtm, 00, Samuel-street, and Joseph Laing,
VMorte-ctrMt, Crtwa.
DnsT PHOTOORAriuc Socvnr.— Secretary : Thonua A. Scotton, 9, Church-
■tnat, Derby.
iJvnrooL PHT8ICAI Sociktt, Photographic Sbction.— Established 1890.
Pretident : F. Hurter. Ph.D.—Tretutirer .- C. A. De Senx.— Secretary : Charles
JL KohB, Ph.D., a 8c, Unirenlty College, Liverpool.
MmraTBR CAiunu Clvb. — Temporary rooms, Crawford Hnnicipal Schoo
«f Bdanoa and Art. Nelaon's-place, Cork. Prttident: Major J. Douglas
lAHSfat, k.V.D. — yu*-Pretide»U: Ringrose Atkins, M.A., M.D., Denny
laa^ M-A., Henry S. Noblett.— Omwn7te«; Richard S. Baker, John Bennett,
Jaiaei Bradshaw, John Day, Richanl Foley, Patrick Hallinan, William
Harrington, Henry Lund, l?ev. James OMahonv, Kingsmill B. Williams. —
H<m.Trtiuurer : William K Atkins, F.C.A., 39, South Mall, Cork.— //on.
Seerttmry : Denhani Kmnklin, J.P., 74, Sonth Mall, Cork.
Tmi Natiosal Associatioji ok Pbokkssioxal Photogbapheiis of Great
BsiTAnf AlfD Ibbland.— Established February 13, 1891. Ordinary Council
nMetlngs erery three luonthn. Annual meeting, second Thursday in February.
Praidcnt: H. J. Whitlock (Birmingham).— rici/'rwwfcnt*.- T. Fall (London),
Cberalier Lafoaae (Ilfracombe), R. Slingsby (Lincoln), J. E. Shaw (Hudders-
T\f\i).—r,.mmittee: W. Barry (Hull), W. Bedford (London), T. Birtles
(WarrinLTtnn), Warwick Brookes (Manchester), J. E. Bruton (Douglas, Isle of
Man), J. Chancellor (Dublin). T. Storey Davis (Halifax), Debcnham (London),
J. E. Eddison (Bamslcy), J. Elliott (Elliott & Fry, London), J. Fergus (Largs),
— Gny (Cork), William Gill (Colchester), R P. Greeson (Blackburn), Lafayette
{Dublin), Abel Lewis (Clifton), Donald Maclver (Leeds), John Moffat (Edin-
burgh), C. Pettingall (Liverpool), Frank M. Sutcliffo (Whitby), Carl Vandyke
(London), H. Vandcrweyde (London), F. M. Whaley (Doncaster). — Hun.
Treasurer : J. Crosby (Kotherham).— /ifoji. Secretary : C. P. Richards (Barrow-
in-Furness). — Secrelari/ : D. J. O'Neill, 47, Charlotte-niad, Birmingham.
Xbw Orleans Camera Clvb.— I'res dent : h. E. Bowman. — Vice-Presi-
ileni : P. E. Carricre. — D rectors : The officers, and Miss Gladys Rueff, B. C.
Shields, R. H. Palfrey, J. A. Streck, G. N. Utiient.— Treasurer : W. M.
Rhoilns. — Secretary: U. S. Charles, jun., Cotton Exchange Building, New
Orleans.
Old CoLOjrr Camera Club.- Established February 1, 1890. Pres dent :
David Smith. — V ce-Pres dent : Fred Aine.«. — Secrelafi/ and Treasurer: H. W.
.Stuelly, Rockland, Mass., U. S. A. Box 210.
Oldham Photographic Society. — Established 1867. President : W.
Thompson. — Vice-Presdent: J. Chadwick. — Committee: J. H. Ashton, J.
Brooks, J. S. Dronsfield, J. Greaves, jun., T. Heywood, W. Jackson. —
Iiibranan: L. Tetlow. — Treasurer: W. Schofield. — Hon. Secretari/ : Thomas
Widdop, 16, Bumaby-street, Oldham, — Assistant-Secretary : William A. Nasli,
23, Queen's-roa<l, Oldham.
Oxford Photographic SoaETY. —Established 1889. President: E. A.
Ryman-Hall.— I'iw-Prmifcnte ; C. C. Cole, A. F. Kerry, M.A., A. F. Stanley
Kent, M.A., Councillor J. H. Salter. — Cammiltee : N. G. French, W. J. King,
O. W. Norton, H. M. Phillipps, W. H. Price, M.A., A. Robinson, G. A.
Smith. — //<m. Treasurer : James Minn, 105, Walton-street. — Hon. Secretaries:
F. A. Bellamy, 4, St. John'.s-road ; H. Minn, 105, Walton-street. Official
address, 136, High-street.
Photographic Association of Brooklyn.— March, 1887. President .• Dr.
E. H. RWdel.— i'ice-J'resident: E. F. Wagner. — Committee: Dr. E. Routh,
Dr. F. A. Schlitz, W. hang.— Treasurer : J. A. GaSaey.— Secretary : Charles
M. Heid, 54, Stone-street, N.Y. aty.
Photooraphio Convention of the United Kingdom.— Place of meeting for
1892, Edinburgh. President far the pear: George Davison,— Cowncii.- W.
Middleton Ashman (Bath), W. Bedford, past President (London), T. Berry
(Aberdeen), J. J. Briginshaw (London), C. H. Bothamley (Taunton), F. A.
Briilge (Dalston), A. A. Camell (Plymouth), A. Cowan (Southgate), H. A.
Hood Daniel (Bristol), R. P. Drage (London), F. Evans (Chester), A. L.
Henderson (I>ewisham), A. Haddon (Greenwich), M. J. Harding iShrewsbury),
H. M. Hastings (London), R. Kcene (Derby), Austin J. King (Limplev Stoke),
P. Lange (Liverpool), W. Lang, iun. (Glasgow), A. M. Levy (London), C. Phipps
Lncas (Eltham), E. .M.irlow (Birmingham), G. Mason (Glasgow), A. Mackie
(London), T. Mayne (Liverpool), W. W. Naunton (Shrewsbury), J. Porritt
(Leicester), A. Pringle (Bexley Heath), B. J. Sayce (Liverpool), A. Seaman
(Chesterfield), J. Smith (York), H. Sturmcy (Coventry), J. Stuart (Glasgow),
J. Traill Taylor (London), A. Tate (Belfast), J. M. Turnbull (Edinburgh). W
H. Walker (London), G. W. Webster (Chester), J. B. B. Wellington (Harrow),
A. Werner (Dublin).— //on. Secretary: P. P. Oembrano, jun., 10, Cambridge-
gardens, Richmond, Surrey.
Photographic Society of JAPAS.-Establiiihed 1889. Annual meeting is
held in the month of May. Ordinary meetings are held about once a month,
but there is neither fixed time nor place. President : His Excellency Viscount
T. Enomoto. — Vice-Presidents : His Excellency Viscount N. Okabe, His
Excellency H. Watahabe, Professor D. Kikuohi, M.A., Professor C. D. West,
U.A.— Committee : All officers and K. Ogawa, Y. Ishizo, M. Kaljima, J. B.
Rentiers.— TVeaiwrerj; A. J. Hare, Y. Lsawa. Secretaries : Professor W K.
Burton, 9, Kaga Yashiki, Hongo, Tokio ; Ishikawa, 218, Kanasuginura, Kita-
toshigori, Tokio.
Polytechnic Photooraphio Society.— Established 1891. Meetings are
•held first and third Fridays in the month at the Polytechnic, 309, Regent-
^eeJL at eight p.m. Annual general meeting in September. Committee :
W. E. Brown, A. Crojsley, G. J. Goose, P. J. Lock, J. E. Mothiron. —
Treasurer: P. W. Jackson. — Secretary; Frederick R. Tissington, 105,
Sbafterbnry-road, Croach-hill, N. o > ,
Queensland Amateur Photographic Society.— Establislied 1888. Club
room at Courier-buildings, Queen-street. Ordinary meetings held on first
Friday in each month. President : P. R. HM.— Vice-Presidents : J. Thomson,
M.B., .1. W. Sutton, D. T. Lyons. — Committee: W. J. Buzzacott, J. J.
Knight, A. Clarke. — iiArarJ«« .• E. H. Alder. — rreasiirer .- J. Campbell.
—Hon. Secretary: A. R. L. Wright, Telegraph Cliambers, Queen-street,
Brisbane.
Rochdale and District Photographic Society. — Established 1890.
President: John A. Bright, Esq., ti.P.— Committee : Rev. T. P. Spedding,
B. M. Jones, Beaumont, Blomley, Hoyle, O'NeiU. Treasurer: Thomas
Leach. Secretaries : W. and S. Ingham, 30, Freehold-street, Rochdale.
SociiiTIi Versaillaise dk Photographie. — Established 1834. Meetings on
the first Tuesday of the month at tlie Town Hall. President : Maurice Buc-
quet Vice-President : Leon Ottenheim. — Treasurer: — Gavin. — Secretary:
A. Hue, 28, Rue de Satory.
Southport Social Photographic Club. — Meetings every Wednesday at
Eight p.m., at Mr. Cross's studio, 15, Cambridge-arcade. President: Robert
J. Parkes. — Vice-Presidents : Alfred Dunmore, A. Quayle. — Committee: Miss
Unsworth, Miss Dunmore, J. R. Cave, G. Cro.ss, C. Depree, J. C. Smith. —
Secretary and Treasurer : G. R. Cartmel.
Sydenham Camera Club. — Establislied 1890. Meetings are held alternate
Tuesdays at Eight p.m., at the headquarters, the Greyhound Hotel, Sydenham;
outings during the summer months ; annual meeting tlie last in the year.
President : C. D. BuM.— Council : C. D. Budd, T. Cole, H. H. Gray, T. W.
Rumble. — Secretary and Treasurer : H. H. Gray, 9, Thicket-road, Anerley,
S. E.
Tech Camera Club. — Established 1890. Meetings on Saturday even-
ing at Half-past Seven o'clock at the Institute ; annual meeting .it call of
President. President: Edwai-d H. Keith. — Vice-President: A. C. Higgins. —
Committee: A. H. Smith, H. Sinclair, E. C. Kent, H. Bracken. — Treasurer:
IL A. Coombs. — Secretary : K W. Naill, iun., c/o W. P. J., Worcester, Mass., .
U.S.A.
WiQAN Photographic Society. — Established 1890. President : H. H.
Wragg. — Vice-President : J. A. B. Lowe. — Council : Rev. J. S. Barnes, W. A.
Varley, J. H. Atherton, R. Wardman, J. Smith, W. Heaton, F. Hughes.^
Secretary and Treasurer: Fred. Betley, 11, Swinley-road, Wigan.
Correspnnnence.
UF OorrwponietiU should never write on IxAh tides of iht papsr,
ASTRONOMICAL PHOTOGRAPHY WITHOUT A TELESCOPE.
To the Editor.
Sir, — I thought at the time that Mr. Dallmeyer'a wonderful new in-
vention was nothing more than Barlow's lens. Now that we have heard
Mr. Dallmeyer at the Camera Club, we see that it is so. If I mistake not,
Jeremiah Horrocks used precisely the same combination when he obtained
a shadow on paper of the first observed Transit of Venus, more than two
centuries ago. — I am, yours, ifeo., Henry Bogers.
23, Chancery-lane, janvary 5, 1892.
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY.
To the Editor.
Sib, — Mr. H. P. Robinson gives the lie direct to Mr. Mae'nie's state-
ment, confirmed, however, by the evidence and Mr. H. A. Lawrance, and
crudely puts the matter as one of veracity on one side or the other.
Does Mr. Robinson forget that he has (in 'Photography of the 24th ult.)
admitted that he indicated the "place of honour," though he places it
earlier in the day than the time at which he pointed out where he wished
his own pictures hung on this favoured wall ?
The mere selection by Mr. Robinson of a good place for his pictures is
not in itself of much moment. They probably deserved, and would have
obtained, a good position independently. The grand thing is that the
Society has shaken off the system whereby an influential member could
be present at and influence the hanging without his name appearing, or
its being known to the members and exhibitors. — I am, yours, &a.,
January i, 1892. W. E. Debenham.
A NEW DEPABTUKE IN PHOTOGEAPHY.
To the Editor.
Sib, — My attention has only to-day been called to the review of my
book, on Gelatino-ohloride Printing, in the Daily Chronicle of the 28th
December, and to Mr. Howson's remarks thereon in your issue of to-day's
date.
It is not my intention to enter into this controversy regarding the
superiority of the various makes of gelatino-ohloride papers, as I am not
interested in the sale of any of them, nor am I in want of a cheap adver-
tisement. But there is one point in Mr. Howson's letter which I feel
must be cleared up at once. He explains that the reason why my book
does not contain any mention of the Ilford paper is that only those
papers are mentioned whose manufacturers paid for advertisement space
therein.
_ I am willing to believe that this statement is due to Mr. Howson's
Ignorance of the fact that, when I was campUing the book in question, I
Jtnuwy 8, 1882]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
SI
viot* to the Ilford Company, ulung than to give me full partionlan of
thajr oaw paper, m I was aaxiou to make the work as complete as
poMible. and I neeJTed icplr that Xbej were not in a position to give me
anj partieolars eooeeming Uieir paper.
With regard ti the appendix of the book I have nothing whaterer to do.
I (Ud Bet knov of its aautioa nntil after the poblication of the book.
la the taxt, toe which I am responsible. I do not think that I have giren
a«y OBdae pnminenee to any mdU of paper, and the onljr reason why the
nfofd Coopaoy'a pcodoetiaa waa not mcntiooad is entiialy doe to the
eaoae already statad.— I am. yaon, *«., WAi.na K. Woooson.
Watford, January 1. 18M.
>
HATE GELATISO-BBOMIDE PLATES BENEFITED
PUOTOGBAPHY?
Totlu EnrroB.
Bn,— I was itlad to see veor artiele oo thi* snbjeet, with moit of the
aoaehnioa* of which I And myeeU in paifaat.a^rtemant ; hot. as to your
eenclaaini: roinarit. i«Irgalia(( to nneattainty whether gelatine platea
h*%e ben>^tu< J photofrapbara thaiaseltea, I fe«r it is only loo troe that
they have bo:b diiaelty and lodiraetty injnrad lar^e nuDbata of them.
Many who iiera>ea« fri<K^< with wm pialas in all bnwMfaaa of work
have quits faitad to adapt ihemsdvcs to U>« altered methods of pro-
cadvs neeeasilatad hy gelatine. Coot»ry to what msny would
eeBtaad, thk is their mittortooe. and not their fault. The fseolly
of islf adaptatinn to all diwiwatan*- as the^ ariaa is not poiisaieil
fai a larMv dagise by pbo«ogif>ieri ikaa by other paopla, •mtpm% wbem.
as we aU kw>*. it is neaa loo highly daiaiopad. I ■« nra, 8ir, most of
oa know eaveral phoiegiapliefa of tfia oU aelMol whoM taaiaaaias have
Meadily dimiBiahad aiaes lbs ihtn»m»tm of Relatiaa plalaa. abaolntely
throogh no fatUl of thair owa. AAw aU. I sabiail that the doctrines of
the sorvival of the fltlaat. Mid thai eempalltlot» it the si>al of trade, are
enet aad ir*'"— - ia jpiaaties. la all revolnlioaa. nboiographia or
Kiwlsa sonabody is oooad to ao lo the wall, aad thi* haa acttainly
oeniiTaialhetaaoafplalHMFlaisa. £• rmtaci*, flaaii|y is ■rehaUy
BO* yat miliiil. Who iamm horn aooa gslittan pktM Ihanwifai ■
ahMalhaia>aeleDaB<laBy-4— .yoTs— .. tiaeaaa Wwttwobtii.
Srrsa 8itUn-na4, S., Jaaaary 4, 1893.
BLISTERS.
To ikt BoiToau
Sia,— Mr. Dasmore wtitaa. p. IS : •* I leal
I e< Um panr baloM to «
in iba ptepamiiaa of Um payer bafara to aoaNa Mo Mm haMi <H tha aea
•ilfaarrMdaodeL Joat a Btlla wtiw U waafHim tUm pptelm — j
be JaiswiJBg. In a drawer la aiy daa mm^ ba lomid a naalHy of alba.
raaMsad aaper of a w«U-a4«aniaad. aad Ihsrefdre weU-kaowa. braad
U
4f thaaea.
pofabaaadtaaa a l»adla< Lowdoa dealer, who was ra^oasiad to sapply the
bast; the alara«a of the paper mmj bo caDad equable, asilhar loo hot. too
eeid. too dry, aor Ino damp ; the sheali yaabej Oat, and, bavlnii baea at
least a taelvaoMatli la my paasaaalaa, mot falriy oMt* the aoaditico of
J by a«a I will aat l«e piMta of paper &«■ atpmla dMtta.
I Ibea iufathss oa a piaia MS^y-grain Mi*ar bath, pnat aadar Iha
I aagat<ee, wa«b. toee, end fit logelkar in tha aaaea diahes. and. alur
~ r to the IimI waahtn« walet , I tod oaa pitet aaJwbig ia the worel
, t of a bad aiUck of ■aaU-aox. vhilat iha othar is eowoth, soft, glossy,
perfect. It i« only jost to the albaMeulisi of tha ■■ twinkle, twinkk "
Dfaad to adtaait that ba raa amka foi paper wWa A< tlk':
A briataad dsfaiaile pat^paak (AiJi^nic. p. ^T.:) ««« written for the
nauiuuaa aoMpaary of phnhmapliare. bpth iMOf e«Muaal aad amataw, who
pay for good tt*wr aad doa't gat U. aad Ihea blase their iaaoeaaea !—
think :hr Hih i« all Ikeir otra. aad taak lor aad apidy laiasdtse. poaaibli
lial the slbwaaleai looks oa and laaaba ia hU eteaeek
H.E.
xtKftiji .4 w«MiMi, ./aaaarp 4. 1801.
HAS PHOTOOftAPHT BEXKFTrED ABTISTS7
raiAelanoa.
Sia.-If I mkiht be alioaad to aaka a few ebiinalhas ia lolMaca to
■Flatbn rrrtnt Debaahaa" aaattowaay. latajy biaaght to a eoa-
cinafaa ia yoar eohmas.
It sa— upMI totoa, from tba Um of Mr. Wrthof'a letlara. tha laat
"•ve aspacially, Ifcat there exists ia aoaia eirdee a soapieton that an ooi.
ler might not ba lairly treated, er alla«*J the (ama pnrilrK-ii a* other
iitaepoadeat* who lia*a Uw lotararte ol your Jora^iu. at Iwari^ Dot. in
this iaetaaee. no one ean doabi that you ■: both sidre ao «iaal
chaaca. PorciTa ma if I have cntatlawe. , n myeaU. bat 1 ha* e
•aea faoi ipnaoits ler m ia aeaM of yoar eoniempnrariaa.
iWtMipa llris m^y. to •oaw extoiit, aaaoaal Itt Mtoa of iha aitmorttaary
sseeiliuiM aad aigamaata pat f>irih by aooM of yoar aorrw>i|ioadaale
nader the lieadiafl uf " Pholoafapby, and it' elalau to the uUe of Fine
Art" rvnwiainK narrfaiedL Tbie ane-sided >uie of ihlogs may be satie-
factory I • xmia b>AMa I miad*. bat at Iha same luae maet deprire toch
artiel** •■! 'noeh real lueni.
o n of Mr. fUthef'a latter appaan taba*a baaa loH eioht of.
, 1 wlU aaka HNaa Wfnia opeo it, via., Oo
the discoveries made by photographers in the ose of photographic appa-
ratus teach anything to artists ?
Now, from an outsider's point of view, if one were to form an opinion
of photographen in general from much that emanates from photographic
societies, and even some profe-^sionali), one could only conclude that a
more inconsistent body of men never existed. For while they are con-
tinually advocating the claims of photography to tbe elevation of fine
art, they take ap a most unaoooontably hoatile attitude towards artists
themselvee, who are really the promoters of what photographers claim to
be the very easeiMe of their own profession, and whilst anxious to assume
tha rank of artists before the public in general, seem to altogether discard
tha means by which such a position is attained, namely, qualification by art
training ; in fact, they want tlie honour without tbe hard work and study,
and I think they find theory alone a very poor support in matters of real art.
How many photographers are there who even hold school certificates
for model, freehand drawing, geometry, and perspective, or give any
proof of mare elementary art training? How many are there who oan
raloneh their own negativea (without spoiling them), or paint, colour, or
otherwise finish their own enlargements in an artistic manner ? But yoa
will often find them trying to invent some sort of machine to do it.
And then the question arise*, Do they teach artists anything ?
Tb«y will tell you they are the artisia, others are onlv painten,
"wialdcrsof the bni^h," Ac ; pallette and hmshas are mtchiacs. Of
coarse, everything is mechanical to their eye, and who can be surprised?
One thing photographers seem to forget altogetlier, and tuat is, in
praetiaiag photography they are making use of other peoples' brains
iasiaad of their own. and when a good result is obuintd sliould not the
laalMr of the laaa coma in for a share of the credit, or tbe dry plate
laaker? and ia Ibara ao thanks doe to scientisU who, by their arduous
stadias and laboota estaadina over a period of many years, have brought
photooraphy to what it now ii ?
Is tbeie any credit in getting a good poae of a clever actor or actress?
And is thara any amoani of brain power required in producing aa
iajfaaMaseai slady/
Baa it aovar oeoarrad to Ibeaa writers that if photography was a
Mitakie atadiom fqr tba prodnetioa of works uf art. that an artist oonid
adopt those maaaa hfaaaelf wltboal eoosnlting a camera and lens pro
prietor' Why shonld they monopolise the credit of photography?
Suiely they dop't pretend there woald be anv difBcnIty in tbe way of an
axtial laaUag oaa ol It. And. may I a<ik,'in whose hands could it be
aspaelsd lo yield brttar reaalu than those of an artist, whose eye, trained
by gsaoiaa work, oaa sae at a glance what another might practice all his
lifawitboataaaiagr
If yoa matil Iba tillo of artial by yoar works, no one oaa deprive yon
of it. Bnt artisU woold be ehaap indeed If the only c|ualificalion neoet-
sary were to join a photographie society and ciiticiw the •••.r»i<«^in««r."
1 think myself that the tune is not very far off when phoiographart
will have to qualify themtrlves as ar.isls. or Uke a back seat, and then
perhapc we shall not see eo many advertiaomcnU in tbe following
styta :— Waolad. a flrit.claas operator aad retoacher, clever with chUdren
(aarie the baby in prioeipal's abaeaee, wash the p^, Jic). None bat
eoMpetsot men nrwl .ipply. MW. a weak aad a peruhnenoy to a steady
laaa. — I am. *oar». Ac, Abtist wrrn Bacsn, Paiccu., utv Caxmu.
Johturf I, imn.
RECENT PATENTS.
ArPLICATIU.NS FOR PATKNTB.
No 01 »v; — • In 1 (.peretoa for Hiotograuhia Pornoiwii." OBirrtTB Dano
Ml ■»trru,ian
^ «T»ra«ats in Photogiaphle View Fimler»." OonuD
Bs>.a ait.! Ji^. ■ K Cl*»kc - fJnM Unrmkrr 24, 1891.
No. I2,«4« - Carrier Frame and UlMolver for Single OpUcal
Laaleraa.- J. K. ■ lahksox— /M<n{ ARat»rr28, 18»1.
Ko. ttrtO — "The • Fsdle Prindp ' Camera. Improvenent hi Photographic
JoMSr HOBT SxiriL— /AOaif UttrmUr 30, 1891.
Xa M'W. — "An Imnrovsd Phologrspbk Print Washer." OlOBOB
FBaacaicK Fnrm.— £)»«<>/ ItttmUr lO, Ifln.
Xo, 2S.8«k— '■ ImpieiemsuU ia tbe Method of and Means for Modeling by
"""*"' • •• - UaaiukSH POTscaKB.—
C«i
♦
~" Eifl)an9c Column.
*,* ife sAaryi ii nadt fvr fimi tti^ abataa^ ^f Appmratut in this eoltmn ;
•W •<«« tnU t* lawirerf awlsss Me arfMs lasarsd U iUHniulp rtaUd. TKom
wttmtfmmlp iswrriaiwsisaaas "aM|rMMy amfiU" ffiUUitrtfortutuUritamt
WKI oakaar* U) > t lapM nctiUaear Iraa for ita4Bek eoodaaasr aad Uaalicht blow-
tkraaati ytt.-iildrm*, aaira a Co.. mekstwel. Taados, aaar Ls«b, Torkihire.
WlU iieliseaa KlnSagOls'a ott sieve, (or hMiiair nioau (la lood eoadiUon), tor lai(«
•kte rac aad gnMS mM tMrm; H. W.. U4, Qtsksa Ursst. Peartth.
Waala4. lOxt nyU rssrttaasr. er faatb*rmt«kt whnis plats eann; exebaars.
Uaklv's falem Mitssi«r»lini«r Uatara aad •lidai.— Addraas, F. Cooca, U, WaUr-
' Devse.
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[January 8, 1893
anstorrs to Ctottesponumto.
AO wmUtn Jor 0>4 lad ftrHm of IMt Jouiwai, ineluding queriti for
"jMMWii" tmd "MaAmtm," una* U addnsted to "Tst Editob,"
1^ rjilil<l»l«. OumU Omrdtn, London. iHottentum to thu ewtra delay.
If* mMm Ukm ^ cammmtkatiotu mdut name and addreu of writer are
• • Oommmnicaiiont rdating to AdvtrtiitmmU and general buainess affair$
*wmd U «i<i*tffnf to "Hesbt Obohwood ft Co.," 2, Yorkslreet, Covmt
Omrdm, Lomdon. .
Alcohol.— 8ae oar leader on the subject
¥.— Bnanide of nQver it wluble in ammonia.
Lna.— «ee Mr. Dallmeyer's paper in the present number of the .Ioubnai.
<llo. Lmohtor.— Mr. Clarke's address is 52, QueenVroad, Finsbnry-park, N.
Okas. Ibww.— Lead is the best for the purpose. It is impervious to most
R, R J.— You will And the subject of your communication dealt with m
another column.
Tklix.— Try a lamp for burning magnesium ribbon sent out by Messrs Parkei,
Son, ft Rayment
Opbbatob.— IMnt deeply, and use the chloride of lime toning bath given on
page 788 of the current Auiamac.
R Wallis.— Few, if any, professional photographers have given up the em-
ployment of pyro as a developing agent.
J. HtJBEBT.— As you are are personally outside the controversy, we think it
better not to publish your letter. Thanks all the same.
PTBtt— The spots are evidently sulphide of silver, caused by hypo, probably
in a powdered state, coming in contant with the negative.
BlXLET Hbath.— It is a cleverly execute<l picture, but we cannot give the
pracise details beyond saying that it is done by a series of sliding vertical
shutters.
A. M.— Two articles on I'hMit-miciojmphy, by Mr. T. Charters White, pages
40 and 8« of tlie livst volume of the Journal, contain a great deal of useful
information ou the subject.
•ficOTTT.— We do not clearly understand your ilescriptioii. If you send us a
rough sketch, and indicate on it the aspect, we shall be pleased to advise you
with reganl to the design for the studio.
Pall Mall.— All publisliers of photograi>hic views supply views of the
principal huiidinps in London. Any stationer, who supplies photographic
views, if he has tliem not in stock, will procure any to order.
-J. MATRBWa. — It is quite a matter of taste whether you use a solution of bees-
wax or French chalk for preparing the glass plates, to permit of removing
the pictures after enamelling. Most persons employ the latter, because its
application involves less trouble than the former.
D. Roberts.— If you have bei-n making and selling an apparatus the same as
that just patentwl, so much the worse for the patentee, lor he lia.s wasted
his money on an invalid patent. He certainly cannot prevent you con-
tinuing to do what you did jirior to his application for a patent.
L. Gbet.— For potraiture by aHificial light then^ is nothing to compare with
the electric arc. If, however, your means will not permit of its adoption,
you cannot do better than u.se magnesium, either as the flashlight, or by
the combustion of the ribbon. The former is the most general nwile just
now. Excellent portraits can be obtained by its aid.
UoTTs complains very iiinch that amateurs can obtain photographic materials
at the same ]irice .is professionals, and consiilers that manufacturers should
not supply any dealer, or any of the " stores" who do not make amateurs
jay a Iiigher price tlian they charge professional photographers. — This is
quite a trailu question to which there may be more than one side.
M. W. — From the <lescription we doubt very much if the inconvenience is dne
to the use of the bichromate of pota.sh. Usually, the tirst symptoms are violent
itching of the skin at the back of and lietween the lingers, particularly at
bedtime, or when the hands get unusually warm. Pains and swelling at the
joints we have never heard of in connexion with the ill effects of the bichro-
mate.
8. S. 8. sends us a print tmm a negative of the interior of a church, and calls
attention to a window showing in the picture that was at the side, and quite
out of view of the lens. The window is fairly sh.arp and well pronounced.
Our correspondent a.sks the cause of the "phetiouienon !" The cause is a
minute bole aoniewhere in the camera — probably the bellows — which has
fulfilled the conditions of a " pinhole camera."
Nemo. — It is evident that the dark slides are not light-tight. Tliey were,
donbtlesR, made of ill-seasoned wood, and swelled with the damp ; then you
eaaeil the shutters with glass paper. Consequently, when they became dry
again, they no longer fitted the rabbets, and hence ailmitted li<);ht. If,
insteail of using the glass paper, the slide had been placed in a warm and
diy place for a few days, they wonld have remedied themselves.
•H. A. Jacobs. — The licence to use a still is 10& a year, even for distilling
water. It is quite possible to purify methylated spirit, but it is strictly
against the law to do so. Any one doing it subjects himself to very heavy
peDalties, as well aa forfeitare of all the appliances used. Any one licensed
to nse a still most admit the Excise officers at any time they choose to come,
whether the still is in use at the time or not. .Methylated spirit, free from
mineral naphtha, can still be supplie<l for manufacturing purposes to those
who have complied with the Excise regulations as to l>ond, &c. , but only in
large quantities, ten gallons being the minimum, we believe.
W Allwat —The Photographic Convention is not a society established to
protect trade interests. You will have to take proceedings on your own
account, if you are so advised. There is no assistants' association.
E. Martin —We should recommend vou to act on the advice of your solicitor.
It is doubtful if, after the lapse of so long a time, you would recover any
substantial damages from the infruigers. The proper way would have been
to have commenced summary proceedings at the time of publication for
penalties You might write to the Secretary of the Association mentioned,
but it is somewhat doubtful if it wonld move in the matter now.
S WaRBEN writes : " I have a lantern with four-and-a-quarter-hich condenser,
fitted with a quarter-plate portrait lens. Can I use it for enlarging quarter-
plate negatives to alxmt fifteen by twelve, using the same lamp with which
the lantern is fitted ?— No ; that is if the whole of the nesative is to be
enlarged, as the condenser will not evenly illuminate it. For enlarging a
quarter-plate negative the condenser should be not less than five and a half
inches in diameter to obtain even illumination.
S. W. writes : " I htive just purchased, second-hand, a rolling press for 10 x 8
pictures, but the steel plate is very rusty, and the rust seems to have pene-
trated deeply into the metal. Will you plejise say how I can repolish it '"—
If the plate is in the state described, we doubt very much if it can be re-
polished to be again serviceable. If time be of any value, it will certainly
be much cheaper to purchase a new plate. Steel plates are supplied by all
the dealers in printers' materials at a moderate price.
Photoobaphic Club.— January 13, A rchllecluml Photography. January
20, Stereoscopic Photography, Mr. J. Nesbit.
Newcastle-on-Ttme and Northern Countik.s Photographic Associa-
tion.— January 11, Exhibition of prize slides at half-past seven.
London AND Provincial Photographic Association.— January 14, Ordi-
nary Meeting. January 21, Monthly Lantern Night. Visitors invited.
The Richmond Camera Club will hold an Exhibition of Lantern Slides at
the College Hall, Richmond, S.W., on January 15, followed by a musical
entertainment.
The West London Photographic Society's Exhibition opens to-day (Friday),
and will be continued on Saturday. In the evening of the second day there
will be a lanteiTi exhibition.
The Lantern Society. — Meetings for January.— January 11, Commander
C. R Gladstone, R.N., on Westminster Abbey. January 25, Mr. C. F.
Budenberg, of the finn of Schiiffer & Budenberg, will give a paper on
Pressure Gauges.
Mr. Jonathan Fai.i.<iwi-ield writes : " Allow nie to draw your speci.il
attention to what 1 think an interesting comparison of the prices of jihoto-
graphic chemicals in 1856 .and 1892. Which of the photographic dealers can
show a similar record from his own price lists '<"
The Fry Manufacturing Company are an-anging a series of lectures and
demonstrations for the next three months upon Bromide Enlarging, and the
Manipulation of Rough Bromide Paper toned with Uranium. Mr. Dresser
will also give a lecture on Lantern-slide Making, and probably Mr. W. I.
Chadwick one upon Stereoscopic Photography.
At the last meeting of the North London Society, Mr. E. W. Parfitt ex-
hibited a safety apparatus for oxygen gauges made for him by Mr. R. R.
Beard. It consisted of a small device for closing the entrance to the gauge by
a screw having a sliglit pa.s.sage in the threads, which would prevent .any
sadden pressure. At the present time this contrivance should be extremely
welcome.
Hackney Photographic SociETV.—January 14, Prize Slides ; 28, .!«/,(-
copyist Demonstration. February 11, lllustrnted .f'OtriinlisM, Mr. T. C.
Hepworth ; 25, On titc Pariera (lantern evening), Mr. A. L. Henderson.
March 10, Ij'iisei, Points and Hints tlicreon, Mr. W. P. Dando ; 24, Clii',n'.-,tr)/
of Litjlit, Dr. Gerard Smith. April 14, Isochromatic Plates (Ilford), Mr. John
Howson ; 28, Members' Lantern Night and Auction. May 12, Annual
Meeting.
Camera Ci.ubFixtures.— January 11, Element.ary Lecture, No. 5 (postponed
to this date from December 21), Mr. Lyonel Clark, on Expusure. 14, Mr. J.
Howson, Tlu- pros ami aois nf Chloride Printing. 18, Evening for trial of
slides. Members intending to bring slides are requested to notify the Hon.
Secretary. 21, Mr. A. Maskell, The Rendering of Quirk Mm-ement by /'holo-
graphy— E.cpress Trains, Action of Animals, Movement if Wares anil Clouds.
Illustrated. 25, Elementary Lecture, No. 6, by Mr. V. A. Corbouhl, Silri-r
Printing. 28, Lantern evening. Series of slides by Lieut. -Colonel Gale.
Other slides by members. February 1, smoking concert. 4, Mr. W. Willi?,
Farther Jmprorenients in PlaiinotuiH', with demonstration.
OONT
Pagu
A FALLACY IN CONNKXION WITH THE
CCUrAII.MENT OF EXPOSCUf; 17
A SIMPLE ENLARGING AUBANUEMENT IS
METHYL ALCOHOL VKliSUS THE NEW
SPIKIT 19
A PLEA FOR FAIR PRICES. By C.
BllANGWlN B.lRNi:s SI
CONTINENTAL NOTF.S AND NEWS 21
A NEW TELESCOPIC PHOTOGUAPHIC
LKNS. Ilv THOMAS R. DAI. L.MEYER.. 22
MR. .1. PATTISON GIBSON AT THE
CAMERA CLUB 2.",
THE ACiniFIKD -HYPO" BATH. By
O. WAT.MOUGH WEBSTER, F.C 3 i".
3NTS.
p*aa
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY S LEC-
TlllES 2«
COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHY ".AN EST.AB-
LISHEI) F.ACT ■ 26
A •■ PARALLACTIC " METHOD OF FO-
CUSSING. Bv CLARENCE E. WOOD-
MAN. Ph.D...; 27
OUR EDITORIAL TABLK 27
M«f.TINa» UK MOli.t^'rLE,. 2S
RECENTLY ELECTED OFFICERS OF
SOCIETIES 39
00KRE8FUMO)<.NCE ."0
EXCHANGE COLUMN .11
BECENT PATENTI^r »1
ANSWERS TO COUR..o>'u.'>l>ilM'a Si
THE BKITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1(354. Vol. XXXIX.^TANUARY 15. 1892.
EXHIBmOX ETHICS,
iln. P. H. NrmiAX w«s one of the Judgea »t the l««t Photo-
graphic Society's Exhibition, and he performed aimiUr functions
»t the CryBtal Palace Exhibition, which was held earlier in the
year. Thus qualified, be, tiM other evening, addresMd tho
membeiB of the London and ProTincial Photographic Associa-
tion on the subject of S<mu Rtetnt Kxkibitiont. We print the
paper elsewhere. It will repaj pemsal, by whomsoever in the
world cf photography it is read ; and if it be studied, as it
dcserTes to be staidied, by thoae to whom its strictures and
coiuMeU are addressed, the author may, one day, have the
unique satisfaction of reaTiaing that he has written with prao-
^ results. But in this case be will be exceptionally fortu-
lute, aad photographers will be swifter to aooept good advice
than they bare bifhorto been.
1: it U"t \j^ of a photographic < that has
the cuuriv^c ' . . ,'j curtain in the manner ' .Vewman
has done, anil he is therefore clearly entitled to our thanks —
if only for the precedent he has been good enough to create.
We should sa|^M)oe, fh>m this and other evidence, that Mr.
wman's connexion with photography k rather a recent one ;
leed, it appean to us to nnmistakably betray the Csct. For
stance, he allows that photographic cxhitiitions, if not un-
mixed'blessings, are greater ncoesaities than ever, if the
amateur is to be reeognlsed, Mr. Newman biU to indicate why
cxhibttioas are more a naoes^* o amateur than for the
profeasiooaL He appean to it in th4> long niu tho
professional must beat the amateur badly ; but he ought to
know that in recent years, at any rate, the desi^sed amateur's
landscape work has, in p«rticuUr instaaees, been tt such a
i.^lity and order as to give rise to the wonder how the great
kjority of the exhibitione wonld have (!ured without it It
\j be deairable that by exhibitMNM, medah, aad oompetitiona
';o amateur shoald gradually learn what he is made of, and
w (ar he falls short of a high standard of esoeUenoe; but why
nit these introspective opportunities to the unfortunate
TuUenrT .\re we to nadentaad Mr. Newman as contending
tx% such pririlrgn are not needed or called for by profes-
•nals, and that these latter never require to be told how they
II short of a high standard of ezodlence t Mr. Newman's ez-
■rieaee of pbotographie exUbitioBB noet indeed be a aeagw
:<• to emmarv him into the etprsHioB of eaeh narrow views
leductkms.
... — . , ..:^ at one with Mr. Newman in condemning the
rrangement, or even the hanging of pictures on account of
tns fimcied taate or eeoentric novelty in the framing of them,
id we tmst wHh him that tlie light which he lets in npoo
uty diophiyed in the matter will obviate any reeuiTSUoe
. :h proeesdhifi. That at the now notorious Exhibition in
i dl M^ faut year a great many photographs were hnng hi
defiance of their intrinsic claims to ri^id exclusion, ^'e lament
also to have to agree with him ; but this is, unfortunately, a
feature not monopolised by the Photographic Society. We
applaud the action of the .ludges in 'drawing attention to the
matter in their report, and we slmll look with interest upon the
effect which it will have tipon future hanging committees in
the elimination of photographs which never could have secured
a place on the walls except through culpable neglect or
favouritism, or absolute inability to discriminate between the
good and tlie wortldeaa.
Mr. Nevoflui would lead us to infer that judges should look
to the hanging eommittee for some guidance on the score of
excellence of exhibits ; but this is the first time wo have heard
that jndgee were deain>us of having such information. To our
thinking, the Amotions of a hanging committee are generally
selective and not jti<licial, and tho less "guidance " the judges
have in the allotment of awards the better we think it will be
for the impartiality of their distribution. To admit the
principle that judges are entitled to regard pictures occupying
the places of honour as attesting the good opinion of a
hanging committee, and designed to assist them in arriving
at their decisions, would, we think, seriously weaken the public
CDofidence in the value and jiutice of those awards. As
regards photographic exhibitions, the elements of disconl are
at present quite nuBMrous enousrh witho<it aadiDg to them.
Mr. Newman's comment ' the dixpiisition of pictures
ill groups, as adopted at - il Prtlace, is a hint which
with many others tlie S' ild do well to weigh. In
remarking npnn tlie unsii(.......L..i v position of retouching in
relation to exhibition portraiture, he, whether consciously or
not we do not know, places hii tiii)rer upon a burning question
which ia in urgent need of settlement. Not merely in tho
intarssts of judges, but of exhibitors, of the public, nay, even
of photography itself, it in high time that the exact place of
reloooMng in portrait photography should be commonly agreed
upon. When Mr. Newman frankly considers it wiser to
recogniae retooching as a necessity than to take up an attitude
of indeeiaion in regard to it, we think that he strikes what
is the traa keynote of the position ; but we should also be
pleased to have his views, as an artist and a judge, upon the
maiill^^ir even the expediency, of the touching up of the
finished print, which has prevailed, and does prevail, to a
great extent in photography.
Mr. Newman enters a plea in favour of tolerating photo-
graphs in exhibitions which pretend to be no other than more
or less faithful memoranda of places and thingSL We devoutly
hope Mr. Newman stands alone in this strange advocacy. If
he Fas anxious to flood our exhibitions with the commonplace,
the unimaginative, and the absolutely unlovely, lio could not
have chosen a better way to such an nndesirable consummation.
34
Tr«E futinsH jbrRNAL of photography.
[January 15, 1892
A photograph of purely technical merit is out of place at a
public display. Of what earthly charm or interest to the
artistic public are the architectural drawings at the Royal
Academy 1 But we have not space to follow Mr. Newman in
this and other interesting points of discussion raised in his
thonghtful and ably written paper. We cannot, however, con-
clude our article without regretting that he departed from his
Judicial rf)lf to strike in upon matters of purely personal interest,
aa he does in the last part of his paper. We had hoped that
this unfortunate controversy would have died out without the
intervention of those whom it least concerned.
DIRECT CARBON PRINTING.
A QUESTION' that often suggests itself to some, when seeing the
carlwu process worked for the first time, is, why cannot the
picture be developed upon the paper that carries the pigmented
gelatine instead of having to transfer the coating to another
support, and afterwards to a second one, if a non-reversed
image be desired 1 At first sight the difTerent transfers, simple
though they be, appear to the novice au unnecessary compli-
cation. It is, however, quite possible to develop a carbon
picture on the paper upon which the pigmented coating is
supported, and thus do away with the operations known as
single and double transfer. We say possible ; but, when paper
such as that now used in the manufacture of carbon tissue
is employed, the thing can scarcely be considered as
practicable.
Our reason for here referring to this phase of carbon printing
is that a patent has been applied for, the specification of which
has just been issued, for a method of obviating the trouble of
transferring, and yet secure the image non-reversed by de-
veloping on the material which carries the sensitive gelatinous
coating.
That the subject may be clearly understood by the uninitiated,
we will first of all explain what takes place in carbon printing.
The action of light is to render the bichromated gelatine in-
soluble in warm water in proportion to its action. The longer
this is continued, the thicker is the layer that is rendered
insoluble. In fact, the imago of a finished carbon picture may
be said to be built up of different thicknesses of the coloured
gelatine. If the light were continued long enough, it would
penetrate quite through the gelatinous film to the paper
backing, so that it becomes firmly cemented to the insoluble
gelatine, from which it cannot afterwards be separated by the
warm water.
For some years the carbon process could only be used for
line, and not for half-tone subjects. Then, in working, a thin
layer of the sensitive gelatine was spread upon paper and
exposed to light, until the film was rendered insoluble quite
through where it was not protected by the negative. Then, bv
treatment with warm water, the unaltered portions forming the
lights were dissolved away, leaving the others firmly fixed to the
paper. Now, it will be understood that if a half-tone subject be
similarly dealt with, although the deepest shadows maybe fixed
to the paper, those portions which represent the half-tones and
delicate tints will have a soluble substratum of gelatine inter-
vening between the paper backing and the thin layer made
insoluble by the light's actioa Consequently, the hot water
dissolves this, and, the delicate, insoluble film having nothing to
hold it together, the image floats away in pieces.
It was not until the late Mr. Blair and Mr. Burnett con-
ceived the idea that, to obtain carbon pictures in half-tone, the
washing away of the unaltered gelatine — the development of
the image — must be effected from the opposite side to that
exposed to the light, that is, the development must be from
the back. Their method was to spread the pigmented gelatine
on some transparent or translucent material, such as glass,
mica, tracing, or other semi-transparent paper. The exposure
was then made through the support, so that, when the print
was treated with warm water, a print in half-tone was obtained
direct. The drawback to this method was that the grain of
the paper, when that material was used, interfered with the
delicacy of the image. Talc or mica can only be had in very
limited sizes, and glass, on account of its thickness, interferes
with the sharpness of the print. Moreover, paper is the
material upon which the majority of pictures are required.
Fargier spread the coloured gelatine on glass and exposed,
then coated the film with collodion, which served to hold the
image together during the development. It was afterwards
floated on to paper or other material. Swan's first tissue was
made upon collodionised glass, and, when dry, stripped off and
exposed with the collodion next the negative. This was after-
wards cemented to paper for development.
From the above it will be seen that the first carbon prints
in half-tone were all made by a direct process. This method
has now, however, been re-discovered. The object of the
"invention" is stated to be the avoidance of the transfers.
The method proposed is this : Instead of making the tissue
on paper, it is to be made on thin sheets of mica, and
exposure made through that, precisely as was done by Blair
before the invention of Swan's process. Setting aside all
questions of the validity of such a patent, if it is sealed, we fail
to see what practical advantage there would be in this method
of procedure, seeing that sheets of mica sufficiently perfect for
photographic purposes can only be obtained a few inches in
dimensions.
If it were desirable to produce carbon pictures on a trans-
parent medium, as was done in the early days, with the object of
avoiding the transfer operations, then xylonite or celluloid would
be the best material to employ. It is cheap, can be had in
large sheets of any thickness or thinness; furthermore, if a
large demand for it were created — which is more than doubtful,
at least, for this purpose — it could probably be supplied in
continuous lengths, and then be coated by machinery, as in the
case of paper. We just mention this application of xylonite,
as it might otherwise some day form the subject of another
patent.
PARA-AMIDOPHENOL IN COLD WEATHER.
We recently called attention to the uncertainty that may arise
in cold weather from the partial crystallisation of stock
developing solutions, owing to a sudden or abnormal fall of
temperature, a danger that is more likely to be experienced
with concentrated solutions or those which approach the
saturation point of the substance. With ferrous oxalate it has
long been known, and more recently it has been fouud to arise
with both hydroquinone and eikonogen ; while pyro, from its
extreme solubility at all temperatures, is practically free from
it. Within the past week we have been warned that it is not
improbable that para-amidophenol may cause more trouble in .
this respect than any of the developers mentioned, owing to itai
very low degree of solubility, even in the presence of alkali.
Two bottles of stock solution of para-amidophenol and thof
Jkniury 15, 1803]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
35
hjdrochlormte, rMpectively made acoordiog to the formnlie
givvn in * Iqpding article a fortnight ago, and containing only
three gnina of the developing agont to each ounce, as well as
a third, made, according to the formula of Dr. Eder, with
caustic soda, published a few weeks back, were all found on
esamination to have deposited a crop of crystals, which, in
Tiew of the small quantity of material originally held in solu-
tion, might fairly be termed "copious." That the crystals
consist mainly of the reducing agent is plain by their form,
which differs utterly from that of any of the other ingredients,
eren if those were present in sufficient quantity to be likely to
crystallise out, which they were not, the precipitate consisting
of tufts of well-defined platea or prisms. It was noticeable, in
the case of the pata-amidophenol itself^ which forms a brown
solution, that the crystals thrown down were colourless, or
praetieaDy so; wIimtmi, before solution with the sulphite and
alkali, they had a very dark oolomr. In this respect para-
amidopbeDfd reaembles eikonogen, which, when discoloured,
may be restored to its original state by recrystalliaation from a
•olntioa <d sodium sulphite. Those of oar resdets who may
be ustng the new derelofMr during the ptesent oold weather
will do well to keep the sdntkm at a normal temperature.
COPYING POSITIVES,
Ix this, oar conJndiag sitkk oo ths topie, we intend to
adTerttosomeof themgrsdifllaiiltiMpeetBof thewcrk. From
the oataet it is ondetstood that what is in view is the best
reproduction of a giren photograph, and this inToWes having
to be satisBed with work which, oo its own merits, is inartistic,
though it may aflord sscdlsot gnmadwork for a skilfal pencil
to make into a ^mssiiUhls piotm*. Among the most frequent
portraits of the class we speak of will be found what are often
irreverently termed tintypes — ^ass positives on thin sheet
metal, with a poUabed Ms A wmsl sorfsos. It is quite pos-
sibU with such a poaitiTs, so nndsrezposed as to be almost
worthless, to g«t a vsfj fair oopy by a plan now to be men-
tioned, which we have frequently practised, though we do not
remember iu having been hithsrto dsseribsd. It ooaaists simply
in trsatiog the positive with biehloridsof msroory in weak solu-
tion— say, about ons per esot. This will bring into sight
rlctails not ptvMptible to ths sy«t and a oopy can then be
lined which will give mors detail Uuui the oriKinal
.. >«ed. The positivs, after the opecntion, will probably have
i bluish tint instssd of white, but this will be no drawback, if
not, indeed, a dktiaet advantageu Bat ths greatest care moat
be taken before sttsoiptiiig ths opwatkm oo an old positive,
and an esperimsntal trial oo a worthless picture sboald flnt
^■^ made. The danger is in the film washing away as soon ss
IS moistened. To prsTsnt such a tomtrtUmff, the plate must
bnt be aoaksd for soms tims in methylated spirit containing
ten per cent, of added water, and then gently placed in the
di- ing the bichloride solotioa, which, again, after the
« ■„ ^ eomplete, should be most carefully and gently
out of the film before drying the picture. This is the
|. '< Ays adopted when trying each an ssperintent,
b'. ■<<»t, it is a risky proosi it is possible that
ct I -^-ater might not affect the collodion, but
it be tried, otherwise it is a good solvent of
th !e. If the picture to be copied were varnished, wc
. itiM ts being left alone; still, if the visible image is
thkas that an attempt with the bichloride might be
made, the varnish should be removed by immersing in spirit,
which would be safest if diluted with five per cent, of water,
and then in a second diah of spirit with five per cent, of
ammonia solution added, and again a third similar soakiug,
followed by plaiu water. Shellac varnishes are mixable with
water when a small quantity of ammonia is added.
Finally, all mercuri&lly whitened positives should be
varnished with a benzol varnish, say, for example, ten parts
benzol, and one of dammar resin. There will occasionally —
often, indeed — be needed copies of positives so over-exposed
that the image is almost invisible. These, also, if the exposure
be kept down, will copy " better than they look " in the usual
way. But there is a better plan by far. This consists in
treating the over-done picture as a negative. It is first placed
in the usual receptacle for making lantern slides or enlarging
negatives, and a transparency on collodion or a dry plate taken
from it It will be a very poor picture indeed that will not
produce a transparency which is a startling improvement upon
the original. From this transparency a negative may be
obtained in any of the ways usually adopted where carbon
work is done. Perhaps the simplest way is to take a deep
carbon print and develop upon a glass support. The result
will be a nq;ative firom which a print in every way superior
to the orig;inal^ positive, even if enlarged several diameters,
may be obtained. It may be observed that, as old glass
positives are usually backed with black varnish, it will be
necessary to scrape diis entirely away before proceeding to
make the transparency. But let the operator beware ! Some-
times the black varnish is placed upon the collodion side, so
that scraping tlie varnish ofl' would mean destroying the
picture.
We have, lastly, to consider paper prints. There is little
fresh to say about them, as all photographers are familiar
with the vagaries to which tliey are liable. Some operators
prefer an all-round light to full upon the print when copying,
some a top light only, and others, again, a side light only.
Any ons by taking the same print in three dilTerent ways can
choose for himself which he thinks the best, and in doing so
will gain valuable knowledge.
We will conclude by an account of a very sueceasftil copying
of a paper print we recently saw executed. A lady sent to a
photographer an opal picture to be copied and enlarged, as it
was the "best she ever had." She despatched it by poet,
protected by one pieee of stiff cardboard, and put the postage-
stamp just over a comer of the plate ! The result need not be
described, though the face was broken into not more than three
firagmsDts. A paper print, from the same negative evidently,
WM sent, bat it was considered not good at alL Our advice
was sought as to what was best to do under the circumstances.
k very slight inspection showed what ought to be done. The
paper print was clearly from the same negative, but exhibited
tlie distortion throagh expansion in one direction of the wetted
print^ >■ great a degree as «e ever saw it ; it was almost a
oaHolUrar By our advice the print was placed in a slanting
direction for copying, instead of at right angles to the optical
axis, so that the breiulth would be reduced. Next, a swing-
back camera was used, so that the focus could be accurately
adjusted though the picture was not equidistant in all its
parts from the leos, this same adjustment also tending still
further to reduce the breadth. The resulting i>hotograph was
excellent, and we had the satisfaction of learning it greatly
pleased the lady for whom it was executed. In conclusion, we
hope that our cxcurstis into one of the bye-ways of photo-
S6
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[January 15, 1892
graphic operationa may not be without both interest and in-
struction to many who have to undertake what is usually
looked upon as a species of hard labour.
Bolas's Xieoture. — The attendance at the first of
the three lectures arranged by the Photographic Society of Great
Britain was not so large as the well-wishers of the scheme must have
hoped for, the numher present being, we believe, under thirty. This
is the more inexplicable and regrettable, since it is pretty generally
known that Mr.ThomasBolas, whether talking or writing, can always
be followed -with instructive results. The Belatiom of Photographi/
to the Industrial Art» is a peculiarly appropriate theme in view of
the Society's attitude towards the suggested technical institute. Mr.
Bolas's ideas for securing facilities for the pursuit of experimental
work to be furnished by the State were of a practical and cogent
nature, and the further plea for the establishment of means for in-
forming the manufacturer and commercialist as to what had been
attempted or accomplished experimentally in any given direction ia
most happy in its originality and appositenees. By the way, in our
report of the lecture the title is slightly wrong, the word " appUcations"
should read " relations."
The Hew Ketbylated Spirit.— A correspondent of the
Chemical A'ewi suggests that as the Revenue authorities have no
object in view save the prevention of drinking alcohol, which has been
allowed to pass duty free, they ought to be ready to allow the spirit
to lie sold to all persons who are ready to enter their names in a book
kept by the retailer and open to inspection by the authorities. As
an altei-native, he suggests the issue of licences at a nominal charge.
Both suggestions are reasonable, and conceived in the proper spirit of
compromise. We again ask. When are the photographic societies
going to stir in the matter?
Retirement of DKr. Glaisher.— At the meeting of the
Photographic Society of Great Britain on Tuesday night, the Chair-
man (Mr. J. Spiller) announced that the President, Mr. Glaisher, had
deBnitely decided not to allow hioaself to be nominated for office at
the approaching anniversary meeting. Mr. Glaisher's retirement will
mark the close of an official connexion with the Society of long
duration and immense usefulness, and we are confident that in thus
terminating liLs tenure of the Presidential chair he will he the
recipient of wide and sincere regrets, accompanied by no less cordial
thanks for the great services he has rendered the Society, and through
it photography in general.
Photogrraphic Society's Sinner.— It has been decided to
hold a dmncr of the Society on February 8, and the arrangements for
it liave been taken in hand by Mr. William England, than whom
nobody is better fitted for such a duty. It is understood that on this
occasion Mr. GlaL<her, the retiring I'resident, will occupy the chair,
and, as this is the last time that he will be present with the Society in
his official capacity, it will be a graceful act on the part of all
membere to endeavour to put in an appearance at the dinner. We
therefore hope that this dinner will be made the occasion of a large
attendance, and that the President will carrj- away with him the
recollection of the warmest possible demonstrations of esteem from a
goodly gathering of memtiers and friends.
Support for the Society. — The earliest practical outcome
of the affiliation scheme was shown at the last meeting of the London
and ProWneial Photographic Association. On that occasion Mr.
P. II. Newman, at the conclusion of his lecture, touched upon some
of the incidents in connexion with the late exhibition. This gave rise
to a brief but animated discussion, and culminated in the passage,
wthout dissent, of a resolution commending the action of the Society's
officers in the late crisis. We are sure that the spontaneous support
of the affiliated societies will do much to strengthen the hands of the
parent Society in future.
"Honours" for Photographers.— Two or three "so-
cieties," founded for the encouragement of literature, science, and art,
are at present touting for members in a manner not usually adopted
by reputable representative bodies. They send you a high-flown
communication, informing you of your election, and asking for your
subscription ; and, if this biings no response, they write other letters
in the " name of the council," asking for the honour of adding your
name to the roll of the society, and so forth. These so-called
" societies " have for months past made photographers the objects of
their particular attentions, and several of their circulars have reached
us. We hope none of our friends have been rash enough to part with
any subscriptions or promises of support to societies which anybody
can see with half an eye are merely well-disguised commercial specu-
lations.
Dr. Emerson. — Since his famous "renunciation" of last year,
Dr. P. H. Kmerson, the apostle of naturalistic photography, has dis-
appeared from view. This disappearance, however, lias served to
bring out the Doctor's talents in another direction, as we gather from
tlie book reviews that he has been very successful in a collection of
" East Coast Yarns," published by Sampson Low & Co. This, per-
haps, answers the question that has so frequently been asked of late,
" What has become of Dr. Emerson ? "
The " Daily Chronicle " Ag'ain. — The erudite gentleman
who is responsible for the " Science Notes " in the Wednesday issues
of the Daily Chronicle says that " a communication by Ilerr Water-
house in Eder's Jahrbueh announces that positive photographs can be
obtained direct from the camera by adding small quantities of a substi-
tuted sulpho-urea to the developer,' &c., kc. We humbly submit that
science for the masses should be clearly written, and at least correctly
expressed. Colonel Waterhouse's experiments were first published in
these pages eighteen months ago. The Daily Chronicle is rapidly
acquiring an unenviable reputation, not only for inaccurate, but for
late news.
Ziargre Cameras. — Mr. P. Meagher has recently completed a
fine 22 x 22 in. brass-bound camera for the King of Siam. With a
cone attachment, it has a focal length of twenty-two feet, for copying
purposes. We are pleased to find such evidences of prosperity in the
camera-making industry, conjoined to the recognition of the high
merits of British products. We also learn that Messrs. Piatt &
Witte, of Kingsland, have recently completed a camera, to take
plates 30 x 30, extending eight feet, which had four special-made
screws, two of them being seven feet long. The bellows took fifteen
of the largest skins of leather that could be bought, and when com-
pleted the camera weighed about four cwt.
THE ORIGINATOR OF THE GELATINO-BROMIDE
PROCESS.
A FBiEND has just called my attention to a dreadful outbreak of
" Peokhamism " in the pages of one of your contemporaries, and has
placed me in possession of the correspondence that has been going on
on the subject for some weeks past. It seems tliat Mr. J. Burgess,
assisted by a few friends, anonymous and otherwise unknown, is
once more attempting to show that he, and he alone, is the great
pioneer of gelatine photography, the inference being that he, and not
Dr. Maddox, should be the recipient of the " coming-of-age " testi-
monial. I say again, because some ten or eleven j-ears ago lie made
the same attempt, and used pretty much the same arguments; but on
this occasion the tight is being carried on with greater vigour and
more ■virulence.
As one of the earliest experimenters with gelatino-bromide, and
well acquainted with its early liistory as well as with the various
individuals concerned in its development, and, moreover, having had
special opportunities of knowing the facts of the case, 1 may perhaps
be allowed to say a few words in order to put the matter in a proper
Juiiuuy lo, 1893]
THE BRinSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
87
lij^t befom th« namcvoa* Mefa of g«Utii>e plates whow lecoUeetion
of pkotOKiaphy doM not dat* tack to 1871.
Li til* fint pboe, it is attMnptod to makt mpUl out of the fact
that gtlatina eamUoM bad fieqo— tly beee memioned before 1871,
andtbatthmfoM Dr. Maddox haiaodaia to anr mora thaa paniiif
nwntion a* a oamal e* pei itentalirt — ^if, indeed, as macb. Tbe same
aigmiMot bold* frood, of eonrae, against Bu^ggM : but his friends do
not wy so. Dr. Maddox Mnr elHOMd, nor taa it ever been claimed
tor him, that be was tbe originator of tbe idea of gelatine emalsion ;
oa the eaotTai7, in bis Br*t puUication h« expreaslj said it was not
new. Bat what is claimed tor him ia that ha wae the flnt to pnUish
a praetieal and workahia formal*— not perfect br far, it ia trae — and
to ahow reaolto pndnMd by it. Far the Tery eariieet mention of
gelatiiw — "t^"— w* dwnH bare to fto back to pr»-eaOadk» da'va,
for Bingham, in hi* work on photography, pabKahed pterioas to 18S0,
mmtiam grhliw as one of the pamibto Tshirifs ia wWeh to soapend
tliii siiMJIin anlli !<• Qmj and Scott Areher both, if I renwrnber
rightly, ttttmftai to alflito it, and, later, Oaudia and c«here : but
noMof tkem«M*aaydiAnitofgnnb. Ia 1806 Palmar patented a
^^thllnii rhhiriila umaMam tot priatini fniuius ; but aatUag much
wMevar heard of that, and it rsomind Cor Dr. Maddooc to strike the
r*alka7no«a.
It is mid that Maddest p»ee«i or tormnla was oM f or nsRatiTea,
but mmaly for p»iatinyprmpif,M>A»tsnIied some mimrtse'eapoew
in tke pnaliiv Craaa. TWa ia a aia^MaiMiit that ia aa oalpahle in
ha reeUamaasa aa if it ware ilalihwato la bis Stat notca ooeamoni-
eatad to Mr. Taylor, Dr. Maddox awtainly doae apeak of paper,
thoogk the fact of aagatirae haviag been exhibited at the Inrentioos
Ezhibitioa— a taet haowa to BWgcM aad hia fticoda— cleariy prorea
the fikUty of tha stalaaHaL
HoweTer, tbe codatanee ef thoae mgatlm pratas aothing to the
aappotter* "f Dmsaa, for one of them wvald Ike to know "where
the nefratim exhibited oa behalf of Ih'. Maddox, aad for which he was
awarded a msdal, came (KNa," and opioee that tbe jary who awarded
that flMdal had bean greatiy luisiafoiawd aa to tbe facta. I pasa orer
the impatatloa this lawlras, (or I aa fbrtaaately able to pmra the
aathaatidty of thoaa aagntiree bayoad a dovbt. In 1880, while the
ptarioM tuiiiapiaMteaw oa tke tebjaet waepn>^ "- - *>-. Maddox
bapipaaad to rsamrk to ma ia the editorial oAer met, that
soma of hto imigiBal amatirto hai hat left there wiin .^ir. Tqdor;
aa Awa was a Biiarfiitli awawalatfaa cf aad> tkJBgi oa the Aatraa,
I propoaad a war oh, aad it waa ao* kog hefoi* w» came upon two or
tln« qaaita? phto aagatiraa heating the paitieolar* and <taU,
aiptomter. lori , «• iV. MaUt^i kmtdmriHnf. There eoaH be little
dcmbt as to thiir gaaiiiiiiw aader thoee cirwiwataaoaa, and, after
tying ftnbu thara for niaa yaaie, thay mrrtd to prove in a most
empkatie maaBir tkat Maddox"! proeam teas • aegativa proeem, aad
eapakia of vWtag laaaltB of a vary tatirfhetory diaiacter. Thoaa
nc^tirta, ^Htk, I kalare, aoam otkara that Dr. Maddox sabseqaentJy
ind, be baring haaa ahaat ttom ITnglawd for aoaM yeara, famed
i* exhibit for wirfcih the medal «fna awarded.
Tke it^tlM tlMI tka jaiy had haaa mialad enaaa dogakriy
nfartmrntaly far thaBkfgMse side. At iaaat, tlirm of the awmben
>d been elosaly JdaaiHid with frolatiaa omalaina as praetieal ex-
^#«tuMatailsta fvni the niat and tbroogn every ataga of its program,
aad ware not likely to hav« to go far for informatiaa aa to its Ualory.
^V'itklka«uap(ioaof two^therastof tbejaty weraallotd ammbers
i the Ooaadl of tta Pkatagrapkia Society, and as sack wan fullv
-' f all that had paaasd ia ooanaxion with the sakject. An<l
T awarded a gold laadai to Dr. Maddox without drtamiiiK
f tJ!vrg*i*i».
And aerv kt oa eoosider what Mr. Duinem himself has done in
■ laUadMbetioa to what ta cUima, "la 1R7:< aaamolskm wasput
Tito tka laaitai qdto perfect, aad for ordinary porpaaas aa good as
ay amde now." " DBi|ium made aa origiaal diteovery by going on
Unae never tried ktfoia. He waakad tke aaaritive Jelly iiwt<«d of the
lalar....* tiodi ara soma of the eUaa Well,ial878 Ihadthe
kaaara (f) of Hylaf aoam of the earakfea, or lalbar the dhappoint-
ii«wlof Botkafaf aUstotTTit. It wae so "perfset* that it woald
ti'it ilaad tka Jeaiasj between Ptckham and lirarpooi; in other
words, it waa dmimpumd witkia a few konra of beiqg seat oat. 8et
Ihia agaiaet all tka talk akoat tta worthleewtm of Dr. Maddox'a
formula ! Then torn to the " original discovery," washings tbe sensi-
tive jelly. Bargees never claimed to have done anything of the sort
until seven years after he first tried to sell his emulsion ; indeed, it
was not until 1880 that he made a single statement with regard to his
method, and at that time, it is needless to say, every one knew how to
waah an emubion.
AtMolutelv all that he had pnhltshed up to then consisted of adrer-
tiaements of his emubion, Trhich he soon had to drop, then hb plates,
together with an offer to impart the secret of hi; process to fiOO sub-
scribers of one guinea each. He did not even speak of it as gelatine,
but left tbe pnreliasers to find out what it was as well as how to use
it. After findin^r the emulsion w-ould not sell because it would not
keep, he tried plate-makinrr, and, surely, if be were the great " dis-
coverer," who haa taoght everybody all they know of gelatine emul-
sion, one would have imagined that be was in a fair way to fortune.
But not so. With the greatest thing that has ever cropped up in
photography within his fingers, be let it slip his grasp, apparently
frv>m sheer want of knowledge of how to work it. He bad Dr.
Maddox's idea, but failed to carry it ont
In the coarse of tta prasant discussion, and previonaly in 1880, the
moat extnordinaiy statement baa been made and repeated, that Mr.
Kennett kamt frioan him his process, and then went to the patent
office, and took out a patent. TbLi is Mr. Burgess's direct statement,
not a mere iwanuation. Mr. Kennett, Uie late Mr. le Neve Foster,
and " some veneishfe dergyman " (in all probability the late lie v. J.
G. Cowan, a tr^^t friend of Mr. Foster's) were at his house one day,
and be ' ' 'm his prooesa, and Mr. Kennett afterwards took
out a pa'. . It is not a very likely story, nor does it reflect
moeh credit on his wisdom as a commercial man to be so ready to
divulge hia secrets to any and everybody. I think Mr. Kemiett woidd
have bad to posaea a " stronger " conadenoe than I even gave him
credit for to have gone off and patented another man's idea, with the full
knowledge that two of his friends, both
aware of his dishuivstr.
Bat Mr. Keanatt'* version of matters is slightly differaat. He had
been axparimanting with gektiaa aoraUon off and on for aoroe years,
aad had got Ua proeeaa into worfcahla fona, bat held it bark, doabting
if then woold hs awrfcat enoogk for it to recoup him for tta neoee-
sary outlay ia starling it eoauaaroially. When Bargess's emalsion
was advaitiaad ta wioto for a sample, autisg ttat ta had been ax-
pariaaatkig ia tta aama direetton, aad Bubae^aently went to see
Bosgam oa hia iavitatioa. He fooad ttakttaMn tV 'ii his
emotaoa, aad aboat to start plato-mahinf, aad, appann ther
at lea. U I rsBMaibar ligiMly — for I am going on the NooUsction
of a ooDvarmtioa of tan or eleven yean ago — there was a suggestion
na Borgaaa's part ttat they abouki work together; bat,appatently,
Kennett did not think it "good aooagfa." Tta attention that
attempted iatruduclioo of tbe new emnlainn had attiaoted abowed
him then was an opening for it, aad ta than took out bia
patent.
Kannett'a patent, bv tta way, waa solely for tta drying of the
Mnsitive ami. wiblc it to takept.and, in spite of tta patent —
■urreptilioitsl} -- — liuigcas made no claim to its being hin until
1880, aaven years later, a most extraordinary fapsiM on tta part of one
who than and now daima ao much.
Not anooaeding at making plataa, in tta latter part of 1873 Burgees
sold bis prnwas, such as it was, to Mr. Mawdsley, of tbe Liverpool
Dry Plate Company, but I do nut think be ever succeeded in doing
anything with it. lie certainly advertised gelatine plates in tbe
Auf AXAC (or 1^74, but had scarcely tiow to try the proeeaa before
tta morl^ent to presa, and tta advertiaeoMnt did not reappear tta
(iilkiwing year, nor, indeed, did Mawdsley go in for gelatine pUtes
until after the publication of Beanatt'a method in IH'a .Surely, again,
if a practical man lita Mawdsley eoold do nothing with tta process,
it was not worth much.
Finally, in 1880, Mr. Bnrgeoi became connected with Messn. W. T.
Morgan k Go. in tbe introductioa of gelatino-bromi ' and
wrote a pamphlet for tlwm. But ttay soon severed : \ion,
and then it waa that Buigiaa ooimnenced to put forward hia t-xtm-
ordinary claims. Tbee, as now, the arrogant and inNulting tone in
which he allndad to Dr. Maddox, and every one who had anything to
do with gelatine, went far to alienate from him any sympathy ttat
38
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[January 16, 1892
might haTe Twen felt for him as an unsuccessful " inventor," and then,
as now, I felt compelled to point out the fallacy of his claims.
Though my own experience with the emulsion was unfortunate, I
am quite willing to, and do helieve, that some of the emulsion and
plates he isaaed were of good quality, for otherwise they could not
ha»e securvd the notice they did. But to put himself forward as the
" originator " — his own word — of frelatino-bromide, when he came just
two years after the puUication of Dr. Maddox's formula, is preposter-
ous. To poae as a hsnefactor to photography when he never published
one atom of information, and failed even to benefit himself, or as an
ill-used individual because Dr. Maddox.and not he,i8 to get a testimonial
is supremely ridiculous, and it is surprising that any one with the facts
within reach, and well up in the literature of the subject, should be
found to abet him. W. B. Bolton.
♦
AMERICAN NOTES AND NEWS.
Prlntlngr-out Flatlnotype.— One of our American con-
temporaries having suggested that the platinotype patents in America
were on the point of expiration, Mr. Alfred Clements writes to
Anthony t Bulletin to correct the mbleading statement. Incidentally
he makes the interesting announcement that a printing-out process in
platinum has long been in the mind of Mr. Willis, and that hundreds
of experiments have been made by him in that direction, but the
many difficulties in the way make it almost impossible to ever get a
perfect process of this kind. We are sorry to hear this. An indefa-
tigable experimentalist like Mr. "Willis would, we should have thought,
have been able to equal the efforts of our Continental rivals, if not
surpass them. Mr. Clements is surely not ignorant of the fact that
printing-out platinum papers have long been in use.
ZntereBting: to Iianternteto.— Discussing the recent lan-
tern explosions, Anthony points out that in the case of a bag the
explosive force is exerted in all directions, whereas, in the case of a
cylinder, there is seldom "more damage done than the blowing out of
the gauge or plug, as happened in London a short time since. Mr.
F. A. Bridge will be glad to know that " in this instance, too, the
accident was wholly due to the carelessness of the operator, who
opened the valve suddenly, and allowed the full pressure of the stored
gas to accumulate in the pressure gauge at once." This is hardly
correct. On the occasion referred to something else besides the
destruction of the gauge took place, and, according to expert testimony,
the cause of the accident was not that above assigned for it.
Photogrraphlng' Chinese Zmmlgrantfi. — .America, by
which we mean the United States, is a free country, but the authori-
ties there will not permit free entry into that country of every one so
disposed. Amongst others, the Chinese are debarred admission, ex-
cept under certain restrictions. The word has been passed that at
the ports of entry into the States from Canada photographs shall be
taken of all Chinamen arrested for unlawful entry into the United
States, for subsequent identification of those who return after having
been deported to Canada.
Jjargre Panoramic Pictures. — At a recent meeting of the
Society of Amateur Photographers of New York, two panoramic
Tnctnres taken upon Carbutt flexible films were exhibited. They
were made on colour-sensitive films with a Ross lens of fifteen inches
focus in a Moessard panoramic camera. The length of each picture
was forty-eight inches, and Mr. Carbutt hoped soon to get a film of
larger size, some seventy-five inches, or even longer. The angle
included was said to be 105°. The pictures were perfectly sharp,
being made with the lens working at/-64.
Camerlsts versus Photogrraphers. — We learn from a
New York daily, the 7'imet, that the term " camerists " as applied to
amateur photographers to distinguish them from the professionals, has
apparently, to use a familiar expression, " caught on." For a long
time the amateurs felt that some name should bo adopted which
would be appropriate and suggestive of the art as well as clearly
8 'pirs'i-uf'them from tlie professionals. The word "photographer" in-
variably brought to mind the man who, after fussing for fifteea
minutes behind a curious-looking instrument shrouded in a black
cloth, would cry out, " Now, look pleasant," and then, watch in hand,
would keep the sitter in a state of mental distraction for what seemed
several minutes, and then, perhaps, remove the plate-holder and retire
to his closet, without even telling the sitter that the terrible ordeal
was over, and that he could resume his normal cast of countenance if
he chose.
Sngrlisb versus American Plates.— Mr. Francis B. Troup,
who is, we presume, an American amateur, writes to the Photographic
Timet to complain that during a residence in the dampest corner of
England (wherever that may be) all his plates were so affected by the
damp that they were useless for securing good negatives. So far so
good. " But mark," he says, " my experience with American plates."
llere he goes on to say that he imported some of Mr. Carbutt'g plates.
These were sent to him specially packed for the sea voyage, of course,
but he accidentally left a box in his dark room for a month during the
rainiest weather he ever experienced in England. He tried them
against an English brand which had also been in the room for a month,,
with the result that the Carbutt plates were excellent, and the others
not worth printing. " It was a severe test, but the plucky Americans
jtood it so well," &c., &c. If this means anything at all, it is that an
American gelatine plate is impervious to the effects of damp, and that
an English plate is not. Fiddlesticks, Mr. Troup !
The late VT. ZTotman. — From Wilson's Photographic Maga-
zireewe learn that the death of William Notman,of Montreal, recorded
in our last "American Notes," was more sudden than we were aware
of. Only ten days before his death he was in New York in apparent
good health, forming plans for photographing at the coming World's
Fair at Chicago. Mr. Notman, says our contemporary, was one of
the first artists in our profession. Being an educated painter first, he
was always able to produce work of the highest photographic cha-
racter, and to win fame and fortune. He was a leader in style as
well as in art, and conducted successfully many great enterprises,
among which was the long line of remarkable panoramic views of the
Canadian Pacific Railway. His death is a loss to us all.
Pictorial Criticism. — A feature in connexion with criticism
not known, or not, at any rate, yet practised in this country, has been
adopted in Wilson's Magazine. A picture is published, and the
criticisms of the readers on it are invited. The one which is now
" on " is entitled. By the Still Waters, and opinions on its composition,
treatment, and general merits are freely given by brother artists.
As might be supposed, they are somewhat conflicting. The idea
strikes us as being a good one.
Solution of Celluloid. — A contemporary says that solution
of celluloid may readily be prepared that will prove useful for coating
trays or other dishes, and that will resist the action of acids and
alkalies, by taking spoiled celluloid films, and, after removing the
emulsion, dissolving them in fifty times their bulk of amyl acetate.
The celluloid solution serves admirably as a varnish for negatives.
A Ziargre Portrait.— Tlie portrait of the delightful Irish, not
American, actress. Miss Ada Kehan, which hangs in the foyer of
Daly's Theatre, New York, is said to be the largest photograph iu
the world, measuring about 7 x ^ feet. It depicts the lady in her
impersonation of "Rosalind," and is the work of M. Walery, of
London.
Photog'raphy at the "World's Pair.- The Christmas
number of the Photographic Times deserves special notice. It con-
tains a pictorial frontispiece, and three other pages of illustrations ;
the initial letters of the articles f^re printed in red, and appended to
each article is not only the signature, but a neat little woodcut of
several of the writers. From it we learn, on the authority of Mr.
Gentile, the probable Superintendent of the Photographic Department
JanvMTj 15, 1803]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH i'.
89
of Um World'* Colambian Exposition at Chicago, that photograph j is
not to hare a bailding daToted antiiely to it at the World's Fair, bat
will b« eUswil nnder the departtnaot of Liberal Arta.
SOME RECENT EXHIBITIONS.
[A PiifCT n^ hatora ttw London ■•< Pnfladal Ptalitn#li
I srppoa it ia antieipated bj moat aaagniiw panona that tha exhibi-
tioM of photographa which take place aaooalj ahoold indicate a
•tMdy adranea io sooie directions hj the naneroaa branehea of that
sadaetiTe aad sdentifle ait, and I troat that the saogaine people have
not been disanpointed this year which we hare just undergone. I
caonot iodiTidaallj saj enjtmd, baeaiiM I leirret to admit that the
wvalher and the "crops* of photORiapha alike lart season did not
eoaaeapto m7satpeetations,tl>oagli lamnot asangnineperaon. One
Tcaaoo, of coome, may be— and I am more than wUliag to admit it —
that I belong to that Terr small budy of critics who do not know
eTarything aboat photograph j; and, while I regret this exceedingly,
and am dolr aahamad, I am sensible that, were I better informd, I
shooU be a^ to dwell npon and eolai^ for year behoof thia tmmiaff
seaaa or paper, methoda of printing, totuMg, derelopiiy,
perspectiv*, or para-amUopbsnol fad, which connterbalanced and
entinlr outweighed anrfiasfal shortcomings in the raoent exhibitions
that tMt be expeetad to have voed oar rigfateona sonls; bat, alas t
tbsM Igbts are dsaiad aa, and whsa it was soCTaated to me to
say soBsatUng to-oifiit to too. and to take tha rsesnt exhibition*
aaatopie, I had almost rtpUed with the BonosrOnble " No ; " bat I
fortunately remambersd In time that no memW of yoor Society
eoold ttke a nagatiTe that would not print, and so I eonseatad to lay
soaaething aboat the exhibitioas; and if , ia this case, IKt mm iemum
win aearcelT sopty, at leaat we win sea if we cannot get aome good
ont of th«'m. Now, tbaia are tboM aasoag that Kmitad class who do
not know eranrtUaft, aad of whom wa hare beaa thinkiiy awns
who N}oiea, and wxmld arsa maha a Ttitas of thsb ignorance, esn».
daily on the qnaatioa, if it wwapvttotlMm aanhatically, of what
Ml safth waa the naaoa aome of tW sxUMtiaaa exialad for at all. and
what, in the name of fata or flataity, aome of the esbibitors had to
exhibit f Them anaatioaa are at oms so startling and ao shocking
that they, doaMaaa. iwiiii to nmain oaaaswersd ; bnt, yet, we
most not wngsasiemlj Isayatheafnwaaid Himladclam in ita ignorance;
aad so, with yoor aaimissiiw, wa will advise tham to tapir to the
peadasistie and blaiaat q asattoaan that their qnaatioM aia o'ffansiTe
or, if
to tba prafsasoia of a wisdom thM laeiMiass tlia than are and will
be. far a year or two to amm,man tkbfi ia kaavaa and earth than
aO pWktopUsa are eqoal to, aad, moraoyst, nmt that the
qnastioaeis ara probabhr as lamsatahly oMasa to tka amTMsal
or "eiAiiiliiii I of thlaga ia ■iiawal, as they ai« to the di^puesd
of photographic exhibitkoa ia partfaalar.
" Aad «lsh thsm not rtply.
For thoa most ^<« the Ua."
wa woald aot be quits ao r«da aa the aaeiaat and pssaimistie
noiart *^ tk*v ongralafU faming and foaming be qaietad by
pointing oat that ther* is aa and of ail thinga, araa to a tather, for,
when a tather is at it* fall langth. aad alistehad to the attetmott, it
breoka. Now, it is quiu obvioas that Iha length of tsthar already
arrived at by soms sablanary iastitatioae— I am afnud I caonot
indade the waathar— bat say, for axampk, the Sebool Biani and
aome photographic exhibitiooa, the taasioa is sach that fracture must
he imminent, whm wilt oirm the falsf we, aa well as our impatient
•r ignorant frieadt, so mach deaira.
I did not see many axbihitioaa last vaar, so perhaps mr safferiogs
are dsapissdby thow who mw OMXa thaa mtatJf : but mffrrioir i< a
relatire fnrtMO, and aiae wars severe enowrb : yet I will tttxmpt, if
sdaMth aarra me, to call the flowar health fioa the apas disease—
(o ''V^J parmphrasa the bard-aad thwt, at bast, escape your
OMf if not gain yoar thaaka. Seeiiw what a task is brfors
faalag that the case ia not hspils s, I. lelying on yoor juit
, aay at once. Coom, thaa, let aa rsason toi^thar.
I feators to prsmisa that, even in tham paWem wakiiy days, there
s bad yaara aad good years in most Ihiaga. ha4dae tha weather or
•la _
the oops, and, ia Mpport of this asssrtioa.'shoaU doubt ariw, I will
•dodt that L have kaowa a v^ar (but thia ia a sacnt. aad only to be
wUmnd ia the striaUsteoaUenoe), a year. I aay, when the exhibi-
tioa flf the Rnyal— «h! ah ! I see, y-w gium: w-11, when t«ii
kanw, it miMt b-1 alliwd that it w»« ju«l a trifle below the avrriiirv.
Ind'Sd, I )><tioT<>, in connexion with annual- (I shxald have 'ai.l
**«f"a>s). that BW« thaa one of tha reratahle nld elaiMie< nud xnae-
tia»«,aadl would, la Ub aaam eooorxloa, a<k yoo, SbaU wa grudge
the forty, or even fifty, winks now and again to those who have done
so much to amuse, edify, or even astonish us, and disallow a similar
somnolent licence to exhibitions that are neither Koval nor Academic P
But I think I hear you saying you have been a judge, and you are
now talldng like counsel for tne defence, or a special pleader. Well,
perhaps you are right, and all I can reply is, a judge is not of much
account if he cannot see both sides of the case ; and this last year I
have seen the ins and outs of so many cases — in fact, turned them in-
side out, so to speak — and there is one special case I mav mention,
part beard »ii camera, and in which I am rather glad l' have had
nothing to do with the ruling. This, you are aware, was a police
case, and I am sure we must all rejoice that it has been settled out of
court.
I think it is now high time we began to consider the relative merits
of some of the exhibitions, and what their value may be to both the
professional and amateur photographer, and how, a possible, that
value may be improved.
Firstly, photographic exhibitions, if not unmixed blessings, as we
partly suspect, are, in the present condition of the art, greater
neeeesities than ever, especially so if the amateur is to be recognised ;
and as he or slie, like another class " is alwavs with us," the
amateur will be recognised. I think it is expeient also that he
should he medalled, for, after all that can be urged, it has never
seemed to me that the professional photographer has really much
eauM of objection to the amateur, because not only doea he 'tend to
popularise photography by his efforts, but his very failures increase
the populantT and appreciation of really good photographs, and thus
adds to the chances of the professional, who^n the long run, and hav-
ing the start of the amateur, must, in the nature of things, generally
beat him badl^. Morever, it is from the ranks of the amateurs —
diligent, absorbed, and therefore most successful amateurs — that the
ranks of the professionals are beet filled. Now, granted that the
neesesity. and even virtues, of the amateur are recognised, it is de-
*irabU> that bv exhibitions, medab, and competitions, the amateur
should (rradually learn what he is made of, and how far he falls short
uf a high standard of excellence.
Hut bere, I must admit, we are met by the great and principal
difficulty, for while, on the one hand, it is obviously desirable to en-
courage the amateur by allowin;? him the indulgence in the pardon-
able human weakneaa, a little vain glory, dear alike to himself and
his apmeiativa ralativea— no inconsiderable public, by the way— it
is eqaally neeeeaary not to give false impressions of perfection in his
perr<TmancM, that a too indiscriminate awarding of prina and medals
must foster. I have seen something too much of this last year, and
must not itegleet an opportunity of dwelling upon it.
While saving that I think photographic exhibitions are greater
necessities than ever. I am distinctly of opinion Aat we are having
rather too many of them, similarly that we hare too many exhibitions
of paintings for the real banaflt of art. The output may be great,
but the quality has to be eonaidanid, and this often suffers, I find, in
the ratio of the oatput w ' nable limits.
We have two very in f photographs annually,
practically in London — I m.Min in i nu .Wan and the Crystiil Palace—
and it is to these two exhibitions I propose now tu cnntino my re-
marks, as to my mind they are more than extensive cnongli to abeord
all the good work of the year. I mean, of course, by this all the
work that is worthy a place in an exhibition that puis itself on com-
petitive terra* with the best photography in the wcrld.
The Crystal Palace Exhibition last year, I have been solemnly
assured in some hi^h places, waa " below the average." I am very
glad to bear it, as it sjwaks verv hr>pefully of photography, and I do
not rwrst ia the least the sufleting I endured on that erer-to-be-
ramembarwl head splitting day on which I was allowed the privilege
of being a judge of ao much htgh-dass work— work, I should observe,
that was pUeiid equ«lly to the advantage of itself, the exhibition
*1y, and the judges. It raightbeapl«isure,insteftdof anagony,to
a eoUeetion of photnirraphs if the Crystal PaUce authorities
JadgesiuJii
wwihlttny let as see theezliibition at some time when the public were
not preaunt ; butaalt is, it it an inHirtionnf such inconceivable torture
to those who have not experipncinl it, that I have no hemtation in
mying that, ahould I ever be honournd bv being asked to be a juror
again at the Crystal Palace, I should mucfi prt^er to fulfil the office
on a Sunday, when anr eoaadantioas qualms nr scruples would be
mora than M a<i'ie by tne knowledge that, in attending on that dav,
I wa* pariicipatiog in an act of mercy to my co jnrors. Comparisons
are nototioiuly odious, nevertheless they must be made sometimes,
and I muot say that, in spiie of the physical objections to beinj^
a juror at the Crystal Palace, where one is bewildered by the
incessant crowd, and choked by the insidious dust, it is a far
pleasanter task to do the actual' judging at Sydenham than at tie
40
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[January 15, 1892
•riiibitivn in IVl M»ll; and tbo ' ren-oon of tljw U the princijml
NMou fur my iiillictiiv on you this address ttviiight, and Jrawiiig
Tour attention to wliat I conceive.as an important consideration. It
u not the 4u.'j.tion of the photographs themst'lves, although I shall
have mor.- l<i miv ou that suhjeot preapntly, so much as the arrange-
UfUts at thu ri-.-poctive c-xhihitious.
1 mav be answered, " But see the space at command at the Crystal
Pklaoe.'' Well and (food; I will attend to that al.-o presently. But,
now, at the Pall Mall Exhibition, in the years that I have seen it, it has
been dliTicult to find any arrsnjrement "at all. This year, at least, I
am confident there was none worth mentioninEf. A juror entering, for
the first time, the exhibition room of the Photographic Society of
Great Briuin will naturally say to himself, " This is, or should be, by
it* traditions, the most important exhibition in the country;" and, if
he has any honesty, as it is usual to suppose a juror may have, he will
endeavour to 6x in his own mind a certain definite standard of
axcellenoe before he goes to the question of awards. He may, if
it be conceded that he is honest, have some allowable misgivings on
the point of excellence, and he may not unnaturally turn to the works
and seek in the places of honour — supposedly the centres of some of
the walls — for guidance by what the hangers may have considered
worthy of this distinction. Now, I have no hesitation in saying that
last year, in an important class of work, the juror so doing would
have been more at sea than ever. I will spare both pictures and
names, maldng no invidious references ; but those who saw that
exhibition, an3 remember the localities of the various works, must, I
think, bear one out that a system that might be supposed to lead to the
finding of excellence in certain places, was " more honoured in the
breach than in the observance."
A querist, addressing himself to the officials for explanation, was
met by the inevitable reply, ' Well, you see, the handsome framing
has a good deal to do with the arrangement.' Of course, in what I
have stated I am not including one conspicuous, not to say notorious,
aeries of photographs which should have been judged iui generis, and
to which I shall have to allude subsequently. So that one finds that
the most important consideration of the most important photographic
.exhibition in the country is the consideration of handsome framing.
J frankly admit that one's heart sinks within one at the contempla-
tion of such a state of things in London at this time. Such, however,
was my experience; and, coupled with your own observations uf the
exhibition, which can scarcely he favourable, I think I am justified
in presaii^ on the attention of tliis important photc^aphic society,
known widely as it is as the London and Provincial, to see if some
steps cannot be taken to prevent, if ^possible, a recurrence of a system
of hanging which cannot do other than injuriously affect the whole
of your profession. Such a system of haugmg, in conjunction with
the permission of monstrous and ridiciUous framing, as . we havp
witnessed this last year in Pall Mall, can 'scarcely be conceived to
have arisen from ignorance, and yet it seems more serious still to
attribute the cause to a laissez-faire indolence in the leading society
of Great Britain. However, thus is forced upon one the com-
parison with the Crystal Palace Exhibition, which, with all its draw-
backs, has an admirable arrangement of getting the exhibits into
groups in sheltered bays, a system undoubtedly necessitated by the
natural conditions at the Crystal Palace, but which, I submit, is
absolutely necessary anywhere for the due enjoyment or criticism of
small works, such as photographs. I do not suppose that the Pall
Mall folks would entertain the idea of such a system for a moment,
but probably say that it was not possible in their room. 1 am,
however, not so sure of this, and, if attempted, the sides of the bays
might be so hinged as to set forward to a stop for the convenience of
the lantern shows in the evenings without disturbing the frames in
the least degree. I argue that such a system of top-lighted bays
allows of adequate classification, allows a better display of each
«.\hibit, giving more room than at present, and permits that con-
centration on individual work which I insist is absolutely necessary
to its enjoyment or criticism, and which b quite impossible with the
distracting infiuences of a large wall.
If it be advanced that such an arrangement as I have described
cuts up the room, detracting from its general effect, I answer this is
immaterial. You can make no large room look well by covering its
walU to seven or eight feet high with a mi.\ed collection of photo-
graphs, however mounted and however hung; even supposing the
room were no spoiled in general effect, this, I again contend, is of no
consequence to the main purposes of the exhibition. Furthermore,
1 am of opinion that the exhibition being at present quite large
4>nough in point of numbers, the arrangement I propose would allow
• f the photographs being adequately mounted, which cannot be the
, <-»««vm *">• present conditions. We all know that small works of art
of *u_. hi 1 g u:\ in"! i- lyhy a eood width of margin, as it assists the
riveting ot'tie ftttentiofi,' the enjoyment beTng' proportionate in the
same degree as lantern exhibitions, which are not a little dependent
for their success on thi* <!onditibn of the isblatipn of the picture, and
consequent consecratien of our attention.* One lesson is distinctly
derivable from these two exhibitions, and I hope that I may be able
to impress it as forcibly on' this society as I Ifeel it njyself — it is the
Anomalous position which ^rtrait and flgwre •paoio^t^hy continues
to occupy. I am aware that my point of view has been a matter of
consideration, and has even caused dispute over and over again ; still
I find matters remain very nearly as they were, at least as to the
question of judgmeiits or awards, and I would once more ask. What
is to be the decision on the subject of retouching ? — for it is really
important. One looks at a good portrait or series. «rf. portraits, and
expresses genuine admiration for pose, light, and shade, bes^es other
artistic qualities, yet your better technically informed conjuror smiles,
and at once says, " Ah 1 yes ; but you know half of it" is retouching."
Fatal word, and dreadfully cold water to be douched wife so con-
stantly, calculated to discourage the hope for ever of any advance in
photographic portraiture ; but what is the result ? You are obliged
to give some medals, and what do you give them for? I venture to
say, that it frequently happens nobody knows but the . lucky photo-
grapher, who, as often as not, laughs in his sleeve. If the work of
portraiture is to be judged on its photographic merits, plus excellence
of subject and pose, it is time the judges were allowed an inspection
of the negative. If this is not thought to be desirable or convenient,
surely there can be no objection to sending with every work of the
kind for competition a first proof before retouching or even spotting
has been attempted ; this proof not necessarily for exhibition, but for
the use of the judges. Nothing, at any rate, can be more unsatis-
factory than the present state of the case, which demands some better
means of criticism being in the hands of the judges for them to he
either consistent, or, with their best endeavours, fair. Of course, it
would be a most desirable thing if, in all cases, photographs of a head
could be obtained without retouching; but, although this may be
■possible in some limited instances, 1 fear that withcertain types —
female especially — that even in these days of orthochromatic plates,
and granting — which is very unlilcely — ^the protracted exposure in-
cidental to the use of idle yellow-glass screen, the i desidei;atum will
hardly be attained. I cannot help thinking it ^vould be -wiser to
recognise retouching as^necessity than to burke its .consideration, or
wink at it, aS is the^int^jj^ded plan at present adopted.-
One thing is certaiB,'l»mraercial portraiture is, and probably must
remain, impossible without retouching, and if it -vyere recognised as
an art, as its importance demands, it would be far more likely to be
confined to artistic limits, as we see in such rare instances, than
transgressing all rules of sobriety and taste, as is so frequently
maiiifest. I have little to say about individual works in these two
exhibitions,; they spoke for themselves, and the judges were quite
content to stand or fall by the justice of their awards. I am, doubt-
less, expected to say something specially on the art question. My
remarks, however, must be very brief, and while expressing any satis-
faction at some notable examples of artistic feeling in both exliibitions,
as regards composition in line, and light, and shade, I recognise no
advance, so to speak, all along the line ; those who have the artistic
feeling always show it, though some of the well-known names do not
come up to the standards they set themselves in former years. The
efforts of those who have not the artistic feeling, however laudable
in some cases those efforts may be, they are sometimes none the less
painful, and it was with considerable surprise to me that works of
this class were so observable in Pall Mall.
It is not given to every, in other respects, excellent photographer,
to be essentially artistic, and we ought to feel glad that there are
obvious fields of occupation involving considerable interest and enjoy-
inent in utilitarian and archreological directions for, I will not say the
" weaker brethren," for they are strong in their several qualifications
and gifts, and set a good example to the amateur, who may cot have
the art atti-itus, by doing something useful, doing it well, and conse-
quently benefiting the art of photography generally.
And now, before I conclude, I should Uke to say a word or two on
the standpoint of criticism. 1 do not, mvself, see the absolute neces-
sity of judging every photograph that comes before one as one would
judge a pictorial composition. There are, of course, those who set out
to make pictorial compositions— these should, and must, be judged by
the severest tests ; but there are many excellent photographs in all
exhibitions which, if 4: may .^ speak, are absolutely innocent of any
such idea or intentiotf, photographs which pretend to be no other
* It becomes a serious question for the members of the Photographic Society
ot Irreat Britain to cousuler; wh^tlier, iu ca.-iie th8lrpre«ut room is unsuitable
for such arraugemeiits as I- venture to propose,<n. justice to themselves and
their art, tliey shoUia not seek anojther place for theft- nihtf^ exhftiition
,^ A
*l.iUii*J!i/.iy|f^^. V
JSBtUT7 U, IBM]
THE BRITISTI JOURNAL OF PIJOTOQRA.PHY.
than mora or l«a« faithful memoranda of pl*ces and thin^rs. Modem
critieum. I fear, U rather prone to acoff at theae things, and un-
adriaedly, for they hare their ralae. I am not holding a brief now
for the inartistic : I have no aoefa idea. I think yon know that from
irhat I hare said here and ebewhere, I lore and rerere the artistic as
I score and decptse pot-shotting or thoae who would tell me that a
yhotocraph of nature moat of neeetatjr be a work of art ; but I do
•T thu. that a simple photograph that makes no pretention to bein^
aivork of art, should be judged on ita own unprtttending merite aod
stendpoint ; if it cannot be a thing of beauty, it may at least be a
tUng «f use. Than are heapa and Maps of studies that are of special
T^ue in thL< dhwrtjnn, not at all to M inclnded in that incongruous
and Tsgu.-, if art-affecting term, "bits," in its generally accepted
aeSM, but tiiu of utility that the pa inn> siring amateur may make ez-
ceedin^lr awful to the artist.
But Wk to the exhibitions for my last word, aod it is to tell rou
what, lorliaps. you already know, but that I, aa one of the judgea
in Pall Mall last year, far from holding a« a secret, think cannot be
pubTubKl too widely, tIx., in our report on the exbilMtiun to the
§ocl>!ty a rider was append*^ Proposed originallr by myself, it had
the honour uf adoption in a Terr sEgfatly modified 'form by my co-
iarors, the gesMTal sense being to t&s eSret. that we legfUed to find
tt ni«m»<axy to siigg««t to t£e hanger* ° ' " ' n in
flte exhibitioo of works, aa we fooM m > y nf
a plaee in the Exhibition of the Phou.ij^\pitic ojci'iv ui tireat
Bntain. I ma^ now add that thef wan lafcviar wdrka' to many I
saw last year m amateur eonipBtitiiisia
1 aa perfectly well aware that I aa oo d^eato gtwni in the
m«tter« I am discuMng, but I make iMresenae for taOug tales oat of
sdinol, if aoT ow plMSea to can it sneh. ' The eUel naang them "
in I'alt Mall is astthar ashaaed of taking aotea nor of pnWsbing them,
aod, indeed, coosidns hia«if more than ju*tiG<-d by the impurtant,
nay. I nay say aaiieaai, wmsidaratinas in*<>iv«d. A defence u quite
lik'<-ly to IM set wv, if aay ontiee is taksn of my lenarks at all. that
thf ■"•TWWtiim w«j tBJnrwJ br thr withifrswnl nf fwrtain work* after
tl t that of the
iiuin. WhiU<
^'. liii' otiiibilur wUu
t>K I hare aSordnd tn i.
tfanoj^h inrii. ' ■ ■■utB petition frasnni': ■^'-'i
tuisa; yet til' id ao hiisinass tn>air. ^Iiey
had tm - -'-, bal,l**l. '
their i* r hsoiK upu»
li . ^!iJ wtthtowa, . -
: at the toMMIt of
ikin^ tliisstaleneDt . Airt
•\ by the asrislant oecreury as reporta-d
r
h-i^m, what I say is perfectly accurate
cnnreyed by the assistant
ibeir Terr i
I aa awar. : -
th the iapressi
the psUie pri
d litaraOy tr«r
' TiWarf is eiKir> fir thmi;rb *«• the i<id|M> ^^ »<>(
makto oat o«ir rsp -ling waa well advaaead,
baring to iaspeet •■ ■ ieo, yet we had registared
aany awards at the uuu: Mr. Uatiaoo's works wars withdrawn. We
liad had asraral boon to bnk at thea aiagiy and at oar leisore ;
ni ^ T S««« atMad,wa were ahsolirtslT affRaehing
{' a aftarooon in a body, to dedda apoa tWa,
ibn^ wrn> mirr-ucted, Bodi to the Taxation of aors thai one of onr
WHiWr. I ay aotUiig aboat seaot eoartasy to tha ]iidg«a; I ar
•roiUng aboot arfkiasa to tha Eshibitar ; ha ia atroof anoogk in hu
«a liMto8idbrliltla,aiid eaatakaeaa ofhiaaaU: hot I ay that
leh aa awkwanl pise* of boagUil^ while eaBiifhnidly for refora in
aaagMaant, throws a sliaia aidWRkt oo thia axlilbitioo geasrally,
hkh. however loudly ymUtmtd fcllnancial wewa. eaanot but be a
•neta perhapa aoi* lapoctaat iaasa. I tnut it will not be wiih-
liita laaoa loaa,asid that stspa aaybn tskim ti st rid itr r-^r-Ti'--—
hia end and aia ia riew, yoa aay lyaHaaad to aM<i>pt, aa a sooa
u-^ma% aa aztamation of my riaa ia the paia* I bare pat yoa to by
' long a stniia oo yoor kind atteation. Pmur H. Nbwma!i.
"^":ST LOXDOS PROTOOBAPBIC BOOIBTrS BXHIBmON,
' least of the W«a Loads* Bosiaty's elaiaas apoa oar taroorable
•laww of the eihlbitioB of ia asatwi* work. ksM oa Friday aod
' ilaidiy last, arfaa fcaa Ha iiiiaa a ililily aaaU aaahar of photogaphs
ovo oa that oeasloa. Tbssa naabarad a llttla aoa than a famdnd,
'id U. M oa tooj/taun, Otj ars a bs aeaeptad aa ispisauUUre of the
.-viaisty's eollcalia pbolagnphie skill. «s ars happy to admit that tkers
«SN law, it aay, pistoaa opoa the walls which the aoa serapoloos
^«aglac snaalfla twald taMan to naloda. In ftaa, the task of Iba
Jndges — Mears. Valentine Blanchard, H. P. Bobinson, and 6. E. Cook —
must have been as difficult as it was agreeable, so high was the avenige
of the work on view.
A frame of small Tiew« — ilorning, ErauMff, Calm, Storm — by XisB
Maud litlton and Mr. C. Bilton, struck us as being excellently rendered
studies of meteorological effect ; but, if they bad been medalled, to whom
would have belonged the award? Photographic partnerships are a norelty.
Mr. W. L. CoUs towered Uke a Triton among the minnows with. his
untouched portraits taken in an ordinary room, which, if not quite so
bard in the lights, would hare been flawless ; bat they deserved their
medaL Mr. J. A. Hodges, with Softly FaU4 fV KveniH-i Light, Tuilight
(medal), The Want of Dan, ^^ Icebound Sirtr, A Uanen of Hct, and A
Hicenide Idyll, carried off the palm for perhaps the most artistiqally
chosen and executed aria on the walls. Bloicituj up for Rain, by Mr.
Lambley, a jndidoualy exposed and printed study of a brewing storm,
deserred the medal which was given to A Dredger, Keic, by Mr. W. S-
Bogers, a mappy study of craft on the Thamn, possessing little more
than leofanical merit Several of Mr. Rogers' other pictures, in cool
toned bromide, wen killed by the unsuitable grey mounts employed.
Mr. H. Salby betrayed unquestionable technical skill in A M'elth Valley
and Low Tide ; but, in onr judgment, his brother, Mr. L. Selby, was
lucky in securing a oadal for m> commonplace a view as Far from the
Ciiy't Strife, a /a^ds »aeto>yoang man lounging in a leafy lane,: the
picture having a red tone. The sants gentleman showed a view of
Wmdtor CattU, in which that edillee, compared with the foreground, had
a moat exaggerated speetnJ appearance. Clearly the printing was here
at fanit Mr. Charles Whiting's Urge, boldly bandied marine studies,
Karly ilortung, and Waiting for tlie Tide, more than earned their
award.
With seaiealy any sxeeption, the exhibition was one of which the West
TftrndoB Society may tal proud. We congratulate the members od the
comparatively small number of portraits hung. In photography— par-
ticularly amateur photography — this is one of the things best left undone
by all bat a gifiad fsw. We look forward to the next exhibition ol the
Soeiety with conaideiable ialerest, aa it is ssldoin that in so yoong a body
«• have reaaoo to be w plassd with the qnality of the work shovru.
eut £Ditenal arable.
Ma. CuAfti^fl Kain's Aximal STtn>iiia.
aa. f 5. W. WiL«(i!r Jt Co.,of .Vberdtvn, have fent us some .xaaiples
• " 'cnown master's w..rk. They arp 1 ' -^ " ' rl»«B printt of
/ and Domlttif anil Cart — two
,,,„... W-. -I..II ■.';'.' It
Ml
of
At
Mr
wh.
wh. ., -.. . . ^: -
dissociation from his taae at
roiis series of
i,r.-..!ii,-tiiinS,
■lie
tof
Tiia i^oTooRAPutoQcARTi.ia.v.
Loodod': Hasan, Watson, k Viney.
Thb Jaananr nnaW opana with aa article on Phnto-rairro)7taphT,
by J. (1. P. Veivkar, illustrated with rep- ii'>r. In
a'capilal paper on ** ImpoMiM<» I'hotnjn- ■ -nn, the
author analysM eertain ^ ~ "f-
soo's Elaine, and shows ■ is
supposed to have lived, lliurc ar- .y "i-- ny l>r.
P. il. fcaaaoo, in wbicl he deni<'- . ■\Tt.
Htntraa tt DumaLD^i Actimooaaph.
kHioif k Ct>., Snhn-«qaare, have sent ^^n one of these
iiistiaaiaa, which we In M-t lud an opportunity of trying.
In mechanical coostruci . y n-^at, llii< w-al-x and curves being
beaaitfallT distioct. It i.i ui a M2e tu be easily carried in the pocket.
Messrs. Marion say : —
'■ It ia a aost rcUabla instraaaat, and worked in oonjunction with onr
platoB, of which the speed has beea determined by Uurter & Driffield's
method, we shoold s^ tailara from inoorrect exposures will become a
thing of the pasL Trotn oat trials, both of Barter A Driffield's
msthod of dtfaminiag the speed of dry plata by measuring their
ilansllia. and of ttie aatiDOgrapfi itsdf, we found the results inrariably
eorraet. We have, theNfora, determined to mark all our boxes of plates
with the speed noaber. Baoh batch o( plates wiU be oarefally tated for
speed, and (he aotaal rault givsn, so that users ol plateM may perfectly
rely on the corrsctoea of the Bgora, and expose aoeordiagly ; also the
49
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[January 15, 1892
■DMd numban giT«|« w* »Uti»e to each other. Thns. if s padcet of
Sdin»ry pUta. •« numbwrf respectively 17 and 20. the latter would be /,
mm* rwifd thM the 17. Bendes determining the speed of the plates,
llMcr*. Barter it Driffield'* method servea for giving correct time for
nrintins po^iUvee, also ooweot time for making of paper bromide enlarge-
SmUu Fot these m»tt«i we are preparing a circular giving directions.
We ahall embrace an early opportunity of trying this actinograph.
A pamphlet giving full directions for use, accompanies the instrument.
Thk Filtkb fob thk Million.
Mb William Tyixjb, Birmingham, sends us a specimen of a new
filter he has just brought out. It is shown, pressed up against a tap,
in the annexed cut. Although sold at a very low price, it acts
most effectively, and removes all mechanical impurities from the
■water.
Dbtbctive ok Snap-shot Album.
Messrs. Pebcy Lund & Co., Bradford, have issued an album suit-
able for the above-mentioned class of photographs. It is plain,
substantial, and devoid of that showy, itnitation-gold look which
characterises so many of the cheap German class. The mounting
boards are stated to be pure, hence there is no fear of the prints
1>ecoming deteriorated from sulphur, chlorine, or other deleterious
•gent
RECENT PATENTS.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS.
No. 139. — "Improvements in Optical Instrumeuti or Apparatus for use iu
Viewing Pictures and other objects." W. E. Williams Dated January 4,
1892.
No. 154.—" Improvements in Appliance for Saturating Air, Oxygen, or other
Oases with the Vapours of Ether or other Volatile Fluids." Complete specifica-
tion. A. T. Dasks. — Dated January 4, 1892.
No. 228. — " Improvements in Frames for Photographs, Pictures, and the
like." J. P. Kino and H. W. Ktaa.— Dated January 5, 1892.
No. 307. — "Improvements in Photographic Cameras." J. Zenk. — Dated
January 6, 1892.
No. 356. — " Improvements relating to the Production of Artificial Light for
Photographic purposes and to Apparatus therefor." W. Willis, E. J. Hum-
phrey, and W. H. Smith. — Dated Janiutry 7, 1892.
No. 388. — "Improvements in Photographic Cameras." Complete specifica-
tion. W. Lakgbnbroch.— />«<erf January 8, 1892.
No. 391. — " Dark Slide and Changing Box, and Carrier and Bag." E. Slkdqb.
—Doled January 8, 1892.
No. 398. — "Improvements in Racks for Displaying Christmas Cards, Photo-
graphs, and the like." R CROWKand L. Wtchbblkystoke. — Dated January 8,
APPLICATION FOR AMENDMENT.
No. 13,879. 13th October, 1887. " Improvements in or connected with
Photographic Cameras."
Edward Valbntink SwraDBU and Joskph Earp have applied for leave to
amend tlie Specification of the Letters Patent above referred to, alleging as
their nuuons :—" That we are advised that certain parts of the Specification
set forth and claimed certain fentnres the novelty of which was doubtful at tlie
Ante nftlie piti-nt."
Thu I'rojio.ieil Hiiiemlmentn .irc as follows ; — '
On page 5.
Line 11. Altering to read : " We provide the hack of the plates of the kind
herein." On page 6.
Line 46. To substitute " glass " for " brass."
Line 53. To .substitute "photographic" for "photograph. _
Lme56. To insert " upright or substantially upright before ' position.
On page 7.
Line 2. Altering to read. " and causing them to fall or become placed in a
horizontalorsubstantially horizontal position."
Line U. To insert " in an upright or substantially upright position after
Line 13 Altering to read, "said chamber, a second chamber disposed
below the' level of the ijrimary chamber, and adapted to receive and hold said
plates in a horizontal or substantially horizontal position as they are passed.
Line 16. To substitute " the " for " a " after " Z" _^
Line 19. To insert " in front of the primary chamber and after " chamber.
To strike out lines 30 to 44 inclusive.
SPECIFICATION PUBLISHED.
1890.
No. 20,299.—" Photographic Sheaths." Newman and Adams.— Price 8rf.
PATENTS COMPLETED.
New or Improved Paper fob Making Transfer Pictures from
PHOTOGBArHS.
(A communication by the firm of Zahn & Schwjirz, of 6, Neue Ross-strasse,
Berlin, in the Empire of Germany. )
No 18 219. William Phillips Thompson, F.C.C, M.I.M.E., 6, Lord-
street, Liverpool, and 6, Bank-street, Manchester, Lancashire ; and 323,
High Holborn, Middlesex.— .yoj)e9iiAer 28, 1891.
It is well known that transfer pictures are made by taking the impressions in
question on the prepared side of a piece of paper which is coated with a layer
of some substance soluble in water (starch, dextrine, and the like) and when the
pictures are coloured with the colours in reversed order.
The colours adhere in fact not to the paper, but to the film, which is soluble
iu water. ... . ^ , , i,. _i. , »
If such a transfer picture be pressed with its imprinted face on the article to
be decorated, and moistened on the back, the soluble coating dissolves off, the
paper may be drawn ofi', and the picture then adheres to the article to be
<lpporRi"Pfi
As the colours of such transfer pictures often become so dry that they no
longer adhere, in such cases it is of benefit to give the article to be decorated a
thin coat of varnish or lacquer, which firmly retains the colour.
Paper prepared iu a suitable manner may be employed for almost all pos-
sible kinds of impressions with hitherto almost the sole exception of photo-
graphs. ...
The film of gelatine which in this kind of print forms the printing negative
must, during the printing, be kept thoroughly moistened, and is at the same
time very adhesive. This latter quality i.s also further possessed, to a Large
extent, by those substances which are employed for the preparation of transfer
pictures as soon as they become moist, apart from the fact that they then also
easily lose their coherency.
If such paper be tlien laid on a roUed-up photographic negative film in order
to be printed, the moisture of the layer which covers the paper is communi-
cated thereto in consequence of the pressure exerted by the pressing frame, it
becomes damp, sticky, and ceases to adhere. The great stickiness of the gela-
tine does the rest. Both the layers of the gelatine impression film and the
transfer paper stick together, aiid on the drawing off the paper one or the
other is so damaged that it is impossible to produce transfer pictures by means
of photography in this manner.
A process for producing transfer pictures by photographic means must, how-
ever, be of very great industrial importance in view of the beauty of photo-
graphs, as these latter reproduce the originals, with all their half-tones, after
almost merely mechanical preparation.
By this invention the drawback which hitherto rendered impossil)le the pro-
duction of transfer pictures from photographs is obviated by the insertion of a
layer of grease between the soluble coating of the transfer paper and the gela-
tine film of the original negative. This layer of grease allows the colour of the
original to penetrate to the prepared transfer paper, but permits the transfer
paper to be drawu oiT without either being injured itself or injuring the original
photograph. The transfer picture obtained in this manner can be used in the
usual way for transfer on to other articles.
The paper is for this purpose, after having been coated in the usual manner
with a thin layer of a substance seluble in water, further prepared by placing
over the layer of the soluble substance, as thin as possible, a coating which
consists of fat, oil, or resin, or a mixture of these substances. The picture is
imprinted on this layer of fat, the colours being very well taken up thereby.
As the damp gelatine film adheres neither to the layer of grease nor to the
paper, and the layer of grease also prevents the moisture of the gelatine from
penetrating to the soluble substance, in this manner very complete prints are
easily obtained.
The application of the layer of grease is performed, either by co.iting the
already prepared paper according to the hardness and the kind of fat, oil, or
resin, or the mixture of these latter ; or, iu case the substances employed have
a solid condition as a whole, by rubbing it with a powder composed of these
substances, or by dissolving the substance of which the layer is to consist in
alcohol, ether, benzine, or any similar easily evaporated substance, and coating
the prepared paper with such solution.
The paper is very valuable from the fact that it is possible to print on it
direct from the photog-aphir negative with soluble colours, wiiich, wiieii rubbed
with varnish, become prtnting colours.
In this manner |i ctures are obtained which reproduce the tones ati'l tints of
the original far sharper and finer than the so-calle.l steucilled picliues.
JtniiMij IS, 1899]
THE BRinSII JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPnY.
4ff
HaflDg BOW paitieiiUrlj dacTibtd and ancttaiBed the nators of th« nid
ittveatioa, aad m wkat maimar the Mm* is to b* pmtatmtA, m commnnicated
^Dtatbfmj ItanigB eotraapooditi, I daeUn that what I claim ii :— A paper
vhi^ b iwJurt adtabU ibr th« ptodaetioB of tnasfcr pietoraa fkom pitoto-
ri mMn nigrttrw tir hiTjiif a lagrv of bmm is addiUoo to its Bntfnpan-
&>a with a larw of a safaaUnoa nialda to water.
A POBTABtM UxOAXm CAMtMA. Tom Tuoto VaototmAHOL
Xo. UOL Cmabub Ricrako Biainto«T, 3, Whitdnll-ttnet, Rochdale,
TaBfashiia,,— i>»f«s>trr 5, IflW.
Thb laiiim is of netaanlar ahapa^ and is divUid iato two eaapartoMDta, an
ayftr aad a iowar tma. Tht nppar nhamlisr or eoaqMrtrntnt is mr tha porpoae
o( •ta*ii( tha prapand piataa, both batea aad altar aipoaura. Tha lower
ehaoibar «r eeapaitmcBt Is ibr tha pupoaa of axpoaiBX th« piataa to tha light
attiBc throi^ tha has whilaUl^ tbaphotaaaph. Tha opiw chaaib«r is
Altad with a (Rwvad plala^BBtar Itar oaatHanif aar oonraaiaBt nnnbor of
■btaak TUsgi«OT«dplal»«HTteiB«OMlnMlidtDi&daorti«Tal within tha
abuabar. o*ar a slit cat la tha dHWaa, hatBsw tha two ooapartoiaata.
MotioB is imparttd to tha tnvcUiDg plsto-holdcr pnArabiy by imaia of a rack
aad pinion.
A smw or ntehat aoliea aay also ba aaad tar tUa PupoasL
PHIadaa aaeh e( tha aipMan ehaabw, ofvaaito «ha aUt ia tha AviaioB,
•n graana fer Iks parpota «f didiag tha BlalM Ami tha eaniar to tha plaea of
azpeaart, BBd (u* «in& Tha viataa an tfoaght late oopasitlaa aaeeaaaivclT
with tha sUt in tha dtrWaa of ekaabara by aaaas of a miOad BBt oo tha oataiila
right Imd of cBMn. Aa iadaxad whaal, ririhb «a tha oatrida of caaan,
aad i^^li^ ia tha laak ftefaa, aanaa ta iadiaala tha 'aaahar of phta or
pUtaa axpoaad. Tha yoMV ia whtah tha piataa dUa to aad Ikwa tha stones
« aspoaan dMaban an tttad with a bar of tnas or olhar saitabU aatal,
.'!« pBfpaaa af la—laa «r niaiaf tha piatas la aad tnm tha aipoaan
.....^bar. ThaMdaaf aidbarantttadsaaa to iUda frsalvia gno*aa, tha
riittai aa tha bw whUa baiaf lowand tnm, or niaad to^ tha ttan«a
arTnia aWfaw bar h astaalad bv MBM ol two slaai anaa. tha aada
(h wa Mdatott looarijr li kaiai at aack aad of bar.
MSB tka hack awlnl poitka of
throagh tha rfaht Iwad sida of
IK hari^ a tMk tat ntalaiM
bar at tia highaM posfiiea aflar aaeh piaU has baaa rataiaad to tha oairfsr.
^ IkvBMk wUA tha plaias pan la dhrMaa af
Mlafa jiM fron tha plain by naan ef a Mlal
•f which m MHk to it looadjr
Thna nw an aliackad » aa asK Mlad anon tka baok
aipuaaia chanbn. Tka nU asla pinJaiite throagh tha
eamsn, aad la lawelnd by a saiaW wnr haadK '
tha bar at Ha highaat pomioa aflar aaeh plaU hn
Tha dUlhiBaghwhlA tha plain pan la dWsloa af ehaabsn la doaad ao n
l« anMa V^fron tha pMn by naan ef a nrtal plate aUdl^ withia tha
aipaaan akaaihn.
Thk nstel plate is
throi^ tha bask afcai
BMtal Plata an fitad Ma aapvarta lir aanyt^ tha tecaiilM a*Ma.
Tba Bana af ftiBiilBa aama haa ilaH two oa aaik *la ahaat naitar
ofaateAlaafcbywMigthaamaalswnHilaaplaBawaaadialBthaalda
sopportc Tbna slots allow tha
Itarwaid la a horiaoelal positioa oe
Tha Iscnslag aw
of a rod attarhad. whkk prqM*
la a BiUad baltaa. Oa & nid
to iMta baekwaid and
afsprt^aM«aaaahM^anaAa4 la ttanalBt Plata. Tka mhM
chaaOwbMlad wttkaaMliglU for tha parpon ofMlt^ la aad
aatthaphrtai Oa this bd Is placad aa ana, of nltefia Isagth, and
sisal nr othar natal.
Thoaaid ana ia anaaiad at right aagin oa aa axK aad na>m ia aa aro
Uaa tavapla sUt la dlvMaa af ahMahn% Md whsB at nalia dinclly evar aad
la a liaa wMh tho i iiiHIii ph«a mtUmjm tha ma<rimt bar. Tha nid asla
tarailaain at ths wn af aaawn la a bmII hay haadla. aad ia far tha parnon
oat of tha Plata nnrin fate tha aipasaw ahanbn. irtaa
■deaitoridik llMaadafam which lawn ^riaat
of lattar U-ahap^ aad la tttad wUh a aaall roOn far
Tha am Isakoiltad with a sprlag far ntaraiag ft to
IitninT
issas,
i m ASD a wmwuwm wnu rmmmnio AttAMArvM.
•naattaa lalaln 10 a ncaw far phatepapUnt hi haaad Ikkt
adntha atpiasriaa baaad IteH H* MSaTttgbt to haplEl n li aatMy
-r th* coatrol af tha pMqpaphn. that h, which any ba lamcaij
-'sasd, and iwalatad to nam^cal
t*..!
^hl.lhaipr;«f whkh nnttta
I te «Far Mfc iSTaad tHSSSSaX HgM la
■MBBsr n to rmdar tha n^ndacUoa aaaally sharply dataad all onr,
■o obdato a blanlog of tha cans ewtag to th* TartsUoa of tha
Ilia haigbl af tha obisct to ha
fspnvtitrvd wtthta a forolBl
cor
«a an
toaacholhn.
ofthasoaicaoflight
ta aaeh naaacr n to allow
a«har to ba TBtiad, ae thai tho
ia nrisaa waya, aowadlag to
HoariBg Is ratalaUy ■iialilapln*. abonwlleh
takaa la aitaated, w thai tha la&ar nay ba fflanl-
*«iaaallghtaad*adasflbstoattaiaad. Aa
aenriag ahoal Snr.
(Hwhick
"irihen amaitad at
timt to a fiMD«l far tha
- - 'Tiatagaiiinly Attad
'f atead ia ntfui to'
' plian caa ba
■«H'
1 aaafaln m ahaatalsly la
ptfaBofthBo^aaltoU
parttealar amagMcat of tha eaacra
lod faba rsfcrtiaaa. For this porpon
-nm tha oMaet to tha laasL aad Iqr tha
'nasi ba doaad aa all -Hn that
ight oa to tha haaataig far tha
The lens is arranged inside the dosed camera easing, and the Utter is pro-
Tided with shades arranged at interrsb in oriler to prerent mirage and ndw
reflections, and to strictly confine the light to the effective cone of rays.
The dosnre of the camen on to the noosing, after the latter haa been ad-
justed in a poaitioB afionwUBg to the light reqniied, is effected in snch manner
that tha azia of the eaaian, the centre of the object and the background, if
snch is present, lie in one line.
[A description of certain diagrams follows, after which come the following
dainuL]
1. The proccn of photographing in bound li^ht, to enable the perfect control
and ragnlation of the light effects, consisting m confining the object to be rs-
prodnnd in an entiroly cloaed room or housing, baring its walls angularly and
a4Ja8tobly arranged together and in relation to each other, said housing adapted
to ba li|^t-tightiy eloaad on to the camera, and proTided also with means for
tha raeapUoB of the artificial source of light, substantially as described. 2. For
phatogi^Ung in bound light, a housing or room consisting of trapezium-
shaped aorfbeaa. focmad of fabric, oa f^amn'a^instably arranged at angles to
each othar, said hooaiiw harias ailjoatobla light fnnnd, pUubrm, and stool,
and being proridad with (aitahle means for attaching the camera, as al.io for
tha anangiimiiiit of a baekgronnd, substantially as described. 3. In coniluna-
tioe with tha boosing of the form described and having pUtform, light funnel,
aad badtgnwad, tha eamen baTing a4jnstable front casing for the focus and
aaaatttnplata, aad niddla eaaing with partitions, and lens mounte>l in support,
said partmoaa baiBg paifaiatad u dasoribad to confine the light to the efrectire
cooa of nya from t&s otffect said camera having farther folding chamber at ita
aabataatlally as daaerioed and shown.
rear aad for tha
aad dariea far
daseribad aad orBstntad
in bound light, substantially
tha accompanying onwinga.
4. The procen
hereinbefore
Vo. 3379.
IXnMTIICBRB m PHOTOORaPHtO Cambr&s,
Tom Millol BrDo^too-road, SaUoid, Lancashire.—
OBMBiSr 3,1801.
Mr iavaatioa ralatea to imprornMate ia photographie cameras of the chua
that an cnployad for atarnaeopte pBipnn, or taking two precisely similar
pMwn at tha same tiacb
ThaoMaateof thiaiavaetiaaan tet to place a greatar or lass number of
andUasd ^atn la a phntonapMa aaaMn of tha aoova daaeription in rapid
saeeanlealbr tha unrpon of azposors, aad to rsmova said plates succassively
alter Brpeaawithuut ra^airiag to ba tooled or baadlad by the operator, or
takea oat of tha ramsn bbKI asosasary for tha daralopmant of the picture ;
and, saooad, for obtaining aithar lastantaaaoos or prolongad axposnrs.
In photographie CBBMm that are naad for taking stereoscopic pictnm it Is
BStasaafT to cnploy two leasee^ which an attached side by side at, or near,
tha freat of caid canan at a aaitabia dhtann apart, ami to place within the
fawan a loagitadiaal diviatoa. TUa dhriaion has hitherto been securely
attached to the eaaen, or haa beea attached in each a manner that if required
to be plaoad oat of tha way It has had to ba maovad by the operator. In this
iavaattoa I form a photogranhic eaaanfor tha paipaanhardiibafon set forth,
pnfarablyofaraetaBgslarsh^a. In thabackofnidMmanleanstmct two
rhanhan^ aa appar ud a Iow«r osa. Tha nppar ehambar ta for tha pnrposo
af MNtBingaay Bombar of saitsltiaed platea in position, so that tbey may ba
asad saeeaadvaly for taking piotaraa, and the lower chamber is for the pnrposa
of nedviaf nid platec after Iha pietan haa baaa taken witoout requiring the
platnoraUtotohhnnatadfaanthaMaMn. '
la tha Mar of tha apparahanbar'I farm aa agpeaiag, throngfa which the plata.
oa whiohaaahtaelora viawhaabaaa takaa,clid«intotbalower chamber, and
allows tba aart plato to ba a»poaail ; tha froat portion of the floor of upper
ehambar la plaoad at aa a^la, to fadlitato tha diaehaigs of the )ilate luto tho
loaw ehanW thiMgh tha apntan bi floor.
Ia enter to Blan lit piataa ia poaitiDa far laklac a picture, and to remove
than oat of tha wav whaa a ptetara hn base taken, I empley a double cam
or worat, tha raaadcd adaa of tha back part of which has been flattened
vntieaUr, aad tha roaadtaadga of tha float portion has alw been flattanad,
bat hoilaoatally. Whaa tha plain an pat ia thia upper chamber, tha
act with a small ledge or
nppor part of said plato
m ; this cam or worm is
l»t»olml]i»fia^ll^tathatiaMU»taaAoteuaan. I attach a handle
or a whad to tola cpladlat ty whfah to operate cahl can. When a onartcr of a
taia lagina to tha osa or worm by maaaa of atoraaaid handle, the flat vertical
ddaattttkofniawanit
fated pfaH IkM aOnri^ I
af Iha can or wona, aad
sida of whieh havl^ by tha baftn-naatioaad operation, been placed in
vertical podtioe.
Whaa a qaaHw^wa back fa flraa to tha worm tha flat si<les are again
tktr tdpaaUy OQeaplad. thas permitting the front
ter MBoaan oa to the iaeliaad front portion of floor,
the apartan uto tha rsodviag chamber underneath, while at
tha can* tina tka pUte next in sniesnloB bi prasisd forward luto position for
takiaga pfalan by ainna of a apriu inaida the back of case, noUl it, in iu
tara, fa aaaaad to fall farwaid aad slide iato tha receiving chamber by the
aatloa of afantaid doahte can or worm.
Vtr tha parpen of rannvliig tba loogilndinal division that Is affixed within
tha aoaMn, hatweon tha Icaeas, oat of ths way each time that the plate apon
which a pietan or aa altfnt hM been token, in onler to allow -'-'< ■>'■••- to
fan farmid oa to tha iadiaod portion of floor of upper chani
throagh apcrton iato nadriag ehambar, I attach tba aforesaiM .1
divisiOB to a nd whiok ll cnpported by brackets ssoaied to the IiuilIu ol n>o[
1 eocuaad oaa ctet of t^^ rod to **'-> fr^>n» t itrf nf iirr>r»«niii .ii.ii}.i>. rnm or
woraby aaaaaof ahaaadahajoii louMe
earn ia fwvolrad, n hacdabafon de* > |>l*tc,
said loegitBdiad dtvislan ia alao tumci ai> ujiiiiit tltv iu'l'li: 'A rooi <A camera.
ir wora oy maaaa « aiwnaa oanoie, me nai verucai
naw a horinatal podtiaa levd with the top of the
I tha appar adga of ua ftoat plato to enter the groovo
■d net aaaiast the front part of said cam, the flat
I
44
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
["January 16, 1892
bnt »t a period lUshtly in ailTince of the time of the plate falling forwanl, so
MtoatoMooiitKt with said plat*.
By the« meoiu »«iii longitudinal diriiiionH will always be in a vertical
|M»ition at the T«inlr«l time, bat will he out of the way eooh time a plate is
removed. Tlie hereinlwfore described he and she joint neeil not be employed
if it is not intended to i-onstniet the camera with the back portion separate
ftom the fhjnt, as said rod by which the longitudinal division is supported
nuT be a oontinuatiou, and fonii a part of the rod or shaft that carries the
doBDle cam or worm.
For the purpose of obtaining either instantaneous or prolonged exposure by
limnltaneoos admission of light through both lenses I form a V-shaped shatter,
each of the upper ends of which are sufficiently large to cover aperture in front
bord I attach said shatter to ftx)nt part of caniem by means of a pin pass-
ing through the lower part of shutter in order that it may pivot thereon. I
form the lower or narrow end of shutter with a projection, and in proximity
thereto I place a spring wire rod. In order to operate the shutter this rod is
puUed down over aforesaid projection without altering; position of shutter, but
when the wire is allowed to return said wire conies in contact with the pro-
jection on bottom of shutter, and thus causes the shutter to open, when afore-
said wire passes over tie projection and the shutter again closes.
The claims are :— 1. In a magazine or hand photograpliic camera, in which
two lenses are employed for stereoscopic purposes, or for taking duplicate
pictures at the same time, the use of a longitudinal division aflixed to a
spindle, and supported so as to be removed by the operator out of the way of
a plate, on wliich a picture or an object has been taken and replaced in ])Osi-
tion, without internal hanit manipulation, in the manner and for tlie purpose
substantially as hereinbefore described. 2. In a maga2ine or hand photographic
camera, in which two lenses are employed for stereoscopic purjwses, or for
taking duplicate jnctures at the same time, the nse of a longitudinal division
in combination with a double cam or worm, said division being supported and
airanged so as to be removed out of the way of a plate, on wliich a picture or
an object has been taken, immediately prior to said plate being released by
the action of the doable cam or worm, botli the removal of the division and
the release of the plate being jierformed at one operation, and without internal
hand manipulation, in the manner and for the purpose substantially as herein-
before descriljed.
♦ •
iHeettngjEt of ^octettejS*
♦ ■ -
MBBTINOS OP SOCIETIES KOR NEXT WEEK.
tet*«<llMliBf.
Jaanarv ig .
.. 18 .
IS .
., 18.
r. 18 ,
.. 19 .
,. 19 .
.. 1» .
.. 19 .
,. 19 .
.. 20 .
» SO.
t. 20 .
» ao.
.. 20 .
20 ,
NsmeolSodatr.
Dundee Amateur
Glasgow & West of Scotland Am .
:8 and St. Leonards .
» 20 SouthMn..
Hi
LMds
Bontli
Exeter
KeigUey and District ...
North Ixindon
Oxford Photo. Society ...
Southport
Brechm
Bnry
Hyde
Manchester Camera Club
Photographio Club
Portsmouth
PlSMOfUeeUne.
20
21
21
21
1
21
21
22
22
Wett Surrey „.
Birmin^rfaam ,
Camera Club
Gnjeaock
London and Provincial .,
Oldham
Carditl
Holbom
Maidstone
Kichmood
West London
Asso. Studio, Nethergate, Dundee.
180, West Regent-street, Glasgow.
Mechanics* Institnte, Leeds.
Hanover Hall, Hanover-park, S.E.
College Hall, South-street, Exeter.
Mechanics' Institut*-, North-itreet.
Wellington Hall, IslmBrton, N.
Society's Rooms, 1:J6, High-street.
Shaftesbury-bnildings.Kastbank-st.
14, St. Mary-Btreet. Brechin.
Temperance Hall, IJury.
Victoria Hotel, Manchester.
Anderton'sHoteltFleet-street, E.C
Y.M.C.A,-building3, Laudport.
St. Mark's SchooLs, Battersea-rise.
Lecture Room, Midland Institute.
Charing-cross-road, W.C.
Museum Com. Room, Kelly-street,
Champion Hotel, 15, Aldersgate-st.
The Lyceum, Union-st., Oldham.
"The Palace," Maidstone.
Greyhound Hotel, Richmond.
Leo.HaU,Broadway, Hammersmith
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN.
J.\!fUABT 12,— Mr. J. Splller, P.C.S., in the chair.
Messrs. Sounell and Mackie were elected Auclitors, and Messrs. C. Sawyer
J. D. Enriand, E. W. Parfitt, E. Clifton, G. L. Addenbrooke, J. R. Gotz, and
T. Samnels, Scrutineers for tlie ensuing annual meeting.
As it was necessary, in accordance with the terms of the affiliation sclieme,
that delegates from the Society should be appointed to act with the delegates
of the affiliated Societies, Mesisrs. G. L. Addenbrooke, W. Bedford, and
L. Wamerke were elected to act in that capacity on behalf of the Society.
The Chairman remimled members that the anniversary meeting of the
Hocicty would be held on February 9 and said that Mr. William England had
undertaken to organize a dinner for the previous evening, Monday, February 8.
Moreover, as Mr. Olaisher had definitely made it understood that he wouUl
not again be put in nomination as President, this would be the occasion of his
retirement. He had been asked to be present at the dinner, and had consented,
and he would then be officially present for the last time.
Mf- W- EN(;l.v!id said, as this would be the last time when the President
would take the chair, he hojied he would have a most hearty reception, and be
well ^npporte<^ by the members.
The Chairman announce<l that January 19 was the last date for receiving
nomination papers for the Annual Meeting.
Mr. T. K. Dallmktkr read a paper on ReJUclUms and Refmctims. Pre-
mising that he had brought the subject of reflections from the concave surfaces
of lenses before the Society on a former occasion, he said that these investiga-
tions bad soggwted to him the iXMsibility of constructing a lens, the back of
which should be silvered, the focus of the lens itself being such as to over-
come the spherical aberration of the reflecting surface. Tlie form of lens which
he had ascertained liest adapted for this was a concavo-convex, or negative
meniscus leii.s, tlie convex surface of which was silvered. So perfect was the
correction that could be obtained in this way, that while a small telescope,
that he exhibited, had an angular aperture of 2 : 1, he expected that ultimately
he would be able to have it as 1 ; 1.
Mr. J. Traill Taylor said he could see immense possibilities in the appli-
cation of the system to the lantern. He was a stickler for intense illumination,
ami thought Mr. Dallmeyer had entirely hit tlie right nail on the head.
While Mr. Dallmeyer was reading the paper, he (Mr. Taylor) was trying
mentally how to get the whole volume of light in use without the interference
of the poles of the arc lamp. The effect of the latter could be got rid of iu
the way Mr. Dallmeyer had told them. He thought Mr. Dallmeyer had shown
him the same kind of mirror on a previous occasion. It had the largest
aperture, without exception, he (Mr. 'Taylor) had ever seen, or of which he had
conceived the possibility. It was a lens of three or four inches diameter, but
he did not know its construction. It was impossible to pick up a lens brightly
silvered on one side and note its construction. It was the very thing for
searching for comets in the daytime. Applied to the telescope, it would form
a " night glass " for seeing, on account of its enormous aperture, objects
scarcely possible to be seen by any achromatic telescope.
Captain Abnky had had some little experience with silvered mirrors in
spectroscoi)ic work. In photographing the ultra red rays, a quantity of light
was a desideratum, as the exposure was so long. His form of collimator was
originally a silvered mirror, but he had found it tarnish so much that he hail
had the back of a lens silvered. There was a certain amount of spherical
abeiration, but he got a large beam of light, which gave satisfactory results.
As to the means of getting rid of spherical aberration, Mr. Dallmeyer appa-
rently did it completely. As to the application to the optical lantern, it had
been done in the physical laboratory at South Kensington. They got bright
images, but nothing like those possible here. He had had a good experience
of the electric light, and had tried a mirror at the back, but the drawback was
the interference of the poles. It seemed to Ije impossible to get a clean image
on the screen. By revolving the apparatus they might get rid of the shadow.
It would have to be rotated aliout twenty times a second. It was sometimes
a useful way of getting rid of defects to rotate an image, if the thing itself could
not be rotated. Professor C. V. Boys had gone a great deal into the use of
silvered mirrors, by which he was able to deduce radius of curvature.
Mr. Taylor asked if there was a reasonable probability of the application
of the system to photographic purposes. In the Daguerreotype days Beard
had a patent for taking images by reflection instead of by a lens. There were
circumstances under which it might be desirable to take small photographs in
an imperfectly lighted room, and he could see the possibility of this system
being exceedingly u.seful.
Mr. Dallmeyer observed that, in using a combination instead of a single
lens, every drawback could be overcome.
Mr. Chapman Jones questioned the use of a mirror for taking photographs
mth verj- rapid plates. With slow plates the light diflused inside the appa-
ratus might not matter, but with very rapid plates it might have a disastrous
effect.
Captain Abnby said he used very rapid plates indeed for spectroscopic work,
and found no difficulty. If the mirror was bright, light could be excluded
mthout fogging the plate. No light came in except that which formed the
image. Ijght could be excluded, but the mirror must be bright.
Mr. Jones said Captain Abney referred to a beam of light There was a
difference between this and the general light of an ordinary object.
Mr. Taylor drew a diagram of the apparatus to which he refene<l, and
pointed out, from the position of the plate and the reflector, tliat there was no
fear of daylight getting to the plate.
Mr. Jones also sketched the apparatus of which he spoke. It was of dif-
ferent construction, and admitted light all round.
Captain Abney said the system Mr. Taylor sketched was the one he adopted.
A vote of thanks was ))assed to Mr. Dallmeyer for his paper.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
Jantaby 7. — Mr. P. Everitt in the chair. — There was a large attendance.
Mr. J. Hay Taylor exhibited Staniforth's jet -holder for raising and
lowering the lantern jet, and also Archer's dissolve!-, upon which he had him-
self made some improvements, and to which a modification of Wrench's rising
stage was fitted.
The Chaieman showed one of Messrs. Hurter & Driffield's actinographs
recently brought out by Messrs. Marion & Co., and said he thought the action
of the latter firm in issuing this actinograph, and marking their boxes of plates
with the inertia uuniiwr, was one of tlie most important steps taken in recent
years in the direction of assisting photographers in obtaining correct exposures.
Messrs. Hurter k Driffield had determined the light curves of the various hours
of the day, and gave a scale of them, together with the diameter of the stop iu
proportion to the focal length of the lens ; also another scale which gives the
speed numbers of the various intensities of light. Another series of numbers
arc given for various classes of subject. The Chairman then explained the
working of the instrument.
Mr. W. E. Debenham produced two faded transparencies handed to him the
previous week by Mr. J. Traill Taylor to try the effect of Schlippe's salts upon
them. One of the transparencies had been brought to such a degree of
intensity that another negative and transparency could be maile from it The
other image had hardly been improved : so probably there was hypo in the
picture.
**''■„„?• ^- Newman then read a paper on Smm Recerit Exhibitiotis fsee
page 39]^
The Chairman hoped the paper they had just heard would lead to some
improvement in the conduct of exhibitions, whether at Pall Mall or elsewhere.
Their Association had no status with regard to the Exhibition, but they had;.
JuBovy 15, lim]
THE BRITISH JOUHNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
i6
neaatly b«cn afflluUil to the Society, ud therefore it wu a quedion whether
their opinloB of the Sodetjr ebooM be made known. One point wHh refereaoe
to the Pan MaO EiMMIiua itraek him, aad this was, npon what peteeiple were
the rariaaa nedab awiwM fci what daaa, lior what porposa, aad Mr what
aim f UpoB whatcAMidinHaaiWawtta Jodgaagaidad in thamioDsolaaaas
ofworki Bver7thii( hi eouazlBB with tka Sodet J was in an^ a Tagoa atata
that they oogkt to get aoaa ileiiiili idea with ra^anl to ita prooaedinn.
Mr. Dwrwaii rwriaw^d all tha rinwiimtanrw of the Dwieoo iaodeat. and
i1«<Mdad th« wtiiB flf tke Baa. OiiiiaMiy «f tha PhotogtapUc 8od«^ of
Unat Ekitaia.
Mr. T. Boua mipathiaad with Mr. Kewmaa'i aepintion that there might
he a better rwrfitlon of thina at fbtare exhifaitioai. That better condition of
hinai
r. Kew
*'-'iVCi niMirl to him (Mr. Wewaan) in having no daflnite tima for «— *W io
■.arm. In aar exhibitian when medab an awarded then thimld w a
.it of tiiM, aaa no nietne abooU he raealnd aflar tha rewgnlaad time,
Mr. r. A. Bbibu* tlMM(ht late pfatnraa theold aot be Aown at all, either
not for (omnetltion or ottarwiaeL
Mr. UnnaAX waa of apiaioD that, if aa eaMhltki eonld U imptoead by
ahowia^ pictnraa aa not for coaapatitioa, thm wa* no partiealar olyaetioa to
fiifh a'
Mr. BuuRT qoertieaed tha utility of Hitnuaioaoa thie point
Mr. Dtnntmn poiatad oot that Mr. Xewmaa had rated the point in hit
Mr. Bouts ohaatvad that tha Loadoa aad Prnrindal Aaweiatioa was
aSlutni to the Sodaty, aad thrrsftm aoaa ■xpnasaon of approral of that
bod/ > aetioa waali aot ha «M of pia<«w He tboifht a tenal ivolatlaB
coBld be sahMMad ta tha aaaibask
Tha Cmaomam, hartat ralad that laek a mehilta waaU ha iaadmiariUa
batea the end <d the dheaafam, went oa to laqaire to what axtaat retoodiia;
oocM to be aliowad.
Mr. J. ■S.TlAWtheatht there waa another phaaaaf tha Mllf, Iftfdamp
apeagewetapiiaiioiwapeat— ayaihihHeri fMaaariti^ tkM waaU bb-
ecat a JMoaat appaM«»ca Ha wtwld Uka to adk IbTlfmwBwkaths tt
would be onaiiilil Hfitinate^ whea aa artM eonld see whva hb pietore
eanld tw f prwad br omM haad wett, tha mm» appliad to photutiauha.
Mr. SnmtM, ia &a coam afhli fMlr, aid, widi wfwci te%.%apa'a
aad tha Oainaaa'a iialliai. t>at ha Jimutt had eoiaa thwa fcr lafcBntlaa
oa thon pefala. Ha wbhad Io hw* whether JadfB aho«hl aot bo aa»-
pU*l wUh wtoaahad priata. Ba dhdafaiied aar p»»onal ftaltM ha lenid to
tU late iaddata, bat eearalT tlaMht tke iwMaiit 8ecrel^«Ite eocnet la
hiettateawatsMloMr. Daetoa'apbtom. Tka aaontioM he had and* fcr
the beaeftt of tatmn exhihMoaa woaM taev the iadau a w«rM of tMaUa.
OatheaMrtiaaelthaOaAnMa. numtM by Mr. r.
by Mr. r. A. Bamom, a haaity
rata of thaMa waa pa«ad Iw Mr. KewBM br U> addiML
Mr.TlMMaa8MBlMlhaala«aiMfiraBidlhatoa*wiaanaoUtio8. which,
l» ui,i frr,n> hta kaowMa of the i liwaaiitiimei. ha had gmt plaaeara in
aasthaacUoaoftheoflkdili of tha Photocnphk SoeMy of
I eoaaasloa wtth the iweeM Kthlbitka hw faMa^rao(M faafM
ir,i, rvKirij iha ■■■*— af tha t.iadu aad niiilaihl Imailailiw bow
iiiiM da*» to emaaB a(ipro*al of IMr aaMaa. aad haUata that Uw
.undwt nf (Man adoMtiatL. wtM U beaaictelly hrfawrail Iharaby."
'.••aeoadadby Mr <■, aad. oa b«in( pat, wia catrlad am.
BM(Ul« thea a.1,
UDont aohL-Jaaaaty 7.— A laelan, Olaalntad by
' r. -. X & W. WBAfloa. X.A..
■i wsi* wad taou^
tans which
iaotara slUo, was
. naatkawMdla^ Th*
Ammtmm r^amlm Hmjf. Mr. W. OMaMmW
biractaHMter af tha Tilboer* aad tha pky at db^
JrtootbytbelactamlaaaablaiMww.MwaUae
ii»iii.as
sil the Iccti
>. a Whetlaa, J. INaaall. aMi tha CMmaa toak ptft.
A. Maakafl wtO nad a panar aa /■*Ha»iiial| amd Art
atlaet •« bo lllMnlad.nkoellat it«3(Tli.
or*. In
On
the chair.— Mr. H
fitnllT.
bL-Vaaa«y «, Mr. D. R. Lowe (Vin-PnaUeM) ia
TiMMiaMi gan a bctan oa KmUitff, K o. X Tba
M M* llM wpwi waa Ja^pd ta tha
iteaai HrtS *• drtMlla Ika iBbHt Uikto
aaaf baMlyaa paper wii i— jlniilly rraatsr
tm fu»ia>il la a my waak lifht. Cleada
. doable fetntlac Is the mom aaaair aa Eeialiaf oa
*'^"v J^ Jt" "* deeaiopad la tha foOowtag hath, tor Ibek
^BnAeHi mH. 1 tmmm ; tarai. | oaata ; watai; lOoaaea, Ml^raU
■i aaM. Aar nakmlmi mtti, allar .T '■
- -' (b* battle. To the ahoM Mhrttoa
ttbai
•I la by
Tha
allar shaiiaK a^ ba Ml b tha
'•a ky laia aahitaiwa
■Ifbt be oMataad ftooi hard nefabiw, aotl lii Imieasliis'
' tat nepiha* mkht be made to yMI brUIIaai frtals. .
ly aaUea a riiawl liraMe diCsnore, aad neat can maet be
tiUa^ Ins tlisa the aonaal qnaatity, mlt
' the •inaatilr
A nry •awU
exerchad la
aWdvan to the
tha •xtof bath tor
I bath of the asM itnagth. to
> wan waihid fer abeat tea ■
aAar-etMa of Ikoa
. lata IhelTlaK balk (kar draehaM of
qoart of water). The priab shoold be freely
aboot lea aiianta*, ami than paned through a
■ nrfcet tsatioa. Altar anag, the
• ta Mnnd ihaaaw of
placed on a sheet of glass to drain, blotted off between clean blotters or cloths
kept specially for the porpose — tree from acid or hypo — and spread about to-
dry in the air. If left in a wet ooodition between the cloths, stains are liable
to appear. Some oxoaUeot prints, kindly lent by the Birmingbam Photogmpliio
Compaay, we>« passed round.
North Middlesex Photographic Sodo^.— January 11, Annual Oenettd
Meeting, the Pmident (.Mr. J. W. Marchant), In the chair. — Pin new
members were elected. The balance-sheet showed the fnnds of the Society
to ba in a satisfiictory conditiou, notwithstanding the heavy demands nnde
npoa tliem to carry oot tha nomerona improrementt prqiected doriag the
jrear. The President then read his report of the year'a work, showing a latge-
inertaae in tha membarship and increased aottvity in all branches of work by
the memben, giving thanks to Messrs. Gale ami Robinson, tha Judges at tba
Krhlbltina, aad to thon gaatleeiaa, noo-mambers and members, who had
tsaistwl tha Society with leetnrea and demonstrations doling the year. The
report was onanimoosly adopted. Votes of tliauk.o were aooorded to the
retiring officers and CoanciL Several alterations in the rules wen made, and
tha foUowin)!; officers and Cooncfl were elected -.—Presuleni : Mr. (i. W.
Marehant— rK»./»/r»iVir«<» • Measra. H. Walker and F. L. Pither.— ro«,n■lY.•
Maiars. T. Cherry, C. C. GiU. J. C. S. Mummery, H. Smith, T. C. Uthbridge,
C. Beadle, J. L. Trvadway, J. Stewart, J. Saville, S. E. Wall, W. Taylor, and
C. 0. Gregory. — Trnisurtr : Mr. F. W. Cox. — I/tin, Secrelaty : Mr. J.
Mcintosh, 14, liowman-road, HoUowsy. — .-luuton/ Bmt. Srcrrhirifr Mr.
K. M. Ainsley. Tickets for the Photogrepbic Society of Great Britsio lectures
wen distributed among the members, utd it was resolved that the Society
ahooU. as a body, support the testimoBial to Dr. R. L. Maddox. The next
Bastiag, which will be held on Monday, January 25, will be an exhibition of
manhen' Uatsm slides.
ntotographlc Sodaty.— January 4, Instruction of Beginnen
by Mr. F. W. Wiaai — The lecturer, after explaining the various movements
of tka eaaaa aad thoir asas, dealt with exposure and the methods of da-
valopfag aaptivea, jnrodoeiag a cooaidarsbla number of the Utter to illna-
trata tat pftftlls orbesinnan, at the same time giving good advice as to how
than wen to he avoided Mr. Webb alao produml a spectrum screen which
ha had imi^ tagHbar with pfaolepayha of tha saiaa on ordinary and
nted iMdnaalie pbtat, wUdi lad to a loi« diacBsaioD as to tha naas of
ooloar oMftat plataa, pcials Ana Edwards' iaochroaiatic kIsich. and Gotx's-
Ob«aattar lilaia, with tha nacatives, being referred t of the
dJwwarioa. Bv the eoartaqr of Meaaa. GnelT & Co.. s ' rodinal
dcraloper, and of para-amidophenol, by Messrs. Hinton .v < <i., were dis-
ttibated among the members, the rr^ults to be ptodnced on another eraning.
— ->•— ^^ _ «_. fflwit JaanaiT 7, Hta Pnaidaiit (Mr. A.
a Pniiw) ia tha ehair.— Mr. U. M. Sioth,. of Ssataian'a Fhotognpbio
Malariala ODupaay, Mmltad, gave a demonatiatioD of the KiiJak camanut,
larladlag the new "No. &, foMiog." which, a< ' can be
adaidodnr ow with class plates as well as Alms, tare by
sbewiag a auinha' of sUdaaouda (torn Kodak negaUvM tort'ngn tne lantern.
Tbo CSalnaaa mentlnaarl Oat be had always advoealad the on of flltna.
Sabaaqaaatly to tbb the laeaadateeat On iMt Ooaipaay, Umitad, gave an
OhMtntiaa tt Iko —Mm of oaiag their UtAiTia tha laatsra. Tha opinion
waa tbat, thoagb aot ao powafU aa limallglit, it PGaiiaaoe manv advaat^n
oe«r oa, aad, with aoaioadttl iaprotamanla, adijit be a very fair substitute
totboobiMi
ovsr eu, aoB, wna sowio
whan tha temar coald 1
Hlaldit anbybolOKTaplile lao-
tle*).^aBnanr 8, Mf. W. Good* in the chair.— iir. Jon Want Baowii i«ad
a P'P*' "■ Aim AMlk«r Jtanmimmlt on 1\amtif BnmUi I'HhU tnCA
f 'fWMiB^ Mr. Wm BWWX ofaawrod that there were many methods now
sagnalad, aMd what ho bad dono laigbt lead othsn to take np study, and
parM tha praeaee. la cooiiaaioa ha said :" I should like to be allowed to
■aafco a few MaMtfks la tha way of a persoaaiasplaaation, there having been one
or two pawsBaiibs ia the Mpen sesaJM to dlsoonnt the novelty of the mtem
I hate Jasnibail to you. Now, I wish to aay that I have never made, till now,
any claim to tbo crteiiwtioB of thia protean Bat I have, from first to Ust,
ftealy givan the neola of my axperimaats fbr the product)'"- '' -~~~. tooea en
broaridapapcrtothapboiognphicpiibUethTDagh tbame-l' HkrmR
JoimsAl. or PwmMnurST, aad at tha maati^ of this .ocistics,
witiMM Iboaglbt of aay cndll or acknowlodgaieato whioh might be bestowed
oa tat, batMaiply lar tha (ilnaari of balaf able to eoatribato my miu to
tha sam of kaoipMaa, and far tha baDall of ray brother lovera of the
ar the water go out of their way to
oa this iid<^ you will, |ierfaai>s, concede
art ; bat, wbaa tbo ao«dpeo|4e orar the water
aaoax Iho oadtt Umt I
that It ia aat aMn tbaa oaliaan weaknasa of hniaan nature to wii!b to speak
oat la daten of ear ckiaM. 'nose of yoa who r«mem>>rr my first publication
of tba analam taalag fiiii'isas, men than a nor ago, will Innu i!, .i i u. knoii
........ the snggeatlon 01 the
by Vogal. la
of tna foranda wao tha addition oi s< eiic ar in ; tor
tadgad my lailehtadaow for the saggation
far argattn iaiaarifloatloa - — - -
ALMaiiac Hm
aiaalam taliaill
ill l.i
the means I
oa., which was p
tbo add, waa aaad mtd ahandoaad more than
I CMld aot rtaim ■ and, as vou ser from wlist I have <iaitl,
to ha the origlaatar of s ut
IhoU
havB itUfif tagti the adaptotioa of the for
paper, la Uds respect I am ant aware that I niv
oar taieiina tHcnds, who, with ttry Datura] |>atn<
thli«» aamaato bom their tUU of the ikiihI, hare t)i
ia a rnmar, I think I may (airly venture to lay claim now tu thu a]
tha add eamUnatloa as a toning agent, until they an able
puhUcatioa."
M .11.1.
to fb<
llCilUoll nf
low B prior
Oaaant Otah.— January 8, Mr. C^imliraao in the chair.— Mr.
Exins read a paper oa tha locmt eihlUUoD of the Photographic Society of
Great Britaia, After eommeoting on the return to warm tonea ami other
general faataraa of tha athibttion. Mr. Ennis called sttentton to the pictures
of moat of tba laaillM aibililliiis and othan worthy of notice, his remarlu
tbowim that nwafclwabli artiitie kaowladgt had been brought to his study
i
48
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[January 15, 1892
of th« exhtWte. H. alM renurked upon the c««l«MneM »ncl lack of taste
•hownin too many initances In the mounting and framing of the V^^^^'
OMV of which wen. spoilt by the obtrusive URliness of their access.""^'-
The dira«ion was continued by Messra. Cembrano, Davis, Anlaseer, Whipple,
•adothen.
HmtedllllTC Pholorraphle Bodetr— January 5, Lantern evening.— The
eonietitkn aUdes were put on the screen in order of merit. The next lantern
•nniBg wiU be held on Tuesday, February 2.
LewM Photographic Society. -January 7.-A collection of prize slides wm
ahown. Mr. Percy Morris, School-hill, I^wes, having consented to act asjoint
Hon. Secretary to the Society, communications should be addressed to liim
aatil further notice. ~. .j
BMffltld PhotoKraphle Sodety.-January 1.— Mr. Pacl Lasob (President
lirmpool Amateur Photographic Association) gave a lecture on Scrway, Ulus-
tnrted by limelight views.
Rothwham Photographic Sodety.-January 6, Paper by the President
(Dr K. B. J. lUldwin) on /'..ciusiHi;.— In a very comprehensive way the sub-
ject was dealt with, siwcial negatives having been prepared for illustration.
Pfadiole work and the uses of lenses were also referred to. The general business
of the meeting Included the granting of a guinea to the Maddox Testimonial
Fund, and the passing of a vote of condolence with the family of Mr. LuHe
Berry, a member of the Council, and whose death had occurred smce the pre-
Tioos meeting. Mr. T. W. Moaby was elected to the vacancy.
Cotre^cjiionDencr.
tf OnrMpoiubntt ihould nmtr writ* on UXk Ma of On pojwr,
THE TELEO-PHOTOGBAPHIC LENS.
To the Editor.
Sib, — I regret I cannot compliment you on your editorial comment on
my paper recently read at the Camera Club, at least as regurds yourself.
It is no " inconvenient reproach," or reproach at all, to me that I do not
carry in my head a list of the efforts that your paper has chronicled for
the last eighteen years of what has been attempted, and not done. I
may again remind you that I invited you to call at my office on Septem-
ber 24 last— prior to my first " application "—with the object of showing
yon the new instrument and its prformancea. I did that with the object
of asking you in a friendly way if your long and practical experience had
ever led you to believe that such an instrument had before existed. On
that occasion, in addition to showing you the image-forming powers of
the lens, I also showed you that its construction permitted of its being
employed as a Qalilean telescope. It was in reference to this matter that
you were good enough to express astonishment ; and I think my memory
is to be trusted, inasmuch as an expression of " astonishment " from a
man of your practical experience would naturally be construed by me as
a confirmation of its novelty, and would, therefore, be impressed upon
my mind. However, let me call your attention to one or two facts. You
say, " It was only at the Camera Club that we learned, for the first time,
the construction of the negative lens of the combination ; " yet you did
not deny that I had made a rough drawing of the combination for you on
October 13 ; and, in your editorial notice on my letter referring to this
fact, you state " the drawing referred to by Mr. Dallmeyer was a positive
lens (achromatised on the Gauss principle), with a negative lens placed in
the same position as that shown in Dr. Miethe's drawing." Thus, sir, it
appears you did not have to wait for the Camera Club meeting, as you
infer, to learn, for " the first time," the construction of the instrument.
A^in, in your issue of the October 30, when Dr. Miethe first contri-
bated anything on this subject, he states, " It is formed on the principle
of the Galilean telescope ; but, having reference to the object in view, it
differs considerably in detail from it." There is no editorial comment
to that letter proclaiming the lack of novelty of construction. Again,
when I wrote to know Dr. Miethe's date of " application," in your
editorial comment you note the date of my " application," and only ask,
"Can Dr. Miethe antedate this?" The above remarks speak for
themselves as to the matter of memory between you, Mr. Editor, and
myself.
Now, as to the quotations in your last issue. What do they prove ?
That the adaptation of the Galilean telescope for ordinary photographic
purposes has been found useless. When attempts have been made to
use it, the few experiments related are accompanied by the expression,
" Although there is a fair degree of sharpness in the centre of the
picture, it unfortunately does not extend to any distance from the
centre." Again, " When used as an objective for the camera, it produced
images of great sharpness in the axis."
I notice your extract from the Almanac of 1877, with reference to an
image of the sun being taken. That I can quite understand ; but it was
the sun, remember, with its great amount of light, and nothing else, that
was produced. It was not a pastoral subject taken on a November day !
A Galilean telescope is not a photographic lens. The corrections, the
manner of use, and disposition of the pencils of light, in employing the
Galilean telescope as a telescope, are essentially different from employing
the same instrument as a photographic lens, and, as such, of course it is
practically useless.
I conceived the advantage that would accrue in constructing a photo-
graphic lens having the property of a very wide range of foci in itself by
slight adjustments of the lens and focussing screen, accompanied by other
advantages such as have, I believe, never existed in any phqtographio
lens hitherto constructed.
In your leader of the 19th of September, 1873, a part of which is
quoted in your last issue, you omit, curiously enough, the concluding
paragraph, which you particularly pointed out to me at the Camera Club
after my lecture. It is as follows :— " Opticians have done all in the way
of making wide-angle lenses demanded by photography or permitted by
theory ; but it might be worth while to devote some attention to the
opposite side of the question, and see if a combination could not be made
which would project on the ground glass of a camera of moderate length
an image of three or four times the apparent magnitude of objects in
nature. That such a lens would create useful applications for itself can-
not be doubted." That, Mr. Editor, if you will allow me to say so, was
worthy of your practical acquaintance with what had been accomplished
in photographic lenses, and a valuable hint as to a novel direction for
those competent to work in, in order to advance the science of photo-
graphy.—I am, yours, &c., Thomas E. Dallmitib,
25, Newman-street, Oxford-itreet, IF., January 11, 1892.
[With respect to the " inconvenient reproach," is it not always con-
sidered a portion of the duty of a patent agent to search likely records
to ascertain whether the invention to be patented is new? We
repeat, it was only at the Camera Club meeting that we first learnt
the construction of Mr. Dallmeyer's negative lens ; for on the occasion
referred to, on the 13th of October (several days after the date of his
application for a patent), he certainly did make a rough drawing —
not of the " Combination," but of the front or positive lens only —
indicating, not the form, but the posiiio?! only of the negative lens by
three elongated dashes, which conveyed no idea whatever of its con-
struction. In regard to the covering power of our old Galilean, we
said that this was limited, the sharpness being confined to only a few
inches around the centre. But let it be remembered that it was
mounted not on a small camera, such as that shown by Mr. Dallmeyer
at the Camera Club, but on one the ground glass of which is twelve
inches square. Let it be further remembered that no diaphragm was
employed, for this was prior to the introduction of rapid dry plates,
and it will be conceded that to cover even a 5 x 4 plate with a fair
degree of sharpness, by a lens not specially constructed for photo-
graphic use, was not a bad feat for what Mr. Dallmeyer correctly terms
a non-photographic instrument, although not so " practically useless "
as he would have us imagine. Without going further into the matter
at present, we quite endorse what we wrote eighteen years ago to the
effect of the desirableness of opticians (by whom we mean practical
manufacturing opticians) devoting attention to this phase of photo-
graphic optics ; and we have only once more to repeat, that we are
much pleased that, even after waiting eighteen years for it, our
aspiration has now been fulfilled by this teleo-photograpliic lens of
Mr. Dallmeyer, which, we know, will be useful for many purposes, and
hope will meet the commercial success we feel assured it deserves.J
THE "NEW" TELESCOPIC LENS OF MR. DALLMEYER NOT
NEW IN THE UNITED STATES.
To the Editob.
Sir, — On the table before me is a corrected meniscus of about six and
a half inches negative focus, which screws into the lower end of the
draw-tube of my microscope. This lens has been in use for extending
the back focus o£ my microscope objectives (and thus doing away with an
eyepiece as a projecting lens) in photo-micrography for about a dozen
years. Your readers may be further interested to know that this lens
was made on a formula on which years before a lens had been made by
the late Mr. ToUes, of Boston, U.S.A., for the late Dr. Woodward, of
Washington, and with which lens, as a part of his apparatus, Dr.
Woodward made his famous photo-micrographs. Further, at the same
time Mr. ToUes made the Woodward " amplifier," Mr. William Wales, of
Fort Lee, N.J., made similar concaves corrected for photo-micrography.
Messrs. Bausch & Lomb, of Rochester, N.Y., catalogue a similar lens for
photo-micrography. If I am not mistaken. Dr. R. L. Maddox, of South-
ampton, had and used a Wales amplifier many years ago. As to the
application of the principle in other directions, the great American
optician (who, by the way, used fiuor spar in the nice corrections of
microscope objectives about twenty-five years before the secret of apochro-
matics was known), Mr. C. A. Spencer, of Canastola, N.Y., made large-
aperture and short-focus equatorials, provided with a concave lens similar
to the Dallmeyer. Such a telescope I have seen on numerous occasions.
Mr. Spencer, and Mr. ToUes as well, made short pocket telescopes of
exceptional power and definition by introducing a lens similar to the
Dallmeyer. Such telescopes I have also seen. The late Mr. Malcom, of
Syracuse, N.Y., I used occasionally to see at work on his rifie telescopes,
which went to all parts of the world on their reputation for po\(«r and
definition, the secret of which was the introduction of a concave similar
to the Dallmeyer. All these makers were active a generation ago, and
all but Mr. Wales death has silenced.
The famous results obtained by Dr. Woodward, and the satisfaction I
have had in working with my meniscus, led me not long since to ask Mr.
Janovj 15, 180-i]
THE BRmSn JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
47
L«M Cnrtaii, of the booM of Mr. Chkrics Baker, London, a^ent for Mr.
Zrim, to try to intereat Mr. Zeiaa or Profeasor Abbe in making a concave
(with oniT two redaetiDg sortaeee, while the projeetiiig eTepieeea now
used haxe' four) ectreetod lor extendiiie the bad toena of apoehromatiei.
\t Imm oa the otbar ode of tba AtUntie the prindpte of tlM Dallmeyer
■■H bM baaa ptMficKUy a]iplied for a good many yean. I
'oeliog MvanlMD or aiigihleeii yean ago a teleeeope on
tt»M prineipla, copying a Speoeer inftrnmeot, with two stiff paper tabea,
baia*-iiiad«wood taminga, two knaaa from half a " field-glan " and a
miaweopa «yavtoea.— I am, youn, Ae., A Curroao Muosb.
LmdMi. Jamtmr) 8, 1898.
iThasppScatiooof aooocaTvleaato th« microwope, at mmtioaed by
Dr. Mocer, while known for many yeara, ia not qiute ths Mae u in
Um Oa£Ii«a tdeaoopa, in which tM coacsTe muat be of ahorter focua
than the eoBvcx aleiiMnt— Ed.]
OXYGEN CTLINDEBS AMD OAUOE&
To t)tt BnrroK.
Bm.— My attantieB ha* been called to a letter, aignad " Arihor Beet,"
in you iaaa* o( lb* IMi nit May I be allowed to nply to one or two
mtm in the inl paracrmph of tba latter, aa they aaam to ma tather
A, and ramUtr mignt —'-'—* aooBM of yoor raadan. Mr. Beet
aayt : " ConaMariM tba time they ha*« bean in nae, then may baTC bean
quite M many awiiTanla with ciylindan aa with baga." Ha auo relan to
two arriihnta aa paori^ that tba aoNoar at Bkatnti vaa ill-adriaad in
TMoamaadiiw tba aa* of ey^adma, iatkmd U ba«a. I mu aay that it
waa tba ivy. not tba aonoar. who m^ tUa laeeBimandatloB, soaaibly
inffnirH. not eolr by ay aridaaM. bat by Mr. W. L Cbadwidi'a atata-
meet that ba bad diaaardad tb« aw ef ba«i la faroor of vylindera. Bo
far aa my own aridanea raiatad to tba nae of eylinden, it waa limply a
atatamaot that aadi an aeeidant aa the Dkaaton exploaion could not bare
fa^paaad it Mr. Seattameod bad baaa vtlmt eyliadara In atari of ba«B.
If ba bad baaa aappiiad wltb two ailladata. oae wwfinint cnyBaa, and
tba other aoal-gaa or faydiatM, aaithar a aialake oa Ma part nor defeat
in hb fttiaM eeold k««a nMbad fai a aridiw c< the faea ia aitbar of
(be «7liadan, baaaMa tba praaaaie «< iM h iitbac eybdar wbna m aa
ia giatai tbaa tba paeaiue in the Mmamedat labaa. I alao daaribail tba
I taban at the worka le piiaal aaaUaatal mixtan of the aaaa
Tbaa atalaaaata. and the (act that, liaa nifb-
I war* letiodnead wtm ae*«n or eight nan aflo— tbare
OBS tf ■hMB OOHBbA UtC W^OVtkBa BBOVSb
the lay l» add tbafr iinniaialillw to the vardiat. Aa tbaa aa now
tbeaaaada of «7li8daa ia aaa, and a eraiy naa of tbaa haa bad to laara
bow to na tbaa ia tbk abort period. I nbodt that tbe jary waa ao* a iD-
adflaadMMr.Baatafpaawtetblak. Tbatw4rp(ealaeaidaBtanfM«d to
by Mr. Beet do ant afcit the abow itllaiiall. I thiak. The tot of them
liaspeacd in tba woifca. nada apaeial aoaMieBe not likely to oeeor again.
Of aaae, vakaaa raa aaaaU Hake whaa lOiac bisb-paaaoa vlMan
vhUb M# S0t ikissA hv Irs psbii^ Mid Ikw kftw bMB liviKsl amUcbIb
ia tewafea. wkWi. bowear. do aol MWal tbe« Ibe pabUa n» the riak of
Indaad, one of the aah«aafda wbleb tba poblia a«y ba
wilhoat
> aWab yoB Uadly [TakHihii la yoor
Stna wiitiag that artiele. I hare obaerted thkt
To the EorroR.
Six, — On Janoary 85, Mr. C. F. Bndenberg, of the firm of Messrs.
Sohafier A Bodenlwrg, one of the largest makers of gauges, will give a
paper on Prttture Gauget for High Pretture Gatu before the Lantern
Society, at 80, Haoover-square.
If any of your readen nave any remains of gaages or regulators which
hare exploded or fuaed, I shoold be very much obliged if they would lend
me them for tlie oooaaion. — I am, yours, &e.,
Chablks E. GLADSTom, Hon. Stc.
6, BolUm-ttrett, W., January 18, 189*2.
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETT.
To Ute Editob.
aald to aaJOT ia tba fael that, abeald a ayliadar be ia aay w«y anlraat-
worthy, or IballBMaf it hi agy way aaalaa, tba abaaea are tbat the
man who tSk H wiB aaCa aaj aayiaaaaat eaaaafaaaea wMeb may
iiaii, Tbe aaaoad aaafdaat nMiad le aaa aaaai ^ *>>• «t||loaiea of a
fltaaa, aet of a ayliada. The riA el aaah aarilaali ia ae* '
fcaJtbeaeelyBadan W ewt yMali aMot be ■
«tiii«B. and. la a aaMa. aaUalMiMi tMMi aay be
daattwUhuliiliii. BH a HaHaiMia ihoaU be *awa
balwen tbaa, I Iblak, tbaa ia dawa by Mr. Seal, beaaaa daa«an in
the oa of tttiafa have to ba. aad. I ibiak. ana be. aatalally naidad
a^iainat. Aa nfiMi the evMadaa tbiwialTii. the eoodition> of tafaV
baa bcea pnl^ ttnaagbly aaaaMhad, aad an a aimpi* that aiay
oaa aay obtaia iM taoalilgi of *aa ea wUah aiooa an iatelUfent
coafUaaM ia Ihaa aaa be baaed.
WHh raapaal to vaagiaaplaaiaaa. I ahoold Uka to aid. whiU writinf to
oa. that I think, air. year aoadanaatiaa of the Puaidon bjgb-iiwaiin
. toat. in yoor iarae of Ibe tltb olL, waa loo saapfaa. Tbaa la aUoac
«aaea tor tba belief that all esploaiona of cmi«" bitbarto baa bean
«aaad by the igniiica of bydineaibuB la aaaa pat of the laaaa-toba or
I ky Iha beat Ubaalad whaa the eolaaa ef air ia
■|M I by Ibe npid idalaiiiM of hifh-;
Foal ia Ibe arliala of £e
I of JaaaaiT •, 18tl.
■be priiiaa of aa aaplaaiTa aixtaa'af gaea in tba taba ia not at all
iieeeaeary (or Ilia i«ailiaa of tbia hs^nmibom. Tba aaddea aeaprcaaioo
M the air in the labe ia ^ta aWatant Wbaa tba ^ega la properly
Iliad wilb a ahaek to laataal a aidw adaUariea of uiigaa. a wbaa
prefer jjwwKlMe aa etberwla lakaa to pnaM lUa aiiaa I fatal nn.
.{aaga a Stlad. aad we ha«a aa^ar baard of aa aeaidani with tb^. I
amf add Ibat tbia piaeallua of alowly admittiac eay«a troa a Ueb
> ^Uada abeald always ba ubaaiiiil wbaa nabf aay eoaaaxioo
' Ma ef a aloaed toba wfaieb m»j eoatain traa ef uraaa a
1.^-1 aa« yaaa, Acl , W. Moaiun Jacaaoa,
'M—thnltr Orffpmt Ctmfmmf, l.iwtiuil, Uamthtttrr.
Sib,— Tlie doinaa of the Photographic Society of Great Britain haTe
1 aoMi prominanee tliat it may s€
meniben that we an almoat on the eve of the annual mating and election
lately attained aneh prominanee tliat it may seem tmneeesaaty to remind
of ofSeeia, and that nominations must be sent in by the 19th instant. I
woold aameatly beg my fellow-members to take a more active interest in
the aflain of the Society than tliey have hitherto done, and not only to
send in ncminations for Council and officers, but to attend the annual
mealing and exeraia the privilege, whieh can only be enjoyed on that
nwaaiwi. of oAaring eritieianu of the paat and aog^ationa tor the future.
At the annual meetings tor some yean past, out of the hundreds of
mamben, Mily a handful have been preant in addition to the memben of
Coanofl. Cannot this ba remedied next month ? The new Council vrill
eartainly enter npoo their duties with more zut it tliey feel that the
memben an taking a lively interest in their doinga, instead of " sitting on
lbs fanee," aad waiting for an opportunity of catching soma one tripping.
I am actuated by no party spirit in making tbaa remarka, but only
daain to point oot tbat no Council, however good, can aaann the pro-
aparily ana anniina of a Booieiy without reoeiving the cordial and spon-
tantrmt riirimTt '«f H* ■f*"*^'* — ' "". y*^"", *" , Edoab OunoH.
87, Hatut^-toad, Uorntty Bit, S.
AN EFFICIENT HAND CAMERA.
To the EoiTOB.
Bm. — In yoor " Anawan to Corraapondanta " in Tas BamsB Jocbxai.
or Pa»TooBArirr, December 11, 1891 (to which my attention haa been
direeted by a friend, and which I had overlooked, otberwia I shoold
bare rapliad httan this), I find an article of mine ia oalled in qnation
that waa inaetted in Tna Barrua Jocbxal PaoiooBAraio Ai.iUMin
for the present year.
Altboogh I have had no intention of patenting the camen or proteoting
it in aay way, I cannot see how I can have copied Mr. Miller's camera,
when my first and only knowledge of its existence is shortly described in
Tub Bamsa Jovanu. PnoTouBAratc Auiasac for the present year,
althoogb I haa seaiebad in voluBMa and Auiixacs for 1890 and 1891
witboat finding any maalion of it. In sending the short deaoriotion given
in the A'.""'"' fa tba praaot year, Mr. Miller claims that his eameta
ie fra tton springs aad poabea ; mine haa both. Will Mr. Miller kindly
atato wbenin ay appaiatos is like his invention ?-<4l am, youn, <tc.,
SaalAaMfloa, Jmmmrj/ 6, 1898. Obo. W. Valbxtisb.
— *
nUSNCH PATENTS.
T« Ute EnrToa.
Sim,— Tear very intaraeling laat number duly to hand. Allow me,
rliHT. to make a slight aoggaalion rt yoor " French Patents," page 21.
Ton SM g"gt«»»'< haa lakaa men patanu ilian France. Than Is always
two sua to a qoaatioo, and the otner side is. Which are the most valu-
ahU, and tl>e«ioat in actual um I It is aaay to take out a patent, but to
aall the article is another thing. Then, again, maybe the Frenchman is
non libarml ; if ba invents wmething good, ha m«y be apt to give the
baoaflt to tba ganaral pablie. Ttiis may be worth yoor while lodung
into wbaa yoa pot la Ptrfidf Athitm against la DtlU Franet in comparison
a to paleots and their ariual valtu. Not long ago you found yourself
palaato takao oot too lavishly for trinkets never uad.— I am, yonn, d;o.,
Aadih^u. Jmtmarjf 9, 1»98. Albbbt Lsvt.
♦
iSictiange Column.
TSKUxtKaahM, wIvM lIsM, amd eoaditloa; Mehur*.vioUa or
IM.— AMfMS. W. i. HtBS. Wiabr ttallo, Battun, Sarrajr.
,j inw' iMtf-plala rnksh poHnut !•■>. with iipirsH In* tub* (or Uuulioap*
warfc. Haas, kc^ ■riwjUti. for kklf nr vbolv-pUt* ttadlo eaaon or potisf ehalr.—
kMnm,lL. M. Wall^^MMtrot. Milkn. CwlMriud.
Waalad. a wbaUalat* ■■■* aad Ira,, nr >itrm rood wbol*.pUt* laiuis or In*, la
•aabaa* far Cenwln satsty btov*!*. fmrimMj mttoA la onry put, and ia food
lllITT iaraos B. Pmill. i, VmtkraiA, BamiMtcwl.
WB aaatawe twe Ina flUsm* ia"*'"* 'ov laWpkoa**, is p*rf*ct onl*r, Boli>h*d
^■a, switsa arfMSa'at, »>**"'>« am^ar, Aa., eonpbu, illnr-platwl ttUnn i
rial 1 1. 1 xt ar UKia •tmm t poaUf okalr.— Addn**, E. Waits, 10, Onud/-
st»at.ll«dnHa.. Mmiiiii
Waatod, WU-plal* laaM rasMUaaar aad whoIo-pUl* wklMmfl* reotlUncar. bjr food
ro. larr* d*»«>»>iaa *>*. eualoj'* staaawiaw ralar(inc laaip,
erakh-a UxlOl
C.-D.T. I
IIS, Parad*, Laaaiat**-
BartoB'* eaD<B*(-portnklt lana, whoia-plat* and
whula piat i aaiaoia.— Addna*. K. >BBroi.s,
48
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGR.\PHY.
[Jftnuary 15, 1893
anstnetg to <CorTes{)onlintt0.
AU
U matUrt /or tlu ttxt portion ot Out Joubhal, mehtding queriei for
"Annoeri"' tmd " Sxekmtfftt," mmt bt atUrated to "Th« Ebitob,"
a, Torh^trttt, Oottmt flWdm, London. InaUtntion to tku enturet delay.
/f» mitiet laJin V oommtmicaHoni wdot nams ai%d addrtat of writer are
• • CvmmmUoaHmM rtiating to Adivortisements and general bunness afairs
'wHUt ie addrtaed to "Hxnrt OluannvooD & Co.," 2, Tork-etreet, Covent
Oarden. London.
Pbotoohaphs Reoistibkd:
A H Pooli' Wat«rfonl.— rnrod»o/pol»«oH tk«3foJI, Wne^r/ord. The nigh Sheriff
aiuuiuiu.n'iw rf'iilt M |»U from To«j» Hall, WaUrford. Mall ond Town Hall, Water-
/or<l. Wtt»r/<>rJifrom MoUMt Mitery.
1 H.UJFAX.— The picture should face page 514 of the volume.
T. Kdor — Apply to Winsor & Newton, or to Newman, Soho-square.
W. Mkllino.— There is something wrong with the crayons. Try black chalk.
JOHU W. Marks.— Try a mixture of dragon's blood and aurinc in spirit
Tarnish.
Y. Wn-cocKsoH, F. K. Barclay, General Dawson, and others.— Received.
Thanks.
Cy>!iSTA!iT Krader.— Of Messrs. Eyre & Spottiswoode, Fetter-lane, B.C., at
the cost of » few iience.
C. Bbsnktt.— We believe that you would be liable to the duty if yon used a
patron's arms and crest for your card.
P. C. PoRTEB.— To re-black diaphragms first thoroughly clean and then treat
with a solution of silver and copper nitrate, an<l apply heat.
K. MiciLABi.— Recommending "good paying businesses" is hardly within our
province. Advertise in the outer columns of the Journal.
B. J. S.— Coat the wooden dish with a mbcture of beeswax and resin. These
must first be melted together in the proportion of one of resin to two of wax.
E. Weeks. — While it is grossly nncourteons in the Belfast advertiser not to
have replied, ho may jiossibly be in communication with tlie foreign photo-
grapher.
J. C. S.— Dry soda and potaA carbonates will suit either dry eikonogen or
hydroqninone. You will find various formula- for the proportions at
pp. 7C7-773 of the AlMASAC.
Somerset. — The developer appears to us far too strong in sulphite, which, in
the proportion you name, would have a very marked restraining action. "Try
the effect of reducing it, say, to four ounces.
Greeshorj!. — They are principally done in Gcniiany by a photo-mechanical
process, but we cannot give you the address require<l. Apply to some large
firm, such as Waterlow's or the London Stereoscopic Company.
R. Gba^"ES. — As a nde, coloured photographs are not admitted into photo-
graphic exhibitions. An exception is, however, usually made in the case of
photographs coloured mechanically — photo-mechanicil prints in colour, for
example.
W. P. W. — The yellowness was probably due to citrate of silver, which
blackened In the light. The yellowness would have maile no difference in
use. Make up a fre.sh solutiun and keep from the light Any good soft
gelatine will answer.
W. M. L. — To make small negatives from large ones, first print a transparency
ft^m the negative by contact Then from that make the small negative in
the camera. Proceeding in this way, there will be no difliculty in obtaining
any amount of " jiluck.
W. Dee. — The majority of the illustrations referred to are by the zinc-etching
method. A print from a negative, bom a drawing specially made for the
purpose, is made on zinc in bitumen or bichromated albumen, and then bitten
In with dilute nitric acid.
W. A. J. — In printing on bromide paper by artificial light, there is no necessity
to interpose ground glass between the light and the negative, supposing the
light is a moderate (listance away. The ferrous oxalate developer is the one
most used for the purpose.
PaR-SRE.— Ih-ocure a copy of the current Almasac. In it you will find all four
of the formula; you are inquiring for, also many others that will assist you.
For negatives pyrogallie acid is the developer most generally employed here,
and for bromide paper the ferrous oxalate developer.
A. DiGBT. — With a lens of the " rapi<l " type of twelve inches focus you will
not succeed in copying a line engraving, sharp to the comers, without a very
small stop is employed. Indeed, then we doubt if the result will be satis-
factory. A lens of longer focus should be employed for such work.
Blub.— Unless your consumption is much larger than we gather from your
letter it is likely to be, our opinion is that you will find it cheaper to
purchase the paper ready prepared than to prepare it yourself. Some little
skill i.H necessary to coat very large sheets evenly, and some waste must be
entailed until it is acquired.
-Ajbsistakt writes : Could you help me out of this difficulty ? I am trying to
retouch on an unvarnished negative with medium, but the strokes show in
"the printing. I have followed the instrnctions— put it on very thin and also
thick, and trieil all ways. Why I think it is the medium's fault is, because
I retouch always on a varnished negative with a surface got by resin, and I
am now trj-ing on unvarnished negatives, and cannot succeed on them.
I can retouch very well on the others (varnished)."— It would seem that
the medium is put on too thickly. Only a mere trace should exist on the
negative. If a thinner coating does not obviate the difficulty, try another
sample of medium.
Jas. Tatlor writes : " I will be obliged if you will advise me through The
British Journal ok Photography how I can preserve t)ie black in finish-
ing bromide enlargements with chalk {Sauce Velnurx). I rub the enlarge-
ment with powdered pumice to give a tooth, and on stumping I always get
it to work brown."— Perhaps some of our readers who are an /all with chalk
work will supply the desired information.
P. H. — There are no works published on photo-mechanical minting in colours.
All those who are the most successful workers in the higher branches of
photo-nu'clianical work keep the details of their methods as trade secrets.
All that has been published on the subject has, from time to time, ajipeareil
in back volumes of this Jocrnal. A brief description of most of the methods
will be found in Burton's Photographic Printing Processes.
W. Shawcross. — 1. The word "achromatic" means freedom from colour. Some
field glasses are achromatised by having each lens formed of three component
parts, and this permits of a greater magnifying power being attained. But
brilliancy of image, with less magnification, can be secured when the front
glass is formed of only two elements, and the eyepiece of one. 2. You may
continue the use of the indiarubber sheeting without the apprehension of any
injurious effect.
S. Hopkins sends some prints (vignettes), mounted on chocolate-tinted mounts,
that are badly stained in the whites, and wishes to know the cause. He
adds, there are no stains on the pictures before they are mounted ; they only
appear when they are dry and ready for rolling. — It is the fault of the
mounts. The coloured surface is soluble in water. If it be wetteil with
the tongue, the colour comes off ; if touched with the finger, such mounts
are sure to stain.
A. Anderson wishes to know how he can take portraits at a fancy-dress ball
which is to be given at the local assembly-rooms next month ? He says the
electric light will not then be laid on, and wants to know the next best light
to use, and also our opinion as to whether taking portraits on speculation
would be likely to prove remunerative. — The best liglit, next the electric, to
use under the circumstances is the magnesium flashlight, and it is tlie light
most generally emjiloyed for such purposes. With regard to the conunercial
question, we cannot offer .an opinion beyond saying it is frequently done.
J. P. says : "A month ago I made up a saturated solution of sulphate of iron,
and filtered and acidified it, and next day used some for making ferrous
oxalate developer. It was then all right. On going to use it a lew days
.ago, I was surprised to find that a great deal of the iron had separated, for
there were a lot of crystals at the bottom of the bottle. What could be the
cause?" — What has taken place is simply this : A satiirated solution was
m.ade at a certain temperature, and has since been subjected to a lower one,
consequently a portion of the iron salt has crystallised out. A saturated
solution at one temperature may become a supersaturated one .it another,
aud therefore deposit some of the salt. It is always better to make solutions
to a definite strength than to use " saturated " ones, which are .".hvays more
or less indefbiite.
South London Photographic Society. — January 18, 1892, Social Evening.
London and Provincial Photographic Association. — Januarj- 21,
Monthly Lantern Night. Visitors invited.
Photographic Club. — January 20, fttereosenpic Photography, Mr. J. Nesbit.
January 27, Annual Lantern and Musical Entertainment (ladies' night).
North London Photographic Society. — Januarj- 19, 1892, Mr. E
Clifton, The Dark Room. Commence at 8.15 p.m. Visitors are invited.
Newcasti.k-on-Tyne and Northern Counties Photographic Assoclv-
TION.— Annual meeting, January 19. Mr. J. Brown will read a paper on
Platinum Tuning as applied to Gelatino-Chloride Paper.
Messrs. Walter Griffiths & Co., of Highgate-square, will shortly open
new premises at 5, Union-passage, Birmingham, as a general store for photo-
graphic materials and apparatus. Mr. M. 0. Suffield will have the manage-
ment of the new depot.
Brixton and Clapham Camera Club. — January 21, Printing Processes.
February 4, Address by Mr. A. Pringle. 18, Le'oses, their Properties and
Uses. Mr. Henry Crouch. March 3, Open Lantern Night. Slides shown
and described by Mr. B. G. Wilkinson. 17, Annual General Meeting.
Photographic Society of Great Britain. — January 19, Lecture by Mr.
Chapman Jones on Distortion of Outline in Photography. 26, Discussion on
the Relative Merits of Different Processes for the Productivn of Lantern
Slides. February 2, Lecture by Professor R. Meldola, F.il.S., on Photograph)/
as a Braneh of Technology. 9, Anniversary Meeting. 23, Printing Out
Em ulsion Papers.
In consequence of his engagement with Messrs. John J. Griffin & Sons,
Limited, of 22, Garrick-street, having terminated on December 31 last, Mr. R.
C. Murray announces that he has opened premises at No. 8, Garrick-street,
W.C, for the manufacture and sale of photographic apparatus, materials, and
chemicals. Mr. Murray's long experience as a practical photographer and as
a manufacturer of apparatus should be a complete assurance that the interests
of purchasers will be safe in his hands. We wish Mr. Murray every success.
OONTBNTS.
Page
exhibition ethics SS
direct carbon PRINTIKQ S4
PARA • AMIDOPHENOL IN COLD
weather 84
COPYING POSITIVES 35
the ORIGINATOR OF THE OELATINO-
BROMIOE PROCESS. By W. B.
BOLTON 8C
AMERICAN NOTES AND NEWS 88
By
S05IF, RECENT EXHIBITIONS.
PHILIP H. NEWMAN
WEST LONDON PHOTOGRAPHIC 80-
CIETYS KXHIBITION 41
OUK KDITORIAL TABLE 41
RECENT PATENTS 4-2
M^KTINOe i>F SOCIETIES 44
CORRESPONDENCE . 46
EXCHANGE COLUMN 47
ANHWURS TO CORRUSPONDENTH 18
.yhij
v.iriot ngiTiJin avr
.00
<*^ f^ t^. 0^-
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1655. Vol. XXXIX.^JA:^^UARY 22, 1892.
POTASSIUM FERRIDCYANTOE AND AMMONIUM
SULPHOCYANIDE REDUCER.
1.1 the rednetioo of orer-denae negmtires by ehemioal, ••
oppoaed to iii«eluuiic«], kmbim, two aimple prinoiplM \acn
long been utiliaed. Theae are the cooTeriion of the matallio
image into a aalt of tilrer, and the di«oiatioa of the conTetted
partiom of the pietare in hjpoanlphite of aod«. In lo &r aa
griatiae dry-pUte work ia cuueetaed, than ptinciplaa are aub-
jectad to little, if any, yariatioD, and they probably fana the
baaia of moat, if not all, the redooers in oommoa oaa.
Typiea) of thaae, and at the eame time tha oo« moat gen*-
rally employed, is Fanner'a aolutioo. Thia, aa oar readeni well
know, niinaiata of a miztora of farrideyaaide of potaaaium and
hjpa "na aetioa of the fhafamad body upon tha oietal of
the negatire imai<e in to change it to tha atata of ailrer ferro-
«yanide, which uJt ia aoluble in hypoi Praatically apeakiog,
it ia poaHble in thia manner to remore the whole of the ailver
^rom a negatiTa, leariiig what ia rirtoally a dear film on tha
■gfciML Wa aay virtually, beoaoae hardly any redocing aolo-
tion that wa ara aaqaaintad with ia aapafala of taking ont tha
whole of tha Japraaaiiin from the galatiiia, in wUeh, aftar all
the atlrer haa been diawlTed away, a &int imaga geoaraDy
remains, the oompoaition and tha cauaa of whidi hara narar
yet baan dearly explainad.
Proai tba foragoing it will ba aridaBt that tha atiaogth of
pwtaaaJnm CmUeyaaida datarmfawa tka dagraa of redoetioa of
the negative, and this hot obrioosly aibnls eoatidanbla aeopa
in its application. Local, aa wall aa alight gaaatal, radoetioa
ia thus easily aflbetad, whathsr a nagatlra or a aiHar poaitiTa
o« paper ba fai yiaatton, tha ftnetioa of tha hypo baiiif
mmply to diaaolTa oat j«at ao onuh of tiM pietora aa haa baan
red to aflvar fcrroeyanida.
'>ne adTaataga of radnoara of tha farridcyanide and hypo
'Claaa is that they may ba employad bafora the negative ia fiiad ;
bat, in actual pneliea^ wa do not think that thia advaataga ia
tnwA availad oC H la moat likdy that radoatiaa of a nagativa
is act daeidad opon until it haa baan ftxad, waahad, aad driad.
It ia a OMMt pofait whether photogiaphan would not pralar to
naa a redneing solution in which thair old fHaad aad laiamy,
hjpok plajfad BO part, aiaoa it ia apparsat that, aa a aohraot of
the wuiaitad imaga in radnctioa pixtocaaea, it '<*«~»~w hardly
4 care in laaotiiig its laat traeaa than when it is eaaployad fbr
Holvuii? mit tha naaltand portiona of tba newly defaiopad
nacn a pian — oaa, that ia, not involTiag tha naa of bypo— ia
at hand hi thatraeaotly propoaad to oa by Mr. A. Haddoo, and
by him snbaeqaantly hrooght belbre tha floeiaty of whidi ha
is a memhar. It will ba •raeolleeted that ia our artJda of
December 24 last,
otaainm tooiag
dcaeribing Mr. Weir Brown's modiflad
tha total rtmoTal of tha devalopad
silrer image was aUted to be effected by Farmer's solution
of ferridcy&nide and hypo. Mr. Haddon points out that there
is oonaidanible danger to the stability of tlie uranium image
poaaiiiiy lh>m the hypo itaelf, which may bo alkaline, or the
wadiing water, whidi may also have a similar reaction, an
alkaline solution eaaily dissolving ferrocyanide of uranhon.
He further goes on to suggest the remo\-al of the developed
silver image by means of a solution of (totassium fcrridcyauide
and aaunooium aulphooyanide, the latt«r tjikinj; the place of
hjrpo aa a aolvant of silver ferrocyanide. This solution may be
uaed in aa acid state, and thua all danger to the stability of
the nraninm picture ia averted.
Mr. Haddon made several other auggestions of probably
oonaidarmbia value in connexion with uranium toning, to whi(^
we may advert on a future ooeaaion. For the preaent, how-
ever, we will content oursdvaa by pointing out the applica-
bility of potaasium farridcyanide and ammonium sulpho-
oyaoida aa a reducer for negativea aa well as silver positives
OB paper. We have ouraelvea submitted it to practical testa,
both with very deaaa nqgativas and over-developed bromide
prints, with aatialhctory reauHi. The ferridcyanide is best
employed in a weak solution of from five to ten grains to the
ounoe, the aolphocyanide being, of coarse, used in considerable
esaaaik Apparently the mixed aolntion keeps well, although,
of eonraa, we have not been able to give it an extended trial ;
bat, in aa add atata, ita activity ia much retardol, while, on
tha otbar hand, ita tendency to atain is diminishad. Used in a
ooBBparatively powarfVil state of ooooantration, we have ob-
aarved that it is meat aBargetic aa a aolvent of silver, and
baoaa wa repaat that a weak aoluUon is beat in use, otherwise
tha half'^aaaa of the picture are placed in danger.
Aa we have before remarked, where there is a deaire to
avoid using hypo in reduction methods, the above plan of
Mr. Haddoo's will ooounand itaelt We shall watch with
interest the pnetioal ezparimanta aad exparianoes of thoae
who may ba tamptad to give it a phue in thdr fiirmukriea.
VIGNETTLNO ENLARGEMENTS.
Yionnrit* busts are undoubtedly the most popular form of
anlargMnent at tha preaent day, and, when well executed, there
cannot be a more pleasing style of portrait ; but, if the vignet-
ting ba badly or caralaaaly done, no matter how otherwise good
tha piotora may ba, tha result is worthless from an artistic
point of view. So veil raoognised was this fact in oonnaxifD
with cairlt-dtMtitf and cabinet portraits, that vignetting- haa
bean ahacat rsgardad as a higher bratocti of printing, m% in
moat inatancfs, a q>ecial price — fifty, or sometimes a hundred
per aaat over that cf pUin prints — was charged.
m
THE BRITISH JOCIiNAi. OF PHOTOGUAPHY.
[January 22, 1892
Numerous were the devices adopted in order to secure the
mf Bt perfect gradation possible ; indeed, almost every printer
of any stiuiding had his own particular method, from the
well-known " vignetting glass," which, though theoretically
perhaps the best expedient, was in reality the most unsatis-
factorj-, through various styles of more or less elaborate marks,
*e might pick our way from improvement to improvement
without arriving at perfection, and even with the best of these
numerous aids, as much was, perhaps, left to the skill and care
jf the printer as the vignctter itself performed, the common
vignette glass alone excepted, for this defied the highest skill to
bettor its results. Theoretically, we say the principle of the
vignette glass was as near perfection as possible ; ^ sheet of
coloured glass, " flashed " on one side with a non-actinic pig-
ment, had an oval or other shaped aperture etched out in its
centre until the whole of the colour was removed, and the edges
of jthis opening were gradually softened by the same means
until the full depth of tint imperceptibly merged into the
colourless centre. Such at least was the idea ; but, unfortu-
nately, the gradation too frequently partook of the character
of a series of plainly distinguishable concentric zones forming
well-defined steps, as it were, or, in other cases, the softening
was of so abrupt a nature as to be undeserving of the name of
gradation. Such a vignette was palpably useless for the pro-
duction of good results, as its inherent faults were altogether
beyond remedy.
The more careful class of printers made use of various kinds
of masks perforated with apertures, usually with serrated or
broken edges, and these were placed at a distance from the
negative in order to soften the light as much as possible, with-
out allowing it to spread too far, and tissue paper or ground
glass was frequently employed in addition, to cause still further
diifusiou. With such aids as these tliore was scope for the
exercise of a great deal of skill, for, while one operator might
make but a bungling job of it, another would with the same
implements secure results of the highest excellence. But the
perfection of vignetting so far as we know it, we may say the
ideal, was only reached when the printing frame was kept in
constant motion duriug the period of printing. Some operators
would at intervals alter the position of the frame, turning it
upside down, then on one side, then the other, imagining that
they thus attained a better gradation ; but this was in the
majority of cases not so, though greater symmetry of the
, vignetted portion might result. What was required was a
constant and regular motion obtained by suspending the
printing frame or frames from an ordinary roasting jack, or
similar contrivance, so that the edge of the aperture in the
mask was constantly casting its shadow, however soft, in a
dificrent direction, and so materially aiding in the softness and
evenness of the gradation. We have seen vignettes printed in
this manner in the sun, without tissue paper to diffuse its rays,
that have been almost perfect in their gradation.
These metliods, of course, require considerable modification
in order to adapt them to the piirposes of the enlarger. The
vignette glass for his purpose is out of the question as, setting
on one side the faults of gradation, unless it were made from
optically worked glass, the loss of definition it would cause
woidd suffice to condemn it. The perforated mask with ser-
rated or even plain opening is, however, quite available, and
this is the method generally adopted, though the position of
the mask in relation to the negative is very different. Instead
of being placed at a short distance in front of the negative, it
takes a position between the latter and the print, and at a con-
siderable distance from either, the precise position being im-
material provided it is not near enough to the lens to come-
within range of its focus, or sufficiently close to the print to-
cast a sharp or perceptible line. Further than this, it is kept
in motion during the exposure in order to secure greater soft-
ness, the movement being iu the line of the axis of the lens,
though some operators prefer an up-aud-down and side-to-side-
or circular motion.
Whatever the direction of the motion may be, it cannot be-
rogular in the strictest sense, since it is made by hand, the
operator holding the mask in his hand during the exposure.
Now, not only is this a tedious business, especially if the-
exposure be long, but it requires great steadiness, as well as-
patience, to perform it even fairly well ; and even then there
is no guarantee that it is applied evenly, or that it is properly
centered ; for it must be borne in mind that there is no guide-
to the effect being produced, and the mask may be uncon-
sciously moved some inches right or left, up or do\\'n, during
the exposure, which is certainly not conducive to uniformity or
symmetry. Still, in careful hands, very satisfactory result*
accrue, though it is our impression that much better might be
attained with proper appliances.
It is surprising to us that no attempt seems to have been
made, or, at any rate, published, to render the working of the
vignetting mask automatic. We ourselves long ago experienced
the irksomeuess of the hand manipulation, and have from time
to time made various attempts to improve upon it. The first
of these consisted in mounting the mask upon a sort of easel'
running on a tramway, along which it might be worked by
means of a rack and pinion. This harl at least the advantage-
that the strain was taken off the attention of having to keep
the mask centered, but it still had to be worked by hand, and
there was no guarantee that it was worked evenly, so that,
though portions of the gradation might be smooth enough,
others might be abrupt, from stoppage of the machine at some-
particular point.
Next we tried substituting for the rack and pinion by which»
the easel was actuated a heavily weighted pendulum, working-
underneath it, and imparting to it a to-and-fro motion. This-
was so far a gain that it dispensed altogether with hand work,,
and the motion was also regular ; but, while the mechanism,
was comparatively complicated, its action was anything but
satisfactory, and the movement of the screen was jerky and/
uncertain, and, moreover, a very heavy weight was necessary
to overcome "the traction " of the tramway.
But we recognised the pendulum principle as the correct one,,
for, in addition to its being automatic and regular, it in itself
assists in softening the gradation, since, as each successive-
beat becomes shorter, the vignetter travels over a constantly
decreasing space, so that, in addition to the softness gained by
the alteration of position, we have also the softening arising-
from a gradually decreasing exposure from the centre
outwards.
We eventually settled upon a method on this principle,
which, while extremely simple, is as nearly perfect in action,
as could be desired. Discarding altogether the clumsy tram-
way, we made the pendulum itself carry the vignette, or, in
other words, the vignetter forms a portion of the pendulum.
This, in our eab.e, works from a fixed point near the ceiling ;.
but it would bo a decided advantage to have it work in a.
movable frame running on castors, or, at any rate, capable of
being shifted if required. The pendulum itself consists of a
stifiF rectangular frame nine feet long and eighteen inches broad^
jMwyaSrins]
THE BKITISR JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
61
the top sad bottom (or short sides) being of wood, and the
Temainder li^ht iron rods. The width is desirable to give it a
firm bearing on its pivots and to ensure its running in the
direct line of the axis of the lens. The mask itself is attach<xl
to the side rods, and is made a4justable as regards height
This anraagement is fixsd about midway between the avera^'o
pcaitioaa of the lens and eaael ; as a rule, we work but two or
three warn, but, when a wide range has to be oovered, the
moTiMe pendolnm frame is desirable. The exact position of
the mask and its opening are easily found when the pendulum
is still by raising or lowering it nntil the desired effect is
obtained on the screen ; or, if a special opening be required for
a partieolar negatire, the mask itself may be utilised as a
focuasing aoreen, aad the shape of the aperture sketched thereon.
In this manner it is easy to make masks for stopping out single
fii^res from iponpa, or for printiag in alouds to IfaKttirtpit ; in
the latter ease both nky and foregroond may be eorired as
desired, and the two blended one into the otiMr in a — —yy
.acaroelf poosible by other means.
THE DEOOMFOSmON OF HYPO.
A PAPm of great intvest to photographen was read at a recent
meeting of the Chemieal Society, the sabject being the changes
iindai{poae by " hypo " when in an acid condition. The exact
title vaa TJke Ckangt pncntUng u* am Ari-lifitd Solu(i-m •,/
SofUmm ThiatulpMate wAflt tht Produeti nr< rrt-iime»l in'/Ain lAe
Sfitem. A nnmber of glass bolbs were filled with solutions of
hypo aeidified with an e^niTaleat quantity of aeid. and placed
in a bath at a fixed temperature, and at eertain definite times
after the aei<liAeataoa the eaotaata of the balb were titrated
with iodine solntioa ; and, tmm§ other oheeka apoa the raenlt,
the aeiditj wee determined sooo alter the iodine titration. It
is not Deeeamy here to gire details of the experiment, the
more espeeiallr as we shall, in all probability, return to the
lubject at aome fut«re till. Aa to the reeolta (nain ' 'I
term, hypo, for faiwTity), the author (Mr. A. CoLBu, ]:..
«weiades that the nhVif^ wh«i the prodncta, ris., soiphanma
aeid and anlphnr, are rateiaed in the ^eten ia a rerenible ooo,
a limit beisf reached a oertain time from the time of acidiR-
cation. The value of this limit ia afleeted by (I) atate of
concentratioa, (S) ratio of the oaes of aeUrriatm to the hypo,
(3) the nature of the meUUj/iag add, (4) the tenpermtnre.
I^Snlphoroiis add cannot ptvrent the deconpoeitioo of thio-
iilphoric acid. The leeeeuue of both products of the change
the syatem seenaa MWtiel for the attainment of a limit
ilne ; for lulpiMiuua aeid, when initially pwaiiit in the
at the tlM of aei<IWctloa,ha«brtMmllsaeet ■!■»
ipr— *n the trteiH tt Amnlml ehige. AUgher
CsToon the intenetioo of enlphanjua acid and
1 or hypo, a aeoondaiy diange which prooeede at lower
■emperatores with extraae downenk When this paper is
pablirfied •• erUiuo, we may probably print it in full, as it
npea a eabject nposi which, at present, we have rery
Mnito imowledge.
'. will he observed that the plan, which ia oootinnally la-
in favour, of adding aotd aolphito of aoda, ia not
Ived in the oondderation of the qoeation, and the belief in
•f ehange hi hypo after eadi wUition is in all
li^ ooRoet Certainly no observations of ill efliBets
published np to the present time.
But at thiD same fflreeting two other papers were read which
had a bearing 190s the evil cfiecU of acid hypa All practical
photographers are familiar with the dark-coloured deposits
appearing in hypo solutions that have been used to fix prints
or negatives, and it is no ditTicuIt matter to imagine that some-
what similar deposits, invisible to the eye, may be present in
photographs fixed in " hypo," and may lead to their fading.
The classic researches of Messrs. Davauue and Girard showed that
an insoluble colourless silver thiosulphate, gradually decom-
posing in time, would be so produced when the fixation was
carried on m a limited quantity of hypo, but we now refer to
further products. Mr. Harold Pioton showed that in some
so-called solutions of metallic sulphides the microscope reveeiled
the fact that the whole of the sulphides present existed in the
form of very finely divided particles, and the same gentleman, in
conjunction with Mr.S. E. Linder, advanced what they considered
a good primA fadt case for the belief that there is a continuous
series of grades of solution passing without break from siispen-
sion to crystallisable solution. They hold that in the lowest
grades of solution a certain loose attraction exists between the
partiolee and the molecules of the solvent. They describe a
new property, which aeems to hold for a large range of solu-
tions extending from suspension to crystalli.sable solution.
Daring the intereeting discussion that followed it was men-
tioned that the microaoope had enabled particles of silver nitro-
pmaside, so small as the one-hundred-thousandth of an inch in
diameter, to be detected in what was apparently a solution.
Mr. Picton's paper stated that the sidphide of mercury he had
examined in a acvealled aolution exhibited small particles under
the microaoope which were not difTusible even in the absence of
a membrane. What is more probable than that the de-
composition of the silver salts by hypo in either an albumen
or geUtine film, gives rise to insoluble silver salts which would
not difToae by oamotio action, and would therefore remain in the
film for fntnre evil I The rat^^' of diffusion in such films would
be far slower than fai a collodion film; hence, if the produution
of these hypothetieal inaduble products occu])ied an appreciable
time, it might be predicated that In a collodion film the pro-
ducing salu would diflTose into the outer li(|uid, in which the
precipitation would then take plaoe, while in »he case of gelatine
or albumen the slower diffusion would retain some of the salts
long enough to permit the decomposition and lodging in, mUu
of harmful products other than those described by Messrs.
Davanna and Girard. The speculation is fraught with internet.
The Orlrlnator of the CMlatlne Frooeaa.— In refei^
to .Mr. W. ii. li<ilu>n'i srtiein on tb'u nubjuct ia our lost issue, we
have wesivsd aloof latter frcan s Mr. J. Ir'satliner of a highly pokinical
natoro. The int«fer«ee of Mr. Faolkner ia Uiut oontroversjr is dearly
act that of a diieetly iniemated penon having • pratcriptive cUim to
he heard, and wa thwsfpsi do not puhiiah lii* letter. It sppuars to
be written in tits iatieesti ol Mr. J. I{iugeM. W« are at sU times
gM to rivK those wiio ass criticisod ia our colaman an opportunity of
replyiiifr, sad we shall be vilBag to pahtiah a letter f^Jm Mr. Bargees
hiataalf. Th«re an only two points ia Mr. Faulkner's oommonioation
which we shall notice. Mr. Faulkner easts doubts on DSgatives ever
havimr^w^ produced by Bladdox'' ' ' I.,<!t him read Mr. W.
E. Debenhsm'* testinony to the C' . un at the meeting of tho
London sad i*roTiadsl rhutogrs;.' ,n December 4, and
let him also read Mr. W. Adama' , "Ot issue. He asks
how Mr. Bolton knew that the Jur^- <<t •.iv- 1 11 rentions Exhibition
swarded a medal to Msddox without dreaming of Barg(«sP Vi'e
answer, Simply beeaose Mr. BoUon himaulf was one of the jurors on
that oooasioa.
The Vew Methylated Spirit.— Writiog to the Chemieal
A'ewt, oa thia lubject. Dr. B. C. Waller asy«:— 'There already exists
h
63"
tb£ ''jytftt9«' iJbi)*ti<A5i AiVifpmvmmiemi
[Jtotaary 22, 1892
nted vnih piniffin . A<ptir to the' «irpfeh-i<ior of the dWtttct fo^
onewaj,
dult«<rat«y , -rr- • • . ■-■, ^u.
ixwmiwion topni-chw tli« spirit In quantity direct frokn thfl mantj-
facturers. T! :■ wiW be required ^) specify the oUjiiSW W
whicli he rr.v> -lie spirit.,and his atatetpent a^d ft]j)pIi6ation'
^y[\\ After the Usual business of rod tajie alid
ciyi-i bftbly be KUpwed, and the applicant Will thefi
b^ ,. siiVetT in a 'boiid- for 20(V: as a safepuiird
ap,; tbe'gflrjt tn any improper uses. For this
boi„t _-c,1. Af'ter these' formafities are complied
■^ji, nni.-sion is supplied Mi-ith forma' of Teqnl-
sitibn, ami can order direct from the distillers. He alaO becomes _a
"uito* of the *t^it within the meaninjf of the recent oiSler, and is
«^iltfa4 tff^uiSSti'oirpuppfies ftee froin paraffin.
_ ' Mlaoble«oa» ■ ZaaoTatton.'^-^-" An eminent medical
organ learns. tliatJ in future half per cent, of wood naphtha {tic!) is to
be added to methylated spirit," saywthe editor of the journal above
referred to. " Our contemporary imagines that the mixture will be
'absolutely undrinkabKfwi>ich is hmikake. He is aware that the
n4w ooncootiort will .to nnwuloome to photographers and others, but
hetirinhs-ichat insnoh.a case their complaints should be disregarded.
We hold; on; itliB: contrary, tihat an injury to research and to the
oi^anio chimical. raiaBufactuies will be poorly compensated by a
hindrance tlttowniiratbe.way.of a few desperate drunliards. It is not
too mnch to say that tibB Act permitting the sale of methylated spirits
is 'M^pUtely atidtified byi tbis most miscbieTous innovation."
Myjx on a Portrait.— Since the Ibetrothal of the late Duke, of
Clarence and Avondale was' anndunijed, there has been a great demand
for the portraits of the 'ftoyal pair. But when the illness took a
sAi^qus form tbe demand Ibecanie very much greater. On the day
after the' deatb, one' liondon liouse' alone, that happened to possess
negatives, we are informfe'cf, deceived orders for many thousand prints,
the retail stationers "being iall cleared out, and were taking orders for
futiire execution. In such cases as tbis, it seems to be a pity that
photo-mechaiiipal woirk is not more'largely utilised than it is. To get
several thbus^d silvey prints from a few negatives at this season of
the year occupies li considerable time, during which period the passing
excitement, i.s a\iiating. "^ith "Woodburytype Or collotype a few days
will siiifics to sapply all demands. Great as has been the demand for
the p rlraits'of the Koyal Duke, it is doubtful if the sale in the aggre-
gate lJs {)een so gr^t asit'Would have been had he lived to be married.
POBt-uxortem Photography.— y4pro/x)« of the fleeting in-
terest In porfrnits of deceased persons, those who have had much pro-
fessional experience, ia post-mortem photography are fully aware of
the expediency of supplying the proofs and obtaining payment as
quieJdy as-potoible. 11 tbis be delayed until after the funeral, it is
rarely that'the'photographs are considered satisfactory, whereas, had
they been delivered before that event, they would have pleased. So it
is with eniargied -portraits of deceased persons. If the picture be de-
livered pToniptly, it 'generally 'gives satisfaction. But if the work be
kept, as some photographsra keep it, a month or two in. hand, the
piobW>ilitie« a»e that' it will be more severely criticised than would
otherwiite have been the- caae.- Imaginary faults are discovered by
frieUds, for 'Which there may be i>o grotmds, and unnecessary trouble
iit«Ite«(irtionfly'«fteniito>'the deterioration of the picture, have to be
ntade. -■'■' >'- 'f" W-'c"- ' :■ ■' -
'ikyid':iii^e''iii'^hbtogrraph7. — Last week 'Vre suggested a
n^odified method of working the carbon process so as to aVoid the
dlffereh'li trangfer pperatiohs. 'This was to spread the' pigmented
gelatine on Oiih transparent sheets of xylonite or celluloid and then
print the .pictiii'o through this film; as was done with the transparent
media U^ ift'the etifliest days, ^itA before xylonite coUld be obtained
in such d high state Of pctfecticta as'it can at the present time. Here
id aiiothfer 'u'3e to 'Which" Xylonite in Connexion with carbon printing
may b^ prbbil^W. vfe'fy "^6flt'ably put. ' " Porcelains " of the ■ scrap
tyj*,'WaJte' ISy (he ' timm ^rbtJesi,' havie' had a' ' cdnsideKtbW run
idiirinjf the last U'n yestrs, but the trade in them i6 ou'the wane. One
jof the Teasions fof this is that, with an aooomulatfon of tliem, there i»
jno cbBVenient way of preserving or displaying tbam, also their fragile
character; Xylonite can now be had With .exactly the appearance of
opal glass, of tiny tint, Or wth a grain 8o like ivory that it can
ecai'cely be dirtinguished from that materiall ■ Now, itiisquite as ea.sy
'to develop a carbon picture on xylonite as it is oii opal glassy and the
■former substance would cost considerably less. A carbon picture on
'opalescent xylonite or celluloid cannot be distinguished in appearance
from one on opal glass, while v^ith the 'ivory gtain it looks much
superior. Furthermore, such pictures can be pfcuSed.in albums, like
ordinary ones, 611 card-mounts, and transmitted through the post with-
out danger of bi'eakage. Here is manifestly ft novelty for those who
choose to take it Up. Hut we do hope, if iti is, that the " cuttin^^
prices" of porcelains will never be adopted;'
"■' • : . •M-.ir.rr- :•: . ■: I'^i •■•■■'
Printing: of the Pnture. — Tlie general consensus of opiniom
amongst pr.ictical photographers is that albumenised paper is now
meeting the most formidable rival- it has ever had, in gelatino-
chloride printing-out paper. On several occasions, -When fresh print-
ing processes have been i ntroduced, the knell of albumen has been said
to have been rung. Yet it still survives,.and is, as yet, the most
popular process of the day, and the one most extensively used
commercially. There is, doubtless, a big future for the new paper,
but albumen will die slowly, we strongly suspect, notwithstanding all
that is predicted.
The Price of Platinum. — The metal i.s now quoted at
2/. 2«. Qd. per ounce. But a short time ago it was nearly double this,
price.
The Sally Press and Technical Matters. — We hav&
several times of late commented upon the blunders made, and the
nonsense written, by some of the daily press when they touch upon
photographic subjects. Tbis ignorance is not confined to photography
alone, but applies to technical matters generally. Lightning, last week
referring to electrical matters, says, " How utterly idiotic are th&
lucubrations of the ordinary pressman when he essays to deal with
things he is ignorant of."
Process VTork. — The Daily Graphic of Friday last is aa
excellent example of the services that photography renders to
illustrated journals and also of some of its short-comings. One of the
illustrations depicts a scene in tbe City occurring in the afternoon of the-
previous day. But for photography thi? would have been next to an
impossibility in the time. Such things, however, are now daily
accomplished , by the " photo-zinco '' or analogous processes. Tlie
number of the paper also contains two half-tone illustrations, one a
portrait of the late Duke of Clarence and the other of the Princes-s
Victoria of Teck. These two illustrations, though the blocks them-
selves are really good, show that they are not well suited for rapid!
printing in the ordinary way with type. The Daily Graphic possesses
the most perfect machinery for quick printing of a high quality,
consequently we may fairly assume the blocks were used under the
best conditions circupistaiices would allow. We had a large number
of the impressions through our hands, and the most striking feature
was their inequality. Of some there was nothing to complain, while
others were mere smudges. A noteworthy fact was, that although
in some copies the half-tone prints were bad, the line blocks in
them were' equally as good as they were in the best. It is clear that
a process that will yield half-tone blocks that can be successfully
printed under ordinary po^iditions with, typ?, oa «^ r^pid machine, is
still a desideratum., , , , ,
Mr. Ohfttimatt Jones's Zaeoture.— It-is a pity that no more
than twelve or thirteen "persons attended Mr. Chapman Jones's lecture
at the Photographic Society of Great Britain on Tuesday night. The
subject, The DiaUrtion of Outline in Photography, has perhaps
not much of the ring of fascination in it ; but it is undeniably one in
'vrhieh every -one who takes, or attempts to take, photographs is
Jiumrj 0,1880]
THB BBiaaU. ■ JOUBHAJ* OF PaOXOG^RAJ>HY.
63
directlv intwiafJ. M*. Jonai'tdiMeaNB vw elMr, praclkml, aod not
»t aU atwre ih* niifl»hiiMiii o< Umm« f»r i«bo(n it «m iiutinded,
uA:"— NRMt that (h» wigiaritt of «pMe oUifr* u only to fi\o t^e
Irirfiiil iiiwMhli M^Mtt ol it. Mr. iMM»« auggMtioiu u to tb* um of
m^fkhmminfn/hmmm'to tm^ MdaUnMtn wb«a photograpbinK
frMi natan, ud UaMattodol tMtiag tiw earriluMar dutortija of such
ISttOBtioil.
a\ XIUNQS IN OBNESAL.
ht it permitted to hope that Mr.-NewoUM'a p»p«r oa Some Recent
ExkUitiomt, that waa imA befura the Londoa Md Piovincial I'hoto-
gnphie Aaaodatioa tk» other 4»j, will lead to kmm raioraia in exhi-
bitkMi iMttMB, thoofik iti talertad writer ia arideatlj a dotios at
"jadgiagf" That reforai ia aaadad goaa withoat tajiBg, aa the
n«adi pat it ; bat thei* am lo mutj intaiaata eoaceraed, ao many
pet thsOTiea held op br Jodgea, ao Bock iwfcicMnii aa to what ohouM
and what ahoaU net W aBiiii»J, aad, ah*** al, ao Ibw people aammr
•Ten the axpatta wko hav* raallp Iha oomaga of their opiawiBa that it
eanaothat ha fakthako>pe,if a«Y,ia «r a verf pale eaat. Bat tbu
riAar t« the Baport of the Jadgaa of the PaU Mall ihow aaar lead to
the aaMliniarinii of ooa moal glanaf eril— the want of diKivtioo
abowm Vf bangaii on oecatifw It neada no argument to proT>> that
the haagai^ poat b a aoat SUait aad OMMoa one to 80. Bat the
dntiaa <rf jadgiag at the naay iaaportant axhibitiona, added to the
immanaa kiwv of ariarttug aad wainy to the kaiqjaf of a larfe
nninberof phtaiea amlhowlahoalouaaDdtiiiii r ■— ill aaeh wofk
ia noaa hot tha aspariaMid hare aor eoMaption of— oenpjr tiio much
tiaae to anaUa aa to upaot that it can ba often takes br tlw com-
paiBttTaty Caw ■■■ that ara aaitabia for tka oCca. Tbei* ia ureat
want of baekbuoe abewn an far br hainaia in paaral, or, w)»t b
■wont, moat improper fatrouritiam. It cannot be doMbtad that we
bara too maav exhibitiooa, aad, now that a eeoirm] leprawintation of
the aany aocieti«a in tha eooatij aaaaa to be within mnuurabla dia-
taa<* of realiMtioa, I woold atk if a caatMl bodj eoHtd aot ba eho««n
to deal with the athiea afad ptaotiea of esUbitiag, tu foranlala raba
for tlMtr eowdart, aad aot to fiva thair aaaetioa to aaj tshibitkm
aot eanbd oat aadw tka raba thejr w»«id frames Eshibitton*
miiHkt be MA Bte Iba - Afllatod SaaiatMe" raba, aad atoaee
awarda ao oM^Md woaU baaoMO ef kaowa valae, and aapiaiiiliil
\tj the pabUe at la^a affev ao gnat lapoa of tiaa> If aa^ a dfeaa
ahoold baeooM traa,it b to ba hoped tliat tha hidMMt IMM "ChalknRM
CtaB" akoold ka wpbead by ana baa rwbiay «f iho ihaiablw aod
Tka papat nad bjr Mr. Ulallaayar. at tke PMm* Sociaty, On
HtfttHimm mtd Kffimtmmt, appaaia Ukalj to toarii aa an in
optiaal iwtiiactliMb Wkk tka *aat airidaa aada of Into yaais ia
optical aatkodi oa Aoplife Uaaa, than wooU aot appear to be ralid
icaaoM why catoptrioi akoold aoi ba jaiiaiJ iato tka aarriee of the
IriM iintai. Wo aB kaow wkjr a laiatnHff earra b gfna to ndmia
for optical oat, aad whr thejr an not arailabla prattfeallj for baa-
rnnding ; bat thara b now aoeh a laaga of power pat iato the haada
f thgliina iaatrii,owtagtoth»ipaatTarfatycf dbpawfaaaadwrfiaetioa
it command ia modani optieal gh«, that it b fMoaaahb to expect
that lena-mimm whk ipfcaritJ earraa eooU ba BOaatiactail tkat
ahoald ba of eoaridarabb otHty for each of tha parpowa aaaad at
tha iWaeaainn tkat feOdwdi tka raaifiair of.-tko paper. Of eoaraa, to
cvt fbe fan mln" of tka aaw ptfadple. it woabi kare to ba TeoMm-
h.Ttr>i !h<«t, f.>r photofrrmpUc poipuaea, tbeta woaM be a rery prartieal
liautatitm of aiaa. The paetoia pndadbb woaU alwaya have to hm
iiwaMaiablj aaaibr than tka iHaaialM of tka boa^rrar employad,
aad a wtry Mtb kaowbdfa of Un art ef bnaaa woaU iadJeato the
Mohakb |«<ea of aaek aa limrita<il Mpakb ef taki^^ a pielara aot
latttf ikaa ta optfeal batata dide. Tkat aaek pictana wooid po
a criepoaaa aad a liakaaM aapaiior tooaa takaa by aa otdiaaty ba* b
almoat rertaia, aa Moa*, if aot aB, of tka lalitiiuu woald be got rid
of. Tra«, a bago''caaMfs' woald ba Beaded, aa,«fQow»t, a ecaieal
hood, miiuaadid by a ryliadrioa) oae, all corand by black Talret,
woaU be aaadad to k^ oat atiay liffht, aad the optical pottkn
woald aaed to ba aarapalooaly clean. CWkiaef OMy ba naked; the
reply b givaa at ooea. v
That the pateot affwt'a " life b aot a ki«fy oae ' mii^ht eertaialjr
be believed f^)In reading two only o( the pattinta, the specificatioiu of
vbich Api«ar in thia Journal for Janu^iry lo. I have carefully read
three times over the wurdiajf about the transferring photograpiis
pateot, but, after such close perusal, I am as much in the dark as
beforv I cumuienced the Uuk. V^bM the ohgiaal instructions could
have b»!u tu alluw of no dearer duacription than ia here (^ren is a
great mystery. The few gleauid of muanii^ that cume to me at times
BUggeat that Ilerreu Znhn and Schwari hivre patented something tkat
doea not differ in principle from the .Vutptype Company's " t<-mporary
support," and the manner of unw^ iL . Uut thia patent is clearness
itself compared with llerr Kuj^ Ilukh's. It consists of a method of
photographing under a " bound light " in a " reroluble housing," con-
Mating of " tropeziam.«hapetl " surfaces, formed of fabric on frames
adjoatably arranged at angles to eaj^ other, said housinjf haTiog
adjustable light funnel, platform, and stool, and being provided with
suitabb meana for attaching to the camera, &c. Is it possible that
we hare here aoma modification of the Lafayette camera atand ? '■
FnxB Lancb*'
RATIO OF GRADATION.
Your review of Mesara^ Ilurter >^ Drifield'a ingenious if over-reSned
" .Vctinograpfa * reminds me that one of the most important coii-.
doaioos to wkiek thoae gentlemen'a pkoto-chemical investigations
hare given riae kaa not been taken into consideratioa by phuto>
esperinMalaJbta aad inrestigatore to the extent it deserves, rind
kaa also so far remained a dead letter to tlie ordinary photographur,
wko eoaaaqaahtly believes and waintaina the exact contrary. I alhidu
to tke theory that the ratio of gradation in a negative or a positive
are unalterabie by detabpiaant.
If I anderstand Messrs. Hurter k DriiBald aright, a pbotogra|in'er
may, by varying the eooalitaeata of bia developing aolntion, alter the
printing value of his negative — that ia, aaauming a correct exposure,
he can prodoee a very thin or a very dense negative at pleasure. Hut
tkoaa geBtbaen Maintain that the pbotographer'a power i" ••"-•K-
Baitad to tkia. He eaaoot by any known combination of <!'
Iiogwta aher the relative gradations of his negatives. In in-- >.<v.-
of tke thin imag<', the ratio of the balf-tooea to the hijrh lights is, we
will soppusa, aa 1 : :;, that is tti say, by meaaursment the density nr
opacity of thoae portiona of the negative may be quantitativrly ex-
prvesed in tboee pniportions. Now, it may Itare be ai^ed that, as a
deaaa imagn can be developed up from the same exposure (let us
suppoaa a eonoctly expoaad pbte haa ]>• {"ises
of the oipetiaaat), therefore the ratiu . it la
snmntimsa called, baa also been altered. Is this tu f
AcoordiDK to Meaara. Hurter k Drifldd, it is aot by any means
the case. They rnwtsad (aad thoir.axpqriiaanta bear out the oontagi-
tion) that the ratioe of tha dsaao half of tke plate are the same aa
those of tke thin negativr, and that, upon measurement of the fonuer,
tke katf-toBM aad kigit lights stand towards each other, in point of
denrity, ia asaetly tko aaaaa proportioaa aa thoae of the thin half.
in tha oaa ease tkey aia aa 1 : 9, in the other aa 2 : 4 ; from which it
will ba obaanrad that the ratioe are, in faot, unaltand.
It appeara to me that tkia theory will' not ba aaaily danioliaked<
The idsa tkat pkotogrspkera an, and have beaa, abb to influanoa the
wlatito fraililifi of tkair negativea with a givan developer reata
■poa a asjaapprahaadoni They can only inflnaaee their printing
valoae— that is to say, they may change 1:2 to 9:4, or 4:8, or
8:10; in fact, maka them dense or thin aa they may require ; but to
piodoce 1 : 3 or 3 : i — that U, radace or increase the relative opacity
of a certain part of a n«gative at vrill, by bringing up the lialf-toow«
Od^'RMflbat alao proportionally adding to tke denaity of the shadows,
is, I think, a propositioa that no looga^k^da g9od, and, in poU^t.i>f
f« lid. - . J ■' •
St propoaition coold be suataiqed, it would be c
to holding that the developer is discriniinating in its action,
aoBM parts of an axpoasd picture and not atta< king others. I 1
how aay one can legard tkia as taoablf, and yet it is prscticallj ul^u'.
we have all been doing for a great many years past. To my miml,
Meaars. Hurter k DriffiaU'a teaching. on this point comea to.thi-,
that tke inter-nlatioaa of the eflecU of .exp<:Bure upon a een^tiw!,
aim eMaot possibly be altered by the developer. Whetber„(;^ ^ .
64
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[January 22, 1892
•nhimr ne«tiTeB b« thin or deiwe, the ratios of jpwlation are always
the aame, and that it ii the light, and light only, which fixes those
tmtio* for us, which the deTeloper is impotent to alter.
Aa I have hinted, I do not soe how this teaching can be
uegatiTed except it he argned that a dereloper has tlie remarkable
property of ipnorinjr parts of nn exposed plate at will. In my view
and my experience this does not characterise any developer in modern
use, and 1 therefore cannot understand how Messrs. Ilurter & Driffield
•re to be dislodged from their position, that the ratios of gradation
in • neeative are determined bv the exposure.
James U. Hopwood, Ph.D.
CONTINENTAL NOTES AND NEWS.
Jarr«t<* leleo-photo Xten«. — At the meeting of the
Society d'Etudes I'hotographiques on December 24, M. Jarret, flr/j;-o?w»
of an article in the Moniteur, reminded the members that, before Mr.
Dallmeyer had dealt with the same subject, he (M. Jarret) had already
presented to the Socit5t<5 d'Etude-s Photographiques, in October, 1890,
an optical combination for taldng photographs at a great distance,
permitting of a degree of magnification of from thirty to sixty times.
On that occasion he showed a number of pictures taken with the
objective in question, and M. Jarret now asked that mention of these
facts should be made in the Society's report. He also read a letter
from M. Toublan, President of the Nantes Photographic Society,
certifying that the objective had been in the last exhibition of that
Society, where its merits had been recognised.
aestorlng: Faded ManuBcrlpta.— To restore faded manu-
icripts, so that they may be more easily photographed, Herr Liesegang
recommends passing them through a weak bath of ammonium sulphide
Aquarelle by Dagnerre. — M. Thouroude, of the Soci^t^.
Fran9aise, noticing among some works of art an aquarelle signed
" Daguerre," purchased it, and, to be assured of its authenticity,
flubmitted it to eritieed examination, as a result of which he be,came
certain that it was a genuine work by this father of photography.
TT«e for Oreen Olsusa. — "VVe read that from a very thin nega-
tive a vigorous one may be made by the following plan : — Take a
positive by contact from the original weak negative, the light being
»Howed to pass through green glass, and then a second from the
positive, the illumination being again allowed to filter through the
coloured glass. AVeak development to commence with, followed by a
more energetic solution, is recommended.
Mew ItlaerneBlum Powder. — MM. Boichant and Mairet, on
January 8, presented the French Photographic Society with a number
of fine pictures, obtained by means of an LUuminant resulting froiu
the combustion of a powder of their own composition. The pictures
were said to be much superior to those generally obtained in this
manner. MM. Boichant and Mairet are experimenting with a view
to compounding • magnesium powder which does not emit smoke.
M. Ziippmann's Experiments.— At the Conservatoire des
Arts et MtStiers in I'aris, and in presence of a numerous audience,
M. Lippmann recently discoursed on photography in colours. We
are told that, when he threw on the screen a coloured image of the
spectrum which he had obtained, there was great applause, which
•was renewed when lie expWned that the success of his method
proved that he had compelled the light to produce, by means of
gelatino-bromide, plates of silver so thin that tliey were transparent.
The colours of the pictures were due to the same causes as the colours
on soap bubbles. The comparison is not a good one.
Spanish l>ry Plates.— English dry-plate manufacturers will
bo interested, if hardly pleased, to know that an establishment for
the manufacture of dry plates is about to be opened at Barcelona.
Native photographers, and patriotically minded Spaniards generally,
are said to have long deplored the fact that the " extrangero " should
have possessed what is to all intents and purposes a monopoly of the
dry-plate trade in Spain, and so at length somebody, with the neces-
sary confidence in his own powers, and, of course (at least, we hope),!
the necessary amount of capital to back it up, has determined toj
contest the in*ket with the English and German manufacturers.
Xntemational Photogrraphlc Exhibition in Paris.-
Under the patronage of several of the Ministries an International Ex-.'
hibition of Photography and its allied industries wiU be held iu Paris,!
at the Palais de Beaux Arts, from April to September next. It willj
comprise four principal sections, embracing Historical and Scientifiol
Pliotography, Amateur and Professional Photography, Applied!
Photography, and Photographic Apparatus, &c. These principall
sections vrill be subdivided as occasion may determine. M. Attunt-I
Tailfer, of the Chambre Syndicale des Fabricants et Negociants del
Produits et Appareils Photographiques, is President of the Exhibi-
tion, M. F, Guelpa being Commissaire-gtSn^ral.
JMCeronry-silver Development Process. — According to
a French contemporary, positive prints may be made by development
in the following manner. Paper is first floated on a solution of twenty
parts of mercuric chloride in /500 parts of distilled water, and, after
drying and wasliing, is sensitised with five parts of silver nitrate in
fifty of distilled water. The paper is exposed (presumably to day-
light, but we are not told) under a negative for from twelve seconds to
a minute, and the image is developed on a bath consisting of ferrous
sulphate one part, vinegar (? acetic acid) one part, distilled water
thirty parts, washing and fixing taldng place as usual. Of the making
of printing processes there is, apparently, no end.
Chronophotogrraphy.^The Revue Genemle des Sciences
Pures et AjtpUqufes publishes a lengthy paper, by M. Marey, descrip-
tive of his new method for analysing movements in physical and
natural science. Accompanying the memoir, which is divided into
eleven chapters, are about fifty illustrations of the apparatus
M. Marey employs, together with many remarkably curious phases
of movement of men walking, jumping, leaping, and running, horses
galloping, breaking waves, and the gyrations of various common " ob-
jects of the seashore," herons, ducks, pigeons, flies, &c. M. Marey's
paper is probably the longest devoted to this fascinating subject
wliich has appeared in a periodical. Nature the other week con-
tained extracts from it, but the paper should be read in its entirety
and studied in conjunction with the whole of the illustrations.
Photogrraphy and War. — The Franco-Prussian War was a
godsend to the French artists, who to this day have never ceased
finding tliemes for their brushes among the incidents of that terrible
contest. In a lesser degree one notices the same feeling (possibly sus-
tained by purely commercial instinct) among photographers, whose
reproductions of battle pictures are only more numerous than the
latter themselves. In the current number of L' Heliochrojtiie there is
a collotype reproduction of Leboeuf s picture of Combat sur la Place
(nuit du 18 Octobre, 1870), depicting a bloody contest between two
liandfuls of Frenchmen and Germans in the corner of a square. The
French seem to be getting the worst of it. Is it in order to assuage
his readers' regret and mortification at this that the Editor also
presents them with a reproduction of the Pantheon picture of
Jeanne dCArc victoneuse rent re a Orleans?
ART? FINE ART P OR WHAT?
[Head before the Dnndee and East of Scotland Photofrrapliic Association.]
I AM well aware that to not a few the subject I have chosen will be
somewhat uninteresting. I think, however, that in our society we
deal too exclusively with practical matters, and I am not prepared to
admit that such a question as I would discuss is of little or no moment
to even the most practical of men. This subject takes one over con-
JaoMry i% 1803]
THE BRrriSH JOCBXAi OF PHOTOGRAPH i'.
56
•ad iwfolw (iieii quatiioM m "the raktioa of
plwiagTafBy to ■»• art," Mtanliade photognphj, and Um like, and
It it onir pn>p«r tli*t w« ia Dundee here «hould deTota an boar to tb«
coaaidentuB of qnaetinne wbicb have mildly excited ti>«> photographic
world for lome little time piut.
Altotretlier apart, howeTc r.fTom theee qoeetioM it it fmij a good
thing to diiciiM the proper apbeje of photography, it* poaaibililiee or
impoenhiljtiea, «o that, a aotUnf; elM.Be gaui^, we ma; at>lea«t raise
the average (tandard of work hj agreeing what not to attempt.
I knew then an aome who wdieTe that already all thing* are
pm'*''" to pbotogimphy exo^t the leodering of nature in her own
tiata. I am aorry uiat I evmot M<i* with theae optimists. I think
pkotogrspfay one of the moet wtmtiimtal tbii^ that the geniiu of man
ha* deviaed, but I alao ikiak tkft itt pnrpoaea are ia a tmaa limited.
Ib the T«sy aaton of tUaga tht* moat ha ao, for if we argue for ita
m^liiy tntk we caanot at the tame time claim that it can idaalite
tW one attnhuta aaeltidM th<> other. Thi* limit*, either in the one
direction or the other. ' itie* in the graphic art*, although
thia i* not always aJii. . if admitted, abiuid attempt* are
aoaaetimaa BMde to get otur the diffiAyUy by «acrifi<Tng it* truth, in
the expectation that itiealiipi may to *uina axteot be intruduoed,
which It iaaot.
With thaaa for tnticiductary lemaika, let ua eonaider in what
n: ' u^mpky ataada to ar( or .^ art, aad, bar ingdetanained
tr be am itaf towaidi 'datetwaing ita Ugitinata aphcta.
TiKK' >rr law eiiaaaiiuai akom diCevll ol fiitiiii definition tbaa the
iiiiaiiaAin "fine art.' Boom iwagiaa Ikat it ha* to do with the
baaatifaL It may. or it may sat. Soaa oaafouad " Ane art " with
" good taat*." It haa bo lalatfcw to food taaU. Una man ooMidaia
fine art to be the power o( laprnducinir with great faithfulaeM what
natare ha* cart aaooBd him. leelaiBa that art i* aa< aatara,
aadhaaaoaeaamaiy conaai. :t. So on it gam, taam tmn
goiag to tha length of boldiag that " <um art " i* ia the arti«t aa]y,aad
that pietaieo, fooa*^ etatuaa^ oa matie, are net tiae art at all,batmaae
giom azpnameaa of it. In aach a labTrintb. oo* h^na to wonder if
it ta giraa to man to nndoatand wLat " fine art i*. or if be muat
wait patiaatly for tha time whaa aU thii^ ihaU ha rarealad. After
aa extieoely boiatarou* aad deviou* pa mage, I ha*a ateaiad my *hip
into what ayyaan to ma to be a Uad of ha«M of iaat,at baat in the
—antjai*, Mii aa oaa o«har id«a awa «a lam aaaiwt haaoia thaa aa
a drop in th* baahat (abaad^ I admit owi htimaiing), I
Mad with my argument. 6iii«a the waid ^tt (eana to
mar* qnalficattoa of 0ft, a kind of «uhdi«ima% «> to apeak, I
fliat trjr to deiaiaiiaa what art i«,aad hariagdatandBad thia,pcaaeed
to ooamdar what make* it fimt art.
Art ia a wonl af very wide dgattaaM*. It may ha tha the ait ol
a ndtf, a wiaetlar, oc for that l^mttm of it tha art «tf a Aneiaakar.
Art ia tha laedty of gettMig tha gwliil pmrnhfe naalt oat of tha
laaat poaafaie maaaa, iad Um ay|ia«at iHifiii|iiiliii lat—aii tha aaaaa
aad Aet i* what we iaaaaiiw» tdmiiai ami daaoaahmla mrt, Thai*
may ha maah ut littk of it, hat tha imiatial miaring of the woitl ia
thi* faaalty which •aahla* ea* man to niaitaha what aaothar.
not (o gifted, caaae*, ■Ithramh ta all appaataaao aqoalty tt For
exampb, a «aia|f an and a weak aun ai« in a boat. Th*
weak man i* aa aaeoaplibed rower, while hi* ttrongor eoatpaaion i*
not. XotwithatawHag tUi, the boai tun* in a ditle, propeDcd by
th» ikilfnl atnha of ibe ii«ak man; thia i* the raeult of hi* art,
ind ju*t aa Ika tMMk of hU tvwiag ia ool «f iwwportiB* to hi*
rieia H— Ba,a* ia hb art gwaf or haa. What «a adaiM aad
dl art heia ia the amymi »a« iiifitfimti ii iafwrca tke eaaa* aad
^W tftvt. ^^Ithoat thia arf the weak maa waaU oa^ poU <aa
than woold) ia dbaet proportioa to hi* *taiaKth, b« awold be
oranoa** by hi* ^rtaigm companion, and we •howl »»e nothiog to
•darfre or wonder at.
Let oa take another axampie. A fonet of treaa ha* to be Mu*-
tented Is ajrietm*, nd, ■■ ta the Amaar cate. «a eootraet two
men. oaa wRh a certafai aiumuil oC ait, fht oImv witfi-
*ay rata, wirik l«M art ttaa Mt ao»wlitoi. Aflv hoar-
««ak% «a "aa art" maa havtaf WfaWaJy aMkd haf after Mf
■*lb» «apaam ti Jifi^l ' <*■> , — I tnaUa wylilii hli arorlr,
batter hraahaa, aai aa hattar paial, ai«aa yaa tha aflMt of a great
fanat with half an haai^ woi* of fia aMTal haad. Not aaly aay
bat th* aSoat hrfag a^aaify food (wa ahatl aayi, w« ata aai' '
to admire h» tka oaa oaw haeaaaa we aoaU ha»a duoe m «al>
mieee ia tJm **■» laagth cd time, hat ia tha
U *ad admire tha art waiah wkh a few m^ toaahaa airea
4 weary dfadgaty. Kaw, htn agaia yon mUl aatka that
w« call ait ia tha mammnmt imuruinnlium Ubcttn Um mmm» tmmlmiid
maltJUmd ■ • ^^ —r-,^ '
lU aro-
tobea
.\rt hi the oatcwoii- of I'xperifiice, and hiw<» notliiiifr to do with a
man'n geniua, save that a mau of g«niu« actjiiirea art moro quickly,
and to a higher denee than a stupid peKiun. It hsut nothing- to do
with bis feelings, iw^as, ur roiiceptiuw, but merely with hia power to
learn. Do not imagine that my argument intends to prove that
much labour neoeasarily means little art. If the results are »o much
the grander, ."o that there still is thf apparmt dUproportion between
fie tneaiu and end, the same result is obtained. One et^metimes hear*
the would-be critic wax eloquent in liis denunciation over what he
call* the " finican " work of certain of our great artist* — " it i*
laboured ; " "it is not clever ; " " there is no daali in iU" This ia
not the question. The qut'«tion is : Is there not, after all the labour,
such a disproportion )jetwt.<eu the means and end as to prove the artist
tu be poaaeaeed of tlie higlii-.'<t art — never mind tiie labour, is tha
Te*uk not yet out of all proportion to it ?
Thi.4 is my oonoeptiim of art, and we may now proceed to discuM
the further question of wlint fine art is.
.VftiT the aomewhat < !i'<ctission of the term art, it will
take i>uly a tew «entanoi'> miiiu what yine ar< i*. The very
term (unrwt* that it deaU uitU :iiu higher part of man's nature.
It ia JuBcnh todaftnesuch expressions a* " feeling " and " emotion."
Fortanately, we all know what is meant by these term*. >Vhen we
atand U-fore a fine picture, a piece of sculpture, or listen to good
mu^, we aw more or lee* moved ; we caaaot tell whyt but we kno«r
to what extant. It ia not the mere woricmaaahip, «o to speak, tliat we
admire, f - - -!v paicted picture will sometimeii touch the chord
against.' .mllj mudi better dune from a tedinical point of
view. W , .«.w. i/.rfi>ctly un v- i '■■ ^ .—rtain air played, perhaps,
in a faultlmi* way, while ano; I oarelemly on a worn-
out iitetruiuMnt tooches un i:i;: . j.. is not tha ueociation of
ide<: may never :<1 either of them before. Why^
th'i': :erenoe!' >' ; iiat in tha one ca** the composer
tmatianal retulU ««t
other bad not.
goe* witnout *ayuig that twtore anotber can make aa feel ha
mu*t first feel himself, but equnl sTmpathy being admitted, one wOl
have fi»e art enMigb to give you hi* woole heart, while another com-
munioatea far lem. He feel* a* much, ha ba* not the/rne art faculty,
and althoagh ha laay bare art eoongh to paint a picture or oompoea
a aiaaa «f ausia, it i* dead and lifaka*, hnjaa*e of th)> want.
%\'hat da we adadrajn "The Cottera Saturday Night,'' or Tenny-
*oa'* " In Menoriam !' " Not, certainly, the mere rlivming, but wa
woadet at aadadmiia th* inteiu*' emotional aOect produced by oaoae*
*o ipparsatly inadaqiMt*^ that wa fail togmap them altogether. TW*
iaytar ar«.
Ja*t a* ia a painted p'ictutv. there may be naab lahoar or Utfle
laboar, tha fae art ha* aolbii^ Xo do with thi* ; h^ ia the emotional
eilact eat of paoportioo to tha Ubour spent ia ezi^toadng itP
A* we bare to do eliifflr with pictures, kt u* *ee, in order to clear
up aaUtna a little. ;i«wa*« *t«pa are through which it goes
from first to last, i ;>, the artiat *eee and tev\» tiie efFea he
wouU eoarey ; seouuUIpr, Au /Jim art ancgMt* Ida eoncantlaa for tha
canvaa; aad thirdly, hi* art ur eraft eaabHa Um to put BH ooacaptioB
into actual ahape.
I inaiet oa tlie middle ataga. It i*, *o to apeak, the meeeage he ha*
for hi* fellow eietlaw; the m-t, or third stsga, b awrely the ink and
paper, aad aims at nothing more than the a:iinmiao of the artiat'a
id
TU<'i': :ereaoe.- >' Miai m uia one
had tha/RW art faculty, anii was able tapmimoe <
ofurtfortitm to tit apfarmt meant, while the ot)
It goes without saying that before another c
Man it ant a aopyhig waaWaa Mlm a tamaia. When ba paint* a
pietura ha dam aot eopy from aatare aa a naamWi deaa ; ha paint* Am
nMM»yrf**a of what he aeaa, and hia aoooaptian ia naoeeaarily what b*
bimwlf ha* felt a* well a* seen ; it is, in short, the sum total of hi*
*«aaliasu aa far a* 1m oaa ooavoy them, aad tha aatent to which be
can eoarey them b the axtaat of hi* flm art faoulty, plus hi* art
faaalty.
To lacapitulata. W* recogaiae art whan the tmigikU rrault* aeem
to aa far hejpoad what eould have been axpecisd from the umpla
mean*, aad we reaogaiee Jhs* aW wbaa th* mmotional reeolts seem to
OiiKltJIaad what eoold hare haen axpeotad from the simple means,
tha Aiproportion ia both eaaea iniUaaliwg tha amount of art or fin*
art, a* the ca*e may ba.
Jfan^ P*"^ eonfoaad the faeaaty or power of the artist's concep-
tion with " la* art.* They hoU 'that|. aecocdiag to tlie artist's in-
twiity of amotioa to ia be endowed with the faculty of " fine art.''
This IS aot my idea. I hold that fine art ha* nothing whatever to do
with th* iatsMity or beauty of the artiat'n eonoeption*, but only witli
th«ir arjwatw'ea. Fine art ia not called into exiatesee until the Rrti!<t
■aaha to aipw hi* emotions in some tangible shape or form, and
than h* ihinri hia "flue art" by the craft, cunning, or (kill with
whiah he traaafem hia emotion* to the heart* of other*.
«6
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[JamiM7 22, 1892
In what relarion does phot»p»phy fitand to all thU ?
Beffinning modestly, we may finst determine if photography is
an art or a science. The term art-science is one very frequently
••plied to photography, but I am convinced that if it be an art in any
tnape or form it is so only in a very restricted way.
Admit, for argument's sake, that a photopraph reproduces with s
fidelity far beyoiid anythinfr that the hand of man could attain to, it
must still be allowed that the means used to attain this end are in-
finitely more complicated than the few hairs tied on a stick which
the artist uses. Indt^ed, it might be argued that if art is the apparent
disproportion between me&ns and end, photography is not art at all,
but science. There is no art on the part of the lens when it produces
its images ; it does so strictly in accordance with natural laws. The
developer acts as thoughtlessly as any other chemical experiment,
And these are the chief factors in every photograph. It is true, you
have one small part to play — you must have the art of exposing pro-
perly ; but even here a few shillings will purchase for you a machine
to do even this. I do not admit art in development. Art in develop-
ment is only called in when the exposure has been made without art.
And as I nave already allowed art in exposure, I cannot allow it
here again. With such an intinitessimal part of the picture the out-
come of art, is it honest to call a photograph a work of art ? I think
it may be doubted.
I am dealing now with mere photographic production*, independent
of subject, which will be considered next ; I therefore take no cog-
nisance of the selection of views which comes in under the fine-art
aspect. Allow me, then, to repeat that at every step in the produc-
tion of a photograph, the meawt are apparently, and, of course, actually
equal to the ends, and there is no room for art in the strictest rense
of the terra ; that is, of course, according to my definition of the word
art. If, then, photography be not an art, it can scarcely be ft fine art ;
but not to terminate the discussion by this logical quibble, let us con-
sider the subject at greater length.
It is a favourite explanation to say that camera and plates are to
the photographer just what the paint and brushes are to the painter,
and that, therefore, the photographer is on an equality with the
painter. Admitting, for argument sake, that the premises are correct,
the conclusion does not follow, for merely the very simplicity of the
artist's means, and the end he obtains from them, entitle him to an
infinitely higher platform than the photographer. But I hold that
the camera and plates are not the equivalents of the brush and
colours.
I will admit the parallelism, if you will allow me to say that the
camera and plates are the brushes and the colours only when nature
herself is the artist. The picture painted by the artist is a transcript
of his own emotions, but a photograph is not a reflex of human
emotions at all, unless, indeed, accidentally so, but is a direct repro-
duction of nature, and only through science the offspring of man's
genius.
But, it may be argued, does not a photograph awaken emotions just
aa a picture by any other method does, and is this not enough to
stamp it a work of fine art ? By no means. I allow that it may
awaken emotions, but so also does nature herself, and she is not art
or fine art. It does not follow that because a photograph looks like a
work of fine art, or gives rise to similar sensations in the mind, that it
M a work of fine art. The manufacture of paste gems has got to that
stage of perfection that it is difficult even for the expert to tell the
true from the false— this does not convert the paste into the real for
all that. The same is true of photography. I quite admit that a few
photographic giants have turned out work marvellous in itself, and
marvellously Bke the creations of the painter, but after all it is only
simulation, and nothing more.
If, then, photographs are not works of fine art, are they all equally
bad or good from an art point of view, for this would seem to be the
outcome of this argument. By no means, for even denving them the
title of fine art in its true essential meaning, it is not to be denied
that the general character of a man's photographic work does indicate
whether or no he has the feeling of a true artist in him.
When one is face to face with the work of our photographic
"dons," the first thought that strikes him is this, that in the "author
of this or that picture there are the makings of an artist, and that,
^ven the necessary craft with the pencil or brush, works of fine art
p every sense of the term would be the outcome. Mv position, then,
is, that photographs may, to some extent, show the art proclivities of
the photographer, yet they are themselves not works otfine art.
In conclusion a few words may be said on the naturalistic or " out
of focus " idea and its relation to the points we have been discussing,
what is sought to be obuined by these dodges, and are they generally
successful ? The idea from the first was to bring the photograph
into a closer similitude with the work of the artist. It is a tacit
acknowledgment that the artist attains the effects of nature by some
other method than slavishly Cfipying nature, for the photograph
aUvishly (so to speak) copies nature, and photographers would fain
improve on this. An exact reproduction (rf nature, the size of any
ordinary picture, would not be effective, in so far aa the elaboration
of detail on this small scale detracts from the general effect. If a
picture or design is to be effective as a whole, it must be simple, or, A
at any ratrf, the broad, general effect must predominate over the ^
various parts.
Artists call this quality " breadth," and it is to obtain this quality
that the " out-of-focus " school suggests the obliteration of a certain
amount of detail by putting the picture to some extent out of focus.
Now note that even if this dodge were successful (which I deny) it
would in no way alter the_;Sne art qualifications of a photograph ; but,
being a purely technical manoeuvre, it' would, to some extent, intro-
duce art or cro/(! into itf production, that is, if you can dignify the
racking in or out of your lens by such a term. But I deny that to
put the picture (to the limited extent it is possible) out of focus is to
improve its breath, and for this reason, it is not so much a supera-
bundance of detail that destroys the breadth of a photograph as the
confused and muddled light and shade.
In order to gain this quality of breadth the artist introduces a
scheme of light and shade for the picture as a whole. This part is
not copied from nature, but is ingeniously devised by the artist to
produce the effect of nature on a diminutive scale. The success
depends upon the perfection of his art or craft. This is an entirely
'lifferent thing from the results brought about by racking the lens out
of focuH, for, according to my notion, this only makes confusion worse
confounded by leaving untouched the muddled light and shade, while
at the same time you remove the raison d'etre of it.
Detail does not necessarily destroy breadth, for if it is not un-
naturally obtrusive it should be invisible at the correct distance for
judging of the breadth of a picture. What we want in photography
is the power, not to suppress detail, but to simplify the scheme of
light and shade, making the effect of each part subservient to the
whole. As the confusion of black and white m a photograph is due,
in great part, to the erroneous rendering of colours, it follows that
orthochromatic work must possess more " breadth " than the ordinary ;
at any rate, it must be truer to nature. For all this, I hold, as I have
already said, that the broad light and shade introduced into a picture
by an artist is a creature of his ingenuity ; and, while it is meant to
represent nature, it is not copied from nature, for he must fall upon
some plan of his own, whereby miles may be represented by inches,
and perfect relief by a flat surface. The perfection to which he
attains is the measure of his art or craft. I do not myself see how
breadth of effect is to be introduced into our photographic produc-
tions save by the stereoscope, which has a wonderful effect in un-
ravelling the tangle ; but, idnce the stereoscope is only of service for
small work, which least of all requires breadtn, the difficulty remaias.
To put a photograph out of focus, and leave it otherwise untouched,
I am convinced, is to make bad worse ; still, it is an honest endeavour
to overcome a recognised failing, and ought not, I think, to be laughed
at, but rather to be honestly argued on, and taken or rejected by the
result. J. K. Tulloch, M.B.
THE PHOTOaBAPHIC SOCIETY'S LECTUKES.— H.
Mb. H. Chapman Jones on " The Distortion op Oitthnb in
Photoobapht."
On Tuesday evening last, January 19, Mr. 'William England took the
chair on the occasion of Mr. Chapman Jones delivering the second of the
Society's lectures, the subject being The Distortion of Outline in Plwto-
graphy.
After Jsaying that there would always be differences of opinion as to
what was true in the pictorial representation of solid objects, Mr. Jones
went on to point out that distortion was either due to the lens or the
sensitive surface. Distortion by the lens might be due simply to the lens
itself or its position, and the same definition applied to the plate. It was
sometimes said that distortion was due to the camera, but it could only
indurectly be produced thereby. Having fully described the causes of
barrel and cushion-shaped distortion, and illustrated the effects of the
two kinds of ourvilinearity on a series of concentric circles, he mentioned
that he had found that, by taking negatives of a rod affixed to a wall,
and having a number of marks upon it at equal distances from each
other, the crowding or expansion of the divisions at the edge of the
plates showed the extent of distortion given by a particular lens. In
this case he found that a seven-inch single lens covered a five-inch plate
—that is, a quarter-plate — without any measurable distortion. In this
Jumaiy S2, 1809]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOQRA.
87
Teeord of the cHstorting effwta ot »bj
Th* teetnnr OliutnUd diitertiao dae to the leoi br refereneM to the
noMfkaU* afliteli iiMniImm prodaeed in portzsitar* bj pUciog th«
uliwliii toe OMr ih« riUw. Thn Uad ot dktortiao waa, be Mid, doe
to ft* ifpllf tiiMi of >a «xa«gw»ted prinaiple. Th^y had all seen pietoru
in vhiah the laet of a nttiog flgun wan Marly laiga «ao<i|^ to hid« the
Sgan. This waa aadoobtadly diatoctiaii. althoagh the nfwaaitiai of
flaai yaiiyanriw waM aatiaaly praaaat Aa ragards distortion due to the
plate, ita nry iatnaaa lad ta dirtarliao. as aiiliacva placed towards the
Wt** ol tha pietana hanaiaa aala^rf. On the otbrr hsoJ, cunred piatea
gpl rid el thla dialortioa le aoM* sxlent ; bat then the >ph«rt* on tha
than tboae in Ik* aMtoa, aad tha* the
Mr. Jonaa abewad that tha peailiea ef tha plate. ■ tt b* tipped bask-
wards or fofwaria, piuduaad Mm giilatlfia af Ih* aaala aad aleogation
e( the liaagi. and alao pointed oat hew Ih* we «( Iha awliit^aek tended
to eahtffa Iwagieaad objeeU, which waa • ilatotluu. iBeideBtally. he
ad*iaad the om o( a siaRle lens, with the dhphaasM plaMd in CroBt. whea
photocra^iinc from Bstore, in pieleiamie to a rapid raellliaaar. If the
atop be placed in hoBt ot saeh a tens, the eorriliMar dlstartieo produeej
aiowded ap part of the imac* ea the plate, while the flatatM of tha plate
leaded to laaglbaa it He alao asplaiaad how dialertloas hi a ne^ve
•eold be cored in laprodoeing the lauife with Ih* plale or Iha oagatiTc
«ipp*d as mlcfat b* daaired Atom the oatara el tha diatartiaa. aad thought
«]at thia nmiMtinn of distortioo had B«*ar b*aa aaflde«H7 ticatad ot.
A short diaaaapion foUowed. aad at the eoM>aaia« Mr. Chapnan
laoM waa kaaitOy thankad.
FKEBBURE QAUOEa
c»««oii><itintiMti I
Tbkm haa baaa eoaaMwahh
the pi
1
tk* last few weak* re^rardinK
to iadieaM tha qaaatity of gas in rrliiMiiT*,
and maajr qoeatioaa bare bnaa adkad •• to tbrir safetr, althoogb little
has been aaid aboat the pvpoM for wbidi thejr an made — that ia,
their agaancy and correct raciitiatka wk*« bi na. I therefore pro-
poaa to hy haton yoa a btiM JwnlpliiM of tha eowtraedon of aome
ef the beat nofea, their qaaKtiee, aad a law iMMika t» tha aafety or
daagar ia wiiw thaw, illMtratpd by parta ia ?ailoHa alafpM of awan-
factart, and mow tta fwoha of catiTi^ tarta op to the point of
veatnctloB*
The ntaiior of ifca attbrnry Bosrdoa typa of gaofa i* wall known
1o *U of roa, and immmdt Ittb wwiaint, aa w* ai« bow mora eoo-
«atii*d ««h the iatariom. Aflw wmuHm Iha i^iaM aad dial plate, wa
aapoM a aatal ttha ikapad Iha a httar C, the fewer tad of which is
eervwed to the ham, wbiek b attaekad to tha erHadar. The boM is
hoRd so as to adaiit f— dfaaet ftaa tha eyttadar lato Iha earrad taba.
(In paMiag, I may Mr tkat alaam ganM ara eo«airaetad on pndaalj
the same prindplaa, bat aia ooljr adMad for the low ptaawiw Buiaiun
in mills aad ataamabipa, wUea laraiy axeaMi 90O powada pwMitra on
the f^van iaek ia tha laijraat staaaabip*, aad a Httla «o*« than half
that in miOa.)
The araer aad ef the C tube, wkaeh ia doaad.b attached to a small
brer, wUek acta on a rack and piaiaa, eaaainy tka ■otawent of the
aaodleoalhediaL Tha gaaeral mImUk of this p^t of tka MaehaniaM
is rwj riwpla, hot ibt aiiikMMhfp aheaM be ^ the SaMtqndl^,
and b tUa raaaaet Boat - - ■^ >~ ^'
' gaaiiai that I bar* iaapacted fall, the
MOM fltthn paialUtai gnat inawta«i|.
The adiaB ef thb fcna of gaaga daMwb eo the fact that, whan
internal ptaaaiua is applied to a aarrad taba, tha Undaaqr b to
straiifhtaa tha taba. If it b thta aad flexnOa, a light awaaiiia b
aoffinrnt to make it aaarly atnirtt: bat, if the tub* b maoa ef great
rifridit/, a rery beary piiiMura only aarraa to sliffhtly open the oaaeent
ahapa. Now, whaa aaeh a tnbe a* thb b fllled with a flaid nader biffh
p'l— IK), it mora* tka free end of the haat tube a Itib, aad tiM tadi-
«-' He aaadla a littb, tneraaaad ptaMnii ftatkar a»paafc th*
tr- caaaw Ik* aeadla to rerolv* a malai '*V-~'* orar tha
dUl
It vill be obrbaa to yoa that, ia otdar to allow of itflfbat ax-
paaaisa, aoly aa abalia aMtarial eaa ba vmi. whOa. to withalaad tha
munmim piiaaim of aarani haadiod afoaphaiaa, tlwk aatarial mmt
be'<'>t^^,..nMtfaAy. In Mying aaeh plab CmH an ohrioaa, I
e liHadlnBatariatRiqiiaBea than aoowaakan hare di»-
fU, juaatiMiBuu of tha iaatf—aata they haaa pat h«fof* the
pnbtie. 1 aa aaciaiay 16 Maitlija tha aaaaw of aaeh paofli, bat will
show yea thair woafc, whaa yon will not ha anrpfiaad at ao-ealbd
Here is a |<«uge tube which the workman found to be too rigid to
register properly over s sufficient range — probably the substance or
texture of the metal is unsuitable for this class of work; I think a
found, honest workman would have rejected it, but this gentleman,
whoever he was, took a file and reduced the wall of the tube suf-
ficiently to yield to the required pressure, regardless of the fact that
it has weakened the structure, anil that he had carefully arranged for
what might Fume day be called an accident. A tube that requires
filing should be remoraeleesly put atide.
Here is another gauge, made for steam pressure, hut in this instance
the tube is too soft or melaflic, and when expanded it becomes " set,"
and refused to return to its ori^^nal shape — tnat i« always a bod Ngn;
the maker in this ease, instead of substituting a better tube, has
attached a spring to poll the tube back to its original position. This,
nodoabt, wul give a reasonable result for a time on the dial, but it
indicates a tube too weak for the prMsure it is intended for, and is bad
in derign, for the neceaaary naistance should have been obtained by
strengthemog the tube itaeff ; the Efe of such a pliable tube depends
upon it* flexibility only, irreepectlre of any elajstic temper it may
I leeeatly mw a Kaag« teeted that was made by a manufacturer of
some repute ; the dial was marked up to 300 atmospheres, and, after
submitting it to that preaanre for nve minutes, it only returned to
twenty-five atmoapbetw instead of to xero, showing a " set," and that
it had been teated to a point approaching its bmit of endurance.
Now, what eottstitatee a sound maiiufacture, and a reliable form and
quality in thU vital part of the ;.'aii|^- 'r The best reply I can give is
to deecribe the process of making tht-ae tubes, as carried out by the
Ur;g«st Eniopean manufacturers, Measrs. Schaeffer <.^ Budenberg, of
this city, wlio .ooorteoaaly explained their methods to me, and have
enabled me to bring tubea in au stagaa, so that you may see the whob
thinp, from beginning to end.
Fuat. than, la tha material, which for gas is of the fint-st special
aeiected hoinogeaaon* atari. The ordinary llounlon tube is made of
brasa alloy. Few maker* uae st<>el, but I would only use a brass tul)«
for low preaaure, what* its strength is relatively great, I consider
*u^ ptV" are of littb practical utility to lautemists, on aoooimt of
thair Infted ruge.
Having obtained a bar of octagonal preaaed steel of the requisita
k-ngth, it i( drtUiil l<>ngitadinally, and for a four-inch gauge the bore
is about a quartiT of sn inch in diam<'ter. Krery tube is carefully
polished ineide, ami rejected if any scratches or tool marks are visible.
Tbeo, if perfect, the outside ia tamed down, li'sving a flange at each
end, which b threaded with a screw for coupling to the terminals.
By thw BMthod the thidtneM of the wall of the tube is equal through-
oat, aad of aqaal atranffth.
leoM gaaga lahM I have seen are made of drawn tube, soldered to
the flaaga. xbra b a daagmooa factor to begin with, for the structure
of th* Bate! b alraiaed in th* drawing, and the thicknew is unequal.
No doabt th* niatir* b cheapneas, with a reliance on the gem-ral
ignoranee of the pablie: further, a ste«l which permits of drawing
b naoMsarily of nn*uitahl>- qiuility for thia purpose, for th* beat metal
doM not peradt of drawing; at all.
In the tube I am deseribing the method not only produces equality
in ihicknesa, but it plaoM no attain or torsion on the metal beyond the
light priiaama of the ealtbaf tool, which may be left out of oonsidera-
tion, and it faeamHata* no Mating in that procew. The tnbe b then
flattened, ao that the section becnmes eliptical instead of circular,
thereby imoreving the rantre of mnrfment, and permitting the employ-
mrat of a uieker aad str — " •••^■■•
The tube b next flilr-l I, heated modorately, and bent
with the bast pusaibb teu:: — the crescent shape now shown to
you ; it b very importaat that the beading she«dd lia tcvubr, avoid-
ing anglae. Aftareanfal tampering it bte^ed to a vetylugh preaaure
far be^md the aeab ibown on the dial. This maker's gas gauges will
brar a piiaaaii] of 800 to 900 atmos., although cylinden are only
filled to 1:>0 to 1.% atmoa. To aatiify me on this im])ortant matter,
an ordinarjf foar-incb gang* tnbe was taken from their stock, which
I nMSfta^yoo, and, after repeated teats np to five loos on the square
iaah, it waa deeided to borat it in my preaeace, and I carefully made
Ike fbllowiag meaanmaenta:—
Upon taanng to tktae ton*, the gauge expanded ,V of an inch, and,
anon mamiag tke piaasmi, it returned to its original shape. It was
tnad at foar toaa,!! ezpai>ded /t of an inch, and rvtunied t<] xer»
withoot any rign of aet ; then a five-ton pressure expanded it to i", of
an inch, and it once more returned to tent without any Mt, when the
uifseiiiu was withdrawn. At six tons' pressure it opened /, of i n
inch ; but, when the pleasure was ie1ea.«eo, it was found to have a wa
of A of an inch. The bat trial waa to carry on the pressure to the
point, which was only arrived at when the pumps regUtercd
S8
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOQRAPnY.
[January 22, 1892
7 ton» 16 cwu. — 1164^ atmospheres, or, 17,472 lbs. Such a test
manifests the immense superiority of well-made steel tubes over the
ordinary Bourdon brass alloy gauges, and should satisfy any user.
The testing was hydraulic, and prfonneii slowly. It is a very
different thing to suddenly apply a force wliich acts like a blow of a
hammer. If a cylinder vahe is opened slowly, tlie pressure in the
gaujfe is pradually increased ; but some persons carelessly open the
valve fuUy and suddenly, and occasionally the gland is screwed so
tight that it is impossible to open it gently. In such cases the inrush
is said to be equal to about double the pressure when it is applied
gently. Now, the ordinarj' pressure of a full gas cylinder is i:?0 to
126 atmos., and the best gauges, such as the one possessed by this
Societj-, will register up to inO atmos. If the gas is turned on at
full pressure suddenly without any check valve, it is possible the
needle would pass beyond the range of the dial. There would not,
however, be any danger of bursting, or even of giving a set to a well-
made steel tube such as I have described. It is difficult to get gas
into a gauge quick enough to show such extra piv'ssure, and several
trials were made with a gauge, from which the clieck had been taken
out, attaclied to a hundred-foot cvlindev containing common air com-
pressed to one hundred atmos. 'rhe valve was opened as quickly as
possible, but I could not detect any advance of the needle beyond one
hundred atmos.
The cause of bursting must be sought either in a thin or badly
made tube, such as I now show vou, which was burst by a user
several months ago, or else it must Tje found in the introduction of
some explosive compound ; and it is to the latter I now ask your
attention.
"Without going deeply into that form of force known as heat, I will
remind you that all matter familiar to us contains an amount of it,
and if you take, say, ten cubic inches of matter, and suddenly com-
pressed it into five cubic inches, all the heat of the ten cubic inches
would remain for a time in the smaller space, and the temperature
would be pro])ortionately raised. On the other hand, if you expanded
the ten cubic inches into twenty, tlie temperature would be propor-
tionately reduced, and remain lower until external heat was absorbed.
Any of you may prove this latter fact any evening when our lantern
is in use, when you will find that, as the gas is consumed and the
contents of the cylinder are allowed to expand, the temperature of the
cylinder is perceptibly lowered, and it feels cold to the hand even in a
warm room. To show the increase of temperature following sudden
compressing, I propose to show you an experiment with this small
fiece of apparatus, kindly lent by Professor Core, of Owens College,
t is a tube and piston, something like a child's popgun. If the piston
is pressed in slowly, the compressed heat escapes into the tube, but, if
it IS quickly driven home, there is not time enough for the heat to
escape, and the temperature of the compressed air is raised high
enough to ignite a small piece of tinder.
Something similar to this occurs when the gas is let into a gauge
Quickly from a cylinder, for the air already in the gauge tube is sud-
denly squeezed into one hundred and twentieth part of its normal
volume.
Pressure gauges certainly are not furnished with tinder, but if there
is anything else in a gauge that easily fires, such as oil, left from im-
proper testing operations, or carried into it from a cylinder valve, it
becomes greatly heated, and only requires the introduction of the
oxygen to ignite it. Further, if the gauge is employed for both
oxygen and_ coal gas, and there is a residue of one of these in the
tube when it is used for the other, we have at once a most explosive
compound, at a considerable heat, containing carbonaceous matter, all
ready to ignite at a comparatively low temperature, and bum with
the greatest rapidity; hence an explosion.
All this became apparent to Mr. W. Morton Jackson, the Manager
of the Manchester Oxygen Company, when he directed his at-
tention to it, and I have seen the residts of his plucky and some-
what dangerous experiment when investigating the matter. That
gentleman devised what I think is a perfect safeguard against the
toUy of the careless or misfortune of the ill-informed lanternist. And
one of the most remarkable points in connexion with the explosion
at one of the leading London Photographic Societies a few weeks
ago is that such a Society should either be ignorant of, or be content
to remain without, an efficient check valve in the gauge used.
In the published account of this explosion it is noticeable that the
gauge is particularly singled out for condemnation, although it was
not apparently the cause of the incident any more thon was the
ceiling of the room, both of which were damaged by the explosion.
No mention is made of any check valve in the gauge, and it is reason-
able to suppose that with one the gauge would have been saved,
although the ceiling might still have been damaged by the fractured
regulator j for the cause was, doubtless, the combustion of the oil,
traces of which were afterwards found in the cylinder valve, whereby
some of the metal was fused, and the regulator, whose maker and
form are not stated, was destroyed. There was no trace of fire dis-
covered in the gauge at all, it being burst by the violence of the ex-
plosion, which also shattered the regulator. It appears to me the
explosion did not originate in the gauge, but between it and the-
cylinder valves, for the necessary heat must have been obtained by
the sudden compression of the air outside the cylinder, and not from;
the oxygen in it, and that the portion of the air that was compressed
within the gauge would be heated at its extreme end at the greatest
distance from the oily cylinder valve, which extreme end showed no-
trace of fire ; but the portion of air that was compressed between the
cylinder valve and the regulator was in the presence of the oily matter,,
and it was there, I think, that the ignition and fusion were originated.
The lesson to be learnt seems to be the need of great care to use
strictly clean apparatus.
The air in the tube between the cylinder valve and the bellows of
a duplex regulator appears to be driven into the bellows when the
gas is turned on, thus relieving the tube and preventing the accumu-
lation of heat. A similar action may take place with other regulators.
There is no great novelty in the adaptation of check valves to
pressure gauges, for they have been supplied by Messrs. Schaeffer &
Budenberg for many years ; not, however, to guard against the bursting
of the tubes, but to prevent the undue wear of the rack work from
careless usage in connexion with hydraulic pumps. It was found that
the men in some of the packing-houses would overstrain their
hydraulic presses ; and then, fearing some damage, would let down the
pressure suddenly, this tended to wear the rack work and spoil the
gauge ; therefore a check was introduced which only permitted the
escape of the water from the gauge at a diminished rate ; but this-
check is not suitable for gas.
The Jackson Check Valve for compressed gas is simple, and all the-
better for it, as it is not likely to get out of order, and tiiere is nothing
about it to choke the gauge, such as pumice, as mentioned in Thb
Beitish Joubxai. of Photogbaphy lately.
The stem of the gauge which is attached to the cylinder has a.
thread tapped into its bore, into which is screwed a brass plug about
a quarter of an inch long, this plug has a hole drilled through it about
one-twenty-fifth of an inch in diameter. The exact size is not impor-
tant. Upon the end of the plug, and filling the stem of the gauge
laterally, is placed a piece of felt ; on this is placed a little disc of fine
wire gauze, then another felt and disc, until altogether there are
five thicknesses of felt, separated by four discs of metal gauze. These
are all squeezed together by another screw plug similar to the plug:
first inserted, the result being that, although gas at a low pressure can>
easily, although slowly, pass into the gauge, high-pressure gas can
only euter at about the same slow .speed, the heat due to compression,
has more than abundance of time to escape, and all chance of high
temperature, and consequent explosion, is prevented.
This check, so simple and so perfect, can be had at a trifling-
addition to the cost of the gauge, and no sane person should ber
without it. I have used my own gauge thus protected without the;
slightest compunction for both oxygen and coal gases, one immediately
after the other, and have never seen either a quick im'ush or exit of
the gas indicated on the dial.
In The Bbitish Jouenal of Photogbaphy of January 8, a
safety device is mentioned, made by Mr. Beard, the entrance to tha-
gauge being closed by a screw having a slight passage in the threads,
which would prevent any sudden pressure. The brief description is
by no means explicit, but it seems to imply the necessity for turning
the screw to admit the gas to the gauge after attaching it to the
cylinder. If that is so, I think such a device is distinctly inferior to-
the Jackson Check, inasmuch as with the latter no separate act of the
operator is required ; and, further, with a single thoroughfare, great>
care would be needed both to see that it was in order or closed, to
begin with, and then to turn it slowly to gradually admit the gas.
A reliable check should be always ready for use without special
attention, and it should be equally safe and effective in the hands of
the careless as well as the cautious operator.
A check valve containing pumice, or any friable substance, shouldC
be avoided, for it would be very likely to become imperfect in actioa
by choking the inlet under the high pressure behind it.
H. M. Whiikfikld.
{To be concluded.)
Messrs. S. & 6. de Saitllbs & Co.'s new trade list contains particulars an*
prices of the various kinds of glass employed for pliotograpUc and microscopiff-
purposes. The firm do not supply amateurs.
9l;lflBS]
THE BRrnSU JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
S9
RECEWT PATENTS.
PATXKTS COHPIXTKO.
ftOAaBora PaoMNaunnc Gklatot Piuhb bt tb* Am op
Cminrti, Mmam a«d Wtiaoor !■■ Aip or &k fEnjuMow AiDkaMML
Na IflklA Aunr Ja««.B*ai Hnx, 4, CUfton-vlIlM, niftrwiinil.
NorUloa, 9anT.—D>umter 19, I8BL
'Ita a^ja^ of B7 ioTcntioD ii tp pcorid* dimm wtoaby pbotognphle gelatine
I MMBM the film to he gpcntad ape* to 1w BomtM apon cIiM. u is
riitnawT. After the photoinphie pietan hw been t^ia, dcnloped, aod
flu^ U Aoold be wcU vuhed to elauM it from tiM iunioftat aad fijcing
MHHflnlojed.
'BTmum^ kM iMen wad Ib doaloplafc It b adffaable to MotrallM it, and
tUi awy be aOKt*! bjr iaaeriiw tba film ia • bath of aeetata ofaoda (oL nr,
<M dnAm to MKh ooan a( Mi«) hr a ttna^ ia aeeordaaea wllh the thMcaeaa
«rik*t«litiMaia. H huwim. «h> Jwaloy b— baea a ««ad alhall h eom-
Uaatioa with aaeh aMia aa pgrnyUIoi, hjdraqBiBooa, aikoMaaa, or teimis
twUhai rtnllilMMiiilfcBataiitil
na viata or aappart aMyiw tka^^b a« Mhr daWw, if the aairtnl-
!■ «ha ■hf fitai aahifa. aad. aa» a
"Tr frrl -trrni lf Iht rrpirri i«m ftrl^i mimmti «■ la than IrtiadaaiJ
«■<« tha Mm. a^ Iha Uaa la IMad •« rf the wlar aappartad iw thla
«Ml aa^irt. whMh mt ba apaL alaiii. pnar, eaaiaa, laMbv, ar aay other
alr*«Bib««aaB«h*tla aad MfMV aad the aanM aad •■ ihaaH Aaa
baylaaid aa • heal aartbea^ »a ba dBaaad to Sj el— l;jr ataat «a» >^ a
ahaaldthaealanaaaaat aetbaarfWMl,** Urn M]r, aA« *]rii«, ba ^da
aaUartadtothafcaatoMatdaaaAad. ^^
Whaa Iha OtohM ba« Ma^ aad, aaf , «Aar abwrt t«a
•boaU be aaahad ia •««. MdaMtLa L taatod ee aa
_ • «py. «r Jwth. I pwfcr to aea la tta aahrtfaa with the bajaSito ^aaa
Tfaiiii iMiai i<°X'bi
Cieea. kS« | to _
•• tto to ba cantod oa la •
r arha Iha toMMataaa to laaar
r. I raaftr ta ladada Ika
■I '■ * '•*^'' "^tV^ "tlarrt-ai*^ taaabfcMtadto thaaalhaaf tbi
«&fiia*laad«la<ylaii$;a^n|l||n /7^ aeaaaaaMa«»e
leiaimie:-!. for
aaavkadd.cltrtaa<id
atantunr
Sln.t, 'he
ahk- n««M^|laiU
ttrri. tml aiM; vtth
For ealanlag Bha«<yithli flMhto Mtoklha aw af Iv^o-
lrtaaeld,(<gaaf at fWU mS5!m!ymmmZ^^^
•"T"" — '"J rr-fTiri rfliailtj
iMnoraana Bi Tn Canoa rMicMa or TMRMurne rnaniM.
g^as: ^^'^asSS:'^
ttotm«cyrycafbaa|i|a»^>aa^ja|iar»,aaiiiiMgii|i<ua jmeaa^ aad
i^>to a aapdva dBaanr «•■■ a aiaa MMi vnawid trtik avvM ^^^n^
*fUniw4i ffftbtdirtft
df pOtMlriUD, WM
r^l
tared to aiwle or doable truitfer paper, and hDm this on to glaw or other
material. Uuaevai, in order to effect tbe traaaferi other maaipolatioiis have
hvetofore been necemary.
How much tronble and waste of time hare been incoired by the process here-
tofore followed will be beet aacertained by penual of works of diflerent authors
baariag apon tlte anUeet
One of the ^kf oljaelioBs to the proeeaa heretofore practised ia that the
pfctnre ia modneed m a rereiaed condition after expoenre, and the correct
picture only obtained by tnnsfeiring.
By my indention I propose to aimplil^ the aboTe process by pouring the
tartwn wnnlaiop direa oa tha mica plate, allowing the same to ary, and after-
vardf mdering the aaaw aeasitiTe by meansjof bichromate of poitaadnra, so
that oo ezpoaare to light the pietnra npon the negative is seen in its proper
aspect
Tliis is obtained liy printing the mica plate rerened— that is to say, the
printing ia not prodaead, aa heretofore, by pladng the aenaitised snrbees in
coatoet wHfa eadi other, bat by pladBg the rear side of the miea plaU, or tiie
oapnearad aoihce, OMe the fiuse of the negative. An expoenre of this de-
seriiUOB is only poaaiUe becaose the thlckneaa of the mica plate is oonsid«r>
ablr leas than that of glass.
Tha dinct oopying of a negatiiv npon a eaibonisad glaas plate is not
nMrfHa OB aooonat of the tUdmaai of the plate, and baa not been attempted
MT^aftn, as only fanperfset pietnrea woold bare resnlted.
^ Aeeerdtog to my iavBatten, tha entire proccas of carbon ]>riiiting will resolve
iImb tatot —
l^Tha amaltiiliiu «C the aiMlaion on mica piatas by a bath of bichromate of
potaah.
2. Fladaytta aaaaUlaad mlea pUte, wHh iu mmpared surface, npon the
psyaiad aarthoe oftba aagattve when copying.
C Tha azpoanre to light
4. na davdopmeat of tha picture.
5. Tha fixiag of the pietafa>y alum.
thf my praeasa maay of the usual operations may be diapmaed with.
nwtag BownarUealMtydsaraibad aad aaewtohwd iht Batare ofmyaMd
iBSHlhia, aad h what maaaw tha asms is to ba iiaifimiiad, I dadai* that
«hak I dafaa i« .—Tha preeaas fcr the pitidaetlon ofoirboB nrfata, oonsistitig
iatrsatiaf miea'plataa with carbon amiifadgB. aad theivby di^peaalBC with the
•aaaf tha earboapapen, which have hentofore baaa aacoiaakT, nd alao with
tha niaiwtBg apanaaa. sabataatlaPy aa hatafaibifcra daaertbai
iHeettngji of iboc(etCeK«
XKITItfCS or B0CIBTII8 FOB VEXT WXIK.
pi«««iiiii^a I
riMealMMil^.
Doadsa.
may.Ut.*ao.Iait.,'
Baak Ohamb«n,'Bai
AadastoiiraaataLIlMM
Laaton BaaSiriUllBad 1
(ThaitMerw mail, VXm
■naallua. flail.
U, Oawsea^rtnet, DnUia.
Onseeat Chamben. 8, Lofd^traet.
~ >«oa«l.l5.1lliwnatm.
Catoutrast, Oldham.
"The PalasL" IfaMitoaa.
Otwhn^BatairiMaMBd.
LONDOX AKD PROVINCIAL PHOTOORAPHIC ASBOCTATIOX.
JaavMir 14,-ilr. A U Haadaraaa ia Oa ehair.
Brfrn nwiiwilaa tta bariaaaa at tha arMing tha CRUMiAlt ottered an
<^NaalMarnnapBtt7wllfc Oa Boyd Pkaflyia th«ir racent barsaTemaat
na Daka of C1ai«nea, be baMavad, waa an amateur tthotopaDhar.
- J. TBiOLL Tatimi thoa^ symjathy nbould dso to extended to the
who took giast lateBaat in pbota«a|4ilc raatten. Not many
(Mr. Tavlorl wu prsaeat at a gaDnring having for <d)|sot the
,. of a Britiah If nsavm of Photogiaphio Portraits. Ontbatooca-
atoa tha Daka af TWkpnaldad.
Tha toMBban prasaat uuauuiad In tha Chairman's ezpraaaions.
_ itr.%. P. Dbaob (tha Boa. Saeratatrj nad a letter from Captain Maotdl,
|ha Boa. fisaratary of tha PhctognpUc Soelety of Great Brftahi, acknow-
Mglac with nisamm, the laeabt of tha AaaodaiioB's rHolntioo of irap]>ort in
rateMca to tha aotiaB af tha Photogrndiie Sodaty of Great Britain in oon-
aasioe with Oa Ma HkibMoB.
Br. J. Win Bamni add : "Allow ma to reply to tho n'KTtlnn .,nt by Mr.
HaddoB fai BIT abaaaoa thiae weeks ago as to tlu- frronnds < I c1alme<l
permaaancy fcrtba tonad bromide prints honi which thi i been re-
moved tor Oa MBdaatlaa «f tha ehalk^ad tonea. Tha miasnoii wax, no doubt,
pat Bate a mlM|i|aihiialiia of what I wished to eemrtj to the meeting. I
«^
XttB.BHITJSH JOUBNiiL OF BHOTOGRAPHH^^
[JsnuBiy 22, 1892
did uot cUm ]>eniuui«qcy for Ui» im»((u M formed accordinsf to the late^l:
(dAitiuu to Ui« U>nii>f! I'rocoss, eitlior iu llic stjuse takeo u)> by >tr. HaiUioii or
in ftiiy otL.^r. Tin' Miluliilitv of the colour Uvposit to which liu refers hna never
been m i^rkj were iotemjeti to r«for to tha laiowii tendency
of »niia iitivBii to go ou iucreiwing in density. A memlwr of
the Photo,.T.Li.i,h- I mil, .in the previous evening, had put forward a theory of
the nrobalila chxniical reactipns uiyoUed in the toniuft prociins, and expressed
an oiiiiioii Mi.i: t.U- tui.,.! image from which tlie silver hud been removed would
b, • timt it would not be siilijoet to tlie same tendency
t<. of time as one in. which the silver was retained. It
Wb.-. in) .iii.i.t,.,.. u.,.. ij convey that opinion to the Association. A» regards
the diiScnlty with the hypo gugsested by JJr. Haildon, it wjU be reroemb?[.ei^
ttUt rWcpmrnepaeifefWaft chant-red lone.'* thiit both develoi<lnelit indtotiiDg
ahbtiM 'bo'csTrie'l furthef- than would be Tieces.sary in ordinary circumstances.
Thii leaves li convotiient mar^"n of allowance, and permits of the removal of the
hvpo without too great reduction. In practice, the print, after removal of the
suver, ia rinsed for a couple of minutes, immersed for five minutes in the per-
oxide of hydrogen bath, anaTiWtlI"wa.<ihriB fbr Ave minutes. Further reduction,
if it be re<iuircd either geneimUy or locally, can be obtained by the use of a
Ten- dilute alkali." * > W^llltr lij^' ' ' ; ,j ..
Jir. A. Uaduo.s sjiid tt« VhltfTOlfnif ife reraarltfi referred to he could not
understand how the prints, which had only been produced a week or a fort-
night, couW^Osdh toCbepehniniMit^' It was only by the test of time they
could make sure whether they were permanent or not With regard to the
toning of gelatino-bromide priiits by uranium nitrate and potassium ferrid-
eyanide, they noticed that as soon »t> tlie iuia(<e Ijegan to tone there was a
brown deposit in th? sobition. this was, undoubtedly, ferrocyanide of
OTMhWttr bat-Kir' place was not hi tlnj solution as a precipitate, but in the
pal|^<n- jitlatihe. It Vmn due (o thiswaste' of uranium that they had to print
miaeh'bbyjsnd what w.-is refiiii»e»l M allow for the solubility of the precipitate
inhraahiUg.. He thought they should considerably diminish the quantity of
feftidcyanideand inereasotha'miantity of uranium. Thereasonwhy there was
a red preciiiilate formed in the .solution was because the ferrocyanide of
pofo^vi,,,,, f..r,ued lindg npthingin the solution to combine with. By diminish-
11, _ vajiiJe au<l increasing the uranium; there would be sufficient
ni; .I'lium left fof the ferridcyaniiie to combine with. When toning
had goiK- ri> far 113 was rcqiUred^it. was necessary to wash the whole of the
acefit acid away before fiimf;. Tliere was a loss of density caused by the
alkalinity ot' ordinary A(ater, which would dissolve uranium ferrocyanide and
ultiMistdy oanse the image to disappeilr. Tlins it was necessary to allow a
sirfBcient amount of o\Ter-print!ng. But'it was possible to remove silver which
had been modified into ferrooj-anjde or chloride by substituting for Farmer's
reddicer a, solution of potassium ferridcyanide and ammonium sulphocyanide.
If this were useil there would be no necessity for a prolonged washing, and the
silver eliminator could be kept aoid. , If acetic acid in combination with the
feiridcyanide and.^ulpliocyanide y.'ere used for removing the silver, they would
experience ho loss of image due to alkali, and the picture would be completed
by a rinse in water. This solution would reduce ordinary negatives or bromide
prifals( ■■■■"' ■ • ■ ! ■■ -■
Mr. Wkih Biif)W.<f sajd Mr. Haddon's information was the first practical out-
ootne of his piAlication of the process. The remarks only applied to its latest
d«^■^)lopllIent)L With the first process the amotint of washing required was
sHiiit indeed. The sugge-sjaon to einploy acidulated water for the wash water
oftka Ijist ^irocess was a good one. There would then be no loss of image
hoivjjver prolftBged the wa-shing might be.
.Mr. HjkDDON rBcoramend6<l as a suitable uranium toning bath a one per cent,
solution of nitrate of uraniunj in two ounces of water, to which a drachm of
acetic acid and two grains of potassium f^rridoyanide were added.
Mr. J. S. Tkai'E drew attention to ,1 recent great reduction in the price of
platlnititt;' '
The ©hairman exhibited a stereoscopic shutter, the principle of which was
that the ^xjwsntes were tnfttle by two revolving metal discs, the apertures of
which opened and ilosed in the centre.
After soimeJuTther general discussion the meeting adjourned.
I
■ !, ;:.■
- -.rijriiioi; oiwiTJ v«d C'-^»->[ i.-..; ■ ; ■"
Caai:«niVSAll.^-ifaliiiiitf'ii.—yiT. J. Howson read a paper entitled The Pro-
and Cons 0/ Chloride PriiUing, Captain Abney occupied the chair. Mr-
Howsos argued in favourofthe permanence, beauty, :ind simplicity of working
of gcl&tiuo-chloridc prints, and contended for the sii"i?ial applicability of each
printing'process to its particular purposes. The h'cture was illustrated by »
correction of exariipl&s, some matt and some highly glazed in surface, the prints
also- sh<>\tiHg the variety of colour attainable. On January 28 a series of
lantern' sHdeS will be showti, described by Lieut.-Colonel Gale, after which
other sliiles by members will bo exhibited.
Mortb'toildon Fbctograplilc Society. — January 19, Mr. E. R. Ground -
watt».in the^liair, — 'Xho Jotunal ,qf tlie I'holwfraphic Society of Oreat Britain
■was laid ui)on thu iable. A number of packets of bromide paper sent by the
Ea«t'nian Company f(?r distribution were issued to the members for experiment.
Mr. KijaXn OtH'Toil then spoke on The Dark Room, referring to his own ex-
perienc* vWth variftns 'dai-k rdoiiia, from the traditional cupboard under the
stairs to a distinct room in the house, the various fittings in which were fully
described.' The window was covered by a frame on which American cloth was
str4iui;d,,.'kiid >:or)(uig qn a hing^, so tliat w.tiite light might be admitted at
anyjiine, 'flm otiet ap^angements were as usual, e-xcept that the waste had.
to De Yecelv'ed 'by a jmili the risk of overflow being met by limiting the
water imi>filj>'accor<tfngly.' The need Of ventilation was strongly insisted on,
and variowt' modes were itnggested, the one preferred being by means of the
lamp Irom N(h>uh light iH obtained. Sinks were discussed, and lead-lined ones
Vm)>W^««ii fidling which, an ordinary washin^-tray would be a.
tp(e.|M, lupntioued by ijr. Cowan. An ingenious plate-washer,
rk ^He* ofjwrforated trays,' was described. A great advantage in
plSt&wiiii^ ti'e a picjce Of tljick felt over the nozzle of the supply tap,
liWBudi gnt was ^)revented' from reaching the films. A mode of im-
prdUsititiw'dark Toom ivhsn ttoveUtng «as next suggested. Carrying a sheet of
waterproof cloth among -One's luggage, with a portable lamp, a jug, and tWO'
pails, which could always be obtained in one s temporary abode, any plates
might be develoixri in comfort at «n ordinary table in the evening. Permanent
dark rooms shouiit Iw coloured orange crome, the light refiected from the walls
jind ceiling being thus made safe in case of any risk of light leakage. A word
of advice followeil to keep the hypo dish where it can be conveniently found,
but out of the way of everything else— under the sink, on a shelf, being a good
plate. For dishes, Mr. Cukton preferred ebonite, and would always use an
automatic rockej: when possible. The draining rack being touched open,, a
sketch was given of a useful fbrm. Outdoor dark rooms were described with
illustrations (the "black-board being freely used) showing modes of construc-
tion, arrangement, and ventilation, and also provision for daylight enlarging.
On the ((uestion of lighting, one thickness of yellow glass and two thicknesses
of yellow fabric were spoken of as giving a safe light under most conditions,
artificial light being best, as being of constant power as compared with the
variations of daylight. For isochroniatio plates a piece of reil fabric shoulil
be added, and in all cases the light, if possible, should be Screened from the
eyes. ■
Holbom Camera Club.— January 15, Mr. A. J. Golding in the chair.— Mr.
John Howson gave a lecture on Isochromatic Plu>totfraphy. [Th's will appear
in a future nuniberl.
Lantern Society. — January II.— Captain Gladstosk, R.N., read a paper
entitled Mestmiiuler Abbey, illustrated by forty slides, entirely his own work.
He began by describing, vj ith the aid of a map, the position of the Abbey and
of the various ecclesiastical buildings which in former times surrounded H,
pointing out. at the same time, the modern names of the old sites, which in
many instances had reference to buildings which have long since disappeared.
He next showed a plan of the Abbey, in which the age of each part could be
distinguished by the character of the shading. The idides of the exterior and
interior were next shown, the lecturer pointing out in cich cue all that was of
historical, architectural, and archieological interest. It will be needless to
dwell upon the excellency of the pictures, as every one who knows anything
of Captain Gladstone's work is aware of its uniform technical finish ana
artistic merit. But one of the special features of the lecture was Captain
Gladstone's intimate acquaintance with the details of ecclesiastical architecture,
which enabled him to trace every variety of style in the ancient and complex
structure of the Abbey. "Thus he showed in one of the slides that within the
space of two feet there could be seen examples of three successive styles of
architecture, executed by three different kings— viz., Henry III., Henry V.,
and Henry VII. And to this he added an almost equally full knowledge of all
the history and archfeology connecteil with the building. One amusing fact he
noted by the way was that the familiar phrase of "Robbing Peter to pay Paul "
had its origin not in the history of the great apostles, but in the story of our
two great City churches — St. Peter's Abbey at Westminster having been shorn
of much of its revenues to swell those of St. Paul. It is also interesting ami
instructive to note that the only tomb in Westminster destroyed by the
Puritans was that of the only Puritan king, Edward VI.
Putney Photognraplilc Society.— January 13, Dr. W. J. Shepperd in the
chair. — 'fhe series of lectures on P/wtoyra/j/iy in connexion with this Society
was ably opened by Mr. W. D. Welford with a paper on The Camera aiid its:
Parts. Whilst reminding his audience of the natural difficulty of the subject,
Mr. Wklford carefully traced the camera from its early simplicity to its pre-
sent high-class perfection, pointing out the uses, and in many cases the abuses,
of its various part.«, and the recent improvements, notably in the matter of
dark slides, and the reduction in weight of every part by the use of careful
workmanship, light woods, and aluminium. As a general rule, he could not
recommend the use of the delicate instruments now so much to the fore, his incli-
nation being towards the medium-priced, but .stronger and plainer apparatus.
Mr. Samuel, representing Mr. Hudscfn, was in attendance, and, by means of his
new "Kohn" magnesium lamps, a successful group of the meeting was ob-
tained. The second lecture— .ff<««i Cameras— ou the 30th inst, will be by
Mr. A. E. Dresser.
Blrkenbead Pbotograplilc Association.— January 14.— Mr. George E.
Thompson, on leavin.i,' the chair in favour of Mr. G. A. Carruthers (the new
I^esident), was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for the way in which he had
piloted the Society through the jiast year. Mr. J. A. Forhest then proceeded
to discuss the new " Bodinal " developer, and showed some excellent negatives
he had produced with its aid. Mr. F. Hope-Jones exhibited the Incandescent
Gas Light Company's new aero-carlxm light, which has been spoken of as
a possible rival of the limelight. Judging, however, from the resulta obtained,
there does not appear to be any immediate prospect of this. The gi-eater part
of the evening was most enjoyably spent with Mr. A. W. Beer in his d«-
lightful Caviera Watiderings, 1890. The quality of Mr. Beers slides is ex-
cellent, and much surprise was expressed at the large amount of artistic work
which this photographer turns out in a single year.
Binnlngham Photograpliic Society. — January 14, Mr. W. J Harrison in tie
chair. — 'The Secretary read extracts from the circular reuved from Mr.
Andrew Pringle, asking for the favourable consideration '. Ine members for
the fund for Dr. R. L. Maddox. The claim of Dr. ?1 '.dox on dry-plata
workers was gracefully urged by the President. An impv^itant demonstration
and paper was then given by Mr. George Bankabt on Carbon Printing. [This
will appear in a future number j. The dry workmanlike skill and results of
Mr. Bankart were much appreciated by some thirty-six members, and a most
cordial vote of thanks was given him. The President suggested a joint
excursion Jin the summer months with the Leicester Society, and Mr. Bankart
assiireil the members that his Society would welcome the idea.
Derby Pbotograpbic Society. — January 12. ^Mr. Keene presided. — Mr.
G. Bankart gave a demonstration of carbon printing. The Secretary then
read the annual report and balance-sheet for 1891, which showed the Society
to be in a very flourishing condition. Six new members were elected.
Leicester and LelcestersUlre PhotograpUc Society.— Jannary 13, Mr
Pierpoint in the chair. — Tlie Tre;isurer (Mr. Wilson) presented his report
showing a balance in favour of the Society. Mr. Pierpoint was elected Pre»
sident for the ensuing year. Mr. Forritt was elected Vice-President.
Japnujft^ldOB};
THE BRITISH JDUKNAL OF' PHOTOGRAPH ¥1'
Bl
rI4,lfr.Al»lHar«aaA jaa.,
in <ka ehair.^llr. W. ThiMinn. W.CA, ikow«t'a rarr (iapi*, yet iaauiiiNU,
Jiiiin >■ |«iiil»il^ Hh JMliUgfct Thli «oa«aUd of one or nora totaaceo-
ftpM (ca«BaB da«i), vith k nn(( of Mborteo fibte •oeitoUiwth* bowl*, thu
(tciM MiK eo«Mct«I bjr rabfaer tubing to > iMatbpioc*. . The DUfnierium
powriviialMadia the bowk, tbo Mbcctoo «Un*ad wkb motbjrUtod apirU,
ud WrtM. A «han pafftiutrngk the taWsK Uon the powder tkroBgh tho
nwHiiaw, vUek oMphldr eooMnD* H, awt pradUKM • vvy WiUuit Haah.
TU (irM n^ bo citkv kOii ia tko hnd or «>ed to laitebfo •tead« a* rasnrad.
Cotton wkk or cottoa woMa cu be aM* ia lihco of liM aobertao, bat, of ooanr,
aio not « 4anU» Thr«Mh pradwo^ww oaaoUmd UsUjratWtetorr,
ana tteanBMHBMfl Ibr lowlai li M *a» Baoit mimini fiiMB ilaifautkitr.
Mr niiilbniTfciiaiiili iiiiwii^aii— abiiihlnhaJ aaiilftif thi "narariiiirir •
|L_lllllll llf tlllMdlll. iMIll III llll 1l 'l"' '""" * * «>v--^
Vat in pfaea oC traaUanoao enaa wina, laa panefl Bnw, ila^iMnlly and in
MMMMdaoatkagroaaa^^aa^Vaiagaaod. Tk» ifiimlnaiiiatna
ataattaUt poiato bfaBMag Ihiiatii wnaflajiiii eovar gtaam wttb
tit •rapioeo la Int iiLuaiiiil on tbo gnmad aorCMa, and ia tfaaa
k* taaiiiltnil tbo pneaattaia taken
to awwa'aMT la tbair naa. ' Thaao an Baay, aad. a» &r aa Manrhoitiir
aappiT «M rfmtTTT^. bo hh mm tbe tUc waa Tary tligbt ; bat MQl then
wrrueo of *ack praeantfana obUiptanr "■ ■>! bandliac than daagor-chariail
Reerrain, and on erafT one al*o wbo eoDa tkaa. It wa* doeidod that a Mf •
gt<Uoa of Mr. Brr'nof*, n k||Matiaa an tho aibjeet, ibonU be laaiittad to
the Osaaeii far iwMlfcnifUa aad, if aiwaiary. aetioa. Mr. Wnrsmu) eon-
triboted a paper aa MMpr /f lylwiee » faaa pace S7l Mr. WarTamui
aekaoadadfad & iadahtaiaM to Mr. Batafaaig (Maam Sehaaftr * Badas-
bn) fw aaeh iafomntlea aad a aaahar «r apaatiaaaa of aaaaa In all rtagea
flr5!aatia«tioa.aiaallMana«ibarofJ.lwUia awa, that\albaaa ooUoetoil
Inr the bB. Mr. BcMoraaao «aa [iimt, aad «ka highly of the paper.
Bm eoaeideiaJ that if the 1— ■ «an Mad «(ik a chaek-rahrt, aad eon-
•tractcil of proper aad Maal ■alaritlia aaddeati vonld bo aakaowB. Re
elaUd tbat fUfM had boea nUMUaullil la ttal ap to Ihirtr tana par aqnar*
bwb. eo that tha arUaarr caannaaad aai «M aotUaf oat of the wa7 aa repu^U
BiiiiiiiMTrii: Mr. HoMMJaaOM aawldarad that aeddaato hare boea
Mr.
iaoaad by the liiUfli pffMVa iinMl
or eoaarflwMi, aad all, or aeariT au,
itatod that tha rwaaari of ofl la
hare boea
Mar la thai
KaaaaMMvtaUa fOM
la asnMfiyttader^ Ho
itatBd that H0 riaaaari or on ta laaiprwaai imyf wmH act aaaaa kaitkia
or endoaioa vil^oat a fiaalar heal Ihaa thai af tta alanaaben (Oat
proredK aad that ha did aot aaa aajr laaaoa for aar eiptoaiaa if the oU
the til —IK a of a mlitan of atTfa aad <«al fw, bat ta that latter oo<
be «•* not aware of aajr axpariiaeatB hartag beea aMda.
in
oonditioa
OEtad WMte«raphli iMMr.-Jaaaary S, Mr. I. A. Rjaua Han ia tho
Sair.— Mr. C C. CnLM laod a •hart fMer oa ^nami" am4 DntUamnU nf
■lalm. Thh aoaiaty It now baaa liBili I talia l%o>«y apilt ■oidrty of
■Oilaly. — JoaMry IX-Ia
with
mrtaa* aoiica, OrTunuKWAna trninirf that it wa« n|iadia< at oaca
to»a>aMilliai« 10 aaaataaaHiklniiMliiifcr tho Hodatt, which onaMU
wad M alalMnM^ *i., Mi aattoria tta OMwa to aiaka Om aaoaawy pta-
llmlaMyta^aMMaaiiaaart at aaitM iHif af Iha geiiatT. laaMtafUM
•aoptloa of tble motloa tha Doctor elated that, whilo they Ud abaadaaao of
' ' hwaawaatofactiroUfahathi^Uapro-
ftotW Boialsl oat llMt tho PWdapaphln
■ Tathfa dtylathaafirofthia
maabenK the dociaty waa igfcrlaa
»Blaaaldf»fartoria ly. Ha
ataatka aaaM haM Ma aaaari toaolHg la tUa dtykathaaaMi
w.MH^MdhavWMd Aot body, aOb hereto taea a load o
ookk haapMallty. a»l to ehowtfal Ika MUaa|k floaiaty voa a
MhleworU. Bali«atpraant«tlbaat loaaw of their » .
B^ aad tek raoM. with an ika ry photoaraphla «aa-
Ihia «« « III ml haaoMlMfc Mr. Amu aamladtha MOltoa.
r Ml [.Jniill II ofAW WiiiaHlai la tho way. waa alltMlely
opialaaof
a power ia
of their owa, anek
jon.
-tninch natrantty
-JaawoT II.— Da. J. R.
>k tha kate aanla aavy wMb laaahi^ aad diaaanlea tariaa of
riptifo afablivaaMa pMaaMaa aad opfaMlaik Tlw laM«
' ra^act ■aiwlifiha aaat laoMt ktrim tt Mil, haaaa.
tela, tnyt, waaher, prlatlag Ikaaea, aad tho ether para-
el pholatraphie work. whSfc won oaah hMmdaead aa-l
■--tor ; aad. a* H Bin I by tha qaaallaaa aad ahart dia-
■■T xsTr riec, ikaaad that tha
ate.1 by Ike Maabera. Tta Wt
- _ «l waihlaa
waa tally ealatad iatai tka thieath cnmat aaa
lethod bot^ MIy dtawaad. fta Mlar, m b)ta(
•h* lawt alrfkl af walar, hatw iioMHaiil aa
' thadiaaoana aad dlHMaloa, Mr. f. D.
iaeh latoV-tha Tadd-romt-wUeh ho
•• of Uk Wk doaa by Iti ^H«y. wfakh
ka Mwo daaa af ftoa law to U*
nalaap Mr. Tadd daaaAM aa
hr Ika aMjpadna Dowdar large
meterkl; 3a4 tha Uaip yoy.
>of ttai
lip ead |ai— ag tha beUow% tha air M (enad thfuMilb tha
h»la«af
The •laratloa of the
tbo delirery
I. tha ikaaikak
wMkaalhyktod
^ I 'I '-
', eanyiag
the tatter witb It. At the exit th& <li9ctf»gtai^ thbe assiimeli fhe sTjape of a
thin »lit, nh.iiit ao Inch and a half across, so tbt, when thv jiow.ler enters th»
i^iterl spirit in a very thin, t)roa<l lilni, it dres a high ami bniui sheet of flame,
stated to be hetween thnw an<I four hnndrod inches in areiL The action was
shown, and the rasnlting tight was most luminous and Intense. At the
sngKCVtion of the inventor, an oxygen cylinder was attaebfei to the lamps
nader the impression tbat an improvevl luminosity would bie Ka!ne<i ; bat the
leanlt was dimppointing. the ares of the ttame being ranch rediieeil, and con-
centrated at the very oritiee of the discharging tube. Farther demonstration,
showed tbat the flamaeoukl be need as one instantaneous flash, which might
be continnwi or repeated at wiU.
Dondeo and East of Sootland Pbotogiaplilc AworUtioa.— >l«nuary 14,.
Mr. O. G. Madartn in thi- ''' n"- vo^r r^juUne Vnsiataa, JDr. J. K. TuLLOCH;
read a paper entitled, Art. ' WKatt [^jMgeSll yrhich gave riso-
to an animated and length ^ioo.
iV CbiTiipialiti *«iU aeaer leHie aa tett lluif W^#k(
THE TELESCOPIC-PHOTOGEAPHIC iiSMS..
To the EnrruR. !!.;•.
Si*, — Toor editorial eomment is no reply at all to tba main points at-
iaaoo. To thoae who hare slodied theoretical optiqa your reroarks anent.
tha form of the negative lone amount to notbiog mora than a quibble.
Were it not that yoa introdooe now mattar in tbis oommant (a style of
taoties you hare oaed in oontroreray with mo on anotiiar ooeasion), I
aboold hare left it unootieod.
Yoo intor a alar on my patent a^anta ; thoy, bowvrer, bay« done thefir
duty, and find that tho eonatnietioa of tha photographic lena I racently
mtradooad ia now. Too, air, ooocor in daacribing ihe GatTloan teleaoope
aa " a DOO'phofbtiTaphlc instrament ! " Itt<eM«o(ia! -< traction
of this photograi^e lena that the focus of the jiegaliv - . h« some
traetioiial portion of the poaitiva element (iiujta a new Icutuic in photo-
gr^hie laaaoa), and, tlioraldn, may pannit of ita uaa aa an improperly
mMioafl OaHUan lalgaeopa, abonld tha oeparatioo of tha two olementa
ba iaall Moagh wfaaa Mm iaatniment ia ** nekod home," or the laosea at
thoir ndaiatam topanifaa.
Why I ahoold ba ehallaagad on the validtty of a patent bv the Editor
of Tbk Bamaa Jovtaui. or Paoitooium «aa be beat explained by him-
aaU.
Tbo aoxt part of now mattar baa roferenoa to the " amall " oamora for
tha D«w looa, abown at tha Cantata Clab. Feoble i« this in tho extreiaa,
aad with what iolant ioeh a remark, Mr. Editor ? Wu» nut thu objaot
ihowa, a lamp-lama, lor oompariaon of aiao with that o< an ordinary
" bag-tocaa " laao, aad that atoaar Why not, ia a atraighttorward
manaar, moka filai'iiim to tha aagattna exhibitod on that oeeaaion, and
•ay truly that ** oar old Oalilaaa toleaoopo " oould not, of eouroe, compare -
with the parfbraMBoa of tha now photographio len<<, in tbat tho principle
of ito uuHoli iiuttuu aa a talaaeopa, both ehromatioally iind m regards ue
pMo^a of tba layo, ia onliraly diSorent ?
I hava aiwv* kWMrto had raaaon to regard the ■' Correspondanoe "
onlamaa of toot Vf >• * moditun tor fair play, bat Dorar for advertiae-
■MBt. laapcoMof baiog a "practical maoofaoturing optioian," but,
■a oaoh, BOTW oipaatad. in thaao oolomna, to hava rokcaaoa made to
•• ouMiiumaial ■aaoaaa." I roiitara to thinks in all hooooty. that tha anab
k net daatrvod. '• Oar Bdilorial Table " in Thk Barruu JotraaAt. or
Paoiooaarar k niaaUy ■uppuood to bo tho ploco (or trade nolioaa< —
lam. yaata,*a., Ta^tai** U. DthuaxMlkiO
iS, Ntitmmn-ttrett, W. .■■<•
P.8.— In TOOT book, joot pabUohad, eatitlod Tkt Optiet of Photography, '
whao tolanuig to " Daila^yar'a talao-photo obJoeliTa," by whoee aatho-
rity, OMj I aak. do yoa atato " tha flala oopabla o( hoing sharply oorored
is limitod r" I Aoold (arthar like to atata that I hare not bean dixectinK
my " attontioo to tha Oaliloan motbod ol forming aa image, oo aa to
adiapt it (or photographk porpoaea," a Tiaw, howoav, that oaema beat ta
aoit yoar purpoaia. ... ,„ T. B. D.,,,,
[Wa ai« rather at a looa to know what t) nt isme
•fa oaleta thry are thme, that Mr. DaUmayi ;. c\nf^ lii
talao-piioto lena to the Camera Club, wa* tskuu by ::urpri»v, and
aot aaattorallr chagrined to loam tliat anotbar luna, foroiod on
tha^attinruiaple aa kk, and doing the oame kind uf work, had
bean iBtrodoead eigbtaaa yean oro tiader ciroamatanoee aulFiciently
teblic, okboagh not itadar the aama nana aa that adopted by htm.
The opara-giaaa tnkaoopa waa not laade explwaily for pkotoj(rap4i-
Switk, Imt it did ita photogtapkie work well, and itia a mere
^k to aaj that, hieaaw ito ori(|^al iatont waa otberwioe, it
DO loeut itattdi aa a pkotagimphw inotruannt. Doea Mr. DiUl-
■teyor for a momeat iaanne that photo^rtfpba cannot he taken unleaa
with inotmmenta apodal^ cooatneted for pfaotc^phic purpoaea^
If ao what doni he aar concuminfr aereral cnarmio){ picUirua in the
laat Pall MaU Exhilution by Mr. Maakell Uki^D by a xpactada
glaaa, which waa aloo akown attackod to ona of tbeaf . What of
■«2
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[January 22, 1892
tjie noffularly beautiful pictures of Ruesell Manners Gordon (Count
Torrefiella), which in former times were the delight of the coi/'
nctetnti, and which, on the authority of Mr. T. R. Dallmeyer's
father, we know were made hy the object glass of a triple lens
opera glass P Is he unaware of the fact that nine-tenths of
our beat optical lanterns are fitted with Petzval portrait lenses,
wludi were maide for quite another purpose, but which are
generally conceded to serve their present purpose well enough ?
And doea be not think that this may also apply, as it does, to the
opera glass F His new lens may be an improvement upon it in
•this respect, and we have no doubt it will be ; but, if the essential
feature in its construction be that " the focus of the negative
element be some fractional portion of the positive element," then
is this condition fulfilled in everj* opera glass.
That Mr. Dallmeyer's patent agent did not find the prior publica-
tion of this application of the opera glass is not to be greatly won-
dered at, as the search for pnor publication by agents is usually
confined to what has been previously patented. Those conversant
with patents will smile at the acceptance of the dictum or opinion of
a patent agent relative to the actual novelty or validity of a patent;
but we do not here raise, nor have we raised, any que^ion as to the
•validity of Mr. Didlmeyer's patent, and this for the simple reason that
we do not know what he has patented.
The intent of our remark about the small camera to which Mr.
Dallmeycr had his lens afli.ved is this : He seems to liave made a point
of the fact, as stated by us, that our opera glass gave a sharp image
only in the centre of the field of a twelve-inch ground glass, such
sharpness, we stated, being confined to a few inches around the centre.
Why we said that the new lens did no more was deduced from the
facts (1) that, when examining the lamp fiame in Mr. Dallmeyer's
office on his ground glass, we slightly rotated the frame containing the
ground glass, and found the image to disappear at no great distance
from the centre ; (2) that such specimens of the work of the lens as
were shown us by Mr. Dallmeyer did not exceed quarter-plate size;
^3) that his subsequent exhibition camera was small ; and, finally, that
when lenaes of not large diamet«r are mounted in a somewhat long
tube, and this at no great distance from the ground glass, it is not
possible that a large area can be covered. Even the mammoth Lick
telescope has its covering power confined to the relatively small ai-ea
of five inches !
The chief issue at stake is, we conceive : Has Mr. Dallmeyer been
anticipated in the introduction of the teleo-objective or not ? K he
has, of what value is its claim to novelty, mucli less to protection by
ipatent ? Mr. Dallmeyer does not accept with the best grace possible
ithe fact that we ourselves described fully and clearly enough an ob-
jective producing similar pictures to his own eighteen years ago.
This perhaps is excusable. We can also understand his disincUnation
to allow Dr. Mietbe priority in the application of the idea. But what
• can he say to the statement of M. Jarret, a French optician, who, in
October, 1890, as will be seen in our " Continental Notes," publicly
exhibited to a French socbty "an optical combination for taking
photographs at a great distance," and nlso showed a number of pic-
tures produced by it ." Tliis objective was certified to have been subee-
ouently placed in the public exhibition of the Nantes Pliotographic
Society. With this we leave Mr. Dallmeyer to cling to or reject the
valuable opinion of his patent agents that the construction of the
photographic lens he recently introduced is " new "— " new," that is,
m the sense which would conform to Mr. Dallmeyer's own wishes.
Jn the concluding paragraph of the letter we "are accused in one
breath of both advertising and snubbing Mr. Dallmeyer ! We are
sure _Mr. Dallmeyer will bear with us if we do not go beyond this
amusing collocation of charges for ample evidence to establish the com-
plete absurdity of both, whether taken singly or collectively. At the
same time we tender him our acknowledgments for so kindly in-
structing us in the conduct of tlie various departments of the
JornNAL, an attention which by this time he must have perceived we
are endeavouring to reciprocate. — Ed.].
THE ORIGINATOE OF THE GELATINE PROCESS.
To the Editob.
Sir, — If facts are wanted to prove that Dr. Maddox, in or about the
^ear 1871, did make negatives of an emulsion which he, at that period,
mformed me was a combination of silver and gelatine poured upon a plate
and dricil before exposure, I am quite prepared to affirm before any com-
mittee that he did. I have not communicated with the Doctor for years,
and quite thought he was de-id. I am pleased, however, to bear he is still
in the land of the living, and, if raising my voice on bis behalf will do him
any good, I shall be only too pleased to be interviewed by any editor who
doubts his statements. Hard words prove nothing. If those who are
trying to blacken the good Doctor's name knew him, their railings would
cease. I sent to the Photographic News, on December 22nd, a long
description of the Doctor's transactions with me, bnt suppose they had
other letters of more importance to put in.
I wrote to the Doctor upon the subject some years ago, and, if he still has
that letter in his possession, I shall be only to pleased for him to pubUsh
any portion of it he feels inclined. I have not a copy of the letter, and
do not remember its contents, but the facts there alluded to are extremely
vivid upon ray recollection. I can distinctly see the bottle of emulsion
the Doctor placed into my hands, also the negatives and hie Instmctlona
for preparing the plates.
I must regret I never properly tried the process, so cannot say if the
emulsion supplied to me was capable of producing the negative shown ma
by the Doctor, but I can positively vouch that they were not collodion, and
that they had the general characteristics of the present gelatine dry-plate
negatives, and far superior to thousands produced by our amateur friends
of to-day. Of course, I am not in a position to say no one produced
pictures on a gelatine dry plate before the date I speak of. If there is
such a one, let him come forward, and I will drop the Doctor's cause, for I
am a lover of justice. — I am, yours, &c., Walton Ad.vms.
Beading.
*
TTLAR'S FILTER.
To th^ Editob.
Sni,— What is a novelty ? This question I ask myself on reading your
description of the convenient little filter which you describe and give a
wood-cut in your last impression. Allow me once more to testify to its
merits. I have had them in use for about ten years ; I purchased them
for one shilling each at an indiarubber depot in Graoechuroh-street. I
made a slight alteration, which has its advantages, viz., to place a piece
of rubber tubing at the opposite end, so that it can be fixed either end on
the tap — consequently self -cleansing. Any one who cannot purchase one
readily may make one out of a piece of tubing, preferably glass, place a
small piece of sponge in the pipe, then some coarse charcoal, then
another piece of sponge, a couple of inches of rubber piping at each end,
and the filter is complete. — I am, yours, &c., A. L. Henderson.
OXYGEN CYLINDERS.
To the Editor.
Sib, — I have just read a letter in last week's issue from Mr. W. Morton
Jackson in reply to Mr. Sect, and though I have not seen the letter of Mr,
Sect, I gather that he bos been complaining of the " ill-advised " recom-
mendation of the jury on the Ilkeston affair in favour of gas cylinders.
Mr. Jackson, in defending the recommendation of the jury, brings my
name in as influencing the jury by my statement that I had discarded
gas bags in favour of gas cylinders. Now, I may say that directly after
giving my opinion at the inquest — telling the jury exactly how the
accident had occurred — I left the court, and took the next train for home,
so that what transpired after I had left I know very little about, except
the verdict; and, strange as it may seem, I have never yet seen any
report of the inquest, except a condensed and slightly inaccurate one
which was published in one of our Manchester papers, to which I replied.
Of course, it is quite correct that I did tell the jury I had discarded
gas bags in favour of gas cylinders, and it was no use to supplement this
statement with any further remarks, because the jury were a body of
gentlemen totally unacquainted with such things, and could have baen
influenced one way or the other.
Mr. Jackson, in his own interests, representing the Manchester Oxygen
Company, naturally said all he could in favour of the things in which he
was commercially interested, and as naturally would damn everything
else. But, if somebody had told all that could be said about gas cylinders,
&c., the jury might have been influenced the other way, or, at any rate,
to a modified recommendation or conclusion, so that, all things con-
sidered, I don't see that this recommendation of an unscientific jury
placed in such circumstances can have the slightest weight, and therefore
may be entirely disregarded.
We have, from time to time, been told of the precautions observed by
one or more of the Gas Compression Companies for the safety of the users,
a good deal of which I have the best reasons to doubt ; but there are, in
England, many separate and distinct firms who supply compressed gas
and the appliances connected therewith — for instance, we have the com-
pression companies in Manchester.'and there are several in London — and,
so long as we have the unrestricted commercial element, competition, I
maintain there is not much chance for absolute safety to the public.
Cylinders, gauges, and regulators are now offered at prices from 20s. to
more than twice the sum for apparently the same thing, or intended for
the same purpose, and how are the public to know the difference ? Why,
in hundreds of cases, they do not know anything but what the dealer likes
to tell to tell them.
Oxygen and coal gas are cheap enough now, goodness knows, and for
my own part I would prefer to pay even double the price, in whatever
form, or for use with whatever appliances will ensure the greatest safety
jMauy a, 1804
THB BRITISII JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
6S
Bat, k*t)iv ■OM •?« Ihia grouad wo oftao, I agkin MMrt 1117 opinion
HifH afoB iMtt. and • ksoidadfi o( whkt I un talking aboat— that
«• liadl ••*« ba mI« n^ac Ik* |iin«t cjstMn or vyiteiiM (or want ol
lyMam) onta • OoNnaMt iaqviiy and MiiMniiiaB k iMHiad ■poo;
Mri, il tliU — *— «aaU k« takan ap, m I ba«« pnTionatj lOfliMlad. by
MMh iimitwal aw m 8iz Hnuy B. Bo«eo*. M.P.. and Mr. Wa. MatlMr,
lfj>., «Mi a aooDBitlM el nel naecMaray politieians, or f/tal»man, or
laatamisa, bat ptaetiaal aDgiiMan, than th« pabUs eoafWenno might be
iMlond,uid it might ba diaeof«ad that the pcvMBt <7itam vaa dabettT*.
—I am. Tooia, Aa,. W. L Ckiovkk.
DKY COLLODION POSITIYE&
To iltt Eorroa.
81B,— la the early daya ol gslatiM aa a viUeU lot bi nialili of aa*er. I
UMI aiMt el ma apaca lima aBBariaantiag «ilh lh« thaa ktamn pboto-
faaaid aad «bat 1 1
ootr naeaaaarjr bat MMaiaafale. aod I
iroa plaiae, weed. Ae. 1 thaa triad in the 1
■ioa, aad with aU I mat with ifllriaiil aaeai
I wa* ao
A taw ol Iha huutiua eellodii
Hatyat tmtt a QtOrimtciatt mi p^hibmt. ^mI vhaa I might
ham bcomfat Ih* lfaii« to a ■auMmfttf imaa, I Iboad tea ordfawiy
b«iaaaa pnmiia taaaMad man inaUad ol laaa atteatiaB. to I padtad op
n^ appantai^ aad did aot look at Uiaai agaia BBtS aboat two jraais aiaaai
Haifit^ at tha hat amnad period lima «■ W0 haada, I agaia latoiaad to
my old km el photagiaphie taaaaraik I toofad it anHmwhat dUkalt to
taaiU a^ idaai is ■aMiw e< datafl. aad ham hM»aUi0id to wad*
tbatwaa leadSnaSMd. aad I aoald gat a alaar ooUodtoa with Im
oaia^to th* eaaa* dtahmtn whoae make it wa* I aaoaet «ay. bat I
have been oaabl* to gat anythiiw Uka it iiaee. Howwnr, I aaa aow git
a good Mwiilta eoHodiaa aainlrinn that gi*ea a tttj good poaitl*e oa a
(eno^ype Bkaa. It***n*lem*lhMfHRi«ioalal*H tbabaalda
tefhn<Hyp»piiiiH»m.hatwaiaUyIkiiiiBM»— iiliinlkgda
t.H^> ^-^^r-qiatlhalai^faiahMMdaMkfMMiiar. Whatia
« ■« peaitifa* iaageod«kil*l||Mia«Mablo*ipoea. Unlaaa
> < It t« hardly |aiilMi la aaana a ftaaaaat aiatan. I
traaapanaey by pafi^ht, aad alee lamfl
rmtmi paflaat whiiaa ia tha high Hgfal* aa
k agaodfMM^i*
«o yaaia maaa 1 riwwat yaa aaa cf avpaMMMi
ImotTpo Ary ptal
thia, I havadeaa
) yaaia aiaae 1 Jiiiwai yaa aaa c< my
'' -a ma^y yea had aeaa. bat I lotfDt to as-
1 «M MiMid tmm aolBpr. tb piatar*
ageedrmiel
all I eeaU to gat aaai
thiag* I aaad (aad all UkMTiaa loitowi^ ia tim
pyreayiiaa, aad ge ' ' ' '
I bettafaaoUodiaa
aBlhair
that yea
hi tha
Ua*)i
a good
with
Two
good fa^ ia wUah la wpaai th* alalaa. Wkh ihaaa
oa ^-plala paaMMa «i& gba •* iMMa thai psawa
r owa. aad mat aa* ^ilkiiahl* aaM ill aaiiaaay ami-
>litioa*. With my plate* I have nhhihiil hUj opa
Mcnod ol lime, aad with Iha aame aaaiMea food
•acooda.— lam. yean. A*i
■ ■ lU. "
IWnro BBOMIDE PBINTS.
ShttolMNa
8tm.-jUthetahtaatolwani laaaawilb
pcoaiuMBtly (orwaid. I thiak that amaa esparimmite tiwt I made e>r«
iwe yean ago mMr iataraat year nadai*.
' iCb ih* M« oU «■!• el wet plot**, that I had kiad
llliMlaaw^*«llililM.aad that. If goad browa laae*
mauoat MaMafloa wMh ■MkiiiiM.aad that. If oead browa laae*
teald he gtl aWh tbmt, why aet wifc kwml li paag T Tteaad aoeh th*
aa*.batlha«eioK«dBetMti*<yB%MdI tSSih* tOmt el tavanJ
'thar ahamlmla ea Iha oiBainm. Thaaa azpatiaMali I Maak aa a eatd.
\ad I ieaad them hir aaridaat ia my dark rooai, la the damp, two yeara
Jta, naeet at hath a* wh*a doae.
I aad got the aaaae leiilla. Itooadfhata
eat la iw*t«a hoar*' naai^ water, bat. tf
1 la a T*f7 weak aoMoa al aalphala at eeppar liliitii aahitt—), U
"to
, and alee a* to how loag kf t in the
Chloride el liae aloe hM tha aame aOeei, bat not w
I ihowad the mimlmBila to the ttataian Company, aad Ihqr at eoa*
xktd U they w«M lamaMal: a* I piaatd atrip* ia a priallH *Bm»
r«tly«a«aNday,MdUI ia Mm aw fcraliitolglil, htlfa— dih—
fade. I am now away born ogy labocatory, or I have little doubt that I
fbouU have foond lomething pennanent. — I am, yours, i&o.,
SutjieU, January 11. F. K. Babclat.
m
JOKBRALISED METHYLATED SPIBIT.
To the Eonos.
Sn. — The abor* ia th* official name now adopted for the new methy-
lated fpiiit I have raaann for thinking that the permanency of the
alteration is by no means settled, and woold nr^e agitation against it, as
annoying and uDcalled-for in the interests ol " the greatest good of the
giaetaat nnmber." If the objeot is to make the spirit ondrinkable, why
not aaeare this by some addition which shall make it distinctly obnoxious
ia <^«e< wlwa taken internally, without at the same time punishing all
oaara w4io apply it fee lagiliaate parpeeea T
Batariag to the lellar ol Mr. W. B. Bolton in yoar issue of Daoember
14. tka IbllMj" ranaiag Umaadb it will be ao andeat to practical men that
it is hardly neeeseary to fartW notice it. I quite agree that the Excise
ocdar doaa not atrietly dtdae the origin of the mineral naphtha, bnt,
wlmterer thaoriaa may be eolled from taxt-booka, I believe that in oom-
marae the term is moat eommonly appliod to coal tar, naphtha, and
aoeorffiiM to the order, Uie naphtha anist nave the property, aoded in the
indieatod propettion to methylated spirit, at making the mixture dis-
tiaetly immmaibk whee added to an eaoal bulk of water ; it murt be
miOnr. Th* H^rtar eaee will not ghra tnla resalt, an J are therefore not
eidtaM*. Th* apadl* parity. '*M, ainto eat, with other light oils, both
id krir^'-t I think I have swalalned my position, but am
■y biWaeto eaoeed eo^ evideat irritalien,— I am, yours, te.,.
Bimhmvmgh, Jamamy 11. IMS. Joira WBirnau).
AH EPVICUSMT HAKD CJUICBA.
, T«tkt Bmto*.
lophr to Mr. Uea W. Valaalioe's lardy admowIedgmeBt of mf
eember U. 1891. r* How to Make an Effleieat Hand Camera^
lettscel
wkiah Iw aaya ia oa
" hi
el hie owa that, atthoogh t
•Adatphi'
aaw or heard ol it tin lie' saw li deeui Hia J in Taa Bamaa JoriurAb
taaraic AMttWAT for Ihia ysor, will Mr. Valaaliae penait me to
B^il la a ahMalar aaiaatdaaee that hia daaaripliea ol aa ediaient hand
nmw. p«iAi< mir IM mamk, *a«M ao am»i te**mUa Mm
- AdaipM.^ pataatid la IMO. aad ahowa ia Uvarpool. BeoHmort, Blr-
mfaMhaai,M«MhaMi«aadbBdoa.— Iaa,yaaia,Ae., T. Muiaa,
dr1)an8e Column.
iteCMiaefanii;
if stads /or faaarltoa BaatoMss af 4af arelai i
saw to MMartsd mItmA mtUk laaafatf dgl(nil> Xelsd. TImt
a«r«MeaV(Mrr
. A.. U, HUksUstt, Walonl. IivUad.
kra> outvM tiitginsli (SM Mvler Itft. br ttU, oa* latarior fntimkii ItL
WTft. •)■..■» otOTtor tp^t^lmt 1H.t\u.hjlh.«\».) U oiohsaai fbr hslf-
yhtolMM minis isrii III I Hiiii.A.llii»T.I.Delpat»-f»til.llsiiiliail(l Ursst.
,7M'j/.auoT(*iT'i -^lo .u-AiijoL u^.vrMifi aa?
->.,■• ^^ — = — M^X it-A * h i f. ■■'. Jii-^- — «T H >.■ ■'■ h^ r-T^. — '"^rrf^
[W*;f ,11* •(■!.
T/T fy. ¥ Ji&iwnr S2, 1802
anjjtoetjj to CorreBpoirtenw.
AU matttn for tht Utt portion of (kit JouiWAl, mduding queriti for
"Aunetrt'' mHd "KxeSang*;" miut le aiidrrtted to "Tbb Eoitob,"
X Torh-ttrml, CSdwiU Oanfbm, London. Inatttntion to thit tnmrt* delay.
Fo imMm talct% 4< OMMMMteo^iofU wUat name and addreu of writtr art
fiutn. ...
•,• CommunieoHoHS reUUimg to Advertitementi on<J general businete affairt
mutt be addrtued to " Hkkst GliaBlwoMI 4 C<X." % York-etreet, Covent
Omrden, IxmdiM. '___
K, 0. — Ptocun- Hie ti'Wtie and nensltise it as you require it.
O. E. S. — Wenre happy to hear Qf your succe-ss with English plates.
W. A. Mki(«.— Of Mr. Henry Park, whose address you will find in the
Almanac.
R.- Lkoshaiidt.— If nothing else tint wat«r get to the hypo, its working powers
will not be impaired.
C J. Wood.—" Nottingham limes " m»y be obtained through any of the
dealers in lantern requisites.
G, MAXsJtJXB; — The fifteen-inoh portable symmetrical lens will be the be.st for
■enlkrying j-our IS x 12 negatives to 18 x 23.
Hb. G. Kkbshaw writes to know the address of the sole dealers in stereoscopic
views by the American Littleton Compftny.
SnA'KR. —The gla».i i.« oblong in shape, and should be optically plane. Directions
for silvering will be found in the Almanac.
H. R. WiLLETT. — Probably floating particles In the atmosphere. See our
article on the 85lbject a few weeks ago.
Cbarles Bkrkard. — If you procure some Rood artist's canvas, the formula
for emulsion - making and development in the Almanac will assist you
. further.
B. Robins. — The cause of the yellow stains described is that the negatives were
not thoroughly fixed in the hyposulphite of soda. A longer immersion in
future will avoid them.
Salop. — Th« principal difficulty in yonr case has been the plates. Extra rapid
pUtes are not at all suitAble for lantern slidei;. Procure plates specially
made for the work, and use the formula supplied with them.
•Collodion. — 1. Rotlinal is a one-.solution developer in a concentrated form.
For normal exposures one part of the solution to thirtv of water is recom-
mended. 2. Probably by over-exposure. 3. Three or four minutes, i. In-
crease the quantity of pyro.
Fbank PirEB. — Tlie patents extend over a period of fifteen or sixteen years,
and we could not possibly devote the time to ascertain for you the particulars
you retjuire. These you may obtain for youreelf at the Patent Office, South-
ampton Buildings, or by employing a patent agent.
Vi. V. Morris. — The ordinary lime jet, with a reflector behind, is what is
usually emjiloyeil. Coloured gelatine films may lie obtained from most
dealers in materials for fancy-box makers. Coloured glass is better than
gelatine fOr projecting coloured light for scenic effects.
"Wabdkn.— It is pretty clear that your "fixed-focus" lens is not in proper
focus for the work yon have been attempting. If it has been adjusted for
general outdoor work, such as street views and the like, it will not be in
focus for indoor portraiture. Hence the cause of want of definition.
•Ctmo asks if there is any advantage in usins a larger source of light, such as
a large gas flame, and then subduing it, by several thicknesses of ruby glass,
over a smaller light with, say, one thickness of orange and one of ruby ? " —
None whatever. It comes, practically, to the same thing in the end.
J. 0. Sharlwood. — One of the best all-round lenses for taking groups out of
doors is one of the "rapid" type. Or, perhaps, the next best— indeed it
is preferred by some — a single lens of the old-fashioned lancUcape form, with
its aperture somewhat enlarged. A single lens is admirable for open-air
groups.
X Bbamwrll writes : " I see you instruct ' W. M. L. ' to make a small nega-
tive from a large one by making a transparency by contact printing. May I
ask if he could not get as good results by making small transparency in the
camera, and thus save the price of a dinner for his family (if he is so for-
tunate as to have one) V
A. W. P. — 1. As you are an entire novice at lantern work by all means begin
with the blow-through jet, particularly as you are not going to use cylinders
but bags. Ample light for an eight-foot screen will be obtained with such a
jet. 2. There is no necessity, in your case, to put the coal gas under
pressure in a bag. Take it direct from the nearest gas bracket.
^S. Bevan sjjys : " I made some matt varnish acconiing to the formula given on
page 78S of the Almanac. I have added different proportions of benzol, but
the varnish dries transparent. 1 have warmed the plate to various tempera-
tures, but this seems to make no difl'erence whatever. Is there no mistake
in the formula ?"— The formula is quite correct. Our correspondent's failure
has been brought about by his warming the negative. The varnish must be
applied cold.
X. O. W. (CariisleV— In photvgraphing flowers the background must be chosen
to suit the particular flowers to \>e photographed. That which would be
most suitable for one group might be just the reverse for another. In all
cases the backgrounds must be selected, and arranged to suit the subject.
Better study the flower studies of Mr. H. Stevens, Mr. and Mrs. Payne, and
others. These works will give you more instruction than can be conveyed in
this column. Our publishers will supply the back numbers reterr«d to.
P. K J. (Leeds) says : 'On mixing some developer, pyro and sulphite of soda,
it became a dark sherry colour in a few hours. Trying a week afterwards,
I found it work just the same as if it were not discoloured. Do you see any
objection to its use, as I do not wish to waste it unnecessarily ? "—If the
solution works all right, there can be no objection to its iiie. •-
R. O.'W. asks : " I. If burnt-in photographs on porcelain apd earthenware are
patented or hot?" Severai patents have been taken ontin coriite'xion with
ceramic photography, but, so far as wa can recollect, none of them are in
existence at the present time. 2. Any of the Staffordshire potters, who do
fine wiij«, will supply plaques such as you require, but, we surmise, they will
have to be rnade Bxpreosly to order. In this case a large number must be
ordered at a time. 3. If the design be original, it can be registered, and will
then become your property. A mere design is not the subject for a patent.
■E. C. May writes : "Can you tell me how I can flatten out some Eastman
films which have curled np so violently as to be almost useless in the
printing frame ? I unfortunately neglected the recommendation of the
Company to keep them in a pressure frame, and immersion in water and in
the glycerine soaking solution has no effect whutever. As some of these are
very fine negatives, I should be sorry not to be able to print them, and I
can't help thinking there must be some means of straightening them out and
keeping them flat. I need not say I have already tried all the usual devices
for flattening paper, &c., but this celluloid appears to be very much more
elastic." — Possibly some of our readers can suggest a remedy to Miss May.
Paarl says : " I enclose enamelle<I scrap. Notice how the print, when pulled
off glass plate, leaves p-irt of enamel on glass. I can't think why. Can
you suggest ? Do you think it is grease ? To remedy and doctor up my
collodion I afterwards added a few drops of castor oil, as suggested by
yourself in one of the year-books, but then the prints would not leave the
plates at all, and stuck on like grim death, and I had to soak them again in .
hot water to get them off. 2. Like many other poor unfortunates, I am
troubled with blisters in my prints, and I tried the suggestion of soaking
them in spirits before toning, but I found then that they took an hour and
more to tone, and many would have a mealy appearance when dried. I now
use the spirits before fixing instead, and, although it uses up a deal of
spirit, yet it's better than having them big blisters. Oh, those makers of
aibumeuised papers, how I bless them ! Three years ago we were never
troubled with blisters to the extent as now." — In reply : 1. The cause of the
trouble is want of adhesion between the collodion film and the gelatine used
for enamelling. From the appearance of the piece of print we imagine too
much of the gelatine is removed in the squeezing, or that the solvents ot the
collodion were not thoroughly eradicated before the print was laid down
upon it. Without knowing definitely how our correspondent works, we
cannot give any more definite opinion. 2. Try Mr. W. D. Richmond's
remedy. Immerse the prints in methylated spirit as they are taken from
the frames, and before proceeding to wash out the silver ; then treat in the
usual way. This is the most perfect remedy for blisters we have tried.
London and Provincial Photographic Association. — January 28, Ordi-
nary Meeting. Visitors invited.
Cleveland Camera Club. — The next meeting of the Club will be held on
Tuesday, January 26. Subject for discussion, FhMlght.
Photooraphic Club. — January 27, Annual Lantern and Musical Entertain-
ment (laiUes' night). February 3, Ph(>to-inicrograj)hy, Mr. T. Charters White.
Proposed Photographic Club fob Hexham and District. — Mr. John
Gibson, jun., of Battle-hill, Hexham, writes to the local paper, saying that it is
f)ropose(i to form a photographic club for Hexham and district. A number of
ocal photographers have expressed a wish for such a club.
Professor W. K. Burton, in conjunction with Profes,sor J. Milne, is pre-
paring a work on the recent great earthquake in Japan, to be illustrated by a
number of photographic reproductions. For the sake of comparison, there
will he two plates showing, on a small scale, the effects of earthquakes in
Italy and other countries.
Mr. a. C. Townsend, the cashier to the Birmingham Gas Department, was
recently presented with a valuable set of bronzes by his colleagues as a mark
of their esteem on the occasion of his leaving, after fourteen years' service.
Allusion was made to the loss at the annual show of his admirable prints, and
a hone expressed that in his new capacity as cashier and general manager to
Mr. W. Tylar he would meet with every success .ind prosperity.
" The Artistic and Literary Association, Limited," is the designation of a
new publishing company, whose chief object is "to afford to those of its
members who are artists or authors the unique advantage of sharing as pub-
lishers as well as originators in the profits accruing from their own works."
Mr. Francis George Heath has consented to accept the position of managing
director and editor in chief.
OONTEMTS,
POTASSIUM FERRIDOYANIDE AND AM-
MONIUM 8ULPH0CYANIDE REDUCER 49
VIONKTTING ENLARGEMENTS 49
THE DECOMPOSITION OK HYPO 61
ON THINGS IN GENERAL. By FREE
LANCE M
RATIO OF GRADATION. By JAMES K.
HOPWdOD. PhD 6S
CONTINENTAL NOTES AND NEWS 54
ART* FINE ART? OU WHAT? Br J. K.
lULLOCH. M.B U
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETT'S LEC-
TURE8.-I1 M
PRESSURE GAUGES. By H. M. WHITE.
FIELD 67
RECENT PATENTS 59
MEETINGS OF 800IETIXB 59
CORRESPONDENCE fil
EXCHANGE COLUMN 68
ANSWERS TO CORRKSP0NDK11T8 M
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1656. Vol. XXXIX.— .JANUARY 29, 1892.
SniPUFICATIOX OF URANIUM TOXINO.
Ijkst wmk «• diraetfld attratkn to the om of • MlalioB ol
wduMT far Mnatbw nd faraiiid* printi, tiM
aMde by Mr. HMhlaa is tbaooanaorMaMrainarkaoa
toaing, which will h» foond on jagt 6a Aa the Ml^Mt of
tooii^ hnmada pvioli afprna, tnm tlw aomber of kttan «e
to — irtaia its ipfwt Min^ fkeflti^Ufhtn, wo wM
itho pfowM givoa kit «nk to tnofe of tho tetkor
I of tho gaatlaaaaa MOMd.
A» CiRoeTmaido of onmiom k oolBbb in olkaliao aolotkni,
and ordiiurf walor, ■■ ia woO kaowa, on ■oooaat of tho pr»-
aoaee of eklocidoi ia it, naaally hat • tmilmmf to fiTO oa
alkaUao roartioa, tho oaqdognaMt of aa acid aolatiea far vaih-
b^ the priat wai obnau aay nndoiiriWo ladaaUoD of tha
tnmd iaamiiL Bot tho «afaM of thia iiunMiaiiatlfi is hi-
cfOMed whaa takoa ia eo^iaaetioa with othon ia
with theoaisoel
The aoeoaitjr far ladaeiag tho difooit of a
print dowa to tho daJiwd depth aad oofaor haa^ it
ftmn tho iaprapor oooipiwilico of tho toafaiK wiatiea. Tho
Wown dopoiit hi tho aolatioa whieh appian m> aooe ae tho
ia oaoaed fay tho diapropectioa h^^
to eeoabiaa with tho
cjraaido at tho
thaa the aolatfaa
voold always be m
femdcgraaido, tho
iaoolatioo.
By tho eaapfayawt of a leatag oohrtfao aaeh aa that oaf-
K«ited fay llr. Haddoa aamely, a oae per ent ooiatioa of
unwiani aitiale ia two oaaeoi of water, to whioh a dfoohaa of
eeeOc acid aad two (ntn* of pwUaiimn fcrrrvir jaoide Itav* boea
••I lot. uoe geta a aolatioa ooaaiderabty weaker thaa that
I, f),..rf<% imfloyod fay the oiporiaMntaliMa, aad oaowUehfalili
oa laid dowa far diieot taaia( aa nppowd to Iho
riK fay ledaotion— iKai U. I undiag i^ aa
' with water. « a aaoi
* <it it ia lew uvurM«i«aio» aad ia raally.a
■hodoftoid^
'ita«o of Iho oM iyaloai of anaiaa
iieider reawvod fay eaiployiin a dflata
■t onaioaa with the (erridoyaaide ia eseoM i« the
fl^ origiaal pietara to a partirolar toao.
.4 tlMt thoro waa aoeor aay leai aoaaaity
laiad ioMfa far loalaf with aiaahm,
4eadM aUdoi of a Mmid fafaok toaad
to a Tfi ' inutiooL
A o.rr ._ u.. (ireeeat aoafaor of tho loctmM.
drao* «tr - be faot that araaiaa ooiatioa eaa be weed
far toBlag ptatiniim priata, wUeh oMaIca tho oo^loyaMat of
W 1-.
We
tho qpoeial paper for obtaining lepia efTectai Thia further
aaqthaaiaeo tho fact that apecially developed images of a brown
eoioar are aot aeoeoaary for uranium toning, since between the
ooloor of dordoped bromide prinu and platinotype
there ia, aa a role, little, if any, difference. We may
ftaally point otit that the depoettion of ferrocyanide of uranium
on aOrer or platinum ia a mechanical, and not a chemical,
aetfao ; ao that the prooaoi ia, after all, not a tooing one in the
ordinary moaniag of the term.
♦
ooAtiNO gelatino<:huiride paper.
■• atiH, we hoTe little doubt, many amateur* who
tiMir own albvaMaiaod paper ia pieforaaco to uaiog
tho wa jjr iwwHiairt. whila tiM piaotioo ia, of ooone^ genotal ia
prnfiMionil e«tAhliahaMota Bat, if thoao who go to tho
tnM§ of thaa floatii^ tho paper oe ito aaaaitiofaig bath wore
aoked why they did aot aiako their owa goiatino<hloride paper,
thoj woaU, ia the oi^jority of caeoo, bo found to reply that
thqr had BoC tho tiaM^ or that tho tnmbk aad ozpeaae were
too gnat.
Now, aa a ntattar of fact, when a Tory alight variation baa
boea bmmIo ia tho ammtaaMBta, the ooatiag of gelatino^hloride
papv ia littK if aay, mora tnmblo thaa onitaiBgalbaBMaiaed
paper ia tho oadiaary way. Tho — '""«-t aiyiorowo fomala
far whieh have boea pahUohed, proMeti no diflealty, oor doea
it raqaire tho oara aad nieelf reqaiaite in the caoe uf bromide
ewahioWi it ia aot a waahed emulsion, which robe it of nine-
tOBtha of ita lomn to awot worken, aad tho ingredionta may
ha pat togalher ia tha Ught of aa ordiaaiy room ; after a few
ptotien, to oaaote tho oomhiaatioa of tho dilfarent
tho preporatioe auy hm filt^rMl, and !■ lh«a roady
to apply to the peper.
The troohle iaeolred ia psvpanug the emuiuoD la soaroely
gieater thaa tkat wpaadod hi fattfag tiw iflTor bath into
iwdMimi far aae, aad, after thali there oaly nmaina tho ainglc
eparatfaa of ooaliag tho paper aad haaging it op to dry. The
ouatiag ia ao mora trooMe thaa floating, while the dryinj; of
the gelatiao paper oaly diflw* fnaa that of the albnmoniaed
after onaMWag fat that it tokoa loager ; but thia ia of very
little iaporlaaoe whaa a awdotato qaaality ia prepared at
oao^^^apA^oa tha paper kaepa very wall thia In the proper
oooiae to adopc
Aa platiao ahliwMa paper m growmg in populiuity, aad ua-
doabiadly poaaoaaa oo aauiy adraatagea, it will be aorpriaiag
if it ia Bsi aMro gaaacally iatroduoed aa an artiolo of aanu-
faetora ia aaay atadfaa ia the near future. Indopoadont of
tho claim to greater ponaiaaoaey, it leoda itedf to auch a
earioiy of diflfanat atylee of work, including matt or enamel
effeeta, aad aaay bo applied to almuat any character of eorfaoe
with a little prepantioa in the way of aizing. Indeed, it ia not
66
THE nlUTISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[January 29, 1892
too much to say that gelatino-chloride emulsion forms a new
I)Ower in the studio. Then, when the comparative cost is
looked at, the user will probiil.ly be surprised how greatly it is
in his favour as compared with albumen paper.
The first question that will trouble the amateur will perhaps
be that of a suitable paper, though we believe that i)laia
photographic pai>er8 are obtainable in small quantities at some
of the dealers' establishments. In the event of such a i)aper
not being directly obtainable, the best substitute must be
found. For large work, or for malt or rough effects, this will
not be at all difficult, as almost any of the various grades of
cartridge or drawing paper will answer if the sizing be suitable,
and, if not, this can be easily remedied ; but for fine work,
whether with the matt or enamel surface, the difficulty of
finding a paper of sufficiently even texture, and without mill
marks, will be much greater. We have known cases where
"job lots" of inferior or damaged albumenised paper have
been picked up at such prices as to make it worth while to
remove the albumen and salting; but, of course, to fall back
upon such paper at ordinary prices is out of the question.
Where, however, such a supply is available — and such lots
are by no means rare at Stevens' and other sale-rooms— nothing
better for our purpose could be obtained, whether for matt or
surfaced effects. The first operation is, of course, to remove
the salt from the paper, the albumen being removed or allowed
to remain as may be thought best. If the albumen is to be
removed, then all that is required is to soak the paper in
several changes of cold or tepid water, until all traces of soluble
chlorides have been removed. The sheets are then hung up
to dry, and are better finished off with a hot laundry iron, to
remove creases or unevenness. It is needless to say that the
greatest cleanliness must be observed during the process, or
the paper will suffer seriously in its damp state ; it is also
advisable to handle it as little as possible, and to avoid rubbing
the surfaces together, which will raise the fibre.
When the albumen surface is to be retained, the method of
preparation will be different. Naturally, the object will be to
coagulate the albumen, and this can only be satisfactorily done
by means of moist heat. It is of no avail to pass a hot iron,
even at scorching temperature, over the paper, the albumen
will remain as soluble as before ; nor is it of any use to apply
alcohol for the purpose, as has been often recommended. We
have never found alcohol, even after prolonged application, to
produce any effect in the desired direction. But a momentary
dip into water at boiling, or nearly boiling, temperature per-
forms the coagulation perfectly, and, after that, it only remains
to allow the paper to soak in tepid water until the salt is re-
moved. If it be required to operate upon full sheets, some
little difficulty may be experienced with ordinary appliances,
but sheets up to 12 x 10 can be satisfactorily manipulated with
the appliances to be found in every hoiisehold. It suffices to
dip the paper momentarily into the hot water, and it is better
to withdraw it at once, as the coagulation is instantaneous,
while a longer immersion removes more of the size from the
paper. So rapid is the coagulation, that, if a piece of paper be
rolled up dri/, and immersed in that state in boiling water until
the latter has penetrated it, the albumen is coagulated without
having time to adhere to the next surface of paper. This plan
may possibly be of use for large sheets.
In the case of rougher kinds of paper, it will depend upon
the normal sizing being suitable or not whether it has to be
resized. When there is a great amount of alum in the size,
the effect upon the colour of the image is sometimes so great
as to completely ruin its capability of toning. In such
instances the paper will require a preliminary sizing of arrow-
root, applied by rubbing the smooth cold paste well into the
pores of the paper with a piece of sponge. The sizing and even
the texture of the paper exert a most powerful influence on the
printing colour of the emulsion, the same emulsion perhaps
giving on half a dozen different samples of paper as many
different colours, and in many instances the difference will be
clearly distinguishable after toning.
A satisfactory quality of paper having been obtained, the
coating is perfectly plain sailing. We have a choice of two
methods— first, pouring the emulsion on to the paper on a
levelled slab ; and, second, floating the paper on the emulsion.
The first seems the more convenient in many ways, especially
for small sheets, while for larger sheets it offers the promise
of greater uniformity of result, as a measured quantity of
emulsion can be applied to each sheet and allowed to level
itself. In adopting this method it is desirable, if not absolutely
necessary, that the paper be first damped in order that it may
lie flat.
In working small sheets, say, up to 8J x 6J, though 1 2 x 10
may be manipulated in the same way with care, the wet jiaper
is squeegeed on to a sheet of glass, and the surface dried with
blotting-paper. A pool of emulsion is poured on to the centre,
and this is led over the whole surface by means of a glass rod,
or the finger, and the surface drained off pretty closely. The
plate, with the paper still attached, is then laid on a levelled
slab for a few minutes until the gelatine has set thoroughly,
after which the coated paper is stripped off, and hung to dry.
After a little practice, three or four dozen sheets of paper may
be squeegeed, coated, stripped, and hung to dry within the
hour. When manipulating large sheets, the same general
course is followed, but the paper is squeegeed on to the slab
and a measured quantity of emulsion spread over it ; when set,
this is stripped and hung in the ordinary way. The plan of
coating large sheets has the advantage that the smaller sizes
cut from them have clear edges.
The floating method is, perhaps, better for large sheets, and
is, moreover, more expeditious, while it saves the necessity for
damping the paper previous to coating. The floating may be
performed in a variety of ways, but we shall confine ourselves
to describing the method when a dish the full size of the sheet
of paper is used. There are plans by which a sheet of paper is
drawn over a narrow trough of emulsion which, in strictest
parlance, can scarcely be called floating ; but such methods
generally involve the use of some special apparatus or appli-
ances, and are therefore beyond the scope of the present
article.
The dish to contain the emulsion must be provided with
some means for keeping up the temperature of its contents ;
beyond this, any ordinary dish will answer. A common porce-
lain dish, standing inside a larger one, into which hot water is
poured and changed from time to time, forms the simplest plan.
The arrangement we employ ourselves consists of a tin dish
with sloping sides, like an ordinary baking dish, fitting into
another with straight sides, and about four inches deep, to hold
hot water. The emulsion dish is coated with Aspinall's bath
enamel, which we have found to answer this purpose and
similar ones admirably.
To coat the paper, filter a sufficient quantity of emulsion into
the upper dish, having filled the outer jacket with hot water.
Arrange at one side of the dish an accurately levelled sheet of
glass, a little larger than the paper to be coated, and lek on«
7 29. 180->1
THF BRITISH JOURNAL OP PHCrrOGRAPHY.
67
end of the gluB project an inch or bo over the edge of the
dish. Lay a sheet of paper on the surface of the emulsion in
tba nsual manner, and with the ordinary precautions to avoid
air bella. Allow it to remain until it lies perfectly flat, when
cotBM the only little bit of skill required. Some writers have
diraetfld that the sheet of paper be drawn backwards horiion-
tally on to the levelling slab ; but, irrespective of the fact that
under such oonditiona it does not "draw" comfortably, we
think a better result is obtained as follows.
Pick np tlie sheet by the two comers farthest from the
levelling slab^ and raise it quickly and without bexitation into
a perpendicnlar positioo, with ita lower edge resting against
-y<! edge of the levelling slab so that the drainins]:^ foil into the
-(u By the method of lifting a oonsider.iMc quantity of
eniuNion will adhere to the paper, but will rapidly find ita way
back into the dish. Watch this sharply, and as soon as the
sheet has drained sufficiently draw it on to the slab and lay it
'^wn, commencing, of course, from the end where it is already
oootact. The emabion remaining upon the paper will
idUy level itadi^ and in two or three minutes will b« "ast,"
1 the Aeet can be hung up to dry.
With regard to drying, an open room, in which a stove is
t-niuK. will supply all the beat necessary to dry the paper in
'ew hours. It is not well to dry too qnickly, or the {Mtper
:!1 "cockle," and give tronUs when it goes into the printini;
i.-ne. If dried at the ordinary temperature^ beyond a slight
rl there is no departure from flatness, and ix> trooble. When
>-, the sheets should be put togsthsr under pressure, for the
ihle purpose of sseuring Mstnsss and protsetJoo from the
■atMfhimn.
In ooodttsion, vs ean prooaise to any who may adopt the ass
hoino«iails gelatiDi>«hloride paper a little surprine, not only
'b regard to the eats with which it is made, bat also its
jQomy.
TOXIXC CARBON' TK \ 'FS.
\ r«w weeks back, in an article <>n L iy tA# CrtrAon
'ft*$, we alluded to the fiMility with which the tones oo these
ptctoras coaM bs modified after they were finiahsd. That re-
maik has hnagbt us ssrsral Isitsrs, askioc ths method by
which it is ancuwplislied. In the first instanee. it bmj be
I TDLilnsd tbst the principle involved in the toning or hitensifi-
>t a oaibon [>icture dilTan wideir from that of a silver
in a sOrar pietve it is the eolouring natter Ibrming the
xs" *h%t m acted upon by the toning or intensiiying ^eot ;
the earfaon pietors, it is the vsbide holding it— the
':tat is afleoted, and n.it (1jl< ftignen^ except !n nn<<
Hera is one.
* le otod is one to4c oontniH allBrine ss one
' the eoloatef owtler, m is the case with
^Towna now in the market, and it be
rmer tone, all we have to do ia to
pietora in an alkaline eolation, say one of carbonate
— -14 to the oonce of water, which will iocreaaa the
iney of the aHarinsi Again, in the case of
' I «h, which is lo frequently osed for tlie in-
trhon Iransparenoies and oegatiTsa. Hera
> destroy inch or;;(anic colouring mat-
'■■ !'i(t>, and titnilar materials, while
ID the gelatine, rermnngannte of
potut. ' r toning timnaparanciee, by
reason If, however, the tissoe be
coloured with China ink only, as we beliere is the case with the
special transparency of the .\utotype Company, and the appli-
cation be brief, a pleasing brown tone may be obtained.
The most general plan adopte<l for toning carbon trans-
parencies is analogous to dyeing ; that is, the colour is formeil by
doable decomposition in the film. Hy this method, as we have
just said, it is the gelatine alone that is influenced. In making
the slides, as described in the previous article, the glass sup-
porting the picture is preparetl witli a substratum of insoluble
gelatine. Now, it is manifest that any reagent which would
act on the gelatine composing the picture would nUo act upon
that forming the substratum, unless some precaution were
taken to avoid it. As, however, the carbon tissue is coated
with collodion prior to development, we have in the finished
picture a film of that material intervening between it and the
substratum. But the kind of colUxiiou usually employed
for the purpose is scarcely suthcieut protection if the
toning ha« to be long continued. Therefore, when it is
intended to reoort to toning, a somewhat thicker collodion, of a
homy and repellent character, to which a small quantity of
castor oil has been added, should be employed. Then the
toning ac^on can be completed before the film is t>ermeated
by the toning agents. Some yean ago — see page 4 of our
volnme for 1885 — Mr. E. W. Foxlce pointed out that by treating
the transpeni|M7 for a few minutes with very dilute hydro-
chloric acid, ind then well washing it, the tendency to staining
from the substratum was avoided.
It should be bomo in mind that, as it ia the gelatine alone
that is acted upon, it is advantageoos to select a tissue that
contains a maximum pn^iortion of it with a minimum of pig-
ment With sndi a tissue the image is obtained in high relief,
wheresa with that made specially for transparencies, which is
highly charged with pigment, there is bat a mere su{ierficial
Uyer of gelatine. Most of the ordinary portrait tissues fulfil
these conditions.
With Rgvd to the toning ageuta that can be employed, they
an almost unlimited. For eiamplc, if a transparency be im-
merMd in a dUute solution of perehlorido of iron, then well
rinsed under the tap, and afterwanis treated ^tli a solution of
(.ndlic acid, a rich purple bUck will be obtained. By substi-
tuting for the gallic acid pyrogallio acid, infusion of nut galls,
Iqgwood, Ac., a gnat variety of purple and block tones can be
secured, also by using other salts of iron for the perchloride.
By treating the picture with proto«ulphate of iron, followed
by fetrocyanide ef potassium — the yellow prusiiate— a blue
colour, PliiBSisu Une, will be obtahied, suitable, if not over-
dona^ tat BMWnllght eBitcta. A solution of bichromate of
t»taih. sneeaeded by one of acetate of lead, produces a yellow
ae yellow. Iodide of potaaaium first, and bichloride of
iucn:ury aftarwanls, gives a light rod — iodide ' : v.
A very nice brown tone is obtained by tii : iiig the
transpersney hi a one or two per cent solution of nitrate of
silver, then, after washing, applying the ordinary acid [>yro-
gallic aolutioa, to which a few drops of nitrate of silver solution
Imi^Ima added, as in intensifying a wet-collodion negative.
VntWlilver method, it k edrieable to just treat the picture
wi'' ' of cyanide of potassium, as a safeguard
agi n.
Whatever method of toning or dyeing be usc<l, it is necessary
to rinse the picture well between the first and second treat-
ment, otherwise there will be a danger of surface stains. The
strength of the solutions used is of ni' :t:uice. The
stronger they are, the quicker is the act: he less it is
68
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[January 29, 1892
under control. When they are very dilute, if the desired effect
is not secured in the first applications, they may be repeated
several times if necessary. But it should be kept in mind that
an unduly long treatment may give time for the solutions
to penetrate the collodion film, and thus cause staining in the
substratum.
Photorntpl^y Blsoovers a Hew Planet.— On eome of
the photographic plates taken by Dr. Mbx Wolf last month two minor
pUnet« were discovered. One has been identified as already recop-
nieed and numbered, but the other is believed to be new, and, if
correctly so, will be numbered 323.
Keteorologrical PhotograpliB Wanted.— On March 15
to Iti will be held an exhibition of instruments, charts, maps,
and photographs relating to climatology. The Exhibition invite
the co-operation of all wlio may be wilUnp and able to help them,
as they are anxious to obtain as IblT^ a collection as possible of such
exhibits. Besides instruments and apparatus, they will be glad to
show both photographs and drawings of .suitable kinds.
Oolleotlon of Koon Pictures. — The Directors of three of
the largest Observatories in the world, those of Lick, Harvard, and
Paris — Professors llolden, Pickering, and Admiral Mouchez — are ex-
pected to co-operate in making a proposed volume, representing, upon
a large scale, the best results that can be secured in the shape of lunar
phot^raphs, thus placing on record a detailed description of the lunar
surface, the value of which, for comparison with observations and
photographs of the future, can scarcely be over-estimated.
Wliat has already been Sone. — Professor Holden had
a grant of two hundred dollars, made to assist in perfecting his ap-
paratus for lunar photography. He offers to give the results of his
work to the Smithsonian Institute for publication at some future day,
if demrable. Then Professor Pickering has already obtained a valu-
able series of lunar photographs at the Harvard Observatory, which
•will he supplemented by others taken at the high-altitude station of
the University, situated in the mountains of Peru. And, finally.
Admiral Mouchez has promised his co-operation in securing photo-
graphs of the moon of the highest attainable excellence.
The maddox Pund. — The following is a further list of subscrip-
tions to this Fund:— George Mason, 21. 2s. ; John Spencer, 21. 2s. ; F. H.
Verel & Co., 3/. .3*. ; Albion Albumenising Company, 21. 2s. ; Annan &
Son, 1/. 1*. ; 'William Lang, jun., 1/. \s. ; Sir H. Trueman Wood, 1/. 1«.;
R. W.T., 21. ; P. Lange, 21.; A. W. Chapman, 3/. ; T. C. Hepwortk,
1/. 1».; W. I. Chadwick, 1/. 1».; London and Provincial Photographic
Association, 21. Us. 6d. ; L. E .CKfts, 1/. 1*. ; C. G., 1/. \s. ; Spen Valley
Photographic Society, 3^. 10». ; Professor Stebbing, 1/. ; Thomas
Curties, \l.\ Photographic Review of Reviews, 21. 2s.; G. H. Kodwell,
21. 2s. ; Jeffs & Sons, 1/. 14*. We again remind intending subscribers
that the Hon. Treasurer of the Fund is Mr. Francis Cobb, Riveidale
Twickenham, S.W.
Orthochromatlc Plates for Astronomical Photo-
grraphy. — We are informed that MM. Fabre and Andoyer photo-
graphed the eclipsed moon at Toulouse Observatory on November 13,
1891 ; and some of the pictures obtained were exhibited by them at
the meeting of the Paris Academy of January 11, with a note on the
method of production. Collodio-bromide and coUodio-chloride plates
were employed, both kinds being treated with eosine and cyanine to
render them orthochromatic. The former kind of plate was found to
be relatively more sensitive to red and yellow rays than the latter,
although both were stained with the same dyes. It is proposed,
therefore, to use collodio-bromide orthochromatic plates to obtain
photographs of Mars, Jupiter and the red spot, and coloured stars.
The Kew 9Kethylated Spirit.— ^Messrs. A. & J. Warren,
wholesale druggists and licensed makers of methylated spirit an
finish, write : " As regards obtaining unmineralised methylated spirit,
it is less roundabout to nwke direct application to the Commissioners
of Inland Revenue, Somerset House, London. They, on receiving the
application, will see that the proper officer deals with the matter.
Your correspondent spoke of a £'200 bond, but the Board of Inland
Revenue do not, we are given to understand by Excise authorities,
contemplate demanding this where less than fifty gallons is required
per annum. Our experience hitherto is that no one connected with a
medical or scientific institution has been refused the power of obtain-
ing unmineralised methylated spirit, provided that the element of
retailing does not come in, and that he be able to order not less thai»
five gallons at a time of a methylator, not a retailer^'
Ten Tears' Sunshine. — Not — let us hasten to interpolate
— continuouf sunshine, is the leading part of the title of a useful new
pubUcation issued by the Meteorological Council, Ten Years'
Sunslmne in the British Isles, 1881-90. The observations have been
taken at nearly half a hundred stations, and mainly by the Campbell-
Stoke Sunshine-recorder, which registers bright sunshine only
uninterrupted by mist or cirrus clouds. Jersey takes the happy
position of the most favoured locality for almost every month of the
year, the sun having shone there even in December for twenty-three
hours out of every possible one hundred. Dublin comes next with a
record of twenty-one per cent., while unfortunate London only
registered two per cent. Everywhere December was the worst month.
A great increase is noticeable in February, when Jersey again has
the greatest amount, viz., thirty-one per cent., and London the least,
nine per cent. In April, however, the Metropolis begins to improve
more favourably with other places situated in the suburbs, and May
is the sunniest month in the year, while June and July are by no
means so sunny as might be expected. Augu.st is, generally speaking,
a good month, September and October exhibit a considerable decrease,
and November is the only month in which the Channel Islands are
not the most sunny in the British Isles. The seacoast, generally, is
more sunny than inland parts, while large manufacturing cities have a
poor register compared with neighbouring localities outside their
boundaries.
Bromine. — Bromine, which some years ago was "ringed" up
to an extraordinary price, to be followed by an extremely depressed
rate, has, for some time, been at what are more like normal quotations;
to what extent the establishment of rival manufactories has in-
fluenced this, we are unable to say. From an interesting account in
La \ature we learn, for example, that while no longer ago than 1887
America imported fifty tons per annum of bromine at a value of
ninety thousand francs, that country now produces enough for her
own wants and has ceased to import the chemical. Photography and
medicine together are accountable for the use of more than two-thirds
of the total amount produced, bromide of potassium being the form
in which it is employed. The manufacture of colouring matter
accounts for the rest. It is much employed as a disinfectant : after
the terrible disaster of Johnstown it is stated that over three tons
were employed for the purpose. In America, Michigan was the first
seat of the manufacture, about seven years ago.
Znoandescent Mantles.— The extreme fragility of the
mantles employed in the new AVelsbach system of incandescent
%hting is generally recognised, as a serious drawback to the use of
the light, to overcome which Mr. E. Clifton has made a suggestion
which, if carried out, would probably allow of the mantles being
handled or moved with no fear of their being injured. This consists
in forming an outer mantle or shell of pipeclay or similar material, in
one side of which is left an aperture sufficiently large for the light to
reach the condenser. A fracture of any portion of the textile mantle
would be of no consequence so long as it was complete at that part
through which the light was emitted to the optical system.
Jmniurj i9. lt»S]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
OXYGEN PRESSLTIE GAUGES.
A pimnULi. of tlM TslnaUa paper od Olryym Prmmir* Owfti, by
Mr. BodenteiK. n«d before the Laatora Society oa Monday ereoin?,
and whieh will be found on another page, will go far in reetoriog the
eonfidenee in iiii— iiii gauge* that Ium not nnnatuimUy been shaken
by recnt explotkna. One ooold not Eaten to the practical lemarka
of thid gentleman, aee the fpedoMM o( the atagas of manufacture,
and note the teata employed, withont experiencing a feeling of aati«-
faction that the day* of exptoaona had paaaed away. We here show
a reduction "f an xnUrirnt drawing of the Hr haeffiii Badenfavrg
gnu(r« which wm *iup«Ti<l>-<i in th>- rnitn. The ehack palaatadby
Mr. Motton Jickaon for pnTeaiing tha aodden rwh of (ra* Into the
gang* la Aowb ia tha tab* anr the boMo* of tha drawii^, and wa
job Mr. nilirtm is asynaiiiv ow boliaf that aUAtf* imwmmt^
tnm ahiiwJMl mfimkm wiB h* Maond by ita |fiiiiei. W« favito
a enrcfol riaijlag of th* paper in qi
"IMPRESSIOXICTIC PHOTOGRAPHY."
PnuAn then waa aerar a giaater ewitfaJklion of tama than that
Maad by tha two worda haadliy tUa artieb, aalaaa it ha " impae
ai photagiaphy," which tha loaaa ia aaaaah hwa abaady aflirtad.
lialaa to tha crowd of lerihMi, whoai Mr. Wkirtlaf ao otlM
tthiak-iafnirfaain"
ao AriatotKthaadk tha
the ichool of PiaMro
To
dal
iaut
dali^taia taatigatiwg.tho iiiMM|iiHit ■iaht thiah
' a aow thnif, aad yot lio ao oU
ao a hhal, nowadaya, to
both aciatiie aspafimaataliala'ialhar than artiata. Bdt
tha bright of ridleala waa naehed when a few dKbttaah* hagaa to talk
«f iatproHMaiMa m fkiUfrmfkg: and it •• riniiaoat that
Ao adroeatoa of taa aeat aachanical of all |tetagnpb«— f «., the
jiilifi thna Aowiaf how the fool ia arar MMOfailag Uaaaif for
IkabMafltoftboa^tade
sion of some painter. Velasouez was an impiessionist, and so ia Mr'
Whistler, but neither labelled bim.self anything but " artist," the as-
sumption of the term " impr-s.^ionist " being left for tboee who prac-
tise the art of the cheap-jack, and are convinced by the doiided
" pinhole " on rough paper. Indeed, oafism could scarce eo further
than in the assertion that impressionism meant the subordinstion of
detail to general sentiment, and so the driveller misto'^k breadth for
impieasionism. Is Velasquei' portrait of PhiHp IV. lika a wretched
piliBole printed on rough arandng paper ?
The f)»X. of the matter is that true impressionism is as old as the
hills, and is merely a name for an indiridual artittk expreuian without
the Mp of mtcAameal aid. The Parthenon was impressionistic archi-
taetara, the builder's villa is not ; the Venus of Milo was impreesionistic
sculpture, the work of the modem Italian is not ; the paintings of
Velasquei are impressionistic for he ignored the lawi of perspective,
as have all good artists ; the work of Mr. Frith is not. An impression-
istic photograph is a mere contradiction of terms ; no tuch thing can
rrfr exitt, for the photograph is a meehanieal drawing of something
Mtctm in nature, no matter how it be focussed, or by what method
taken ; it ia not an " imneasion " at all, it has passed through no mind,
"asthioo^the last afembic," but is an impenoaal, machine-made
drawing. Therefore, to talk of impressionislic photography is to coturt
ridicule and write oneaelf an aak
As I have prerionalr said, those who in photography have dared to
amame this utie are toe most mechanical of all phutograpbera — more
■BBhanical than the "sharpist;" for the " pinheadlst "^focusses by
■aaaaia or not at all, and has no power of seeing bow his focus
oooM, and modifying it by stopa; moreover, the drawing is not
nearly so Eke an ocular impreasinn of object* as is the drawing
obtained by foctissiiw the chief object and throwing tha rest oat M
focus, though all methods give petty and unsatisfactorr results.
That painters long ago felt the artistic pettiness of the ordinary
perapeeltve drawing is well known, and any one with a knowledge of
parapeetive can apply its laws to picture* of the great masters of
paiatiqg, whan they will find those pictureis are mn biult up in
aeeordaaee with the laws of peiapeetiTe at all, hut solely upon
individual impccarioaa. On the other hand, such a study will reveal
to the sladent why all pirtutea prodooed by the help of mechanical
aid* look ao pettv, to wit, Oaaaktto and aome of the Dutchmen,
tboaijb OaaaktUis magnlBcoat eokxir to some extent hides thc^e
diliBla. I haMata Piactaaa haa the credit of being the firxt to publicly
diaowB the aaa of Denmectiva ; bat that matters little, for our eyee teU
a* Othoie discard' ■ •■.■ bi-fore, and.if Forttme made ''uch claim,
the woiae fbr hii" imp* him as rain and dishonest — qualities
mUam foaad apart. Voite reeeotlr a London impresaioniMtic painter
•old aa laHfrlawei that lapi— lionw had nothing to do with (thoto-
giapby. How tha painter must have despistd his pupil when ho
foand it ninamiy to tell him that very obvioaa fact ! It is uadea*
for A'MfONfi to wriggle and call thing* \tj false mune* ; phototrraphy
la not art, aad evae to nse photograpoT aa a bosB for art, t^.* did >ir.
MortinMT M*vp«e, Is bat to got younwlf looked up>n as a charlaUn
■ad iaiyoalui. n<lf also abo the eomspoodaaoe npon .Mr. Ilerkomer's
famoaa /ay/. If any atadont will select a sniuUe landscape, and
watch it nadsr tho ehaagiag ennditiona of atmosphere, light and
shade, for a few moatha— makiag oolaa on every new effect and
taUng photogtaaha of tha dillarait cOiet*— then comparing them
with hie Botai 6a will, at tha end of six months, feel like kicking
hia lyiiW oaaMra to tho arnith, and go stone-breaking as a more
bonoaraUa employ aiaat There are a few photognpber* with artistic
taataa, aad 1st aa adyiaa them to bagia at onoe and learn to draw,
aad take ap eteUng or wateiMwImir painting, and let them tell u*
what they tUnk of « art" (^) : .h for the great
body of amataun, th»y wfMild Ix i playing golf —
both for the m^- <- healtli and manhuud ; for there is some
quality in amat' >phv that seems to eat into tho honour of
many of its pra< ' md (sad them into misrepreaentation and
worse sios. Th^i )« trnmitw — for your amateur photographer
i* the vainsat cn-mure <>n thu globe— the fint row of the ballet
excepted. Already tha velvet coat— that badge of the artistic
is to be saoa in the ban* of f A* ar<. A. R. 8.
looked apoB a* aomathinr mystical by the
faM^aad yat it riafiy aaaaa that a gietaia ia the arfifUaU eiptat-
ART AND GENERAL NOTES.
'* Ftotnro IVajnaa.**— We noderatand that in the Corporation
Art OalWry may now be seen the portrait of the German Emperor
which bis Imperial Majesty presentad to ex-Lord Mayor Savory.
Th*/rtHm it laid to bt tUbvraU. The portrait of Alderman Havory,
in bis Lord Mayor's lobaa, i* also exhibited at the Guildhall Dallery.
No artistie ialaral oui be attached to these pictures, and the same
70
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[January 29, 1892
lemark does not distantly apply to some of the exhibiu of the late
Photographic Exhibition, the frames of which eUcited universal
eondenmatioD.
PhotOKTavupe.— It is allowed that the increaang popularity of
the art of vli.)toj,'ravuro is becoming very marked. Many of Sir
Fredericli Leighton's pictures are reproduced in this manner. VVhat
is for the public good, however, says a contemporary, is sometimes
attended with disadvantages. There can U> littl« doubt that the art
of photography practically destroyed miniature painting, and it would
be something to regret if photogravure was to be the means of
(tamping out mezzotint and line engraving.
Medals in Calcutta.— Tlie Calcutta Art Society has awarded
the Viceroy's gold medal to Mr. W. IT. Jobbins for bis View of
KimMnjunga, whilst the Society's gold medal has gone to Mr. W. II.
Vernon for his painting of A Lonely Mere. Mr. Jobbins is a member
of the Photographic Society of India, and we should be pleased to
know that the picture which gained the Vice- Regal award in question
was a photograph.
Artists and Photography .—Mr. C. P. Sainton is about to
place on exhibition at Messrs. Dowdeswell's galleries a series of
illustrations of London Street Life. We believe that Mr. Sainton is
one of the new school of artists that does not disdain the direct
employment of photography, although the school in question displays
some reluctance in having the fact made kno\vn in art circles. Why
is this ?
GAUGES FOR HIGH-PRESSURE GASES.
[A Conunimicatiou to the Lantern Society.]
Thb frequent recurrence of late of more or less violent explosions con-
nected with the use of pressure gauges on oxygen cylinders appears to
have created much uneasiness, and even alarm, in the minds of all inter-
ested in the application of these cylinders for hmtern work. In conse-
quence, pressure gauges in general have been emphatically condemned ;
and even upon the best authorities, lanternists are strongly advised to
discontinue their use entirely. The great utility of these gauges in
enabling the manipulator to readily ascertain the exact quantity of
gas contained in a cylinder is, however, universally acknowledged ;
and, before urging the discontinuance of their use, careful inquiries
should surely be made to ascertain what has been the precise cause of
these accidents, and whether means cannot be found or devised for
preventing them in the future. In claiming this amount of con-
sideration on behalf of these instruments, I would plead that, so far as
my experience goes, these accidents invariably admit of a simple
explanation, and are the result of either gross carelessness or ignorance
on the part of the maker, or operator.
All tiiat is required is that lanternists should assure themselves that
the gauges they use are properly made and fitted for the particular
purpose upon the principles which are now fortunately well understood;
and, if this were universally done, I have little hesitation in prophesying
that nothing more will be heard of these explosions — at any rate in
connexion with pressure gauges. It is the special object of this paper
to draw your attention to the necessary safeguards ; but, before
entering upon a consideration of these explosions themselves, it will
be necessary to give you a cursory description of the construction and
mode of manufacture of pressure gauges as practised by my firm.
The Pabts of a Gauge.
A pressure gauge as used for this pui'pose consists essentially of a
steel tube of elliptical section bent to the form of a semicircle, one
end being screwed to a boss through which the gas under pressure is
admitted to the tube, whilst the other end is free to move, being
simply closed by means of a brass cap screwed on to the tube.
When pressure is admitted to such a tube, tlie section has a tendency
to change from the elliptical to the circular form, and, in consequence
of this action, the curvature of the tube is reduced. The tube, in
other words, shows a tendency to straighten, causing the free end of
the tube to move away from the boss, and tlie degree of this move-
ment indicates the amount of pressure which has been brought to
bear on the tube. The movement is magnified by the aid of a toothed
quadrant whicli is in gear with a pinion carrying a pointer, and the
latter indicates the pressure on a graduated scale, the whole being
mounted in the manner shown in the illustration. In order to ensure
accuracy of indication, it is of primary importance that all the parts
of a gauge be fitted up in the nicest possible manner, so as to obtain
perfect freedom of movement in the various joints (vnd bearings with-
out the slightest play in the direction of movement. Any such play
or back-lash would be magnified by the multiplying gear, and render
considerable variations on the scale of the dial. A slight hack-lash
between the teeth of the quadrant and pinion is, of course, unavoid-
able, and in all well-made gauges this is taken up by means of a fine
spiral hfur spring.
The most important part of the gauge is the tube, and the reliability
of a gauge depends chiefly upon the choice of the material for the
tulje, and the care bestowed upon its manufacture and testing. For
indicating ordinary boiler pressures of, say, about one hundred pounds
per square inch, tubes made of a copp»'r alloy are ordinarily employed ;
but, for the high pressures which have now become customary in the
storage of these gases, gauges with steel tubes are nearly always used.
Some gauges are fitted with ordinary drawn steel tubes, but these are
vastly inferior to tubes turned out of solid steel which lias been
specially selected and is suitable for this purpose. The tubes in all
gauges manufactured by my firm are bored and turned out of a special!
brand of Sheffield octagonal or pressed steel, the tubes being made in
a very large variety of shapes and strength according to the amount
of pressure they are required to register, and the conditions under whicli
they are intended to be worked.
Testing thr Tubes.
For the particular purpose with which we are now more im-
mediately concerned, tubes are used which will safely stand a pressure
of SCO atmospheres without taking the slightest " set," the diameter
of the tubes before being flattened being about one half of an inch, with
a wall thickness of nearly one-sixteenth of an inch. After the tubes
have been turned, they are polished inside and out, to remove every
trace of tool marks, and they are then microscopically examined by
light reflected from a mirror, any tube showing marks or scratches being
rejected as unfit for use. 'The tubes are then carefully flattened and
bent at a moderate heat, and to perfonii these operations with entire
satisfaction necessitates the gi-eatest experience and skill. Finally,
the tubes are hardened and tempered, and a great deal also depends
upon the manner in which these operations are performed. The
tubes are then again carefully examined, and, if proved satisfactory,
they are subjected to a series of tests. For this purpose each tube is
temporarily attached to a special testing apparatus, the free end being
connected with a mechanism which is identical in all its main features
with the works of the gauge which the tube is intended to fit. The
tube is then submitted to a pressure of .360 atmospheres for one hour,
or longer if possible, and careful note is taken, when the pressure is
released, whether the pointer of the facsimile gauge returns to zero.
If not, the tube is rejected and destroyed, a strict rule being made^
never to temper a tube twice, in case the first attempt should not
have proved a failure. The bursting strength of a tul» successfully
completed in this manner will be between seven and eight tons per
square inch, or exceeding 1000 atmospheres : hut these are by no
means the strongest tubes that can be manufactured, and we have
produced gauges which indicate regularly and successfully pressures
up to thirty tons per square inch, or 4.5(X) atmospheres, being nearly
forty times the highest pressure employed in oxygen cylinders. The
tube is next attached to the carrier boss, and the cap is screwed on to
the free end of the tube, the metallic joint at both ends of the tube
being made by means of a sharp-edge projection, which is turned on
each end of the tube, and beds itself into the material of the boss
and cap. The multiplying mechanism is next fitted up, the several
parts being made beforehand in large quantities and by special
machinery. The gauge is then secured in its case, whereupon it is
again attached to a test pump. The multiplying mechanism is now
adjusted, so as to give the required range of movement to the pointer,
and, the dial having been temporarily inserted, the scale is marked
out point for point by comparison with two lai-ge standard test
gauges, which are periodically tested upon a dead-weight frictionless
testing machine specially constructed for this purpose. Each dial is
written by hand, and is subsequently inserted into its gauge and
secured by means of three screws. The pointer is then fastened to
the pinion spindle, the gauge is completed, and submitted to another
final test upon tlie hydraulic test pump. A gauge made in this
manner .will, if fairly used, permanently indicate on the dial any
pressure with extreme accurac)', and may be kept under constant
pressure without liability to deterioration.
Tests fob Defective Gauges.
There are, however, a large number of gauges in use which do not
comply witli these essential requirements, some specimens placed upon
the market being, indeed, very inferior in construction and workman-
ship; and, as there is little to distinguish these gauges in external
JumuT 30, 1803]
THE BRITISH JOURNAa. OF PHOTOGRAPH V.
eiwrgva lo ine luii preMwre oi iju aimoapnerra. neiore op«
Tklre, lift the pointer orer the mn againit which it leats, wh
ii DO PI aware on the frauge. By meani of • pencil, m&rk i
di*] the exact *pot where the pointer aettlet ; then lift th<
•ppeannM from efficient inatnunents, it may h« naefnl to indicate a
few Manle teats bj which the gioaaeat fault*, at any rate, can be di»-
eomed by any one. For this pnrpoee it is only neceMary to remove
the br*M rim and glw, and to fix the l^oge npoti a f^ cylinder
dtarged to the full preeaure of VM atmoapherra. Before openinf; the
Then there
: upon the
the pointer
back and open the Talre. After fearinf; the iirauge under pressure
for, aay, a quarter of an boor, or, better still, hiilf an hour, cIom the
ralre, 'release the piMSUie, and, after again liftiof; the pointer over
the rMt pin. nb*>rTe whether the pointer eomes back to the exact
position which ir occupied before. If there is a perceptible variation
the tnbe has giren way, and this forma eoMtoaJTe emoioe that the
SMge MBDot be reli«d upon. A more rigoraw last eaaasts in makint;
the Mae experiment under the maximiun piwsure to which the ganve
U marked, lay, to %Vi atraoaphersa, or eren to a prMson exceeding
thi*. and any well-made gauge will easily stand the teat.
The above teats, whidi any lanternist may perform, will suffice to
brim: to Etrht the worst defects. When the pinge is under pmuure
the i> int'-r "h'MiM Iih pentlr moved both wayo. and it should be
ohM-rc"! v<h>-tberit invariably returns to preetwly the same indiea-
ti'n. Anv variatioa woaU be the i«salt of back-lash or sticking, and
point* t ' inferior workmanship.
SoMB Daxoiu.
iof , th«a,bMoate a«|nainlad with tbe eoBstmetioa and working
' gaiiirw, w* will Mxt eoaaidar tha dugam eooaaeted with the
t; of these iaatrnsMBU for high pwuia oxyga and hTdrogen, or
.al-gas cyKadi, and at th« ovtM w mmH distaguiah dearly
bet«»'n explnwnna, which are tha raanlt of banting of tha tabe, and
chemical exptoaiooa, which ai« doe to the firing of inflammabls
Toatler in the tabe or eoaflnioM of the ga«ga. By far tha lanast
uaber of aecidaau which h«v* hitharto oeeorrsd are the rsaoh of
^wwWaetioa; bat some of thaai MMt nndoabtadly ba attributed
- a sia^ bonU^r of tha Uiba^ dM aithar to bad eaaatracti. >n or t<i
da<eet m the ■•tarial of tha tsbsi la aa«w CMaa the tufasa have
-■m toned oat itmd, or hst* hMB <nwiMdirt|y Ihttaiiad. and. in
dar to obtain snfieiaBt sMaitinnw, anlMn hkw tadaead tha
idnrss of tha tabe to soeh aa eztaat, that it has anooer or later
oat from sbaer wsaknsas. la sack iaataaew, tha sadden mah of
is under tha aawuaa faaasuiii iato the ^aiyr body iaatantly pau
i<> eaaa aader a Mawius wUeh it ia not mkTilated to stand, and a
>lent vxploaioa ia tha rasalt, in which tha eaa* is gaoafaUr shattond
hilst theiatariorof thagaagaBMybelaftfairlriataeL Aaaceidant
: this nature is not likaly to oeear with a waU-iBado gaact: but, as
ea the bast tabes may la tha cootM of years dsfalap dtCMts which
ouald by no pomibility hava baaa diaeoiaiad in maaafaetaia, it ia,
navarthelsaa. adTiaabie to pfovida atarr gaaga with a pnXaetioa
againrt aecidaau of this aatafai For this yarpoas the beat safagnan)
eonrisu in ftttiag tha gaaga oaaa with opaaiaga, or athav ftaa rent.
rombiasd witk a Aaak ia tha iaiat to tha gng*. Tha Utter will
event the saddsB adrinina of psiaan to "tha jgai^ia, and anr
>«*ure wfaieh might otherwise slowly acwtmalata m tha ga^^ oaas
V ill be taliiwd bgr the vmu ia the case.
In all gaagM maaafactursd by mr firm during tha last iraar, or
-reaboots. tha tsM has tahaa Um fena of a looaa hiagad baefc or
.lv>, whirh is hsid ebasd by wsaaa of a Bght sprisg. Iferaaavery
«isadiBittadiothaca«. this f alve wifi ba loread opaa.
-«am is thsa instantly lalierad. The aatira iHrisaey of
' ' (^^ been exparimvatallT dawionstfatad ,
•n <^ the •soood and awra important elaas of aeei-
-••-ibtahla to phsmiesl eiploaina ia nnt qoite so
tl eaasaa ara wall oadanload. They are pn>-
' --* or (Mber iaflamawbia awttvr in the laba,
' he ignitioa baiag tha lasah of tha aoddea
>>vr m* in tha CTOga taba aad ooaaexiona.
r charmd to 190 ataoaphnaa ia siid<l«nly
-intents of Um enaaexioaa to the n-''"tn'..r
a«* are instantlr rMtnpivased to the I'JOth part of I)
pirt» nf the i> t>rnal p«-««i.-
■ into the mo*t (|i<r«n'
remeaodof lb<
.- /A the gassa « .
'mMs wrrs C'lmprv**-! I>t a pi*!.»>. in tin* «at.
■•t free to r»i«* th« iem|»r«tors iif lh» compnumJ
'itmt* to a < '''•• degree of iMmiB-rature ;
Ignite anv tminable matter that nay
i|>U evp^rim-^*.
— - • -*■. -■• ■■ - — " ■■.. .1 -•■<)• end of whii-h
«•■*•*•• by invins i>f a cap. iniu whirh a piece of timlrr or other
similarly inflammable matter is secured — is attached to a cylinder
containing air compressed to, say, 120 atmospheres. By suddenly
opening the valve, sufficient heat will be set free to ignite the tinder.
I have even successfully performed this experiment with a tube only
four and a half inches long, and with a pressure of barely eighty
atmospheres. Mr. Whitefield (N'ice-President of the Manchester
Photographic Society) has kindly conducted an experiment for me,
with the object of determining the temperatun> of ignition of the
tinder used in this experiment ; and he finds that this is about 410*
Fahr., which, 1 think, ia about the same as the firing temperature of
an explosive mixture of hydrogen and oxygen. If such ignition can
be produced in the presence of air only, how much more likely may
this not be in an atmosphere of oxygen ! Let us now suppose that
traces of oil have been left in the gauge by the maker, or that oil
which has been used for lubricating the valve of the cylinder, or other
purpose ha* been blown into the gauge tube during an admission of
gas. If such a gauge Ls applied to an oxygen cybnder immediately
after use on a hydrogen cviinJer, and the valve is opened suddenly,
the heat set free will be sufficient to fire the mixture of oxygen and
hydrogen in the end of the tube, and this, in turn, will ignite the oil
in the tul>>, with the result that a violent explosion will occur, owing
to the rapidity and intensity with which the oil is consumed in the
nresenoe of oxygen; but, even without having hydro^'en present, the
neat erolved by a sudden opening of the valve may he sutficient to
ignite directly anv oil that nas gained access to the tube. Possibly
soma of the oil might be carried forward by the in-rushing gas in the
form of spray ; and, in an atmosphere of oxygen, this would probably
ignite at a comparatively low temperature. The temperature of any
oil in the tube may even be materially increased by friction resulting
from the in- rushing gas; or the particles of oil, carried forward with
great vioienea, might heeoow heated by friction against the sides of
tbe tube aad ll^ this aadden impact wit£ the end of the passage ; and
all thasa dtcnmstaneea woald increase the danger of explosion.
Oil xot Ua«D— The " Jacksox " Cbbck.
Since tha danger of tbe presence of oil in these gnuge tubes has
cooM to ha laaliaed, we have discontinued the nractioe of using oil for
dividiag aad taatiag thaae gaogaa, pumps filled with water having
inatead : and tha graateat care is exercised to prevent
any oil from coming into contact «-ith the gauge fittings during manu-
faetare. Snacial water pumps are now set aaide purpoM-ly for this
work, and taa oownatioaa at* ao arranged that it is impossible for any
workman to ioww tha gaagta on to an oil pump without providing
hiawaif with a spadal connexion for this purpose — all chances of a
ndataka^Wair thus overcome. The pumps themselvea are fed from
tlie tow's main, and, after each t<^>t, the contents of the pumps arc dis-
chargnl into a white enam><lU<d tMugh, in which any traces of oil can
easily be detected. SubaMjii- '' - contents of the tube are ex-
tracted by means of a var<. : , and ara^examined for oil.
Finally, tha remnants ara bl...< i>y admitting air pressure to tbe
gauge at 100 or 190 ataoapben^, and suddenly releasing this pressure.
In tliu maaaar, •taiylUua that human foresight can provide is dona
to miniodas tha akaMsa of the taha wwtainiag, whan oompleled, OTan
the ntlifliti-st traaascf oiL Bat.ia apita of every care, the entire abaenea
of r JalaMahls matter cannot be alisotut«ly a«sun>d : and,
evi : ' '>«r* doaa. thar* always remains the danger of oil gaining
aeoass U> tlie tuba aceideBtally when aoauge is in use. Tbt>refore, whilst
eoatimiing to essfdaa every care to weep away all traces of oil, the
nltiawte Mtftgaaid agaiast aoddeots of this description rauat be looked
for in another direction, oamely, by checking the sudden in-nisb of
gas to the gaugr when oaaniqg'tha valve, *o that the pressure in the
gauge risMi grailuslly, aiM tha beat evolved has time to be absorbed
by toa material of the gauge tabe. This may ba accompliahed by
opeaing tha valve very gently ; but, aa this gentlenaaa cannot always
bo ensared, owing to tbe frequent stiffness of the valves, carelessneas,
and want uf skill, it i< indispensable, in order to secure perfect safety,
to fit each gauge with some means for automatically checking the
•dmissino ; ud, whatever check is employed for tbi< purpose, it moat
not require any particular attention or manipulation. Various devices
hai » hasl^ muicht out for this purpose ; but, of all that hsve come
within the limit of my experience, tne check |alenled by Mr. W. M.
Jackson, of tbe Manchester Oxyg-n Company, is by far the simplest
and best. This connists in screwing a plug.'through the centre of
which a fine bole has been drilled, into tbe foot of the connecting
•bank of the gauge. Upon this plug an placed a number of alternate
U^ ' ' )|>er wire gauxe and felt cloth, in the manner shown in
111. n. .\no'h»r •rr'wed ping, aimiUilv 'Irill.-tl wiiji a M»
b'>i*', i< tn. II siMihI, snd the sIi>T"h|m lny>T« of pnuze and felt arn
comprnw-tl U-iwren the |iiiii;ii. Thii parking retards the pres ure of
the ga<, vTen wlieo siiddeftly turned on ; but it does not prevent tha
uliiraste adinis-ion of full pre-siire to the gauge.
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRArHY.
[January 29, 1802
GoNDinoNs OF Absolute Safety.
I *m of opinion that absolute imttianitv from danger of chemical
Mpl.>«ion8 in nagm can be ensured bv the proper use of thia check,
and it is not too much to say that no gauge used for this purpose
•hould be without it or aome equivalent device which has proved
•atiffactorv. If a pr«»ure gauge is of sound construction and well
made, and" fitted with the adjuncts which I have descnbed, "M tn^^e
are kept in proper working order, it may, 1 think, be accepted that
»uch an instrument is absolutely safe, and there need be no fear of
any aoddent from known causes. The experiment which I have per-
formed before you suggests, however, that even without the use of a
pnware gauge an explosion in the wmnexions 'u possiblo, provided
the end of the passages in the connexion is sealed and the pressure
•uddenly admitted. Generallv speaking, the regulator valve is full
open when the cyUnder valve is being opened, and there is, then, little
danger of heating in the regulator connexion; but circumstances
might arise in which pressure is suddenly admitted with the regulator
valve closed, and here the conditions are precisely similar to those
which exist in the cases of gauge chemical explosions. Tins might,
for instance, occur if the valve is opened twice in succession, the first
opening having been sufficient to set the regulator to work. _
If the pressure is then released and readmitted suddenly, an ignition
might occur in the regulator connexion. It appears to me that the
same thing might happen in uang a cylinder valve which is not quite
true, and which is worn to an oval shape in the seating. If such a
valve is opened, a puff of oxygen sufficient to fill the regulator might
be passed, followed by a temporary closing, whereupon a sudden
opening might produce in the regulator connexion the precise conditions
for an explosion. These considerations suggest the theory that some
of the explosions which have been attributed to pressure gauges have
probably' originated in the connexion of the regulator itself. The
aaiDger under consideration can be minimised by making the connexion
toSie regulator a« short as possible ; and, generally speaking, long
pawages of any kind between the cylinder valve and the regulator or
gauffe should 6e rigorously avoided, as constituting a decided source
of danger ; and, wherever it is necessary to have a long passage, the
end of which is or may become sealed, a check should be provided.
If lanternists would only devote their attention to these points, and
assure themselves that the principles here laid down are carefully
carried out, we shall have no more explosions ; and my labour in pre-
paring this paper will have been amply awarded if it should have the
effect of arousing the members of this Society, and through their
medium other lantemists to the importance, of carefully studying this
subject. C. F. BUDBNBERO.
ON THINGS IN GENERAL.
If the editor does not think it will be reopening the closed discussion
on Perspective, I should like to say that I, too, passed the South Ken-
sington examination in Linear Perspective (among others) a score of
years ago, and that I then obtained a certificate qualifying me to teach
that and other subjects.
Those who were not at the meeting of the London and Provincial
Photographic Association on the last day of the old year should read
the published account of it. There will be found a real kernel of
valuable information upon matters connected with the fading of pho-
tographs— information which is not all available in'such a concise form
in any work hitherto published. Something was said about the fading
of bromide prints. I confess to being no lover of such prints, but I
would have fair play dealt out. Now we all know " one swallow does
not make a summer," neither does one faded print damn a process.
As good a story as can possibly be told about this question is rapidly
being put together. Whether out of his supreme wisdom with such
an object in view, or by a matter of chance, it will be observed that
Mr. Traill Taylor, in his editorial capacity, has for some years past
chosen the bromide process as the medium for producing the illus-
trations to The KitiTiSH Jocknau Photoobaphic Almanac.
Before many years are over there will be hundreds of thousands of
witnesses as to the possibililies of bromides in the direction of fading
or non-fading. Let every one carefully preserve his Almanacs for
this purpo-e iilone is the advice of Fbbe Lance.
THE PIUCE OF SILVER.
Os Wedr.! c !iy In t bar silver declined to 41}(f. per ounce, the lowest
price touched siiico i.i y 'ar IJ'HS.
PRESSURE GAUGES.*
A WOKD upon the oil question and testing. In the process of
making steel tubes, when duly shaped they are heated and carefully
tempered in oQ, after the fashion of tempering the famous old Toledo
sword blades, which were not perfect unless they became straight
after the point had touched the hilt. The oil is burnt off m the
process. After that, when the time for testing arrives, the tube is
attached to a dial plate and filled with water, every dial plate being
graduated for its own tube under actual known pressure ; but neither
water nor oil should be allowed to remain in a tube, and the method of
clearing I saw was to fill the tube before inserting the safety check
with hlch-pressure gas. This was allowed to escape suddenly, when
it carried out most unmistakably whatever traces of moisture there
were in it. This was repeated to ensure perfect dryness. No oil is
used in testing, but water only, which is fed into the pump in
Messrs. Schaeffer & Budenberg's testing room from a vertical glass
receiver placed in a good light on a level with the eyes of the
workman, so that any impurity can he seen at once before passing
into the pump, aud when I chanced to call the water was clear and
bright.
I was informed that at their factory in Germany, where the steel
tubes are made, the water used is taken direct from the town supply,
and, after passing out of the steel tube, is ejected into a white
enamelled receiver for careful examination to discover the slightest
trace of oily matter. This indicates the scrupulous care taken in
this detail of manufacture. But
" The best laid schemes of mice and men
Gang aft a-gley."
And suppose that notwithstanding check valve and care of all kinds,
a flaw develops in the steel, finest of its kind though it be, and the
tube does burst — what then P
If a tube should so burst, the surrounding case is strong enough to
prevent it flying out, the case itself only bursts when filled with the
high-pressure gas; to anticipate and prevent any such evil, which,
by the way, has not yet occurred with a turned steel tube and check
valve, a shutter has been placed at the back of the gauge, closed by a
light spring, but which opens readily with a little internal pressure,
and thereby would allow any gas to escape harmlessly and prevent its
breaking the glass.
In such a gauge all evil seems to be completely forestalled and
guarded against, but doubtless, if any one will suggest any other source
of inconvenience, I need not say danger, some remedy or safeguard
can be provided.
I should like now to give you a hint as to testing your own gauges
for efticiency. The entire principle of gauges of this type depends on
the elasticity of the metal employed in the tube ; if too soft or badly
tempered, or of unsuitable quality, it will become set and not return
to its original shape after being subjected to a high pressure, and
frequent repeated strain will increase the discrepancy sl-.own on the
dial; therefore the needle should always return to zero promptly when
the gauge is emptied, and when it is repeatedly applied to a full
bottle at the same pressure, at each trial it should register exactly
the same. Well, all gauges ought to do that, but unfortunately they
do not ; therefore look to it as an indication of a fault somewhere.
The needle should be lifted over the zero pin and a mark made on the
dial at the point where it rests stationary, then put it back over the
pin and apply your pressure test ; don't be in a hurry with the test,
let the tube remain fitted at the highest pressure for, say, a quarter of
an hour, then take off the pressure, gently lift the needle once more
over the zero pin, and observe if it returns to the mark ; if not, there
is a "set" in the tube. If you are a malicious person — I am not
looking at any one — no doubt you will sell that gauge to your enemy.
There is another fault met with in a gauge made by a bad work-
man, or in one of the " too-cheap " sort, that is the back lash caused
by loose-fitting pivots and bad rackwork. I had a gauge in my hand
a little while ago in which the pitch of the rack and of the pinion
were different, yet the exterior of the gauge would not be objected to
by most purchasers. A moderate amount of back lash allows of an
error on the dial of five to ten atmospheres, important to those who
are using up all the contents of a cylinder and want to know how
long it will last. To check this fault, pull the needle over first on
one side a little and then to the other side a little, and see if in both
instances it returns exactly to the starting point ; if not, it is faulty
in action, and also indicates low-class workmanship.
A lanternist is much better without a gauge than with one that
does not register correctly, or is made of bad material or with bad
workmanship.
There are other forms of gauges made or in u.se ; one that depends
on the direct action of an issuing current of gas on a spiral spring
• Concluded from page 58.
Jmoatj 29, 1892]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
73
amnged loiiMtliing like • eommon •prinp letter-balance. Another
■eta oD a pUtoo in a tube, the pi«ton being forced back afrainat a
•pring with an index a^tadied to it. Tbeee aeem to me to be liable
to iriegularitj in actton, and, from their diminutive sixe, not capable
«f teaannable oorreetaMa.
I afaould not Kkn to ataad before one in nw, lect a shot from the
piatoo raminded ne of tb« traditiooal rifle Totunteer who went home
wilfaoat hie ramrod after an ereninif's practice at the butt«. The
thinff naT he all ris^ht and atroi^, but to me it looka rather fragile.
ILn-"; !;. < pfrivnoe with it.
I.I .: '.tie* aaid to contain the same quantitiea; the flange
■howi^l tb«^ cnatsined tha aame nomher of atmoapherea. but their ex-
tenaldiseiMioiiawMeTeTj different. How cmi tae riglit quantity be
ttstrfiiiaedf If Tou have hired • bottle, too can only rely on the
mak-'s good failh until you hare empliea it; it is then a cate of
** locking the gtabln door after the horae i« atolea." But you may
re ymr cane, and for anr cylindar yxm pnrehaae yon ahould do ao,
weiirbiog it when fnfl nt 130 ataaoa. (or any other known
prFis'iir.- . .iiiii again «' v. In the caae of otygaa, the net
weiifh'. » ill (bow th<- - - tbic feet, if the ooncaa are divided
by l'4.i, aa one cu' "igiu 1*43 ounce. Coal gas is
much lighter— ea;. ;.jot — and need* mote careful
wewbing : bat, as it i> oaly on special Ofleaaiooa, for proof porporw,
tocB troable wooU be tsiken to wwigh aeenrately, and few persona
hare acceaa io aealea that will bduo* twenty or thirty pounds
aeenrately, a gaoga ia practically a aaMMity for a katenust, what-
ever may b* taad by aoate people wlMia aarvaoHiaas haa ovar-balanoed
their romaoa laBae for a tiaa.
\V iiTi yoor cylinder* and ^oset ara dieeked, and proved to be of
n'l, higb-daia w<>rkmansliip,tney may be relied apou without fear
gijijtl servants; bat oil and caialtMBaM ahoold be avoided in their
4«, last they bitOMi bad laaatsaa. H. M. \\nnuri*tA>.
ar.
ti.
Dl '
tl.
ll
t.
I
1,
iK
ISOCBBOMATIC PnOTOGRAPRT.
[ A hfav mat Msniht ■•»•» OHMra Oab. :
'>n*rativ« msrila of lilwtflgiaphj aad drawiaf aa
. onthinking mfaM w9Ud deabtlsas award iha
' ;T«pby. Tnose who know meat of pbotognipfay
-aady to asiinowladge the oalrath of saeb
r mpacity to aa astraotdiaarr degree, aad
raphy lo^ladbaawwiMnfa Ha ila
niihtal l«na. wbiM ptataa tnariala
"-thlaci sniai Is^iai «t tanmtHom,
-tftaa of eoioor «
day that it ks aol ooa of
V baa mala laasathr. II
re not as yal laaciiaa any-
"" right diiaetiaa. aad.
.utadflO.
xaUX oa
kmn at tbsae eoloarad papsas saas, apart (ram the eoloor
•"iliM «f light rsflaeNoM, aad Jodfai that iha blaa ia
law the Hghlsat ; fhatapapb lb«e with aa otdlaary
--■ laliH*lii laiMwd. The siaiitlva Urn ia man
>.jt aad iMi by Ika yaOow. aad a priat
rtxsaa givas ydlow as
naol dUhMaaa la Um iai
aisrahaaeiuaslsnesdthaahaaatiaevHable
■:h luaiU bia asrtiast afloita in landacaaa work. H«
.-laai a seaaa faD ol all that iross to aaka a pistnrs,
' 4 loo ollaa ail dwaa faaliliea It is not that iha
ilMtbaaaaMaapaatKbattt ia Iha (act that it
.^,^r iaia aiiiiiiihiiaii. that loha Iha view tl
. :J«, A I'h/Hograpn ■■
uibe; allUMlhfaediT
M«fty so. and aay dtfT-
willbsafaleliefwhita,'.
tiom Um aesM to ito '
hot this is ealy half the trath, aad wa hi^
'■ plailsa. Take a vary coaanMB
■>!• aaaaide— sea. sky, aad yallow
laQy aa flat atsd aaiaal a*
• lanilwail aa if all asie or
• ■■■ tkt wroag plans, sky
laUesinity. liookii^
•tour vafasa saasUj
are •• -jdi"
uthtna vaves. or
' aalils Um laaUty.
Oaaeaair, Yaaaa'a. laa Tui^raa* Weas.
Prut— rii daokaa aaay leag fmn ago ioond ihia ahatogiaaliie dis-
Mtf, aad took Iha flart slap to laawra it, hy sanM«ig Iha aas o( a
rsan «( ligh* yaUa* ^mb, wWsb dspiasasd the Maa raya aad altowMl
• yaOaw lo have giaalar sCsal «■ Um plala. TbM waa Iha flrsi ssrp
towards what ia now known as isoehromatic pliotography. Many an old
photographer haa been an unconscious supporter of this principle when
be has expressed his affection for an old lens which be has had in use
for many years, the truth of the matter being that either the glass on
the halnun. with which the combinations were cemented, or both, had
become slightly yellowed by age, and gave him an improved rendering of
his subject ; but this waa only less than half the battle, and, until plates
were more sensitive to the rays at the other end of the spectmm. it was
impossible to say that any approach to perfect colour-correct translation
was obtained. Dr. Vogel is nndoobtedly entitled to the credit of making
the first sag^estiana and experiments with what may best be termed
seleetive aaasitisers ; and, although his experiments were founded on wixmg
hypotheasa, his methods were right. He was under the impression that
dyeing the film was the only requisite ; but it is manifest, in the light of
oar present knowledge, that this was only another method of using a
yellow soeen. The dye waa more tlian that, and in fact altered, the colotir
sensitiveneos of the silver salt. Dr. Vogel's experiments were made with
ooUodion, and whatever waa done in the same direction, if anything at all
was attempted, with gdatine plates, was found absolutely ineffective until
TaiUer to(A the matter in hand, and after years of elaborate experiments
brooght oat his proeeaa, which forms tbo essence of the present-day
system of isoehromatic photography, as reoogniaed now throughout the
whole world.
Every attempt that ingenuity and money coaki sngsest haa been mads
to gal bsbiod his patent, but without avail. England, France. Germany,
and America have all purchased his rights, and the only isoehromatic
plalaa that are made in the world to any practical extent are made under
tioenee from him. Although, (or over eight years now, the world of
aaperiaentalista have been at work trying all the dyes that recent
reaaawbaa hava nadered available, every one has been forced to admit
that Iha aoaina ^onp ia not only the bert, bat the only one that will give
pneUeal aad eonuaanial raanlu ; and, further, that without the aid of
aanaoaia even those aoaina dy*s are useless for practical work. Mo
bettsrptoof of ttw stability of Tailfer's claims to priority and perf action
eoald bs given than this eight yesirs ot constant but unavailing endeavours
on tha part of scientific aad practical men to upset his claims.
PsAcncxi. TiHrs.
I may say that, ia common with many others, I had a certain
aoaptieiam of the advanlagee of isoehromatic methods until about a
year ago, when, ia an idle momaat. I nndertook to test the thing (or
mywif . My flnt ttpthmaat eoavlaieed me ol my error, and I propose
lo lapsat iMt eapsrimawt to-aight, as it sssms to me the most conclusive
argamant that eoold be oasd ia support of ibe advantages obtained by
the ase of " oolonr-oonael " platsa. This crucial experiment may be
InallutJllvaly aitaaded, aad in no direction more advantageously than in
Iba eemMaalioa of iaoehrooiatio plates with thcnse of yellow screens.
aa the issieape I hava imagined, landscapes, with
_ Hght, wbara yellow tint preraila, views with hagy
aad etbar'sfaailar conditions, reader sanaaa entirely nnneoes-
OMT; bat whan we have aidhiary landseapea, praetioally bathed in
Bodiiag bat whiia light, tbaa a Ught aad eoneet nr«an is necessaiy.
Bvea U Ibara is a good deal of yellow or green in tha subject, it will be
so sabdaad by the flood of white light reflected from tlM soriaoe of the
variooa uljw>i.lhat thsir iotrinaia ooioora will hava but Uttle value to
aSeet iba plata. HeweiWL thaa, have their lagiUmate, and, we may even
say nmmmij, aaa, lor liMy serve to isprsss tha bloe rays wiihont
off anting Iha ^mo» aad yellowa. In the experiment just carried out, it
will hava baaa aaaa that aa iaoehromaUe pWie is mors (ally sensitive to
the green and y^low rays, and teaa so to tlw blue, than the ordinary
plats, wliiUt even in the red there is a slight advantage, for we ree the
ueahrofnatic plate baa a UtUe detail wliers axpoeol undiar the raby glaaa.
We ■aafly see dom this bow nsaassary it is (or a proper aad sa(e light to
be asad loa oar dark-roao illaminaiion. Yellow light is clearly qaite
■aaaMAIa, aad, ovaa when «a ooom to rubr, we must bs aare(al to have
a good tubj, aad not loo moah light behind it.
Aoothar example ol tha dUhisuas belwean ordinary and iKoclu-omatic
pUies may be (artbar eridsnos el the advantages o( the latter. Taking
some slips of eotoored papar acraogod tfaoa— oraaga, light yellow, dark
yellow, light blaa. dark hiae— wa fiad with aa ordinary plale that the dark
yellow and dark blaa ata laadrrsd equally intaose; the light blue is
pfaelieaUy while, whilst the orange is mads to appear lighter than the
yoUow. A print whisb I show will exhibit the (alaily clearly.
^, Taa YsLbow Scaaaa.
^BWjIWU tha same labjeel on an isoehromatie plate, ws hava a much-
improvrd rssalt, the variooa iaieoaitiea are mora tnuy tendered, and when
we examine the saaM aabjeet. taken wiUi a light yellow screen, we get
abwiate Irnth. It is apparoat that we can go on meisaaing the depth of
Iha sereao. and get ovar oorrselioa, nntii the blues become too dark and
the yvllow qnits wbiu. It is of tha almost importaooe, therelore, to
be snrs that a screen ol proper tint is used, where we do nse one at all,
and I may say that we shall take all responsibility off yoar ahoaldera
i , this matter, and aopfJy such acreeos as will be iost correct for the
purp -M. and no mote. They will be o( two sliadss ; {he lighter will need
the expusurs prolonged for two aud a half times, the darker (or five or
•>x Umea. In order to avo^ the u<«essity and expense ot having a
aa|iarate sersea (er each leas, they will be of soch form that they can be
1HR BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[January 29, 1892
Dsed for any len«. This is effected by using them in a specially designed
simple frame behind the lens, so that the screen can be slipped in readily,
and eiposares made withoat trouble. This simpHHcation will do away
with one of the troubles attending the use of screens, and it will be as
easy to take pictures with as without them. Of course, an extension of
the time of exposure will be necessary, but, when we count our usual ex-
posures by fractions of a second, twice or three times that will not be
appreciably felt.
Another point abont screens is this, they must bo optically worked and
free from flaws, otherwise we shall hare distortion. It is quite plain, if
tiie glass is wedge-shaped, that the rays will be interfered with ; and, if
the glass is eitlier concave or convex, it will form a lens and interfere with
the focns. It is wonderful how small a defect of this sort will throw the
focns ont to the extent of a quarter of an inch. If the screen has sides
that are absolutely parallel, then we need not fear any dangei;. Kven if
the glass is not exactly parallel to the lens, no harm will be done beyond
shifting more or less of the image (Jut of the field, according to the angle
at which the screen is inclined.
It will be seen, then, that the advantages of isochromatio plates under
almost all circumstances are considerable, and, in many cases, they are
incalculable. In dull weather, as in autumn or winter, the sensitiveness
of isochromatic plates to yellow, greens, and orange gives them very con-
siderable advantage over ordinary plates, both for outdoor and studio work,
and enables shorter exposures to be given with improved truth of result.
In photo- micrography, in copying, in taking snow scenes, and in other
special work, no other plates are permissible ; and there is one other
branch of photography that has made immense strides owing to these
plates — I mean the photography of cloudland. The inherent difficulty
of truthfully rendering the blues and whites has been a bar to progress,
hut with isochromatic plates all this is altered, and clouds are as easy to
portray as any other subject. Still another point of advantage, found
with isochromatic plates, is the greater freedom from halation.
Enough has been said to prove that " colour conectness " in plates is
both a decided step forward in the art-science of photography, and a
matter that is well within our reach without trouble or difficulty.
Joux Howsos.
®ur IBlrttertal Catle.
Thb " Photographic Review of Rkvikws." — No. 1.
Iliffe 4 Son, St. Brido Street, K.C.
Thb new venture of Mr. Walter D. Welford reflects credit upon him
for its neat ensemble. Its style might almost be deduced from its
title. He selects the chief topics of the month from the various
journals, and adds a few comments of his own, writin;? throuffhout in
the first person singular. In a personal note Mr. VVelford explains
that he throws overboard the editorial "we," in order that tlie respon-
sibility for the assertions made and opinions expressed may rest on
himself or the writer. We learn that his connexion with journalism
dates back to 1878. The " Review " contains several illustrations of
hand-camera work, and other subjects.
StTTBE's Catalogue of the Carl Zeiss Patent Photographic
Objectives.
From Mr. J. R. Gotz, 19, Buckingham-street, Strand, we have
received Ilerr Suter's new catalogue, and have also been privileged to
examine several of the lenses catalogued. They cannot fail in
proving useful, on account of their good definition and covering power,
even with a large diaphragm.
RECENT PATENTS.
APPLICATIONS ■FOR PATENTS,
No. 52.';.—" A Machine for Pasting, Mounting, and Perfonning the Various
Processes in Finishing Photographs." J. VliLKTsm^.— Dated Januaryll, 1892.
No. 628.— " Improvements in or Relating to Koll-holilers for Photographic
Filmsj" Communicated by F. A. BrownelT. A. J. Bovui.— Dated January
No. 667.— "An Improved Method of Preparing Photo-mechanical Printing
and other Surfaces." J. Vory.K.~Daled January 13, 1892.
No. 716 —" Improvements in Photographic Cameras." J. T. Vkidy..— Dated
January 13, 1892.
No. 851. — " Improvements in Instantaneous Shutters for Photoiiraphic
Cameras." E. hKCt.— Dated January 15, 1892.
No. 865^—" Improvements in Clamps or Clips for Use in Photographic
Copying Processes.' Communicated by A. Delug. W. P. Tmanov.— Dated
January 15, 1892.
No. 903.— "Improved Photographic Apparatus." Complete specification.
F. Sajtoeman.- ZJoied January 16, 1892.
No. 917.- "Improvements in Photographic Cameras." A, D. Sackktt —
Dated January 16, 1892.
PATENTS COMPLETED.
ISIPBOVE-MENTS IN PHOTOGRAPHIC DeVEUJI'INO TeNTS AND CHANGING BaQS.
No. 20,864. William Uitchib Baker, 9, Belraont-villas,
Wallington, HaTrey.— December 5, 1891.
My invention consists of a shallow box of any convenient size, which is lined
with waterproof material and fitted for use as a sink, water supply and drain
pipes being attached if required. This is also provided witli a stage or table
of vulcanite of about the width of the sink, and of sufficient breadth at the
top to prevent any liquid spilt upon it dripping into a fixing or other bath kept
beneath.
The sides of the box are rather thick, so that a groove of about a quarter of
inch wide by a half an inch deep can bo sunk in their substance, which will
contain a square of .stout wire. The liil i.s formed of two doors, which open on
either aide, and have the outer ends supported by short legs, which let down
when required. Two other squares of wire are made, but smaller than the
first mentioned, so tliat they will lie in the tray wlien tlie apparatus is packed
up. They are provided with feet, so that they can be fi.xed in an upright
position at each end of the open doors.
A cover is now made of suitable non-actinic material, which will be fastened
to, and kept extended by, these frames, and form a kind of waggon-head
shaped enclosure, which will fold up and go into the box when not in use.
The middle parts of the long sides are fixed to two of the sides of tlie iron
frame in the groove, ,and to the other sides of this, pieces of material are
fastened, which extend to the bottom of the frames at the ends of the doors.
Wliite light is thus excluded, but the sink in the centre can lie freely used.
At the bottom of one side the material of the bottom and sides is not joined,
but is continued for about half a yard, so as to form a kind of .sleeve, by
metms of which articles can be passed into or from the tent, without admitting
light, if one end is closed before the other is opened.
In order to see within I make an opeuing just large enough to admit the
eyes, and over this I attach a band with a corresponding opening, that fits
closely to the face and fastens behind the head. Suitable sleeves are made for
tlie hands, and covers are provided both for them and the eye-opening, so that
the tent can be left and returned to without letting in the light.
When the sides are formed of more than one thickness of material, the
inner ones can be arranged as curtains, so that the light may be regulated.
A head rest may also be provided if found necessary.
I do not confine myself to the materials or shapes mentioned in the above
description, but would adopt any that would be most suitable for the puqiose,
and to secure greater portability when only a tent to change plates, and not
to develop in, was required, would do away with the sink and box altogether.
Improvkments in Photographic Printing Frames.
No. 2934. — Charles Cloaklt, 13, Northumberland-place, Bath,
Somersetshire. — December 12, 1891.
An improvement in the construction of printing frames used by photographers,
consisting in the use of metal jiins or wooden dowels, witli or without metal
plates, the object in usins the saiil metal jnus, plates, or dowels being to pre-
vent tlie shifting of the photograi)liic print during examination.-
I also claim for the blackboards used to the said frames to be of two or more
thicknesses of wood, the said wood to be glued or cemented crossways to pre-
vent warping.
Claims : — 1. The use of wood dowels or metal pins fitting into corresponding
holes, with or without metal jjlates, the oliject being to prevent the photo-
graphic print from shifting during examination, as substantially before
described. 2. The blackboards to be of two or more thicknesses, glued or
cemented together, the object being to prevent warping, as substantially before
described.
I.MPROVEMENTS IN PHOTOGRAPHIC "ShEATHS" OK "CARRIERS."
No. 20,299. Arthur Samfel New.man, 71, Farringdon-road, London,
Middlesex, and Authur Lewis Adams, 81, Aldersgate-street, City of
liondon.—Decemlier 12, 1891.
This invention relates to the carriers or sheaths used for holding and pro-
tecting the plates, films, or other surfaces for photographic purposes, both
before, during, and after exposure, and my present improvements will be found
especially advi-intageous for use with "automatic" cameras, and with changing
boxes of all kinds.
For this purpose we arrange and construct a photographic "sheath" or
"carrier" as follows : —
The top and bottom edges are turned over so as to embrace and hold the top
and bottom of the plate, &c., and ,at each end neither edge thereof is turned
up, but has a " set-back," or swelling on its back, formed thereon or therein
in such a manner that it projects beyond the jilaue of the back of the sheath,
and therefore the next plate, &c., behind same is thereby prevented from else-
where coming in contact with such sheath, except at the extreme edge of each
end.
If desu-ed, the " set-back " may be formed in or on the top and bottom, and
the two sides have their edges turned over, thus arranging the sheath vice
versd.
The sheath or can-ier may be made of very thin sheet metal, or of auv other
suitable material or substance, and in jdace of the aforesaid "set-back " being
formed out of the body of the sheath, it may be loniied by attacliiiig a separate
piece— the same effect being obtained, and having tlie great advantage of having
each side (or top and bottom, as the case may be) opeu, and thus allowing easy
withdrawal or insertion of the plate, &c. ; and also our present invention has
this further advantage, tliat it can thus be made very light in weight, while
at the same time having great strength, by reason of the two edges turned over
in front, and the "set-back," or swelling on the back.
We further wish to remark that in some cases tlie "set-back" or swellings
may also be formed on the back of the sheath, along the same edges as the
turued-over edges, and the "set-back" or .swellings on the two open sidos
dispensed with, or such " set-back " or swelliiii's ni.iy oe usc.l uii all lour L■dge^ if
Uesireil.
Jaauar; .;•, i^.'-J
THE BRITISH JOUBNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
iMnoviD MCAM o« ArrABATca no* Pmoocdhj Avnvicua. Liobt vor
PwRoourBic Airo oran PPBroaai.
(Ooaaaakatod Vy Pul K*d<r, 51, Rm d'Ai^jaa, Paris, Fnnc«.)
'. X 3IM2. Jamb T«n JoHsios, 47. Uocola'* Ina PmUh, U iddlcwx.—
Dfttmher If, IWl.
;iiVFDtlni nhti le tk* {vodoetiaa of an intraa* whiu light raltabU for
.T >chk 1*1 odMT pwjxwa te which • i»««M U^t i« nqolrod, u
uTScT dnoibad.
<.• «t «f photocnpbr woolii ha eankla of graatlr ealargiii(tb« qUMre of
.ptmOoB a* far •• tha [>n»lBctioa of BapUfw br the iaataaUaaoM pwwaa
acafiNd, aad voold ba enahiad t» wiW lonl axl impottaat acnleaa if
1* vaN LfBrWai fcr naaOy nMifalM. a • ci*<n "X""*"^ > li^t aoA-
Ir I ■ami aad iatanae le Matia R to ha anplojad in plaea of tha
.nd MMfUla Ughl of tha wm.
•jt hara barn mada t» aaptof ma^mttm for tha pnrpoaa of prodoc-
' -':it dcac>it>«iaa, hot tha aiv***"* ha'**'''"* *«>^T*1 *>''> thia
'1 to gl«a MtMhetaryiMdhk Lwapain which aeoil of mas-
rltiboa li kd fgrMni hf doehwortt or bjr hand are aDecrtam
to tha Bfactieal brnfuMBBHf at aeenntaly ngabttac
'With tha rata ofaaaAwliMaf tha winoriihbaa, aad
,.,. . '••-> which btm aa ohatieia t» thair neeaaafkl aa|loj-
xrrantaa anaafad awwHh^ to thii tavaatiM,
M eb«l««l, aad ^ aaatag
tatai^
.,, lur, • TCfjtataBW ar powarM light ia »-
wfet~-h iMy ba w tha lonB of • laah or ha lalntahwd far aax raqnirad
■I.
.L
im eantad iaio tka
r ia Btodwi4h7aa|MtliM,6r«
riplond. aad tha taeaptada far tha
-^^ to ihow tha laral «f tha
'•^s&g;-
•ftbOBM-
iawhkhlSa
a VvMr wfth a tahdar wkk
. whkh aar ha prorUad with a
ti plaoad Ufoa a tacaptacU or
la tha hottoaa of Ok ehaaibar,
nil iiwufinhi-m in* .
hr a nMv paar tHIk aa dMik
ibr tar lafalaiiBg <ha iiiaaaaia. or aaf olhar aoamw of aaapnaaod air.
«dMai* ahova thft aaaia ti a ikart ««tlcai talw,
TtaaHlahi utmjtat lato tha «Mlnl taho of tl
uladwMk aaatt* Aart i<|1iMi ar JMI— tahi
:aba la Aa akatrAv «r m liwli ftr tha aaMM
:aba la Aa
aaMoa, lad tha Jat af air
« is a iiaaatitT af tha fwdar thiaa^ tha laaalar onatat taraad h*'
- itiniaiiadthaastTCaaltyaflhalaaNvadhHtaMatiiKaadcaiTtaaM
<. dJtehanJH tt at tha ayp* Mllfltr fa tha «aatfa of tha tarn* of
Tha hMt of Ihta iHM ftateMfha aoaihwtioa of tha paitidaa
Bia«iiiiathaalr,aadal»flMirtMihtliohtalaad. A troagh
bphnd at tha bottaa af thaoMlnl wfek taha (which
-'^-n dMBhar) lor tha laaifMaa «*! aaHaaitaa of aar Van
iiB|>.
ajrharalaK
thii Uba aad tha caatnil
tha Uba to ha ciaarad if
r«w piat ar lalaa ti tha tmilf, ar by vaty-
Whn Ihi* a»wtaia la rakifadtha aparoa
paftha
I tf tha Iwaw part to vlaUt air to tha'tMaa^ aad anaapd to
Mhi •^ff irr-hawTiTiilalilai llii ■a|Biilf Thaair
iwtlhMllaUa
. ■ -y ^f-
- aaj faa |«oJa<ad hjr tha whaatlaa af «kl lor
*r boraar, or a fiag of baiaart, ar a Hil« of jata, la
«r taltaa tar dhaUlag of or nga-
ad I
-hlhaatiaaai of air
10 tha tpMt laapb A
tha top af d
tahana£lata
■ar ha Mflojad to Iprito
rraaanaaato aiay aTU«0* ha aaqdafld touwdaaa ••CaAltaMl^'
I / tha - r "•"" <• W iWwwa lale tho BaMw lab— ittaalhr ar
^^teu^r, aad May ba uaablaad wtth amj aailalda artiiniiaiat af !••
^^nrnit to aMria a thortar aad aaio roaaaatiatad lUaa, I ptaftr to
•tfwt tha aaaaMtaB wiU a hood «r ihlraaii. earriad hy a tarttadljr
t«hU hack wtmt, <aaa*/4«i to a harlagMa) plate or iahla. tofwiiac
lU taM af tha aaparatw. A ncvplarl* tar afaiU ta aMaakad to tha baek
•hta, a»l ahafa thi* raeaptacb U a wtxal fktm, fiiiaaMy of itaaL hariaf
iha aptMT part haat farwaKU. m> «• la tana a «arv«d ar horiaoalal flaaaa.
araodh Iha aplrtt taai*! la a «al>r troatk to atch tha warfcit, aad halaar
•tch thajaariE^ i
wo€ pvlfariMd m
troagh
aat ta traal al tho aaU aoMri U a i*eap«ada
■a 1 1 111 wild a«T-W( amagaaaata fcr MtMl ^
af Air Uaa with uarttabo af M^aadaa bSa tha tmm «t tha apirit kuan.
nb> huB* H Mow* lack by tho famal of air aad coataatralad a<aiaat Iha
llMa at Iha lack, batag paavaatad turn iptaailmg tarttariljr by tha «i
af tha
.aarolhav aatarial aapahla af avadaeiag tho
. daSrIbal aa^ba autoywd, aad aaTaaitofila|aior flaid
■ay Vwpl-r«)laplaoaaflka8ir fcr aiwytag thaiaid amiwIaMorotkar
■aur-.t i»i,f^paiadpalairkal ^aa way ba aiaiJoyad, fcraaiMpU, hi
^raa^ aerarUiag to thi< tBTaattoab
As IMPROVKO PaOTOORAPBIC ViONnTISO ATTACHMKST.
(Ooaunonicatol by Amoa J. Lambom, William Naneviller, mi<1 William
Kaahlar, Jan., all of PhiUulelphia, in the Stata of Pennsylvania, United
fltata of Amtrica. )
No. 19,787. WnxiAH Wilsos Hors, 151, Stran.l. MiAUesex.—
Deeemier 19. 1801.
Tub my invention rdatea to an Imprared photographic vipetting atUch-
mast, and my inreatioe coaaiita in forming a vignetting attachment otpupier
I, paper-palp, or othar piaitic material, moalded or preitsej into shape,
"^^•<«g a light, cheapo and darable article.
ItaJao consirts in aattins oat the face of the attachment to that increaied
straagth ia obtained, and the light may be difTasal to a greater extent, an<l the
Tigaatta thcraby made iofter.
Aa tha attainment ia tomad by pwaaing, ataaping, or monlding. It is
cbeapar aad lighter titaa herelofora, aad poaaeana inrr>->^-.i >> r..t)^.
Having now |iartlcalar]y deacribed and aaoertaiii< :■.' of my aaid
invention, and m what manner tha aaaa ia to be j- I dedaro that
what I claim ta:— 1. A rigaittiag attaehmaat for plioio;;raiihio jirinting
fraaaa. tanaad of plaatie aatatal, having ita Iboa aet ont, wUd face portion
beiagiatagial with tha attaehaMat,anfaatantiallyaadM.'rih.<.l 2. A rigncttiiig
atlaSuBcnC for a photographic printing frame, fbi .tic materia^
ijiaaid or moulded into >hape, and having ita face - : face }iortioo
Datag lltagnl with tha atliAmaat. anbatantially aa descriuoi. ». A Tisnetting
attaMaan fcr photagiapkle faiatow thuaaa, coaaiatiBg of a piece of plastic
aalartal pvaaad lata akap^ and hanng an iatagrtl iDcliaad (ace, anbatantially
aa aad fcr the parpoee at mth.
]yf* aaad aeareely aay that this iniantion haa lo»g been familiar t»
oar nadaa, thanka to Waaari. Lyonel Clark, Oeorga Maaon, and others.
-Bi>.)
OouAttai* BaiiauaniKi> nm PwmMHianao ako OtHia Ptntfoan.
Xa VKVa. raan Wm^l^Sladitaw^atnaaa, Berlin, Oarmaay.—
roaaaMlagaadphalampMe pareeaaa a haekgwaad far llaltiag djitaaeaa
ta eltai iiaifcllfc B fcaawtaohbala aaek ahaatoeaad to atadhia or hi
IIIH hnaaw. Wt ootadde tt la a aattar of aoaa dlAaaky, aa Ugh atntchad
woodea fraaaa caaaot ba vatdily UBaapoHed, owlag to their x>«at weight aad
awkward form.
Thii toraaUaa wiU laaady Ihaaa dafccia hy tha ooaatraotioa of a eoUapaibie
fcuaa^ akhih aay ha ast ay aad aotaad with the aMtalal aaad to any aaitahio
partaod jiUtm
iHcrtrng^ of Jboctrttes.
lIBBTIItOS or SOOIBTIBS FOB MBIT WBBK.
Aae. tadle, BKbmaHi Paadaa.
Mavaa. Mtwlar Pmiaela.
Ilaaenr BaH. tUamrfmikf 8.B.
.Otaaaep.
. Ketth alwat,
. Uteary. H%h«t. Uwaa.
WaOaataa Batt. IiliBatoa. M.
Baaa^a U»tim», IM, Hicb^traat.
Waaati BaU.Ban«y.«lra»t.
rk.
— . ^^...« ff^ Oaoria^livet*
ABdMtaa*a Blal. Hat iWaa«, KO.
r.M.aA..ba«iliWi. Ua4port.
lUchi
._ It laattal*. Itnaoat.
HI. Maifc** MmoU. ■alliiaa rise.
K.
'.C.
JUT. Balb-a.
Laeda.
AMenfBlMl.
_ laal.,1iiihrt«ie Walla.
H, Bafkakgr-a^ Brialol.
MtUa Ball.OaervMU«al, Cro;daa
THaitT Obanti Banw. MortoB.a.
nw>ala«."l
Ira^booad dotal. RlchaMad.
IWyrOOBAPHll. .,;,v w: ORKAT BKITAIN.
JAlirAST Mt-'nahakal MaaUta, Mr. W. B«IM<I In the rlxir.
Mr. rvipa. the delagato of the Photographia Hodety of India under th*
adlllatlaa vMane, '
that ha had MNBa
•rthelaalraaaal, and ooald aal hava roun>r
Onaof Mr. IhilBehl'a tmpkfif at Wldna^
.otiaogmph,'
moatha aco exjioteil
I it act
ofwhirhheatplBiaal. Ha
I hta laaal m Om mttrnkUm
GSm hyaay aaaaat of aiMfcaaa. Onaof Mr. UrilBeU'a impltftf at Wld
who haav aalkfcic «( fkatapaphy, ataaply by fcUowlag tha iartnutiooa giv^.
proiioead a lai|t aomW of aegaUvaa, aiaa out of avary tea of which woald
76
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[January 29, 1892
hxn iluuned «ny profeMional. For studio worit the actinograph had been
foan.l correct ^i^i,^ hi, „ew film carriers available for nse in the
onUnkry dirk "lide. A short fold on the carriert. in the form of a spring keeps
tteml^t eb pl«e. In an onlinarj- 'loM^ back the division may be- dispense.!
"\h. and a.s tie c«Tie«, being .amlo of thin sheet iron, "™ ,««;"'-,>;. '«"^
a baik loade.1 with cairiera and filnw is, iwrhape, not heavier than the back
"^inVonnMion with the subject for the evening, PrMir^-<ml E.milMon
Pa^Tur. Omr. toned and Hxe.1 a nnmber of pictarea on Olwnetter s mat
mSS eeUtino-chloride paper. In the couree of his remarks he mentioned
JhTt it ^ not necessarj! to print so deeply as on glossy surfaced papers
TtM^wwmore detail in the shadows, and finer detail generally. He had
knSS^ mch paper to keep well for five years. Platinum tonmg waa uncem in.
SiTj. Howson next t6ne.l an.l fixed several prints on the new I ford gela-
Uno-chloride i«iper, accompanvim; the demnnstration with a description ot the
ton°i« and ftxin^ths recommended, and the nmuipuUtionJof the paper gene-
rellv In reference to the keepim? mialities of the patter, he mentioned that
"m'^' of had gone on a voya^ to ihe West Indies an<i back, and re™«'"«'I '°
^ ««aient state of preservaUon. He thought the jmper was best kept under
'"ATthe conclusion of Mr. Howson's demonstration, both Jhe and Mr. Gotz
"TrTMl^KK dre™Si^ to the new methylated spirit regnlations, and
lOBE^Bted that the afliliated Societies, in conjunction with the Photographic
sSfaty of Great Britain, should approach the Inland Revenue authorities,
with the view of securina some motlification of the regulation It might be
possible that the methylators should !» allowctl to sell quantities of not less
than two gallons of the old spirit to authorised persons.
After some discussion on the subject, it was agreed that the matter should
be brought before the alliliated Societies at the meeting about to take place.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
JaKUAby 21,— Mr. J. Hay Taylor in the chair.
A question from the box was, " What is the specific gravity of one pari: of
ammonia -880, and nine parts of water ?"
The answer as given by Mr. Bedfor<l,jun., was -988. _^ , , , ^ •
Mr W E Dkbenham said that this was assuming one part artdert to nine
made' ten parta by bulk. If they added, say, one part ot alcohol at -880 to nine
parts of water, they would certainly not get that result.
Mr J S. Tbapb said that he had developed a weakly printed gelatino-
cUoride'print with gallic acid as directed in Thk British Journal of Photo-
OBAPHT, of December 4, 1891, but the picture took two hours to develop. He
used six per cent, of a saturated solution of gallic acid. He had washed out
the bee silver before development. , , x,
Mr. Debenham thought this should not be done, and recommended the
addition of acetic acid to the developing solution. ^. , , ,
Mr Teape also stated that with reference to Mr. W. Bolton s method (pulJ-
lished in The British Journal of Photography) of getting nd of the
mineral naphtha from the new spirit, namely, the addition of five grains of per-
manganate of potash to the ounce, he had tried it, and found the permanganate
did not remove the mineral naphtha at all. He (Mr. Teape) remarked that Mr.
Bolton himself did not make the experiment with the commercial spu-it, hut
that made with the addition of benzoline, which might be quite another thing.
The permanganate of pota^sh dissolved in the spirit, but after a few minutes
formed a heavy precipitate, which when removed left the spirit in its original
state, as he found that with the addition of water it went milky as usual. He
judged that there wa.s thus no alteration in the alcohol.
The remainder of the evening was devoted to a lantern entertainment, the
slides being contributed by Messrs. G. W Atkins, T. K. Freshwater, Beckett,
Rawlings, J. Weir Brown, Kellow, L. Me<Uand, J. S. Teape, Cole, and W.
Bedford.
♦
Camera Club.— Januars- 21.— Mr. Alfred Maskell read a paper on P/wto-
qr i/ihi/ and Arrested Motion. Mr. F. Machell Smith occupied the chair. The
Lecturer a.ssailed the results of a large proportion of the instantaneous photo-
graphy practised as giving only inanimate pictures, and incited to the use of
methods and treatment which wouhl better suggest a sense or idea of action
and motion. A large number of illustrations were given, and the lecture
excited a discus.sion, in which the Rev. Lambert, Messrs. Hnmphery, Fison,
Patterson, Harrison, Davison, Davis, and the Chaii-man took part.
Lantern Society.- January 25.— Mr. C. F._ Budenbkbo, of Manchester,
read a paper, On Pressure Oauges [see page 70].
Mortb Middlesex Photographic Society.— January 25, Mr. H. Walker
in the chair. — A large collection of slides were shown by Messrs. Ainsley,
Cherry, Gill, Gregory, .Johnson, Jones, Marchaut, Mummery, Plunkett, Smith,
Taylor, Treadway, Wall, and Walker.
West London PhotogTaphlo Society. — January 22, Mr. C. Bilton in the
chair. — Mr. J. D. England read a paper on Celluloid Films (this viiW appear
in a rutnre number). The Lecturer described celluloid, and explained its
manufacture, showing samples of clear and matt celluloid, snch as is used in
manufacturer's negative films, and also a specimen of ivorine. He explained
the advantages of celluloid over glass for negatives, and showed carriers for
holding the films in the slides, and a changing box. He then explained the
necessary steps to be taken in developing, fixing, washing, drying, intensi-
fying, reducing, and varnishing. He showed several specimens of negatives,
and two exquisite stereoecopic positives on celluloid. The paper was followed
by a discussion.
Boutb London Photographic Society. — .lannary 18. — The principal feature
of the programme was an exhibitirui of dioramic efl'ects in the triple oxy-
hydrogen lantern, given liy Messrs. Banks and Greaves, consisting of statuary,
viewB, Ac., which showed clear manipulation of the lantern, and included the
fountains and illnminations at the Inventions Exhibition, the castle of St.
Angelo. Rome, and Milan Cathedral by day and night, and last, but cert;ainly
not lea.st, the progress of a memorable fire in Cheapside, which was received
with loud applause. The la.st was a very interesting specimen of the photo-
eraphic art, and one of the best in Mr. Banks' numerous collection. During
the evening a selection of vocal and instrumental music was given. Mi.ss fclla
Thompson and others contributed songs. The duties of accompanyist were
pcrformeil by Mr. Lewis Devaux. An exhibition of microscopic objects by
meml)ei-s of the South London Microscopical and Natural History Club were
much appreciated.
Brixton and Clapham Camera Club.— January 21, Dr. J. Reynolds in the
chair —The subjcrt for discussion w.a.s Printing Processes, to which two excel-
lent papers were contributed by Mr. F. Goldly and the Hon. Secretary (F. M.
Uvett) the former on Plain Salted Paper, and the latter on Carbon Pnntmrj.
To illustrate his remarks, Mr. Levett developed two prints, which had been
kindly sent down ready exposed by the Autotype Company. A number of
photographs of the recent earthquakes in Japan were handed round for inspec-
tion by Mr. Burrows. Mr. Amirew Pringle will deliver an address at the next
meeting on the 4th proximo.
Croydon Camera Club.— January 18.— Lantern evening for members' slides
About two hundred slides, the work of Messrs. Hirst, Isaacs, Holland, and
White, were submitted for inspection.
Bristol and West of England Photogrraphic AsBOciatlon.— January 22,
Mr. Brightman in the chair.— Mr. Hemmons read his notes on the proposed
photographic survey of Bristol and neiglibourhood. After discussion it was
decided to form a Provisional Committee to allot the various portions of the
work in the district and to make all other arrangements. Mr. Brightmas
then gave bis paper on Lantern Slides, and Hovji to Make Them, showing
some lovely slides. He developed some carbon slides, illustrating a process
which seems very seldom worked, although giving such fine results. The next
meeting will be on February 12, when Mr. Harvey Barton will lecture on
Flashlight Pictures.
Bristol Camera Society.— January 22.-1^16 set of lantern slides, Boston
niustraled, sent over by the American Photographic Society, were exhibited
by Mr. Dunscombe with a limelight lantern. A resolution was carried that
the members prepare a set of slides illustrating Bristol for loan to the American
societies.
Oxford Photographic Society.— January 19.— Mr. Frank Howard, of the
Camera Club, gave a lecture on Knglish Pastoral Landscape. The lecture was
illustrated with numerous slides, many of them having been made from
negatives taken twenty-five years ago. Xt-arly all tlie views were taken mthin
twenty miles of Oxford, and clearly showed what simple bits of scenery will
make a " picture" when a photographer knows how to select and photograph
the view. Those in which were cattle, were especially fine. Twenty members
and sixty visitors present. February 2, The Oxford Plwtographic Societtj :
What it Ims, and might have. Done, and should Do.
Lewes Photographic Society. — January 19. — Several slides by Messrs.
Braden, Bedford, Constable, Currey, Morris, Turner, and Wightman, were
shown. The subject of the next quarterly competition. Leafless Trees, was
announced. At the next meeting, on Tuesday, February 2, Mr. G. I. Wight-
man will read a pai'er on Platinum and Bromide Printing : a Comparison
and a Contrast.
Tyneslde Camera Club. — January 19. Mr. J. F. McKie (President) in the
chair.— The President gave a lecture on Enlarging, Copying, and Reducing,
and the Apparatus for so doing. He drew the attention of the members to
Messrs. Griffith's apparatus for enlarging and reducing. He also descrilied the
various copying apparatus, and gave directions for getting the best results, and
for preventing the grain of the paper trom showing in the negative by means of
rertectors. The lecture was illustrated by numerous diagrams.
Glasgow Photogn^aphlo Association.— January 21, Mr. J. Craig Annan
(V'ice-President) in the chair.— The President, Mr. Wm. Lang, jun., F.C.S.,
delivered a lecture on the South End of Arran. Tlie lecturer gave an account
of the early history of this portion of the island, and showed, by means of the
limelight, a lai^e nnmber of views. The following is a synopsis of the lecture :
Early History and Writers— Monro, Martin, Pennant, and Headrick. Druidical
Remains— Brodick, Brodick Fair, Lamlash, Holy Isle, and St. Molios, King's
C'ross. Bruce and Arran— Whiting Bay, Glen Ashdale, Dippiu Point, Ailsa,
Kildonan Ca.stle, Signal Station, Plailda, and Benan Head.
Glasgow and West of Scotland Amateur Photographic Association.—
January 18.— Mr. John Mon'ison, jun., occupied the chair until the election of
Mr. Thomas Taylor as President of the Association. The Secretary read the
Council's report for the past year, wherein it was stated that forty-four new
members had joined the Association during the year, and that now the member-
ship was 212. The Treasurer's financial statement showed that after providing
for 'all debts there was a sul)stantial balance at the credit of the Association.
The members of Council for the comiug year having been elected, there was a
discussion on the new "Rodinal" developer, followed by the usual show of
lantern slides.
CotrestponDrettce.
17 Oorrespondenta should neuer wnta on both sides of fht pap9r»
ENLARGED VIEWS BY ONE OPEKATION.
To the Editor.
Sir, -My attention has been called to a long correspondence in your
Journal between Mr. Dallmeyer and my old friend Dr. Miethe, of Pots-
dam, regarding a new (?) form of photo-telescope, which they claim to
have invented, and also to your criticism thereon. While I have no
Ju>uai7 29. laBS]
THE BRITISH JODKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH V.
77
doobt Umm iniilliiiMii tiill7 baliere their diaeoreij U Dorel, I feel rare
IImj wfll both be Mtiiflinl that they h«Te been antieipalad when I refer
th«B to what I h«va mjwM done In the mj of direct enlazgemeDt of
iiUjM of diSBent rise* by one operatian through the knowledge I ob-
taiaad troM the piaia initnietiMie gnao in the works of Sir John
Haraehai. FMar Barlow, and othar*.
la the 7«ara 1809-70 1 waa nnBgwl is eooatraatiag a large rafraeting
lalaaeopa lor aatro-piqpaieal poipeaaa te Bannvaa Bfilow*! obaemtorj
at Botheamp. Bate* araeting tUa tahaeopa parmanently at Botheamp,
I ^kd it Kt ap ondar a temporary doow in ray garden at Hamborg, for
<ha porpoae of trying known tnathode lor direet enUxgementa by one
opanukm. I waa quite aware, frooi optieal theory and from what bad
baM abaa^y ynbHriiad, that thk aoold be done eithar by negative or
vaUtiiM laaaM naad m ooviaaatMB with tha otgeetiTe: bat. in order to
jodsawUeh Idrb oI ianaaa gava tha beat leaaMi. I earried oat both
Htf»ti9* Mttkoi (Rg. 1).— I Mad a thnaioU eemanted aduonat,
aboot two iaebaa in diaaaler and eight wAm nagatiTa foena, and foond
thia prodaead a powwfal and waO-dafiaad im^a oo the Mraea, and. by
DMtfiag thia nagatifa laoa aloof tha aiia ol tha lalaaoope, I was able lo
^JC^
alter at wiU the iixa of the ia^* thoa oMaiaad from a distaat objaat.
Tha objaela priaaipai|y opanlad apoai waaa Iha mooa, aoa spots, and
otfaOT wilssiial baOea, aad I also tried it on tha iowar of the wal«-worka
at Hambarg. whieh was the only aTmiiaMe okjaat of which I eonld eon-
mand a Tiew.
PoUHn Uttkod (Kg. S).-I wad a qUaa of two poaithra achfoaaala
Jslaaesd iar llatwi of Bald, bat ao> ao lir apart that the aqgifakat laaa
k«eMM aatalifia. Thia ■alhod did aat^ia Iha —a dsHnlHiw or so flat
• flaMashiihaflratanangaiawil with tha asMttaa iilinmli -. bat Dr.
A7C^
U. C. Vofd. Ifas
it in o aoezion with
Wi;- ■.!.'• rx-tfilifa
y j5e-/
aailaaabMhhiloasa
whfah haeeaUaatMa
to Batbeasap, Mr. H4|a, pholo-
ior a oaaaidaiabia ttaaa fai lakiag
miisiias Haaa ey ona
Am la aaa, aad a graat
waa BOl iaiHMvad witA by
I aftsmada. TUa aathad ef
rasay at the tioM. aad Dr. Banaaaa
rnwT^at af StrUu) paid toa a viaM to
«< Iha OMoa waa taken iabte
' aoeooat to his ^oasaal of wbal
' ^ Bttlow dapolad Doator
H nt aad phetogtaphia
arr> -oatfy aaiiaflad with
th' I ■iBl at
Bo(:
•hir:.
STfcr*
(K^
l»"
Obi^
fcr 4>r><t aalaffiag by ooo eparatiaa,
Ikse* «rfa empleyad with graat sneaiM. aad Iba laso
kr- il papm at tha tiaM.
A [Til till lYlllllll llltlipto»l ,_
ir ' n«^«a atbieaiaf. asad ia Um nunocr I IwTa
'^ a ol Mar Batiow. who faapnvad oa Wolfs
■ -••■rj.
who took
viog ap
''thoamp
thras yaara atiar thia I naafcast
■iag by ooo eperatiaa. to ha aaad I
1 i:
i ti.
Uiaa. 80
I
^-opchy Sir Joha nwihsl (l«l).paga fO.
( Phjrioioiy ia Hollaad. alae iaraalad a
■•M aihaastlTaly to a pif« by Pm. '
feasor J. A. C. Oadenuuu, Director of the Obeerratory at Utrecht,
TMorie de la iMnetU Pancratuiue de SI. Donden. Professor Oudeman's
formnla shows two different arrangements of oonstmction. The first
/f/eUT
has two negative laasas oataide aad one poaitive lens inside (Fig. 3) ;
and the aeoood, two poaitire lenses outside and one negative lens inside
I may toentiaa that, sane few yean ago. I oonstrtieted a gon-director
telescope tor Msaara. Boaa d Co., for oae in the Boyal Navy, the prin-
E33
eiple of which would bo aquaUy suitable for prodacing enlarged photo-
gfopha of various siaas hy one operation.
I would add. ia eooeiaaioo. that the prinoiple of direct «.u>gi~(; eaa ba
earried out partly or folly by raflaotors.— I an>, yours. «o.,
LeadiM, 8 W., Jmtmmry 10, 1809. Hdoo Bcbsoedbb.
[Dr. SchKoader ia owtaiaJjr to ba ooogiatulated upon tha complete-
neto of his laaearchas in this diioctioa, and, having rafanooa to tha
datea given by him, he mnst,in tlie race for priority/be bald as coming
in aa aaey fiioL — Kd.I
.—
THE TKLBSCOPIC-PBOTOOaAPHIC LENS.
IViAeKoma.
8i*.-It appears that tha idea of amployiiHt a OalDaaa talaaoopa
for tha fatnalioa «< iangM risibU apoa a soraaa dates further baok
than algblaan Nora a«a. Mavarthslsaa, tha giaaad yon take up, and
naoa whiah I afaaU laaat y~ '"^ ■ - .
TOO. Uiha
osra iwnissaltw. yoa
Iha raaolls ; and, n
c( yoar own publication of
honeatly (aad naturally
nr, yoa eooflrmed thia
for an improrsDant by employing a
orthoseopie " form. It is not my intaatioB
loa. in that yon have left tha thaoratioal
loolhaia. la tha aonalaaiaa of yoar artiela
to aasb tAtn to aaa if a oowbiaation
.p,^— »... -. — »» „ ,„ ,i_, the end la view I Siiioe that tlma, to
tha boM of aty kaowiadga aad belief, no esM had iiJeVdei ia aoeom-
pliafaiaglbaaadiaviawaataidid ao. Shoold Mr. JanatT faMtramat
bamadaaalbsaamapriaaipia aa myowa.1 ahaU ba sarpriaad, hi that
hie too* taoal pabHtoMati (ia the f boief n^Me Oaretle. and refanad to
la^Oatoksr in tha PktUrufUt Hmm) to atlaia tha same aad U
dirttoaHy a aatwiiida awaa; aad. moiaoim, ana waU known to have
baanotovleyad Mr.Mlw piwioffap^ Inr ana* year*. Mr. Janafs
lailiamn Iimi to by you, ia act, hawavarrissailbil
Aa to yoar Maaika apon aataa ona optical iaalrament for a difhront
BWIMMtolhatlorwhishi»«aaa4(laaUyeaaatnielad.IfaU toflad any
W. To laka year own ye aad a««hi. I aak. Was my lata father's
" *^ wUa-Mlk If diwpi IMO." eaniBoaado< thna eamantad leases
a vaU palMf Aad yal. Or. daabtlaM AaMpb-lana op«a.glaaa front
nnmWailiia aagr haws bsM. and ptokaUyna*. naad far photographio
pwpoato aa a nMdhaakift I
nia siliaais limit tt tha ihhiIHIihi posathia. to a miad not fully at
eaae m IhawUliial ■allata. one ooold aot ospeet to lake aay other form
thw) Iha laaarit." Iba aa* laaa m^ybaaahaBovemant"
I ~ was lohan hr mpiiM *• a* tba Oamara Club, aad had laoMm to be,
after yoar pMviaasaMtada to aMperaooally, and alM aa Editor of Tbb
Barrma Jooaasi. or FBorooaArar. in tha aontroversy with Dr. Ifiethe,
aaastloclb fai aty Mtar of Iba 0th inst. Tha aanriaa waa not, however,
areaplsd •by tha iMHaci TM asoriba to ma ; ina taot was, I could not
have MkBaMt of yoa, aflar the evenu of the previous few months
ladsnad to. It waa a personal matter for surprise 1
I aaad aot tapjy r* Iba saall oamara further than remind you that,
whea yoa deasriba laamaaato, and later to a field being sharply oovared
aa " amaU." it ia aiiriwdjafc aalato difcrflion at the margins cl the field
ia liilHjil A mam lalaiMwt aad aapjaabli saprsa&n would be to
ly email. At the CaoMim Club,
a aagaHvoB shown wan lakan upon '• haif-plates," with an eztenaion of
aaia el ihfrlasa iaebaa (they might have been taken even on " whote-
stae "), but this to a dstoiL
I still await Iba laanlta of any further search yon may make to show
THE BRITISH JODRN^L OF PHOTOGRA.PHY.
[January 29, 1892
that with reoMd to this " improvement in photographic lenses, that
tome other inrertiflator precedca me in makinK " a silk parse of a bow's
ear " U yon can do bo, I Uust I can appreciate the work of another as
w«U as my own, and it would not be my object to " damn it with famt
neaUe."— I am, yours, ic, Thomas B. Dallmeter.
36, Nnettanttreet, Oxford-$trett, IK.
[We are content to leave this matter as it stands at present, the
more eapecially as Mr. Dallmeyer will find hi.s coneUidinK aspiration
fully realised m Dr. Schrooder's letter, which precludes this.— Ed.]
^
RATIO OF GBADATION.
To the EorroB.
Sib,— Mr. J. U. Hopwood, Ph.D., in yonr last number calls attention
to the fact that the investigations of XlesBrs. Hurter & Driffield appear
to be quite iRnored by photographers, althongh their principles, if satis-
faotoruy established, would entirely revolutionise present ideas in regard
to davolopment. A careful study of the paper on Photo-chemical Inveiti-
gationi, by those gentlemen, will satisfy most readers that there is much
force in the arguments there used, in which they endeavour to prove that
the oompoaition of the developer has no influence on the gradation of the
resulting negative, but, at the same time, the experiments on which the
new theory is founded seem scarcely exhaustive. Only small differences
in densities were examined, viz., those produced by exposures of between
ten and eighty of the units adopted, and these densities probably would
not have sufficient contrast to show small variations clearly, especially as
so much allowance has to be made for errors of experiment. They were
also probably all included in the " period of correct exposure," in which,
as th6 experiments sliow, progress is very regular. Whether conditions
which apply to such densities would also be true at the extreme ends of
the scale of exposures has yet to be proved. As regards these densities,
however, all the developers tried, viz., pyro, hydroquinone, eikonogen,
and ferrous oxalate, certainly gave very similar results, but they appear
to have been generally mixed in about the normal working proportions,
and only two experiments are mentioned in which these were departed
from. In the first case the only alteration was that the usual quantity of
ammonia was added to the pyro developer in six separate doses instead of
at once, and in the other the amount of bromide was varied. The com-
positions of these developers are not given, but in the last case (cap. 16),
judging from previous experiments, it would probably work out in English
weights and measures as per ounce, pyro, 1^ grains; ammonia, 880° 2^
minims ; bromide of ammonium, 3 grains. The results produced by this
mixture are shown to be nearly identical with those produced when only
one grain of bromide per ounce was employed. But much greater varia-
tions in the proportions of the ingredients are used in practice when
trying to correct over-exposure on the one hand, or under-exposure on
the other. The experience of many workers and experimenters is
contrary to these conclusions of Messrs. Hurter & Driffield, so I think
we must wait for further knowledge before entirely accepting them ;
still, there is clearly much in them that is true, although exceptions and
modifications may have to be made.
ilr. Hopwond's account of the new principles is, I think, likely to be
misunderstood. All that he states as to the proportionate increase of
dentity in different parts of a negative daring development is quite right,
but only when using that expression in the seme adopted by Messrs.
Hurter <£■ Driffield, viz., as representing the amount of reduced silver
in the part examined. Bat among photographers density is usually taken
as meaning opacity, and in that case the principles are quite diflerent.
Opacities of 1 : 2 mifiht by more prolonged development be changed to
1 : 3, but what is a.sserted is that the relations are so fixed that all other
ratios would then change according to an unalterable rule. If any three
parts of a negative under development had opacities in the geometrical
ratios of 1:2:4, then further treatment might change the series to
1, 3, and 9, hut never to 1, 3, and 8, for instance. Mr. Hopwood uses an
argument which might appear to apply here, and it might be asked how,
if in one part of the plate the opacity increased from 2 to 3, in another
where it equalled 1, it could remain unchanged; but it must be re-
membered that, by Jlessrs. Hurter & Driffield's definition, an opacity
of 1 means no opacity at all— it represents only the bare glass of an un-
exposed part of the plate. — I am, yours, Ac, H. J. Chjujxon.
Woodtandt, Lewisluim, S.E., January 25, 1892.
THE ORIGINATOB OF THE GELATINE PB0CES8.
To the Editor.
Sib, — In reply to Mr. Bolton, on the originator of the gelatino-bromide
process, will you allow me to say that it is the truth I am contending for,
not the testimonial ? I plead for justice, not charity.
I will confine myself to what is claimed for Dr. Maddox, namely, that
" he was the first to publish a practical and workable formula." If this
were true. 1 should be disposed to contribute a mite to the testimonial
myself, but I know it is not true, and feel it to be a very unpleasant duty
to say so.
I confidently affirm, and am prepared to prove, that Dr. Maddox never
pubUshed what can with truth and fairness be described as a ^racficai
and \BOrkable process. The experiment he did publish was by no means
the first record of an attempt to use gelatine as a substitute for collo<lion.
Gaudin, Harrison, Kennett, and many others, were before him ; but one
and all failed to overcome difficulties which beset them, and neither of
them made a useful gelatine plate— that is, one that would hold its own
against collodion ; consequently, they all sank into oblivion, without
attracting the slightest notice from practical men or, indeed, from any
one. 'The results were so discouraging that no one dreamt of repeating
the experiments. There was no sign or hint of any advancement in the
art of photography. An experiment that reveals no new truth is value-
less.
What did Dr. Maddox discover ? He says himself there was nothing
new in what he did, and there was not an idea or hint of any kind that
could be of the slightest use to any one who wanted to do something
better in photography than had been done before. Infinitely better work
could be done by the old processes. The gold-medal formula was a
hap-hazard jumble of chemicals that no practical man ever did use, or :
could be induced to use. It was not capable of producing a decent print,
which it was designed for, much less could a negative be got out of it,
and yet it is, according to Mr. Bolton, a practical and workable process.
But a stronger condemnation of the formula is found in the fact that its
author immediately forsook it, and the negatives which were exhibited by
Dr. Maddox must have been taken by some other process, which he never
published. Indeed, we have his own word for that.
' Mr. Debenham, with great astuteness, informed a meeting that he had
taken negatives by Dr. Maddox's formula with a modification of his own.
Then it was the modification that did it ; and I call it a subterfuge, espe-
cially when no particulars are mentioned, to give a fictitious value to a
worthless thing.
Mr. Bolton ought to know that there was no practical and workable
gelatine process in the world till 1873. No process up to that time had
•i.ppeared which made the smallest pretentions to compete with collodion,
and until my discovery was announced gelatine was of no account. It
was my honour to be the first to demonstrate that gelatine was not only
equal to, but superior to, collodion for plate making, and, though I never
published a formula, experimentalists fastened such a grip on it, that
from that day to this they have never let it go. — I am, yours, &c.
Packham, Jan. 25, 1892. J. Buboess.
CYLINDERS AND GAUGES.
To the Bdiiob.
Sir, — Mr. G. E. Baker struck the true note when he said the hap-hazard
way of making wonderfully cheap apparatus was the bane of limelight
work, and I am sure no one who knows anything about the matter wUl
quarrel with me when I say that in no department is it to be more
censured, because of the danger, than in cylinders and gauges, and a
remedy for the evil is imperative.
My experience in these matters goes back to the days before Brin's
patent, and before the days when cylinders were turned out by the
thousand ; and when I compared the careful, scientific, and accurate
manner in which cylinders in those days were tested with the slipshod,
happy-go-lucky mode in vogue from four to two years ago, during which
period the bulk of the cylinders now in use were made, the matter for
surprise is not that the mishaps are so many, but so few. The same
remarks apply to gauges.
But that the principle of Bourdon gauges is good, and that they can
be, and are, made of the highest quality, facts like the following prove : —
About five years ago Messrs. Schaeffer & Budenberg made for me a gauge
scaled up to (iOOO pounds to the inch ; it is unencumbered with cheek
valves or any other complication, and is as good now as the day it was
made, though I have gauged with it upwards of 18,000 cylinders, oxygen,
coal gas, and hydrogen, one after the other, in any rotation, often as
many as fifty in one day. The only precaution taken was to wash the
tuhe out well in the first instance with ether, and then keep it clean.
The last time it was compared with a standard gauge, the registration
had not varied even to the breadth of the pointer.
So long as poor, cheap cylinders and gauges are made, so long wilL
there be found persons ignorant enough to purchase them. I am no
advocate for the interference of Parliament, but wish to suggest what I
think would be a very effectual remedy, if only it can be brought about.
It is this : That the Photographic Society of Great Britain, as the parent
Society, prepare a memorial for presentation to the Kew Committee of
the Boyal Society setting forth the dangers of using unreliable apparatus,
and praying them to add to the Kew Observatory a department for testing
high-pressure cylinders and gauges ; and that this memorial should then
be sent around to every photographic society to be signed by president
or secretary on behalf of each society.
As among the members of the Photogrb.phie Society of Great Britain
are seveial members of the lloyal Society, one, at least, of whom is on
the Kew Committee, a ready and influential means of communication
between the two societies is already provided ; and I venture to think a
memorial backed up by the entire body of users of the apparatus in
question throughout the country would not be without weight with the
Committee.
Once get the department estabUshed, the rest is easy ; it will be only
necessary for every user to refuse to receive any cylinder or gauge that
JtnoMif 29, ISM]
THE BRITISn JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
79
doM act btar the Eaw monogram, and makers wtU not be long in sending
thair aiiparatae to be tectad I uo, yoan, Jic, Ehwakd J. Suiiu.
fark-ngi, HaU/ta, Janmarf S5. 1893.
To tkt EonoB.
8n,— In a leeton by Mr. H. If. WhitefieU on Pramrt Oaufftt, which
•ppaan in lb* eonait iarae of Tkb BBinaa Joubsai. or Photoobapbt, I
aoiiM a nictaMa to a daaetiptioB of an arrangement of Mr. Beard's for
ahaiiMm tha toe aoddao aat^ o< gas into gaogca vfaen need for testing
Ugh laaaauiui. Tbia eHdently ia takaa from a report of one of this
Boeiety's meeting where the said arranfement waa spoken of, and my
impose in writing ia to point oat that Mr. Whitefield's noa-andentanding
of the deaeriptioo ia probablj dna to the aoodanaation necessary in saeh
lapocts, it being ooiy pnetieabk to deal with saeh matters in general
tanM. Mr. Beard's plan, aa Mdaialnod by myself and, I think, tha
oUmt ■Mmbars who ««re nwaairtt ia to inaart in the entraaea to a iaoos
a MNV plof, ptaetieaay etoaing tha paaaaga. bat baring the aorew-threads
ao cot (a sim^ matter) as to allow gM at high preasatv to pass slowly
along the coorae ol tha Ihraad to tha VMga. All who haTe worked with
I or rsgnlators know that, hawanw aaenrBtely tb« screw anions may
r to fit. the gaa will leak paat tha aB«w onleas the anion is forced
' home npott tha asat, a waahar hateg laaartad to onaare a soond
joint. It U thU acnw laakaga wfaiah I mdwiliiiit Mr. Beard has taken
advantage ol to pcodaea tha gradnal Sfflng ol tha gange, and it appears
to be a practicable way ol meeting the diflkolty.
Mr. IVard is qaile able !• look aflar and to sopport hie own interest in
tha matlv. bat I ahonld not Uke a |tohab|y valaabia amngament to
aoSK by any mffmnmUj iaaeeanta or inoaaipiala Jisiaiptiwi.— I am,
yovB, *c, Wiuiiii Dmui,
Rt^ Sttnltf^ ^cftk ZrfNiwM i'JbolagrawMff Socittw-
Jaxuarv if,. ifOO
M1I>IJU<I> COl.NTIES' POSTAL PHOTOOBAPBIC BOCIETT.
T» tht Kniraa.
Sia.— It ia pnmad lo faro a » Midlaaa Oontha'FiDalriPhelDgnpbie
Beeic^" if a iollleiaBt Dombar el aoatawa nw fand fasenahla to the
iiioisinaiit, aBataor phet<igiauliaia only to heeooM nenbam
Tha pmaipal ekiaat ol the Bodsty wenld be tha monthly aircnIatieB of
p>etnti«|ihe (in alboaa or perttoUoa), aeuowpanisil by a note-boek far
aritiriiM tt tha lelati, and the award ol ■odsrats prisca (cr tlie two beat
in aaeh est, the awaida lo be mnda by the velaa ol the ■aabi aad
leeerdad in the note-beek.
It ia propaaad at fniinl le eoatoe theBeaialy to tha Iftnwil Oeonttea,
and tha BMbar ti ■awbw to Utf, aa by that ■— a the diatrict win be
aeinpeat and the ataialelfaB ol aifeafa HMBpt and InaipaasWe.
tVceUiw dataOe will be aalMktad later (far dIsBeaaine) U U U toond
that anfBeient namaa aie earn in aopport of tha Ida*.
TbeMMibar el ■Mnban ndwHtad ikeali be umweiHwrte to aaeh
» Co«B^ Ufafafal" M Omv M MflifaM aaflnlfaM Hen «Mh dtaufat :
it net, vaeMiiM eHi be flfai m boa a^ elbtr distifek
Bbea el |ihoteyifta to be ham half-plnia to IS x 10 inelnaiTe. aad to
be printed ea^y ii eooM paanoaBt proeaaa, aa platinotypa or earboa.
A Praaidant aad ** Otwal Baeralaiy " to ba appointed, and " Diatriet
ataiisa " in anah eeoB^r, who wawd farm a ftwimittea ol Maesga
If
iUa, to liave aaeh year a " Oaaefal
aUmataiy at a tune ol tha year when
the
It weald be
MnHiag''iBtte~
th-
tor.kl tntaMMne, ae aa to farai aa agnaakle
guidance tt the BmHaiy far that dJUiiet
Applicania far iliitlna to ttikmH printa (whan raqniiad) aa prael ol
thair phologiavhfa ability, far the iaifiiticn et tha rowiwlitea (whan
faiinsd). the ffiMMiy e< the werk to fana a gaida aa to prsealaaaa far
I are lafaaated
ITart ITett LritMtT.
■agteaapyart
baaaaa IprvrisfaoaUy) t»—
Oaoaea Bmiav, Ifsa. SmtHtrf fn Uwl.
TTLAB'S FILTKR.
Te tht Borroa.
On, — Aa agent tor the Company who haae tatrcduaad an
alto lananwlMl. IMar. I daaire year IniilBMiii fai leyiyiBg to Mr.
Hntdanaa'a fatlar ia to^y'a iasoe. Be taMa aad eoapana the mariu
I with M«alhiBg he farahaaad tan years ago, and wbieh he
OM he baa
deasriptiuu. TUa fa aot Mr. Agaia. if the paliib'wejli aU olMr
HaadaniM'e eaUse. aMiy aabrtitatee might be aaie far what ia aold
le^. Per iaalaaaa, ■lawaa el highly taiahad ■iheginy are no
baiter far tha p«rpaaa ta^aitad thaa H^t-ti^t aigw-boaa* Farther. I
meat Ibaak Mr. Haadarsea far adimiiig the beaeM bgr aaiag a dieap
■Iter toe many y^ars, altheogh lie earpa at the novelty ataoaa aad a
eliaM«alBtag be faraoaseg tea years mo, a
«««1 apaa bvhta owa iagaaoity ; bat laaa
eae el the faro aov iaaaed, nvny geiag
difference in price of 9<i. Sorely this is a trade matter. If he can make
a filter of metal, indianibber, charcoal, sponge, Ac. , as convenient and as
good as that now pat npon the market, withoat infringement, the world is
open to him, and I fail to see the reason ol his letter. In conclusion, I
would remind yonr correspondent there is nothing new under the sun, and
what was sold to him ten years ago may be improved npon and sold
to-day as a novelty to a yoanger generation troubled with intlaenza. — I
am, yours, Ac, W. Tviar.
Birmingham, January 2'2, 1893.
UBANIUM TONING FOR PLATINUM PRINTS.
To the EDrroB.
Sn, — I have not seen it mentioned in connexion with the uranium
toning bath that it tones platinum prints — hot and cold bath— equally
well as bromide prints. This I find to be so, and that avoids the necessity
for osinff the sepia paper. — I am, yours, do., Loots Meu>os.
Dublin, January iS, 1893.
■
STBAIGHTBNING OF CURLED FILMS.
To tht Editob.
Bib, — In reply to yoar oorrespondent. Miss May, re the straightening
of earled films, we have a great experience in developing these films, and
can teeoomend the following : — Soak the films for an hour in water,
then plaee in a weak solution of glycerine, one partglycerine to thirty parts
of water for five minutes, and pin down on a board, with film side up ;
in about twelve hoars they will be dry, and in perfect condition for
Klnting, thoogh, when not in the printing frame, they must always be
pt under prsaaars. — We are, yours truly, Ac,
UamptUad, January SS, 1893. Thos. Illikowobtb & Co.
OWKEB FOB A CAMERA WANTED.
To tht EoiToa.
Bia. — A box eontainiog a camera and some other things, has been
cent to us apparently in mistake. The Company know nothing of it,
and have not reeaived any oommunioation about it.
The bos waa addieaaed to ns in peneil written on the wood, bat there
Is ao indieatioo wbanea it eame. —We an, years, A-c ,
tyatforA, January U, 1893. I'aobt Pbizb Piatb Co.
■
CAMERA CLUB FIXTURES.
To the Edrob.
Bia,— la eaaaataiBBi ol Mr. Willis's abaaaea abroad, his paper already
anneaaeed to voa for Fabmary 4 at tha Oaiaaia Olub is postponed, and
the eraaii^ wtU be detoled to A Stm Sntarylmt LaiUem, and demon-
stratiao, bj Mr. 8. Harfaart Fry.— I am, yonn, Ae.,
G. Davibom, Hon. See.
Camtrm CM, Chariay Cron-road, IT.C., January 26, 1893.
£rrt)ange CTolumn.
,* Xo Amf* il wmit for i iisa Umf Jwiltaiyss if Afforahu in (Aw aohann ;
&slBaa«Mtfffaia«v<adiMX«*(JUar«oitwaiasi<ad«liM<s<|rsteiad. Thott
fMtpaet/y Utttr rtfuktmnti at "nnythu^ uttfid" ioiU tJuriftr*uni$ntand
Uurmtu^ltmri
Wsated. *s wsbsa— a ti^taiessl »«w. wrsr ^ni,tor asfctsst asasn sad Uo*.—
AMnm, T. Oloasa. tf, nafalMi4.l*rvaM. Terk.
I will ssslMaffs a Isate^e iMa. sovsn 8| X «i. for a rastls chair, ar two slacto IsBsss
— A4dnM, rats, a D. Bras, PkeloirnplMr, Bhsftoa
Main wbnis-rtits eMwrserbaadea— r«i •xchum,
ryhesw aaffb IsaSsra aad aUdaL— AddrsM. Oovca, It,
I. Mx«| wMssi^i lastaiaT bu la •ashaaa* for faslastnds, jmlsstal,
raaB..ssrk ••«« slaad. fear nisi i a1»ii sbelwi vttii bnaksta. (nut outt, sad
tXi.
a. M.. aik Arlsrferd-nad, 8loskw*U. «.ir.
BooaiMLa am DtarMcr PaoTooBAraic axo Art ExHiBino:(.— This Exhi-
bitloe WM opened oa Thoixlay, Jsnuary 21, aiid will rFmaiii opea nntil
Jsaoary 90. The pbetogispbie Mctlcn ha» beao cooflned lo member* of the
' , it faaiag Aefr Aiat year : sad, coasldsriac thi*, tha collection
errilt oa lbs aeaibsn. Amongat the enlainneDU sre some by
Joasa, rislebar. V-*ch, ami Blombsy, which all show
—cntarles) hare a collec-
iibjects, uriza cattle, old
I been i
Maaars. Bamnal snd W. In.
tioaorptfala fa braoida soil silvrr, rmbm
biaidlM.1
laaaaailag
M
',..'•'1102 baa been aucoessfnl
II. Ho)Te i> wall to the front
laaaaariH*""*!" Mr. J
with aean rwl Un R fi
haiM|.«ani*ra nlctam. Muui
cxcclUnt dL'pUjr. t^ntcni «\
•Iblas, Mr. Harry FUUbar lu-..., .......
Plvteber, Grasawood. Speddiog, Ingham, and ottasn baring filled ap
diSarvat oigbta.
AMn-l^ hsa a salectioD of
tchar bare also an
a from raemhera'
eaare. Crsbtree,
the
80
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[January 29, 1892
9n0t»rT0 to Cone0ponDmt0.
Aa maUtn for Ot» ttxt jfortUm of thit Journal, including queriet for
"Annom" and " Madumgti," miu( ht addreued to "Thb Eoitob,"
S, r»i>l<iWf. CotiU Omrdmi, London. InaUmtion to thit ensures delay.
/ronotie$tmJbmqf oommmieaHont wUttt namt and address of vriter are
•.• Ommmtietaions reUOing to AdvtrUiemtnts and general Jnisineu affairs
nmt u addressed to "HiSRT Obuxwood ft Ca," 2, rork-slreet, Covent
Oardtn, London.
Abs.— Rec«iv«I ; with thanks.
L. Mkuk.s.— Probably by combining three transparencies and photographing
them.
<:. E. WABDt— Apply to Chance & Co., Birmingham. They may have such a
glass in stock.
A. Brown.— 1. The second quantity is wrongly printed, as you suggest. 2.
Yes. 3. H>-po.
•■A."— The infamiation desired, and much more on kindred subjects, will be
founil in tlie Almanac.
•Grains.— Yon will find tables in the Almanac for facilitating the conversion
of FYench into English weights.
Auix. Hkndkbson anil Wm. N<itman ft Son (Montreal).— The address" of Com-
manilant Motvisard is 140, Rue <le Crenelle, Paris.
C. H.— If the ground side of the glass faces inside, an occasional cleaning, as yon
suggest, is all that is necessary to remove the yellowness.
Mmo.— The Court Circular during the recent unhappy period invariably used
the phrase " Ois late Royal Highness." From this we should be inclined to
consider your description the correct one.
Bruno.— 1. Tlie cut films of e.ich of the makers you name are excellent. They
do not require stripping. 2. Two or three ounces. 3. We have no means of
telling ; compare tneir respective sensitoraeter numbers.
Lex.— 1 . We are nnable to give you exact weights, but for portability and
lightness both types are unexcelled. 2. Without doubt. 3. A mere matter
of taste, i. Screw extension is, perhaps, to be preferred.
H. W.— 1. The lenses referred to are all that lenses should be. 2. A quarter-
plate portrait lens, and a half-plate, and 12x 10 rapid doublet will answer
your purpose. 3. Three gr-ains each of potassium bromide and mercuric
chloride. 4. Consult our advertising columns.
B. A. (Cambs). — If a process is published, it cannot be patented afterwards,
either by the inventor or any one else. There is an exception to this, how-
ever, in the ca.se of exhibitions, if certain conditions be fultilled beforehand ;
but this would not apply in the case in question.
John Redfob. — 1. Both the formulm you specify are excellent for the various
purposes named. 2. Metabisulphite of potash acts as a preservative of pyro
or hydroquinone, and the same applies to soda sulphite and citric acid. 3.
Leaper's Materia 2*hotoffraphica. 4. See answer to Xo. 2.
Mrs. MotntSBT. — The works we referred to are the flower photographs of Mrs.
Payne and Mr. Stevens, to be occasionally seen in the Exhibitions. In our
issues of May 20, 27, and June 17, of 1888, you will find a series of articles on
photographing flowers. Our publishers will supply you with the numbers.
E. F. asks : "Could you kindly inform me in the Journal what is used by
crayon manufacturers to bind the bl.ick powder togetlier in the making of
black crayons ? " — Different manufacturers use different materials, such as
wax, soap, tallow, spermaceti, &c., or mixtures thereof. Of coui-se they do
not pnblisb the formul.-c they use. A few experiments will soon prove what
will suit your purpose best.
Warwick.— If your son was articled for five years to learn the business of a
portrait photographer, he is certainly not being properly taught if he has
been kept for three years and a half at the suburban printing place, doing an
ordinary printer's duties, and has not yet had an insight inte studio work
and the management of sitters. Do as you suggest ; act on the advice of
yotir solicitor. We fear your ca.se is not an isolated one with those who take
" articled pupils " with a good premium. Scott's case was reported in the
daily papers a few months back ; we cannot give you the date.
"WooDPKCKJlR writes : "1. I should be greatly obliged to you if you let me
know if, after selling a photograph for three years of a church, I can register
it to prevent any one copying it. I might say a weekly paper has a large
illustration from one of my photographs, and, after writing for the photo-
grapher's name, did not mention it 2. Do you undertake to register photo-
graphs?"— 1. 'fhe photograph can be regi.stered at anytime. It was very
unhandsome of the paper not to credit the artist with the photograph from
which the illustration was taken ; but this is quite a common practice with
illustrated papers. 2. Our publishers undertake the registration of photo-
graphs.
A. RowsLL. — If the negative has been varnished, it can still lie intensified, but
it will be necessary to first remove the varnish. Supposing that it is a spirit
varnish, as most photographic varnishes are, this may be easily done. Place
the negative in a dish of strong methylated spirit, and cover it up. Allow it
to soak for an hour or two, with frequent agitation, and an occasional rubbing
with a pledget of cotton wool. Then change the spirit for fresh, and repeat
the treatment, and finally rinse with clean spirit. Some varnishes are very
refhictory ; in this ca.se the spirit should be used warm. No attempt should
be made to intensify the negative until the whole of the varnish has lieen
entirely removed, and the negative well washed with water, otherwise stains
will result
CoPTRlGHT writes : " I have purchased a business which contains some very
valuable negatives ; these were copvrighteil some ten years ago by a previous
proprietor, now dead. 1 would be much obliged if you would answer,
through your " Answers to Correspondents " coluiiin, whether these negatives
could, or .should, be re-copyrighted in my own name, and how I should
proceed."— As the copyright in a photograph is vested in the author of the
work, our correspondent could not re-register it in his name. The only way
we can see of securing copyright in the negatives is to get it assignetl by the
representatives of the deceased author— the one who took them.
C. J. Kirk writes as follows : " Some time ago, in reply to a querist, asking
the reason for stains appearing on opalines, you said the geliitine is mostly
acid. 1 find also that glue, with which we stick on the backs, is even more
so. Can you suggest a sure and practical way of neutralising the>e ! With
the greatest care and cleanliness we find these spots sometimes appear after
even six months. Your help will be greatly esteemed."— As our correspon-
dent says, glues are, as a rule, more acid than gelatines, and therefore should
always be avoided. Instead of attempting to neutr.alise the acid in gelatines,
it is far better to u.se those wliicli are neutral. English gelatines, such as
those of Nelson & Son, are in this condition, and therefore should always be
u.sed, in preference to foreign, for mounting photographs.
J. D. , who is a second operator in a London .studio, writes that he attends to
the' camera in every detail with the exception of uncapping the lens and the
iwsing of the sitters (some require no posing), which part the first oii.,Tator
does. At the finish of the day's work the second operator develops the wliole
of the negatives, the first operator not seeing them till they are HnLshed next
day. Tlie question is, the first operator says he took them, when the second
operator says he also took them. Is the second operator equally justified in
saying he took them, the first operator posing the sitters and uncapping the
lens, whereas the second operator does the focussing, seeing that there Ls
nothing out of place, bad points, &c., and last, but nowise least, develops
the negatives ? — The second operator is assistant to the first. He can only
claim as such. He is clearly entitled to the credit for the exposure and de-
velopment— the manipulating jiart of the work.
Croydon Camera Club. — Fixtures for February.— 1, Annual Meetini, elec.
tion of oflicers, &c. 15, Warm Tones on ISronikle Paper, by J. Weir Brown.
29, Lantern Night.
PHOTOGltAPHic SociETV OK GREAT BRITAIN.— On February 2, Professor R. '
Meldola, F.K.S., will deliver a lecture on Photography as a Branch of Tech' '
nologi/. Tickets can be obtained on application to the Assistant Secretary.
London and Provincial Photographic Association. — February 4. Means
of Obtaining Clouds in Landscape Neijatives. February 11, Jsnch mnatio
Plates, Mr. John Howson. February 18, Lantern and Musical Evening, in the
Large Hall, Champion Hotel.
The Photographic Club. — Februaiy 3, Ordinary Meeting, the paper
On Photo-iuicro(iraphy being unavoidably postponed, owing to the indispo-
sition of Mr. 'T. Chartei-s White. February 10, Glass Bkniring for the
Laboratory, Mr. A. Haddon.
Photography in Court. — Tamer v. Elliott. — The plaintiff in this ease is
Mr. J. E. Turner, the owner of two freehold houses called Brooklands and
Coviugton-house, both in Park-road, Barnet. The defendant, Mr. J. .J. Elliott,
is theowner of laud (adjoining the plaintitl's premises), on which are works of
consiileralile extent, iiud in connexion with the defendant's bu.siuess of a photo-
grapher or photographic printer, and from which, according to the plaintiffs
statement, he permitted to escape vapours, gases, smoke, and ofl'ensive smells,
injurious to the health and comfort of, and occasioning nuisance and injury to,
the occupiers of the plaintiffs premises. The plaintiff accordingly came to
the Court for relief in the .shape of an injunction to restrain the defendant, his
servants, workmen, and agents, from permitting any vapours, gases, smoke, or
ofl'ensive smells to escape from the buildings or works of the defendant, or
otherwise carrying on his works in such a manner as to be injurious to the
health or comfort of, or occasion nuisance or injury to, the plaintiff, or his
family, or other the occupiers of his premises. The action came on for trial in
May, 1891, and, after the trial had lasted several days, his Lordship, by con-
sent, appointed Professor Raphael Meldola, F.R.S., to visit and inspect the
)u'emises, and to inquire and report whether or not the plaintiffs premises were
affected by smells or smoke coming from the defendant's premises ; and, if so,
in what manner and to what extent, and how the same were caused or arose.
Professor Meldola's report was brought before his Lordship to-day. Mr. Justice
Romer found on the evidence that no nuisance arose from the defandant's
chimney, but that there was a nuisance from the albumenising process carried
on at the defendant's works. His Lordship accordingly granted an injunction
to restrain the defendant from permitting any vapour or offensive smell escaping
from his works so as to be a nuisance to the plaintiff in respect of his premises.
As, however, the plaintiff had not been successful in proving the whole of the
allegations made by liim, his Lordship ordered the defendant to pay only half
of the plaintiH"s costs, and directed that Professor Meldola's fee sliould be
borne by the parties in equal shares. The operation of the injunction was sus-
pended for a month.
CONTENTS
simplification or uranium ton-
ing.... 05
COATISO OKI.ATINOCHLORIDE paper B5
TllMNO CAIUION TRASSPARENCIK8 .. 67
OXVOEN PUKSSUUE 0AI;GK8 09
•• IMPBESSIUNISTIC PHOTOGRAPHY."
By A, U. S 69
ART AND OKNKIUI, NOTES 69
OAUGi.S KOU HEaH-FIlESSUKE GASES.
By C. F. UUDENBERG 70
ON THINGS IN GENERAL. By FREE
LANCK 72
Pica
THE PRICE OF SILVER 72
PRESSURE GAUGES. By H. M. WHITE-
FIELD 7a
ISOCHROMATIC PHOTOGRAPHY. By
JOHN HOWSON 7S
OUR KDITOBIAL TABLE 74
RECENT PATENTS 7*
M KT NGS IF KOGIETIKS 75
C KSIMNPRNCE 70
EXCHANGE COLUMN 79
AvuWfcDR T" OOBBBSPONDKNTS 80
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1657. Vol. XXXIX.— FEBRUARY 5, 1892.
CELLULOID HLMS.
From «ach indicatioiw ts we are able to obaerre, we believe that
the emplojment of cut celluloid film* in place of glaaa platea
for the lapport of Um wositiTe film is likely, daring the vp-
pitMehing mmoo, to be more eitmmrt than in preceding yean.
Film carriers for placing in the ocdlnaiy dark slides are to be
obtained, fulfilling the important requinmenU of nmplicity,
efficiency, and ineipenaiTsnaM, while to a great many hand
camvM tp^*' sheaths are now fitted which allow of films
beiBS bdd M «te as eaaly as ^aas platcc Thus, so far at
least as the n-^^f"- wosker is eoooemed, there are abundant
facilities for the aioptioo at films in ootdoor work to eiibot that
cotwderaUe saTing of weight which has so long been hia aspira-
tioB.
Hitherto the use of cut films for out-door photography has not
prefrafled to anything like the extent that had been predicted
or expected of them on their ficvt introduction. The caosea of
this ooatparatire negkot are perhaps threefold. In the first
place, few, if any, efficient means of holding the films in the
ordiiMry dark slide fai a petfiMtly plane positioo were, until
reesatlj, available ; seooodly. sooh ooouBsrdal brands of films
M ««re on the nerkeC were only toe fcsquently open to the
imputation of b«ag deHsetfre, both as re^uda the fletneas of
the films 1 1 Mel I SB sad the iiregalari^ and inftriority of the
ennlrioB with wUoh they were eeaSsd ; and, thirdly. U>eir
ileielopuient and gencnd nenipolalka were wrwsonsly, if,
periw^ not quite uBnetarally, sanned, aad s<si>s<loise fcond
to be mors uneerteto aad treoMaaoeBe than glass platea The
f^' ■' 'i'<'ttimwbaKlkMn»loat0tmM»; the seeond, owing to
loethodi of iMaalMln* aad greeter kaowiedge oa
the part of the ammftwtoren as to the ooadMoae el •aeesasfiil
preparation aad eoetiaf of the flhoa, has also, we balie*% fai
great uisseiire disappoaied, aad the third Is also eqaaOy non-
cxatent
It is a condition insepawble ftna all new methods and pro-
eesMB that in the earlier slagsa of their saipleyaaeat, teikirai
and irregularities should be «iperiaaeed,^a9d to the maaoieBtan
of out ttsae eootod with gslatias eaBalsioo, aad eaaaeqaaal|y to
their use aad msaipulatioo, this rssensliuu appHsa with peeoliar
foree. It was Itardly to be eipeeted that the maker* would at
nee be abto to determine the beet kind of eellaloid fcr eoating
. urpoeae, the partteohu- preparation er eleaai«g tiwt the nn-
eoatsd film should nadergo* and the best syetBO of applying
(he emulsioa to the sappert. Experience aloae eould give the
knowlsdgs, which is the key to snocess in thsee
That this kaowiedge has besaattaiaed by the varioua
.aatlvoaad loniga, we are battMl to balsfa,
I ae fbr soaw tiae peat the eomplahita of badly Mated
las aad " spotty " eauWoas, which we at one time eooatantly
oeeired, haTe almeat entirely
These remarks are suggested by the brief paper on celluloid
films read by Mr. J. D. England at a recent meeting of the
West London Photographic Society, and which our readers
will find reproduced at p. 87 of the present number of the
JocRXAi.. Mr. England, we believe, has for some time past
been engaged in the commercial preparation and coating of
celluloid films, a fact which leads additional interest to his
remarks. We cannotreasonably expect the modem manufacturer
to admit us to the aecrets of his business, and therefore we do
not complain that in hb excellent little paper — the brevity of
which is not its least merit — Mr. England does not tell us the
preparation vthich he gives the unooated sheets of celluloid
before applying the emulsion, and neglects to describe the
" special appliances " used in coating to which he refers. AH
the same, this information would have been interesting, we are
sure, both to his hearerB and readers.
The advantages of celluloid films over glass plates are
obrioua. Their lightness, portability, and immunity fh>m
breakage are of the highest economical value. They reduce, if
they do not prevent, halation when photographing many
snbjeeta, suoh ss those where the tops of trees cut the sky-line ;
although, for interion, a backing of some kind cannot by any
meaaa be neglected. By using carriers specially made for cut
films their exposure in the ordinary dark slide becomes a
matter of ease. We are inclined to hope, however, that in
oouise of time the dark slide itself may be dl> adapted as to
receive either ghus pktes or out films at will, without the
neeeasity of having to use special carriers. This may be a
suggestion worthy the attention of the makers.
We may pass by the exposure and development of celluloid
filoM, siaee these operations differ in no material respect from
glass plates. The films keep flat in the solutions, and there
are varnishes procurable which, when applied to the film, do
not disintegrate the support, upon which, as is well known,
solutions containing alootiot have a solvent action. The appli-
eatioos to which celluloid films may be put are, as Mr. PIngland
points out, both diverse and iiumerous. For stereoscopic
parposea, the fhet that a stereotoopic film negative can be cut
with a pair of edssors, and the halves transposed and mounted
upon glass, thus obviating the necessity of reversing the prints,
it is obvious that the employment of celluloid films is of great
"iljna^ time which is witnessing a marked revival in this
bfUaerphotographic work.
FfUa negativee are useful in obtaining reversed results for
photo laeehanical work ; and this fact, to our thinking, is one
which will not improbably lead to a considerable use of cut
oelluloid films among profeesional photographers, who, up to
the pnssat time, have, we beKeve, neglected them almost
entirely. That they will ever supplant glass plates for studio
work is hardly feasible, but we are surprised that professional
laodacapiats have not adopted them. When, however, a de-
83
THE HRITISH JOURNAL, OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[February 5, 1892
lusion, which we know to be prevalent, that the sensitive
emulsion placed on sheets of celluloid necessarily falls short in
point of quality from the sensitive compound on a glass plate,
is removed, wo fully expect that professional outdoor photo-
graphers will adopt films instead of glass— at least, where a
great number of plates have to be carried about from place to
placa Mr. England's warning against packing films under too
much pressure, and so avoiding any loss of sensitiveness thereby
caused, is a hint which should be borne in mind by amateurs,
who may be prone to pack these films too closely together and
under too great pressure.
COLOURED PHOTOGRAPHS.
A VERY important part of the business of the professional
photographer in many towns is the supplying of coloured
photographs, often the only class of work which his clients
will accept when, the portrait of some dear one gone to his
long home, a portrait is often as not most indifferent in
execution. There at once arise two questions, first, the
probability of reUining the likeness when the painting is fully
done ; and, second, the probability of the permanence of the
picture when it is done in colours. These two initial diffi-
culties are potent stumbling-blocks, and, more frequently than
not, every endeavour is made to induce the client to have a
picture in black and white ; for here there are processes to
choose from whose results may in all human probability be
classed as absolutely permanent— platinotype and autotype,
and, as considered by some, though there is an element of
doubt, bromide prints. These, if worked upon by suitably
selected colours, leave no doubt whatever upon the photo-
grapher's mind, and he feels certain that, if his is a " family
business," there will be no pictures brought to him in the
course of a dozen years showing fading effects of a marked
and unreliable character. When colour effects are, after all,
selected, there can be no doubt that experience points out that
a larce number do fade, and an anxious point to consider is
how to proceed to prevent such disaster.
Now, there are, to begin with, many mediums upon which
the picture may be executed — paper, opal, ivory, and paper
prepared with gelatine for carbon work.
When opal is selected, there has, in time gone by, been a
great predilection in favour of collodion transparencies, and, in
view of the non-fading character of the old glass positives, it
has been assumed that opal transparencies in collodion should
also keep from fading. There is no excuse for a photographer
getting a large price for a painted photograph, the base of
which he knows to be fugitive ; and it must be observed that
the parallel mentioned is false. Old glass pictures that have
not faded are protected by a thick coat of varnish. Where this
has not been done the picture always fades, that is, alters, and
darkens, through the action of the sulphur in the atmosphere
upon the silver of the image. A strong varnish upon an
opal to be painted, as are most, in water colours, is not per-
missible, from the technical difficulties it would put in the
way of the artist-painter. Hence such a base should decidedly
not be chosen for the purpose. But a silver in gelatine, i.e.,
a bromide print, is far more analogous to a glass positive,
owing to the silver being imbedded in a film of gelatine prac-
tically impermeable to air. Further, the removal of hypo is
more readily carried out than when the bromide is on paper,
and, so far, is safer. Hence about such a base it can be said
there is only a question as to the possibility of fading. Carbon
prints upon opal may be looked upon as absolutely permanent
the only possibility to the contrary being the liability of the
film to slide off when large quantities of medium or of gum are
used in the shadows to give effect and richness. To mention
this is to point out a remedy.
As to a paper basis, there were the three typical methods we
have named— carbon, platinotype, and bromide— each having
its advocates. As to the permanency of the latter, our remarks
just made about opal are all that need be said. Platinotype is
so familiar that it can be carried out on the premises, while, for
some reason or other, carbon work cannot be — or, rather, we
should say, is not usually— so done, the services of the pro-
fessional enlarger generally being called in. It is a pity that
this should be so, seeing the process is far easier than those
who have not tried it can believe. To paint upon the surface
of a carbon print requires some little thought at first, for the
colours do not "wash" so freely as on drawing-paper, or,
indeed, as platinotype, though it must be observed that the
latter need some kind of sizing first, to get rid of the porosity
of surface induced by the hot fluids they are developed in, if
from no other cause. Carbon prints, again — whether on paper
or opal, and especially on the latter — have the advantage of
allowing any objectionable shadow or unwelcome form to be
removed by the scraper or ink-eraser, which is impossible with
platinotype, through the image being imbedded in its texture.
So far for the actual photograph itself upon which the
artistic colour work is carried out. There remains to consider
the colours themselves, a question of great, nay, paramount
importance. The technique of the artist is no province of this
paper to deal with, but the actual colours used are decidedly
within its purview, and we purpose shortly to refer to them in
a further article from a chemical and technical standpoint.
GRADUATED VIGNETTES.
Our condemnation of the ordinary " vignette glass " in our
article of a fortnight ago has been taken too seriously by more
than one correspondent, as applying to every form of graduated
vignette, unless used in conjunction with a rotating frame or
other means of further softening the gradation. If reference
be made back to our remarks, we think it will be clearly seen
that they referred solely to the hand-made vignette glasses in
which the delicacy of the shading depended entirely upon the
judgment and skill of the workmen in removing more or less
of the flashed colouring matter from the surface of the plate,
and in which, under the circumstances, the result was never,
and could scarcely be expected to be, of a satisfactory
character.
While in a great measure adhering to the opinion already
expressed that the best results are only to be obtained when
the printing frame is kept in constant motion, we are ready to
admit that, with a properly and carefully graded vignette, the
necessity for this constant alteration of position of the frame
disappears. But such perfectly prepared masks are rarely, if
ever, met with in commerce, and few photographers deem it
worth while to give special attention to their manufacture,
hence the numerous makeshifts of former years continue to be
used.
In point of convenience nothing can possibly excel the
graduated screen placed in contact with the negative, as it were,
forming part thereof and eftecting, without other assistance, the
whole task of graduation. With such appliances the printing
frames may be left to themselves, instead of being closely and
February 5. 1803]
THE BKITISB JOURKAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
83
oaostantlj watched, •> when other methods of graduAtion are
adopted, and the prooeis of vignetting becomes as easy as
ordinary printing. But to Mcnre this reanit the vignetter
moat be not only perfect in itaelf as regards shading, but must
be suited to the character of the nagatiTO with which it is to
be employed.
. Thm are numeroua methoda by which vignetting masks,
perfect in their gndnatkn. ean be prepared with very little
troable if the photographer will bat give his attention to the
matter ; and, though moat of these have been previously de-
scribed, it may not be out of place to recapitulate them here
fir the benefit of thoaa who are not familiar with the various
methods. The procew may be divided into two parts, the
mechanical and the photographic, the fi>rmer having to to do
with the gradoation of the screen, the latter with the sensitive
sarfitoe employed.
Taking the meehanioal aide of the (jnaation first, we have
choice of methods. The eanara may be employed, if deaired,
to prodoea a vigaattad didU or positive, from which negatives
may be reprodnead by cootaet printing, or, if only a single one
be reqaired lor a special aag^va, it may lie made direct. The
aiMlM nptnmdi in this eaaa ia viry similar to that of vignetting
aa enhnauwut ; ao apertm* or diae, according to whether a
poattive or nagadva ia reqnirad, is kept in motion between the
lena and tba aouw of light, or batwaeo lana and plate, and at
•aeb a diatanea aa to be oompletriy oat of fbena, Um degree of
gndaatiaa ilap— ding apoo the aaMont of mofwaaat impaitad
to th« amak «r An It ia obvioaa that, wbai cm aeeoiate
giadnatioa ia obtaiaad, H may ba npradoeed to any axtant
•ithar of the aama dimanaiona or krgar or amallar. The
employmoot of the eamara, of eoona^ neoeaaitatea the use of
tolerahly rapid platea or filma.
The limpiar pba, bowarac; aeam^ to be to pradooa the c/tnU
ia the ptta^bf fmaa by cm or other of th« methoda woally
^■dopCad Car diiwC TigMttii^ hot n rily by coa of tbcae
kf which we hava'apokan aa giving parCiet gradnation. Soma
I^Rpmaton may pralbr to oaa thair ihnmrite vignaitiag method,
ftnt aooa, we think, win be feoad to give raaolta aqoalliog
thoaa obtaiaad fcna the revolviaf ftama. Thia ii. moraovar,
M mtikj pat iato ptactica that va atm^y lacommand it in
pfafenoea to any other, ao matter whether artificial light or
dayUght ba aaad. thoagb the praeiae methoda of workisg
win dMkr difhtly with tha Hght.
A aqaaia bcarf of aaitabk liw to eaapaadad by ita eoraan,
80 aa to turn a hoifsoatal tables aad thh la haag from tha
hook of aa otdiaaiy roaethig-Jack aa the aoorae of atoiioo ; or,
if the jack be Bot availabla^ a aaaabar of atraada— tha more the
better— of worsted twiatad tngiUhar will Ibra a vary good anb^
■l>tat% aatwiatiag aad iMalithig a anaibar of tiasaa under
tha waight of the priatiag fruaa aad ita platfbrm. aad only
laqniriag aa ntra wiad oaeaaioaally to praraot ita baoomiag
statkaiarT.
Working ia ordinary diflamd diyU^t with one of the slower
photogiaphie ptouwim, the priatfa^( frame is phMad upon iu
HWl^lag platiwBi, aad Mi aatil tha light baa aaflcieatly
aMad. If a raraiaad MM, fkna which aagatrve vignattea can
ba raproduced, is faqairad, tha fkvot of tha printing frame ia
covered with aa opaqna aiaak, carrying aa apattara of aaitable
■kapa^ tha itm ti which will dapaad fai a gnat maaaora upon
tha rtlitanaa at which it ia placed fnm tha aeaiitlva aarfaoe :
tha greater tha distaace, the wider the spraad aad sotUr the
ipadaatioo. If tha light ba bright, the i^ertore fa better
with timne papar or grooad glaas, though, even in
direct sunlight, if the rotary motion be kept up regularly, it is
scarcely possible to produce a really bad result without this
extra means of diffusing the light.
It is quite unnecessary to resort to any of the usual methods
of softening the edge of the aperture by serrating or by gum-
ming cotton-wool to it. The revolution of the framo produces
the softening, and the only effect of serrating the aperture
is to practically increase its siie. Of course, any shape of
aperture may be adopted, from a true ellipse to any of the
forms more closely assimilating to the outlines of the head and
shoulders, one of the best, perhaps, for general purposes being
an egg shape, with the smaller end uppermost. In most
vignetted busts it will be found that the shading of the lower
portion of the body is more gradual than that about the head,
which should be clearly cut against a nearly white background.
To secure this effect in the vignetter, it is only necessary to
incline the mask at an angle with the sensitive surface, the
upper portion being the nearest.
If it is deaired to prodnoe a negative vignetter direct without
the trouble of a seocmd operation, instead of the mask with an
aperture, it will be necessary to use a glass plate with a piece
of opaque ftigmt or card of suitable shape fixed to the centre.
For inataace, if it be necessary to form a screen to vignette
doa^ to t^ shape of a particukr fi;o)re, we should cut out
a piece of opaqua paper the shape of the figure, but an eighth
or a quarter of an inch larger each way, according to the degree
of aoftnesa required and the distance at which the mask was to
ba placed from the sensitive surfaoe. This would be arranged
■o that tha dear aperture left in the centre of the vignetter
after expoanre would be the sisa of, or a trifle less than, the
actual aise of the figure to be operated oa
In daylight, and with slow photographic methods, the ex-
poanre will, of course, be a comparatively long one, and the
progi'i of the oparatioo can be watched as in ordinary
priatiag, ani slight OKxlifications of the adjustment of the
mask made if deemed neoesaary ; but, where artificial light is
coocemad and rapid pUtaa, some little extm care will be
reqaired in order to ensure the proper diffualbn of the light, and
tha aiae, shi^te, and dittanoa of tha mask will have to be
aeenrataly adjusted in the first inataaoe, as there is no oppor-
tunity of suheequently altering them. The mechanical arrange-
ment of the revolving uble will remain the same as for day-
light, aad tha chief care will have to be in the arrangement of
tha poaitioa of tha light Thia will vary with the source and
charantor of tha light aad iu strength, the more powerful it is
tha giaatg tha distance at which it should be placed in order
to avoid too aaddan oootrast. The softoem of gradation can
be greatly aiodiflad, too, by changing the angular position of
the light ; if vartiaal, or nearly ao, in rektion to the exposed
surCsoa, tha gradation will be comparatively abrupt, and, in
proportioa as it ia brought down to an angle of about forty-five
degreaa, tha aoftaning will be correspondingly increased. It
shonld alao ba raoMmbafod that a huge area of illuminating
surface will give a aoftar nault than a small flame or point of
light, and that tbarefora means should be adopted to increaae
the illuminating area by means of reflectors, or by multiplica-
tioo of tha number of lighta. A laige plane reflector in close
proximity to the light will produce the desired effect
Of the sources of light available we should select for gelatine
or rapid platea gaa or lamplight suitably diffused. For slower
plates, such as collodion emulsion, the more powerful form of
lamplight, with comparatively long expoaure, will prove suit-
able, or magnesium wire, burnt at a diataaoe from the sensitive
84
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[February 5, 1892
Bur&ce, and close to a light-coloured wall or reflector. What-
ever the source of light and other conditions, it will be advisable
to ascertain by actual experiment beforehand the most suitable
positions for Uie light and sensitive surface.
The photographic methods of producing the vignetters will be
disouased in a succeeding article.
Tlie New SSethylated Spirit.— The question we axked some
time ^go, as to what the photographic societies were going to do in the
matter of attempting to obtain some modification of the obnoxious
regulation necessitating the addition of mineral naphtha to methylated
•{Mrit, has, we are pleased to observe, been answered in two quarters.
The Great Britain Society had the matter under discussion at its last
technical meeting, and the London and Provincial immediately after-
wards followed suit. We hopn to hear that concerted action will soon
be taken to approach the Somerset House authorities, with the view
of obtaining a remission of thoir Draconic rule.
The Camera Club.— The list of members of the Camera Club
now totals up 684, the town members numbering 322, 18 being life
members. There are 2G9 country members, of whom 43 are life
members. The foreign members number 39, and 64 members joined
from the late Amateur Mechanical Society, of which 12 are life
members. We are glad to learn that with the present membership
and the prospective normal increase for the current year the Club is on
a sound footing. Certainly a roll of 684 is one of which the Club may
well be proud, and the best possible justification of its foundation and
existence.
Professor Keldola's Xieoture. — Although the attendance
at Professor Meldola's lecture on Photography as a Branch of Tech-
nology, at the Photographic Society of Great Britain, on Tuesday
night, was not large, the reception of the lecture was as favourable as
could be wished for, and the discussion that ensued eminently appre-
ciative and practical. Both as a review of the important part photo-
graphy plays in modem science, as well as suggestive of the possi-
bilities which underlie such an institute as the Professor pleads for,
the lecture was a valuable utterance, and we are confident that the
Society and the affiliation scheme will profit by the thoughtful manner
in which the Professor performed his task. Unhappily, he was un-
able to be present to hear the cordial manner in which his ideas were
echoed.
Papers at Societies. — Any one who turns up the reports of
photographic societies, say, of twenty years ago, must necessarily
be struck with the marked difference between the proceedings at
them then and now. Then the papers read were almost exclusively
of a technical character — new processes, or modifications of old ones ;
now they partake largely of an entertaining nature, a prominent
feature being the lantern; indeed, in some instances just now, lantern
society would be a more correct title than photographic society.
Much of this change is due to gelatine quite superseditig all the
other dry-plate processes.
Patents. — The number of patents taken in connexion with
photography increases annually, and some will, no doubt, lead to
litigation. There is no question that the litigation of patents is
usually made more costly than need be. Recently, Mr. Justice Romer,
in giving judgment in an action for infringement — with regard to
screws — that had occupied the Court for fourteen days, and in which
most of the leading counsel in patent matters were engaged, took
occasion to severely censure the method of conducting patent cases
generally. He complained loudly of the time occupied and the
expenses incurred in these actions, and said the fault lay with tlie
professional gentlemen engaged — over-zeal, want of compression in
examination, cross-examination, &c. It is to be hoped that his Lord-
fihip's remarks will have weight in any case in which photography is
involved.
Stagre SKoons. — Professor Hubert Herkomer is a man of many
parts. lie has just been telling theatrical managers how to %ht
their stages— both with gas and moon. Mr. A. W. Pinero thinks the
Professor may certainly claim to have discovered a new moon, of
which, however, no particulars are vouchsafed. Mr. Pinero has
known many stage moons, of which the most inoffensive is that for
which we are indebted to the ordinary magic-lantern. At Bushey
this illuminates the fleeting clouds. The lantern is an old servant of
the stage. ^^^
Instantaneous Photogrraphs. — On several previous occa-
sions, we have directed attention to the fact that " instantaneous "
pictures frequently do not convey the impression intended. Instead
of giving an idea of moving objects, they often give one rather of
sudden suspended motion. Thus a photograph of a railway train,
however fast it might be travelling, if it showed the spokes of the
wheels sharply defined, would represent it as standing perfectly stiU.
The late Mr. O. Q. Rejlander, many years ago, well exemplified this
in a couple of photographs of a girl at a spinning-wheel. In one, the
foot and spokes of the wheel were sharply rendered ; in the other,
where several seconds of exposure had been given, they were, of
course, considerably blurred. Yet it was the latter that gave the
best impression of an instantaneous picture. This subject was ably
treated by Mr. Maskell, at the Camera Club last week.
Jena Glass. — Is not Mr. Thomas S. Taylor, of the firm of
Taylor, Taylor, & Ilobson, who the other day gave a discourse on
lenses before the members of the Liverpool Amateur Photographic
Society (see p. 92), incorrectly reported in being made to say that
he could see no advantage in employing the new Jena glass in photo-
graphic objectives, except " variety " — whatever that may mean ?
Surely Mr. Taylor must be aware that the properties of high
refraction and low dispersion, which certain of the new glasses possess
in an eminent degree, conduce, among other things, to obtain a degree
of flatness of field which, as was said by Mr. Debenham at the
London and Provincial meeting the other night, constitutes the
greatest advance in photographic optics since the introduction of the
Steinheil aplanat twenty-four years ago. Will Air. Taylor kindly
inform us with what other kind of glass than that of Jena it would be
possible to construct, for example, a lens having concentric external
curves — that is, curves struck from a common centre — by which a
corrected image would be formed ? We incline to the opinion, how-
ever, that Mr. Taylor has not been rightly reported.
Fetid Albumen Paper.— A case of considerable interest to-
photographers who sensitise their own paper was decided in the Court
of Chancery one day last week, a brief report of which appears in our
previous issue. It was an action to restrain Mr. Elliott, of Barnet,
from carrying on his business in such a way as to cause a nuisance to
the plaintiff, a neighbour. The suit, it may be mentioned, by reason
of the conflicting evidence adduced, occupied the Court for several
days last year, when the learned Judge appointed an expert to visit the-
premises and report. The report was to the effect that, although there
was no nuisance in regard to the chimney complained of, there was
from the albumenised paper employed. Hence an injunction was-
granted in respect to that. If the efiiuvium — " albumenous vapours,"
as one of the papers has it— given off in sensitising some papers is a
legal nuisance to neighbouring houses, what must it be iii the same
building? Many photographers who do their printing on the same
premises as they have their studio do not occupy the whole of the
house. Now, after the decision just referred to, any of the other
occupants could easily, if they choose, put the photographer to serious
inconvenience. We were forcibly reminded of this the other day on
entering premises, the lower portion of which was let as oifices, and
the upper occupied by a photographer. The effluvium from sensitising
paper pervaded the whole building at the time of our visit, and was
most sickening.
Important Copyrlerht Decision.— An action, under the
Copyright Act, was decided in the Court cf Queen's Bench on Friday
FehnMty 5, I8RS]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
85
iMt w«ek, which is of oonstdenble impnitanop, iaaMnnefa m aome
■OMl poiati wtf niMd. Mww. Loom, M«imIom, Bad tfaa Berlin
''*o*liwpl>fa Compwy tcooftht as Mtioa amiiMt Maam. Williw"»
* Sow. of WlmUMion, for aaBiair ithotoRiaphie MprodiK^nns of their
cofjiight m pi«tiinM mteb m T%» ^metmahtr. Quiet to Kid* a^
Driat, ke. The pbiatiSi, ia««M) of taWnar niniinarr pmc«e«4gr>f
riwtod to MM. in a ntperior Ooart, for dsraaffm, and an iniunrtion to
- rtiala pialria^ oadar SMtfaw e^ aad damasM under SecHon H.
< tnaoT^ yl— di«g« oT th« dafcadanta via that, in the cue of Mr.
Laeaa,tbe plaintiff arat hn acent. who irare an addreaa at Belfast.
to aeO him eopiea, and after the aale a writ waa {amied. One of the
deflrodaBta in hia eridentw *aid that. wh*n he pnrrhaaed the photo-
rrapliJ. he thoocht be waa jiMri6«d in doinjr »n, and afterwardn. whpn
he met the man who aold then, he rhaatiaad htm, " girinir him black
"Tea and a cat head." One of the pointa raiaed b_T the dpfendants*
"-xinael waa, that the Act complained of behifr a criminal one. in
MTdar to reeover. the pUintifb moat pmre that the defoodantji eom-
mittad tba acta knowini^, and there waa no eridenee of anr mich
acta. Mr. Jnatiee Oolliaa alao pointed out that and»r Section 1 1 the
liamagaa mart ba apaeial, aad of tMa the plaintiff* had riren no
ridaiwe at aD. In the reanll. the iorr fonnd that the defendant*
»d aold the pfetoMa wHboat rsiltr Irnowledee. and for the plaintiffa
with a farthintr dama«ea ta aaeh oaaa lor nhibitiiw, aad no damavea
at mil for the Mb, aa that waa to tka plaaatiffb^ own aceift, and at
their own iaatifration. An fajmetiaa waa granted to natialn fnrther
aala, and aH eopie* in band to ba fefftted, and the delandanta to par
tbe (Mta. On tba appMeatiwi of tba MtudaataT eoviaal axeentimi
waa atayad, ao tbal ■w% bara poaribly not jat beard tbe laat of the
e«pyncht C— — . in th* ror««ainir raae
tbaMadaat in bia aridanw aaid that after laeairiiy a lattar ftom
tba aoBchor, ba waol ta bia oOea aai mw bim. and waa rer^ iadifnaat
at tba propoaal made to bim aa to a aatlfcuiiiit, and Mt tba office
alruptlj. la proaaeiitioBa for liihimauMaf of wpyrighl, tbe owner
of it baa two wiufwa of ptoeadora opa« to bim. One tammarilr before
a m>gii<iaH, tbe otbar by action ia a aaparior Court. The latter i«
tba moM eoatlj mode of prwaading. aad aot iafraqnaatlT iadaeaa the
defaodant to par a emtaia aaa to ewpiiiwha tba mattar. It waa
maatioaad that tba photofinph* oompUMd of wata made is Oermaay ,
aad «• bare aaan rfaUkr OMa bmrkid aboot tba atiaato of Londoo.
Thia beiar tba eata, bow it H tbay ara allowed to pMi tba CnatonaP
.'Ction 10 of ^ Act aiiaaarfj forfaida the importalian of piiatad
worka. One woald almott haT* Iboofbt fliat tba owMra of ralnabio
eopTrigbti woold pnfo to prrraot tba importatioa of piradaa ratbar
tbaaomaBiaa oeatly yi mmliuiii agaiit pawoaa wb» Might be iaao-
rHoTuuRAPHme •thunderbolts.'
What ia a tbaadarboU*' tea waeaabk qaaatiaa to aak, aow that
pbotaKraphiag wOd fowl nf that ilk baa b(«aa. Ak>B« aome parte of
tbaaoatb eoaat of Eaxlaad nedahr luapa of a baary aatoianea are
' ' ba foond. which aoma of tbe peaaaalrr irraTcly piint oat to tbe
i^ior aa tbanderbolla. Bomaarbat cryicallina bumm of tbe (ame
tobataaea are f>Hiod ia dm chalk aad clay duK ool in tbe Cbaaaal
Tnnael work*, and *o brif bt aa to atroofly naambb r>U : in time tbe
ttarior oiidina, aad awA hoBp amnmai tba ofdinarr appaaraac*
r inn prrilaa. Tbaaa faHibm, Ua tbe nodaka of bematito iioa
L.>intfd oot aa tbaaderbolu aaar Taabjr, wam arrar laonehad fran
beaTon by Jore ; iadaad, Japitv. fiom bia ironr tbraoa with bia
•rraaBUOK ia^ at bia faat, woald bare baaa aahaaad to bnri aoeb
fTf apaaiaMaa of hia powar.aa aar ooa woald aay did be aaa tbe
' haawl Taaaal Hpiriwiai hnof before am aa I writ*. They came
hom tba worhi oo the EnffUab aide of the CbaoaaU When euminintr
the worfca on tba Fraaeh aide, I heard aotbiof about tbe flodiog of
yyrilaa.
It waa at tba maaliaf of tba Camera Ciob recently that )f r. A .
Maakall profaeiad oa tba acncn a laniem pi " tbandcrbolt,"
lak«, ba taid, by aa amateur at Kewm^- i tana) daring a
atorm of tboadcr and liirbtoinfr. When Uio flaab took place it
differed in appaaiaaea from no otbar llaah ; but, upoa davniopiofr the
plata, a ramarkabb object waa reraalad a kind of lamiaooa gb>be,
with (lama like proJMtioaa h«a aad than faon ito ootar odna. Oa
the background were spots and marking, some of which may, or may
not, bare been defecta in the plate. In the discussion, I asked Mr.
Maskell if this photograph were well aathenticated, because, if
genuine, it was unique in the histories of photography and meteor-
olo^ ; he then gave as his authority a number of a periodical,
which he laid upon tbe table.
This photofTTsph will soon draw criticism in wider Belds than that
in which it first became known, because there is none to compare
therewith. The scientific world must ^ard itself against hoazee per-
formed, say, by " larky " voung men — such as those who find pluasute
in tying together the tails of farmers' cows — and, at the same time,
ought, by experience, now to have wisdom enough not to howl down
novelties brought before it in kU candour by truthful persons. Scien-
tific men at fiist scouted the first news of the existence of flying fish ;
the Royal Society itself rejected Franklin's first paper on lightning
conductors ; mesmerism was tabooed by orthodox science for a gene-
ration, and now ia accepted by it in a cowardlr way by forging for it
tbe new name of hypnotism. A broader spirit of toleration is now
abroad, for, tbe wiser men are, the mora are they aware of their own
ignorance ; the ignorant and the brutal, on the contrary, are conacioas
that they know everrthing. On these grounds, pmhably, in scientific
drclee judgment will be suspended about Mr. Dunn.s photograph,
and time claimed for the reception of abundant corroboration from
other sooroes, even should Mr. Dunn's acquaintances testify that he
ia not a notorious practical joker. In London one is at a disadvantage
in knowing nothing of tbe aouroe of information, for Mr. Dnnn may
porbapa be noted for tba gravity of his demeitnour and the trust-
wortbinasa of hia ntteraaoea.
Oaa thing, nntil explaiaed away, appears to tell strongly against
tba pictuie oeing a photograph of globular li^'litning. The lens was
uncapped, aa.uaual when takintr photographs of forked lightning by
night, and after tbe flash Mr. Lhinn put on the cap; thus no shutter
waa uaed, for ahuttera are oadaaa in photographing forked lightning.
Under these drcunistanoea how ia it the fire-twU comes out sharp all
over and near the middle of the plate, instead of making a band acroas
the plate by its travelling motion K Information has reached me that
a copy of the photograph has reached the Royal Meteorological
Society, and that additional specifio particulars have been aaked, but
Botyet received.
Until recently, it waa an unpleasant thing to ba a witnaaa to an
abnormal pheaomaaon which cannot be aeen or repeated at will.
When tbey aaked the «aptain to come on deck and to look, with all
tba re*t of tbe livbg aonls on board, at tbe aea-!«rpent wriggling after
the abip, that captain groaned, buried his head in the xofa cusniona,
aad replied that he wnuid die fir^t. Did they not know that Captains
Smith, Hmwn, ai>d Hobinom had teitiitii-d 'to having seen the aea-
aarpent, and been thenceforth reirarded by their employers and by
thetr paamqgan aa aearoely worth their aaltf .
Coma wa now to what is rrally known in f^lation to what the
proletariat call thunderbolt;<. ''(ilobe-ligbtning" or "fire-balls"
nraaeot parphiting pbrnomraa to electricians; but that globular
lightning is a fact is oot di-nied. The fire-ball is much leait brilliant
than forked lightning; indivd. it is rarely brighter than red-hot iron.
Sometimea tbe ball ia visible for several seconds; it is always soherical,
aad aeldoa mora than a font in diameter; it appears to fall from a
lhiiader«b)ad br Its own gra« it v, sometimea rebounding after touching
tbe gfoaad. Tba fre-ball anuJly bunts with a bright flash and loud
esphMioa, nwaainaally diaobarging fla«baa of lightninir. No experi-
maalar baa yat aaecaadad ia prodaeiagartifleiaUy anything resembling
thcae aatoral aad iaiMie->" ..i....~,l I^ydea jar*. Tbie term " thunder-
bolt " is nowadays ran >iept by poeta andj penny-a-liners.
Such an tbe ftatemen ifessor P. U. Tait about globular
Ughtaiag. W. II. HjiBBiaoic.
AMRRICAN X0TE8 AND NEWS.
nowera by Oaallrbt.— The Caban oacta* is a species of the
night liliioming pUnt wlitrh, we are informed, only bloomt at mid-
lligkt, '^he .SY. l^mii itmd t^nniiian Photographer ha4 a photo-en-
graving ' - — if these (lowers, the negative of which was taken
by a pli in bia gallery at midnight, with an exposure of
about (mil *n(i n balf miautea to gaaligbt.
Tba ^ Oomlnlon ZUaatrated.**— We are sorry to hear of
tliH stoppage <>( tbe Domimon llliutratrd, a Canadian weekly of a
bighrUu character, which depended very largely upon photography
fur its illustrationa. Tbe paper, it is said, will in future appear as a
monthly. It ia to be regretted that tbe measure of support accorded
86
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[February 5, 1892
1892 M
to our contemporary ohould have led to this step. Can it be that the
fidelity of the illustrations was not appreciated P
AiniwiTiiiim nasMlgrlit.— Dr. Piffard -writes to Anthont/'n
JSutfrtin in reference to the proposed substitution of aluminium for
magnesium in flashlight photography, stating that he exhibited
picture* made by aluminium flashlight at a meeting of the Society
of Amateur Photographers of New York three or four years ago.
He says that properly prepared aluminium is, for certain purposes, to
be preferred to magnesium. It gives a quicker flash, but is very
costly.
Pbotogrrapbing' a Famaoe. — Messrs. Meachim & Sabine,
of Youngstown, Ohio, recently accomplished an interesting piece of
work in photographing the bottom and interior of a Gerard furnace, the
stack of which was seventy-five feet high, and the interior, of course,
perfectly dark. An exposure of half an hour was given, with the
camera upside down, and a successful negative resulted. We are not
told what luminant supplied the actinism necessary for securing
" perfectly dark interiors."
"An Appropriate Besponse." — The Columbus Camera Club
held its annual meeting a little while ago, and, according to the report,
it brought out the largest gathering the Club had had for three months-
"Many faces of irregular attendants were present," we read. Only the
faces? The Bausch and Lombe Lens and Shutter, won in a competition,
was pre.sented to the victor. This gentleman, Mr. H. Irvine, "re-
sponded appropriately, and passed round the cigars." The appropri-
ateness of the response was so highly appreciated by the members
present that they subsequently elected Mr. Irvine a vice-president of
the Club. "
Death of WlUard K. Poller.— We are sorry to hear of the
death of Mr. Willard H. Fuller, of the Scovill & Adams Co., New
York, after a brief illness, at the age of thirty-seven. Mr. Fuller
was long connected with the Scovill Manufacturing Co., and was
much respected. The funeral was attended by, among others, Messrs.
W. Irving Adams, and H. Littlejohn (Scovill & Co.), W. I. Lincoln
Adams (Photographic Times), H. C. Price, H. Flammeng, Dr. Charles
Ehrmann, and representatives of Messrs. E. and H.T. Anthony & Co.,
the Eagle Plate Company, and the Board of Trade and Transportation
of New York. He leaves a widow and two young daughters.
" St. Blaise " Photog-raphed.— The Photographic Timet
recently presented its readers with a capital photogravure of St. Blaise,
the $100,000 stallion. The colour of the picture is said to suggest
the colour of the horse, so that it is as satisfactory a representation
as could possibly he obtained by photogrnphic means. The breeder
of the horse is said to have been " Lord Arlington." It was Lord
Alington — without inverted commas. To say, as our contemporary
does, that the animal won the English Derby as a three-year-old is in
the nature of a redundancy, since, as everybody knows, only three-
year-olds are allowed to compete in that classic contest. Then — but
stay, this is not a sporting journal.
Sare Bartlis.— Mr. Waldron Shapleigh recently exhibited at
the chemical section of the Franklin Institute a number of specimens
of the salts of the rare earths, many of which, it is safe to say, are
only known to the majority of chemists on paper, that is, in the text-
books of chemistry. Of a few of these, however, such as zirconium)
lanthanum, and cerium, it is claimed that they should no longer he
classed as rare earths, as hundreds of tons of ores from which they are
obtained are found in North Carolina ; they also exist in Brazil.
These, and similar bodies — of which, we believe, incandescent mantles
are made — can, it is said, be supplied from the localities named in
proportion to the demand created by the arts and manufactures.
Jadg-ing: Xiantem Slides. — A little while 9.%o the Executive
Committee of the American Lantern-slide Interchange met, and
e.Kamined and tested the slides of fifteen clubs, aggregating very
nearly 1400 slides ! Fourteen hundred slides at a sitting ! Phew t
The self-doomed martyrs— we mean Committee— consisted of Messrs.
F. C. Beach and W. H. Rau and Dr. G. H. Bartlett. It seema that
on a previous occasion some of the clubs wished to know in detail
why their slides were rejected. A code of reasons has, therefore,
been adopted, by which the quality of a slide may be readily deter-
mined. Each rejected slide will be marked witli a letter, which will
indicate the following defects : (A) Too weak, flat, or over-exposed ;
(B) too dense, chalky, or under-exposed ; (C) out of focus ; (D) badly
matted, aperture too large, or incorrectly labelled ; (E) uninteresting
subject. It would be a charity if this example were copied as far as
possible in this country. .
" The Beacon " on the Hew Methylated Spirits.—
"Watchman," in the Beacon, has something to say on the New
Methylated Spirit Regulations which strikes us as eminently sensible.
After explaining that the addition of mineral naphtha makes the
spirit altogether unsuitable for emulsion-making and other photo-
graphic purposes, he doubts whether the addition will deter the more
degraded class of whisky-drinkers. He does not believe in depriving
a whole people of its cakes and ale for the sins of the few, and says
he would add to the spirit such poisonous matter as, while it would be
fatal to the drunkard, would not interfere with its employment in
science and the arts. The regulation has been adversely criticised
all round. Who, we wonder, is the meddlesome ornament of the
Laboratory at Somerset House that has doubled the unpopularity of
the Inland Revenue among such a large section of Her Majesty's
subjects P
GAS-REGULATOR CHECKS.
The following experiments, made to attain greater safety in the use
of compressed oxygen, will probably be of interest to many readers
of Thk British JotmNAL of Photography.
When recently investigating, with Mr. Budenberg, of this city,
some causes of explosions alleged to be due to, or assisted by, the use
of gauges, we proved that, under the ordinary conditions of the use
of compressed gas by lanteinists, the presence of either gauge or
regulator is not required to obtain ignition of combustible matter, for
the ordinary connecting arrangements and stem of a regulator or
gauge (without a check) are long enough to allow of the compression of
sufficient heat to ignite tinder with compressed air only, and we infer
that, with compressed pure oxygen, even a shorter tube would
suffice. The experiments show that, with ordinary couplings attached
to oily cylinder valves, there has been a source of danger which,
although very real, happily has not made itself frequently apparent,
and, no doubt, some explosions caused thereby have led to the gauges
being condemned.
Therefore I have made a few experiments as te the practical value
of inserting an efficient check in the entrance to a Olarkson's Duplex
Regulator, and I find that, when it is arranged to pass gas under a
high pressure at a slow speed, it permits enough to enter the regulator
for three blow-through jets ; but, with mixed jets of fairly large
bore, tV" (=No. 63 Lane, steel- wire gauge) diameter, there was
not enough for two jets to work at their best, although they had to
pass their proportion of coal gas with the oxygen. I therefore opened
the check (the Jackson Check being used, as the best I am acquainted
with), so as to pass the oxygen more readily, but, at the same time,
prevent such an inrush as would produce the ignition of oil in its
liquid form, and found that abundance of oxygen was then obtained
for two jets ; but, when all three were acting together, there was a
slight falling off in the light, although it is probable an ordinary non-
critical assembly would not have perceived it. It is, however, seldom
that all three jets are required to work at their full capacity at the
same time, and, as those used are much larger than ordinary com-
mercial jets, with the latter a full supply would be obtained, for they
rarely exceed j^" in the bore ; a full supply would also be obtained
for larger jets by opening the check a little more, and it would still
maintain the necessary conditions for safety.
I am therefore led to the conclusion that users of single and biunial
lanterns with blow-through jets, who probably form the majority of
amateur lanternists, would be quite protected from the risk by adopt-
ing the Jackson Check in their regulators, and in fact in any tube
stopped at the outer end intended to draw off high-pressure oxygen :
the check should be placed in the nozzle close to the part in contact
with the cylinder valve. Users of mixed jets, on screens up to eighteen
feet square, can have a better light than is generally seen at lantern.
Pehnazj 6, 1803]
THE BRITISH JOUBNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHS.
87
Bto with «11 three jeto of a triple knteni in aw together
for ■fleet iSiim, while with oaij two jete oaoce f(M ie aapplied than
caa be need.
Tbe pneeoie ia the os^geo cylinder duriiw the earBer trial* was
aboHt 90 atmoa., and danag the later tnal* about 90 atmoa. ; but no
diflar«ne% waa peteeplible on that aeeount, in wweequence of the
nffolatar, for the check doM not diminiah the ananti^ of gas more
I has MO poiated out, and doea not affect tne praaore which is
imti eren hj the ic^alator. The nMOBaMnaatioa to employ
) is Nfalalafa is not lataadsit for exhibitore oo twenty^flre or
thirty-fcet siresBi, who hare special jets and appliancea, aad use
thaal
special eai* with eTCtythiag.
CELLCLOm Fiuia
UCm
itaSie
V/atrmrauuD.
:}
Fob «aay Tsais paat it ha* bass a giaat aia ia photomphj to sub-
•titata a lighter aMtacial thaa giasa aa a aappott for ta* ssasitiTe
fiba for accatiraa, aad aatil tb latiedactfua of callaloid ao mb-
•taace was fooad to he capable of •mlaati^f f lass for the porpoee.
Celloloid, as a new ■ttarial ia taa arts, dates ba^ to aboot the
mar I'^aD. It is a hard, dorahi* aabstaaes, ahanet sotiialj ■M*>»tt^
br aeide or siliafca, anrhaBBwahla andar wdiaarf ataMapharie coa-
dttioaa, aad is ««7 tomth. ItiaiMdmd phatic by heat, aad caa U
awaUadiaioaaT dewed foca. AIcdImI aad acetic add act apoa it,
aarlially tfiaolnBg it. It is aolabla is acstata of aasrl, tond^ a
Lard, tnaspaMBt «ami*h. Tha aaaafbatBi* of the eelhiloid shsau
need ia the pwfaiatinw of n^gatira flaa is soaiawhat aa followa. —
A pO* of pan while papr i* aalad apea by aitric aad aalphaiie
■cids, CMierttM it iato tttro-aaDaloaa. It ia washed to free it fltoia
the aeida, aad thsa mated with wood ipiiit aad camphor, prodaeiiw
a JsOy-iika blodt. wUeh is th*a labJMlsd to peat piiam, wUehS
swstMaad for a psriod of sawtal wasta TVa boek/fhia wbch auat
of the spirit ia aow avaMBlad, is aot iala a marhina soaaethiitf like
a phaina laariHae, aad la cat iato shariapoe skastiof tha thidkaeas
of the na layuiad ; eechshaviaf or sktal. which maaaorea fiO x 90
inches, is aow kaac ap to dry for a period at aboot three aM>ath% ia
order to thoroo^J^ ssaaoa it aad (ntaataay after rhanaa beh
ifaset ia thaa tahsa aad nJM aadar hmrj pisssaia Iwlaaea haatad
,laoUiianteth*aaHao(1kaaBttiiWkails. ThaaM«al
^oini. tlw fdUhal gMv Ika JMetk 'Hb aad the miasd tha matt
■oCmb BMkUadaaia and. %al I Mdh wafer tha saMw(k,as those
UMvUakhaeatheaaltaaiCae* at Ihaiaali lab* a HttlaloHer to
prial,aadaaiaho««7liaUe to beeoaMasMchad. Thaya*a,how.
•tar, food lev Mtoaabaf. Tha fshliai snaiiiua fa sawadoiartha
I by aaaw of saaeial avplaaMa,aad wUefc_pfa£ia« a fta of
• ' I of sflwr at gaat Milwili. TU laalrfiMfatha
aia.
ndaofsihar at gnat
asedia tha pmaial
•apaiatica of drr plata, aad the film,
mm* m a glasa plau, with tlM aiasptioB
iaMaad of glaaa.
Haloid ilma is, of coaia*, thsir Ightaam
ef aiOaUd
M that
wheadiy, i*
that tha sopport fa
Tka giaat adfaa
aad poftabiUty. A aoasakatfflata Mas, with their padUwT weigh
•bootftMraaaeiLwhifa thaswaaa— I ■ of i^aas plates will arerMs
tluaapoaa4k«haM,ia thWkaaai,0Be wrom at flWia ladwu wUl
oeeapy foar hit ii. aad oaa mm of pktes f aartssa iaehas. Theraia,
too, ae laar of hNahaaa, aad halalfaa, ■> eommoa with frUrn platae,
i* alwMl MtintyoMatad by tha aaa of SIbm. The Urns caa ba
k>pl iatforaxfoaanfai thadafh rfidabyiavaralMaaa. I mysatf
use earrian, which aia Ight aad iaazpaasire,- aoaaiaUac of cards with
metal grooraa at the cads. The Saw caa b* cmOt iTiaaii iato the
KTOoves^ aad are then rxady to ,plMa ia the slide life* gbia phlM. I
hava foaad them rory effactite. For very fanrs dm» the plaa adofled
— fint, I beliere. by Mr. Wanwike cuasistt of sliefciiir tbellms
dowa apoe a larface, wbich slways laaalaa lathi. This method fa a
very good oae, bat «ai« aust be tahn to barp duet f mas the sarfsce.
I beta assd. with ««fy gnat adraaiMa, carrWre which are sHghtl*
eiirTsd.aa thfa form very malariaDy aids erea de6aMaa wbaa asii«
laive stops ia th* Ihh.
■iMa plalaa. I bav*
ikaaaMlsioa isenattd
stops I
Tha asp
bao
Ifathet
ilma win la'tat
faaotaaasaaarTto
of tha
I
dsTflopeia aia soitabl*. aad the
of tho di«h fa tfsl wMtad. It
. , . MS to ds r Jopmwt, eaeept for
UrgaamasL Tkey an laid hi tha aaaal Isi^ bath, takh|r caia that
* edne do aot cat! ap oal of iho aslatioa aad Ihanlgr eaona ftxinr.
9 Um whea find am waU washed, enl thea hmw brnnildipaa
■loa to dry. InlsawltatliiB or tidoelion can be rfliatad withoat
acwy by amaas of aay of the umiaI r.>r.n il«. The filau out be
easily varnished with a Tsmish that does not reauire heat in drying,
such as amber in chloroform, or gold use thinned with benzole. The
Tarnish is applied by means of a soft brush. A simple plan, however,
which I have lately tried and which seems to be rerr simple and
effective, is to dip the films after washing and before arying into a
water vamifh consisting of pale shellac dissolved in an aqueous
solution of borax. This dries with a very hard impervious coaung.
There are many useful applications to which celluloid films may be
applied. In Moeseard's cylmdroeraph, which takes panoramic picture*
two or three feet in length, the films are inserted in a slide which is
bent to form the segment of a drde. Another useful application is in
making stereoscopic pictures. The stereoscopic negative can be cut
with a nair of scissors, and the halves transposed and mounted upon
glam, when the prints taken will not then require reversing. \^ry
good cloud negatives can be made with the films which may be printed
from either side. In casee where reversed negatives are requued, aa
for caibon printing or collotype, a celluloid negative will be useful, and,
slthoogh oae doee not get abeohite sharpness by printing in the
ordiaary maaaer, it caa bs improved by placing the frame containing
the acjgative at the bottom of a box, so as to cut off all oblique rays.
By thfa meana mm can get sharp pictures. For focussing screens, too,
the matt celluloid forms an excellent subetituta for the grotind ghus.
I should like to ear a word as to storage of negative films. They
shoold be kept Eke jolatee in a dry nlace and away from gas fumes,
bat, above all, the ntans should not be subjected to too much preseure.
On accooat of their being anbreakaUe, one u very apt in travelling
to pUs a gieat asaay thin||a upon them, and this fa often the cause of
peculiar ineeasitive marhng* upon the negative. Captain Abney has
pointed out that the effect of preesore upon a gelatino-bromide film
I* to deatroy the searitivaaess of the parU preesed. And now, in con-
clasion, I hope tha few hints I have given will prove of service daring
the eoaiiag aeasoe, when, no doubt, celluloid films will be very
nttmhnix "rf- J. D. E.voi-A.yD.
a
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY'S LECTURES.— UI.
PBOTOORAPHY AS A BRANCH OF TECHXOLOOT.
Taa iaritatiaa eoaveyed to me by yoar Council, to assist in promoting a
aefaasne ot photofraphfa tsehnhal edoeation of s more eomplet* eharaoter
thaa that provided by the elemealary sdiools is in sneb complete accord
with the priaeiples whl^ I have always held, and which I have occasion-
ally pranolgaled throoith other channels, that I fait it an almost impera-
li«s doty lo respond to the invitation, in spite of the numerous other
daima upoa my Uoie, tbr I believe thai, if the Photographic Society
will throw ilaslf with asal into sooM wsU-orgaafaed scheme in this direction,
a gloat bsasOt will be eosihired upon the cause of teohnieal ednca-
tioa ia Ihfa ooaatiy. I will eree go so far as to sxpiass the belief that a
work of DKtiaaal irapertUMS may be awntnplished.
Taa Diwa or Paonwatfar.
It mi^. psriiapa, appear aa prepoeteroo* to dwell upon the impoitaaoa
of photoipaviv balon the msmbera of Ihfa Boofaty aa it woold be for a
to addnn the rbamber ot fVaiiiasies oa the importance ot
or far a taaari* to lialaia to aa taulilato of beakers on the im-
of haakiag. Nevertheless, it fa a eoaunoa aapatieuoe that those
an aalinly aap«*d ia lb* proeeeatioa of seaie speefal Uad of work
cAaa take a aanoa view of Ihefa oem laboan ; they have ao thna to take
a hiid**-eya vi*w of th* wbafa aahlaet, aad aa iadepaadaat oataider auy
do good serrfaa by gathariag op the odde and ends of scattered
ittiag then iato Ihalr right poatHoas In ths gensral
II aay jnatiffaariea fa taqabai (ron me tor addressing a Society
n iMfsiy of photopayhfa axpaita. I nsed only plead that, as a
of lashatsal rtwnlslry, I have fell U aeesasary to give full reeog.
aUtoa to the afaiw* of photopi^ as an importaatbraaeh of technology.
Il eoa ao loagar be igaond that photography hn peaetraled th* arts and
to aa extant Ihal ha* laised ll to aa exalted podKoa among
H aash it ha* aot yet neeived its proper reeog.
FMa the vwy dawa of ita disoovsiy, the import-
fas applfaalieas waa farasaa. allboogh it fa only in our own time
of Ihfa kapertaan fa beiag witaesesd. We need not
to the aitneagaaee of Paol Oelaroehe, the artist, who,
nasd by Ihs cevsUtioa of the Daguerreotype
faaeidtohaved*dBnd,"PaiaUi«udsadlrom thfadayl" The
art d the patotar hn aot besa kiUed, bat it may (airly beelaimed that it
hM beea aided by phoWgnphy ; the art o( ths tn^raver has been revoln-
taafaed fay iu mnns The pcopbelfa atteranos of a writrr in the
llMatar$k BnUm far Jaausry. l»iS. hn been faUUfad: •■The art of
photagmpfay, or photogeay, as it has bsen ealled, U indeed m great a step
la the Una arte m the ilwm-sngin* was in th* mechanical arts ; and we
88
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[February 5, 1892
turn DO donbt thtt when it» mftterialB hav« become more sensitive, and
iU prooe«M« more oertein, it will take the highest rank among the inTen-
tiona of the present age." .
All who are familiar with modem photographic methods wiU admit tne
troth of this prediction ; the rasterials have been rendered more sensitive,
and the prooessee more certain. The aensitiveness has been Increased to
a dagne that would probably astonish the writer of the passage quoted,
and the certainty of the prooessee is such that the amateur photographer
ezista by thousands. It U, perhaps, this last circumstance which is re-
■pondble for the idenUfioaUon of photography in the public mind with
the taUng of portraiu and landscapes. These are, no doubt, very im-
portant appUoations of the subject, but photography is not synonymous
with portraiture and the taking of scenery ; if we allow this view of the
aabjeot to prevaU, it cannot but have the effect of narrowing down the
gaDeral estimate of its importance, and of thus injuring its claim to take
high rank among technical subjects. We are here, I imagine, to pro-
claim the far-reaching importance of our subject. Every one knows with
what beautiful effect the photographer can reproduce a portrait or a piece
ol ioanery, but what is not so generally known to the public at large is
the enormous service that photography has rendered to other branches of
seienoe. If I dwell, therefore, upon this application of the subject, it is
not for the purpose of depreciating its application to art, but rather for
the purpose of exsJting both aspects.
PBOTOoiurBY IS Astronomy, Physics, asd Cbemistky.
The modem dry plate has insinuated itself into every branch of
practical science ; whenever a phenomenon of a temporary character has
to be registered with absolute accuracy, where the human eye fails,
owing to the faintness of the object or the rapidity with which the pheno-
menon occurs, there the aid of the dry plate (U invoked. The appU-
cation of photography to astronomy has, "as is well known, relieved the
eye of the astromoner and curtailed tlie work of the observatory to an
extent bordering on the marveUous. A faint nebula, which by eye obser-
vation may take many years of wearying labour to represent in the form
of a drawing, in the course of a few hours impresses its image in all its
fineness of detail on the photographic plate— a memorial for future ages of
the trae form of the nebula at the time of its being photographed. Stars
which appear as points of light in the telescope are shown by the photo-
graphic plate to be small nebul«D, and stars and nebulss which have alto-
gether eluded the most powerful telescopic search impress themselves on
the sensitive film. All this and much more in the same direction is such
familiar knowledge now, that it is only necessary to mention the facts, nor
need I remind you how the photographic plate is being utilised for the
photo-astrographic survey of the heavens, and in astronomical spectro-
scopy for the permanent registration of the solar spectram and the
spectra of the stars. The "Draper Memorial" is one of the latest
examples of the utility of photography in the observatory; it is no
exaggeration to say that one of the grandest problems of modern science
the question of stellar evolution— will be rendered capable of scientific
discussion by this application of the gelatino-bromide film. The modem
astronomical observatory is in fact equipped for photographic work quite
as much as for observational work, and the photographer has become as
neceasary as the observer.
In physics and in chemistry also the photographic plate has been
added to the weapons of research. Here it has been used to record
phenomena which occur with such rapidity as to elude visual perception.
What would the Edinburgh Beviewer of 1843 have thought of the
possibility of photographing a soap film in the act of breaking, or a liquid
drop in the act of falling ? Yet, as you all know, Lord Bayleigh and
Mr. Boys have succeeded in doing this. Or take, again, the application
of the sensitive plate to the elucidati^ of the phenomena of gaseous
explosions by Professor Oettingen, who, by using a rapidly rotating dry
plate, was enabled to show the intermittent character of the flash
produced by the explosion of hydrogen and oxygen. Professors Liveing
and Dewar have also succeeded in photographing the spectrum of a
mixture of exploding gases. In spectrum analysis, in fact, the services
which have been rendered by photography cannot be over-estimated.
The astronomer, the physicist, and the chemist must have for reference
complete and accurate charts of the spectra of the chemical elements.
The early maps of Buasen and Eirchoff, and the splendid " Spectre
Normale " of Angstrom were drawn by eye observation after years of
laborious work, and with injury to the eyesight of the observers. These
maps are now produced by photography without any tax upon the eye-
sight, and with an amount of detail that renders the early maps —
executed with such painful labour — but mere skeletons as compared with
liiiir photographic representatives. The spectra can, moreover, be com-
pared lar luoie readily and with much greater accuracy by the photo-
graphic method. The method of eliminating the lines in the spectrum
of one element, due to the presence of a trace of some other element as
an impurity, which we owe to Professor Norman Lockyer, has only been
rendered possible by photography. If the residual lines common to
several elements, and which cannot be traced by this means to any
known clement, should lead to the discovery of new elements or to the
resolution of known elements into simpler forma of matter, the credit
must be given to the photographic method.
In Spkctroscopy, METEOaoLoaY, and GsoLoaT.
But it will be safer to confine ourselves to what photography has
actually done for science than to attempt to enter the regions of specula-
lation. The case to be made out is such a good one that there is no need
to draw upon the imagination. Thus, again, in the region of spectro-
scopy, the relationship between the constitutions of chemical compounds
and their power of absorbing certain definite hght waves, as investigated
by Professor W. N. Hartley, may be said to have been discovered by
means of photography, because the absorption is, in the case of colourlesa
Uquids, exerted beyond the limits of the visible spectrum. In meteorology
the photographic plate has also been of the greatest service, and a British
Association Committee has been formed for the purpose of stimulating
work in this direction. Most of those present are, no doubt, familiar with
the more striking results achieved by meteorological photographers. The
fleeting forms of clouds can be registered with absolute fidelity, and, by an
ingenious arrangement of electrically connected cameras, the height and
rate of motion of clouds has recently been determined by the aid of
photography. The character of the electric discharge in the laboratory
has been studied photographically by Mr. Shelford Bidwell and by Pro-
fessors Oliver Lodge and C. V. Boys, and the large-scale discharge of the
lightning flash has been made to impress itself on the photographic plate.
The results are known to all ; the conventional zigzag " fork " appears
to have no existence in nature. The destructive effects of wind storms on
buildings can also be studied in photographs with an amount of accurate
detail that it would be impossible to represent by any other method ; and
I am informed by Mr. G. J. Symons that important conclusions concern-
ing the nature of the atmospheric movement have been arrived at by the
examination of such photographs.
Passing on to other applications of photography, it is obvious that, in
geographical and ethnological exploration, the camera has become an
essential part of the traveller's equipment. In geology, again, the aid
of the photographer has been called in, and with such good results that a
British Association Committee has been called into existence, and has been
doing excellent work in collecting and registering geological photographs
during the last two or three years. In these photographs, sections are
recorded with a fidelity which it would be impossible to equal except by la-
borious sketching. Where time is an object, as in the case of sections only
temporarily exposed, the camera is invaluable. Moreover, the value of
such photographs will increase with time, in the same way and for the
same reason as the photographs of the starry heavens ; for, while the
latter, taken at the time of the present celestial survey, will, by compari-
son with photographs taken in the far distant future, reveal relative
movements among the stars, the geological photographs of the present
period will, by future comparison with the localities registered, furnish
incontestable evidence of the slow course of geological change.
In BiOLOOY, CHBONOrBOTOOBAPHY, AND AntHOLOOY.
In Biology photography has been utilised with great advantage, and
will, no doubt, become of still greater service in the future. There is no
reason why the dry plate, which has already largely superseded the eye in
astronomy, should not also relieve the eye of the microscopist. Many
biological works have been illustrated with great success by means of
photo-micrography, and, even in purely systematic works, such, e.g., as
Marshall and De Nic^viUe's Butterflies of India, photoijraphic illustration
has been adopted with success. In studying microscopic forms of life,
where an evanescent phase of life-history may be full of profound signi-
ficance, the photographic plate might well replace the eye in those cases
where prolonged and fatiguing observation has hitherto been found
necessary. The fleeting phases of expression, of such importance in
comparative psychology, have been caught and fixed on the photographic
plate with a natural fidelity that it would have been impossible to attain
without sue^h aid. Mr. Darwin's work on The Expression of the Emotions
was, as you are aware, illustrated by photography even before the dry
plate had been worked up to its present exalted degree of sensitiveness.
The application of photography to the analysis of the movements of
animals has been made famiUar through the remarkable photographs
which Mr. Muybridge has on many occasions brought under our notice
in this country. Among other results recently achieved, I need only refer
to those wonderful pictures of animals in motion, taken by Messrs. Marey
Fetnarjr 6, 1809]
THE BRITISn JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
89
and ^ndlMi. Baah rasolts m then are not onlj interaating illaitntions
«f tb* high (Uto of perfaettoo to whi^ modern pbotognphy hM been
jiwlopiii bot thej are of the highMlvalaa i» elneidkting the meehuiiem
4)1 BBOBiJ moremeot, and of the flight o( bird*. The introdaotioii of
jbateff*fbj into this fanuieh of antmal meehanics hai led to a complete
itrinm of pre eiirting eoovealiaaal notiaaa, and the indirect efleet of
■Mb |ibntBjMihi« ana^jm d the pbaaaa of moiioB oa the wocfc of the
•ftist ia of aB Itpcrtaaoe that eanaot be o>f«-eatiiDated. *
In the department of AntluopoloKr photography has serrvd for the
laiihftll i%iilnlliiii of race tTpea, and Mr. Franeia Galtoa'i method of
> portiaitare ia lamiHar to; all. lo bU reeent stndiee of " finger
' in eeawmon with heredity, Mr. Oaltoo haa alao loaad it india-
panaalile to workfrooi phutagiaphie iiilliiimiMili.
Thia Impertaet aketeh of the aojantiflo appUoationa of photography
wight well be followed by a moah mof* eataoded liat of ita aohiarementa
in the domain of art. Bat I do not fbel aayeetf jostified in taking np
men time hi taOiag yea what yM already know, and then are no doabt
many praaent who are tar more ecmpelant to deal with thia acpeet of the
aabjeat than I am. I eaaaot help thhifcing. howerer, tliat it woald
mateiaUy help the eaaaa of teehnioal inalraatioa in the deaiied direction
if (ome oompelaBl aothori^ amoog yoa were to draw op a complete
iilaliiiiiait of the bmaflto whieh have aoqnad to art, both abetraot and
applied, by the introdoetioa of pholQgraphie and photo - mechanical
i.t BwMasL M«ij)ct.i, F.a.8.
(To b* eemthnti.)
THB PHOTOOBAPmC BUBYBT OF WABWICK8HIBE.
A Ksrma of the PhotagmpUo Sarwqr Oooaaa of Warwiekahire waa held
oa Feb.n at the Coiooaade Bolat. Mr. J. B. Bleae (Preaidang in the chair.
The PieaidaBt aatd that it had bean mmathing IOm a year and a half
iiaea the aehama of a photogiaphie anrrey at the ooaoty waa floated. It
■Igh* apnar to the oataida worn Aat aolhhif had baeo done and no
napwa bmI bav aada AbIm Iha ta»m lal; bat, ea the oootrary, in all
thay raload aad wiahad to pcaaan
iiiiBiifiin. -r aatr aiagla vim. bat
aammd .iiTin, itirt jfiil ■!
I oootrary,
I oa the wori^
whieh wMraaaade^thatitwooUba Impaaaibk lor Urn to And woida
to dmaribe ita ebanetar. It had beta gialiHoua aad dlrintaraatad vorfc.
and waa ol aMb a hl^ etaadard of eiaallanee in itieU, from tha taeh-
nieal mamiar of Brodaalion. that he Tantwod to my that the aeriae of
pietanathalhadGaaaatBtiaMn awniiallii ia aqyaimilar eollaatioii
ilawwih""' *te ^f"^*- Be did Mt Maak withoot a vary Imm aapa-
iieM»«<pkolaMhia««rfc.aBdha baOawd thay might aaMy Jwllai^
tha whela watU ior laaal aofk aaeh aa had baaa aaat ia lor the aarr«y.
Thaabaiaitar at the tkjtm pwUayad waa aa eaiiad aa eoaaoold iwli i>
Thqr had ara^olaglMl fmlaiaa ia thaAna e( hondrada of ahmehaa
-"^MMilaua of; th^ had old
loflham lakM tnimadoaea
■0 Ifcatr baaaty: aad. ia addition,
thiy had phalnffapha et WaiwUMnhuaa, iwitiaaii. aad pmaaatiy. all
eowah aaMalatii with tha worto c< Hhakaapaaia aad other wtitam who
had a^a WaiwiibaMn tameaa. Tha iMt that Ihaaa vlawa wara Mao-
eiatad with the Mvatan a( tha eoaa» wooU maha tham «l aMraMM
*ataa to yuaiiHj. 8o (ar. tha appeal la tha ««taalai7 aaotta «t dia-
itnlihil annlmr phaMaiafftan ia *a eooaty had haaa laapimdad
•o Hbaially. thai th^had iwriead ftaaa ha did ao« kaaw how maaj aoo-
wibalotaaama^yaaTOOplatmaatBrlhaaollaatiea. Tbay waaM Ml lomi
tbfaifUka WgtMaa.aad it waa imipiailftllbaar JwoM all ha moaalad
aimUHl^. a«d plaaad ia taoiae d eaa iba, io l£al Iha anUaatioB wooU
be a aMOerm oaa. Be had already waHaa apoo Iha Mayer, aad he, with
tha yeataat poadMa aoarteay aad wfOiagBaae. at ooee adopted the aaf
■lallen that Iha ahilnraahi itwald ha pabUely aacepled, aad thai there
ehMrid be a «ormal Mtta hatriti* aver ef the viawa, whieh ahoold be
kapl tor latenoa. The Majar. kOaai^ ool tha idm, had eoaaaNad
with Iha Free Librariea OoMJIHa. tha Art Gallery OoawMaa. aad Mr.
-WUtwerth WaUia. aad it waa aow aalllad that there aboold be a pablio
— "»^»«— ef tha photographa ia Iha Art Oaliery daring the apring and
Mr. J. H. Plakard
thai ha lad reeaited lallara faooi aavaral
,aad tha whata o( thai
tt the Biraaiagham FhotapapMe Soeialy. It
aa applieatiea had beea madaoabahi
rth»Maiina III thai aa tpfUmtita had beea made oa behalf of the
rmi^tem OU Library, aak^ ler a dapUaala eel of viewa. aad aflariag
phMB at tha diapoaal of the eooneil, for the porpoata e< aopyimt, a
ahar e( old loaal fflorfkaliaaa, ««., ia tha pae<earfea ef tha mrarr.
kaalaMgaa
to
anihar
Mr.
the work ol
la be eihibited
mc Da a*ir><rww4 4Mti at* IMe Is tfe»
•f* ' «arika4 la ITaiany veL si*, p.
tl SMani
r«twi«<ta, •«M«frraf.
I el ail Ml tt Bwtta M "lb*
I la lUtw. foL li*. rf.
mr»'
telbtB«ml
to Art^tet
^ur l&Hiterial Catle.
Thb PHOTOGRAPmm's iNDtspBNSABLK Mo>mii,Y (Adams & Co.)
reappears after two months of suspended animation. The new
Editor telb us that he has orders to avoid personalities. There
is much wisdom in the order. As he elects to correct the printers^
errors of his contemporaries, perhaps he will t«ll us what he means
bv j^irinf the Harrard lens a " twenty-fourth aperture " {fie), and
whether Mr. Ham, of Pennsylvania, should not read Mr. 2iau. We
are happy to recogmse ao many quotatiuns from these columns in the
Indispeniable, but we should like to see them correctly printed, if
even they are not acknowledged. Otherwise its pages are enter-
taining, and its advertisements a aooioe of grievoua temptation to
buyers of apparatus, &c.
Instbuctton in Photography.
By (Umn W. Di W. AisiT, O.B., F.a.S., ic.
Wk are pleased to find that Messrs. Piper &; Carter, •'>, Furnival-
street, E.C., have brought out a ninth edition of this standard work,
in which everything has been brought up to date. Among the new
matter introduced are " The Measurements of Densities of Negatives
and Depth of Prints;" "On Lenses, Stops, and Pinholes;" " Artificial
Lighting b^ Magneaiom and EHectrictty.'' This differs from the
Cvioua editions in that the first place, as retfards instruction, has
n aooorded to gelatine, collodion, which haa hitherto occupied that
position, being given a aeoond place. We are ^lad to observe that
the French avatom of weights uid measures, which was given in the
last edition, haa been diaearded, and "parts" substituted. The low
price of the wotk places it within the reach of every one.
Thi Ybxr Book or PaoToosAPHT.
Uilad b7 T. C. Harwoata, r.Cfl. haaOm t Piper A Outer.
With tha reins of our contemporary, the Photographic Neiot, Mr.
Hepworth alao takea hold of those of its annual, the Year Book, which
baooii»an mora plethoric year by year. The one for 189*2 before ns
ooataina many exeeUent artidea hj good writers, and a compendium
by the Editor of the leading novelties of the past year. It is
embellished by a eoDotype, printed by Tbevoz & Co., from a negative
by tha Editor. It alao contains a Luge number of advertisements.
TRADE CATALOGUES.
McOhii Jt Co., GLAS'iow.— As the be«t got-up of those now
befoia US, we adect that of Mo^ra. McObie !i.'Co. for the fint
|Jaft It ooatains 100 pages of weU-eelactad, copiously illustrated,
and aioaly printed matter, in the form of deaenptions of lenses,
eamoaa, ahatters, lampa, chemicals, and apparatus in gener&L All
tha laqoiaitea for fitting up the studio are ham to be found.
D. No,
and
k Son, QmaaxwicH.— Thia ia a lantern catalogue,
ooataina deaeriptioaa of the varioos lanterns and appliances
I by this firm, together with a list of the slides kept in stock.
This is prefaced by practical hints, on the management of the
lantam, writtan by members of the firm, which are replete with
good oommon aeme. We, however, question the prudence or good
taste which leads them to reprodaoe a letter, which appeared in this
JouBitAL about four years ago, criticising the award of the prize
which bad been given to a rival maker for his Docwra lantern. It
looka aa Ihoi^ thay war* aerioualy chagrined, and were uking the
mattar too macb to heart.
LoiMm BaoTBaaa, NAMAtr-orBssr. Naw Yobk. — Nothing
Aggj^aore forcibly the operation of tne high Customs tariff on
Bnmitlrfliada photographic goods than a comparison of the prices
of Hwitital proiMictioaa in a good American and English price list.
On the mote important of the photographic imports this represents
forty-fiva par cenL, whtoh, with othar duos, brings the added price
op to fifty par eaot., aod this, of coarse, must come eventually out of
the pocket of the photographer. Moeh of the American apparatus
is «M ftntri*, and hence we never examine a well-illustrated cata-
logue emanating froai tha United States without acquiring new ideas
as to design and constroctioa. In cameras we find soveral designs
with wkicb we in thie oountry are not familiar. The liook contains
partieolaia of oMMt of the Mtter known lanaae of European make,
tegetber with chemicals, platea, and acoeasoiiea.
00
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTO(}KAPHY.
[Feliruary 6, 1892
RECENT PATENTS.
E. C. Hawkins.
APPUCAT10N8 POR PATENXa
Na 941.— " Improvement* in and Connected with Photographic Cameras."
A. JlTFEKT and G. VanAtir.—DaUd January 18, 1892.
No. 1199.— "An Improvement in Photographic Cameras.
—Dalai January 21, 1892.
No. 1282.— "Improvement* in the Fronts of Folding Photograohic Cameras."
W. H. Thompsoji and P. W. HvsBAima.— Doled January 22, 1892.
No. 1463.—" Improvements in Automatic Photographing Apparatos." Com-
mimicatcil by A. llahn. H. aABV.— Dated January 26, 1892.
No. 1526.— "Improvements in Photographic Shutters." W. R. Bakbr—
Dated January 26, 1892.
No. 1565. — " Improvements in Photographic Cameras." Commanicated by
v. Berteil. H. H. Laio.— Dated January 26, 1892.
No. 1600. — "Improvements in the Mounts or Cases of Photographic Lenses."
W. H. Thompsow and L. Cohmh.— Doled January 27, 1892.
No. 1622. — "An Optical Instrument or Apparatus for Producing Facial
Contortions of or Similar Effects fh>m Photographic or Other Portraits or
Piotuies or the like." A. L. AOAUa.— Dated January 27, 1892.
No. 1634. — "A New or Improved Photographic Camera, which, when closed,
is Disguised in the Form of a Book or a Parcel. " J. Bbainx. — Dated January
27, im.
No. 1681.— "A New or Improved Film Holder for lantern Slides and Nega-
tives." A. W. SCAmJiS.— Dated January 28, 1S92.
No. 1709. — " Improvements in or Relating to Apparatus for the Automatic
Production of Photographs." Complete Specification. C. Sassk. — Dated
January 28, 1892.
No. 1730.—" An Improved Photographic Camera." Complete specification.
A A. Debobs.— Dated January 28, 1892.
PATENTS COMPLETED.
IMFRoysJ(E^rTS in Mounts fob Photoqraphio Pictures.
No. 20,77a John Reynolds, 31, Fort-street, Brushfield-street, Spitalfields,
Middlese.t.— January 2, 1892.
Thb object of this invention is to provide amateurs with a facile means of
mounting tlieir photographs, whether those having a glazed surface, or a
"matt" surface, and, at the same time, to ensure that the glossy surface of
the one, or the smooth, dead surface of the other, shall not be injured, as is now
frequently the case when applying damp thereto in the act of mounting them.
To this end I construct mounts somewhat after the manner of photo-album
leaves — ^that is, I prepare a piece of pasteboard, which is to form the frame,
embossing, or otherwise oramenting, the opening or openings which are to re-
ceive the pictures and present them to view. This frame I attach by gum, or
other adhesive material, to a backing of pasteboard in such a manner that the
inside edges of the opening or openmgs will be free of, or unattached to, the
lacking, and that one side or end of the pasteboard frame wiU be unattached,
as is usual, to provide for the insertion of the picture.
A material difference between this mode of making the mount or album leaf
is, that I omit the spacing-board which has hitherto been necessary to provide
a sfuce for the reception of the mounted picture.
The injury to the photograph above indicated is avoided by rendemg it un-
necessary to mount it upon a backing card prior to inserting it in place, and
the omission of the .^pacing layer of cardboard ensures a proper grip of the in-
serted picture between the backing-lward and the frame or mount.
Improvkd Photoqraphio Plate Washer.
Na 20,951. Samuel Henry Smith, 102, The Parade, Leamington Spa,
Warwickshire.— /ojtuary 2, 1892.
Mt invention consists in improved apparatus for washing photographic nega-
tive.s, my object being to secure in one apparatus, amongst others, the following
principal advantages : —
_ 1st. The washing of photographic negatives of one or various sizes in an
incline<l tank fitted with racks, iu which the plates are placed with the sensi-
tised films downwards.
2nd. In so arranging the water-supply pipe as that the incoming water shall
splay upon the bottom of the inclined tank, and prevent the stripping of the
3rd. So mounting the syphon that the whole of the hyposulphite solution,
which gravitates to the lowest corner of the tank, shall be discharged.
Improvements in Magic Lantern Slides.
Na 2165. George Frederick Lotticke, 23, Lansdowne-place, Briehton.-—
Janiuiry 9, 1892.
My invention refers to the construction and arrangement of iointed fitnires or
objects, for use m magic lanterns. The said figures, which, made of any
suitable material, may be jointed in any suitable way, part, or parts are
where necessary, provided with pins, or other suitable stops, regulatino- the
extent of movement of the limlis or parts of the body. Part or parts may be
pivoted to a platform, whUst other parts may be arranged to move by means of
a fork at the end of a lever bar, or the like, moving a pin travelling in a slot
-. ,., , ,- ,„, . • ,. -■ < pivoted to a convenient
part of the body. When two or more figures are shown, I may connect one
with another m any plausible way, for example, by a string, wire, or the Uke
and by that means effect a controUing action on the movements of the limbs.
parts, or the ngures theni »lvps.
A weight or spring may be conveniently arranged to act on a jointed part or
parts to cause or control motion.
I reserve to myself to use any suitable means for actuating the said figures.
The claims are : — 1. In a magic-lantern slide, the combination of a figure or
figures, or object or objects formed with articulated limbs or parts, and means
for imparting differential or other movements to such limbs or parts sub-
stantially as herein shown and described. 2. In a magic-lantern slide, the
combination of a figure or figures formed with articulated limbs or parts,
and means for imparting differential or other movements to the body or
bodies, and to such limbs or parts substantially as herein shown and de-
scribed. 3. In a magic-lantern slide, the combination of a moving figure or
figures formed with articulated limbs, or bodies, or other parts, means for
connecting one moving part with another, or other means for imjiarting
differential movements to a part or parts of the figure or figures, ami means
for connecting, and thus imparting, differential movements to other parts thereof
substantially as herein shown and descriljed. 4. In a magic-lantern slide, the
combination of a moving figure or figures formed with articulated limbs or
other parts, forked or other levers controlled by counterbalance weights or
springs, for imparting differential movements to such limbs or parts, stops for
limiting the movement of the levers, and means for giving motion to the figures
substantially as herein shown and described. 5. In a magic-lantern slide, the
combination of a moving figure or figures formed with articulated limbs or
parts, springs, and stops for controlling the movements of the limbs upon the
movement of the figure or figures, and means for giving motion to the figure
or figures substantially as herein shown and described. 6. In a magic-lantern
slide, a moving or other figure or object formed with articulated limbs or parts,
forming two of such limbs or parts in one, so as to move upon one centra sub-
stantially as herein showu and described. 7. In a magic-lantern slide, the
employment of springs or weights to act upon a jointed part or parts, to cause
or control motion substantially as herein shown and described. 8. In a magic-
lantern slide, the combination of a figure or other object formed with articu-
lated limbs or parts, and stops for limiting the movements of such limbs or
parts substantially as herein shown and described. 9. In a magic-lantern
s.ide, the combination of a figure or other object formed with articulated limbs
or parts, a pin or the like upon one part, a guide slot in a fixed object to
receive the pin, and a forked lever or the like to give motion to such part sub-
stantially as herein shown and described. 10. In a magic-lantern slide,
the peculiar arrangement of parts substantially as herein shown and de-
scribed.
Photograph Exhibitors.
No. 19,911. Carl |Gustaf Soderstrom, Sixteenth and Lawrence-streets,
Denver, Arapahoe, Colorado, United States of America. — January 9,
My invention relates to a novel form and construction of photograph exhibitors,
and the object of my invention is to provide a device to take the place of
photographic albums, or, at least, to answer every purpose of the album, while
possessing many novel and interesting features entirely foreign to albums and
picture receptacles heretofore used, so far as known to me.
The invention consists of a rotating frame located within a suitable chamber,
and provided with pivoted radial arms adapted to grasp photographs, cards, or
pictures, these arms being capable of such manipulation by depressing a key
fitting over the axis of the frame that any picture, card, or photograph may be
thrown upward and exposed to view, and retained in sight until the key is
raised, when the arm returns automatically to the concealed position, when
another picture may be seen by actuating another arm.
The device is designed to be located in a recess of suitable depth formed in
the table, the foot of the frame being rigidly secured to the base plate or
bottom of the recess, while the top of the table conceals the mechanism. In
the centre of the top, however, is formed an opening for the insertion of the
key, which, when first depressed, releases a spring-actuated arm, which rises
to the vertical position, said arm carrying a contents card, upon which may he
written the names of all the persons whose pictures are held by the device,
and the corresponding numbers of eaiii picture, since each arm is numbered,
and after the pictures are arranged, the contents card is formed to correspond.
The ai-m canning this card forms a portion of the top of the table when in a
horizontal position, but when upraised leaves a slot therein ; it is through this
slot that the picture subsequently rises as the actuating key is used.
Camera Clur.— The Retouching Classes meet on Wednesdays and Fridays
at eight p.m. ; Teacher, Mr. Redmond Barrett. February 1, Smoking Concert.
4, Mr. S. Herbert Fry will demonstrate A Xew Enktrging Lantern (without
Condensers), and the Incandescent Gas Light Company's light wUl be sho^vn.
8, Elementary Lecture No. 7, Intensificalimi and Reduction, by Mr. Lyonel
Clark. 11, Commander C. E. Gladstone, R.N., Architecture in Xormandy
and Brittany, with lantern illustr.ations. 15, evening for testing slides.
18, Mr. S. B. Webber, .Some Experiment in Orlhochrmnatic Photography.
22, Elementary Lecture No. 8, Platinum Printing Methods, with demonstra-
tion of developing and of printing platinotype by artificial light, by Messrs.
G. Davisou and E. J. Humphery. 25, Annual Meeting ; Lantern Exhibition
(pictures taken in Norway), by Mr. J. B. B. Wellington.
Ddnedin Photographic Society, and Nklson Camera Club, N.Z.— An
exhibition of work by the above two Societies was held at Dunedin in November,
and was open three weeks. This was the occasion of the Dunedin Photographic
bociety s second annual exhibition, and it was thought that, if the two Societies
combined in exhibiting, a healthy emulation would be created, and the cause
ol art prospered. These expectations have been realised, and it is intended
that in future the two Societies will give material assistance at each other's
exhibitions, and otlier Societies will be invited to join. The total number of
exhibits W.1S Ifll, of which Dunedin contributed 142, and Nelson the balance.
hilver prmting seems to be the favourite method of the Dunedin Society, nearly
all of the exhibits being silver prints. Nelson, on the other hand, aft'eots
platinum iind broniule printing. Every description of subject was represented
on the walls, from scenery, pure auj simple, to portraiture.
Febnmry «, 1802]
THR BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
91
iHeetmgj^ of ^octettrs.
- ■ ♦ -
XIITIMOS or aOCIBTIIB FOR HBXT WIBK.
PBOTOORAPHIC SOaCTY OF OBBAT BRITAIir.
rwwmoAMii.-UT.J.avait,f.CB..im*»<k»k. , ,. , , ,
ItafaMT MddoU* Iwtan, Pkd^iwfh » • Brmek </ TtcMmalmUm
BM( 871 VM iMd br Mr. A. HMXOb is tk* aakVoiiUbla BbMiica of Plt>-
n*QunMAai<Mn«todlh« rtiiw «f Ftufciiii m
Iti Xmiim liAiliiiIrinftirnri TW mmt «m om of
(A^OHiSwHlMaUlteltkMvmaofwk tHUUtloM to b*
li«l«lol«> whovacsMof
IkOMti
to
fcr wkkk 4id aot adM. In
• Ugk eo»plli— it 00
■NsaiMtevw*, ftaliiinr MaUaU hai Mdkmd • faM eoapUMatoo
IteBoAr, MdWaovid tWt tU k«t Ikoka o( tU 8<mMt ba •*«d«t to
Mr' W.
Ttebetvt
iHtMt iMtlWltM AMld bfNWk
Md de«a by Mr. BoIh. Ml vhkh
TW dlflcvlty «a« to tad
pltfrliw.M— »y«ip1idldlfdllgwH tb* nMrtea HiMlMe
MtaScto battv anaalaL tkar aUl h mm nto mm «k» «mM MMM
SfStTtaKWi. IWSmImIXmm proaiiMl to do lOMUbhn ta tUa
dimUia, mi PwfaMor M«fctol»'» adrtw wmU \m ot pwU aiMaacatolk*
dilHrtw hi tfcilr diMbwiUiiM. B« hofad tka aaikitea woaU kal to mom
•■dTiaMll M IMtaar W«rih dtrind.
Mr. W. ^jr •. Mr. A. M. Unr. Mr. W. H. Bmitum. aad Mr. J. & Oeti
nMd wttk May of tiM potato lakiad la tko belara. Um lattor iilii^iag
Mr. a k KUMB hkTOa SfaXaTaf Pwliitor MalM^VpinaMl ao-
oatntoaco. aad bad toiMll Mai to IiwmiIH tt» loot—. Baoarvortod tba
r ika toaafctlaa of aa ImBiHi^i Md tarta
tjTMdOaMi o( Load— bHtilato la gat
ddoto aad olkon. For tbo lartltato tkoy
I thib oWoot Aoald te to tarn aat. aot otM
l7 oapabL ■«, MHttbd to aaiMtoka tta
Mist tioitoiito, H Iho rtutogiaiiMi lai
^xttloa (nrlka laaadaltaB of oa
■ho CttjrMrfOaMi of Uadoa UaUMbt m gatac « valUlkaaka to
'•>* Mddoto aad oIlMa. For tbo lartltato tboy aaatod ipod Ms oa
5e
. of Oiaat BMaia
><ar. ta flfoorloaToonlh^toi^
I that Iftooa yooia agay to CMaa, ho aoMMMod work
~ tto Ibr btoaeltoB okMod ibrM. to poepU
;btMwaaa»»>innail^wri«ly tetro-
atttabottooobadaolboa
Ibr
o>
ta
Ibo
tboybad
I tbo
idJwtkiMd iMiolil
t. ' U* Uwocbt 'aMar —ab— aadrrTOtod tbo iapartosi
- krod ito Bate oMwt (boald bo to enoi
* r«atral u>-
'^.
TbaaooUiu
I
ix)iiwM A5i> rnamKajkh photoobapbic AaoaATiow.
.r > V taT »,— Mr. A. Cowaa to tbo Aair.
M^mO. Awlto oirf B, MHa* tnta aaaalianaoly olootad aotobon of tbo
Tbo B««. taMTABT bavtt« itftfKod toa tagiartioa mado tbal tbo Pboio-
graphic Societiea should move in the nutter of the new methylated spirit, the
Chaibman mentioned that the subject bad been brought before the Photo-
graphic Society of Great Britain at its last meeting.
Mr. G . W. Atkiss then moved, and Mr. L. )1edland seconded, " That
this Aaaociation baa heard with satisfaction that the Photographic Society of
Great Britain has it in contemplation to reprtaent to the authoritie.s that the
It regulations with regard to the sale and use of methylated spirits un-
memben hope that the matter will
uieaeui
UTOon
lonsly.
Mr. J. R. Oon ezhildted his new Him carriers, for use in the o^linary dark
slid& He also showed several of the new Zeiss lenses constructed by Suter, of
Haaln. nnder spedal lioanoe ftvm Zeiss. Up to the present there were onlj-
tbrsa Uoaasaes. Toigtkadar being oii& and Suter the only non-German house^
so flv aa be (Mr. Gotz) was aware. He thought that the lenses were a step in
advance of the aplanatic system of SteinheiL Having reviewed the construc-
tions of various doublets since that time, he remarked that Suter was the first
oxpoaaat of the new Jena glaas. He figured the curves of one of the Series I IL
laaaM, aad also gave the radii, mentioning that baryta crown, silicate crown,
and ligbt flint were naed in the elements. The Jena people made at least a
hondnd dilEaont kinds of glass, and also exactly the same kinds as those made
by Cbanoe. The new glaisea wore of entiraly new metal. In nference to the
eonstniction of tbeae Unaes, ha said that the licensees bound themselves not to
depart from the foma eonrerod by 2!eiaa'a potent.
Mr. W. E. DaBSSHAJl said be bad examined one of the Zeiss anastigmata,
and found it reallv a wide-angle lens, as wide as many lenses professing to be
wide angle. Witu a focus of eight and a half inches, it covered a circle of
flfleen inches, which waa aa much as people could expect fW>m a wide-angle
lena. It was a trifle more rapid than moat rapid symmetrical or rapid reJti-
linean. It also had a most remarkable flatness of field. He had tested it for
Sataoas of told ^ainat a rapid doaUet lena of double the length of focus by a
wdl-kaowB Biakar. Tba field of the latter should have been flatter than that
of tbo aiiaalliiiial ; but, oa tracing the respective images on a twelve-inch plate,
up to within aa eignth of an inch fh)m the
within a greater distance from the edges.
tbo laaatlgmat gave sbarpoeaa up
marcta, aad tba rapid doublet to
Ho bad Itaraod Ua opiaioa fron
tMnoB beaaaad. Th«M loasao t
opiaioa tna actual m^umamenU made whUe anotlier
Tbaao loasao wan tbo greatoat advance in photographic
opUea aiaoo tbo iBtrodartiea of 8tatobafl*a aplaaata twenty-four yean ago.
Mr. Oon explained the flatoeaa of field by the fiict that two components of
tbo liinsia were of silieata crown and light flint, which gave exceedingly small
bilof diaeaaakm en tbe well-worn subject of the best " backing " for
Mr. J. & Tur* said be bad tried the addlUon of aoeUo add to tbe gallic
add developer fcir weakly printed gelatino-chloride prints, as suggested by
Mr. Debaabiun. Tba aolotioa prodnoed much inferior resulta.
Mr. F. A. BUDOB ranarkod tbat aeotie and gallic acids were awkward to
■ix togotbar. Acatk add waa ooa of tbo moat treacherous things that could
be aaaX. Ba tbeogbt it uasafe to trust to one aample.
Mr. DnamuM advised tbe naa of dtrie add instead of acetic
Tbe iiiiallin Aoitly afterwards dosed.
Otab.— Janoary 98, Sir Oooigo Prtoeott in the chair.— Mr. Haaa
laaaaeript beliarod to be to Di^pieRo'a haadwriting, which had been
atoOi^ Dr. Loowo's papora. Tbo mannaeript Is a brief set of
dbauUaaa fer Dagaamotypo pbotograpbr, aad is maAsd and sined in Dr.
LooWt bMdtnWaf, " Roedvod than lb. Dwaarro la tbe year 1840." Tbo
iliiwsat. aMaaiad botwoaa friaaa, will bo axUbited to tba dub-rooms for
abeat a Itotaigbt. TW Baa. Boeratary axbiWtod apboto-olectrotype, lent by
Mr. Haan Satloai, ahMriag tba porfbetioB to vUeh tbo ptooaas bad been
mM. Mr. OalotbaaoowaoaasdabewligUopietaraa, diTidiag tboaariea
oato, fllaatwUM rariaaa atoaasa of laadinowo aad ooantiy life. The slides
I iiindiwad ban oa jJatiaa aad oa waf eollodkn plates. Mr. Henry
' ptulaiM of flowsra, beoM groopa, aad some new studies of
nW ia tbo flald, which wen very fine. Other pictures were
Mosan. Ctaalagbam. Noel-Cox, Oder, Sworder, U. B. Davis,
Haaa, Bawwr, aad MUle, aad tbo eveaiaf osaefaadod with aome alidea by Mr.
Bta«40,loatlnrMr. W. BmIm4. Ob Hwndagr, rtfaraary II, Commander
cT&OkdstoM, R N., willloetnn oa i<r«/U(aa(Mr« in A'ormattdf amd BriUany,
aad tbo sal^act wilt ba illo*tnt«d with Uatani elides.
Baiftaaj Tliatilgnillilli loeiaty.— Janoanr 29.— Tba Antocopyist Company,
Loedoa-waU, nave a daawmtntion of tbe Pboto-aatooopyist. The priDcipl»
oa vUdi tba iiiniaas waa wgrknl wa* of tba litboaapfale kind, but much
u— jjia^ AlWgaltlH ***P^Bt(atout tbe deptboflititinotype^ a number
Mr. Oarko, of Ua I
tba worfciag of tbdr light I
aibtbitad by
loeoaa waa wgrxm wa* oi laa iHaanpmc aina, uui muuu
r aaltlH •*■ P^^t (about tbe deptb of pfatinotype), a number
obldaad witboat dayllgbt-a gnat oonaidantion thU waatber,
tba laeaadaooaat Ught Company, Weatminatar, demonstrated
hdr light for laalara work. A vary brilliant light was obtained.
. put through the lantem by the-
ifhi »ii. amply demonstrated by the
It was stated, could happen.
. place. The Hon. Seentary
00 rehruary 11, when Mr. T. C. Hep-
f.— Jaaaarr 29, the President in th»
' tba poiposo of considering the report of a
CanmlitM sppointwl to axaadna tba (^Uwick School of Art, with nsspect to
It^ u headqoartcn for the Society in place of the Hall at Hanimer-
•i: ' immittao'a rsport was adopted. A raaolution to change the
ptar» OI ror«ing faribwitb waa propoa«l by Mr. WHlTCiJk An amendment
to dsf^ aay &*a^ tm tba aad of tbe present seaaion was moved by Mr.
LuuB BauiT. TW aaMadmaat waa lost by 16 to 8. Mr. Wbitcar s resolu-
tioa waa carried by 18 to 6. The Society will, therefore, in future, hold it«
meotiBfi at Chlswiek. The next meeting, however, on Februar)- 12, will be
a aambar of tbe Biemben' slides
Boa. Bomlanr. Tba safety of tbe l<
baaltoiM|a mm; tbo aioataorioaa tv
jr«9iKploatoB waa, bowcvar, aK
aaaoaaoad Uuit tbo aext BMOtlagwas
wostb wooUl givs a loetara.
WtoALMda
Aair.— TboBM
92
THE BBITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[February 5, 1892
held at Hamroersmith. A resolution to hold social meetings was carried,
details to he settled by the Conncil.
Putney Photographic Society.— January 80, Rev. L. Macdona in the chair.
— I^enionstration of the new film enlarging method— CVesco Fylina—of Messrs.
Hill Brothers & Freeman, who, besides having on view numerous prints and
opal enlargements, demonstratedpractically the few manipulations necessary
to produce the enlargement. The process, while working more readily with
ttaDsparencies, is also most satisfactory in the ca.ee of negatives, the gradual
KTOwtii of the film being very remarkable. Contrary to expectation, no par-
ticular care is necessary either in the transfer of the film, or in any of the
subsequent operations. Mr. A. R. Dresser, being unfortunately invalided, had
sent a written paper on Hand Cameras (second lecture of the series on
" Photography "), which, having been read by the Chairman, a large number of
enlargements f^om quarter-plate hand-camera nc<.;atives were handed round.
These were mostly on Fiy's " llougliest " (late " Xatiiralistic") bromide paper,
and toned with uranium. Following these, some eighty slides were exhibited.
A set of American slides, brought by Mr. A. Ovey, concluded the evening.
RiclUDOnd Camera Club. — January 29. — Mr. Ckmbrano (the President)
gave some practical iti.^tniction in the Manipulation of the Optical Lantern,
He spoke of the difl'erent illuminants — oil, gas, and electricity — describing the
various lamps in general use, and the principles and details of the o.Yyhydrogen
light with the blow-through and mixed jets. The various parts of the lantern
were clearly explained, and the differences in detail to be found in the principal
makes commented upon. Finally Mr. Cembrano, with the Club lantern, illus-
trated practically the process of centering and regulating the light and all
other details of manipulation.
Bath Fhotograpblc Society.— January 27, Mr. W. Pumphrey, President,
in the chair. — Messrs. E. J. Appleby and H. A. Wilkins were appointed
auditors of the Treasurer's accounts. Mr. E. J. Appleby then spoke on the
subject of rodinal, which he believed was a derivative of coal tar, a strongly
alkaline solution of para-amiiloiihenol. He had made a number of comparative
tests, varying the percentage of dilution, as against pyrogallol methods. Tliese
were handed round for inspection, and showed rodinal to give less plucky
negatives than pyrogallol. Mr. Appleby also drew attention to a number of
transparent positives developed with the new agent ; here excellence of quality
was manifest. The members were invited to test rodinal and report their
experience at the next meeting, samples being handed them for that purpose
by Mr. Appleby. Tlie Hon. Secrktary (Mr. Middleton Ashman) said his
first trial of rodinal showed over-exposure, and subsequent tests pointed to the
necessity of a restraining agent being present ; then plucky negatives could be
obtained. Its behaviour in the case of transparent positives left little to be
desired— indeed, in the near future gelatine plates and rodinal developer would
be the best method of making lantern slides. The Chairman spoke of some
wonderful cloud effects he had recently seen in photographs produced by a
new form of shutter, details of which were promised for the following meeting.
Mr. John Duodale exhibited a selection of lantern slides he had produced
by the wet-collodion process, from negatives comprising views of the
fleet and racing yachts, of Gibraltar, Malta, Siam, Switzerland, &c. The.se
were shown by means of a Keevil prismatic lantern and self-regi.stering carrier
operated by Mr. Davis.
Liverpool Amateur Photographic Association.— January 28, Mr. Paul
Lange in the chair. — Mr. Lange thanked the members for the loyal support
they had given him during the two years he had presided over the Society, and
vacated the chair in favour of the new President (Mr. William Tomkinson),
who had a very flattering reception. In the course of a short address, Mr.
ToMKnJSON expressed the hope that the Society woidd very soon be possessed
of more commodious club-rooms, when it was his wish to give an "At home "
to the members and their friends. He also expressed his intention of en-
deavouring to extend the work of the Association, particularly in the way of
instruction for beginners, and of using every effort to make the Society as
successful under his presidency as it had been under that of Mr. Lange, to
whom he proposed a very hearty vote of thanks, which was carried with
acclamation. The Chairman then introduced Mr. T. S. Taylor (Taylor,
Taylor, & Hobson),|of Leicester, who gave a lecture on The Design and Use of
Pholoffraphic Lenses, illustrated by experiments and diagrams with the optical
lantern. The lecturer afterwards gave full and Incid replies to questions asked
by various members. In reply to Mr. Lange, he stated that no advantage
beyond that of variety was secured by the employment of Jena glass in the
manufacture of photographic lenses, although it was of some advantage in
telescopic work.
Sheffield Camera Club.— January 27, Annual Meeting.— After the report,
which was a satisfactory one, and showed an increase in membership, was read,
the following officers were elected for the ensuing year -.—President : Mr. G. E.
Mcileham.— Vice-Presidents : Messrs. Morton and Rawson ; Council: Professor
Arnold, Dr. K Skinner, Messrs. Newsholme, Strangways, Copley and
Ellinor.— rreaswer ; Mr. B. W. Vf inder.— Secretary : Mr. W. Gilley, jun
Correfijionoencf.
tW OorrMjxnulmti thould mver writ* on both ridts of (h» poftr,
THE TELESCOPICPHOTOGKAPHIC LENS.
To the Editor.
Sib, — I, too, am content to leave the matter where it stands. I may,
however, mention that the chief part of Dr. Schroeder's resume refers to
the " i)OBitive method " incorporated in the " photo-heliograph." Instru-
ments of this form have been supplied by my firm many years ago to the
Qreenwich, Kew, and South Kensington Observatories, as well as to many
other colonial and foreign-government observatories. Dr. Schroeder
makes, with regard to the "negative method," reference to the employ
ment of a negative lens, which I concur in believing to have been invented
by Barlow. This, too, is in connexion with observatory work.
As the matter now savours too much of the nature of a " trade" dis-
cussion between myself and another firm of opticians, and Dr. Schroeder,
the optician to that firm, I think with you, sir, that the matter had better
be left " where it stands," as you say, in that this course will save both
your space and my time, so that any further controversy, if necessary,
can be settled in another place.
It remains only to state that the most recent works on the optics of
photography have come from the pens of such men as Dr. Charles Fabre,
M. Wallon, Dr. Eder, and Dr. Schroeder himself, and in none of these
works is reference made to a photographic lens such as I have con-
structed.— I am, yours, 4o., Thomas E. Dallmbybb.
25, Newman-street, London, IF., February 2, 1892.
FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION.
To the Editor.
Sir, — The other day I was looking through the back volumes of The
British Journal Photographic Almanac in search of Mr. Byrne's beauti-
ful portrait of the Princess Victoria of Teek when I came across an article
on " Forensic Identification," which, professing to treat the subject from
a purely photogiaphic standpoint, is obviously a thinly veiled endeavour
to rehabilitate the exploded criminal imposture which, nearly a quarter
of a century ago, sought to palm off a vulgar Wagga-Wagga butcher as
an English baronet. Photography has rarely been prostituted to a baser
use. On the "visual proof" of a couple of dodged "exemplars," in
which the portrait of the real Sir Roger, who disappeared nearly forty
years ago, is conjoined with that of the Claimant, taken at the time of
the trial, with a result about as trustworthy as the photographic " Choice
Blends " given in the first number of Mr. Jerome's new serial, the Idler,
the man in the street, the final Court of Appeal nowadays, is left to find
a verdict that the unhappy " nobleman " who languished on Dartmoor is
the victim of " an absolute miscarriage of justice." The judicial decision
in the case, we are told, was based on contradictory evidence. Most
decisions in criminal cases are. If the evidence of rogues and detectives
were always in agreement the administration of the law would be greatly
simplified. The fact that the Claimant was ignorant of the name of his
own mother is as naught against "anthropological admeasurements."
You have only to get portraits of Smith and Jones, cut them in two, and
" conjoin " half of Smith to half of Jones, and the jury's course is clear.
If the anthropological admeasurements (whatever they may be) yield
absolute identity, there you are. If not, you can easily solve the dis-
crepancy by explaining that the nose of one of them had at some time
been broken, and " the whole integument had shrunk." In a word, the
" geometric " method of measuring compound noses is infallible. Smith
may assert that he is Jones, or deny that he is Brown, but take a snap
shot at Jones or Brown, conjoin half of the counterfeit presentment with
a moiety of Smith's, take anthropological admeasurements, by placing
the resulting print behind the wires of a birdcage, and you have evidence
which outweighs any unfavourable conclusions depending on the accused's
inability to remember the very last things a human being would be likely
to forget. Thus, an impostor, claiming to have been educated at Stony-
hurst College, when asked to look at a Greek grammar, may hold it,
in sheer ignorance, upside down ; he may live in sordid poverty in
Australia, oblivious of his balance of thousands at Glyn's ; being an
English aristocrat he may have, on his return from the Antipodes,
a burning curiosity to investigate the family affairs of the Ortons at
Wapping ; he may have lived a long time in Paris, quite familiar
with the French language, and yet remember not a word of it some
years later ; and he may have been indelibly tattooed by two of his
fellow-students at college, and yet be unable to show any trace of the
operation when unexpectedly called upon to show the decorated !arm.
All these, and a host of other circumstances, all pointing to one con-
clusion, go for nothing with people who saw in the Claimant just the man
fitted to become Member for Stoke; who were eager to believe in the
innocence of Mr. Stead's hero, Lipski, and who were clear, two months
ago, that the Hargreave jewels were certainly not stolen by Mrs. Osborne.
In this year's issue of The British Journal Photographic Almanac we
have " More about IdentiBcation by Photography," and from the same
source. The writer, who, with comical unconsciousness, associates him-
self with that arch-impostor, Dr. Pangloss, A.S.S., gushes in gratitude to
Fortune and to a country journalist, who seems to have taken him
seriously. And he proceeds to strengthen and establish his position by
further " disclosures." With the aid of a " recently devised identiscope "
he has noted some peculiar markings on the Tichborne portraits. These
markings, " artistic in type," are only " very dimly visible to unassisted.
FalMMiy fi. 189S]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
98
MfM: " aad, whai yoiatad «■! to tjmpiitmtic nwtwal liiMida, mom
Mar. and etham Ibooght thay m«. wiwi wm poiatad oat to thaoi, while
, Mv oothiaK k«l Um ortiBuy efauaotariitiai of •
I Mm4 " oI tfae Claimaat, Dr. K«iMlr,
IGm ITMMJy "MrtiiatT ■■« «b«t wma poiiitad ovt to
hv;" Mr. O. Owdow. •aodMr dnotad tH«i<I or the "iaauMntod
pMBoa." iatorrvKd vith " Don't mof any mors in the maik on the
■aaek" Afiin. "ha «fao ihoaU baal ba wigiritant o( Iba maUar knew
■alhiac aboot it:* and ibea. «a kan. •• Iha wiieie qaaalioa waa een-
1 to Iha tomb of the C^olata." Bat Iha apoiogiat of fcaad. thaa«fa
to a alMri^ a( oaa." ia by no a*aaM aoalMt to kave
Uia thai wpaluhii. Tha maMBMBt of Iha Cbpolata. to hte aa to
ia **Oaisid whh Iha dMiaat mofaal of tha earth." and, like
, ha appliaa Iha crowbar. Ha didalan the " Haftni aoBTolntea
al naadia puinitum." whiah Sir Bofw kaawa aotUac abool. and whkh
aoho^r alaa can aaa. In no wiaa diaeaantad. tha oMidan Pai^kaa eao-
l UaaaU ia " a poaMoa to aaatoin hia primafj alliwUiaB that Ihare
aa tha iMa al tha OaiMaat tha «aati«H <A a wra^ht-aot daaign
of aaaw ihwaia - 9f aatl yiar wo mtj hopa that iha Idantiaeopii will
tltfiMia in a pwMfa who, whan I caw him ia
Han.aaeaf«o(;aanaiaaa,hardl]rappaarad riah in paraoaal
ftmUtj. In Iha jUjusuo te MM. a ttj aoMa at haaonr
«w Iha apoiagiat " aa opca door." Ihtoagh whiah. diady
tiaSUa to aaaarirtadai^aaaMd laadtn aaydiaavn that Iha OUiMat.
Mha riliiiiialhaJ«*a^.aemtfaaa with a plain laea " a lad ahoald«-
Hhat ia a wiwab el laariiaw '—I am. jtmn, ^to^ T. H. W.
I.
RATIO or OBADATKW.
niArlMica.
Bkn.-rndKlhaakotolitla. Mr. Jwaa B. Baprnod bd^a f orwmrd. in
jia Taa BanoMi Jonanai. m raorooawn of Janoaiy
al Maana. HMtor A DiWiH. that no dwriopw. aer
faa tha iBwmtiiwl patia al tag daralopar. wfll aAat an
atemiaa in |K« ratio d (radaiioa whtob aan ba davWopad iaapiato
which haa bad a ewtain aipoMML Mr. Hapwood alalaa. aad no £abt
rtataa awnatly. that Ihia wardnaiea el M— a. Borlta * Oiifldd - bM
•o kr laaMiaad a daadhMv to Iha aafiaaijr phetacnphar, who aooaa-
qaaaHr billaiaa. aad amtataiaa. tha aaat iwliiij."
It ia ityi<y atnma that aeaMal dw — w niaapilwl iijiwlMM
lalMaiaphataBMhy.whohaidaa apbriaa aMtar to that «l Mbmb.
Ovtat A Drtlfilf.AaaM aai haaa Mda aad pabMihad Iba laaalto al
aipMteasto to Jaili(rlhdr*law; bat. b^feadlha mtiiiliii elapMea
at a aiiiilnt el aaa al Iha Loadaa aeaialiaa laal rvr. then appaaia to ba
«W7 little to whiih aa appeal aaa ba aada bp tha ••ordiaarr photo-
n fta faiailni. aa< ■natojaiaj llii aiaa iiaiuaij
— a» ifcat a^y aariaHoa ia Iha
loa
ia I
I alwaya been tha i
Iviawaf
ami, aad aaa aiaht add tha anal aaparfaaaa d Moatpeapla dariM
poHat 9i a flaiaa al liato^ cMaitofty M ihMa ai^^ ^aia baM
1 ca laadM»a wblirti Tha aaaavio ia faaJaaiaaaapw If
Oi^MB An^ Bwy MHVIMS A ■MflHB HV 4WHVyH|( ■MM Vnnb bftfV
I itf BA^ifaM ^^tf fa ^fa ^Ba ^^m Aa i
iQdlnlhaifcy.aBdthaplaaliMa^aadpraaUtoHy aodetaOi
> thaetliar. Ml oal; did the wnaaiila etoad oM teeaa Iha ak/, bat (
. fleeayalwdbiatlttoitoiidaihawadhiihap»hH.aad aln then waa
letiBlBlhaphMlMa. BoA bdac lh#ftkto, wUah ankiidir Hkalr to
>« dkpatad. aad If «tor are. aaa vary •dilr *• fariSad. N ia MbaM to aaa
Mate
tCaadteUMtaMrTi*^
i2:-»SLtWiii::is:
an allentioa of tha davalopei will not alter the ratio of gradation, or
perhaps the^ mi^ thai arrive at an explanation which may reoonoile tha
two eontentiona.
Until lately it aaemad poeaible that an explanation might be foand in
the phannmanon of roveraaL For instanoe, it might be oontended that
in landaeapa pliotoaiaplijr the high lights were sometimea so mnoh over-
espoaed that partial rareraal had begun, and that snch jdaiea were alone
anaeapMbla of being altered in ratio cl gradation by alterationa of the
dawdopar ; bat leeentlj it baa bean asaarted by workers on the Continent
that eren with plalaa expoeed beneath a senaitometer, onder all the
preeantions to encore eqoality of expoanre which oan be taken in a
labcntofy, a totally different scale of gradation may be obtained by
applying to one plate an ordinary developer, and to a similarly expoaed
one a very dibtte dafokpar, and allowiag it a longer time (more than an
boor) to aet. In the Ant oaae, the early nnmbera of a Waroarke'a
canaitometer wwa of almoat aqoal hlackneca. that ia to say, the stdps in
the aeala of gradation at that end were abrupt, whereas, in the latter
eaaa. tha acak of gradation waa mneb more rogolar, thia being eapeoially
apparent in tha aqoaraa of the early nombcn.
Of eoona thia exnariment with plates expoaed beneath a aensitometer
mm inealta directly contrary to those arrived at by Mesars. Barter A
DtifBeld ; bat, on the other hand, the result is exactly aniUagour to that
whiah Captain Abnay has pat on record in the paper dted aimve, and it
la only what one woold have eapected, for tha metboda of davelopmaat
ware also aaalogoaa.— I am. yoora, Ac, M. J. MioaASL.
Z>aaai Piatt, SL Mariu, Jmuary 85, 1899.
UBAKnrif TOXIKO, ETC.
To tht Eonoa.
Sta.— For aavaral years past I have need uranium tor intaasifyinff
naprfiaoa, and^lao taniag Untsm alidaa. Some negatives done in this
wayeiefBa years ago are aa good as ever, whiob, I think, is a fair proof
cl pannansney. I have reoaat(y triad llie newer formula, using aoid ; in
tha old method no aeid waa uaed. I find that, asing acid, the plioaa
haoonM a craan eefeor, which rcadera Iharn oaalaaa tor lantern didaa.
TWi. I and. dtaapnaara U a hjrpo bath ia oaad after toning, bat titan tha
acoaa a red ol a aMMt objeetioaahle tint; this ia the same whether
Iha hypo ba aeid or not. Soda'or potaah removes it, bat not until the
praaer red looe ia goaa aa walL
Now, tha aeid, bowaaar. haa oae great advantage, and that is. that the
alidaa tone man avaaly than witiioat it. and thera U better control of the
la "" ■
.^een eoloar iaaaparabia from ttie aoid sotutioo when
for plaliaf tt doaa aet aaan to eooM with bromide paper. One
■OM ea another ao^iecL Soaie of the law aUdea I have, on
calatfaMMhlocida pUtaa, have nearly faded away : otiiars, made at tita
same Uaa aad treated in exaelty the aaoa way, are aU right. I do not
think Ihb hioka pramiaiag for chloride paper, whiob is ooming ao mnoh
iato aaa.-4 am, yooia. «e., H. 0. M. Coax
Tht Bmt, tutatmtam, J^mmn M, 1899.
MIDLAXD OOtnmBS POflTAIi PHOTOGRAPHIC 80CIETT.
To tht Borroa.
Sta,— I write to rtroagly aapport Mr. Bankart'a aehaota for the for-
■aliaa of a Ifidlaarf Ommim* PMMf Pktl^rtmkU SoeUtM. I have long
haaapfivilagad tease aad to adairs the magrideiBl work done by Mr.
Ba^art. and I haai pradiad aot laaa froa Hi aritiaiaaM upon my own
wwfc and that of oihank than tram bis own photolpapha aafdaaeripliotta
of his own MSthoda. With Mr. Bankart aa the movlag aptrtt the sueoaw
of the propoaed Bostslj ia asaaiad.
t wrua now aainty to arfa every eamaat
aaad hia aaao aad addraaa to Mr. Baaka
eadto «M Iha Saoialiy aay at
amateor in tha Midlands to
Bankart (Waal Walk. Leioaalsr), in
ba aMbllahed — I am, youra, Ao.,
W. JaaoiCB Huaaoa.
Stimtt* latsrsWfy. t^tOM-ttrmt, Birmb^ham, Jmamry 99, 1899.
A PLEA FOB FAIB PBICE8.
To tht Etirroa.
pantit na to ialorm yoor van able eorrsspoodant.
■■ Barnes (Jaaoaiy 8, page 9). that tiiis Association of pro-
UjdMtapaidMvt hai besa aseaiaUy formed tor Um purpoae (among
olhaiB) of daaBaatlB a praatfaa] aad baaiaaaa faahion with tilie avila and
too pi
Bamaa
of «Mih ha eoapUlnaCpriea-oattfaig, anlaising for private pacaona
at Inda ptiea. Ae.. aad otim exiating anomalias)f
I rsspaatfnlly donbt if any " ifndkaU of photographm " could, as be
■OMMIB, deal ao aBsaraally with Um malpractioes of the b«de as an
IsMilaMfW Hkaom, provided it receivM what U absolutely neoaasarr
lor ite aSateat woikiag, via., a large maaaura of support in names and
iabaerl|4luBa bom Iha aietesaioB whiah ia to ba benafltad theiaby. I
AaU be tfad to rteaive Ihe aaaea of new membera aa aoon as possible.
The annual msatlna will ba held at Aodarton'i Hotel, Fleet-street.
Lno'Vin. Tharadav. February 11, 18W, at half-past aavan p.m., when aU
94
THE BRITISH JOUHNAL OF PH()TOaRA.PHY.
[February 5, 1892
pcobirioiul photographer*, whether member* or not, will be heartily
welcomed by the Council I am, yours, 4c., D. J. O'Neill,
SecTitary, Natiomil Astociation of Profemional Photographen
of Great Britain and Ireland.
47, Charlotte-road, Birmingham.
"HAS PHOTOGRAPHY BENEFITED ABTISTS?"
To the Editor.
Sni,— There haa been some rather lame argument upon the subject of
art and its application to photography, but your correspondent of January 8,
m the latter half of his letter, actually cuts off the sound supports
ol hi« argument, and substitutes crutches— very wooden one. It cannot
be mrged that photographers forget the credit due to the makers of plates,
lenees, 4o. Let any trade catalogne be examined, and in the majority of
instances it will be found that Mr. So-and-So acknowledges lenses,
cameras, plates, paper, or some other manufacture in the produc-
tion of an exhibition picture. But, supposing this to be insufficient,
let us give the argument another application. Let us ask to see some-
thing after the following attached to pictures in the Academy : — " Mr.
Pallette wishes to acknowledge the great assistance rendered by the fol-
lowing gentlemen in the production of his picture. He has to thank
Messrs. Wedg & Fraam for the canvas, the texture of this beautiful
fabric giving an appearance of detail so much admired. To Mr. Pigments
he is indebted for excellent colours, medium, varnish, &o. ; and to Messrs.
Hogsare & Cammile for their splendid brushes and pencils. He is
furthermore partly indebted to Nature for his ideas." This, however,
cannot be the end, for we shall want to see an acknowledgment to a
modern master in conjunction with several old masters for the education
and cultivation of style, and shall probably finish by insisting upon an
acknowledgment of the intelligence, and right to exist, that allows an
artist to be educated, or allows him to be.
Most art writers of any account emphasise the desirability of humility
in the study of nature and art. Your correspondent evidently recognises
the principle, without its personal application, for, while quarrelling with
photographers for calling themselves artists, he calmly signs himself,
" Artist with Brush, Pencil, and Camera." " WhaVs in a name?" Does
your correspondent know of none who base their claim to be called artists
upon an ability to daub ? And does he, like the majority of artists, wish
ns to accompany him down into the slums, that he may point with the
finger at our lowest representative, and say, with withering scorn, " And
you call this art?"
If sight can come under the heading of brain power, there must be a
little exerted in producing an instantaneous study (unless " study "
means an accidental result) ; and, if practical men may be believed,
there is even a little credit due to the successful posing of actors and
actresses.
Truly there is little or nothing to prevent a painter making use of
photography. A few mechanical difficulties, perhaps — ^mere nothings.
Photography is already supposed to yield the best results in the hands of
an artist (be he pamter or photographer), so there was really no necessity
for the question upon this point ; but, surely, if there be any question as
to the monopoly of the credit of photography, it must fall to the photo-
grapher. Who else? Who but the photographer has brought photo-
graphy to its present stage, and who but he shall carry it beyond ? As
far as the art side is concerned, we may have something to thank the
painter for (especially if he be sufficiently muddled to claim the owner-
ship of first principles), but we thank him only for what he himself has
borrowed. — I am, yours, &c., H. Colebhook.
PUimttead, S.E.
To the Editor.
Sib, — In yoor correspondence column recently, " An Artist with
Brush, Pencil, and Camera," reverts to the much-vexed question, " Has
Photography benefited Artists ? " I have written two or three times to
your journal with the intention of showing that it has ; others have done
the same, and one might think the matter settled by this time ; but it
will never be allowed to rest as long as people allow themselves to be
swayed by prejudice and envy instead of reason. Though myself an
artist, I must confess that most of the bigotry and uncharitableness comes
from our side ; my experience of photographers is not that they are
bumptious and claim too much for their profession, but rather the
reverse. Your correspondent thinks the time is not far distant when
photographers will have to qualify themselves as artists, or " take a back
seat." I tell him that the time has arrived ; for the front seats are
occupied by men who are fully competent, not only in taste, but also in
technical art education, and even abiUty with the brush and pencil.
Why do " artists " display such snobbism as to pretend to ignore this
fact ? These men are more than fully qualified to practise art — photo-
graphy they know as much about the school of art subjects as many
srtists themselves, although such knowledge is less indispensable to them.
The humorous touch in the hypothetical advertisement for a clever
operator, where, among other duties, he is supposed to " nurse the baby
and wash the pots," &a., may be laughable, but it is extremely far-
fetched ; in fact, I felt stue anything of the sort never was demanded of
any operator. It seems to me a piece of high-handed superciliousnesB
to suggest it. Artists are not cheap, but photography has done miich to
bring a great deal of artistic enjoyment within the reach of the multitude.
Certainly artists are at liberty to practise photography, in fact they do
so, both openly and surreptitiously, though with less concealment than
formerly. I knew an artist some twenty years ago, who found it " did
not pay " to be associated in business with a photographer ; so the
partnership was dissolved, and this was because his paintings were regarded
with the suspicion that they owed something to photography, which they
did not, for he was positively afraid of employing it. Nowadays
one sees many pictures in exhibitions which are unmistakably copied
from photographs, and why not? Art is long, and a short cut is a
desideratum : no fear of getting too soon to the end of the road.
The difference between the two paths is this : In painting, a man can
call himself an artist as soon as he can make a passable image of some-
thing ; but in photography his hardihood would be a theme for mockery
if he pretended to be an artist on such simple grounds. A ten-and-six-
penny camera might enable the most inexperienced boy to produce a
picture which, in point of correctness of drawing, would beat the embryo
painter's work into a cocked hat ; but would the boy therefore seriously
claim the title of " artist ? " It is unnecessary for me, in this letter, to
recommence the definition of the words " art " and " artist ;" it has been
done most exhaustively in your pages. Artists, in the best and truest
sense, are necessarily always rare, but there is a class just below that
which is very popular and useful, and quite able to hold its own against
the sneers of the envious. Of the first class there are scarcely half-a-
dozen in a century ; the second comprises all them that are able to pro-
duce pictures that please, even though they do not greatly elevate the
mind, and there are many photographers that may be included therein.
As to the relative difficulty of the work, what does that matter ? We
admire some works for the cleverness displayed in their execution, and
others for their beauty and interest, without thinking much about how
they were done ; and this is generally the case in respect to the very
highest art — our minds are too much occupied with the aesthetic and
intellectual emotion afforded to let us even wish to poke our noses behind
the scenes ; and this pleasure, we feel, is not merely due to the perception
of a display of " model, free-hand, geometry, and perspective," nay, nor
even of anatomy. These are but the apparel, the " trappings and the
suits " of art, which may exist in many mediums, not excepting photo-
graphy.
Your correspondent asks if there is any credit m getting a good
pose of a clever actor or actress, by which he implies that he or she
supplies the pose, that is a help; but it requires the artist's eye
to select a good view of that pose and to determine what pro-
portion the figure shall bear to the picture, and whereabouts it
shall be placed. I am not called upon to speak further about the
lighting of it, or composing it together with other figures or accessories.
What I deplore is the grudging way in which some artists regard the
works of photographers, and their affected superionty. Why, I have
known photographers who could draw and paint extremely well, and
would have been welcomed in artistic circles, but that the profession of
photography disqualified them. It is a pity that painters, who could
afford to be magnanimous, should show such littleness and spite. I never
heard a photographer speak of painting without admiration and respect,
and the hostility I have observed comes from the other side ; but I sus^
pect it is from neither the first nor the second class of which I have
spoken, but from the mere camp followers, the skirts and rabble of th&
army — persons who can only make crude images of things and fail
altogether to breathe into them the fire of expression, whose best perform-
ances are inferior to tlie most mechanically evolved photograph, and in-
finitely inferior to one that contains sentiment, thought, or story. — I am^
yours, Ac, F- Wilcookson.
London, January, 1892.
IMPRESSIONISTIC PHOTOGRAPHY.
To the Editor.
Sir, — Will you allow me, as a working painter (painter-artist, I ought-
perhaps to say), occasional photographer, and constant reader of your
valuable paper, to thank you for the pleasure and amusement the article^
signed " A. R. S." in your last issue has given me.
I take up your paper, as a rule, for the purpose of studying serious and
scientific articles, never expecting to find anything of a humorous
nature in your columns. I have been, however, agreeably disappointed,
1 allude to " A. R. S. 's " letter. It is unnecessary to take this letter seriatim.
Is every other line meant to be a joke, or is it, do you think, only by
accident that there is that appearance ? Why is the writer so hard on.
the poor photographer ? and why is the poor student required to watch
a "suitable landscape" for a "few months?" why should the photo-
grapher leave off his business to learn that of the etcher and the water-
colour painter? and why should the poor student, after studying his
" six months " efforts, be required to kick his camera — his " lying
camera," forsooth, to the zenith, wherever that may be — and then go-
a-stone breaking, or learn golf ? Why aU these things ? and are they
appropriate to a paper exclusively devoted to photography ?
Fehniarr 5, 1895]
TlIE BRITISn JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
96
Tb« writer ol this articl*, Mr. A. B. 8., •omehow reminds me of a
Mrtua odiar writer who, onoe apon a time, being deairoas of learning
■wmthiiig of a eartain sobieet, wrote a bode thereon, and afterwards,
faaTiog learnt aamething aboat his ■abieet eoinawhat pabliclj, withdrew
his work ; but, then, thoogh the priaeiplaa of that work were, to say the
least, qoaint. the grammar waa pa— able Thus yoor eorrespondent,
being alao poaaibiy anxioos to learn and to know, endeavoors to attain
his ends by abnuing ererything that he knows little of, and laying down
the law aho«t what he knows IcM ol, so that the information giren to
hia fai the fonn of eociaotiea mi^ b« naefal at other times as the
haaia ol mote hamoroos letters ; hot why ; oh, why. doee " A B. 8." ose
':« azpnaaion, " thos showing bow the fool is eTcr diseorering himself
. jt the benefit of the malUtoda? "—I am, yours, ite.,
Lomdam, fthrwtrjf 1, ISM. Oxb or tbi Mci.Trm>B.
»
ABTISTS AKD PHOTOOBAPHT.
To the Ennoa.
8tB,— I waa glad to read yonr all too brief •' Art Motes " of Janoary 39,
aa it seemed to me, as a very bamhia aladaat of pbotogi^hy in rahUion
to art, that tboaa nana anntalaad ooa or two boiiia traths, the cootem-
plation of wtaieh aaBOOt bat hava Iba aaoat aalntary efleeta apon photo-
gnnhata aad attista alike.
Toa inataoee aooa of the framea in tha lata Pall Mall ExhiUtioo as
eHrithig nniranal eondetnnatioo. Tlva, wa, Ihitj fid; and aoch eon-
damnarton I hope aa will pretest tba adnriaaton of eoeh monatroaltiaa in
fotora^ Tbo onty i^taam of eomloH ia that ■laarabla bonaaa ia that
(vtdf the OMa faaaa lo the pottimit of btaar WaUm) photoyphew
are not tha only aiuMffa in thia nasaaC
Mr. C. P. SaLMOB. if be nada ttaJocnuL (wUeh I baliata be doaa),
will find it difitailt to s newer your qaaatiaaL Thia fsntlsman is a friend
and popQ ol Mr. MortlaMr Mmaa. whom yov^ooottibstor, " A B. 8.,"
talk ■§ MM piMtaflrapby aa a Baata '
lor aft. Trae (or yoa, " A. B. 8."
r " an Ika taij woria whiah aoneally apply to
ao«a.lft;Sdiler; - ptehiwlWa waMHg." " chartalaMy.'' and " im-
poetan " an rile i» Iha worii of phBtngiaphy aa waO aa ia that of •■ art,"
aiidIboMyoawinaaaliniiayaar*llalaB,"aadletfaiaUttla light npoo
I daa piaM^— I am. ]««■, Ao..
I Ba«i. Bmm. MrMy 1. UM.
I who " A B. 8.
P.a-t think I eaa
Toioa of Jacob," ^te.
Cnuami Baowv, Jra.
'really ie; -tha voiee is the
CAMEBA CLUB OOXPBBKNCB.
r«tA«Ba«nib
Sn,— Wm yoa kindly aaaooBes that tba aaaaal ooaiiraaoa ..
by llM Caaiara Ciab wiU take place at *• SoaMr e< Ai«a oate tha
pforiiaqr ol Captaia Akmy dorlag tba laM weak ot Xaiah oast ? The
aoHgHMMiallDsaMryaaiawiU ba aiighlly azteadad ae aa to seoore an
•naiaf BMliag ia addWea Ie tba diV naalia«a tor tba laadiaf ol
Tbaatart^MJaaajortlhwcHbaMt— ylaaiaaafcltoai *
Ami libwSoa el Fhokupafba at tba aoh. Taasday. Mareh tS,
a^■. Opwilt d tba Caaiawaaa bytba Praeidat. Puiats wffl be read
■ad dlHHni utO 6p.m At Spua. ibaCeafaraaaawiUacitnasaanbIa
aadritimMfjB. Wedaaaday, llanh tl, Coahnaea ban 8 lo 6 pja.
Aaaaal Aaaar at IJO p.ia.. TbotadM. Xaiab S4, 8 pa. Speeial
laatm MdAMaa at tba SMksty ol Aflate MBbata aad bisa^k.-I aa.
roan. »*-. O. DsTiaaa, Hm. Sm.
Cmun Ctah, OtaH^ Crass pg ad. IT.C.
DDIXEB OP THE PHOTOORAPaiO SOCIETY OF GBEAT
BBRAOI.
To Ik* Bnnoa.
8b. — tvmH ma to remind tba
lb to ba pceasal at
I afpUeaitoa abeold ba
r><0>Oraat
leabmol Iba ahova Soeisty aad their
lb* «■■§! (oa liooday. Fabraary »|,
ba aada tar tiebala to ayaaU . or tha
W.C.— I aa, yeota. Me.,
w. Bmlud.
7. 8U /asMs-sefaarr. SoUfaf ttW. IT., fstraary t, MM.
hsvahad i
I bavt )
(amad i
WATBB AXD PILTEB&
ralAsBMToa.
(tha fnr Haea to yoa aboot •• Tylar's FUlan." I
lerariiac aipalsiioa aboat the parity ol flltsrad water.
4 far tba laet iorlaicbt at a Hampabifa aotaiar pUoe,
I aUaato aa^ pare walar. I notioad Ibat tbawaler
sappUed at the table saToored of nun. This led me to inqaire if the
honse had a rain-water tank. The reply was no, and that all the water
supplied at table was earefnlly filtered. I was induced to test the filtered
and onfiltered samples; the result waa very much in favour of the
unfiltered. Another proof of the theory I have long held that to filter the
water as supplied by the various companies is a " snare and a delusion "
to do 80, means that one filters good water through a mass of impurities.
I am pleased for Jlr. Tylar's compliment; I cannot have "carped " at
the price, for the simple resaon that I do not know Mr. Tylar's price ;
but I would like to Know where the novelty or improvement comes in.
Mr. Tylar evidently does not know that some months since I exhibited the
filter at the London and Provincial Photographic Association, and I then
stated its disadvantagea. — Yours, &e., A L. Hexdebsox.
•' The Paragott," Bomrnemoutk.
L088 OF DENSITY IN FIXING.
To the EnrroB.
StB,— A great many things have been asked lately from the dry-plate
manulaeturers, such as backing, marking, <to., all of which involve
trouble, time, and expense, and it would be cmel to add something more
to those more or leas jast demands. What I would ask from them is
mneh easier to obtain, and wotild certainly be to their own good as well
as to their woold-be eastomers, if not the old ones. It is simply a
printed line on the label, and the directions, something like this : ■■ The
^ataa do nol <o*< smcA (or lou rather much) during fixing in the hypo."
I have never loaod a plate being any worse becauie it loses more in
the hypo (of ita intensitv) than another that loses less, provided I knew
it before develojnn^ All I had to do waa to develop a httle longer, and
everything was right A little over-developing does not matter; the
negativa ia a UUle harder to print, which is not a defect. Bat suppose one
doM not know, and devak>ps a new brand of plates, and finds that in the hypo
almost all melts away, and he haa a thin negative, no good to print from.
Look at the trouble of intenaitying, Ao., it it brings ont anythmg decent,
I am of the opinion that a good many ao-ealled under-exposed pictures
are simply not enough dsv<doped to salt the extra loss in hypo, and
eertainly a somewhat nndar-aspoaed napUive will lose much more in the
hypo than a folly aipoaad one. tha aama aa a nrint on albumen paper
from a hard negativa haa to be priatad mnoh deeper to coonterbalanoe
loae of intensity in gold and hypo baths. Now, if we should know that a
plate loaea more or lew in the hypo, we ooold develop aooordingly, and
wva a great many nagativw, and not always blame for it the mann-
taetorar aad tba ezpoaoia.
I have baaa tryiag lately loaia different plates, and found them vary
very maeh in low of attaagtb in hypo, and ao much so as to be worth-
laea, bowaver tollv dsvaloped, aa eompand with my regular run of plates.
Whaa a lliaad aaka ma to develop a plate tor him, my only qnestion is,
■■ Doaa yoar plate lose moeh ia tnehypo?" If you do not know of this,
try it oaea npoa two different pUtes (manutaotorers), and you will see
lor yoarsaU, poshing both to the same density fidV, and from instan-
■tonaooa wyoauia, both to make thing* aran and sure. — I am, yours,
A«L. Albbbt Lbvt.
ifsaflrm, FVaaea, /aa— ry 96, 189S.
PBEYENTIOK OF BLISTEBS.
To the Eorroa.
Sib, — ^I Botiee tbaia are a great man^ bita of information and experi-
ments given tor the pravaotion of blisters occurring with albomenised
papers. At tha beginning of tha winter I oommenced using albumen
paper (the first tiae for niany feara) and tha flrat batch I did waa
nearly roiaad by tba papar blistanng. Some veara ago the same thing
oaeorrad, and I Ibao Mad It I ooold not get rid ot what I looked upon as
a graat aoiaaaea. I anaailad, and am now doing aa I did then, and I
am not troabled with bbatais. If any of yonr readers will try tha
following, I do not think they will be troubled sgain. Printing, washing,
and toaing is carried on as oaoal up to the fixing, and then I make a
bath-hypo, oaa to eight, aad tor ooa gallon of this I add two ounces
aethylatad spirits aad two diaehma aauaonia, '880. — I am, yours, Jte.,
Redcap Jaimary 85, 1899. B. J. BtTBSs.
laxctfanQt Column.
.* >•» sMift <» node for Immrttmf Bxehamgu of Apparatui M Ihit cobmn ;
imt»»aiwUltt*memtldmUmaumrtieUioani»iiedeAnilelfaatetl. That
tmtiftetff t^ttrrfmlnmmUtat "mmflhmt tmfiU"tMllhmr^on undertHnd
Ike namm tf tKiir T
Tas Barrisa Jovmau. or PaoToaBAPar, anbonod, from 187* to UBl Inoliulr*, aad
tb« PMUftafM* atm$, aabooad. fmai U«> la 18M inoliulra. >b «iehaiu« for pboto-
rrspkl* ohminb, |isf, or ■sesMortM.-AddrMS, Llsx. Domlo, VsUbcton-
•trxt. Deads*.
96
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRArHY.
[February 5, 1892
finBtDCts to CorcesponOrnts
AU wmtUn for tht text portion of <At« Journal, mcludm^qiunet for
" Anmoen'^ and " Exchanga," mutt b« addreued to "Thb Editor,
a, york^troet, Covent Gardm, London. Inattention to thit emuret dday.
Jfo notict taJom of commMMioatvmt wdtu nam» and addrat of vmter are
given.
•,* Oommmueatjoiu relating to Adi>ertii«Mentt and general busineu affairs
■»w( be addretud to "Henry Gbhswooo & Co.," 2, York-etreet, Covent
Oarden, London.
IJLUN. — Apply to the Autotype Company.
•Ctmht. — Acetic acid is a solvent of gelatine.
A. H. R— Presumably after the prints are washed.
Lms. — It is a single landscape lens of the ordinary type.
A H. S. B.— The method you propose is the best for the purpose.
A. C. T.— You will find the formula of all the plate-makers collated in the
cnrrent Almanac.
RiPON.— We had a series of articles on photographic enamels in our last volume,
to which we refer you.
RODOLPH Leonhabdt.— 1. We fear there is no remedy. 2. Thin sheets of
gelatine would answer the purpose.
R. M. C— 1. The History of Pliotoyraphy, by W. Jerome Harrison. 2. We
cannot trace the article under that title.
XoncB (Henley).— -Messrs. Thevoz' pictures are, we believe, done by the collo-
type process, on specially chosen papers.
H. Herbert.— If the plates give too much density with the developer recom-
mended by the makers, reduce the proportion of pyrogallic acid.
R. C. T.— If the picture is copyright, it is illegal to copy it, even if the copies
are not sold. You seem to oe labouring under a misapprehension.
W. R. Kennan.— If you refer to Suiter's gauges, we do not know the address
of the manufacturers, but the gauge may be obtained of any dealer in lantern
requisites.
C. H.— The photographs would have been better if they were more plucky ;
but we have seen many by professional photographers which were inferior to
those sent
William Chapman. — The patent is, we believe, still in force, but you had
better consult a patent agent as to the possible risks of infringement involved
in your improvements.
AGj Br. — The reason for your developer working slowly of late is undoubtedly
due to the fact that the solutions were at too low a temperature. All
chemical action is retarded by cold.
B. J. Barclay. — If the ready-sensitised paper shows minute spots before it is
printed, and they become larger and metallic when toned, there is no way of
avoiding them in the finished pictures, except by using a different paper.
C. J. KiEK and F. C. Beacham.— There is no directory of photographers pub-
lished, but the Chemical Directory (published by Kelly & Co., Great Queen-
street, W.C.) gives a list of all the photographers in the United Kingdom.
Cambs. — 1. Swan's patent for carbon printing was taken early in the year
1864. 2. The patent has long since expired. 3. No licence whatever re-
quired. 4. We are not aware if a fresh edition is likely to be published
ahortly.
'C W. — We are unable to inform you if the saying, " Something has gone wrong
with the works, " originated with the automatic photograph machines. Is
your query intended, as the late Artemus Ward would say, to-be "sar-
kistio?"
"Thomas A Rogers. — Pinhole photography forms the subject of several short
articles in the Jodbnal during the last few years, which may be found on
reference to the various indices. We are not aware of any separate publica-
tion devoted to it.
R. Wood. — Your friend was partly right and partly wrong. The platinic salts
are, undoubtedly, sensitive to — that is, deconiposed by — light, but the ch.inge
is not visible in the cold-bath process, or any other platinum process. It is
the persalt of iron which is acted on.
A Voss. — In working the wet-collodion process, a ruby light is not at all
necessary. A coujile of thicknesses of orange "tammy," over /a 'window
facing north, will be all that is requisite, two thicknesses of canary
medium, or possibly one, might suffice under .similar conditions.
EXPKKTMKNTAI.IST. — There is no difficulty in coating plates with gelatine
emulsion without a " proper machine." All the early [ilates were coated by
hand. Indeed, some makers, we believe, do so Ktill. A litlle practice is all
that is required to obtain an even coating, and that is soon acquired.
Captain Hemming, RE. — The aniline process of Willis will answer your
purpose. Full details will be Jound in our Jouknal of 1865, or in the
volumes about that date, J. R. Gotz supplies paper which wdl serve the
same purpose. "Ink photos" are printed from a grained lithogtaphic
stone.
BosTO. — If an image the same size as the original cannot be obtained sharp in
the camera, it is clear that it does not expand sufllciently. Are you aware
that, to obtain a picture of the same dimensions as the original, the
camera must be distended to twice the focal length of the lens, whatever that
may be!
•S. A W. — 1. A lens of the " rapid " type will be the most useful for your
work. 2. If a wide-angle lens of the same focus as a "rapid" be used on
the same-size plate, the angle included will be the same. 3. The wide-angle
will cover the plate best when used with a medium stop. 4. We have not
Iieard the rumour.
X X.— We have had no experience with vessels coated with Aspinal's Enamel
for gold toning solutions ; we much prefer to use glass or earthenware dishes
in our own practice, and recommend you to do the same. A few days' use
will, however, prove if the enamel has any injurious action on the solution.
You might give it a trial.
W. Abbott.— The maker of the lens, whoever he may be, has attempted more
than he could accomplish— that is, if he did attempt it. A lens of four
inches in diameter, and five and a halt inches focus, to take a full-length
cabinet portrait with the open aperture, is more than an English optician
would attempt. Such a lens, if it would do that, would be necessarily very
rapid.
A Fbaseb.— A great deal of success in Woodburytype printing depends upon
the paper used. After preparation, it requires very heavy rolling between
highly polished plates, and this necessitates expensive appliances. We are
not aware that the paper, ready for use, is an article of commerce in this
country, though, we believe, it is in Germany. You might, however, com-
mnnicate with the firms who work Woodburytype ; they may supply it, for
aught we know.
A. W.— You are quite right in your surmise. The dryer carbon tissue is made
after sensitising, the longer it wiU keep. Indeed, if it be thoroughly desic-
cated, and kept so, it will remain soluble for months. But its moisture
must be restored before it can be printed upon, and the difficulty in the way
is to introduce the proper proportion — neither more nor less. Upon the
right hygroscopic conditions of the tissue depends, in great measure, success,
or otherwise, in carbon printing.
D. AsHBEY says he recently applied to three prominent photographers to take
negatives of his sisters, and hand them to him, he being au amateur, and
could make the prints himself He asks if this is the custom with first-class
photographers, and adds "that, if it is so, it is very unfair, as no one wishes
to pay a large price for what they can do quite as well themselves, at a
trifling cost." — Of course, every one can arrange his own terms for business,
photographers amongst others, and we believe the custom is as our corre-
spondent suggests. It is hardly to be expected that an artist will expend his
time and skill to secure first-class negatives, and then hand them over to the
sitter to get printed elsewhere, perhaps very indifferently. It is to the prints
that the artist looks for remuneration, not from taking the negative.
H. B. a says he has a plot of ground large enough for building a studio
twenty-two feet by twelve and a half feet, facing north, and asks how to
build to, without using stone, so as to obtain first-class portraits therein ? As
a north aspect can be obtained, we should advise the root to be on the
" lean-to " principle, and glazed about two-thirds its height, or up to about
thirteen feet. Each end sides and roof, for about feet six inches, should be
made of opaque material. The structure may be of wood, and such as a
horticultural builder would construct. Twelve or fifteen inches will be wide
enough for the panes of glass. Twenty-two feet is rather short for a studio
where "first-class" results are desired, as it will necessitate the use of short-
focus lenses when full-length figures or groups are required. In such cases
short-focus lenses are not consistent with first-class pictures.
Photographic Club. — February 10, Glass Bhmng for tlie Laboratory, Mr.
A Haddon. 17, Public Exhibitions, F. P. Cembrano, jun.
Low Pbick of Silver. — On Tuesday last bar silver fell to 41 A, at which
figure it was bought for India. It is stated that this is the lowest price on
record. On the same day Mexican dollars fell to 40J.
Photographic Society op Great Britain. — February 8, Annual Dinner,
at Cafe Royal, Regent-street, at halt-past six p.m. February 9, Annual
General Meeting, at eight p.m. February 23, Technical Meeting, The Relative
Merits of Different Processes far the Production of Lantern Slides.
The Antiphoton. — From Messrs. A. R. Wormald & Co., of Sutton, Surrey,
we have received the Antiphoton, which, when fixed in the wall of the dark
room, permits a tree passage of air from outside, while it excludes daylight.
It is of thin metal, and its uses will indicate its construction. For the
purposes assigned it should prove efficient.
North London Society's Fixtures. — February 16 (Technical), Uranium
Tuning. Mr. J. Weir Brown. March 1, Platinotype Printing, Mr. J. Martin.
March 15, Lantern slide competition. April 5, Technical Meeting (Apparatus,
&c.). April 19, Exhibition of Lantern Slides. May 3, Light Measurement, Mr.
W. Bishop. May 17, Mr. J. Traill Taylor. June 7, Retouching, Mr. Red-
mond Barreti
Rochdale and District Photographic Society. — The Exhibition of the
above was brought to a close on Saturday, January 30, after a very successful
run. The Lantern Evenings from members' slides were a great attraction. On
Tuesday evening a Conversazione and Musical Entertainment was given, con-
sisting of lantern exhibitions, songs, and recitals. Mr. Harry Fletcher had
the sole charge of the lantern.
OONT
P&aR
celluloid films 81
COLOURED PHOTOGRAPHS «)
GRADUATED VIGNETTES sa
PHOroGRAPHING " THUNDERBOLTS.''
By W. H. HABHISON 85
AMERICAN NOTES AND NEWS 85
GAS-REOULATOR CHECKS. Bv H M
WHIIEFIELD ...7.'. 86
CELLULOID FILMS. By J. D. ENGLAND 87
BNTS.
Pa«i
THE photographic SOCIETY'S LEC-
TURES—III 87
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SURVEY OF
WARWICKSHIRE
OUR EDITORIAL TABLE 89
RECENT PATENTS 9(i
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES 91
CORRESPONDENCE 92
EXCHANGE COLUMN 5
ANSWERS TO OOBBESPONDENIS 96
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1658. Vol. XXXIX.— FEBRUARY 12, 1892.
A PHOTOGRAPHIC INSTITUTE.
Drsrto the mmch of the Photogxmphic Society of Great
Britain that baa jvi eloeed, three papen vera read which hare
a doM bearing npoo a matter which ao many membeiB of the
Soeiaty, and othen, bare at heart, naindly, the aatabliahment
f a central inetitation affording Hitrv^"" by qoali&ed pro-
i«man in the bif^ teehnoiogy of photography. No definitiTe
aehaae baa to oar knowledge yet been pnt forth ; bat, ao far as
«e can ■■eimilafii aU that baa been written and aaid on the
sotjeet, the general aim is to proride (adlitiee for the praeeou-
on of expet^Motal work and the atiidy of partiealar braochea
^ Implied |dioCogr^>l^y. the th««7 and the ptmetioe being
p|>mt eqoaOy at oonaMuid of the etodent, so that both intand-
a^ piijiinis and pcMtkal «ip«ti migbt bave tha advantage
of deriTii« their knowledge flton a Foperiy oooetitoted and
/lieiently equipped teaahing centre.
Taken in tha otder in whieh they wen read the three pi^Mn
we haTC referred to constitute an admirable introdoctien to a
atady cf tfaa whole qoestioa. Mr. Waraerke's deeeription of
the photo-tedorioal idMmb in Belginm, Germany, Austria, and
Roaaia Uys balbn » in a anceinot fcem tha ftcilitkB which
<w^t in the cnpitab of tfcoae oonnteiea for the aoqaireoMnt of
a theoretical and pcaetical knowledge of photoi^aphk) tech-
nology. The '■»«mJ« mte an nader Oormunant control,
and an preaidad irm kgr mA nan m Togel and Eder. The
fbee an Bodaeate^ nd, aipariallyfai the Berlin and Vienna
7— «u-»^ tha uuiiiaee of atodiee are arranged npon a aeale of
onmpletanaei which it wouki be difieolt to excel We hare no
doobt ttet in any eeheme Cor a pbotographio institute which
may a(l«wards take ebape b thia country, the partieulan
which Mr. Wamerke hm gRthand together wfll be of the
l^eateet utility in fanaiag a gaide to the naeda at such an
establishment. The eeccod p^^ to which we are alluding
waa contributed by Mr. Bolaa. In it be pleaded ibr facilitiee
for aparimantal work, to each as might wiah to do it, in the
▼iew of eataMiihii^ gMMfal prineipiea, and the artahUahmeot
of reeokr ciouiaei of iaitfnetion by euntpetent teaebeA The
paper, by Profsssor Meldola, after pointing out the ralue
^ iiico plMitogmphy baa been ioand to bare in modem aeienti6c
lork, aumnw ilaalf with the claima of photography to be
; laced on the nma bMis aa other branchea of teehnokigy, and
^■oea on to mgn* ia favoor of an inetitato dfapenaing teehno-
. ^.gical inetraotion.
We are happy to see that the Profeesor Ignoree the trito
'adrice whieh ia oaaaDy given at the cutest of any edocatknal
fbTihty namely, to apply to tha pablio treasury fbr help.
The hope that Parliament would Tooebaaft ■sslstanes in the
matter voold not be worth entertaining. His suggastkos are
r a ht more pnetieal aatora. He points out that the staff of
he inatitato need not be iiwaroiis at first ; a chemist, an
optician, a physicist, an expert in photo-mechanical prooeases,
and an artist would represent the chief departments, and he
proposes a conference of all photographic societies, with the
object of forming a joint committee, under whose authority a
further appeal might be made for public and private support.
He furthermore points out that, as elementary photography is
being taught all orer the country, a few first-class specialists
might be enlisted to give short courses or demonstrations to
those affiliated societies or centres which desired such instruc-
tion.
This, as we have said, is practical advice, the soundness of
which we ha«ten to reoogniae. Professor Meldola's lecture, as
our readers will eee, is a very long one, and its interest is in
proportion to its length. It contains matter for serious and
careful reflection, to which on the present occasion we can do
no more than make but brief reference. We join with him in the
hope that any action taken by the Society will be of the highest
possible character. The institute will need to take a somewhat
Mtj aim. The higher specialisation to which such a body
shoold devoto itself must be supplementary to the element^
instruction which ia now being so extensively disseminated. It
is this higher specialisation which, as the Professor effectively
maintaina, te in eome danger of neglect just now. A photo-
graphic institute, therefore, should do more than impart a
mere daoBentary knowledge of principles and practice to the
■todant; it should take the latter in haAd when he has
maatarsd the groandwork of his subject, and give him the
opportuni^ of aoquiring that deep and intimate knowledge of
it — in short, make a weU-traiued specialist of him — which alone
can fit him to hold his own sgainst his foreign competitors in
modem photographic progiim.
To the idea of a teohnologioal institote, so ably outlined and
pleaded for by Meesrs. Waraerke, Bolas, and Profeesor Meldola,
we give our heartiest support, in the hope of seemg it realised,
and the deeire to aasist in its accomplishment. It needs no
very intimato aoquaintanoe with the internal economy of
Engliih manofacturoa at this time to be aware that the
demand for thoroughly competent technologists — men skilled
in the theoretical and practical principles of optical and
chemical preparations^-are just now hr from being at a discount,
while the poesibilitiee open to them in the larger worlds of
adeao^^be arts, and the manufacturea are very great In
coaie of time, when competition beoomee keener, as it
ineritably must, and the power of knowledge will be the one
power above all othen that will make itself felt, the success or
(aOurs of photographic manufactures will be determined by
the skill or incompetency of thoee by whom they will be con-
ducted; and a technological institute that provides facilities
for the acquirement of such knowledge will be a valuable factor
in ssaisting this country to maintain its pride of place in the
world of photography.
B8
THK lUariSH JOMJNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[Febroary 12, 1892
In the Continental institutes, of which we have spoken above,
the study of photo-mechanical printing processes is an object of
special attention. It is a matter of common notoriety that in this
department of photography we, in this country, are, in far too
many respects, not equal to our neighbours. Instruction in this
field, as was pointed out in the course of the sliort discussion which
followed Professor Meldola's lecture, is difficult, if not impos-
sible, to obtain, except, of course, under payment of very high
sums of money, so that here the institute may at once step in
and supply a long-felt want with incalculable advantage. If,
in addition to purely technological matters, such as the study
and application of chemical principles, optics, and process work,
conjoined to the innumerable subdivisions into which the
production of photographs is split up, studio work generally,
embracing lighting and posing, were included, the ordinary
run of portrait photographers, as n, body, would not improbably
derive considerable benefits from the scheme.
We do not, however, gather that this forms part of the aspir-
ations of those who have the foundation of such an institute at
heart, although, if example be taken from the Continent, work
in the studio could not be neglected. As to the " artist "
whom Professor Meldola would give charge of a department, we
fear that here the only debatable part of the scheme is touched.
It would be wise, for the present at any rate, to eliminate
this section from any plan, inchoate or experimental, until
there was a more common agreement among the photographic
public as to the meaning and application of " art " in relation to
photography. Just now, every one has his own pet idea on
the subject. We could easily select professors or teachers of
photographic chemistry, of photographic printing, and the like ;
but, of recognised teachers of " art " in this connexion,'there is
no plethora, and therefore we hope the scheme will fight shy of
including art teaching in its curriculum.
For the rest, we congratulate photographers that, at a
moment when the cry for technical education is rising up
from every branch of the conimunitj-, their own special needs
are enlisting attention, and in after-years we hope to have the
pleasure of feeling that the three papers of which we have
made mention constituted the starting-point of a successful
scheme of photo-technological instruction.
ANALOGY OF GELATINO-BROMIDE OF SILVER TO
BICHROMATED GELATINE.
Evert one is now pretty familiar with the fact that bichro-
matised gelatine becomes insoluble in warm water when it is
exposed to .light It is not our purpose in the present article
to treat upon the action of hot water on bichromated gelatine,
but to point out other characteristics of the material — more
particularly its expansion or "swelling" properties when
treated with cold water ; also to call attention to the circum-
stance that the properties of a bichromated gelatine film are
largely possessed by a gelatine -bromide one, under certain
conditions.
When a gelatine film sensitised with bichromate of potash is
exposed to light under a negative, and is afterwards soaked in
cold water, the water is absorbed in proportion as the negative
has more or less protected it from the light's action. On this
property is based photo-lithography, collotype, and other
analogous processes. At the same time that the water is
absorbed the gelatine swells up. This may be well exemplified
by placing an undeveloped print on carbon tissue in cold water
for a quarter of an hour or so, and then blotting it ofi". The
image will then be found in strong relief, and with those
portions that would have been dissolved away had the picture
been developed with hot water in the highest relief, while
those upon which the hot water would have the least eflfect in
the lowest. On this principle are based those methods of
making photo -mechanical printing matrices known as the
swelled gelatine processes.
By the latter processes a much higher relief — or intaglio
— can be obtained than that resulting from dissolving away
the unaltered portions with warm water. We have now
before us a porcelain plaque, moulded from a cast taken from a
swelled gelatine relief, in which some portions are raised fully
the twenty-fourth of an inch. Although by this method a very
high relief is obtained while the gelatine is moist, a cast taken
from it will not be so sharp and crisp as one taken from a
washed-out relief, such as those made for the Woodburytype
process.
The property of gelatine being modified by the action of
light is not confined to its being treated with the bichromates,
because analogous effects, both as regards swelling and insolu-
bilitj', can be obtained, under certain conditions, with gelatino-
bromide films, though the fact does not appear to be very
generally known.
About a dozen years ago Mr. J. W. Swan devised and
patented a method of producing printing plates by taking
advantage of the above property. The process is this : — An
ordinary gelatino-bromide plate is exposed in the camera, and,
if a half-tone typographic block is desired, the exposure is made
through lined screens in the usual manner. The image is then
developed in the ordinary way with pyrogallic acid. After
development the plate is subjected to heat, which causes those
portions upon which the light has not acted, or only partially
acted, to swell up the same as in the case of a bichromated
film. Two methods of applying the heat are described. One
is to place the plate in water at about ninety degrees ; the
other to heat the plate while the film is in a more or less moist
condition. In his specification !Mr. Swan refers to the efieet
that the alums, tannin, &c., have on the film in modifying the
degree and character of the relief.
From the gelatine relief, obtained as above, the printing
plates are made, either by taking a was or other cast and from
that an electrotype, or an electrotype is made direct from the
gelatine film. By this method printing blocks can be produced
in a very short time. The process has, not until recently, so
far as we are aware, been made use of commercially. It may
have been, however, without our knowledge, inasmuch as those
who i)roduce photo-mechanical plates do not publish the
methods they employ.
About ten years back, Mr. Leon Warnerke published, and
patented, a process based upon the principle that a gelatino-
bromide film, developed with pyrogallic acid, becomes insoluble
by the action of light in the same manner as does a bichromated
one. Mr. Warnerke spread the emulsion on paper, and, after
exposure, the image was brought out with the ordinary pyro
developer. The picture was then treated precisely as if it were
a piece of exposed carbon tissue. It was squeegeed upon a
support — rigid or flexible, temporary or permanent. After
resting a short time, the picture was immersed in warm water,
and in a few minutes the paper upon which the emulsion was
spread could be stripped off, and the gelatine, in proportion as
it had not been influenced by light, dissolved away exactly as
in the case of carbon printing. By this process a silver picture
FebnMBy 12, 1892]
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
is obtained, in which the image is free from gelatine in the
deepMt shadows, just as it is in the highest lights of a carbon
picture.
Piotores bj Mr. Wamerke's process can, of course, be inten-
sified by methods not applicable to ordinary gelatine negatives.
For example, any of the ways of toning or intensifying carbon
lantern slides referred to a short time a^, or the old method
of intenaifying wet-ooUodion negatives with acid pyro and
sUver, win answer. As there is no gelatine in the shadows,
it nsceeaarfly follows there is nothing to stain.
The analogy in the behavioar of a pynKleveloped gelatino-
bromide film to a biohromatad one has been much overlooked
by, if known at all to, laodem workers, although it may have
many useful applications.
GRADUATED VIONETTES.
The beauty of a properly graduated vignette is, or should be,
that it may be naed in cootaot with the negative, and is not
dependent upon a rotary motion or any other expedient for
producing or improving its gradatioo. This being the case it
is obviously worth the operator's while to devote especial care
to tb« variooi meohanical details described in the previous
artide, mors eqwdally as, when a proparly graduated clicM is
once obtained, it may be reprodoeed photographically with com-
paratively little trouble.
That is, of course, fimmiig that the shape is one that is
mitaUe for gvneral nas^ baeaoae it goaa without saying that
there an shapes whieh cao be ad^ed only to partioukr
pictnros. These, oToonrse, will only be produced as specially
required, the " stock " shapes at aperture being those — such as
the ellipse or oval, the egg shape or irregular oval, and others
assimilating moreor lass cloas^ to the outline of the head and
shoulders — that ai« fooad to be of pretty gsnaral utility. The
shape alluded to nbn simply to the aperture in the mask
employed in yigotMof^ bsesnes, if th* gnMlnatioo be well per-
/ormed, it ought to bs diffienlt to reeognise any shape at all,
■o imperceptibly does th« shading hll away.
Thvs is one othsr point to which attsntioo may bs drawn,
namaly, that the dansity of the vignetting sorssn should bear
a propsr ralatioa to that at ths nsgative, in oidsr to produce
the best results. For faMtmws, a serssn that prodnoss a beau-
ttfnlly soft gradntfcwi whan iMNd with a stnng nsgative would
girs a harsh and omds lasult whsn smploijrsd in con-
with a thin and ddioats one, and, eonrsnsly, the
I that sailsd bsst a wsak negative would bs altofpBther
' under opposils ciiwiiiistMicss.
\Misn so much ears is required in seenring , so (kr as
(r.cchaaieal means ars oonesmsd, srennsss and uniformity
of gmdation, it follows natoaUy that equal, if not grsater,
care afaoold bs dsroted to ths prsparation of ths photographic
4iir&oss ocsimrusJ. Evsry oos knows how painfblly evi-
it minats dsfcets beeome in ths plain background of a
-trait or in tbs sky of a landseaps nsgative, and it may
. tbeisfar% sssily eooosived that tbs bsst vfgnstting sersso
will have its beauty and onifbrmity destroyed bj minute hults
that might pass nneliallsngsd in an ordinary n^gativs. What-
ever the means smpioysd may be, the matsrial should be of the
Perhaps ths sfanplsst and sasisst process, and osrtainly the
' we should noonMiid for a swnmsnwimsnt of sipsrimsnts,
' )>s otdinaiy alboBMiliSd piluttal|^ pnsess. AlbmMB psper,
''ther rcady-sensitiasd or specially prepared, provides, wiUi a
minimum of trouble, a beautifully uniform printing surface,
which, if slow in its action, is none the worse for that, since it
enables the beginner to carefully watch and study the progress
of his work. It is cheap, moreover, and easy of manipulation,
and almost the only fault that can be found with the process,
as applied to vignetting screens, is the additional length of
time required in printing, owing to the want of transparency of
the paper. This, however, can be greatly reduced by careful
oiling or waxing, and need not form a very serious objection ;
indeed, many operators would prefer the slow printing, as giving
a superior result.
Ready-sensitised paper answers perfectly well for the purpose
— that is, of course, presuming it to be of good quality ; but
we prefer for such uses to sensitise the paper specially, floating
the reverse or non-albumenised surface on the silver bath. By
this means the image is formed more in the body of the paper,
and shows greater density and gradation than when it is con-
fined to the layer of surface albumen. In printing, the floated
or non-albomenised surface should receive the exposure. It is
purely a matter of taste whether such images are toned or not,
so long as can is taken to carry the printing to a sufficiently
deep stage to allow for the reduction that will occur where
toning is not resorted to. Personally, we have a preference for
non- toning.
Albnmeniseii paper being available for the purpose, it might
be supposed that gelatino-ohloride would be equally so, bat
such is not the caaei Neither the density by transmitted
light, nor the uniformity of the layer of sensitive material is
satisfactoiy, so we are reluctantly compelled to reject this
material
Where the opacity of albumenised printing paper is an
objection, an admirable substitute is to be found in carbon
tissue, and, as this can be obtained sensitised and ready for use,
it forms one of the most convenient mattfiah available. Besides
this, the quality and character oftheimageitgives are eminently
suited to the reproduction of delicate gradations, and the
facilities afforded for the production of images of any grade of
density are such as to specially recommend this process. It is
true that the inability to watch the progress of the printing
forms somswhat of an objection to its use, and the process haa
also been said to be unsuited to the production of vignettes,
owing to the washing away of the finer gradations on develop-
ment ; but, if the latter operation be conducted on a proper
surfsoe, there is not the least difficulty in retaining the very
finest gradations, and at the same time, if the printing be
carried to a sufficient depth, a considerable amount of
latitude exists in development, by which the strength of the
image may bs regulated.
In order to retain the more delicate gradations of the
vignette, it ia scarcely sufficient to develop on a plain collodion
film, however carefully the operation may be performed. A
very thin layer of gelatine, rendered insoluble by means of
chrome alum, becomes nscesssry ; a strength of five grains of
gelatins and a quarter of a grain of chrome alum to each
ouOM JtaTprove a satis&ctory one, and should be applied after
a collodion film if the vignette is to be stripped from the glass,
or directly on to the glass if the latter is to constitute the final
support
Numerous methods of intensification, where such is required,
are known to carbon printers, but these are mainly based on the
principle of either staining the carbon image or forming a
colourisd or opaque precipitate within its pores. The bichro-
matcd gelatine image, it should be borne in mind, difl'ers from
100
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[February 12, 1892
that of a gdatino-bromide plate in that it is formed of varying
thicknesses of gelatine, the very highest lights being repre-
sented by clear glass or a total absence of gelatine. Now, it is
erident that, if such an image be stained with a transparent
pigment, it gains in intensity in proportion to its original
gradations ; this forms one method of intensification. But two
solutions are often applied in succession to form an insoluble
deposit in the layer of gelatine, as, for instance, nitrate of
silver, foUowed by pyrogallio acid ; but in this case there is
no guarantee that the intensification is proportionate to the
gradation, or even uniform in its character, since a perfectly
opaque deposit may be formed on what ought to be the half-
tones. Where, therefore, such methods are adopted, we
raoommend the staining method, and a very weak solution of
potassium permanganate forms a suitable medium.
By either of the methods we have described the vignettes
are produced in the form of films, which will be found generally
more convenient than glass plates in adapting them to the
negative. But other processes are available for the production
of vignetting plates or glasses, which may be preferred by
some. Simi)lest amongst these is coUodio-chloride emulsion, a
description of the method of using which appeared in these
pages not long ago. Next to this may be named gelatino-
chloride emulsion, both these processes being, like those already
described, " slow printers."
Ihirning to the more rapid methods, which will be found
tisefol, if not absolutely necessary, in many cases where the
work has to be performed by artificial light, we have the choice
of collodion emulsion and ordinary gelatine plates, the latter,
of course, being much the more rapid. The particular methods
of working these, so far as the chemical side of the question is
concerned, scarcely need any description, the principal dif-
ference in procedure lying in the mechanical arrangements for
the adjustment of the lighting.
Where film vignettes are required, the collodion emulsion
plates will be foimd the more convenient, as, after develop-
ment, they only require to be placed on a levelling stand, and
a thick layer of plain gelatine poured over the surface and
allowed to set. After drying, which will require two or three
days, the compound film may be stripped from the glass with
the greatest ease.
Of other processes that might be mentioned, there is the
almost forgotten method of Mr. Wamerke, in which a gelatine
film, on {)aper, is, after development, and without fixing,
squeegeed on to glass, and treated as a carbon print, the
undeveloped portions being washed away with hot water.
For our present purpose glass plates instead of paper films
may be used, the exposure being made through the glass ; but
it should be ascertained beforehand that the film is soluble, as
the majority of modem plates are rendered more or less
insoluble by the use of alum at some stage of their preparation.
Solar Prominences. — In the first number of Astronomy and
A>tro-phytic» some interesting recent results of photographing solar
prominences are given by Professor G. E. Hale. An interesting coin-
cidence is also noted of the same eruption having been photographed
and also drawn by hand. It was one that took place on July 9 last
year, the photograph being taken at Kenwood Observatory, and the
drawing by Ilerr F6uyi at Kalosca, Hungary. The general agreement
in the form of the prominence is said to be very striking between the
work of the hand and the camera.
&aled Orating^. — Our readers have on previous occasions had
brought under their notice the gratings nded on a concave surface, by
means of which Professor Rowlands has been able to secure such mar-
vellous photographs of the spectrum exceeding in size anything before
attempted in direct photography. Practical mechanics know the great
difficulties attending the construction of gratings of such delicate
character as is needed to produce a high-class spectrum. The machines
hitherto employed by the Professor enable him to rule lines 50,000 to the
inch, but he has just completed the making of a perfect screw which will
enable him to make lines of the extraordinary closeness of one million
lines to the inch. Lines so fine cannot be seen with the microscope,
about 100,000 to the inch being the limit of vision when so aided.
The new automatic machine is of marvellous construction, and has
many devices to compensate errors ; it requires six days' continuous
working, day and night, to one grating of the size needed to study the
constitution of the solar radiations.
Bf easurement of Zilqulds. — The upholders of the " pinch
and drop " system of measuring allege, as one advantage of their plan,
that time is saved in the operation. Practical men will deny the
legitimacy of any such claim, and we should be inclined to side with
them. There has lately been described in the Chemical News a
method for the quick measuring of liquids which, if as advantageous
in practice as it appears to be on paper, will sweep away even this
excuse. A piece of glass tube is taken, and a cork is inserted at each
end. Through the top cork a small hole is bored; this is closed on
the under side by a valve of indiarubber cloth, with a piece of cork
attached to it. Through the bottom cloth are bored two holes of
about equal size, through which are passed two glass tubes, one of
which may be curved till the legs are at a right angle. Two clips
are attached to two pieces of indiarubber tube at the end of each of
these glass tubes. The Uquid to be measured is riui from a reservoir
into the apparatus through the curved tube by opening tlie clip.
The Kquid rises and lifts up the piece of cork, thereby closing the
valve. There is now the desired quantity of liquid in the apparatus,
which can be run out by opening the other cUp, the valve meanwhile
falling down, ready to let the air escape when filling again. It is
obvious that a paper scale might be pasted upon this tube for
measuring definite quantities less than the whole tubeful.
Carrier Flgreons and Pbotog'raphy. — Mr. W. B.
Tegetmier devotes an article in last week's Nature to recommenda-
tions in favour of utilising carrier pigeons for carrying messages in
times of war, and gives a map or plan of Europe, with the stations for
pigeon service, which is there very general, indicated. Should such a
service be initiated in this country, it would be to the benefit of
photography, as our science is utilised to such an extent as to enable
a single pigeon to convey a complete budget of news. During the
Franco-Prussian War an immense number of micro-photographs were
so made use of.
" The Flg'eon Post ."^Balloons were continually dispatched
from Paris, carrying not only passengers, but bundles of letters, and
the homing pigeons belonging to a few private individuals resident in
Paris. After a time a distinct pigeon post was organized from Tours,
outside the German lines. This pigeon post was recognised by the
English authorities, and letters, at the cost of half a franc a word,
were sent from Tours into Paris with as great a degree of rapidity as
the pigeons could be sent out by balloon and conveyed from the place
where they descended to Tours, for the purpose of being reflown into
Paris. The letters, which were Umited to twenty words, were set up
in type, photo-micrographed by the wet-collodion process, the film
removed from the glass and enclosed in small quills, which were then
attached to one of the tail feathers 'of the bird. So complete is it
stated that this organization was, that one pigeon could have carried
into Paris the whole of the many thousand letters that were sent
during the siege. There is no special skill required for this kind of
work — indeed, any amateur conversant with the wet-collodions
process could, with an ordinary camera and lens, reduce a whole
page of newspaper to such dimensions as would enable it to be
dispatched in the manner described. And not only could printed
matter be so reduced, important views and plans could be taken by
FebroMT 13. 1899]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY,
IM.
•B ocdiiwnr haad euaerm, rediieed in rise, and dispatched trithin a
rmcy brief period of time. Then i* a Hmit of defhiition with an
ofdinaiy photoffraphie lens bdow whidi it would not be practicable
to ndaee the riaau Whe* the ulmot minuteneee is required, a
maateafie objaetife is tmfiaytd. to pcodaoe the requisite amount of
mnaDoem of image oombined with parfeetian in definition.
Animal Photography. —TaniAtj'a Globe has an article
deroted to a dcaciiptioD of Mr. Oamfaier Bolton's methods of workiog,
his adTentoree, and the animal pietmM he has obtained in the
Zooloiieal SodetT's Oardena and elwwben. We gather that Mr.
BottoB haa seenred tfa« hoooar of Rojal patronai^, be haring recently
been eommiaaoned bjr Her Majesty to photograph a number of in-
habitants of the Royal kmnek. lioos and tigers, it appears, are
good rittars, while the elqthant is not Modatn animal photography-
is eoadneted tmdar ininitaiy eaaiar eonfitioos than, say, twenty or
thirty y«*n ago, whea neh man as Mr. Franic Baas did moat esoeDent
animal work. And y«t the pictures of tba pnsant time, to our think-
ing, exhibit fittle, if any, adranee upon thoa* of Mr. Haas's, a number
of which were shown at the Camera Club a few weeks ago.
*'Antomatlc Photorraphj" In Coort. — A sitting for
the pobiie immination of the oflloars of the Automatic Photograph
(Fcn^B and Colonial) Oompany was bald before Mr. Registrar
Bhimham on Tnaaday kat Bat tiha Earl of KOmorsy, tba principal
Captain Charles WUaoo, the naxt imptntant witnaas,
the arrt baiog "dataioed" at Maatons, the
to attaod.' TW iaqabj, which was m* eamplstad,
elicitad soos cnriooB and instraetira JafiMiMfiiin as to tba fiipeaal of
the capital that was sabaeribad, and tha aoMOBt of it that was not.
Ko doabt the Kar) nf Eifanoiay wtD ba present at the adjoarnad
inqitiiy.and will oolightan the worid aa to tha dslaik of his eonaasion
with the affair. Haba rwyohlaaslsar pbotonailMr— ''iMlMd of
which " ba baeama dmimian of this nj-fated
"•a •• tlw Waters'^ te Fh«tocr«pfcy.^In oar
eiwwspondiBca eohuBBs Mr. W. Vick. of Ipswieh, inforaa m tbat
haring to pbetogmpb a boas* ailaatad oa a hiU, at tba baaa of wbkh
was a 'poad, tba anfaea of which waa covarad with lippli^ in
takiagariaw looUag of to tba boaca, the liyplia haanM a sariow
mattar. Haring thna ooneas of oUra oil with bii^ Mr. Vlck tbsaw
it npoa tba water, with tha laaalt that than was a whJdanns of the
lippiis, aad in the waiilting photograph Urn wBactfaaa ia tba water
wsOT dascMBibia, which was not tba eaas hafoi*. Mr. Vick sends as
a prist ftam which wa can coaflna tiM fiaaaaea of tha rrfsctioaa ia
tha water. Ha Mhs If other photognyhata hata triad tha plan, and
adrista tha oaa «f aans oB thoa ha acaphnysd, as wall as throwing it
npoa the wbim haaa tha dda tarn which tiis wind is biorwing.
««WlMra Oratflt la Otta."— One o^ht ant, fhaps, to lay
o great stress apoa affear-diaiMr spasehaa; bat Ai not Mk. T.
1 Daris, ia UsMaeah at tha dtaaor oa Moaday, cndHtha
«is^ of Oiaat Britab with tHOm laors thMi Hs ahai* whaa ba
attrfbotad tha intruJoetfua, or first pabUcatka, of aloMSt all tha
important admMa in photography to tUs Sodaty f At oos time
tUs might bars heaa said ; bat for a kag tsai of yoon other duaasis
thaa that of tba Sodsty haro ho« aolaotad thra^fh wUeh toeoersy
> bo aMaosA ia vhiA ths Sods^r^ lU WM aot sTohMi for thair
'aoy of thair aognf. Tha cant yrpiwii of tha
psiod, saeh OS yioliaMB, koDitypo, oad bnoudo pdatiig, cr oroa tha
of broBids |>iaH b(** "ot nochad tho fable thnqgh tha
lof thaSod^; tba Tahabla wsesrehai of Hitar k Priflald
dMoad ia throogh aaothsr ehaand; aqr, ana a (aotoreof
vlTaaoa, disd aa aa iaataaea by Mr. Paris (Tiaa Baaaolfs discovery
f a aaaas by whidb the aoae of isedHrinM waa iapartsd to
galelfc» pUla»-«Ba aotgivsa to or thioagh this Sodsty,'
now nnn iiisit, ths otigiad Sootk Loadoa Soeioly.
other instances could be adduced, such us orthochromstic photography,
Waterhouse'g rerersal by tbio-carbamid». While saying this, how-
ever, we fully reoognise the great value of the contributions to the
Society by such men as Captain Abney, T. R. Dallmeyer, and others.
GRINDIXG THE EDGES OF PLATES.
L
NoTBiXG adds more to the comfort of handling' glass plates, either in
development or in the form of finished negatives, than the removal of
the sharp edges left in cutting ; but very little, if any, attention is
given to this point by plate makers or consumers. In former days,
when the preparation of dry plates was conducted almoet entirely by
the user himself, grinding the edges of the glass before xise formed one
of the duties of the careful operator, and, though not absolutely
easential, was rery commonly resorted to in consequence of the
comfort it added to the after-operations. Roughing the edges, too,
was loolied upon as a naeful aid to preventing the collodion film
aUpping, and I remember baying as a regular commerdal article many
yeara ago a lot of plates that had not cmly had the sharp edges and
ineqaafities of cutting ramoved, but whidi were also neatly surfaoa*
ground to the depth of an eighth of an inch on each ride. I mention
this to show the care that was devoted to little matters in those days.
It is. perhaps, too much to ask at the present day, and at present
turn-out prices, that plate-makers should grind the edges of their glaia
before eoating.it with emulsion; but I am, perhaps, not alone in
♦tiHifcing that they might often do a great deal more than is done in
that dinetiaB without orer-bardening themselves with trouble, or
getting tlMir eoatomers into too luxurious habits. The dark room, of
an plaeaa, is tba last to be chosen for the purpose of handling badly ^cut
gkaa plates ; yet who has not had to complain of lacerated fingers, and
even blood-stained films, due to hurriedly changing a packet of plates
that woald make a ^aiier'a apprentice in his first year blush P
Tba tnmhla is not so rife with tha larger sites, because, for one
reaeoa, then aie actually cut before coating, and by competent work-
laan ; bat whan we come to tha smaller sties, which are too often cut
down after coating, the aril reaches its full height. In such cases
ereiytbing is against the production of clean edges. The work is
dons by /h*/ rather than by rig\t, aisd the heavy pieaauiu necessary to
pisietiate the gelatiae film is far from conducive to dean onttiBg,
aspadally when the operator narer served an apprentioef<hip to the
OSS of tba diamond, but simply " picked it up " as uno of the adjuncts
of ylsiB iiiililim Under saeh dnoastanoes, the wonder is not
perhaps so nmdi that platee are not better cut, but that they are cot
aa well as they are.
Bat, if we dare, not look for any considerable reform on the part of
the manufacturer, it is at Isast posriUe to study oar own personal
oomf ort in uring commerdal ploiles, more especially as these ran so
genarally now ta the anall siaaa. "The ridon of erecting a grindstone
ss an additioa to the forritare of the dark room is SMredy aa
aiigaghg one ftow say point of riew, and readara will perhapsacouttfae
idea of imarfMiogwitiliniattanaa they are on that account alone. But
agiladstoasisbyBemsoae>neosMity,atany rate in the form usually
andaralood by that term, and lepreseutsd by a heavy revolring diso
of aiatsiial requiring an extra hand to turn it. The preliminary
ilspe, at least, to ooof art may be tahaa in tlie darii room with very
dnrple appUanoao.
S*«a ia brood doyHght a oarealar rorolriag stooe is parhape the
very worst tool oa ia«itp«i(asad bond ooidd apply to the parpoee, aa
~ sad altaiaad, tdHng the aeoaaaary experionos, would be
of that doaaod. A bsttsr tssalt wonUl be gamed by
looa on Us die, aad nafaig it aa a grinding slab, tliough
ths eaaapoiatire auflni «f tlie m^erial acarcely fiu it for the
porpoae. A piece of fine, hard flag-stone, worked to a smooth surface
by a stonemason, woald answer admirably, either in or out the dark
room, tboogb it forms a rather cumbenome piece of apparatus to
mtm about when nseaasaiy.
I have for many yaocs «apieyed for the purpose an emery nlah,
which ia at once hwrder sad finer, and, if properly made, outs as
fisdj and iKienlj as tha longhast grinilirrnnn I at one time employed
a iqiMN scythe "rabhiivdaas;* bat this, while swing the purpose
103
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[February 12, 1892-
fwily weU, is too soft, gives off a lot of dust and gti*, and is constantly
wquiing surf «ang. The emery sUb, on the other hand, costs httle,
gives the minimum of trouble as regards dust, and is sufficiently hard
to last a long time without having its surface renewed.
In speaking of an emery sUb, I do not, of course, mean a soUd slab
of pure emery or corundum, or even of the mixture of which small
emery wheels are made; such a slab, if of sufficient size to be of
practical use, would be a somewhat costly affair, whereas my substi-
tute, whUe equally efficient, need cost but a few pence. It consists of
wood faced witli emery, but upon the method of " facing depends
entirely the character and value of the tool. I have tried a variety
of plans, simplest and most primitive of which consisted in glueing a
sheet of emery cloth on to a plane board, and this answered very well
while it lasted, which, however, was not long. Then I was led to
try a mixture of emery and shellac melted together, which was
intended to be spread upon a flat surface ; but I never properly suc-
ceeded in getting it out of the pipkin in which it was mixed, ^ext I
tried a mixture of emery and Stourbridge clay made into a paste ; but,
as this had to be dried and baked, it was not only troublesome, but
the wood would not stand the operation, and without that support it
was no use.
After trying powdered emery dusted over a coating of shellac
varnish, as used by jewellers and dentists, I had the " tip " given me
by a working cutler to try glue, and this, the simplest and easiest,
proved by far the best of all ; indeed, it is surprising what a hard,
durable, and, at the same time, free-cutting surface it gives. I have
for five or six years used for all grinding purposes, for lathe and other
tools discs of wood faced in this manner with powdered emery, and
find them superior to the ordinary emery wheels at one-twentieth the
coat.
{To be continued.)
W. B Bolton.
CONTINENTAL NOTES AND NEWS.
Jena Non-actinic Glass. — A new glass for laboratory pur-
poses that will pass none but the red rays of the spectrum is said to
be in course of preparation at the Jena Glass Works.
Z«antem Exhibitions in Vienna. — Apparently the
Viennese public take very kindly to lantern displays, over three
thousand persons having, on one night, attended an exhibition
organized by the Amateur Club of Vienna. Two hundred and fifty
slides were shown, of which a portrait of the Emperor, His Majesty's
study, the statue of Marshal Radetsky, and studies of Viennese life
were the most popular.
Ceramic Paper Process. — In Guerot's vitrifyuig process,
according to M. Pector, the photo-ceramic paper is sensitised with a
solution consisting of bichromate of potash added to some unrevealed
substance, and a print with a safe edge taken from a negative in the
usual way. The picture is washed, is squeegeed in contact with the
vitrifiable plague, and the paper stripped. The image is then treated
with a weak solution of permanganate of potash, is washed and dried,
and finally fired.
Portrait of Stas. — The Bulletin of the Association Beige de
Photographie, of which he was a member, gives a phototype portrait
of Stas, the eminent Belgian chemist, whose death we recently
announced. He was engaged for six years in studying the properties
of bromide and chloride of silver. Some of his experiments were of
such a delicate nature that he frequently had to sit up all night and
watoh the substance upon which he was working. It was from him
that the late Dr. Van Monckhoven took many of his ideas in emulsion-
making.
Bngrllsh Photogrraphlo Societies.— Dr. Fhipson, the
London correspondent of the Moniteur, informs the French public
that there are now 114 photographic societies in this country. He
says that the names, addresses, and objects of all these different
sodeties are given alphabetically in — no, not in The BnixisH JotmNAL
PHOTOORiiPulC Almanac for 1892; for, if. he had drawn his sta-
tistics from that volume, he would have avoided the serious error into-
which he has fallen. There are now nearly 260 photographic societies
in this country, Dr. Phipson.
Transferrins' Albumen Prints to Wood, metal,
Glass, or Porcelain. — If the surface is polished, says a con-
temporary, it should be well dried. A thin substratum of copal
varnish is then applied to it, and the albumen print, toned and fixed,
but stiU wet, is placed in contact with the varnished support, and
well squeegeed down, print side to the varnish, of course. It is
allowed to dry for about four hours, and then the back of the paper
is moistened with a damp sponge, when it can be peeled off, the
albumen image adhering to the varnish. This should then receive a
protecting coat of varnish.
The "Association Belgre." — Perhaps the Photographic
Society of Great Britain might take a hint from the constitution of
the large and flourishing Belgian Society we have named. Its
headquarters are at Brussels, but sections are also established at
Antwerp, Ghent, and Lifege. Each section enjoys autonomy of
administration, and the proceedings of aU four are periodically
published in the Bulletin. The central Coiniti d' Administration
consists of members drawn from the various sections, and thus ranks,
af it were, as a kind of grand councO, to which the various sectional
Committees are affiliated. May we hope one day to see sections or
branches of the Photographic Society of Great Britain established in
Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, and other large centres.
Zdoine. — This is the name of a new toning agent, said to be suit-
able alike for prints in aristotjrpe and albumen papers. It is in the
form of a powder, and the proportions of a suitable bath are given as
follows: —
Idoine powder 10 grammes.
Hypo 129
Water (filtered or, better, distilled) 1 litre.
The solution is ready for use at once, and the print is placed, without
washing, in a quantity of it, sufficient to cover them. The tone of
the image is at first sepia, and it then passes through various stages.
When the desired tone is reached, the print is withdrawn and washed
in several changes of water ; slightly over-printed pictures are recom-
mended for obtaining good tones.
RATIO OF GRADATION.
Ab Mr. Michael's letter, in your issue of the 5th inst., shows evidence
of an imperfect acquaintance with our investigations, we shall be glad
if you will kindly allow us to make the following reply ; and, as we
at once looked up' the particular modification in development to which
Mr. Michael refers, and put it to the test in our usual way, we
thought the result might be of interest to your readers.
Mr. Michael is, apparently, under the impression that we hold that
the ratio of gradation is unalterable, not only by modifications in the
constituent parts of a developer, but that it is invariably the same
whatever the developing agent employed. The former we do hold,
the latter we do not. In our original paper we distinctly say ; " There
is a theoretical possibility that a plate may be rapid to one developer
and slow to another, so as to require different exposures, according
to the developer used."
Mr. Michael will also find from this paper that the primary object
of our investigations was not to determine the precise function of
development ; this was a purely incidental, though necessary, inquiry
in our search for a method of determining the relative speeds of
plates. It is obvious that, before we could study the action of light
upon the sensitive plate, it was necessary to ascertain whether modi-
fications in the developer, within, at any rate, wide limits, affected
our results, in order to be quite sure that these were due to the action
of the light alone.
Another erroneous impression under which Mr. Michael labours is,
that we have used the sensitonieter in our investigations. This is not
the case, as we do not attach any value to 'tMs' instrument for ex-
perimental purposes. Our method of workin^Ms to Submit the plates
under investigation to the direct action of a standard light, and then
FebTOMT 13, 1892]
ThE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
103
to Moertain, by idmbs of our photometer, the rektive amoants of
iMtaUie lilrsr pndaeed after deTelopment.
We alM eamm/h)i this method of •sperimenting far more Ekely to
lead to the tmtk, and far more wieDtific than that of taking landacapes
in the eamen in the ordinarr war. Bj our method the reaults can
be meamrtd, oooTcrted into noMen, and, as such, compared. The
nnaided eje will detect a difference, bat is (juite incapable of deciding
what the JMhieuua amoonta to. It ia thu method of quantitative
deteminatioa which haa been ao long wanted in photography in order
to dedda mattazs which have hitherto been merely opiniona.
Aa an example ot the altetatioa of the ratio of pradation in de-
Tabpaent, Mr. Michael lafera to a method of dereloping platea which
hare been expoeed on MbjeetJ baring sreat contraata, whicL^'^as
propounded by Captain Abney in the Tmr-6ook of Photography for
IdSB. A« we have Mud, we at once made an experiment to aacer-
cain whether thi* method of derelopment would prodnce any abnormal
reaah. Our method of procedure waa aa foUowt : — We aubmitted a
^eiMtiTe plate to the direct action of a ataodaid candle at a distance of
one metre, the aereB azpoaaree giren raiying from ten aeconda to &tO
«coada^ After espowi*. the plate waa eat Into two parta, which we
...:ii ..II ^ mj B^ fg^ bearing tbe aeren dtiTerent light impreaaiona.
"loped in anet ae«ntlaiie» with Captain Aboey'a inatruc-
. . U in aa ordinary nonB*l 4eT«top«r.
Dmkfmmit cf A {Stock SohUumt).
No. 1
Ammml-i . . 1 part.
W»! a parta.
No. 2.
r^caiainm bromide SOgraiaa.
Water 1 ouBcs.
\:) Soaked plate for one auaato in —
Ko. 1 . . . Vi minma.
No -J. "^1.
^^'«ter 3 ooneet.
(i.) Added ona-tbirtiath ol a graia of dry pyro, and allowed to act
•T» thirtieth of a graih of pyro, and again left
1 .-.. : .. „...;«;*.
{J.) Addad oaa-tkM of a gnia of ppa, and :X) mlnimii of No 2.
Tbta waa atao aBowad to act ror eight nuBntt*, after « hirh thu pUie
waa wcO waahad.
(#.) .*ppliod cpw dftft-iper mad* up m f..!t..wt :—
40 minima.
lao „
llgnlaa.
3 ouncea*
It foor miaotaa the Mqmtad danaity waa icadiad, and d»-
.\ luijumm rtnfiniti- .. 1 kTiun.
Ainraqaia . . 31 trrajoa.
li grain.
' danaltiaa
• -ill be
iient,
J 1— .-L«
■V -"•••
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^
^
a.
Bi^Mvrat.
U^.
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CMlL
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lo
21'.
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mt
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10-90
t
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L
Bbodd Mr. Wkted U dbposMl to tMnk that -^
' Kia we har* tak*a ia liwiriBtwnt to il*Hd> the
net the inlai tttft of gradalioo «-' --^ "-
of rMrfi«fH li«ly tin in t»
h
n.-n
IJv^aod theac
■rada-
waa
1210
.-» faU
into the period of under-expoaue at one end, and into the period ot
OTer-expoaure at the other end of this scale.
We are glad to have had our attention called to such a striking
departure from ordinary methods of development, and to have had
the opportunity of showing that even this doea not, in any way, con-
flict with results we have before obtuned.
F. HtTBTBB & V. C. DiaFFIBI.S.
REFLECTIONS COMBINED WITH REFRACTIONS.
[A Commonieation to the Pbotogrmphic Society of Oraat Britain.]
A TKAB or 80 ago I contributed a paper to this Society on the subject
of the effect of re-reflected images from the plate itself, and the effect
oa the final brilliancr of the image. On that occasion I showed bow
a bright portion of toe image might be re-reflected from the surfaces
of the lens itself, forming a secondary real image upon the plate ; the
lens itself in such cases acta as an image-forming combination corre-
aponding to a reflecting telescope. There is, as I pointed out, a much
greater likelihood of a detrimental interference upon the resulting
brilliancy of the image, the greater bo the number of surfaces,
concave towards the pute. In the Petzval portrait lens, for example,
there are two ooncave aurfacea ao disposed in the front combination,
and three anrfaoea ao dispoeeH in tne back combination. In the
portrait lena intrtidooed by my late father there are only two concave
aorfaces thus disposed, viz., in the front ; again, in double cemented
oombinationa of the rapid rectilinear type, there are the two concave
aurfaeea towarda the plate in the front combination only. In the
aingle menin^ia there are no conrave surfaces towards the plate, and
hsMO it ia tliat theiv is no possibility of the formation of an image by
re-reflection, trnm tlw plate back on to the plate.
Another j terest that baa a bearing on this subject is,
attention to ; .'-r of concave surfaces that are thus exnosed
towarda the pl^u-. It was in the construction of the rectilinear land-
aeape lena that I introduced in It^'^ that my attention was first called
to the importance of the defects that concave surfaces towarda the
plate mignt have in lena construction ; the extt-rior element forming
the cunector baa a ooncave surface towarda the plate, and for extreme
brilliancy in the reaolting image doea not compare favourably with
the cemented meniacna, and, in eaaes of great contrast, the appearance
of what I term " gboat," aa diatingiiiahea from " flare-epot," was very
remarkable. By ravening the lens entirely in ''» "l"-- »!'■■ irli..«t waa
no longer viaible, the stop thru being behiii>l
coacave aorfaoe facing the plati'. Thv v\\
employing tUa lena uwler oidina: ' an
agTMabla leodency in alightly so!: _ . ix'en
approved of by several of our leading pliuU>gr»i>h«3r*; but Uialia a
matter outaida the subject, and one of opmion.
In the drawiaga and ealcnlatiooa I made at that time, to prove that
real reflected imag«a were thna formed, I conceived the idea that con-
cave meniaeoa leuea, or even convex lenaea, with the poaterior aurfaeea
eoocave towarda the incident rays, might be made uae of for the
formatioa of real images of oonaiderafale brilliancy by having the
poaterior aarfacaa ailrered. First, apeakiag of aingle lenses, it can be
easily damoostrated that it ia poaaible tu deatroy sj >- -^—i ">»rration ;
it ia eridant that the effect of a pencil of ray» li^ns and
bring reilacted at the acoood aurfaoe, and passing v-: ..„ i^ equiva-
lent to combining the well-known equationa : —
1) For the first refraction;
,2) For reflection ;
[S) For the second refraction.
rent
t in
Pot aa a flrat approximation —
,-2(;..
» (I * !)
wbA'aCiwa that the effect on the pencil i« that of two pnsaa^
through the lena and a raflection at the aecond aurface. This equation
preaumea that both anrfaoee are oonTex ; if the first be concave, the
reaoltiog equation ia wpreaaated by
)-'!!-^'h
thoa, to make the focal Imirth poaitiTe, the firat term in the bracket
roust be greater than the second, or the aecond aurface » mukt be leas
For ordinary gUaa, it appears that a real image can be formed pro-
IM
THE BRITIBH JOUENAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[February 12, 1892
Tided the radius of the second surftce be lew than three time« that of
Without tronbliag you ■with the detail* of the weU-known formuliB
for conibininif the refractious and reflections referred to jn the second
•pproximaUon, it caui bo nUovm that for ordinarj- glaiw the aberration
is expressed by
llf-(M)G-))V-,(^s)"-°-
It is evident that if r and » are both podtive, or the lenses convexo-
convex, the aberration cannot be destroyed, but if we assume the
reciprocal of the first surface to be equal to = , the expression,
by substitution in the equation above, will then be found possible to
bo solved ; it becomes a cubic equation, and shows that the aberration
may be entirely cured for parallel rays by making the first surface
negatii-e and a very little less than "the second.
Tlie drawback to such a mirror is the interference that will exist
from the faint image formed by reflection from the first glass surface,
«nd will therefore be useless for the formation of photographic
Tbis subject has occupied the attention of Sir George Airy, who
proposed to rilver one side of each of two glass lenses to give the
Tesulting reflector a GJregorian or Cassagranian form; the large
mirror is a meniscus or double convex silvered at the back ; for the
CJregtman a small speculum is concave-convex. To correct^ the dis-
persion, leaving, of course, no secondary spectrum, one is positive and
the other negative, their powers being inversely as the squares of their
distances from the first image between the mirrors.
I have never seen such an instrument, and should be glad for in-
formation from any of the members, should they have come across
such a construction, to know something of the performance of the
instrument, as well as the angular aperture that has been attained.
I have constructed one myself, of the concave meniscus form, in
■which the first surface is much deeper than the second, so that
that interference from the faint reflection from it is not noticeable,
and does not produce a detrimental effect ; the aberration of the first
reflecting lens being corrected by a negative lens, both surfaces of
which are convex towards this mirror, the second one silvered again,
and have thus produced a ratio of aperture to focus of one-half. The
work in this i-espect is not quite completed, but I hope to exhibit it
shortly at a technical meeting, when this, and other forms that I am
preparing, may be of interest to you.
With regard to the other forms I refer to, I anticipate, from the
calculations I have made, that important improvements may be
obtained by silvering one side of compound lenses. A simple and
interesting application of combining reflection and refraction can be
illustrated in a novel form of view finder. I place a convex lens in a
tube moderately near to a plain mirror (or it may be convex or con-
cave), and by this means make one lens perform the work of two, and,
by a proper selection of focus for the lens and its distance from the
mirror, one can adjust its equivalent focal length to be exactly that of
the camera lens employed; by making this lens of considerable
diameter, and mounting it on the slide-carrier, and having a small
screen above, and in the principal plane passing through the optical
centre of the lens, adjustments as regards focus can be readily made
in most cases of lighting ; of course it would be difficult with a very
strong light shining on the screen, which, however, may be mounted
in a short tube.
Another application, in which I think there may be a considerable
future, is the construction of large concave mirrors, silvered at the
back, for lantern condensers, when employing the electric light, where
too close a proximity to ordinary condensers would be accompanied
by great danger of cracking, &o. By such a form of condenser a very
large angle can be included, and with properly calculated surfaces to
the mirror, and, perhaps, the addition, m front of the slide, of the
corrector, may enable better results than have hitherto existed to be
obtained, I am at present engaged on two sach constructions ; one
to obtain the best possible result from the silver concave mirror, and
the other by an additional lens in front of tiie huitem slide. The
main drawback that suggests itself to its use is the difiiculty that may
arise from the shadow of the poles ; it is possible that this may be
overcome by revolving them. I do not think that another drawback
that suggests itself, viz., the slight amount of light that reaches the
slide from the naked light, wiU be of much importance, and that the
naked light will, of course, be further away from the slide than it is
from the mirror.
Another application that has struck me as useful for such class of
rett^ciiiig mirrnm, on account of the large angular aperture attainable,
is in rugard to u»e in naval work for scaniiing the horizon in dull
weather; if such a mirror, a foot or more in diameter, were_ mounted
in some manner, such as a ball and socket mounting from its centre,
carrying an eyepiece on an arm, a rapid and powerful search might
thus be made of the horizon. T. R. Dallmkyeb.
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY'S LECTURES.— HI.
PHOTOGRAPHY AS A BRANCH OF TECHNOLOGY.*
A Branch or TBomioLoaY of the First Order.
To all who are interested in the advancement of art and of science, photo-
graphy appeals, therefore, as a branch of technology of the first order of
importance ; in saying that it appeals to art and to science for such ree(^-
nition, it is evident that it appeals to the nation at large. Even to the
" pure scientist," who is supposed to lose interest in a discovery as soon
as it becomes practical, i.e., commercial, this subject appeals for support,
for, from the study of the photographic processes themselves, many in;i-
portant contributions to physics and chemistry have been made, and still
greater results may be expected to follow from the investigations of scien-
tific men in this direction. From its purely practical side, the claim of
photography to be considered as a branch of technology will receive
additional support when it is remembered how many distinct branches of
manufacture it draws upon, or has, indeed, actually called into existence.
Consider how it is dependent on the optician for the manufacture of
lonses ; consider, again, the special branch of cabinet-making and joinery
which it has created in order to supply cameras and other instruments ;
remember, also, the boon which photography has oonferaed upon the
chemical manufacturer by the demand for fine chemicals which it has
created. Neither must it be forgotten that a new, and by no means un-
important, development in the manufacture of paper, gelatine, and
albumen has arisen through the introduction of photography.
From every point of view, therefore, photography claims to be placed on
the same basis as other branches of technology. The Photographic Society,
I am happy to see, fuUy recognises this in the recent action which it has
taken, and which is expressed in the report of the Affiliation Committee.
I consider this an excellent move in the right direction. But it is easy
enough for the Society to recognise the technical importance of its own
subject ; the difficulty is to move public opinion, and to convince the
nation that we are behind other countries in this respect. The first step
is to draw up, and circulate widely, an account of what is being done for
photographic technical instruction on the Continent. I had intended,
when first invited to lecture here, to offer some such statement, but I was
glad to rsad, in a recent number of your Journal, that this task had been
undertaken by Mr. Wamerke, and I hope that some means will be taken
to bring his report under the notice of those interested in technical
education. It is clear, from what has already been attempted by this
Society, and from the opinions which have been expressed on all sides by
those whose voices carry the weight of authority, that nothing short of a
Photographic Institute will meet the requirements of the case. This, I
most earnestly hope, will be the end and aim of every movement made by
the Society. In the Cantor Lectures, which I had the honour of delivering
before the Society of Arts in the spring of last year, I alluded to the
absence of such an establishment in this country as "remarkable;"
before this Society I am tempted to express myself more strongly, and to
stigmatise its absence as a national disgrace.
A Feotoobaphic Institute.
Of course we all have more or less distinct ideas of what the functions
of such an Institute would be. It is premature as yet to speak of the
details of an institution which exists only in our aspirations. But, what-
ever may be the final outcome of the movement which has been started,
the whole duty of such an institution might be summarised in the state-
ment that its work would consist in spreading a knowledge of all that is
knovrn concerning photography, and in investigating that which is nn-
known. In other words, its duties would be, as in the case of kindred
institutions, teaching and investigating. Without wishing in any way to
intrude my opinions into the deliberations of your Council, I thought
that I might with advantage avail myself of the present opportunity of sub-
mitting my own views with respect to this question of technical education
in photography. In giving expression to these views I have in mind the
consideration that the remarks which I may apply to our special subject
apply to many other related technical subjects, and that the course which
may be adopted in the starting of such an institute as that which we all
wish to see come into existence may have a wide and important inflntnce
on existing notions concerning the whole question ef technical educotioD.
* Continued from pa^e 89.
FtbTMij IS, lB9-i]
THE BRmsn JOURXAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
106
In Um am ftmm, Umb, M mm «q>«M tb* boiw ttiia taj Mtion taken
tf thii BodHr, la Om JlnaflcB of photntraphie tarhnology, wm be
ol Um high Ml powflile rtumlw. Tbit ma^ ff** *» 7°° <!<"** 'o
1HMIMMI7 aaatiaa, bnt ia iatoIrM • qocetion of priaeipla wUeh U if
VW7 iBipoctMU to TCBtiUte. AAtt wufBj jmn of ufUiij in thia eovnlqr,
and aftar ipariwriiig tiie iaatitebit enHiuiiiuiiii.u that w« wen bong
in tmaj I— arfwa ol aifiHai Mbaaa hj oar Contiaental com-
iJwl • lavyMn afo • kind of rrmal in tanhnioal
•4oeatiMi. One OHteoma o( thia agitattoti ww tba toandatioo hj the
atrmttOtSMtUheadea of that Inatitnto ia wfaoaa terriea I fane bad
tba haoMor of baiag tmflaj^i. It ia not tor me to dwell upon tha leaolta
I haw» lowed iieai tba Inaniiwerinn of thai Inatftntiea, bat it ia no
I'to aaj Oat ttw «»• of poblto qpiaiaB wUeh niaid it into
■tifii ia aiai mniat lhili»nwt tha aaoiij. The laat daaada haa
fianiitiiai of tiihiiinal —oitollc—. tfca pwwth of polytaahnlai. and, laat
of •O.tha firarioa by tha Oonwa— t of tba tnada daH«l hontha
baaraadipiHtdrtytotbailiiaetloB cf tartaiaal ednaaaoa. Ihaieaolt
of an thfc ia that tba — aa of tawhntwal adnaalhju we being apeead broad-
Mow il ia OB* of oar aatioaal fhaiaotariatie^ that when we once wake op
to tba riiiMiiiiliiirii that we ate bafaiB4 odkr eoantciae in any matter
, or, I Mitbt aagr, ^aa va have tbia tnpieaaaai
I to oa by tba wparioi wortioaitihip or lower prieea of
to Mak ntoaHal Maaaona to laeoTer oar
I by what ml^' be eaBad iadlHriaitoito Bad iapaWva raahaa.
paaa or nia napaWra ttaiaaMr. 1 mi aoa goaig to bo raih aaoagb bse
to attipt to 1^ dowa aay ptiiiii Jifcllliai of what ia maaiit by taahalaal
edaaaHoa; bol a law «aalho ign,** Doha of Doraaahira. tbaa Lord
Harti^loa, aada a apaaob at Iho opaalag of tba Storqr Iaatitala,at
Tan 111 a, ia tba aovM of wbM ko aaU ibat laebaiaal ilaaatinn wm
aa« tbataantiti^ of aay frtlwilar tiada or haadieraft. bot tafliar of tha
■laaHi iriariplw ■udw<ji^ Iba Iradaor haajiitrmft I tUak tUa tettly
Upaaaita tba npinlMii of thoaa wtw hsf* aoaaidared tha aabiaat.aad I
hope that thia drfWiioa will be botaa ia oriad ia aay aaat whieh
Are w« •doptiac tba beat atotbodi of
If aow wa iwTJaw tba rtaaMoB. it wfll'appiaf that tba gaaowJ apraadof
tbia adaaatJaaalHunait ■^batabaaaaaaiadiaatfaalbatwa
toiho baMla tooar miupalilim. a^dtbat ww loob to lai
to aaaUa ga to aany ea Iho iadoaHial aaayaiga. Bo te ao food; bat
oar aoBipatltuii. bo 11 w—abawd. bate baaa aativcly eanyia« oa thia
baaaah of odaaaHoadilag oat hat yoata of apathy. Wa have lakaa op
oav vaapoaa mbor laftty. aad. aa I )al mid, aeaawhal
aad if we hope lor aooaaoi It bateeaa oa to ataaia
■IliiaHy. ia oadar to aiaka aaiw tl«l wa are Igbliat oa Ofoal tatBM. In
eibar wooda. MO wa adoplii« tba bort ■Hbada of nib if lit adiwatfcwT
TUa la tba taaatka wMab aboold he pal la Ibo teaaoal plaaa batora aay
■ be toha by Ola 8oala«y to Ibo ua* aiiiid awUou of
So ter MooaaaM«Maa laahaiealaab|aaliiai«Ueh, ar in pbulmtap^
ebamteiyialami^.ilaalaatiMiy.tba idwlyi^ laiaaoa, I aaa beoad
to wUab I ha*o Mfanod aay. if ael priipwVr dttaalad. loa aa
ot tha iVM •mb. Oaa of tbo pwll (aaaHaao of Ihb
be to paaraalaaah a aafauaUy by di«ortta( tba lida of
fato fta fiapar ahaaaal lor ita own paiHtakr aabtaal of
phalayaiiHy. Tha idaU ladnala|tat ia tha aaa who pooaaata a good
;;eaanl baawiadgi of Iba |riHM« "f Iboaa alaaaa aiidai<>>i» bia
iliiliji.lHiltii with aa aapart apaaial baowiadga afbfa aaa aabjaat
■ tWawmaph Ibo arahri^ of a liibaiilnlil fa. H mini, la lay tba
a . - «-fcj «a. ■ -•■ . »■- - ^» ^afc^^^l fc- ■! 1 *g —
aload that I aaa aHipting oaly to ~
ba»lag aaa aapeaial I rfii IB 1 1 to tbaaa anHaato oaaaaatod with, or baaed
la Iba pnoHl Mato of aMn H ooaaol ba daeiad
aaa to afioa thia aottod aaaaot bo applied ;
liatiy who kaaw bttla or aothiagol the
lyioc tbo* iiiBpatlaa, aad ia aaab eata tbo
a«y ka«o to be leiiaad. aad Iba iaamatfea aay haee to
ia, ia ay bdhf. oaly a MfceeUft wMah it a^y U
diaal to adapt to aoal iilillag iiaJtHnBi It fa aot laahnlaal adaaatiBn
ni *o BhM aaee of Ike word odaaallaa, bat Iho liabeifaf op of a ■yttOBi
^ «bfab haa baaa bad tea Oe bagiaaiag. It ia oc^y wbaa wa aaa deal
r ^rtth Ibanadljaitalailiagoahfaoaiaaaalaehaologfanhatthatrae
method can be applied ; aa things are, we have many years of tinketing
work belore oa, and it is to tlie rising generation of yonnger technologists
that the tatore indnatrial welfare of the conntry is committed.
(To b§ rmtmiud.)
Our £littflrial SDaiiU.
A Flash Laicf.
Qt A. H. Baibo, U, LethlMMtreet, Xdiabttrgh.
Tsn lamp, designated the " Todd-Forret Magnedom LkaPi" is in-
tended for either instantaneous or continuous exposures. Tnere is a
reaarroir for th« powder, from which a jet is propelled up through
tha eantra of a Urge ■P>'^ flame. Tbe cut shows ita coastnctioOt
It fa well made, and aells at a low price, I2t, Od.
OuisB PKATiqra pora l'Emfloi i>xs Subtacbs
OaTHOCHBOaiATI«OB8.
rtrUyUtmn. rwtoi toMU 0<^r»li fMBIoBi^ BeletarJ galntOomsln. JMi,
III tUa aaall work of aotao efahty-flre pagea the author deafa with
hia aabjaet in a nanaer which, to the practical photographer who
iliaiia to tiiim1*T* hfa own platea, will be found quite fulfilling the
proauae iapKed b the title — that ia, of bein^ a eitide to orthochro-
matic pbotographr. After iaalltating companaoifa between ordinary
and ortho^neiaae platoa, and detailing the special precautions necoa-
aary in tba piaparatina and aapkyiaent of the latter, the author tieata
sMcceaaiTely of eoloored aawaa, ootooring matters, aad the senaitisiiig
of the piMaa, for which a ■wiftv of formulie ate given. Of theae
w« aloot OMk wUob fa aaicto aaoaitiae for the yellow, red, and
oraBgamye.*—
Alcoholic solntion of aninoline, 1 : 600 8 c.c.
AUoA/JU eolation of eyanine, parifiod by
aleobol, 1 : ADO 1 „
Amaonia,-880 ., .^ 2 „
Water 300
The ammonia to be added laat. Tlaia are left in thia solution for
frrtm sixty to eighty aeconds, and keep for abont twenty day*.
It fa on tha whole an ozcelloot iroeAare on orthochromatic photo-
BECENT PATENTS.
_ _^ » APPLICATIONS POB PATENTS,
ffa' tttr.— " iBBtofaosala ia PanoruBic OMana." K W. SnwAaT.-^Dotal
/-«tnMnr 1. 1801
Ka UOL— "Imatoreaaata ia Instaataaaew Shatters for FhotoglapUc
Peipoaaa.' W. TTi.ia.->iDaM /UnMry 1, 1M9L
Vo. 198&— " Empkmasat ef AwMstle ABiido^ooapoaads as Dtrslopiog
Htaa fa Pbotofisiihy.^ J. HAVtr.—Dahd /WnMry 1, 1803.
No. 3IM7.— " InniinPWSBla ia Pbol«rwUe OHaaras." Oonpiste ipedfl-
ntiao. J. T. CBAntAli.— £is<«l /Urwary X, IMS.
No. 907>.— "iTtimaaeeli fa Btaada hr HoUiag Pbetagiaphi, Drawings,
ud other faailar Aftida." r.K. Waltoh.— AsM IMnary t, 1891
Ka. Iltt.-^- Aa lufofad Xetbod of Makiag Phatogwphs by Aitiddal
Light.'' & a. r*l!--Si»l rthnmy «, 1802.
Ne>. «M6w— "laMiiiiaiati tai Photegfaphie Appaataa" A Dvmmit.—
IW
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGKAPHY.
[February 12, 1892
PATENTS COMPLETED.
iMPRovsKnm w or APPWTAnmio to Photooraphic Cameras.
No. 8823. Thomas BowaM) Cobwiy Wiwon, 28, Kufford-road, Fairfield,
Lancaabire.— VoHuary 16, 1892.
lie detcctiva cameraa at the preaent time, where the plates fall out of the field
of Tiew the camera haa to be nearly double the depth that would otherwise be
neeeasary in order to supply the box into which the plates fall ; and where the
plataa fall vertically, exactly double the depth is required. Now, my invention
is deaiffned to enable the plates to fall vertically, and yet only to require very
little additional depth. I place all the plates immediately behind the frame or
obrtraotlOD, which tegnlatM the distance from the object lens, so that as each
la anoeeasion comes asaiost this frame, they are in the field, and are ready for
« photograph being taken. Behind the plates I plnce a dummy plate, pressed
aninst them bv • sorin?. «n.l attached to this dummy plate a string, passing
Sroush the camera b»ck. At the bottom of the camera proper 1 arrange the
slide, which, being drawn back, leaves a hiatus immediately below the plates
jntt wide enough for one pUte to fall through ; the plate cannot, however, fall.
If pressed tight against the frame by means of the spring. Immediately under
the body of the camera I hinge a box ; this box is ordinarily held tight up
against the camera bottom. Light is prevented from passing through the
■lot in the bottom, which is just clear of this box, by a curtain of black cloth,
which ia fasteneil to the camera bottom beyond the slot and to the box. The
catch being withdrawn, this second box hangs vertically, and in this case a
alit in this box comes immediately below the slit in the camera. Consequently,
the slide having already been withdrawn whenever the string is pulled, the
ncirest plate falls at once into this box. The box then being pressed back into
its original iiosition, the plate falls to the bottom of the box : namely, to the
aide of the box when vertical farthest away from the slit. The result is that,
if the box and the plate-hoUliug box each hold a set of twenty plates, each of
these twenty plates m succession can be exposed, and allowed to fall into the
receiving box.
I]IPB0TZ1IE^°TS ni OK Rrlatino to Maonksidx Flash Lights.
(A Communication from Friedrich Hermann Felix Engel, 21, Graskeller,
Hamburg, Germany.)
No. 7487. Rboinald Haddan, 18, Buckingliam-street, Strand, W.C.,
London. — January 16, 1892.
This invention relates to lamps and apparatus connected therewith whereby a
flashlight may l)e produced by blowing powdered magnesium into or through
the flame of the lamp. The object of the improvements is to provide a simple
apparatus or means by which the necessary quantity of magnesium powder
may be transferred from a reservoir thereof to the apparatus, by which it is to
be blown into or through the flame so that the lamp may be safely and quickly
recharged for another flashlight.
What is claimed is : — 1. The combination with a blowing tube having re-
cessed cavities for receinng a charge of powder to be blown, of a movable
reservoir atlapted to be moved over said cavities for filling the same by gravity,
and thereafter to be moved from over said cavities whereoy the latter are left
charged. 2. The combination with a blowing tube having recessed cavities for
receiving a charge of ix)wder to be Mown, of a movable reservoir adapted to be
revolveif on the said tube so that it may be moved into an upward position for
filling the said cavities, and thereafter move<l below the tube substantially as
set fortli, whereby the cavities are left charged.
iileetmg^ of iSsoct^tteg.
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES FOB NEXT WEEK.
0>U oi HMtlai.
February 15..
IS..
15,
li
IS
16
16
16
16,
16.
17.
17.
17.
17
17
17
17
17
18.
18.
18.
18.
18.
18.
10.
19.
19.
19.
Hama of Society.
Dundee Amateur
Glasgow & West of Scotland Am.
Hastings and St. Leonards
Leeds (Technical)
South London
Exeter
Keifibley and District
North London
Oxford Photo. Society
Southport
Breohin
Borr _
Hyde
Manchester Oamera Club
Photographic Olnb
Portsmouth
Soathiaa
We«t Surrey
Birmingham
Camera Club ,
Greenock
London and ProTincial
Oldham
Cardiff
Holbom
Leamington
Maidstone
Richmond
PlAca of Meeting.
Asso. Studio, Netherjate, Dundee.
180, West Kegent-street, Glasgow.
Mechanics' Inetitute, Leedg.
Hanover Hall, Hanover-park, S.E.
College Hall, South-street, Exeter.
Mechanics' Institute, North-etreet.
Wellington Hall, Islinirton, N.
Society's Rooms, 136, High-street.
81iaftesbury.buildin|,"i,Eastbank-Bt.
14, St. Mary-street, Brechin.
Temperance Hall, Bury.
Victoria Hotel, Manchester.
Anderton's Hotel, Fleet-street, K.U.
Y.M.C.A.-bailding3, Landport.
St. Mark's Schools, Battersea-rise.
Lecture Boom, Midland Institute.
Oharing-cross-road, W.C.
Museum Com. Boom, Kelly-street.
Champion Hotel, 15, Aldersgate-st.
The Lyceum, Uniou-at., Oldham.
Trinity Church Room, Morton-st.
" The Palace," Maidstone.
Greyhound Hotel, Richmond.
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN.
Fkbbuart 9.— Anniversary meeting.— The President (Mr. James Glaisher,
F.R.S.) in the chair.
Messrs. H. Snowden Ward and J. W. Marchant were elected members of the
Society.
It was announced that the Dundee and East of Scotland Photographic
Association and the Leeds Photographic Society had been affiliated to the
Society.
The Hon. Seohetaey stated that the Council had appointed Messrs. John
Spiller, William Bedford, T. Sebastian Davis, and H. C. Jones as a Committee
to deal with the question of the new methylated spirits.
The following is an extract from the report of the Council :—
During the year 1891-2 the following papers were read at the ordinary meetings :—
Standard Eeyitmiij Slides and iUir Mode of Vtt, by Sir David Salomons, Bart.;
Plaiino(v('«. by W. Willis ; Photooraphic Mtthodn of 06laimn9 PoJycliromatic Imyirei.
•iotu, t>y L. Vidol ; On on Undiscussed Point in the Illumination of the Dark Boom, by
W. de W. Abney, C.B., R.E., F.B.S. ; Pliotojraphic Technical /n.rfruction on the Con-
tinent of Europe, by L. Wamerke ; Pholo-microaropfi]/, by A. Priugle ; Be/lections
etmhined vith Refractione, by T. R. Dallmoyer.
Special attention has been paid to the Technical Meetings by a Committee appointed
for that purpose. Subiecta chosen for discussion have been announced beforehand,
and arrangements made for the exhibition of apparatus and spooimens of work
likely to prove interesting.
Among the various subjects selected may be specially mentioned The Influence of
Developnwnt on Gradation. Dr. F. Hnrter attended, by invitation, the meeting at
which this question was considered. At .another meeting Colonel Waterhouse read a
paper on Kectro-cTiemical EeiiermU v:ith Thio-carbamidM, giving the results of a
number of experiments tried by him in the Society's laboratory.
Advantage was taken of Mr. Loon Vidal's paper on Polychromatic Impressions to
ortmnize an exhibition of chromo work, in which phototrraphy plays an essential part.
A larifo number of exhibit* were received, and about 280 visitors came to examine the
exhibition.
In accordance with the announcement made at the last anniversary meetinpr, Mr.
Leon Wamerke was good enoiwh, on March 4, to deliver a leeture, with practical
demonstrations, on A Simplt/iet! Photo-coUot/raphic Process to a crowded audience. It
was desirable that this should bo the besrinning of a series of such lectures, but it was
thfiH too late to arrange for others to be delivered during that session.
During the present session the luader-named gentlemen liave favoured the Society
by the delivery of similar lectures :— Mi\ T. Solas, F.I.C., F.C.S., on The Relations of
PhMoaraphy to the Industrial Arts; Mr. Chapman Jones, F.I.C., F.O.S., on I>istoi-tion
0/ Outline in Photography; Professor R. Meldola, F.R.S., on Photography as a Branch
of Technology.
Efforts will be made to provide courses of similar lectures from time to time. It is
anticipated that these lectures will materially assist in the promotiou of photographic
technical education, and thus help to carry out one of the objects of the Scheme of
Affiliation recently adopted by the Society.
In connexion with Mr. Wamerke's lecture, various firms working the collotype
procei58 were invited to send specimens of their work. An interesting collection of
such prints was arranfjed, and attracted abont 250 visitors.
The exhibition in Pall Mall may, on the whole, be considered as satisfactory.
There were 182 exhibitors, comprising 74 members and 100 nou-members. Of
these, 19 were foreign exhibitors (3 American, 1 Spanish, 1 Cape, 1 Belgian, 1 Swiss,
5 German, 3 Indian, 2 French, 2 Austrian). Six hundred and twenty-eight frames
were hunjr. containing 1C86 photographs, of which 399 were portraits and figure
subjects, 508 landscapes, seascapes, and architectural, and 179 miscellaneous, as
detailed above.
Two hundred and sixty-two lantern slides were exhibited, and sixty-two pieces of
apparatus. The Aerial Graphoscope, designed by Mr. E. S. Bruce, was 8hoi\Ti each
lantern evening, and attracted consider-ablo attention. The mivchinery for cutting
drv plates, exhil^ited by the Paget Prize Plate Company, should also lie mentioned.
During the exhibition twenty-ei^ht lantern evenings were held, as against six or
seven in previous years. These were well attended, and it is believed that this pro-
cedui'e is an improvement on that of preceding years.
It va%y be mentioned that some of the slides were contributed by our con/rercs in
India, New Zealand, and Tasmania.
The number of tickets of admission is.sued free to members for the lantern eveninprs
was limited, in order to avoid the inconvenient crowding previously experienced, and
to make the exhibitions pecuniarily self-supporting. The tiuancial result of this and
the other arrangements adopted is fully dealt with in the Treasurer's Report.
The library has now been placed in order, and increased by the addition of about
180 new volumes.
It will bo seen that the possession of its own home has enabled the Society to do a
frood deal of practical work which was formerly impossible. As examples of this
may be mentioned the technical lectures, the exhibitions of colour work and collotype
work, and the arrancrement of the library in such a way as to be of practical advantage
to members. The rooms have, on several occasions, been lout for meetings intended
to promote the advancement of photography. .
'The possession of premises has also rendered possible the adoption of the Scheme of
Atliliation above referred to, under which a certain number of societies have been
affiliated, as already announced. Steps are being taken to carry out, as circumstances
permit, the various objects contempbited by the scheme.
Great credit for the work carried ' out during the past year is dne to the Assistant
Secretary (Mr. H. A. Lawi'ance) , who has done much more than was asked or expected
of him at the time his services were engaged.
The question of lens and other standards, referred to in the last Annual Report, is
still under consideration. In consequence of this subject having been brought before
the Photographic Conirress at Brussels, it has been thonpht advisable to postpone
farther action until the decisions of the Congress are published, after which the
delegates appointed by the Society will be free to make their report.
"The report of the Council was adopted, as was also the Treasurer's report
after some discussion, in the course of which Mr. W. S. Bird (the Hon.
Treasurer) explained that, but for the Guarantee Fund, the Society would not
have had its own home during the past year. That fund was for three years as a
set-off for deficiency of income, and with it there would be no loss to the Society
for that period. This year they had had to call up each pound that was
guaranteed, but next year he hoped it would be less. With onlinaiy caution
there would be no necessity to interfere with tlie capital fuml for the next two
years. He suggested the fonnation of two small committees, one for
increasing the number of members, and the other for considering the expenses
of the annual exhibition, and the possibility of getting a more successful
exhibition at less cost.
The Scrutineers reported that the following had been elected as the Council
for the ensuing year -.—President: Captain W. de W. Abney, C.B., F.B.S.—
Vice-Presidents : Messrs. T. S. Davis, F.C.S., J. GlaLsher, F.R.S., Sir H. T.
Wood, J. Spiller, F.C.S.—Counca.- Messrs. W. Ackland, G. L, Addenbrooke,
W, Bedford, W. S. Bird, A. Cowan, T. R. Dallmeyer, W. E. Dehenham, W.
England, J. Gale, F, HoUyer, F, Ince, Dr. G. L. Johnson, H. Chapman
Jones, F.I.C., F.CS., A. Mackie. Captain A, M. Mantell, R.E,, A. Priiigle,
J. W, Swan, J, Traill Taylor, Professor J. M. Thomson, F,1,C., F.CS., L.
yfaTuerke.— Treasurer : G. Scamell.
The President, having declared the ConiKil duly olected, said it remaineil
for him tc e.tpress his thanks to the Society for the ooiilideiice placed in him
Felmarr 12, 1899]
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOaRA.PHY.
107
for m BMBT fMni Many ■■ tlioM pan inrs, tnm the first moment to the
1 rwt ha had doM U* bart in order that the Sodety should take up a solid
IwdWna, oaa that ahoold Inrrsaw photognphy and adranoe ita interests in
a*anr*ay poMible, and never ia tha aUghtait dsgrae had he deriated from that
pomlanL The adranos in pbotoaulqr ainee forty year* ago was neat indeed,
hatha haHaeed that tiMn vaastfll a paalar ftatnre before it. HeJ<dnedthe
Soeii^ as a wiAJln pholomphar, M* far yean be had had other ezaeting
datisB whieh hnd paiwilsil nim from foDowfag manr of the diaenssioaa which
bad taken place. Tlteir Preeideat now waa a diflerant man, who oonld so
occupy hlmaelf that he waa qoita au/aU with what waa jaeinnc In inTitiag
Caotein AhasT to take the TnaHaatial ehab be aamnad him that he did so
wllk tiw imiiast piaason, and ia tha hopa that dniag hie presidaaey the
Soeiatr afikt adeaaea to each a dapea that wbanarer t&e time eama for him
(CtepWa AsBey) to part from tha cMir, ha eonld look back to his oocopation
of tt with the grsatMtpleaaarek
Oq^taia W. iw W. Aaamr aaid that ha had a painfbl duty to perform. "Hiu
wa% ahboogfa ha had been eieelad IVsaiilaBt of the Pbotognphie Sodety of
Great BHtein, to at oaea rasign. Hia refoaal of tha nominatian was, anfortu-
nataly, said to have pea in too lata. Be haaied that bis name misht be
ofaUteratad from tha haDoliiV list, a* in the iatareaTbatweea the time of ttomina-
tioa and his siyaplanca aoHt deal of hsvl work was entailed npon him which
poarihlr gna opk Xew dotiae had alao been brad npon him,
aadhabaadhashaaldBathaeaahladprentlTtodohiaduty in the chair. He
fob that tha intansto of tha SodetT wMld Hflsr U ha did not attend ngnlariy,
andteiutail aamaAthaataJtaaheoaafcttadai. Tha Sodatr was in a critical
paaitiaa,aad a peat deal of work wonld ha created by tha aOIktioo scheme.
TUnfs dnriiw tha past year bad not been so harmonioas as thay m]|riit have
baan, aadhaBadaatthaooorage tofooeawaatof harmoay. Ha shrald haTa
' to ava^ hat Ui waat of ttea ati^aUad him to plaea his nalgna-
ofan eld frted
tioBtatltotaadioftt*
Jtr. (iijkimam aaid hs woold eii
Oftrfa Amr, ia yisldlac to Oi wpad.
applaMa^ aad said ha woold do hta hart, hottt^
sbartaaBtaoL
aaid great
must take him with all his
the aaditon, to tha lata Boa. Tn»
Votee oTthaaka to tha
want (Mf ■ Blro)( wro cwfttd vf
The Pammomn (O^taiB Atwi') aaead aeota of thodBs to tha
■■sillily
yean of
PnaUatt for his asrrieasdariM tha past yaK Ha wished him aaaay yean oT
hipnia— aad health, 'aad hoped ha wooU aersr daasrt the oU ship, bat
woaU eoM to tha ■iiliMi a( OoaaaO. aad thaa eaatiaaa to aunita tha
iateanea of a PleaUafwSat tha MMSb
ahMaafUeod
ftiad ia a groofa. Hawaa
Mr. OftAMn bfis4yaa< foallaglyaakMwiadgad tha Tolsk A thaMe of
laiiBiMry. Perhape hehiiaself hdgot
to haee rseatiad their approhatioa, aad
itot tL
la
A.M.
With
BacniMy ha weald aat ha ahia laslMl, who ttead at too gnat a diatMBt (tam
LoadasL
rills ceadadad tha
la4|lagafataorthaakBlohiiB, ptapossd by Mr. SpOIer, Chptain
OSf tha warii dartm Iha narwM haa«T, bat ha ddigitaTbrtt.
to tha fotan^ If It was litaadad ta aak Urn to eoatiaaa aa Boa.
LOXDOir Ain> PROTIHOIAt PHOTOORAPHIC ABSOCUTIOlf.
PamOAar 4. Mr. A. L. Baadsfaaa la thaehalr.
MeaanL a J. Beckett. Sysad^, Mid a F. Wlaks wan ■■■alMlililj elected
Tha f^f Msaafoiilaitag Owapaayjisasiilid the Asaoelatloa with a copy of
UMlmmlmimmdBtm to JtSlfim, hr Mr. A. R Dnasv. Md tha Meet-
man PhiulagwiMa Malm lali Ogsapaay ssel two dona packet* of hrMaide paper
Mr. rtmkmm hMl nad a
Mr. W. Qxm
that at al
• IHaad
sad ta ladla knMag thtt taiaiMi wfarta lacked
lea, aad Mr. J«ia Braiea had alBtad pSittltrely that
iMa or chhwlJa grtHi w— ahaahrtalyjufaawt, aad had aaatad cartaia
o«Wasiai«ppartirtkaaMMHt Ba (Mr. OeU) eallod Mr. Howmm
ittoatotha fat thM »<wliiiiUw wlHed la eaah prialiL bat was toi
s
toU
He
It tha a*aaw«k prtrtaaiMNd hyiha UMOhaVaar. He
eopleeofthaAuus«oferW7,hB*lBC dplia Mlals aa freatie-
|d Vtha Bfoa* f>iw|ii». bae 7tlMak& eanrfalw da.
key eeoM sea. aad ha waalil Hka to know whether It wwda* la
that H waa aot tha
pi u laced two
iron la the wee er improper
ts were mare penaaaeat tha
itla* la asataet with paper that
' Mgitethaalr. Pritiinr W. K. _
>'naiMi ifMs wm ahaalalaly |irawl, hat ha (Mr! (Use) thoa^ that
Mr BnrtoawastaoaurfiltamBkaaaeha<aliMial. WhM he eaid was ttet
reaeca why sa«h prtata shoaM aet he penaaawt. Than waa no
- awdaet ar eeeelM la hi* stetemsate tlma Pindmsni Bartaa. The
' -V* AUUMO had be« kapt tngstha ta a has amat of tha time
,-.£$? *^
'nnnuil aaM ha thoaght that if aavoaa gara aat aaeh priata
^Hat Mr. Botai satd a hw weeks ago aa tha aal^cct. tbcy
. It «•* a gnat mialaka to attribate fading
— '^tiae; the rehiclee wen ralksr tha nrHeat* thaa
. aliiah sfhar was threwa dowa by deealofasat
"^ fvtnttagoat
-terleret
tad prist was haadad to Mr. BatUoe,
.Mmat^OttMiMJyCUmitmjrifatttmat
ptiaai haTti^ flae eload aflkct^ (avdacad by
........ — Jfeaaei/
«ad afew
of Micklewood's shatter, were handed round. It was understood that
the shutter would be forthcoming at a futnre meeting.
Mr. Dkbisham suggested that something might be done by the use of a
yellow screen either inside or outside the lens, and slanted in different direc-
tions. If outside, and tilted, the lower part of the picture would be a larger
thifkness of the yellow screen than the upper, and so one could get a great
deal mora obstructing power with the sky than with the foreground.
Mr. E. MiLinR thon^t that a good many douds were lost by over-exposure.
His method of getting donds was to expose correctly, and use a small amount
of pyro in the developer to commence with.
The CHsmMtlt remarked that he had some clouds in a negative which had
been orer-devdoped ; there were no douds until the negative was reduced.
Mr. Dqnmore had sketched some douds on ground glass for him, which could
be induded in a negative by superposition.
Mr. J. S. TiAPi exhibited a number of prints, the clouds in which had been
obtained in the negatives. They bad iMsn developed with a very small
quantity of pyro to start with.
Hr. HILHIH said that a thin film sometimes gave i;ood douds through then
not being snlfident silver on the plate to clog up the skies.
It was understood that the snoject would come under discussion at a future
date : and, the Chairman having announced that Mr. S. Herbert Fry hsd
promiaed a demonstration of his new enlarging lantern on an early occasion
the meeting terminated.
aahb— February 4, Sir G. R. Preaeott in the chair.— Mr. Abohbb
Clabu gave, on behalf of the Incandescent Light Company, an account of
the Company's lighting, and its applicability to various purposes. A demon-
stration of its nae in the optical lantern was given, lantem.dide pictures being
projected on the screen. The bulk of the evening was devoted to an addreea
and deaionstntion by Mr. S. Herbert Frr, who practically illustrated the
werUng of a newly constructed enlarging laatem, wbidi, without the use of
eoadeaasra, gave an equal illumination of a lane negative.— On February 18,
Mr. a K Webber will read a paper on Somt SxptnmaUi in OrtAocArvmotte
■ortlt Loadoa'PhotOKrapllio goolaty.— Febmarv 2, Mr. G. -I. Clarke in
the chair. Mr. Orcgory, reprseenting the Eastman Commny in the absence of
Mr. a. IL Smith, introdoced the Company's seriee of Kodak Untem slides,
pnfodagtha azhiUtioa by a brief description of the latest Kodak improve-
BMnta, Tha aiidae, rmresentlng scenery m England and other parts of the
world, were highly appredatad, many of them being remiukable for their
beauty aa pleturea. as well as for their perfection as photographs, and all
ahowiag the capafaOltiaa of the Kodak in its varioua forms, and the power and
dalkaey of the roUabla film. A vote of thanka to Mr. Orecory and the East-
aaa Coiuuany, aad abo to Mr. Ororer, a member of tiie Sodety, who most
iuwja— ftiHy midartook tha duty of showing the slides with a new special
hatera of Humphriee' make, oonclade<l tbe proceedings. The next meeting
win be on Pefamary 16, when Mr. J. Wdr Brown will rei^ a paper on UmtUum
Tvnimg <if BrtmitU PrimU.
Phelocnphle Soetaty.- February 8th, Mr. C. Beadle in
theehair.—Thiit9.aev«nmemben were present. Nomber of queries were found
in tha qoastiaa box, ranging from tbe dementary to the adstruse, and, as ia
iy the eaae, tbe simplest of tbe queriea led to animated and interesting
m. The Chairman produced a very soooeasfnl example of combina-
tkm prlaliag. Aa tbe forsgronad, printed from one pegative, projected
bmgalariy into the middle distanoe printed flrom another, details of working
were askad for. Tbe Ckaibicui said that, after printing tbe foreground, be
had painted it over with bont aienna, finding it much easier than cutting out
a mask Tha dfatanee waa than printed in f^om tbe second negative. Mr.
Cox paaaed raoad a aombar of negativea and prints showing marked peculi-
aritiae ia devetopneat aad geuwal tnatmeot. He also exhibited a shutter
capable of giriic aipoeiuea front one-tenth of a second to any longer duntion
tha operator adght reonlra. Mr. Mardmnt then showed tbe force flash-light
appantaa, by the aid of wfakh two portraits wen taken, an extra-rapid plate lens
wwking at /■& Tlieee wen devdopcd succeeefuily by Mr. H. Smith with
nara-anidopheBoL Mr. Smra nad a short paper on the developer, giving
famaht aad hi* aiperleauae with it, and showing negatives of great softness
ity which be bad obtaiasd by its us*. Mr. Oaudon
sly with a vary fine fhuned ealaigement of a portrait of
tbe IVaiMwl, wUah will in fMara adorn tha waUs of tbe room. Mr.
Chipper pasaed rooad for iaspeetion some cheap lines in cameras, lenses, ke.
A IsBS of 44 faaeh foeas, rapid ractiUnear, working at/-8, which a member had
(oaB«L by trial, to eever a half-plate when working at /-22, and sellingat
4a. to., attracted much attention as being mitable for band cameras. The
aaanai diaaar was aaaoonead to take pUue on March 12th. Votee of thanks
to thoa* who bad taken part ia tbe work of tbe evening brought an inter-
esth^ end ei^ioyabla cveningto a doae. February 22, Mr. T. Smithies Taylor
will addrass the Sodety on Th4 t/te and Daian o/ Photognpluc Utua, illus-
trated by maaaa of tbe laatan, aad will explain bow begittnan may teet lensea
f<i iliajijCiBialltlte. ^
fWytoetaalc Photogr^Alo godoty.— February 5, Mr. W. E. Debenham in
the chair. —Mr. II. \\. Bcnrarr read a paper on KltrnttUars/ Xola on Photo-
gnt^ii Lmta Uhis will appear in a futun number]. After the pap« had
been iMd, aad Vb* varioos diagrams explained, the CHAlBMAir emphasised
■ome of the imnortant point* and tlie almost boundless field of study which
tbe •'. paper prasmted. Before the meeting dosed, Mr. Oeoenham
drew '. ..of the mcmben to the importance of bucking their plates,
and garc mem oome sampia bottle* of a preparation which he considered most
nteful for the purpose. The pnparation consists of burnt sugar, or caramel,
with a little gum water and spirit, sud thi* i« pourol on to burnt aienna to
form a thick •sram. The mi?' tho Sacks of the plates with
a soft eaOMl-bair brash. Mr. it be lUd not trouble to wash
off tha haektng before devdopmrnt, u nc uivi nut found it affect the devdop-
ing eotatioa ia the leaat
108
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[February 12, 1892
aaath London Fbotognipliic Society.— February 1, the President (Mr. F.
W. EdwutU) in the chair.— A number of 24 x 20 uranium-toned enlargementH
on Nattu»li«tic bromide paper were sent by the Fry Manufacturing Company.
Donetiont of books to form the nadeui of s club library were then announced,
etter which Mr. Mapbicb Howsll, M.P.a, read a paper on The Chemistry of
PhaUpapky. The lecturer dealt with the subject historically, noting care-
fnUyihe chemical changes which took place in working the earlier processes
otwatagiaphy, vix.. Daguerreotype, calotype, Talbototype, Archer's collodion
pmnf. ai well as the modern methods of produoins; negativee and positives.
A lain number of experiments, made from time to time with the view to im-
nravini the art, were also dealt with. It may be mentioned that Mr. HoweU'.s
btarartiiig collection of Talbototypes of his own production at the Crystal
Pklaea Exhibition, 1889, were much admired. Mr. Slater brought to the
meeting a new jnttem half-plate camera of good material and workmanship,
whi^he ia about to put on the market to be sold at the low price of 4/., with
thne double darit alidee.— February 16, Meeting at Hanover Hall, Hanover
Park, Peckham : Arlittic Phoioffrapliy.
Brixton and Claphain Cameia Club.— February 4, Dr. Reynolds in the
chair.— Tlie Chainnan briefly introduced Mr. P>wnglb, who gave an address on
Dtt^tmnenU The subject, he remarked, was a broad one, and he would con-
fine htt attention to the main features of the several developing agents. He
denied the theory that after a plate had been exposed, rightly or wrongly,
development could have no material effect on the result. A photographer re-
quires to produce a good negative, i.e., one which will produce a good print.
To attain this mult one had the option of five developers, viz., pyrogallol,
eikonogen, ferrous oxalate, hydroquinono, and para-amidophenoi, and he
advimi their use as follows : — Hydroqninone, for pictures requiring strong
contrasta, lantern slides, &c. ; Eikonogen, where a minimum of exposure had
been given, as in hand camera work ; Ferrous oxalate, where extreme clearness
was required (Mr. Pringle said he did not consider this was iisetl as much in
this countrj' as it should be) ; Para-amidophenol (rodinal), the same remark
applies here as to eikonogen, but its action is even quicker. Mr. Pringle said
he oonsideretl rodinal a fjod developer, but recommended that the amount of
water to be added should be only two-thirds of that contained in the instruc-
tions. In conclusion, the lecturer said that where there was any doubt as to
ezpoeure, and for general all-round work, he had found nothing to come up to
good old pyro and ammonia.
Lewlsham High-road Camera Club. — February 5, Mr. Alfred H. Miles
in the chaii. — Mr. J. Traill Taylor gave an address on Smne Bye-paths in
Photographic Optics. His remarks had main reference to the influence of
concave lenses when used in conjunction vnth ordinary photographic objec-
tives. Lenses and pictures were shomi in illustration of his remarks, and
copious use was made of the black-board by the speaker.
Croydon Camera Club. — February 1, Annual Meeting. — The elections re-
sulted as follows : President : H. Maclean, F.C.S. — Vice-President ; B. Gay-
Wilkinson. — Council; Messrs. Arthurton, Blow, Burrows, Hirst, Neeves,
Oiddey, Overton, and Packham. — Atidilor : W. Daniells. — Treasurer: A. J.
Sareeant. — Secretaries : Messrs. White and Isaacs. Tlie annual dinner will be
held next month. On February 16 Mr. Weir Brown Jwill lecture on Warm
Tones on Bromide Paper,
Richmond Camera Club. — February 5, Mr. Cembrano presiding. — Monthly
lantern show. The attendance at this meeting was about the largest on record.
Crewe Scientific Society (Photographic Section). — January 25, Mr. Earl
presided. — Mr. Paul Lange lectured on Noncay and its Wonders. Mr. Lange
said he was proud to be called upon to deliver a lecture on so interesting a
country as Jsorway, and, after describing this favourite resort, he hoped it
would result in inducing many present to pay a visit to that country. Having
described the route from Crewe to Hull, thence by steamer to Bergen, he gave
a description of the most enjoyable route for tourists and photographers to
follow. The riews thrown uiwn the screen were excellent, giving an admirable
illustration of life amongst the mountains of Norway. The views were
charming in themselves, and the lecturer's comments on the beautiful scenery
greatly increased the pleasure of his audience. The cloud studies were mag-
niflcent.
FEBKrARV 3. — A ccmversazioTie in connexion with the above Society was
held, when a good display of photographs was on view in the Council room,
including a collection by Mr. Paul Lange, Mr. A. H. Hignett (Crewe), Mrs.
J. U. Hignett (Chester), photographs and transparencies by members of the
Section, and a display belonging to the London and North- Western Railway
Company, lent by Sir. F. W. Webb. The Crewe Photographic Company,
Limited, ha<l an excellent show, including the Autotype and Alpha processes.
On February 24, Mr. A. H. Hignett on highland Scenery, to be illustrated by
about 120 limelight views.
Halifax Camera Club.— February 1.— An exhibition of slides was held at
the Club rooms. It was decided during the evening to have a portrait compe-
tition at the next meeting, confined to the amateur members of the Club, the
portraits to l>e taken in the Club studio ; and Mr. M. Manley offered an
automatic pUte-rocker for the best portrait exhibited.
Leeds niotograpllic Society.- February 4.— Dr. E. H. Jacob, M.A., lec-
tured on Practical Photo-micrography. The lecturer described his apparatus,
which was an adaptation of an ordinary microscope, and comparatively simple,
yet efficient, as he proved by some excellent lantern slides shown upon the
screen. The lecturer read a letter fVom Mr. William Kingsiey, a brother of the
late Canon Kingsiey, which he had just received, and in which he incidentally
referred to his suggestion, in a paper read before the Society of Arts in 1851,
of the possibility of photographing the heavens, and by that means discovering
new stars. The suggestion was then so little thought of that it was omitted
<h)m the paper as published by the Society. The Society has decided to hold
an exhibition of mem)«rs' work during the current year.
Lewes Photographic Society.— February 2. Samples sent by the Eastman
Company of their new rapid bromide paper were given round to members,
many of whom promised to bring the results of their experiments to the next
meeting. The result of the competition for the best print illustrating Toil was
announced, the award going to Mr. Percy Morris, who takes the exposure-
meter presented by Mr. Watkins for competition among members of the
Societv.— Mr. Wightmas then read an able paper on Platinum and Bronade
Printing : A Comfxirison and CotUrast. In dealing with the subject, he
pointed out that, although in a properly executed platinum print there were
certain qualities whicli coiUd not !» excelled or even equalled by bromide, yet
for ease and certainty in working, combined with its adaptability more or less
for the greater percentage of negatives, the balance lay in favour of the latter.
Hldland Camera Club. — Februaiy 5, Dr. Hall Edwards in the chair. — The
Hon. Secretahv reported that Mr. W. J. Spurrier had been elected Assistant
Hon. Secretary and Librarian. A suggestion was made that at the end of the
winter session a cooiversaziotie and exhibition of members' work be held, and
the Council are considering the matter. The Hon. Secretary showed Chad-
wick's lecturer's reading lamp, and Dr. Huxley the "Holiday" developing
liimp. Professor Allen then gave his paper upon the Philosophy of Restraint
in Development, which he illustrated profusely by diagrams, &c., upon the
blackboard, samples of negatives, and lantern slides. In the course of an
interesting paper he said he could only agree with Hurter & Drilfield up to a
certain point, and showed three slides as a proof. Each had received about
fifty times the correct exposure, one developed with normal developer com-
pletely solarised, one restrained considerably was about right, the third, with
previous soaking in rcstrainer and large proportion in developer as well, g!ive
the exact appearance of under-exposure. He also expressed a very strong
objection to weak developers, and explained his reasons by diagrams of the
film and image formed.
Rotberham Photographic Society. — February 4, Mr. K Isle Hubbard,
M.S.A., presided. — The Secretary reported with r^ard to the arrangements
for the second annual exhibition, to be held in the St. George's Hall, Rother-
ham, on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 23 and 24. The venture, he said,
promised to be most successful from a photographic point of view, and the
loan collection of exhibits would greatly add to the interest. Specimen packets
of Eastman bromide paper were distributed for trial purposes. Mr. G. T. M.
Rackstraw (a Vice-President) gave a demonstration on lantern-slide making by
contact, using ordinary commercial lantern plates and hydroquinone, with
hydrate of soda developer. Toning, &c., was also illustrated.
Sheffield Photographic Society.- February 2, Mr. B. J. Taylor in the
chair. — The Secbetaby announced that the Eastman Company had sent a few
samples of their new bromide paper for trial by the members. — The prizes for
the annual competition were presented to the following gentlemen, viz., Messrs.
Crowder, Beck, and Bromley. The negatives of the winning pictures were
passed round and admired.
Edinburgh Photographic Society. — February 3. — The first business was a
demonstration of some of the different methods of carbon printing and develop-
ment by Mr. James McGlasham. The lecturer stated that his experience
had not been a lengthened one with this process, but, so far as he had worked
it, and with sedulous care, he felt certain he Was right in bringing hiefore the
Society the results of his experiments. Mr. McGlasham then proceeded with
his demonstrations of practical work, showing everything but the actual
exposure under a negative, with much satisfaction to the amateur portion of
the audience. Messrs. E. L. Brown, John Ednie, and H. Houstoun Ross were
balloted for and admitted members. In the report of the Council upon the
Eroposed club rooms for the Society, it was stated that return postcairds had
een sent to all the members in full connexion with the body, 370 ; and that
of this number only 111 had interested themselves in the question, and of that
number 74 were in favour of the proposed change in the constitution of the
Society, and 35 voted against the change. In the circumstances, action was
delayed, especially with relation to proposed premises in George-street, but
remitted tlie whole subject back to the Council to endeavour to obtain not
only working and recreation rooms, but also a sufficient hall for the general
meetings of the Society and the transaction of its ordinary business.
Glasgow Photographic Association.— February 4, Mr. William Lang, jun.,
F.C.S. (President), in the chair. — Three new members were elected, viz., John
Brown, 8, Gordon-street ; Alexander Macdonald, Brodick ; Charles Sweet,
Rothesay. It was unanimously agreed that the Association become aliiliated
with the Photographic Society of Great Britain. Tlie construction and use of
Dallmeyer's new telescopic-photographic lens were explained to njembers.
Views were shown on the screen, the subject being a church half a mile distant,,
taken from the same position with an ordinary lens and with the new lens, the
size of the image produced by the latter bemg six times larger than that by
the former instrument. Uranium toning of bromide prints and of transparen-
cies was discussed aud examples shown.
Dundee and East of Scotland Photographic Association.- Feljruary 3,
Mr. J. D. Cox (President) in the chair. — The President intimated that the
Couiicil had voted the sum of Zl 3s. to the Maddox Testimonial Fund. He
also intimated that the Association had afliliated with the Photographic Society
of Great Britain. A demonstration was given of the stripping and enlarging
powers of "Cresco-Fylma." Two negatives were treated with the solution,
and in a very short time the films were removed from the glass. After soaking
for some time in water the films were floated on to a larger-sized glass. This
was done successfully, there being no distortion, but very little enlareement,
probably owing to too cold water being used for washing and also to the plate
not being suitable. " Cresco-Fylma " should prove useful for removing the
films from cracked negatives, allowing them to be placed on new glass ; and
also in carbon printing, where a reversed negative is necessary to save double
transfer. Demonstrations in enlarging were then given by Mr. G. G. Mac-
laren, who exhibited his method of working. His apparatus consisted of
a two- wick Sciopticon lantern, to which was attached a quarter-plate camera.
The negative was placed in a groove inside the ground-glass screen, thus having
the ground glass between the condenser and the negative, this arrangement
getting rid of the light mark on the enlargement caused by the dark space
between the flames. An enlargement was successfully exposed and developed
before the meeting. The prizes in the "Animal Studies " competition were
awarded to (1) V. C. Baiid and (2) G. 6. Maclaren.
Feteoarj 12, 1809]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH!'.
109
l^ttpifMi lodMjr or rtAlmMtUm -Jaamry IS, Mr. Jowph H.
niilliwtiii te th* ekair. — Xr. T. K. trta azhfldtad ooc of hte eamen* for com-
padU SiBoeliraair. With • bntna elgaatb* hannf; only one (Uige) kperture,
tUi eoHn prodocM tkrae skup imni, •laetlr klika a* to lize and perspec-
On nd oo one pUaa. Mr. Ira* «titM that mcb ■ cunen woold prore to be
■ nnetieal amnitT far eomporite IwMochroaqr, ud ha ranrded it aa an
optical tiiaai^ tfcainbjaetaaBOBBeadfcr dhcaaafam. Tfa., fV/^ai— wjy
^(tr TMlMAiMrf Ai^f* <m Ay i*l»f Wkmi Omditiaiuimjlitmititt «aa
iMStlahnapt. M. Pa:Mioaar alatad that aoaa tina ago b* pmebaaed •tline
dms piataiara«Bll>kaown makci He aaad one dnan with ozoallant reaoUa
atthaUinaofpu^aaa; thaiat ha Ud aride, and did not um them nntil
Mar, 1891, wbaa ha axpoaad foor, aad fcood tham all ri^t. On May 18 he
upaaad (Iz mot* on lainUfapaa and intarioca, string tauicr fnll ezpoanrea.
Thaaa mn lugi in tha boldan oitO Aagoat 12, than tranafared to a box
cotitahiiin oIMyla aapataton aad pat mn.j ia a dry pboa, rtai-ling on edge.
A ««ak ago Mr. Fkatoaat rwiiiiiatiad daraiopoMat. On jdacteg a tUljr
expoaad laDlMapa ia ptto aad potaA developer, bo trace of image appeared
1 piat<^ traatad to ajUhU alkali bath prariooa to the pjrrei, tfaao aab-
jaatid \» a Minhiin»daMl>BBi< liiilii|Wt,I»ed«BBd»»battBriaaalt A
'^ |**^^'*^^^ »u 'n, " i *r*v^ ■« "".-^ ^ fc«tkpia«.
iNMaan mat aaaBlMaMMPKaBBMiiai|Bi>iaa naiaiaiM, aad, Mnnga
tea^y.aTT^fcMMtlia— tkawaaa. Ha tkaa triad no* of tha OMzpoead
pialaaoa ailglillBMfagkBMW. laudaehg good aetatirea. A plate of another
iM^poKhaaad li UM aad peaked wlft the othew. whiaet t» the aama ton-
ditMa, oa daraloBDMl with kidiuqiiiiai^ rannad^b a food iimiIIih
Dr. MncnaL aldtt «•■ fBaralnr taooplHdriliat tfrniwgau voold brfigoot
dakdlithat pjrro woald aet. HehediefaBl timeauadpTioonnnidiinidar-
aa «e<»«neaad plata. While he eoold aotesplaiaor^va aargpod laa
why Mr. rtgieeaara pbtaa did aot eoaa* m fnpartr. ke Siou^ lEre *aa
tsamm thai Amifm *o«Id oAm tdag Mt aa Ibm^ tiMt mn wooU
faitke
kadalMaadaefaedaagBtKaaaifeeeMrdU. Tte damlewr »aa aBMeogea"
—•at klJioqalauae aad rflinanf ftimi vUck ke JadgBd tkat in tha
aind daealepar It vaa the liknanpw that waa the man aettra agant.
Mc, Cauvr mU that U* aiyrtwo hHI heao qatta egatoarr to Mr.
ItecBaat'a. He had oMda mimI kmtod wpaaana la B«i|w fat 1890,
aad tkrr ware aot *Bt aB Jmhul B* kad daralenad ftwa tioM to
tka^ Bad had kmaA oo ilarwai ta tha laage— if aaythii^ rather aa
Infiaaae. lart weak he denkiped two aeekagea ttet had baaa axpoeed
iallA aad Ikir kal alMaid aaA a« wtMae laaUl^ tlM It tMka
yaAlaiiMiMlHH»»Hf#wtllpa>alt WMfctfcaordtoaiT
■■fgJ?!*'A*'t^ J" *'"«*^ •«? •« -«*^ »■»-> «-~t
Dr. MitTMMf MHtkat itkau^gia. aad* ewlaiB aapacte, waa next to tha new
para awHnpkaant, a vary mmfnt immimm. It teemed to go to a eertaia
A oaMftiatfaa a> ftkmntm mA k|diU4alauae aaa my Mke * pAawfc^
IWra aaa aa*
, ao tkat afte a wkfle the «
rary Hhe . ^
«Mck ke hdie*ad ax&tad la afi
MaadwIU tke rafMtty of tka aaaalrisa.
■aWoa. ktkttkaOi^thaaamiaaekea
partUm of aOTer, bataa ia • atata af mb-
[ at a yaW wkara tkenb ■ eatala aaHMBt
«IWMM«iMaa-lt^maykal>*dMnirtwof
to atarta
«. nea.ag|»^ltm<yhalallaMaiil_>ytka Mdoaaflha Mglitki ■
t MOM^ to rtpt ■iiliwte mmi^mm, Ack rnnnam la a Imt"
«if akaagte «• ehanalar af Ika iriib aad fmaatim a» iamge
'agu o«L Tm or tkraa aawai m» a >■■■ iimliw nf tke Eh
«ieaaaxaiiilaalelkeAdk«adBcki,lakt^«1lk kirn «■§ • taiaa anatar
o'piMaa. TkayvMaaevkCJaatftam tkefeetary, aadheaaltted ID taat
ihM ketea ka««M aaay. Baaawa. ke «Hda a aamkw af ■■aiwi, and
kladeeelaf. He MIed ittolj la gmkJa aa
tka vkale tot wan had. Mr. Bau. mked Mr. Ckitatt if kelnev
— >n>it to-day ated aay taooiag at aU ia makte tke
"- ^ -ij'-ij I iTiiIilmiilf BadMaataw^.
Mr. Caamui kal kaea tiiwMU Kit tka ite i ipUm liikiilit*— tha
H«a laaatd ahaa kept aafmal maatk* allw aapaaanb tkalrcaUa
h tke iMglk of timt tkey «art kept, aaUi; la
> aattraiy. Mr. Woaoa laaMtad nda la tka m
xae. Mr. Caaaor
■ftatefraMlke
eaAaair. raiai
,lteoT««dtka
, J or aeparatiag paper
-ha faiiee. Mr. CaawfW raeoauMadad aacklag la aaiad pepar at a b*^
ttfaoffaBiagttaMlkaedMa. Mr. — wni hieaiad tke ald-iSe metfcod
of
•aaa Mife nair. Phtai paAad la tkat aaf. fory ti^M^W^at«d togathar,
had k«t STtoar «r Ire yean, aad tkey aWW maA at ttaaadTtlMt
« M «•«■ ka kaagkt tkeak The ^iiiial metked of tepeaatlM plataa
■ate the ikaalailiia af air hataaea tkam flHiytM witkHt ipMaaad
nate the ikaalailiii ef air hataaea tham flHiyt^
■tiMltlaakkfcwMU load la tagaM tka plataa, aad1i3takoat the'
Iga taokea of ky Kr. Ckapaaa, ariMaaa aaaOy to tha eaana of tke pkua.
•mmOmt afls ke yliotd aaM jMiirfiit am awUqg adiainhly, iatobta
rather thin separate them, aa was now done,
tightly did not mb or scratch.
In his experience, those packed
Madraa Amateor Fhotogiaphic Society January II, Annual Geneial
Meeting, Mr. Ounsterville (President) in the chair.— The Committee's annual
report wat read, showing excellent results so iar as the numbers and Knancial
poeition were concerned, there being more members on the rolls, and a cash
balance in the Treasiirer's hands of nearly 600 rupees ; but the work done
daring the year was not satisfactory, the nnmber of competitors at the half-
yeariy oompetitioos being analler, and the pictures exhibited not beinR np to
the former high standard. It waa also pointed out that the nnmber of
mambert attending the monthly meetings was getting smaller and smaller.
The PawDlMT, who originally had had most to do wiQi the formation of the
Society, had oonaeqnantly Riven notioe of a resolution that it would be advis-
able to dote the Scx^ty. In brii^ing forward this proposition be stated that
he would be ezceedin^y sorry if it were {carried ; he had eiven the notice in
ordar to try and briw matteta to a climax, and to eet the members to do
tnmathing to prore their interest in the Society— if they had any ■ The
BaoBRAaT tecoodad the raaolotion, stating that be agreed with all the
Preaidaat had said. A geaaral diaoosaion then arose, in which the members
pretant gara their ideas of what mij^ be done to make the Society of more
oae aad intereat to iU mamben ; and, in the end, it was propoaed by Mr. C
Mi«dd»Saiith, and aeconded by Mr. Stuart, that the Society should not be
wound an, bat that it ahoold be left to the new Committee, to be elected that
eraniag, to do whatever they considered neceasary to ensure better attendance
at tha meetings, and more competition at tha half-yearly prize eivings. The
amendment was carried a<ii. eoa. The following were tJien elected as the
Committee Ibr the enaaing year .—Prmdrnt: Mr. C. Michie-Smith (Oovem-
mtot Astronomer).— rMS-7>m«inK( .- MeaanL E. W. Stoney, M.I.aE.. and
a aiatar.— OwiiXm.- Snrgeon-Mi^or Si L. Dobie, I. BID., Messrs. W. M.
Ganwd aad A. K. Uwaon, Dr. G. Offeit, PKD., Captain A. D. G. SheUey,
R.a, and Mr. A. O. Wood.— jtervtory ami Tnantnr ; Mr. P. DansterviUe,
Royaponm, Madraa. It waa than raaohad to aabaetibe two gnineai to tha
Maddhx Testimonial Fund, and, with votet of thanka to tha ootroing President
aad Saonlary, the meeting doted. If photographic dealers and m&nnlactureis
wiU Mod the Seaatary templet of their goods or cataloguea with prices, he will
be vary kappT tftdiitrlbota them among the memberi, who reaide all over the
Madras Preddency ; tha ntmiber of memiiert ix about dfty.
Corredponnrncf.
ar OtrrmrcmimU dkeitU mmt wrU> aa Mk Mm qf Of
FORENSIC IDEyjIFICATION.
To (Ae BDrroB.
Sib,— Earing had tbo privilege for three or (oar yeart o( being
nmnherad among the invited guaeta who partake of the hospitality and
obtain the pabUeity afforded by Toa BaiTuni Joubjui. Photoobipbic
AuuHic ; baring alao bad the aimilar pririlooo in tha Photographic I'ear-
hoot— • pohlloatioa npon whioh, with tme editorial catholicity, you hare
Jaat beeiowed a paaaing word of eoouaendatiao ; I natorally, and not
witboat aooM naaanre of indignation, raeent the iAinoationa of your
oortaapoudoat. " T. H. W."
Of tbooe aoiiaont photographia ftrma to whom were coniigned the n-
prodaotiaa of tbo pottcaita that ««twbile appeand in yonr paget, pay,
wUoh of than doaa " T. H. W." aaenae of oomplieity— with baring
" dodged " the aumplan t Thara oaa be bat one interpreUtion of that
tana. It ia aa Btteriy baaaiaaa aaonaatton. Doaa >• T. H. W." expeot a
oWl rajoinder to that inalnoatioc ? Ooee bo hnagiae that one at whom
he aaeera aa a Paaglaao will deal with him aa a gentleman T The crude
hnwatarity ol hia aaamnod liUiary goaliflaationa ia at onoe revealed by the
teigaalioa be haa apf)Ued to a penonaoe who ia merely one of George
OolaiaD'a oloror draoatio oraatiana, bat whom " T. H. W." stytea " that
aroh4npaatar. Dr. Pa^loM."
The entin onmwanioatioo of " T. H. W." ia aimply a aeries of muoh-
dilotad BBaaia ; and it ia an old and obriooa remark that " no one oaa
retnle a aaaar." I nfuia to follow yoar oorraapondent into the anwieldy
toptai iato whioh be eatara at loch length. In your eolnmaa, deroted to
photOBafliy, what Bopoam have I with what the Tichbome Claimant did
ordMaotraoalleotf Or with the atatemcnU, pro and rea, of the oroeaen-
tion aad tha defaaoa? Oae aingla remark in that diraetioa aaiBoiently
tha iriiala farrago. The idantity of the Claimant waa deoirirely
ia tartna the moat preoiee and atpUoit, 1^ the medioal attendant
<lf tha Tlilitome taaUlr, by the legal adriter of t£e family, by tha banker
of BMHtefly. by tbo olargyman of tha {wiiab, aad but, but not leaat, 1^
tha BWtbar who bora him. Of tbaaa fire dapoiMnU, but one. the ranerable
and mnoh-iaepoetod Boo. Twaoarer of the oity of Winohaater, now anr-
Tina Tfaao, orar and oror aflkia, might one aet of itatemeata be pitted
■Miaal anotbar. Bat ara your pagee the place for such mere bandying
of aaa«liaB and ooantor-mailluu ? To (oeh debatea you woold be folly
jnatiflad ia daayiag adailaaioB.
Tha a^fla of attack In whioh " T. H. W." haachoaen to indnlgo forbida
■raadding ooo word in dafanca of the riawt I hare laid before the raadart
of Tbb Barma Joraaai, PaoTooaamo AuiAJiac. BoUnd the maak of hia
IbiaaiHUiala, " T. H. W.," may laoaoh forth into whaterer innoendo and
hlililiWtioB it mi^ plaaao him. Bot, ahoold he aee fit to oae only the
KngTMO* nf a (tentleman, or, in erent of his baring the ooorage of hia
110
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[February 12, 1892
oonTiotioM. ahoQld attach his name to his diatribes, then, and only then.
*?. P^^""S^ "'t: H. W.." in a conolnding passage " possibly in
the iSSi of 1898. a .ly un.e of hunwur >?''?. f^y.'^j^^vo'^fj"*^
OMn door." And for what set pnrpose, may I ask? T. H. W. sup-
C^ to^own version of the reply. For " P"-^'"""^^ ^^rl^^his
a n«e." How Uttle recked your correspondent, when he penned this
Dhiaae. that there intervened but only that sUp of manusonpt between
Etowlf and the veritable personality that, by " a ,hi Urokeof hunwur -
mSeW a lick with a wet tongne-had laid bare the most cruel and fte
SStLitardly fraud that the villains of the plot had eoncoeted, namely.
theobUteration of the well-defined but muoh-maimed thumb from the
original Daguerreotype.— I am, yours, &o., w. mathews.
dUfton, Brutol, Febnary 6. 1892.
GRADATION.
To the Editob.
Sib,— I am glad to find that this subject is attracting increased attention.
May I point out a misunderstanding which seems to exist in the minds of
some ofyour correspondents ? It is assumed that, if two negatives of the
same subject have their corresponding densities in the same ratio,
they may be made to give identical paper prints. This is by no means
true. A negative of four densities, 0, J, J, i, cannot give an identeal
result with another of densities, 0, 1, 2, 3, although the ratio of gradation
is unaltered. Not only this, but equivalent results cannot always be
obtained from one and the same negative, as may be tested by pnntmg
in platinotype, silver, and developed bromide.
Some eminent authorities, it is asserted, disagree with Messrs. Hurter
& Driffield ; but they should do as these gentlemen have done, state their
case in a manner that others may repeat, giving numerical results in sup-
port of their argument. I do not say that the matter is beyond dispute,
but, in the face of the methodical, well-detailed experiments of Messrs.
Horter 4 Driffield, an opponent of their views should do more than
vaguely quote the opinion of eminent but unnamed experts against them.
Can anything more definite as yet be found? Captain Abney has two
negatives, we are told, which disprove the position of Messrs. Hurter &
Driffield. Will Captain Abney compare the opacities of a few corre-
sponding parts of these negatives, and give the numerical results ? It
could then be ascertained whether these do not give a constant density,
differing in each plate, due to stain, and the opacity of glass and gelatine,
and a remaining series of densities due to reduced silver, obeying the law
of Messrs. Hurter & Driffield. It seems to me theoretically possible to
evade this law by adding a dyad bromide to the developer, thus partially
destroying the latent image, and converting an over-exposed plate into a
normally or under-exposed one ; the great difficulty would be to so modify
the developer as to obtain normal results from an under-exposed plate.
—I am, yours. Ac, E. C. Phillips.
Arti Clvi, Manehetter, February 7, 1892.
"OIL ON THE WATERS" IN PHOTOGBAPHY.
To the Ediiob.
Sib, — We have often heard of the effect of " oil on troubled waters,"
and I wonder if any of your readers have ever thought of applying it in
a photographic way. I have, and with considerable success, as I think
you will admit when I tell you what I have done, and the result as shown
by the accompanying photograph.
I was called into the country, a few miles out, to photograph a house,
group, and several views about the place. The house was situated on a
hill at the end of a narrow valley. Down below was a pond, about halt
an acre in extent, but the draught up the valley covered the surface with
ripples. In the distance this did not matter, but when I went down
beyond the water to take a view looking up to the house, the ripples
became a serious matter, and I determined to try the effect of the oil.
Imowing the place, I took the precaution to provide myself with a bottle
of olive oil (about three ounces). After I had selected the point from
which to take the view, and persuaded the cattle and sheep to keep
within bounds, I put my plate in the camera, and threw the oil from the
bottle, as much to the right as possible, the direction from which the slight
mnd wai coming. With astonishing rapidity it spread over the pond,
and, although I was fairly quick in exposing, I was not so quick as I
ought to have been. However, there was a remarkable subsidence of
the ripples, and the reflections in the water are discernible, which they
were not before.
1 should like to know if any of my brother professionals have tried the
plan. If not, I would advise them to do so when any such occasion
ooonrs ; only let me advise them to use more oil — preferably linseed — and
throw it on the water close to the side from which the wind is blowing,
and I think they will secure good reflections even in windy weather.
The wind, as you see, moved the trees but slightly, but the ripples were
rather heavy, owing to the position of the pond. — I am, yours, <fec.,
London-road, Ipswich, February 7, 1892. W. ViOK.
NEWMAN AND ADAMS'S PLATE SHEATHS OB OAEBIERS.
To the Editob.
Sib,- I notice in the current issue of The Bbitish Jodbnal op
Photogbapht the specification of a patent taken out by Messrs. Newman
& Adams, for improvements in plate sheaths or carriers, the point of
which appears to be the construction of such sheaths or earners, with a
" set back " to prevent contact between the backs of the carriers and the
foUowing plates. WUl you kindly allow me to place on record, in case of
any future necessity, that in the hand camera made by me and shown
some years since at the North London Society, the pnneiple of the ''set
back " was adopted, and called attention to. In that [camera, which is
tolerably familiar to many of the members, the carriers are sunple sheets
of dark cardboard, having ledges at bottom to support the plates, the outer
edges being thickened by means of a narrow strip of cardboard glued on
the back. This was seen to be necessary from the first to keep the platea
clear of the rubbing which would otherwise have occurred m removing
the carriers as the plates were successively exposed. The camera and
carriers have now been in use a long while, and I find no need of any
alteration, while, in a stereoscopic camera made (and shown) by me last
year, an additional strip of card is glued up the centre of each earner,
to take the thrust from the back which would otherwise have a tendency
to make the plates spring in the middle. . .
There did not seem to me to be, nor should I have thought of claiming
any invention in the matter at the time, but I should be sorry if, for want
of a word now, any of our friends who may have copied or thought of
copying my simple carriers should be afraid of infringing any rights in.
the matter. It is, of course, possible that I may have missed the point
actually claimed in the new patent, but I certainly fail to see any other.
- -I am, yours, &c., Wm. Bishop.
London, February 4, 1892.
♦
PHOTOGRAPHING " THUNDERBOLTS."
To the Editor.
Sib,— I was at the Camera Club when Mr. Maskell projected on the
screen a lantern picture of what he said was ay thunderbolt." It seemed
to me that the " effect " was caused by a drop of something, possibly
hypo, having fallen undesignedly on the plate, either before or after de-
velopment, and which drop of something had produced slight chemical
action on the film.
Those whose dark rooms measure three feet by three feet, or there-
abouts, are not unaccustomed to these appearances ; indeed, their difficulty
is to avoid photographing " thunderbolts." — I am, yours, &e.,
London, February 8, 1892. Vulcan.
. ^
PAPER FOR WOODBURYTYPE.
To the Editor.
SiB, — We see in The British Journal of Photoqbapht, February 5
(" Answer to Correspondents," A. Fraser), question as to where proper
paper for Woodburytype can be obtained. We beg to inform you it is
manufactured by the Rives people in Prance, and that we are their agents,
and keep a stock here.— We are, yours, &c., Marion & Co.
London, February 6, 1892.
MR. CIMABUE BROWN EXPLAINS.
To the Editob.
Sib, — In the hurry of writing you last week, as well as in my admira-
tion for the frank and delightful outspokenness of your contributor,
" A. R. S.," I was guilty of a slip of the pen which, in justice to those I
was criticising, as well as to yourself, Mr. Editor, and myself, I ask your
permission to correct. The last sentence of the third paragraph should,
and was intended to, read, " Charlatan and impostor are the only words
which correctly apply to those given to such practices as A. R. S. denounces.''*
The omission of the italicised words reduced the sentence to a meaningless
and ungrammatical dig at nothing and nobody in particular. — I am,
yours, &o., Cimabde Beown, Jun.
February 8, 1892.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL
PHOTOGRAPHERS.
To the Editor.
Sib, — As it will not be possible for you to have report of our ap-
proaching Annual Meeting of members of the Professional Photographers
generally on February 11 in your next issue, will you permit me to in-
form your readers that, in addition to the important firms named in
previous lists, we have received accession and assent to the principle of
" Trade Prices for the Trade only" from the following, amongst others :—
B. J. Edwards & Co., Fry Manufacturing Company, Brooke Brookes
(Bradford), Birmingham Photographic Company, Limited, &c.
I would desire to point out, with your permission, that the enlarger who
supplies the outside pubUc on the same terms that he supplies a profes-
f«hru«iT 12. 1>*»2]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
Ill
ii4)mal photogrspbar is not only lobbing the man who hu to get his bread
wai <it»tm ^ hi* retail boiiaMS (and hj that aUnu), bnt he is actually
iigatiBg *»!"■««»* io two w^b.
The onlaidarwoald not, as a rale, object to pay a " gro«s " price {rertm
tzada priee) for his enlatged picture, and ooold not honestly expect to get
bis tiifU aim at wAoIoMlt tnuk fri€€. Thai the enlargar woald get the
Mtam praAt bom thoM who pn(« to mad to him direct. Then the
"anlaigar'' woald no longar be tha caow of perpetual Motion and
annoyaoee between tbe pinliiinn and the retail paiehaaen.
Ttiere an at least some 8000 pntewooal photographen in the kingdom.
Sorely, then, standing regular orders (in quantities), and their continnons
good will oogiat to have great weight with the " enlargers " as a matter
f policy, cnrniami fairBWM. and banaaiiy.— I am, yoan, <te.,
D. J. 0. Neiu., Seertiary.
47, Ch*HelU-nad, Sd/bmUam, Birmi^ham.
otdscs daily leeaiTad kr this " little Mand of i
towns an ai«v* onw plain inf. and justly so,
af tip water, and only ooa day's oaa o( Iha small filter.
TTLAB'S FILTERS.
r* tin BnnoB.
Sn.— la final reply to Mr. Ileodenoa, allow me to draw attention to
his first letter, 3Snd alt., tntifying to the merits of s similar filler he had
nssd tor tan yearf, and tHen'ileecribing to yonr saidaia bow to make
I am tWrfon asUnuabad to aae hia letter in current issae
, " Filtiatia* is a saaia and dalosioa." What are your readers to
andefstand by soeb paadoxieskl lalt«BT U Hampshire water is pore as
the wtatbsr is mila there, well, thm, tha residents of that salabrioos
aooBty wiU not oaad tba filtsr; bat, at pnaeni, my eipetianee is that the
poUic are not ttt'**'^ HtnuiSij wilb tha parity ol tha water tbar get,
^j IIk 11 till AmSlM ■«iMti^ kr >1>U " liltlat trSmttA ri man.''
Onr!
al the
la slsanss saiaa, will shaw what Brttooa swallow. Mr.
Haadsnon dwiws to know wbars Ik* navaity eonas in. Borsly this
aaad net treobla him, f or it woaU ba dUsaH to prove anything aoval to
a learned and jriswrifln csnUsBwa. Hawarar, I daim tha (oUowing
adniBtagas. wUeh I think noral to tha ootaida pablie who hare little
time to pnraaa idanttfie maHaii.
fffaat. the eowrsaianee el adaylrtfcw Beeeodly, tba flaUt and neat
SBpwianw, Thirdly, Iha siasplaiavaniBg and aMaslagaetion. Lastly,
Vbm priea is withhi the rsaeh of tha workiaf elaasas wboin I have ealsnd
foe nany yeafa,
lake a gnat aaay nysnslis and hni* ffltatb. It is i«ty probable tbe
Hampahira oaa iwmplaiaed aboat wia not aiaaaaad. and tha eonseqaaaee
a»Hlp ■wall al wal» ■nasi by faasfag tbtoanb laacoM grawtfaa dne
IO fta ammmOMm al at^aia laltsn. 11^ tha aa* fitlac ibis is
impeiftls. as ae ei0ul» tm alilina — taha ylsaa. bsaaa no hnaoid
>wth. Tha pfoef ol this latest simple, aSsetive, sad eeaaamieal notelty,
. .<sTe lo the oaMaMad Jodgment of yoor lalalUcsat raadsrs.— I am,
;oars. Ac W. Ttuul
JBSA OLAM.
To tht Kama.
8is<-Toa Hahlly aasnini. la year nets «« Jena gissa in yaot last iasas,
that my raaMfU at Liveraool wsia aot tally rcpcfied.
In vqpiy la ^aartieaa I bad oatasinn ta peiat oat Iha taipoaaibiUty of
Msariac giattv depth d tbena and tfUltlf Imitli* tfl lenses by altsr-
I log tbMr dalff or asiag aew sMtarMl, ud this was my point whan
k speaking ol Jaaa glass — I am. yoors. Ac. T. Bkitium Tatuis.
K flsarVrtsa, JOrtp JVaslvs , asar Uk4tmr, Fttmmrf 8. IWS.
Stb.
)N AXD PBOVntCIAL PHOTOOBAPHIC ASSOCUTIOS.
TaOsBaaoa.
'Will y«a allow na ta aaiwiuiaa that on Tbmadav, FebmMT 18,
■ iwlaWnsi wfU bold tbeb Aanaal Mnsiea] and Laalem Enter-
UsaT atafct) at St. Oaiifs^ Ball, Champion Hotel, 15,
Ifc. J. Ttalll Tiylof wM praiiils oa the osesilna. and
i.« ananaid b* tha Coaaoiiitaa. pianhas to ha an an-
... ooe. Thanking too, 8U, la aatiaipstioa.— I am,
Taa Boa. SscanAST L. A P. P. A
tClWS.
u
a:
th.
nt'H'OIUCAL KOTES OX PHOTOOBAPBIC GLASS.
To tin Eomn.
8t«. -it appears lo aa that tba line baa now arrivad whan I arty do
I good Mghriai aa hsilatie reeord ol Ihe uses of glass (or photogmBhie
Wbtn the Dt^aanaotypa mads its appeaiaaaa. ^ Paiaat Plate
ad aadMiiihedaa both aides; tba sIm waa >i < S, and
waa ae( fait a tea ol aa oppfssaits aharaatar; bat, attar
Ooddard made M a great iwaiaiwlsl seeesss by qniakaaiiw tha ax-
pasaie Iran tsa whirtsa to tea sseeads, it itMsired aa iapstas, wWch
aalatatly lad to la»(i ilaaB.saab aa SlxSf.aad then U loaa lo 4} ■> SJ,
CMaaa." was
and ultimately to 5 x 4, Talbot wag beginning to attract attention with
sensitive paper when size was no longer a difficulty ; but the covering,
when framed, became a serious consideration, costing, aa it did, from
2». 6d. to 3j. per super, loot. Ordinary sheet or blown glass in those
days was of a very inferior quality, and looked not unlike hammered tin-
plate. Crown glass waa used also, but progressive sizes gradually cmsbed
It oat. Sheet glass gradually improved in quality, and occupied the field
ap to 18&1. It was then I felt it poesible to get rid of the objectionable
sulphur that fixed itself on the surface whilst m process of manufacture.
I commenced by laying down slate slabs, covered with fostian, and placed
a square block, covered with felt half an inch thick, on the glass, to
which a handle was atttached, and kept a young man moving it back-
ward and forward over the surface, sprinkling it with rouge and water.
This, I foond, entirely got rid of the sulphur, and henoe the neoesdty ot
" Patent Plate Sobstitnte" reduced the cost to oJ. per foot. The immense
demand made it a necessity to turn it out in large quantities, and ulti-
mately it rose to 70,000 feet in the course of a snmmer's work. I may
state, steam machinery came into use to meet this demand, but this left
me with a much greater ditficnlty to face ; that was, to make blown glass
optically flat. Now, I mastered both these difficulties by getting a Belgian
glasa mannfantorer (who aaed wood only for making glass). This got rid
of the coal solphor, and allowed us to improve the process of flattening,
whereby the glass lo produced became optically fist, and a dozen squares,
when placed one apon another, feel as if it was a block of glass. The
natural tendency at present is for larger sizes, such as 1 2 x 10 and 14 x 10.
I hear great eompUints from professionals, that out of four they cannot
rarely get two soffieiently fiat, not saying one word of the immense
breakage it leads to. This is a terrible loss, and disappointing to the
eonsomer.
The conelasion I come to is, that unless tbe sensitive -plate maker
enters into arrangement with glass manufacturers to make sheet glass
with wood fuel, they will find celluloid taking up its place, and their
occupation all but gone. I don't mean annihilation, for glass will always
be need tor portraits in small sizes, sudi an 3 x 4, Ac, and in such sizes
it may Im looked upon as a bye-product ; but large sizes mast have more
earefnl manipolation it it is to hold iu own. — I am, yoars, Ac,
H'arcrf<y, AUxandra-roaJ, Itirkenhead. Jas, Aijsx. Fobbsst.
CTrt)angr Column.
*.* A'ssAarysw wads /brfassiWi^ Jboekmmfti i^ AppanUm im tku eoitmn ;
h>d•»m^^iUhlimmr^Umdltll^^4mrt^eUwtMUditlMl^U4iyttaUd. TkoM
laasysevy UUtrrtfttinmmttiai "tmiflkmt umftU " wiU Iktrifor* >md»r$Und
Iht rmtoK ^ IKttr nan-apptmranet.
Wotad to «i»hnie*w DaDnmr's 1 B !•■>, for a Ion|r.lacni cop; ins cuncni.— AtUrMt,
VicfOBU Woaaa. rbnat BUL
giftseai, efsl saksHlag prwi for eartw »iid eabtMtJi. fo' h«ul-i«at for sittias or
HiuKmittmni—Aitbwm, i. W. 0,, lai, Our^oid, ShdBdd.
WmiiaiiaiibUKMliiiiiiii. with see •ia«hsUda,«illi<arTlen for •nriav.aad
I< K U) liBitiMin Im>. for aa<bra whalo.|ilata <m«wm, wMi ana or mars doable
•tida sad r«t*iUw«r laoa, bjr rood makar (appronU).— jtdraat, T. 8. Sissos,
tiTi jart, miatbory*.
Waatrd • llgbt 10x8 nwi. Acma prafarrvd; wlU gin la mhangt wholc-pUte
•tortio ausMa (ky f>tkmt»UU aa* aatl* and ona doabla •Uila, luwlr aav, or
•tadle ahair, fear baaka.— Adliw, K. Honias, Pliotairrapbar, 31, ^«bam.
tvraaa. Fntlon. Porlaaoatb.
Tm CAinaa nc tri Zk^aKa.— Pbotognphy hu penetrattNl into the zenana.
Aa aotcmiaiag asUva photograplMr hu just est«Dliiibe>I at llyilertlxul, the
gnat MohaBuaadaa dty ia tbe liacosa, a itodio for tbe excluaive lue of the
ladlaa ot tbe ssasas of tbe Ntoai and his nobles. It ia in rhant« of an English
lady, sad staada la tbe centra of a hkb-wslled cnel'»iir.. m..- .ully conntmoted
to riclmle Iha gala of the vulgar niala spedaa. T\- t ii •aid to be
lining a roaring tra<la, u tbe Hrdosbad bellaa are n . . irw to having
their cbsnn* iumortallMd by toe camsra.
Ma. W. L CaaowKK, of Msarlwstsr, gave a talk on SUrmteopie Photo.
IHsyAn at t Cbsndfls strssi aa FHday evenJBg hut. A' ''i^nmarks
ca moaewnlsr and bianealar vtalen with dl«gmn« ■■ n stereo-
seopts pbotogiapby wltb tbe apparataa eBployad I'-i l>! paned
ronad iad ezplalasd hia apparstna. A noucealile ) :<licity of
tba worfclog parta and tba atxence of acrswi, Ac, ■ a mam
aad a dslasMaat aoMMnaator praaann. We lew,> n^^ •■.. ' ......tick will
probably bave stock of bia apaoial appstatos on sliow sikI uId nt the Fry
MeaafeMQpg OMapaay'a abow-rooou.
AaaaaffDwacaor THs PHontooBArHic S' xat Brttaix.— This
diaasr look plaee oa Moaday avsaing ia tbe ' Kcsrnt-atreet, altout
•sMoty ■saban aad fHaada, tariwdtpg ladir\ >» uu- i'ivmol Mr. James
Olalsbar, FJUL (PrssldatK w* hi Os chair. Ai>|>rD|>nat« toarts were given,
the pttaslpal nns thrir ntiritiir Pmulftit— ir.in. .: u ill a grscetu and
Bpnoptiatc aiwerh t>. rvices rendered
to Hdoea by tba Pn - i|ldre>«, signed
by Biaar of tbe leading mcniii-.n. Mm^n .ioim r-] u' r ami T. 8. lAsviii re-
•poaded to the toast of the Sodrty ; Dr. Linduv Jobnoon for Scientific Appli-
cation* of rtt'iUvikuhf i Mr. Payne Jcnninga (or Art I'botogrspliy ; anuHr.
J. T' (he P°notni;ra|>hic Presa. ilany niemlirrs were absent
thr' ; but, DotwitliaUndiug this, the meeting wu a highly
■accv«»iui unr.
U9
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGR.VPHY.
LFebruary 12, 1892
anBtners to CortrsponHento.
All wtatltn /or tk* text portitm of tku Jourmai, including queriet for
"AnnMr$'^ €tnd " Kxetumgn," mtut be addreued to "Thb Editob,'
X Til ilk III, GmmU OanUn, London. Inattmtion to thit msuret deiay.
iMMNdf (alM ^ commmtieatums unless naine and addreu of writer are
V CnmmteaUnu nlating to Advertitementi <md general bunnese affaire
wttut U addrtmi to "Hkibt Qbiimwood ft Ca, 2, Tork-etreei, Covent
Oarrfw, Loition,
FBOToaKAVBS KBaamum:
W. M. PhllUpiL BouUuunpton.— Tw J>h«i««rap^< ef i\» SorfK Ormm Lloyd ».«.
"SUer."
JiUOB Hew.— Thanks ; not at present.
U. A. 0.— We do not know of such a solntion.
J. AOAMSON k Son, C. Wnmre.— Received with thanks.
R M. C— Percy Lnnd * Co., 21, Imperial-buildings, E.C.
K. C. D. — See oar article in the AlmaSac on Pawramic Photography.
3. H. AncLBT.— Mr. J. Watney Wilson's address is 153, Tachbrook-street,
aw.
H. N. BrcKKRnxjE.— See reply to C. J. Kirk and F. C. Beaoham in last week's
Journal.
Opkrator.— Apply to a firm of foreign booksellers, such fts Triibner, or to
Sell, of Flee^8treet
A. Badlakd.— Tlie thing is quite practicable. Try Chadbum, of Sheffield, or
Sharland, of Thavies Inn, London.
E. P. C. (Preston).— A suitable formula is : Caramel, 1 ounce ; gum water,
1 ounce ; methylated spirit, 1 ounce.
A. H. P. (Dnblinj.— We are unable to give the information desired, but a letter
in English to the gentleman will serve.
Obkhnfttbh. — See Mr. J. Barker's formula for Gelatino-chloride Printing Out
at page 786 of the Almanac for 1892.
J. Wills.— The only album that we know of which fulfils your requirements
is ZaenhsdorlTs patent self-binding album.
Jas. EAKni. — The Journal of the Photographic Society qf India may be
obtained of Messrs. Watkins & Osmond, 62, Ludgate-hill.
SOMKBSKT.— Mr. W. T. Wilkinson has published a work on the collotype pro-
ceiis, which, we believe, is sold by Hampton, Judd, & Co., Farringdon-road,
E.C.
H. B. A. — The extreme height of the building is quite immaterial ; from thirteen
feet the roof may be flat. At eaves eight feet six inches would be a suitable
height In line six of the previous answer the word " foitr" was omitted.
Lux. — Such a prism as you desire will necessarily prove expensive, provided
you get it made specially. Your better way will be to build a fluid prism
in accordance with the directions we gave on page 47 of the Almanac for
1871.
A Weekly Subscmbkr. — 1. Use stiff starch, and well rub down. By keeping
the mounts for some time before use the litho ink will lose its repellent
character. 2. One is for looking at views, the other for reflecting them. 3.
As far as is known.
F. Brtant. — To ascertain the relative exposures required with the different
stops, such as /-8, /-12, &c., square these figures, thus — 64, 144, &c, and,
knowing the time required for any one aperture, that for the others can be
estimated proportionaliy.
T. R. Curtis — We have had no experience in tinting bromide enlargements
with "aniline dyes." Some of tne coal-tar colours are very fugitive, and
others are more or less permanent. Standard water or oil colours are those
to which our experience extends at present.
B. C. — If the metal vessel be thickly plated with gold or platinum, any, or all,
photographic operations may be carried on in them. Copper vessels, plated
with rilver, may he used for emulsions. For ordinary operations porcelain,
ebonite, or xj'lonite answers every requirement, and are more economising.
W. W. Stkvbns. — 1. The mottleil markings are due to the plate not being
rocked during development. 2. Yellow stains ; these are caused by im-
perfect fixation before the plate was exposed to light. 3. Purple turbidity
of the toning bath within an hour after making ; contamiuation with foreign
matter, which has reduced the gold to the metallic state. Probably a dirty
vessel, or impure water.
M. K. (Leeds) sends drawings of a very complicated shutter, and asks if it, or
any portions of it, have Been made before, as he wishes to secure an incon-
testable patent for it — On so important a matter as an ''incontestable
patent " we must decline to pass an opinion. Our correspondent had better
place the matter in the hands of an experienced patent agent for investiga-
tion before lodging the specification.
CoCNTRTMAN says : " I ordered three dozen plates from 'the stores,' and, when
I received them, six out of the lot were broken, yet they were certainly
carefully packed. Ought not the makers to make the loss good, as I feel
certain the fault does not lie with the stores ? " — Our correspondent has no
claim on the makers, as he has had no dealing with them. If he has any
redress, it must be from those from whom he purchased.
W. Graham.— From the description of the state of the roof of the studio we
shunid say the only effectual way of making it waterproof will be to have
ike whole of the old upper putty removed, and the rabbet and edge of the
rlas* carefully painted. Then fresh putty, containing some white lead, can
be applied. If the sash-bars are not sufficiently rigid to withstand a high
^nii, they should be strengthened by cross-bars, as any bending of them
would cause the putty, when bard, to crack again.
R. W. Simmons writes : "There is just now a patented solution advertised
that will cause gelatine films to come off the plates stretched to about double
the original size. I have been using for a long time a fluid that will do this.
Can the patentees prevent me using it now in my business, or restrain me
from selling it, seeing I discovered it, and all my assistants knew of its
power and composition, about twelve months before the patent was taken
out or the advertisement published"— The patent will not prevent our corre-
spondent from doing anything he did twelve months, or even a day, before
it was applied for.
W. C. W. wants to know if a patent, the specification of which was recently
published, will prevent his working a process he has had in use in his busi-
ness for several years, or must he oppose the sealing of the patent at the
present stage ?— If our correspondent ".las had the process in open commercial
use for years the patent, if sealed, will be invalid. There is no occasion to
oppose the sealing. If the patentee were to proceed for infringement, all
W. C. W. has to do is to prove prior use of the process. Probably, if the
matter were brought to the knowledge of the one applying for the patent, he
would abandon the application.
R. L. L. says : " Can you inform me, through the medium of your paper,
what developer it is that produces a green negative ? I have lately seen
some very rich and luminous prints from such negatives, and was informed
that they were developed with a potash developer. I have developed with
the developer on p. 773 of the Almanac, but can only get the cold grey
negative, similar in result to those developed with the carbonate of soda." —
Without seeing the negatives we cannot reply definitely as to their green
colour. It may, however, be that they are made on plates that yield "green
fog " with the developer used. Green fog, though a defect, does not prevent
excellent prints from being obtained.
Printer writes : "I should be greatly obliged If you could inform me through
your paper the cause of such black spots as on example enclosed coming on
sensitised paper, a-s I cannot think what is the cause of it My system of
sensitising is this ; I work my bath at fifty-five grains, and float the paper
from two and a half to three minutes, and then draw it up the side of the
dish, so as to take as much silver ofl' as possible, and then hang the paper
over a line until dry enough to roll up. The sensitising dish is porcelain,
and I also take great care in having my things clean, and never have any
sweeping done, so as not to cause a dust. I have enclosed just a rough proof
for your inspectioa." — The spots are caused by particles of something that
reduces the silver in the paper to the metallic state. Whatever it is, it is
not in the paper itself, as it appears to have come into contact with it either
at the time or soon after sensitising, as the spot, though metallic, is only
superficial.
Photographic CLUS.-'-February 17, Public Exhibitions, Mr. F. P. Cem-
brano, jun. 24, Monthly Lantern Meeting.
The Affiliation Scheme. — The delegates of the societies under the Photo-
graphic Society's Affiliation Scheme have held a first meeting. The rules were
amended and referred to the Council.
The Maddox Fund. — This fund closes on March 31. Up to the present,
nearly 3001. has been received or promised in this country. The American
Fund, and the Continental Fund (which was organized at Southampton), so far
exhibit considerable totals.
Newcastle-on-Ttne and Northern Counties Photographic Associa-
tion.— Next meeting, Tuesday. February 16, at half-past seven p.m., in
Mosley-street Cafe, Newcastle. Subject of paper, Platinum Toning on Matt-
surface Paper, by T. 0. Mawson.
The Richmond Camera Club's entertainment, postponed from January 15,
in consequence of the death of the Duke of Clarence, will take place on Friday,
February 19, at the College-hall, Richmond, at eight o'clock p.m. The invita-
tions already issued will be available for the latter date.
London and Provincul Photographic Association. — February 18,
Lantern and Musical Entertainment, St George's Hall, Champion Hotel.
Tickets only. 25, Members' Open Night. March 3, A New Enlarging
Lantern without Condensers, S. H. Fry. 10, CoUodio-brmnide Emulsion, A.
Mackie.
The employes of Messrs. George Mason & Co. met for a conversazione and
dance in the Sauchiehall Booms, on Wednesday evening, the 3rd instant
Thirty couples were present. Mr. Mason presided, and opened the entertain-
ment with a short address. During the intervals songs were well sung by
John Gibson, Mrs. W. W. Arthur, and Mr. Mason ; readings were given in an
artistic manner by J. C. Muir and J. N. Paton, and a piano and violin duet
was played by Miss Mason and Mr. Thorpe Davie. The programme of twenty-
two dances was concluded about two o'clock.
*,* KxTBBME pressure on our columns obliges us to hold over a number of
articles, papers, and other communications.
OONTBNTS,
Faae
a PHOTOORAPHIO INSTITUTE »7
ANALOGY OP OELATINOBROMIDE OP
SILVER TO BICHROMATED OBLA-
TINE 98
GRADUATED VIGNETTES 99
GRINDING THE EDGES OF PLATES.—
I. By W. B. BOLTON 101
CONTINENTAL NOTES AND NEWS .... I(M
RATIO OF GRADATION. EjF.HUBTER
A.1D V. C. DRIFFIELD; lOS
viai
REFLECTIONS COMBINED WITH RE-
FRACTIONS. ByT. R. DALLMEYER.. IM
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY'S LEC-
lUBES.-ni KM
OUR EDITORIAL TABLE 106
RECENT PATENTS KIC
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES IM
CORRESPONDENCE UW
EXCHANGE COLUMN HI
ANSWERS TO COBBESPONDENTS IIS
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1659. Vol. XXXIX.— FEBRUARY 19, 1892.
PHOTOGRAPHERS AND THE TRADE.
ly it hu so &r fkOed to attract the support of the bulk of
those in whose iatoests and for whose protection it was
foonded, the National Association of Professional Photo-
graphan has made good its tttk to sxistenoe bj gathering
to itself sooh a And of eneigj and Titality as to leave little
room for doabt that, in the popular phrase, it has come to
stay. The annnal meeting was held in London last week, and
a perusal of tha report, which we give in another part of the
Jociuf At, wiD, we are confidant, aonTiaea tha reader that the
Associatiaa lus well weathered the tampesta which all new
bodies have to encounter in the early part of the TOjage of
eristencie, and that its continuance and suocees are rendered
leas pmblamatical than thej appeared to be a year aga The
objects of the Association are aoch as to compel the approval
of all weQ-wishan tt profsasinnsi photogrsphera, and they
are championad fay a number ol saeo whose eameatDess and
direotessB ol porpoae constitata the best auguries for their
oltimata snecsss.
The objects in question are (a) to watch the copyright laws
in so far as they deal with photography ; (6) to bring legiti-
mate pressure to bear upon mannfacturen, dealers, enlargera,
and others, in order to seeore more equitable terms for pro-
fiasionsl photograpbsn ; (c) to obtain fhim the different fire
insuiaoes ownpanies mors just and liberal terms ; (d) to assist
the timfession in maintaining a remuneratiTe scale of prices ;
and (<) to watch Isgal |siwei1iims against members, and to
give assist anoe if naessHry ai the discretion of the Executive.
This is a hnsinasa like and not too ambitious programme, in
the dnftiag ti which the Aasooiation has exhibited a moat
«onunandabb modaration and wisdom, and, at the same time,
baa pointedly appealed for the support of every professioaal
photographer without exoeptioo. It would be difficult for as,
to whom the true interests of the pn^fession are, we trust,
known to be of the firat rwganJ, to addooe on behalf of
the Aasociltion a more forcible claim fur recognition at the
of photographen than that which that body itself has
fitmiabad.
The annual nteeling was not very largely attended, and only
ived the scantiest attention from London photographers ;
as if to make up for these drawbacka, it appears to have
marked by moefa anthiiaiaam and perfect unanimity, and
have eeeored tha pieaanee of many of those midland and
Dtry photographers to whose ooursge and feal the As>
esa its initiation. We congratulate our friends
i their davotioa, and, if for the present we have to deplore the
want of spirit and gratitoda shown by their London coi^rhrt* in
nVMraininit from sitbsr beooming members of the Association or
ri an appsarancs at the annual meeting, we have no
i^..^,,.^.^ that in the future no lack of appreoiation awaiu
their well-meant efforts. In the mean time we hope that the
London men will " come out of their shells," and disperse the
suspicion that they are wholly indifferent to their own interests
and to those of their profession, by joining the Association.
The record of the firat year's work of the Association
necessarily deals largely with the details of organization and
other formal matters inseparable from its position as a new
society ; but for all that we are glad to learn, while the mem-
bers must be pleased to know, that in respect of practical achieve-
ments the record is the reverse of a barren one. We gather
that the Council have under consideration the copyright laws
as affecting photographers, and are collecting such data as will
assist them in taking action in the matter, and thus the first
of the Association's objects is receiving due attention. As
regards the second of the objects specified above, we approach,
perhaps, the most burning question now agitating not only the
minds of the members of the Association but also of innumerable
other photographers. For some time past it has been alleged
that many manufacturers and dealers, and those houses that
nndertake enlarging and other work for the trade, have been
in the habit of supplying amateurs and the general public on
the same terms as professional photographers. The contention
of the latter is that this is an injustice to them, and, especially
in the case of enlargements, it has aroused feelings of the
acutest resentment It is not difficult ttf' understand those
feelings and to sympathise with them, when we reflect that
the supplying of enlaigementa forms a great part of the
business of photographers which will be practically taken away
from them if the firms to whom they entrust the work place
them on no more favourable footing than the general public.
Fur this reason objection is also taken to the appearance of
trade prices in the advertisements.
The representations on the subject which the Council of the
Association have made to the trade houses have been attended
with so much success that only one inference is permissible,
and that is, that the grievances complained of are of a perfectly
legitimate character. It is, otherwise, impossible to account
for the fact that a number of firms have agreed to make a
distinction between the public and photographers in regard to
terms of discount, <tc. Briefly put, the photographer is in the
pnr**'*" of a trader who buys to sell again, and from that
pmolof riew the argument that he is entitled to terms which.
will permit of him supplying the consumer at a profit is un-
answerable. He is a species of middleman, whom to discourage
is to deal a blow at the growth of photography in so far as it
is ptwnotad by an assiduous cultivation of sitters' orders for
enlargements and other kinds of work which is put out to the
trada It is not impossible that, by ignoring the photo ^raph-^ r,
and supplying the public wifh work at r.lie liweiit, and ofien
at cutting, price*, the ultimate efleot will be to duter the.
114
THE JBiaTISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[February 19, 1892
professional man from undertaking such commissions at all.
In this case, who would suffer in the long runi Probably the
trade houses as well as the photographers, for it is difficult for
us to imagine that the former could exist on the support
directly received from the public. It seldom chances so in
general trade ; and, the spread of amateur photography not-
withstanding, we fail to see that it can in photography.
This is merely the fringe of one of the questions the Asso-
ciation has undertaken to deal with, and in which it and
photog^phers generally have our sympathies and good wishes.
\VTiat with bad business, amateur competition, the cutting of
prices, and other causes, the lot of the professional photo-
grapher is just now not an enviable one. But we refuse to
believe that it is not susceptible of improvement. The
establishment of the National Association of Professional
Photographers is an indication that photographers themselves
are alive to the same persuasion. Conceiving the objects of
that Association to be of the most laudable nature, and cal-
culated to have as beneficial an effect upon photography itself
as upon those whose profession it is, we wish it every success
in its endeavours, and hope that it will immediately have a
large influx of new members. The Executive, with the ex-
President (Mr. Whitlock, of Birmingham) at its head, have, all
things considered, given the Association a very good start.
PHOTOGRAPHY IN NATURAL COLOURS UP TO DATE.
Somewhat analogous to the process of Poitevin is that which
we are about to describe, and which forms the latest outcome
of investigation in the domain of heliochromy. The process
now more immediately before us is that of Dr. Raphael Kopp,
of Lucerne, Switzerland, a gentleman who, we are sorry to say,
died a few weeks since, after having protected his process by
patent.
Previous to giving details we shall point out the broad lines
of similarity to Poitevin's process, some account of which we
published so long ago as 1865. In both, a blackened violet or
subchloride of silver paper forms the medium on which the
coloured picture is produced. In both, this darkened paper is
sensitised by being floated upon or brushed over with a solution
of bichromate of potash, sulphate of copper, and a chloride
that of Poitevin being potassium, while Kopp prefers mercury.
After drying, the sheets of paper are ready for exposure.
Omitting for the moment a few details, both are fixed in a
weak acidulous wash, Poitevin employing chromic acid, followed
by a mercury and lead salt, Kopp adopting diluted sulphuric
acid.
M. Kopp's process, as described in his specification, includes
the preparation of the subchloride paper to which we have
made reference. He salts Rives paper by floating for two
minutes on a ten per cent, solution of chloride of soda, fol-
lowed, when dry, by treatment for a similar period on an eight
per cent, solution of nitrate of silver. The paper, upon being
removed, is again transferred to the first bath for a short time.
It is then washed by being placed in water for twelve hours,
when it is treated by immersion in a bath of
Chloride of zinc 0-15 gramme.
Sulphuric acid 2 drops.
Water 15000 grammes.
The paper, which must have the layerjor coating prepared
as described up to now at the top, is placed in this bath, so as
to be exposed to the light, but not directly to the sun, for it
's necessary that the light should be diff'used. The exposure
lasts until the layer or coating has obtained a greenish-blue
tint. The paper must not be exposed longer to the light, as
the colour would easily become too dark.
Thus prepared, and well washed and dried between blotting-
paper, this paper may be kept a long time.
To render this violet-blue " silver chloride paper," prepared
exactly according to the above-mentioned method, suitable for
producing all the colours, including white and black, he pro-
ceeds in the following manner : A solution composed of fifteen
grammes of pure potassium bichromate and fifteen grammes of
purified copper sulphate dissolved in 100 grammes of water is
prepared. He crushes fifteen grammes of mercurous nitrate,
so as to obtain a very fine powder, which is dissolved in aa
small a quantity as possible of water, rendered slightly acid
with nitric acid. The solution of potassium bichromate and
copper sulphate is heated on an open fire until it boils, and
while the mixture is stirred, the solution of nitrate of mercury
is poured in. Finally the whole is put on the side of the fire
in order that the reddish-yellow deposit or precipitate may be
formed, and the solution allowed to cool. This is filtered, and
made up to 100 cubic centimetres. If the filtrate amounts to
more than 100 cubic centimetres, it is reduced to that volume
by evaporation. This solution keeps well, and must not be
strengthened.
The blue silver chloride paper is next immersed in the liquid
prepared as above, and turned over for half a minute. It is
then drained and placed in a three per cent, solution of zinc
chloride, shaking the vessel until the said paper has again
turned blue. . The paper is then well washed iu running water.
It is pressed between blotting-paper, and placed again for six
minutes iu the mercury bath. On being removed from this
bath, and pressed between blotting-paper, it is ready to be
exposed. The paper must not be allowed to dry before it is
exposed, as the exposure has to take place in the damp state.
After the exposure, which varies according to the light and
the season, and which is determined by a little practice, the
yellow and green portions will be already well defined upon
the paper, whilst the other colours, including the white, are
covered with a yellow veil. For removing this the photo-
graph is put in a developing bath. However, before this takes
place the green and yellow colours, which are visible upon the
photograph and could not withstand the developing bath, must
be covered with a coating of varnish. When this coating is
dry, the bath cannot act upon the varnished portions, and the
colours will be protected at the said portions.
After each varnishing the layer or coating is heated over a
fire, in order that the varnish may spread imiformly. The
photograph is not introduced into the developing bath, which
consists of a two per cent, solution of sulphuric acid, until the
varnishing of the yellow and green portions, and the drying of
the varnish has taken place. The photograph being left iu
this bath, the vessel is agitated, and the yellow veil disappears.
All the colours, including white, appear in all their brilliancy.
It is then washed rapidly in running water, and dried between
blotting-paper.
For fixing and finishing the image, after the photograph has
been taken from the developing bath and washed, it is again
put in the mercury bath for five minutes, and thence trans-
ferred to the developing bath until the colours, including the
white, appear again. From this moment no more washing is
needed, but simply pressii)g. Next, the photograph is coated
with a solution of gum arable containing five per cent, of sul-
Februwy 19. 1003]
THE BKiriSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
116
phniio «cid ; this solution of sulphuric acid and gum must be
pnp*red beforehand, because a precipitate is formed, and the
solution must be used clear. The photograph, coated with
this solution, is dried by beat and finally Tarnished.
We hare not yet had an opportunity of trying M. Kopp's
pro CMS, bat we i«e no roMon why it should not answer. The
aoalogoiu prooe« of M. Poiterin, which we did try, gave helio-
chromic psinta, the tints of which were quite decided, although
we did not altogether sttoceed in fixing them by the method he
Buggeated. It is fair to aMome that M. Kopp has not left this
matter in doubt. In reply to any utilitarian who may ask
what is the nae of tnoh a procees, we quote the electrical
phikMopher who, in reeponae to a simQar query, asked, " What
is the oae of a new-bom babe t" We welcome every advance,
althongh we may fitil to at once diaoorer its valna Bh pa$aant,
we may say that ordinary chloride of silver paper, darkened by
exposure to light, forma a fairly good medium on which to try
heliochromic experiments.
VARXISHING CELLULOID NEGATIVES
(hn of the minor questions of the day is that of the beet
vamiah for celluloid negatives, which, for various reasons,
require diffisrent treatment from tboae on gUaa. The thinness
and flexibility of the material nudat it di£Soalt, in the fint
plaee, to apply the varnish in the ordinaiy way by pooring,
while a film of more than ordinaiy toogfaneaa ia deairable in
j Older to withstand the constant risk of cracking that the
natoiml pliabtlity of the oaUokad involvea. Add to this the
faat— thnngh this ia of Ish importaaee— that the oeUoloid
itaelf is more or Um eolnbie in aO the anal Banetma in which
the gnm ranna are diaolved, and the nwsttj for a apeeial
vamiah will be apparent.
In the oaae <df^am nefativee, the protective layer reqoirea
to be, ia the fint pfaue, mooth and hard, while it, at the same
time, poMMH* ■nflWiient tooghnaa to enable it to resist
Koratehiag nnder ovdioniy wear and tear. For collodion nega-
res these are the moat daeirable, or rather absolutely needfiil,
lalities, and, if oombined with the leea important eharao-
- -rietiea of freedom from ooloar and etraetore, may be said to
■natitat* a perfMt vamiah. Bat gelatine negativea, though
IS esaetiag in the matter of hardneas— the gelatine film itaelf
■ing eo mooh too^ier than ooQodion— require the quality df
iigfaoeaa or, perhaps more oorraetly, elasticity in a higher
'gree, owing to the eiUeiif MBiitiTfliMH o^ the gelatine film
. dampk In the oaae of a oollodion film the vamish pena-
-%itm into iu sabotaiM% and, when dry, forma part of it ; but
vith gelatine it ia oonfiiiaii to a thin layer entirely on the sur-
' w, and subject to the oonataat action of expansion and con-
letioo ariaing from tha aflSmta of damp upon the underlying
-ilm. When the gelatine ia apnad upon ocUuioid we require,
M hM b«en shown, fiexibiUty aa well aa hardneas and elasticity.
1^ osdinary spirit vamiahea are concerned, the
t,' ^ hardnew sjid toughnees are obtained with oom-
irmtive ease, and in combination with the minor deaimble
lalities; bat it is the qualitiee of elasticity and flexibility
>«t are mora difleolt of attainment. For tbeee reaaons, the
reparation of a vamiah suitable for collodion negatives is a
■mparativriy easy task; while, as the early workers with
gelatine pktea will remember, it was soon found that the new
films rsqnired a new vamiah, and now, again, with oeUoloid as
t he support, we find onnel v« isoe to &oe with fresh requirements.
v—
sandarac, which form an almost perfect coating for collodion
negatives on glass, require considerable modification by the
addition of toughening materials to adapt them to ordinary
gelatine plates ; but, when these latter are again changed for
celluloid films, such varnishes are utterly unfitted for use, as
no amount of toughening matter, short of what will otherwise
spoil the vamish, will confer the necessary elasticity or flexi-
bility, or rob the vamish of its tendency to crack and crumble
when the negatives are even slightly bent
Perhaps the best means of toughening any of the varnishes
of this type is by the addition of a certain proportion of
collodion of the kind used for enamelling purposes, the quantity
being dependent upon the result desired, as well as upon the
nature of the vamish, and what it will allow. If it be of a
suitable kind for this purjiose, an equal quantity of collodion, or
even more, may often be added without producing a permanent
precipitate of either resin or pyroxyline ; but generally a much
smaller quantity is allowable. The best plan is to try the
vamish by making small additions of collodion to a measured
quantity, shaking well after each, should any precipitation
occur, until it is rediasolved, and to continue this until the i^re-
cipitate becomes permanent In this manner it is easy to
ascertain the maximum proportion of collodion that will remain
in solution ; hut it is never well to work too closely to this
maximum, owing to the structural inequalities that occur in
the drying of such films ; in fact, it is wise to have only so
much oollodion as will confer a fair deg^e of toughness and
elasticity, and no more. In cases where the vamish shows an
unwillingness to take up the collodion, the addition of a small
quantity of camphor will generally increase its solvent powers.
A vamish of this kind was at one time extremely popular
for gelatine negatives on glass, as was also a coating of enamel
collodion alone. Both these serve almost equally well for
celluloid, except for the trouble of applying them. The fact
that the celluloid support is itself soluble in the menstruum of
the vamiah is of no direct importance, since the thick film of
gelatine constituting the negative intervenes between them,
but it becomes an item for consideration in oi^nexion with the
method of application. Celluloid negatives, even of small size,
cannot be conveniently coated by pouring the vamish on and
0% as with glass plates ; they are too stiff, and seldom flat
enough to float, and cannot be immersed on account of the
solvent and acrftening action of the vamish on the reverse side.
Consequently nothing remains but to apply by means of a
brush or similar aid ; but this, again, introduces the fault of
unevenneaa of coating ; besides which, the neoeesity of applying
heat almoat predndee their use.
Some of the slow-drying turpentine varnishes have Iwen re-
commended for the purpoae, but they are inconvenient in use,
and not otherwise altogether satisfactory. The cold, drying
"crystal " vamishes, with benzol as the solvent, have alao been
mentioned ; but these seldom dry without a certain amount of
" tackineei." Amber or oopal, with chloroform as the solvent,
aulttHfc, but still theee only overcome the necessity for using
hear
(juite recently a slow-drying vamish, consisting of celluloid
dissolved in acetic ether or acetate of amyl, has been spoken of,
and seems likely to answer the purpose both in the matter of
toughnees and flexibility, as well as in ease of application, since
in consequence of its slow drying it may be applied with a
brush. But we fail to see what advantage the more expensive
solvent has over plain methylated spirit which readily dissolves
celluloid and forms a tough, colourless, and slow-drying vamish.
116
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[February 19, 1892
We can personally recommend this plan for using up spoilt
celluloid films.
But none of these methods seem to us to equal an aqueous
alkaline solution of shellac — the well known " water varnish " —
which has also found favour iu many quarters, and is indeed, if
we mistake not, an article of commerce. It has the advantage
of not dissolving the celluloid support, and so permits the
negative to be bodily immersed in it, and, owing to its aqueous
nature, it is absorbed into the gelatine film, and forms, as it
were, a part of it. The natural toughness of the gelatine then
adds to the strength of the protection, and, as the varnish when
once dry is impervious to moisture, the compound layer is less
affected by damp, and consequently not liable to swell.
The varnish itself is very easy of preparation. To a pint of
water one ounce of borax is added, and dissolved by boiling in
an earthenware or enamelled iron vessel, and, when dissolved,
five ounces of bleached lac are added, and the boiling continued
until solution of the resin takes place. The result wiU be a clouded,
indeed somewhat thick mixture, which, however, may be strained
through linen, and then set aside for a day or two until a floccu-
lent precipitate falls and leaves the solution clear and bright.
It may be finally filtered through blotting-paper if desired.
The celluloid negative, after careful washing, should be
immersed in this varnish for two or three minutes, and then
hung up to drain and dry. When surface dry, it presents a
beautifully even surface, the excess of varnish being absorbed
into the film.
The only fault we have found with this varnish, but one that
will not be felt in this connexion, is that it does not bear expo-
sure to heat well.
COLOURED PHOTOGRAPHS.
Bbfork continuing our observations upon this subject, we may
say we have been reminded that we have forgotten to allude to
albumenised paper. We have not forgotten ; but the uncer-
tainty attaching to prints upon that surface is so notorious
that we did not deem it needful to allude to them. However,
let it be said that, although we have such prints in our posses-
sion that are as good now as the day they were printed — a
score of years ago — we yet see around us so many pictures in
an opposite condition, that it may be said that all silver prints
are quite beyond consideration for any but the slightest and
most inexpensive tinting.
The preparation of the surface for colouring the various
kinds of permanent prints is a matter of importance. Ordinary
size is excellent for enabling the artist to make the colour
"take." If platinotype be the basis, a still better plan by
some is considered the use of aqueous solution of shellac ; with-
out this, or a good body of size, the colour will not work freely,
the texture being more like that of blotting-paper. By some
artists, carbon prints are rubbed with fine glass paper, or with
powdered pumice ; especially is this advisable for pastel work.
We have seen very beautiful coloured photographs in which
the head alone has been printed in by either the carbon process
or platinotype, the rest of the figure being drawn by hand, first
traced from the enlargement. To do such paintings success-
fully requires a trained artist, not a mere "stippler," and such
men Uke drawing-paper to work upon. To fulfil their require-
ments is not difiicult by the carbon process. It is first neces-
sary to make a solution of gelatine and chrome alum, and paint
it upon the place where the head will come upon a sheet of
Whatman paper. When it is dry, the small piece of tissue can
be squeegeed to the place, and development carried on as usual.
It is, however, necessary to put indiarubber cloth over the
tissue before squeegeeing, to prevent injuring the surface. If
the paper be abraded, washes of colour cannot be laid on easily,
and a spotted effect wovdd be produced. While the developed
print is still wet, it is possible, by using a camel-hair pencil, to
remove any objectionable portions. The print should then be
well washed, to remove the small particles of tissue, and finally
placed in alum water and washed. If all this be well done, we
have a head in permanent photography, and for the rest an
ordinary surface of drawing-paper, the chemical processes in no
way interfering with the paper so long as it is not rubbed. It
should be noted that Whatman paper, when wet, is very tender
and easily torn.
For both carbon and platinotype prints it is necessary to be
most careful to remove every particle of the last chemical
employed, as the least trace of acid or of bichromate might
prove ultimately of serious danger to the stability of the-
colours laid upon them. In fact, in each case, a final wash
of ammonia would be advisable ; for platinotype it would
neutralise any acid left behind, and for carbon it would greatly
facilitate the removal of the last traces of bichromate which,
especially in thick paper, such as Whatman's, is rather
difiicult of removal, even as regards what is visible to the-
unaided eye.
It may be well to refer to ivory, though the demand is not
very great for such pictures, which, perhaps, may be one
reason why its treatment should be described. It will be
useless to attempt developing a carbon print by the single
transfer process direct upon the ivory. The material is liable
to stain, it warps under the treatment, and the peculiar qualitj
of this beautiful but expensive basis seems to be interfered
with by the necessary prolonged soaking in water and treat-
ment with chemicals. The photographer, therefore, should
first develop his print upon the flexible support prepared by
the Autotype Company, and then transfer it to the ivory by-
means of the usual gelatine and chrome alum solution. It
may be here remarked that the quality of a print on ivory
cannot be properly examined without placing a piece of white-
paper or other white surface behind it. Otherwise, even a
beautiful print will look grey and washed out.
There remain now to be discussed photographs upon opal
glass. For this purpose a glass with suitable surface is very
necessary. If ground too coarse, no delicacy of workmanship
can be put upon it ; if too fine, it will work greasy, and allow
nothing but fine stippling. Some artists prefer to have the
print upon plain, unroughened opal, and obtain the proper sur-
face by a special varnish applied afterwards, which dries matt,
and gives a very agreeable tooth to the brush. There are few
special details to be given as to the actual preparation of
''opals " for painting upon. If bromide prints or enlargements
are employed, every precaution ought to be taken in removing
any possibility of hypo being left behind. When carbon is the
method chosen, it affords considerable facility for modifying
effects by working upon the soft film with a camel-hair pencil ;
especially is this so with vignettes, the edges of which are then
easily graduated with great delicacy, the production of a well-
graduated vignette in carbon being by no means an easy matter.
But particularly on opal is the use of scraper and ink-eraser
suitable ; large effects can be produced by it alone, portions of
the print removed, and all without in any way injuring the
surface for the after-treatment, the consideration of which will
occupy the next article upon this subject.
Fetarawj 19, 189S]
THE BRITISH JODKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH f.
U7
Photorrapbers* Benerolcnt Assoeistlon.— The An-
nual Gfuariil Meviing vf the Photogrkpheri' IViievulfnt Association
win be held at 50, Great RuMeU-atreet, W.C, on Friday, February 26,
1802, when the report and lialinfo *hrwit for 1891 wiQ be received,
and the oSceia for the eosoing year elected. The report says that
the income of the Aasodatiaa ia denTed from the ftenerooa contri-
bationa of the few, rather than from the thriftiness of the many, and
thus ita baaerolent, rather than ita prorident, character still tends
year by year to become more pronouaeed. We are sorry the Aseo-
datioa ia not better sapportad by tba class for whom it was started.
If that class was numerous nineteen yean ago, how much more so
most it be to-day, when the sabseriptions of members for 1801 only
reaebad tfa« insignificant sum of 17/. 18*. lOki.
Colour Photograplijr. — .^oojiding to an evening contempo-
rary, an influential petition is shortly to be pteaauted to the Home
Secretary for the release of E. W. Parkea, formerly a aolicitor in the
City, who is now ondwgcfag serao yean' impriaonmeot for fraud. Mr-
I'arina' name in onniwiiion with pbotogimphy ^ill be remambend as
being aModatad with tba (Mkriar-Fkikaa Syndicate, • ooaeaa £A4tod
a faw yaan ago to fnian pbotographa ia " natural cokmia.'
Ortbochromatto Pbotorntphy*— !■ ov last ianie, in
leviawing a work oo this sabisel, w<a qnotid a formula for tendaring
plataa sanatiT*, not only to tha yallow aad orange raya, bat also to
tba nd. Now, a liula riwidwitioB am Iho Mbjaot wiQ abow that
platsa swMstisad for any apMial fqr MHot ba aaaipakted in that
light. It would, for iaaUBea, ba fatOa to attenpt to daralop plates
tTMted with eoaba in aoeh a yaOow ligbt aa might be permissible
with oidiaary plates, soaias bstag tba ipiiiil sansitiar for tha yellow.
In tha foimnla alluded to, tba sanaitiasr fortha rad ia eyaalM, aad, as
yet, no batter has bean foond for that oolow. Many panoM who
have prspaiad pUtaa with eyaaiaa, althoagb th^ bava iMtdarad tba
red coloun of tba original w^ eoaiplabi that U^y are Eabla to tog
daring tha derelopaMBt. May not thia fog ba doa, whan it has arisxli,
to tha Kgbt of tba wcikioom P It is obviooa that a tad ligbt canoal
bs ampbyad for plataa seaaitiTa to tba rtd raya. If a pUta ooold
ba aada saaaitira to all tha rays of tha ipaetmm, it ia elaar that it
woald have to ba aaaipalatid ia alwilals ilaitiiisa
Ordnanco 8txrw9j
Honm of UiNamoaa
into tha
method of aeealerating tha
maps of Onot Britain, aad to'rspott
Select Committee of the
for, aad oblataad, to iaqi
of tba Ovdaaaos Sorvay, aad tha 1
of
Tbara is
At
as to tha dasnabOity of ■hiiiiTIiIb| tba iasaing of tba maps,
pwssat It frsqnsatly bappaaa that, bjr tha tima tha aMp ia pabliabad,
the sotira diatiiat it is sappuaad to lapnant baa eoaplstaly ebaagad ;
partiealarly ia thia tba OMa with tha aabarba of kiga towaa. Hm
otdaanea map ia, hoaiasst, a tomidahle aSalr, aad, bat tot phol^
grapby, it wootd ba stiD giaatar. Tba maps ara all ptodaoad hf
photo-aianogiaphy, aad it aqr ba Jaitly said that aowbon ia that
piueaas worhad in greatar psrfaatioa thM it is at Sootbamptoa. By
tfa« way, it U mmewhat a matter for saip>ise that pbnto-dneogiapby
ia io comparatiTeiy little worked fiiiaiiaiii iillj. while pboto4th»-
grapay la so axtMMlfwy asployad*
of aalallaa PrtBtSr— Thia Mbjaet— ooa of no little
importaaca— waa broagbt bafora oaa of tha ma^opolitan sodatiaa at
its mertiDfr last week. It ia aa iaeoataatable fact that soow prints
were exhibiiMl wbieb bad uadatguaa a marked change siaea tbay
wars prodaesd— oaly a few yaaia ago. It w also a fact that other
prinli war* ahowa, atoda at tha saaM tima and, praaamably, oadcr
sissilir aoadilfai, ia wideh thars waa no apparoat altvatioa. This
dfcaaalnea ■«■» to prora that the fading ia aot daa to tha pwesas
itsair,battothaBM«hodofworkii«it. If aU tha priaU had ebaagad
aShs, than might ba axaaappanat ground for snspeeting tha pwesi
We haTa,oa several oetaiioiis, eallad attaatioa to tba oonditloaa
sary to be fulfilled if gelatino-bromide, or gelatine-chloride pictures
are to be oonadered permanent, that is, according to the general
acceptance of the term as applied^to photographs. More than once
we have referred to the directions as to manipulations issued by some
makws of gelatine papers being very incomplete with re^ifard to the
care required in the different operations. This has probably been due
to the fact of the introducer of the papers wishing to make the work-
ing of the material appear as simple aa possible. It would be a
matter for regret if a new and Taliuble process should receive a con-
demnation which is only due to the faulty system of working it.
Setorloratlon of Sry Platea. — It would appear from tha
report of the meeting of the Photographic Society of Philadelphia,
given in* our last issue, that the keeping qualities of American dry
platea are not superior to those of our own country. Complaints
were made that, by keeping, the plates became fogged at the edgea,
and in time the'deterioration extended all ovht the plates, just as tha
majority do here. Much of this evil waa attributed to the method
of panking — which is the same aa that almost univeiaally adopted here
— permitting air and noxious vapours to have acoess to the films. It
will ba within the recollection of our readers that we have more than
onoa soggested that manufacturers of dry plates should pay some atten-
tion to the paper and the boxes in which the plates are packed. If they
contain any impurities of a more or less volatile nature, they certainly
will have an influence on the films with changea of temperature, when
tha plataa ara packed in the usual manner with strips of paper, leaving
an air space between them. We have recently been using some com-
mercial platea, the label of whioh shows that they were made in
1886, that wars packed face to face, with blotting-paper between
them, and they are quite perfect exoept at the extreme edges, when
the paper did not quite cover tha film. Mr. Carbutt, the well-known
American plate-makar, at the meeting referred to, recommended
parcelling the pUtas in waxed paper as a preventive of fogging at
the edges. There ia no qaeation that, if platea ware placed film to
film, with nothing J»at m oan them, and than wrapped in imperviona
papar, soeb as paralBnad paper, they would be effectually protected
from the ataMspbara or any deleterious vapour*. The only objection
to this syatam of packing would be the danger of the films rubbing
■gainst one another. This, however, might be avoided by securing
each pair of plataa togathar by strips of gum paper at the sides.
This method of .paddag is certainly worthy of trial with pUtea that
have to be kept a long tioie before use or for export to hot climates.
DEATH OF MB. EDWIN COCEINO.
Wa are sorry 'to leam nf the death of Mr, E. Cocking, an event
which uccuirsd on p-'riday la«t, when be was suddenly seized with
a fit of apoplexy, from which he never rallied. Mr. Cooking has
been before the photographic public for a long course of years. In
1867 he became Hon. Secretary of the original South London
Sodaty, aad contributed various papers, mainly having reference to
the art aspect of the scienos. It is well known that Mr. Cocking, up
tillj a recent period, was Assistant Secretary of the Photographic
Sodaty of Grsati Britain, a poeirion he occupied for fifteen years,
and arary ana connected with that body can bear testimony to the
effieieney of Ida aarriosa during its annual exhibitions. He was
edncata4 tft Sooth Kaodagton as aa artist, and was a frequent and,
iiiitoii?Cil|^hi eoBtributor to our page* and thoae of our A lmanao,
his hut artida being that on page d47 of the current Almanac,
Figur* Studim in Photngraphy. Mr. CaeUng was an affable and
well-infoTmed man, but had long been saffering from an increasing
deafneas, which incapacitated him from undertaking public duties,
although be was entirely cured towards the dose of last year. We
are sure that our feelings of sorrow at Mr. Corking's death will ba
shared by the large drcle of friends he made during his long career m
pbotqcraphy. He leaves behind hiji a record of unobtrusive useful-
whkh will long live in their rscollections.
118
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[February 19, 1892
GRINDINQ THE EDGES OF PLATES.— H.
Fob a grinding slab for glass proceed as follows :— Take a piece of
^ood— it matters not what kind— of suiUble size and plane it per-
fectly smooth, and as nearly flat as possible. My own slab consists of
a jriece of ordinary " flooring board" seven inches wide by a foot long.
Having produced a clean, smooth surface, hold the board to the fire or
place it in the oven until it is thoroughly warm, or as hot as the hand
will bear, then brush over it an even coating of thin glue, free from
lumps or inequalities. The wood may be allowed to absorb as much
as it will of this first coating as a " priming," but it must be renewed
before applying the emery. It is important that the glue should be
thin, and thinly and evenly applied, and if freshly made so much the
better. Take glue of the ordinary strength for carpenter's use and
dilute it with an equal quantity of water and then to ensure an even
coating, filter it.
flaying spread this evenly, as described, over the surface of the
wood, proceed to sprinkle or sift a plentiful supply of emery on to it,
and extend this evenly by means of a sharp, side-long, shaking motion.
When the surface seems evenly covered, throw off the surplus on to
a sheet of paper, and tap the board sharply on the table to remove
aU emery that is not actually adhering to the glue ; examine closely
for bright, thin patches, where insufficient emery has clung, and if
there be such sprinkle a little more on those pkces. It it still refuse
to stick, it is because the glue has set too quickly. It must then be
gently warmed, and the emery reapplied over the whole surface, as
at first. When an even coating has been obtained, set it aside to dry,
and when dry, or nearly so, brush it over quickly with another coat-
ing of glue, and reapply the emery as before, and this, when dry, may
be followed by a third application, which wUl complete it.
It is of considerable importance what grade of emery to employ
for different purposes. For simply grinding the edges of glass the
coarsest that can be obtained may be used, say No. 30, or if No. 24 is
obtainable so much the better. But a closer and much more durable
surface is produced by laying a foundation of the coarser grain, and
following that, when quite dry, with a second coating of No. 60.
This seems to cut with the freedom of the coarse grain, and the
smoothness of the finer. For fine grinding, or semi-polishing, the
last coating should be " flour " emery.
The points to be observed are to have a perfectly even and thin
layer of glue, and to keep it in sufliciently liquid condition to take
thorough hold of the emery. This is the object of heating the wood,
and of allowing its pores to fill themselves with glue before applying
the emery. If this be not attended to the powder will rub off when dry,
or come off in scales, from the want of adhesion of the glue to the
wood. Then the drying must be carried far enough between the
different applications to prevent the second coat of glue from moving
the first. Perfect desiccation is to be preferred where time permits,
as it adds very greatly to the durability of the coating. Heat should
not be used in drying, or the glue will blister, and subsequently
scale off.
Such a slab as that described I use constantly when cutting plates
in the dark room, or when I find they need it. The plate is held at
an angle of forty-five degress, and each of the eight edges is passed
lightly, but firmly over the slab, at a slight angle with the direction
of the edge. Heavy pressure is needless, and only tends to cause
" chips," though there is no serious danger of this with a properly
prepared slab. The plates must of, course, be dusted with a camel-
hair brush before placing in the slides.
It is not possible to do much in the way of grinding the edges of
the unexposed plates, nor is it desirable to attempt it ; but, after the
completion of the negative, it will well repay the operator to remove
any inequalities of a serious character that may have been left by the
cutter. This is easily and quickly done on the emery slab without the
slightest risk to the negative, and much to the advantage of the digits
of the printer.
Where the means are available for utilising the services of an emery
wheel made on this principle, it will be found useful for a variety of
purposes besides tool grinding, as, for instance, in grinding and polish-
ing glass, cutting shapes of either straight or curved outline, or, in
skilful hands, glass bevelling. Indeed, I have found these wheels one
of the most useful additions to my workshop, as with ordinary car*
if kept dry — which is important— they last for months without
renewing, and when worn to a "glaze" only require regluing and
dusting. In fact, the older they become the better they are, on
account of the greater homogeneity of the foundation. Should the
•urface by any accident become chipped or scaled, as from too heavy
pressure of a point tool in grinding, or from damp, the whole of the
emery may be removed and saved by soaking first in cold and then in
hot water, when the wooden foundation is in a condition for re-
coating. W. B. Bolton.
ART AND GENERAL NOTES.
Photo-BIeoIianloal Exhibition. — At the Museum of Fine
Arts, Boston, U.S.A., there is just now a collection of examples,
illustrating the technical methods of art reproduction with reference
to photo-mechanical printing processes, and their development, for pro-
ducing printable blocks and plates. Such an exhibition in London
would, we are sure, be welcomed by many.
JLa Artist's Charity. — A novel way of increasing subscrip-
tions at charity dinners is to be adopted by Mr. David Law, the etcher,
who has undertaken, at the Artists' Benevolent Institution dinner in
May next, to present a signed proof of an etching to all subscribers
of a guinea and upwards on the Fine Art Society's list. The etched
plate is to be destroyed after the dinner. Here is a hint for the
Photographers' Benevolent Association, when it is in need of funds.
Hold a dinner, and give signed prints from a negative, say, by Dr.
Emerson, to all subscribers of so much, and then destroy the negative.
The Woodcuts of Gothic Books. — At the Society of Arts
recently, Mr. William Morris, the poet, read a paper on this subject,
in the course of which he said, " AU organic art, all art that is
genuinely growing, opposed to rhetorical, retrospective, or academical
art, art which has no real growth in it, has two qualities in common
— the epical and the ornamental ; its two functions are the telling
of a story and the adornment of a space or tangible object." There
is much in this that applies not remotely to photography. Mr.
Morris's examples were illustrated by means of the optical lantern,
and the lecture was a learned criticism of ancient and modern
methods of book-illustrating.
Art at the Proposed Photogrraphlc Institute. — We
agree with Mr. P. II. Newman who, apropos of some remarks on this
subject which appeared in our leader last week suggests that, as we
say, every one has his own pet idea on the subject of art in relation
to photography, many must of necessity be wrong. But granting this
and also his deduction that the greater the reason for art being
included in a projected curriculum, we not only feel that the subject
would be outside the scope of a technological institute, but we are
also in considerable doubt as to whom we should look to for the office
of putting the many that are wrong right. What is right ':'
Photog'raphy at Chandernagrore. — All the way from
Chandernagore, we lately received a letter from Mr. Bankinchandra
Mukerji, the honorary secretary of the Amateur Photographers'
Union. Accompanying the letter were several cards embodying good
wishes. They were highly coloured representations of the goddess
Sacti (Power) under the different forms assumed by her on different
occasions. The letter also contained a photograph of the chief Hindu
goddes;', Durga, taken by a beginner, whose reward, it appears, is the
satisfaction of getting a specimen of his photography to England.
The Amateur Photographers' Union of Chandernagore only possesses
two cameras. Its members seldom see the photographic papers, and
they " stare with mute wonder when they read some of the marvels in
them when chance takes them a copy." They lament the absence of
somebody competent to instruct them in the various manipulation*
described! The excellent picture of the Hindu goddess above referred
to convinces us that this is pure satire — if not sarcasm.
Fehnuj 19. 1803]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
U9
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY^ LECTURES— HI.
PHOTOOKAPHT AS A BBANCH OP TECHNOLOGY.*
A Bkixch or TaoBtouMT or thb FtasT Obodu
Tb> Tbcs Cixnm or Taemui. XoocAxnM TsBBinaxo.
TwM iaagt* thmi which Uuntaoa ttM tiM mom of tMhnical cdaMtion
appMn to me to be thia : Tbo rMoonM of tha oonntry kre being too
moefa trittcrad awmy ia lh« mnhipHMHon of mtnhinety for imp«ning
iliMwMry toalnietiMi, ud tb* hi|^«r tpMiaUMtioa, which aloiia wiU
MT* M ia tb« tnd, ia baii« MippM thmby. Tha alMMBtaiy groond-
wotk moat ba laid, and thia work, m far aa it ia baiag dooa, Mnnot be
» tec waU. Bat it ia abamd to wypoM that wa ahaU laoorar our loct
t ia aBybnaeh of faidaaliy by iwHarint braadMat a kaooladta of
, aad than iMviac ■■Mm to alaad. A taahaalngiat
iamrthiac at ItMl ia aajof tha aabjaala vlih vhieh I harafaadaoa-
aanoo— oalaM ha hM Iha aaaaa el inpwa<Hn» bmm adimaead apaeiali-
Mlliw III lili gMwal iTnanJi^ So far m tha ehanieal iadaateiM of
tUa aeantoy aM iiiiiiiiwil, a fcv hifhiy tiaiaad afiaiaHila ara worth
,' M alwiMlarr aattiftaatad tMahara or ptisa-
Wa ara ii|iwillat m ■bJi tmrnfj of«S«ar tooadatioaa. that
than ta bat UtUa lafl for laiaiiw tha aayaratanetoia. Wa ai* anaing oar
iailaalilil t^tmt with waopoaa whiah aM m po^-gnaa eonparad with tha
hMT7 erdaaaM of oar aiMjHitoia. UalaM thoM who an raapooaibia
aaa ba mada to iM that tha aiaMMrtaiy toaiaiat ia faaaml priadplM ia.
ia a tama Bombar o( aotjaala. foito oaalaai, anIaM tha Ufhar apaoialiaa-
tioa ia a«aal|7 waO aat«ad iar, «• riainba ae battar oC ia IbaM faraaahM
el tiiiiBiilinj thaa wo wom balora. Tha al^sMBlary traiaiag baaza to
toiitiniiimj tha aaM* lataliaMUp that tha toaiag of tha iaatiuiiiaiito doM
tolkaoMrtaH. TbMa ia a ^Mt deal el twa^ii^ aad Uawti« loiac on
aD oftr Iha aoaatqr. bat, m yal. al>M^MaltM^y law hidiartinwa el a
Thawlaa»oi^toM<yiathaha«daelthaCeaa^y
I at tha pcaant tima to aapft lnhalml iaalitalM adapted to
I a aaala wtrith wooid bav eaapadaaa with the potr-
1 M,h Mhoela d tte CfHaMt M aaah aeoa^y. er
apaMMa. Am Iha aiaiaaalav lndiit« ai^ hav (mI frail, aad wa
dwiU leek lorwarl Witt gMatot hop* to Iha taaah el Iha eaaipaicB ea
wUah wa have aolatad. It ia aot dHliaah to aM how Iha «^ will aad if
wa paniat ia biaaiag aw^ witt Ma il— wtory anuUl abet ia laapeoM to
the peadiiOM laladlaa el ear iadaatrial aaiapatiiawL
Ool el the haw ol BwraHMii wWab I aa afkaid I haM baaa Ud to
laffial opoa yoo. Iha aaaiial idM aoaaaralag tha |iiu|ioaad aaliea of thia
fMaty I hope haglaB to Imm wHk a mom or laM daflaito tarn. It ia
aot lor yoo to add to tha fMarai iMkb^ el aaall haUa. bat b naaiaa
tor yea to briat lofMbar a atreof alaff el eiparl riagaa wka aaa (Im oa
a ffMd lead paal ea Ika afaiaMa. Tea win, I hop*, waaaf or IMm. aat aa
) Ib laahaiMl adoMttea fai year owa Mbjaot— wUik m adsiinbly
I itaaU to ttM parpeM ahlah ihail act todbaaliy eo an talattd aab-
, by ifcaaiag hew Maah el the not work el liiiiiiilnty beglaaatlM
laiaiac hoM baaa aaMplatad. Tha ia-
the aiiatfaw ^iwiiiti ia fMd m far m it
el TtawttMoat ba nfwdad m Iha maaaa el
eopftyiat tha ma aataiMta eat ct whieh Iha Ii^nnlnglai el the Mom
iatoba ■ealdat It ■ aol year proHaM to Maiat ia amllipliealiea of
tha ilawaatag dawaa. bat to aat the ioal ol imataitiy ea Iha
ASfLHMBOt*
I ahoaU haM bat iiula
> ior addiaariac yoa aa I haM, did I
aetlaal wbataaplaoAl eppertaaity ika bafoM yea for lyai^ (be WmI
el at laaat eaa faaportaat bnaah el laahanlnty. Still laM ahoald I ba
Jartiiad ia laapiiaillat to year iaritatiaa did I aat agar acaw i i^iill ii ai
wUah m»j ba ol DM ia farlhariai JM* oh^aaL Tba Wietaifayhia la-
•iilata,aaah m wa daaire, woold ba aa eatoUialoaMt Ibaaoa^tty aqoippad
lor tha bart prMtUal tnalnatiea, wall proridad with appliaaeM (or
aanyiai ea rMaaiah ia araiy daparlataat el Iha Mbjaat. aad harlaa
1 to H tha Meat aoMpetwt apaaiaiiato ka aMqr bMaalL Tha alafl
aot ba auaiwuaa at fliat s a ahwilat, aa optiajaa aad phyiteial, aa
ia plinM aiaalianifal ytonaaiM. aad aa artiat weald iipiaMut tha
lapailMaata. Tear ooMaiittM or goMratxn bo^woald kaowtha
right iMB to aaiaat ; U thay oaaot ba faaad ia thia eooatiy. yoa may
Itata to go attoad far theM. Thia eearM wqi appear IgiiaMiiilona ; bat,
U it baa to bo adapted, m MoAlhobeMv. H wtD haw paatiaal witaeM
to tba aaaaadty e( haaiag Iha Maoaa el raiaag aaah aaa ia ear owa
aMatry. Tha idaal loalitata B*y ba a •!<?« icrowlh, bat avaty aflort
*hoald b« mtta to aatabliah it. Tha Plioiivrapbie Soeiaty h*a alnady
tokaa the laittaliM by prapoaiag aa aflUiatioo with biadwd SoaiatiM.
■MaM*>^
This sebeme ahoald ba anergatieally piuhad forward, and erary meana
adopted for urging the importaiua of tba alalmi of photography to haM
a reoogniaed technological eantra. I Mntora to think that an Impetoi
would be given to the moTemant if rapraaentativas of the Camera Clnb,
the Photographic Convention of tha United Kingdom, and of tha
nomeroas photographic Sodatiaa of tha metropolis were invited to
another conference, each ai was held last year, bat with the special
object of forming a joint committee, ander whose anthority a farther
api>aal might be made for pabUc and private support. If only a moderate
fond eould be raised at first, operations might be oommanoed. Sorel
the numeroui firms which have coma into existence through tha general
introduction of photographic prooassaa, and tba large body of wealthy
amateurs who practise the art as a pastime, might ba sufBoisntly interested
In the movement to give it their support
It only remains now to bring these suggestions to a practical issue.
Wa are aoeh a very praetiaal nation that, unless something tangible is
oSared, Um foundation of tba tnstltuta may be Indefinitely delayed ; m
yet, then is nothing of the kind in azistanee— there is no organized work
haiag done that appsals dlreeCy to tha patriotism and to the pockets of
thoM to whom you may lagitlmataly look for aaslstanoe. But elementary
photography is being taught in oonnezion with technical schools and
nlasann all over the ooantry. A good beginning might be made if under
the aatpiftt of the Joist oommittaa a few first-class specialists wen
aad aothoriaad to give short courses of demonstrations to those
aialiaa, or ia tboM oentrM which dasiiad to receive such in-
Tha local oeatrM might fairly be aaked to make the necessary
anaagentaata aad to bear tha small azpeuM of local organization ; tha
fnad imiaad by tha joint eoaimittee would be wall spent at fint in defray-
iag tlia eoatotl a few speeial laotnran. Ton may have aome difficulty In
laying your haada on tha nght man for this woric ; I need hardly remind
yoa that tha irtiola aaposis of this initial movement depends upon your
aaadiag only tlie moat hi^ily qnaliflad specialists. Ton must have man
who eaa tianh tba taaitiiiis. and eoovinoe practical photographan that
vadarlyittg the praettoa of their art ara broad soiantific principles, which
it ia their iataraal to kaow somatbing about. These preliminary ped-
patelie umuaw moat be ragardad in tha light of missionary efforts, having
far tlMb objeet not tlia moltipliaation of photographic operators, but tha
awakaoing ol the alaaiantary and advanoed student to the higher aspaota
ol Ibeir Mbjaet. It la deairable to have this function of the leotoren
wan oadatateod at the ootMt ; the azparta who an entrusted with this
work will kaow waU eaoogh that it ia impoaaibla to make a technologist
oat ol a atadaat, hew«Mr aathoaiastie ha may ba in hia subject, simply
by giriag him a eotiiM ol laetoraa.
Taa latatiTUTaa or Biaus a*» ViaaxA.
If the ayatam of itinaiant instruction which I haM suggested eaa only
ba fairly started, avan on a email scale, one important (unction of tha
Ibi^Hh** will ban been laaognratad. It will have a claim upon tha
pTai*f«i^ aliiiallwiaHil m a iMobing body ; it will appeal mora spaolfl-
aolly to the pseMOtwi ol toahnlaal adueatioa, and to thoae public bodlM
whieh haM Mlaatarily or by Act o( ParUamaat Idantiflad thamsalvM
with tliia moMMant. It ia certainly diaoooraging — I may uy diaoradit-
ebto Then wa sm tha aafaifleant scale on which the photo-tachnioal
IimIIIiiIm ot Berlin aad Tiaana ban bMn founded and equipped, that in
this euoatiy. whatOMr the Importanaa ot the subject, public recognition
aad npport eooie ooly after momss has bMn achieved by private anUr-
priae. I am afaaid yoa will have to reckon with this national charaoter-
iatie, whieh, ahhoogh lelaidlin advancement in many directions, is so
far good that it calls forth the moat stnnuous exertions to ensun
aaeeaas at tba oatMt of every new movement Upon the suooass of
year Arat aaaiX aadartakiog will depend tha larger ultimata aaaeass
whieh we aU look far.
Oae other taggaatiea ooean to me whieh may help to strengthen your
haada. I ban aaid tliat Instruction in photography is already being
ia mtaj »t'*"*'~' aaiteob; this instruction is mora or less of an
.alMMalKy nharantar It aeams feasible to eombioe with the proposed
ooaroM of apadal laatorM a system ot inspectorship which might be
carried oat by tba Mme staff. Your lecturara would be reoogniaed
csparta, capable ol adviaing aasli aehools m to methods of teaching aad
d eo-openliag with loeal eaatna ia the seleetion of the most highly
qealiCed leaahera. I aa eon that moat eentm would be ooly loo glad
to avail themaalTM ol the kaowladga and experience thus placed at their
aarviee. If yoa begin oparatioas on thea Una at fint— if yoa oan carry
ea thia eombinad system el skilled teaching and inspection sooeeMfally
for a (aw taan, year claim (or pcrmaoent establishment and endowment
aa a Photographic Institute cannot but leoriva that support from public
bodJM to which your educalioaal efforts will have entitled yon, and which
w otbar eooatrin ia gi<aa by tlie State. IUtbakl Msldola, F.B.B.
120
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[February 19, 1892
ILEMENTABT NOTES ON PHOTOGBAPHIO LENSES.
IX Oommiiniaktion to the Poljrtaolmio FhotograpUo Sodety.]
.afta Mwnthil qualiflofttion in a Bkilled workman U that he ahoold
lilhoroughly underetand his tools, and be so well acquainted with the
( apakiUties and oharuterigtio ot distinctive qualities of each one that,
!«h*taTCr work he may be engaged upon, he will instinctively select the
nioct loitable for producing the desired result.
It fB not intended to ask your attention to an abstract or advanced
,t«flhniitnl essay, but rather to a consideration of those elementary principles
' tWidlfaMts relative to the construction and action of photographic lenses,
<«Bd their bearing on practical work, that should be familiar to every
photographer. The lens being his principal tool, a more perfect know-
Udge of its powers and properties is of the highest importance.
Bbtbactios.
It Is a familiar fact that the direction of a ray of light is changed or bent
' by passing through a prism, this bending being called refraction, as shown
' iB^diagram 1. Now, if s piece of glass, having its surfaces ground to form
parts of a sphere, be substituted for the prism, as in the lower figure in
the diagram, it will be seen that its action is similar to an infinite number
of prisms, all points at the same distance from the axis refracting the
rays to the same extent, and all other points refracting to an extent pro-
portionate to their distance from the centre, so that all rays from the
same source of light, L, are refracted, and meet at a point on the opposite
aide of the lens, P, this point being called the /ocus for that ray.
In all diagrams of principles, the lens is drawn very large, to render
the illustration plainer. It will be seen from this that each point in the
image is the apex of a cone of rays, the base of the cone being the working
diameter of the lens ; and a lens is capable of transmitting an infinite
number of such cones of light, and bringing each to its own fooBS inde-
pendently of the others, each preserving its own character, direotion,
intensity, and individuality intact.
The amount of refraction is determined by the curves of the lena ;
consequently, the greater the angle at which the rays enter, the more
acute will be that as they leave, so that, the greater the distance of an
object the nearer the lens will the image of that object be formed.
In Diagram 2 an object at 0' has its image at 'F' ; while one at C,
nearer the lens, piojecis an image at F-, faiiher away.
I'oci OF LCKSIIS.
.'When the focus of a lens is given, it is always the focus for parallel
'•■•ys or those piocecding from an object at a very great di '.ance, im:s
' ^''being'the nearest plane to itssnrfiice at which a lens is capable of forming
an image. This is Renerally called the equivalent focns, and, being
known, the distance at which nearer objects are sharply defined is easily
foDnd.
If F = equivalent focus ;
V = distance of object from lens ;
1 = fucu3 if that object or distance of image from lena ;
1 =
FD
D - F"
Example : Focus of lens, 10 inches ; distance of object, 90 inchei.
1 =
10 X 90 ^ 900
90 - 10 " 80
= 11^ inches.
When an object to be photographed is placed at a distance from the
lena equal to twice its equivalent focus, the image is formed at exactly
the same distance, and is the same size as the object. This gi?eB a
simple method of ascertaining the focus of a lens, the only drawbaek
being the necessity for a camera that will extend to nearly twice the
length necessary for ordinary work with the same lens. Adjust tht
camera until the image is the same size as the object itself ; measure the
distance from the ground glass to the object, one-fourth of which ia the
equivalent focus of the lens.
When the camera will not extend sufficiently for this, the same prin-
ciple may be applied, though the method is rather more complex. Foena
and measure any convenient object, arranging so that the image is a
certain proportion of the size of the original, and carefully measure the
distance from the ground glass to the object.
F = equivalent focus ;
D = distance of object from focussing screen ;
B = ratio of size of image to object :
(R + If
F = D
B
Example : An object is focussed, and the image is one-eighth foil aize,
the distance between the image and the ground glass being lOlJ inches.
By working out as shown on the board, the focus of the lens ia found to
be 10 inches.
F = lOlJ
(8 + 1)'
8
= lOli -=- ^ = 10 inches.
As so much in the intelligent use of a lens depends on knowing its
focus, a photographer should carefully measure each one in his possession.
For those who prefer the most simple methods possible, a roughly ap-
proximate result may be obtained by focussing a distant object, and then
measuring from the ground glass to the lens itself if a a single, and to
the stop-slot if a double, combination.
The size of the image of an object at a given distance is approximately
proportionate to the focus of the lens used ; a lens of ten inches focus
will give an image about twice as large as one whose focal length is five
inches.
The distance beyond the equivalent focus that the ground glass has to
be extended to produce a sharp image of any given object is a fraction
of the focus expressed by one figure less than the multiple of the focus
that represents the distance of the object. For example, if a sitter were
placed thirteen feet in front of a twelve-inch focus lens, this, being thirteen
times the focus, would necessitate the ground glass being extended one-
twelfth of twelve inches — i.»., one inch beyond its position for distant
objects — while the same distance from a six-inch lens, being twenty-six
times the focus, would require one-twenty-fifth of six inches, or rather
less than a quarter of an inch extension, the scale of the imagea being
one-twelfth and one-twenty-fifth full size respectively.
The extent to which any object is out of focus when another ia sharply
defined increases as the square of the focus of the lens, the example
just given showing that for the same object a twelve- inch lena required
four times the extension beyond the equivalent focus that the aix-inoh
lens necessitated.
This will illustrate the limited practicability ol fixed foau lemet ; by
which is meant those that, without any extension of the ground glass,
will define, far and near, objects sharply, which is, theoretically, an
impossibility ; but, when lenses of very short focus are used for subjects
at a moderate distance (this is such a large multiple of the focus) that
the corresponding fraction ii such a very smEill quantity, that, the lens
being carefuUy focussed for an average distance, all other objects likely
to be included in "snap shots," will be sufficiently sharp for practical
purposes.
DrsPEESION.
A ray of light, passing through a prism or a lens composed of a single
piece of glass, is not only refracted, but also ditpersed, or divided up into
its elementary colours, each colour ray being brought to a focus at a
different point, and in the following order from the lens : — red, orange,
yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet, as shown in diagram 8. For rendering
the illustration clear, the distance between the extreme points is greatly
exaggerated, and would be more correctly represented by the lower
figure.
Pebraary 19, 19M]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
121
The rajri to whieh oar ejta are moat MMatm we tlia tcUov, wbi«h
hftva Tcry littla effect on an ordiiiaiy photogiaphie plate, this being oon-
dteaUy atof* iwitiTB to tba bloa than to any other ; so that, if an
iaMfla iocMad hf ■wh a laaa vera sharply (ooosscd in the ordinary way,
and a SMaUiw plat* expoaad, tha wilting nagatiTe wonld be binned or
oat ot tooH, owing to the ebemieally aeti*e image being sttoated at a
troa dw giaalasl tWU« diarpaeaai Diflkrant kinds ot
r^fi^aettaidttpmtfa «h*aa«*«slMit. so that, by a skilfiU
■o piaeaa of aafllriiitly varied refraetiTe and
dw aetiea ot am k aociaaled by the other, and the
ehemteal and Tirible Imagis are made to eoineide, and
•aeh • iani U Mid to ba teknmatie, or baa from eoloor
This eoahnMUoB lo fans eoa ]«•■ mut not ba eoafttsad
with a doabk or cwpnniid IsDa, haTing oaa alaoMBt at
aaeh and et a tabau Tba t«e gjaaaea aia owsnttfl to-
Hstber ia optiaal aoalaat, aa la diagram 4, and to an
"-' rT ebasrvea ifpear lo bo eaa piaea ooljr. ▲ single
■ttab aesoMaladeemMaaiiea, while moat eoapooad
ttle laaa ia aipaMa Ot lormiag a phologiapMa
TlecMait trbaa Ike gnalaal abarpnasa ia
•boaMkai
-.esatiiadlwl
B.W.
(TslaasMtawdL)
(A lavsr i«4 hi«OT lbs
GABBOS PUXTDiO.
rbstecnVbM •eaMr.]
I ee aol propose lo utiaapj year aHMliaa Ihia avaaiaf with aay loag
MU to Ifca pracrtaal part tt tk» ■■!!■. Isisnsi Van aware that too have
earboa aiyarts aa mmhm* ol jaar laaiaM, aad ha*a aot kag snaea had
a Wn rwikailiia aa iMa Mbjiat ^^ bat I iMak theia wig be m
SMBBihsd efal alaaa mtf ba a poitka at Ihia aab^ asw to yoo.
I tsar 11 OM^ bo IbaagH as aU atan. aad to
pdatiag. aad H is oUsr ia poial of
"i* I
taiha iaportaal
" Iha
al)
iMaktteaakotdito
potato fli dsHaiay ^ ^MhHoB el
riihntoi aad Iraaaaaway at Iha
On Ihia aartiaalar poM I Ik
To« kaow that M k aa^ to kitato Iha Mkato dstoU of Iha darkar shadow,
aad ia a Amos deposit, whaa pmiiac in brooida or platiaam. bol the
patnMafHy of th« sarboa pttattag k thataoawitar how dasp iha shadows
wvytaTif thank Ink dstoil hi Iha iMiii ii it wltt show ia Iha psjats.
algslartHstkBaa.aad
•thaakahHwa
I woald sail jaar siialloa kr a law toimisa to Iha
poisto of Iha ptaassa aa la^wk ito adtraatagsa aad dlsadTaal^M, aoB-
aand with olh« kaowa pini aad I lake It laa fmolad that yoa aU
snow Iha ratkaals tt warklag la aarboa tiasoa.
AvrMrMOMor raa
I have kaowa the wwWag priasipk of Iha
bat I atwva bad aa idea that U was a dirty, oieaay.
f*qbir«d aa ■alliallad topply of hot water, and I f
heeaeie I eooid aot aw asy way to aaka aay [suriihH ei aaah anply.
Bat. •(10 trying pretty wall all the kaowa phoiing ailthadi, aad Una
tworkiag cf othtoB,! laaeHad at last
kr many years past,
whkh
It.
to see the carbon proeess as worked by the Aototype Company of London,
and the simplicity ot it was so striking that I at onoa took it up, and I
think it oombioes most of the good points one desires in a photograph,
and SToids the disagreeable afwr-work of long washing and soaking of
prints to eliminate any salts left by fixing agents.
The advantages ot oarbon are, first, pennanenoy. There cannot be aay
doabt on this point, if care is osed in adding pigments ot undoubted per-
manenow to the gelatine tissos, and there are so many absolutely reliable
pigments available that we may dismiss all anxiety on that point. The
aim of gelatine in wtiioh the colouring matter ia suspended is not only
rendered insoluble in very hot water by the action of light, but is after-
wards subjected to the tanning action of alum, so that it may be considered
to be doobly treated in a way to render it permanent, as a means of en-
closing and preserving the colouring matter which forms the picture.
Secondly, there is do need lor any inspection of the print during
axposnre in the printing frame. The time is ascertained by an actino-
mctsr, consisting of a strip of sensitised silver albnmenised paper compared
with a tinted ground, and therefore there is no risk ot fogging the print
by lapaated sTaminations of its progress in a weak light. This may
poasibly be thought an objection and a source of difficulty ; but, though it
rsfoine the experience of a first print from each new negative to deter-
Biina the correct aotinometer exposure, when it is once determined and a
aiamorandam made ot it, all future printing from that negative becomes
a certainty, and yoo may produce without mistake any number of after-
prints so long as yon work accurately by the actinometer.
I always expaot to have only an approximately correct print from the
flisl pisea of tiaacM exposed on any oaw negative, as no one can tell by
aiawinatinn what Uw vagariea ot every negative may be the first time of
osing ; it may require iongsr or shorter ezpooore aad more " blocking,
oat"of eartain parte than at first sight piil^tbasxpected. Therefore I
pot it down as one of the disadvantages of the prooeas that the first prin-
trom a new nagativa most be regaided as a tentative proceeding, and the
aubaeanent ptints from such negative must be guided by the experianoa
gafaiaa from the first triaL
As soon as I kaow the eoneet aetinometar exposure, I write it on Iha
back ot the nagatiTe in tha ekar tabato margin with a writing diamond,
aad it u alwns at hand tor ratoreoea, and it vukj be relisd on as an
nnfaiUng guide for future work.
Thirdly, comfort and eonvsnience in working. AU who have printed
by bromide or alpha P*Par will have fait the disoomtort of having to
work ia a red or oraaga fight, and tlie difBonlty of estimating the exaet
aileh to whieh devalopmant has arrived, and the correct time to stop ;
bat in earbon work it is widely different, the tissue, when moistened tor
dsTalooment, beeomes eomparatively insensitive to light, and it Is posaibk
to work in a fairly good diffused daylight, or by a very strong gaslight,
withoat risk of fogging the image, and it ia an immanse comfort and oon-
«aeiaaoe ia judging of tha critical stato of tha print to ba able to osa a
•troag Ught aad aaa so parfaetly what ona k doing.
temihtj, aaanraakBoa ia obtaining materiak Tha tksna can ba had
kashly asaiMaid twka a weak kom Ilia Aolotypa Company, and travek
wall I7 panel post sent out in cut pieces ot the aaaot ■!■• re<)niiad fa«
any nagatira, and it is ready for use at onoe, or yon eaa have it ssnt la
roUs, sad eot it up yotinelf ; but in this stato I find there U some danger
of eraeliiag the taoe of the film in unrolling It ready for cutting up, and
tha ^fitsB of est piaeas k moat eoaveniant
SoMi DiaiDviaTAOis.
Tba ahkf diawbaek to aarboa tiasoa k that attar sansltking it will only
in good wofUag anadilioa te a abort lima, s^, about twelve or
loortaaa days, if kept la a dry eoaditioD, ao that it k advisable to usa
it op as promptly as possible, or to order only as much at one time as
ean oe used up with any seriee of negatives within a fortnight ; but
it k just hare that Iha ooovenienoe ot obtaining it in cut pieces twice
a weak oomaa In, as tha postage U light on it.
I bat* soma avarimaato aow ia |iiugfam by Whiah I hope to find that
JtmiybakaBtkagsr.if aotiadsfhiilely. It baa been stated that gelatine,
whaa asamaad by bkkaomato aalta, beeomos iasohibk in course of time
eolT ia tha prsasaaa of aioiatara ; aad it would asam feasible that, it all
BMtstars k ettiaetad by storage ia a ohlorida ot ealeimn tube, such as k
■sad for a platinum paper, it might be expected to remain in good print-
lag oondition as long as dryness is msintained. If so, it will be a great
aoovenienoe to be abk to keep tissue longer ; if not, we shall be in no
worse fpaition than at prasant.
"OCsa»se, sooh dssiacaled tissos must be allowed to absorb moisture
to a normal extent by baiag placed in a dark and damp cellar for a short
time before use in tba prtatiag frames ; and, as it is very hygreseoplo, it
will rapidly afaaorb snMclsBl aMtstore.
The only disadvaatags ol a sarions aatara hi earbon printing I am
awars of k tha aelioa d lbs skin ot Ilia eolation of bichromate, whkh
has a known poisoaooa property if too long in oontact with the hands.
Tha warm water neeeaaary tor the solution of the gelatme in development
fondsrs the skin very absorbent, and the salt, after a time, creates coo-
itiltTTV'T iiriutioo, raasmbliDg 'chapped hands' dus to cold weather,
aad ia sgnavaliag msii it slroogly rsaemblss ' eoxema,' with great
HaUDg aaS^amartiag of aay eraakad portiona of tba skin. On question-
ing tba tmftuftt oflba Aniotyps Companv on ttik point, I found oonsider-
abM variatton ; soms in constant use of the tiuna were not affected by it,
122
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[February 19, 1892
others were attacked in the way indicated ; it appears to be partly oonsti-
tatiomal tendency to It or otherwise. In my own case, I worked the
process for nearly a month before I found any inconvenience ; then the
britation commenced, and I had to leave off for a time, and by the nse
of vaseliue pomade it soon ceased ; I then adopted stout indiarubber
gloves for use in development, and have not had the least trouble since—
In fact, the use of indjarnbber gloves is pleasant and beneficial, as they
act like a Turkish bath, and keep the hands in nice order, if washed in
toap and water after work. I therefore strongly advise any one who takes
np carbon printing to avoid the unpleasant consequences of contact with
fciehromate solutions, by the use of indiarubber gloves.
Gkobqe Bameaiit.
{To be continued.)
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS.
Th> first annual meeting of this Association was held at Anderton's Hotel on
Thursday, February 11, the President, Mr. H. J. Whitlock, in the chair.— The
attendance, if not laive, was representative, members from Leeds, Sheffield,
Hull, Birmingham, Manchester, Lincoln, London, and other large towns,
being present
The PKK.SIDBNT, in opening the proceedings, gave a history of the Asso-
ciation since its inception, and said that throughout there had been
great unanimity among the country photographers. They had now come to
London to hold out the right hand of fellowship to the London photographers,
among whom, he had been told, some jealousv existed. Whether they
succeMed or not in their endeavours, they would have the satisfaction of
knowing that they had approached them in a spirit of cordiality. They had
had difliculties to encounter, but they had met with considerable success and
encouragement. A list of photographers of the United Kingdom, numbering
about 3000, had been compiled, who he hoped would join the Association.
One great cause of complaint by photographers was that some firms who did
a great deal of enlarging for the trade gave them no better terms thau to those
outside the profession, who were not dependent upon their business for a
living. This was a most unfair action, as it practically took a large part of
the business out of the profession which had been accustomed to have it.
Some firms, however, had seen the injustice of this, and had undertaken to
protect the profession in the future by allowing them a substantial discount.
He looked to the members of this Association to support those firms who
acted justly to them. He would go further, and .say that one way of bringing
it home to themselves was to bear in mind that they were not studying their
best interests in supporting other houses who declined to act fairly with the
legitimate photographer.
The report of the Council, after acknowledging the indebtedness of the
Association to Messrs. C. P. Richards and Crosby for their efforts, stated
that the subject of enlarging for the trade had received attention. In
reference to the law of copyright, it was intended to prepare data on the
subject, and the profession would be invited to forward suggestions on the
subject. The following firms had complied with the wishes of the Association
as to allowing trade prices to traders only : — Messrs. Elliott & Son, Marion &
Co., the Autotype Company, the Eastman Company, Edwards & Co., Fry
Manufacturing Company, Brooke Brookes, Slater & Co., the Bumingham Photo-
graphic Company, and others.
The adoption of the report was moved by Mr. Thomas Fall and seconded
by Mr. G. V. Yates (ShefSeld), and it was agreed that, together with a list of
members, it should be printed for circulation.
Mr. James Martin hoped the Association would not depart from the
principles of free trade, and complained of the action of those who advertised
enlargements in the journals at verj' low prices, which were read by the whole
photographic world as well as amateurs,
Mr. Fall said it was the firms in a large way of business that the Associa-
tion had to fight against, and so far they had been very successful. Catalogues
and advertisements had, in some instances, been withdrawn, and new lists sent
out There was no attempt at protection or coercion on their part, they were
simply actmg on the defensive, and he was ashamed of the apathy of the
London photographer.
Mr. Martin hoped that when the Association got more fully established,
the labours of the provincial photographers would be gratefully recognised by
all those who benefited from them. He himself had adopted one list of prices,
as suggested by Mr. Fall.
Mr. John Crosby was somewhat disappointed at the thin attendance,
and regretted the London photographers had not accepted the invitation to be
present in the spirit with which it was given. This question was one of bread
and butter for them. The price lists of large firms not only got in the hands
of amateurs, but also in those of the general public, who got their enlarge-
ments at the same price as photographers. He advised members of the
Association to boycott the firms that did not use them fairly.
Mr. Martin spoke of the " dreadful facility of the pressure frame " as a
factor in the cutting of prices, large firms sometimes finding competitors in
their former errand boys. ITiere was a large Association of amateurs the
members of which expected printing done on trade terms not only for them-
selves, but also for their sisters, cousins, and aunts. They also got their
enlargements done at twenty-five per cent. less than trade prices. The.se
orders should go through the professional photographers. Amateurs became
fully informed of trade terms from the advertisements which appear in the
journals.
Mr. Fall thought they had less to complain of the amateurs than of the
general public, a.ssisted by the large firms. After quoting instances where such
firms had allowed the same terms to the public as well as to the photographers
ho said he wished it to be understood bv photographers that great benefits
had accrued from the work of the Association, which had received communi-
rations from several firms expressive of their determination to behave better in
the future.
Mr. T. K. BiDDLE thought the As.sociation should deal with the fi^e crayon
dodge, which was a direct fraud on the public.
Mr. Fall said the subject had been introduced at one of the Council meet-
ings, and it was felt that the police-courts would be better able to deal with
it. It was working its own cure, as they had now nearly gone all over the
kingdom, and photographers were not suffering.
A guarantee fund of 761. was announced. The following were elected
to form the Council for the ensuing year -.—President : Mr. T. Fall,
London — Vice-Presidents : Messrs. Chevalier Lafosse, Manchester; Robert
Slingsby, Lincoln ; H. J. Whitlock, Birmingham.— Coujicti ; Messrs. W.
Barry, Hull ; T. Birtles, Warrington ; — Bromage, Bridgnorth ; Warwick
Brookes, Manchester; W. J. Byrne, Richmond; J. Chancellor, Dublin;
W. Cobb, Tottenham ; T. Storey Davis, Halifax ; W. E. Debenham,
London ; J. E. Eddison, Bamsley ; J. Elliott, Elliott & Fry, London ;
J. Fergus, Larm ; T. Forrest, Pontypool ; — Guy, Cork; William GUI,
Colchester ; R. P. Gregson, Blackburn ; Abel Lewis, Clifton ; Donald Mac-
Iver, Leeds; James Martin, New Southgate; H. S. Mendelssohn, London;
W. H. Midwinter, Bristol ; John Moffatt, Edinburgh ; C. Pettinghall, Liver-
pool ; Frank M. Sutcliffe. Whitby ; Carl Vandyke, London ; H. Van der
Weyde, Loudon ; F. M. Whaley, Doncaster ; G. V. Yates, Sheffield.— ffoji.
Treasurer : Mr. John Crosby, Rotherham. — Hon. Secretary : Mr. C. P.
Richards, Barrow. — Secretary : Mr. D. J. O'Neill, 47, Charlotte-road,
Birmingham.
Mr. Fall proposed a vote of thanks to the retirmg President, Mr.
Whitlock, for his services to the Association. This was seconded by Mr.
Crosby, who testified to the deep interest which Mr. Whitlock took in the
Association. Mr. Whitlock briefly replied, and the proceedings terminated.
®ur fititenal STatle.
Messrs. Mabion's catalogue of photographic material and apparatus
contains illustrated particulars and prices of all the requirements of
amateur photographers. The preface gives some good advice to
amateurs in reference to the selection of apparatus.
Messrs. Percy Lund & Co. have compiled an index to current
photographic literature, •which, if not exactly " supplying a long-felt
want," is handy for reference. Its usefulness, however, is impaired by
several omissions, a defect which, we gather, will be remedied in future
editions.
Burton's Modern Photoghapht (Piper & Carter, 5, Fumival-
street, E.C.) has reached its tenth edition. Several alterations, that
were received from the author too late for adoption in the previous
edition, are included in this. The work, as we have before said, is an
excellent handbook for a beginner.
The Thomton-Piekard Company's new Catalogue contains particu-
lars of several improvements which have recently been made in their
time and instantaneous shutter, as also a new shutter for snap-shot
and hand-camera work. This is said to be the only blind shutter
which automatically covers the lens and protects the sensitive plate
whilst setting for the next exposure.
The second number of the Photographic Revirw op Reviews is
admirable. The literary contents are selected with evident care and
judgment. The Editor writes somewhat severely of the " namby-
pambyism " prevalent among photographic societies, the truth of
which we regret to have to admit, and Dr. Hall Edwards's discourses
on the recent " Art Craze." The illustrations to the Keview are
capital, both in subjects and as specimens of photo-mechanical re-
production.
The aim of the Ilfohd Manual of Photography (The Britannia
Works Company, Ilford), by Profes.sor C. H. Bothamley, is to serve as
a trustworthy guide in the actual practice of the art. This aim is
fully achieved, as the treatise is a clear exposition of. the principles
and practice of modern photography by a most able writer. The
book includes a number of reprints of Mr. Ilowson's articles, various
reference tables, and a list of dealers and dark rooms, and in printing
and get-up is decidedly attractive.
RECENT PATENTS.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS.
No. 2381.— "Improved Magic-lantern Slide Carrier." B. R. liiSD.— Dated
February 8, 1892.
No. 2387.— "Improved Photographic Enlarging Lamp." P. 'Ellis.— Dated
Febniury S, lS9:i.
Fehrauy 19, 1899]
THE RRinSB JOURNAL OF PmrrOORAPHY.
123
Xa 3m.—" ImwmwMBU is AtteeUaf Fkotognphic Lenn* to Cunciu."
W. SujnrBT.— ZlMiri fUraary 8, ISM.
"-;.— -iMMuiiMwti It PfcutegimMe Oi—fi«." L. M. ISAAoa.—
MrylO^Ugt.
.. ^— "Imiui— ti ia, ad nhHm to, Fkotognidiie Ounana."
U C tini Dmitdrttrumy II, ISML
Wo. g«».— "iMBf owtolagfctfifcr Pfcotographle Ckin«i«." A. McE.
-Aila/>UnMrvI
r/UnMryU;l8at.
Dark SUdo." W. GuiTiTBa.
the
Xo. «ai— " lawiiiiMto te
' 'VdriMfyU. UBl
-— "Imiii III M ■Ilia, ariiliMili taAnpiBtni for B«awtii« tbt
M& Wn. — " Imw u ■! ti ia, «r «pbI1mM« to, Phot<ign|ihie
a B. Qoau aad & A. Tatum.— IMW/MrMfy IS, 1892.
PATBITS COMPLKTED.
i io AcmuhSiD FBOTooaAfwo ICAflSDnL
S«L Ml Jon Kiumiw Mmut Mi
■ad Jaxm M «frtMijan 9, BoUaai-pian^
m, Boa«dl-i«mt, OlMmr,
•add
tawHwi. «U«h nbtaa to liiaii— N la ■■tni— tfa pfcato|tMiMag
Wi,kai ferttaaMiet to aMk* tk«MltaBar«aekaaekto«aMnMapla
■■diwnnflMa
n* actioa of In taffoivd ■■rfctai b « loOovi :— Th* pvaoa to b*
phetanffeid rtMdi ia Am* af tk* mmMh tad aawnn tla Im^ er Um
MteMLvMlwkgraaliiac «r «HMt(«Miakaadl*arI««w. nkmon-
■an WMtoaaeowIlM la* ar eata rial, w fcett. amum ita htt^fnfmir
aMMdadl^Mdtkalwttbaat Ik* afMtor briar •■»• that ka ia vtadiag ap
■alkod of aaeari^ Ikb w^ aatuMUi «iadiH«P<>rtka
■Mklaa vaald ba to piaaa Ika kMd-nal, «tt ar «<lka«t a niaeler, oa ■ law
ar»atol fed. ■» that ikaa««a»lill>a»ar ftMrng H dava or bb iato perfliaa
vaaldwiadapaMaaaktea. Till— li III imiiw an rflklikiil imI alaillM
Mitu II «odd baanat^WkMiWiria it,«>th<ll aaaM art ba
p^MTdmlfll IkaMtB «ai aat kilka rial, aad io iMtka tiMMd «Hd eeald
Ska daUfMad tm it aw MJtaad.
iniklkafc«filkilafaaMl.a1— BaaiadlMtkaiiaHd^toaClfcaaoia
Ika ■inihi to *tm%', *kk Ika
Id ka pnImM* aMa^^lkkad W a MaO pnaa battaa ar aaa
■olkir iHmallii watkad aparid ka to awlaaalkaaaea Mwaaa tka i*>
araadtkapMM^lHrtitafHtaMt IkaaaAtoa la Ika fena afa Uttia
,Hd •• awMrtiaf tta frtavltt tka iilikaiuik Ikat Ika opaal^ aad
tlat af lk« «M« ky tka paayla alaiiat ar laavlM daH^ tka aaa ef tka
btoa woahl. by tka ■ ii i mmAJI Ika >ria. aw—VSk
■ad ■laiMial «( Ika pto il li aaaaHfT to paatt
Ikaartiaa af Uw 0t», mi, liliil. afd ikaaalf
tkawiadiaK •< tka
bjmdaaar
Aaalk»allOTMl«aaalkaJlitomMa tka aMaklaa m Itet tka toiakad
caid awaal ka wkkdnva tnm tkt dal»«<rr ckaabn wM tka aorw ia diawa
«ld^ Mrf Ika piHbnri^ a# tkb act wladi Ika alaakvatk.
Aaalk* altaMtfa Mikad la to HOTtdi a atfCM Mlalar vHkakaadK
wttklkaHwdliaitkal If aat ahaa^ tkM it ka {Laad «f»adli tka^wfc
'tf " ar ••DaO,' aaaaidtog aa tka*v b alar ar ^T BMU«aa»ao«ariM
iM mi kMMariai ar dialaiiklBC tka 4lkt aawiaifc tkk ■vrMMal
--< tka diilwiiifc. nabMAawMddaniadfMlMfttoanvkaa
af aaaamliV tka b
lava ^— A paaay aaal ba
Tka baa aa«w b Ikaa
to itort, Ika eanr
an«it* I"
Wttad
tka
b adeplad Ika
ialkaalat
Ma. Tkb
dowa aatfl
' tlm^MiQil tka pMVf drayaad iato Ika dot aajr,
->••, m aaaialaia^aawal, to* waaBkoawtn
^aibK tka artMrt MrtiH a( tka (talnpgrk
— • ikb MM pwar to«w£
<•, to laiijlaa aat tka atofv, to aM Ika
'Wiirkaairil iMtked, to aaka tka pall
- to Ika ilblMii towarii wfcidi Ika
Uw aiMliM* ■ifWlil tobi tka
kvofk. aa to vladbf af daaka. aad
tkat tafan or mwOm auT ba
rvalibt A Hop I* tv»Tid«l,
jtty-—' ■
«»Mt
ttotb.-^.
•« aa* to aftot«l
■ ,,„■.-„ ovt aC fHT vkaa
It la raa dava ar partly raa
otbcr •ointioni. We acoomplUh this by baviog supply reserroiis of fresh solu-
tion, with overflow reeenroin for exhaostad solution.
A tube fiY>m the heah supply is led over or into the vessel containing the
worlcing solation, an air-vslve or stop-coclc being opened and closed at intervals
by the clockwork-driven mechanism, so as to permit any desired quantity of
mah solution to poor into the working vessel. The old solution may either
OTcrflow at the suiuca into a suitably arranged recepticle, or the lower part of
the working solution may communicate b^ a tube with a small reservoir
arrangwi to keep st same level as the worlung solution and to overflow when
it rises beyond tne desired level. The receptade into which it overflows must
in either case be of stidi siae and shape that it may receive the overflow safely,
although the vessel ooataising the working solution be rotating or otherwiso
moving, or altematiTely a sypnon may be employed to remove the used solu-
tion, in which ease it must be provided with a stop-cock or valve periodically
opened by the clockwork mechanism.
If the machine is thus to be left for a considerable (leriod without attention,
tkara must be a Uiks Hiaaim of photographic sensitised plates, ferrotypes, or
paper, as the case may be, with a delivery box. If very many plates are used,
tka wai^t of thaae platea prassliiu upon the slide interferes with its smooth
weridbsc. ^ obriato this, the slide box may be made as an inclined plane or
aplrnl. or othsrwiae, for all or part of its length, so that caitls may be partially
supported by the sides of the box, or, alternatively, a number of the plataa
mar be supported by a special support, which may be gradually lowereo, but
will be BnallT drawn aaida by action of the clockwork.
Or, instead of nsia( a alida-box delivery, the cartls may be so arranged as to
altemataly overbp ma other to, say, about a third of their length or breadth,
aad ba upbald by two pins or rods, placed one a little nearer each end than
tha OTarbpping part. When one of the pins u withdrawn or folded down,
tka card on its aide dropa down into poaition opposite lena, being guided
tksiato by tka ^apa of taa passage leading from below box to this position.
Aa aaxt caid b Tuttohwil by tha other pin, which remains underneath it, and,
as this card ovsriapa tha oaa abore it, no other card can bll. So soon as tha
Srst card is daliverad, tha rod which first moved is replsced. When another
eaid b waatad, tha aaaoed rod atniilariy move* aad rslaasas a card. In thb
way, tka rods bato( all morad altamatcly br tha dockworic, tha cards ara
daurarad ona bf aaa. a~^i>«> method would ba to construct a drcular box.
witUa which the caid would ba laid spirally, so that each one would overlap-
for a part of its laagth aad breadth tha preceding card ; the process being
aaaHaasil till tka rsquirsd noaibar b placad in the box. ProjecUons bma tha
iaaw itda of tka oatsr aarfbea of tha box would ba fixed so as to assist in
flaiitaa tha caida propariy and to prerent them moving out of position till
waalao. This box woald rotate on its axis over a plate or series of balls or
roUsra, which would ba so plaosd as to sustain all the cards except one. When
tkb oaa canl (ell iato dslmty rhsnnal tha card immediately auove it in the
spiral sroold ba snataiaad by tha orariapptof of the cards next to it, and so
aa tfil tka wbob was aikanatad
tadkar allacaallv* laathnd woold ba to phca tha cards (ferrotrpe matal
asaally) ataadlf apti^t oa aad aeroaa an iaellaad plana leading to tne proper
laaiL The "
I earda would ba placed eloae, one against another,
]H that a very thin plats, preferably of metal, would be between each.
Tkb sapportiM plate would be so attached to an arm that each plate would
mmuii a eai£ Thaaa ante, with their platas, are lifted one by one by tha
iiloakawk, bagtaalai at tha aad next laas. As each carl b thus freed (torn,
ito aainaatlat plato it bUa down oa tha inclined plane, sensitised side upper-
■aat, aad so paaaaa to poaitloa opposite leo>.
ImrmmatMtn n MaoaxiMi oa DrracnvaCAiiwusi.
No. 9M. AMmvuJomB Btmcnsa, Mi'hittall-atraet, Hnnlngham.—
./aaaary 1«, 18W.
Tna iavaatioa raktos to inproreaMote in mapitaaordalaeUTa cameras, or, in.
other wetd^ Ikat daas of eaaMtaa to wUA a anmbar of saasitiTs plates are
•tofad, aad aaeaatriealy wad ar aninaarl, aa oaaarioa raqataaa.
9r mr tav«Mlloa tka fiatoa ■« aataaatbally tafcaa fton a pOa or battsrv of
platas, aad ftoB tkaaea liaaabtied to a poaitkio, (aes forward, at the back of
the caBMSB, aad to a foeaassd position oppoeite tha leas, which is situated at
tha baat of tka eaaara, wkib at tha aama tima a prsviously expoeeil pUte or
platsaK or at«^ stared at Ika back of tha oaaara, and at the back of the last
phtaaK ot
traasiinad
My iaiwitoa eeaabta, h tha trst part. In tha eonstmetion of the camera
box. la tha saeoad Dart, fa maaaa for feeding tha sensitive plates (W>m a pile
to tka eaaMra. Ia tka thirl part, to tka ooat^ucttoa or formation of the com-
tiailaiial Itar Ika faeaptioe of the pOa of plataa. Ia tha fourth part, in a
lalsaaaato alata badar, aad, to tha Sltk tart, in gokla or race means for
atoapClaf Ika pMHtodv, la aider Ikat Ika aama eaa fcllow up the plates
daitoK Iwlr tmm iato a Iseaiil poaitiOB. In tha sixth nart, in means
fcrtflWH tha alato frtar to tka rnHH* ' of 'ts carrying frame with the
hooked ead of tka toadar. Ia tka earenth part, in the pUte-carrying fnmea.
Tka eaoMn box b aa artat rit aided flfuia, open at top and rear, snd with
■elaaaiL tad tttod with aa iasida dtapoaad, or other lent. The
fart of Ika hot b aMde after tka maimar of a well or rvceptacle,
m battota, bat wttk the oppoaito aidea of the said well, in the
dWcfloD nom trtmt to rear of the >>oz, provided with plate rests, in the form
of fiaagsa or shelf strips, running alMut two-tlilrds (W>m front to r»ar of the
wrfl aa aMtailil, aad thaa JacliaiM or eurviag thamaelves downwards to
aartltal rta^ larti, iwlMl wkidltiM adfta «f tka oairying ftomea of the pUtea
last wkw to a paaKtoa Ibr axpoaaia.
Raaalaf parallel with the said pbte aad stop rsste is a curved race or guide
far tha pnrpeas as bervinafUr dseolbed.
Tka aaderslda of the beck and of the partition of the well is nprn to a
halfht of tha daptk of tka plataa from the tope of the borirontal nsU, whilHt
dlraetad at the upper baek part of tha camenk and in the same plan" as the
top of the borlxootal plUa raste as aforesaid, which snpporti iIm- pile, is a
platform or floor, with the fore part next to the partition of thf Im'-Ic end of
the Well, open, wbervtbroogb the pbte to be traasferrad to iU assigned i>ositioa
tha eaaera downwanlly ]
124
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[February 19, 1892
The nu termlnaUon of the platform or flooring is provided with an
upwMdlydii«ct«d curve or inclined j«irt for tilting or transferring the plates
^^ori^tJ to an inclined position, so that the hooked end of the feeder
STenng. with a hooked fore put of the pUte-carrying frame, so that, as
SepUtS; which ai» placed face npwaixls. are transnorted or conveyed from
tte pUeTthey are riil rearward^ ind followed up V the feeder, and theu^
fojnf ends then made to Impinge ^jainst the afor^id cnrve or jneline wh.eh
Ues within the path of their traverse, hence the first tiltm(? of the plates by
^ Mid curve Md the complete taming of them to a vertical position upon
the front eilge of the platform by the feeder. j , f ^
m extreme b«:k oV the camera, which is the store for the exposed plates
h«.»«piraUy coUed spring, which a<lmiU of the spirals taking the same plane
weTdi oth«r when (imp%8»ed, although a flat sprmg may be used in lieu
*^*fildet3to of an arm jointed at its lower end to the front of the
CMii^lmd adapted to turn inwarfly, and with the axial ends extending
^^ the onpiite sides, for the operation of the same, by turns or short
tawB connected to them. , . . , , „ui, „
The upper end of this arm, or quadrant working arm, is provided with a
supplementary piece, which works telescopically, and slides withm its upper
wot. so as to admit of the feeder lengthening itself, consequent upon the angle
bade by it, and in oriler to follow up the plates in their traverse rearwards.
The two opposite edges of the supplementary sliding part have outstanding
pins or studs, which work within races or upon guides of the figure or contour
of the plate or stop rests, but with the lower parts of the said races or guides
left open for the clearance of the feeder in the passing of the same back to its
nonnfiposition, which is in front of the carrier, and beyond the front edges of
the pUte frames piled within the well or store.
The plate frame has an open front and a closed back, with the metal at two
opposjfc sides turned over, and with the front middle part slightly extended
and made hookwise, whUst the middle part of the closed back has a lip for
holding the said plates in the frames.
Opkration.
Assuming a pile of plates, face upwards, to be within the well, and a loose
bearing plate to be placed at the back of the camera, and to be pressed home
by the spring, the turning fully back of the feeder slightly lifts the plates, and
brings the top edge of the supplementary part of the feeder on a level with,
and at the back of the front edge of the bottom plate of the pile, and with the
outwardly directed studs or pins taking within the race m the sides or walls ot
the camera. The turning inwards of the feeder causes its upper edge, as
aforesaid, to impress itself against the bottom plate, which is then traversed
rearward bv the impingement, passing under the partition walls at the back
of the well upon the top of the platform or table, and above the opening, and
with the front part impinging against the incline, which said front part, on
traversing up the same, tilts the plate upon the front edge of the platform, as
a fulcrum, and causes the supplementary end of the said feeder to hook or link
itself with the plate frame, which is then raised thereby into a vertical position
at the back of the partition rear wall of the well, when the feeder and plate
descend, with the latter coming at the front of, and pressing back the pre-
viously exposed plate or plates, if any ; if not, then the false back, as afore-
said.
The front of the last-exposed plate bears against the vertical stop rests, and
with the feeder lying flat upon the bottom of the camera box.
At the same time that the plate is transferred from the well to its position
for exposing, the pins or studs of the supplementary part travel within the
races, channels, or guides, and so distend or contract the telescopic part so
that the end of the same shall constantly bear upon, or follow, up the plates.
To transfer another plate from the pile, turn back the feeder, when the pins
or studs return clear of the races, and the said feeder takes an erect position at
the back of the then bottom plate of the pile, and with its pins or studs
opposite to the entrance to the race.
Improvements in, or Appebtaininq to. Camera Obsoubas, and in Devices
WHBREBY the SAME ARE RENDERED OPERATIVE BY THE INSERTIOK OF A
Coin of Predetermined Valde.
No. 1482. Edward William Banner, 16, Hargreave-street. Southport,
Lancashire. — January 23, 1892.
This invention relates to camera obscuras and to devices whereby the same
are rendered operative by the insertion of a coin of predetermined value.
The camera obscura may be of any suitable form or construction, but, by
preference, I propose to provide a rotatable dark chamber, of conical or other
suitable form, having a flat screen or surface at the bottom, and a mirror at the
top, which is adapted to reflect the image of the object on to the screen
aforesaid. The object glass and eyepiece are placed in suitable positions,
and when the apparatus is not m use, both are concealed by shields
or protectors, whicn exclude light, moisture, and dust from the mirror and
lenses.
The dark chamber is adapted to rotate on a suitable vertical spindle, having
a pulley and weighted cord, or its equivalent, which causes the dark chamber,
after being rotated, to resume its normal position, namely, the position in
which the eye and the object glasses are concealed. In proximity to the
spindle, I provide a pivoted lever, having at one end a suitable tray for
receiving a coin of given value, and at the other a locking bar or block,
adapted to resist considerable strain and pressure, and formed to engage a
tooth on the spindle and lock it firmly in one position.
The mode of action is as follows : —
On drojiping a coin of predetermined value through the slot of the machine,
it falls on to the tray aforesaid, and its weight overbalances the pivoted lever,
raising the locking block or bar, and freeing it from engagement with the
tooth on the spintUe. A stop prevents the said block from rising more than a
given height. The spindle being now released, the operator can rotate the
axrk chamber by a handle, thus moving it away from the shields or protectors
which conceal the object and eyepieces. By this movement the stop aforesaid
is also moved, the coin tray is farther depressed, the coin drops off into a
money receptacle, and, the weight of the coin being thus removed, the locking
block resumes its normal position. The beams of light enter through the
object glass, the image of the objects in the field is reflected by the mirror on to
the screen, and the picture is revealed to the operator on his looking through
the eyepiece. The object glass and eyepieces may be provided with lenses or
with plain gla,s8, whichever is desired, and the latter has a hood, which prevents
light passing into the chamber when a person is looking into the camera.
By slowly rotating the dark chamber, a complete panorama of views of the
surrounding neighbourhood is portrayed on the screen, and, at the same time,
the weighted cord, or its equivalent, is wound up.
When the operator has finished, he releases the handle, the dark chamber
rotates back by the weighted cord, and the spindle is locked in the manner
already described, the locking tooth lieing chamfered at one side to facilitate
its passing the locking bar. The object glass and eyepiece are thus again
concealed by the coverings aforesaid, until released by a coin in the manner
already set forth. ....
The screen may, if desired, be capable of adjustment so as to bring it into-
proper focus. Suitable stops are provided to limit the rotation of the dark
chamber.
mtntnq^ of aocietteg.
— •
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK.
Dat» o( Meeting.
February 22..
22..
22..
23..
23..
23..,
24...
24...
24..
25..
25..
25..
25..
25..
25..
25..
25..
25..
28..
26..
26..
26..
26..
26..
27..
Name of Society.
Dundee Amateur
GloucesterBhire
Lantern Society
North Middlesex
Brighton
Great Britain (Technical)
Lancaster
Leith Amateur
Warrington
Bath (Annual)
Burnley
Photographic Club
Birmingham
Camera Club
Hackney
Halifax Photo. Club
Hull
Ireland
Liverpool Amateur
London and Provincial .....
Oldham
Cardifl
Holborn
Maidstone
Richmond
Swansea
West London
Putney
Place of Meeting.
AsBO. Studio, Nethergate, Dundee
20. Hanover-square.
Jubilee Hall, Homsey-road.
Arch 40a, Kinfr's-road, Brighton.
50, Great Kussoll-st., Bloomsbnry.
Storey Institute, Lancaster,
Museum, Boldstreet, Warrington.
Eoy.Lit. & Sc. Inst., Terrace-walks.
Bank Chambers, Hargreaves-street.
Anderton's Hotel, Fleet^street.E.C.
Lecture Room, Midland Institute.
Charing-cross-road, W.C.
Morley Hall, Triangle, Hackney.
Mechanics' Hall, Halifax.
Royal Institution, Hull.
Rooms, 15, Dawsou-street, Dublin*
Crescent Chambers, 3, Lord-street*
Champion Hotel, 15, Aldersgate-st.
The Lyceum, Union-st., Oldham.
" The Palace," Maidstone.
Greyhound Hotel, Richmond.
Tenby Hotel, Swansea.
Ohiswick School o( Art, Chiswiok,
High-street, Putney.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
February 11, — Mr. J. Barker in the chair.
Mr. J. Howson presented a copy of the Jl/ord Manual of Photography for
he library.
Messrs. A. I. Taylor, J. Pearce, and A. Ullnian were elected members of
the Association.
Mr. J. Howson said, with regard to the subject of permanency of gelatine
prints on Alpha paper, introduced at the previous meeting, the pictures in The
British Journal Photographic Almanac for 1887 were produced by Mr.
Urie, of Glasgow. At that time that gentleman's automatic machine was not
perfected, and there was some difficulty in getting the prints in time. Mr.
Harman visited Glasgow, and found they were being produced " acid toned
and without any gold." Mr. Harman pointed out that permanency was
improbable under this treatment, and it was arranged that this should be
remedied. This would account for some of the prints in the Almanac fading
while others remained quite perfect. Speaking of the permanency of gelatine
over albumen prints, he said the former were to be preferred, and quoted
several authorities on the subject. He passed round some prints on Alpha
paper which were exposed November 1886, and developed November 1891,
claiming that they were as good as if exposed recently. He concluded that
Mr. Debenham had not been reported correctly when he was said to have
classed gelatine and albumen together.
Mr. Debenham said the report was correct ; the chances were often in
favour of a developed print rather than one printed out. He questioned
whether any " authorities " of importance had said that albuminate of silver
was the sole cause of the fading of prints on albumenised paper. Only a few
weeks since Mr. Bolas had explained the causes of fading. He considered
ihotography had suffered by persons stating that silver prints were permanent,
"lere could be no guarantee as to the permanency of silver prints.
Mr. F. A. Bridge said he had recently been shown some stereoscopic prints
on albumenised paper made thirty years ago. Some of them were equal in
every way to prints produced recently.
Mr. E. Milner said he had a few days ago examined a collection of prints-
made in 1856, which were apparently unchanged.
The Chairman had some old prints which had never been toned at all, and
these were perfectly good.
Mr. Howson then introduced the subject of the evening, viz., Isochrmnatic
Plates. He mentioned Colonel Waterhouse as having used eosine with
collodion, and considered that hearty thanks were due to Tailfer for his
method, and to Messrs. B. J. Edwards & Co. for bringing it before the photo-
graphic world. He qu^tioned whether landscape work was improved by the
introduction of a yellow screen, as sometimes the colour became over-corrected.
pho;
The
February 19, 1802]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH IT.
125
bM* taktal • Mfrttaa, ia ftaat of
(biaa^ r*nov, mn, tad red). Ob
tk* hutbiBUMtlB halt; oBly <)■• Meliaa
Mr. KnaKTMiudU
^ dl an. H* tzplaiaad that at ob* tioM ha wa« acepUcal as to the adran-
^M Ut imitinantli platw, bat a Uttte azpvimaDt which h« made, and
wEk h» weaU iiMw» to Oa ■iiHn, ttmwaetd him of tbair otUitr.
" plate and half an orainarj
Mr itrin of ooloued glais
tha raiiit was in faronr of
, visibia OB the ordinary platei
woald giT* comet raanlts without
Mr. Atrmv ftnraiM aid tt k«d bmw 1
'.alsa can abHintalT eonaet
Mr. BrnaRqaolsd fromaa
NBpktMTiaid
flaimeil that isochromatic
wharria H was sUted that "Thcae
wUkout a eoloHnd terten."
](f f^«^p- (^ a TC&ow soMB ■iiM^laliil aboat riz timea the onUnarjr
p,^H*.Mlfcrit^io«wktkirBwiBpasaihlaL Withoat a lerw ha had
naiwboad as* dUbnBCS hatvasB ■> laueluoatttic and an otdiBar; plaU.
say, OB SBch iB^aeli •• a btaa bh^ or a wUta frock, or a tuet oannd with
tneklm.
•_«■.> nliUi^al te tte ill t that OMiBS WtUKMt aOW
BMidaa,
~ with
to
Mr. Dtmanum ol^aetad to th* ^atitt thitwifaM witiK»t aauac^i
•las. It bad ba« imnd to tks eoBtrary by railabU workm. Baaid
bMMMv't pktM ■»• faod laaalta, Md tk«e wva b«« fnuaad w
■mST lda(|Wi£Ma^Mtkar««««*aBM<kiBdabMdlalSuhraa
OolaBel WatiihBBaa
Oak— rbbraBT n.'
l*ctar* OB A I itrtsitaiw sa A<
Bart., oeeoptad ttw ekalr.
pNTloaa IB Ika
Adaas k Oii,«l
a B. OladstoBi^ RK. pm a
I. Sir Oacna K, FlBMott,
Mr. MakfllWdad rood
to
br the TbofBtoB-Plckaid Xaai
.•.>etar. «>iM^ «<*^«P<-'*iS>«f<j^ _
.„ lbylaBt«t.iB«arf»aiykl^qBib5^njkl.tor7
aBfl p«*U of Mt ta vektlOTtafa h tbaayaBWaa waa <f"»g|. »»^ »
rah(Bary SJ. Mean. HaapWr aafllairtaaa wlB gJra a i»'iiiijgw»j«> <>'
priBltMiB riateatrpa ■xi<)**<><>l'*M^i> «"• ••«* •'jJJT'^f^ *!?^
?♦ oS^li^irKSaarT » a awta or !«■«•« alM- -<n »-•>««>«" »»y •t'
a a Wedh^lBB, akbflyiitelBrala 5orBar.
'.—nhimn &— Mr. O. a Baker read a paper ob
am* Bam t, Miuttt n<a. Mr. Bahaa tnawirad by
-.brMBBSoftha
apaakiM of Ike aariy kManr of dlMMac elaaik aad akowad, br aaaBS or tta
IJBlaia.'WwiMtrtiaHeB o< tha aUdM wM i»alad ia those earlr dajra. Be
rtaatiMaii Iki wiITitIt - piiiallag •■*« fcr eCsea^ aad skowad tke
ifcrnMilafcc a^sBMla ii^Hiatlna of aUdaB, rt tka
t oBl Ika iMBmlttes itet kifa la te «at •«« ta oM^ •
Ba Ikaa ikowed a aaabw ol dUsB Aovlac tew aAeli
toaU te eUaiaed br Maaa of two er tkiaa laalatBik tke aaa aad aaaacamst
of tte ttatv, tke^ialM^ aartel^ aad sMtowi aalkBda af <haBlTtay aad
Iki A— a aa ite tmm, m* Mr. Biter ftlMiA aal tte ««taa a^MMta
tkaltedkaeBMadatetitiaaaaiirftlDaaajiMnii. At Ite aaaateriM «f
tte pmer. a aaaAa af k^gkttoa li ■ 1 1 ilil i r iMdsa aad afcati wan Aa—
wMk Ite triple hatsHk
Ikitaar FkilmMte' mmy— reteiiay II. Mr. J. Habart (Tla*-
"s-idlial) la tte ckair.-Mr. Bepaortk leMewel a lectara os ttlmkmttd
lalrodadBK tte aadlam la a "ia« akep,' te
kaa af ttMa yaM*s Oa^ lllMlMl aahp a
^< • Wiaj^artlk aviSlMlMte ladte*
-hMr tato ite
•'-« wae apailUIr krtaartlM la
la •nt.claae
pkoteMkvted fqdaaad Ite (TBda BMlkoda
■BM%a#ia a laetan <B Ite itMra ob
— Pebraarr \% Mr. BUloa la tte
- - . aad Mr. W. a
ocOi^ to tte aartHaiar aCnt
,ttaa
I te pkalMrBik vttk a aMllN^ aad daaaba
dasfaad. «Uak«oaU jt«o a aere sftisCb
ita« al tsdmfaal nasniBa la kie kaads
erkad bal. akkaa^ te ikaald aet wM
, r dstJapa la dhwM— tte aw af Ikat
wbtektteraMfaadMiaa, Bla lapaatea «m Ite* |Ma mi* waa teal
• snaWfu. Criat, apaa Ite wteK tte basi priata, aad Aavfaf trar oa-
tNB Ikaa wtea a laeeaiallis ww ascd. He tsaeksd aMB tte waWBi
lodfa" tkat aaald te wasalil to to latin i tte aapttta, aaaUaalai;
I'apt oika tktePS.<iiM8 paMT. wWsk waa aaalad oa to tte teek. aad ttea
rkadeawtlkpiSaaifai^fciWIaiiHwasfcaaaldteaallyiaaawltk-
iWak^lteaaaMtfalBMrav- Mr. WmraM spate of tte advisakilltr
•tlrh<»« tn Mw kiad of ptato Ibr all-t'MB'l wnrb, a It wa* re>i*t In mMleV
the deTelopment and get the effect desired than by constantly changing. He
rather disagreed with Mr. Hodges u to the ad\-isability of using dry pyro.
He thonght the yellow odoor of a negatira so dereloped was rather misleading
in printing ; be coold not see that the gradations obtained were any traer tban
when a preserratire was used, in which case the density could be jndgsd of
better. One way of working on a negative which he thought good was to
Tarnish the negatiTe with white, hard varnish, thinned down considerably.
When dry, rob the surface rather hard with the finger, and it would presently
rub up white and rough, and then would be produced one of the best surfaoea
to work on that could be obtained. Afterwards dab the finger, covered with
chanoto leather, into a little powdered plombego, and rub lightly on anv parts
of Ite BifatiTa ttet required intensiBeation, or the surface could be worked on
with a paadL Mr. Coixs aaid ha sometimw rolled up a little red ochre in
soma putty, and dabbed it on the back of the negative. It gave a good opaque
matt surface, and could be strengthened easily bv a little harder dabbing on
the required parta. Mr. MiLua objected to such extensive dodging as was
often rsaortad to. He tbon^t it was much better, instead of using pencil,
bmak, ernoa, aad so oa so azteaslTely on a negative, to use them on drawing
paper, ami te ratorsd to tte praetioe of working on prints which he had seen
at azhibitiaaa 1b vary aneoapliaentarr terms. Masars. H. Selby, Winter,
Slabi, aad otben also took part in tte <aacaaian. The future meetings of th»
Soaiety wiU te held at the CStiawiok Sekool of Arts, Bedford Park, Chiswick.
PhoteKiaBble toelatr.— February 10, Dr. W. J. Sbepnud in the
chair. — The Rer. U Maedona read a short paper on Lenia, the third of the
Speaking bciedy on tte prindpla of light, he deecribed the action and
of the varlbaa laaaa in toe market, single and double, narrow*
aagl% tMs amis. &«., potetiag out the particular uses of each variety. For
geBsral ail roood aa terseOBmaBded a rapid rectilinear or rapid symmetrical,
wkaa (goal leagtk was aqaal to oaa and a half tima the length of the plate to
te asad. Bobm roi^ aalal ratlmi. Ilnlshed castings, rough crown and flint
dsaa, poUahed giaaaaa, aad tte ooaplato aaiahed lens, all kinds supplied by
Msaafi Taylor, Tiqrkr, aad Uobaon, wan paaed roond, and served to Qlnstiate
ttelsctarer'sBMani^. Bampla of the Kastmsn eitra rapid bromide paper were
distributed at tte clow of tfi* ot
Famr. ,
eraniac. On February il, Sxpoimt, Dr. J. F.
Bi«hTnnn.t Camai* Clnb.— Febraarr 12, the Preeident in the chair.— Mr.
SL John Unat abewad aad aipbiaed Roberto's hand camera, Mr. Arthur
Haatar a knaa-iBada ajaaiatei tar vtertag laatara alidea, aad Mr. Ramaar
aoaa asfsHea aad poanlsa aala
I aalanad wtlh orsaco-fylma, and some by a procen
of his own dtseevarr. Mr. HodgUn thca read a paper on Phoiograpking
PtUty, axplaiaiag that te had taken np that branch of work at the reqneat
of kta btba. Mr. J. IL Hod(kln, wte wu bringing out a book on the
laaaipUoBS oa aarhr Batfak pottery, with OlusUaUons. chiefly from his
owa valaabla eoUeettofc For this porpoa Mr. Uodgkin photographed soma
■At or sixty piaoea, moat of than by lamplight, and his paper clearly
anlalaed his aiad«s ^irmiM. Blwards's isocaromatlc plata were naed, the
lAmlau aad dlatr<b«tloa of Ugbt varied to suit each subject, and expoeura
of varrte danMoa, «p to Mr hoan, ware given. A paiaJSn lamp, with
(laaad-^aa glaka, aaa Ite priaalpal sonree of ught, a candle being placed u
asar a piirtli to tte ol^aet to br£tg oat tke higfaeat light at the proper point.
Tte la^ahad wtptkim teviag baaa obtained, a silver print wa sent to a firm
ia Vtewa feriapradaettoB by pkoto-aaekanieal prnnaa. Spadmens of oega-
Ufa aad priota wen handed nwnd, aad showed bow suaaarally Mr. Hodgkin
ted caniad out hia diOcolt teak. Oaa of tte prooaa bloote «a also shown,
aad a proof copy of tte book, which la doabtlaa dasUaaa to baeome one of
tte etaadard worte oa canmira,
rhotacrapUe Aaaealatlaa— Febnury II, the Preeident (Mr.
O. A. Camthen) tn the chair.-
pria alida had been announced a the
attiaeUoa of tte eeaaiat, bat tkey (klled to tara np, owing to some error in
Ite dato af '"-^'nt m aseaOaat pmmanM for tte enurtainment of the
a— ban woe, kewersr, prorldad I7 tba Pialdsat and the Secretary, the
trnmm — ¥H*«-t a sat of sUda ta daartptkia of a trip in the north of Ireland,
wkilBl tte latla rsad aa UlaaliBtad papa oa "iBual, ' Flinuhirv, the ruined
teBUraaaataBOfttePateteaa. Ite Uaaligkl aaad during the evening wm
Milaiid Itea iiiljta aloasy brjaaaae of A. W. Beott's warm air atnntor.
wUek WM aaaipalatod by Mr. W. F. Archer, of Uverpool.
Briatot aad Waal of »"y'«"'' Pkotocraphle Aaaodatton.— Febraary 12,
tte PrastdsBt la tte chair.— Tte BacrsUry distributad soma aamplw sent by
the laslaaa Coapaay of tteir npid bromide paper. They also sent a neat
aad well fsl ap aswaafr of tte Washingtoo elevaalk aaaoal Convention.
After aoaa tliBaidoa oa tte h>eal pbotographio sarvar, Mr. Uaktit Babtox
gave a laalars afflabriBg Ui aew appantna for flaUight pottraltarei The
nrtala skeaa ware aaft aad vary aloa. An a^ioammeot was msde to Mr.
BaitaB'B aladkt, apaaiaUy Ittod «p fa flashlight work, snd some half dozen
plala expesad oa dUanal paopia pfasaat wan afterwards developed, and
tamed oal aarfost aaattna. Mr. Bartoa aaa eight flaahlampe (oonneeted
I ■!>■ hlJUiIld Btta baUoara) plaeed taa or twdva fset above tte ground,
a^HanA tialw phead batwaaa tte aittar and tte lights. Halfagrsinof
HaaiaaaoBdaiiaaadaaaktiaalaeaek lamp, which contains a sufliclent
aalltrforaBBaterofdlaekaiiaa. Oa February 19, the Secretary wiU give
a short paper oa PluttgnfMe Prinlt in CeUmn.
r.— Fkbraarr 8.— Agnaatity of sample paeketa
bata<L TteTbomtoa-PickardC
la, wUehwt
piepuaed to koM a eeBsaraaaieas and public ei
early to Novaaba, Ikaa giriag tte meaben an opportunity of preparing
rsr^rivssr,
BVadislrlbatatL Tte Tbomtoa-Pickard Company
rakatten,wUeh wen much appreciated. Itwu
and public eihibitioo of memben' work
plctura for thia porpoa dwtag tte summer.
Piaalaa Oaaita IWfc rehmirr II.— Mr. Hadatoah gave a praoticaL
daawuattaUoa of laatafB^Uda aakiag by eoatact This Uab intends to hold,
an rihlhttlmi of membaa' work, with laalan eveainp, on March 1, 2, 3.
12«
THE BRinSII JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
TFebruary 19, 1892
CortefJpoiiDrnce.
am known to be more than moderate in any cUims I make, and I do not
want to lose this reputation undeservedly.— I am, yours, Ac,
John iIowson.
The Britannia Works Company, Ilford, London, E.
I
m- OoTTMpondmt. AmM nnf wnt. on both Mn V «« ff-
TESTING OXYGEN CYLINDERS.
To the Editor.
S«,-My attention has lately been drawn to several letters in yonr
JotJBSAL touching upon the strength of oxygen cylinders and it has
oeonrred to me that some of yonr readers may be interested to learn how
they are treated before being placed upon the market. „;„„i„
It has aeneraUy been considered sufficient to test cylinders by simply
Dressing them with water to the desired pressure, but this system is very
faultT, Uiasmuch as, although it shows a cyUnder's capability of with-
Btanding the required pressure on that occasion, it does not indicate ii
it has become damaged thereby. To overcome this difficulty, several
triaU were made in 1890 with an apparatus which was designed to in-
dicate the stretch of cylinders, with which very marked results were
obtained, and this plan of testing has now been adopted at these worfes.
The illustration shows the testing appara-
tus, which explains itself. Each cylinder,
on reaching the works, receives a number,
by which it becomes known ; it is filled
with water in the usual manner, and is
placed vertically in an iron envelope, as
shown, and is supported by three chains.
The envelope also is filled with water to
the exclusion of air. A perfect joint is
made round the shoulder of the cylinder
by means of a flexible rubber ring, which
can be at will instantaneously inflated by
means of water drawn from any convenient
source ; in this manner all communication
between the envelope and the atmosphere
is closed, with the exception of an outlet
through a small-bore glass tube, which
serves as an indicator of displacement or
stretch. The cvlinder is then coupled up
to the hydraulic pump, and the test is
made as follows : — The height of the
water in the gauge glass is first marked.
The pressure is then put slowly into the
cylinder by means of the pump, and
stretch in every case is shown from the
moment the first indication of pressure is
seen on the pressure-gauge ; the water in
the gauge glass rises with every stroke of
the pnmp, until the maximum pressure is reached, on release of which
it falls, with good cylinders, to its original position, showing that the
elastic limit of the metal has not been passed, and the cylinder in no
way damaged. The cylinder is then stamped with the test-mark if
proved sound, the pressure of the test, and the date, and the test is
recorded in a book, with the name of the maker and the signature of the
person who saw the test carried out.
All cylinders destined for a working pressure of 1800 pounds are in
this manner tested, in these works, to 4000 pounds per square inch ; and,
for fear of over- straining them, special care is taken that the makers do
not previously test them to more than this pressure, which is considered
to be a safe and sufficient test for cylinders of the section and quality of
steel now employed.
I feel that I have already trespassed on your space, and will not go
into the many experiments which have been made, but will simply point
out that a forty-foot oxygen cylinder, when tested to 4000 pounds, has
sufficient elasticity to'displaoe, an an average, a column of water 22 inches
high X J inch diameter, and to return again to its original state ; this
cylinder would measure .5J inches diameter x 31 inches long x ^ inch
thick. It will, therefore, be readily seen that this system of testing gives
an Insight into the behaviour of the cylinder whilst under pressure, with
sufficiently broad results to be easily applied and appreciated in the
ordinary workshop by any intelligent man. — I am, yours, &o.,
Henby Bribe.
The Scotch and Irith Oxygen Company, Limited, Glasgow,
February 15, 1892.
PERSONAL.
To the EnrroH.
Sib, — Mr. Coles, at the meeting of the London and Provincial Society,
as reported in your last, plainly suggests that I misquoted Professor
Burton, with a view to make good my statement. This is a question of
fact, and can easily be verified, if true, and I invite Mr. Colea to do so,
or to make apology for thus traducing me. I press this point because I
RATIO OF GEADATION.
To the Editor.
Sir —Does not all this discussion arise out of a mere confusion of
terms' Nine hundred and ninety-nine photographers out of one thousand
use the word density (as applied to negatives) in the sense of opacity,
that being the only property of the deposit which is of importance in the
printing frame. But Messrs. Hurler & Driffield (and Mr. Phillips in your
last issue) use the word density as signifying the amount of silver de-
Dosited on a given unit of space, which is an entirely different matter.
Therefore, while Messrs. Hurter & Driffield may be, and probably are,
quite correct in saying that the ratio of gradation in density cannot be
altered by development, the practical photographer is equally correct in
asserting that it is an every-day experience with him to alter the ratio of
gradation in his density (or opacity) by a modification of development.
Messrs Hurter & Driffield's original article in the Journal of Chemical
Industry was a difficult nut to crack, but they put the matter in a clearer
light in the April number of your defunct contemporary, the Photographic
Art Jou.mal.-l am, yours, <Sc., Alfred Waikins.
Hereford, February 12.
To the Editoe.
Sin,— The thanks of photographers are due to Messrs. Hurter & Driffield
for publishing the results of their further experiments detailed in your
issue of February 12. Unfortunately, the conditions of that experiment
do not seem to have been made to approximate as nearly as could be
wished to the conditions present in the case of the experiment of Captain
Abney, with which a comparison is sought to be made.
The problem is this : —
1. A plate is exposed upon a subject for such a time that a given
density (rightly, and quite usefully, described as printing density) is de-
velopable in the parts of the negative which represent the least bright
parts of such subject. . , ,, , „ ,• ^. .
2. The range of gradation in the subject is such that the application of
a normal developer to the plate so exposed results in full printing density
being developed in those parts which have been exposed to the brightest
lights before the parts which have been exposed to the least bright light
show sufficient developed density to be of printing value.
These being the postulates, is it possible, by an alteration of the relative
constituents of the developer, to develop up to printing density the parts
which have been exposed upon the least bright portions of the subject by
the time that, or before, the parts exposed to the brightest portions have
attained full printing density ? , , , -^ .
Captain Abney says that it is possible, and that he has done it.
A consideration ef the result of Messrs. Hurter & Driffield's experiment,
tabulated in the column headed B, would seem to show that the second
of the conditions postulated was not complied with, for the application of
the normal developer resulted in developing a very considerable relative
density in the parts of the plate which had been exposed to the least light
at the time when the parts exposed to the brightest light had attained
what may be described as full density. .
In other words, the range of gradation, though apparently great (being
1 • 64), "is insufficient to decide the question;" and this objection was
foreseen by Messrs. Hurter & Driffield, for they state, apparently as a,
reason for not taking a more extended range of gradation, " that the total
range of gradation which the plates we used were capable of rendering
truly lies in between exposures of 40 and 220 candle-metre seconds."
It may, however, bo remarked that photographers have to do the best
they can with the total available potentiality of rendering gradation of
which the plate they are using is capable, and that if in practice a subject
has such an extended ratio of gradation that at both ends the plate is
incapable of rendering it with mathematical accuracy, nevertheless, they
must make the nearest approacli possible thereto ; and, it science is to
aid them in their work, science must investigate, by means of experiment,
the factors which come into play when the plate is forced beyond its
capacity, and made to render, as well as it can, such an extended range
of gradation.
Once more, therefore, in searching for an explanation which will recon-
cile the apparently discrepant results given by exposures in the field and
exposures in the laboratory to a sensitometer (using that word as it was
used by me before, and as I conceive it rightly may be used, not as mean-
ing exclusively Warnerke's or Spurge's sensitometer, but generically to
describe any apparatus for facilitating the exposure of photographic plates
to lights of various intensities), we are led to suspect that the explanation
will be found by a consideration of the effects of over-exposure, perhaps
carried so far as to result in partial reversal, and that, under the abnormal
conditions thus introduced, the action of the developer may itself be
Febnuy 19. IWS]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
127
ahoonMl, in th« mow Omt altaratiaM ol iti aooatitaMrt puts maj effaet
dtaagm in th* iiillinii im»liw dUbNBt both in Una and in dagnc
bom IhoM vUeii wowd hav* bMB dtaetod had tban baen no orar-
ezpoaar*.
T«7 dmpl* azampla of
ueunnanea will exemplify tbia. A
alala bm ba ao (rror-axpoaed that tha aapiieatioB at a nonnal developer,
Lu— letMH VpUad. will leaolt in a flat negative — i.e., one in which
thara k n0 mat di^tr in tfa* bMit Ugbti, and a eloodinc of the
If. hoMvw. a aaitaMa dMdmr be wpUad iaalMd of the
, daoiity May ba da«devad in the b^iaat li^rta, and tha
eiaar. Batitj the latio of gimdatioB in laeh a eaae ia
ahand. and. if ao. ta not analtwrnbia by tha eonatitoent parte of a da-
«aia|iav. ^UA ia tha pcopoaitiaB Meeen. Barter * Driffield adhere to,
though it amieara now eontranr to what I beliara waa tlie genenl impna-
dm el laadMS of their otJ|inii paper, that they are not prepared to aaaert
tiHrtthaf««e(!^«radaKaiiBtha«aa,ar praetiaany the aama. wfaatorar
dataloping a«Ht ba oaad. P«hapa the; will fargire ma for painting oat
that the riwajt «iled tram their original papar. ■•Thara ia a thaoretieal
poaaibiUfy that a nlala aaa^ba rapid to ona daiaiiyei and alow to another,
a diffHaBt
ao ae to raqotra diOHaot auwaaiaa aeaoiiliag to the darelopar aMd,** doee
net impty that thara may be any vaiiatloB fai tha ratio o^fradaKoa if
diflkr«i« dafdopen be naed, bat HMraly that, with a defekmr X. a plate
wwdd ba liem, rikoateg only tlte eflaala el eipoeuiae aqohrakBt, let oa
«j.lo40aDdS0aBBdla-Mtraaeeaada; whseaa. with a deraleper T, the
eaaw ilata aiMbt ahow tha egeet d tha liiMir li^t at 10 eandla-matra
■eeoadaai wdTaa the «0 and Mi— I aa. yoon. Ae.,
Dmrn-PUU. ArOMriaad, F«6r««ry U. UW. M. J. Utenimu
ALxnasivu caxeba Finraos.
Toikt]
I fooi MMWigh to pal Ba on
oth« laadwa d yaor Jooaiuh to lean dha laaait of oiy iaqnixiae.
Oaa latter waa letamad. noted " Oeaa away." In a eeeood I waa told.
' We dhaU be glad to fvola far ahataiw laanlMif yon nqoita." In the
iWrt aMa a Krit waa aaolaaed. fren wUM, far tha iafermaHow ol yoor
laaifaw. I aitnat tha faOowiav pciiaa par poail. aiaa^-aight to alaaty-
aiaa per eant. poxa :—
ahait: B.W.a..0tol4.fa.M.: UtoK 9*. M ; SS to W, lOn. ML
Wira: „ 10>. ad.; „ 10». M. ; „ lU.id.
Bod: HiM^ lO*-: A-HiMh.fa.M.; l-lfaMh, ••.3d.
Aa I waa paariag IhMMk Bbaiagha* I ifcoaght it wen to puinn ay
iafaiilei^ 1 waa~iliiiliTto a ahoa in WMalooa-laaa. wUahla^
DoA find ; bat. aasag a Iih4y ihap is wa iamadiata aei^Moarhood.
iwl Him I til latiiia My faaetfaaa w«a aaawwad with aoao avaaioo
lod ralaetaaae. and. apoa Hatiag thai mj idaa ol tha prtea waa Ikem
<. M to 10». a II II ail i. I waa laajbad la aaen. mi told that afanainiaB
a m^Bf waa U. <d. am owaaa (My. three ehilBap aad riifwii
eaal, at If. a poniffaa* a^^Mi a poaad).
and earthy far nSlad Itaadi tren iloifc pattsaa teBwa FkcMis
K.agiaewiag Coapaay, lO^ fHaai^a atwat. Btamfcrd-alraal. BJK. Tbaae.
<^idtHattiaW«t«* tripod head, wUh waitiBgi loraat aada««w,eaat
>« tU Tha UMlHj waa ipaJiiaiabJr aan thaa I ihaU laaaira for
ae half-|lili— ■; bat M I haai had aa aipariiaa ia aaiUag tha
uetal. I thoMhl H hHl la aOaw far WMlaHL
Being in liiwIaglMB ^aia abeot a krtairiM ifD. I artwidad aay ia-
qoiiiaa. At a aafal aad taba shop I waa adbd. far ahuniaiaa iagola.
^>. td. ao ooneal Thie, I waa told, waa abaoloteiy para; bat, opoa
i^reaaafa, U eaaaa dowa to aioetjaiaa fm aaat A aarnwa ■Mniihataiw
wm aaod aaoogh to mp|)y ma with a ^mB iptaallty el ahaai at fc. a
poaai; alaaolharriMp 1 VM«*Md l^eto at li.MLapaBad, It U
qaifa b^yaad mj uuw to aaphia theaa MawiBiiiiiH.— I am. y«afa,«a.
^etraarp Ig, lid QoAnaiaaaoraa.
A ooMXDT ornxna.
Toikt]
Bib,— laioar laat ieaae rafetaaea ia aada to toe ia a way that ii aria-
i^adiag. laa kato al the matter an thaea : I laava aa aaraial eaeaelnni
irpid that ftltttm tUmdt prinU. being arinaa that aaelabia aooipoand
•ibatoaaato «l alhar, ar aay enaiialeat thwaul, aay ba aoaaidarad aa
lb Ihb «4 1 hava aaelad tha opialaaa ol Caplaia Abaey, Prafeeeor
Hatoa. Mr. Chapwia Joaa. Mr. d H. BethamW. aad Mr. K. i. Walt.
•^4 MfaaHia esperta; al Mr. John Barber aad Mr. /aha Maan aa praetteal
vorkara— oa wiiaee theory aad pnotiea I ha*e (oondad ay daim.
Mr. Oola inl attaakad aa. wying that eertain Irirafdi nrlnia liad
tvrled. Iiapited that brcaidawaa aot ia qaaetiaa.aad.tf bwara. we
.net dnt kaeiw whelhar tha iriata had h«l proper aaalpalalinn,
Kow eaae Atflm priato are broHlM "^ ■«*• «< *biah ha«a teded.
Aa wa have etoea aewrtalneJ that aairr of theaa ptintt ware ** aeid-
toned," being pawed ont of tin add-elearing bath direct into hypo, owing
to the oolpahb eaialeaaneaa (or wonM) of the photographer who made
them (or na, there need be no snrpriae that many of them have faded ;
bat this haa not anT bearing on the question whether gelatine prints in
general are nnstabia or o^erwise, neither has it the Teiy remotest re-
(erenoe to my original claim for geiatino-chloTide.
Mr. Debeaham is reported, in one of your contemporaries, to state
" that he did not, of coarse, inelade as wanting in permanency those
imagee which, printed originally in silTer, had been oonverted by snbsti-
tntion into gold or platinnm."
Qoalifying this by excepting albamen prints, owing to the possible
formation of albamenate of silrer, as above mentioned, this confirms to
the foil my opinion, and I shall therefore oontinne to consider Ilford
rrinting-ont paper as permanent until some higher aathorities than those
have qaoted, or some well-proved facts, show I am wrong. — I am,
yonra, Ac, John Howsom.
Tkt Britannia Work* Company, Ilford, London, E.,
Fetmuay 18, 1893.
A PHOTOOBAPfflO INSTITDTK.
To the EnrroB.
8ia, — In yoor article last week on A Photographic InttituU, I ofaeenre
HuU yoa woold ezclade the teaching of art at present, on the ground of
aooM aneartainty in tha minds of photographers as to what is " the
maning and application of Art in relation to photography." The very
atatemeat that yon make, that jost now every one has his own pet idea,
ad^t have soggaatad that many moat of neeeaaity be wrong ; and, if so,
Ihapaatar tla laaou far Art being inelBdad in a projected corrioalom.
Tna Importaaea ol tliia aobjaet to tha ganaral pnblic, to uy nothing
of pbotognphera, eooplad with the fact that personally I have taken very
great iaianal ip tliis anbieet, and, inferentialfy from the pet ideaa, iraated
anah bralh iJid ink on it, may poeaibly ezoose my intruding an idea of
ay own co yoor notiee.— I am, yours, Ac, Pmijr H. Miwxax.
J'etrwary 18, 1893.
WEST LONDON PHOTOOBAPmO SOCIETY.
To tht Edttob.
8a. — Tha Cooaeil ol tha West Loodoo Photographio Society desire to
•all the attoatiaa of pholagraphera realding in Um west of London, par-
tieolarlv Ohiawiek ana Ovwiarsbary, to the fact that the headqoarten
of the Soeiotv have baaa moved to the Chiswick School of Arts and Crafts
ia Bath-road. Bedford Park, one minote's walk from Tumham Oreen
Malka, and thin bope to have a eoaaiderahio aaeaaaion of member* from
that diolriet. They have arranged to hold ftaqnent meetings ol a aodal
eliaiaatar ia addttinw to the ordinary meetings, when papers are raad.
eoaaldaring
ladiaa and
that tha Soeiaty la now eo well known, they think
Aa.; and.
that many ladiaa and gaatlamea would like to join it now that' it has
BMvad to Ohiawiek. Any lafbrmation aa to tha Society will be gladly
taraiahad. — I aa. yoara, Ao., Liomu. C. hixxwrt, Hon. See.
M, B<«MVard-read, Bedford Park, CUneiek,
firdjange Column.
.* <V« akofp* <* p>ade for imtm*imm Bmekammmef AfpanUt <• <M« e«
till aaaa miU fa imemui wultrn Uu mrtkU isaafais dplai<sf» staled. Aees
■a* yssyp f »»<r rspilr— sair a " sapflirM aaif^ii ' wUl Vur^tre tmdtnlmnd
WiH aaikMiCS •■ OMOaat henhnmr «hoi»«laU portnit bu for a food qiuutar-
Hlaa* i*ti«s^ r„ a, WiMay-roail. tiliirfir.
iriB*a«. BiHwsisf's f»m» "S a" Ism ta t— "-nr (or ran* nod liMkfnnuwb,
I1»ln» SBlaMan^ aad gietsiSil tlliai, Daaveotv, U, Oold^tnat, llorU-
I win — •— r BaaUak lavar savtr
■alia, aas >liiitifn»>t te J. 0. 0'Li04Ji, M, r«rMid»Un*e«, tha Oomioon.
WaaUd. U X IS nftd raaMBsaar or avsaMtrleal kau. bv Dallmanr or Boas, In
■aa^aaa far |i iiiiilli •■laly ttmta; diCanaca adjaatad. - Addiaw, J. B.
OsBJiaa. f>»>iniaa>ai, Paiauaa. Oavaa.
I win intiaje taataiaaad (latariar), • x 7. far a andaalad dttto ; alw balM>laU
aad TtlH'a arlat waakar for to
' aattala or astarlor
^^tddraa, Paaal 0. b.'BBSD. ah.iptaa Ifadat. '
■itara ar kaU.alBie aaiaan ia amlianra for aifht Totnsiaa o( tha
Jovaaai, Ihraa *olaaaa teaad, all eoaplrta aad ataaa a> b*«. wiU olataa, loady
hr Malla. f *• Doaaakar*iL-Addrara. Sibbt, M. KlehBMad-ra>ul,l>ala«aD, K.
las, k* Danxr, Paris i Kanhav'i iaataataBaoiu
I ratca. aaa, ■ BanBaaira laaiaataaaoaa AaUar. Waalod. atadio ohalr
~ 'Hiradt ar raak, ia iintoaii llilii Poriar** Suidio. Olii|>paiibaia.
Win isikirgT tor/ aaa It X 10 laaa. by Boraa A TVinitbiralti<. m^k aad pinion,
t«« iatarior aarw laidiaiaaadi. lana riaa BooUi'i mitra mabiuo, uoarljr new,
ttptliaaanakiacprialwaaaarfor axfOTiali: w— ...i i ■ I leu (or t iawi, thip'!
Wilaaraasi— nrj.or roali Mniiyi/.— Addf.. >iUD.«traat,Hartlapool.
I «IU aiataaaa a Bair'a ait»B qalak-aaliB( p No. U, tiro and Uina-
aaartar aabaa d^artar, fear aad a half laAa> luou., nu» •tx aninaaa. la naw ooa-
dtttaa.lor»»>ad WU plate faldi^ naama aad aUad. witk thna doalda lUdaai
alaa a wall awdi ikiiaaf Klaaaar aaaan. laraw arljMiliiial, oaa daf la aad ona
doahlaaUda.toraa«edkal(-pUta rapid laatlllniar lana,— addrsat, Ueikshaw, 1<
128
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[February 19, 1892
finetoetsi to CoinreBponlicntt.
V CommmicatUm, rtMing to Adverti^em^U ^^.?«^l^^ fj^
mtut it addrtmd to "Henet Gbiknwood & Co., 2, YorK-sireei, vovmi
Oarden, London.
W. M. BcTLER and F. S.— Thanks ; in our next
Jas. Cosnollt.— a piece of washed chamois leather.
W. R. THOMSOH.-We have no information beyond that which appears m the
reiwrt referre<l to. _ . „ . jj„„„ i.
ABTHUR BUTLKB (10, KinK's-square, E.C.).-Mr. H. J. Channons address is.
Woodlands, Lewisham, S.E. v * i ft^,.
A. B M -Unless the copyright is registered, no proceedings can be taken »r
its infringement, or, at least, they would be of no avaiL
A. HKNDBT.-The letter re the Kimberley Exhibition appears in the Jouknal
for September 18, 1891. It gives all the informition required.
A. W N -No great skill is required in enamelling prints. By following the
instructions referred to, a little experience will beget proficiency.
E. DKSVEB8.-An article on another page will give about all the information
you require. If that does not make the matter clear, write again.
Rev Walter Marshall.-" Stereoscopic Photography " forms the subject of
our artiile in the Almanac for 1887. ThU will probably suit your purj-ose
E. J. S.-1. None that we are awaie of. 2. Weak gaslight would suffice. S.
No. 4. Practically about the same sensiUveness. 6. Yes, if no moisture be
present on the stone. . „
Quadkagesim.;s asks : " Nickel-plated screws, &c. Will any one kmdly teU
me where to procure nickel-plated hood screws (brass or iron), and aluminium
strap and butt hinges f" , ,, u
Printer.— Dextrine, though a very convenient mountant, should never be
^}^or photo^aphs, al it is invariably acid, and therefore likely to act
deleteriously on the picture.
A. WOOD & SON (6, 8t. BemardVrow, Edinb«rgh).-We have not kept the
address of " Lux," who wrote ns regarding a prism. Perhaps, if he sees this,
he w^ill communicate with you direct.
M. Gardner.- The process by which opal pictures are produced of the colour
of red chalk, or the Bartolozzi tone, is the "carbon" process, the tissue
being made witli a suitable red pigment
Berks.— The work is in German, and there is no English edition of it. As it
was published some years ago, and consequently is not up to date, tfiere
is no probability of one being issued now.
P. COBSELL.- In making chloride of gold for toning silver prints, the small
quantity of alloy, when using current gold coins, may be entirely disregarded,
as its presence will practically do no harm.
C. Ratnkr.— If the carbon tissue in its insensitive state has becomemouldy
through being kept in a damp place, it is, we fear, of little use. The only
way to determine the point for certain is to sensitise a piece and try it
S Pbatt wishes to make a solution of indiarubber in chloroform, and asks
if methylated chloroform will answer the purpose, or must the more costly
kind be employed ?— The methylated will answer quite as well as the other.
Cabl Nobman & Co.— The address of the Frederick Crane Company, the
makers of the varnish mentioned at p. 762 of the Almanac, is Birmingham,
but Mr. J. R. Gotz, of 19, Buckingham-street, Strand, is their Loudon
agent
•R. H. P.— The prints themselves are not in the least altered. The paper has,
however, undergone a change for the worse. You must bear in mmd that,
in this regard, photography is almost entirely at the mercy of the paper
makers.
BCRNISH.— There are so many good burnishers now in the market that it is
very much a matter of taste as to which is considered the best. It may, how-
ever, be taken somewhat as a guide that price, in a great measure, govenis
efficiency and durability.
-C. Jones.— 1. Perhaps some of the readers of the Journal may be able to
supply you with "a good formula for removing the silver stains from a
negative." We are not aware of one. 2. There is no reason why the solu-
tions should not be kept mixed.
K. G.— Gelatino-bromide prints are obtained by development of a latent image
exposed to artificial light Gelatino-chloride is a "printing-out" process.
Whether one process is "better" than another depends entirely upon your
own requirements, and these you do not specify.
Burnett.— 1. As near as convenient. 2. By the brilliancy of the disc. S.
Yes ; with sufficient exposure, i. Not necessarily. 5. Quite. 6. A round
silver burner answers every purpose. 7. An excellent plan ; we should,
however, recommend artificial light on account of its invariability.
.AvosDALK.— Are you sure that the oxalate of potash you have used is all
right? We should advise you to procure a fresh sample from anotlier
source, and supposing the paper has not been allowed to absorb moisture, if
that does not get over the trouble, send samples of the failures to the makers
of the paper.
■S". Peel says : "To-day I developed a negative, and to my astonishment the
subject came out reversed— that is, what was on the right-hand side came
out as if it had been on the left. Can you in any way account for the
phenomenon ! "-Yes ; certainly. The plate was put into the dark slide
glass aide towards the lens.
R St John.— To give full working details on any of the photo-mechanical
processes in the spa<i allotted to this column is quite out of the question.
^o give full practical information on any one of them could not be done m
an entire Journal. Plenty of sound information on the different methods
is to be found diffused through our back volumes. . , . , ,
Novice —The preservative bath should be discarded before it begins to deposit
crvstals. We do not know the strength it is made, or how compounded ;
Dossibly it may become super-saturated by evaporation. There is no neces-
sity to treat the solution with kaolin. It is better, as it is so inexpensive,
to throw it away after it has been used a few times.
A. RoOET.- From the sketch, the proposed studio wiH answer every purpose.
It is not at all necessary to have glass on both sides. If it be glazed, as
suezested, it will answer every requirement One end may be used in the
morning and the other in the afternoon. The opaque side of the room should
be papered, or painted, of some light neutral tint, such as a trench grey or
an unobtrusive pale green. _ . ™^ »
JOB says: " Can you explain to me the following circumstance ? When I
■ mixed the toning bath for the Ilford printing-out paper for the first tune or
so instead of getting a clear fluid, t got one which threw dow-n a white
fiocculent precipitate, and refused to tone. A friend of mine got the sam^
I was told it was the excess of sulphocyanide of ammonia, but I don t think
it is, because next time I carefully weighed it "-If the bath were prepared
according to the instructions issued with the paper, and it refused to tone,
there wm some fault with the materials used. Possibly mipure water or
unclean vessels were employed.
0 A K. says : 'I want to make lantern slides of a number of hjTiins, and I
■find the greatest difficulty in getting a good black deposit with a clear glass
ETOund My negatives are made on Mawson's photo- mechanical plates, and
are good strong ones; a genuine black and white, quite clear of fo;.; m the
letters "—Our correspondent adds that he ha.s tried several brands of lantern
plates and different developers. He also complains of the keeping qualities
of lantern plates. There ought to be no difficulty m the matter, as such
slides are easy to make. Possibly the negatives, though clear, are not dense
enough, though of a black and white character.
W What— Your correspondent cannot have had much acquaintance with
lenses, else would he have known that, in comparing two the first
thine to be done is to bring them both to the same angular aperture by the
insertion of a suitable diaphragm in the one which has the largest relative
aperture Both the interior and exterior photographs enclosed speak
strongly for the admirable covering power and definition of the lens,
although it was used with full aperture, which ought not to have been
the case with a lens possessing so large a diameter relaUve to its focus.
The Photooeaphic Club. —February 27, Monthly Lantern Meeting. March
2, Eolation. „ , „„ ,m i. • i
Photogbaphic Society of Gkeat Britain. — February 23 (Technical
Meeting), Relative Merits of Different Processes for the Production of Lantern
Slides. ,. ,, ,, .
We are informed that Messrs. R. Field & Co. are now sealing up the rolls of
sensitive paper for refilling the Watkins' exposure meter, so that the paper wiU
keep perfectly good for any length of time in all climates.
London and Provincial Photoqbaphic Association. — February 25,
Members' Open Night. March 3, A New Enlarging Lantern without Con-
densers, Mr. S. H. Fry. March 10, Collodio-brmmde Emulston, Mr. A.
Wkst London Photographic Society.— 1892 : February 26, Lantern
Evening. March 4, Technical Social Meeting. March 11, Mr. John Howson,
New Jljord Plate. March 18, Technical Social Evening. March .2p, Mr. C.
Whiting, Useful Bints on Picture^making. April 1, Tedinical Social Meetmg.
April 8: Lantern Evening. April 22, Mr. R. Whiting The -^'•""^-^X^Tii
imnt of Negatives. April 29, Technical Social Meeting. May 6, Technical
Social Meeting. May 13, Annual Dinner.
Brighton Photographic Society.- The next meeting of the Society wUl
be held on Tuesday, February 23, 1892. Immediately upon the termmation of
the meeting, a special general meeting will be held The following is the
agenda :-To consider the deficiency, and to adopt resolutions thereon. Motion .
bv Mr Caush : " That the members be asked to contribute towards a fund to (
pay off the deficiency." Motion by Mr. Foxall : "That this Society, knomi
as the ' Brighton Photographic Society," be dissolved, such dissolutionto teke ■
effect immediately upon the settlement of the liabilities of the Society.
On Monday afternoon the bovs of the Liverpool Institute, Mount-street,
were called together in the Lecture Hall for the purpose of presenting the ■
honorary testimonial on parchment of the Royal Humane Society to Jame? U.
G Wood, aged fourteen years, son of Mr. James Wood, the inventor of tne
" washer" called after his name, " for having, on September 1, 1891, gone to
the rescue of Thomas Shields, who was in imminent danger of drowning at
Milford Haven, and whose life he gallantly saved.'" Tlie Head Master, Mr.
Alfred Hughes, M.A., gave particulars of the rescue, and praised the boy tor
his pluck.
OONT
Paok
PHOTOOBAPHERS and the trade .. 113
PHOTOGRAPHS IN NATURAL COLOURS
UP TO DATE 114
VARNISHINO CELLULOID NEGA-
TIVKS 115
COLOURED PHOTOGRAPHS 116
PKAlil OF MIS. EDWIN COCKING 117
GKINIMNG THE EDGES OF PLATES.
By W. B. UDLTON 118
ART AND GENERAL NOTES US
THE FHOTOGUAPHIO SOCIETY'S LEO-
lURES.— Ill UK
BNTS,
PUS
ELEMENTARY NOTES ON PHOTOORA-
PHIC LENSES, ny W. H. BENNETT.. 1»
CAKHON PRlNTlrfO. By QEOEQE
RAIOK^J^']^ ■ ■ • ■ ISl
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PROFES-
SIGNAL PHOTOGRAPHERS IK
OUR KDITOKIAL TABLE }=
RECENT PATENTS "»
MEETINGS OF 9001ETIES J»
COBKESPONDENCE }»
EXCHANGE COLUMN •"•••" JS
AMSWJiBS 10 0OEBE8PONDENI8 !»
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1660. Vol. XXXIX.— FEBRUARY 26, 1892.
BICHROMATED GELATINE AVD ITS EXPANSIVE
PROPEKTIESl
Ix a kadiiif; wtiole io our penultimate iMne, tfae asalogy in the
hahariour of a film ot gelatino-bromida of ailrer to one of
Mohmmatod gelatma waa traated oC Aa tbe iotereat taken in
piioto-aMeiiaiiical praeeaaea ia inereaaing, we shall here point
oat tome of th« paooliaritiea of bidmoiatod gelatine aa regarda
its ezpaaaiTa properties. In the fink plaee difTareat aunplea of
gelatinaa vary cooaiderablj in the proportion of water they will
abaorb. Soma take up seTeral timea the quantity that otheta
will, and the larger the proportioo of water abaocbed the
greatar ia the ezpaaaion of tiM galartne.
Whan gelatine is soaked in edd water, it not only expands in
thickneaa but distends in all direetioiw. • It may be mentioned
bare that the temperatore of the water in which the gelatine is
aoaked is a factor in the caae. The higher it is the greater is
the abaorptaoa, and nctf atrwL Bjwayof aiperimeat weplaoed
i\ thin flake of gelatitM^ of Oannau oaaaheture, cwntaining
twen^-two square inches, and w«i^da( tba saoM number of
grains, in water at 60* Fahr. After aoiJdag for twelre boon it
meaaured juat thirty aquare inchai^ and had increased in thick-
Bcaa from aboot that of tliia IbciigB note paper to that of a
stout viaitiaf eard, wUla ite weight bad iawsaaad to 335 graioi.
It will be noticed that the expanefan waa paoporttooataly graatar
in the thickness than it waa btarmllj. The lataral expansioa
of gelatine is familiar to most pa>aon% eren thoae who have not
given special attaotieo to tka aatgaet, IB the frilling of dry platea.
Advantage haa faaatakan of thii^ aoqpiad with Plener'a method
of Btrippii^ tha film with kydndnorio acid, to obtain a patent
foreolugiof a^gativea. Tkeplataiasimply plaoedin amixtue
which eootains floorie aoid until the film is detached, and
allowed to expand, when it ia floatad on to aothar ^aaa.
When a pbotographia haaga in high relia# ia rsqoiied, a
r iild ba eboaiD that ia tba Bcat ahaorbent of water.
¥■ r, riila, galatiaaa retain tbair original ebaraetariatioi
after treatment with the biabreauatea, that ia to say, a gelatine
whieb ia hi^y abaorbcnt faafetc tiaataaent ia proportiooateij
aoafterwarda. We aay aa a inle,baeanae the pnaamju of fiwalga
mattert, soch aa alnmlaa or other ineolnbiliaing subatances,
LrroA-!r nrndify the oondHioM; yet with a tolerably pure article
<i. Now, if a film of gelatine, containing a small
i" •■ '■•-Jiromate of potash, be qwaad rather thickly on
a . Hid dried in the dark, than axpeaed to light
. ucV'itivc, until a viaibia iaige h seen, and afterwards
. :d cold water, an image Bore or leas in relief will be
■.ained. Those portiona protaetad by the negative will be in
<! bigbaat relief, and tboM axpoaad in tha loweat Instead of
reading fluid gelatine on glasa, a thin sheet of it, such aa that
uf ' ' ' '^gmpban, may be sensitised and printed. When the
T"- «ed to soak in cold water, it will expand in all diiao-
' ;e image will become larger latenlly, while,
— ,..^, the relief will be lawthan in tha fcrmar(
While the image ia in the swelled state it may be moulded
from with plaster of Paris, or other material that does not
require heat for its application. As the raised portions are
still soluble in warm water, it of course follows that any sub-
stanoe applied hot would bring about their solution. If the
swelled film is allowed to dry, the relief nearly or quite dis-
appears ; but it can be restored again by resoaking, though,
perhapa, not quite to the original extent.
Supposing that the film is formed of a tolerably hard gelatine
and, after sensitising it, dried at the normal temperature, the
surface of the image, after soaking, will be smooth, hence a cast
taken from it will be smooth also. It is quite possible, how-
ever, to so modify the gelatine with different materials, and, at
the same time, varying the temperature at which it is dried,
to obtain a rough or graine<L8urface instead of a smooth one.
For example, if a bichromatm film on glass be dried at a tem-
perature of 60° Fahr., and then exposed under a negative, it
will have a perfectly smooth aurfaoe when swelled in water ;
whereas, if it be dried at a higher one, say, from 110^ Fahr.
to 130° Fahr., it will be fomAl to be rough and grained. A
oloae examination will show that the grain is a discriminating
one, inasmuch as it is coarser in the deepest shadows, finer in
the middle tints, while in the hi^h lights, where the light had
leaat action and consequently the gelatine is most swelled,
there ia ptactically no granularity at all. Upon this property
are baaed collotype and analogous prooeaaes of printing.
It ia uaoally explained iH text-books thaa the collotype
proeam ia dapeodent apon the pro|ierty of bichromated gelatine,
after axpoann to light, becoiping more or less non-absorbent of
watar, while the protected parts retain their original state, so
that when the ink is applied it " takea " on the film in pro-
portion to the light's action. That is so ; but it is not aU.
The reticulation or puckering up of the surfrtce is an important
point in the oaae as it becomes an ink-holding grain, which is
strongeat where moet ink is rei|uired ; finer in the more delicate
portiona, and almost, if not quite, non-exiatent in the highest
lights.
By selaoting a suitable gelatine, as well as further modifying
it in the preparation, of the pUtea, the collotypist is enabled to
obtain a plate posasaang the requisite qualities for his puqxwe
with quite a minimum of swelling up of the film, which is an
undesirable quality in a collotype phtte. Hence it will be seen
that thq^expansion properties of gelatine are subject to con-
sidarAia Inodificatioo when neoeaaary.
LOSS OF DENSITY IN FIXING.
Ia a letter which we published in the Joi'r.val of February 6,
our esteemed correspondent, Mr. All)ert Ijevj, attributes a
piuperty to the hypo fixing bath nliich we do not think it
really poaaesses. After suggesting that the makers should tell
us whether their plates do or do not " lose much " in the fixing
k
190
THE BRITISH JOUltNAL OF rHOTOGRAPHY.
[February 26, 1892
b«th he goM on to inform us that he obviates loss of intensity
in the hypo by over^ieyelopment. He believes that many
■<H:uUed under-exposed pictures are simply not developed
enough to suit the extra loos in hj-po, und that a somewhat
under-axpowd neg.itiva wiU loae much more in the hypo than
Ik fully exposed one.
Now, density depends upon two operations, namely, ex-
posure and development, and their product is an imago of
metallic silver on a layer of unaltered salt. Hitherto we have
always understood that the only thing which a developed plate
could lose in the fixing bath was the unaltered part of the
picture. Mr. Levy, however, appears to imply that the
developed silver image itself suffers removal, more or less, and
in that implication ho virtually attributes to hypo the property
of dissolving metallic silver, since the density of the image is
entirely dej^ndent upon the quantity of the latter which has
been thrown down by the developer. Probably hypo, employed
at its normal strength and for a normal time, has some slight
solvent action on the developed image of a gelatine plate ; but,
if so, it is tolerably certain that such an action is so inappre-
ciably small as to be practically unworthy of notice in regard
to the " loss " of density thereby caused.
Assuming, however, that our correspondent would not be
willing to support the foregoing deduction, which, let it be
remarked, natiu-ally issues from his own premisses, some other
cause for tlie loss of density of which he complains must be
sought, and here wo point out that, if hypo does not, aa we
submit it does not, dissolve the reduced silver of the image,
there can be no actual loss of density in the fixing bath. We
can, nevertheless, fully understand that with many plates
there is an apparent loss after fixing, and the reason for this
we believe to be easily explained.
In the first place, the image on a richly coated plate
might, upon development, appear to have greater density than
was subsequently found to be the case, simply because the thick
film would lend itself to the illusion, and in such an instance,
where development was stopped too soon, we can perceive
how the fallacious idea might arise in some minds that the
fixing bath itself was responsible for the "loss," the real
explanation being that the plate was under-developed. With
a thin film, on tlie other hand, the obstructing power of the
non-actinic light would be considerably less than the thicker
one, and thus this very paucity of emulsion might actually
conduce to the obtainment of density by inducing the operator
to carry on development until he had secured sufficient
opacity, p<art of which, in the case of the thickly coated film,
would be already provided for him.
But, in addition to thickly coated films, yet another property
of gelatine ])late.s might conceivably lead one astray in the
estimation of the density of the developed negative. This is
the presence in so many of the commercial plates of the present
time of a certain proportion of iodide of silver, which, by its
colorific property, may impart to the film an appearance of
thickness, and thus also mislead one in the matter of the
amount of density obtained. Iodide of silver, again, is to a
great extent inert under the action of the alkaline developer,
so that here, too, we may discover one of the causes of the
assumed loss of density in the fixing bath.
The foregoing may possibly throw some light on the true
cause of the difficulties experienced by our correspondent.
That the image itself, as he seems to infer, loses appreciably in
the fixing bath, we are unable to admit. The loss caused by
the hyjjo can only be that of the unreduced salts, and the
apparent loss of density is consequently in the inverse propor-
tion of the undeveloped parts of the film. Hence it probably
follows that the so-called loss of density in the fixing bath
arises wholly and solely from under-development or under-
exposure, or both in combination.
The
we print
CUcag'o Sxblbltlon. — In om- correspondence columns
._. a letter from Sir II. Trueman Wood which conveys to
intending exhibitors at Chicago a gieat deal of desirable and, at the
same time, useful information in reference to their exhibits. It wUl
be seen that appUcations for space should be sent in not later than
February 29, after which date they can only be received subject to
space being available.
Star Diacovery by Photography.— The new star which
has been discovered in the constellation Auriga turns out to have been
photographed at Harvard in December last. The Astronomer Itoyal'
points out that it thus appears the new star had been photographed
on three separate occasions in the course of the photographic mapping-
out of the stars, and that thus, with the aid of funds provided as a
memorial of Dr. H. Draper, a photographic record of this star has
fortunately been obtamed two months before its recognition as a new-
star.
The New Kon. Secretary of the Photographic
Society.— At their last meeting the Council of the Photographic,.
Society of Great 'Britain appointed Mr. H. Chapman Jones, F.I.C.
F.C.S., to be Hon. Secretary in place of Captain A. M. Mantell, K.E.,.
who has resigned. We are certain that this appointment will give
every satisfaction, not only to the members of the Society but also to-
many others who are interested in its welfare, Mr. Chapman Jones's-
personal and scientific claims eminently qualifying him for the position.
The vacancy on the Council thus created will, we believe, be filled by
Mr. Francis Cobb.
Photog'raphic Measures of Stars.— The Astronomer
Royal recently communicated a paper to the Royal Astronomical
Society on this subject. This operation of measurement is by no-
means so simple a matter as would at first glance appear. The first
point to determine was the relation between the diameter of the image
(if a star on the plate and the time of exposure. A large number of
measurements were made with this object, and an empirical formula,,
for variations with a particular star, was developed for use, and, with
other calculations regarding different magnitudes, a formula was-
obtained which, maldng use of the before-mentioned constant con-
nected magnitude, diameter of image, and time of exposure.
Action of liig^ht on Mercury Compounds.— A paper
containing many facts of possible value in photography was read at a
recent meeting of the London Chemists' Association. The subject was-
the action of light on mixtures of salts of mercury with compounds
containing iodine mercurous chloride (calomel), and iodoform, decom-
posed red spots being produced on the sides of the bottle containing the
mixture exposed to the light. With mercuric chloride ("bichloride ")
no action took place. Either green iodide of mercury, or iodoform
mixed with the mercurous salt, quickly produced scarlet spots. Oleate
of mercury and iodoform became first green, and then scarlet. In
some cases, further action of light created a kind of reversal, the
scarlet disappearing, and the original colour being restored. In most
cases iodine was given off.
Something' for Nothingr*— Mr. Arthur Dehenham, of Ryde,.
sends us a card, which was recently being delivered from house to house
in that town. He says it shows the state of trade obtaining in the Isle
of Wight, and adds, " What remains now except to offer a glass of
grog in the bargain?" The card runs as follows: "Something for
nothing! Do not miss it. Messrs. Billinghurst & Dovey, photo-
graphers, 121, High-street, Ryde, Isle of Wiglit, beg to thank the
inhabitants of Ryde and vicinity for their very liberal patronage
during the past nine months, and herewith make a special offer of
FebMiy », 18M]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
131
photo(mph« gntis. MeMi*. BnUaghmat & Dorer will pboto((r»ph
«ny adult pMtMS ynimaag this tiekat fiw ct charge, and give them
ow eabiaet-«iMd photofimph. ATailaUa aay d«y from February 1<5
to Feiidnwry S3, both iaelusTe, from tan o'clock ».bi. till four o'clock
fjo. Moh d»y. The» will be good photagispha, executed in fint-
TCfl* itjle, aad aent oat in rotation of taking. Maaarg Billingbust t
Dtnrey maene to thainaelTea the right of ledaing to photograph any
■ow not properly Anmei, alio babiea and yoong children. Soaaething
tm aoduiv ! Ka*d tbii earefnlly." We hanre carried out thia laat
iafaaatiM to the foot of the fetter, and are at a )om to undarataad
vhf, if Miwa Billingbarat k Do««y have enjoyed, aa they My they
ire, "Tary Bbetal patranag*" daring the laat nine montha, they
iiooIdhaTeto reeort to foeh method* aalthe above for ii
AjrvMktometer XxuUcatloa*. Dr. William Ramsay, F.RB.
laa been makii^ a aerie* of iuTeetigatioa* on the aeticm of partide*
inpaniWid in liquid*, and, in the eoane of the diaeoanoa that foBowed
ne ifnaarinn waa aakad whether mmUj water gare a higher denaity
tiiaa the aaae free frooi aoapended partlelea. Mr. Friewell aaid it
wa* wall kaowa that whan oil of ritriol contained lead aulphate in
iipaMJnn it was ant poarible to ascertain ita deoaity esaetly; and
I'roleaaor Itauaay poiateA oat that, a* partidea pnisring tha qwdfic
awtin in a Ufoid which had beaa ilMwa to esiat ezaicist pressure,
tha iwiilt ot their pressBC* woold ttod to fot«a the hydrooetar bulb
upwards, and thua eanae an apparsat inewaas b tha density of the
ftilotion. It i*. thetefota, quite fikely that oaa of the caosea of the
ntnistworthineai of the hydreaistar fc«m of aifsaloaMter maybe
raced to this cause. It is, howersr, TSty surpriug is how few
leislifishiaaiiU any other form ia emptoyad. There really is no need
for tkw iiMrii« at a TahmUa iairaHHt or method. For about
»lf a^rowB it is posaihia la patdaaa a gwifantert toh*>fai whfah any
:boo(bey eonld, in one miaativ gnga tha alNaglb to a nieaty of aay
lf«r ha^ The sampfe under waiiiiMtina h ponied in the tabe till
nadMb a aaro mark, and than, by anwl qnantitiaa at ooee, a
lotion ef chlmUa of ndinm ef dadaila iHaf^rth ia added, tiU no
irthar pmeipitata talna plaaa. The ignr* oa the tnba oppoaiu the
ral of the ftiidd at anea,a^ withoni aalaalaHon, girea the
ft oone. Bnt even thi* aimple iastraaiiiiil is not actaally
\ daSaite qoantity of silrer bath is plaesd ia a bottfe ; a U
lauasMi ia fllM with tha ash aotntiea. and drachm by drachm
tBl piaiiiiiitiw ■waaa Tha hath than aoMriaa, aay, four {
ay elhar ^aaality, aawdiag to the atraagth of the pt»-
«h diMhm of tha aait aalatiiai laqaind. It is
mhahiathaftoaeaaaw of tU* moat nkaUa maUiod hi
tha Caet that ita nse wa* originally BiMpMaatad by tha
>n to emyby an " inAeator," that ia, a farther chemical added to
"Itcate, by a ehaqga of eoioor, tha appiuih of eomplato daoaanpaii-
Tbis h ahwlat Jy uaa nwrnary. la adfiaf tha cUorida aohrtka
I br noticed thai, m long aa aD tha aQvar ii not thrawa down,
.ie floceolMit partialn immdn aoapadad llnangh ahnaal tha whole
M. and the sammttttw l^rid la oridwtlyqaita bright aadciaar;
"I moment tbr list parMa of ehlaride of eodiam aacaaaiy ia
., the whole mass of praeipltate dbha to the hottaiB, iDd tha
I ia Bo lengar daar, bnt quite mUky-looUqg.
WHY PHOT0<iKAl'llS FADE.
•ml pfculapiaphio aaisliins lately, the enhfeet of the lading of
...» priaia haa lasa aiead, and many amateom will he ia a slate of
i «bt who to battavib On tha ona haad.thsy ars told that, if they
-ini in silTcr (whetliar bromide dereloped priaia or br the Tarionii
■•■if-oat pruouesm), thrir time ana maoaf ai» wnply wasted
he raanlt* ii eowanad. On tha other
, in the
>.uvi. they' see ia the'adveitiaBment pngea of tha }oaiii*la rilrar
rinting proeaesH said to be patmanant.
-. which is right f When one aomatimaa aiaa rfhrer printa done
-4ight year* i^, with the wUtae of the pietaa peifeelly pore,
aid not Uie sOgbtast traeo of yrllowing or fading in the Hghlml tint»—
■n fact, the ptwts a* pirrfeet, apparmtiy, a* the day tliey
n* eaaaol W hrip thiakfaif that thiia oaaaot ba
with a silrer printing process that gare such results, and this even
when the mounts had been damaged by damp.
But who (iroduced theee photoCTaphs P Aj], that is the secret, to a
great extent, of the whole matter I They were done hy men thoroughly
well up in photograpliic chcmiittrT. They used the heat paper they
could procure ; they salted, sensiti;<ed, and prepared their _frw prints
with every care, "flie time taken up in preparing the sensitive paper
made them careful in their work at every sta^. Then they altered
thrir salting and sensitising baths, so as to obtain the best resnlti
from each one of their few negatives. A negative in thoee davs
repniSBted time, enthnriasm, and patioioe. There was uo " pull tne
stnng, press the button, and we do the leet" about it, '
Tnm method of work is the only one by which any process ought
to be judged, and yet we are actually asked to judge of the perma-
nence of the various pToeesses of the present day by the illustrations
boond up in some bix>K, probably produced, piecework, by the thousand,
by a group of workpeople who would know and care as much about
the permaaeoee of thetr work as they would if they were making
linen battoos at so mneh a gross.
To eondema a process nnoer such circnmstancee is about as fair as
tha WM one often hear* at our Soaety'a mentinga in which a certain
maha of flatea, fte>, is eoadamaed by soma young feUow whu has bought
a ahilEng inatraetioa book and a few dosen of platca, and tliiiiks he is
competent to give a oonehisive opinion about everything connected
with piiotORraphy. It speak* mucn for the permanence of the printing
procease* of the present day, after aeeing some of these young fellows
at work, that their prints stand— I was going to say for a week.
.\ad this brings me to the subject that is reaDy the reason of my
writing this arUela. How few abotompbera' asristaats (and, in
maaycassa, area tha principals tMmaalva*) know anything of the
caoae* tliat coadoce to the fading aad detMioration of their prints,
wlwtlier theydia woridag in silver, platianm, or carbon ? It must be
riimnmbuiad timt thM« ia not a sii^la one of those prooeasM but will
fpve prints which wiU deteriorate in time if proper care is not taken
in their production.
Indeed, it is a grave point to my mind whether some of tho mann-
fhetuiar* are aa particaWr ia the aaleatiOB of their paper, >^-r., and its
prapatation aa thar onght to be. To Mt the beat reaoltit when tha
priata are pradaeed amma oftaa to be tae ooly thing they can thiak
ahoak haeaaae they adriaa the addition of aaltimneii t« the developer,
&&, that eaaaot tint be injoriooa to tlie print* a* ragarda permanei>oa.
I beKrra it ia done, aa a rule, through ignorance, or, pohap*. want of
thoaght, bat it givea, or rather will give is time, their gooda a bad
How maay a pliotogiaphar in a ooontr^ town haa had to curse tho
aMaafbatonr for the rain of hi* rapntatioB throogh thu fading uf hia
printa, vnKj oaa of tliam backad with the name and addiem of the
ptoducar.
At the saBM time the mannf artnr<>r and Iii* goodf are often blaaad
for tlie fading of the prima, which is really dne to carilimnrim, or.
perhaps^ BHia eflaa, waat of imowiadge of the ianortaace of small
ditaikialiiaiadwailttartliepriatioa tliopartof thaplMtographer.
I hare made oaring m^ many experi-
[ti^ of photogiaphic pnnts may be of
a*a to soma who «• at anisat quite anable to acooont for the reason
of thi detariotatioB cf taaif priirta.
Aa tliara aia nuuy amataor* wh.^ Drtoan- thdr own rlilorido of
sQrer printing panen riace Mr. I, platinum
toning pmea**, I tatnf or* porpoae ..namely,
tho paper hsfor* aad after it i* senaitieed and /oUow uo during the
to tlM production of the finished print, and at
each stage t^ to sliow how canses may_ arise t) account for the fading
u dctarioiauuii ^
or, at
I ot tlia priata ia a few year*.
Hbbsibt S. SrauMW.
AMKIUCAN NOTIvS A.M) NEWS.
PM, Bamlin' Ooawantlon. — And ben- plafe aux dmmet.
It iaacaaawhat gratifying to know that our United Kingdom Con-
vMliMi ia aaflciently noognised by our Tiansatlaotie eui^rh-e* aa to
iadanea at Itast *ania «( ttea in *et*eting the time of their visit to
Eorope. From a letter t— :--« from Mim Catherine Weed Barnes,
Amoeial* Editor of IIm : Awiatmr Pkotoyrapkcr and Outing,
we Isora that oar aooompuiiiieti •inter i* arTanginr the dti-*: ■ her
intended riait to thia eaaatry*o 1*10 embiact' liiT parti iho
plMsanaof tlw Ooarsatiaa to be lield in Edinburgh in .uuy it is
allogatlMr tnmaeaaaHj to say tiiat ah* will reoeiva a most cordial
on aeooBBt it hm own amiiit— wti and aa repn-
1S3
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[Februaiy 26, 189Sf
•endng photofpraphic literature and art of a country ■which permits
adiea to occupy, like cientn on milk, a high position.
j^ btw-Bult Terminated.— We understand that the suits
between the Celluloid Company, of America, and the Eastman Com-
pany, of Rochester, have now been satisfactorily settled in the
interests of both parties.
A Specimen letter.— The Scovill & Adams Company recently
reoeired the foUowin;? letter : " Please send me one of those woden
thing that wholes the lonse to the Camera on the Scholars outfit i
boke mine someway I don't know how. Yours truly R. S. P.S.
Endoee 5c. if it is to much let it go & if it is not enough write & i
will aend you the ballance." Even in these enliglitened days we our-
aelrea not unfrequently receive communications equal in opacity to this.
An Edition de Zinxe. — We have once or twice said that the
Americans know how to engrave, and how to get up a book in an
attractive form. It is not for us here to speculate as to the causes
which have operated to conduce to this, but so it is. Of the various
handsome books which America has produced, we question whether
any has been issued which surpasses the edition de luxe of the last
American Photographic Annual (Scovill & Adams Company, New
York). Special paper, special ink, and special binding, it forms, quite
apart from the merits of its contents, a book that in its get-up has
never been surpassed.
fixhlbltion at Boston. — The fifth annual exhibition of the
Photographic Society of Philadelphia, the Society of Amateur Photo-
graphers of New Y'ork, and the Boston Camera Club, which is open
to all photographers, American and foreign, will be held under the
auspices of the Boston Camera Club, at the galleries of the Boston
Art Club, May 2 to May 11, 1802, inclusive. Mr. J. Herbert
Seaverns, of 5, East India-avenue, E.G., will act as the English
forwarding agent for the exhibition, full particulars of which may be
obtained from Mr. George M. Morgan, Chairman of the Committee of
Arrangements, oO, Bromfield-street, Boston, Mass.
Sestructlon of Silver Prints.— Blscussing Mr. T. Bolas
recent theory as to the fading of bromide prints by sulphuretted
hydrogen, caused by keeping the prints in a damp place, our con-
temporary, the Photographic Times, remarks: "This is not quite
correct. The image is not destroyed : it exists as silver sulphide, and
may be revived." Probably ; but we can understand that, if the
prints be mounted in a book, and the paper of that book be damp, the
sulphate of calcium in the paper, together with the organic matter
also therein contained, may so react upon the silver sulphide origin-
ally formed as to cause the latter to dififuse throughout the book.
In that case the image would not easily be restored. We believe
that, on the occasion referred to, Mr. Bolas alluded to some such
hypothesis in the course of hia remarks.
Should Amateurs Sell tbeir Pictures T— The Newark
Camera Club held an exhibition the other day, and the visitors were
given the opportunity of buying copies of such pictures as took their
fancy, the money so obtained being devoted to defraying the expenses
of the exhibition. Some of the local professional photographers took
exception to this procedure, asserting that such sales injured the pro-
fession— the vendors, of course, being amateurs. But suppose the
amateur's pictures were better than the professional's? And, whether
they were or not, would anybody argue in favour of the prohibition
of amateurs selling their pictures if opportunity offered ? To do so
would, we fear, be productive of considerable ridicule. The only
remedy is for the professional to "go one better" than his amateur
rival in the quality of his work. At present it is too often the other
way. Sine iil<e lachnjmee !
Philadelphia Society's Kew Rooms.- We read in the
Public Ledger an account of the recent opening of the Philadelphia
Society's new room in the presence of a large assemblage of invited
guests. The apartments consist of a commodious meeting and
exhibition room, admirably arranged and adapted for the purposes in
view ; a reading room and library, well supplied with comforts,,
and a stock of books and magazines pertaining to photography in
English and other languages, and a fully equipped working depart-
ment, including dark rooms, &c. All are suitably fitted up, and
furnished with modem appliances. The copy of our contemporary
which brought us this item of information was stamped " Rescued
from tlie wreck of the s.8. Eider," the unfortunate North German liner
wliich went ashore off the Isle of Wight the other week. The paper
had evidently had a good soaking of sea water, but the print was
unimpaired.
Megratives for Snlarg'ingr. — Dr. Ellerslie Wallace, in an
article, " Negatives for Enlarging " (American Journal of Photography),
gives it as his opinion that, with sfiap-shot exposures by the hand
camera, in the case of animals, sharp results can only be expected
when a finder, the duplicate of the lens used for making the picture, is
employed. The focussing of landscapes is a very easy matter ; but
for all work of this nature, that is, for subsequent enlai-ging, it is
advisable to have a stand of some sort to keep the camera steady. As
a developer for such negatives, he favours an admixture of eikonogen
and hydroquinone. Eight ounces of distilled water are heated t»
boiling point, five drachms of sulphite of soda are then added. When
dissolved, forty-five grains of eikonogen, and fifteen grains of hydro-
quinone are added. When cold, the mixture is made complete by the
addition of ninety grains of carbonate of potash, and for use it is'
diluted with an equal volume of distilled water.
Photography and Billiards.— The Lynn Camera Club
has added a billiard table to its attractions, and the editor of th&
Photographic Timen endorses the club's action. So far, so good ; but
our contemporary goes on to say that " One of the reasons why the
English camera clubs are so popular is that they unite with the
photographic attractions of their club rooms social attractions as well.
Some of the leading clubs are not only provided with billiard tables,
libraries, and reading rooms, but have well-furnished gymnasiums,"
&c. This is the first time we have heard of gymnasiums in con-
nexion with photographic clubs, and we only know of one of the
latter which boasts of a billiard table. We also learn that " the
consequence is that the English camera clubs take the place to a great
extent of other clubs." Oh, come now, good Times, who told you so ?
Again we say, this is the first time we have heard it ; but there, as
Mrs. Gamp observed, " What I knows I knows, and what you knows
you knows."
Beauty and Temperament.— Instituting, in Wilsons Maga-
zine, a comparison between so-called beautiful women anil children,
Mr. G. C. Kockwood, in speaking of what is expected of the photo-
grapher, says that mature beauty is often temperamental and not
physical. With the children, everything is different. They are
natural, tractable, and the impossible is not expected of artist
or photographer. An adult, in sitting to the artist, endeavours
to assume the expression he or she desires to wear in the picture.
Few artists can divert her mind from the fact that she is being
recorded. A child knows nothing about expression, has no vanity or
desire to look its best. No man can make a speciality of children;
the children must make a speciality of him. It's a pure case of
selection or Nature's ordination. The children must love him. They
have intuitive perceptions, and cannot be deceived by smooth words
and pretty gifts, any more than the animal. They know their
affinities by a nicer, surer test, which they cannot express.
Composite Photogrraphy.— We entirely sympathise with
that veteran artist, Mr. Abraham Bogardus, who, ia the ISt. Louis and
Canadian Photographer, asks: "What has become of Composite
Photography? Durmg the excitement attending its short-lived
popularity, I wrote my opinion of it for a New York daily paper. I
characterised it as the most ridiculous nonsense to wliicli photography
had ever been applied. How any man of ordinary intelligence, or one
Atf«rri6.18n]
THB BBITfSH JOUBNAL UP PHOTOORAPB )r.
ISS
who k*d MOT baM MCMBd of iMTtnf braiiw, couU Iwve b«Mi iadoewi
to *d«trtM* and neaauMad • Onaf "* ■**i*fy (ivraidof eoouBon
WW ami tnitk, if wow tfaa I «wW w —iiw>»ni<, I tkiak it U
TW7 dMd. It etXaialjr hMfs oat flf riflrt, sad I bop« it is buried an
dMp tku it win not b* TaMifMlid.'' la thia ktier raap««t Mr.
BofudiM it wTQOf ; tbe utiade BaiHaea la not oat of ti;;ht, and it is
wt bariad. la aa iBwtratad Aaarioaa papar wa ww a few day* a((0
tbara wan saaMfaw vik eonpo«tai^ eoaapaacd of th<- forsbaad and
•jraa of oaa pahBe dMraetw, aad tka noaa, moatb, and eUa of
•Dotbar— oflaariTaly paicbad faigatbar. Aad oaa of tba aawatt of
tba saw Mkoal of pariodieak, tba Uhr, aaaaM to dapaad azdaaiTelr
for aaeh popukritf aa it nay attaia apoa a f«w exaapka cif
Otaak.— Iha-Bt. Loai* CaiMra Club bara
jart eofklad tbair naw ^aartaia ia tba dab boota at 011, N.
TiiiiaiiatM iiwai, abaii thqr wiB ^adljr walcoaa vbatiaf tmm-
twr* olfcfaiga dakk TW qaartata aia pmiWad witb a eoafedioaa
dark Tooaa, tmniMaf aaipk ngm tar a%ht paraona to wotk at oaea.
It ia a^olpfad wHk iliuUia t^fiita, ifeiaMad bjr raby, araag% aad
giooad |1iTf. gHiaf aa abnadaaca cl mit lifbt bj wbiek to carry on
work. AD aaetMaiy ebaaaiak for dafalopaMM aia kapt oa band for
tba /ff aaa of aMa^aia ia tba nMaiu lia leadiaf fooai w tapplkd
witb tba baM joaraakk Tba looaa an all baatad by ataaa, and aia
rkaiafiifi aiwaya aeafoctabk, afaa ia itliaaii eold waatkar. Tba
gaikiy M piBpaly awangad witk a iaitabk tkyliirbt, aad baa
atinkii «• it aaelhar rmj milHtoUa dhik noaa, wkiak may U
atad faa ckaagiair pbiaa <m far dafaltfivf . ' It aoaaaiaa a food 10 » H
eopyiaf eaaara, with koa for mhiffimf aad ladaeiafr: an lUx8
portrait eaarra, witb ataad, Ac; alaa tkaaaaal batk||w>aada,Kfa«na,
kiail tmtt, Ae. Tka kuia baS ia tka ilak knaaa aaata ahoat 000,
mi k adariiaMy aikplad for laalani atMMlipaa. aa it k Iffctad bj
taiaaiiwMai %kta aad aawtetaMy «ala4. n« dab kopaa tkat
tbnr Eauflab frkada wko auf vUtflt. LoaiawiS not fotMl to aay
tbMB aviait; aad, la —kiay oaiaalaaHha mdiaw of tkaiiunltatka,
wa taka kaaa ta aomratakla oar 8l Lgak bkada oa tka
ofiacki
(TtAMiuM Tomm or BioiimB ptixfs.
1 1 teal pallMiil Ika awalk af mf
ad daal a<,a«aBitaa kaa haaa #«aa la Iba aab-
laat.ball»atkawaaadabwaA l*«U AaiMIaaaid. lagtva yaawbat
fklaika flMph at wkkk I
laMdewalbakaal.wlaMldaaa«Mr. it k giaH^ka la aw to tad I
iIm aMtiar bM ban pamad by
Ikaa bavabanaadal
eibaw aaa ptankad n ia
unaatka of laaad haaaMw bn *■ aaa^ aa,' aa Taa B
t-r ravKMUFat pal il Ika aib« day.
Tba aetioB, of aoana, ia toj alow : I think jou misht aet it to work ia
tba Btnming, go to boaineai, and And it not overdona when yon rotara
ia tha rrtning. Tbu k noghly the princtpla whioh ii followed, bat 70a
will ind fall paiticoUn in tha Ymr-U>ok.
*'"■'*««* ■athnil which ia piomiaad, bat which has not beaa pablicly
abowB, ooeaaa troai Amarioa. I aaw aocaa prinia by thu pfooeaa aoma
a(o, not kaoviac than that tbay waro not pradaead by oraniom
It k now anaaanead. koweiar, that tha maDima, or whatarar ba
tha eoloor-prodociag acnt, will ba ewitainad ia paper, or rather in tba
aaiaMon. Thk loraa tha aabjeet at a pataot, and no doabt it will prove
a Taloabk oaa. Tba printa I aaw ware Toy flae in oolonr. Tet another
niathni m lamiilaal aa by my friend. Mr. Baddoo. He ii said to employ
• aah at eoppv, bat I hare ao iafonaatfaa oa the aabjeet beyond wliat
waa aialad la tba brief aotioe ia tha Bamaa Jooaiui. or PaorooaAraT.
Tha Tariooa mathoda that hare bean antiaatail aaam to me to be ham-
parad BMatly with two drawbaeka. Fint, aa a lak it k difficult to
TTti — '- liiiiiiibiBJ iiliil liiiii II il imiiriili la gat, or la obtain tha aaata
teaa at t*o diflwaat tiaMa ttoa tba aaaa aafatiTa. Tba aaeoad k that
all ttan mathoda are aMn or kaa tadiona. and thk woald partieolarly
appty wbara ladaaalapaBnt wm laaortad la, Tba partaet rimpHeity td
tha aaid amtam method of laaiai, tba wiaty of Iodm oMainahk by it,
aad tha paaar of tsttiac tba aama time aflaa tfaaa, baa always appeared
to aM iH apadal abarm. Ton may ba foiag o*ar poor eollaation of
^riala, aad oaa aav atrika yon aa being loo oold lor the elaaa o(
In a law miaalaa. if yoar labaralory aoatala tbe niniiiiry atafl.
foa oaa jadge of Ik appmraaea ia aapU or a wamar brown. U it
' yon ballar aa it waa, pop it into roaaing water, and in a aoapk of
yoa win have it aa It waa.
IdBola ihM wkat I faaamnaadad. Bat there k aaalbar dWaraaaa abiab
lakaa iba praaaaa faMa aaap bom what I hal doaa. Tbakaakabtaiaad
by a asssad danbfmaal. Tba teat babig mark af tba arihaiy ibaiailw.
a waak ilkiania teialapm. gW^ a yaPawkk kraaa loaa, tba lakbad
imm k iiiniwlil lata Iwlii af dl«ar. Thk k Ihaa aalaaihiad ia
Weaanw or raa Oaan^aT Catanra To
Am inaiili'ltii Tiiillin of tbe proeaaa, for tba banaflt of
may aot have baaid or ran it daaarfted. I wQl raa rapidly throogh it,
bat I may da aet tWak tbaf Iban will be maeh to add to what haa beaa
ahaady palWAil Tba teal lUi« af eoana. k to gat geod nagatha.
Oaa amda witb kalan lUte warfc aad aalaigiag ia view will saTa yoa a
kt et tnakla. Dean aagllma n^ataa loag aapaaaiea which are dlOeoIt
la irtidwifc aad arid*n.wilb tbal, gi«a aotl laaolta, daralop ya ever se
skOtally. Aa la maaaii. tba aflaet yoa wkb to predaaa wO bate la ba
A prial thai daiJapa vwy brinkal oaa ttat bn ban a liMk nadai^
Umal Till aal ton aaO la tba aapk er waiaa bnwa. II will be apt to
bak hnd. Vkr lad akalk laaaa, bowaw, wbiab I wiU aUada to here-
iA«. aakaafvprfat rimald ka pradaaaA Bnt far tba prmnt. we are
diril^ with tba aapia aad warm brawaa. A (oU aipoaan abeald. thara-
kra, hi ^y epiaioa, ba gitaa. Tba datalopar. afaia. aboald ba made op
la aak apaaan aad alaat daricad. I ba*a winwHinrliil a dUaU bydfo-
fafamaa iaaakpar mg, aaa part of tba mind aolaka with two park or
aMn afwakr added; ar.la pat it otbarwiaa, oaa part eaehof whatwe
«a la tba ImhU af baaita« aaOad Koa. 1 aad S. or A and B, and loor or
Tkte wffl aal gha a gaad blaak aad whik print With alow lUord
it wot gin. la aana aaaaa. a vary fair aapk, bat gaaaraUy a dirty
Thk brawn ki^a k tba amal amnabk la tha aflartonin«.
WMbf^idpaparayndaaatgrtlbk atlaar. la aai^ •)>«. Toa aHiat
aadtewbf nnlagataaaft pay haa^a wttb faB g»adaHon. I
it amaa tba lal ^ay Imaaa laaaltiag from erer-ezpoaaia. The dil-
Iha aiew lUard aad aay of tba rapid papara aadar da-
k laamrkaUa^ With tha raaonmaadad fall etpoeora and
alow paper teat amkaa ik appaaraan
iaayaUawiabfawa ltal,«Mb« redder aa lianlepmant prograaeee. aad
paaafa« W Ibia^ braaa la what appaaia to ba blaak by eaaary light.
Altar isiac thk afffaant biaak tam eat lo be a brawn. This la my
aaperinw mart marhafly with bydioqaiaoaa. and aet ao much with
pafaambfaybaaeL Thk yellow aad browa appaaraaea daring deralop-
aada aae eeajaataie liiat Ibe afew papar might be a ehloro-
I ban aaad a aampk of paia amUepbenid. which was kindly
Mr. aaimt, ler nma toiala. aad toond it rery aaiuble if
FM alow. For prodaeing good
, it k aot aaaaeeary to aas it ao dilak.
knry rapid, ealytba eonael ezpoaoia U any
aaAakatly dOakd. Tha
A Daraaaraa Baowa Iiuoa sor * Kacaaatrr.
The brawa iaa^ 9M by latalapmnl k by ao means a niamalty, aa
Iha nmiiaa Teiiaaii naaa in mala ma Iniat I ban only raeeaiairadid,
il. wbn workiiV wHb hiteaoiaoaa dareloper. as being men aoiiable Ite
roaaivi^ tba alkr laib«. What, bewanr, k aaasamry k that a aott
■ni ha pvodaaad. Binn Iha iatrodaotion o( the
I
1S4
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[Feliruary 2G, 1892
phenol daydop«r I h.Te found It ycry u«ful or this P"n««. "^ have
i«d it in the tern of rodinal iJmo.t con.tantly m place of hydrmimnone^
n«. » prtnt Of great delicwy of a «>ft grey tone, and may be diluted
to ^ S«» Slrom 1 in 100, to even 1 in 400, aceording to the
length oftiUnegative from which you are working, and the effec you
JriTof oour.e!diluted so much as the last figurcH, rod.nal would be
OMles. for producing black and white prints. They would be much too
flat, but .uch an image, yon must remember, gives very often an excel-
lent toned print, as the toning agent has a decided intensifymg effect.
Tl» prinU ari. of oonr». fixed in the usual way, and the after-washing
must hi very thorough, a. the least trace of hypo produces a red s^am
the moment it comes in contact with the toning bath. " Ta^ mak
•iooar," as we say in ScoUand, before toning, I treat the prmt for hve
minatef in a bath of —
Peroxide of hydrogen (20 volumes) 1 P«t.
Water ■*" "
and wash again for five or six minutes.
The toning bath may be conveniently made up of the foUowing
strdngth :—
Glacial acetic acid 10 minims.
Potassium ferrideyanide i gram.
Uranium nitrate i 8Tain.
Water 1 °"°'=«-
This will not act too rapidly. It may, of course, be made stronger if
desired, and I do so on occasions. The prints quickly change colour, the
aepia stage being reached in a couple of minutes, and five or six minutes,
M a rale, being sufficient to get the warmest brown, you would care for.
U carried on, the toning wUl continue till it reaches a heavy black red,
and unta recently this was the nearest I could get to the chalk-red or
Bartolozzi print tint. Within the last few weeks, however, I have
discovered a mode of getting much brighter red tones, and this I will
describe presently. The toning action may, if you like, be earned on
some shades beyond the colour it is intended to finish, and the final
determinaUon of the stopping point left tiU the next stage, the washing.
But this over-toning, again, is by no means a necessity, although it has
been suggested that I have insisted upon it, and that I thereby erected a
barrier to its simple working. The print may be taken from the tonmg
bath as soon as the desired colour is reached, for the necessary after
washing is so slight that very Uttle reduction will occur.
Washing, Dr-YiNO, and Finishing.
The coloured image, or rather the coloured deposit on the image,
however, is very soluble in water, so that any too great redness can be
easily got rid of simply by continuing the washing a little longer. When
the print leaves the toning bath, the high lights are of a lemon yellow
colour. Five or six minutes in running water will be sufficient to
remove this, and the print is then rea.dy for drjing and finishing. If it
be, however, still warmer than is desired, the washing will be continued
till the colour has reached almost what is wanted, some allowance being,
of course, made for a little darkening in the drying.
This point being reached, it is important that the print be blotted o£E
in clean blotting-paper or calico till it is surface dry, as, if the moisture
be left in patches on the surface, there will be inequality of tone when
the paper is dry. This forms a decided drawback to the use of uranium
as a toning agent for lantern slides, as it would be sure to spoil a slide
to blot it surface dry, unless there is some absorbent substance that could
be used for the purpose that leaves uo woolly stuff behind it. The use
of spirits to expel the water will, no doubt, obviate this difficulty. The
omission of the blotting off in the case of paper prints has been the cause
of a good many failures which have heen referred to me by correspon-
dents. To produce a set of prints, all of the same depth of colour, blot
off one at the required colour, and set it on a glass plate, or any other
clean support, at the side of your washing tank, blotting off the others,
one by one, as they reach the same tint.
I may just add a word here as to the mounting of prints. Some en-
largements have been submitted to me in which the tone has been
considerably reduced at places. This is caused by the prints having
been wetted on the surface by the mountant, and allowed to dry in that
itate. After mounting I always run the print over with a sponge just
damp, and in that way secure equal moisture on the surface and even
drying.
CiULK Bed on Babtolozzi Effects.
This, I think, brings me to the end of the ordinary toning process.
It has taken a lot of telling, but in practice ten minutes will do the
toning and washing for a print in warm brown. I have now to speak of
the chalk red or Bartolozzi print colour. To produce this the procedure
is very little different. Development should be carried further so that
the faintest details are decidedly out, as the strength of the picture will
depend altogether on the colour deposit, the unchanged silver being re-
moved afterwards. For this colour it is advisable, also, to produce
pluckier prints than are used in the brown process, as, if too soft, your
deepest shadows are apt to look weak after the silver is removed. When
this fully developed image is toned for a considerable time it wiU have
attained a black-red appearance, as shown in the left hand section of
this print. This appearance will present itself in fifteen to twenty
minutes, but is desirable to let the action go on for an hour, as, at first,
the colour deposit is only on the surface, and if the unchanged silver
underlying this be then removed the whole of the force in the shadows
would be lost. When it is judged that the tone has penetrated the
deepest shadows the print is washed in running water for five minutes,
or till the acid is removed, and is then immersed in a bath of Farmer's
reducer. All the black heaviness dissolves out, and you have left some-
thing approaching a red chalk drawing. The hypo is now to be got rid
of, and to effect this as speedUy as possible I again resort to peroxide of
hydrogen. A couple of minutes' washing before immersion in this bath,
and five minutes after washing, will have freed the paper from the hypo.
The immersion should also be for five minutes. If the high lights now
seem to want clearing continued washing will have the desired effect, or,
if you are impatient, add a little alkali to the water, and it will reduce
quickly enough. If you use washing soda for this, or any other alkali in
crystals, see that these are all dissolved before immersing the print, as, if
any crystals touch the paper, the colour will be removed from the spot in
contact almost at once.
For a dark green colour, which would give something of a night effect
to a seascape, it is only necessary to place a toned print in a very weak
solution of perchloride of iron and hydrochloric acid ; but this I call play-
ing pranks. I must warn you that it is rather fluky, and you may get a
bright blue instead of a green.
I will not say more upon the chemical action involved in the uranium
toning process than that a theory has been put forward by Mr. Levy, of
the Photographic Club, in which he suggests that the ferricyanide of
potassium combines with the sUver image and forms a ferrocyanide of
silver, with which the uranium nitrate enters mto combination. I am
not aware whether chemists accept this as the correct explanation, and
no doubt the subject may still be forming the subject of investigation.
It has, however, been proved by Mr. Haddon that there is no loss of silver
when the toned image seems to have been washed away by long subjec-
tion to running water. Although a bright red-toned print— one, of course,
from which the silver lias not been removed by Farmer's reducer— may be
washed out to a mere ghost. This ghost may be revivified by conversion
into bromide of silver, exposure to light, and redevelopment, and may be
again toned to any desired colour.
Mk. HaDDON's SnOGESIIONS.
I have now described the process as I am in the habit of working it
myself, and at this stage I wish to express my thanks to Mr. Haddon, of
the London and Provincial Association, for his recent communication as
to a means of improving the working of the uranium toning process.
This is the first outcome of the appeal I made for help more than a year
ago, for although many have tried to put forward other methods of toning
bromides, Mr. Haddon has been the only one to make any practical sug-
gestion for the improvement of the uranium method. The suggestions
made by that gentleman were three : First, that by using an acidulated
washing water the loss of tone in clearing the print would be done away
with. Second, that by increasing the quantity of uranium nitrate to
about five times the amount of the ferricyanide, the precipitate of ferro-
cyanide of uranium in the toning bath would be avoided, and a saving of
precious metal effected ; and also that the bath in that condition would
be of good keeping quality. The third suggestion had reference only to
the chalk red process. To avoid the reduction which may occur in re-
moving the hypo used in that process, he suggests that the silver can be
removed from the print by the substitution of sulphocyanide of ammonium
and ferricyanide of potasium in place of Farmer's reducer.
To deal with the last suggestion first, I may say at once that I have
not yet tried it. But it occurs to my mind that the sulpho-cyanide will
have to be removed from the paper in the same way as the hypo, or if it
be left without more than a few minutes' washing, I would like some one
who knows to say whether its retention in the print would not set up
some combination which might endanger the print. As regards this
suggestion, I would say that the difficulty it is designed to obviate is
more imaginary than real, as those who will practically work the process
will immediately see. The red image, from wliich the silver has been
removed by Fanner's reducer, is sufficiently hard to wash out as to be
very little affected by the amount of washing required to be done in the way
Ttbnuj 36. 190:2]
THE BRITISH JOUKMAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
135
Th* fall davtlopoMBi of Iha inugt, ia the first place, U not,
1 by Mr. HmUoo, fcr tb* piuifum of aUoving for vmduag oat,
bat te tb* popoM of getting deeidad rtMOfth in tha weakeat detail, aa
ttftf, vban tanad and tha iOt« immwad. wooM natorally look weaker in
a taint lad than tbtif do ia tha ntjgiil w. By naii^ the pamide of
lgiih>|»n tha hypo ia lo qnkkly eWmlnitad or daeompoaad tha* than ii
little petatptibla redoction in tone, and I haf« not faond amj oaa to
poaitireiy ttati tliat the priota will Mfltr {ron tha hypo diininator if
they hare fiTa oinutee' watiting ia ranninf watar aflar they an nmoved
froia it.
CoxrULtXITB
Vow, aa reiatda Mr. Haddoo'a noMlloa to waah after toolag bi water
"'^^UtH with a«ade aeid, with a *iaw to remoriag tha yallow Main
wlthol ladartnw d the tcM, I haTa —da a tmnj^wm^wm .■ j»ini.»^ >»
mtiili to yoB dte adtantafa or oth««iaa of this nmwlliin I aahaiit
to yoa a print whidi haa bean {toaed to a red-brown eoloor, and from
wtaiab eaelioa ■* A " waa «nt off and thmwa into tanning water, and
that* t«BMiaed lor aiiM miaataa. aad tbm Uo«t*l off and Mad. 8ae-
tiooa "B' and "C wan waehad ia ttMaaa rhangra ol aniJnlatiil
aatar «nr a period o< ibty tofaatea. IliUlriii "B'wae thea art off.
blettoil. aad Mad. while aaetioa "C"«u thrown into raaal^ water
and waahad lor lena minoiaa, aad ftaa dried.
It wiU ba uhiariil that tha yaOow liali la not wuiuiid bom " B,"
■Hhoaghlt haa baaatreatad with aoartMl ahaagea of aeidakted water
lar M boor, aad that it la oaly ^aa B h« naaHad a farther waahi^ of
tha a«Ml UaM ia pWa watot ttai te |riM ii altaradL lalha^di^t
lUi ii act ae apparaat aaH l» ia l^ll^l. batyoa aaa. I tMak. alaarly
aaa tha —fcid dMweace bitwwB "B" aad " C."
Bow.ea BMiiiliHi of "B-aad "A* UwiU be obawred that » B."
1 with aaU. haa daMadly aofland laaa leaa «l toaa than
oa|ywilk|Wa«M«. TMa latter, hoaaiw, I nay
lantoo*athayaOo«alaia.aUb -B-waa i— and &«■ tha walar tha
i tha iiala waa MrfMa^r Mtoawid to toaka tha %h Ikkto ^rfah
ol Ihcae of -A" Oa tta wMa. I ateit m adtaatofi te
t: ha»itiaaoBainpaflHM,aadokafaMdatthaap^<tf
I el tiaMi.lha*,ia mfcm» pnatii% I ^aB iMhiMy
ia tha pnpoftleoi of tha
ia. a» daabl. baMd «a
ia THrnT inHlii. it
lb.
I
iaa
It
t^liillwtththaolda
leCthaisBiiigbath. Ihii
t ii k lao aooa jmI to aij
lfaia«M laiiiiiiwt Uj
ia aol ifea *• aarii ■Halbilfaa aa I
Aa yea win iibiiitwatha baMa of
1 whiah haa baea aadi ap aaeotdteg to tha
■Md to teaa toor haU.plala ptintB. tbaa la no* that
latowMahwaaaatieipatod. Than ia, ia fast, bmm
baA«fthaoidp*ayertiaaawW«bhaidaaN aaMljr
Biay ba arpd. of aoarae. that tha eaa aaatiiaad ta
at ftnl thaa the oih«-, bat it waa with a viaw to
IS eelalin fkat thia gnat la«r«aa waa atoda. If tha altnatlea ba adfo-
eatad oa *a aaon ol iiuaii^. I thfaik it ia vary doabtffel if tha Mptm.
tioaiof itopfapanrwffl baiaaBtod. Tha altaiad lath aaala toa tia«
men thaa the «aa nada by aqr liainak, aad. afaa at thal.ii aalavwj
raiaooa affair, but whea It ia aoaMnad ihtt aa dghMaaM taaiiv bath.
made by my tomala, will aart tat anaian -**— tt (k. 41 per e^Me)
«iaat|yeaa(arthiac.Uiaianarfy worth while aa*ii« tt aflar it te been
aaad tat a law pdatk I thaald thhik it wiU be Iaa tnaMa to pat It
dowa tha iiak. Aa to tha haapiag qaaB^y of tha baft (Mr. Haddoa'*).
aqr aipaiiiainte an ntiafaaw^. Altar hiaffag tar ataiin A^ya, I toatd
a pfial (Iha taarth) ia foito aa thort a time M waa laqrirad tar tha thini.
The pnrfipitaia, faowanr. taithOT taanaaad. aad it Ii qanlfaaabb if it wiU
aNAataafly loag la aae aa to do the ana pnportfaa of werk aa
badaMlTtaB (rath batta e< tha or%iM eanpeaMoa. I have
kiedabathaf thaaltwadproporttaMidDalad tofhaMnaHnagth of
anaiaaiaanyfaaBala: hot. allhoa^ U taaaa al tnt aaat^ tha noe
■a ntea. it rapUty datariaraiea. I haw pat «a the btaakbeard a table
I tha aotofiuBiimiBM takM to t«aa 4s pHata ia ioeaMriea at
I el half an hear ia aaah ol the two batta. taoai wUih it win be
kal, whenaa tha IM priato ia aarib wan taaad to a atoadaid
hi dn atafatai, *a HaA priaU took ra«a«tTely twalre aad
TtMLM or BaavLn.
tiha Old bath
dilatBd bath waa foand to be practically inert. Upon addin*;, however,
mScient ferrieyaaide to bring it op to the same eompoeition as my
fbrmala. it tooed a print in five minataa, and the amount of precipitate,
aa yoa will obearre, ia very slight indeed. No Joubt it will do its work all
right still, after a farther lapse of (ortj-eight hours. We will probably
try it when giving the little bit of demonstration with which I now pro-
poee to eoaelnde tiiia paper.
The toning bath, made by the original focmula, and used for toning tea
half-plate prints, waa tried again, after a Upse of eleTen d«ys, and found
to be practically aaelees. It took thirty minotes to prodooe the standard
tint, bat, as I hare said, when it has dona a fair amoant of work, we oan
afford to throw it away.
Tha following taUa will show the relative rate of working of the three
The time taken to tone a print to a standard colour is suted in
UiwtaaKitrBto
0-3 grain.
0-5 grain.
BMMrian Venimaida
OtaeWAailtaAaid ...
1 grain.
aOatinima.
0-5 grain.
0-1 grain.
101) minim*.
Water
leaaea.
looaee.
lonnoe.
Xlaik.
Via*.
Kins.
RiM JMh 1 •.. •.. •••
9
5
5
» »« *
5
6
6
8
IS
„ „ 4 Elevea \
dayalat«/
5
•• M * • •••
H. ...
10
11
9« M • .«£« M* waa
„ ^
10
M
•• M O »•
...
U
8t
.. ,. 7 Bight i
heanlatarl
•
Bath
exhaoatid.*
J. WstB Bbowx
CABBOX PBlNTIMO.t
maa ba dhidad into three
ir el pieew of tiaaae have beaa expoaad ea
that tha
Thay an sUgbtly aoakad in eold water and agneegaed down upon
tenperary eapport for devaloptoeDt.
S. Altm imfilin tor an— & aeat
aadaf aU
iter, had
ia want water, bad wittn thonagUy
. . ia aaalad etf aad thrown aw«y, leaving, tha
•ataaaof tke eappert, but barled la a maw of dirty RcUtioa,
t to ha waahed aw^ lo «x*oee the trne printa, and which, when
tnaa all iaaeiahle otlattne, ahowa a nvaraad print on tha
Thia ia plaeed in a solotltm of alnm, to harden the
ailaiiae aad ettiaet aay taat of biehnanla whl|A ney be left on the
a MmpUMa tfat hi nriato denloped ea
■illBirible wt— warMBg^ea cpal glan. Ai
a flaxible
___,.*_, Afterawaah
to be tnatland to its Anal sapport of
■Mtarial whioh may ba dasiiad. TIm print on the
' the paper lor traaeler an plaeed in warm water
kaqaatifeed tcattber and aOowad to dry spoDlaaa-
oatly, wbea the pietan wiU leave the rapport ol ita own aeoMd and be-
ecsne Untly ittiihad to the paper, and la nady tor moanting in the aaan
mtam aay ordinaiy riHw print.
That h the iiiBinikaiWBaithe"doayetraBafar;" hat when rrtenrf
uegatliea eaa be mada, or erdiaary nuiHna aaa be itrippad from the
glaas aad printed torn the reverie aida, or whin fUa aegativei an need,
the piuGiti ta man riaiple and espemieaa, beeaon the tiseae ean ba
tqaseaaed at can apoa ita dnal aapport-papor, aad wliaa developed and
d(tadUb*taWHl; Vatta earii ean the gtlatiae ta aspoaedon the Borfaae
of — friak aad tlw •■■■I eBtet b a gUaed anrfbee somewhat re-
■gHtMlyalbatoMHlnaper, aad yoa fail to obtain the perfectly
ma the doable tranafar apon aaoothed
aoal m iraaad glin. wfatab haa beea previously waxed, whan the print
newB a Hilly grained awM iorfaee, whiah it exeeedtngly like the faet of
a ptatiaelvpa print.
The laal saialt, m nprda taae of print, depends eittinly oa fb* enifaee
of the laapwiiy iappett If toeh enpport is a sheet el polished glata.
• OBlkss44>tloaletbtaWt]isf»qwrtrrof • tnln of fnrleTaaid* of polaaiiBai
POT aae* tt niatlaa. a fvlat Is tSMd in •!■•*«. This, m doalit, pron* the
vatasifeaaentf. ■sillea'semetttiii.sstltbaSbytli.adiUttoaottlwterrtsy— >Jt
MOs If Mil* lb* hat mat af Biaalaa la tb* bath aar prekaWr te stUiiML
TS6
THE BIUTISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[February 26, 1892
prerioufly waxed and coated with collodion, the result will be a highly
polished enamelled print ; but if, as I shall show to night, the support
ued be of imoothed opal glass, the result is a beautiful matt surface,
and I cODlider that there is no form of carbon printing which is so con-
venient to work and so delicate in finish as this, and that it fully repays
for the slight extra trouble of working the double-transfer process.
Of course, the tissue c«n be squeegeed at once upon opal glass, developed,
•od dried upon it, and thus becomes a fixture, which can only be got off
hj wne grindiap process, bat will be a reversed print, unless it is deve-
loped on some flexible temporary support, such as is supplied by the
Antotypo Company, and then transferred to the opal.
I will now proceed to the first portion of the process, and attach to the
opal glasa the tissue I have exposed to-day, and. whilst the water bath is
being nJaed to the necessary temperature, I will make a few more re-
auiki.
A Cbitical Ponrr.
Kote that there is just one critical point in this attachment to the opal.
It is necessary to watch very closely the state of expansion of the tissue.
H squeegeed down too soon, it will not lie fiat, and if left to soak too long
the adhesion will not be perfect, and is apt to strip up and come away
from the support in taking off the paper, or in development. If the dry
tissue is fairly dry, on contact with the water it has a tendency to curl
inwards towards the gelatine; as it absorbs moisture it flattens out, and
if left long enough will eventually curl outwards, but it must be taken at
the moment when it is just flat enough to lie evenly on the support, and
before it curls outwards, when the attachment is perfectly safe for the after-
•peration. I prefer to work in a tank of suflicient size to take two prints —
one to soak the paper off, and one to go on developing, as time is thus
saved. Indication of the softness of condition for stripping is seen by the
ttozing of the gelatine from the edges, and sometimes of blisters forming
between the paper and support ; but care must be taken not to attempt to
strip it too soon, or the print may be lifted from the support and spoiled.
The Autotype Company, in their Manual, advise the temperature of
the water for development to be raised to 100° to 110°. This may be all
right for tissue, which is attached to a final support of gelatine paper, as
the adhesion is very strong ; but, in using a fine-grained waxed support,
I find a great risk of blistering the tissue, and that a temperature of
96° to 100° is much safer and better, though somewhat slower in action ;
bot I find it produces better half-tone, as there is less tendency to boil
away the delicate skin of gelatine where it is at its thinest texture, viz.,
ID the high Jights and lighter half-tones.
90° is described on the thermometer as " warm water," and 106° as
** bot water," and I find it becomes unpleasantly hot to the hands inside
•i indiarubber gloves when it gets up to 110°.
{To be continued.)
A NEW LANTERN MICKOSCOPE.
Bt ooortesy of the London Stereoscopic Company, we have had an oppor-
tunity of inspecting a new projection microscope, invented and made by
Mr. R. G. Mason, which should be welcomed by science teachers, lec-
turers, and all who use the microscope for lantern projection as well as
for ordinary direct examination of either opaque or transparent objects.
We have been furnished with a comprehensive account of its construction
and uses, from which it appears that it is not only a lantern microscope,
but possesses the advantage of being instantly, and without loosening a
•crew, convertible into a student's instrument for table use.
When adjusted for projection work, the microscope consists of a brass
tube, with screw to fit the flange of an ordinary optical lantern. Inside
ttus slides another tube, carrying at one end a parallelising lens, and at
the other the sub-stage condenser ; this can be slid to and fro, so that
the object can be illuminated as desired.
possess. The stage is furnished with the ordinary wheel of diaphragms
and a neat and practical object-clip of entirely novel construction,
the arms being lifted by pressure on a small thumb-piece, while the
object, which may] be a thick zoophyte trough or a thin piece of paper>
is slipped under them.
When great magnification is required while using a low power, an
amplifying lens is used,Jmounted to slide into the front of the objective
carrier. Two kinds, suitable for projection and photo-micrography
respectively, are issued with the instrument. For photo-micrography
nothing more is necessary than to fit the instrument to an ordinary
camera, supported in any convenient way. The milled head of the fine
adjustment has a deep groove cut upon the edge, so that a small band
may be placed upon it) and connected with a grooved wheel and rod
running under the camera, to' permit of accurate adjustment on the
ground glass.
-^^gvgOS^™
When required for use as a table'microscope, the stage is slipped off it
lantern attachment and slipped on to the foot, which is of the ordinary
pattern. The way in which this is done is very simple ; the stage is, so
to speak, split into two layers, one of which is permanently attached to
the lantern fitting, and an exact duplicate to the table stand which carries
a standard sub-stage fitting; the other layer, which is really the stage
proper, is fixed to the body of the microscope in the ordinary way, and
can be slipped into grooves in its counterparts for either purpose. These
grooves, as well as all other working parts of the microscope, are compen-
sated, so that with fair usage it is almost impossible for wear to impair
Its usefuhiess. The rack of the coarse adjustment is spiral, so that there
IS always contact during movement, while the fine adjustment is made
with the usual very finely threaded screw. The draw tube permits of
extension to the full English length, and can be so placed as to permit of
a four-inch objective being used, if desired. Any objective may be used,
but Mr. Mason prefers to supply a special form, which, while having
large aperture, gives sharp and clear definition to the edge of the field.
FlG,l
In tbe instrument under notice an addition has been made in the
ttape of a polarising apparatus, by means of which the Nicol's prism
■say be rotated entirely by means of a milled head fixed at the side. A
iixed stop indicates when a complete revolution has been made. An
•xtra socket is supplied to hold the second prism in front of the objec-
tive, and this^has also an indicator, to show the amount of rotation. The
Mb-stage condenser is of the standard size, and the fitting is, therefore
wailable for use with any sub-stage appliances the student may akeady
ELEMENTARY NOTES ON PHOTOGRAPHIC LENSES.*
Flatness and Cubvatobe of Field.
Flatkess of field is the power of bringing the rays from equally distant
objects to a focus in a true plane. No lens is perfect in this respect, the
mu-gm of the picture being well defined nearer the lens than the centre,
as m diagram o, the curve representing the points of greatest sharpness.
If the field were absolutely flat, the marginal ray would be as shown in
dotted lines.
To test or compare lenses for flatness of field, arrange the camera so
as to have some well-defined object, such as a leafless tree, in the centre
of the plate ; then, when this has been focussed as sharply as possible
make a pencU-mark on the moving part of the baseboard, and then re-'
volve the camera on the tripod-head until the same object is seen at th.
edge of the plate, when it will be decidedly out of focus. Refoous, and
make a second pencil-mark, the distance between the two being the
curvature of the field. This is one of the points in which the greateit
• Continoed from page 126.
F«krwj as, ISW ]
THE BRmSU JOURNAL OF PHOTOORAPHY.
187
tafollMn.
ollha ftiU tmtf. ia
I ta — adwKgi to
•lIlM WUi^ W^ BMIW Um iMM
ol tht fiMB* «mU U. m I hun
haTing tolly
ImUbm*, b* rtiWwi. Md
•a iaMricr, Um aMai
p«rU fanainc lb* oentre
I; ihowa, in ihaxp foea<
ioage, «4., one ia whioh traa noj^etlwi is not obuiaed, itnigfat line*
amt the margin of the pietan bainc Mptodoeed m alight eturaa, aa in
diagram 7. Um aorratim baiag oatvards ai A if the stop i« in its nana
Tht MM* i>
t.lhla
Tba
tb« ««a<ui(« yltla, iba taf \m^ al lb*
iMt it Uwl ir givM • aoN MBtoH Md
a. for tkia IImm «• M*
«a)7i Umm ■*• («•« MrfaMa to
M« a* lb* hMk of llM Mb*. M i* ««a
M^lhMi NTS Mriki^iba !■• IIhI ai*
Ualartnatoly. U baa iiiiiiUHilnii dia-
i^Hifclartiwi.
ki aB iiarfa tawH to pndM* a
on t>. - and inwatda aa B if the pofiiion w«ra
mwaiJ. or lb* Mop loatd*.
WMla tbaaa onrroa aia gnatiy auMWlad ia tba diagtam, yet tboy ai«
~ to MMdwtba taaa aaalaaa for ortioary aroliitaaliiial
■IniiM liMB aaj oeonr eloaa to tbo •!(■ e(
la mtmj iaMnoaa. ho— tei, by jadidooaly anaagiBg tiM
ao aa to kaay I— iliilglil Ubm «mU away (rom the^argina, tbia
vin ba iaayftMlabiik to hitdwapaa or fignre fabjoeta, Ola
_ ol aeiaifaftoaaa wiiatoTCr. Inll adTaalact may ba
of tba aarito oCiWb ^ps oIlMa.
Ha inoad dlM^wtoti ia »hat it aa— ot bo aaad wilboot a atop, and i«
Mwh tle«w tbaa thorn that allow o( Ibeir fuU diameiar
loraaabooM of nya. By tba dilwt known ai rpharical
if tba tall itiairt» ia nasd, Iho aarsiaa do not briag thai
portiaa of Iha baa* ol Ifht paaitoc IbiiMcb tbam to a foooi at tba mim
poiat ao Iba pan thai paaaai Ihm^ tba owtn. bat catbar naanr tba
laaa,aad wariirMWtiaaaaaaalbaobtoiaadaalU a atop ia m plaoai
aa to aaaaa a oaaHal tay to paaa Ihnagh tha oaalM of tba laaa oaiy. arf
maigiaal raya thfimh Ito tifm- A good iii^laaa that ia wail aooaatii
«iil«Hianl|y gi«a liita<y goad dalwhion with a atop hall ito
advMt^i ia thia aiiitot^y lor tba laoa btiag »
ilba faMptot rtop. Iba plato ia Toiy arca^
la wUh aqy othar tern ol loaa.
itoii|iHy la Mptolto Mat eMiaer work, aad kr aoob I ibeaU
HiMi^ aMw ito iiiiiHiB inimUy to aajr olhar. to aaay omm,
biglanMi ata toaght to aatwhat daiptoa a liagto lawa. aad ooaaidtr h a
Ibmaagblj iafcriw ■illili la a iiilillaiii : thqr«« told that *• It will do
aogaalatoaaawilh pholapafhy aataaiiaad thairpowanoldiaehmiaatioa
of Taa'Bama ■ Jogaaafco^ Piwinaaiiw. aaatoiaaaiaathoriiyoai
gnphto apliaa, ia aa artloto aa Ma aaHaot. aaid. 'SoaM of tba i
aaaa havo baaa predatid by thia laaa."
Taa PaartmuT Laaa.
klo*
to IbaAiyoof
aat abjato waa to radaoa tha Uma of ai.
lal to ahtofai Ma gnat tap .dity orary othor
to ba ■■tfoad. It ia a doabto oombtoatjoa. a piaao-
at tha Iraal ol tha laba. aad at tha back a
a aoaaaw tomm, wMh ihia paoaliarity that, lartiid
aa aaaal. than ia a aawll air apaea batwooa
to iMi. aa ia al olh« doaMo lotaM of laaa. tba atop b plaead
Tha
Orii^aatty
l^aaiity
Maay aaatoar photognthara baaa iaagiaad thai liMra ia aomo aaiqoa
piupw^r to a potttall Ina, laalwiag it ipaoiatly aapabia of taking
portiaMi, or thai Ihay aaaU aat ba tab* aa aaoaaaafolly with any otb«r.
TMaiaalalla«y: ito oalj adaaat^a ia ito npidlly. aad thi« i« m graal
that it ii «aito aaiawi^wbla. lar wait artdoor wort, aolaat oooaidvably
aad Ihaa aay othar laaa m botlor.
Mt whaa takaa ont of doora. aa tha
oaa baaotoadi mora ntiafaetonly anaagad
Ibaa in aay erdiaary rooto. aad lor tfaia aay Itadaaap* lent ia tpaeially
Tha diaalfaatagaa of Iho pertialt Itaa aia, tba flald i« *cry roond, aad
it taa Bton ndrrtlag aHJiito. thia laat bai^ * *«7 aariooa ohjaatioa
It ia prebaMy laaUliar to oaary oao that, whoa a gaa llama ia lallaotod to
a arfnor. ia addttioa to Iba priaeipal iaaga, twooraMrtothanaaoMwhat
laiatto an aaaa, wiriab an pi1aiipal\y iiJnlinai fran tba front on-
■Itand aarfna of Iha ghMa, aad aalUpUad wHwIIpbi from the two
A dailar ifortoa of nflastiaa ia aoaatoally oooniriog ia
■ad, theogh aal alw«ya to Iha form of a riaibla
138
THE BKITISH JODKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[February 26, 1892
imBge, it U frequently present in a diffused form, detracting from the
brilliancy of the image. In very extreme cases, such as a very dark
Interior, with a bright window at one side, or even a view in which one
side of the plaU is occupied by a dark mass of foliage, and the other by a
brilliant sky, a lens that possessed this reflecting capacity very strongly
marked would produce a "ghost," or faint diffused image of the bright
object on the dark side of the view.
WlMie two ghuses are cemented together, these faces in contact do not
refleat— it is only the surfaces that are exposed to the air. It will be seen
bom the diagram of the portrait lens that it has six such surfaces, four
of these being concave towards the plate, which seem to be far more
active in producing these reflections than those that have their convex
side towards it ; and so strong is tlie tendency of this lens to produce
" ghosts," when used with stops especially, that it is practically impos-
■ible to use it for most outdoor work.
H. W. Bessxtt.
{To be continved.)
Our IBtiitBtial ULatU,
Flashlight Pictukb.
By J. G. HoDSOs, 4, Bandolpb-gnrdrae, Mnida Tale, W.
At the conclusion of the meeting of the National Aasociation of
Professional Photographers, at Anderton's Hotel, on Thursday,
February 11, Mr. J. G. Hudson (of the "Kolm" lamp) took
a flafhli'ght negative of the members, prints from which are now
before us. The results are most successful. Mr. Hudson informs us
that he is willing to supply copies at Is. Gd. each, and that the pro-
ceeds of such sale will be handed over to the Phot<^Taphers' Bene-
volent Association.
Ma. W. Tylab, of Birmingham, sends us a'small pamphlet of eight
pages devoted |to a description for beginners of tlie art of photo-
graphing microscropic objects. It is clearly written.
Mbssbs. W. B. WHrmsGHAM & Co.'s Photoarraphic Price List
comprises within its 150 pages descriptive details of the innumerable
requisites demanded in modem photography.
Thb second number of the Idle)' (Chatto & Windus) contains another
instalment of " Choice Blends," a series of composite photographs by
Boning & Small, of not wholly dissimilar persons, such as Colonel
North and Mr. Bums, Jlr. Grossmith and Lord Halsbury, Mr.
Labouchere, and Mr. Yates. Many of the other illustrations to the
magazine are of the singular quality known as "impressionistic."
They do not favour the artists, who, in their turn, have little cause to
be grateful to the process of reproduction. As for the literary matter
of tne Idler, that part of it wbicn is meant to be witty is dull and forced,
and the remainder has a distinctly " spectral " flavour, llemove the
big names from its titlepage, and the contents as literature, or even
humour, could not possibly produce any other impression than that of
the commonplace.
Wk have received the Annual Eepout and Proceedings of thb
Photographic Club for 1891. The condensed discussions upon a
great variety of subjects, which are given in the volume, are a mine
of valuable information. A paper On the Theory of Bewlopment, by
Mr. A. M. Levy, which is printed in extenso, is a most able ex-
amination of the subject, and its restriction to the Club's proceedings
is a loss to photography.
Thb Optical Lantern as an Aid in Teaching, by C. H.
Bothamley, is a reprint of some articles published in a contem-
porary. As an introduction to lantemiana, the brochure is all that
could be desired. It is published by Messrs. Hazell, Watson, & Viney.
From Messrs. Mawson & Swan we have received quite a parcel of
useful little publications, compriang An Expogure Note-book, A Set
of Labeh for Photoffraphers, IIow to make Transparencies, The Wet-
collodion Process for Iron Development, and the Oelatino-l>romide
Paper Process. Herein will be found a number of practical hints
likely to be of material assistance to the amateur in the various
pioceeses dealt with.
AnLKiTrNo zuB Photogbaphie pur Anfanger, by Captain
Pizzighelli (Halle, Wilhelm Knapp), is now in its fourth edition.
It is an exhaustive and practical treatise on photography, small in
bulk but rich in value, and contains no fewer than 166 illustrations
of apparatus.
RECENT PATENTS.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS,
No. 3014. — "Improvements in and relatins to' Automatic Photographing
Apparatus." — H. J. B. Thikou.x. — Dated February 16, 1892.
No. 3025. — " Apparatus for Producing Light by the Combustion of Mag-
nesium or other Highly Lnminiferous BixUes." — H. Axtjiasn. — Dated
Febnuu-y 16, 1892.
No. 3226. — " Improved Automatic Lock or Spring Catch for Folding Camera
Tripod Stands."— A. Bibkik.— flatei February 19, 1892.
No. 3337. — " Improvements in Tripod Stands for Photographic Cameras."—
E. Undkbwood and T. A. Underwood. — Dated Febi-uary 20, 1S92.
PATENTS COMPLETED.
Improvements in Photographic Cameras known as " Detective," or.
Hand Cameras.
No. 4459. — Jajies'^W. Morgan, 35, Prince-s-street, Tunbridge Wells, Kenti
January 30, 1892.
This invention relates to improvements in photographic cameras of thC'
character known as hand cameras, or "detective" cameras, and has for its
object to simplify the construction of such cameras, and reduce their size, audi
for other purpos&s.
AccoriUng to my present improvements I arrange and construct a camera as-
follows :—
The case or frame of the camera is of any suitable shape ; but, for the sake.-
of example, I will describe an oblong box or case.
The lens is, or may be, mounted on a sliding plate, sliding in grooves or
bearings inside of the case, such slide being actuated in any convenient manner
— for instance, by a knob or handle projecting through the case, by which also
it is secured in the desired position, a pointer on such knob or handle serving
also to indicate (on a scale or dial provided) the di.-itance the lens Is set for.
Any usual or suitable shutter may be used, and also any usual or suitable
view-tinder may be used.
The sensitive plates or films are mounted in sheaths or plate-holders, and are
placed in position at the back of the camera, to which admission is gained by
any suitable door or opening provided for that purpose.
All the plates when in position are pushed forward by a spring in the back of
the camera, whicli spring is controlled by, and can be drawn back by, means -
of a knob, or the like, projecting through the back end or side of the camera, ,
as and for the purpose hereiuafter explained.
The front plate is thus pressed firmly up against a beading or sort of frame,
where each plate in turn takes its position for exposure.
The front plate, after exposure has taken place, is then allowed to drop ■
through a transverse slot in the bottom of the case by simply withdrawing the
pressure of the aforesaid spring and shaking the camera, and the said exposed
front plate will then drop through the slot into a light-tight bag or case made
of any suitable fabric or material, which case is made just large enough to hold
.said plate, and is attached to a slide which travels in guides, or is so held that
it can travel freely backwards and forwards (within a certain limit) in line
with the plane of the bottom of the camera case, and in the direction of its ■
length.
The slide with the attached bag containing the exposed plate is now- slid
back until the bag and slot in the slide coincide with a second slot in the
bottom of the camera case ; the camera is then turned upside down, the afore- ■
said spring at the back is again dra\vn back, and the exposed plate drops out
of the bag back into the camera, right at the back of all the otlier plates, and.
so on with each succes.sive plate, until all have been e-xposed. The bag, wheu
out of use, lies fiat .against the bottom of the camera.
To indicate how many plates have been exposed, so as to show when all
have been exposed, and prevent exposing by accident any of the plates a second .
time, I have invented the following device :—
The canier or sheath of the last plate to be put in the camera (when filling
same in the dark room et cetera) has a lug or projecting pin, which is insertedi
in the eye of a sliding dial or indicator, which it pu.shes forward when each
plate in front is changed to the back, and through an aperture in the case
successively indicates the number of tlie plates exposed (or not exposed, as
desired), and, when it ultimately reaches the front position, and has been ex-
posed, It cannot be removed through the aforesaid slot, as the said pin or lug
prevents its dropping out through the slot in the bottom, and hence umius-
takably indicates that all the other plates have been exposed.
I wish to remark that I do not limit myself to the use of any particular
shutter and apparatus in connexion therewith, as any shutter suitable for the
purpose may be used as desired.
Improvements in and connected with Photographic CAsraaus.
No. 21,605. Rudolf Stirn, 34, Sebastianstrasse, Berlin S., Germany.—
January 30, 1892.
This invention relates to a photographic camera in which the plate exchange,
in contradistinction to the corresponding devices of other known cameras, is
effected in the exposure chamber.
The light -.sensitive plates are each arranged in a peculiarly constructed
sheet-metal case or frame, and are laid one above the other in the plate-
chamber, separated from the exposition chamber by a partition which, in order -
nins]
THE BRITISH JODRNAL OF PHOT0ORA.PHY.
189
^Mrf flMik li sllli avarior Ml iitete Ma prarUid wttk u viv^ikta
•ft* ■nwt «f tfci »!■*■ to Md &«■ llw iijiJucfc— twr.oatoftlw
phto ckmbw ad teek Main lata tka mm, to ilfcriiil by mum of t*o lUdM
«MM^WtMAi wirH.,»wr »;>iiMi nIm, w Oat boU lUda mon
TSTCwMi tmSvlmtmk tt lb* iMMr plato «r tta liriM ftoatlM
■htotteakwMa tk* ainiiiUM i> lafcir. — JtW fy oiUa. tkawWi-
itenr^liL 'iVai
cJMBhw, k rfhrtad by twiaa oMMliat Iks tenr^li
«€tkadMaiaKlitkawrnral aflU n|iiil pkK ad tlMfc«laf stethv
rMltoftMk tkailUaa mmJUm. ii flMid fill
111 I ilH^ li lijniilil !■ lUpMa rlirtir. — d
MeVpMiltaafer
vspoatl pUl* wkM Ik* l>Mr
ideetfngjf of &otfrt(e]5.
MIETIKOS OF S0CIBTIB8 FOR asXT WBBK.
udiCklka
pa«Too>Amc wcimr or ouut mutadi.
.at «1-T rkalMl llwlf» Ml. T. BabMlte DMfK rC& (Vtet-
^t),lBlk«akaiK.
•"■xius ilalBd ttat *• OmmH kad affaMad Mr. B. Ckavaaa
la ka Haa. fcwalMyaf ikalTiilili. Ha alw aaMaMid Ik*
wataiy a( tka iMlalr. Md
fer a tmmhm «f jaafit ka W tka
•^^^^vtwkla MlaM
bad T««d a» miMdaa «<yi«tky »itk Ika >Mffly.
H tka r*ilwiiYiirialna>gMmr,«id1d
OKktwfaBl««kat tm •«« iMlir «f fMi te^a hHMli af
>pk7aBdHMlaBark«a Ifcan ate. Hka Ika Gkalnaaa aad klBiirii;
rU a* lM( «kk Mr. OMkb« Ml dM|dy §m te AMaflr ki Ikilr
«ldtkatlkaaH
'Jmt Ik* fay««w
'^ir> vMannat.
• ftaaUai^
AteaMa
la tkaU^ Hskla «aa Mt to ba
WHk nIaliBa tbmu «m a aaitaki taadangr
vat eoUodk
oimd k« Ika aMMHif of ttal
^^■wrtad iiialaflkai
^ nd aOavtar tha i|ilip'te ka
.... uf Ika M-% «r tta MMR
Adafiat jrm/« ^ /><^>«irf PntmmM
•totk by tka baarty of tkaiAta
rtvNB br Mr. P. H. — '
with
tUfbt baa* in tka
kn then va« not tba
■Mn tnaapamt paria «f tka pieton ; wMk
aiMteal tiflaniiy of tkat kind. Oomparlng on* thing with another, the
bnlhaer of galalliiii alUka wai not aqaal to wet eoUodioa. He abo spoke of
tka advaataga of iaaekraaatk piatai la ««tafa bnaekai af pboto-aiioragnphie
Mr. A. OowAV aaU tkal witk falalkw-aUartla tka Ui)> Ugkto wan aa dear
aa galatiaa and giaa eoirid aMka tkeai. Bnaaida pUtaa wooU gira the aama
naaiti if tk*Tw«a alov aaaaga.
Mr. T. E. FMtNlWAna alwari naed wet pbtae wbara poadble, as in Ma
haada tka proeea* waa sack tka alTha, aad eartaia ia ite raaolta. War
eoataet wark ka naad all sotto of rweaiaTihl ^Utai. Ba had triad the a«w
doMbpar, rodiaaLaad faaad ilKk*aolaarer akadowa thaa tka otkardarelopan.
HaagMad witii tka Ckalnaaa tkal ieockioiaatic alataa wata agiaat adrantaga
ia pkoto^kragmkle waak. B* alwaja toaed kle wat-plata riidta with gold.
Mr. CmATUx* Joxai adud wketker tka deaneat aald to be giren by wat
I Ba tkoagbt it adghl eoadaoe to a gnat amount of
[no^hkride platoa
Mr. J. I>. Kavjun) akowed a
kaaiag giaat elaaiaaae, nad
tka a»poaare aad laalialala
iber «r dMeaoa
I gehtino^hl
obtained by
wat.
to aay otkar, aa br tkal prseaai tba beat reaoHa
• est tttn UMar aniatliai. It had baaa mid that wet-ooUodkn
laatata •lUaa wa iumiIIiiiii bead. Probably it wm jo with nnderejyaaad
•^ sx^iiUAr:s2s;r*aJiC3L'*^ •* "**•
- " milliiilUHiinwaMbaaMdakywiH
If «aa had good aiplliin. good •Hdaa eoald ba made on
aalhwlioa, haoaaaa tkare waa ao
attdaa. and, baaidaa, tkay oouU U
la Npfarto a
Mr. CluniAli
Mr. T. R. lUumm aaid erlqier daaaiUoa br
aaatod aaald ba oktalaad, partloalarly ia tadaaiag ; a reeU-
lad tka paivaai^ M aaa aaly aaaaaUaa af axinaaff^
>untMM Joaai mU Ikat aaaa paaala Ikoagkl Ikai ia asaaaiag br
tk^ tat a atataaaaMly aC ilMehy a*^ amaaiaw. aaf oUihad
bypiM^tard^rMgki. WMttMaat
IferCBinaMnieiMadaaldapaadadaa Ika aalaar af tka aagaMvak
If Ikay waeayaMow. Ikawwaaa Hnilii gaki ki aali^ w^iiiaM, wjinliny
wHkAloctdaidataa. — » — • '
Ika OuiUUS eaU Ikat la
badaenalaMaalar
A'^^rsrjLtif:^
If lk« iMbMad Ika llikt aMMmMr, they li* • Mak MM •««■ kMMa. aal
tkaaltkaa— kawaaad. tJallBirniii aMaUdaadbyilaMdy JtariM
tka fd^Maaaf lkaha#taad » wae aaalegnaa tolka llfciiil afctuwadaJ
by wiatiaf la Ml anSlaa aad to ekadow.
wwk «w tkal Ika aktoal a
■adIMH la ariliha afitilb
Mt. ir lUM iw mHiiik tm aeyylM ka waald wa b
ylalaaftaaabariaaaapalBlaf «tow: M, alavly ai aa ai
Bot toack wat pMaa. 11a Ikeagkt that nadiealqr aa gaad
falwilklkaaMaa«llklkaalker.lkoa|kjHrteawttk wat
a paatariava a( fOMT. hi
•■l,kallari«nlliaMMka
After eoa* IMk« dlecMlaa Ika
eald tkal Ika wkola aaarat «t pbotoMaicragnpUa
paKy Ugkla# Tka light
ka vaald aaa balk wal awl dry
woald
. be
taaaHa ooold ba
r.lkoagkjHrhaBewttk wat plalaa tkm waa
WSUto MirttvaiS ae had baea palatod
)A— Mr. & & Waaaa raada paiNr aaaa
Gkftoia Ateey orcantoi tka ahair.-
■laieala la pkatogiaiikliig eettala anb-
aad m U ■■ iito, Mddeaeribad Ua
will be giiaa by Ike Aatolypa OMapaay.
^La-
Tkel^ht
af Ik* ail laiap lor
hi ettkakraaHHe work. A
daaaribad fflaaka-
liaUaa af tka earboB |itooaai
a lN« ef nOlghtJ .
«y lowarlU, aod was, wit]w>nt doobl, a
aaa ta tka katafa. Nail
iaxt Frtday (Fab-
Sl— Ikiaaaatoaf
kanaglke
wkkh kad baea atoda
mmMmbf
Ualatae,eatfi
■i»d
aepMea^ eaak art aaaaMkiv af aevaa Mil
N aakadnad lor eaaanarieaa. Two Ualatoe.
as aad eoDdaaaen, and trraogeil tn gire eqaal-
ptdatna wllk ea wiaal aoHaal ef UghL ware need. Two tliJn from the Ont
aal wttkaaekewaaa Ika amaa, aad, tka beet bariM bees aaiaetod Iwtka
■BdhM% Ike alkar aaa aaa naoMd aad a tUrd allda aabalttated, aad as oa,
aaUHkabaelaf tkaaaaawMiaallyedaetad. Tka mm piaaaia waa tkaa
foaa Ikraa^ to galtka eaaaad haat ; aad ao oa witk all the eevea. TUe waa
daaa wllk all Ikna eete^ Ho taHanaatloa whatarer was giraa to the andianea
iniaiaiag Ike eUdee, allker ae i ipi li Ika OHkar^e aaaia or tka proeeae, ontU
tka Jadmtwae Ihiiekad. wkaa H waa Ibaal that tha ordar of merit was aa
kOowii-Flntail.- I. ObBodio-lwwHi (AeMaad); lOalallaa: >. Wetool-
todioa (TaikV. i. WnUkaaa i A CtoOodio-broaUda (Braokah & Albanaa (Levy,
Pails); 7. Aillndta alt— (Addaad). ammd Sd: Y. Oolladio-broaiida
140
THE BRTTIBH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGKAPHY.
[February 26, 1892
Ackland); 2. GeUtine) ; 3. Wilkin«on ; 4. CoUodio-alburaen CAckland) ; 6.
Albamen (Levy, P»ru>) ; 6. CoUodio- bromide (Brooks); 7. Wet coUoaion
(York). Third Set: 1. Collclio-bromide (Ackland); 2. Gelatine; 3. Wet
collodion (York) ; 4. Albumen (Levy, Paris) ; 5. Collodio-bromide (Brooks) ;
6. Wilkinson ; 7. Collo<lio-albumcn (Ackland). The agreement between the
two best slides in each set is worth noting. A new spirit set by Mr. Tnrnbull,
of Eilinbnrgh, and a lantern-slide printing frame by Mr. Dove, of Sandown,
Isle of Wight, were exhibited ; also a new projection lens, by Wray, of nine
inches equivalent focal length and two and a quarter clear aperture of back
lens, which gave most admirable results. This lens is corrected for photo-
graphic work as well.
Polytedmlc Fbotogrrapblc Society.— Some prize lantern slides were shown.
It was suggeste<l that thu,se exhibitions would be very much more valuable if
the die of the origiiml iie};ativt>, method of preparing the slide, &c., were
siTen, instead of having only the titles of the pictures, as in the present
UsUnce. March 4, Fla.Mi<jht Phntograithy, by Mr. T. Paternoster.
North London PhotograpWo Society.— February 16, 1892, Mr. J. Traill
Taylor in the chair.— Mr. A. Mackik reporte<l that, under the rules governing
the afliliation .scheme of the Photographic Society of Great Britain, the Society
WM entitled to send two delegates to the Committee, and Mr. E. W. Parfitt
was accordingly elected to act as second delegate. Mr. J. Weib Brown then
read a paper (>n I'mnium Toning of Bromide PrinU [see page 133], dealing
very fully with the discussions which had taken place since he introduced the
process, and the various modifications which had been recommended. In the
result, he was disijosed at present to prefer the process as he originally recom-
mended it, although some of the alterations suggested would possibly be of
assistance when more fully tested by experiment. The paper was followed by
a demonstration, in which a numlier of bromide prints were toned under
varying conditions, and a conlial vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. Weir
Brown at the close of the discussion which resulted from the paper. Bromide
prints were shown by various members. Next meeting, Tuesday, March 1,
Platiniitype, I'niitimj, by Mr. J. Martin. Visitors are invited.
North Middlesex Photographic Society.— February 22, Mr. J. W. Mar-
chant (President) in the chair. Mr. T. Smithies Taylor, of Leicester, delivered
a lecture on the Vse and Design of Photographic Leiises, fifty-four members
and friends being present. Mr. Taylor dealt with the subject in a most lucid
and concise manner. Beginning by illustrating the progression of the waves of
light by comparing them to the motion communicated to a rope, when the long,
slow waves reprc.sented red light, medium waves yellow, and short, rapid waves
blue, he followed on by showing diagrams by means of the lantern, explaining
that light proceeded from its source in a succession of hollow shells or spheres ;
the manner in which a minute ray of such a wave of light would be transmitted
by a pinhole, or larger quantities of the wave would be condensed by a lens to
form an in]age. In this connexion he used and amplified Professor Sylvanus
Thompson's illustration of a line of soldiers marching forward, and encounter-
ing rough ground in their course, showing how the line of march would be
altered by the obstacles met, and showed the similarity of effect when the waves
of light meet a dense nieiiium, in their passage through the air, in the shape of
a lens. Having dealt with the principles involved, Mr. Taylor conducted his
audience with e(|ual ease through the bewildering varieties of lenses, explaining
the suitability of each for its special purpose, and its disadvantages for others.
Samples of lenses in various stages of preparation were shown, and the general
methods of production explained. In answer to a number of questions, Mr.
Taylor snpiilenientcd liis lecture by dealing with standard tests for the desirable
qualities in lenses which might be applied by photographers — e.g., for flatness
of field, definition, spherical aberration, mechanical perfection of surface of
lenses, centering of lenses in the mounts, ratio value of stop in single and R. R.
lenses as compared with their actual diameter, and the coincidence of visual and
chemical foci. On March 14 Mr. Walker will have a chat with beginners on
Photographic Procedure.
South London Photographic Society.— February 15, the President (Mr. F.
W. Edwards) in the chair.— Specimens of work Jwith the rodinal developer
were shown, and the merits of it were discussed. Tlie following proportions
were found to give better results than those advised by the manufacturers : —
One part in twenty-five parts of water for negatives, one in forty-five for lantern
slides and transparencies, and one in sixty for bromide paper. The President
brought to the meeting a large number of prints from isochromatic and ordinary
plates, and explained the occasion on which the use of the former was advan-
tageous. Mr. Miller exhibited some prints from negatives taken on Britannia
plates which had been kept at the Cape for over twelve months before use.
The platinotype paper used was over two years old, and the results were quite
equal to any which can be obtained on fresh plates and paper. The competi-
tion for the best print on bromide paper had but few entries. Mr. Whitby
was declared to have produced the best results. Messrs. Whittingham & Co.
showed their new pattern cameras for the coming season.
Brixton and Clapham Camera Cluh.— February 18, Dr. J. Reynolds in
the chair.— Mr. Croucli, who Ii.id been announced to deliver a lecture On
Lense.':, had telegraphed at the last moment to say that, by his doctor's orders,
he was confined to his hou.se. An imprmnp'ii question box was made of the
Chairman's hat, and various remarks and difficulties, which had occurred to
members, were discussed.
Lewlsham High Road Camera Club.— February 19, Mr. H. Davis in the
«!>»''••— Professor Carlton .J. Lambert, M.A., gave a lecture On Light
Me<uurement. He showed the difference between the visual, actinic, and
heating effects in the spectrum, and explained the cause of colour blindness.
The following tables, by Captain Abney, showed how rapidly the actinic
value of sunlight falls off as the sun's altitude decreases :—
„ ,. , . , Candles at 1 foot. Actinic.
ounlight — June, overhead — visual 5500 120,000
30° altitude 4700 ... 72000
20° „ 3300 42,000
10° , 2000 9,000
Before sunset 140 1-7
Professor Lambert tested the tables on February 18, 1892, when the sun's
altitude was 20°, and found the visual effect equalled 2700 candles at one foot.
The following is another table, by Abney, of actinic values : —
1 visual candle of sunlight = 20 ordinary candles.
,, ,, electric arc = 107 ,, ,
„ ,, magnesium = 2'5 ,, ,,
„ „ limelight =2 „ „
Professor Lambert found that 20candle-power gaslight gave a print on
albumen paper in 27 hours. Captain Abney found a trace of a print on
platinum paper in 20 hours. When there is a very bright moonlight night,
people are apt to say that it is almost as bright as day. To .show how
ridiculous that is, Professor Lamliert found that full moonlight in February =
1 candle at 10 feet, and that full sunlight in June = 550,000 such moons,
which would cover the whole vault of the sky five times over. By means of
photometers he compared different kinds of lights with a standard 16-candle-
power Argand. Vulcan petroleum lamp = 30 candles (badly trimmed) ;,
limelight (blow-through jet) = 107 caudles (gas was running short, or it would
have been 150 to 200) ; Welsbach incandescent, with special mouth = 60 ;
small incandescent electric lamp, lighted by 9 E.S. dry batteries = IJ. He
explained the method of comparing sunlight with standard candle by means
of a rotating disc, with section cut out measuring A part of sunlight ; this was
compared with magnesium light directly, and the magnesium compared with a
standard candle. It is worked out in the following manner, viz. :— i", sunlight
= magnesium at 2 feet = 200 candles at 2 feet = 50 candles at 1 foot. • . • sun-
light = 54 X 50 = 2700 candles. This is how the result, stated as obtained
on February 18, 1892, was arrived at. Abney's corresponding figures for same
at 20° elevation were 3300. The following tables have been worked out by
Professor Lambert, the cost of electric liglit being obtained at the Crystal
Palace Electric Exhibition, so are right up to date: —
Efficiency of GAS-BtJBNKRS.
EiBciency.
Candle Power. Consumption. r<««/ii„ -d '
Standard Candle;. Cubic ft. of Gas. Candle Power per
Common Bray, No. 2 ...
„ No. 5 ...
„ No. 7 ...
Bray's Special Bats- )
wing. No. 9 J
London Argand
Albo carbon
Wenham
Welsbach
Gas engine, driving )
n-V
14
20
16
20
90
36
10
3
400
Cubic foot.
1
1-5
2
2-5
3-2
6-6
9
12
8
dynamo and 100 in- V 3200
candescent lamps ... J
Domestic Lighting.
Annual cost of maintaining a light of 48-caudle power, say, 2000 hours'
burning. Results of tests under practical conditions : —
Oas.
Argand. — Three 16-candle lamps, consuming each 5 feet of gas per hour=:
30,000 cubic feet of gas, at 3s. per 1000, 90*. ; renewals of chimneys, 3«;—
Total, 93*. 6,1,, J .
Wenham Regeiurating. — One small Wenham lamp, consuming 6 feet per hour
= 12,000 cubic feet of gas, 36s. ; repair of lamps, &c., 5».— Total, 41».
Alho-carbon.—Tvio No. 2 Bray burners, consuming each 3i feet per hour,
carburetted with naphthaline = 14,000 cubic feet of gas, 42s.; 52 pounds of
naphthaline, at M., 13s.— Total, 55s.
Welslmch Incandescent.— One new large mantle 48-candle power, burning
3i feet per hour = 7000 cubic feet of gas, 21». ; renewal of mantles, 3 at
2*. 6d., 7s. 6(i. ; renewal of chimneys, Is. 6(i.— Total, 30*. .
Petroleum.
Large Lamj). — One 48-candle Vulcun, burning 1 gallon in 28 hours = oil, at
7d. per gallon, 41s. 8d. ; chimneys, wicks, 4c., 2s. 4(A— Total, 44s.
Small Lamps.— i'ouT 12-candle lamps, each burning 1 gallon in 84 hours = oil,
55s. 6d. ; chimneys, &c., 2s. 6(i.— Total, 58s.
Electric.
Incandescent.— Three 16-candle lamps, absorbing each 56 Watts = cost of
current, at 8d. per Board of Trade unit (1000 Watt hours), 224s.; lamp
renewals, 6 at 3s. 6d., 21s.— Total, 245s.
jVo^e. — The figures above apply to the use of the various illuminants under
ordinary household conditions. Careful laboratory tests, of course, give better
results.
COMPAKATTVE ESTIMATE OF COST OF LIGHTING BY ELECTBICITT AND GaS.
Electricity.
Outlay on Plant.
30 Lamps.
8-lbs. gas engine, 2 h. p. nominal, 4i h. p. ) no-
indicated r. ( ^^ •■
Dynamos— 50 volts, 40 amperes 40 ..
Lamps (16-candle), switches, &c 20 ..
Fitting 10 ..
300 Lamps.
.... £-330
£155
Annual Expenditure.
Renewal of lamps, 30, at 3s. 6d £5
Depreciation, 10 % on £130 13
Labour 20
Gas and oil for Engine, 3 h.p., 1500 hours, i , .
i per h.p. per hour f ^
Interest on plant, 4 % on £150 6
£58
(If using accumulators, add £100 to cost of plant. )
. 200
. 100
. 60
£600
. £50
. 55
. 30
. 120.
27
£282.
98^1889]
THE BRmSH JODBNAX. OF PHOIOOBAPHy.
Itt
caUr iMt '"^...^^..^J
i I mwl ifllllBp
4
£40
40
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OTmwm. what enM«b*iKluM4iB •!!•«• team btUiautwvdl
l|(hti*aMd;b«Uii,tk*
iB Ite
-Mr. A. iMIk, feariw, «w (iMM • MNiiMr? lb. J. Wm
PMoa *r sMdilivviimtaWB m taMMa an* bv smm of
«•• Mi»«. aad • AMMtttMiM ■< da wvcadan awannr w ■(*■•.
•«• iOa at • Oak aaaaariM la UHmmIM te Iwaf a( Mr. BattS
am^aTaiaikaa
far HdBli^ i^to 4a.. ikaaM ka ■
all
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wfll bakMal tkai
U. AaMl7
17. Dr. W. J.
aaaaf tWaa
m4 tU irtUt afMifc <m» la tl» iii i m Mwoti
\f lail— ila< ia a vaak alaai faatK. or aa ordinate hjpo Bxing bath, foUowtd
tgra laal watUaf. Fbr biowa toaaa, the print mart be deTcloDwl to about
<wl Jaaaitj, bat fcr lada tb« totwilf^lin aeUoa H ao gtaat that it mart ba
aDaaadforbraaiacantlMrwaakaailaoawwhBtllatiiriiit. Ifladitbertto
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oiialala, aad a aiacla diop af hnMaMe aolaUoa (Mabnaa'a tomnlaK and giro a
Ml aapaaaia. aa aa ta dawley layMly. Hjitiiiiwlaiiaa ■ay baaaad; pt^tr-
aUr tka lUgni tonaala j-Nai I. HrbooAaaa, m» haadnd aad aUty ^afaia:
cUarUa
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aoflaa tka l)a^ whataai fanoaa oxaUta hardaaa it.
«aa pat Bf* or rix dio^ of a aataistad aolatioa of tenio
af ma) iaie a aaaaara and add t«o oastem of vatar :
«rik««aabadnd«rad-browa priBUiaadiah; tba half-
ma aad BaaaM
na (pMaaHnaa
iMaaaloaaaal
iaaaaiHliap*Hl>aawa>Mi<ilHliia.aad. If atoppad by Inuaanion ia watar
hataattaAaAawaaaaMlf akaafad, tWiaaahlagpiiat wUIprMaat a mooa-
IWtt iibat. «Mi *>k altaaJaaan ibaiinwi aad blaa^naa half toaaa, aad
t««flelMtttatta«oftka«rUlaataUMtaraL TUa toaa b Boat afaetlra
■ a— laiiiaij araaaaMMBadjait, arUth itoald aat ba waakorlbtto
»«ML rtt pmt rmitmVim,, pal ttNaartardropaof hydioehkrfe
laa ■! .addt— aaaeaaafatir.aadpoar<mrtWpriat latba
aaaattM pat tkna ar tar dma af tba fank ekiarida aolatioa iato tha
I AavB,
Ika aalatal Ma*. Ikaa^ aU ki iilimlj 7j|Tdl-l aa tfta tawTbaiMM M
gdMia la Maaafc ly a mmttm at aa will lilml A MaiaiaMlbad ii ta
M^'g" ^«>«** Cgajaa la ^ mm a€ »ar» waa*. Md alaal^ » !• €^
■^o ta a ftat
■ .t^ --
iWaaa. vkWkto
aa««alaflka
rfban*
thM^vMaaartbatraMtbedaaadaipariaaeaa Mr. CtOllaa
^ aa aM titta ariaar •kapa.adtad atth a vaak aolatioa of
fM,liidaaiWla*artf»idalaarlUalirtewk. Mr. Oaola and • bnm
llgiiirt h a iiaMw aa*. jK^ Waad «m la k««v af Miiak Itaaa papar
ilaakaavtlk^yaataa. TUal*MaaTl«aaa*ad.a»dha did aot timi\»M»
Myaiftea Ml aa tha plala aay iMrtwwt la Ika datakNMr. Mr. HMkaa
na
plala aay iMllwwt la Ika datakNMr. Mr. HaRkaa
a fiaaa af bla* «<i««« pMMad Mriaal Ika plaia la kta rfMla baaiBb
ai la dto bawMi »«■ kaddEtrfMM ««a fMM. Mb M tka
■piaki'maliaiwal. Padara—i iwIWibi >a^li»»M«f wtrBMIa
aa^ aad a Nlhaaaaa a«iaal aipaaaw^ la Ika aptaloa or a Ibv, araa BMra
IB •htaMBI awd iOBBlla, Tb dnr jiataa tnalad wiU i
tma, akfiilMd baaa |M*iowly ad
slN^aai laaaaaMdad aa Ika Aaphal aad «*al, Ika waO-
IB dkwb Ika iiilHan gNa aC Mr. ~
B am aqdakMd hia
af aawari aaaaaaT m aliaiii. It ia (tar platM
ft':strlsrc»t'WbS2:r
1%a thai a Mty N««hr MM. w tkai, aaaa tta •BmstmaMa ia oMala»l
hr ark t pHi^ aay iwala af pHalt af • aalhna ymUf aaa ba aada.
la iliMnilai. toiaaa walati aa aad t a^L ky Ikaaartwl alaaa bythaaa
af Ika aald balk aallBNl ^iMaaMaa if dMBbpar Witt a kawL ka eaaaidand
a Ika baai ta aatal vartL Mr. Mtaaala Maatad ta akarkhi aalkad af
. ia aahdUac ap
. __i_._. -^_ , aad Map'a laiaat haad eaaaa wa
■adi itaa Ika iMl appaMaan a( tkb taa^ iMMata aaa hataa Ika aodaly.
ta. Ai^ ~ ■ ' ^^^
, aka aaa to danalap Ikaa «a Ika bart of
Ik* ahOtty, aad %h^ Ika laaaHa to Ika aait aial^
■Mtead OiMm Mit rbbrwry II, Dr. BaU IdaaBfa ia Ika ckair.-
Mr. Briaka ikaaad Ika "Qnaa- alaiMa rfaifc laaa kap, a aaa iairaloetiaa
af Pklltp UarHa k Ch^. aarkad k* dra arib : rNdaMHlas a aatkod of hia
■■■VS nWHBOr
Ida kf Ika Ibilowl^
aialni>-.MwL WaftaL Briaid WMUl & a Maaa. Md W. a Waitad:
ita ky Mr wd Mm, ftawli GtakT). r. OtaM, Mliaa La^ BanU
ariaB;aada W. WdaaaAOa, Tka Ata laaalfl^ aaid appraajatioa at Ika
laflka
>a takaa Iiiliillylkaa af Mra. Clark* aad Cdfar O.
af ftaafca aad dMartiaw vtia Aowa a, " vhat aot to d&'
. Pvfaniary 14w Mr. J. P. Ofbaoe-
(Vla-PraaUat) ta tta 'Aak.— tha McaarABr (Mr. Bdpr O. Ua) raad tka
aflka
l»leT40'
kaavreaalala AhtSy, ■'i4kbaj, aad
a^y vaO attaadBd. UlkBaajHWI
lad baa kdd at BaUfaa-
DMK aad h«t tMM aa-
pnatlBd by tha Aaoeiatiaa, tha
THE BRITlSn JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[February 26, 1892
m
i^t:rr..T!:^ Z^U^rft'lir ^Ul.?.v% i" a Mure nun^W
1 wiiMi— . J ,,^.tir _TliB want of an amateur photo-
Ohio «>ci«ty hat '°°«'^°J^StiM in Gi^Tt Britain, only ^
-tO^^^ttT'^Zthft^hJ^V^onof the Principality. To
an n Wal«^ and they are In the J^^Y^* .P^.y. y.^^^ met at the Llau-
nxeet thi. w».t a «** »' »^e l»dmg lo^^pho^^h.c l«hU ^^^^^ ^^ ^^^_^^
dadno Newe-rooow on the »8''^»Kf^^';^ir^ commodious dark rooms are
under the «U.ath.jdln|r. T^j;»;»PP2^.*;^CrappUances and fixtures
aln»ly beinjg fitted "P. T*" J^ll-nf «mree. jjicludiiie the photographic— wUl
All the daUywd weekly p.P«r»-^f~<i^^'^^^^^^
1* «»^1« to membara : "^'^ j~^"' Uwr decided to admit visitors to
«ription of U K'^-lv'h^urXc^^h^e nSude^^ Hxing b^h,
for at the rate of '*■ P" '>£"'^' ^r .hanehig plates a charge of 3d. lor ten
water, tray, and n>«»4™'' *^ Jll^Zfd pmve a great boon to visiting
E^!zr'S ^uf "tf t^e "Lsr NewTr^^u s';.:^.t:::et %^
^o'^'^^n^ fi^" anHMnl Th«.d»y in e«.h month ; a^o mon My
'rrio"h\nst""Tn thr^^'r VotSudL'K^Stint locLy, by M.
hirtoiy of the birth and development of the °!»'=^, "'• ,„.t?o„ of a nega-
of double printing. It was a large steam vacht steaming up LaXe ugwen.
Puzzle-How did the yacht get to this inland Welsh ake ,
Tvneaide Camera Clul).— February 11, the President (Mr. J. I. McKie) in
the^-AXrwas given by Mr. W. BELt On Chloride of Sdver EmuUwn
pI«^' In t eKii?n Mr. Rothwell said he printed a P'eceo chloride
«fTvCT Daoer and made a toning bath ten months ago, and toned the pnnt
tlTweek^e XlS of the print were slightly grev, but it toned splendidly;
• the print was not kept from the air, but in a dark place.
DALLMEYER'S BEFLECTING MIRROR.
To the Editob.
Sib,— I have jnet finished reading, in your last number, Mr. T. R.
Dallmeyer's paper on Reflections Combined with llefractions. It concludea
thus : " Another application that has struck me as useful for such class
of reflecting mirrors, on account of the large angular aperture attainable,
is in regard to use in naval work for scannmg the horizon in dull weather.
If such a mirror, a foot or more in diameter, were mounted in some
manner, such as a ball and socket mounting from its centre, carrying an
eyepiece on an arm, a rapid and powerful search might thus be made of
the horizon." If by this Mr. Dallmeyer means the employment of the
mirror he describes to throw a strong beam of light over the sea
as a search-light, he has been anticipated in his suggested application
several years ago, the mirror being a lenticular one, similar to that
which he describes in his paper. Reflectors of this nature, that is,
concavo-convex lenses, silvered on the convex surface, have long been
before the public, and have been applied to the very purpose now
suggested.
The credit of this application of the reflector belongs to Messrs. Mangm,
Lemonnier, & Co., of Paris, who protected their invention by patent
acme years since. There are eight special claims in their patent, the two
first being as follows : — "1, The construction of a reflector of silvered
glass, with spherical surfaces having different curvatures, and in which
the spherical aberration, due to reflection, is compensated by the spherical
aberration due to the refraction. 2. The employment, substantially as
described, of the said reflector in the construction of appaiatus for pro-
jecting light." If, therefore, Mr. Dallmeyer lias presented the reflector as
a novelty, I hope he will not take it unkindly of me in pointing out its
antiquity relative to every-day inventions.
Perhaps I may also be permitted to express my surprise at such veterans
as Captain Abney and Mr. Traill Taylor, who, according to your report,
were present when tlie paper was read, and both of whom must have
known better, listening to the paper without saying a word indicating
knowledge of the previous existence and application of the mirror, facts
of which they must have been well aware. — I am, yours, &c.,
Devonport, February 16, 1892. Commandeb.
[Our correspondent is too clever. Mr. Dallmeyer's paper consisted
merely of a mathematical demonstration 'of means by which the
gpherical aberration of parallel rays from a large reflecting concave
surface could be eUminated, and the exhibition of a reflector m which
this was accomplished. His suggestion for the employment of such a
mirror tor naval purposes had not necessarily any connexion with its
use as ft search-light, and if "Commander" had grasped the subject
more comprehensively he would have noted, what he quotes above,
that an eyepiece forms an element in the Euggestion, implying the
formation of an image, a thing totally different from the scope of a
search-liglit. We freely grant to the Trench firm named the credit
of the application of this special form of mirror to the purpose claimed,
but take exception to the validity of the first of their claims, viz., the
construction of such a reflector ; for in a work on the ophthalmoscope,
by Dr ^dolf Zander, kindly brought under our notice by a fnend, a
translation (from the German) of which, by Dr. Brudenell Carter, was
published by Ilai-dwicke in 1864, we find a drawing of just such a
reflector as that claimed by the French firm, whose patent only dates
from 1880, thus being anticipated by sixteen years. There was
nothin"- in the paper to call for other remarks from Captain Abney
and Mr. Taylor than those made by them— viz., the former speakmg
of the advantages of a reflector for a certain class of investigations
made by him, and the latter .stating that the reflector made and exhi-
bited by Mr. Dallmeyer exceeded in angular aperture anything he had
ever previously seen. — Ed.] _
MR. COLES AND MR. HOWSON.
To the Editob.
Sib,— The remarks made by me at the meeting of the London and
Provincial Photographic Association to which Mr. Howson takes exception
were to this effect, that Mr. Howson claimed absolute permanency for
gelatino-ohloride prints, and quoted Professor Burton as an authority for
such claims, but that I thought the Professor was too careful a writer to
have committed himself to the statement that either gelatino-bromide or
gelatino-chloride prints were absolutely permanent. (The reports vary
slightly, but the above is what is evidently alluded to.) As Mr. Howson
says last week, " This is a matter which can be easily verified ; " but it is,
I submit, for him to do it by quoting the Professor's words from his
published writings.
I am, of course, responsible for mixing up the questions of the perma-
nency of bromide and chloride prints, but it never occurred to me that
any one would claim greater permanency for the latter than for the
former. Although in the latter, when toned with gold, the image may
consist partly of that metal, yet, as the toning process is usually carried
out, the substitution of gold for silver is by no means complete, and,
unless special precautions are taken to the contrary, the image must
consist to a certain extent of silver.
It did therefore, and does still, appear to me that if bromide prints
are found to be unstable under the unfavourable conditions to which
photographs must frequently be subjected, it is somewhat premature to
claim " absolute permanency " for gelatino-chloride prints.
I have no wish to injure any reputation which Mr. Howson may have
gained for moderation, but it was precisely because his claims seemed the
reverse of moderate that I ventured to call it in question.
I readily agree, after the admission that has been made, as to the way
in which the Alpha prints used as illustrations to The Bbitish Joubnal
Photohbaphic Almanac were produced, that we cannot regard any faded
copies as necessarily implying instability of the process. No one would
rejoice more than myself to find eventually that we could look upon the
new gelatino-chloride paper as thoroughly rehable under all conditions
to which photographs have to be subjected. As, however, there are
probably no prints by that process existing which Mr. Howson would
admit as evidence if found in a faded condition, may I be allowed to
make the following suggestion, which I think many of your readers
would like to see carried out?
Let Mr. Howson arrange with the publishers of one of the photographic
papers to issue a print on the new printing-out paper, bearing a statement
to the following eif eot : —
"This print is on ... . paper, the correct manipulation of which is
guaranteed by ... . Prints, by this process being alsolutely pernianent, may
therefore be subjected to the same treatment as engravings or platinum prints,
i.e., may be hung ou a damp wall, sent abroad to damp climates, exposed to
the impure atmosphere of badly ventilated rooms in which gas is burnt, used
as book illustrations in contact with ordinary printing paper, or mounted with
ordinary paste on common cardboard without ri.sk of fading."
Notwithstanding occasional differences of opinion, Mr. Howson's genial
presence is always welcomed at the various photographic meetings, and
it would enhance the value of the print if he would let it be a portrait of
himself. He is a good subject for the camera, and no doubt many would
like to have a portrait of him, which we must hope would prove to be
permanent. — I am, yours, &c., William Coles.
Watford, February 22, 1892.
P.S. — I have no wish to prolong the controversy ; but, if continued,
may I ask the favour of its being restricted to one paper, as I cannot
undertake to write letters on the same subject to two or three difl'erent
periodicals.
f^bmaiy Se^ 18B9]
THE BRITDUl JOUSNAJL OF PHOTOQIUPHY.
113
BOTAL (XMOfBaaOir FOB THE CHICAOO EXHIBITION, 1898.
Tmatoumtrmc Dmhszhmsj.
an.— I ikoaU b* MMh thOttd a tm wmU kindly gin pahiitity to
' fcOowhs teali Nbtiag to plntivavka. Ad., at tba Chio^o Ex-
I). lUah fii iadndad in'tlM dqwrtantnt o( LibenJAru:
"immtml priali aaa i«aMaM»» pbo*a|M«niM. ««i, mw tUiaed
?• (pheio-BMAaiiiMi mmI otW pro ol '"— i— t'-c).
Hthognphy aad pdatfas gmiiilly, iaoiiMM ia lk»4ipHt-
An tha plw«Mnphle exhibit*. biNW. wOl b« phesd tocrthv in the
of lb* Libanl Aito »ad MiiinhrtiTrM butdlBg aOottad to the
\ «a b* MM ap te th« whibititw ol nbota^apha. photo-
•ad oOmt pMm prodaetd by BlMtomphw natbMt.
Far th* w/am m tb«a mmm tba tkaiai «iU b* a*. M p«r iqaAn
tal.«ilhaafateaiitea«ioriL
WiMMtow (iaairtu to — I ibifc owi — iim or itMiaiean do lo. In
IhM MM th«r «>I1 b« obMiBl lor tha pood ll«7 000017 Moetding to tb*
— ooerioaaothaf nhibitrao. m, ; —
^
diiW 100 «i. h. _
opwo«.n.
tl01>an.lt.«ndnot ■agMWliJt
« ..
JOO „ „ «• „
0 »
«eo 600 ..
« ..
MO « » - 760 „
0
no ^ nia^nidi ... ...
6 „
An pDaia iBlindiil Icr tba bhUUm wB ba adtoiMaddaiyftaa. bt on
Mulh&jioMtltoQwalOMtetoatohr^ffllMMatoba "
tka laiiiib rnOva^ baaa aadatdaa to aan7 toaifc lorlka oUbWoD
•I haUatoa. aad mmmI ollha «an teyamnt ««uMki* —a— iw
tkoMsklhaniaaodtMaollUFVtoa. Tba
«iB timtgt tKti aaMtoiy moa oa laoda to tha
I to bfliC Ami baik tea.
tha BihiMtiaa viUbaopaood ea Maj I. ISaO. aad doaod oa Ootobw
I kt ipMt ia tbo Bkttkh SHiloa maol ba aada aaea taim»
lajMU, at tlM IMa^ «( Aito. Joba-alnol. AdoMki.
WjOUaadfitea abo ba wy plaMad to hhIi a^r ta&ar
' "" '-^f T'-rrH 111 lail li.iiwli Mtm. irtl^w
PHOTOOBAIBBBS AMD THK TBADI.
XbO*]
toatolBoakTCa
allkaX.A.P.P.. to
la ladMtec ooaM e« tha
aad.Ma
Iba iinatfti oawhid U haa
a keaiaa to tnat phatonphon a
daaa. I bava ae douM thai ii;
tanmaad trad*
bad faradak^ atotoM aa* taOM to Ite fitterida oa tbay h«l a light
tovthaatoari^alftateMaAaaMdh haa aWiotod iniliirfmilphato.
gn|dva«aUaa«hatoiMaMla»haa4rMi»baa. Ubantariaaalhal
■awHari aad tha paaai faUb hava fwy bwaoalhr bam olhiaod to
Nyaa«baapi7a«.tf ao* mom ohaap^ than, tba pear|iifiiilnil.aad
Mm aaaaamoaaa d tblo b thai a gnat dtol o( worfc that ahaald iHM paoMd
iaaaih ■■ haada haa baM dhartad boaa tbaa. Ia fact, tbo aaatoat
■aaaah ■■ haada haa baM dhartad baaa tbaa. Ia fact, tbo aaatow
■rf Iba pablia baf* booa allovod to bin loo thamiy.
Ia «*« Mda ol aatoBHHa Iht «hafiiBla hoMM atoha a Mdr of pro-
toiliBglhalaida>yao»iBwUii^llMhgoodiwtoa.aad bySb Maaa
■ay I I g Ibaa^aBarViidMa— 5i£»aBtt.aadiiiMiiinai
hMy ibtolnhig
, Fetraary 99, Un.
eat of
t)laiva
" Ola
hlito aMptoatortthaatho
M OooHV^ ^feofoaaAvauL
LoaiMMi l>8oiaaaAnD0 gocamr.— Marcb 7, BkHtw ^
«<«i»i^*fc br Ife •>. BtogM. VhMcn lB«naL
r» PBOinaeui Paaieaaaraio Aooocttnoa. Mmb X. A mam
W.&IMkMboa. 17, Mtaiar Uatn BMdag.
On Satonlaj aftanoon last the nuBioMfa and (Kesds of Maun. Percy Land
A Co., to tba number of o*«r on* hnnaraa, held their aanoal loeial evening in
the Temperance Hall, Bower-street. Tea waa eerred at 4.30 p.m., and at six
o'clock toe entertainment waa comntesoed with a few opening remarks from
Mr. IVcy LunJ. The iirincipal item* of the programme were an action-iong,
" Jf erry Gleanen," in which twenty-foor of the junior eatployli took part, and
a peridnnance by the Practical Profenional Amateur White Mlnsbdi. A
Bomber of iooga, doeti, recitations, and inatramoatal iteni* were giren, with
gUDOS intenpened.
CBtCAOO EuuBinf.— We nodanland that tbe British tailwayit have nada--
takaa to cany goods fcr Britieb azhiUtor* at the Chicago Extdhitiaa, toand
itam the port of abipmBt, at half rataa. The American railways will charge
tbiir aaaal rata* to CUeago, but will Mag back the goods IVee at tha eloae of
tk* Ihbihitina. Maay of the nrindpal ataanabip companiea have redaoed
thdir late* eoaaidnably, aad will taka Mgbt for the Bxbihitioa at lU per
tea. Maay of them ba** alio ooaaeatad to adopt a rednoed paaaenger tariff
(or obibitan aad their tmploj/b, oerttted a* ancb ondsr tlie anthority of the
Royal! ' ■
Society'* exhibitioB of pbotopapba b¥ tha
Maa's niristian Aseodatioa Boom*. Naed-
leeMDsy (aleetricaUy lifted), oa April S, 8, and 7, 1892, ftom tea a.m. ontO
taa pi*, each daT. Twaty-eis attiar madid*, a ailrer cap, two band camera*,
aad other raloabi* priam Tbeaid** eertiaoatee), are oflbrKl (tar oompatitioa
tban aaiir. la flnanaTion with tba exhibition tbare wilf b* aa
of appantea, aad katasa dtowa will be girea each evaafaig. Tba
Hoa. Beeralaria an Xaan. J. T. Mooalay, 36. AfUaad-road. Bdgbaatoa.
aad A. S. Toek*r, 96, Pfcmll** ilwat, r " " — «— ~-,
of a Jew of tba anataw pboto-
gnph*norGhi«*kk«a*baU*ttkaraMweo of Mr. H. W. Wataon, to con-
^dsr Iba •del**billly af Ibnalag a Qmb far tbla diatrict. The matter wa* (tally
debated, and a wenfatbia to lona eaeb a Oab wa* carriad ananimo«uly. A
flnaimlttaa waa appoiata^ aad a aaabar of namfaar* enrolled. A room haa
b*oatakw<,|fOLM4.i^h4oad.Chimriek. which win be opea fcrthaaaeor
■«ib«i a««T Moadajr aeaalaf boat *ov*a to tea. Mr. E. Haidi^ Mfflar
ba* baea *Hi»lalid Baa. giaitoi), and wHl ba pleaead to see any iaqaim afc
the tooBM oa ManJay lealngi A iMalliw waa bald oa the 9ted inat, Mr.
R. W. Wataoa ia tba chair.— The eot^eet of platiaaa aad braaid* prhitisK
wa»rHiwiil. Mnia79K,I«ss<sbyA.&5Mdaua.
Paoioaaarao gocnrr or Qaaar Bairani ArtnuTioii Scnaa.— At a
BMetiac of riili^tai. PkbraaiT U. I»% Mr. W. Bedford (P. a O. &) ia tba
chair, tba rate eriha aSliaUoa. a* appMead by tba OoiuieU, wee* adopted.
It w*ayaad that tha I itoamtaidaadKiiiaadtUeiboold put the Indian and
Oalaatef**! to *adall*a, ablafai olhir art* a* gi(U or laan«, and fotmulato
ragalatioaa. It wa d*(ld*d to await tba rqport of the Coouaittee appoiatad >
by tba Pbotapaphis Sadetr of Oraat Britain OB the methylated mirtt qnaatioa
b*fer*taUBgaay«ln*totbaaatt*r. It wa d*cidad to adt tbatbimca what
fbada waa aTOa Mnal «t tba OoMiltoftaad that a liit of dark roooa,
aaOabia far Iha aaaf tha ■aiJiaiafftai^hatad soeiatie*, shooU b* n«-
patad. It wa <i iHid that ma ii eal ii to toiHl^ sboald b*«ant to da»M»ta
onhr; ail oUwr i iiMM*aluatliia www to b* illriMii totbaaeretorieeof tba
tOUalad aoeialiaa It wa aha daoidad to far* a
atraalia wafc far aiaalatiaa, aad thai
■ " ' af
of good aad in-
taha to lawuofa tbo
w an Paoawsai. Paonoaaamo Aaoounoa.- In th* Sk aaon**
Ban af ttaChaapioa Bol*l.;»tiliwi*H Unit, a Tbiind*y nmdm. Ab-
■at*n latartatoaMBt wa givaa to a
u Mr. J. Ttaill ThylorprtSdM, *ad.
tba Loadea •adProirlaafal Aaoeeiatiaa.
I taahalol pbotographie SodatK tba
g lad with peat tatesart. Adalof
uoa, aad tlM aililaliiaiiiil of that
kbaan. Aaapital paoamna wa than
oftbaTieiton. MisMaUitb Taape and
■ad W. A. Bdlarta ooatribatia aoaa.
^
aalh* kadlag kgU*b taahalol pbotograuhie SodatK th*
amy* Mag lad with peat tatesart. Adalof
tta iMBiMia. aad tb* *ai*rtaia»*at of that
a iimaliattaatbeaUbeai*.
. to tW astiaaw plaaana of tb* ri
oa. aad Maaera P. Boll lad W. A. Bdlarta oaat(Ui«tia'*oagL
Mlaai J«a*l» Owgi *ad MUb IWperjaaofaito «oM. Maata. Aablgr Oow»n *nii
A. & Kawasa iieWiUia^ Mr. K HMa awadnUii* aad Mr. E. W. Pariitt
rioUa aoU. Dinlm Of hatara dUto, Ih* loatan adeiacope, by Mr. T. E.
Pn*baat*r, aad the hafaa palafaapa, by Mr. J. J. Briginshaw, lent an
*«raeahU diranity to a atarialamat wUeb wa mat eoeeeeaAil throogboaU
pCMMBACmm— Aa BatartalaaiaBt wagiaaia tbeOen^ Half
aa PMdi^. tb* Iftii lait, rfnilitla of miA and a^iplay of
aebyaiMabawof tbfadab, Abaat )00 IH*nd* ef annban wan
Mr. P. P. Oiabiaao, th* Pialilat, la * faw latrodnetory ranmrfc*,
aeked for a little indalgaai a rapad* flto katan part of th* parfaranae*,
t|Aj||Mitag Bjreag oaa Bo add, bowoaa, that, altboogb S* dab wa
^PgW nflBf giaiag. Tha araa—i aa a anaaoad that aaHe
adWto altoSa, aa MHgMoJrKiob aw waaidawSUhatfafaettoa.
pvaerat.
, a aw I
Tboaind*ilparto«tb*tar*a*ann*il*lilor^**a.aaoga. r*eitatiaai|, p*(ty
■adBfaaa*alHL*Ubaiag«*a laadarad byfrieadaof mnnben. Tba hntan
dtapfagr aa of a ■halha*oa ohaagta. ittda ta*i^ *howa tnr Main.
~ " ~" - - - - r, Pbalhaar, Omha. P«ny, ■■h*rtuii.
OabNaok Bah*a, 8«*h. BaafaiV'
n*a*a. kayay, aad^kalt, Ih* alld^ by Mr.'dabraao 'ot Salfabor^
Oalbadial aad OUtoabaqr Abbqr. taka during tb* nMeUag of the Photo-
nmpUo OaTaatioa laat yaar, ■ttnct*d agood <leal of attattoo ; and Mr. C. H.
IkTi*'* alida of Vaaaiiaa aad 1>fal*a aoeaary ware much applaaded. The
laaten wa kiadly ftmilabid aad aaalpolatad by .Mr. Bearl Th* alortaia-
Da***d off wlthoBt a blteb, aad th* members of the Riebatond Oaman
aab
to ooogratalat* tbemselrw on thia— their flnt-
144
TIIE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY^
[Februaty 26, 1893
finfitnete to €orreBflonlicnt0.
If
Att matttn for «*«.,f .**^ Z,^ h» addr^ to "TH8 Editob.
'****' . ^- I *.-— M AdtiertiMementt and general business affairs
K T. Mabsuocd.— Received.
J F.— Either form of jet wiU answer.
Jws. -Thanltg. By aU means let «« hear from you.
Babt Roi-g; P. I). ; and others. -Thanks; in our next
E. W. Masdks.-No such report^s appeared in our p^es.
C J. kniK.-8ee answer to " E. P. C." in the JouBN.^L•.of February 12
XBacs.-From what we know at present we would g ve Vr^f<^r.nceo^^J.
Tj. BB.STOWK.DAMS.-The picture is an admirable example of th,s class of
w'a'^T.-I. There is a chapter on " Enamelling fPrints" in the current
W^SI^.-Th^e'Sm of cy«iine is not patented, neither is that of chlorophyU.
The resnlta are interesting. ,. * v v.. \^„ in
CHARLES SWAIN.-Tl.anks. Such an arrangement as you sketch has been in
use for a number of years. .
EcoxoiiT.-Mo.lem developers do not hold silver in solution, hence the
" reduction " you speak of would be futile.
HERMANS EBN8T.-Dr. Kopp exposed the paper in the camera, by which
means he is said to have obtained positives m colours. , ^ ,, „ „_
as it will give pincushion distortion.
yoBM.-Most large dealers in photographic materials suwly glasses^
bevelled edges to the so-called " opalines," also ground opal gUiss for por
celains." Write to some of those whose address you wUl tad m our adver
tisement columns. .. i -n v»
E. A -Quite right : you can patent anything you like, and the Pa^nt wUl be
s^ ed in due course if no on. opposes. . The P»t«f ]^;^? ^,fM2S,„emeni
no protection to the owner of it from being proceeded agamst for infrmgement
of another patent for the same thing.
T PAOE.-If you get " an excellent emulsion that yields perfectly clear shadows
•but U rather too slow," its r.apidity may be increa.,ed ^'V ^.'''^"'^'"^ ^Z^™/
of " cooking." As you are giving an hour and a half, try two hours or more,
until you obtain the necessary sensibility.
M. STABKE.-The fault in the two negatives forwarded is 'hat of over-exposure
As a beginner, you have overlooked the fact that the quality of the bght has
improved prektiy during the past few weeks. It ^ill contmue to do so
rapidly during the next month or two, so be on the alert.
A. F. M. POWELU-The idea is good. The movement will ^oA quite well.
It was employed more or less extensively in or about 1854 It has not been
patented. If you turn to our Almanac for 1874, you will see the subject
dealt with on page 29. It is rather more fully dealt with on page o6 of our
1887 Almanac.
E. S. J. says he has some bromide paper that he has had by him several years,
and it works all right. He asks if enlargements made on it now will be
likely to prove as permanent as those on freshly made paper ?— If the results
are good, we see no reason to doubt their stabUity as against those on newly
prepared paper.
C. DK Pass.— A cast from a Woodbury gelatine relief can be made in the ordi-
nary " fusible metal," but not from a swelled gelatine relief, as the heat of
the metal would cause the raised and more soluble portions of the gelatine
to melt. A mould can, however, be made in plaster of Paris. A plaster cast
from a soft gelatine relief will not be so sharp and crisp as one in fusible
metal from a dry Woodbury one.
D. W.— 1. One ounce of hyposulphite of soda to the pint of water is quite in-
sufficient to fix prints, even if the time be prolonged to twenty minutes.
Better risk blistering than have fugitive prints. 2. One grain of chloride of
geld ought to tone a full-size sheet of paper, or its equivalent in prints, to a
rich tone. Of course, the deeper the prints are toned, the more gold wUl
necessarily be con-sumed in the operation. If only red-browns are wanted,
leas gold will be required.
Scotsman writes that he has heard it stated that celluloid prints do not keep
M well as plates, that is, after a time only foggy negatives can be obtained.
He asks if this is correct !— Oifferent opinions have been expressed on the
nibject. Theoretically, glass is inert on the gelatino-bromide. That can
■carcely be said of a substance containing camphor and other volatile
compounds. The emulsion may also be a factor in each case. On glass
even some emulsions prove more stable than others.
Waitoswobth asks. Can the rector of a village church 'prevent any one who has
not obtained his permission from taking a photograph of it from the road-
way ! He adds that a friend of his was, some time back, " ordered off " by
the Mxton, on the ground that the rector had given a lociil photographer the
ezdnsive right of photographing the building. — The rector has no power to
prevent any one from taking photographs of the church, and we should not
nave larmixed that any minuter would be so foolish as to usurp it.
O F R -1 Both Messrs. B. J. Edwards & Co. and Mr. J Cadett would, we
Wiev'eTsupiWyou wHh a coating machine. 2. 1'Mo,jrai,hyv^ith t.,m,.lsvon.,
by Captain Abney (Piper & Carter).
■. . « 1 r-on T pnnwiffht a Dortrait of a gentleman taken by mo
the ^use of the leading, and if the dealer who supplied them is not liable for
does not do that.
H HoFMFS write as follows : "Most modem songs now tear the following on
tSepi^e IThis song 'may be sung iu public ^v^thout fee or l.ceuce.
With thK imation, should I be doing wrong in makmg Ian cm sl.des_of
the music and showing them on the screen for the audience to smg from ! -
AU the modem music^e have seen bearing the above intmiat.on also beM«
fomething to thel following effect : Tlie sole and exclusive right of makmg
mruscrilt or other copies of this work is vested in the owner of the copy-
right anf any other pirsons making such copies, without permission render
"hem'seWes Ikble to*heav>- penalties or damages "Other copies" would
certafulytnclude photograi^hie ones, whether for the lantern or on paper.
F S. writes : " 1. Can you kindly inform me if it is a usual thing for makers
topTt up seven drachms in the so-called one-ounce bottles of pyroga he
acid" Of late I have noticed that negatives having had plenty of exposure
fan to gve the required density without a further addition of pjTO. On
searcMnlthe formula of another maker the," say, ' Py™. 0"« o"""',: ''"'
if the oixlinary one-ounce bottles are used, add an additional drachm. On
following thi7advice, I found it answer my purpose. 2 In another formu a,
where carbonate of soda is used, the mention of (not b.cartonate) is made
Will you be kind enough to inform me of the difference if any, between them
for on purcha.sing somi at a chemist's, I informed him I wautecl carbonate (not
bicarbonate), which caused him not a little amusement. On mixing my
developer, I failed to get the least appearance of my '^'I^O.'^^t- «;'""« '™'l
two or three times, I purchased some at another chemist s, and, last >, at a
grocer's, all to the same effect. On writing to the makers of the plates ex-
plaining my failure, they kindly offered to develop a plate for me, and on
the return of same, I found they luad produced a negative with good printing
qualities, infom.ing me the only thing they could suggest ''»! "'e .™Pun '««
of the cuAonate of soda. If you can kindly give me any '"Jo™"''"" '' ^"8*1
your 'Answers to Correspondents,' you will oblige.' -1. An ounce bottle of
pyrogallic acid should contain 437i grains of the acid, which is roughly
tWqu.irters of a drachm short of th« old apothecary s ounce of eight
drachms, of sixtv each, to the ounce. If eight drachms, or 480 Br.ws, of
pyro are required, the necessary addition must be made to the ordinary
avoirdupois ounce-bottle. 2. The difference between the car ,ona e and
bicarbonate has frequently been dealt with m our columns. Ihefo.raer^
rarely kept by dispensing chemists, but it may be obtained from all dealers
in photographic chemicals or from any operative chemist.
Photogbaphic Club. -March 2, Halation and Public ExIUUlioti^ by
F. P. Cembrano, jun. 9, The Oxyhydrogcii Micmscvjie, by Mr. 1. J!-.
Freshwater, and The Keto Incandescent Lujht.
MESSRS. Tatlob, Taylob, & HoBSON offer twelve and six guineas respec-
tively for the two best negatives taken with their photographic lenses 1 he
conditions of competition may be obtained from Slate-street Works, Leicester.
Limelight ENXEBTAiNMENT.-On the 15th inst. Mr. George Mason of
Glasgow, delivered his popular lecture. Jack and I m Aonmy, in the Patrick
Free High Church. Sir Andrew Maclean presided. A good audience was
present, and a cordial vote of thanks was awarded to the lecturer.
The Ashton-under-Lyue Photographic Society held a ver>' successful exhibi-
tion last week. The Society is only a year old and nuinbers 190 members.
In addition to the members, such men as W. L. Howe, J- Crooke (Edinburgh)
W. W. Winter, W. D. Welford, K. Kecne, G. W, Wilson & Co., Horslej
Hinton, Rev. H. J. Palmer were represented on the walls, and there were
lantern lectures by Paul Large, G. E. Thompson, and others. Want of space
precludes us from entering into details of the exhibita, but we cordially con-
gratulate the young Society on its success. ^
0ONTBNT8,
Paoe
BICHROMATED GELATINE AND ITS
EXPANSIVE PEOPEBTIES 12»
LOSS OF DEKSITY IN FIXING 129
WHT PHOTOGRAPHS FADE.— I. By
HEBBEBT S. STARNES 181
AMERICAN NOTES AND NEWS 181
CRANIUM TONING OF BROMIDE
PRINTS. By J. WEIB BROWN ISS
CARBON PRINTING. By GEORGE
BANKABI m
Fun
A NEW LANTERN MICROSCOPE 136
ELEMENTARY NOTES ON PHOTOGltA-
PHIC LENSES. By W. H. BENNETT.. 136
OCR EDITORIAL TABLB 188
RECENT PATENTS 18*
MEETINGS OP SOCIETIES 189
OOBRKBPONDENCE "*
AMSWEBS TO OOaBJtSPONDENTS 1«
k
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY,
No. 1661. Vol. XXXIX.— MARCH 4, 1892.
SLUM lf:xse&
Ajtd wbj ihould tbcra not be tliun I«naai is well as Umm for
portnitB, liTMJiBmn, or ardiitoetim t
A 'dam,' from oar ipeouJ point of Tietr at preMnt, may be
oooaidflnd u a narrow, darkly Ug1it«d ooort, with nomerotia
•qnalid wDooi and chQdren grouped about the doon, especially
dming fine weather. Owing to the bi^ aurroundinga and
naiiunmi,'the light which bib opoo ioeh graopa h poor and
attemiatfld, and hanoe, to obtain inatantiiwmiB photograplia of
them, a more than naaally qniek-Mting lane b neoaaaiy.
For aoPM thne we emfdoyed fbr thb purpoae a email quick-
acting Petairal portrait combination, having a rather round
field ; that ia, one by whieh the obUqne r»ya were braoght to a
foeoa on a plane nearar to the boa than the centnl raya. It
u obviooa that when, in naTml phfUiBlogy, the court waa raked
by the eameni, the aidea of tite anbjaet were much nearer than
the oantre, and, aeoonling to the bw« of conjugate foci, they
would be brought to a foeoa on a pbne appcoiimating to that of
aim. Bot; a* bnsaa of tide dam do not embraoe an
•oAeiaBtly hige to gtre proper aflbet to thb prindpby we
' ive cooehided that erery object b attaiaed'by the employ-
i..ant of one oemeted to giro a flat field. And, whereaa a boa
with a round fidd oannot be efBcbntly oaed Cor ordinary ou^
door purpceea, ooe with a fiat field ean. The balance of
advant^ee ia, therafiirB, to be fcod in the latter.
\ttn a trial of aereral of the poctnit olaaa
umot find MM fai which a diaphragm can be hiaarted without
more or lam prooouneed fiai* apot neulting. We are new
refbtring to antdoor, not atndiOk phutogi^hy, aad therefore it
:i hnpoctaot dm* lor thb pnrpceetke portrait boa be employed
it» fun ■yartnra, whidi, it need aoarody be aaid, b
jU to penetmtioD, or, aa it b popularly termed, "depth of
' 'Tua." It b not eiwiaiilufed neceaaary at pneent to gire the
ptieal raaaona far the prodnction of a flare apot when a atop b
rnpioyed ; it b enoogh to know that it b ao. When a lena of
■\'m clam b employed for the ^edal purpoae now before ua, it
hould, aa we have hinted, be ooe of auOeieotly long faeoa to
iieure tta eorering the pbte to the margina with a degree of
ilianaiwi aneh aa will not provoke eamparieone twtween the
margin and the centre ; and thb niamaltotM ito being of more
bulky dlnmirioaa than b aomatfanaa dadrabb^ and alao pre-
dudea the poedbility of getting near otjeeta in, nnlem theae
are ao fcnawd h to render the other portboa aubordinato to
The dum lena dmild partake aomewhat of the character of
the portnit eoaabinatioB in being abb to define veil with (hll
apertore a narrow angb of indnded view in a weak light ; but,
to render it geneiBlly ueefnl, it ahould, like the leneee of the
npU rectilinear type, be alao capabb of bung employed with
• amall diaphragm without g^ng a central flare ipot. Thia,
wo know, a portrait combination would do provided it were so
ihielded aa to prevent the sky fnm having accees to it, a con-
dition almost impoauble to be realised. Pending the advent of
a lena whieh ahaD folfil both conditions, we can only suggeet
fbr dum puipuaea the employment of one of the rapid cemented
type.
llua b a field of reaearch which, when the season advances,
wiD richly repay thoae who enter it. The picturaequeness of
the gnrape there to be found b often such as to cause a slum
photognpher to produce pietnraa even when the pictorial or
ardatle instinct is almoet wanting in the camerist.
DEVELOPMENT "THEORIES."
ALTBocon avowedly designed to submit for the consideration
of hU auditors the various hypotheam which have been made
OQ the sulgeet of the theory of development, the admirabb
papv by Mr. Addphe M. Levy, which was recently read
belbre the Photognphic Club, and which will be found in
another part of the Jourxal, nevarthelew oonoems itself in a
diatinetly practical manner with the applied branch of the
sulgeeC, and within a brief space reveab its whole pliiloaopby
with each deamem and succinetasm that, oe the reader ooo-
oamed with dther ita theoiy or iu practioe, or both, it would
be diScult for him to rise up fW>m a perusal o( the paper with-
out a feeling of intdligent satisfaction and, pexhaps, profit.
The seetioas of the paper dealing with normal exposure, under-
•tpoaoTC, and ovar-«xpoaure reqwctivdy, concise as they arc,
woold, in ngard to accuracy and luminosity, be difficult to
aed. For the hegfamer and the student thoir expository
merits are aa eondderabie as thoae of any previous contribution
to the literature of the subject, which b saying much.
Mr. Levy diaoounta the value of diacuaaing the " theoiy " of
deraiopment by iqitly oheerving that we know little or nothing
about the nature of the btent image, which forms the basu of
devdopment To that knowledge, slight though it is, he
attempts no addition in the paper before ua, nor can we gather
that he himaelf fitvoun any particular " theory " »r " cxplana-
tig^J^^HM change induced by light on a gelatinous film of
silver haloid. While fully appreciating this reserve in tho
first respect, we think that his paper would have gained in
intersat il^ as a chemiat of experience and competoncy, he had
told us which of those "theories " (we use the term advisedly)
struck him as being the moat feasible, and therefore the one
most worthy of attempted substantiation ; for, until amone
ezperimentdiata there b a commonly agreed basb upon whu li
the raib of investigation and research may be laid down, it
win be futile to look for either accepted proof or disproof of
any one particular " theory " of the latent image.
14fl
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[March 4, 1892
But Mr. Levy possibly suggests the source of a clue to the
mystery which has so long baffled photo-chemical investigators
by premising that to his knowledge chemical action has never
been said to take place between the silver compound and its
vehicle during emulsification. Two facts, however, point to
the assumption that such an action is tolerably probable —
the first being that a film of pure bromide of silver, un-
enclosed by any vehicle, is far less sensitive to light than
when incorporated with gelatine; and the second, that gela-
tine acts as a sensitiser, i.e., an absorbent of liberated halogen
at the moment of exposure. For aught that we know to the
contrary, some true chemical reaction between gelatine and the
silver haloid may take place during emulsification, the proof of
which may conceivably be deduced from the circumstance that
the mixture, when exposed to light, undergoes what is practically
decomposition. Gelatine and pure silver bromide simply in-
corporated, that is, without emulsification, produce a mixture
which, we believe, is far less sensitive to light than the emulsi-
fied product. If it is only a physical change which takes place
in emulsification, it is hard to account for the fact that the
developed photographic impression cannot be entirely removed
from a gelatine plate, though to all intents and purposes every
particle of the silver image is dissolved out. We suggest, as a
probability, that the halogen-absorbing properties of gelatine
are due to a chemical action which is set up between it and
the silver haloid during emulsification, and that the precise
nature of that action must be ascertained before the composition
of the latent image can be known.
In glancing at the oxybromide theory of the latent image,
Mr. Levy seems to be unaware that that theory, far from being
recently introduced, was advanced many years ago by the late
Thomas Sutton. This, however, is a fact of which modem
writers may pardonably be ignorant. But it is greatly in its
favour that the oxybromide theory should, longo intervallo,
have been independently put forth by, we believe. Dr. Hop-
kinson, who in all probability was not aware of Sutton's
writings. In this connexion we must confess to a feeling of
disappointment, that Mr. Levy has quite neglected to notice
the beautiful experiments of Mr. Carey Lea, endeavouring,
and not, we think, altogether unsuccessfully, to establish the
identity between what he termed the photo-salts formed by
light on films of haloids in gelatine, and similar bodies prepared
by chemical means. Certainly, in any disquisition upon of
examination of the theory of the latent image, the omission of
Mr. Carey Lea's work is a serious flaw ; as to our thinking, the
mass of evidence which he adduced in favour of his claim to
have identified the reduction products of exposure on the silver
salts, is greater and more weighty than that which has been
urged on behalf of the oxychloride and subchloride theories.
The discovery of the nature of the latent image would, we
have no doubt, be of more interest to experimentalists than to
practical photographers, although it would be extremely rash
to prophesy that the latter class would not ultimately derive
direct benefit therefrom, as possibly that knowledge might
enable us so to employ our reagents as to be able to develop
all light impressions, however brief At present our very
ignorance of the nature of the reduction product probably
operates as a barrier to the arrival of that consummation,
although, from tlhe number, vai-iety, and range of power of the
new reducing agents constantly being introduced, we are
justified in believing that in the immediate future some appre-
ciable diminution ol exposures may be universally permissible.
We have inferred tibove that Mr. Levy's paper, in parts, is or
much value from the point of view of those practically con-
cerned in the art of development ; but it also appeals with
equal force to the student of theory, for whom it points a
moral as obvious as it is useful. This is to preserve, on the
much-vexed question of the composition of the latent image, a
condition of open-mindedness and freedom from prejudice. In
chemical science old theories have constantly to be rejected for
new ones, and the study of the fascinating problem under
notice is best approached in the mental constitution pointed
at, which, however, so far as photo-chemistry is concerned, is
at present, we are bound to observe, rather the exception than
the rule.
COLOURED PHOTOGRAPHS.
Since our articles on this subject have appeared an im-
portant contribution to the question of the fading of pigments
has been made in a paper read before the Chemical Society
by Professor Hartley, F.R.S., on the acid action of drawing-
paper of different makes, and which we shall shortly repro-
duce. It is only necessary here to briefly summarise the
results of his investigations, which are to the eSect that almost
all hand-made drawing-papers of the highest quality gave acid
reactions when suitably tested. 'They were not acid to ordinary
litmus ; but, when azolitmus was laid on with a sable brush
like a water-colour wash, " such washes turned red upon the
paper." Further, he found that the acid had such hold upon
the fabric that many hours' washing failed to remove it entirely.
It is obvious, therefore, that such paper would add another to
what may be termed photographic dangers in the substratum
of the drawing. It would, therefore, seem desirable that all
photographs intended to be painted upon should, in their pro-
duction, have a final wash of ammonia to neutralise any original
acid or any absorbed during the chemical operations, and pos-
sibly held stubbornly by the fibres. This retention of acid is a
most important consideration, and, if proved to take place with
the acids employed in various paper processes, a factor that
must be dealt with.
Leaving that point to be dealt with as each sees fit, it will
naturally be looked for that we make some pronouncement
upon the relative advisability of the general employment of
body-colour or transparent, but it is impossible. To begin
with, an artist insensibly leans to a certain style according to
his surroundings and the school he attaches himself to. As to
the relative permanency, there is no decisive evidence one way
or the other. There is before us, as we write, a ten-by-eight
silver print painted in water colour about thirty-five years ago.
The background has been painted in transparent colour, and
photograph and pigment alike have altered. The face, beauti-
fully painted in body colour, has given way very little indeed,
so little that, if the surroundings could be repainted, few would
observe anything wrong. Here, body colour has stood and
actually protected the photograph. On the other hand, we
have lately seen carbon prints finished in opaque colour in
which the carnations are gone almost entirely through the
pictures, and but a dozen years old. Side by side with one of
these we recently saw, at a professional photographer's, a
picture practically finished in transparent colour, the same age,
and perfectly fresh. But it is well known that simple water
colours fade, and to such an extent that a Royal Commission
was appointed to examine and report upon the subject.
But there is still to consider another method — that of
finishing in pastel ; and, as this style, especially since the
}liek4.\»S]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
147
exhibition darotad to dnviogB don* hj it, h«a beoome of Ut«
rtgj popolar, it ii erident that, if adapted to photography, and
advantageoua in othar vaja, its naa ahoold be popolariaed. It
haa erery adrantaga ; it ia eonaidered a method mora naariy
approaching the pannanancy of oil-painting than anj ; it ooren
wan, beaotifnl afl^eta are obtatn^Ie bj it, and, if well done,
the pietoraa are moat aAotiTeL Tha colour, being carried bj a
body ot iaart ponvder, ia not broogfat into doaa contact with
the photogi^tb, and ao much of it ia, in oompariacn, employed,
- hat a alight amount of bding would be imparoaptiUa.
Pealing, now, with the actual pigmanta employed, the ooone
oar invaatigationa haa ahown ua that, owing, perbapa, to the
jed oi a powerful ooloor in mixture to eovar the dead opacity
of the darka in a photegraph, tha colour crimaon lake haa been
ornplojed in a way no one would arar think of doing in
linaiy water-coloor wcrk. Etoo far aptaal touchea in hi^
us work it ia anqiloyad. Thua, in a popular manual upon
viotiag photofmpfai^ wa read : " For tha darker tooebaa and
epar ahadowa about the eyea and oadar tba ayabrawa, a little
.noMon bka or Indian red, or both tha lowar lip with
rennilion and lake or madder cannina." Now, we hare to
my that eriaaaon lake ia ao uttac^j IbgitiT* a colour that ita
naa ia b$^i]|y improper in any flaah painting whaterar ; nor,
teed, would wa noomoaand it aitbar far drapasy or •4i>>BC^ :
ia aure to lada eventually. Baeantly aoaaa permanant red
:<jon analogoua to crimaon laka^ but mora powerfbl, and
loarafon difienlt to intradnai^ hava baan utrodnoad. Tbay
are made from aUaanaa^ and, «• dtouU aooaidar, may aaMy
red wbara tb^ ean be uaad. For rada at the graataat
.-.y in water eoloar, we hare, aa rad% Indian, Venetian,
i light reda, and red ochre, rermiUon being oneattain, and
' inralnahla amddar ookmra, roaa red, poipla. and
ing laaa parraananr Ordinaiy cannina abould be
wttb arinnon lake and hantahad antit^y; aearlat
whieb ia only crimaon lake and varmiUon.
Among aafe yallowa may be inclndad yellow oebn, raw
Bienna, orange «ndminm Pkia eadmiam ia of doobtftU per-
manency, and traa Naplaa yellow akoold narar ba oaad. It ia
a aadnetira aelonr to aaaploy, botmoat Iwacbarai ; it ia eartain
^' •fbcoloor, and at no diatast tiaa aAar baiaf kid on.
% abdold not be oaad, tbay alao diaoolow, and are
- to uae without proper knowladgo aa to what can ba
1 with tbam. For blaaa, aknaarina^ artificial
uluamantte cahalt, and wwl— aio arailahia. Pnianan bloa
ia doubtftil, and, uniortanlaly, indigo alill mora aa Moat of
tha browna of tba eolooaan are ml^ madder brown and Van-
dyke brown being aaong tba doublfcli, and bitominoua Van-
dyke brawn quita rniaafh Ivoty-Uaek, abaraaal-bla^ lamp-
Haak, gr^bit*, and ladiaa ink glra a wid* range for tita
prodnetioo of greya, browna, and giaaua, and Cbinaaa white ia
all that ia naadad for whitea. Here ia a tolerably compiato liat
lor any artiat, and we may my, in cenclaaion, that, if no other
raaalt follow tbeee artidee than tha hanlahmant of etimaon
kka, earmtaa^ and Naplae yellow, tbay will not hare
written in raio.
>. — Tb'-MM mtmitn of the Bbwlagham Photograpbic
SociaCy wlw nhihii at their exhibition next moBlb eaa HBKaiy
hcaoara. Tweatj-aix lilTtr oiadali, a rilvar e«p, two head
, aad ttiir mkmtU pruM, m wvO m an imliaiiud aamWr of
>oAHedl The Krmiaghaa Society i* comparatireljr
a mmO oae, btnea them it a poaibilitT that ««frj exhibitor may be
a priM wiaair. Bxaapt la pot haataie, of what rale* caa aadala be
that an obtaiaad aadff eat
Slnaolntion of a Society.— At a meeting of the Brighton
Photographic Society on February 23, a rusolution diasolnog the
Society waa carried. It appears that, in addition to having a con-
liderable balance on the wrong aide, but little interest was taken by
the member* in the Society** welfare. We are informed that this
dissolution i* the outcome of negotiation* which have taken pUce
with the Brighton Natural History Society, of which the member* of
the late Brighton Photographic Society will in future be a photo-
graphic aection.
Zmjwrf eot Xnrsinal Detinltlon. — Portability in ap-
paratoa aow aeem* to be the order of the day, often to the derogation
of the woriL Particularly is this the case with many baud cameras.
A^lth the new to redudag the bulk, short-focus lenses that will not
corar the «m pUte osed are pressed into service. Consequently,
when the image i* aalaiged, or, as a lantern slide, is projected on the
•ers«B, the want of deiiiiitinn at the margin* become* painfully mani-
feat ; whereas, bad a lea* of ao inch or two longer focoa been employed,
thi* imperfection would hare been obviated.
Tho rropoood Photorraphlo Xnatltate.— The Dail^
Ciromelf, of Monday, containad a leader oa thi* subject, in which
it exteoded meet gratifying toppott to the propowtion. Our cnn-
teaapcraiy my* tliat it was in fwpoaae to the appeal of eertiiin dis-
tiagwh*d| m*ji «4 seieac* that it gave prominence to the appeal.
Be that aa it may, our readeia will fad the view* we set forth in our
leader of Febraaiy 19 rsOsetedm the CarsNMfeartida with a decree
of fideUtyBttlaahort ofrMarfcahIa Both the Photographic Society
of Onat Mlaia aad phologtaphen generally are to be eoiwratulated
oahaTiag oktainad emtMt adroeacy for the eetahlnhment of a Photo-
gmpUe laalitwt* ftom our eMtgatie daDy <
BUotrie Xavht ftor Ffcotogfpliow.— The FOaen Electric
Company leeaotly gave a <i*iiMW<ialioa of aa electric lamp for pboto-
grapbia piirpoam, which, wa aadentaad, i* abaady being *ncc»*rfully
implayid if aevmal London aad proriacial photographer*. The
lamp, for whieb apeaial earhoa* have to be provided, i* fitted to a
large eooeav* radiator, wUeh i* awung on a lever that ia actoated by
a baO-aad-eoebil airaagemeat. This allow* of the igwtem being
placed at aay daaimd aagk, and coaa*qn«ttlly ^mplat* control i*
obtaiaad ov«r tha Ighting- The Klam kaq)^ we bdieve, can be
worhad by otiMag tha power aow baiag mnpiied by tha electric
lighliag awapania* along toe priadpal thoraughf an* of huge town* ;
hat, whether thi* or aepamta pow*r he employed, the initial cost of su
instelUtino aronld h* relatively smalL
The Albamen Frocaan. - U the rrpotatioa of the albumen
tiriiceii for laaten Imnapaiewii** in ftofitijf It would almo*t
appear lib* M. Hitherto thia yroe*** ha* geaorally been conaidarBd
the very b«at of al for thi* dm* nf work. Indeed, to proaonao* a
*iide aaarly m good m one by the albumen pro tea* wa* eon*idend
about tha Ugbaat fpBaim* that aouM be paid it. However, the
neeat aompaUUou at tha Laatan Sodety ha* pot another face upon
th* mhjcet, for the h**t did* of each a*t wa* oa eollodlo-bromide, by
Mr. AckUad, whOe g»latfa>* came •*cond. AlbnaMU 6gar*d low
down in the liat. h*iag sixth, flftb, and fourth respectively ; while, in
two aela, edIoAo-aIbam«B wa* last, and in the other only fourth.
EvMwalnpBodion made a hettar meord. It might b<- said that the
diflMiffjMe*a*M war* not well mprseeatcd ia their wurker*, but on
thia eecaskia, at leael, thia would not hold good. The albumen slide*
wese by the bm tt Levy, of Pari*, aad the oollodioalbumen one* by
Mr. Acfclaad, who may h* looked apon m the former champion oif
the]
Fndlag. — Aitentioo i* just now being given lo the subject of the
stability, or otherwim, of photographic prints by certain prooe****.
In eaa*idaratica of thi* matter it is desirable to separate the proo**s
itself ftom the materid upon which it is worked. Paper, so far a*
colour i* conwtned, i* well known to be anything but permanent. If
it be iipoaad to light — a portion bdag protected for comparisoo—
14d
THE BKITISII JODKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[March 4, 1892
in nine cue* out of t«i it wiU become discoloured, sometimes even in
a fewd«T». The dijcolonrstion is sometimes due to the matenal of ^vhich
the paper is composed, and frequently to the colouring matter added
to (riVe it a fictitious appearance. Therefore the shortcomings of the
pa«>r should not he charged to the process. AVe were recently shown
some photo-mechanical prints that had been exposed in a shop window
for two or three weeks, which had become quite yellow in the lights
owing to the change in the paper. In ordinary rilver printing only
the Sure and Iiive$ paper are used, and both of these may be con-
tidei«d stable. But in other proceases leas high-class papers are
generally employed. _^^_^_^^_^_^^__
rhotographers' Benevolent Asaoolatlon. — At the
annual m(>otin- on Friday last the following officers were elected for
the ensuing year r-President, Mr. J. Traill Taylor ; Trustees, Captain
W. de wl^Abney, C.B., F.R.S., &c., and Mr. W. S. Bird; Treasurer,
Mr. John Spiller, F.I.C., F.C.S. ; Committee, Messrs. H. D. Atkinson,
F. n. Berry, W. Bedford (Chairman), R. P. Drage, T. E. Freshwater,
G. T. Harris, T. C. Hepworth, F.C.S., A. Mackie, E. W. Parfitt,
J. S. Rolph, H. Snowden Ward, H. R. Hume, and F. W. Hindley ;
Davie (186, Sauchiehall-street, Glasgow), J. B. Payne (Mosley-street,
Newcastle), B. Howie (8.5, St. GUes'-street, Norwich), J. E. L. Brokfen-
shire (48, Ilotham-place, Millbridge, Devonport, Plymouth), T. S.
Hicks (141, Cemetery-road, Sheffield), and J. Pyefinch (Mardol Head,
Shrewsbury). The report and balance-sheet (to which we
already made reference) were adopted.
have
Profitable Overtime.— Our contemporary. Trade, Finance,
and Eecreation, in a series of articles on " Roads to Easy Fortune,"
has exposed a number of advertising frauds. A few weeks back it
enUghtened its readers on the pastel portrait business. Last week it
dealt with another advertisement having reference to photography,
" 150/. given to any one finding our home employment not genuine.
2o». weekly easily earned at home, evenings, either sex, old or young,
everywhere ; for materials to commence work, send \s., & Co."
Now, as some of our readers may possibly like to earn another five-
and-twenty shillings a week by a little evening work, we shall tell
them how it is to be done according to the shilling's worth supplied
to our contemporary. If they do not take advantage of it, they may,
at least, be amused. The articles supplied were a piece of common
glass, about two inches square, an unmounted photograph, one inch by
one and a half, of a lady, with very httle on in the way of clothes ;
half an ounce of starch, and instructions for mixing it and mounting
the picture on the piece of glass. The circular states that, w^hen per-
fect, you can earn from twenty-one to thirty shillings a week without
hindrance to any occupation you might have during the day. Six-
pence per dozen is said to be paid for cartes, and ninepence for
cabinets. Hence, one has only to mount a hundred of the former each
evening to earn the promised twenty -five shillings. — Eureka .'
Second-band Apparatus. — The season is now approaching
when photographers, professional and amateur alike, will be setting
their apparatus in order — disposing of some with a view to replacing
it with other of larger dimensions, or, maybe, of more modern con-
struction, while others will be on the look-out for second-hand
apparatus, in order to save a portion of what would be necessary to
purchase new. Now a novice, seeing the latter, often makes a bad
bargain, and finds, to his cost, that the lowest-priced articles are not
always the cheapest in the end. Often apparatus is purchased on the
strength of the reputation of the maker, and, frequently, quite regard-
less of the usage it has received since it left his hands — perhaps many
years since. "With regard to cameras and the like, the condition may
generally be judged by a careful examination ; but this is not always
the case with lenses. It is often assumed that lenses, so long as the
glasses are intact, do not deteriorate with age. This may be the case
provided the instruments are not in constant use. If they are, how-
ever, the case may be different, and the difference will be dependent
upon the usage they have received. If a lens happens to be dropped
and no glasses are broken, no harm is supposed to be done ; but the
bruising of the mount may have caused sufficient jamming to alter
the orioinal figure of the lenses. Furthermore, careless wiping of the
glasses" often done with the focussing cloth, tends to destroy the high
polish of the glass upon which brilliancy of the image so much
depends. It will be remembered that a few months back we directed
attention to the subject of a smaU film of dust on the surfaces of the
lens of a detective camera preventing briUiant negatives being
obtained. Imperfect polish on the surfaces ^f a lens is just analogous
to a film of dust, and has the same effect on the negative. These
remarks are brought about by the recent examination of an old
portrait lens by one of our first opticians. By careless usage the
mount had become dented, and thereby strain put upon the glasses,
the surfaces of which, by constant wiping, were rendered dull and
grey. The consequence of this is that a lens, which was once an
excellent instrument, is reduced in quality to that of one of second or
third-rate foreign make.
RATIO OF GRADATION.— I.
Thh discussion that has been going on for some weeks past on the
subject of Messrs. Hurter & Driffield's experiments and their deduc-
tions therefrom has a peculiar interest for me, as some years ago I
attempted an investigation in much the same direction, but was com-
pelled to reliquish it owing to the magnitude of the task. The con-
clusions at which these gentlemen arrive are so subversive of some of
the pet beliefs of photographers, and so apparently contrary to the
daily working experience of hundreds, nay, thousands, that the
question may well be further ventilated.
Before examining closely into the facts, it is, however, desirable to
clear the ground of one or two obstructions in the shape of matters
that may give rise to misunderstanding. In the first place, with
regard to the formulse and method of development, I have not been
able to obtain the full text of Messrs. Hurter & Driffield's communica-
tions, and am therefore confined to what information I have been
able to gain from some of your correspondents. But, as far as I can
see, a " normal" developer has been employed, with variations of a
not very pronounced character, and the action has been continued to
the utmost, or, in other words, the most has been "got out" of each
plate. The exposm-es, too, I take it, have been also of the " normal "
character, that is to say, such as would give a properly graded image
with any of the usual developing formulse.
Secondly, there is the difference in meaning of the word density as
used by Messrs. Hurter &, Driffield, and as understood generally by
photographers. In the first instance, it is applied to the quantity of
silver deposited upon a given area of the plate ; in the second, to the
degree of opacity or printing value of the different gradations. At
first sight the distinction is not very clear, for it would be supposed
that opacity and density of deposit meant one and the same thing.
As I take it, Messrs. Hurter & Driffield mean to say that such is not
the case, or that opacity does not increase in the same rate of pro-
gression as the density of the silver deposit.
With regard to this last point, I think there cannot be two opinions
as to the correctness of their view. If it were otherwise, to use an
ad abmrdum argument, it would be possible, in time, to produce a
photographic impression through any obstruction, however thick— a
brick wail or an armour plate, for instance. But we need not go to
such extremes, but simply study any simple actinometer -scale, made
by building up increasing numbers of layers of tissue paper or similar
material. If the opacity varied directly with the thickness of the
obstruction layer— the density of Hurter & Driffield — then the values
of the successive gradations would bear a regular relation to one
another ; it might be 1:2:3:4, &c., 1:2:4:8, or 1 : 3 : 9 : 27,
&c. — at any rate, it would be regular. But is this so ? In my own
experience, certainly not ; I have never yet found any form of actino-
meter screen that followed such a rule. The Warnerke scale is
supposed to do so ; but, even in the best examples of it, it is very
doubtful whether the gradation is even approximately accurate.
That increasing the density of the deposit — in the sense of Hurter
& Driffield — increases the opacity or power of stopping the light,
" printing value '' — call it what you will — in a greater relative degree
Much 4. 1808}
THE BRITISH JODKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH y.
149
to CMfly deBMUttmted. T*1m two estnmelj thin trtnsparendes from
tk« wmB aaptiTa aod roperpoae tben, then riew the combined
picture bjr truMnittrd light, aiid che apparent increMt of demity (in
the amw of opacity) is far greater than an examination of the
Mparste imagea would lead one to aoppoae. Again, to take a verf
faaifiw inatanrn. how rery faint — to the ey*— appear the atrokee of
the wtomhert ptaeQ on the oegatiTe, y«t what a marked effect they
have oo ita ptfaitiBf valne.
If w» look, than, at the aobjeet of ratio of frradation, haaringr in
mind the ^i^itfttm thai made in the applicatirm of the ton denritr,
it i* not impoarihle that Maaan. Hater .t Driffiold may be right in
tb«v dadnetiona. Of two nagmtiTM of the aaine aabject dereloped
(fiffavBtly, <MB aMy poaaeaa twin aa aneh emitrmM aatiw olhw when
pat to the piiaiiag teat, ahhcMfh tha nlio of gmdatioa to pndaely
tha aaae is both. It aaaai te kM« kaan iiimiil by aoBe of thoea
who h«M tahan part in the dtoenaiaB dial liailarity of gradation
iaptiat idaatity of printing aCaot whatonr th« danaity ol the dapoMt
may ha : bat thia i* far ffna biiag tk* eaae, aa caa, I tUak, be eaaily
shown.
• n II mi III I iij Ikiiaipli 1.1- "-^ "-- •- - '---'-
1 tha la>w«» aad high** gradalioaa aw lapaauutad by tha flgoraa
1 aad 4 raapeettvaly, aad two ol tha aiddb tiata by 2 aod & Than,
tahtag 0 aa dear i^aaa, wa ha«a a a«iaa ia arithoMtieal pngraaMOo,
0, 1, 9^ 3, aad 4, Wfaalii^ the foB gamrt of tha aegative from
-■Mfeal ihaJawa to highlit Bghtai Boa the liawt to toa oairow to
>«• printing vahM, the alapa ia tUa aaato are too aiaato to be
»pyiiaiahia» or, at toiaat, to gif« tka aaeaaMry eootntt. Bat let na
Hi
ua
ib» lalar*Bl
dllbaKiD
xUdbeot
tha iw^ to ha farthar dif Jayad,aBtil,a«B«iiag to
* OriflaU, tha valoM an dMUtd, awl tha aaa
by the aeale, 0, S, 4, 6, & The ratio of gndatiaa
, bat it win be noted; that there to twiea
betwaaa high iighto aad ahadow* and between the
nt gradatioa% aad that thmttan the rootraat haa
■^, and tha pwiluoaly iaappQeabb diffaieaaw haT*
;niatiag Tahie. Iler*, it aaaaw to me, la whet* the fliet
n i>xiata, aaaaly, that to allav prfaitiag Talaa or oeotraat
dto«ga the ratio of gradalioa.
fact, aa haa baas poialad oat, that ererything
-t pradocad by tha oriflBal aetioa cf Sght, it to
w fa* fmlt of BovBal oc tomtit deralopOMnt
ptidaetkai of a definite aad ragalat a«iea
r A.r,t gpoa ita varyiag digiaaa of foite.
< to act, a aambtr cf lailMalaa of
— Viaaly, or the giaatai naaW h
of the light'* aelioa haa bean
^ «d traanaUa the action to
-be lait of the aOiet ha*
ulaily, aad In propor-
tha boaadary Haa of
^ tha radoetioa
vnd necaia nai-
■ i* that the
fnreed or
of a
ralae
-hof
2,4,
* no
• arf
,'Urf at a reduetiea Ia^
! ■T.T the whole in
1, w* mnat add that aaabw t
•i l<«itiaataly,with tha fHolt •
- -. n, in whiek H wm be
< V«r glaaa, and all the ^
'■MT together, Iprodnciag jflaf awe.
nl ■
•topped too aoon, or before it baa
the azpiMure, we miiat aMke a
■ - I ihe'graaaUooa, with tha laaoh
r (hadow aad general heatiaaiia.
• 'kkee acaae ti«e to parfona iu
1 the fbna of the light'a action ;
I- more rapid ia the biKberUgbta or
rong than ia the ihadowi whan it baa been
It apprectoble. If it wera net to, the
irradation woold take place iaataatly,
n waa ovetcotae^ or tha devekip-
- fhrtf Fbflt tha k%h BghU
appear, and aa theae grndually (rather strength the half-tonee are
brought out and finally the tbadows, and upon the correct adjustment
of the derelopmeat to the ezpoaore depends the poseibility of bringing
out the fainteet radiationa before the high lights have acquired too
much force. For erery Tariafiow of expoewe there is a Tariation in
derelopment nernaaary, but Mesars. Hnrter k Driffield say that with
a given erpoaore no poesible variation of developer can alter the result
to far as ^adation to ooncemed.
This bringa me back to the eooditiaaa under which they appear to
have worked, namely, with the eonditiona normal and uaing the
devefeper to the f oO extent of ita legitimate power. Thto being the
eaae, it to no wonder that the result aa regards ratio of gradation to
invariable ; for, if a daveloper of medium [power produce a certain
reanlt whm pteseed to ita legitimate limit of utility, a stronger or a
weaker will, aa I have shown, oaly alter matters proportionately. But
l«t the devekiipment be carried further than what they "«n«;^T ita
proper iiaut, or let it be stopped before it has expended its full power,
and alteration of ratio at once nriiiiimfia If, as I beUeva, Mnam
Harter & Driffield have igaorad Tariation in time of devek>pmaa^
they have overiookad oaa of the greatest powers the photographer
I have already said that the rapidity of the reduction dspeaMls upon
the relative force of the light's sction on various portions of the image ;
but naturally it to affected quite aa much by the strength and character
of the aolatiea, and BMra still by the eombiaatioa of the two faeton.
What T BMaa to that, wbersart a developer cf Joonaal or medium
straaglh may'taka three tiases (say) aa bag to davafep out a faint
shadow thaa it doea to praduee the high lighla for negative, a weaker
aotaliaa laay take parhapa 4x timaa aa lo^, or a atwugei' only twice
aa long. Onrleaaly, anlaM aneh oinaNat davaloper be pamiltlad to
act to their fan estaot, they maat exhibit soase sort of abnormal remk
aa BMaaored from llurtar ft Driffield a standpoint | in other worda,
they moat, if they do not alter the ratio of grvlation, at least " change
tlia pileli,'' ao tosay, of tha image by laiiiag or lowetiag it on the
Ijiiaiit ef tOMB.
Far JTlinBi, lal ■• HppQM wa hava two aiasibr alatae ei^oted to
tha aaae sahjeet aadar like coaditioBi^ aad, on dcfatopfaigoae with a
nonaal desehipai, wa tad it wtaah >wai><apuaed, inaapahia of being
brooght ap to prialiag daaaity, aad altagatbsr vranting in contnat.
>Vhatdo««do with tka aaxtP Well, laeat likely strong increase
thadoMCf hdNalda and radaas that of tha alkali. Bat, say Hartar
ft Driflald,''tka foialt will be the saae; youArill have the mow
ratio of giadatioB, but greater daasity." So we might if we naad
sa^ davalopar to ite fall power; but soppoae we stop the second
developer wbea it has only half performed it* work. We shall find
that the high lighte have forged ahead, being comparatively Bttle
affected by the extra check, aad, owing to the ahnmeaa of the derelop-
Bsnt, have had tiiaa to aoqidra aoae dsnsity ; the half-tonM eoiae on
gradaally, gtfaing alraigtk aa they grow, while the faiattr ahadowt,
aad, above all, the veil or fog that oiarspiead tha first piata, an kept
back still mora. We have no wlah that they ahoold appear, ao we
arreat developeaant Jost before their time cornea, and ao aecnre a
rMolt that, if not perfect, to still mooh battar than the fiiat. Thto to
what the pnetleal photogiaphac do« arary day, and caUs it "totitude
in develcpaaeot*
WhethOT the ratio of gradatioa eaa he eonaidarad to have altered
in tUs case, or wketbai tka iawga haa siaply been pashad higher op
tbeaeals.nmykeaigaefibytkoeawho«fcooaa; bat thto aeema one preof
to w» thai, light or aot right, MaaMi. Hnrter ft DriAaU'B theory
with the photographer'a pet idea of latitude in
W. B. BoLTOir.
a
CONTIXEXTAL NOTra AND NEWS.
Flu>tofnpli7 la Oolonrs.— M. Louu Doooe da Ilaoroa
writsa to a Preach eootaaipatary to point oat that Mr. F. E. Ivea'a
method of obtaining eoloarad lantam poaitivee by superposition of
diflsnirt edoand pietarea wa* anticipated by himaalf and H. Charlea
Oroa ao loaf ago aa the year IMS. He thersfore claims that it to a
puialy TttaA iavMlkm, which has only been copied in Amencii.
Creaco-ryimA.— The t%olofr«^ie OntUe, in which tlito
160
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[March 4, 1892 f
oommunication »ppeM», goe« in for a littk attempted patent smashing
on iu Moount. After ridiculing: the claims for novelty of this
method of eulaijing made by one of our English contemporaries, the
Oaaitte informs us that the process in question is described in ite
pagM for March 25, 1891, the inference, of course, being that the
English inventors have been anticipated. Apparently all good things
an invented in France, in which country, by the way, the victors of
Waterloo are said by some people to have been bom.
Another Hew Developer.— Dr. Eder is at present experi-
menting with a new developer, which he calls Metol, a substance
with which he associates glycerine. It is said that this mixture
•orpaases in energy all developers known, and that it keeps better
than them. Next, please !
TjTO an Antidote for Nicotine.— So says Dr. Qautelet,
who recommends placing a pledget of cotton wool, impregnated with
a ten per cent, solution of pyrogallic, in the bowl of the pipe, which
will neutralise the nicotine condensed there. But a critic ;of the
dodjfe— probably a member of the Anti-Tobacco League, and there-
fore hopelessly prejudiced— suggests that the best way to avoid the
baneful effects of nicotine is simply — not to smoke.
Belgian capital. He appealed to a number of sculptors to decorate
the principal walk of the Brussels Park with snow statues, an
invitation that was most readily responded to. Admission to view
the statues was by payment, which produced a sum of 11,000 francs.
Among the subjects selected for treatment by the artists were bears,
Pierrot and Pierrette, a bust of H.M. the King, &c. Photographs
of these snow statues were taken by M. Alexandre, of Brussels, and
reproduced in the Bulletin of the Association Beige ; and they form a
highly interesting memento of a novel experiment, which may be
commended for imitation on this side of the Channel when opportunity
— that is, a bounteous'snowf all — next offers.
Mica for the Carbon ProoeBB.— Sheets of mica, coated
with hichromated gelatine, are now stated to' be on the Continental
market, thus obviating transference. It is said that the sheets are
a&leable in various sizes from 9 x 12 cm. to 180 x 240 cm. We do
not know it the idea is a " patented " one ; but, if so, as we pointed
out in an article on the subject some weeks back, ita validity is
doubtful, as the application to mica for this purpose is not at all a
new one.
Xonument to Petzval. — The Photographic Society of
Vienna has taken the initiative in raising a subscription for the
erection of a monument to perpetuate the memory of Professor
Petzval. The Society has opened the list with a donation of 1070
francs. Remembering the enormous services which this illustrious
tavant rendered to photographic optics, and in which this country has
been as large a participant as any, we commend the project to
English photographers and opticians, in the hope that they will not
allow themselves to be unrepresented in the subscription list.
Souvenir of the Vienna Photo^rraphlc Exhibition.
— A superb album, containing thirty-seven photogravures of pictures,
shown in the late Vienna Photographic Exhibition, has just been
issued, English photographic art being represented by Mrs. S. Frances
Clarke and Messrs. A. Burchett, Adam Diston, P. Lange, R. W.
Robinson, Lyddell Sawyer, Ernest Spencer, F. H. Worsley Bennison,
and A. R, Dresser. The art portion of the descriptive text is con-
tributed by Herr Jacob von Falke, Dr. Eder being responsible for the
technical details supplied. We hope our compatriots will not be
unduly puffed up with pride at having their work shovra among that
of an Archduchess, a trio of Barons, a Countess, and a Prince !
Camera Poaitives.— M. P. Cardin, in Cosmos, publishes a
method of obtaining positives direct in the camera on "ordinary
negative paper." An exposure of from five to ten minutes, with a
large diaphragm in full sunlight, is given, a weak developer being
employed to develop the image, the details of which are already
visible. It is said that a dark room might be dispensed with in
development, provided that the operation be conducted in " the
shade,'' the dish being covered. The picture is, of course, reversed,
but this disadvantage disappears with pellicular supports. This
" method," as our readers are aware, is founded upon the phenomenon
of " solariaation," or " reversal."
Snow Statues Photogrraphed. — During the recent severe
weather, M. lUils, the Burgomaster of Brussels, devised a novel means
of helping those who suffered most from the arctic inclemency in the
Taxingr Amateurs. — Herr Brand, a Viennese photographer
has suggested to the Finance Minister of his native country the
levying of an annual tax of twenty-five florins on amateur photo-
graphers ; but, the Minister having closed his eyes to this seductive
idea for increasing the revenue, the aggrieved Herr Brand has
delivered himself of a long letter to the Vienna Tagbtatt, in which
he lays bare his reasons for his suggestion. These are, of course, that
amateurs are the ruin of professional photography, &c. He admits
that there are some amateurs out of whom professionals make a
profit, but these, he says, are in the minority. He bitterly complains
of those who lend their cameras to friends, and who employ photo-
graphy for commercial purposes, thus taking the bread out of the
mouths of the ill-used professionals. He believes that a tax would
change all this, by discouraging the employment of the camera
amongst amateurs, and so bringing back a great deal of work to the
professional. Herr Brand seems to have succeeded in nothing sO'
much asjgetting himself well laughed at for his pains.
ON THINGS IN GENERAL.
With the Editor's permission I should like to make some comments
which, I am afraid, cannot be made brief, on a subject of great
importance — a letter on the oth ult. from Mr. M. J. Michael, and
Messrs. Hurter & Driffield's reply to it ; for, from the absence of
further response from the former, and the statements made by the
latter, each correspondent seems ignorant of what these two ex-
perimenters did say in their paper. Let me at the outset say that
this paper, read before the Society of Chemical Industry, is a monu-
ment of clear investigation and experiment which I, for one, value
most highly ; but, while giving all honour to its writers, I think it un-
desirable the facts should be obscured. The greatest investigators are
liable to error, but it is not often that they betray such ignorance of
their own work a short time after its publication as do these authors
in this instance.
Mr. Michael's letter and Messrs. Hurter & Driffield's reply may,
for the present purpose, be summed up in the following quotation
from that reply : " Mr. Michael is, apparently, under the impression,
that we hold that the ratio of gradation is unalterable, not only by
modifications in the constituent parts of a developer, but that it is'
invariably the same whatever the developing agent employed. The
former we do hold, the latter we do not. In our original paper we
distinctly say : ' There is a theoretical possibility that a plate may be
rapid to one developer and slow to another, so as to require different
exposures, according to the developer used.'"
Let us go to the original paper, as reprinted from the above Society's
Journal. The unfortunate point about quotations is that they may
be said to be garbled. I endeavour to give the just context, and I refer
those interested to the quoted portions by indicating the page. The
italics are my own. Page 6 : "If two different densities be developed
upon the same plate to their extreme limits, the ratio existing
between the limits must depend solely upon the action of the lights
The question we have now to consider is whether it is possible, by
any modification of development, to influence this ratio.'' Page 7 :
''The results clearly show that the ratio of densities is given by the
light alone This ratio, we find, is altogether unalterable. No-
modification we have made in developers or development has ever
seriously disturbed this ratio of the densities." A "Manchester
Slow," having received three different exposures, was cut into four
portions; two were developed with hydroquinone, and two with
r
]Iaidi4.1Mf)
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
ISl
akoBOfW.' Pas^ 8:" The nmh '—other plate* WngnwdrF.L.) -
" m extremely liiliiiwlliin mad inpoctaat^ anee H tkowi that the ratio
betwenu the rariooa denaitiei la id— tically the aame whatever de-
veloper U eraplored, except in the eate of eikooogen, in which the
imtiae are a fiule different. .... Thaae expariiaanta all oonfirm the
iratwnwit that the gradation of a aagatiTe, aa expwed bj the ratio
of the deMJtiea, ai* iadepeodaat of the time of dmiopaent, eaimot
be aflerted bj altaratioM in the eemporitica of the detelopei>, and
■le almoit Hmtumllf th* tame, wimtmur 4tt€loper ii employed. We
are thoe driTea to the conclMJon that the photographer has no eontrol
■.'-t the gradatioaa of the negattT* .... by no men* at hit dis-
«1 eaa he alter the ratio* eiirting between the amooBta of nlver
Kdaoed in the Taiioo* part* of the mgativ* ; they are regnlated
CGtirply by expueura.
How, after the** poctkwi of Htmn. Horter k DrifieU** paper
being broaght forwaid,aM they My they " do w* hold "Tlhat " the
ratio of gndatioo*""!* iuTariabfy the Mme, whatever the dereloping
ageot etployed r
I do not at tU« atag* wiah to compBwte the plain point at {moo
by endcAronrinf to pore that the uaiimal pcaetiee of photogr^hen
alter the ntioa by modiflcation* or ehavga* of dMalopaast i*
on pawibiBtie* For the pi«**nt I Mmply itat*, m aa ex-
I of fWHomX opinioa. that th* ratio* an W akaagad at wilL
Tha laawh* ia my last npoa tba wiw pwtMuB ef th« Editor in
■applyiag in tha AuLtif ac teaa of tfcoa— ail of iaataaoM yaar by
year, to thaw th* liabiSty of brcadd* pviati to fade, or oth*rwiai>,
were quickly taken up, and at a ni«etiB| Of the LondaB and Plwrinctal
ntotogrmphic Ajaodation it was peiatad oat that aoaa* AucAJtAC
-tan* had faded. Afterward*, a good explaaation wa* gifaa why
^ urn had faded, and it mwt be adwittad that alaoat any ptowi, if
worked improperly, may give fagitive wihi. But, at the
«* will readily obtain a good r*patatiua
"faia fkdiag ha* mad* itaalf aridaol.
t ao pholoffiaphv haf a^ jatilaatioa wlMtamforn-
.om *a abeolrtaly yiiawaaal, aad ba arlM doa* ao, ia my
ly handlcape thoe* wlw, at giaatar azpaa**, imo*
P- ly be eatitlad parmaamit.
tatwB ■atlaii who kava aot nad tha j**«ilp
f tha MMkod of tartiag the alakilly of gM
^ arithhaUi^ pmMia ha* h**B atofad,
ha*1
c7liad*» aX:
198.
etaad trnlah
tJ
tnt^AU aad laad that gwtiMaaa'*
aia «Mtad M to tMr akiBty to
Haa oflaa raiaad aa to whathar
1 tWalraagth; bat aa to the
''^ ■ , :' artremely iagaaJBBi method
vt>tei any ofdiaaiy wiiibmaa to awertain whatlMr or K> a
' ■•ir\\ ). u \trm rivas to tha amtal.
■taalioa to a leltai|pMMtly pabUahed in
■B A method of ealmiag th* eorfaee of water
,!«*. Tka plaa waa to throw oil oa the dufaee,
• - - "-^ TU* la, iadaad, a ratrogiad* plan. Wheal
.r* a Tiew to photogiaph in whiak iiBpattHt ohjaata are ii«aetad
.» a lah* or pimd. it b always ay aim to partially daMmy thosa
RAtdicM, for aotUag i* mota hidaoaa to th* aitiatia aya thaa to lae
a baadaime baildiag, for iamaci, to laiaetad a* to show all ito
detaila briow a* w*Q a* aba«a Iha hoiiaaiL No, ia*t«ad of MBia^
warn, lal am laaoaaMid that thay ba prodaesd, aad, if a shaet of
water "laCeeta b*aatifany,''l*( th* photogiapkar pitah a aloaa thania
i^tbatoce taking off the lane cap; theview will b* twiea a* valMhia.
Fan Laikb.
CABBos PBiirmo.*
BAriDm, Cost, Ae.
yrialiag aad aoikiag, eoaspved with ether pro-
r«aiak wacfcii«lHl3*dty «Z*kar Iha* oidiMry
paper. Ia the lalhsr pear dMMght el D*t*mbsr
aod Jaooary. vockiac wlho shade of a bvuUiaiLihe armage time el
•xpeeare in the Bviatiag Iraate seeme to be aCiaat taeaty laiaates
lor «aeb " t.oi * <f lb* aeHaomiter reaairtd-lhat is. tor a n««»lif* r»-
ipirrog two iiiMaMasIsi' tiats. forty mioat** : cm rcqulrtng toor tiols,
•as how aarf tweo^ miaoles ; bat. la the brighler veathsr of eoauMr.
•od «ith wWls ieeay dao* la th* sky, lb* tim* will b* r*dM*d la hall
*Caartsai4«r«afsatiai.
that I am eonrinoed thai, in dull weather, in the best part of a winter
day, it ii ooraparatiTely easy to nuike prints from dense negatires in one
hoar and a half, whieh woold take a whole day, or eren two days, with
platino^pe or weak^ silrered albomeniaad paper.
Speed of wvA m devekmnsBt will dsptad mainly on one's applisnoe*
and method of woAin^, bnt in my own eaas I oan derelop and finish off
halt a doeeo I'i x 10 prints (inelading tbs time taken to heat the water to
96* in one boor and a half.
Perhaps it may intereet yoa to know sooiething about the cost of
urodneUon. and I wwsider earboo work one of tba cheapest processes we
hare, proTided no wasts prints ars made ; bat as the element of waste is
oommon to all proomsss if soffleient eare is not obeerred, earbon work
is not singnlar u that respeet. As I said betore, when oaoe the oorreet
aettaoaietsc time ha* b**a aasartained by the experimeat, all subseqnent
) rial* bom that nsgatiTa oadit to be a oerlainty, and therefore no waste
prints ooght to be made. I find for my sisa of print (11x9) the cost of
prodaetioa (^lart from waste) is about thrae shiUings and sixpence per
doaeo. Than is no nhsmtnal reqnired except alam. and that is so cheap as
to be ootiid* of e*lmilartnn ; only hot water is needed, and the glass
eaa ba aaad onr again indsOaitsiy it oare be taken a^iainst
Oabwlatlon* aad* tor whaUalata and half-plate negatin*
w at aboot Is. aad Is. par doosa, and ooght not to exeead
it. id. and Is. 6d. respeoHnly. Tho*e who work mnoh in bromide or
platinotype at prsesnt prise*, can tell lor them sel res what dl<T*renM
they find.
nnally, I think that if yon will glTe the prooess a trial, yoo will be
so plaaaed that yoa will ptobablr lake it ap with as good raenll* as any
olhar preeaaa yoa auiy basa triad. To ms, on* grsat point of its ap-
pseslatiea is fite knowledg* that the prinU are perauaent ; as beautifnl
m qaalily a* platinotype, aad at tar lesa eo«t of prodnotion.
. Oaoaaa BAmuar.
♦
THE "THBOKT' OF DEVELOPMENT.
{Psfsr snd MSra tks ne*oaiM>>s Olak]
Axoaa the aameroo* OMfatioM oe— cteii with the prodnotion of a
pieton, all oflMag apaetal poinu of intersat, then ia
loasaata tba Mas* faacmatioa as the doTetopment of a
aagadr*. Kb item ia abotographic manipolation haa oiwtnated mon
' ia tha taahnVal naai^ or at the meetiun of Photographio
aad aiin ara an boaad to admit that Uttl* mon is known
abaas tba aataal traaaformatiaa whieh th* Ml«ar habid ondaigoea
dariaf atpoaaia than what bad bt*a alnady taggiitii by th* earliar
Oar nbiset for t»«fa^ kaan to my auad a aonewhat misleading
title. How an wa te waaa tba tlMwy ti a pb— omwon when we
know littla «r aatblag abeat th* aaton of tba lataot iauga, which
forms tha bad* of dafalepasatf A aeiiBtilD ^b»ory ia •ssentially
based oa will artablhbsil ftett, aad ao lyaealatiog imi i ii the appeii-
ktioa of tbeoty wUcb do** aot Mtirfy tbi* noninaant. Thar* li
profaahiT aa ward ia tba IfagHrfi laaaai^ wUeb ie mon often
misosadtbaBthewwdThaofy. What bia oflaa baeo oalled " Scien-
liie liaagiiiatiiwi,* is pot forward as a thaory. Is there any wonder
that aaaaioaalf thaory of this kind disagrees with practice t
la npwiJBg tbi* di*eawioB, I cannot nratemd, tlierefon, to lay before
yoa a tbaoty. All I can do ia to aubmit to yoor eooskleration the
rarioai hypoth**** arhioh bar* b**a mad* oo th* subject, non* of
which may lapraMBl tba aetaal truth, bowanr w*U tlM^ may appear
to axnlaia tba phenomena ob**rred dariag tba daralopmeot of the
aagatira i*>fa- Before enteriag oa th* qa**tiaii of darolopmant, we
mar pnftabqr examine the matarial w* hav* to deal with, and giro
a WW minute* to th* aaton of th* film, which carries the latent
ioMg* we an aboot to develop.
FoucATtOM or Tn LArairr iMAoa.
Nagatir* Uma an composed of Mlrtr haloida, soimanded in aa
otgaaie reUela, whieh may b* golatta* or ooUodJoa. In the c*** of
tb* modem dry piati^ bromide, sometimes with a small proportion
of iodide of nlrer, is amakifled ia ^alalia*. As far as I hare been
alla>M Meartain, ao writer on thu aabjaet ha* *T*r hinted that,
durinfj th* pfoeasB of •audMflaation, aay chamioal aotion took plao*
in wbtch th* oigaaio Tohiele, galatia* or ooUodioa, wa* ioToIred. In
all caaea, th* ■aaiitir* part of the film is admittad to be solsly oom-
poeed of ailrer haloids. Th* action of liffht oo th* ssnaitiTs salts of
silver has never bwa detarmiasd, so as to leare no room fur doubt as
to ths natan of th* traarformatioa which takee place during expo-
sare. Tkoagb tha atiit*ne* of th* sab-bromide of silver has nsvsr
ben ptovoo, aad, hsdaed. doee aot eeem ia aeoordaaoe with the
teerbing* of the alomio tlieery, the time-honoured hypothesis of a
i>ul>-bromide r.f silver being formed by tb* action of light on the
normal bromide has been handed down from text-book to taxt-book.
Of iafes^ th* faet that th* pnamee of sir and moisture si.-ea» to have
aeertaia faHaaoee, ha* led to the presumption that an oiybromide
169
T^E BRITISH JOURNAL OF yilOTOGRAPHY.
[Marcb 4, 1892
■i^^ph7«icariclion. It W b«en ertablwhed, without doubt, that
1^ Iwtit lato oe one of the silver hjJoidfl, part of the couUmed
iSowll mlMd. Thi. U amplv demonstrated by a very elegant
oipfWtirt, '*"' U> PiofaMor Mekiola, and which was shown by him
ftt one of hU lectures at the Royal InstituUon. _, , ^. v ,„; j
It had been sofflneled by some observers that part of the haloid
b«Tiiig lost its halogen by exp«!ure to light the residua^ product was
rmfarture of unaltered haloid with reduced silver. The fact that
aUver chloride, immersed in strong nitric acid, darkens when exposea
to Hjrht, ihi>w8 the fallacy of this assumption.
Whatever the case may be, we known that chemical decomposition
has taken vUice, and that a certain portion of the silver haloid has
been transformed, yielding what we will call, in our ignorance of its
nature, a " reduction product." It is this reduction product which,
submitted to the action of suitable chemical solutions, yields the
nucleus of the developed image. It must be noted, however, that
tlM quantity of silver bromide which has been transformed during
expoaore is' very minute indeed. The silver reduced from it would
be t^lly insuMcient to account for the quantity of metal present in
the fully developed negative.
Causbs or DKNSixy.
Every photographer is aware that, if the developer is washed off as
soon as aU the detail in the picture is visible, the plate, on fixing in
tlte usual way, wiU show the merest ghost of an image. It is only
by a prolonged action of the developer that density is obtained. This
^ords ample proof that density is not the result of the exposure alone.
The balance of the rilver forming the image must, therefore, be sought
from some other source. . .
Ammoniacal pyrogallol dissolves a minute proportion of silver
bromide from the film, but certainly nothing like the quantity neces-
sary. There is no doubt that the surplus metal is derived from the
unaltered bromide in the fihn, which, under the combined action of
the developer and of the metallic silver reduced from the modified
. bromide, decomposes in its turn.
A classical experiment by Captain Abney shows conclusively that
the accretion of density is derived from the haloid remaining in the
iilm. Au exposed gelatine plate was coated with collodion emulsion
on one-half of its area. It was then developed, and the portion
covered with collodion emulsion proved to he denser than the other
half. On stripping the collodion film, the image was found to he
impressed on it also. This certainly indicates that an action has
taken place during development, which has affected silver bromide,
which had not bSjn exposed to light. This phenomenon has been
explained by an action which should take place between the silver
reauced by the developer at the start and the unaltered silver bromide.
An electro-chemical action is set up according to this hypothesis, in
vhich the silver in a nascent state would form the cathode of an
electric couple, in which the anode would be constituted by the silver
bromide in the film. This hypothesis has in its favour the fact that
it has been possible, by imbedding minute particles of silver in a
wetted gelatine bromide iilm, to make these the nuclei of progressive
development in a plate which had not been exposed to light. The
condiUons under which this experiment took place were such as to
preclude the results from being ascribed to the effect of pressure, or,
as it is called, " shearing stress." Following out, however, this electro-
chemical hypothesis, it is necessary that a sufficient quantity of reduc-
tion product should have been formed by light all over the picture.
If the silver deposited from this reduction product is not in sufficient
quantity, the potential of the metal will not be sufficiently great to
overcome the resistance which silver bromide offers to decomposition.
It has often been said that, however short the exposure, we ought
to be able to develop the picture. Unfortunately, the means we have
at our disposal are not, so far, powerful enough to cope with very
much reduced exposures, and there is no doubt that it is absolutely
Becessary that the action of light should have lasted long enough to
^fect the reduction of an appreciable quantity of silver haloid even
in the deepest shadows of the picture.
If the reduced silver, set free by the first action of the developer,
be in too small a quantity, the image fails to build up, so as to attain
the required density. In other words, in the parts of the negative
wluch have been less brilliantly illuminated, only faint indications of
detail, or even no trace of an image, are obtained. This is the case
in an uoder-expo^ed negative.
Thb Function of Gblatink.
The phenomena produced by over-exposure are of a very much
more complex nature. In order to arrive at a satisfactory explanation
..f Ml" fii'-ts observed, it will be necessary to say a few words on the
function of the gelatine which holds the silver bromide in suspension.
SUver bromide obtwned by precipitation, and exposed to lijght ina
state of purity, is not very sensitive. If, however, it is placed in
contact with a substance capable of absorbing the liberated bromine,
the sensitiveness to light is enormously increased. Ihe bromine, or,
in general, haloid absorbents, are of various kinds, according to the
process adopted in preparing the film. They are usually tem^
" aensitbers." In the Daguerreotype plate this function was failed,
to a certain extent, by the metallic surface of the plate. In the wet-
collodion process, the free nitrate of silver, which remains in the film,
absorbs the bromine set free by the action of light. Lastly, in the
gelatine dry plate, the gelatine is the sensitiser. The quantity of
reduction product, formed by light in a given film, will be, -withm
certain limits, proportional to the duration of the exposure. Ihe
gelatine will continue absorbing the liberated bromine tiU it becomes
Saturated with the halogen. At that moment, the brominated gela-
tine seems to have the property of rehalogenismg the reduction pro-
duct, so as to transform it back into normal bromide. This action
may proceed far enough to reconvert, in the more brilliantly illu-
minated parts of the picture, the greater portion of the reduction
product. On development, the high lights are thin or even trans-
parent. This is what is termed solarisation or reversal. If a plate
has received a sufficient exposure in the camera, the high lights of
the picture may give, on development, a positive, instead of a nega-
tive, image. This reversal, however, need not necessarily be complete.
Part of the reduction product may have been reconverted, the re-
mainder being still capable of development. It is now easy to uader-
stand why an over-exposed negative should be one rendering all the
detail in the subiect, but which is flat, wanting in contrast, and thin
as regards printing density. Meldola, in his Chemistry of Photo-
graphy, draws attention to another very important fact, which,
to my mind, throws some considerable light on the appearances
observed duiing the development of an over-exposed plate.
Gelatine which has absorbed a considerable amount of bromine, set
free by the silver salt in the film, becomes very much less permeable
to aqueous solutions. Of course, when we speak of a " considerable "
amount of bromine, we mean relatively to what would have been
evolved during a normal exposure.
This being the case, the developing solution will not permeate the
high lights as rapidly as it does the less exposed parts of the film.
Development, therefore, proceeds more energetically as regards acces-
sion of density In the shadows than in the high lights. If, at the
same time, we consider that the partial reversal of the high lights
may have taken place, leaving less reduction product, it will be
easily understood why the image should be thin and wanting in
contrast. In fact, under certain circumstances, a strong developer yield.?,
a positive, when a weak one would have given a negative. Image.
Natubb and Influencb of Reagents.
We have now endeavoured to explain the action which takes place
during exposure and development. We have next to consider the
nature of the chemical solutions used, the influence of each con-
stituent on the final result, and, last of all, to examine whether the
various hypotheses made are in accordance with the actual practice
of development, as carried out by photographers.
Leaving on one side iron development, which appears to allow of
much less possibilities than what has been termed alkaline development,
we may define a complete developer as constituted by three factors,
viz., a reducing agent, an accelerator, and a restrainer, these three
chemicals being compounded in variable proportions according to cir-
cumstances of exposure, nature of subject, as also to the effect desired.
I think we may take pyrogallol as the type of the reducers generally
in use, hydroquinone and eikonogen having the same mode of action,
the only difference being in the relative energy of the last-named
bodies. Pyrogallol in a neutral solution lias but little energy as a
reducer, and stiU less if in an acid solution. If, on the contrary, an
alkali, such as ammonia, is added to it, it becomes a powerful reducer,
of which the activity increases, in a certain measure, with the degree
of alkalinity in the solution. Alkaline pyrogallol can be prepared
that will instantly decompose the silver bromide on an unexposed
plate, and produce what is called chemical fog. In the developer it is
the pyrogallol which both develops and gives printing density. The
other elements simply modify its action.
If a soluble bromide, such as potassium or ammonium bromide, is
added to the developer, the alkalinity of the solution can be increased
considerably without inducing fog. This is of great value when, in
cases of under-exposure, a very energetic developer must be used to
force out detail.
The soluble bromide appears to form, with silver bromide, a double
salt, which, though still capable of reduction, is much less easily
\Uich 4, 1803]
THE BBinSH JOUBNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
16
i«duoMi th*n tk« iior»il Mtt. lU* property of loluble bromidM in
tk* ^tmiofu eaaUM the photo^ptiar, w wa ahall sae kter on, to
owwDPie OHtain diflwihiiw wbieh, without it, micht prove onaor-
■BOOBtAbb. I^TOgkUol and "*-"'*"■, used aloM, wiQ, in nway catat.
I tba nnanand haloid in the plat* belon the development of the
haigt hM had time to be ooaiplaled. An admixtare of soluble
braaiida laMna thia evil to a very |nat extant, and, in fact, with
aoaie pbtaa, caaaot be diepenend with. It niuat be bome in mind
that, with aa aipoaid pUta* it ia vary diScult to avoid a certain
unuoat of daocaapoaitico in the rniBaad bvoMode, if the developer
■aployad be vrry atrong.
rb« aim of tbe operator ahould be to reduce only that part of the
uaiead which h«a bean Bodified by hfkL The developer ahoold not
deooBpoea directly the wmaad bmauda of ailver. Thia, aa we have
already aaid, ahould be raaetad oo by the depaat«d ailver, ao
aa to form a froah quantity of redaetioa prodoct, which, being ia
'1 tarn aitacbad by the (Kveloper, yiaUa the incieaaed deaaty of
post aooght for. The alkali, or accalarator, aimply iaetaaaea the
<^rg7 of tberednoar, nadatinf ita aotiaa aMve rapid, naoie aeaichinfr.
•a,iBBaay faaaa, to wable ooa to torn oat inanffirieotly impwiaed
Mail. We will now ewmtwe what tahea plaee in the three well-
knowB varieliea of axpoaoie, and anJaafour to aee, at the aaiM tune,
ix/w faola agMe with the ezplaaataoaa aofiMtad :
^ NoBMAL EzKwvaa.
Every part of aa illnminatcd object ra8aeta figfit of aa in-
.laity pnmtioaal to that which it haa raMivvl, aubjeet to
rtaia BOBtttliiM of eoloor aad aatma of aarfaea. Ia the apaeial
.<« of afcotomphy, w« have oadr to 4aal with the aalinw i»>
neitT of tha wrieetai Iriit, aad tUa ia, auittttaaataly.
OM JnliiwHiil bgr the eoloar of obJMla than the viaai
I viMal raya. A
noraiallyaspeaadaafativewaaMbaoMia wluch each portico of the
fubjaet woaU hava iaipiaaiii itaaif ywyoftinaally to ita actinic
Tklae, or, in other amda, a a*|tati*a ia wfaeh each dema of lifcht
i"aaily woold ha lapiiiaaatiid by a atrietly piopattioaaJ ^aaati^ of
pndaet. Thia ^aflaitiea, I aaed not aay, ia aafar wwfiwd
•, bat aniDiiaMtieaa eaa be obtaiaad to thia idaaL aad
1
in ,
iu work with relativa ruidity, ao i
altemd hafeid to be attacM 1^^ tha
amoaat of alkali, aad a aBall amoa
. — , , la daaJiag with
BMOnKlly liaMd aagativa, the auia object ahould be to avoid any
^■bfvfcff' Thaiatiadaetioaof thiaMMtwoaldataneedeatioy
^^w advaatacaa of eotiaat axpoana, aad woald aflaet tarioaaly the
lie of gndttiaa b tha aietam A afiaht vril may aaki litda or
difleMMaiathaUHi^thwhikUwmihlbo v^p«wptibleb
half-toaaa,aadit>flaowaohth»A>dow». A v«l U aoaetimaa
1 to be aa advaabipa ia pfisliw tUa Mfativea. I do ia>t thiak,
waver, that it tboaU be iatiDdaoiA t«fi« deiahaaamt. TW«
lleaty of OMaaa of doiag tUa after the aa«ai^ ia tebbad.
TUa bnaf ^ eaaa, a davelopw aiaat ba eeaiaonaded whkk win do
* to laava thaa fcrtlMaa-
It wiD eoataia the fall
of aolobb liiiiaiide to kaap the
phtadaar. OreMna,thafvr<galMiiTaiiadaaaa(«Mto thaaatoro
ofthaaabJKt. What k aBaSdie ban ia alwawttl;
-<io be*wa« tha afeaH aad tha ladaear. Dmluia
>laally,tha«|h Mpidly, each portioe of tha i
tioaally ta tha »paaaii it haa raaivad. Ia tUa
■ re
.-•tivr ia the
y, aa develtfOMai aDvwa'af a
Uanaa-Bxroainu.
la a B«««tiva of tUa kiad, tha hifch %hia are fally
- ahadowa, on tha coatfaiy, hava aot neeivad anMrtaW ex-
^oa to fona the naaiaila aweaat of radoctioa pmlact. I have
--•ady poiat«i oat that, with oai pnaat aaaana of actioo, it ia
I ipiaiablB that a eartaia qaaattty of the ledaaad haloid ah.>uld
va been formed by expoaaia. If thia ia not the eaac, the aaauUie
v«r iibaraied by tha Ant aetioa of the developer wUI aot be euf-
•«tly afaoadaat to atari the etaetnxhankal aotioe oa which the
aldiag ap of daaaity ia depaadaat If tha eaaa of ander-expoaure
L< aol hopalam, thaaa wiO U, howevar, a aawO pfoaotttoa of ledand
broaidaavea la the '
"Tf aiowly, and at
raaityof the man iiiiiaailj tawtaatat parte af tha pietara.
tha odiaaiy aoav. the h«h li«hto
had aeaa atMtad
ef the ahart aipnaaw, it ia iadia-
to aaa a atiaagly alkaliaa davelopar to bnag out what deiAtl
■»r •>i*t in tha abadowa. or. ia iact, to atart actioa in thvm. We
ai* thoa plaaad betwoaa two e^aally anfavotirabic caaaa. Cither we
gel a nagiktive with hi(h l%hu of prinuUa drnMitv, and patehae of
deapaat ahadnwi. and thia wiQ davaloa, thotwh
aalawUahwillaothBorpaoewith thagaiaia
a IiHImIIj Bawhulai parte af <ba pietara. If
clear glaaa for the ahadowg, or we obtain better-rendered shadows,
with the high ligbta entirely opaque and therefore devcad of detaiL
In both caaee the result ia uaeleaa aa far aa picture-making goes. We
have, however, a meana of producing a more harmonious raault, aug-
seated by the varknw oonaiderationa which we have examined above.
It ia quite certain that the rapidity with which a ne^tive gains in
intensity ia much more dependent on the quantity of pyrogallol
pteaent in the developer than on the alkJinity of the solution,
thoagh this factor haa aome influence. At the oame time, the
amount of detail obtainable from a given exposure does not seem
to be affected in anjr great degree by a variation in the concentration
of the reducer, but la brought out the more rapidly that the aolution
ia more alkaline. Taking these facu into account, the most suitable
developer for an under«xpoaed plate would contain just enough
pyrogallol to start development, a large proportion of alkali, so as
to set up energetic action m the shadows, and the smallest quantity
of aoluble bromide that will prevent the increaaed alkalinity of the
solution from inducing fog. With such a developer, the high lights
wooU remain very thin for a oonaiderahle time, the detail in the
ahadowa coaaiaa op under the influence of a solution atrong in alkali.
Wh?n the whole m the picture baa thna been brought out, it will be
wanting in density, ana quite unfit for printing if left at thia stage.
The minute quantity of prrogallol em]uoyed, though aufficient to
start development, haa not Men able to promote any great aeoeanon
of daaaity. It will be noticed, however, that the scale of gradation
ia much nearer to what it ahould be, and, at all tvont^, much more
aatisfartory than what could have been obtained by the use of a
normal developer. At the aaate time, ailver has been reduced in
every part of the ptetars, and this dapoeited ailver will enable oa to
atart farther deoompoiitioa in the unaltered bromide, and ao obtain
deaaity of dapoait. Aa altanativa method haa been auggeated, with
a view to eahanciag atiU aiors the obtantion of detail without undue
aceaasion gf drad^ ia tha high Ughta. Many operators advocate
soakiaK tha aiate in aa alkaline eolation, conuining the requiaita
aohibia brooMe to pnotaet the film from fog, but no reducer. After
thia eolation haa beaa allowed (o act fur a few minul«a, a small pro-
portion of pyn^pdlol ia added, aad davelopment startsw The action
of the ladaoer is landeiad still mora gradual by thia pUn, while the
drtail ia the ahadowa is daalt with very ensivatieaUy. michever
of proeedoie baa been adopted, the depoait obtained,
aofar, will be very weak, and oar next aiep is to promote the aorwinn
of daaaity, without which the pUte would be worthlaaa. At the
aaaaa tiaw, the tiaataaat aeleeted maat be each aa ahall not disturb
what aeale of gradation we have aneeaedod in eaUbliahing. Here,
again, tha faeta we have had aider eomUaratioa famiah ua with tha
■eaaa of attaining our ob}aet Pytonllol, wo bave aaid, gives
danaityt bat thia action is. at the aameUme, proifrtional, aa re^rda
rapidity, to tha degree of alkalinity of the aolutioo. A strong aolu-
tion of iTiogallat, nade only very aligfatlT alkaSne, will act aiowly on
tha daywil, aad wiD cause all parU of the pietore to gain density,
psDparUaaaUy to tha asooat of reduced ailvar they alrwdy contain.
At tha aaaa tiaa, tha alkafinitT of the aolution will be too aiuch
radncad to aUow of a^y nhaiy beiag aada ia the oontraat which
axiau alraad|T hatwaaa tha variona Ughta of tiM pictui«. The vary
alkal>nedavokiparfla*aatdahoaU,tharafote,ba waahedofi, and afnah
aokoion, atraig in pyrogalloi, and containing vary little alkali, ahould
bs apniiad, whea, if the expoauie has not been hopaleaaly abort, a n«ga-
tiva ahooU be obtained pnsaaaang fair gradation and printing density.
Oraa-Bxrosvu.
This case, which is by far the most fre^uant, ia much more
aaaenaUa to treatment than undei^xpoaore. I hava already gone
fully into the aatart of aa ovar -exposed plate, and I tUdc I
have shown what woold b« the raonit of tmting inch a ease
with a normal developer. Tba eonaidarabie qunntitv of re<luction
product formed in the film by orer-enoeon will yield, on tlio first
action of tha devaloMr, a large qnanuty of metallic filvrr, and this,
eqaiWliW'th tha developer, wilt reduce ttie unalton-.] haloid before
it Uinun tioM to nadargo the intemediate atage of decomposition,
aliaady alloded to aevenl tiiaaa. The picture " flashea " out, and
lefasas to take up density. The firat step to take, where over-
atpoauia ie know or saapaeted, is to overooaia the differences of
parwaaMlity in the vanoaa parU of the film, differencea which
appear, aorvwding to Meldola, to be of oonaiderahle moment. The
rapid ledoetion of the aaaltaied haloid by an iocreasi^ pronortion of
ailver fhtoa tha laduotioa product must also be guarded against.
tWefemaeot ihoabi bo alow and gradual. Thia wUl prevent all the
silver from the redaetioa product from being set hee at the same
time. If an increased amount of aoluble bromide ia put into the
deve]op>.<r, au aa to mitigate the U>o rapid reduction of the onalterecl
haloid, the effects of the prolonged exposure will be rendered much
154
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAa^HY.
[March 4, 1892
km luurmful The plate shonld, in consequence, be soaked for a
■affident time in a strong and neutral solution of p^ogallol, con-
taining an increased amount of soluble bromide. Tiiis solution will
penneate both the roft and hardened parts of the film, while the
•oluble bromide will form, with the unaltered haloid, the more
■tebVs double salt. A strong solution of pyrogallol is recommended,
b«cauae, as we have already noticed, density is proportional, in a cer-
tain meature, to the concentration of the reducer. A very small
quantitT of alkali is now added to the developer. The action of the
ukali u rendered still more gradual by the fact that the pores of
the nlatine being filled by a plain solution of pyrogallol, this must
be displaced by the now alkahne solution before action can start. If
the exposure Baa not been sufficiently prolonged to give an undue
amount of reversal, there will be a gradual gain of intensity in the
Hghta, and these will, under very slow treatment, attain relative
opacity before the shadows have made too much progress. Ample
tune must be given^ excess of alkali guarded against, when, in many
eases, a good negative will be secured. Hydroquinone and eikouogen
have a similar mode of action to that of pyrogallol. They appear,
however, to have a lesser tendency to act on the unaltered bromide
of silver. This explains why many writers have dispensed with the
oae of soluble bromides in conjunction with these reducers. I have
refrained from making more than a mere reference to iron develop-
ment. Thin is much less under control, and does not seem to give
anything like the amount of latitude in cases of incorrect exposure.
In reality, it is by far too energetic for delicate treatment. As will
be seen, the methods of development suggested above are fairly well
in accordance with the various njrpotheses and explanations I have
endeavoured to make clear to you.
Fbek Silvke in Wet Collodion Dbvklopment.
Thou|fh the use of wet collodion is now restricted to a small number
of _ appkcations, the mode of action of the developer is such, that I
think it right to say a few words about it, if it were only to show the
■variety of ways in which the accretion of the silver forming the
image can take place. The sensitised collodion plate is exposed
while still wet. The solution of silver nitrate retained in the pores
of the film is, in this case, the bromine absorbent, or sensitiser. If a
wet plate be thoroughly washed after sensitising, and then e.xposed, it
will prove to be reduced in sensitiveness. The presence of free nitrate
of silver is therefore indispensable. After exposure, the plate is de-
veloped by ferrous sulphate, to which a quantum of acetic acid has
been added. Here, again, the free silver nitrate plays an important
part, as the alver with which the image is fed is derived from it,
and not from the haloid in the film, as in the gelatine process. That
this is a fact can be shown by washing away the free nitrate of
silver after exposure. If iron development is then attempted, no
ima^, or, leastwise, a very faint one, will be developed. The'
addition of a few drops of silver nitrate to the developer will, how-
ever, start development. The acetic acid has the same function as
the soluble bromide in dry-plate practice, and moderates the action
of the ferrous sulphate, which, if used alone, would at once fog the
plate. In comparing the gelatino-bromide with the wet-collodion
process, it may be said that the first action of the developer is
identical in both. During exposure a certain quantity of reduction
product has been formed by the action of the light on either film, and
this is reduced to the metallic state at the very outset of develop-
ment It is the after-process of growth of the metallic deposit
which differentiates the two methods. In the gelatine process, as we
have seen, the silver is supplied by the unaltered haloid in the film.
In the collodion process it is obtained from the free nitrate of silver
on Uie plate. It may be said that, in the gelatine plate, the image
IS fed from beneath, whereas, in the collodion film, it is fed from
above. I often hear it said that silver is precipitated on the
image during development. This expression is entirely wrong, and
gives no idea of the action which takes place. The mode in which
the silver appears to be fixed is similar to that observed in the electro-
plating of metals. The metal is not precipitated in galvanoplastic
operations, it is fixed by the cathode by a kind of molecular deposition.
There is a very great difference between the two modes of action.
PLATiNOTypB Development.
« ^? ,'*™'''^» I have made would probably not be deemed complete
1 1 did not allude to printing processes by development. The gela-
tmo-bromide paper for positives calls for no special remark. The
action of the developer is similar to that described for negative work.
In the platinotype hot-bath process, the prints have to undergo de-
velopment, but the process is of a quite different nature to those we
have examined so fur. The object of the developing solution is
mainly to bring the ferrous oxalate, formed during e.tposure, into
solnUon. It can then act on the potassium chloroplatinite. The
ariations in the temperature of the bath simply modify the energy
f the reaction between the two salts. In contrast to what takes
place in the development of a negative, this is really a case of precipi-
tation of metallic platinum from the chloroplatinite of potassium.
In closing these remarks, it may be a-sked what benefit we should
derive if the true nature of the transformation, which silver haloids
undergo during exposure to light, were known. It is not probable
that we should learn thereby to use our actual developers with more
effect. Long practice and experience have taught photogi-aphers how
to meet most cases in the development of their negatives. What we
must hope for in the disclosure of a reliable theory of photo-chemical
action is the means of discovering and applying new agents to the
work* of development, agents which shall be free from the dis-
crepancies which we have found in our old and, so far, trusted
developers. We may then be able to discuss the " theory " of
development ; what we are doing to-night is simply to compare one
with another — the various aspects of the question. We cannot have
the pretension of being in possession of anything more than a few
ex})erimental facts, and some more or less plausible speculations as to
their nature. Adolphb M. Lbvt.
ELEMENTARY NOTES ON PHOTOGBAPHIC LENSES."
The Eapid Bkctiliniab Lens.
For moderately rapid, architectural, and copying work, the standard type
if lens is the rapid rectilinear, or rapid symmetrical, as it is sometimes
called. This consists of a concavo-convex cemented combination, mounted
at each end of a tube, the convex side being towards the end of the tube in
each case ; and, from the previous illustration of the curvilinear distortion
of a single lens, it wiU be apparent that, on account of the stop being placed
behind one and in front of the other, the tendency of one to distort in-
wards is neutralised by the outward tendency of the other, and mathe-
matically correct projection is obtained. The two combinations being
turned in opposite directions relative to the sensitive plate, the spherical
aberration of one is corrected by that of the other, and brilliant definition
can be obtained with the full diameter of the lens, this rendering it very
rapid.
Where great variety of work is done, it is the most useful of all lenses,
sufficiently rapid for portraits in a well-lighted studio.'and, for all ordinary
nstantaneous work ; it is very useful for general outdoor purposes, and
absolutely necessary for architectural, mechanical, and copying where per-
fect accuracy of projection is essential.
For landscapes it is not quite so good as a single lens, by reason of its
increased number of reflecting surfaces, four; and two of these are concave
towards the plate, while in the single there are only two surfaces, and
neither of these concave in the same direction. But opticians have been
more successful in curing the rapid rectilinear of the defect of producing
"ghosts" than the portrait, as they very rarely appear, though they
probably exist in a diffused form, and prevent the image from being so
crisp and brilliant as it would otherwise be. A second, though perhaps
slight, objection is, that the face of the front lens is exposed to such a
glare of diffused light, independent of that forming the image, though a
sky-shade would be an efficient protection against this. A third objection
is inequality of the amount of light reaching different parts of the plate
when the larger stops are used, the beams of light forming the margins
of the picture being much smaller in area than those in the centre.
Diagram 8 shows the reason for this. A central ray, the full diameter of
the stop, can pass through the lens intact, but the width of the marginal
ray is determined by the extent to which it is cut by the lens mount, or
the portion that the lens itself is capable of transmitting. The full dia-
meter ^of the stop is shown by the dotted lines. In negatives exposed
under those circumstances where full advantage has to be taken of the
rapidity of the lens, this inequaUty of illumination is a serious objection,
* Continned from paje 133.
Much 4, ISM]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
15S
M the MBtn of tb« pUto freqaeotly darclop* demer thaa the ed«ee, and
tbU datneta ttrongly trom the Tkloe of the gaio in npidity.
WiDi-iaoLB Lajcasg.
On the lobjeet of wide-angle leneee, the graaleet mueoaeeptioae
y»t^ in the miada of tboae who have giren the sabjeet ol lenaee
mUa or BO miri-ii'-iliiiii The width of anfle iaelnded dependa on
Iha ratio ct foeoa «l lana to nae of pUta, and is in no w»j inflaenoed bjr
the fans er iiiirtii<iiai of the bat. A wMa-aiigle and a narrow-angle
laaa o( aig^ iaahaa loeaa aaeh woold pntoee abaolntely identical imagea
oa • haH-pfarfa, the diifecaooa bat—aB tlia two laaaea being the capability
of ena ol <pi''»'*"x a wida aaxla or awiiug a mnoh large plate, while
■ ol the other ia man liBUtad. If a rapid and a wide-
ol ox iaabaa loeoa aaah w«e attached to a 13 x 10
. in torn, it woold be ae«n that the " rapid " woald only illaminata
a aixda ol fix or aetaa iaabaa diamatar, and all the remainder of the
«~nr- ^ aowM «oald be dark; while bj aobatttnting the wida-an^ koa
■ Iha ni.— .i-^iiiij eirate would probably ba ineraaaad to thirtaao indiaa, or
dovhia tba iBamatar «t tba other, bat all witUa the tiz-iaeh ofaola. tha
aetaal riaaa ol alljtha objaeta and relative poaitiona baioc —tlOj the
iiaa ia aad> eaaa.
A lana maj ba Mid to ineloda a wide ia(la whan ita foeoa ia not
gTMtv thaa tba bM«w aida of tba ptelai. It —y ba daaaribtd aa a wide-
aa^ laaa vfaea it b eapahle of eorwiaf • flata whoaa lai|araidaU
•qaal to ar giaalir tbaa Ita awn teaaa.
Tbara ia ao type el laaa that baa baaa ao iajiiaielaaaly naad aa the
wid»«agle. and a Hy ■?■**■ aboold be very eantiooi in atailfaag hiaMMlt of
ita ailiiiitataa Ai a fMaral mla, it ii adviiable not to oaa a lana ol
ihoflar laaaa Ibaa CM-and-a^aartar to eai and-a-hoM tinaa tba loogar
lida ol lb* Plata fcataitlj a kmtm toaaa ia a daaidid adraatage
oadar vary apaaial riiaawatannw a abertar faaoa maat ba oaod. Kx-
pariMiee ia tha bart grida If tnanl priaeiplaa wra
pw^niiln. tbouli IMa appaaia aowiwhat lii iiiailitut with tba prartoaa
all' '-.a tba rfaa al tba ab|aala ia diiaat^ ftmioittoiiata to lU
to no; tba iMaoH la tbat. baelag iiiHiJ oa a gltaa amooat
of iub.-o.-t. a wida-aogla aad a aan«w«B(|a laaa aeold not ba oaad froa
the «ame ktandpoinl to iaalada tba «iav. Aa aiampto will aaaiat ia
expUiniog tbia : A phata(iapbar ia awaa^g a view ia wWab ba
a eotta«e to form tba yriaaiyal aaar objaai tat mma* Jialaat hOli
Jut ahoat tba aaM baigM «l tta inHni. wWab ia, aay. toar iadiai-
Now. if a laaa of baU tha foaw ia aahaliMai, Iba bOla weaM atffl ba
jatt la«d wftb Iha eeitaca reef . bat halh wmii U rafaaad to half
tbeir fanaar riM. U.. aboct two laahM Mi^ aad Iba wwtiagi woald
loae ita iapaftaaaa. aad tba fatagioaad woald ba oaaapM by objaaU
that tha ottMT baa woald aet Iaalada la order to gat tba aoMaga
lh««a>etiaaaabalM8.thaaaaanbaMt«daa^aaaiarloit: betibb
riiaBfla of paaWM b aot wiWtlit to »ahi aar iwriiibMi altaratioa hi
tha ba%bt ol Iha ibiaat hilb. whbh rtataia aboat two iaabaa. oady haU
the height ol Iha aottHC. u^^ >" noiHiwu. tbey appear dwaiftd aad
I'-'ignifleaat, tmi, bjr aaalnat, tha aoltH* oob**7* tba iapraaaba at
ig aa euoiMoaa ilaa. Ihb aCaal baiag ^aila diflmat feoaa Iha laodar-
.-^ ol a riailar aatlaga aa4 laall* hffli bjr a loag-itaH baa. aa la Iba
wida-aagU view Iha aitiwai ifiaiwgMii ol tba partftaHw liaaa b a
i»««8t factor ia laiilailng Iha abalaid aOaat aqwaHy aa tha rabtlvalj
.e aiM of aaar cbjaita iiaibaalil with the dfaaiaati*a appaaianaa el
' ijbtanoi. Till -Jli wriTi riiHIlBiii 1i ilairirla roMliiilliia In Itii
rapid, the eomblnaHnwa bai^ ■oaa lad vary eloaa logatbar, aad apattallx
lo traaamit obHgaa nja walL Tbab prfMlpal aaa b for
t aad araUtaatanl aabiaalB, balb blarior aad aataifar. where
a Urge fanal ol rabjeat baa to ba lacladad torn a vary aaar pdat of
view. Their limit ol aarariag power b gMarally a plate wbeaa leogar
tide b one aad a half liaaa Ibair owa lbma,or aboat dooMa that el a
lipid wetfllaaar. theogb It b aarar advbabla to work Iham lo Ihb limit
if it eaa bo afotdad, an aaaoaatfpl tbo aadaa pwanlaanaa givaa to aaar
-Ir ml r-ia|ini1l— "t nmr'l tIit nf Ihi mini ibiaal laaqoalitTof
loiMtitBi Ihe7 are baMar tbaa *a rapid type, bat Ihb b priaeipally
d;;e lo tha (tat that Hk^ are aaad with iMalbr atopa.
The wida-ai^ iti^ b iataadad lor tboaa laadaaapaa where the
foeiiba b too aaalaad lo ablaia Iba deairad aaMNal ot aabiaat with aa
erdiaaay tb«b bM, lo wbiah they are ahnoet ideaHeal. Ihatr fcaaa bi
■nenDy aboat the eama aa tba siaa of the pUu they an iataadad to ao tar
The eii^ariat laaa, ar <f)«cap«, b a rapid raatiBaaar al vary large
*"■■!*■. aad. the miUiilliia aUewiag laQ advaalaga to ba takaa ol
Ihb JaiMid aba «r IghMnaaiaittfaw power, tt b aoMidanUj men
nM Ham W. Baanrr.
{To W untlmu«4.)
EASTMAN PHOTOGRAPHIC MATERIALS COMPANY, LIMITED.
The shareholders in the Eastman Photographic Materials Company.
Tiimited, have eroiy naann to be satisfied with the progress which the
bniiDess is "I'Mng onder the able direction of the board (rf management.
The Kodak camera is now a honiehold word, and " to kodak " will shortly
take ita place in Nattall as a oonTenient verb to signify photographing
instantaneoosly. The diffienltiea which the Company have had to con-
tend with hare now paaaed away, and apart trom the very satisfaetoiy
pieee of information that daring Uie past year there has been an increase
of 70001. in the tom-orer, there is also the proepeet that in the (atnre the
new buildings and plant jnst erected will be able to prodaoe the Eastman
Film to the extent of aboat 10002. per week. There will therefore be no
difficulty in supplying the demands of the publie, and the inability to torn
oat orden qnickly eooogh will be a thing of the past Under all the
ciroamslaiioea, tha dividaitd of ten per oent. on the Preference shares, and
eent on tha Ordinary sharea, most be considered as highly
satirfaelory, as it warrants the aaaomption that, when the pholographie
prodnoe mach larger profits than
arnree, the bo si nasi wiU
heretolors.
Oolooel J. T. Oriffln ooeapied the chair at the annual meeting, held on
Honday at Wineheetar House. In moring the adoption of the report and
aeeoonts, he said : I am happy to congratulate the shareholders on the
gradually inereasing bosineee of the Comnany. It has not been m all
reapeats so rapid aa wa eoald have deairea, but you moitt remember tha
difBeultiaa with whieh we haTe bad to eontand. Our business has been in
all ramaeta toeeeaafal aad proapetoos; hot from aireomstaneee wholly
beyood oar eootiol wo wen anahls tor months to sopply the demand of
oar euatomaia Oar tiiaods in America wen aagagad as well as our-
lalfaa bt tba aiaotioa of new aad brgar works, aiid tb«y wen unable to
sapply aa with gooda trom Ibat aide ol tba water. Wa. nsing all dili-
atDoe. wen aaaUa lo eonpbta oar worka. so that we eoald manutaetuM
lUm aad other malarial, oalU tba mooth of Angnst. Theee difficultiea
an now otereene. aad wa ban ia hand a large stock, not only of film
bat ol Kodaks, we belian, sofBdeat to meet any demand which may arise.
Wa ban now the eapaei^ to prodoee film to the Taloe of lOOOt. per week
fai antiitoatioti of the tiada which we hope lo have. In addition we have
aaaily lO.OOOL worth ia ateek. But. whib oar piograaa baa been aome-
what laea tbaa waa aatiaipatad. «a an abb to show an incnan of
7000L in the businsn dona doriag Iba year, and wa look forward
moat aonSdanlly to a largo iaeraass of thU bosineee and a eorreapondiag
iaereaw el proAls. Tbaa b one poiat to whieh I oogfat to call ^ur
atlaatioa. Tea will note treca tha halaiwa sheet that we haTe not written
ofl aaythlag tor what an tarmad nataab and goodwill. This coarse has
b««a aJupled after doa iwiaidanlinw aad eoBtallation, not only with our
anHsitrw, bat with oar aaditan aad othara. We think that the time has
aot arrind wbaa it b aaeaaaary to write aaTthiag off the sum which
ataada in tba lislaawa shast for palaala. It will be remembered, when the
Ooapoay, was temed the original Eastman Company had been doing
bnilniM lor aoan lima la ■ngbad. Tba EagUsh OtMBpaay look orar
tba boriaaM aa a geiag aeaeim. togatbar with the stock aad patents.
Mo ^paaifla aam baa ever boas rasnltoiiad aa ra|wamilliia tha valoa of tba
palaala. Bat wo ■imii that tba palanta an good dU vaUd onaa, aad
that Ibab valaa lor Iha liaM being b increaaiag. aad tbat lor a year or
two it win ael be aeeeaaary lo write off anything oa their aeoount nnleaa
oar prodta an eo large aa to warrant us doing so. Wa hare had to eon-
tiaa aaaiaat iafriagtntaU ol oar patanta, and lo dalaod what othera bare
tiaod lafHagsaaatB. aad w« have beea aaeeaaafnl ia arary caae.
Tbb gina aa aoaaa aMoaiaganaat, aad it b gtatifyiag to know it.
Dorlag the yaar a hraaah baa baao epaaad ia Paria la one of the
moet taaaioaa atraata. aad ataaady tbb baa baecae a aeoree of profit,
allhonjh it waa aol oaaaad oatU Aognat. aad wa ban anrr raaaon to
belien ttia bnstnaaa ttian will be aa prodoetin aa it b at home. We
ban abo npaaad aa aatabHabmant at Niee. I trust that in another year
we abaQ ba abb to abow yea a moeh larger profit and ineraan of bosineaa.
Mr. Oifhwd. ia aoinwdfag tha motioo lor Iba adoption of the report,
thoogbt Ibat the barfaan had goaa oa ana batter than they might hare
etpertad. Tha Oomaay bad baaa doing batter work, and although
poaaibly the dlridaad waa not ao laifB aa tba direeton might wish, it
maat be rsninbirad tbat tha opaaiag el Iba Paria and Kioe branches
a eartaia aaooat el mooar insapaiahli from eataUishing new
aad waa aqoinlaat to pottti^ aooM of the profit into capital.
Mr. Barbrook : Do yoo Ihlak tba pataota an aa nlnable now as they
iT I find that taBngbBd yoa ban taken out sixteen patents, four
of wbiahgia takaa eat la UM aad four hi 1886, the last two being
lakanMnkW. As a paUat oaly laaU tourtaea nan. I do not aaa
howaanael Ihaa aan be aa nlnable aa Ibay wan, and I think something
ooj^t to be writtro off.
The Chairman : Since the report has been prepared, new patents, not
only lor England, bat abroad, ban been lak«i out, which we deem of
ana grialar nlaa than thon whieh we already possisi ; tlicrefore it will
be saaa tbat tba direeton an eadeaToaring to protect Uie Company in
anarpeailMa ^
TbamoKeai
A rtaoiation, moved hj Mr. Terden, reeommanding a diridend of ten
par eeat. ea the Pnlanaee shans, was then carried ; and a similar one,
mond by Mr. A Priagia, oaaonded by Mr. O. Darison, declaring a diri-
daad ol aeraa par oaat. oa tba Ordinary shares, was ahw adopted.
166
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[March 4, 1892
Mr. J»y then moved the reelection of Mr. George Davison and Mr.
Stmng, the retiring directors. He was sure the shareholders would adopt
the reeolntion with great pleasure, lor the Company had been so weU
.»fi«.(It^ from the first that he would be very sorry to see any change in
Mr J Spillcr seconded. From the long personal knowledge he had
had ol Mr. I)avi:ion in connciion with photographic matters he knew how
thoioaebly his heart was in the work. He felt quite sure that Mr.
CATiwin would do his utmost to bring the Eastman Company to a
Boeoawful conoluaion. Mr. Strong, he beUeved was the American repre-
sentative on the board, and he (Mr. SpUler) ventured to congratulate the
Company upon having so powerful a connecting link between the English
and American companies. . ^. . , j
aTho motion was carried, and Mr. "Walker (Managing Durector) moved,
and Mr. Giilord seconded, the re-election of the Auditors, which also was
adopted. . ,,
A shareholder inquired whether there was any probabihty of the
interest bemg paid half-yeaily. . . , , . -,j-
Th« Chairman : In view of the large extensions in the way of building
which the Company had undertaken, it was found necessary to retain
funds in hand, but the matter will be taken mto consideration in future
by the board, and, if possible, acceded to.
A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the proceedings.
— Financial World,
CAMEBA CLUB CONFERENCE.
The 1892 Conference will be held in the theatre of the Society of Arts on
Tuesday and Wednesday, March 22 and 23, under the presidency of
Captain W. de W. Abney, C.B., D.C.L., E.E., F.B.S.
The following programme has been arranged :— Tuesday, March 22,
Conference at the Society of Arts, 18, John-street, Adelphi, to be opened
by the President at 3 pjn. Papers to be read from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in
the theatre : —
Opening by the]PreBident.
Mr. C. H. Bothamley, Some Points in Connexion with Development.
Mr. Leon Warnerke, On Chemigraphic Etching.
Mr. A. Pringle, Photography applied to Medical' Research.
Mr. W. Willis, Recent Improvements in Platinotype.
Beitewal of Cokfebbncb at 8 F.H.
Symposium on Artificial Lighting in Photography.
Mr. Van derlWeyde.jDmonstroifon of Use of Electric Light for Portrait
Effects.
Mr. E. J. Humphrey, Oxymagnesium Lamps for'' Printing and Lighting.
Mr. H. E. Armstrong, F.B.S. , Theory of Development.
Wednesday, March 23, 3 p.m., Eenewal of Conference in the theatre
Society of Arts. Papers to be read from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. : —
Mr. Henry Blackburn (editor of 'Academy Notes), The Debt of Art to
Photography.
Mr. H. Stannns, F.R.LB.A., TAe Uses of Photography to the Decorative
Artist.
Mr. H. P. Bobinson, Paradoxes of Art, Science'and Photography.
Captain Abney, Some Uses of Celluloid Films.
At 7.30 p.m. the annual Club dinner for members and friends will take
place at the Monioo Bestaurant.
Un Thursday, March 24, at 8 p.m., there will be an exhibition of lantern
slides in the theatre.
All photographers are invited to take part in the Conference.
^ut filiitarial Cable.
Kallitype, No. 2.
Fboh the Birmingham Photographic Company we have received some
specimens of kalUtype -printing No. 2, which illustrate in a favourable
d«gree the varied capabilities of this beautiful process. The albumen
like gloss on some of the pictures certainly conduces to the provision
of the finer details, while the matt surface on others is as near an
approach to the characteristic beauty of platinum as could be obtained.
We welcome kallitype as a distinct and agreeable advance in silver
printing.
To the professional photographer, the trade price list of Messrs. J.
Martin & Co., of New Soutngate, should be of direct interest. The
" business memoranda " it gives are quite an education in the economics
of enlarging, and the list also contains prices of the various kinds of
work which Messrs. Martin undertake for the trade. We note with
pleaame that Messrs, Martin & Co. hays a ceramic department.
Accompanying the list is a photograph of some ice crystals deposited
in a porcelain dish last Christmas, exhibiting a wonderfully beautiful
floral design. The picture has been seen by Professors Huxley and
Tyndall, Mr. Ruskin, Mr. Glaisher, and Mr. Symons, who all express
admiration of it.
RECENT PATENTS.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS.
No. 3434.—" Improvements in Photographic Cameras." A. W. Harrison.
—Dated F'elniuiry 22, 1892.
No. 3451.— "Improvements in and relating to Photographic Shutters."
H. A. TRUNBKBRy.— Kfttoi February 22, 1892.
No. 3486.— "Improvements in Magic-lantern Slides." H. ERSKlWEandC.
Taylor.— Dated February 23, 1892.
No. 3494. — "An Improved Apparatus for Washing Photographic Prints and
Negatives." J. W. UvNTSR.— Dated February 23, 1892.
No. 3500. — " A New or Improved Method of Producing Coloured Photo-
graphs." E. IBKLAND. — Dated Febnmry 23, 1892.
No. 3598. — "Improvements in Photographic Dark Slides." W. MIDDLEMIS&
—Dated February 24, 1892.
No. 3637. — "Improvement in Photographic Shutters." F. Shbw and E.
Galopin. — Dated February 24, 1892.
No. 3680. — " Improvements in Apparatus for Changing and Focussing and
Exposing Photogiaphic Plates or FUras." T. E. Hbath. — Dated February
25, 1892.
No. 3791. — " Improvements in the Manufacture of Colours specially applic-
able for Colouring Photographs. " Communicated by W. Bruns. Complete
specification. A. J. Boult. — Dated February 26, 1892.
iHeettng^ of ^octrtfeis.
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK..
Date ol Meeting.
March 7..
„ 7..
„ 7..
,. 7..
„ 7..
.. 8..
.. 8..
„ 8..
:: I::
„ 8..
„ 9..
„ 9..
„ 9..
:: '::
Name of Society.
Place of Meeting.
Dundee Amatenr
Halifax Camera Club,
Peterborough
South London
Stereoscopic Club
Derby
Great Britain 1
Manchester Amateur \
Newcastle-on-Tyue&N.Counties
Paisley I
Stockton
Ipswich
Leicester and Leicestershire
Muuster
Photoj^raphic Club
Putney
9 j Reading
9 , Stockport
10 Birkenhead Photo. Association
10..
10..
10..
10..
10..
10..
Birmingham .
Bradford Photo. Society
Camera Club
Cheltenham
Hackney
London and Provincial .
1# ! Manchester Photo. Society .
10..
10..
11..
11..
u..
11..
11..
u..
North Kent
Oldham
Cardiff
Holbom
Maidstone
Ireland
Richmond
West London..
Asso. Studio> Nethergate, Dundee.
Museum, Minster Precincts.
Hanover Hall, Hanover-park, S.E,
Brooklands Hotel, Brooklands.
Smith's Restaurant, Victoria-f.treet
50, Great Russell-st., Bloomsbiiry.
Lecture Hall, Athemeum,
Mosley-st.Caf^, Newcastle-on-Tyne,
Committee Rm. , Free Lib.&Museum
Masonic Court, High-street.
Art GaUery, Ipswich.
Mayor's Parlour, Old Town'HaU.
School of Art, Nelson-place, Cork.
Anderton's Hotel, Fleet-street, E.G..
High-street, Putney,
Mechanics' Institute, Stockport.
Association Rooms, Price-street.
Lecture Room, Midland Institute.
50, Godwin-street, Bradford.)
Charing-croB.s-roEu3, W.C.
Morley Hall, Triangle, Hackney.
Champion Hotel, 15, Aldersgate-st.
36, George-atreot, Manchester,
Gravesend,
The Lyceum, Union-street, Oldham.
"The Palace," Maidstone.
Rooms, 15, Dawson-street, Dublin.
Greyhound Hotel, Richmond.
Chiswick School of Art, Chiswick,
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
February 25,— Mr. W. H. Harrison in the chair.
Messrs. W. T. Coventon and J. Lillie Mitchell were unanimously elected
members of the Association.
Mr. P. EvERiTT read the report of the Association*8 delegate on the Photo-
graphic Society's Affiliation Committee, and some discussion ensued as to the
uncertainty of the financial position of that Committee.
^ A question premised that, by putting the lenses of a half-plate d«^ublet of
six inches focus close together, the objective became a whole-plate wide angle,
and it was required to know whether the lens would then cov«* as ta«U with
the same stop ?
Mr. W. E. Debenham said that in no case would a lens with the same stop
cover equally for illumination or definition a whole plate and a half plate.
Mr. EVERiTT asked whether a more equal illumination could be obtained by
a doublet with a short tube than with a long tube ?
Mr. Dkbenham replied that the better iUumiuation would be obtained with
a short tube, because with a long tube, by putting the eye to where thu plate
would be, and looking through the stop, the whole of the surface of the £itop is
MMch 4. 1809]
THE BHinSH JOURNAL OF PflOTOQKAPHY.
167
not MB tkiOTcK ■»! tk« Oil
wllk tk*
tab* moit thwrflii
olgactwith.
iltgnm, it what
I had Mid, to obtaia p«WB-
taaagbof
hk<« to b« plMid at I
Itokaow
(Unkr UaaL t
■Httaaattfe*
Ib.nAna
•licalaittyiaiaeka
lUitr-^m ittnm.
Aftar M»a JJiM jUiuwilaa. tfc« wMaot dromad <■ lb* a>d«ntaadiag that
itwMtobadtdlwfthlBapanrbru W. C Maihaa at ■ Mar* data^
Mr. A. Hamos aatd UMtitwadd bavMhis th* neoB*etiaa of MBban,
that*«trtp«» Jtiiiliwit yaf, >«■ Urn ■in«* of aa AhdaiTttetia tb*
\m AMMUO b*a. at a llirai ■ — illNl ta— b^d*d to bte to tart. ~
Hahod
HtlOMBoaipariaaad iliih>,Md >i^ Mfcad thaa to ttf hia
w^tttiifliil Tb*yhadta*>*dlt.atbT—aMO<daatah/diaaMaric
aaid aad totaqrairid* af pntaaiiBB, wMA |Mda«*d a Mit dMMt bla* Mate
aab<ith«id»oftb*|iaiM; AU papm atartafaai a eartato aawwt of irsa.
aad It aa* diAcalt to mg whtOm that atrip al pap* iwtalaad wao ktm
ihaaaatteltariciMSyarMl. Bit bw vaa is Oa atrte «kM tMtal, aad
a* aaleir >a IW aaaar wm dlarbaiail by bydwaMarie ad£ Iftbaatafaaan
daatoiatokldaardhw it wooU aot M^ha** baaa diaehaifid bjrhTdro-
cyarkacid. Part of th* itite waa tbaa t«tad for tha pnaiaea of lOtw by
baai^ltiaMiaaaateiaMld. Tba adttiw «t dano hidiaaMaihJ aitdto
thatinHMiwinfciilallahla clnarHai aMA waa nblittdi c» riHir. Bb
niKlartta aaa Ikal Ih* lalat did aat nariaa aa ndi waAlaK w it ahaaid
tkavt bad, balb im mi iBnr balav !•> bk niMr rihw hypaaalphito at a
<:artaia awaaat af tha ■■iltii i aah ndkMtaad by tba hypo aw* haaa ba«
MItathaMlBt
raArectfl
rigL-llr.J. &&W«I
ifiMa* UlaitiaMag a }W m .Van«a|», Qiplah
-AOn Mr. W«llia«la*'* tOTtar* a aiaBdhaaaaantaf Ua I
Iba aaM flpHMaa Wlavad. aiad atkw dUaawMakaaw to
BM—^liil^Md Baatt. OaMaHk MaaMtMMiW
■lpiiifi^^gii^wiabiiaaibylh.A.Tf5lyHlt<
■artMf.— Mfaanrtt, Mr. Ai
k Ika chair.— TU
totkalibtarr. A aaabv aakad Ibr a Raad daaalanr. Mr. Biri
A. Hot nto^ S aaaaaa: adyMto of «^ 4
gnta* ; ^alaal, W6 fntai
!•« oaaaM, fm
K Hot
r tiM aarfanr af i
■ afartatla Mr. CAfM. atd b* vaaM aat if • I
aadU fiat has adtaWaCfaapartf. B* aaU thai If iovi
pat *• Iha anctiaa. It aaati «Mal* My dtflaaky ia tha I
at Ika
Mad
la pifar bMtac b*aa MaaidaJ by tb* kMaaa Ooaaaaay, aad
■aapH tka awabaw at a |tMiaaa a i lti|. Mr. Pwfaifcoaad
aat tnikiti*ii ftaa ■• taaalMff aa MMaaal af a ■!
«f Ika aaaa a«pM«* to bdf-plBto •{■V abaat «iM «d a half dJaaa
laMaa ia th* pavaaaaa aaa oiada by Ik* labalHIlia fc* tha »al
■nd inaiMmt im jfriiidii i iiit »f a daaoaalMiia by Maan^ Hi& af
lavaate. "aaaaa tjimt.-' Tb* wupwliaa h4 lybllmaa af Ih*
liaM laialiaa wmt my cl*arty afiiimi br Mr. BdL Jaa.,aad hi*
rr lh«« iwaaadad to mtn aat • **ttai of ajuwiata, wkfla Mail— a af
Mk. •hMrtaf Oaa parittia aad iMailti, *aiaMd mt InHtafad la
•poi, (halite, ««aha«d*draaaC TV* aipam«b «<■• aoaphMly
M, aad Ik* poeaaat aa* mA adadrid fcr it* fqdtiltr ad tka^VtfS
ily ia lb* ia*allfc
ehair. — Tba Incaodaaeaat Ga* Li^t Coopaoy damonstrated the use of their
Ugkt *• adapted to tba optical lutcni. One hundred and fifty slidot, th«
worit of memben, waa paaaed tluongfa the laotem daring the erening.
Vast Xaat Amataar PkalagiapMc loeiaty.— Febnwry 24. Mr. John Taylor
ia tk* ehair. — Mr. OlaH bbtc a denonatration with hu Optimaa enlarging
apparatna, oaing a nhwiarn eondcnaar and a three-wick lamp, making seraJ
■ai'««iftil aalargaaMDta lk«ai balf-plata to 12 x 10.
third aaaoal faaaial aaatiag^
Bbaham aid ba nadarttood Mr.
■Mk IkOtampUa laalator.-Fehniaiy M, !
Mr. Anatia J/Kiag ia tha chair.— Mr. P. B&i
Pomphrey did not aaak walaetioB M PrwidaBt. He waa aore they all valued
Mr. Pomphny'* aenrioa hi^y. Ha now had the booour to propoaa Mr.
J. Kiii( u tba tataia rraridiBl. TWyhad aantla taatnnoayofhia
of bia ability a a pbotagapkat, aad Ua oonaaUity. Tba aotioo
waaaMriadbyaonUaiaHnn. Tba PaaHanrr aaid ba took tba ehair wUh ra-
luetaae^ (Hliaf that it waa iapoaaibU to Ul it a aatiaihctorily to the Bodaty
u it bad bean 1^ bia good and (atceaied fhend, Mr. I^umphrey. It wu oftaa
a qaa<iaa ia pketoyapkie rirtla wbotbar a Praidaat ahonld ba aaainataar
oral
ftMa|ilinj tkay wata atla to oaablaa tta twft Ha
i, bat of laeaat yaara ha «m aa aoiatoar— iadead
to on tha
of tka
ability which ba
aaeh a PraidaBt, It waa nrr difflcnlt for any oo*
allritituiHy: botberafia* movad : " "rtiat the hearty tbanka
' a b* aeeaidad to Mr. Pmnphrar for the grat anargy aad
ha diapla^ dariac hi* period of otBce a PiahlMt, hia
aaay'iarrlea la tha daarirttau aad acta of 'kiadaaa to Ita mambanL uA tat
- wUeh ho ba M^Matad fat tba ]
tka
ThtoaMliaai
TV*Ho«.
optad. Mr. P.
fcrtkayiar. Tb* I
of tb* art an<l Klenoe of pbo-
J. Amxar *>d carried by
2afi."ir^
V-r*bnai7«, UaMn RliM, Mr. Hwitd LoftU (TVaaidoat) hi tk*
amataa a tba pmaraa ol
waa awwMlffl by Mr. E.
BmewHtm thaa aad tka raport aad halaBoa.ab**t,
P. Bnkaa ww ililid ta flO tba oflc* of Tie**
Im ItaOowlatfMllHBia waa *l*etod the Oommtttoe :
r. Atnn, O. r. PomM, W. Pnmptawy (panaaaaat
ia, Owoe WiUiama, aad D. WiUiaau ; aad Mr. W.
Hoai Baeialary aad T^aaaaiai. Or. PaMim Knra raad a
■boat paptr oa tb* aabfaet of itiwffi'* ai>ptaaf teapi. Tb* biophaataaeop* ia
aaadlaaat to^ho *Hbaryaa|ie laatara. by aaaaa of wMoh tboaalmald*-
pi«M m tka aowa mm ba aad* to ao«a with Ulb-Uk* aocwraey. In the
■aaidMahamtbaM an a anabar of phalogiaplw oa glaaof amaa'afiwe,
lakaw aadar dHtiial aaaOiaa*. Ia oaa tba fae* if at rat, ia aaothar it la
■aWat ia a Ikird flawalag ; hi etkei* tba toagna protradfaf, or tba *ya*
alaaa that mem, ao Uuawboat tb* whol* mttm. It la by Ibrowiag tb* llAt
eflkakartamiMimlilytkw^ frrt «aa aad Ikaaaaotharof thaaaTnioaa
iki^ taMagaakkiMa Ml apaa tha aaaa pnrthwi nf tba qdiwii aa
Hm aM^ aad wtlhaat aey latanaadial* loa of^t, that tba lUb-ltka
of tba portiBit tt obtalB«d. Tt« •paakar than dealt with tha
dalaaa of oeaatrwelioa. after which tha nttUty of the Initmment
' laihali 4 by Mr. Kadp^, who UnrnnA it lathodiaea*.
Mr. *'i''"* potrtad oil Ikat m lattmaMt aoaibvrtad
lyaalkiaaaawaaatydMaJlaaAaalcalachleYenwait.tka
ia tk* pariUnai of tba a^pttiva wen< uant
wkaa alaial B* lha««ht Mr. Radg* bad aad* a 4 viae*
by pkatBgiaphlag Ik* aalgict with tb* aa* aiiainaaiiiil umi lor [irojectioB.
MiMM IkMavapMi ■iMHy.— fbbwaiy S, Bpaaid MaatlM, Mr
Wlaat^ Bebarta la Ik* «bafr.-Mr. CavaM jiripiiii iKtfca aiaffin bo
afcadio iialrttali lawda a IWad to |iay oftka Baaariil itriloianr. The
raataUw aa amad to ■aailaialy. Mr. roxAU. Uta aovad. "nat tbU
kaowB wito
la tab*
Mr. roxjJJL iMa
Photographic Bodaty|\a dtaalrr.:
ly apo* th* wttlaa*at of tb* Uabil
SoaMv.' B* did M priaalpaUy lo 'tart wb«lh« Ikaia wm eaflkMut mr ■n<i
nlaallniiathaBoriitrtawiHaatlk«a la camlMHoB. Hawaaataloa
>r Ika ijybclary atau of th* BocMr. bat than It waa, aad U
* iicmal deetdad, aadar tba rlwaaalanfa, b>
do what ba eoald lo auk* It a aqce*a, bat if,
had lab*
If
..bowoaM
aha
coalddowwoMbolodlaalia H.
It viullty talk* Soaialy, tka bat lUaf thqr
Tb* CaamaMi posMaad aa aa aaaaaaaet
laawllilili apaa Ika aaltlaaaat of lb*
UablBllaaf IhoSoctatr.'' ba oaUUod lyom tb* i«*aintiao. U* tbaaht lk*y
aaathaaalaaMpiathoaBMa, It i lo hia that. If thay peotpcaad th*
llaiilaliwaflk* locMyte aaaakaewa Uaa, thqr weald do ao aonguod
thalafahtlhaalkavdldatlkair raaaat aaaWaaaUag. Ba had Mt a giaat
daal of tadanot ia tka Soeiaty. aad b«l doaa what ba eoaU to praeaoU i^ bat
than «•* a* daabt abetf it, tUy wart UH^ u U waa, fton baad to Boatb.
Tka driUNir «mM poobaUy b* a* largi^ if aot kmir, a yaar baaa* The
niiHay wawaotatt«adad a theydaarwi. Ia tha*«aatof tbadlaaiatioo
laklag piaot. thoogh tbay woaU oaao* to aoal m a aaataty, tbara wa* no
raaaoa why Ibay iboald aot awrt in aaotlMt f-rm- aaatlr aader tha wiag of
' " ~Ml*ty. H* had baaa la [■■■ill iHii with tb* tl*cw
alaitarfraabla lo tha ***t Ikat tho Ooaasfl of lb*
ly talaadid to laatltat* a photompkie
toraoaiaaak
Mr. raaalTi
_ whieh
to wted ap tha Society ia
I-
a ■ aifa af Ihair awaBoalaty to >h It "tiw WatamdH^rtory
aatobMahad laaUtatloa ia tb* toaa, aad It dnick bin that, ta
towB,ai
taakr
woald takoa kr battar Haad tbaa aa
bat IhaiaadimBt
WM lk« apaad Iol At th* adjoanad
MIewod, a SalKeoBUBltlm wu aptwiatad
wMk Ik* lana of Mr. roxall'i i
U*a»lia
toKMrTl
Tka
aAadfor
Fbetocnphlo AaaodaUoa.— February St, tka Pn
Wmiaa Tootklaaoat a tba chair.— Tea oawBMabtnwa* tloit«L
vmamn aado a rtataaaat «Mh nriknaa to tb* b*w slab raooa. aad
far wapMllnai i%aillMa««aiafaMdarlMth< wMlagaaanB, Mr. Faao
c«»tkaanv«hlBaovIaatara,aalltlad nam Ibw«MM,iUattrat«<l l>y
aadabnrHr. O. H Thwana ilaa pbologiapha takM by him during t
pbotagrapka takM by 1
raecattoarof UMtwofaatiaaMla V^naea Tba laetora wa dalirered in Mr.
CUbbata'i aaO-kaowa laey atyla, which, wbibt eonrayi^ raloabla aad in-
taattiag lalbnaatiaa, kaapa lb* aadiaaw aoaalaatly maad by hU axbantt-
168
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[March 4, 1892
I«M ftmd of dry humour. The photographu, which emtanced views of the
priodlMl ch»te»us and churches of France, were all of that h«h order and
^■■■ing variety of tone for which Mr. Thompson is noted.
Hewo«iU«-on-Tyiie and Nortlieni CounUes' PhotograpMc Association.—
February 25, the Pre-sideiit (Mr. A. S. Stevenson, J. P.) in the chair. —Special
Meeting to discus* and note upon the scheme proposed by the New Premises
Sob^oommittee.— The scheme, which since last meeting ha.s undergone some
modifications, wa« recommended by the Council, and, on the motion of the
Chairman, was carried enthusiasUcally. Mr. C. E. Borka.s, the lessee of the
Art Gallery, is to provide a commodious room for weekly or fortnight v meet-
ings, and two or moi« dark rooms, with all conveniences, and to allow the
AancUtion the use of the Lecture Theatre for lantern shows, &c. The neces-
sary alterations will be completed in September, when the Association wiU
tlMO enter into possession, and on January 1, 1893, the annual subscnption
win be raised to ten shillings and sixpence, and the entrance fee abolished.
KoUiarbam Pbotogtaphlc Society.— The third Annual Exhibition of the
members of this Society was lield on Tuesday and Wednesday in last week.
The year's work, as shown by the 360 prints on the walls, revealed considerab e
teehnidj progress, while, from an art standpoint, there had been some little
advance made. Very excellent results were displayed, principally on bromide
and albumenised paper. The chloride paper seemed to be gaming ground,
while alpha and the ferro-pru.ssiate methods had their followers. So far, none
of the members appear to have taken up platinotype jirinting. Landscapes
were very largely in evidence, while architecture (interior and exterior) was
not extensively represented. There were practically no portraits or enlarge-
ments, and only one floral study. The e.xhibitors were Dr. Baldwin (Pre-
sident!, Mr. E. Isle Hubbard, Mr. W. H. Haywood, Mr. G. T. M. Backstraw
(Vice-Presidents), Mr. H. C. Hemmingway (Hon. Secretary), Mr. J. Lead-
beater (Treasurer), Mr. W. Mason, Mr. W. H. Shephard, Mr. J. W. Whit-
tington, Mr. J. Caseldine, Mr. T. W. Mosby, Mr. F. W. Barwick, Mr. John
Clarke, and Mr. J. Sykes. Hand-camera work, which, by the way, seems to
be becoming a feature of the Society's efforts, was shown by Mr. Rackstraw,
Mr. Hemmingway, and Mr. Clarke. The Slieffield Photographic Society, which
has always shown a warm interest in the welfare of its near neiglibour, lent
several exhibits. There were some choice platinotypes by Mr. Ernest Beck (prize
medallist) ; Mr. T. 6. Hibbert had on view several sea pieces and landscapes,
in which some particularly fine cloud effect* were noticeable ; and Mr. Crowther
had sent a number of picturesque examples. Mr. A. H. D. Acland, M.P. for
Rotberham Division, had forwarded half-a-dozen framed photographs of small
size, but of much merit. Mr. Acland was a member of the Photographic
Society, Christ Church, Oxford. There was a fairly large collection of choice
reproductions contributed by the Autotype Company. Other exhibitors were
the Eastman Materials Company, London ; the Fry Manufacturing Company,
London ; Messrs. Elliott & Son, Barnett ; the Britannia Company, Ilford ;
Mr. J. Crosby, Rotherham ; and Mr. J. Leadbeater, Rotherham. Miss
Crossley, of Maltby, as an amateur, sent several whole-plate prints pleasingly
executed. The portrait work of Mr. Crosby was much admired, as were also
the fine examples from the other firms named. Mr. Leadbeater's photo-micro-
graphs were a source of a good deal of interest. During each evening there
was a musical programme. Tliere was also a short lantern entertainment in
charge of Mr. Leadbeater, the chief slides being a series lent by the Fry Manu-
facturing Company, from slides made from negatives of the late Mr. Rejlander.
ShTOpsbire Camera Club.— February 24, Annual Lantern Entertainment. —
The exhibition opened with slides representing portraits, prepared from photo-
graphs, of the Mayor and Mayoress, by Mr. Naunton, followed by a selection,
lent by Messrs. Valentine and the Woodburytype Company, illustrating scenes
in Jamaica, Switzerland, Venice, &c., continued by a series by Mr. F. P.
Cembrano, consisting of very tine examples of Moorish architecture, together
with charming scenes of the Alhambra, which may be considered almost
unique. Exhibition of members' work concluded the proceedings.
Tynealde Camera Club.— February 23. — The slides of the Yosemiie Valley
(by the California Camera Club) were shown before a large company of
members and friends. Mr. Thomas Simpson read the lecture that accompanied
the sillies.
Edinburgh Fliotograpbic Society.— Febmary 24, Second Popular Meeting.
— The lantern slides shown were the selected works of the members, and
principally those taken during the preceding year. Prominent among these
were the three medalled pictures of the recent exhibition of the members' work
for the past season. Perhaps a running commentary on the artistic qualities
of the pictures would have been an added advantage to the simple titles and
names of the exhibitors, but that is always delicate ground to deal with before
so numerous an audience. The musical arrangements and the management of
the lantern by Mr. Haddow were carried through with great perfection. The
only fault, if it he one, was that the time occupied was too extended. There
was a collection at the door in aid of the Dr. Maddox Fund.
Leltb Amatenr Fbotograplilc Association.— February 22, Lantern Night,
Mr. W. A. Bill presided. — The lantern was managed by Mr. Berrie, and, in
addition, musical accompaniments, vocal and instrumental, with a humorous
lecture by Mr. Hunter, varied the programme. Upwards of one hundred and
sixty slides were shown. They comprised, among the number, several copies
of engravings, a class of subject which ought not to be seen at a photograithio
society's meeting. The great miyoiity were of a high class of merit. The
most prolific among the exhibitors were Messrs. Ewark, with twenty-eight ;
F. L. Loriraer, with twenty-one ; and the Hon. Secretary (Mr. A. Pitkiethly),
with thirty-two. As a proof of the activity of this numerically small Society,
the whole number of whose members are under fifty, this meeting, showing
examples of the works of seventeen of them, may be taken as an example by
others of a more pretentious nature.
or Corrttjxmdmtt ihouM nmer wriSe on both tida of tht pojur.
PEEMANENCT OF PRINTS.
To the Editob.
Sib,— I am glad to have narrowed the issue down within its proper
channel, and to have eUcited Mr. Coles' opinions. For my own part, I
can only repeat what I have previously said, that the balance of evidence
is distinctly in favour of the permanency of gelatino-chloride paper, and,
as long as this is so, I must be excused if I decline to hold different
opinions. I would also say that I have never— either in writing or
speaking — made use of any opinion of the experts above mentioned
without quoting their " actual words." On the principle that " one
swallow does not make a summer," I do not see the use of the test that
Mr. Coles proposes. I will leave the matter in the hands of the future. —
I am, yours, &c., John Howbon.
The Britannia Works Company, Ilford, London, E.
Lantern Soasrr.— March 14, Exhibition of Slides, for members and their
friends.
CUTTING PRICES.
To the Editor.
Sib, — A great deal has been said and written at one time and another
about cutting prices and the injury that low-elasa photographers do them-
selves and the profession generally by making such ridiculously low
.charges, and turning out wretchedly bad work, which has the effect o£
bringing photography into evil repute amongst many persons residing in the
neighbourhood of the cutting man ; but, for downright absurdity (not to put
too fine a point upon it) I never met with a case to equal that of a man
trading near here, whose so-called "complimentary coupon" I enclose,
and these coupons, circulated by thousands, have a villainous caricature
of some unfortunate male or female pasted in one comer, and sets forth
that our worthy brother professional is prepared to supply the public at
the following rates, viz.,
s. d.
1 cabinet or 3 cartes for 1 0
8 cabinets or 1 cabinet and 6 cartes for 2 0
12 cartes 2 6
1 cabinet and 12 cartes 3 0
Now, how in all conscience is it possible for that man to do justice to his
customers and himself, to say nothing of those who are endeavouring to-
get a fair share of public support, giving fair work for a fair price ? No,
the idea of forcing trade by such tactics is a false one, and only tends to
spoil some who would pay the average charge for a good photograph
without a murmur — they get instead a lot of rubbish, which, having paid
for they don't like to throw away, and are ashamed to give to friends.
It would, in my humble opinton, be far better for our complimentary
friend to do less work in a better manner, and get more profit ; he would
probably satisfy his clients and get repeat orders and would soon find
that such a trashy way of making up business is a delusion and a snare.
I venture to think, sir, that you will strongly condemn practices cal-
culated to lower the standing of the professional photographers, and I
know your words have the weight and influence born of experience and
sound judgment. — 1 am, yours, &c.. Old Ptro.
Tottenham.
[The specimens enclosed are undeserving the name of photographs.
We are constantly condemning such tactics as our correspondent
complains of. — Eb.]
LOSS OF DENSITY IN FIXING.
To the Editor.
SiK, — In the last issue of The British Journal op Photography yoa
refer to the statement of Mr. Albert Levy anent the loss of density in the
fixing bath, and deny the possibiUty of such a thing. But I think, from
experience, yon must be wrong. The plates with which I am most
familiar are the Ilford, Barnet, and Paget. With the first-named, if, on
taking it out of the hypo, I think it would have been better if it had been
a little less dense, I generally leave it twelve or fourteen hours longer in
the hypo, and this generally is sufficient. With the Barnet the same
thing will occur, but in a lesser degree ; but, as regards the Paget, the
reduction is scarcely to be noted. But I have before now accidentally
left a plate in the fixing three or four days, and, when taken out, there
has been little else but the ghost of an image. I judge, therefore, that a
normal solution of hypo will dissolve the silver image. Try an Ilford
plate, and prove it.
That funny paragraph re " Lynn Camera Club " is good, but I know
of a certain amateur photographic club where, if the man don't turn
up who is to read a paper or give a demonstration, the Chairman suggests
penny Nap, which the assembled members receive with acclamation, and
the evening is devoted to the charms of the spotted pasteboards. I think
the members go homo after such a night quite as edified and pleased as
if photography had been on the tapis. WiU yon be good enough to hand
XMdi 4, 18M]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH i'.
169
Um
Uk. id.) toward tb* lUddoz FoadT— I am,
C. H. Etasb.
Oitiiliiniiift «■«>. Smmm, JUfMry V, UM.
[Ov tiiwm|ii»iknt iiiiii|i«i>li— ih tk* poist of oar nmarki. We
riaplr fMiliaMd tli* pioUhfity of my diwhnrtiwi ol daattty takinr
yiaM m a BorauJ ftxiiif bath wed for • BonMl tine. ImiB«nioii of
a DcntiTe is kjrpo for " twclre or fowteea boara," or " three or four
dajv* U, to tay the leaet of it, rathw a diaatie and abnormal ezp«ri-
■a«it which doea met diapnra Mythiif that we allc^. A« for the
tnt part of tha Mocod paramah of oar (rieiMl'f letter what can we m;^,
but r fiminre. P«iiii rr ' Wa Vara fu« a aided the contribotioa.— Ep.]
FADOiO OF THB LITIMT DCAGE.
To tJWBsmaL
acD Tea ted a iMdar ahoot the fadiac of latoat
On. nnwi owta aaa yea ted a iMdar ahoot Ite ladiac of lat«t
JM^ ia >wMa iriala audenloped I aa ■•* able lo aaMrt that Miah
tadfaw doM take flam, that it oeeoa wilhia a tew weak*, and. Aoalty.
Ihl iimim dakj doaa m* iaeraaae tte hAof. Sercn jean a«a. wiahiag
MMT, IMMd ■;
WhoaleaiMto
and *i* an wo
laidlte
otni^rif.I
and tte kikmimg
I teood I hod aada a
parefata c( bnoida
■ two "
aa to
IteotiMrday. I
thai half Ml boor o( a iiiaiml detetopw
waa laqafaed to bftag thab api The yafor iMiiiii aa aaoaitife at ever,
' iftan I anea^hall of one of tte ihMla aodar a (nab oigatiT*. It
deTitofad ia the ommI liaae free boaa awiiiilaMi tnae of tte original
jilUMi. iklih ifi I I J • 'j - •" •" - halt of tte aadiTidiil
aH«. A ■■!> ^a I had oaaaafag to >ate a deaaa biiiwWi adlilhM
SImHh. &!^r>«lteonnaai«apa«M^Idid*a«Medaaao.
•Mk wtah iw»iUi^ ol aa laah tt MMaaaiiB ittbea at a aiiaiiiiid
lw»lUi^ ol aa laah «(
lefthmiMt. Bbellte
BriatL The othate I triad faMi wl^hM,
UoMkal.
•bartite^ tte nw gcMi el tte
I
BBi,— It haa ellea
tyawateailaaaiity
ataMBoola, ar a tMfa aada. to Ite
tioaaotariae that, aa tte aoieor ia tofitha
a doob* aa to Mi ahaoiale | iiwiawii ia
anr taae el aa
withinaaaeli
ta •<>rth
t t>^lhalllr.J.W«lrBMwa a^ Mr. Levy a^iariad thai tfM lanl-
u «/ wMaeriia ee«Maed wtth Ite riher MBa«e. oad iNaa a fcno-
'ihar. wMh wkiab Ite
< b tte OMa^ daaetteall«>l
tiUfMt. ilanJt 1. un.
DABX lOOM AT Bl(U4KBEIDiaO.
ftltel
■n^lt OMy te patteya el aea
wa Jaaa IA aest IteywiUiad al njTilflTiii i
I tor atetaBaahia wwtk, aad «
,rirmrfU.Un. ' H. ft. I
8m^I
onriTCTB or PBorooftAPHT.
relAfBanwo.
IXboaelhat tte eAorta of I
■ wMl year owa pow«rfMteid« «l ite Mlh
tof a TMhaala|inllHllMi.il«a^«a
laao/thi^ ■awMtete to Hwanai
nptera than tte artabUeteMot ol aa
aad alee, I b«^ witfaooti
r OM dee'e pieeareeiv «< • OMtaal aiab. to wWah aMdd te I
»ea ol » hght aad badlac " fai tte pmeliae ol L
"aattediMaalt la frt. ia a ^Mer of ao
edttalaari aoalatiai: aad. aa baa«ia|
lite la ialwfaaa ay owa peeaonat
at tte Um» iiMiirtid wiib a welt-kaowa teaMr. I
•( alaMai lee tte rtadr «l Uieetotiaat
graphy, the crude idea being to worlc on the qrllaboi of the City aad
Qnild* of London Inetitota, and (or the aoeiety to giTe to any raooeeafol
itadeat eertifioatea lisnifying eompetenOT not onlj tor theory, bat, attet
eooltibationa of work in open exhibitions, for practical work. I oon-
eidartd that inch eartifieatee eoold not (ail to be of ralae to the poeaesaor,
althoogb powibly the field of itody woold tere been lODaewhat limited.
Tte nrojeet (ell throogh, hot from one oaoae ooly, which waa, howerer, a
vary unpartaat ana— Ti&, tte want of a qnalifled (b; City and Guilds of
LoBdoai laetitate) taaater. There waa otherwise, I think I mv sajr, no
objeetion whatever to tte aeheaa. I never gave np entirely the idea;
bat whan, a (ew years UUor, Idoand nyaalf (after passing tte neeeaiary
«»«»i;n.ttnf..) in a position to offer my own serrioes, ciRiainstaoees la-
moTed me (rom tte town. If it bad not been for that remoral, I should
eattsialy teva aadsaTOOiad to mate a beginning. Let me say here, that
it, in my ptaesnt poaWoa, I eaa do anything in the direction indicated, I
steD iwi taiiilj te rsa^r to help, tat there shoold be eanceited sotion.
T inild illMil Ihl inniull n of a "British Photographio InstitaU,"
aakaialpUoa ooa goinea lor Loadoo members, half a guinea (or eountiy
maaihan, with tte oaoal oOeee ; and an edoeational and raeeareh eom-
odMee to te tormed ol boo of snob calibre as Captain Abney, and otbeia,
whoee mwn aataimlly oiaaaat thenaahrse in a eaaa of tliia kind, who
woold frrfuhtt a ^ynskaa el sta^ lor Ite goidaaea ol proTioeial
tsaahan; aa—taaMoaa >o te haldyeaib, axhtbitieoe of photographs, Ao..
alaojFSMlj. OirtiiMlaa Itea to te awardsd with ratarence to eompelaocy.
It woold aa iliMiga. iadaad. if throoghoot tte oooatry we did not fiad
ten aad there a praoiiaiiig reeruit (or tte raeearoh laboratory at head-
qoartata.
Ti II miiillnr. 1' '" " . ' "^ '--•"^ Itwoold
not do. wuHlaaae, to plaee thla important braneh in the hands o( a
OMa wteb attar kjriaf down tte aaaoaa aad fooadiag. may be, a sohool,
li HaUa to torn MU aad mmniij to play tte dsaee with oar yooag
aadbaidtmgWtotera, Oa ltei^ela,paAapa,U woold te bettor to follow
' oldmaelars aatilsoehtimssaatte"aaw"
teea dkaoveawi a hoMar t
Boptag that thia pnpoaol
te allowsd to dn^-I
of an institute will not
D.D.
A WOBD IN 8IA80K.
rethsBanoa.
Bia,— Tte loHgwriad ^aaattoa aa to tte right ol photognphata— pro*
haateail aad aaaatsor— to oall ihecMaieaB "artisto'* is one ol saap
■olaltoa. 9y Ite right alswiea they teso a toads ri^t to tte diatiao-
Mob. Has* waaefartiatoia hair." aad '■aitiaMiabootor'' Why aot,
llMa, artiato la phot^apteT
Tte fk«aah,aa a
(iinlaas It te the Jaaai
artist ; '^ laaVss ttet to Ite artiaaa. aad hotda tte tana ia
I am a paialer. pbotogiaphen awy tfU ttenaelvee artisto
Woold aal aD raMaoakla eada te asrred by people oalliag thaBssslvea
lawy«a.aaihoia, paialars, pholo-
oa. an tte aoal arliaMa paeph hi the world
i). Ia Fraaee a paiatec aaOa hiatsalt a painter.
•hatltepaa^yanf Xawil.deataia,lawy«a.aaihon,paialars,
pafhan.^.fn«tlagltet— UWag-iMiliar'wteaaolprolsa
la laapsal to dto f aaaHaa wtelbsr ptetognfte an wotte ol ait,
Ihiag may te aaid aa both aidsa. Thia a photograph may pcessss
thing may
aitialia matil.
mneh
■Oad ooold doahk That tte teit photograph
aooU te. aMda aoold tevo tte aaoa art qoaUtka
Ite woite ol tte world'a
patalars, aoi
To toy to tons apoa tte taqrattag art paiaipllnw of tte prsasal
aay til pkii>iw»fci m watte of high artialie merit is vaia
. Tte wmtk MiiBl ol protannrs wte liisd this sodsd
ia -a MtoMtotea." Oa tte other hand. aU that ia
aitiaHi. an itel ia ooed aad to«e ia a photograph, will earn instant rseog-
aad niato aiinbaika.
■alariak mo sooMtUag, hot tte OMa wte usee them
■fttteartfoalityilpoaaaMaa. With a aatoral artiatie
a Msa may pfodaae ptetogiapte ol great artistie
A paiatoa aasda, aad awt poaaaoa, ia — **"*"« to theee natoral
skdl ol a Uad whiah oaly years of deroUonal
s*a4y aaa gita, aad iaHtoMlM, with wbieb ii yet lemaioe (or seienee to
toi^sa to tike canera.— I aa, yoon, Ao..
Sfwan, r.C F«*r«wp n, IWI. Baar Boos.
Gzct^angc Colamn.
Md fsser, aeeetasd. Isr food baok- )
It lor tws eltoae naaBy mod t cm ,*
1
Maad te eunj ds b«»>gri— di lor U(k.«hM
OeiATiva OAsao, HeansKooth. i
lAe ilsad aa4 t-vku tolsod dead or k
illiiM. ■. ■iu, rteleaiMhw. law b ceBylae, tnt. ~
I
160
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[March 4, 1892
fintitiiets to ConfsH)oniient0.
Omm
mi$t U addnued to '• Hisbt Gbohwood * Co.,'^ 2, Tork-itrtet, Covent
Omrim, Lemdo*.
Jobs Thou* B»rtor. Btoorhriagti.-On. pheJomrpk, S«<w '^'J\<" """"^FtZ
J^ 8«« ««2r3r<«M»«'« ChuriS. Clmt, StourfcrvJj..
lUOATm.-Copy the photogmph, and from the transparency make another
mgatiTe.
J. Crawtobd.— We know nothing more of the matter than that which appeared
' in the paragraph to which yon refer.
A. F.— The Scionticon Company, of Colebrook-row, N., who are the makers of
the camera, will give you all particulars.
0. R— 1. The sUver nitrate is largely in excess. 2. The old methylated spirit
is not now retailed in such smJl quantities as you require.
H. W —1. The pictures are excellent. 2. The stains may probably be re-
mored by dilute nitric acid. 3. Preferably after the picture is printed.
W Major.— 1. By a separate pneumatic tube, we should think. 2. The
rentiUtor would answer the purpose. 3. Consult our advertismg columns.
Wblbb Photoobaphbb.— For cartes and cabinets you had better continue to
employ your portrait lenses. No other lenses are so suitable for that kind ot
work.
J Pearson.— Mr. Ackland is not a commercial maker of coUodio-bromide
platee, a modification of which process is simply named after him as the
•utbor.
J C P —The maUrial is celluloid. We do not know where it may be ob-
tained in such thin sheeU; probably Mr. J. R. Gotz, of Buckingham-street,
can supply you with the necessary materials.
F A. Bruton.— Probably Mr. Common or Mr. Isaac Roberts, have numerous
'photographs of nebulse, star clusters, &c. ; but it is doubtful whether you
could obtain them from them. They are not on sale anywhere, to our know-
ledg6. . _^
S. 0. L. D.— Quite enough has been said with regard to the " pastel portrait '
business, not only by us, but by almost every other journal. If you had
only read what has often appeared in our columns, you need not have been
victimised.
P. O'GoRMAN.— The process of photographic engraving or etching (intaglio
plates) attributed to or said to be Klic's process, is not patented ; therefore,
it may be worked without hindrance. WTiether the process be that worked
by Klic or not, it (s one capable of yielding excellent results in experienced
hands.
H. B. H.— 1. Between the so-called sub-carbonate and pure carbonate of soda
ami the common wasliing salt there is little, if any, practical difference in
development ; but the hydrate (which is the caustic compound) is far more
energetic 2. Send ns a letter addressed to the gentleman named, and we
will forward it.
HlBERiriAK Ibraelitk (Bournemouth) asks what are the advantages, if any, of
pebble spectacles over those made of ordinary glass ? — In reply : Pebble
glassee, owing to their hardness, retain their brilliance longer than ordinary
gUssea, and, Deing of a higher index of refraction than the latter, the radius
of the curvature may be lengthened.
Staffs, says for many months past he has been saving the old developing
solution, and now he has a parafiin cask full of it, and asks the simplest
method of recovering the silver from it. As the developer from dry plates
contains no silver, there is none to recover. Hence the best plan of dealing
with the solution is to run it down the drain.
B. A. (Cambs.)— The Utrecht Psalter has been reproduced photographically.
The work was executed some few years back by the Autotype Company by
the coUotype process. We are not sure whether the reproduction was pub-
lished by toem, or by one of the societies. A letter to the Company, 74,
New Oxford-street, will secure you the information desired.
T. Stkdwelt. — It would be quite illegal to produce miniature bank notes for
large, or indeed any, amounts by photography to be used as "Christmas
cards." Whether the Bank authorities would interfere with such small
reproductions as " an inch long," we cannot say. Our advice is. Write to
the Governor of the Bank, and explain what you wish to do.
Alpha. — If the paper is some of the first put upon the market it must now be
tolerably old. and has possibly with age become somewhat deteriorated,
particularly if it has been kept under adverse conditions. We recommend
yon to procure a small quantity of fresh, and then try the two kinds to-
ifether. This will prove whether the paper is at fault or whether it is a
question of manipulation.
F. H. J. RuEL(St. John, N.B.).— 1. 'ITieEastmanCompany, of Rochester, N.Y.,
have recently issue<l a camera known as their No. 4 Kodak, which is adapted
for dark slides. The shutter is exceedingly rapid, but the lens is not equal
in rapidity to Wray's 5x4, which works at/-5J. We are not aware of any
one single hand camera in this country embodying all your requirements.
2. The system is excellent for the purpose.
W. H. GiLDEB (Baltimore). — The panoramic camera, of which you send
sketches, is quite practicable, but it is almost identical in principle with
that by Johnson & Harrison, which was brought out many years ago. It is,
however, imperative that the camera be rotated from a point under the
optical centre of the lens. The idea is undoubtedly a meritorious one, but
we fear that there is at present little prospect of its commercial success on
the iJingtinK market.
J P MiLNEB —1. A single landscape lens covering the size of plate used.
'% Consult our advertising columns. There are so many excellent instan-
toneous shutters on the market that we cannot give preference to any one—
besides, it is against our rules.
Bexley Heath.— There are several ways of producing what are known a.s
" doubles." The plan we gave you in reply to your previous query, that of
taking them direct in the camera, is the most general, because it is the most
simple. It can, of course, also be done by double or tnple prmting from
different negatives, but this method is more troublesome when a number of
prints are required. Tlie picture forwarded was not retained. Why not
ask your friend who made it, and said he printed it from separate negatives,
to tell you how he did it ?
Geo. Stevens says he has lieen experimenting in photo-Uthography, and he
finds a difficulty in applying the ink to the stone, and fears tlie roller may
be at fault. He adds that he bought it second-hand, and wishes to know
the condition the leather should be in, as his is very hard. --The leather of
the roller should be soft, like leather well indurated with fatty matter. If
it be as described, it is next to useless for the work. A great deal of the
success in photo-lithography depends upon the proper condition cf the mk
roller. Better submit it to a working lithographer before wasting more
time. .
W. D. says : "Please to answer the following questions, and oblige, viz.— 1. U
a photographer wishes to prevent others from copying a photograph that he
intends selling (portrait), what has he got to do and what does it cost?
" If a photograph has the word 'copyright' on the mount, does that prevent
e from copying it, or does it only do so for a certain time % 3. I have a
rd that savs on mount ' Copyright reserved.' What does that mean i_—\.
2.
one
card that says on mount ' Copyright reserve
Register the picture at Stationeris' HaU. The registration fee is one shilling.
2. If the word copyright appears on the mount, it infers that the picture has
been made copyright. The copyright in a picture is for the life of the author
iind a certain period after his death. 3. We do not know the meaning of
"copyright reserved" as here applied. .
Georok Grant writes, re copyright: "I would like you to give me yoiir
opinion on the following points. Not the morality, it's the law that is
wanted. 1. Supposing I issued in January a photograph ; somebody copied
it, and I see them selling it at half-price. If I registered it on March 1,
could I stop the sale of copies copied from these photographs issued in
January ? 2. Or could I derive any advantage by now registering the photo-
graph?"—!. This is somewhat an open question. If we mistake not,
contrary decisions have been given on this point. Perhaps some of our legal
readers will express tlieir opinion. 2. By registering the photograph now,
protection would certainly be secured against piracy of any copies issued
after the date of registration. Of that there is no doubt.
H. H. H. says : " Wishing to dry some negatives, the other day, in a hurry, I
did as I had often done before, placed them in a dish of methylated spmt.
Immediately after they were immersed the spirit became " milky," just as it
would have done had " finish " been used. Thinking I had been supplied
with this, I sent the remainer back ; but the seller replied that it was .splnt,
and that it contained no gums. The negative dried opalescent, and not
transparent as usual. Can you explain the cause, or has the dealer deceived
me ?' — The spirit used was no doubt free from gums, but, being according to
the new Excise regulations, it becomes milky in the presence of the water
contained in the negative. This is one of the inconveniences to photographers
of the new regulation. We suppose, however, it must be put up with for
the present.
The PhotoqRjVPHIC Club. — March 9, The Oxyhydrogen Microscope, Mr.
T. E. Freshwater, and The Incaiidescent Light. 16, Shutters, Mr. A. S.
Newman.
Photographic Societt of Great BMTAm. — On Tuesday, Mareh 8, a paper
will be read on Photography applied to the Detection of Crime by Dr. P.
Jeserich. The paper will be illustrated by lantern slides,
London and Provincial Photographic Association. —March 10, The Wet
Collodion Process, by W. E. Debenham. 17, Monthly Lantern Night. 24,
Continental Photographic EstaMishments awl their Influence, by W. H.
Harrison.
Mr. Gustav Muixms, the Court photographer in the Isle of Wight, re-
cently took the first portrait of Prince Donald of Battenberg, the youngest
child of Prince and Princess Henry of Battenberg, at O.sborne. The groups of
tlie Royal tableaux at Osborne were taken on the stage. This is believed to be
the first occasion on which Royalty has been photographed by flashlight.
On Saturday, March 12, the members of the Holbom Camera Club hold their
annual exhibition and conversazione at Anderton's Hotel. The foDowing are
the classes for competition by the members : — Class 1, For the best display of
the most numerous and meritorious prints, the best average to be the basis of
the judgment. 2. For best display of six pictures by new members since last
exhibition. 3. For the best display of six pictures by old members of the Club
who have started photography since the last exhibition. 4. Single portraiture,
any size. ."). For the best set of six lantern slides. 6. Half-plate and 5 x -1,
best set of six. 7. Quarter-plate, best set of six.
OONTHNTS,
_ P*OE
SLTIM LENSES 1(5
I)KVELOP.MKNT "THEORIES" 145
COLOl-KKD photographs 116
RATIO OF GRADATION.— I. By W. B.
BOLTON ; US
CONTl.NENTAL NOTES AND NEWS .... 14»
ON THINGS IN GENERAL. By FREE
LANOK 160
CARBON PRINTING. By GEORGE
BANKART 151
THE "THKOUV OF DEVELOPMENT.
By ADOLPHE H. LEVY Ul
Pa«b
elementary notes on photogra-
phic lenses. by h. w. bennett.. 154
eastman photographic mate-
rials company. limited 155
camera club conference 156
oor editorial table im
RECENT PATENTS 15«
MEETINGS OF 800IETIE3 i^*"
0OBRE8P0NDBNCE US
EXCHANOK COLDMN 15"
ANBWEB8 TO .00RBE8P0NDEKI8 16U
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
:Ko. 1G62. Vol. XXXIX.— MARCH 11, 1892.
BINOCULAR EXAMINATION OF LANTERN SLIDES.
At the iMt mMting of the Loodoo ind ProriociMl Aworwtion,
« rauill piece of «p|»ratiu of the Unternoeoope fff»Mt wae
exhibited, coupled with the name of Mr. Geocs* Maeon, of
GUigow, u its fponaor.
Hitherto " lantenKMCopce," by which we mma the pleaaant
mnd pretty little boxed-ap fbleeteade for riewing lantern tlidee
with a peep-hole in front ooataiaiag a ringle magnifying glau
throogh which to look at them, have been liable to the iwioaa
drawback implied in one eye only being available for the
porpoee; but in the ooe in qneatioo, Uie infinitely more
coafottable and natnxal method of employing both eyee has
been adopted. TUa k eflJMted bj the mean* we deeeribed
«> kqg ago a* 1884, riaee «ydi time tffl Mr. Maaoo took it
up aeTefal mootha ago, it aaemate l»Te been lying ^wrtfu.
It was, la we mid on the former oocaaiwi, a matter of regret
that one eoold not oamine a lantern slide ooder a eeitaia
degree of megnlfcatton with both eyee, aa ethetviae a wy
pioMant table lartfUBMut mi^ teenlt with wUeh om eoold
while away many aa boor in looking at thaw attraotiT*
ptetorai, which would then be ■•« nadar eoudithma more
fhToorable than, and with apparent dlmeuaioiia qvite M great
aa, when they are prcjiectod oa a hrge aeiwB for the beneflt of
the moltitnda, and wfaoo no time ia aibrded •* etadyiag any
one or mote apedal aoifiMla is detafl.
The rmedy fcr tibe ahortaaariag» of the aiagb eyepiece of
the laatomaeeope la obvfcmaly to have two eyepieMa. Tbeae
mart of necemity be pclnnatje in their nature -that ia to aay,
the eyea moat each look throogh tib» iijipiiae laoa oader eir-
comataoeea whieh, eaaiiaiing a effodar leaa, ehall eaaae da-
eentering, or liaiwiilmiiai to the eye throng a portioo of the
at ooe ride of iti eeotiaL Thia, aa we have formariy
Fahown, mnuia really the ntiWartlon of a priam, either with or
'Without ita aofflaeaa being grooad to a onrre. In the Ibmcr
a lena moat alao be employed; in the latter it ia no-
If a wiry abort Ibeoa of eyepieoe be deeired, it is eeaential
it be achrooatie ; bat otherwise it ia not neenaary, aa the
( beading of the fmyarequheddoee oot eaose anyoppneiaUe
I oMce than woold apofcrof Bbett4beaaq>eelMlaid»-
I to salt Tiaioa eorreedy.
have had a Maooolar priematlo laatanmecope amde of
[only four-inch foeos, the eyepieces being aehtomatie, and eon-
oo the piiBciplee we pobliahed els yearn sinoe ; bot,
onder very exeaptkmal droomatanao^ we do aoC raoom-
th^ employwMit of mob great magBMjtBg pMrw. ^r
' eieeptional liiiiiiiifiiim we mean phtdng aa liiatiHiiiaiit of
this natiiri' in the hands of the public ijronprally, oo acooont of
the poosibiliry of itafaeiagOBsaited for all kindaof Tiaion. In
Mr. Maaoo'a aew btaoeBhw, be beat at a aaiall McriSee of mag-
nifying power, preferred to adapt it to the vision of the many,
and therein he haa acted wiaely.
What ia the beat diaphanous material with which to form a
banking for the lantern slide when viewed in this binocular
diaphawneoopet Oroond glass will answer, but it is far from
being the beet If too clcae to the transparency, it oausea a
graaukr appearaaoe that is unpieaaant. Flashed opal is much
to be preferred. We have, with euellent effect, employed
^aai ooated with a thin emoWoa of clarified ^'elatine and
onde of aigc, and pleaaing effoots may be readily obtain»il by
baada of eolomr painted aeroas a strip of glam at the back, by
whieh oaa be imparted a Uue tone to the sky, a grey to the
middle diatanoe, and a warm brown or green tint to the
la tbeae few remarks we have ea^doyed the term lantemo-
aoope for our own present oonvenieooe, as a deaoriptive word
introdnoed by Mr. Tylar, of Birmingham, but without aay deaire
to deprive him of ita ezoluive nae, althongh aa recent enaetmenta
ahow no proteetion ia now given to the holder of any title
or trade mark whieh can be ahown to be of a descriptive nature
—^ fadiag with which we have ao aympathy.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND THE DETFX'TION OF CRIME.
Db. Jbhducs, of Berlin, aMy eoogratulate himself upon having
aeoored the enmity of several aeotiona of the criminal olaases.
Aeeotdiag to his p^ter, whieh was read at the roeetini; of the
PboCograpUe Sooie^ of Great Britain oo Tuesday ni '
miecography baa enabled him to evolve a oUss >y< .A
evideaee which a few yean ago would have been deemed im-
peestfale to eeowe. The value of photographa of the aoenea of
Crimea and aooideats Uken immediately after the ooeomaoea
haa, however, loog been reoogaiaed by others aa well as
Dr. Jeaerieh, bot it baa remaiaed for him to apply photography
to eertain ends which, so f^r as wo are aware, had not before
been aoo«fat in legal procedure. His paper dealt with two
aeetione of the aubjeot, the first embracing photo-mierogrsphio
lepredoetioaa of eobetaneea not to be identified by other means ;
l|MMpiiil tnatfaig of the deteottoa of doenmentary alterationa
aMeninras by ooloai-eeuaitive photogmnhy.
Hairs found on the bodiea of murdered penons, when photo-
graphed under microeoopio magnification, have been proved to
eoiaeide exactly with the hairs of suspected persons, and in one
•aae the hair of a dog wae shown to have emanated from an
animal which belooged to aa aceoaed person. This evidence
waa mainly iaattiuaeatal in securing convictions. In like
manner the hair of n victim was found to be identical with
that taken from the clothing of a anspected persoa Seen
under mieroeeopio magnification, the points of difTerenco
162
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[March 11, 180?
between a man and a woman's hairs imd the hairs of
animals are very strongly marked.
C!oming to the determination of human blood in contra-
distinction to the blood of mammalia, the doctor easily
establiabes the difference in the sizes and shapes of the
corpwwi^ by the same infallible means, the practical appli-
oatioD of the proofs finding play in demonstrating that au ase,
although wiped clean, had distinct traces of human blood
upon it, which the accused asserted was the blood of a goat.
By the same method a spot of blood on the clothes of another
accused was also unerringly indentified, to the confusion of the
suspected individual.
We should infer from Dr. Jeserich's complacency and ex-
ulUtion at the success of his evidence in bringing home guilt
to accused persons— who, in many cases, obligingly confessed
when confronted with these ingeniously conceived accusations
— that Germau judges and juries dwell on a high level of
scientific reason. We are not so sure that similar evidence if
produced in a British Court of justice would so easily weigh
down the balance one way or the other, inasmuch as that evi-
dence is, after all, only more or less of a presumptive nature,
and quite conceivably open to the admission of error.
In the discrimination of forged documents, Dr. Jeserich
strikes us as having achieved results which preclude the
possibility of exception. Ordinary photographs of altered
writings quite fail to accentuate, or even indicate, alterations,
whereas " colour-sensitive plates in a suitable light " (we quote
the whole of the description of the process as given by the
author, although it is obvious what is meant) not only lay
bare such alterations, but also differentiate between variously
coloured inks, and even distinguish the original writing from
that superposed upon it. The value of photography in such
cases as this, which was amply demonstrated by the slides
shown on Tuesday night, seems to us to open up a gloomy
prospect for so-called experts in writing.
Limited space constrains us on the present occasion to do
no more than glance at the salient features of a most able paper,
interesting, perhaps, rather as an account of what photography
is capable of achieving in the field of strong presumptive
evidence in doubtful cases, as well as in the detection of
forgeries, than as an exposition of the process employed ; but,
with the hint thrown out by Dr. Jeserich, we have no doubt
that British photo-microscopists and photographers will not
long delay entering that field, for, especially in the detection
of forgery, the assured penetration and fidelity of photography
will be welcomed by the officers of justice and society at
large.
THE EFFECTS OF MOISTURE IN CARBON TISSUE.
The reviving interest now being taken in carbon printing calls
to mind an important point in connexion therewith that is often
overlooked by some workers, and may still be unknown to
novices. We allude to the amount of moisture present in tlie
film. It is tolerably well understood that carbon tissue is in-
sensitive to light when it is wet, and that, therefore, it can be
sensitised in open daylight, as it only acquires sensitiveness
as it becomes dry. But it does not, on the other hand, appear
to be so generally known that the film is equally as insensitive
when it is in a state of dryness. By dryness in this instance
is meant complete desiccation. When the tissue is in this con-
dition, it may be as safely exposed to daylight as when it is
wet. Therefore it wUl be seen that, as the film is insensitive
alike when dry and when wet, the hygroscopic condition of the
bichromated gelatine is an important factor in carbon printing.
■Want of knowledge of the above fact fully accounts for
many of the failures met with by some who essayed carbon
printini; in former times, when they had to depend upon tissue
of home sensitising, which was not always secured in a
uniform condition as regards the moisture it contained. Hence
there was frequently a considerable waste of material through
errors in exposure. However, this may be considered a
thing of the past, as the tissue can now be obtained commer-
cially,' either in large 'or small quantities, to suit consumers,
ready sensitised and in the right condition for use, containing
neither too much nor too little moisture.
It should, however, be kept in mind that gelatine, particularly
when it contains saccharine m.atter, is an absorbent condition,
and that, if it be exposed to a damp atmosphere, it will take
up moisture, which may have a material influence upon it»
sensitiveness to light, especially if it be kept some little time'
before or after it is printed. Tliis being the case, it is obvious
also that attention should be paid to the conditions under
which it is employed. For example, if the tissue be in its very
best state, any alteration in its humidity, one way or the other,
would be the reverse of improvement. For this reason, the-
paper should never be exposed unnecessarily to the atmosphere,
the state of which, in this country, is continually varying.
Again, if the tissue in its normal state be put into the printing-
frame, and backed up with damp pads, it will absorb moisture
from them, and consequently become more sensitive, to say
nothing of its " buckling," on account of its expansion. On
the other hand, if the pads or surroundings be made abnor-
mally dry, they will deprive the tissue of some of its humidity,
and thus affect its sensitiveness.
Not only does the amount of moisture present in carbon
tissue influence its sensitiveness, but it very materially affects its
keeping qualities. The more humid it is, the shorter time it
will retain its solubility and normal degree of sensitiveness.
It is tolerably well known to most workers that, as insolubility
increases, so does the tissue become more sensitive. The tissue
now supplied commercially contains such an amount of moisture
that, at this time of the year — for temperature is a factor in
the case — it will, with proper care, keep for two or three weeks
in good condition ; but, if it be subjected to a humid atmo-
sphere for a short time as soon as received, it would probably
become quite unworkable at the end of a week, while before-
that time its sensitiveness will have become greatly enhanced.
Seeing that the presence of moisture in the paper has such
a tendency to destroy its keeping qualities, it will naturally
occur to some that, if it were made quite dry, it would retain its
solubility for a longer period. This is the case ; but, as men-
tioned above, a certain degree of humidity is necessary for
successful working. A degree of dryness that would ensure
better keeping qualities would considerably militate against
sensitiveness and other essential qualities. It is a fact that
carbon tissue, if it be thoroughly dried — by this is again meant
completely desiccated — can be, and has been, kept good for
six months and upwards. Probably it could be preserved
almost indefinitely, without having its solubility destroyed.
But in this condition it is quite unworkable, although it still
retains its original properties if the proper amount of moisture
be restored. This may be done by exposiug it for a time to a
damp atmosphere.
Id might be suggested that carbon tissue could be supplied
that would keep almost indefinitely, and have the moisture:
Mudi 11. 1W9]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL UP PHOTOORA.PHV.
IQS
iHtrodooed wb«B it waa raqoirad for mat. So it oould ; bnt,
afltetmuttelj, pnotiMl diffiooltiei ttep in the way. In the
fint plam ti«ne, to poaMM thia property, is in such a brittle
oooditioo that it cannot b« bent without cracking. Then,
tkcra would be the difficulty of introducing the right proportion
of moiatore, and getting it evenly difToaed through the entire
thickoMB of tbe filoi. For it will be manifeat, aa the moiatnre
ia firat abaorbed on tba outer auzfiuw, that that beoomea moiat
before tbe iBner portioa ia affcotail, and, if the expoaure to damp
were eoatinaad long aooogh for it to penetrate to the latter,
the fomer woold beoooM too humid. Thia diffioulty might,
hoverar, be OTaroooe by pemittiDg a oertain aatooBt of
■Bofatore to be taken up by the toitaee, and then atavfng the
tiaaue auHiciently long for it to beoome diffused throughout.
The thii^ has been tried, and it anawered with experienced
worken ; bat, in practice, it was found to inTolve otore trouble,
and required i^aalar kaowMge in getting the tiaaue in a
aatMaotory eonditioa, than in mmUttag it in the 6rat inatanoe,
while tlw raaulia, eren in akilled hands, were leaa uniform.
The aflbet of uMNatura in earbon ptiating may be teeuried to
ooaon
PRINTING FROM DEFECTIVE NEC;ATnrES.
It is a vaty fraqneat uecuneooa to find it neoeaaaiy to print
troa a negative tknt, in ita natural atatn, ia vary &r from
giriaC a wliifcatniy raealt. The friendly advice, "Smash it,
and take tatoAtr," ean nnly be followed in such eaaaa, for the
▼ety reason that renden the task naeaanry — Bnaely, that the
negatira, ttom one canae or another, eaanot be raplaoed ; and,
on tbe same aceoont, the risk attendiag any attempted dodg-
ing or pntdtisf of the pawiio— MfMiee itaalf to aaidom foeed.
The intanaWwIisn of thin imtim, or the radaetfoo of thoae
- are too denae, are aaovfrt the simplaaf and aaftat opera-
i.i-->u* that flaay be raqoirad nader aaeh eirauaalaaoaa ; yet
«ir«a thaae are ahirkad, ao dooht thitMj tm the grooad of the
feulity that seaaai to haaf amaad aafatiTea that are aafc|ae.
The in'teudfaatioB of a griatiae aagatWe tint haa beaa made
Home time, and perhaps seen aonM aai^ and of whose anteoe-
•lento little that is definite is known, to a diftraat natter tnm
takiaf ia hand a plate that to fteah tnm the dereloper, and
''hole hiateey to aa opaa pagai The radnotioo of the
.'ATta of aa iaMfe ia that way defoetiva to even atill
ro nsky, whallMr the cbeaaieal or ■sahanloal asethoda be
; ted, for galatlna filaai behaTO recy emtiaaOy aometiaea
.r such traatmwt After aaiag the ferrieyaaide and hypo
^ndoeer, probably oa ao«M dossM of platoe, witlwat a ain^
, it wiMi nmertad for w to mtk» the djaeerary of one of its
sUaritiee— ite prodiTity to yellow stain — oo a lather vain-
I negative, that had done vaiy well in ito onreduoed atate,
|«ad which did not improve In the proBiea: The plan of poli<ih-
Ja§ with a toft of oottoo dipped in apirit to another phn that
I admiiably in nanenKia oaeea, hot haa a moet oahappy
. of braaUag down when oaDed on for a q^aoial eflbrt
Uadar tlte eireaaMlaaeaa, it to not aarpriaing that the methods
leave tlte original negattTe intact are thoee which find
; favour. If the ease to one simply of over or oaderdeneity,
»plaa to to be weoaaiaandwrl m prtforaaea to that of rapro-
daring it thioagh the iatennediary of a traaapareneyi aa it to
wall kaown tiMt aagativea that do not print aatiafoctorily on
albnmentecd paper win very oftea give a really good result on
, a gelatins pi»A», or better atill oo carbon tranapaienqy tiasue
' Thto «• always fnUt
Another method, and one uhich lends itaelf equally well to
general or to merely local treatment is one that was first de-
scribed by Mr. William Brooks some years ago, consisting in
making a reproduced negative impression upon albomeu paper,
and attaching this to the back of the glass, so that ita parts
register with the negative film. Images that are generally too
thin are admirably reinforced by this means, while, if portions
of the negative only require modification, the remaining parts
of the picture may be taken out by chemical means from the
paper negative, or even cut out. The paper may be oiled in
parte, and left in its origimd condition in others when neoes-
sary, and, finally, the surface of the paper serves admirably for
retouching upon. One care should be taken — namely, that
the paper negative be made to adhere to the glass by the
edges only, as, if moistened and caused to adhere over the
whole surCkoe, it will expand irreguUriy, and the result will be
a want of eoinoideaee of tlte outlines.
Coatiag the baek of the gtoas with coloured and semi-opaqoe
vamishea, portions of which are scraped awav when necessary,
has found many supporters, and, in careful and skilful hands,
to no doubt a uaefUI method. Bat it undoubtedly requiras
thto care and skill in order to ensure success. A plain matt
varnish employed to form a tooth for the pencil u iJso useful,
and to eaaiar to work than the otiien.
Tieene paper and ground-gkMS acreena fixed to the front of
the printing frame, or even piaoed in contact with the back of
the negative, an frequently of the greateet utility when local
treatment to neeaaaary ; but, aa already remarked, a consider-
able degree of care and skill are neceesan- in the execution of
the wo^ with bnuh or pencil that will be required in such
eaaaa. Tbe trouble may, however, be greatly reduced if the
plan be adopted that haa been previously recommended for
vigaettiag^ of keeping tiie printing flrame in motion during ex-
pcsora, aa then, owing to the slight spaoe that exisU between
the negative and the mask, the efleot of the pencil or brush
aMrka to aoftcnad or vignetted, and made to harmonise more
ehaely with the iiaaga proper. Saoh trAtment to specially
adapted, in portraiture, to negatives in which the fiusial grada-
tioaa are too atran^y marked and print heavily ; if a sheet of
tisane paper, or jn^itr minimi, be atrained over the reverse
aide of the aagativa^ and the peneil applied pretty atrongly
over the liaaa or ahadows that are too stron^y rendered, theee
wiU be foond, when printwi on the rotating platform, to be
woaderfrdly aoilaMd withoat, on tiM one hand, interfering
with the deteltioo of the negative, or, on the other, betraying
the uae of the pendL l%oee wlio have tried it will know how
difficult it ia, wttiioat eoaaidefabia aiperienoe, to tamper with
the lines and ahadowa about the eyea ef a portrait and still
retain the eipreaduu, or perfaapa even the Ukeneaa ; but by the
method given it beeomes comparatively easy.
In a large majority of instooces wliat ia chiefly required is the
OMidifioatioa of tlia general density of the negative without any
roadaUoeal traatraoot, and it to to soeh eaaea that our remarks
afr^ineipally intended to refer. As already suggested, the
rspndaotion of the negative by means of a dry plate or carbon
tiesue forms an almoat invariably suitable way out of the
difloohy, but it iiaeaaaitolss the double operation of making a
traaapareaey from which to reproduoe the negative, and thu is
in amny eeeee otaeetiouable. The same remark applies to the
Brooks' BMthod, alee allnded to in the earlier part of the
article, which poaaeaaes the additional disadvantage of greatly
increasing tlie time occupied in printing, owing to the want of
tran^anncgr of the paper support of the auxiliary negative.
104
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[March 11, 1893
But thew can be little doubt that for thin-plate negatives the
.j^tem^s^plemeuting the original image by the superpos.-
uWa secSJd one. or. in the ease <>f " hard " negat^es, of a
thin poeitive image, as recommended some years ago, .s a
thoroughly 80uiul,lif not the very best, one.
{To be etmeluded.)
PliotoirrapWc Convention of the United K-tasr-
dom-Althoufrh u is pretty generally known that the Convention
this year take, place in Edinburgh, the time at which ^j^^^f'^
fixed to be held is not so well known. We learn that the date ha8
been fixed for the week commencing July 11. In order to he in time
for the opening minting on Monday evening, those who have to t™vel
a considerable distance-from London, for examplo-wiU consult their
OOUTenience by leaving on the nightjprevious, by which arrangement
they will be able to arrive in Edinburgh in time for breakfast next
morning. _^_
Sallmeyer's Teleo-photo X.en». — We congratulate Mr.
Dallmeyer upon having effected a genuine advance upon the
original idea, which is now sufficiently familiar to our readers.
We have long thought that a better back combination for a teleo-
photo lens than the biconcave^lens, whether single" or achromatised,
might be devised in order to overcome the lateral aberration con-
sequent upon the employment of that form. By the symmetrical
combination, each element of which is achromatic and concave
per le, now adopted by Mr. Dallmeyer as a distributor, we helieve
that he has placed his teleo-photo lens on a substantial basis, and
one by which a large field is capable of being sharply covered. The
details of construction will he found on another page.
Photograpli of the Moon.— In Knowledge for the current
month there is an excellent photograph of the moon (taken about as
it w entering its second quarter) from a negative taken by the
Messrs. Henry. The plate was placed behind the eyepiece and the
large picture then taken direct, being fifteen times larger than would
have been the result if the plate had been'placed in the)ordinary man-
ner in the focus of the objective.
Fhotopraphy and the Behrinir's Sea Difficulty.—
We note that photography has been used for official evidence in a novel
manner. Our readers are away of the difficulties surrounding the
seal-fishing in Behring's Sea question, and Sir G. Baden Powell
lately paid a visit to the spot, and took a number of photographs,
especially of those spots known as the Breeding Islands. The plates
now developed show the presence of seals in hundreds of thousands,
Enlargrement of microscopic Objects. — Sir David
Salomons recently gave a lecture on Optical Projection, a simile from
which may be quoted. Speaking |of the enlargement of microscopic
objects, he brought before his audience a comparison which would
bring home to the least mathematical mind among them a concrete
idea of what a certaui amount of enlargement, as expressed in the
ordinary manner, really meant. He showed that a postage-stamp, for
instance, if enlarged 4500 diameters, would cover two and a half
acres!
Photographing" on Wood. — At the last meeting of the
London and Provincial Photographic Association, Mr. Rawlings ex-
hibited a number of photographs on wood, which were highly admired.
They were made by preparing the surface of the wood with a mixture
of albumen and zinc white, rubbed in with the palm of the Jiand, and
then coating with a film of collodion on which silver nitrate was held
in suspension, the pictures being printed out under reversed negatives,
and fixed, but not toned. The collodion wa^ then dissolved off with
ether and alcohol. Mr. RawUngs stated that engravers found the
surface of snch blocks excellent for cutting purposes. We understand
that he is to read a paper on the subject at a forthcoming meeting of
the Association.
Cloud Photography .—This is the title of an article in La
Nature by M. Gaston Tissandier. It contains much instructive
matter, and is illustrated by a very excellent photograph of clouds,
obtained at the Pic du Midi by M. Jacques Ducoru on August 19 last.
The latter, in his descriptive note, states that the only fear in ex-
posing is that the time given may not he short enough. The ordinary
method of photographing, he says, though sufficient for amateurs,
leaves something to be desired for the scientific man ; but, by means
of isochromatic plates and a yellow colour screen (glass with parallel
faces) placed within the lens, he further states that, although the
screen is used, the exposure is still instantaneous, and the only fault
the negativeslpossess is that they give the deep blue of the celestial
vault as absolutely black.
Combustion of Celluloid.— The durability of celluloid and
similar substances has more than once been questioned : Professor O.
V Boys has published an account of a very singular accident to a
lady's dress, caused by buttons made of one of tUs class of compounds.
She was standing in front of a fire, not blazing, but merely red ; the
button was entirely consumed, and others were scorched. Professor
Boys has been makmg some " rough-and-ready tests" with one of the
buttons, which, as he puts it, show that they are for all practical pur-
poses liable to spontaneous combustion. Of course, until we knew
the actual composition of these buttons, we could not justly compare
them with the celluloid employed for films, but at the same time the
Professor's account will cause some anxiety, and the fire insurance
companies, never too eager to make things comfortable for photo-
graphers, will thus have another levor for increasing their rates, or at
any rate, refusing to lower them, as it is the universal behef they
ought to do.
"Truth" and the Free Portrait Swindle.— Our six-
penny contemporary, which, by the way, some years ago dis-
tinguished itself by its offensive and ignorant views on photography
and photographers, has recently, inter alia, been having its fling at
the Imperial Portrait Association, alias Charles Bere.sford, alias
Austin & Eddy. If "Henry" had read his British Joubnal, he
would have found that his young lion had only made a second-
hand discovery, that the Free Portrait trick oiigii.ated in the
United States", and that it was worked by one gang in this
country. It seems now that "Beresford," as a new bait, professes
to have bought the bankrupt stock of " Austin & Eddy," and con-
sequently two-and-sixpenny picture-frames are now to be had at the
reduced "rate of— five shillings each. The other night, at the meet-
ing of the National Association of Professional Photographers, this
subject was mooted, the reply being a "non possumus." We think,
however, that the Association might confer a distinct benefit on
the profession and society by officially issuing a public notice warning
people against Beresford, Austin & Eddy, and others of their kind.
Fading- of the Xiatent Image. — A correspondent, in the
last number of the JocaxAL, relates an experience tending to show
that the undeveloped latent image, if kept for a length of time —
seven years was the length in the case under notice — practically dis-
appears, and that the paper which was exposed in tlie first instance
may be employed a second time, and on development will exhibit little
trace of the original picture. Our correspondent's experiences are
very remarkable ; but, as in the case we dealt with in the leader to
which lie refers, we are strongly inclined to refer the cause of the
phenomenon to damp or gas exhalations. We do not know whether
the fading might also be induced by the possible fact that the
emulsion was prepared with a bromide having free bromine in it; at
liny rate, this, we remember, was once suggested as the cause of the
fading of the latent image. Per contra, has it not also been contended
that the latent image, instead of fading, grows by long keeping, so
March 11. 18ft}]
THE BRITISH JOURNAI. OF PHOTOaRA.PHY.
IffS
thmt after a time properly expoaed platen will exliiliit the phenomena
ot cffta-esfomut f Manifeatlj, both theoriea cannot be right, and,
aiMpt nadar ahaooal oooditaooa, wa faQ to a«e bow the/ can b«
odMVwiM than wrong.
Ketlijl«t«4 Spirit of th« Old Bind.— We append an
■•xtrxrt from a efaenlar that haabaMlMtaaairelr circuUted throuj^bout
tba eoimtiy hj a drm of methjlated tpirit maker* :—
Tb PBorouupKXBa, MicwMcoran, Scaxrvnc Wobksbs, &c.
—The Ezdw aatboritiea baTii^ br a iMent order prohibited t he sale of
caatb^ktad (pirit br retailers and deaiaca, eseept with the addition of a
-vrtain quantity of mineral naphtha or oil — an addition which renders
It extremelr unsuitable for phota|^phie and other adentitic parp<jsee
—we da«re to adviae joo that by applriiv to the Board of Inland
Raramw tbey will mat joa a apecial aatboritjr to um the ordinary
pan methylated ipirit opon joar mtiitfiafc them of tba hmaJUm ot
yoar application umI brtMrtaooa. Tba appBeatioa aboaU be made in
tba flnt place to tba oOear of Inland Rereanefor^our di«trict,*utinfr
tba parpoae for wUeh joa intend to Ma tba apint, and the c|u«ntitv
TOO propoee to tlotk at cm time. WIms tUa apeeial permiaauMi u
.Tanted you, if job will forward |o na aa ocdar made oat oo om of
The oOdal forma prorided ^ tba £sciM, wa will ba hmfff to aappty
you with tba old ityle of matbyktod miiit, frae fhMi MaMral oil or
uiijieral naphtha, at the prieea aa unlau balow.
No donbt manj of oar iabieribers Iwra alreadr aralled thamaalyn
<f tba adrioe. It will ba iataiaatfaf aad oiaAil to o«r xaadar*
.riaerallr if aome of tbam will bt na kaow of tbair iiiceaw.
A Vseftil (f) Hint — Thirv it a photograpbar - out Waat ' (it
onM DAt poanbly \f anywhere eUe) whoa* himiaoBM hoaaa i* mid
to ba a mntinmant to the ptarailiiig Taait j of womaa. Tba pbot<>-
pm/lmt ia rich, aad tbia ia how ba bacamii aa Yeara^ifTO ^ >* ■■■^
lo bar* ootind that, wh««i ba got • Mf ^Uar with a pair of Maall
•mi, rfw iwMali J likad to piaca banalf is that iMf fiby-liha aopporta
wwa fm riaible. wbUa the bdy with tha )nf aiMhapaa boofk
ktfH bar frvt oat of light From tUa ha iBfemd that the latter
yanoB wooU ameh ptafar to bar* two laall Ibat alao, aad, if tba bad
than, aha woald waat to diaplajr thaa ; aad thea ha ooaoeited the
itfaaliMU of kaaffaf faat oa baad, aad aappljiw Ihta to etntoaor*
who Madad thaai. Ha hM a dooaa pain of thaw amall wooden
fctt, with adorabb boota oa thaw aad ittaahid lo each of tbam ia
eight iaahaa «f Ug, elothad ia aaat itwMag^ aad with a book
•host half wajr op. Tha lady with than— eai ail wJliatiapUated In
a«hair,with bar aaaaifaUmbaaBdoapioaahooubiddeaaa far back aa
tkij MB go withoat diikeaiiag bar kaaaa, aad than the artlieial iaga
■■■■afaDyheotodoB tethaiaaarhaaiof hardiaaa. Coa*ai)tiratly.
Hka a panoa welaiat la aa aaay attitodr, with her
lart aipoaaJ by aeeldMt, aad, if aha caa ftand tb* •erain,
tbawaahfaf photogiaph ia a baaatlfd tUiy to look at If •h.- ran't
ataad the alnia, har raal faat eoaa farward ]att ia tia^ to kiwp the
iiiiimiiial attitada tnm wnaeldag har Joiata aaoadar, and tbca aha
appaaniathaaagatireaaaqaadr^ad. Ha! ha? " 8a aoa * fvro, «
hiBtioTato.'
▲Inmlnlum Vaaaala.— Tba oaa of alaaiailua raamla for
aloving, mea^anqg, and canyiag laqaida, in liaa of tba eottly glam
tbmagh tha iaaviiahla Iw^akagM wil eammaad
to tha pbotogiapkar if, aa wa aay ospaet, thay aia ptodaeibia
•ompaiatirvly low priee. It baa baoa aamrtiJ by two Oarmaa
■taia that aoeh Taamie aio aanfa to om oa aeeaoat of tb<ar
atdaUa ia varioaa awuua> Prut— t O. Laagv, however,
and pnbMibm ia tha Aj^mtmmy aW
a/ aa aeoMiit of aa invaatigalioa ha baa and* lato the
Xot to taidaa oar laadan, we nay extract a portion of the
I that ha haa arrirad at, aa ttatad h hi* paper. He laya
' portable Hqoida are practically ioert. " Taking tba wor>t
I kaad, that of aettie arid, we ftnd a maximum attack of lam than
pw 100 (qaar* caatimetrta in aix dayi." Kedooed
I waalt»> Ikia it aqoal to a litre meaaor* (noarly a quart),
a miifigiammaa a day, eroa if it wate alway* foil, or I gramme
tdayti aad oaly ia U ymn would it ba radaead to half it«
hu Aleohol pan of ftf^ par «Bt atnngtb kat -61 of a milli-
gramme in aix daya per 100 tqoare oentimetret of surface ; and in tha
same time a fira per cent, solution of tartaric acid lost 1-(V) milli-
grammes; fire per cent, solution of citric acid, 2-lo ; one per cent.,
1»-1.> milligrammes; but a quarter per cent, of salicylic add, »t..S.j—
perhaps s misprint for O-^-l It will thus be seen that, for any but
the moat delicate operations, auch vessels would be practically ua-
touched during the ordinary uaaga of the dark room.
WHY PHOTOGRAPHS FADE.
II.
Bbfobx we make aa examination into the contributory eauaea which
the various manipulatory details of photographic printing tend ts
pr<Klaoe in the failing of our printi, it would oe as well to eleariy
naderatand the action of the various agenciaa which cause tbia
daatraetaon.
By far the moat aariooa that we have to contend againat is tha
actiuo of the aulpborotting compounda in the atmoaphere; indeed,
tha injury produced from any othar eauaa mav almoat oe put down as
due to pivtentabie causae. For iaatanoa, if we take the action of
damp, where the dacompnaition of the aiae in the paper forms a
deatructiva mnnHinaai which causae tha fading of the picture. Here
we have cooditiooa to which I do not consider it is fair to put such a
thing a* a phutogimph, hacaute it is due to an injury to tba paper
iiaetl, and I think common care should be taken with them, as with a
water-colour painting or an aagraving.
Albumen print* bring tha grtateat tofftrers from damp, if a photo-
grapbar knows hit prinu are going to be hung in a damp place, in a
showeaaa on a platform wall at a railway station, for instance, he had
better put them in nearly boiling water for a ahort time, to remove
tlie tiie before mountiog thea.
The dettraetiTa action of nxiditing agoata is one which, in the case
of galatiao-ailver aniaUaa papart, ii not rtoeiving naarly the atten-
tioa at tba priiiat tioiceitaer by the manufaotoran or pbotographaia
gaaacaly, wbioh I thiak it oi^ht to. 1 am not referring ao much to
tha aubiCanoaa oaad ia mooatimf, which sanarata an acid by fermonta-
tiaa,bat to tha oaa of aeida,aadoipaeialhrtotho on of alum, whether
in tha amnlAw or whaa bardaaiag aad daariag tha print*.
When I say that in a asrias of expanmaota which I made soma
time since, to tost the rtiativa oapability of varioua photographic
priata to withaiaad oxidation, I fouiid that in tha case of one popular
•mulsioa paper ia tha market that the imagaa on the prints were
daatroyad, tnlead, then waa not tba slightest trace left of a picture,
aad I thtak it OMat prohabia that this was due to the pr«tence of
ahim ia oootaet with the silver in the a«4atioi^lm, it having beea
added daring tba prapatatJoo of the emuUiuo, and I am much afraid
that in tha futun this paper may get a bad name in consequence ; and
tha wont of it ia, emuhlon p^an of all kioda will aaffer aa wdl. Tha
pubiie will get to group thasa aa all bad alike.
I'usaiblT daodng tha prinu after developamnt with a weak acid
bath, tfdtj/mr* thfim0k^ WMitd tfUntarJ* btfor* bring put in tkt
kfjto bmtk, may not do aaeh harm, but it all depend* upon tb« thorough
waahiag.
With albonea priaU I do aot think wa havo tha aama aaad to ftar
injury by oxidation aa with tha galatiMxhknide or broaida developed
prints, aa tba alhumaa avidaatlv acU at a prenrvativa.
To return to tba aubject <i the iniuxy to the prints caused by
aulphunttiag eoaponada in tba atansnhan, actii^ upon the paper or
the aabataaea focaung tha inuga. With ngard to tha paper, of course
tba higb lighu of tha pictan dapaad upon iu wbitaneae, and, for
mysalf, I do not eoarfdsr that aay photograph caa ba called permanent
it than ia any Ion of tba puritv in the wbitet, duo to chemical com-
pounda left u tha paper, which in time caiiae the bitter to yelk>w
under tba action of tha tulphuisttwl hydrogaa ia tba atmoaphan.
ladaed. ia maa eaaaa oat of tan, tba fading of a photograph is due
\gjk^mifam'\ag of tba wbitaa of the picture, aad not to the nblitera-
MnriBO iaag* itself, to that, practically speaking, it is of far mora
iaportaaea to aanufaetimn aa well aa pbotogra^ers to knik after
the purity of tha paper used, and to see that mHniffg it left in it which
wtU in time cauta it to yellow, than even abonttna ttability of the
imago ilnlf. Under otdiaary oooditiona an image of ailvar can ba
made aufficientlr stable, but, of ooum, a printing-out procan in
another metal which did not change into a yellow lulphide would be
better if it could be worind with as much certainty, and with as few
manipulatiiry drawbacks, aa a silver prinling-uut process.
The great requinment for a sample of paper to be adapted for
photosraphic purpoan ia, that it must not only be uniform in texture,
but like an aagiariag, or for a water<olour painting, must not con-
168
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOaRAPHY.
[March 11, 1892
Uin in the siziiig, &c., anything that will cause it to yellow in a few
Some ezperimenta which I hare made, by subjecting about fifty
samplet of paper* prepared for photo>:raphic, drawing, and other
purpoees, to the action of suli>hurett«!d hydrogen, showed thjit tlie
photographic and the good drawing papers answered these conditi-iis
perfectly, and that thev did not in themselves contam Hnytbinp
miuriom. 1 wish I could say the same after tliese papers had been
•enaitiaed, or otherwise prepared for photographic uses. J5ut when
«ne acMthe white paper of a so-called permanent photograph turned
to iomething the colour of an Australian sovereign, one begins to
think it is about time to inquire into the subject.
Hkrukut S. SxAHNKa.
IMPROA'EMENTS IN THE TELE-PHOTOGRAPHIC LENS.
Ik the paper that I contributed to the Camera Club I pointed out
that, in the tele-photograpliic lens there exhibited, I believed I had
accomplished the best possible result with the least expenditure of
optical means. That lens, as your readers -will remember, consisted
only of two cemented combinations. It is well known that any single
aplanatic lens can only define properly for the axial pencil, the
definition falling off very rapidly when the pencils become even
slightly eicentrical, for thi's reason : In using two combinations only,
the correction for the excentrical pencils has to be accompUslied by a
proper form ascribed to the negative element. The mam drawback
to this lens is that, although it may be corrected for outstanding
sphericid aberration /or any particular plane, it is not rectiUnear, and,
moreover, it is impossible to make it so.
At the time of reading the paper I mentioned that I was engaged
tipon the construction of a series of negative elements, to be employed
in conjunction with rapid portrait lenses of short foci.
As your readers are well aware, the main object in photographic
lens construction is to attain the best possible definition for the
excentrical as well as the central pencils; and, in rapid portrait
lenses, the number of elements employed enable this to be carried out
to a much greater extent than is the case with a single combination
lens.
The improvement that I have made consists in employing, in con-
junction with a particular type of portrait lens, a compound sym-
metrical negative element that is practically aplanatic in itself, and is
also corrected throughout its entire field, but of negative focus. This
construction permits of an excellent correction for the excentrical as
well as the central pencils, and reduces distortion to a minimum.
Another feature in employing the particular form of portrait lens
(introduced by my late father) is the possibiUty of correcting the
complete combination (positive and negative) for outstanding spherical
aberration throughout tne entire field, for any chosen plane of object
or screen. If a lens of this form is properly corrected for a near
object, it will be found, on employing the same instrument upon a
distant object, that it is no longer perfectly corrected, but outstanding
aberration asserts itself. By employing the form of portrait lens
illustrated in Fig. 2, a slight separation of the back lens will entirely
remove this.
This matter might strike one at first sight as being of little import-
ance : but such is not the case, in that the main feature in the utility
of this type of lens for ordinary purposes consists in the employment
of (M large an aperture as jmssibte, first on account of rapidity, and
secondly on account of the fact that the larger the aperture the larger
is the field that is covered or angle included. Were it not for the
possible means of correction referred to by the separation of the back
elements of the portrait combination, the only other method of cor-
recting the outstanding aberration would be the employment of
diaphragms, that would very materially affect both the important
considerations.
I have been asked, on frequent occasions, whether still larger
amplifications could not be attained with the same camera extension ?
This, of course, is possible by employing negative combinations of
shorter fod than the particular ones which I have considered a useful
mean both for the angle included and adequate intensity.
It is a very simple matter for a given extension of camera to make
the amplification very much greater than that which I have adopted ;
but the drawback is that the angle included again becomes very
small, and the loss of light considerable.
Dbscbiftion of DaAwiNO.
Comparing Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the positive element P, represented as
a single lens in Fig. 1, is replaced in Fig. 2 by a portrait lens V, and
the single negative clement N, in Fig. I, is similarly replaced by the
double combination negative aplanatic system. N in Fig. 2.
When the lens L of the portrait combination is in its primary posi-
tion, the correction of the negative combination is adjusted for near
objects; but, if the lens be focusaed on receding planes, by the
sliglit adjustment of unscrewing the back cell, and slightly separating
the components of the posterior combination, a perfect correction for
spherical aberration can be attained.
Again, if a telephoto lens of any fixed construction be focussed
upon an object with a short extension of camera, it will be found that
it is not perfectly corrected for a greater extension of camera. This,
again, may be corrected in a similar manner by a slight adjustment of
the back lens L of the portrait combination, T. R. Dallmeyeb.
ELEMENTARY NOTES ON PHOTOGBAPHIC LENSES.*
Stops.
The diaphragm, or stop, is a metal plate having a circular aperinr*,
which becomes the effective area of the lens by only allowing a beam of
light its own diameter to be utilised in forming the image. As tha
rapidity of the lens depends entirely on the amount of light that it
transmits to the plate, it is directly proportionate to the area of the stop.
This area varies as the square of the diameter, so that, with a given lens,
a stop of one inch diameter is four times as fast as one half an inch.
The rapidity does not depend on the actual measurement of the stops,
but on their relation to the focus of the lens, their size being expressed
in fractions of the^focus, so that a stop one inch in diameter, used with
an eight-inch focus lens, would be called /-8, generally written as a
fraction, in which the letter F takes the place of the numerator, tht
fractional figure the denominator.
Stops are usually arranged in sets, the following fractions of the focof
being the standard of the Photographic Society of Great Britain, and
almost univsrsally adopted :— Focus divided by 4, 5 J, 8, 11, IG, 22, 32,
45, and 64. Each of these is twice the area of the following ones, and
consequently each requires double the exposure of the preceding.
The full aperture or largest stop of a portrait lens is generally on»-
fourth of the focus, in a few special cases one-third to one-half. The
•uryscope/-oi or/-6. The rapid rectilinear, one-eighth ; the single land-
scape, one-eleventh to one-sixteenth ; the wide-angle rectilinear, on«-
sixteenth.
All lenses are of equal speed when the aperture is the same proportion
of the focus, the rapid types gaining their rapidity from their construction
allowing the larger aperture to be used. A portrait lens, when 84op/-16
is inserted, is no quicker than a wide-angle rectilinear with the same
aperture.
Photographers generally use stops for' one purpose far more than any
other, viz., obtaining depth of focus, or the _, power of rendering objects
at different distances reasonably sharp at the same plane. Absolute
definition in the various images is impossible, but in ordinary work a
slight departure from mathematical exactness in this respect is an
advantage rather than otherwise. If a prominent feature in a landscape
is sharply focussed with the full aperture of the lens, most other parts ara
£uzzy or out of focus, while by inserting a stop all may be rendered fairly
•harp. No amount of reduction in the size of the stop will change thi
plane of greatest sharpness for any object, or alter the relative distaneei
of correct focus ; but, by reducing the diameter of the circle of light that
takes the place of what should be a point, it produces apparent sharpness.
When a large stop is used, if one object, whose focus is at A in diagram 9,
* Coulinucd from page 155,
MMcb 11. IflM]
THB BK1T18H JODRNAL OP PHOTOGRAPHY.
167
i* U B, «fl] ba
I gnoad Rfaus, bU points in another, vhoM tdbat
1 hj cirdM of ligbt, whoae diuneter ia eqnal to
AQ
uie DCST7 Una la um ilui«nuD. »bi1 b* •uaptf » Imli/ BMii Bjr iaatrtinf
A Hsy tk* 4taHMlM «f lh«* dfeka i* nfciil ia pnyoctiaa to iu lia*. m
!■ tka lovw IfW*. «ri Uw oki«M afVHn iHriy «*U aalMd.
I taMM •< *• MM tDOW IMV* tq«it 4*|«li vbM «m4 with th« Mm*
h —g iiftlihM irtll tJI jn« tn ihrir r«t«lrrt-r t*-rt «rtuB
t lh«y r»«"»fc«*m- t mil ninlliim diytli ol toeM."
Tbi* b iiiililHliM. R b Mllnlj jflipwawl ol Ik* o>wiUM>too or
qnality o< Um boa. m tho dUciam will iImw.
WUb M iVartw* o( lb* Mno vatao. Um 4«flk offaMH variM ia isvww
|nparti«B to lb* Ideas ol tk* Imm. so that a (Utna-laak laaa voaU
i<«l7lialftk«4*plbe(aa«i(kWiMkif/-ie ««• Ika Mar wmI >•
rtooi tkia it toOow* that Ik* 4«f<k of loM* <■>—<* *• tk*
ria* or ■ mat M Ik* Maf. aad I* Ml taflaMcad b^ tha Io*m of
Ik* Im*: a iter, a ^aartar ol aa iaik diaaal«, voaU gif* Ik* aaiM
4«plk «kM aaad vitk a tr»4mA kM aa i* «aaU vilk a laMtyiaak.
Thia ii a ioaiawhal Martliiw >w»yoriHM le aaal pkotagmpkafa. aad
It waa Ant yaiatad eat ky oar Mr. W. B. Ha>>aliim : diacnua 10 will
•*. It poial* C and D. CM* ineh apart. rapraaMt
« potaia ot aharpart fooM far urtain obiaata wflk a lw«Mr-<aik iMa, a
on« qaartar «l Ml taA diMMlw. bataf /■•O, aoaU
fiHB D le ba A iMh «Maalv, wk*M k a
lh« ■abatlialloa el a i«*-kMk baa, Ika
)aU b* *■• ^aartat el m ia*k aoty, aa K aad T; aad a
tMi«/.« far Ikb
aaeaB F. or J^
Mp« M 10 eoatar flataaoa d laid. Kol oaly ta Ik*
"v flatl«aad wkM tk* aHaltar atop* are n**d.
» ettrraior* i* tadnead at Ike aaa* IkM, aad
an opifcal qnaslion, allhoagh intimately eonneotad with the artistic
aspect ol pbotogiaphy.
It is Tei7 beqnantlj assumed that a pietore taken with a large stop is
OMia btOUaBt tlwa il a small on* iiad b**a nsed, the principal basis tor
tkb aMaavtbn kelfl« the brilUaat aOaek od tke ground glass, with all
Ik* eolean firidly pertrayad ia the one eaae, contrasted with the dnll,
i^mt^ aaitorBly dark, and lit alasa seene that takaa its plaoe in the other.
Thia is simply dae to tke antoont ot light in tha latter instanea being loo
fiffH for the gnidatioaa to be risible to tha eye ; the relation between tha
high lidhta aad deep akadow*. and th* inlviaadiat* rang* ot toaea ia
axaetlr tha iMM ia saek eaaa. aad. it the axpoMUaa giren with tke two
■lepe w«r* ectreelly laoyertlewed to Ikeir tiapasHre daea, tke negatires
weald be cqnally brilUaat. They would ae« be tke eaate, howerer, ia
otker iMti^l*. tk* aperton infloeacing largdy tk* ataoapherie pfteet.
In a laadaeapa atgatire, taken with a very small slop, the most diiiant
ai« praetisally aa sharp aa Ika faragroond. and the etfeet ot
ia la*l, while, it Ike apartaia war* onlaigad jost MiAaiaotly to
tk* rliilami <«I7 lUgktljr oat ol faaa*. to tk* astaat d slightly
, tk* ealUa*. lb* sCnI ol >f psphat* liifarienliig
aad Iko** plaaaa ol.tk* pfataN i* •*eai«d. and gWea
ol tke Uaear parapaotir* nadsring. Car*
k* atwoMI to avoid eiagRatating this difloaioa or aoltaaing cl
ffirtHft*. aad M flMtiUjiiig Ik* *8*et that it is intandad to prodooe. Ia
■aay p|Miirnia|itn aaat le oar Isaiim eskibitiaa* tk* adrocalas of the
■* XamlMla " or "iMiaawkaiial " inhnnl hsTi nsniril this dittosion to
•ack HI aboard dsgrs* tkat tk* dlslaae* slasply bsooaa* a meanin^iless
■aMdsreidolaUtMa aad ekaraeler. aad. instead ol iBM*«ting soft,
kaij dhtanw Ha oaly *0*ct ia le iiTilate the «y* tk* asliaok* opp*siU
rktok weald b* predaead k7 Malan ksnsU.
priasipie. Ik^aollaoiag of
' Ike taztoxa, mtm, orekaiaol
oolUn*
olthe
b* briefly
Ik* d*ptk el fa*M aad aiBie*p>i«rfa •lb*t d*p*nd on th*
sia* el tka stop, the aipeania oo its ivlalioa to th* focus ot tha
Haxai W. Dbxmtt.
KOTES OK BOIIK XXW BAPIP ORTnocnROMATIO COLLODIO-
BBOMIDB EXCUSION I'UOCESSEa
Om^mm dqr plalaa kaa* aow lakM (oak a kold oa the pkolognqihic
world tkal h weald b* akaort aariaa to capeat aar g*a*ral Mam to
e«ntr»i
In
••(Ml fllatniaalhm. the aoMoat ol Igkt
' plat* is eqoalisad by rsdadag tke
nt lisbtiaii waa ghtm ki dhfMM 8 ;
■ !hat. byiasiiiku a nudwaHiy
'■•d oabrebaa aqaal^ aa tb«
loit<
raipa. it ia beat to giro a 1
' '.!i*iai^*,Mtki*iafanly
world tkal H weald b* akaoal aadaai to capeat aar g*a*rai Mam to
eeaodiea, whrt***r il* ad*aala«** aOikt be. for all ordiaary porpoaea
na^f^Bad* gdhllaa plat** Maat leiMln tfi* laoat aeeveDi*at mtdinm for
Ike iMrillii ika. naMaio, kewevar, tamy pkotagn^hie operations ia
whidi «*rtaia awiMHa* aia ie<air*d in tk* aagatin or tranaparaoey whiek
ai« (ar bettv oMaiaabl* wHk eoUodfaa than wiik gelatine, and (
ol tke aawlng
elartkiUai
ipar*iM7i
and tills is Ika
far tk* faoroduoUoo of
itea'or kaU-taa*. Here, ia CaJoatta, we are
a*elk*flldwel*ellediM proaeaa fat aU oar oopylng work in
ol ladia Oflfa*. Md tke omm la the eaae in most d the
ia olkar parte d tke worU working proeeaa blocka and
oikar pketo'inaehanieal praeeaoaa for lepruduetioo ol lioe-work. How, aa
aotM d yoo may know, tke practioe d the wet collodion proeeaa U
aUsMlad with many laoaaieaiaaoaa hi tke war ^ nitrate d ailrar balka,
wkiek an dUttcalt to piaaarre ki aKri order, aad keep OM'a Itagan in a
d perpatoal tilankiiwa. Ill* drying d the films, and Olkar treablea.
Hur W all avoided ia working an cmnltioa proosa*. As collodion
'go, the wet piecaea i« Uirly rrn'ilife, and thoogb far below
fMlatine in asositiveaes*. it ia. as a nil*, moch iiaickar than the ordinary
dry eoUodioa pioci**aai, and foe Ibis reason the Utter hare, so far aa I
kaew, aol matuUf aona into aaa in ealabliahmenta lik* oors, where a
laiyaaooatdeepying work UdoM, and wet eolkidiea baa ao far helJ
itat
108
THE rnUTISH JODRNAL OF PHOTOGKAPIIY.
[March 11, 1892
I b»v« oAaa tbooght th«t th« experisnce gidned in making the hiRhly
MiuiUTe geUtin* emuli.ions iniRht ronsibly b« applied to the preparation
of TMT MiuiUTe coUodio. bromide emuUiona, and it liaa, in fact, already
be«n done by Captain Abney and otijers, but with very httle practical
•iperienoe in emulsion-making with collodion, one did not quite Isnow
what proceaa would be likely to beet aniwcr for ordinary work.
•VNTien 1 wae in Europe laet year, I was told in Berlin of «> ortho-
ehromatie collodion emul.ion. prepared by Dr. E. Albert, of Munich,
which wa« laid to givf very good results, and to be very sensitive. So,
keiDS afterwards in Munich, I paid a visit to Dr. Albert, who very
•OMttooily ibowed me a good deal that was interesting, and I was
■weiaUy impnMed by the sight of his negatives of copies of paintings
taken with hia orthochromaUo collodion emulsion. I have never before
MMi such fine negative^ fuU of the most brilliant soft gradation a,nd
detail, and of the beautiful violet-purple colour of the best wet collodion
MntiTCs which one misees so much in gelatine, and which indicates,
Moreorer. an exceeding fineness of deposit. The process seemed a most
Talnable one, and I should have got some of the emulsion for tnal, but
was told that it would not keep in a hot climate. Dr. Albert's emulsion
kas been on sale in Europe for the last year or two, but little was known
of the process of preparing it, except that the coloured solution contained
one of the eoeine dyes and some pierate of ammonia, the latter serving m
pUee of a yellow screen. , ■ n ■
Shortly after my return to Calcutta last November, I read m I'ant
fhotographe, M. Nadar's excellent monthly, an extract from the
Cm-etpondem, of a paper by Dr. A. Jonas, of Vienna, describing some
•xperiraenU he had made, at Dr. Eder's suggestion, in preparing an
emulsion simiUr to Dr. Albert's. It seemed to me worth trying these
lormul«B, and when I did so, 1 was quite surprised at the results obtained,
and especially by the wonderful sensitiveness conferred on the emulsion
ly the addition of the strong picratcd erythrosine-silver solution, so that
the coloured collodion emulsion was about as sensitive as ordinary gelaUne
dry plates. No such enormous rise in sensitiveness is noticeable in ortho-
•hromatising gelatine dry plates with weaker crythrosine-silver^solutions.
Dr. Jonas's method of working, as given at length in the Photo-
frapkitehtt Corretpondem for July, 1891, is briefly as follows :—
The employment of the silver and ammonia method of preparing the
iilver-bromide emulsion, which is so successful with gelatine, does not
answer so well with collodion, because the free ammonia acts injuriously
on the collodion. This difficulty is overcome in the following process by
neutralising the free ammonia with acetic acid ; and, moreover, the
emulsion so obtained is exceedingly fine in the grain and creamy.
SOLUTIOS L
Ammonium bromide 64 grammes.
Distilled water 80 o.c.
Absolute alcohol 800 „
Thick collodion (four per cent.) 1500 „
Glacial acetic acid 65 „
The ammoninm bromide is first dissolved in the water with heat, then
the alcohol, collodion, and acetic acid are added in order.
For the collodion I have used a mixture of equal parts of four per cent,
■elutions of Schering's celloidin, and of a collodion made with Morson's
pyroxyline, both in equal parts of ether and alcohol, the same
as ordinarily made up in the office for copying maps, but
ihicker.
SoniTioN n.
Crystallised nitrate of silver 80 grammes.
Distilled water 60 c.c.
The silver salt is dissolved in the water with heat, and
then strong solution of ammonia is added in small propor-
tions till the precipitate is redissolved (this takes about 72 to
75 c.c.) ; 800 c.c. of alcohol, warmed to about 45° C. (113°
Fahr.), are then added. This solution should remain clear
and colourless. If it turns brown, the alcohol is impure.
Both solutions can be prepared in daylight.
When solution II. is ready, it is poured in a thin stream '
into No. I., the latter being well shaken meanwhile. This
operation mnst be performed in a dark room, with orange
Ught._ Solution 11. must be kept heated from 40° to 50° C.
^103-5° to 122° Fahr.), otherwise the silver-ammonia salt
will crystallise out ; it is desirable, therefore, to stand the
solution from time to time in a water-bath heated to the
above temperature. The mixing of the above quantity of
emulsion should take about ten minutes. The emulsion
is well shaken up and tested for acidity. A little of it
being poured on glass, and wetted with water, should show a slightly
acid reaction. If alkaline, it is acidified by adding acetic acid drop
by drop. It is then well shaken for about a quarter of an hour, and,
after standing for an hour, is poured into five or six times its volume of
water. The silver bromide collodion separated out is collected in a clean
linen doth, and the ends of the latter being tied so as to form a bag, is
washed in running water for about a couple of hours. It is then finally
washed with distilled water, and spread out npon a thick layer of blotting-
paper to dry, which takes one or two days. The dry silver bromide
collodion can then be kept in black bottles in a dark place for use as
required.
1 found no difficulty in following Dr. Jonas's instructions, but the
mixed emulsion was kept for a day before being washed, with the object of
getting greater sensitiveness, and it might possibly be kept even longer
vrith advantage, because I noticed that the unwashed emulsion gained
sensitiveness by keeping, and also became much more uniform in texture,
though thinner. After a week it became very thin.
To make the final emulsion, dissolve —
Silver-bromide collodion ,... 6 grammes.
Alcohol 40c.c.
Ether 60 „
The sensitiveness of the emulsion is, after an hour, about i" Warnerke.
After twenty-four hours' ripening at 00° to 70° Fahr., it increases about
two or three times, and the colour of the silver bromide changes from red
yiolet to blue violet.
All chemicals must be perfectly pure, and the greatest cleanliness must
be observed in all the vessels employed.
The mixed washed emulsion can be kept ready for use ; some I prepared
about a month ago is now in very good order.
I have found that the emulsion can also be used unwashed vpith good
results. At first it gives rather dense pictures, with very clear shadows ;
but, after a few days, it is more sensitive, and the image not quite 80
lense and hard ; the film also becomes more uniform in texture. After a
week, though more sensitive, it gives thin images slightly inclined to fog
with the para-amidophenol developer, and the results obtained with the
washed emulsion are certainly better. The unwashed emulsion would
probably work well if used within three or four days of being made np,
and would, of course, be more economical for the work on the large scale.
CoL. J. Waterhouse, S.C,
AtsUtant Surveyor-General of India,
(To he continued.)
ELECTRIC LIGHTING FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS.
In our last issue we mentioned having inspected an electric lamp for
studio purposes made by the Pilsen Electric Company. Since then we
have received several requests for a fuller defcription of the apparatus
employed, with which we now take the opportunity of complying.
The apparatus consists primarily of a suspension arrangement, a reflector,
and a large current arc lamp. The suspension arrangement consists of a
bar held at its centre, with the lamp and reflector hung at one end, and a
cotmterweight at the other. This arrangement allows the lamp and
reflector to be swung in any direction without effort, so that the light can
be directed on to a sitter in whatever way suits the idea of the operator.
The reflector, which is made of metal and is suspended by trunnions
from the end of the suspension bar, is either papered or painted a dull
white on the inside, and takes the direct light from the arc, which it
diffuses perfectly.
4
MmcIi 11. 1809]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH V.
109
Tb* are lamp Unit takM • eoReBt of 50 unp^ics, with a yuMiim
o( SO Toiti MraM tha tanniiiala of tha lamp. lu carbons aia io lina with
Urn ask of tha raflaalor. wbiefa ganaraUy U at 4£ deoaea to tha vartieal,
aad tha noat (atanaa Bdht bom tha an ia thwva toto tha baek «t the
laAaatar aDd MBt oat &aet, ao that, by hMciM tha Uaip atan an^ tha
o^ Vt^ that ia loat ia that vhieh h abaodbadV ^^ «Ute
Ife. LMvt, tha OoapaBT't uiamgar. aflar many nparimaBtal triala,
haa got thia lama aonant Uma la Sam aoiaalaaaly for bonra logBth«.
Saeh a iwab ia Miialt to ■Mala, aa net* pholacraphen know, bacanaa,
whan tha aaitiona ai« net in a TMtieal line, the are haa moeh mora tan-
imtaj to waadar aboat tha pointa ot tha earbcau, producing a roaring and
aliMMJag that OMtaadiea tha li^ aa waD aa tha narvaa a< tha aittaa, and
wha— aalaip rwiiaiil aw laona an moia diiBealt to ngnlala than
■^JI-annaidoMB. To aaplatn why thia U tha aaaa. it ia anly i ry
to point eat ttat an aigfath o( an inch movaaant in tlia earbooa may alter
tha anatsr p iii i I £7 tha arc by two or thiaa horaa-power.
Than ****"'«'** hata baaa fot otar in the are lamp luidv notiea,
by odkaf apaaiaHy pnpand earbooa, wUeii, when prepaily oanterad,
kaap tte an aaatral. paofidad tha earboaa lead tonthar wtthovt aUowinc
tha an la gat loo loot.
Tha lamp ia a diraal anmnt lamp, and whan it ia bant off a aapvly
oompany*! maina (whieh aia gaermlly at a diilereoea of pnaaora of 100
volla)
lapoww;
i«a tnam to pot in lanaa with tha lamp can be aappUad.
ilant lor tha lamp ia pot ap by tha Cempany.a toor norae-
I) gaa ansina, a ahaat woaad dynamo, aad a amallcr
of tha knp. whieh
by ■ararnl portrait photo-
Wa galhar that tha ahapa e( tha " nflaelor.*' aa ahowa ia tha
I ba anttod ae aa to namw tbaaaflaovar whieh tha laistmaaaof
1 is dHkaad. Alloprthar, «• an panoadad tha ayatam ia a
wall qoaliflod to meat tha
I «( Aa vaal aa^bv at photogiaptiaii who an aasiooa to
t at «apanlMy little oatlay.
this (nDd
ith.and
aptiUthaaad
toTbaaadalo
aniafctd. It
THX MADDOX rUlO).
n MMar tnm Mr. Aadnv Priaglo.
, far tha Callad fl^pdnm, oa Ika Slat e( tha
>giTia| a Hat at iha
Wa aia at
bat, whiah. baton It aloaaa. wiU doaMlanba
ba boTM ia niad thM tha
ila
It ia aaly jaa* to oaMlna aad oar nadn to h«a poM oat tlwt tha
8aai appeal and M al mAmUfUam alna^y pwbHiliad by tm aaataai-
poniin van both aaaalkarfnd aad lawrwat. iIm adilan of Ihon
^•ealad ^taaalMB ««n pkialy narked » Draft."
Ia raaaanaaMat fta taad to Ifao laraaraUa aotlaa af than of oar
friaadi who ban aal pal soatiibalai to it, wa daan it aaeeeaory, m-
pmtaSlf far Iha fadmaaNiaBaf oar yaaogn raadart, tol^rtfonoa tha
faettha*thaalataMe(Dr.llaUaitolhaan«i of bto gilillp 1 analitoB
wttaaot dianBti far a gnat
I that it woe anly wkea Ika qanHaa «t gMi« bin aana
r raaataiiMa of iheaa eaparlnaaaa waa aaoatod IhatoppeaMoa to
I a anaO nonbar of panaa, wbow farlHity ot
af hiiaaHn an ippawlly aa (rtat aa thair
wflfal Batortinn of photo^apWa hMaiy aad Ihairaary of the aabatoatial
iMogiltlaa of the raloe ef Dr. Maddoa'a espariaMnta. whieh ia n taaaly
[ ia varioos parte of tha world.
** Mtwioi TaamMnAL Fcaa.— Fixal krmu
- Cnmmttt HewM. titjUf Btmtk, KnU,
" rifkrmmrjf W, isn.
ila flart, Ifaia fmd baa been progiaaaiitf nHafaetetily. bat the
fael that aona faried naat ba Aaad far the deeiag of the
I Uat, aad Iha Urt ^fMmrtk haa baaa aboaaa aa tha dale lor
- ' apaiwMli. Ilia
toPr. Maddar.afaUlbato
ia paoaalad to Dr.
. and upaaially of hie inraati-
Appaaded is a list cf aab-
to *• CaMad Untdnn, and it is hoped that
tta abfaal win ginaotin of their iaiantion
M aaoa aa poariUa to Iha Hon.
" Comcmm :— Jamas Glaisher, F.R.S., Chairman, Obtain W. de W.
Aboey. B.B., C.B., F.fi.S., W. S. Bird, Oeorga Dariaon, A. Haddon,
A. H. Harman. Charles W. Hastingi. T. C. Hepwoith, Dr. A C. Mercer
(New York). Henry Stnrmey, J. Traill Taylor. W. H. Walker, Sir H.
Tmaman Wood, F. York. Trtanrer, Kranois Cobb, Biyerdale, Twickan-
8OBSCEIPTI0NS.
ne Britannia Works Ca
Oassen CInb list .
R. W. Thonaii Jt Oo.
Bairtaa Jocrxal or
PaoToaBAnrr
Kdaoo, Dale A Co.
Pkilitnifkji .
The Aetotype Oa. .
M. Wbitiaf .
J. W. 8WBB .
f . York
A L. Hndasaa .
N. Baaaatyae
OoloDd G. M. Stenbffi
(U.aA)
TbosoMOoahsr
apeaVaasy l%alBgisrb|p
r. W. Vinl k Oa, .
Doadss aad fast of Seat-
lead Pbst^aphie Aa.
£ t. d.
100 0 0
27 1« 0
3S 0 0
10 10
10 10
10 10
10 10
10 0
CMoaal
AW.
Oeetfs
Alba
■•aiiiag
Jtesirn V
JaaMaCnalriiv
W.BedlNd
9 10 0
S 3 0
S S 0
sot
SCO
9 14 6
s a 0
a 3 0
S S 0
S 8 0
S « 0
9 3 0
3 0 0
3 0 0
H. J. Oiannon
R. W. T. (Exeter)
F. C Sharp .
R W. T.
P. Lange ,
JeCtASoni .
West Keat Anatea
PbotogiapUe Society
J. a aWellingtoo
F. Beasley
H.1L Hastings
Xaaehestcr Amateur
Pbotogiaphie SodetT
F. HoUtct .
Anaaa A Sea .
William U^b Jon-
Slr H. Tnienan Wood
W. L Chadwick
T. a Hspwortb
U B. CUfts .
CO. . . .
W. J. Hanisoa
Ulster Amateur Photo-
grsfbie Society
a K Daria ,
Dr. Maaay .
OMMmlBoritoa
rinlisMW Btebblag
TkoomsOniiee
dXzcanioos de
C B. Olad
& N. B. Oon^ (Derao'
port) AaiateoT Pboto-
■laiiaiii Wmilsli .
F.lfiri 7 .
Total . £310 2 0
Aanasw PaoNLa, Xfaa. Steniary.
». d.
0 0
2 0
2 0
2 0
2 0
1 14
1 1
1 1
0 1« 0
0 10 6
0 10 0
0 6 0
Our Cliiterial CaUe.
Tsa SmrrrLa Hamp Camxil*.
Oaeaaa Huoeaiua * Boss.
Tbb Shottle haad eaaMra baa the adTaataov that it does not much
awaad tha dm tt tha pUto for which it i* intaoded, and the
amuganoBt for ohaHfaf pUtea ia simnle and nord. Tha plata*
piarioasly alaaid to otoathi an stacked in the back of the camenu
and after the flnt •xnoaorc, by inoeniooa maehaaism (the act of
fK»ng<ng baiiv ahown in tha eat), the last or book mm of tha aeriaa
is bnofkt to a horixoatal poMtion, drawn forward under the others, ,
and erantaalW raided to a - ;>isiiioo in fmni, Mag then on
the foeossing plane. The ' f cliaiiging tlm |ilat<-x also nta
tha atoitiar. tbe mofanaat ueing iii« aimple drawing out of a rod
and paaUog It hoiaa.
Tbb L(«ds PhotOKnaUe Society's srllabus, rules, list of members and
list of books in tha Hbraiy, ia eoaprised nithin the dimensions of a
neat little book, yAtm aatvral roatin^plaoa would ba tbe waistcoat
pocket. It alao ~— *-'«' qaoea for memoranda.
Wa bare neeirod tha reaolu of meteorological and ma^jaetieal
obserratioos at Stonyburit CoUega Ofaserratory for 1801. Tha
170
THE, BRITISH JOURIjIAI* OF PHOTOGKAI'HY.
[March 11, 1892
compilation, ■which is by the Rev. W. Sidgresve*, S.J., is of interest
to aatronomers, ineteorolo(pst», and others, to whom, no doubt, the
obterrationa recorded will be of abiding value.
PHOTOORArHic Mosaics, 1892.
Xdwabd L. Wiuoh, Hew York.
Following a remmi of the profirress of photoffraphy during 1891,
drawn by the. editor from the writings of the principal photograpbic
avthors, Afotaict piwients its renders with a Urge number of specinlly
written artides, aaving familiar names appended to them, and all
eminently readable. The book is illustrated to a more liberal extent
than in "former years, the fronti-spiece being a portrait of Mrs. Potter
Palmer, President of the Board of Lady Managers of the World's
Columbian Exposition, evidently " a fine "figure of " a lady.
Thk Akt of Rbtouchino Nboatives.
London : Marion t Co.
A mnr edition of Mr. Robert Johnson's work under the above title
indicates that it has been favourably received by the public. Mr.
Johnson treats on the texture and m'odolhng of the eye, the mouth,
the hair, and the other portions of the figure which require the
aid of the retoucher. Accessories, backgrounds, the finishing of photo-
g^phs in oils and water colours and composition, all fall under the
author's treatment. We are rather unable to understand his meaning
in saving (in a chapter devoted to " The Eye Compared with the Lens
and Camera'') that a single lens is unsuitable for groups because of its
making the near figures on a larger scale than those farther away.
This is not a special property of any lens, single or compound, but one
in strict accordance with the laws of perspective.
BbOUIDE PapKB : iNSTBrCTIONS IN CONTACT PbINTINO AND
Enlabging.
By Dr. E. A. Just. Bradford : Psrej Lund & Co.
This is a condensed translation by Messrs. W. E. Woodbury and H.
Snowden Ward of a work by Dr. Just, published in Vienna during the
year 1889. It is perhaps the most exhaustive monograph on the
subject yet issued, no detail connected with bromide printing and
enlarging being, so far as we can see, omitted. Especially valuable
are the sections treating of the various systems of lighting which
may be employed in printing, while that which deals with enlarge-
ment by projection is equally clear and full. A great deal of the
matter is, however, written from a purely scientific standpoint, which,
if it does not appeal to the ordinary level of photograpnic intellect,
will not perhaps lack appreciation at the hands of the more advanced
practitioners. The work has a capital frontispiece in bromide from a
negative by Mr. Wellington, and there are over thirty well-drawn
illustrations in the text.
RECENT PATENTS.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS.
No. 4002. — "An Improved Dish for Developing Dry Plates used in Photo-
graphy."—A. HosSACK. — noted March 1, 1892.
No. 4101. — "Iraprovements in Photographic Cameras." — A. Clarke. — Dated
March 2, 1892.
No. 4122. — "Improvements in Shutters for Photographic Cameras." —
E. H. P. UvurunKYS.— Dated March 2, 1892.
No. 4188. — "Improvements in Photographic Cameras."— H. U. M. Cosy-
Bl^tiK.—DeUed March 2, 1892.
N'o. 4243. — "Improvements in Photographic Cameras."— M. M. Smith. —
Dattd March 3, 1892.
No. 4245. — "Improvements in Photographic Cameras." — E. H. P. HcM-
TBRKXS.— Doled March 3, 1892.
No. 4411. — " Improvements in the Separation of Oxygen, Nitrogen, or other
mechanically mixeil Fluids, and obtainmcnt thereof." — J.H. Parkinson. —
Dotal Uardi 5, 1892.
PATENTS COMPLETED.
iMFnOVEHKNTS IN, AND IN CONNEXION WITH, PHOTOQIIAPHIC PRINTINO
Al'FABATUS, AN IMPROVED MkTHOD OK PllKSKItVINQ SENSITISED PaPEB,
AND A pROTEcrn-B AND ADHESIVE SOLUTION THEREFOR.
No. 1963. Richard John Wvnkoop and John Mobbis Kemp, both of
Patemn, County of Passaic, and SUte of New Jersey, V.S.k.— February 3,
1892.
This invention relates to an improved machine or apparatus for rapidly
printing and trimming or cutting photographs. .
The object is to provide means lor contact printing, and the invention con-
gists in apparatus for holding films or sensitised paper in close contact with a
photographic negative during exposure, and in certain other novel features of
construction and combination of parts, as will be hereinafter described and
pointed out in the claims.
[Here follows a detailed description of several drawings illustrative of the
invention, after which the patentees proceed] : —
For protciting the sensitised surface of the photographic paper, and for
preventing cheniieals or impurities in the back of the paper from contact witli
the sensitised mrface and destroying it as a whole or in spots, we provide a
preservative solution for application to the back of the sensitised paper, which
will hold back the chemicils or imi>urities therein from contact with the
sensitised surface, thus enabling the paper to be kept for any length of time
without injury to the sensitised surface.
In addition to the preservative quality of our solution, it is also adhesive, so
that the ordinary p.iste for mounting prints on cardlxjard is dispensed with.
The ingreilients generally employed are as follows, and in about the pro-
portions named, to wit : —
Gelatine or glue 2 ounces.
Water 40 „
Alcohol 10 „
Sugar 1 ounce.
Chrome alum or alum 5 grains.
Glycerine 2 drachms.
These may be combined in any approved manner, but we ])refer to dissolve
the gelatine or glue and sugar in the water, ami mix therewith the alum and'
glycerine, after which the alcohol is added. When applied to the back of the
sensitised paper it prodnces a thin pliable coating or skin, which, as previously
stated, prevents impurities on the back of the paper from contact with the-
adjacent sensitised surface, and also, when moistened, forms an excellent
adhesive for the cardboaril or other back.
New OR Improved Figures or " Puppets " for Maoio-Lantern Displays,
and Apparatus or Mechanism foe actuating same or the like and'
IN connexion therewith.
No. 3727. William Chekfins, Holbeach, Lincolnshire. — February 6, 1892.
This invention consists of (firstly) transparent automaton figures, representa-
tions, or puppets for magic-lantern displays — that is, figures, &c., which are-
transparent, so that the colouring, shading, &c., of snch figures, &c., is, when
showTi in the magic lantern, reproduced ; and (secondly) this invention consists-
of apparatus or mechanism for actuating such figures or the like, or in
connexion therewith, so that such figures or puppets, being arranged, con-
structed, and mounted in conjunction with the "slide" or framework in which
they are held while being displayed in the lantern, that such figures or puppets
can be caused to move as in the .action of walking, running, boxing, fencing, or
gesticulating, or other movements, grotesque or otherwise.
Or these transjiarent automaton figures or representations may be mountedl
in any other suitable or convenient manner (as on a trapeze), and actuated ii>
any well-known or suitable manner independently of my improveil actuating;
mechanism, &c., which latter again may be used independently of my new or
improved tr.ansparent automaton figures.
Heretofore, slides having moving figures or representations have been used in-
magic lanterns, as I am well aware, but such moving figures or reflections have
been produced by painting, or otherwise producing pictures or figures on the
glass or transparent part of the slide itself, and then moving such glass about —
this has sIio\vn a reflection of a moving figure, &c., but the efl'ect h.is been
rather of a " fixed" nature and the success doubtful — as the fixed figure could
only be made to move, and not the separate parts thereof, as with ray automa-
ton transparent figures.
My invention is as follows : —
First : The automaton figures, representations, or "puppets " (as I call them)-
are made of talc or any like equivalent transparent substances. For the sake
of example, I will describe one figure only, and that the figure of a man.
The legs are jointed to the hip, and the knees also jointed if desired, and
the arms jointed to the shoulders, as also the head and neck if desired.
The face, hands, clothes, ifcc, may be suitalily coloured as desired, care being
taken to leave the parts transparent where renuireil, whilst those parts where
the joints occur, or mechanism connected, or other parts also, may be rendered
opaque so as to hide same.
Such " puppets " may then be arranged and mounted, and actuated or not
as desired in any well-knovvn or suitable manner, and one or more of these
" puppets " may be arranged to perform and be shown at one and the same
time.
These puppets are particularly adapted to be dis]ilayed and actuated by the
following ine.ins, which constitute the second part of my invention, viz. : —
Second : Continuing the example of a figure of a man, one foot of the figure
is attached to a projection or part of a peculiarly shaped support, the other
foot being similarly attached to a second correspomling support.
Each such support may be advantageously formeil of tin plate or other thin
sheet metal, and h.as a wide turned-up edge or flange formed at right angles to-
the plane of the figure. &c. This flange is to form a bearing surface upon one
edge of a kind of trough slide or magic-lantern slide, having a space between
two transparent glasses, in which space these figures can be displayed.
These two sujiports (to which respectively the two feet of the figure are
attached) are combined, and retained together either by the one having a bolt
head thereon, working in a longitudinal or other slot in the other, or by the
one having a lug thereon carrying a headed pin, which works in a slotted link
pivoted to a similar lug on the other, or equivalent mechanical arrangement,
so that these two supports can freely move in the direction of the planes
thereof, but not away from or apart from one another.
Any suitable lever, cranks, pulleys, belts, bands, or connexions may be used_
in addition to the above-described invention, if required or desired.
Manii 11. 1»:>1
rUK miThJB JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
m
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172
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAi'HY.
[March 11, 18»2
fonerjr, tbui proving to the jndge the abiolate truth of his methoil, which ha
clalined to be raperior to other methoJii of identifying writing. Forged bills
of exchange, poetal onlen, and legal docunienta, expoiuNl in this way, were
illnstrated by seTeral lantern slides. Blood taken from the iMXiy of a man who
liad met hU death in a fln-, when reproduced by photo-micrography, proved
that the man vras dead before the tire occurred.
Mr. AicDUW Priholk thought the .luthor of the paper »■».■!, perhaps, a little
too sure with regard to the pouibility of differentiating the blood of mammalia
from human blood. He considered it very dilliciilt to make certain as to the
difference between the various corpuscules. Of course, in the determination of
a hair with the blood, the doable evidence was much lietter.
The PBauonrr said he once discovered a forgery by photography of the
idsnatara on an old engniving, aa he was able to bnng out the original sign.ituro.
Tne engraving was supposed to be valuable, but turned out to be worthless
with the new signature. He had done this in the same way as Dr. Jeserich.
A vote of thanks to Dr. Jeserich, and to Mr. Carl Gregor for having trans-
lated the paper, conclude<I the proceedings.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
March 3,— Mr. T. E. Freshwater, F.R.M.S., in the chair.
Mr. E. J. Wall was elected a member of the Association.
Mr. A. L. Henderson passed round a numl)er of Dnnmore's cloud negatives
on ground glas-i.
Mr. J. Hay Taylor exhibited a binocular lantemescope of his own constnic-
tion. It was stated that Mes.srs. G. Mason & Co., of Glasgow, were
makingsuch instruments.
Mr. Kawlings showed several photographs on wood. The wood was firet
coated with zinc white and albumen, and a film of plain collodion in wliich
silver nitrate was suspended next applied to it. The picture was printed
under a reversed negative in the usual way, the film being dissolved off with
ctht-r .ind alcohol In answer to questions, Mr. IIawlinos said the pictures
were fixed in the ordinary way but not toned. Engravers found the surface
excellent for cutting purposes.
A question, what functions do hydrochloric acid and nitric acid perform in
emulsions, gelatine and collodion, was, after a lengthy discii-ssion on gelatine
emulsions, answered by reference to Almcy's TreatUeon Photography, in which
it was stated that, if an emulsion is prepared with an excess of silver nitrate, it
must l>e acid.
In the absence of Mr. S. Herbert Fry, who was to have demonstrated his
new enlarging lantern, Mr. J. Traii.i. Taylor, at extremely short notice, gave
a discourse on /•Jnlan/i'iuj Methods. He said he knew nothing of the process or
method of enlar^ng that was to have been brought before tliem that night,
and he thought that a talk on enlarging generally and the means hitherto
adojited might form a fitting introduction to a discussion on the subject.
He would not however touch upon the surfaces to be enlarged upon, which
might be collodion, wet or dry, gelatinobromide, or other sensitive surfaces.
Solar camera enlarging was little practised at present, thanks to the superior
sensitiveness of printing surfaces, the only processes to which it was now
api'licable being carbon and platinum, no one thinking of printing cnlarge-
nietits on albumen paper. Rapidity depended upon the size of the condenser
used, and sharpness was secured by an equatorial motion. Having described
and figured the double condenser, by which the solar camera could be used
with the electric or limelight, he sa'id that a largo volume of light could be
obtained in that way, and, if the condensers were not very perfect, it was
necessary to use a piece of ground glass to diffuse the light. He incidentally
remarked that the limelight would jirobably be used more in future for enlarg-
ing purposes on account of the anticipated intense cheapening of oxygen, which,
he lielieved, could now be made at a cost of Is. 6d. per thousand feet, the process
being the extraction of oxygen from air by permanganate of potash. He next
referred to enlarging by means of radiated light from white surfaces by sun or
artificial light, a piece of cardboanl or the sky forming the white backing to
a negative. By this arrangement no comlenser was necessary, and it formed
a very excellent method of producing enlargements. A modificatiou of the
lantern was made in New York, and sold under the name of the Wonder
camera, and by Dancer in this country, as the Opaque Lantern many years
ago. Tlie late J. Solomon also made it, and he (Mr. Taylor) had one in liis
possession, which he described. It formed a jileasing way of projecting
pictures or transparencies. He next described Mr. T. N. Armstrong's system,
in which the negative intercepts the radiant, gas being used, as it gave greater
facility than the electric or limelight or magnesium, and was cheaper. It was
desirable to have two lamps instead of one, these being so placed and protected
that no light fell on tlie surface of the negative.
Mr. A. Clarke saiil this was exactly Mr. Herbert Fry's system.
Mr. Taylor said there was still another method which had been used and
patented, consisting of illuminating the negative through gix)und glass, but bv
such a method only the centre of the negative was illuminated. It was said
that equality of illumination could be obtained by increasing the number of
surfaces of glass, but this was insufticient for equality. The system was bad if
only one light be employed. The only way by which success could be had was
by placing two other lights at the sides. A patent had been obtained for the
substitution of opal for ground glass. This necessitated a fearful and wonderful
exposure. Having contrasted glass coated with kaolin or baryta suIiOiate in
gelatine with ground glass for pUein;,' between the radi.int and the negative, Mr.
Taylor concluded by describing the methods of daylight enlargement employed
by some commercial houses, and said for the object glass there was nothing to
excel the ordinary Petzval lens. Finally, he .said that, in illumin.ating"the
negative through ground glass, equality might be obtained by igniting a strip
of magnesium nnd waving it slightly to and fro.
Mr. E. Mii.NRK described a rough-and-ready method of enlarging by means
of a small and a larpe camera, the negative l)eing placed at the screen of the
small one, and illurninate<l by means of the light of magnesium reflected from
a sheet of white cardljoard.
Jlr. W. K Debkniiam recommended the new Zeiss-Suter anastigmatio in
preference to a portrait lens as the object glass for enlarging, the field of the
former being so exceedingly Hat.
The Chairman said two lights for illuminating opaque surfaces had been
used considerably for lantern work, the lights being jirojected on an opaque
object and thrown on the screen. Mr. S. Highley used to sell such a lantern.
There was nothing novel in the idea.
Mr. A. Haddon suggested gla.ss coated with plaster of Paris as a substituta
for opal.
)r opi
Aft(
ter considerable further discussion the meeting closed.
Camera Club. — March 3, Captain Abney in the chair. — A demonstration of
The Treatment of PrinLi by tlie Carbon Process was given by the Autotype
Company. Mr. Sawyer, in an address, gave a description of the process, and
Messrs. Burton and Braham went through the necessary manipulations with a
number of prints which had been prepared for the demonstration. A large-
number of fine illustrations was on exhiliition in the room. On March 17, a
lecture entitled. Modem Masterpieces (pictures and drawings shown in the
lantern), will be delivered by Mr. Henry Blackburn, Editor of Academy Notes.
North London Fhotographio Society.— March 1, Mr. J. Traill Taylor in
the chair. — A circular was laid before the Society from the Royal Commission
for the Chicago Exhibition, aud one from the Photographic .Society of Great
Britain inclosing the affiliation rules. Mr. .Iames Marti m then read a paper
on Platinotype Printing. This will appear in a future number. At the close
a specimen print of some very beautiful ice crystals, presented by the lecturer
to the Society, was passed round for examination.. Next meeting March 16,
lantern .slide comjietition at 8.15 p.m.
Holbom Camera Club. — March 4, Mr. Binns in the chair. — A discussion on
Fixposure took place, and was eveutually adjourned for further discussion until
another evening. The third annual exhibition of the above Club will be held
at Andertou's Hotel, Fleet-street, next Saturday (March 12).
People's Palace Photographic Club.— March 4, Mr. Thomas Lawday in
the oliair. — Jfr. G. Kendall brought some stereograpliio negatives showing
great Hatness and want of vigour. Mr. Robert Beckett attributed this to poor
light and unsuitable developer. It was stated that views iu a dull or weak
light should be developed with more pyro than is usual when the subject is
brightly sun-lit. A 12x10 print on Fry's "Roughest" paper was exhibited by
Mr. R. Edwards. This was uranium toned, and of a pleasing warm black
colour. He stated that it experienced a difficulty in eliminating the yellowness
left by the presence of ferricyanide in the toning solution, which clung to the
rough pores of the paper.
Polytechnic Photographic Society.— March 4, Mr. J. H. Gear in the chair.
— After Mr. T. Paternoster had shown and explained the various peculiarities
of h.alf a dozen pattenis of flash lamps, the Chairmau arranged two groups for
experimental exposures. He asked the sitters to look at a bright light for
some seconds so that the eyes might appear natural when the exposure was
made. The lens used worked at/-6, and the plates being very rapid produced
excellent negatives on development. March 18, Wet' Collodiun, by F. R..
Tissington.
West London Photographic Society.— March 4, Technical Social Evening.
— -A pleasant informal gathering where various photographic matters were
discussed with an absence of ceremony which was very acceptable to the-
majority of members [iresent, and which enabled those gcutlemeu who, though
talented, sutfered from an excess of modesty to give tlie others present the
benefit of their knowledge and experience, also those of the younger members
who desired infoniiaiion on various matters, to obtain it in the course of
friendly conversation. It is hoped that any gentleman who lias anything the
least interesting iu a photographic way will bring it down to these meet-
ings, and help to make them the success which the experience of the first even-
ing seems to show will bo achieved.
Chiswlck Camera Club.— Marcli 7.— A lecture on The Hot Bath Platino
type Process was given by Mr. R. W. Wat.son, who said that, in his opinion,
]ilatinotype was unexcelled by any other printing process from an artistic
point of view. Photogr.aphs were exhibited which showed the adaptability of
platinotype to any style of photograph, interior photography being beautifully
rendered oy this process. The lecturer dwelt particularly upon the necessity
of keeping platinum paper perfectly dry, both before and after printing.
Croydon Camera Club.— February 29, the President in the chair.— Messrs.
Holland and Reeves jiresented the Club with framed examples of their -n-ork.
Mr. Oakley .showed the " Express " hand camera. Mr. Clark read a short
paper on The Application of Air and Benzoline to the Production of an In-
candescent Light suitable for tlie Lantern, and by means of the aforesaid
system projected a number of slides on to the screen. The illumination was
by no means equal to limelight. It was decided to initiate a portfolio.
Members are requested to bring over more mounted prints to the meeting on
March 14, the best only to be selected for the portfolio. Extra meeting on
March 11 to test Eastman's rapid bromide paper, Mr. White being the experi-
mentalist. March 14, Mr. D. E. Goddard on Silver Printing. March 17,
Amuial Dinner at "Greyhound." March 28, Lantern Night.
Croydon Microscopical and Natural History Club (Photographic Sec-
tion).—March 4, Mr. Edward Lovett (President) in the chair.— Mr. W. Low-
Sarjeant exhibited an improved hand camera of his own construction. Mr^
J. H. Drage then read a paper entitled Pictorial Ci imposition. Mr. Drage ,
hoped that, in reading this pa))er before the Club, the members would '
.accept it more in the light of hints, and would give them a knowledge of the
various lights, cast shadows, introduction of figures, and the general com-
position of pictures, balance of parts, and treatment of lines. Trimming
prints w.-is a thing photographers should be especially careful of, the hori
zontal lines being carefully noted, many pictures being spoilt by carelessness
in this respect.
11.18M]
THK BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGBAPHY.
irs
UWM Fhotocnphle Sodtty.— Hank 1. Mr. J. O. Bnden in th* chair—
A snat oo AaUUgf* Pnmtimg vm md Uf Mr. Bmroso^ asd ooe of Um
■■■Tim iililWtiajilin m tht Ifcitiiian j j i ITtT^Vrtil liit mfintli. irtiirh
daMMaHBta
adJHinC
Ctatk— Mardi 4, Dr. Ball Rlward* in the chair.— Two
wan riartad. Saranl mwihan ihowcd their prints aiMa tha
rapil tnaida paper ; Mi& WdfMd, a aaptiTs jntt takaa from a
paper bag (vhM it had hacn two tmb*X *i*i*V •V"'^ ^T ^ix P*P<r ; ■)«> •
my Mat laakhw caaara caaa hf Lary ; Dr. IrkiMl, aa cnlargaoMnt from a
qantv^pialaoalU^dTatiUpapv. Dr. W. W. J. Nicaai.theD proeaadad with
hhh«>wa*diwilullouo«hfaXrfiiton. HatraoadthahMory of "iron"
l»MlHftaaI8«0ntekklrtaikdM*faai« o( tka "KalUtjrpa" pracMa,
taUAf kav immm aoloos «■• pMdMad, «WBfhnling bjr dwaloniin
■i»rf wMi ka had aada that d«r. b lagio—i to aacatiooa bom the
dn. b laapaaai to qi
Piwklaat and Baatba)*. Dr. Niohebiltatad that tha " Kallitrpa " papar kapt
wall, that it waa BMra aeaaitivr thaa lilrar papar, that it wu cheap, aad <aqr
to BM eompaiad with hroaalda or |<illmitjpfc PBoraao* AUJBI spoha moat
UgUr of -'KalUtrpa ' papv.
B#r. &3tiia cihMlid a aat of aUdaa Mmb hy him in Switmriaad. Tha
pietana war* iipyl— wtiil by a dmi ripHrw by Mr. Baehtoo, which gnatly
addad to thdr iaiarMl.
titatad Pfc«mimfMt ■oetoty.-Mank 17.— Mr. Pacx. Lakb win rira hia
. HwaylactoraiatfcaMwthaatn ia ridaftka R«ieU«i laflraary AOdimr
rod. Tha Bar. Dr. B>%ht. Mtaraf Pali ■alt j Oollna, wiU taka tha Aab.
Mi; S. A. RyaaD-HdLMd Mr. A. f. Wta>lij;gart. XJk., M^ddcm OeD^a.
—A diMMMOB OO prial
took tltOL It
1. Dr. BaMwia (fmUttM in
, aa Olartntad ia tha raeaat
Lhai aatthar aaybwa aor ^h-f
... Hk ahhoogh tkM« w«a aooa
mm alw tha maaaa afaa lalwilwij tt talittm tm taadag^ waaUi^ aad
nwMtiacanimialii(liaT»prt»fcTrart^hawilofaawihMalt ii la.
taadad to dat«la thiaa ar ftor astra alRhli M alasMtaiy aat^aet*.
Wkmalft milMrilMll ■nmr-'far* 1. Mr. ChaalarMa ia
-^oMeaWaa of haao-aiMfa wark aaaaad aranr warm aad
I aaaU ha takaa wiU tha
■Wlhar a food aad artiatfe pklara
tha aaaa aad abaaaa of that dam of
(PrmUaM)
Mmript /imm a
-MtyrvAM i-mml V rt0m, la wMA h* daMad Ua a«par<aacaa la toatk-
aHara Baarta. Ha maaltnaid that it «m of llttla bm, iadaad daMmam, to
helaarauh thaw wWhaat j irmhalna from tha hi«hm aathoritiaa, Mdthat waa
■ maimt^ thtMla aftala. fbr tha artifaaw uf Urtarr woifcara la that
«<ha,haiy»adgtw»aHad dKaaUra — ai wara of linto wa. Ho hKi
>wdaaaBfaetha«da«MrBt0hohaalaaltadfcrtk* parpoaa. A tmmt hy
■IHB bat. which win ha amala aaeaaame*
hlak aaa abe ha Mad aa lAaary aad ma
>«ld alae ha ttf ta alkar aedatim iDT aimria
>t
tartha noaUIy maafi^^iS
daria« tha dayTThfa
whkk iMy ha Mad «
RMi, «lttlH-N«aii, Itar ammhanr aaa, m wall m a
laaiaMiBL flamaMdiaarhaaaraemwIlharW wta
lamakaM^^dMkfMWtthftadamopaMdMlM kr
pmtaa ar davalaHaaBl»aad a laravaaa
iM wall aa a aaaJh Mir aaa^ aad ■
■jteaadaty.aaaldhalalloa aalial
aaadwaOtaf lor llM
tha adraataipm l« mtmh
>tKn, aach aa tha eoal aad neapai.la af iitara.
ar MiiUB, «ha Aowwd a hHM aailai atlnaa
tf A Chat a6o«< JifarferM PmStttrw, wMeh wm
matad la aa laiiractit*
8)Um w«« thowa bMi tha worka of Wdkla, Taia
aa. Ui<htoa. Milanaalii. MiOal. *tJlaiih 1
. . „ « . "fe*^ **^ **"^ O. C.bBaw», JahaAW»a.aaa
, W. Bina»n. M.A. Mr. Jom AmA« n»I a t^vrt on Aa AadBba »f
ti€ n^-Mfif iu rxfurt U AmUf mf' Thafwadtaaol tha
• MU>wad by aa irdaialil lUaramlMi. ■ DaDawyar^ aaw
' with a aaari Mdlaf MaMMMal. iNnTikmrab A hHm af
m Baaahlla Biiuhy mBadla liwrtria plataa wm frt Owaah
r'alaaiarai.
■d tm^ ar ■witmi FWUgriMa AaMdMlea.— Mani t,
wIDiiHial) la tha chair.— A laatarn allda awaMMMua mom
I a«l>a BKiiy wm aatawd aaaa. Bataa anapaMM teak pwt
raihaMHkaiUlaaHofitoibdia, Wtth oaa or tww anaptfaM
tha idhwa ware of an exceptionally high (tandard. The reanlU were declared
aa fcOowa :— 1, Mr. J. D. Gibaon ; 2, Mr. J. R Stewart ; 3, Mr. V. C. Baird.
Tha ■attv half of the eveaiag waa taken np with the exhibition of a large
immhar of aliilea illostratiiut tha naea of a haad oamara, which had been lent to
tha Aiaodation by Mr. A. 8. Dreaaar, of Umdoa. Hia aet indaded »om« line
aaa aalgeeta, taken chiefly oa the aooth coaat of Kmlaiid, aad alao some rerv
pretty itraat riewt in Brittany and Holland.
n» Photosnphle Sodaty of PhUadelpbla Febnury 10, the Pnaident,.
Mr. John G. Buliodc, ia tha chair.— Dr. Kij.imntr Wallack read a paper on
n*ndmt^ SUmr frimU Dr. MncasLL took exception to the readera
MamaatiaiMardtaniatiMuamoaataat He waa not quite so ready to
aacriba tha fadiaa of drar priate to thU aourca. It seemed to him that if
gelatiaa romtmid thiapronaHy it would alTect the Integrity of erery emulaion
"^.7" "^ not ody fcr aegatire pUtaa, bat alao tha difhnot forma of
gaUtiBaMaiiUaMDOW|iraiiandforaiiitotyjMa. If tha motmt wm made witb-
a coomoa grade of adaUaaa than might be bOnriooa ehemkal rabatancea in it.
It waa weU^nowa that add waa need H a aaoaaaary adjunct in its
a»a ; hot ha rary miish doablad whathw nod gd^ne would hare the
. ■'— ^ »»" ^ ^- Wallaoi AMMhar nn&ahla eaaM fbr the fading of
priaia »aa that they ware aot flxad kag lanagK. It wMmvoh more important
thaa vMUag. It wm a rary ooaunoa hahit to taka a BMatira out of the
Uag hath MMMiBM tha aoloor diaappaaral. thiaking that itwM flxed, but
tUawMawioagimpnaaka. Itahoddaithar haaUowad toramainfireortan
S**?.^ 'f^f *? ''>* ^TV''* >>• atiralrtnaafarad toaftaah dxiag bath.
Ha taOj baUerad a good deal of tha trouhla in iwaid to tha ptrmaaoiey of
ailTar priaU WM dM to iaaaSdaat flxiac. Ba wootd add, ia ondoaioB, that
ha .tVMd with Dr. Wallaea la ranrd to tha ia^nrioM aOset of extendro
. It tMdad to dsairoy tha ebaraetar of the bai^, aad alao probably
tka ramaaMiij of tha photognph. Mr. Cajavrr stated that daring
■Haaaaabaraf Makriewa. tkam^ority of which ha
plalMwtth
tha
It atiMk him that noadbly
^ . , . M ha raiaiahad tha plat« with ooUodi^
1^.^. .H^ 'S.^^, ^^ *«^J"m>*- BahailpktBraa,pan!haaedin
Ru«*i> JM^vkiek, wkaa laat aaaa, hare ao tiaoaa of bding. 8mna of hla
owa make, m«da ia Chieaao ia ISaS or 1S83, ware Just m fTaah aow m the day
''^^!?"."*^''**^ loo, ia tha ordtaary roattaa of nllary work, adag
oanMly tka hMt matariala to ha had. Or. Wallacb aaked whether iS
ylattaa watdaad wy gbilkia. Ia thaespariaMatharsfnTad tethagoUtioa
of gliMrkM. Mr. OaBaorr aaid ha oaad ao giyoarina.
of MaoaTgalatiaai Mr. C. W. MlLuni ^^^Uad tha
to Mr. A. L. Baadaraoa'a mmmnaication in tho
MtMaaf tka t^Mekgedato. vkarda ka aialad tkat It wm laMdhla to
iMkaajMd aaaUaa «ritt idBala of dlw aad ^iaMaa pr^wnStit$Uk*r.
Dadkf ika praaM* tka allnia af dlrar aad adatiaa akodd arrarha admdto
wiM BMB aad red fog wonU ineriubly ensue. This doea
■••wfcr lohoUad aaiaJaloe. hat digaitlou in twenty-foor houn. Mr. Cab-
MmaaU ha had had a Uttla azpariaaca la maUM amolakma, aad did not
agree with Mr. Haadaiaea'a rWwiL Ha had Madfia matkod. aad foand it
imi»adblatomakaarapid«Haldaawitkli A good amaldea eonld be made
■*ithtkaaili8laefailrvla eeatact with gahtiM, aad ka had aaeompliahed it
k 'hot way. Mr. J. f. Wiiia, m '■"t'nitril. -»fcnj^ nwiiliaiin of work
n. wttb tha aa« pkate taia otijaadra of Dr. Adolpk MMSTefBarUa, and
raa» a azplaaatory paMr la iwaaarina tkdwwitk. Mr. Casmr atatod that
ha dhl aot aaa how h iWfcfail tnm tha iinlar OalUeaa taleaeope, aad that
l—hiaaMiiB, lagathar with a print ftom a aagatha mada
kaawaf tka Ctty Hall, tahaa from Washingtoo Areaoa^
Tka law aaad far tha pradUrowM a slzlaeh porliait lens,
and uie amcata ww oaly two laA* In fcct, wm tna an ordinary opera
giawi. Tha laaalt wm rary aatlafoetory, aad a naeUcal iUaatntion on Um
0eadghaa,Mla(afMjaiaadbra«katMafaadBalK,wMofgrsat intataat
feantkaMirtwiwmiat, tha aaaan ashMtiag W» pktaiwLooa with tha
ardlaarylaaa.aadftaalkarwlM>tk*aawoomhfaatloa laaaia Tha dlOacmiea
CortriStionorncre
Otrmr—Jmit dtarf4 aawr wrMe •■ tstt •«« ^ As r^m.
BATIO OF GBADATION.
To the EorroB.
tha attiala oa Iha Hortar A DriflUld ioraatigationa which ,
ia laat waak'a Banna JoinuAi. or PaoiooBArBT, Mr. Bolton
I a point of tha grralaat importanM in theoretical qacstioni
«kiah doaa not yat appear to bar* hcan aatialactorily settled. The true
ralaiiaa hatwaae tho amwint of ladaead ailrer in any part ol a ncgatira,
andiha ytitj pradoaad by it, ia atUl, to soma extant, nncartain.
Maaaa. Hortar A DrlAaU, ia tha origijial paper on Pkoto-chemical
Ingt$tlt9tlom, anlain tbair riaw of tha nattar in tbia inannar :— If we
bara a aonihar of fllou of aqoal daaaity, aaoh of wbidi tranamiU a c«r-
Uin baatioa of tba light it ia axpoaad to. aay, ,', then, if any nnmber of
aoeb Alma are aoparpoaad. m aaeb will tranamit i of the light it raeairea.
the total raaolt. wbaa than ara n raoh films, will be that the amount of
light wbieb paaaaa thlM^ aU will be (,')■> of the original intensity, so
that a, tba nnmhar of fltaa, ia alao tba logarithm of tha transparency to
174
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[March 11, 1892
tb« bu« I, or, multiplied b; the proper modalni, to any other base.*
The ntioe of the lof^rithme of transparencies are tlms shown to
oornipond to the nnmber of snperpoaed tilms, each of vhich contains
the Mme quantity of reduced silver ; and it follows, therefore, that they
«n proportional to the amount of silver per unit area ; but the total
thickneu ol film in this can varit; and in the same proportion as the
difler«nt valoea of n. It baa not been proved that the same law applies
friieD, as in a photographic plate, the thickness of film is always the
-MUne, and the silver, whether much or little, always contained in the
Mme space. Ueean. Hnrter * Driffield merely write : " The reduction
of the intensity ii, of course, due to the black particles, and depends
aimpl.v upon the number of them which arc interposed per unit of area."
But that does not appear to be so entirely a matter of coarse as is here
implied ; the poaitiona of the particles of silver may have to be taken into
4onsidaration. Carried to the absurd, we should expect to find, on these
prinoiplei, that a sheet of perforated zinc transmitted no more light than
« thinner unbroken piece of the aame metal, if of equal size and the same
might, ae the nnmber of molecules of zinc per unit of area of each
l^ece would be identical. Messrs. Hurter & Driffield's principles will, no
doubt, be found correct when the thickness of film is large compared
with the size of the grains of silver ; but it must be remembered that, in
moat rapid plates, the grains are of appreciable size. If we take an
extreme case, and suppose a film of only the same thickness as the
diameter of one grain, it is evident that there could then be no over-
lapping, so that every grain would obstruct the same amount of light,
•nd the opacity (using the expression, liowever, in a different sense to
that adopted by Messrs. Hurter & Driffield) would be proportional to the
'quantity of silver present. The transparency to one unit of light would
be 1 - a, a representing the amount of Ught obstructed, and being always
proportional to the amount of silver.
Mr. Plener, in one of an unfinished series of articles on subjects of
this nature (rather marred by confusion of arithmetical and geometrical
progressions) in the Photographic News of 1882, when considering the
principles involved in the preparation of sensitometer screens, gave a
formula based on the above which, with some modification, may be
applied to the case of photographic plates. Simplifying his method a
little, the film may be considered as consisting of n imaginary layers,
each of the thickness of one of the grains of silver, and each passing
I -a of the light received. The transparency of the actual film will then
be a fraction equal to (l — a)" (this is supposing the grains to be all of
equal size and evenly distributed), a varying in the same proportion as
the total amount of silver present. Messrs. Hurter & Driffield's
principles might be represented by the same formula, treating n as the
variable quantity. In either case n would represant the thickness of
film ; but if we take a transparency of (1 - a)" as a standard, the effect of
doubling the amount of silver, for example, would by one system give
(1 - 2a)'', and by the other (1 - a)-". Now, when n is very large, the values
of these two formula will be practically identical, and, remembering that
^~^^^^tp^' '' appears to have been large in all the experi-
ments by which Messrs. Hurter & Driffield tested the corrected of their
views. For the experiment with Indian ink, a cell was employed, the
width of which was probably many times greater than the thickness of a
dry gelatine film ; and in all their more important experimental work
they used Chapman's slow plates, in which the silver would no doubt be
in a very finely divided state, and these plates were specially prepared,
"every care being taken to secure a thick and even film." Captain
Abney, in 1889, performed some experiments in this direction, and I find
his results in a trial with Indian ink in no way support Messrs. Hurter
4 Driffield's views ; while an experiment with dried gelatine films con-
taining known quantities of silver certainly agrees fairly well with them
in the middle numbers, but is quite out at both ends of the series.
Dr. Eder gives -003 mm. as the diameter of the grains of Ag Br in
rapid emulsion, and the average thickness of film in a gelatine plate may
perhai)S, be taken as about -03 mm. These are not extreme figures, and
many mstantaneous plates probably have
coarser grains contained in much thinner
films ; but, if we use these estimates, we
have a ratio of 1 : 10, so that »= 10 and
that value of n will lead to very different
results if the formula derived from Mr.
Plener's article be followed to those which
would be shown by that of Messrs. Hurter
<Sr Driffield, If we start with such a pro-
portion of silver that one-tenth the thick-
ness of film would obstruct •Ol of the
light, then the total transparency would
be •99">— -9044; and, taking that as
representing the effect of one unit of
silver by either formula, the accompany-
ing table will show the results of increasing the amount :—
It will be seen that increasing the silver ten times— which gives a
transparency of about J— has produced but little difference between the
columns, but they then gradually disagree, till in the great densities
' OpMitji, 01 deflnod by Meiers. Hnrter k Driffield, is merely the recinrocnl of
Amount
Transparencies.
Silver.
Plener.
Hnrter &
Driffield.
1
10
20
40
SO
■9044
•3487
•1074
•0061
•00098
•9044
•3660
•1340
•0179
•00658
given by fifty times the silver, if the first column is correct, the otber
shows more than six times too great transparency. Eighty units of silver
would show a difference of three thousand times, but the densities would
then be far beyond anything we have to consider in photography.
The formula I have described appears to be more probably correct
than that of Messrs. Hurter & Driffield, but still there are several reasons
why it is not altogether to be depended on. I have treated the grains of
silver as being all of the same size and equally distributed through the
film, but these conditions are, of course, not really fulfilled. In all
emulsions the fineness of grain varies considerably (the more the better),
and finely divided matter gives much greater opacity than an equal quantity
in a coarser state. Then the bromide of silver always settles dovra more
or less in coating the plate, especially in the ease of rapid emulsions.
The coarser and more sensitive grains sink to the bottom, while the
finer, remaining on the surface, will be the first attacked both by light
and by the developer. The thickness of the film, too, varies after de-
velopment, the more transparent parts being depressed. All these matters
lead to much uncertainty' in any attempt to find a formula which may be
depended on. So far as they result in greater concentration of the de-
posit, the result would be similar to taking a smaller value for n, but the
whole is so doubtful ili&t there seems Uttlehope of finding a really correct
formula by which the amount of silver may be calculated from the trans-
parency, or vice versa, especially in rapid plates. Experiments may per-
haps lead to the discovery of a satisfactory empirical formula, and, in
fact, that of Captain Abney agrees very closely with observed result s
except in the higher densities.
Messrs. Hurter & Driffield's method is, no doubt, practically right in
regard to very slow plates, and their " correct formula," which depends
jpon the truth of it, is, at any rate, in that case probably quite trust-
worthy. Even if its application must be limited to the case of slow
plates, this " correct formula " may be of much value in future investi-
gations, and probably in many scientific uses of photography. — I am,
yours, &c., h. J. Chan.son.
Woodlands, Lewisham, S.E., March 7, 1892.
SOCIETY FOB KENSINGTON AND BAYSWATEB.
To the Editob.
Sir,— Owing to the West'London Photographic Society having moved
its headquarters from Hammersmith to Chiswick, the large district oom-
pnsiug Bayswater, Hammersmith, Kensington, and Notting Hill is now
left without a society. Within this large area it is thought there are
many photogiaphers, both amateur and professional, who would benefit
by a society being formed in their midst, so a few gentlemen interested in
the subject met last week, and resolved to call a meeting for that pur-
pose. It will be held at the Horbury Booms, Kensington Park-road (close
to Notting HiU-gate station, on the Metropolitan Bailway), on Monday,
the 21st inst., at 8.30 p.m., and all gentlemen interested in the matter
are invited to attend. Those unable to attend, but willing to join in the
movement, are requested to send in their names to me before the date of
the meeting.— I am, yours, &o., Chakles W. Brumwbll,
7, Lower-terrace, Notting Hill, W. Secretary pro tern.
LOSS OP DENSITY IN FIXING.
To tlie Editor.
Sib,— Please allow me a few words more on " loss of density in fixing."
You say at the end of your notice, p. 130, that the so-called loss of
density in the fixing bath is due to nnder-development or under-exposure,
txaotly what I said— under-development principally, however. Now,
ask the manufacturers to say on labels that their plates should be de-
^f, P?,, rather more or less than others, or something to that effect, and
all will be right.
When I said it would bo better for the professional or amateur wanting
to make a trial of the plates, and in the end to the manufacturer, I
meant to prevent the discouragement to the amateur and if you want the
renewal of a trial to the professional. The first one may give that brand
of plates up at once, as not sensitive enough ; and the second one (pro-
lessional), if more conscientious, may try more exposures and increased
density in development, or may give up without further trials.
I may be mistaken in the origm of the reason why, but here is one of
my experiences, repeated several times. I took a negative with rapid
exposure, and developed it fully, and even more than 1 usually do,
judging by transparency and by the back of negative; and, after fixing,
1 "^Sative was not fit to print from, being too thin.
Allow me to tell you my way of judging when a negative is fully
developed, and perhaps you will see that the iodide of silver or the thick-
ness of the film play a lesser part in the judgment, at least with me, as
to when I should stop the development or go further, than you may think.
When I put the plate in the developer I watch the image, first as it comes
on the face of the plate, and then by transparency, untU it gets the
intensity it should have when finished ; then I watch it from the back by
i«n,co """i^ gets (not the image, which I cannot see by reflected Ught, of
course). From first white it tprns slightly grey, and, as this colour
Much 11. 18R-2
THE BKiTISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOOKAPHY.
175
daciiena, I cioniiitrr the negatire well doM when thi* cray i* prcttjr dark ;
wjr, sboat th« eolour o< fari«bt old dlfw. TbiB I itop, sod waah and
S>. and th« NMit is, about nbtety-Bina Mae* oat of a bmidnd, Rood.
This for m^ Mgnlar brand of plate*, W. A W.'s. Some other plates
mi(7 work the Mine, bat certainly nme do not; and, to get a good
I"^**"* ■miliiii. I hare to watdi the back, on tome of thoee, get to a
omhMdtv grey, edging on Uaek ; and, as to traa^aieaqy, not be able
to kaov what ia oa the plate. Bowvnc, neolt : a very good nagatiTe to
print boci.
Lose in hypo, or what 7 Deralopateot hac eartainly to be eariied on
IsztlMr than with other plilne. U the maonfaetarer can let na know
about it beforehand, eona tiaabl* earn b* Mvad, and pcobabljr aooie mote
toad* ID aome o( them. — I am. yowa. Aa., A. Lbtt.
4. Attwu Pimel, .UnSret {Stimt\, rtbrmny 99. IMS.
MB. COLBS AKD MB. H0W80N.
To Urn]
t
HiB,— A« Mr. BowM*
hiaappectof tha
aa withdrawn. — I a*. Toora, As.,
Watfiird, March 7. 1899.
naBtioaiaf aaj aridflMa
■a of ■uarapraaaating him.
■d tha ofaana to be eooiM*(a4
Wiuxut Cocaa.
THE TBUE POBinOK OF THB FBOTOOBAPHBB IN THE ABT
WORLD.
To lAtEaoaa
Bn,— I tee that my latter of Jaaaaiy • W net altofttber emtv^ the
to tba minda of aeaaa of jam laadata thM I aiiiirtad or
> and. if I miKbt be aOvMd to fvthar iBtoadMa myMlf . ao doabt
«m bMOM baiter aaqariMa«<wilkaa. If r aeuaiioa and aaMaia.
•tar a **« cf aaariy twaaty yaara,
to aa mmk wmawmm in yoor aalnMa m tba
*aru:
majority of yoor raaihn : natiithalmi, 0*7 aaMriaaaa aa
ditntae me a daaidad ootiidar. aa tar aa aoata al tba antiaa
) it b doe to my liaialM aa aa artM thai I have baM lad la my
oiwa mini to mafca ao pnaoHaead a dMaaHao balweaa tha word Artiat
aad tha word rhetapaahar that I look U lar pialH tba Iwowoaldaot
ia a«y way haaoma iiafciaailii. la thia I am f«bafa to biama. aa it ia
B»w aridaat that a wide and tariad uoiirtiailiuB la aat oa the word Aitiat
aaaaig your madata. Ia Joaliaa lo Ibal parUoB of yoar nadan I MBra>
■at.rMban4to|lf«an««Bfc«BidM af B. I mMt atail I Sad
aoMdiaaaltyia affmaMJ^ Ikb aakiad vBhNi haai^ ^■aMofw
lomliiiailwm»aMdii*fanefcwawbmalmMlhilMdid.aai.adIaot
iMl aeaMirt thai I ikoald maa* wkb *• aayport of
aima Ibaa ayawa,! rimaU aol faal tcwtatwrtla
; fartbar. I aUfbt petet oat Ibat aiy latter waa in tha main
r. la wbWi Iha artial «m
Id ba maaiwimi aa a* oapiiatin
■unaaM aaiartba
_ la ta mmwitmimM
•rt.1 .
that appeara to ma aawerthy of tba
:s5r'
TMoa aa tha word AiHil may app«r to ba lo aoma,
^vudad it aa baloagiag to thai aabool whoa* eoane of
own oa the aam* Iteaa a* Ibaaa adoalad by tba aa^aOad
doWD
whAt. v«r )aaa>h mayb* will— mi
paioting. •ngmriag, daaigaiag. Aa.,it
oalurf.
An artiat may lake aa pbelapaa^
miphy (la aoMMiioa with tt). b« aaaMl obtain Ibat
M prMlMUMaif aa artiat ootaida of B, aad alMartbi
M. lor Ihaiiapla laaaoB, aad it ia aa admBlad tedTttal by
ba ia
I ban* ahraya
iniaiag h Ud
a»«anai artirt yatatar.
B ha MMlplan.
ha of a maaii**
artirt
ia photo-
a wilboBl
aifMaaiai turn Iba priajalm apoa
^tba maa* loaaaa hrafeateaagr bi
hamai
to tba
IwHh to baap Um n
It aaaaet ba daaiad Oiar* ia naod aeepe far Iba
I of artteiialalinitwia ia ennaailea with phatopaphy; aavortba-
•««. itead«aalavmaMlbafaaUaad tobeproaariy^ynrialat. laaaaot
icfaayfteiw kawlap » aittrt *■ Ma owa a— BjHim Bim
Marttbaliaabadiawa? I malalaia tballhaiiaiaid artialla«bai>aod
proper panon to miit oat tb* wort of lb* aelaalirt hi photopayby, aad
*o npplT vhiu the faitalUfit patron will tWmand, the oomWiiattno of
Miatee and art.
The (aiaatiat doaa aol aUrn iialialiMi ia phutomaphy Croaa aa artiatia
poiat of vimr. aor 4oaa Ika arth« taha aratt to kStoalf lor tba aatoBte
part— oalytewlMlb* la aU* to lapply. W* all laha «p phelopapby
more or lea* oa loflmaao*, and we have no right to abase our privileges.
What I strongly eondemn and refosa to parUcipate in are the insult*
that are piled upon the artist who prefers to dispense with all mechanical
in bringing aboat his desired result
What must oar esteemed brother artists in other capacities think of the
intellieenee or sinoerity of a man claiming to be an artist, who will com-
pare the mere bmahea and palette of an artiat with the camera and lens
of a photograplier, and place them on an equality as regards the part
th^ play in the prodoction of the work ? I woald ask such, are they
nnoer t^ impression that brushes can be bouKht guaranteed to paint, or
form pictures of giren dimensions, the same as they can bay lenses, and
do th^ suppose that brushes and palette can be ao set together that an
artist eaa go away and have them doing tha work, eome hack aad apply
a liqoid to hte eanvaa. and find tha picture complete, and not always be
sure, onlam ha haa eorraetly nombared his oanra*. what the sabjeet of
his pictnr* waa going to ba, or whieh waa the right end up r
To -frrrigna^T a man • a wieldtr of the brush ' is to imply that ha usee
tha brtuh madiaaieaHy, aa be might do in painting a noose, Ac. The
use of tha brush does not make a man an artist any more than tha use
of the eamara and leaa will ef«r maka a photognpber oaa. If there i*
DOthing in a name, why are photographera ao aimoaa to prove thair oUim
to tb* titia of artist, and why take tnmUa to aaalyaa lb* word, and show
that itmaaasaothioginpartieolarr Or why intaatigate anoient history
to show that artirt* ware tboogbt nothing of batofe tha world waa barely
eirUised or odaealadT And is it not as mean as it ia ridieoloaa to oom-
para a pholnffath with a walcr.oolour drawing ? 11 tha photograph was
tha beat speaimaB aw pfadaiii. aad tha water-oolonr drawing the worst,
tha oaa ia aliU a maaaaaiial andaeliea. and the other a work of art.
Tha pbotopapber wBI taka ondB whar* ha ia not antiUad to it, or where
hla laMllaaMa ia aot in aay way laapoaaibte ; tha aotoal creation of tha
drnfaad^jaal i* the work of natora.
A photognq^h may be aompaiad to a plant ; the dry plataa are like the
Tirgin aoU, Iba gromd haa beaa prepared, tlie expoeore is giren, the seed
ia aat. Iba lateat imaga ia tbara, it is watered, it is noorished, the
daaaloBar ia appMad : aow aoliae how tha oold weather retards ite growth.
aotiaa bow Iba aaaaUaa aaealsratea ito davalopaiaat, aoon a plant ia full
Ba* aofpaaa poo hat* a frisad who haa made, by hia own hand, a
haaaUtlll uailaliaa ia waa of Iba toaa kind of plant, and he shows it to-
yoo, woold yoa have the imptrliaaaoo to tell him yon had mad* one
" that woaM haal that iato a ooekad hat," and msh oil and fetoh tha one
yoahadro«Bia7«urtM<<aar Doe* ihi* Uloattation not git* yoa aoma
aotiea of tba MMM^ of Iba word Art r
It the iliiilmmihM aaaaol daim to hare contributed something
towaida tba adtaaaaaaal of iba aaienca of photography, beyoad amoaing
hiamrif with it. or Utfaag oa it aa thoMh it were speeially daaigned for
hia haaaSt, aad it ba iala**a to analityhimaeU a* aa artist, then he is
a maehaaieal photographis practitioner ; and, if I
the nuastlaa, I shoaU 'say. Ibtoa are the men who hate
aoal hr pbologiaphy, and bang oa to the luae of acienoe and
■It far pwilaartca. whfla Ibay taaaU pa^ who hato earaad a soparior
poaHlOB.^-1 an. yosia, Aa,,
ArniiT wrra BacaB, Pnoxi., ixd Cktaau.
*S HWorrf StnM, K«eh> Xtr Itoad, ilanehttHr.
]Birt)angc Column.
.• .Vas»«p**aMd
iatntmtitiUUimm ,
jlliti is|at—Hia» "sspfHi^ iwi^ifiHfltei^^saadarifaad
> /br fi Mil If M ■as>aafs» if Aummntm to tXs esteam .-
rted— hss tfa mrtktt issslidst ds4artsl» stetof, fkass
MaOoscMis. Klrfcoad.
• ft.x7ft.«la. ■ashsaeel
W. Ba**. Wladsw ■tarOo.
• f**U por^ell has ly Batar Bratktn fnr h>lM
hM by a laod aaksr^XMnss. P. PiLcass, Pboto.
OmmU's r«dUM MmOst. slsaa sad.psttMljJtar lwtf.pU««eom.
, M.. S, Sifht.
r witk Xo 4. for th* tVori
FiiH> 11 aaaAm of tha I
• aaaAm tt Ih* n«lisrii»>»/« ITarM, wssiiiif wlU^
I Ml BabtMDa-«n*laniisMa«k( PkMwra]>k«.-lddnM, U. O. Taoarw>a,
«.(njsi II .wad. »wmiaMKim.rjw,
, ditto whoh-
Sma nan* Batnsa tovuaix ov PavroaiuraT, Rnv'a 10 x 8 doabM,
llili lia>IH,>sU«i—a<^ itoMw's. twMs brtdat, toH-piate PoHrall
fT— . . . . 1- v.. joaUs&Sikab
toili sb^. JiihMs. W. a»mmn, tosbi isal. Oaddlofd.
wm isibs^e a nrylteM bair.|4sto saawa. Item doabl* iHs^ npU lasMKasar
)0mt, Ttomea-PUbu) AaMsr. •tea*, whole weiakliw aadar stos peaads^aartr
imw. Mst a. U*. t sis* a SMrtiaht. f.safiSiir'i UtwasSloaal. tbm doahh
, U*.t sis* a sasrti aleti U .
■Hal (Mm, Im*. thaMw. tiaad. aaa mm, •Mplat*. eort sMo«Mwr St. U«., with
■a «stmd«Hs«U> sad swan, far* lasi'i Oabtaat portnit Isaa— AddraM, l(*n«
Tk* Ansa*. It. Msigsist's. T»l«>eatoia
176
THE rUJITlSH JOURNAJL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[Marcb 11, 1892
4— <i. t.^ MTtitm of Oiit JOUBWAL, including qwriet to-
" AmMmn'' »»d"ft^^r^<'^ jj^^^ to thi. ensure, delay.
• •*••"■ . ,. _,.4.-_. #„ AdtirrtiMmmU and general lurinett affairt
T^'i^z^r^ '-^^ ./ «>- ^- ^"'^ ^^««"' -"•^*''-
|Tl.^^m*thr*Lcription given, we should think the article woul.l
A.T^iS (King'.College).-Iti«.ane specimen of the ordinary Talbotype
ncmtire taken in the camera.
cToHwu— The image is formed of metallic silver. It «. probably as
nertnanent as any other process. . ,.u -ft,., «,«
M R-We are nnacquainted with the first firm you name, and of the other we
know nothing to their disadvantage. „ „ ^ ,,r -.
HMOREU-Mess,^ Tunny of Edinburgh. Martin of New Southgat*. Watson
of HuU, and others, undertake ceramic work.
BunO) -So far as w« are aware, Mr. J. J. Atkinson, of Liven^ool. is the sole
agent for Seavey's backgroumU in this country.
■DOUBTVDL.-1 /■•12 to /-15. 2. As far from the lens as will permit the
^e^U, be touched. 3. Yes. 4. You must ascertain by experiment.
P Not AN- -For copying engravings, extra rapid plates are of no advantage-
oidte^lhe rever^'^ Forthilwork use slow plates, so as to obtain vigour, with
2l^ HneT^tes specially made for copying are the best for the purpose.
T Mathias asks • "Will you kindly tell me if there is anything that I can
d^ken i^ ^t-skln rug ^th ? It comes'out too wh He in the photograph.
Z^ thI ffit of imiieraing the rug in a dUute solution of bichromate of
potash, and dry in the sun.
EC W -Methylated spirit of the "old sort" can still be obtained for manu-
f^turine PU^oseTbut only in wholesale quantities, and then by giving a
h^rtonlto^e Excise authorities tl.afit wiU only be used for such pur-
iioses. Asyousay, thethingisanui-sance. , , j
W Davis -1. Settle upon the lantern that has the right inch condenser, and
ise the cab net portSt lens for enlarging with. 2. The wide-angle single
iX is noTsuiUbie for architectural subjects, though it is excellent for land-
scapes when a wide angle has to be embraced.
Oko He>»rt Rutter.- 1. We believe that the object of the solution is simply
to "desensitise" the unaltered bromide, and thus no alteration m its
appea^ce would take place. 2. Obviously, so soon as it fails to produce
the foregoing effect. 3. Quite feasible, we should think.
OFF —The various proportions of the constituents of the solution could
oniv be determined by the volumetric method. As you confess your total
ignorance of that system, we fear that a description of it, besides occupymg
to more space than we could spare, would not be intelligible to you Better
consult some work on volumetric analysis. The impunties from the bath
may be removed by kaolin.
"Echo —The " figures on the stops " indicate that the aperture of the diaphragm
is a (riven fraction of the focal length of the lens. Such a lens would cer-
tainly " be useful for views." You had better study the elements of plioto-
eraphic optics, as you appear to be ignorant of the use of stops and the
various forms of lenses. To our knowledge, there is no law prohibitmg you
from taking news of London on Sunday.
W Tatb says "he has a large copying camera, made many years ago, with a
mackintosh cloth bellows, and now the folds, when pressed together for a
short time, stick. They did not do this until quite recently. He wishes to
know the cause and the remedy ?"— The cause is that the rubber is becoming
perished, which it is liable to do with age. The sticking may be prevRnte.l,
in a great measure, by frequently rubbing the folds over with French chalk.
W K. L. is desirous of forming an amateur society in his district, and asks
iiow to proceed, and what is the usual subscription ?— The usual way is to
call a preliminary meeting of those in favour of the scheme, and at that
draw out and frame rules ; then call a general meeting, and submit them for
continuation or alteration, and appoint officers. The subscription to dilVerent
societies varies from five shillings a year upwards. About half a guinea is
the general sum.
A. R. J. asks "if he sends some negatives by rail and they get broken in
transit, and they are insured for a certain amount, can he recover that
amount in full > "—Yes, certainly, provided he can show that the negatives
were of the actual value for which they were insured. He can only recover
the real value of them, whatever tiiat may be, and not any fancy sum for
which they may have been insured. It has been decided, in a case for com-
pensation, that the value of negatives that were broken was littie more than
tliat o( the glass and the materials ujion it. That was some years ago.
A. V. would be glad to know if there is anything beside brown glue suitable for
sticking the teicks on to opalines, as he finds it is liable to discolour the
photo where it touches ; also, if put in a sunny window, the backs frequently
come off. As A. P. has a large quantity of opalines to make, he would bo
obliged by any suggestions.- Any adhesive that will stick tiie backs on will
answer the purpose as well as brown glue. If this discolours the picture, a
pale gelatine might be employed. Possibly the cine was applied too thick,
and that ^vas tiie cause of its becoming detached. As we have said before,
anything may be used.
T M. BbaUND and others.— Received, with thanks.
r Ward —1 The difliculties you find in working the carbon process may
,»ssibh; be accounted for by a careful perusal of an artic e on anoH.er page.
ntisquiteamStlkeonyourpart to imagine that gelatine negatm>s are
not sm't2b e for^'^^ucing good prints from the carbon process. 3 What is
sold M transfer collodion will answer for coating the glass with but it
should l" thinned fdown a little with ether and alcohol; methylated, if
strouK wUldo 4. If the coating of the flexible temporary support conies
away wiTh the print, it shows one of two things-either it was not sufticienOy
waxed, or too hot water was used for developing.
S A E writes he has tried all the processes for making half-tone process
blockstlTathavrbeen published, and finds that none of them
results He a.lds that he believes what has been published is misleading
We disagree entirely witi. our correspondent on the las remark b«^use it
i"not correct as to several methods described in our back volumes^ The
mere rea^ng of the details of any process, and working by any particular
foZ.irwi"fnot give the practical experience always necessary to produce
good re Hits. A business, and a somewhat intn^te one, too, cannot be
Ct without a prolonged experience. Some of those who are most pro-
fident with this class of work have spent years in acquiring their ^k »ad
experience. With process blocks, as with every other branch of industry,
thrreTmuch to be learnt before uniformly perfect results are obtamed.
D Dl\ON writes: "I often see recommended as a mounting solution one of
gelatine Tater and methylated spirit. I have tried making it several times,
ffiwVsfan'ed alSouf I havr kept strictly to the formula an<l used the
strongest gelatine I could get-Coignefs Gold Medal to wit. Mj d (hculty
is thil As soon as I add the spirit, a hard coagulated m.iss separ.-vtes and
leaves tiie solvents clear, and no amount of heat and sturing will make them
combine. Can you enlighten me ?"-The reason U that the spirit has caused
aTrecipitation of the gelatine, and our correspondent has "^^^ about the
most unsuitable kind for the purpose. To make \?°\"t'°» °/ S'''^ Xv^S"
taining a large proportion of spirit, a verj' soluble kind shot Id be employ ed
Sm, say. Nelson's "No. 2 soluble." With this a tolerably large quantity
may be introduced without precipitation. The stronger and more insduble
the gelatine, the less the spirit that can be used without causing precpite-
tion With some of the commoner qualities of glue a solution maj be luade
with nearly all spirit.
Received.— Several catalogues. These in our next.
■ The PHOTOGBAraio Club. -March 16, Shutters hy Sir. A. S. Newman.
23, Last Lantern Night of the season. 30, Smoking Concert.
The Council of the National Association of Professional Photographei-s
requests that all photographers not yet enrolled as members wiU at on™ sentt
their names and addresses for publication with the annual report and balance-
sheet, about to 1)6 printed and circulated.
London and Pbovinoial Photogbaphic Association. -March 17, Monthly
Lantern Night. March 24, ContUenial Photof/mphc I,,stitiUwns 'fdlJci^
Jnjhcence, Mr.W. H. Harrison. Mr. Wamerke will take the chair, and exhibit
his lantern slides bearing on tiie subject. March 31, A Short Detnonstratwn
of Photography on Wood, Mr. W. S. Rawlmgs.
Photographic Socibtt of Great Britain. -Committees for the following
objects, among others, have recently been appointed bythe Coxincilo consider
wl^ether anv, Ind, if any, what explanatory additions should ^-^ appended to
the report of the Committee of Standards of 1881, and to "I™'' ' POf *»»
questiin of standards in subjects not dealt with by that Committee to deaJ
lith all matters connecte-1 with the Museum ; to consider the question of the
recent Excise regulations relating to methylated spirit : a.iid to consider tUe
whole question of the Exhibition, and to report thereon to the Council.
"The Great Earthquake in Japan, 1891. "-The work by Professors
Milne and Burton on the terrible earthquake of last October is now in the
hands of the public. It is printed in luxurious type, on p.aper of tiie hnest
quality, and illustrated by no less than twenty-nine large plates. Two months
sulficed to collect materials for, illustrate, put into tv^e, and hind it. Pro-
fessor Milne's letterpress occupies ten pages. Into that short space he has
compressed a great mass of information about earthquakes in geneia and the
\i-Gi catastrophe in particular. Witii.regard to the plates in the volume they
are photographs taken for the most part by Professor Burton .and ^^!'"'l"'j';'l
bv Mr. O^awa. The scenes chosen convey a vivid idea ot the great calamity
and all its concomitant features. Accompanying each picture is a short
description, which conveys all the information required tor a lull uuderstandmg
of the scene.
• • We have many artieles and papers in type which we are obliaed
to hold over until tlie great presmre mi our columns is relaxed. ^^^^V
our contributes and the secretaries of many societies will therefore nnderstatia
from this the delay in the appearance of their communications.
OONT
PAttE
BINOCULAR examination OF LAN-
TERN SLIDES lUl
PHOTOGRAPHY AND THE DETECTION
OF CHIME 161
THE EFFECTS OF MOISTURE IN CAR-
BON TISSUE ica
PRINTING FROM DEFECTIVE NEOA- •
TIVES 1™
WHY PHOTOGRAPHS FADE.— II. By
HERBERT 8. ST.UINES 1C6
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE TELE-PHO-
TOORAPHIC LENS. By T. R. DALL.
MEVER 105
BNTS,
ELEMENTARY NOTES ON PHOTOGRA- 1«V
PHIC LKNSKS. Bv IL W. T'.F.NM.TT..
NOTES ON SO.\IE NEW RAl'lll OlITHO-
CIUUIMATIC COLLODIll - liUuMlU*.
EMULSION PROCESSES. By COL.
.1. WATERHOUSE, S.C. •■■•••• ••■•AVA:
ELECTRIC LIGHTING FOR PHOTO-
GRAPHERS "J
THE MAl>DoX FUND \\
OVK EDITORIAL TABLE n
RECENT PATENTS };
MEKTIN08 OF SOCIETIES J;
CORRESPONDENCE },
EXCHANGE COLUMN •..■• }.
AMSWBBS TO OOKBIiSfONDKMb I
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1663. Vol. XXXIX.— MARCH 18, 1892.
■ "SPOTS ON ALBrM! I'APER PRINTS.
As our corrMpoodencc test.;.. , :..- complainu of spoU oa
printa hkre beoonM so untuuaUj finequtnt tluit Kme discusaion
xipon the mbject may be of adTantage. There ia no doubt
their oooanaioe am be traced to both ganeral and loeal ouiaea,
aome of the ktter being particokr inrtanw of the fanner.
First and foremoat must be pkoed atmocpherie phenomena,
whx'b, during the winter leaaon, are ptorocatire of lo nuuiy
cTils, not the least being the tendency to induoe the production
of spota which, onder ordinarj or inon general atatea of the
weather, wonld not be aeen. Albameniaed paper, ■wit.iaed in
the ordinary manner, ia hygnmetric to a Tery pronoonoed
degree, and, the humidity of the air at thia time of the year
being at ita maximum, the —'"■*'— ^ PS*"'' though at the
ontaet made perfectly dry, rapidly abaorfaa ao much water that
:):■ slightest amoont of fonign organic matter loffioea to
jiiitiate redactioa of the free ni&ee nitrate, and so engender
Npot& This hygrometrie condition ia intanaified by the tuA of
most albnmeniaed pnper being fhlorissd with ammonium com*
pounds, with the rsmlt that the silrer bath quickly becomes
largely charged with nitrate of «■»"«/<«;« « rerj deliquescent
aaJL Those who have found their prints soffer from an
aboormal quantity of spots hara noticed how, when they
happen to haTe made a new floating b*th, the spots for a time
have diminiahed in fraquency ; there can be little doubt that
thia ia owing to the abasnee of thia deliqaeaoent compound
during the youth of the sohitioa. If sny one wish to aaoert«in
wbethn his albnmsoiasd pi^ar Is pnparsd with chloride of
amasniui, he nsed only drop upon the glossy surface a little
aolutioa of ^aastic aoda or imlasss, or of lime-water, and hold
over the place a piece of red litmns paper, which will at once
^tom Une by the sction of the ammonia thus liberated. It
easily happen tli«t the ammonia can bs detected by the
I of smell akuM.
theae coosidetatioiis before us, it is erident that
I careful storage of p^ar before being placed in the printing
win prercBt the ahsoqHicii of moisture. Similarly the
\ diytng of the pads, decidedly sdrantager>as for other
win here slso be benefiotsL W« may remark that the
Bte extreme, the making the paper "bone dry " just before
; upon the negative will be the rertrte of bcoeficial, aa it
i wril-eatablisbsd bet that overdiy paper wiO neithsr print
tene satMMtorfly. What ia required is to prsrent iu
' at ths opporite extmne.
is often felt nicsesnry during dull weather, in the
svour to utilise all available light, to print in the open
£m puasNt, «c may say we consider thia pcactlce not to
-aalBfsoas aa ia ofkea suppoead, for it must be a very
uOTstlug ths* nbs the li^ of even ten per cent, nf
The resnH mnst nsttirally be the dropping down
upon the print or the negative — the residt would be the same
in either case — of particles of injurious matter, soot, and, some-
times, meullic particles from sundry manufactories, the foggy
atmosphere not permitting the quick deposition that would
occur during dryer weather. It may be said such spots would
readily be seen and removed ; but, as a matter of fact, experience
shows that such is not the case with at any rate the average
printer ; further, particles so minute as not to be noticed are
quite capable of setting up a species of catalytic action resulting
in a decidedly visible blemish.
If now Ve follow the subject to the consideration of par-
tictilar and local causes, we find a multitude of sources, most of
them well-known ones. Sufficient cannot be said about the
need of care in the handling vt hy[)o ; unless it be used in a
place far away from prints and printing, it is stuprisiug how
rsadily it geta into the air and injures the prints most seriously.
We recently heard of an instance wbere the special care taken
to avoid this evil had the very opposite effect to that intended.
The principal of the establishment we refer to insisted upon all
hb printers wearing aprons in the interest of cleanliness. One
of these emplofA was very careless, and an investigation into
the caoM of a ssrious number of spots snd stains showeii that
he had allowed his apron to liecome almost saturated with hypo,
partidea of which were blown or brushed a|f on to tho prints,
and at other times his hands touching the deceptive protection
beeame nllicd with hypo, and prints were finger-marked in
OOVM0QQ0DO9*
One fertile source cf spoU must not !» forgotten — the
prsscaoe of particles of iron in the paper itself, or of injurious
atoms in the albumen. At one time Rives paper wns very
liable to this def^ some paper being almost unusable ; but
now it is reduced to a minirnum. We have seen spots, or
rather staina, prodnoed at this time of the year through
incipient stains in an tm\-anuahed negative. Tho silver had
net off on to the geUtine, and produced markings which would
n^tidly ruin the negatiTC To print fri v^uiiished nega-
tive whan the atmosphers is at all hull.. 1 1 j to invite the
production of stains.
We may conclude our remarks by describing ths cause of a
large outbreak of spots which completely puzzled the head of a
'Wqpdl^ printing eetabli^ment Small black spots of all
shapea were present in such numbers as to )« the cause of
serious loss. It seemed impossible to find out their origin,
until one day it was observed that the damaged prints (cabinet
sin) all were printed in some new framex that had been put
into use A further investigation showed that microecnpiosHy
minute particles of bnuis, produced either in finishing otT tlie
friune or by the fric .. spring in o]>ening anil shutting
the back, were res'^ iiible. A thorough cleansing of
(he frames, over all the surface and into the comers, was at
178
THE BRITISH JOl UNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[March 18, 1802
once carried out, and the evil was laid. So simple a cause had
such widespread results that we deem it most useful to describe
the occurrence, thinking the same may operate in other
printing rooms. In amy case, we trust the wide basis we have
laid for tracing the cause of spots may be the means of enabling
this evil to be mitigated, if not entirely banished.
PRINTING FROM DEFECTIVE NEGATIVES.*
One of the methods successfully applied in collodion days
for thus strengthening weak negatives consisted in coating the
reverse side of the glass with a mixture of honey (or glucose),
gum, and bichromate of potash, and, after printing through the
negative, dusting on powdered plumbago, which, adhering
more readily to the unexposed portions than to those acted on
more or less by light, formed a second negative image in one
operation. This process, though simple enough in the hands
of those who may be an fait in it, is not one that will recom-
mend itself to the average photographer of to-day, more espe-
cially as its use in connexion with gelatine negatives is attended
with serious inconveniences. But an efficient, if not a superior,
substitute is to be found in collodion emulsion and the method
of reversal.
It is a by no means difficult matter to coat the back of a
negative with collodion or emulsion without injuring the front,
nor is it beyond the range of possibility to develop an image on
the reverse side without seriously endangering the original.
But precisely the same result can be attained by forming the
supplementary negative on a separate sheet of glass, so that,
everything considered, that is the plan we counsel.
Take a plate prepared with bromised collodion emulsion —
or, for that matter, a plate sensitised in the bath, so long as
the collodion contains an iodide— and, placing it in the print-
ing frame in contact with the back of the negative to be
strengthened, expose to light through the film. Develop
in the ordinary manner with alkaline pyro in any similar or
" chemical " developer, only carrying the action much further
than would be done if the image had to be fixed in the ordinary
way ; then, without fixing, flow over it a solution of " iron
alum " (or potassio-ferric sulphate) of the strength of about
fifty or sixty grains to the ounce. Under this treatment the
positive image first developed will disappear, leaving a nega-
tive image composed of unreduced bromide of silver, in which,
if the exposure and development have been right, the shadows
will consist of perfectly bare glass. In order to arrive at this
result, it is needful to give a full exposure and to carry the de-
velopment to its fullest extent, even to fogging the plate.
It will be observed that the further the development is
carried the more silver bromide will be reduced and subse-
quently removed by the ferric sulphate, and the thinner will
be the image that remains. As it is essential that the shadows
be quite clear, and as only a comparatively thin supplementary
image is needed, it is advisable to over, rather than under, do
this part of the business ; indeed, although it is a somewhat
delicate operation to make a perfectly satisfactory negative by
this plan to print alone, for the purpose we have in view it is
quite easy. With the class of negative it is intended to remedy
the kind of image that is required as an auxiliary is one that,
although generally thin, presents comparatively greater con-
trasta than would be desirable for printing alone ; and these
conditions are favoured rather than otherwise by carrying the
first development to its fullest extent.
• CoDcladed from page 164.
In many instances the delicate image left by the iron solu-
tion will be dense enough without further treatment ; but, if
not, after washing thoroughly, let it be exposed for an instant
to light and redeveloped by means of alkaline pyro, though in
performing this operation it must still be borne in mind that a
very thin deposit is what is required.
If the supplementary negative thus produced, after drying
and varnishing, be placed in contact with the original, and
made to " register," it will be surprising what an addition it
makes to the apparent density as well as contrast, and what
was previously a feeble image, with no printing value, will be
found transformed into a strong and vigorous negative ; but,
if examined closely, the compound negative, however well the
two portions may be "in register," will present a slightly
" fuzzy " or indistinct appearance, as if wanting in sharpness,
owing to the impossibility of getting every portion of the two
images, as viewed by the eye, to coincide perfectly at the same
time.
Some years ago a new style of portrait was introduced by a
Russian artist named Denier, the effect of great softness and
delicacy being obtained by forming a double image, one on
either side of the glass ; and these " Denier effects " all ex-
hibit this peculiar indistinctness, which strikes the eye most
at the first glance, and becomes less and less appreciable the
more closely the picture is examined.
Such, too, is the effect produced by the supplementary nega-
tive used as we have described, consequent, no doubt, upon the
slight overlapping of the two images in printing ; but if the
printing frame be set in motion during exposure, as already
mentioned, the indistinctness entirely disappears, for the reason
that the shadows of the second image, in consequence of the
slight interval between the two, is constantly changing its
position, and so vignetting itself into the original, with the
result that, combined with perfect definition, there is the
greatest delicacy and softness and an entire absence of any
suspicion of " dodging."
It only remains to say that, in the case of hard negatives,
the only difference in treatment is that the supplementary
image is an under-exposed positive, instead of a negative, and
is produced in the same manner, by simply printing direct from
the original negative, and fixing instead of reversing. But it
must be very thin indeed — more so, in fact, than in the case of
the reversed negative image. What is wanted usually is simply
a slight veil over the darker portions of the picture — the
drapery or coat of a portrait, for instance — while the face and
lighter portions remain clear glass. This end is gained by an
exposure so short that the heavier portions only of the picture
show any deposit, and that of the slightest, while the face re-
mains expressionless and blank, except it be for a patch or two
representing the shadows under the eyebrows, nose, and chin.
With a little ordinary care, any photographer, by following
the instructions given, can easily apply the process we have
indicated, and, though entirely unpossessed of any artistic skill
in the direction of retouching, may produce really good results
from negatives that would otherwise demand considerable
attention at the hands of the retoucher.
Automatic PhotogTapby.— When shall we hear the last of
the automatic photograph companies? Not, we imagine, until all
the little assets remaining are .swallowed up in legal matters. The
most amu.'-ing part of tlie business, to all but the unfortunate share-
holders, is that all connected with the affairs, from the aristocratic
directors downwards, deny all responsibility in the matter, and any
Much 18. I8M]
THE BRITHH JODKNAL UF PHOTOGRAPH V.
170
fawvlidg* of wk«t WM beinir tela. Th« fa
fnttr haiitoi— tarn, while otbet* reaped a (rood {>fo8t
jgnoraiiee i*blua "
Cbloafo.— Juat now that Britiah eshihiton, pbatagraphie and
oth«T«, at the fotthcoiBinif Chkaijo Rihititiow an eontiderinf their
airaofaneata, tha waacal piraaa faMnlly are wjtiag tha pahBo
■irmiiMt tha inaanitafj state of tha dty. It app(*n that in tha year
18UI the?* were twenty thooaaDd raaea of typhoid ferer, and that
nearly two thoneand of theo* taraiMtad fataUy. ThU U by no mean* a
plaatant )ook-oot for ihoaa who have anaagad to riait the Statea
dminf tha ahow. Larga ovabam haf« dona ao, we beUera, in partiea
tack m thoee orgnnixad by the Polytedaie Inatitatioo.
I of Sp«elfleatlons. It -mI! !r;'-r<-<t m.iny
of our readan to note that in futon* tiie »^-iii. tti.ii- '>i' )«t< u:nl
iarenticai aia to be iiaMd at tha ■■ifw pfiea of eigfatoen pen Be
each, poal fkaa. Any apaciaeatioii ia Kock ean be obtained fraea the
PMant Oflea for that earn; and arraafiaaMi hara bean made with
the Pbefa«tei><lwafl by which poaUl »eqnia«i ia the form of a
poalcard, price dfktyeaoa, will be on Mb at each poet-oOea, m> that,
tha anaber aad year of a partiealar pataat beiqf kaowa, ooe
any, by CBaf ia tha blank oa tha aavd, have a copy of the apeciil-
I daliraied by retam of poet wtlhoat farther rxpaaaa or eon«-
An Zntereatinr EsliibtttoA. — Afrwftct thaahore aabject,
the AaeMaatHaaataiy of the lluMagiapUe Society of Oieat Briuin U
at paaaaM aapaUaf as atkiMtiwi nf aHrrr friata wada thirty vear>,
aad afwarda, agai Saab a aaSaitfoa «< phBtagiapha caaaol tail to
b» R^ only iat— atiaj, bat al» iaMraatHa. Thay wUI inaateata
- 'ly ia tha aaify daya, aa waU aa ahow that photofrapha an
-.<^ nuawarilyof tha iitriiily fltytira charaelar that aoaw
•■> iaM«faM. Tha iateiaat ia Iha piinta win be faithar
•ihikitaea will attaeb to Ihaoi each partkolaf* aa
■tawple ; priieew br whieh they ware tooed,
•? bath, dkaiaeter of aegatir*, aNtaataat need;
wlieh the priata hare ^«a kept, aad any
._ ..-.: : ^ baeappEed. Flaae thi* Kahibitioa a leeaos
OMy be learat.
Fadlnr BUtrer Prtsta.— TUa aab}ict foraed Iha topic for
.Mtoo at • receat aeetiaf of Iha Phettfraphic Soda^ of PhiU-
r-ia. The laaanl optaba of iho mmktm ■Miaiid la ba in
niaoa with that wa haaa ao oflea expaaaeed w thaaa eala«a».
■at la Iha aafotity of aaaaa tha fadiaf of eUv^ yictaiM ia
•apnfeet txattoa thaa it ia to iaMOriaat waayag;
iBf. iartawl of eeadad^f to fifMMii
t it. By loaf aoakiaf ia water tha loaea of
1 -graded, aad, ihia baiaff the OMe. h asay falr^
L-i^tutra lUt, a* Tigow M laal, the •Ubility «f the iataga hai kaaa
PAired. It maat ha bona ia «iad that the wahiny bei^g effictad
« ihort Uaw doaa aol iapljr that it ia n tily iaaaaiplata, aay
.' than that a piuluairt Mahiaf eaaaita tha waioial of the
Piriala aaa he aa parfaetly waihad b aa boor or two
fjor aad Iwaaty hoaia.
>ta Psrla. — Tlwaa ti oar taadwa who iataod
to tha Intanutioiul ExklbMaa ef Fbotayraphy to be
the aaaabaa of tha WjadlialaJ Ognoratka of Xaao.
• of aad DMlara ia PhotegrapUe SjMliiMaa aad CaaMna ia
. ftaaa ApfO to Saplaaibrr aaat, b tha WetUTa KshiUtiaa (iMdO)
Ni*. Bay ohUla all partienUr* f ^rmn. yariOier k RnbrWt,
Onl Eagbeata, OeMnl Airer Boalat aid Bonne
I KaavaOa, Pari*. The aahihiu : ...:a eight graapa aa
riolowa:-]. Ilietory of Phacogiaphy. 3. BcieatiAa Pkol«fraphy,
\ Aetriwoay.Micfograpby.Photo-iopaftraphy, If edieal aad Legal Hhoio-
graphy. .T A aataar Photography. 4. Proft eeJuaal Art Photogi^y .
[ 6. ladaetrial I'hotography. I'boto^nitraTiag, Photo-foMagiaphy, Photo-
l»hogiaphy, Photeglypty, Photoehroay, Staiaaacopy, I'hotograpby
on Silk, GUee, Linen, Enam«l, China, Ivory, Wood, kf. C. Otemieal
I'rodacte and Photographic S|e ialiiitc, CoUoJioii Hlmii, Plates,
Papen, Acids. Salta, 0«latiae«, &c. 7. Photographic Material,
Optica, Mechanics, Cabinet Work, Leather Goods, Paper, QIasa and
Studio Bequieitee. 8. Trades conn<M:t«l with Photography.
Vaw Sodetlas. — At tlie pr«eent tinw there are something like
2SU photographic societies in the I'nited KingdooD. Are they all
reqoirsd ? .\t one time there were but three in the metropolis— the
Photographic Society, the North lAJodon, and the South London.
Photographers, both profeaaional and amateur, were mote enthusiastic
in the art in thoac days thaa they appear to be now, for allhcu^h thetwo
latter Societiea met at the oppo«te enda of London— Walworth and
Isfingtoo— tho majority of tiie members of one were alio m>^raber« «f
the other, and what ia mote, aa may be seen by reference to old
Tolumes, they attended tha aaeetinga and took part in the discussion*.
Now it eaemi aa if Societiea moat be Irotight to photographrrs
inatead of their gviag to them. In almost every dliitrict of London
there are several small Societies where onri w<iuld be ample, and
indeed, moca aeafal than several petty ones. Take the west of
Loadoa.for axaaiple. Haia ia the wall-eatabliehad and enerp>tic
Wa* LoadoB Photographic Society, the EaJbg Society, the newly
formed oaw at Chiawiek, aad now it is propoaed to start a fourth at
Notting HiU. Sorely one, or, at moet, two sncietie^ would be
•aOdeBt for thia dietriet, eeeiag the rail, boa, aad tram facilities there
are ft>r raachiB|r -ttt p»rt of it. Promoleia of new Societies woidd
du wall to bear i ■ aphoriam, '* Union is vtrengtb," and that
one good Society .• ^ ;<. . Uian ha!f a doirn minor unai.
A. ♦*T«U«' Btialaoaa. In iwa-lintr the aeroonU of the "in-
tarviowar"— as wrll a» the drecriptioo <A •ooie evtabliihment*, even
ooaaoded with phointrrapfav one in sorortioH-* inclined to nuspect
Ibat ahhar the intenrMiwer or Uie intarviewed, or poeMbly both, liave
been eomowbat " drawing tha hmg bow." la the laat iaeoa of ooe of
ow aMMthly ooetaaipaiiifiaa ia a deeeriptioa of Mr. W. J. Byroe'a
praaiaM at Riohaoad, aad, if this haa aot beaa the case in this
iastaaoe, the goatleaiaa ie to be coagiatalalad oa tha eslent of his
bueiaaae^ In tha aeooont it is said, " theia w«r« the nepitive MMms,
with a Mock of over two auUioo nrgativee, a l*rge pr ■' them
in 13x10 aba aad opwaida.* .Nuw, two miOipos -^ in
two worli^ bat aoaaa fail to tealiae what thejVetuaUy Dienn. Tha
writar had pfarioadly eaid that Mr. Byrae haa baao in businasa
twaaly yaaia; oaaae^aaatly, dieeoaatiiy the "ovar," ha mu*!, on the
avataga, have lahea oao haadred thoweand aecatiTea a year, or,
flvittiBg Stadia aad holidays, when, of oourae, the studio, sre
doaid, aa avafaga of ihiaa haadred aad twanty-ava per day. The
glaaa need for n<taliraa of the aaaller aiaaa waigha ifteen ouiir<s per
aoporflcial fool; for larger aiaoa, partlMlariy b the wot'^nllodion davs,
eoarfdanhiy BMia. .\sa faugoptopoHioaof Ihan^adfea are 12x 10,
aad laigar, wa wiU avaiag* them al 8 x 0, aad the glaaa at one pound
to tha eqoare fool; caaea(|aeaily two oullioaa of eticb aegatives would
wei^ naaity three haadred loaa— equal to a train of thirty tnicke
of coal, we^hlag tea loaa each. Evrry cne knowa the niitoher of
negatiraa pot into atock doaa aot lepiieunt the anmber of platee
expoasd. heaea Iha caaaraa maet hare had a pretty busy time of it.
Aa wa ha?a Jaet laeaariMd, if there has been ao misUke, Mr. Ilyme
is to bo congralalalod oa the aitent of hie badbota— doe to the quality
eftkavoikhehaaifaaad.
TRIPLE LAXTFUN (DNDl-VSEnS.
IlAnaa for ao many yeare advocated the employment of triple
ooodeaaars for the laatem for certain purposes, it i* gratifying to lind
that there is now a iraaonabla proepecl of their being more generally
adopted than they have hitherto been. For several weeka we have
had lying boeide as drawiaga, and a daaeriptioo of one whieh has been
prapMsd by Mr. W. I. Chadwick, the nature of whieh will bo
aiorlained from the following brief descri|it ion. Interpoeed between
the weO-koowa plaao-ooovax cowdanapta and the light, ie a meniacua
rathar laallor b diaaiotar thaa the other*, the le.-uHarlty of its
ISO
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[March 18, 1892
mounting being such that the lens U Tery loosely placed in the cell, to
permit of expansion under the great heat to which itisneceasarily sub-
jected, and also that, should a fracture occur, this lens can he instantly
renWTed, and another put in its place; certainly a great convenience.
Mr. T. R. Dallmeyer has also been deTOting his attention to this
subject. In constructing condensers to he employed in conjunction
with projectbg lenses of definite focus, he has hitherto adopted the
double form intro<luced by the late J. H. Dallmeyer, in which the
lens nearest to the light U a planoconvex flint, and the second lens a
biHWUTei crown, with the deeper aide towards the flint glass. By
tbU combination the elder Dallmeyer obtained better results than
had" hitherto been obtained, both as regards correction for spherical
aberration and a nearer approach to achromatism.
In Tiew of the fact that it is a great convenience to employ a
portion, at any rate, of one condenser perpetually, and to introduce a
variable element to be used in conjunction with projecting lenses of
viirious fod, Mr. T. R. Dallmeyer has constructed a triple condenser,
in which he has utilised the principle, first laid down by Herschel, of
employing two lenses of one kind of glass, with their radii so arranged
tliat for parallel rays these two lenses by themselves are perfectly free
f i-om spherical aberration.
Oountmg from the light, the first lens is a concavo-convex
meniscus, and the second an inverted crossed lens — that is to say,
the deeper side of the crossed lens is farthest from the light.
If the light were a theoretical point and placed at the focus of
the^ two lenses, for parallel rays, of course, a perfectly parallel beam
would emerge from this portion of the condenser (a very useful and
e.s9eDtial condition for experiments with polarised light). Close,
again, to the second lens is inserted a third lens, or even combination,
that has a focus for parallel rays of the desired length, suitable for the
projecting lens that it is intended to employ, so that the first two
elements may be considered a fixture, and the third lens may be of
any chosen focus to suit the focnl length of the projecting lens by
singly interchanging one for another.
CAMERA CLUB CONFERENCE.
Thb Annual Conference of the Camera Club, wliich opens on Tuesday
next in the rooms of the Society of Arts, under the presidency of
Captain Abney, promises to be unusually attractive. On the after-
noon of that day Messrs. Bothamley, VVarnerke, Pringle, and W.
Willis are to read papers on Some Points in Connexion with Develop-
ment, CKemigrapkic Etching, Photography applied to Medical Research^
and Recent Improveuients in PlatinotyjM respectively. In the evening
there will he a symposium on Artificial Lighting in Photography, in
which Messrs. Vanderweyde and E. J. Humphery take part, while
Mr. H. E. Armstrong, F.R.S., subsequently discourses on The Theory
of Development. On Wednesday afternoon the programme leans
largely to the art side of photography, Messrs. Henry Blackburn dis-
couiving on The Debt of Art to Photography, H. II. Stannus on The
T'*es of Photography to the Decorative Artist, and II. P. Robinson on
Paradoxes of Art, Science, and Photography. The President concludes
the Conference with a paper on "Some Uses of Celluloid Films.
The annual exhibition of raemters' work opens at the Camera Club
on Monday evening; the annual dinner is to be held on Wednesday
evening, and on the following night there will be an exhibition of
lantern slides in the theatre of the Society of Arts.
The programme of papers arranged embraces subjects of interest
to all sections of modern photographers, and a successful Conference
should result. Admission to the meetings is free to all, no tickets
being necessary. In face of this fact, combined with the excellence
of the programme, to which so many able men are to contribute, we
hope that the enterprise and liberality of the Camera Club will be
rewarded by large attendances.
THE PLATINOTYPE PRINTING PROCESS.
{.North Lonclon PhoU>9r»phio Sooietj.]
T^iK l)i\sis of this process, it is almost superfluous to say, is the
elementary metal platinum, a member of a group known as "the noble
ie«(aU by reason of the difficulty attending their oxidation.
This property is enjoyed by some dozen metals in a marked degree'
and prominent among these are gold, iridium, osmium, paUadium, and
platinum, whose slight affinity for oxygen induces them to part com-
pany with combining bodies on very slight provocation ; and thus it
happens that the salts of platinura'are reducible by inorganic as well
as organic deoxidisers, the metal reappearing either in a soft spongy
condition or as a finely divided black powder.
The metal is known to chemists by the symbol Pt and the equiva-
lent 198, its specific gravity being 21-5.
It is found in alluvial deposits in Uttle plates (hence its name) in
Mexico and Brazil, but cliiefly in Siberia, its export thus coming
under the control of tUe Uusaian Government, who keep up the price
by high export duties and monopolies to special metallurgical houses.
Hopes were at one time entertained that Australia would have
furnished us with supplies, but, from the high price still maintained
by the metal, these hopes, so far, are not realised.
' The metal itself is silvery white, hard, and infusible, except in the
oxyliydrogen flame or electric arc, but, being malleable at a high tem-
perature, is used for making crucibles, retorts, ends of Ughtning con-
ductors, &c., and ia purchaseable in wire and sheet of any size or
thickness.
The chief point of interest for photographers is that the metal is
reducible from its salts by ferrous sulphate associated with potassic
oxalate, and the high merit of the platinotype process consists in its
so controlling the reactions that the reduction to the metallic state
takes place in ex.-vct proportion to the exposure to light.
My admiration for the process is unquaUfied, unbounded, and I
cheerfully concede all the advantages which are claimed for it, viz.,
superior sensibility to light, simplicity of manipulation, and absolute
permanence.
1. It is three times as rapid as silver.
3. Pictures are developed instantaneously, fixed in half an hour,
and washed in the same time.
3. The unoxidisabiUty of the metal in the presence of air and
moisture is an unquestionable guarantee of absolute permanence, and
the inventor, Mr. Willis, is to be congratulated on having devised
the prince of printing processes.
The method is as follows : —
1. Good strong paper is sized with gelatine, or starch, or arrow-
root, the former tending to produce blue tones, the latter brown.
2. Paper so sized and dried is coated with a mixture of ferric
oxalate and chloroplatinite of potassium, dried and exposed to light.
8. During the exposure tlie ferric salt becomes reduced to the
fen-ous state with the evolution of carbonic acid.
4. The ferrous salt thus produced in molecular contact with the
platinum salt becomes the active agent in precipitating the platinum
black, which is really the metal itself in a fine state of division.
5. The unaltered mixture of platinic and ferric salts is removed by
immediate immersion in dUute hydrochloric acid, and, assuming the
exposure to have taken place under a negative, the picture is now
practically finished.
0. To ensure the complete removal of the iron salt, the immersion
in hydrochloric acid is made three times, and for ten minutes in each,
dish.
7. After the last immersion the prints are copiously washed in a.
running stream of water for not less than half an hour, and thea
blotted off and dried.
I have thus briefly rehearsed the process as conducted at my own
printing works at New Southgate, producing such results as I have
the pleasure of exhibiting this evening.
It will not unnaturally be asked on what does success in this
process mainly depend? Correct exposure in the printing frame is,
of course, very important, but it is not a sine-qua-non, since over or
under-exposure may be compensated for in development ; but, to
secure high finish and delicate purity of wliites, the paper should Ix'
recently prepared, and, above all things, be kept, before, during, ajid
after exposure, absolutely dry.
To this end advantage is taken of the strong affinity of chloride of
calcium for water. Asbestos is saturated with chloride of calcium
and dried at a red heat, and this preparation, spread on the bottom
of the boxes containing the paper as it passes through the various
stages, effectually dries the contained air, and obviates any reaction
occurring until the moment of development, and thus prevents t he-
degradation of the high lights. Finding the calcium tubes sold for
this purpose inconveniently small where large numbers and large
sizes are required, I some years since designed a special box for the
purpose, which I will endeavour to describe.
Well-seasoned pitch pine was planed, dried, and saturated with
f olid paraffin : it was then made into a dove-tailed box of suitable-
size, and coated at a high temperature with three successive coat*
MMch 18, ISQJ]
THE BK1TI8H JOOBNAL OF PHOTOGBAPHY.
181
of tiNpM ranuah. Aioond tk* top of the box is a ledge covered
with Mftr ]Mi« (■ot Tslcaaiaed) indiainbba*, upon which reats in aii^
tipht eoatact a baavy iheet of pUir frhua, aacaaatalj inins the fimma
tkaa paafaved for it '!>T«r tlii« is iarert»i aaatker bat lighter box
of Moula* oowtnetioii to the fint, to exclude the fi^t. which would
othi'iniae eater through the glaia Ed. At the bottom of the first or
inner box is a flat porcelain trs^, on which is spread the dry calcium-
saturated aabeatoa, the paper is kept read^ cut to sizes from 13 x 10
downvwda, the ordinarj ^pamwd tin calcium tubes being retained
for th» laaftr aiaea of prints and stock of paper. Boxes of similar
eoiMtmction may be, of couna, eospktyad for receiTtag priata fram
the fmnes while awaiting derelopaaant. The frequent nnn>l)ing of
paper and rolling up of prints pnor to placing in the tube* is Uiua
aroided. •
At this sta^ of prooednre we find it necessary, when a sufficient
number of pnnts hare been made, to assort them into three classes
— Til., aadar-priatad, orer-printed, aad eorreetlr printed. Of course
tksi« should be only ooe cfaise — ris., tlM oorrectlT' printed ; bat, when
tksawve flfiy flr»haadMdfnMaetokMkaftar,ibeSOxie%MBdthe
\li X }'J^» natmlf tiikm Most atlawHiw, oa aeeoont of the attendant
greater loss if the larger siaaa are not eonectly printed, and thus
name of the mamSkr rise* get aoostiass orer-done. These nay often
be sared bydextOToa derelopomit >t a low temparatnn, while a
pietuie a link too hjgUy printed atty ba made to jidd a Tigaroos
print by nroknged iamaruon at a Unar tnsperatnza, and similariy
a correctly sxpusad print may be spouad hf too maeb or too little of
tka bath at too kig^ <* too luw » tansntve.
I aagr not Ism* ■— otirad tk* a»td-k*ak jMrnm, by wkiak rery
aaarilat rsMka haw kaaa oktvaad by saaw wniifalMowL I haea
mmmr iwiitMsJ it, bag cwmpallsd hf baaaaa nasidawtiaia to ad-
haaa to tha nwesss 1 know to yield sasalla aaesftaUa »a «y flUsata.
la tha eM ptwaaa tke imy kalM piadaaiJ by tka rsdoeliMi of
a tmtiemahtt to tba f»rra«a stala, b«l tka ptatiaie salt is asaodated
with Ae pr4assie oxalate in tba daealopaj, an arrangement which
Aaaa not uaiiiid itself to my jadgiBt, ttongh doubClaas, as alraardy
atatad, aeoeptoUa nsulu are prododhle.
The " prfattog-aat" pUtinuai paper is oMoaslr oae fat which the
piatiaie or flatiEoaa salt i* aasnristwi with the BMoeiag sffaiit, and is
thus ready for radartioo as sooo aa sipoasJ to tha vapoiir of hot
wster. I haTaaaMTtaWit. TMa mmim ts applwhls not only to
paw, but ako to eottoa aad kaan iaHfaa. The leaolto are beaotifal
an! krtitiittia. bat aMsiy i|f Mnibli tar dacoratiw pwyoaaa, and I
■Mb nvMl tiafj aagagaMMa ka«a ptaraatad «• iVaaa prapaiing
aoaaloraKkilMMtUaavMkMr. n* aaost saitaWa f akriea at* linan,
Naiaaoak aa^a, aad satoaaT
E^kfpaMaia ia flatiaotypa an aada direct by sis aula Igbt or
daylight, bat, matiiit a proloagad anoaai^ asa liabia to loaa of
•harraeas from ribtBttaa. _In ^imlanlin tham at my Sootkgato
— Tis.,
T-lopJag
», the lama plaa is f<dlow«d aa h makiag oarkea Mlinamsiils
, making aa ssilaifad osgatiTa fltat, anduao piiaiiai aad de-
iag ia tha usual war. Jakh Mabu*.
RATIO op GRADATION.
Is reply to the akk and reknwt eritidam of Mr. Channon. permit na
■ <ar that b« has probably oTaitaokid the fact tkat we turr* ckoasa
III" /nrmula which uiwiimas tha niwiiiinn Iwlwasu tka amooat at
I MrtalUe siltar par ait ama aad tka traaspawney of tka film oootafcH
tkat sihrer, act kscaaaa it rmla upon any ebar aad ligoioaa
~ NMoaalMliaa, bat kaeaasa It ia tka aaiaaMiai wkiek
aaaHi witk tka faaaks of oar vary carafUly maii axpatiiMnta.
> furmuki T»«-* ia aat at aB omr peaparty; it ia foaarl in
, frt kaak on pktaiea, aad all wa daim ia to haT* proved tkat
tOrw deposit ia photqgiapkk plates obeys tkia kwso doariy tkat
aa ciptiaal mathod of iWif mlnlBg tha aaMwat <d drer mar ka baaad
apoa it.
If Mr. Ckaaaoa pnCan tks (oraak whkk ka awribm to Mr.
PWoar, <m aeeaaat of tka rsaaooiaff ca mkiek it ia baaed, mker tkan
we kaee adofted, aad arkiak k a» ainaigly aaffottad
Vr exaatimantal eridenee, we haTe, of eouna, aotUag to say. We
. ' ^ »- >.--.>■- -g-*-ir'i1ii1iin iiMfniaiah(iiH h
leaMioiar ia ant oar prjpeit? at all) Issausaiot to tka waaaai^f wkiek
bad* to lU. riaaer's formula sa modiAad by Mr. Ckeanoa.
Tka naaaaiag apoa which this formuk we idoatsd k baaed does
■ot inroba aay enlaaatiaa of ism <Ae i^fM •* rsdiMsd }ry the
perliclsa of aOeor. 1^ laaaBBiag wUck leads to Planer^ formuk
clMrljr does inTulfr suck an arptaaatioo at its rery Sat stev. Ia
wniiqg th« csuvMion (1 - a) as tha tran^ar«Mry d tka Sot layer,
the idea is ioT(4T«d tkat all light wkiek uapingas upoo tim aiea a
' ' kr tka faMiake«< ailfar in tka fiat kyar is totaSy akM^ad.
Tke next step ia the reasoning, to be consistent, requires careful con-
sidaration aa to tka influenos of this area a occupied by the silTcr
nartidea in the second kyar upoa the area (1 - a) left open in the
Erst layer. To be oraiaietent, the amalleat amount of light which
oould paM would truly be (1 - 2 a), but it might be anything between
(1 - o) and (1 - 2a), the amount depending wholly upon the relative
position of tne particles in the two layers in whidi they are supposed
to be eaually and eyenly distributed, and therefore equi'distant Tfaere
is no clear reaaoaing in Mr. Channon's letter which shows that, if
the partidea of diver in the first kyer allow the amount of light
(1 - a) to nasa, two kyare would allow the light (1 - ay to pass, or
whink makaa (1 -a) for the first layer into (1 - a)" for n such kyers,
if tke implied nieairing of a he retaiiied.
Nor can we admit uiat, in reality, the layers are such that all the
partidea are either wholly abore or wholly bdow a particular
imaginary plane. IVobably such an arrangeinent does not occur in
nature : nor will nature conform to the first assumption, namely, that
the area a ot the ailver wholly extingulakes the light impinging upon
it. But we shall he glad to have Mr. Channon's complete i^tirations
of the formula (1 —ao)**, as representing the transparency for »i layers,
each containing n particles of silver per unit area, and each par'tide
coTexiiw the area a.
We Sere repeat, in anotkar form, Mr. Channon's table illustrating
the diflersoee between the two fMmaUe. In addition to the
tranMorandea, we have giTeo their aegatiTe logarithms, which we
caB tka dsaaidae; end we akow kow far tke ratio of deoaitaea agieea
witk or differs from the aaanmed ratio of alvar preeent.
AauMl
DmsUt.
nn- Bf Timlin
•Uw.
' B. a D. ; nmmr.
1
B.aD.
Pk«r.
■044
H.*D.
PlaoM'.
1
-9014 ! -MMt
•044
1
1
ao
-aooo -un
■486
•457
10
10-5
10
■IMO -1074
•878
•968
90
SM
to
-0179 HMU
1-746
2-314
4*
SO-8
so
■ooua -00008
9189
3-008
W
6»-0
ItwiUbeaeentkattkedaaBitisa denred by our formuk are in the
sane ratio aa tke idatiTe aaManie of silver aaaoaaed, wkiU tkoea de-
rived by Planer's fonnul» are not preportiund tothe lektive aaaounta
of silver at ail, bat grow maak faeter.
The following are the resulu of our expariaents, made with photo-
graphic filae of the same thtdraea, bat containing different amounts
of sdvor by leeeoa of kaviag been exposed for diOaBent kngths of
time to a ataadaid candk. The denaitiee of tke nsgatives were
maaaored ia our pkotomster, and tke ailver eftarwanu determined
grmvimatrioally. y
omtnr
•CM
•MO
l-40»
l^WO
■aHaafOmiMr.
1-00
1-88
9-80
»7ft
laoi
•0168
•09M
■otso
•OUl
leHaafValahli.
1-00
1-88
9-T6
••74
It will be peromvad that this range of
densities with tke exception of the first,
k alaaeet pteded^ tke raage Mr. Channon
kaa ckoasa lor kia argument, and it com-
pfises tka antiia range gsaeralljr pre-
Tuliag in good aegaiiMa. Within thk
raage H k oar formula and not
Pknei'a whkh k anpKeabk. Bet our
tormnk k applicable witkia a much
gnater range, aa k shown by the fotlow-
lag reauhs of another experiment, in
whidi equdlr thick kyeie of aa emul-
sion oootaimag redaeed diver were
BMeaarsd, tke rekdve emooata of silyer
kssna djodad kafeaakaad.
Tlia only otker maarfc wkidi. we
need make k tkat Mr. Ohaaaon r»>
strieta thk appVeation of oar formula to alow i>Ut<w. We emphati-
cally fteta that, thou^ we hate investigated hundreds of dates of
tke moat varying raiadity and comprining almost all the well-known
oonmeidd branils, we have not yet found one of them which does
not yield progreadona of dendtiea similar to those published in our
paper provided tkk plats waa evenly coated. There are ■zceptionn,
M we kaow but toe wsQ; bat tfaey are invanaUy traceable to iar
equality in the tkicknem ot tha film. If Mr. Channon knows of plates
ii
ll
•-U6
100
too
9-180
67-6
66-6
1-880
80-00
60«
m^
98-6
10-46
t»8
leo
0-U6
4-Vl
«o
182
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[March 18, 1892
which (five reeulte differing materiaUy from those which may be
calouUtod by our formuU, we shall be plad to procure them at once,
or to receive • sample from him, for the purpose of investipation,
upon the reeulta of which we will duly report. p Huhtbr.
V. 0. Driffield.
NOTBB ON SOME NEW BAPH) OBTHOCHBOMATIC COLLODIO-
BBOMIDE EMULSION PB0CESSE8.*
[JorBMAi. or THK Photoobapbic Society of India.]
Dr Jonas civee very full details about the preparation of the colouring
aolntions. For colouring the solution, various dyes of the eosme series, or
evanin may be used in combination with silver nitrate and alcoholic
ammonia. Each UK) c.c. of the emulsion should contain 1;7 miUigramme
of silver nitrate and an equivalent amount of dye, as weU as a certain
quantity of piorate of ammonia and glycerine. The foUowing solutions
are prepared :— . „ o
I.— EOBINE SOLCnON.
Eosine (yellow shade) 4 grammes.
DUtiUed water .^""'"
Alcohol (ninety-six per cent.) v *50 „
If erythrosine is used the proportions are the same.
II. — Silver Soldiion.
Silver nitrate 3-4 grammes.
Distilled water 60 c.c.
Strong solution of ammonia is added tiU the solution is dear and
slcohol to make up 200 c.c.
ni. — Solution of Ammonidu Picrate.
Picric acid 2 grammes.
Distilled water 10 c.c.
Ammonia is added to neutralise the acid, and then alcohol to make
npSOOcc.
These solutions are used in the following proportions :—
Solution L (Eosine) 75 c. c.
II. 30 „
ni 30 „
Pure glycerine 20 „
Alcohol (96 per cent.) ■*<> ..
The solution is allowed to settle for a day or two, filtered, and 20 c.c-
are added to 100 c.c. of the plain emulsion.
The formula for use with erythrosine differs slightly from the above-
Solution L (Erythrosine) 75 c.c.
n 30 ..
„ in 30 ..
Pure glycerine 26 „
Alcohol (96 per cent.) 120 „
Distilled water 20 „
The muddy solution is allowed to stand for a quarter of an hour, and
strong ammonia is dropped in till it becomes quite clear; it is then
allowed to stand for a day or two, filtered, and is mixed with the emulsion
in the same proportion as the above, i.e., 20 c c. to 100 c.c. of the
emulsion. . ... „ v t
After the addition of the colouring solution, the emulsion is well shaken
and filtered through cotton wool, and is then ready for use. The
coloured emulsion keeps good only for one or two days and is best used
on the day of preparation. It should, therefore, only be mixed in small
quantities as required for use. (Some coloured emulsion was found to be
absolutely insensitive after a week.)
I have found that the difficulty of keeping the coloured emulsion may
be obviated by coating the plate with the plain emulsion, either washed
or unwashed, then washing it under the tap and flowing over it the
coloured tincture of eosine or erythrosine, diluted to half strength with
water. In some cases this may be a more convenient way of working.
A solution containing —
Erythrosine 1 gramme.
Silver nitrate 1
Picric acid 1
Ammonia (sp. g. -880) about 30
Spirit of wine 500
Water - 500
used as a bath has also given very good results.
Dr. Jonas says that emulsions coloured with eosine give soft, harmonious
negatives, while the erythrosine gives more density and contrast. I have
not yet tried eosine, but erythrosine has given me very bright pictures.
In trials with wet collodion, made some years ago, I found than cyanosine
gave by far the best results, but it does not seem to do so in this process.
In his paper Dr. Jonas has given an account of the spectroscopic
behaviour of his coloured emulsion. It shows the ordinary increase of
sensitiveness in the yellow and yellow-green, and, on account of the
addition of the picrate of ammonia, is less sensitive to blue and violet.
Observations with the sensitometer show that the eosine or erythrosine-
* Condaded from page 168
stained emulsions containing an excess of silver show about 21 on
Wamerkes sensitometer when exposed for one minute at a distance of
about ten inches from the standard amyl acetate lamp, and are 360 to
400 times as sensitive as a wet collodion plate under the same conditions.
The exposure is about one-third of what would be given with a wet
collodion plate and no yellow screen is necessary in copying paintings,
Ac. I have found that, practically, tlie plates coated with washed emulsion
coloured by the methods described above, are about as sensitive as
Wratten's " Ordinary " plates. , -xi.
Before coating glass plates with emulsion they must be prepared with
a suitable substratum of gelatine, or it may be sufficient to simply pass
some of the gelatine solution round the edge of the plate.
Dr. Jonas gives the following formula : —
Gelatine (white) 5 grammes.
Distilled water .* 50O c.c.
When dissolved add —
Glacial acetic acid ^^ ''•''•
Alcohol ^5 "
The plates are well cleaned in the ordinary manner usual for wet plates,
and are then flowed twice with the above solution and allowed to dry m a
place free from dust.
I find that this solution does not give an even coating, and might be
better thinner. It answers, however, very well indeed when applied to
the edges of the plate, and can be kept for use as required.
For the coatmg and development of these colour-sensitive emulsions
the light in the dark room must be red, or such as is used for the most
sensitive gelatine plates ; yellow light will not do.
The plates coated with these coloured emulsions are most sensitive
when exposed in a moist state. If allowed to dry, they are said to be
about ten times less sensitive. I have not tested this, but it seems not
impossible to find a method of retaining the sensitiveness of dried plates.
For plates to be coated with the coloured emulsion, all that is necessary
is to coat the plate with emulsion, place it in the dark slide, and expose
just as it is. In using the bath for colouring, I first coat the plate, then
wash under a rose after the coating has well set, then flow with, or place
in, the diluted colour tincture for a few moments, to thoroughly and
uniformly wet it, then drain, put m the dark slide, and expose.
For developing the plates Dr. Jonas recommends a hydroquinone
developer which seems to be a slight modification of that recommended
by Dr. Albert. The formula is, however, rather complicated : —
Concbntbated Hydboqcinone Devblopbb.
A.
Distilled water 500 grammes.
Sodium sulphite 200 „ (250 Albert)
Potash carbonate 200 „ (250 „ )
B.
Hydroquinone 25 grammes.
Alcohol (96 per cent) 100 c.c.
C.
Ammonium bromide 25 grammes.
Distilled water : 100 c.c.
The concentrated developer is then mixed in the following propor-
tions : —
A 100 c.c.
0 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"!!!!!!!"!!!!""!!"*"""!!!!" ?" (5 Albert)
The proportions of B and C may be varied as necessary, the hydro-
quinone giving strength, the ammonium bromide clearness, and the
carbonate of potash sensitiveness.
The developer for use is made as follows ;
Concentrated developer 150 c.c.
Water 1000 „
The strength may also be varied according to circumstances.
I have used with good results a hydroquinone developer made up of^
Hydroquinone 1 part.
Sodium sulphite 4 parts.
Lithia carbonate 1 part.
Potassium bromide 5 parts.
Water 100 „
Also ferrous oxalate developer as made up by Mr. B. J. Edwards for
gelatine plates.
The para-amidophenol developer seems very well suited for these plates
and gives clear, vigorous results.
Para-amidophenol hydrochlorate 1 part.
Sodium sulphite 5 parts.
„ carbonate (anhydrous) 4 „
Water 200 „
First dissolve the para-amidophenol in the water, then the sulphite, and
finally the carbonate. In this way there is no precipitate, but if there
should be any it may be redissolved by heat.
This developer gives great density and clearness and seems almoa
Mudi 18. ISM]
THE BRTTISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
183
iaahMatibUu One of the plktM I )ut« with ma wm the MTenth
fct>lu|wil in s law onnoM of it ; bat, m 700 will aee, it ii the atTaogMt
•I tk* Mriaa, tai, iadMd, ii too wttoog. After aiefat pUtM hai bMB
i»f»>opeJ th* Ji]>«lop>c WM buely diiealoimd, and would develop many
I hsTe alao tried fjneaXiie said darelaper, uing the fonnnla for pjro
■■d fm"~rt** iMonaMiided bjr Dr. Bder lor • umiUr proeeie ; bat,
Binmh h (M« aiae aoft piotaraa full ol detail, there wu a want of the
WnilBiq- SM itmtitj ahowa I7 the paim-amidnphaooL It ia likely that
may be foood moat auitad Idr diilerent claaaea of
i eaD, it naeeeaarpr, be intenattad. ehbar befon or aftar ftxiii^,
the ordinary aeid pyro-aSTir or hrdroqainooa-ailTer intenn-
ma, or, if aztza immtj ia required, by the bromide of ooppar
Vor
The pUtee
with any of
tjtMg aiilirtfaiaa, or, il aztza daoai^ la reqmrea, cy ttie bromide of ooppar
I Hoeaaaaa.
I Iha** oaad hypo : the image clean at oooe, and a Tcry much
■aeaaaary than ia the eaee with gelatine.
Omt danaa i>agiM»aa nay be raduead with hypo and red pruiaiate of
yetaah ia the aame w»y m galatiiM iwaMitea.
Aayea will aea boa tha apeeimena I have bfooght with ma, the aotiie
viitaa of the pcei ti«a in tne eotooied aanaitieing ■olotioB of aoaiBa or
anthroaiiie-nlw and ammoaiom ymaUm which was diaaoiwred by Dr.
Amrt. A plala Boated with the eofawwl emaleion and aipoaad (or one
nhmtm lb a eoloand nietnre givaa a Aaa, danae, brilUaat iraace, wall
ardMahnaaatiaad for Ike yellow, whila a plaU eoatad with the aama
inMc bat aot aoleurwl, and aipoaad lor the mo* tioM and detalopad
villi the tame detabpet, ^Taa only tha fkoal of aa ioufa, Thia anal
k very remarkable, aad ila eanaa la aat ^aita clear. Tea will alao aea
that with tha Mma axpoaare and dwalopmwit the eonodioB plalee ai«
4«ila equal to. U aot baUar than, Ihoaa takaa oa Wrattaa'a *• Ordiaary "
friMioe plalae, eWiar alaia or orthoetiteinaMiii. aadar aiaedy the aune
<aaatfa— I It maa Va manHwaad hM* Hmk Iha ealeaiia« aotetioa
^f«a akow wka ttatad to 1 : UMIOO iDCM aa aiaanaM ocSoatewa-
Irriig aolaliM for fahliBa idatai^ tboaiii U HMaiaa to be aaaa kov they
win alaad the eieaai of riltar ia tii|iaa
The euet Tmloa of the awianniam fiamto baa yal to be '— trtigaM
Dr. Tatdaeaaaa to Ihiak it nnn ry. bat it oadeaMadly adda to the
I aa aeny I •« not ahla to aMw yoa a ■ora wf Inl aariea of
' MM tt walk ioM by Ik* aaw pnMM, bM Ikeaa I hava will, I
, ba laaiiiat to ikow yM to lapabflWaa aad paadWIitiea. There
ia ttUa doabi that Ike plalaa man be made omm aeaailive. Tha pneaaa
iaaartola^aiiaBpiaoaa,aad.aeMr aal haveyel fooad, doaa aol reqirin
•By Tory ipooiat preaaatioae ia worUac- uader the eawdttfaBa aadar
whiak we eoald work it ia tka eOea, h woald be maab tkiay ttaa
ylillBi aad jatibably awa nbtopw Ikaa wal ooHodfam. oartoialr ao if
—wMkrf aaaUM wh« aaad. Tha aariag jiinad in Hmt woald ba a
tarfh* aaowoay. Tha praaa* ia aol, bea«*w, ia to preaint form an
Mt-doer preaaaa. aad ia mora aailaUa (or aepyia* aad aladio work. I
kapaaaaamafalaia niiiiina to ba able to ^va Mar worki^ detaUe ;
^y al|aal al preaMt baiaa man to draw year attaatioa to tha aapabihiiae
' «alM of thia Tallilrtin dtaaotatj of Dr. Albert'*, aa applied
I M yM to ham attramd ^mf liMie aotloa ia
Cot. i. wmmmmh. aa.
I Stmfar Otmirai af /adte.
FLATIinJU TOVmo ON MATT-SUBVAOB PAPBB.
laewaHMMa-Tyw and Sorttora Ooatiw rWMirMto* Aan^Hw.]
Af Ika prmat tfaM Ikara are ao away diffaraal prialiac Mpara ia tha
-"" -, thai it ia a dtOaaMy with the aaMtoar ykala«rapbar to daoida
I to adopl The lialiaiy at araaaar '
I oa a iMigk or amtt-aartMa paper. I hope b
I paper,
) araaiaf bow very iimpiy IWa la deae.
kate all worked wllk Ilia ordinary
la
I ta to obtaia waratar
to yoo
tad wtib Uia ordinary albvaaaHM paper, aad aea,
food iriM : aad. aa tha woAlv flf plBiaaap* ia ia
, I tkiak yM wiO aU Bftoa auk ma tk^tkiriraeea*
baitar lattrl to Ike amalaw'a
|tmalllMl matt-aartaaa priato om ba ottoiaad m anyof tke'varioM
klorido papara; but the manipniatiaa of ihaae paper* ii a
lkaa_ any elker. Vary
mora aompHaared— the print* require to ba paaaad tl>roa(h an alum
•ad IkM aaaaataed oa to paond ahMi, or (aa daaoMlialid by Mr.
a at OM hai ■ litinrt tabbed wiik pwrderad pamJM iti— ffl Ika
aaa. of eoana, aol raanitad
I lakea oaly a (raetioa of
M« aapar whh any of the ueaal
BHaliwa (tka Wle aalr of the amatanr) am
•ibaaaao aor gelatiM pmeeal to caMe theaa
I have alwayt worked wllk ia that made br Mr.
lor
to Mr.
• Ike ■••>•••( wrfMa
I ka aanda hie paper out with a eapply of tooinc
Ike paper. My owa loaloc balk ie aaada ap ftaaa
Mr. lyoaai CUrk'e work 00 platinum toaiog. aad I
jmhb^nt AmMmr
I aeMa* Itot Dr. h
tm Jelr 17, U»L
may as well mentioo here that the formnle I shall hare oocadon to
mention later on are all taken from that same axedlant work. I hav*
tried them myself, so ean testify to their wotUag aatiafaetorily.
I will now briefly run through the opantiaas neeeesary to produce •
matt-eortaoa, plaMnnm-toned print, and am sure, if any of yon will take
the trouble to rimaititit ^onr own paper, you will be amply repaid ; yon
will find the lininn swinitisnil paper prints much mote qmokly than the
coomercijU article, aad aaother gttaX advantage ia, yon can select a paper
with the neoeeaary dagraa of rooghneea to snit the subject yon are about
to print The paper 1 have need when sensitising has been Whatman'i
drawing-paper — this ia an excellent paper for the purpoee, and can ba
had in aeveral grades of surface. The rough water-colour paper is
specially suited for large prints. It has only one objectionable feature,
and that is, it is very porous, and before tha end of the washing geta
something like saturated blotting-paper ; great care is therefore neoessaiy
to prerent tearing or otherwise damaging the prints.
Having salaetsd the paper, the first operation is to sixe and salt il.
This is done in one operation, the paper being floated on a solution of
ahloride of ammonia arid arrowroot, as follows: —
Arrowroot 180 grains.
Chloride of ammooia 160 „
Water (to ooa piat) 90 „
Or,
Arrowroot 180 grains.
Chloride of ammonia 190 „
BaeryatalUasd earboaato of soda 940
OHrieaeid 60 „
Wktar (to CM plnQ 90 „
Tha •Rowroot ia made iato a stiff paste with a little cold water ; then
aboat SftoeB oonasa atora water added ; then boiled till clear. When
•laar, it Ujreeaovad froos tlie fire, aad, when eoffloiently cooled, tha
f»''«^*t of wiriih~fa. diaaolved ia the remainder of the water, ia added.
Thia sntetiM ikoald ba allowed to ataad all aight ; the elear portico is
poarod oC iato • aaitaM* diah, and tha P^P*r ftoatod on the surface ol
Ike liqaid. I tod WhatoMa'e paper teqairee aboot three minutea
flirtffrg to bo properly impregnalea with the solution. After removal
from t&o salliag bath, IhM paper shoold be laid, face upwards, on a level
toble, to allow the aolntien to be abaorfaed, then hung op to dry. I find,
if hung op to dry directly it is token tron the bath, that the solution runs
down to eirsaha, aad, tbeagh not aoliead iritsa Ike paper ia dry, unsvea-
aaasotrilvori^lakaaplaaatoaaaaaqaaBda. It is aa well to salt a good
Hpply of vafm wlma yoa are aboat it, •• paper ia this condition will
bMp aay iHglk of lima. The baek (or oaaallad side) ehould have •
peoMl aaih pot m it Ibr fatare gnidanee.
The sailed paper is aow raady for the silver, or eenailising bath, made
up thua : Diasotvo—
Citrteaeid. .., 95 grains.
Water 4 oonee.
Aad &
Nitiato of ailvar 1 Jl. 60graina.
Water ) oonee.
ThSH tfflltMf*^ ara aude separately and mixed. The salted paper ie then
floated ea tha aolaltoa. eaie oeing taken that no air bubble* are between
the liquid aad the paper. Three minutes will be found long enough for
the paper mealiaaod ; it is then removed from the bath aad huug up by
a wooden clip to dry. This opsraUca must be performed by gaslight, or
la the dark room. Paper eeaailiaad la this manner will not keep very
long, it is bettor to aaasitise jnat •• moab as yoo require for present
ase.
PriatiBg ia earriad ea to aboat the sam« dagroe as with albumenlsed
papsr till thoro is a distinct brooting ia the deapeet ebadows ; when
■afleteatly nrtetad, tha prints are waabod ia several changes of watar aad
tooad in foUowing solulioa : —
ChloropUtlnito of potash 4 grains.
MUtteaaid 1 or 8 dropa.
Water to 3 ounce*.
On immeniaB ia ttdsloBhig balk, tba print immediataly begin* to darken
•ad toning to Iha blaok stage ia arrived at m about five minutes. It
warmar looee aro laqoiiad, it is better to dilute the bath to four ounces
with water. The actMO ia than mora uader control, the toning aetion
•topped aa soon as the desired lint is obtained.
iaUS^ i* coodoeted la Ike ordinary hypo bath ; four onoee< of hypo to
one i^ot of water mad* aUghtly alkaline by the sdJition of a few drops of
^T.— ..^i. I iind, however, this n"'f""* bath has a tendency to produce
a warm towa, aad if a blaek loae ia de*ired I um th* acid fixing bath
lenoBWsndsil Kir negalivee oowlalaing one ounce of bisulphite of soda
and toor oaocee of hypo to the pint.
After flsalico the prioU washed in the usual manner to free them
tram hypo and dried betwaaa blotting-paper.
Having now briefly raa throogk the neoeeaary operation* from plain
p^ier to flniehed print, I think you will all sgrse with me that thi* proeees
U about aa aimple a* any. Too have nothing new to learn, eimpiv print,
tone, aad fix with tha usual totarmediaU washings, and you obtain a
picture which will be " a thing of beauty and a joy lor ever.'
*^ T. 0. Mawmi.
19i
THE BKITieH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[March 18, 1893
THE LTBOAL BIDE OF PHOTOQBAPHY.
[bortoMtoo* OuMn Oh>b.J
Tw lecturer diTldod hi» subject und*r the followinR heads:-!, Copr
rfatht Act; -i. Injnnction, with dBmages. tor breach of oontraot or good
l2t}> ; and. 3, Oarioatur. of a photograph amonnUng to libel. Onda
the «r»t heiid (rf the Copyright Act were oontained the eubdmBions, firat,
Of M awgnment from one photographer to another and, second, of the
JrtrtloTbetween the sitter and the photographer. The Copyright Act
15 * 96 Vkt c liTiii. b. 1, provided that, at the time of assignment of
•nv painting' or drawing of a negatite of any photograph, the vendor
WM not merely by reason of his purchase entitled to the copyright, for it
WM provided, at the close of the section quoted, that the vendee should
Mt be entitled to copyright, unless, at or before the t"ne <)f sale^n
^nement in writing, signed by the vendor or his agent, should have been
nude to tliat effect. . jj x n. u
The rtrict interpretation, therefore, of the section led to the result
Out if there had been an assignment of the property without simul-
taneous assignment in writing of the copyright, the assignee would liavs
no title to enter himself at Stationers' Hall as holder of the copyright.
But, modified by judicial decision, this is not actually the law. The
lecturer pointed oat, that both in this and other cases it would be im-
possible to understand the relation between legislature and judicature
Jrithont a general view of the mode in which our statutes were framed.
A Bill is introduced, drawn by a skilled draughtsman, of which its unity
•nd consistency is dependent on the relations of the details to the leading
oonoeption in the draughtsman's mind, and the result of its alteration by
s Committee and by the House, without sending it back to the draughts-
man to be finally put into shape, is precisely the same as if a committee
oi MTtists, each armed with a pencil, were allowed to make such altera-
Moiu as they thought fit in an able sketch that was brought to them.
The remit is that, when an Act comes before the Courts, there is in some
dMUe a ludicrous perversion of justice that compels the Court to give
■ome subtle and ingenious twist to its meaning in order to make it con-
sistent with common sense and equity. This fate the Copyright Act has
not escaped, for, in Graves's case, 4 Q.B.R., p. 715, one Walker, having
been fined under the Copyright Act for piracy of copyright, at the
suit of Graves, appealed, on the ground that the painter of the paintings
in question had not registered its title, neither had the assignments prior
to Graves's been registered, and that Graves therefore had no copyright.
The Court, however, decided that it was sufficient that Graves was
registered as proprietor; that it was not necessary for him to deduce
his title ; and that, consequently, there was a vaUd copyright that had
been pirated. This is an obvious evasion of the Act, but an evasion on
equitable grounds ; but, of course, the judges did not profess to evade it,
but gave subtle and ingenious reasons for making the clause mean the
reverse of what the unaided human intellect would suppose it to be. In
point of fact, the legal eel cleverly wriggled out of the legislative frying-
pan, but did not upset it.
The law, therefore, enables any undisputed proprietor of a negative to
register as proprietor, subject to his stating on registration the name of
the true author. But as to who is the author is again decided by the
Courts ; one might suppose that the proprietor of a photographic business
was the true author, and, in point of fact, primary owner of any photo-
graph taken on his premises, and that his salaried assistants were no
more the authors than would a merchant's accountant be, as between him
and the world.'.the author of the merchant's accounts ; but, under the case
of Nottage and Another against Jackson, the Court decided that the author
was not the principal of the photographic business, but that such author
was the skilled artist who actually took the negative. Thus it was clear
that in law the copyright of an ordinary photograph belongs, in the
absence of an assignment, to the actual individual who takes it, even
though this individual be the paid servant of another, and uses his em-
ployer's utensils.
This was confirmed by Mr. R. Thiele, of the London Stereoscopic
Company, who, in the course of a discussion with the lecturer, gave some
interesting particulars of the custom of the trade. The lecturer stated
generally that it would be better for any one, as far as possible, to stick
to the literal meaning of the Act, so far as circumstances would permit,
rather than rely on any subtle interpretation given by the Courts, which
in some subsequent ease might be modified in some other way. Again,
in reference to tl^ second point under the Copyright Act, namely the
relation between the sitter and photographer, the Court had leaned to-
wards the alternative that the sitter had the property in the negative,
because it was executed on his or her behalf. But this was simply a
dictum arising incidentally, and there had been no case on the point. It
would be simply ridiculous to deny that the photographer was entitled to
the plate where, as usual, the sitter had paid for a dozen or two copies,
with the arrangement that he was to get further copies at a reduced
price ; and, if the jjoint were expressly raised, it would probably turn on
the question, that what was executed on behalf of the sitter was not the
negative, but the copies from the negative, and that the contract would
be interpreted by the invariable usage that the photographer retained the
negative, and that the understanding between the parties did not include
Anything else but the copies or positives that were contracted to be paid
for. Mr. Thiele, in afterwards commenting on this point, stated that the
us..™? of trie tmde was to consider the negatives as the property of the
photographer, but with the limited right of use subsequently referred to
in the lecture. , . , . . .. i. ,
Referring, now, to the question of the use that may be made by the photo-
rrraphor of copies from the negative in the absence of an express or im-
plied permission, it was shown that in the case of Pollard verius the
Photographic Company, the photographer was restramed from selling or
exhibiting copies for example as a Christmas card exhibited m shop
windows, because he was bound to give copies only to the sitter, or by his
or her direction, and that any more extensive publication was not only a
breach of contract, but a breach of faith.
Turning now to the question of amateur photographers, the lecturer
expressed some doubts as to the mode in which the law could possibly
deal vrith them, seeing that, when an amateur photographed his friends,
any improper use of the photograph could neither be considered a breach
of contract nora breach of faith incidental to contract. But a hint appeared
to assist the matter, both in the case of the limited use allowed to be made
by the receiver of the letter, whose property it undoubtedly was,'and there-
fore not a matter of contract, and also in the case of a person who had
intruded into a lecture-room, without the lecturer's privity, and was re-
strained from publishing a shorthand copy of the lecUire, though, m this
case also, there was no contract between the lecturer and the copyist, and
therefore, strictly speaking, no breach of faith. In like manner, if an
amateur scattered copies about of his friend's photograph, it is probable
that, even in the absence of contract, he might be restrained from making
a public use of the copies, which was not justified by the fair understand-
ing between his friend and himself at the time. This, however, is purely
speculative, and the recommendation to be given to amateur photo-
graphers was that, if they ever took any one else's photograph except for
h=s own use, it would be better to have express permission if a more ex-
tended use was contemplated. T. Watson Bbown, B.A., LL.B.
PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE COLOURS OF NATURE.
In an article on " Natural Colours on the Lantern Screen " (Bbitish
Journal Phoiographic Almanac for 1892), Mr. Albert W. Scott
makes the following statement : —
"A brief description of the (Scott) process was published by the
writer in The Beitish Joubnal of Photogeaphy in January
1891 ; and a demonstration with his apparatus was given early in
May, before the Manchester Photogi-aphic Society," &o. "Soon
after, in June, Mr. Ives brought before the notice of the Franklin
Institute a similar apparatus, arranged by himself, on the same
principle ; that is, all three negatives were taken on one sensitive
plate, were projected by a special lantern front, in such wise that the
three images accurately coincided on the screen. Both these demon-
strations appeared to be very successful."
The above appears to me to be about as unfair and misleading a
statement as human ingenuity could devise. 1 believe, however, that
the unfairness may be due partly to ignorance of facts. Already I
have had occasion to show that Mr. Scott has given his own name to
an ether saturator which could not be manufactured in this country
without infringing my rights under two patents granted to me for
original invention ; and now, after bringing out a degenerate imita-
tion of a method of projection upon which I have been working for
many years, achieving notable success years before Mr. Scott
attempted anything in this direction, he would have it appear that I
am the imitator instead of the one who is imitated. The fact is,
that I have copied absolutely nothing from Mr. Scott, and would gain
nothing by doing so; while, on the other hand, Mr. Scott has already
copied many things from me, without giving credit for anything, and
will have to copy from me in every essential particular before he can
feasibly produce results worthy of comparison even with those which
showed in February 1888.
With reference to Mr. Scott's claim to have originated the triple
camera and lantern slides (both worthless so long as the negatives are
made from separate points of view, as in Mr. Scott's camera), I have
to call attention to the following facts. The first exposure I ever made
on a landscape for purposes of colour projection was with a single
plate, sensitive to all colours, behind three lenses, with selective colour
screens, and diaphragms adjusted to make the three pictures develop
together. My reason for doing this is indicated by statements made
in my first communication to tne Franklin Institute upon this subject,
when 1 said, in one place, that I used " photographic plates sufficiently
sensitive to all parts of the visible spectrum. Means for filtering out,
in a strictly accurate manner, such coloured rays, and in such quantity
or proportion as may be required." And, in another place, " I find
it necessary to prepare the three sensitive plates at the same time,
with the same emulsion, and to develop them in the same developing
solution for the same length of time." But I added also another
requirement, as follows : — " A camera that will produce three
negatives simultaneously, of exactly the same size, and from the same
(,or very nearly the same) point of view." This latter requirement
MsRh 18, 18MS]
THE BRinSH JOURNAL OP PnOTOGR.\PHY.
186
eipUiu-why, ia 1888, 1 eat the nagl» pUte into three pieCM after
preponton, in order to ■eeare the tame chemical effect* without
de«r>jinj the roincideooeof pcnpectiTe rt-quired to aeeiue renter in
the finuh^l re«tt)t>. Mr. Soott hw merely gone bacV to a plan which
wa4 old. aad partly abandoned for iu imperfections in 1888 ; and the
' ' "' 'n to inr oiiipnal plan ha* not been made poMibfe bj
: Mr. Scott'*, bat br mj own innntion of a eamera
' oegatire* on one |iate fraa one point of riew.
nslt) kntem ifida inm tke tbree negatirea i« alao my
Jtrl.. .h..wn aaeooHM^ in Febroary 1888, waa a
. and waa patjaUil with a ■ngla laatem,
:i< a.4 d<>«u toevthar aa poanble. Boaena of
liaised with intereat both
ra. One teaaoo why auch
thjt. yalliaitail i* tbat mmit «i»tai)a are not patentable in
r. M in Fjyland ; and aootW, that they are very trivial
!>azi«on with the iatation aad demonatfation of a
. of the' problem of nlooi^npMdiictiaii by photo-
triple lanlem-frant denaad by ate ii entirely diflerent from
- ' mMitt hi*. U intefrbamaaMH with the ordinary pro-
.oaekan>eofli(^toreoad«M*ra. Alraadr, altbooffh
'*•". aoVanta^ ovar Mr. Scott'* devic*, I have
the liael^t, baeaaae my deiica at 1888 gift*
'1&-
exploded til
eanyanfoMt ay;
tHB OK uy own.
at hia ilwnmimiiiii, like my own, waa
U admiarioa that landaeape raptodnctiona
■■» ti D« TlaMwai, Amrt, aad othan,
. r<>prodaetioa* of UgUy ODloand
-odaM tk« dalieato eoloon of
•«", baaed on a vnr old aad
■nXr fatla oa aaab aabjaata
^if^ eaaployad by aia ia
V iaaaoiigiaaliaTea-
•r aibalitataa ao far
i mj laboara ia
UI unpoctaaoab
' lodoMiaal
piMand
■V Thieb
It ia daar that .
' "vioea^ bat it i»
^ ith aay of item -. ., ,,. . ... ».
■> ^atinetJy lay own, and by' which aaHaaa
^'uuafad. _ . »•
[Tb« foregoing, which waa poatad in Phila<!e]pbia b January
L«t, oolj naebad na daring the preoadiag week, baring just
<!m lacowiad fron tba wraok of tha Xii*r.—ttK\
VMMKSrthXt MOTES OR PBOTOORAraiC ISKnS.*
Moacmae Laaaaa-
• ia naaly takM af the p«aw e< modiiyiac or taapenri)r
■ *■* ■V'*! H i|iil— ilfc aad atih^ titm fMMliaa that la
«f«»«fciy *d M» poaaM^ aith««h la any oaa wbeaa
. .rbaaaJi lewt tlifciliiHi abate Ihay
> MM «Bliia|y.
b dM of aaiaf aUlMr el Iha
flf anpU eeaHaaatla laalOMar ahMw #*li( a laaa «(
idMioaaaoflhaaaapeaad. In maay rafid raalBaaan the traal
i«fleaaarfa«aaihaaihabaek.aalhatlh*niaaaiMio*ef two. U
ia vmi aiooa, U ahoaU b* tarrnd lalo tlw back of Iba
fcaaa aiaci* laaaa* H mat be rawaabwad dMt. by the
\ la lao^uitluai of apenara lo toeaa. the enaeara ad n^in to
I tear tiaea that fortlm aaaa alop ahaa mI^ Iha aaaaaoaad
i aad alao. boai the fart of a Mar Wag aaeaaauy «Mi aqyriacia
I a lapU raatfUaaar oMy idva briUat daOaMea with
ya( Ibeaiatlaa el vhiah It ia eoapoari «ffl ao« weak
nuMt ilopplaf 4ovb to ttboot bftlf tbiir 4mb0Ik» of oiftiw
.« aUy warbad /.I*. HUA wfflltea be abet /.«. Th«a aiafla iaaaaa
Mat ahot doable the laaaa of the ewpeoad wfll (hw aa '—g- «! aay
afejaet about taiaa Iba ria*terlb*y will eevot a moah fawair plate veil.
*' '>athatarfaalaraiaatatha»gi««i Iqr the oaigteal Iwa OB
*' !*f The alof balag maak aaaar Ike lao* thaalt aaald he
i' ><ai>i<iHraaiatia*liJaadMBBBtadleaeikaaaaA
^* n liUkt. imL akaii ii 1 1 oa the aame atie plua ee the
*" •( >• pwwtWaBy MaMteaar, aad awy bo oaed for aa) work.
MawaM?.
A rapid reetOiaear may be eonTerted into a wide-angle of the
(oona by haTini; a ihort m<Mmt made to oarry the sombinationi aloaer
logetber, the gain in ooTering power depending on the extent to whiek
they are eloeed in. Thia does not alter the fooua of the leni to any
material extent, ao that there is no dilTerenoe in the size of the image
that it will give on the plate that it would oorer in ita original form. The
gain is, that it it may be made to eorer a considerably larger plate, and
one that indodea a wide-angle. As an example, a haU-plate rapid reott-
linear may have iU eoTering power increaaed to enable it to be naed fn
10 X 8, or eren 13 x 10 plataa. There is no gain without a corresponding
dUadvantage. and thia ia no ezoeption to the general rtUe. The principal
objection is, that the field is rendered rery roond, ao that, in taUng
•drantage of the increased eorerlng power, small stops have to be used
In order to bring the edge* and centre of the picture sufficiently in fooos
together. For that reason the new mount should not be shorter than ia
neeeaaary to eorer the plaU required. The closer the lenses are brongbl
together, the greater will be the oorering power, but the mote will flatneaa
ot field be loet. For thoee who rarely have ooeasion to use a wide-angle
leas, the naoaaaity for naing amaUer atopa ia not aaoh a great objaotion,
a* in other lespaela it work* weU.
The front lana d one rapid or wide-angle rectilinear may be naed with
the back lens of another to produce a new combination baring a focofl
iatannediale between the two from which it has been formed ; so that, if
the front leas of a ten-inch rapid rectilinear is naed with the back lens of
a aix-inch, the new oombination ioraiod will have a loons ot about eight
laohae, or ptobehly a little laea. Thia ootnWning two lenses to form an
latstiaediale aiae ean be aflaeud with aeaieely any loaa of qoality. and in
aaae iaataaoy etitieal exaiainalion will tail to detect any material
dUtoaaea la tstaii of field, eovering power, or ereaneaa iA lighting.
Xb obtaia the beat raaaltB. thrse eonditiona are eaaential. First, the
ot the two lenaae ahoold alwaya be in front ; aeoond, the
ailhar Issia aad the alop ahoold be the aame as in ita
eriglaalaeet; third, rfaiilar leaaae of the aaaie maker should boused.
Disaiiailar laaaaa ia«y be eambiaed aa two of different oonatraetion, or
eraa a rapid aad a wids ainIa reetillnsai' ; bat ia that eaaa the laaalt wiQ
BOt be ao good, aad aaultar^lopa wiU hare to be naed in order to make
HworkweU.
Wbaaa the foeae of.'eaeh ifagle oombination ia known, the leaoa of the
that thay weald term oan be eaaUy oalenUted. aad ao
it woold difhr aafBeiantly than othon already avaU-
Tke fcraala la. let A and B rapreaent the foeal length* of the two
aad C Iheir dialaaea apart in the meant, then the foona o
A 4- B
£-T-j| _p' ^>h a single Ion* lb* earrQinear distortion rariae with
the Ian* and atop. By Iniagii^ theae eleaar
the dlelerHwi auy be ao minimiaad. that it beeomea iaappre-
be aaad tor erehileatoral work. Iu eflestiTa
la radaaad the aewar it ta to the atop, ao that it aeeaaaitatea a
ia erdsr to obtain ariiy ialliillliiii and llatniai rf
the extaat to wbiab the aaeoal I* abertaoad ahffBW
depend oa the diatortkai girea by the lea* radar Na aoraal eoadilteaa of
wwfciag.
Bataenea or Laaaa*.
Ia ghtog Ihaaa wnlMntfuui of laaaaa, it U not iaiended that they
ahoold take the plMO of thoa* «paeially made tor eartain work ; bat Ihar*
an rary (aw awateBis who mn prortde tbaauetrea with a largo nnmber
•f l«"Mr. Md thoee who bar* oae or two oaty may, by some of thee*
■aelhoda of oMaiaiag other form* or eombiaatlena. produe* satUfaetory
aagatlTee of aaljeeU whieb otherwise ii woold be osel*** to attempt.
The sslsrtion of a laaa by an amateur shoald not be a diffienlt matter, if
the elaaa of aabieet (or whieh U ia raqoired. and the qoaliiies and disad-
aaolaaaa of the raiieoa lama are oanfnUy eoaaidered. For thoee wbos*
priaeipal aka ia fialarlal laadaoapa, with nwmaioasl figures or slowly
■oriag objoaU. a atagie lana wotkiag at/-l«, or, for qiaoial objects, /ll.
«ilMB«e moat atislaoloiy iaalmmaat peeaibU. U is suffieientiy
rapid lor shippiag and aaa pieeaa gaaesaOy oadar favoorabl* oonaitions.
ae Ihaae Mibioeta are almoel iavaitebty well lightad. U great variety of
work i* to bo don- with aa|y one loaa. Iba nmat naafal would be th* rapid
reetilinear, aa this anawac* writ lor aaah a wide rang* of subjeota aad
eoadHteae where ether laaaaa, apaafadly good ia their own sphere, fail.
A very ffaod aqulimiai tor aiaaiear work geaerally, where two lenaaa
aan be prerided. woold be, iar half-pUlee, a aingl* about nia* inehea
loMa and a wide-aa^ rswiaiaasr aboot six hiehe*. lor moat arahilcetural
aebjoeU, ialarior and exterior, hav* to be taken in oonflned positions.
when the aaa of a toOfar loeaa leaa ia lae« aatisfaotory or impraetieable.
Th* back eombfaiatiea of lUe woold be aboot twehe inebe* foens, and
available lor thoee sobjeete In whieh th* nine-hieh single would Include
186
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[Merch 18, 1892
loo maeb. Thii is pneticall; three lenses, a suiBcient outfit for all work
•zeepting that ot inch a oharaoter as to require special provision under
anj cirenmstancas.
For racing, animals in rapid moTement, or similar subjects under a
wiety ol eonditions, a lens o( great rapidity, such as an eurjscope, will
be almost a neeeaaity, though an objection to this is the accurate focussing
required, owing to the yerj small depth of focus that its large aperture
allows. For the majority of instantaneona studies a rapid reotilinear will
UUH all requirements.
Any technical question connected with photography must, in order to be
«l practical utility, have a direct bearing on its artistic aspect, by render-
ing the production of a desired result more certain and definite. While
todinieal perfection alone would be insuflScient to produce a picture, yet
•qoally artisUo perception and training ore of little value to their possessor
■nleis he has also the manipulative skill necessary to give full expression
to his artistic creations. Hbnbt W. BiMXiTf .
PLATINUM TONING AS APPLIED TO GELATINO-
CHLOIUDE PUINTING-OUT PAPER.
[Nawoa«tl(M>n.T7ne and Northern Oountiei Phstof r&phio Association.]
Fashion, which regulates the cut of our garments, has, as might be
expected, some considerable influence in matters photographic.
During the past two years there has been a steady movement in the
direction of warmth of tone. In the higher regions of photographic
art there was a time when " Big and Black " held supreme sway, and
anything approaching tones which most of us now admire was a thing
held accursed. Now men's minds are everywhere asking. How shall
we arrive at the warmest tones ? and skilful concoctors of formulw
are holding high revel in their search for the mystic process which
shall forthwith make all things sepia. The numerous methods of
toning (or staining) bromide papers recently published afford evidence
of how strong is the revolt against blacks. vVe have, indeed, need to
be careful lest, by over-doing it, we induce a revulsion of feeling.
Above all, let us not outrage the eternal fitness of things by such pro-
ceedings as printing winter landscapes a bright red, and so forth.
Amongst all the methods of getting rich warm tones, I know of
none equal to that which it is my privilege to bring before you to-
night— viz., the use of a gelatino-citro-chloride of silver paper and
chloro-platinite of potassium as the toning agent, as by its means we
can get tones of the most exceeding richness and warmth with ease
and certunty.
Gelatino-Chlobidk Dksceibed.
After lying stagnant for many years, the gelatino-Kihloride process
has at last become very popular. In its original form it was a
collodio-chloride emulsion, invented by Mr. G. Wharton Simpson in
1865. It never made much headway — why, it is difficult to say.
To my mind, a collodion image is in many points superior to a gela-
tine one. Amongst its principal exponents was a north-country
photographer — Mr. George Bruce, of Duns. In 1882 Captain Abney
proposed a gelatine emulsion, and bis formula became the foundation
on which every one has subsequently built, until the analogous
collodion paper was almost forgotten. On the Continent, however.
there has for the last year or so been in use a collodio-chloride paper,
and recently a similar product, under the name of Celloidin paper,
has been introduced into the London market by Messrs. H. Kuntzen
& Co., samples of which I show you to-night. The late Herr
Obemetter was 6r8t in the field, in'l88o, with his now celebrated
emulsion paper, followed by Liesegang, and after the lapse of five
or six years we now have the choice of^at least two brands " made in
England."
My intention to-night is not to read a" scientific paper, or to in-
dulge in any theoretical or chemical speculations, but rather to go
upon solid ground, over which I have myself trodden, steering clear
of everjrthing which has not been thoroughly substantiated in my
own experience, and will treat (1) of printing, (2) of the toning bath,
{S\ of the process of toning, and (4) of finishing.
It may be mentioned here that my experience almost solely relates
to Obernetter paper, but I have handled nearly every brand in tha
market, and shall have something to say of each.
Printing is conducted in the ordinary way, any negative that ii
not either hopelessly thin or dense being suitable. Contrary to the
text-books and advice so plenteously given, it is not necessary to
over-print any more than on albumen paper— in fact, to do so is in
most cases distinctly harmful. a
.\fter toning with platinum, no paper I have yet tried reduces to
a:iv great extent in a properly made fixing bath, and if we desire a
lu.itt surface, and so squeegee on ground glass, that operation con-
siderably adds to the depth of the image; so, if we over-piint,
" leatheriness in the shadows " wDl result. It is necessary to re-
member, however, that the depth of printing must have some definit*
relation to the tone we desire to obtain. This will be discussed when
we come to the toning stage.
The toning bath which I have found to be the best is a limpU
one: —
Potassium chloro-platinite 1 grain.
Citric acid 10 grains.
Distilled water 4 ounces.
A platinum bath will only work when acid, and the use of citric
acid, instead of nitric, as usually recommended, is a p-eat improra-
ment, due to Professor Burton, who found that the latter acid has a
staining influence upon gelatine.
Other baths have been recommended, which are not so good as
the above, and possess the serious disadvantage thet they will not
keep, whereas this one will keep indefinitely provided the prints be
properly washed before toning, so as not to contaminate the bath by
silver salts. I have here a bottle containing a bath made up over
two years ago, which has been in constant use ever since, strengthened
when necessary by adding more platinum, which I keep in a dropping-
bottle mixed in the proportion of one part platinum to twenty parts
water. When of proper strength, the bath is of a dark straw colour,
and as the toning agent is used up the solution becomes paler, so
that by a little observation it is easily seen when the bath wants
strengthening.
The Manipulations of the I'rockss.
Coming to the actual manipulations, the first item is the preliminary
washing, which must be thorough. The first wash must be rapidly
performed, so as not to keep the prints soaked in the dissolved-out
silver, else yellowing of the high lights will result. After four
changes of water, it is necessary to dissolve out all the remaining
free silver by a salt bath. After a minute or two in this, and another
rinse in water, the prints are ready to tone. At this stage they ar«
but little changed, and the process of toning, unless much prolonged,
produces no effect that is visible to the eye. We only discover what
tone we have got when the prints are in the hypo bath; but the action
is so regular that success is certain. It is instructive, however, to see
what colour of image we are working upon by fixing a print without
any toning, and I will presently show you a few examples. It will
be found that the image suffers a very considerable reduction, and
partakes of a yellowish-red hue. By simply fixing without toning,
warm red tones can be got if we print deep enough to compensate for
the reduction that takes place, and there is no reason to suppose that
such images should fade any more than does a bromide print. Indeed,
the chances are in favour of tlie former, as it has not been in contact
with any salts of iron, or acid clearing bath. I have spoken of the
necessity of keeping up a definite relation between the depth of print-
ing and the ultimate tone desired. Simply fixing a print much reduces
its depth, but the more platinum we associate with the silver imaga
the less does it reduce. This applies to all papers, but in a greater
degree to the Ilford " Printing-out-paper." Toning then proceeds on
certain definite lines, the stages being red, reddish-brown, sepia,
brown, dark brown, and purplish-brown. For the first stajje, printing
ought to be continued till the deepest shadows are slightly bronzed,
and the toning will take, say, five minutes. With such an over-
printed image, longer toning seems to intensify the print, and to block
up the shadows. For any other tone than red, it is not advisable to
print till the bronzing stage is reached, but to stop when the whites
are slightly tinted, and toning will be accomplished in from five to
fifteen minutes. The warmth of tone, which is the characteristic of
this process, it is ev.'dent has for its foundation the yellowish-red of
the silver image, and, as we associate it with platinum in a greater or
lesser degree, the toae varies from a warm red to the other shades I
have named. There have been various attempts to completely sub-
stitute platiiium frr the le.ss stable silver, but with no success. It was
first supposed that the toning process was a depositing of metallic
platinum upon tie image ; then it became the belief that a partial sub-
stitution took place : but Lyonel Clarke, in his book, assumes, with
considerable slow of reason, that an alloy of silver and the nobler
metal takes place. Be that as it may, "it is a process which, for
certainty an^ Deauty of results, merits every one giving it a fair trial.
After toring, the prints may be immersed in a weak solution of
common soda, to neutralise any acidity present and stop toning, or
may be pUced direct in the fixing bath, made distinctly alkaline with
ammonia, and not stronger than one part hypo to "eight parts of
water. For the sake of giving the prints a fair chance in the battlt
of life, it is advisable to have the hypo bath fresh, and to fix for not
less tl-an half an hour. After thoroughly washing in copious changes
Murii 18, isgsf]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY,
187
of w»ter, the prints are siren a fiTe-miimtes' wwking in a bath of
chrome idvii of about twelve graina to the ounce. Tu avoid acidity,
BeatnlJM thia with ammonia, and filter out the denae precipitate
which ia fonaed. Thia ia of the greatest adTantage, au it hardens the
relatine and lendera it almoet imperriooa to damp. So great ia its
hardening effect that a print so treated and dried cannot a|;ain be
softened, and resists water almost boilinfr.
The next Matte is the sageegeeing, which is best done upon finely
groand glass. Bear in mina, howeTer, that this must take place aa
soon as they ate waahed fre^ from tlw chroma alum, as, if ther are
allowed to dry, they cannot be so treated. The adoption of the
alum bath makes the ttickine of prints to the riass almost an impoaai-
bility, and this is no smsJl aarantage. Much rubbish has been
written aboat dsaniag the glass platas pfevious to putting down the
prints — fay myself amongst the number. If really dirty, monkey soap
will temoTe it all. Flowing hot water orer the plate, and rubbing
with the palm of the hand, will do the rest It can then be placed
under the tan and cold watsr run orer it, then place the wet print in
position, witn blotting paper on the top, then a piece of waterproof
sheeting, and squesgte vigarously. It is necessary to remember that
hr.r attempt to reasoTa the nruta before they are dry is to court
'■in. A matt sorface nay De got ■neb more e«sily br the use of
It gnmad pnmice stone powoer, raMing it on the ory print by
IjM. Moartng presents no diWienhy if the prints be properly
hardaaad ia the alum bath.
CuAMAcruRuncs or ViBioca Papbbs.
It oaly now ramaias for ma to briefly ■diaate some of the eharae-
taristici of the rarioos brands of paper.
ObsfBstter's ordinary brand givss vary flaa nsolts (his other makee
I bar* not tried). Oro^-eriatiag ia the ordiaBry aeow ia not advisable,
althoogh thai* is a sBall aaiaant of rsdaalioa. Tha paper ia thinner
than aoMe otheie, aad therefore most aot be roa^y nawdM
Celarot^ is a thick paper, aad tooea saaOy— priatiag aomal.
Jacoby s reaairsa dcapar printing, aad has a good raaga of tones,
the warmer laades poaaeaaiag a £«tinctive quality aot aeea ia any
other paper.
Lumi
natoly
simitiir
eol'
I
It 1
B-.t
Dotrpe, Talbot's ** lipta,** aad LtMagaag's aristotype behave
' '^-T<> is ao great digereaea ia rssalt between any nf thrm ;
ooe dmet ta eoasMa, or, isther, the laapies I have
• t<inda poiMia that dsfsel,*is.,tlieys(«t(«iaad either
iia k a tboroail^y good eoOoAoa pafsr, aafortiK
alaoiMiMd MMfo^ aonaJ friw^g, aad tooea sosOt, yiddiag
rtMiIts to frfMbo; bat, ea Mooot of tbo baimsai of a
.••, b eaaaot ba sqaaagaad.
ndiig.«at aapar* poaHasas dMraeteriatica of its own.
•oab deep priraag aa an of tbo otbsrs, aad will
liag atM*. Dmf prMaa b ia«cated by block-
it tSis poiat mast aot to leacbad aalMa short
< be daaiiad. Ia my haada it baa yielded a
iny otbar braad (fmaa yeBow to ahaoet
<adliag fall ttaiiag great cars mast be
■j^ i'j ■jTri-ytiui.. Jamm Baowa.
Tn
HOLBOBR CiatXBA. CLUB BXHXBITIOlf.
r I Anoaal WibWilw of lbs ■swbsti e< Ibe Holbera CaaMia
! U Aatetoa^ Bslal. Wsst stiasl. oa Batarday bMt, aaatfy
Tisilere being piiiin. Mr. B. Cttfloa, Mr. F. A. BrUga.
aad Mr H nivy Bintoa warsibaJadgH.
InC!...: Mr A. J. OoMiageblataadlbaflrstptiaalevtbedispUyot
ih- < aad ■■Warieaa lisiaiii Tbk SMbar aaa* te
•1*" Tariooa aebtiHi. fg«« sladtso bsiag pradeMlaant,.
One ot the pMtaies, 0«<n# sal is Ssa, aa saiaigiaMal «■ Fry's loagb
paper, was awarded a silver aaadaL TUs ia a ibilsyaph of a tog
loatag a Urge aaOiag vaaaal oaltoasa,aadwaatBUoliSia. Mr.
Frsd Bioeas was a»ardid asreod priasb Mr. Brosas seat ia sightssa
traaMs, the beat being sosae exaMplaa of Oavoasbira aesBsry.
Ia Oasa 1, Mr. H. Wast was awarded a pdsa far Iba beat diaplay «f
by aow Maaibara. OBae<Mapietwaa.ilt Bsst.nbtainad boaoar-
Tbia waa a brsnida priat, aAar the style ol Mr. Caabraao.
Teosalaipwsala of rasbss wsra also eibibitad by thia wsabsr. Mr.
jLBcUobtaiaedaprtaofavlbobaatasbibUafmeaberswbebad started
pbctagiapby dnrtag Iba last year. This aMisbar ealiiMtad a (rame o<
aa ssaatry sesaes.
~^«as 4. Mr. E. B. Bayaten was awardsd fint priaa (or a set of
Ml BIwrpa obtained assood priie. Mr. Ooldiag
It al lbs bead of iia Old 8»lt. Mr. H. Baakiori
prtoo for IIm beat dlspb^ ot six baUplalaa Tbsoa soa.
listed of two interiors and Eome ahipping seenes. Mr. A. Hodges obtained
second prise (or some good eoontiy seenes. Mr. E. Elsworth was
awarded first prize (or the best set of six quarters, while Mr. H. Tbompson
obtained seoond prixe. Mr. West sent in an excellent set of six tree
stndjee in this class. Mr. Chang was awarded first prize in the lantern-
slide competition, and Mr. T. O. Phillips obtained seoond prize. Messrs.
Fry and Eastman sent some pictures (or exhibition, and the Oraphic
exhibited a large number ot pictures. The DaUy GraphU sent in a series
of tiamsa showing the proeeaa by which the pictures were made, the first
being the drawing aa aent in ^ the artist, the next the negative taken
from it, then the block in its different stages, and, finally, the print as it
appeared in the paper.
During the evening two lantern entertainments were given. Mr. Sinclair
gave A Seamptr through Normandy, and Mr. Whiting some fine slides of
Canterbury and Shakespeare's country.
We eoagratulate the Club upon the high level of exoellenoe shown by
the various exhibits, as well as upoo the sneeesa o( last Satnrdi^s dispby
and entertainment, which the preaanre on our space obligee na to treat
with all poadble brevity.
•
EXHIBITION OF EKGUSH PHOTOORAPHS IN BRUSSEIiB.
Draiaa tlie Congress held in Brussels last year, a small collection of
BagHah photogiaplia attracted such favourable attention that it was
Immsdistsly proposed to organise a representative exhibition of English
work. A Committee of the Associatioo Beige, oonsiiting of Masara. Maea,
Patlswiana, Alasandre, aad Colard, was charged to organise the exhibi-
ttoo, aad tbsraapoB Ibey invited a number of well-known English
pbotograpbsrs to eontribnte to it. The display will aeeordingly open oo
the 86th of this month, at the Cercle Artistiqne et Litt^raiie of Brussels.
The exhibitors include Captain Abney, Messrs. Bnrehett, Byrne,
OamUsr Bolloo. W. Crooks, L. Clarke, U. Davison, Diston, Dresser,
Horaley Hintoa, R. Xasoa, MaakaU, H. P. BoUnson. Yanderweyde. Weat,
Winter, and olbeia. Bono of Mrs. Cameroo'a pictnrea will alao ba oa
view.
Tbe'pnnotars of the Exhibition have paid English photographers the
high enwiplinient of saying that the artistic qnalitisa of their pictures
have iadaasd tbom to lake thia sttp, in order that Belgian photopmphera
BV pioAt by • stady of Ibam. Baeeeeding annual exhibitiona will be
doiotad to Ibo isptsaanlstlve work of other eoontriee. but ■• the English
aihibiticB aatarally eomea first.'' Meears. U. Daviaon and Lyonel Clarke
have raadsred tiia Aasodatiaa Beige valuable aaaistaaoe in the work of
TUB MADDOX FUND. f
Additioxal SoBscBirrioiis.
Beeiety
Wratlea A Waiawright .
Banderlaadr
Faisndism I
W. RWaUar
Percy Load * Co.
Alfred Watkias
C. H. Bvaaa
C. H. Oraabv. Obisago
Olaagow aad Wsst of Beotland Amateur Pbotograpbio
Swansea AauUeor Photographic Association .
Warwiek Braokea
P. Maagbar
BothoiEaaB Pbotojnrapbie Boeiety
North Middlssas Pbotogiaphie Boeisty
£ <.
d.
10 0
0
1 10
0
0 15
0
5 0
0
1 1
0
1 1
0
0 10
6
1 0
0
a s
0
1 1
0
3 9
0
0 10
0
1 1
0
1 17
6
wot ,n a
•as awardsd
®ui £tiuertal STabU.
Mani-kl PaATiguB ds PHOTorypis.
Psr i. YoiBiv. Put* I Cb. lf«nd*l, 118, Bm d'AJMU.
Tax author of this small manual handlea his subject in a thoroughly
practical aaaner, and proridae a complete and lucid guide to nhoto-
trpic printing. Two specimens of the proceM and a number of
i&ustrationa ot apparatus are gi van in the text.
Ma.
OnaKinrmK-PBauTza NaoATiva Films amo Subaths.
J. R. UoTZ, who is agent for these films, hss sent specimens of
the Mune, which we have tried, and find to give resulu which aro
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAl'HY.
{March 18, 1892
mort esodlenu ro6«e»«iDg » high degree of senailiTCness, they
develop clean and with all desirable gradation.
Mr. Ooti's film gheaths are admirable pieces of workmanship. He
haa eonatructed special apparatus for making them, a feature in the
appantiu being that he can make them of every size and with perfect
flMD60S.
Llfobo Isochbomatic Plates.
Tha Britannia Works Compan^r.
Tarn plates are issued in two brands, these being respectively of
inatantMieous iind medium rapidity. If we judge by the samples
which we have received, these plates "have come to stay. '' No one
knows the value, under exceptional circumstances, of colour-sensitive
platM better than those who have tried, say, to copy a painting
without them. .V very fine optically worked glass screen accom-
panies these .samples. This is set in a frame suitable for placing
b^ind the lens, and greatly faciUtates the ensuring of colour values.
But, as we have formerly .'aid, it is not wise to employ this in every
ca«e, aa there are many subjects in which an exaggeration of the
colour values of subjticts might be produced. We are glad to see
good isochromatic plates placed on the market under such favottrable
commercial conditions as those initiated by the Britannia Works
Company, and can hazard a prophecy aa to their popularity.
From Mr. Otto Schiilzig we have received specimens of Dr. Jacoby's
Collodion Emulsion Paper. This gives fine detail, and is used and
treated in exactly the same way aa ordinary albumenised paper.
Formuhe for toning and fixing bath, accompanied the specimens.
The paper can be had in three tints — white, pink, and mauve.
Th« Optics or Photography and Photographic Lensbs.
By J. Tkull Tatlor. London : Whittaker & Co.
This work, which contains 244 pages and sixty-eight illustrations, and
is dedicated to Captain Abney, is stated, in the preface, to be for the
nans, and not the makers, of photographic lenses. The subjects
treated of embrace, among numerous others, Photographic Definition,
Real and Ideal ; Aberrations, Spherical and Chromatic ; Deep Meniscus
Lenses; Single Achromatic Lenses; Combination Lenses of the
various types now in use: Distortion, its Nature and Cure; Foci,
Testing Lenses, Lenses of Jena Glass, Lens Grinding, Lantern Optics,
Photo-Telescopic Lensee. Each class of lens described has been asso-
ciated with the name of its inventor, and the author expresses a hope
that the work will prove useful to professionals and amateurs alike.
It is obvious that no opinion of the merits of the book can be ex-
pressed here, but this does not prevent us from congratulating the
publishers on its excellent printing and get-up.
Mbssbs. Huntbb's Cataxogub gives full particulars of the firm's
specialities — print trimmers, plate rockers, washers, «SlC. There are
some useful nint« on mounting and burnishing in the book.
Fallowfielb's Photographic Remxmbranckb is, as heretofore,
a testimonial to the enterprise and activity of this firm. It is up to
date.
RECENT PATENTS.
APPUCATIONS FOR PATENTS,
Ko. 4468. — "Improvements in or relating to Cameras." — A. J. Adkins and
F. B. Vkwhah.— Hated March 7, 1892.
No. 4498. — " A Process for Developing Photographic Images." — J. IlAtJFF. —
bated March 7, 1892.
No. 4516.— "An Improved Constniotion of Photographic View-finder." —
J. ^L Thompson.— Zteted March 8, 1892.
No. 4606. — "Improvements iu Cameras for producing or superposing
Multiple Images." Complete specification.— F. E. Ives.— Dated March 8,
1892.
No. 4668.—" A new Magic-lantern Slide."— W. H. Uaboi^.— Dated March
9, 1892.
No. 4706.— "An Improved Dark Slide for Photographic Purposes."— W. T.
A. PaiLUVS.— Dated March 9, 1892.
No. 4755.—" Improvements in Photographic Shutters."— A. S. Newman
and J. ttCABDlA.- Z>a^ March 10, 1892.
No. 4886. — " Improvements in and connected with Store-boxes or Change-
bo-tes for Photographic Cameras."—.!. R. OOTZ.— Dated March 12, 1892.
PATENTS COMPLETED.
Impbovemknts im or Pbrtainino to Photographic Cajiera.
Ko. 6683. Richard WnrnmoRNS Havaok, 22, Bagby-road, Leeds, York-
shire, and The Sun Caheka Company, Limited, 22, Bagby-road, Leeds
York»hire.->'«*riOTry 20, 1892. -. 6 j .
The object of our invention is to improve the construction and fitment of
photographic oomeraj) in various details, to render the same more efficient and
generally convenient.
We erect two standards of a semi-circular or curved section wherein the
front of the camera can slide, and which front is constructed with a central
circular opening into the front whereof the lens tube can be screwed, while on
the internal edge thereof is a flange which may extend as far therearound as
desire<L A frame is secured to the front end of the bellows which has a cor-
resi)onding circular opening, and certain jMirt-s are removed from the edge of
this opening corresponding with the aforesaid llangc, which parts being brought
together, the frame is pressed home and partly turned to cause tlie edge of the
aperture to pass behind the Hange, and thus seciire the two part.* together after
the manner of an intercepted screw, proper stops being fitted and the two parts
being light-tight. To this sliding front is htted a horizontal pinion shaft
actuated by a screw-hea»l which gears into racks on the standards to raise or
lower the front. Stays can be fitted to the standards, and through the upper
parts thereof clamping screws are fitted to the standards, the heads whereof
pass through slotted plates on the sides of the sliding front to retain the same
at the desired deration. The standiinls can be erected on a movable platform
fitted in the base, on the edge whereof is a rack into which a stationary pinion
engages to move this platform transversely, and the platform can be made in
two parts, one part being centrally pivoted on the other part, and thus, while
the lower part only moves transversely as aforesaid, the upper part that carries
the standards not only moves transversely therewith, but can also turn on its
pivot and be clamped in any position by any usnal devices.
At the rear end of the l«isc of the camera is mounted a platform, which may
be capable of sliding therealong, and through this platform rises the heail of a
screw bolt, preferably on both sides of the base, fitted with such nuts and
other appliances as to be capable of being clamped on and to the web or webs
of or to the base. The upper surface of the platfomi is concave transversely
to the base to form a seat for the complementary convex edge of the back,
which convex edge is formed on the lx)ttom and on one of the sides thereof to
allow the back to be mounted on tlie pl.atform in two positions, and plates are
secured on these edges wherein are the usual .slots formed across the same, into
which slots the heads of the screw bolts can pass and travel behind the same.
By this an'angeraent the platform can be placed in the desired position, the
back can be engaged thereon, and be erected or inclined or laid Hat as the slot*
may allow, and then the appliances on the screw bolts will clamp all these
parts together. The platform may also be fixed on the l>ase by one, preferably
the front edge, in which case the rear edge is cipable of being raised or lowered
and there clamped, and then the Ijack will not need to be inclined, and the
convex edges are not required, but the back on its two sides as aforesaid can be
slid into a groove iu the platform.
Outhisbackisthe usual focussing screen contained in a hinged frame, and this
screen is provided with and can be covered by folding doors, preferably fitted so
thatwhen the doors are opened the screen is mov^d towards thelens B.ndmceversti,
and round and between these doors are fitted flexible webs which, when the doors
are opened, entirely enclose the screen, except where an aperture is left,
tlirough which the focussing can be performed without the usual cloth, and
inside the focussing screen a recess may be made in the frame, wherein a
negative can be placed for enlargement, or reduction, or otherwise.
The ordinary dark slides may be used in this back or a detachable magazine,
for a continuous film can be constructed and applied thereto as follows : A
closed cylinder is made to contain a roll of sensitive film, and along this
cylinder is secured a semi-cylinder, which can tightly fit on the opened top of
the back, inside of which semi-cylinder is a closed cylinder, and a narrow
passage is made through this cylinder into the aforesaid cylinder, wherethrough
the end of the film can pass to a roll in the latter cylinder, all parts, of course,
being light-tight. To the axis of tliis roll is secured a handle, which may
surround the outer side of the back, and when this magazine is placed in
position this handle can draw the lower cylinder downwards to the bottom of
the back, exposing so much of the film in readiness for the exposure to light,
after which the handle can be lifted, .and a spring inside this cylinder, so Ufted,.
rolls the exposed film up therein, suitable pawls or stops being fitted to both
cylinders to govern the rolls, and then, by again drawing down the lower
cylinder, a fresh surface of the film is exposed, and so on.
The base of this camera may be formed as usual, and, to extend the same, a
transverse rod, with right and left-handed screw threads, may be mounted on
the stationary part, on which threads are winged sleeves, whereto are jointed,
preferably on both sides, a series of reticulated bars duly jointed together, the
end pairs of bars being jointed to the sliding parts of the ba.se ; or these reti-
culated bars may be fitted on one side only ; or when there are two or more
sliding parts to be extended on one side, racks can be fitted on all the parts,
and the pinions on the transverse rod would fii-st extends the smallest part,
and then the next, and so on, and when this base is long the back of a smaller
camera can be connected with the front of the bellows of a larger camera by
dips or screws, the intermediate back being supported from tlie biise by
travelling standards.
This camera can be endosed iu a bag or box, in the bottom and lower part
whereof are such apertures as maybe required for working the same or con-
necting it to its stand by its base, to which this bag or box can be attached.
The bag or box is divided transversely into two parts which can be opened
to expose the camera and closed and fastened to cover the same, and are so
fitted as to hold .ilso the dark slides, roll holder, ^pare lenses, shutters, and
other appliances.
A long board has a longitudinal slot, wherein can travel the screw bolt by
which this board can be connected to a tripod or stand, and two or more plat-
forms can travel along this board, being fitted with racks and pinions, clamp-
ing screws, and other appliances. On one platform a smaller camera can bu
secured, and on the other a larger camera, the front whereof can be attached to
the hood of the lens of tne smaller camera by metal strips or otherwise, whereby
an enlargement or a reduction may be produced, and this long board will also
serve for exhibiting photographs by placing a lantern behind the camera on the
one platform, which can be supported by any stand, if desired, while the othei
platform carries the exhibiting surface.
The camera can be contained in a rectangular rigid casing, which is dividedt
transversely into two parts, the front part containing the lens shutter and
other parts, with a finder if desired, and the rear part sliding inside tha-
front part. On the sides of the front part are pivoted two levers, th*
M»rch IS, 1S>2]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
189
p«r umt lAftnot «any or an eoBMcted with a iiia«;>zine of sheathed sensi-
t plataa, wkiU tk* lomr arm* tbcnof are caonectad with the alidiog back.
bprtags and oOmt appKaacai are Sttcd in tha magarine to force the pUtea
Corwada, and wbaa aplata eooMa to tha frnrtH dro|M a little wajr down below
tha ■MpriJBt. aaA •■M'* "^ "'^ '^ ** *" low* part atods od the aUding
{wtntha cariafL Tka axporara ia giwa wUla tiha plat* ia in tUa podtion.
and than tha aUoac haA ia drawn ant, fordiut tUa axpoacd plats down on
he* aa ita lower ed|« b bafac drawn hack br thia didins bade, and the
i2Mte laMwBM>f«d forwiida % tha lavaa, and by inch acDoa ooapreaaiiw
nam nadar fta eUaa mtSl, when tha badt ia dmwn oat aa fv aa aDoweC
1 jlata ia daa* of th* magariaa, aiKl ia by the nrtnga enaad to lagaia ita
-tteal poaitioa, whaa tha faaak can ha pnahed la afain. tkaa caaabg tha
..jaaiM alao to Ncain ita nomal poritioa with a Ikaah plate in tha front and
atpcaad plats in the rear, and ao oo, A mitable door can be made pre-
itdj ta ths lUdhic back, aliiiiiiniiiiiiati the ezpoaed plates can be icmored
1 flraah oaaa iiMnad, aaid any mUmtiaiktUaf afiMiaaeaa may Aow what
faber of plataa haTs bean expoaed. Ila palUiif a*t or the poahincia oftha
'iag bad can ako ohvioaalr ba ntiltia^ fa aatting the ihntter by tlM rapro-
xf means, as alao lor fbraiilug bj- a dklHce aeals of the alidng baek aad
itieettngsf of ibocuttt0«
MBBTIHOS OP 80CIITIB8 rOR MBIT WBBK.
^m
'■smei ■ TTat
a>,OfsatKB
• BetaLflaaasI
iimrwMlaal 1
Ciaih^iii III. W.a
Biaia^iii III. WJil
iisel^lHaU, THaagla. Waafcasy.
CTiMi^aafcaalTMrilliiiMli H,
n.ti«aam.Pi<ia *,.<»■—.
1 •till bad Its t
V>/4ii|4u>y utiWbiT soil
%jr laiatti
oAtnaaalhaA
iployad It
ilaTsifaa'
IIUTOGRAPHIC AflHOCIATIOX.
alhrj^ aad P. B. Many warn
r.r tha W«t.CoOodiaa proeaa,
n of blocfca Ibr Has wtA.
I not Uks to ba wUboat ft.
•itloBjmilib wMW,
• MCHiMn. For
siidikaWaa<b«iy>.
- ihS lllfcf BS
(••to treat of
wet aad dry-Blals daesiaMB'
bath. wUab^ahiwair t«d <
1* ta tha Bbkboi JocBMAi rx Tiba
»is'tialHn«<lhscollaaaa. raati^
aad diialmwiim, •••» la un lo
batat ptodaesd. Mr. Dsbsahani ag
plaia potavftaA iodlav, aad uw^mwj mjhi^ti . —
PiAui CokLnaM*.
fjToiyUns . .. . lOOpaias.
Bther (ftaai mtMu- i MaeaOL
«BOl awltilat. .. 10 „
fLkU yattMom loiMM*.
,-_. lOOgiaiM.
(^m ... Sowacae.
Ba
MgiBiaa.
hRBDkia . 10 'J
I grate.
A:- -^ ths demonetratkia, ths C^uiBLUi eofBpUaMBlsd Mr.
Ii.)-o'
-filuk. .1^^ ii. ,i »lhiiis aad eacoaaa, iiaarfcing that, If Jk«a w«ra aay
nt who kasw aottlaf «r ths pvoeaa^ thay aail m^yhan aalaad a fiml
'f tatawaUw ft^ai MKialag to, aad wMcltaf, Mr. DebaaCta, who had
arretal olnaiiaHuaa an wit-eoPodtoa
Ml of Mr. Dihiahaiii'i diaiiiaatialhw. It wa ^lasd to
Mr. A. L AilsBM axhihMad a
with a ahfwaalnpa iMaahMatt
tessra eiMi— Marah 1^— Mr. A. BnMsiST Hf!rrr><t m<l a paper, anttllad.
'^' ' Ma K.mi,.mita ^ »»■». Mr. P. Maehell pneUaJT^^wtew tii
Mr. nauasna wihhial aa*! sihiMlsd a gnat laiawniaiiia la
■»'l ipm ••■•. wfci-h r»Mi.l«»~l of a A\nTTr>\ rowhttMllnn l« Sa
uaed ia conjunction with portrait lenses. Some admirable results were ex-'
hibited, and much interest in the practical application of the instrument was-
di«plajetl. Mr. Hnnos, in his paper, maintained that, notwithstanding its
linutation.*, photography was capable of expressing iniliTtdual aud personal
ideal and feelings. For such facta he himself sought in pictorial work, he pre-
ferred to use focusing and printing methods that favonred oreadth, and a general,
rather than a particmariamg, effect On March 31, Messrs. F. P. Cembrano and
H. M. Uastingi will exhibit a series of alidea takaa during the last eonvsatioa.
Balboxn Camera Clnb.— March II, Mr. D. R. Lowe (Vioe-Preaidentiin
the chair. — Mr. E. J. Wall gave a disconrse on the Latest Xotelties. The^
ilnt article under notice was a metal holder, for lantern slides on cellnloid'
filma, followed by little oral coppt^r i>Ut<!>. covered with a special compositioa
for transferring the pictnrea, an<! .- the process by firing the plate.
Ht. Wall then showed a Genua: was remarkable for its corering
power and depth of focus. He sliun >-.i s<-vml Urge direct photographs bearing
out theae qualifications. This was followed by some examples of colour print-
ing4 which had been making rapid progress of late, and some verySne speci-
msna of Collotype printing, aa used for book Qlttstrations. Mr. Wall stated
that an Austrian photographar had recently published a formula whereby by
prlatiiv OQ gelatiiioK^kirias paper until all' the details ware just showing, and
than dsrefa^ng the pjctnre np befbre toning aad fixing, a great sarlng of
tiiaa waa tka laaatt. Tha flaal " aareity " waa a few raaiarka oa ths toaiag of
bromids paper, naiag; iaalcad of ths araniam toning bath, tha oU Isad intaoai-
fier. By using thia, afaaeat aay ooloar could ba ohtal— d.
Moctk waamn PtaotogrmBUa Sooisty.— Mareh 14, Mr. S. E. WaU in the
chair.— Mr. Walkbb dellTered a lecture on Photuj/rapMc Proctdure ih the
Dart itima, and carried his auiUenoe through the whole prooeas of negatire-
making, fhim the exposure of the plate to the final drying of the negative.
Touching upon ths principles involved just sufflciently to make his meaning
clear, hs dealt ailaataly with all potata of paaeUaa, tha qaaUtisi of Tariona
dawlofa, aad thafc paaaMaMaa, tha mathdi at siianN— aUng tha dairsloper,
aad gasa aa Ua fciiwiilla rjiiii, oea ooaea ; Biata-bianl|ihiu of potaah, half
onaea; watar, aptotaaoaasaa. nis ba eoaaidarsd aa adrntrablsdavahmr
for amatson working at inaaalar iatartala, aa It would kaep indsAalteiy frae
tnn disoolonratiaa. MeU-bisalpUU was said to aot aa a laatiainar, but ha
thotuht that aa idraataaa to a bagiaaar. Ha used tha brotniae aad the am-
aioBla in tan per cant, aolntiooa, aad aixad the dsrelopsr in ths proportions of
grain* to ths ottaos girsa by ths makscs of the plataa, but, in cases of ua-
e«rtaiaty aa to axpcaaia^ kept ths stisagtha of all tha dienical* allgfatly weak,
till the tsadaaey of tha plata was known. Ha thaa dealt with under aad ovar-
axposvrt, ghriagoarafii] aad miaotsadrioaaa lapaaaednre. Prilliag, halation,
andaaambsrorotbarpitiiana wenoonaidsred, andadviesci«-en. It tha last
meaUag packsta of htoaiids |«i>rr. >ent by the Eastman Company, waae dia-
trftalaa aaMVg ttw MMahMa. "nie prints mads upon them were now tikowtt.
and HBllsMi aa la dtSeahias met with ware adnd aad awwand. Some of
ths prtola van vary tb»», giaa* atawspherte aflbata haTing bssn obtained.
Twaaty-taarpaakala or platM,aael by tbs Imperial Mat* Ooopaay, wwsdis-
Iribatal aaoa* tha aMaban to be teatwi, alao eopiss of anwsare tabiaL
■sat by Mr. Maaas. A bsaaUftal priat of ies crystals, gireo by Meaan.
Marthi k Oo^ was paaaad rotiad for iaspsctlon ; the ciyatala had aaaamsd a
woadsiMIy hamooiaaa daaiga of fern (toads nd Itowar fatau. The aszt
msstlai; wiU ba bdd oa Match 38, whsa Mr. Bcadls wiU deoMBStiate on
iraiafyHy%j|<
mmml dfaMraTtha flaciety
[■»■!■■ ImI. |ha PMridaat (I
ty aad Msty waia pnaaai. The
I. WaU ia aa anlofisUc *p««th . , ,
for " tha PNaa." Mr. WalkaraBd Mr. Mcintosh spoks to tha toast olf •' I
OOean. " Tha «atharia|t «•• aaUTeoad by mnalc of a Ugh cUm, and
axcallaat analBf was paaaC
tAe I'm of i, Uulem.
_ . , look i>l»c» at Beale'« Restaurant on
BMaKtarataaiat lart. |ha Plaridaat (Mr. J. W. MarchaaU in ths chair. Be-
twsOT irty aad MSty tana pnaaai. The toaxt of ths Sodafy was pnmoesd by
** ' WaU ia aa aolofisUc sp<«v-b : an.l Mr. J. Trafll Tkylor respaodsd
" It of "the
Mr. e. J
Waat fiMilaa PfealognpUe Seda^.— March 11, ths Preddeat in the chair.
—Mr. HowBoa aqdalaad tha aaw lUord iaarhzoaatic plata, aad parformad
azparlaMati dsiauii^iatlM the adrantagss of coloor.ssiuitire plates over
•f«ia<«7 «MB br a «Mat vaiisty of soWscta. Bs also daaeribsd ths asw
ntord aeraaa. which eoaaiataof a BNUl framsworic aarily ftMd oa the InaUa of
tha caaien ftaot, into which ths aaaaaa nay ba laaartsd in a monsnt, or as
taieUy takaa oat whsa Monltaaryplato la to ba aasA Hs msatioasd that
hi mart caass a Ught tiaiad aanta was raqaind ; at aaaaat, saariaa, or in haxy
wsathv, it was aot so «a<h aaadad, hacaaaa ths ataMsphsra itaaU aotsd as a
aensn. aad thwa waa no aicaa of bins light to modlAr, bat that fbr ordioar)'
kadacapa work a actaaa waa alvaja mora or laas an adsaat^te. lie ailverted
to tha asBiaaHi of havteg tha aeraeaa parlbetly optically axmwl, to prevent
dietortiaa, aad aMa that thsy aboald ba taatsd by a apaefraseow, aa it was
lyHy*' " ^**^ rwiaalliai w«r not takaa, that thsy aiMt get a serssn
that did BMsahana thaa laad; alao that earsahaald be takaa aot to use too
d<wp a tint of glaaa, ar o*ar«aaacttsa niaht naalL In aaswar to qoestians,
Mr. Uowsoo alslad that thetr tonahimaalk plataa aaas nada andar a Uosncc
fhMBMr. Bdwards; that thsy had a diatiast adnati«* avar ofdinary pUiaa in
tmset of habtioa, althoa^ hs did not wo/sea it oooU bs altogether elimi-
aafcd;aad,t^y1ag to a qaaatioa by Mr. Whttlag aa to whstbar there was not
a dl^dsaaagPai Ukiag landMnea whan ths aflhel of ataMaphsre aad distanoe
was rw{ttli«d. aad whetbrr IsonhmaMhr plalsB did aat psaatiato thraogh tha
iass aad gif* tae sharp aa ia«a% ha ataliA te hia apUsa aa ordinary plato
inaii«laiaa gasa tae graat a ■Irtaiii la thadMaM^ aad did not randar tha
ralasa oonaaUy. Jlr. Whitim thoaghtthat usinn cofooied screena shortauad
the toeaa eftha laaa, bot Mr. Howaoir an- ' :v gmiiiMl. hp won nmlrr
the taapiwaioa H was not ao, aad Mr. I, M p^rtisp* the solnMon
waathatthayallowimmhadadkisratfaraxnino wUuray*. Mr. HoDoai
aMBtioasd ths hot that '■"-^nmath- niala* had a taadaaey to gira undue
dsasity, nalsa ths sxpoaaia waa ampU
Taatia( naiiai, Ctah.— March 10.— The foUowhig oAoan for the ensuing
rwsra electaid. r)t.:—f'rtMiJnj ■ Mr. A. H. AndsraoB.— ries-frssuirU ■•
-waiiWsr.- Mesars. H. Berger, J. F. Child. J. A Col-
rrmmmr: Mr. C. K. HtoweD.— Aeratory .- Mr. G.
' -"ad, TmtfB^ Qjmmon. A communication was reail
100
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[March 18, 1892
(Mb tb* HoQ. 8«enUry of the Brixton and Clapham Camera Club vntti re-
I to • proponed joint exhibition by the aocieties in South London, and t
proponedjoint ,
lab^oauntttM was appointed to deal with the matter. Next ordinary meet-
iw, April 7 : the Prwident will exhibit members' slides by means of his lime-
li^t las tern.
Croydon WcroMoplcal and Natural History Club (Pbotosraplilc Sec-
tion.) .March 11, .Mr. W. Vumie ill the choir.— Tlie Chainiiiui sliowwl a self-
atUuatisg tripod made of bamboo, the tripod heail having a ball-and-socket
moTanMOt, with a plum-bob suspended nndemeath to a length of wire, this
arrangement bringing the top of the joint perfectly level, it being afterwards
made (kit by the tightening np of a screw at the side. .Mr. Goode, in opening
the subject for the evening, Expoturf and AclinomeUrs, said he thought ex-
partenoe went a long way with regard to correct exposure. Makes of plates
▼tried very much in rapidity, and, when good results were obtained by any
particular pUte, it sliould bo kept to. Mr. Wkib Brown gave a description of
eipoiure tables, ami method of simplifying, and it was found that very little
difference existed in the different tables in use. Through tlie kindness of
Meesra. Adams ft Company, Messrs. Hurter ft; Driftield's exposure meter, and
Watkin's actinometer, were shown and described.
Kiehmond Camera Club.— March II.— Mr. Clarke, of the Incandescent
Company, read a paper explaining clearly the principles and advantages of the
Weubacn system, and its a))pllcation to ordinary bouse gas and oil gas. The
apparatus for producing the latter from spirit of paraffin was exhioited an<l
explained, and some lantern slides were afterwards shown by the aid of the
tight which, though, of course, much inferior in power to the oxyhydrogen
light, was seen to be greatly superior to the oil-lamp in point of whiteness of
light and evenness of Ulnmination.
Birkanhsad Pbotographic Association.— March 10.— One hundred and
fifty lantern slides, taken by the late Dr. Arnold, wlien in Norway last year,
were eihibiteil. Messrs. F. N. Eaton and & M. Tunstall introduced the
subject of Mr. Stead's Magic Lantern Mission. A discussion followed, result-
ing in the formation of a committee to further its interests.
Darby Photographic Society. — March 8. — Mr. A. R. Dresser sent for
reading a lecture on liritlaiiy, illustrated by 200 lantern slides. Tlie negatives
ftom which tlie slides exhibited were photographed were all taken instantan e-
onsly with a camera held in the hand, the remarkable sharpness of outline,
and width of detail of the originals, rendering the slides taken with them
perfect pictures. Another series of slides by the same gentleman, animals, &c.,
taken at the Zoo, were also exhibited, as also was a set showing a dog taken
whilst jumjiing in mid-air.
Leicester and Leicestershire Photographic Society. — March 9, Mr'
Frank G. Pierpoint in the chair. — Lantern Slide Competition. — There were
nine competitors. The Judging Committee consisted of Messrs. Pierpoint,
Scotton (Derby Photographic Society), and Porritt. The results were that the
flnt, or silver, medial was awarded to Mr. George Bankart, and the second, or
bronze, medal to the Hon. Secretary, H. Pickering. The slides sent in were of
exceedingly high merit, as may be conceived from the fact that only two points
separated the first, second, and third exhibitors, Mr. Joliffe running the Hon.
Secretary very hanl for second place, and it is confidently believed that the
final selection will give general satisfaction, Mr. Pierpoint being an old and
practical lantem-slide operator, as also Mr. Porritt, while they were fortunate
in securing the services of Mr. I'homas Scotton, who is an hen. member of the
Society, and holds the responsible position of photographer to the Midland
Railway Company.
♦
J^ 0»rrMpond«nts Hwvii nntr viriU on both tides of tho papor.
BINOCULAB APPABATUS FOB VIEWING LANTERN SLIDES.
To the Editor.
Sib, — On February 8 last I called at No. 2 York-street, and Bubmittcd
to you a binocular apparatus for viewing lantern slides, fitted with pris-
matic lenses arranged in a certain way which I had designed and con-
structed, and asked you in a friendly way, knowing your long experience,
whether it were possible to obtain a valid patent for it. It therefore
seems somewhat strange to me, taking the above facta into consideration,
that m your leading article in your last week's issue, more tlian a month
after, you should have entirely ignored the apparatus exhibited to you by
me, believing, as I do, that it was the first practical apparatus of the kind
that had been constructed. — I am, yours, <&c., Birt Acres.
Clifton-villa, Il/raconbe, March 15, 1892.
[The (acts set forth in the first paragraph of our correspondent's
letter are beyond dispute, as indeed is the further one (which he
anparently forgets), that we assured him that it was not possible to
obtain a valid patent for the binocular lanternoscope. We are not in
the habit of culling subject-matter for our leading articles from the
communications of those of our friends who may seek our advice,
otherwise in the article referred to we should not only have felt con-
stnuned to notice Mr. Acres' binocular apparatus, but also a very
beautiful one, constructed on identical principles, which Mr. Fox
Shew exhibited to us some months as;o. The idea, as we informed
Mr. Acrec, is not new. It was adopted by Mr. Qeorjje Mason just
prior to the Chester Convention, circumstances, however, preventing
him from placing it on the marlset. A model of Mr. Mason's lanterno-
scope has been in our possession ever sipce that time. It was fully
described in a contemporary early in 185)0, in these pages during the
the year 1863, and again in the same place in 1884. Mr. Acres will
thus clearly see that he has been anticipated over and over again, a
matter upon which, at the interview referred to, he failed to question
us. Our advice upon the value of " new inventions " and " ideas " is
sought daily. Does Mr. Acres hold it a matter of duty with us to
travel outside the questions put to us in his own and the numerous
other cases to wluch we have alluded, and gratuitously constitute
ourselves a living encyclopaedia of what has been achieved and
attempted in the path of photographic invention ? Does he also
conceive it to be our mission to interfere between soi-ditant inventors
and the trade with the object of dissuading the latter from enjoying
the luxury of tendering handsome cheques in exchange for old, if
ingenious, optical devices? — Ed.]
♦
EATIO OF GRADATION.
To the Eduob.
Sir, — I think that "Free Lance," in your issue of the 4th inst., is
over-hasty in his conclusion that Messrs. Hurter & Driffield betray
ignorance of their own work. He quotes from page 6 of their article,
after which follow tabulated results of long and short development by
the same developer. They remark that these results show that the ratio
is not aifected by the time of development. They then draw attention to
other following experiments, to show that " no modification in the
developer ever seriously disturbed this ratio." They point out, however,
that eikonogen gave slightly different results ; and at the close of the
paper they advert to the theoretical possibility of different developers
acting diversely. Bearing this in mind, I think that their statement,
" This ratio, we find, is altogether unalterable " (the italics are mine),
need not mislead any careful reader as to their real meaning, that they
have only succeeded in obtaining a trivial amount of difference by the
most diverse modes of development. I think that Messrs. Hurter &
Driffield's explanation of their own views might be accepted without the
discourteous retort to which I have alluded. " Free Lance " gives it as
his opinion that the ratio can be changed at will ; but will he undertake
to do so, give his results, and describe his mode of operation ?
It is to be regretted that Mr. Bolton has not read the original paper,
which appeared the year before last in the Journal of the Society of
Chemical Industry, in March or April, I think. He would have seen that
he is mistaken in supposing that only "normal" exposures and developers
had been used, or that development was pushed to its limit in all oases.
To deal with all the points where he is at issue with the authors would
need a long article ; but I may point out that a uniform fog, which would
convert the series 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, into 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, is not the action of liijht
on the film as understood by Messrs. Hurter & Driffield, and its only
effect would be that the latter negative would require ten times more light
than the former to produce an identical positive (according to the unit-
density employed by Messrs. Hurter & Driffield).
The important point raised by Mr. Channon in the Journal of
March 11 is answered by these gentlemen on pages 1 and 2 of their
paper : —
"These relations hold good for some substances with regard to ordinary
white light, for others only with regard to monochromatic light, and for others
they do not hold good at all. We have satisfied ourselves that they do hold
good for the silver deposited as a black substance in negatives, so long as the
silver does not assume a metallic lustre and reflects but a very small amount of
Ught."
In a subsequent communication to the Society of Chemical Industry,
they give the following numerical results : —
" Four half- plates were exposed and developed to different densities. They
were then measured in different
places, and the densities averaged.
After that, the films were taken
ofl', treated with nitric acid, the
silver precipitated witli hydro-
chloric acid, filtered and weighed
on a fine balance. The adjoining
table gives the results : —
These figures will, I think,
satisfy Mr. Channon of the
correctness of the author's results at reasonably low and moderate
densities. It may be worth while, however, to point out that a plate of
the above character, whose film possessed the greatest transparency
tabulated by him, would have an opacity of 1 1057, and therefore a density
of 0044 only. The unit of silver would be 00014 grammes per quarter-
plate. It will be seen that these figmes are less than a tenth of th&
smallest amounts dealt with by Messrs. Hurter & Driffield ; indeed, the
glass and film of pure gelatine of an ordinai-y negative absorbs much mora
light. Probably tliese quantities are altogether outside the limits under
which Messrs. Hurter & Driffield have satisfied themselves that their
stated relations hold.
I should esteem it a favour if any correspondent would inform mft
where Captain Abney's research connecting tlie density with the law of
error is to be found, as the original paper has not fallen under my notice.
—I am, yours, &c., B. c. Phiixips.
Arts Club, Manchester, March 11, 1892. ^
Plate
No.
Density
found.
Grammes
Ag 01 t'onud.
Density
calculated
from Ag CI.
1
2
3
i
0-525
0-960
1-470
1-970
0-0163
0 0299
0-0450 .
O-OBll
0-525
0-963
1-449
1-968
Mudi 18, 1893]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHS'.
191
lb
I
WHAT ABOUT OBTHOCHBOMATIC PLATES KOW?
To tkt EcrroB.
Sib. — So«M tioM »tgo, if I Mmamber rightly, there wm a eorrrespond-
. «• la T«B BumH Joobxal or PBorooBArar between Ur. Andrew
Pringle end Mother gentlemmn wboee neme I hare forgotten, beering
naea Ibe aerite and demerite o( iaoehionatio pUtes for huidecape work,
Ur. Piia^ ■leitiin hot and ttroag (" at Icaiat, ao a byetander would
■—■ I"). llMt ••iw''waa a faobUa. aad the other gentleman, equally
eoafldcBt in Ua oppoaita eoarietioa, etaek op manfully for hia (pinion
beiBK the oorraet one.
After eome rather hot wordi and " fanny man " boiineaa, " a challenge
waa given and aeeepted, that eaoh advoeate ihould take a oompetition
trip together, and the leeott of each ahoold be jadged by an impartial
••jury."
I beUere Ijam eorreet in my opening addreae. Sow for my lide of the
qneetion. I am totally onaoqaainted with any maker of platae whateo-
•rer, neither hare I any intereat directly or indirectly with photography
a< a trade, and therefore I have no Mneet or iolereet exeapt one, of
frogrnt. when I aak the qoeatioa, did Hie match referred to erw eome
ofl? if it did do 10 — and I prerame " it wmit Imn dotu," after ao pablie •
challtoge — what waa the leaalt t
I note that Prelieeer Bothamley, aad Mr. Hewaoo, and other* eoneider
that iao or oftheehroontia plelee aia, oadar eartaia etroamataaeae (" and
tlkat wart thm lea "). a great power In te baada ol the pbotograpber.
The ulw>ngii|ilihi aeaaea i* aboat M aiwiiniiui aaaia. aad I dare tay
bmmitim. Uka myaalf, woold lika to know whether there i« any adTin-
tafa ia oalag eeleaf ■waiUTe plaiaa er aoL It ie a topic that, at the
pMMBt juuMuia, Boaaaaaee giaat iMMMt to every one who earriee a
aMMm, ier •• food work " ia liiniwitt men the order of the day, and
new that eelnw eawiltlie piatea haw ahwifiJ, aad are within the reach
of an, it ia perhi^ net oat ol plaea to Hy ay faariea beioca my brother
triaodi.— laa.yeon. Ae.. Yiatva rr VaarrAa Vocrn.
Mmftk 16. IMS.
DEPTH OF FOCDS.
To ikt Banoa.
Sib.— There eaeaw to be a eomewbat important omiaaioa from Mr.
HesnaU'e reoMik ea death «t teoa. It aaa be readily ihowa that the
.iiel»aia(By)bf at ibafatrialMMla «y-K/* where K ie a con-
•teat Mloa«aattatfrtaaaaai<aa Iao ehtacto are analtarad. Alaolhat
■a diameter of the eirde of eoefmdon ia a s K/d. where d = diameter of
' ne laf s I laab hyp. Heaea. if K ia the mom for both leaaee, we hare
'>r the 90-toah hae Br»400K.far 5-iaeb EF-35K: baaee. U BF
• 1 ineb ia the drat eaae, it ia ,>| ia the aaaoad. A^ia, lor 90-lacb laaa
aSK, lor t^laebaal'K.beaea the Snt eireie baa ita rliewitw low
mailbat of the tal Brt. M tha aawaa ie eo pUaad with the t-laah
<rna aa to take the iai^i tha aaaa riae m witb (be fO-iaab, K U different
n the the two eaaaa, aad liinwiii 4 1 far the S-ladi laaa.
We lliaaluii baea, lor SO-iaeb. E F - K/* « 400 K ;
aad te *-faMh. E F . 4 KV • « 100 K.
So, ae ia Mr. PaoaaWli aaM, 1 iaak In pan } iacb.
Aim, lor ao-iadi. a - X d 7 . 8 K :
f.lMb.a-4Ed/.5L
Aad ia lUa aaa Iho ainlaa fli aoafwiea arc eqaaL
It appeara. tbanlere. Ibat oaly ataa tba laiiu takaa by the two
Iraiee ai* aqaal ia it trae that tba daatb of faeaa Iipaada doiply oa the
■ of the ■
««e
Ibe
a*bMapUA4
Obrlliabaai.
to be great eompared with /, ai the
-I am, yoan. Ae..
CurroBs E. F. Kiaa.
tba
I eao ia rtin a miibaairal ymdaatiea. and the
Tbea mj baala waal ay ia tha air, aad
id ilin aa^ aada tha iBBiaaiaa Ibataayoaeie
THE ABTIBT: HIS BVEB-WIDBMNO BPHEBB.
TetAfBanoa.
Sn.— I waa wheedled laat Satardiv aoraiiV iato nadia( yoar Man-
moltipU artiat'e letter kgr tbe giaad beadia« at tba top e( it. I
- Ibrangb Ibe werdy e^iatk aald I eaaM to tiba nagiil: '• If
' waa tbe beet ipialaM ■■■ aadaiad. aad tba
worat, tba eae ia rtin a
olba a work of art.'
Tea aee, eir. I waa. aad iitu aa^ aada tka m^mmtm Ifeal aay
»a artiat wlw eaa predaea pMaiea ia aay aatfaa aad by any BMtbod.
Tbe oaeailal Cmo of aatora ia. dwibtleaa. aot alwaya pletarial, bat tbaa.
u the eload Aadoweeweep orer ttie aeaaa, tlie artiat leeia their laoet
•^fleetiea pirilloa ia Iba iaoteafa: aad. wfaather be ataada with a nalatto
"• hie Ibaak or aa air.abBiSBd ball betwoM Ue tagere, Im may, by die
ol Ma Ihaagfat Md labeor, prodaea aa eye altraeliag, yea.
Hatieaollhaeawtobabadwtniaail. Oiaad
oM David Oas. oa aaalag aa aCeet ea Ibe landiaapa befere Uai, tarned
hie baak ea It aad piriPed iaataatly oa hie block tbe Iwpreeaiea be had
optieally reeeived ; aad ao, aorelr, g»ay the photographer flMb oa hie
tablet aar eOMt wbea it teatkea him to the qnicfc.
I wooU net for a aoMaat Ihiak of plaeing the arilatie eifrawiua of a
Orabara, witliin reaeh of a pbotofrmpb ;
a^ not alao be a troe work ol art, and the
MaareOMt wb4
WOOU net for a
I7. aay, Hook «r
bat to i«y tbat a
work of an artiat. woold soggeat the poeeibility of one's sense and sight
baring beoome feeaOiaad, or worse. — I am, yours, <tc, J. P.
Edinburgh, HanJt 14, 1693.
♦
BLUE PBINT8.
To Ou Editob.
StB, — I do not know whether the enclosed is a norelty, bnt it certainly
is sach to me. The print is printing oat platinotype, which I meant to
tone brown with oranium.
Usnally. I ose nothing bat rain water (or photographic purposes, but,
owing to my tank being frozen, the print waa washed after the usual acid
(HyCl) bath, in well water, which eontaina a considerable quantity of
iron. — I am, yours, <fto., H. O. M. Co^nlUCAaK.
r*« Hut, IntaUttom*, March IS, 1893.
THE CAMEBA CLUB CONFEBENCB.
To the EorroB.
Sib, — Will yon kindly allow me to remind your readers that the aimnal
photographie eoaference organised by the Club will beheld at the Society
of Arta CO Tneaday aad Wadneaday, March 3*2 and 23, from 3 to 6 pjn.,
and 8 to 10 p.m. on the Toeeda^r, and from 3 to 6 p.m. on the Wednesday.
Aa there seema to be some misunderstanding on tlie point, I should like
to tiato that the meeting* for reading of papers and the discussions
are open to all, and ao tidieta of admisaioo will be required.
Tbe fall programme baa already been given in your pages. A copy
of this programme will be sent to any one deeiring same. A slight
altanUioa will be made ia the Wedneeday's arrangements, Mr. H. P.
Bobiaaon's paper eoaiag oa at 8 pjn., aad Mr. Henry Blackburn's at
4J0 p.8L — I aa, yooia, dec, O. Davison, Hon. Sec.
Camera Cluh, Charinf Crott-road, W.C.
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC CONVENTION OF THE UNITED
KINGDOM.
To the EnrtoB.
Sib,— I liava the lionoor to inform you and yoor nnmerou* readers
Ibat tiie Best PliotogiBobie Coarention o( the United Kingdom will be
held in Bdinbanril oa tae weak lieginning on the 11th of July proximo.
The liall ol the Qamraahinal Soeie^ in the Katiooal Portrait Gallary in
Quaeu ilieat. Bdiabon^ baa beaa aaeorad for tha maathtgs. Later oa I
laaU Iwra the plaiim to aaad yon loUar partjealara of papara, aiearrioaa,
Ae. Ia ttia raeantiiaa I sliall be glad to reeeiTe the namee of intending
Biaabera.- 1 aa, yoor*, Ac, F. P. Cbmbkaxo, Jcn.
10. CamkfU$*-ttirdtmt, RUkmtmd, Surrtf, March 10, ISM.
Ma FBT>B EKLARGIMO LANTEBM.
To the Editob.
Sib,— I aa not eoolant to acqnieeoe in Mr. Clarke's easy description of
njr system. Than are variation* in principle and detail between Mr.
' (aa I read it ia the pegeaof iteBainaa JoDBXAL or
Aratatmafa aaiiort (aa 1 read it in the pane 01 ii»iSBiTisa jodbxal or
Paorooainrt, aad a* daeribed hy yoa^ ana miae. Vliieb go to make a
vaat diflaraaea ia praetiea. The ineeriioa of tbe wx>rd noi between " wai "
aad " asaatly " ia tha aeatenoe attribated to Mr. CUrke eroold, how-
ever, oaito latialy a* ; aad as it b each a alight addition to the text,
probaldy he woat obieet.— I am, yoot*. Ae., 8. Hbbwbt Fbt.
Th* Fry Manu/att»rin§ Co., Photoframhtt Wcrk$,
Merck 18. ISM.
KEEPING CHLOBIDE OF 8ILVEB.
To the Editob.
StB.— It laaj Im a aaafol biat to some of your readers to reeommend
Ibem to (tore praeipilalad and dried silver chloride from print washing*
ia floaB iam. A few aoatfaa ago I pot a bw ooaoee into a tin canister,
and, ea handling it IIm otlar day, tba top of ttie bos came away, leaving
its lower Iwlf oa tlto elielf in a dellqaeaeenl maaa of what is presumably
mixed chloridea of diver, tin, and iron. How can I aaparate and get rid
of the tin and iron t—l am, your*, Ac., H. K.
Martk 16, 1893.
[Simple waohing in warm water will in all probability remore the
iroa aad tia salts if such bare been formed. — Kn.]
Cicijange Column.
m
rseerd, IM prte* t4L, nrj Ilfht. in rood ordv I easbaaf*
' *■" — I. OasuAcas, S, Orewa-temov,
d nibtr aeomeatim : will tak* la •sohsnae ohsap hwid
aad trtyod.— aadm*, Hotlu, PkotagmiilMr, Boanw,
Will «Mbu«« BoMasea's ahri<*. ITlMt !• 4« <• «, wvl BtcTe n»totfp»t<e Paiiit<ii«
lor fHifcit K/tt i* rtilijiepti, bv BaMBMB.-Addc«H, O. Mooaa, Bnektast-
M(k,0««*a.
wot aaAaafe good tve-iatb oeatu taraiaa IsUm sad aaosasariss tor pair (rood blow,
alela, wl* UsB* taraws, tUrtj (Mt nibbsr takiae, MuT (IMm <>' l.r<! u(
■addrMB, Hassiv. 44, Kut-ttTMt, Uridport, Uuraai.
tkraochlfasMa,
ChrMaadMUsh
102
THE BRITISH JOURNAL '"OP PHOTOGRAPHY.
[March 18, 1892
anBDoers to Corrfsponoent)}.
AU maOmt tor Ou Uxt portim of M$ Joubhal, including queria far
"il^S-'^LJl "to»£w<' »"«« U addrtued to "Th» Editob,"
1 Torl^Hrmt, Commt OmrdS^iLondon. Inattention to Oi* mrmti delay.
Wo neHeo UJm qf amtmuniieationi tmUu name and addreu of mrtter are
*.• CvmmmtloaHont relating to Advertiaemmts and general bueiness affairs
wtust be addrestedto-'UtURr Gbmkwood 4 Co., "^2, rorkstreet, Covent
Garden, London. .
L. S. D.— Wo should (five choice to the six-Inch condenser.
J. Joxn.— 1. Filter the .solution. 2. Fresh eggs are preferable.
Sblf and ARMsmoso.— Our publishers will copyright the picture for you at a
charge of 1». M.
H. J.— Dr. Miethe, Editor of the PhologmphitcAea Wochmblalt, Berlin, will
be sufficient address.
E. D.— Mr. FaUowfield, we believe, publislies a work on ferrotyi'e, which is
probably what you require.
F. Simpson.— Any wholesale druggist, or jiei-haps your chemist, will supply
you with Venice turpentine.
Dr. A. C. Mkrckr.— Many thankii. We were unable to be present, but should
be pleased to have further particulars.
W. JojJBS. — The particulars of your Society canie too late for the Almakac.
They appear iu the Jocbsal for January 8, 1892.
iHqnnilR. — If by "a useful and inexpensive material for outside showcase"
you mean a backgrouud for the case, select a dark red velvet.
J. ROBINBOK & Sons.— Me.ssrs. A. Macnair & Co., Dalton-street Distillery,
Manchester, are Uie firm who offer to supply methylated spirit of the old
kind.
John 0. Campbell.— 1. Consult the catalogues of the various makers, which
will be sent you on application. 2. About eleven-inch focus. 3. See answer
to No. 1.
A. Z.— The l>e8t account of the vciy earliest processes of photography is to be
found in Hunt's works on photography. They are all out of print, but may
frequently be met mth .at bookstalls.
S. A. J. wants some jwiper prepared ready for Woodburyt-ype printing, and says
he is told that it cannot be had in England. Some little time ago, Messrs.
Marion & Co. wrote, saying that they supplied it. Write to them.
W. A. T.— 1. A rapid wide-angle lens, or any rapid wide-angle lens, say, of the
Voigtlander wide-angle Euryscope type, will answer the purpose. 2. A lens
of the rapid rectilinear type, wluch can also be used for landscape work.
W. H. C.— 1. Imitation ground - glass effect may be produced by dabbing
over the surface of the glass with putty. 2. Beckman of Cowcross-street, or
Schulze of Long-lane, w^ill supply you with mouldings for picture-framing.
SPKCIMKNS. — We have no sj-mpathy whatever with appropriators of specimens.
Write and tell the man that if he does not return your specimens by a given
time you will communicate with the chief sujierintendent of the police in
his town.
R. Blackwkll. — There is no copyright in Hogarth's original engravings ;
lantern slides were made from tnem, and sold commercially, thirty or more
years ago. If any copyright is claimed, it must be for particular reproduc-
tions of them.
■Obphan. — Do not spend, or rather waste, your money or time on learning
crystoleum colouring with a view to making a livelihood by it. No photo-
grapher would give you employment, as he would not tolerate the best of
such work on his premises.
MouiJTiNO asks : " Will you kindly tell me what you consider the most
practical and best way of moimting photographs in an .album with card-
board leaves to prevent cockling? Can thin glue be used safely?" — Yes,
but the glue mast have a considerable addition of alcohol.
D. E\'A>ts. — Photo-lithographic transfer ink can be obtained at all the dealers'
in lithographic materials. Ordinary lithographic presses are used in photo-
lithography. The difference between photo-lithography and photo-zinco-
graphy IS practically none, except that a zinc plate is employed instead of a
stone.
H. Sharmas says : " In all accounts I have read of the collotype process, a
drying box is spoken of. Is such a thing absolutely necessary ? Would not
an ordinary room answer the purpose ?" — Yes, if the temperature be regu-
lated exactly to kind of printmg plate desired. The temperature at which a
collotype plate is dried is an important matter. This being attended to, it
is of no importance whether the drying is effected in a box or a room.
C. Bennett inquires : " 1. Can you tell me the best and simplest way to make
papicr-vtAchi accessories, such as a pedestal, &c. ? also how to make the
moulds ? 2. Next to a north light, which is best, ea-st or west ? " — 1. Space
is far too limited in this column to ^ve practical details on such subjects.
2. If the major portion of the work is done in the morning, a west light is
tlie more convenient ; if in the afternoon, the opposite, as then direct sun-
light is avoided.
SouciTOB. — This gentleman, who has just taken up photography as an
amateur, says that he is concerned for a client in a dispute as to the value
of an estate. The opponents have had some photographs taken, which tiiey
intend to show at the trial of the action, that quite misrepresent the
property. He wishes to know if he can do anything in the interest of his
client to combat these misleading photograplis ! — Our correspondent does
not say in which direction the jihotographs are misleading, exaggerating, or
tlie reverse, so that we cannot advise definitely. We should consult an
experienced photographer, telling him that he required pictures conveying
the opposite idea to those already taken.
Amatkob writes : " 1 beg to inquire of you whether you know of an enamel
which is used to tix jihotographs upon ])orcelaiu or china i)revious to putting
same in the oven, and also what degree of heat is required?"— This query is
very vague. By " enamel " we assume that glaze is meant. If so, this is
supplied by those who sell ceramic colours to fuse at different temperatures.
If our correspondent states his requirements to the dealer, he >vul supply
what is required.
C. W. Gaskell (Dresden) says : " I shall lie much obliged if you would tell
me a good salting bath for plain drawing-paper in your next issue ; also
what strength of silver bath to use. Should like the formul* in grammes."
Much depends upon how the solutions are applied, as well as on the porosity
of the paper. If the papers be immersed, much weaker solutions must be
used than when they are salted l>y floating. If the paper is tolerably hard
and floated, a solution of chloride of aramonium of about twelve grammes to
the litre of water will answer. The sensitising solution should be about
eight times this strength. But experiments will have to be made in order to
see the proportions that best suit the particular samjJe of paper that is
employed.
C. Rose says that he has made some bromide paper by a formula that has been
given for rapid plates, and cooked the emulsion for the same time. He com-
plains that every sheet he has exposed yields flat pictures. The image flashes out
directly the developer is applied, although in some cases he has reduced the
exposure to one-third that he gives with a rapid commercial jjaper. Also
that the image does not keep on the surface, but appears more as it is in a
negative. There are two sources for the trouble ; one is, that the emulsion
is far too sensitive, very much over-cooked — an emulsion that, if applied to
glass, would be very slow, on paper would be very rapid. The other is, that
the emulsion is far too rich in silver. Very little bromide of silver is neces-
sary in the emulsion when it is applied to paper for positive pctures.
P. 0. P. writes : " Will you, through the medium of your columns, tell me of
anything that will stop the toning of the gelatino-chloride jjriuts, when in the
washing water, that will not also be injurious to the print ? I find, on
toning a batch of the prints, considerable allowance must be made for after-
toning, as the toning continues until the prints are quite blue even though
they are placed in constantly running water. Of course, if all were toned
at one time, we could allow for this ; but, in toning a quantity, some must of
necessity wait longer than others, and so tone further in the washing water.
If you can give me any assistance, you will oblige." — There is nothing that
wiil immediately arrest the toning action without injurj- to the print but
removing the solution from the print. This can be done by washing the
print under a strong stream from the tap. In practice, however, if the prints
have to remain long before fixing, allowance is made by slightly under-
toning them in the first instance.
The Photographic Club. — March 23, Last Lantern Night of the season.
March 30, Smoking Concert.
The Blackfriars Photographic and Sensitising Company have issued a Purse
Camera, which, as implied by the name, packs up in form of a purse. It is
not intended to compete with cameras of the usual class.
PHOTOGKArHic SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN. — Technical Meeting, March 22,
8 p.m., exhibition of old silver prints. Mr. Dallmeyer wiU show his tele-
photographic lens. Mr. Chapman Jones on Copying Inclined Pictures.
We are sorry to hear of the death of Jlr. Henry Newton, of Liverpool,
which occurred on Saturday last, after an illness of six months' duration.
Mr. Ne^vton was one of the oldest photographic dealers in the country, and
was much esteemed in the trade, and by a lai'ge circle of friends.
London and Provincial Photographic Association. — March 24, Conti-
nental Photographic Institutions and their Influence, Mr. W. H. Hanison.
Mr. Wamerke will take the chair, and exhibit his lantern slide.s bearing on the
subject. 31, P/wtographg on Wood. By W. S. Rawlings. April 7, CoUodio-
Bromide Emulsions, Mr. Alexander Mackie.
Messrs. Holmes, Sadler, & Holmes writes: "In your reply to 'Sined,'
in 'Answers to Correspondents,' March 11, you say, ' So far as we are aware,
Mr. J. J. Atkinson is Seavey's sole agent. ' Please note that we are agents,
and claim to hold the largest stock of any English house. Messrs. G.
Mason & Co., of Glasgow, are also Seavej''s agents."
We understand that Mr. Gambler Bolton, recently attended at Wind-
sor Castle, and presented to the Queen five framed photographs of dogs in the
Royal kennels, the Egyptian ass, presented by Lord Wolseley, and the
celebrated champion short-hom bull, " New Year's Gift," recently sold from
Shaw Farm, Windsor Home Park, for one thousand guineas. Duplicate copies
of these will be hung in the Camera Club Members' Exhibition iluring the
approaching conference.
OONTENTS.
spots on albumenised paper
PUINTS 177
PRINTINO FROM DEFECTIVE NEGA-
TIVKS 178
TRIPLE LANTERN CONDENSERS; 179
CAMERA CLUB CONFERENCE ISO
THE PLATINOTYPE PRINTING PRO-
CESS. By JAMES MARTIN ISO
RATIO OF GliAIlATION. By F. HUBTER
AND V. C. DRIFFIELD 181
NOTES ON SOME NEW RAPID ORTHO-
CHROMATIC COLLODIO - BROMIDE
EMrLSIliN PIUICESSES. By COL.
.1. WATKRHOrSE, S.C 182
PLATINl'.M TONING ON MATT-SUR-
FACE PAPER Bv T. O. MAWSON .... 188
THE LEGAL SIDE'OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
By T. WATSON BROWN, B.A., LL.B. . . 18*
PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE COLOURS OF
NATURE. By F. E. IVES 164
ELEMENTARY NOTES ON PHOTOGRA-
PHIC LENSES. By H. W. BENNETT.. 185
PLATINU.M TONING AS APPLIED TO
GKL.4TIN0 ■ CHLORIDE Pl'.INTING-
OUT PAPER. By JAMES BROWN.... 188
HOLllORN CAMERA CLUB EXHIBITION 187
EXHIBITION OF ENGLISH PHOTO-
GRAPHS IN BRUSSELS 187
THE .MAl'DoX FUND 187
OUR LDITORIAL TABLE 187
RECENT PATENTS IW
MEETINGS OF SnOIETIES 189
0ORRK8PONDKNCE 190
EXCHANGE COLUMN 131
ANSWERS 10 0OBB£8PONDEIII8 I'A
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1664. Vol. XXXIX.— MARCH 25, 1892.
GLASS POSITIVES AND FERRO-HTES WITH
OKLATINO-BROMIDE.
ALTBocr.H the gUa poaitiTe mmm to hara sunk oat of mind
with Um wst-ooDodioD jmoem, wMe iti more modem imitAtor,
the ferrotTpc, findi it« pniici|»l pMim »moag»t MMide ex-
cimionitrt and the like, there w do poMibitity of denvhig the
tasBty ti the reeolta obuuiaUe in akilful handa bj either of
thoee aethodi ; and there are ia estateooe at the pnaent time
■peeimeM of the eollodioo povtm^ or " ■mbro^pe," aa it vaa
called in America, the work of one or other of the "old maaten*
in eoliodioii, which woald put to Aemf. for quality, Teiy much
of the work ttsned oot with aB ow modem adrantagea, and
whieh, ia tlwir JMimej of giadartmi and beauty of eolour, are
Of eoiirae. it ia learorl j neadfol to eaj that then vara poai-
ti^ea «a(/ poativaa, and that, thoi^ the heat worfcera were able
to tan oot apeaiaMBe that wookl Tie with the reaolta of any
atill » gTHtdealof the week
whik
would bare been better had it
nately, it ia on the iafmor wolta tfcatthe lepalation cf the
|irneeee now chiefly reela. Bat, erea granting the eaperior
quality of the work it to poaiible ts aaeoatei, it mi^ be naked
what boadit to to be gained by reeieiag the ^laM paailiv%even
if it ooahi be wliAritiirny eayated with gelati— Uaa.
The reply to not diiBeolt, eaparfaDy tnm a pnAarfoaal poiat
of Ttew. There are rery many people who woold go to the
expenaeef a eingie portrait but who do not ear* far,or have no oaa
for, moe^ ofaeially if that ooe eeaid be fiatobad aad takeo
home at onoe instead of their haviag to wah a week er two
" far prooft." It ■ true that a» far aa the eia^ pietan to
ooaoerned the difllonlty ia wirmauated by aoaM of tha pro-
faaaional* who eater Cor the hnrnWar daana. Theae fitty
will supply a aingia rar» rft maitt er evea eahiaat portrait. at a
priee little ia eiciem of what aaed to be efaaigad for tha ^aaa
peeithre er fivro^pa, bat aa cae who knowB anythiag aboat the
«oat and labour of preil— lioH will believe that aneb w«rkean
be well and hoaeatly aiaeated, to aay nothing of ita artiatio
•inality. Now, a ghee peaithre, on tha oaatraiy, oaa be well
and hirif aieoatad kr a aaMD aaat, aad tha artiatie qnalitj of
ooone defeat aala^y npon tha aiaeatanti
Erao to Om aiaaHnr the glaaa-paaitiva idea to not withoat
ita raeoaimendaticae Who amoiigrt oar aoMtanr raadera to
no* bleat with frienda friend* JnnnmeraMe— who woald i^ioiee
in being phntni^ptBd " withoat the bother af pofa^ to a
ragokr photefaykart" The " ragniar phot i^ph» * hM get
htoMalf dtoUked by hto generaUy aateoatw maaaar,bal ehtofly,
aa br aa we oaa gather, from hto habit of aerewiag Ua vtotima'
hnda np in the " reat." So at loaat they lay, and of course
«« cannot aoggaet that hto neoaetary fee forma aay olgectian
to him, but certain it w that the amateur could secure un-
limited customers either from the a)>olition of the head rest or
elae of "all feen" The good-natured amateur soon finds this
sort of thing a tax upon him, not perhaps so much in a
paeuaiary aente, for he is Iwuud to ride his hobby, but on
a^eoaat of the labour it enuils upon him. The production of
the negative U the least onerous portion of the duty, it is the
aftardemand for prints that constitutes the grieranoe. Now,
if ha wei« to tnatitute the aystem of " reproducing " his friends
in the §oat of gtaas poaitiTea, there is practioally an end of the
trouble. He baa the amuaement and pleaaure of his hobby,
and, at the same time, of conferring an obligation, and he geta
the matter oat of hand at oooe without any aftaraaxiety in
the matter of printat
Bat than ariaea the qneation. Can I make gtoas poaitivee on
gelatine plateat Well, eo far aa ordinary gelatine pUtee are
aoaeemed, it is generally supposed to be impoeaible ; but there
are fihaa oa the market now, in the form of ferrotype pUtee, wo
belie*% whioh are qMcially prepared for positive purposes.
HoMMc; after all, it to not quite impoeaible to utiliac many of
tha otdfawry ooaunarBial platea, and to produce reanlta which,
if they do not equal the beet examplea of collodion positivaa,
are at leaat good eaough t« peas mustefin vary reapeotAble
company.
What is wanted (bat of all— and thu to important— is a plate
that will develop without any sign of fog or veil. In this
raqieet the positive, to be viewed by reflected light, to even
more Msj^aani than ita oongeaar, the transparent^, in viewing
whieh, by ttanamitted Ught, a alight veil may l>c imper-
ceptible. Not ao with th* posi ti ve by reflection ; the very {sintest
veil deatvoys the brilliaaoy of the pictore irretrievably. Thto
ftnt cooditiea to alaoat neceesarily followed \jj another, uamoly,
that tha plate muet be a oomparativdy ak>w oua Thto to not
only beoauea the more rapid platea are so seldom perfectly free
from fog or veil, but bacauaa, with an extremely rapid plate, it
to, ia the higheaC degree, diflicult to prevent the aenaitive sur-
face beiag mora or leas aflitoted by light in the deepeat shadows,
aad ecaaeqaaatly tha ooatmst aad brilliancy requisite are not
obtainable.
" -Jlhik many of the slower kinds of plates already in the
aavket there is, however, very little difficulty in securing a
good reault if a little oare is taken. It is, aa already noticed,
aaoally auppooed that a apeoial plate to neoeesary ; perhaps, to
obtaia the beat raanllai, or to got ordinaiily good onee with
aa little trouble aa poasible, a special pinte may be deairable,
but a very gnat deal naay be done with an onlinaty plate if
apeeial meana be taken.
In the fint place there to the matter of axpoeure. In the
old ooUudion days, the exposure of a positive was much lees
than that given for a negative under similar conditions. But
194
THE BRITISH JODRNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[March 25, 1892
this M scarooly the case with gelatine. A sufficient exposure
must be given to allow the high lights of the picture to
develop up to a certain degree of density before the shadow
details begin to gather strength. If the exposure is too much
curtailed, the lights will come up slowly, and, in pressing the
development to get out the finer details, the plate becomes
veiled ; if over-exposed, the shadows fill up before the lights
have attained vigour enough. The rule, then, is — more so
than in the case of a negative — absolutely correct exposure, no
"latitude."
Next, everything depends upon the colour of the deposit,
and this, in turn, on the development. The stronger the
developer, as a rule, the darker or more unsuitable will be the
surface colour of the deposit ; and, conversely, the weaker the
solution — so far, at least, as the actual reducing agent is con-
cerned— the lighter or more " silvery " will be the tint,
although, of course, different plates or films vary very much
in this respect. For instance, plates in the preparation of
which potassium bromide has been used show, as a rule,
whiter or lighter images than those prepared with ammonium
bromide, and films containing iodide usually exhibit a tendency
in the same direction. Thus it may happen that, while one
plate requires a one-grain pyro solution to give a fair result,
another may give a better image with three grains, though
this is not a very common occurrence with modem plates.
Of the different developers, the choice lies between pyro,
eikonogen, and the newest addition, para-amidophenol. Hydro-
quinone, when used in sufficiently dilute solution, is so slow
in action as to be placed practically horscoucours, unless, indeed,
it be combined with caustic soda, in which case it is difficult to
get the necessary clearness. In using pyro it is, of course,
almost, if not quite, absolutely needful to employ sodium sul-
phite, otherwise, the yellowing action of the developer upon the
gelatine will inevitably detract from the lieauty of the resulting
image, if it do not altogether spoil it. A slightly " creamj- "
tint is by no means an objection, but rather an improvement,
but the colouration produced by pyro is widely removed from
that shade. With sulphite of soda, however, the pyro-developed
image possesses a creamy whiteness and brilliancy combined
that can scarcely be equalled — certainly not excelled by any of
the newer developers. It also, under the most favourable con-
ditions, exhibits a collodion-like " bloom " or tint, that is en-
tirely absent from eikonogen or phenol-developed images.
The strength of the jiyro, for most of the plates of the class
we have mentioned, need not be greater than one grain to the
ounce, the alkali remaining the same as for a normal negative
exposure, and the bromide being, if anything, slightly increased.
The alkali may be either ammonia or carbonate of potash, but
under no circumstances carbonate of soda, on account of the
yellow colour it produces. Potash gives possibly a whiter image
than ammonia under all or any circumstances, but under
specially favourable conditions the better, or rather the very
best, results are obtained with ammonia.
The exposure, as already stated, should be ample, but not
too long, and the development should be continued until the
details of the shadows are clearly visible, but not long enough
to tint the deepest shadows themselves. If this occurs before
sufficient vigour has been obtained in the details, or if the high
lights should come " heavy," it will be necessary to use more
bromide, or better still, if applied with judgment, a drop or
two of a teu-grain solution of bichromate of potash, which has
a very powerful clearing action. Another expedient of the
same kind which,, from the few trials we have made of it in
this as well as other connexions, consists in adding to the
developer, instead of bromide, a similar quantity of sulphate of
copper, the action of which is as follows : — As development
proceeds, and the silver bromide is reduced, bromine is liberated,
which combines with the alkali of the developer to form bromide
of ammonium, or potassium, as the case may be, both of which
are restrainers, and nothing more. In the presence of the
copper salt, however, these, if formed, are at once robbed of
their bromine, bromide of copper being formed ; and this salt
is not only a restrainer, but a destroyer of the latent image.
By the use of sulphate of copper in the manner suggested, we
may then start development without any restrainer — for the
copper salt is comparatively, if not wholly, inert — and in pro-
portion to the progress of development so is a powerful re-
strainer formed, which at a certain point will arrest develop-
ment altogether. This is a capital plan for treating over-
exposure, but must be used with great care. It is only
applicable with pj'ro, and succeeds best when ammonia is used.
Development with eikonogen and para-amidophenol presents
no features to distinguish it from pyro, except in the character
and colour of the image. The same rules hold good, namely,
weak developer, well restrained, and a good exposure.
MOISTURE AND HEAT IN CARBON PRINTING.
In a previous article on the eflfect of moisture in carbon tissue
(see page 162, a?i<«), the importance of its hygroscopic condition
was fully explained, in so far as it referred to sensitiveness and
keeping qualities. There is, however, another point in con-
nexion with carbon printing where the presence or absence of
moisture is an important element in the process. We refer to
the so-called " continuating action of light." This somewhat
remarkable property was noticed by the very earliest workers
of the process. It is now tolerably well understood by most
carbon printers, whether professional or amateur, that if a
carbon picture is not developed as soon as it is printed it
gradually gets deeper, notwithstanding that it is preserved in
the dark. Hence, if prints have to be kept for some hours
before they are developed, they should receive less exposure
than if they were to be finished off at once.
For some years this progressive action was denied by some
writers on the Continent, while here it was as strenuously
affirmed. It is now, however, universally recognised every-
where, and great advantage is taken of it by professional
printers to obtain large numbers of impressions from a given
negative in short time during the winter months. For a long
time, however, after the property was fully recognised, but
little use was made of it, because of its apparent uncertainty.
Sometimes it was found that the partially exposed prints would
gain as much in a few hours as they would at others in days.
It was afterwards noticed that, when the printed tissue was
freely exposed to the air, the action was always more rapid
than when it was stored in an air-tight case. This fact was
well exemplified in a series of pictures — one half of each having
been kept under the two conditions — shown by the late ^Ir.
J. R. Sawyer, in illustration of a paper he read before the
Photographic Society some fifteen years ago. A couple of
years or so after this, Mr. E. W. Foxlee, in a paper he read
before the then South London Photographic Society, demon-
strated that the continuating action was entirely dependent
upon moistui-e, and, if that were absent, it was completely
arrested. By thoroughly drj-ing the tissue after exposure, and
then sealing it up in an air-tight case, prints were kept for six
MiMliSB,18n]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
196
aoothfi vfaiefa, when dereloped, proved to be no darker than
eomqponding ooea that were derdoped immediately they were
taken from the framee. Heat alao, in conjunction with
moiatnre, waa ihown to be a oontiderable factor in the case, as
it greatly aeoeleratee the action.
If a carbon print be given, tay, one-fourth the normal ez-
pceure, and ia then kept in a damp atmosphere, at a tempera-
ture of aboot 80* Fahr , for an btNir or so, it will, on derelop-
ment, prove to be quite as dark, and eqnaUy as good, as one
that has been fdlly ezpoeed in the first instance ; whereas, had
it, iostaad of being made damp, been dried and kept dry, it would
have gained nothing with even many months' keeping. This
shows, in addition to what was said in the prerioos article, what
an important point is hygroseopio condition in carbon printing.
Let OB now eoaadar how this paiticnlar element, in reference
to the eoBthnating action, appliea in eveiy-day practice.
Suppose the tian* is obtained randy -sensitiaed, and in the
proper state tor ose. If it happena, however, to be printed in
a fiwne the pads of which are slightly damp, moisture will be
absorbed firom them. Therefore the print, if kept for a few
hoon, ftiealaiiy if the tanpanBtare is warm, it will turn
oak uisi |wiiUwi, while aaolhar print, prodnoed under pre-
ciMly the mbm eooditiaaa, so hr m mpomn and time of
keeping are ucoeerued, bnt with periMtly dry pada, vOI be
exactly right. Again, supposing the prints, when taken from
the ftaoMs, are ezpoeed for long to the atmoephece of the work-
room, and that ia bnmid, aa is gMaraUy the case where the
Jstsloywl is Madaeted, the diriuafaw aatiaa wiD
rapidly, and they vfll prov* uiw printed, and thoa
a prokinged development. Want of attention to, or laek of
knowledge oi^ these asattara fblly aeeoants for many of what
have beeo t«BMd the " oaoertnintiea " and "vagariea" of
eaiboQ priatiaf, and aaeb tetarded its practiee, when a few
yean ago it vas snnalaad by soaae that it would entirely saper-
sede silver printing. It haa joat haaa awntiwicd that the eon-
tinoatii^ aetioo waa for a long tiaaa denied on the Continent.
Thie may. however, be aeeoonted lor by the bet that there the
taaOy amek diyw thaa it is hers. Henoe the con-
^'eftniaiag were eUely MMvat.
Where earbon pnntinf ii eondaeted on a laige scale, eon-
siderable advantage is takin tt tba eontinnating aetkm daring
the dull winter neoths. The pietana are partly printed, and
then kept in the dark until they heoome deep eooof^. But
much more might be done in this direetion than ia, we beliavc,
'>•• case at pisseut, faaMaaefa aa the partially printed pielares
ikftt only kept under aonaal eendftions as to temperature and
homkiity. lite siytaeats isisffed to above show that, by
incrsasing the moiatare aad at the saaM tisM the teaapera-
tnre, the efleet that would otherwise take one or two days to
obtain can be secured in the eaae nnaher of houim. Yet, so
ftff aa we are aware, this system of qnieUy eurtaOing the expo-
iare is net adopted coBHsereially. though we do not know why.
Ptrhapa^ however, there are practical difBeahies in the way.
As moiitars, eonpled with temperature^ ae* eaeh important
eieawnta hi the carbon proesai, it woald aosa advisable to
ahnys keep a wet aad dry-bulb thermometer saapended in the
work-roome. If this were done, it could be eeen at a glanoe the
hjgiuauupie eondttkn ol theataMiephere, aa wdl sa ito terapera-
tura. Saeh a thing would cft«i prove of aaststanee to tnex-
penanead wetkete.
TIm &nrco Son Spot.— Amoag cthsr pkot<wraphie Behi««*-
is a saaspot photograph, taken between February 8th sad
18th ; for it beats the record, being the largest spot photogrrmph since
the obserratory began the aeries in 1873. The spot ia nesrly a
bandied thooaand miles serosa, and it ia anticipated that it will again
come into view after being carried by the sun'a rotation round his
farther aide.
Vow Statr. — Most of the newspapers of the day bsve giren
OS articles of mon- or leaa vsloe upon the new star lately disouvered
in the enwslsllstioo Auriga, and photos, spectroeuopic and otberwiae,
hsTs been produced by rarious observers. Father Denis, at the
Vsticsa Ofawrvatory, adopted the plan of slightly moving the
teJeaoope in declination between each exposure, and thus obtained five
on saeh ei the two negatives hs obtained.
Vkotorraphlnr Xednla and Oolan. — We might, in oon-
aezion with thia subject, rvfc r to the photographing of medals and
coin*. Those who bsve attempted it sie sware of the great difficulty
there is, even with perfectly new subjects, in svoiding the sppearsnce
ia the negative of aoahera of flae scratches, tboagh they be almost
iavisihle open ths eoin itsslf. The effect is futidaeed by the unequal
raBaetioB of light baiag (epniduesd by the photograph, while to the
eye the flood of light drowns them. To SMke the most sueosssful
aegatifss^ the wstknd adopssd by tboss who saske a buiiness of this
kind el wesk is to aisks a plaatsr of Psris reproductioo, and take the
asgative ftem it iaslsad of the original. Every detail is reproduced,
aad all insgukritiee of surface vanish.
af tiM nntlnotype rrooean.— At the
Caaieia Club Coaftaenes, on Toewlsy U«t, .Mr. W. Willis resd a psper
on AssM Rremt Im^«nannU in PUthtotjrpf, in which be announced
that hs had sweesidsd ia psoducing a psper which allowed of develop-
■SBt at ordiaaiy lempeiatupsak Beyood the fact that the platinum
is in the paper ia tUa modification, and that the oidinaiy oxalate
bath is employsd as oaoal, .Mr. Willis did not, and, of coarse,
aatarsUy, give any dstsils se to the mesas cbossa for achieving the
result. He, however, elsiam for ths new psiper thst it gives pictures
flnsr ia gnia aad Una than the eU hot-bath paper, and, from ths
ef the epesfaneas whish he devslopsd st tlm meeting, the
The sabfset azeiie^^toasidsrable intsiest
For farther detail* we lete our raadais to our
rsportottheCeafe
aN>ld and Silver In Sea Water.— It has loog been known
that lilver snd guid sre rouaUatly to be found ia sea water. Lately,
psfBgraphs hsve i^ppsarsd in ths pieas lelatiag to such prassnce of
gold (sad ether metals), sad lefeiriag to a patented electrolytic
praesM fbr ohtaiaiag ths amtals. Mr. Sonstsdt, whoss papsr on 'the
mb)sct, puMishsd SMny ycara ago, and which i« presumshty referred
to, writes to the Cttmitnl .\nc» to say that he never said that he
foiwd a grata of gold prr ton, and that what he did aay waa that
thvra waa laaa than a grain, lie now damps the srdoat of would-be
" raaidoe seven * by asyiog that the quantity is very much leaa than
s grsin, snd is so aaudl that, though he can prove its prassnce, he haa
not been abb* to satiaaaie his quantity. We an afraid thst nitrate
of ailwr snd chloride a< gold will act be eliispraii by the produce
of the ase, though, et the rate the former metsl is coming down in
.fljgft$$, t^d. having bssn seommon qeotation for some time past —
we may expect a SMlsrial reduction in price in many aenaitised
media.
Vhotormphlxw Smnll Solid Objects.— The best method
of pbotograpliing a leriei nf «mall Milid objccta arranged in certain
ordir ie net very familiar, and an article on the aobject appeara in
L» JTttmt last week, which may aeasnoably be brotight before our
rasdsii' notice. Ths pIsa coosisU in pisciag lbs objecu upon a uble
or olhsr flat sarfses, sad then photcgraphiiig them either by means
of s eamera ptsesd vertically or else horizontally, with the lens sup-
plied by a nvsrsiag prism, or, w)iich would be cheaper, a rvrertiing
mimr. Ths latter method involves an amount of expenditure which
196
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[March 26, 1892
in many cases the photojrrapher would not care to undertake, but La
Nahtre pictures a simple apparatus that would not be coatly, and
would be useful for manv purpciees. The camera rests on a support
carried by t^so uprights of plain deal, which are attached to the sides
of a plain table, the top of which is made of a sheet of glass. Ihe
objects ar« pUiced upon this glass and light reflected from below, to
form a suitable background, from a board covered with white paper,
aod placed at an angle so that any depth of light can be g.yen by
varying its position, or the white pap.>r maybe replaced by a suitable
ney Tliis is an important part of the arrangement, for it sometimes
happens that the whole success of the negative depends upon the
bwskground being of suitable depth. Without the glass a complete re-
arrangement of the objects would be necessary if it were found that a
colour chosen were too dark or too Ught. It is, further, obvious tlwt
it would not suffice to place the coloured paper immediately below the
glass, as then the objects would throw shadows which might interfere
with their outUnes, although to a certain extent this might be obviated
by the use of " ground glass." Objects of spherical shape which
might give trouble by rolling are kept tn situ by means of a spot of
yellow wax.
Xiirbt-SensitlTeneBB of PhospboruB. — It has long
been kn iwn that phosphorus, in some of its modifications, is sanative
to light; but in an article recently published in Nature, over the
signature of A. E. Tutton, we find an amount of sensitiveness described
that is rather unexpected. Phosphorous oxide, in tlie white, wax-
like solid form in which it usually condenses after distillation, is, he
states, remarkably sensitive to light. Thus, " ten minutes' exposure
to bright sunshine suffices to turn it bright red, and after half an hour
it is rendered dark red." The red matter that gives the colouration
he finds to be the well-known red mocKfication of phosphorus, but
even after several months' exposure it does not exceed one per cent, of
the weight of the oxide. The beautiful isolated crystals obtained by
sublimation in vacuo appear to be unaffected by light ; but it is a
curious fact that if one of them be melted by the warmth of the hand,
and the liquid globule afterwards suddenly cooled to the wax-like
form, the latter becomes red, as in the former instance. There are
not yet sufficient data to enable the chemical changes undergone in
this experiment to be predicated. The phosphorous o.xide thus ex-
perimented with has not been at all fully dealt with in the text-books
on the subject. Mr. Tutton states that it is quite a mistake to
suppose that, when phosphorus is burnt in a combustion tube in a
slow current of air, the lower oxide, and not phosphorous pentoxide,
is produced. Scarcely a trace of phosphorous oxide is obtained under
these circumstances, the white amorphous powder deposited being
pentoxide. It is only when the current is at all rapid that phos-
phorous oxide commences to be formed. Full particulars are given
as to the mode of production in the article we are referring to. Those
of our readers who would care to follow up this most interesting
subject we refer to Suture for March 10 last, pages 44 et seq.
RATIO OF GRADATION.— II.*
So far I have attempted to show that, even accepting Messrs. Hurter &
Driffield's results and deductions, they do not greatly interfere with
the preconceived notions and daily experience of photographers. We
are accustomed to talk a great deal about latitude of exposure and
development, but in ordinary every-day practice these are not greatly
strained, certainly not beyond the bounds which the experiments of
these gentlemen allowed for. We may, by variation in development,
make very thin or very dense negatives from similar exposures, but
it does not follow, nor does it appear likely from a careful considera-
tion of all the circumstances, that the ratio between those gradations
is in any way altered.
* Since this was written, I have received, through tlie kindness of Mr.
Alexander Cowan, a copy of Messrs. Hnrter 4 Driffield's original commnnica-
tion, from which I find that they have, in their experiments, varied the con-
ditions of development, both as regards time and composition of solution, to
a far greater extent than I had »upj)0sed, tlioui^U still within the bounds of
what may be considered ordinary development. My intention in this article
was not to question the accuracy of their dednctions from one of the most ably
conducted and elaborate series of experiment** ever carried out in connexion
with photography, but rather to open new ground, which, from a liasty perusal
of Uieir paper, 1 think 1 have done, though in an imperfect maimer. —W. B. B.
But now it remains to be considered whether or not it is possible,
bv amj modification of development, to control or alter the gradations;
I'mean, of course, by resorting to abnormal variations, or very wide
departures from the regular practice. I am inclined to argue that it
is possible, though even there 1 am placed in a difficulty, in not bemg
fully acquainted with the details of the original paper. For instance,
looking at the effects of reversal of the image, or the production of a
negative from a negative by a prolonged exposure, will there be no
alteration in the ratios of gradation of two images, formed by ex-
tremely extended exposures, and developed by widely different solu-
tions :- Again, is it not possible, by the use of excessive quantities of
restraining bromide, by the addition of gallic acid, bichromate of
potash, or a dyad bromide, as suggested by Mr. Philips, to so alter
the gradation ? I certainly think so.
But we must keep in view the fact that >Ie.ssrs. Hurter & Driffield
deal mainly, if not wholly, with the change of density of gradations
produced by one developer, while the practical photogiapher concerns
himself rather with producing, by means of one solution, additional
gradations that another solution is incapable of rendering, or with
suppressing some of the superfluous energy of a developer too power-
ful for a given exposure. Messrs. Hurter & Driffield may say, and
possibly tliey are correct, that, while it is perfectly possible for the
practical man to do this, the gradations which remain within the
common reach of both solutions— which are, in fact, neither added
nor suppressed — still remain in the same ratio to one another. It
may be so, but, in the light of one or two experiments I will detail, it
does not seem so to me.
The accurate measurements of the relative densities of different
portions of a half-tone negative, whether portrait or landscape, is far
from an easy matter to an ordinary photographer without special
apparatus, but any one with the aid of a graduated scale can arrive at
a tolerably approximate comparison of the results produced by dif-
ferent forms of development. The scale I have con-structed for the
purpose of this trial consists of twelve tints, formed of varying thick-
nesses of the fine paraffined paper sold for wrapping purposes. The
range of tints is beyond what any one plate and developer will re-
produce satisfactorily ; that is to say, if one end of the scale is perfectly
rendered, two or three, or perhaps more, of the tints at the opposite
end will be either not rendered at all, or will present one even density.
I have purposely arranged that this shall be so, in order to aUow full
scope for the developer in either direction while I work with the
central portion of the scale as representing the correct gradation
obtainable under ordinary or normal conditions.* It may be as well
to observe that I do not claim, either for the scale or for my method
of procedure, any pretensions whatever to scientific or mathematical
accuracy; they are simply arranged for the purpose of somewhat
roughly illustrating my argument.
At the outset I ascertained, by means of several exposures, the
conditions under which, employing a certain developer— which for my
purposes may be called the standard — the central portion of the scale
could be rendered in correct gradation, or, at least, as representing a
series of varying tints, clearly distinguishable one from the other.
These were found to be, using a rather slow film, an exposure of ten
seconds, at a distance of three feet from a paraffin lamp, the developer
employed being a " one-solution " of para-am idophenol hydrochlorate,
with sodium carbonate. Under these circumstances, which I call
normal, the result was that the first three tints were practically undis-
tinguishable, but from that point up to the eighth, inclusive, the
gradation proceeded regularly. The ninth tint was barely visible, but
so faintly as not to be worth consideration. The effective scale,
therefore, consisted of six tints.
Next, a series of extended exposures was made, to try the pos-
sibility of securing a normal result from over-exposure and modified
development. The most marked effect was obtained with an exposure
of seventy seconds, others varying only in degree. With the strip of
film developed with the normal developer, only the four highest tints
showed any appreciable difference, from one to nine taking a miiform.
* The scale was constructed the full width of a quarter-plate, so that a single
plate could be cut up into strips for treatment with different developers, or
could be exjwsed in successive strips for varying times, if it should be desired
to try the effect of different exposures under the same development. The tints
are numbered from the lowest or most transparent on the scale.
M4rch :.Vs l»i]
THE BRiTISU JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
W
deml^, Uc, timm, aad twalra kbowin^ comftnixj^lj little dif-
(mm* ow bam uather, t]w Kbofe loor tint*, in fact, bung T«rr
wwk. TiMetb«rtkripwMdM«lopid with alkaEaepjno, the aolation
cootsiiiiiw the ndinarr proportkiB of pyro, ■ laigv proportioa of
tjiganiilc, aad * minimum of «—— ^mj^j the e3cact pioportioni at each
Ijmw, to tha iiiMi, thraagrmiH «l fyn (with twalve gninaof ao&m
a). If* (Miaa of potaaMB hKMMa, aad half a miniai of itmig
With thk feehia aetkn, a*! at the mne time in^U-
r«4tniiwd aohrtioa, the derdopaant «a« cuBtluueJ until At twelfth
tint was haralj vinhle, the whole ima^e heing then ao feehk that
then appaaiad to be bo gradatioa at alL Maaawhik, ataaaiag nady
in a iMa meaMi*, waa a nuc—tiatad teltiim, which, when added
to the dwaloper, bnagfat it* tnagA ap to twahe ^aa of bfoaide
and a mnia and a half of — '~^« to the ooBoa, the pjrro nasaining
the Mma. Under the actkm ol thk mom aoargetie •olotioa, the
kwer tinta raptdljr baK*B to saia dmid^, and the applieatioa waa eoo-
■Btil the fiadatino d the U^eat tiata waa diMotaiUa b j
1 H^hL Upon ftfiner and eifiniin earefolfy, the aeparaU
tiau ware cWrfy £atiagiUahahla m tax down the toale aa anmhrr
£«a, after which the wwainder aawwi the tome daomty, althovgh at
in eattain liffhta, it aaMaad poMhli to datoot • diihnaoa
tfowaBd«««L I will, bowvm, ha aatfaflad wkh «M^
> tista, or aa fannntoaBt of f oar orw te Bormal
t Cf the eonaapoMUfli^ '^P*
Now, it will ba Botod that this AMllgivH two man tialBtfcaa were
iitiiaiil with Iha aormal acpaaa*,wbkb lamhad iadKoaly; but
tha lutotial ecraiad by the laltor b other wofda the
waa widwably paattr thaa fai tiba eaaa of the
Coapaiiag the two OTWHiipoaad aip^ the iaadty or opacity of the
kmm tinta of Iha rmttaiiied defalopiaMt waa ootobly fMter than
iatha daaiiit poTtJoae of the other i—|», aad at tb<> mom tiaw tha
h%faaat tiota w«a decidMUjr ame traatparat. In Uet, the iaenMad
r of tiMi waa aaeontMiiied br MMiidanUT aonMntod oostiMt,
vf, BL nOfiTdit,
A VSW DBTPLATE FACTOBT.
ef (MtUeMod. aad ttofaf Ota
«Wdi ii a*
— are iha new
Vor the pwpoae to which
eeold aal be mere de-
la banaaaytriih lu
ba eae Aayeavofad,
PLuaum-T altoatod an the
M^av e^^B ^^^Biw ^ Dellk
TM haidtr fh*»aiil by . _
of the bapeilal Diyplale Cnmpaay.
«Biaaa an to be deeoted. the
Hh enrtiaa iMrit ia a aal
itotti
II the fMaato e( maUai 49
Id MB
ba of the
H la driefly
Bti biToIfed that
, ia Ihaaa limaa. be hoped far. In thaea iiniiin
«• baliati that the Uapariat Caapaay aiia ba at aa diaadwl^i hai-
•aaav.eepeaially «haa laUai iato aMridtoaltoa the Itol thai Iha gaidtoc
taflheMMipiiia.aadlheaaaapaaahamlhadhee>lMieflheaMtii«
> al Ike ae* hatary baa daeeHed. b Dr. J. J. Aavortli.
' «t ear teadwi will nmf^im aa eM eoaulbiaui to theae
taw wHMa a awaBg ahila kao* hha to be atyfaaeaii
baih Iha OMary aad praaHaa of «dattae MaWaa millai m aaB aa
laadpbyakMel
eeaaiiaaotaaMaaliWt to Iha
aa. aadar Iha giridaaia of Dr. lawaitfi. the pitoilpal parto of
I iiili IM ilii |ii|iiiilia If Ikt ffafit Oanmaaatoff
liahalaafar. IltilhM.aflar drahriaf. paamd oetoadiyiBc
of ahiah li —«f»»^ — «»~««i— J at M*. Whw
diy H bplaaed to bona, aad h ant ap by toMaa of a Otl to the
HoM we wiiaaaMd Iha aoaUaa of M««nl daaeaa af »i K •!
> by maaaa of a Oafctl'i - -
sereral (eet long. When they roach his hands the emulsion is set. After
the plates hare been examined s^ainat the non-aetinio light for eremMBs
of eoatiag, they are stacked in wooden ra^, and are than ready tor
drying.
The operation of drying is oondneted under eonditions differing tram
thoee whidi we have genvally seen employed for the porpose. Instead
of a specially prorided drying room, having the requisite rack aeecan-
modation, drying ehamhen are uaad. These are ]u>t lo many long,
narrow cupboards, ffip^M* of bdng closed in. Tlie racks holding the
plates are plaeed in them, and by • simple mechanifal arrangement
moTable from the ootaida, the racks may be paaaed through from one end
ol the «*««'"*»* to the other, nie chambers are, of course, maintained a
a nniiarm taaparatiire, and their gnat advantage is, that, in contra-
iliallaiilhai to ordinary drying rooBM, no one has aceees to them, and thus
tha jltwanilnaHnn of particles of dost is minimised, if not practically
arsidad altogether. At the end of the drying diambers the platae are
reeaivad lor examinatiao and packing, tha arrangements for which wtre
Shown toas.
We did not wliaeto aay of the actual operations connected with tiie
prepe ration of the enwMrwi. bat we were abown the rooms in whiob the
finished fi""<«fa« was cooked. Ifaia batog eendaeled ia steaming boQara.
We also saw Um reea derotod to liw washing cf the eraaWce, tba
far whfaii are on a wutbiiiaiilike aeala. In the eoatbig and
dark rooaa the Ight employed ie a very a(reaable variety of craage,
by BO Biaaas tryfag to the cyee. laaddHsoatoliiedepartBseatideaaribed,
tiie priBiisse iadade a carpeetsr's shop, and, of eoarae, aa aagiae and
boilarbaasak The eB«iae b a three hcrae-powto, by Htodley, aad, look-
tag at Iha iwBMil of work it dees to diMag aad heaUag, we mnal lagard
JtMavaryvalaahlaMwabwcfihaatag. A eoaaidsiahle asotioa at the
hetosy fai devoted to tha asaaltialng of albomaa paper.
Dr. Acworth teeto hfa plalsa to the eameim. and. In addition to a
to Iha fssMsal pipoeee of the plsto-niaklng, has pro-
a haadsaoaa aad wall-appaialed private labcratocy tor
to whiah ba bepea to cany out a great deal ol
aad inisatitalina Tha toak of sqpertotaodhig
aad aaltiac the faclaqr ia wcridag order haa faUaa entirely upon his
■honldsw. aad. it Iha aaeeeaa of the Imperial plates may be fontold tram
the aoaatamaate satsrsd toto lor Ihair nannfacture, a happy iasne
ahaald await the vvitara. We gather thet eoinlsioB-paper ooatfaig will
ba oadastahaa at a firtais date, for whiah, aa well as tor ottts paipoass.
which ie
CAICERA CLUn D^XFEREtfOE.
ef the Oamewi Clab opened on Ifeoday lest with
the aaaotl f*-*****— of — besir work, wUeh was on view at the Club
BeocB^ n* ohMtfta b of a aon-maupetltive aharaeler, while we
baBave that the pialafes acs aot rsquired to pa« the ordeal of a committee
of wisatloa. Iktaa fasia, to oar IhiaUag. aflord the best soope far
M tolaillii*aMn and aarit of the geoecal body of the OUb's
whiah. ia Iha pasaaat eaaa, we acs happy to pfooooace as high.
The Oaai— gab hto the advaat^ af anaik wii^ aaoag Ite atambara
many cf Iha liiiaiott photogr^hsra of Ilia day, cf wboae works an aHal-
faat iiliiUua li Aoaa. Maaera. P. P. Oaaabtaae, H. P. BoUaasa, J.
Oale, aad Bony Mavaaa an ispianuted by soeae of thstr noet fbmiHar
aad litis lanlsibdia pfatorM; Mr. A R. Scansr by sMae clever seascapes
taken with a haad oanara, and Ifr. OamfaierBdloa by a small bat happy
sarin of salwal ahadiaa. Mr. U. M. Hastii^ totssfats are souad in
taAai^aai aad aa wars piaaaadwlth tha thoaghtfal taadeaapewoik of
Maasm Oassfc. H. B. Davis. Darsia, aad olhsrs. The pertnil stodiss
an fcw, aad soosa ef then betoy high arttatie treotoMot. Ofeoarecat
a O— sta <nab ethibHiow. cae espeels to nasi with eaaoiptea ef the
offasoariacaodatthatBowaadarBollMthen is ao room
la the annamad eoUeetien of tramea, which our
with the peaaliaiitin of hie work wamnte us in attributing
to ifr. Oaov Oaviaoa, than ia mslarial far eoasidefabta eontrevsc^y on
IhU petot. aMhoogh it woaU be hapoaallils to deoy hU haaa oMaifa
toatiaat. Oa the whata, the erhlMWea, whiah is to rweaain opaa far
sevani weeks, wOl nan tina rspay toepsstiBa. altiioagh it may not he
uwapfalalj aoaviaai^ to lUck-aad^Ua adafeon of the " o)<1 aahoel "
pan aad shaplti
TUB I'RiMnErrs addrk«.
The Umtr* of tin Society of Arts was w«U filled •ben Citptohl Abaey
row to daliirar his opening addrsee. Ia this, after rsCemng to the Brusnls
r iigiiss whMi OH held iMt y«n. he said that the report of Mr
Waraorha nd hlONalt, Iha BagUsh dsis^tes on that ooaaaion, wm oaly
188
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY
[March 25, 1892
nst oat, so that it was diiBealt to tell to what extent the standards agreed
on would b« adopted in this ooantry where the inch and the grain were
deeply implanted. Despite M. Lippmann's experiments of last year,
photography in ooloars had not made much advance, and his opinion
WM that in the present state of our knowledge the problem woold only be
■olTed in the very remote fntore. Lippmann's colours were permanent,
bat they were dependant on the length of exposure and not on coloured
light He (Captain Abney) had obtained different coloara that way
himaelf, but they were not pure spectrum colours. The results obtained
militated against the reproduction of absolute colours such as were found
in nature. The reason for this was simple. The colours might appear to
the eye the same as fine spectrum colours, but such colours mixed would
alao give a percentage of white light. Mr. H. M. Elder had recently
investigated the colouration of silver chloride by light, and had advanced
a photo-dynamic theory of the change, and he and every one who had heard
the paper had come to the conclusion that it was an excellent type of
paper. It threw much light on the action which occurred, and hiid not
leoeived the attention it deserved from the chemical point of view. Mr.
C. V. Boys had lately produced photographs of bullets in motion by the
spark of the Leyden jar. Mr. Boys was a typical experimenter. Aftei^
referring to recent discoveries in astronomical science by the aid of photo-
graphy which proved that star magnitudes determined by the eye and
photography agreed, the President touched upon the luminosity of
feeble lights of various colours, and concluded his address by endorsing
the movement in favour of the establishment of a photographic institute,
and said it was as necessary as many kindred institutions. They must
start in a modest way, not aiming too high at once, in a modest building,
with a modest equipment and modest instructors.
CHEMIGiUPHIC ETCHING.
Mr. Leon Wamerke gave a demonstration of chemigraphic etching, re-
marking that the subject was not new. He said that photo-engraving pro-
cesses were not so extensively practised in this country as they might be.
The principle of zinc plate etching had been demonstrated by himself before
more than once, by Mergert thirty years ago, and by Gaudin in 1873.
Certain metallic salts were precipitated on a sheet of zinc, and a weak acid
solution, which would not attack the zinc, was then applied, which acted
where the precipitate was formed with evolution of hydrogen. The state of
dilution of the acid solution was determined by the particular metal
precipitated— with cobalt, a strength of 1:10,000 being sufficient; with
other metals the solution could be stronger. The most powerful
precipitant was nickel ammonium tartrate. Alkaline salts acted more
powerfully than acid salts. The depth of the etching varied with
different salts employed, nickel giving deepest results, and lead allowing
the etching action to proceed very faintly, while with mercury the acid
solution produced no change. He did not deem it necessary to enter
into photographic details, as they were familiar to all ; but before giving
the demonstration, he would say that aluminium promised very well for
etching purposes. It was a capricious metal, being insoluble in nitric
and sulphuric acids, and easily soluble in hydrochloric acid or caustic
potash. Nitric acid has no action on the bare aluminium, but if this
were covered with a precipitated metal, the nitric acid acted on it very
powerfully. This was the case where mercury chloride was used.
Mercury chloride appeared to produce an amalgam.
Mr. 8. B. Webber asked if the aluminium should be used rolled or
soft.
Mr. T. E. Dallmeyer asked if Mr. Wamerke had experience of working
on the surface of aluminium. In processes of photo-engraving, a con-
siderable amount of work had to be done after the chemical action was
stopped, which was left to the photographers. Pore aluminium was
diihcnlt to work.
Mr. H. M. Elder said Jfr. Wamerke, in mentioning the action of
mercury chloride on aluminium, had placed a new power in the hands of
photographers. As to what the theory of the action might be of oxygen
and acids on aluminium, he had always imagined that it had a thin
protective film on its surface. A recent paper on the action of acids on
zinc pointed out that the probable cause of the absence of action of
dilute sulphuric acid was due to a surface of hydrogen formed on its
sarface. Such action was 700 times greater where the solution was con-
taminated with chromic acid.
Mr. Warnerke, in reply to the various questions, said, as regards
etching, similar results were obtained with hard as with soft metal. As
to working on alummium, it was different to other metals. In cleaning
for photo-engraving purposes, the process was much the same. For
turning it did not behave very well, but turpentine, or any mineral oil,
greatly facilitated working. There was no difficulty in using the graver. '
RBCENT IMPROVEMENTS IN PLATINOTYPE-A NEW COLD-BATH
PAPER.
Mr. W. Willis read a paper, in the course of which, after pointing out
that the effecta of lowering the temperature of the developing solution in
the hot-bath process reduced the chances of successful development,
brought out defects in the paper, and gave a granular deposit of the image,
he said that, in 1888, he had attempted to make a paper developable
at ordinary temperatures. The cold-bath process, since brought out, had,
however, been disappointing, and the hot-bath process had been found
more generally useful. Tliey could now develop at much lower tem-
peratures than formerly, 90° being the limit reached. But failures
often occurred, due to the low temperature, as rapidity of reduction varied
with the different temperatures. He had recently discovered a method of
preparing ordinary platinum paper so that rapidity of solution should not
overtake that of reduction, and the image developed before the salts could
be removed from the paper. For obvious reasons he could not make the
process pubUc, but development conducted at a temperature of from 50°
to 70° — normal temperature — gave results equal to those obtained at 130°,
free from granularity and other defects. The process had only recently
been perfected, but it was completely under control. It might not please
his friends of the new school, who did not want fineness of deposit ; but
more photographs depended for their value on the very quality which the
modem school rejected. He showed a number of graduated comparisons
between the new paper and the old at various temperatures, the former
being much superior in fineness of detail and clearness of Une. The
ordinary paper was developed at 130°, and the new at 56°. With the
latter the ordinary oxalate bath or that containing ortho-phosphate could
be used. Development of the new paper was slower than the old, thirty
seconds being required before the action was complete. The addition of
a small quantity of hypophosphite of sodium gave control of development,
Mr. Willis then developed several pictures at a temperature of 64° Fahr.
These were much admired. Development in sections failed to produce
lines in the pictures.
Mr. Francis Cobb asked whether it was necessary to have three acid
baths, as with the old process, and how long it was safe to work the
oxalate bath.
The Bev. F. C. Lambert inquired if the improvement was applicable to
sepia paper.
Mr. E. Keene presumed the paper required the same careful storage
from air and moisture. Could the oxalate be kept up by adding to it ?
Mr. J. Gale asked if rough-surface paper could be used with the
process.
Mr. Tate asked when the new paper would be on the market, and its
price.
Mr. B. W. Eobinson inquired if it were possible to get warmer blacks,
and if time of exposure had any effect.
Mr. Willis, in reply, said three acid baths were necessary. The oxalate
bath could probably be used as long as with other processes, and the new
paper should be looked upon as the same as the old. His experience had
been very short, so that he could say very Uttle about it. Over-exposure
a)uld be controlled by the use of hypophosphite, or a Uttle ice in the wattr.
With under-exposure the developer could be warmed. He could not say
whether the process was applicable to sepia paper, as it was a difficult
problem to dissolve. He gave an affirmative answer to Mr. Keene's
questions. The process might be used with rough-surface paper. There
was no difference in the colour produced by under or over-exposure,
although blue-black was exceedingly easy to obtain. Immersing the paper
in water before development gave a warm tint— almost like sepia.
PHOTOGRAPHY APPLIED TO MEDICAL RESEARCH.
Mr. Andrew Pringle prefaced his subject by aUuding to Professor Mel-
dola s recent lecture, in the course of which he pointed out the special
branches of science to which photography rendered notable services. He
(Mr Prmgle) thought the Professor should have given more prominence
to the services rendered by photography to medical research. To no
special line of research had photography rendered such notable service
as to medical research and treatment. During the last two or three
years many new installations had been started in the medical schools for
the purpose of recording the causes and appearances of diseases by the
invaluable and trustworthy means of photography. It was important to
have photographs of patients in disease before and after treatment, and
photography was useful in cases where sketches could not be made, as
for instance in a disease of the tongue. The flashlight was very useful.
l°ju «°sP''a' .wards, results bemg obtained with it that could not be
had by the ordinary means. In photo-micrography there was an idea
that It was necessai7 to have expensive lenses. He showed a slide of a
blowfly s tongue taken with one of Mr. Crouch's student lenses from a
two-thirds object glass. The photo-micrograph was as good as any done-
with much more expensive mstruments. SUdes could be coloured to the
m.S °A '' 5 • Tu't'^ formula, which he (Mr. Pringle) had experi-
mented with and published. For students, photo-micrographs of unique
specimens were of great value, especially as they were now able to show
slides on the screen of the same colour as the students saw them in the
microscope. Incidentally he mentioned that the carbon process for this,
purpose was inferior to gelatino-bromide plates. Mr. Pringle's discourse
was interspersed by a great many photo-micrographic slides bearing on
Its various points, at the conclusion of which he claimed that in photo-
graphy medical science had a most useful adjutant. He thought thev
should do aU they could to assist the medical profession by means of the
science of which some of them made a profession and others a hobby
!u«ksB,un]
THE BRITISH JOORNAi. OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
199
At tb*
tOtrnfttU
ui4KrO«eff*
btm Ttn^ij mA up tof tbm
Hi. Van te Weyd* daMrilwd hii autiMl
H^Mac to portratton utd the davalopoMat
bj takiag portnita of C^taia Afaa«y
tho ffmnMu U tho miiHi^ whiah h»i
: ud Mr. E. J. Hnmphif7 «sUkit«d
of k #oh kmp te pertailn*, aloe tbo lu^ aduflid te
(phtfovM aad dnr), ia vfaieh niiBawliiiii povdv,
hjilnnMMi4wqff aadMpwM— ,»B«iTb)yadMbofaw. Itha4.ho«-
, ■» ■■ to priat imfmmmfM »mi« <i, «eto»l platjanm
I aaa dOTriopod Vx tho *• BOW " aoU 4t«rioptd p^ar.
Mr. B. B. ifmotoewc tfaaa rMd a papw eo lb* Thtorf cf Dntb/mtia,
tte iMaiwawri oa wWoh. oa tiio n^tiiWnn o< tho nwiikal. wm
I a tetaro iMttiaf ol tho OtaMm Clob, iaaaaaah ai the
■tiiBil —ttif wfcfah
wmnnuTB noctwDisae.
Mr. J. B. Sparso osbUtod
tkoprwanoft
.boveaUodriWl
ati fer tkai paifaM. Tboir
tko MariovwMiaSaUdwlii
oftMletfao
aUoaad wiUtia Ibat eaa
tiaaatfaaijraTeJatd.
' that, ia oMoiMa to MMMk Hart« * IMflMd'i
A PAPER OS tAMODO:
Tbo aanr oa Pandamm </ Art, Mmo*. aad Fhatatmrnlm, bjr Mr
IL P. BobDMD. waa nad ^ Mr. Qtmm Davtaw. tbo HaSTSMrotaiT.
V 'aoatoadktayaa art ilaril.Mi oUmI toaMihiMi
c *b(7,ao*fllboaoMb«B*llHpap«.whfaha«g|*aia
(«ri o( Um Jocaau.
Mr. J. pMoaO taU Mr. BoMaaoa'o Um ««n otlnaMlr aanofaM. Bo
.'>ldlioowltbaatbaa«i^it.aMM^ ho didaotMaalo. TholteMt
i;«olaO«ao«b«a bo Mid laparii^Mi bad pndaooi aotUacinfth
:.«/ worh ia a MMliio «m, altl
Mi a MaohoD oaid ae doabl M(.1
Bo«aobBi«B*i
'~^— — -*|^-^ J - '-^^ II IblBfl
I
tlhiyhM tbo teal.
HB'a papor «
iMbadjHaathoMa
aaad. Oa hopad bio
Mr. S. i. nawphay ttM^d thai ooom d«r Ihw hMI oom la
rr««>d Mvyttidp^ pialana aa halh aitfrtia aUtta«SL 4b tnMb waa
; *B|Mni tobotiathatibalhaa.
f" R. !lo«Ma Mid Mk. Irthiin ted
01 (aoii, Md Mr.
Art bod to do vnh
.thMadoaUacalihapp
to Iho to
— ahaiam by
■iiliaabatteM
igMMlt. to whoa
nitii ooald aol d
nIA Tbolaa«wlhi7livod.lhoiaanbifb|7«MUiad«eaUtbo7
oadlhoMOfo artaaatd dopond oa aoiaaoo. aad Iho aata ailiaM
k«« to palM aMoattag to *• Hilif o( ootmou
inioiK,bat to
-'Moraoald. Tbo
M.to«boaidUtb^9or Kolto
ooald aol do vithoM
CSn Of PBOTOOKAPHT TO THB OKOBATfVK ABTOT
Mr. B. B. Maaaaa aosl doUvHod a dbaoom; ia vUA bo MiaM oat
tbo THieaoatpMaBliMof phMooHhj lodooontifaMipaaM. iniinte'
i(ol|holafniiha,ho Mvae oMooiiaatRlhiirbaiaahaM
lathorthowmofc TbiyAoBMUbnaa •* (hoknlafS
■ aad ybBlnia^bi hwg iwi^*. ibo ooIomi aaloaijir
Bo Bl|MNd to
lalho^ylo
ol phiM|i»pbi aao Ihilr
ol tooa. Vor illlii« \
window! photography offerod an admirablo fiold, bat ha did not think it
eoold yol oompoto with tbo bnah of tbo artist or tho prodootioaa ol tho
ooloar. Oa totib teMoo tho detafl waa loot, and tbo aWaino ol a Tarioty
olooloarwaoa diawbaA. FbatogTaph7waa.a« Ihoykaov.ofgioataao ia
iliaBghtiaiiinliip tor oalatgiac or todaaiBc. Advarliag to tho *^—"-'mt
aa to iriMt wao tmtb, bo Mid troth aood not bo a|^. Baieaeo war a
■r ol laot, and art ol apparaneo. Ho togiettod to boar ontnithfal.
iWwndad by a photopapMr, and oaid that relooohing aboald always bo
aoknowladgod. In arohiMlocr and arehitootort photography waa of maoh
aerrioo; aad for tnToUing itadeata tho camera wai a groat help. H«ad-
viood pliolompiMtste lako thoir arahitootaral Tiaw* to aealo by patting a
two-loot laJaoaaoBio part d tho piutui a. and alaoal way* to aarof oily Bota
tho aapaela of boOdiafli lor IMaro rofcroBea. aad ocoeladed by rooom-
maadiag tbo oolabliafaMant of a roootd oOoo with photography to snpply
tho matoriaL
Mr. BnMwaoa aaad that in hia papv ha bad nteiod to piotnro-makiag,
ia wbiob Iho did not want faola. Ho ofajootod to two-foot mloi in hu
piotaoo, wfaMi ho oaly ootiBWlid tarn tho potat ol tIow of thoir piotorial
Mr. Fiaaoia Cobb thought phetonpl^ was not ontrathful nntil high
art liad mads it so. Mr. Staaaoa ahenld go to tlio Astnooanioal SoeMy
and aaesrtaia what was bein>; doao ia tlio — ^ring ol a tmtltfal loeort of
tho bMvons — tha moot tmthfol thing yot aoooia^ahad.
Mr. P. H. Nowmaa said artisU wan nadoabtodly moeh indsbtod to
phdnyapliy. and MBOod with Mr. Stanaai ia his soggsoted arrangemont
of jhotnyaphs aad oO patntinga toaslbsr. It was diAoolt to anaago
fhiXapailia te a small room, m he had poiatad oat elaowfaoro, and ba
MfMsd w. Maiaas' idoos on tho oobjool m a raloabla ooetinaatioa o(
Mr. W. a Bird aaid thai it asaasod to him that th« diSsrooee botwon
art and siiMM.waa tlut oao oppmiar! to tlio ooKitinni aad tlia olliar to
tboialtfloel
Mr. MaakoUi
wiadnwa. aad a
faiiaji^l
. . woaa ba fwiHially JBdliiiillbla. Th^ ooold oaaOy bo
onlargad vj somo fotan <"
okoU MHSOIod tbo loading of traasparaaoiM aa ia otaiaod gbua
aad alM tha aapliaalioa ol ioigi photographs to walla. Haalao
hal,fai Ja^lwialilina rtiw. phote-mkrographie rooorda oo
Mr.Hsaiy
ladasd tho aarrioM ol
tedaOy"
rtin
Walls', at WMaMii'a
TBB DBT OP AST TO PHOTOORAPHV.
«M Iha Bost spsakar. aad be ebaerfnlly ackaow-
te aorrioM ol phXnyapto ia wprodaotioo prniimii, and iu aoM
fllaolratad jooraaliaak Ho th««bl that phologiapbs ol Cariyte
lal iMisiMilad Iha maa aad tha hiatoriaa brttor than MUlaia',
L Bo qaolsd
tebAMol
Artlsti did
oat oaantag, lo aaaaaoa m
toaMUag han.aadlS» i«r
Umbo ol tta kan M% M
to Mr. h tmmA, m oa Baal
not like photography,
— ■ wImm pbotograpbio
oil paiaitaiM, aaaba
dobit ol photogfaphy. noNMosI of Iho
ap Main that aflaraooo, aad ha woold
for all. Ho and ooroi^ trisads ooeo waat
M to tho imprasloa pndaood by a
agfood that tha appoaraooo of tho ottoadod
ol Umo waa a maro im.
toMr.X
salUbUlor
Mr. J
lh«7Mwit. Heappaalad
ol booko, to Buko ttia dnwiHOBMCO
Ikal M wao aol tho (anlt of
: the moTO
diawi^o wMs willidiil allhoMh
lowwlaia thoM ae waD as ftui^
wuiab wao aaad ia thopnoa.
Mr. H. O. M. OaiMhMia aoiatod oot that, in riowing the m^
aaimaio. tho «y» had a toalaa^y to sso what it wiobod to soo.
Mr. P. H. Mowaaa oaid that Iha taooltyol peroapHoa wUoh
waa of adtanlaga fai aoarfteiag Iha tralh or olhanriM of oaeh piotaM
aaMnMdfs'k
Mr. T. B.I>aUaM|yar waa of opiaioa that both aniaUaad photographara,
«hai awdaaag dh*aal abttaia. eoevnod tho sMiaoai improoaion. but
mpreosion
I do soloi
ooaveyod
^, . gly. ahaanyiisd to Bear ohtsoto. ««iIod to
this roMool H waa falaelM to aaialiag.
Thofcf." r. & Tiawbart paCad oal fco important part which boradity
had la tho faapniaiaaa <f ohooliprodaaad oa the mibT
ThaOialiiinii aoarfadod with tbo nadfaig of a papor by Mr. 0. H.
I <■ Ctmmtxiam iritit Dtnleimtnt, which briofly
A MOold's thoorioo, Mr. Bolhaml^^s opinion
a had aot proTod thoir oasa.
Tbo aaaaal dinner of tha Club waa liald oa Wsdossday oroaing at tbo
KaaiM Bolal. ovor a haadmd BMmbaro baiag pressaL Captain Abney
pnaidad. Among tho toooto won tbo Ctab, propoood by Mr. Hoaiy
Blaokbora. aad aokaewlodgsd by tbo Cbairaun ; tbo Visilora, rspliad to
by Mr. H. Tan der W«yda ; aad tha Photogmpbic rross, aokaowlodgod by
Mr. J. TtmiU Ti^or (Tn Bairaa JocaxtL or PBOToeaArar), Mr. H.
Stormey (ftotepryfcrt. Mr. B. J. WaU (iaal«w P*«<oprsp*<r). Mr. W.
Wellotd iPltttagrmfkU Rtritw of Retitri), aad Mr. J. Hay Taylor
{Ofikml Lmmttrn Jtmn*!). Uane and rccitatioaa aaliraaed the pro-
osodingi, wiiiah ««a kapl op till a lata hoar.
THE BUITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[March 25, 1802
POSITION OP STEREOSCOPIC PH0T0OR.\PHY IN
REGARD TO BEAUTY AND UTIUTY.
[O1M0OW Photographic Auocuitioii.]
WHB^f Mkod to write a pupor for this meeting, it struck me that I
could not do better than introduce a discuasion on a subject -which
oecorred to me during the exhibition lately held in our city, and
wfaidi has often been in my mind since, viz., to inquire into the
i««80Q for the great reviTftl of stereoscopic work among the photo-
graphic fraternity.
There are several classes of men -who photograph ; and, sotting aside
those who employ photography as an agent in scientiiic research, I
think they may be divided into three classes. There are those —
ohietly profeasional — who photograph for raonetjvry gain, and they do
•tereoeoopic work because an eager public desire to buy stereoscopic
rimtogtapha to entertain their friends in the drawing-room. This is
bu^ness, and it were treason to criticise the great Mammon God of
the Briton.
Then, there are those — mostly amateur— -who photograph because
they desire relief from the monotony or worry of their daily avoca-
tions, or because they have much leisure and require some hobby to
occupy their time and thoughts, and they find in the manipulation of
cameras, plates, papers, and solution, a satisfactory outlet for their
energies. These hail stereoRCopic work as a delightful variety, and
naturally become enthusiastic over it. They re-photograph all their
old views, and, as they show the results to admiring friends, they
expatiate on the marvellous reality of the appearance, how everything
■tands out, and how, were the objects but coloured, the observer
might imagine himself to be looking at the actual scene through a
Irinoonlar. The admiring friend acquiesces, and remarks, " What a
wonderful thing science is ; do you think photographs ever will be
be taken in colours P " This class photograph for the pleasure they
derive from the manipulation. It is a harmless and interesting
amusement, and they might readily be much worse employed.
Then, there is a third class of camera men, who photograph because
of the results. Some like to have a picture record of the places they
hive viatod to remind them of a happy holiday, and to illustrate
their public or private lecture to less fortunate brethren who stayed
at home ; and there are some who use the camera because through it
they can acquire lasting impressions of much that is beautiful. Their
albums contain notes of nature in all her moods ; a wave, a cloud, the
outline of a hill or tree-branch fixed by the camera is ever a pleasure
to them to look at. They may or may not enjoy the manipulation,
but the real end of their work is the album, not the dark room. Their
object I consider the noblest, and it is from their standpoint that I
wish to examine stereoscopic photographs to-night.
In the first place, I submit that it is impossible to appreciate the
artistic quaUties of a photograph, he it ever so fine, through any
mechanical contrivance. Imagine an artist painting a picture of a
view which he looked at through a telescope ! To enjoy a work of
art, the mind must be untrammelled by anything outside of it. To
me this is the initial objection to the stereoscope. The disturbance
created by the necessary fixing of the parts, getting a proper light,
adjusting the focus, &c., is a source of irritation which effectually
prevents the calm enjoyment of the beauty of the picture. In the
second place, I submit that, after going through the trouble of fixing
the instrument, the result is not beautiful. It may be interesting to
see once, but it is not beautiful, and that for various reasons. 1 shall
probably be told that the parts stand out and take their proper posi-
tion in the plan of the landscape, that it looks natural and real, and
that it must, therefore, be more beautiful than a flat surface could
possibly be. With this I entirely disagree. That the parts stand
out, 1 admit ; that they appear real, to have solidity, I deny. Of
course, I can only speak of the results as they appear to me ; and, as
I can see no reason why they should appear different to others, I take
it for granted that what we severally see in looking into the instru-
ment is approximately the same impression. Instead of having the
appearance of natural objects with bulk or solidity, stereoscopic pic-
tures always remind me of stage scenery painted on flat surfaces and
cet behind each other at short intervals. The reason for this impres-
sion is obvious. In nature it is impossible to see objects near at hand
and objects at a distance in focus at the same time. In the stereo-
scope, Fiowever, the several planes are all seen in focus at once, and
thus the effect aimed at by one means is directly annulled by another,
with the result, as I have stated, tliat the various planes seem flat
portions, separated only by a little spice from each other.
At a csMuol glance, one is apt to think that it is necessary to alter
the tbcoH of the eye to see different objects in the stereoscopic picture,
hut more oareful observation will show that this is not the case. The
mind can only concentrate itself on one object at a time ; but, it an
endeavour is made to look at a near and distant object together, it
will be found quite possible to do so. From a scientific point of view,
it is obvious that, as the photographs are flat surfaces, the focus of
the eye must be the same for all parts of the picture.
In judging an ordinary photograph, one of the chief points to be
considered is, to what extent the feeling of atmosphere has been in-
troduced into it. Punters devote their most earnest endeavoui-s to
convey the atmospheric impression in their pictures, for well they
know that it is on the much-maligned atmosphere of our island that
so much of its beauty depends. Now, the stereoscopic picture m
absolutely devoid of all atmosphere, and must, therefore, be false and
untrue to nature. . . ■ ' •
I have tried an experiment over and over again, and, as there is a
stereoscope here, I would like you to try it also, and see whether you
agree with me in the result. Look at a photograph in the instrument
carefully, note all the glaring hardness, and the persistent manner in
which every object seems to be calling out, " Look at me, I am stand-:
ing out, 1 have no connexion with anything behind ; you may have
thought that I was on a flat surface, but look, you were mistaken-, I
have reidly no connexion -nith anything behind." Then, when you
have noted all this, shut one eye, keep it closed, and you will find that
it is really a very beautiful photograph at which you have been look-
ing. The tree in the foreground has a lovely form, and the mass of
stems behind blend into a deUcious softness as they disappear behind
each other in the distance.
The stereoscopic effect is an endeavour to imitate nature, while the
object of an ordinary photograph or drawing is only to reproduce an
impression of nature. The failure of the stereoscope in its greater
aim is more marked than the less ambitious, but more practical,
endeavour to reproduce on a flat surface an impression of what we see.
I contend, therefore, that stereoscopic photography, considered from
the ajsthetic standpoint, is a failure, that the stereoscope is only a
scientific toy— and a false one at that— calculated to interest without
either pleasing or satisfying. The trutli of the axiom, " The boy is
father of the man," is as clearly demonstrated in photographic matters
as in any other department of life. When tops are " in," no schoolboy
who has the slightest regard for propriety would dare to be seen
with marbles in his possession, and six weeks later, when " tip-cat " is
in vogue, tops have no interest for him whatever. In photographic
circles at present stereoscopic work is " in," and I do not expect that
anything I have said will affect the business of the maker of stereo-
scopic cameras and stereoscopes in the slightest degree.
As regards the utility of sterereoscopic photography, I think that is
confined to the instrument-makers and dealers in photographic
material. J- Craw Annan.
PARADOXES OF ART, SCIENCE, AND PHOTOGRAPHY.
[Camera Club Conference.]
" Stick to nature, my boy ! " is an admonition often heard among
artiste, yet it is most true that, beyond a certain point, the closer the
imitation is to nature the further it is from art.
Art is not so much a matter of fact as of impression ; even realists
admit this. Their objections to what is called impressionism is that
the impressionists seldom say anything worth saying, and sometimes
nothing at all, leaving a shrewd suspicion that they have nothing to
say, and glory only in having no mission except to upset the experience
and practice of centuries.
No possible amount of scientific truth will, in itself, make a picture.
Something more is required. The truth that is wanted is artistic
truth- quite a different thing. Artistic truth is a conventional
representation that looks like truth when we have been educated up
to accepting it as a substitute for truth. The North American Indian
did not understand a portrait less than life size, or a profile with one
eye only ; he was not educated up to the convention.
Of late years there has been a great demand for truth in art, what-
ever that dark saying may mean. We have been impressed by the
literalists to be faithful "to nature. To quote Mr. Oscar Wylde,
"They call upon Shakespeare — they always do — and quote that
hackneyed passage about Art holding the mirror up to Nature, for-
getting that this unfortunate aphorism is deliberately said by Hamlet
in order to convince the bystanders of his absolute insanity on all art
matters," reducing genius to the position of a looking-glass. On the
other hand, it is somezimes said, perhaps jokingly — for we should not
take Mr. Brett or Mr. Pennell too seriously — that photography cannot
be art because it has no capacity for lying. Although the saying is
wrong as regards our art, this is putting the semblance of a great
ti'uth in a coarse way. In other and more polite words, no method
can be an adequate means to an artistic end that will not adapt itself
to the will of the artist. The reason is this, if it can be reduced to
reason. Admit that all art must be based on nature ; but nature is
96.18M]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PUOTOORAJ'HY.
JOI
Mt, and nt, not bai« nfttOK, MBMt lul to bt, mem or 1««,
Ti^ is oo* <rf thow dclightf nl eaatndietanc* ui*t
r of Mt u irtnlkliMl wenytion. Men uturmUy turn
ve )mit« oTidcoea of tkk mn pt«]uctoric times. The
1 of aU iwiri. of all -ttr~i, vitk mrcely an exception, Ium
I tMad oa ^tni* — the Oiaain awl-Mooca are tbo important ex-
-T«t the onwrnent thftk afpraMhad WMMt to exact imiUtioo
I baa alwara been tJM matt. dahMad and worst. It u the
fewwt iBteHaeta that taka tha lait ifcMgfct ia daMptira imitation.
Mr. L«iria F. Bar pMa thia wry ad^nUy in ooa of hia raeeat pubL-
dOioiM:— "Thoaa wbo profaa to ioBow Nature," be taya, "aeem
iiaaathw rather to be drMfiM b« fai the duat. Ther« ia a wilier
«iawornstBi«,«Uah iKl^dMbnMB aMm, and that aalaethw and
IiIiiMm iaatinet whidi ia HMml to aaa. It ia a long way from
Miw Til BTT-r* **"rt tbt iwl alalk iwiipiir it noca'tnia to nature'
tiMiaMther. It k aw thaiy to ated|y ■atww» and a»othw to pitond
an ««dka of art. Ia w hnnak a< daaign haa U av«r
rth«MMlaia that aatiirawManMik. It iaoalytheTery
m who apaM hia MOirtk to awdow all oatnra, whole ;
thaoidvbbdhwwahattar." _ ....
It M daar, th«, thata aiithnii that «iQ Mt admit of the modi flea'
IJJU -f llii tillil «■ I liii in in ri' thanfor* U photography in a
j^ritrwiHtr if wm a^MOt nor* that iKia flido wed with poeaibilitira
of — *— «^ Bat they wka laaki^^ 9iAit*> o*^.^ ** ^^**' °*^
laaitfd aaMaMati, wy pb ui mwphf —aiiiille, talw a T«iy narrow
waw and araatly anderrate the canaHiriea of the art. Allartabare
tWr liautt. aad I adMt that Ma SaMU of photoanwly art rather
oanow; bat, ia aood haa^ it aaa ba aade to Sa liha a TrojaB.
liowwar aMth tratk Bay be derifahie ia the abrtiaet, to the artiat
' ia a praeaaa tl^ aaMMt ba aiade to i^y the thing
Hara I aaa bood to admit a oiiiiiiwatii waalmiw tawy aiipimaiit.
We aaa t<41 by a viitar ia a popaW aaw ■agithw, edited by a
iiiiMbw «f oat Okbt ttet it m "alwaya the beat poliey to tell the
iiiiih anlam, nf mant. th in ir r' — "r d — ' ^'"' '" ^^
k. iidiil a ■MMtaaa, rot thaaa te aot, I aai aihanad tu mt, very
gMtKoa»forivadita«aafeiacityia oar art. That ie to eay, we
OKBaot ptadaea bnlMaat fahiflcatMW,aadi aa the paiaier mar iadolge
b. Oaa aaa aay aiaal a hana, wMa aMthat aa^ aot look over a
htin- A paiaiat aay aaUaahta^ paitaBt aa with aa angd with
viar* that won't wotk. whib a fhalBgiaphit ia kaghad at, raty |to-
jatly. if he giiMa aa aaythtag aaais aa aapio total thaa that of a
aaook zaiaed fay a aadtaa.
It BMt ha aoalMaad that it takaa anwoMafilih akill to prodaea tha
baatyadof »> ^»> *W ^.«^,y^ffyig!^ «ft
tha •«t.p«»Uy.c»ia«^; with tha SSTtaA^tS
laitilata, ialdoai gat bayoad
Yet I tkiak that aaaiy will
jiadaar;
that tha waitt aia oftaa tha
of oaljr a
lataai aat hi a'aaaririw bf aa
Hie pMw.aahad, aaialaiartlig Itath. Yet I think
agiaawtUI ae that tha vaty good aad the T«ry bad
iat lairiag thaa the Mdiaai. Tkal iIh baal aia iai
of a good kagbtetha
af att ; it ia oa^ Ike anddltaf caod that ladaea iaiifknn
TkaM eaa ha Ittla doabt that, ia thia ifiei, aad lookiag at
it(yaath»poiBtat«itw,aaiatiagiaaaachgiaatatartthaa photo-
graphy: but what I aa eoaowawlto ptore ia that.althoagh photo-
giayhy ia a^y ■■ h—hb Bat, yet it ia aot the^ailai iaanno" "^ '
aoaapaaalaaaafaaa^aai^aaaiapaiiilylotMgaafciatlp
it to worthOy aaaol iia aaaaa aao^ tta aada aiia. Hay, b it aot
tha gwa w fat ia haadMty t PbiHiipi|ihTgitaa aa tha aaaaa of a
ilanlriij III ihii II Ifai illiKlag ■iai.iai Ihwrfiai h-fci — ' J-^'"
MtofalL If we mat haaa pamdateotbt aa aaay thaa to the bitter
' Lit aa bate trath," aaya the caaafieationa writer who kaowa not
what trath m. What aheald we gat b art if we could eaptiu* it ''
We ihoald have a laeiaaatiHnn of aatare m wa laa it in a mirror,
cobaa and all, aad ■heaU tin of it aa aaoa m the amity wore off.
TW wont thiag thatooald haaaea to phoMvia|hy aa an art wouta
be the dwcaraij of a paneaa glnag tha aoban of aataiw— the ooe
iaaatam, Ihoae aad bifiam. Ita oaa gnat daria-
airtae 1% aa I hare andeafoar to thaw, that it ia
A wMtat aMCMt of tha^ aaoann of tha art, aad witUag to de-
praobto it, aaka apoiat of the photagiapher baviag ae eoettol orer
the aadoa of the deaabpw aoaa to pnMaoe tha vadatiaa baa aatare
ha rtaira I aaa oalf nply tha* aaaong mr own pi^Unaa there ia
aaaaa^ Ma tlwt doea aot o«« agood deal of aay aerit it aay bare
to aoatrol of the dofvloper. The piMa'biliUea of eoatnl wen grater,
p.|i^fLj«, in the ooOodion prooea than the gelatine, hut we are speak-
ugofue capabSitiea of photography, not of any particular procees.
iSe acientiat may prove, berond any poanbilitA- of doubt, that the
reUtire value* cannot he altered in deTe^pmenf, but the photo-
grapher knows thatrariation in de • varies the appearance
of yi r«»ulLs,and that should be ^ -'h for him. It w so
difficult, and yet »o tempting, to " find out w.'iat cannot be done, and
than to go an^ do it!" . ■ -n
I feel terioua piompti^s hen to have a fling at science tliat wiu
aarely bring down the wrath of our Pre«deut on my unfortunate
bead. I wDl try to aadwrate bim by aying that acience demand*)
oar graataat leapeec No one can hare more rererenee for acience
thaa i ha»e myidf — when it keep* it« place. But we are suffering
{rxb aeiaaoe, acd faaey ia dying out of the land. It ia doing serious
hara to photofrraohv us a picture-produdnj; art. \N'hen a student
ought to fcitu : onatruction of a picture, and developing in
hii aoal the a: .'• •>» »» 1*^ *^^'»y ^T '''* flickering u/nit
/mtuma of aaeoce, and guM mad over developers. " .Vnother new
danionw'' baa mote effect on the tender feelings of Ui« brathrm of
the eaaera than would the advent of a jwet-pho Thfs
y,— rf,.. « Tariation oa Rejlander's Tteo n 'ti/* of J youth
tnvala along the plnaaM and virtuoua walks of art, n a iixtt^uing to
the SiiMM of Fact'; ftttdofena of otbea are decoyed to the woreer
way, and an aoon bat in the aeduetire vanitiea and aabtleties of
MiMea. They bat loi^l enoagh, perfaapa, to modify a developer—
with which adeoee, however, tells them they can do little or nothing
— «ad an heard of no more, except in the 'multitudinous platitudes
im^ in 1^ aadba diacaaaon* of abatractions in »..iciety papers : and
the ffi— »i^ diaan of the fotan ia an Institute of Photography
fitn which Art b to be eidudad. Art will be vary glad to part
aoapany.
Let ua ba gOMoa* and admit that Seieaee hat itt good points, but
it is dfling agood dsal of harm in the world. It b robbing us of otur
illuaioa*. Tm srisafw of History ba* defrauded Richard III. of his
bump, aade II«ary Vltl. a moral character, and gone audaciously
nigh til proving that Jadi the Giant-killer never existed. We are
bond by the tedioua paper* of than wbo "have not the ^it to
esMgena nor the geaioa to roaanee,* and a synonym for dulnese is
a laeton at the Royal Society. Bat aoiaatiata an not without their
>.n.>«.». aoaaata. Ia oar o>wn Art I eaaaot help thinliing that
siMiiliari an trifling with a aerioua aubjeet when they tetl ii* that
wa aanot do m we lilw with oar dertlopeia, or when tli-y bring
)(g^l^BM to bear on uittiim makiiy But th» humotir i« not all
oaa iida,aad wa not nafnqueathr enjo.N .t tlie prodigi
fli^aa they aoaatiae* uae to crack oar p its.
v^at kaaidtaea to do with art, except to prfride mat^als for it<i
oaf it b oaly of late that art haa, on the one band, been made h)
depMid on abaoluU *ientiac truth ; and, on the other, by the tame
wtttna, bean proved, in tha eaae of photofpaphy, not to be an art
baeaMa it cannot deviate from truth. It is aenly an incident, an
OfW'lilait. a detail ; call it what yoa will, that science, aometimes of the
highaat awl BMstdbtraaiiM hind, beonnacted wit! - making
photcgtaphy. The iciaBM that deab with the nat iman,
or the cabolaiiaa of tlie curve of a ba^ b a verv ■iiT.uuii ooom
indeed to pinhirr making by the nw of pbotognjphie aataiab.
The oa of aaariih iavMtad by othan for a dadida parpota ean
aaaraaty ba aOad wiain If o tebatifle thaofr should be allowed
to have wrfght with aa artist who haa ptaetbed bu art Buccaatfullv
for yaaa, aad knowa what be wanU aad how to get it. If,
for fm*"'~j I waa told that it waa proved hv science tiiat the
n^caUva woubl aot ybld aU the tonea of ' honkl rraly that
aaay ycanT pnetiea bad coovinesd bm < : .l-known fact, hut
the aen cinaattaaoa of it beii« proved ad«otiiieaUy did not alter
the beta, or farther liait the loaaa. When it waa proved saen-
tifleaBy to Dbnaaa that be eoaU not walk round his tub, that
bnaonoa pUkaophar atttled the aatter by walking round that de-
I ill fclM tail mini I am afraid I have u*e<l ihi') illustration some-
wiienMbta, bat bt it paw. In art, the arti>t •■<?« liin resulta, andit
is for lua to jndga, from bis knowledge of art and nature, »»< *'""<^
whether bu reeulu are true, or, at any rate, if th.y lie properiy and
an what be wants. The artbt ha to do with appMaaeee, t he
Mbatbt with fact*. It M aot enowh to ay thb U not ttae. The
qncathm is. Is it true enough for arnttic porpoaeaP
I have allnded to datalopaeot oaee or twice. Two iw c ever
seientiita, whoa I aaeb reapaet. Dr. Ilorter and Mr. l»riffield, have
■roved to eveiybodv's nnsatisfactioo that photogrMhen have no
ooatrol over the gradbtiona ; but this doea not att^r «i« fart thnt —
to put the tiapbot oaa^be know* when a ne;.'" <"-
axpueed, or davebped too denae or too thin to i^
ideaoTnatun a far a in him liaa, aad his an win miow. i uen
on
prodigioat
302
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[March 25, 1892
than has been another gtent attempt made to show that the per-
•pecttTe of photography w not Bcientifically true. If the attempt was
aucoeasfal, which is very doubtful, Tf Ao" cares f It_ has been true
enough not to be found out for fifty years, and that is good enough
for holography. Can it have been the want of truth that has un-
consciouMy compelled artists since the beginning to admire the truth
of photographic prospective, and rely on its veracity P Here is
Another psrndi>xical nut to crocli.
But my business is not to make a feature of the truth of any part
of photography. On the contrary, I want to clear its character of
the unartistic virtue of being nothing but a truthful, inevitable,
«tupid purveyor of prosaic fact.
Painters sometimes trust to us for truth ; the Law Courts are
becoming more wary, and appreciate our deviations. I was once
found fault with by an artist for " altering " a photograph, on the
plea that it would mislead a painter if he wanted to copy it. I found
he had copied it before he saw the scene, and when he afterwards
compared his picture with it, he found a clump of trees that should
have appeared on the left transferred to the right. I had made the
alteration by double printing, and improved tlie composition. I did
Tint want a meri' local view. T don't know that there is anything
more exasperating than for a painter to take it for granted that it is
a photographer's buaness to play jackal to his lion, and hunt up food
for him ; but it ia a blessed truth that we can deceive him if we like.
Painters ought to be more grateful to us than they are. Besides
prodding some of them with subjects, we have taught them what to
avoid — educated them on the Spartan and Helot principle — and art
haa vastly improved during the lialf-century of our existence. We
have made the column and curtain background absurd. When our
art was born, painters thought nothing of violating perspective by
pladng the horizon as low as the feet of their portraits, and made no
difficulties about hanging heavy curtains from the sky, and we are
atiU fulfilling our useful mission of showing artists the ridiculous
things they ought not to do, but it is asking too much to provide
subjects for them — idea, composition, and detail. A painter should
never use photography until he is capable of getting on without it,
and then he should make his own photographs. To copy another
man's work is not honest, and is a lazy and mischievous method of
attempting to make a living.
I am afraid I have filled my space without giving as many
specimens as I could wish of the possible delinquencies and untruth-
fulnesses that art requires and photography can accomplish : but I hope
1 have shown that, if it cannot lie like paint, it has the merit of
approaching it in mendacity.
I will conclude with another illustration of the capabilities of our
art for useful falsification. I once knew a photographer (it sounds
better to put it that way) who was employed, for the purposes of a
Parliamentary Committee, to make a series of .photographs showing
that one place was much more picturesque than another. Some
ugly gas-works were to be erected, and it was desirable to place
them on the least beautiful of two spots. It may be also mentioned
that it was likewise neeessarj' that they should be placed on the site
that best suited the promoters. Both places were very picturesque,
but in the photographs it was easy to see the one site was a little
rustic paradise (with suitable figures and fine skies), and the other a
dreary desert, all foreground of the plainest ! Yet both were true
to fact, and they had the intended effect.
In conclu.sion, let me express the pleasure I feel in being afforded
the fascinating opportunity of saying a few humble words in praise of
lying in a room which has been saturated with truth and fact for
more than a hundred years— ever since, indeed, Barry " restored the
antique spirit in art " by painting his anachronisms on the walls, and
from which building emanates the prospectus of the Chicago Exhibi-
tion, which honours ourart with the crowning paradox of classing photo-
graphy with Instruments of Precision. H. P. Robinson.
ON THE PRESERVATION AND DETERIORATION OF
GELATINE NEGATIVES.
Pekuaps within the whole range of one's photographic experience
there is scarcely anything which causes more annoyance and regret
to a careful worker than to find that, after all the care bestowed in
the production and subsequent proper storage of negatives, a deterio-
ration or decay, sure and certain in its action, will set in, and over
which there is no control.
Among the numerous forms of deterioration, perhaps one of the
most annoying is that of the sudden appearance of spots or specks of
varj-ing shapes, and frequently of a dark brown colour, wliich, after
* Ume, will change to a lighter tint, and eventually become almost
transparent. These brown or yellow spots have from time to time
given rise to a considerable amount of discussion, and various have
been the opinions formed and expressed by experienced workers as to
their cause. All seem, however, to agree that it is almost useless to
hope for any success to attend any attempts to remove them when
once they have taken root in a negative. Some workers have advo-
cated a "certain method of treating such flaws to a weak bath of
cyanide, &c., as a means of getting rid of them ; but such, I fear, ia
by no means a certain cure for this trouble, and in many other ways
a very doubtful one, for the whole range of tone in the negative is
almost sure to suffer when such a treatment is resorted to, and hence
more harm than good is likely to result.
Intimately associated with the question of the deterioration of
negatives is that of their preservation, and therefore we find the
common practice resorted to of applying a coating of varnish or
some other suitable medium, such as plain collodion, to insure the
surface of the film against damage of various kinds. It has been
claimed by some of our most experienced workers in photography
that, once a gelatine film free from defects has received a coating of
collodion, and then a further coat of varnish, that such is an absolute
protection against all atmospheric influences, and proof against surface
contaminations from such as damp printing paper, &c. I am afraid,
however, those who hold these views claim too much — at least, it has
not been so in my experience — and in the course of this article I shall
be able to show and offer incontestable proofs that such a treatment
i^ absolutely useless to ward off or prevent a certain disease or decay
getting in on gelatine films on glass.
Doubtless, the common practice of varnishing negatives, as a pre-
caution against certain injuries and accidents commonly met in with
almost daily in every printing room, is quite a wise precaution against
even such seemingly trivial matters as a drop of water or saliva from
a printer's moustache ; for, when any adhesion of the printing paper
takes place with the negative film, it is an easy matter to remove the
varnish, and get the plate recoated before any damage is done, and .
many a valuable plate has been saved by such an action taken
promptly.
But there are numerous other forms of deterioration met in with
in gelatine negatives which no coating of varnish seems able to
prevent, and the knowledge of this has raised the question in many
minds that, after all is considered, if it is not quite as well never to
varnish. I know more than one worker whose hairs are grey with
photographic experience who entirely discards varnishing in every
way, alleging that such is quite likely to injure an otherwise healthy
film, and do more harm than good.
For some years this subject has given me a good deal of thought,
and I have studied somewhat closely the various forms of deteriora-
tion and flaws commonly met in with in gelatine plates, in the hope
of being able to form a somewhat definite opinion as to their cause
(at least, in some particular kinds of them), and, if possible, hit upon
a remedy as a safeguard against such ; and, perhaps in this more than
any other phase of photography, the old saying holds good, viz., " To
find out the cause is to effect a cure.''
So far back as the year 1886 I began to give some thought to this
•ubject, and I confess that I was among those who, on theoretical
grounds at least, formed the opinion that, when a gelatine negative
film was subjected to a coating of collodion and finally varnished,
such was proof against all atmospheric influences. Before long, how-
ever, I had a rude awakening.
It transpired that in the summer of 188C 1 had occasion to use some
extra rapid plates, which were coated with an emulsion that was pre-
pared by what is known as the ammonia process ; these plates, I may
say, were made under my own observation, and at the time yielded
negatives, when developed with pyro and soda, that were all that
could be desired — hence the extra precaution on my part to protect a
good thing when I had got it. So they were straight away treated as
follows : —
The films were first rubbed with a silk handkerchief, then coated
with a plain collodion, and finally, on top of that, they got a good
coat of spirit varnish. For a long time all went we'll, and not a
single one of the batch showed any signs of deterioration, or spots or
specks of any kind. During the winter of 188fi and spring of 1887
they were carefully stored away with other plates in mahogany,
grooved boxes, placed in a dry parlour cupboard, and, so far as I
could discern, were in no way subjected to any sudden change of
temperature and damp. In the autumn of 1887, however, I had
occasion to throw off a good many prints from one of these negatives,
and all went well— no signs of spots or deterioration in any degree,
and so the winter of 1887 passed. In the spring of 1888, however,
judge of my disgust to find one of my pet negatives attacked by a
disease in the shape of minute spots of a brown colour, and these had
MwdiM^iaaf)
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OP PHOTOGRAPHY.
S08
ih^ ftfpMraae* of aatiiif down ioto th» ilm. It wm quite eHdMt •
■ -ar of wnakiadlMdwt ia,UMl bad becopogTCMinfr all tha winter.
My Biet thoa)(iit wm how to mt« tlM negatiTe, end w I immediately
tet aboBt tmnowiag the vsraiah hy mmat of BeUtylated ipiriu, think-
iiW that by m iemg I would get baUad the apou. But here I waa
■Mtikan; th> tkntu waa deepet dow», aad Md aetaaDjr penetrated
faito the pMaa Aha thn>mh the eoatNr (^ «oUadiaa<
TUe naplh* I aow took aaMCtal one of , do« aa oa* evar Khdjr to
ailacd m» aiiih piaaaiiHi in ue waj of printing, bat aa one that
wa«ld yield m» aoBe iiifiwaMiai aad inai^t into the natnre and
Iwhaiiniii of the inriifioaB diwaw that had «et in, and to I hare caze-
folly wstehad thaae apota from tiaae to tiaae aad notieed their appear-
idar Hm aieroaeope, in the hopaa of bein* able to form tome
) osiaioa aaant them. One thiag I had kaned, vii., that no
J ofTamiah or ooUodioa eouU he raBed 1000 aa a prvTeniive of
thia fona of dmy or diwaie, which, to my mind, waa elnu-ly inherent
in tha gaktiae fllm itaelf.
Hputa III apiHfca.aiid iiiiiiiaiiiaa iithw lain whirh dearly eooie nader
the tatUimj of MktU aad iaIaiiBWifcio, an, jnvuiy apeakiap,
diviriUa into three daaaee :— la tha frat plaee, we feaee a eertain
kind of tfou which are elearlj tnoMUe to the ahotteooiagi of the
plate maW Saeoadly, we haea aaaHoaa forma of MofMa defecta
■ad alMaa that aiM from ihaeraairiMlnd ifaanae* oa the part of
llwwaekw. ThfadT, w« hat* by te tka moat dai
oaa form «f epota that are iahanal fa (ka Ilm ii
Car aa I kaow, we hare ao power to pMraat.
I than tieat of thtae latter defedi Int. Whaa aaj eaa for the
bat time viewa throoah a fairly good ■inwnnpa a nlaUae aaRatiTe,
■m^. lay, a oae^aeh power, thajr anaot bat be fbraibljr Impramed
with the neat baaaty aad inaami aftha dapoait of maiallie drar
wbU, oa deiabpmii, baa laha Urn ilMa of the eah-briMida of
dvw, farmed oaezpoaM of tkaplrt»«alght. TMe melaBe depoait
variaa, of eooree, aeeoadiag to the Jmdnwa or Uah Ufhti of the a^p
tim : hot the Rimin, wkaa the Urn ia ii a heahhy aiala, aad aoC dla-
tatbad by aay drfeet erdeeay, ia alway* fomad to Ttald a bMotifnOy
etaa appMiaa«a ef a dark frey Heel cobar, aomethma liha the min
Mea ta tea eamfT japtr, the giaia baiag btaalifai^ area aad free
from an lampa aad fiw|Aiitha TWapfwn«eeaf a oortkaof tha
*ky, at aaia whaa efawad iknagh the aitooaeppe with a oa»4aek
powtr, thowa that the menai Jw b eeealy dietribated, thare being
aa iawe or dietarbiag el
iteelf , aad whieh, eo
In mT next I hope to iifar to the attend aietct of the Skm
in. t. S.
decay baa tet in.
ABMaraona.
A STEBBOeOOPIC 8BUTTEB.
BKnwa tha iaeaiiahla dbatdrrato eaaiMoa to
ite ia oaa for
there are
■V I vr wvwHvwfBv worfc, oao
Ike other gmaler kaath ef
fiaaad oMMla beiaf of aaek
pniaaR laifpartaaea ia a goo4 ttafaagaipb. Baca tbaaa paiali aat
iMimV to obtaia with tha doable oap, aad a ehatter ie atamt* a
aaeaarfty. Oaa eaa bay loeely thattata, ef eoorm; bat that* are aa
auay to whom aeary item of atpeaae ie importaat, that the dtterip
tioa of a moat tamiei aad eaaily aaida abetter wiD be atafaL I
do aot kaow if it it at all qtjgiaal pwbably aot. Ooaeaqatatlr, if
a thatter baa bewi |i iillil Irfbaa. Iheatby apebirfm. (fit
r oaa'e paiaat, 1 mart aril tha Bditor to enmata tUe earef aBy.
I baliave it U, at all avMla, aew la maay.
a diagiamt will almoet ipeak for thimmleea. It will be ataa
the tkalter eeatiala aa a whole ef a hack aad fraot aoeatiat
t perfetaled for the Itaoat, aad that, ia the apaaa left
hMfc aad fiaat boanb. weritowtel b aracliaa^oaa Ubde of a
falor, motive power bill waplod by tha aHoatloa ef oae of
ban, oawbfah the "bbde'toaiiaa the ehatter jroparb Uaged.
[Thia thatter rboa aatO the ban an jaat Ityaad the ptrptadiedar,
tha loaan an aaeorend, nd Iha oMMarwiQ rmaaia open
> toaeh of tha -triggm' iiliatiGii of tha toager
.ttla'ckKd." (t win he etoa at oan that the ezpooora
be mode pretty rapidly —xjoile eaoogh 00 lor aay ofdiaafy porpoae,
at rapidly ae aay aleraeocopic |ietare b Hholy to ha taken.
^ die^rama are drawa to onb half 4m. The oae drawback
owiag to Ihaflalaaat aad fightatm of malaiial aaed ia a email
•aa, b in the leagth of the whob okaMar bobf dMrtly heyoad that
t of aa bah (or
The emlwiaf of the okatlar b of ^ ^„
bm)eedar(iieythaaotfiriaigar^baa),theohatl« prop* hitaf of the
•ame. PatalM ban of bram or rabaaite. Exeapt for the baa oata-
iafP, aad Iha oaa rtn aaaB apartara aaraetary for the pnloandW,
the whob htiag nehnd, then b ao diAealty or estra earafal Ctliag
[ rriaind to mini BghtKiglHaeat. The Itami an attached by maaaa
•f aa extra hatt-indi wooden tfip perforated to fit them, glued, ot
aenwed to the hack.
The diagraett are planned for a pair of rapid landacape leiaee,
mounted at the regulation three and a quarter inch centre. Tbr parallel
ban a 6 aad a h' an^ivolad at what an the bm)A eooaomical pointa,^
thaptToUataaada'oaillMmoviarportioBheingoatheeentrrline at
ila iai— aliBB with a iriwb waiatyundiny with the lent tpcrt uree. Ia
amUag aa tha tbanoa tha ania poinu t4> be obtenred en> that the
hobaui tae ban a * aad a" A' an at eiectly the taote dittanee. It ia
beat to pat oaa oa tha other, aad drill the two tiaaltaneoatly. Tbe
Itqgth of then ban ia, of eoara^ detarmiaad by the height to which
tht thatter i« niaed: bat the dielann betwaao the pointa a a and
h If moot bo exactly the taon, or the thutter will not open evenly.
Ia the plaa Um iliatoncm an three and a ooarter inchea.
The eepantion betwaaa the front and back buarda ia jaat enoagb
to allow the tkattar to work eaaily. At will be teen, the bottom
elip of wood by whiek they an aeparated ie rtemmil to take the
panlbl bare, Iha ihatlar thtnlow Ittiag doeely to the back eorering
board aad bmaa, than b ao ahaaoa of aay atngr light eotering.
Tha ahaHar, with a few aanfal aMaaanaoaMik will be found very
eaay to make aad my oatitfaetory ia working. The foreground
oatpoaan b far loagar thaa that for the tkT, aad mar be of toy
dantioa. T^en eaa he ao rihration, aad tae whole tning it Ttry
light, and eoata a littb troabk and tome aerawt,
Krt. C. W. Whistlbb.
THS ACID ACTIOS OF DBAWINO PAPEB OF DIFFERK2)T
MAK£8.
ICtirttJ teittty.l
In a tonmiinloatlim to the Britieh Aanebtion, On iht FoMag 0/ Wattr
Column (</. Ckemieal Stmt, Vol. LIV. p. SM). I ibowed that moiatore
aad aeidity wen the ehb( awate ol the tadiag of etrtain pigmeata. Tbe
mU la the air o( lovat b ptodoead from tolphor in the oool, in the air
ol noma from the eioiaolit amoont ot gaa which ia bant, aad ia
eettala aolean iiiintilM to Ibtlr mode of prepantioa. It waa aofgaelal
that of«B Iha ^aht atUltar of dnwwg papma mi^ ha asMoitd la
fffftHtatt ehtaaitai ehaMe, the aeliaa ia each can boag a gradnal on*.
I bad experlmeattd witfi vaiioiu kuub ot the beet paper in ate, both ot
'JOi
TUE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGK.U'HY.
[March 23, 1892
nid tnd iMent mAoafaetarei tnd bad ooms to the conolaaion that suoh
papwa were inTsriably add, eren thoee of the most excellent quality.
The bet was accounted (or aa follows:— The fibre of which the paper
ia made b ateeped in dilate aulpbario aoid, and the sabaeqaent washing
with pare water does not entirely remoTe tlie aoid from linen fibre, of
which the beat papers are made. I have actually found fine linen to
retain traees of aoid after it has been steeped in frequently renewed
pure distilled water for a period of three weeks. The acid seems to
aombine with the fibre, and the resulting compound is only slowly de-
eomposed or dissolved by the action of water. Such linen gives a blue
eoloar when an aqueous solution of iodine is dropped upon it. There
was no intention to convey the idea that the paper contained free aoid
in audi quantity that it could be easily removed by washing, or that it
would affect litmut paper, which gener^ly is not a sensitive agent. The
samples of paper exliibited at the meeting were carefully tested in the
following manner : — A pure and neutral solution of azolitmin, prepared
troin litmus, was allowed to drop upon the paper and soak into the fibres ;
the edges of the drops were then examined, and found to be red. The
bulk of the liquid was then removed by a piece of the same paper, with
the result that in every case a red spot was seen, which dried red.
Another mo<1e of testing was as follows : — A clear sable brush, washed
in distilled water, was used for applying a wash of pure neutral azo-
litmin solution, aa if it were a pigment ; such washes turned red upon
the paper.
Professor Church, in his valuable work on The Chemittry of Paints and
Paintinii, published in 1890, remarks that he is unable to endorse my
statement that the best drawing papers have an acid action. He finds.
In fact, that sized papers are generally neutral to test-papers, and that
inferior papers are more often slightly alkaline than acid.
As some doubts may be entertained as to the quality of the papers
examined by me, it may be well to state that they were all of the best
quality, mo^t of them being of Whatman's make. That no question may
arise on this point, I have tested the samples named below in three ways :
irst, by dropping litmus solution upon the paper ; secondly, by washing
with a sable brush ; thirdly, by steeping strips of paper in pure distilled
warm water, and testing the water for acidity, and also for sulphates.
The acid action was recognised by a pure litmus solution, by an ordinary
laboratory preparation, and by a carefully prepared solution of helianthin,
though this last agent is not very sensitive.
Tlie results are identical with such as I obtained on former occasions.
The description of the samples and their actions is as follows : —
1. Whatman's hand-made paper, 90 lbs., old make. Washes, add;
drops, acid ; water, decidedly acid. Large precipitate with barium sul-
phate insoluble in dilute chlorhydrio acid.
2. Whatman's double thick imperial, 140 lbs. Washes, acid ; drops,
acid ; water, decidedly acid. Large precipitate of barium sulphate, as
with No. 1.
3. Whatman's double elephant, hand-made. Washes, aoid; drops,
aoid ; water, strongly acid. Large precipitate of barium sulphate, as with
No. 1.
4. \\'hatman'8 hand-made, 72 lbs., 1887. Washes, acid ; drops, aoid ;
water, deddedly acid. Large precipitate of barium sulphate, as with
Mo. 1.
6. Saunders's hand-made. Washes, acid ; drops, acid ; water,
decidedly acid.
6. Hollingworth's machine-made paper. Washes, barely acid ; drops
pf strong litmus, neutral in colour ; water, very slightly acid, almost neutral.
7. Arnold's unbleached hand-made paper. Washes, aoid.
No further tests for acidity were recorded.
All these samples were procured, especially for the purpose of these
tests. It will be seen from these notes that there were good grounds for
attributing an acid action to even the best of drai^-ing papers. In other
words, if a very sensitive solution of pure Utmus be applied to paper in
the same manner as a strong pigment, as, for instance, in delicate washes,
the action is, in almost every case, distinctly aoid ; but, if a drop of •
strong solution be allowed to sink into the paper and dry up, its colour
may be so slightly changed as to appear violet, leading to the inference
that the paper is neutral. The strength of the solution of litmus, and
the manner in which it is applied, must tlierefore be taken into account,
because the quantity of the purple colouring matter in contact with the
paper may be more than suflicient to overpower the red tint caused by
the aoid present in the moistened material. It is, therefore, extremely
probable that there has been no diCFerence between the opinions of
Professor Church and myself, but only an incomplete understanding as
to the degree of acidity of the paper. Solutions of heUanthin painted on
the various samples of paper gave at first a pure yellow tint, which
gradually changed to a colour intermediate between rose colour and
yellow. Very dilute solutions, washed on freely, showed after some minutes
a pale rose colour, mixed with a yellowish tinge.
_ A sufficiency of acid yields a fine rose tint with such a solution. Hol-
lingworth's paper did not show in any degree an acid action with helian-
thin, although it gave a slight indication with litmus.
Di.scussiox.
Mr. Wade remarked that perhaps the sulphate detected by Professor
Hartley was derived from thioeulphate, which, it was well known, was
aaed as an antiohlor in mannfaotoring paper.
Mr. Groves said it would be desirable to know more of the history of
the papers. Was gas burnt in the room in which they were stored, and
were the sheets examined taken from the tops of the packets ? If so, it
was possible that the sulphuric aoid was derived from the gas ; it would
be desirable to test the centre portions of sheets taken from the middle of
the packet.
Professor Hartley's remarks on this criticism are as follows : — The cir-
cumstances are not within my recollection, and I am unable to make
inquiry at present, but drawing paper in sheets is kept in drawers, at a
height of not more than three or four feet from the ground, and carefully
protected from dust and damp. As a rule, the samples tested by me
have been taken from the middle sheets of sketch blocks prepared from
Whatman's hand-made papers, and purchased from Lechertier, Barbe, A
Co., Eegent-street. Imperial and double elephant were the kinds most
used. I am well acquainted with the effect of a sulphurous atmosphere
on paper, but cannot think that the acidity to which I refer is to be
attributed to such a cause. W. N. Hihtlbt, FJi.S.
®ur IBliitertal Eatlt.
Adams's Binocdlar Pantascopk.
Messrs. Adams & Co. (Charing Cross-road and Aldersgate-street)
having; now completed their Binocular Pantascope, we have been
afforded an opportunity of examining it. As will be seen from the
drawing, this pantascope is a parlour-table instrument for viewing
lantern slides by both eyes. In form it is elegant, and it is well
made. Messrs. Adams make them in three styles : one for lantern
slides pure and simple; a second and a third with a chromatrope
attachment behind, by which the light passes through tinted media,
and imparts effects of natural colour to the scene under examination.
This system of inspecting lantern views is so good, that it is certain
to be generally adopted as an alternative to projecting them by the
lantern, and a parlour table on a winter's evening will scarcely
be complete without two or three of these instruments upon it. The
better class of pantascopes have an ingenious arrangement by which
small paper photographs also may be viewed.
The binocular pantascope sells at 25«., 31s. 6d., and 42*. respectively,
according to the style.
RECENT PATENTS.
APPLICA'nONS FOR PATENTS.
No. 4943.— " Improveipents in Photographic Burnishing Machines." Com-
mnnicated by J. H. Smith. Complete specitication. H. B. Basww.— Dated
March 14, 1892.
No 4999.— "An Improved Magnesium Lamp." E. yfEKia.— Dated Marc/i
14, 1892.
No. 5003.—" Improvements in Lamp Apparatus for Magnesium or Similar
Lights.' G. a EABin.— Dated March 14, 1892.
No. 5008.—" Improvements in or appertaining to Printing Plates or Blocks
formed by Photographic Means." J. Hnfzs.— Dated March 14, 1892.
No. 5051.— "Improvements in Folding Racks for Draining Photographic
Plates." D. Au^s.— Dated March 15, 1892.
No. ,5056.—" Improvements in Adjustable Levels for Photographic Camera
btands, and for other Like Puri)oses." E. Martin.— Dated March 15, 1892.
No. 5132.—" An Improved Hand Camera." A. C. Smith and A, A. Smith.
—Dated March 16, 1892.
No. 5174.— "An Improved Box for Optical Lanterns and the Like." W.
D. AsKKK.—/)alai March 16, 1892.
No. 5345.— "An Improve.l and Inexpensive Toy Photographic Camera." J.
Gags.— Dated March 18, 1892. J a f
No. 5479.—" Improvements in Photographic Shntters." Commuuicated bj
Banquand and Marre. E. G. Bkewzr.— Dated March 19, 1892.
Mktth i.;, 1804]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH V.
305
iftntinqsi of ftoctetiejS*
MBBTIR6S or 80CIKTIB8 FOR KEXT WKBK.
PHOTOGBAPBIC BOaETY OT GBBAT BRITAIK.
Mamlm .£1-T«iuikal MMtii«. Mr. J. TnOl Ttjrkr ia tb* cUir.
Ut. T. K. DALunm imtrAfA tha atw tttm of hh 1«U nWiHwniililr Imm,
lawt «H« tkM iMiwItif te «nMM«i mmO* «aa oktaiaairaMtMa IW
'Mjg '■"'■■J. «M» «^ V^ M grty tfc» >«ek iMM of th* jortnH
rJMHtMvtf waMTo^iKta. B« p»o«»n< wwwiiMii ftummK^ib.
'I JiatK «> 01wg»w. m«i»i»«^ «Hp— «■ »>•» «i^i ptiiliiijiiMi hat.
Ita CmuKUM mii tkfj iNTclMfi ta« r-|ii1iimTTli rfil iii«Im
*>M*r.*« tti «*MM aitet^ airfi to MfMto Mdrtte M£ilfSr
>tMlf pcalMttlMMIS ni tM > MMHMi IJMIIil ll MlkM mS^
tmt a( dM OdII— <th4m^ Ha iiniKriim Jfe n>nwiiM •■
'. in
ilk* NHit mbU aot b* » ilMqk Wiik tk* Idw-
iMil bMB abb to ffrt dilaO* Ml mvikd I7 u ot«»-
BKV«nialMM4
ktotim lallNr
,'<«• of mil>ow<
not mlilll.
-^w A ob4 any^*4 vet of
— -rf ■HiiiM»»dtb«»»
«kkk
Hw
» h«l«IMlM<IH
•M* ia NftHM* to «nptaf oa m
-I«t
«f thh
31 . Tim Ur
tb* MBrtlf* M* plMad at
''7to««*artiLTlM
F«rti af A* piito aMl
— .._, tad danadad ■•as Um
■yoa Um
|a«ar to 1MB: Md laat by M<
CviMr, J. TtaiU Tirlar, r. BdJta
>rkli CnK «M oa ria*.
«a »•■ tha eaOaettoa that tfw
,W.rwMi>MMaprialaaaw|aadaaadiiila iliiiiitoaMi^htA,
1^. ***t y*^^ 'jlL J * ** ijjijj itM3y. tti«X
liait. witdi. ta aaaa aaaa^ toak aaarkaaN. Twhin ihto taaiar
Id to y iiMH ■aiy baqaaa aUthat Uiaa htof wa gai^ aa. rariS
?*y.y*P. >'*.>!'**'..^ .^ «*<»«* •yry iaaSb BaM «f Iha
haJ ■MaaaChatttatotola w« a—ll all iirfhatoi. WMkMaaa
plrtihaKaiiWiwIlar— <Mlaaa.tttlaMawhadiaaaf%httb»ath
SO W.^iiain>aa«Mhdmw>aaMa«y<Bato(ba flirt fl
■"irnr^vtokad. H*had.lak«l,praf«dtttohatkaaaaa
IltoCMMUaaM ha haitod ' ' • - ' j1 | 1
that patoti van
prtatia
rrkm. HTpa did Bot aaatoMt
rlrtMaaakiatdiy.
Jb. flBiua lUaiUJ mow Ih«
t»w«c. had Uad aad Mai friakTi? plaaad Ihaa to bypa^rtkoat
"^*««*y ■JV'JM"' «*— i^ .fcto»«f MTpir. FtaWi) prfarta aa lh«
•■. y»*wtoad to HR lad (Mr haaa vMhad Ito taa boon.
la »o»*« • »«• of thaat* {a ika.. «lM> had laat tha o4d {dctona, tha J
to Ihafoaih lid^ Ibaa to atohlM.
Craiuian »aid nothing better than the Utter htm prodaced at the praaant
day, either as negatiraa, ortho- or isochronutic eflacts, artutic compo^tkau.
«r production of an optical tooL *»«>«»,
LONDON AND PROVINCUL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCUTION.
lUarB 17.— Mr. J. Train Taylor in the chair.
Hr. W. Bouts waa elactad a member of the Aaaodation.
* ^^g"^,'*°" *!?,*?' ■*«d,*ti«ther, with w»t pUtaa, a foriy-^ntn bath
>.>- i_ 1...1. «_•.._ t • , ^j^ iodlaad or
qoaatioi __
waa better than a thirty-grain bath for Une wott aad^^a'pii
broBO-kdiaad edlodioe to (w preremd F
na CHtlBMaw obaamd that in »nch a caae great eriipnm and a coaaidai^
>hla d«p«a of tatoui^waN wanted. The naoaTwajr with thoaapfcatgnBohera
who waffced nffDdaaiaB Brocoaaea WW to dard^Tha I
•R)i>7 aad aaaKmiom anlpUda. Ha thioaght a thirtr^ain
A final iatanaihcation with potaadniD cyanide and direr
intaaaiiy with aercaty
bath wobU d& ' *
„jtiTc£daiiriy, and
HetboaghtaC-
cyanide glraaaraat intendtr.
Mr. A. U Hissfluaa adrooated a tweetT-graia baUt Weak hathagava the
WBM iataaaitT m atfong oaea. The method "Trrtt^H by the Chaiimau waa
tcactiaad atsoathamptoa.
I* topir to a iiaartiga. •• Wiakara the ad«Mti«aa of a bhuU iantan, and in
raohwariaaiaatMBtoiiBtiAlii whaaaOaetdidaianehownl" Mr. T. E.
PkaaavAnB Mid tha oaly adraMaca waattot oaa got a ohaage of pfetoaa I
oanAU aaaaidanlioa iameaaaiiBg op and
./. aa thay oooU haratwo (taat
two dlaoa «— ifaicH> For aany affaot-
WM a f«iy aiania war. kat waatod ean
a4iartiac : baTit waa ao( abaototolr 1
Maaaaaf thawM«oeaa,atoliaafcatha ,„ .^» _r, «ii»r
^"^ *^.?'"» ^ ' *^f>» '■■*«i- CoalhMtofcMr. Ftoahwrtwiidthafc
"".^TSr'Sf J??^\*r '••■IrtarfcrS^iSin. aad ha waa alaaaad to
SLS^."'.».?U^^T*.ir^ ^r~f" oaa to the AaMMMoa. whiThallit.
mahwater) bad JmMgbt with him that erentag.
2?» »™» !* »? "T**"* •«• waad to Mr. Beard and Mr. Ft(«ahwal«.
Mr. Jatoaa Martin a tea cryatol pbctogtaph baiag aithibtlad, Mr. A. Oowaii
•"^•k;^ "^ aalto wiw to thaaratoK Tha oryatala did not looit Uke
pan nacryatola.
Tha OtAlwuii laaiaihil that water, in ftiwlM afactad all hnka aultor
». A. HAMwr told ttat waa aa. rmS^SS^ aoalaeUoifaa in
A bMto waa nad htm a Omm photo
affha Iwrlrtlaa eoaU |d«a h
ptHtopaphM aofkad oa »Hda:
.tftha.
aa to whothar
ibyfraadagi
rMrJ.UBMnmm«imU ba^ wotkad oa 8Ba<Uya,aad ha-l i«id the
^.J»^Ba had amay timaa ba« haht. tha Lbrd Mayor, Ji.l linad
.w^w JiU???' ."J?!.? '^"^ admHiaamit fbr him. aad La di<l not
th^kahadbaaaralnadallhar maalally, arWtaally. or pbyaleally by takiM
•^m^^bTdSss;
-■flliilTrhlalttj L —_-^-._->_ .„««„,
it "K^Vtotanaaaa, aad Ilia vboblhiM had oalreaatTpiw!
UT^ ta Mr. H JS^oTwalhoaght wtohlMZr TSySd Wtoo'ZS
aahOdtod a anaO hns with a littla eattao-waol
Hahadaaad 11 wtt graat toueaia, aad tha whola tM^ had only eoal
•top
thiQagh waahlaathar
OBuadli^brnroMa
Tha CiAOnuir had
bynaaaaorapMoa.
11*0 orar tha ap«tm aa a lltor.
Mr. W. K
... - -— — — - <--^~ » eaOodlo-brotoidatnaaparaaey, BMda with
.J'^^JJfSE'!' T* *■ ■*'»'* •»»«»■«' if«t, Md fcand ovary
eaa of thaa MAiMlL hlliiH I I » how awch watoTwiS la^afaad to pn^
«■*"•>>■■ dlMMML ttMaatoiatog howauMhwatorwaa raoataad to BIO-
^iaTtoXuStoPtJSr^ that i. thaaoaaaa it waa tw^itypar oSI
nwCaAiuuaaBUriClkajr •oaUaoaabaari^thaoUaalhylatodapiiit
Mr. Mackm lad toiriitliBlii aaawlea of tha old htod «f «ja qVi «i>.
Mackh hd _
WM aotta
1W
Olaai; aad Baekalt.
ia
of tha
^— of thaaUUadof apfatt. Tha aab-
I aaary eaoa wood naphtha, aad aonatimea had • amtll
woodar ■"'
, waa dovotad to an acUbtttoa «f _
BoBto, BawUai^ Aartia, Oori^a,
Twe
^ Manh U^ Mr. Hadlay M. Smith
i^lla baitoato of Am oMBi^ WW a laatMB^Uda oompatUioB, the
to( mada ftato toar Bifalhw aappUad to tha BMobaca Itar Um pnrpoaa.
— "-aaww nadabf aaaaa of two laitaw^ IdaaUoal to thair optical
aad eatataUr a^lailad to giea anaUy lighted diaoa on tha Kreea
hatagthaaahava aida by aida, the iararior oea WW nmorad,
R BatU ditplaaad by a batter. The foor «ata baring baao
«<; •»! <otad apoa, It ww faaad Uiat Mr. J. Oalday had takan
Uirw fiiat plaea aad oaa aaaoad with Mawwa'a laatan platw (pyra davalop-
BMnI); Mr. a J. OroT*. oMdntpiaoaandonaaacoadarttheoaadio-famnida
ptala^ tha aaaMai batof hta own fraparaUoo ; Mr. K M. Oraondwatar, two
aaaoaA alaoM «ttk Ol^i^o^ iMm Qiydioqaiaaaa daralopar). Amoge-
■aaato haaa haaa aada to oMato toakaa from Um Pbotographio Society of
Onst Mtaln of Dr. Jaaarieh'i paper on Photngnphy at apfUtd to Iht Imre-
Maa «/ CrMM, wbidi will ba giTm, with tha ortgiaal illitiatloM, at the next
^' 0Bl>Mda7 ApfatbBtaqaaatoriMataiibtp.m Vhdton art Inrtted.
306
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[March 25, ]«a2
HMkMV Photogntplile Society.— March 17, Mr. Beckett in the chaii\-,
Tha membw* were reminded of the loan collection of ]ant«-n slides. The
IdM w»« to form a collection, which could be lent out to members on applica-
tion. A itault was ihown, in which comparinon had been made between
aloha and onlinary lantern alldea, and it was generally thought that the alpha
wiiiaie bettw. A paper on Lenx* was giTen by Mr. W. P Dando, tracing
tha tableet timu how light was obtained, and the effect brought about by the
leaa. Numerou« diagnuns were used by Mr. Dando to illustrate his paper.
Aitismatiam, spherical aberration, and every point, fault, and otherwise was
exhwiatiTely dealt with by the lecturer, and in a very comprehensive manner,
■o that the merest tyro could understand it.
Poopla'i Palace PhotogT»Phlo Club.— March 18, Mr. R. Beckett in the
chair —This bein>! the last iiiiinbers' l.intem niRht, a number of slides were
put through the lantern. Some slides by Mr. G. Kendall, of bronzes, vases,
and Ubles set for dinner, proved good subjects for lantern slides. Mr. S
Beckett showed a number of slides, some of which, being coloured, elicited-
criticism. An all-day outing to Maidenhead and Cookham for Easter, to which
ladies were invited, was announced.
Poljieeluilc Photographic Society.— -March 18.— The Secretary read a
paper on Collodion awl ih Apiiiiaition to Commercial Plu'l'Vfruphy at the
Praent Time. Although wet plates had been used in the early days for por-
trait work, they are seldein employed now for that purpose ; .some very suc-
oenfU negatives by Mr. W. E. Debenham were shown as illustrations of the
old-time process. The principal uses for wet plates now are for photo-zinco-
graphy, photo-lithagraphy, photography on boxwood for engravers, and for
Eintern plates. Examples of these processes in their various states were shown,
the copies, negatives, photo-prints, transfers, and finished blocks, rendering
the lecture thoroughly clear. Next meeting, March 29, when Captain C. E.
Gladstone will lecture on Weatmiiuter Abbey. Any interested photographer
may obtain a ticket for admission by .sending stamped addressed envelope to
309, Regent-street, W.
Xenalnj^ton and Bayswater Photographic Society. — March 21.— A meeting
for the formation of the Society was held at the Horbury Rooms. Kensington
Park-road, Mr. C. W. Brumwell in the chair, and about forty others being
present It was resolved that the Society should have three officers only,
namely, a President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. The election of a President
is left over until the next meeting. Mr. C. W. Brumwell was elected Secre-
tary, and Mr. F. A. Hahn, Treasurer. The meetings are to be held at half-past
eight p.in., on the second and fourth Fridays in each month until the end of
jfiy. The subecription is to be 5s. to the end of the session (September),
and not to exceed 10.«. annually. The Chairman for each meeting is to have
been elected at the previous meeting. The next meeting will be held on
Monday, March 28, which will be devoted to tlie exhibition of lantern slides.
Ladies and gentlemen wishing to join the Society are reque.sted to send their
names to the Secretary, whose address is 7, Lower-terrace, Notting Hill, W.
Richmond Camera Club.— March 18, Mr. Cembrano in the chair.— Mr.
Faui.k.nkr gave an address on Mitkeshifls, postponed from a former occasion.
A more appropriate title would have been " Home-made Apparatus," for the
various contrivances shown and explained by Mr. Faulkner, besides being
beautifully made and models of compactness, were admirably designed to meet
the various purposes for which they were Intended. They comprised a rocking
developing dish, with adjustable cover to wholly or partially exclude the light ;
a printing frame, with double rebate for holding coloured glass, vignetter, Ac,
and a simple catch for the back springs, avoiding the risk of shifting the paper
in pressing the spring home ; a box for exposing bromide paper, lantern
slides, tc ; a combined .shntter and sunshade, a drying box for negatives, a
lamp for making contact exiwsures, and, finally, a most compact and business-
like quarter-plate hand camera, which could give points to many a much-
advertised " smallest thing in the market."
Croydon Camera Club.— March 14, the President in the chair. — Messrs'
W. H. Heape, J. Smith, and T. B. Roberts were elected members. Mr. D. E-
GoDDAKD read a jiaper on Silver Printing, which was well received by a
considerable gathering.
Mabch 17. — The annual dinner of members and friends was held at the
Greyhoun.l Hotel, Mr. H. Maclean, F.O.S. (the President), being in the chair,
supported by Mr. E. J. Wall (Editor of Arruiteur Photmirapher) and Mr. B.
Gay- Wilkinson (the Vice-President). An enthusiastic an(l numerous gathering
of members sjient a decidedly enjoyable evening, the interest being divided
between the .ittractious of imi.sic and of speeches, devoted to matters more or
less photographic in their .subject-matters. March 28 is a Lantern Night ;
members' slides. On April 4, Lieutenant- Colonel Gale gives a lecture, entitled
Rambles, Rural and Pastoral, illustrated by a selection of his own slides.
Hidland Camera Club.— March 18, the President (Dr. Hall Edwards) in
the chair. — .Mr. John Howson, of the Britannia Works Company, demon-
strated the value of isochromatic plates. Mr. Howson was extremely practical,
and by developing two plates exposed behind a coloured screen, the light used
being magnesium wire, proved conclusively the advantiges of an isochromatic
plate, even without a yellow screen. His points were clearly put and under-
stoo<l. Mr. Bentley snowed the difference he had obtained by the use of an
isochromatic plate ; Mrs. Welford showed a sixty-times Fry's film of a dlfBcult
church interior, to which she gave twenty minutes' exposure, and the result
showed little or no halation, and also some hand-camera shots on isochromatic
films. Mr. W. D. Welfonl (Hon. Secretary) showed the Daisy printing frame,
the Ownligood developing tray, and manipulated the Todd-Forret flash-lamp.
ar OorrMpondmti should n«>«r writ* on both Ma of tht paptr,
BATIO OF GRADATION.
To the Editor.
Sib,— Messrs. Hnrter <fe Driffield say, on page 8 of their pamphlet, " By
no means at his " (the photographer's) "disposal can he alter the ratio
existing between the amounts of silver reduced in the varions parts of the
negative ; they aje regulated entirely by the exposure." In their reply to
Mr. Michael they state they do not hold that the " ratio is invariably the
same whatever the developer employed." Mr. Phillips accuses me of dis-
courtesy in saying these gentlemen forgot what they wrote. His con-
ceptions on the ethics of debate must be peculiar, for if these gentlemen
did not forget, how will he explain the above contradictory statements ?
He is guilty of rudeness to me or of unworthy insinuations against
Messrs. Hurter & Driffield, of the value of whose paper I expressed my
high appreciation. He absurdly gives me a challenge to prove that the ratio
can be altered at will and in the same paragraph implies that Messrs.
Hurter & Driffield's experiments show that it can be so altered. Why,
then, should I give further testimony ? The question altogether is a mere
side issue, but he need not throw surreptitious mud at these able
investigators. — I am, yours, &c., Fbee Lasce.
COPYING INCLINED PICTURES.
To the Editob.
Sib, — Apropos of a recent discussion at the London and Provincial
Photographic Association, I beg to point out to your readers that my
equations on page 859 of The Bbitish JJodbnal 'Photooeaphic Almanac,
1892, supply the necessary details for solving such questions.
Suppose I photograph a diagram 8 inches square, with a lens ol
10 inches principal focus, and reduce the same to 3 inches square,
when both object and camera-back are square to axis of instrument the
equations give the conjugate foci as 3t)-67 inches and 13-75 inches re-
spectively. Now, setting tlie diagram 20° out of square will increase and
diminish the greater focal distance by 1-4 inch at each side ; assuming the
camera-back to remain square with axis, I find that the image will be
2-89 inches and 3-11 inches high at the two sides. Now, to correct this
distortion, I copy with the same lens, and the equations show that I have
to set the original photograph, as well as the camera-back, at an angle of
75i° with the axis, which will represent an angle of 29° with one another.
Should, however, the camera-back have been swung in making the iirst
copy, for the sake of getting better definition, tlie image will be 2 '81 inches
and 3-16 inches high at the sides, and then the original photograph
and camera-back will require to be set at 69|° with the axis and at 41°
with each other. I have often solved similar questions by my equa-
tions, and found the result correct in practice. — I am, yonre, &c.,
J. A. C. Branfill.
The Exhibition of old silver prints produced prior to 1862, to which
reference is made in our report of the parent Society 's last meeting, will remain
open for a few days, so that those who would like to have an opportunity of
inspecting them may Jo so.
DEPTH OF FOCUS.
To the Editob.
Sib, — In his letter published in The British Journ.^l of Photoobapht
last week, Mr. Clifford E. F. Nash takes exception to my statement in
regard to depth of focus depending on the actual size of the stop, un-
influenced by the focus of the lens (p 1G7 in your issue of March 11).
It is certainly correct that the circles of confusion with different lenses
will be the same for the same diameter of stop only when the images are
equal in size. In photographing from a given standpoint with lenses of
different focus, the circle of confusion will be proportionate to the size of
the image or focus of lens, tlie actual measurement of the stop being the
same in either case ; so that if a twenty-inch focus lens were used under
such circumstances that with an aperture of one inch or/- 20, the diffusion
were one-fortieth of an inch, the substitution of a five-inch lens and/-5,
or one-inch aperture, would give ^l^ approximately.
Tliis, however, does not cover the question involved. It does not
necessarily follow that the smaller lens would give four times the depth
of focus of the larger ; dissimilar images cannot be compared by the circle
of confusion alone ; it cannot be assumed that this should be the same in
a quarter-plate as in a 15 x 12 of the same view. A diffusion of outline
that would only give softness in the larger picture would be sufficient to
entirely destroy the character of the liner details in the smaller, as every
detail in one is four times larger than in the other. If the mast of a.
yacht, for example, measured one-sixteenth of an inch, one-fortieth of an-
inch diffusion would be very different from the same amount in an imago
that was one sixty-fourth only. This would not be the same depth of
focus; in order to produce the same effect the departure from actual
sharpness should be proportionate to the size of the images.
This is strongly supported by assuming two negatives to be taken of
a certain view, one with a twenty-inch focus lens, and the other with a
five-inch, the latter being then enlarged four diameters. II the same
circle of confusion were allowed in each negative the enlargement would
liMch a, ISO^]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL Of PHOTOGRAPHY.
207
r loar limM m raoeb '- tnninw " m th* dinet print ii> any part
that «M oat of foeaa, and it eoold not poMibly be eontanded that the
two loaaaa had gnraa aqoal depth. U. howerer, the diffnaion in the
lacfar aa^tii* van ioar timaa that in 0» amallar, the ankigeaiant and
the ki|e dfaael Briat woold be abaolMaiy idiitfaal in ahaipngpa, and this
depth of fMoa. T» ftodme* 'tkit rentt the
txaetln tkt utmt <citk tack Uiu, which would lap-
ba
apu tare
pact my original
la mj paper it wm eoaaidKad beat to give the moat aimple illaatration
ot thii pnnoiple. in lael. the mhr ooa tiiat eoold laadily be eeen by com-
pariag the eiieba ol eonfaaioa alona.
In the pactiea pabliahad in ytmt kiaa of Fatraary 19, there is a alight
printor'a aner in the laal paiaipayh : e«t-/«Brti(at* «/ (*« focus ahoold
nad (>ar-/brtif(/t— Yoort, Ae., BaxsT W. Bamarr.
To tk« BoRoa.
a artiela in joor
Hanty W. Bennett, on pbotogr^hie lanaaa. in which it i* aaaomad'that
■iepth of (oeoa dapeoda on the aBtaalaiaaaltha atop, and ia not iaflaanead
r the toeoa of tha laaa.
Mr. Bennett tna that thia i«n|iiialHl b aooMwhat atartlii^ to meat
: hotograplier*, and I ooalaai that it haa alio atartlad me, beeaoae I think
: ia eontnry to mathaiaaHnal prineipiea, and alao to what Mr. Dallmejia
17a on the depth of ioeaa in hia ahort tfaatiaa on photographie laniea
U tw« lanaae hava tha aaiae itlaMitaf. «* it yon make oae of the aame
•top, and tha ioaal lanflh of ooa lana ia tha denhU of tha foeal length of
Iha ether, as objaal. *ii«rad, of eooiaa. at tha aHM diaiMM, «m not be
afMlIjr diftMd. if Aa objMt ta naaiar than tha plane, beyond wfaiah aU
objeeta will be aharp, beeaoae thia plane will not be dtaated tor both
lenaaa at tlia iame Hiitanee It will be ahoat half the diataaee tor the
chiaat lena with tha ahortar ioena. If two lanaea have an apertaia of tha
aaae valiie. the depth cf ioeae doea not ruty in Inverae propeilioo to tha
loaaa of tha lena but aa tha Miaan, eoaMMoantly a aixtaen-meh ieoa will
poaaw, not half, aa Mr. Beonalt aajra. bat oaiy qoartar of tha depth of
aa aigfat^aah Ina. if /U wm tha rtop need in eaeh.
I hope yoa win agree with what I take the Ubarty of writi^ to 70a.—
I am, yoora, Ac Buwa ALBsar db Botaacsiu>.
titnmt, AatHa. Usrtk 17. IMS.
MISLKAPPCQ [>HOTOUBAPHB.
To tlu Ebfion.
81B,— I notiea ia tha " Itit mi In rniiinnaiwti" aohimB Inyoar
laat iaaoe aa iaqniiy by -BoUailer." aa to aaiwa MJilwiWi^ Bltotogtapha
wfcWi ata aboot to be ptedaoed by aa opfOMSl ia a lawaolt laapeettng
Iba VBlae of aa eatala. Allow aa to miggHt that he ahoold hai« aooia
mmttrnjofki ftewa tataa. aa thaaa, wb« viowad ia a itwieaaepi with
atal tha flaw aiaadr H aata ia Baton.
I ban oftaa auadm* why etetaoaaeyfa photnyaphy ia aot oainnaUy
adopted ia latal aad arialnal aaaaa.-f ki^ yoo^ V.
Brgn Ca«< Crawnt-nMd. CMmftr^. T. Hobbb
Kara* 19, MM.
TBI KmiELD CAICXBA CLUB DIgSOLTKO.
rofAeKatma.
3i».— nrfMilaa to My pneiooa dtaaoUr, I ban to intom too that at
the oMaUag haMea t£* lOib taat. it waa laaolnd :-l. To dinain the
Enfl<!idOBaaanaBk S. Ta lean the Oaanattln to loaltae the anparty
of th^ ChA apd aafaitlaa *a aMolt to mtm\m at Ihair aariCtwa-
Tesi«naa. Tha abon faaolatiaaa mmk. tm thwnatni. aad I aMd yoo
•am* with maafa lafNt Too wm imt boai aaa whaa tha kttar leaola-
«i"P *>» baao aaniad hrto eOaal. Maaittea, I aai. yoota. Aa.,
^^L_ it*. DcBn, ffaa. fcerrlary.
^^an/Md CaaMfa Claft. RoitmtMk, Ckmrn Onm-^P^mt.
^^VA— Theaa oiaaibafi who iolaad qaita laeaatly aad paid thair anb-
^HpMew aad aatcaaaa Im will, of eooiaa. ban aaaia latsraad.
^^ CORRECT EXPOSCBE AKD THE SPEED OF PIJITE&
To t/u EorroB.
Sit.— la ay ImUt of Ksfmnn I ban hitherto gina a apaed table
of pUtaa eoBpilad oa iafarwatliia aoppUad by the plata-makar ia eaeh
eear. aad baaed on BMaltaHatBr aaabara. The pablie han by thia tian
gralaa4f. M aan^.aaMkaad tha opiaka aapraaaad la tha ftrat adUiaa,
that aaaaHaaaalar aaiabtn an bapalaaaty aad eatiroly nanllabla.
Thia b^m ■» 1 aiiipBii. ia tha fttftifli^ adHioa. to onrit tha alata
tablae ia tta torn !■ ahidi they ban hitherto appaaiad. aad rntiijlali
what I will oall an asperienoe table, oompiled fram the actual ezperienoa
of users of the platae, in place of the manufacturers' quotations based on
senaitometer number, or, aa in many caaea, on mere gneaswork, in which
tha ■' wish " to liaTa a high-speed repreeentation haa bean *' father to the
thought," when qnoting tor publication in a liat intended to show correct
speeds, but to a large extent inaccurate, beeaoae regarded aa oomparative
and oompetitire.
To enable me to prepare this experience table, I ask your kind asaistanoe
in placing my request for information before your readers, and I shall be
greatly iodebted to all such if they will oblige by sending me, through the
post, to Sutton, Surrey, an earlj/ replif to the following qaestiona : —
1. What platea do you use?
2. What " No. of Times " hare yon found them to be, on the basia of
Wonnald's tablee for thir^-timee platea?
By kindly oomplying with thia reqoaat they will render public serriee,
in helping to a better knowladga of eoireet ezpoeore, without which the
pnnoit of photography has ao (k«qaent|y been found uncertain and dis-
appointiag.— I am, years, Ac, A. B. Wobxau).
SaMon, Sarrey, Uarck 31, 1893.
P.8.— The new table will only give eotlated reaulU ; in no oaae will the
name of any oorrespondent be printed.
•THE LEOAL SIDE OP PHOTOGBAPHT.'
To the Enrroa.
Sat,— Aa adding to tha araoliaal valaa of the lecture under the above
title, repotted in the Taloable eolmnna of your last issue, permit me to
aay that tha laetorar, Mr. Wataon Brown, B.A., LL.B., is himself a
raraetiiiag aoUeitor. May I add that the directorate of the Leytonatone
Caaaan Clob han baaa Uglily nomplimentod opoo their leeturea and
their laetBrar»,nhe latter hafcag all taambera? We are a young olub, not
yet aiaa raoatha' old. bat an happy in tha poaseaaion of aareral pro-
iMriaaal onarta. I maka than raoMrka with tha only objeet of inriting
viidten to the waakW Wedneaday eraninga at the Leytonatone Aaaembly
Booma. I shall be nappy to aead a i^Uaboa to aay gentleman who eaiea
to put himaaU into eommimieation with me. — I am, yours, Ae„
BoBBBT OTBBTmc, (/otBl) KoR. Secretary.
• Omr Camtra CUA,' L«]ftea*Mw, Jfarc* SI, 189S.
BOBBOWED PLCME&
ToUsBDrroB.
Sta. — Coold yoo give ma tha addiaaa of a firm that would supply me
with spaehaaaar I am in rather an awkward poaition, aa the firm I
have reeaatiy latt did their own printing, and I do not at praaent know
a Srm that veold aoppbr ma with speelmena. Of oonrae, I should want
Bold iitiat. aad am wiUiag to |^ a (air priea. I
woold gnaiaalaa, if aaeaaaary, thu thay ahoold aU be deetroyed within a
month of my opaaing tha buainees, aa I do not wish to injure tha trade
bT good apaaimaaa aad iafatMr work. I hare encloeed a stamped,
duaetad aanlope.— I am, yoora. Ae., Btbowbii.
[Wo han aobstitatad b nam d» pimme for oor eonwapoodent's real
aama. >£aop talli ua of aa unlonl^ fowl that strutted about in the
bonowad piumagw of a mon beantiful bird, and thereby encountered
a melaaeboty tatm. Wa had hoped that thia diarepouble traffic in
■pact— amoof pbotognphon jnat oommondag had antirvly ceaaed.
—En.]
Eirt)an8e Golumn.
V .y* eJtaiye it wmdi Ar fasa^faf Ihit iii|m tf Afftemtiu in tkit asfaww .-
tal awn yiM te immnti wmltm tkt mrtieU ttmmttdU dMniUtp HmUi. rVM<
lasi yeiVr laeir ie|ii<r»smti at " aayttiiy mmftU ' will iktr^/trt umUntMtd
ttetaassa yiAsir asa ryaiaraati.
for • IMlsssTW I s 0.-D..V. Iwi>.-Ad<lraw,
I I>to7cl%la nod eoodilba, for food half.pli
h— Mdna, r. IT, m. BMMtt.4tiMl. Loodon, W.
npid r«itUiiia>r >MU, aad thive-
ba*, hyaead ■akw, ta «ahMf» fortaiMDaM M tabU ataod,
III III! milli t Be, ttiad la oaMaA-lddraa^ B. 8., 11.
PftiiaaJ,
A SSI III alsii ws. iiatli latm^m, la I aU ttsptswials. wOk sl» doabU dark
•Mas, witt lalfeavwMS, la aae aa«« for a »td*-«asl« rapid rtnllllBsar lau bj good
aaa Maasrae, I. Tr»l«ia»r4«jiiMw, tnj, Iiataad.
tilfut. ud tn doabU dark •UdMj will aicbMia* for
Jka. or half iiUU cmarrm. witji cue adjaataaat. AUoa
■■■■»«al."a>iili jtiH barafchsr. wBa nari will rv.luB(« for a talf-pUt* roUin«
■■s iBdme. Wiwar
906
THE HRITIHH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[March 26, 1892
ansttrrs to CCortenponomts.
AU mattert /or On text portum of tXii Joubnal, including queries for
" Antvirt" amd " Sxckangee," mutt be addresud to "Thx Esztob,''
8, Torh'itrit, CotttU Oardm, London. Inattention to thie ensures delay.
Jfo uetkt takm tf ormmmitatiims wiits* modm amd address of mriter are
*,* Ooamamieatiens relating to Advertisememts and general business affairs
mut U addressed to "HicniT OsmrwoOD & Co.," % Tork-street, Covent
Oarden, London.
'Pbotooraphs RiGisraRio :
JokB Bowla;, Beolo.— Portrait ofXtWe Weod, age 100.
T. Pratbanie, BriitoL— Photofmiik /Vom oa Oa PaimUng of ViqU Hon. IT. S.
W. H. C— Inquire of Hampton, Jndd, 4 Co., Furlngdon-road; E.C.
'Gbobci Schultz.— Dr. Moddox's addnss is Greenbank, Park-road, Portswood,
Southampton.
H. J. Chasson.— The length of your letter has compelled us to hold it over
until next week. Thanks.
T. P. CoLUScs & Co. — At p. 147 of the Aucanao for 1875 will be found in-
structions for printing on wood by the "blue " process.
D. J. O'Nkilu— Tlie atldress of the author is East India-road, E. We have
no further information than that contained in the paper.
W. Hill. — Particulars of working the wet-collodion proce-ss may be obtained
Crom any old treatise on photography, such as Hardwich's Maniud.
•Bond. — We are unable to cive you the names of manufacturers — not wholesale
dealers, who do not make — of trays, mats, preservers, and ferrotype plates
for the wet-plate jirocess, either English or German.
K. C. C. — Water that has been boiled for half an hour or so, preferably in an
old kettle, and allowed to cool, will do quite well for dissolvint; oxalate of
potash. A slight precipitate, if any, of oxalate of lime may be disregarded.
B, FCLLKB. — All the different companies that have been formed to take
" photographs in natural colours " have, as a matter of course, " come to
gnef,"and so, to an extent, have those who, unfortunately for them, invested
money in the concerns.
Balph complains that he cannot get crayons to take on bromide paper, because
there is so much glaze. He asks how the surface is prepared ?— If the print
be rubbed over with finely sifted pumice or cuttlefish powder, it mil give a
tooth that will take the crayon freely.
Jos. Spa.— So far as we can judge from the print sent you have been far too
lavish in the use of the lubricant ; also, we fancy that the roller of the
burnisher must be a little hollow, as the pressure on^the middle of the picture
does not seem equal to that at the sides.
J. BcBLET asks : "Can you give me any rule, kc, to guide me as to the
correct distance the two lenses should be apart in a rectilinear or euryscope '!
Have opticians any particular method, or is it arrived at by ' trial and
error!' —There is no method but that of trial and error.
Y. G. — If the silver stains caused by printing from the negJitives before they
were dry cannot be removed by a weak solution of cyanide of potassium, we
fear they are rumed. The formula for Farmer's reducer is : Feiricyanide of
potassium, six grains; hyposulphite of soda, one drachm ; to water, eight
ounces.
BlBT ACRSS. — The view you take of our remarks may be excusable, but we
cannot quite admit that it is the correct one. We had no desire that you
should interpret our concluding sentences in so markedly a personal sense.
As we can see no possible good in prolonging the controversy, we do not
publish your letter.
8. J. E. complains that he cannot get the chloride of silver, precipitated with
common salt, to settle down from the washing waters from prints prior to
toning, and seeks assistance. If a small quantity of nitric acid be poured
in, and the whole vigorously stirred for a few minutes, the chloride will
subside in a few hours.
D. J. S.— The plate, so far as we can judge, is insoluble. Why, we cannot
say. It will be quite impossilile for you to get anything like a satisfactory
collotype plate with the primitive drying arrangements you are using.
Collotype 18 a process that wants con.siilerable study and practice before it
can !« worked satisfactorily, and that can only be done with suitable
appliances.
A. ST0KI8 wishes to know if all the detective cameras sold by the different
dealers are patented, and, if so, whether lie would be allowed to make one
for his own use, but not for sale.— Some of the cameras are patented, and
some are not. Our correspondent can make any of the latter for his own
use or for sale ; but, with regard to the former, he must obtain a licence
from the patentee, even for one for his own use.
■DiSAPPomTiD. — The nueries are so ambiguous that we scarcely know how to
reply. A patentee has a protection in his patent, and no one else has a
right to manufacture or use the invention. If any one infringes the patent,
the owner can recover damages and obtain an injunction restraining further
infringement; but the patentee will have to substantiate his patent by
••showing tliat the invention is new, and that be is the inventor, and, there-
fore, entitled to obtain a patent for it
G. J. J. asks : " 1. If any special restrictions are put upon tourists visiting
Rome or Naples as regards taking photographs of public buildings, Ac.1
i Can yoii recommend films instead of plates for such work '!" — 1. Perhaps
some of our readers who have photographed at Rome or Naples can answer
the question. 2. Yes, other things being equal
METROPOi.rTAS says : " I am a stationer, and, two years ago, took up selling
photographic apparatus and chemicals. Amongst the latter are bichloride
of mercury, cyanide of potassium, and the usual things used by photo-
graphers. A neighbour of mine, a chemist, seems annoyed at this, and has
told some persons that I am infringing the law, ami that lie could, if ho
cliose, stop me, as well as have me mulct in heavy penalties." He wishes to
know if this is not " idle bounce ? "—Certainly not. Under the Poisons Ad
any one but a certified chemist is prohibited from retailing poisons which
are named in the schedule, amongst which are those mentioned, and then
only under certain conditions, such as iu the presence of a witness, entering
the name of the purchaser in a book kept for the purpose, and attested by
him. Any one infringing this law, whicli is very stringent, renders huuseff
liable to very heavy penalties.
Nemo writes : " Some time back I developed a negative of a church, with the
result that the spire and weathercock obtained too much density to print
through. I locally reduced this, and so the spire, &c., prints through all
right ; but in the reducing operation the sky parts surrotmding got reduced
also, so as to print through in patches. I got over this by blocking out
with Bates's black varnish. Now, if I varnish the negatives in the ordinary
way, the varnish -will dissolve Bates's black, and thereby render useless all
ray careful work in blocking out the spire. Is there any varnish that can
lie procured that will not dissolve Bates's, or you, perhaps, might know of
some method whereby it might be overcome ?" — We do not linow the compo-
sition of Bates's varnish ; therefore, cannot say what varnish will not disturb
it. However, we should surmise that ordinary negative varnish, if the plate
is not made too hot, would not do so. If a trial proves that it does so, then
it can be protected by coating the film with a thin solution of gelatine before
applying the varnish. On the whole, it may be less trouble to clean off the
present " blocking out," then varnish the negative, and block out again with
the black.
Photographic Club.— March 30, Smoking Concert. April 6, Dark-room
Appliances ; paper by Dr. .leserich on Plwtograpkij as Applied to tiie Detection
of Crime.
On Wednesday evening next, Mr. Gambier Bolton lectures at the Birkbeck
on Wild A nimals in Captivil)/, illustrated by photographs. The Secret-iry of
the Institution will supply tickets.
London and Provincial Photographic Associatiok. — March 31, Photo-
graphy on Wood, demonstration by Mr. W. J. Rawlings. April 7, Collodio-
bromide Emulsions, by Mr. Alexander Mackie. April 14, Adjourned Discussion
on The Wet-collodion Process. Visitors are welcomed.
' Croydon Microscopical and Natural History Club (Photographic
Section), — Fixtures for April : 1, Cresco-Fylma, by Mr. A. J. E. Hill. 8,
An Improved Platinum Poper, and Printitir/ by Artijici^il Li(/ht, hy M.T. J,
W. Smith. 9, Half-day Excursion. 22, Films. 23, Half-day Excursion. 29,
A matenr Plate-making, by Mr. A. S. Wild.
A Royal Recognition. — Some time since we recorded the fact of Her
Imperial Highness the Archduchess Stephanie of Austria having expre.ssed a
desire to possess one of Mr. Dresser's pictures which was on view at A'ienna
la«t year. The picture was of course duly forwarded to Her Imperial Highness,
who, in return, has lately made Mr. Dresser a present of a beautiful gold pin
set in nibies and diamonds, having her own monogram and the Austri.in crown
on the top.
Among the lecturers at the Royal Institution after Easter will be Mr.
Frederick E. Ives, ■with two lectures on Plioloyraphy in the Colours of Nature
Tlie Friday evening meetings will be resumed on April 29, when a discourse
will be given by Dr. William Huggins, on The A'ew Star in A uriga : and suc-
ceeiling discourses ■will probably be given by Captain Abney, Dr. B. W.
Richardson, Mr. J. Wilson Swan, Sir James Crichton- Browne, Mr. Ludwig
Mond, Professor Dewar, and other gentlemen.
Mr. Hume, of Edinburgh, is shipping to China a "Cantilever" enlarging
apparatus, with thirteen-inch aperture condenser, to cover fully an 8 x 10 plate.
It is an instrument of the highest finish, in the "Indian pattern," brass-lraund,
on gun-metal feet, sliding on rails six feet long. The brass draw-tubes are very
massive and rigid, being one and a half inches in diameter tind four feet long.
The movements of the relative parts provide for the m.iking of pictures from
one to ten diameters of the 10 x 8 plate. It will thus make eidargements up to
eight feet.
OONTBNTS.
Paab
GLASS POSITIVES AXD FERROTYPES
WITH OELATINO-EROMIDE 19S
MOISTUUE AND HEAT IN CARBON
PRINTING 194
RATIO OF GRADATION.— 11. By W. B.
BOLTON ' 196
A NEW DRY-PLATE FACTORY 197
CAMERA CLUn CONFERENCE :—
THE PRESIDENTS ADDRESS 197
CHEMIGIUPUIC ETCHING 198
RECENT IMPROVEMENTS IN PLA-
TINOTYPK-A NEW COLD-BATH
PAPER 19e
PHOTOGRAPHY APPLIED TO MEDI-
CAL RESEARCH 198
A PAPER ON PARADOXES la*
USES OF PHOTOGRAPHY TO THE
DECOIUTIVE ARTIST 199
THE DEBT OF ART TO PHOTO-
OBAFHY 199
TIIE POSITION OF STEREOSCOPIC
PHOTO(fRAPHY IN REGARD TO
BKAUTV AND UTILITY. By J.
CRAIG ANNAN MO
PARADOXES OK ART. SCIENCE. AND
PHOTOGRAPHY. By H. P. KOBINSON '200
ON THE PRESERVATION AND DETE-
RIORATION OF GELATINE NEGA-
TIVES. Bv T. N. ARMSTRONG IW2
A STEBEOS'COPIC SHITTER. By REV.
C. W. WHISTLER SOS
THE ACID ACTION OF DRAWING
PAPER OF {DIFFERENT MAKES.
By W. N. HARTLEY. F.R.S '. 2(W |
OUR EDITORIAL TABLB id
RECENT PATENTS
MKETINOS OF SOCIETIES
CORRESPONDENCE
EXCHABGE COLUMN '-
ANSWERS TO 00KBE8P0NDEHI8 ■:>!»
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1665. Vol. XXXIX.— APRIL 1, 1892.
THE USE OF FOCUSSING EYEPIECES.
Omi title eomprehradi a broad fidd of lubjects, hot ve more
particalarlj desire to restrict it to optical cumbiiMtions for
rdinAry every-daj work in studio, or field portraitare, or land-
rape. Something might be said of the microscope as used for
lie porpoM in photo-micrography, or the small lens employed
J the optidao in lieu of any ** groond glass " in testing the
apabilities of his rarious leoMs; bat we would leare such
.ranches of the topic for dilating upon at some future period,
ks, instructive though a diaooHioD npon them would be, it
•yjold oot be oomptiwd within tb* Uinita of a aiugle article.
We ware led to tlie belief that soom nmarks about eyepieces
woold not be mkplaoed bja little incident that occurred within
'iiir own ken.
Some yean ago, when photpgraphing in company with a
' -man who had had much experiimce, we found him toiling,
!;^t almost say, in the eodaavoor to get a sharp focus of
i difficult subject. We offered him the loan of a focusser we
liad at hand, and ha, smilingly, said he luul no need for any
loflh aid, but still, oat of poUtenew, made use of the proOiwed
sMistanee. L«tely, howerer, in wutwUion with him, we found
not only that he now invariably focoaed with such optical ai>l,
but he was very en^raa/ as to the partieolar form of instrument
employed.
And so we bcliere — nay, we know — the case stands with
many. .Some decline tha use of a focosser under the idea that
it is unpniBiionel and amataoriak, others are afraid they will
he bantcrsd aa haTiou' poor aymight ; and it ia our experience
. whan a man really doaa begin to feel the need for a pair
' spectacles, but can just manage withoat, that ia the time ho
moat inaistaot npon the tuai that his eyes are as good aa
rer.
Finally, there ia atill another elaaa who hare no knowledge
CMnaaing magnifier eseept throogh the optician's price-
Of course, for outdoor work it ineraaaes, though by a
■mall amount, the weight of the kit, bat we do not
I to say that where aeeonte Ibeaming, especially with
) aagnlar afiertures, ia desired, tha aae of saoh an inatm-
ia inraluable, whether it be a home-made one, eonstmetcd
^ a pill S<ii and a spectacle lens or a thormi^ly oooTenient
specially devised one, aa sold by the lena-mann fkcturws
' the particular porpoae. Naturally, much depends apoo the
]it of the pbotogiapher aa to the extent of its iiaafjilimm.
, to the heat eyea, there are times when eome thinga eoald
. be satinfactorily and quickly done without employing it.
' example, we have met a gentleman whose eyesight was ao
ite that be ooold read, alond md quickly, matter pciatad in
a'a amallast taat-typea at a distance just under five ftat,
which is equiralent to saying he could see objects with a
facility equal to that enjoyed by an average reader armed
with a glass magnifying four diameters. This, howerer, is a
very exceptional case, and the greatest value of the focusser is
felt by those whose eyeaight is as good as ever for objects more
than about half a yard away, but inefficient within that dis-
tance. If they wear glaaaes, this particular evil is by them
corrected ; but thetv is a large body who, in ordinary casea,
would receive benefit from its common use, and a 8till larger
body by its tecasional use.
It is not neccosary to have an elaborate or a. costly instru-
ment. The moct simple is a spectacle lens of deep curves, fitted
at the end of a pill-box. Some who carry a small magnifier in
their pocket find it convenient to use it ; but the emplnyment
of this kind of lens is greatly facilitated by having a
portable foot or case for holding' it at a constant distance
tnoD the ground glass ; in fact, the real value of the focusser
is not felt unless some such provision be made. A common
threo-legged seed microaco]« is often used ; but it is always
better for the foot or tube used to keep the leus at a constant
distance to be opaque, anil thus prevent the part to bo magni-
fie<l from receiving any extraneous light. This, indeed, is one
of the recommendations of the instnunent. £>t the better class
of magnifiers, the most common is .1 Kiimsaen eyepiece, fitted
with a screw for adjusting the di.Htunce fix>m the focussing
screen for any eyesi^dit Tliere is aUo fitted with this pattern
a screw-collar, or other contrivance, for clamjjing the lens in.
tiiu when once the focus hiw been duly set. Some of the
objections to the employment of the instrument have arisen
through one person attomjiting to ninke use of a glsss set for
one eyeaight and not adapted, perhaps, to that of the objector.
The grant advantage of this particular fonn is the large
field of view it permits and the perfect flatness of the whole of
the field.
We have seen one, and one ouly, of this make niotjified iu
what wu consider n very ad\ s nt.unicr. Tlio photo-
grapher who used it in hiss' smnd thut the constant
use <vf the metal u|Hin his f screen had dimme<l its
surface by n. multitude of li.j .; ..lIics. He fitted a new
MMI^lbd had adapted to his Ramsdeu a flange, covered with
velvet, and this was an inipr.rvemont in many ways. As to the
actual mode of employment, that is almost self-evident ; but it
may be {N)int<.'ii out that, to get its full value, the scrcsn should
be of very fine glass — etched, not ground — rendered still further
transparent, in the tunal manner, by oiling the surface. Then,
again, it may be said that when examining very dimly illu-
minated objects the magnifier is l>est placed, not flat againxt
the glass, trot at an angle, pointed, in fact, in the direction of
310
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[April 1,1892
tho centre of tho lens. We need add no more after saying that,
by the use of a focussing magnifier, time is saved, and con-
venience consulted to an extent that is not dreamt of by those
who ignore, and, as is often the case, almost deride its employ-
ment
ADVANCES IN KALLITYPE PRINTING.
Almost contemporaneous with the publication of the fact that
Mr. W. Willis has succeeded in devising a platinum printmg
process, having the image-forming compound on the surface of
the support, and developable at ordinary temperatures, to
which it is said that certain refinements in the quality of the
pictures will be joined, we are in possession of details of some
improvements recently effected in the kallitype process, which,
from the point of view of simplicity of working, we are disposed
to consider as advances. In order to appreciate the nature
of the improvements, it may be necessary briefly to recite the
stages through which kallitype printing has passed.
The first process, called Kallitype, No. 1, consisted in the
main of coating paper with a ferric compound, exposing to
light in the usual way, and developing the ferrous image by
means of a solution containing silver nitrate and a soluble salt
of an alkali metal or ammonium— such, for example, as potas-
sium oxalate — and ammonia. The prints were then washed in
a solution of soluble citrate or ammonia. This process, how-
ever, has, we believe, been abandoned in favour of that called
Kallitype, No. 2. In this a mixture of ferric oxalate and silver
nitrate is applied to the paper, and the picture is developed in
a bath containing Rochelle salt and borax, the washing solution
consisting of ammonia and water. It will thus be perceived
that in the second process the silver is applied direct to the
paper before exposure, instead of, as in the older method, being
made a constituent of the developing bath.
Two modifications of the process are now published, each
having distinctive features of its own, which assures us that
the possibilities of this system of printing are not much more
than in their initial stages of realisation. In the first of these
the sensitising solution consists of fen-ic citrate, oxalic acid, and
silver nitrate, and the prints after exposure are developed by
means of ammonia and citrate of soda ; that is to say, without
the employment of a " developer " per se, a final washing in
dilute ammonia being, of course, necessary. In the second
modification, however, not only is a developing solution per se
rendered unnecessary, but development itself is obviated.
This is achieved by coating the paper with a mixture of ferric
oxalate, potassium oxalate, and silver nitrate. Paper so sensi-
tised prints out in the frame — a result due presumably to the
, presence of the potassium oxalate, and the pictures are washed
in citrate of soda and citric acid, and finally in ammonia, as
heretofore.
Assuming the last-mentioned process to be perfected for
commercial purposes, kallitype will offer the advantages of
supplying both a developing and a printing-out process. Of
the comparative merits or demerits of the two methods we do
not seek occasion to speak at present, but it may be permissible
to submit that probably tho larger number of modern amateurs
prefer those systems of printing which produce the image
without the need of development — a fact to be considered in
noting the vitality of the much-condemned and attacked
albumen process.
Kallitype is the only silver printing process extant which
does not entail the use of hypo as a fixing agent — which,
taken in conjunction with the variety of ways in which the
image may be produced, disposes us to believe that it has
secured a permanent place among modem printing processes.
Of its artistic capabilities we have spoken before in a favour-
able strain, while as for the probable "permanence" of the
results we think there is little to be feared on that score.
Death of Mr. A. Vandyke, of Xiiverpool. — We are
sorry to learn of the death of this eminent Liverpool photographer,
an event which took place yesterday (Thursday) morning, at lialf-past
one, after an ilhiess of only three days. Mr. Vandyke, who was
some years since a partner of the firm Vandyke & Brown, made a
speciality of large direct portrait work, and for this class of por-
traiture received a medal at the last great International Photographic
Exhibition in Liverpool.
The Price of Silver.— On Tuesday last bar silver was quoted
on the E.xchange at .30d. per ounce, this, of course, producing a
corresponding fall in the price of the nitrate, which will, doubtless,^
be welcome to the dry-plate makers, enabling many of them to
augment the scanty profits of which complaint is often heard. As it
is thought that the price of the metal has reached its lowest point, wo-
may suppose that large stocks of nitrate will be bought by the various
industries employmg it, among which, by the way, photography does-
not by any means occupy the leading position.
"Snap-shotting" in the Antipodes. — The enthusiastic
amateur with the hand camera is, apparently, not confined to this
side of the globe. In the account of the removal of the man Deeming,
who is suspected of several murders, from the court at Perth
(Western Australia), an amateur, with a hand camera, attempted to
obtain an instantaneous photograph of him. The prisoner, observing
what was being attempted, resented, as he had done being sketched in
court, and, as the Standard has it, " it was with some difficulty that
he was restrained by the police from 'going for' the enterprising
amateur." In this country, it is a little surprising that enthusiastic
"snap-shottists" have not been "gone for" more frequently than they
have been, seeing the objectionable manner in which some amateurs
use their detective cameras. Verb. sap.
The New Methylated Spirit. — Despite the many protests
which have been uttered as to the action of the Excise in ordering
the addition of mineral naphtha to methylated spirit, and its assumed
unsuitability for emulsion work and other photographic processes, we
have so far had little, if any, published experiences of those who have
tried it in lieu of the old kind. It is, therefore, interesting to know
that at least one experimentalist has been working with it, and still
more surprising to find that the results of his attempts to use it were far
from that unsatisfactory nature which might have been anticipated.
At a meeting of the London and Provincial Photographic Association
the other night Mr. W. E. Debenham showed a coUodio-bromide
transparency made by the aid of the new spirit, which, he stated, he
found did not hurt the emulsion at all. It ,would be just as interest-
ing to know whether the spirit would be equally innocuous in the case
of gelatine emulsion.
Sel d'Or. — In connexion with the above subject, modern photo-
graphers often confound the old sel d'or toning bath with that of tho
hyposulphite of soda and gold compound toning and fixing bath.
This was the case at the meeting the other night. The latter bath
was made by adding the chloride of gold, in solution, to a strong
solution of hyposulphite of soda. The prints, when immersed in this,
toned and fixed at the same time — often a matter of several hours.
Sel d'or is a double salt of hyposulphite of gold and soda, and forms
needle-like crystals. It used to be sold in small bottles containing
fifteen grains each, as the chloride of gold now is ; but the price was
much higher, about four shillings for that quantity. An acidified
solution of this salt formed the toning bath, and the prints were
April 1, 1899]
THE BRITISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
ail
Afterwmrda fixed in • plain (olution of hypoiulphite of sod*. The
principal QM of thia salt was, however, for gilding Dafjiiernotypes.
tbo«i[li it WM ateo naed for toning plain salted paper prints. With
sllwwn pfinta it did not answer, a* it bad a tendency to make the
fiflkts ydlow. From this it will he seen that the |two methods of
tomag were viddy different.
Orthoehronuttic Efliects. — DiTers opinions are often ex-
pressed u to wbetherplate«,preparedwitheosine,renderaDyorthochro-
matic effect without a yellow screen. Some hare averred that they do,
while the thing is as strongly denied by othen. Poasibly the lenses
lued in the experiments may, in a measure, aoeount for the dis-
crepancies. We are led to this remark from being recently shown a
Iras with two cemented ■nrfaoes, which, when placed on white paper,
was decidedly yellow, though the glaasss themseWee, w« were assured,
were quite colonrlesa. lie Canada balaaas, oed in cementing, was
the eaose of the yelluwiw. If a lanaof this kind were used in one
•et of sKperaMuta, and one free from eoloar m another, it is quite
coneetrabie that tha nsolts woold not be in aeeocd, inaanncb as
praetieaUy a y«Dow sersen had been cnpkyyed in one eaae and not in
the other. With some old lenaes, not only has the balsam become
yellow, bat the glaasalao ; indeed, tbe latter was so tinted in the first
instance. Now, working inth a lenaottbjarfastilpt ion becomeaeqaiTa-
l««t to wing a faint yaDorw screen. Optidcai an now abU to obtain
'.riasa ftaefrom ooloor, and it will b* obrioas that lenses aada with it
win show orthochramatiaed plates to a dtaidTantage as compared
- vith knaea ol yalow giaas and diMobared balsam.
Old Sllwar Vrtate.— TV* arhilniinB of silrer pcinta aad*
:r*r TMts and upwaida ago, now opsa ia the rooeaa of the Pboto-
-iety, is, numerically, by no aaiM a iaiga oaa. Bat it is
Av interesting ss well aa iMttacttTe oosi All modarn
hoaU take tba oppuituiiity to mt the«Bi]aetiaii,aa tbey
• of wetk pndneed whsa tha art migbt ahsost be said
^ be in a paiaittTa state. At the pifiad that most of tbe negatives
rare taken the only laoasa ia laa warn the sia|^ leas and the
'•'eiiTal portrait eombiaatioB. BafoaeUag the asgatire was a thing
n!'»ard of. Than warn no di}r pUiaa souapt tboaa that reqoirsd
> minntaa' aaposaia in a good light, aad all nsgattTsa woe by
• 'M wet-coOodioB ytoMss. ' FaTtheiwa*, the aAnfiaa gold toniag
)iracese waa not thaa iotrodaeML Yet, aa the Chainaui isMiihii at
' ha msatiag last weak, witk ngaid to tha (Mtona, aothiag BOKk battar
'iras ptodaead at the pnaent tiaa,aitlNV M aagatfto^ ntho or iao-
chriimglii aflbels^ vtistie aaiBpusitiaaa^ or pndlMka of aa optical
tooL Aa Ids* saaow to pearml at tba pnaent ttaa tkat rfltrar priau
ma* noesMBilly bda ia a year or two, yet tbsre are priau shown
that aretbir4r.«v«a yaaia old which tadieate Taiy littla.if any,sigBa of
decay. Tbanoraaaarias «f priau a coopla of ya
, of which are ia a good stata of piaasiialiwi aotwil
St twenty yean of thair Bfewaia apaat ia ponela as faanber ia
I attics. The mooata show that they ha«o ban eoraad with
r,yet the pietorsa, thoagh h aoioa iastoaesa yatbw, show ao
I of detail. In faos of thaaa *-"t'~i ii^ "i^ ^y that silver
leaaaet bamadapaAaasBlf Thia eshilMoa will remain open
lAprUlS.
Tlienno-djmamlcal Vtow oi tha Aotlan of Ugtkt
Silver C:Uorl<le.—>S peaking to this sabject at a iMsat BMet-
' the Fhyaioal Sociaty, Mr. H. M. EUar said that " in tha dseom.
of ntvar ehknida by light ehloHae waa givce off, and a
aoBd body of aakaowa aowpoMtica (soiaatiniea called
[ffholo^laride ') fonscd, the rsoetioe bea« iadieatad by the
■AgCl-AgiiCbi-l>iClr U tha ezpariMOt be carried
I a sealed vaeaaas, the chloride is darkened np to a eartain point,
t ngaina whiteaeea when left ia the dark. Thaaa faeU have led
l^lieve that tha pnasoie of the liberated chloiiae ia the
( the iOaadaatian or intaoMty of light falliiy opoa tha
. — ;,„, ^ the saaw way aa tha yiiwuu of a sataiated vapoiir is a
function of the temperature. Since illumination is a quantity ia
many respects analogous to temperature, he considers it not un»
reasonable to apply thermo-dynamic arguments, and regard rine,
in presence of silver chloride and ' photo^hloride,' te working
substance in a ' light engine.' He therefore supposes a Camot'e
cycle to be performed on the substances at constant temperature, the
variable being pressure, volume, and illumination. Since the cycle ia
strictly analogous to Camot's, except that illumination is written for
temperature, he infers that the efficiency is a function of the two
illuminations. It also follows that, just as Camot's cycle is used to
determine an absolute scale of temperature, so this cycle may be
applied to determine aa absolute scale of illumination. It only
remains to determine an empiric scale analogous to the air ther*
mometer, and to compare it with the photo-dynamic scale, provided
a method of making the comparison can be devised."
Zafe Siaa— what U It T— In the paradoxical paper by Mr.
H. P. Robinson, read at the I'hotographic Confei«nce last week, one
of the poinu raised practically was, whether we should have scientific
truth, artistic truth, or lies in photography. Some commercial photo-
graphers would answer by saying, " Yon pays your money, and you
takes your dimoe. We will supply what you desire, only tell us
what you want." This is pretty well expressed in the commtmica-
tion, and brings us to a practical point that comes before portraitists
every day. W bat is life size P The obvious answer is, the size of life,
and that is correct ; but will it appear to be so in the picture, that is the
point f It c^, with equal truth, be answered both negatively and
positively, inasmuch as the picture may seem the sixe of life, or either
larger or smaller, according to drcnmstances, although the actual
dimensions are the same in all the cases. For example, if two pot*
traits be enbuged, the one, say, of a gentleman with round features,
and but little hair on the head, and a snaU beard ; the other just the
leiaiia long Itaturss, with beard and a good amount of hair on the
head, both of the exact sixe, by measurement, of the prototypea, the
enkrgetnants in this case should include a good amount.'of the flgui«s
—say, made on paper forty-five inches by thirty-five. If these two
pictures be framed the f uU size, and hung pretty high in a room, the
one will look much smaller than life sixe, the other but little so. If,
nstoad of being framed the full size, they are cut down to twenty-
ifoor iaohea by dghteen, the smalMeatured one will seem nearly life
size, aad the other but little over. Now, if the pictures be still
farther out dowa — for example, the heads only teim^i behind fifteen
by twelve inch mounts— and be hong on a lemwith the eye, both
win aeem larger than life aze, that with tha long features and full
beard appearing to be of really Ilrobdignagian proportions. What
ahaU we go by f actual measurement or apparent accuracy in every-
dav Wdtk ?
VAIUAT10N8 I.N COLLODION EMULSION WORKING.
All who hare woricsd with collodion emulsions must have experi-
eaced, at one tisae or aaother, their vagaries arising from different
samples of pyroxyline and variotis other causes, perhaps at the
moownt wboUy inexplicable, and for that reason all tlie more
annoying. In the case of washed emiil<I<in!>, it fre<jueotly happens
that, although in its first stage, that is, before pouring out to set, it
was as neariy perfect as might be. After the operation of removing
tha soluble salts has been performed, it is found to have lost nil power
of giving densi^, sometimes even under silver inten^itication. With
some samples of pyroxylins, this will be invariably the case, for the
-Sis^rpsson that the cotton is entirety unsuited to the process, but
It wlOoeear occasionally even with samples that are known as a rula
to work satisfactorily.
Again, in the case of an unwashed emulsion, it is not unusual to
obtain a somewhat similar rusult, more especially when the collodion
is ssnsitised very shortly after bromiang. Here, too, the fault may
be laid to the pyroxyline, for while some kinds, chiefly of the so-called
" high-temperature " class, but by no means invariably so, will admit
of the collodion being made, bromised, and sensitised straight away
ia oae operation, the majority, if they do not absolutely require it,
212
THE BRITISH JOURNAL. OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[AprU 1, 1892
•re, at any rate, better for being allowed to "ripen" for some days,
or a few weeks, between bromiaing and sensitising. In many
instances the utility of this aging or ripening is so great, that a
collodion that is utterly useless when freshly made will, in the course
of three weeks or a month, give the most perfect results possible, and
this is especially the case when s large proportion of cadmium salt is
employed in bromising.
Whatever the cause may be, the result is sufficiently annoying, for
it is anything but satisfactory to have a quantity of emulsion on
band that is absolutely usele.<s and represents so much material
wasted. Emulsions of this character seldom or never — practically
uever — improve by keeping, as does the unsensitised collodion, but
retain their bad qualities to the last ; whereas one that is slightly
foggy when newly made will often be found to work perfectly satis-
factorily after a short time. It is therefore of no use to keep the
emulsion on the chance of its improving, and means have to be
sought by which it can be brought into a proper state. Fortunately,
these are easily available at the cost of a little more labour
and materia], which is better than losing the whole batch of
emulsion.
In the case of an unwashed emulsion that refuses to give density,
if the cause be simply the want of ripening, it is only necessary to add
to it, say, an equal quantity of the same bromised coUedion, and set
it aside for a few weeks, when, on the addition of the requisite
quantity of silver nitrate to sensitise the newly added collodion, the
result will, in most cases, be an emulsion as good as, or perhaps a
little better, than if the sensitising had been performed in one ope-
ration with the same interval after bromising. The prolonged contact
of the silver bromide, first formed with a large excess of soluble
bromide, conduces to a finer and better character of the image, and
this method of sensitising in two operations, with a wide interval
between, is one that has long been recognised as a good one.
If the want of density occur with a collodion that has had time to
ripen, it is still a proof of the unsuitability of the pyroxyline, but the
same remedy as in the last case is obviously not available. The cause
is, no doubt, the want of a sufficiently powerful organic reaction
between the pyroxyline and the silver, when, as happens in the great
majority of cases, the soluble bromide is in excesss during the whole
of the period of sensitising. To remedy this it generally suffices to
over-sensitise a portion of the collodion, allowing it to stand in the
presence of excess of silver for a few hours, and then to add a sufficient
quantity of the same bromised collodion, to leave the soluble bromide
just slightly in excess. For instance, in preparing five ounces of
emulsion, let four ounces of collodion be sensitised with silver sufficient
for five ounces, and after the lapse of a few hours — not, at the utmost,
more than twenty-four — let the remaining ounce of collodion be
added. In the case of an emuIsion|that has already been fully sensi-
tised, and found to be wanting in vigour, add sufficient silver for a
definite quantity of collodion, which can then be added after the
necessary interval of time. In either of these cases it will be found
safer to make a further addition of a small quantity of either citric or
nitric acid, in order to guard against fog — one grain of the former, or
half a minim of the latter, to each ounce of emulsion.
In "doctoring" an imperfect emulsion under such circumstances
there is no actual loss, except, perhaps, of the time occupied in the
task ; but with a washed emulsion the case is different, since it will be
invariably necessary to re-wash it after the remedial treatment if it
is to be again used as a washed emulsion, and in any case, even if
subsequently employed as an unwashed preparation, the first batch of
solvents are lost. In this case, supposing the pyroxyline in the first
case to be suitable, the result is due to the removal of the organic
silver element through impropsr treatment in washing, and if such
only be the cause it will usually be sufficient to add a fresh quantity
of bromised collodion, and to re-sensitise with the proportion of silver
necessary for the added quantity. If, however, the pyroxyline be
unsuitable for wasliing, the defective emulsion can only be utilised
by re-sensitising it as an unwashed emulsion, as, even if mixed with
the most perfect collodion possible for the purpose, it would only, in
re-washing, lower the quality of the latter, if indeed it did not reduce
it to its own level.
There is one other way in which such an emulsion may be usefully
empbyed, and that is in modifying the structural character of
another. It very often happens, especially in the case of unwashed
emulsion, that the only fault to be found is in the structural character, a
" crapy " or, perhaps, a " mottled " appearance of the film marring an
otherwise perfect image. As a rule such qualities are accompanied
by a ready tendency to give any amount of vigour or density under
development, while the structural characteristics that accompany the
want of density of an over-washed emulsion are the very reverse of
those above mentioned, and the two preparations may often be mixed
with the most satisfactory results, and to their mutual improvement.
But defective emulsions, whether washed or unwashed, whether
merely wanting in density or badly fogged, may bo utilised in an
entirely different manner, and vnth advantages that do not attach to
the methods already given. The plan we are about to describe par-
takes of the character of a cross between the wet and emulsion pro-
cesses, and, while possessing certain features of each, is free from the
principal troubles and difficulties of both. The wet process, as is
well known, is still largely used for some purposes, but chiefly for
negatives for " process " work and for lantern slides, alid, especially
for the latter purpose, would, no doubt, be still more generally employed
if it were not for the trouble involved in the management of the bath.
Again, many who at the present time use the wet-collodion process
on account of the quality of result obtained would gladly substitute
an emulsion if only the same rapidity of working could be combined
with the quality of wet collodion, even if the emulsion had to be
employed in the wet state. The modifications we are about to
describe will, we think, fulfill the requirements.
Briefly stated, the method consists in using the emulsion, after it
has been suitably treated to relieve it of its defects and faults, as a
partially sensitised collodion, treating it with a solution of silver,
which does not necessitate the nicely balanced conditions essential in
the ordinary silver bath, and developing either by the acid-silver or
alkaline methods as may be preferred, though, of course, a variation
in the method of working will be necessary in the two cases. From
personal use of this process, we can recommend it as something more
than a mere makeshift method of saving a spoilt emulsion, for it
actually constitutes an easy means of securing all tlie advantages of
collodion without the trouble and anxiety that undoubtedly attend
the use of the bath, especially if not kept in order by regular use.
After all, in adopting such a measure we are only reverting to the
principle recommended many years ago as a decided gain by whom
we forget at the moment — of partially sensitising the collodion by the
addition of a few drops of silver solution. In that case, however, the
quantity of silver added to the collodion was relatively minute, being
little more than as much as the soluble haloids in the collodion would
take up and dissolve ; in fact, the idea was to saturate the collodion
with silver in the same way as the bath. The result was claimed to
be a decided gain in sensitiveness, as well, if we remember rightly, as
other advantages.
As to the practicability or utility of collodion emulsion used wet,
there can be no doubt, though, as generally used — with an alkaline or
other organifier and alkaline development — the results have scarcely
been found to equal those obtainable with wet collodion and the
bath. But the modified conditions under which we propose to work
place the process upon an entirely different footing. The late Thomas
Sutton, it will be remembered by our older readers, published a
number of experiments in connexion with plain bromide of silver
films, both in the form of wet and emulsion plates, and with iron and
silver, as well as alkaline, development ; and the results he obtained
were decidedly in favour of the " new wet-collodion process " of that
day. But the chief objection, if not the only one, to his process was
the necessity for an abnormally strong silver bath — from 80 to 120
grains of silver nitrate to the ounce — which the strongly bromised
collodion, aided by the low combining equivalent of bromine, in-
volved. Otherwise, in point of quality of result and sensitiveness,.
Mr. Sutton's plates were at least quite equal to ordinary wet
collodion.
Now, in utilising an emulsion in the manner we suggest, the diffi-
culty of the strong bath is entirely overcome ; for the bulk of the
bromide of silver is formed in the collodion itself, with a com-
paratively small excess of soluble haloid to confer keeping qualities..
The final sensitising, which also imparts the necessary stimulus of
free silver to give rapidity, is done with a weak solution of silver
April 1, 1809]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY".
213
that, bejrond being clean, reqaires none of the care mnd •ttention
that the old silver bath did ; and the resaltio;; piatee can be treated
in every way ■« ordinarr wet plates, if ao denied, or, if preferred,
aa extn-aeasitiTe drr platea.
(To ie continued.)
AMERICAN NOTES AND NEWS.
The Keliochroinoscope. — Mr. F. E. Ire* writes to the editor
of tit* Fiotogn^ic Timet that he haa sncceeded in eoDBtnicting a
hatnfhfnmniBopw, in which the same triple poatives used fw projecting
in the lantern an focuased upon the retina of the ejre, aa a liafilfe
picture in the natural colours. " I can, therefore, now
the prooea at a minute's notice," sajs Mr. Ives, " sun or so sun.
dinner, according to Anthony's Bulletin, in which it appeared, was
" to be continued." The President, at the outset, supposed " th«
speedbea would be dry." They were. Fancy, about four columns
and a half of the orthochromatic process at an English photographic
dinner ! Alss, it is occasionally something more than fancy : it is
grim fact! Hence we can compassionate our American brethren who
had to sit under the fouTHUtd-a-half columns.
Vew American Journals.— Still they come! the "they"
in this case being the Caitalian PhotofrajMc Journal, published at
Toronto; and the Ao/fe Gxut PMtfrapAer, issued from San Fran-
cisco. The last-named contaiiu an article on plain paper prints,
with one of which it is embelliabed, and a charming study it makes.
This practical iOnstration of practical artidas is a fa«tan disanring
of wide imitation.
Cblestg-o Meetings of tho Photorrapbers' Assocla-
ttea af ftwillia — The Photogtspber*' A \:r\ -n of America
does BOC meeet this year ; bat the EseeutiT.' l '■ .mmitt'^e, at a recent
OMSting, have fixed upon Chicago as their place of meeting (or I80&
The presamption is that there wiQ he a good attendance, and, aa
M-reral pbotognpheis from Europe wiQ, doubtless, he visiting the
World's Fair, a eoaBop<dit*a fratanuaation may be expected to take
place CO the oeeaaon.
Xnaolable Oelatine Print*.— The Editor of the St. latut
ami Canadian I'kotoyrapktT acknowledges receipt of some gelatine
prints thit water will not affect, the paper being perfectly water-
proof, and the " cmokiaa insohibis is bailing water.' " It " (? the
coated paper) " may be boUsd wthawuly without in the least
producing the sHfiitut Injmy ot sollsaiag of the emnlaion. It does I
asem," leaarhs ow ecalswpuiMj, "as tlMMgh peihctiou has been
rvached at ksl in a pfintfaig>«at papw." Bat why boil gelatine
prints, or employ watir at saeh •■ abaoraal temperatars in tbnr
■MidpakUioaf and, eaoMqaevtly, wkare is the advantage d the
iasolnbiltyf
- Z.ooklnir Backvrard.**—Tfce veteran phu<ufi»pher,Abiaham
in tUa faseinalfag ncNatioo, and has
'^ne Dr. Jaeebaoa pabBshed the hypo-
lop. \&V), that a special kind of
.. :^.. .: _ snd so produced, in an organic way,
the albumenats of sQver. . . . When the beas esaw laying, their
carcases were wotksd up the saase as other rilver midnss! kX or
about the same tine a Keatttcky man claimed to have diieuvered
photography in Batval eobots ; " ea«nKHi salt " was ninnmiainilsii as
a cure for bfistcn ; " several new dswtopeia ««ta introdaead every
month,' and the " given away with a pootd of tea ' prineipb was in
full blast b ehsap photography. On the whole, excepting the above
highly ingsaioae hypothsiii, tUafi aie ptetty mnch to-day as they
were tweaty.«ix yean ago.
▲n American Pbotorraphlo Slanar.— Mr. Henry J.
N««'.on jro I'l \' I II isl dinner of the Pbotogiaphie Seetkm of
th>> American IiMiiiut.- n fww weeks sgo. lYouosing a toast, he
invited all who Mkad coU water to diink it. He did not exactly
know the pingra—t of the avaniag, as the Ohaiman of the Com-
mittee was at tks oUmt sad of the ubie, and he (Mr. Newtoa) could
not see Urn wilhoat an opera-gkast It must have heen a krge
party. Tkaa, aftw a Joke or two, the Prerident asked for informa-
tion about ortlwehiaaatie pktas. Dr. A. H. Elliott obliired in a
spsaalt of aboM a aolaan and a quarter, and Dr. C. H. Ehrmann
foOowad sah ia aa ontioa of doaUa that length. The report of the
FOREIGN PHOTOGRAPfnO INSTITUTIONS AND THEIR
INFLUENCE.
[LondoB utdlProTincial Fhot<vTsphie Anoeiation.]
Tax original intention in relation to this papdr was to make it heavier,
fay the introduction of statistics and by entering into more minute
details about foreign photographic institutions, but exceptional
pressure of other engagements dunng the past two weeks left me no
time to search out the necessary dc^uments for reference. I should
have liked the postponement of its reading, but felt that that course
would disturb your arran^ments, especially as Mr. Wamerke had
set apart this evening to bnng here an interesting collection of lantern
slides bearing upon the subject. Perhaps, after all, the colloquial
narrative about to be ^ven in ivlation to foreign institutions I hare
visited, may be less tinng to the listeners than if the paper were of a
heavier nature.
Recently Mr. Wamerke gave the Photographic Society a valuable
memoir u^on practicallv the same subject, ana spoke only of what be
had seen himself. The present paper may be considered an unauthorised
appendix to his, and, if others acquainted with Continental photo-
graphic institutions will hereafter contribute their share of information,,
a body of facts will have been collected which seems to be publicly
required at the present time.
UxixiiAX Pbotoobapric Sociktixs.
The nearest foreign country to England in which there is much,
photographic activity within easy distance of London is Belgium, a
nation known for holiday-waking to many here present, several of
whom, however, have not given attention to its photographic societies,
or rather to its photographic association, for, practically speaking, it
has but ooe, all the branches of which are federated. This system
baa worked well for a long course of years. The head of the Asaoda-
tion is Mr. J. Maes, of Antweip ; its headquarters are in Brussels, and
its Secretary General is Mr. Charles Puttemans. Mr. Maes is tho
dtisf nboto-meehaaical printer in Belgium, and for printing he usee
I FtrwDCB and German macninee. He is also President of the Antwerp
section of the AsMciation. Mr. A. de Blochouse is President of the
BrosMb section ; he is a retired engineering photographer, and one of
the aMat popular men oooneetsa with pholcgrapny in Belgium.
Soma yeaiB ago I was much indebted to him for information about
the state of paotography in his country. The Ghent section is under
the prasidenfj of I'rofussur I)e Vvlder. The Liige section is under
the presMeticy of Mr. Raoult, and holds its meetings in the Univeraitv.
in tlie seienttfle department of which it is surrounded bv all tSe
facilities for rcsearra which the photographic mind could desire.
On inspecting its domicile, I wished that we had something in any
desree approaching it st hooie. One nsult of the general union of
Bugian societies is, that the Association haa but one journal to serve
all, so that, with this concentration of effort, the Bulletin Beige is
one of the best photographic journals in the world, and it received a
special award on that account at the last Paris Exhibition. Captain
Ahney once contributed to its columns with Dinsidemble regularity.
No penonal dimates or particulars of dissensions find a place in ita
pagsa, and the chief photographic journals of the world are carefully
searched every vredt for any items of novelty, brief siimmariee of
which are printed regularly at the end «t the Bulletin. It \a scientific
in its tone, and adapted to the requirements of the scientitic mind ;
but, then, it must be remeBbercd that the average education of tbo
Belgian people is high. Boys and girls, even in agricultural villages.
saa^dbmonly enough taught three living languages, and pretty well
taught too, as 1 know from conversations with some of tne children.
At Ghent, photography in some of its more difficult branches is taugU-
to the chemical students in the University by Professor Donny ; for
instance, he teaches them how to produce ceramic photographs. Uo
is a photographer of long standing, for a letter from him on the sub-
ject IS to be found in the first volume of our Photographic Society.
Ghent claims the honour of being the city which first began to pat.
into practice the free education system which so long since has spread
over a considerable portiaa of Continental Europe. Ita inhabitants,
it may perhaps hare be mentioned, have a great love of flowers, and
214
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[AprU 1, )R02
ita floriculturUts tfK no expense in obtwning the rareat flora
*"QuiS'1;cently I »oke at the Phot^aphic Society a>out the
Government Scbool ol Photography at Brussels; how it gives long
^JSof lecture, on phot<^phy fn>e, and provides for senous
•tadents the free use of cortJy Instrnments for phot^phic research,
■a tl^t it is unneoeaaarr to say more upon that subject here.
A^hort dSsTutb of Brussels U the Military Map Department
of the Belgian GoTemment, in which photo-mechanical processes are
"^ThT n«t mwting of the International Photographic Congress
will be held at Antwerp, a most convenient place to reach from
London. Having tried all of them, 1 prefer the Harwich route,
which is far different from what it was in the days of old. bhould
Briwh photographers visiting Belgium wish to inspect ite photographic
uwtitntions, if they meet tbe same kindness there which 1 liave
Koeived, they will have no reason for complaint.
Fbbn'CH Photoghaphic Socibtim.
Turn we now to . „
" The land of France,
The chosen home of chivahTr, the garden of romance."
Tlie Photographic Society of France meets once a month upon
premises of its own, 76, Rue des Petits Champs, Paris. The salon
m which its public meetings are held has a rich collection upon its
walls of photographs of high historical value, and it is meet that such
should be the case in the country of the chief founder of photography,
Nidpce de Chilons ; also the country of Daguerre. In the collection
are several beautiful photographs in pigmente by Ducos du Hauron
by the ingenious process which has been so often reinvented, some-
times with modifications or improvements, in this and other countries.
Its president is Dr. Janssen. This Society is not parochial in its
work, and believes that something good in photography may be done
out of France, consequently a summary of anything new in photo-
graphy appearing in any foreign journals is briefly brought under the
notice of tho next meeting. There is a moderate amount of formahty
in the proceedings at the meetings, but not more perhaps than is
necessary to secure expedition in doing the work. This Society took
an active part in founding the International Photographic Congress,
which was but one of, say, thirty or fifty International Congresses
held at Paris during the last Exhibition there, when all the world and
his wife were in the gay capital ; consequently the time and place were
as convenient as any which could have beeu found, and I think that
the members of most scientific bodies were thankful that the Parisians
brought them together by means of those Congresses. The Bultetin
of the Socii5t<5 Franyaise de Photographie is carried on upon strictly
scientific lines, and is rich in contributions of pei-manent historical
value.
I have also visited the photographic societies of Nantes, Havre,
and Douai, all of them chiedy composed of amateurs. At Douai the
society holds its meetings, aiid has rooms, in the Museum. A portion
of the building is devoted to chemistry and physicul science ; so this
Society has aS facilities for demonstrations and research. It is an
interesting Society, and has some unique literary and pictorial records
of its own, contributed by men of exceptional ability. It writes and
lithographs its own journal, as also does the Photographic Society of
Versailles. A man whose handwriting is clearly legible copies that
which is selected for publication, and the pages are printed off in the
lithographic press.
A few weeKs back a letter appeared in tho photographic press from
a resident in Havre, to the effect that he had a dark room for the
use of strangers. That is all very well; but, judging by recent
occurrences in France, what is likely to be the fate of any photo-
grapher who takes pictures in the great shipping port of France, with
its adjacent fortifications ? I once put this question to some members
of the Havre Photographic Society, who said that they " thought "
that any foreigner might photograph inside the town, but they would
make inquiries and let me know later on by post. That information
never came. In many parts of Havre the heights behind the town
form the background to the street scenes, and, if guns chance to be
upon those heights, what will be the fate of those innocent strangers
•who venture to take snap-shots in the street with a camera ? In
places not near the frontier the Germans would simply bully such
tstrangers, and tell them to be off ; but the results of doing the same
thing in France would be more prolonged and more unpleasant
• -pecially in small places in which the local magnate has a concen-
• rated sense of his own dignity. If those small gentry be not spoken
w with abject humility, they will swell up like Mr. Maskell's cat.
OfTicialism is overdone in France; among the higher officials are
plenty of thorough gentlemen, and among the lower are some — but a
few inoiumber, I hope— who are the reverse.
The Photographic Society of Havre has a nice building of its own
in the eastern part of the town ; the members I have met gave nic
every cause to remember the meeting with pleasure. An exhibition
of the work of the members was going at the time, and attractetl
great numbers of the townspeople to an extent beyond the anticipa-
tions of the Society. . . ^ ,. „ .• ,
At Lille, in the Hall of the Suprs, is an interesting collection of
earlv nhotographs and photographic objects of interest. In another
nublic institution in the town, as I have been informed by Mr
William Engknd, are two old pictures, not photographs, proving thai
the way to produce stereoscopic effects was known long before tli
time of the supposed modem invention. On two occasions, when ii
Lille 1 tried, without success, to discover the wliereabouts of these
nictu'res not possessing the name of the place in which they were kept
Some changes were being made in the art galleries of Lille at the
time which may account for my not finding them. In past times I
have' now and then seen notices of them in books, but forgot where.
The Nantes Society publishes its own proceedings. The country
between Tours and Nantes well deserves the attention of photographic
tourists— especially the towns of Chinon and Angers, with their ma'/-
nificent old castles. From the neighbourhood of Angers came the
Plantagenete. This region is the garden of France.
Photogbaphy in Switzerland.
In Switzerland the head-quarters of photography are at Geneva
The lievue Suisse is published there, and the Photogi-aphic Society of
Geneva flourishes in the city. In the autumn of 1890 it held an
excellent exhibition, and some large heads by the carbon process, ex-
hibited by A. Buffo, Prince de h. Scaletta, of Rome, were unique, s.
far as my experience goes, which, in comparison with the experienc
of some of those I see around me, does not count for much. The^
have an indescribable, but distinct, character of their own, a
character as well marked out from the ordinary run of photograph.-
as have those of Mrs. Cameron. M. Nerdinger is the president ot th.
Geneva Photographic Society. The Swiss photographic societies an
united somewhat in the same manner as the ]5elgian societies, in thf
matter of the publication of their proceedings in one journal, tht
Hevue Suuse. ,, -r. . . ,-. ■ i.
The well-known photographer, Mr. Pricam, of Geneva, is the pre-
sident of the Swiss Photographic Society, an organization dealing wit i
the commercial interests of Swiss professional photographers. Id'
not think that they could have found a better man for the position
He was one of the photographic jury at the Paris Exhibition, and h.
attended the last Brussels Congress. Mr. Warnerke has his likeness.
Dm'ing a few hours' stay in Neuchatel I was unable to find any o'
the officers of the society ; they were mostly university men and ii
vacation at the time. At Lausanne I had no time to malke the attempt
so to do. . CT . 1 J
We come now to Ziirich, the chief commercial city in bwitzerland
The Polytechnic School there is known Ijy reputation or otherwis-
throughout the world to those persons who are interested in the sub
ject of national education. Its students have to take a three year-'
course of instruction at the cost of four pounds a year, for which they
may be taught chemistry, civil engineering, railway engineering,
architecture, or some one or other of the learned professions. The
candidates for admission must be able to pass what in Switzerland i:-
considered an elementary examination ; they must have a knowledgt-
of mathematics, and of two living languages in addition to their own
The benefits of this institution are not confined to the Swiss peppl
who keep it up, for stydents from any part of the world are receiveti
upon the same terms. Altogether during my visit to visit to Ziiric)
I spent much tiae in the establishment collecting information about
it, and chiefly from Dr. Georg Lunge, one of the best of living chemists,
and a noted authority upon alkali manufacture. He knows England
well ; in fact, he lived in this country for several years.
At the time of my stay in Ziirich there wa.s no photographic society
in the city, but one has been established there since. At the Poly-
technic School was a developing room for the general use of students.
In Italy photographic Societies are of recent date. There are but
few in the whole nation, and the first one was established at Florence
about six or eight years ago, as the outcome of a successful photo-
graphic exhibition in that city. I have not chanced to be m an^
Italian town at the same time that it possessed a photographic society
At Turin is an excellent Photographic Club, which prints a good
journal of its own.
Influence of Forkign Photoghaphic Institutions,
The influence which foreign photographic and other educations'
institutions exert in these days ot commercial coB»petition seems plaii
enough. Suppose a young Englishman, possessing the average educt
tion given to the bulk of the people in tnis country, and the averag-
April 1, 1808]
THE BRITISB JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
216
kBOwIedg* of xhatogtmphj leuvt under the teaching of an arenge
pi\imkmm\ pbotognpber, to go "oat West "in the United States,
aad to aettle down in some new town, in which he has bat one com-
petitar, • yoong Belgian. The latter we assmae to hare been taught
three Hriag kagnages, to hare been taught, not alone practical photo-
graph j, but iti nndeiljfing laws and principlM, to hare been taught
—" -* iilMfT?^'T. the use of hi^-daas tnatmments for photo-
Mr^ to M^
Ipnkie wasareh, tolwTe beoi tnJned in drawing aad painting, and
•B uia at iwiiailiaWy small exptoM. Jbi Oheat, for instance, which
is BOt • paitienlariy kim pMa, ht ha« erefj facility prorided for
iaaocpaaaiTelT aeqairiag ul tba knoiwlsdM jnst stated. Suppose all
otkw f ■!"«!■«■» of the two iadinioab but those just sUtod to be
eqwl, whkii is fikalj to baeome the rielor ia the race of life P The
BeWaa, aar I. In modem draised society, education takes the ^bes
whUi weaipons and phvaical strength take aaoog saragesk In these
days the propsly educated man is the strong man armed, and that,
too, widi a weapon which cannot bs taken from him, whilst hit
nwsj nested brother is ason fikaly to be a sheep to be shorn. A man
who giawls about tha east of ganecal sdoeation is like a sarage who
tries to main other sarages go nnanaed, beeaose of the expense in
moner or labour of acquiring weapona. Mr. H. M. EUer has told as
!.ow certain Ea^isli photographic flnas hava bsea obliged to send to
I ivtaaay tor Km» of thmr beat men ; I bsT* ssen photo-msehaiucal
vork for Loodoa wstpmas in tha set of being printed in Oermanj,
\.id 1 know of oos greet phwtogiapMe firm is London now employing
OoepiTs farmer omb, beeaeas of their praetieal skiU. Too
uM a penportloa of ossftal plwtemaUe BOtelties eosaas fcnm abroad.
The pls«Biw, heavy Uad of triTiMi says to tha inqidier: "I do
-1* hasp SBch and such a thiiy ; there is ao deasand for it.* Yet the
'htDg may bs obnoosly nsefa£ aad it is aot the business of the public
tn go down oa its kasss to. jwiae dsakas to supply nssfal things they
will not otherwise ksep ; It is dmflm to go to a dealer in foreign
goods, when he dtaaesa to have sonstUag meritoriousiy nsifnl, wUn
he intiodaees ia the hove that the poMe will rseoi^ise tte valas.
Much asote aright be mii <m this part of the subjeet, bat at this hoar
<rhat bee besa said is sufidset to start a iHsriaa'nii
*• Yoa hare ao psrsonal aractieal hnowlsdg* of the aetiou of thaw
cnooaercial iaflneaess in piiotogrmahy,' wys— or oagirt to m^-«a
-bjector. That is trae, so npoa tais biaaeh of my sabject I eome
■ '-Tf u much to be taoght as to teach ; therefon, will now sit down
.n thi* chair, preparatory to bsiag'Mt apoa by yoa after our ehainaan
ha* exhibited his intiiissting Isntani sIMes. Asyoa aia jost, so he
mercifuL w. IL Haamtao*.
PHOrOOBAPHT A5D PHOTO-MECBAXICAL PBINTIKO.
r for SM lo go very dsspty bHa
aasral history of photapaphy. asMhsv triii it bo
•a me te aHsmpt to go iaio dstail oa the elabemls
aUA essur ia lbs psoeessss I shaU daacrihe. aad by lbs study of «bieh,
stsp by stsf^ ths prsiwl seast kaewledp has besa sttaiaed of lbs
woadertol aslloa of U^t oa varioue eiiarie lalla. It win be
^ior my pressat purposs U I give you a siHft Wlteaif of ths tutt
as IA Ihs ibswltsl seUoa el light oa soaw of the
ia photegnighy. bris^y eipMning as I ge
I rhimiss are aad thsir sCsel, so Iku you «ill bsttsr
tet lbs sipsiiaiails I shaU show yea. For dstrils of ths
I priaiiag pinfimm I shall iatredass to yea I saaast do
Ibsa sdvissyon to stodyaae or otbv of the spesial last books
oa ths subieet. These smnagsl you who dsabe to naha a
stsdr of the art win do well to oblala Ihe esseUaat works o(
* Dawssa. Captain Afaasy. BJL, W. K. Bartoa. sad otbsrs,
k of U|^ aitlsa has* bssa most
Aenoa or Lm»t on Savn Balis.
I you all knew, nerpt the little boy ia the ooiBSr, for whom
is iaisadsd a* well as your scisntWe sslves, thai lbs word
ftphy ataaas Utsially rrilief fry wssm <!f Nfkt, aad it iadadss all
I by whiah say kiad of a pfatnte may bs obtaiaed by Ihe sbsaiieal
r of ligbt. The aasisato knew hardly anything about lbs subjeet
, perimpa. Ibet a subslaase whish they called " bom of sOvar"
to light. Ia irn a elever flwillili ibaaiist
I as loathe deoampoaiagaetica of U^t
I eoapouada of aOvcr. aad bs (ouad that this dsooiaposlag
greatest in the violet end of the apeetmm ; he also attributed Ibt
blackening of chloride of silver to the liberation of chlorine and ib»
formation of hydrochloric acid, which theories were quite correct, but
very little notice was taken of the discoveries at the time, they were
looked upon as mere curiosities. About thirty years later, ia 180*2
Wedgwood and Davy attempted to utilise silver salts for pioture-maldng
purposes, and, curiously enough, they practically employed the very
methods in use to-dsy in their experiments. They soaked sheets ot paper
in nitrate of silver, and projected a shadow of the object they wished to
copy upon it. The parts of the paper upon which the shadow td
remained white, whilst the paru exposed to the- sun's rays gradually
turned dark, the result being a negative image of the object shadowed
or photographed.
Here is a piece of p^Mr treated as' above, showing approximately die
effect o( Wedgwood and Davy's researches. Up to this time, however,
and for perhaps thirty years later, no method of flxing these light pictures
was discovered ; eonseqoeotly, they could |only be examined in a dull
light, and, nnless kept in thejdark, soon disappeared altogether. In
1831 HerseheU annoonesd that hyposnlphite of soda would dissolve the
haloid salts of silver, bat the fact seems to havs bean overlooked until
Fox-Talbot's investigatinns btoaght ths matter.to a practical application
in 1889 in his Talho^jpps proeess, Talbot made great advances iu photo-
gn^ihie sdence, and found how to make piotores in ths camera, the
imagaa ot whiiit wars'inviaible whan made, bot were oapablejof develop-
msat aflacwaids. Contemporaneously with the experiments ol the
FngHshiaen named, Dagoarre and Niipoe in France were making soe-
ssssfol rsssaiebss into photographic picture-making, one by the well-
known aad beautiful prnress hearing the name ot Daguerreotype, the
basis ol whish was a plate of silver, having upon its sarface a thin fihn
of iodine, which snbetsaes, combining with Uie metallic silver of the plate,
prodooed lodOe of sOvar (a salt highly ssasitiva to light). The pleta
Ibaa prapared wae sxpossd in ths eaman. and the image obtained, thom)»
iavisikla at this sisge, appasrsd on ths plate on Ita being submitted to
the taass of msrsury. This prodnetioa of a latent image eapabis of
dsvslopwsat was ol lbs Sxai importance, as it redneed the exposors ia
lbs SBMsra liaui hours to minutes, and. in conjunction with Fox Talbot's
peoeass, opsasd Ihs door to a whole range of dissoveries, the mere
naming of which woold occupy ths whole time at my disposal this
eveaing.
Mr. Fox-Talbot was the first cxpsriataalalist wbo saoessdsd ia naib^
what U leehaisaUy known as a negative, aad ia 18M Mr. Aaher dia-
cjvered our prsssnt eollodiou proeess for makiag nsgfttives.
CoUodioB is a thin, syrapy selntioa ol pyroiyilns or gan eotton, dis-
solvsd in ether and aleohol, and it is used as a vehiele to earry tha haloid
salte ol silver ou ths glass nsgativa. We will dissolve a litUs ootton in
stbsr aad alsobol lo show yoo how rapidly the prspsrsd vogatsUe flbfse
an Ossolvsd by the solvsnta. To this sohilion W sddsd broBids aad
iadids salts, aad H is Ibsa poured o«ar a glass pUte, and ths plate to
dippsd (or a Isw asiaatss into a bath eonlafaiing about ibirty-flve grains
of nitrate ol saver to sack eunss ol water. Ths silver in the water
sombines with lbs bcoaridts aad iodidss in ths collodion, aad (orme
double sslto abisb an ssnsitiva lo U|^t. Tbs plate in this slate is ready
for oposun ia Ihe samsis, aad is what Is gaaMmUy known as the ■' wet-
Iriate" or ''eoMediaa"pwssss,ia wwtrnWsllwBltoa to ths now bettor-
knnvajslalias or diy ^atsi
A oagativa is a traasparMl pietan havl^ lbs U^te sad sfaadsa
tsurssd. Hsn is s nsgsliss, aad you sss that tbow parte earraspondfav
to lbs dark portioa el the eriginel an liaaaparaat, whereas those parte
whiab swisspoad to the H^rts ol Ibe origiBal an opaqos. Hsre. on tbs
otftsr head, is a positive or traasparaaey ol lbs same sabjeet aa the
nagativs wbiah you have just ssen. the U^ite sad shades ol this being
ths saass as lbs objeet iiipisssulsJ. A nsgative (ram nature should
show the nrerss ol all those grsdatioas ol light aad shade which chan^-
tsriss natural ebjeets, while a nsgalire takaa Irom a lins engraving
should show only two gradatioos, iwaiplste opaoitr and olsar trans-
panaey. Bete is sasb a asgalin as is in on (or all classes of photo-
1 prosssssa ia Uas.
Taa BicaaoiuTS Paocassxs.
The iissetsry by Mai^ Ponton in I8S9 that bichromate of polasb
eoold bo used tor making paper sensitive to light was of immediate im^
|-^f>»*i There is saarssly a photo-mechanical proeess in existence
width is net mon or Ism dspsndsnt on ths action of one or other ot the
lildhinmsles in eombiaatioa with an organic substance, such as albumen,
gelatine, and starefa.
Were it not tor ths curious action light exsrte on organic subatanees
eharged with a small proportion of bichromate, a whole range of beautiful
216
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY,
[April 1, 1892
[irooowM now ta «T«ry.d»y tuc would be impossible. Pigment printing
by mMUM ot the carbon process, photo-lithography, photo-zincography,
plioto-«(dliiig and engraving, Woodborytype, collotype, and a host of
l«Mer proecMe^ are one and all entirely based on the effects imparted by
-Mlta of ohromimn to organic matters, such, for instance, as gum, glue,
fldatine, isinglass, rtareh, dextrine, *c. To explain to you the action of
Ught on any one of these substances when treated with bichromate, we have
pimared some sheeU of paper with a coaUng of ordinary gelatiije. This
■heat o< geUtine paper has not been treated with bichromate, and it can
be exposed to light indeBnitcly without affecting its nature. This sheet
h»B acquired the property of becoming sensitive to Ught by being soaked
*>r a few minutes in a three percent, solution of bichromate of potas-
■sinm in water, and dried. The light acU in two definite ways on bichro-
matad gelatine prepared as described, first, by rendering it insoluble ;
seeond, by causbg it to lose its property of absorbing water or swelling ;
tLOi these peculiar properties are seized upon by the scientific photo-
grapher, and utilised by him in the making of many wonderful picture-
producing surfaces. Now, this piece of bichromatised gelatine paper has
«een exposed to daylight under this negative for five minutes this
•fteraoon, and if you examine it yon wiU find a faint image of the lines
of the picture. If I dip the piece of paper in water, and let it soak a few
moments, a marked effect is produced. The unused bichromate in the
paper dissolves out into the water, and the unacted upon gelatine swells,
but the parts represented by the clear lines of the negatfve, and oxidised
by light, remain unswoUen, non-absorbent, and sunk ; that is to say, if
tiiia piece of paper were laid on a flat surface, and plaster of Paris poured
upon it, we should get a east in relief showing every line of the original
drawing, from which, by recasting in metal, we might obtain, by this
means alone, a stereotype plate for printing with type. Many excellent
processes for type-block making are worked on this principle. Now,
another valuable property of this same gelatine, when sensitised and
printed, is its affinity for taking greasy ink where light has acted, and
refusing to take ink where light has not acted. Sapper Eoyall will take
a printing roller charged with ink, and coat a similar piece ot exposed
gelatine paper with ink all over— when dry, it can be inked all over— and
Mr. Oeddes will afterwards soak the paper in water, when you will observe
that with a sUght rubbing the ink will leave the gelatined paper every-
where, except on the parts acted upon by light.
The inked photograph of the lines of the negative on gelatine paper,
made in the way shown to you, is technically called a " transfer," because
it is used for the purpose of transferring the ink on its surface to a litho-
graphic stone or a grained zinc plate, from which base the image or lines
4hus transferred can be further inked and strengthened, after which
treatment the stone or plate is placed in an ordinary lithographic printing
press, and any number of copies printed in the usual manner. When I
eay "usual manner," I am presuming that you understand generally
what ordinary lithographic printing is, and that you have also some idea
«f its principles. Perhaps, after all, it would be safer if I do not
" presume " anything (in case any of you have forgotten), and I will just
run over very briefly the manipulations of simple lithographic printing.
(To describe it properly would involve a paper thrice the length of the
present one.)
Lithographic Printino.
Solenhofen slate is a porous limestone which has obtained the name of
lithographic stone from its capability of being used as a printing surface,
<rom which an indefinite number of copies of any drawing or transferred
picture can be taken. This stone is polished smooth and level for use,
and it possesses the property of greedily absorbing both greasy ink and
water ; if a drawing is made upon it with an ink made of grease and
lampblack dissolved in soap, the grease sinks into the stone, and each
line so drawn forms a permanent printing surface, which will "take"
more ink from an inked roUer, and then give up a portion of the ink to
a sheet of paper pressed in contact with the face ot the stone. To prevent
the stone inking all over when using a roller, the stone is damped before
rolling up with a sponge and water ; the stone absorbs water everywhere
except where the lines occur, which, being greasy, repel water. You see,
therefore, that the principle of lithographic printing is simply employing
a surface which " takes " ink, and ink only where there is already ink,
and water, and water only where there is already water.
Here is a lithographic stone on which a drawing has been made, also a
similar stone upon which a photo-lithographic transfer has been impressed,
as well as proof from both stones. You will observe that there is prac-
tically no difference in the results, one subject being laboriously drawn by
hand line by line, and the other the result of photographing a print or a
drawing which has been much more easily obtained.
I will now take another similar sheet of transfer paper which has been
already washed and inked up, and will pass it through the transfer press
so that you may see the exact method of treating these transfers. I,
however, will not use a stone, but a sheet of zinc, which possesses the
same properties as lithographic stone, but is more convenient for the
purpose this evening. You will see that the ink leaves the gelatine
surface of the paper, and attaches itself to the metal or stone. If the
transfer is successful, we will pull a few copies to show the complete
process.
I mentioned in the historical notes that Ni^pce had discovered the fact
that bitumen or ordinary asphalt was sensitive to light. As I still have
some time, I will make a short resumi of this process.
The process is extremely simple, ordinary bitumen or asphalt is dis-
solved in benzol, and a metal plate is covered with a thin varnish of the
substance.
Ni^pce employed this method for the purpose of making pictures on
glass, but we use the bitumen now entirely for obtaining an acid-resisting
image on metal for etching or engraving purposes.
Here is one of these plates ready for use. Exposure to light has the
effect of rendering the bitumen varnish insoluble in certain essential oils
in which, previous to its exposure to light, it was quite soluble. This
singular property is utilised in our modern processes for producing the
delicate images on metal of drawings in line, which are afterwards etched
by acids either for typographic blocks or intaglio plates. The plate which
I handed round to you just now has been exposed to the action of light
under a negative of a line drawing, and, though there is no image visible,
I will now show you the effect of a little common turpentine over a
portion of the plate. Here is tlie drawing and the negative made from it,
under which the plate has been exposed. You see that the turpentine at
ince dissolves and removes the portion ot bitumen which were protected
from light by the negative, but it has no effect upon the parts acted on
by light, and represented by the clear portion of the negative and by
corresponding lines on the metal plate. To-morrow I shall have the
pleasure of describing to you how by etching such a plate as Ni^pce's, we
can convert it into a block for printing with type in a printing press.
Niepce's discovery, about the year 1825, of the curious effect of light on
bitumen is very ^interesting from the fact that the process, only slightly
modified, is employed to-day for the production of some of our finest
photo-etched plates. I believe there are in the British Museum some
specimens of Niepce's bitumen plates showing his attempts at etching
quite halt a century before there was any practical use made of them.
One of the most beautitul"processes, namely,'photogravure, was largely
dependent in its begmning upon this action of light on bitumen.
Photogbavubb.
Photo-intaglio engraving is, as its name implies, just the opposite in
effect to the photo-relief blocks, which I shall describe to-morrow evening,
the principles are the same, however, and the difference in result is
obtained by using a positive or transparency tor obtaining the pictures on
metal (instead of a negative), and by etching away the lines themselves
instead of the metal surrounding them. I have here a copper plate with
the picture on the metal printed from a positive, and a plate upon which
a similar picture has been etched, so that you can see at a glance how
the results are attained.
The simplest way ot obtaining a photogravure plate ot a line subject is
to coat a piece of copper with a thin solution of bitumen in benzol, and
expose this plate under a clear, sharp transparency in a printing frame.
The exposure will take about an hour in a good light. After exposure
the image is developed with a little turpentine, and on the dissolving
away of the unacted upon parts represented by the lines on the trans-
parency, the picture will appear as bare metal on a ground of bitumen
varnish. On applying an etching solution of perchloride of iron to the
surface of such a jjlate, the etching solution at once attacks the portions
of metal bared 'by the developer, and quickly bites out the lines to a
sufficient depth to permit of the plate being inked in and printed from.
If the subject required is in gradations of tone, like a portrait or a land-
scape photographed from nature, then a different treatment is necessary,
and the following method is perhaps the best. From the transparency,
or positive, of the tone negative a print is made in carbon, exactly in the
same manner as if one were making an ordinary print ; but, instead of
developing the carbon print on paper, it is developed direct on to a copper
plate, which has previously had a fine grain of resin deposited and melted
upon it. A grain of some kind is necessary on all half-tone photo-
gravures, because without it there would not be sufficient texture in the
etched pictures to hold the quantity ot ink necessary to give a vigorous
print. After the carbon print of the transparency is developed and dry,
it should present the appearance ot the plate which I handed round to
you, and it is ready for the etching fluid, which is again perchloride of
iron. A little practice is necessary in order to determine the right
April 1, 1802:
THE BKrnSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
217
-■tmigtli ot the etching lolatioo, u well as to jadge properly the exact
Bomant when to atop the opermtion ot etohing, beoQie, if the lolution ii
too (troot;. it will only etch the deepait ihadowi , and il it ii too weak it
win etch too qoieUy all over the ■nifaaa, and gira a flat, thin picture.
Ban ia a plate wbieb ii (airly well etdted, tocetbar with lome proofa.
Th« piata, joa will obaarra, ia atael faaad, whieh ia always adtrif abU ; the
hard taenia ptotwla Um dalkkte diUib from batog too rapidly won awaj
in the printing. Paci. L. Witeblow.
♦
STEREOSCOPIC PU( >TOG RAPH Y.-
MR. J. C. AXN.\N.
A REPLY TO
Pbomitxd by a deaite to introduce a diagiwinn, riz., *' to inqaire into
<be TtMon for tba preaent reriral of atereoaeopic work among:st the
/ ' : tnXeTmtj,' Mr. J. C. Annan made a oommonication to
the OlaiRow Pbototrraphie .\aaociatioiiafewdaTf affo, and which waa
in thi< JouKXAL laat week. I Me \>y the report that the
which followed was " aaimated," but it ia a pitj the
" animated diacuaaion" haa not been pdUiahed. Bat let ua conaider
ihbat Mr. Annan haa aaid.
We are told there are aereral daMsa of photographer*, and these
Mr. Annan divide* into three. " Th* fir*t i* the profeauonal, who
'•^e* (tenoteope work to latiafy an eager public deiaand to buy them
<r the cntettainiDMit of tbeir frieads ia the dtawing'-room.* Well,
-iw, from • prnfwinnal atandpoint, b thi« not one fn«nd teatimonial
ttenoaeopie pbotogra^y, and the fact that there is an "eager
■maad t " That thejr mit tlie pablie taste is another point in favour.
The mat dam at jhotognjitfr, Mr. Amun mji, u the amatear,
who photo^phs because he dasin* • relief from the moootony or
worry of hi* oaOy avocatiaa, &C., and tUa das* haO atereoaeopic
wotfc aa a delightful variaty, aiiad natural^ baoooie enthnaiutic orer
it" (Itafica mine.) "Ther imhotomph many old riewa, and ahow
tbeir reaoha to admiriiig menoa, who expatiate on the Barrellou*
reality of the sppewaaoe.
Now, I aak agatn, la this not another point in favour of atewoeeopie
pboCognphy, or are all our " admiriiig fHaada '' devoid of taale,
without aottl or artiatic feeling, bamhoga, or Idiota *
The third das* of pbuCagiaplwr, w« are tokl, photograph* fnr
volt* ; they have a sow beyond the daik room. " Their albums are
>it«d
their
1 the
oaow of gnofea**, euaot aD thia be doa* f ron ataieoaeopic nc^tire* f
" A wave, a dead, the oatlia* of a Un, or a tree braneh, la ever a
'.caame to them.* What dommh* aO thb attempt at poetnr or art
-, to b* sore. Th* atafeateop* will show the wave, the eloua, or the
readi of a tree, far better than moat ■ietora* to be found ia albsm*.
.:>>fofe we try to be puelJeal ia pMlegraphy, we had better be
praeticml. Tmo, th* auttm* of BtMtT-otiM oat <rf every on* baadrcd
itinateur photognnhan ai» not It to (e ttmx ; they ai«, a* a role, the
n«vptacle of aarnr eflorta and print* that are not good enough to
4mia ; uieT oave a >oai ueyumi lae oan room. i oeir ainuma a
h9 real end of their work ; tbe^ like to have pictures of piaeea viait
tvmitxi them of a happy hAtiday, and to M abk to iUMtrate th<
; r.rate and ■oblie betitic* to lati* foctwaat* brethren.* Mow, in t
name of rnndiiew euaot aD thia be doo* f ran ataieoaeonie nesatirei
otiber
mount in any other way, though aometimea an album may oootain
r-miniae*Bea* of holiday ramble*; and we can do all thia by printing
fr'>m one ead of a Haiauat ueit aagative.
^oce iMasI wwa a atawaaauu* aad a hoK of Bfly »tara»-
(glaaa tranapafaaei**) aada mm nytire* taken on a
\»ar the boi i* an aibam, aoBlaiamg ifty pbtiaotypt
■ tX» aim), prated from on* «wl cc tha aama tawo-
Mv frienli who vidt me haea^ I baliave, the
' the hvmaa race, and dniaa* of time* I have
ir tasiae by giriaf them liet the album to
1 in five or aiz miauta* they are aatiafied ;
I ■ ill oftM apaad a* modk time loohimr at
'mm hMwer, if I don't harry tAem
K lid* fe>vMt me, they ask to see my
- uk In see the album
Annan mys agnin.
:« impneaibla to amedate the
*■ ifh any w>ffhaniwl eaatmanm,
* •-ii)"> ■ .>->[M -'I *fi ittv uiiad moat he ontiammelled by
n uide of it, for the diatarbaoe* craated \ij the nioimary
t "«rta, the adioatmaot of foen*. kc, i* a aoarce of
|)ia»«at* tL* Miiovment of OM beaatU* of the pk-
( ■ thiog* an th* Utial ohjactko* of Mr. Annan to
'feoaoope.
, it U a fact that, in the old day* of the •taieoaeoM, thotMaad* of
made so vary ineometly, and thia*, wmd viewed by
. which warn avaaOy (Ufaetive, caoted eooatdarabto
. lubk, and undooblidfy w Mfntaot aataJral objaeta in a vary
innataral way, u ataga wfM or Bttl* modehu
But all this wrongKloing of the past need not be repeated. There
is no necessity for this " fixing " and what is usually understood
(erroneouslv) to be " adjuKting the focus." I say again, with
emphasis, tiiat with correctly printed slides and properly constructed
stereoaeopea there is no occsjion for any trouble or irritation such as
has been mentioned.
But there is a fourth class of phi^tographer not mentioned by Mr.
Annan whom I must now introduce. Thi.s class of pbotogiapher has
a propensity for doing things without thinking, and for talking and
writing about art, atmospheric renderiligs, optical, and other matters
of which thev hare but a very limited understanding, and it is such
gentlemen wbom the student in stereoscopic phot^igrapby has most
to fear in leading them astragr.
Mr. Annan asks u.4"to imagine an artist painting a {octure of a
view which he looked at through a telescope. Now, this is a remark
quite misleading, for it haa no bearing whatever on the stereoscope,
but might well be applied to taking single pictures with a lens of too
long a focu«.
Mr. Annan says : " In nattire it is impossible to see objects near at
hand and objects at a distance in focus at the same time ; in the stereo-
scope, however, the several planes are all seen in focus at onoe, aud
thus the effect aimed, at by one means i« directly annulled by another,
with the resiUt that the various planes seem flat portions supported
by a little space from each other.'
Here we have an instance of the fourth class of photographer whom
I have introducvid in tiiis short article, and wliere a little learning is
shown to be a <langerous thing. In tlie first part of the above para-
graph Mr. .Annan is correct, but in what he says he sees in the stereo-
scope he is all wrong.
" Focus," or the " Aeveral planes seen in focus at onoe," ha.s nothing
whatever to do with the subject. If we look at a natural object five
Tarda away, ibd then turn our attention to another object fifty yards
beyond, we undouhiedly alter the focus of our eyes; but this alteration
of focu» gives us no ides or appreciation of distance. '
It is a fact that " the mind can only concentrate itself on one object
at a time," but it is incorrect " that, if an endeavour be made to look
at a near object and at a distant object together, it will be poasible
todosa"
Nextj we are treated to some incoherent remarks nVmt atmospheric
impreanons, and what the painters do, and to which I need not reply
further than to aay that, if it be possible to obtain atmottpberic effects
in a MOgle photograph taken by one lens, surely it i» equally possible
to obtain Mmilar enectt in two other pictures made by two other
lease*. Then, as I have preiriously stat<*d, if these two other pictures
have been xigktiv taken aiod plac«<i in the stereosoone, it matters not
whether tha aabject be atmoapberic effi-cts or aereaJ grandeur, moun-
tain or fongronnd, teitk all on out ptane ; t liia plane, so f ar aa focus is
oonoemed, haa nothing wbatarer to do with Uih distaiice-giving
power. V
It b the raiyiof^ conTmenee of the axia of the two eyes that
enables ns to astimata ffistanee in natural objects, and, when the
stareoaeopie nHdm and steMdsoope* are made and used correctly, it is
poadble to appreciate th* rdtef, distance, and perspective due to
nature a tbooaMtd times better than from any nnsle picture.
W. I. ClIAbWICK.
OIT-DOOR PHOTOGRAPHY.
II. — Choicb or AppAJtATTs.
Tm aabctton of apparatus is by no maaas an easy matter for the
inesperieaead, or, in fact, for anv on*. There is to much on the
markrt having a plausible look that ita very abundance creates the
dilUculty. If it were only required for " wrapping in lavender," or
to put under a glass case, the task would b* easy, as perfection of
polish and general appearance will aulBoe, the flimsinem aitd faddiness
of design, with apporteaanci^ f ' ". ngeverything to lie done except
the taking of a oeoent pictu: undar tho*e circumstances, of
litti* ermwuawire. During tm- period of the camera rraze the de-
ajirtlijpMwli Ilia of soma of to*** elegant articles culled cAineras
P«rHv9r« IB mind of the vngaris* of a circus horse than anything
ebe, being i*pre**alad ■• in nae while rearing, bucking, front or
back downwanb, and *o forth, and while contorted inbi a variety of
other thapea to tliow bow sapple they were, the light conical belfowi-
being a* if made of sheet atevl. so well it appeareid Ui acoommodat<
iitetf to each position. Sagging of bellows and loss of parallelisn]
through wear and dropping of part* are, of course, quite unknown
in craatioas of this kind, and mention is not mada of the splendin
refinementa in distortion tbey will produce if used for interior.-'
with wi(le-«ngls lenam unless controlled by a complete battery
of levels and plumaet*. What a nice illustration their use out ol
318
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[April 1, 1892
doowin damp we»theT would make with the bellows tied for support
to lijrht (rirders of firewood with odds and ends of string ; and bow
deliffhtfullv another could be made to show the delicate appreciation
of the difference in the weight of lenses possessed by their rigid and
extending fronts. The requirements of the professional go a little
beyond this ; he do«8 not need show, and has no time to play with a
men box of trick.i. His apparatus must lie of a kind to inspire, con-
fidence, and TelieTe the mind from all anxiety respecting ita per-
formance ; constructed substantially, and of such a design as to do
the main things well in hot or ^old, wet or fine weather, and capable
of sUnding hard usage without getting out of truth or falhng to
pieces. There is no necessity for such an instrument to be either
domsy or heary. , n
The main features of the most useful pattern of camera for aU-
round work are square body with reversible back, double extension
backward, rising and falling front of (rood range, lateral front ditto,
double swing back, and double dark slides, whose shutters fold round
flat. In large cameras the double extension is better when formed of
two dbtinct lengths of bellows joined to a centre frame ; the forward
one may be conical, the latter always parallel. The support thus
afforded at the junction of the two keeps the bellows in better con-
dition, the extra stabiUty being well worth the few ounces extra
weight. Cameras under 12x10 in size do not need it. Their bellows
may be constTuct<?d partly conical, the parallel half, where it is joined
to the back framing, being small in fold, to ensure perfect clearance
with lenses of any description. The weak point of double extension
is the sliding base frame. Whether this extends forward or behind,
it must be unexceptionably well fitted, and its racking out limited in
general use to about two-thirds or so of its length. Its chief defects
arise from weakness in being made too slight and bad fitting, either
initial or resulting from wear of the sliding tongues and grooves, all
of which tend to cause the lens to pitch forward. The evil is likely
to pass unnoticed on front extensions ; or, if detected, is difficult of
coirection ; wliereas, when the lens-board is a fixture to the main
base-board of the camera, and the back frame operated by the extend-
ing one, any want of truth is made right in the usual routine of
setting the swing-back. Bear this in mind, and avoid mere triumphs
of the cabinet-maker's art in favour of the more matter-of-fact-looking
instruments, to which the right principle of extension from behind has
been applied.
The rise and fall of the front, and the play of the lateral one,
should be as extensive as possible, consistent with light-tightness.
Most patterns of cameras have insufficient rise, not because space is
limitea, so much as, apparently, a desire on the part of the manufac-
turer to spare the brass a longer slotted plate would need. He ought
to have tne privilege of seeing one of his masterpieces with the
milled-headed screw out, a penknife stuck in the face of the camera
to hold the front higher, as if for the solo purpose of exhibiting to the
select company th« choice timber and workmanship of tlie under
frame, and how economical his people had been in the blacking up.
The defect, although a trifling one, causes much vexation, for it has
to be dealt with just at the time when any disturbing influence is
better absent.
With respect to the swings of the back, both should move on pivots
at their respective centres in the old-fashioned way, the distance and
position of the focussing screen in respect of tlie axis of the lens
thereby remaining constant, and, being uncomplicated by other dis-
turbing elements, which swing fronts, hinged sides and bottoms, and
so forth, introduce, their benefits are realised with less expenditure
of time and trouble. See that there are no loose fixings, and that
all may be securely bound in any position within tlieir range into one
rigid piece.
If tne instrument lie ordered or purchased direct from a manufac-
turer, instruct him to have all grooves and tongues, both of camera
and slides, well embodied with pohsh and papered off. These are
just the places most in need of varnish to prevent swelling and stick-
ing of shutters and sliding frames ; but, as the labour and polish has
no decorative result when applied to them, they are usually left un-
touched, to become an intolerable nuisance after being a few hours
out in damp weather. Before putting it into general use, ascertain
whether it is light-proof, and see that its dark slides are all likewise
safe and in accurate register with the ground surface of the focussing
fcreen. Failing to register was a common fault. In the course of
my experience I have known first-class lenses to be condemned as
worthless, and have on many occasions pointed the evil out to brother
photographers, who were at their wits' end to know what was amiss,
and, on one very important occasion, atTording a chance which has
never been repeated, I was badly sold myself. A new camera had
been purchased for the event, and one slide only tested. This hap-
pened to be right, just enough to make a fool's paradise, with the
usual result. The introduction of machinery, and the more free use
of templets in the manufacture of the modem camera, together with
the shelving of lenses of the " baby " lens type, has mitigated, but not
quite cured, the evil.
Among the minor points give the preference to rack work, as_ the
wear of the grooves is less, and the motion truer than with a winch
screw ; have no loose screws or parts, and see that the interior of the
camera is well covered with a coating of deep matt black.
A large focussing cloth, specially made for use with the camera^
should be provided, with one of iU small sides sewn with a hem to
three sides of a moderate size square of the same material, in wiiich a
large circular hole has been cut at the centre, and also hemmed. Into
both hems a piece of elastic webbing of suitable length is run and
fastened. This forms a kind of hood or bag to completely envelop
the front of the camera, the remainder of the cloth passing backwards
to cover the tail-board in the usual way. A thing of this kind never
gets blown away, it effectually shelters the camera, and offers no
obstacle to the rapid manipulation of the camera fronts, whose screws
are released or tightened through the central aperture surrounding the
lens. I prefer a double thickness of fine "silesia" sewn together
round the edges, and a few times across to keep it neat and shapely.
A second one of the usual form is needed for use with the dark slides.
Of tripods two are necessary, one being of the ordinary pattern, in
which each leg consists of two pieces of stuff, jointed near the foot,
joints and spider-1
the " f uzzytypo " school, who probably may find the art qualities of
their productions much enhanced by the employment of these un-
steady articles. The second should be of a sliding pattern about five
feet or so high, the extension of the legs giving another four feet six
or so, and have a ball-and-socket head of good design. I have seen
and used several, both ancient and modern, nearly all the latter
failing in one respect, in that the binding of the screw, through being
direct on the ball, soon wears this so much that accurate adjustment
is almost an impossibility. The first pair of tripods I ever set up-
when I entered the ranks, seven or eight-and-twenty years ago, were
two of the old French ball-and-socket pattern. The design of these
was about right. Instead of the ball being bound as above, it was
slightly scored, and rested in a semi-globular cavity on the upper side
of the wooden head of the tripod, a second hollow piece having a
central hole for the stalk of the ball to pass through, confined it from
above, and was drawn with force upon it by means of three bolts,
which, after passing through the head of the tripod, were secured in
a brass frame, whose centre was tapped for a thumb-screw to bear
on the under-side of the tripod head. By these means the ball was-
pinched with great force in any position without slip or disturbance
of any kind. Johi« Habmbb.
®ur jBJiterial ^TaftU.
Mb. Geo. Pbndby, of Nottingham, has submitted to us some specimens
of phot<vceramic work on china, which, both as examples of the
capabiUties of the process and as photographs, we are pleased to
pronounce excellent. They are highly glazed, which, if anything,,
enhances the beauty of the pictures. Mr. Pendry, we believe, makes
a speciality of ceramic work for the trade. Certainly the examples
before us in softness and finish rival any we have seen.
Vebnon Heatu's Recollections.
London ; Cassell & Co., Limited.
The " recollections " of a veteran photographer, like Vernon Heath,
will necessarily be perused with interest by photographers of all
classes, for his line appreciation of art in connexion with photography,
and the surpassing excellence of many of his pictures have, doubtless,
conduced to hasten the time when something else than mere technical
skUl is held to be requisite. The first part of the work relates largely
to Robert Vernon, who, in 1847, presented his collection of pictures to
the National Gallery ; the remaining part is relegated to the author's
connexion with photography which, at the death of his uncle, he
adopted as a profession. He, in this capacity, took the last photograph
that was obtained of H.R.H. the Prince Consort, and apropos of
which he read a paper, on the reproduction of negatives, at a meeting
of the Photographic Society of London, in 1862, which he claims was
the first public announcement of enlarging from negatives by the use
of a transparency. There is, perhaps necessarily, much of the
April 1, 1892]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
219
nenonal element nmniiig tbroogh Mr. Heath'a work, which, u we
hm Mid, will proTe of interest to photogntphers, especially to those
who wish to kiK>w what took pUea in former times.
FALuo-wrxMLD't Xbw CKLix)n>i!i 8n.\"KB Ekulsiox Papkb.
A MMPLX of this paper received from Mr. Jonsthan Fallowfield
haviog been car«fuUT tried we find that it i« hi^blv i^eDsitire and
yields good tones. When taken from the printing frame, following
the direeticDS given, it was transferred directly to the toning and
fixing bath, the eomposition of which is as folbws : —
Distilled water 20 onnee^
Hyposulphite soda 4 „
Anunon. snlphacyanide i „
A'-^'ateof lead 1 drachm.
itaoflead 1 „
i' iercdalom 1 „
Citric acid 1 „
Chloride of gold solation (1 grain in
1 drachm) 4 drachms.
In this it acquired a dark purple tone, and also became fixed. This
paper will, we doubt not, take its place aiaoqg the faTouiite brands
now on the market.
PHOTO-mOXATIXO.
•7C*aL8rsBiraataBTaa.Jia..St. Leui. U.S.A.
Thib is nndottbtedlj a most useful and practical work by one who
appears to hare an utimate aoquaintauoa with phuto-eagraTing in all
its teanehss. The author treats the sabjeet in the most thorough
naaaer tram the flttbg up d the aldbr, the method of fwpsiing
and intenitfying aagntms snitabk for the work, the srieedon, poushing
nuitiaing, printing, and etching dl the plates, op to the mounting on
the Uoeks so as to M ready for printing. The work Li comprehentire,
and is not eonfined to one system alone hot embraces all that are now
practised tnm line to half-tone snbjeeta.
RECENT PATENTS.
ATPUCATIOBIS FOR PATXm.
iraSW7.— "ImsoMunat* la the Art sf PndasiBt Coloond Fketonank*.'
W. J. BmnantM.— Aals< ifen-A
Wtik rhotagiaphk Osmsnc"
A. & NnniAJi
W. pAUtBB.—
!la B70&— " tmnenasaU la cr
J. R. Cni. -tmSHmtk a, MR.
No. '..'.ii -"IssinsisaisMi la
ST' ' -DmiUMmnkn,
Ananias fcr TMlai ths ftairilh<M»e ef Pkoto-
T. EararT.— AaWHertA M, UM,
^■liC — ' ImisoircmaBti la «r iriatlag to tb* Dark SMm of Pbotn-
f-uncraii." A. H. Kimsr.— I>i<«/ Mmn* M, IMl
r
t»3.— "Tbs
»r." r. .Voaa.—
iibj.a'.fi
rbeUfwphlc D«ri( 8Uds or Pku
Mmdk
byAsadLI— li»a, C K. MoiA— ItataO^e* 3S. 1801
PATKHTC OOXPLBnCD.
. <crtriTaivn n ass Rbuttjui to Masu an Brssna, ASB ArrAXAftTs
Motmnn Baim o« m (itAMSs or MAoic-iAnnat 8uD8^ Paoto-
> ~a«^ •nnoaoonc SuBSB, ASH Tas Ltxc
X rriS. Davib AtnAsaa
I :ntya(Uiabw|b.— raniary
rins isiMtlwi hu t^mtmato
'«laiaJs«( er
■—■■■li, 14, 8l Aadiew^qasie, sad
H ^gwVcnscaat, both la tksCKyaad
■Is e( er asnaatas iir, aMoatlBg or sttarhhig same to th* fbusas al
^...satan sttA^fkeMBrapta, stansseepk sUds^ sad the Uk*. fcr ero-
.jjll^ aJSjlhai^ stagKTsad which wffl bs maw slaipls mS sajsat
•m la
tslaiplsi
sad bfaidsr eamHa«I in
u o( gaHnsd fapsr «r dsth, ar emhalsat malsrlBL TMi U sgsrtsd br
^HtH! Iks HM ar elsU si a sattaMs slie to Mad waad the idgw aad erg
heiatsfdgSawa.thlaea the eatsrsBifctjstaadiaMiilsrwm will oa
.« hntsr SBfess, wtth a laifs dicakraraA* epsilagh the sartis. Tb«
' integ s<iai waald be cat away at aa aada of lbtty-8T» ils|>»» or so
:«Mn St that part sf tbs mask which is to fsid evar sad mast aacb
ntiwTaalhsbesk«rthsglaMS%lsa*lBi a saasn taagas part at As swtis el
«adiectBsr,ss^toths<hlckasssefths|lisiii,sttoAsdVonee<ltsiMss
to the two opposite foldine edges of the mask, so as to overlap and cover the
earners of the dass which it oinas, before t)ie other two opposite edges uf the
mask an folded over. These combined masks and binder*, cut and formed in
the improred manner described, may be thns folded over and attached to the
glass by hand, but wouldprsfenbly be mounted by our new or improved slide
moonter or apparatus. Tnis consists nnder one arrangemeot of a sqnare or
rectaqptlar open frame, preferably of wood, of the siie of the glasses internally,
with four lateral sliding sides or bars at its upper part, having an elastic banal
or other binding sprinss sorronnding them, and with a lemoTabie bottom or solid
part working within us hack part of frame to support the glasses. This solid
back partwouldprefarabliyeoiiaist of two s<)nare or rectsngnlar pieces connected
to eaca other at some '^tl'if'"'*' apart by pins and sockets with spring!), or with
a pieliea], or other sprinc, between the two parts, so that the inner part will
have a coUapsing or yieUiag elastic action when the glass plate Is uressed
towards it as hereinsftcr described, while the onter bottom pu^ wonM he held
in a rherksd reeese in the lower part of the fhuqe by swivelling catches or
othwwiss. lo osiag this apparatus the combined paper or cloth mask and
hinder so eat is moistaped on its gammed upper side, and placed with its dry side
within the apper part of Ikame made to the siis of maak, over the edges of the
foor latsral didiai parta, which are dovetailed and meet each other at their
ts, and oo the appsr sorboe of the spring bottom, which is brooght
i^by thsspniv witUaaMtotbeappsrpartof sudingaidea, and the (passes
are laid ov«r the maak and tptiag botuna, or themask may be gammed to the
fttmt glass befcrs being iaaastadmlkame. The giasaea are then preased inwards
by hud, by which amoa the mask binder is carried along with them through
betwssB the spriag-pnssiag sides, sad boond roond the edges of glass and oe-
pnassd Witt laaariait of MtebettaB at bade nsrtef frame. The two opposite
foldiag or sHdbig spiiag sidas Of ftame, which Add ap ths edges of the mask, and
to which the comer tongnss of rassk are attached, are highest, and oome first into
action to fold up these two edges, and fold in the four end tongues before the
other two oppoattoaUiBgrtlss come into action, tbaa* being less in depth, and
so Ibid ap taair sdgss over the toagoes, which ssal ths ends airtight at the
aams tiae ss ssalbig the foor adgaa. The glasass asd spsiag bottom sre then
pi— id ftnthsr down, nntil tbey pass the lower edge of tlie spring sliding
sidas, which now slide iawards orer ths oppsr gteis ud press down the edges
of the ousk to adhsn oa to tbs nmr sanaee edges of the glasses, assisted oy
ths setioB of ths aprtagSi thsss sifps aiBStlag saeh other m a mitre joint at
ths oeraas. laAoe eisss ths lowwsaiftne sdgss of tbess sliding bar* might
be tttsd with vnleaalssd iadluabbcr or ether soft material, to so fold and
press the sdgss of the Busk on to the ^aaa. Bach glasa alide can then be
rsawTsd by takiag oat the spsiM bottom of the tnau, which is again inserted
before aoantiag the Best gins with a auak and bfaidsr.
To assist ia pfaMiag «r laswtliig ths gjsas or glassss osatrally over ths
■nWsasil gammsd mask la thsss frams^ a looes portable firaois, bdldioK
thsss, maiy fee BBsii'Tiij. tittaig ths awwrtfag fkane on pins or othsrwiae, sad
with tan ktshasor MiM mesad is ontaaa, wUck woald sllow the glass to
drop eat ef this appsr aMvabls baais down oa to ths centre of the mask in
the ttasd ftam*. Or, otharwiss, eerasr goUss may be mounted on hinges on
ths tnd ftaasb to he toidsd esar altsr potthw ta ths maMsaed maak, and ao
ths maak. aadbs folded oat of the wsy again as
ths tnd ftaask to he toidsd esar altsr pa
gaide the ghaass 4»wa «■ to ths mask, aw
soea as ths (Isasas wan phesd la posiUaa.
This sunaiatas may also bs aasd for I
fbldiag sad sttachiag the ordinary
ahast matol oatsr aecariag or biadiag mounts om ths giasaea and
iMraonomm r-
No. 3M2. Jomr Nartoa, The I
i-Hic ArraBMnrs.
htinnle-rosdil^srlseden, Middle-
I {if,, I
lezposntss,
,— /<An*rw> 20, Mite.
Tn otject of my iaTeatioa is to imprsre ths well-known roller slides in use
fai photoaaphk appaiatas, sad partieoUrly thoss knowa ss the Ksstmsn
rollir slide. In tasss sUdsi^ ss aowia ass, the psrltaiatioas fcr tbspoiposs
of tadleatli^ ths patat «r poinU at whieh ths aha shoold be dividol after sadi
axpesors ai« iadsBaite, tliat It to say, thsy do not sctnsUy indicate the exact
Itats oa which the tlm shooU be diriiw by ertssiag ths same verticslly, snd
Ihsn is daaNsr of wlataktBg ths points^ br nasoa o« thsr* bsiag four or mora
psrfbratioaa U the tap MdMUsai odgM ef each Bsetion of ths 0lm (
sapesaiel; aMnevsr, thsss is ao awns of ragMsriag tbs aonibsr of e.
er of JndfaistiBg if the last axposare has been wound off.
Now, by my tareatioa t perforau lh« film oo each axposora vertically, or
aa«as the ssiae la the lias s< diviaiea, aad at ths niniiry point only. I
tmihm itiaiiltMny iiglilir.hy the whdJKrfthe Aim on the roUsr, ths
aamtesT mMM aada, Md AuthsrfaMUsato if the last Urn sxpoaed has
besa wetted ew er not.
Ia caftylag oat my iarsatioa, I take an ordinary Eastman roller slide frame,
aad eat a slot la the ■ssssilag roller aztaadiac a little beyond the centre aad
the whole Imthef ths rellsr, sad at sadieadef the roller I attach a hoUow
mslal cap, oas ef whisk tsrsiiaatas la a short boUow ahoalder, forming a
bsarti^ enpgtag with the pin ee which the roUar osaally rerolvr*. To the
IP w Axed a saadl whssi, which gsar* with a second wheel, as in the
la ths slot temsd in the roller I ttx s thin m-tal bar or
or taath, whkh is oaaaed to rise from the »lot in the
the Aim oa each withdrawal or replaoamsot o( the shutter.
Ths bar or sMp is saeleasd hctwssn two other thin strips of metal, forming a
ease and satiyiac iaeUasd planes, up which the centra pieces carrying the
poiata or aia^ ndss oa baiag adualad.
The sUds shatter carris% oa ths oalsr slds^ a catch engaging: with a spring
slide, whish, paahsd by ths head er Aagsr. rslssses the shutter, and at the
■ama tims aataatss a spiadle ottiehsd to the strip or bar carrying the pofaits
which Buks ths psrforUiooA
To rigistsr the aamber ef eapesuies, I Ax on to ili<' rrame nf thv ulida, and
eoevsaisatly assr to the end of the roller, a tootl ng uniU,
earryiag a Ha gasiiag into a SBtallsr toothed wheel. On the
spindle of lbs whssi aiisady dascribsd ss the sseooti wnevi i au^icn oatsids the
bmutt a odlar, hart^ a pnjeetioB, which aHPigas with the teeth of the unit
390
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[April 1, 1892
n^>Urllig wbtcl, m that after each exponirc the unit r^xtcring wheel is
turned one point The collar bai an indent, in which enguea the tooth
attached to a lerar aprinit, which prerenta orerwinding, and produces an
au'lible "click" wbw the axpaaed aeotion of film has been wound off. This
I>oiDt or tooth on tb« l«T«r tpriag U releaaed from the indent in the collar by
ortuatisa the belbr»-BieBtkni«d raleaaiac catch on the ahutter, and shows at a
gluui* vbtthar the Kim hat been expoaod and is raadjr for winding up or not.
Hm beariaga of the two regiitering wheela are ao arranged that they may be
put ia and oat of gear with each other for the purpoee of re-setting.
IxpitOTSXEirrs w Dark Slides fob Photoobafhic Pubposks.
(A Communication by Paul Toumachon, of W)u, Chausst-e d'Antin, Pari",
FYance.)
No. 6572. J AMIS Yatk Johssok, 47, Lincolns-Inn-Fields, Middlese.T. —
FtkruaryiO, 1892.
Mt inrentiou relating to dark slide* for photogmphic purpose-i consists in im-
pniTMnenta in the construction and arrangement of the parts connected with
Si* Mm carriem, and ia partly applicable to other dark slides, as hereinafter
fflmlalntd
tin dark slides, according to my invention, enable a large number of ei-
posures to be made upon the paper or tilm, wliich is of coniiiderable length, and
an indicator is employed to show the number of exposures.
The supports of the rollers slide into a light-tight case, closed in front by
a shutter, which is removed during exposure, and inserted for the time into
a grooTS or slot at the back.
When the ahutter ia removed, the opening through which it is withdrawn
is instantly closed by a transverse slide, actuated by a spring and provided
with an incline or bevel enabling it to be pressed back when the shutter is
returned to its place.
This transverse slide also exerts upon the shutter sufficient pressure to
ensure the effectual exclusion of light. These arrangements are applicable to
dark slides of any construction.
The spool is composed of four segments, so put together as to present two
longitndinal openings arranged at right angles, and turns on two fixed pivots.
A disc at one end of the spool carries pins, which engage in holes in the end
of the spool. Tlie end of the film is inserted into one of the longitudinal
openings, and is secured by a plate sliding in the other opening arranged at
right angles with the first, so as to bend oack the end of the film and retain
it firmly in position.
Tlie receiving roller is similarly constructed, and is capable of being rotated
ttom the exterior by means of a hinged key or folding handle.
Tlie movement of the film or paper is controlled by a pivoted brake spring
with two arms, whose extremities engage with the toothed edges of discs con-
nected with the spool and the receiving roller. A lever pressing the brake arm
against a fixed stop compels the brake to exercise a constant or uniform pres-
sure upon the roller discs. Owing to the shape of their teeth, these discs, and
conseqnently the rollers with which they correspond, can only turn in one
direction. The brake can be released by removing the pressure of the lever.
The said lever Ls retained in position by a spring catch, which, when releaaed,
enables the roller and spool to turn freely in either direction.
The perforating or registering roller is fluted, to prevent slipping of the
paper or film, and is of such diameter that, when it has made exactly two
revolutions, for example, sufficient of the film is unrolled for one exposure.
Inside the registering roller is a roller of smaller diameter, rotating in bearings
in the ends of the registering roller. The small roller is arranged eccentrically
to the registering roller and a wheel on the axis of the eccentric roller gears
with a pinion, having, for example, half as many teeth as the wheel on the
axis of tne registering roller,
A series of small blades or prickers, carried by the eccentric roller, project
through openings in the side of the registering roller when the eccentric roller
is in a certain position, and the relative diameters of the gearing is so calcu-
lated as to cause the said prickers to project once for every two revolutions,
for example, of the registering roller, and couse the successive negatives to be
separated from one another by a series of holes.
The film drawn from the spool passes over the perforating or registering
roller, and is drawn in front of the slide where it is exposed. It then passes
round a plain guide-roller, and is wound upon the receiving roller.
The number of exposures is indicated by the number of revolutions made by
the registering roller. This number is recorded by two discs, one disc indicating
units, and one indicating tens, for example. These discs are concentrically
arranged, the disc for the tens accomplishing the tenth part of a revolution,
while the unit disc makes a wholu revdution. The figures are preferably formed
on the flat sides of the discs in on er to economise space and enable the counter
to be contained in the thickne.ss ot th >. side of the case. A stud or pin on the
end of the registering roller drives a star wheel intermittently, causing it to
advance one a tooth at each revolution of the roller, and this movement is
transmitted to the indicating or registering mechanism by suitable gearing.
The tens disc rotating concentrically with the unit disc is provided with ten
equidistant holes, which successively coincide with a hole in the unit disc
situated on the radius corresponding to zero. A spring pin enters this hole so
as to lock the disc together.
A metal plate, covering the indicator mechanism, is provided with an orifice
showing the figures, and also enabling the inclined extremity of spring of the
locking pin to move forwards each time that the zero is presented at the
orifice. This movement locks the unit disc and tens disc together once at
every revolution of the unit disc, and displaces the tens disc to the extent of
one figure, after which the inclined end of the locking spring comes in contact
with the edge of the orifice in the covering plate, and releases the said tens
disc, which then remains stationary until the unit disc has completed another
revolution.
Each time the indicator advances a unit, the end of a spring falls from one
tooth to another of a ratchet wheel, causing a clicking sound, indicating that
the roller has been sufficiently rotateiL This device also renders it impossible
to turn the roller and counter the wrong way.
The ratchet wheel may be arranged to actuate a bell or other sounding
device.
A tension roller is carried by two springs, which cause it to press regularly
on the paper or film.
The plates carrying the journals of the rollers are connected and stayed by
suitable rods, and the plates at the sides are cut away and recessed to facilitate
the working and the insertion of the film.
Hinged naps are provided at the sides of the slide to prevent the film getting
torn at the edges when sliding the plates carrying the rollers into the outer
case of the slide.
To obviate the waste of paper or film, in roller slides arranged as herein
described or otherwise, and which is involved by the ordinary methods
of attaching the ends of the films to the rollers, I attach to the end
of the film a linen band of the same width as the film, and to this linen,
band is attached a spring clip, one of the jaws of which is provided with
a slot or opening. The film is drawn between the jaws and the end in-
serted into this .slot, and secured by sliding a rectangular binder or wire
over the projecting end of the film. This linen band is then attached to the
roller, and replaces that portion of the film, wliich would otherwise be wasted.
The dark roller slides, according to my invention, may be attached to the
camera by the usual sliding motion or in any other suitable manner.
Improvements in Photooraphic Prixting Processes.
No. 7312. William Walker James Nicol, Mason College, Birmingham. —
February 27, 1892.
My invention has for its object the production of photographic pictures or
images in silver by improved methods of carrying into effect the processes
described in the specification of my former Letters Patent, No. 5374, dated
March 29, 1889.
Whereas the processes therein described and set forth, though yielding
excellent results so far as the quality and tone of the resulting pictures were
concerned, were apt, inasmuch as the solutions employed for development
contained solnble salts of silver, to stain the hands of the operator, it was
found that this formed a serious objection to their general employment.
I therefore now proceed acording to the following method — that is to say, I
coat, in any convenient way, paper or other material with .an aqueous or other
solution of a ferric salt. This may be one or other of the following : ferric
oxalate, citrate, tartrate, or other ferric salt which is sensitive to light. These
may be employed singly, or mixed together in suitable proportions, with or
without the addition of citric, tartaric, cxalic acids, or their sodium, potassium,
or ammonium salts. To the above solution is also added a suitable quantity
of a silver salt, and the whole is thoroughly mixed together. The above solu-
tions may be applied to the paper or other material, if so desired, separately,
,ind in any order, and in such relative quantities as may be found to give
results most suitable for the purpose in view.
Afterthe material, thus prepared and rendered sensitive to light, has been dried,
it is exposed to light under a negative or other screen. I tlien proceed to develop
the ferrous image produced by the action of light with a solution containing a salt
of citric, tartaric, oxalic, boric, carbonic, or acetic acid, with sodium potassium
or ammonium ; or mixtures of these with one another in such proportions as
may be found to give the requisite tone and brilliancy to the resulting images.
When certain of these mixtures are employed, the addition of a small quantity
of potassium chromate, or other suitable oxidising agent, is necessary to ensure
contrast and purity of the high lights of the picture.
The resulting prints are then washed in several changes of dilute ammonia,
to which may have been added a citrate or tartrate of potassium sodium or
ammonium.
Or, I adopt the following method. 'ITie paper or other material, having been
prepared as above described, is exposed to light as before, and is developed at
once on the dilute ammonia mentioned above, with or without the addition of
one or other of the salts mentioned as entering into the composition of the
developer as described above.
Or, I adopt the following method, viz. : — I prepare the paper or other material'
with one of the above ferric salts, and a suitable amount of one of the above-
mentioned developing salts, and a solution of a silver salt. I thus obtain a
sensitive surface which attains its full depth of tone by the action of light alone.
The print then requires only to be washed in the dilute ammonia above
mentioned.
I. In practising my invention, according to the first method above described,.
I use by preference solutions of the following composition : —
Water, one hundred (100) cubic centimetres,
ferric oxalate, fifteen (15) grammes.
Silver nitrate, three (3) grammes.
The above forms the sensitising solution.
The developer is as follows : —
Water, one hundred (100) cubic centimetres.
Rochelle salt, ten (10) grammes.
Borax, seven (7) grammes.
To this is added one-tenth (O'l) to four-tenths (0'4) of a cubic centimetre of a
five (5) per cent, solution of potassium chromate.
Tlie prints are immersed in the above solution for fifteen to tliirty minutes,^
and are then washed in two changes of the following : —
Water, one (1) litre.
Ammonia (specific gravity = 0-880), three (3) cubic centimetres.
The prints are then washed in water and dried.
II. According to the second method above described, I use the follovring
solutions : —
Sensitising Solution.
Water one hundred (100) cubic centimetres.
Ferric citrate ten (10) grammes.
Oxalic acid three (3) grammes.
Silver nitrate three (3) grammes. « '. .
April 1, \e»2]
THE BRITISH JOURXAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
221
- * :> U|kt tk* print! u* immcnwd in
Wat«'aM(l)Uti«.
i miDAaia (•p«c gnr. xO-flSO) tix (8) cabic otntimatna.
u dtnto twtaty (SO) gnmmea.
n th* dflata »nimiiiil« dMcribad in tba flnt niatliod.
UL AixxxUiag to Um tUtd mathod aban dMcribed, I use the fidlowing sola-
SjuiMTuuia SourrKNi.
Witor, on* handrad (100) raUe i— >liii«li«i.
FvTie ozaUt*, flllMB (IStmmmm.
PotaMiam oxalate, thm (3) (raauDM.
SUtct nitrate, thiM (3) fnBiBML
to light, the printa which ihoold bare attained their (nil
a the following :—
Watm, OM hnadnd (100) eaUc eatiiBetna.
SadiiiB citnte, thm (S namaML
OMo add af»-«Mtl« (M) of a gni
Thar K* tka wiihii ia tha dilnto
■id in water, and dried.
■aid in-
to be
. . botalter
I with tha toaa or eoloar iwuiwJ ia tlia ftniabad picture,
lof paper or otharifateapt _
hrrie and aihrer Mtti aa dMcnbal abo««^ to ha aMd'for tba nodnetioa of
Hamic aow pmtiralaTJy daatiibeJ and Mcartaiaad tha aatw* of my ■
faotiaa. aad ia what aaaav tha mbm i* to ba nrfbraad, I wiah it
aadantoed that I do aot Unit oiyaatf to tha pnpoRioaa abora itatad, ba
them ia Tariooa wan with tha toaa or eoloar noatiad ia tlia ftaiahad ni
aad I claim:
• W8J1 1
1. "Hmi
I prepared with miztnrea of
iMd for tha Pfodnetkai of
photoonhie Jaagai ia tDrcr alo^ with' tta daaa of dwalngai aolntfaaa
airMdr ^TM aad patkahrij lafciied to ia vr aaeond daiak Z, Tha aaa of
'Uralopan m AmrmtA ia tha abora Ibit nd aaeead matlioda ia eo^Jnnetiao
with paver uiayaiad with (mic wlta aa abeva daKribad. X Tba nee of the
iaiMitMii|, darilopiab *a<l wMhiag lolvtiaM particalariy atatad abore, and
iMraomBRs ts PaoroaaAnnc CxuwmAM am ArrAaaTr* cosnciwD
THiaawiUL
Xo. SSOft, AuxAran MitUB, HoByhit, flap haia i
Mt iavwilea li of two carta.
I. ThaapfMaatto««faawiaKbacttoh»daad««hgtaMaaiaeo»btoatioB
with, aad ■llii'hi* ta^^, a hoAoalal awiai >iiimIh actaaa oa tha tap of tha
casMra.
IL Tha naa ef a ■rincr, Bsed to «r mw tha laaa, aad canhla af baiM
phead at aa ai^ ia ftat of it. ae that a^etta at rftlMritda af tha waiwi
or aboTC it caa ba photo^mphad withaat ito bataff p olrtii Owetly towarda
them.
I. To aany oat tha tnt part of »jr laf tli% I main
(A) Ike back efthacaawrawithaiwUMlawtoaainf »t.aadaa— aetK
by a tptam of lavara. or elh«wiM, with a hwlMWial twlac fcaaaiai acraaa oa
the top of tha ram—, la lacb a wajr that tha back aad tha aoraaa alwaya
■naarra their nktira poritiOM at rigM aagba to aash othar wkaa the back ia
Utad.
Or (B) I iAet tha aiM eh(a(l t<r mMm iMida tha bafck af tha MMn
a cue to eoalato pkl« or raU-hoUar, tUa aMO hatac aada to awt^ rartkaUr
aad faatacaauaciid with tha kariMatal Mnaa ia tha aawa way m ilMiiibarl
aboviw
I apply either af tha fBNMatafanMMaMatoprelwably to tha type of hand
camera ia width tha imafi nwa tha ptnelpal leae la, 1^ foeaaiinf parpoaea,
n^eetid fto» a minor iarida tha lammi to a acieea at the top : batlpropoM
to aimir i» abe to tbam wUak hava a wall eapanto toaMlaf mnm aad
••aSr^laa. laalftwc— I— ahlatotOtthaniMa.toianwthaawi
thaiBiiMtafdlatoitlimlWiahy i la 1 1, ■< to aamat » by tha awt^ bark,
1 T» cany oat the aecoad nart af my iafiatioa. I Is a mirror lo^ or aaar,
• baa of aay taaMn, to Uwed or pttatoi tlml it aaa ba plaead at aa
at tbadia aC «r abater tha
tha laaa of aay taaMn, to H
aafla ia fraal af Ika hm^ aad
kna.
Hari^ daomlbad my
I. Tba aw to'
I aavalato what I
liMrf awliW badt or
with, aad aWirhad l^a haalmalal aakm feaaaitat i
ilmiribaj abo««k 1 the aae^ to aoaaanM with all
>ort of tb
Bbo*«,the
ptoead at aa aaaia to boat of tha bH fcr tha pajpaaa of
o41eetoatthoaUaoi;ari^
Ni. 17301
P>«to,
A» UmMWiB PaoioMtowne Cammu.
nn ALnAjRMui DHm% & Raa
Taia laraalba laiataa toaa. __ _.,.
capahtoafbelMoolhpaadwithtoiaahiiTIMmmdDaiaitoatdlafitobalac
(arrladtathapotfcal. It may ba pravidad with aay aaitabk laaa aad ahatlar
•ad la and at a Ind faom.
TbaomMaboMMMtodto tha mo»air of a "Oibai'hal. tha ftaat aad
back ho^oiMMM toptt* hy mmaa of liigrfijitolil ltok% to whkh
•priHiM alto that aatoto mate tha tMgUlototo dihm ia Oa Mdad
foMm or to tha aipaadad aoaWiaa. A bSdc doU eovmlag oaelaom tha
•prtaaa, aad fiirm* tha ealbaafbto part of Iha urn in body wld& it dlilaad«i
by tha tenbjotoH thMtaitav a doth eoTori^ withto aad withoat tha MM
Jolata,
Itbpadbiadtoatowlwl i|ilwp. allhoMh alb* tatw of a|fl^ my bo
oaed. aad tha tarn of Iha caMTB may ba TMfad from that ihowB.
fi^tttim^ of SbocCettejSe
MBKTINOS OP SOCIBTIBS FOR NEXT WEEK.
DMectltMllM.
April
• otaiMMr.
Onndee Amateur
HiriilaaOiMam (Sab
nOMvorOT^tt ...«.H....».
Soath Loaaon (Anaaal)
■ dab
Oloaop Dale „ „.
HereCordBhire h.
Lewee »
Oxtoti Photo. SmSiij'ZZ
Bothertaam. ..»
SbeOaU Photo. 8ociet7...„.
Tork...-
Bdhiliatth Plwto. Society
netocnpUe Otab
PortBBOva ...«..».«■•........
WaUaev-
BoUoa Fholo. Bodat; ...»
Brixton and Claphaa
OuMnCtab
Dnadea aad lait of BooUaad .
(llaMow Fholo. Aieoetetion
Lee£ Photo. Soeietr _..
hamiim aad Pioriaeial .
TtebridgeWelb.
OariM.
WeelLoadaa..
rtaooiiiMtiiia.
Amo. Stndio, Hetherxate, Dnndee.
Mueam, Miniter Precinct*.
Hmnorer Hall, HuioTer.{iark. 8.K.
BrooUaadi Hotel, BrooUaada.
Colkca Hall. Sootb-etraet, Bxatar.
Booae, Howar<Uchainh«te,Qlomep.
Manelon Honae, Hereford.
Fltaroy Libnur, Hich.it., Lrnrae.
WeilbMton Hail, Uinctoa, R.
Sode^i Booms, 13«, High'^treet.
Kasonio Hall. Saneymtreet.
Victoria HalL Toric
Professional Hall,aO,Osun« stisut.
Aaderlon's Hotel, Fleet stieetJ.C
T.lLC.A..baadinrs, Leadport.
iRremoBt Institnte, Bgrsncat.
Bt. Mark's Schools, Batterssa rise.
Baths. Bridnun-street.
Oresham Hall. Brixtoa.
Charing moss iiiail, W.C.
Lamb's HotoLDandse
Phlloeo. Soe. Booats. i07, Bath-st.
Heehanke' Institnta. Leads.
Otomploii Hotel, U, Aldersmte^t.
Tba Imeom, UaioB.«t., Olonam.
Marhanles' Inst., Tnnbridge Wells.
U, Dawsoa^trsat, Dablin.
OrsTboond Hotel, HiAmoad.
OUswick Sebool of Art, CUswiek.
LOXDOJf AND PRon.VCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOaATlON.
lUacH 21, —Mr. I.. Waraerke in the chsir.
Memri. W. Cobb, U. Rapeon, anJ £, A. GoUedge were elected members of
tha AmodatiML
Tha taOowiag qoeatba ikom the box was read.— "What would be the
langth ef foeaa and valaa of tha atopa If the back combination only of an
elaraa-tad rapid ractfliaear or eight and a half inch wide-angle lens were
oaad f What woaU ba tha diaadrantagas, aad woold there ba any pronounced
distortion'"
Mr. W. E. DBBBfHAJliopUad that, if the leaaee were aynunatrical. tba langth
of Ibeaa wonld ba abeot doabla. The ralaa of the itopa would be dirided by
(bar, that ia, oaeh alap woald rtqnite four timee the usoal axpoann given.
Then waald ba aamtaia of tha linee if architMtural tubiecta were taken to
thatkntaU.
Aaothar qasatioa na: "What is the dilTerence between ehamical and
phydcd roobaiamar whfch aiidtad no reply, as the qoaatlonai'a meaning
wasaotdaar.
A lUid namtioa aafcad : " What alteiatioo took place in the oompoaitioo of
tha bmoa oxalato davalopar aftar davaiapaant of tlie plate .' " and to this it
wae lapUad that a portloa of tha deralopar waa ooarotaif into ferric oxalate.
Mr. w. H. Haaaium nad a paper on Ftrtifn Pkotographie Irutilutiont
mad tMmr tn/htntt [aaa p^ 8131. AtitoooadadM, •••••. 4
Mr. f . A. Banmi rdbrad to tha eseeDeat eallotypa work of M. Maar^
ef Hi—>li. Ob a laooat risit then be (Ur. Bridge) had teen reprodactiona or
nitoaa amkoo of bea aad of old ntoways and cTtailels in Beldam, made by
M. Maaa, which wore f«y Oaa inilaad. M. Meat would gladly gira members
of tha Aaaedotioa aay iafamatiaa.
Mr. A TatB aid that at Taamnao ho had baaa much Impresaed with the
bdlitbi vhloh axblod than tot ebtaiaiag iafonaation on the principal photo-
gmpkkial^oeta. HoalaomidthatiaNarwayaad8wodan.intbeonlii>aryooane
of eompobbry odaeatba, army atadaat had tha opportunity of learning at
leaat thrm IMag liwtimw, whkh than waa ao doabt in the batUe of life
wealdbaofthaytootpaidhhadraBtagetohim.
Mr. Dw— iw aald that ha would like to aaa adocatioa carriad out as much
w poodhK bat to tha battb of life thar oflaa fBuad bgllab people without
had tha tealty— tha bnahiam fualtr-of getUog 00. He
m oa odadMe mattan, aad wiehad to forwanl It, but thought
K rathor tadapoadiBt of OMOoto to tha faattb of lifb.
I^a CIUBMA* aaid that to tha bd aambar of Nadar't PvrU Pketomfhie
ha was iiiiuriaad to taA aa aoeeaat of a photographic educatioaal eaUblishment,
to wMch Vbu gmt aumallj of photo-tadinieal adocation waa insisted on.
Quito raoaatly to Ftoaea phntomarhaiilial ortotan were in great imnest, but
cealdaotbagat,aadthaw«ikhadto ba draa to Oermana. In this respect
B^iaad waa oalwIaBal^ aad It iadieatad dearly the need of pbotogiaphic
taA^at^oaHiw, whht tha lymMJiOofotamaat were Just proriding.
MrK ftnatr add haahoald ao doabt ba eaUad a bcrstie ; but he, forona,
did aot diflan the fbet that we had to send to Germanr when we wanted a
good eolMypa.proeam man. This raised tha whole question of foreign trade,
whkh waa lid eight of to thbmattm of taehaied education. Waa It deeirabla
toadmahiitnmirhoalMlwtKl^oathafcodi^onwhiehitexbtedt Waa
it a ImfciMl iadaatiT, aad Si5a woriunn abwad get better wagoa than the
araifft prtatar ia tUa eoaatiy? Thay were lees ■ftii than they would be
here. Tmoo who daplorad that this country eould not undertake such work
forgot that by fur tho bod thfam wae (or it to produce tboee aiticle^ which
wan withto ib owa oailiimaini. aad so leare prodaetioa to the ordinary
count of tnda.
Tbe CBAiMtui rcfand to the diaattiout efTecta upon photo-mechanical'
sss
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY
[April 1, 1892
in thU eoontry of foreign workmen engaging witli them, and then
Mm tempted tbewhar* by offen of higher wage*. Thoto-mechanical illus-
teUons for booke were Just now verj- popular, but they very olUn ha<l to go
abroad for them. EngUsd wa« a large pubUshing country, but it went m a
CTrat deal for the cheap and naaty. Look at the paper on which many of
lU pablieatioDB were ininted ! In London they could not get paper suitable for
printing pboto-mechanieal work ; there was some mcret in imi)artinK a smooth
•oifteeloiL At the Conference of the Camera Club on the nrevious day Mr.
Pennell had referred to the bad pMwr employed as not printing illnstrations well.
Mr T. Solas said that Mr. Everett s contentions were not in any Henso
argnnMnta against technical education. The spread of technical education
cn.il>led each nation to take advantage of its environments.
Mr Harrison having replied to some questions put to him, the Chairman s
xlidcs, Illustrating his recently delivered paper on Photo- technical EdiUxUion
on tht CiynlinenL, were exhibited, at the conclusion of which, and in the course
of further remarks, he took exception to Qiptain Abney's recent plea for a
n>oiIest Photographic Institute, with modest professors, Ac, asking whether it
was worth while to start on a small scale ? An English establishment should
not be inferior to those he had described that night As an example of what
foreign countries could do in the matter of exhibitions, the Moscow Photo-
graphic exhibition, just opened, had twenty rooms devoted to exhibits, two
being set apart for a scientific section. There was also to be seen there the
first attempt made to photograph the retina of a murdered woman. Tlie exhi-
bitions in Vienna and Belgium were also verj- fine, and here, in London, the
PImtographic Society of Great Britain held its exhibition in one room only.
Votes of tluuiks to Mr. Harrison and Mr. Wamerke terminated the
proceedings.
Nortb lUddleaez Photographic Society.— March 28, Mr. F. Gaudon in
the chair. Mr. C. Beadle delivered a lecture on Enlarging by Artificial Light
vith the I'se of a Lantern. Having dealt with all the factors to be con-
aidend, the lecturer explained his apparatus, and made a 15Jxl2 print from
a hitlf-plate by means of it. The apparatus consisted of a lightly made box,
three feet long, having a light-tight door at each end and a light-tight lid. A
movable platform fitted inside the box, and rested on the bottom. Upon one
end of this a camera, bearing a six-inch lens, was attached by the tripod
screw. At the other end was a frame glazed with clear glass, having behind
and in contact a sheet of ground glass. This frame moved backwards and
forwanls on runners. The negative was fitted in a rabbet in the iloorway at
the end of the box to which the camera was fitted. The lens and focussing
screen were placed roughly in position, according to the distances given in
enlarging tables. Exact focus was obtained by looking through the door
behind the focussing screen, and moving the lens and screen to their proper
position. These points were marked upon the platform for future use. A
sheet of Eastman s " rapid " bromide paper was then, by non-actinic light,
placed in the frame face to the clear glass, and kept flat by the ground glass
placed at the back of it The frame or slide being slipped back into position,
the i)OX was closed with the exception of the door in front of the negative.
Exposure was made by magnesium ribbon, burned at one inch from the
negative, care being taken to secure even illumination by moving the ribbon
from point to jjoint. As the negative was rather dense, and stop 16-/ used,
six feet of ribbon were required. Mr. Beadle used ferrous oxalate, strongly
restrained, and applied a normal developer by means of a tuft of cotton wool
to bring up laggmg detail where necessary. Tlie print proved an excellent
one. Contact prints were then made on Eastman " rapid " and " permanent "
paper for the benefit of the younger members who had not previously worked
the process. Mr. Beadle stated th.it he commonly used the apparatus for
daylight enlarging. He fitted the bromide paper or sensitive plate in the
dark room, carried the l>ox into the garden, and, standing it on end, made the
exposure by opening the door and exposing the negative to the sky. A lecture
on the Detection of Crime by Photography, by Dr. Jeserich, was, by the kind-
ness of the Photographic Society of Great Britain, brought before the Society
as one of the afBliat«l societies. The lecture was thoroughly wrought out, anil
of absorbing interest Next meeting will be held on April 1 1, when Mr. J. Gale
will ipve an address, illustrated by lantern slides. Visitors will be welcome.
Kensington and Bayswater Photographic' Society.— March 28, Mr.
Leslie Selby presiding. — An exhibition of lantern slides, principally from
photographs by memtiers and their friends, took place. The collection con-
: ! of river and wood scenery, copies from woodcuts and engravings,
;' dts and interiors, and several photographs of microscopic slides, among
\. ill. ii were a very fine group of diatoms, parts of insects, &c. Tlie exhibition
of tlie different tones capable of being produced by varying the exposure and
development gained considerable attention. Next meeting; April 11, when
Mr. .J. D. England will give a jiaper on Celluloid Films.
West London Photographic Society.- March 25, the President in the
chair. — Mr. Whitino read a paper bearing on the art side of photography,
rules of composition, principles of selection, &c., illustrated by a number of
lantern slides, which showed that Mr. Whiting, unlike some photographers,
carries into practice the theory he preaches, and evidently with success. He
exhibited an ingenious view meter of his own construction, capable of being
used with diflerent lenses. The annual dinner will take place on May 13.
Putney Photographic Society.— .March 26, Rev. L. Macdona in the chair.
—A practical jiaper on Printing Processes, the sixtli of the series, was read by
Mr. J. A Hodges, who described the principal features of the various printing
methmls — silver, bromide, platinum, &c. The preparation of home-sensitised
I'iiper was fully dealt with. After some discussion, a number of fine slides,
illustrating a tour in North Devon, were shown, the lecturer's graphic and
;imn<iiig dcscriiition being highly appreciated. Next meeting, April 13,
Mounting, by Mr. A. Horsley Hinton.
Richmond Camera Cluh.— March 25, Mr. Davis presided.— The Secretary
read the translation of Dr. Jeserich's paper on Photograph;/ Applieil to the
Detection of Crime, lent by the Photographic Society of Gre.-it Britain, which,
with its accompanying lantern illustrations, proved of the greatest possible
interest, as showing how photography — and especially photo-micrography —
has been made by the learned Doctor to supply irrefutable evidence where no
other means would avail of the identity of criminals, the Wsification of
documents, and other indispensable links in the chain to drag the malefactor
to justice ; how, too, it has been the direct means of clearing wrongly
suspected parties, and what a vast field of usefulness in the direction indicated
the science is destined to fill.
South London Photographic Society.— March 21, exhibition of lantern
slides by members, which were freely criticised. The criticism will no doubt
prove very beneficial to the members in their work during the present season.
The chief exhibitors were Messrs. Bailey, Dishman, Ester, Fellows, Fanner,
and Oakden.
Blackheath Camera Club.— March 8, Mr. W. Farrington (Curator) in the
chair.— Mr. E. J. Wall lectured on Colour Photography, and exhibited prints
in illustration of various processes from the first discoveries of CoUen to the
latest development of the present time. In the course of his remarks the
lecturer said, CoUen, in 1865, first contended for making plates sensitive to the
primary colours, from which subsequent good results have been obtained. To
give some idea of the process, take three colour-sensitive plates, and expose
them on the same object behind red, yellow, and blue-coloured screens, each of
which cuts out respectively the other rays of colour not required to act
Collotype plates are then made, and inked up in corresponding colours, the
superimposed printing effect of which gave a very good result. Respecting
the chemicals used for preparing colour screens, soluble Prussian blue will cut
out the red and yellow rays, and allow the blue to act Helianthin cuts
out the red and blue for the yellow and green to act, and bichromate of potash
cuts out the blue and yellow to let the red act Vogel, who discovered the
optical sensitisers, goes still further, and proposes to make seven negatives
sensitive to the colours of the spectrum, to be printed in the same way. Ives's
modus operandi to show natural colours is by use of the lantern, fitted with
three lenses, and screens so arranged as to superimpose the pictures when
displayed on the sheet, while Scott works in a similar way with four lenses.
Albert, of Munich, has made some advances in this branch, but his process of
working is a comparative secret At the close of the paper some new lenses
and work done by the same were shown, and a novelty in celluloid lantern
slides and a carrier, concluding with a few new formulic for developing
gelatino-chloride prints.
West Kent Amateur Photographic Society.— March 25, Mr. A. R.
Dresser in the chair. — Mr. EeH'ell gave a demonstration with an electric light
(arc lamp) applied to the lantern slides by Messrs. Foy, Grant, Dresser,
Reffell, "Taylor, and Court were shown. Several photographs were taken by
the same light, and good results obtained.
Birmingham Photographic Society.— March 23, last lantern evening of
session. — A very fine selection of slides was passed through the lantern by
Mr. E. Howard Jaques before a numerous audience. The first slides shown
were a series loaned from the Camera Club, London, and comprised some
splendid animal studies by Mr. Gambler Bolton, and various slides by Major
Knot and Messrs. Stroh, Conway, Maskell, Green, &c., and Mr. Dresser's
celebrated climbing dog studies. Mr. W. J. Harrison, F.G.S., who presided,
announced that nearly 500 photographs had been sent in for the Society's
annual competition and exhibition, which is to be held on April 5, 6, and 7.
Oxford Photographic Society.— March 24. — Mr. P. Lange lectured on
Norway, in aid of the Radclifl'e Infirmary. Mr. Lange soon made the audience
feel that the encomiums placed to his credit in advance were thoroughly
deserved. The vrildest mountain and river scenery and some charming, quaint
views of Norwegian towns and villages were placed in rapid succession upon the
enormous screen. The choicest bits of all were some gorgeous cloud effects,
sunrise, .sunset, midnight sun, and moonlight, showing possibilities of develop-
ment which very few professional photographers have yet realised.
' OorrMptmdenfs slumld niver vcritt on both sides of th« paper.
COLOUEED LANTERN POSITIVES.
To the Editob.
Sib, — In yotir issue of March i, you say that " M. Louis Duces dn
Hauron writes to a French contemporaiy to point out that F. E. Ives'
method of obtaining coloured lantern positives by superposition of dif-
ferent coloured pictuies was anticipated by himself and M. Charles Cros
so long ago as the yeai' 1869. He therefore claims that it is a purely
French invention, which has only been copied in America."
Has M. Louis Dncos du Hauron been asleep for the past ten years ?
Can it be that he has not learned that the method claimed by himself and
Cros might, with very much better show of fairness, be credited to Henry
Oollen, of England, than my own method to himself or Cros? Composite
heliochromy was neither invented nor carried to a successful issue in
France, and the reproduction of such statements as the above is calculated
only to deceive the public. The facts are clearly stated in my lecture on
" Photography in the Colours of Nature," which was reprinted in your
columns last year.
Vogel in Germany, Scott in England, and Bierstadt in America have
also claimed the credit of my success, but they are all labouring under a
delusion, or worse. The fact that we all use selective colour screens, and
make three or more negatives of each object, does not make our pro-
cesses the same, not even in the principle of colour selection, which,
except in my own process, has always been absolutely inconsistent with
the facts which support the modern theory of colour vision. In the
interests of scientific progress among photographers, it is to be hoped
that the persistent misrepresentation of facts in connexion with this
subject may be discontinued. — I am, yours, &o., Feed. E. Ives
Phila<klpMa,.March 15, 1892.
April 1, 1893]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
333
BATIO OP GBADATION.
To tk4 EOROB.
Su.— I hare beui moch interasted bjr Meant. Hnrter Jc Driffield'i
r^i It to my larar of the Tth inst. in nfanaea to the teUtioni between
th^ amoont ot lihrar and trmuparenej in photogrmphie negktires. I wu
eerukialy ondtr tha iMpMaion that th* OTptoimtinn ot thaaa nUtione,
-i.en in the am Mit «< th* ftfm M P>rt» atifcoi /iwMtJ^aKom, wm
m-.endM M • nwlhwnUlaal daaMMtnUoB of the truth et tha viaws then
r^: fonard. IfaHn. Hmrtar <Jk OiiflUld, howerer, it appears, dapand
m ore oo their ctparimaptalteroltathaa on the aoandneai of the reaaomng
th re amoloyed. That the fonnola T=r(-' will not apply to erety can in
wi: cii U«ht U obetroeted by particlee of appraeiaUa tize will, I think, be
admittad, a* it eiaarl^ taili in the inetanoe I gave of a Uyer ot only the
tMf^"*** ^ ""' C**" ' ""^ *''** ** ''*** *" "^^^ '*• under what eon-
oWooa dOM it eeaaa to be tnutworthy? In eritieiaing my niggeated
krmalM, Mmtn. Hortar <t Driffield hara imdeiatood a to mean tha araa
wwwd by the radneed iHTer in each layar. It certainly alwayi vaiiea
preportiaBately to that, bnt I oaed it to represent the amoont of lighl
atsortad ^y each layer in a onit of area. They consider that my
raaaoaiac Baeaaaanly aaaonea that the partielaa of ailrer aia niaaiie, and
would teu U it shoold pmm that thay ooty aartbUly ahaorfc Om light
bUing oa them, but I do not sea that it would M afleeted il that wan so.
It is petleetiy tme, aa they point cot, that the partielaa io tha saaood
layer wdfht tie w am»gtd that ( 1 - a) o< the light hanng paaaed tha Ant
layar. anything from (1 - a) to (1 - 3a) might be tha iatauity paaaing
throogh both ; bat we are dealing with Taiy laiaa nnmbara ol giaiaa ot
(ilTar.teatlatad by p«r««Aa<K«,ao that if *• fallow any one lay of Ugfat,
iriiathiathiwt^aetaarpart oftha totlnraroc through a partiela ol
mrw. by which wa will tnppoaa ita intanaity U only paitUlyndaead.
thM. m eithar ease, ita ehaoce of ttrikiiig a gnin of sUTar inthe aaeond
layar iaptaeiaely tha tame aa it was in tha tnt, ao that wa may raasooabh
aoMiada that tha whole Tolona of light paaaing the flttt wiU be diminished
by tha taaocKl in Jim* tha tama pnportka aa bafors ; that is, it wiU than
haama rtdaead to a - >)*. aad tha Mtaawffl ba tnM tOl. aHar the nth. wa
!fc£i;'?-&-''''"'"*'**»^ «••>»■ Of aooiaa. aa Hasan. Hnrter 4
MUd point oat, UMgiBina of taw la a pbotonapUa plala wiU not
latowbUi I have wppuasil tha
IN a laioM plana and tha nasi; bat,
■oaat 10 mors than ana-half of tha
<Ms in poaitioo from that iasnmail
in ao apptaaialli anor. In thair
ia anitad at.
■atoaliy Ua j oat hi tha a
Ofaa divided : th^y win be mora or
M Ihia diaplacsmaut ean in no «i
ditwiatar of a gimin, so trifling a
in tlta SMaanfa* aooU aoi^y
Hnilar * IMflal4 kmn IB dUaud MMmm tkwa Oa Ihtaialieal pari.
tinii — wi«».^.,..„ ■! J. Tl*MfTf>|-irhn1ilWninMiT*lltT«-'
8o far as thsaa aaMoi «■■ ba atMM hy mannlag. I thhik my viawa
teve KRoe sdrsntagaaorar Maaan. Boittr <k DriSdds ; hat the obical
2LSL. "fL"" ""'^ •• •*»*»* •*** •*»« •« apparantjy too many
**i**i*!«««l •*?« • >»w«>yi>hla niata toiSaw of any rsaUy
£!ir5^25JL***^. ■>"'*■&«>. Mrflnow gather th» Hasan.
MBalhan^^ awnMi^atiil. tha* litaito U prepertioMl to tha
aaooat of sOTar; bat this eoaelaaiaa haabaao fiiMiad op to by
T!?'^tJ!^ ' ^"^ xxiMnMnd to show, than ia aonM oUaatio^
Mw^wdgabti a« to t>M oniiani a«cnttaa« of that rate daoaod anon
""?.?''!■? *>'!^«^«**«. •• -V iiwillwilili ectant. in £aeaaa of
"Vi^t'i'i^ "***>■• •ffMaaM batawn tha lattoa of Iha o^niiliH
of eOtar (..Mnt and tli^tZSmTSTZ t* '7\
^SITw™L* P'Mm.i'W'MrtaMa. and I waa' mnrfi ■kShbr ft
"haatheanariaMMswafafliMpabUahad: bat still, if. aa te pnbaUe.
. (uipmaa a stow ptetaa weta osad. that doaa not show thai Hwtor * Diif
"U s formla. and not Plansr't, was the only applicahte ona. beeansa ia
i>al eaa*. ^«hta»«l» wooM pnAabiy ha*a gi72rSantfaal nanlia.
><««>. Bute * I)«tfM nftr to tha JSiM of hvd^
"""iMs: b^ ofaooat, i»beMr<rani "-— f-'-"r'-|| - r '1 i ii
T. ^S^^TlJ.^ mi tod thai any of thoii iltrntSkta in tha paper
adarstaad that others ware apaaiattydbaalS to dSriMMar. Assan
'*l»''*^.r« "^ "•«>•. to Uitoi «iwri«aBto. tt la probably only
':^J?^'^^'^. .■"»?>^ »* «»■ wWi w«ld bear on thepcSnt i^
of graio.
^e. Tha
Bma nfU niataa vaiTt._
laf raaJUngnaaiiaaat
ot UnU
.100,1
lobaeoraa
t. A pials. having three gndaliona. waa aot into aiaaaa. ana at whiah
•u dsralopad with hTdnqotocoa lor tt ainatsa. andsMlhar tor 7S
n mMHiiiig the daasaiae. tha raUo of the 10 CMS. i«rt. eoniiar«i
uil^JShlr an -^""^ ■•»=» ^ tha tost casa. aSd aslTfTln
with ■ *"
/«*2!f2^ f .»♦• ■*• rlt. •» Ihal tha aataal ttan^aftjof the
l^ffJjJmlop*! p-ee w.^ after all, !■• HiMa too gnit m «i!^ with
hetrS? .I5!.f?ri?^ of Measra. Hortar it Dtiflald wa may. par-
wS!; ^ *^'* ^f*^ *'*^' •''W" ' "OBlionad in mypt^V^
Ultcr In order to test hU tormnla. ha aipaiiinautad with toSaS.
suspended in varying proportions in water, doubling the quantity each
tuna. He tested the opacity by saturating slips of white blotting-paper
with each mixture, and measuring the transparencies when dry, and the
result was that the figures were in very eloae agreement with his " law of
error " formula ; but I find they do not give the least support to Messrs
Hnrter A DriflSald's views. Thinking, however, that that plan might
perhaps be open to question. Captain Abney undertook another experi-
ment, just on the lines of the second one deaeribed by Messn. Hnrter *
DriflSeld. A number of gelatine films were prepared, all of equal thick
nass, and each containing known quantities of finely divided silver, aieh
of the series containing doable the quantity of the previous one. The
following table shows their transparenoies, as found by Captain Abnev
and also as they should have bean if calculated by the " law of error "
formnU, to which I have added the densities which would result from his
nguret. The transpartneies probably represent percentages of the
on^nal utansity of the light At any rate, the plain film ia given as
having a transparency of 73, so that the other numbers must be divided
by that figure to give the transparency, to one unit of light, of the titver
eontahied m eaeh film. The logarithms of the reciprocaU of the fractions
ao obtained are the fignrea I have given in the "obaarvad density"
oolnnm. Theee. by Maaara. Hnrter * Driffield's prinoiplaa. should pro-
greaa by douWmg neh tune : but it wUl be seen that, except in numbers
i, 8. and .I, thm it ao appearance of tneh relationi between them. In
the •• calcnUtad density " I have shown tha figniat as they should be if
tbe assamed aaoahty of ntios between density and amount of silver hel<l
good ; and m the last column are given the amounUof sUvcr which would
be foand from Abney's reaulu if ealcuUted on that basis. For these
oolmnna I have taken line number 3 as the starting print, at that seemed
the moet lavoorable.
7
«
C
4
S
a
1
0
Barter A Driflald.
"Si
II
u
8
4
S
1
0
1-0
8-5
11
8-4
•H)
8-7 1
19-0
19-0 1
8SS
S4-0
60-«
at-0 1
67-0
•7-0
n-o
78 ■«
1-968
i-au
•909
■584
•81A5
•1S9
■087
■000
6^048
9-5S4
1-969
■681
•815
•188
■079
-000
16-7
11-S
7-4
4-0
9^0
•6
0-0
This esperimnt favours the view that it it tlie •• law of error • formula
andnot that of Barter « Driffield, nor. I may add. that of Plener cither'
w^ givaa the traast rsaolu : bat the fKt that we find to much
Brora thai il ia not
MaaKi.HMar* Til»m
dilteanoa In tlte raaalu arrived at by eompetaat expedbenters appean to
•"••• trust aniiraly to any yot pabllthsd fbrmula.
-_^ — '■fo • "Ot dapand on ai|y axnet mathamaUcal
: r~i% u . "■ ,«o.'<«olto ot ezparimanta, and hare we have aii
apenmeat which w qoito Ineonatstaat with thair riewi.
i.!..!^ °°*„*"'iSl''~ ^ I»M«ntoh hi the original paper to which Mr.
PWUipa aaUa oUvitioa. b,ii I an5«stood the write!™ to rater to the
poeatMa arrna wWeh might arise from varying oolonr abswption an.l
tafcrtion^ Mjd did not ^ it would affeet'mj case that^3ri« an.l
KJY?'.*!^?'*;^^ ^^ mtnffleienUy naardad. Mr. PluUips will
Jad thai OafflamAhnjr'a paper on the" Law ofErTor'U given m Tna
Bamsn Jouaju^ or Pwnoaaanr of the 10th and 17th ot May. 1889 ;
^?°*^iJ^i. f"'^ ^ Intontiflcation. appeared on the 29lh o'
No^easbw otthal year. Theaa alto appeared hi the Pkctcgraphic Seu:,
. CfS. iTT -uTl' '*»*' »" "»• •"''i** •» »*«• Bri»i»>> As«)oiation.
in which he dascnbad tha asperimeats to which I havo referred. Thm
paper waa given in tha PAeltyrapMc Sr», of September 97. 188»._I am.
BUtkkmlh, 8.E.. Monk 91. 1899. I-oa-koi..
DEPTH OP FOCUS.
To ttu EiiiToa.
, q"'" "illin* Io aeoept the deOnitioo given by Mr. Bennett
. ■'•■^ " '°*°»- "•"> ••>". together with the fact that tha circl.
of eoafaiion u proportional to to the loeal length, his theorem follows ai
??^ ■*": °**f'*" ■«>— w *o !»•▼• forgotten that, in his article of Marel
11. baproMad to prove his theorem by showing that tha two lensc-
wooU aiva Sfaai eircles of oontoaioa, from which it would have followed
from hiapnaeal dafinition, Ihal they had not the same depth of foouc
Howaw. that mhwlalloa waa ammaoas. as I ihowad hut week, and 1
oowadniit thai the IhaoMM te aatablithed. aisuming the meaning of th'
expraaion "depth of foeoa" to be aa given by Mr. Bennett.— I am
y"^,*"-; „ Curroao E. F. Nasb.
ChtUtnktm, Umrck 98, U99.
<I24
THE BRITISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[April 1. 1892
fluBtoera to CorrcaponUmw.
AU mmtUrt for tk4 Uxt portion of thii JouSHAt, ineluding queriet fv
"ArtMymt" tmd "KaiymgoC •*><*( ^ addraoed to "Thb EormB,"
% Torktlrmt, Qmmt Omrdm, Londoit. InaUtiUieit to tkU etuvru dtlay.
If» imMm tntiu ^ otmmmieilkmt wUiu namo and oddreu of mrtter art
V Commutnieationi rtUOing to AdvortuommU and general busineu a, fairs
«HU< be (uUrxMri (0 " HiXBT Obunwooo & Co.," 2, York-ttreet, Covent
Garden, London,
PaOTOOBAPH RKOiaTKBID :—
TbomM Proth<TT)e, BrirtoL— P)u)f««r«J)k /r»i» «« oil jKn'nlinj o/ XifU Hot, W, E,
aiaiitotit, mj:
t J. Smith.— About eleven o'clock any morning.
Allison Bros. — We do not know of any sach list
0.— The new platinotype paper is not yet obtainable commercially.
Zwco.— Mr. Paul Waterlow treats of the subject in a lecture which we have
in type.
G. JoNSS.— Substitute for the lens nearest the picture one of much shorter
focus, by preference a crossed lens.
IKQUIRIR.— Avoid leather washers; soft metal ones are recommended by
many anthorities since recent accidents.
A. R. Wood.— The Photographic Convention is to lie held in Edinburgh
during the week commencing July 11 next.
"W. J. Rekd.— 1. We do not imderstand this question. 2 and 3. Probably
caused by keeping the paper in too dry a state.
H. J. Dalbt writes in appreciation of Mr. H. W. Bennett's "thoroughly
practical, useful, and easily understandable article on lenses. "
E. D. — 1. A slow plate and any of the pyro developing forinuln' given in the
Almakac. 2. Instructions for silvenng glass are also given therein.
H. H. S.— The metal rims, glasses, and backs for the so-called "opalines"
may be obtained from any of the large dealers in i)hotographic materials.
Lex. — The prisms of a stereoscope will, if mounted in the reverse way — that
is, the thinner e<lges to the outside — answer well for a binocular lanternoscope.
Iliad. — There is nothing novel in the idea of using weak bromide prints as the
bases of coloured pictures. Whether you could hope to make a financial
success of it, however, is more than we can say.
CAJOtKA.— 1. Yes ; we believe the paper is excellent. 2. Most probably such
an opening exists, but we do not thmk that at present a very large trade is
to be done in ready sensitised paper in the colonies.
T. PCLUSO. — Yes ; sulphite of soda may be employed as a fixing agent
in place of hyjK) for silver prints, but the advantage of the exchange is
doubtful, while, of course, it would involve greater expense.
Jaues E. Goold. — No English work is published on the Woodbury process.
The process is fully described in the last edition of Hardwich's Alimind if
Photographic Chemistry. " Woodbury-gravure " is not patented.
S. W. — A lantern with a five-inch condenser will be of no use for enlarging
with from 6x4 negatives ; that is, if all the subject has to be included. If
It'has, nothing less than a six and a half inch condenser will suftice. The
portrait lens will Ije preferable to the ' ' rapid " as an objective.
Ronald C. — You have misread the instructions, no doubt. The back lens of a
portrait combination is of no use for landscape work. For thjit the front lens,
with its convex side next the ground glass, must be used. Simply remove the
back lens, and screw the front one in its place in the position mentioned.
J. A. Wkbtman. — With a lens, the back and front combinations of which are
identical, it matters not which way the instrument is placed with regard
to the negative in enlarging ; but, with a portrait lens, it is imperative that
the iMjsterior combination be next the negative in order to get the best
results.
M. — The pigment with which the mounts are surfaced, or the medium with
which it is mixed, is soluble in water, hence the wet print, when applied,
dissolves it. and thus becomes stained. Wet the mount witli water, and rub
it with a piece of white rag, and you will find the whole of the " enamel "
can be removed.
B. H. W. asks, if prints were coated with collodion it would not prevent
their fading.— Experiment has proved that it does not. To an extent it
may Uy protecting the image from the atmosphere ; but if the prints
contain within themselves the elements of decay, no outward application
will prevent their fading.
Albert Lbvt (Paris) asks us whether a pkte is more, or mucli more, sensitive
to light whilst developing than in the dry state ?— He holds that it is, but
we believe that the contrary has been determined. As to whether a plate is
more sensitive "during the first second's exposure than during the second
second's," and so on, we should say decidedly so.
OuNCK.— 1. There is no other way than by dividing the equivalent focus of the
lens l)y the diameters of the stops, the <iuotients being the apertures in
relation to focus. 2. By applying the foregoing rule, vou will see that the
largest stop is considerably smaller th.an/-S, its aperture'being approximately
/-lU. 3. Any of the stops may be "a working stop."
A. CoRXELL.— Your difficulty in getting sufficient density in the negatives
■when copying engravings to print black and white, is that vou have been
using about the worst kind of plates possible, that is, extra rapid ones.
Die Ijest plates for the purpose, next to wet collodion, are the slowest plates.
Plates such as those specially prepared for photo-mechanical work eive the
bwt nanlts for this cUas of work.
Omega. — It will be very difficult, we imagine, for you to get a complete set of
this .Journal from the first volume, as tliere are not many in existence.
The only way is to advertise for one, or, failing to obtain it, advertising for
odd volumes. By this means a complete set may be secured. The same
with the other work.
li. Sbagood says : " I have for some time past been attempting to work photo-
lithography, and liave trie<l several of tne published methods of working,
but cannot succeed. My difficulty is that after the transfer is inked up, the
ink cannot l)e got away from the white portions, even with rubbing. What
can be the cause ?" — The reason may be that the bichromated paper has been
kept too long before use, or possibly the negatives are not dense enough, or
the printing is carried too far. Tliese conditions are probably the root of
the difficulty.
Received :— R. C. Phillips and Albert Levy. In our next.
Maddox Fund. — Additional subscription : Lewes Photographic Society,
\l. Is.
The date of publication of the International Annual of Anthony's Photo-
graphic BulUtin has been altered from June to December.
Thk Exhibition of old silver prints, now on view in the rooms of the
Photographic Society of Great Britain, will remain on view till April 12.
Photographic Club. — Ajiril 6, Dark Room Appliances, and paper by Dr.
Jeserich on Photography as Applied to the Detection of Critne. 13, Tlie Choice
of Jygnses, Mr. J. Traill Taylor.
The Catalogue of the Camera Club Exhibition of Members' Work is a most
artistic production, worthy of preservation as a souvenir. From it we learn
that there are 86 exhibitors and 236 exhibits.
London and Provincial PnoTOORArHic Association. — April 7, Collndio-
bromide EmuMon, Mr. Alexander Mackie. 14, The New Platinotype Paper,
Mr. W. H. Smith. 21, Dr. Jesericli's paper on Photography and Crime,
illustrated by slides ; also Indian and Colonial slides. Visitors are welcomed.
British Aut Photography.— King Leopold opened the Exhibition of British
Art Photography at the Cercle Artistique, Brussels, on Saturday last. His
Majesty was accompanied by his nephew. Prince Albert, and a numerous
staff. Several of the Ministers and a large number of the British colony were
also present. The King made a minute inspection of the various specimens,
and complimented several of the exhibitors, whose names we have already
given.
Among the pictures shown at the last meeting of the Vienna Club of
Amateur Photograjihers, and that of the Vienna Photographic Society, those
of Mr. T. S. Bergheim and Baron Albert Rothschild excited particular interest.
Berghcim's portrait studies and groups (scenes from the seraglio) received
unstinted praise even from eminent painters. It is to be noted that he takes
his pictures indoors, and uses ordinary uncorrected lenses for his portrait
studies. Baron Rothschild displays so much earnestness, knowledge, and
artistic perception that he could at any moment make his living as a pro-
fessional photographer did lie not prefer the lucrative position of chief of the
great Vienna lianking house.
Photographic Societv ok Great Britain Affiliation.— Meeting of Dele-
gates, March 21, Mr. W. Bedford in tlie chair. Present :— Messrs. A. ilackie
(North London P. S.), J. ,1. Thornton (Southsea A. P S.), A. J. GoMing
(Holborn C. C), P. Everitt (Loudon and Provincial P. A.), C. H. Desch (Fins-
bury Technical College P. S.), E. W. Parfitt (North London P. S.), S. Hodsoll
(North Kent P. S.), F. W. Pask (London and Provincial P. A.), J. W. .Mar-
chant (North Middlesex P. S.), F. W. Cox (North Middlesex P. S,), W. White
(Ealing P. S.), A. F. Taylor (Ealing V. S.), Robert Steele (Leeds P. S.), F. P.
Cembrano, jun. (Richmond C. C. ), T. A. Pope (P. S. of India), C. C. H. D'Aeth
(Dorset A. P. A.), G. L. Addenbrooke (P. S. G. B.). The Chairman announcerl
that, by permission of the President of this Society, Dr. Jesericli's paper had
been put in circulation, but the subject of circulating advance proof's of j.apers
was in the consideration of the Council. Mr. Addenbrooke explained the
decision of the Council as to the funds that were to be placed at tlif disposal
of the delegates. After considerable discussion, Mr. P. Everitt moved that the
Council be invited to confirm their resolution as applying to the current year
only. Mr. R. Steele seconded tliis motion, which was carried. The advisability
of appointing an Executive was then considered, and it was finally decided not
to appoint an Executive but to delegate the work to sub-committees. Mr.
Everitt inquired whether there was any prospect of special lectures being given,
when a long discussion ensued, but nothing was decided upon. Finally, Mr.
I'ox moved that a London Sub-Committee be appointed to carry on the work
till the next meeting of delegates. This was seconded by Mr. Steele, and it
was decided .that the existing Committee, consisting of Messrs. E. Clifton, P.
Everitt, A. Mackie, and T. A. Pope, should form the Committee. Mr. Adden-
brooke moved the addition of Mr. Bedford ; this was seconded by Mr. Mackie,
and carried.
OONT
PWK
THE USE OF FOCUSSING EYEPIECES 309
advances in KALLITYPE printing 210
variation in COLLODION EMUL-
SION WORKING 21X
AMERICAN NOTES AND NEWS 213
FOREIGN PHOTOOKAPHIC INSTITU-
TIONS AND THEIR INFLUENCE.
By W, H. HARRISON 21S
PHOTOGRAPHY AND PHOTOMECHA-
NICAL PRINTINU.-l. By PAUL L.
WATEBLOW ; 215
ENTS,
PlflE
STEREOSCOPIC PHOTOGR.VPHY.— A
REPLY TO MR. J. C. ANN.4.X. By
W. I. CH.IDWICK 21T
OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY.— II. By
JOHN HARMER 217
ODR EDITORIAL TABLB 218
RECENT PATENTS 219
MEETINGS OP SOCIETIES 22|
0OKKE8PONDEN0E 22»
ANSWERS TO COBBSSPONDENTS -iH
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1666. Vol. XXXIX.— APRIL 8, 1892.
STEREOSCOPIC PICTURES WITHOUT A STEREO-
SCOPIC CAMERA.
)1e< ACiix thk article ia written in the intocats of the Uurge elaas
jf pbotogrmphen who are the poasenon of only single camenu,
let it not be thooght that we are indifferent to the great im-
portance and adTantage of employing binocular cameras for
porpoaea of atereoMopie photagraphj. We oonelTea in-
Tariahlj emploj a eamera of the latter claaa, the one we use
being what ia known aa double quarter^plate aixe. Ordinary
half-plate, or ereo 8x5 oametaa, alao answer well, it beini;
aaramed that a pair of similar lanoea and a dirision iu the
camera are emploTiid.
We hare oo fomer ooeaMOM stated, as the paramount
condition oa whioh atereoeeopie pittu— a auiat be obtained, is
that of two diftSnent points of agfat being neccasary for each
pictore. These points nesd not neesMarily be far apart, a
dtstanee of even so little aa one bA, nnder exceptional oir-
cnmataneca, np to three intfhes soSang.
If a camera be fixed upon its stand by a screw, not close to
the front, but nearer to the back of dte cpmera, and a picture
be taken, the mere act of rotating ti^ ealbera oo the stand to
a Toiy aligbt extant wOl cause a iiiplinanisnt of the Icna from
its origiaal poaitioo to ooe whiefa majr» aeeording to the sis* of
the camera and the poeitioo of the eeotra of rotation, vary to
one, two^ or more inches from the anginal position. In the
pictures taken with each poeitioo there will be much in
• ommon. One will have at ita ■~—f'— some eiibieota not to
\>^ fonnrl in the other ; bat, when neh portfciaa of the aeene
■ hnatd are oompared, they will be found to be ideo-
- different — identical aa rrgarda the sabjeota them-
■^, yet different in regard to the relatioo of one part to the
vtbcr. This sttl;{ieet cannot well be elaborated fai an artiele eo
Wef as we porpoee the present one to be, but the thooghtftal
|hotographer — and we gladly reeognise many such among oar
readcTH— will not fail to appreciate its imuiUlitiea in this
. I . 1 ..v-^ „-. .^, j^ ^ described, the
(tood fHeods, we hsTS
not ia <jur luiad's • . i riews of street
ioeoes, boating or li :<.-t Ufc, in which
figure* in the foregroond are an nnrseognised entity; these latter
miut be taken by a binomlar instrmnent
But if, by a little fbrethoa^t, the photographer has oon-
'^pnety of haTing attached to his camera stand a
ten or twelre inches length, to which he may
slide his camera f^om side to side, in order to obtain pictures
frr>m the irariooa points of view requisito to give stersoeoopio
c;r :ot, then is the eoodttion equally well fulfilled.
It is the relation of the point of sight to the sitter that
determines stereoaoopic relief. If a subject, when photo
graphed — the camera being fixed at a definite }>oiut — be then
rotated in even the slightest degree and then photographed,
then will two pictures taken under these different conditions
be diflerent. We have elsewhere stated that a stereoscopic
photograph of a subject, such as a hum.'iu figure, a
pot of flowers, or similar object, may be obtiuned if the
subject be rotated ever so slightly between the first and
second ezposure. Let a sitter be placed upon one of the
office chain, the seat of whinlMTitates upon a ceutrAl axis, like
that of u piano stooL After the first picture has been taken,
let the chair be rotated in the slightest degree, and a second
picture be then taken. The sitter, of course, must remain
perfectly still while the rotation is being made and a second
plate inserted and exposed. Care must be taken that tlie
rotation is not carried too &r, else will a too •< exaggerated
•lagree of relief be the result. Let it be noted that the
stereoeoopio effoot in this experiment is confined to the sitter
only in relation to each part of himself, and not t<> that between
him and the background, whioh ou^ht, in this case, to be quite
a plain onsi
PHOTOilRAPHING ON WOOD.
Tu.iT it should have received the commendation of several
wood engravers and others professionally interested in the
subject, who were present whan Mr. W. J. Rawlings demon-
Rtnted a process of printing photographs on wood for en-
graving porposea, before the memben of tlie London and
Provincial Photographic Association last week, ia, perhaps, the
best praise that oould be bestowed upon the method, which will
be found deacribed by himself in another part of the Joliinal.
Some of the salient poiitU of the prooeas, however, strike us as
being eo useful that we shall here take occasion to particularly
indicate them, not lem in recognition of their practical value
than as oooveying an idea of the variations u|X)n older methods
which Mr. Rawlings has introduced.
Mfc Btflings first prepares the surfaces of his blocks with a
DiHB^K sine-white and albumen, whioh, besides serving the
useful end of giving a white ground to the finished picture — a
great oonvenience, we should think, to the en;.'raver — also, if we
mistake not, fulfils other functions in the course of the process,
one of them possibly being, as was hinted at the meeting, to
enter into combination with the silver nitrate of the sensitising
solution to form silver carbonate.
When the surface of the block is ready for sensitising, silver
I nitrate in plain collodion is applied to it, and, this film having
aM
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOfOGRAPHY.
[April 8, 1892
been <lrie«l over heat, tho collcxliou is removed by ether and
alcohol. The sensitising operation is then repeated, and the
geoond film of collodion also removed, thus leaving the block
sensitised with a mixture of nitro-carbonate of silver on zinc-
white and albumen. The sensitive surface, which is said to be
about as rapid :ls albumen-silver pajier, is then ready for printing
under a negative in which the right and loft sides are reversed.
For small blocks Mr. Rawliugs uses clips for holding the negative
and block in contact, and for large ones a frame of special con-
struction.
Up to this stage no water has come into contact with the
block, and indeed it is possible by a little dexterous manipulation
to retain whatever afjueous solutions may be employed entirely
upon its surface. The picture when printed out is fixed by
hyjjosulphite of soda in the proportion of six ounces of the salt
to twenty of water, an operation which Mr. Rawlings performed
by simply flowing the solution over tho surface of the block in
the manner in vogue with cyanide fixing of wet plates. The
picture is then washed by directing a stream of water upon
the surface for fifteen seconds, and, after having the free
moisture removed, is dried over heat and is then ready for
cutting. In that condition it forms, it is said, an admirable
surface for the engraver's work, and, moreover, freely allows of
the use of the pencil in alterations.
The preparation, sensitising, and printing of a block on the
occasion referred to, and indeed the whole process, was com-
pleted in a very few minutes. We gathered that it was
possible to produce a block ready for the engraver in about an
hour from the time of taking the reversed negative. Tho
washing of the latter is, of course, largely shortened, while
drying, according to Mr. Rawlings' plan, is eflfected most
expeditiously by s«jueegeeing off the surplus moisture with the
thick part of the hand, and completing desiccation by heat. It
will be remarked that the pictures are not toned, while their
perfunctory washing and fixing is, of course, dictated by an
absolute disregard of the dread of fading. The second
sensitising of the block, according to the opinion of the
orifrinator of this method, gives better results than would be
obtained by simply api)lying a single solution proportionately
stronger in silver nitrate.
The process appears to be perfectly adapted for the purposes
of engraving line subjects on wood, and, by what we could
deduce from the remarks made on the occasion of the demon-
stration, will be welcome to wood-engravers generally. Not
tho least pleasant feature in connexion with the process is the
freedom with which its sponsor has published and demonstrated
its capabilities. We are glad to find that Mr. Rawlings' action
in this respect met with very cordial recognition from those
who witnessed the demonstration, the most prominent in
acknowledging the boon being those who will be benefited by
the particulars of the method given.
Having regard to the interest which the subject excites, it
may be fitting that we should seize the occasion to outline some
of the older methods of photographing on wood which have
been found to answer the purpose. In the first of these the
surface of the wood is treated with finely powdered white lead
and a little water, and, when dry, is coated with a weak solu-
tion of mastic and guttapercha in benzole, consisting of three
grains each of the two first-named in an ounce of the solvent,
which does not leave any film on the wood, but serves to fix
the white pigment. The whites of several eggs having been
beaten to froth, and salted with four grains of chloride of
sodium and eighteen minims of strong ammonia to each egg, is
kept in a warm place for about a month, water being added tO'
make up for the loss by evaporation, and after filtration is-
applied to the block with a brush. When dry, the surface is-
sensitised with a forty-five-grain silver solution, also by means
of a brush. The o))erations of printing, fixing, and washing^,
are needless to describe.
Besides the collodion transfer system, which is probably
thoroughly familiar to most wood-engravers, and which, there-
fore, on the present occasion we shall not treat of, it is perhaps •
not so well known that the carbon process may be adapted for ■
the purpose. In this a specially prepared tissue is necessary,
and when sensitised a print is taken under the negative in the-
usual way. The face of the wood having been slightly
gelatinised, the print, after being immersed in cold water, is
squeegeed face downwards in contact with the block. The
paper is stripped from the gelatine in warm water, and develop-
ment of the picture is then proceeded with until all the details
are visible. In this method a reversed negative is, of course,
not required.
It will be remarked that in the method described by Mr.
Rawlings the collodion film is removed before exposure ; but ii>
that now about to be mentioned and previously published else-
where this removal is not effected until after the print is made.
The method in question is that of applying a mixture of silver-
and uranium nitrates in collodion to the surface of the wood.
Two ounces of ether and four ounces of alcohol, saturated with-
nitrate of uranium, are mixed with two ounces of alcohol in
which thirty-two grains of silver nitrate have been dissolved.
The mixture being filtered, fifty grains of soluble cotton are-
added, and after dissolution, and settling in a dark place, the-
collodion is ready for use. This is applied to the previously
prepared surface of the wood, and the print made by contacts
Fixing is accomplished by a dilute solution of ammonia, and
when dry the application of a mixture of ether and alcohol re-
moves the collodion film, and leaves the picture in the wood itself.
Both the collodio-chloride emulsion and blue printing processes-
are applicable to the production of photographs on wood, but
enough for the present has probably been said to indicate the
considerable variety in the methods of working which are-
available. Some of these, as well as others not now touched>
upon, may form the subject of a more detailed descriptive-
article at some future time.
Photographers' Half-holiday. — We understand, from a<
communication in a local paper, that the Greenock firms of photo-
graphers have agreed to close their places of business on Fridays-
during the season at two o'clock in tlie afternoon. Considering the-
long hours which most assistants have to work in the summer months,,
this example is worthy of imitation.
The Paris Photographic Exhibition.— This Exhibi-
tion, which opens in tlie course of the present month, as already
announced, has received support from most European countries, as^
well as from the United States. We are not told to what extent
English exhibitors have contributed. While the Exhibition is open-
there will be as additional attractions frequent balloon ascents. We-
hope a batch of successful balloon photographs will result. By the-
way, we observe that France during this year is to suffer from a
serious outbreak of " the international exhibition disease," such as we
had in this country the last and preceding years, many large French
Societies having decided to cover themselves with glory in this manner*'
Here the idea has been rather overdone, and we are glad that this
present year of grace is to be a quiet one from an exhibition point o£'
view.
A]>dl 8, 1809]
THE BRITISH JOUBNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH i'.
Oaa«« of Streaks and Tears Is the Wet Collodion
Tl mill— — Tbooe of our ivaders who lue, or who have iue<l, the wet-
collodion proceM, know the extr«ordin«ry w»y in which the surface
aj>tntMm behSTW when the pkte is withdrawn from the bath. For do
sppez«at reaKm ftnak-o and lean of liquid form or patches come
opon the piste wheie the liquid is quite driren away. The cause, or
«M eaaee, of these appeanaces is shown in a very pretty lecture
«speriiBent iUastTSted in a recent number of Xalure. We need
not repiodnoe it here, bat will simply explain that a drop
of wat«r is caused to form «t the end of a pipette, and there
remains adherent to iu point, whes, upon a quantity of ether
^aag hfonght into proximity, the following phenomena present
-theaaelres, and faUy illu«trate the action of the bath solution we
speak of. " As the ether it bfonght up, the abwjrption of ita Tapour
diminishes the snrfsee teoaiaa orer a small area of the drop of water,
sod currenu, made ryble by sospended dat, appear to pass from the
interior towards the weakeoed spot. Blisiriar the ether still nearer,
the drop often becomes much atntated, and finally, when the distance
is reduced to about 4 mm., it fall« away from the tube." We have
ofteb performed a still ampler expatiment which can be repeated
without any appaiatos. Bttegiiy the Bosth of an open bottle of
ether towards the safsee of a perCaetfy wnt segatiTe, the surface
liquid will be esnied to raeede and leare a portion of] the neKative
almost dry in compariaoo.
PriTSte StUls.— It is KeasmDy uademtood that no photo-
grapher— nor, indeed, any one fss keep a still, eveo for diatilled
water, without fint obtaiaisg pensisaon from the Inlaad Bereniie
aathoritiee ; hut, in last wedi^ Clkemiiemt JVVic*, Mr. Wm. Aekroyd,
-of the Borooifh Laboratory, Hafifsx, holds a eontrary opinion. He
writes : " The law regarding stilb wm Berer meant to apply to those
■in oae in private bhoistorias or chemicsl factoriea. I was recently
■mtgifti in a ease, Bagias a IDiagaimh, in which it waa snweifslly
«oaieBded by the da&idsBt^ aoieilor that the intentkm of the Aet
Is to pierent the uiSBuliaitiue of Hqson which ai« ilisit, tad surely
distiUsd water is sot one of thasi I In the case ■Mtloiiad. the
Kevenae people were attempting to tmmam a liesaee oa a mano-
f aetunr who naal a aUpbsta of aiwoala stOL The Baaeh of West
Hidiiy magistrates daeidsdthst'tluagtin is not within the iMaaiiig o(
theAcL"* TUsisaBfwy sstirfMtOiTashrasitproaSrhatitgoesto
yrove the Tiew the Reteaas asthoritise hold, and the user was put
to the troobfe and ezpease of dafandlag a suit at law. Farther, they
appealed against the oagiatrate'a dediion, but the death of the
defendant put an end to farther ptcwtsdlins. Bat there is more to
he said. Mi ail i A. J. Warren, malnra of methylated spirits, write,
in the saae issos, to «y that another eomapoBdnt " has Icftallr
incurred a lae thiooirh bSTing a stiS on his pnaina witlMwt either
baring paid for a licenea or hsrtagjpemisakie fraa the Bosrd of
Inknd ReraBse to nss the sum." Bla adries b to "address hi*
reqneet to the Oniamiwinnew of InlaBd Retsnw, Soanwt Hoose,
Loadon, abawiag daaily that the stm is saad hy Ua for ehe^eal
TCsesieh. The Board of lolaad Borcaae are Tsry raady to allow atiUs
1n« of ndse Hesaee whea it is proved heyoad a doabt that they an
wasted for purely adaatiie parposaa; bat tAef wuitt bt mtkid ptr-
mit'sa JInt. Thsy hsTo^ la tha last few month, aho, to oar osrtaia
k^'^wiadga, givea |iiiiaiarfnw to tervral dirsetoia of khorstoriea to
ttaia anwinswHsed SMthykisd spirit. Wo have had ao can of
-i: <hiadnfaaed, and have forwaided wveral applitatioae oa bakalf
' the hands of laboratorise to thaa." Now, after thow attaraaeaa,
:• perfeelly dear that aay oae ■ilMfnailag to ase a atH woold be
f '>lishly rmahg the risk of inoiriag gnat axpaaae, while, at the
same ttoa^ a Japie comae is opoa to Ito of oMaiaktg what lie needs
Iv the ospaaditare of a little time aad a few Jiiata of yapsr. We
). ire lefemd at lenfrth to these two sahjeets, as they an of great im-
I- rtaaes to maay of our reader*.
♦
VAUI.\TION IN COLLODION EMUI.flION WORKINO.
•S*t far we have spoken only of utilising spoilt or defective eiaiilsiiwis ;
bat obvioosly, if the pwoess reeommended should prove to have any
special valae, tlia smalsioa may he partiaOy senritisad for the partiealar
porpoas; iadced. It woold laem bat aataial that the baMw roaolt
would accrue from 'a preparation which had not developed signs of
inherent weakness. However, as already stated, the defective emul-
sion is quite amenable to suitable treatment, all that is requisite being
to free it from any traces of fog that it may have acquired, dther
from considerable exposore to strong light or from over-ripening iu
the absence of a aa£Beiency of acid or other restraining matter.
In additioD^and this is more especially the case where a tendency
to want of density ezista — tliere must be an excess of soluble bromide
of at least one ot two grains to the ounce to combine with the silver
nitrate to he afterwards applied. The only effect of applying a silver
solution to a neutral and fully sensitised emulsion — to a washed emul-
sion, for instance, from which all soluble bromide has been already
removed — would be to produce inevitable fog from much the same
eausea as those which prevail when fog oomes from over-ripening.
When the small proportion of free bromide is present, however, it is
converted into silver bromide of the most rapid, as well as denaty-
giving, kind, and not only averts the fog, but confers those qualities
in which the emnlaion was previously deficient.
Suppoang the emal£on to be only wanting in the capability of
giving density, it ia only neoaaaary to supply the requisite quantity ot
free bromide, and the moat suitable for the purpose is perhaps the
ammonium salt. But should tliere be any fog present, as will almost
invariably be the case under the circumstanoea, onless the emulsion
has already been submitted to traatment as described in the previous
article, it is essential that it be thoroughly cleared. Fortunately this
ia very easily done, thoagh in the ease of an ordinary emulsion it
woold be greatly to the detriment of its sanaitiveness, or, in that of a
waahed emulsion, practically would destroy ita sanativeoeas altogether.
It is meiely neoaaaary to add, in plaoe of the bromide of ammonium,
a eorwaponding qnantity of the bromide of a dyad metal, such as
copper, which is capable of acting directly upon the partly reduced
rilver that oonstitates the fog, aad reconverting it into normal silver
hnaiida Bromida or chloride of copper, as is well known, not only
itastrnys the aadevaktpad image, but will reconvert the metallic silver
fonoiag the developed image into the eondition of bromide, and in the
saaw maaaor theas salta aet upon aa emaUon in removing fog, though
with a aarioaa eliset apon the sensitiveneaa of the preparation, unless
Tsry thoroogUj removed from the film by subseqaent washing.
Broaude of copfar, or eopric bromide, is a very inconvenient salt to
handle or to keep, on aeooont of ita iaatability. The chloride forma a
more definite and stable oompoand, readily obtainable and easily kept,
and might probably ha asad akMe in place of the bromide. Where,
however, it is not coaadeiad dseirable to intro^ica chloride of silver
isto the film, the employ meat of eaprie blonde cannot be reoom-
aanded, except in conjanotioa with an equivalent of ammonium
broaude, by which, of course, the soluble silver salt woukl be con-
verted, leaving the cupric chloride free to exercise its clearing action.
A somewhat similar, if not identical, effect is produced by using
ammonium bromide in the first iattanea, and afterwards «h»fcing up
with the emolaoo a small quantity of finely powdered cupric sulphate
—the ordinary " bine vitriol " of the shops. By this method of
he awmnwiam hrooiide is decomposed eaprio bromide, and
'aalphate briag formed, aad aay excem of the sulidiate,
baiag iaaolahia, raamiaa to he filtered oat
Still aaothar, aad parhape the best, plan, all things conadered, is
to prepare sn alcoholic solution of bromide of copper, and to estimate
its value volumetricaUy in order to avoid the inconvenient process of
obtaining the salt in the cryataUimi form. In alcoholic or ethereal
eolation the salt appaara to kaap very well. We hav« kept it without
appreciable change ia this auaaar for sevetal months ; but any
applieatioB of heat or other meana of evaporation almost invariably
some portioe of it When the solution is once obtained
iximataly estimated — for this purpose analytical preciaon is
quite unn<y«uary— it will retain ita qualitiee for a bng time, and so
many miniou may be taken as representing so many grains.
To ptepars the solatioa of cupric bromide, weigh out equivalent
proportions of bromide of ammonium and sulpliate of copper, both
finely polverised and carefully dried The latter salt in its crystalline
state contains a certain proportion of water of crystallisation, which
may be driven off by exposing the powdered crystals to a gentle heat
if prolonged for a sufficient time, the resalt being a perfectly white
powder. This treatment is not absolutely neoaaaary, but it is to be
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[April 8, 1892
prafenvd. The proportions of the respective «alta will be four parts by
w«ightof ammonium bromide tofireof crystnUine cupric sulphate, which
may be powdered and dried after weighing. The two are then mixed
thoroughly in a glass mortar, or otlier convenient vessel, when if any
moisture be still present, a green colour will be developed ; but, if
quite dry, nothing beyond a slight greyness is produced. Next pour
on a small quantity of Btrong alcohol— we prefer the pure absolute
alcohol, though nn inferior grade will answer^Kir sulphuric ether, the
cupric bromide being very soluble in either liquid, when a deep brown,
almost black, solution will be instantly formed. Cupric bromide,
like many other salto, exhibits dichroic properties, according to
whether moisture he present or not. In aqueous solution, or when
an appreciable quantity of water is present, the colour is green ; but
in alcoholic or ethereai solutions it exhibits a variety of tints, varying
from lemon-Vf Uow to nearly black, according to the degree of con-
centration and other circumstances.
Pour off tlie first quantity of alcohol as closely as possible, and
apply a fresh lot, repeating the process until nothing remains but a
colourless or slightly grey powder ; then make up the volume of the
solution to something having a definite relation to the quantity of
bromide used in the first instance. Thus, if 100 grains of ammonium
bromide were used, and the volume be made up to one ounce, every
five minims will represent, as nearly as possible, one grain, and if, on
testing the solution, that be found to be approximately correct, it will
be quite near enough for our purpose.
VVhichever method of forming the cupric salt is adopted, it is
demrable to allow the emulsion to rest for at least twenty-four hours
after its addition, as the action proceeds rather slowly in the attenu.
ated state of solution. In cases of very bad fog a much longer time
may be required, but we have never known a case of fog so bad that
t would not eventually succumb to this treatment. When the
emulsion has been once deared in this manner, it will remain in good
condition indefinitely, or, at least, its lease of life is dependent rather
on its organic constituents than the inorganic; that is to say, the
pyroxyline may become decomposed by age, and tlie emulsion lose its
power of suspending the silver bromide, but the latter will not lose
its useful properties. This addition of a cupric haloid, in fact, con-
stitutes an admirable means of indefinitely preserving an emulsion
when, as in the present instance, extreme sensitiveness is not required.
If the emulsion in its present condition be spread upon glass,
washed until the volatile solvent.s have been removed, by which time
the remaining soluble constituents will have been practically removed
also, it will be found, though slow, to give a beautifully clean image.
If it should happen to be an emulsion that has undergone this treat-
ment owing to its want of density, that defect will still remain ; for
the rebromising has no power to increase the organic properties of
the emulsion. If, on the other hand, the emulsion is freshly made
from perfectly suitable materials, the probabilities are tliat the
character of the image will be the very reverse as regards vigour ;
that is to say, if a sufficient exposure be given, the density and
contrast will be such as to render the emulsion particularly suitable
for photo-mechanical work. Even when it does not run particularly
to density, the beautiful clearness and absence of fog or veil will
recommend the films, especially for the production of lantern slides by
contact. For camera reduction, the exposure required would, in most
cases, be too long.
It may here be remarked that it is useless to attempt to expose the
plates previous to washing, as, until the soluble salts are removed,
the films are practically quite insensitive to light, even full daylight.
We have purposely exposed a coated plate to diffused daylight,
subsequently washed and exposed it in the camera, producing an
image of the most irreproachable clearness. It is hardly necessary to
add also that the emulsion itself is even less affected by light, for,
even if its outer surface layer were actually discoloured, the cupric
salt present would, in a very short time, restore it to its original state.
The emulsion is not, however, primarily intended to be employed
in this state, but to be first treated with a solution of nitrate of
silver. This may be of any convenient strength from ten grains
upwards, the sensitiveness of the resulting plates depending, in some
measure, upon the quantity of silver present. A five-grain solution
may be used if a comparatively slow plate will satisfy ; but with
this feeble bath there is a tendency to want of vigour. Ten grains
to fifteen we consider the best strength for general purposes, but it
may be increased up to thirty or forty grains where very rapid films^
are desired, or where more than the excess of bromide we have given
is used. There is, however, in our opinion no adequate advantage
gained by going above fifteen grains.
With regard to the preparation and use of the silver bath, none of
the precautions surrounding the old silver bath are needful. The
silver is simply dissolved in ordinary water and filtered. It is
necessary to apply it in a dish or other vessel, owing to the impossi-
bility otherwise of applying it uniformly to the surface, as necessarily
the silver bath must be applied before the plate is washed. It is not
necessary to acidify or otherwise add to the solution, nor does it
appear essential that the batli shall be absolutely kept for this one
particular purpose, a sensitising solution for albumenised paper, for
instance, having given perfectly satisfactory results. In point of fact,
the copper salts employed appear to exercise much of the functions o£
free acid, as observed by Mr. M. Carey Lea many years ago.
In the interests of uniformity of result, it is desirable, when this
process is used regularly, that a considerable bulk of solution be em-
ployed, otherwise its strength will rapidly alter and irregularity ensue.
Under such circumstances, nothing better than the old dipping bath,
could be used, but for occasional purposes an ordinary dish may be
substituted.
(To be concluded.)
CAN SILVER PRINTS BE MADE PERMANENT ?
The small collection of early silver prints now to be seen at the
rooms of the Photographic Society of Great Britain, as we said last
week, is both an interesting and instructive one. It is almost to be
regretted the idea of getting together such a collection was not made
more widely known, as, no doubt, it woidd have been more complete
than it is. One thing that strikes the visitor on examining the
photographs is, cannot something be learnt from them with regard to-
making our prints more permanent in the future ?
For some years past it appears to be an almost recognised thing,
both by the public and the profession, that silver prints must
necessarily fade after a few years of existence, and so generally ha*
this idea been accepted by most people that no attempt is now being
made, or is, apparently, likely to be made, to improve matters. In-
deed, we recently heard it remarked, in reference to this topic, that
we were " going from bad to worse," as the majority of prints made
during the last two or three years were fading in a shorter time than
were those produced seven or eight years ago. Therefore, as a matter-
of fact, as regards stability we are retrograding.
It has been stated over and over again by theorists that silver
prints cannot be made permanent ; but, in face of this, there are now
on view in the Exhibition some prints that were made in the early
fifties which show no signs of fading proper. What slight change
there may be in them is not greater than there would have been in
engravings, had they been kept under analogous conditions. In fact>
in some instances, it is less, particularly if the latter have been made
on some of the papers now in the market and used for printing
purposes, which rapidly become discoloured by exposure to light.
In some of the exhibits the prints themselves seem to have suffered
less than the mounts when they had been kept in the damp. In face
of these, who will affirm that sUver prints cannot be made, to all
intents and purposes, stable ?
If only one print in a thousand, nay, ten thousand, proves per-
manent, it establishes the fact that silver pictures do not of neces-
sity fade ; also, that if the others had received identically the same
treatment in their production, and were kept under the same condi-
tions, they should be equally as permanent. What are the conditions
that have rendered one picture permanent while others are evanescent ?
W'hy have not all faded alike ? That is the problem to be solved.-
In the collection are two copies of the Photoc/rajMc Al/ium, publi.shed
in 18-55. It is curious to see, in many instances, that the same picture
iu one book, and made presumably under the same conditions, and
at the same time, as that in the other, has changed considerably,
while the corresponding one in the other album has changed but little.
On the other hand, some prints in one book have suffered more than
ApfO 8, 1809]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH Jf.
220
hare rmiiMUMiili^fl oae* in the other. Thia cleariy shows that the
differeaee, where it exists, is not due to the eonditions under which
the prints were kept, but to something in the msnipuUtion in the
fint inetmooe. The majority of the prints shown were toned and
fixad at the sam* tia>e in the old hrpo and gold bath.
In the mitj daya of the Photographic Society, when it had the
eaergj of yoath, it appmnted a ooamittee to inrestigate the whole
•ahjeet of tha fading of silver prints. The report iasoed by that bod y
resolted in other methods of toning beiag aoajfilit for that would give
a greater yro—iae of petmaneBcy. . EreotnaUy the present system of
alkaline toning was adopted, and that, it was then eonndered, would
prove a panacea for the eriL This pfooess has had a fair trial of over
thirty yean, with what lesah we are too painfully familiar.
8oM panoaa hare suggest wi dming the past few years that, aeeing
the pen— wwa of aoaie of the eariy prata, we shoidd go back to the
oU system of toaing and flxoig in oae operation. This suggeition
iihoald not, howemr, be aeted upon withoot due eonudeiation, for
there is no question that, theoretieally at least, the present system
ought to yield the aoi* staUe rssnhs, Another point is, that it is
vaiy doubtful if, with the pweeiit U^tly sensitised and highly
albonisniaed paper used with the thin negatives of the piesent day,
saeh btilKast prints eoold be obtained aa by the pioeeas now in
It is to be regretted that the sabjeet leosiveJ so little attention
the other night fmro the msahan of theSoeiety>nd others intaraated
in photography. The qoestioa of the permanenoe of the prima ia, or
ought to be, one of the ntost iaportant natters in the photographic
world, for there is no doobt that the proesas has yet to be in-
vented that win snpersede nlfer prima for general evny-dsy work.
Haoee, for the credit of the ait, thmf Mght to be made reasonably
pacaaasnt, and, in faoe of eiamplae baiore oe that have endmed for
somathiwf Hka forty yean, it ia wideniabla that they may be.
WonU this topie not be a eailabla one for disewsfa^ m the next
Fhotogtaphie Cotneniion, or at a general meeting of the Photographic
Society, seeing Oat that body ia now mom indiaed to deal with
pnrely teehaieal mattara than it has bean Utherto* Pbaaibly, under
the affiMafinn mhimi, other aodstiaa might be indoeed to associate
and tahe up the snhfam fmeraDy.
CO.VTIXENTAL KOTES AND KEW8.
few wenks riaee we
the iamiaam introduction of a new di<vek>piag «n^n*twrti mntpl.
Two othera are stated to hare formed the sabjeets of some esperi-
meobi by Uair Schmidt, of FVaakfott-on-the-piaia. They are,
according to the Ckiiis^iwrfiw, amthyW-paia-emidnphmol meta kwaol
•nd par».osyphMyI glyda-^otk darivativee of para-amidophenoL
Happily, th^ are eaOed, for dkort, methol and glyetn reapaetiTely.
Tht>j am smplojad in onaeoltiwi davskpers, aaid, of eourse, an
T«ry eneigMie. AB new Jaeelomra are!
The Alamlnlam Z.lgiit.— M. Villon finds aluminium soparior
to magaaaiam, inasmnrh aa it bans slower and doea not prodooe any
amoke. The aaae is al«o jaat aa actinic. He has snaeseded beat
with a lamp, bto the eentie of whoae fame a jet of oxygM is peased,
the powdeied alumlainm being then protected on to the flaase ia the
asoal way. He reeommeads the following miztuie as giving a very
powerful light :—
Powdered aluminium lOO parts.
Lycopodium 85 „
Nitratn of ammonium 6 „
Cnloured aluminium lights for aeenie porposes are obtained ia the
ordinary manner, that ia, by employing the rarions aaha of atrcntiam,
barium, eopper, fte.
■vadax Fhotocntphy tn Oermanj.— lUeent enactments
have prohthiled eartaia forma of labour on Sunday thraqghout
Oermaay, wUeh eompwhends the practice of portrait photogiapby.
Whereopon the naaorar Photographic Union and the Oermaa Phioto-
grapUe Uaion have amde laag nA strong representatione to the
Miniater of ComaHtM and the Imperial CbanoeUor, stating the case
on their own behalf as well as on the parts of their oaaistants and the
public, and begging that the restrictions sought to be imposed on
professional portrait photography on Sunday should be relaxed in the
interests of all three classes. We have not heard the results of the
appeals.
Copper-Uranium Printing ProoeBses. — M. Letellier
in the Jierue Photographiipu, gives the following particulars for
obtaining prints of a red tone : — Seventy-two granunes of nitrate of
uranium and twenty g^rammes of nitrate of copper are dissolved in a
small qnantityjof water, the solution being neutralised with carbonate
of soda and made up in bulk to a litre. Paper sized with gelatine or
arrowroot is sensitised in the solution for a minute or two, and dried
in the dark. Printing is carried on until the image is faintly visible,
when it is devek>ped to its ftdl intensity by an eight per cent, solution
of potassium ferrocyanide. The picture is then washed and " fixed "
in plain water. For sepia tones the uranium-copper solution ia
neutralised with ammonia, and the image is developed on a two to
three per cent, solution of potassium ferrocyanide.
Oe^elopment abowa od the Screen.— M. Molteni, at
a meeting of the Photo-Club du Paris a few weeks since, is stated
to have thrown on the screen the image of a plate undergoing develop-
ment. The exposed plate was placed in an upright (?) glass dish, con-
taining the developing solution, iu the position, we suppose, although
it is not so said, iwiidly occupied by the slide.canier, so that, as we
are told, the members could witness on the screen the growth of the
image'on th« plate. The demonstration is said to have been 8uo>
oessful, but we should like to have had a few more particulars ; for
instance, what was the colour and shape of the ghus dish, and was
the pietaxe fogged or not P At any rate, if the idea is a practicable
one, we hope to seeit imitated* in this country. In such a manner
development could be demonstrated in the lecture-room, presumably
in white light.
Kite FhotograpbT'. — At the same meeting M. Londo ex-
hibited a number of photographs taken from a kite .by M. Wenz, of
Reims, which are said to have been irreproachable. The apparatus
can he employed either vertically <>r horixontolly, and the shutter is
oootroUed either by a time-match or by a current of electricity.
■zpOTiSMats with Bapid nrj-Oollodloa Plates.—
Dr. Miethe has been experimenting with Oaedicke^ rapid dry-collodion
plates, and hm pabtisbed the results, which are of considerable
inteieat, ia the WteltmUatt, Photographing a well-lighted view,
and nsinf a amall atop, he exposed for four and two seconds rospec-
tivdy ; naiag a large diaphragm, he took an outdoor portrait in one
aaeoad; copied aa oil painting, with the amallest opening, in four
aaeonde and two seeonda. The expoaoies proved to be : No. 1, over-
Mtnoaed; S, about right; S, alightly over; 4, overexposed for the
yeUows ; 5, correctly expoeed. Development in all eases was com-
pleted with the properly exposed plates in about thirty seconds ; with
the othen, in forty to fifty. He states that the orthochromatic effect
ohtained was very remarkable, the colooi* being reproduced according
to their valuM batter than they would have been on a plate treated
with argentic erythraiae. The grain of the deposit appears under
the mieroecope to be flaer and more regular than that of gelatine
platee.
Fh«to-mlerocTitpliy and Grime In France.- It must
not be supposed that I)r. Jeaericb, of lierlin, is alone in the applica-
tion of nbotography conjoined to the mieroacope to the detection of
dDShmSary falsifications. In a recent number of La Nature, M.
Albert Londe has an article, from which it may be deduced that
French man of science and the State authorities are just as alive to
the enormous advantages of photo-micrography as the coadjutor of
justice as their eastern naighbouis. M. Londe relates a case of fraud,
delected by means of photography, such as Dr. Jeserich had no
parallel for in hia now well-iead paper. It seems that in France gold
rings are " ball-niarked," so to speak, by being " punched " with very
small and finely engraved marks and countermarks, representing, for
example, honm' hands and insects. These last, in fact, constitute the
230
TUB BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
LApril 8, 1892
I
H*n« marlu, and, doubt having bevii cart upon the genuineness of
those marin ujwn certain rings, the latter were placed in the hands of
expert engraven, who pronounced the marks false. To make the
falsity dear enough for a French jury, M. Londe undertook to take
photo-micrographic reproductions of the engravings, both genuine
and false, and, having done »o, the comparatively small magnification
of twelve diameters was sufficient to remove all doubt as to the
fraud, the differences in fineness of the engraving being enormous.
In this case photography supplied most valuable corroboration of
expert evidence.
Orthoohromatio Collodio-bromlde EmulBion. — Ac-
cording to the HuTufichau, Hen von Hiibl's method is as follows :
40 grammes of silver nitrate are dissolved in 50 grammes of water,
ammonia being added until the precipitate is redissolved. Thirty
grammes of ammonium bromide are next, by the aid of heat, dissolved
in 36 C.C of water and 70 c.c. of alcohol. To 450 c.c. of a four per
eent. normal collodion, the silver solution is added in the dork room.
Disregarding the slight precipitates formed, the ammonium bromide,
still warm, is added, the emulsion being well agitated. After the
emulsion is washed and treated with alcohol to remove the last traces
of water, it is dissolved in 400 c.c. each of alcohol and ether,
0'5 gramme of codeine added, and left for three or four days, when
tbe eosine solution is added. The silver eoside is prepared as follows :
Eosine 10 grammes.
Boiling water 350 c.c.
Silver nitrate 5 grammes.
AV'ater 50 c.c.
The precipitate is filtered off and allowed to dry in the dark room;
0*5 gramme of this silver eoside and 1 gramme of ammonium acetate
are then dissolved in 20 c.c. of alcohol, and a mixture of 6 c.c. of
acetic acid in 170 c.c. of alcohol added to it. To sensitise the emul-
sion one-tenth of its volume of the silver eoade solution just described
is employed. Development may be effected either by hydroquinone
er pyrogallic.
♦
IIATIO OF GRADATION.— ni.'
The next experiments were in the direction of under-exposure, and
fr.im amongst several I select an exposure of three seconds, at the
same distance from the lamp as before, to illustrate the behaviour
under modified treatment. With the normal development, the first
three tints only were produced, although the action was continued for
some time after number three had become visible. Perhaps it was
duo to this continuation of the development to some extent that the
density, especially of the first two tints, was very great, the third,
though much thinner, being still very far removed from the clear
glass representing the remainder of the scale. This exposure, it will
be observed, was, with normal development, too short to reach the
effective portion of the scale produced under the original and strictly
normal conditions, the gradation in that instance commencing only
when this last image ceased.
The comparison slip was developed in a solution of pyro and
ammonia, in which all three ingredients were present in far smaller
proportions than the ordinary, the alkali, however, being reduced to a
less extent than the pyro and bromide. The exact composition of the
developer with which the image was brought out was : pyro, one
grain; ammonia, one and a half minim ; and bromide, one quarter of
a grain to each ounce. The intensification on the completion of the
image was effected with a solution made up to the strength of three
grains of pyro, three minims of ammonia, and half a grain of bromide
to the ounce.
Upon the application of the first solution, the first three or four
tints made their appearance without much delay, following one
another in regular succession, but after the fourth there was a con-
siderable interval — perhaps ten minutes — before number five became
visible, and at this stage the three lower tints were undistinguishable,
either by transmitted or reflected light. After another long interval,
during which the fourth tint had become merged into the three pre-
pcding ones, and the fifth had pained in strength, number six became
faiLtly visible, but after that a full half hour failed to bring out any
snore, though the last two tints gained slightly in strength. The more
* Concluded from p. 197.
concentrated solution was then applied, and almost instantly the
lower tints commenced to gain density, and, as previous experience
had shown me, in proportion to the amount of the light's action they
represented. The last two tints, but especially number six, were very
little affected by the intensifier, although it was continued until it had
produced its maximum effect on the lower tints, as was shown by
number two becoming nearly merged into number one.
The final result was a scale of six distinguishable tints, the same
number, in fact, as under normal conditions, although lower down on
the scale. The contrast in this case between the highest and lowest
gradation of the scale was greater than in the normal plate.
Now, looking at these results, it seems to me impossible to deny
that the ratio of gradation has been altered, and that very considerably.
In the comparison of the two over-exposures, we have eight tints,
accompanied by increased contrast with the modified developer, as
against only four tints with the normal ; and, though I have not the
means of accurately measuring the respective densities, to the eye
there appears little doubt but that the difference between numbers
nine and six — the limits of the scale of normal development — is
decidedly less than that between the same numbers on the other scale.
Again, in the case of the two under-exposures, the three tints repre-
senting the scale of the normal developer include a wider interval than
the six tints of the other scale ; that is to say, that visually the con-
trast between one and three in the first instance is greater than between
one and six in the other. The ratio in this case can obviously not be
the same.
Of course it is open to Messrs. Hurter & Driffield to contend that
this mode of development is a departure from the ordinary course, and
is therefore not included in their results. I am quite ready to admit
this; but, as I have already said, my object is not to attempt to upset
their deductions, but to show that the practical photographer has, to
some extent, the power of modifying tha rates of gradation in very
extreme cases, although, perhaps, the method adopted may not strictly
come under the heading of fair development. It may be at best but a
subterfuge by which a passable result can be obtained where other
means fail ; but it is undoubtedly the case that the best results and
correct gradation can only be secured with proper exposure and de-
velopment. As regards what constitute the latter, there is sufficient
latitude in both to permit of comparatively considerable variations
without over-stepping the Unes that divide a correct exposure from
one that is incapable of giving a good result.
In conclusion, I regret my inability to give accurate measurements
of the actual densities obtained, and, failing that power, it would be
useless to attempt to establish an}' definite ratio between the tints of
the scale used, which, accordingly, I have not attempted. But it
seems to me that the results detailed above show conclusively, without
figures or measurements, that the ratio is really altered.
W. B. Bolton.
PHOTOGRAPHING ON WOOD FOR ENGRAVING
PURPOSES.
[London and ProTincial Photographic Association.]
As photographing on wood is my subject for this evening, perhaps a
few words will not be out of place on the art of drawing and engraving
on wood. It is generally understood that for illustrating any journal,
catalogue, &c., for printing tjrpe-high in the ordinary press, engraving
must be resorted to in some way or another, either by wood-engraving,
photo-zincography, or what is termed the half-tone relief process, the
latter being very much used of late for illustrating, principally
pictorial or portrait work, but there is no process yet to equal
first-class wood engraving for mechanical and kindred subjects.
To produce an engraving for this purpose you must either draw or
photograph the subject on the wood, the material used being box-wood,
cut end way of the grain, and finished to a true and smooth surface.
To draw upon this, it must first receive a preparation of either zinc
or flake white to facilitate the drawing. When drawn, it is given to
the engraver to cut ; then from him it is passed to the electrotyper,
who takes as many electros as required, and from these the actual
printing is done.
When the artist makes a drawing upon the wood, he does not
trouble to draw every line by which degrees of shadow are repre-
sented in the engraving ; he merely shows the light and shade, and
leaves the engraver to translate these shades into lines or stipple,
according to which would be most effective.
April 8, 1809]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOaRAPIIY.
231
In BMt of the periodicals of the dar we kooir that maoj of the
engraTiiiga have been photofnttphed on the block from the original
deaign or dnwing, thiu eliminating any ckanoe of error on the part
of^e artirt in rf*^"p hi« leTened drawinf^ on the wood. The
application of photographing on wood baa become so successful in
facifitatiBg the work of the engrarer that it has come into general
nse of lata, b«t all photographs on wood are not altogether satis-
factory to the engraTer, thm being ofttimea'a film left which aadlj
int'^rferes with the cutting of fine woric
Photographr was applied to wood-engraring purposes by a Mr.
Speige in 1860. and his prooeae was pahSriied in the Pkotofnphic
Sew ol DaeemW 16 of that year. It conaated of girin^ th* wood
a coatiog of alhamwi and then of gektins : when dry, sensitising with
a solntion of silrer nitrate, and the printing operation performed as
for paper. It was then fijud in a not solution of hyposulphite of
soda to remore the gebtinoos matter, which would otherwise cause
gnat inooorenienoe to the engraver in cutting.
Coming to the piot—a I am now using, and which I will demon-
strate before yon this evening, I can state that in no case does
it stain the w«xi, and can make mora certain of obtaining a good
image than by any other printing-oot ptocesji
In the first plaos the block most he prepared in such a way as to
giva it a uniform eoloar, and to fill up the porea of the wood to
ptMvoBt staining, thia baiag effected by spriaklia^ a small qnantitjr of
zinc white, amfaddiag someieat albuiiw, Wfummtg with the ball of
the band ntO the tonumg is ersa aod snooth, and finally finiahing
with a wal haii^i bmah. Thia op«lioH nqnires some practice to
peiform SDceaarfuDy. If rightly eoated, it will not give any
troabk to tike «nmT«r, not even with the finest tiata. All hloclu
will not raqnifa tha ««e aowant of alhauen and sine whita, aa some
are more porooe than othaia. The right proportion can only be
obtaiaad hr exparienoa. Whan perfectly Ary, sensitise by coating as
yon woola for a oonodion plate with the following solution : —
Ether fiocMaa.
Alcohol 6 „
poylina 90gniintu
' prroiyliao is diasutved, add seventy -five gnins silver
-1 in the smalleat poaubla qnantit^ of watrr. It is
e above in the dark loom. This saiiiti<Mi gives a
nust be iwnoivd fma tho block before printing.
1 vool, aatoiatad with the following aolatiaa:—
Dry, aaa coat again with the sanritidaf eolation bafota qooled, and
sppl^ ooMoa wool, Mtaralsd aa hsfota. By giriag tho block a doable
of ooOadka, the iaMge ariniB aMre rapidly aad to a baMar
Tba Ueak b aow aoaolataly Mt withaat aay Vbm, aad b
laadv tor pnatiag andar a revansd aanaiiya.
Ttte atoat rianls aad qaiekaat Method I have fooad for firing the
uagaUwa aad htBabi toea(h«r for prialiag is by hrasa dlpa made for
tho ynjam, aaak aa that ikrwn ia tha eat. Theae work vary wall
vf to wfcebplati riaa, hat for brgar Uoeka I have an apaaratna of
my own iafantion, which I ahall hava the pliaaaii of ahowuf yon.
r:
The tima raqaiiad for primiBt vanao accordiaf to tha intaaaky of
th« light and &a density of tha aiialita. Wkh a bright day at thb
time of tba yaar, with aa ataraaa asaatiye, rmt half to thiaa naailais
«f aa hoarwiM ha toaad laMiiiiil; v '
lb or aigkt faat, karat at a iWstaaca I
faoaa tha aaptive, will be foaad ample.
The aagativa is aow laoMrved, and a
ariaalaa as a atroM aolatfen of hypoaalpUta of aoda,thi
hiiag waibad for aaont half a arinato, or avn Vtm, whan
en ila odfa to diy, wUab will take soma faw aiteatsa. B
vrith angaalaaB ithhan, ahoat
from aix to twelve iaabw away
bytUt
, and a print b lud for two or thm
tha Uock then
it b pbeed
Bferai tfaatsd
eaa ha pndaeed ready for the engraver andar tha
W. J. lUwuiiaa.
»
WHY PflOTOORAPHS FADE.
III.
Tbk paper* made specially for photographic porpoaaa, or for water-
flolMr jahwiaaa, bj good makars, wiu be fond to ttaad an pzpo«ur9
toaa^fioalM l^Asgoa for a wwk withoat dbaoloatiac ) how is it.
then, that prepared photo^phic paoers, cari>on, platinum, and
albumenised paper silver prints, will yellow on the surface when put
to the same test P That it is not due to the paper is shown by the
baclu of unmounted prints not changing colour.
As the yellowing must be due to different causes in each proceiw,
it will be best to inquire into each case separately. First, as to the
carbon process. I have found the surface of the double transfer paper
to yellow slicrhtly under thp sulphuretted hydropen test, before any
tissue had Ix'en transferred to it, which .<bows that something had
been mixed with the gelatine, probably sulphate of baryta and chrome
alum, which causes it to dijtcolour ; the discolouration of carbon
prints, however, is not a very serious matter, because it is but slight,
and might be overcome by altering- the method of preparing the
traiufer paper, and is not due to an inherent defect in the process
itself. But I am afraid we cannot say the same of either the
albumenised paper or the platinum printing processes. I will take
tha latter first. The yellowing of the whites in platinum prints, when
•nosed to the same test, mnst be due to one of three causes.
Either it is due to something used in the sizing of the paper, or the
iron is not entirely removed from the paper in the acid baths': or else,
as I am indined to hefieve is the case, some of the platinum combines
with the fibre of the paper, and is not removed. If this is so, it is a
very serious matter, aapscially as printing-out processee are being
introduced into the market, which. do away with some of the draw-
backs to the older prooeas. with its semi-visible iiusge, and no stone
o«^t to be left ontnmed to make the picture as ftee from deterior-
ation is the high lights, as it is unaoubtedly permanent in the
image.
An this heating of the big drum about the permanence of the
platinum image or writers in some of our journals seems hardly
ftraightforwara, when not one word is said of the yellowing of the
paper when ezpioeed to the same teata aa those whidi cause liio injury
to the silver image, of which they make so mnch. I yield to none in
admiration of the beauties of a good platinum print, but I think all
the drawbacks, as well as all the Mvantages, of any prooesa ought to
bt-sUted.
I think it would be as wall for the makers of some of the platinum
printing-out proeeseee to go into thb matter. Only this morning i
aaard of some prints beginning to go wrong, and they have only been
made a few months. If tUa deterioration is due solely to the
platinum ooabining with the fibre of the paper, tb«re i» no doubt a
step in tha right direction has been made in tlM oold-bath prooesa,
hi-cauae the platinum b not hcooght into contact with the paper ia
the same way as in the other proeeiaea
I now oooM to the daaa of photographic papaia ia which the image
is foroied of ailvar, aad where gelMiae b ined aa the vehicle instead
of albainea. Tkay iaebde tha ao-oaOad plain salted papers and the
variona brtanida aad eUoiids of rilver emnlaion^apera ; and they all.
when taatad, showed a grtat advantage over pnnts done by each tff
the other noeeaaas in what I consider b the most important poinf,
aad that Is, they did not discolour in the whites of the pictur«-.
Perhaps I had baltv stala what my BMftbod of teeting prints i|>,
baeaasa I ooaaidar that the only fair way b to espoee theia Au .ihe
■aase eonditioaa, only in a ooooentrated form, that tliey wonhl liaee to
aadergo by atpoaaia to tha ataoophaia for a proloagad laogth of
Thoy hava to ba aiposeil to a more or leas damp ataMMphere, cos-
taiaiay aiaato tiaesa of sulphuretted hydrogen gas. Now, dry
■alphinattad kydnaan has little effect upon them, uxl putting them
ia a solotioa of ■uphaiottiid hydrogen I do not thiak a fair taac,
heeaoaa the eoafitioBa aia not the same. I therefore put all the
arinta I aa goiaf to teat, eomnaratively, roond the sides of a large
bottb, hang a apoaaa saturated with water from the oork, seal it up,
and tiian paaa lalpEatetted hydrogen from another bottle through a
giasa tobe pairing throngh the cork.
I hare tested print* praparsd from probabljr twenty to thirty dif-
fer><Dt formabi, and also a laige number of pnnta done oo the rarious
emulsion papers in the aMvbet. I have seen that they were thoroughly
V^jnf"! '"^ *"' C***'""/ washed, and every print that I
apSBoto ta« ahova taat for mote than a week bad kept white and
nnfihaafnd in the high fights, thoogli, of coone. the images had been
■ore or bas in jured,
Tbaae tests provad that tba whole of the silver had been removed
froaa the high lights of the paper, and that there was nothing in the
paper itself that would yellow.
Lately, I was abb to eiamino a number of photographic prints
done in WA by several of out old notad worlceta, and none of the
plain-paper prints had discoloured in the high lights, so that an absolute
laat of tUrty-eii^t years was quite in accord with my sulphuretted'
hydngni tMta; aad, as for the images, almost all of those prints doiut
SS3
THK BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[April 8, 1892
f
SMrlr forty ye»w ago had npparentlv not faded at all, and, as my
te«U taad injored moat of the images sliphtly, we will say that they
wew equivalent to an exposure of the prints to fuir atmospheric con-
ditions for fifty years.
There is no doubt tliat it was a bad day for the reputation of
ihotogr«phic prints when albumen was iutroduced as the vehicle, and
, am very pleased to see the gradual return to plain-paper silver
Srinting. There is one word of warning necessary, however, in these
Bvs of trade competition and wholesale manufacture, and that is,
every one who has tried to coat the papers (as received from the
manufacturers) with an emulsion knows the vast number of diffi-
culties met with in getting an even surface of emulsion on the paper,
&e. To overcome this, various substances have been added to the
airing, &c., to keep the image on the surface and prevent it having a
tank-in appearance. Some of these additions, especially those con-
taining sulphur in any form, will, I am sure, be injurious to the per-
manence of the prints, and manufacturers ought to be most careful
about this matter, both for their own reputation as well as that of
their professional customers. Hebbbbt S. Stabnbs.
A STUDIO CAMERA STAND OF NOVEL STRUCTURE.
With the advent of spring, manufacturers are busily engaged in
having novelties for the summer trade made ready for introduction.
One amongst several novelties which were shown us on a visit to
the sale-rooms and factories of Messrs. Watson & Son, High Holbom,
forms a piece of studio appliance that, we think, will necessarily
commend itself not only to the professional photographer, but to ail
who take portraits, as possessing features of advantage peculiar to
itself. This is a camera stand having a square frame, the table
surmounting which is capable of being raised or lowered by Archi-
medean screw-work. This, we are aware, is not new in itself, but
where the novelty comes in is found in the fact of each of the four
elevator pillars being raised and supported by its own rack and pinion,
the four racks working with one handle, thus ensuring a high degree
^-^^^^
of stability, while, in addition, the front pair and the back pair are
capable of being at a moment thrown out of connexion with each
other, enabling the hinder pair to be elevated or lowered, while the
front remains fixed, and vice versa. This effects the tilting of even the
heaviest camera made, and not only so, but by the action of another
piece of mechanism the camera can be raised or lowered while in this
oblique relation to the vertical axis, or it can be at once brought to a
level position.
By means of a pair of wheels it can be moved in a straight line to
and from the sitter, and, by the pressure of the foot upon a lever pro-
jecting behind, its motion may be instantly arrested, and the stand
Tendered as immovable as if screwed to the floor.
Taken all in all, we have not seen a stand which more effectively
provides for the rapid and firm adjustment of a large and heavy
studio camera. The above cut illustrates our description.
While making this visit we were also shown some cameras specially
constructed for photo -micrography, but the pressure on our space
forces us to leave over a description.
ELECTRIC LIGHTING IN PHOTOGRAPHY.
[Camera Club Journal.]
Whbn I first had the honour of reading a paper in this room, some
eleven years ago, upon my reflector, I was looking forward to the
probability, considering the great strides and bounds with which
electric lighting was advancing, of being able ere this time to show
some important improvement in my invention, if indeed it was not
altogether superseded ; but, although I have made sonae changes for
the better in details of construction, and with a specially designed
lamp secured a steadier light, I must admit that it is practically the
same, and I therefore hope you will excuse me if my paper is some-
what in the nature of a risumi.
I first turned my attention to the improvement of illumination for
portrait photography in 1875, when I patented an improved glass-
house, on the principle that every pane of glass visible to the sitter at
either end of the studio should face him at an exact right angle, and
I effected this by placing the glass in the zigzag crossing of imaginary
lines diverging from the sitter's position or chair placed at each end
of the studio. My next endeavour, in 1876, was to condense all the
actinic light which the dull grey sky of London affords us during the
greater part of the year ; for which purpose I constructed a plano-
convex water lens, using two pieces of plate glass three-quarters of an
inch thick, one of which I convexed by heat to the depth of eight inches.
The top of this enormous lens, when in its iron frame, reached to the
roof of my painting studio; the lens itself, within its iron ring,
measured six feet six inches in diameter, and was the largest in the
world. When it was first being filled with filtered water (it held
037 pounds) I was standing under it, with my shirt sleeves rolled up,
and holding a large sheet of paper in my hand, to watch the increas-
ing brilliancy of a white growing centre sufficiently wide enough to
illuminate a head and bust, and surrounded with a dark ring of
shadow, when, at the moment of my exultation, there was a terrific
explosion, a shower of glass and water, and I found myself on the
floor drenched to the skin, and my right fore-arm pierced through
between the bones with the point of a huge jagged splinter of glass,
cutting the artery, and laying me up for six weeks ; fortunately for
me, I knew how to improvise a tourniquet. When I recovered and
had reconstructed my lens, I realised that it did not go far enough-
it was of no use in a good thick pea-soup fog ; so I began to experi-
ment with different kinds of artificial light, and having tried the
limelight and magnesium light it only confirmed the theory that the
relative position of the rays from artificial light is diametrically
opposite to that of dayUght. In a daylight studio we are flooded
with a soft embrace of diffused rays, throwing soft-edged shadows;
in artificial light we are struck with the sharp darts of diverging rays
from one point, throwing sharp-edged shadows, and even when back-
ing the light with a reflector the direct rays always have the best of it
by over-exposing the high light before the reflected rays have time to
perform their part. So I saw that it was absolutely necessary to
secure such a powerful and steady light that I could afford to do
without direct rays altogether, and I constructed a Grove battery of
160 quarts, and secured a Fresnel dioptric light-house lens, four feet
in diameter, with a copper silvered reflector of the same size ; and
using a Serrin lamp, with a platinum screen of four inches to prevent
a single ray from escaping, I set to work. I shall never forget my
first sitter, a relative of course. He was placed so close to the
apparatus that his face turned fiery red, and streamed with perspira-
tion— I literally roasted him. You see I was bound to be on the
right side of quantity, considering I cut off all direct rays, and you
must also remember those were the days of the slow-coUodion process.
Of course, the polished silvered refiector was a mistake ; it was too
much like direct light, and reflected all the heat rays, and so I white-
washed it, and from that moment I knew I had solved the problem.
As no London photographer would exploit my invention, and I did
not want to lose time, I myself entered the profession in 1877 by
starting my present establishment in Regent-street. Fortunately the
larger size gas-engines were just then brought out by Crossley, and
mine was the first put up in London, much against the advice of
Messrs. Siemens, who furnished my first dynamo, and who wrote to
me that nothing less than a steam-engine would give a steady light ;
but an extra heavy fly-wheel overcame the difficulty, and this was the
first time that common gas was churned into electric light.
I now constructed a hemispheric reflector, made of zinc, and lined
it inside with white enamelled paper, and, as I found my electric arc
so large and actinic that I had sufficient light from simple reflection,
I abandoned the dioptric lens, with the result of more diffusion, and I
have ever since been able to take groups of as many as sixteen people.
At this time I designed the carbon holder, with racket movement,
to be worked by hand, which many photographers are now using, but
I found in time that this arrangement necessitated too much looking
April 8 1892]
TlIE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
233
•ftar, and mjr pnMnt kotoiiiAtic lamp it much more oonTenient,
Toallr on a diawiaf^raom day.
tried to replaee my utt^U central light of fifty amperes with five
or (Ix «—" H"' lampa diatribut<?d dowr to the surface, but I found,
tbougli I might agjmntf lUO ampirca. I could not obtain the
«atii- aetwie power; tne cauie of this is, that in the laige lamp
tL>- carhoiia are ao far apart that the centre of the poaitiTe crater is
fully expoaed, and the arc ia ao long aa to attain a poaitiTe violet
fiolour.
In oidar to inewaaa its utine power, I have lately tried to make
an iiiiMoiwiiaBf in the ahiqpa of mj i«B«etor by placinf; around it a
aooe radac inward, but at such an angle as not to obstruct the Ugfat
on the sitt«r. This arrangement thmwa back and aeroas to the
opnoaita aide of the interior of the reflector a portion of the raya of
ligat which were fomeriy cut off and lost within the small disc;
hrt I find, with the improvement in dir platea, that I really do not
naad more Egfct ; how«*«r, it haa thk advantage, it will help a poor
light. TUa aooe ahoold be renovabia far taking larga groopa.
SoflM iwwtha ago my studio waa eooaeeted with the main of the
low-taorion eormit of the Pall Mall Electric Light (Company, and I
sold my old jnatallatinn after a sarriea of fiflaen veara. I woidd here
warn any one who eostamplatea oaing a aapply f roca atraat mains for
photographie puipuaaa, that the alienating Ugh-tanaioQ corrent is
and will be naalaaa sntil the tearing, roaring noiae ahraya aeoompany-
iog the siw of are that ia nseesaary for good work, say, at leaat, forty
aaapltaa, ia orereome. I don't think it can be done. I onderstand
several phiHogfaphiri in Loodoa have been nearly driven mad
with it.
Now, althoogh my light ia not ai aeliaie aa the brightaat sky, still
eaa can take what are anuoeoualy mWai hiaiitaminiw portraiu with
iu In tha group of the Miasaa Dhm I Mad no haad-iaat tha expo-
saN waa not two aaconda, and thai, ha "
tha advantage I have of
being iadependaot of fog and the night, «aa can do so much mora in the
way of obtaining qoiek ahaagaa of afcet,Bil witlioat palling the sitt«r
ahont, which wooldbaiapoaihlaia a day%kt stadia Myreflectoris
saspwisi with wire lopaa running orar pnlfiaa oo a revolving imn
fraaa laatsaad to tha oaOing; aad, havfair a eosatarweigbt at th«
md. It eaa ha poDsd up aad 4o«b, twiatcd right and left, and
raaad aad raoad by a aaaa ■miaiaat of the hand, and, with
I of a hug* raiaitiag amaiiii to iUoaiaata my ahadnwa, photo-
by ia a faieiaativg piaaaaia, in all ■ aathaia, dav or night. With
of i^ portnila of tha PriaaMs of U'alaa, which wars
Jhawiagh Ilnaaa, avary photograph I have ever pabiiahad
IvMtahahfBTlght. I forgot I did piaea cm dayfiaht
rapfe 111 -jrt wn olSau at I-all MaU last yaar. and I
|rt tha Jvr to pidt it oat.
ifcv rem mo I hailt a dayHght itadb oa a new principle
lag laxga paiwtinga, aa I fond it lapoadhla to illaminata
' avaBlT l*!* '■t aufaeaa (sar. when over ihiao feat aQaare)
r aon artifioal Bghta^ for tka laaaoa that thara ia alwaya
r af tha pietore aaaiar to tha light in the aaaaa room than
tha other eonara, or tliaa tha Huddhu
I havaatadM,aa«varT photographer most have dona, the diflareaea
I tha effiala oblainad nwi light which ia nflaeted fraa a aanfit
laai of deoda lad froat direct "'"^ifc' fitamd throogfa gaaae or
, eaitaina. aad I f oaad that thk leialM* ilHlaiiiis hatwaea doad-
and aanlight ia anotly the taaa ia regard to artificial light.
Ja a anhUety ia tha coaahiaad eiiapasaa aad delicacy of the
' 'ma aanlyiaiaalad light which ao arraagaaaata
fkaSrOT iillaiig diiaei light eaa posdhly
tUa pioaaa OMI ia attamptiag to pradnaa artificial
ha far iIm paiatar or tha photographer.
• ikuM aot feigat that then ia odv oaa kiad of light that ia
■A iaaitatiag, aad that ia tha laoad aad brilliantly wfcilB. jrat
|rfAily Mfl, laflartad Bght, horn a jbrioaa aiaaa of toBt aaada
tha aorth«a ahy. Rnar Vax Dkb Wstdb.
PBOTOOBAPHT AND PHOTO-MECHAXICAL PBISmtO.
U.
tsiliiSit<liws<>iaiwl>»oaiinrflhs»iyall1lasswatth»lilll>»iT
ZbC ETCBDHk
piinsi|ilas ef Oia prousas of photo-Mthegiapby, dsaaribed to yon in
) last alght. are. bjr aHght vaiiattaaa of workfaig. anployad ia the
I of pBolo-nMoiinpBj Mdphfli^wxi#twMig, lortM pfosMtiao
loaka. Bappiwliig. aaw. aa take oaa ef thaMthogwphietiansfare
I have Jnat ban teHag with, aad, iastaad of traaateriag Ik iaked image
, aa lay it down ca a Aatt of mooth lino, the naalt wU be aa
this, a print on metal which (orms the basis of operations for the prodno-
tion of a relief block, a block on tchUh the linet art raited ahove the white
portioiu of the picture, and con be used in the printing press exactly in
the same way as a woodcut or type.
Nothing can be simpler than the abstract principles of photo- etching;
but, as not tmeommooly happens, a considerable amount of skill and
experience is required to put theee abatraot principles into practice.
The theory of etching is, that the surface of a metal, like zinc, is
eaaQy disaolved, or etched, by nitric or hydrochloric acid, so long as there
is no grease or varnish on the metal to interfere with the dissolving action
of the acid. Supposing a piece of dean zinc is coated with wax all over,
and it is dipped into acid, no etching will take place, because the wax
prevents the acid from touching the metal ; but if a drawing is made
through tha waxed metal with a sharp point, and then the plate ia dipped
in acid, etdiing immediately takea place wherever the point baa bared the
Borfaee of the zinc, and the result would be a sunk or intaglio picture
engraved into metal which could be printed from in a copper-plate print-
ing preaa.
Before we proceed to the etching of such a plate, we ought to tell yon
how to obtain greasy ink prints or photognqihs on metal by meana other
than of the traaafsr proeeea, and the bitumen proeeea, doieribed to yon
yesterday. There an sevval methods, but it will be sufficient for our
purpose this evening if we dtaeribe one.
The flnt thing, and the moet important thing, is the negative ; it miut
be perfectly sharp, the Uoea of the subject must be represented by dear
^ass. aad the white paper fay dsoae blaek deposit, and for the proeeasea
we an dealing with tbs negative most be revened ; that is, the negative
image oo the glass most be the oppcaite way rooad to that on a negativa
used for priating Croat diraet, the reaaoo being that a reversed picture ia
required on t& metal bkwk, ao aa to give a mm-reverui rsaolt when the
block is finally printed. There are a number of reveraed negativee on the
table which you may examine after the leetore.
Having obtained a proper nsipilive, the next thing is to print tha image
on metal. A pieee of elean polished sheet aino, about three thirty-
seeonds of an iaeh, ia eat to die sixe required tor the negitive, aad is
thinly eeatad^th a solalioo of gelatine or albimien, water, and biduooiate
of potash. The plats may be coated with a large eamd'a-hair bmah, or
the aolalioa nuy be fiowad over the metal. It ia thea dried by beat in a
now aaHahi Hi^ aad piaaad ia a printing frame with ita aeaaitised sor-
faaa ia aoaiaat with the aaprtive. (Mr. Oeddea will prepare before yoa
aad aadaavonr to print aaah a plate by means of magnesium, and will
ahow yon (he rsealta of «eb operation dsaaribed.)
A km miaataa axpoaara to oleetrie light or sonUght raadara the Uohro-
BBaiad ylaliwi iaaainbia wharsver light has obtained aeosaa to the plata
thfoai^ the aiear parU of the negaUre, the aotioa being preeiaaly tha
saase as la ttia ease of a transfer. The plata is nexfiwvered all over with
a thin eoatiag of greasy printing ink, and ia than dropped into a flat dish
wnntainlng sold water. Tbs inky surtaoe of the plats is gently rubbed
with a spoags or weal, aad tha ink eoatfaig togithsr with the gelatine
lean> the plate aatln|y eiaept wiien the light haa acted through the
aagative, giviag aa a similar pieton on tha aMtal to that obtained on
gahtiaed traasfar paper. At thia stage the ink picture on the metal is
rolled op with straagtr aad aMsa iak, aad it ia then ready for its Ant
atehiag. Aa tha optiatiaas of etohiag sneh a plata oeenpy four to six
hoars, it is. of eoawa. aot possible lor na to ateh a plata before you, but we
have hen a asriae of plalaa showiag the dUtctaat stages of etehing, and as
they an handed laoad la yon for evaminaHon we will rapidly go over the
dstaila of tha prnoMi The Inmga oa the plate which Mr. Oeddee haa
developed before yoa fiiat raqaiiaa rolling up with a stiff greaty ink so as
to give the Haee aoflWaat streagth to resist a weak adution of nitric add
in water (jost strong snnngh to make the water distlaetly acid to the taste)
and tha plate ia kept tat tlik bath tor a few minntea, when it is ukan out,
washed, aad again inkad. and whilst the ink is freah finely powdered resin
ia sprinkled ovsr the taea of the plate ; the reain adheres to the inked
lioee, but waahae off the ban sine. The plate is then slightly warmed
sa^Jl^^ato in osdsr to mdt tha reain adhering to the lines, so as to
totm with the iak an aaid-praof vamiah to protect the hues from being
attacked by tha stroagar add which is nsed for the next etehing. The
aeid lor thia aaeood biting may be about two per eeuL solution, and the
plata may remain in it lor fire to ten minatea. the bath oontaining the
aeid aoiotiea being roekad all the time to prevent air bubbles forming on
the aaifaee of the plala, aad to aaaare evea action. After this etching
then will be an appradable aaaount of what is called " depth" obserrable.
that is. the metal notproteeaid by the iaked lines will be dissdved away
ia a slight degree, aad the liaas will appear in relief ; after this, the
operations of iaUng. bmshiag with resin, and heating of the plate an
repealed, and a third ttehlng is given. The heating of ttie ink and resin
a-u
THE BKITISH JODBNAL TOF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[April 8, 1892
\
melu the two together, and has the further purpose of melting it
not only on the top of the lines but, as the metal is etched down, the
ink flows down the Me. of the lines as well, preventing the acid undtr.
cutting, which action, unless stopped, would soon eat out the work from
the under side. The inking, melting, and etcliing is continued in this
manner six. seven, or eight times until sufficient depth is obtamed to
make the Unes high enough to ink sharp and clean in a prmting press
When the whole of the etching ink is removed the plate is washed, and
after one or two finishing or fine etchings it is ready for mounting, when
it is trimmed and mounted on a block of mahogany type high ready for
the printing press, as those you see before you. Here are finished and
mounted blocks with proofs for your inspection after the lecture.
Wewillnowpassontoafurtherdevelopmentofthis process. Hitherto
we have only been dealing with line subjects in black and white. We
will now treat with half-tone etching.
Half-tone Etchiso.
This important modification or adaptation of the last-mentioned process
enable* us to produce a type-printing block from hitherto impossible
anbjecU--namely, a photograph from nature, or a drawing m wash. The
process has, during the last few years, been so improved upon and de-
veloped, that we may safely assert that this method of type-block engrav-
ing occupies to-day the first place amongst artistic photo-mechanical pro-
OttMM CntU the principle of breaking up a photograph into minute
dota was devised there had been endless futile attempts to convert the
graduated tones of an ordinary photograph into a surface printing-block,
but the disappointing fact that an inking roUer and a printing press
absolutely refuse to distinguish anything but lines or dots forced all
experimentaUsts to adopt, in one way or another, the system of dividing
up the tone-picture in such a way that it consisted of an agglomeration
of dots— dots very close together forming the blacks, dots wide apart the
half-tones, and needle point dots the high lights. There are a multitude
of ways of attaining this result, and any amount of ingenuity has been
brought to bear in rendering the processes as perfect as possible.
Your Sergeant-Major Husband has invented a capital transfer process
for breaking up the image on a photograph so as to convert an ordinary
photographic negative into a stipple, which can easily be reproduced as a
lithographic transfer, or a type-block, by etching a zinc plate on which
one of his grained transfers has been printed. We may say that he has
not only discovered this useful process, but he has published full par-
ticulars, and given it to the world, unlike so many other inventors, who
immediately prevent all use of their processes by elaborate patents.
The process, however, for block-making which is most in vogue at the
present time is obtained by interposing between the sensitive plate in the
camera and the print to be copied a dotted screen or negative which has
been obtained by means of photogi-aphing an engraved tint of fine-ruled
lines. To better explain to you what is meant, we have here a piece of a
tint negative, used for this purpose, together with a negative made by
interposing a similar tint in front of a sensitive plate in the camera.
Ton will observe, in the half-tone or stippled negative, that the picture is
made np of dots, as is likewise this print from the negative on a zmc
plate of the image. Here, also, is a finished block, etched on copper by
the same process and proof. If you examine the proof carefully, yon will
observe the dotting we have mentioned. When a similar plate on zine or
copper is etched with acids, the results are Uke the impression which we
show you, and which you will recognise are used now so extensively by so
many illustrated magazines, papers, and books. Paul L. Wateblow.
(To ht conlinued.) 3. X>. GeddES.
THE WET-COLLODION PROCESS.
[Cardiff PhotoffrapKic Society.]
In these days of gelatine dry plates it may seem almost useless to
devote time and attention to what is now generally considered to be
an obsolete process, with all its supposed difficulties and defects ; but
I hope to show you that it is not tne uncertain, troublesome process
it is now popularly supposed to be ; and' I trust I may induce some
members of this Society to give it at least a trial, feeling sure they
■will find it not only extremely interesting, but also capable of pro-
ducing results unattainable with gelatine plates, whilst the very small
cost of materials used in the production of wet-plate negative.s should
especially recommend it to those amateurs whose means are not equal
to their enthusiasm in photographic pursuits.
It is certainly not a process to be commended to that class of
amateurs who purchase a Kodak, " press the button," and are content
to let the Eastman Company " do the rest." But, to those who delight
|n 'jidng aa much of the work as possible in the art of photographic
picture-making, I know of no more interesting instructive process than w
the now little-used wet collodion, for it allows the amateur, when ■
exhibiting his productions, to exclaim, " I did this myself. It is not "^
an accidental success, but entirely the result of my own skill."
I ask him all seriousness. How much of the credit of a perfect
gelatine negative is due to the amateur who exposes and develops the J|
plate ? He certainly has the power of selecting his subject, but he ■
has very little control over the character of the resulting negative, il
except tliat he may develop it weak, harmonious, or hard, as the case I
may be ; but even in this particular it must to a great extent depend
upon guesswork, for it is next to impossible to tell, before a negative
is fixed, whether it will be too weak, too dense, or about right.
With the wet-collodion process this uncertainty is entirly done
away with, for the film, being go very transparent, enables the operator
during development to judge to a nicety what tlie ultimate density
will be when the negative is fixed. Nor is this all, for, in developing-
a wet-collodion plate, the operator has the power to develop extra
detail and density in any particular part of the plate which he thinks
may require it, simply by pouring the developer on and off the part
in which he desires specially to develop extra detail and density.
Further, this power of selection, so to speak, is not confined to de-
velopment alone, for the same power of modification of the negative
is also e.^tended to the process of intensification, either before or after
fixing.
Another advantage of the wet-collodion process is, that the result
is known to a certainty within a few minutes after exposure, and, aa
the development is carried out on the spot where and when the
negative is taken, the subject is so strongly impressed upon the mind of
the operator during the development of the plate, that he has a clear
conception of the requirements of the case. This, with the power of
modification during development and intensification, enables the
operator to impress his own ideality upon the negative. With the
gelatine plate this is all changed.
In the first place the plate has to be purchased ready-made, and has
to be taken in all the glorious uncertainty as to whether it is good,
bad, or indifferent ; quick-acting or slow.
Thus, when taking some important subject which it may be im-
possible to take again in case of failure, the poor operator is likely to
get into a frame of mind greatly to be pitied. Add to this that the
plate is not developed till possibly weeks or months afterwards, when
the operator can have no clear conception of the subject the plate was
exposed upon, and also the inability to judge the character of the
developed image till it is fixed, leaves the quality of the resulting
negative almost as much to luck as to judgment.
It may be said against the wet-coUodion process that, as the plate
has to be prepared, and also developed within a few minutes of ex-
posure, it necessitates the carrying of baths, chemicals, and tent into-
the field. But this is not the formidable undertaking it may at first
sight appear, whilst it allows of an almost unlimited number of good
negatives being obtained with certainty.
The dry plate, even in the field, does not contrast so favourably
with the wet plate as regards weight to be carried as may appear at
first sight ; for, if a number of negatives liave to be taken on dry
plates, it necessitates the carrying of a number of dark slides, which,
with their plates, are both bulky and heavy ; besides, the constant
danger of light gaining admittance to the plates, either by accident or
the carelessness of would-be friends, tends to keep the poor operator
in a continued state of anxiety.
With the modern forms of light cameras and stands, a wet-plate
outfit for field work need not be much more weighty than for dry plates.
A small bottle of collodion, a water-tight ebonite bath filled with
sufficient solution to cover the plate, a few ounces developer and a
similar quantity of u weak acid, gelatine solution (of which I will speak
further on), together with a number of clean glass plates, are all that
is required, except the developing tent, which need be neither heavy
nor bulky, and may take the form of a light box to carry cameras,
chemicals, &c.
The cost of chemicals consumed in the production of wet-plate
negatives is so very small as to be considered almost nil, so that the
difference in the cost of a couple of dozen whole-plate negatives by
the wet-plate process would pay for the luxury of a ligiit porter to
carry the wet-plate kit into the field, thus reducing the labours of the
amateur to less than they would be if he carried his own camera,
double slides, and dry plates.
A great deal of misconception exists, and always has existed, as to
the supposed difficulties to be met with in the practice of the wet-
coUodion process. If you turn to the photographic publications of
some twenty years ago, you will not fail to observe that the great
topic dwelt upon was the " Negative Bath," with the host of troubles
it was supposed to be afflicted with, which would lead one to suppose
April 8. 1868]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
285
that it WM •Imoat. if not quite, impoMihfe to keep the nentire bath
IB dMBt order. But, in point of fact, nothing ooald well be simpler,
ptoridKl eoBiDoo teme M med, inatoad of the faaa^ , nteddleaooM
qDarcheiT to which th« poor, ill-tjeated oegatiTe bath was almoat
uniranalljr aabjected. I can only eoapate tha iaaane treatment to
which th» negatiTa bath waa Mbjeeted to the naiiBer in which great
nomben at panona treat their liver, taking first a coarse of Parge-
ham's piQs, foUowed by another of Ajtringhaa tonic bitters ; then
apaijiag one of Stickh'am's plasters, and Shockham's electric belts ;
and, tadfyt *''*"^'y tlwy fed awfaOy bad, and that, unless t bey keep
u* tUa tMatiMiit m erar and eTer, they will never get well again.
Now, if awli ■i^gaUad folks would only leave their liver alone, or
treat it with euMmun senae, ther would not only lire the longer, bat
woold scarcely be aware that tney possessed such an organ as the
lirer.
So with tha negatiTa bath ; treat it with iwwiinoii asiMe, and do not
mcM it about, and Toa will ezparience h«t TCfjr little tranbie la keep-
ing it in petfcct order.
It ia seartefy neessaarr that I •buuld ttooUe yoa with formola for
bath dandoper, kc, aa Stawsoo k Swaa have just published a third
Aook BB<« the process, which treats the siib|ect in all its details ;
Iwoal'l'' 'heacidgektinasolatjon I havepferioaaly
'< found iixtiawuly nseful when workiiig
in toe beui, as it saveatlw MecsBttjr ot carryiog either
fixbg snitinB or wadbiag water.
Tm aolnliaa is prepared somewhat aa followa:—
Dfanhw akoot a diadun of gdatina or gine in about an ounce of
^adil acalie add, tbsn add afant a pint of water and aa oanoe of
naOi^aiadapUL (If tha acid ba not at hMid, f our or He* oaaoea of
atroag vinsgar may to sahstita«sd for it)
Am soon as a plate it darelopsd, dnrin off tha daralopar and apply a
smaO qoantitT of the add i^sbtina soIhUob, wludi nma all orer the
plala, po«r on and wpaat with anothar arnaO quantity, which pouts
off aa bsfoia, and pat the negntisw into a grooved plate box, to he
fixed at soma fstna tiash after being wall washed. The proportions
of this add galatiaa Mifanaa any ha gnatlj rarisd without impairing
its rsaolta,
To an old photompher lika myaslf tha 4ght of a good coDodioo
iKgativa, witk its ma tsKtnrs, d«r sfcadowi, fna from tha siightaBt
traea of eoloor, dusa one's Wavt good, aaS makaa nsagh for tha 'good
M dqrs'whan ptnoaal sUD, rathar than good Inek, prodneaa the
of tnaspmndsa lor tl« katani no fucisa can
which no ttW piowas
bat
inMitioaed.
the
F- tha
ret aolo&a. Cor it not onhr gi«M pacfsct daarosas in tha Kghis,
apaenllarti— wawMy&tfcaihiiuiii
- -loca.
mpariag a coOodioa transpotaney with ona mwlnead on a
v7diaTikoaUhaplaesdiaUMlnlan,lDrit«oaly by
■hat tha iwparior iriaallm<n of tha obIwiUm tnonntaney
by aida ssrt •/ ris hmUm. tha giriatins tians-
::kv^^ may If pear tha hatter of IIh two; bat, when exhihitsd m
la>it,m, tka aapatkr OTcaJhinw of the eoUodiosi dida ia at oaea
V.iy ousIlMt sUdaa may be pndnesd with tha naa oollogon,
— ^ -!eiwlopar m is oasd for nagstivea; hot, if tha Ugbsat
•■dwd. an olist aanadion, a Bon add Mk. and a wall-
"H<« ikoald ka aMd. Tha only dawkadk to tha pro-
»ot ha OMd for ■ikiag tuMpanndH W coalaet, it
. to plaea tha platt ia akaa oontaek with a negative
7;
iirpsar to any i
I tho dais
•^ 'hat
"hold
ihar of this Sadsty that I hava too
•ina of tha wat-eolfedion proceas, I mast
I hava Wsn plsadlng tha eaose of my first
lold tha adrror op to natais,''aBd to fix
ira a _
from a
of thapro-
, that yoa asay a««
of a wait plats eontnato with that
«s Mgarda tha tima ocwipied aod
* ' rf tha nsgnliva. I will then
^ asgativa, showing tha adapt-
,.^~.uoa of ffanapgisnoisa for the
nl«tti with ooUodioa,
wm
ilodioa, To«
J of a naganva^ anspt that it can
. ftar paviac oCf tha coMoaion into tha
praosad to pinch tha lowar adga of
tbomb, and as soon as tha eoOMion
■satly to lataia a deflstta iispnadoa of tha thamh^ It is
ready to be immersed in the silver bath by means of the dipper. This
must be done with one slow, steady movement, for, if it be done by
jerks or stoppings, lines across the plate will be the result.
After the plate has remained iu the bath about three minutes, it
may be raised, and if the solution runs off without signs of greasineas
it is sufficiently sensitised, and, after well draining, it may be placed
in the dark slide ready for expoeure.
The exposure in daylight should be about ten times longer than
would be required for a gelatine plate of average speed, but as I shall
carry out this experimental expoeure by the light of a candle, and as
the expoeure will be five or six minutes' duration ; I will utilise the
time oj describing what I term the " common-aense " treatment of
the negative bath.
Now, it is a weU-known fact that a pure solution of silver nitrate.
when exposed to the Bgfat, remains dear and ooloarksa, bat, if the
sdntioa contain ai^ctgaaic imparities, it will (unless it be add), first
heeome diaooloarea, aiM finally become dear and bright, with a black
deposit at the bottom of the bottle. Raffing this fact in mind, if a
bath gets out of order through impurities odng introduced, all you
have to do is, first free it from add by the addition of a solution of
sodium bicarbonate, expose to lirht till clear, when yon will have a
pure eolation of Mlv»r nitrate, which only requires the addition of a
few drops of nitric add, and you have a bath in perfect working
order.
Bat it should be home in mind that the solution must be filtered
btfare the acid ia added, else the addition of tha add would enaUe
the solution to take np a portion of the organic impuritiea by dia-
solving some of tha depodt in the bottom of the bottle ; honea tha
naeasatr of fiharing tha aolatioa 6e/6rt the addition of acid.
I win now proceed to develop a negative on the plate I hava ex>
posed behind a transparency to the lif ht of a candle.
You will sesi do not require a dish to develop the plato in, as it is
held at one oonier br tha u^oraad thumb, and, instead of using[ aa
ooaoa or mora derawpiag aolation for a quarter-plate, I place in a
■aaaara about a dra^m of aolation, and nnlem my hand hiia lost its
ounwlag throogfa want of practioa of tha procam for many years, I
shall only aae about half a drachm of sdution to devdop the plate, aa
I wish to dsvaloplhis plate to full density so as to save tha trouble of
m. To " ....
ml
itwiU
'o thosa who hava never seen a wet plato developed
Uac to sea the rapidity with which the daTak>pment
tha prnosm lihg compieto in about thirty ssoonds ; but. aa
the film is ao tnasMiant, thaia ia no difiienlty in jodgiag when the
pUto ia tafldatty otvalraad, without the nneertua^ one feels when
davalofiag tha opaww gaktlaa film.
Thm dafolopaHBlMng eomplatod, I wash the suifaoe of the plate
with a small quantity of water till graaaiaaas disappears, then fix bv
pouring tha eyaaida fixingsohition oa and off a few tiaaa, wash wita
afaw ooBflsoof water ana dry tha plato ow tha ntflaaw, tha whole
piooato oeea^^iag but a few ndnntea from bsgfauflv to and.
'aging this soMeet bafora yon koa not baai
My objaet to hriaging this sobjeet I
to entortaia you. hat to ptovo to tha .
' aa that tha wot-fioOodion pracasa
bsao merely
of amateur
not BO uneertain
ofleut as it is Mmlariy auppoaed to be, and thus to induce some
of tha mmmhtn of this aocMty at Isaat to take np one of the moat
i.rtawalinrar^'— *- -' -^
pbotogiaphy.
1 iaatraetiw
connsctsd with the practioa of
FoKBJtar.
Thob.:
eux £Dit6rial STatle.
A Ctrr-orr Tap fob thb Oxthtdbousn Liobt.
Mb. J. H. SnwxuD, 400 Strand, has introduced a ent-off Up for the
laaiera, which, m our aatiwaHoa, will prove very bandy. The advan-
0
•looM It
it 1
tages claimed are that tha operator, having once adjusted his apparatna
236
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOORAPHY.
[April 8, 1892
^
and his light, may turn it down and leave it in the certainty, that on
returning he has only to turn up the lever handle to pet the same
light as bt'fore. There is a bye-pass in the hydr^en plug by which
tlie gas is not allowed to go out at any time. The whole thing is
sim^, and is adaptable to any single or dissolving-view lantern, and
must prove valuable in enlarging or micrographic work.
Thk "Nys" Dby Pr.AT«s.
Mr. Robbbt C. Mihhay, 8 Garrick-street, Covent-garden, W.C,
the agent for these plates, has submitted samples for trial and
criticism. We have found them very sensitive, so much so as to
receive a well-impressed image with a momentary exposure of a lens
severely stopped down. The image develops up both bright and
clearly, witli all the requisite gradation and intensity.
THE MADDOX FUND.
Final List. £ e. d.
Amounts previously acknowledged 340 14 9
Glasgow High School Photographic Society 110
Joehna King 110
Dr. C. Schleussner 5 0 0
Manchester Photographic Society 2 0 0
Seaman & Sons 110
Thomas Bromwich 0 5 0
JohnB. Best 0 10 6
Manchester Camera Club 110
JohnCarbntt 50 0 0
Total £402 14 3
BEOENT PATENTS.
APPUCATIONS FOR PATENTS.
No. 6013. — "An Improved Photographic Developing Apparatus." A. Bbin. —
Dated March 28, 1892.
No. 6026. — " Improved Means of and Apparatus for Automatically Exhibit-
ing Lantern Views for Advertising and other Purposes." J. Ellison. — Dated
MtiTch 29, 1892.
No. 6049. — " Improvements in Photographic Plates and Plate-holders, also
Applicable to Cameras." Communicated by W. F. Carlton. Complete
specification. A. J. Boult. — Dated March 29, 1892.
No. 6087. — " Improved Apparatus for Washing and Drying Negatives and
the like." J. E SrAKKS.— Dated March 29, 1892.
No. 6123. — " An Improved Plumb Indicator for Photographic and Other
Apparatus." G. M. Dixon.— Dated March 30, 1892.
No. 6243.— "A New Magazine Camera." S. D. Wiluams. — Dated March
31, 1892.
No. 6276. — " Improvements in Apparatus for taking Instantaneous Photo-
gragha." Communicated by L. Rohrmann. K Edwards.— i>a<eti March 31,
No. 6278.—" Improvements in Film Carriers and Dark Slides for Photo-
graphic Purposes." Complete specilication. B. J. Edwards. — Dated March
31, 1892.
No. 6303. — "Improvements in Photographic Cameras, and in Stands for
same." J. B. Brooks. — Dated April 1, 1892.
No. 6342.— "Process for Producing Coloured Photographs." Complete
specification. V. Mathibo.— i>ated April 1, 1892.
No. 6355. — " Improved Photographic Magazine Changing-box for Plates and
Films with Itoller Slide Shutter.^' C. Gbundmann.— 7J«terf Ajrril 1, 1892.
No. 6361. — "A Combined Photographic Dark Back and Developing Box."
A. Bms.— Dated April 1, 1892.
No. 6391. — "Improvements in Field and Hand or Detective Cameras, and in
Bellows of same, also an Arrangement for Automatically bringing the
various parts into position ready for taking the Photograph." F. H.
IBBBTSON and P. G. UkBOit.— Dated April 2, 1892.
PATENTS COMPLETED,
An Ixfroved PH0T00B.VPH1C Macazinr Camera and Apfliavces used
THEREWITH.
No. 8055. Herbert James Tear, 12, Clapham-road, Stockwell, Surrey, and
Arthur Lewis Ada.ms, 81, Aldersgate-street, City of London.— i/arcA 5, 1892.
This invention relates to an improved photographic magazine camera and
appliances used therewith, and our said invention is designed to produce an
economical, simple, and effective form of magazine camera, by means of which
dry plates or other sensitive surfaces used in photopaphy may be stored for
use, and each successively brought into the position m which it is required to
be held during exposure, afterwards being removed into a separate receptacle,
allowing a fresh or other sensitive surface to l)e brought into position, all these
changing operations and the storing receptacles or reservoirs being entirely
within the camera case.
We construct the camera advantageously of an oblong rectangular form, in
the front end of which is placed the lens, and in connexion therewith we use
any suitable shutter — for instance, a weighted shutter, moving upon an axis
and operated npon by levers or suitable attachments.
The end of the ciise or camera is divided into two parts, horizontally. The
upper compartment forms a receptacle for the sensitive plates or surfaces
previous to exposure. Tlie upper compartment contains a movable part or
sliding partition placed behind the pliites, and acted upon by a spring, or
springs, which is regulatetl by means of a cord or other convenient attachment
passing through the camera case — a<lvantageously out at the back. The plates
are held in position by the spring pressing the said sliding part and forcing
them against projections in the body of the camera. The front plate, having
no platform or support under its bottom edge on the pressure of the spring
being released, such front or foremost plate falls upon a hinged plate or shelf,
which is capable of being raised by means of a lever beneath it being acted
upon by means of a cord or other suitable attachment, and the sensitive plate
then slides into a lower compartment or storing reservoir.
Glazed non-actinic paper, or other convenient material, or a sheath, is
applied to the back of each sensitive (or transparent) surface, or same may be
mounted or protected in any suitable manner.
When flexible films are used, a rigid substance advantageously glazed is
prepared on one side with a suitable adhesive material.
An Improved Photographic Print Washer.
No. 22,758.— Geoboe Frederick Firth, Oakleigh House, Stanley, near
Wakefield, Yorkshire.— J/arcA 5, 1892.
The apparatus consists of two metallic tanks, placed one above the other, and
in each is fixed a syphon. The prints are placed in loose trays, in a frame,,
and then put into the lower tank. Water is then poured into the upper tank,
and discharged by means of the syphons. The prints are alternately soaked
and drained, thus effectually washing the prints.
MntitiQH of IboctettejS.
♦
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK.
Date of Meeting.
April 11
.. U
„ 11
.. 11
,. 11
.. 12
.. 12
„ 12
.. 12
.. 12
.. 12
„ 13
„ 13
„ IS
.. 13
„ 13
., 13
.. 13
„ 14
„ U
„ U
„ 14
„ U
„ U
„ U
„ 14
„ 14
„ 14
.. 15
.. 15
„ 15.
„ 15
.. 15
Name of Society.
Darlington
Dundee Amateur
Lantern Society
Norfolk and Norwich
North Middlesex
Derby
Great Britain
Manchester Amateur
Newcastle-on-Tyne & N.Gouuties
Paisley
Stockton
Ipswich
Lieicestor and lieicestershlre
Munster
Photographic Club
Putney
Reading
Stockport
Birkenhead Photo. Association
Birmingham
Bradford Photo. Society
Camera Club
Cheltenham
Hackney
London and Provincial
Manchester Photo. Society ..
North Kent
Oldham
Cardiff
Holbom
Leamington
Maidstone
Richmond
Place of Meeting.
Trevelyan Hotel, Darlington.
Asso. Studio, Nethergate, Dundee.
20, Hanover-square.
Bell Hotel, Norwich.
Jubilee Hall, Homsey-road, N.
Smith's Restaurant, Victoria-street
50, Great Russell.st., Bloomsbury.
Lecture Hall, Athenieum.
Mosley-at.Caf^, Newcastle-on-Tyne,
Committee Rm.,Free Lib.&Mnsetun
Masonic Court, High-street.
Art Gallery, Ipswich.
Mayor's Parlour, Old Town Hall.
School of Art, Nelson-place, Cork.
Anderton's Hotel, Fleet-street, E.O,
High-street, Putney,
Mechanics' Institute, Stockport,
Association Rooms, Price-street.
Lecture Room, Midland Institute.
50, Godwin-street, Bradford.]
Charing-cross-road, W.C.
Morley Hall, Triangle, Hackney.
Champion Hotel, 15, Aldersgate*6t.
36, George-street, Manchester.
Gravesend.
The Lyceum, Union-streetjOldham.-
Trinity Church Room, Morton-st.
'* The Palace," Maidstone.
Greyhound Hotel, Richmond.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
March 31,— Mr. E. Clifton in the chair.
Mr. R. U. F. Kitson was elected a member of the Association.
Mr. W. J. Rawlings read a paper on Photography on Wood (see p. 230), and
at its conclusion he exhibited a frame of his own contrivance for printing from
the negative on to the sensitised wood block. This consisted of a sheet of
glass resting on a rebated frame cushioned with indiarubber. Blocks of dif-
ferent sizes could be held in contact with the negative by means of a frame
having various screw adjustments. In answer to questions, he said he found
ordinary sheet glass flat enough for the purpose. There was no chloride In the
sensitising solution.
The Chairman said that carbonate of silver was probably produced by the
reaction of the zinc white on the nitrate of silver.
April 8, 1803]
THE BRmSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
237
HaTOC ohfliitad amnl tagntiap oa vood rat flraa photoinpha, also
pbocoaapba xmij tar attaag. aunpto «f Mod»— iMtottig om wUch oonld
It weraM OB by fsar ngnTtn U one* — Ui. RawUagi nrooaeded to ilMDoa-
• kk iirot— ^ tnft at all coatinc a block vitk line white aad on* or two
lofiaalknMk. TUibarabbidiBwitktb*baBortlMbaad,niiiaiki])g
tMlaffaMtfnLMiikOBld bowotkad &«b aide to lide
OlOfB
thSttatdai*
cr «dtD«4.
diwIrodoCtbailB
I wan ml tba Staa. Ha pnlcnid ■agBMtam to dnUgiit for the uporare,
allarivtkitkaagtabitttrdqith of aietw^ aaia( riz aad a balf «Btt of mag-
MSaatadMncaortlaMtoibar lMb«fcr tha wcrth* ha bad with him.
tha Uoek, ha driad it onr a qiirit lamp,
other and akoko^ taaaitlaod a ncond time, aad agau
Ha Ihe^M i<x ladMS aboot the boat dMHe% « if too deae to the Uoek the
boat naMliatB eanwd iL He rinwed aeaaa lewiaad iiiMtiiea oblaiBad hf
aipotia(fhna|kthagiaM, whiA werapaftetljahn. He tied ia a eolation
of hyM iiz vumim to tweatjr, aad avhtd fcr aboot Ulaen noeada bv
■RrfartiK a Mnaai of water oa to tha aartwa of the block. Ha dried
flia aiiatl»i« by waii^ aMrialaiw with the head nd fftjias heat in
Bnta<aea to aloehol. The phota^i^ oa vood eoold thoa be produad noder
ttahoai^
Mr. A. U Hmwaaoic aakal the olnocl oT the aaeead etaaitWos, and what
waa tha diftnaca betwata Mr. Rawllai^ IMaaa aad CtookeaVt He (Mr.
Hasdenea) had |an.tli»d yhotopaphy oa wood Jbr tocae jrean, aod diil not
pel uT MaliMiiMMTT ooattaf oa tha Uoek, ad fat the detail* were MrCietlT
Tieible, aad U ooald bo «5 *ery aterir. Bo alao aU»i«l to tha eoDodiaD
•,-,• .'^ '■•o«eaa far tha ptpoaa, the ua baiaB tnaefamd to the wood in
"r aaoct to the wood.
• <ma aaid ha had tried Crookae'a jaooooi aad fooad it HBok too ilow
1 that in photoBukraa aoed aahwuBeDt
'HAji eaU the aariheeaofltr.
Mr. IXAan aaid Ihoy
i^Uaol U«^ beibro thaa by Mr.
•a fat ■lit, By hie ptoeaw, aet oaly
da MM iVMrrad. MlUaia aad other
a aaaiaiMi woald eat away
waa better On aaythfaaha
hadattaadad half adoMa
ha had oMilBad WBi eoan
■MUab Mr.RawU^ahadthowa
fha ttmUo, aad alao for ina^h aial
of M««T.
nu
Btdai^allnla
iihtr aitnU Bo
aad ta Ika eatkfcetiaa of a Maad
_ ate. a« (Mr. I^lor) afleravda
7 of tha eaOadiaa at aJB. aad triad to liiBplUy It
'« aMboaaUaf Hmo la the fcna kaowB ae Mp«ikh
trata wiU It, aad aMpUad it to Ihe wood. It
>briatallM|a Ha l»d byriiarhtat-
Hlaaay
I « aantiaa aa » mn^t^tttka 1 1 1 la I iMifllilaa.
^1 1* ga*« ifaaUa the nllHj. Ha had triad deaUa ifia
llM adMloa mwATMaaw waa that
lBfw«k,aad MwM&BaaifUalaaaa
->kwd tt diaaalttoMMaoa. la
« Ikay wan ahb to a
laleapaakoC Be i
hadaaST^
Mtad.tha powaa, aad thataaybody
Uk b«adaet aa a baaK oa a aabatltaU
■atarthvdiaeaiaiaa,
» OtHIMiaw ■otad a *ota of
■yia'iiifalilliii!. Ba
"'"'hSfc'StiBSl'^
ad l>iM tauLi
> iak Ui the bloA, aoMttMiaa
Boaatabfr
Ukaa
dinat OB to it.
way. ttwaa
t Mitaa lakaa by Mr. Woni^taa wtth Danaeyw*! aew tda»«l
I ahawa ; aka aaa takea tnm the mmm poiat with as ordlnjur laaa.
" Bialawa aahibWad maa iak |talographa by Mr. U. Paadiy, of
aated to the tawtatiaa. Mr. ftadry
i|lll.lhor ■
-At»a 1, rtmrtk Aaaal Ooaaral MaatiH; Mr.T.a
(ViaMMaUeat) la the chair. -Tha BmMXtun roal tha nport of tha
■ktaafcrlhapaat year, ta wUeh they tw^atalatal lh» MMibanoftho
iMthaanfyMMaidUyaarwUabtedJ ^
, wInw laa MBtaiaa aad ataMsaliMloaa by
gvntlemea had prored excellent. During the gammer (?) months the ontings
moved Tory eni I eeefliL The following plaoea were vUited: Waterlow Put,
Pianor, Porfleet, Badlett, Broxboome, Koatoo, and Hyde Park. The ganleit
party in Jnly wae a notable cocceee, and the week'* sojourn to the Southern
OoaatioB' CVclieta' Camp at Dorking thia year compared tkroorably wiUi the-
paat The lantem (bowa had bean nomerooa, aad the report concluded with >n
expraaaion of the regret of the Committee at the loea which the Club ha* sostaiued
in the retirement of Mr. Smith, the late Hon. Secretary. Tlie TasABCaia read
■t of the income and expenditure of the Club for the year ending
Mardi 31, 18i)S, abowiag a nett balance of £16 16a. ftL The report* having
baaa adoptad, variDiia alteration* in the mlea were proceeded with. The
mfaacriptlon wa* raiaad to ten ihillingi and the entraaoe fee aboUshed. The
Ofloara aad Ooounittee were then elected ■.—PrttideiU : Mr. A. Horsley Hinton.
Viee-FmidenU : Utam. Fred Broca*, & T. Chang, EL Clifton. T. 0. Dear,
D. B. Lowe. CommiOm: Meesra. E. H. ^yston, A. T. Ebeworth, A. J.
Goldinb A. Hodgea, T. Kakhta. J. Steven*. EL Weat lion. Tmuurtr . Mr.
Albert BdL lArarian : Mr. J. Brittain. Horn. StenUiry : Mr. F. J. Cobb.
Amtlamt Hon. Seattarjf : Mr. Herbert Thompeon. Ten members, on Sator^
day laat, riaitad the Vfetoria Dock*, and went on board H.M.S. On^fUm, a
aew war-Toaael whkh i* being built in the docks. The Abbey Mill* Main
Draiaafa Worka ware alao riaitad.
FetytMtate Pbatosimpfele loelaty.— March 29, Mr. Qniatin Hon in tha
chair.— CArrADi GuUMtosa deliTeml a lecture on Wnlmnuter AVSet'Uian
an aodience of aboat a tboonnd members and friend*, llie leetara waa
hMorieal aad ar^itaetaial, and wa* Ulnitrated by upward* of flf^ lantern
"^-' made by the leetarer from hi* own 12x10 negatiTaa, the expoaorae for
bad rariad Ikom two aaooada to two daya. llie antbor coadnetad hia
■ea mead tha Abbey, explaining the variooa Uatorioal and other aveate
id with aaok ^apol aad tomb in tara aa tha pletoro wa* thrown on the
Tka aUdaa ware lawaihilili for their detail, rigoor, and aoltaaa*, and
lUIJaMkawnadaataaaehbaaatUtd portioaa of tha Abbey a* Henry Vllth'a
dapelnd some of the Royal toaba.
Croydon Mleroecoptoal aad Katoral Blatoty Qnb (Pbotograpble Soe-
tiMt).-Ai>nl 1, Mr. i. A. Carter, &A., in the chair.— Mr. Ital.Iock exhibited
oaa of Chadwkk'a atawnseopm. Mr. A. J. K. Hill then demonstiatad the
CVeaev-fWasa ^roMBS /sr Ma Jflihiynaf of Jftgmtiirt and Tranfonneiu
wUhatd A« AH pf OfHtal AfpKtmitn. FMraoi oxalate aad hydroqainene
daealepad platai won nuDm^wjid la pntesaee to pyro-ammonia a* being
mora eaafly maalpalaiML BoaM Baa niadaiaDa la all (tagas of enlargement,
froai OBirtv-plaia nwarda, w«a exhibited, aad appaiaatly being tnt fh>m
dMoraoa aad loaa of diaalty whalaver. Tite Craibiuii laid that what ha
had laea that ataafaic fUflUad aTesytkiag that Mr. HiU had cUimcd for hU
k SQi Mr. AaaUa J. Kiag (PnaidMit) Is
tha lartMir of the awal^ Mr. E. J.
tVi^
hkNiMrka with a
Anuar poiatad oat that away war* aadar
of pria'tiag traaqianaVetanograph*. Mr.
■• aadar taa impraaalaa that the clereoeooue
•fthaoHtbat la tha faartk and Afth daoada of tha
I Ihaa oay other ayatam : bat ao aaok had
Htfl^fn waa Bvada of it us atoadoid wmha
pohliahod withia rseat tiasaiL 'Tha laeturer then dmeribed the ooaditton*
m laaiiy to prodaea a vtetan whieh ihoold ap{«ar toUd whan viawed in a
aeod iiiliimiai (aot aaeaamrily aa aipaaai*a oaaL Ba abo qtoka of tha
power whkh ooa ba aaqahad by traiaiiK tha oja to aaa ijklaiaa of aoUd ol^aeta
By BMoaa of aaaaroaa iiaaipka Ba laetar« lUnatiBtad
af uwiaidly aatlmatiM tha paiaUaetk aule ; thoa, tha moon
r ihn— nil of milaa. near ohkete the cootrwy. Defecte
Hdatad oat, w wdQ aa b«Bi dkUacUy tiaoeaUa to im-
twfc«t<10aiiii|ii. HaavB. BoaaftOo^LoadoaL oMt two aew head oamoraa
ibraihiUmaattha ■iiHi^ Thar wen rMnydeaUa oaaMiaa. oaa oaed for
aaearlag the ol^aat « tha otaillln Ifaa, tha other portioa latoaded aa aa exact
gnide to Iha work tha laatraaMat waa iwafciMli^ Than wen examined with
graat iatanat, aad lad 10 a dkeaorioa M dataetira oamon work paoraUy.
—April L— Tbo aatdaet of iateaaUoatkm of aaca'
tf hifiiti 1 ■all ■a, who Uwaavhly dkeaaaed
of lalmMnifaa bymananr, iraaiaa^ rilnr, radovdopaMBt,
kdte tha addWoa that aaeh preeam wa* the beat nadar
■aa% wUk tor gaaaiBl aee, wbaa oaly one IntaaaUUr wa*
aad anaoak k to ba pnknad.
Iwimift— Manh as, Mr. W. M. Smith
(VIea-paaridaat oeaaptad) fha ehair.-Mr. Abnadar FItkathly Imught before
the ■ombtn tha naaha of a aaaiiabal ahoartln nrka of axperimenl* he haii
baaa maUag wtth aaeanl of Ike aeww davaioplag ^anlai With pan-amido-
phaaol a aaloUM plain of nodento rapidity, aad with a good and •nndant
Mpaaai% Ka hadtoaad Itloaet la • rary mmiUu way, givGig a negative vary
ekar. iNaftan atria aryaOMrii^ ^ki^ iltte^h thia waTfuU ofdetaU in
■tliaa Hampin wan poand rooad, and hi* judgment
Je ako Aow(<( a Dnmber of broalde print* and lantern
wen moeh admln<l, the drTelopar batac rodinal, which, for thi*
, daariy •bowed Ik advantana and dhsMvaategca.
geacrally Mrifod.
dan of work, daariy i
(Mr. W. TbrnMnaoa) la the
— Thna aew
vaalagca.
Mardi 31, the Preaident
elected. Mr.
t. M. TuMtaOi iaitwlBeed tha wUoai ^' Th* LMUfrn ilimm: niuU it it,
mmd wlkat it mm» ktaimt, la a to* worda the epeakar referred to the hi*tory
of tha BWsewaat, whkh «m alnady npported by eoma of the bekt photo-
graphk werkorb aad aoialad oat the advaataen that were to be derived by
neaUn of eadh a llinaliilliia, n wdl a* the beoeScial work which they
Bight do kr othna at tkaanattme. The next ml^aet wn the diamaiion of
two altaraathra aefaann tor aew dab-rooaw. A eopy of the plan» was in the
haada of each nanbn (hafi^ ban prepend ftn of ooat by two of the
than), aad olkr Ml dkoaaria it wa* nnuiinooaly dadded to ulopt the
238
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[April 8, 1802
«di«iw noommended by the Council, provided the premises conld be obtained
<m ntisbctory terms. Mr. Kreil Anyon then gave a lecture on Art tn JieUUum
to Pkotognphy, maatrate<i by lantern sUdes. The lecturer first emphasised
tba distinction between taking a photograph and making a picture, i>ointing
•out the general rule* of composition, and showing how far they might lie
»pplie<l to photography, and then proceeded to Ulustrate his meaning hy
throwing upon the scrven photographs of the same scene taken from an artistic
and an inartistic point of view. Many of the pictures were Mr. Anyon s own
■work, and proved him to be well qnaliflod to give ailvice upon the subject he
liad in hand. The lecture was listened to with close attention by a large
■audience.
Midland Camera Club.— April 1, Dr. Hall Edwards in the chair.— Mr.
Walter D. Welford gave a paper upon Hand Canieras : their Constnutum and
I'm. Dealing first with the want of success so often heard of, he explained
that a hand camera required more experience and practice than an ordinary
stand camera. Next foUowed an attack upon the word " detective, and the
abuse of indiscriminate shooting off, I..en8eK and shutters being distrosed of,
the various cameras in the market were dealt with in the following order : Box
<ametas, bag changers, well system, groove reservoir, lever movements^ and
reflector principles. The following were amongst those shown : Griffiths Two
Guinea, Ashford's, the Talmer, the Cytox, the Alert, the Ideal, Crouch s, the
Artist Twin Lens, ami the • ' Itakit." Tlie latter, which is of metal, very simple m
■construction, and carrying twenty-four plates, was sho^vn by Mr. W. J. Spurrier.
Mr. Welford next dealt with the position in which to hold the camera, and
urged every user to thoroughly study the mechanism at home first. He con-
-duded with advice as to street scenes, and a strong appeal to members to
utilise all opportunities in that direction. In addition to the cameras, a series
of negatives taken last week were shown, and at the end of the paper some 200
slides were exhibite<l.
South Manchester Photographic Society.— The first meeting of the newly
fonned South Manchester Photographic and Lantern Society was held on
Monday, at the Longford Lecture Hall, Stretford. Mr. W. I. Chadwick, the
Chairman, stated the object and scope of the Society. There were other
societies in Manchester, and it was not intended to compete with any of these.
There were a considerable number of amateurs living on the south side of the
city who preferred a meeting place nearer home, and it was not intended to
extend the membership to an unlimited extent, as smaller societies have oftener
proved to meet the object more efficiently. Another great inducement in
favour of Stretford was the niagnilicent accommodation afi'orded by the rooms,
with conveniences such as few photographic societies in the world can boast of.
They have been generously placed at the disposal of the Society by Mrs.
Sylands. The meetings will take jilace monthly, with technical or instruction
meetings and popular or exhibition meetings alternately, and to the latter
members may inrite friends. There will be outdoor meetings during the
summer months. The management of the affairs of the Society is vested in the
hands of the oflScers and members present at the monthly meetings. Thus
every member has an equal voice and vote as regards the interests of the
Society. A library has been started, and an enlarging apparatus of the most
perfect kind has been presented to the Society for the use of members at their
own homes ; and, if the support is accorded to the Society which is hoped for,
there are other possibilities in the near future. The annual subscription has
been fixed at ten shillings, but for members joining after the February meeting
the subscription will be five shillings for the first half-year. The Hon. Secre-
tar}-, Mr. M. W. Thompstone, Beaufort House, Brooklands, will supply any
further information to inquirers. Mr. Chadwick afterwards showed a large
number of photographs made from negatives taken by himself during the pa,st
year. He took the members through some of the finest scenery that we have
m England, including scenes in the I.sle of Man, Isle of Wight, Windsor Castle,
Dovedale, Chatsworth, Haddon Hall, Cheshire, concluding with some very
beautiful views of the Museum at Peel Park.
Ci)ttejE()ionirfttce^
Corrtspondents fhould nner write on hotli lides of thf pap«r.
" PHOTOGEAPHIC POBTRAITS."
To the Editoe.
Sib, — ^Not long ago a wordy warfare raged in the photographic press
"between the admirers of the older system of pictorial photography and a
small number of others whose leanings were towards a style which
differed in character in some respects. Possibly at times the disputants
became rather heated, hut, on the whole, there was little which could be
called absolutely objectionable.
Recently I have noticed in your columns some communications on the
subject of the rival systems, which, although, in my opinion, based on
erroneous ideas, and sometimes perhaps rather humorous than serious,
•call at present for no direct comment. A paper, however, called the
Optician, has lately reached the Camera Club, and an article therein has
been pointed out to me which, I tliink, should not pass altogether un-
noticed. The article is entitled " Photographic Portraits," or some such
title, if I remember rightly. I do not propose to enter into any discus-
sion concerning the misrepresentations which it contains relating to a
phase of photogiaphy which some of ns take pleasure in practising. It
is rather to the tone of the article that I wish to refer, in the hope that
some restraint may be placed on a system of comment which is not in-
frequent, though rarely of such an unsavoury character as in the present
instance.
It is difficult to believe that the editor of the journal in question can
have been aware of the nature of the paper which he has allowed to
appear in his columns, for it is inconceivable that any respectable journal
should consent to publish such gross and vulgar personalities. The
references to Mr. George Davison and Mr. Gambler Bolton (there is no
necessity to mince matters or affect ignorance), are in as bad taste, to
say the least of it, as they are uncalled for. Happily, both these gentle-
men can well afford to treat them with the contempt which they
deserve, and I need not further refer to a subject which becomes the
more unpalatable the more it is considered, except to express a hope that
this, being entitled No. 1 of a series, the editor of the Optician will have
the good feeling to allow it to be the last.
But on the general question of the attacks made on those who practise
a system of pictorial photography which happens to have some original
features, may I ask. Why this virulence, why this intemperate denuncia-
tion ? Do our exhibitions or galleries teem with this class of work ? Is
there danger that it should oust all earlier and more popular methods ?
How many are there who practise it ? Sir, I challenge the writers of the
articles to which I refer to name ten ; in fact, I challenge them to name
five photographers who adopt this system. If there are more, I should
be happy to know it ; but, if so few, why is it necessary so frequently to
unmask this battery of delicate sarcasm, to bring to bear such ponderous
artillery against, at most, half a dozen men who endeavour to please
themselves and others in a somewhat unconventional manner ? Can they
not be left alone ? Is their influence so much to be dreaded ? So much
attention, surely, might have a smack of flattery about it, if flattery of
the kind could be acceptable to those to whom it is addressed.
It is not uninstructive to note that tl^e opposition to the class of work
to which I allude comes almost solely from photographers. The general
public does not appear to be by any means so antagonistic. Now, from
the point of view of scientific photography, I do not blame these objectors.
But why, again, this virulence? I have, 1 am happy to say, more than
one friend who is wholly scientific in photography, and they tell me can-
didly that they do not like, for instance, my own pictures. Well, we
agree to differ, and we do not necessarily retort upon each other with
coarse and strong language. Ho, with regard to these photographers, if
their method is worthless, why not let it meet the certain death to which,
on this account, it would necessarily be destined ? If, on the other hand,
it has value in it, surely its advocates might be allowed to give pleasure
to those who could derive pleasure from it.^ — I am, yours, &c.,
London, April 5, 1892. Alfued Maskell.
STEEEOSCOPIC PHOTOGRAPHY.
To the Editoe.
Sir, — Upon looking over my article in last week's copy of this .Journal,
I can imagine a misunderstanding might arise from the last paragraph,
and some further remarks are necessary.
Near the centre of the retina of the human eye is a " yellow spot."
When the image of a distinct object falls upon the centre of this yellow
spot, a distinct impression is formed in the brain, and we see distinctly ;
but, when an image falls upon other parts of the retina, it is conveyed to
the brain in a less distinct manner, that is to say, all other parts of the
retina radiating from the " yellow spot " are less sensitive, and the mind
receives images from these parts in what a photographer would call out
of focus. When we want to see an object, we turn our eyes in the
direction of that object, and thus bring the image formed by the crystal-
line lens into the centre of the yellow spot, for, as has already been said,
this is the only place where distinct vision is possible. It is therefore
manifest that we can only see a point of an object distinctly at a time,
and all other parts of the object are indistinct, or out of focus ; but, by
experience from very early infancy, we associate these indistinct images
in a certain way, and we know what they mean. For instance, when we
have learned to read by a momentary glance at a word of eight or ten
letters, we know what these letters mean. If we look at the initial letter
in the word " stereoscopic " first with one eye, we concentrate our attention
for the time on the letter " s," and we see it, or part of it, distinctly, and
the other letters will be more or less indistinct, though by practice in
reading we know instantly what they mean. If, now, we look at the
letter " s " with two eyes, each retina will receive a similar image in a
similar way, and by experience the two images are combined in the brain,
and we know we have only one object before us, but depending upon the
distance the object be from the observer, the indistinct images (alike in
both eyes) will fall upon different parts of the retina which are more or
less sensitive, and by experience again we know we are looking at a flat
object.
But, when we look at an object of three dimensions with two eyes (the
object may be something near at hand, or it may be a landscape) we con-
verge the optic axis to some particular point so as to bring it upon the
centre of the " yellow spot " of the retina. Now, it will be seen that all
other objects around the particular point are not only indistinct, but they
are not alike, in each retina, for with one eye we see more of one side of
the solid object than is visible to the other eye, and these indistinct
April 8. 18B9]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
239
iaagm whidb m« not alike do not eoRMpond in the aante way ; they
voold if tba okjeet vm flat, and by experienee and anoeiation with other
mntal faenltiaa «e koov them to be tolid. When we look at a near
otJMt, the eooTenenee d the aptie axis ia greftter than when a more
dbtoBt objeet ia oBMrved, and the diaiiinilarity cS the indistinct images
k nan pmnotmced.— I am, yonn. An., W. I. Cbadwick.
r, A/rii 6, 1892.
RATIO OF GRADATION.
To the Emtob.
Sot,— InTenriameoftheSoth inst.,"FTaeLaiiea"aakime a qoastion
which I haw alnady anawered in tba iiaaTio— Bambar ot the Jooaiui..
I will, howarcr, anawerit ooeemoca. The aqMraiMBta oIlfeaRa. Barter
A PriflaU itew that the giadatieBs of a imiHTii are " almoet idaotieaUy
the Mwe wfcatafei imtioftr be employed." Bat •■ there is a thaafatical
peeribOHy that a pUte may be rapid to one derekipar tmd riow to
■Batbar."
It U therefore tr«M that b^yood a trifliag limit the photograpiMr has
(aeaordiag to Miaera. Hntter A Driflield) ao meana at hia diqpoeal far
aHariag the gtadaliea ; bat we eaaaot a^y that he never will have each
at Ua diapoeaL The diflereaee ^0i aikaoogen ia altogether in-
eoaapJeDooa and o( no Bvail for pranHeil patpoMa, aa tar aa the raeorded
experinMBte go. The diagram No. 14 timtlj pcora* this.
^— -Vnt TiTT" riTT thii ipmlitiim rr ^ -* — ir* -' -^ Beyond
this
with the
diSMeaeer U ae, lal Um do it; it not, e^iy joggle
r TbMhnoUd^whaleeKaheaidia m^ali^MM;
of people who, !■ tiMk eH|y'
liter A DiUiill. and aU i
heg to diflbr from Mmh. HoHar
with thefc hill ■■■iH and their BMrtaifi. ami, haviaaarid aiwjlWi^
(h«*daMMlM^)l0 dnmOair week, airi by an«aeaTaig the yieliil
* DriOeld ean HMb te soeh pniat, Md that my aimpk rtiliiBt
-therhM* Wd flwtandiliaa lor»4aiitflMiMH<aaeef
win eoMd •WHMt fai their «n thM an Ihil tea yet
otot
at
bi doabt whether I waa ndlty of radsMM to him,
" (whaioMr that m^ be eompoeed of)
A'DriflaU. I toU Mm he was ana arily dis
wfaea be aim aamaef I ahaU be bapRy to atMd
Mr. Biilt— t twdawrti are Mgbty
to
him eofheai
labaUkyto
Ae..
Aru CM, UmatHsiUr. Utrck t8. MM
B.C.P11UJHU
FOCCSSCTO KTxnBai&
Ji t*e Bnnea.
Bra,— Toor artialatelUa wwkWovMU, noa "the ueof
gi beioie pltotograaaan aaen a time-eaviag
I am aaie mm who have tried it will wfm give it 19.
that!
of
with
■ ' a
-roaadMeoflbe
■. aboattM-thhdaofthe
The polIlM of the view «
«naa. wUehwHl, bewavw,
■ It, the -
Teadtaat the ioeaa. apply Iha
or
({b>eb
on to the
Ma la fta aMtw, aadthe otbare roand
horn Ota eeotra to the eoraere.
can be arrangsd, aa naaal, opoo the
la hava >«a lomid bolea eat
•Mbaly imnned all tmae of
To adiaat the ioeaa. apply Iha Miplim to the -bolee," and lor aU
pwHml parpoem the leeah ie a tiTiiia|i. amy delril will be asM with
a ariipaim md dajimey thai mahm om wMdar boMver m lave
I ■■' 'j laMaarl l? ftirirafw Wia inMh laihae irf aiiianil glam
llaiiliiiiwaatltafce the htet and aappi^ tta fNMd amoM with five
■iMaa, they woald maoa* thMiilw the aatoa eoat by
e addllieaal Mmbmof eyeaieeaa Ih^y waald mIL
Idoaotaiaimanoiigiaafi<ytailhli«doiML'' tt wm aivM te me by
W. BayM*. oTlhe Tonacy Fbotogia^ Beaieiy, Md I have to
ippiiilalid ito tdraatagM, that I think othaii might be glad to hear of
it,— Iam.yaai*,^. KowaM J. Bms.
Ual0iu. Afrtl 4, 1S9S.
Mr.
pHorooaiFHiKo Of Bom.
TeiArXsmm.
leU.J.J.,IeMeaythatI
laay permit tor
and
a permit is required for about every building, church, palace, Vc, bat
easily obtained from archbishops, princes, dukes, generals, Ac., in charge,
by calling or writing. Details for each are obtained from janitors, and a-
poorboire will go far to easy matters. Of Naples I do not know, but
sappoae it is the same aa in all Italy.— I am, yours, &o., Albkbt Levy
Amtiire$, Uarek 38, 1893.
BLACKPOOL AND NORTH \VEST LANCASHIRE ART, TRADE,
AND Da)USTBIAL EXHIBITION, MAY 4 TO 28, 1892.
To the Editob.
Sib.— I beg to inform von that at a largely attended meeting of th&^
Art Committee of the above Exhibition, held on Monday last, it was
decided to have a leetian for artistic photography. This Art Exhibition,
which has been held for several years, is a vary suooesafnl one, and it is
hoped that this decision, to inolude photographic art, will be appreciated.
— 1 am, yours, Ac, Joh> R. Hcddustone, Secretary.
mnler.gardem, Blackpool, April 4, 1892.
PRINTING UNDER RED GLASS.
To the Editor.
Si*.— I believe it has been stated as a fact that printing under
" green " ghua tenda to faierease eomtratt in the print. Would the nse^
of rsd or ruby glam (in pUee of the green) reduce contrast 7— I am,
JVm% AO., R. IfATBBB.
Ifarck 90, 1893.
[It woald not only " reduce contrast," but also the probability at
obtaining a print at all if the ^aas be of the usual non-actinic kind.
—Ed.]
NORTH lODDLESKX PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCXETY.- A
CORRECTION.
To the EorroB.
Bib,— Permit me to correct an error I made in rmiorting Mr. Beadle's-
deaMMtration before this Society. I deeoribed it as Enlaminf fry
An^eM Light with the Vse of a Lantern. It ought to lia\e been
"-WUhoul the Use of a LaatML" ThaaUng yon in anticipation— I am^
7W"t *"• J. McI.>Tosu, Hon. See.
14, 1«maii-read, ZfeOoMy, April 4, 180S.
THE WOOOBUBYGBAVUBE PB00E8&
To the EonoB.
81B,— Wo BOtiee a re|dy to Jamae E. Ooold, in ytfor iMie of April I.,
to the eOeet that the Woodboiygravnn prooam is not patented. Wo
tlisiaima beg to iaJotm yw that this u an error ; the pnwess is dabr
patwtii iha speMaaliM MMber of which is 2211 of 1891. Perh^a-
yaa win be good asoa^ to aenaot this in yoor next issoe, and mneh
obiiga.— Toon, 4^.,
WooeHBi PsBHMun PaorooBAPnc Paumaa Comtaxt
(Byre A Spottiswoode).
C. Ormt Stm-etrtet, ttmim, S.C.. AprU 6, 1892.
[The " Woodbaij Oiavnre " prooem to which we and om rorr»-
•puodeBt Mftmad is not that which formj the snbject of a patent.—
I:4t.]
£ic|)ang( Column.
V Jf* tMmft i» nads /or imntUut Bsnl si^w ^T ^Jiperafcn ie Me eohmtn ;
Ud mom wOk UimtmitAmilmlU artUk usiiliJts d»iai<et» sieisrf. Ams
«aM4|MsMr flMrf«fiiif«Mn(ra« "aa«<MviM|^ " «•<« M^r^^iMHiiniead
ruuui Kms, Omn*.
I »»< rtwir ■■■!. btMi boMd. donbk sad 1
r UicW rafU mtlllsi r.-Aitdi— . 0.. U. Wm
od eiaaB In aRhum for ■ tnt-ntr wboto-piata eaawn,
wta Ihm 4o^l« kMlu aad seUd iMttor mm, wemnAj nMcL-AiUnM. A. B.
Sana. M^ Sckabert-faei, raleij. 8.W.
sUdM, fordatMltve
.t,Oo*«r.
Taa Barnas JocBS*a e» PwoToaaiPST, froai IS7t ts pcenot date, eMb booad,.
Barnaa Jovaau, PaoioaaAmc AuiAatca, laaM yaata, Ubrarj boaad. tw»
fl>ili|ri|itri tirmt, halt adf. all aawaoDdltUm ; armotatL pbotettaphlo apparOaa.—
Uanm. O. ravaa. teaarlAt. bcUatcb-road, lalJac Diaa.
340
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[AprU 8, 1802
flnBtDew to ©orteaponuentt.
AU wuUUn
\
for On text portim of tMi Jotohal, ineUuimg queries for
-f and "Kxdumget," mutt h» addresaed to "Thk Editob,
, Ttrh-ttrtet, Covent Oarderi, London. InatUmOon to thu ensures delay.
To notice taken (/ eommunications unleu name and address of wnter are
ffivtn,
•»• ammunieations relating to AdvertisemenU and pmeral business ^fairs
must be addressed to " Henry Grbknwood 4 Co.," 2, York-street, toveni
Oatitn, London,
Pbotoobapbs Rkoistebid:
H. Cooper, Northampton.— Two Plwfojrapfcj o/Ben TflW.
J. E. JoDM, Crewe.— r«» Photogravht of Uu Chethirt Beaglef.
A. P. Bcid, Belfaet,— Plio«ojrnph<!/'DMi»n o/o StMlnng Phatotraphic Shouicosc.
H. J. Chaniion. — Received.
Rex.— The defect is due to the faulty lighting of the picture.
Ajax.— Old n^atives are of little or no commercial value for their glass.
L. E— You will find an article on the subject in another part of the Journal.
W. W. W.— If you dissolve the bitumen in highly rectified benzol, your
difficulty will disappear.
S. Prince.— Your developer is too strong in alkali in proportion to the pyro,
hence your difliculty in securing density.
P, K.— Unless we knew the nature of your process, it would be impossible for
us to advise as to whether it could be safely patented or not.
F. J. Quick.— The lens would answer the purpose so long as you employed
the centre of the plate only. We should advise you to procure a lens of the
rapid rectilinear type.
Shutter.- Yon have evidently been over-exposing, omitting perhaps to notice
that the actinic value of the light has increased enormously duringthe last
week or ten days.
M. S. says : "Should be pleased if you will tell me if there is a book of
photographic poses published by any firm ?"— Perhaps some of our readers
can furnish the desired information.
Silver Bath.— The bath should be slightly acid ; if carefully decanted, the
solution will not require daily filtration. Better test the strength of the
solution every day before use with the argentometer.
T. B. J. — Your bumt-in pictures are very promising, that is all that can be
saiil for them. Much better work is being produced, a fact of which, we
surmise, you are not cognisant, from the tone of your communication.
H. B. — You are already in possession of the quickest form of lens except the
portrait combin.ition of Petzval. Although this would be a more rapid
instrument, we doubt if it would answer,youi purpose so well as what you
have.
C. A. J. — It is quite against our nde to recommend any particular manufac-
turer's goods. There are many hand caraeras'now in the market, all of
which are good. Send to tlie difterent makers for their prospectuses, or,
better, call and see the instruments themselves.
Langs. — Usually when new machines have to be photographed, and the best
results are imperative, they are painted over with a " flat " colour of a grey
tint — simply colour mixed with turpentine. This can be easily cleaned off
with that solvent after the negatives have been secured.
Worcestershire. — We cannot understand your difficulty. You must have an
extraordinary kind of bitumen if it will not dissolve in benzol. We can only
suggest that you obtain another sample from a fresh source, and, if that
behaves the same, then change the solvent, for that must be at fault.
R. Parker. — The orthographic lens, like the single landscape lens, will yield
straight lines in the centre of the picture, bnt not at the margin. Hence it is
not a good copying lens unless used for small plates, as compared with its
focal length. For landscape purposes, or for groups out of doors, it is an
excellent instrument. The price asked for it is certainly low.
Resin. — Had you compounded the varnish according to the formula given, you
would have had a good protective for your negatives. We are not at all
surprised, with the large proportion of Venice turpentine you have intro-
duced, that the "negatives become very tacky when printed in the sun."
The only way out of the difliculty is to throw .away the varnish and make
fresh.
1870. — There is nothing novel in a silver print being as good as when it was
first produced after twenty-two years' keeping. At the Photographic Society of
Great Britain's rooms there are prints on view that are nearly forty years old
which are still good, and show no signs of fading, altliough the probability is
that they were produced under what would uow ajjpear to be very adverse
conditions a-s regards permanence.
M. J. Jacobs. — The best form of battery for depositing copper on a large scale,
in photogravure, is either the Daniele or the Smee. The latter we prefer
ourselves on account of its cleanliness, though the former is the more
constant. For working on a large scale a dynamo machine is now generally
employed. A machine absorbing two or three horse-power will do a large
amount of work, and very economically too. "' -
A. C, H. writes: "I am desirous of enlarging a small photograph to about
thirty inches on plain matt paper for subsequent pastel work, for which the
bromidi! papers are unsuitable. Will you ]>Ie,ase give me the formuhe for
preparing, sensitising, developing, and fixing same ;" — ^At pages 450, 483,
and 487 of our volume for 1890 you will find three articles dealing most
exhaustively with the subject. • The pictures, however, are printed out in
the frame, not developed.
Student. — Yes ; Dr. Jeserich's paper is published in full by the Photographic
Society, but no particulars of the process he employs are given in it.
C. A1.STON inquires how he can obtain a thick fihu of collodion so tli.at when it
is stripped from the glass it will be about the thickness of a thin visiting card.
He says he has made the collodion as thick as it can be made to flow over the
glass, but even then the dried film is much too thin for his purpose. — The
best method is, after the glass has been French-chalked, to surround the
edges of the plate with strips of pai)er cemented on with gum. Then place
the glass on a levelled stanil, and pour on the collodion in sufficient quantity
to give the desired thickness when dry.
D. Bennai.l writes : " I have a batch of sensitive paper which I cannot
succeed in toning, or only to a dirty red colour, and then only after a very
long time. There is no fault with the bath, as another sample of paper
tones readily enough in it. When the print is taken from the negative, it
looks very nice indeed, quite equal to one on the paper that tones so easily.
Can you suggest any means by which I can overcome the difliculty, as I
have a pretty good quantity of the paper by me, which I should prefer using
up to throwing away ? I may say that, on putting a piece of test paper in
the washing water, it was made very red instantaneously." — We recommend
our correspondent to try immersing the prints, after the free silver is
wa.shed out, in a very dilute solution of washing soda for a minute or two,
and then rinsing them prior to toning.
North Middlesex Photographic Society. — April 11, Rural Raiiiiles, a
Lantern Evening by Mr. J. Gale.
The Lantern Society. — April 11, Mr. E. W. Maunder, F.R.A.S., on The
Work of the Spectroscope as Applied to Astronomy.
The Photographic CLDB.-^April 13, The Choice of Lenses, Mr. J. Traill
Taylor. 20, Masking, Vigneiting, ami Printing-in Clouds. Bauk Holiday
outing (April 18), Godalming, Witley, &c.
Photographic Society of Great Britain. — Ordinary Meeting, April 12,
at eight p.m. Professor C. V. Boys, F. R. S. , on Photography of Flying Bullets :
Mr. W. E. Debenhamon Relative Exposures for Varying Proportions of Image
in Copying.
The West Surrey Photographic Society's Fourth Annual Exhibition was
held last week. Several of Slessrs. J. Gale's and George Davison's works were
on view, and these, in conjunction with the members' exhibits, provided an
excellent display.
Mr. a. C. Jone.s has entered into partnership with Mr. S.amuel J. Levi, son
of the late Mr. Joseph Levi, and they will carry on, at 71, Farringdon-road,
and 16, Woodbridge-street, EX'., the business of wholesale opticians, and
manufacturers of, and dealers in, photographic apparatus.
London and Provincial Photographic Association.— April 14, Conven-
tion Slides, Messrs. Cembraho and Hastings. 21, Dr. Jeserich's paper on
Photoqraphy and Crime, illustrated by slides, and Indian and Colonial
Slides. 28, The New Platinotype Paper, Mr. W. H. Smith.
A New Society for the Isle of Wight. — At a meeting held in the Town
Hall, Ryde, recently, it was decided to start an I.sle of Wight Amateur Photo-
graphic Association. A further meeting, to fix the subscription, is to be held.
Mr. W. W. Smee, of 27, Union-street, Ryde, is the Hon. Secretary.
We have received the annual report of the Liverpool Amateur Pliotograpliic
Association, which is an excellent tribute to the continued pros|3erity of the
Association. Accompanying the report are plans of some projected new
premises which the Association is discussing the question of occupying.
A correspondent writes ; " I had my hands dreadfully stained with nitrate
of silver, and during the same day, whilst working with liydroquinone and
soda developer, I was much surprised to notice that my hands became pure
white again. This might be a useful hint for the much-oppressed wet-plate
worker.
We recently had an opportunity of inspecting the premises of Messrs.
Houghton & Son, of High Holborn, which have undergone considerable
alteration and rearrangement in order to tit them for the i-eception of a large
stock of modern photographic .app.aratus. Messrs. Houghton liave transformed
their old establishment into a most admirable depot for the sale of the
innumerable requisites demanded in photography to-day, our inspection
convincing us that the firm is no way behind its competitors in enterprise
and facilities for coping with whatever demands are made upon it.
*,* Good Friday. — Will our contributors and correspondents please
note that, in consequence of Good Friday falling next week, we shall go to
press one day earlier than usual ?
I
OONTSNTS,
Paqe
stereoscopic pictures without
a stereoscopic camera 225
photographing on wood 23i
VARIATION IN COLLODION EMUL-
SION WORKING 227
CAN SILVER PRINTS BE MADE PER-
MANENT? 228
CONTINF,NTAL NOTES AND NEWS .... 229
RATIO OF GRADATION.— III. By W. B.
BOLTON 280
PHOTOQIUPHING ON WOOD FOR
F.NGIiAVING PURPOSES. By W. J.
RAWLINGS 230
WHY PHOTOGRAPHS FADE.— in. By
HERBERT S. STARNES 281
PUIE
A STUDIO CAMERA STAND OF NOVEL
STRUCTURE 232
ELECTRIC LIGHTING IN PHOTO-
GRAPHY. By HENRY VAN DEB
PHOTOGRAPHY'ANiJ PHOTO-MECHA-
NICAL PRINTING— II. By PAUL L.
WATERLOW Axn J. D. GEDDE8 283
THE WET-COLLODION PROCESS. By
THOS. FORREST 234
OUR EDITORIAL TABLE 235
THE MADDOX FUND 230
RECENT PATENTS 236
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES 236
OOBKE8PONDENCE 2i«
EXCHANGE COLUMN 239
ANSWERS TO OOBBUSfONDBlIII) UO
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1667. ToL. XXXIX.— APRIL 15, 1892.
ON SPOTTING.
Tri:- really Tery important part of a photographer's work is
<x>iuidered of such minor coaiequenoe as usually to be
1 lit treatises, ooeaaional pi4>ers, aiad by the authorities
rally ; but a Tery oureoty infection of the multitude of
]>riats distributed by amateur or iinfiiiniisl will suffice to
pvore that either ignoraaoe or eazeteameai goTems the treat-
ment in this respect of a large number of these photographs,
and we propose to discuss in a short article some of the modes
where failure may arise. It may be awmninl that the profes-
aiooal artist may not nesd any hinta^ and usually does not, but
we hare seen instances where the oontraiy decidedly appears
to obtain.
The eonaidaration of the subject naturally divides itself into
two bnnehas— tnatment vi the negatiTc and of the print.
Ixkoking lint at the negative sad its rM]uirements, some
indiridnals, fortunate in thdr eipsrienoe, may say that with
•Iry plates there should be no qioti to treat ; but this is only
theoretically true. Plates are not all perfect, to start with, and
they receive injuries and meet with mishaps that mar the
beauty of remit if not mcdHtod, and in any case suggsst
slovenly work. The eonmoasat sril is the pinhole caused by
air4mbblaa, dust, or opaque specks in the film. And it is with
tham where mistakes are often made. In looking through a nega-
tive it ia rare to find no pinholes; but we would here again remind
«<ir readers that many siMh naiUafi need no tnatment at all,
and work is often most nnmc—iiHy ^^^^ fcr the q>otter.
A bright spot on a dark fraud, bj rsason of irradiation,
always sppaan to ths eye larger tbaa it really is, and, eon-
venely, a dark spot on a light groond looks smaller than its
' actual siaa. Bancs a pinhole quits eoaspiciions in site may
I dten be left entirdy aloot, and be practically invisible in the
print. A little oparisaes, whsa obssrvatioo has cnoa been
duMted to the point, will soon anaUe any one to gauge
whether the brush should or should not be applied.
Supposing it be decided to ramove it, care should be taken
^ to let the paint in the slightest degree eneroaoh npon the
psrts, or the viaible aalsofaief will be wocae than
and gnat labour needed afterwards. For this kind of
wfctsr ooloar is generally employed, crimson kke being a
ite with sooM, while oUisn nss browns or Indian ink.
advaataga of the latter is its great eovaring power, and
that it win "bite" well and a hslf^dry brash can be
with arlvantage. When Urger spaces have to be
P«0Tersd, the usual mode of retouching is best^penofl or other-
We may say that the advantages of Indian ink are not
[ihoroagbly appreciated, for, if the brush lias little colour in it, it
> hud on as qalekly ss pendl, and with greater eofsring
when a consideraMe depth of tone has to be prodooed.
I caution is nsoaaaaiy, however : neither the bmah nor pig-
ment must be moistened with the saliva; if this be done, the
colour clots, and will not lie evenly upon the plate. It is moat
desirable, in all cases, to prevent the colour from trenching
upon the external margins.
Whether large spots should be takon out of the negative, so
as to be as nearly invisible as possible, or blocked out entirely
to print white, depends upon whether many copies are required
or not. As a rule, a white spot in u print can be worked up
with the brush much more iiuickly than the same space can be
'• matched " on the negative ; hence, when one print only is
needed, it may often be best to paint the spot opjique on the
negative and do the spotting on the paper. The ease with
which this is to be done depends upon the situation. Where
foliage or other irregular shadiugB Kurround it, a very few touches
suffice ; but when the flaw comes in a flat, even surfiicc, such as
the walls, Ac, in an interior, or the jJaiu background of a portrait,
tu greater skill and attention is re<]uired, and no easy work
attends the operation. Flaws often occur tlirough mechanical
irregularities in the film, and where this is the case it is found
most difficult, and indeed often im|K>8sible, to make the colour
adhere. A little projection or depression will obstinately refuse
to receive any amdioration, anil a spot apparently removed
turns out, upon a print bcin^' obtaine<l, to be almost worse than
before it was touched. When the pigment becomes tlioroughly
dry, it often cracks or withdraws itself from t)ie place. In this
case there is no remedy but either to by (rti a thick clot of
paint (which sometimes even then fails) or to cut out tlie
offinding place with a sharp knife, and fill in the colour on the
baregiaas.
There is one especial point we would draw attention to.
There ia no doubt that nowadays a huge amount of alteration
of a sitter's figure or habiliuicnts is carried out in portraiture,
and to do this there is a right and a wrong way. The right
way is to do the work entirely, or as near as can be, on the
n^ative, leaving nothing for the after-spotting. The wrong
way is to block out the offending part so as to print white, and
thai to stipple it on the print into the correct shade. The
great otgection to this plan is that a knowing friend may mis-
diievously moisten his pooketliandkerchief and remove the
spotting with one sweep, ruthleasly revealing the sjtotter's art.
Ws bare known this to be done in private albums, hence
aqj^HL^Ip. We have not exhausted our subject, and will
retOBtoit shortly.
DEVELOPMENT OF CHLORIDK EMULSION PRINTING-
OUT rAPERS. " ■ ;
SoMK months ago, in a Continental Note, we quoted the recom-
mendation of a writer in a French contemporary to obviate one
of the troubles met with in prtnting out on the various gelatine
243
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[April L'i.isog
and collodion chloride papers, now in such general use. This
was the length of time often required to obtain vigorously
printed proofs, owing to the comparative weakness of the light
at the time of printing. The method quoted for overcoming this
drawback was to develop the faintly printed image with a
solution of gallic acid iu alcohol. It was said that development
took place rapidly, all the fine details of the negative being re-
produced.
It is quite obvious that, if the system of development above
advocated — which, by the way, as we pointed out at the time,
is not new in its application — were proved to have all the
virtues claimed for it, the advantages of its use would not be
restricted to those cases where proofs on these emulsion papers
were, through lack of light or insufficiency of time, obtained in
a feeble degree, but also, on the other hand, would be
very welcome to a photographer who, notwithstanding the
excellence of his light for printing-out purposes, might, if he
were anxious to obtain a large number of collodio or gelatino-
chloride prints from a given negative in a short space of time,
prefer to strike weakly printed proofs from them while he had the
opportunity, with the object of finishing them by development
at a later hour, rather than jeopardise the chance of obtaining
prints at all on that particular day. There is, in addition to
these two considerations, a further one at stake, namely, the
fact that it is claimed for developed prints that the chances of
their permanency are greater than pictures simply printed out
in the frame. This we can easily appreciate, inasmuch as the
system of reduction by development is calculated to throw
down the deposit in a more stable form than in the case of
printing out.
Experiments made with gallic acid, in combination with
acetic or citric acids, as a developer for weakly printed gelatine-
chloride proofs did not, we believe, terminate so successfully
a.s to indicate that the method was of any practical use ; but
the attention of the well-known experimentalist, Herr Valenta,
has been turned to the matter, with results which we repro-
duce in another part of the Journal. Here he recites the
advantages which reside in the power to develop these weakly
printed images at will, and also summarises some of the
previous experiments with gallic acid and other substances, all
of which, however, proved ineffective and unreliable. Alkaline
developers also being, even in a high degree of dilution, far
too energetic in their action over the unreduced parts of the
pictures, were abandoned by him in his attempts.
The failure of alkaline solutions, however, led him to experi
ment with acid developers for the purpose, an experience with
a hydroquinonc-silver intcnsifier for collodion plates leading to
the discovery that hydroquinone simply in combination with
citric acid was capable of acting as a developer for weak prints
on emulsion papers. AVith the additi'on of sulphite of soda this
gave rise to the following formula for "developing insufficiently
printed proofs on ccUoidin and aristo papers " : —
A. — Hydroquinone 10 parts.
Alcohol 100 „
B.— Sulphite of soda 100 ,,
Citric acid 5 „
Water 500 „
Fifty parts of each being mixed and diluted with 1000 parts
of water, and being then ready for use.
After development in this solution, which takes place iu a
few minutes, the prints are washed, toned, and fixed as
usual. Further experiments led Herr Valenta to substitute
pyrogallic for the hydroquinone when developing the images ore
certain papers, for which hydroquinone was unsuitable. In the
various commercial papers with which he experimented, we
assume that gelatine as well as collodion figures as the vehicle-
of the emulsion, although it is not so stated. The citric acid
in the developer acts as a restrainer, and keeps the prints
clear.
It is a fact of considerable value, we should think, that feeble-
prints on emulsion papers are amenable to development with-
out degradation of the whites of the pictures, and with, as we-
also gather, no danger of any loss of tone or vigour of image.
Herr Valenta's discovery that alkaline developers for the
purpose are useless, but that an acid solution forms an efficient
substitute is a feature of considerable practical use, which,
we presume, will speedily be taken advantage of by those who
are anxious to have the power of developing weak images on
emulsion papers at command. We should not be surprised if
their development at will did not add to the j)opularity of thes&
surfaces.
Encaustic Paste. — At one time it was tliought that treating
the surface of silver prints with " encaustic paste " conduced to their
permanence. Now encaustic paste is practically the old-fashioned
" beeswax and turpentine," with which our grandmothers were wont
to treat their furniture to obtain the high polish thereon. It was con-
sidered that the thin coating of wax, by resisting damp and protecting-
the surface from the atmosphere, would render the prints more stable-.
It would be interesting to know if any of the old prints recently
shown at the Society's rooms owe anything to encaustic paste ?
The nXaddoz Fund. — As we have already announced, this
Fund closed on March 31. The total amount subscribed in this
country is about 400/., and -we believe the sums received in America
as well as from the Continent will swell the ultimate total to between
500/. and 600/. It has been decided by the English Committee that
the sura received by Mr. Francis Cobb, the lion. Treasurer, shall be
handed over to the Doctor with a brief address stating tliat " the
testimonial is presented to him in recognition of his services to photo-
graphy, and especially of his investigations in connexion with gelatine-
emulsion."
Unbealthy- Atmospbere. — One frequently hears complaints-
of the unhealthy fumes of the dark room, but e\idently in the minds
of some there are worse elsewhere. One day last weeli a photographic
operator was to have attended for public examination at the London
Bankruptcy Court, but did not. According to an evening contem-
poraiy, the reason assigned -was "that his health would not admit of
his inhaling the noxious atmosphere of the Court of Bankruptcy.'
If the atmosphere of the Bankruptcy Court is worse than that of
some dark rooms in which operators have to work, it must be bad
indeed. Aloral, avoid bankruptcy.
Seg'ister of Z>ark Slides. — Questions are often put as to-
the best way to test the register of dark slides -with the focussing
screen. By the following simple method, which does not appear to be-
so generally known as it might be, the accuracy may be tested with
the greatest certainty. Place a straight-edge across tlie focussing^
screen, then pass a piece of wedge-shaped cardboard betw^een the
straight-edge and the ground glass, and mark where it touches the
former. Next place a plate iu the slide, draw the shutter, and repeat
the operation. If the cardboard touches the straight-edge in the
same point as it did with the focussing screen, the accuracy is-
assured. If it does not, the amount of adjustment necessarj' is easily
measured.
Substitute for Gelatine. — Mr. R. A. Fresseuden calls
attention to a discovery of Messrs. Cross & Bevan (whose namas
April 13, 1883]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH i'.
243
•ze funifiAT in connexion with the primulioe proceaa of photo-
graphy) which indicates a mode of preparing a snbstance which
""•trongly nMmhIea gelatine in appearance, flexibility, and odour
when burnt, and might, on account of its solubility in ammonia,
he of uae for photographic plates." Tbey formed this new sub-
atanee hj tiMting eelloloae with dilute nitric acid, thus forming
oxyeeOnlow. This anlMtaace is soluble, on digestion, in ammonia,
and on erapoiAting the solution a tnuisparent Blm is left, which, by
its odour when hamt, seems to be a nitrogen compound of cellulose.
We are not aware of any use hariag been made of this diaooTery in
ph'ttocraphic directions, but upon a first gianee there would really
M--!u t'. be a raluahle field for it if all that is de«cribed be correct,
and tbtrre be no ipedal difficulty connected with its manufacture.
nMtecrapl^lnc the Boat Xae«. — Seldom, if ever, have
photographers bad such an opportunity for securing really good
pictuna of the boat race as they were favoured with Ust Saturday.
The weather waa chanaing, while the light was all that ooold be
ihwiiiil Kerer before wen ao mtmj hand cameras to be seen
amongat the crowd who Hned the hwika of the river lact week.
Parhapa ao two uaimaity crews haT* been ao much photographed a«
hare Ui* pfMant ooes, for daring the whole time they w«m pcaetiaiag
hand eaaeraa saewied to be consUatly oo the spot. Panona taking
hand eaoMraa into crowds should be pattiwlar how they cany them.
"We wet* told of an amniing ilfr««i>anui that oecnrred at the boat
nee last year. A gentleman took with him a hand camera with cut
filma, whicfa, whan not ia oaa, wm ahng by a strap at tba Mde. On
retoiBiag hoae,he waa suipiiaad to lad that the iadiK le^itMed
aboat tlnce tiaaia the eapuauwa ha had laade. He tim diwwated
-that aiMM ptaetieal joken ia tfca enwi had baaa iiinipiihMnt the
iaatmaeat withoat hb kaowladge. This might aaafly ba dooe
wiihoat detection in any crowd, partiealarly a
Redaction of Vatent Fees. — In iotroducing tha Bodget oa
>g last, the Chaaealkr of the Excheqaer Mid : " My
->d the Praadaiii ct the Board of TVmde haa informed
«h to Mt tha haavjr dMigaa for the leaewal of
•hx iatanat of Ika poorar patantaa, and for the
iuf— UoBfc SaaO aa my maigia is. this is a
iMBt do ast wish to delay, aad which they
y can atford. Tha fiimawj fee of 4iL now chaigad for the
« -sr* wfll remaia, bat firaaa tba end of tha foarth year
mdactioas win take plaea. At jnmut the fee for the
. -1 ia 10/. a year : tUa wiU be ndheed to 61,01, 71, and
For the fifth and azth year the present fee ia Mil. a year; thia
>M. nut «t 0/. and 10/. For the aezt four years, instead of a
parBanam,the feeswiU be 1]/., 13/., i:tf., aad ML
na, wUeh, I beiiere, wiQ be reeeired with extreme
a Tery Urge elaaa, wiO oltimalaljr inrolre a lose of
.U...U -^ ,'^.<^. a year, bot we should not aak that ths^piew scale ihoaU
eome into operatioa bafoielSaylaaiker S4.'
Swollen Appttrstns.— Jnat aew afparatoa that has been
stored away through the winter awBtha ia baiag brought to light
agaia. It ia often food, if it haa beta kept ia oaly a subtly duip
plaes, that the wood haa awoDaB ■aadaothr to Materia^ taterfere
with the tnm lOfaant of the aBdiag pertknik ShottaBB of sBdes
for iaataaea, ai* dUbak to withdraw, aad other woiUag yarta an
hard to mo?*, ftpacially is thia the eaaa whhf aooe of the cheaper
forma of apparataa, whid, as a role, an made of impeifeetly seasoned
■satariaL Fraqoaotfy, when thia tjtmble ia mat wi^, lecome is had
to a pieea of glaas or to glass paper to senpe away the wood, until
the part worka eaaily. lUa ia a great idatala, aa it oftaa proTsa a
ooane of f ntnn troabie ; bacanse, whan the wood ahnaka again, u
it win do, it DO loagw Ita. We neaatly saw aooa dark tUdea, the
flhatiem of which hai hsaa aahjeeted to thia treatment two or three
weeka ba^ that wen alnoat worthlaas for nee in a strong light.
Had the sBdeo bean aiaply aOowed to resaia in a dry place for a few
^aja, ihejr woald haea lighted thMaalraa. PInmbago ia aa asfltOnit
labrieaat for tha lUig portiaM of woodwork, and ia the ooe ftna-
rally used. It has, however, the disadvantage of soiling eTerything
it comes in contact with. It is not generally known that powdered
talc — French chalk— answers the purpose quite as well, and, of course,
is much more cleanly to use. Sometimes the folds of a camera bellows
are prone to .stick together. This may be entirely remedied by
rubbing them over with French chalk. This material poaseBsea many
virtues in connexion with photography and its appliaaoea.
Keprodaotlon of Feeble Xeg'atlTeB. — It is no unusual
circumstance for a negative that may be excellent for one purpose to
be next to useless for another. For example, a negative may be thin
and veiled and yet yield a fairly good print on albumen paper, or a
vigorous one oo bromide paper, but it would be worthless for some
purpoeea, aay, for instance, a Woodburytype relief. If the negative
be a valuable one, few would care to risk its inten^fication, which
might render it unsuitable for its original purpose. In such a case
there is nothing left but to reproduce it, and then comes the question
of the best method of procedure F It is pretty generally accepted
that, for the reproduction of negatives, either same size or enlaiged,
carbon ttansparenciea are the best in practice. Unfortunately, how-
ever, thin negativea are not well adapted for vigorous carbon tran-x-
parencies, when made in the usual way on the tissue specially'supplied
for the purpoae. The difficulty may, however, be overcome in the
following manner. Instead of using the spedally prepared tissue
aelect one that contains much leas pigment, such as those used for
paper prints. Then the shadows wiU be formed of a greater thifflmaMi
of gelatine, although they may aeem leaa dense than if the former were
employed. 'Now, with such a transparency it is easy to obtain almost
any degree of density by simply treating it with a solution of perman-
ganate of potash. By thia method of intensification it is the gelatine
that is acted upon and not the colouring matter, as in the case of a
silver image. Tha ooUwr conferred by the permanganate haa the
advantaga of beiiig of a highly non-aetlnie chancter. Having got a
atrong tranapareney, it is a very easy matter to obtain a vigorous
■■gative by afanoat any proosaa.
»
VARIATION IN COLLODION EMULSION WORKING.*
Tm strength 'of the final sensitising hath, it may be remarked,
may be varied with advantage according to the treatment to which
thp plates an to be saheeqoently treated as regards development and
ether dfemiNtaiieM. For instance, if they an to be used wet, with
CTcaaa of rfhar aad ban, and ailrer or acid pyao and silver develop-
ment—In fact, as ordinary wet platee— the strength of the diver
solution should be at the maiimnm within the limits we have (^ven,
or, if tba highest degree of aensitiveneas is required, with alkaline
devalopaent; but, for nodente npidlty, under the latter form of
dardopmant it wQl be found mon convenient to employ the solution
waaker, aa the naeaasary removal of the exceas win be more eerily
elleeted, and the chancee of fog or abnormal reduction greatly de-
ereaaed. It most be dearly home in mind that, when alkaline pyro or
aay of the similar methods an employed, the film must be absolutely
fm from the slightest trace of soluble silver salts, or the inevitable
remit win be the production of denas fog immediately the developer
is applied ; but, when the ndndng agent is used in the acid state, the
tn» lUvar fanaa a aeeeaaary adjunct to the developing prooeas.
When the pktea an to he naed withoat the nmoval of the free
ailver, it la, peihapa, aeeeaaary to exercise a little more can in the
eompoeition of tha aanaitising hath than is the caae otherwise ; so far
at least aa the employaant of a plain and dean adution, and not an old
printing bath or siinilar subctitute, is concerned. The acid developer
icjjtj vn liable to aet up abuormal redaction than the alkaline, and
to pndoee stuns and markings, mon eapedaOy with imperfectly
deaited glaan A glass'plate that would soowesfuUy pass the ordeal
of alkafiae development might be hopeleady stained and smeared if
sabmitted to treatment with iron aad silver. Beyond this, however,
the silver development method presents no dilTicultiej), and the routine
is praetkally identical with that of ordinary wet plates.
The very finest reaolta as regards quality, though at the expense of
a certain increase of exposure, are obtained by means of the pyro and
aOver developer. Hie character of image so obtained very closely
* CgadadsdbssiiaceML
844
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[April lo, 1892
neembk* the old style of pyro-developed films of iodide of silver
not only in tbe richness and vigour of the deposit, but also in beauty
and variety of colour; but the tendency to harehuess or excessive con-
tiast is wanting. For transparencies, opals, or photo-mechanical and
similar purposes, the pyro developer is certainly to be chosen, and
the formula may be as follows: —
Pyrogallic acid 1 gT^n-
Glacial acetic add 20 minims.
Water 1 ounce.
This Will keep in good condition for some days ; in fact, is all the
better for having been made at least twenty-four hours before use ;
but it should be thrown away as soon as it becomes at all discoloured.
There is no occasion for any further complication in the shape of
additions of alcohol or other matters to the solution, as the acetic acid
suffices perfectly to make the developer flow smoothly.
The plate, after sensitising, is allowed to drip until the greater part
of the superfluous solution is removed, and is then drained for a few
moments upon a slip of blotting-paper, or the latter may be drawn
gently along the lower edge of the glass where tlie drainings have
accumulated, and the plate is then transferred to the dark slide for
exposure. This should be preferably of the old single wet-plate type,
with silver-wire corners, as, if all four edges of the film are in con-
tact with the rebate of the ordinary dry-plate slide, it will be next
door to an impossibility to develop an image free from stains ; besides
which, the contact of the silver solution with the woodwork of the
slide not only unfits it for use with ordinary dry plates— unless
thoroughly cleaned — but rapidly deteriorates or destroys the slide
itself. It is always well to insert a strip of blotting-paper in the
lower rebate of the slide to absorb any drainings that may accumulate
during exposure.
W^th regard to the length of e^iposure requisite, no definite guide
can be given here, beyond saying that, with pyro development, the
plates may be reckoned as equal in sensitiveness to a somewhat slow
wet plate, or, if iron be used, to a rapid wet plate ; some care must be
devoted to the study of what constitutes a correct exposure, as silver
development affords little or none of the " latitude ' to which modern
dry-plate workers are so prone to trust.
The exposure having been made, the plate is taken from the dark
slide by means of a pneumatic or other holder, if the fingers are to be
kept clean — for it must be remembered that it was to wet-plate
development chiefly that the photographer of a past generation owed
his reputation for dirty hands, and the art itself its descriptive cog-
nomen of "black" — and a small quantity of the developer poured
quickly and evenly over the surface. In the performance of this
simple operation some little skill is necessary in order to get the
solution evenly and quickly over the plate. If it be dashed on roughly
on one part of the plate, the silver solution will be washed away from
that portion, and a patch produced, in which the density and detail
are less than elsewhere. The solution should be poured gently but
quickly along one edge of the plate, which is, at the same time,
gently inclined, so as to cause the developer to flow in an even wave
over the whole surface, and then backwards and forwards with a
rocking motion. To those who have been accustomed to development
in a dish this will at first probably present some difficulty, but it
rapidly disappears with a little practice.
The quantity of solution employed, too, forms a matter of some
importance, since it must be duly proportioned to the quantity of
silver nitrate retained on the surface and in the pores of the film, and
upon which the formation and density of the developed image depend.
Here it may be well to point out, for the benefit of those who are not
aware of the fact, that the image obtained by this form of develop-
ment is produced at the expense of the silver remaining in the free
state upon and in the film after its removal from the bath, and not as
in the case of alkaline development, by the reduction of the silver salts
forming the film. Clearly enough, then, with a given quantity of
silver nitrate clinging to the film, it is necessary to liinit the quantity
of the reducing agent in order to obtiun a certtun result. The more
concentrated the developer — that is, the smaller the quantity of solu-
tion used — the more vigorous will be the resulting image, and vice
vend, and it is well to bear this fact in mind when making negatives
for special purposes.
The action of the developer proceeds very rapidlj-, much more so
than in the ca.se of a gelatine plate, and requires careful watching.
The shadows and half-tones should remain quite clear and distinct by
reflected light, and the progress of the development should be watched
and judged by examining the plate by transmitted light, and stopping
the action as soon as the requisite density is secured. If the exposure
has been correct — and here we must repeat the necessity for accuracy
— density and half-tone will be secured simultaneously, and without
trouble ; but, in the case of under-exposure, the density will come
before the finer details, and hardness will result, while under op-
posite conditions there will be a want of vigour and contrast. The
first fault is irremediable, but the second may be overcome by intensi-
fication. Two or three drops of the silver solution are added to the
developer that has been already used, or a fresh quantity may be
taken, adding, in that case, a little more of the silver ; and this is
applied to the film until the requisite density is attained, after which
the plate is well washed and fixed.
For quicker exposure the pyro must be replaced by ferrous sulphate,
which, while it acts more rapidly and with a shorter exposure, gives
a more metallic-looking image by reflected light and less vigour by
transmitted. The strength of the solution may be varied within
pretty wide limits, according to circumstances, but the best "all-
round " formula for general work is
Ferrous sulphate 20 grains.
Glacial acetic add 20 minims.
Water 1 ounce.
There is very littie difficulty nowadays in procuring sulphate of iron
of the best quality, so that we need not repeat the advice of years
back on the selection and treatment of the salt. It is simply dissolved
in coldjspringjor tap water and the acid added after solution, the whole
being then filtered. This is better for having been made a day or
two, but if required for immediate use the iron may be dissolved in
hot water and rapidly cooled after the addition of tlie acid. The
same rules apply to the use of the iron developer as to pyro, the only
difference between the two being in the matter of rapidity of action.
For intensification, however, when necessary, the pyro solution is
preferable to that of iron, or, if iron be the more convenient, then an
addition of dtric acid should be made instead of acetic, say a gi-ain to
twenty grains of iron.
Various additions to and modifications of the iron developer found
favour with photographers of a past era, but it is questionable
whether they conferred any but merely fancied benefits. The substi-
tution of the nitrate and acetate of iron for the sulphate, or, what was
equivalent, the addition of certain salts to bring out the formation of
these new compounds, was amongst these ; but, as has been said, the
advantages were dubious, a remark that may be extended to the
addition of various salts of copper and of other metals, the real object
of which was scarcely clear. There is, however, a strong possibility
that, by the use of various organic matters added to the developers,
such as sugar, gelatine, and similar substances, decided benefits may
be secured in the way of clearness and vigour where those qualities
are of especial value. But it would occupy too much space to enter
into a lengthened discussion of such matters here.
The majority of our readers will, no doubt, in working the
aiixiliary bath emulsion process, prefer to adopt the more modern
style of development with pyro, or one of its aualogues, and alkali, if
it is only because it is the more familiar process to them. The resiUts
are equally good, the sensitiveness as great, or perhaps greater, under
some conditions, and the risks of failure are considerably less.
ON THINGS IN GENERAL.
Mb. Phillips, in his last note, does not bear upon the original point
of discussion, which was, as to whether or no Messrs. Ilurter &
Driffield had forgotten what they had written. He, in effect, reducea
the matter to a burlesque on a well-worn quotation from a popular
comic opera, " What, never ? " "Well, hardly ever." "Almost
identically the same " is without meaning in a scientific question.
The whole body of photographers, ' with scarce an exception,
understoood Messrs. Hurter & Driffield to hold that ratio of
April 15, 1882]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
246
gradation eoold not be inflaanced hy rariationa of derelopment ; but,
when such a Tiew ia queationed, thej, to the aatonuhmeot of almost
ererr one, write to My that tliey do not hold soeh riewa — " well,
bardlr erer." Who does the jaifi^uj f
One of the most raluable papers of a practical nature erer read at
the IamkIod and Provincial Photographic Association (or elsewhere)
was that of Mr. lUwUnga on I%ctofrt^king on fVocd, and the moro
praise is doe to him on account of the fact that hu method is open to
any one, he haTintr left it entirely untrammelleii Jby patent. One
great advaotage of this method is the pleasant surface it offers for
use with the pencil, owing, no doubt, to the free use of zinc white,
OOP 'li the properties of that pigment being the agreeable surface it
girw for pencilling. It is poanble that the Chairman was rig^t in
his suggestioa that the sensitiVe surface was carbonate of silver pro-
duced ij the aetioo of the sine white on the nitrate of silver. There
are, however, two objeetiona to this theory. Fust, the fact that
carbonate ot silver is waaDy supposed to be very slowly acted upon
by light, except in the pwietnee ot ammonia; and, seooodly, xinc
white ia, theoretically, an oxide, aad not a carbonate of rise, though
tlMre are those who hold that it ia eonunonly adulterated with car-
bonate of lead to give it body, a sutaaant I should not be inclined to
gtve credence to.
Mr. Cbadwiek's letter in the sum number of the Jocvxal in
which the report on Mr. Rawlinga' pap«r appears is aa interesting
contribution to the popokrising of knowledge of the human eye ; but
why doea he ws the tam "iiiMJIiisiiiw* with regard to tite yellow
spotf The yellow spot, or the eantiml spot, or pit, as it is sometimes
eaOid, is not the moat sensitive part of the retina, if we are to use the
word in its ordinary acceptance. Owing to the much finer organiza-
tion at this part of the retina, the badiUary layer in it oondating of
eoaae only, far amaUer and much mora* numerous than in the sor-
nanding part, their diaiwitir Wag aboat the ten-thousandth of an
inch only, there is a far gnater " distinetaaaa of vision," or, as Fuellen
terms it, in his book of test-types, " acwtspess of vision ; ' but not of
asatitiveoaaa. That chuaetariatie ia food in a tone cowaidermMy
r— oved fran the>bras emIraJif.
I aa afraid that the aabject " Wk j {hotc«;npka fade,' ao wiail
treated of ky Mr. Herbert Stames, win aHB iwain an eoifWk for long
jreMS to oome. Mr. Foadee dU well to aeeentoate the faet that com-
pbla ixktg waa nsM* iaportaat than tborongb waahing. Hypo in
the print kas basa solafy keld oat aa a thing to be avoided like a
pestilsnea, tkat in tnw pnitioa it imniy naderatood. and at the present
tiae it ksM baeooM a aaui piste fataab. It is not so moch the hypo in
the print tkat kaa to ba allainated as it is the product of hypo and
Mher cfckride being aOowad to iiiubi a Jii^aoiw tea tkat is to be
provided agaiaat. 8«ek safegwu4iagk acat pcokakla when plenty of
hypo aetiag for a saOeieat tiaa is Mad. I poaaea knadnda of priaU
on albaaaa ovar a seore of yaata old tkat an m good now aa on the
'. ly they wan printed. Also I poaaaa a great aaay of which an
.ntirely oppoaits character eoold ka given. I kave developed nlver
prinu of theaaaa aga on paper wUeb give decided tiaea of fading.
When almoepherie lageenee and tke eAaets of impropei aoonts an
excluded, my opinion is that a propwiy fixed and waabad print oe
albuasenised paper ie pnetieaUy peraaaent.
Wkat a faaariakla, nd, to aa oU head. ladraUiV, tUag kaa bean
the aaespeeted appawnea la oae aonth too- -of two papan on wet
eollodion, from the pan of azparta. An oU photognpher ones said in
ay bearing, to a reeent aaataur wko waa eoapUiniag of Ida diiB-
enltiw with dry platea, " Blia year life, sir, yon don't kaow joa an
afive.* And aaeh truth tkan waa in tka obaerration. I wonder
k»w naay of tke pkotognphen, aow w gib with tkair aspeiieaee
of prD«aaa,«aaUean topractia tkeart foraiiqgladayifthey had
to paa tkroagk tka experieaea of a ccflodioe maa of days almost
gone by.
Ah, thoM waa aagativea. I have seen, aad I kopa I kave aadei,
acae good dry-plata negatives : but the general average of quality of,
ay, a doan good dry-plat« nflgatives is not to be eouparad to that of
aa aqaal aaaba «f good wet platesu What printing qualitia they
peeaased I What ri^ tana and juicy shadows ! But I do not re-
gal tkair depaiHua ; to go back to the old work would be Uke a
nightaan.
Soeb recollwthat main ooa ton to the n«ent worii of a vary old
hand at the camera, Mr. Vernon Heath. His work, which I have not
yet had on opportunity ot reading, ia eridently highly interesting in its
vivid accounts of the difticulties surrounding the work of the old
riffime. A good nngative, taken under the difficultiea he will describe,
was a thing to be proud of. Nowadays there are few beginners even
who have not produced some excellent platen. The regret for the old
gives way to thoughts of the pleasure the new has given to hundreds,
nay, thousands, of practitioners of our art, so fruitful in producing
good cameradarie. Frbe Lance.
♦
THE FADING OF SIL\-ER PRINTS ON ALBUMENISED
PAPER.
[Pbotorimphio Sooiaty of Philidelpliis.]
The fading of silver prints on albumenised paper is an interesting
matter, but one about which we know very fitue. Those of us who
have giren the subject any attention have been struck with the
ringular fact that skill and care on the part of the maker of the
prints is no guarantee of their permanency. In fact, numerous case*
could be quoted where prints made in the most slovenly manner, with
poor materials, and by men so ignorant that they hardly knew the
names of the chemicals handled, have actually outlasted the best
efforts of skilled and canful photographers.
In most other departments of practical photography we could say
that more canful mvatigation would help us in determining the
eauaee of fading, even if it proved impoaible to entirely do away with
them ; but the subject is an exceedingly difficult one, partly owing
to the complex chemical natun of the silver print, ana partly from
the impoesibility of watching the behaviour of batches of prints, or
even of individual prints out of a given bstch, for years at a time,
and of obtaining data as to their manufacture which would be of any
practical value.
From the earliest days of silver printing Imperfect nmoval of the
hyposulphite after fixing has been cited a a pregnant cause of fading.
Although I do not mean to inculcate any carelessness in the operation
of final waahing, I aa atisfied that the dangers from the said source
have been mucn ovemted. Assuming that a good oimmercial sample
of the bypoenlphito is used, and that no foreign matter like acids be
allowed a waa to the fixing bath, there is really no reason whr a
print should not last well, even if quite a large quantity of the fixing
salt nmains in the paper. Of this fact I am certain.
I have seen prints made by aa experienced maker of albumenised
paper, which had merely received a couple of rinses after fixing, and
wen then iwniediatelT dried. Tbeee prints wen Mveral yean old
when I aw tkaa, and had remained perfect in every respect. This
gentltaaa agreed with me in condemning the excessively long soak-
ings aad waakian tkaa eoatomary, sonwtiina lasting for four-and-
twenty boara. Experiaenta made after my iAerview with him bore
out his statements to my perfect atisfaction.
I will now aak your attention to a point in silver printing which
I have been led to believe has an inflnenoe upon the permanency of
the print, aad one wUeh I do not remember to have either read or
beanl mentioned. Let me ay, however, that I do not advance it as
a universal eaaa of fading, but a one of the ways in which an
explanation aay be given of the wonderfully contradictory behaviour
of prints from tae aaae batch, made in the ame manner.
Every one who kas tried silver printing is aware that even the
sumaafal toning of the print cannot be aoeomplished if then is free
nitrato ct aQvw left in itj but that the aid salt must be washed away
bef on the print is risked in the gold bath. Neglect of this means red
pateha aad alnaka, altamatiag with ashy blue tints and mealiness
over tke oatin prist, aad often tima precipitation of the ^Id in the
bath, aad eoBseqaaatatoppage of the toning action. Rut this is not all.
The proper forming or ue image on a rilver print demands the
kannomoaa chemical action of three distinct compounds of silver:
the first, chloride of silver: the second, the organic colorific com-
pooad ot aUraaea aad nitrate of silver ; and th)- third, free nitrate of
ailver in exoaa. Wken a print in taken from the frame and washed,
-<la Aoride and a certain portion of the darkened organic compound
i&ain unaffected, while the fra nitrate, and in all probability a con-
ridarable amount of tke orgamc'eonrpouDd, are washed away. Now,
tke point I deein to ask your eonsidantion of is, whether the too
coapkie reawval of this organic compound, in the washing before
toning, may not injun the etability of the print bv robUng it unduly
of oae of its important component parts before tne gold nas bad aa
r>rtunity of aepoeitiag upon it and ensuring ita permanent abode in
print. The obieetion mar be raised that the hypoeolnhite would
remove it in the ubig, bat if the gold is vrell depoaitea upon it it
i weuU remain.
2-16
THE BKITISII JODRNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[April 15, 1892
I am awmre that this idea may seem far-fetched, but we can find
anakwiea to it in several departments of photopraphic chemutn'.
Take, for instance, the manufacture of washed collodio-bromido
pellicle. Here the bromide of silver is formed in the collodion by
«ddinK nitrate of silver to collodion containing a soluble bromide.
In order to get rid of tlie lye salts which come from the double de-
composition between the bromide and the nitrate, the emulsion, after
aetting, is washed in water to remove them. But it sometimes happens
that Uie pyroxyline is of a variety that will not bear the washing
without parting with an organic compound between the silver and
the pyroxyline, which seems to form during the ripening of the
emulsion. When such is the case, the resulting pellicle gives thin,
foggy negatives, and is in every way unsatisfactory.
It was long ago discovered that nitrate of silver reacts with such
substances as albumen and gelatine (less so with pyroxyline), entering
into combination with them ; and, as I liave already said, the albumen
compound is the important colorific substance of the silver print.
Another fact that seems to help in bearing out my idea is, that prints
from which all traces of silver are thoroughly eliminated, as, for
instance, by prolonged boiling in some chlorinous solution, refuse to
tone.
We are therefore driven to the conclusion that prints must contain
an appreciable quantity of silver in order to take the gold properly
during the toning; but, on the other hand, we know that an excess
of the silver is incompatible with good toning, as I have already
remarked. It may, then, be fairiy asked how long the prints ought
to be washed before the toning, and the answer to this question can
be found only in practical experience. A batch of, say, 160 8x5
inch prints put into one of the largest porcelain pans obtainable at
the stock dealers, and set under an ordinary dark-room tap, would
contain a largo amount of free silver after half an hour's washing,
while a dozen prints of the same size would probably be ready to tone
after ten minutes' immersion, or less.
But another objection may be raised. The question will be asked
why some prmts from every hatch fade in a comparatively short
time, while the rest remain white for years and years. Now, to
answer this, I must ask you to remember that, excellent as our com-
mercial brands of albumenised paper are, it is, nevertheless, an
impossibility to coat sheets with albumen so evenly that it shall be of
just the same thickness or body at every part of the sheet. The
behaviour of the prints, both during the printing and after they are
finally dried, proves this. Every practical printer knows the value of
the thick ends of the sheet, and, if he is a careful workman, reserves
them for the most difficult subjects. Prints made on these " thick
ends" will curl in a refractory manner when dried, owing to the
heavy body of albumen on the paper, while those made on the more
central portions of the sheet remain flat.
Kemembering this, is it not fair to assume that prints, even when
made from the same sheet of paper, will not part with the organic
silver compound equally when washed before toning, owing to the
variable thickness of the albumen, and will thus present to the gold a
variable quantity of the important organic constituent ?
Before proceeding further, let me say tliat I hope this theory is not
a tenable one, for, if true, I do not see how things could ever be
improved or rectified. I am afraid, however, that there is some truth
in it. The fact that prints toned in the chloride of lime toning bath,
without any washing whatever to remove the silver after coming from
the frame, last fully as well as others made in the usual way (better,
indeed, in some cases), is another item in support of the view I
advance.
An enumeration of all the possible causes of the fading of silver
prints would be indeed lengthy ; but I wish to direct attention to the
want of reliability of a mountant which, until very recently, I had
always considered quite safe, and have myself largely used. I refer
to gelatine, either when dissolved in water alone, or in water with
alcohol added to prevent cockling of the mount — not only as a
mouijtant in the usual sense, but also, I regret to say, as a material
for cementing prints to glass, or as a sizing. My attention was first
directed to this by an able editorial in The Bhitish Journal op
Photogbaphy, in which the statement was made that there had
been complaints made of the beautiful " cemented prints " fading in a
«urprisingly short time. I had scarcely read this article when I
became aware that a handsome frame full of cemented prints owned
by this Society showed unmistakable signs of fading, and when I
last saw them they were in very bad case. Prints of my own, made
with the greatest care and best obtainable material, have behaved in
the same manner. I am also informed by one of Philadelphia's oldest
and most learned photographers that a particular style of print in
which he used gelatine in one of the finishing processes has not
laated as well as he might have expected after the great care expended
apon them : and the same gentleman strongly condemned the mount-
ing of prints on cards with gelatine in any form, preferring starch. My
own experience goes to tne support of this statement in the most
positive manner. Prints that I have had by me for more than twenty
years, and mounted with starch, have lasted well, while almost every
gelatine-mounted print in my possession has faded more or less,
according to its ago. I am the better prepared to say this from the
fact that I have within a few days carefully examined the contents of
a portfolio that had been laid away for many years.
If I were asked what are the important matters to care for in
printing, as regards permanency, I should reply : A good albumenised
pnpev, free from smell,woTked in as strong a silver bath as the suiting
of the paper would allow, toned rather rapidly after the minimum of
washing, and, if necessary, adding common salt liberally to the toning
bath to make up for it ; to wash off the gold thoroughly before fixing,
and to have the fixing bath strong and lukewarm to the finger ; to
vyork the prints about thoroughly during the fixing and the first
rinses after fixing ; to wash them in rapid changes of water; to avoiii
gelatine as a mountant, and, finally, to rub in wax after rolling, the
best means being to reduce pure white wax to the consistency of soft
butter with turpentine and a little oil of lavender. I prefer this to
the ordinary burnisher. Eixsbslik Wallacm.
THE EAHLY DAYS OF ANIMAL PHOTOGEAPHY.
(JOUBNAL OP THE CaMEBA ClCB.)
The slides which are presently to be brought before you on the screen
are some of the results of the first photographs of wild and other animals
taken systematically, many of them dating from the yeir lSC,i, and I
think you may be interested if I say a few words about the early days cf
animal photography.
Wishing to try to produce a series of photographs of wild animals, I
endeavoured to learn what had been previously accomplished in this
direction, and could not find that any such work had been carried out by
anybody in any country ; the only person I could hear of as having done
anything at all in this branch of photography was the late Count de
Montazon, who had taken some negatives at the Zoological Gardens.
Having received, through Dr. Sclater, the requisite permission to instal
myself at the Gardens, and finding I could reckon upon the able assist-
ance of Mr. Bartlett, so many years the Superintendent, I began with a
few trials, which gave sufficiently good results to show me that I was not
undertaking too much, and also taught me that it was necessary to
proceed methodically, if any work of use was to result. I decided that
to be of any value for publication, nothing would be as interesting and
useful as stereoscopic pictures : firstly, because only in the stereoscope
can the real form of an animal be seen — no single picture will show any
thing approaching 'he beautiful effect thus obtained, not even on the
screen ; secondly, it was only this way the animals could be seen away
from the bars, behind which, it was certain, the greater number would
be taken, as in those days they were not the open dens and roomy spaces
of later years. As there is at present a revival of stereoscopic photo-
graphy, may I, as having seen the flow, high tide, and dead— very dead
low water of stereoscopic work, here speak of what, in my opinion, caused
such a complete stoppage of this beautiful and valuable branch of photo-
graphy, that to-day many grown and educated persons have never seen a
stereoscopic picture. One cause was the fatal error, I believe of French
origin, of making the pictures too large (it must be understood I am only
referring to the lenticular instrument), and, therefore, mounting the same
points of the pictures at such a distance apart that the normal pair of
eyes could not combine them. Other causes also had much to do with
driving it out of fashion. The unnecessarily high magnifying power and
inferior quality of the lenses, which strained the eyes, the incorrect way
the instruments were made, the great difficulty in illuminating the
pictures when being examined, and carelessness in not reversing the
prints when mounting them, or even sending them out with both prints
alike. In these days of " You push the button, and we do the rest," the
public soon tires of anything that is troublesome to work. I know only
one really good instrument, and this was invented by an uncle of a
member of your Club, and was the outcome of an accident. Beturning
to our subject, the next step was the question of the size of plate. It was
then usual to use patent plate glass : this was settled to be TJ x 4^ inches
as giving plenty of space for the size required, and allowing draining
room for the silver solution. The late Mr. Dallmeyer advised me to use
portrait lenses, and those selected were his No. 1 b long focus, and were
carefully paired. In 1891 you have a variety of lenses to choose from,
of almost every conceivable type ; yet I think, were I now going to take
more of these photographs, I should prefer the kind I used in 1861. I
▲lira 15, 18B9j
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
247
do not wmat wlM itfth ol femw, tnt p«e(«r • ten* which I can om
at a yity kiga ^m<uh, which givw tt» tiM Nibjaet oeeedingljr sharp,
and Um ntntMiidiiiga tathtr oat of foeoa. To« will preaantly aae that I
ea«U sol alw^ya do what I waDtod. I maaOj lued what waa then known
aa Slay Na S, mmI aMMadniaa Mo. 3. I oaaoot tall 70a the diameter in
fooal oMaaoMBMali. Ot eoaiae, tba only method ol woriciag in thoM
I ivs waa wat eoUodien. and Toangar pbotogmphan can ba«a vaiy Uttla
: i->a what it oMant to mn an animal aboat ia ita aoeloeim on a bioiliag
hot day, «nd«awwrintt to tii« him oat ; ^mo nuh off, that yonraaU np
in a eloaa taot to pnpai« yonr piata, eoafui^ oot with eyea wataring from
th« ether yfoat. to find your ibjaat labaAad bjr the intarral of mat,
and haring to noinmewoa dt aoao, kaomag your plate (was i^idly
tpeOinc. Jaat oonpara tUa with tba famaal dxy-pUto working ; ao raoh
Ihinga aa dry plataa, ofUwahiMMtia or eUMrwiie, wen then known, no
dereloping at boma iriieaaTcc yoa Tliked, and none of the many Taluable
improrementa and inTantiflaa wfaieb an to-day at your eommand. The
•xpoaing of the pUta waa deoa withoot a^y of the elaborate parapharoaha
at praaent 10 mnob in vogoe— ao ihutlMa of one-hundredth or fiva-
bondredth of a aaoand, tb«y woold not haf* baaa ot moch oaa ; no iadia-
mhh*r balla aad tabaa, dalieata paaaamiia bcakea, piitona, or roller
My the awaet aimplictity of a Ba^ ahattar, morad by the thnmba
-.by whioh aa expoaore of a foartar to a fifth, of a aeeoad
. I had DO finder /aad in tboaa days the fflfnimiwu glan
.'load to the eamera, bat had to be rsmorad to allow the
■uik ni.de to taita ita ptaea. Of eooraa, tha eaaaera waa mooatod on a
tripod ; a hand aamata waa not aaad, lor tha axoellent reason tliat the
inatmmant bad Bot tbao arrived at that -*-i|r of progieeaiTe da««iapa«aL
Kaay of tbaaa plataa wma kept «<rar balf aa hoar in tha hot opaa air.
The work eoold only be attempted eo tdgbt, alaar'days, and I eoold not
do that whieh baa been ao stroni^'newiaawdaJ sipaau alwaya withoot
•aashioe. I do aol Ilka tha prinripla of kog «zpesaree tor aaimals, as I
bare BOMV seao ten fviet for ooe aaeood ia a poaiiion I aboold can to
take : neither do tha Tary "nftd apMona'of other workan plaast am.
I see little atiliiy in taUng aaimab la matiaa. aaleaa lor aaah aipaii-
'r-nn as tboaa so eUbetaMy aad eihamllTaly earned ont by Maybridge
othan ; bat I like to sea a UTsly, height look abooi an animal, with
■ '-' ^iUeotieaattnatadoramated. Thia brlagi n>a aatarally to the coo-
«lu<iingpa(lisafl<aiynaHiliathiB«taaia|- What «lioald be the poaitioa
of tha aaimaia, arttlad ia agr miad aa tba beat, ia wliieh I sboold an-
to f hnlap^h tham f I am wall awan very iMMb baa bean mid
tad iliiahaia an Ibia aabiael, aad parbapa maay piaaaat will aot
with tba view I am goiag to speak aboot Howmr, whaa tbaaa
pbotognpha wma tafcaa. vmy maay of tba beat kaown aamm aa photo-
paphie wwkan at priiint wars perhaps tbfaUiag mora aboat toffee aad
lopa tbaa of phologmpKy, aad I bad the great adTsat^a of aot baTi^ to
wbara doetflca diOar. I eoaaladod. Ibeo. that Jtba best positaoa.
«a|y eoa was wanted or eoald ba takao. was alwv*fa proOIa ; aiid
on I ssa of later work, aad tba mora I abasria '-'-'-'- tba aon
I am of the eometaass ot my 4atarmiwatioti nadar tba abore
Xa tbia I am IbMOOghly baAe4 by a gwtliiuau, whooe aognaintanee I
ha»a only mada witbia the last law wiihi, who Macs to bear upoo bia
•piniid photapapha of boms aad otbar animate aa naiirallad kaow-
ladga of bntastlMli. battag hr many yean atafiad and piaatisad. aot ealy
M a isflimy smaoa. bat alao aa a boraa-braakar, tamer, and dsalac.
Bia booka oa beram ma/ ba kaown to ame of yon— I nter to Obtain
M. B. Hi^yaa. I bare aot tha hoooor of being ia %aj wuy eonaaelad with
Ihh TT gmial and mniliit phntngraphar anil taiiilawaii I made bia
■aiaaiiitaniii after bearing hh laetaw oa botaaaattba Mytaobaia, aad,
b aoBvenatioa with him abort|y baton ha sailad tor Bonth Afiiaa, be
laremarkahoatpoailjoa laoaghtooaaiwiTaL Said be. " How do
I piaee a horse or a dog if yoa want to look at him with tba idea ot
ta^yiag or aeUing ? Why. ia proila, aod in ao otbar way ; aad.
I ymi baea bad a gMd ptotta Ti«w. yoa walk naad him and look at
' Ba tartbar aaya, tbma U ao other poaitioa ia iHriah a«y eaaa-
of aay vaioa aaa ba made balweaa rf^lar aaiamiai Haviag
pmOk, tham aaa ba do poaribia ibjirtaa to plMtagrapbing
ia Ian dstoila. >em tha maiato to tha lip of tha tail : ita
hataa. ^jna. aan, the tkoat. haak. or aar othm view, and
r af tbsto woold ba of peat eaiaiL I am aot goiag to abo« yoa aU
; I bad ao Aanii c< batagaMa to do sa Having ao pndaaaaaors
work. I had aothiac to iadiaata to ma tba aafa nad, neither
I to warn ma a( tha potato I aboold aroid. I was obligod to teal
•7 vary aaattoaa^, aad try to work op to a aartaia atandard Aaad
a groat lova of aaimala aad a aligiit knewladga of
to aaalat me. aad I maat ask yea aot to jodfa by tha
1 tha work of the aadisol days of aaimal photflgnpfagr. I
«y miad.1
meatioa that many of the slides were made twenty-six years ago. As the
photographs are shown, I will say a few words about any that I think
will interest yon, and shall be pleased to reply, to the best ot my ability,
to any questions any one present may wish to ask. Frask Haxs.
[The slides shown included photographs of seventy-fire animals, inostly
wild ones, and a few reptile" ; amoni; them — Jumbo in his youth, his
friend Alice, wlio was bamt in the United States, the zebra that Bar«y
tamed pro Um,, the first zebra foal born in England and its- dam.
Winners ot races: Caractacos, Diophantus, Favonius, and Hannah.
A slide of the dromedary standing at rest, to show that the natural
position oftthe legs is the same as that shown by the horse, zebra, ante-
lope, or rhinooaros. A portrait ot the aye-aye of Madagascar, the first
eoe seen in Eorope, sad also^one of tha sable antelope, known prerioasly
by akin and horns only.]
e
DEVELOPMENT OF INSUFFICIESTLY PBrNTED PROOFS OF
CELLOIDIN. OBERNETTER. ARISTO, MIGXON, AND SliH-
LABLT PBEPABSD PAPERS.
[Pki>(o./r«|ikiKk« OtrrmpvKimu.'i
Or all direct printing papers the so-called gehitino-chloride and coUodio-
chloride ot silver papen an thoae which are the most sensitive, they
printiag in one-half aad owe third the time of sensitised albnmenised
paper. Tet it may ba imlialilu to atill ahortan the time required tor
pnntiag theee papero, sspsaially oa fagnr winter d^ys, not lonng sight,
however, ot the laet that an^ nsoit, to be of any praotical value what-
ever, BMist bear eempariaaa m tone aad general tiwhnees with the beat of
ailvar piinta.
Of liia adrantages of employing a good developer for bringing oat
msoAoisatiy nrinted proofe then an many. 1. The time used for
priatmg amy be ahortaaed to a qaarter, or even one-fifth, of that necee-
sary to give InUy printed prooEs. 2. When daylight is not readily
obtatoahia, it ia pnawhle with artificial light, aadi aa that produced from
magaaaiam powdar, to pradaoa printa of a beautitnl warm colour, a. It
ia aooriUa tj thia proesm to obtain tonm whioh tuUy printed ptxmle,
withoot deiiitupiuaiil, ean never give. 4. Finished prints of an agreeable
toaa may ha wad^maiaiii from inaafiUantly printed proofs showing
tbaai^MirthiiHMaa ol a aietmaonly, aa well as from tliose which
have baaa almeat faBy priatad oot
Bnarimente for obtaiaiag a developer aoitabla for papen ordinarily
led for printiagoot tlMta base been bat tew, and theee have baoi reetrioted
to tba emplfliymeat of gaUie aeid. Formula ot this dsscriptioa have
bean pabtUied br lieaagang* (gallia acid, tannin, aoeUto of aoda. and
water). Lebadsiasky.t Legraa,; and others.
Der Amattar Pkotographt nporta a similar process, recommending as
a davolopar a oonaantiatuJ aolntioa of galUo aoid, nentraUsed with
olpetaMlnm. AH them baths act after the manner ot the
known for the laat thirty yaan tor making enlarge-
. gallle acid an axon at lam liable to turn bsd ;
tb^y often pvodnea en tba printa a mnddy dapbalt. aad cannot be
saeeaaafoUy naad for all branda of n^>er alika. Often also I obtained
on p^an elhsrwisa aailabto toaaa whioh did not aatiaty me. For these
naaona I tommsaiid to kak aboat for a developer not liable to tfaeee
deleda. whieh wonU hasp at laaat tor some d^ys, and suit most of fte
brands of printing-oot papen at preeent othnd to the trade. My ex-
perimeato have been mede oa the eelloidin paper manntactnied by Dr.
Knrx of Wernlgaula. Obamettar p^ar, rai|pMn paper by E. Iltichfer of
Mannheim. " Papier an aitrato d'argant," by Lomitee, and aristo paper
ot an anknownmaka.
At fln* I triad alkaUna developers, but theee proved totally onfit. they
pfodaeiag total redaetian of the silver all over the paper, even if very
strooi^ dilated. Aa ateeptioa to this waa the hydroqoiaooe soda
dovalopar of Baron von HSbl, reeom mended for his ooUodioo emulsion
dr^ putae.11 Mixed with a soffloient qnantity of bromi(h< of potassium,
tins developer gave, on Dr. Korx's eelloidin paper, fairly good results.
Coviaa, bowaver, abowing, to eommenoe with, a very fdint impression
oay. oooM aot ba davabpad withoot a mnddy depoeit msking ita
• Pkstwrepk. irdL, ret. ssxUL. psc* ».
t »si»*ii«|><s Psywrm giliH^mei(i >M»li|f»sn.— Wsisobea.mOL
" * ' .«*..«,.««..«..M.M«,.^..,,„,.,«.., 1000 partL
_»._...._..„._..^M_.„„ 4 „
i»ii^»»a(«o4»_.._!.!!l^"TZ" ZJ ~™""'"r~"' "' SO "
Moistimof iiitntaariwdVi'le)"....!™ Z~.'.^.J.'.'.'Z'Z'~. U-90 Z
To W aitOTwl (wUI k—f sboot siakt 4ant.
t BmtUUm it U aaoMt Fi imiiJii UntttmntkU, UBl, Die* UL
I A.1Wa 40pu1s.
SrSrSSLiii;;::;;; r"rz:r:::z:;z-.;: ^ ::
Wstw ____ _„._ .„_ „ SOO J
B. g/llrnselsms „^ , „ -.„. lOpwU.
Ita parti sf A ae atosi wllk he* tk'n X> fear parts a( B, and Ailntat wi^U
forty part* of wetar.
248
THE BRmSH JOUENAL OF PHOTOGKA.PHVr.
[April 16, 1892
I theratoN eommenoed experimenting with acid developers, starting,
n the first iriaee, with Baron von Hiibl's hydroquinone intensifier for
ooUodion plates. It eonsists of a solution of silver, and a solation of
hydroquinone, five parts ; water, 500 parts ; and citric acid, 2-5 parts,
the latter solation acting on ccUoidin paper by itself as a developer.
Further experiments showod the advantage of an addition of sulphite
soda, and were the foundation for the following formula for developing
insnffieiently printed proofs on celloidin and aristo papers : —
A. Hydroquinone 10 parts.
Alcohol - 100 ..
B. Sulphite of soda 100 parts.
Water 600 „
Citric acid ; 6 >.
Fifty parts of A are mixed with fifty parts of B, and then diluted
with 1000 parts of water.
This developer acts clearly and clean, but slow. The violet tone of
the faint impression takes a yellow-brown colour, and the development
is finished in from ten to fifteen minutes. The prints are washed for a
short time in water to free them from any adherent developing solution,
and are then transferred to the toning and fixing bath.
The formula for the latter is the same as that recommended by
Lmniiire for his " Papier au citrate d'argent," and consists of —
Water 500 parts.
Hyposulphite of soda 200 „
Solphocyanide of ammonium 25 „
Altun 30 „
Solution of acetate of lead (1 : 10) 40 „
This mixture is warmed on a water or sand bath to about 140° Fahr.,
when the sediment will very quickly settle. It is then filtered, and one
hundred parts of it are mixed with fifty parts of water and ten parts of a
one per cent, solution of chloride of gold. The prints take in this solution
first a yellow colour, and go then over to a reddish brown, and at last
take a beautiful, deep, purple tone.
Toning and fixing are finished in about ten minutes. The prints are
then washed in running water, and will, after drying, show no change of
tone. If, in the foregoing formula, " brenccatechin " is substituted for
hydroquinone, there results a developer with good keeping qualities,
working, however, very slowly, and giving tones of a more pronounced
violet colour. Although both these developers gave very good results on
most of the above-named papers, they yet do not answer for all makes.
I therefore made further experiments with other developing agents,
resulting in a formula suiting alike all known brands : —
Water 1000 parts.
Sulphite of soda 100 „
Pyrogallic acid 10 „
Citric aoid 11 „
The ingredients are dissolved in their proper turn, and the resulting
clear and almost colourless liquid is used without further dilution. The
citric acid acts here, as in all other developers, as a restrainer, and keeps
the prints clear. In most oases development is finished in a few minutes,
and the well-washed prints take in the foregoing toning and fixing bath
agreeably warm tones, from a rich brown to a purplish black.
The celloidin paper of Dr. Kurz is put into the developing bath without
any preliminary washing. The prints will develop quickly, clear, and
bright, however faint the impression may have been. The tone will
change from a reddish violet to yellowish red, and then to a yellowish
brown. After development, the prints are washed for some minutes, and
hen put into the toning and fixing bath, where they remain until the
wished-for tone is obtained.
Biihler's mignon paper, Obernetter paper, aristo paper, and Lumiere's
" Papier an citrate d'argent," receive before development a preliminary
washing ; they are then treated in the manner already described, and,
the mignon paper especially, will give warm, rich tones. The latter
brand, however, has to be treated with considerable care, owing to its
partiality for air bubbles.
With all these papers artificial light may be used in printing, and from
two to three grammes magnesium powder burnt in any suitable lamp, at
a distance of forty centimetres, should prove sufficient.
The above methods are equally well suited to the production of pictures
on glass and opals, which carriers are generally coated with similar
emulsions for printing-out purposes. E. Valenta.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND PHOTO-MECHANICAL PRINTING.*
WOODBCKT PKrailNG.
The next process to which we would direct your attention is the one
known as the Woodbury process. This was discovered, perfected, and
ied out on a large scale by Mr. W. B. Woodbury.
The principle of the process is to obtain a metal mould carrying the
p ctnre upon it. Into this is poured a gelatinous ink made of lampblack
and gelatine (the pigment that is used for the colour can, of course, be
* Conlinncd from page 2M.
varied). This, when warm, and in a liquid state, flows into all the
hollows and gradations of the mould, and a piece of perfectly smooth
paper, which has been previously waterproofed with shellac, is then
placed on this liquid ink, and, after the superfluous ink is squeezed out
by means of a perfectly level piece of plate glass being placed upon the
top of the mould, the ink is allowed to set. The paper can then be
peeled off, and the picture will be found adhering to the paper, its effect
of light and shade being caused by the different thicknesses of the
gelatinous ink which has been picked out of the mould : that is, if you
were to take this picture when wet, and look at it edgeways, you would
find that it is in relief. Where the mould was highest, and the ink
squeezed away, you would get the high lights ; where deepest, or
hollow, giving the deep shadows. The picture thus obtained is now put
into a solution of alum, in order to render the gelatine image insoluble in
water. So much for the general principle of Woodbury type. We will now
show you how you can work the process yourselves.
The first thing is to obtain a relief, and to get this you dissolve about
four parts of easily soluble gelatine and two parts of lump sugar in fifteen
parts of warm water ; into this solution about one part of bichromate of
potash is added ; the solution is then strained through muslin, and poured
upon [a waxed glass plate, which has been ' accurately levelled, the warm
gelatine spreads itsflf over the plate, forming a pretty thick gelatine layer,
which in the course of a few days will dry, forming a uniform sheet, or
can be dried quicker by the use of a chloride of calcium oven, and the film
presents this appearance when dry. You have now a film which is sensi-
tive to light, and this is exposed under a negative in a strong light, pro-
bably requiring about two hours or so in such light as we have in the
middle of the day ; after the exposure the film is taken out and allowed
to soak in hot water. The parts of the film which have been affected by
the light are insoluble, owing to the oxidising action of the light upon
the sensitised gelatine, as previously explained to you ; where it has been
protected by the different shades in the negative, it will be soluble and
insoluble according to the amount of light which has penetrated through
to it. When the washing is finished, and the film is dry, we have a film
in relief similar to the one which we now hold up, and it is from this basis
that all the blocks are obtained which we use in Woodbury printing.
This gelatine relief is very hard, and will stand an enormous amount of
pressure, being absolutely incompressible. You will see, if you look
carefully at it, that it carries the picture in different gradations and thick-
nesses of gelatine, and, if you pass your hand over it, you will find that it
is all up and down.
We now proceed to make the printing blocks. The relief is placed
upon a steel bed, such as we have here, round which there are fixed pro-
jecting edges (these edges prevent the lead spreading sideways under the
pressure of the hydraulic press). The relief, together with a sheet of
lead about a quarter of au inch thick, is now laid upon the steel bed and
put into the hydraulic press, and a pressure given to the whole ranging
from 200 to 500 tons. When taken out, you find that the lead has been
pressed into the relief, and carries the image upon its surface, only, of
course, the exact reverse to that of the relief. Here is a block which has
been pressed in this way ; here is a relief from which it was taken. We
will now pull a print from a similar block to this which we have already
fitted up in the press, so that you may see practically how the results of
this beautiful process are obtained.
There are several new developments and branches of this process, such
as the stannotype and other methods; but, as they are comparatively
unimportant, we will not go into this matter now. The Woodbury prin-
ciple of raised relief is used by Boussod & Valladon, of Paris, for making
some of their beautiful photogravure plates ; but, of course, in this
instance, the relief has to carry a grain, and an electrotype is made from
the grained relief, which is afterwards carefully finished by hand.
Collotype.
We have now to endeavour to explain to you the working of one of the
most useful processes ot photo-mechanical printing, and one which,
perhaps, boasts of a greater variety of names than any other modern
process. It is generally known by the name of collotype ; the Germans
call it " Lichtdruck," the French " phototypie," the Americans " photo-
type," and we English have given it the titles of " photo-print," " helio-
type," "autotype," " photo-phane," " photo-mezzotype," " graphotone,"
&o. The basis of the process is the action of light on compounds of
gelatine with bichromate of potash, and in principle it is closely allied to
the process we have described to you of photo-lithography, only in this
case, not only lines, but all the tones of a photograph from nature can
be reproduced ; and, as a matter of fact, when prints produced by the
collotype process are printed on glazed paper with a suitable ink, there is
scarcely any perceptible difference between them and ordinary photo-
April 15, lees]
THE BRITWH JOURNAL OP PHOTOORAPH i'.
S40
, : ! h». Of ftll photo-mechmical printing proeenM eoUotype is tiie
-• ,_.f,,i and popolar ; the rngtHtj bj which tba prints eui be pro-
ier then •amadiiaglr eba^ and it U larfftly employed for
'' ■■ ^••H ■■ MlhUs |Mii|iiwei
i<!«:ribe the pneeM m it is genarmlly worked in this eonntry,
_: :;.: virds try to show yon how the pUte« are printed.
The bMis or principle is, ss we hmre s^d, the well-known action of light
on biehroouted gelatine, and we have already told you that if a film of
eeiatine and bichromate is exposed nadar a negaUve, then wmsfaed and
dried, it wiU, when treated like a Utbogi^ie stone, abaorb water where
the fihn has been protested by the dense parts of the negative, and refuse
RTsasy ink ; whilst, in the places where light has obuuned aeeeaa to the
plate throogh the eiaar parts of the nagatlTe. it will refnse water and take
ink. A eollolype plate wiU not only take ink where abeolntely clear gU-*
oeeors ia the ncgatire. bat it will take the ink in the half-tones in exact
;.Tadatiaaa eoriesponding to the amonnt of light p— ing through the
negative. Varioos tntiteiiees are need to snpport the film of gelatine
lannir the printing, «Meh, we may ai^, is precisely the same as lor
. and. in taet, lithograpU* atooee were osed at first as a
PT-r plates also hare been employed, but now we beliere that
'ass, aboat half an inch thiek and ground on the snrfkee,
Jopted. P»rL L. Watebiow.
_ J- V. OtsDma.
(Ik W tmtimmti.)
OPTICAL PROJECTION.
Isaann and pririkg* of -jtnrMJiM tba danon-
fnftitatioD.TebfiiiiT M, bad aot oalr m tiaat,
Ut aa Mosou. I),»S| Salomons nndertook tbe
dual r* of 1« . „, Md assayed what I aboold
think was aaaiqae u v.*.. to abow, in the short space of
ooe hour, pv^MttOB- ordiaarT' op****! lantern, inclndiiw
chamital ajf^mtma;^ also microaeapH projactioos with rarioos
powaaa and iHiwwt Mb-atam eoadsaaata and ■rreasiiiiaa, tba pokri-
•rope, speetiuB aa^jTiia, and a saw form of apparatus for projaetin*
rpanua objaete on tba seraen. "^ j— -b
liowjitteay It w»» an petformad eaa aeareelT be laaiiaed br tboaa
njt fiasnl, -b«t atMse fsaaial rlmciiptiw «( tha'apparatas and poiats
of aovelty MWrU int JqiM. Tba i«bt aaaployed was an aCetarie
areUna«DpMtrMitbalHUllatioa Ittad up at the InsUtntka.
and adapted to tbateMara bjr maaoa of an adjiuuble support for
•Wuif or otbarwiaa eeotat&r tba light fhm below tba Wtem.
Tbe laatera body waa erliadikal ia litapa, aad ao attaehad to tba
ipporu that it aoold ba laTohad and sloapad at aar dMtrable
jeUion^ This parmHted of tbrsa opdeal syatoma baia* ahamateiy
'"'lJ2!l^?^*'*^*?f ttoa. for sprtag eatflkaa daMtadtba poaitioi
>r tna optical axH with tba light.
«wbolibiMf«owplatalyMdafeiitfoL Switcbaafartba canwit
^«aeoDT<rtlly phMd. aad aa alaetifaal giow hmf, aappottad oo
"JI^lTS^i-S^ (automatic U paUey Mad eoaatf^oJTweigbt).
•ppliad tba light iHBiary for rafaiaaee to notea ur for pmarinfftlw
pwitOB for tba naxt axpaiiaaat. Tbia. in like OMUian!^oouid ba
wttcbadoaorofl,BadtbiapietHitadtbalsctui«rbaTinctoseek tba
^a-taaee of tba attaadut for " liffbte na." An opticalVaatar of an
mprored form waa osad, flttad wfib a fimalight fiooi a eompiaased
-CThnder, and haria* a eat-off anaMoient. This paimittad a
ittsd aperture, in tbe sbapa of aa aR«ii7baii« iUomiaatad aad pra-
^ to av porttoo of tba senaa. tba stand baiw ftttod ifith
"';*^..'y«S*.^^ or gboit-lika anow iadkaSng tba euct
pot tba leetarer daaiiad to call attatka to.
TbeMmaBoM ud matt of tbamarataa wan hapwriiiaim or
TelnmiBts of tbose adroeatod &r 3Ir. Lewis Wnlrbt, and «r
.nd Ksva daa eradit to tbU painsiakiaf worker. It must, bowerar,
' ' *?* marrallous adTaacwlaTa beea made on aartbimr
-7- — ^ ~- __.. x<« aiH« oil aoTtbiag
ubiuhrd or shown, and tba eoavaaisaca of tbaairamrf
—'■H that etwjr fscility waa afloidad for •bowityTaU
na of liirht,
v>f.-«tage iUnminaticM bad baaa asbaaatiTOlT (nrne
^forob|aedvaa^aad it waa ftand ia inetice
1 soma if .nilly (rood eyapiaeas, jmra aU tbe
-cnaetad table micrnsmpa oHaalifaB far
p^n meas.
pariMMa that tba ampUSen an not
oattar bow perfectly tba objartivaa
.u:d wiia a thsvt u> projection, and tbns ba waa aUa to
»how objecte enlarged to 4600 dUmeters with mlendid definition,
by using suitable eyepieces, with the ordinary iK)wei-s.
The matrnjfication on the screen repreeented an enlargement equal
to about twenty times that produced in the table microscope usuaUy
1 hu result is a great boon to microscopists who already possess a good
instrument, as they will be able to adapt their obfectives and eye-
pieces to a suitable mount for projection purposes. They will, in all
probahihty, have to add to their eyepieces some lower powers, so as to
get the necessary range of magiiificRtion (both low and high).
The microecope need the other evening was very ingeniously sup-
ported by bars and frame, having wire stays to the top of the lantern
and thus was very firm and steady. AU t&e objectives, eyepieces, and
co^nsers ooold be changed instantly. I never saw apparatus so
mpidly manipulated, and at the same time so satisfactory, even to the
hypercnucal, if such were preeent. In the case of the polariscope
large pnsms used for polariser and convenient arrangement for illus-
trating the various phenomena of nolarised light made this little-
known subject both interesting and beautiful, and when it was
demonstrated to the audience that a bi-axial crystal, on being heated
to a cerum degree, became a unl-axial crystal, and, on cooling again, a
bi-axial (hot at right angles to the original), it was felt the w?e«rf«
rttxttaiK* had been shown.
-Vs regards spectrum analyns, most of the well-known points were
shown b>- interposing certain colouia singly and in combination, and
J „l- ,*\ HF''.*. T" ™^* "P of coloured ravs, by means of a
good white light slide. In showing the ordinar>- Optical proieotion
front, opportumty was afforded of seeing the chemical experiment of
daoompoaitioa of water in making hydrogen and oxygen gasee simul-
tonaoualy. aad by means of an inverting priam, pUced in front of the
lantern, the tnbea were seen tbe ririit way up, and consequently the
bubbles of gs. aacending. The Tecturer was also aW? to project
photographs of the lantern and apparatus, and the electric light
amagements on the screen, as well as illustrate the many uses
elactncity had been applied to in hia own case for domestic and
nsaf nl porpoaee.
The new appwatus for showing opaque objects, which the lecturer
eaUi5d,as he explained, for the want of a belter name, the "Solido-
scope, w a distinct departure, and a moat succeasful one. An oblong,
wrtangtOar box is arranged with an apertnie at each end at the
heigbt of tbe lantern front, and arranged inaida are two total reflec-
tion pnama-^ma to raeaive the light and send it down on to the
object, plaead on an adjosuhle snpport; and the other to reflect
I *■ r!Li*?^' '''*' •*'"- "•'■'nified by a small photographic
tens, niaeed in tbe right position between the object and that (the
second) pnsm. Objecte such as Barton's button— a verv fine spa-
amen, br the bye— coins, and the works of a watoh were moat
cleariv shown.
Alf the apparatoa was of the highest order ; »nd, technically, aa
perfect as poMible; but. from Sir David Salomon/exhaustive experi-
ments. It IS, I think, evident that it will be possible to place in the
bands of saenea teacbars, and all intereated in optical projections,
apparatua of^a much aimplar kind, capable of illustrating the pheno-
maiia of hgbt. by practically utilising tbe result of his research and
f'*?Zl? •*?? *" "wxiifications of apparatus in existence. This,
Bowarsr, could not bava been if so mnch time and money had not
bean spent to abow what was necessary and what was poasible of
aehMTemant in tba way of opUcal projection by well-constructed
apparatus. For faiatanoa. aa in the case of tba microscope we now
know that erapiecaa an dia proper thing to lua with ordinary objeo-
Uvea, so, in like manoer, it will he found that the polariscope can be
inada with artificial priama of gbsa or ebe polariaars made of bundka
of glass, that will be an economical apparatus, giving very fair and
practical resulU when prorided with proper conveivent systems and
auitoUa means ct parallalising the lig^t. Priams are always costly,
aapaeiaUjrwhan kige, as they have to ha for projection work ; but
•mrfaca nflactors can ba obtained that for ordinsrv work form fairly
good aobautntes. This, bow«Tar,only appliea to the opaque apparatus
and rartieal atuchmenta, 4c. : for, wiStbe erecting appantus, a
prMHM|ba used, and for the snalyser of tbe polsriseope. also, a
Xi^Vfna of fair size ia neoaasary to aecnn satisfactory resaits.
Q. R. Bakkk.
-♦
PHOTOMICBOaBAPHS IN THE LANTERN.
(EUiataskn Fkotaimpbie Sodatj, BwaH.]
I nrTRW to divide my igmftt into three parts, and at times I am afraid it
will appsar rather dry work. At first I must deal with the subject of
making photo- micrographs, then I will show yon on the screen some
lasaeta and parte of inaaete that have had their photographs taken on
2oO
THE RinSH JOUilNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[AprU 16, 1892
purpose that you may see how they look when highly maRmfied, and at
the^^Ki I hope to show you some natural objects by the aid of the
microscope on the wjreen. and, should the small living things last long
enoDgh m their small glass cells, to project some of the more visibla
inneti in water, all of which I expect are well known to you, and will
"liS^SS^iliS; myself clearly understood. I shall avoid all scientific
terms, and as simply as possible describe my method of working. All
the apparatus that is necessary U the lantern microscope and a rather
long.UUows camera, and alight of some sort to illuminate the object
AH the negatives of the objects that I shall show to-night have been
made with the apparatus on the table, with the addition of the camera,
which I did not think that it was necessary to bring.
Krst. we hare to consider the light. This may be an oil or gis lamp,
or. as I have here and use myself, a limelight, which gives a very beauti-
ful clear, white, evenly illuminated disc, and very easily under control ;
it can be cut down, moved backwards and forwards-in fact, one can do
anything yon like with it, care being taken that the light is not too
powerfnJ, or it wUl so flood the object with light that the very delicate
tracery of your object will be lost. And in all your low-power work, it la
weU to use a moderator, in the form of a piece of coloured glass, now
behind the object ; but in front of the light it is necessary to place a lens,
which we mU call a condensing lens-that is, to collect the light ffom the
radiant and cone it (\ovfn on the object, so that all. or nearly all, 'he light
that you have, whether it be oil or limelight, is made to pass through the
diaphragm of your microscope stage on to and through the object. But
before it reaches the object there is a small lens called a secondary con-
denser, placed in such a position of the cone of light from the condenser
to carry it on and to the objective before the beam crosses. Now in this
beam U placed the object to be photographed, held in its position on the
stage by a pair of spring clips. Great care should be taken that the
object is clearly and evenly illuminated.
We now come to the most important part of the instrument, the
objective— that is, the lens that magnifies the image, which must be ol
different foci to suit the object. It you want to photograph a spider, you
must use a long-focus lens, that is one of a low power, about three inches,
so that the whole of the object comes in the field ; but if you wish to
photograph a very small object, such as the dust, or, properly speaking,
the feathers off a butterfly's wing, such as I shall presently show you on
the screen, it will be necessary to use a much higher power, so as to
magnify it so much that you can very easily see the beauty of the different
forms of scales. On some moths there are as many as seven distinct
scales and hairs to be found on one moth. This would require a lens
magnifjnng about 150 diameters, but the most useful ens to use is the
one-inch.
Having got to the magnifying lens, and chosen the object that we want
to photograph, yon will see that a camera of some sort is necessary, and
if one wants to be able to make pictures of any objects, such as the
bacteria— which are the smallest living objects at present known, and
they say half a million can rest on the point of a needle— to a good fat
garden spider, you must have several lenses and a camera of rather a
long extension bellows, so as to give a gOQ^ range of adjustment, for at
times one may have to close the camera up to, say, four inches, and at
another time it may want extending to nearly three feet. I have not said
anything about the body-tube and eyepiece, but these can be used, and
are absolutely necessary for some work when very great amplification is
required, such as photographing the very minute organisms I have
spoken about.
At the end of the camera, I need scarcely say, there must be a focussing
screen, which is usually of very fine ground glass. Now, for micro-
photographic work it is found better to have two movable screens, one of
fine ground glass, to focus on and arrange the object on ; then take that
away, and insert a piece of plain glass, with some very fine lines ruled on
it. Then, vnth a focussing eyepiece, one can bring up the image to a
very sharp focus.
Having got so far, we have only the dark slide holding the sensitive
plate, and make the exposure. A word or two on the plate here would,
perhaps, not be out of place ; but I must not keep you too long with dry
photographic detail. For many objects the ordinary thickly coated slow
plate does very weU ; but if the objects are stained, such as many of
the Bections of wood and pathological slides are, as I will show you,
or have very dark, yellow parts in them, i is better to use isochro-
matic plates and a yeUow screen — that is .plates that have been rendered
sensitive to certain colours of the spectrum and give truer rendering
in monochrome. You can buy them already prepared, or you may
prepare them yourself : but, now the Uford Plate Company have put
them on the market at 1«. 6d. per dozen, it would be much cheaper
to buy them.
I forgot to say somewhere in front of the light should be placed a
trough containing a solution of alum to cut off the heat-rays. It
does not matter where you put it ; in the apparatus on the table,
the alum trough is in front of the condenser, which, perhaps, is the
best place and most convenient to fix. The heat that passes from the
radiant through the lenses, and brought down to a point, becomes very
intense, and would bum up your object. This is not so necessary
if TOD are using a paraffin or oil lamp.
T. E. FREsawATEn, F.B.M.S.
EXHIBITION AT BIRMINGHAM.
The Annual Exhibition of the Birmingham Photographic Society was
held in the Y.M.C.A. rooms on April 5, «, and 7. These were well fitted
lor the purpose, and the fact that they had recently been supplied with
the electric light proved a great convenience when studying the exhibits
after sunset and in connexion with the lantern shows. The competitions
were confined to members of the Society, and the vanous prizes offered
attracted about fifty competitors, who sent in 422 exhibits. An interesting
show of apparatus was made by P. Harris A Co., W. Gnfflths & Co., and
W. Tylar. The prize winners were (j. Wilkes, who secured a medal for
"instantaneous work," and a hand camera for work done with a like
instrument; J. W. Moore, for landscape, .-(fter MiU; E. H. Jaques, two
medals for lantern slides, the President's prize of three guineas for
Warwickshire pictures, and medals for "churches" and "doorways; '
W. J Harrison, for Warwickshire buildings ; T. J. Davies, " flowers, '
and quarter-plate views ; H. W. Southall, enlargements ; S. G. Mason,
transparencies; W. S. Horton, Birmingham views; A. J. Leeson, ?enre,
interiors, combination prints; W. Eooke, architecture; J. P. Heiton,
hoar-frost ; Whitworth Wallis, portraits ; and E. Winn.
It should be noted that thirteen of the classes were in connexion with
the Warwickshire Photo-Survey, and that, in making numerous sub-
divisions, the idea was to direct the attention of photographers to distinct
objects of interest in which the country is rich. The exhibition o! the
Society of .\rtists was open during the same week, and many worWs with
the brush came to inspect the production of the camera men. We made
the circuit of the room with more than one artist of repute, and their
verdict was, " Very little poor work, but much that is both technically
and artistically good." Mr. Seer's genre picture of a Rustic Beauty
attracted universal praise; Mr. Leeson's Chancel, Aston CAurc/i, was a
wonderfully fine interior, while the same worker's combination picture,
A Thirsty Crew (group of children drinking), received high praise from
the judge of its class (Mr. H. P. Bobinson). In all the classes the Judges
had power to withhold the awards if work of sufficient merit was not pre-
sented, and this power was exercised in the case of " Large Landscapes, '
" Groups," "Seascapes," and " Animals."
Lantem shows were given nightly by Mr. Jerome Harrison, Rambles in
Warwickshire ; Mr. B. Karleese, Whitby and the Yorkshire Coast ; and
Mr. G. A. Thomason, The Isle of Man. The splendid triunial employed
was operated with great skill by its owner, Mr. Howard Jaques, who took
advantage ol the capabilities of the instrument to introduce numerous
" fiffpcts "
At the Annual Dinner, held in the Colonnade Hotel on April 9, Mr.
W. J. Harrison announced that the Exhibition had been a complete
success, both financially and otherwise. The President (Mr. J. B. Stone)
congratulated the various members— Messrs. A. R. Longmore, G. A.
Thomason, E. H. Jaques, J. T. Mousley, Ac— who had done so much
hard work for the Society. An event of the evening was the circulation
of the massive silver loving-cup, won by the Birmingham Photographic
Society at the Crystal Palace on the only two occasions when it has been
offered lor competition.
THE NEW ENGLISH AET CLUB.
The New English Art Club is a small society, but it has compressed
within its membership much that is daring, with a great deal that is
both good and bad, of latter-day art. The eighth Exhibition, which has
just been opened at the Dudley Gallery, is worth the conscientious study
of the thoughtful photographer, for it not only shows him not a little
which he will do well to imitate, but more— much more— that he should
carefully avoid. The Exhibition is, in fact, as unequal as it is uncon-
vincing, andjwhether regarded from the point ol view of drawing or colour
contains some of the most extraordinary examples ol modern painting
ever brought together.
II Mr. Thomas Simpson's Morning on the Beach (8) has a reposelul
key of colour, it has the additional lact in its favour that it is almost
photographic in its fidelity to accuracy ol drawing ; but Mr. Paul Mait-
laud's Cheyne-walk West, Noon (14), indulges in a disproportionate
expanse of monotonous foreground which no photographer would dare
print. The Portrait of Master John Mackay (24), by Mr. G. Thompson,
is distinguished by an easy and natural standing pose ; and Mr. James
8. HUl's Sketch from Nature (25) is worthy of Mr. J. Gale at his best.
The colouring ol Near Arundel (26), by Mr. Davidson Knowles, has been
much praised, but his clouds are never seen in nature. Mr. G. Clausen's
Spring Flowers (31), a portrait study of a child with flowers, is a delight-
fully natural picture. Mr. W. H. Bell's Hammersmith Bridge has too
much water in the foreground, and is spoilt in being bisected by the line
of the towpath. Prince Pierre Troubetzkoy's Study for a Portrait in
Open Air, a full-length picture of a lady in a wood, may claim to be lighted
in a manner which we should hope would be absent from the finished
work. The pose, however, is very graceful. Of Towards the Harbour
Mouth, Poole (18), by Mr. J. Buxton Knight, and Between the Dark and
April 15, ISOBi]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
S61
the DofUifkt (S8), hy Min Amj Atkiaion, we am ay nothing hiRber in
pniie than IhMt the iabj«et of the oae, grmnd m it i*, ia not beycoid the
rMMh of the mwm», and thai the other ie eminentty mgg&itira ol Ifr.
Adam Siatoa'i ova hapfgr naitaij ol dunfy limited cottage interiors.
Mr Bonhaid Siekert'i BoaU oa the Mtdmtg—Fot Li/Hug (55), has
.^ fhe log ; and Mr. Sidney BUn't delightfnl Portrait of iliu Selly
foSers from a perpen&olaritf o( the girl's arms which no
r worthj o< the name wooU perpetrate. As a combination
cape Hr. W. J. Laidlaj'a Sunul fnm the Cliff' is a grand
, -tion and rich eoioiixias. Mr. C. W. Parse's Portrait o^ a
Lmdf in a Ortff Drtm (67) is oat o( UoA, hot the lame artist's Portrait of
a LaJg la a Brtmn Jtuiaf Hatit (78) is moat elegantlj poaed. Mr. P.
Wilson Steer's ifr*. Albert Petrt (7(9 npreaenU the nnfortonate lady's
taee tamed in ooa direetioo, and ber ejea in another. Mr. Geotga
Thompaoo's Portrait (82) depiets a harshly lighted, anhappy-looking
'abject, and there are one or two pottiaits ol children whidi, howerer
^ood. leebnieallj speaking, inoeead in nothing lo maeh aa aroosing oar
commtseratiao tor the onhappy, fcighlted-loolrfng little sitters. In this
' e select tor mention Mr. F. B. Chadwiek's Studj/ of the Bab^
r, w. Christian Symona' Portrait of a Boy (102). Mr. Sidney
>/ UaroU Prtderie, £«f. (M), is not so weU lighted as
assvi's Portrait ef Bmmimrd Sickert, Ktq. (57)— why the j
' "'iaiaasaeiillaaaaathe moct orer-tetoodied portiait
^ Bageat-stiaat alaiio.
It u a [Jitjr that th« ■adouhtadly coo4 and aieeUeat wmk on the walls
ol this eililMH— aheald hava baw m( MMSig ao moeh whieh, while it is
andoobtedly eterer and bold, by ao mmaa merits (aTooiahle eritidam ,
hseaoia it satceeds in being onecarsatiaaal. Bat it serrea the naafol
poipaaa o( a toil to the batter work, whOa the eotira eolUetioB, «Uah
«aly eeapriaai aboot Un ptelana, and is a aaslaipjaea of goodhaa^ag,
jraridaa as aseelkat onartaattiy of alDdkriac/iiib sOeb S^IUi art in iU
b«t (aad wont) BifMlL
A curtain shatter is provided. It works practically withoat vibration,
and gives exposores of varying speeds.
Thk little camera is rightly named " Miaimas," for it is the smallest
we have seen to carry a namber of plates.
The instmment wilJi dark slides has points of novel convenience. The
dark slides instead of being inserted from the top or side are pushed
SUMMER NOVELTIES IX APPAR.VTU&
A Paovo-iocaoaaiMnc Caanu.
CcBRunmA ov fmans froai laat mak on naw ifpacalM hj '.
Watsoa A Bam, w« giva • dnwiag tt a pbeto-miengrapUe aamara with
opwards from the bottom, and are, therefore, not ezpoaed to the attacks
of top light A focussing screen is supplied which may be used when re-
qaired, and provision is also made (or working the camera on a tripod.
A neatly ananged drop shatter, giving varied exposores, is fitted on to
the front Altogether, wa regard it aa a thoroaghly practical machine,
capable at giving tha best poastUe resnlta. The Tenses fitted are either
sinigla view, or the " Optunns " earyaoope or rectilinear, according to
pciee.
The Cyclists' Camera tamed out by this firm is admirably adapted (or
all who object to balky apparatos. It is equally well suited (or the
huitamist, aa it carries their speeial sisa of plate, \-iz., 3| x 3^. Fitted
with either rH>id rectUiaear lena working at/-8, or the more rapid eury-
leope working at f-6. o( Sf iaohaa fooaa, the crisp definition obtained
allowa ot almost indefinite enlargement It is covered with durable
Uack moroeoo, measntaa eztanoally 5 x 4j| x 4^ inches, and moat become
vary popular among those who appraeiate autltast in ^Nirro.
bsPBom Rinzirr CatBii.
Mr. Baymant, we think justly, claims that his present model ia among
die vaiy li^teat o( actaally rigid cameras offered to the public. It ia
Imptored ap to data, now poaaaaaing a simple and instantaneous mode of
attaching the lens board to or detaching it from the baseboard. The
entinarioB, at tha aama time, forma a means of securing the lens board
panOel wUh tha foooaaing aoteen, or at any giveniangle when swinging
tha aereen. The rapldily of opaiung and closing the camera is greatly
Jii^
Mie
This drawing shows the niatiTa aarta ao eiaarly
JorianilSiaibigitbyai -^-
1
"Omnre" KoraLTtaa.
Meaars. Vwtkim, Boa, and Bayment hare Joal iaaaad a aariaa of
obtraaivc hand caaenwdUttla balk, oorand with hiaek nana '
Tkif m at piigalar priaaa, yet do aaarifta d qaality or imitmmj baa
faailitatad by the additional arrangement (or throwing the pinion out of
with the lack. Tbe imck and pinion aia esaentislTy nocetsary at the
ol OM anaagad for tek dU«. aod aaothar wUeh
t tha aia^iliii pdatjpla. Tbqr both hare
to fnnawliMi tha laaa.
lhaaUo<lbalMlabM4
We give a
a
Um
latbo
la iMBOtad to tba faaak of tfaa aOn by
with Ifaa laatramMt. A iiglilB tadi-
tha Bomber et t&t paniaBlar plata oOitad lor aapuaaii^ aad it la ao
to Um Uat plala that H U qaila faapoaribU lor tfaa Mmaalata to
ba twiea upwil
Oa« iafadaa^r aoaalnilMl ttaw-fladg b irmimil lo aa o Brtrfaot
amtiMlor^ — •- i- j—
noaaaat of aeeorate foooaring, bat it ia an immease convenience to
temporarily dlspenae with thair action when it only forms an obstruction
to cloaing or openiag tha ctBer* speedily.
3S2
THE BRITISH JOURNAL F rflOTOGRAPHY.
[April 15, 1892
As now airaoged, the (ocassinf; screen and body may be readily brought
close to the front of the basabaard, so preventing a curtailment of riew
when lenEes of short focus and wide angular aperture are in use.
All moTcments necessary to the modem scientific photographer are
inclodecl in this compact instrument, and the workmanship is such as to
well excuse the firm for adopting the trade mark " Optimns."
The Freha Camkba.
London Storeosoopic Company, 106 and 108 Regent-street, W.
The camera under notice, the " Frena," bristles with new features in
every available place. Aa will be seen from the accompanying block, ex-
ternally, the camera is of the ordinary box pattern, and is covered with
black morocco leather, and is remarkable for its small dimensions,
especially when its carrying capacity is considered, the normal load being
forty celluloid films, J inch square. On opening the back of the
camera, the reservoir for unexposed films is at once visible, and to fill it
it is only necessary to drop the packet of films, which, by the way, are
alternated with thin opaque cards, into position. A loose back, fitted
with a spring to press the films forwards, is placed behind them, and the
back closed, the whole operation only occupying a few seconds. The
changing is effected by pressing down the handle at the side, when a
single film, with its backing card, falls into a lower chamber, where it is
automatically seized and held down by a spring clip. The device for
releasing the films seriatim is as original as it is effective ; each film is
deeply notched along two of its sides, the separating cards are also
notched, but in such a way that the notches do not coincide when the
pack of films and cards are in position, that is resting on a series of
little metal pegs which are made to slide in the sides of the reservoir ;
when the handle at the side is turned, the reservoir, or film chamber,
goes from a vertical to a horizontal position, at the same time the whole
set of pegs moves like an escapement, and allows a film to drop, mean-
while gripping the card fcehind it firmly, a continuation of the same
movement releases the card and grips the next film, which is then in
position for exposure. It will be noticed in the illustration that the
changing handle is fitted with a spirit level, this enables the turning plate
chamber to be utilised as a swing-back one, moreover, of the most correct
design. As it is pivoted at the centre, the photographer has only to
adjust the view in the finder, and to move the spirit level till the bubble is
central, and he is then assured that he is free from that bugbear of hand-
camera work, " drunken " architecture. The shutter, which is constructed
of two aluminium plates, is always covering the lens, a small knot serving
to wind up the spring for each exposure. It is capable of adjustment for
from J to s'j of a second, this being effected by varying the aperture in
the revolving disc, while leaving the spring at a fixed tension. The lens
is one of Messrs. Beck's Autograph Rapid Bectilinears, and works with an
aperture of /-ll ut a fixed focus, all objects beyond about thirteen feet
being sharply defined. An automatic tally indicates the number of films
exposed, showing a figure through an aperture below the changing
handle.
^ut filrttertal ^atle.
ThK " PhOTOGBAPHIC QnABTESLY " FOK .IPEIL.
London : Hazxll, Watsok, & Vivet.
Thb articles in the current number of the Quarterly, though few in
number, are excellently selected, and withal well written. The paper
on " Warm Tones on Bromide Paper," by Mr. E. J. Wall, contains a
mass of useful information on a subject of current interest. The Rev.
F. C. Lambert, lie v. T. Perkins, M.A., and Mr. J. A. Ilodores are
among the contributors. The article on " The Photographic Work of
Robert Hunt," by Mr. Andrew Lang, F.C.S., is a sympathetically
written account of the acliievements of one of the Dii Majores of
photography.
ExPosuBK Notes for Usb with xhb Watki.vs Exposure Meteb.
Birmin^rbam : B. I ield £ Co.
Wr hare received a copy of the second edition of this little work
which, besides informatiovi on its own special subject, contains many
items of general photographic interest.
Messrs. Taylor, Taylor & Hobson's Competition.
The prize of twelve guineas which Messrs. Taylor, Taylor, & Hobson
offered for tlie beat negative taken with their lenses has been awarded
to Mr. Acton T. Bucknall, of Kidderminster, for a negative entitled
Unloading, and the second prize of six guineas to Mr. Charles C.
Coulson, of Glasgow, for one entitled In a Crofter's Cottage Home.
A special prize of one guinea was awarded to Mr. J. A. Pollock, of
Belfast, for a negative entitled In Belfast Lough. One hundred and!
eighty-seven photographs were entered for competition. We have-
received prints from the first two negatives, the subjects of which
are artistically chosen and well exposed.
Catalogues.
Messrs. J. J. Griffin & Sons' 1892 spring price list is not intendeij
to be a complete catalogue of photographic goods, the firm's object
being only to include particulars of such novelties in apparatus or
materials as are of real practical use. In this object they have-
succeeded admirably.
Messrs. Hinton's 1892 Photographic Price List gives particulara
and prices of the varied stock of apparatus and material held on sale
by tnis firm, including its many specialities. The list is compiled
with evident judgment, obsolete articles being excluded.
Mr. F. V. A. Lloyd, the successor to the late Mr. IT. Newton, of 5,
South John-street, Liverpool, has submitted to us his Photographic
Catalogue. It seems designed to cater for the wants of the amateur,
who will find all his requisites included in it.
Photographic S:haps for April contains a useful article on "The
Choice of a Photographic Size," which should receive the attentive
study of the amateur photographer. A great manj- practical hint*
as to the use and manipulation of the Ilford printing-out paper are
also given, which strike us as being equally valuable for gelatino
chloride surfaces generally.
The catalogue of the Birmingham Photographic Society's recent
Exhibition is enriched with some illustrations of several of th»
pictures shown. It forms a pleasing memento of the exhibition.
itleettngjEf of JboctetteiS^
MEETINGS OP SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK,
D«t« of Ue«ting.
April 19
,. 19
„ 19
.> 20
„ 20
» 20
.. 20
„ 20
„ 20
„ 20
« 20
.. 21
„ 21
„ 21
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„ 21
., 21
.. 22
,. 22
„ 23
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Name of Society.
North London
Oxford Photo. Society ...
Southport
Brechin
Bury
Hyde
Manchester Camera Club
Photographic Club
Portsmouth
Bouthsea
West Surrey
Birmingham
Brixton aud Clapham
Camera Club
Ureenock (Annual)
London aud Provincial ...
Oldham
Cardiff
Holborn
Maidstone
Richmond
West London ,
Place of Heetins.
Wellinsrton Hall« Islintrton, X.
Society's Rooms, 136, High-street.
Sbaftesbtiry-hnildinjfs.Eaatbank-st.
14, St. Mary-streot, Brechin.
Temperance HaU,. Bury.
Victoria Hotel, Manchester,
Anderton'fi Hotel.Fleet-street.B.C*
Y.M.C.A.-buildiugs, Laudport.
St. Mark's Schools, Battersea-rise.
Lecture Room, Mifll.ind Institute.
Gresham Hall, Brixton.
Charing -cross-road, W.C.
Museum Com. Room, Kelly-street.
Champion Hotel, 15, Aldersgate-st.
The Lyceum, Union-st,, Oldham.
"The Palace," Maidstone.
Greyhound Hotel, Richmond.
Chi&wick School of Art, Chiswiok.
April 15, 1862]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
258
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OP GREAT BRITAIN.
AnuL 12,— OidinaiT Meeting,— the Pleddeiit (Captain W. de W. Abney, R.E.)
is the chair.
twBteiiaat F. Daviea, Major^OaoerU P. Uojd, and Mr. H. N. Harben were
alieUd aaaban of the SodetT.
Tk* Boat. BHurTABT naJ a paper bj Mr. W. K. Debenbam on JUiativt
Mipmmtf/or Vmymg Pnporiioni ^ Jmag$ i» Copging. [T1u< will appear
in ran in a fntnr* number.]
Profeaeor C. V. BoTs then gave a Uetnre, fflnatratad \tj bntem lUdes, on
PlutafTuaMmg Ri/U BuUett. fnbdi^ Ua inUect by a dnctiptiaii of the
tftttm adopted by Lord Rayleigfa in fkologruhuig aoap-babble* and dropa of
water by tlM aid of the aiecMe ipark. CMatUeapnantns tbeProCaaornow
MJrated aa iBpRtrenMat of Ui owa, Mlawiac of the babble to break at a
Mbdte point at which it eoold b* pfcnlngriianit, or a* aooa after ae one
pi— rt Pwfc^or Boyi eaid tha photiJHpiilin at riito bnllata waa no norelty,
■nil hi iliei liliiiil lliii ni|ianliii iiiiiil III inn ftailin iiliiiliinmiliiei. Inthis,the
boUct wia photognphea by meana of the electne (park throngfa leoaea into a
eaiMt^ b«k Ua owB aathod did awnr with eitbM' eaaera or leneea, the ibadow
of tk*MIiteaatky>B elaatife nark biiig raeaifiddireetoa the plate. At
the oat«t of hia aipariaaBia ha had to ilitaiiilaii the Uogtlx of tlx dilTennt
iparki, aul to eniare a anaU nark whieh, though luting for a rery short
tuac, vonld gire anoodh iMht. The magDesiam ipark wa* too long,
althoo^ tha ttght ealy larti 1 the i»i h— dmi-thnneandth part of a aeeooJ;
ha thaa atlaeUd cooear tanalMK fh* jar being chaned by a
b n* baDet fai Hi diMkann itnidc two wirea, a (park
tha tatmlaala, aad tha baUat thna pbotennphed on the
■aUTe nIaUL A eUda of a ballet ftoB a Maitini-Hearr tiAe sbowet
beparftetlr^ - - - - '
tilla,withaaa
or laOO Bilen i
aad warea af iiiiwfiwrtua wew ^tMmMl *uii». tha laetorv lanaifctaw that
•aek fhianroa aart hava baM M H • 1*^ In aaoUMr dUe cue
of a aariea of tiaaatena holea mate !■ <ka hallat waa eiawir akowa, thna
tta intoHiwial miumiwI at • certain dWaaea fton the rUe.
hjr niHawliini epaAa ««• leas eiaariy diiaad thaa
Ihean by the aaatka ft«a eofM tavarfaak. Wade laDovt^ fai the wake
of balIetaw«Mlapiatad,aad{Mrr«latii«nloeitieatha8aalfitad. BalleU
- gthroaahgiaaathtaeetrteeBtheef aa laA thick, prodoead tha pheao-
I of a Ugh* daaaity of air withia a Aart ladtas of tha impact doa to tha
. BalMi — ■•■ — ' ■-- ■ '^^
of air aad sooad w«a the aaliieeto of other alida^ the
that tha phyiiaal phinaiiai shown ware of paater intaiast
m III! iiMilailiai iif till liiilais,
Mr. J. Snujm rsfaiad to eoaa espeftusato made at Woolwidi Atsaaal
•hwtly allar tha UaMaa War, ia phatafnyMag the ttgkt of a pn4«!tfla flroB
a M^iaah yrtar. bat tha appaiatw aaapfaawi aotlSiiiartiySgitoaa fcr
eataUag tha laane aa it apMiad-a rfahafcr mm gi<ai iSiiiaa tha air.
Ha rniaplhaaataiTrrnftaior Bon oa tfit laawikably saecaaafU molta of hla
e«ii ■!■■>(; bat, la thaaewhlA he (Mr. ttpaiar)wa« eoaeaiaad with, thty had
aat the adwalii a< |ihiti»iaiih>M Iha ahfcat ia a doaad hdk.
^, . ^~ . ^ _ 1»% IVtlhwui Bora aald tha
«koU of tha saaA aaad <wa nw illfifc.af m iaiA.lea«. Bharpjphotagrapha of
awdwaaawillfifcafwiiaAli
Maadhatfaafa • - - -
papvtaaaais i
at a distaaea efrisM. It ww
Blitataiilhatfaalnehla IkoM of the plate,
taaaais at a dtMaaaaof twattaibi
>l>hnt<Mfa|ihe
"Hm tflle balleU
If twaltaibat. the pistol aheu
__ to photograph bauata at aay
parte of their earsw. bat It waa aot worth Oe tnaUa. HlsoMaet la aad^
takiag tha an ii lis ill i waa to natUe a aathad wUah waaldba of aoaa
aaMaMa ta tfaaa tatmalad hi the pfoUaaHL
Iha ranom fai Moaiac a aota of Ihaaka to PrsCMBsr Bdtb, aaid thar had
a* adaaataga of aaslaff|Ai raaaHs of a aaaiai of arpwlwwla eafriad oat
they shoald aot rwh at aaythiaK aa ha waa ofkaft Htmr i» oilaa «d, hat
■i«i«<«u MijrM paper, aad Umt waald aot tad
It had beea a paat tiaat to Ualaa to
.) »aaalil»sJ a typical srpwiaiaatir.
at tha RoyaT OoOago of
He
.atthaoMaal
Bay*, whaa ha (tha 1
aadad that aaA work w
ee^ Booth KeariMtoau
At the coadaria^aftha I
la
Itaf a apacial foaanl
tha qaaatloo ffmfai
mtriiVthefalaai
L0XD05 AXD PBOVINCUI. PBOrOORAPHIC ABBOaATIOIf.
Ara 7.-Mr.C. H.Oooka la tha chair.
Mr. C. Ooodwfa Nortoa waa eleetad a aaMhar of the AiaoeiatioB.
Mr. ALnuiaMBMaoKis.aflerpotetiM0Btthab«aat7ofthat»Mparaaciae
• by Ba aid, aad laaaarttWtg, if It w^^ tha bait aiSai far
^—1 iUiaa, It waa aa geed oa ay, |a«a a hMaay of tha CWIiJfs
I iteae Ita pdiUeathM « SasUihar li MM, hy MMaaat Bayeo
iMMIIhairhaadaaa a iplt«lrarfcablap(«>eaJa. Thaprmiss
ttsB was tha wat piata, tha diMdtaatagai of which led to
I of TMtoaa dry proaaaa^ la whidi tha itdttiiil pi
tiaatad with piaiarTatliaa. TU auabar of thass diy
m was allaaiptad, bvl it was
thai<l««rtedldewaaldaeta*aUiry. Mean. 8^ k Boitoa,
id tkrt aBw tfaaida w«rt dowa in eoaipaiatlarfy oaudl
. ^ JM tka ttpilaMaf of aaialsUkatlaa wHh alMlate
Tm paaaiM waa tUt ««ry slaw, aad many sipiiliasiiia aotahly
\j Mr. Cttay tea wire aadartakea to maks It mora lapid. It waa
not until 1874 that Bolton simplified the process by washing the emulsion In "
balk. Collodio-bromide, however, nerer had a lair chance, as gelatine wa»
known in 18r4, and Bennett's subsequent improvements quite drove it out of
the field for making negatives. Tliey were indebted to Mr. J. Nesbitt for
baring reintroduced collodio-bromide for miking lantern slides. In 1885 he
read a paper on the snl^ect before the Photographic Club, in which he de-
monstrated a simple process, and it was that process which he (Mr. Mackie)
ptopoaad to demonstrate that erenin^.
(>>niing to the practical part of his discourse, Mr. Maelde obaerred that for
the aolnble bromide Mr. Bolton reoommended the double bromide of cadminm
and ammonium, bat ha (Mr. Mackie) thought ammonium bromide the simplest
aad best As to the ether and alcohol, the speciac gravity of the former
shoald be -725, while of the new methylated spirit he had had no practical
ezparienoe, although it bad been tried by a good man for the purpose, and
foond to answer. With the silver nitrate used he had nerer found any fault,
but the ammocinm bromide did not appear to keep well, after a time parting
with some of its ammonia. In this state it would not make good emulsion.
He did not recommend the preparation of the pyrojtyline, for even experts
failed to make two batches alike ; indeed, it was the one ditticulty of the pro-
ueas. The onantity of pyroxyline employeil varied, but he thought the best
was that which could be osad in the proportion of twelve grains to the ounce
of solvents. Having bromiaad five oonces of collodion with sixty-three grains
of ammonium bromide disaolved in a small quantity of water, to which one
onnoe of methylated spirit ha<l been added, be next gradually added 100 grains
of silver nitrate, also disaolveil in a small quantity of water, and said the test
of saoceas of the resoltiiuc emnlsion was the colour, which should be ruby red
by tnomltted light The emulsion should then be kept for some hours,
varyiog with the bromide employed— with ammonium bromide, ten or twelve
boon would suffloh The next part of the prooees was to get rid of the
aomoeinm nitrate. He himself washed the set emnlsion for fire or six hours
la a pickle iar, tha watar from the tap running in through a bung, and out
throogh a daas tabs Irt iato it Having dealt with the causes of the diffi-
ealtiaa aad balta mat with, such as crapinees of the film, which he attributed
to BBsaitable pyroxyline, and transpannt spots, often due to pyro dust, Mr.
HaeUa saidhiiBMthod of deaniagthe glass was to use a solution of nitric acid,
waah aadar_tha t^ aad dry. Tto keep the film on the pUte. he appUed
TtmA dalL pnlHiail, aad daetad. aad always found the method sactSoal
Aaathar awthad. howarar, eooaistad in banxniog the plates in a boiling-hot
aolntion of gdatlae, aad, whibt still hot, polishbg them. It seemed to be
Mr. P. Bmmaaid ha had oooa aasd potaasiam bromide as the bromide in
coUodio-bnatida iaiBl*ia work, aad, aotwithstaading that the potassium salt
was iasolabla hi akobal. had prodaeed a dsaae and dean emulsion.
Mr. A. Hammw rsanrkad that Mr. Mackie bad said that old ammonium
biooida did not pndaaa a aatisihctorT emnlsion on account of the libeiation
of amaannla Did ha thiak of adding ammonia to the bromMe. and so
"KS?"*'^'. '^^ bi tha eaaa of the braaiide being predpluted on iti<
addHieai la tha eoUodiaa, woold not the addition of£lnto dcohol to the
oaHedlaa iaiiadaea aeflkleat water to redisaolve anr precipiute of ammonium
t Ha Qb. Haddoo), in oontradiatinction to Mr. Mackie,
_ aaaataon abooM experiment in nuking their own pyroxyline, as
Oay weald be «are likely to flad oat tha varioas eaoaea of their difficulties.
Tha taoqiantars at which the eottoo waa iaimanad in the acids was moat
iaqiortaat Aa lagarda tha waaUng, what ol^eation waa there to pouring the
amoMoB tato a huge maaa of water! By that means they would get a line
stata of dMsfaw. and woold allmtaate the soln^ aalta mnch moia rapidly
Mr. Macna eooU aet aagaoat aay bettar way of rwtoriag the datariorated
amaMaiam htaoida thaa by hmiag with amnoaia. Aa'Va'ds themetitodof
mmi rean ago by
amalsiona would
not
Chardaa. BaMoa aad etkaa had aud that pradpitetad amalsic
Mr. J. O. SwitJurD said he bad tried Ctionel Watarbonse's fotmnla with
aauBoakt-ailiata of sflver, acetic acid beii« added to obviate free ammonia,
aadfaaadttgavageodfaaalta. Ha had faaad aa amoUoo washed aoooidiaic
taChanka'aaMthodkaifiaMdfcraaoath. ^
la n^y to a qaatflM aflbrAichar Oarkak
Mr. Macns aaU ha dU aot poor back the sorplas emolsioo Into the eame
bottle^ aa a esrtala qaaatlty of tha solvaaU would, of ooaias, be evaporated.
I dowa Iha sorplus aad Alter it aoin.
after haariag taatlmony to the ntility of Mr. Maekie's
aMdf aaad dhar at 717, as it was desirable to have
IhOMlrt cnpiacss doe to the irater, which hul be«u
ftaathaaaiaUaa. He had dried the pellicle between
ef biettiag-P^Mr bi abai which waa placed on an oven.
Tha CluiaiiAit said ha had qoiekly dried pallfele by pUdng It on a sheet of
glaas la a bos with chkrida af ealdBm.
Mr. DnanAM (coatiaBlag) eaid that Mr. MacUa had atat«i that the mhber
J*SP **4,'?^ "^^ •''A** e"**"** <»">• over it, bat he (Mr. Delwnham)
He
Ib.W. K.
tolhiai
It piotty
aaUha
Ha
found fire or six times as rapid as
The VHAiKtui satdba was'ewpiisad to haar Mr. Maakie say that he had
aot faonJ drying marks abow ailer dsvahipiaaul. He (the Chairman) generally
POVBd tMH (bVT QKL
Aflar laadiliralili IMbar dlaeaasioa, Mr. Mackie was thanked for his
avl the aaeliag doaid.
Sacth Loodoa Photogxaphle ioetaty.— April S, Mr. J. Douglas in the
chair.— Mr. A. L. SpUlcr waa elactail a member. Specimens of a new rubber
doth for fociaasiag aiaths aad camera wraps, made by the London Rubber
964
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[AprU 16, 1892
Oompur of Lirerpool, and of Mr. Otto Scholajt's new collodion paper were
paned ronnd for exunination and experiment Dr. Jeserich's paper on Pholo-
gnaky as Applitd to the iMeclion of Crime, lent by the Photographic Society
of Qreat Britain under the new affiliation arrangements, was read by the
Secretary, the lantern slide Ulustrations being shown by Mr. B. J. Grover
The paper is now appearing in the Journal of the Photographic Society of
ffrrat Britain, and will, no doubt, be full)' noticed in the ordinary way.
There will be no meeting of this Society on Easter Tuesday evening, the next
meeting being a special Lantern Evening on Tuesday, May 5, when members
will have the opportunity of introducing ladies.
North Middlesex Photographic Society.— April 11.— Lieutenant-Colonel
J. Galk ih-liviTi-.l :m adiirfss, ciititleii Jiamhles, Rurnl arid Postural, illus-
tratad by lantt-ni slides, to an .mdience of about 150 of the members and their
firiends. The slides were divided into sections, according a-s the predominating
interest was purely of a landscape character or depended upon figure subjects.
It is needless to say that the slides were marked by a perfection of techni'/iie.
The audience was altematfly struck by the Ijoldness .ind originality of design
shown in some of the slides, and the delicate treatment of atmospheric effect in
others. The apparent absence of self-consciousness iu the models employed was a
tribute to thesidll of the master-mind who posed them ; and the artist's patient
watchfulness and sympathetic love for the Heeting and varying moods of
nature was marked by the successful manner in which he had obtained effects
which, to the ordinary worker, seemed incapable of realisation. Amongst
others may be noted one where the effect of a belt of clouds throwing its
shadow aojx)S8 a broad down had been secured, when a minute's delay in
making the exposure would have marred the picture. The audience marked
their feelings by a vote of thanks to the lecturer, proposed in suitable terms by
Mr. H. Walker. The next meeting will be held on Monday, the 25tli inst.
This will be a Technical Evening, and visitors will be welcome, and also at the
Society's Outings, which toU be held on every Saturday after Easter during
the season.
Holhom Camera Club. — April 8, Mr. E. Clifton took the chair and dis-
tributed the prizes won at tlie Annual Exhibition in March. — Mr. Golding
took a silver medal for the best pictme in the Exhibition, and Mr. West was
awarded a bronze medal for the next best picture. Amongst the other prizes
awarded was an enliirging apparatus, a flash-lamp, a plate-washer, two clocks,
two Thoniton-Pickard shutters, a volume of the Grajihic, a silver matchbox, a
gold pin, &c. Alter these prizes had been distributed to the different winners,
a gold pin was presented by the Club to Mr. Bell for the work which he had
done for the Club in the office of Treasurer for the past two years. A silver
matchbox was also presented to Mr. Benest, the Lantemist for the past two
years. Some excellent songs were afterwards given by various members and
friends. On Satuniay the first official outing of the year was attended with
splendid weather. Hampstead Heath was the rendezvous, and some excellent
work was done.
Kensington and Bayawater Photographic Society. — April 11, Mr.
Sydney C. Mote presided. — A question was read from the question-box, namely,
" What is the best method of ascertaining when development of a negative is
complete ?" Mr. J. D. Englaxd gave a paper and demonstration on Celluloid
Films, illustrating his remarks by handing round sheets of the different kinds
of celluloid, and by developing some films before the audience. He gave a
history of the use of celluloid, stating that it is prepared by the treatment of
paper pulp by nitric acid, and, after being well washed, is combined with
camphor, cut into sheets of varying thickness, .and hung up to dry for a time,
often extending to three months. They are afterwards rolled, to give them
the required siirface. The advantages of celluloid films are their lightness,
and con.se<iuent portability, as compared with glass, and their comparative free-
€lom from halation. The difficulty of keeping them flat during exposure may
be overcome by the use of "film-carriers," which are pieces of cardboard
having a thin strip of metal at two or three of their edges. In developing, it
is best not to wet the film previous to insertion in the developing solution, but
to have a small qmintity of water at the bottom of the developing dish, which
will cause the film to lie fiat, and the developer may then be poured upon it.
Tlie vami.shee which may be used for preserving the negative on a celluloid
film are, first, amber, dissolved in chloroform ; second, gold-size, thinned with
benzol ; and, third, a water varnish, made by dissolving shellac in an aqueous
solution of borax. The first two should be applied by means of a soft brush,
and the film should be dipped into the last (while wet from the washing),
and hung up to dry in the usu.il way. Mr. England also showed some lantern-
slide carriers for celluloid films, invented by Mr. Scanlan. He stated that, by
using these carriers, the films were protected from the great heat during the
time the slides were being shown upon the screen.
West London Photographic Society.— April 8, the President in the chair.
Lantern Evi-niiig. —Slides cxliil.itea by Messrs. Stein, Lamley, Grindle, L. Selby,
Scantlebury, Hodges, Dixon, liilton, H. Selby, Rogers. The Annual Dinner
will be held on May 13.
South London Photographic Society.- April 4, Annu,al Meeting.— The
■officers pre.sented their annual report, which showed the Society to be in a
flourishing condition, and that several steps had been taken to increase its
usefulness. The work shown at the l.-ust annual exhibition was a much higher
standard th.in previously. The programme and list of excursions for the
summer session promise to be very attractive. The officers for the ensuing
year are as follows :— President : Mr. K. W. Edwards.— Vice-Presidents :
Messrs. Banks, Howell, Munyard, and Rice.— Committee .■ Messrs. Boxall,
Eldridge, Fellows, Fitness, Groves, Herbert. Lyon, Miller, and Webb.—
Curator: Mr. Moss.— /Ton. Secretary: Mr. C. H. Oakden, 51, Melbourne-
grove, East Dulwich, %.K— Excursion Secretnry : Mr. W. F. Slater, 169,
Southampton-street, Camberwell, S.E.
Brixton and Clapham Camera Club.— April 5.— An entertainment was
provided for the members and a number of friends, the items being a set of
slides by Mr. B. G. Wilkinson, jun., and a set by Mr. Charles Whiting, of the
West London Society. These latter comprised an excellent series of Canter-
bury and Stratford-on-Avon. Mr. Wilkinson's slides were mostly of land-
scape, with figures, many of them beiiig well know, and tended to shown the
pictorial capacities of our art. Mr. W. H. Harrison was elected a Vice-
President of the Club.
Sichmond Camera Club. — April 8, Mr. Cembrano presided. — A represen-
t.itive of Messrs. James Braine k Sons showed and expl.iined their "Book "
Camera, and the "Modern" Camera. Mr. Davis reail a p.iper on Piclnrial
Composition, touching upon some of the principal rules applicable to landscape
work.
Croydon Microscopical and Natural History Clnb (Photographic
Section).- April 8, Mr. H. C. Collyer in the chair,— Mr. J. W. Smith de-
monstrated an improved platinotype paper tliat has recently lieen brought out
by Mr. Willis, of the Platinotype Company. Mr. Smith described tlie working
of the new paper, the advantages it practically has over the old hot-bath
process, and the liberties that can be taken both as regards ex)iosure and the
after-developing. Mr. Smith developed a great number of prints in a cold
bath, and, by the apparent ease and uniformity of working, .ill praise must
be bestowed upon the new paper, the results appearing perfect. Mr. Smith
then showed and demonstrated an oxyhydrogen-miignesium lamp, whereby
platinotype prints may be maile by artificial light, the magnesium being
burnt in the mixed gases giving off a very bright light, thirty seconds being
sufficient for a negative of onlinary density. The light has also the power of
toning ordinary albumeuised paper .so perceptibly as to be of little use after-
wards.
Brighton Natural History Society (Photographic Section).— Tlii.s new
organization is, practically speaking, the Photographic Society of Brighton
All the jjrominent members of the late Society have enrolled themselves as
supporters of this Section. A representative Committee has been elected, con-
sisting of the following gentlemen : — Messrs. D. E. Caush, L.D.S. (Chairman),
A. H. C. Cordur, J. Hunter Grah.am, G. Foxall, W. Mitchell, J. P. S. Slinsly-
Roberts, and Walter Harrison (Hon. Secretary). On B'riday tliere was a goo<l
attendance, to listen to the Chairman's inaugural address. After referring to
the dissolution of the Photographic Society, he congratulated the Natural
History Society in having added to its membership so many leading gentlemen
that had lately joined ; the Photographic Section is a movement whicii had not
been of hasty formation, as the scheme had been before the Council for a long
time. He thanked them for the honour that had been conferred upon him,
and would do his best to help forward the object they all had in view. He
tlien proceeded to discuss in a very able manner the isochromatic plate and
film questions, and he had come to the conclusion, after practical experience,
that in many classes of work the isochromatic was of immense value. The
discourse was profusely illustrated by means of negatives, prints, and lantern
slides (shown by means of the Society's new electric lantern). Messrs. England,
Edwards, Fitch, and Hardcastle lent various articles to make the sulyect prac-
tical. Dr. Rean (President of the Society) presented some beautiful interior
prints on behalf of Mr. John Parnell, of Cl.apton. He .also showed some paper
negatives about thirty-five years old, and gave some silver prints to the Section
over forty years of age. On Easter Monday the members purpose spending
the day at Arundel.
Lewes Photographic Society. — Messrs. A. H. C. Corderand A, H. Webling
gave a lantern entertainment descriptive of A Holiday Tour in Sorlh Wales.
Several ladies were also present. The slides were .almost entirely tlie original
work of these gentlemen, and were of remarkable beauty, both as regards choice
of subject and excellence of work. The "tour" started at the fine eld city of
Chester, some admirable views of the ancient towers, city walls, and the
cathedral being shown. The trip up the river Dee was next gi-aphically de-
scribed, and a charming view of Ecclesdon Church thrown on the screen. Tlie
journey was continued through the beautiful Viile of Llangollen, of which
several exquisite pictures of the canal and its numerous bridges were exhibited.
Bettwys-y-Coed was the next centre of operations, a series of pictures from this
lovely spot up the river Llugwy, as far as Capel Ciirig, and views of Snowdon
being passed through the lantern. An excursion Wiis then made in the opposite
direction, up the river Conway, the Fairy Glen, and some of the wilil and
picturesque ravines on the river Lleder. The tour ceased at the historic town
of Conway, its fine old castle and other interesting scenes being thrown on the
screen. A most interesting and up-to-date series of views were next given of
the wreck of the Eider, after which a set of coloured views, by Messrs. G. W.
Wilson & Co., of Aberdeen, illustrating the cathedrals of England and Wales,
were exhibited. The result of tlie Quarterly Competition was m.ade known .at
this meeting. The certificate was offered for the best photograph of " leafless
tree or trees." Mr. Andrew Pringle judged the work sent in, and awarded the
prize to Mr. H. B. Constable, who sent in two subjects, which were placed
first and second. At the June meeting Mr. E. J. Bedford will speak of Per-
spective as applied to Photography: The Use and Abuse of Wide-Angle
Lenses,
Rotherham Photographic Society,— April 5, was more than ordinarily
interesting. Dr. Baldwin (President) occupied the chair. — Mr. J. Le.vdbeatsb,
the Treasurer, gave an explanation and demonstration of the wet -plate or coUo-
dion process. He remarked that, as an amateur of thirty-five years' standing, he
often looked back regretfully to itm infancy of his acquaintance with the art of
photography, when it was surrounded by a mysterious halo of wonder and
expectation. The process was still thought by m,auy photographers to give
better results than any other method, and to his mind there was a brilliancy
and transparency in collodion plates not to be found in gelatine plates. On
this account it was largely used in making lantern slides. It had its disadvan-
tages, however, which had led to its general abandonment for landscape work,
the chief being the coating, sensitising, and developing of the plates in the
field, an operation which necessitated the carrying about of a large tent,
chemicals, bath, water, &c. Allusion was made to the numerous ingenious
methods adopted to preserve the plate after sensitising, and some amusing ex-
Apnl 15, 1883]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
355
pmitaem ^rta of tba axporarat wUek vtn BMeanrx. Tb* othtr bmiowl
tBcMid UM dictribaliea of napUs of Jaeobjr'a eoUodion papv, and of aertia
tiadicatalociMiL Aarf CoMtnu is tk* Mltjaot for tha nut Buetinc.
■mMj.— A|*a S, Mr. Bl J. Ttrlor hi the ehair.—
BoBghtna k Sod'i Sbnttle hand camera.
,— AprU e. tka Praaidnit (Hr. HippolTto
WM read by Mr. Stdsbt
Mr. T. G. HibbartiBtrodaeHlMi
te which are rlafmad «f«al advaDl
Mr. G. BaoaUT aa** tho aaeo^
a lacid MniMr, vkkk cwMd • .
•licitod a deal of oaafbl infonatioa lior tbe wnkcr in ■tenoaeapie
m»ii«nii r*i><<tii|itiii a»tk
J. Bbac, A.R&A) eccopiad tha dialr.— A .
Kami, entitled A Bolitlif in yarbUire, in which ba deachbeQ hia rambles,
and abowod a nsmber of aliilci frum tha nagativea ba bad second. Tbejr
wsfa of toe qmlitx, and moeh adaiiad. naraaflar four new mambei* were
hallatadf9rBadad«ittad. laeaMHMMaofthaiaaraaaiacnambar oflaatem
alidaa, and tba litawl diqibiT'adteaeIr rndaeiiOB. U «aa NBolTad that the
CaaBcil ■akaamafHNBla for a spaeial laaten saetioa to take chaisa of Ibair
aiblMtliw Ihna tiaia to tim«^ and to lonm tad eatahlldi a loan and axchann
~ " and alio to dm* op a aet of btnlawa Itar tba lagnlation of thk
t of tba Sorii^a bwlaaaa. Tba riwiilart, in dnwteg attention to
aiw OBaal aMltaK of tba PbalqBapbk Connntioa, which ia to
tbatetbeeaiw aBBoI Malfav of tba Pbalvapbk'
111 hiM In nmiiiTth hi tba Tiair i nmiaiinrin Tiilj 11 nazt. said tbcT woold
ha ^ad to hear that all tba air—ry anwRRMacou wen ymnaalni fiiToar-
sMy, aadthat itaaambMi^ eoaaingftam an natta of the oonntiy, mlgh! depend
:4aneaiTtig8rlgbt hafty wvlcoma to tbidtr, ao-l that tba Sedatywonld
. > tbiir oiaoat to aaka tba oecaaion a cbaarAd and inenorafala^ aa wall aa a
prinr— laa, oaaL Tha Wtosnlalhin petat Ibr tba raar— wUeb had again faaaa
~ L with hia w«l tkfll aad ktndnaaa wni tbaa db-
It ia antlOad Mb ifaaMBO, and ia a Oaa I
r* ■ ^"^^ ^9 ■■■■■
riModnand hf Mi
trAartad to tfaaa
r nhatopaiunL, ' Tba Ftaridaat (Mr. Bbael batoa tba doa* of tba no-
ediap, waa conpatnlatad on tba aoaonr wUeb bad bean wnfcifid npon nim
in apuiBiiaC him OM oat of tba lu|a liat of
tbad%«itr of Xiaoaiaa cf that body.
Mr.
WHUaa iMOfcjna.,
t>ytbaBaynl
■siwity
P.Ca, iiiilllHta Ihaehair.— Twoaav Mibanvanalaetad. Tba
siM oa Mr. J. C Aaaaa'a paper, vhidl waa eoi _
waa coaehkdad, aad aftawaiA a paper wm nad br Mr. Law: ea Xattrt Bunt
<nd kit n tofimpMi, Wort. PrinU from a«3tiTes lakaa with OaDaMyer'a
tela photo law w— tba aaljeiet of maeblatawat.
Wmipi^ii IwlKrXJhjM^-fWwaiTm Mr. K^|itoa8aM in tba
ebalr.— na fbOewiat ■wtlwiiu wan wniaaaafy ilirtiil miaitii af tba
Society :— Coaat Toda. VleoBBt flwan, Miiwi i. a CtaiiMa, A. Uupm;
P W Ooteh, T. Taknyaaa. aad ' '*Vn^ AAv thta thn wm • Laal«a
.-. a laifa aaaibv of aUa frMB vaA doM by aatoban dariag tba paat
atebowabyallMiUJWltara. T»a lUdaa w«a aB (ood, tba lain
- "f tba dbtdiaNaf ilHiL wUA wa af tba Ufbaala^y, baiM
liMdkear. Tbwa waa a Mr attaadanna, aad afl
rialiMiartbaaxbihMaa. ladaad. it was
IM kaa baa aaaa b* M(y panea ia tbie
tba «p«ak« Oat «Mh aa cxUM.
HM^ aad ^11 that it ba
•adtbaCoa-
aa aafcttaaata Biia-
t af tta.tii tyubwi lafl
llMa. kavrar, aaf a aatohar
I'aeSue Itar tha YokahaM U
:T1 bo-
. .ly aaanaarail la tbasa eoii
of
Esbi-
Corrp^ponDrncr*
' wHIs aa lea rita «r Oe
nsBioflconc photoobapht.
TaiJbaKiiinab
Sn,— I hai« nad Mr. Chadwiak'a orfiWaa o( mf papw ia yomt
olaianaL I widaaiaqiad to ihai* that alHaaaeaaia photamaha bM* ae
ahto tram aa artiatia itaailpelat. Mr. Chadwiak mjt na eoaaidan
rottij aad art ia phi>t>niaplii aaaaMia, aad than aHiliiiiwiii to prora
.'■at thaaa aia poariMa aaaa ia HaMeawpla pbotapapha. Hia (raat
■fiaaiaat. wbiab ba thiaba liwiwtiiiiiillWa, ia Ual t£«y find lan>iir with
noat ol Ma friiii aad tha pabBe fWiHj' at praaant. It thia ia to ba
-.,« flaal eooft e( appial. I fi«a in at oaaa.— I aa. yoora. *«.,
Fmt Art GaOrrte, US. SaiKM«kaZl.«lr«<l, J. Caua JLmmui.
QUfam. April 11, 1893.
DEVELOPMENT SHOWN ON THE SCBEKX.
ToiAe Esma.
■n.— I laa • iiaiagiapli on tha abora ia tba Jocaait,
.TlTlLto
toaait
•nnwitbiac aav. I Ad Ikia tnariaaat ia oor viUaci aalMol. aaraa or
( i^ht yeaia mf», to • paMia aoaaaaa, aad aararal tfaaaa riaaa ia prirala.
'- — -f aa IuHmw; I Wfta laady-atpuaii a gaiatiaa-ahlanila plata.
tioaih I poor tha lamaa osalato aahntaa, aad
itBikfla-aidatotba lifbt. Tba plato ia hdd by
■^ aaaiaal tha iida of tha troogb. ao that tba dataiop-
: «««i tba Bght aad tha fllin.
When developmant is complete, pour off the developer and replace with
TIm lantern should be plaoad ao that the picture is not more than
three feet long, aa the deTUoper cata ofl a lot of the light. A portrait
with great contrast from a hand negatire is most effective. — I am,
yours, lie., H. 0. M. Coktbcaxb.
Tht Hut, IngatetUmt, April II, 1893.
MODIFYINU LENSES.
To the Editor.
Sn, — In the Jonuiu. of March 18, in ttie article entitled " Elementary
Notes on Fliolographic Lenses," tha formoU given for dnding the fotus-
A , g
o( the lenses when combined was . „ — -, A and B representing the
length of (ocas ol each lens reapectively, and C the diatanca apart io the
mount. If this is ooneot, the focus cannot be more than ooa and a
AxU
(raetion. Should not the formula read -r — g — rr? I have always nnder-
A + lJ — O •
stood it to do ao — I am, yoora, Ac, Ubobge C. Fill
April, 1S93.
»
•PHOTOGRAPHIC POBTBAITS."
To the Editob.
Sib,— While I agree with your correspondent, Mr. A Maskell, that the
attack in your optical eootamporaty upon lum and his iriends ia both
virolent and intemparato, I aboold IJu to point out that, regrettable aa it
m«y ba, it is an ultimate and inevitable form ot tejoinder to the heap
of ridieole which the school of Puszitypists has, I think, with undue
haste, Booght to east at the old s^leotpbotofpaphy. It is to the interest
of the paper aamad aad thoae aaaoeiated with it to maintain that old
styie. Mr. Maakell and hia friends have, for years past, not only aasailed
tha artistic attributes of that style, but now they are running dangeronaly
near to taUiag the world that the highly finiabed tools of tha optician am
of no farther nae to tha modem impreadooiatio photographer, and what
is more, they are provinc the laith within them by malmigpietares which,
while th^ BMke tiie jodiajoaa among optieiaDa grieve, also provoka their
trade agaa to take rafoga ia penonalitiaa in delenoa ol Ito •npportera.
For. did not Mr. Maakall himaeU ahow na last year what could be done
with a speetaoie tens (aad a pretty picture it was), and cannot he now
disoover oaa ol the Taattt ol tha oeonnciatioa he and hia friends have
been aabjeeted to?
For the nhotagtaphara of the old school, however, who think— and
rightly think— that a piiotagrapiiie objeetive ia a neeeaaary adjonot to
suuusaalnl ""< .tt»»im;^^f<«g ^^p^^^iBp r*"*^^r«r''T there ia one eooaola-
tioo in the knowledge that, if a lena ia ot no importaaeaia taking pietnres
ol the new kind. tl>e need as wall aa the poaaeseiaa of braiaa ia about on
the eama plane, and thna " no lena." " no braina" will be the mark by
whiah tha aa«r aahool can in lutara be distingnished.— I am, yoora, <ke.,
ilpril IS, Un. CiHaui-K Bbowk. jto.
■
CAK FBINTINO-OUT CHLORIDE PAPER BE DEVELOPED?
To the Edrob.
Bib,— I think it woold ba ol advantage il the new annlaion pmmt*
aUeh I, t""*^ many othns, am uaing could ba developed aa well aa
ptiniad oat. Am they sensitive enough to receive a latent impreaaion
with an ezpoeore ol a tew minutes to daylight? If ao, it would be an
advantage to be able to take a number of printa qniokly at will in the
daytime and develop at night I am, yours, ^e..
JIummerimith, April 11, 1898. CoLLOOlO ClIU>BlI>B.
[tiaa leader oa tlie sabject in another part of tlie Joubxau— En.]
£ict)ange Column.
» ifaalUryefa sads frri»mhm0 Mmekm/m^AppmulmUmMscolimn;
bml »tm* viU to metrfd aalast the mrtitU tmmUiis d^fMMt lUUd. TAm.
M»M»«y«cv^ytto<r>itarwialta"aa|>rtwvi>«0i<"»»i<lrt«r<r«>r»iwrf«rrt'"'
. •MOtartsr aad oMlatartor.feodMaew, for exfhanr! 'or two others,
i ba MS »x7. AMtmt, X. BAtWAOB, Davlais
fliliill' sO aahttsf TT M>iU, worth U. whoa frnmadi exahnaa fbr nod
'Unto eaoMn ar stodla aaewartsa.-.Addi«M, Wiluam Otaa. notofraphw,
Una washiaataak. with pipe aai las, la (oad emUtioa i wIU exehaage tor itadio
^SmUStr A1>C if ImW whalajSte iSahrwl pottntt teas; »1U •ntaaor'
util—l HitHrr 8. t. Ousoa. Chalsirford.
I w<n aactoM* a U x 10 amm% ml stack MAk, br CRtnriU, ud tripod, tor a Bwd«ni
h-lf r^- taman, wiU thi«s dooUa tUAm ana tnpodi alw two interior back-
(nQBdaaad Trlar's actat waihar, (or Mtorior or olondad b>ek«roanda.— Addrea^
rasa. 0. D. Bvas, Sbsptoa Malkt.
2S6
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOIOGRAPHY.
[April 15, 1892
flnetasets to eomBponntntn.
AU ntatttrt tor tht text porlitm of tMt Joubkal, including qutnf for
"Auimn'^ and •• Bxchanga," mutt U addremd to "Ths Editor,"
S, Tork-ttroet, Covent Oarden, London. Inattention to this emura delay.
So noliet taken qf aommunicationt unlas name and addreu 0/ writer are
given.
•,• Communicaiiont relating to Advertisements and general business affairs
must be addressed to •• Hsurt Obunwooo & Co.," 2, rork-street, Covent
Oarden, London.
FUOTOGBAPHS RlOISTIBKD :
t. Howe, OireBoafter.— eolation 0/ Foreign and Aneimt Silver Plate in ths South
Kmumilon JfuMum.
L. Seal. — All nitrates are easily soluble in water.
RuiTAMA.— Clearly, if the price of metallic silver recedes, the cost of its salts
are also reduced.
VoLi'Mi — By (luantitative analysis, which you will find explained in Dumoals
devoted to the subject.
ZiNco.— Tlie blocks are usually cut to size with a circular saw, and the edges
bevelled with a metal plane.
FI.ASHUGHT.— Aluminium was meant. We have not yet heard of any experi-
ments witli it in this country.
K DovLB.— We have forwarded the letter. Any firm undertaking the silvering
of glass will execute such a commission.
K C. E. — The matter was well ventilated in our columns last year ; besides,
the purpose of your letter is not clear.
Tbawlkr. — The spots are apparently due to particles of some pernicious
matter coming in contact with the prints while they were, presumably, in a
moist condition.
E. J. Lbsteb.— Mr. J. Barker's formula for eelatino-chloride, for printing out,
given at p. 786 of The British Joubnal Photographic Almanac for 1892,
b what you require.
W. Gaskell. — In all probability a kallitype print is as liable to be
affected by a mount containing hypo, or other injurious substances, as an
ordinary silver print, particnlafly in the moist state.
C. BOTT. — Tlie platinotype prints forwarded have been made on paper that
has l)ecome more or less damp by exposure to moisture. There is no way of
improving the prints now.
K. A. B. asks if paste made with pure rice flour would be better than the best
starch for mounting photographs with. — If the' starch be good, there would
be no advantage gained by using the rice paste ; in<leed, it might be the other
way about,
Dudley Towers. — We do not think your neighbours can interfere with the
glass-house ; but, as it does not conform to the conditions of the Building
Act, the District Surveyor has the power to order its removal. Better with
dark-blue and light-green blinds.
rosBS. — The reason for your failure to " successfully employ the solution
recommended by Mr. Haddon for reducing purposes " is apparent from the
particulars contained in your letter. You have been using potassium ferro-
cyauide instead of the ferr/rfcyauide.
F. (Cape Town). — If mounts printed with a bronze powder that causes spots on
the prints be used, and the mounting be done with decomposed starch paste,
the effect shown on the enclosed print is fully accounted for. Of cour.se, we
cannot say in what state the mountant was at the time it was used.
Plumbeb. — Bnush over the zinc with a solution of one part each of chloride of
copper, nitrate of copper, and chloride of ammonium in sixty-four parts of
water, and add to the mixt\ire one part of hydrochloric acid. Allow to
stand for a day after this application. Paint applied to this surface will
adhere tenaciously.
Palgrave. — The formula for transfer ink referred to is that, we believe used,
at the Ordnance Survey Office. But we advise you to purchase the photo
transfer ink supplied by the dealers, instead of attempting to compound it for
yourself. Tlie operations are troublesome, messy, and not always successful
in the hands of a novice.
N. Bedwell. — The quickest way to dry a gelatine negative is to immerse it
for a few rainiites in two or three changes of strong methylated spirit. Then
it may be ilricd before the fire, or in the sun. A collodion negative,
whether bath or emulsion, can be dried at once before the fire immediately
it is washed. Heat does not affect the collodion as it does gelatine.
0. E W.— Supposing you were the first to register a photograph of the boat
race, you cannot prevent any one from publishing any photograph they may
have taken whether before or after yours was exposed. Your smart work is so
much labour lost. All you have secured is the copyright in your own
picture. Surely you did not expect to secure any copyright in the boat
race ?
SEMiMrs. — As your experience with the lantern extends only to the use of an
oil lamp, we should not recommend you to commence the limeliglit with a
mixed jet. A " blow-through " is much safer in tlie hands of a beginner, and
such a jet will yield a light that is. ample for a private room, while, at the
same time, it is quite enough for enlarging on bromide paper with a brief
exposure.
■G. Vos.s wishes to know where thin rolled zinc is to be obtained, such as that
employed for the tympans of lithogiajihic presses when tliey are used for
photo-lithography. Both zinc and brass tympans are supplied by all who
supply lithographic presses and materials. The zinc may also be had from
all dealers in sheet zinc, and the brass from any of the rolled metal ware-
houses in Clerkenwell.
McDawber writes : — "Can yon kindly inform me where 1 can obtain stout
unbleached sheeting, eight feet wide, for backgrounds? I have tried
' Horrocks,' of Manchester, and all drapers say they cannot obtain it. Is it
specially made for the purpose ? I can get the width in very thiu bleached
sheeting (more like a handkerchief than anything else), which is, of course,
useless for the purpose. If you can inform me in your next issue, I should
be very grateful. It is in every-day use in London, ami no doubt you can
give nie an address where I can obtain it." — Perhaps some of our readers can
supply the desired infoniiation.
H. E. Thomas says he has recently bought a large rolling press, second hand,
and the steel plate is very rusty from its having been kept for several years
in a damp room out of use. He wants to know how he can repolisli it .so as
to make it at bright as new 1 — If the plate is in the state we surmise it is,
the most economical plan will be to discard it altogether, and buy a new
one. To resurface the plate the usual plan is to work it first with snake
stone and water, next with the stone and oil. Then, when a perfectly even
surface is obtained, it is polished with a stick of charcoal and oil, and finally
with an "oil rubber." To remove all traces of deep oxidation from a steel
plate is a long and tedious operation.
Optic writes : " Would you please answer the following query in your next
issue? — Can a photographer who has simply been a junior assistant in a firm
that has been patronised by Royalty exhibit over his front, very pro-
minently, ' Pliotographer to the Queen,' having, in very small letters, the
name of the firm in whose employ he has been ? What steps can be taken
to get him to remove the said advertisement, which conveys a false impres-
sion ? '_' — As the photographer has the name of the firm with whom he was
with in small letters, he is within his rights ; but he must not use the
name in such a way as to lead people to believe that the business belongs
to the firm, and this, it appears, he has not done. Unless he holds the
Royal wan-ant, he is not entitled to style himself " Photographer to the
Queen. "
F.Baxter writes: "Wishing to obtain a view of a small historical village
amongst some hills in South Wales, I exposed two plates with the following
results : — No. 1 plate was exposed on a level with the village, and developed
all right, being a very good negative indeed. No. 2 plate was exposed from
the side of a mountain 800 feet above the level of same village, and some-
thing like a quarter of a mile away. I may say the plates were from the
same maker, and both exposures exactly the same, within lialf hours of each
other, and yet the No. 2 plate was unmistakably a case of over-exposure to
I
undoubtedly over-exposure and atmospheric perspective, wliich would have
prevented a brilliaut picture being obtained even with a shorter exposure.
We understand that several of the London photographic dealers' premises
will be closed from Thursday night until Tuesday morning next.
We are sorry to learn of the death of Mr. William Priestley, of the firm of
Priestley & Sons, photographers, Egremont, Cheshire, which took place on the
8th instant.
London and Provincial Photographic Association.— April 21, Phuto-
ffraphy and Crime. Dr. Jeserich's paper, illustrated by slides, also Indian and
Colonial slides. 28, The ^'ew FhUinotype Paper, Mr. W. H. Smith.
South London Photographic Societv.— Fixtures for April, 1892 :— Aprd
18, Excursion to Canterbury. 20, Demonstration of the iVew Cold-Math
Platinum Process, by Mr. F. W. Edwards. 23, Outing to Dulwich village and
Dulwich College.
Messrs. L. Tbapp & Co. write : " In your issue of March 25, 1S92, there is
an article on the ' acid action of drawing-paper of different makes,' by Mr. W.
N. Hartley, F.R.S. Kindly take note tbat we are the sole agents for the
drawing-papers of Messrs. H. A. SchoUer & Sons, of Diiren, who guarantee
their paper to be free from acid."
Mr. M. L. Isaacs writes us that, in consequence of the dissolution be-
tween himself and his late partner, he will continue, as from tlie 1st of January
last, to carry on the business of Joseph Levi & Co., Furnival-street, whole-
sale opticians and dealers in photographic apparatus and materials, at the same
address, and in the same manner, as he has done for the last sixteen years,
during which time he has been the sole managing partner.
Photographic Society ok Great Britain, Exhibition, 1892.— The Exhi-
bition will be inaugurated by a conversazione, open to members and their
friends and exhibitors, at 8 p.m., on Saturday evening, September 24. The
Exhibition will remain open daily, from Monday, September 26, until Thursday,
Noveruber 10. Medals will be placed at the disposal of the Judges for artistic,
scientific, and technical excellence of photographs, lantern slides, transpa-
rencies, and apparatus. Blank entry, forms, and any further information
respecting the Exhibition, apparatus, and lantern slides can be obtained from
the Assistant Secretary, 50, Great Russell-street, London, W.C.
OONT
rum
on spotting 2U
development ok chloride emul-
sion printing papers Ml
VAUIATlOS in collodion EMUL-
SION WOnKING 218
ON THINGS in GENERAL. By FKEE
LANCK 2ij
THE FADING OK SILVER PKINTS
ON ALBUMENlSED PAPER. Uy
ELLEBSLIE WALLACE 245
THE KAIU.Y DAYS OK ANIMAL PHO-
TOGRAPHY, liv FRANK HAES US
DEVELOPMENT OK INSUKKICIENTLY
PRINTED PP.OOKS OK CELLOIDIN.
OnERNKTTEH.ARISTO.MIQNON.AND
SIMILARLY PliEPAREU PAPERS. By
E. VALENTA 217
SNTS.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND PHOTO-MECHA-
NICAL PRINTING. By PAUL L.
WATERLOW »\-n J. D. 0EDDE3 UX
OPTICAL PROJECIION. By G. B.
E.^KEK Mj
PHOTO-MICEOGBAPHS IN THE LAN-
TERN. By T. E. FBESHWATEB,
F.R.M.S aw
EXHIBITION AT BIRMINGHAM SSI
THE NEW ENGLISH ART CLUB 21
SUMMER NOVELTIES IN APPAEATUS . au
OUR EDITORIAL TABLE 252
MEETINGS OP SOCIETIES 2'>3
OOnUESPONDENCE 2j0
EXCHANGE COLUMN 2.5
ANBWSB8 10 00BBE8P0NDEHIB 2J«
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1668. Vol. XXXIX.— APRIL 22, 1892.
THE DEBT OF ART-PHOTOGRAPHY TO SCIENCE.
OsK of the paper* read at the late Camera Club Conference
was largely deTotad to the strange oooteutioa that science was
\loing "Mrions hann to photognqihy as a picture-producing
art." In copiport of that contentioii, howerer, no more formid-
able piece of STidenoe vas prodnoad than that " when a student
AUght to be stadying the oooatmetioa of a pictnre, and
derelopiog in hia soul the art of Ijioft he is fed away by the
flickering i^Mw/i^wM of scieoos^ and goea mad ov I>era."
We woold not give moch, eitlier far the mental am or
the ehaaeca ol soceeas of the pietuze-making student who,
when engaged ia studying thro coMtmetion of a picture, cannot
keep his thoughts away ihim siMh a sabaidiary and relatively
unimportant matter as the choiea or composition of the
dereloper he is going to em|doj. We prefer, howeTcr, to
regard the remark, together with many more of a similar cast
that followed it, as a piece of grotesque and fancifid czagger-
ititm. Nevertheless, exaggeration or not, there underlies this
' ir utteraness of thoM to vlxim the picture-making
-^ of pbotogiaphy are all-in-all, such a atiite uf
if not ignoraiMSh aa V> Ute extent to which
^- ;. :n'1«bted to aeience, not merely for tlie
ipacta for the methods which it places
Htice tn photoioaphie seienes, we
our artist fri^Kls that tliey are in
;<th, as well as tlia area, of their
lightful, from aa astlMtic point of view, a photo-
,'ripii may Dc, it relies for its charm aad bsaoty, oataide its
selection aad cwapositioo, entirely upon siisatifio aid. If, to
take a common aad obriooa asamplc, porticos of the pietnre
■t its margiaa embrace perpendicuhur liaos, their true par-
spectire rcpreaentatioa relies wholly upon the skill of the
optician in proridiag a lens which will oorrsotly trainlate
theaa parte of the pietaa. Btcd the BKMt advaaoed aoiong
tha new school of photognphan would hawtata, «a ahodd
hopa, to rate any kiad of dirtartkm in a photograph, as of
little artistic accooat. Omitting landscapes pure and simple
as being for the moment out of the queatioo, the. moat
beantifnl interiun and thuae subjects baring figure cumpo-
Iaitirais trith istarion^ which are and bara been so (lopular,
would be impossible but for this property of phutogmpinc
lenses. Despite the strenuous teaching aad examplca of the
new srhool wa hare referred to, a Urge proportion of people of
eaktrated taata still find mneb, if not moat, to admire in well-
datead photogn^iha of whatavar kind which owe their dominant
preparty in a primary degree to optical skill, a property which
we hare yet to Icam ia ineompatiUa with the ofaserraaca of the
atiietaat art canooa.
materials for its use,'' than is allowed, because — and here we
confine ourselves to phutographio art alone — it is the man of
science who usually first teaches the photographer what viiried
and pleasiug effects are to be obtained from the use of the
materials he provides. Was it the artist-photographer who
was the first to dLscorer the merits or adaptabilities of — lot us
say, for example — a printing procees, such as platinum printing,
to certain subjects t Aiisuredly not. Again, to whom are all
the artist-pliotograpliers indobtol for the wealth and variety of
tones which may be obtiiined on this and similar siirfiiceH t
Cleariy not to themaelves. By whom has the art of developing
the n^ativ^ been reduced to such a degree of simplicity ua
well as reach of efToctivcness 1 Not the " artists." By whom
haa the modem gelatine plate been perfected I Wlio is it that
baa wrougitt out its wonderful possibilities in rendering the
fine details of a view, its delicate lij^hts and shades, its deepest
shadows, its highest brilliuncies I The man of science.
It is not fsr short of the truth to say that the greater
number of modem art-[>hoto<.'rapher| have been educated up to
the use of the materiaU which men of science have provided
for them by the men of science themselves. It is the man of
soienoe, using its term in its purer, if more general, sense, to
whom photographic truth or untruth is referable for distinctiouf
a point which we are glad to see Captain Abney did not misK
in his remarks at the Conference. We wyv also pleased to
ofaaorre that he pointed out - ■ -tn' perspective had im-
proved owing to the tmth of j .: „:^, hy, a truth which is the
emanation of scientific effort.
Photography is in the position, unlike painting, that it relies
very greatly upon the materials provided for iU best and most
delightful effeeti, as well as for the means and method of secur-
ing tliem, upon soientific aid, and we believe it will continue to
be the case, while the lens, the dry plate, and the printing
sur&oe are fiustora in the production of photographa In photo-
graphy t<Hlay affeota are produced which were beyond reach a
geaontion ago. Is this due to the advancement of art know-
ledge I Partly, if you like, but not solely ; the man of science
haa had much, very much, to do with it We fear that it would
not be didicult for us to prove that tlie present rage for warm
aad sepia tones — which are allowed to fulfil current artistic
requirements so admirably — is due to the experiments of the
lam^ science, an<l not of the artists themselves. By-and-by,
maybe, those tones will undergo nuxlification, ami we are sure
that, if they do, science will once more lead the way.
There is, we fear, a decided tendency among art -photo
giaplims to underrate the value and importance of the tools
with whieh they work, and, more, to overlook the fact that it is
oft«n dtie to the men of science that they have been taught how
to use them. This is a form of ingratitude possibly arising out
of the elation caused by the knowledge that as a picture
968
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOfOGRAPHY.
[April 22, 1892
making art photogrophy is slowly but surely edging in among
her elder sisters. We sincerely hoi)e it will not be perpetuated,
and in saying so much we do iv)t seek to undervalue the high
art knowledge and instincts which fortunately prevail among so
many modem photographers, be they solf-styled artists or not.
But " Art," it appears to us, is in danger of securing all the
halfpence, while to Science are only allotted the kicks. We
must change all that.
RECOVERING SILVER FROM SPOILT PLATES.
Most of us, whether amateur or professional, and especially if
of an experimental turn, find ourselves, in the course of twelve
months, saddled with a considerable stock of " waste glass,"
or, in other words, spoilt plates, or plates which, after develop-
ment, are of no value as negatives. It may be in many, per-
haps the majority of, cases that the glass itself is of no value
for rccoating, for the simple reason that we arc not in the
habit of making plates, and at present, so far as we are aware,
there is no market for such waste, which therefore soon be-
oomes a nuisance from the difficulty of getting rid of it.
But, at any rate, the silver contained in the films, especially
if they be imfixed, has a value, and the trouble of recovering
and utilising it is far less if systematically taken in hand than
most photographers imagine. Of course, much will depend
upon the method adopted as to whether the return is pro-
portionate to the trouble expended ; but, even without having
recourse to any very special arrangements to that end, the
recovery of the metal is, in a small way, decidedly remimerative.
In order to attain tiie most satisfactory result it will, of
course, be desirable to work in a methodical or systematic way
from the first For instance, under or over-exposed or fogged
plates that are clearly of no use should be washed and set
aside without fixing ; broken or " light-struck " plates or others
that for any reason whatever are not submitted to the ordeal
of development will, of course, be set aside without any further
treatment, because, though the silver may be extracted from
them by means of the fixing bath, the plan we are about to
describe is, in our opinion, a superior one. Experimental films
that have been developed and fixed and have served their
purpose, or old negatives that are done with, although not so
rich in silver as those tliat are unfixed, still contain a pro-
portion of metal that is worth recovering, and these may there-
fore be included with the rest, and set aside until a convenient
time arrives to treat the whole lot.
The first step is, of course, the removal of the films from the
glass or other support, and here we may say that in the case of
glass plates the u'lass itself acquires a higher value and begins
to assume the character of a saleable or utilisable bye-product
when it is freed from its coating of gelatine and brought to a
state of tolerable cleanness. As regards celluloid and paper
films, the removal of the gelatine is not so easy a matter as
with glass, and it is perhaps a question whether, except in the
case of perfectly soluble films, the game of recovery is worth
the candle. The gelatine can scarcely be scraped off, and the
only alternative, the use of boiling water or hot dilute acid, will
disintegrate the paper .support, reducing it to pulp, which mixes
with tlie insoluble silver salt, and partially so also in the case
of celluloid, which in any case is spoilt for future use owing to
the destruction of its flatness.
The hot-water method is objectionable too, even with glass
plates, on account of the quantity that has to be used. A
mere soaking in warm, or even liot, water will not suflSce to
remove the film from a developed plate, owing to the well
known " tanning" action of the developer upon the gelatine ; and
even those that have not been developed so frequently contain
alum in some form that the gelatine is only partially softened by
the hottest water. Roiling in dilute acid or alkali, or even long
immersion at a normal temperature, will, of course, dissolve off
the films, but the mass of liquid that then has to be manipu-
lated renders the process an inconvenient one in the highest
degree. We are therefore strongly in favour of removing the
film by mechanical means, which, while just as easy, reduces
the residues to a convenient and workable form.
For the purpose of cleaning off the gelatine, the plates are
first of all placed to soak in cold or tepid water, heat being^
preferably avoided. When thoroughly soaked for, say, at
least an hour or two, many makes of film, especially if
developed, will strip readily in a single sheet without any
further treatment; but, if the water in which they are soaked
be acidified with citric acid, the stripping is reduced almost to
a certainty. It then remains only to loosen the edges of the
film by a rubljing or pulling motion of the finger, and th&
whole film will come away, leaving the glass almost clean
enough to be recoated.
Where, however, this treatment does not answer, a flat board
must be provided, along one edge of which is nailed a thin
fillet or strip of wood against which to rest the glass ; also a
strip of hard wood with a sharp-planed edge to act as a scraper.
The filleted board is placed in a sloping position on the sink,
with the fillet end furthest away from the operator, and, one of
the soaked plates being laid upon it, one or two strokes of the
scraper, steadily and firmly applied, will remove the whole of
the film in far less time than it takes to describe tlie process.
A large number of plates may be treated in an hour, and the
jelly collected for the next operation, which consists in elimin-
ating the gelatine.
For this purpose there is a choice of two methods, namely,
boiling either with dilute acid or alkali, either of which destroys
the gelatine, both as regards its setting power and its power of
holding the silver in suspension. But the result differs in the
two cases ; boiling with acid separates the silver in the form of
unaltered haloid — whether it be bromide, chloride, or iodide —
whereas the action of the alkali, in conjunction with the de-
composed gelatine, reduces it to the metallic state. At first
sight the latter would seem to be out-and-out the better plan
to adopt, as it saves the reduction of the haloid by a separate
operation ; but, in practice, the trouble of freeing the precipi-
tate of finely divided silver from the dark, dirty solution that
clings to it with the greatest pertinacity robs the process of its
simplicity, at any rate in inexperienced hands. Probably a
purer result would be arrived at by this method than by the
alternative one we shall describe, where (/reaf purity of the
silver is desirable, but it would require the care and skill of an
experienced chemist.
The acid method is therefore the one we shall recommend,
and for the purpose almost any acid might be used, though in
practice sulphuric or hydrochloric is much to bo ]jreferred.
Such at least would be the case if the residues to be treated
consisted solely of undeveloped film, in whicli case the whole of
the silver would be in the haloid form. But with mixed
residues the precipitate would consist partly of metallic silver,
which, by boiling with sulphuric acid, would be liable to con-
version into soluble silver sulphate, which would bo lost, while
in the case of hydrochloric, except by very prolonged boiling, it
would be only partially converted into silver chloride.
April *i. IHBS]
THE BRITISU JOURNAJL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
9SD
We therefore prefer to rely upon a mixture of chromic and
hydrochloric acids, which, while acting even more energetically
upon the gelatine, also effectually converts the metallic silver
into chloride. The solution may be formed by dissolving a
quantity of potaasium bichromate in water, and adding thereto
bydrochlorie acid. The exact strength is quite immaterial ; but,
as both the ingredients are cheap enough, it will save time and
trouble to make it tolerably active, oaing about an ounce of
each to a quart of water. The aaaped-oiT 61ms are placed in a
snitable-dzed porcelain baain, an earthen pipkin, or an enamelled
iron saucepan, with suflSdent of the acid solution to cover them,
and brought rapidly to the boil, the mass being well stirred
until the gelatine is quite dissolved. Probably by the time
this occun the aetting power will have been destroyed, but the
liquid will still retain a certain viaoosity, which would prevent
this ready precipitation of the aflver ; some time should also be
allowed for the oonveraion of the metallic silver into chloride.
The mixture will at ftrat exhibit a dirty grey colour, varying in
depth aooordini; to the proportion of developed and undeveloped
bromide it contains, but as the action of the add pcooecds this
vill diange to pure yellow. When this stage arrivea remove
the veael from the fire, and whan ebullition haa oaaaed watch
to aee if there ia a tendency oo the part of the aOver to aettle
quickly ; if not, continue the bciliBg tor a few minatea longer
•od repeat the teat
When the silver snbsidea readily, aet the Taairi on one aide
until the precipitate haa settle<l wdl to the bottom, then caro-
f nliy pour off^ the supernatant liquid and replace with fresh
water, and again raise to the boiling point, stirring well.
Bepaat the auhaidenae and wahing ontil the water oomaa away
da» and ooloariflas ; then, fai ordar to make doubly aore of the
removal of all organic matters, bofl once mora with dilute
hydrochloric acid (without the bichromate), and again wash
the ptedpitate two or three timea.
Wa hkve now radneed onr aUvar to the atate of mixed
bromide and dloride, in which condition, however, it is of no
practical utility, tnit requirea converaion into the form of
nitrate. The tint »tep to thia ia to bring it to the metallic
atate, dther by mcana of Aiaion or in the wet way by eleotro-
ehamkal action. Fosion ia die emdble with a aoitable flax
givea, ol ooona^ the poraat raanlt, but ia not within the
capabilities of moat aaatania. The altamative method oonaiata
tn coverhig the maaa of rilver haloid with water containing
s little Bulphnrio or hydrodtloric add, and immening a few
aompo of sine, iron, or copper, the two first being praliBrafale,
•owing to the pattlnsdty with which the eoppsr elinga to the
tsdncsd ailver. By ths action of the addoktsd water, the
fcsaar metal is diaaohed with erolatiaa of hydrogen, which in
torn attacks the silver haloid, redudng it and Ibrming hydro-
hromie and hydroehlotie aoida, whieh in torn reset on a tmb
^wrtion of the dnc or iron, and ao keep np a uonUnooua action
until the whole of the haloid ia redoced, chloride and bromide
of the basav metal then ismafaiiwg in aolution. Now, as both
hcwntde and chloride of copper act powerfully on metallic
sDver, converting it into the correqtooding haloid, it ia obvious
why that metal is not to be rsoommandad Car oaa^ and poaaibly
for the asaas rasaon sine ahonid be oatd inpnCmnesto iron.
In praetiee ws pnftr to use hydrochkirie add, aa with it
hast may be applied to hasten the reduction, whereaa with sul-
pfanxio acid there ia a danger, under such droumatancea, of
fcniiiliig aolphats of ailver. The quantity required ia very
amaO, a few dropa in a quart of water will aet np the action,
thoa|^ of come, the greater the quantity used the grastar ita
vigour. It is preferable to use granulated sine — obtainable at
any chemist's — as ordinary scrap zinc contains so many im-
purities.
As soon as . the rinc is thrown on to the sUver haloid, the
latter begins to blacken where it is in contact with the metal,
and this darkening spreads gradually until the whole mass is
converted. If left quiescent, however, it would be a very long
time before the action was complete, for which reason the mass
should be frequently stirred, to bring fresh particles into con»
tact with the sine, and the action will be further hastened by
the application of gentle heiit The progress of the conversion
may be tested when the whole mass has assumed an apparently
uniform black hue, by dissolving a small quantity of the preci
pate — a few grains only — in warm dilute nitric acid, when, if
no unreduced haloid remains undissolved, the process is com
plete. It will be some time after the apparent disappearanoe
of unconverted haloid, however, before that result is gained.
It is highly desirable that the bromide and chloride be
thoroughly converted, as, independent of the uncertainty and
loss arising from only partial conversion, the presence of either
of the haloids in the last operation, but especially chloride, will
lead to the formation of an impure sample of silver nitrate,
since they are both, to some extent, soluble in hot, strong
solution o( silver nitrate, and consequently form a double salt.
When the oonvsrsion is judged to be complete, separate the
remaining fragmenta of dnc from the finely divided precipitate
of silver. Here the advantage of using the granijatcd sine
will be appreciated, as scrape of thin sheet zinc frequently break
up into minute fragmenta, which it is impossible to separate
Poor off the add solution, and wash the predpitiite in several
changea of water, and then set it aside for some hours, or for as
o ug a psiiod as oonvenient, immeiaed in cold dilute sulphuric
acid ((»a part of add to ten of water) to dissolve any chance
particles of tine Afterwards wash well, dry, and weigh .
To convert it into nitrate, to three parts by weight of the
black powder add two of strong nitric add and four of water,
and place the oontaining veaael in a warm place where the
fumea can eacape conveniently; on the kub of the fireplace
anawara the purpoae. When the silver is all dissolved, or the
action haa oaaaed, trantfer the solution to a shallow dish or
aaucer, and phoa it in a warm dtuation to evaporate. A
warm, not hot, oven will answer. The slower the evaporation
the larger the orystala, and it should be borne in mind that in
getting large eryatala they may be withdrawn fh>in the mother
liquor, which will {retain any exoeaa of acid ; whereas, if
evaporated to dryneaa, the exoeaa of add will remain in the
aalt.
The silver nitrate obtained in this manner, if not analytically
pore, ia quite sufliciently so for all photographic purpoees, and
its prspsration helps to rid the photogrsphar ol one of his
minor troablaa, the bogfoear of otherwiae naalsai wasto plates.
Cblcaffo BxlilbUlon.— It will be seen by the letter
from Sir H. Tmeman Wood, whieh we print eliiewhere, that the
effect of the Oovenunent incr«a«in(^ tb>- gx*nt for the British section
at the forthcomiot^ Chicago Rxhibitioa enablon the Ckjmmissioners to
make a frae ofFer of upao? to Rritiib exhibitors — s concession of
which, we tmit, pbotntpuphy and it« allied interests will not fail to
take the faOeet poanbie advantage.
Sllwer CnUorlde In Vaono. — In the disciuuion at the
Physical Society on Mt. II. M. EIJui's pager upon "A Thermo-
960
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[April 22, )«n2
dynamical View of the Action of Light upon Silver Chloride," one
speaker said he had been experimentiug for years upon silver chloride,
and he announced that he had found that no darkening whatever took
place in tactto. lie considered oxygen necessary to the action. No
doubt this was an independent discovery, but the speaker could not be
yery familiar with the literature of the subject, as the same fact has
been published years ago.
Development Shown on the Screen. — AVe are pleased
to have elicited tlie fact from a correspondent, Mr. 11. G. M. Cony-
beare, that the experiment of exhibiting the development of a gelatine
phite on the lantern screen has been demonstrated before the occasion
to which we referred, n fortnight ago, as having taken place at a
meeting of the Photo Club de Paris. In case any one should be
inclined to repeat that experiment, the details which Mr. Coiiybeare
has furnished will be of great interest and assistance. We note that
in his experiments he employed the ferrous oxalate developer, which
practically interposes a non-actinic screen between the light and the
plate. When we passed our remarks on M. Molteni's experiment, we
were presuming that a pyro or hydroquinone, and hence a colourless
developer, was employed. Has Mr. Conybeare surmounted this
difficulty?
The Xilfe and Work of Mr. K. P. Robinson. -On
Wednesday, April l;j, Mr. C. W. Hastings delivered a lecture, illus-
trated by over eighty lantern slides, on the life and work of Mr.
11. P. Robinson, in the course of which he said that, in the applica-
tion of photography to art, Mr. Robinson had occupied a prominent
position this last thirty years, and the products of his camera would
hold their own beside the works of many painters of the present day.
A\'ithout exaggeration, he might be called the uncrowned King of
Photography. Mr. Robinson had always been a great exhibitor, and
he (the speaker) was amused on asking, when on a visit to him, to
see his medals, that about a hundred of them were brought down in
a clothes-basket. A portrait of Mr. Robinson having been shown,
his best-known works were passed in rapid succession on the screen.
Each photograph told a story or suggested a happy thought, and the
lecturer remarked that by Mr. Robinson's permission he was able to
explain with respect to several combination pictures "how it was
done." One picture of a seagull on the crest of a wave greatly
puzzled the critics at its first appearance as to how the effect was
produced. One of Mr. Robinson's finest medal pictures. When the
Day's Work u done, had as a model an old man, who as a crossing-
sweeper was formerly a familiar figure in Tunbridge Wells. Pictures
depending on sky effects, landscape scenes, with figures introduced to
form a story, were illustrated by examples, and a description of the
technique given. The concluding picture, Dmvn and Sunset, was,
remarked the lecturer, one to linger over, as a high testimony to the
powdbilities of photography when handled by an artist.
Convention Slides. — The series of lantern slides shown at
the meeting of the London and Provincial Photographic Association
on April 14 are not only the work of two acknowledged masters of
the beautiful art of lantern-slide making — Messrs. F. P. Cembrano,
jun., and II. M. Hastings — but are also of interest from the fact that
they form a record of many of the places visited during the Photo-
graphic Conventions of the United Kingdom, held respectively at
Derby, Uirmingham, Chester, and Bath. By the way, could not the
series be completed by the addition of a selection of slides made
from views taken during the gathering at Glasgow ? It would be
superfluous for us to deal out any praise of Messrs. Cembrano's
and Hastings' slides, but we may, in addition to their pictorial and
historical charm, point to them as a valuable advertisement for the
Convention to be held at Edinburgh next July. We are convinced
that, if photographers generally had a better idea of the opportunities
for securing good pictures which these gatherings provided, in addi-
tion to more solid advantages, such as offering agreeable reunions of
those who would not otherwise meet, as well as opportimities for
taking part in the meetings, discussions, and other functions, the
Conventions would be more largely attended than they are. Of that
to be held at Edinburgh we are convinced the success is assured.
inasmuch as in Mr. Cembrano the] Convention has secured the ser-
vices of a Secretary who is working with untiring energy. There is,
perhaps, one drawback about these Convention slides, and that is
their instigation of feelings of regret among those who are unable to
participate in the pleasure of having visited such scenes ; still, on the
other hand, " 'tis better to have seen the slides than never to have-
seen at all" the views and groups they represent.
The " Draper " Catalogrue. — In a recent issue of the Annals-
of the Astronomical Observatory of Harvard CoUeije there is a full
account of the " Preparation and Discussion of the Draper Catalogue,""
which includes a catalogue of 10,347 stars. It is pregnant with facts-
and information of great value to those who undertake astronomical
photographic work, and contains much to interest the every-day photo-
grapher. It states that Dr. Iluggins again took up the work, and,
since 1879 has obtained a considerable number of [photographs, " none
of which, however, appear to show anything like the amount of detai?
now obtainable. In all these attempts the spectroscope was attached
to the eye end of the telescope, so that the image of the star was
formed in the .slit, a cylindrical lens being intei-posed in order to give
width to the spectrum. In the method which has been so pre-
eminently successful the slit and collimator, which form an essential
part of an ordinary spectroscope, was dispensed with, the rays from
a star already possessing the necessary parallelism, and its image being
almost a perfect .slit without length. It is only necessary, therefore
to fix a prism in front of the objective of a telescope, and introduce
some means of widening the spectrum, to obtain a complete stellar
spectroscope. For eye observations the necessary width is obtained
by the use of a cylindrical lens in conjunction with the eyepiece of
the telescope. For photographic work the prisms are so arranged that
the spectrum lies along a meridian, and it is then only necessary to-
allow the driving clock to be slightly in error to obtain a widened
spectrum. The clock error must, of course, vary according to the-
magnitude and declination of the star. The great advantage of the
slitless telescope depends upon the fact that every scrap of light
passing through the object-glass is utilised ; with the ordinary spectro^
scope it will seldom happen that all the light passes through the slit,
and it is further reduced by absorption in the lenses and prisms of the-
spectroscope.
♦
ON THE PRESERVATION AND DETERIORATION OF
GELATINE NEGATIVES.
II.
In a previous article I referred to the appearance which the metallic-
silver present in the sky portion of a gelatine negative had when
viewed with the aid of a microscope, and described the beautifully
even manner in which this silver was incorporated with the gelatine
when such was in a sound condition. No sooner, however, does-
decay, or some disturbing element, arise in the film than we find this
beautifully even formation of metallic silver assuming quite a different
appearance.
A very common form of deterioration is the formation of yellow
transparent spots in the film, frequenth' not noticed until after the
negative has been varnished and printed from, very likely in a damp
atmosphere.
When such are examined under a good one-inch objective, it will
at once be seen that the cause of the transparent appearance of these
spots is brought about by the complete alteration of the original
positions of the particles of silver. 'They are no longer found to be
evenly deposited in the film, but are observed to have shifted into
little clusters and rings. The metallic silver is still present, however,
but not in the same beautifully distributed manner as formerly. A
marked feature in a case of this kind is the formation of these tiny
rings. It will be found, on close investigation, that the outer edge
of the transparent spot is surrounded by a distinct metallic ring, and
very frequently another of smaller dimensions, and somewhat deeper
in the film, will be found inside the outer ring. For a long time I
was puzzled to account for the formation of these spots and circles, and
had an idea that they were caused by some electric action driving the
metallic silver from a common centre into these rings ; but one day,
when minutely examining a spot of this description with the micro-
scope, I was forcibly surprised to detect a distinctly effervescent
action going on in the film, and this was evidently being brought
about by the bursting of very minute globules that were bemg-
April as, 1803]
THE BRITiSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
261
npidly foracd. Hare, then, waa the aolation of the diiEciiltT. A
pzonoanced deconpoaitian wm eridentlr going on in the gelatine,
and the bimting of theae tinj globules wu dririnsr the minute
partidea of lilrv outwards into the little rings and clusters I have
nf erred to.
Theae apots are freqoeatlj met with in clusters, and tbejr abo
frequentlr show the mnaoaM of rearj minute crvotals after decompoei-
tioa has aet in, and tneae ajratala are oarer Tisibk- until such has taken
place.
It haa been thought by some writers that these spots were caused by
an imperfect fixation of the negative, but I rather think this is not
the case. The evil which generally accrues from imperfect fixing is
quite different, and takes the form of discolouivd patches, not tran»-
parent spots, as in this case ; bat to this I shall allude later on.
The spots in question, I believe, are caused by an inherent disease
or decay of the gelatine itself, and I am led to this belief by having
clearly traced some of tbeae appta to the aorface of a gelatine plate
prerious to its expoaare. When a plate having these spots is
•zamioed in a darx room br means of reflected light, there will be
seen, on close inapeetion, dull matt umihl^ga on its suiiface. Some-.
*' ' '*--«» are ran pronounced, and tbenfoie eaaily noticed. At
*, when tba platea have bcoi but recently coated, they are
iWh diiBcohy; but, whanarar the^ he pceaent, depend upon
entaally lead into tlM detenoratioo now aUnded to.
develop all right, and show no aigns of these spots
I, bat they aomatimwi do show when being looked
laA negatirea eooe to be printed in anything
■re, the Haws will aoaa make their pmenee fen
'«d. I know of no tiaatment that will prevent
them ; it i« a «urt of cancer in the Aim.
I have rafenad aomewhat to tha detarioraiion arising from an
imparfeet ixiagr of the nrgatiTe. Heir, happily, we are not left in
•■7 doubt aa to being able to distiagaish suck, and, of coarse, the
cure u obrioiia. When a gatatina wgative ia imperfectly fixed,
thT- mil at Aral at leaat ba no pittiair of the film, and the dis-
colouratioo wiU appear in faraad, o* aome other diaiiaet, form of
pat^aiL MUan or aafar appaaiiaK aa apofa; aod thia diaoolotiratinn
fMaraoy pata is aa mesmaea praaMr. DoabtlMs raanr a irood
oantiTa haa hsan epoOad by imperfect fixation, a fruitful »<>urre of
wUeh ia tha empioviaait of aa ortrvmi fixing bath. All valuabU
aacatifea ought to Ite fixrd in an ahanlntely new bath.
Another very annoying kind nf deterioration is the anrfaee stains,
arisiaf tnm the aaa of damp printing papar. Doabtlaaa thia form of
fiaw M waO known (o almoat every worfcer. It is perhaps the most
comaosofallr' - >uhiaa. An app>aninceorsuchth«ivrorene«d
BOt ba daaarfb'' prareatioa is at all times U-tter than a cure, 1
woald rsfer ay reader* to a eaHaia Uad of tnatment which ezperi-
aaead wurkoa claim lo ba m ahaahta pfotsetion against this form of
dateiioraticB.
TUa ia the applieatioa to tba film, whilst wet, of a water varnish.
:^rch tnatesot waa well known to manv old eaOodicm workara, and
baa abown that it U equally aOeaeioaa ia the eaae of
■>«■»*■■ m^v amateurs of the praanit dayamrer heaid of
\at aa water varaiah ; aad. aa tbey are not lihaly to ba able
ch. pafbapa I cannot do better tbaa give them a formula
'icA. It is very highly neoauaaadad bj tboaa quite
'Vf)i nf ;t« ntifity from bavfaw aaed it. one wall-
VilUaaoaX *boae formula I now give,
I a eaae of liher ataining whoa such
.«f III quantity of thia vanish. Take of
"^ad, and water oae pint. Place
'•■ vaasel. on a fire or ovar a ga»-
"" n this ia rsacbed, add a few
>T. stirring vi^ronal^ with a
' ^^ich will be in a few
: 'wly, and stop ohort of
■■ ' .Vftcr this, filter
for oae.
-,,. . jfter they are well
■ t. This gives a goixj xurfaoe to rrtooeh on
t may aft>-rwarda be varnished with spirit,
iianaer. Tbey are tbaa said to be actually
- vtains aa are eommonlv met with. It hs.4
r that a g<>latine film covered with this
■t nn a shelf with a eotton-wool plug
pon it : at the end of tbrta days
■hough no spirit varaiab bad been
raeantly I had braqgbt bafoie my notice a oaaa of datatiora-
tion, which is sometimee also wrongly attributed to imperfect fixation.
In this case the ne^tive, which hiui been varnished— and a very good
sample of varnish had been used, too — appeared to present .scales in
the varnish, these resemblinjir in a marked manner the appearance of
the formation of crystals in the film. My friend was much concerned
at this, and had quite made up his mind that this scaly appearance
was caused by the negative not having received a thorougli enough
washing before being varnished. I told him he was not going to lose
his negative just yet a while, seein;; that all that was wrong was on
the surface, and not in the tilm. The negative in question was placed
into a bath of methylated spirit until all the varni-th was removed.
This left the film m as perfect a state as it was before being var-
nished.
This was dearly caused bj the negative having got water thrown
on its surface, and the varnish, b«'ing of a very hud kind, had really
protected the film in this case. It would, therefore, appear that some
kinds of varnish do really protect the films from moisture; but there
ate, doubtleaa, samples t£at are quite useless in this respect.
In my; text, I hope to refer to deteriorations frequently met in with
in negativea that hare been intensified with mercurv.
T. !N. Armstbon'O.
RATIO OF OR.\DATION.
SixcB my last letter to The BBmsH Joudnal of Photooraphy, I
have greatly altered my opinions on several of the matters dealt with
in Jfesars. Hurter Jt Driffield's paper. I had previously felt much
confidence in their " correct formula," but, having reconsidered the
matter lately, 1 now feel considerable doubt in n>gard to it. That
formula resiyts from an attempt to explain the influence of exposure
on a photographic plate by accounting for all the energ>- received.
()t course, the light reflected, ami that passing right through, can
have no chemical action in the film ; it is also shown that the light
abaorbed by particles of Ag Ilr, n/trr being brought to a developable
coalition, lias no further useful i fleet ; and a formula is given showing
what the degree of intensity is which remains, at any stage, after
allowing for the li^ht so wasted. The remainder, being what is
abaorbed by the sUll unchanged particles, is regarded bv Meesra.
Hurler St DrifEeld as all effective. The energy imparted by it is
treated as being entirely utilised in attacking unclianged .\g Br, and
no referraoe is made to the fact that a part of it will probably be lost
in the form of heat, >%c. : but still the argument would hold good if %
cjnstant pro/mrtion of the energy were so employed, nut varying at
any stage, until the particle attacked waa fully aaturated— if that ia
an allowable expivaNon. < >f this, however, we can have no proof.
Still, if that point be granted, I think there is a further difRculty.
Having found the formula showing the eCbe^ive liglit after any
expoeure, Messrs. Hurter t^ Driffield suppoar that that intensity,
during an instant of time (Jt), will change a certain number of
partidea {dr), that number being found hv multiplying the formula
of effective light by the factors Jt and , / being the amount of
energy nsceawrr to change one particle to a developable condition.
Now, thia wouii certainly be correct if the effective energy were
all cooceatrated on the number of p«rtick>a repnaentad by <Li- : but, as
a matter of fact, it is distributed amoi^ all the unchanged Ag Br in
the film. On the other hand, all the partidea contained in the film,
after a period of expoanre, are in a ,;MirfMfi|r changed state— that is,
all have absorbed more or kas eaatyy — so it may therefore sometimes
occur that, during a part of tba axpoaare, the number reacluog the
developable stage will happen to average about the same as woiud be
the case if all the light were being nsed in fully changing previously
uaexpoaed material. During the earlier part of the exposure it, how-
ever, would certainly not be so.
It is from an equation depending on that doubtful value of 'Ix that
the "eonvct furmuk" is derived. By it the density which will result
from aav axposoie ia aaaerted to depend, always and only, on the length
.jg^^Mppment, the inertia of the emulaion, ami the opacity of thi^
•HMRpad plate. The ofadty ia made a function, because it
aeeouttta for the light which paasaa right through the film, and is
therefore loat; but it is not tiuv in see how that lorn could make any
difference to the sn ities, where the chsngcd silver is all at
the top of the film.' v. , ,. lij^bt haa produced no change what-
ever in the lower layers, how could an iocieafed quantity of Ag Hr
(and therefore greater opacity) underneath, have led to any difTerenco
in the developable density P The light putin^ out of the film has
already proved too weak to make any ihsnge in the last part of the
Ag Br it has pasaed throagh, aad could therefore have made none
in a still lower layer.
262
THE URinSH JOURNAL OF rHOTOGKAPHY.
[AprU 22, 1892
Feelii^ now much doubt as to the correctness of that formula, I
tried toform some ideas as to what would result from considering
the particles as all absorbing energy from the commencement of the
exposure, and, after working the matter out a little, I was at length
sorprised to find that I had arrived at the $hort formula of Messrs.
Barter & Driffield. This formula had been discovered by means of
experiments only, and it is therefore interesting to find a method of
reasoning which appears to lead to the same result. We may consider
the grains of Ag Br as quite independent of each other, all absorbing
energy from the commencement of the exposure, and none reaching
the developable stage, either sooner or later, in consequence of any-
thing happening to other particles. If all were equal in sensitiveness
and simflarlysituated, they would remain unaffected till a certain
stage of the exposure, and then be all changed at the same instant,
hiS-tonea being impossible. Gradation, therefore, results from the
unequal sensitiveness of the particles, and from the fact that those
lying more deeply in the film receive a smaller intensity of light than
tiose nearer the sui-face. Now, to find the principles resulting from
this, it will be convenient to consider a simple case, and suppose a
film in which the Ag Br is all of equal sensitiveness, and equally
distributed through the thickness of the film. Hopresenting the
exposure by It (intensity x time) and the amount of exposure neces-
sary to just bring the Ag Br to a developable condition by « (inertia),
it is evident that the grains on the surface would be changed when
If "t, and those in any position underneath when they received an
equal amount of exposure. If the film were now regarded as con-
sisting of a large number of thin equal layers, and each of these
allowed (1 - o) of the light to pass through, the combined transparency
at the nth would be, as shown by Messrs. Hurter & Driffield in the
first part of their paper, (1 - <z)". Now, at a depth where It (1 - a)" = »,
the AgBr would be aU changed, and also in all layers above, as each
of them would have received a gi-eater intensity of light than that,
but not lower. Each layer, all being equal, would contain the same
amount of silver, so that the whole amount changed would always be
proportional to n. If we write e-'"' in place of (1-a)", when
«-':'> = =-, n is always proportional to the amount of changed silver,
and therefore answers to Messrs. Hurter & Driffield's definition of
density (D). From the above equation it follows that €'™ = -t, and
An=log. (—)■ The coefficient of development — modulus to common
logarithms — and v may be combined in a constant, as y, and log. t,
being also a constant, may be written as C. With these alterations
the formula would read
D-r (log. K-C)
That, it will be noticed, is Messrs. Hurter & Driffield's ihort formula.
Now, as the thickness of the reduced silver — that is, the number of
supposed layers — will always be exactly proportional to the amount
of that silver, we have here exactly the conditions assumed by
Messrs. Hurter & Driffield in showing that density is proportional to
the logarithms of transparency. While discussing the matter recently,
it nevfcr struck me that the silver might be so arranged in the interior
of the film as to just agree with the conditions assumed, but it appears
that in this case it would actually be so. Mr. Chapman Jones, in an
article on intensification, some time ago expressed the opinion that the
deposit varied in depth with the density, but I had previously, unjustly
it appears, doubted the correctness of that view.
So far, the short formula seems altogether correct, but it has now
to be considered whether it must be modified when the conditions I
have stated are departed from. As regards the matter of even distri-
bution of the grains through the thickness of the film, it is probable
tliat in most commercial plates, as they are now usually machine-
made and quickly set, there is not much inequality between the
amounts of silver at different depths. When the distribution is not
regular, the imagined layers may be considered as not necessarily of
equal thickness, but always of the same transparency. Then, as we
have supposed them very thin, and therefore of small opacity, 1 think
it would follow, from the arguments given in my previous letters
(supposing them correct), that in that case silver, which was producing
equal opacity in layers which differed moderately in thickness, would
be practically equal in amount in each of them, so that it seems
unlikely that the truth of the formula would bo much affected by
that alteration of conditions. It must be remembered also that
the silver would be reduced on development just in the position it
occupied as Ag Br, so that in any case the resulting opacity in the
n^ative would not bo affected.
But a much more complicated question remains to be dealt with. .
The grains of Ag Br have been treated as being always of equal sensi-
tiveness, while, as a matter of fact, they really vary gieatly in that
respect in all emulsions. The grains belonging to any particular grade
of sensitiveness in an ordinary plate would, of course, become de-
velopable when the exposure was equal to the inertia of that grade,
so tliat all would be reduced in each layer down to the nth when that
received an exposure just equal to t, and it would follow, from the
reasoning previously given, that the formula would apply to the silver
of each separate degree of sensitiveness, but the constant C, being the
logarithm of t, would have a different value for each. Taking two
grades having logarithms of t equal to a and b respectively, their
densities, after any exposure, would be y (log. It — a) and y (log. It - 5),
and the sum of the silver changed in both would be 2y ( log. It —\
which, of course, is merely another form of the same formula, only
the Constanta being changed. In the same way it may be shown that
the formula would apply for any number of grades of sensitiveness, C
representing the average of the logarithms of inertia of the wliole. It
id clear, however, that the formula, in cases of emulsions of mixed
sensitiveness, can only apply while all the varieties are being acted
upon, and in that fact I tnink we have an explanation of the periods
of under-exposure and over-exposure found by Messrs. Hurter &
Driffield. The action begins when the exposure first equals the
inertia of the most rapid grade, and, if the plate contained no other
kind, it would then proceed according to the formula ; but, as ex-
posure continues, inertias of other rapidities are reached, and con-
tinually change the value of C till that of the least sensitive is
arrived at. 'Then the growth of density proceeds according to the
formula, and the " period of correct exposure " begins. After a time
the most sensitive form of Ag Br will become all changed, and after
that, as grade after grade is exhausted, the densities will always be
less than the formula would show, and we shall then have arrived at
the stage of the period of over-exposure which continues till the
action of reversal counterbalances any further increase of density
due to still unchanged particles, and so the maximum of density is
reached.
In the case of an emulsion containing Ag Br of varying degrees of
sensitiveuesss, it cannot be shown as clearly as in the simpler case
that the conditions assumed by Messrs. Hurter & Driffield in showing
that density equals the negative logarithms of transparency really
exist ; but, after carefully thinking the matter over, I have satisfied
myself that that rule will still be practically correct under the altered
conditions. I am, therefore, now convinced that Messrs. Hurter &
Driffield have been quite right in depending on the truth of the
formula D = log. O, which results from it. It has, so far, been taken
for granted that the different grades of sensitiveness will always be
in the same proportion to each other all through the film. VVhere
that is not practically the case, I doubt whether the short formula, or
any other, would apply; but it would probably be only in very
inferior plates, if any, that that would be likely to be a doubtful
matter.
If the views I have described are correct, it will appear that, in
order to obtain exactly true gradations, the ideal emulsion should be
prepared with Ag Br, in which the grains are all of equal sensitive-
ness. That such an emulsion would give technically perfect negatives
may be shown without estimating the actual amount of Ag Br
changed, for, on exposure, as I have shown, the silver would every-
where be brought into a developable condition to just that depth in
the film where the varying intensities of the light acting are reduced,
always, to one unit — i.e., to the value of i. The transparencies of
that changed silver would, in consequence, be such that, by reversing
matters and passing light of uniform intensity tlirough them, the in-
tensities emerging would be in exactly inverse ratio to those which
had produced the changed state. By developing to the projier stage,
and fixing, we shall have exactly preserved those transparencies, and
the result will, therefore, be a perfect negative, in which, as defined
by Messrs. Hurter & Driffield, " the opacities of its gradations are
proportional to the light reflected by those parts of the original which
they represent." In plates prepared with such an emulsion there
would be no periods of under-exposure or of over-exposure, but every
gradation would be correctly rendered for all exposures, from that
intensity which just equalled the inertia up to that giving the greatest
density which the plates could register. Development might be made
a purely mechanical operation by the method of first reducing the
developable silver to the fullest possible extent, and then, after fixing,
reconverting the reduced silver into Ag Br. The film would then be
in exactly the same state as was that portion of it which brought all
the varying intensities of the exposure to one level, and its trans-
parencies would, therefore, all be just in inverse ratio to those in-
tensities. The production of such an ideal plate is, of course, im-
▲pril 2-J, 1899]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
263
fomShie, but Ij taeutt ol the " matrifngal tepwator " it does not
apnaar onHkaty that a near apfvoach to it mifrfat be made.
Aeeording to tbe priadplea I bare stated, it would appear that
there need be no limit to tiM rang* of gradation if plates were snffi-
' ' ;cklT ecwted, bnt tbe phenoannen of lereraal, I think, fully
' « uw fact that a limit eertainly exists. It would occupy
, hemtrta, tu deal at present with that matter.
H. J. Chakxok.
TONING AyV INTENSIFYING BY UKANTCM SALTS.
IBIityol tiinliiii Willi ais|>i otHrwTort.)
od to eolonr or to intandfT aagatiTes by means of uranium
V no maans a novelty in fShot^raphy. It was practiced in
■■a of tbe collodion prccass, according to a formula by
-rihpd a solution of tan gramme:* each of fenicyanide
-inyl nitrate in 100 ex. of wat«r.
R had been s«p«neded by gelatine emnUoo
I .der reriTed SeBa'a process, modifying it to
.t described in detail on page 8S of his book,
'■' ■ at^f, tritt'Uted by Baden-Pritchard in 1681. Soon
I ration, T. C. B/xAe and Charles Ehrmann exhibited
' vontires and negativaa before the Association of
pbers of New Yoik, and erer sinee gelirtine posi-
•"-> latsr braaida ptiiita uad brooiida ttansfen,
Bed la thfa HOMT.
•tt tha uti—iral piwjess taking place when
<psaial ngard to tha alkjad improra-
^laaaitaUoM of the whitas in the high
Ugbts.
rraoTl tahs ar* not precipitated by femcTanide of potassium, the
so<aUei red prasaal*. but fecroeyuida ti potassinm, the yellow
pnaaate, doas so. When fefiicyaaida o( potaaainm cones into con-
tact with the silTar dapoat of aohar MigatiTe or positive, tbe eondi-
tiaos of the two aabstaaeas are ehaa|«d, the ferric salt is redoced to
< stMe, and a poftkm of tta — taUte silver b formed into
fa of aibw. Then only an aetion of nranyl nitrate }»•
'-'-. and h r—Miii^t with th» redoced, the farrocranide
' be itHkk tavwB pneipUata wa dsslia to obtam, the
"■nniui, bagiH ta fofa. The loam the silver de-
tba metiim at tka Mlstion, and iha man eoneen-
■>•« oMva iataaaa a ooloiir win ha Um dapoait.
plaea,tha not y*t dawpcaad iwiicyaaide
Kmfda cMostaaity to pernaatatbs stf t and
•> of the propertiia of the ferricvaoide
' ta galatiae ; a coossqnaaea of which b
that the daooni; •. as well as andaoompoaad pottioaa of
the sahs, m ■ ■ 1 within the fllm not noovahla by
washing in pare wat. r. Thd whila of a positive iaprasrioa remains
yellow notwithstanding aO maaaa aMplojad to pnraat it
Bat the piiMa wa hava asas, wtkk won mada bafoiv ns, can justly
boMt of mrimOj vm» wfciMiL wUkaat any tioM of yellow in the
lighta,aad«« aia loM tfca tiMWai of aoslie aSd has wraoght this
woaderf ol and very tatinMiRf CmC
Tbe making of ominMoHd prials with pars whitea i* ahn
n thing new. It is not an AaMrieaa iavantioa, as has been publicly
ar. . ..uichI. I heUeve; aad, ia fael, «• tnd the ptoosas dsaeribed in aU
>cs of pbotagnaky. A formaU for it by Dr. E. Vogal
rtofiijiwgiKiiil. MltthtH*<^m. It ia aa f oOowa :
R aolatkm, 9 : 100 fiOex.
L'rsiiTi iiurata sohttian, 1 : 100 ISO _
Glacial acetic acid IS ,
How »iaipla the tooing is will ha at ooea idafKood, and I aannot
iMaiiblTimagiaawhysomndinoiaahaahaaoBade abootlt. We all
Ifcww the prapartiaa of the nhamfarii wa work with, and those that
|«» aot aikftt to. We knew aO aloog of the tamd^ pmartise of
' yaaida of aotaariam. and thoaa of adds to lefln gibtiae or
r it! viMOihT, aad the uiplioatioa of the oaa to wutatant tbe
ithaaalytttaf ewditaUathatlcaawa.
^MMU^hiii, aa it wwt, waiting to ha pkkad op by th« fliat comer,
aahaabaaaaaidbyaBoldpneiiticaar, and ha is right ia every aanse
•f thaword.
Tha aatbod of to^^r and ialaustfiiiiy with aranvl nitrate eoa be
mr ywfllahlT saplujad bthaaaaktagcf tnuMpatcnciea f or daeora-
I ^ *^ *°" ^ TRJaMion. Aa nan^drroloped galaiiaa laatarn
I *M* "^ ka JiWaiMiliMl with it to aarfaecion, gaining at tha same
' time aa agt aaahia mi mmm toaa. Failons ia lantara^de making
are almost entirely out of the question when we press the red pruasiate
into our service. Under-developed slides we intensify by the method
described, and over-exposed ana oveiMlereloped plates, subjected to a
proeesB which I will osecribe on some other occaj<ion, mav be made
into beautifully clear and detailed slides by applying Farmer's
solution.
Let us now throw a glance at the process of intensifyiiij; negatives
with uranyl nitrate, not applicable to all cases of improviag feeble
negattvee, but eminently so to some. Under-expoeea and uuder-
daveloped negativea, unfit to print from on account of harshness in
some, and weakness in other narts, may be made excellent printers
with the uranium intensifier, as long as the negative is free from fog,
ard perfectly clear in the non-expoeed portions of it. Of course, we
must dispense in this case with the acetic add. What is deleterious
to the toning of a bromide print becomes here an impoitant factor.
The yeUow tone assonted by the clear parts of the negative retards
the too forcible printing of the shadows, and establishes a harmony
between light and shades not attainable with mercurial intenafiers on
negativea of the described character. The manipulation requires a
little more than ordinary attention, but there is the one consolation,
in case failures oomr, that the whole uranium deposit can be removed
by a weak solution of cyanide of potassium, and, after washing the
plate, a new intearification be undertaken.
Uranium-intensified positives may be rendered blue by immersing
the plate in a solution at ferrous sulphate, also a method of con-
siderable age, but deaerving the attention of our diligent amateurs.
Charlbs EaiutANX.
ON SOME POINTS RELATING TO DEVT-LOPMENT AND
TO THE FORMATION OF THE LATENT IM.VGE.
[Caaeis Club JoarnaL]
A rxay urgent request from the Hon. Secretary that I should con-
tribute a paper to this Conference mtut serve as my excuse for
bringing forward the results of some experiments that were made
chiefly for my own information.
1 do nut propoae to enter into tbe much-discussed question of the
relation between enoaure, gradation, and tbe method of development.
Banoval from Leeos to the aouth, and the consequent upsetting of
my_ laboratory arrugements, has prevented me from making any
strict esnerimental inqoiry into the condosions arrived at by Hurter
& Drifieid. It is to be regretted that their unfortunate use of tbe
word densitr in a saoae very different from that in which it is com-
monly naaa by photographers should hare lod to a great deal of
miaundantanding. Further, I do not think it has been made suiB-
eiaotl^ dear to the majority of pbotograpben Ihat the ratio of the
deadtMS, in Hartar A Driffield's sense, may remain constant, but the
latioo of tlte opadtiea, which is what we have to consider for printing
pufpoaaij atay vary enormously, according to the absolute values of
iha daoatiea.
At pieasnt I regard the unalterabilitv of gradation by development
as not proven. It is extrsmdy improtMble that so many of the most
^xperienesd |«botagraphai« would have become so (<tr reased
with the idea that tbe gradations are to some ext d by
mode of darabpiBaat if the idea were entirely without i nn -.ntion in
fact. The matter raqnirM further investigation. Iteceiitlv [I'Aot.
nrooimMmtt, XVIL a06-«)8;. R. Naohanas has suttxl that he has
ofataiaad oonaidenhla rariations by varyiatr the ooncentratinn of tbe
devalopar. Ha oaed a ssositometer screen vrith thirtv squares of
difiamit degrsea of opadty, and exposed plates behind it for a con-
atant time at a eonatant distance from the sonMb of light. A concen-
trated f»yn>-aoda developer gave squares Nos. 1 to 6 quite o^iaque and
not diatingnishahia from one another, and the opaci'v gradually fell
off to No. 98, aaoam No. 'i7 being scarcely recognijiabie. A precisely
aimilar pkta, daveloped for an boor and a half with the same
dovoioMr dilated with fifty times its volume of water, u'ave no equal
MpdM^ the fint six squares, but No. 1 wai dL>ticjguishable from
WOrS.Ttod, moreover, the last square of all, Nn. ."SO, vn* distinctly
visible. In the aeooad case, three squares, Nos. 2h, :^.>, and .')0, at one
aad of thaaoala, had a recognisable density, whiUt in the first case
they allowed no visible depoeit, and, on the other hand, the squares at
tlia opnosite end of the scale were leas dense in th» second caae than
in the fiist. This meaw, of course, a veir considernble alteration in
tbe relative deuities, and, tiioogb tbe variation in the composition of
the developer waa greater than is usual in practice, the experiment is
directly opposed to Barter A Driffield's main conclusion I have not
yet had an opporttinity of repeating the experiment, but a statement
of thu kind by soch an experienced photo^pher as Nenhau^s indi-
cates that the quaatioa is stiU ffradatiom m atveloped potUivtt. Ajk
S04
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAJ»HY.
[April 22, 1892
important question of the same order is the possibility of altering, by
-development, the f^^radatioas of positive jirints obtained on bromide
pper. The experiments that I shall tlescribe were made primarily
for another purpose, but they throw some lij-'ht on tliis question.
Paper from three different factories was exposed behind the same
Warnerke sensitometer screen to a siiiall screened gas flame of great
constancy* All the exposures were of tlie same duration. The
paper was treated with the developer without being previously wetted,
and, in order to assimilate the conditions as far as possible to those
existing in actual practice, development was continued in each case
until it seemed that the maximum possible amount of detail had been
obtained, and the denser squares were becoming indistinguishable
forty-eight hours with frequent agitation, the liquid was poured off
and tested for silver by addition of ammonium sulphide, a, b, and c
contained no silver, d contained a mere trace, and b a distinct trace,
but the quantities dissolved were so small that it is difficult to regard
them as playing any important part in the production of fog. More-
over, comparatively small quantities of caustic soda will produce
abundant fog, both with pyro and quinol, and there is no evidence
that dilute solutions of caustic soda have any solvent action on silver
bromide.
In a paper on Chemical Changes from a Modern Point of View,
read at the Conference in 1889,1 pointed out that the operation of
developing must be considered from the point of view of chemical
g
H
£8
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13
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nioid Slow Bromide.
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Decided
Trace
Decided
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SB
Cold
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Black
Cold
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("Warm )
\ black \
Black
Mor^u & Kidd
(rough gnrfase).
SB
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16
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Much !
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from one another. The results are given in tabular form. The term
" gradations " is used to denote the number of squares differing in
opacity, or, in other words, the range of tones. In almost all cases
file first two or three squares shown were indistinguishable from one
another in their degrees of blackness.
When the same quantity of developer is used over and over again,
the tendency to produce fog becomes less and less, and the gradation
somewhat shorter. An increase in the proportion of oxalate distinctly
increases the tendency to fog. Dilution with water has no marked
influence on the gradations, but lengthens the time required for
<levelopment, and gives an image with a warmer colour. Addition of
bromide is very efficacious in preventing fog, but reduces the apparent
sensitiveness of the paper, and shortens the gradations, its influence
;in this respect being more marked than the influence of dilution.
The precise effect of any modification in the composition of the
■developer varies with the character of the paper.
The influence of bromides on development is a point of much
interest, and has given rise to much discussion.
Experiments made in connexion with a standard method of develop-
.ment (Phot. Journal, April, 1890) showed that, with pyro-ammonia,
proportions of ammonium bromide, varying from one and a quarter to
•live parts per 1000, have little effect on the time of development, and
no appreciable effect on the apparent sensitiveness of the plates. The
advantage of bromide lies chiefly in the prevention of chemical fog,
botli with ammonia and with sodium carbonate. Hurler & Driffield,
in their first paper, arrived at a similar conclusion, and consider that
<he alkaline bromide prevents general fog by preventing the dissolu-
aion of silver bromide in the ammonia.
In order to ascertain whether ammonia solutions of the strength
•commonly used in developers do really dissolve an appreciable quantity
■of silver bromide from a gelatino-bromide plate, 1 broke up some
plates (in the dark room) and placed the pieces in stoppered bottles
■containing ammonia solutions of various strengths, both with and
without ammonium bromide. In 100 c.c. (a) contained 02o gramme
■of real ammonia NH,, equivalent to about 0~o gramme of ammonia
solution 880 ; (n) the same with 0 2o gramme of ammonium bromide ;
(c) the same witli Oo gramme of bromide; (n) O'o grartime of real
ammonia; and (k) I'O gramme of real ammonia. After standing for
• The standard flame that I use for exposures of this kind is extremely
«on.stant, and plates of the same kind, exposed for the same time and developed
B ths same way, always show the same sensitometer number.
dynamics. It is well known that in many chemical changes the rate
of change is affected by the quantity of the products of the change
already present. Now, in alkaline development, the reduction of un-
exposed silver bromide by the developer would result in the formation
of an alkaline bromide. If an alkaline bromide is previously added
to the solution, the tendency to the formation of more bromide will
be reduced, and hence the reduction of the silver bromide will be
retarded, or, with a certain proportion of alkaline bromide, prevented
altogether. C. H. Bothamley, F.I.C, F.C.S.
PHOTOTYPES VERSUS PHOTOGRAVURES.
[Anthony's PHOTOGBArmc Bulleti.v.]
Let us first consider the ordinary half-tone photo-engraving, of which
so much has lately been seen in the way of illustrations for the highei^
class periodicals and works of an art and technical nature. AN'e shall
find that these prints all render the half-tone of tlie original, or, to
be less technical, show the various degrees of light and shade, in
masses of colour differing in degree, but in flat tints, produced by
breaking the original subject, that may have been either a wash
drawing, painting in colour, portrait from life, or view from nature,
into an immense number of dots, obtained by photographing through
the fine meshes of a ruled glass, iu a manner not necessary of descrip-
tion here.
The resulting picture is transferred to the metal that is to serve
as the finished plate ; the cliemical action is proceeded with, and the
half-tone plate that results shows the picture in relief, and the entire
surface of the plate, a mass of fine points, or dots, separated by fine
furrows running in transverse directions, the points in relief being the
printing surfaces. The plate being blocked on wood or metal to
render it of the same height as type, it is inked up with a roller in the
same manner that type is, and the ink, adhering to the points, is im-
pressed into the paper that is brought in contact with them in the
printing press. It should here be noted that, the points or dots
making up the printing surface of the plate being all of the seme
height, the amount of ink deposited on the paper is of the same depth
or thickness fmrn each and every printing point, and it naturally
follows that variations in the hght and shade making up the picture
are dependent on the number and size of sucli dots witliin a given
radius ; thus a heavy shadow in a picture printed from relief plate
ApriJ 22, 18W]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
265
win be Mea to be composed of a luge nnmber of these dots, often so
doee taMtber es to meige into one tuother, while the high lights sre
the icaut of a prepondennce of the dear transverse lines, that serve
to separate the dots more widdy, only showing them sufficiently to
gire torn and eoloiir to their object.
The above are the principal points of idennficxtion of a print made
from a half-tone type plate in relief, and are easily to be distinguished
from pictwee prodocea from intaglio plates, as will be shown further
on. There is still another kind of balf-toae relief, howeT>'r, that is
not so easily distingniahed, and this is the photo-gelatine, or heliotype,
and kiiidred proceMoi, which, in rendering the gradations of colour,
do not cat them op into dots, but lay the ink in smooth masses of
different tone* on the paper from a simace of ^latine. It is not the
intention at this article to go into all the varying methods of printing
in relief, b«t mately toeontMt as strongly as poeaible the wide differ-
ence betwaen the rightfol photonmruie and the many cheap illus-
trations printed in a trpe prees that have so frequently been foisted
on an nnanapeeting pnUic under the gniae of such.
The pbota||nviu« is printed from •■ intaglio plate, and is not
canibfe of bemg naed in a tvpe fnm nadw any conditiuno. It can
only be aueeMHoUy printed by an expert, and where, with a relief
plate, the oOee boy might "lock off" say, a 1000 a day, or the
steam cylinder press 10,000, the expert printer, with his intaglio
plate, wo«ild not poduoe above 300 good impreauons. The intaglio
plate is filled while warmed with a kard, stiR ink, which is preMed
uto erary depression, and after the high lights of the plate are
carefully " wiped off," by hand, the plate is run through the preai, in
wnexion with the paper, and the lattw lifts f rcMn the sunken surface
of the plate all the mk it has preiioealy received, hoidiag it on the
aerfaee ot the paper in mssses of coloor uat differ in depth, and oon-
seqaentlv in tone, aoeording to the depth of intaglio in luflareat parts
of the plate, the rseah of which is a series of eradations from the
pare high light of the deer paper, to the rich, velvety black of a solid
ixidy of ink spread over the surface ef the paper aad not priesed into
it. The grain, too, of iUs plate, inetead of being composed of notice-
able croas hatchings of lines and dots, is a scarcely discernible "tooth,"
that is obtained or chemical action on the metal plate before the
picture to be etrhed is transferred thereto. Carbon tkne, being the
medium through which the tranifer ie made, and the *^«'^ print
very closely resembling in most ef its feetoiee that beeutifal
figment, it is a wooder that the Cseliag ef those iafeeted ia aeeiiig
]«mee done to all has not baea mere fbrdbly sipwid on thu
eshjeet befove.
A name that woold aaewer tbe wryoai, and still be meritorioas, is
the old title ifka^tfMk, m it spfliea to sD platee wUeh give lepio-
dnetione ftrom leliaC swfbeee, while phutogiature ie preiperly eesd
oaly in the oppoaite eannexioa. Let all. then, who know better be
koMSt eooogk to cell things what they an, and thna do what they
can to evaiiil forthsr eompliaitioii of the already moltitudinous
eoDectian of piraesm namae in etktsaee both in this eoontry and
abroad.
PHOTOORAPnY APPUED TO MEDIC.U. RSBEABCH.
(CAJoa* Ox* JotnuuL.]
T-- ^n extremely interastiag, inalnedre, able, and megnant address
;< y deliveitrd to the PkotemaUe Society of (mat Britain,
JYcifeasor Meldole tonehad on the varioos sarriem nodeied by
abotqpmphy to sa^ apsdel sdeooM as aatraooaiy, apeetiaeeopv,
«c., Mt I was Mrpriaed and diamointed that he dsa not dwell
mote stroofly than he did on the semeaa rendered hr onr tdenee to
medical acieoBe. I haw little heaitatiaa in saying that the services
of photography to medicine have bsMH most important, and I have no
he*itatiaa at m1 in myiiw that t}i>> iu» ..f ptiotagTaphv Ls growii^ in
medical achoola mere than in - ednfaHomi! end identific
estabfiahmenta. I beBeve thu luam vnry mediral school,
every hospital, will have its instaiktion for pnotographic work as an
sssfntial part of its equipment.
Tlwre can be no doubt that the utility of photography in surh
bntncbee of spedal work is vast, and, in order to make mnetf more
rV ir, I pxavosa to £vide my sabjeet into two awia heaiu: Macro-
i>ic or Omm fkotogimphy and Sficruseopie or Pbotomimgraphie
work.
Uodsr the ibet hsM we may notice the lepiadactkn by photo-
crrtphy nf morbid specliuaiie leasoved from the Hving or dead body,
I ' ' I do not propose to traaUe yoa with objects which ai« of little
luti rset to many, ead mitifehr aateatefnl to some. I may, however,
ase two or three sldaa to ukatnte the naa of photography in
recording the enorae of dijeoae. Here \t a pholognph of a Case of
ordinary " knock-knee" in a boy before operation, and the next slide
shows the same leg after operation. They are not even now quite the
limbs of an Adonis, but at all events the patient has, after the
r ration, some mobility and gume use in his leps. Here is a slide
wing a tongue affected with fpithtiioma, and it is evident that the
patient could not have suffered his tongue to be held out in this position
long enough for a sketch, however rough, to be made, while this photo-
graph was produced in the twinklinjr of an eye by means of the flash-
Bght. These three slides were made from negatives taken bv Mr. G. L.
Cheatle, of King's College, who, a few months ago, had no "knowledge
of photography. In connexion with flashlight work, I may say that
this late development of photography is of the very greatest utility in
ward portraiture: by means of flashlight we obtain results with
much more certainty and success than we could hope for with
ordinary daylight " parlour portraiture."
Now, photography of this kind has its limits and iu dangers. It
is limited by our hmited power of reproducing colour, and where
coU)ur is an essential part or diagnosis, for instance, we find ourselves
sometimes without a perfect tool if we trust to photography. In
skin diseases cok>ur is an important factor in diagnosis, and here we
often faiL But I must sav that to my knowledge extremely valuable
work has been done by photography even of skin diseases. I may
mention some work by Dr. Radcliffe" Crocker, in London, and particu-
larly I must allude to an AtUu qf Dematoloffy, by Professor I'iffard,
of New York, of which I can only say that it is wmply astonishing
m Its excellence of photographic rendering: of skin diseases. And we
have also dangers of misrepresentation and misapprehension to guard
against, and here is an instance. When Koch's tuberculin was first
used in this country I had under observation, personal and photc-
graphic, a female with stvere lujiiu of the face. I photogrsplitd her
before the u* of tubi-rculin, ond after a very marked improvement
bad been produced by the tuberculin. In the latter photograph she
Inoks worse than in the first, simply because I under-e.xpoeed the
negative in the second instance. Where, however, we have to deal
with abnormalities of shape, with tumours, with malformations, with
dislocations, and the like, we have in photography an invaluable aid
to useful, educational, memory-refreshing recora.
I now turn to wliat it more particularly my own province— Photo-
micrography ; and it is not my intention to give you a lecture on
hiatofcgy, nor on any other medical branch of study. I propose
simply to show sBdes which are put forward as illustrating some of
the uses to which this branch of photography may be put in medical
recording and teaching. And, first, I am aw«r»! that many students
are kept from taking up tlus branch of work — au useful and so
pleaaant — by the idea that very expensive lenses are eswntial to suc-
oesa. That this is a mistaken notion I shall try to show bv this slide
of the blowfly's toogoe. I did this negative and the slide from it
this morning: and the objective with which th# negative was pro-
duced was_ taken at random yesterday from a very ciicap " student's "
microscopic outfit in the shop of Mr. Crouch, f am rather averse to
mentioaing names in this way, but I see no reason why I should not
do so this time. The whole outfit is priced at five or six guineas, so
the price of this two-thiid objective cannot be great ; yet, as an expert,
I my that the slide now shown would " take a lot of beating " with
anv glass, however expensive.
The next three slidee illustrate the advantage of photography in
demoostntiag faeU which can only be proved by specially fine, or
even acckiental, preparations. Many aaetions might have to be cut
before we eouM find omificstion of cartilage, mucoas glands in the
trachea, or taste-buda in the tongoe, as they are shown here in I)r
me very curious cells
r forty such pi'culiar
utifit (if iMmpsrison
1119 found
lile. The
.f photo|fraphy
.11 it to vou that
Klein's preparations. The next ude '<
innkheliamm: 1 have a collection <>;
cells in this disease. Tlie n.xt two :■.
between some oells in -
in a disease of the ii.
question befora lu now ia simpiy wli>-ther :
we can well compare these two ubjecu, h
we can.
~ -fiaSM^rofefaor*, engaged in teaching, have often suggp«ted to me
that it would !>• •' il to show to studi'ntx tln' ■ n the
screen stained as ■ itsibln similarly in th.' oljj Ives.
liy the process f Lyons, published by umi iirm in
France, and in a y myself, I was able to grntify tlie
wishes of my frimj- iu>- ;. ; 'it you probably will be of my
opiitton that the reeults. th(' <ave the di.sirt-d colour, arc not
otherwise so good aa slide* urr gelstine plates. This slide,
showing cancer cells invading fat, was actually stained with thu
ordinary Gthiam carmine so commonly used in this kind of work.
The next slide shows in a very satisfactory way striated or voluntary
muscle, and this leads me to p >int out the frequent necessity of pre-
266
THE BITISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[April 22, 1892
paring one's own objects when special results are required. Thus the
slide at qiididymis, now shown, could not have heen produced from
any preparation I have erer seen on the market or ever expectto see.
I liad to prepare it myself, and the section, if I remember aright, is
not more than the 7000th of an inch thick ; otherwise I would not
have got all the cells round the periphery in focus at once at such a
magnification a.s 680 dinmetors. This next slide shows part of the
same periphery in the epididymis of another animal, and hero we have the
sptrraatozoa with their heads towards the periphery, and their tails
towiirds the centre, in the orthodox manner. This slide of ciliated
epithelium I used lately at a public lecture to illustrate one way in
which foreign matter is prevented from reaching the_ lungs. I ex-
plained the remarkable action of these lashes ; but I did not think it
necessary to say that this cell was taken from a frog, not from a man.
This flagellum of bacillttg termo is perhaps the smallest object ever
photographed for itself alone. Dr. Dallinger has calculated its
thickness as not more than the 200,000th of an inch. This flagellum is
extremely difficult to stain, extremely difficult to see even when
stained, and consequently not practically avMlable for teaching
, purposes, unless photographed as here.
This slide shows a device of mine for demonstrating to an audience
the fize of micro-organisms. The cover-glass of the slide is a positive
from a negative consisting of ruled squares having each side exactly
one-tenth of an inch long. Here, then, in this square on the screen
we have seven cocci, separate, not touching each other. The original
magnification of the negative was KXX) diameters, consequently you
see that in the square, of which each side is the 10,000th of an inch,
we can with ease put seven of these cocci. The next slide shows an
object very difficult to obtain because of its rarity, and so not usually
available for class demonstration, JUaria sanguinis hominis, lent me
by Dr. P. Manson. This animal infests the blood of negroes in certain
countries, disappears for twelve hours daUy, and causes a very curious
and severe disease.
A email glass box containing a layer of gelatinous material com-
pounded so as to form a suitable culture medium for ordinary bacteria,
was opened for a definite time on Wandsworth Common. You see
here the number of colonies of bacteria which during the given time
found their way to the given area of gelatine. In the next slide you
see a precisely similar box, containing a precisely similar culture
medium, opened for an equal time in Oxford-street. Here we have
many more colonies than we had in the Wandsworth slide. This pair
of slides represents part of a sdentific experiment, and I submit that
photography here proved its value as a simple and trustworthy
recorder. The slides are from negatives by Mr. E. C. Bousfield,
There is sometimes discussion as to the way in which micro-organisms
cause disease in the body, whether they act directly by their mere
presence, or indirectly by poisons evolved from themselves in the body.
\Vell, here, at all events, in this remarkable preparation of mesentery
•by Monsieur Pasteur, of Paris, it is evident that the anthrax rods are
present in the vessels in such numbers that their very presence must
constitute disease. These vessels are so completely blocked by the
organisms that the whole region must be deprived of blood, and con-
sequently degenerateor gangrenous. And this next slide, a portion
of the same preparation more highly magnified, points to another sub-
ject much discussed at present — phagocytusis. Here are the rods
evidently in the blood corpuscles, not over nor below them, but in
them, for, as you see, both corpuscles and rods are in focus, though
the magnification is considerable.
The next three slides are intended by me to act as proofs of a
certain the<iry where other methods of proof had failed. This repre-
sents an entire section of skin from a rare skin disease. I found
organisms in the sections, always in vessels, never outside of vessels,
but attempts at cultivation of the organisms yielded no results. Con-
sequently, it was important to show, if possible, that the organisms
occur in the vessels, and not scattered about irregularly, as they
might beif they came from the substances used by me in course of
preparation. Here is a minute vessel, flask-like in shape ; here it is
again, more highly magnified, with organisms fairlv well shown ; this
third slide, magmfied 1000 diameters, puts an end to doubt, for the
bacilli are demonstrated with certainty.
It has by some good authorities been argued that the bacilli of
leprosy are not found in ordinary cells of the body, but that they
form masses, and exude a "glia" strongly resembling a cell. The
next three slides show lejrra bscilli undoubtedly in ordinary cells, for
we see distinctly not only the cell walls well defined, but the nuclei ;
in the second and third slides the nucleus has evidently been split up
by the rods. The first preparation, by Dr. G. Thin, is of pus from a
le})rou8 ulcer ; the second and third represent extremely thin sections
of loprous tissue, cut by myself, and stained expressly for the demon
Btration of the relation of rods to cells.
I show, merely as a matter of general interest, two photographs of
the baciUus of influenza. The first I photographed more than two
years ago for Dr. Klein, who, having confined his experiments to
guinea-pigs and mice, failed to complete the chain of evidence required
by bacteriologists before they accept an organism as the specific one
of a disease. A few weeks ago, Drs. Pfeiffer and Kitisato, of Berlin^
using rabbits for their experiments, proved this organism to be the
specific cause of influenza. Guinea-pigs and mice are immune from
the disease, rabbits are liable to it. The last slide shows the organism
nearly pure in the sputa of a patient ; the previous one showed a
typical cultivation of the bacillus in " broth."
In conclusion, I submit that I have proved the value of photography
as a method of demonstration, of research, and of education in medical
science. I have before urged here, and I here urge again, those who
are practised in photography to give a helping hand to those who are
engaged in the science which, of all sciences, is the most beneficial to
humanity. ' Andbew Pbingle.
STEREOSCOPIC PHOTOGEAPHT.
[Bath Photogmphic Society.]
The subject which I have been'asked to introduce for our consideration
to-night, 13 one so full of interest that I regret it Is not in the hands of
some one more experienced than myself, having had but two or three
years' practice in the art in general, and but a few months in stereoscopic
work. Knowing too well the difficulties the secretaries of our societies
have to encounter in order to find matter, or, at least, promise to bring it
forward at these monthly meetings during the winter, I could not refuse
to fill a vacant turn at this meeting. I ask, and I shall deem it a favour
therefore, if members will please consider this paper and demonstration
as an honest attempt of one of the youngest members of the Society to
take part in the work of its meetings.
We frequently have the pleasure of being instructed and interested by
lectures and demonstrations by the leaders, who we may regard as the
founders of the Society, and, indeed, the subject before us to-night has,
I believe, been ably dealt with in'years past ; still, that is no reason why
we, who are now learners, should not submit our work to the criticism of
others in order to get our errors corrected. Further, I consider that if
this Society is to continue a successful career, as we all hope, much will
depend on the share and interest taken by ordinary members in its work.
This, by way of apology, which I trust may prepare you to expect
nothing very original in this paper and short demonstration. I shall
endeavour to arrsinge and submit to yon particulars of the subject before
us which I have gathered from my reading, supplemented, of course, by
anything my short experience may enable me to give.
Stereoscopic photography is not a new invention, and I think I may
venture to say that in the fourth and fifth decades of this century it was
practised more than any other system. I Can well remember as far back
as the years between 1850 and 18(50 that the stereoscope and its paper
slides were to be found in almost every country house. But the discovery
of the dry-plate process and the rapid introduction of improved portable
apparatus doubtless appealed to popular taste, and the fashion for change
held the field and the stereoscope was oast aside.
It is notable that, after 1851, stereoscopic work gradually declined
until it became almost extinct. As proof of this, if yon look into
modern works on photography yon will find very little, if any, mention
of the process. Captain Abney, in his Instniction in Photogruphy, pub-
lished in 1888, devotes one small paragraph to stereoscopic prints, which
he says " were at one time greatly the fashion, and regrets their going
out, as views never look so realistic as when seen in the stereoscope."'
In Burton's Modem PhotOfjraphy , published in 1890, no allusion what-
ever is made to the subject, nor do many others of recent date.
Enthusiastic workers who wish to see the process revived have con-
tributed their experiences to the press, and it is to these articles one
must go for guidance in use of modem apparatus and dry plates.
There is, without doubt, a great inclination on the part of many good
photographers to hark back to this older process, and who will tell you
they believe in what Sir David Brewster said forty years ago : " That,
although the pictures are small when seen by the unassisted eye, by
placing them in an instrument properly constructed they may be made to
appear exactly as the original appeared to the photographer when he took
the picture." On the Continent, Germany, Sweden, and Norway have
regular exhibitions. Some there are, however, who declaim this tendency
to go back, and ridicule the stereoscope particularly as giving illusions
which are inartistic, &c. Some will say they prefer the whole-plate or
larger picture because one can get more on it ; but this, of course, is an
April 22. ^f«a^'.
THE BRITISH JOUBNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
267
error, beeaoM glTcn lenwa ot loog and (hott toeot it will be foosd the
■^.^e cl the lene which ia lued to eorcr the Urger plate will indada no
-re than the ahort (oeaa lane tor the amallet {date three and a qnarter
: : .-..ea aqoare.
Othan deride the ftereoeeopic pictoia becaaie, they t»j, H ia nnncaaaty
to have reeoarse to a menhanifl coBtriiBPce id order to see them. Thia
it made the rabjeet of a paper recently read before the Qlaagow Fhoto-
grapfak SocietT. a rtmml of which recently appeared ia the JoraSAL.
The writer ia evidently an old band, with inadi ortiitie experience poi-
■ibly, and I ahoold be aorty to attempt to contradict what be aayt, or not
to beliere there may be aomething in bia ccottntion that the mcreasicg
rage lor itercoeeopie work ia but a temporary Uabion with photograpber*,
jiut aa tope and marblee are in torn among tcnoolboya. Bat, wliile he
dapreeatea the oea ol the ateieoeeope, amarring that a better picture n>ay
be aaan with ooe eye, I would Tentuta to remind Iiim that the abnaed
iaitomnent ia not abaelataly nanaaaaiy ia oadcr to ice a picture ata(eo>
aaopieaUy, and that the power ot maUac two pietoraa coaleeee, prorided
tb<y are propetly taken, may be eaaity aeqaircd with a little praotice.
Beoe people'i eyea can aeqnire thia b«Mt qnielccr than othera, bat, once
aflqnirad and Immt. the power i« not aaaily loot The writer at Glaagow
wioda up bia paper ihna : •■ Aa regarda the atiUty of tlereoaeopie photo-
giaphy, I think that will be confined to hialiiiiiienl-maktia and dealcra in
material " I have in my mind eon* tiflelllt photogcapbafa who will
hai4y agree with him.
Tbeobt.
It ia iapoaribh, ia a abort paper Ot thia aect. to eater deeply into the
theory at the aatjeal, and it mnal be nOeient to atata briefly the lawa
wUeh fMera it. Tbe word ■' rtinawBfit " ia dented bom two Greek
wtH» Suna$, aoUd. and Sctfto, to view. Thia eCaet eao only be
1 by Wimiinlar viaioo or by tba naion of two diaaimllar ptetoraa,
1 with a eaaaea with two laaaaa or by a lin^ loa ben difhrent
•aglea. The epaee eeparating oar two eyee, or tbe two leoaea 01 the
eaman, form, aa it were, the parallaetie baae of a triangle, and from thia
baae. which variea aUgfatiy ia wkhh ia dMaMl paraoaa, being aerar leea
than two, or aoaa Ikaa Ihna aad a qaattai laabaa, Iha mitaanlir power
of tba «yea enablaa thaai to deuwige oa aay ob]eet wtihia iiaannabli
diataaae ; the aaaiar tbe objaal. tba pwlar the eaavergeaee.
Thia aoaewBaaae oaaaot oeear whaa oae ey« ooly ia enpiograd,
ol Iha lavoarfMU^ totarm tba paiaUaelK aafle.
B<it.ta I ha«« abMy aaid, thia p«w«r of
aad laaa ainag aa It riaidaa beai Ibe baa^ aalfl objeela at a gnat
dlatanea are viewed ly pafalW vWoo. Tbia ia what givaa aa tba power
Ot aaliniaiiiig iHHaaw aad of eiawing aa object eoUd in tba
><*M* a aoUdilf wbiib aaalpton aad paialara often vaioty
to iaiiUto by the ehiael or Jadiatooa ahaAi« with eoloar. We
pialaiaa, aad look partly raaad tba abja^a arwtained ia thea, e^eeialty
thaaa la Iha faiagioaud. with oar two eyaa, aad. aa aatan haa tizad tba
I of Ibeae aptiea at a ayaaa ewTtaff tfom two aad a hall to three
wm to eeaiM,H loOcew that oar pietaaw naal aot be
aora Ihaa Ihia width fai ofder to abttht aaowt
CiMnua.
-^e ■
.ueaa,
oae laaviag
two
that aay eaaara i* eapabla
la BOW givea to a
taking both pietoraa
and
' iJiM, «.r., lo
' Jtaneooaly.
I. ^gar eameraa an now gaaeraQy pnhrred. Any lisa wiD do. pro-
. 2 it hae two leeaaa ia aa adaptable boot aad a aaptaoi laaida. A
, .rebellowa naiaaw. flitad Ihaa. daa • « f . U tba oaa tooet ia oae, the
: ntaci beiag that yon lal yoor aabfaa* Utpu. aad ia eatttag oat the
-o tor year ■Ude, yoo an abia w take or le«Te any partiMlar part
Bow thia ij eaaCly dona I aball be aUe to esplaio whaa w« boom
■■ •' eattiag aad moniiting of piinla. 7ar a loi^ Uae. ia the earlier
i} < of photognphy. a rin^leaa eaoian wae moetly aaed lor thia work.
• tbe plan i< •till the beat, aad many tabjeela reitaira
■rftllaettc angle to be ao gnat aa to reader the anploy-
caaiefa abanlalafir aaeeaaary. For nampte. if we
« at a dtataaw fnm the aaaihiira. whan ot^u at
DO eCaet of aoUdiQr whaa vWwed with both
ererytfaiag woold look flat, aad ia ooe eoa-
. ui, I J Ulirij a photognph of the coaet at on« poial, aad
. aloBg for a mile or to ia Ibe eontrary directiaa, aad a^waing
• the plate, we aboald iaereaee tlie parallaetia
be dapietafl fa idiat. aad the elleet of loUdity
1 fa ttia (tareoaeope.
MB two leiMM an oaad. that
i/v,Ai suv^iu uc ci^''^vvviiiBaltnaoM|yibMaa this bar oa iIm cap*, bolh of
which would be better replaced by a shutter, which I intend to have
made. And, when a single leas is employed, the exposoie must be made
imder exactly similar conditions. There should not be tbe least
morement of the object between the exposures, luJ coDse<inently the
■ingle-lens camera is not so applicable for photographs of anything likely
to move out uf doors. Movement of the subject in a stereograph is
repreeented by an unsightly blur, which effectually spoils the picture.
A word with regard to lenses. It is pretty generally admitted, I find,
that the single aehromatio lens is best suited for stereoscopic work, especi-
ally for landscape, seascape, and ruins. Tbe only objection is that, when
photographing an arohiteotural subject very close, tbe uprights are rather
distorted, especially if you have no swing back, as in this case ; bnt,
unless this distortion is very excessive, it does not matter, as the stereo-
scope will rectify it, while, on the other band, if a picture be taken with
a doublet, and is perfectly rectangular, the stereoscope may upset it to a
diaagreeable degree.
Can mnat be taken to see that both lenses are well screwed down in
their flangee : also that the camera is level. Here yon will see I have
taken precautions.
The exposore of the plate should be ample, and subsequent develop-
ment not carried too far, or tbe result may be a hard negative, which is
a eonatant eanse of anowineas in the prints or transparencies, especially
wbeo graen leavea of treeo, shining roofs of houses, or white roads
have reflected a lot of light into the camera, .^mong the prints on the
table yon will find some I liave pnrpoeely included to show how seriously
I have erred in ttiis respect ; and, althongh they may look fair prints to
the aye, it yon put them into tbe steraoeoope, you wUl soon discover the
faolta to which I allnda. Brilliaat negatives, soeh as we aim to get with
a single lens to make ptetores for the albam, seldom make nice pictures
lor the stenosoope, while a flat, atisenble-looking print is greatly im-
proved, and gives best itereoeeopie effeet. You will observe some of tbe
Amarifan printa an decidedly flat in appearance.
A very good plan, with a print from a dense or brilliant negative, it to
expose it to a good light without the negative before toning, and thus, by
degrading the high light), tbe picture will appear softer in the stereoscope.
It will be ondaratood ttiot, in order to obtain prints which will give
eomet stinoaeepie affeel, it will be aaeeaaary to transpoee the parts of
tbe aegativs, that tba right lens picture may be prascDted to the right
eya, aad left to left.
Hen we eall lor both skill and patienoe, which ean only be ob-
taiaad by moeh praetiee- To the want ol care in cattiag and mounting
prfato ia dtie much of tbe depreoiation of stereoscopic work. Even now,
tbosa who wiah to terive it, I learn then is agreat amount of care-
I, if not igaoranea, displayed in this important part of the proocss.
A eelabrated photogiayhar, who a ation time ago waa asked to judge the
slidee sent fa for a storsoacople eompetitieo, eriti^sas the work of the
eompetiton nther aevcniy. Be says, " Some of the prints wen simply
eomie ; as if the authon belonged to some select sodsty, whose motto
waa, ' How oot to do it; ' aad, it ao, they had suocssdad, and might trium.
phaatly cry * Excelsior ! ' " A great many of tba prints had not been
traasposed fa taoaaling. giving, therefon, a peaodo-aeopie effsot, so that
distaaes bceaaM lorsgroimd, and Utter, distonea. Ottien wen ttnavenly
mooated from the baas, aad required one eye to be higher in the head
than the other, u ordar to see the picture.
One cannot (mptsas too much upon those who would i«vive this
beautiful art scienea, that it is not only insufficient to properly transpoee
the two pietana, bat that th«y must be mounted on the same pUne, and
tbe tlighlesi error then is fa this diraotion lbs gnater will be the dif-
fiealty fa making the pietoraa oombine fa the stareosoope. The rule is,
having aettlod ttia width of Ibe two piotaree, to aeleet something in the
tonpooad — a bit ol roond stone, or a fault in the groand, and to out tbe
bass line throogh the two pictures at this line— the height may be left to
lake ean of itself — and may often extend to four faches without moon-
Beaotilal as Ihasa paper alidea an, especially when printed on good
■Mbailbe paper, ttian Is nothing so good as a stereoscopic transparency.
Hien is a seieetion on Ibe table, aad a lew also of my own make, by a
pfueaas which I hope to dawcBstiato aoeeeasfnlly.
It is gsaerally admitted, exeept by very prejudiced people, that a more
perlaat transcript of oatan oaaaot be produced than by a well-printed
stenoseopie Iransparenqr. But tba care, precision, and practioe which I
mentioned as being so nsnssaary fa ootting and moontfag prints applies
even more to the making ol theae transparencies. A little error in th o
paper prfat may be sat right, or eliminated entirely, by tbe help of the
knile, bat not so easily when one eomes to trsaspose and print from glass
to gUss. Soaie i^iolograpben will cot the negative, and, having tranej
posed tbe parts, prfat from it direct, as for lantern transparencies. Thia
208
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[April 22, 1892
plan, perhaps, is the best in the hands of an expert in the nse of the
diamond.
The SrEBEOficopE.
Here we have an instmment known, I believe, as Holmes' Stereoscope,
ud which has been in nse in America daring the last twenty years, and is
now finding a ready sale in England. There is no doubt, if this instmment
had been introdnced into England thirty years ago, stereoscopic photo-
graphy would not have lost its popularity with the public. It certainly
was the cause of raising my enthusiasm, and, having acquired an instru-
ment and some pictures, I began to look about for a fgood camera to do
some of the work myself.
Bad instruments, as well as bad prints, had much to do with the de-
cline of public taste in regard to the stereoscope ; but now, with the
advance of the art of photography, dry plates of any speed, and improved
apparatus for taking as well as viewing the pictures, I hope there is a
good future in prospect for the stereoscope, and that many here, as else-
where, may derive as mnch pleasure from it as I have done.
E. J. Appleby.
*
PHOTOGRAPHY AND PHOTO-MECHANICAL FEINTING.*
The preparation of collotype plates is not difficult. The first thing
necessary is a suitable oven, in which to dry the film of sensitised gela-
tine, for with this process rapid drying at a considerable heat is necessary.
A large box with a sheet-iron bottom, which can be heated with Bunsen
burners, answers very well, though hot-water pipes fare preferable. This
drying box should have a lid covered with canvas, to permit quick
evaporation, and the interior must be fitted with adjustable points, on
which the plates can be accurately levelled. There should also be a
thermometer fixed with the bulb inside the box, so that the amount of
heat can be readily adjnsted. The chemical composition of the films is
the same as that |employed in photo-lithography, with the difference that
the gelatine should be bard and very pure. The inking and printing of
collotype plates is necessarily an operation which places a great strain on
the holding power of a film of wet gelatine to its glass support, a pressure
of several tons being sometimes required to obtain the impression on
paper, and a powerful substratum is used to cement the printing surface
to its glass support. The following is approximately the formula for the
substratum : —
Albumen 10 ounces.
Water glass 4 „
Water 10 „
This solution is filtered and flowed over the surface of the ground
glass, which is then dried after a slight washing. The plate is then
ready for the sensitising solution, which is composed of —
Hard gelatine S ounces.
Water 1 quart.
Bichromate potash J ounce.
The glass plate is wanned, and the sensitising solution also warmed,
and, after carefully filtering through flannel, is poured over the surface
of substratum, and the plate is immediately placed on the levelling
screws in the drying oven, and heat is applied. The drying ought to
occupy about half im hour. When the plate is dry, it is ready for
exposure under a negative. Here is a plate ready for exposure.
We ought to mention, the negative must be reversed, that is, if
what is called a right-hand picture is desired. There are several ways
of reversing negatives ; direct in the camera, by means of a reversing
mirror, or even by placing the plate in the dark slide wrong way about,
first carefully cleaning the glass side of the plate, and allowing for the
thickness of the glass in focussing ; but the most generally adopted
methods are, first, by stripping the films from their original glass, and
turning them over on to another one ; and, secondly, by making a
transparency and copying it in the camera through the glass.
Having obtained a reversed negative, the margins should be masked
to the size of the required print with thin black paper or tinfoil, and
placed, with the sensitive collotype plate, in a printing frame for ex-
posure. The time required for exposure will, of course, vary according to
the density of the negative and to the quality of the light ; and, as the
plate cannot be examiitM during exposure, an actinometer is used to
measure the amount of Ught falling on the plate. Experience is really
the only guide as to correct exposure, but the average time in a moderate
light may be taken as half an hour. After exposure, the plate is removed
to the dark room, and is placed in running water for about half an hour
to wash out the unacted-upon bichromate, after which the plate is
allowed to dry spontaneously, and it is then ready for printing. (Here
are exposed plates, one plain and one inked.)
The printing may be performed in an ordinary printing press, with a
* CoDcloded from pa^re 249.
sheet of indiarubber over the tympan, or, as is most in vogue, in &
lithographic press. The plate is first damped with a sponge and water,
as Mr. Geddes is now doing, and, after wiping the surface dry, ink is
applied, first with a leather roller for the purpose of inking up the
shadows and stronger parts of the picture, and then, with a gelatine
roller, to give ink to the half-tones. A piece of ordinary paper is now
placed over the inked image and pressure is applied, the result being, if
all goes well, a permanent photograph in printing ink from the negative
used. If ink of a photographic or silver print colour is used, and the
paper is afterwards enamelled, the results are to all intents and purposes
a photograph.
Before we conclude, we must just mention one of the most interesting
and fascinating phases of collotype printing, and one which is as yet only
in its infancy. We refer to chromo-coUotype, and will venture to say it is
the nearest approach to the mnch-sought-for process of photography in
natural colour. In this process use is made of the fact that all colours
emanate or are produced from the three primaries, namely, red, blue,
and yellow, and, by the aid of specially sensitised colour plates and
our knowledge of orthochromatio photography, we are enabled to analyse
the colours of a picture, and produce three plates which have the property
of photographing the particular primary colours for which each one is
sensitised; then, by printing these three negatives in their separate
colours, one over the other, by collotype, using a transparent ink, we
obtain very approximately the actual colours of the original picture orJ
landscape. We cannot go into this matter further now, as the time at oorl
disposal is short, and the entire process is too complex. We have heref
some examples of this work, upon which we have recently been making
a series of experiments, and there are specimens printed from the nega-
tives of each colour as well as complete proof printed in the three colours
and registered one over the other, viz., red, blue, and yellow.
Paul L. Waterlow.
.J. D. Geddes.
A PHOTOGRAPHERS' HALF-HOLIDAT.
It will be remembered that a few weeks ago we mentioned that several
of the Greenock photographers had resolved to close their establishments
for one afternoon per week, in order to give their assistants a holiday. A
similar movement has recently been started in Glasgow, where, we are
glad to find, it has met with great favour among the photographers, the
under-mentioned houses agreeing to close their places of business during
one afternoon of each week : —
Friday, three p.m. : A. Macnab, Brinkley & Stevenson, TumbuU &
Sons, G. Bell, Crawford Hamilton, James Philson, Watson & Wilson,
Robert T. Dodd, James Whyte, Glasgow Photographic Company, Robert
Ness, Forbes & Co., William Gemmell, William Hall, William Hicks,
Ovinius Davis, A. & G. Taylor, W. Hampton, M. Pearlman, T. W.
Stevens, A.Finlayson, Stevenson A- Co., Patterson & Co., W. Warneuke.
Saturday, three p.m. : John Stuart, Limited, T. & R. Annan & Sons,
William Ralston, Alexander Brothers, Mens. Lafayette. Two p.m. :
Adamson Brothers. Wednesday, three p.m. : Ralston & Sons,
— Mitchell.
According to the terms of the agreement the movement comes into
operation in the first week of May. We congratulate our Glasgow friends
on their just and considerate action, and, in the interests of photographic
assistants generally, we trust that it will receive a large degree of imitation
in other parts of the country. Mr. J. J. Moran (of Messrs. Turnbull it-
Sons, Glasgow) has taken an active part in the movement, the success of
which must be very gratifying to him.
RECENT PATENTS.
APPLICATIONS FOB PATENTS.
No. 644.3. — " Improvement in Photographic Cameras." J. H. Penny. — Datal
April 4, 1892.
No. 6527. — "An Improvement relating to Oxy-hydrogen Limelight Lan-
terns." H. J. Husbands, J. W. Husbands, and A. W. Husbands. — Dated
April 5, 1892.
No. 6543. — "Improvements in the Manufacture of Pyroxyline Solutions and
Compounds for Photographic or other Films or Coatings, and for Solid or
Mas.sive Articles." Communicated by 't\ Crane. J. S. Faikfax.— X/ateii
April 5, 1892.
No. 6631. — "Improved Portable Photographing Apparatus." J. Caepkn-
Tizv..— Dated April 6, 1892.
SPECIFICATION PUBLISHED.
1891.
No. 9598.— " Gauges for Centering Lenses, &c." Communicated by Smith.
Wise.
Apnl 22. 1892]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
269
iHtttinqsi of ftoc(rt(e0.
MKBTINOS or 80CIBTIB8
FOB NEXT WBKK.
■M»«IMlll>«
■—»i«iiiim.
rt—tlMMHrnt
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Ima. Stadia. :(*t]Mr|*ta. Dnde*.
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BMk
HraiiWkui
Camtn Cteb .„-.
Hmtkaer
HalUu Pkota. dab
HoU.
- JafeOn Baa. BoraMgr-nad.
-I TnaaMiiilihiiiilmi. BawtnutalL
..SO. Onat KukD-M., Blooaubarr.
~: Stony lartitato, Luicaitcr.
J Mma^. Bold.itre«t. Warriattaa.
~ B^-Lti.A8e.Iatt..t*mo^:nIki.
.-, BaBkOhaaiban,Ba(fna**a«tiwt.
~l AatotM'tHelaLnnt-atrMtAa
Urtna Boob. Midkad Lutitata.
.Haekaaj.
.1 MarWr Ban. TriMla, Bi
.1 MawlMiitea' Hall. JalAi.
■oral laatttatioa. Ball.
■aoau. U, Dawna-atnM, DAUa.
OMeaat Cbamban, :
Ckamfioa Botal, "
ThaliTCMa^l
iMwaua'Miwt, iranna
uaban, 3, I<o«4«traat.
totd. U. Alteintaal.
, naioa^tnatpOUkam.
•rarkoa2aaM.ai
Til* J niililllnaMi
HItfc ma«t. Pafay.
LOKDOJt AMD nOTHrCUL FHOTOOIUPHIC ASSOCIATION.
UL li,-Mr. A. Onraa fa tha (&air.
MaKi. A. tJmmtm aad R. W. BaoMtt vara alaclad mcaUta of tka Aao-
froa tka koi wtn laad :— " Wbat k tka bat way
c< « ||»a awlMftte iwaii tta kaaptoat" TotUano
■^MO^fac ; tat i> npfr lo tka M^iHiic " With w(
P. Cbxmu«oi
■I— It
I aUdaL niMlntlfa'of aoaa of lk« tiatm iriiMad darlM tfia OOoratiao
•I Dtrtr. WiwtH>>iw. Ckartw. m4 BMk. Tha lUdai wm« tk* wotk
r*. P. K 0«abnaa, jOL (tiM HaMniT SMXtwr of Um CoBtnUoa), nd
> tfeevB la Um lastcrn, Ika bnaar
Um kopa Ikat Ika baaty of Ika
■I IMan OMivMtkM.
afc»«IUMafUMi«eMt
Ik* tiMBka of tk*
F,
Tha
lotai
■tianpb
Iw kadwaanUva bafiodaead, iqrra-yoUth or p]rr»«aBMaia r "
a*»aa>fcl. If aaytkfc^ wttkyTwipolMh.
«aa ckiafly itmtai to tka azUWieo of a lam asaha o<
M. Harti^ri. br vkoa thaf
itt. prior l» tha ihOiHtoa.aa
«o«Utada«a
oBiea of tko
at-iBca hf Mr. R.
'. to both gaatl«aaB, aad tha
iMata af W<
tbadHSfarl
laftbaaathiFi
idaatot
in<»i' '
- ._ V^AprQ II, Mr. B. U. .Vdaeo ia Uw abair.— A
-tlnnd br Mr. E. W. MAnmn, P.K.A.&, oa t%* Work
«< vp'''*' " ^I'—tt- la niiHiiiafli^ Mi addna.
.rkad Oat Iha tilta •«» had baaa aiaiatid fer hia
,-.(.,1 loo broad a iihaia«a. bmI that, tiaMirh m It
ia tka Uw at Ma4k|ioaal. lo«««ala«AnoQ tha
■V<* ««k aHBictad wttk ataMan, Va no-
totkaJ^|^■M1 of thoa|iaaaMay*laaolar
aa rtdhr iM*tioaeopT. OaMMMlaa vHh
roJtioa <UH.aad oia tahaaqaaat apat-
Mr. lna»da «a« oa to acplala tha
M iiaatiaulil, aad to daaifba aoaa of
oak nit ilhatai of tha Fiaaa-
■ that tiiaa
tka
tad thair'
ntaiatka
ik!
ibr-
;oalka<
fapUc.
rfaikoSK
ncoffvad pkoto-
"maatofi
■ ill
lie
«ttk
■ nttum
raUaritta
>d brtba
• f th»
IfA-
tb.'
Aftar apaakm.'
aaxt daait wH)i '
■Miybaoyiad th*
lotkataa) a( iraa ta a (aaaoaartato. JiostMr
auk tkt (kirf Ibataa of •taOar tpactroaeyy, da-
id ahalnanhhia itaUa onctra adopiad a-
. ml ifiilalia Ika tmx^m <■ vklSlha
ofaybtliMMaC la MMMdMvitkthiadapc
the snbject, the diaeoTery of the duplicit)- of ^ Aorigie by Professor Pickering,
solely by the variations ia its spectrum, was described, while, finally, some inter-
esting notes were given on the recent new temiwiary star in Auriga, the spectrum
of this star being thrown on the screen, and its special features explained in
detail. The lecture was illustiated by a lam number of lantern slides, and
was throughout a most interesting one. The next meeting of the Lantern
Society will be held on Monday, the i'lth inst.
Dundea and East of Scotland Fhotographlc Assodatios.— April 7, Mr.
J. D. Cox (President) in the chair.— .\ demonstration was given of the strip-
pinif and enlarging powers of " Cresco Kvlma. " A quarter-pUte transparency
was saoceatfnlly rtripped and enlarged to fully 5 x i The procea had been
fonnd useful in the bands of the demonstrator for saving cracked negatiTas.
Mr. D. Ireland exhibited 140 .slides, being part of his Norwegian work lut
year. Mr. Feathers exhibited the Ideal and Shuttle hand cameras. Prizes
weteawanied iu the under-noted comjietitions as foUow.s : — lanior Lantern-
slide Comiietition : 1st. J. S. Uwson ; 2nd, J. M. WiNoii ; 3nl, Dr.
MoOillwray. Bromide Print Comi>etition : 1st, J. Mclnroy ; ind, D. Ireland ;
3rd, Dr. McGillvmiy.
^
Corrcgjionirencf^
ar anrifoaiaili ikaaU mmt wrib m Mh Mn of tkt pap<r,
PHOTOGRAPHY AND THE DETECTION OF CRIME.
To the EnrroB,
Sn,— The inteiestiog ooUeetion of photographs, and the ]>aper accom-
panying than, now being eircalated among<<t the photographic aocietiea
vnda UM afflliatinn •cheme, seem to be much appreciated wbererer ibej
aia exhibited. But I think the paper, interesting as it is, wonld hare
been ftill more ao to the majority of thoae before whom they are ez-
hibitad had the methodi empl(^ed to obtain the atriking effects — itriking
aa eompared with other photogiaphi ttJua tmder normal conditions —
been azplained^ The Doetor, m hie paper, teneial times refers to " my
method," but doa not deacriba what that method ia, and wherein it
diflata tram tboaa omalij adopted. I prHoma, therefore, as he makes
a epeeialtj of thia elaa of work, he prenn, a« a matter of business, to
ka^ the detaiU of hia method, or modea of procedore, to himself. Be
that aa it may, the pbolographs by themaelrn are none the less interest-
ing or raloable, aa ahowiaf what mar be accomplished in the application
of jj^otogtapfay in the dateotion of onme.
Of eoaxae, what Dr. Jaeerieh baa aehiered others may accomplish if
th«7 aaw Mffletant time and atteotion to the subject. I should not be
sntpcieed U the prwainenra now being given to the topio, by the exhibi-
tion ef the tUdaa, aeta as an ineentiTe to others to go into the sabjeot aa
a matlw of baslnsa in this eoantry. Clerer experts in such matters aa
tboaa Dr. Jaaariah haa taken in hand might find the bnsineu highly te-
mmaraUTe, partieolariy after they, like the gentleman named, have
■aiaed soom aotecielj. For example, in qaations of forgery or the
wlaHlMtinii of doe—SBta, like aoaia of the examples in the collection.
lane aoma woold faaqoeaily be paid tor incoalMUble proof of the falsity
or UM gsnaiBSBea of the writings. At preeeat the ehief evidence relied
npea bate la soah eaaaa ia that of experts hi handwrifng andthatUoftan
laeaived— and not without reaaon— with a eooaldarable amount of
hsailation, aapaciaUy when experU are engaged by each of the contesting
This bciafs me to the qoeation. Supposing nveral photographers
a apaeialty of thia particular elaa of work, as Dr. Joserioh haa
and aoaa wae engayd by one side in a suit to prove that, uy, a
lad baaa taapsrad with, and others ware employed by the opposite
side to show that it had net. The latter, by taking the negaUves under
otdiaary eooditians, might show that a pore photograph exhibited no
fahilVratiai vhalavir, aa in the eaa of the Doctor's comparative pUtea.
The totaer. wwkiaff oader aodifled eooditions, might m their photo-
gnpha show that a fraud had been eamnitted. Here wonld, of oourse,
be a direct eeafliet of eridaaee, qoita as great as that frequently given by
expert! in the anae of handwfitioga. The one wonld be qnite justified in
■suiting that hia was a pure, nnsophistieated photograph, and it, like the
' lol before the Coort. exhibited no trace of alteration. The other,
erosa-examinatioa \n a slirewd ooanael, would be compelled to
that ia order to oMau Ua rsaolts the photograph, which differed
boai wkat eonU be detested by the eye. had been taken under modified
eoaditions aad by a speeiai tieatment or method of working. This might
be etastrasd by a noo-tanhnical jnry, inflnenosd by tlie argimients of a
cleveteomaal, into a sopliiatieation of tlio photograph.
tt^aqvtoaate for the oradit of the art that photographs ore now
lookeS upon with a eertain degree of doubt in British Courts of Law, and
rightly too in many instaaeas. Here is a ease in point. I was recently
•^'>wn a photograph taken to prove danage in a ease of " ancient lights."
rcrtainly fnlflUad ita objaet, for it showed a strong oast shadow of the
' eraetion right aoroa thie windows claimed as the ancient lights.
Ilut it was, nevertheless, a very misleading pictnre, inasmuch as it was
taken under exception^ oondltions, that is, very late in the evening,
when the sua was settiag, eonaaqnently it produced very long shadows.
Had it, or another pietora, ban taken earlier in the day, no such ob-
••rietion would hare been shown. However, tbe picture was accepted as
•of that injury was suatainad, and a good sum was paid as compen-
' •■.-.on in order to avoid farther costly litigation.
THE BKITISH JODKNAL OP PHOTOGRAPHY.
[April 22, 1892
On one or two former occasions yon have suggested that the police
authorities do not, oiJioially, make so great a usejof photography as they
ndgbt do in the detection of crime. It is trne that all convicted criminals
. we photographed, and the portraits systematically arranged and pre-
MTved. Bnt a much more extended use might be made of it in furthering
the ends of justice. Often, when, say, a murder or other outrage has
been disoovered, if a photograph, or a series of photographs, were token
of the immediate surroundings at once, before anything was disturbed, it
would frequently aid in settling matters sometimes left in doubt.
Frequently it happens that the evidence adduced as to the precise con-
dition or position of certain things at the time of the discovery are very
conflicting, a thing not to bo wondered at considering the excitement
general at the moment. Notably was this the case in connexion with
one of the East-end tra(,'edies, and also in others. But a photograph, if
forthcoming, would put matters beyond all question.
There is no place where, or rarely, conditions under which a photograph
good enough for all purposes cannot be taken, even if not reached by
-daylight, Uianks to gelatine plates and magnesium. The time, I hope, is
not far distant when an official photographer will be attached to every
jpolice division under conditions similar to those under which surgeons
and others are now appointed. — I am, yours, &c., Lex.
ApHl 16, 1892.
»
RATIO OF GRADATION.
To the Editob.
^ Sib, — In your last issue " Free Lance " seeks to throw on to me the
onus of treating this matter as a bturlesque. In a former letter I showed
that the recent utterances of Messrs. Hurter & Dri£BeId are at one with
their original paper, and consequently that there was no ground for
charging them with " ignorance of their own work such a short time
after its publication." I called attention to " Free Lance's " opinion
anent " the universal practice of photographers to alter the ratios by
modifications or changes of development," that the ratios "can be
changed at will" I inquired how he could change them, and in reply
I have nothing but a vague reference to a trivial variation noted by
Messrs. Hurter & Driffield, which " Free Lance " has evidently not for-
gotten.
In order to meet the obvious reply that the ratios remain practically
unaltered by the variation in question, he states that the words " almost
identically the same " are without meaning in a scientific question !
I must, for the present, conclude that " Free Lance's " knowledge of
altering the ratio of gradation is derived from Messrs. Hurter & Driffield's
observations ; and that, did he know more of their writings, he would
know more of this subject. It would also appear that he has been having
a quiet joke with the readers of the Joubnal, as one who should say, " I
think I can find you bread to eat," and offer a crumb from the last loaf.
Of course, a joke is a joke, though it may be a bad one.
May I take this opportunity of replying to a question that has been
Ent, more than once, by the Editor to correspondents, as to the possi-
ility of a latent image "setting off" on to an unexposed plate? I
exposed a piece of bromide paper behind a negative to sufficient light to
produce a vigorous image. I then moistened the paper, and squeegeed
It face to face with an unexposed piece of similar paper. I developed
the compound for upwards of an hour, until the image was well visible
when held up to the light. The papers were then pulled apart, and the
image was found to be entirely on the exposed paper. I think this
should allay all fears of the setting off of the image from plate to plate ;
but how is it to be reconciled with Captain Abney's experiment of coating
a gelatine plate with collodion emulsion, and developing the two in
contact ? Will some one who has a bottle of collodion emulsion repeat
this experiment ? It may be that some plates are phosphorescent, and
others not ; it is, however, of importance to set the matter at rest. The
general conclusion is that a particle of developed silver compound reduces
contiguous particles unaffected by light. The equation of Messrs. Hurter
& Driffield does not assume this, but is grounded on the supposition that
only particles altered by light are developable. This is apart from
general fog, caused by the action of the developer on silver unchanged
by light, and irrespective of its contiguity to changed particles.
My thank-s are due to Mr. Channon for his reference to Captain
Abney's original paper. His reproduction of Captain Abney's figures
interests me exceedingly, and I should like to suggest a possible explana-
tion of the difference found from the law of Hurter & Driffield. These
state that the law holds only for some substances, not for all ; and they
especially mention silver reduced in a film as long as it does not assume a
metallic lustre, nor reflect much light. But if Captain Abney first threw
down the silver, and then mcorporated it with gelatine, the particles would
probably have great lustre, and by reflections and re-reflections appear
much more transparent than would doll granules. The subject is full of
interest, and I shall be glad to hear anything which may assist in its
elucidation. — I am, yours, &a., B. 0. Phillips
Arts Club, ManchesUr, April 18, 1892.
To the EnnoB.
SiB,— We received a private communication from Mr. Channon, asking
08 to take no notice of his letter in your issue of the 1st April, as he had
Ter7 considerably altered his opinions, and as he intended to send another
communication to the Jouenai.. We have waited for the appearance of
his third letter j but, as it has not come forward, we feel it necessary to
briefly reply to the second.
Mr. Channon, like others of our critics, shifts his ground. In his first
letter he opposed Plener's formula to our own as superior for mathe-
matical reasons. Finding, however, that Plener's formula could not be
supported by clear reasoning, involving a consistent definition of the
symbols used, he abandons this formula In his second letter, and opposes
us with Captain Abney's Law of Error. This Law of Error we have
criticised elsewhere, and we are reluctant to add anything to that criticism
at present, though there is much yet to be said about it. From Mr.
Chatinon's letter to ourselves we gather that he has now abandoned the
Law of Error, and we are at present waiting to learn what he has to put
in its place.
To our request for a sample of plates differing in behaviour from those
we have investigated, and to which the formula we published do not
even apply approximately, Mr. Channon has not acceded, nor has he
again mentioned the subject. It is fair to conclude that he is still in
search of such plates. When he has found them, we shall be glad to
investigate and report upon them.
May we remind Mr. Channon that formnl.TD, to be satisfactory, must
account at least for the phenomena of under-exposure, over-exposure, and
correct exposure ; and that neither Plener's nor Captain Abney's formuliB
will do this ; that these formula: must be simple, if they are to admit of
practical applications ; and that they must also account for certain
pecuUar relations which exist between negatives and their positives. — We
are, yours, Ac, F. Hdkteb & V. C. Dbiffield.
Appleton, JVidnes, A}>ril 16, 1893.
[In justice to Mr. Channon we should state that his interesting
communication, which appears elsewhere, was unavoidably held over
from our last issue. — Ed.]
m
BACKGROUNDS.
To the Editob.
Sib, — In reply to your request for information for "MoDawber,"
Messrs. J. Williams & Co., Langley Mills, Manchester, manufacture a
strong sheeting suitable for backgrounds, all widths up to nine feet. I
have an eighteen feet screen made by them with only one joint, and,
speaking from memory, I think the price was 3«. per linear yard. — I am,
yours, &c., Edwabd J. Smith.
Park Royd, Halifax, April 18, 1892.
To the Editob.
Sib, — In reply to " McDawber," any large drapery establialmient doing
a family trade will be able to supply good white sheeting, also linen,
which would be preferable. People who buy the unbleached seldom have
beds that require sheets more than two yards wide.
In making application for prices and patterns, he should ask for eleven
or twelve-quarter (the former would be about eight feet wide), requesting
that it be not less than the exact width wanted ; a few inches over would
not matter.
Personally, I have seen it at Swan & Edgar's, Piccadilly-circus, W.,
and other large West-end draperies.- — I am, yours, &c.,
Stradbroke, Sujfolk, April 16, 1892. Wm. Giruno.
MODIFYING LENSES.
To the Editok.
Sib, — The formula for calculating the focus of combined lenses given
in my paper (The British JonuNAL of Photoobaput, March 18) should
A X B
have been as stated by Mr. George C. Pile. It was written so
in my manuscript, and the error, as printed, is so striking that it can
only be due to the printer. — I am, yours, etc., Hesrv W. Bennett.
April 20, 1892.
♦
PHOTOGRAPHY AT BIARRITZ.
To the Editor.
Sir, — As most of my photographic friends are not aware of my present
abode, I write a line to say I am here with my camera and lantern. I
have registered a vow not to bring again the latter abroad, as the diffi-
culty of getting a supply of oxygen is considerable and the price ex-
cessive.
Biarritz during the winter and spring months is taken complete posses-
sion of by the English. As you walk through the streets, on the Grande
Place, or sit on the rocks, the sound of the well-known tongue falls on
your ears, for our language now is the most universal ; and whether, when
it covers this world, as, if it increases in :the same degree, it gives rise to
any Babel confusion, is a matter on which some may speculate.
The hotel-keepers, proprietors of villas, and shop folk are well favoured
here, as there are only six weeks in the year when Biarritz is without a
season. The English season commences in November, and lasts until
May ; then comes the interval until the 15th of July, when the place is
empty. The Spanish season is then on, it being the great event of the
April 33, 1809]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH f.
271
jmt. Onias ttik tine prioM bceena aaarlT doable, and the Spaolardi
bleed beelj, praCaiiag EngUeh artieta to all cthtn. After the Spanieh
MMOB eomee IhiBiwekiii Oetotet to • part of Koianaber.
Bat, kltboosk the aaminer ia the bathing iMinn, bathing U going on
oam, and ladies wen aeen swimming in the Port Yietu on the 17th Uareh.
On the .'.th of Apnl I »w a pwty, ol mx ladies and foor gentlemen
bathing in the Mioa idaM, and I took a pbotograpb when one of
the fonDFr waa taking a headv 00 a toA. It la well to mention
that the teDpnatva waa at Oe tfaae T8* m the ihade. At n^arda
tenMntara, Biifiita bolda a good alarirling I have kept a roiq^ mem.
for Om laat fif^ itju. and I find that at aiae a-m. the arenge tempera-
tnre waa. in tlie abade, il}'. On a few daji, when, •wn ia Italy, mow
laj on the groond— March 4 to 7— tlie tbertBometer at aiae ajn. varied
from 35* to 97*. bat no anow ; of eoona, daring the adranee of the day
the iemperatore inereaeed. and I noted one day, at S.30, the temperature
roaa to TV*. Than, aa lagarda annahiaa. oat of fifty ityt than were
fertj bcitht. aamv, itj dagra. tea baiag niay, withont con.
Bianits doM not aflotd many aiibjaetB lor photogr^jhjr beytmd aea and
wekf the latter an not partieolarljr atrikhig I expected great things
from the Bay o( Biaeay, bot toond it, oa aioat days, vary trmnqail. I
waa informed I woold aee waTcs alowly advaaring like a great wall of
twtnty feet, then aoddenly falling on the shore. These I did not aee,
althoagb I dafly looked lor them. A Mead ol mhie, iriio haa naidad
hen for four yean, baa ao( tata aaoh. Bla iana>k to lae en tiia aabjaet
waa, " Thaee an to ha talked ahoat. bol aol saaa."
As regaxda my faurteriL After mneh tioable in tha panalt of oxygen
-&«, I diaooTsred that aone waa kept ia Bayoaae for madieal porpoeee.
aoid in lai|a aylindara. holdiag SOO litree, at a ptearon of eight
whiah. I «aa intotmed, waa eqoal to fifty-fin EngUah
ortoahoatfcrty.«iaEagiiahfaalatUOatmoepheraa; bat it only
>atoJ.whea kawt la tha iMlora, lor fa aad a haU hooia. I find, wfaaa
«iag my twttn laat ayHate of UO atataapharaa, I «aa pH naaily foor
oon eat of it. eosliat I*., whfla the Bagreaao om eoal ma 14f. (lU. Id.)
: r two and a half hoars, or aboat U. for «bat in Bi^iaad eoeta U.
The qoality of the gaa waa exeellaat, aad I do aot think I arar had oadi
a briUiaatly Ut aetaaa. My apaetatea warn maeh plaaaad; tt waa tha
ant tiiM tha limaiiRht waa ant aaea la Biarrita, ao that I teva aiada a
I lean lo-monow for the Pjiauoia.— I
n$ BritUk ChA, Artnin d» PalaU. BitrrUt. April 13, IWS.
It
InaalUbl
iatl&l
▲nfOSPHEBIC PBBSPBCnVE.
refktSBaoiL
Bm.— Allow Bta to iiipplaiBiat yoor n«|y to F. Baxtor (iaaaa of 15tb)
by polDtlttff oat that the orar-axpoeon of Ko. S plats waa probably doe to
the faat that, owtag to the jraatar dhtaaae at which aaeond view waa
takaa. the Ught fram a maeh peotar ana wa* fooiiaaii oa to the same-
aisadplata. 1 waa aoma time la tractof thia aoarce of error, and waa lad
tote^aiHihuthatmyosarnpoaaiaiamo priae^d)y oa ptotaa ^ritieh
By oear-axpoaona wwo Miaciaally oa
the Welah hOi to be pretty elmir, aad has* MaoMMMM
riphad and fX eiew nagatiTaa of objeato at adlatoaea of a ooaftar of a
'«rtw ef a mlla. aad ha*a aaaa maay bright phole«n^«f Safaeand
la taUaf aa(UivaB whkh ambiaoe aa axtaaain view, I now either
"^<^ the ojaiaaia or atop dowa tha laaa. I am, years, Aa.,
"PHOTOaBAPHIC POBTBAira"
T» th» Kanoa.
Hi*,— Tha totntiaM of yoar aouaapamlaut Mr. Oaaboa Brown, Joa.,
■ ng to fiad aoma aioaii for ral^pri^y an no dooU andHabU to hie
••af4lapaaltiaa.bat.al the aama time, baaad, I think, oa a mla-
~ ^ tha aaasL H la. of ooona. impoonbto to aawraal toaM*
•«pla h«a writiag tooHohlpaaa la bad taoto oadar the oofor
Ur objaet waa, hewosor. to aall ottaatiaa to tha naaoaai.
r of (the Joarnal ia rpiaatloa, aad to oaiw that ha
-n swan of tha natan of the eomaaaiMiiea.
thai optleiaaa aa a body, or rathar, porh^a, I
ptieal lo'tnimaato. Ma, aa year oonaapuudoat
njoinT. cnder whataiai laumaatliiu, nf sooh laothtrdr
or'«ao (M Mr. Drawa oaOa tha jo«aal to oaaatioa) baa
' I h> a hbiil upon them to aapooaa it. Aad, agaia, wImU
oatioa * I admit, for ayaetf, that I ha*e writlta aiaa.
~*t.c{aee btM haa no laon artistie valaa tfaaa ho* (ia
ran." But. Sir. tha oppoaitkn ameagti pboao-
iwad to sail it ao, ia never titad of aaaartiag that
ifhy. Tbey bail with avMont dal%ittaad
pfMsed by Mr. Joeepb PaaaaB at maatfams
.. If that. than. U tlMir view of tha flWHar.
nod (aalt if v aaaert that the moat pntoot of
babiicf
import art into it r Aflaia, aappoaiag that for
of miagaidad people bad beta lathe
aflbahi|faaatqndUqr,traalromaatig- ' ii«wtaiMa.Tw«aa.
matiam anil all the rest of it, say, as soap-plates, and that the (lootrine-
wen aoddenly preached and disseminated that common delf , of a con-
cave pattern, woold be more aaefal; or, with greater hardihood, if it
wan amertod that the total snppreesion of such optical inatrnments, and
a retnm to the purer and more primitive method of forming a bowl in the
hollow of the hand would be productive of better results, would the
opticians be justified In exclaiming, " It ts true people arc foolish ; but, at
at the same time, wa are enabled to sell them large quantities of oar
gooda, with whidi they froitleesly eodeavoor to attain the unattainable ;
B yon promolgate yoor doetrinee, they will oome to their senses, and our
trade wiU be rained r" I think not.
Mr. Cimabne Brown, Jan., holds that what he calls the new aohool'
may be distinguished in fature by the mark, "No lens, no brains."
Now, Sb, this Is, of oourse, only an aasertion, which, on high anthorit;;--
would no doubt demand grave and eameet oonsideration. But, it Mr.
Cimaboe Brown, jnn., is a great and weighty aothority, to my shame I
most eontees that I never heard of him beforo- I am inclined to sormise,
however, that the luune ia bot a pseadonym, veiling, perhaps, the most
diatingaished identity ; but, until we know thia, subject to tbe inevitable
depiadation of value ^Ueh, as a general rale, attends the outpourings of
anonymoaa oontribators. Bat, anpposing the epithet to be, in this in-
ataooe, well applied, it will be remembered that I challenged our op-
not let it be imaghvtd for a moment that I aocnae Mr. Cimabne Brown,
Jan., of inferring that the quality of the braina haa anything to do with
tha matter t We know, of oowae, that mon braina must be found
amongst tbe molttiade than can be poaaaaeaj by a leaaer number. By
tha w^, thoogh, Mr. Cimaboe Brown, juiL, retnaea to oonoede, by his
lomala, aay brabia at all—" No lens, no braiiu."
Seiioaaly, Sir, I eonitot imagine that optidana an at all alarmed by
the idea that tha aihortotiona of the poor little hand of >»^nlfw ones is
likefar to dspriv* tha optieal trade of taair oaefnlneas and nteans of liveli-
hood. King Sol hhaoalt might as reaeonably get red in the taco with
indiiiwation at the adront of Mr. Hornnhrs^'a oxy-magneaium lamp.
lb. Cimabne Broam, joa., most, I tnink, find some other grounds of
•xeosa. — I am, yotm, dw., Ai.raE]> M&skklu
i.Midoa, AfHi 17, van.
>
THE CHICAGO EXHIBITION.
To ihs EuiToa.
Bm,— M«y I aak yoa to give pablldty to tbe fact that. Her Majesty's
OovammaBt haviag innriaaail to 60.0001. the grant of 35,000/. originally
made far tha piiiiuaao of tha British Section at the Chicago Exhibition,
the Bofal rnmmiootoa for that Exhibitioo an enabled to dispense with
the lavanne it waa propaoad to raiae by eharging tbe ashiUton in propor-
tion to the esteat of spaea oaenpiad, and that, tharefon, all apace in the
Bntiah Seetioa will now be granted tree of ehanga.— I am, yoora, <tc.,
H. T. Wood, Sterelary.
of AfU, Jttm-^trtl, AdstpU. B'.C, April 1>. 1W;3.
i5ic!)ange Column.
V ITq aWya U wtadt for i%m*i»a
hamate teiUi$imtmUdmtUmlkt
tfAptmrotm to (M*
a Mula^late stoladL TKon
a.-
WUl
mrtioU wwifaiUi i
ia»e»s^/>f«i»iiS|a*aaimfiaa"ai>rt<iyiis0a"M<attTi^iawawd«fatoi«d
ttsraafDiiytMrr
iiiitoaei I1<ill»a|i»'alc»«bf
4nM7l>avBT, Mew*. BatfM.
lani (T*r7 ngUi tor atyllak
Whob-pkl* pOTtraM imt fay
Aitonaa, Aanar, at, OatM
fau.
n.
I wffi
ia swbasga lor nsMaat laa* lij r<M<t makar.—
', tar aabtaat portnUt Imi {•bort
ty Baa*, aaiaataau loeb fonu.— Ad-
1
-, . tooka, la Mebaar* for oomplat*
oatot.-Aaawaa.tl. atatfa Hn< Ktt^tiJbiaa.
• notiUaaar laoa. oaarlj aow, for two todwrooaib, Inlwior uul
A- B. aeaouM, Ito, atowslo^fc-rcal. ■—'-*-■-. I^acMblra.
•alafftar a>Banlii wtth pair of •avn.iash co»<lanatnr I
■ " torUxUtaadi
A Matoa^paftjUaa UxMaMBva. with two
«.!]•„(
> taadaaipo euDarm.— AdibMa, W. K., IM, Torminu-
Waatad. a
V. wkoi^pialo atadtii aaaMiaitaad ia nebanrt for a "Tofrar*
Waplaaa uaitiaB lana, or twalto-iacb tmrvUhcr hj '■ Varon."—
AMnaa. Bosrtos, pkotooraptor. M, Oairtlai rtraal. CMdiS.
**" "* -nir '— n I rtli ilaili ^iiln. ta aiatoaf ■ fnt nnmiilil- Vnlf rli'n -^MIt "
•Iw two tall«4oa tiaiifcriaaaili Oataftor aad aatarior) for oabiiwt portrait l«u or
na<ia aaaaaiortn.— Adtoaaa, H. WtairiiLD, tl. HUtion-ctrMt, gittiBgboamii.
tnpartor^
5x4 nwid
" IdaarnMod «
tar-plata —■''■f" j aasmv, kU BoTenmU, thn* doabla dark •lidas.
raatUkMar laaa^ ts Itilhrr caa*. qmlo saw, ooat 71., azcbann tor
— Addraaa. 1. trsvaaa, m, Bateomba itaaat, LoBdon. X.W.
Waatad. a pasta far aatdaal aad aartaa (aaakloa dla>) la aaohaafa for wbola-plate
^ifm laaa. alaa qaaatar>fMa portcatt laoa aad taaiaas for a ntooablac daak witb
foartar to 10 « (.-Addrwa, Jta. EaasoTT, 8, OaatI»«at<.
272
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[April 22, 1892
fingtiiers to (ETocrespottlient?.
AU mmtUn for On ttxt portion of this Joubhal, including qaeriet for
"Anmert'' and "Sxehangf," mutt he addressed to "Ths Editob,
S, Tork^trttt. CaoaU Gordon, London. Inattention to this mtures delay.
So notice taken of communications unless name and address of wrxter are
g%von,
•«• Oommimieatimu relating to Advertisements and general business affairs
wmtl be addressed to "Henry Gbkbitwood & Co.," 2, York-street, Covent
Omdtn, London.
1, 2, S.— Apply to a ilealer.
August Baku.— Received with thanks.
Z. K.— Cresco-fylma is the subject of a patent
Bbomo-Chlobo.— We do not know of any method of restoring the energy of a
used pyro developer.
C H. J. (Chicago).— The fewer tlie reflecting surfaces in a lens, the more rapid
ought to be the exposure.
Iliad.— We should recommend you to repeat the experiment, and pay greater
attention to the directions given in the pajier.
ILBX— No ; chemically pure chloride of sodium is not necessary in precipitating
silver nitrate as chloride, although preferable.
K. W. A.— From the description given, the mottling arises from the plates not
being " rocked " sufficiently during the development.
T. Wabhen.- Unless we saw some of the examples, it would be impossible to
help you. The details furnished are contradictory in themselves.
A. A.— Write personally to the manager. Your letter was, doubtless, replied to
by a clerk who knew nothing of the technical part of the business.
Alton.— Perhaps the better iilan for you to pursue would be to .apply a weak
reducing solution to the negative, to" remove the veil, and then intensify it.
PhotogbaI'HEB (Burton-on-Trent).— There is only one nitrate of silver, and
not two. If you order that, you will get the right article for making dry
plates.
White Lead.— We should not apprehend any deleterious effect on your silver
prints arising from the use of white lead in making good the joints of the
wood dish.
A G. C— Yon seem to have done everything to discover the cause of the foggy
appearance of your plates except one thing, and that is, to examine your
camera and slides for " light-tightness."
J. M.— If you will consult the articles by Mr. W. B. Bolton at pages 260, 308,
325, and 356 of this Journal for 1888, you will find complete information
on the subject of gelatine-bromide opals.
C. C. W. — The lenses of the retired dealer named were made, in many in-
stances, by Darlot, of Paris. But, from the marking on the uiountof yours,
it is probable it was made by Coiffier. It is likely to be a good one.
Bbomo.— If, as yott say, the bromide paper has deteriorated so much in sensi-
tiveness, we should "think it was due to the fact of its having been kept, to
quote your ovnx words, " in a room where no fire had been during the past
winter." Evidently tlie paper got damp.
Brick. — Ready-made one-solution developers are useful enough in their way,
provided your exposures are uniformly correct. Despite this, however, we
question whether many professional photographers employ them ; they, no
doubt, preferring then- re<lucing agent, alkali and restrainer separate, as each
has separate functions to perform.
A Q. (Napier, N.Z.). — 1. The paper has evidently become deteriorated by long
keeping, and possibly by the absorption of moisture. We fear there is no
remedy. The remedy quoted is only applicable to the kind of p.-iper referred
to. 2. The formula is as given by the author. Tlie method ol compounding
■was fully described in the paper published in the Journal.
A. W. W. — A ten-per cent, solution of bichromate of potash is much too strong
for sensitising carbon tissue. One of three and a half at this season of the
year is (juite strong enough. Five per cent , with a short immersion, can be
used, but this strength is of no advantage except under very exceptional
circumstances. The Uchromate of soda is not so suitable as the bichromate
of potash.
John Hart. — By the time the print reached us it had become so discoloured
that it wa.s quite impossible to hazard an opinion as to the cause of the
trouble. We surmise, however, that it arises from want of care in sensitis-
ing. Avoid dust on the surface of the paper, and see that none is on the
solution at the time of floating. Also trj* a stronger bath— say, sixty grains
— and a shorter time of tlo.iting.
A. C. H. — For enlarging by either artificial or daylight probably the following
method will answer your purpose :— Salt plain paper with sodium chloride,
100 grains ; hydrochloric acid, (i minims ; water, 12 ounces. Immerse for
2 or 3 hours, dry, and sensitise on silver nitrate, 1 ounce ; citric acid, 8
grains ; distilled water, 8 ounces. Drj', expose, and then develop the faint
image with pyro, 2 grains ; citric acid, 1 grain ; water, 1 ounce. Wash, and
fix as usual.
T. Fkknch says he has secured a snap-shot of a very importaut personage.
The negative, though very good as a negative on the wliole, does not show
what might be called a good portrait of the illustrious nobleman, sucli as
one that could be taken in the studio. He has made the picture copyiight,
and asks how he, being an amateur, can "turn the negative to account,"
adding that, no doubt, a professional, by retouching, could make the portrait
a good one. — All we can suggest is that our correspondent take his negative
to some of the publishing houses, and offer it for sale. But, unless it is far
better than, from his letter, we surmise it is, we are doubtful if he will meet
with much success.
Lancs asks : " What is the practice in London with regard to resittings ? Are
they given ad lib., or are they charged for, always supposing that the photo-
graph is a good one ?" — This is such a purely business matter that we can
scareely offer an opinion. So far as we are aware, there is no rule, and
every artist, ius a matter of business, consults his own interest. With
regard to the question being taken up either by the Photogiaphic Conven-
tion or the National Association of Professional Photogiaphers, it certainly
does not come within the province of the foi mer, and we doubt whether the
latter would care to deal with it, seeing that they could not control the
whole trade, even if they could their own members, which is a little
doubtful.
H. B. H. writes : " The fhint of my 7i x 4 J stereoscopic camera is pierced for
centres of lenses three and a quarter inches apart. Will you kindly tell nie
at what distance apart should the centres of transparencies be ^noimted so as
to see them properly in the stereoscope ? To my sight, with three and a
quarter lantern plates, they will not combine, whereas, with paper prints
taken from the same negative, but cut down to two seven-eighths, and one-
eighth apart, they will. Is there any rule for this '( "—In reply : No matter
at what distance the lenses of the camera are mounted apart, the centres of
the component p.irts of a stereoscopic picture should not, where possible, be
more than two and three-quarter inches apart, and should never exceed three
inches. It is quite immaterial how high the picture should be, but in width
the limit is restricted. There is no rule th.at can be adduced beyond this,
that the width of the eyes apart is the determining factor by which it is
regulated. Hence a pair of lantern slides of standard size could not readily
be brouglit into coalescence by ordinary eyes ; we are now assuming, of course,
that the onlinary stereoscope is employei You will find this subject treated
with a fair degree of fulness in the editorial article in our Almanac for 1877.
A NEW Camera Club has just been fonued at Lincoln, and, in proof of its
activity, we understand that there is a probability of the fine collection of
English photographs recently on view in Brussels being brought, under its
auspices, to Lincoln for exhibition there. It will be remembered that a local
artist, Mr. R. Slingsby, is one of the exhibitors, and he is taking a foremost
part in the endeavour to bring the collection to Lincoln.
London and Provincial Photographic Association. — April 28, The Xeio
Plutinntype Paper, by Mr. W. H. Smith ; demonstration. May 5, Adjourned
Discussion on Wet Collodion.
Photographic Club. — April 27, The Use <tnd Ab)ise of Yelhm Screens in
Orthnrhriimatii; Phutuqruvhy. May 4, ILnui Cameras up to Date. Outing,
yatudray next (April 23), Wanstead Park. Train from Liverpool-street at 2. 40.
Death of Mr. John Dugdale. — Tlie de.ath has occurred of Mr. John
Dugdale, photographer, of 7, The Corridor, Bath. Mr. Dugdale was a native
of Lancashire, but went to Bath in 1858, when he commenced business in
Broad-street. Shortly afterwards, when opportunity offered, he removed to
The Corridor, where his business has been carried on ever since. He was very
widely respected, and, although he held no office in the Photographic Society,
took a deep interest in its proceedings, and was never happier than when doing
something to add to the attractive and interesting nature of its gatherings. As
late as March 30 he attended a meeting, and took p.art in the discussion that
followed a paper read by Mr. Ajipleby. For the last few d.iys lie had been
unwell, but recently more serious symptoms supervened, to wliich he suc-
cumbed. He was fifty-six years of age, and leaves a widow and three
children.
At the recent Annual Spring Meeting of the Institute of Naval Architects,
Mr. A. F. Yarrow read a paper on JJalancinf/ Marine Enrjines and the Vibra-
tion of Vessels. We learn that one of the most interesting features of the
lecture was the photographs of torpedo-boats thrown on the screen by the
lantern. The boat was moored iit the West India Docks, so as to get still
water, and a calm day was chosen. The propeller was removed, so that the
engines ran free. The first photograph was taken with the engine in its ordinary
condition, no bob- weights being attached. By previous experiment, the number
of revolutions that caused the most vibration had been ascertained ; 240 per
minute was tlie number, and the engines were run at that speeih The boat
was therefore caused to vibrate excessively, and the effect was clearly shown
by the waves or ripples thrown off from the side. These were beautifully
marked in the photograph, the ] lattem caused by the intervening wave series
being very curious. M.auy pictures were given illustrating various wave
phenomena due to dift'erent combinations, one of the most interesting being
that in which vibration was caused by one of Mr. Yarrow's assistants springing
on the stem 240 times a minute, an athletic feat of no mean order, and one
which required consiilerable training. Another series of photographs taken
broailside very clearly showed, by means of the wave motion, the nodes of
vibration due to the period, the straight and the broken water-line being well
defined.
OONTXNTS,
Piai
THE DEBT OP .UIT-PHOTOGKAI'HY
TO SCIENCE 2o7
becoveuing silver from spoilt
PLATES 258
OX THE preservation AND DETE.
BIORATION of GELATINE SEOA-
TIVKS.— II. Bv T. N. ARMSTRONG .. 260
EATIO OF GRADATION. By H. .1.
CHANNON 801
TONING AMD INTENSIl'TING BY
URANIUM SALTS. By CHARLES
EHRMANN , 263
OS SOME POINTS RELATING TO
DEVELOPMENT AND TO THE FOR.
MATIDN OF THE LATENT IMAGE.
By C. H. BOTHAMLEY, F.I.C, F.C.S. .. 268
Pus
PHOTOTYPES VEr.SVS PHOTOGRA-
VURES S6«
PHOTOGRAPHY APPLIED TO MEDICAL
RESEARCH. Bv ANDREW PRINGLE. 065
STEREOSCOPIC PHOTOGRAPHY. By
E. .1. .\PPLEUY S66
PHOTOGUAPHY AND PHOTO-MECHA-
NICAL PRINTING. By PAUL L.
WATERLOW AS-n .1. D. GEDDES 2»<
A PHOTOGRAPHERS- HALF-HOLIDAY . JW
RECENT PATENTS »"
MEETINOS OF SOCIETIES 2I»
CORRESPONDENCE 2*9
EXCHANGE COLUMN «1
ANSWERS TO UORBSSeONDBIITa 172
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1669. Vol. XXXIX.— APRIL 29. 1892.
THE NEW CONCENTRIC LENS.
Axoxo the innumerable lenses produced daily in the atelien of
the optician one will search in vain for anj in which the
application of a new principle of oonatruction is involved.
Changes have been rung upon prxiisting diaooveries, and
improreoiMita, in 10010 caaea of great value, have been made,
but it is long sinoe any novelty in^rincipie has been imported
into the art of lena-manufa«ture. Happily we are now able
to record the advent of one in which a new principle of great
practical value has been introduced.
We have on previous oocaoooa qtokan of a patent new " con-
centric" lens of MeHTS. Roas k Co., which was being con-
structed fimn (brmulsB by Dr. Hugo Schroeder, the mathema-
tician of the house. Although the patent was completed
in 1889, the lona could not be commercially produced before,
in eomaqneace of the difKeuIty ot always obtaining the exact
• jiialitiea of special giaa raqoired in its construction. This
• ielay, however, has aflbrded ample time to test the glass,
which, after three yean, shows no daterioratioo.
Notwithatanding oar luiTing alraady given an accoont of
the optical priacipiea iayolTad in, and deacribad the oonstmc-
a of, the lens, we think it well to refer briefly to them again.
- id 6rit we would observe that, in external appearance, it is
arly identical with the well-known " PorUble Symmetrical "
of this firm ; but, if the laoMi b« critically examined, it will be
found that, while aaoh of thoa* Homing the symmetricals has
its convex rarfaea of a shorter radioa of curvature than its con-
cave anrfhee a condition of things abaolotely neoeasary in all
\ positive combinations of flint and crown glass — in the "con-
\ centrics " the reverse coodition prevails, for the concave sur&oe
' is of shorter radius than the eoovax. Both sorfiuiea have 00a
eommon radial centre, and are thanlbn eoneaotric, haooe the
Physicists are, of coarse, well aware that such a condition as
'hat above deecribed coald not possibly be fulfilled with the
niinary optieal glass formarly at oar disposal, beeaose of the
flint pcaaasing not only greater dtspenkm, bat also greater
ref^aetioa, than its crown partner. The constroction of a oon-
ntrie positive lens was, therefore, impossibie until the Abbe-
-';hott glass of Jena was made available. And among the various
:iiaMa of this new glass were aoma corrasponding to oar crown
rid flint, bat to which the former had a higher index of refrac-
' ■.na than the huter. The construction of the new lens may be
-«te^ thna : It is oompoaed of two similar or symmetrical
hromatio combinatioaa, each being formed of two simple
■ nscs. a plaaaoooTn of glass of .a high refractive and low
power, cemented to a plano-concave of a lower
nHiTT, bat of the same, or preferably of a hi|^Mr,
r, these bring cemented at the two flat surfooea.
>v.v^ groaadit m alnted, three years since, that a
combination thus formed ought to g^ve such an elongation of
the oblique pencils as to yield a fiat field with good marginal
sharpness ; and, now that its commercial production is un fait
aceompli, we have witnessed in the new factory of Messrs.
Ross & Ca a series of tests to which it has been subjected, by
which this hypothetical ooncluaion has been fully established.
The demonstration established the fact that the new lens,
with an aperture of /-20, covered an area of large angular
magnitude (over '60* on the base line and about 80* on the
diagonal) with great sharpness. The subject tested was
a watch dia^ the image of which, together with those of an
adjoining lamp flame and an artificial star, were examined
through a powerful eyepiece from positions both central and
oblique to the axis of the lens. To enable this to be effectivoly
acoompliahed, both the dial and the eyepiece were made to move
over a considerable distance at a right angle to the axis of the
lens, and observmtiona ooald thus be, and were, made at various
successive stages, representing inches on the ground glass of the
camera, from the centre to the side of the field. The definition
was uniformly exoelleat throughout, establishing the fact that
not only was the concentric lens anastigmatic, but that it had
a perfectly flat field.
How, it may be asked, does the new lens behave when
removed into the field and away from the optician's test room
—a comparison some might think siiuilur to that as between a
laboratory experiment and a manufacture on a large scale 1 We
can reply : Having placed tho lens on our own camera and sub-
jecteil it to the test of Undaoape experiment, we found, on
applying it practically to the reproduction of familiar outdoor
scenes containing numerous objects long used as testa, that
when CDoaaaing the centre of the pkte (a 10x8 <Hie, the focus
of the lens being eight inches), and employing a magnifier of
great focal power for the purpoae, there was absolutely no
difference in definition between the centre and tho margin, that
the illumination was even, the depth of definition great, and
the perfection of the image all that could bo desired. The
exposed and developed plates resulting affirm this in a lasting
form.
Not only for landscape and architectural work but to those
who have to make sharp copies of maps and similar cartographic
wtlifgl^m cannot conceive of anything more perfect, as
marginal sharpneas is secured without the necessity, hitherto
existing,, of stopping down to a light-destroying aperture.
The " concentric " must prove a great boon to the photo-
grapher who has, with ordinary lenses, to have recourse to very
small diaphragms in order to get perfect Bharpness at ihe sides
of his picture, more especially if a wide angle of view is in-
eluded, and we cannot but give it a hearty welcome as a useful
addition to our picture-making and copying resources.
We cannot close without bratowing our tribute of praise on
274
THE BRITISH JOURNAL. OF PHOTOaRA-PIl Y.
[April 29, 1892
Dr. Schroeder, altJiough praise of such a man, who has so long
been recognised as out- of the foremost mathematical opticians
in the world, is superfluous, and to the firm of Messrs. Ross &
Co., to whose enterprise and initiative the introduction of the
lens is due.
. «
DEVELOPMENT OF PARTLY PRINTED PROOFS,
LANTERN SLIDES, AND OPALS.
SixcE introducing to the notice of our readers Valcnta's
method of developing up to full intensity under- printed
proofs on collodio and gelatino-chloride emulsion papers a
fortnight ago, we have had an opportunity of submitting the
plan to practical tests, and are pleased to be able to confirm
all that Herr Valenta has said of its efficacy. The growing
popularity of printing-out emulsion papers convinces us that
the advantage of being able to complete prints as rapidly in
dull as in fine weather is likely to find wide appreciation,
especially among professionals ; and when it is remembered
that in this case development does not, as usually understood,
mean the conducting of the operation in the dark room, but
that it may be performed in subdued or shaded daylight, one
of the drawbacks inseparable from all development processes is
removed.
New processes and modifications of old methods not in-
frequently dismay the photographer by involving the employ-
ment of specially prepared developers and other solutions
differing from those in common employment — a natural
reluctance to imdertake the trouble of arranging the pre-
liminaries often lying at the bottom of the neglect and coldness
with which novel processes are at the outset generally received.
In the present case, however, though Herr Valenta directs the
use of an acid instead of an alkaline developer, a glance at its
composition (see page 248, ante) will assure the photographer
that, in all probability, he will have it among his preparations,
practically ready mixed and only awaiting dilution. In our
own case, we employed a stock solution, which we very
frequently use for negative purposes, as the basis of the
developer.
In taking prints on two English emulsion papers, samples of
which we happened to have by us, we were careful to remove
the pictures from the frames so soon as the deep shadows and
a faint impression of the half-tones were visible — ^the prints
having a complete absence of details, and, indeed, being but
very faint impressions produced by an exposure of about two
minutes in diffused sunlight. They were treated with a de-
veloper made up, from a stock solution, in the following
proportions : —
Pyro 5 parts.
Soda sulphite 2-5 „
Citric acid 10 „
Water 1000 „
The pyro and sulphite were, of course, taken from the stock
solution, the citric acid being added after dilution.
In this solution development was from four to five minutes
in starting, and then the weak, purplish pictures gradually
acquired a sepia tint, which next developed into a positive
brown shade, and then, growing in depth and vigour, gradually
passed into a most rich, heavy purple colour, the whole opera-
ticm lasting perhaps ten minutes. By the time the latter stage
■was reached, the whites, of course, were so considerably de-
graded as to render the prints useless, but in the ordinary
method of working, development would be stopped long before I
this stage was reached. For subsequent toning in a combined
toning and fixing bath, we afterwards found that the stage at
which development should be stopped and the print washed,
was when the image had acquired the decided brown tone of
which we have spoken.
The chief element of success in the method, however, struck
us as being the wonderful degree of power which the developer
possesses over the qualitative character of these weakly printed
images. Not only does it build up the shadows to full inten-
sity, and render the scale of tones as completely as if the full
print had been taken in the frame, but it brings out the utmost
fineness and delicacy of detail without setting up coai-seness or
granularity. Moreover, it must not be imagined that the^
developer only acts on those parts of the picture where the
faint impression visible to the eye has been formed ; on the-
contrary, it brings out a considerable part of the image which
is invisible, thus fulfilling the functions of a developer of the ■
latent image in the ordinary sense. Indeed, we believe that
eventually this paper will be susceptible of exposure in the
printing frame in the usual way without the necessity of any
part of the image being visible before development ; and hence-
considerable rapidity of working will be assured. We are ex-
perimenting in this direction, and at some future date will de-
scribe the results.
Continuing his attempts with developing weakly printed
images on printing-out surfaces, Herr Valenta, as will be seen
from his communication in our present number, describes the
application of acid developers to the development of faint
images on glass for lantern slide, opal, and transparency work.
The comparatively small extent to which printing-out surfaces
for these kinds of work arc employed iu this country does not
render the application so valuable as in the analogous case of
paper prints, but possibly it may lead to a greater practice of
the plan recommended by Valenta. We shall recur to the
subject.
. ^ . — .
ON SPOTTING*
Regarding the treatment of the negative itself, we might be-
expected to write upon the use of the knife, an operation now
of great importance ; but, to avoid our brief comments develop-
ing into a treatise upon the methods of retouching, their scope
must preclude more than a brief allusion to such work. It i»
carried out both by the knife and the needle, some being more -
expert with one than the other. We may say that a specially
made knife, advertised for some time past in the business por-
tions of this JoDRNAL,j,has been in our hands most successful,,
taking the place of both needle and knife, one end being sharp,
and the other more scoop-like. When spots have been removed
by one or the other means, the'surface is apt to become too un-
even to work upon] readily with the brush for final smooth-
ing, and here the employment of Indian ink will be found very
valuable, our warning to avoid using saliva to moisten brush or
colour being remembered. Let it also be well borne in mind
that, when more^than a single print or twojs required, it is far
better to do as much of the work on the negative as possible.
It is true a retoucher's labour is far better paid than a spotter's ;
but a very little time spent upon a negative may, in the
aggregate, prevent loss of the labour of the spotter upon the
prints.
Coming now to the spotting of the prints themselves,
the ground is more familiar, for there are few who have
not, at one time or another, to remedy defects of the kind,.
* Concluded from page 241,
Apnl 39. 189-J>]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OP PHOTOGRAPHY.
275
"We may mj that there ar« many instances where imneces-
•mrj work is nuKle for the spotter. We allude to dirty
Mfpntivei. In the courae of printing a namber of a>pies, it is
alBost inevitable that particles of dust and foreign matter
ganerally fisO upon the Tarnish, and have an unpleasant knack
■«f adhering. The use, therefore, ct a fiurly stiff brush to
* sweep " the negative each time a fresh piece of paper is filled
in should be an imperative rule in all printing operations.
The ntnal way of removing white or 'bt spots is to stipple
npoo them m water colours of the oae ^nt of the print. This
M too often careleesly done, the resul oeing that, through
imperfect matching, the stippling becomes quite prominent
Often is this caused by the stippkr mixtng a batch of colour,
and using the same pigment for all simdea of edour in the
prints. Such carelt— uuss should not be permitted. A stock
mixture may be made, and allowed to dry, for use as required,
upon the palette, but it should be modified by the addition of
colder or wanner otdouiB, as the tint of the print may indicate.
A eoounon mixture is Indian ink, indigo, and crimson lake.
Madder brown ta oaed abo by many, and forms a xutSdl baais ;
bat «■ would ham iatarpoM a word aa to the fiigwity of the
pigments tiaed. It is tme that aaay prints fiide before any
ateentMB of the ipottiBg^ bat not atways is thia so ; and it
dioald be the aim of erery upri^t photographer to make every
part of his work pannaoent. To this end, we aay cachew
firiaHOB lake; it ia bound to give way. The maddan are
better, bnt oneertaia. For letting the palette, our recom-
irTY*'»*«' ia to take the new aUsarine crimson, indigo, Indian
ink, aad Vandyke brown. Thar* need then be no Cmt as to
the p^goMoli mt firing way, even if oaed <m permanent
prioti. Whan the ooloara an used on platinotypea or other
nngiaaed euifcew, the eolotua aa found in the colour-box will
be snitabla ; bnt, when albumenieed prints are to be spotted,
it will be found neeaanry to aaa a very oopiooa addition of
aolotioa of gnm arahia Witfaoai this pweantioo the pigmant
will dry with a dead mfflM^ aai gnatly mar the eflbet of
the finished print To tha inarperieneed it will be sorprising
what a huge amoont cf gnn ii needed ; and, the deeper the
fioloor, Um man tha gun has to be incraaaed.
The greatast trouble will be apericnced whan iadeaToaring
-to spot oat dark spots. As a matter of Cset, there should not
be any snoh to reaova^ for the negative itself shoold be first
treated, and all marks of this kind removed. If, however, it
be deeirsd to remove any marka of the kind, the only plan — a
, at the beat is to osa Ghiaaaa wUla. But it wiU be
to mix it OB qoita • JUknut principle to the
dark colour. The plain white is inadaiaribia, it dries up to
■nob a eold tone. It will be found that there most be added
to it a red — light red or alisarina erimaon, or both — till upon
«ha |mM*- it appesn qaita pink. For platinotypea and oUier
•imikr ■oHhees, oolonrsd ehalka will be better than wntar-
coloor for opaque odour, and, indeed, aome photographeiB use
them for dark spotting alw, to tha aDtira axclnaioa of water-
oolonr pigmenta.
We hnT* now covered the entire gnmnd, aad, if we have
left nntooohed aay difleoltiea that have been aipeiiteed bat
aot aanDonntod by otheia, we rimO be glad to repplaBMBt our
I by inforniatioo in tha oanal oolmnn for oorraapoodants.
trial, and s third remanded, for dealing with the former. Photo-
graphic copies of some of the most popular eDgraviogs are freely
hawked about the streets. The difficulty encountered in stopping
this class of work is that of reaching those who produce the nega-
tives. Usually the prints pas,<i through several hands before they get
to the retailer.
The Zelas Zienaes.— In reference to the Zeiss Anastigmat
lenses, it may be of interest to point out that Messrs. Ross & Co, are
among the few licensees of the firm of Messrs. Carl Zeiss & Oo., of
Jena, holding authority to manufacture the lenses in accordance with
the terms of the patent It will be remembered that the number of the
licensees is limited ; Messrs. Ross's rights of manufocturu extend
over the British empire, they being thus the only English house
lioenssd. We understand that they will shortly place several of the
Zeiss series of Ansstigmats on the market.
th of an Aatronomer.— Every one will hear with
rsgrst the sad and fatal accident that befell Mr. John Ilsrtnup, the
w«II-lmown astreoomer, at Bidston-hill Observatory, one day last
week. While the unfortunate gentleman was examining some
meteotologicsl instruments at the summit of the building he over-
bslsneed himself aad fell to the ground below. Death was instan-
taneous. Mr. Hartanp had a wide reputation ss a scientist, particu-
Isrly in connexion with meteorology. He and his father hod been
eonaseled with the Bidston-hill Observatory for nearly hslf a century.
Indian aad Colonial SUdaa. — The sat of Indian and
Coiunisl slides now goit^ the round of tha Societies affiliated to ths
I'hotogTmpiiie Society of Qreat Britain sre, both topographically and
photographically, of the highest interest We can imagine that
photographic socistiss in ths Colonies snd India would give ss
haaitj a walsoaM to a good selection of slides of home scenery as
that which hss been aztraded to these Cape, Tssmsaian, snd Indian
pictorss. It would be a grsesful wsy of retoming the compliment,
sad wa hops that tha matter will bs taken in hand by the .\ffilistioa
CoinJttas, ss we srs eoafidsat ssveral good ssts might be made up
from the contributions of the various S^^tiss.
Aa Old Prooaaa.—Photo-typogrsphielilBdB are rapidly oDsting
wood engravings from the field for illostrdave purposes. The
majority of the bioeki sre prodooed by Rpreading a thin coating cf
bitamen on a lastal piatst exposing it to light under a elieM, dis-
solving swsy the aaaltsrsd portions with s suitable solvent, snd then
etching tha bare parts with sn acid, leaving the others in relief to
fom tha ptintiag surface. Now, It does not ssem to be generally
kaowa that tihie was preeissly wbst was done by M. Niepoe JMt
sixty-five years ago. He coated a metal plate with a solotica of
bitosssn ia oD of lavender, and exposed it to light either in the
eaaiera or by saper-position. Tb« image wu then developed with
a mixture of oil of lavender and bensoL Ths plate was afterwards
bitten in with scid.
k
ZUagal Vhotoffrapha. — Evidently the traffic in indeosot
phetogisfhs, Ske that in pkotognphic pirscies of works of art, is
yet supirMied. Last wssk two persons were committed for
The CoaToatioa.— It will bo seen by a letter from Mr. Cem-
brsao, the Honorary Secretary of the Photographic Convention of the
United Kingdom, which we print elsewken, that even thus early
papers by such exosUant men ss Bothsmley, Robinson, and Pringle
have been pnmissd for tha Edinburgh meeting, while Miss C. W.
JUarasi ia slso oa the Hst for a subject of which she should have the
best possible opportnnitiss of arriving at a good idea. Looking at the
fact that the gathering is larg>-ly of s holiday character, and that a
great deal of matter hss to be digested within a little time, may we
kaaibly hope that the authors of papers will remember the relation-
ship wiueh brevity bean to wit P In former years there have been
good papers at the Convention, but the length of some of them
in precise proportion to their value.
The HsiU'-holIdaT' XoTement. — Reverting to'tlie sn-
nouacssMBt ws OMule last week, that all the leading photographers in
276
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[April 29, J 892
01as|);ow had agreed to close their businessea for half a day in each
week in order to give their employit a holiday, it seems a little strange
that the whole of them do not close on the same day of the week. As it
is, some will be open while others are closed, and this may possibly
lead to business that would have gone to one establishment that is
closed going to another that happens to be open. Of course our
Glasgow friends know their own business best, and doubtless they
have a good reason for their present arrangement ; but to many it
seems anomalous that the day for closing was not made universal
throughout the town. However, the assistants are to be congratu-
lated ; and, as we said before, we hope other towns will quickly
follow suit, including our great metropolis.
An Innovation. — It is so difficult to get up anything in the
shape of a novelty at the meetings of Societies nowadays that a little
incident which occurred at the South London Photographic Society
the other night appears to us to have all the charm of originality
about it, and, being original may, perhaps, lead to imitation. It
appears that the Chairman demonstrated the new cold-bath platinum
printing process, and at the conclusion of the demonstration a number
of, no doubt, very excellent prints remained. Probably the Chairman
had no further use for these prints —did not wish to take them away
with him, or did not want them, it is hard to tell which. At any
rate, in his dilemma, he put them up for sale,'the result being that
they realised a sum of 3^*, which was swept into the coffers of the
club. We have heard it said that pliotographic societies are being
rapidly turned into mere advertising mediums; now it seems they are
becoming vehicles for trading.
Process Blocks and Photogravures. — It would seem,
from an article that we reprinted from Anihony's Bulletin in our
previous issue, that, in America, impressions from phototypic half-
tone blocks were being foisted upon the public as photogravures,
inasmuch as the writer points out very clearly how the one may be
distinguished from the other. We are free to admit that " process
blocks " are made to great perfection in the States, but we have seen
none — and we have seen some of the very best — that would for a
moment, in this country, be mistaken for a photogravure, that is an
impression from an intaglio plate, even by the most casual purchaser.
There is a depth, richness, and perfect gradation in an intaglio, photo-
graphically engraved, plate, that at present cannot be equalled in a
typographic block however skilfully produced. The writer mentions
that, with a process block, an office boy can " kick off " a thousand
impressions a day, but an experienced intaglio printer cannot produce
above two hundred good ones per diem. As a matter of fact, we may
say that with some of the large intaglio plates now produced on the
Continent not more than twenty or thirty impressions a day are made,
so much care and attention is devoted by the printer to the
inking in and wiping out of the plate in order to secure the excellent
results that are issued.
Processes before their Time.— In connexion with the
above subject it may be mentioned that the method of breaking up
the tones of a subject into lines or dots to obtain a printing plate was
first practised and patented by Fox Talbot forty years ago. He,
about the same time, produced intaglio plates by etching through an
exposed bichromated film, a granular surface being obtained by a
powdered resin. Practically, this is the method now almost uni-
versally employed for " photogravure." Some of Talbot's work will
still hold its own against many untouched plates of the present day.
Half-tone surface blocks, and good ones too, were produced by Pretch
in 1856, and as far back as 1866 Bullock Bros, produced photo-litho-
graphs in half-tone that were quite equal to those now made. Hence
it will be seen all that is now being done was done many years ago.
This being the case, it may justly be asked why all these processes
lay dormant so long. The only answer is, that they were introduced
before their time. Their value was not recognised, and they were
not therefore appreciated. These are not the only processes in con-
nexion with photography that have been introduced too soon, and
afterwards reintroduced later on with success.
should not throw stones," says an old aphorism. But who would wish
to live in a glass house, if it be of the type of some photographic
studios, it is difficult to conceive. However, a glass dwelling may
possibly be made comfortable. According to an evening contemporary,
the King of Siam has had a pavilion built of glass; walls, floors, and
ceilings are of slabs of glass, the joints being made with an imper-
meable cement. The door is made to close hermetically. The roof,,
we are told, is provided with ventilators in tall pipes. The building
stands in a large reservoir, and becomes submerged in water by
opening a sluice at the side of the latter. In this transparent edifice
the King is said to find a perfectly cool habitation in which he spends
a great portion of his time. If the thing be true, this is certainly s
novelty in glass houses, and must be in strong contrast to those gener-
ally used for photographic purposes in hot weather. By the way, it is
somewhat surprising that so little is done in artificially cooling studios
during the summer months. If a pipe perforated with small holes, and.
connected with the water supply ,were fixed along the ridge of the build-
ing, a number of fine streams could be made to trickle down its roof and
sides. This would keep the studio pleasantly cool even in the hottest
weather, and thereby often conduce to more pleasing portraits. Some
studios we know are thus provided, but their number is very limited.
A Novel Glass House.— "Those who live in glass houses
THE CHEMICAL CHANGES ATTENDING PHOTOGRAPHIC
OPERATIONS.
I. — The Theory of Development in relation to the Essentially
Electrolytic Chabactbr ok the Phenomena and the Nature op
THE Photographic Image.
[Camera Club Journal.]
No pretension to be even a professional amateur photographer is made by
the writer of these lines. At intervals extending over a considerable
period he has exposed and developed plates in a conventional and rule-
of-thumb manner, but about a couple of years ago an awakening of his
photographic conscience took place, and he began to ask himself whether
he had any true understanding of what he was doing. Finding that he
had not, and that the text-books afforded but cold comfort, he bethought
him that he was working in a manner utterly unworthy of a member of
that fraternity which seeks to give its meaning to the watchword by
which it is led — Science: "Knowledge co-ordinated, systematised, and
arranged."
To-night he will attempt but a very general confession of the faith that 13
begmning to arise within him after much pondering over photographic
literature, and after a couple of years of study and experience of the
behaviour on development of plates exposed in the field at all seasons,
and under a considerable variety of conditions, one chief object in view
having been to arrive at the explanation of the controlling influence
exercised by the restrainer, and the accelerating effect of alkali.
Thus much by way of preface. A prologue may be added to facilitate
the explanation of points of fundamental importance.
In the year 1868 De la Rue and Miiller described a new form of voltaic
cell, consisting of a cylinder of silver chloride oast around a silver wire as
negative element, opposed to a zinc rod as positive element, placed side by
side in a tube containing a solution of a chloride, ammonium chloride
being that ultimately preferred. [It is worth while noting that they
speak of silver chloride as so poor a conductor of electricity that it may
be regarded as an insulator, and that on this account it is necessary that
the silver wire around which the chloride is cast should project through it
into the solution. On the other hand, it is also noteworthy that even
solid silver chloride may be electrolysed, and that directly its temperature
is raised sufficiently to make it viscous, it is an exceedingly good con.
ductor.] In such a cell the silver chloride remains unchanged until the
circuit is completed, by joining the zinc and the silver by a conductor of
electricity ; immediately this is done a current passes, and simultaneously
zinc dissolves, and silver chloride becomes deprived of chlorine. Although
ammonium chloride is used in the cell, in considering the nature of the
interchanges, it is permissible to assume that hydrogen chloride— one of
the constituents of ammonium chloride— is the active agent ; for, as wiH
be shown later on, at the same time that hydrogen chloride is being with-
drawn from ammonium-chloride and used up, hydrogen chloride is being
produced and converted into ammonium chloride, and, as the two actions
balance each other, it is unnecessary to consider them.
Supposing that silver, and not silver coated with silver chloride, were
opposed to the zinc in the cell, the latter would dissolve as chloride, but
hydrogen would be given off at the surface of the silver. In this case the
current would rapidly fall off, the cell would become polarised, in conse-
quence of back action setting in between the hydrogen coating the silver
and the zinc chloride, which would lose chlorine. As it is reversible, the
change occurring under such conditions may be written
Z-a + 2 HCl ^ Zn Cl^ -f H.,
i.e., the eiuation may be read either backwards or forwards. In the
April 39, 1893]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
277
prMcnM of mhtt chloride in ooDtaet with the lilrar, this back action or
pnleiJMtinw ia ynmrnUd, no hydrogen arar being aet free, aa at the laaie
tiaaa that the xm« ccmhinea with ehlorine bom the aohitioo aa eqoiTalent
««~«— * of hyJiugen eomlinea with dilorine of the silTer chloride, and
ttaa ttM aBooBt ol dilnrine aa ammtwinm chloride in aolatioD ia main-
tainadl ewiatant. We, theretofe, may lepnaent the state of affairs in the
eaD baton and after the eorrent papwes in the following manner : —
Ziae I CIH I C1A« I Sitrer
plate I CIH I C1A« | plate
Cell at Beat.
Zine
'plate
Zn
CI I HCl
CI I HCl
Cdl in Action.
Ag r tilTer
A«\pUte
soeh a cell— it* eleetromotiTe
the theoretical ralae may be
UJOM
The electrieal praanre developed in
force, or E.JLF.— is about 1-05 rolt;
aahwlited in the following manner : —
It is kaowB from thsnao-diemiaal ilMMaiMMDta that the disaolntion
ia dflota nmriatie acid (HCl : H.0 = 1 : 100) ol snfieient linc to displace
two grammas of hydrogen woola InToive the erolation of 34,300 gramma-
deg. C.-onits of heat
If this amoont of bjrdrogeu and the e^airalent amovBt of chlorine
were to interact, and form hydrogen chlnnda. 78,640 nnita of heat would
ba Uberatad; while bj the intameliaa ol the eqoiralant amoants of
■Oiw (116 gmninai) and ehteiaa^ only SS,780 units of heat would be
Hbsntad. CoMsqiMntlT, 78,M0 - S«,7W = 19,880 onits ol beat wooU
be dstaloped if the hTdrogen, inataad ol being Uberated, were to ndooe
lihwr ahloride. aad the total beat erotatiaa raaoltiag troa the eooTersion
ol tha sina into aUerida at the atpaaaa ol tha chlorixie withdrawn from
the sOw ddotida wtwld be 19380 + M JOO = M.080 onits. The eorre
lyiiHin MJLW. ia tooad hj diridmg by 40.000, a constant which need
Mlla
: 1-U TOlt
The diilaranM bafaaa this aad Ite ebagiii Taloa is attriboteUa to
Ika taal that tha eeaditioM tor wUoh tha ealeolatkn U made an not
paahah thon whioh obtain ia aa aetoal sail ; probablT the siae diloride
u ael rally Iqrdralod in the elaetriaal eireait. and the beat ol ftarmatiaa
daooie laaa Mnlad ahlorida ahetdd ba tahaa iw tha mnpaas d tha
ThaastantlowUahaiadni/Bbolrihwaad hjrdi<o«Mi eUorida takea
Biaaa, !.«., tha aaMoat ol sioe &aolra« nd M aOnr ehlorida radaead
b tha ad d^aads on tha nsialMMa to lEa daMikal atnait, siae*-
C.J
rihmu O UMiai far aamt. K tor alaetw Mottia I—, aad B far fist.
■aaau TOaia tb« waO-kaowa Otmft Lam; Its Hyr^i-tt la aooaaiioa
To imTlSkw to dtamiaal itiai^M7uTaa nanly to he bocM to
■tod that 0 MMT alao ba takes m lasaiHiif aaooat ol chaaiaal nbsags.
a»I It toa^nsjyiiiriiisiy topetotoat that the Boat eaet method of
ilMBfail AMfi whtab tha aBriBl faateaM, bv wiigktog tha dapoait el
aBw ohWaal on paari^ it thto^ a rilnr aitnto aolatioa. B, aa
batora. ii tha ilntiDBiutln teaa aatwipcodiag to tha totawliaMa, and R
tha wiatoaaa. ael el Iha ttqaid aa a whotoTbowmw. bat tt tSa dnmit
hfahlhatotankaa«* ia sflwtad, wMeb may ba qnite a diflanat
.1 ■■' aafartoaatoij at praaaat fa bajoad iiiiaaiiiaiiiaiil
ttwObaaetod IhM Iha ^Jfjr. el dia silm aUerida eaU ia the aam
•t lae ULr.a, tta om jitiIdbij to Iha fctaalie* tl liaa ahlerite
baas Btoe aad hytntm ridarida, Iha ethar to Iha ndaatioa ol aOm
dderfdsL In anr aaea. to order that aalfaa as^y oaaar. H is iiiailiil that
mt ahaage, on the whole, ba oaa to vWih mmgf to eat faaa ; but thu
fa aet ilj the case to aU pMl* ol the aha^s whea It ia laaolTabla
iato parts. This U a eoosidsratioa ol liteaiT ianortMMa to
with Iha theory d dankmaa*. M< amr b*
«nDplae>-aM wadijyaMohw hi
witha laaa aeaiUw
■M ba boOedTbal eopaec
iato the heated dilatod a
lalad by Iha feUowiac
k^to •aid.llaeapM
doaaaal,*taa if the
bapaaaad
aU ahowi
to Mapiaii two giaauBaa of
wHh • UbafaMta ol eaergy
to heat aaita, Iba diaaota
that, whoa the djaaototion ol saflafaat
ttydragn from aaialMffa eeid fa
m il by thaaawlii I7,7a0 U
HmtUbt laaiiilwl aweaat oleamaeald ooly take ptoaa U energy
wtn npplfai to the aitaat el U,«» heat aaita; bat, aa osygaa and
Hy'ingMi iatanal, fanatog water, with HbwiHaa el energy to the esleat,
■ iMUiii to heat aafai. cl ao fan ttoui aBJM aaita per two gmiaaea d
to dfaadn to aatoharfa aeid. to
rinait inafaiaing aoppar. aalpbeifa aeid aad
d aaany aqad to W>eO — 87,780-80.690
haai nito : ir., amili«a I.M.P7fa darafaMd to aaeh a eircait.
la Iha oM wltoiliM wd-atoto praaaaa lUtafapMBt waa eBteted
■MMdilwdfaatofalladharfag to tha ptoto ea iaw)fid Itoa
iBm faMh. aad a niaitog acial aaeh aa fanooa salptoM* daly natoa
the
by, a»y. acetic acid. When solutions of ferroos sulphate and silver nitrate
are mixed, unless very dilute, a precipitate of silver is soon formed, but
the amount precipitated always falU far short of the total amount ol silver
present, as the interaction ia reversible.
2FeS04 + 2N0jAG j
FerrauSalt.
I Fe, (SO,),(NO,), + 2Ag.
Ferrio Salt.
The extent to which silver is deposited depends on the proportions used
the ooncentration, and the temperature ; if the solution be sufficiently
dilute and acid be preaent, no precipitation occurs. The exact function
of the acid is not dearly determine^ bat probably in its presence atmo-
spheric oxygen intervenes, and, by acting m conjunction with it and ferrous
salt, further promotes the dissolution of the silver, thus rendering
reversal complete, i.e. , no chemical change is apparent There can be no
doubt that in the liquid the interchanges thus pictured occur within
voltaic circuits, and that, as no action is observed when acid is present,
the algebraic sum of tha correota in all these circuits is nil. It is to be
snppoaed that on covering an expoeed plate with such a solution the image
aola Uke the silver rod in the De U Bue-Muller cell, silver nitrate taking
the place of the silver chloride, and ferrous sulphate that of the zinc rod
in the cell ; hence the silver is necessarily deposited on the image.
The growth of the image in silver therefore takes place mainly upwards
into the solution in the case ot a collodion wet plate, and only to a
minor extent within the Aim ; it appears probable that the silver haloid
partieles in the film in contact with the image are but little, if at all,
afleoted. owing to the superior readiness with whioh silver nitrate is
rednead, and the " weakneee " d the developers used. It is very note-
worthy that, owing to the aheenee from collodion of " active impurities,"
its use affords little or no opportunity for the ooeorrenoe d changes at
points where light has had no action on the film, henoe the brillianoy
and sharpneaa d wet oollodioB pietaree.
In eonaidsjing tlia alkaline oaralopment prooeas d modem gelatine
dry-plata plwlogiaphy, it woold appear to be neeeaaaiy to distingnish
between methods in whioh tlia dtetoid ammwiia and those to whiob
alkalies, either caostio or carboaated, an oaed. Even silver bromide is
appreciably soluble in ammonia ; oooseqnently, in developing with the
aid d ammonia, the image is in part foniMd from silver in solution. The
extent to which this takes place depends chiefly on the amount of bromide
added aa watrainer, one reeolt d adding this raatiaiaar being to precipi-
tate Iha diasdvad silver haloid, or rather to prevent ite dissdution by the
amiwnnia Probablv it ia to this peeoliarity that the marked differenoe
to naaltt obtained by naing ammonia and pyro is, at least m large part,
attributable ; and the same cireamstance would favour the formation
of an image not wholly eompoaed of silver, i.e., d a species of pigment.
All who have worked with pyro and ammonia know that the pietnn
haa propettiea whieh distingnish it from those obtained with developen
m whieh ammoaia ia not need, aad that Iha liability to certato peeaUar
kinda d fag ia wdal to ammonia developen ; tUs is probably attri-
bnlahle to the eonjotot action d the diaaolved silver and oolonring matter
(omiad by oxidation of the deraloper.
When alkaliee an used, tha inuga gn>wa at tl^ azpnae of the solid
silver haloid with which it is in eontaet, just aa the silver wire in the
De la Bne-Milller eell grows at the tepenn of the ailver chloride east
aroaad it TIm varioaa developen need, like sine, an all oxidiaahle
•obetaaaaa; aad, jaat aa the siae by eoaiWning with chlorine eaablas the
l<ydimw d hydnjiaa ehloride to wittidnw chtoriae from silver ehloride
allaehed to tha silver win to the cell, so the developer, by laying hold d
tha ongn d watar, anablea its tiydrogen to withdraw bronune from the
silver broaiide attached to tlie image on the pholostapUo phUe whieh
baa baaa anoeed to light. Taking quiool (hydroqutooiie) aa the typ«i
ttie tolaraelwa may ba eipiesasJ thos :—
^ I Ig I io I ic^.o. -
tOnt BnmUu. Watv. Qaiaol.
Bdde Development.
miage
Latent
image
Ag
BrR
BrH
C.H.O,
QqIboim.
After DavalopoMnt.
Vlewiag Ilia proeeas to thia maaner, IIm fnnetion of the alkali would
tem |AM to aeatrmliaa the acid as it is formed, or rather, to prevent
R being formed, thenby preventing a reversal of the interaction
whieh olherwiae woald take pUioe, owing to the attraction of silver for
braniae aad d quinooe for hydrogen, om which ocecunt the enuation given
atove U wriUtn at tafntnng a rtvenibU change.
Bat tlie nmarkaUe noaitive influence of aUuli in hastening develop-
BMOt, aad the retarding influence of a bromide, such as potassium
broaiide, an in no way aoooonted for to the foregoing explanation.
Aa regards the alkali, its influence is probably, at least in the main, due
to the fact that a silver haloid to presence of alkali and a reducing agent
tends to undergo redaction, tlie metal of the alkali formtog a compound
with the halogea. while tha oxygen d the alkali forms water with th
bydrogea d the developer. One d the produefa d this interchange i
the alkali aietel haloid, aiMf, (to inUrthmgt Mn; a revtnibU one, ita le
S78
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOORAPHY.
[April 29, 1892
venal IB promoted by the presence of added bromide, and consequently
len silver is deposited when the restrainer is present, thus :—
I KOH
Image
Image
AgBr
AgBr
KOH
Alkali.
io.H40,
A«
Ag
BrK
BrK
OHj
OH,
C.HA
ProTided it be assumed that the latent image is capable of acting m a
manner corresponding to that in which the silver rod acts in the silver
thloride cell, it is unnecessary to take its precise character into account.
let, to fully understand the relative importance of the various factors
•pwating during exposure and development, it is necessary also to oon-
tSer the nature of the photographic image. For an able statement and
discussion of this and of very many other photographic problems, refer-
ence may be made to Meldola's Chemutry of Photography (Maomillan *
Co.).
It is now generally admitted, Meldola says, that the invisible image is
of the same composition as the darkened product of photo-decomposition
of a silver haloid, and he inchnea to the belief that this darkened product
IS an ozyhaloid compound of silver.
Mr. H. B. Baker, whose name is familiar to chemists through his remark-
able observations on the incombustibility of carbon and phosphorus in
dried oxygen, has for some time past been studying this subject with
special care, and it may be here stated, on his authority, that when
darkened silver chloride is treated with chlorine it gives off oxygen, and
that water is formed when it is heated in dried hydrogen ; these observa-
tions clearly indicate that the darkened substance contains an oxidation
product, and confirm Hodgkinson's results, to which Meldola has drawn
attention. . .
But, if the arguments adduced in favour of the view that the invisible
image is of the same nature as the darkened product be carefully ex-
amined, it will be found that they are by no means cogent. One object
of this communication is to suggest that probably they are not ; and,
further, that in an ordinary photograph there are perhaps two distinct
latent images behaving differently on development, which may be con-
veniently spoken of as the blue and the yellou) image. It is contended
that the blue image is silver, and only the yellow a silver oxyhaloid. The
action of light on silver haloids is apparently strictly comparable with
that of an electric current— it is electrolytic; moreover, the effect of light
would seem to be that of a very high electromotive force, and it would
therefore overcome great resistance. It may be supposed that when ex-
posed to the mis-called actinic rays— those at the blue end of the spectrum
— in contact with a substance capable of appropriating bromine, i.e., a
depolariser, such as gelatine and the products formed therefrom during
ripening, silver bromide has its silver liberated. The development of
the image thus formed has already been described; such an image
would be the absolute counterpart of the silver wire in the De la Eue-
Miiller cell.
Lower down in the spectrum, in the yellow region, the silver bromide
apparently undergoes electrolysis in some occult manner in a circuit
which includes oxygen, and, while losing some of its bromine, takes up
oxygen in place thereof.
In anticipation of the objection that if these two actions take place
darkened silver haloid should contain both silver and silver oxyhaloid,
and that apparently the former is not present in it, let it be remembered
that, when a moist silver haloid is affected by light, the halogen liberated
in the formation of the oxyhaloid will attack the silver which it is here
supposed results from the decomposition of the haloid by the blue rays,
and will convert it into silver haloid. In a gelatine plate, however,
halogen is taken up by the gelatine, &c., and thus the silver would be
more or less protected; after a time, the gelatine having become
saturated, the silver would tend more and more to become rc-halogenised ;
in fact, it would entirely depend on the length of exposure whether the
image consisted of silver and silver oxyhaloid, or only of the latter.
On developing what is known as an over-exposed plate, which presum-
ably is rich in oxyhaloid, the image apparently behaves very differently,
according as only alkali is used in conjunction with the developer, or
alkali and a bromide. It would seem probable that a sUver oxyhaloid
would resemble silver oxide in being very unstable, and that, in contact
with alkali and a reducing agent, it would become resolved into silver
haloid and silver, thus affording an image in silver, the growth of which,
on continuing development, would occur in the manner previously
explained. The decomposition of the oxyhaloid, like the change which
occurs when solutions of silver nitrate and ferrous sulphate are mixed,
would take place, so to speak, with a rush, and the image grows so rapidly
that the picture would flash into view. One function of the restrainer is
to prevent this sudden change ; it would seem that under the conjoint
influence of a bromide, alkali, and a reducing agent, the silver oxyhaloid
is converted into silver haloid. The extent to which this change takes
place, and the rate at which the picture gains in strength, would depend
on the amount of bromide present, the relation which obtains between
the amounts present of the several substances which act conjointly, the
concentration, and the temperature ; consequently the picture might, as
is the case, be caused to grow at any desired rate.
In a gelatine plate there are always present substances tending to inter-
act with the silver haloid in presence of alkali much in the maiinei in
which silver nitrate and ferrous sulphate interact, and which promote the
occurrence of the reduction of the haloid by the alkali and the developer
already referred to. Such substances are kept under control by the
addition of the restrainer. If, therefore, the development of an over-
exposed picture be continued, fog is necessarily produced unless sufficient
bromide be added to check the action of the reducing substances in the
gelatine. For a similar reason it is desirable to use weak developers with
plates which have had a very brief exposure. In such a case the image
is BO very faint that the difference between the unexposed and exposed
portions of the plate is but slight — the value of R in the equation—
is very nearly the same in the two sets of circuits. By using a developer
which has no appreciable action on the unexposed plate, the latent image
is slowly strengthened, and ultimately R is so much diminished that it
becomes safe to use a stronger developer.
The development of pressure marks may be explained from the same
point of view. Clearly there would be a diminution of resistance in the
lines of pressure, and hence, on application of the developer, circuits
would be formed within the film in these Unes, in which action would
take place more readily than in the uncompressed parts.
Reversal by means of thiourea, with which we have been made familiar
by Waterhouse, may also be referred to here. If it be supposed that the
latent image is converted into a sulphur compound which is not develop-
able, the action would be confined to the unexposed parts of the film,
which, sooner or later, always give way under the influence of alkaline
developers. Complete reversal would thus be secured.
With reference to the sensitiveness of plates, the explanation at the
end of the " prologue " of the influence oxygen exercises in promoting
the dissolution of copper in diluted sulphuric acid is apposite. The
sensitiser promotes the action of Ught in a precisely similar manner, it
may be supposed ; and it is clear that any degree of sensitiveness may be
secured, according as the substance associated with the silver haloid, and
which acts as depolariser by combining with the halogen thrown off from
the haloid under the influence of light, is capable of contributing more or
less of the energy necessary to render the interchange one which would
occur without any external E.M.F. being brought to bear.
Judged from the point of view here advocated, it would seem that there
can be but very little difference between various developers when used
under comparable conditions ; at most the variation would arise in the
rate at which development would take place. It does not appear pro-
bable that the character of the deposit would vary greatly in " grain " or
colour. But, since in practice considerable differences are noticed, it is
probable that not only in the case of pyro and ammonia, but also in
others, the deposit does not invariably consist of silver alone.
In concluding this statement, attention may be called to the great
opportunity for research of a by no means difficult character which
photography affords. We want experiments made in a great variety of
directions, but under much simpler conditions than heretofore adopted ;
the effects of monochromatic lights, and the influence of various pure
substances as sensitisers in association with silver haloids, are especially
important subjects to study.
Abney has shown that such a substance as a nitrate stops the action
of the yellow rays; we want observations on the eilect of such sub-
stances. Gelatine plates have been of great service to picture-makers,
but they are a great bar to scientific progress, as we can never know their
exact composition, and we must return to the neutral medium collodion
if we wish to gain definite information on matters such as have been
referred to. Such experiments, moreover, should have great practical
value, as the results may ultimately enable us to largely extend the appli-
cations of photography. Henby E. Abmsibono, F.R.S.
AMERICAN NOTES AND NEWS.
Pop tlie Poor Amateur. — Our sprightly young contemporary,
the Pacific Coast Photographer, says it has received ton dollars from a
kind, benevolent lady to be applied on account of six subscriptions to
the P. C. P. for " poor amateurs ! " It says that, if there are any
amateur photographers who find themselves unable to subscribe to
their journal from lack of means, they will be pleased to send it to
them. We compliment our contemporary on its ingenuity in ad-
vertising.
Oxalic Acid as a Preservative of Pyro. — Mr. W. E.
Partridge, in the American Amateur Photographer, enters a plea for
this " long-forgotten aoid " as a preservative of pyro. It is permanent,
and, used in small quantities, keeps the solution as clear and colourless
as water. lie recommends employing it in the proportion of two
per cent, of the water in which the pyro is to be dissolved ; for hot-
weather work, three per cent, ; at the latter strength he speaks well
April s9,iaas]
THE BRITISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHS.
379
of b M • prewrratJTe of hjdioqainone, which, in the solid state* be rash to generalise from this that American prints were inferior to
English, or English to American.
doM BcK, u • rule, keep welL
Keeping Properties of Snlpho-Pyrog-alloI.— In an
•ddrsM to the .\Ib«n7 Camera Club, Mr. F. C. fieach says that, in
1682, he imported two bottles of the late Mr. Herbert fi. Berkele/s
salphivpjrTOgBllol, one of which be ha* kept to thi.4 dar. It is still
clear. It ia « ten per cent, solution, forty-eight grains of pjro to the
ovnea. Ihmgh standinfp so loofr, the colour of the solution has
ehaagad vary little. It ia of a light brown hue, and Mr. Beach
teliataa it will be as rigatona aa ever. Mr. Berkelej acidifiad the
■aotial iodinm salphite with citae aead, and then added the pyro.
The Camera and DUea*«. — Dr. M. L. Vander Straker, of
Kanaas, wys that the latest noreltj in the waj of photography is the
emplojmMnt of Um cubob at hospitala to rrgteter the modifications of
diaeaia, IXffenak prooCt are taken at rariooa stagaa of the diaease,
and tha eonpariaoB cf theae with photographs ot othera sirailariy
•fflietad diaeloaa pliwnmani of great intaNst and ralne to medical
KiMBa. Tha anplojaMol ol tlw wmwii m thia manner on thia side
of tha Atlantic ia no norelty, and w« are aware of doeton who hare
fkotogMphed thair patiMrta both hrfim and after their ema, to show
them the baMfldal aflbeta tt Amt tiaataant Jf tU laaolU an
wBiJaMUji atrifcfay, irhat hatter tmiwiadal cr rawnwdatioa eonld
a doctor requiie f
OaUltoraiaa Camera CHnb, San Franolsoo.—
Sfatee tha oigaaisation of tha Club a iittlb oT«r two years ago, it has
made gnat atridea. The Clnb it now aatahBshed in eommodions
quartata b one of the hinifaoaasat huildiaga in the city, and baa oome
to be lacogniiad aa ooe of the Iwding photographic societiaa in
lu dark rooaa an at thn diaposal of aoereditad TUton,
1 tha ■aiahsia etiwij a apt rial inriution to the mamben of riater
ad "fonigB." Maadnga, flrat Tnaaday ol each
•Clah Tbika,' every WadMad^i " Outlets.'' flnt and third
t April to Noaaoibari MoilUy SikibitiMM, date sat by
OB SodBfa! Ok, la, good Galifaniian
dabhani
**t**S.**— Mr. Bogndoi aaaaad oa tha other day when he
looked backwaxda, and toU na a few of the funny thinga which
<«carred in photopaphy yean ago. Now hahaanranad theproesas,
and, ia tha pagaa of tha & Lmit mmd CwmwMmt FMafrmpkar, has
been potting on the cap of ptophaey. In 1902 all photognphen an
obliged ta lake oat a Ueaaea^ and Bay not phoiogiaph Bon than three
faaUaa a ■noia Oyaaide, mtmii ia a f uaal ia tha throat of the
rictiai, ia aaad tor awaHfaaa, aa aofe afwwoaMaal than electricity,
iniotognpha an all tahn in nataralooloon ; ladiseeaaspiain that ibe'ir
chaaka and Spa an net led aaoagh, and rad-WMBd maa aay thdr Boaea
an aot aa red aa the ptetvw aaka then. A CoaraMson, to wUek
ra praceed <■ lying iiiilliii, ia heM, »/)00 nanb— kahig
. AffreoBrfdwMiipwiirj|«g^ttadj<wr»toApifll,«H8,
rkridoBMbflftyyean.
Hb«ii«l
I
American Silver PTlntlayr— At the last mantii^ of tha
Loodoo aad rro*incial lliotogTa^Uo Aasociatioa Mr. H. Saowdea
Ward, who had jaat ratanad htm a brief visit to Anarica, paMed
• rtrietnna oa tha qaaBtiaa of AMrieaa pnf eMkttd
■lalktg whieh haa aaaaid aa Tcay gnat NvpriM. If
I an jnatiled, the ehamlar of the priatk^ tarasd out
"kj «m linallialiu faiaada nntt have endwguaa a ithMgi for the
^w«ae,>afkanoar iiyJMiBi of it we an by no mraw diapoaed to
flMe It, ehher oa laekaieal or artiatk groaada, OM dagia peat balew
Rngnsh mHer printing nf the Ughaat daia. Aa for the jwai j
nf American albnraen ptinti, tiie OMM of eridaaoa is ia faroaref iu
bring aa great aa that pradaecdobawhen. Of eomae we bne apeak
of (ha matter m a geaml aaaas, aa we praaoaa did the eritk we have
qootid. It wooU be aaaaay thing, Dodonbt, to select a few American
pteaMonv (ha average of ^lih qoality, and SM* *«H bM it woold
J>T. Jeaerloh Anticipated.— During 1864, according to a
Canadian contemporary, a forgery of ten thousand dollars, represented
in two cheques, was discovered in the Assistant Treasury in New
York, and came to be a question of the assistant treasurer, who
accepted the cheques, or the auditor, whose name was signed to them,
standing the loss. The assistant treasurer testified that the signatures
of the auditor to the two cheques were genuine, and refused to admit
a possibility of forgery, and claimed to be able, through his experi-
ence, to tell to an absolute certainty whether a signature he was at
all familiar with was ^'onuine or forged. The assistant treasurer at
New York was, at that time, a very important personage, coming in
importance directly after members of the Cabinet, and the friends Of
the auditor, who had perfect confidence in bis integrity, awakened to
the fact that they must find evidence of an unmistakable and fully
oonrindng nature at once in order to clear their man. The means
,thay adopted aa a last resort, and which proved successful, was photo-
graphy. Enlarged photographs of the two forged cheques in question
were made, which showed, so eondusively and dearly that none
could doubt, the false, traced letters of the names over which the
letters in ink had been written. The tracings had then been cleverly
erased so aa not to be visible to the eye, but were brought out in
startling cleamees by the camera. The auditor was deared of all
responsibility, and the aaiisUnt treasurer, besides standing the loss,
was so mortified at the evidence of his cleverness (P) in detecting
forgery of a rignature that he had seen thousands of times, that ha
immediately naigned his ofBce.
DEVELOPMENT OF WEAKLY PRINTED POSITIVES ON
GLASS AND OPAL.
RsrnaiNO to the development of insufficiently printed proofs oa
cellaidin, Oberaetter, aristo, IGgnon, and similarly prepared papers,
as reported in our hist number, further experiments have been made
by the author with a view to developing fi^aae positives and opals oa
platee coated with printing-out emulsion.
The eiperiaoaota wen made on " chlor«lber-gelatinepIatten zum
Aiiseopiren " by Sduttera, of Vienna.
The plates wen copied soSdent only to ahow a fdot impression —
a men, but distinct, outline— and then devalbped by means of aa
acid hydroqttiaoae, or pyro developer.
As theae platea an not in any way liable to fog, and will stand a
eoaparmtirely energetic treatment, the developer had consequently to
be modified.
For red and violet tooea the foUowing hydroquinone developers
an strongly recommended : —
Water lOOOparU
HydroqniaoBO .. lH „
Sulphite of soda.. CO „
Citric acid S „
Acetic aoid —
Tartaric acid .... —
n.
1000 parU
16 „
CO „
III.
lOOOparta.
ir, „
fiO -
Thaaa developan reault in clear, cok>urless sohittons, which will keep
in good eoaditioB for a ktng time. They an bast used at a tempera-
tan of 68* to 77* Fahr. u the temperatun is too k>w, development
wai take nlaca bat akmly. Tlie platea an exposed in diffused day-
light not loafBT than from five to fifteen mimifaM During devdop-
maat the tray has to be kept rocking. The oombinsd toning and
jjiMbath is that reoommended in my hat contribution, but diluted
wiw aqual parts of water.
For the production of yellowish-red tones, which are very effective
with daas positives, the developed and washed picture is fixed in a
neutral twelve per cent solution of bypo, and is then transferred to
tha combned toning and fixing lath until it assumes a slightly
reddish tone, when it is at once vrithdrawn and washed for some
boon in running water.
S«^a brown tones an obtained with —
Walsr lOOOparta.
Hypo 100 „
Acetate of ammontnm 100 „
One per cent, solution of cUoride of gold . , 30 „
S80
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF .rflOTOQRAPHY.
[April 29, 1892
By another method red tones are produced by fixinjf the developed
plate in a neutral fixinfr solution and transferring the same to the
toning bath recommended by Eder and Pizzighelli,* to which for each
1000 parts of solution half a part of phosphate of soda has been
added. The picture will quickly take a peculiar yellow red tone,
which, on drying, changes to a beautiful, bnlliant red.
Violet, purple-violet, and blue-black tones are obtained by longer or
shorter immersion in the combined toning and fixing baths.
The hydroquinone developer No. T. can be used for several plates
in succession, and such already used solutions act at once as developer
and intensifier, owing to the considerable quantity of silver salts
which they dissolve out of the coating of the plates. After standing
for some time, the silver will be reduced to the metallic state, and the
solution will turn muddy ; warmed on the water or sand-bath, the
sediment will, however, soon settle, and, after filtering, the developer
may be used afresh.
Developers Nos. 11. and III. work somewhat differently and develop
quicker, giving at the same time purplish-violet tones, which in the
neutral fixing bath are, however, lost. If these developed and well-
washed plates are fixed in a weak solution of hypo and ammonia, or a
mixture of ammonium and carbonate of ammonium (ten per cent,
solution), they will, after washing and drying, show a splendid ruby
colour, which cannot be obtained by developer No. I.
The fixed positives have in all cases to be well washed in running
■water, or they will, after some time, show yellow whites.
Developers with pyrogallic acid work still quicker, and by their
means dark violet and black tones are easier to obtain. The developer
beet suiting these plates consists of
Pyrogallic acid 20 parts.
Water.. 1000 „
Citric add 16 „
Sulphite of soda 60 „
It will develop vigorously and rich, giving the positives a brown
colour, which afterwards, in the combined toning and fixing bath,
changes to a violet bluish-black, and black tone. It is also best
suited to plates showing, to commence with, a very faint impression
only, as by its employment all harshness is avoided.
To the practical photographer this process offers many advantages ;
it makes him practically independent as regards duration of exposure.
Under or over-exposure will no longer trouble him; from ten to
fifteen minutes' exposure to diffused daylight will in all cases be
sufficient to obtain an impression, which can be easily and reliably
developed into a good picture.
A further and verj' definite advantage consists in the absolute
absence of grain, which will make this method especially adapted to
the production of enlarged glass positives, the colour of which can be
had at will from a red to a violet and black tone.
It is equally well suited to the production of lantern slides by
contact printing; and last, but not least, all operations may be
carried out in gas, lamp, or subdued daylight. E. Valbnta.
LAKTEEN SLIDES— HOW TO PRODUCE AND EXHIBIT THEM.
[Amateur Photographic Society of Madras.]
Thbbe can be no doubt that at the present day the use of the optical
{alioi "Magio") lantern is in universal request for purposes of instruction
as well as amusement, and there also can be no doubt that an exhibition
of lantern slides, even of moderate quality, affords a great deal of pleasure
to the spectators, whether youthful or grown-up. An amateur photo-
grapher cannot, therefore, put his collection of negatives to better use
than in preparing therefrom a set of lantern slides of the best quality his
knowledge and experience will permit; he will find that his views, which,
perhaps (especially if they be of small size), gain scant notice in the form
of paper prints, will, when enlarged on a screen, receive the greatest
possible attention from as many people as can be gathered together.
There are two very easy and cheap ways of making the slides — the old
wet-plate process, and the recently introduced gelatine " lantern " plates.
To any one who ever worked the old wet process I should say stick to
it, for with it you can get results as good as by any other process under
the sun, and it is undoubtedly infinitely cheaper than any other mode;
also it can be worked in the hottest weather.
Slides by the " collodio-bromide " process are also very beautiful, and
•A. Water 1000 parts.
Sulpho-cyanide of ammonium 40 ,,
Hypo 3 „
B. Water 1000 parts.
Two per cent, solution of chloride of gold- 60 „
quite equal to any others, but the ordinary amateur would find it very
difficult to make a satisfactory emulsion, and about equally difficult to
clean and coat the plates properly.
I should recommend the ordinary amateur, whose experience is solely
in exposing ready-made plates, to keep to the " lantern " plates, which
can be bought, of perfect quality, at one shilling per dozen. It will
greatly conduce to the production of first-class results, if the developer be
also bought ready made from the manufacturers of the plates.
I will first describe my apparatus, which is set apart entirely for the
production of lantern slides and stereoscopic transparencies: A small
camera made roughly of teak wood — it consists of a back and a front
joined by a bellows made of a piece of brown paper glued between two
pieces of black cloth (silesia) ; the baseboard is a plain piece of teak with
a quarter-of-an-inch slot out along the centre, through which a small
screw passes to fix the back at the proper focus ; the front is, of coursei
screwed to the baseboard, and has a rising and falling piece of wood on
which the lens is fixed. The baseboard has a guide piece screwed on
each side, between which the back slides, and is thereby kept parallel
with the front. The lens should be a short focus rapid symmetrical.
A dealwood box, with four sides and a front, but no back : the front
is provided with grooves in which the negative fits and has a series ol
smaller frames to hold negatives smaller than the largest size ; in my
case the largest size is GJ x 4i, and I have frames for 5x4, 4J x 3^, and
3J X 3J negatives.
A sheet of plate glass, 15 x 12, ground an one side to diffuse the light
when it is not possible to point the apparatus to the clear sky.
A piece of cardboard, which rests on top of camera and negative frame,
and is, I find, quite sufficient to keep off outside light, and it has an
additional recommendation in that it is very easy to get at the lens to
remove or replace the cap or stop.
A flat board, about thirty inches long and six wide by one thick : it
has a slot | inch wide up the centre along which the screws travel,
fastening the camera and negative frame at their proper distances apart.
It stands upon four solid legs, the smaller pair being about six inches
high, and the larger of sufficient height to raise the board to an angle of
80° to 45°.
A plain dealwood table, the top being such a height from the ground
as will enable you to sit comfortably on a chair to do your focussing ; the
table should be big enough to accommodate, not only the apparatus, but
also a box of negatives, focussing glass, and sundry other things.
The camera and the negative frame are fastened to the board by screws
about 3!^ inches long with wing-nuts.
The camera takes quarter-plates, but to use it for plates 3J inches
square, all that is necessary is to fasten a piece of wood at each end of the
interior J an inch wide — this leaves a space in the centre 3J inches
square. The plates rest on four silver pins, which is a necessity in case
of using wet plates, and for the same purpose the lower part should be
thickly coated with Japan to prevent warping from the drips from the
plates.
The whole apparatus (stand, table, camera, dark slide and negative
bolder) was all made by an ordinary carpenter from my rough sketches,
the total cost of everything was under Bs. 20. The bellows I made
myself.
Of course, any ordinary camera, quarter or half -plate, may be used in
place of a special one, and the ordinary dark slides can very easily be
adapted for the gelatine lantern plates ; for wet plates it would be very
advisable to have a single slide made specially, as ordinary double dark
slides would not be improved by the use of wet plates therein.
The table, with the apparatus, can be placed in a verandah or close to
a window in a room with the higher end of the board pointing to the
sky.
Placing the negative in the holder with the gelatine side facing inwards
to the lens, focus the picture by pushing the camera bodily up and down
the board, clamp it and finish the fine focussing by the sliding back of
the camera, and finally with the lens if it be provided with rack and
pinion. The use of a magnifying focussing glass is very essential, as the
finest possible adjustment should be made for lantern slides.
On the ground-glass side of the focussing screen you should rule lines
of various sizes and shapes to suit the masks yon propose to use ; it used
to be the custom to have every slide (no matter what the subject might
be) of one shape and size to suit the dissolving view business, but it has
of late years been realised that the aperture in the mask should be adapted
to the picture, and not that the view should be frequently spoilt by
cutting it to one particular shape.
When satisfied with the adjustment of focus and the shape and size
of the picture on the screen, get the dark slide with the prepared plate
wet or dry, remove the screen, insert the slide, and expose the plate in
April 39, 1809]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
281
the nsoal nunnar lor the nqniiad time, ahat np the slide, and take it to
:h'> dark loom tor derelopiDent, (te.
I think it will be laffieient for one erening if I give details for two
f rcceaaea. lit. The old wet-plate proeeaa. 2Dd. The reoently introdaced
gelatiD* " lanltni " plataa.
Wrr-FLAiB PlociM. — ^Tbe appaiatni leqaired and the chemicals used
ia thii proe— an aa follows :— Glass bath, in a wooden case, with glass
Spper ; eoModica poorer, to eootain aboat four oanees ; clean glass
piatea, HxSi — ttaay aboald be thin and white. Iodised eollodion,
nitnUe of lOvw. terooa aolphate, potaarinm cyanide, glacial aeetie add,
aleoholie tiaetoi* tt iodine.
Coilodian. — Ifawaon's or Thomas's ordinary eollodion, iodised as long
as pnMihla balon it is teqoired for nae ; it should be a deep reddish.
oran^Mioar.
Sav*r Auk
KitratoofriWar ^.^ 250 grains.
Nitrie aeid _ 1 or 2 drop*.
Distilled water 10 oim«e«.
Ferrooa mlphate (grei «iyi>rih).. 900 gr^s.
Olaetal aeetie add ^ 4 diMfamt.
Diitilkd ««lar 10 oomm.
Cyanide e( potaanom MO graina.
Water 20 ottneai.
Tlaetari of iodina 2 or 8 diopa.
To dean the plate, mb it well ea boft lidaa with a little whiting in
water, or with trtpoti powder ia methylalri epirit with a little ammonia ;
than rinaa it ia hot walar, and dry it with a clean doth free from flafT.
Tha plataa should be aa nearly diamieaUy elaan aa poadble to easnra
baadon (rom alraaks and alaiaa; yoa wmj ba snre ot ona thing— yoa
auaat aaka thaaa too daaa !
Silwtr fiaM.— Diaadva tha rihrar ia Iha wmtar, pat it in tha aon for a
d«y, add the add, ahaka «aO «r, airf War into tha ^aaa bath. The
lalaiha riigald ba parfaatly brifht aad slaar ; it net,.U should ba re-
llltend.
T>ev*kftr.—1Bx tha aeid aad water tagathar. diaaelre tha Iron ia the
miztora ; ditar if aaeaaaaiy, aad kaap «all aerlMd.
To aoat • plate : Take a daaa eaa ia yoor laft haad b7 aa little of ooa
eoraar aa poarible. poor oo to tha aaaira • pod of eoUodioa, aaon^ to
eorar half Iha plate (8rat daatii« tba pl^ with a btoad eamd-bair
beaah); latHraafliatlo Aa lickk Iw aaraar. Ihea to Iha laft far oomer.
thaa m near aa poaaibla to y«ar Ihoaib withoat tooehing it, aad poor ofl
Iba aanilaa bj Hia laaiilaiin i ■ DoaU Ihisqoietlyaad ddiberaUly,
wtthoot loo maab dal^ : thaa imba tha plate Tartieally and fodi it. so that
BO atiaaks may fctai ia tba dlaL Draia the plate wall, bat do not let
it lat dry aaywliata; plaaa it aa Iha dipvar. Uoa ootwarda, aad lower it
iaie Iha bath with eaa aualiaaaaa ^aiak ■ofaaasal ; gaore tha dipper
slightly 10 aad ta> lor a law ssaeadi, aad thea lat it raat lor a minnte or
two.
Baiaa iha diff« fMtly ler a OMaMat, aad at 6r«t yoa will obaarra that
tha bath aolatioa loaa down tha (aaa ot the plate in ateaaka ; bat raty
■ooa yoa wiU aaa that it laaa aaoothly all orer the aotfaaa, which haa
aow ehaacad to a enaay alato Ikon Iha (oraaalioa ot iodUa of aavar in
Iha wfltedtf Aim.
Praia Iha plate aa eleady aa poaaiUa. bloMiac off the laat drop or two,
Md elaairii« Iha baek with a piaaa of Ueltiacpaper ; plaaa Iha plate taea
dMrawanli in iha ^rfc alida, whiah abaold ba kept varttaal to praraat
* tta bath acJaHaarBaafanbaak ha alfaahaoaarlha taea of. Iha Plata.
I Bxpeattta plate ia Iha aaaaara lor dtepropar lima, aadraton without
delay to Aa dark rooa (or daidoptoanl. It ia awat dSteolt to aaj what
ia tha prefer aipuaiua, aa it dapaada qoa ao maaj dtflaraat Ihiag* ; bat
I amy a^ that ladaaiag a half-plate aagativa to Sx2i iaahaa, asiog a
laaa wUh apartaia/-lS, aagatire daaa aad aet OTar danaa (aoalf aa ooa aa
win giro a brfUaat aOvar priat ia Iha afaada). peiaiiag to ahar aky with-
oat Iha paoad piata-giaaa, iha aipoaaia woidd ba aboat lorty aaeondi.
Tha giaaad gtaaa iaaraaaaa tha aipoaora aheot forty par aaat— a thin
naiallia weald waat, p— *— p-. flflaaa to twenty iiaaada, vliila a deaae
eaa m^ raqoira Ihraa or faar miaotaa. Nothing bat praaliaa will laaeh
— T****-^, aad the moat exparienaad will aomattmaa ba eaoaidarably oat
am aaiaaiaiiaaa.
To davatop a wat plate, iafca a tmaO qaaatity of Iha iroa adotioa in
a cop er ■aaaiiia I mi Anahtoa ara anpte for a lantern plate aad flood
ihapWaaHhoaeavaaaaaap. Caremoat ba takao aot tolatlhaadation
sirfka Iha haa of Aa plate loo hard, aad not to lat mora of tha aehilion
than yoa aaa balp ran otar tha ddaa of tha plate.
L
To any one accastomed only to gelatine plates it will appear very gur-
prising to see the very short space of time required to develop a wet plate.
The whole operation is over before a gelatine plate would show any
signs. When sufficient density has been obtained, rinse the plate under
a tap or from a jug of water, and drop it face upwards into the fixing
solution.
The fixing bath, being a most deadly poison, had better be kept outside
the dark room, the fumes being most unpleasant and headachy. This
operation also takes a very few seconds, and after an amount of washing
that would be wholly insufficient for a gelatine plate, the plate may be
toned or put away to dry at onoe. The toning bath may be either —
Chloride gold 1 grain.
Water 10 ounces.
Or,
Platinum tetra-ehloride 1 grain.
Nitric acid 1 drop.
Water 8 ounces.
Tha first gives purple tones, and the other one black tones ; when
toned sufficiently, wash for a while and dry. The platinum stock
sdution should be neutralised with soda carbonate bdore adding the
water and nitrio acid.
When quite dry, the high lights should be perfectly dear glass. With
some collodioos, twwever, there is a faint veil over the high lights, which
may be ramorad by varnishing. A " crystd " varnish of dammar, dis-
adved in benzol, or the ordinary negative varnish, dilated with about
ona-third of aloohol, will be found suitable, and all varnishes should be
earafolly filtered bdore use. In my opinion, dl collodion slides, and,
indeed, dl slidea by any proeaaa, should be varnished.
OeuTimi LunxBM FLAin.— These may ba used either for contact-
printing or for redodag or enlarging in the camera. Nearly all my
azperienee has been with Thomas's plates, and I have never had cause
to ragret tiaviag kept to that one brand. I have oaed some dxty or
eighty dosan, but liava had to reject none on acoount of faults in the
plate, dthough I have had to reject a good many for my own mistakes
aad earaleaaaeaa.
II ia poaaibla with theaa plataa and the developers recommended by
tlia aiakara to obtain almoat any tone from black to red. I prefer keeping
to blaek taoaa, for there are aevard advantagee to be gained thereby, not
tha laaat baiag that tha time of exposure and lime taken up in devdoping
ara at tbair sliorlest. The raeults are mora oertdn, and in my expe-
rience the ddieata loaea ot purple and brown observable by transmitted
light ara qaite lost wlian shown on the screen with oil-light. Perhaps the
oxyhydrogaa or alaelrie light may allow these delioate tones to be
obaarrad oa tha aerean, but theaa ara practically apobtainable in Indisk.
Tba makan thamadvaa give the time of expoaoH and devdopment as
laagiag fran two minutea twenty-five seconds for blaek tones to thirty-
six mianlaa for red loaaa (tor reduetion in camera), ao the gain in time is
very real
I shdl beta eootaat myself by giviag details tor bbok tonea done;
any one wiahiag to gat warmer ooloora can get ttie fulleat particulars
from tha daaeripliva mamorandum iaaned with the pUtas.
Badoelioa ia oamara from half-plate as before, lens with /-28 stop,
negative polaliag to dear sky iritk sheet ot ground-glass one and a half
inch distant froaa aagatire, which if a olean one, not too dense, will
take aboat fortj-lhra to sixty aeeonds, tha developer being —
L
Sodiom hydrate (eaaatie aoda) 160 grains.
Diatilled water 20ounoaa.
S.
Hydroqninoaa 160 grains.
Sodium sulphite , 2 ounoea.
Citric acid 60 grains.
Fplaadnm bromide 40 „
~ ^—''yhter (dutUled) 20oanaes.
For nse, take a quarter of an ounce ot each, and add ball an ounce of
distiUed water, making one ounce in aU.
Devckip until slightly more deaaa than you wish the finished slide to
be, as they lose a little ia tha flziag bath, which is made thui : —
Hypoenlpbite of soda Sooaoaa.
Sodium sulphite ^.'. 1 oonee.
Sulphuric add 1 drachm.
Water to 20 ouncea.
Dissolve the hypo in fifteen ounces of the water and the sulphite of soda in
the remaining five ounces ; add the aulpburio acid to the latter, and then
pour the add solphito solution into the hypo, and well mix ; keep well
THE BRITISH JOUflNAi, OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
tAprU29,1892
corked, and it wiU last for a very long time, but personally I always used
a new fixing bath for each batch of slides.
If you find the slide, after fixation, to be rather too dense, you can
reduce it very easily by applying a weak solution of hypo with a few
drops of solution of ferridoyanide of potassium (Farmer's reducer).
After fixing, wash well (face downwards, if possible) for an hour or two.
and dry in a place free from dust.
Contact-printing by artificial light may be done in the evening. The
exposure for a clean negative as before, two feet from a Silber burner
No. 1, wick clean, out quite level and turned up just short of smoking
globe perfectly clean, kerosine oil ISO" water-white, would be about thirty
seconds. The developing, Ac, is exactly as for camera reductions.
These bromide transparencies can be toned by the uranium nitrate and
terridcyanide of potassium toning solution recommended by the Eastman
Company for their bromide paper. The solution is made up of—
Uranium nitrate 9 grains.
Potassium ferridoyanide 8 „
Glacial acetic acid 6 drachms.
\7atei 16 ounces.
Tones, from black, through browns to red, are very easily obtained with
this solution, and when the desired tone is obtained the transparency
should be washed only until the slight yellow stain in the high lights has
been removed ; any longer washing only results in the removal of the
colour previously obtained.
When your slide is finished and finally dried, see if any spotting or
retouching be required, and, if so, attend to it carefully ; then varnish it
as before described for wet-plate slides. Gelatine plates are much more
likely to get spots and blemishes from dust and other causes than the old
wet plates, and extra caution is, therefore, very advisable. With wet
plates, when the washing is finished, a dip in hot water will dry the slide
in a very few minutes ; but such a procedure is not possible with gelatine
plates.
To mount the slide, get a thin glass 3J inches square, as white as
possible and quite clean, fit a suitaJ)le mask between the two glasses, and
bind the whole together at the edges with strips of gummed paper. To
distinguish your slides from those of any one else, you should Knd the
tops and bottoms with strips of paper of a different colour to what yon
use for the sides. I generally use oranije paper for tops and bottoms, and
Mack paper for the sides. Of course, this can only be done by cutting all
the strips into pieces 3J inches long ; but I do this in every case, even
when using the same coloured paper for all four sides.
The title of tlie picture can be written on the mask, in white ink if the
mask be black, or in black ink if the mask be white ; a label outside is
equally useful, but is liable to get dirty. The slide may be considered to
be ready to show when you have gummed two white circular spots of
paper on the two top corners, and have cleaned the outsides of the two
glasses. On one of the circular spots you can put its consecutive number,
and on the other your own initials, date, &a. When inserting the slide
in the optical lantern frame, these two spots should be at the bottom next
to the condenser.
With an oil lantern, the main points are to see that the outside of the
lamp is quite clean and dry, that the glasses of the condenser and front
lens are in their proper places and quite clean, that the best oil procur-
able be used, and that the wicks are clean and cut quite level. After aU
the wicks are lighted, they should be turned dovm quite low and raised
little by little every few minutes until at their full height just short of
smoking ; ten minutes over this operation are not too much to spend.
Hughes' " Pamphengos " is the best oil lantern I have ever seen any-
where, and can be obtained in several qualities from two to six guineas.
Fred. Dunsterville.
♦
CLAIM £10, BALANCE FOB PHOTOGEAPHIC STUDIO AND
CONTENTS.
Whittaker versus McDonald.
Mb. C. N. Wilson, barrister, appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. White
for the defendant.
iUr. Wilson stated his case as follows : — In this case the plaintiff sues
tor a balance of 10/. for a studio and its contents, situated at Kirkby
Stephen, and sold by the plaintiff to the defendant on September 12 last
year. It appears Mr. Whittaker is a photographer, and carries on busi-
ness in this town. He had also a branch studio at Appleby and one at
Kirkby Stephen. The defendant, McDonald, who for a good many years
had been an assistant to Mr. Whittaker in Penrith, had also helped him
with the business at Appleby and Kirkby Stephen. Mr. Whittaker, not
wanting him in opposition at Penrith, undertook to sell the studios at
Appleby and at Kirkby Stephen for the purpose of enabling him to carry
on the business of a photographer at those places, but distinctly on the
understanding that he was not to carry on a business in opposition at
Penrith, and the prices arranged were 20/. for each of the studios. Ten
pounds was paid down on account, and the balance was demanded.
There was a balance of 30/. left over. Matters all went on very well for
a short time, but then the defendant, McDonald, in direct opposition to
what he had agreed to, went and sold the studio at Kirkby Stephen, and
it is for the balance due on that studio that we are now suing. I call the
plaintiff, Mr. Whittaker.
Mr. Charles J. Whittaker (examined by Mr. Wilson). Are yon a photO*
grapher carrying on business in this town ?
Mr. Whittaker. Yes, I am.
Q. Now, you have been in business since 1887 ?
A. In February, yes.
Q. Previously you were in business at Appleby?
A. Yes, in May 1885.
Q. Before that you were in partnership vrith Mr, Abel McDonald, Mr.
Edward McDonald's brother ?
A. Yes.
Q. And you dissolved partnership in 1888 ?
A. Yes.
Q. Now, had you the branch business at Appleby ?
A. Yes, in Leslie's Yard, Appleby.
Q. I think the defendant, McDonald, came as an assistant to you?
A. In December 1887.
Q. How long did he act for yon ?
A. Six months.
Q. And you sold him the Appleby business ?
*i. Yes, for 13/.
Q. I think he carried on the business for some time ?
A. Yes.
Q. And you purchased the business back again 1
A. Yes, I did so,
Q. Did not he come to you again iu]1888 as an assistant?
A. Yes.
Q. And he worked regularly for yon until when ?
A. Until September 1891.
Q. What were his wages ?
A. When he first came to me he had 15s. a week, then 20s., then 25s.,
then 30s ., and the last twelve months 35s.
Q. I think he gave you notice in September last year ?
A. Yes.
Q. Had you any conversation with the defendant, Mr. McDonald, about ■
the purchase of these places at Appleby and Kirkby Stephen ?
A. He proposed that I should sell him the places.
Q. And you did not consent ?
A. I did not consent at first.
Q. But finally you did ?
A. Yes.
Q. What did you sell him these studios for ?
A. The actual terms were 40/.
Q. 40/. each ?
A. 20/. each.
Q. What were the terms about carrying on the business ?
A. I pointed out to him that I would not like him to start in opposition
to me in Penrith, and, if he would only be content with carrying on the
business at Appleby and Kirkby Stephen by himself, I would let him have
them on certain conditions.
Q. What did he pay you down ?
A. He paid me 10/. at Martinmas, but not in full.
Q. Was there a balance of 30/. owing to you ?
A. Yes.
Q. Now, I think he is still carrying on the business at Appleby, and is
still in possession of that studio ?
A. I believe so.
Q. What about the Kirkby Stephen studio ?
A . He has sold it.
Q. Whose name is over the door ?
A. Mr. Yeoman. I saw it at Kirkby Stephen, and it was Mr. Yeoman.
Q. What was the arrangement ?
A. He was to carry on the business on his own account.
Cross-examined by Mr. White.
Q. Was the agreement with Mr. McDonald in writing ?
A. Yes.
Q. Where is the writing ?
A. McDonald has it.
Q. You have had a copy of this agreement ?
A. No, I have not.
His Honour. I cannot allow any more evidence to be given about it.
Q. Do you produce the document ?
Mr. White. He has had a subpcma to produce the document.
His Honofur. If you have anything else to ask, apart from the agree-
ment, you had better do so.
The agreement was then put in by Mr. White.
His Honour. I do not know what the studio or ita contents nuy
consist of.
Mr. Wilton. I object to that agreement ; it should have a 5s. stamp.
April 29, ISPy}
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
283
Tlit Homomr. If it m not propcriy eartiad oot, the plaintiff is entitled to
.va Um eontcnta ol tb« itodio back afain.
Mr. TTUMm. We ral^ apoB part payment ot this *0t.
IIU Honour. II it IS a written doeomant, jon mast rely npon it. I
cannot raeana atManea witboat it. II there is no stamp, I cannot receive
it. That wiiliag ia aot befara ma, and therefore I cannot receive any
cridanee apoB U. That is your copy?
Mr. WUu. That is ray o^y.
Hii Htmmr. I will tell yea my yiaw o( the subject. Thera is not the
iWfMwl doabt aboot it that, if there is any agreement, it most be prodaced.
Ibanlota dU Iha evidence that has been reeeiTed I most strike oat All
this avUsnea that ha sold these things at Erkby Stephen and Appleby
tcr ML a |}iaea moat ba stmek out. As tha aaae stands at prsaent, I have
BO asUsBea at alL I aaat ham the original of this doeoiBaot.
Mr. WUton. Havs Toa get tha enginal 7
WUaen. I haw a Ju|iMuals.
Mr. jrUmm. Will vim pradaes it ? r^tacas prodoeed the doenment]
ifr. Sktphtrd. nis gHtlaaaan (Hr. white) is my clerk and with yonr
Eoaoart fmailmkm I «fU addnaa you. Tha agpassMnt ia in writing,
«nd baloM it ii MadDaad I thiak there is BO eaae.
UiM ntmmr. tha bndsM t/L ftDtA is oa the plaiatia.
Ur.WUamk. Waietyfealbelaet that thaw bwabawjDodi sold above
the valoe ot KM. and than haa been part p^yaaant. wa lalj entiiely
tipon the eridoMSL
Hi* Htimamr. It waa aa acreement in wntiac.
Mr. inbsN. ir«doaaty3fttata,7avBaaoar.
Hit Hommr. If voa do not pot Oil a, ikan is an and to tha ease.
Mr.Shtphtrd. TlMalan^lacthaviiailvitheaala.
Hi* Hommr. If jM do net pot that in, «j VMdklli for tta dAadatt
in the nsoal way.
Tssdiat fof Bedrfariaat aeeordingly.
Out fiHitoctal QTablf.
\^'oExaaor
u.hr.w.
(Fiftk Sanaa).
W.C.
In this, the most neaot of
XteeifU, the "
ceoiaaia,
the aittclsB ai« (Bttfriy Bidi ap of
wnitiaip on tka Taiioaa topics tnated ; tkk. hoawrer, f oraa ao objeo-
tion to tikair atility, wkib tka aoana is baa^ ackaowladgad.
Spoa'a aaefal aariai ot Warktkop
mikt labocatotj apparatus,
" " ■ a, water-
So Ibr aa va •» panaiva,
WAiaoa t SomT Naw Cataiaoux.
vAifoar
aaspaadiova aad aarfal eatakgne, which ormtaina eroything
for tha fhotonnph«, whalhv amalaiii or pcafaMaaL la
vj nB aMvnib wa oaawa vaii flaaa aar nnaif amiaa
this the"
wall jaatiflad by Hi
of tUaea
which a coBitdaa
caiaacaa- lav atadW
anaolafaw,
lat8d,tc«athsrwilli
enlararinf^ tppHanoea, and ahawufali 'Tfia eatelom, cf ifaa^ pagai,
is u .,fssthre coa^ and wQl be pennad with adrantage.
baaa atiBiadia ha ■ataBie lUiiifia, by
ia ha wiiAt b awiual Other
LnSloCht
isa
IfciiaaA
then
aia fally tabop
A GuiDa TO ELBcraxe Liobtiho.
Ma. BoTrom baa for bhhv yaaia bean lacBgaised as a ladd writer
«a aU topiea cowaacted with alectrid^. and b thia worit of 194 pa«a
ba tnata tha aal^Hk of electric laRhttaa ia a popalar aaaaar.a^aHa
of baiaa raaiDy aaaaaaahaadad by tlia aaattal pwbfct. Ha ajrae
amnte of tha jyioiii byariaa ea^plc^ la iha gaawaliii of
elactncity fcv lintH^^ ooapiad with dbciliaiBatiag obavfalloBi oo
the special canaMltiaa of «aa, tcnthar with diawiagt aad dasoiptaoBa
of the lampa la gaaawl aaa, wbattiar iacandaacaat or arc. Tba wort
is moat copiooaly illaalialed.
Tmi /Ar for May, wa aia happy to mr. Aowa a diatiaat adiaata
both in the aaaHty of Ma latteipteaa aad Olaatfatioaa npoa iwiiuua
naaban. We are piaaaad to laaia that oar old oontribnior, Mr.
Coaaa Dorla. ia to aaaalT tatioa to aa aariy imme.
toaaaariy]
" IixovrKATMMn* far Afail, edited by Mr. Fiaada Oaaqa Heath,
«OBlaias nnaieroaa iDaattatad ilcviai aad artidea o( a laSeiaBtlly
divarafied character to b« intereating to the general reader. There
are also portraits and biogrsphiea of soeh notable individuals aa Sir
Charlea Dilke and Mr. Holman Hunt.
RECENT PATENTS.
APPUCATIONS FOR PATENTS.
Frames." A. T.
Ho. (MO, — "Ab ImproTemeat in Pbotographtc I'riutiiig
MKWDHnOR.— AUarf Afrti li, 1892.
Na 7SW. — " ImprovanMBts ia Dishes or Trays for Iliotagnphic Purposes.'^
C T. MALoro.— ZMSrf AprU U, 1882.
No. 7838.—" ImprovBiaeats tai aad connected with Photographic Shutters."
P. 0. BTKoa.— Mail April 10, 1892.
Na 7tl4. — "Improved Keana and Ingredients for Cdoarins and Tinting
Photographic Silver Prlata." K Hoona.— ZJotai April 19, 1892.
No. 7471.—" An Improved Dark Slide for Photographic Camera." A. B.
JoBitnoK.—t)aUd ajirit SO^ 1892.
K&7fi01. — " ImprovaeMats ia or Relatiag to Photonwbio Films or tha
Uka." Ooauaonicated by Q. BMtnaa. A. J. Boolt.— Doixt April HO, 1893.
No. 7507.- " Iraprovemeats in the Mamiisotare of Transparent Materials
and tha AppUcatioa of the MSM to Photographio or other Purposes." T.
CBBisnt.— jSote/ April 31, 1891.
BPBCIFICATIONB PUBLUHSD.
189L
Na 6SI8,— " Photogi^>bie CauMraa." Srooaaa.
Na. 8BU.— "Photagi^>hic Oameraa^" OoinrBaABS.
N0.9IM2.— "FhotapapUeChmana.'* MlOKtawooa
PATKNT8 COMPUmSD.
lapaoraman m PaoTOoaArBW OanBais.
Na SSI8. OaaaaB ftmarru, Brooaaa, Bna-y^sfth, Portoadoc, North
Walab— Ifert* 34, 18UL
Ta« objart of my fatvaUaa is to sAst laifswsassaU in tha wualiautiuii of
1 eaaalrasi aiy aaprovad
above Iba attM^ Tbe appsr
aenaa efpeaad glass, (wiaf-bad
eoiiiusitawal esanias tkaplala, prtvioaa to, aad aOer, esposars,
Tba phfaa an haU ta a&8Bth% aid
tha sbsatha are piseed in a drawer fitted
Witt aroefaasaiia ana (awanilsreallsd As "plate drawer"). The aides of
tha phtadrawi^bafssa the poassuste slotted to permft tha plate Ufter to
Th« pUU drawer b plaeed fat a eaaa AanbaJUt called the " pUte box H. so
aatebacqiablaafsllflaglaaBdeatoftha same, as ia the oaaa of an ordiiiary
naplatadraww h daaadaad locked in as to aselad#tha light, or it may
bsepsaad ia a dark raoa, er within the eamara, by sottMU natheds.
Tba nlalas sn nlasd fteai the plats draw by liftiM bare, uouststingofa
neb- oTeaytA laven, wttk aaitsMe qipUaaeaa attadMd thsrsta The liflfaig
has have teethed lacks, aad aag^s tosthad qoadrsaU on each sUe of tha
qaadraats ars fast oa aa ule, and are actuated by a suitable
• ealMa tha aan, which onak or Is*«r hi flzed to a earn wheel
SBltted. The dMalh is lUtod by taialag tha ersak BatO tha
ahaath is ia tha poritioa fwvioaaly occupied V tha feeasdag sorasn in tha
Flavtewly to tbs paawga of the sbcatb <h>m the plate drawer to the amar
eoBpartsMBt, tka laaaa shattsr aad dark door as« oloasd ; a aUda betwaaa the
phta-bot eass aad fta apf uaaipMfnt Is d[ wiJ, aad the IbcaMiBg aen
WmovwlbeAtoadBritaftta ~
loto the upper eon
naplatsi
itakfavHapbesi Tha ahaath ttaa paassa
Iha aliaa la eksed, tha aMde soatainir '"
ilalhaBfaipai(tieBfgraxpaaBra,aiMl,aftar exposure,
sasaia^am
aad thai
sustaining tha
xposure, it can
be istaiaad te'tba plate diaaw by a isiswsd laavamsnt'ef tha crank.
WhaattaAMthtebasantaiBsdlotte^rtedcamr, tte foeussiag seiesa
taka Oe plees of the daalh, aad the plata drawer la Moved oa ready for tha
oart upwailin
Tha sevwal dialten nd other doora are actuated by a earn wheel, with
caas craovas fcr tha sarsral motions.
I -^jsawaa Is bald la peailloB pnteably by four bell-crank levers,
AasaaaiKkilbraad hi tha back of tha upper compartment, so as to euabls
bapl^qa be properly fciamiil oa the soraen. Tlis opening is dosed by a
Tha eaaen Is alao flSidwith serawa, nots, dips, and other means fbr
iparatns.
1 attached to a coiled
. the connecting rod,
riviiM a piakm on the cam. ~ An escapamcnl lever, with sniuble attachments,
UMedtosaasshalfarevolotiOB or thanabouta of the eoU spring to lift tha
plate, aad the other half revolntioa to lower it.
iMraoTaaairrs di an n Oonmioa wrrH Photoobaphic Camxras.
»a 9042, ftmrnm HAwraoaa MioujnrooD, 6, 8t Michaels-terrace,
Plymouth, Devoaahira.- JforcA 28, 1892.
TBB teraaliaa rshrtaa to a amana of erpoeiag sensiUva pUtee or «m» fa »
ao ss to ^ a doe ratio or Ulance of exposure to all parts of the
284
THE BKITISII JODKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[April 29, 1892
picture. In a landscape, for instance, the sky, distance, and foreground each
receive a varyins; time of exposure by which the best effect is produced.
To obtain this result, I construct in front of the camera a darlc chamber, nnd
in the front of the dark chamber provide a rectangular ojicuing proportional to
the sin of plate the camera is adapted to take. In this opening is a rising and
lalling shutter, actuated and controlled by suitable mechanism.
It ia ilesirable that the distance of the shutter fh)m the lens should be pro-
I>ortioual to the focal length of same.
I should explain that wliat I mean by a rising and falling shutter is any
shutter which is lifted upwards until the aperture is completely open, and,
after the proper time for exposure has elapsed, is then lowered ; and my
reason for this arrangement is that by this means, when used at a distance
from the lens in a dark chamber, I am able to allow the sky in a landscape
scene, for example, less exjxisure than other parts of the ])icture. It may be
ascertained by experiment that, if a shutter works immediately over or in front
of a lens in the ordinary manner, that the picture on the sensitised plate is not
obscured in proportion to the movement of the shutter, and that with shutters,
at usually applied to the lens, supposing the moving part (to have passed
through a small portion only of its travel, even then the whole picture is
visible on the focussing screen, whereas I have found that, by inteqiosin^ the
dark chnmlwr between tlie lens and .shutter, the commencement of the raising
of the shutter causes the sensitised plate to be exposed only partially, and to
become more and more exposed in accordance with the opening of the shutter,
the sensitised plate becoming in like manner gradually obscured as the shutter
closes, whereby I am able to give the sky, distance, and foreground each a
varying time of exposure. It will now be understood that by the term
"rising and falling shutter" I do not limit myself to any particular form or
construction of same, but I may employ any form or construction of shutter
which will produce or act with the herein-stated effect.
It is a well-known principle in optics that the rays passing thrnueh the
centre of a lens form by far tne most perfect image when focussed and thrown
on any surface to receive them, hence the use of diaphragms to cut off the
outside "pencils " and use only or principally those passing centrally.
From this as a starting-point, ana as the result of observation and experi-
ment, I have discovered that shutters acting in close juxtaposition to the lens
act as inferior-shaped diaphragms, causing the worst part of the lens — viz., the
edges — to do the work during a large proportion of their action, as when a lens
is only partially uncovered from the edge the image is being formed and trans-
mitted by the marginal portion only.
Diaphragm shutters working centrally are free from this defect, but as they
expose the plate evenly they fail to give a due balance of exposure as required
for the best results to the several parts of the landscape.
Again, the image transmitted by a lens is at all times a circular one, of
which in photographic cameras a rectangular portion taken centrally only is
used, and with cameras as usually con.striicted the remainder is thrown on the
top, sides, and bottom of the camera, so introducing light into the camera not
used in the formation of the image, and which, with the exceedingly sensitive
plates now used, degrades the image.
In the new combination of dark chamber and shutter in front of the lens
now introduced all these defects are ob\iated, as the former frames the view
in front of the lens, and so only allows light actually falling on tlie sensitive
plate to pass into the camera, and the shutter, being applied to the front of
this chamber, at a distance from the lens, in no way interferes with the full
and efficient action of the latter.
A suitable proportion for tlie rectangular opening provided in front of the
dark chamber, and in which the shutter works, I have found to be half the
linear dimensions of the plate the camera is adapted for ; the rectangular
opening is adjusted to, or situated at, such a distance in front of the lens
that only the view actually falling on the plate is transmitted, and all side-
light is cut off; thus, with long-focus lenses, it will be evident that the
shutter aperture should be placed further away, and with shorter-focus lenses,
brought closer.
The shutter being placeil at a distance from the lens, the latter photographs
the movemen .s of the shutter ; hence, as the said shutter moves up and down,
the sensitive plate is exposed as if by a rolling curtain which starts from the
foreground and returns to the same, the result being that the most delicate
cloud effects existing are secured, together with a fully exposed landscape, in a
manner far superior to that hitherto obtained.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that I
am aware that it has been heretofore proposed to employ a shade outside the
lens of a camera to cut off extraneous light, and I am also aware that a dark
chamber has been projwsed to be employed in front of a photographic lens.
Photographic shutters which have a lifting or rising and falling motion are not
in them.selves new, I therefore lay no claim to these parts taken alone or
separately, but what I do claim is : — 1. In photographic cameras, the combina-
tion with a lens and a ri.sing an<l falling shutter of a dark chamber, arranged
between the lens and the shutter, whereby sensitive plates or films are exposed
so as to give a due ratio or balauce of exposure to all parts of the plate or film,
and to exclude all extraneous light, all substantially as herein set forth.
2. Tlie general arrangement and construction of photographic cameras sub-
stantially as shown on the accompanying drawings, the prominent feature
being the combination of a dark chamber arranged between the lens and a
rising and falling shutter as set forth.
An ArPLIANCK FOB ATTACHING TOBES OB CYLINDERS TO FLAT SURFACES,
PRI.MARILY APPLICABLE FOR ATTACHINO PHOTOGRAPHIC LeNS TCBES TO
Caxteras.
No. 8934. Henbt Grant Madan Conybeare, The Hut, Ingatestone, Essex.
—March 26, 1892.
An appliance in accordance with my invention is represented by the drawings
anne:;ed.
I employ a flange, to be attached to the camera front by screws. Into this
flange I screw a ring having a milled edge. On the inside of this ring are
tiled two or more studs. To the photographic lens or other tube is attached
a flat ring or flange, having two or more notches cnt in the edge, and corre-
sponding with the studs fixed to the ring. On the surface of the flat ring,,
near one or all of the notches, I fix a small stud or studs.
In lieu of the above I make recesses in the screwed ring, and projecting
pieces to the flat ring or flange attached to the lens tube.
Mtttixiq,% of &octette<E(«
» —
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES FOB NEXT WEEK.
DmteoIMMtlng.
May 2..
„ 2..
„ 2..
„ 2..
„ 2..
NuaeolBoel«t7.
Dundee Amateur
Halifax Camera Olttb
Peterborough
South London
Stereoscopic Club
Exeter
Glossop Dale
Herefordshire
Lewes
North London
Oxford Photo. Society
Rotherliam
Sheffield Photo. Society
York
Edmburgrh Photo. Society ....
Photographic Club
Portsmouth
Putney
Southsea
Wallasey
West Surrey
Bolton Photo. Society "
Brixton and Clapbam
Camera Club
Dundee and East of Scotland .
Leeds Photo. Society
London and Provincial
Oldham
Tunbridge Wells
Bristol and West of England .
Cardiff
Croydon Microscopical
Holbom
Leamington
Maidstone
Richmond
PUee of Ueetlng.
Asso. Studio, Nethergato, Dundee.^
Museum, Minster Precincts.
Hanover Hall, Hanover-park, S.E»
Brooklands Hotel, Brooklands.
College Hall, South-street, Exeter.
Rooms, Howard-chamber8,Glo38op.
Mansion House, Hereford.
Fitzroy Library, High-st., Lewes.
Wellington Hall, IsUngton, N.
Society's Rooms, 136, High-street.
Masonic Hall, Surrey-street,
Victoria Hall, York.
Professional Hall, 20, George-street,
Anderton's Hotel, Fleet-Btreet,B.C.
Y.M.C. A. -buildings, Landport.
High-street, Putney.
Egremont Institute, Egremont.
St. Mark's Schools, Battersea-rise.
Baths, Bridgman-street.
Gresham Hall, Brixton.
Chariug.cross-road, W.C,
Lamb's Hotel, Dundee.
Mechanics' Institute, Leeds.
Champion Hotel, 15, Aldersgate-st.
The Lyceum, Union-st., Oldham.
Mechanics' Inst., Tunbridge Wells,
Rooms, 28, Berkeley-sq, Bristol.
Public HaU,Oeorge-street, GroydOD
Trinity Church Room, Morton-st.
"The Palace," Maidstone.
Greyhound Hotel, Richmond.
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OP GREAT BRITAIN.
April 26. — Technical Meeting. — Mr. W. England in the chair.
Mr. Alexander Mackie said he was continually making collodion emul-
sion, and occasionally got variations which he could not account for. He
showed samples of emulsion which, on drying, changed in colour to
bright blue and green respectively. The first of these, when wet, was of a
good colour. He suggested that possibly the formation of the bromide had
something to do with the changes, and asked for explanations. He had not
tried the emulsion in its various coloured states. He had noticed that if the
bromide of ammonium had gone wrong it gave a grey film. In answer to
questions he said the samples he showed were not of one batch. He always
used collodion for lantern slides and transparencies. The minimum exposure-
was about one minute.
Mr. A. Cowan remarked that all commercial slides were made on wet plates.
Mr. Mackie said that slides were never made by contact commercially,,
because of the wear of the negative ; and went on to narrate a curious ex-
perience of Mr. E. W. Parfitt, who, when making some transparencies on
gelatine plates, got admir.ible colours with clear lights at home, but entirely
failed to get wtirm colours in Mr. Mackie's dark room. He suggested that
commercial ammonium carbonate practically contains little carbonate, and
might be carbamate.
Mr. T. BOLAS said that could only be determined by experiment. The
difference in the respective formula was in the carbamate amidogen had re-
placed some of the hydrogen of the carbonate.
Mr. Mackie said both samples were apparently alike.
In the course of further discussion on collodion emulsion, Mr. J. D. England
said he had recently had occasion to test a collodion emulsion made eighteen
years ago by Mr. Wamerke. It gave very good results. It had become some-
what thin, but it developed up a clear and dense image.
Mr. H. Chapman Jones, the Hon. Secretary, exhibited some stereoscopic
collodion transparencies made on different emulsions, the new mineralised
methylated spirit having been used in the prep.iration of one of the emulsions,
the other with the ordinary spirit. That prepared with the mineralised spirit
was more sensitive than the other, and appeared to have no disadvantages to
set against the extra sensitiveness. Practically speaking, it was advantageous.
He had bought the mineralised spirit from the oil shop.
Mr. Mackie pointed out that the transparencies made with the mineraliseil
spirit were fogged, and did not consider the experiment conclusive.
The sensitometer readings gave eighteen for the collodion made with the
unmineralised spirit, and twenty-two for the mineralised emulsion. Opinions,,
however, were divided as to the correctness of these readings, as also to the
accuracy of Mr. Wamerke's claims.
During the evening Mr. H. A. Lawrance drew attention to an article in the
Corre^pondenz dealing with the different - coloured images obtained witk
carbonate of soda and caustic potash in the developer respectively, and subse-
quently quoted an experiment of Herr E. Vogel, in which he emulsified silver
bromide in gelatine, removed the gelatine by the eparator, and then emulsified
April 29, 1892]
THE BRTTISH JOUBNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHS.
285
tlM haloid in ooUodion. By an upomn of fira
qnctram wu obtaia«d.
iiftv (taitbar diMoadoa the m«etiii( doaad.
Um F line of Uie
LOXDOX AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATIOK.
APtn. 21,— Mr. J. J. Briginaluw in the chair.
Mr. H. Baownn Wako,
iatanat ia eaanaii
which rtnMk hiBi
• Wako, fadu ioTitad to offer anr remarlu of photoeranhic
iom with Ua Aaarieaa *Wt, Mid that tha pafaiefad thing
I waa tha had pfiatiag ezhihitad by the urnfMalniuli in
pholagrapban ntkv midad UMmaelTaa do thair poainc
Ughtiag; bat, apaakia( froa a eannl aiamination of New Tone and
PUad<d|dda warit, Bf)atii« waa thrir waak point Thair TjfMtti^ waa not
teed,aadiBgaMn]tha prtetawanbahy. Ha did not kaow whathv thia
an tha papar nacd was ttaaltiT laiiaitliiail, aad thay were alwayi told that it
prodnead mllBitcIy better raalta than tha (naarrad paper ; bot the printing
wvaU art euciuTa with Loodoa «r lauilaaial woifc. One tbias he B0tica<C
aadtkitwia,atatIan»riaaw««beiagMafAwaricad ia tha Stataa, qaaitar-
plileeaaMtaib«ia(lWlakaOTn. nabaaviia ■aall daa wm 5 x 4, but area
that waa littla oaML 7x6waa tha AMhkaaUarfa : it wai need for tteno-
•ea|>le aa well aa §tati^1m» work. Ia hadiffaiwi photocraphy 48x30 waa
'^' '-- need ia Slna Mr paaoramawofk. Mfc Jaiiliua, of DJawr, mada it a
aty. OaaofthanaalUorthaaaaafaBch km itaawM that thaaala
■ fWMiiriiiirilyfwat. Of thafiaLOOONaaaolalbanMBiaadp^arBada
-ra OoBpaay, tha United Staiaa took son than half, tha roaaiadar
he rcM of tha world. Aa to phata(iaphic aoeietiai, tha Phila-
- --'Ilka Soeiatyof AMtaar Fbotomphera of Kaw York had
Boeiaty of Aaataar Fbota(nphera
hi fcet, waat ia fcr aiwjlkli oa a laiie aeale. Many of
-re aeeeoaMdalla* tliM aay Of Um Hodrtlea ia thia oonatry
' OuaaaCtaK
■ipkti mt ApfKtd to Ik* VttttHtm nf CWaw, by Dr.
1 '^r Mr. Alkaekia.
DmanuM ■itioaid that ha had ■ada aoow
nn, but hv a aathod rmnad to that of artho-
.^aUkitLrm*. Hefaoaditbatlvto
"< Mrt bv the Pbotoputhie BocMt of
liatad body, waa czUbitad. TImm
-'fMry by Mr. P. J. Pattaaoa, of
■<'X Mr. Haaaoa ; tea riawa ef
•v^aoda ; ladhw aeaawy haii«
1 . ^-4>lalnUak Tha eoOaMoa waa
audi edaiifed.
Mr. P. A. Bridn ikoaad aaiplaa of Ua« aad paper tiaatad with aa
aoaaBfliiio mxiimm jaatia* by Mam OiiMy. ef Paaeharek-
•Hiliiilfcrawg5iijiniii<»waathatMMloHato«af
.If Ika erfaw waa laaBy aoa aatlaie, tha aahataanw woaM
DM niaiaiaaltea. Mr. Brh%a iMatiaaad that ha had
> of tha p^« had bean aspoaed to two day** aanlifht
withoat " "^
Mr.Baiaiw w—M— M»;
briMMa ar • ifadd tdaUd M&iiaa ptafrad by Mi: JoCa OMrteS, of
OahL— April Zl, Mr. A. Dead la the chair.— Mr. Pamoui ai-
May 1 T art anrtil
tha Qab, aad on Tkaiaiiay7 May 6 oIUm; «f aaaw oa the Norfelk Bnada i
be ahowB by aaml iiai>wit tha itawripttBa betM lti«B by Mr. K.
Haapkiey. Oth« (Uai wffl IbOow.
wiU
J.
ftoai throaa which they aaii
'^May t, Laalm Mlikl, to^k
«f MBbari Mpoaalblab Hbraqaartad
wfl kladly aaka a Mlartlaa of twalra
to ha their beat aUdai, aad wiO aaad or
aa poaiua aftw 7.30 a* Iba ai«Bia« of May 3 with a IM of
ttaaali«at>a,eoeato aPowof iirwiiiiiil halbra iwaiwnla^ Tha ladka
m4 Oatehi Ht from tha Pkotovifile Soalaly «f Omt BHIaia wm ha abewn.
fclliialaa wm alJlall aBHoto tha^wart— iViirrfaa.- RavrM^taiay
rUfPrmUnl. Mr. P. H. amn. — OmmUlm: Mewa. W. C.
J. H. a CyvBip, W. J. JeaUaa. A. H. PHeher, T. O. BaMk.—a<m.
i^M««i«i . Dr. Hodfea.— //on. Steniaqf: Mr. W. Walwta. Tha Saeielary a
imtahapwad tha SodeU to be ia a aatlafcetery eoaauoa aanaMly aad
flttWW^ tltldf Villi ft MfHi of OtttoOQf ■MStUl^ SVIMIfM^ A MMHHH MMOB
Bitto Fkn<«tn>»Mi ■acMy.-Mardi 18. Baeead Aaaoal Maatt^p-lha
MMaa-ebaat aad aamal nnort were taad aad adopted. Tha 8oda^ ba|lnB
Ik IhM year with a latllfactery ertdit balaaea aad aa iiirriaiid mitaJilp
Ml. D«Dlaf tha yaw aaeh aaaftol work hai haaa aoaonpUahad. OaaoMtn-
ipUahad.
hare haaa giraa at tha
I iMolalad Itar tha taeoarfaa year ;— <V— tt f m .-
P. iTaMoa, C. Monte, IVTMelTaie, R. A. Ewiac. P. a Bailh, W.
WilUaML BHimmt mtd Trmmmr: B. Ltri^ptaM, Boyat-tanacc
north Middleaex Photographic Society.— April 25, Mr. W. R Goodwin
in the chair. — Negativea made upon Imperial plates (samples of which had
been distribated amone the members at a pieTions meeting) were passed
round for inspection, the consensus of opinion of thoee who had tried them
beiuK that they were good in quality and at lea^t as rapid as most ordinary
platea. Mr. Gill then dereloped some plates which had Men exposed by soma
of the younger students, explaining his methods as he proceeded. A number
of qneetions on technical points were asked and anawerad, and Measrs. Wame
and Gill passed round band cameras of novd construction, and explained the
methods of working them. Some curious anil beautiful prints were .shown,
and a method of mounting prints to secure them from the effects of ilanip was
explained by Mr. Cox. The first field-day of the season haring been held on
Eaater Monday at West Drayton, when nine members attended, prints from
the ne^tiras taken on that occasion were entered for competition. The vote
of merit was secured by Mr. H. Smith for his print entitled Steady, in which
an angler, who had been tly-fishing, was anxiously directing his assistant to
aeenre the catch. Mr. Smith then re]>orted that eighteen members and friends
had attended the field-day on Saturday, the 23rd inst, to Edgware and Stan-
more. The next meeting of the Society will be held on Monday, May 9, when
the last exhibition of members' slides iluring the season will be given.
Kenalngton and Bayawator Photograplilc Society.— April 25, Mr. J. E.
Hodd in the chair.— Mr. J. HowsOM gave a paper on the Ilford gelatine-
printing.ont paper and isochromatic plates. His demonstration was accom-
panied by specimens showing the difference of results obtained by varietv in-
manipnlatton. He stated tnat gelatine printiu^-out paper was inventetl in
1886, and printa eziat which were prepared in that year, and show no sign
of bdia( or diacolooratioa. The advantagea claimed for this paper are its
permaaeiKa, Mod printing qoalitiea. ita price, its convenience in cutting, and
tha abaaaco 6i watermark edgaa. Mr. Howson stated that the toning bath
ahoold Barer be warmed, aa the effect of a luth much above 50° Fabr. would
be to causa a yeUowaaai of tha print. The effect of insnflicient washing
pravioos to toniac b to spoQ the toning bath and affect the permanency of the
priata. If boraiaUng ia intcadad, the ainm bath should be need. Mr. Howson
next pointad oat verr dearly tha difference between "isochromatic" and
" ordinary 'piatasL and the advantagea posMaaed by the former over the latter,
as in tha caaa of phota|r^diiBg flowen aad treea. The platea are assisted in
thair liiiihinaaitlBii by tha naa of a yellow screen (of spedally prepared glass)
pfaMed iaaida the raiawi, ImaMdiately behind the lena. The emnlsion of theao
plataa dlAta ikoia that of tha ordinary in that it contains "eoaideof silver," a
rhaialfal which la artianialy saaaitive to yellow raya.
Pkolagnpfele Seeiaty.— April 32, the Prsaidant in tha
chair.— Mr. Rouin Whrwo read a Paper on the Artittie ImprtnenmU qf
Jftfmliwu. A dlfniaalna aaaaad, whidi, together with the paper, embraoed
'Bnaau rep
»r>i
aaa noc anea
too wide aa ana to do Jaatlea to in a aaoaaaaiily ooodenaeir report The
Secntaiy raoiiada tha BiBhan to let him kaow by the 30th InaL whether they
waat BMia than one tiekat ibr tha dlaaw oa May I9L
iMfn Loadon Photocrufelo loelaty.— April 20, Demonstration of The
Ittw OM Bath I'UumuM Pnctu, by Mr. F. W. Edwards, the Preaident.—
Tha pa|^_ waa Snt broo^ belora tha Oamara CInb Oonfersnoe a week or two
iaea baaa daaiunitiatil at aay BodatY, and was not yat
It diflared Ihun tlia oM oold-bath proceaa
te naed la the prepantlan of tha paper, and not
added to tha dareiopiac bath. Tha tronblea arising boot avapcration of tha
davelopar, aad tbadaatoaetioaof thadiahea in thahotbathprooaaa, wen doae
away with by the ass of the aaw nqwr, aa alao wen tta.diifkitUtiea caaaad by
babiilas aad stnaks, Mr. Kdwinb statiaK that ha eoAdarsd It to be "tha
pciatiair proeaa of the ftrtora." Reealts eoold be aot from their negativea
which it would be simply iapoaaibie to do with the older method. The
dapoatt of platianm k vary mneh finer, aad then k also a freedom bom
gmaalatioa. Vdvety ahadowa an oblaiaad with very pora whites. A
portioa of tha priat oaa be devalopad at a time without showing any line or
markinc tbaa doiag away with tha naoaadty of using large dishes. By using
the bath ooldar ovar-priatad pictorsa caa be brought np, and under-printed
ooaa by oainc It waiBMr. It b impoadbk to ovw>devdop a properly printed
pietan. Pitiita an mada aatil a faintly printed Image k obtained on the
paper, whea thay an davaiopad In a hath of oxalate of potaah (one pound in
dxty ooaea of watar)u After davaloptaaat thagr an treated with three baths
of bTdraeUorie add, oaa ia aixty, to nmova tho yallowneea, aad afterwarda
washed to gat rid of an trasaa of the add. Um Pnsident, after damonatiatinc
tha workinc of tbo prooaH, dhrad the priato hr aala tor tha baaaSt of tha
fbada of the Bodaty, arhaa apwarda of H, waa rsalisad. Tha ezennioaa to
Oaatartoiy (aa MMlar Moadiy) aad Dolwlch VOkga (April 2S) wen very
aaeoaalUi, aad utmj good aa|atlvaa obtained.
kaakta ffeotOgxuUe AMOdatlML— April 20, Mr. H. Braid (Viee-Pre-
stdrat) ia the chair.— The Baeratary (Mr. J. D. Roai) waa appolntad delegate
to the Photooapbic ConTaatka maaUag ia Edlnboigh during week beginning
JnlrU. AletiarwaareadfrofflMr.w:T. Stead anent the NaUonalSodaty
of Lanteraista, aad a number of those uiaaiut agreed to become memben.
- Maokk,Jnn., and Maaan. Day ft Maw (Porfar and Brechin RaHway)
||lili4 nr aad admittad BMmben. Bet Ka 2 of the American Lantern
we then ezbibitad, aad arokad, on the whole, very ftvourable
Sacuraar reminded the members of the desirability of
bariag tha set of didee Qlnstratlve of linen manufacture ready eariy in tho
aataam. Lord Provost VAULtirmta thought that, in view of the establish-
BMat «f taebnifal scboob tlirooghoat the country, slides illustrating such
aaUada waold be very oseftal. Mr. J. H. Lamb concurred, and it was agreed
thM, aa ioae aa tha slidaa wan ready, and before a lecture was written to
aeeonpaay them, they ahoold be exhibited at a meeting, to which all interested
shoold ba invited. Mr. A. & McLkui Murrat. who read the notes on the
Amerioaa alidea to Mr. laaaa, who worked tlie lantern, and to the Chairman,
doaed a vary plsaaaat meetkig.
Daity PtaotOKi«]ihla ledaty.- April 19, Mr. R. Keene presided.— Mr.
A. C. KlLCT gave a lectors entitled, Tkt Produetion of Vomer Plata hy
Pha<ofTafky. Thk geatlemaa, in a very simple manner, dtacribed the process
Mr. J.
i
S80
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOrOGRAPHY.
[April 29, 1892
jtMm« fiaa the time of Pox Tklbot to the prwent day, showing, as he pro-
W^ coppm pUtM In various stages of being produced. Mr. W Moms,
itluies'a-Btaeit, ifu elected a member. Mr. Keene showed several prints
bj the new kallitype process, and a number of platmotypes were also sTiown
bT ICc T. Scotton, which had been developed by a new method with excellent
TWllti. A library was started a short time ago, with which the members are
wtU pleased, several of them making use of it
»t»«.hi Oamani anb.— The inaugural meeting of this newly formed Society
wM ImU in the lane hall of the Church House on the 8th inst., and proved a
SSlt^neSeT th^rttodance being large. The Mayor (Mr. W. W. feichard-
SSwSdS' and Ws^ported by the Sheriff of the City (Mr. Alex. Trotter).
In»h« nnavoidable absence, through serious illness, of the President of the
<3I«b(the llev. Dr. Stott), the inaugural ad.lress was given by the Kev. T.
n,„j, B_gc FC.S., Headmaster of the Retfonl Grammar School. After
InaeiiSnr the aims of the Lincoln Camera Club as being the improvement of
■tteqnidity of the work done by the amateur photographers of Lincoln and
neiaSbonrhood, as the result of mutual co-operation and study amon^lthe
mraibere of the Club, assisted, as they doubtless would be, by the professional
■talent for which the city of Lincoln is so famous, the lecturer proceeded to
jrive a rapid sketch of the aims and processes of ^ihotography, illustrating his
poinU by means of a beautiful series of lantern slides, the work mamly of the
Pteaident and himself. The contention that a photograph might be an
artistic expression of the beautiful, and that the worker with the camera conld
recognise and perpetuate the beautiful alike in simple, homely, every-day
scenes, and in the more striking phenomena of nature, was established by
pictures of scenes on canal and river banks, the simple cottage, snow-clad
■churchyard, woodland groves, and the grandeur of our Cornish coast, with
instantaneous pictures of terrific seas hurled up against its mighty cliffs by
the fury of an Atlantic gale. Passing next to the processes of photography,
by means of beautiful diagrams the lecturer explained the action of the photo-
graphic lens in the camera in the formation of the picture that falls upon the
sensitive plate, showing the analogy in its action to that of the lens in the
human eye. The changes produced in the sensitive film by the action of the light,
and the nature of the negative picture thus obtained were next discussed, and
some of the processes for obtaining positives explained. Finally, the lecturer
showed the extraordinary extent to which photography was now, by aid of the
lantern, applied to the teaching of many branches of knowledge, illustrating
this part of the subject by a large number of beautiful slides on astronomy,
Imtany, zoology, and microscopic objects, showing what a powerful instrument
photography and the lantern have placed at the disposal of teachers of these
subjects. Information respecting the Society can be obtained of Mr. W. R.
Lilly, Norwood House, or Mr. Jas. Horton, Brayford, who are the Hon.
Secretaries. The affair has been taken up with much enthusiasm by local
photographers, and already close on fifty members have been enrolled, so that
the Club bids fair to have a most satisfactory start in life. The Club has been
founded for the study and practice of photography in all its branches, and is
open to all taking an interest in "the black art," be they amateur or pro-
fessional. Meetings are to be held twice a month during the season, and
excursions are to be made during the summer months to various places of
interest The following constitute tlie officers of the Club : — President : Rev.
Dr. Stott, Treswell. — Vice-President ; Mr. Henry Mantle. — Committee : Messrs.
W. J. Cant, T. Bell, Rev. Canon Fowler, B. Vickers, R. Slingsby, Asquith, G.
Hadley, Birkbeck, and C. Smith. — Hon. Librarian : Mr. J. E. Dickinson. —
Man. Treasurer: Mr. J. M. Warrener, the Moorlands, Bracebridae. — Son.
Secrelaria : Mr. W. R. Lilly, Norwood House, Lincoln, and Mr. J. W. Horton,
Brayford, Lincoln. We might state that the library has already been started,
several books having been obtained. It is proposed to fix up a laboratory,
with dark room, &c. , for the use of the members.
Midland Camera Club.— April 22, Rev. J. Henry, F.R.C.S. (Vice-Presi-
dent), in the chair. — Being)a Members' Lantern Night, there was a fair gathering
of friends and visitors, including many ladies. Slides were shown by the
following members : — Mrs. Welford, Dr. Maberly, Jevons Fowler, William
Seatley, Rev. J. Henry, G. Warren, T. J. Peny, and W. D. Welford. Slides
ly John Carpenter (floral stuiUes) and P. H, Fincham (Italian views) were also
ahowii.
North Wales Amateur Photographic Society.— April 18.— A laige muster
of Llandudnoites and visitors assembled to witness the exhibition of a quantity
of lantern slides, kindly lent by local slide-makers. They were shown by the
flfty-guinea Beanl's oxyhydrogen lanterns, recently purchased by Mr. Hughes,
•of Ilochester House. This machine gives a brilliant and perfectly sharp image
twenty-five feet in diameter. The slides were described by Mr. W. A.
Whiston, genial Principal of the Llandudno Collegiate School. Some of the
■views and seascapes were the work of Mr. A. R. Dresser, Messrs. Gibson, of
Hexham, and Lyd Sawyer, of Newcastle, Some twenty slides of local views
were lent by Mr. I. Slater, of Mostyn-street, Llandudno. One view of Glod-
■daeth Hall is very fine indeed, and, in order to obtain it. Lady Mostyn had a
lofty stage erected, under Mr. Slater's direction, for him and his camera. This
is a hint to other patrons not to begrudge a few pounds when the expenditure
will add to the lieauty of the resulting picture. At Gloddaeth the gardens
slope abruptly from the front of the mansion, and the erection was built of
such a height and at such a distance that a rapid rectilinear lens would cover
and include the whole building. This incident occurred during the visit of
the Queen of Ronmania to Llandudno eighteen months ago. "The two dark
rooms belonging to the North Wales Society at 44, Mostyn-street, are open
daily for visitors till half-past ten p.m. Billiard and reading-rooms are
adjoining, so tliat visitors can play while the hypo is finishing their plates.
The dark rooms are fitted with Argand gas lamps, rose water-taps {i.e., taps
■wHh a rose), hypo baths, and washing tanks. Plates and developers can be
obtained at the counter.
Rochdale and Diatrlot Photographic Society. — April 23. — The members
of this Society had a very pleasant and enjoyable ramble to Hopwood Hall and
Woods. After a short walk the grounds were reached, and the members at
once set up and commenced work. Several plates were exposed on the old
Hall itself, and the grounds and woods around also came in for a large shore
of attention, there being several very pretty and artistic bits. No difficulty
was found in getting suitable subjects for the cameras. The Society has closed
the rooms in Bury-road this week, and in future the meetings will be held fn
one of the local hotels, not yet decided upon. All correspondence must be
directed to the Secretaries, W. and S. Ingham, 30, Freehold-street, Rochdale.
iV CnreapoiKlenti thnU nner Kritt on loth Mm of On pufMr.
PERSONAL.— THE LATE HACKNEY EXHIBITION.
To the Editor.
Sni, — As we learn that it is the opinion of both yourself and Mr. Andrew
Pringle that some remarks, appearing in our monthly trade circular, may
be by others misconstrued to mean that we impeached your honesty and
probity generally in regard to the judging at the late Hackney Extiibition,
we should be pleased if you would do us the favour of publishing our
sincere regret that any remarks should have so appeared that could even
bear the semblance of such a meaning.
In our opinion, they cannot fairly be so interpreted, as, if they cod1(],
they would most certainly be untrue, and therefore would not have been
published by us, as we know of no one who would even inwardly suppose
that either of you would be guilty of any act that could be termed dis-
honest.—We are, yours, Ac, Adamb & Ca
81, Aldersgate-street, London, E.G., February 13, 1892.
[Altliough the above letter was addressed to us in a personal, aa
distinct from an editorial, sense, we accede to Messrs. Adams' request
for its publication. — Eb.]
AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT.
To the Editob,
Sib, — I find that the Table relating to the sizes, pressures, capacities,
contents, &e., of gas cylinders, given by me in the Optical Lantern, is the
copyright of tlie Scotch and Irish Oxygen Company. I copied the Table,
with slight alteration, from the Indispensable Handbook to the Optical
Lantern, and acknowledged the source ; hut, as no statement is there
made about copyright, I could not know that the Table was so protected.
As, however, it is copyright, I gladly acknowledge the ownership.— I am,
yours, Ac, Andbew Pwnqlb.
AprU 23, 1892.
" PHOTOGRAPHIC PORTRAITS."
To the Editob.
Sm, — I made a mistake in describing the publication which has gone
out of its way to attack Mr. Maskell and Mr. Davison (the latter gentle-
man being now the recipient of one of those after-event apologies which
serves merely to intensify the original insult) — I say I made a mistake in
describing this publication as the trade organ of " opticians," and my
thanks are due to Mr. Maskell for enabling me to rectify the slip. It
has, of course, all along been plain, even to the casual reader only, that
the paper is at the beck and call of one optician, whose fondness for
newspaper controversy has more than once manifested itself in your own
pages. In fact, an acquaintance with his style ofjwriting even indnees
me to ask whether that gentleman himself did not actually produce the
offending effusion, and if the leading article of April 21, in which your
contemporary indulges in a little gas and high falutin' of the " We'll-
Btiek-to-onr-guns-to-the-last " style, and at the same time confers upon
me the dubious honour of quoting and agreeing with some of my own
remarks, does not exhibit indications of having also come from the
master-hand which has lately bestowed so many remarkable things
upon a grateful photographic public ?
Mr. Maskell is unable to agree with me that this hostility to photo-
graphy of the Indefinable School proceeds from the cause I assigned to
it ; I am sorry he cannot himself tell us what he believes it to be. Is ha
innocent enough to imagine that anybody but an angry tradesman could
he so alarmed over a few blurred photographs as to subsidise a newspaper
to write them and their authors down ? I should be glad to have Mr.
Maskell's answer to that question. He flatters me in casting upon me
the task of finding the grounds of excuse of the attack, an honour of
which, however, I shall not try to deprive him. I regsird it as calculated
to perpetuate the practice of prostituting photography to the eccentric
fads of the No-focus School to enter into any further argument with Mr.
Maskell on the matter, and therefore I will ask liim to let me leave him
to find out (if he can) the cause of your contemporary's attack upon him
and his friends. Of this, however, he may be sure — that, accepting the
reason I have given, opticians generally, from what I can gather, so far
from sympathising with the chagrin of one of their number, regard the
productions of Mr. Maskell and his friends with mingled amusement and
contempt.
Neither personally nor in print is ilx. Maslcell a very amusing man.
Afril 89,1803]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
287
■Bd jwt in bis Wtler be ha* contriTed to give me msterul (or loaie good
lam. ttatj him nttiog down on E««tcr Snndaj, pen in hand, woodaring
who cm Mtth Cimmbaa Brown, jmi., is, owning that h« never heard of
kfan bdon, and then " inelining to Minnise " (onl/ inclining) that " the
■MM ii a pMndonym I" Shade of Do Uanrier ! didst thoa inrent a
jgifljlliwaile and a CimabiM Brown (or thia? Bat whether Uie
fMadoBTm tvOs a diitingjiisbad iitmUtj or not ia of litUe oaaMqaanoe,
onpt a ao tar a* it giTM Mr. Maakall the opportimity of inAiigitw in
Mm itaivo^fpad anaer at an [aaenymou eorreqnndent. PediapaM r.
Ifaatell bionaU aoMUaa tlie best nmam why optiiaaaa and olbwa ibeold
in fatare treat Mr. Maakell and hia binda with indifleranea, and that is
that, aomerieally apeaking, the new iolMOl ia ao amall aa to be beneath
■otiee.— I am. Toma, Ac, Cnuacn Saowx, tvs.
Aril 35, MM.
>
THE ACTIKOOIUPH aPBBD OF DRY PI^TBa
ItotAeBBitos.
Bn, — In order to maat the wiahaa of naneroni amateota who deaire to
at tha aetinograph apaed of platea of atlier nuke than oar own, Mr. J.
ifUrtj, of Earlawood-road. BadhiU, baa kindly oooaentad to datennine
thair apaad l^ the Hortac A Driffield aathod. charging a HnaU taa.
Wa aaaak (roan axpanenea when wa aay wa know thia gentlanan is
ibanMfb^ aMMalMt to aadartaka thia taatins.— Wa an, jMH, Aa .
« mdU, 8»U ifani, Lcmim, W., April at, IWW. MaaiMiACo.
[Wa hare alao i«e«iT«d a coamunieatioa from Mr. Bterrj to the
-naM effect. — Eo.]
»
" SPBKD " OP PLATKS.
To tk4 Enrron.
Bni,— Aa 70a an arar tmij to l«ad a baiftof band to tha enaa
ol ^Mtogiaplqr, aagr I aak 7M1 to aMM a fa p^Uia • ■itiw aa
paiiUa what ia, or Vol rihortlT ba, • dWdeiataa to wwhafs ia ttaa art ?
AaaaC t>>aM "*» h«*" itaAad Miawi Hortar A fMOaid'a ayatam (or
i^yatam
( then can fT**y be a aaeoad opinion aa to
tbatmlfi^aftbairdaiaetloM: bottha valna of thair diaaovan ean o^
ba fnQjr amadatad br workan kaowit^ tba " cpaad " of Um vaiiou
bnada of platac To oMain eonaet aspaama, wbid ia Iha Brat miiillil
ahrayi be MaMtbli« Mt to
nMtaiaUia, tofapwItolha'aatoaralnMdr of prapamd
o»bythaM^kt.aSnttfcapariaaaln||Mwi. Bat iSa «•!
goaa wltfaoM Mgri^. rmiiaa ia diflknto
MitotkaiadhUa
Mtoih I hM* tok. ..^.. m,
lald'a naaoaatlaaably tiM moat
MifiTMarioa A Co.. who. I n
paihat of plalaa Ihaacwaet laaad ef that partianlar batah.
aM alba Blataa,aa4jMbah|]r an aaatiaiad with tbatri
I aa with aiaa. Oaold yon not, <* tmihtdrti, raggaal
aOaa tba aMaaUHQr «t iadlaaiic aa aacb of tka^faaan tba « naad '■
aaarifadtotbaHataOPrfaWaaaHa^aphf T» Ibaa who d^Bot
oaa that apaatot III iliiMialaahanaaaaMaaaraa; bal to ttwaa who da
it would pion •■ Innlliiiikli booa.— I ua, yoora, ««.,
nawjav Jfiatwp. OMOif. J. Caara
DJK
BOW TO AVOID THE MUBKT SMELL OF THB^OIL LANTEBR.
TalAfBMnaL
8n.— It nay ba e( gnat iatonit to aaar of yaa mUan who on aa
oil lamp lo know that iha dtoMaaMa aMn ao allaa «aariaMad aa* ba
totally avoidad by adopKag tba loOawi^ paaaBtiaaa>-
Wbaa the lamp ia doaa with. aD tba oQ that aaa ha aot to raa oat
ihoald ba poond ofli Ihaalhawieka ihrmli In nliahtad. airi alViwad to
ban ricbt oat. Tha laap aay than ba pot away.
It aaa not ba nhaiaad with ail agato ILl it ia in poatioa and aboat to
■ aaad. whaa aa aaaO »t aay iiagiHabli ibaiaila wiU ba aoHad.
ttotkaanal *a
kapa wa ba awoldad, aad aooh plwwM
alida, whan .fbraarty aanoyaan md had
tion.— I aa, yoara, Aa.,
Coawra Ola*, ilfrfl K, UM.
otoO
what ihawhia tha
parradad tha ^dU.
Fain HowABo.
THE rHOTOGEAPHIC COMVEHTION OF THE USIXED
KI SODOM.
r» IA« S
8n.— I taka tha Uhato to aa^naa yoa to
tian abottt tha FilliiTiaJi aaatag of Iha „,„,,,
Jaty next, which I kiMwiwfll pon iatanati^ to yoot
to ttioae wbo an ' —
Miss Catherine Weed Barnes, of New York, will read a paper on
" Amateur Photography in America." Mr. Andrew Pringle will give an
address on " Phot(^aphy in Belation to Pathology." Mr. C. H.
Bothamley has promised to give a fourth lecture on " Orthochromatie
Photography." Mr. H. P. Bobinson will also send a contribution on
" Indiridnuity in Photography."
Other papers have also been promised, and I will send you a further
communication on the subject. — I am, yours, &c.,
F. P. Ckmbiuko, jits., Hon. See,
10, Cambridge-gardens, Siehmond, Surrey, April 25, 1892,
A NATIONAL PHOTOGBAPHIC RECORD SURVEY.
To the EDmni.
Sn,— As I have to read a paper— Propo»oi /or o National Photographic
Record and Surrey— 'bdon the Photographic Society of Great Britain
on May 10, may I ask secretaries o( societies, or any individuals who
have aomnteneed survey work, and with whom I hare not been in com-
munioation, to kindly send me details as early as poasible, so that I may be
able to gira them dne credit and publicity. — I am, yours, im.,
Birminghem, April 25, 1892. W. Jebome Habrisoh.
»
DEVELOPMENT ON THE SCREEN.
To the Editor.
8a. — I hare always used the (errous oxalate (or this experiment, owing
to its being so non-actinic Pyro or hydroquinone woold, no doubt, do if
a yellow glaa were intarixwed between the light and the plate. No
doubt, also, one of the Tery alow bromida lantern plates could ba lued
instead o( chloride.
I hare not tried, but would anggat, m possibly a pretty experiment, to
biaaoh a dilotide pUta with maenry and then raderelop with hypo.
CoaldBOtaaaibantiMiapaiaoey banaad7 The gradoal diaaolving ol the
aohibla galatiaf would ba laen vary wall. — I am, yoora, Ao.,
Tht Hut, IngmettoRe, April 25, 1803. H. O. M. CoxrasAXS^
PRINTINO-OUT CHLORIDE PAPBB.
To the Bdror.
Bn,— Would not paper that wm to ba used let printing out requin to -
be vary kept from white light? In tba prooeu of manufacture it
ia not iapcobable that paper which the manofaotarer axpecU will be
ptiatad oat may ba ezpoad to enough white light to render it nwliaa lor
dafalanaaat.— I am. years, ix., 0,
Dtmi, April 21, 189*2.
[Wa have a leadiag article on the aubjeetebewbere. Probably the
ezpoaan tha paper undergoee in the manufaetuie would not interfere
with tta derelopabla proportiaa.— Ed.]
EXHIBITION AT BATH. .
To the Editob.
StB, — Psrmit me to draw attention to the enclosed projected show of
photORrapba aad appaiatoa to ba held in May next. Conthbotors will be
peraittad to aflli nama aad titla on their work, and, if professional, tho
ptiec No entianM fa, no award, no coats of oarriage.
Tha Sob-Cominittae appointed by tha Bath Photognyhie Society are
waUnc in aamaat, and tba azparfaaant ia regarded m one highly pro-
babia to niiiid aad. ia tima, to iaoreaa in naafnlaaa Already maay
waU-kaown aaalaiiii baa pcotniaed to eontribate, and the mannfaa-
will ba waU rapaaaatad.— I am, yma, ^ke.,
W. M. Aliaa, Moa. SannMarw Bath Photographic Soeiftv.
Ua. Old Bomd^trwit, SMk, April W, I8M.
[The following are the particulars. — Ed.] :—
PbosAi, Ami and Ikvcstbial Exbibitio.-c, Bath, Mat 18 asd 19.
awBoa B^Art Dapartaaot). Photographic Exhibits.
Amattur: 1, Tiewa; 2. Genre; 8. Flash lifj^ht Photography
4. Sdeatiflc; 6. Lantern Slidea. Profetsional: 0. Portraiture;
7. Enlargemento; 8. Views: 9. Laatera Slidea; 10. Apparatus of
raeant inteodoction ; 11. Eady Spaaaaoa of Apparatus and Photo-
^,18. Other Exhibita of intanat bandw thow aboire men-
S&^
T«
IStcIjange Column.
J Wud A Lock's t'mwrMl /ulntetor, (mtr-thrsa parti oomplsts, lUso
I BaiTua JovBSAt or Paoroaatrar aad Jfto* jfr boou, URt-W, bonnd in
■ wil»»i. (or Tolaaas o( Taa Batraa JovtMU, or CaoroaBAmT.— Addraa^
nil eiatoaaa • aaarty aaw — ftn laatani wia araial dUw, foar^riok Ikmp, and
■laadnsjat. Ahe a ilaMi a— < lalll^ M«iMle<»o4nah reU aad plata, tor *
food wbiitialate, airtdeor. telg^ ■■— wttk two or tkraa doabla lUdai aad »•
man badn.— AddiMi, w. Boas, Macdslaa^tiad, BocwUi,
4
S88
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[April 29, 1802
anetoers to arorteaponttenw.
I for Ott text portion of IMi Jousnal, including queriet for
t'' emd "Bxehmges," mutt be addressed to "Thb Editob,
AU wuMort
" Antitort'
a Torh^treit, Covmt Oardm, 'London. Inattention to this ensures delay.
Ifo notice tofen qf communications unless name and address of wrtter are
svoen,
•»• Communications relating to AdvertisemenU and general business ^airs
must be addressed to " Hknbt Gbmhwood & Co.,"^ 2, Tork-street, Covent
Oarden, London.
Photoobapbs Reqisterh) :
T. S. Li«»OD, Westmoreland.— PhotojpMpK o/D««r ill lCT<m'« Porlt.
Juiei Downej & Sonn, South Shields.— Photojiroph of Mr. John L. EtcJimotvd.
J. H. Habvey (Melbourne).— Your suggestion shall be considered.
W. E. C. B.— The cause of the spots is imperfect fi.xation of the prints.
Opal.— Messrs. Morgan k Kidd, we believe, supply bevelled opals to the
trade.
PLATraic— There is no metal recoverable that would repay for the trouble in-
volved.
J. C. P.— The quantity of pyroxyline should in both cases be twenty-five
grains. The emulsion wouttl be suitable for opals,
S»PHOX.— If you mean Mr. Buchillot, the address is Southampton-row. The
address of the Autotype Company is New 0.\ford-street, W.
John Stebbt. — Thanks. As you will perceive from our correspondence
columns, we have already received a letter from Messrs. Marion on the
subject
A. G. Bbadt.— The primuline process is patented, but no doubt you can
.obtain a licence to work it. Write to Messrs. Green, Cross, & Sevan, 4,
New-court, Lincoln's-inn, W.C. The materials are not expensive.
W. Shbbrell.— If you will refer to pages ?22 and 337 of the volume of the
JOUBNAL for 1891, you will (ind two articles treating on the addition of sal
ammoniac to the developer, which will give you the information you desire.
S. A. W. — If a photographer supplies bromide prints for platinotypes, he is
committing a fraud upon his customers quite as great as the man who sup-
plies margarine for butter, and brings himself within the pale of the law if
the customer chose to take action.
COPTIST. — The formulae for orthochromatising plates given in the Almanac are
amongst the best that have been published. You may certainly rely upon
what ilr. Bothamley has written on orthochromatic photography generally.
There is, as yoii remark, plenty of room for further experiment.
TOUKIST. — If you intend to travel with your camera anywhere on the Franco-
German frontier, you should certainly provide yourself with a passport. You
must bear in mind, however, that the possession of one will not protect you
from inconvenience if you set up your camera in the neighbourhood of any
of the forts.
Printer writes : " Would you kindly tell me if silver prints, placed in a
solution of sulphuric acid after fixing, are rendered less likely to fade ? and,
if so, what strength the acid bath should be, and how long the prints may
remain in it ?" — If fugitive prints are desired, the proposed treatment would
be one of the best methods of producing them.
•C. Beston writes a long letter in which he attributes the entire cause of fading
to the deleterious cards upon which the prints are mounted, and contrasts
them with the cards that were used thirty years ago. Doubtless some
mounts have a very destructive action on the prints put upon tliem, but it
is useless to argue that the mounts are the sole cause of the fading of silver
prints. If it were, then all unmounted prints should be permanent. Are
they?
J. T. C. — Although a portrait lens is the quickest in action, it is not the best
to use in taking a group of a hundred or more people, on a 12 x 10 plate, out
of doors. In order to secure good definition in the different planes, and
shan>ness to the edges of the plate, it must be considerably stopped down,
«o that its rapidity becomes reduced to that of, say, one of the "rapid"
type, without any corresponding advantage. Indeed, the latter will be
found the better instrument of the two, in practice, for that class of work.
■C.IRat. — None of the well-known dry-plate makers will purchase oldnegatives
for the purpose of cleaning off the films and recoating the glass. The only
way we can suggest of dealing with them is to pay the dustman to take them
away. You might, however, clean off the films with the view to recovering
the silver from them, and then disposing of the larger-size plates to some
nurseryman for glazing greenhouses ; but whether this would recoup you for
the time and trouble involved you are better qualified to form an opinion
than we are.
■" Photooraphie," who wishes to know the best camera and stand, half-plate
size, for travelling with to take views, and to be also used for indoor work,
photographing samples of goods and which lens we consider the best for
both purposes — in fact, complete kit, and the price — and also asks us to say
which we consider the best and quickest developer, disregards our rules in
not enclosing his (or her) name, and, if a reader of our pages, should know
that we always decline to say which we consider the " best " camera and the
" best " lens.
E. W. says : "The other day I took the interior of our parish church. It is a
very dark one, as most of the windows are of stained glass. I gave it an
exposure of half an hour, and it is fully done ; but the extraordinary point
in connexion with the picture is, that m one of the corners there is, on a
plain piece of wall, a window tliat is on the other side of the building, and
could not be seen on the focussing screen when the camera was replaced in
precisely the same spot the next day. Can you suggest any reason for this
strange phenomenon ?" — The explanation is very simple : There is a minute
hole in some portion of the camera or the bellows, and that has acted the part
I ^of a "pinhole camera."
H. WiLLETT writes : "Shall be glad if you will inform me what the law is as
regards exhibiting of specimens. Can a person compel a photographer not
to exhibit a photograph i Is there a law to make him take it in from case ? " —
Wliatever may be the state of the law on the point, a photographer has no
moral right whatever to exhibit a portrait without the sitter's permission.
If a portrait is shown to the annoyance of a sitter after a formal notice for
its removal has been served, no doubt an injunction to restrain could be
obtained ; then the photographer miglit be mulct in heavy costs. In one
case a sitter took the law into his own hands, and smashed the portrait and
case, and was summoned for it. The judgment was, if we mistake not, that
he was justified in destroying the portrait, but he had to pay for the glass,
and the photographer lost his costs.
S. W. writes : " Two years ago I took an apprentice, with a premium, for
three years. The friends of the youth now complain that I am not thoroughly
teaching him the business, and are threatening me with legal proceedmgs
for the recovery of the money and services rendered. They say that I should
teach him such processes as wet collodion, carbon printing, enlarging by
different methods, retouching, taking landscapes, &c., things I do not do
myself. Is this reasonable!" — Yes. If you have taken a premium, and
engaged to teach the youth photography, he is quite entitled to be taught
these and other things in connexion with the business. If you took the
money only to teach him how to take a negative and print from it in silver,
such should have been stated in the indentures. Unless this was done,
those who paid the money have good ground of action, and wiU, doubtless,
recover.
F. Hall writes : " I want to convert some silver sulphide into pure nitrate
Can you kindly tell me how I can do it without the aid of a fire ? By this I
mean by a process without fusing, or any process of that sort. In looking
the subject up, I see there is an article on it in the Journal of June 7, 1889,
in which it says that it can be dissolved in pure nitric acid. I have tried
this, and find it will not dissolve to any extent ; also the little that is
obtained is not pure, but mixed largely with impurities. I want the nitrate
for experimental purpo:ies and for a wet-plate bath. If you can help me, I
shall be very much obliged. " — If the directions as given be carefully followed,
nitrate of silver will be obtained ; but, if chemically pure nitrate be required,
instead of crystallising the nitrate first obtained, the silver should be pre-
cipitated from it as a chloride. The chloride then, after thorough washmg
should be decomposed by pure zinc and sulphuric acid, wa.shed, treated with
sulphuric acid to remove any undissolved zinc, again washed, and the pure
silver thus obtained dissolved in nitric acid and crystallised. The simplest
and most economical plan is to send the sulphide to the refiner, and get from
him in exchange either nitrate of silver or cash.
London and Provincial Photographic Association. — May 5, Wei
Collodion, adjourned discussion. 12, Members' Open Night. 19, Monthly
Lantern Night.
Wb are happy to announce that Mr. P. K Ives, of Philadelphia, has arrived
in this country, and on May 10 and 17 lectures at the Royal Institution on
Photograph!/ in the Colours of Nature.
Photographic Club. — May 4, Hand Cameras up to Date. 11, Fancy
Printing and Mountitig. Outing, Saturday, April 30, to High Beach. Train
from Liverpool-street for Loughton, 2.35.
On Tuesday, May 17, Mr. A. W. Dawson gives a demonstration on Photo-
gravure before tlie Photographic Society of Great Britain. We understand
that on this occasion a large number of prints will be on view in illustration of
the process.
From the London Sensitised Paper- Company we have received a small
sample of their " Sans Egal " sensitised paper, which, upon trial, we find to
print quickly and tone easily, in the ordinary acetate bath, to a most agreeable
warm colour.
Sooth London Photoqbaphic Socebtt. — May 2, Demonstration in Carbon
Printing, by the Autotype Company. 7, Excursion to Greenwich. 16, Stereo-
scopic Photography, by W. I. Chadwick, Manchester. 21, Excursion to
Loughton for High Beach.
Messrs. Perken, Son, & Ratment ask us to state that, ha\ing entirely sold
out the third edition of the Beginners' Guide to Photography, which com-
pleted the twenty-fourth thousand, they are just issuing a fourth edition of
the usual number, 8000. It is to be sold, as usual, cloth covers 6rf.
An amateur photographic e.xhibition will be held at Castle Wemyss on the
27th and 28th of May, 1892. Section I. is open to amateurs who have photo-
graphed under two years from June 1, 1892. There are two classe.« : — (1)
Portrait or Group, any process ; and (2) Landscape or Seascape, any process.
Section II. is open to all amateurs, and there are seven classes as follows ; —
(1) Portrait or Group, any process; (2) Landscape or Seascape, 8Jx6^ and
over, any process ; (3) Landscape or Seascajie, 8x5 and under, any process ;
(4) Instantaneous, any process ; (5) Animal Study, any process ; (6) Enlarge-
ment, any process; (7) Lantern Slides, any process (set of six). All entries
must be made to Miss Bums, Castle Wemyss, Wemyss Bay, on or before
May 20.
OONTEMTS,
Paax
the new concentric lens 273
development of partly printed
proofs, lantern slides, and
opals S71
ON SPOTTINO 27*
THE CHEMICAL CHANGES ATTEND-
ING photogkaphic operations.
By HKNRY E. ARMSTRONG. F.R.S. .. 276
AMERICAN NOTES AND NEWS 278
DEVELOPMENT OF WEAKLY PRINTED
POSITIVES ON GLASS AND OPAL.
By E. VALENTA 876
Pa«b
LANTERN SLIDES — HOW TO PRO-
DUCE AND EXHIBIT THEM. By
FRED. DUNSTERVILLE 280
CLAIM fid, BALANCE FOR PHOTO-
GRAPHIC STUDIO AND CONTENTS.. 2«i
OUR EDITORIAL TABLE 283
RECENT PATENTS S8»
HEETINGS OF SOCIETIES 2S4
CORRESPONDENCE 2"«
EXCHANGE COLUMN 287
ANSWERS TO C0RRE8P0NDENTB 289
THE BEITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1670. Vol. XXXIX.— MAY 6, 1892.
PLATINOTYPE MODIFICATIONSi
Tre latest modification of the platinotype prooesa is bo very
simple in practice that we can perfectlj gyrapathiae with
aeveral experienced platinotype printers who have remarked,
.Imost in a spirit of complaint, that platinotjpe has now been
:iiade too easy. Thia feeling on the part of trade printers and
thera is not difficult to realise when we consider that Mr.
AVlllia, in the latest outoome of his experiments, has not only
swept away at a stroke sundry difficulties of working attendant
upon the hot-bath prooeas, the popularity and adTantagea of
-which remained undiminished by the cold • derelopmeot,
l>latinum-in-tb0-bath paper, which was brought out in 1888,
but haa also imparted to the lenaitiTe coating a Tariety of
oaeful propertiea, which reduce to the minimum the chances of
failure arising from imperfect manipulatieo of the ptaper. In
>>rief, the new paper, so far as quality of result is concerned,
itnista so little to the skill of the {printer, as compared with
th« hot-bath prooea, that it may be seriously questioned
whether the art ot printing from the negatiTe in platmum
's capable of ondargoiiig any further simplification at Mr.
Wniis'> hands.
The old oold-bath prncew attracted little farour on account
of the uncertain qualities of the pietvres it produced, and the
difficulty of arriving at the eaoaea of the failures, with a Tiew
to their prvrentjoo. Mr. Williii haa indicated some of the
causes which taod to produce this uncertainty in cold dcTcIop-
ment. The rate of solution by the developer of the soluble
salt on the paper, he poiata oat, aunt not bear too large a
ratio to the rate at which tht pigmmt^brmtng salt is reduced.
If the salts oo the paper were diasolTed bofore any reducing
action commenced, no image ooold be formed, and, on the
cher hand, if there were only a small portion of undisaolTed
suit on the paper at the moment of derelopment, the image
formed would be weak. Temperature gorema both the rapidity
• >( rednctioo as well as the rapidity of salts on the p^ier, and,
u these rates do not vary according to the same law, tlwre are,
11 Mr. Willi!! further says, two fsotors to be dealt with. The
r vtio which these two Tekdtisa bear to one another at a given
ompcrature governs the rwolts obtained. In the new paper,
to quote Mr. Willis again, rapidity of solution of the salts does
□ot overtake rapidity of rwiuction, and thus the image Is
leveloped before the image-forming saltsVc removed from the
paper.
Within the last few weeks we believe experience of the new
paper has not only ooofirmed some of the original claims made
on its behalfi but has also admitted of others being urged.
For example, Mr. Willis laid down the temperature of develop-
ment at from ■*>0' to 70' Fahr., but we gather that it has been
foond practicable to use the bath at a temperature as low
•IS 40*. Wlien we add that, at a normal temperature, develop-
ment takes some thirty seconds or so before starting, and that
the developing solution employed need not diflfer in composition
or strength from that used with the hot-bath process, we have
indicated the cardinal points of difference from, and resem-
blance between, the two processes, the details of the preparation
of the new sensitive surface, of course, not being available. But
nobody's curiosity on this point will, we conceive, outlast a
feeling of thanks to Mr. Willis for having relieved the platino-
type worker of the spirit lamp, the thermometer, and the
iron dish.
As to the qualities of the pictures yielded by the new
method, we Jjave satisfied ourselves that in fineness of deposit,
in crispness of detail, in vigour and depth of shadow, and in
range of tones, the cold-bath paper has the best of the com-
parison with the hot bath. There is, indeed, a imiform richness
of deposit throughout the scale, which was often sought for
vainly m prints produced by hot development — the latter
sometimes luiving a flatness and slatiness of tone not always
referable to errors in exposure or development. As to the
former class of errors, with the new paper Mr. Willis has, we
suppose, modified liis original ideas. At the outset he recom-
mended hypophosphite of soda as a restrainer in over-printing ;
in practice, however, simple dilution of the developer answers
admirably, while, with under-printed proofs, heating the de-
veloping solution providea a remedy.
But it is in respect of those properties of Ae sensitive com-
pound to which we have made allusion above that we think
the new paper poasesses a peculiar value. It is, so to speak,
tar leas tender to the touch of accidental ill treatment than the
surfaoes it has displaced, and on that score it is assured of a
freer welcome in the printing room than they. Air bubbles, if
they form, do not leave any mark behind, and indeed, to push
this property to a critical extent, the paper may be developed
in sections, and when thi> entire print is finished it presents an
appearance of homogeneity inconsistent with the method of its
development. Again, accidental finger-marks, when made with
the developer in the undeveloped print, do not show after
development The " nnbreakability " of the surface is proved by
the fact that a fold in the exposed paper leaves after develop-
ment no visible mark. Finally, but not to exhaust the list,
development may be acoomplished as easily and as efficiently
b|^_lb-k^h as by flotation, a fact which we are inclined to
tbhiK Aay, in skilful hands, be taken advantage of in the pro-
duction of artistic results from inferior negatives not otherwise
within reach.
It will be seen that the latest advance in platinotype printing
is a distinct and welcome one. That it will tend further to
popularise a beautiful and favourite process we have little
hesitation in conjecturing. It has left ilr. Willis no more
worlds to conquer, but it has earned him the thanks of all
290
THE BlUTISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[May 6, 1892
lovers of platinotjpe printing. Wc do not know whether paper
giving sepia tones is amenable to cold development ; if so, wo
await its appeai-ance with interest, inasmuch as, in the present
ascendency of warm tones, sepia-toned platiuotypes by the new
cold-bath process should be very popular.
THE EMPLOYMENT OF STOPS IN LANDSCAPE
WORK.
The landscape photographer of to-day works under very dif-
ferent conditions, both as regards lenses and plates, to his
congener of twenty years ago; but it may bo seriously
questioned whether, taking into consideration the great im-
provements that have been made in his instruments and
materials, he surpasses or even equals the best work of that
period. Tlie only, or, at any rate, the chief advantage those
improvements have had for the modem worker, in too many
cases, has been that he is enabled with less trouble and effort
to produce fairly good work, whereas his predecessor was
compelled to exercise every care in, and devote no small
amount of intelligence to, the proper carrying out of his various
operations.
Looking to the optical side of the question, one cannot but
be struck by the vast difference that exists between the
instruments in common use at the present time and those
that were almost universally employed even as late as only
twenty years back. No photographer — except those who are
satisfied with the very cheapest of apparatus — now feels him-
self properly equipped unless he is armed with a lens of the
" rapid " type, and these, of very excellent quality, are obtain-
able at comparatively reasonable prices. But at the period
referred to, although such lenses in various forms were in
existence, their high price deterred the majority of workers
from giving up the single landscape lens with which they had
been so long familiar, and few amateurs, or even professionals,
except such as made landscape work their sole business, em-
ployed any but the old favourite.
In those days of long exposures — for even the relatively
small number of wet-plate landscape workers were badly
handicapped in comparison with their modem brethren — the
cry was for optical improvements, and this in s])ite of the rapid
form of lenses that were already available. These, it is true,
were usable under certain conditions with a far larger working
aperture than was possible with the single lens, but it was at
the cost of diminished depth of focus and general covering
power ; and the landscape workers of that day declined to
relinquish quality of result for mere rapidity of Avorking.
Now, on the other hand, the tendency is rather in the opposite
direction, and the modem amateur is all too prone to utilise to
their utmost the vastly increased powers placed at his disposal,
to the almost total disregard of results. Thus we find many
amateurs who would no more think of going out for a day's
landscape work without an instantaneous shutter than of
leaving the lenses at home, and who would scarcely feel happy
unless their plates were of the most rapid kind. It has been
so frequently pointed out that, though it is an invaluable power
to be able to make drop-shutter exposures when circumstances
compel, still it is in the highest sense foolish to make a practice
of doing so indiscriminately. We have seen many amateurs at
work on foliage subjects, with the shutter, or " off-and-on " cap
exposures, but we am truly say we never saw a really good
result therefrom, that is to say, a result that would not have
been greatly improved in some or all respects by a longer
exposure. The Shakesperian proverb says tmly, " 'Tis well to
have a giant's strength, but 'tis tyrannous to use it as a giant."
There are several ai'guincnts that might be brought forward
by the old time landscapist in favour not so much of long
exposures as of using the stop in preference to the full aperture
of the lens. The one is, of course, a concomitant of the other,,
but not even the strongest partisan of " old times " would pre-
ferably give five minutes, or even five seconds, exposure if an
equally good result could be got instantaneously. But there
are advantages accruing from the use of the stop that possibly
many modem amateurs have never thought of.
One function of the stop, or rather the one supposed objec-
tion to its use — that is, of course, an unnecessarily small stop
— in former days, was that it destroyed atmosphere and dis-
tance. Now, though practicaUj-, in employing a very small
stop, the general tendency to want of atmosphere might be
greater than when a larger aperture was regularly used, we
are personally of the opinion that it was not the fault of the
stop as such, but the stronger aptitude to under-expose that
its use involved. Less attention was paid fomierly to the
accurate relation of the exposures made with different stops, and,
as every one is aware, there is a very strong inducement to
make a long exposure as short as possible ; hence we think
that, when using small stops, the want of " atmosphere " came
to be set down erroneously as a necessary function of the stop
instead of to an unconscious habit of under-exposure.
The landscape worker of old laid himself out to produce a
picture as optically perfect as his instraments would permit,,
and strove to have both his foreground and distant objects, the
central as well as the marginal, as well defined as possible, and
to attain this end he stopped down his lens as much as the
rapidity of his plates would allow him to do conveniently.
The "impressionist" school have done much latterly to cast
ridicule upon the idea that want of sharpness constitutes
" art," or that it increases the " softness " of a picture. The
idea of giving prominence to the chief object in a picture is an
excellent one, but it should be carried out in other ways than
by making that one object sharp, and all the rest out of focus.
Again, the argument that in nature the eye only sees a smalli
portion of the landscape distinctly (or sharp) at once is quite
true ; but it can see any portion sharp that it is turned to,
which is more than can be said of the impressionist's work, in
which, if the eye be taken off the main object, there is nothing
sharp to see.
Let us, by all means, then, start with a well-defined picture,,
for, however microscopically sharp it may be, if the gradations
of light and shade are con-ect, that is to say, if it has been
properly lighted and exposed, the minute definition will in no
case prove offensive. Where such appears to be the case, it
will generally be found due really either to bad lighting, or to
too liarsh contrasts. AVe remember, many yeai-s ago, a
charming picture by an amateur friend, of the Matterhorn, and
the well-known Rosenlaui Valley, which would have been
perfect but for such an effect. lu one portion of the picture is
a belt or mass of dark pine trees, and these wore almost micro- -
scopically rendered, being at the same time lit by a strong side
light. 'The result was that the extremely fine rendering of the
illuminated side of the trees, shai-ply cut against the deep
shadow, gave the trees the appearance of being cut out of paper,
the result being set down to excessive sharpness, whereas, in.
our view, it was solely due to the exposure having been in-
sufficient for that portion of the picture.
SUj e. 1809]
THE BIUTISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
291
Now, with the best of leases, of whatever form, it is perfectly
weU known that objects at widely diSetent distances cannot be
•ecured of equal sharpness when the full or a large aperture is
einTiloyed, because the lens is then de&cient in what is known
;is "depth of fociw." Neither, under similar circumstances,
will a lens of the focus intended to cover a given sized plate do
so equiilly from centre to edge on account of the natural curva-
ture of the field, and in both cases a stop becomes a necessity.
In the latter instance, a lens of much longer focus, and capable,
therefore, of ooreiing a larger suiiaoe, may bo used to get over
the <lifficulty of curvature of image, if the subject will admit
of it ; but then, in the matter of depth of focus, things are
worse than with a shorter-focussed lens. Wherefore we say,
Use a stop, and be content with a moderate exposure.
But, from another point of Tiew, a somewhat protracted
exposure beoomsa an absoluta adrsntage, notably on a windy
day, paradffTi^' as it may appear. Here rapidity of exposure
woold seem to be the one essential, and certainly, if the quality
of result could be obtained with an iiutantaneout exposure,
nothing better could be desired. Bat, as we hare said, drop-
shutter exposures will »U give the result, and, failing that, an
exposure of half a second, or one, two, or three seconds will be
far more likely to show motion of the trees than one of ten,
twenty, or thirty. Look OTer a collection of landscapes of
twenty yesn or more ago, mora especially if taken on dry
plates requiring exposnres, perhaps, of half an hour, and note
how very favourably the rendering of the foliage, as regards
stillness, oompsres with much of the work of to-day executed
in a second or two. Now we hare too frequently to accept a
fan like blur as repraaenting a hanging spray, or, in bad cases,
a aeries of oonesBtrio segments of a cirds will mark ths line of
•motion of a swiagiag branch.
In very few portions of the country where laadicape work is
-worth doiuK' is a perfec-tly still day ever experienced, or, if it
aliuuld be, it is under circumstances of light that render work
impossible. The regolar Isadacapo worker knows this, and
goes prepared to "dodge" the whid, selecting those momenU
when the foliage Is still for aa instant, and making his ex-
posure in little bits. It was no oner^mmon thing in old dry-
plate days to spend half an hour or an hour in thus eking out
an actual ezposnra of two or three minntsa. Now, failing an
instantaneous exposure, a merely short one is Meless, aseept to
show that the trees wera in motion when it was made. To cut
up a total expcaora of two or three seconds into fragments is a
practical impoeaibility ; bat, if by inserting a stop the neoes-
eary time can be inoeaeed to, say, ten seccods, there is a
chance, by moans of maaiial dexterity and ekaely watching
the foliage, to divide the time into small portioas during
which the wind is abssnt. For this purpose a simple flap
shatter, worked with the thumb and finger, ia more eoDTenient
than the cap, and is further usefnl ss a sky shade.
We might enlarge to almost any extent on thedaairability of
using the stops instead of Aill aperture, but space will not
we have, however, said enough to warn oar younger
I of the folly of going in for qniek exposares instcsd of
; qaality of result.
Photorrapby in Vatoral Coiotm,—Apnf>c» of Mr. F.
K. Iv.<' l-.rir- ••n !'■ 7 '' '''■/■' nn 0/ Xaturi st the
Krival hutaulijn ueit w.j^k.w. uTi'i' r-taii'l that M. LippmaoD, of
I'an*, will shortly sunoaes the resoltt of some further experimeDt*
m the direct rtprodnetjMis of coloaia. The methods of both woiken
ars, however, as oar teadeis ars aware, entirely dissimilar.
The " Daily Chronicle " on Process Work.— Our
moming contemporary of the 4th inst. devotes a large portion of
its space to a review of the month's illostrated periodicals, chiefly
with regard to the methods of reproduction selected. Of many of the
photo-mechanical blocks in the last Harf>er we are told that " these
reproductions prove that the cheap sneers at cheap processes can
henceforward only be indulged in by people who do not know what
they are talking about." Of another magazine, however, it says that
it thinks " it can almost dispense with the artist and substitute for
him the photograph." Query, "photographer?" "That it fails
lamentably in doing this is because photography is not a fine art, and
therefore the reproduction of a photograph is not an artistic object."
Good reviewer, there are other people who do not know what they
are talking about besides those who fling cheap sneers at cheap
processes.
SKineraliaed BXethylated Spirit in Collodion XSmal-
alon. — At the last technical meeting of the Photographic Society of
Qreat Britain some stereoscopic collodion transparencies by Mr.
Wameilce were shown, the iialves being made from different
emalaions coated on the same plate. The one emulsion wa^ made
with the old form of methyUted spirit, the other with the nuneralised
compound. Mr. Wamerke claimed, and a comparison of the results
seenied to support the claim, that the emulsion made with the
mineralised spirit was more sensitive than the other, without any
disadvantages to set against this gain. The images, however, were,
as was pointed oat at the meeting, decidedly foggy — too foggy, in
fact, for Li|item-alide work. On the whole, however, the new
methylated spirit, from this and other evidence, does not appear to
have the deleterious effect in collodion emulsion work that was
antidpsted. Of its effect in gelatine emulsion making we are without
any data.
The Society's Keeting-s.— The lecture on Photogravure
which is to be delivered by Mr. A. W. Dawson at the Photographic
Sodaty of Great Britain on May 17 is an " extra night," that is to
say, the BMeting will be in addition to the technical and ordinary
meetings which are held every month. We do not doubt that, to
employ the trite phrase, the lecture and its illustrative examples will
be very interesting, and we hope a good attendance will result But
our hope is anaooompanied by a feeling of confidence in its realisation.
The attendances at the Society's special lectures eariier in the year were
ridicolooaly small, and at the technical meetii^ on the 30th ult. the
amasing number of nine members climbed up thooe awful stairs in
Great Roasall-atieet. What is the cause of this apathy among the
BMatbaiaP A aabnrban Sodety, the North Middlesex, frequently
has aa attendance of from forty to fifty ; the London and Provincial
invariably makes a good muster ; and the Photographic Society of
Great Britain— the " Parent " Society— never \
Speed of Plates. — Dr. Cnrtf-r ItMwne, in our last issue, asks
as to suggest to plati'-makerx tlio mivLsabilitr of indicating on each
of their boxes of plates the " speed " as applied to the actinograph of
Means. Harter ft Driffield. We are pleased to endorse our oorre-
spoodsnt's suggestion, the more readily aa we have for years past
niged makers to adopt a reliable and common method of indicating
the rapidity of the plates they send out. It is well known that the
aenaitiveneas of an emnlaion, as determined by Mr. L. Wamerke's
senaitometeT, cannot be relied upon for c<imparative purposes, a cir-
wbich, to oar knowledge, has induced many of the makers
its use. We are aware that several of them prefer to
speed of their plates in the camera, but this is for their own
information and not for that of those who nse the plates. The terms
makera employ for distingnishing the various rapidities of their plates
are not only meaningless and misleading, bat are absolutely useless
for purposea of comparison both in practical and experimental work.
AetiOB of Ammonia in Development. — In the course of
his long and abstruse pap>.T on The Theory of Denehjmunif'wbk.h.
was read at the Camera Club Conference, Profeaaor H. E. Armstrong
293
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOrOGRAJPHY.
[May 6, 1892
F.U.S., after pointing out the solubUity of silver bromide in ammonia,
suggests that, in developing with the aid of ammonia, the image is in
part formed from silver insolution. We also gather that, in his opinion,
it is due to the solvent power of ammonia that with a pyro-ammonia
developer peculiar kinds of fog are produced. It is a moot point
whether the ammonia really plays the part which Professor Armstrong
aadgns to it, and certainly, to our knowledge, it has never been de-
monstrated by erperiment. Negative evidence, however, may be drawn
from some remarks by Mr. Bothamley, in his paper read at the .same
Conference (see page 2C4, ante). That gentleman's e.xperiments, made
to ascertain " whether ammonia solutions of the strength commonly
used in developers do really dissolve an appreciable quantity of silver
bromide from a gelatino-bromide plate," proved " that the quantities
dissolved were so small that it is difficult to regard them as playing
any important part in the production of fog." If this was the con-
clusion reached after the ammonia solutions of various strengths had
been allowed to act on the films for forty-eight hours, what is the like-
lihood of the image being partly formed of the " silver in solution ? "J
OBSOLETE PROOESSES.
No. 1. — ThK DAQUEBBKOTrPK.
Thb majority of photographers, who have only taken up the practice of
the art during the last one or two decades, have very little idea
of the practical dettuls of many of the older processes. Therefore
it may be desirable to describe some of those which were in
general use in the earlier days, and by which excellent results
were produced. It is obviously impossible, in a single article — or,
indeed, in lialf a dozen articles, even were the space at disposal —
to go into the minutiie of the working details of tlie different
methods, and the modifications thereof — the causes of failure, the
remedies, and the like. Our object will be gained by briefly de-
scribing the processes as they were generally worked at the time of
their abandonment ; that is, with all the improvements up to the
then date.
The Daguerreotype, as all our readers are aware, is a picture on
a silvered copper plate. It is, or rather was, and we shall write
in the past tense, essentially a dry process, in fact, more so than
any modern one, inasmuch as the plate was not touched with
water until the fixing operation. The plates were supplied ready
plated with a substantial coating of silver, and with a perfectly
even surface. But most of the best operators preferred to supple-
ment the plating with a layer of pure silver by the electrotype
process, a voltaic battery being an adjunct in every well-appointed
Daguerreotype establishment.
One of the most important operations in the Duguerreotype pro-
cess was that of polishing the plate. Unless this was perfectly
performed, a first-class picture was an impossibility. The plate,
after having its edges bent slightly backwards, so as not to cut
the buffs presently to be described, was first treated with very
fine tripoli and alcohol ; at one time olive oil was used. It was
applied on cotton wool with a circular motion. Then it was
polished with dry tripoli on fresh cotton wool, this time in one
direction only — usually the longest diameter of ^the plate. After
this, it was ready for buffing.
The buffs were flat pieces of wood, about three inches wide, and
twelve or fifteen inches long, with a handle at one end. Some-
times they were sHghtly convexed, lengthwise. The wood was first
covered with one or two layers of cloth, or wash-leather, tightly
strained on, and then with good cotton velvet. The plate, already
polished with the tripoli, was now clamped to a holder, fixed to
the table, and dusted over with the finest rouge, and then polished
with one of the buffs, always in the same direction. Next it was
dusted with finely powdered charcoal, or lamp-black, free from
grease, and buffed again, separate buffs, of course, being kept for
each of the polishing powders. Necessarily the greatest care had
to be taken that not the slightest particle of grit reached the plate
or the buff.", as it would produce a scratch which could only be
removed by going through the whole of the operations afresh.
The surface, when polished, was no longer white, but black. The
finer the polish the blacker it was.
The next operation was that of rendering the surface sensitive to
light. This, as a matter of course, had to be done in the dark room.
Tlie iodine and bromine box was a long, oblong wooden box, divided
across the middle by a partition. Each compartment held a deep
glass dish, the one for iodine, and the other for bromine or the
accelerating agent. Over the pans were fitted sliding glass plates,
which covered them up, so as to prevent the escape of vapours when
the box was out of use. In the front of the box were a couple of
small doors, fitted with looking-glass, so that the operation of sensi-
tising could bo watched as it proceeded. In one pan were placed
some crystals of iodine, and on it some cotton wool. In the other
was put some bromide of lime. Tlie object of the wool was to evenly
diffuse the vapour. The plate was placed in a frame something like
the carrier of a dark slide, which could slide alternately over one
pan or the other. It was first exposed to the iodine until it acquired
a deep golden tint, as seen in the looking-glass, by the formation of
iodide of silver. Then it was slid over the vessel containing th©
bromide, where it was allowed to remain until it became of a deep
brown. Next, it was passed back again over the iodine. Here- it
now quickly began to assume a rose tint, when it was removed.
It was then ready for exposing in the camera, and the sooner the
exposure was made the better. Considerable experience was neces-
sary in the sensitising in order to secure the plates in the best
condition.
The exposure with a Petzval portrait lens, which then had an
aperture of /-5 to /-4, in the studio, with a tolerably good light, was
from five to thirty seconds.
The image, it need scarcely be mentioned, was latent. For it8<
development a " mercury box " was required. That consisted of a
box, mounted on legs, at the bottom of which, and protruding throun-h
it, was a small iron cistern, to contain mercury, and a thermometer,,
witli its bulb in the cistern and the index tube outside, so that the
temperature could be read without opening the box. The exposed
plate was placed in the box, some distance above the mercury, at a»
angle of 4o', and the lid closed. A lighted spirit lamp was next
placed under the cistern, and the mercury heated to from 140° to-
100° Fahr. In a few minutes the fumes of the mercury caused the
image to gradually make its appearance, the development being
watched through a small glass window in the front of the box, by
the aid of a taper. AVhen judged to be sufficiently developed, the
plate was removed. For the development it was essential that tho
mercury should be pure and free from oxidation. Up to this point
it will be noted that the plate has not been touched by water.
The next operation was to fix the picture. This was done by first
plunging the plate in a dish of water, and then immersing it in- a
weak solution of hyposulphite of soda, about one part of the .«alt to-
sixteen of water, until the yellow colour disappeared, as in the cas&
of fixing modern plates. It was then well washed and finally rinsed
with distilled water. Some operators used to flow a little alcohol
over the developed plate prior to placing it in the water, and then the
solutions took more readily to the surface. Although the picture, so
far as the action of light is concerned, was fixed at this stage, there
was yet another operation to be gone through, sometimes called fixing
that of " gilding " the image.
This was done by placing the plate on a levelling stand, and
covering it with a solution of seld'oi — the double salt of hyposulphite
of gold and soda. It was then heated with a spirit lamp from below,
when, in a minute or two, the image increased considerably ia
depth and brilliancy, while its permanency was greatly enhanced.
Indeed, a well-gilded Daguerreotype may still be reckoned the most
permanent of all silver pictures. After gilding, this was washed with
distilled water and dried.
The drying of the plate was not an unimportant matter, for, unless
it was carefully done, the beauty of the picture might be greatlv
marred ; the mode was this. After well rinsing with distilled water —
ordinary water would produce markings — the plate was lield in a
pair of pliers and drained from one corner, while the gentle heat from
a spirit lamp was applied to the opposite one. The plate was then
slowly raised without altering its position, so that the evaporation
proceeded regularly. If the drying, when once commenced, were
arrested, a mark would be produced on the image that was exceedingly
difficult to get rid of.
Maj 6, 18B3]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
298
rnvrrxKNTAr- notes axd news.
rixlng' Weg^tlves Temporarily.— For thU object, M. H.
Reeb advitM that the negstiTe, when remoTed from the developer, be
dniMd (not WMbed), plmif^ed into • tvo per Cfiit. solution of tartaric
acid, and lift thainiii for from half a minute to a minute. The
operatioa i« thai finiahed, and the nef^tire can be exposed to diffused
light with impunity, and is then wtihed and dried. Of course, such
a method would only be of nae to the photographic tourist, who might
fiod it adTantageoiis to defer fixing until hia retnm home. Any
dereloper exoept iron i* permiaeiUe.
A Vowel Sedneer wad Zmtoaslfler.— Herr Lainer, in the
Sumttelkau, suggesU a method for leducin;^ oreiMlenw, or clearing
yeDow-itained, ncgstiret, wUdi, bowerer effectire it mar be,
oMtainly does not eir on the ride of rapidity. It is to immerse the
tlieAf for from six to twelve hours in a hath of aod* hyposulphite
strongly acidulated with ■nlphoric acid. We see nothing in the
more expeditioaf prooMm whieh dioiild indnee ns to deaert them for
this. In the auH Journal aaother gentleman recommends the
inteiwficatioa of thin negatiTM by first of all soaking the pUte in
water, and th«n immeising it in a solntion of carmine. It is best to
hare a weak solntion <rf the latter, as the operation can be repeated.
To Xecover Odd from the Salphocyanlde Bath.
— When iMUtK' 'g bath, luys the jou:iial
quoted, the gol" .orcd by adding to the n-'d
bath a small qoauiiiy u( iiyil'urbluncacol aD>l solphatsof irou. Ti't
throws down a predpilale of metallic f,n]il mixed with bjd-atrd
oxUe of iron. The msa is dried, and the iron removed by heat.
The rather* of Pttotograpby.— Seiiar Fennndei, of
BarealoDS, has been writing ' ' .-each photographic papers,
■tatiof that ha is abont tocoD'': -.,'e hotel and studio on the
■pot whet* the ftnt DBgaanvotypist first " tvik the rap off." He io-
fundi to kaTs thf portrsite end wsi of Dagaerre, Niepre, Poit^vin,
Boyar, Talbot, Arago, and Labord*, abo iriews of the places wbera
they Hred, included in the dacotntioa of the facade of the boiMiDga,
and be asla the aiwstanos of the preei in the matter. The Rerut
d* FMafrmfkU s<nysta sralptand Medallions of the heads of the
father* of photografby ■■ haiat aor* dceoratire and more easily
uadsiMood than lepi— latiui of tka W>iisas in which those tattimU
lesidsd. We eodone the adTiea, At the same tiaw, if the ootlection
b to be eoMflste, we shoald fka to ase placae foond for a few more
"fathers' of Bai^ birth besides Talb.it, such, for example, as
■ , ooovt Aicflflr, rtMnoa, aM otaera.
Z<adlea at ntotographlc Booletlaa.— In .\m«rica, as
we have from time to time rvmiDded our readers, there ate one or
two camera dabs and pkotographie societies whieh reoeire a large
abate of active aapport from the weabers of the fair sex. In this
eoantry, on the oUier kaad, ladiea take littk or no part in society life,
aoeindiag, of eoane, katan aighti aad saehMka gatherings, which
do aot emurt. TUags an akoat tk* aaaM, froas all we can gather,
OB the Ceotiaent Wa axttaot tka fbOoiriar Kaa froia the pro-
eaedings of a ivcmt asetiag ef the SoeitfU Oteareisa da Photo-
ftapUe: "The hidiee, who had beea speciaOy inrited to this
aMeting, were eooafieiioas by their abwaea" Psrhap* it was wet,
perhaps theie wen eonatst attractions; perhapa, again, the ladio
knew what was ott the agamls, "aaw the saara, and thea retired.'
Analegtsa bataeaa the eye and thecaaiera; orthoohrowatia platea and
kaad eaaMna, are aot a safe draw for the Udisa^ fsadaaMa of the
fMM Qtanoim da PbotograpUa.
A Cry of Alarm.— £« Tritmm* naUfrmfkiftt pabCsbes an
article ondar this h«a«1ing ia which it makaa aa aadaarouf to rescue
the slaad eamara from the coU shade tt aaglart asneaiir aaatanrs,
into which the r«:e for h«ni) eaaieraa is tudonl't-dly drrin.' it.
"Than an," it says, "eertain kinds of objsets to which we refuse to
tka aaaM of apparalns, and thit an tnonght bafon raw
amateurs as supplying, for a few francs, the very latest advances la
cabinet work, optics, and, of course, cheapness." It is against this
kind of thing (i.e., the hand camera) that our contemporary utters
its " cry," expressing its preference, nay, even its tender regard, for
the good ordinary camera, mounted on its tripod, with its double
slides, its battery of lenses, its focussing cloth, &c. It is a little
heavy, says the Tribune, pleadinarly, a little cumbersome, nay, it is
sometimes troublesome on an outing, but it has its (the Tribune'/)
preference for, all that, and why ? Because — well, because, in brie^
the ordinary camera allows of results being obtained which are denied
to the hand camera. Has the Tribune, to quote Mr. Cimabue Brown
jun., " been subsidised to write down hand cameras ? "
Fanoramio Xiantem Slides.— In March last, at the Con-
servatoire des Arts et Metiers, Commandant Moessard lectured on
panoramic photography, and showed his audience the effects of pano-
ramic perspective on the screen. The latter was semi-cylindrical,
eight metres wide and two and a half metres high, the linen being
stretched on a frame having the shape of a part of a cylinder of six
metrea radius. At a point corresponding with thecentreof an imaginary
circle, of which the screen formed a part, were placed four lanterns,
each projecting a portion of a panorama. The most difiScult part of
the operation was to join the four views exactly, so as to make a
c'Dtinuous panorama; but this was overcome by each view showing
at its edges a part of the next view to a width of two or three miUi-
metres, the views being marked so as to make them coincide at the
proper places, the illumination of the junctions being levelled up
to that of tiie remainder of the picture by screens in front and at the
sides of the lime.
Ortbochromatie Flatoa for Stellar Work.— In the
Amiutiii; f >' ]-'>.' {a French astronomical publication) there is a
note. "■ Paul and Prosper Henry and Messrs. Plummer
and .'^ ■—e that the commission which has examined cer-
tain - ' 'graphs on iaochromatic pUtes finds that such plates
are li lor obtaining ne^tives for the chart of the heaveiu,
the ^' ~ belief sarroundsd by a strong aureole, due to the
ehromaix nu- rration of the red rays caused by the lens. With the
smaller stars this aureole is leas intense, but with stars of mean
magnitude it is quite dark, and thus increases the diameter of the stars.
It is therefore ioposaible, the note proceeds, to estimate the stellar
magnitada on these plates. To this note M. Ldon Vidal appends
sona obaerrationa axpreasivo of the difficulty^of accepting the con-
tilmiTW eoBM to. He points out that there ia ho A priori reason why
orthodioaatic plates should be rejected for the work of nupping
the heaTcns, and also says he thinks them the only plates suiuble.
Competaot specialist* ahould have been consulted by the Committee.
But we sboold like to ask the Messrs. Henry whether non-ortho-
chromatissd plate* would be inaensibla to " aoreolea produced by the
chromatic aberration of a lens f "
COLLODION E.MULSION NOTES.
Tbbbb are one or two points in connexion with Mr. Alexander
Markie's paper on CModion Eniuiiion before the London and Provin-
cial Photos;raphic Association on which I shoald like to say a word.
First, with T>"i*rd to the UM of bromide of ammonium, I quite agree
with Mr. Mackie in preferring that salt to any other where drcum-
stancrs adroit of its use, although, as he s*y«, I have recommended the
doubl-? salt of cadmium and ammonium. As far back as \&V), and for
tui^0f$tn later, ammonium was my sole bromide ; but, as the emulnon
pToeef s became modernised, and special makes of pyroxyline were
introduced, it ceased to answer a* perfectly aa heretofore. With a
good-bndied and somewhat homy cotton, made at a moderately
low temperature, it ia all that could be do»ired ; but when it comes
to " hii:h-teroppraturB " and other " fancy " samples, it requires to be
tried firxt, and it may or may not answer.
Another reason for giving it up, or. rather, for recommending the
double salt, was th* far greater solubility of the latter. Without
using water, it ia only possible to get something like five grains to
994
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGfRAPHY.
[May 6, 1892
the ounce of nmmoniura bromide into solution, and here again, with
many of the modern cottons, this is not sufficient. The use of water
is not altogether objectionable, but it is to be avoided as much as
possible, for what with that contained in the solvents, and used in
dissolving the silver and bromide, the emulsion becomes pretty well
loaded at the finish. This is not a matter of so much importance in
the case of a washed emulsion, or one that is to be washed, because
in drying the excess is got rid of, and the pellicle can be redissolved
in strong solvents. But, in the case of an unwashed emulsion, every
drop of water is of importance as adding to, or causing, crapiness,
mottling, and a host of troubles. Its presence, too, in a great
quantity has a detrimental effect on the fineness of the suspended
bromide.
Turning to Mr. Iladdon's suggestion re precipitation, that is no
doubt the ideal method of washing out the soluble salts, if only it
could be relied upon. That, however, after a very long experience,
I am compelled to siiy is not the case. Very few samples of pyroxy-
Hne will bear precipitation at aH without losing all the vigour that
the unwashed emulsion possessed, and some even separate from the
bromide. Even those that are amenable to precipitation are not to
be relied upon invariably, as without any apparent reason they will
fail to precipitate satisfactorily. I have tried large and small pro-
portions of water, hot and cold, pouring the emulsion into the water
and the water into the emulsion, in fact, have rung the changes
pretty effectually in my endeavours to arrive at a reliable precipitation
method, but I have to confess I have not succeeded.
Curiously enough, at first sight, the form of pyroxyline that stands
precipitation best is that which has been already once dissolved and
precipitated, as in the process published by Chardon, to which
allusion was made at the meeting. In this process, which, as old
collodion emulsion workers will remember, took the prize offered by
the French Photographic Society for the best dry process some fifteen
years ago, M. Chardon made use of two kinds of precipitated cotton,
which he named " cotoii rdmtant " and " coton pulvirulent" and
wliich were thrown down from their solution in ether and alcohol by
cold and hot water respectively. The two products were supposed to
possess different properties, but beyond a slight difference in
appearance and of solubility — the latter of the two being bulkier and
more soluble than the other — I could never detect any great distinction
between them, nor, with the exception I have named — they stood re-
precipitation better — any advantage over ordinary cotton.
The most remarkable features about this precipitated cotton are
its great solubility, and the fact that it frequently weighs as much
as, or more than, the original cotton dissolved, in spite of unavoid-
;ible losses both in dissolving and precipitating. With regard to
the solubility, I have known a sample of pyroxyline, that gave a
scarcely usable collodion with eight or ten grains to the ounce of
solvents, to show a solubility after precipitation to the extent of
seventy or eighty grains, and still give a perfectly fluid and fluent
collodion. In fact, there seemed to be practically no limit to its
solubility. The increase m weight was, no doubt, attributable to a
change of condition of the cotton by precipitation, a change some-
what of the nature of, if not exactly so, a direct hydration of the
nitro-cellulose, a reaction that was stated to take place, by one of
the earlier French experimentalists — Blondeau, I think — by the pre-
cipitation of dissolved gun-cotton.
Other experimentalists in the action of water upon collodion and
pyroxyline, including Hardwich, have shown that a portion of the
cotton remains soluble in water, and therefore there should be a de-
cided loss of weight in precipitation. Whether any portion is
soluble in water alone I am unable to say from personal experience,
but that a very considerable quantity of matter is removed by pre-
cipitation may be easily demonstrated. If a quantity of collodion
er of emulsion be poured in a fine stream into a moderate volume
of water, and well stirred until the flocculent and pulverulent por-
tions of the precipitate have separated, and the clear liquid be then
poured off and set aside for a while, it will be found, in the course
of an hour or two, to have become semi-solid or gelatinous, or a
thin jelly will have separated from the rest of the liquid, according
to the volume of water used and other circumstances. From the
interval that elapses between precipitation and the gelatinising of the
liquid, it seems to me clear that it is the diluted solvents that retain a '
portion of the pyroxyline in solution, and that, as the more volatile
portions of the residual liquor evaporate, the solid matter gelatinises,
owing to its insolubility in water alone or very dilute alcohol.
I mention these changes and phenomena in order to explain
the utter unreliability of the method of washing emulsions by
precipitation. When such important changes take place as the
chemical absorption of water and the elimination of a considerable
portion of the original pyroxyline, the latter is necessarily converted
into an entirely different substance from that which is obtained by
driving off the solvents by evaporation before treating the residue
with water. If I add to this the no less important matter of the
possible removal, along with the soluble portion of the pyroxyline, of
valuable organic constituents of the emulsion, I think no more need
be said against the adoption of precipitation, no matter how convenient
the method may seem.
As a matter of fact, scarcely any two emulsions behave in identi-
cally the same manner, even when precipitated under precisely the
same conditions as far as can be secured. One will sink to the
bottom in heavy clots, another will float to the surface in large
flocculent tufts, or will aggregate into a frothy or pasty scum which,
after a while, solidifies into a solid cake ; and, lastly, it is a very
common occurrence to have the 'precipitate — or rather, product —
divided into two distinct portions — one a flocculent, " cottony " mass
that floats, the other a heavy, sandy deposit that settles to the bottom,
and which dries into a soft, coarse powder. In this instance it would
seem as if the emulsion had divided itself into two distinct portions,
one of which contained a surplus proportion of cotton, the other an
excess of silver bromide, and that their characters would he entirely
different. But I have dissolved the respective products in such cases
separately, and compared them, without being able to detect the
slightest difference, either physically or photographically, and what-
ever qualities were possessed by either — usually inferior — the other
shared them equally. (jo i,e cordinuei.) W. B, Bolton.
WHY PHOTOGRAPHS FADE.
IV.
Wb now come to the subject which is still to most photographers'
and to professional ones most certainly, of the greatest importance'
that of the deterioration of their albumenised silver prints. Any one
who has gone into this matter will agree witli me that, whichever
way one turns, one meets with most strange results, that seem to
baffle all explanation, or, at least, appear to be governed by no fixed
law. One finds, perhaps, that some waste print, which has been little
more than rinsed after coming out of the hypo bath, stands tests
that bring a print on which every care had been expended to grief.
On going into this subject I soon found that the only way would be
to go right from the beginning, inquire into every stage of the pre-
paration of the paper, and every detail of manipulation, &c., during
the production of the prints, and then endeavour to find out where
the mysterious, though, as we know by results, most important, de-
tails of manipulation are which cause the fading of our prints. One
may use the one sample of paper, tone and fix in the same strength
baths, for the same length of time, wash the prints under similar
conditions, as far as we know, and yet some, after twenty years, will
be found, practically speaking, unchanged; others, after a year or two,
will be found to begin to be going all wrong.
During my experiments I have most certainly come across many
things which appear to explain nearly all of the causes of the dete-
rioration of our prints; and if , by stating the various points I have
found out, I can give a clue to the other workers, or, what would bo
even better, if we could get some Photographic Society, whose mem-
bers have more time, and have better opportunities to conduct an
exhaustive inquiry into a subject of this kind than I have, I shall feel
very pleased, because I am quite certain of one thing, and that is,
that the photographic printing process of the future must be a
printing-out one — that the lightest tints in the picture must be seen,
so as to get just the depth of tint required, and that the weak points
in a negative may be dodged with certainty.
Platemakers and others may advertise and talk nonsense for ever
about isochromatlc or other wonderful plates, and the operatoi's may
be as skilful as possible, but as long as a lens will take everything in a
landscape that is before it, with the uncontrollable amount of light
and shade, success will depend upon the skill and artistic taste of
the man who produces the print. I do not believe that thene is one
iftye,18WJ
THE BRin^H JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
295
in •handled UndiCape negmtivea ttuU the best poasibk result can be
got from, without & certain amonnt of so-called dodging on the part
of the pnnt«r ; and, to be able to do this, and prerent a most serious
waits, M must he able to see what he is doing.
If amateun would onlj talie one-half the care in printing that
they do in the production of their negatives, they would find their
aTerage work Terr different. The only things many seem to trouble
about aie the make of the plate, and the formulte for deTelopment.
But to ntora to the qoeetion of fading. If we carefully examine
a eoUectioa of pood old albamen prints, we shall find that there has
been a yellowing of the white parts of the prints, and possibly a
slight rednctioa of the density of the image ; to an extent, the latter
will be mora apparent than real, diw to the loss of brightness in the
high ^^ti, so that t he initial caose of the deterioration of the prints will
be found to be due to the sidcly yeUow look of the parts which should
he white. This must be doe to one of three primary caosefi. Either
the paper itaelf yellow* frooi expomra to mimte traces of sulphuretted
hydrogen in tlie atmoaphere, or the fixing bath of hyposulphite of
•oda does not dimolre a compound of albomen and silver in the film,
whidi eompoaad k ihaiyil into the yellow form of sulphide of silrer
in time hj the aetioa of the sulphurstted hydrogen, dr the hypoeol-
phlte of ahntr ilimnlfid m the excess of hyposulphite of soda' u not
eotLraly washed ont al the film, this hypoeolphite of ailrer being in
time oonrerted into Mlphide «f mItw.
We win go into these csmii wpantely. In aU mj tests I hare
never been able to trace the yeDowinir to the paper itself. I once
tried coating paper* with albumen, gelatine, arrowroot, Ac, without
any aher, out I soon 'found that it would gire me no giotind to go
uon, bsHines with the Tehicke uaed would hare to he fizit formed
the organic silrer coopoonds that an formed in oar printing papers
Wore they could he exposed to any ecaclusiTe tests. Besides, there
ie no doubt that the faded, yellow look of an old albumen print is
dne to the pmiwci] of minute tnes* of silrer left in the film, and
•fterwatds eonrerted into a sulphide of that metal by the atmosphere.
We hare to find out, then, what csuMa the silrer to be left in the
film, and what are the cuntributory detail* of manipalatioa which
produce the deteriorattoo of print* mora rapidly in mmb* ca*e* than
in othen It i* of no use to say that a print baa not beenvroperfy
fixed, or that the hypo haa not been pnCsetlr washed oat what one
wanu to know i* the iwwod sp% the** mmStfmia»iom ai* not carried
out as perfectly at one time a* at another.
With the old plain, salted paper HiBti^ praparlj fixed and washed,
the Mher ssamed to he eaalr and eatiniiy lemored froa the high
light* Ct the piBtan*,hirt with aibuMa prim* I hnve a*Mr fbwtd
any which would not, i^en teeted, show man or Is** the [■■iiiiin of
^llow MilpUd* of aihrer in the Bght part*. Soma oa* mmt *ay that
w *n«fy *iplain>il rii., heeana* mIvst do** not form a Muu oa*»-
poond with gehtiae a* It doe* with alhnmen ; hut I har* ptored that
thi* i* not hj far the oohr azplanstioa. Then is no donht that in
fixing a print ■ffrsnt deal depend* ifoa the pMeal ooirfitiM of the
nihid* «*d. We ••• sotaetly the ■•■* tUM in other photcgraphic
work. For ini«*nc*, I can ank* two drer broeaid* einnlsioa*, con-
taining anetly the same qnaatiti** of aOrer and gelatin* on such
plata,and7at,0Dd*r*lavn«t,0B* can he deralopM ao danae a* to
ilMrpo***;
gM*tof an
be u*el*** far pwctjcaljiiirporw ; with the other, So what one will, it
would only show the
We get similar nanh* in toafav. The old plain, salted papers
eouU be toaed wMh n aU loafav tel>> t**^ th* gidd hMl hsen
alma** al and » hy laahv ■lhBn*n print* flnl, and yet maay «f
tto motea •Uooia aaaUca p8p**a«a only be toaad by a very etnmg
niphoqrarida toaiM hath ; la Aa Conaer ca** the ndneed chMd^
drar boa the gtlatta* (■otaaaeab), in the latter it U in the film.
Old aalplat* workn «il know what I mean by the tkywi
by the phyiical
wwditiiai of a film aoatwMha the neulu by nferaae* to th* **a*i-
tfaiagofaeollodianpiat*. IV glasa ooalad with coUodion, aad pat
iato tho silrw bath a* aoon ** it had *•!, woaU gir* a good ersamy
Urn of iodid* aad tvomtd* of silrar. Bat if th* •«h*r and alcohol
vara alowwl to evaporate, and the film to dry bslon patting it into
the nirer bath, w* would aot ohtaia th* aama paifeet formation of
th*«H«rhalaU*,haeaa*ethehaidatttn( of the eoDodion had hound
ap the broaud* aad io£d* of cadmium, Ac, in the film, and the
aSnity of th* dDrw for thoe* «lt* wouU not be strong enough to
4aMioy the nkyrfealprotaetiag power that the eoUodion ha* orsr the
■ohhbhahi&iBthafilm. Hntaan a SrAana.
OOIiOUB nt THE CAMKRA.
k
(IKlililpth BwwAl
Taa first paUi* l**lan illa*ltated with spssimsa* of *al*ai*d phele-
ipjfcy wa* iiinUi gina at >***Bl*llon Hall. und*r th* aaspi*** et th«
Ires process have been previously made at tho Franklin Institute, but
these were purely of a scientitic nature. The hall was filled to the roof
by an enthusiastie audience, and every view in colours was received with
applause that brought blushes of pride to the cheeks of F. E. Ives, the
f>ioneer of coloured photography, who worked the stereoptican end of the
ectnrc from the balcony.
" From Philadelphia to the Grand Canon of the Yellowstone National
Park " was the subject chosen for the leotiue. Mr. Ives furnished the
coloured photographs, while Mr. W. N. Jennings furnished the plain
photographs and delivered the lecture. In his introductory remarks, the
latter paid a graceful tribute to his co-labourer. "When, about thirteen
years ago," he said, "Mr. Ives undertook to reproduce, by means of
photography, the colours of nature, he fully realised that no light task
was before him. Year after year he kept steaililv nt work, determined to
win the battle, till at last success crowned his efforts."
Tho first few views were from plain photographs, but when the first
ooloured photograph was projeoted the audience gazed spellboimd. For
a moment there was a dead silonce. Then, as one man. the large andienoe
burst into appliiu«*» that lostpd for eoverol minutes. From that moment
the success of the lecture was aasored,
Ko Baca I bqcai. to ibs Maqic Lkxb.
When thrown upon the canvas, the coloured photograph is a perfeet
miniature of nature. No oil painting could possibly produce even an
approach to the effect caught in the magio lens of the colour camera.
TbiB delicate cloud efteots, the various tints of foliage and water, the
different colours in the rooks, all are perfect. The view of McCartneys
cabin, the first hotd established in the Park, is a thorongh test. The
many gradatiooa of eoloar in the landscape are brought out perfectly.
Where the kas of tb* eabin have been exposed to the weather, tney hare
beeooie blaasoed, while those in the shelter of the overhanging eaves still
retain their natural orange-brown coloor. The grass in the foreground
snilan troo, a lack ol moisttire ; while that in the rear of the cabin, fed
by a mountain stream, is a bright, fresh green. Another shade of green
is visible in the window blinds, and still another in the dark pines on tlie
hillside. The dark indigo bins of the sky stands out in bold relief. Ail
the eolonrs of the original landscape, and its finest gradation of light
and shade, are here moat faithfoUy reproduced.
Mr. Jennings' lactnre was delivered throughout in a delightfully chatty
vein, interspersed with wit and anecdotes of no mean quahty. His
ra plain pLotogiaphs — many e( whieh were character sluitehse — added
maoh to to* eharm of the entsrtaimnsnt; bat, as ha him**!! admitted,
the crowning fsatm* wa* th* pwlsetion of Mr. Ives' experimant* with the
ooloor camera. The Tellowstooe Park was chosen because of its variety
of colour. The scene (ram Jupiter's Terrace is full of it. In the (ore-
ground is a small pool. In the centre, the water is almost boiling, from
whieh radiate deUoate bluisb-green silken threads, gradnally running
throogh the scale of eolour, nntil at the edge of the pool it assamea a
deep paipl*. Th* elifls o( Oohlsn Oale afford an excellent opportunity
lor ta* reproduetioB of eolour in rocks.
" Even the meet prominent impressionist," said ths lecturer, " wrings
his hands in ds^air a* he gases upon this marvelloes mosaic, and frankly
eoofaseas that fanish and pigment in the hands of toe most skUled artisan
(all (ar short of doing justtee to this masterpiece o( nature."
Ma. IvB*' Paooaa.
Mr. Ive* ha* patented his pioesss, which he thus describes technically :
" By mean* of a very ingenious eompound camera front, three photo-
graphic nagativee of the objset are made bv simnltaneoos and sqnal
exposure, (ram the same point of view, and upon the same ssnaitive
plate. The pbotoBapliie puts is sensitive to all colours of light, but, by
Inlaodnatng fi^ iltea, one of the negatiree is made fay such light rays
ea^y ■ •xail* tk* (aadamanlal red sensation, and in dn* proportion ;
■mithsr hf light rays as they excite the fundamental green sensation,
aad anothsr by light twym as they excite the fundamental blae-rielat
"From this triple negative a triple lantern slide !• made, whiob,
ahbeoch it shows no eolour, oontains such a graphic record of the
natmal eoloon that, in order to reproduos them to tho eye, it is •ufficianl
to snpemee the three images, one with red light, one with green, and
one with blne-riolet This is aeecaiplisb*d either in Mr. Ives' new
lttH«»*n»ywMiinpi, a device about the siae of a hand slereoaoope, and
used to mnah the same way, or by projection with a special optical
three optical ^yMama, with red, grsen, and Une
"The I* Otis** is as scientifleallr aoonrata for reproduction in ooloiut
a* otdinary photography >* (or rsproduotions in monochrome, but at
prsssnt can be carried out sucoeaslolly only by a acientifio sxpert,
smplojing the spectrognph fcir testing the sensitive plates, and ad-
inaang the ■•lc*tive ocloar screens. When such preliminary adjostmenta
have been ecneetly made, the process is almost as simple and reliable as
the etdinaiy n*tstliis piiiiiii** By a modification ol the process,
introducing (urthar aom^larttoa, eoloor prints are made en glass or
paper, bat the eoaapantive simpUcitT of the plan of superposing images
eommands it to sdcatlsts, and is more convincing to the genaral
M
206
THK BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[May e, 1892
THK CAMERA AND THE CONVENTION; OB, PICTUBESQXra
SCOTLAND AND PHOrOGBAPHT.
L
SiJiM the Convention of the United Kingdom ia to be held in " Bonnie
Scotland " this year, we think there could not be a more fitting oppor-
tunity for giving a few outline sketohea of "where to go with the camera "
in and around the vicinity of Edinburgh, the place of meeting, and to
point out some spots which, being of special historical interest, possess at
the same time pictorial interest, a combination that is not always to be
met with.
The month in which the Convention meeting is held, viz., July, is
propitious for a holiday, and many of our readers may be induced to stay
a much longer time than the Conventional week in the land of the
mountain and the flood, so that an extended field of observation, which we
mean to make, may be of interest to them.
Necessarily, a good deal of hurry is needed to overtake the days' outings
at the Convention trip gatherings from a not unnatural desire to go over
as much ground and take as many pictures as possible in the time, but
we have found this in some cases to be a considerable disadvantage.
Take, for example, one of the Bath Convention outings, " Glastonbury
and Wells ;" certainly either of the places was sufficient to supply ample
material for quite a wealth of pictures for one day, and, in oar opinion,
harrying to both to some extent spoiled both.
To avoid this, a general knowledge of the varied places of interest,
obtained beforehand, must be of benefit to those anticipating the pleasure
of going to the meeting, and, when too much is crowded into one day to
(Oit their convenience or taste, the part that commends itself can be
chosen, and the hurry obviated.
The followingfontlines are given quite outside of any knowledge of the
places chosen or trips contemplated by the Convention Executive, a list
of which has not been yet issued when we write this ; but we are sure that
most, if not all, the points will be embraced in our notes upon the subject.
Edisburoh.
The place chosen for the Convention meeting of this year is a most
charming one, both historically and pictorially. Edinburgh stands out as
a city of cities from its many natural advantages, which lend to it pano-
ramic effects and beauties not to be surpassed anywhere, and from an
historical standpoint it teems with interest. Looking at it from a
eameranUc point of view, it would take far longer than the week to do it
anything like justice. The various points of view — and interesting bits
to photograph from the Princes-street Gardens alone — would, if pro-
duced, themselves fill a book, in the midst of which the Castle — ever
imposing — towers above all, guarding the city.
With regard to the Castle there is a good story told about a poor
tailor who had " whipped the cat " from Edinburgh as far as London,
and, after many vicissitudes, returned home by boat to Leith, and
walking up from Leith, turning the corner of Leith-street at the
Begister House, the Castle, towering away in the west, burst upon
his view, and the poor man dropped upon his knees, exclaiming, as
the tears ran down his cheeks, " Oh, my bonnie Castle ! oh, my bonnie
Castle! I hae never seen such a winsome sicht since I left ye." And
we fancy a feeling akin to this must come to many people when the
first glimpse of this scene meets their view on a return visit to the city,
no matter how often they have been there. We must confess to experi-
encing a thrill of pleasure akin to the old tailor's every time we visit
Edinburgh ; the panorama spreading itself out before us as we walk up
from the Waverley station is ever charming and ever new.
Views fbom Oalton Hill.
A general view of the city is best obtained from the Calton Hill, but it is
only at certain times that this can be got. The professional photographer
has sometimes to wait day and days to get a clear picture of this view, the
haze and smoke in the sunny distance preventing the further west parts,
such as the Castle, from being successfully rendered.
Should the wind chance to be in the rightjquarter, however, and the
distance clear, this subject makes a beautiful panoramic picture,
embracing Princes-street, Scott's Monument, National Galleries, and the
Castle in the distance, producing a truthful rendering'of one of the im-
pressions of the place that lives with us always.
The gaol, which stands immediately under the Calton Hill on the
south — which, by the way, looks more like a castle than a gaol — makes a
good picture from the railway or North Bridge side, bringing in the
Calton Hill and its monuments as a background.
On the Calton Hill itself there are some bits of interest, such aa the
National Monument, which stands a ruin, and more picturesque,
probably, in this state than if it had been completed. The original
intention was to produce a building like the Parthenon, in memory of the
heroes of Waterloo ; but subscriptions failed, and so it stands unfinished.
There is Dugald Stewart's and other monuments, but the Calton Hill
boasts more of interesting things, rather than any that could be termed
pictorial, unless you turn to the view that you get from its height.
North, stretching away across the Forth to Fife ; west, away beyond the
Corstorphine Hills ; east, as far as the Isle of Man ; and south, where
stands Arthur Seat, with all the country beyond ; with the High School
and Burns' monument lying in the near distance, under the shadow of
the hill.
This circular panorama will well repay a visit, although, from a photo-
grapliic point of view, the general effects are too mappy, and there U
nothing of sufficient prominence in the foregiound to help out a picture.
The Old Town.
Leaving the Calton Hill, and coming along Waterloo-place to Princes-
street, the part of the general view that attracts us most is the back of
the buildings of the old town west of the North Bridge, towering up ten
or twelve stories high, on the other side of the valley, in which the rail-
way and East Princes Gardens lie.
This has always been a favourite picture of old Edinburgh to and from
East Princes Gardens. From the hotel windows in Princes-street the best
positions for picture-making will be found.
Here you have also Sir Walter Scott's monument, which well repays
a few plates.
Between the Gardens east and west is the Mound, on which site stands
the Antiquarian Museum and National Gallery of Painting. These com-
pose well for a picture with the Castle in the background. The Castle
itself can be had from many points, both in the east and west gardens j
also another picture of the Castle can be had from the Grass Market side,
down by the King's Stables ; this view shows its great height, hence more
interesting than pictorial. Along the whole line of Princes-street the
choice of subject is very varied, and the ease with which good positions
can be obtained for getting in the desired subject and effect is light work
compared with most cities we have visited — all round, it is so free and
open.
HoLYBOOD Palace.
The older and more historical part of Edinburgh naturally begins at
Holyrood Palace.
Year by year the old landmarks are being obUterated, and places of
historical interest are being pulled down, and carted away to oblivion,
leaving nothing but the ground on which they stood to mark the places
where history was made.
As an instance of how these relics of the past gradually disappear and
are forgotten, we once went to photograph an old archway down the Canon-
gate. This archway formed the entrance to the house where Darnley
slept the night before his marriage with Mary Queen of Soots. When we
reached the spot, the archway was all gone, and in its place were aBCCted
two square sandstone pillars. We went into the building, and there, on
the ground (for the house now there is more modern) where Eoyalty used
to revel, we found workmen toiling for their^daily bread.
The Palace of Holyrood, however, still stands in all its sombre
grandeur, and, this being a centre of great historical interest, pictures of
the chapel and its surroundings will be desired by all.
The Chapel Boyal, a ruin within the palace grounds, should be photo-
graphed, and there is an old building to the left of the palace, and nearer
Abbey Hill, named Queen Mary's Bath-room, which makes a good
study.
The Canonoate.
Coming up the Canongate from Holyrood, about half way up on the
right-hand side, is the Canongate Tolbooth, a good specimen of the
French style of architecture, and in the Canongate churchyard (which is
a Utile lower down) Ferguson's tombstone, erected by Bums, will be
found; Adam Smith, the author of the Wealth of Nations, is aXao interred
here. All the way up the Canongate and High-street, every hero and
there will be found quaint old blocks of buildings, with half-obliterated
coats of arms and inscriptions, set in the doorways or on the fronts of
the houses. New streets and city improvements are fast sweeping away
many of these relics that delight the hearts of the antiquary and en-
thusiast ; but there are still a few left for the photographer who takes
delight in such subjects. John Knox's house on the same side of street,
and St. Giles' Church higher up on the other side, are both good subjects
for the camera. The buildings that form the square round St. Giles are
the Parliament House, now used as the Supreme Courts, and the
Advocates' Library, Ac.
At the top of the Castle Hill, in a lane to the right, will be found
Allan Bamsay's house (the author of The Gentle Shepherd). Then we
M»T e, 1892]
THK BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH i'.
297
come to the Cwtle EtpUnade and Castle interior. The view from the
Cud* U TBij eharmtof , but, as can be well anderstood, photograph! o(
the OMBa, hooaaa, sqnaiea, and roonu, are raloable principally (or their
hklarieal intenat
Ou> BciLDtiiog iJtD MoxmKrre.
In the eloaee which mn from the High-street to the Cowgate many
mniuuila of old boildings remain, foil uf history and interest, which
'woold wall repay a prowl round for three or foor boon.
To those who take an iaterest in monnments, memorials, and old
giaTestoaes, they will find iioite a wealth of subject in th« old Greyfriars
ChorehyanL
The *"rft'*''«B» in Edinbargh of a publie nature, such as banks, hospitals,
and oUmt imtitatiaas, are very nnmaroos and Tery handsome, and will
linnhtWei nimanmti tbamselves to the exposore of many plates.
Artboi's Se«t o( itself doss doI nake mu^ of a picture, but St
Anthony's C!hapd over St. Hargaret's Loefa is a pretty little bit, and beyond
the Arthur-street entrance to the park is the Laird of Dnmbiedyke's
boose.
Boom spots o( intanat speeially eonneated with Sir Walter Boott's
Btmrt tf UxdloOaan are sitoiklsd in tha Qnaen's Park, soeh as the site of
Jcanis Daaaa' booae, and the eaim when Jeania Deans mat Bobertson is
■tOl riMwn eloas to the PeirahiQ Banaak astranaa, bat frooi a photo-
gnvbia point of view U is oaataaa.
RATIO OF GRADATION.
Ora letter in repW to Mr. Channon, wrhieh 70U were cood enooxh to
publish in Toor issue of .\pril H, wa« aot ahogetaer aoperfluous
after all, since, in his last article, Mr. Chaanoa oukaa do farther
irfmwMii to mj d tba pneiotts qnastions tt the eontrovany : there
ia no maatioa of PlenaTa fotmaU aor of the " law of error." Mr.
Channoa has ail at onee nlaogad into • mm qoeactoo aa to wliich of
thf two foriBtifaB propussd bjr oofiaisw aoat acearataly rspnaaats the
that tlw stnigbt Nm rsprasaatad bv oar apposi
aotly dalhiaataa tha action of tha light noa tba
the corra with nosat of iniasioo, of wUeh tha "
action of Vybt upon the seoMtiva
Unr approximate formula awpaala to Mr. Chamion's sympathies for
tha aaaie leasoa aa did Plsaen ftwala, naasely, that b« is able to
aopport it by wliat aapaaia to ha dear aatheaaticai rea»inin(r. which,
howavar, acaia iavolTas aawiaiptimia aa to tha prupertias of plates
and of taaUi^t, wUeh ai« diraetly opyuaad to axpenmaotal faetik
Whatevw faolt may, ia tha fatwa, he fooad with our reacaich.
thnre is one fact whin we hava aatahUahed with great certainty,
namely, that than is not now a phatQftafhic plate in the market to
which tha furaula advocated oj Mr. Chanaon applies in any utber
aeasB than as a roagh apfcotiaatioa. We are e<|ually oertam that
there is not at piaamt a plate to ba foaad for which the formula we
have tanaad tha "eorraet formula" does not fairly represent the
variatioiM In tha density after development doe to ehaiigea ia the
•xpoaora. Tha last paragraph of our oriirinal paper dbowa how far
wa ooiaalvaa aadawtnod thia fwiaala aa flnaL
In the ahanea of aay axpariaMSlal pmof oa Mr. Chaaaoa's part
■ppmsiaasta facBula more
litiva plate than
' comet ftermala " ia
the eqoation, wa da not f««l it asaMMnr to minui'ly critidaa Mr.
<'hannon'a rsasooiag, which leads to aaytluag hat a truthfol rataiaring
<'f The facta.
I r may, however, ba well to eofrcet a few ■iawaderstandinga of oar
m. miiw^which have iaadvartaaily crept into Mr. Channon's artiela.
M r Chnnnmi statsa that wa eoosidHed tha whole of the light ab-
- btomide as aflaetive, or that, at any rale, we had
■~rm tn any tmaiiMi chaMe into heat. If he will again
•a of the ayaabou uatd, be will find that this
n iMadantaadiag is with regard to tha syabol
as a phatofiaphar, with
i>l«t<> in his mind, the aynbol ia indaSi
i ttx it with the liniteparticlohaasaa. To
- .. — .^..-a^alieian, the aymbui is, wa feel eaftaia, per^
. what ia iapliad ia tha whole treatmaat ol tha sob.
j>.c: uamtiy. f*dx^a. We aboidd aay that tha partidea repre-
sentixl by d.r are miwnitadea of tha order of aMtleculaa, aad have
aothiag whatever to do with Mr. Cbanaon's visible particlaa. If he
wiB earafntty eonsldar tha length (A time dt, the dillicultiea of tlie
iiiikj.vt dii* tn tb« indaflaitsneas of tha symbols will vanish.
.Mr. Chanaon, froM his aapiovad point of view that no light
arable of aflaet^ tha aiata will eeeape at the back, finds it difficult
to aaa what tha laaa o< Bght at tha back haa to do with the danaitiea
produced on the plate. If he ■were to spend in the laboratory a
portion of the time which he devotes to the writing-table, and to
eupplement his reasoning with an experiment on the lines of the
following, made by ourselves, he would derive considerable assistance.
1. Behind a slow plate another plate of the same kind was placed,
and several different exposures were given. Both plates were
developed together, and tl>e resulting densities were found to be
as follows: —
Front plate 535 -reS 1-0;W 1-286
Back plate -OaO -100 .-230 -370
2. In front of an Ilford extra rapid plate a strip of a slow plate
was placed, and also a strip of opal glass of apparently the same
opacity as the slow plate. A third portion of the Ilford plate was
left uncovered. Four different exposures ware given of lo, ;tU, 60,
and 120 seconds, respectively. The densities which resulted after
devebpment were aa follows : —
Doritiw OB lUgrd.
Mr
vr
80"
JK"
Exposed directly to U^t ...
Behmd opal glass
Behind slow plate
Denaitiea on slow plate ...
lo20
l-ll
OM
0-93
1-700
i-sa
1-26
1-16
1-90
I-6-2
1-57
1-89
314
1-88
1-82
2-20
Theee experiments clearly demonstrate that the energy at the back
cC the plate is not a negbgible quantitv, and that it acts behind a
sensitive plate in the same manner as bekiud on opal glass in which
no chemical change takes place.
Quantitative experiment* like these constitute whatever real value
our reeearch may poaaeas. llie theories and opinions therein are
valuable only in so far as they suggest new experiments and help to
connect isolatMl fact*, or to apply in practice the results of the
experiments. It is the production of more of these quantitative
experimental facts which at present occupies such time as we have
at our dispoeaL F. HrRTBB.
V. C. l)BxmEU>.
♦
BBOMIDE EMLABOQia.
\%%wmta»xmtiut aad loitkwa Cooatisi FhotofiapUa ifwtaHnB.]
I aaaa haidly dwell apoa the advantages of enlarging, so as to be able to
make large priata from amall aagatives. Few words are neosaaary to
ooaviaaa aay one of tha value of being aUa to make pietarsa suitable for
hanging from nagativaa wbioh can ba taken ia a vary amall camera, whilst
the lakiag of soeh direet from large negativea requires a camera which
many of aa aaaaot afford, basidas which tha extra labour in carrying a
15 X IS aaaMca and slides about the country naeearitatas an amoiut of
work wbiah not only many of ds would not care t/nndartake, bat which
in many eaam ia afaaoat impoaaibla. Beaides, amateurs, at aay rate,
don't want laiga priata by tha seore, but, as a role, liks to have a few
prints from their beat nsgaHtsa of such a size that they can be seen
witliont a magoifying.|^aas, aad it is to them that my remarks will be
specially diieolad.
A great deal has baaa said abont enlargements ss oompared with direct
priata; bat although I do not approve of " fuizy " prints of sny kind, I
decidedly piafsr a good aniaigament of any size above 12 x lu to a con-
test print of the same sua, and from a negative taken direct in the
A good oolargamaat of, aay,jthree or four diameters, which need not be
overstrained, has a aoftness in it which gives it a charm not possessed by
a direct print of the same sixe.
Vsry fine definition is not required In ptoiurea of 15 x 12 or over, as in
the small sixes, beeaoae when we look at a 15 x 12 picture we usually
stand a few feet away so as to see tba whole picture, wbilal in looking at
•aallar pictures we view them moeh nearer, and finer definition is then
deairad.
As iUMold ba impossibis for me to-night to go through and describe
tlfOia'plutiesscs of enUrging which most of you already know, I will
confine myself to giving yoo some of the results of my own experience,
hoping it may prove of use to any who wish to try this branch of photo-
graphy for themaelvea.
Tbi Nioativ*.
With regard to tha negativea, I usually take quarter plates, as I find
that they can aaaily be aalarged to 16 x 12, which is almost four
diameters, without in any way overstraining, so as to eanae " fuzzincss,"
and, as that is generally large enough for most amateora, I think quarter-
plate negatives liave auay advantagea.
Of coone, half-pUlas or wbola>phrtei can be as easily enlarged as
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRA.PHY.
[May 6, 1892
quarter-plates when daylight is used, but when artifioiallight is used
and a condenser is necessary, then quarter plates are more easily dealt
wiih, as the eipense of condensers for larger sizes is a serious item.
After all, a half, or even a whole-plate, is a small picture, and is more
suitable for an album, and it we take negatives for the purpose of en-
larging, we might just as well enlarge a quarter-plate as a half-plate-
There is a slight objection to the use of quarter-plates, and that is when
we enlarge them up to, say, 15 x 12 from a negative taken with an
ordinary focus lens, the perspective is rendered incorrect ; for instance
distant objects appear nearer than what they are in nature ; but in
pictore-majdng this lis, as often as not, an improvement, whilst, when
they are not so much enlarged as, for instance, to 10 x 8, which is about
two diameters, they are more correct than the original. As bromide
enlargements are the most commonly produced, and are injnost respects
the easiest, I will confine my remarks to this class.
The simplest method is, of course, to expose from the negative direct
upon the bromide paper, and when this is properly done, the results are
hard to beat. There are other ways, namely, tojmake a transparency of
the size of the negative by contact, and from this make an enlarged
negative. Or make an enlarged transparency, and from this make a large
negative by contact, and from this print your enlargement. These latter
processes are well adapted, when a large number of prints are required,
as, of course, each enlargement can be printed in the printing frame, and
much time saved, but if only two or three are required, there is no need
to go to this extra trouble of preparing an enlarged negative, as the first
process will yield results which cannot be surpassed, and it has the
advantage of being simple, whilst the more processes you introduce the
more difficult it is to succeed.
Negatives ior enlarging should be full of detail, and not too dense and
sharp to the edges. I usually take them with stop /-32 and develop them
without much bromide in the developer, just sufficient to keep them from
logging, as they should be quite clear.
Any amount ^of contrast can be had in the enlargement by using suffi-
cient bromide when developing it. It is astonishing what excellent
enlargements, with plenty of contrast, can be made from negatives
without much contrast, whilst negatives with great contrast are unsuit-
able for enlarging. 5 TheJ only way^to treat these is to subject them to a
very powerful light, as a weak light, acting for a longer time, has not the
same effect. HJThe image being on the surface of the paper, the deep
shadows get_blocked up before the other parts are brought out, and show
no detail in the denser parts, which is not the case in a negative or
lantern slide, which isjviewed by transmitted light, when the detail in
the denser parts is easily seen.
Another advantage in using a small stop when taking J negatives for
enlarging'.is that you get more even negatives, so that the density at the
centre is not greater than that atj the edges, whereas with a large stop
more light strikes the centre of the plate than the edges, and conse-
quently the density is greatest in the centre. Negatives suitable for
enlarging make excellent direct bromidejprints, if developed in the same
way.
The Appabatus Neoessaby.
Either daylight or artificial light can be used. When daylight is used
various means can be adopted, but I think the best and simplest way is
to place the negative towards a window, and photograph it, so that to do
this you must have a light-tight box of the size of the enlargement, or,
in other words, a substitute for a large camera. This does not require
the room to be darkened, nor to have to work in a dark room, and is, I
think, a simpler method than having to block up a window, which is not
always an easy thing to do, the camera taking the place of a dark room.
This is best made with a large bellows, to one end of which is fixed the
front for carrying the lens, and to the other end a frame is fixed, to which
a dark slide can be fitted. A hinged door could be used, on which the
bromide paper is pinned, but a dark slide is much to be preferred, as
the paper can be shut up and carried to the dark room to be developed,
whereas, if the paper is only pinned on a board, it would have to be
developed in the same room, or the whole apparatus carried bodily away
to avoid the light.
This apparatus can he bought very oheap'already made of any size up
to 15 X 12, and is, I think, very convenient.
A rigid box can be used instead, when the lens is inserted at one end
and the other end left open,' in which case an easel is made to slide in at
the back for focussing, and on which the bromide paper is pinned, and a
piece of cloth hung over the back of the box to exclude any extraneous
light. In each case a piece of ground glass is substituted when focussing,
and in the case of the rigid box a mark must be made, so that the easel
can be placed in the same position. But a camera with bellows has many
advantages, as it is more easily worked (or focussing and can readily be
made, and a dark slide for holding the paper could be bought and fitted
to it. The dark slide can be had fitted with carriers for holding any size
of paper, in which the paper will easily stand upright when supported at
the corners, like a plate, especially if the thick paper be used ; if not, it
can be held between two pieces of plain glass without harm.
The best way to fix the negative for illuminating it is to fix it in the
camera in which it was taken, either by having a holder to fit in the
position of the ground glass, or place it in a dark slide and open both
slides ; then place the camera with the negative towards the light and
the lens-hole pointing inwards, the lens having been removed and
inserted in the larger camera.
The lens used in taking the negative answers admirably ; but if a short
exposure is preferred, then a portrait lens can be used.
It is better to have a long board to hold the two cameras, so that the
larger one, containing the bromide paper, is at one end, and the smaller
one, containing the negative, upon a small table at the other end, so that
the lens-hole of the small camera will be on a level with the lens in the
large camera, each of these sliding between beads at either side, so as to
keep them parallel. This saves a lot of time in centering, as when once
they are set, then at whatever distance they may be removed for focussing
they are always centred.
The board, with the whole arrangement, can then be rested on the
window sUl ; and a good slope should be given, as this is very desirable,
and if used with artificial light, is simply placed upon a table.
The Illuminant.
When a dark room can be used, then the window is first blocked up,
leaving an aperture of the size of the negative to be enlarged. The
ordinary camera or an enlarging camera containing the negative is fixed
up against the aperture, with the lens pointing inwards, so that no light
can enter the room except that which comes through the negative. Of
course, the ground glass is removed and the negative inserted in its place,
and an easel for holding the bromide paper placed at the required distance
from the lens. The camera must, iu this instance, be able to extend to
twice the distance of the focus of the lens used.
A window facing the north is to be preferred, or wait until the sun's
rays do not fall direct upon the negative, as direct sunshine is not-
desirable. It is also better to be as high a possible, and to have an open^
view, so as to avoid houses opposite, as chimneys, &c., obstruct the light
and often cast a shadow over the negative, which will show in the-
enlargement. In this case a mirror or sheet of cardboard at an angle of
45 degrees, outside the window, so as to reflect the skylight on the nega-
tive, will greatly help to overcome these difficulties.
When artificial light is used then a condenser is necessary. It is placed
between the light and the negative so as to collect the light, in order to
render the rays parallel, which enter it, so as to cause equal illumination
of the negative. In this case the same apparatus can be used as described
for daylight, so that an open light can be utilised if a large camera is
used, but^if not, then the light must be enclosed, and the enlargement
thrown on an easel, as in the dark room arrangement. A good Argand
burner answers admirably in place of the lime or electric light.
With regard to the exposure it will depend upon the nature of the light
and size of stop used, and will best be found by trying on a small piece
of paper first, and when the correct exposure is found for a certain size
of enlargement and a certain stop used, tlien other exposures can be
calculated by the ordinary tables of exposure, and the density of the
negative taken into account. In the case of daylight, the light varies
considerably, but when a correct exposure is found by experiment on a
small piece of paper, allowance can be made for the weather the same as
in taking negatives, and pretty accurate results obtained.
D^VELOPMEKT.
It is as well to fix upon a good developer for ordinary negatives, and
try to expose to suit it, and, if a thin or flat negative is used, then a little
more bromide added to the developer, so as to give contrast, and the ex-
posure made to suit that developer, whilst a negative with great contrast
should be given an exposure suitable for a developer with less bromide,
so as to avoid exaggerating the contrast, so that exposure and develop-
ment should be suited to each other. The exposure for artificial light
will depend a great deal on the source of light used, but for daylight, and
what I find is correct for this time of year (April), using stop /-24, at
three in the afternoon, and Eastman slow paper, from quarter-plate to
10x8, as I have here to-night, I give three or four minutes, and develop-
with eikonogen, as follows : —
A.
Eikonogen 1 ounce.
Sulphite of soda 4 ounces.
Bromide of potassium 10 grains.
Distilled water 60 onncea.
Ma7e,UM]
THE BRTTiSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
290
B.
CartaMte a( ndm S
I>ii«illad water 20 „
T7m thiM puti of k, one part of B, two parts of water, and one drop
ollca per eenL aohitioii of bromide of potamrinw to each oanee of mixed
developer.
Vnm km to'nx'prints'majr be drrelopeJ in thie developer in (oeces-
akn with eaae.'aod the following fixing aelation need after :—
Hjpo 4
Bimlphita of loda 1'
Water SOoanees.
Thia fixing solution remains qnita eoloorleas if any et the deTeloping
soIatioD ihooU be carried into it by the prints, and pterents the poesi-
bllity of any stains from the dereloper.
Fcrrona nralatu is a very saitable deieloper, bat is more tronblesome
to make and work with, having to have a clearing eolation, and it lias
the diaadrantage of heentning muddy *ri>en naed with tap water by pre-
cipitating the lime, nnleesjdistilled water la naed.Iand is, moreover, ex-
pensive.
Hydroqoinooe woold be very snitable if it eoold be need with eaostie
floda or potash, bat when tbaee are naed they are very injorioos to the
pifer. aa even a weak solvtioa wiO rot the paper in a'sbort time, so that
i*. will not lift without tdliag to pieeea, and if carbonate is aaad it is too
!ow. The aho-rt eikoDogen developer ia also eiesUcnt for plates, if nsed
withoat the exiia water, giviag elaaa aa4 hrOBant ncgativae; bat if one
ketpe to eaa developer, belter raeoHa at* likaly to be obtained than when
one ia tried at oaa lima and aaoth* at aMthar,'and the best way is,
when yon find a good dev»i>niei, iliek to fU FaasaaiacPAu.
THE PBEsnr rosmoir of photoobapht n? relation
TO BOOE AMD PEBIODICAL IIiI.USTRATION.
{-OmrOtmuw dek," Itjtam^am; Imo.]
It ie aboot twenty-five yeara ifo aiaaa I haatd the fint whisper MMOg
wnod-engriveta of aaotber mahmead in the field. For a long period
engraving «a wood had no rival b the preftwHwi of rtUef bioeka eoitable
to print with latterpnM i^ob the oHlMiy priatii^ MMhiMa, and.
ahheogh this fitat proaMi iMd Da«hii« to do wMh piiotognpby, it had
the aarit el dispaoiiag with the aagnmr ea wood. I waa bat a boy in
theee da^ b«t I ahan Mvar leeial tba batilin state of aUrm thia
ateple pteaaia pwiJaMd la Mw aapoviag worid. It was a tailaze pan
•adeiiaple.aadt».daylbeliavotoaolwadatall. TUs waa the method.
A bioek waa Made or ehalk aiasfi wHb glaeer aona aiailar aobataaee,
OBihUadrawtegwaaiiaakyoMtHWttothaideaed theelMik.Baw
abewahwaeooedtorMiieialheeholkaotafcaled bylha malwhl wad,
laMfnglhodaripiia nBats Ihte «m alMteMypoi, aad prodaaed a bkMk
fi«rfriallag|ite|iiiw U «■• ealled papMyye. aad a poor, miemhb
thi^i it waa. aHhoogh bem the talk el the peaaMten it was to do »w^
'With eagravHa aMofMher.
Many yean pswM awi^, and agiila tte bogsy tvned «p. Photo-
.gmpben had nalaraQy baaa liyiag to a find a sheep naaae ol
lepmdaaiag ttwlf idoluiei so flMt thsy eoold be sold
.ol wood-eagnvn^ by tne aad hoadnda el
aaya then la aothiaff aov n
•ytty old piinias, well kaowa
.to aUppie a plate ol aiaa er ■okaadirivi apea itwith agreaay aal
aad eat awi^ the aateaihed natel with aaid. l«avli« the design in nlief ,
atefaiag beiag only the ptoiasa ie»weeil llial la to say. a plate ol eopper
h eoaled wllh Htwai or lona alirikr eaheteaee. aad the daaign ia
■enlehedtfamaghit.caposiaglhebanaMlal.whteh b eataa oat by the
arid ia wUih II is plaeal. BoogUy. ftia is the aiiriisaiaal eavaviag
that wo bavo to4ay.
AvnQtJZTT 00 Woofr-aaaaAvxxo.
It ia aov ttan I iatndaao photography, vlrieh had iavadad the ait of
lagoviag leag keiaw pwiw waa thoi^ht ol Ferhapo it voald be best.
■0 that I noha m^mM perlaeily iiiiilintooJ. that I shoaUakalah oat
what eapariigeaaaod waa brisaa photofnfhp aad pneeoi aeoM iato
OM. If yoa galtaaea napsot old apa. thea wnnlaig»aiiog will eoa-
■■ad year napeet. Bo aarivtielheaH that wo know wood bloeha wen
wnitoatoHylheMakaihebneHtnmadelBlheliaMol thoFhoiaoha.
Tlis rhiiiioa liaii kiw tiaiaii II ootol adad. the tiaw rittfag
oathtfloerwilkamilolahloonrfaialeptoeivo^oi""* Dvfaglbe
A«n the art WM kept alive, aad aplaadld ipinhnMi an to be
; eoUeeHoao d kaUa work eat opoa pear or iimflar wood.
^Albert Dfinr mA his popfb aonied tho art to great bcanty, bnt it waa
left to an Englishman to place it in the front rank as the pictorc-gallery
of the million. Bewick did this, and by leaps and bonnds it has grown
into favour. By its growth it has killed the army of splendid steel-
engravers, the specimens of whose work will ever live as a monnment of
English talent The great expense of the prodaotion, and the fact that
it had to have a separate printing, and that a veryjexpensive one, waa
fatal to it ; what little ohanee is left for the steel engraver seems likely to
die away altogether by the introduction of photogravure.
Bewick's IiiFBOTEuaNTS.
The first idea in engraving by Bewick was to draw and engrave his own
Uoeks, and boxwood waa used instead of pear, gravers instead of knives ;
and one very important matter was that, instead of cutting the wood for
the engraver, after the manner of a plank, it was cut across the grain
after the manner of a salmon cutlet. The freedom this gave the en-
graver to ent right and left, up and down, or in circles, will be readily
understood. As the art progressed, larger and larger things were at-
tempted, and now came a difficulty. Good boxwood waa only to be found,
" exoept on rare occasions," in small sizes. Now came the skill of the
wood*preparer. who managed to join two perfectly true edges by a tongue
inaarted in the two pieces, and glued up in a vice ">wViT^g one solid pieoe,
aad so things went on ; but now a great awakening waa to oome npon
the art, the idea of aa illustrated newspaper came to the front, and blocks
wen leqoind made in many pieoea so that several workmen oonld at one
tioM work npon them, the whole thing being screwed or glued together
lor the printer. I fear I shall tire yoa by this hasty relation of what en-
graving on wood ocoaisto of, bat I deal with these particulars to enable yon
to imdentend eomewbat the requirements of picture-making tor our
papsn aad books. Oae mon step now came to the front, and that was
eleetrulyping. As the namben required of the printers increased, it was
fooad neeseeary to have mon than one machine going at the same time.
Farther than that, then was the danger of an accident to the wood
bloek. it might split, it might get worn, and that after a few thousands
had been printed if th« wood was soft or not properly seasoned ; so electro!
typing just met this diffieol^.
ELBCTaormso.
Aa eketrotype is oiade aa follows :— The wood bloek is put nnder
pvwssni's in a bed ol wax aiaking a mould. This has white metal run
into it, which is afterwards pat into a battery and a deposit of copper is
thrown upon it The result is a repeat of the wood block " if properly
done." I say this, as in then cheapening days It ia often shamefully
eeamped, aad the engraver is blamed for resnlte that are due to the
eleelMfyper, or to the skimping pries paid by his employer. By this
msans the wood bloek is not vrorhsd from at all— by "worked from "I mean
printed fhaa— bat is kepi in neerve shoald it be required.
DaAWiao o« Wooo. /
Ysry aoca after Bewiek'a time it was seen that, ahhoogh then wen
vrho eoald both dnw aad engnve their blodu, still than
to tho iNBt wlw wen engnven ol a very high ocdor,
bot wan bat poor dmathtHaaa. and at the same time artiste wen
aaxiooa to draw far eagnveia, and to-day, although then an a few
instewees ol msa who oaa both draw and engrave, in the majority of
eaaea tiie dnwiag is by one hand, the engraving by another. Drawings
wan always made upoo the bloek of wood with pencil and Indian ink,
and of courss, as tba eo^aver cat away the design (turning it into a
block for the printer^ roller to go over it), bit b7 bit was lost Now, it
waa hen that photography cane to the front Drawing on boxwood waa
a taehaieal art, aad a vary beautiful art it was and is. In the Brst place,
everything baa to be reveraed— that is to say, the Lady Olendower sign.
ing the BMiiiago eartifteate haa to do so with the left hand, the design
appsoriag ia the psriodieal nverssd ; and if yoa gentlemen have ever
painted rr made a deaign yoa trill know what agony it is to see it
reversed in a lookiag-ghMa. This the wood artist had always to count
npon, and waa one ol the dUBculties that kept many artiste outside book
illustration ; bat now some enterprising photognphsr found he could
whe|||p%h a drawing made npoa paper, and print It npon the wood
blott rtvened, the engnver having the original by his side when en-
gnviag. I nmember all the miseries of these things, the thick and
oaevea films, films that when a man tried to out a fine line fiaked off a
alios d the design, films that direetly the ink roller was put over them
worked ap and filled up the lines with a sort of mad. In the finer parts
the gnvsr often had only cut the film, and the wood waa intact Bit by
bit however, then matten improved, bot I say to-day much is to be
deeind. aad the engraver has to watch the photographer like a eat does a
moose or he will find hinmlf in for no end of trouble; I wish I had an
aadiewee ol pablishen to-night, that I might give forth the bleat of a
aoo
THE BKITISH JODBNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[May 6, 1892
poor engraver, and tell them all we have suffered from photography on
wood.
Now, in these days facsimile engraving was coming into fashion, and
n art matters there is a fashion as much as in bonnets or dresses ; the
engraver had become a simple follower of the line laid down by the artist,
he was the most clever man who followed slavishly the design without
daring to think for himself ; he had sank his manhood, and become the
bond-servant of an artistic master, certainly not lacking in impudence.
When I look back on the designs of those days, I marvel at the sim-
plicity of those who catered for the public, that public who can be led by
the nose for a time by any stupidity. This age of cross-hatching, " or
the bird-cage style of art," was the opportunity of the photographic
process.
Zinc ETCBroa.
So you see photography had got its foot in, and now the entire body
was introduced to the shivering engraver. The publishing fraternity flew to
the arms of the new love ; prices began to be reckoned by square inches,
no matter what the subject, it was all charged by the foot rule, the only
stipulation being that the design should be drawn in line on Bristol
board with !black ink, and no erasure or muddle was allowed. I dare
say some of these things have been altered, but only in small matters,
and the system of producing was, and is to-day, much after this
manner : — A negative is taken by the collodion process — a process, in my
opinion, dry plates cannot hold a candle to, except for convenience and
rapidity — and a zinc plate ground to a perfectly even surface, coated
with albumen and a saturated solution of bichromate of potash, and
evenly distributed by the plate being whirled round very rapidly, the
surplus solution falling off ; when dry, it is exposed under the negative
till the perfectly clear lines are well printed ; but the protected white is
untouched by light. When the plate is sufficiently printed, it is removed
and coated with ink ; under the tap of water the free bichromate is
washed away, that affected by the light — " the lines of the design " —
being insoluble by the action of light. Now, with a clean roller, covered
with lithographic ink — a greasy ink — the plate, being kept well covered
with water, is rolled up again, and, if properly done, the design should
be perfect, even to the most minute detail. I think you will at once
see how easy it is in theory. A bath now of acid and water is prepared,
and the zinc, protected by bitumen in all parts not wanted to be cut away
also the back and edges, is placed in a wooden trough pitched inside
and the acid water poured over it in one even wave, and kept rocking till
the surface has been eaten away, leaving the design just slightly in
relief. Kow, the acid 'has a knack of working after the manner of a
scythe, and directly it gets under the surface it begins to undermine the
delicate lines. To prevent this, the plate is taken out of the bath, inked
np again, and warmed over a stove ; being warm, it runs down the sides
of the lines and so protects them from the acid ; again and again this
process is repeated, using softer ink ; and a very delicate process it must
be to prevent the fine lines being injured. There are two dangers to the
publisher. The incompetent and cheap man will either lose the fine
lines, or make them a series of dots, or else leave off the etching process
before a sufficient depth is attained for the printer.
SCBKKN WOBK.
This desirable state had been reached when again the publishing world
was startled by a new departure in art matters, and this time it came from
America. Our friends across the water had been working steadily upon
the art of engraving, and now the American magazines became famous
here, the great point being that a number of pictures were all jumbled
together in one block, so that you had doubts whether the funnel of the
steamboat in one picture was, or was not, the leg of the man in the
picture above, further than that they were very fine — so fine in fact that
English printers could not understand how ever it was possible to print
them at all. Away went the brilliant publishers after the new craze, and
the bird-cage draughtsmen were voted low and coarse, and the artist who
could draw with lamp-black and|Chinese white became a hero, especially
if he could splice twenty pictures on a page ; and, as for the engraver who
could engrave very fine, he was, indeed, a treasure, and the printer
became " for a time " more ill-used than ever all round. There was
notliing for it but that he should get better machinery, the paper must be
better, and blocks must be made really with greater knowledge and care,
and better ink must be used. All this time the poor process man was
going through a very rough time — like Othello, his occupation was gone;
but now, with a courage very commendable, he set to work to tackle the
drawings in lamp-black and Chinese white, and to-day there are many
systems that profess to render a tone drawing ; they vary slightly, but in
the main are the same ; the drawing is focussed in the usual way, but a
screen of lines is placed between it and the sensitive plate ; sometimes the
lines of screen cross at right angles to each other, sometimes they are
diagonal, the result being that in the negative the picture is cut into
thousands of squares, and in the finished print on the zinc it is repeated ;
therefore the acid eats the lines away, leaving the design ut all over, and
it becomes a printing block. You see, again, howsimple it all is in
theory. Let me clearly lay the position down here. On the one hand,
we have the design requiring an engraver to render it for the printer,
in the second process we do it by mechanical means, although the success
depends upon the thoughtful and clever manipulation of the operator,
and every part of the process must be very perfect, or the result is failure;
this, 80 far as the line (or pen-and-ink drawing will, perhaps, make me
better understood) is concerned, but as regards the tint, or wash-drawing,
there are difficulties I must now deal with. Drawings in tone are made
for photographing on wood of lamp-black, ivory black, or Indian ink, and
Chinese white, some artists only using the white very sparingly, just to
mark out a fold of a dress, or take a line off the face, any little matter in
finishing that seems necessary ; others use the black pure, as washes, in
parts, and in other washes, to increase the charm of the drawing, an
admixture of white, sometimes painting white upon white to trick the
drawing, and give cheap finish ; others mix every tone with white, and
use the colour freely, killing the paper on which the drawing is made
after the manner of thin oil painting. Tom Symmoss.
(To be continued.)
PHOTOGRAPHERS' ENGLISH.
Thk modern photoarrapher, especially when of the amateur division
is eminently and specially characterised by a certain honhontit,
whicli seems to find vent in a kind of missionary spirit — a desire
to communicate in brotherly love, his private " experiences," strugglef^
and final victories, gained either by his own cleverness, or through
some " new tip," or new form of apparatus or material, which he then
nearly always terms a " boon." The way in which this word " boon "
has been appropriated by the amateur photographic fraternity is re-
markable. "Advantage," which it has replaced, has now no chancty
at least among photographers.
" Utilised," for used, is another fine, round-sounding favourite.
Frequently, when an amateur is in great haste to communicate, ha
seems blind to the sad havoc he makes of the Queen's English, ancf,
considering how very much the schoolmaster is abroad just now, and
the vast sums spent by the State on schooling for high and low, it is
really surprising to see so much want of knowledge of the native
tongue even among persons possessing titles indicative of the fact that
they have graduated at a University, or have been honoured by the
fellowship of learned bodies.
I take a few instances to begin with from a recent publication.
I have, in some cases, indicated by italics the parts 1 take to be
erroneous.
First, we have a sample of queer English by one gentleman, wh»
writes : " A still better plan I thought to have a frame made," &c. ;
then an example of odd etymology by anohter, who tells us " of de-
velopment processes perhaps the most /nvoured h the slow bromide."
No douht favourite is meant.
A third gentleman, who aims apparently at a style combining
facetiousness with a souj>qon of literary culture, writes : —
" ' Ask of the wind that round about
With fragments strew the sea.' "
When will people cease to trust to their memories, and purchase
quotation books ?
A fourth, who gives his address as " India," writes : " Some hand
cameras consist of an ordinary camera enclosed in a box."
I have myself a very " ordinary " camera. I have been wondering-
if, on enclosing it in a box, I might become the happy possessor of
" some hand cameras." But, alas ! I have no faith in such legerdemain.
Mr. Charles S. Patterson, at p. 131, gives " Hints on Medical I'hoto-
graphy," \yhich title, it appears, describes photography, not of medicals
nor medicines, but of patients who constitute interesting or rare cases.
Perhaps the opening sentence of Mr. Patterson, M.B., in recommend-
ing the flash light is the gem of the whole collection. He says, " The
exposure is made so rapidly that transitory attitudes, or even slow
movements, may be portrai/e'd.' This splendid example of the method
of conveying what one means by phrases of an exactly opposite signi-
ication betrays at once Mr. Patterson's nationality. He is evidently
of Hibernian extraction.
Of course, no photographer ever "portraj-ed a movement." His
U»j 0. 18B3]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
SOI
picture may hart indicated motioB, bat that ia what Mr. Pattanoa
tlaima to aToid. Aod what is a " transitory attituda ?''
A Mr. Mathewii, who is evidently a stroof; adherent of the nov
half-forgotten Tichbome claimant, gives (p. I^IO) a i;ood example of
the frrandioM and pedantic in " the transference having satisfactorily
•vwDtoated in the presentation of an unmistakable unison of tht
divided parts." In the vulgar tongue this means, " <Jn interchanging
the parts they were teen to match."
Observe the " tnnaf erence " and "anison," used really for trana-
Kwition and coneapondence. as be is speaking of two portraits, one of
oger and one <rf Orton, which had neen each cut in two, and the
right-hand halve* interchanged to see how they matched the remain-
ing l»ft-hand halves. The remarkable fact that the correct words ara
even longer than tboae naed,«aggeata that this style of writer probably
thinka man of ■oand than aniae, and the 6rst big round word that
Moea goe* down, if it at all apfiroachea the mraninfr.
MaebethV wiU war-about, "The cry it still ' They come !'" seama
hardly happy in referenc» to bliaters on silver print*, p. 14o. After
thp dcacription of the very efficient method for getting rid of tha
fcliiterv, it would hare been trite and appropriate to add, "Come like
ihtilowii. 'n d>>part !" Bat let os hope Mr. rlamant waa not really a
readier of Macbeth.
Mr. V'arWr. F.B.AJS., give* oa aome remarkable science on p. 904.
He savs, " Li^it tlecieasm aa the aonwe of the distance of the luminoua
body." This ia Umentable, and from an F.RAJS., too! Fill op th*
ellipaij, and it reada, " Light decreaaee as the sqoare of the distance of
the liuninona body decreases." In other words, the nearer the candl*
the More in the dark. Truly, thin may apply to the luminosity of th*
author in thia puticnlar case, hot not in ordinary experiance. Re-
f.-rrinc to mimt work of Dr. Wolhefw, we are also informed : —
" The valne of Siriu* he grree aa Ming that of one two-hnndred-
thouaand xilfionth part of that vrodaead from th>- Sun, the son being
a^nal to th light produced by <<fi6S wbz candles burning at one fool
diatance from the aerMn."
In the fiiet part of thia cnTions aaatenee replacing Siriua by " th*
Hfht of Siiina^ make* at leaat tenae. What the second part mean* la
open to eoBjecCoTe.
In a tittle work called th* Fivtfnpkm't ajftmmlu- Erjtotw* h'ott-
ionk I find the foUowing cnrioiitiM awlar the heading " Teeu for
Water:"—
" Teat for hard nr soft water. DUaolve a small quantity of good
MMp ia aleiAol : if it tarns milky, it i* hard— if not, it ia aofu"
Hani ot aoft ao«p I suppoae, since, tkoagk there ia sneh a thing aa
hard driakiag. who ewr heaid of hard or aoft aleohol i and only
•oap aB4 akokol aia wmtMamL Bat what aboat the water w*
wanted to taalf
Teat for add. .Take a pieee of Utmos paper ; if it turns r*d, there
mn«t he aeid : it i^ preeipitataa on adding lime-water, it i« carbonic
aril. If a hiae saiar paper fa taraad lad, it t* a mineral acid."
I fere is a woadarfal piMa of litwM papei ! It is to be " Uken,"
wb-tb«r''faMarBaO]r''or aMfaly tilaiw th* finger and thumb de-
[- r-ux taveth not, neither are we ialorated what eolour it inay be at
" if it tarn* red ther* must be aeid.' Where ? The next
rm* US. Evidentiv the paper i* the acid. If "it" preei-
(.. .1-, "it" ia earhonie aeid. Th* pnooon claariy rafata to the
C^T- r a* in th* fint part ef tha aeatcaa*.
' "TMa of thi* aoteworthy piece of aeieatifie ileetilplioa
I kiad of miaeral acid very aaatly. Thia aeid, aeoord-
briiliant and lucid author, Is' a bine aogar-paper that is
How it can be hloe and be tamed ted at the same tim*
!• iiuuruit to see, bat thia ia aodoabt ooe of the peculiaritiea of thi*
particular mineral aeid.
Tn (ay that all hia* lagar papaw (by the war, what ia a aaga^
p^r*''''') that are taraed lad are miaatal adds dnee not, fortonately
I:: icienoe and the art*, imply that all mineral aeida ar* bhie mtgar-
p*p*r*. J. Baowir.
f>vix CDiterial ?at(r.
Thk Bactyxaa'a Otrii>a m pHomoBAraT. (4th Edition.)
raan». Bom. * BAvnvT. BaMsa Oartia.
Wb«t we haire mid of pterioaa aditioDS of thi* little work applies |<>
that aow iaMad. Tha lafurmation givea is ter*e and practical, ami
eamlv appeal* to the aadmataadiog Of thoee for whom it i* intended.
At tbe pteaaM mnamrt the chapter on " Hand Cameraa" ahoold be of
eavedal Tahm. Aa aa iatfodactory gaide to photography tha work
ateiiaUy fatti* iu ohjeet.
Tms April number of the Manufaeturert' Enffineering and Erport
Jyumal devotes a large portion of its gpBce to an illustrated descrip-
tion of Messrs. Siemens' electrical works at Woolwich. The illustra-
tions sre many in number, and are from photographs by Messrs.
Elliott & Fry and Negretti & Zambra. As examples of interior
photojrraphy, we have seen nothing finer, but the process worker and
the printer naa done them scant justice.
Thb Daixasiypb Shakkspears.
J. E. GiBUTT k Co., 48, Sonthampton-row, W.a
Wb have received Part I. of a reproduction of the first folio edition of
Shakespeare's works by Mr. Duncan C. Dalla.'. As a .specimen of
photographic reproduction the work is admirably done, and is well
printed. This facnmile. edition should find great favour among
lovers of Shakespeare, and when complete will form a handsome and
valuable addition to the library.
With the current number of Judi/ is presented a reprint of its first
iMue, which appeared on May 1, 1867. Curiously enough, No. 1 of
Jm/if has a photographic joke. A bearded swell of the period has
handed his lady cousin his photograph with the remark, " Good, is it
not .* I waa done in Regent-street ;" to which the lady (?) replies,
" < )h. indei-d ! Done in Regent-street, waa it ? Done, certainly ; but,
cousin, it might have been done in the Zoological Gardens." From •
the quality of the bamour one would never have supposed our.
" funny " contemporary would have lived a quarter of a century.
iHtttitiQ^ of &octetU)e(.
MBITIIfOS or 80CIKTIK8 TOR NEXT WKBK.
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ITIiIummI PhotA ^— tHi^Mt
BtaaMrd raoao. BociNy
miiii'ZZZZ-.""'.
riwriaaU^
Misttiair Pkete. SaoMar »....
Nora KmI
Oldbaa .«. _
Cu4Ut „.
l^ercljaB Hotal DatUactoa.
Asm. Stadlo, Httbunte, Dnndae.
Bdl Botil. Honrioh.
JoMIm Ban, HomMT.rmd, It.
BiDttk's llMtaiiiiuit, TkoloriMtneti
SO, Onat BiiinU.it.. Bloooufawj.
Loetai* Ball, AUMamm.
MHoaia OoBti. Bhrh.«tn*t
Major'* Pvlaar, Old Ttown Ball.
Sobool at Art, ll«la(m«laa*, Oock.
I's Boltl.IlMUtoMt,K.O.
MiotiaBfae' lastttatt, Stoekport.
tmiiilsMoii Booau. PTloo.«trMt.
n, Ootmin-ttr—t, BradfonLI
Oariagynw leart, W.C.
Mortar BaU, TrtaHl*. Baaknaj.
Chaapioa goUUUl Aldamata^t ,
as, 0«oc|*4tTMt, MiuKihaatsr.
Onmnad.
The I^rasoB, UBloii.«trMt,Oldham.
•Tbs FakMw," MiidskaM.
■«, U, I>awsa»«tmt, DiAUa.
Onvhaaao Betal. BlohmowL
Oktawick School of Art. CUnrlck.
LOaVOV AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOORAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
AnuL 28.— Mr. S. J. & Wollastoo lo tbs chair.
Mean. H. Hoetbsr and T. 8t*ven»oo w«« electe>l nMnben.
A qasstioa from tb* box was aa follows :— " Can n«nnia(bm bs olitainad to
take phntngnphs in the BritUh Mawiim ; If so, to whom nhall I aiiply t"
Mr. T. E. raaaawATKB taid it was necosary to apply to the bpailn of depart-
Biaats in which the ohjscU wantod to be photoBapMa were pUcoL
A saeoad riamtlBa aifad whether aa taMamar that had been recommended
It riiBsl*m of bkaehi^ with mercoiy, followed by caustic
Mr. W. K. DnnHAM ikmbtcd th* panaaacney of the results ^nless sulphide
ware iMod to blackea th* Imm*^
- HB;%B*aKM sakl h* tad amd msnarlal iatenaiacation for twenty-five
ysaia, an bad fMmd slaipl* watUiw salBcicat to (arar* pemunence. He did '
not know whni the reralto he had got would bile. He bleacbed riKht tbroogh,
wwboi wril, anil treated with ammonia. Images only bicachdi auperHcially
wen rofltiTe. Be waebed for seven or eight hoors, and never for less than
foor.
Mr. J. E. Sarra said that b* had iotaaaiflad with the formula quoted as well
■s with OD* having ammaaia insUad of the hydrate. The ammonia gave the
<larkeet and Ixat images for his porpose (copying pencil drawings), in which he
wutcd to gat as nocfi klsi tiihse as poesibla.
Mr. W. E, Dnmaaa leeoammded for th* porpoae iodide of mercury.
followed by SsUipp*'* saH.
A third qnt*tMa wm
' I> there a spectacle lens that can be nsed in con-
302
THE BRITISH J0T3RNAL OF PHOTOaRAPHY.
[May, 6, 1892
innction with a doublet of nine-inch focus that will reduce the focus to about
half; and, if so, what niimbor is it ? Where should it be placed, in front, behhiil,
or between the lenses ! " The answer was a nine-inch spectacle lens should bo
vied, and rlaocd in the middle of the lens.
Mr. J. S. Tkapb had made experiments with a sample of the non-actinic
medium shown at a previous meeting by Mr. P. A. Bridge, and found it excel-
lent as a protective medium for the light of the dark room. He had made a
number of holes in a piece ot opaque material, beliiml which lie had placed
various thicknesses of cherry and golden fabric, as well as one thickness of the
new material. An llfoni plate was then pl.iced in contact, and magnesium
ribbon burnt. Development of the plate showed that the new material was
quite safe as compared with the other substances. It pa.ssed a great deal more
light.
Mr. W. H. Smith (of the Platinotype Company) demonstrated the new cold
T)«th platinotype jiaper, developing a number of prints from negatives by
Messrs. Drage, Frith, and Edwards. He said the only difference between this
«nd the other papers was in the development, the developer being exactly tlie
••ame as used in the hot-bath process, but used cohl. A cold developer was
<much handier to employ, and, if its temperature even went so low as nexr freez-
ing, it maiie little difference. The loss from evaporation was very slight. The
prints took longer to develop, but air bubbles were got rid of entirely. He
*lefl a largo undeveloped patch in the centre of a print for several seconds ; upon
development no mark could be seen. Finger-marks, made by the developer on
TindeveloiHKl prints, did not show when the whole of the print was developed.
With the other papers, if they were folded before development, white lines
-appeared ; this paper could be broken or folded without any sucii lines ai'pear-
ing. Mr. Smith also showed practically that development could be localiseii,
:and accomplished either by the fingers or a brusli. He said that with the new
paper the blacks were better than those given by the old, and, indeed, results
•generally were better, as they could see. Under-printed pictures could be im-
proved by warming tlie bath, which could be done up to 130°. The effect of
weakening the developer would be to prolong development.
Mr. P. Everett a.sked whether the sensitising solution alone conid be pro-
cured, so that, if neces,sary, additional work conld be placed on a print ?
Mr. T. BoLAS said that a wash of Indian ink wouM be preferable.
Mr. SstiTH said another deposit could be obtained on a developed print in
the way Mr. Everett suggested, but it would be necessary to wash the developer
off, dry, sensitise, and expose again. In "clearing" prints, he advised a final
waishing in solution of carbonate of .soda to neutralise the acid. AH the other
m.anipnlations of the new paper were the same as the old
In moving a vote of thanks to Mr. Smith for the demonstration, the Chair-
man, as one of the oldest platinotype printers, said the advantages of the new
paper were enormous. Finger-marks would not show, damp and " breakages "
produced no effect, and the printing in of clouds had been simplified. It was
a power to be able to develop with a brush. There was also another adv.autage,
in crystals of the developer not now depositing, as in the hot-bath process.
Holbom Camera (Hub.— April 2i), Mr. Fred. Brocas in the chair.— Mr. R.
Luxton gave a demonstration on 7'/ii.to-Hic(-/K-(«i<:rtZ Work, this being, perhaps,
one of the first of its kind ever given before a club of this description. Mr.
Ldxton showed the various stages of the process, viz., 1, the making of the
solution to coat the plate ; 2, passing the plate through a b.ath of acid and
alum ; 3, coating the plate with albumen ; 4, printing on the zinc, and develop-
ing the image ; 5, rolling up the plate for etching ; and, last, etching the plate.
The demonstrator went through the different stages in their turn, showing very
clearly the manner in which the work is done. He gave various hints whi<-h he
had learned from his long experience of the work, and thorouglily interested the
members present with one of the most practical demonstrations which have
been given before the Club.
Hackney Photographio Society.— April 2?.— The American lantern slides
were exhibited. Samples of the Imperial Dry Plates were handed to the
members by the Hon. Secretary, witli a request that results were shown and
opinions given. The Club Album, containing portraits of the members, was
placed on the table. The rest of the evening was set apart for sale and ex-
change of apparatus, the idea being that many members had things which were
not of service to them, and an exchange would be more mutually pleasing.
The next meeting will be tlie Annual General Meeting.
Putney Photographlo Society.— April 30, last meeting of winter session.
Rev. L. Macdona in the chair.— There was a verv fair attendance to witness the
lantern slide comjietition, which resulted .as follows :— Cl.ass A, Landscape :
1, Mr. A. E. Smith ; 2, Mr. William Martin, jun. Class B, Seascape : 1,
Mr. A. E. Smith ; 2, Mr. L. S. Z.ach,ariascn. Class C, Portraiture, &c., 1, Kev.
L. Macdona ; 2, Mr. Wm. Martin, jun. Mr. Cembrano, of Richmond, ofliciated
as judge. Great satisfaction was expressed with the samples of the new
Imperial Dry Plates, distrilnited at the former meeting, capital results having
been obtained. The Annual Gener.al Meeting will be held on May 11.
Riclunond Camera Club.— April 22, Mr. Cembrano in the chair.— Mr. F.
Hollyer gave a demonstration of phatiuotype printing with the new cold-bath
paper. On Apnl 29 Mr. A. T. Hare exhibited an optical lantern, designed and
m.ade by himself, whicli presented many novel and ingenious features, and was
adapted for every class of projection, from the ordinary slide to the most deli-
cate scientific experiment. Mr. Cembrano then gave an address on the subject
■ of Devdopnunt en mute, setting forth the advantages of developing, at any
rate, a good proportion of one's holiday pictures before returning home, ex-
plaining his modm operandi, and .alluding to some of the difficulties he had
met with, e.sjjeoially in French and Sjiatiish hotels, where water is doled out by
the pint. Members made notes and resolutions— with wh.at practical result the
coining summer will show.
Croydon Camera Club.— April 25, the President (Mr. H. Maclean, F.O.S.)
in the chair.— Mr. J. R. Whitk g.avo a description of the construction and
method of using the optical lantern, and its various adjuncts, illustrated by ex-
periments and demonstrations. The President dr^w members' attention to an
article by Mr. J. A. Hodges on the after-treatment of negatives, and shortly
described the modica operandi suggested, illustrating his remarks by two pro-
cess prints, showing the beneficial cllVcts produced by the means emijloyed.
On April 30, the first Club excursion of the season was held, when a party of
fifteen, comlucted by Mr. H. Maurice Page, visited Oxted, and spent a busy
afternoon amongst the attractive scenes of this vicinity. On Monday, May 9,
Mr. E. J. Wall will lecture at the Club-rooms, 66, George-street, on Devdop-
meiit.
Bath Photogn^aphic Society.— April 27, Mr. Austin J. King in the chair.—
The Chairman said the first business of the evening was a notification by the
Secretary of the decease of their gooil friend and member, Mr. ,Io!in Dugdale.
Since the foundation of the Society he had worke<l steadily for its welfare, by
giving lantern-slide exhibitions, and in other ways contributing to the interest
of the meetings. Throughout a long life in Bath he h.ail l)een greatly respected.
The Chairman then spoke of the arrangements made by the sub-committee
regarding the Kxhibition of Photographs in conjunction with the Floral Show
announced for May 18 and 19, and he was pleased to say that their sub-com-
mittee were able to report that the Floral FTte Committee not only coincided
with the conditions stipulatc<l, but placed themselves almost unreservedly in
the hands of the Society. He thought a most successful result would be
achieved. The Chairman then vacated the chair, iu order to deliver his pro-
mised lecture. With the Camera in Spain. Critical examination of summer
outfits, aud laying aside for the coming winter of enlarging apparatus, reducing
cameras, lantern-slide paraphernalia, &c, were amusingly portrayed. Plenti-
fully equipped for all sorts of subjects, and full of hope in the achievement
of a rich harvest of negatives, the lecturer took an adieu of this country when
the Thames wore a dense mantle of yellow fog, to penetrate which colour
sensitive plates did not avail. The clreani of snap-shots on an ocean-going
steamer was again dispelled. Then followed rigid regulations against tlie
camera in till ueighbourliood of Gibraltar. These and other difhculties were
encountered until the photographer's El Dorado was reached, the beautiful,
the unique Alhambra. The lecturer's description in the first jdace was tech-
nical from a photographic point, he then entertained his audience with details
of a general character, dating back from the earliest history down to the
present day. Speaking of buU-ftght photographs, Mr. King said the reason
such illustrations were rare was due, not to the rapid movements of the actors
so much as the lar^e area over which the fight was enacted ; thus the principal
objects were by distance minimised. The President hoped his paper would
open discussson, especially on film photography, a subject whicli the Chairman,
of all others, could ventilate. The Chairman remarked that he preferred the
celluloid films of considerable substance useil as plates are in the camera and
separated by cardboard. Roll holders he did not fully appreciate.
Liverpool Amateur Photoerraphic Association. — April 28, Mr. W.
Tonikiiison in the chair. — Four new members were elected. Tlie President
.announced that very satisfactory arrangements had been made with respect to
the new club-rooms, and the work of fitting up would be proceeded with as
soon as possible. He also stated what had been done in the way of arranging
excursions for the season, and gave an account of the annual dinner, which had
taken place at the Adelphi Hotel on Monday, April 25. His Lordship, the Mayor,
was present on the occasion, and expressed his willingness to become a patron
of the Association. The dinner was one of the most successful and enjoyable
that had been held. Mr. J. T. Norman-Thomas reported on the excursion to
Crosby and luce Blundell, at which upwards of eighty persons were present,
and something like 450 exposures were made. Some of the work was on ex-
hibition at the meeting, and was of excellent quality. Some stereoscopic slides
and monthly competition prints for January were exhibited during the evening.
Several novelties were shown, and a number of members' slides were passed
through the lantern. On the motion of Mr. B. .1. Sayce, the recommendation
of the Council, that Mr. H. P. Robinson be elected an honorary member of the
Association, was unanimously adopted.
Newcastle on-T3me and Northern Counties' Fhotograpbic Association. —
April 25, Mr. John Watson in the chair. — The outdoor meetings were arranged,
the plaices selected being Stockslield, Down the Tyne, Gilsland and Naworth,
and Wark. Mr. F. Park then read a paper on Enlanjimj [See page 297],
illustrating his remarks by a photograph of the apparatus em])loyed, and by a
series of fini.shed enlargements of very superior qualities, afterwards developing
several others l)y means of eikonogen.
South Manchester Photographic Society.- April 25, Mr. W. I. Ohadwick
in the chair. — Messrs. J. J. Arnold, H. J. Reid, E. Tarbolton, A. E. Tysoe,
and H. Worthington were elected members. Prints from negatives taken at
the previous meeting by magnesium llaslilight were exhibited, and one exposed
by the IIibli:ird flash-lami> was pronounced decidedly the best, and proved to
.ail present that, with judicious management and a little experience, admirable
portraits were quite possible, as the exposure in this case had been quite suf-
ficient. Other lamps of the duplex form were not considered to possess any
greater advantages. Members had been invited to bring specimens of their
work done during the Easter holidays, but, owing to the shortness of the time,
not many results were shown. Mr. Chadwick exhibited about thirty stereo-
scopic transparencies, madelou Thomas's ground-glass pLates, and developed with
eikonogen. These were handed round to the members with a suitable stereo-
scope. They were much admired, and it was remarked that an additional
ground glass backing was a wonderful improvement. One view in strong sun-
light, t iken "against the sun," Mr. Chadwick had printed very deeply, and, by
the addition of a pale blue glass backing, a delightfully realistic moonlight view
was the result. Another highly interesting slide w.as one taken from the Men.ai
Suspension Bridge, showing the ironwork in the foreground, with a landscape
of the Straits in the distance, and demonstrated in a wonderful manner the
great advantages of stereoscopic pictures over all other photographs. The whole
of Mr. Chadwick's transparencies were printed by g.aslight, and developeil in
one evening. Mr. Bowden exhibited a lanternscope, which is intended for use
in viewing lantern slides ; but, when a lantern slide and a stereoscopic .slide from
the same negative were compared, the dilfereiice was undoubtedly in favour of
the stereoscopic one. An outdoor meeting was arranged to take place next
Saturday at Miller's Dale.
11^6,1809]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH Y.
303
^__ ) lecictr.— The fint out-door Sstanbr lambla for
». m."wj.i M AwU SO. Ualit^ow Palae* and iU marouaitagi wu
tkoatoadhaMD for UteatT's work. TW palae* ttMlf it s pieturaqiM ndn,
iilMtid ia tk* k«rt of tlM •naDtowB,M<loT«looUi«aaaaIll«ta.udit
dfci* MHtT aa* vl«w«, M trail M Wis of laiacd uddteetonof tka bat pariod
of flnrtnh WnHi' t— •- Ob the an* diy » »■»<>« of Bonbo* of tbe Kdia-
barA Ai^UlMtanl OirH^^'"" (mb* of whom u* alio of tb« Edmbu]^
pMi»nhb Bodrtjr) WVB pnwDt, aMUl« with tlM ProTOct, masistntco, and
•avmTSiiiKn of flw Tows Oouwil, aiUic • minate ninvy of tha nUn.
wilk tk* Ttew iif I iiiiiiiM>iti^[ MOM memmKj npain, if not mtontioa of the
Mtto fcMe, vhkh wm datrojad dtlHV pnpoMljr, canUmlj, or aeoidntaUr,
-ffl. la 11,11 ^iii^if hj tk* troofo oadar tk* Dohe of Cumberland, while put-
tie 40WB tfi* BtMOt atUmpt by Pltoca Charlie in 1715. A n&all sum has
liM ii)l»il !■ Fkritaatat for UMpoipo**! bat moeh nora will b* ranirad to
-Tn%T Ik* «U SoottU palace aajlUiff ■» vbat it waa— om of IM Boost
bvOliiM In tk* eoBDtry. Tb* ^ wa* • ia* b«t nry bresqr oa*. aad thii
caT*Mai*diicaBfi»ttaMT<ralottb*U^ht»«|aimwdiDemben of the party,
bat oa tk* whol* a vcrr pleacaat day «■* epait, and many good pietua*
Mcand. mma with to* doad eOKta. FaU pacalHioB bad bMa ■nuit*d by
Mr. luMtwa of H.IL Beard of Werin to f» ant tk* catiM batbUag and
fciuaaih. nd pbatoMaph vbalarar wi* of btafML Th«ra wwn aboat twenty
iiiMalan {•ewat wShlheIr eamcna.
Uitt AaMMV miitUfMn AMOdatiaa.— Anil W. Mr. Sadlk (Vice-
nnial) ia a* ^yr.— A papa wa* read by Mr. U C Abbot, atitlad,
/r«to«i Imtknmall»Platm,ia vhlck h* far* ki* •zperi«M** wttk tbas in
thaMl H*MalidtlMk*«oakl not a* yet |iT*aditoit*epiaioaoa1k*ir
UMilwllj »!■ Ik* wWaT ilnlr m that w«ald leqoin a sack kagw trial
£ak*hidb*aiabl*t*|t**; bat,iohra*k*kBl|aa*.th*ranlliw«*fiirly
■IhAiIra r Mil iirifc r t- '-' ^ — .— i-i .-.-i a Wef di»-
cwriM «M*d, ad M««d oaartkw ««•«*< to wUek Mr. Abbot ■•pli*d.
ri >■! ■■■iniiiiil bjr tk* anlmaatkBtik*ObiBBitt**hadap**dtokB**aa
«i<laiv IIm aa tk* Qpana't bMUij, aad tkat tk* Awnebtimi k*d r*-
ftUl Mbittr to phetayapk to tk*y»Mli*fltaitkHoBw. Kirkcaldy, tk*
MofMi;k«anrSnM.of9<^M4Bahk. tk* «.)>. lDrtk*i*itk
^ aad k* trartal ttMrSlv aoaU kM« a iMddqr, aad • anMri tai
BMBbvt. Tkb aoarlaSil tk* Uitiw, «ad Ik* mm/OH^tmrn
•r niHItljMl »|in is, Aaaaal lUitte lb*
' ,iBtk*ck*h>-'ntoamp{atwBtof tk*Mlmria(
I >— rrnfinr B*^i*ala Hkarp,
daaahad MMUy
for
Mr.
fldrli^ aad Charta* K
BMwa« Cftari** L. Mllek*li. M.D,
Balkdl, WOUaa H. Baa.
Hmma: Mr73aai|i Van. J—. JwiSaf.- Mr. Rabirt & BaMM. Aa
PlMlialilltawwMgtraakTlfc. BiiiJiaili Mhwfc kb«abj**t bilif< IV^
lA«*ial Ik* r*rf /Mite. wUA «M MEmA by a dnooitiatiaa of Ik* prec***
af ^&« IMIMB aUdai wilk H^te *7 flMMk
Corre)Sponiirncr.
M Mk lUw < Cte
"PBanxuupHic raaTBAm.
lVlk«laRM.
wn, jam., appaais to
MMdoami to " ««il a .
aamiM hia MM^Sbtj. k«t I akooU
u^ Urn d kai^ llillMilalii« fai imf
; .liaw atlaaliMi to a layfatiMinili paaatiaa ti
.nd I wa* aet diaiaallMA to •«*& maaif af
, laball oot
<eloatd.-I«a
Samlarg, it<*if i, IdM.
[Wa tanaiiiatotUa Mnwpadapa*- i^
aa^Vff tkal wb f*'^ Manda hats
i**.it toUMbavtolHai) «l lir.aMkw
to maitmlkl kaaa ao fMtMt «• lat
tha*i£aa,h* naUaaw la«fUMBr to
Cwl ^«^^^motti|b«ai A iMtar wUeh «• kiv*
CtflMMVS BMfww*
»U>lir.
. StaadoMn, Van Piaafh k atoa^auBcltow. Tkato
I Wont ■* tkt ow BuniiiaaJwI'a liltat aoBfiM aitltrr
r of tka trad* Itoa MM tMrdh^tUiRMMon
a>lia<1»tfrfaa,towiitoaototofai atyb of tliBtagH|h> wwi dowa,
« tkat ka la pafladvfly iatanatod in tha papar. nar MM* that
raooom to tkia atfact kava kaaa ia cbeaktkafar A flOMidanUi titoa,
and w» ai« aikad to aay tkal atitkar tiM ftaUaaaa ntaMd to in
Mr. Cimakaa Biowa'a laMav, nor anr otkar paaan wWIit, haa.
haridaa tka iiuiaiatoi, dbwUy or todirectlr any iaianat in the
Qftkimm, at mo takan aay part whaterar in tha ooodnet or aflaira of
tint joanaL Wa ar« bappy to comply with tlM raqooat of
Steadman <fc Co., wlio are also f^>od enough to offer us facilities for
aesoriog ourselves of the abeolute truth of their statement, the
accuracy or inaccuracy of which, however, is Mr. Cimabue Brown's
concern alone, and not ours. — Ed.]
PUBLICATION OF PATENT SPECIFICATIONS.
To the EorroB.
Sib,— Aa you always git* groat prominenoa to the patent applications
and specifications oonneeted with photography — a feature of the Joniuui.
which I, DO doubt in common with many other inventors and patentees,
highly appreciate, will yoa allow me a Une of space to complain of the
slipshod manner in which the pablioation of the Patent Journal has
lately been eonduotad? Nominally it is doe at ten o'clock on Wednesday
mcniag. bat aa a mle it is lata in the afternoon before it appears, and
sfnwitinMia it i* not aoeeaaibl* till Thursday morning. Cannot some
M.P. ask a qoaation in the Hooaa on the subjeotr
M«y I alio suggest to the antixirities of the Patent Offioe the provision
of a simpler plan (or enabling one to ascertain what appUoations have
been mad* during tb* conent week, panding the appearance of the
Patent Journal > At preaent, if one wishes to find out wkat applioationa
have been made in connexion with a partienlar subject, it is neoessary to
hnnt throngh many hundreds of slip* of paper placed in little pigeott-
holaa. alphabatieally aciangad according to the names of the appUomts, a
^^11)01) nnnsnm** a fearfnl and wonderful amoont of time. Suiely
1 b* bettar to prorvidb a book with a cioaa index of namea and
aobjaeta lor tb* poipoaa.— I am, yoms, Ae., Patbntxs.
Stokt Ntthngum, Mf 4. 1W9.
[Onr oonvapondent'a letter reaebea oa at a moment when we have
reason to indttlg« in complaints similar to his. We do not doubt
tl>itth« authorities of the Patent Office library will take steps to
remove the incoaventest system at prf*>-nt adopted tliere. Wo hone
also tbab tin poUieation of the Patent Journnl will in future tie
anaogcd with a bettor regard fur punctuality and regularity.— £^.]
ACTINOOBAPH SPEED OF PLATE&
To tin EnnoB.
Bib,— I eaa qoil* aadotM every word nttared by Mr. Carter Browne
ia lart aaak'a iaaaa oo the above sabjaet. I have been trying (or soma
ttea to gal the eonaal apaad tor the Uford Ordinary plat**, a* per Hurler
A DrUkMla aetinogiapB. I bav* amtliad to tha makers of the pUtas,
^if.t to Maaais Hortar A Drifllald, tna makers of the aotinogiapb, but
aanaol obtain the iatormatiaa. and. being quila satisfied with the brand of
platea I am osing. I wooU iMt like to have to ebanca to atiy other.
While tha p(at*-makai« are anaoiitariin the matter over, pathapa aoma of
oar wiDfaH hatoara might give ai their experience.— I am, yours, Ac.,
^prOaSbtitfl ^_^_ H.Pxm.
HOMOUB TO WHOM HONOUR 10 BUS.
ToIJUBmiob.
gn,_My aHonUnn baa just been eallod to a lapprt, in your israa o(
April 39,al IbedofaMiof the North Walaa Amatenr Photographic Soeiety,
ia wbioh the foUoaSg patoaffa ooeors :— " One view of Oloddaeth Hall is
vary ftao iadaad,aad.ta oriar to oblau it. Lady Moatyn had a lofty stage
mi^,y oadar Ifr. IHala'a direelioa, (or him and hia camera."
Aa a — **— ol (Ml, Ike atofa waa areated (or Mr. Edge, o( tliia town.
^•»img noa dto aMpattoo ol Lord Moatyn, aad by the kind permission
el Lady AMMto Moa^a, I mad* use of th* ataga in order to obtain a
plieiafiapliHr the alkoa whidi wa* ptaeanted to the Quean o( Boomania
krthepeepiaolLUadodiw.
It U qoito me that I obtafaiad aaveral (ood aagativaa ol Oloddaeth.
Hall, bat not ooa ol Iheai wm tahaa with a rapid raetlllnear lena.— I am.
7oara.Ae.. J. Swtbb.
JUoadMAM. Jfap a. IWl
[We have alao raeaived a oommonicatioa from Mr. T. Edge, nf
Llandudno, diawiiv attontioa to the error which Mr. Slater puinta-
oat.— En.]
Crc1)angr Column.
.V* dUrf* <* wtad* for hitmiinf
I «n{( h MMWtai water l»* ariiels
I in tMi eolwmn ;
9)^^m^tM^npdnwmmttm"m>rlkmgmmf>U''tiUIM»rifi>r*'mdorrtand
Oa fssaa q< l»«ir a*a *|i/s*r—iis.
ir«^ia,i**«*»adj* alaaO to — "-r fee liiiionwa* -±00010. M. T. Wuxitas'
304
THE BRITISH JOUfiNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[May 6, 1892
anstnerss to atorrjeponuenw.
Att matter$ tor the text portion of ikii Jourhai, including queries for
"Atunoers-^ and •' ExcKanget," murt bt addrtued to "Thk Kditob."
2, Tork-itreet, Covent Oarden, London. Inattention to thia ensures delay.
No notice taken <tf comrKunicationt unless name and address of tenter are
ffiven,
• • Communications relating to Advertisements and general bunness affairs
must b€ addressed to "Hknbt GaBMNWOOD & Co.,"^ 2, York-street, Covent
ettrdm, London,
Photographs RBaisTKRW):
W. H. Fifctipr, Withinpton, near Manchester.— Pfcotoji-nr'' «/ Hi« Grace Heriert,
Arehhithoii of Westviintter.
W. C Bas.— We have no knowledge of the matter. Write and threaten the
man who is personating you with legal proceedings.
F. 0. 8.— The firm referred to is of high standing, and would not, we are sure,
make claims for the camera which it does not possess.
T. P.— We cannot trace the particulars. The Air Brush Company has no agent
in this country. Communicate with Mr. J. J. Atkinson, of Liverpool
W. W. Smith asks for a good pyro and ammonia developer where the pyro is
used dry and the ammonia -880 by itself.— There are many such formula in
the Almanac for 1892.
Printbb.— If the fixing and subsequent washing were properly done, there
would possibly not be any difference in the permanence of the results of
fixing a washed and an unwashed silver print respectively.
Ca-ubs.— 1. We are not acquainted with any book dealing with the working
up of black and white enlargements. 2. Place yourself in communication
■with Mr. Redmond Barrett, of 60, Kellet-road, Brixton, S.W.
Puzzled.— As you do not sufficiently describe the efl'ect obtained by your
present system of lighting, it will be better if you will send us two or three
unmounte<l prints illustrating this. We can then be able to advise.
John Lewis. — At first sight, we should say that the vaniish mentioned was
bound to darken by heat ; but pending our making a trial of it, Would you
kindly indicate the page of the Journal where it was recommended ?
CONCKNTBIC— We cannot explain why your lens works sharply on portraits
and is imperfect for lenses unless we saw it. But if it fails to give a sharp
landscape without the employment of a stop, then we advise you to use a
stop.
PTRO (Johannesburg). — We are unable to help you in the matter of high
charges made for the Journal and Almanac by South African booksellers.
Why not subscribe direct? We should be pleased to have the promised
notes.
COL. GuBBiNS. — We think your suggested remedy of squeegeeing the nega-
tives on to glass the best available, and should not think the sizes or shapes
would be altered in so doing. From the print sent we should say the
original negative was excellent.
J. Allen (Penrith). — There is no absolute rule for determining the distance to
which the lenses on a binocular camera should be separated from each other ;
but, for such sizes as half-plates, it is expedient to fix them as nearly as
possible opposite to the centre of each half of the plate.
H. K. — We are scarcely in a position to advise as to the comparative merits of
the two lenses mentioned, never having seen the No. 1 on your list — we
refer now to utility for general purposes ; but we here endorse all that we
said on behalf of the latest entrant into the field.
'C. Panel. — The cause of the stain on the panel picture is that some of the
colouring matter of the mount has penetrated it. If you will cut a mount in
two, you will see that one of the upper sheets is exactly of the colour
complained of. If using these mounts in future, employ a waterproof
mountant.
•J. B. — Electro casts can most undoubtedly be obtained irom gelatine moulds.
The surface may be rendered " conducting" in a variety of ways ; plumbago
and bronze powder answer well, but it is probable that sponging over with a
solution of nitrate of silver (largely alcoholic), and then reducing the metal
by any of the well-known methods, will answer better for the most delicate
class of work.
'Studio writes : " Would the local boanl require a plan for a studio on the
main road if laid on the ground like a canvas tent, or could they demand a
plan or refuse to allow me to put a canvas tent, fastened with stakes in the
ground, if the owner ot the ground gave me permission to do so ?" — Probably
not, as the studio would only be temporary ; but we should recommend you
to consult the local surveyor in the matter.
Nemo. — In the aniline process paper was coated with a sensitising solution,
consisting of— Potassium bichromate, thirty grains ; phosphoric acid solution,
one fluid drachm ; water, one fluid ounce. Expose behind a translucent
po.sitive in the ordinarj- printing frame for about a third of tlie time required
by silver paper. Develop with the vapour of aniline, made by mixing one
drachm of commercial aniline with two ounces of benzole. Wash iu plain
water, and afterwards in water acidulated with sulphuric acid. The process
cannot, be worked on glass.
F. T. says: — "I have invente<l an exposure meter which is automatic in
action, giving the plate correct exposure in any intensity of light. It could
be applied to any ordinary camera, would be cheap, light, and portable.
I should be greatly obliged if you would give me your candid opinion as to
whether you think this invention would be worth protecting by letters
patent, also if such a thing has been done or tried before." — There are several
exposure meters in existence, but we do not think any of them are fitted to
an ordinary camera. We could not say whether our correspondent's inven-
tion is worth protecting without first having some particulars of it.
Ohion.— -While we recommend you to save yourself the trouble of making
potassic oxalate by purchasing it ready prei)ared, yet is its manufacture a
matter of extreme simplicity. Make a saturated solution of carlwnate of
potash, and add to it oxalic acid until cfl'ervfcscence ceases, and — there you
are. If you prefer having it in the crystallised form, pour it out in a Hat
dish, and allow the liquid to evaporate.
Faded Print writes : "Will you examine the enclosed photographs and tell
me what is the cause of their going in the way they have ? These, with a
number of others, have been in a show-case a few months, and all have gone
more or less. Is it, first, the mount which causes it? or, secondly, the
possible dampness of the wall where case is fixed, as it is outside in an ex-
posed situation ? or something wrong in the manipulation ? If the latter,
what is it?" — In reply: Probably the hypo was not entirely removed from
the prints in the final washing, and the damp has reacted upon the little
that was left in them and caused the fading. Had the pictures been kept in
a perfectly dry place, they would not have changed. We do not think the
mounts are ai initio at fault, but you put them to a very severe test.
Silver. — A.ssuming the silver to be pure, it should be placed in a beaker, and
strong nitric acid, sp. gr. 1 '4, poured on it in the proportion of three-quarters
of an ounce of acid to each ounce of metal ; dissolve by heat ; pour into an
evaporating basin, and remove the excess of acid by boiling. Redissolve the
crystallate in a small quantity of distilled boiling water, and, on cooling,
crystals of silver nitrate will deposit. For gold chloride, di-ssolve the metal
in a hot solution of aqim regia (hydrochloric acid, three parts ; nitric acid,
one part). Remove the excess of acid by evaporation, dissolve the gold
chloride in boiling water, add a solution of ferrous sulphate until a precipi-
tate is no longer produced, and wash the precipitate on a filter with boiling
water until the wash-water no longer yields a precipitate with barium
chloride. Redissolve the gold in aqua regia, and evaporate to dryness.
It would, however, be cheaper and more convenient for you to purchase the
salts ready prepared.
The Photographic Club. — May 11, Fancy Printing and Mounting. 18,
Reversed Negatives. Outing, Saturday next, May 7, Carshaltou. Train from
London Bridge, 2. 18.
Photographic Society ok Great Britain. — At the meeting on Tuesday,
May 10, Mr. W. J. Harrison will read a paper on A Proposed National Photo-
graphic Record and Survey. Members of afliliated Societies are invited to
attend.
London and Provincial Photographic Association. — May 12, Members'
Open Night. 19, Monthly Lantern Night ; last of the .season. 26, The Photo-
graphic Study of Clouds and Lightning, illustrated by slides, Mr. A. W.
Clayden.
Messrs. Mawson & Swan inform us that, owing to the serious fire which
occurred at their Newcastle warehouse on Wednesday evening, April 27, their
business will be rather seriously inconvenienced for a few days. For the
present, however, all orders will be attended to by theii- London house, and
they ask the indulgence of their friends in the meantime.
Mb. G. L. Addenbrooke is to read a paper at the Society of Arts on
Wednesday next, the 11th Inst., on the Uses and Applications of Aluminium, a
subject to which he is known to have given a good deal of attention lately.
The application most interesting to our readers is that of the use of this metal
for the construction of lens moxmtings and camera fittings, and no doubt Mr.
Addenbrooke will have something to say on this part of his subject. Photo-
graphers who wish to attend the meeting can obtiin cards of admission if they
will apply to the Secretary of the Society of Arts.
Messrs. Marion ^ Co. write that, in consequence of the continued success
of the "Radial" camera, and from many inquiries for other sizes, they now
make It for lantern size and for half-plate size, both carrying twelve plates,
as In the original quarter-plate one. The three - and - a - quarter square
(Kintem size) is very light and compact, and well suited to ladies' use.
Allliough Messrs. Marion recognise that a half-plate hand camera is a some-
what bulky instrument, yet the " Radial " is far lighter, compacter, and more
portable than a folding camera with six double backs, shutter, &c.
Chicago Exhibition.— One of the most interesting: exhibits likely to be
made by the British Commission at the Chicago Exhibition, will lie a large
scale map, showing the discoveries which have been made in North America by
Euglislimen. Tliough Columbus discovered the West Indies, the credit of
first sigliting the mainland of America seems — if we put aside the unrecorded
investigations of the Northmen — to be due to an Englishman, Sebastian Cabot ;
and the list of names of English explorers of America, which is headed by his,
is a very long and distinguished one. Raleigh, Sir Humphrey Gilbert, Sir Hugh
Willougliby, Frobislier, Davis, Hudson, iSaUin, in the seventeenth century,
were followed, in the eighteenth, by Seoresby and Cook ; while the work they
coinmenced was carried on during our own century by the Rosses, Parry,
Franklin, CoUinsou, Maclure, McClintock, Nares, and Markliam. It will,
therefore, be seen that there is ample material for a map such as that
proposed.
OOKTENTS,
Pask
platinotype modifications 2s9
the employment of stops in
landscape work 200
obsolete processes 293
CONTINENTAL NOTES AND NEWS .... 293
COLLODION EMULSION NOTES. By
W. li. liOLTON 293
WHY PHOTOGBAPHS FADE.— IV. Bv
UERUEKT S. STAKNES '. 294
COLOUR IN THE CAMERA 295
THE CAMERA AND THE CONVEN-
. HON: OR. PICTfKERQUE SCOTLAND
AND PHOrOGRAPHY.-l 29C
PlCE
RATIO OF GRADATION. ByF.HURTER
»»B V. C. DRIFFIELD S97
BROMIDE ENLARGING. By FRED.
PARE S97
THE PRESENT POSITION OF PHOTO-
GRAPHY IN HEL.iTlON TO BOOK
ANII PEr.rODICAL ILLUSTRATIONS.
By TOM SYM.MONS 299
PHOTOOIIAPHEUS' ENOLISH. Bv J.
B1U)\VN 1 800
OUR EDITORIAL TABLE SOI
UBETIN08 OF SOCIETIES 901
CORRESPONDENCE M03
EXCHANGE COLUMN «B
ANSWEBS 10 COBBSSPONDKNIB SOi
THE BKITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1671. Vol. XXXIX.— MAY 13. 1892.
THE KEEPING PROPERTIES OF ROLLABLE
CELLULOID FILMS.
AT the commencement of a new photographic leaaon the sub-
ct of drj pUtes rerttu celluloid filma ia one that claims atten-
' ^n. It is not oar intention here to institute comparisons,
' nding to fnre one an advantage over the other, but rather
to confine oarselvea, in the main, to an inveMtigation of the
subject of films, with special refierenoe to their keeping pro-
perties.
We maj as well here say that oar experience of films woond
in roller slides or roll holders baa b«en practically confined to
{be prodoetioos of the g—*"**" Companj, who established
thamaelTe* antoog ns aboat seren years ago. About that
time, or rather anterior to that time, ve had a spool of the
Company^ sensitiTe n«gatiTe paper woond in New York for a
10 x 8 camera, which eircomstanoea prarented our making oae
of until the Glasgow meeting of the Photographic CoDTention
in July 1^*87 ; and it is gratifying to be able to record that,
after being kept so long, cTery exposure nade with it yielded
a perfect ocifatiTa. And, altboogh the world waa running
wild altar methods fbr mdariog th« paper aegatires tiana.
parent, in order to hasten the printing from them, and, as
some imagined, to destroy the grain of the paper, onr negatirea
were priuted from just aa tbey ware, no signs of granularity
being vtaihU in the printa.
Wa maotiaa this chiefly baeaaw both then and now are to
>« feoad hypereritioal pemoa who maintained, both with re-
j'jrA to tlM MgatiT* paper of thoae days, the stripping film by
« bich it waa suoeaeded, and the flexible celluloid film of the
present period, that neither voold keep ; this last, because the
fiateriab employed in nakiig the eellnloid film itaelf were de>
traetiTe to the salts of iBter need in the sensittTe film. For
lunelres, we nerer eoold aee any good reason for theae pre-
•iietions, and, so fkr as they applied to paper, we hare quite dia-
{nvfcd them.
Aa rcapecting the oeOaloid film, we are enabled to speak of
• t through the experience of another, an old and well-
•njierienced friend, Mr. W. J. Stillman, of Rome, for we hare
jost seen a large number of 10 x 8 negatifea made by him from
^ -"'I of the Kastman Company^ odluloid film, which Mr.
an deehra haa remained natooehed in his Eastman
rMui slide for more than two yeam lliaae negatiTsaare most
(•eantiful in eveiy respect, being tne fh>m defects doe either to
atmoepberte or mechanical caaees, and we do not gmdge our
high meed of credit to the Faatman Company for baring beoome
-lie pnetieal piooeew of film piiotography, and for baring,
^ingi»'haaded, aeeomplhhed, and reduoed to erery-day practice,
L system of film photography, baring within itself all the
essentials Ibr snecssa.
Before wmdnding, let us examine the condition of the film,
in virtue of which it seems reasonable to expect it to keep good
for an indefinite period, far exceeding the examples cited ; and
we are not here speaking of the ordinary celluloid film, so
called, which is thick, and intended to remain flat like a glass
plate, but of the rollahU film. This is a thiu, transparent,
flexible preparation of celluloid, having one side coated with a
sensitive silver emulsion ; and the intention of the makers is
avowedly to enable it to bo wound upon itself in the form of a
PoU. At first sight, one does not realise that this method of
winding, or rolling the film upon itself, can have any other
object than'to enable it to be conveniently transported and
used in a roller slide ; but, upon further thought, one will see
that an equally important feature of this method of packing is
that the successive convolutions of the rolled film form each
upon the other an impervious envelope of inert matter, un-
affected entirely by changes of temperature or of moisture.
The reliable film thus packed is, in our opinion, in the moet
perfect form possible for preservation from injury of any kind.
And if it be placed within a roller slide, made so as to main-
tain it in the condition in which it leaves the manufacturers'
hands — such a slide as that issued by the same makers — wo
cannot see aught to prevent its remaining good, and ready for
oae, daring a long term of yean.
AERIAL PERSPECTIVE— THE TELE-PHOTO LENS.
Wb might first of all demur to the strict legitimacy of the
above term, for perspective true and proper, which is the
aoienoe of repreaenting solid objects on a flat surface, ought
not to hare anything to do with atmosphere ; but, as the term
aerial or atmospheric pers|)ective has for a long time been in
common use by artists to nignify a well-known effect, we too
employ it in its popuUu- sense. It means the influence of the
atmosphere, laden as it usually- is with finely divided matter,
in obliterating, or rendering indistinct, objects situated at a
distanoe, differentiating, so to speak, the crisp visibility of
Boenea or objects at varying distances from the point of sight
aa if a transparent gmuse screen were interpoeed.
It i^jarial perspective which, in a large measure, enables us
tSJtl^Fol the distance of objects. There are some countries
where the atmoephere is so clear as to enable one to Hce the
details of scenery several miles away with a de^.^rce of clearness
equalling that of two or three furlongs in other places ; and,
however valuable a photograph of auch scenery may be from a
scientific point of view, its value in an artistic sense would )>€
greatly diminished, bearing an analogy to a portrait in which
an ela)x>rate background whs represented with a degree of
sharpness of detail equalling tliat of the principal subject.
The acknowledged beauty of photographs of English land
ao6
THE BRITISH JOUilNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[May 13, 1892
scape scenery is largely owing to atmospheric perspective,
which, while leaving the foreground and the near distance
sharp and vigorous, exercises a softening and subduing influence
upon the middle and extreme distance. True, a warm current
of air uear the surface of the earth produces, so far as definition
is concerned, the same effeot, although somewhat differing in
chamcter. We were made sensibly aware of this a few days
ago, wlien endeavouring to obtain a tele-photo view of the
Alexandra Palace from a suburban village slightly over a mile
distant from this edifice. The day was singularly clear and
bright, and we gladly embraced the opportunity of endeavouring
to secure such a view as we knew the new production of
Dallmeyer gives us in perfection. To our surprise it failed
to do 80. But the cause speedily became apparent, when,
upon examining the palace through a telescope having a
power of fifty times, every stone and ornamental detail of the
building seemed as if dancing. This tremor was caused by
heated air currents intervening between the window from
which the camera was directed and the subject. A few hours
later and the air became quiescent ; but this was rapidly suc-
ceeded by a density of the atmosphere so pronounced in
character as to render it vmdesirable to repeat the photographic
exijeriment at that time.
We mention this, as we can readily conceive of the possi-
bility of others achieving a non-success without being aware of
the cause. And, while speaking of this or any other lens of
abnormally long focus, we may say that a view of any object
taken at a considerable distance away cannot possibly have the
same contrasts in light and shade as one of similar dimensions
obtained with a lens of short focus from a near point of view.
Two hats of equal blackness possess a very different photo-
graphic value, if one be placed only a few feet away while the
other is removed to a distance of half a mile. While the
nearer one is still black, the farther one is grey. Those who
employ the tele-photo lens must, therefore, use it with becom-
ing discrimination if the best possible results are desired.
A PHOTOGEAPHIC RECCED AND SUEVEY.
The details of the work done during the past year or two by
the Birmingham Photographic Society towards securing a " pho-
tographic survey " of a portion of the county of Warwickshire,
and the further circumstance, as mentioned by Mr. W. Jerome
Harrison in the course of his paper at the Photographic Society
of Great Britain on Tuesday night, that the completion of the
work must occupy some ten or twelve years more, afford us,
and perhaps him, a very forcible idea of the magnitude of the
undertaking concealed in his suggestion that, to say nothing of
individuals, the whole of the two hundred and fifty societies of
the United Kingdom should unite, under the protecting wing of
the parent Society, to secure a large number of photographs of
the face of creation in the British Isles for the benefit
of posterity. The term "survey," in such a connexion, is
clearly a misnomer, as Mr. Harrison does his best to prove by
his suggestions that such pictures may be taken at random
by individuals, and by photographic societies on Saturday-
afternoon excursions.
The 75irmingham Society has gone about the work of the
local survey in a thorough if scarcely systematic way, and
photography is certainly the gainer by the 1000 or more
admirable view^s it has secured. What value posterity, or even
contemporary society, will place on the work, is hard to tell.
The success of the Birmingham Society appears to have induced
other Societies to engage in similar work in other parts of the
country, a fact of which we are glad, as it imparts to the-
Societies in question a definite end and aim, and a distinct
raison-cTelre. One can undei-stand that the mass of results
which the Birmingham Society is able to point to is not due
cither to the need or the value of the work which it lias taken
in hand, but rather to the spirit of enterprise and energy which
pervades that excellent Society, and which is calculated to
carry it through all its undertakings, of whatever nature. But
we are not sure that a little local enthusiasm over the in-
numerable opportunities for taking pictures of ancient houses and
other objects in Warwickshire is likely to be contagious in parts
of the country where such natural advantages do not prevail.
This, we fear, foredooms Mr. Harrison's idea to remain per-
manently in the suggestive stage.
While we admire Mr. Harrison's enthusiasm in the pursuit
of that idea as well as feel ourselves in a complimentary
mood towards him when contemplating the mass of figures and
details bearing on the subject which he brought before us the
other night, it would be absurd to regard the scheme of a
concerted " photo-survey " by the Societies of the United
Kingdom as other than impracticable, unwieldy, of doubtful
utility, of problematical longevity iu its execution, and of
debatable practical value when (if ever) finished. The sug-
gestion with a purely local application looks and reads well on
paper. Extended to the British Isles, it would, or should,
mean millions of photographs which even the Photographic
Society of Great Britain with its newly found energy might
hesitate to take charge of. They would require a National
Gallery for storage, and a Government bureau for their ad-
ministration. Conceive such a scheme really started, and
divided and subdivided among the various participants iu the-
work, it is difficult enough, in all conscience, for them to know
where to begin ; but v/here should they leave offl Where ia
the line to be drawn between that which is worthy of
recording by means of photographs and that which is not j
and, above all, who is to draw it? If the picturesque, the
antiquated, and the interesting is to be preserved on paper
for the historian of remote centuries, why not the unlovely
and the unpicturesque, since both equally go to the making:
of history 1
On the whole, while we commend local survey or record
work, as calculated to infuse a new motive for existence into
the lives of the ever-increasing photographic societies, we are
not sanguine that any universal or concerted scheme stands-
but the remotest chances of success; and therefore, on
those grounds, it is to be hoped no such scheme will take
shape. As in the case of the proposed photo-techno-
logical institute, we demur to the theory that Govern-
ment aid should be solicited or expected. Such a demand
would inevitably meet with failure. The Government, we-
fear, would take up the attitude of many individuals, andi
say that, while it is an admirable idea to place a great many
features of modem architectui'al beauty and topographical
interest on record, there are many things in existence nowadays-
which are unworthy that honour, and which posterity would not;
thank us for preserving, and a possible permanent record of
which wc ourselves cannot contemplate without a shudder. In
future ages, we of this epoch no doubt will be heartily laughed
at for many monstrosities, including the "German cooking-stove,,
with the griffin on the top" of the London City Corporation in
Fleet-street, our ugly public buildings and railway bridges, and
M»y 13, isns]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
307
8o forth. Would, indeed, that all records, photographic and
othenriae, of such monstrosities might be for ever obliterated !
Alas that Mr. Jerome Harriami should wish it otherwise !
Fused Silver Nitrate and Sensitiveness. — In a letter
in another part of the Joubxal, Mr. J. Barker, apropot of adiacuMion
which took place at the last aeetinff of the London and ProTtncial
Photographic Association, points out that, if two gelatino-bromo-
iodide emoUons be made identical in every respect, except that
ordinary commercial silver nitrate is naed in one case and fused silver
nitrate in the other, the latter emnlsion will he more sensitive than
the fonter. This is a fact which we are able to confirm, although we
are unable to explain it, but we do not think it is taken advantage of
in eommercial plate-making.
Trade Marks Act.— This Act has certainly stimulated photo-
neehanieal work in this eoontry. Before the Act was passed, some
flrms who |sofwssd to do photo SMchsnirsl printing themselves
actoaDy had it sxeeuted abroad, and their own name put upon iu
Now, if this wsrs dene, the prists woold be liable to arrest at the
CiMtoa Hooas, vdIsss thej bom o* the imprint the intimation that
they wars piadneed abroad. The eonamoence is that some houses
who ssad to get their orders eaeeated on the Continent have either to
irask tha ptorsswi thwnselvss, or daeUiM to accept the orders, except,
«B is sosMitimas the ease, they net other booses hsre to sapply the
votk. It 'iM, perhaps, oo the sears of photo-mechanical work more
thaa in anythisg else that tha home photographic industry has
benefited under the Trade Marin Act
Tluttogrmvlij and Teehalos. — Aprvpot of photogiapbie
tnr\ty» and records, the Itn-chin Society has stmck out in a sooswhat
novel direction, that of getting tcgethsr a collectioB at photographs,
in the form of lanten slidss, iUaskntiva of the staple aaaafMtuies of
these dlsUiciH. TUs sat of slides, if aeoompaaied by an explanatory
hcfis»aasMHni>ail, would prove hi^y interesting if loansd to other
eocistisa What tha Btaehin Sodsty is doii^ other societies could
also do is tha slapk tadastnas ot those IncaBties. Then is scarcely
any btanA of asaaltatan bam whieh not only interssting, but in-
stnetiTe, photognpks essdd W nhtsinid FosdUy this may be done,
independently ^ photngtapMe sociatiss, by the piopoesd Taohnieal
SchooL In wfsrenea to tUa sah}stt, one thing oeems to as : some
manafketsrsfs who have geae to great s»puwas ia psrfacthig their
appBaaess may objset to Aeir bsiog phulugiaphad, and the pboto-
grapha faaiag so widely srMMtad
Xylonlto or Callolold In Pliotoirraphj. — It wiD be
reaembersd that soma jssr or two ago we directed attaation to
xykaiito aa a barfs for photognnba in ioiitation of ivory, and
suggested the carboapneess Car the pvrpose to thoaa ia sssieh of
Bovehies. Soon aflenraida sra waia shown soow prists on It p(o-
dsoMl by a photo- mechanical process, apparently from sn ints^lio
, jiats, that wen very fine indeed. These were produced in America.
I wa wars leesatly shows sane oo tha same material, alw printed in
tha Stataa. bat fron " proews Uoeks," that wars ahaost sqnally as
.food. From Gerauoy also wo have assB acsns very good prooess
hkdt prists oa esUahad in imilataoa of ivory. TUm compound,
4didsr ita JiWswat naasss, is now fladisg msny tusa in connexion with
photogiaphy. Why ssanot it be aa widl sssd for priatiqg upon bjr
cuUotypa as for intsgtio plates and typouraphie UoekaP OolloCypa
>n it woaUsMtsaaeallsBtiietawaaObfiMaas flHds and the like.
Ono f the fiOaidliea, wabaBara, ia priiilhn oo siMoU Is that of
getting the faik to dry so that it does not tab oC Ink that will dry
on paper in an boor or two will not be sdMsatly dry, so sa not to
rub off, m as many weehs. In this mstter the Americans have been
the BBoet snooeasf al. Why ?
Znanraaoe Satas.— The lacent
<j. Tsylor's calb to miad that flna Id
A.&
azo
far lees frequent now than they used to be some years ago. At one
time the insurance offices had numerous and heavy calls upon photo-
graphers' policies ; but, with one or two ezceptiong, the cause of the
fire could in no way be attributed to the inflammable materials used
in the business — collodion, &c. However, the frequency of the claims
some twenty years or so sgo induced the insurance companies to raise
their premiums very materially, the cause then assigned being the
combustible materials employed. Some offices still adhere to the old
rates, and many photofn^pliers are paying them. At the present
time, in the majority of studios, no inflammable substances are used ■
therefore the risk is no greater than in any other business. Again,
a claim on a photographer's policy has seldom now to be made. Why,
then, should the old rates be sustained ? However, some offices have
reduced their rates, and we know that others have done so in indi-
vidual cases when they have been protested agamst and the names of
other oflSces mentioned. Insurers should bear this in mind when the
next premium becomes due. By the way. Fire Insurance was one of
the subjects that the National Association of Professional Photo-
graphers were to take in hand.
Olaaalngr Baruerreotypes.— deferring to the subject of the
Dsgaerreotype process in our last issue, it was mentioned that this
was — and for that matter is — the most permanent ot all silver pro-
oesMS. A Daguerreotype may become so tarnished that the image is
obfiterated. But if the picture were gilded, ns described, we have
only to remove the tarnish to restore it to its original condition.
This profession si photogrsfthars are frequently called upon to do, and,
althosgh thay soeeaed in deaning the picture, they do not, in all cases,
restore it to its original brilliant state. It is sometimes veiled, or has
marks upon it when finished. Tha reason is this : after the picture
haa basa tieated with the solution of cyanide of potassium, sufficient
care is not beatowed on the washing and drying. The picture, after
being wall washed under the Up, must be carefully washed with dis-
tilled water, and then, before the water has time to collect in tears,
the flame of a spirit lamp is applied to the uppermost comer of the
plata while held in a slanting position, and then gently applied to the
other portions. If vailing or drj-ing marks are to be avoided in " re-
storing " Dsguarrsotypss, pure water must be used for the final wash-
ing, and tha drying effected without a check, as was explained last
week and well known to all who have worked the Daguerreotype
proeesk
riiotogrraphy In tho Oolonra of Ifatore.— On Tuesday
afternoon last Mr. F. E. Ives delivered the tii^ of two lectures on this
sabjaet, before a large and intarested audience, at the lioyal Institution.
Tha foOowing is a synapsis of the lecture: Origin of the idea of colour
photography by a oompoiite process — History of composite helio-
chromy— Dnooa Du-Hauron's proeess — Cros' prooess — Poirte's process
— Dr. Vogel's discovery of colour sensitiseis — Improvements following
Dr. VogaTa diseovety— Dr. Albert's chromo-collotype — Dr. Stolio's
ori^nal luggmrtniw The Yonng-Helmholtt theory of colour vision—
MaxwalTs isaasniamsBti of the power of different spectrum rays to
SKoila tha reapeetlTa fundamental oak>nr sensations — Definite applica-
tioe of the Yonn^HelmhuIts-Maxwell theory in composite helio-
chromy. On this occasion only one picture was exhibited on the
screen, the subject being that of a girl with rustic surroundings. The
colours of the picture were stost vividly and faithfully rendered.
Our readers have already bsaa made familiar with the principles and
details underlying Mr. Ivea' method. The second lecture will be
given oa Twesrtsy next. May 17. In our correspondence columns this
weak appsara a letter from Dr. IL W. Vogel in reference to some
i^giSs raised by ilt. Ives in his addnsi to the Franklin Institute last
year.
♦
COLLODION EMULSION NOTES.'
It was remarked, at the London and Provincial meeting, that I
had stated that precipitated emulsions do not keep; but, so far ss my
recollection goes, that is scarcely accurate. Speaking entirely from
memory of some years ance, I found Chatdon's emulsion to keep
admirably, at any rate, for some months, and, if anything, to improve
* Ceadaded from pegs an.
X
SOB
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOl'OGRAPHY.
[May 13, 1803
in cleaniesa nnd quality of ima^e. But the undeveloped image on the
exposed plate had absolutely no permanence, and commenced to fade
out in a very few hours, as I once found to my cost. I went away
for a fortnight into North Wales, taking with me a stock of clean
glass and Chardon's emulsion, coating my plates each evening in my
bedroom, and developing one or two of those exposed. The negatives
developed on the spot were all that could be desired, some of them
•8 near perfect as photogpraphic work could make them; but of
aeveral do2en exposed plates I took home with me I did not get a
single good negative, except those exposed on the last two days of
my holiday. The trouble was under-exyoture apparently in every
instance, but that this could not be the case was proved by one plate
exposed on my first day out, and which was fortunate enough to get
about three-quarters of an hour's exposure in sunshine while I was
chatting with a fellow amateur who " chanced along," thinking I had
closed the lens. Now, three-quarters of an hour was usually quite
enough in those days even for a slow plate, but this one refused to
show any detail in the distance some miles away.
The faidt was immistakably in the film itself, and arose from the
presence of something which destroyed the image almost as soon as
formed. It could not be excess of soluble haloid salts, because although
Chardon's emulsion contained before precipitation excess of chloride of
cobalt, that and all soluble matter was bound to be removed in the
operation of washing, which was very thorough. And besides, had
that been the cause, the plates would have been too insensitive to
make a picture, even if developed at onco. The real cause I .set down,
and I still believe correctly, to the decomposition of the precipitated
pyroxyline itself, which, by liberating nitrous emanations destroyed
the image. The action on the emulsion would only be to keep it clear
and free from fog, and perhaps very gradually to render it thinner
and more fluent. The latter, however, I never kept it long enough to
try.
After all, there is no better plan of washing than the original one
of pouring out into a thin layer, drying very thoroughly, or until all
the solvents are gone, and then careful washing in hot water if you
lite. In this we adhere as closely as possible to the treatment of an
individual film when treated singly ; the soluble matters are thoroughly
eliminated while the pyroxyline itself is sufficiently firmly set to resist
any action of the water. Under such treatment alone can the
retention of the original qualities of the unwashed emulsion be relied
upon in the washed product. For small quantities, say, five or ten
ounces, such as an amateur is likelj' to " tackle " at once, there need
be not the slightest difficulty in any stage of the work. A twelve by
ten plate formed into a dish by glueing strips of paper round the
edges, when placed upon a level surface forms an admirable evaporator
for half a pint of emulsion, whiehjwill be'set'perfectly hard in twenty-
four hours or less without artificial aiJ. The leathery skin thus
formed is <orn up info small fragments'sni soaked for half aa hour or
an hour in cold water, and may then be passed through half a dozen
changes of hot or even boiling ;water,*after which there is not much
danger of any bromide being left in it.
The drying is found by many to be the most difficult part of the
process, hence they resort to all sorts of expedients, such as only half
drying by pressure, or by soaking in alcohol. More harm and un-
certainty arise from such expedients thanjfrom anything else. Apart
from the fact that a half-dried pelhcle sometimes refuses to dissolve at
all, the introduction in this manner of water into the emulsion is
chiefly instrumental in causing half the troubles we hear about in the
way of streaks, mottUng, and crapiness. One of the chief beauties
of a washed emulsion should be its freedom from structure, due in
great measure to its being made with strong solvents. Let the
pellicle then be dried thoroughly until hard and crisp. If it takes a
little longer to dissolve, the result is far superior. After pressing out
as much of the moisture as possible by gentle pressure between blotting
paper, lay the pellicle upon a sheet of clean'paper in one of the card-
board boxes used for packing plates, and carry it to the kitchen oven,
•which should not be too hot. The box provides protection from
light and sufficient exit for steam and moisture, and the contents can
be examined in the dark room from time to time until dry.
For those who hanker after the sort of state of division given by
precipitation, the following plan will answer admirably, possessing the
good points of tl at method without jtfi uncertainty ; but it is rather I
troublesome, and not altogether pleasant, if you do not like ether
fumes. Pour the emulsion into a basin, and allow it to evaporate for
some hours, with occasional stirring, or until it begins to clot. Then,
in the dark room, proceed to stir it vigorously with a silver fork or
spatula, exposing it to the atmospliere as much as possible to draw ofiE
the solvents. If an artificial blowing aiTangement is handy, so much
the better. At first the mass only gets thicker and lumpier, but
after a while, wlien all the ether is about gone, it forms almost sud-
denly into fine shreds, from which a clear liquor — alcohol and water
with the soluble salts — separates. Continue the stirring until the,
solid portion clots firmly together, then pour off the liquor, press out
the surplus and leave the solid emulsion spread round the sides of
the basin for half an hour; then stir it into cold water, wash, pour
off, and repeat a few times, and finally squeeze as dry as possible ia a
cloth before scattering the fine filaments over the bottom of the drying
box, as already described.
This method reduces the emulsion to the very finest possible condi-
tion for washing, drying, and redissolving ; but it i.s troublesome,
except on a small scale, or on a very large one with suitable machinery
and appointments. W. B. Bolton.
THE CAMEBA AND THE CONVENTION; OR, PICTURESQUE
SCOTLAND AND PHOTOGRAPHY.
11.
OoiNO round the Queen's Drive from St. Leonard's Oate there is, on the
face of the hill to the left, a peculiar formation of rock, called " Samp-
son's Bibs ; " this spot may be of interest to the photographer of a
geological turn of mind. The range is of porphyritic greenstone
columns, of a pentagonal or hexagonal form, from fifty to sixty feet in.
length, and five feet in diameter.
CRAlOMn-LAB CASILB.
Duddingston — this village is situated at the back of Arthur's Seat when
viewing it from the city, and it will be found a most delightful place for
the exposure of a few plates. The village itself ia one of those old, sleepy,
contented-looMng places that never seem to grow, with the placid rooks
at its foot, and the old church on a promontory standing high up over
the loch. The whole surroundings lend themselves to the making of
good pictures, and the swans on the lock give an opportunity tor some
good instantaneous work. From this spot Craigmillar Castle is at quite
a convenient distance. This was the old castle at which the Convention
group was taken by Mr. Crooke when the Glasgow meeting visited Edin-
burgh to spend the day with their friends there. Those who have seen
Mr. Crooke's picture must feel tliat it is the best and most picturesqpe
group that has ever been taken at any convention. Craigmillar Castle is
well worthy of a visit, specially to those who delight in ruins of his-
torical interest, the place being so closely associated with Mary Queen of
Scots. Over the hill to the south of the Castle, there is a clachan calSed
"Little France," where Queen Mary's stables were located when she
resided at Craigmillar. This little bit composes well for a picture.
Newhaven and Poetobello.
Leaving the south side, and coming down to the Forth, about two and
a half miles north from Edinburgh, lies Newhaven, where is to be found
the Newhaven fishwife, that toiler of the sea, whose unique dress and
original appearance are known all the world over.
Newhaven is a small fishing village, composed of old houses, outside
stairs, and awkward gable ends, which help so much to make a picture^
the inhabitants themselves being a distinct community from all around.
The men are mostly all fishermen, and the females fishwomen. The
place possesses a trig little harbour, and lots of tisbing-boats about
usually, so that the combined materials for making good pictures of this
class will be found here easier and better than at any other place along
the coast.
About two miles to the east of Newhaven lies Leith, but it is of no
account photographically, except the docks, perhaps, where some good
shipping effects may be had ; and for water pictures we have seen some
successful negatives taken at the end of the pier, which runs out about a
mile. With a fairly good sea on, and the ships caught making for the
entrance between the piers, fine effects are got.
Keeping along the coast for about two miles, we come to Portobello^
which may be termed the Brighton of Edinburgh. In tlie summer-time
the sands here will be found quite a happy hunting-ground for the snap-
shot and hand-camera operators, and there ia usually a pretty large
d
Bl>r 13, 1809]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOORAPHY.
SOO
eootu^Mt d thcaa at the CanT«ntiQa BMtiag. Why, »t one of the trips
»i Bath «• niiMmb«r, oat ol a gathaciag of mbm thirty or forty, the
«rtiaie ownpaay had hand eameias, with the moKfUon of three.
TfaiM milM tnithai on we eome to Flahar Bow and Mosaelbargh. We
hava got, in day* gooa by, mom good ctadiat at the Fisher Bow end of
MoaalbaTgh. The river Bak, whieh nmi through the town, posseeaee
MOM aitiatie poiota away abora the bridct. bat Moaaalborgh, taken
ahogaMwr, ia not of great intenal to the pbdognHpher.
Boaua CBAm, i3n> CtmM.
Boalin, a hamlet aboat ai^t milee tooth from Edinburgh, is a charming
■pot for a day's ooung, poaaeaaiag, aa it doee, a chapel, a caatle, and a
glen, all within a nnaU radini. The ehapel is well knuwn, and ii one of
the faToorita reaorta of all toniiata to Ediabnigh. It is a highly decorated
specimen ct Oothie arehiteetart, and in the interior of this ohapel is to
ba fooad the "Prantiee'i PQlar," a marral in soalptored foliage, and
aboDt wliioh tlie keeper talla the foQowiag story :—
" The master-boililer of the chapel, being unable to ezecate the deeign
of this pillar from tiie plant in bit potaetiiaD, pcoeeeded to Borne, to
itO'ly a similar odmnn then. Daring hia abeanee hie apprentioe pro-
ceeded with the eieeoticB of the dtriga, and npon the maater'a retom he
toond thia flnety ocaaaeated eotaima eooipleled. Stang with envy at
this ptoof of the toperior ability of hia appteatiot, he itraak him a blow
with hia aaUet. aad killed him on the tpet."
The eaella atanile on a roek orwhangfan the pMonetaa (Ua of the
Bak, with ■fiaoivHnga of Inliage^ aad nek, aad *— "''Hff Mnam— the
vary eeatra of a happy hnatiag-graaad lor the eaneia men.
AU the wv io Lasawade. by the baaka of the Eak, it fnU and rich with
ptetotae. Hawthorodca, the teat of Dnnnaioad tlie poet, it also on this
load, and eloat to 0ie glaa.
Aboat two rnOee (rooi Ittte tilt it Dalkeith, the teat of the Doke of
The polaee aad ^Hmm tnmniinil aelka both far their
' aad Matoriaal lalewaf.
Prrwra axa
BaawMK.
Peebles, aboat twentytaraa adaa froa Uiabaf|h, titoatad on the
banka of the Tweed, ia a Rood ditMel. bal ao( to eondented aad easily
haadlad ae BoaUa. It ia tonoaaded bjr laillemaa't ttate of cm* beaaty,
Widpath oat of the old daltaee wietlee b only a mile from the Iowa
ad T«iy raaaaatieaUy diaalad.
North Berwiek. t«ea<jr-t«o aflee tna Bdiaborgh, on the east coast, it
a email ataport aad aeatlgaaid tialka. with ton^oadiati that salt the
aaeker after pietartefae nanity. The Iowa ileelf ia lamed lor iu Law
and Lioks. oaithec of whidi tm of math laaaient from a pbotofraphle
point of view. Notth Barwiafc Ism k a eooieal hiU over 600 leet high,
ttaodii« oot aU by itaelf, aad whieh aaa be diatiaetty aeta bom EJin-
borgh. The Links are held ia hiflt atteeet by golf playwa. As a
snmmtr iMldiBii Worth Btrwitk ie Math fa ilimaal. To the eaet of the
Iowa, aai ketgiag to the thora, lota tl good ratk aad ataaeapo pMorta
aMlobeha4.wlihtheBaatBaakfa the dkiwiee. The Baet Book Uea
oal abeal two mllea Inm Ihii peiat. Ahoot two aiilea aleag the ahora
aaaoaaloCaaty B«y. whiahlt««t«hapfaleortwo,balfa7aad thit ia
TkataUoa Caatle, a meal iapaiiBff aabfeal, toworiaf la raopad gnadear
to the tky. Whta the tide it oat, phoi«v»phiag tnm variooe palate U
Taatalloa ia ea«y of aeetee alaa from the high load. aad the raiaa
I delight maay. Aboat two ndlee to the weal of Berth Bctwiek ie
, a aeat Httk vfllaga with btaatifol prdeaa, where good work will
fti kand, aad Daabar Caatle ia aboat afae milee Iraa hef*.
», aiB Dataraoa.
Mtiraoe, Abbotated, aad Dfybaiih are plaate of abearhiag iatertet to
•B who have read Sb Waller Beetfa works, aad who haa aoir The
I from Ediabargh to Meboee la thirty serea milet, aad at Ualroaa
• Ahbtyie the point of grealeetinletaak It haa brea photographed so
m, la gWiTil view aad in parta, that H mati ba tamilkr to aU, and
Ml who oaly kaow it by pi^araa aad rapoita mnat hare a great desire
Ie viril H. aad make pietaiea of U lar Ihtmahea.
Abhotafand, the raoaatie hone of Sir Walter Scott, it thiee aulea bom
, tha w«y tUdi^ bdi^ flDed with piaaae oi iatereet. The hoaat
ndiag ca a pfoatoalory qaite eioee to the Tweed, makes a
pietore. A wealth of both iaterior aad eitarior work is to be
I htte. riom hen we go oa to the tpot where Sir Walter 8coU is
baried-Oryboifh Abbey. Thia JMtf ia ire milee bom Mtinte. and
then, ia St. Maty't Aitle. ie tho ImI teatfag-plaoa of the Wiiard of the
Berth.
To do tUapartof theaooaliyjaMieaitwoaldtakeaweekortwo: lor
nil** uovMI aood aad water aaaaeqr aboaad, piatanaqae bqwad de-
scription ; and within an easy railway journey is Jedbnrgh Abbey and
Kelso Abbey, and every mile of the way contains places of beauty and
interest.
Tbe Fobth Bbidoe I
The Forth Bridge is an object of considerable interest to the visitor to
Edinburgh, and it comes naturally within the range of one of the places
that must be done; an engineering feat of such magnitude appeals to
many from the mechanical point of view, but by far the greater number
go to look upon it as a sight worth seeing, only that and nothing more.
In driving to the Forth Bridge, about half way out we come to Cramond
Bridge, under which the river Almond flows. In this vicinity some good
studies are to be got.
The grounds of Dalmeny Park is the next place of note npon the way.
This is the seat of the Earl of Bosebery. The Utat time we visited the
Forth Bridge, we wanted to take some pictures in these grounds, but were
not allowed to do so. We had perfect liberty to walk through them, but
no liberty to photograph.
The Forth Bridge itself most be photographed : inteteating, yes ; bat
there is nothing pretty about it.
DcKTEBKLnra a-nd St. AvDBrws,
Taking the train at the bridge, half on hour's journey brings us to
Dunfermline, wliere stands an abbey of considerable historical interest.
Bobert the Brace it interred here, besides many other kings and queens.
The last time we were at this abbey the keeper showed us a very peculiar
effect in the oonstmotion of the pillan. The carved work round them,
wliieh twinaa to the top, has the effect of deceiving the eye, and makes
the pillart look ever so much narrower at the top than the base when
viewed from a given point, and by changing your position quite the
contrary effeet is produced, seeming broad at the top and narrow at the
baae, aad when coming near they ate quite symmetrioaL If there, yoa
aboold aak to aee this.
The town itteU doee aot poeteet any beauty for the photographic visitor,
bat tome of the geatlemen'e teats around are hiatorically interesting.
There's Catioet Abbey, the old ttat of the Brace family, and the acene of
the morder of liady Maednfl and her children, Dunemarle Castle.
SL Aadrewi it about an hoar's joarney north-east from Danfcrmlina,
and here ttanda a good day's work ready tor the enthusiasts, with its
cathedral, itt castle, and its collages, besides other buildings of note, a
romantic shore, and renowned golf rinka, a choice of work to suit the
varied inclinations. St. Andrews is about forty-foar miles from
Edinbnrgh.
Aroand Edinbnrgh, within an easy distance of the city, not going
beyood the "Braids" or the "Pentlands," many charming spots tor
photography are to be toond, but we anticipate the demand will be for
spots of a mote pronooaeed natnre, with a traditimi, a story, and a
beaoty, and at a farther distance bom the immadmte vicinity of the city.
We give tbeee m more <
JOTTINGS.
Not long ago I waa praaent at a meeting of a photographic society,
and the diacnasiaa toraed upon the ditlereaiee between ordinary nitrate
of silver aad the " rteryatalliied " salt One member said that the
only difference Iwtweeu Uie two ealta wat, that in the latter case the
large cryttalt ware teleeted from the ordinary stock, and these, ipso
faeio, became " recrystalBaed " tilrer nitrate, whieh was consequently
told at a higher price. In the coarse of a aomewhat long and varied
career in photography, I am enabled to atate that the proeeat of re>
eryatallisation here indicated ie the ana almoet generally adopted ;
indeed, I may say that it baa been frequently my duty to carry it out
practieally, to the monetary confusion of a hoat of too-credulous pur-
chaaert, and the enrichment of my sharp-practising principals. Hence,
Hiol tee lecry ttallitad tOver mentioned in a collodion or any other
nMbw, I tmile.
That a monument to Petrval, the great mathematician, whoae cal-
enlationt and formuhe for photographic lenses are as valuable to-day
at they were fifty yean ago, is an undertaking in which all photo-
graphers and opticians might worthily join, admits of no denial. The
fact that such a project ia afoot it recorded in one of your contem-
porariee last week— but, alas ! from my file of the Bbitish, I see
that it waa noted and commented upon in your Joubnal several
months ago. Verily, newt travels i a circle 1 The funniest part o
310
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[May 13, 1892
the matter ia that the paper which gives this old and crusted par. as
an item of "new*" U never tired of publishinR Us refusal to print
anything which has appeared in the other photographic papers i
could give you dozens of instances in illustration of this irony of fate.
Just as there are still among us adherents of the Stuart dynasty, so
it seems there are those whose affection for the wet-coUodion process
"age cannot wither, nor custom stale." I fear, however, that the
process is more Ulked and written of than practised, eieept among a
very few process workers. Why even these gentlemen still adhere to
it I cannot imagine, as sufficient density and clearness of line for all
purposes are, as the examples I have often seen convince me, not
abnormally difficult to get on gelatine plates by the exercise of a
moderate amount of skill and care. But there is one thing, by the
wav, in which the wet plate-process possesses a distinct advantage in
working over gelatine plates, which is seldom noticed in the papers
and articles dealing with the subject nowadays, and that is, tiie ex-
treme rapidity with whicli the developed negative is fixed, compared
with a dry-plate negative. I was forcibly reminded of this the other
day when taking some outdoor pictures for an old wet-plate worker
who was waiting outside the dark room to see the results. The
pictures were undei^exposed, and they each also took at least a quarter
of an hour to fix, a circumstance which led him into various unfavour-
able comparisons of the two processes, to the disadvantage of the new
one. Modem gelatine plates vary much in the rapidity of solution of
the unaltered salts in the fixing bath.
I have no doubt it was an amusing night at the South London
Photographic Society when the President made a handsome addition
to the funds of the Society by selling the new cold-bath platinum
pictures he had developed in the course of his demonstration of that
process ; but I confess that to me the incident would have looked
" better rounded off " if the Society had not profited by the transac-
tion, and the money had leen handed over, say, to the Photographers
Benevolent Association. I thought that photographic societies existed
for the advancement of photograpliy, and not as money-making con-
cerns. I see that another Society lately held an auction of members'
old apparatus, and I have heard of one which has varied the monotony
of its proceedings by indulging in the wild de%hts of a raffle. All this
is very entertaining, but it is slightly indecorous, and is, I think, cal-
culated to make the judicious grieve. At any rate, the publication of
these sales by auction, and otherwise, is out of place in a Society's
report, which, if primarily intended for the information of members,
is also, I conceive, meant for the enlightenment of outsiders, or why
do secretaries take advantage of your benevolent pages ?
I was much pleased with Mr. Frederick Park's generally lucid paper
on Bromide Enlarging, read before the Newcastle-on-Tyne Associa-
tion ; but I think a little more clearness on certain points would not
have been amiss. For example, he says he usually takes his negatives
for enlarging with stop/-32, but he omits to tell us the focal length
of his lens, so that the information on the point is, to say the least of
it, incomplete. Again, when he says that with a large stop more
Kght strikes the centre of the plate than the edges— and consequently
that density is greatest at the centre — he is, I think, making a state-
ment which is possibly open to serious objection if it is to have a general
application. May I ask him what he calls a " a large stop," and also
to indicate the precise aperture to employ so as to combine the
equality of illumination he desiderates with freedom from excessive
central density, which he tells us occurs with a " large stop P "
I observe that, in the regulations of the exhibition of photographs
and apparatus to be held next week at Bath in connexion with the
Floral Art and Industrial Exhibition, " contributors will be allowed to
affix name and tide to their works, and, if profetsional, the price " (my
italics). Now, sir, why " if professional ? " Am I to understand that
a poor wretch of an amateur will not be allowed to sell his pictures —
in other words, may not become a professional at will ? or does Mr.
W. M. Ashman, in an excess of innocence, imagine that no amateur
could, would, or ought to sell his pictures if opportunity arises ? Thia *
a free country, and long may it remain so, even though professional
photography be thereby ruined, —
" Let laws and learning, arts and commerce die.
But spare us still the amateur, say I."
Excuse the parody, sir. [We do, although it is a poor one.— Ed.]
But the sentiment is widely entertained. Stay, perhaps Mr. Ashman
contemplates starting an association for the protection of the poor
professional against the avaricious amateur ? Good luck to it.
C08MO8.
♦-
ON THE PKESERVATION AND DETERIORATION OF
GELATINE NEGATIVES.
in.
Of the many fruitful sources of deterioration of gelatine negatives
perhaps there is none more insidious than the sudden changes of
temperature and accompanying humidity of atmosphere frequently
met with in the early spring and late autumn months of the year.
During the month of March we have liad notable instances of such
weather, when, with the thermometer standing at 70° in the forenoon,
it has fallen suddenly, and during the night so low a reading as 5' of
frost has been registered, this being again followed by rain and damp-
ness of atmosphere, so much so that walls of staircases in the interior
of houses were running down with damp. It is at such times as
these, more than any other, that sad liavoc is played with gelatine
negatives, and, therefore, every precaution should be taken to guard
all valuable negatives that may be in printing, or even stored away in
places liable to contract damp.
Let any one anxious to experiment in the amount of moisture that
a gelatine negative will absorb from a damp atmosphere just try the
result of placing a perfectly dry film, varnished or unvarnished, after
the same is carefully weighed, into a damp washing-house for forty-
eight hours, and then weigh again ; or, if the more simple method of
holding the damp plate before a fire be adopted, he will be surprised
at the amount of vapour that will be thrown off. It very frequently
happens that negatives in this condition are, without any thought,
dragged out from some cupboard, or other strange place of doubtful
suitability, and hurriedly placed in a printing frame, just to throw ofi
a print or two, when, should the temperature bo somewhat higher,
and the atmosphere in a tolerably dry state, there is no outlet for the
condensed moisture which is sure to arise within the film, the result
being the formation of minute spots, which in course of time play
sad havoc by becoming so pronounced as to spoil the negative entirely.
At the time these spots will not be visible, but if such a negative ba
carefully examined when in the printing frame, it is more than likely
this evil will be detected. When this condensation is going on, small
circles of prismatic colours may be noticed when looking down on the
glass side of the negative. Sometimes they will be seen in numbers
of two or three close together. When such are noticed the evil has
begim, and before long, in the exact [place where these tiny prismatic
circles were seen, distinct spots will be found to have put in an ap-
pearance in the film. This can be easily proved by carefully marking
the place where these prismatic circles are seen.
When such spots are examined with the aid of a microscope — using,
say, an inch power — they will be found to present totally different
appearances according to the manner in which they are viewed. When
examined on the film side, they will show no colour circles ; but when
they are looked at on the glass side of the negative, they are found to
present one of the most beautiful objects any one can view under a
microscope. The spots will be seen to be caused by perfect circles of
varying tints, and in nearly every case the exact centre will show the
fine granular deposit of metallic silver undisturbed, but around which
the most perfect circles of varying colours and widths will be seen to
have formed deep down in the film, as it were, against the glass, and
these circles, it seems, go on increasing as the spots get larger. For a
long time I was puzzled to account for these prismatic circles, but I
have clearly traced them to the condensation of moisture in the
gelatine film, caused by bringing a negative in a damp condition into a
heated atmosphere without any precautions being taken to gently
assimilate such to the existing temperature. All valuable negatives
that have been stored away ought to be gently warmed before being
put into a printing frame to print.
Another insidious source of damage to gelatine films will be
found in the common practice of placing a number of negatives in a
packet film side to glass side, or, in other words, film side all turned
inwards, without any thought being given to the contaminations
which the glass side of a negative may have contracted from dirty
fingers or other injurious sources. This is very likely to happen whan
Mar 1^ l^^T'
TMlfi BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHS.
311
tnmea ar« hurriedly emptied aad the iie}^tiT«s placed away on end,
asdescribad.
Intiinatdjr aaaoeiated with the deterioration of negatires is the
qoettioa ot their proper storage, and perhaps there is no better method
to adopt than that followed in laige estabEshments, where they are
placed away in racks with a eooMtant current of dry air passinf;
throogh them. Of coarse, to the great army of amateurs such pre-
caatioM are not to be thoaght of, and the more common practice of
placing tba ngatirea in paper enrdopes is adovted ; but »ucb is by no
means a safe piactiea to foDow, for when sacli are stored away in a
damp enphoard or other mwnitebie pbee this form of protection is
VMt abovt the wont poaMble. Ew better is the plan of employing
1-r > ived btnea, and when sivh hoses ara placed in a dry situation the
ruk is redaeed to a minitnnm ; bat it is always wise to oantly aanmi-
)ate the ne||atiTe to the exisUBg taaiperatore before placing same in
the printing frame.
Lockilr we are not left in nock doabt as to when a rami^ed or
raniMMd film has contracted damp from the atmoaphen. Should
nnra
the precaution that I bare refertad to not have been taken, but, on
the other hand, the printing papar be merely placed in eontact with
the damp film, it will not be long before the paper will begin to show
■gns of poekering ap by the absorption of the damp from tae gelatine,
t^iieb ciniss it to expand just as tf a damp sponge ware drawn across
a drv absat of printing paper. Whan saeh takes placa there is great
dai^ar of dataciccatkin in the fntan. T. N. Asmbtboxo.
soaiE coxniTioss influencing the welfare of
PHOrOGBAPHIC SOCIETIES.
[Brislaa ad Ckykaa CbMn Ctab.]
Ixtk^dar )«« for tbakenov of bnrii^ elected me a Mc*-President
of tUs CloW, wf K—ra fa nsni— ly witk the raquart of your Hoau
Sacntary, that an addieaa akaB to ^tBtawd to yon thfa afeniag in
pkea of a papsr by any of tka mamikn. To a panoo of few words
the fitfllwsnl of soon a duty fa aol alwayaaaay; to, af tar placing
bifoia yea a law idMa as to naa wndilfana inWiwaing tka welfare
of tkiiJtmik <mgnAmtimm, tha waindar of tUa n wing win b>-
•pot In vfawing a £*play upcn tka screen, by Mr. LsvH*, of the
lantsra fieMna takan by Mr. Leon ^VaInerke, of GoeanoMot
and otbar photagrapUe establiahsMnu in Cootiountal Euopa. Mr.
Wanaika baa left England bar 8t PMnabug, ao fa nnabia to be
pnavt km ta-niglit.
A nbotograplue nug— fantfcw My ba peMiiw in iia ialaUeetaal
eapaaby, or it any ba ppipMaM in its fawli aad tka aaabw of its
membeia ; it aay afao M tawpawiaa la both. W'ben it is bat aato-
riaJly rich, a local soefaty *ay go ^idMr and cafortably on iu way,
aad be fittla latssiiisd ontaaU tka Umiu of its own parish ; wkaa,
femma «U aoasidaiably to tka progrea of
ilidiMonriaa attaet tka atlantif> of
kowaveVf llslaMMflh
nkiiliMiaakht— d
That a local aodaty akoidd raisa itself abora tka dead lavd of tka
saaral r— of aMk i igaBliiiHaii, it fa asctairy tkat each Indiridnal
litiaa permit, aboald laka maoaM
a nbeo tka rasolu bataaa tka wkob body
J ua (Mords of tka arw^pi prooatdiaM «f
iiiiHn, oaa araaU aoppiM that nana bat Arar
—a wteiil. aad tknt wa kara notkfag to talk
» bat tka wnrkfaig of ooauaoaproeeasaaaaaaselsd
andpapMi orfiaarily sold in CMminaica. Wkat
[fa, tbirt oaa oMiakar abnU My, ** I win carry oa aoral pko-
liiiiapMo ruMrrhss Trith tbs wHi nf iirn . " tkataaotWikansaaotfa
todo'tka awa witk ommm alia t tkat oikan ahaO
tka akaof liekri. eobnH, aad alhw
taka np Ika pri—laa pioesi, ai
so as to gat away froai tka man coaanan jnmmm, aad to
aaw tki^pi akoot tha otkam. Wa akonld afao ka«a amm
\ntm tnab fai nattan aitiatia: tka flasat artiatfa afliM ia
mpyafriattat ***■ ' tkiak, psodaoed by Ufa's— baMw In
tka''pbal««s«r«a*-fnoMi: yat.wkarsfatka aiaataari^a
of '
tkaiMMr'Dfc EiMnoa aaaobnaad bfa
tmrii at it, bat I bam not yat baud of tka
I do BO* ksUara ia appoMrtfaf flciniiWsai lo aoadaet aaafc jarasti-
a pioMi ssMa of datr aad a mm* belfaf tkat the work
t to ba doask It fa for tka ksdiTidnal to strike oat new paths,
not aa a talk bat aa a nhaaaM. It fa for aadi of oar yoaagor
awmbers to tasolra to no HOMr Bra aa a uooMtity, bat to do aooaa-
tbi*! tnfaMaaot tka man of Bnaaa kaowladgi, and to stand out as a
bansMlo* cC Ito raoa.
trading fa to ba loaid ki tka bwd society npotta in
be photographic prvss ! We are, perhaps, informed therein that Mr.
Jones sat down amid loud applause, after reading a valuable paper —
in which the reporter can lied uothing worth printing. Sometimes
we are told how J. Smith, iisq., J.P. — a man knowinir nothing of
photography — honoured the Photographic Society of Little Pedling-
ton with nis presence, and how all the members grovelled before him.
I think that the editors of all the photographic papers will thank me
for speaking of the lack of general interest and ot useful information
in the average reports of the local societies. They cannot well leave
the reports out, because their circulation might then fall in the
various localities. I^t, then, some of the energetic young men
connected with this club bring in some results of original research,
and make the reports of our proceedings worth reading. The club
has the advantage of posseesing as president a physician of high
attainments, who can appreciate the value of original research by toe
members, and who himself does not much follow beaten tracks in
photography ; a president who does not feel satisfied unless he can sot
up his camera in the crater of an active volcano, such as Hecla, is sure
to encourage all thoee members who begin to strike out new patlis of
experimental investigation.
One of the largest and most prosperous local photographic societies
in the kingdom is the Manchester .\miiteur Photographic Association,
and I was told at one of its meetings, by one of its most active members,
that lantern disphys and lectures, to which the public were admitted
for a trifling fee, had great influence in bringing in new members and
increasisg its popularity. Close at hand we nave a busy centre of
traffic and commero.', and, if next winter wo advertised lantern enter-
tainments for the display of instantaneous photogaphs of scenes near
Brixton Station, they would probably " draw," as, apart from other
Luueiilw alii MIS, so many persons would be curioos as to whether they
or thair hooaes had been pictnred.
A good library fumisnes an inducement to join a photographic
society. The Camera Club has a good library, and the Photographic
Club a moderately good ono; those of all the other photographic
societies of London are, so far as I know, poor in the extreme.
Perhaps we shall be long before pnssrasing a goiMl library, but the central
free Kbraiy is now being built dose br the spot on whicli we are now
assembled. It might be well if this Oab memoriali^^ied the authorities
thereof to the effect that the collections of chemical and photographic
booJu tber bare afaeady phwied in the branch libraries are so poor
as to ba banaath contempt, ami that thev may as well possess one
daeant oollaction of scientitic works and books of reference, so that
people shall nut be obliged to journey hence to the British Museum or
the Patent Of&ce Libraries because of the literary poverty of our own
locality.
A good boB. secretary U eoential to the welfare of every photo-
graphic sodety; ho fa to the society what the lens is to the camera;
be IS tha "*"«l means of communication with the outside world ;
and, if he be intaOactually dim, woeful will bo the results to the
organiialiaa ba loprssents. He has to do all the hard work, and is
forgotten wbife everything goes on wall ; when thinf^ be^n to go
WTODgly, ba baa to bear all the abuse. When you smite bnn on the
one cheek, he kas to turn to tou tha othar also : aiuLwkeB tka money
balance of tka sociaty fa on the wrong side, ke naa to ckaecf bUt make
up the daficieDCy oat of bu own pocket. We cannot too much honour
sock laboiioas and loag^«iffering individuals. I think that it is the
doty of tke wealthier members of the photographic community in
Ijoodna to " dine * all the photographic hon. secretaries once a month.
Had Mr. Loufa M. Biden adopted this plan before he attempted to
fedetata all dM London pbotographic societies in hot haste, ho might
have been mora ■ooeeaHul in carrying out his plans. One stands
avpallad at tha magnitude of the knowledge of the public aspects of
pbotogiafby in London, which would ba aaaasntrated at a dinner
party of tka saaretariea of the varioos organisations.
Exhibitions, summer outings, and other incidents of existence have
their influence on the welfare of photographic organizations; but
enoogh baa been said opon this subject for ono evening, and we will
now sire attantioa to w. Wamerke's lantern slides.
• W. H. Habbison.
a
THE-WKT COLLODION PBOCESS.
CLoadoa mi PrerliieU Pbotar«P>><a AiMxtetfan.!
la response to tha laqaaat ot our Secretary to "tell us somethine
about the wet-pUta proeaas," I have embodied a few jottings from my
nota-book in the (onn ot a diort paper, in the hope that they may be
found oarfnl to those o( our manbsra who may be desirous ot working
thew«t.pialaproosas. This U oomparatively aa aaqr oflair now, seeing
the faeililfaa that prseaat workan have for oMainioK any article required,
which U a «aiy dUhawt state of aOaim b«B tkat wbash provaUed in
812
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[May 13, 1892
olden times, and, as each of the materinls ased had a decided effect upon
the other, the difficulties of the old worker were often great, it being ab-
solately necessary, if first-class work was required, that suitable samples,
which would work together, should be obtained. For instance, if the
alcohol was weak, it would not dissolve some samples of cotton, and the
addition of an extra quantity of ether, to compensate for the weakness of
the alcohol, did not mend matters much, as, although it would then,
perhaps, dissolve enough cotton, the resultant film was usually crapy,
porous, and rotten ; acid ether would also liberate iodine, and rapidly
disorganize the collodion, and, unless the pyroxyline was suitable for the
purpose intended, first-class results were hopeless.
It was also necessary to suit the iodiser to the cotton, or vice versa, as a
sample of cotton that was almost useless with cadmium could be made to
give a passable result with ammonium and sodium, though many little
dodges could — and, in fact, had to be— resorted to, such as adding a trace of
carbonate of soda or ammonia when the pyroxyline was tough and horny,
ftnd the addition of a few drops of tincture of iodine if the collodion was
too new, and that general panacea for wet-plate woes, the addition of a
little more acid to the bath.
I will pass round a few specimens of old positives and negatives, calling
your attention specially to the positives, which, although taken many
years since, still retain the characteristics for which this process was
noted, and which, I submit, have never been excelled, and will conclude
with a few formulee that I have found to work well in my own practice.
Fob Bapid Wobk.
Bath.
Fused nitrate of silver 50 grains.
Bain or distilled water 1 ounce.
Should be quite neutral, or faintly acid with acetic acid.
Collodion.
Alcohol, '805 J ounce.
Ether, -725 J „
Iodide of potassium 3 grains.
Iodide of Cadmium 3 „
Bromide of potassium 1 grain.
Bromide of cadmium .-. 2 grains.
Pyroxyline 7 grains.
Developer!.
No. 1.
Protosulphate of iron 30 grains.
Formic acid 10 „
Glacial acetic acid J drachm.
Alcohol 1 „
Eain, or distilled water 1 ounce.
No. 2.
Protosulphate of iron 240 grains.
Acetate of copper 10 ,,
Glacial acetic acid j, 3i drachms.
Alcohol r.„ 3j „
Bain, or distilled water 8 ounces.
Intemtfier.
Pyrogallio acid 4 grains.
Citric acid 12 ,
Bain, or distilled water 1 ounce.
Add a few drops of silver from nitrate bath as required.
Fixing.
No. 1.
Cyanide of potassium J ounce.
Water 10 ounces.
No. 2.
Hyposulphite of soda , 1 ounce.
Water 5 oances«
Foe OBDiNAnY Wobk.
CoUodion.
Alcohol, -805 i ounce.
Ether, -725 j
Iodide of cadmium 2 grains.
Iodide of ammonium 3 . ,,
Bromide of Cadmium J grainn
Bromide of ammonium 1 ,,
Bath.
Nitrate of silver 36 grains.
Bain or distilled water 1 ounce.
Add nitric acid until blue litmus paper turns red.
Developebs.
Negative,
Protosulphate of iron ^otmoe.
Glacial acetic acid ^ „
Alcohol i I,
Water 8 ounces.
Positive.
Protosulphate of iron Jounce.
Nitrate of baryta i „
Nitric acid 20 minims.
Alcohol Jounce.
Water 8 ounces.
Powder baryta and dissolve, then add the iron powdered ; mix and let
stand for about ten minutes, then filter out precipitate, and add nitric
acid and alcohol.
TrampareTiciet.
Protosulphate of iron 8 grains.
Or, pyrogallic acid 2 „
Glacial acetic acid 20 minims.
Citric acid 2 grains.
Water 1 ounce.
If tone too blue, decrease citric acid and increase acetic, or vice versa.
3. Babeeb.
♦
CHRONO PHOTOGRAPHY OF STAR TRANSITS.
Foe some time past I have had under consideration as a leisure subject
the application of photo(!;raphy to the tailing and timing of a star in
transit across the meridian, and, as I fancy I can now see my way
through the problem, I will endeavour to give an idea how it is to be
done. To properly present it would require several sheets of care-
ful drawings, which, had I the time to prepare them, would scarcely
be of sufficient general interest to warrant the expense of producing
blocks, or to induce the Editor to give the space for their appearance.
Any description, therefore, must be of the nature of a sketch, which I
hope to maKe sufficiently clear to enahle a draughtsman accustomed
to clockwork to produce the designs for an intelligent mechanic to
work from.
Briefly put, the apparatus consists in the following : —
1. A small roll-holder with spool of sensitive paper, and sparking
arrangement for the field of the telescope.
2. A similar one for the recording apparatus, which consists of three
thin steel skeleton dials for indicating, respectively, seconds, minutes,
and the hour, driven by the standard or other controlled clock, and
moving between the sensitised paper and a sparking arrangement.
3. An ordinary clock with suitable gearing for driving the two roll-
holders.
4. A source of electricity for producing the sparks.
5. A lever to actuate a clutch for imparting motion to the roll-
driving gear, and to operate the switch that completes the electrical
circuit.
6. "Contacts" on the clock pendulum for closing the sparking
circuits to produce the spark in front of the two roll-holders.
Such are the main features, which I will now endeavour to describe
in greater detail, and will commence with the fitting of the telescope.
As in most cases it will be desirable to retain the instrument in a
condition for eye observations, it will be necessary to open its tube
at the side in the neighbourhood of the field or principal focus of the
objective, and fit it with a grooved frame in which can Slide another
frame or carrier bearing the usual arrangement of cross wires in
juxtaposition to a screen of metal having vertical slits, the centre or
principal one being prolonged to the lower part of the plate, or on to
a separate one if necessary. By pushing this frame from side to side
either the cross wires or the slits may be adjusted in the field of the
telescope for use at wUl. At the eyepiece side of the metal screen,
in grooves or other mode of fastening, the small roll-holder carrying
the slip of gelatino-bromide paper is secured, and at the foot of it on
the other side, and opposite to the extended slit, a small receptacle for
the sparking arrangement is affixed. The driving spindle of the roll-
holder, being provided with a spur wheel on one end when in position,
is made to gear into a similar one on a spindle having bearings on the
sliding carrier, and extending outwards sufficiently to enable a light
pulley on its end to be chain-driven from a loose pulley running on
the end of the pivot of the telescope, where a second loose one in com-
munication with the driving clock imparts motion to it by means of a
clutch.
To give an idea of the principle of the recording apparatus, it will
be well to imagine a clock fitted with centre seconds, minute, and
hour hands. These being removed, fix upon their respective spindles,
May 13, 1803]
THE BRITISH JOUBNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
313
in pUe* of them, three light awtal diies or wheels, Tarriofr to the
i^itent of the band ot metal foraiiiifr the periphery in size. The rim
of the oater, or larger one, is pierosa with secondi, one to sixty^r
half-feeonds, by ivpeatiiig eaca namber in paii^, marking the second
one of the pair with a dot, to diatingoith it from the first— the rim of
Che nazt wheel with minutes, one to sixty : and that of the third, and
smaller oim, with the hours, one to tweotyfour. A convenient point
of these drdles most be ehiwen for potting the fixing to the dock-
:ase to cairr the roll-holder and sparking box, b<^tween which the
lises must nave perfect freedom to reTolve, the fine figuring on the
iiscs being opposite to the narrow opening in the roU-holder in front
if the sensitiTe band on the one hand, and to the opening in the
jparkmg box, for the passsge through the figures on the discs to the
ensitiTe surfsce, of the light emittM by the spark on the other. The
criTing spindle of this roU-hoIder is g«ared up to the same clock
▼hich is driring the other one, the meed of both being alike. As the
ncordiiw discs are driven eontinnoasly br the standard clock, accurate
tine to naif a second, or less, is always soowa at the above openings.
I need say but little respecting the sonree of electricity. Any of
Ub methods of prodneinK a small tpuk of jnst sufficient brilliancy to
inress the seoMtive surf see will soffiee, the apparatus for the purpose,
I Mere, being part of the outfit of moat observatories.
A lever within reach fmm the e^spisee, constructed to actuate the
rlctch that throws the driving coimwriona of both roU-holders in and
<rr- of gear, also closes or opeoa tha main breaks in the electrical
ciriiits, whose eompleta dosug and sparking depends on the pen-
dujim of th« standard clock, whoaa " eootacta " must be placed to
enroe its taking place instantly and snetly at the second or haU-
■secad, which»*w oiicaaitoDoea may re^re.
Enoogfa, ftiaui, Its* baao aaid m dsaeription for the present, it
feainr nitminly mffenlt to know whan to slop. To go tAorooghfy
into tha maahanical detaib and nmnsntiis of saefa itam ia teaxeair
fosMbla witkoot woriing dnwiags aad «est tvinr rspetitions, and,
u thaaa woaU ba o«t or piaea mb, I will eease and IsaTe it open for
tny OM rsally iatanatad m tha iMttv to writa to ma privately at
Littlakaapton for anv furthar enligkiwaant. It ia naoeasarily a
aobiaet of interast to bat a limitad wmaAu only, tha photographing
aad timing of stars in transit aerosa tit* maridiao being too expansive
a luxury for privaU panooa to iadolga in. A few worda in ezpUo*-
tJM of tha working of aach ao installation will, however, not be out
of place, aad may posrihly tand todaar up any point that is not quita
pUiri in the preeedinf.
With thl> applianos m m(m, the prrpaiatioa for tha transit of a par-
ticular star in napset of pointlnf ti>e instrument and fixing it in
loritioa, wo«ihl be mado in tha imul way. .V few neeonds before the
soaspctod tima of nassaga, tha larar wooM be shifted to connect up
^ falbia of tha didaa with tha driviiy clock, and doas tha main
kaaka of tha uhcitiital tirCTHa,lwaaataly opoa wUeh tha saositive
lands tnmmnn to mors, tha ona haUad the Ina ilott of tha rnatal
■oaan b tha aaU of tha taiaaeopa. tha other bahiad tha opcola* of the
sBda bafota whfah tha imIiiiI riM of tha M«oidii« dia£, that,
thKMi^ harfaif hasB hapl cotfaaoasly ia notioa, show trua time at
thatMot. At tha sbom iaitaBt tha standard clock, by means of iu
FPWwai eoalaeta, ooaiaaesa tha sparhiag in tha two circuita, aad
a: aaeh i«p«>sa pa«aa ona thraogh tha arrangetaant at tha
to impfaas itaalf oa tha aaadtiasd aarfaes travelling bsfors tha I
aiil: aad another fioaa tha fKmt, thfoaih the s«all graop of anmbers
oo tha laeording diala to tha ssaatiaad paper la BMlion behind, this
hdDf rspsatad avaiy tine the peadalam makea a eontact. The pa*-
of the atar aow tha dSto will lainosa ita iawga oo the upper
■go Of tae aiar aenaa taa ante win laipiBsa its lauga oo tbe npper
ant of tbe bead. A few aeeoada aftsr tha eompatad One. a toad) of
be la*ar saOesa to slop both tha nUag of tha paper and tha aparfc-
iag, whea a re-adjastmant of tha tilwcgps may be done, and another
star timed ia like maaaar.
Whaa the two baada of paper ai« eat tnm tha tolls aad developed,
tha oaa at arery spark will show the hour, auaata, aad saeoad ia email
darkfignrae; theother,at aiaular iotarTala,thaaaaMBamb«)rof vartical
lints, and above then tha four or five daih short linee prodaesd by the
alai as it passed over the lUta. Shoold thMt appMr, say, over the fifth
Tsnical line, the fifth j7x>ap of figaxaa oe tha other bead will give the
trns time of the transit to any degiea of aoeoracy, the machine being
aaailaeted by " penoaal equation." Joax Ha»m»u
THX PBB8ENT POSITION OF PHOTOORAPHT IN BEUITION
TO BOOK kSD PERIODICAL ILLCSTBATION.*
Wasbso Duvoioa.
Nov, althoagh by any of thass methods ebarasiaff aetk aan be pto-
tiv« taken will vary vary maebiaeaah Syrian. Itistslliag
im ysasH^
yon, gentlemen, that which yon already know, that, of the seven colours
forming the solar speotrum, the blue ray, or actinic ray, is the only ray
that works in photography, and that, as tbe tones approach nearest to the
blue colour, so do they act with greater rapidity upon the sensitive plate,
the blue sky being pure white in the finished print, while the red cow ia
black— both exposed tha same time. This ia jnst what takes place in the
photographed drawing; aa the white is more or less mixed with the
washes, so it partakes of a blueish tint, the result being that tlie wash
photographs lighter than the tone of the drawing, the parts where the
white is not hare a brown faded east, the result being that the tint comes
darker. I hope I make myself clear. This hastening or slowing ot
the different washes of the drawing, as they incline to blue (through the
admixture of white) or to brown is going on all over in every little parti-
cular, the resalt being that the relative values of the tones in the finished
photograph on wood are often wrong all over, and it is only by the
engraver consulting his original every few minutes that he can pull it
together at all.
Now, here is the danger of the tone photographic process ; let the
drawing be ever so suitable, this danger is always present. But no two
artists draw alike, and, as a rule, no artist will draw long in one style,
and I think you will follow me when I say that the object ot the artist
when he begins his drawing is to produce a good picture. He cannot be
boond by any hard-and-fast lines without suffering from the restraint,
and, although one artist's work may be more suitable tor the purposes of
a photographie proeess than another, there is a good amount ot accident
about it. Not only does this apply to tone drawings, but in pen-and-ink
drawings also there is tha greatest difference in Inndling of one artist
against another ; one will draw with a firm point and cross hatch at right
angles, another has a timid, scratching style and a knack of cross hatching
at veiy aeote angles. The resulting block in the first place is a clear
printing one, and in the other simply a block all over ink traps. Prooess
men well know this, and get into diigraoe with publishers, at times being
blamed tor want of ikill, whan the real taet is that they are powerless
sgainst a drawing that is unsuitable.
Another point comes in here. One advantage claimed for these
drawings on paper was that the artist could draw much larger, and
refinement by ndnction would take place ; like many things in this
world, this sounds well, but how are the facts r Well, I will tell you how
it works, both financially and in tha resulting bloek ; first of all, finan-
eially. Publishers have a knack ot judging the value ot the drawing by
the sise th«yipcodnoe it ; and you ean wsU imagine the feeling of disgust
a photographer would have who had taken a 15 x 12 negative, and, this
being approved by the oustooMr, ha is told, we will take halt a dozen
C.D.V.S. Now, the resulting picture, provided tbs drawing is a rough
one, will improve by redaction ; but, if the drawiiy is a satistactory one,
the small reproduotioa will, in many casss, hava too much in it for
printing pnrposss, My own praetiee is to draw a trifie larger, the slight
reduction refining tbe work. As in sngraving, I advoeate the use of a
magnifying-glaas lor the engraver, as |the engraving appears on an en
largsd seals, and tha finisl>ed picture is rsdooed as seen by the naked
eye.
DkX'B PaooBSB.
I Imve gone into tbeae mattan at sane Isagth, as it is upon these and
the power of any process to meet all these difBoultiss that the ultimate
sueesss or tailurs depends ; and, that you shall dearly grasp my reasons
for the opinions I form of the way photography has grasped the diffi-
eolties, or failed to grasp them, aad what, in my opinion, is its position
l».di^, and, dearly understand me, I purposely avoid touching the many
intarssling cipsriments made by photographers to produce surface blocks
for typographicd printing. I say nothing of the gelatine plate, made to
swell up and than made a printing block by having small flints pressed
into it ; nor will I go into the Utest company I have seen announced,
where the sino plate is put on one side, and the negative becomes the
mould lor the slcetrotypcr. I liave no sham in it, I am glad to say ;
bll4 waot like to spoil tha amusement of any man. However, I cannot
pass a process that is used by many papers. It ia now soms ysars sgo
since I saw it shown up at the Society of Arts, and worked a bit with it
mysslf. It was then known as Pay's process, and this is how it is used :
A number of sheets of gelatine are pressed, soms with lines, and some
with dots. The roller of ink is rolled over the pattern chosen, and under
this is placed the outline drawing on Bristol board. Of course, the
design can Im seen tlirough the gelatine, which is ink-side down on the
drawing. Now the operator pressss down with a burnisher the ports he
wishes transferred, the ink marking the Bristol board, and the deed is
done ; tlte pen-and-ink sketch becomes henceforth a mongrel affair, part
psn-aod-iak, and part engine-turned dots. I confess this is very painful
314
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF I'flOTOQRAPHY.
[May 13, 1893
to me, but it 18 a cheap way to prodace an appearance ol finish, and so
ii used pretty beely. „ .„„.
The Sketch and the Camebi.
With the exception of engraving on wood by machinery (of which mc^e
hereafter). I think all processes for the prodnct.on of pictures (we need
deal with) for book and periodical illustrations are before you, and now
let me see how the position stands to-day in relation to these things I
speak to yon to-night as an artist and engraver, but I claim also to be an
enthusiastic and successful photographer. I seldom stu: out for a holiday
^thout asketch.book and a snap camera. When I found process causing
a panic among engravers I turned my attention to photography, and
instead of an enemy I found a true friend-a helper to me in many ways.
I therefore speak ^yithout bias. I admire talent, no matter where it comes
from • it is a beautiful brotherhood— the brotherhood of art-that no sea
ean divide, no distance keep asunder, no time efface. Although the hands
are dust that llaid the brush to the canvases in our national museums
the art lives, a!nd we worship the memory of those who produced it. It is
this true love of art tliat cannot be kept back for long from a people yearly
crowing mto higher tastes and knowledge that makes me doubt the possi-
bUity of any mechanical process satisfying Ithem, and ever superseding
the hand and bram of those who have made a life-study of art matters.
I think the battle has been a good one, and in some respects photography
has scored points and will hold them against all opposition. I feel sure,
however, it wiU have to show much more pliability before it can supersede
the woodcut from the highest to the lowest style of Ulnstrated periodical.
That there is a market for it we have proof, but only as padding to high-
class periodicals. The struggling, sickly army of periodicals catch at it as
a dying man at a straw ; it is process or nothing for them, and pictures
they must have, and process ones, at the very lowest possible price.
Wheee Photoobaphv has Scored.
I say that there are points where photography has scored, and, in many
respects, routed the army of facsimUe engravers, both in quality and price,
although I cannot agree with the article in Pick-me-Vp of a few weeks ago,
that it has killed them quite. It has made them think, and, instead of
being mere machines, they have learned to use the brains that are a great
deal more plentiful in this world than some suppose if people will only
shake off sloth and indulgence a little, and endeavour to .think. You
have heard me say here that photography has acted as a blue pill and
black draught to art, and process has acted in the same way to engravers ;
but we are quite alive and kicking, I can assure yon. I consider, when a
good drawing in line has to be engraved, the photographic engraving pro-
cess will render it with great beauty. I have some things by Abbey,
printed in Harper's Magazine, that have much of the charm, and much
of the sharpness, of etching. I do not, however, suppose for one moment
that they .were produced cheaply ; but to produce the same thing by wood-
Bngraving would require a talented man, and would take immense time,
and this applies in all pen-and-ink work. Provided the artists who make
the designs are talented men, and they are well printed on good paper,
they leave nothing to desire; although the popular taste is not in favour of
this style of work, and " never will be," they tolerateit if well done here and
there, and in comic papers it is accepted, but they cannot be educated to
believe that a man's coat can be satisfactorily expressed by cross lines.
The To^^ Process behind the Woodcct.
The photographic tone process is, at the present time, far behind the
woodcut in artistic merit. No matter how the process is varied, the
same quality runs throughout the entire picture. Sky, middle distance,
and foreground are rendered with the particular stipple or line alike ; in
one direction giving a tame and insipid result, so different from the
engraved block where the hand of the engraver has translated the design
with one quahty and direction of line for the sky, the middle distance so
fine, perhaps, that the line can scarcely be seen, while the foreground is
made up of bold, vigorous touches, helping the aerial perspective and
expressing the texture of any substance, any material ; be it stone or silk,
the process block expresses each with the same line upon the soft, sweet
lace of a young lady dressed in the choicest robes and the dirty old
beggar in rags she is giving alms to. This want of quality of line is very
dreadful to the educated taste, but I cannot see how it can be otherwise.
Another trouble with the tone-process block is the lack of printing quality
in it. It is true printers are surprised at what they get out of them, but
they have to be very careful, keeping them very sparsely supplied with
ink, and, as a result, getting prints lacking contrast, no true blacks, no
true whites, all flat and grey. Publishers are shown by process men
copies printed upon clay-faced paper, and jump to the conclusion that
results ought to come as good as the specimens in their own publications ;
hey do not stop to thmk that but a few copies-only are printed, vnth the
greatest care and with special ink. But it is a very different matter when
large numbers have to be run off upon poor paper, with everything out to
the lowest price ; so, until the tone process wiU stand the treatment a
wood block will stand, it must perforce be greatly against it. You will
at once see where the wood block and process differ. The engraver cuts
in the deepest parts a line deep enough to ensure printing; as he
approaches the lighter parts, he increases the depth of his cut, and in the
whites he cuts deep holes, so that the ink-roller cannot possibly get at
the wood. But in the process all are eaten away to the same depth,
although engravers are employed to deepen the white parts and dodge up
other imperfections ; they are known by the dignified name of pickers
This is very noticeable where process blocks are used for advertisementw
in periodicals, as these pages on which advertisements appear have litth
care bestowed upon the pictures printed. Even the safest woodcut coma
out very poorly ; therefore the drawings, even in line, for these pagfs
should be of a very elementary character, while the tone process is to-
good at all with poor printing, and this must bo expected in the advertiss-
ment sheets of most papers.
Enobaving bt Machinery.
I spoke of engraving by machinery. Well, this is a most nsffnl
invention. The tool is held by a machine and so is the wood block, but-
every line is watched and varied by a competent engraver ; and, althoigh
the main masses are cut by the machine, it has all to be gone over by the
hand of the engraver to finish up, and also to cut all small details. It i»
principaUy used in cutting machinery, and the beauty and acouracj of
every line directed by the brain of the engraver gives a result that . do
not think anything can beat, while for printing purposes it is simply
splendid, the cut being so firm and true.
I have gone into this matter at some considerable length to-night, and
jrjability I have placed all processes for the production of
pictures for our books and periodicals before you, and now I liave only to
run over the ground quickly and close my lecture. Well, then, the
present position of photographic process is that line photographic process
in good hands from capable drawings is most useful, cheap, and faithful.
As regards the tone process, although it is used very extensively, it is
very unsatisfactory all round ; it is three times the price or more thin
the line process ; it is tame and uninteresting, unsafe m printing, and in
no sense can it compare even to cheap engraving ; it is an apology for a
picture, possessing very little artistic merit ; it is unsuited for high-class
work, and also just as unsuitable for cheap periodicals, given anything like
long numbers. No, something much better must come to the front before
the tone drawing for our periodicals ean be taken from the engraver, and
I am at the present time reproducmg a number of things that were done
by process and are thrown aside as not suitable; the machine engi-avitg
shuts the door'upon it for all mechanical work, and, but for the band ot
starveling pubUcations that Uve upon advertisements and trade puffs, it
would have but few customers. What its future may be it is impossille
to say ; but of this I am sure, that the principle is wrong, to render every-
thing with one line or stipple, which must produce tame audi martistio
work, and in these days of higher education in art matters, even if the
technical difficulties of cheap printing with poor paper and ink, runnmg
long numbers, can be overcome, popular taste will be felt by the editor
who stands at the helm of his periodical, and that taste will demand in
any photographic process the same artistic rendering of subjeats that the
old engraving is capable of. Ton Stmmons.
THE " ANSCHUTZ " INSTANTANEOUS CAMERA.
Oun readers will remember that some months ago we drew attention
to a remarkable series of animal and other studies by Herr Anschiitz,
which were on view in this country for a few weeks, and we have
now had an opportunity of mspecting the camera— or, at least, what
we are assured is an exact faemmle of it— by which those pictures
were taken. The " Anschiitz " camera has a solid body, and is fitted
with a five-inch rectilinear lens, by Goerz, with rack and pinion
adjustment for focussing. The focussing screen occupies the usual
position, but the necessity of employing a focussing cloth is obviated
by an opaque, collapablo hood being fixed on the screen-frame, which
renders the screen sufficiently dark for focussing by. The shutter,
which is of the curtain type, works immediately in front of the plate,
and its rapidity is controlled by separating its halves vertically— the
largest opening allowing of an exposure calculated to be one-seventy-
fifth of a second, the diminution of the opening down to one-sixteenth
of a second, reducing, it is said, the exposure to one-thousand two-
hundredths of a second. The shutter is wound, and set by a milled-
head screw at the side of the camera, and is released by touching
M»y la, 1892]
THE BRITISH JODBNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
816
ar. 'ther in front. The finder ooosisU of a square frame, equally
diviiled into four, placed on the front of the camera, and when the
object u axul to tite centre of tlie Croat wtiea, aad a ainall upright on
the back of the csmem, it ooenpies the central portion of the picture-
Solid doable baeki are iomilied with the camera, which may be em-
ployed oo a ataod aa aa oraimry camera, and, with the apeoal head
aappUed nlaeed in • muaber at pnAi<in»i The Antchiita appeara a
Tery Mmeaahla aad watkmuHim kUtimmmt for moriny objeeta. It
lit in the handi of the Ekckfriaie netognphic Company, of Snn«T
Row, aE. ^
Omc SKuerial (TabU.
*' l^nrniiRAPHic WnsK ~ in the title of a new weekly eontempoiary
imuri by M»«<«r- Ilp-r A; rnrt.r, »> I'li.;: connected with the Pkoto-
grapUe' SoBt, The lateat daiaiant for poblie faToor i* both well
edited and weD printed, aad, aeeofdia|f to the addieaa to ita leaden,
ia intended for *< the bwy nan."
Tna brodiore (pabiiahad bj Maiiaa Jk Oo.) eooiirti aMinly of papan
aad ardckewTittro bribe aalhor at TBiimMtiaaa. AoMOf the topka
tiwied aia " Laiip Haada ia the Stodio ' (for which a lent baring a
foeaa ant thirty iachaa ia neoauMwIad), " Knlea for Expoaor^"
" Rolatire BMidttr: Batio aad Aaateda,' " The Diataaoe bayood
which all wOTba a Vaeoa,-"* HriMte aad Redueia« Tablaa and
Expoanea,'' " Dmih of Foena," ka. Thaa* and other topica are moat
laefaly daalt with, althoogb their fngm appnaatioo will requite
■ Ikaowladga.
Tbb PaBTBOT Liaar Filtbk.
B7 Bcstsa * Cew Bmb* BID. Ut.
Hr!(TBa h Oo. hav* awl oi a aaapk of a apedally atainad
M ^_
p^^T which tiaiMBdIa I
ithartorthe
^U^ofinioaaCil.
anMMiat of Igbt that u reaaon-
vtadow or tha lamp-rfiada. We
Wk ham noaifed the eatakfoe of lUmn. 8. & Ilardeaatfe ft Co., of
f:.vtHitieet, BrigbtoB, wbieh, for fkm aad eompletaaeai, Tiaa with the
hiis at many Loadoo hoaaaa. The ealaburwn of Mr. Qeorge Kamp, of
r, hae alio raadied oa. It ia eoadaa and neat.
Cldux PLAna.
LVAOKAaBof dry plataa,''the CBaax," leoaited from John J. Qriffin
GLAJIZrABBKX YTB PBOrOOKATBiaCBB RXTOCCHB.
■unos * Oo., BiM*i4«to«rt, Mnad. >a||
low that M> saeh priatbg ia dooenpanU^ily^iaaed paper each aa
a iwnable aoadiam for epottinff pnnU, and ooa wliich
the giaaad ioface, waa mnch needed. Thia ia now
by Matva. Hintoa ft Co. in the form of Sttle col-
d flobwr with aerewed tope, a aet of teraa of which,
, aaspBia the mjatraaaant for apoHiiig' in
o taa tekMt tone obtafatable, pawing
Each tabe bean oo it an
t anetly tha natora of tha
im a
wiada, nan wfana to
it contains. This set must prove a great convenience to all who
desire to send out spotless piiuta.
DK^TtLOPINO DiSHBS FOB YACHTmO.
MaaBBS. HiNTOX & Co. have also introduced a aet of developing
and fixing dishee of a novel and useful character. The edges are
turned over, lapping inwards, in such a way as to prevent the spilling
of the fluid contents, even when moved about or held with the ex-
treme of unsteadinesa, as in a yacht on a much-troubled sea. The
special adaptation of each dish is imprinted on the ends or side of
each in bold black letters, which are sunk in the material. This is
a novelty in dishes, and one which will commend itself to alL
Mb. W. J. DiBDiji, of Sutton, Surrey, has sent us a very neat and
conreniently arranged automatic card exposure table, which shows
at a glance the exposurea to be given under diSei'ent conditions of
light and stops. It ia both handy and convenient.
RECENT PATENTS.
APPUCATIONS FOB PATENTS.
So. 7769.— "An Improred Portable Camara." W. O'SmiVLY.— Dated
April 36, 1802.
N& TSaS.— " Dinet Silheoatto Partnitora by Photography." i. C Oox.~
D»Ud April 27, laai -»• 1 J
No. TWO.—" Imutwrmaali ia notaawhie Dailc Eafdea." F. H. Ibbbisov.
—Dmit* April K,\Hi. ^^^
No. 8087.-i" ImproranMrta oonaectcd with Photographic Cameras." S. W
BomaL— Zte&i April t&, 1882.
No. 8115.—" ImpwwamaBta in'oonnexioa with Artiftcial Lieht Photography."
Oompleta ipcciflcatioii. C. B. tLUtm.—U<iUd April 29, 1892.
Xo. 81KL— " An Impravaaant in Photaaaiihio Hand Camttat." H. Lasb.
moiML—DaUd April M, 18M.
No. ai»i. — " lat ■nam ia Photooaphie PrinUng Frames, which
Tnmm an abo nnUcabla to oU«r parpoMa.'' a BacK aad F. 0. Bncoa.—
Duimi April w, van.
8PBCIFICATI0NB PUBLISHED.
189L
No. 778&— " Rapvodaoiag Pbotagaapha." Kbaoti * ZBMUBL
X» 812L— ** PhiKn atahlng aa Zinc, jtc" Kbamti A; Znasunt.
M& 9W1 .—- PbetopapUag bghiMring Drawhigi, Ac" Pauob.
UBl
Naia61.-«Leataamidai,Jte." 8cAn.A3f.
i^eetrngjS of ftoctettejS*
MBITIROS-OF 80CIBTIIS FOR NEXT WEEK.
IM*i<
MajM
: S
:"
Z M
:S
- s
- s
- s
" s
M »
:)
floathl
I Borth Loatea -
I Osfocd Photo. 8«Mj .-
raatSamv
IrixteaaiJc
Brixlea aad daphaa..
OuiUa....
HoUbore .
nu*oiaMili«.
Amo. Btodlo, BailiargBta, Dnndee.
MMhaaiai' IiatMBte. liMd*.
Baaow HaU, Buienr-park, S.B.
WilltelOB HaU. Idtacton, K.
Soela^a Boon^ UtTEIth^trwt.
BlaftMboiT bniUia«.ButbanlMt.
14. a*. Mac7.atneLj%raohl>i.
mmpaiaaoa Hall, Bary.
TMocto BoM. lUDohM**.
Aad«tim'<HoM,nMt«trwt.K.O.
TJIXXA.Jnildiaci, Undport.
8L Bark*! Boboob. BattanMurla.
OrMham HaU, Brixtoo.
iHarfaia.uimi roafl, W.O.
Otanpfam Bolal. U, AldanntMb
Tb* l/jvmam, Vtlao^n Oldham.
TrinitT dnuob Boooi. MortoiMt.
"ThePabta." MaldrtODO.
OTtjboaiid Hotal, Bkduaond.
FHOTOORAPHIC SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN.
Kat la— Mr. T. Sabaatiaa Daria, F.C.& (Vioe-Preaident), in the chah-.
Mr. Harold Sands waa elected a member.
Daring tha cfaoi^ tha f*n»"— " waloomed Mr. F. E. Ives, of Fbiladelpbia
who «M pweat, tolha naatiag of tha Sodety.
ni6
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[May 13, 1892
Thk Exhibitiok and ths Convention.
It was announced that the following gentlemen hail been chosen as Judges
for the next Exhibition of the Society :— Meiisrs. F. 1'. Cembrano, jun., W. E.
Debenham, \V. England, F. HoUyer, and J. Traill Taylor, and, as scieutiflc
experts, Cajitain Abney and Mr. Andrew IMngle.
Tlie following gentlemen were nominated as delegates of the Society to the
forthcoming Photographic Convention of the United Kingdom at Edinburgh
in Julv next :— The President (Captain Abnev), Messrs. W. Redfonl, N. Cowan
A. Ma'ckie, I* J. Montcfiore, A. Pringle, J. Traill Taylor, and L. Wamerke.
A Proposito Photoobaphic Rkcord and Subvby.
Mr. W. Jeboub Harrison read a paper on A Photoffraphic Record mid
thtrvey, in which, after mentioning that a topographical survey of the United
Kingdom had its origin in the conflicts with the Highlanders, he traced the
history of the various Ordnance Survey maps which had been prepared during
the century, and referred to the iihotograiiliic work done at the Survey Office
at Southampton, and by Colonel Waterhouse in the Government Survey of
India. In tlie records of the Hydrographic Survey there was no reference to
photography being employed ; but in the Gennan Navy it was employed to
make rapid surveys of^ co-ost lines. The Geological Survey was based on the
work of the Ordnance Survey, and photograpliy wa.s not employed. The
United States employed skillwl manipulation largely for the same kind of
work. The Committee of the British Association, appointed in 1889, had
secured 588 photographs of geological interest. The same Association had
also appointed a Committee to collect photographs of clouds, &c., of which
153 had been obtained. In the survey of the heavens more progress had been
maile than in that of the earth, as, thanks to Messrs. Henry, they had a better
idea of the visible parts of the moon than of the Polar regions or Central
Africa. Thedesirabilityof a photographic survey was obvious. The historian,
the man of science, and the artist would give a great deal for photographs
taken at the close of each century for the last 2000 years. Briton, Roman,
Norman, and Saxon history would have been brought down to us. Change in
the appearance of things was rapid ; churches were being restored, old houses
swept away, dress becoming uniformly ugly, and manners and customs
changing. Photography should supply a record of the present state of things
for posterity. The survey would be best carried out by professional photo-
graphers— individuals, Societies, and the Government. In 1888 he suggested
the appointment of State photographers, and the idea was endorsed by Captain
Abney. As had been recently gathered from Dr. Jeserich's paper, a photo-
grapher attached to each police division would be useful in criminal cases. In
the case of the recent Whitechapel murders he might have photographed
certain inscriptions on the walls, attributed to the murderer, before they were
obliterated. Having pointed out the part which individuals. Government, and
Societies might take in the work, Mr. Harrison said he estimated the 251
British Societies included in the Almanac to have a membership of 20,000,
,and the total number of photographers, amateur and professional, in Great
Britain to be 280,000, and then proceeded to give a histoiy of the Warwickshire
Snn-ey, founded by the Birmingham Photographic Society, the work being
undertaken in section.^, with the six-inch Ordnance Map as a basis. Exhi-
bitions were held in 1890 and 1892, at which there were classes for Survey
pictures. Referring to the later work of the Survey Council, he said the size
of picture recommended was whole-plate', and the pictures had to be printed
by a permanent process, and mounted on mounts provided with all details as
to subject and the focil length of the lens on the back. A special exhibition
opened in Birmingham on Monday next, at which 1000 prints, the majority
whole-plate size, were to be exhibited. In future there would be annual
exhibitions, and pos-ibly a quarterly journal and portfolio would be issued.
The section for the Birmingham Society for 1893 comprised Stratford-on-Avon
and the Forest of Arden. The Birkenhead, North Staffordshire, Cardiff, Man-
chester Amateur, Wolverhampton, Barnstaple, Chester, and Exeter Amateur
Societies were doing .survey work. In conclusion, Mr. Hamson remarked that
the parent Society was subject to long periods of lethargy, from one of which
it had recently recovered. It ought to be a Royal and chartered Society. He
commended the matter of the survey to the Affiliation Committee.
Mr. T. BOLAS drew attention to a work on Photogr.arametry, by Com-
mandant Legros ; also an article in the Correspondent., dealing with photo-
giammetry ; and Mr. W. E. Debenha.m said that photogrammetry was
thoroughly worked out in Germany. Several recent publications had detailed
instruments and methods for enabling surveys — but not of a picturesque
character — to be made.
Mr. F. Ince objected to the term Photo-survey, as used by Mr. Harrison,
which did not convey the idea the lecturer gave. He im,aginsd some descrip-
tion would be given of the way in which surveying would be done by photo-
graphy. The system of taking such pictures as were on the walls in many
parts of the country was, no doubt, useful for enabling us to keep records of the
Kaleidoscope changes of the time, but they were in the nature of a record, and
not of a survey.
Mr. G. L. Addenbhookk thought that the exact places from which pictures
were taken should be carefully recorded, and the focal length of the lens given,
so that dimensions could be calculated. In that way it would be possible to
ascertain the extent of the subsidence of buildings, as well as the growth of
trees, the general asjiect of the country, and the course of streams, the photo-
graphs enabling them to form an estimate of the action of time ; but this could
only be done carefully, and under scientific directions, and hardly in the way
Mr. Harrison suggested — by photographic excursions, which were not in the
nature of a survey. The pictures shown resembled the work done by the
Society for Photographing Old Buildings in London. If a workable scheme
were made on a more limited and humble scale, perhaps the Society might
carry it out in conjunction with the affiliated Societies .
Further remarks having been made by Messrs. Bolas, Debenham, and Clifton,
The Chairman drew attention to a large number of photographs of geological
subjects taken many years ago by Mr. Cole, a member of the Society, which
ware now on view at the School of Mines, in Jermyn-street. The prints
appeared to be not only permanent, but to convey a most interesting impression
of the objects photographed. He suggested the application of Mr. Harrison's
idea to the photographing of rock sections, whien could be shown iu the
lantern, Mr. Harrison had said that we were more fortunate in our knowledge
of the heavenly bodies than of the earth ; but, in the case of the moon, our
knowledge of it only extended to a few degiees in each direction, ami it must
be many years before we knew anything of the other portion away from us.
The Chairman concluded by suggesting the application of photography for
providing a record of the changes which the fauna of the country were under-
going.
Mr. P. Everett said Mr. Hanison had given a most extensive programme,
with which the Atliliation Committee was not at all in a position to deal. Thfr
matter would involve a large amount of work and organization, and the neces-
sary funds were not at their disposal. He liked to look at the thing practically,
and he hail serious misgiving as to the utility of a survey conducted on the
lines indicated. Topographically or geographically, he doubted if the pictures
shown would be of any great service at any future time. No system seemed
to have been pursued lu their production. They did not seem to have been
taken on any definite plan or with any definite end. For a permanent
record some system should be adopted. As to Mr. Harrison's suggestion, that
at some future time the matter should be taken up by Government, they heard
that said of everything ; but no reason had ever been shown why the Govern-
ment should take up this scheme. He (Mr. Everett) regarded the scheme as
very immature and requiring considerable elaboration.
Mr. Harbison, in the course of his reply, pointed out, iu answer to Mr.
Addenbrooke, that the pictures shown had the focal length of the lens with,
which they were taken included with the other particulars. As to Mr. luce's
objection to the term survey, be (Mr. Harrison) said the word record had been
coupled with it. The possibilities of the subject were infinite. He thought a
workable scheme might be formulated, with the Society at the head of it.
The pictures shown that night were only a sample of about 1100.
A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Hamson, and the meeting terminated.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
Mat 5. — Mr. B. Foulks- Winks in the chair.
Mr. W. E. Ward was elected a member of the Association.
Mr. R. P. Dhage (the Hon. Secretary) said some doubt had been expressed
at the previous meeting as to whether the blacks of the new cold-bath platinum
process dried as well as iu the hot-bath process. He had dried some prints,
and thought the blacks were as good.
The New Concentric Lens.
Mr. J. A, Sinclair, in reference to the new concentric lens, said that some very
wonderful statements had been made about it in the photographic papers, from
which he thought, at first, they ought to take a discount. However, he had tried
one of the lenses, and had brought it with him, together with some negatives
taken with it. It was of five inches focus, and therefore suitable for a quarter-
plate ; but he had made his exposures on half-plates, with the full aperture,
/-16, although originally the makers indicated /-22 as the largest aperture.
With that stop (/-16) he had got good definition over the whole of the plate.
He had also employed the back combination only, with/-32, on a whole plate,
focussing the centre of the picture, and the results were very good. They
would observe that the picture did not seem to be quite rectilinear on the whole
plate, but possibly the hoarding in the picture was not straight. It was not
quite straight in the half-plate. He showed another whole-plate, from which
they would see that the definition up to the edge of the circle, with /-22, was
very good. He had produced results with the lens which he had never ex-
pected to get with any lens. He thought the thinness of the lens made ill
more rapid than others of equal foci and aperture.
Mr. J. Traill Taylor also banded round a similar lens of eighth inches focus
lor examination.
Mr. W. E. Debenham had seen one of the lenses. He agreed that it was a
great advance, and that it was a very valuable lens indeed ; but he disagreed
with the statement that the concentric lens, being thinner than a symmetrical,
acted more quickly. The difference between the loss of light with the portable
symmetrical was absolutely inappreciable. There was a certain loss of light
in passing a number of surfaces, but there were the same number of surfaces
in the concentric as in the portable. Would Mr. Sinclair say how much the
lens was displaced to get the edge of the circle on the plate ?
Mr. Sinclair could not say. With a five-inch he could get the edge of the
circle on a whole-plate ; but with a plate eight and a half inches square the
whole of the circle could be got.
Mr. P. Everett said it had been claimed that the lens did not vignette the
edge of the circle, but in the example before them the circle had a distinct
vignette.
Mr. Sinclair said that at the time he was making the exposures the sun
was shining in the lens.
Mr. H. Snowden Ward exhibited a book of studies, arranged by Mr. Hether-
ington, a New York background painter, the accessories being built up of
canvas and other materials, portrait studies by various photographers being
included. The studies gave hints and suggestions of what could be done or
avoided. As regards the arrangements of the surroundings, he thought every-
body would give a great deal of praise to the man who had got up the book.
Mr. Ward also exhibited a colour screen for orthochromatic work, made by
Mr. Carbutt, of Philadelphia, for which he claimed advantages over tinted
and optically worked glass. It consisted of two thin glasses, with a film of
stained gelatine mounted Iwtween them. Mr. Carbutt produced any tint
wished lor. A third exhibit sho^vn by Mr. Ward was a camera level, by Mr,
A. H. Baird, of Edinburgh. This consisted of a sm.ill plumb-bob, for attaching
to the side of the camera back.
Mr. J. S. Teape had continued his experiments with the dark-room medium
introduced by Mr. Bridge at a previous meeting. Exposing behind various
thicknesses of red and yellow fabrics, and one thickness of the new
medium, to four inches of magnesium, it was difficult to find where the light,
had penetrated the one thickness. With six inches the impression through it
was very faint. An image was seen through two thicknesses of golden fabric,
and that image was certainly stronger than the image given by one thickness
M»T IS, 1893J
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
317
r fai > ihtipy fcf, vbJeh ol
I mWvil imMm mrtbod
bleUoride of tftHij is h;<
of tlM Mw ■•dinm. It bad baas eooelwiTalTihownbTtbu that od« thicknen
of thaMwrnadtam waibrttvthait«otkiekM«wor golden fobrie. H« had
r"—*"*^ tk« a«w lowtiim ipeetronopieaUy in the ran, and could not see •
tnn of bio* in it
Mr. J. BaBKBK read > ibort tV <" "^ H'H-toUudion Pivcttt [tta p. 311].
OoLLomoii PoaniTH.
Mr. TxJhom «TMWt>d mom aoBodieB pooitlTM, vhkh, while doSdent in
•rtMk BMitt, WW aada abont fcctj jam ago, and drew attantion to the
pvitj of tba wUtaa, to act vbkD, ka mid, it wai ntciMary to gire
■uJaataly brief azpoaiua. rttr a damiopar ba bad emplojed the oanal Iron
■olidtkH, of afaoat twalre to fiftaM gnlai par ooaoe, with two dropa of nitric
add. na p«at went in gattiag para whitaa waa in the fixing. An old
MBpla of epaida ikoold ba eootiaaallT pound on and off tba pietara. There
waa a naeiaa of alaetrk daporittoK proanead, under which the liuTer image waa
iBtaM^whitaBad. A UOIa MaBlfUda of carbon (n the bath aim depoaited
tka aimr fal a Amaj fora, which oftta imparted a bcaotifal charm to the
iMd waa that of Scott Archer : tbia waa to
hydrochloric add and nitric add, alcohol,
tba platan ita fint aetioo waa to dimolre awajr
part of tba iaaga, b«t wkan tba ■■iiwj aaaartad itwlf the image aoqnired
gnat Trit|naafy
Mr. TiATS Mid that, ia maUag ocllaJlBa poaitiraa, ha had afaaed to get
toaad pktam, aa ba aolioad tbajr wan giairally preftncd. He thoogfat
wUtaaan a*e haiabiiaaa, aad a toaa gnatar richoeac la the •pecimens
abowa the toaad pMaraa nam id to bata a data am of Imagb
Tha OBaiWiiir aald tbia waa daa to tba waak light bjr whieh thar ware
aiaaWMt tbaaa. TWr woold look axeaBaKt hj dajrUgfat For B«h tint^ he
tha^t Mr. Tkylor'a pletana too wblt&
WVT OOIXOOIOK.
Mr. Evnvrr aafcad Mr. Barinr how tba rapid temola ba gava woald coot-
pan ia npUitjr with Ilbfd ctdiaary plataa.
MKBaanaaald that woaU dapMAnaatkaqaalitrof tha Utbt There
WMid, hatlWMhl, ba nay mUa Mnm; la fcet, ba thm«kt It woald he
qattaagaaL Oa a dall day la Kmawbw Ou aalladioa woald act ba ao rai»i<t
Mr. Daawm mid oaa of Mr. Bwlw^ aigitlwa «m a coalmMtioa of hia
Mr. Dahaabam't) obearvatioB, which waa aot gcoanllT latogalnd. aaBMly,
Mi M iigiHiii mdd Ml yWi 4mmI pMa aav. HpSar paMta
lad llMaa who aada tmk aMrtlaafc Ba ttiaifcl tkb laliMir|lM^tiT
ia cadar ttat paoala A««ld aot torn a wroag unpna-
■nathii. Tka aagaUw bad baaa istaadlad aftar
aa Itaaa of pyta a*d aUnr bad albetad tha catoar of
ha did aot kaov hov Mr. Bitlur
HofMr.MbMham)
•heaUba
doa af oU
Cawpaiaaf
baoagbtaed
■aaalbaB,lka
adaariattaaMlMHaMet, to Olaatrato Iba
dwA« ginlw Aia 1 1 1 aad parity ia tba blaaha.
Mr. BaauB paMad oaL ia rdhnaaa la Mr. Oabaabam'a ranaifc i
tbaqaaatttyaflaaablMMd iadid« la fta fcmala ghaa, that a lfty-|
batk VBi iiiiwialiil, vklall iiiiialii hiidiM oat la tka Ibn. Be
a«aa patthnaarkar aava puaaparoaaaa ta tta oeOodloa, aad bad ai
haU 100 aadllOiMMalN^ Aa aaaaltahia mnpla of pynnyUaa w
aat make a aoBadlaa at aD.
CmMOaUM aaid thai, wlilk ngMd ta Mr. Barfcar'a rMariu aa t} tha
lb of tba balk, ba via sail* aanad, mI be ««ed wttb Mr. Taape aa to
ba bad aid af tta taaaa «f tka aaOodlDa paaMna. Mr. Bwfcai'a
to
-gnln
(ox.tin^ If
ilalka
i->iiUTaa wan larblag ia „
Mr. Taylor^ dafalapar blarndf, aad Ibaad It a good aaai
Mr bmtmnUM aald Ikat, la tka batk ba bad nag«
ryataUtaad dlfar waa aal MMiWT.
a Mid Ikan waa as wpff iitwan la tka
»y Ibtad dhar, aa a(plad neryatallked.
TUmedl^tkaa- - ■
Mr.Thybir'a
Habadaaad
i at a |aa»leaa
of a
. V— Mays.!!'- JTrdDTbylorla
cbsir.-Thaataaiag waa oeaaftid aa a ipadd Unlam Nigbt, ta wbkk la
»• f taaitad. aad dtaailiJ la aUaad m laiga aamber aa tba awbam The
<< 'oa aUdaaaan akewabyMc BlJ. Oranr, and tha B«iaa rnailitil of tha
- .f i~.ituaad Cbta •. . .
•tmt Briiala
hated fay M— a. Orowr, Rar. jl Baalv, Daagla^'OTaaadwatar,
r, a»l Walkv. aad a '^ ■ ^^^ ' " '
tbaaka
dnalalad by tka Pkotanapkie
tka aWtetlea rala^ IbUwrad by aalaigaaa af
-Mint, Rar. E Baalay, Haarfi^ C
thm af alllM af tboTWiiaaa la Nav
rtk Wddliaai Pkotognphic tocMy.— May 9.— Tba laat Uatam
•tioa af tha aaaM» wai bald. Maaan. Baiwid. Bndla, OiU, Onfoty,
oa^OM^ IhMMiy. Raak^^JMar. Tt^dwy, aad wgwklKa.i
iaa ikova wan naunak^ flood, 0ad faapfovaaMBt being
r amaa who bad raaaally bagaa tka itady of tka art A
Md CUaaial aUdaa, kmaad by tba AMUatfaa OaaMlttae of
alalf af OraatMiiia,MatadnaatlatafHtiac. Tkaaast
I aallaaday. tba flkd haL, whaa Mr. iToTL MaMavr
a worldag of galatiao-cklarida papar, tadaaa banda aad
■r%ti' tka
till V wdcotn*.
I
Me:
"■I
_. ••|1
■baa doppr
Mra, baalio.
Photograpkle Qabi-May «, Mr. W. K. Walhw hi tba
night Mr. Kniuu. aafced. if a priat ai
' loag weaU U take if a piaea of oidlaafy,
''mmti la nply, It waa alat«l thai aad
tea par emaL ol light Tha tima waald^ tkart-
. PdaU horn mmStmnf aagallm lakaa at tka
Good Friday eating were passed round for mutual criticism. Mr. Noble'
photographs of some quaint comers of Maidstone were deservedly admind.
Some stereographic pictures, mounted in optical contact with glass, were on
Tiew. This was considered a great improvement on the older method of
mounting on card, as the prints were preswred from scratches, and had greater
brilliancy.
HidbORi Cunara Clab.— May 6, Mr. Fred. Brocas in the chair.— Mr. A.
HoBauT HiKTON read a paper on Motive ami MtOwd. Before taking up the
paper Mr. U in ton took the opportunity of expressing his high apprecution of
the honour the Club had done him in desinng him to take the presidential
chair, and, whilst thanking the members, he asked them to admit nim also as
a working member. With regard to the paper itself, in selecting the subject,
it had been his intention to endeavour, not so much to teach, as to offer some
practical suggestions. His own photographic endeavours had but one end in
view, namely, the furtherance of photography as an art, or at least the ascer-
tainment of its artistic capabilitiea. He did uot assert that photography was
an art, for he had not fully convinced himself that such a statement was, as
vet, justlBed bv what they knew of ita artistic possibilities. Not without
hope, however, had he set himself the task of ascertaining, for himself at least,
what podtion amongst monochrome graphic arts photography might yet
command. In photonaphv he found he cared little for the chemical and
optical phenomena with which one is brought into contact ; they were to him
as tha men tools and matrrials of the artist, with which they bad nothing to
do beyoad aoqoiring aolBciant knowledge of their iwculiarities to enable them
to nae tha cbanioili intelligently. He would ask them to deliberately and
clearly separate the idcntilic interest bom the artistic, making up their minds
which it was that appealed moat strongly to them, which it was that cansed
tbam to inl rarh an tatarad in the improvement of their photographic work,
or thai wUeb awakaaad tbdr admiratiao for the work of others, and guided
tkan ia aalaeting thair ikroarita pictarea on the Exhibition walls, and sent
tbam home full of gnat raaolrea for futon exardie. Whichever branch of.
pkotographie work thay choae, let them keep to that branch, whether it be
sdannBe, artistic, or laoaativcL He wanted to draw the line firmly and
dadnitdy. From the eartiaat tioM, whan tha ponibility of employing photo-
gnphr aa a means of aitiatie azpnadoo waa fint parodved, men of diKiplined
scieotlfic aan had paaaad jodgment upon thoae artistic aspirations of Uieir
eolleagoaa which they wan oltarly incapable of nndentanding. Hisnnder-
ataadiac aad hiliag to appndata tha artiat'a dm. they had involuntarily
azteUaaor coadawnad thoaa tbiap which had aeamad to axampli^ the tachni-
oalitiai of their oafL 9o, aaa of dUareat tamparameat, of oppodta tastes
aad porpoaea, bad, baeaaaa broeght togotbar nnder the one Utie of photo-
gnphan, beaa disnitiag aad diaqoietiag each other until now, each failing to
onderstaad that hia object aad porniit might have nothing to do with thd of
bia fdlow. Tba aoooar tbar neogniaad the wide distinction, and vet admitted
that th«e waa room for both, tha batter woold they be able to follow out their
own coona, and each saetloe of photognphic endeavour, apecidised in its
{fopar obaaad. wooU tlta qvkkar mcd with the recognition which it desenrad.
Hia lataatioa fai tbaa iaawiag npon the nparatioa of the sdentific lh>m Uie
artiatie waa beeauaa^ In thair sarrloaa in the one or the other, they betrayed
their ialtid wutiv*. He tbaa want on to compan tha works of paioten with
pkot«aaph8L Pat tba paiatar'a rapnaantation of a landscape aide by aide with
a pkeian^ of tba iuml both Wng identiod in every particnlar, and an
aaamiaalead ofaaarvcr woom admit that, apart from ooloar, there was an un-
dcflnad (indltT in tha pdnter'i rondering of tha aoana which the photograph
'holly lacked. This quality appeared to ba independent of the physicd
ta of tha aeaaiL and ft was tharalbn augaated that it waa tha
of tka idaal wbiBb tba artid bimaalf oaBMintad. lYaanmlng they
tiMl tkay won mH in amolatinc— ha waild not My Imitating^—
tba aha of tha palatar. tbay mod accept the same aa their motive, ud he
Antkar vaatnrad to Mont that it waa just that higher and mors intdligent
■oliTa whick alaratad oaa'a work to lomathiag bigbar artistically. ~
Brety
pbotamAar (koold paan ballon a landscape in natua^ aad daw it^ it might
be, with half-aloBid ayaa, or oar way ao that thar eoald praveat their attea-
tloa baiag eaniad away by indivlilual objects, and, pausing, see if they could
flad aoBM aspnmioii behind it dl— some one or more of dl toe glad sentiments
of a bri^t apdag moraiat, or tba doom aad aolaaiBity of a winter's storm.
Ld tbafr ne«va Ibr phtaiaMudtfagba that tba aeana, apart twin the intataat
aad prattlaaM attaebad to paitiealar obfacta. eoarayi a sentiment, a baling, an
idM which named to tbam worthy of retaiaiiw. A brid rdeianoe to aidW
clowd Mr Hiatoa'a rgoMrfca, toaching mainly npon printing, which, ia his
opiaioo, was tka advatko of photography. A short dbeaaaion fdlowed.
ktztOB aad flMpkai OuMn (anbi— May 3, Dr. J. Rarnolds (Praddent)
la tba chair. —A napcr oa Amu Onditunu /i^iiancuy Ol* Wtf/dre of PKoto-
frafkt- -e pan 311] wm givaa by Mr. W. H. Haaaiaoir, tha aaw
Vioa-Pi ::.«Club. At the ooDdaaioa of tba paper a namber of alidaa
tafcaa by M r. ueoa Waraarha (who waa^ oallartaaataly, aaaant), to illustrate Us
paper oa C^aisMalaf Phtttfrifkii IntUtmlm, wandwcribad by Mr. Harrison,
tha Clab laatara baiag aaad tar abowlag tbaoi. Tha qaaation box waa opaaad,
dlaeaadoo took place upon the new platinotype paper.
HMtngniBkle loelaty.— The fint excunion of the
took ]>Utr on Matnnlay, May 7. Thiity-fiva mambos and Manda aaaemblad
ar Mar^torct iiiUUon and took trdn to Mandea Onaa
the hadenhip of Mr.
Wood. Cbaliad. "
vidad. Tba
ip of Mr. E. Howaid JacqoM, tha puty proceeded by way
itader Wood, aad tha Bivar Oola, to OdMhill, when tM
I walk waa greatly aqjoyad, tha weather bdng charming,
From thence^ nndar
ofOlcott
waapro-
Opwarda
of ISO plala* wan axpoaad. Tha Coandl oBna a prize (an enlargement) for
tba bad pidara lakaa oa each of the Soddy's sxcnrsiona. A hearty vote of
thanks was anaairooody aocoded to Mr. Jacques for the trouble he had taken
to make the outing a soccaaa.
Lawaa Pbatapaplile toatoty.— May 3.— A paper wm read by a member of
the Soddy on Rtlimching mmt Ut Artulie JmpnmmeiU of Landtcape Ntga-
tin*. Tba p^Mr, which wm pncticdiy demonstrated, proved mod intareat-
ing, aad wm vvlad oaa of the mod practiod that bM haaa nod before tha
Society. At tba elan ioan atanoacopie viewa by Maaan. Underwood k.
Underwood wan akowa aad noeh admind by thoaa pnaaot
818
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRA.PHY.
[May 13, lfifl2
Botherhom l>hot(«rapliic Bodety.-May 3, T)r. BaWwm (PrMident) in
theVh^^-nd (V^^ri. ami Ilaml C.i,mra H'or* was -Uscnssed, a short
MPer on the subject being given by Hon. Secretary. It was contended that
ShTng more i.n me«^rlLrds <»«« be obtains* t-y-.'^.^j'-g^tj;-^^^^
the hand instniraent, proof being forthcoming in the work of Mr. Dresser ana
others that picture-makinK ojiiiie within ite scope.
Bheffleld Photographic Soolety.-May 3, Mr. B J. Taylor in the chair.-
ThTl^idont gave a demonstration of the new Ilfordpnntmg-out paper
whic Wiled fSrth a discussion. It was generally acknowWged by the
members pre.sent to be superior to ordinary albumenised paper.
Tyneside Camera Cluh.-The first excursion of the snmmcr session was on
Sat^lTthe -th inst., to the ancient city of Durham Very Wtle trnie was
Son the railway journey, as express train was >'fl .«»<=''. ^^^-^''^S,:;"'
sSme difficulty at firet by the railway company refusing to carry a Photo-
mphic Cl.b at pleasiiro-partv rates; but, after some "red-tape business "
^•^gSie through: they granted the pleasure-party rate. The N'orth Eastern
Sdl^yCompany stat^ that it is the first "Pplication thev have had from a
^toftraphic Club. At Durham, the castle, the cathedral, river, and other
obUcS of interest, of which the place abounds, had numerous plates expose<l
on them. Wl.en tke Club kept in a body the large array of cameras-all sizes
shapes, and colours-on several occasions attracted a large crowd of curious
and inquisitivo persons, chietly minors " on strike.
Edinburgh Photographic Society.— May 4, the President (Mr. H. L.
Blanc, A.U.S.A., in the chair.— Mr. James Patrick read a paper on TVi^
Imiukve and ImxqhmUve Side of Photographic AH. In treatmg the subject
he pointed out that photographic art was not to be considered, nor yet juilgen
of as a rival to its elder sister in representative art, painting, but neither was
ittobelooke<l upon as a handmaiden to it, although it had done much for
the painter in such matters as correct representation of details. He also
pointed out that imitative work was not, and should not be, the chief aim of
photography, but that, by proper means, it was possible to produce the higher
class of imaginative art. No one would ever be able to give a poetic concep-
-tion or treatnient of any subject if his only aim was imitation. As showing
how photography had influenced the work of the painter, he instanced cloud
forms, moving water, and many other aspects of nature, for the truthful
representation of which they were indebted to it. As a rule, painters were
very- severe in their criticisms of photography, some, indeed, denying it the
faintest claim to be an art, calling it a mere mechanical handicraft ; this rash
statement, he maintained, was not true. Had not the photographer to deal
wth and represent the same subjects as many of the painters had, certainly
not of those in whom the art of design and the higher imagination was
developed, but they were the few compared to the many ? The photographer
who, by any means, expressed sentiment and showed feeling m his work, was
an artist in the true sense of the word. The great difficulty he had to contend
with in the exercise of his art was dne to the colour difficulty ; he had to
depend entirely on simple light and shade in producing his representations of
external nature. No doubt, the power given by many of the photographic
printing processes enabled more artistic work to be produced, but the principiij
thing to be studied was light and shade, in order to get the true pictorial
effect This w.as not always attained, as some appeared to think, by having
the light coming from behind or from either side of the camera. Some of the
best works he had seen were taken with the sunlight in front of the lens.
This mode of lighting gave a breadth and suggestiveness altogether unattain-
able when the usual orthodox lighting was employed, and in support of this
view Mr. H. P. Robinson's Wayside Gossip was referred to as one example
among many. Mr. Patrick, in speaking of the Impressionistic school, had
no hesitation in saying that, however Dr. Emerson may have repudiated it,
his work was bound to have a refining influence on "Photography as a Jine
Art" If his works had done nothing else, they at least showed that breadth
of light and shade, rather than excessive .sharpness of focus, was the backbone
of all true Art. So long as the desired effect was obtained, it was of no con-
sequence how the picture was produced, nor with what instruments or other
accessories. To be at all successful as an artist, every photographer must first
be conscious of the limitation of his means for producing effect, and, when
aware of the bounds within wliich he could work, he would be prepared to
study his subject from various points of view and with the prospects of ulti-
mate success. For many subjects, as, for instance, the view of a glen with
mist on the hills, he advocated two or three negatives, using combination
printing as the proper and best means of giving a true rendering by photo-
graphy of what is actually seen in nature. This, he showed, was true artistic
selection, and raised what was too often regarded as a purely mechanical
process to the dignity of selective and imaginative art. The second ramble for
the season will take place on June 4, to the grounds of Mr. Munro-Fergusson,
M.P., at Raith, Kirkcaldy, at ten minutes past two p.m., from Waverley
Station, and the third and last ramble will be held on the afternoon of Satur-
day, June 25, to East Linton, leaving Waverley Station at fifty minutes past
one p.m., and for both specially reduced fares have been arranged, Raith being
\s. &d., and East Linton 2s. 6d.
Dundee and East of Scotland Photographic Society.— May 5, Mr. J. D.
Cox, Prpsidcnt, in the chair. — It was arranged that the first outdoor excursion
should lie held at Kiliecrankie and Pitlochrie on the day observed as the
Queen's Birthday. Specimen prints on Jacoby's collodion paper were exhibited
by Mr. 0. Scholrig. The prints were from negatives varying in density from thin
to dense, but the resulting tone in each was identical. Although this paper
does not print quite so fast as some of the gelatine emulsion papers, it tones
quicker and very evenly. A French lens, with Iris shutter and the Perpetual
shutter adapted for working in front of the lens, were exhibited by Messrs.
Lawdon and Feathers respectively. The following office-bearers were elected
for the ensuing session. President: Ut. J . B. Cot.— Vicc-Presidenls : Messrs.
O. G. Maclaren, and William Salmond.— Coitiu;^ .• Messrs. W. Baxter, P.
Feathers, D. Ireland, Dr. McGillivray, J. W. Munro, A. Stewart, J. R.
Stewart, J. R- Wilson, W. Bertie, W. F. Hill, Dr. Tulloch, and H. Valentine.—
.Secretory and Tmmirer : Mr. V. C. Baird, Broughty Ferry. Prizes were
awarded in the " Landscape with Figure" Competition to, 1st, V. C. Baird ;
2nd, W. Bertie ; and, 3rd, J. Rogers.
Corte$(pon]Tencr«
' OmTefpsniknit altould nntx vriU on loth aides o/ th« poiwra
PHOTOGHAPHY IN NATURAL COLOURS.
To tlie Editob.
Sir,— In your Journal, May 6, p. 295, you reproduce a report of the
lecture Mr. Ives has given with Mr. Jennings in Philadelphia, with the
coloured lantern slides of the first-named gentleman. Mr. Jennings says
of his co-labourer : " When about thirteen years ago Mr. Ives undertook
to reproduce by means of photography the colours of nature, he fully
realised that no light task was before him." I do not object that Mr.
Jennings should praise his " co-labourer" a little high before an American
audience — that is only patriotic. But as Mr. Ives is now in Europe, I
would advise him not to forget European work done before him in the
same direction. Mr. Ives published his experiments in the so-called
" isochromatic photography" in 1889, that is, six years after my investiga-
tions, and he employed no new process, but Becquerel's chlorophyll, used
by the French savant four years ago for proving the correctness of my
theory of " optical sensitisers."
I call attention here to Mr. Ives' own words in your Joursal, 1891,
p. 104 : " In 1873 Dr. H. W. Vogel discovered that bromide of silver can
be made sensitive to the less refrangible rays of the spectrum by treat-
ment with certain dyes, &c." Further on he quotes Mr. Bothamley's re-
marks in the Journal of the Society of Chemical Industry, 1887 : " In
1873 Dr. H. W. Vogel discovered that if certain dyes, such as coraline or
aniline green, are added to a sensitive dry collodion film, the film becomes
sensitive to yellow." I think that this testimonial will be sufficient to
show whether the assertion of Mr. Jennings about his ' ' co-labourer," Mr.
Ives, that the latter " fully realised that no light task was before him " is
right or not.
That the principle of reproducing natural colours by combining the so-
called three principal colours is a very old one (it was published in
England and Austria simultaneously in 18G5, and improved by Cros and
Ducos du Hauron) Mr. Ives has acknowledged in his paper [Journal of
the Franklin Institute, January, 1891).
I allow Mr. Ives the priority of having employed first those old
principles for projecting lantern slides, but if he calls the attention to a
new (?) printing process for pictures in "natural colours" he forgets
wholly that I already gave, in 1885 in my handbook of colour-sensitive
photography {Die Photographic farbiger GegensUlnde, Berlin : Oppen-
heim, 1885, page 136) a new principle for printing in natural colours
after Duoos du Hauron, but avoiding his failures with the so-called
" complementary colours." My principle is, in short, that each of the
three or more negatives taken for photographic purposes must be printed
with the same dye I employ as optical sensitiser for the same plate. Mr.
Ives has read this article but not understood it all, for the description he
gives of my process in the Journal of the FranJclin Institute, January issue,
1891, is totally wrong. He says I U8edpi3m€iit prints with colours com-
plementary to the light. I mentioned that I rejected all theories founded
on ' ' complementary " light, for I have proved that any colour has not
one, but several complimentary colours ; * and, therefore, I rejected also
in my printing process " complementary " dyes, and use only those which
are employed as optical sensitisers, or, if these dyes will not keep, I take
another one, which is spectroscopically absolutely similar to the optical
sensitiser. Proofs of such prints were exhibited in the German Exhibi-
tion in South Kensington last year, and obtained the first prize. In the
meantime, a company for working out this printing process in natural
colours, published by me five years before Mr. Ives' patent of 1890, has
worked this process in reproducing masterpieces of our most celebrated
artists, such as Knaus, Menzel, &c. , who never have given their works to
chromo-lithographers for reproduction, and who were highly satisfied
by the results of the Company mentioned. — I am, yours, &e.,
BerUn. May 9, 1892. Dr. H. W. Vooel.
DEPTH OF FOCUS : THE CONCENTBIC LENS.
To the Editor.
Sir,— Having been engaged some years ago in making improvements in
photographic lenses, I take an interest in the above subject. The workcon-
sisted in a battle to obtain with a short focus the utmost sharpness of
definition in the oblique pencils at the margin of the picture, combined
with a flat field. The difficulty was so great that success was not achieved
until a glass was specially manufactured for the purpose, the combmation
constituting an achromatic of two densities of flint, in place of the crown
and flint then commonly known. This glass caused a peculiar refraction
on the oblique pencils, by which they became elongated, and so produced
a flatter and more extended field than had hitherto been obtained,
associated with what is called " depth of focus."
In reference to the term "depth of focus" a great deal of misapprehen-
sion exists. Some say that this is an anomaly, meaning nothing else
than an optical imperfection m an achromatic combination, which,
* BericMe der Phyt. KaiiKhen Gewlkclia/t, Berlin, January, 1890,
U»j IS, 1808]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OP PHOTOGRAPHY.
319
to be pirtet, dicmM, m •llegeJ, only gire a distinet image in on* plane.
OUmh mTtlMt eonaet depth of foeni is a myth, and has no existence in
nalitT- T^mn maj be seoie tnitii in this assertion where, as in the
eompoond mietoaeope and Uilwrnpn. the focal image {rom the object
^ass is taken np ana magnified by an tjepieee of short focas and con-
siderable power. Bat in the lenaaa naed in the ordinary photographic
eMoent no seeondaiy -"-c"'*— *?<" o( an object oocors, bat a reduced
image is obtained on the screen itself ; and depth of focas may exist to
•n appcedable degree, so that objeets within twent; yards of the camera
and distant one* may be eqniJIy wril defined.
For a plain iUu^atian, I may reler to the effect of a " pinhole stop "
tJ«ji««<t to the eamera, in place of a lane. Thie aperture is so small as
to approximate to the effect of a single lay from each part a< an object
eutptlsed in the view. As then is no optioal foeos, near and distant
abjeeli are all eqnaUy distinct to the titmoet margin of the picture ; bat,
el eoone, the small amoont of U^ paaaina throoi^ an apartsre of
aeeeaauQy minnta diamatw raodHi the "piBbote st<^ " camera ineti-
eaQy naeieas, even with the moat saneitiTB Ussnas that can be employed ;
and further, as the " pinhole stop " cannot be so small a* to Inclade a
■ngle parallel ray only, bat adnuti ait«der or divergent onea, there is
aaaeeqaently a daplication of the image, which causes a blarred appear-
aneein tbepietnre.
Kow, if we piece a poeitiTe lens of very long foeos behind the stop
—my. the loMial spertaale glaae wed (preferably of the meniMW or
" periaeopie " mm)— the dirergeat beam of light from the ** pinhoie
stop " «i& be broncht nearer to a atite of paralliiliam, and the depth of
foeos win Stan be approximately inflnita. Tfaie ea«diUoa will allow ds to
op«B oat the stop, and so obtain a greater amoont of light ; hot, to
eontiBoe this operation progiaaaiT^ by soeb means with lenses of
daanaring redins, we then get into all the difltenltiee of optical eooTn-
gMoe, aod are leetiistsi 1^ a rani totm, tt wliieh point only definition
ana be oMained. The field or pialH* i* ae kagcr !a a fiat plane, bat
roiiaded,aad the ohHqne VtfKpt or rnn^mtl the pietan are nowhere
or obUiented. I give tUa iOutialieo beeaase. in the eondHions of
perfeedy flat field, with eoaal dsfhiittnn to the varr aitnnia that light
eaa naas, and in what is known aa diplh el loaoa, the new "eoDeentrie
Ism* has all the propertiea e< lb* ••fiBhale stop." but ao parfaeliy
•re the ray* eomhined Oat Om IfeB ikmitm may be otilised wttboot loea
tt deflnitifi. thus giving an fri'T*"— Inetenii of light in eoopariaon.
I Ml m te intawM in tiMM Imm« M to ps^ a visit to Ibe ooKeal votks
ol Mean. Bom A Oa. at Olapham, aad foliy laaled the leneea m qoeatioB.
•ad I was iorpriaed bv a dagiee ot pwlMlloB In definition that I had
never antfaifpeted in pbolographlc leosea.
ne tavention ol thuleae is doe to Dr. Hogo Sehroedcr, who mmbinee
the rare qnaliflcntioo of intimala workahop, piaeiieal kaowlsdsi in optical
iBMHan with eaih hi^ iiftliewti«al itlainmte ia the «■• bnneh ••
Ho plHa hta la tka cm Mak M •■ a||«i«> aalbnatiaiM : kk
Mia MMaMmiag, mti be ie ahrnya wnfiag aad <
I reeaOeat Ibe fir* Una Ui
In the IM ol the Abb*
wait hilhwtn aiiattoliwMe
After vidQriat the
■•aae of the very baaatUal and
* Oow, Dr. Behieadar at
lagvl to the foeas ft*
I af the Im ol Boaa
Ibe fcemak with
fM* in the entire
I «•• be ia tiM nenh tbat be eaid " it moat
I right" Aad eo it tamed oat to be, not a sia^ ndina of aarratnre
Tha leas ie mmomlat»it mOtd tba •• eeneaoMa " baaHM Ibe oaMde
sarfaeseareao: batOMAvalar peeaUarity ia tbat the iaaar anfMas ol
the leas, or Ihoee that toae eadi other, are ol shorter cadiaa than the
«al« OBM, so that any one, at flnt laktag «p the leM wttboot looUag
Itaaagb it. woald i^ that it wm a paflwupie aijaHei, and tb^itiii
•oaid aot give • loeae ol eeBvannee or have aqy aMgai^flag power, as
tta •ianeato aean leiaiaed. It ie this pawiHar tots whiaa portrays
■Mbajayiifiat aat field, inrtiiii with the daplb fl< Itaaa. vhtok I
elgeltlBtftapewll»Jawh<aBa<lr— » to be nbtohiirl, apd also to
t«l ito aMHaaeMB la ahanapbeiia eoMMana.— I am, yona. Ae.,
Mmg fck. Un. _ F. H. Wnnux.
THE CONCEMIBIC LEKS.
To the Edrob.
Sn.— I BOto ia Tn Bamaa Jouwmal or Pncroauxmr the rseolt of
Ihetriale d the aew sooeitrie leae being that "the a«*]^ with an
apertui* of /aO, eovaced aa area ot lane aagalar iiiagBllaili mm 60*
OB the baae liae aad •heat W oa the dl^oaal— vrttb uiwl iliMwiwi "
I have been ariag Ibe eoaaaalrie lor some days, aad find that the stop
, J'W gives saeh aalteia ahaipaeas aa I have never been able to gat with
I d tan with aay aDertaie, aad that, except for ol^eeU in
a« i* ao aavaalage ia stopping down toaanuUer
Mfi. I have, indeed, isat baek the tabe ol my
to have H opaaeJeettopeari>ili/.10. to>M»etbat,if tbat will aot
tor tba tatttui 1ini1aw[i wock, •oBtttiiw between that and
/-16 will be foand aa sharp as the ordinary printing of albamenised
paper will require, and that the/- 10 will give me a diffusion of focas for
portraits in the open air which will satisfy the desire for a uniform
" softness " of definition, which seems to be the detideratum with people
whose ideal is the purely artistic, i>., the resemblance to the work of
painting. At any rate, with /-16, 1 have such detail all over the plate
as the printer cannot render for me, and with a lens of G-inch focus on a
plate 18 X '24 centimetres (9^ x 7 inches), the circle of illumination and
definition goes beyond the longest dimension of the plate, so that I could
cut an oval picture 9^ x 7 inches out of the print, sharp throughoat, the
diameter of the circle of illumination being 10 inches. This comes close
on 90', the Zeiss formula and manufacture, which we have from Berlin,
giving 106" and a flat field, though the definition may be less perfect
than with the Boss lens. The Boman amateurs generally are more taken
with the Zeiss rapid anastigmatic, which, working with an aperture of
/-7i. is adapted for instantaneous work, which is the desuUratuni here at
present.
The favourite testing subject at our Club is the view from our terrace,
giving, at the distanoe of about a mile, the Antonine Column, covered
with delicate bas-reliefs, as all the world knows, with architectural de-
tails in the fotegroand in deep shadow, while the sky ia crossed by
innameraUe telegraph wires in various directions. The use of a
magoifier will show on the negative the details of the reliefs on the
eolanm, which cannot be distingairiied with tiie naked eye, and the tele-
graph wires, whether they run perpendicalarly aoross the field or
diagonally, are as sharp at the edges of the plate as in the centre.
The chief diffieolty I have found with the lens is that of finding the
abeolato focns, it being diffioolt to adjust it within an eighth of an indi,.
10 deep seems the foeos.
The eoneentrie lens ia for pare landaaye workers — a boon such aa I
eoald not have, ft priori, beusved poeeiwe, and I am still puzzled to
understand bow the new lena, worked at ito largest aperture, can give so
nearly eqoal iUuminatimi of the entire field. The use of the smallevt
stop only sli^tly enlargee the field and makes the line of demarcation
more deeisire ; bat the diflereoee is very slight, though it is the only one
by which I ean mvariably tell whether I have used the stop of /-IG or
that of /-M, the lose ol definition in the foregroond m the former ease
being tmly notieeaUe wiien the objects are veiy near, say twenty or thirty
feet. I have several times made negative* with the largest and smallest
stop*, and been nnable to distinguish afterwards which was which. So I
think yoar trials of the lens will give yoa (tftF"Mhi''B brighter than can be
got with /.SO.— I am, yoor*, ilo,, W. J. Stuojuji.
Bow, ilaf 8, ldi>3.
[While vre are entii«^ly at one with Mr. Stillman regarding the
deetisbiEty d having the largeet aperture, even with a lower degree
of definition, we still find that, with our concentric (which is two inches
loafer in focus than that of Mr. Stillman), the definition with /-20,
or, more correctly,/-10, ia better than that obtained with/-10. — Ed.]
UB. A. DAWSON ON •< PHOTOGBAVXmE."
TotAsEmToa.
Sn, — wm yoa please allow me to inform yoar readers that Mr. A.
Dawsoa, ol the TypoOTuhie Blehing Company haa kindly consented to
deliver a leetoie on PhMogmnire at the rooms of the Photogn^hio
Society ol Orsat Britahi, M, Oreat Ba*sell.*treet, Bloomsbaiy, on
Toeedur. Hay 17, at eight pjn.
All those who are intereeied in the sabieet axe invited to be present.
The Aesi slant- Sseretary has organised a small exhibition of photo-
gravmes hj English and loreign firms. Theee ■peelniens will be on view
tram U»j 17 far a few dajs.— I am, yoan, <tc.,
CiUPMAM Jokes, iXoa. S*o,
PfMogmpkie Soeietjf tf Great Britain, Great liuutU-ttrtet,
Btoomdmry, H'.C, May 6, 1891.
«■ SEXSITIVEN'ESS.'!
To the Eonos.
Stit,— With referana* to the diseoaaum that took place at the London
and Provincial AseoetrtJon laat Thorsd^ evening on Sentitiveiu*', 1 may
as well, with yoar penaiadon, add thiU, if two ordinary bromo-iodide
gelatine emalsioos be made identical in every respeet, except that
ordtnarv commercial nitrate of silver be ased lor one and fased nitrate of
silver for the other, the last will be found mors sensitive than the first.
1 do not think that this has been pointed oat before, which is my exoose
for troubling yon.— I am, yours, •Jfc, J- Babxeb.
J/ay 7, 1892.
Ha. L Ooooanot asads as a drcnlar, in which ha faiforms ns that he has
" been appoiBtsd by tb* Fhologrsphic Society of Gnat Britahi to superintend
the »~'^*-g of pietars* tma axUmtoni for the snnoal exhibition," Jbc This
■tatcBuntb altoaitbcr iaeomet, th« ■aperintaadoio* of the haiiging of the
pktnnt b*ii« ililiptll by ths Society to a small Committee of its own-
msmben.
sao
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[May, 13, 1892
anstners to eonzsponiitnt^.
All wuUttn for lh» text portion of thit Jotokal, including queries fo'
"Annoeri" and " Sxchango," miut be addressed to "Tbs Editor,"
a, Torlc-slreet, Covent Garden, London. Inattention to thit ensures delay.
Wo notice taken of oommunicatioM unless name and address of teriter are
given.
*«* Comamnieationt relating to Advertisements and general business affairs
must be addressed to "Henrt Obxsnwood is Co.," 2, Tork-street, Covent
Oardim, London.
PHOTOORiLFBS ReQISTEBBD :
ICenn. E. Green & 8on,Ximite<l, Manchotter.— Photogi-a])?! oflltclumum.
A. J. SiHPSON ; H. J. Chakwon ; Alfbbd Watkins ; G. H. Slioht ; \Vm.
Mathews, and others. — Received. All if possible in our next.
Y. G. — The convergence ot the lines is caused by the camera having been
tflted.
!L M.— We do not know the price of the book ; it is published by Messrs. Jas.
Cornish & Sons, of London and Liverpool.
T. R J. asks : "Is there any solvent for biohromatised gelatine that lias been
fully exposed to light ?"— Try a solution of glacial acetic acid, or a strong
solution of caustic potash.
M. Caselt. — Formula! for the wet-collodion process will be found in the
Almanac, but space in thi-s column is far too limited to give anything like
working details. See London and Provincial report in this number.
C. E. H. — Threaten the m.in that if he does not return your specimens you will
communicate with the Superintendent of Police of his town. If this threat
is of no avail, lay a statement of the case before the Superintendent.
SCBUBBANasks ifthere are good subjects for photography in Kew Gardens, and,
ffso, is any special permission needed to use a camera there ? — Some nice bits
are to be hatl in the Gardens, but a ticket to photograph is required. One
may be obtained by application, by letter, to Mr. Thistleton Dyer, at the
Gardens.
Alfho. — Unless you are going a longer sea voyage than just crossing to the
Continent, there will he no necessity to have the dry plates packed in a
metal-lined case. If the voyage be one of many weeks or months the case is
different. Of course there is no objection to the e.>;tra protection if cost is
not a consideration.
A. M. (Edinburgh) says : "Would you kindly let me know where I could
obtain the formula (Mr. Willis's) of the platinotype process of which you
speak so highly in last week's number, as I should like to try it exceedingly."
— You may obtain the paper and all necessary particulars of the Platinotype
Company, Southampton-row, W.C.
H. C. Gassiot writes : — " I bought a Steinheil 5x4 hand camera and three
slides a little while ago and the slides were damaged at the zinc parts. Can
you inform me who could do the repairs necessary. I have tried ,
but he thinks it impossible to get them repaired." — Probably some of our
readers can give an answer to the question.
.A Sims sends some examples of his retouching, and asks our "candid " opinion
thereon. We regret that we cannot express a very favourable opinion of the
work. A great deal of labour has been expended, only to mar the photo-
graph. All rotundity is destroyed, and the face rendered smooth and flat,
while the likeness is completely altered. The untouched picture is by far
the better.
R. Roach says : "I want to take the interior of a room that is very dark,
having only two small windows of stained glass. I can have the incandescent
lights going, but I am afraid the exposure will be excessively long. Would
these lights be of any real service ?" — The incandescent liglits will certainly
be of some lielp ; but the best way will be, after the plate has been exposed
for some time, to supplement the light with a little magnesium.
A R. R. — If you are going anywhere on the Continent, except Belgium or
Holland, we should advise you to provide yourself with a passport ; not that
it may be really necessary, but under some circumstances just now it may
possibly save some little inconvenience in some parts. One may be had from
the Foreign OfBce by simply filling up a form which is .supplied, and having
it attested by a banker, magistrate, physician, &c. The cost is but two
shillings, and it does for all time.
A Prokessional. — We do not wish to say anything to wound your feelings,
but, from a careful study of your letter, we conclude that the cause of your
customers leaving you and preferring the services of your rival may be found
in what you rather mistakenly call your independence of manner. An inde-
pendent spirit is an excellent' thing, but it must be largely diluted with tact
and suavity when dealing with customers. Never forget the golden dictum
that "more flies are caught by molasses than by vinegar."
XEmL A. (Paris), writes, asking whose plates, of English make, we consider the
best, and whether they are any better than those made in France ? — Our
correspondent is probably unaware that it is quite against our rule to express
any opinion on tlie merits of different makers' goods. As to whether English
plates are considered Ijetter than French ones, that may be, and is, quite a
matter of opinion. From the fact that large numbers of English plates are
exported to France, it is clear that some people think they are.)
Herts says he is an amateur, and has taken several negatives of friends, and
they have ordered copies therefrom. He asks what he ought to charge per
■dozen, carle size. Hitherto, he says, he hivs charged half-a-crown, but thinks
this is not enough, — It is difficult to see how our correspondent can style
himself an amateur, seeing that he is trading in portraiture. He should
arrange his prices according to the quality of his work and those of bonA-fide
■professionals in the neighbourhood. But let him no longer class himselif aa
an amateur photographer.
C. WiTLKY sends ns some pictures with red stains upon them. He says :
"These prints have only been done a few days, and you will notice in the
delicate portions of them, and in some cases on the faces, a pronounced red
staining, though it does not show on the shadows. Can you in any way ex-
plain the cause ? " — The stains are caused by the mounts. The reddish-brown
"enamel " used to surface the cards contains a red pigment that is soluble
in water. Hence, when tlie wet mountant comes in contact with it, solution
takes place, and the print becomes stained as complained of. Some brown
mounts are very prone to stain the pictures.
F. T. says : " 1. He query of last week, my invention is net an ordinary actino-
meter, but an instrument attached to the camera, which works automatically,
fhe only thing necessary is to take cap off lens, and leave it off', the instru-
ment giving a correct exposure to the plate, in any intensity of light, to a
fraction of a second. Would this make a successful patent ? 2. Can you
kindly favour me with the address of Captain Abney ? 3. I liave taken
three negatives of the interior of a cliurch, and on one side of the plates,
where a strong light conies between two pillars from a window, there is
fogging on one side of the pillars next to the camera. 1 have examined the
camera, which is quite light-proof Can you tell me the cause of this ? Is it
the flood of light from the window ?" — 1. If the instrument does all that you
claim, it would assuredly form the subject of a valid patent. 2. South
Kensington Museum. 8. Undoubtedly.
Bbixton and Clapham Camera Club. — May 17, Photo-micrography,
Dr. T. Charters-White.
Fai.lowkield's Rememtrancer for May has reached us, and is, .is usual,
replete with bargains and the latest things out in photographic manufactures.
Photographic Club. — May 18, Reversed Negatives. 25, Developers for
Bromide Prints. Outing, Saturday, May 14, Hampton Court. Train from
Waterloo at ten minutes past two.
Erratuji, — In the ]mragra])h on electrotyping in Mr, T. Symnions' paper
published in our last, it sliould have been stated that the copper skin is formed
on the wax mould, and the white metal is poured into it after the wax is taken
away,
LoNDOK AND Provincial Photoqbaphic Assoctation.— May 19, Monthly
Lantern Night and some New Hand Cameras, 26, The Photographic Studg
of Clouds and Lightning, illustrated by slides, Mr, A W, Clayden. Visitors
are welcome,
Chicago Exhibition, 1893,— The Royal Commission announce that applica-
tions for space in the British section can only be received up to Saturday, May
21, Any applications received after that date will be filed, in case of any
space becoming hereafter available, but will not be included in the first allot-
ment.
HoLBORN Camera Cldb. — Arrangements for May and June : — May 13,
Exposure. 14, Outing to Epping Forest. Meet at Chingford Station at three
p.m. 27, Lantern Night. June 3, Hints on Landscape Photogra/ihj/, Mr. H.
West. 6, Whit Monday, Outing to Penshurst, Kent. Meet at Ch.aring-cross
Station at nine a.m. 10, Development in Practice, Mr, E.' Clifton. 11, Official
Outing to Pinner. Meet at Pinner Metropolitan Station at three p.m. Tea at
the "Swan," Ruislip, at seven p.m. 17, Mr. A. J. Golding will lecture and
demonstrate on Carbon Printing. 24, Lantern Night. Mr. Hodge's slides.
Members, please bring your slides and your friends.
Camera Club Fixtures : — Monday, May 16, Exhibition, Description, and
Discussion of Hand Cameras. Thursday, May 19, Mr. H. P. Robinson, A
Note on Fading, and our Debt to Science. Monday, May 23, 1. On Varying
the Colour of Platinotype Prints, liy Mr. Rowland Briant. 2. Discussion of
Exposure Meters. Messrs. Hurter & Driffield's Actinograph, described by Mr.
A. Cowan ; Watkins' Exposure Meter, described by Mr. VVatkins. Thursday,
May 26, Mr. W. Willis, Demonstration of the New Cold Development Flatino-
tvpe Paper. Monday, May 30, Ejchibition and Discussion of Shutters.
"Thursday, June 2, Mr. A. F. Stanley - Kent, M.A., Practical Photo-
micrography.
With reference to the proposed exhibition at Lincoln of the pictures by
English photographers lately on view at Brussels, we learn that nearly the
whole of the exhibitors have sent favourable replies to the requests made. The
gallery of the School of Science and Art, at the disposal of the Committee, is
almost as large as the Pall Mall one, and there are other rooms, and the lecture
theatre for lantern exhibitions is also at disposal ; so th,at, beside the show of
photography in the principal gallerj-, there may be joined a lantern exhibition,
as well as demonstrations in photography in another room. Possibly other
artists will be invited to forward a small selection of their best work, but the
Brussels exhibits will be kept to themselves, as a special show. There will be
no prizes or awards.
the keeping properties of
rollable celluloid films .... 306
aerial perspective — the tele-
photo lens 805
A photoqraphio record and
SURVEY SOC
COLLODION EMULSION NOTES. By
W. B. BOLTON 807
THE CAMERA AND THE CONVEN-
TION ; OR. PICTURESQUE SCOTLAND
AND PHOTOGP.APHY.-II 808
JOTTINGS. By COSMOS 809
ON THE PRESERVATION AND DETE-
RIORATION OF GELATINE NEGA-
TIVES.—III. Br I. N. ARMSTRONG .. 810
OONTXNT8.
Pa«
SOME CONDITIONS INFLUENCING
THE WELFARE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC
SOCIETIES. By W. H. HARRISON.... 811
THE WET-COLLODION PROCESS. By
.T. BARKER SU
CHBONO - PHOTOGRAPHY OF STAR
TRANSITS. Bv JOHN HARMER .... 813
THE PRESENT POSITION OK PHf>TO.
ORAPHV IN RELATION TO BOOK
AND PF.RIODICAL ILLUSTRATIONS.
By TOM SYMMONS 318
THE "ANSCHUTZ" I.S8TANTANE0US
CAMERA an
OUR EDITORIAL TABLE 815
RECENT PATENTS Sl«
MEETINGS OF SOOIETIES SU
CORRESPONDENCE SIS
ANSWERS TO OORBESFONDENIB 310
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
Na 1672. Vol. XXXIX.— MAY 20, 1892.
PHOTOGRAPHY AT THE ROYAL SOCIETY'S
CONVERSAZIONE.
\ none coiia{Mcaoiu example and raluable proof of the great
line of the unique poaitioa ooonpied hj photography in so
any branehea of adenoa oonld not be wished for than that
lown at thk iminwaiiiaie We do not suggest that it formed
•e apothooais of the aeience ; but, if proof were needed of the
iramoont importance of ita Tarimts modifications, it could be
und a hundredfold in the photographs in a multitude of
tiaaaa that were aihibitad on Wadaaaday, the 4th inst.
Let us first naaa the aatroooaieal nhibitsi Mr. Lockyer
ad on Tie* a fin* apectrnm photogimph, enlarged twenty-five
iianetera, of the aav star in Aoriga taken by a six-inch object
i;la« by the Messrs. Henry, nsing one of Hilyer's prisms. Also
' . wed sereral esoeUant spectra of stellar objecu illnatntiiv
- in tha motooric tbaoiy. He had, further, photognpha
refleator (naarly three feat) at Kensington, which
-^rlyoomplolad. Mr. Roberta showed various photo-
of oalestial objeota, including the orit^nal negative of the
' taken with a twenty-iaeh redeetor, the exposure
■ i'UT%.
•yaiflB Committee exhiUtad what ia oooaidwad
' son-apot piotnres yet produeed. Thay included
>« graat sniMpot Tiaible last February.
Of phyaiographie intanat was the eollertioa of pictuix-s, uwr
A hundred, ■"■—*— ''"g aoral nth, coial animals, and the
inarine Ckoaa gaaafally of the Great Banter diatriot of
Australiik Ona point of mtersst in coonaiicB with aoaM of
these Tiawa waa the laet that aoenrate lai— umuanla of aome
of the reeA photographed had been taken, and thoa Airther
growth could be exaotly maaanrsd.
The archnologiatB would Snd unch to intaraat them in tha
views of Central Anerioaa mooameau ami bnUdiBgs fron tha
luiua at Chichea Iti4 (Yucatan), while the anthropologiGally
could study the davalopment of racial qualitiaa in a
of over « hundred Tiews of a wrestling matoh batwaan a
and a white man, the reprsaentative of etriliaation
ntly getting the wont of it.
I of artillery were aflaidad an opportunity of examin-
iwoarfcable instrument for moasoring the velocity of
ilas. In connesinn with the electric tram, chronograph
liy was utiliaed to obtain the nieaswrenMut of the
I of frfdjeetilea, and anall perinda of tin* in physiological
b, and to the phocotrr i^ect*. and falling dm|is
iL The electric sparks . . — loinant, the plate being
fixe<l in a "carriage" funning |iart of the initruroent.
Mr. Boys' name ta already familiar fn>m hie atody of faUiog
. ai<led hy photognphia means ; and at the titmwiirtutmtf
hiint was, perhapa, the moat unique among many truly
ftble one*. Tliey conaistod of a series of photographs of
tStadantai
bullets shot from a rifle taken by a modification of the old
method. The remarkable point in the views was the air waves
caused by the rapid flight of the projectile ; they appeared in the
photograph like the waves produced by a steamer when steam-
ing &st ahead. One slide actually showed the small particles of
paper torn out of the screen as the bullet passed through. They
were seen rushing through the air, and produciug their own
air wavea, quite as clearly shown as those uf the bullet itself.
A bullet passing through a wire was photographed, the camera
seizing the piece of wire brtjken otT before it had time to fall.
A photograph of a magazine rifle bullet piercing a sheet of
glass waa also to be seen. All the particles and splinters of
glass were taken, and, strangely enough, their direction of
motion was opposite to that of the bullet itself. Some idea of
the neatness and skill required to execute these results will be
formed when we state that the various rapidities with which
the bullet travelled were from 750 to 3000 feet per second.
There was a remarkable exhibit, mention of which, from its
connexion with optical or, at any rate, ocular matters, should
not he omitted. It was an electrical retina, and shown by
Professor Oliver Lodge, and possibly illustrated the meaning
of the well-known rod and cone system of the retina of the eye.
Radiation from spheres which were in a suddenly disturbed
and oaoillatory electrical condition were mat^ to £sll upon a
graduated series of end -on cylinders, whfch responded by
vibrating transversely.
There were many nther noteworthy objects too numerous to
nentioo in thia brief survey ; but we have, we are assured,
already more than shown how great a part photography
plays in 'science at present ; what it may not do in the
future it is difficult to progitosticiite.
A QUESTION OF E.XPOSURE.
It waa oommonly said, in the early days of gelatine plates,
and no doubt with perfect tnith, that half the plates were
spoilt by over-ex [>06ure, for it was difficult to rMiise all at
oooe the great advance that had been made in sensitiveness.
Moreover, at that time, the platea themselves were not of the
OhsBMB^ that would bear to be taken liberties with, and com-
paratively slight departures fruui the proper exposure, aMle<l by
the then leas perfect knowledge of ulkiiline development,
sufficed to produce failure. Over-exposure gave results,
howerar, leas disastrous thau the reverse, and, a.s it also tended
in the direction of a peculiar kind of softness and delicacy of
detail unfamiliar to workers of the older processes, it grew
almost into n habit, until the cry of want of " sparkle " set
phntoi^Tiiphers to M^ork to attempt hotter results.
N"\v:i.l.iv!s perhaps, the tendency is quite in the opposite
328
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHf)TOQRAPHY.
piay, 20, 18fl2
direction, for the great fuss made about the " new instantaneous
process " has so imbued the minds of new workers with the
idea that everything must be done with the drop shutter, that
snap-shots have become paramount, and nothing that is not
' instantaneous " is considered by many worth attempting.
The consequence is that a far larger proportion than half of the
prints one sees produced by amateurs of the present day are
spoilt by under-exjxwure, and have not even the merit of being
interesting as coups de main or studies, since all the work
except the development is performed by the shutter and the
subject.
Since the now general adoption of exposure tables and meters,
it might be thought that errors in exposure would cease ; but
there are various circumstances to be taken into consideration
as explaining the reason why it is not so. In the first place, it
should be remembered that, however perfect may be the instru-
ment, the tables, and the system of calculation employed, there
must always be something left to "judgment;" and too fre-
quently the personal element intervenes to upset their accurate
work. Again, while very many— perhaps it would be more
correct to say the vast majority — do not use any of these
extraneous aids to correct exposure, those who do are too prone
to take the actinometer and its tabular assistant quite literally,
or perhaps even to strain a point or two in order to make the
exposure as short as calculation will possibly permit ; and thus,
while firmly believing that they are working by correct rule,
they are in reality under-exposing.
Now, there is really no necessity — no excuse — for systematic
under-exposure except in the case of subjects that must, per-
force, be taken with some form of rapid shutter ; and even here
the practice should be confined to subjects that are worth it, or
rather to subjects whose interest lies outside the bounds of
pictorial art, for what value, artistic or otherwise, can attach to
a photograph that is technically imperfectly executed f For
scientific or other purposes it may be necessary or desirable to
secure transcripts of scenes or incidents that require the use of
the quickest shutters, but no artistic treatment — whose sole
value, in fact, consists in their being accurate and indisputable
evidence in a graphic form. Here under-exposure may be
excused, nay, must be tolerated, since it is probably " Hobson's
choice " in most cases.
There is, perhaps, some excuse, though no necessity, for
making excessively rapid exposures when the artistic character
of the result would suffer more from the movement of the
objects portrayed than from the want of technical perfection
in the photograph ; but such subjects are extremely rare, as
most moving scenes or groups that present any features of
artistic or other interest can be readily secured with exposures
of such comparatively long duration that, with suitable lenses,
will give a photographic result of good,' if^ not of perfect,
quality.
In the pre-gelatine days there was not only every excuse for
shortening the exposure as much as possible, but often it was
practically impossible to expose long enough. The drop-shutter
men of to-day know little or nothing, most of them, of the
days when exposures running into minutes in full summer
sunshine, or perhaps into hours in diffused light under less
favourable circumstances, were by no means unknown to the
workers of dry plates ; and when, even with the quickest wet
plates, an open landscape might require twenty or thirty
seconds. There hangs not far from us as we write a photo-
graph of somewhat large size, taken about a quarter of a
century ago, an open view, which received, if we remember
rightly, an exposure of an hour and twenty minutes, but that
was before lenses of the modem " rapid " type had come into
general use. Another instance we remember of an amateur
who wished to get the interior of a church for the vicar, and
who, after one or two unsuccessful efforts, was reduced to
the necessity of setting up his camera after service on Sunday
evening, as it was inconvenient to do so on Monday morning,
and leaving the plate to expose until he was compelled to
remove it in time for service on the following Wednesday
evening ; and, even then, owing to the non-actinic colour of ■
the glazing, the time was far from sufficient. .1
Then, we repeat, little blame could attach to any one who
curtailed his exposures to the utmost possible limit ; yet there
was far less done in that direction than at the present day, for
the amateur of the period was a steady-going methodical being,
whose object was pictures — results worth showing. Looking
back at some of the best-known and remembered workers, both
wet and dry, and with whose works we are familiar, they are
invariably men who favoured long exposures ; and we venture
to assert that, if the best pictures, wet or dry, of bygone times
could be examined, and the details of their production given,
they would all be found to have had long exposures.
We were present at an out-door meeting of one of the
London Societies a few years back when one of the members
was making drop-shutter exposures, the subjects being pure
landscape. Another member, an " old stager " of the wet-
plate days, rallied him on the subject, delicately hinting that
he could scarcely hope to get any decent results with such
short exposures. Our shutter man argued the point, averring
that with the light and general conditions prevailing a fraction
of a second was quite sufficient for him, and finished up by
pointing at the landscape before them and exclaiming, " Now,
then, look there ! You could do that in a tenth of a second."
"Oh, yes!" was the dry reply; "I could do it, hut I don't
want to waste a plate."
While there is nothing, beyond what we have already ad-
mitted, to be said in favour of curtailing the exposure, there is
very much, if not everything, to recommend the giving of a
full exposure even if it should extend as far as slightly over-
doing it. Without making any great use of the hackneyed
phrase, "latitude of exposure," we -may remark, and few will
contradict us, that a variation of ten per cent., or even more in
the exposure, in excess of what is absolutely necessary to give
a first-class result, will have absolutely no effect in depreciating
the quality of the result, and very much greater departures
may be made from the normal with practically no ill effect if
the plates be good ones. The plates which suffer most
seriously from slight over-exposure are not, as many suppose,
those that are most rapid, but those which suffer from some
defect in preparation, chiefly from want of " body," but also
from some kinds of inherent fog. A well-coated and clean
plate will stand a considerable amount of exposure in the
camera in excess of that absolutely necessary without showing
any ill effiscts ; not so in the case of under-exposure, for every
fraction of a second of deficiency means a corresponding
deficiency in the action of light, which cannot be made up by
any modification of development. Therefore, while there is no
inducement to, or excuse for, under-expoaure — except the ill-
judged rage for "snap-shotting" — there is, on the contrary,
every reason for giving a full aud a fairly good excuse for over-
exposure, if habit should gradually lead in that direction.
But, it may be asked, what are the advantages, or, rather,
what is the use of running the risk of over-exposure, when a
M»y 20. 1892J
THE BHITIsH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
323
comet ezpocore will answer perfectlj, and can be arriTed at by
meana of calculation 1 Well, the uae, the adrantage, is just
this, that, as slight oTer-ezposure does no harm, it will keep us
on the safe side of accidents, at any rate. Nothing or nobody
is infidlible, whether we look at actinographs and tables or at
human beings. The former may be perfect as machines, but,
to some extent at the mercy of the "judgment " of the latter,
they are helpless to secure perfection in the results given. If,
therefore, an error occur on the umder side, a barely sufficient
exposure beoomea oonTerted into under-exposure, which is
bound to damage the quality of the result. With an already
slightly exoesaiTe exposure, another small error in the same
direction matters Tery little, and therefore, we claim, no
possible barm can be done, but good may result, from system
atically adopting our recommendation.
As an illustration of this, some years since we had a
"day oot" with the camera, the slides being partly filled
with " InstantaneoM " and partly with " Ordinary " plates,
which diflbr rery eoondMrably in sensitiTenesa. By an
error, which we did not detect until we came to develop,
we found we had wrongly ezpoaed the two kinds of plates,
which had been placed, the one in the earlier numbered
slides, and the others in the later ; but we bad somehow
mentally rerened them, and the slow platea had had the
shortsr expoanna. HowcTcr, thanks to our invariable habit
of giving full exposure, they had had sufficient, while the
more rapid onca, with far longer exposurea, were well within
boonda of development, and 9rmj plate of the dosan made a
good negative. If our praetiea had been to give the shortest
** comet " ezpoanre possible, one-half of the platea woold have
been loat
But, further, there is this to be' borne in mind, a well
exposed plate developa more n^Mdly and with a weaker
developer than aoe that haa been only just sufficiently timed.
Conaaqoently, it is exposed for a alMrter period to the chances
ot fogging by light in the dark rooin, or of staining by the
developer, and any slight fog that exists in the film itself is
less likely to be brought oat than would be the ease when
the daralopBant required to be mora prolonged or more
energetic.
We might go on enlarging on the advantagea of syatemati
cally giving what ia termed a " full " exposure, which we
ounelvea consider a proper though othera may deem it an
over-expoaore ; bat we think suSeient haa been aaid to show
the nnwiidMn of adopting tba opposite coone. However, as
the aaMOQ ia about opaniag, wo beg our readeni who have not
already done so to try the plan, and cumpare the result* with
tboee obtained by catting the time as fine as poasible.
ViUeattne Blanohnrd. — TUe vstcraa yhotographer,
bee httm beaoarabiy assoeiaied with auay pbasss of the art
I for a long spaa of years, is about to retire from active photo-
: work. Mr. Bkaebard has always idantiAsd hiaseif with the
aapsets of phologrsphy. apoo which bis dicta havs coaiaaDdcd
L He will, in fatarv, mid* at Haratoo, ia Canbrtdge-
, with tbe intantioB of devotiag hiaaaelf potirely to litarataie, as
B. into wUefc we are soi* he will carry the good withes for
I of his aany friends.
Kr. Zvea' Second Zi«etitro.— On Tuesday last, at the
K-\tk1 In.ti'ii'i.jn. Mr. F. C Ives dslivered his second leetuiv on
/'* 7 «/"</>*•/ in M« CWMirt of S'ttfun. The •yllsbot wss as fol-
io**;— iMkitiitc plate* sad wtscliT* etJoar * re»iM usrd ia loni-
poeite heliochromy — Special cameras for composite heliochromy —
Different methods of superpoaog the three coloured images The
triple lantern — The heliochromoscope — Permanent colour prints
Exhibition of results by optical lantern projection. A number of
very effective views of Yellowstone Park were projected on the
screen, as also the picture of s bunch of multi-coloured flowers.
Tbe latter, it was stated, was taken on an Edwards's Isochromstic
Plate.
M. Zappmann'a Ztateat Advanoea.— Before the Acad^mie
dee Sciences on .\pril 25, M. Lippmann stated that using slbumeno-
bromide places, ortbochromatised by azaline and cyanine, he had
obtained brilliant spectrum colours, including red, without the inttr-
po»ition of coloured screen*, and with an exposure of from five to
thirty seconds. Two of the plates viewed by transmitted light showed
the colours complementary to those seen by reflection. He showed
four plates, having faithful representations of a coloured window in red,
green, blue, and yellow ; some coloured drapery ; oranges and poppies
tugether; and a multi-coloured parroquet. The drapery and the
bird had an exposure of from five to ten minutes in electric light and
sunlight, the other objects taking some hours in diffused daylight. A
blue aky was nndered on the plate as indigo.
" How to aacertain when the Fixation of a Silver
'rixit ia Complete.*'— Had that amusing conceptiou of the
novelist'* bmin, .Mr. Richard Swiveller, been a photographer, he
wouU surely have characterised a question from the box, which was
read at tbe last meeting of the London and Provincial Photographic
Associatioo, as an ** unmitigated staggerer." The questioner wished
to know " how to ascertain when the fixation of a silver print ia com-
plete f " The information forthcoming constituted no clear answer to
the question, which, it appears, was put to the students who sat for a
resent City and Ouikis Institute examination in photography. It
was finally decided to ask .Mr. Lyonel Clark, the examiner on that
occasion, to furnish tbe aniwer to his own question " for the benefit
of photography.* Photographers, we are sure, will be very pleased to
have the information.
'* Wntnral-Photorraphy.**— Asareeolt of ssveral years' ex-
perimental work, and aided by eminent opticians and others, Herr
EugwM Ilachk, of Stuttgart, has, it is said, sooc^ed in perfecting a
method of taking instantaneous portrsiu in the size of tbe original,
and, we suppose, larger if necessary. Inasmuch as the method is to
form the subject of a patent in this and other countries, no details
are yet available, but it teems that M. Hackh employs an artifical
illuminant of bis own invention, which is ignited by explosion, without
easting harsh linas on the face of the sitter or inconveniencing him in
any way. The full power of the light is utilised by a special system
of reflectors, of which we are unable to obtain any particulars. Tbe
results ars spotMO of by painters and others as possescing grest
artistic merit, while practical photographers are said to regard the
process favourably. It is even hinted that it will interfere with the
business of proftsiional eolarger*. We shall tee.
Vhotecraphlnr on the Woat Pier, Brlgrhton.— In
tefetenoe tn .Mr. Dcurge Urotsmith's recent laf^sagi- of arms with the
authorities of the West Rer, Brighton, who, being unaware of his
distingui«bed identity, refuted to allow him to take photographs
Imm ^t structure, we are informed that the necessary permission
is granted on pajment of '2i. (W. This is about 2t. 4d. too much
to an ordinary member of tbe public, and, on the authorities' own
showing, exactly 2$. 6d. in exce-s of the charge to t>e expected
front a popular comedian. Evidently, kissing goes by favour at
London-super-Mare. We understand that the restrictions on
photogmphy in Preston Park have been withdrawn for the present,
although the use of the camera is still interdicted in Steyne Gardens.
It wouU be an admirable thing if Photographic Societies at popular
places of resort would make it their business to endeavour to remove
tbe rules agsinst tbe taking of photograph.* on p'ors, ,^c , n her.- tli\>
ho'i'U_>-mak»T» mnel do congregate.
334
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[May 20, 1892
Photogrravnre.— There was a capital attendance at the Photo-
graphic Society of Great Britain's extra meeting on Tuesday night to
hear a lecture hy Mr. A. Dawson, of the Typographic Etching
Company on Photogravure. If there was any expectation that Mr.
Dawson would go into the practical details of the process which he
and others work with so much skill and success, nothing but disap-
pointment was the result. In that regard the meeting dispersed in
just about the same state of wisdom as it gathered, Mr. Dawson
contenting himself by confining his remarks to the economic and
artistic aspects of his subject, and making brief references to the out-
lines of those photogravure processes which are to be found in all the
text-books. There is a small but admirable collection of photogravure
work on view in the Society's rooms which is well worth inspection,
Messrs. T. & R. Annan & Sons, "W. L. Colls, Paulussen (Vienna), the
Typographic Etching Company, Annan & Swan, the Autotype Com-
pany, and Haenfstangel (Munich) contributing examples of their
work. Messrs. Annan & Sons' reproductions of oil and water-colour
paintings are, particularly the latter, extremely fine. Indeed, all the
specimens are difficult to separate critically.
Painters and FhotogTaphy.— It is usually very amusing
testimony that is given by artists — painter artists we refer to — when
they are called upon to give evidence, as experts, in a court of law.
Notably was this so at Bow-street recently, in the case of Mr.
Rudolph Blind's work. The World's Desire, as to whether it was an
indecent picture. According to a report of the proceedings, Mr.
Frederick Goodall, R.A., said, "You never got a perfect figure in
nature. It was necessary to idealise. Photographs from the nude
were offensive, and the proportions were always wrong." There is no
gainsaying the fact that the majority of photographs from the nude
are offensive— nay, more than that — but there is no reason why they
should be, when artistically treated, any more than is a painting from
the nude, similarly arranged. We have seen many that were less so
than some paintings that have been publicly exhibited. Mr. GoodaU
says that proportions in a photograph are,always wrong, and that you
cannot get a perfect figure. Poor photography, and poor nature, both
wrong again ! If photography so misrepresents, why is it that painters
make so much use of it in their work ? Why do they have their
models photographed ? Why do they often paint their landscapes
almost entirely from photographs ? Surely they cannot use them to
see what to avoid. The pictures to be seen in the different exliibitions
- the Royal Academy, now open, not excepted — proves the contrary.
Why, then, should painters decry that which is of so much assistance
to them ? But there, some do not, but] graciously acknowledge its
value to them.
OBSOLETE PROCESSES.
No. 2. — Calotypb.
From the earliest time of working the calotype process, the invention
of the late Mr. H. Fox Talbot, it was found that the paper employed
— just as it is in the present day in all silver processes — was an
important factor in the case. Unless it was of the right character,
good calotype negatives were an impossibility. The make of paper
most in favour with the majority of workers was that bearing the
watermark of " Turner, Chafford Mill," which used to be supplied —
if they were not the sole agents for it— by Messrs. Home &
Thomthwaite. Although this brand of paper was at one time in such
Ligh repute, it is now quite unknown in connexion with photography-
The first thing in the preparation of the paper was to iodise it)
which was to obtain in, and upon, it a perfectly even coating of
iodide of silver containing neither an excess of silver nor of iodine.
This was done by treating it first with a solution of nitrate of silver
of from fifteen to twenty grains to the ounce of distilled water.
Different operators had different methods of applying the solution.
Siiinf applied it with a flat camel's-hair brush; but, as that was liable to
disturb the texture of the paper — a very undesirable thing to do at this
stage — the more favourite method was to spread it over with a glass
rod. The pap«r was placed on several sheets of blotting-paper, then
the rod was laid on one end of the paper to be prepared, and a little
of the silver solution poured along it. Then the rod was passed
to the other end with an even sweep, carrying the solution before
it, the excess being driven off to be absorbed by the blotting-paper.
The paper was then hung up to dry spontaneously.
When dry, it was floated upon a solution containing about twenty
grains of iodide of potassium and four or five grains of cloride of
sodium to the ounce of distilled water. The time of floating was of
importance, inasmuch as, if the paper were left too long on the bath,
some of the iodide of silver first formed would be redissolved, iodide
of silver being soluble in excess of iodide of potassium. The time
allowed was generally from thirty to forty seconds only. When
removed from the bath, and slightly drained, the paper was laid
horizontally — face upwards, of course — so that the solution would
be evenly absorbed, and thus convert the whole of the nitrate into
iodide of silver — an important point — otherwise marks or stains
would arise when tlie negative was developed.
Now, it will be seen that the paper, at this stage, contained not
only the iodide and chloride of silver, but also the nitrates of potas-
sium and sodium, resulting from the double decomposition of the
silver nitrate with that of the potassium and sodium .salt, as well as an
excess of iodide of potassium. All these substances had to be re-
moved before the paper was sensitised, and, as the outer layer of
iodide of silver was but loosely adherent to the surface of the paper,
this had to be carefully done. When the paper had laid till it had.
become partially dry, it was floated for ten minutes or so, face down-
wards, on one or two changes of distilled water. After this treat-
ment, the paper was dried, when it had a perfectly even coating of
the yellow iodide of silver. In this condition the paper would keep
for a long period without deterioration, provided, of course, it was
preserved in the dark ; hence it was usual to prepare a good stock at
a time.
For use the paper had yet to be sensitised. This was done with'
" gallo-nitrate of silver." Two solutions were prepared, one a
saturated solution of gallic acid in water; the other, forty grains of ]
nitrate of silver and one drachm of acetic acid to the ounce of water,
distilled water being used in each instance. These solutions had to be- 1
mixed in equal proportions just before they were applied to the paper,
as after mixing they rapidly decomposed. There were several methods
of applying the sensitising solution. The most common one was to
place a clean glass plate, somewhat larger than the paper to be
treated, upon a levelling stand, and pour on, and evenly distribute it
with a glass rod, the mixed solutions. Then, taking the paper by the
opposite corners, it was gently laid on the solution, in the same
manner as in sensitising albumen paper, when it was allowed to
remain for from ten to twenty seconds. It was then floated on, and
finally washed in several changes of di.»tilled water. The paper,
when sensitised, would not keep more than a day or two, in hot
weather less. It was usually exposed, while still moist, between
glass plates, which served the double purpose of keeping the paper
flat and preserving it in a moist condition. Double dark slides,
similar to those now in use, were generally employed for the purpose.
If enhanced sensitiveness was desired, a stronger solution of nitrate
of silver was used, and the exposure made immediately after prepar-
ation, as, the more sensitive tlie paper was rendered, the shorter time
it would keep. As compared with the modern plates, the exposure
was very long, but with a portrait combination and a good light a
portrait could be taken in the studio in from twenty to sixty seconds.
With a landscape lens having an aperture of about /-30 out of doors,
the exposure would be from three to ten minutes in a fair light. If
the exposure had been very full, or the paper was kept for some time
between exposure and development, a more or less faint image was
visible on the paper when removed from the slide by reason of the
developing action of the gallic acid present.
The developing solution was similar to that used for sensitising,
namely, gallo-nitrate of silver, except that, generall}-, it contained
rather less silver. It was usually applied in the same manner — the
solution was poured on a glass plate, and the print floated face down-
ward upon it. li the image was tardy in making its appearance, as it
used to be when the temperature was low or the picture was under-
exposed, heat was applied. A hot iron was usually held an inch or
two from the back of the paper. Sometimes the heat was applied
locally, to force out detail in the shadows that could not otherwise be
obtained.
SUy 20, 1892]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
S25
Aa toon m the derelopnient wa« completed, the negative was quickly
washed in aereral change* of warm water, to stop further action of,
and to remove, the developing agent. Th^ it was pressed hetween
folda of blotting-paper, to remove all exeeae of water before it was pat
into the fixing bath. That was simply a dilate solution of hypoeol-
phide of soda ; an ounce of the aalt to a pint and a half of water was
about the osoal proportion. The time of immersion was from five to
tan minate*. After rMBoval from the fixing bath, the negatives were
again pressed between blotting, to get out as much as possible of the
solution before they were pat into the washing water. Durii^ the
washing it was very ctistomary to blot the pictnres oS between each
change of water. After washing, the pictures were dried, and , very
frequently, ironed with a hot laundry iron ; and, to facilitate printing
and also with the view to ameliorate the granularity of the paper
ther were often rendered transparent by waxing.
By the ealotype prooeas , notwithstanding its troahleaome manipula-
tion, its slowness, and the fact that the negatives were on paper, good
picture* used to be obtained, which would yet bear a fair comparison
with those prodneed nowadays, particukrly if they are of large
dimension*.
♦
AMERICAN NOTES AND NEWS.
Death of Mr. J. Koaa. — W* are sorry to learn of the death
f Mr. J. C. Mom, the founder of the Moattype Engraving Company,
N>^ V York, said to be one of the kffatt firm* of ita kind in the
world, ib. Mo** eowmeowd ki* tXftnratatM in ;cooe*s work so far
back as tb* year 1808. Tba i—»hn<t which Ms Company has bsen so ex-
tHMmly wtdUag for many jmn wa* not pateatad, some of the moat
iaportant »>*— "^ ia it b^af, it is siatad, not of a kind that a patent
would protset Mr. Moas waa only thf4am year* of aga, and owed a
Ur/v share of bk saeesM to the aaMtaae* and devotion of hi* wife.
'• Ariatotypo " ta Amorlo*. — CtoDo^on and gelatin* eamUon
papers, which so far, ia this country, hava not tseured mors than a
moderate ahara of pablie favour, appear, ia AaMriea, to have obtained
vary gnat popularity. Thair BMatpahtion and treatment form the
^isf topie of ditcoMioo in the photographic papen Just now, and the
[ fofftrait studies which oar contamponria* deUght to prssant to their
teaders ar* generally printed on ariatotype. The ooapetitkn and
rivalry among tb* Baker* of tho Tariooa eoautareial brands is very
keen, whidi th* Amerieam Jonnml t/ P%otofr«f^ think* should
■arsly prodoce a perfect paper In the near future. This rather
diseonnla the qoalitiaa of co—trial paper* at preaant available.
•.—In two of our Amarieaa •xchanga*
fcotaata againat the multiplicity of ingradi«nta inclodad
Ib mamy i tk* foimnfaa gi**aforth*oaabiaad toainf aad flxiaf bath
larfristaof tWaHaUoBolMiL OMof tk«a*aztraordiaary bath*!*
wmlm «p of hypo, aaaoaiaa wlfbuayanM*, lead aoalat*, ahun, aortic
acid, atoie acid, land idtnto, goU eUorido aad watar, in all nine
MhsteDMB. Wa can ftJIyuadwalaBd the part that «aehcf the** bodi**
li *appo*ed to play la tooiBg aad flidag, bat w* ■trongly qaastion
whether the individual action raallj take* place ; aad, evaa if it did,
wv don't *dmit the nscassity of it. Bach fonnnte ars perplexing and
tr'jUaaoHi* in th« axtmae, aad w* shaD do oor beat to diseooiage
tlu) apidaaaic of fsddishnss* aad asocfc piwt»<lieaiieal soiano* which i*
rs*poasibl* for their piodnetiaa.
To Kemove Silver Stalna from VoffatlTaa. — The
S-ti-nttfie AmtrieaM indicate* the following a* an eSectiv* remedy.
Hwiaf diatolved off tha vanish, mix Iha foUowiaf *chrtico*, and
•pply :—
A.— AmaMiiaB aalphocyanid* | dradim.
Wat*r 1
B.— Nitric acid |
Water 1
A fnik eolation shoald be made for each negative, whidi abonld be
finally waahed and treated with dtroia* alam. Perhapa our many
tijcnipondaiit* who, ars ooaatantly aakiag a* to indicate the best
maaiM of ramoviag sihrar staiaa (nm psgativea without injuring the
dopodt, wm ti7 tht BMthod
Prices In Canada. — According to the Canadian Photographic
Journal, the photographers of Ottawa lately came together, and
agreed not to work at less than three dollars per dozen pictures, cabinet
size, we suppose. We learn from our contemporary that at present
work is being done at ruinous rates in various parts of the Dominion,
and especially in Ontario. In Quebec better prices and more htumony
prevail among photographers, but elsewhere the hostility to the " cut-
throats" and " Cheap Johns " is of the bitterest nature. There are
many English photographers who will be able, without much eSort,
to sympathise with the feelings of their Canadian confriret. We
also gather that the Canadian dealers have adopted a slightly
increased x>rio»-list, the list being signed by every dealer of note in
Canada. Some dealers would like to accomplish the same sort of
thing in this country, we believe.
▲ Mew Toning' Batb. — Mr. John R. Clemmons, of Phila-
delphia, has lately been experimenting with the aluminium salts as
toning agents for silver prints, and at the last meeting of the Photo-
graphic Society of Philadelphia showed some plain silver prints toned
in the ordinary gold bath with the addition of aluminium chloride.
Warm brown tonea of great beauty, it is said, result with vary clear
whites. The bath is made up as follows : —
Aluminium chloride 20 grains.
Bicarbonate of soda 85 „
Water 12 ounces.
Half an ounce of gold solution 1 : 15 is added. It is stated that prints
in a 1 : 0 hypo bath fix in about five minutes, and that there is but a
slight chang« in the tone produced. The whites of the prints remain
quite clear, and the details in the shadows are remarkable.
Snaoeorat* Sesoriptlon of Xionaea.— Before the Photo-
graphic Society of Philadelphia, on March 9, Mr. W. A. Cheyney
read a short and, on the whole, senmble little paper, pleading for a
more accurate description, by the opticians, of photographic lenses.
Thaovetically, we agree with him that, in stating the covering power
of a lens, it would be better to have indicated the diameter of the
circle which is sharply delineated, instead of the size of the plate ;
hot in practice we beBeve it would create confusion in the mind of the
unreflective amateur, who, as a rule, understands his lens less than
any other item of his photographic equipment. Mr. Cheyney quotes
some manufacturer as saying that photographic objectives are not
inatrmasota of precision, and very neatly remarks that, if they are
not, w* are paying too mach money for them. We hope, in defiance
of BIr. Cheyiiey's assurance to the contrary, that it is the exception,
and not tlte role, that the stated equivalent foci of American lenses
vary half an inch or so from the actual measurement.
[Since writing the abov*, we deeply regret to learn that while
viiiting New York, Mr. Cheyney suddenly dropped down dead while
parehaaing a ticket at one of the railway stations.]
A NFNV FORMULA FOR THE DUSTINO-ON PROCESS.
CoMPARATivxLT few modem photographers have any practical know-
ledge of what is known as the " dnstingw>n process ; " and, though it is
frequently mentioned in these columns, it is very rarely that any
attempt i« made to arrive at an explanation of its meaning and uses.
And yet it is a process tliat, more almoet than any other of those not
strictly falling within the line* of negative and print production as
generally understood, lends itself to many purposes.
It is not so much in the direction of the production of vitrified
ami^Hk lalargements, and reproductions on a large scale, and other
Atfdlaae* to which it was originally put, that we may look for itn
adoption at the present day, but rather to the reproduction and modi-
fication of defective negatives, the introduction of akiex and cloud:<,
the prodactioe of opals, and even of transparencies of large size for
iaeah&n purpoae*, to all of which uses it is peculiarly adapted.
Ahbough many formula have been published for the sensitising
liquid — and several are given at the end of the Almanac — none hava
proved hitherto entirely satisfactory, except in the most careful hands.
Of the varioo* ingradients— gum, gelatine, sugar, glucose, honey,
glycerine — aoate an more manageable than otlien. The boat formulsa
8S6
THE BK1TI8H JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[May 20, 1892
are the rimplest, and, if it were possible to work with only a single
orffanic element, that method would be the one I should adopt. Unfor-
tunately, however, this is not the case, as there are varying condition,
to satisfy which necessitate the employment of different substances
. and not infrequently the alteration of their proportions.
Gum arable has usually been the favourite substance employed to
give body to the film, but it is inclined to present difficulties in
coating the glass, and also to blister in the operations subsequent to
development. Still it is better than gelatine, which either does not
take the pigment freely, or else flies to the opposite extreme and takes
it indiscriminately, causing smears and veil which utterly ruin the
result. Of the hygroscopic agents, sugar and glucose — that is, cane
and grape sugar respectively — has each its supporters, the latter being,
perhaps, the one that exhibits most body, as well as undoubtedly the
highest attraction for moisture. Honey, another form of saccharine,
is in some respects, perhaps, superior to either, since its non-saccharine
constituents give to it a " body " which renders it capable of use alone
or in conjunction with glucose if care be exercised in the various
manipulations.
The trouble experienced in using the saccharine substances alone,
that is, without some non-hygroscopic matter, arises not from any
insensiliveness or inability to form an image, but, perhaps, rather the
reverse of the latter, the too great readiness to take the powder.
A film of glucose and bichromate alone will commence development
as satisfactorily as any by the most elaborate formula ; but, owing to
its highly hygroscopic character, a stage is soon reached at which it
becomes unmanageable, owing to the rapidity with which it attracts
moisture when the heat of the plate is entirely gone. The alterna-
tive is to be content with a coarse and " smudgy " result, or to be
constantly redrying the film and starting afresh, which is, to say the
least, a tedious and troublesome process. The presence of a little
gum or gelatine, by hardening the film, reduces the tendency to
excessive affinity for moisture, and so brings the manipulation within
the range of convenience.
Chief among the mechanical difficulties must be reckoned that of
securing a perfectly smooth film, .entirely free from dust or other
specks. It will be readily comprehended from the very nature of
the process, both as regards composition of the film and modified
development, that any inequalities of surface must be in the highest
degree detrimental to success. As a matter of fact, a minute speck
of dust in the film forms a nucleus round which, at every sweep of
the brush, more and more of the powder collects, until the once
scarcely visible point becomes a hideous blemish. This form of
trouble arises in two directions ; in the difficulty of closely filtering
the viscid and syrupy solutions ; and in the proneness of the coated
film to attract and arrest floating particles.
In the first respect, an entirely new solution I have been recently
using is far superior to any other I have hitherto tried, and it is,
at the same time, free from the special faults peculiar to those sub-
stances I have already named. Indeed, it is not to much to say that
it almost puts a new aspect upon the working of the dusting-on
process, so greatly are the manipulations simplified.
The chief variation from the ordinary formulae lies in the substitu-
tion of mucilage of linseed for the gum arable or other non-saccharine
matter,and with this may be combined either best English loaf sugar or,
preferably, sugar-candy. Glycerine is frequently added to increase
the affinity for moisture in specially dry weather, though I always
prefer to submit to slower development, rather than resort to its use,
when possible. More reliable than glycerine, however, I have found to
be the finer grades of molasses known as "golden syiup," the particular
sample I have used successfully being a highly refined kind, sold in tins,
and known as "Lyle's golden syrup." The advantage of this over
glycerine is that it is less violently attractive of moisture, and there-
fore less liable to " rush " the development when used in full quantity.
The formula I have been using consists of the following
ingredients : —
Mucilage of linseed 20 ounces.
Sucnr candy (or loaf sugar) 1 ounce.
Liquor atnmoniae fort if ^^
I'otas»iiim bichromate l" ^^
Golden syrup as required.
The linseed mucilage is made as follows r — Take a moderately
heaped teaspoonful of clean unground linseed, wash it in two or three
changes of cold water to remove dust and dirt, and allow it to soak
for some hours. The husks will then be found to be surrounded by a
glazy mass of gelatinous mucilage, and the whole should then be
transferred to an enamelled saucepan and raised to the boiling point,
stirring well the whole time. After simmering for five or ten
minutes, remove from the fire, and when ebullition has ceased, if the
liquid be thick or " ropy," add more water and strain through fine
muslin, while still quite hot, to remove the seeds. Afterwards filter
more closely in front of the fire, to keep the liquid hot, and then allow
to cool ; and still further thin if it flows unevenly when poured on to
glass. When quite cold add the ammonia, and, after some hour»>
again filter, and then set aside for some days, until the liquid becomes
quite clear and bright and has deposited any flocculent matter that
may be unremovable by filtration.
The bichromate of potash should be added in crystals a short time
before required for use, and, if convenient, the solution should be
heated, filtered, and used warm, a finer and more even film being
obtained in that way. When newly mixed, the sensitive solution is
a bright yellow orange colour, which gradually changes to a brownish
tinge with age. It remains useable, however, if kept in a cool, dark
place, for some days, but should be thrown away when very dark.
W. B. i3oLT0N.
THE CAMERA AND THE CONVENTION; OR, PICTURESQUE
SCOTLAND AND PHOTOGRAPHY.
m.
West from Edinburgh, Linlithgow stands ont as the first place of
interest. At Linlithgow Palace Mary Queen of Soots was born. Two or
three hours can be well spent here. We remember seeing a very artiatlo
view of this palace, with a bit of the loch in the foreground. It was a
photogravure, produced by Mr. Balmain, of Messrs. Tunny & Co.'s, also
from a negative of his own, we think. It was given as a presentation print
by' the Edinburgh Photographic Society. This picture must be familiar
to many and it is a good illustration of what can be done at Lin-
lithgow. There is the " Cross Well," and St. Michael's, a good specimen
of the ancient Scottish parish church. The village itself is not pic-
turesque.
On proceeding t« Stirling we pass Bannockburn, but there is nothing
of photographic value there. Of course, there's the " Bone Stone," in
which the Boyal standard was raised, still to be seen, but it is below the
level of the ground, and protected by railings.
SiraLiNG.
Stirling is a good centre, with its hilly town, its castle of renown, and
its marvellous winding Forth. Some time should be allowed to do thia
historical place justice. The interior of the castle alone would supply a
day's work for the camera. The view from the battlements of the castle
is beautiful, and embraces a very extended area, the windings of th»
Forth, from this elevation, showing well, trailing and twining out and in
like the twisting of a serpent. But, to enjoy the pleasures of this phe-
nomenal stream, the best way is to come to Stirling by steamer from
Granton, in a line of seven miles from Alloa to Stirling — these turnings
take up a waterway of over twenty miles — and as you approach Stirling
by boat the ohangiug position of town and surroundings is very puzzling
— now in front, now behind, changing every minute, until you begin to.
wonder if ever you will reach Stirling at all.
The castle and the town can be photographed from many points with
advantage, so that a walk round before beginning to work will tend ta
the saving of plates, besides giving you the points that commend them-
selves to you as the most effective and pleasing. We have taken some
good pictures of the town with the castle in the background, and the river
Forth in the foreground — fiom near Combuskenneth Abbey. This abbey
and surroundings are worth a plate or two, although the abbey itself is
too square and plain for artistic effect. After photographing the places
of interest in town, there is the Wallace Monument within an easy
distance, and, a little further on, a good general view of Bridge of Allan
may be had.
Bridge of Allan and Dcxbline.
From Bridge of Allan to Dunblane there is three miles of river scenery
rich in effrcts. Dunblane, as a village, is not any use photographically.
The cathedral may be worth a plate or two, but it has been renovated
lately, and not improved. From the other side of the water, with the
rivpr in the foreground, is, we think, the best point for a picture of the:
cathedral.
I
M»y 20. 1««1
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
327
Tnm Stiriing » good dkj'i oatiBg mitf be anjored, going bj nil to
''"""'"e Bridg* at DolUr. The rirer Devoo, in thii rioinity, ia rieh in
watarfalU and foliage, and, to be iM)iu|«ewei1 into lo small a compass,
soma of the most beantifol efleets we have ertr seen. Here,
I Campbell, the old fortreae of the Argyll family, stands, high
«p oo the hill orer the village ol DoDar. It is a considerable poll ap to
tbe eaatle, bat it ia worth the troobla. Instead ol bj rail, we hare driTen
tran Btiriing to Dollar, a diatanna of aoma twaha or liiiiitaaii miles along
tta baaa of the OehU HilU, paaiag tbe TJUagea of ICanatzie, Alva, and
e* the way. In tbe hilla behind Alva there is a Tery pie-
I ^an and waterfall, wbara we hwra spent half a day very anjoyably
with the eamenL
Doxav CwriM un Cuxajtokb.
Froaa StirUag to flallaiider ia aboat an boar's joomay. Oa tba w^ a
halt might be aiada far a eoople d bonis at Dooaa, to get impraasions of
Doose Castle if deaiied. It is not tuj to gal r'*^'^^g pietarat of this
rain, it is so square and plain ; but, by nrnaaiog tba riTar and aacending
tba hill oppoaila, wa managed to gat a good view of tbe side ol the castle,
the trees that grow oa tba embankmsBt ot tba stream breaking in upon
the long, straight linsa of masonry, and giving a fairly snnoaaafiil remit.
Callander is the flood-gate lo soma of tba llnaal aeaoary in '»~^'«"^
It is a plaasBia baiyaod eoopare to ttand open tba hridga that apaas tbe
Taith md look opoa tba erer-vaiyiag laiwlaaapa atratebad balora yoa,
with slilwwlin fi«an glia«anlng ia tba aoa, aad abany billa tbat atooat
np freoi tba pWa bigh* aad bigfaar aata rsflaatad agaiaat tba aky tbay
tsaeb a ettiaax oa Baa Ladi'a bead.
Callaadar as a eaatra woaM JaKgM tba hwar e< laadaaapa for a loag
Itaau Tba aaaiaat place of ialaraal to tba villaga is BraeUinn Falls.
Thay are aitaalad oo tba Birar Eal|y, aad are aboat a mile and a half
distant. They are wild aad pieelptleaa, aad (arm a very intarastiag
•lady. From tba rirar bad aoaia of tba.baat plataisa ara takaa.
Tarn BrTiaI«rr.
Tba Lany ia oa tba olbar aide of tba villaga! from Braddina. It is a
rirsr that twm from Loeb Tiii*^aig to tba Teitb. Loeb Labaaig ia fiva
milaa froaa CaDaadar, and tbe road to it ia called tba PMa of Laay.
Akeot a mils oat from Callander wa atrika npoa the Laaj, vUab froia
this po<at raaa aloaa to tba road all tba way to tba loab. Bvary tool of
Iba way U Madwtlhpialwasef ■wtola aai aoed/ef tapMandof water-
fUL Oa tba war. aad aaanr tba la*, wa aeoaa opoa wbat ia aallad tba
of 81. Biydai. Oaaa opoa a tiaa wa waat to pbotagnvb tbia
baiag lad to aappeaa that It waa a 'loia M aecaa iapartaaae.
I wa got tbare wa faoad aolbi^ to pbotogiapb bat a little bit of a
^/k» Hka a ahaap pssi. or tba bnaadary wall of aa old aboiabyard. Too
MM faaagiaa bow diagiialad wa wan. Joal b«yead Ibia ia Leah Labaaig.
WknM tbara ba ao boala oa tba waiar. lUa loab doaa aol aompoaa waU.
Tba iHalah af water « toe axpaasia*. mi Iba billa atoaad toe diataat to
■aha a« aOaaliTa pialataL Wa aMria aaaaa ptotaias. briagiag ia a Isogtb
«ttbatDsaahaw.whlah laUaaod U tamMtnVtj. Two milee beyood thie
(aah ia the fOl^a of Slralhyi*. XealUag ia tba hiUs. it stands well tor
If the iorageiag. eoibraaiac tba Laay to Stratbyra, aaa be overtaken ia
eaa day. it certainly would be a ba«y d^y.
m soofca waanaa.
f al Bmihyaa. aad gotag to Dag^ Reoaa ia tba morning, eoald
, or tba other way. floiag book to Callander and slarttag baak ia
I tor lii^s Booaa. (Tbara waa no sUttoa at Kiag'a Beaaa
I wa wars tbare last, bat it yoa tall the goard ba will slop tbe train
I la* yoa oat theia.) Tbia ia tba aaaiaat railway point to Bob Roy'a
grave at Balqobiddor. Tbe walk to the grave la aboat Ihrea milee, coo-
aderably bonaa of trees ; bot there are highland hots and whioa, and
(aray bill* aad dale*, all Boaa ia kaapiag with tba wildnaaa of tbe apol.
aad with this maunal tbare la ao leak ol work to do.
Oa a pravtooa vial to tbia apai wa naaia apoa a Beoteh waahing. with
tba take, aad baadloe of dolbaa. aad lia. and pot. with all the othar
paiapharaalia aeaaaaary to aoaplato a bill-aida waahing outdi and tba
yirtitloa aboaaa Isr tbair work w»> very good, behind a little nnearehed
bridge, with the roaaiog atrsaas baaaatb. Oa tbe bank an old woaaa,
alightly bant with age, waa taodiag to ttia pot aad Are. wbilal a ilrappiag
laaaie ol twaaty waa alniapiag away at the clothea ia tba tab, with patti-
aaala Ulted to tba kaaaa, kiakmg away right lastily. W* a«k«d liberty to
pbelagraph bar. aad ebe waa laagMagly willina ; but tba old woman,
who waa avllstjy bar aolbM, weoVi aol sooaant at all. 8h« thought it
waa oalaaky or aonalhing ol that ktad : but, after a bttle argumeot, we
got tha jooag oaa'a ptetora— aad lliat ol tbe old one too, unknown to
After ezhaasting Balqohidder, when ia this locality Loch Yoil should
be visited. It is quite near to the graves of the MoOregora.
LoCRKlUIHKAI).
On the retam journey, about three miles from King's House, north,
we come to Locheamhead. The head of the loch is aboat a mile and a
half from the station. This is a taTOored district for artistic bits, tha
very high roads being cut through the most romantic of scenery. But
all along tbe Oban line it is almost impossible to err in choosing spots
crowded with natural beauties. We ihave Killin and the junction to
Lochs Tay and Eenmore, and further on Dalmalley and Lock Awe,
poaaassing within themselves surroandlngs that are almost endless in
tbeir profusion of nature's pictures.
Loch Vehichab.
Coming back to Callander, we start another little trip by crossing the
bridge over the Teith and taming to the right at tbe end of the bridge
street. This is the popular walk to Loch Venaohar. It is a stretch of
about three miles, and well wooded the most of tbe way. Here we are
upon ground made famous by Sir Walter Scott in his Lady of th* Lake.
The river Teith paasea doee to the belting of wood all the way, and tha
old bridge that eroaaea it half way to the loch makes a good picture.
Behind the pretty little cottage belonging to the Water Works, close to
tba looh, Coilantogle Ford, is situated " Clan Alpine's outmost guard."
This ia tbe spot wbara Boderio Dhu challenged Fitz James to single combat.
Whan we got there, bowavar, we were much disappointed at the want of
any prominent feature to make a picture. The light was against us
certainly ; but. suppose that had been right, the ford did not seem more
than a weir in a dam, without any interesting surroundings except wbat
it has gained 'from tha poem, and we eould not traoater that to a plate.
The loch itself at this end is very flat and barren — the upper end
improves — none of it striking, but the wooded way from the village to
tha loch supplies plenty ol good material and opportunity for picture-
Bainniing. tba village may be reached by croasing tbe old bridge and
makiag a eireular tour to Callander by the Troeaaehs road. Coilantogle
Farm, and aoma other intaieeting pointa, will ba found on this road.
WHY PHOTOGRAPHS FADE.
V.
DumiifO development or toning we can see to wbat extent tbe noroua
coodition of the vehicle containing tbe silver haloids oontrola tha
reaolu, but unfortunatelr in the hypo and wa«bins baths we have
not the same advantage, and, to an extent, wa shall have to depend
upon circumstantial eridrnce in our inquiry.
Ia fixing a print, the chloride and organic aalta of ailver are first
eoorartad into hypioaulpbito of silver, which ia dissolved, as it is
formed, in tha axceaa of aypoaulphite of soda present. But teat-tuba
and other experiments t«acb us that if this neceaaary axceaa of hypo-
aulphiie of eoda is not preernl at firtt, that aa insoluble state of
hypo«ulphite of silver is formed, which, when once formed, cannot
afterwards be diseolved in hyposulphite of aoda. In a test-tube,
with sufficient silver and hypo, one can obtain the yellow and black
forms of this salt, but in a print it is in such a small quantity as
to be invisible until tba sulphur in tba atmosphere comLinea with
it, and we thaa gat tba true yellow sulphide.
I tbiok that hrre we have a clue to tbe cause nf the deterioration
of nine-tenths of our silver prints — vii., that, thrmi^fh tbe physical
density of tbe vehicle, or on account of slight difT«rpnces in mani-
pulation, that at ftrtt there ia not aulticient exoeaa of bypoaulpbite
of aoda able to get at tba ailver chloride unrniuced by light to dis-
kilve tbe bypoealpbite of ailver aa faat as it i» formed, and that
inaoluble hypoaulphito of ailver ia l<^ft in the film in con^equenoe.
^^^haa abown above how the pbyaical condition i>f the vehiola
aAanftM development and toning of tbe photngraphic image, aoA
I have proved by aulphuretted hydrogen teaU that th>' action of tha
hypo bath ia governed, to a great extent, by tbe wtme conditions,
ao that I think we can say that it ia very doubtful whether the
whole of the silver can be removed from the high lighU of sprint
which cannot be tooad by the ordinary acetate ur borax baths aa
easily and aa rapidly as an ordinary albumen print, and I do not
thint we can depend upon a print being properly tiled if it can
onlv be toned in a «tri)ng aulphocyauide toning bath.
TiVe now cums to tha cases of tbe fading of priiiU where tha
physical conditions of tbe rahicle are iiJentical, and vet we find that
in. prinu .-la d f T tears without any change, others deteriorate
SS8
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[May20, ]8P2
Tery soon. This difference must be due to slight changes in the
method of manipulation. I do not know whether others have noticed
the same, but it has seemed to me that, as a rule, small prints stand
better than large ones. If it is bo, it is probably due to the small
prints being moved about more freely in the hypo bath at first. We
will suppose a 16x12 print toned and washed, and laid face upwards
in a 10 X 13 dish, and then the hypo bath poured over it.
On the face of the print there is an insoluble deposit of silver re-
duced by light plus the deposit of gold upon it. The hypo has then
to get through these deposits somehow to the non-reduced silver
chloride, &c., behind them. The paper is already saturated with
water, which further weakens the strength of the hypo which manages
to get through. Can we wonder that, in this case, there is not suffi-
cient excess of hyposulphite of soda able to get at the chloride of
silver at the back of the image to prevent the formation of insoluble
hyposulphite of silver there. Or, we will say that the hypo has been
poured into the bath first — a print is put down into it, then another
on the top of that, then another, and so on. In this case we get only
a small amount of hypo between each print, in some places they are
probably sticking together. This small amount of hypo between the
printa will combine with, and be weakened by, the water in the
paper, and we get the same insoluble salt of silver formed before
the prints can be turned over and fresh hypo can get at the
silver unreduced by light which is at the back of the image, and this
ia just where any combination of silver and sulphur will cause the
most damage and produce fading ; it is greedy for more sulphur to
form a pure sulphide, which it obtains from the sulphuretted hydro-
gen in tie atmosphere, and then the metallic silver, which is with the
organic matter forming the image, begins to think it would prefer to
combine with sulphur rather than the substance to which it had been
previously united, and when it does that the poor photograph suffers
and fades, because there is not sufficient silver present to give the
requisite opacity when in the form of sulphide of silver.
It is generally acknowledged that albumen prints prepared now
fade more quickly than those did which were printed twenty or
thirty years ago. Can we wonder at it when we think of the much
greater difficulty that the hyposulphite of soda must have to get at
the silver chloride, &c., bound up in the coagulated film of the double
albumenised papers ?
Then, when we use papers sized with partially insoluble substances,
to get a better surface image, we find even greater difficulties, because
the silver unreduced by the light at the back of the image is between
the insoluble image on the surface of the film and the insoluble
sizing of the paper ; and how can we expect a print to be properly
fixed, or the hypo washed out, under such conditions, and yet some
manufacturers do not seem to give a thought about such matters.
And now a word of caution as to prints on opal glass. Here all
the silver dissolved by the hypo has to be got away through the
image on the front somehow. I do not know where to put my hand
on the results of my experiments of some years back on this subject,
but if I remember right, emulsion prints on opal glass, when tested
with sulphuretted hydrogen, yellowed more readily than prints with the
same emulsion on paper, because, in the latter" case, the hypo and
tilver would get through the porous paper at the back, and yet we
hear people say, " Prints must be permanent if they are on glass." I
also found that if prints on opal glass were stood up on end to dry,
that the hyposulphite of soda and silver that the washing water
could not get out of the film must have drained down through the
gelatine between the image and the glass, because the lower end
readily yellowed by the formation of sulphide of silver.
AH this seems verj' simple after it is once worked out, but things of
this kind cause a rare lot of work before they can be run to earth,
and we must now see what lessons we can learn to apply to our every-
dav work.
It is very evident that the great thing required is, that the whole
strength of the hypo bath must be concentrated as rapidly as possible
on the chloride and organic salts of silver at the back o"f the image,
that have not been reduced by light, so as to have sufficient excess
of hyposulphite of soda getting through the paper to dissolve the
hyposulphite of silver as rapidly as it is formed.
The water in the paper ought to be squeezed out of the print, or
the latter ought to be put between blotting-paper before being put
in the hypo bath, so that the hypo soakhig into the paper is not
diluted by any water already there.
There should always be an ample amount of solution in the hypo
bath for the number of prints to be fixed, which must not be allowed
to lay clo^e tofjether, but there must be plenty of room for every
part of each print, both front and back, to obtain the full action of
th'j hypo (luriiifT the time it is being fixed.
I feel convinced that, when a print stands well, it has been
fixed under these favourable conditions ; but, if it yellows and fades
rapidly, that the deterioration is due to these necessary requirements
not having been carried out in a satisfactory manner.
There are some points in connexion with toning and washing of
the prints tliat have an important bearing on their permanence, but
I must leave them for a further communication.
Hebbebi S. Stabnbs.
ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHIC WORK FOR AMATEURS.
I.
Among the great army of amateurs who now practise photography
as a pleasurable pastime, doubtless there will be found a large number
of ladies and gentlemen who, having mastered the elementary part
of photography, aim at something higher than the mere exposing of
plates, with the subsequent development of same, and finally printing
their own negatives by any of the commonly known methods of
printing, such as the ready sensitised papers procurable from photo-
graphic dealers. To such, no doubt, a very agreeable change will be
found by giving some little thought and attention to opal work. By
this I do not mean the use of the common form of gelatino-bromide
opals, which are advertised in nearly all photographic periodicals,
and which necessitate development after exposure by contact or
through the camera, but the more easily manipulated and cleanly,
good old form of printing-out opals, whereby most beautiful results
may be obtained by merely placing a sensitised opal in contact with
a suitable negative in a printing frame, in exactly the same maimer
as they would a piece of sensitised silver paper.
Such method of printing is by no means so well or largely adopted
as it might be, doubtless on account of the inability of amateurs and
others to get a supply of such opals ready sensitised from the various
dealers, like they obtain other requirements. Still, to any one
desirous of departing from the beaten track, and striking out into
fresh pastures, there is really no trouble or any reason whereby such
should not, with the greatest certainty of success, prepare their own
emulsion, and coat and dry their own opals.
Kind reader, at the outset do not let me frighten you away from
this delightful method of printing by the mere mention of any one
making their own emulsion and coating their own plates. Do not
conjure up visions of gi'ovelling in dark rooms, with its attendant
tedious boiling operations, and all the other bugliears in its train.
Such is not required in the production of the emulsion I am deahng
with ; whilst to those who are incUned to undertake something they
have never previously attempted in photography, I can safely say,
once they experience the delight of making their own emulsion and
preparing their own sensitised opals, they will never regret having
taken such a departure, for very likely it will open their eyes to see
and understand much that in the past was quite beyond their ken.
Let any one, therefore, so inclined, and who having beside them a
stock of spoiled opals, proceed without delay to wash off the gelatino-
bromide films. This is best done by making a saturated solution of
washing soda, into which place the opals for, say, twent}--four hours ;
then take a flannel pad, and, having obtained from the kitchen-maid
her Bath-brick, proceed to rub off the old emulsion. Powdered Bath-
brick is the best thing I know of for cleaning soiled opals ; it is far
and away ahead of powdered pumice-stone. Having got a supply of
clean opals, let them be stowed away until a small quantity of emul-
sion be made, an operation which takes less time to perform than it
takes me to write particulars about. Within recent times the cost of
opals has fallen very much in price, and those not having any soiled
ones can at a very trifling cost procure a supply from any photo-
graphic dealer, and they can be had either with matt or glazed sur-
faces. The former, I would suggest, should be used by any one who
for the first time undertakes tliis work ; but of this .1 shall speak
more fully when I come to refer to the coating of the plates. Now
as to cost. Surely a modest sixpence is not an extravagant sum for
any one to expend iu amateur emulsion-making, yet for this small
outlay sufficient emulsion can be made to coat two dozen half-plates.
Then, as to facilities of making emulsion and drj-iiig of tiie coated
plates. The whole operation can be perform,-d without any mess at
an ordinary kitchen fire, or on a parlour table, provided ttie operator
has the luxury of a good Fletcher gas-stove.
Begin working in urdinary gaslight by getting tlie cook to pro-
vide you with a clean jam pot, into wliich place two ounces of
clean cold water. Then add to, and dissolve in the water, six grains
acetate of soda, after wliich add forty grains hard gelatine. Place
the jam pot in a saucepan of water, and warm the water in the
saucepan up to UX)° Fahr., not more; the gelatine in the jam pot will
soon be melted. Now, having obtained from any chemist ur elsewhere
>Uy 30. 18B3]
THiS BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
339
tUrtj gnin* of nitnte of sUrer (it will cost threepence), place
in • glait nMMUie, Mid di«alre the silver in one ounce of clean cold
water, kdd thk to the melted geUtine in the jam pot with Tigorous
•tirrinir. Next, pU«e in a clean glao* meamue, or other fuitable vessel,
two ounces clean eold water, into whirh place eight grains acetate of
«oda, and four naina chloride of amraooiam, dissolve, and with vifor-
o<H itirTinr add the same to the melted gelatine in the jninpot. Keep
the water in the saueepan gentlv wanned, not over 100" Fahr., at no
itlgr ahooU it exeeea thu. A stem thennometer will easily enable
an •parator to keep the water in the saucepan at the proper tempera-
tora. Next, take 160 grains hard gelstme. and soak the same till
softened in clear cold water, then pour oS all the unabaorbed water,
and add the gvlatine to the emnlAa in the jam pot. Stir well with a
gla« rod till all the f{elatine ia malted, then cover over the jam pot
with a clean cloth, tied over the top, and set aside in any dark cup-
board, or old hat box for twentr-four bonrs^r say till next evening
— when, on examination, the jam pot will be found to contain a jelly-
Bke nuMi ; the pot is now again placed in a aaucvpan of warm water,
not over 100* Fahr., till melted, and having provided another clean
jam pot, over the top of which a clean handkerchief has been stretched,
damp the tame with clean warm water, but do not runany water into
tha jam pot. MTkan the jelly^ike maas of emulsion is melted, add
half oonea alBohoi— «r nethvlated spirit will do— end pour the emul-
tkn^ tha kandkercdirf into tbe<'
) dean jam pot : this, if done
fnnariy, will Ulw tha amalsian qaita well eoougn for the class of
won We era roniMrrinc FlnaUr. add two ounces of clean cold
water, and tha amiUioo ia complete, and the same may be at this
stage oacd for eotHuf tha plates, or it mav he set aside in a dark box
for oaa at any fatnia time. Whan, aay, it is desired to coat onl v an
odd ^adta or so, it ii heat to take oat with tha fingara, or a bom
tpooo, niat sofficiant nf the JeUj-like maas of emoUon when it is cold,
and ouy heat as moth aa is about naeaMarr to coat the number of
pktaa leqnired. This can be eaailj dona oy niaeing the lump of
.•mnUon broken off from tba auMi in a dean tumoler, and by placing
the tumbler in a pan of warm water, melt it, and keep it at an even
temperature, with water not above 100* Farli., during the coating of
pU(M. Thia method aavas tha too tiaqapct maltjog of the entire
pellicle of emalaion whan only a ibmI qaantity of platoa are needed.
T. N. ABMaraoiiii.
♦
PHOTOORAPHIC 8CBTET OP WABWICK8HIBE.
Tn fennal ptaaaaMiaa, el tha phalapaaka wfaiali have bean taken by
membsta of the Bhirtnaiam PbotOBMhtt Society ia piueeantton of the
sAams lor a phato«raph» mum) o( wanriskshlr*. to the Mayor for mt»
nmoij on behalf of the cMasta, was B*de on Saturday attamoon at the
Art Oallciy, whan Iba aarvay ntstuiai ate now on ashibition. Tha
nnaantatien was made by Mr. f. & Slaaa, aa Piasidant of the Binning
haa Pliotoi^apUa Seeiatj. and. ia addbian to the Mayor, there wsn
Mayor,
atjahahsMB ol the Pne Libianes Committee).
t. Satehaa BspUas. & B. Bafcar. H. 8. FearK». Joesph
HID. John CoUiar, Whitwgrtb WdUa, A. B. ChamhsrMn, and aeveral of
tha pm/tltmm who ha«« italittlil to Ih* eellestian.
Mr. i. B. Bkmm mtd *a iinflwiilli in wWeii thay had awagsd waa
one of aoormoM diOaal^ and mtgrnai*, aad, aHlMngh abaady ew
1000 asaanaot sMoraa had bean mnt in. they (onned only tha mat*
tibm of the whole schema thay had in view. Tlity hoped that it woold
evaateaOy embrace, not only Ibe aiefaitactaial and aotiquaiian anpaets of
the eoonty. bat also its bnuaiaal and aanlminal aspaais, and also eopisa
«f tha povtraiM ol Warwiekatain ■lalfiim whieh w«e hanging on the
of many analawt baiMia^ of Iba aonntt. or wan oibsra
Tba Baalaferdarfiai Ihai tiMir aonMhattcna shaald net I
baM«Bfdsd
any w^ axamptea of pbala|iapblt art. bat fonty m btHDrieai
L The work had been wotaly l^eo up by lbs msmbsri ef the
. and thn hoped in the falors lo have the awistsnca of many
-Ikjiloffraphia Hoeieties in tba eoonty, and that (or wveiml years to
tlMry vonkl be able k> add annoally to tha eotlsction ahteh they
* inaacniaiaag. and wUab they bfl aonidentU to the safe
of tkTMioer and Prsa Mteniiee C«bmiHaa.
l^jocMUd SaisMa had arofidad Iba SMana. and tba inhabitanla
aity and eoonty had bad as naaartnallj of makiag rsoocds of
MMttiaaa, It wooU now bare been ol Iba atmoet
Mimtnittiam and tba eeanty at larnv, and. by dednetioa, they
knew briw great the valae woold be to Oir fatuie of what they
ad iaiendad to da It «a« also peeaharly pleaaant that this
have been made to ibe city thioaich the bsjids of Mr. J. B.
inlaoae ihtorsst ia f>holagraphy, and dsaiie to do that which
DO* aaiwiliplishsd. they all knew.
T'M eahildihT. vbish coosisls of some aOO ptmfcgrapbs, repiaasnts
ii COe hall of the •ark does dariag 1 (Ml U> eoaaeaan wiiti tha sorMgr.
ihtiii aighlba of the esbibrte have been eoouibalad by members of
1 loJ usiilv. MMne few liaviag bean Mnl ia by the arehaologieal
m ol Ibe Mi'lUnd tn>-ilaM, and some ottiers hy oat*l<i«nk The
.phia seristisi ol C«v«ntry, Leamin^o, Bngby, and Wykle
Oreen, together with the Arden CInb, of SoUhnll, were asked to assist,
bat did nothing. The exhibits, which are all printed on platinotype
paper, and from whole, half, and quarter plate negatives, have been pre-
pared on a truly scientific and systematic basts. On the back of each ia
written a quantity o( detail as to the object itself, and the conditions
under which it was photographed, which will be of inestimable value to
the archaeologist, and would enable an architect to reconstruct the
original if it disappeared. The work of surveying was last year done
rather casually, but this will not be the case in 1892. The Council have
mapped oat sections of a square mile each on the ordnance map, and
allotted them to one or more members, with advice to special indinduals
to adhere to special sorts of work. They supply a list of the most
suitable objects to be taken, and issue special permits for the workers.
Under all circumstances it ia not surprising to learn that the i^urvey may
take some years to complete. Mr. Whitworth Wallis has preparied an
excellent catalogue, for wliich Mr. Jethro Ooesins and Hr. James Simkins
have written historical and architectural notes.
In the evening the Council of the Survey, on the invitation of Hr. J. B.
Stone, met the Mayor at dmner at the " Colonnade Hotel," in celebration
of the preeentatioo of the ftrst instalment of the photographic records.
Among Uie guests were Messrs. J. H. Stone, Jonathan Pratt, Alfred
Hayea, J. Simkins, J. A. Bagnall, J. F. Mousley, F. G. Lyndon, W. J.
Harrison. Whitworth Wallis, E. H. Jaques, W. Boche, \V. Bunoher,
Joseph HiU. H. Baker, E. H. Leeson, J. U. Pickard, W. S. Horton, John
Collier, E. W. Badger, A. B. Longmore, W. Jones, E. C. Middleton, &e.
Mr. Joseph Hill proposed " The Warwioluhire Photographic Survey,"
and said ttMre ooold be no more agreeable task than that on which those
taking part in the Survey had entered. The Arohcological Section of the
Birmingham and Midland Institute had done most valuable work in the
past in the series of photographa taken for them by Mr. Collier of subjects
whieh it would now be impossible for tbem to obtain. But there was
very much more to do than this Section could possibly imdertake, and
the Survey was exactly tha thing wanted. They were deeply indebted to
Mr. Jerome Harrison for having suggested it.
Mr. Jerome Harrison replied to the toast, and said, though the honour
had been "I'i™*^ tor him of having broached the idea of the Survey, its
practical accomplishment was almost entirely due to Mr. Stone, and the
soeneas which had been achieved in Warwickshire would render similar
work in other parts of England maoh easier than would have otherwise
been tba case. Already a doaen or more Photographic Societies in other
parla of the country had copied their example, and they hoped before
loag to see the whola of Iba 800 Photograpuie Societies in the country
encagod in the work.
Mr. J. H. Piekard (Hon. Secretary to the Survey Council i and Mr.
Simkins also briefly acknowledged the toast, and the former prophesied
that the next annual ooUeetion would show a great advance on that now
being exhibited. The latter said the pieaent exhibition consifted really
of dasalloiy work, hat very shortly the Organising Committee of the
SoTMy woold iasne their proepeotus for the next year's work, and it was
bopsd that mors syslematie and oooesntrated effort would result.
Our Sliiterial STabU.
Tbk FnuT Pni.vcii-Liia or PuoTOOBAriir.
Bjr Clbbsst J. Ltins.
Thu work is an ekmcatanr treatise on the scientific )>ni!> ij.'"^ iii>'>n
which practical photugrapny depends, and emlxxlies in it tl.. -uKMsnce
of the courses of lacturee cr -■ • — npliy ennuslly deli\>i"l by Mr.
Leaper ance ISStl at the I lianic«' hintitiite and City of
Dublin Technical Schools. 1. u: uxiri-mely diflicult to discuver
any tonie connected with photography which .Mr. I.eapt^r in these
tbirtv-five lectures ha» ti..ffWi.Hl t.. Lmili. uti.! t.i tri-at in a tiiorough
and inc'iU manner. 1' h num>>roii9 illustra-
tion*. Published bv 1 . ~ - I. Price •'«. .
By Jobs A. Bouass, TIas-rrsddmt of ths WasI Loodoa Pbotornii'bio .Snctotj.
Ix^iunanual, also published by lUfTe ft Son (price I".), .Mr. Bodices
'MMflP^in a practical manner on the variuui ineih'ids of making
enui^ements as practised at the pr«» ■ lie «U > ifive« direc-
tion* omceming the production nf enl ive". lie I'xpresses
the opinion that an enlMi-ir-Ti- r i.r.i,tii a «iniill ni-^ative must
mmeiarilj be superior • ■, a Ur^j" r..-;.'aiive taknu direct.
On aeooant of the great' mitiun i.'i\>-ii l>y a siiiall len.^ of
short focua. Eighty-eeven pagv*.
Thk " InrmiiAL " Platkb.
Ts« larssuL D«i Puti ronrmi, crtrklew'iod.
SoMR samples of this new brand of pla(<« (of the ICxtra lUpid
kind) which we have reccuti* tried yielded us e.xceedini{ly bright
330
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF rflOTOQRAPHY.
[May 20, 1892
andviKorouB negatives. From a technical point of view the plates
appeafto he excellent. It is an additional point in their favour that
they are amenable to the action of the chief ordinary developers in
common use.
Tmt PocKBT Changing Bag and Focussing Cloth.
By W. K. BuiB, WoUington, Surrey.
In this Pocket Chan^g Bag Mr. Baker has made several improve"
ments upon the one intrdouced by him in July last year. The bag
is formed of a soft pliant material, lined with a flexible red fabric,
both of them of such close texture as to prevent admission of light.
The window in front (shown in the cut) is so constructed that the
amount of light can be regulated. While small enough to go into
one's pocket, it is so expansive when opened as to permit plates up
to whole-plate size to be changed. A species of domino mask held
close to the eyes by elastic bands prevents light from getting to the
interior. The sleeves are also light-proof. It is a cheap seven-and-
siipenny-worth.
Thb Strand Magazine fob May.
If we except the rather namby-pamby photographs of "May
Queens," the illustrations in the May number of the Strand
Magazine are excellent. This is especially the case with those of
Sir John Lubbock's article, " Beauty in Nature," and "Adventures
of iJherlock Holmes." The " Portraits of Celebrities " in this number
consist of Madame Mary Davies, Walter Besant, James Rice, Marcus
Stone, K.A., Alphonse Daudet, Lionel Brough, and Henry W. Lucy
(" Toby, M.P."). These, as usual, are well executed, and show the
various subjects at intervals from youth up to the present period.
Rkchivbd : — A Short and Eagy Road to Photography. By Charles
W. Brumwell. The " easv road " is indicated in half a dozen pages, the
remainder of the pamphlet being devoted to a price list. — My Camera
and How to Use it. By W. Scorer. This is also a brief pamphlet,
treating of the subject in clear and easily understandable language.
RECENT PATENTS.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS.
Na 8316. — "Improved Plate-holder or Dark Slide for Photographic Purposes."
T. Scott.— Bated May 3, 1892.
No. 8324. — " Improvements in Photographic Hand Cameras." J. S. B. Bbll.
—Dated May 3, 1892.
No. 8328. — •' Improvements in and Connected with Photographic Sensitised
Celluloid Films." K H. Yitcv.— Dated May 3, 1892.
No. 8432. — " Improvements in and Adjustments for Optical Lanterns,
Fronts, Tubes, Jets, and Holders thereto. " W. H. Oakley.— Zla^ed jtfav 3
1892.
No. 8497. — " Improvements in Photographic Printing Frames." W. Middlb-
m&s.— Dated May 5, 1892.
No. 8503. — "An Improvement relating to Photographers' Roll-holders."
D. Hoi.— Dated May 6, 1892.
No. 8618.—" Improvements in Photographic Cameras." R. DK Barril and
J. O. FowLKB, jun.— /Jated May 6, 1892.
No. 8646.— " Estcourts Patent Changing Back for Films and Plates." E.
EsTCOURT.— /)o<«i May 6, 1892.
No. 8650. — "Improvements in and Relating to Film Packages for Photo-
graphic Cameras." B. J. Edwards. — Dated .Van 6, 1892.
No. 8667. — " Improvements in Photographic Cameras." A. H. Gabmam. —
Dated May 7, 1892.
No. 8701. — " Improvements in the Production of Photographs and Photo-
graphic Transparencies in Natural Colours." V. UilTKIUv.— Dated May 7,
1892.
No. 8742. — "A New or Improved Shutter for Photographic Exposures."
W. B. Parsellk.— Bated May 9, 1892.
No. 8882. — "Improvements in Photographic Dark Slides for use with
Celluloid and other Films." H. E. Colvillk.— Baied May 10, 1892.
No. 8967. — " Improvements in or relating to Photographic Plates or Films."
Communicated by G. Eastman. A. J. BoOLT.— Bated May 11, 1892.
No. 8979.— "An Improved Photographic Negative Washer." G. F. Firth.
—Dated May 12, 1892.
No. 9097. — "Improvements in Photographic Cameras." S. S. GosTlCK. —
Dated May 13, 1892.
'SPECIFICATION PUBLISHED.
1891.
No. 2726.—" Photographic Cameras."— Sanders.
PATENTS COMPLETED.
Method of and Apparatus for Repboducino Photooraphs.
No. 7785. Bernard Krantz and Hermann Zkissleb, 13, Bunhill-row,
City of London.— .dpnV 9, 1892.
This invention has for its object the reproduction of photographic pictures in
ink at a small cost.
According to this invention we take from nature or from pictures or prints a
negative either in the usual way, or with a "Raster " or grained plate inter-
posed between the lens and the sensitive plate.
A transfer print is made from the negative by any of the well-known methods.
We then take a piece of calico and spread on one side thereof a fi I m of sensitive
gelatine. We transfer the print to the gelatine (by exposure to light) and high
etch the latter by means of glycerine and liquid ammonia, thus producing
what we call the calico and gelatine block.
When finished the calico and gelatine block is mounted on a piece of wood
or metal provided with a handle, to enable it to be used as a hand stamp, and
then prints or impressions can be taken from it in the usual way.
Improved Method of Photo-etching ok Zinc and Copfir.
No. 8121. Bernard Krantz and Hermann Zeissler, 13, Bunhill-row,
City of London.— Aprii 9, 1892.
The object of this invention is to produce, by means of photo-etching on zinc
and copper plates, suitable for producing in " half-tone," the highest class of
printed work, such plates being prepared ready for printing from in less time
and at a smaller cost than any plates of whatever description now used for
printing from.
According to our invention, we take a tin plate of suitable size and shape,
and cover the same with a coat of lampblack, and when this is dry, we coat
over the lampblack with Chinese white, and thoroughly dry the plate. We
then, by means of an ordinary ruling machine, rule on the prepared plate,
through the white only, diagonal, horizontal, vertical, or crossed, straight,
waved, or jagged lines. This operation leaves the plate showing black lines
on a white ground. We then throw an enlarged image of the picture or
design to be printed on the ruled plate by means of a magic lantern. We then
take a negative of the dimensions of the lini-shed print by means of a photo-
graphic camera in the usual way from the picture or design as thrown on the
tin plate by a magic lantern, and print from such negative on the zinc or
copper plate, which has been previously sensitised with bitumen, and develop
the picture on the zinc or copper by the aid of turpentine in the usual way.
If the plate used is of zinc, we next immerse it for about thirty-five minutes in
a bath of three parts nitric acid and twenty parts water by measure. When
removed from the bath, we sponge ofi'all the acidulated water with a solution
of gum arable and water. The deep shadows will now be well visible. We
next immerse the plate for about five minutes in a saturated solution of
carbonate of soda, and then place it under running water for a short time, and
lightly rub it with a soft rag or brush for the purpose of cleaning the picture
from any deposit of nitrate of zinc. When the plate is sufficiently washed,
we mk it with ordinary printer's ink, and dust it well with powdered resin ;
the loose powder is blown off, and the plate again immersed in the acid bath,
and, after allowing it to remain therein for about an hour, we remove it
therefrom, and wash it well with oil of turpentine. We next ink the plate
with etching ink, composed of equal parts of paraffin wax, tallow, and
printer's ink, and replace it in the etching bath for about thirty-five minutes.
To accelerate the etching process, we may add to the bath for the two last
etchings, a little at a time, a small quantity of both sulphuric and hydrochloric
acids, the quantity to be in proportion to the hardness of the plate. When
sufficiently etched^ the plate is mounted on wood, and is then ready for printing
from. If the plate to be i)repareil for printing from consists of copper instead
of zinc, we for the first two etchings sub-stitute for the nitric acid an equal
quantity of a saturated solution of perchloride of iron in the etching bath
above described, the bath for the third etching being the same as hereinbefore
described for zinc plates. Or, instead of photographing an enlarged picture on
to the ruled plate, as hereinbefore described, we may take a photographic
negative direct from the picture, drawing, or object to be reproduced, and
another negative (wet plate) from the ruled plate. These ntgativeswe place in
a magic lantern, with the negative from the ruled plate in front, and throw
the combined image from both negatives for a sufficient time direct on to the
zinc or copper plate, which has previously been sensitised with bitume n
A fter the picture lias been developed on the plate by turpentine, the plate
then etched and prepared as hereinbefore described. This process is also sui
M»y 30, 1893]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
331
M* fcr pnpariBg line or oopper natricM for making indurabber lUmpa, and
lor MomTiag nnc or copper Mais or diaa in inuglio or relief: bat when
ra*ug in rdiaf i* requirad, a poaitire photograph mait be oied ioatcad of a
Hariac
ariac now particnlariy daanfhad and aaeartained the nature of the said
lawtian. and in what ■annnr tka •■ma ia to ba performed, we hereby declare
tkat what w* date ia :— 1. In tka fuuwioljimto atrhingon nnc and copper,
tka taUagof apbolagrapli from a pietnn or omip tkrowa by a magic lantern
OB to a nlad jttU, m and for tka pvpon kaviabafon stated. S. In the
procam of pb«t»«(dUag an aae and eoppar, the throwing by a magic lantern
of tte coaHoad iauga from two a«RBtiT<a oo a sine or copper plate sensitised
with bitaaaa, aahatantially aa daaaibad. 9. 71m improTad proeeaa of photo-
; «■ dae tad eopper, aabataatiaUr aa karda daaeribad.
luTwortMMxn n Arruum roK PHOTOoa&ruiKi Bxamnuso DaAwmoa
ASD THC U^m.
So. 9691. WiLUAit Pauob. 1, GreaoTala-temea, Dumbarton, Dnmbarton-
aUn, North Britain.— .d^wif*, 1892.
Mr said Invention baa for tta otgect to obtain iaenaaad eflkianey, oODvaaience,
■■d accaomy, ia pkotanpUag aaRiaaariac drawinni and tba Uka ; and it is
HalwHi lor ■akfag ■fltaVniail, Maayaaad, ar othar aaakgoos printa.
Ia aanri^t oat mj tawahna I aoiplaf . for tka priatiaf opanrtian, a fhun«
ha*tav a flaaa plata, wkkk ia eorrad iaalaad af hdag of tka ocdinary flat form,
tnd I aaean tka teatiaf ar original, aad tka pkotognskle pap« on the conrex
' >? of tka tfmt pWa by maaaa of alnipa^ or a doth whlck can ba hkhly
ed or boaal ofw tkaa. tka anaafmaaal baiag aaek aa to aUowertka
i aad papar ba^ awila baa Inm oaMaa, aad appUad vary doaaly to tka
^•Mt. In laaMsl, tka fraaamay ba plaaadaatkattka Ugktwfflaetoatba
oacave si*!*, tknagfc tka ^ass ; ia aoaa eaaaa, kewatar, tka pkotograpbie
uaaar iwy ba placed aaxt to tka ghm. aad tka tndag npon tka paper, tba
OAtaattac Ikroagk tka inct^E, aad oa tka ceavas aide, burtaad of the ooocara
far daidnujug tka prtet I fcra it iato a rail, aad attach it to a rod, or coa-
Twiaat fcalda, aad liaani it ia tka efcirtaal Uqaid eootaiacd in a taU Toaaal
ofilaa«,arolkar8ailabbmatariaLof adrealar ar otkar atepU fonalakori-
Ktiaa. Tba mU ««aad b mvportioaad to eoataia a qaaatity of tka
lUqaUjartabotf aafldaattirtkaoparalioaoatka nriat witkoat oa-
y azoaaa. WImm rliaalMi of mtoaa ataaa kara to ba pkotofiapbad,
nailiofaaitakUdMamaybaprarMal WHk tkaaa airai^wasati. a amallar
ealMqaMlaiaqalfidfcraaA oparatioe tkaa witk onUaasy
mmm fmnem, tkla batac aa faaportaat adTaataga, eapadally
fiMa, Mr wkkk tkaAaadeal Uqaid akoaU alwaya U aa
oaaatttyofdMBl
•Mmaafortka
iMfuiauMwa a rma M anasa or VmamJiam^ Two oa Hoax Oobocais
•iM flrfaw alalai ar ataaH, aad of pkatavrapkkaUy
0ilMrMMka«alMai^iad kta ftr Iti parpaaa to attali
w»ViaK
Wkaa imla^ a doabia priat ttaa aa aatolyptc Mock ia black aolear, altbar
ttadeaUa paMa dHhr aaly by giaalir Maaalty of coloar Inm Ika atepla
■rtak^tkat la ta wy, tka Maaa ar yalaa llliilli la tka aaeaad prtattatpra-
akaiy arttk tkaaa tat frMad: arlkili|Miof tkodoaMaprlataupaar pay,
aadika ilsap ikada^ Aaikiit ky tka tSoeaaaaewttaa yiiJmgt, Ji^nii.
■•aa a panlhl dMaaamaat lalathaly to aaak alkar; or la latfa aalat
•aifcaaa daik alripaa mm akaai iMt, wfcMi aaay naaHwakly la dbtaaoa i>oai
aaak alkar. TkaiattarinagidBky tapradaaad by asligkt taiakigof tkatwo
aalallaai nlrtbalT to aack alkar. Tka Itaaa. Ikwalws. araaa aaek otkar at
M tka<
TkaiattarinanlBky ta
■ Tki
taniM
palata tka Uaaa lla apba oaa aaotkar, a all otkar poiata
Ikwalws. araaa aaek otkar at
tka saU
Two Uaaa lytafmaa aaek otkar appear Ugbter tkui
twa Uaaa lyi^ basida «ak otb«. TiM mofa aeata tka a^
aaek ttJbm, Ika mof* aal sailed la
wUek
tka part wkaa Ike
Maea Ua apaa aal earw aaek alkar, lk« la to aay. tko lamr baeaoM
«H Hlktlatiiilliii batwaaa tba da* atilpaa ^frkaa aid a^lalbo-
aaat hJaHiTr aaata, tka lalanUn koaaaa lataHaly lama; ae alitpa
lataHaly 1
fcnaed. aad tka prMa eotoelda «kaaataly. Tkla iMar raaalt 'ia,
ta, la •aaeial, tary aaldoa altiiaad, owIm to tka iadaaaea of tka
■ua I aa tka papa, aad ky atka raieai. 1W a «ay aHfkt dtolaea-
■ iMilM laiiii ta prodaa Iko aatd IwaalanUaa, mtf k» fitkaail
Iha Aetlhat aatotypia bloaka fMerally kara taa to aaaaa Uaaa to tka
lalHIaalia, ad tkat onoaoqaoatlr tka iataatka batwaaa tba liaa aaoanta to
akoat aaelsatk to eaa toaftanth of a mUUaatn.
Tko akora aapUa aataiaUy atsoh aad ia a giaala aaaeara, to tka eeaeaeaUTe
pttaHat wHk aaaawl Maaha wkkk uuriapaaj to dgaaat eoloaa, apodaUy if
tkay kava keaa arodaaed by pkotagiapky.
wkaa iiilallai ooasacatiTaiy with seraral bloeki ia dtfsnat eoknn, the
prMa aaaia aHka kapoea to at czaetly. or a dleplenasat a tatalag Ulin
pUca. If tka petaa It pndady, cartaln ra;
flmr r»j< wUel
of mixtrirv, ijL,
lain ran art abaorbod. aad oaly tboaa
to~ two aolaeHiag eoloan appav a tka Naolt
If, hr>wava, tka priata an
aiixad
BoralMly dtifltnil, tka laya proea*Ui« boa aiyeUiag poiaU ara oaly
ta Ika aye of Iko atarra, ia., opikal aUtafa taka pkae, wkkk ka i
dIMag boa tkaa af f%aaat aiztariL If tka prWa bate baea i
difetaa boa tkaa af |dgaaat aiztariL If tka prWa baea baea taraad
rdatltJy la tack atka, w* ka*a idgaaat aijtara at Ika anrian a enalng
paiata,aadap(kaUtafaalaUotkaplaea. whenby atripa of dliatoat Ugbt-
aaa, a adl a aask of dtttwd cotoara, era predaesil, whi<S, with priatiag ia
dMaat eoloan, baaaaatly laealt la am* paalkr patteret, This (armatiaa
of patlaras wkkk aadaa eotoavl priatim boa na*-pl..t< Uocks impnesihia.
is entirely obriated by the application of line-plata systems which ire inclined
under a certain angle relatively to each other.
As mentioned above, the iuor« acute the ansle formed by the crossing of the-
linrs, the more extended is that part along waich the lines cover one another.
It is evident that this part bacomn shorter in proportion to the increase of said
angle. Said part, with a croasing angle of thirty degrees, is so much shortened,
that no more stripa are formed. As with autotype printing, a line-plate
system consists of two relatively vertical linea, each system must be turned for
sixty degrees for printing three colours upon each other by means of antotypic
blocks. With two colours, the above eroming angle mar vary between thirty
and sixty degrees. Also the other drawback, viz., that the colours are mixed'
either opUcaUy or as pigment, is obviated by the improved method, the line»
being compelled through the large anglw to cron each other at small intervals,^
whereby optic and pigment mixture is always produced simultaneously.
fi^ntinqsi of &(ictet(eje(o
MBKTINOS OP SOCIBTIKS POR "lEXT WEEK.
OatsolllMilae-
aaiMotaoMKr.
PtoMolHMUai.
Kay IS
: 2 =:.
_ a
DnadaAaatear
aioaaatorshire
north Hiddlwaz
Otaat Britain (Terhnioal)
Bath ...
Aseo. Studio, HethergBte, Donda
Jabike Hall, Honuey-road.
aO, Qreat KoaeaU-tt., Bloomsborr.
Boy.Lit k 8c. Iiut.,Terraae-walks.
Bank Chambers, HaiiiiiaiM stieet.
AndsrtoB's Hotel. Fleet.atr«at,K.O.
Leetnre Boom, Midland InatttaU.
Cbariw.ocaas-road, W.C.
Mori^Hall. Trian«la, Haokaey.
ii.«fc.-t.-' Hii, HaUfaz.1
Boyal InaUtatlon, HoU.
BoOBU, U, Dawann.iitreet, Doblia.
The I«<eais. Oaion-stoaet,Oidhaak
"The Palaee," Maidstoaa.
TsaVy Botal, Swaasaa.
: 5 1..::::::
: S :;:::::;::
- »
„ M „ _.
1 - M -.
•: S :::;;:::;
~ m
: S::;::::::;^
: S :;:-:::
» » -.
- tr
Baraky „
PkototniMeClab
Blrmi^tem
OamnOBb
BaUtax niiio!'aUh'ZZ'".'.'.'.-.
Hnll „
Iralaad „
Uvacpool iaMtear
L<ndoa aad Proriaokl ...„
OardiS
Holbora
Malrkliias _....».
Swaaaa _ «
Weat Leaden
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF QREAT BRITAIN.
Mat 17,— Mr. W. E. Debenham in the chair.
Pbotooiutcbb.
Mr. A. DawaoK reed a papa on Pholcfrawtn, ekieflT dealing with the
subject ia ite eeoeoak, ptaetkal, aad aitwtio aapata. Ia hk introductory
rtmariu be aaid tkat it wa qnita impoeeihto for oaa maa to master all the
details of nodcra pbotagnphy. In the progrea of any particular branch on*
coold aara leant a nneUa too many of uie details. Modem workers were
kfgaiy ladabtod to tbo eObrte of the lata Robert Hant The oopper-plato
aa of aaay raan* alaadiag, bat tka coat of tba plate wa fixed, and it
oaly a qaaema of tko anatv a lea eaa with which the plate could
ba printed. Tba Ugbta of the oU OMnotint were more beautiful than prooaa
platae, beeaaa tkera wa mors dean papa in a mczzoMnt, but the latter wu
mora azpeaaifa to prIat. FVAogramia coat a penny ah impression for labonr
only, and tkie, added to tka eoet of a pUta, ay, 42., made It neceaaary for
atenl tkoaeaad priata to be made before tae cost of production yielded a
prodt. A aambcr of subjecta ou one plate gave an economical method of
priatiac aad aparatod printa coaM be made before a book wu ready. If
prialadea tkia papa, the Utter had to be backed up with a thkk papa. For
aaoaatlaa, labear wa ekap. Collotype gave tome Ida ofooppcr work, especially
if priatad oa tkidt papa without any gtoae. He wu aorprised that pboto-
oaraia wu not takaa giaater advantage of in work fa presentation platea.
IMai aaliig the trtktk araeet be thought the artkt's idau should always be
eoaaahad. Ia the ideal pootogiamre Uie toneh a well u transparency should
ba presarvod. He eonpUaad of the nanownea of the photographic scale u
glvea by atntivea, aad rs^rettad that ha skoold have to make ports of hk
Ugbta aad ahadowa artificially. There wu a physical reamblann between
photogiavan aad many of the little plata foaod in modem illustrated books,
the laUa aimply bring pbotogravnra in negative. Treating of other proeesaes,
be said band work wu goncnuly apparent, and in photogravure this wonid not
da He had oftea beea uked u to the pooaibility of printing froin a coloureil
plata: Matia'a aatkod wu probably tba beet In tUs, parU of the pUta
wera ealouiad, aad tkea aoraped away u raqnirad, tko prlatlng being done in
eaefhl ngieta. Thrae a four printings arere neceeaary, but the registration
wu dilBcult. He did not sa bk way to nuking a plate in " nature's colours,"'
u tba plate mark would have to be cut away. He concluileil by enumerating
tea photofravars procesaco, by Waterhouw, Klic, Niepce, and otben. Water-
-kafaMbobtaiDed a grain by niKaoa afgrounil gla*<. He (Mr. Dawson) had
addanrlittla ataarino to un>l, and bad also Inked over the tissue with
tallow and oil, aod brooa powda. He had also rvsensitiaed the expoeed
Mehromaleil Kim, davelopod the picture, greased it, and applied bronze powder
ami printed In the dayUgbt In the Ooapil mcthoil, the nfm was like a sponge
on the plata. He wu aorry that thk proeea, which was a secret one and due
to tba UU W. a Woodbi nr, sboald have been allowed to leave the country.
Mr. T. BoLaa tgraed with a fwaark of the Chairniui's that the lecture wu a
most intateetiag oae, aad thoagfat it Jnstilled a few more detaiU from Hr.
Dawson.
The CaatBHaa said that Mr. F. E. Ives had that day, at the Royal
Institatioo, ladicateii the kiivl of colounthat must be uaed for iuking pUte>,
aod bail showD mult*. The colours were not the old primaries, nur
thorn »hich wera now recognised u prinurin, red, green, and violet-blue, but
their complrmeotariea, yilkiw, a sort of lilac, and blue-green. Thus a negative
382
THE BRITISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[May 20, 1892
taken throagb a red glass would l>e printed with the colour complementary to
the red. He was sony to hear that Mr. Dawson had to make his lights
artificially, and hoped for the time when photography would do its work
throughout Drawmg attention to the examples of photo^viire on the walls,
he said the process had been practised more completely m Germany, though
doubtless Cioui>irs work was better known, on account of the subjects repro-
ducetl. There was a large amount of hand work in them. There were often fine
examples of photogravure in the German periodicals, having a depth in the
shadows not often seen in matt prints. He suggested study of the German
works on the subject.
Mr. E. Clutos suj^ted that it wonld be a good thing for the Society to
start a representative historical collection of prints. They had often wished to
poasess such a collection. It should be produced by a process free from the
charge of evanescence. It would add to the importance of that Society, and the
collection should be a national record of photographic history and prepress,
A vote of thanks having been passed to Mr. Dawson, the meeting closed.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
Mat 12, — Mr. \. L. Henderson in the chair.
Amatbcr and Pbofessional.
Mr. A. Haddon referred to recent demonstrations and papers on the wet
collodion process given before the members, and suggested that amateurs should
make wet collodion positives instead of gelatine negatives, and thus remove
the slur which professionals cast upon them, of interfering with professional
photography. Mr. A. Haddon furtner mentioned that the Committee of the
Association had arranged for a series of lectures to be given before the members
which would afterwards be produced in book form. Promises had been re-
ceived from Jlr. J. Traill Taylor (who would discourse on 2%« History of
PhtCagraphij), Mr. W. E. Debenhani (On Lenses), Mr. A. Cowan {Cameras),
Mr. A. L. Henderson, and others.
Mr. A. Mackie asked if Mr. Haddon was serious in suggesting that amateurs
should go back to positives ? When they made wet-collodion negatives, prints
were wanted from them just as they were from gelatine negatives now.
Mr. W. E. Debenham said wet collodion positives were capable of giving
better delineation than prints obtained in the ordinary way, and did not afford
the same facilities for spoiling by retouching. Professionals should hold
themselves above the paltry con.sideration of amateurs taking the bread out of
their mouths. If amateurs' work was better than professionals', why, then
the professionals must suffer.
Mr. F. A. Bridge mentioned that the photographing of [engineeringjwork
had largely gone from photographers, many firms now getting it done at
nominal cost by their relatives or employes.
Mr. P. EvEKETT asked if a professional photographer |had any prescriptive
right in such matters ? It seemed to be looked upon as a grievance that he did
not get so many orders as hitherto.
Mr. Mackie said that probably so manyjpeople knew the prices of photo-
graphs now that they would not buy them. The ordinary professional photo-
grapher was a very narrow-minded man, who, with the chemist, always thought
he must have a monopoly.
Mr. W. G. Blaokie, of the Blackfriars Photographic Company, exhibited
and described the Anschiitz Instantaneous Camera, and also a number of
pictures of animals, &c., taken with it. Mr. Blackie subsequently passed
round a collection of celerotype prints from negatives by Mr. Hudson.
QCESTIONS.
The following question from the box was asked : " How can you ascertain
when the fixation of a silver print is complete?"
The Chairman suggested using the hypo pretty strong and giving the print
plenty of time.
Mr. Mackie said that then the print would not necessarily be properly
fixed, and Mr. Haddon described the chemical changes produced in fixation. '
Mr. FonLKs-WiNKS suggested a second fixing bath, and testing it for sUver.
Sir. S. J. Beckett said that the question had been put at a recent City
Guilds' Institute examination.
Mr. T. BOLAS suggested that the examiner be written to, asking him to tell
them, for the benefit of photography, how to ascertain when the fixation of a
silver print is complete f Having put the question, the examiner (Mr. Lyonel
Clark) would no doubt be able to answer it.
Mr. Bolas's suggestion was agreed to.
Another question was, " What is the best means of cutting opal glass ?"
Mr. A. Cowan suggested an old diamond, and Mr. G. W. Atkens a wheel
cutter, which stands more pressure than the diamond.
Mr. J. E. S.mith wished to know whether, as it was recommended to let a
mixed gold and acetate bath stand for twenty-four hours, the gold and soda, if
mixed .separately, could not be used at once. The answer given was, No.
A third question asked a rule for calculating the exposure of an enlargement
to a given size with a lens of a given size.
Mr. DEBENHA.M said : Take the number of times that the length of the
original is contained in the length of the image, add 1 and square the sum.
Thus, in copying to the same size, the length of the original is contained once
in the original 1, add 1=2, squared =4. For twice the size of the original, the
result would = 9, and thus a picture copied double the original size would
require two and a quarter times the exposure of a picture copied same size with
the same lens and stop. Mr. Debenham also said the rule was applicable to
reductions as well as to enlargements.
TELEO-PHOTOORAPHr.
Mr. H. M. Hastings had used a negative eyepiece in conjunction with a
rectilinear lens, as recently sumested by Mr. J. Traill Taylor, and had tried the
combination on the eclipse of the moon at a quarter to twelve the previous night.
With an exposure of fifteen seconds there was considerable movement of
the image. Reduced to three seconds, however, the remaining exposures were
correct. The rectilinear lens was fourteen inches in focus, the draw of the
camera being nineteen inches. What was the focus of the combination ?
Unfortunately he had used a nonachromatic eyepiece. Mr. Hastings showed
several pictures of the eclipse, as also views of a house at 400 yards distance with
an ordinary and a tele-photo lens respectively, the camera in the latter case
being drawn out to sixteen inches.
Mb, F. E. Ivbs,
Mr. BoLAS adverted to the work of Mr. P. E. Ives, which he said he had
studied carefully, and said that he considered it a real advance. It was
surprising how one saw photographs in colours in their true relation in the
examples shown by Mr. Ives.
It was decided to invite Mr. Ives to lecture before the Association on the
subject, and Messrs. T. R. Dallmeyer and J. Traill Taylor to lecture on teleo-
photography.
^
Hackney Photogrraplilc Society.— May 12, Annual General Meeting, the
President (Dr. Roland Smith) in the chair. — A satisfactory report was read by
the Hon. Secretary, and the Treasurer reported 15/. in hand to carry over to
the next season. 'The following officers were then electe<l : — President : Mr.
Herbert Robertson. — Cmmdl: Messrs. W. L. Barker, R. Beckett, F. W.
Gosling, F. Houghton, W. P. Dando, and Dr. Roland Smith. — Curator : Mr.
Arthur Dean. — Treaswrer : J. 0. Grant. — Hon. Secretary: Mr. W. Fenton
Jones, F.S.Sc, 12, King Edward-road, N.E. The night of meeting was
changed to Tuesday, and also will, after June, be every week. The entrance
fees remain as Ijefore. It was also agreed that the Club quarters be changed
to a place of more social character, and premises have been secured where all
the advantages of club life can be had. The Society has ninety active members,
and promises well for the future. During the past season papers, &c., have
been given by, amongst others, Messrs. T. C. Hepworth, A, L. Henderson,
Henry Sturmey, Mackie, Foulks- Winks, Sinclair, &c. A most successful
exhibition was held last October, when Captain Abney presented the prizes to
the successful exhibitors.
Kensington and Bayawater Photographic Boclety.— May 9, Mr. Frog-
brook in the chair. — Five questions from the question-box were read and
discussed. Two of these seemed to give some difficulty in answering. They
were as follows : — 1. I have found fifteen seconds at one foot from a certain
light to be the correct exposure for making a lantern slide by contact from a
certain negative. What will be the correct exposure for making a lantern
slide by reduction, using the same negative and light, the stop used bemg/-16,
the negative being placed three feet from the lantern plate ? 2. The above gas-
light exposure being known for contact work, can the correct exposure for
daylight be ascertained in any way from it ? Mr. Jones gave a demonstration
on Photo-microgra;^hy, showing some excellent microscopic slides and the
lantern transparencies produced from them. He also showed with his instru-
ments the best way of fixing the microscope and camera together.
Richmond Camera Club. — Friday, the 6th, was an extra Lantern Night.
Slides were shown by Messrs. Kelsey (chiefly boat-race shots), Davis, and
Ardaseer, and a fine selection of professionals' slides, lent by Messrs. Dick,
Hunter, and Alabaster.
South London Photographic Society.— May 2, Mr. A. G. Banks (Vice-
President) in the chair. — The Autotype Company's representatives (Messrs.
Brown and Burton) attended to demonstrate the working of the carbon process.
After giving a short history of the process, they explained the means by which
the issues and temporary supports were prepared, and the method of printing.
They proceeded to develop a large number of prints, both on single and double
transfer tissue, in various colours. The means by which prints were com-
pleted were then dealt with. A large number of finished prints and trans-
parencies were exhibited in the room. There was a large attendance of
members (fifty), many of whom showed themselves to be very much interested
in the working of the process, and seemed surprised at the simplicity and
ease by which good results could be obtained by it. It was announced that
Mr. Kirby had contributed a number of scarce photographic works to the
Society's library.
Croydon Camera Club. — May 9. — Mr. E. J. Wall delivered his lecture on
Development. The discourse proved to be mainly directed to a repetition of
the assertion that the printing character of the negative cannot be influenced
by the system of applying the developer. In order to prove his thesis, Mr.
Wall exhibited a number of negatives which had been exposed on graduated
squares, the series of squares being numbered from one to twenty-four, N o. 1
being the extreme white, and No. 24 the extreme dark. A large number of
plates were exposed in succession before this series for sixty seconds each, the
illuminant (a paraffin light) being kept as constant as possible, and the distance
being in each case the same. In every instance the development was carried
to "fogging point." It is here impossible to tabulate all the many experi-
ments which the lecturer described in modifying the proportions of the various
ingredients in developers operated with ; but his illustrations were mostly in
some such form as follows' — First series. Plate (1) developed with, per
ounce, 2A grains pyro, 2i grains bromide, 2 minims ammonia. (2) Same, but
double the bromide. (3.) ^Vithout bromide. The resulting negatives were
certainly more in accord with the popular notion than with the theories of
Messrs. Hurter & Driffield. Series 2 illustrated the eflfect of altering the pro-
portions of p)T0. Series 3 of altering the proportions of ammonia. Eikonogen
and hydroquinone were also similarly treated. At the end of an unusually
interesting and suggestive paper a lively discussion ensued on development in
general. Mr. D. E. GooDAHD advocated the oxalate developer for all work
except where considerable under-exposure is suspected; even then, bv using
a small proportion of hyposulphite -n-ith the developer, detail may be brought
out. Mr. C. F. OAKLjy favoured rodinal being given a trial, he having ob-
tained good results by using a strong solution (one to fifteen) for snap-shot
work. Mr. J. Packham mentioned that a variation in Beach's developer, by
adding a small porti;)n of ammonia in place of part of the other alkalies used
in the solution, W£S very promising. In the discussion it was the general
opinion that Mr. Wall had proved his case. On May 14 Mr. S. E. Burrows
conducts a party of members to Mitcham ; train leaves West Croydon at half-
M«T 20, 18B3:
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
SSS
BBit tva On Maj 21 Um PrMident (Mr. tUdcan) condacU members to Not-
&d ; tnin bnm BMt OoytioD at fuity-««T«u aiuite* (act two. May 23,
Uatan Xight ; ■Mtii' ibiim.
■bkHhMd nilllHll|l>ll AMOeUtlon.— Th* nmrtiiy omntd by punng a
vote at oQodobaea to tb* family of tba lata mamber, Mr. John Hartnap, the
MtroMaar, who wm kiUad by a fidl offbia obavratonr at Bidston last month.
Mr. JokaN. Watet gaw a rl—uaaliitliw of tha naw Ilfatd yrintuy-oat paper,
and paand rooDd an albam akowiat tiM laanlta lie obtamad wtth it. Mr.
I^aga and othar mambera paaad aooa of tkair alidaa through the lantan.
m Fhotocntpliie loetoty.— May 3, Mr. William Banka in tha chair.—
. J. T. Cooper and W. Abbott wara elected memben of the Society.
Mr. C K. DAVtoii read a paper on tba Biiloryj/ tJu^surMtcope, and many
uteraaaeopic tiaaapanndaa and abdaa ware exhifaiteil by Meun. A. Knowles,
J. Yoo^, A. Harper, J. E. Aoatwiek, and olban, a namber of the alidaa
itilag ftoB aacativai taken at tbe Sodety'i laoant Tiait to Miller'* Dale.
Meaaa, R aadxi httsk azhibitad a minor itaaaaeope, and Mean. Bosbaods,
BHrte), oae of Harding Wamer't p«wa»a lUrioaeopia, and Mr. Toong a
implrtr Mt of apparata* for fioiuaag <iienaiwr<ii tnuvparadaa.
0«*y noMiPMphto tMUtJ.—1t*T 7. Fliat Oatdoor Meeting.— Fifteen
■aabeti weta rniwt, laar^ Darby by tha tbirty-eiriit miaataa paat one train
fai two iiiliaili Idadfy iMgrid Ij tha Midlaad Bailway Company.
Tbty aoon airirad at Kegwocth. father aatnniihtlg tba good people at this
phea by tha lane array of eamana. tripods^ Ac A plaaaaat walk of a mile
aMl a liaU bnMkt thaB to tba rery <|aaiat rfllaga it LoeUagtoo. Oamaraa
weraaoooaapaaadaaBdanaBberorpiatty Tiawatakaa. Ttar aazt wanded
thair way to BaadMtoa, which urpaarad to ba aaoia partkahofy aolad te ita
raised Avnh, faodad A.a liSO ; jouaayiag forwani to Oialla Doalngton,
wkarsaarml mora vtowa were taken. A granpM the memben prMaatwaa taken
by Mr. Law. AHofethar Horty-two jMb van azpoaad. Darby waa reaebed
Maightp.Bk Mr. A. H. Bennett illf >illi aa hndar.
■luttiml tmtai TfcHmilJfclW tUk Tba aaaal BMotbly aoeial was
held at Mr. 0«rt Mdto. liC OiwMI|i win li. an Wednaaday aeaabg,
tha III! ilMii fer tha beat Mt oTalz aland and aartaa vitwa was
Tbs prtJB, wbieb is pnaaatad Iqr Mr. Ctaaa, waa wen by Mr. DieUn,
who— t in a mriifc admirsJ sat. Ha pte Ibr nait Jane wiU ba for tba bast
ate *iawa of tba axtarior of ehnrchsa and cbapela ia Soatbpcrt and tha
■alahlwmrh I. wh«i tt is bettsd a laiM wonbar wUl oompeU At tba Oom-
mitUa meeWHi kild piavkiaaly to tba abora, a latter waa nad from Mr.
''irtmatrnBMMdMl£nrifMaea,airiHtobkleaTi^tbatowaaadi '
I • if hood, m atmttmr tmi 'naiaw. ■■ afca whlah ba hat Mat aUy
' •> - '->r«Mtiaaar«ba aab.a^ wWAwmi taerivad with *«ry great i _
nqasat of tba Oswidltaa Mr. ). K. Gave, of Kavfll-atract, eon-
:idettoka the dtttiea.
Corre0ponDrncr.
mr USmHiiili^i iksall nsser wt*i *■ talk Itm if Us yapsr.
PBOTOOBAFBT IN THE OOLOUBS OP KATURE.
To tkt Banen.
Bib.— Dr. Yofri'S laMar, «• bl tlS, laartfy mnlitiw a rapatition o^
eanabi MalMBWli wliiali ba aaia aoaa aMaiaa aga la Anthonp't Photo-
jfivhU Ballrtta. la wbkh I ngnu My t tha Maa.
: ictanMala. Piuliiiiii Syhaaoa P. Tbeaipaan aiMat .otiian,
i-it that oaa aoloar may haia aaranl aoapiaaMlaiy Mloua,
' a ia tally aMtataaa oa IImI Boial
orlgiaaltv la oriliiihuwiHi ■hotavaftty wara tolly
i al PhnaJiljhla, aflar nriag Dr.
itobiailoaiprava if
ty iIm award of Iho Joha Boott LasMy
I by tba ail9 g| —■'•■- •
My m«(bod M (
V,v. , - .:ia«aJ .
It xai aafar laangalieit tba Tam«-Balmbolli thaory of aokor
T i'jo u) eoaaoiiea wllh Iba aafeiart af aoloar ■
.': .phy oatU attar I pablfahad ay yriMlpia lavnaa
(>( tttat tfaagry, aad ba aa«w gBvo iaalnillaaa te opaaMiag a^y
acaifjatantly with tha laala wUx rapport that thaory.
Aaaoidisg to Mr. BotbaBlay'a Iraoaiatioa. Dr. Togal ga«« jIm aa tba
minhaaai aaabw cf aajMlwa aad aiiala Ibal aeold ba laada to earnr
oat bia allMlrf Ptlaaipk aa pablUiadia 1M5. NoUtiag waa baaid about
bia liylog to as It with threa oalil attar I pravad. ^ tbaoraliaal eon-
ridaratiooa. that thraa only are laqoiiod ia aaaordanna with liaa aoloor
thaory.
Dose I>r. Ta«al naliaa that I bara aatoally taproJuaad aalara with
ia poaitiTaly
t with Dr.
what I* praetieaUy a aiogia pbotogiaph, aad a dariaa ao laiaw tbao a
~iaaB.
li»r. I .•. '.'jeeopa? — I am. yoara. Ac.
lukut tMid, Soittk LamUth, ititg U, IMt.
DEPTH OP P00U8.
raiA«B»iieB.
Sn.-Tha altar of Mr. P. H. WwhMa. la
I aoioapt
ij rarive tha
yoQf 1
Ibat •'
Paaa K Irw.
iHoa, la eateobtad
ilh of fooaa" ia a
qoality possessed by some lenses notably more than by others of the same
apertore and focal length and of eqaal defining power in other respects.
Will Mr. Wenhun be good enough to show by diagram and explanation
how, in such a case, Uie obtaining of depth of focus is possible ; illus-
trating his argument not by referenoe to a pinhole stop, but by examples
of two lenses of the same ordinary practical aperture and length of focus ?
The rules for finding any specified amount of so called depth of focus
are based in the text-boolu on the aperture and length of focus merely,
and if any other factor steps in, these rules must be modified.
To clear the way, it may be as well to specify two or three cases
suggesting exceptions which are rather apparent than real.
1. A lens having great spherical aberration may be moved to a greater
distance from the focus than may a corrected lens, and still give some
sort of image of a brilliant point, snob as a star against a black ground,
intenae eontrast allowing the few ray> 'ocnaaed at the out-of -general-focus
plane to aasert tbemselTea. With such ordinary objects, however, as
the photographer has to deal, these attenoated and feeble ra^ys are
aelipaed by the light from the neighbouring points, ao that no real
iaei'aaaa of depth of focns reanlta.
8. With leiiMa having the most perfect spherical and ohromatie
eometiona, the definition will be finer at the focoa than with impoieotly
eorreeted lenaes, and eoosaqoently at planes so near the focns aa not to
be manifeatly wanting. This qoality ihoold rather be recognised as finer
abaolato definition than as depth o( fooos. It oomee to this, that, starting
from a finer point, it ia faitbar before a oertain degree of blontneas comes
in.
It may be noted that the two oases cited are opposite in character, but
I have Imown eaeb pot in topport of a claim for depth of fooos, and in
each case profeiaea to be supported by photographs to illustrate the
elaim. Wbtn, bowwrar, the pnotogn4>ha were examined, it waa found
that the pbotegtaph takn by tba standard lena, with which the others
had bean eompaiM, wara not foonaaed on the same pmnt aa thoae taken
by the oOier instrmnenta, and eonaeqnently were quite inconclusive.
What daflnition was gained in baekgroond was lost in toregroond, or
rice p«r*d.
8. Whan the stop is moved a considerable distance from the surface of
the lana, tba depth of focus may be affected, bot rapidity ia also changed,
and tha depth should then be ealonlated aooording to the rapidity or
eflaeliva apertore.
I await Mr. Wenham's demonstration of the position he takes op. Up
to the praaent I look upon a elaim for depth of fooos aa merely an
adrartiang one, and hold with Petzval (whom I qooto from memory)
that depth of focus, as claimed for photographic lenses, is an expression
only ealnnlatad to darken the intellect of the worker. — I am, yours, Ac,
Mmg 10. lan. W. E. DsBEMBUi.
THE CONVENTION.
To Ihe EnrroB.
Bo,— Pandinf tha iMoa of oor programme, which will be ready by the
ii«gi«»iM o( Jane, I aak yon itow to poblish for the goidanoe of your
reaiiera iflio are memben of the Coavention the following partioolars of
tlie exenraiaaa, dinner, groap, ifta. : —
On Toeeday, July 19, tliare will be an excoraion to Melrose and Diy-
borgb.
On Thor«d«y, to St. Andrews and Donfermllne.
On Friday, to Dalmeay and Cramond Bridge, and to Itoslyn and
Bawthamdan.
The gnap will be taken on the Wednesday, at noon, probably in
Prinoe's-stnel Oardeoa.
The dinner and amoUng eonoert will be held on the Friday evening in
the •• Waterloo Hotel"
The headqnarten of the Convention at Edinburgh during the week of
llie mirting will be at ttie " Boyal Hotel" and at the " Waverley Tem-
paniMia Botat." — I am, yoors, Ac ,
F. P. CB]niaA:(o, Jcx., Hon. Secretary.
10, CambfUgo^oHkm, BUkmoitd, Surr^ , Hay 14, 1893.
MB. PARK'S PAPEB.
To the Editob.
i^In antwer to your contribotor "Cosmoe," with regard to one ot
two aiaiamcnta in my paper on Bromide Eularging, I hardly think theiy
ars iuiWBtala. He saya, in relaraooa to my p^per, " He usually takes
bis aegaifvee lor enlaiglnR with atop /-S'2. bat he omiu to tell os the
loeal length of liis lana.'* I do not thmk that tue focal length of the lens
baa any material valoc, aa I have always undaratood that /-S2 is praoti-
eally tna aama tor aU laoaaa, tba objeet of aaing/-33 stop being, m this
ease, to obtain good defiaitiaa in all planee, as well aa at the edges. At
the *^'^ time I may aay that the locos of my lens is six inches on a
qoarter-plato.
Again, with retartaee to the density being greater m the centre when
a Urge stop is oaed, he aays, " He is, I think, making a statement which
is poaeibly open to aeiiooa objeotion if it is to have a general application."
334
THE BKfTISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[May 20, 1892
I think I could not do better than quote from an article, by Henry W.
Bennett, which appeared in your Jodbnal a short time ago. In your issue
of March 4, 1892, he says, in speaking of the rapid rectilinear lens, " A
third objection is inequality of the amount of light reaching different
parts of the plate when the larger stops are used, the beams of light
forming the margins of the picture being much smaller in area than those
in the centre. Diagram 8 shows this. A central ray, the full diameter
of the stop, can pass through the lens intact, but the width of the mar-
ginal ray is determined by the extent to which it is cut by the lens mount,
or the portion that the lens itself is capable of transmitting. The full
diameter of the stop is shown by the dotted lines. In negatives exposed
under those circumstances, where full advantage has to be taken of the
rapidity of the lens, this inequality of illumination is a serious objection,
as the centre of the plate frequently develops denser than the edges, and
this detracts strongly from the value of the gain in rapidity."
In conclusion, as lenses are usually supplied with stops or " dia-
phragms " varying from/-5-6 to/-32 or/-64, 1 think there is no difficulty
UJ describing those from /-5 -6 to/- 10 as large stops, and those from /-24
npwards as small ones. — I am, yours, <fcc., Fbedekick Park.
52, CoUingwood-street, NewcaatU-on-Tyne, May 16, 1892.
FUSED SILVER NITEATE.
To the Editor.
Sir, — With regard to the greater sensitiveness of emulsions made with
fused silver nitrate over those made with the ordinary kind, is it not
possible that the fused nitrate, containing less water than the ordinary
crystallised, if used in the same proportions, would practically make an
emulsion with a larger excess of silver, and thus account for the extra
rapidity ?— I am, yours, Ac, E. Dunmobe.
27, GUnthome-Toad, W., May 17, 1892.
AMATEURS AND PROFESSIONALS.
To the Editoe. •
Sib, — I note in yonr latest issue an observation from " Cosmos "
relating to the Bath Floral and Art Exhibition. I believe I am right in
saying that amateurs are only restricted by not being allowed to affix a
price to their exhibits : they are quite at liberty to sell, and no doubt will
if a buyer presents himself. I do not think there is any unfairness about
this. Does " Cosmos " expect amateurs to be placed on the same level
as professionals ? It is only proper that there should be a distinction
between the two. — I am, yours, &c., W. Coofeb Edmonds.
Bath, May 15, 1892.
BECRTSTALLISED SILVER NITRATE.
To the Editor.
Sib, — It is not because " Cosmos " assisted his employers in cheating
the public that other and respectable dealers and makers of photographic
chemicals are to be considered as having always defrauded buyers by
selling commercial silver nitrate at the much higher price of the re-
crystallieed salt. I think it must be well known to you that a bath made
with recrystallised silver nitrate would keep in good working condition
much better than one made with commercial silver nitrate. I have some
very strong evidence to this effect. — I am, yours, &c., tJiLVZB Bath.
May 17, 1892.
river when he fell, but only that, when be fell, it was into the river ha
fell. Furthermore, our modern Admirable Crichton dilates lucidly on
" style." Now, of styles of writing there are, undoubtedly, many. There
is the style of writing of Macaulay, and there is the style of writing ol
Carlyle. But, I pray you, in whose style of writing does the learned Mr.
Brown pick up the phrase, which he launches with so much force at Mr.
Mathews, that " this style of wrtterjprobably thinks more of sound than
sense?"
Touching the topic dealt with in the phrases quoted, nothing need here
be said ; that is a matter which will stand or fall upon its own merits,
despite the feeble flings of Mr. Brown. But, assuredly, one thing in this
case is clear, our arquebusier has been hoist with his own petard. Hence
Mr. Brown may at least learn this well-worn lesson, that those who reside
in houses constructed with vitreous material should themselves refrain
from projecting missiles. — I am, yours, &o., Wh. Mathewb.
Clifton, Bristol, May 7, 1892.
A QUESTION OF "STYLE."
To the Editor.
Sib, — ^Tonr high-born, critical correspondent, Mr. Brown — from that
serene atmosphere of literary supremacy in which he permanently resides
— condescends to point out the shortcomings of some of those unworthy
scribes who supply pabulum to the photographic papers. Some of those
ignoramuses have actually spoken of Sirius as if Sirius were only a
beam of light, instead of being a substantial astronomic actuality.
Others of them have wandered wildly among sugar-bags and soap I
There can be no doubt that these note-takers and note-makers should be
more discreet in their lucubrations. For a fair share of this high-toned
animadversion, "a Mr. Mathews" comes in. Mr. Mathews has had the
audacity to employ the word " transference " when he should have said
"transposition," and "unison" when he should have said "corre-
spondence." And because he has done this bis style is " pedantic and
grandiose." That the uninitiated reader might the better understand,
Mr. Brown proceeds to explain that certain portraits had been " out in
two." In this telltale expression, he has himself iucontinentty dropped
down among the feeble ones. With sufficient clearness he reveals that
Mr. Brown is of that class of caterers for a sympathetic but ungram-
matical public to whom we are on occa^•ion inuebted for the ne«B, that
yesterday John Smith "fell in the river" aud was drowned. Our
" penny-a-liners" uo not really mean to say that J.ohn was already in the
BOILS THROUGH USING OXALATE SOLUTION.
To the Editob.
Sir, — I would like to know the cause and cure of boils arising from th«
using of oxalate solution in developing bromide paper. I have been
making enlargements on bromide paper all the winter, and have been
troubled with small boils, till at last one has broken out on me as large
as a halfpenny, which I have not been able to heal. I did not think up
to now that it was the developer, but I feel sure it must be, for I have not
been troubled with anything of the kind before. I have read, I think, in
the Journal, some time ago, of others that have been afflicted with the
same complaint, and I have no doubt that both amateurs and profes-
sionals alike are troubled with the same complaint. Any information as
to cure and prevention of this complaint will be thankfully received. —
I am, yours, &o., S. Bidet.
35, Bichmond-road.'Daliton, E., May 6, 1892.
FADING OF PHOTOGRAPHS AFTER DEATH.
To the Editor.
Sib, — In a railway train the other day a fellow-passenger said to me,
quite seriously, " It is curious that when people die their photographs
begin to fade." Now, as I never before heard of such a thing, I wonder
if it is a kind of popular belief, for, however absurd it seems at first sight^
it would be easy to bring forward any amount of proof of its correctness.
Any one might, on the death of a friend, look up his photograph and find
that since it was last seen a most perceptible fading had taken place,
and half-naturally ascribe it to some sort of sympathy with the death of
the individual, rather than to chemical changes. — I am, yours, &e.,
May 11, 1892. Geo. H. Slight.
SPEED OF PLATES.
To tAe^DiioB.
Sib, — Messrs. Hurter & Driffield, by their careful and laborious in-
vestigations, have undoubtedly done great service to the science of photo-
graphy ; but, as efforts are being made to induce plate-makers to adopt
their method as a standard means of marking the sensitiveness of plates,
I feel bound to point out that there are serious objections to this course.
My main objection is that Messrs. Hurter & Driffield's method only ex-
presses the relative sensitiveness of plates to white light, and plate-
makers, by dearly bought experience (for I put down the comparative
failure of the Warnerke sensitometer to the same cause), have already
found that such a scale, however accurate it may be, is very often at
fault in expressing the camera lensitiveness of plates.
This is explained by the fact that, in most groups of objects which are
photographed, the object which has to be exposed for, and which governs
the length of exposure, is a coloured one, as, for instance, in a landscape,
the grey green of foliage ; or, in buildings, the grey orange of red bricks
If the ratio of sensitiveness between white light and (for the sake of illus-
tration) grey orange were the same in every plate, the proposed standard
would be a suitable one ; iiut plates vary greatly in their relative sensitive-
ness to different parts of the spectrum, and the adoption of a scale of
white light sensitiveness would lead to errors of, in many cases, 100 per
cent., if used as a guide to camera exposures.
I fully acknowledge the great fieed of a standard scale of sensitivenesi,
but it still remains to be devised. I also acknowledge that a good scale
of white light sensitiveness would be some improvement on the present
want of method.
If a scale of white light sensitiveness is considered " near enough," I
feel sure that the use of Spurge's sensitometer, by means of light re-
flected by a white screen from a standard light at a standard distance,
possesses practical advantngeg over Me-ssrs. H irter & Driffield's complex
luetho I. The aperture^ iUummuting the various chambeis uiigbt tie
numbered according to the U. S. vulues of the Photographic Society. »n 1,.
I
Mar SO, 1809]
THE BRITISH JOURNAX. OF PHOTOGRAPHS.
385
i a lo« opacity ware fixed apoo M a itendard, and the plate developed in
(errooi oxalate for twenty minatea, arrort dae to dsTelopment would b«
radooed to a mmixnam.
It will be obearred that no wtetuttremtut of opadty would be required,
ooly lomparuon (In a laitable inatmmeDt), wiUi a glau of the standard
epaal^. a log ilip of nnezpoied plate, developed with the other, beinx
pLtaei orer UM lUodard to make tba raqoiaite allowanoe for tog and
opaeitT of the gelatine film. A> a minar objeetioo to Uaam. Hartar it
DrilBeld'i method, it tboold be noted that the itandard eparm eandle they
wu ia by no means aeoepted by other experts as being reliable. Mr.
Sparge objeeta to it (ne laat Camera Clab Coofaranoe), la being snbjeet
to variation. — I am, yoora. Jte., Aurun WATsm.
Htnfvrd, Jfoy 8, 1893.
THE PBICB OF PLATES.
To Iht EnrroB.
Sim,— Ton might allow me a small apM* lor a few words on the above
I, aa a |iiiifeaslnnal nt patting in my tin* ■• aame— tail to aee bow the
priee of larga-sisad plataa ihoald ba daanr io proportiaa to smaller-sixad
plataa. Take, for jnatamw, a 10 x 8. Tbay ooat 7<. id. par doaan. Now,
yoa aanaot gat au qnarlata oot o{ that riia, aad if the makara are aUa to
aaU «■• aiafla daaan at Is. par doaan, aoraly tbay an ahla to aell laaa
Ihaa sis rlnaan at 6s. par doaao. aliheoi^ thata aia nearly aiz plalaa in
onsL Again, to my knowUdge, tbara la mora time loat ia eatting ap
quartera than tbara is in 10 x 8's. Tbara are aix bozaa and ais packings
reijaired for qoarten ; tor 10x8 than ia one box and ooa packing ra-
qwred I Now, bow many amataara oaa 10 x 8 ? Very (aw fai proportion
to Iheaa that aaa halvaa and qoartatt. Than I eooaidar that Iha pio-
1 who w«rka laiga plataa paya «ar« lor hia than the aautaor,
> tha moat of than ara aimighl hj ptirfaaaiiwuls, Bat, aa I am
only a yoang eoek joat hatinnim to acow, perhaps aama oi tba old
lataiana will be able to giva ma aa atplanation how it ia that tba large
plataa eoma to ba daarar ia ptuyoilton to tba smaller onee. — I am,
yoara, Ac. W. T. T4TU>a.
KirktaUf, Mf 9, 18M.
[Tba aplaaatioo of the fact that laraa liia platea eoat much mora
ia pfoportaaa to Mullar ooaa ia, probabfy, that the pric« of tba rlaaa
par foot advaaeaa with tha Ufga liwa. Coat of labour and riin af
lailora ara alao Tarjr likely iorraaaad. Ft).]
BTAIS8 ON I>BJNTINO.OXrT FAPEB.
TotluMMtom.
Bia,— I booght aona ol tba above paper a short time age, aad waa vary
plaaaad with it. Tba sei—d lot I bM waa not good, aa blood-rad marka
oaaa ia aicht wUla I waa piiatiai. whiafa did not go ia tba leaiag. I
wMla to tba iMkan aai loU Ihaa «l *a fad aarka aad tba peer tosia ;
llwy aopfoaai I bad hmt hypo av ttlbm ahwniaal oa tba paper, aad
adviaad tha oaa e( OMra «oU. I ho«gbt two Mon ihisti. aot it op. aad
priatad at aaaa. It eaaa oat jiM aa bad. ahheogh I oaad twiea tha
oaaal a— rtry of gold, Tia., two gra, ■■Id. to algbty gia. borax. I aaat
tba aaMra aoaa of Iha paper I bad oaad, aad alao loaa aow piaeaa whiah
I aigaad, aakiag tbaaa Io try ihaas. aad at tha aaaa liaM toaaad ma two
ahaaU direct. Tba two abeole bare airivad, bat aotUag baa beaa aaid
aboot tha paper I aaat. Caa aay el yoor laadata tall bm Iha eaaaa of
ndaarkar U it bad paper, ortaitaiy taohr If my laalt, what baaa I
4nBa to aaaaa Iha aiaia r— I am. yoora, Aa.. Ai^aaa Ummm.
J$k Hull, Slotu-^tm-Trtnt, Mag It, IMt.
COBBECT EXP08CBB8.
TotMt Banoa.
Bib.— Tba aaHmaHon o< tba aoiiaat aapuaaia aaaaaaary la ba givaa ia
pbetegrapldag amf ebjeat la admlWad «■ all baada Io ba of graat import-
an>^ ia aate 10 oWala a pood phntngwpit ef that ebjaal If. then, the
of Iha aaaential
(
poioulabalahaa lata awuiial tar thaf parpeaa. H
for aaUag yea Io 6ad a plaaa far ihaoi ia year paper.
Ia aattiallag tha daratiae d aspoaora, eoe of the taetora to be taken
into aMovai ie the aaooal d aabjaat iaeladad oo tba piala. It ia diB-
eall to rxprMa tha priaaipla BMra laaidiy ; bat psrfaapa an exaaipte will
aspiata what ia wainl, a»d, at tha aaaa ttaa, wtabbsh tba tmth of tha
Hoppeae, Ihea. Ibat a portiaa of a mmUont aabjral ia being photo-
k'rtph«l, aad re^oires aa aipaaaa al loar aaaoada to obt«ia the beat
■ - :>u. If. now, all tha other auadiMaai ramalaiag tha aaaa. we sobeti-
• Una Aral aaad eae workiag at the aama iataoaity {i.e.. tba
of apartara to foaaa), aad aoeb Uial it eaahlae the plate to
- ■JiBMMaaah of tha aabj>«t. loar lima aa aaah light
tai haa tha aabieel to the plate, aad thanfora Iha npo.
sore required to obtain a similar result to that previoosly obtained need
only be one-foarth as long, viz., one second.
Of coarse, in actaal practice, a case so simple in its conditions as that
jost given can only very rarely occur ; but, nevertheless, the principle holds
good, and ought to be taken into account in estimating the exposure
necessary under ordinary oonditions. A less abstract example will show
the importanoe of this to the practical photographer. Often two views of
an interior are required, the one to take in as much of the subject as
poaaibla, the other being of some special part of interest, and it is found
that both can be best photographed with the camera in one and the same
spot ; if the lighting be fairly equally distributed and the different lenses
worked at the same intensity, the view embracing the wider angle will
require the less exposure.
It is strange that this factor should be so imperfectly allowed for in
moat of tba expoaora tablee, and should be oompletely ignored in the
instructions issued with some of the instruments sold for the purpoee of
determining the time of expoeare. No doubt practical photographers
have unoonaeionsly learnt by experience to take this into account, and
the absenoe of directions in the expoaure tables and instruments indicating
the differenn to ba made in cases which experience tells them require
different eipoaarea may account for the suspicion, and often contempt,
with which they regard these tables and instruments. — I am, Tours, io.,
ila]/ IS, 1893. M. J. Micbakl.
Crct)ange Column.
.* .Ve cAary* ii wimd* for lasii tmg txKmngn </ Apparatu* ia (At* ao/wan ;
hut nOHt tnU bt mmrltd mmUm tiU mUel* tHmUdit deiniUly itaUd. Thot*
whotpte^/f Utmr nt uinmmtt as " awyttiiy itmfiU " wM tinr^or* muUntand
Ma iMKia .qf tMr mm^apptantmct.
Will nebua* Mutoa't U x 10 npid tMtUiiuar leni lor rood Btety UoTale.— Addraas,
T. 8. 8i880«, LsvaaVyark, Musthorpa.
Io. • Ma^ piirtabb ij laasti lial (W.OOl), waat Optlmm «arTiooiM,»x7, with iliattar.
—AMnm, W. BsTeaiMa, BairdnMar, laUar Dmo, W.
Win Miiksas mumft, ialarier and aitarlor, laMad oil on roUn*, for oth«r liuk-
gtoaadSL— I ildriM, J. jAcaaoa, 7, Tratalnr-strast, OovantiT.
Will ankkDC* Itx* ■aWipaT box prlntiw tfaas wttk pl»t« rUu for two ordinur
•I x*i priatiaa traaiM,— Addfasi. a. Sauxav, 11, I*uk-ra<ul, BUokburn.
BaU-aUta Uss bj Baas, aad laaara cmmars hj Spoooar, *i » 7 i, in eiohanre for a
■• saliSr Wojek, baU bwniict.-AdilrM>. Jahu Usxtox, 70, Sliefflald-
WtUaaakaaaapnlla aadaatal and baliutrada, and iron bMd and bodj.rart, for itndio
■aewnriii or atarter haokaraud, 8x7, UfktMl from rifht.— AddraM, OiOBox
Mooaa. BaokfbalMgk. Dnoa.
Baekaroaad fraaa (aawL kakaa If* rraoad* on rollars, aUo two bukrmnndf
(Mtad oil}, la aaalawfle lor itadto twaitar* or aooMaoclis.— AddTMs, U. 8. u>nsis8,
PkulagiaiiaM. WKgataaa aaa.
Will srakai^i C..da.T per«iaH lau, br OolOar, Paris, for vIdiMOfk UndK»po Uni
bv foM Baker ar -rUt imh rKtUlMar.— addroM, Uuda MclCuna, Blantrar,
Port WlUlaa. WigtowBikir*, X.B.
ats iiilaaii iif Tas Bb>tibb JorniAL or PaoToaBtrat and PHolofrapHu: Nfwi, 1871
aad Bfwarda. sinhinai for foldiaa tripod, toitantanootu ilincur, or oSen.— Ad-
draas. B. Ooaca, 11. Watarlos nmnwt, Dovar.
WiB .
tripod. I
rana t
Wutad, •tadio foraitan aad aaaaaaor as, la aaohaair* for faaokrronnd tntan (new)
lakes In si aa ails aa roUacai akoaplala fafcrroaad, dark oaa iida, U(bt tb« othor ;
' taskliiMiail irtflr h. O. 8. Cocsiaa, Photofiaphar, Wastcmt*-
kM«a 10x( rayid rsaWllnsar. la aood aeaditiaa, for qnarior-plat* oaaatm,
tkraadaBUabaaka.adtt*adwttkOMbBas 5x4 Mir7nop« Uns.-Addnas.
A Co.. Hlrk-flnal, jiadiia, aaar Laadl. Torkihir*.
thra* doable aiidas. Boss's R. 8. aad P. 8. 1
WalaoB-s sbaMar tavalvaUUMi teohar aaaa. aoapMa, lor light UxlO aaatsra
tnat ba ■edara). davJaftat taat, kukgroaadi. or alght.iaah hot roUiag aMaUaa.
- — itby.
— Aadxaa, J. Aaioa Baaaaa, Wbti
Will asshaaga hndafaa backgraes't S) « 7) for eload or gndnata lamo •!», alio
Osaiaiaa aaMaa* baraiabw tar sabiaat roUiag pnas, wUk two rollon ; alao qnartar
Uiagp
_ pUta GoaiMaation Baotogmph with Iris
T. B. PfTcaroBTB. Phatogtaphar, aaltbnra.
A counroitnurr writaa : " It mar be pceaiUy of some interaat to your
laMKWtean aad olbara, to know that if tbay liaval over Righi tb«y will find
aaaaSow dark nea « Bight-Hnksldagt oCsnd at vary hbarml coaditiODS
to aay oaa arko awy aaa it."
Tai pietsrw lately oa view at tha Eihibitioa of Engli>h Photographic
Art IB Bniaaals will be showa by tha Lioeoln Camera Club, in the galleriea of
tha HasiJa ■ahool of Sdaaa aad Art. riom June 8 oaxu Tba following
have Hooiaad tbair Braaaak axbibita for Linooln :— Ueasra. H. H. Hay
CaBMrtM, W. J. Byraa, WUllam Crookr. G^irge Pavinon, Adam DUton,
J. (}ala, A. Hoclay Htatoa, KicharJ KMoe, H. P. Roliin»f»n, Kalnh W.
Robiasoa, Lyddall Hawyar, Frank M. Suiflills, Kobert Sliugaby, Robert
Tarraa, Henry Van d«r Weyda. U. Wr.t A Son, W. W. Wiulor. Photo-
grapban ara lavilad to cootriboU eihibiu, wbiuh should Iw Mint, carriage
tiat.1. to tba BccraUry of the Eibihitiou, at the School of 8.n«nc« and Art,
Lin>:ol(i,
ssa
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[May 20, 1892
dnetDrrs to GortesponDents.
AU
wuUttn for tka ttxt portitm of (Mm Jotoual, including q«eriet for
'•Amven'' and " Bxchangtt," mutt bt addreued to "Thk Editob,
i,'yori>ttrtet, Covent eairdm, 'London. Inattention to thia mmra delay.
^'n notice taken 0/ communicationt unlest name and addreu of wnter are
ffiven.
*,* UHnmuinication* relating to Advertisemente and general bueiness affairs
mutt it addrettedto "Hesry Gbkbnwood * Co.," 2, York-street, Covent
Oardtit, London.
TlOTiCB (Leeds).— The "stain" is due to light getting into the dark slide
through the top of the shutter groove.
A. P.— To our knowledge there is nothing on the market resembling the screen
of which yon send ns a photograph. It would possibly be a commercial
success.
•W. H ARVBT.— If the sulphite of soda was in the form of a white powder, it no
doubt accounts for your trouble. A village chemist's shop is not where we
should expect to get goo<l sulphite of soda.
•3. BowTKB. — It is only by working with the best materials that you can
expect to obtain the best results. You had better procure those specially
prepared for the purpose, notwithstanding that they are somewhat more
costly, particularly in the experimental stage.
ExpERiMKNTALiST asks if bitumen more sensitive to light than that usually
sold, namely, that which has been treated with ether, &c,, is to be had
commercially.— We believe it is. We fancy it is supplied by several London
dealers.
■E. T. Cdmminos.— The stains on the negatives arise from imperfect fixation.
It is not sufficient to leave the plates in the hypo till all the bromide of
silver has disappeared. They should be allowed to remain as long after the
bromide is dissolved as the time it took to dissolve ; a little longer does no
harm.
lilNCOLN.— Probably the fault lies with the negatives. To obtain good repro-
ductions of engravings, the negatives must be strong, with the lines as
nearly bare glass as possible. The best results with this class of work are
got with wet-collodion negatives. With dry plates, only those specially
prepared for photo-mechanical work should be used in copying engravings.
Alob.— Clearly the shutter does not work quick enough. Considerable move-
ment of the figures is apparent, while the plate is much over-exposed. You
say the shutter was set for its quickest, and, as we know that it is one of the
most rapid in the market, we cannot but surmise that there is something
that retards its movement, such as dust, or maybe some portion is slightly
bent.
Bbomide says : " I have a ten-inch focus portrait lens, with both back and
front combinations measuring three inches, no name on mount, but the stops
and under side of the lens mount are marked with the letters 'L. C Can
you tell me from this who is the maker of the lens and the value of same ?"
—The maker of the lens was Coiffier, of Paris. It is probably an excellent
instrument.
S. K. G. says : "Kindly let me know if "immersing bromide prints in an
alum bath to harden ' is calculated to render them more liable to fade ; and,
if so, woiild subsequent washing in clear water prevent it ?"— We do not
apprehend that the proper use of an alum bath with bromide prints is likely
to conduce to fading, hence subsequent washing is of little consequence in
that couuexion.
M. Franke.— There need be little difficulty in photographing the collection of
old china if you are careful in illuminating the subjects. Reflection and
false light must be avoided. A single lens, or one of the rapid type, will
answer very well. The formula quoted is an excellent one for treating the
plates by. A pale yellow screen should be used with them. Give a full
exposure, but do not over-expose.
FiTZ B. — 1. For copying oil paintings, orthochromatic plates are necessary.
2. There are several manufacturers of gelatino-chloride paper whose adver-
tisements will be found in our outer pages. 3. We cannot tell you where to
lind the description "of a self-made good lantern for the dark room."
Surely, out of the numerous advertisements of dark-room lamps, you should
lie able to select one suited to your requirements.
Richard Painter (Blandford) asks if double albumenised paper and thickly
albumenised paper are not one and the same thing. — No. A paper may be
thickly coated without being doubly coated, and vice versd. The double
method strictly consists in applying albumen, whether salted or unsalted,
to the surface, and then coagulating this by steam or analogous means, the
salted albumen being then applied. It is evident that this latter cannot sink
into the paper, but must remain on the surface, thereby conferring brilliance.
Novice in Carbon complains that he cannot succeed in getting his carbon
prints to adhere to the temporary support for development, and asks the
reason. — Tliere may be more than one reason for the trouble. 1. It may be
that the "safe edge," that is protecting the margins of the negative from the
action of light by means of strips of opaque jjaper or black varnish. 2. The
tissue may have become insoluble, in which case it will be impossible to
make it adhere. 3. Possibly the tissue was allowed to remain for too long a
time in the water before it was squeegeed on to the support. These are the
principal causes of this trouble.
-T. Westwood asks if any English firm supplies paper ready prepared for
jirinting by the Woodburj'type and Stannotype processes. He says "he
liflievcs it is the usual Kives ]iaper, which has undergone a special treatment
with shellac and lieavy rolling, and is told it is not to be had in this
■ priuntry." — The paper, ready for use, is an article of commerce in some
pirts of the Continent. Liesegang, of Diisseldorf, if we mistiike not,
su'iplies it. Possibly, however, some firms who work Wooilbiirytype here
will supply the paper.
R. A. J. writes : "Can you tell me if the large negatives, reproductions of the
paintings in some of the Continental galleries, from which the excellent
prints to be seen in the shops abroad and sometimes here, printed in carbon,
are by the wet-collodion process or on dry plates ? I presume, whichever
process is employe<l, the plates are orthochromatised. "— The majority of the
negatives of the class referred to, if not all, are by wet collodion. The
reproductions of our National Gallery pictures by Braun a few years ago
were by the wet-collodion process. In all cases the plates are ortho-
chromatised to obtain the fine effects we see.
P. Bowman. — Supposing the varnish be the ordinary spirit varnish, which is
usually employed for negatives, there need be no difficulty in removing it so
that the negative may be intensified. Place the plate in a dish of strong
methylated spirit, and let it soak for a quarter of an hour or twenty
minutes, with occasional rubbing with a tuft of cotton wool Then empty
away the spirit and apply fresh, and repeat the operation. Then rinse the
negative with a little fresh spirit. If by this time the whole of the vami'-h
is not removed, more spirit must be used. In very obstinate cases a small
quantity of caustic potash may be dissolved in the spirit to increase its
solvent power.
F. E. G. says : " I want the loan of some good negatives from which to make
enlargements. The subjects must be interesting to the general public —
views, figures, cherubs, .sculpture, &c. , [ihotographs of good steel engravings
or pictures that are not copyright. I would be much obliged if you, or any
of your readers, could advise me how best to obtain such negatives on
reasonable terms. I enclose for your inspection a photograph on which the
name and address has been photographed. I have no intention of registering
this novelty, but would be glad to have your opinion as to whether this style
could be made copyright." — 1. We can only advise you to advertise for such
negatives as you require. 2. Copyright is only applicable to the pictures
themselves, not to the style in which they are done.
H. Williamson sends us some photographs of prize medals gained by a business
firm, who intend to use them for advertising purposes. He says : " The
people have returned them, saying that they are of no use, as they are not
good enough. I enclose a print of some coins they have sent me. They say,
unless my work is as good as these, they will cancel the contract. Now, I
must confess that my work, as you will see, is not nearly so good as that
forwarded by them. Can you kindly suggest any means by which I can
obtain a better result ? I shall esteem it a favour if you will plea.se return
the prints in the stamped and addressed wrapper." — The specimen print is
certainly very much better than the other, and there is a very good reason
why it should be. The negatives were not made direct from the coins, but
from reproductions of them in plaster of Paris, hence their superiority.
Our correspondent should get his customers to have their medals so repro-
duced in the same way, then he will be able to get a similar result. Usually
the plaster of Paris is slightly tinted with some dark pigment, such as burnt
umber, to take off the excessive whiteness, which is an assistance in the
work.
Perplexed says : " Will you please give me your opinion of the stains on the
enclosed print.s. We have been troubled with them now for some weeks.
They do not appear on all the prints in the same batch. For the first few
weeks they only came on the cabinets, now we have them on different sizes.
I may say the mounts we are using aie the last of a large stock, and we have
never been troubled with marks or stains until now. Before mounting, the
prints are clean and good. If they are kept unmounted for weeks, they are
still the same. The prints are thoroughly washed, and every care is taken
as regards cleanliness in every process. We always mount with starch.
Now, we have tried different makes, Glenfield Photographer's Starch
included, but the stains are just the same. Now we are at a loss what to
do, and should be glad if you could help us out of the difticulty."— It does
not appear that the mounts are at fault, although they may be. Any
impurity in them could only be detected by chemical analysis. The .stains
are similar to those produced by imperfect fixation and washing. Mount the
half of a print on one of the mounts, and compare it with the half print that
has not been mounted at the end of a few days, and let us know the result.
Photographic Societt of Great Britain. — At the Technical Meetine,
May 24, the properties of the new concentric lens of Messrs. Ross & Co.
will be demonstrated. Members are invited to bring their best lenses for
comparison with it.
London and Provincial Photographic Association.— May 26, Tlie Photo-
graphic Slmly of Clouds and Lightnimi, illustrated by slides, Mr. A. W.
Clayden. June 2, The Tele-Pholo'jraphic Leas, .Mr. T. R. Dallmeyer.
21, Outing to Eltham.
Photographic Club.— May 25, Developers for Bromide Prints. June 1,
Photn-micrugraphy, Mr. T. Charters Wliite. Outing next Satunlay (21st iiist.)
to Eltham, under the guidance of Mr. E. A. Newell. Train from Cannon-
street at fifteen minutes past two.
OONTSNTS,
photoobapht at thb boyal
scicietvs convebsazione ssi
a question of exposrre 821
obsolete PROCESSES 324
AMERICAN NOTES AND NEWS 325
A NEW FORMULA FOR THE DUSTING-
OX PROCESS. Bv W. B. UOLTON .... 385
IHE CAMERA AND THE CONVEN.
TION; OH. PiCTURESQI:k SCOTLAND
AND PHOTOOll.VI'HV.— Ill 320
WHY PHOTOOnVPHS K.^DE.—V. Bv
HEBBEllT S. Sl'AiiSES 327
P&«B
WORK
T. N.
ADVANCED PHOTOOBAPHIC
FOB AMATEUBS.— 1. By
ARMSTBONO ^^
PHOTOOBAPHIC SURVEY OF WAR-
WICKSHIRB ™'
OUR EDITORIAL TABLE 82'
RECENT PATENTS 380
MKETIRQS OF 800IETIES SSI
OORBESPONDENCE Sl«
EXCHANGE COLUMN 338
ANSWERS TO 00BBE8P0NDENTB 336
\
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
N'o. 1673. Vol. XXXIX.— MAY 27, 1892.
LENS DIAPHRAGMS FOR BINOCULAR CAMERAS.
the utility and oonrenicnoe of the Iris diaphragm there
' >t b« two opinions. Bnt this useful appendage to the
lensmajjiroTe quite different when applied to a single and to
a donble-lens camera. The lovely (moothness with which the
leaves fold and unfold in respooM to the touch of the button
or the rotating ring oatdde ia such aa to chann every one who
has once experienced its use. And jet thisi very facility of
movetneat and adjustment may, and often does, prove hostile
*r< its effective employment in Uie case of stereoscopic cameras.
It is Bxceedingly difficult to adjust, by means of the en-
gnved gra/luated index-ring oatside, a pair of lenses so that
each shall be identical with its fellow ; and, unless they are
>«olutely identical, there will be a lack of equality between
he two ]>totures, one receiving a relatively longer exposure than
!ie other. In some cases even th« engraved lines of the index
cirde an, assomiag thsir McniMy of position, of such a
breadth that tha mare adjasting die arruw-bead to the one
margin or the other uf the line will eanse a diflference.
For this wasan we have always recommended, and employ,
Waterfaoose diaphragms in the lenses of our stareosoo{ne
camstn. And even these diaphragms are not altogether an
■inoiiiad bIsMiag; sspedaOy as supfiUed by onr best opticians
'. the present dfty. Thay give as too mudi for oor money.
\ multiplioity of stops, sseh dlAriag from another in but a
* ilsgrss, is apt to bewilder ; and our advlts to a tourist
ling a binoeolar camera is to aslsot only three, or at most
>ur, and laavs all the others at home Nay, more, he will
kHTStly oonsalt his eaofTSoisiMe by " pairing " his stops so as to
render it impossible for diasimOar ones to be employed even
vben working under the graatast conceivable pressure of time
Let us explain. At a emsorf glance there is no appreciable
iifferenee batwesn, say,/-27 and/S2, that is, whan the stops
ire marelj looked at, and their dimensions estimated without
. xamining the fignses, and sndi an nnaqimlly matched pair
;aaj be, and to our oertain knowledge have been, worked
-kmultansonsly, with the rssult that one picture is more fully
exposed and denssr than the other, and wise men, at the
^oBlaHas or cinba where they are exhibited, account for the
difltavoea by the snppoeitioa that one lena moat have bsoome
disootoored without its being apparent, and therefore slower in
action. Tha sjitem of pairing stops which we recommend is
«imple in tha aztreme. It consists in removing the black, by
msaas of amary paper, (h>m the thumb piece of each alternate
pair of atops. Thus, selecting from the battery of diai^ngms,
say, /-32, /-M, /-1«, and/ll, the thumb pieces of the first and
third of these wtO be black, while those of the second and
fourth will be bright brass, rendering a mistake as between
a^jaasBt rfM fsita Impsaiible, as a bright stop in one lens, and
a Uaek oaa ia tha other, would indicate inequality. It need
scarcely be said that this brightening must only apply to the
projecting thumb piece, and not to tlie area of the diaphragm.
We have spoken of the difficulty that may arise in the case
of having a pair of lenses with Iris diaphragms accurately
matched. But this may be effected by the application of the
check system now so frequently adopted with iris diaphragms,
by which at certain apertures there is a check to further
rotation by the action of a spring p*iint falling into a notch.
If this were made sufficiently stiff', and identity between the
two lenses could be relied on, this wotild serve the purpose ;
but only equalling the efficiency of Waterhouse stops to which
the pairing system we have just described has not been applied,
for there would still be the possibility of one size being employed
in one lens, and anotlier in the other. The real remedy, could
it be easily effected, would consist in having the pair so con-
nected one with the other that both would be automatically
operated by one movement So much mechanical ingenuity
exists among opticians and photographers that we do not doubt
of this desideratum being accomplished.
THE PRESERVATION OF MODERN PRINTS.
Tex question of the permanency, comparative or otherwise, of
modem prints by various processes is one tIAt is constantly
recurring; but, in most of the discussions that have taken
place, the major portion of the attention has been devoted to
tha stability of the image itself rather than to that of the
support. In other words, the point that has been the more
carefully considered is whether the metallic or other deposit
forming the image is subject to change with lapse of time or
under stress of atmospheric conditions, while the inalterability
of the pnper support has been comparatively ignored. It is
true the question of the possible discolouration of the paper
from one cause or another has been discussed on more than one
occasion ; but this class of deterioration is more particularly
connected with the photographic side of the question, since it
generally arises from faulty manipulation, and may therefore
be placed under the heading of fading or alteration of the
image, but the physical deterioration of the support itself has
scaroebuyct been adequately con.sidered.
"Ill Wlliflhing ourselves to modem prints, we do so because the
fiiding of albumen prints has come to be almost universally, and
perhaps correctly, set down to the liability of the albumen
itself, not only to decompose, but also to form silver compounds
that are j>eculiarly liable to decomposition, both spontaneously
and under slight atmospheric pr<(Vocation. Silver images in
collodion films have long been regarded as far more permanent
than the ordinary albumen prints ; indeed, it has been claimed
fbr the developed collodion negative image that it is absolutely
permanent within the limitutiuu wc have already referred to.
338
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH!.
[May 27, 1892
Similarly it has been alleged in favour of gelatino-bromide and
chloride pictures that they are, if not absolutely permanent, at
least practically so, partly in the case of developed prints, by
reason of the diflFerent composition of the image, but mainly
because gelatine is supposed to be free from the peculiar
tendency of albumen to decomposition, and to the formation of
decomposable products. This may or may not be the case, but
there is probably a good deal of truth in the claim ; still, it
may be asked, is gelatine itself wholly free from reproach in a
physical sense, or, for that matter, even chemically 1
Personally, wo are very far from taking that view ; on the
contrary, given two prints, one on albumen paper and the
other with gelatine as the basis, equally carefully treated in
preparation, and equally free from chemical impurities, we
consider that the albumen print is better calculated to stand
the ordinary vicissitudes of our climate than the other. This
may appear to many a strong if not a reckless statement, but
let us say a word in explanation of what we really mean.
What are the "ordinary vicissitudes" of climate in this
country ? Well, damp is certainly the first, and changeability,
both as regards temperature and degree of moisture, comes next.
Beyond these, the abnormal conditions to which a print may
be submitted cease to be ordinary, and if we choose to hang our
photographs in an atmosphere of sewer gas, or in a chemical
factory, we must expect them to suffer. Alternations of heat
and cold, of dryness and moisture may therefore, we think, be
safely taken as representing the conditions to which the
majority of photographers are subject.
Now, which, we ask, is the more likely to pass through a
lengthened exposure to such conditions without change, pure
coagulated albumen or pure gelatine? We are treating the
respective prints as if they were theoretically perfect, that is,
consisted only of pure gelatine or albumen and metallic silver,
or some perfectly insoluble and equally inert compound thereof.
If it is not possible in practice to attain to this state of affairs,
it is no more difficult to make a fairly near approach to it with
albumen than with gelatine ; perhaps, really, it is easier. Now, ,
pure coagulated albumen is one of the least changeable of all
the forms of animal organic matter, and little, if at all, subject
to decomposition from moisture; while pure gelatine — well,
perhaps the less said the better. Gelatine, even when
hardened as completely as it can be with ordinary or chrome
alum, is still very subject to swell and change under the action
of moisture; but the treatment to which the majority of
prints are submitted, even when they are "alumed," is
scarcely such as to ensure the maximum burdening effect
being attained.
A wide difference is to be recognised, however, between
developed and printed-out proofs. Not only has the harden-
ing effect of the development to be taken into consideration in
the first case, but it is an almost universal practice to use alum
in the preparation of the emulsion, and also in a clearing and
hardening application to the print after development. On the
other hand, the printing-out papers have usually perfectly
soluble films, lietter colours being obtained under such con-
ditions, and are also deprived of the indurating action of
development, while alum may or may not be used after tonino-
and fixing ; so that, on the score of hardness alone, the de-
veloped print would seem to have a better chance than the
other.
But emulsions for development are made under such con-
ditions that the gelatine is seldom or never for long submitted
to the action of free silver, while the printing-out emulsion
contains as one of the essentials to its successful use an excess
of soluble silver salt, and this exists in the film itself in a more
or less dry state until the time comes for toning. Here, then,
we can foresee a greatly enhanced opportunity for the formation
of dangerous silver compounds which, though they may show
us immediate signs of their presence, may still be there to work
injury in the finished print if aided by warmth and moisture.
It is many years since the practice was introduced in con-
nexion with albumen prints of impregnating them with some
substance more or less impervious to water or moisture in order
to render them less liable to deterioration from such influences.
It is not necessary to cite instances of the value of such treat-
ment, it may suffice to say that such simple treatment as
coating with collodion, polishing with wax or encaustic paste,
a preparation of was or the more elaborate system known as
enamelling, have all been proved to add to the permanency of
a silver print, though not to render it altogether unalterable.
From what has been said respecting gelatine it seems more
than ever necessary, or, at least, desirable, to apply some such
treatment in order to render the prints as little subject to
change as possible ; for, while it may fall short of rendering
them absolutely permanent, it is very little trouble, can do no
harm, and serves to impart a feeling that we have at least done
the best we can.
The methods we have enumerated in connexion with albumen
prints are equally applicable to gelatino-bromide or chloride
surfaces ; but their preservative effect is far inferior to that of
another method we shall name, and which with gelatine is
infinitely more effective than even with albumen. We refer to
the application of a coating of aqueous solution of shellac, made
by dissolving bleached lac by boiling in a weak solution of
borax. This forms a pale yellow solution, which dries without
colour upon paper, and forms a perfectly insoluble film, is per-
fectly flexible — short, of course, of actually creasing the paper,
when, of course, it will break, and, in fact, making the print as
nearly waterproof as anything will. It may be made to dry
without gloss, or, if preferred, a high glaze can be given to the
surface, and it is equally applicable to the smoothest and
roughest papers.
But the chief point of advantage in its use is, that whereas
with an albumen print the coating of varnish would be entirely
on the surface if the print were floated, or in the pores of the
paper in addition if immersed, in the case of gelatine, floating
alone suffices to thoroughly impregnate the gelatine film with
the waterproofing material, and the treatment may be extended
to the paper support or not, as preferred. The fact of the
pores of the gelatine being filled with shellac ensures that the
individual particles forming the image are surrounded with
waterproof material, and so at any rate approximately isolated,
and thus, if the seeds of change should exist within the film
itself, their power for harm is greatly lessened, if not altogether
destroyed.
The varnish is made by dissolving about one hundred grains
of borax in a pint of water by boiling in an enamelled saucepan
and when dissolved adding an ounce of good bleached lac
broken into small fragments. Continue boiling and stirring
until the shellac is dissolved, then filter first through muslin,
then through bibulous paper, and finally set aside for some
days until a fine sediment falls, and leaves the solution clear
and bright, of a pale straw colour. It may be made stronger
or weaker, as desired, using the borax and lac in the proportion
of about 1 : 5 respectively.
On this vdmish the print may be floated, or it may be
M«y in, 1889]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHS.
339
It .v-h r iiimersed, and then hung up to dry. We prefer to
-irv til.' priits first, and immerse them in that state in the lac
solution until quite limp, then pin up to drain and dry.
USE AND ABUSE OF THE HAXD CAMERA.
Clo6X observation convinces us that the hand camera in some
fonn or another is destined to keep its present popularity for a
considerable time, inasmuch as the uses to which it is specially
applied are not likely to disappear before the means of minis-
tering to them. As an item of the tourist's or traveller's
outfit, as the companion of the artist, the newspaper corre-
spondent, the architect, and the antiquary, and many others,
the hand camera has, as it were, opened up for itself a field of
indispensability which the stand camera would never, ^xr »t,
have been capable of creating or occupying ; and it is on these
grounds that we are induced to predict a long lease of life for
it rather than on its partial superaevion of the ordinary camera
among those who fail therewith to secure the lUniltrnta of light-
ness, compftctneas, and portability in combination with efficiency
as an imtnnnent of praciaion for different kinds of photogniphy.
Among those photographers, however, to whom the employ-
ment of the hand camera is not dictated by a n«ce«ity equally
as great as that which obliges th* classes of persons previously
mentioned to confine their photographic work to the fniits
of that instrument, we are not confident that the latter
is sure of a continued popularity. It is seldom that we
find, amid the eDormoos number of photographs taken by
means of the hand ouoan, that the quality of the work,
either in an artistie or teehoioal sense, approximates to
that which is esacuted in the osaal way, although we hasten
to allow that there are a large number of photographs so pro-
duced which are at least creditable on those two counts. But
of really good hand-camera work there is no plethora. We
have invariably found that that which fairly ehallengea com-
parison with the best stand-camera pictures is the production
"ither (jf men of exeaptiooal skill, who have devoted a large
amount of time and study to the proper use of the hand
camera, or of those who are aqualljr expert in pictur»«iakmg
in the eoouBOB method. •
It isoonaaqnently,bacaose it appears to us th.it the production
Tthe finaet quality of results with the hand camera demands
a high degree of skill in a<ldition to that neceasiUted by stand
photography, and which is, therefore, doubly difficult of
acquirement, that we should not be surprised if, in conrae of
time, the hand camen for ordinary worit was quite relinquished
I7 those wlioaa aapiratioos it failed to assist towards realisa-
tion. At present, such cameras are largely employed under
cinumataoeea which preclude good pictures being made except
>v a miracle. For example, they are maeh naed fbr taking
lifficult architectural and dark landscape subjeoto pure and
imple, without any moving fignres in the pictures, for interiors,
and fi)r grmipa. We leave our readen to conjecture how often,
in the first ease, the lines of the subject escape distortion, how
near to correctness the exposure approximates in the second
and third, and in the fourth how the grouping and lighting
are satirfuMuiily aeeomplished without the aid of a focussing
In such work as this the hand camera, particuhwly in the
ease of thuse of only moderate ability, takes away in technical
'tr artistio qualities what it gives in portability and con-
'.nienoe. For its thoroughly successful use, it entails the
'ipen^ifnre of a find of common sen*e, thought, car*, and
downright cleverness which far exceeds the average possession
of these qualities. On the single score of exposure, we main-
tain that, for most subjects, excluding moving figures, the
drawback of not being able to carefully examine the image on
the screen deprives one of the power of exercising that judg-
ment which, in the absence of artificial aids, is absolutely
essential to giving approximately correct exposures with any
degree of certainty. Hence it is that we so rarely find hand-
camera work properly exposed. As to pictorial composition,
careful selection of subject, arrangement of light and shade,
and proper proportion of picture, they, if not out of the ques-
tion, are rendered vastly more diflScult of attainment with a
hand camera than otherwise. In short, the hand -camera
worker's mind is, by the necessity of his position, too often
in his camera and its appurtenances, instead of in the picture,
with disastrous results to the latter.
The sphere of the hand camera is, as we have already re-
marked, clearly defined. Besides those to whom it is a con-
stant tine qud non, it has a distinct claim upon the ordinary
amateur worker at times, as, for example, in street scenes, in
animal work when it is necessary to follow up the subject, and
on many other special occasions when the use of a camera on a
stand would be out of the question. In these respects the
hand camera — though the quality of the pictures must too
often partake of the nature of compromises — occupies legiti-
mate ground, and we believe, considering the ingenious me-
chanical improvements of which it is constantly the subject,
will continue to do so in the future to increased advantage.
By no means do we wish these remarks to be accepted as in-
tended to deter the users of hand cameras from this kind of
work ; on the contrary, we indicate such a field of photography
as one to be cultivated with every assiduity. That is a proper
use, and not an abuse, of the hand camera, and we applaud it.
At the commencement of the season for outdoor work we
have perhaps not unfittingly invited attention to the fact that
hand cameras are too often employed on subjects which lie
peculiarly within the domain of the stand camera. One fact
more than another confirms us in our view that ere long the
hand camera will be largely abandoned by those who abuse it
in the manner we have pointed at, and that is the unsatis-
factory nature of the pictures it invariably yields in ordinary
hands. Where it is always possible to produce better work
with lees trouble, there surely may we look for dissatisfaction ;
and, as dissatisfaction is a strong incentive to progress, the
moral will doubtless not be lost on many hand-camera workers.
There is a proper place for the hand camera in photography,
which we have clearly traced out ; but, when it is employed on
stand-camera subjects pure and simple, we are not sure that
photography is not harmed rather than benefited by the
facilities it affords of degrading its capabilities for picture-
making.
A Vew Tixing A^ent.— We are informed that a new fixing
•f«Bt fn jjlace of hypo will shortly be introduced by a firm of manu-
facflnfng chemiatx. The nature of the compound is, ao far, unknown
to us, except that it has an acid reaction, and that it will work at a
higher dsgiee of dilution than the hypo aolution.
I*lne Art BxlUbition.— The aizth International Exhibition of
the Fine Arta in the Cryatal Palace, Munich, which will open to the
public on the 1st of Jane, is, we are given to understand, one of the
finest hitherto held. Aa the Bavarian capital has alwaya been a homo
for fine sit it, would be lurpriaing if its exhibitions were not great
(occeMes. Etching and engravintf find a place in the Exhibition, but
340
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[May, 27, 18f>2
not photographs or photo-engravings. It is a little surprising t'lat
the latter do not, for the art is worked to a higher state of perfection
in Germany, perhaps, than in any other part of the world. More
particularly is this the case with the reproduction of paintings both
by the old and modem masters. However, photogravures are not
shown. ^__^^^_^^^^^_
Old Presentation Prints. — Apropos of the recent exhibi-
tion of very ancient silver prints, it used to be the custom with most
of the old photographic societies to give a presentation picture to its
members annually. These pictures were generally about the best
photographs that could be obtained at the time. The negatives were
made by various methods and modifications, and the prints sometimes
by one process and sometimes by another. Now, there must be
thousands of these prints still in existence. If a collection of them,
whatever be their condition, could be got together, it would be
interesting, as well as instructive. In a measure it would illustrate
the state of the art, at its best, at certain periods, and what was done
by different processes; also, in the case of prints by the various
methods, how they have stood the test of time.
To Prevent Vnsiphtly-looklngr Bottles.— Most photo-
graphers have an experience of the untidy and unsightly appearance
of the bottles on their shelves, caused, after pouring, by the running
down of a portion of the contents over the sides of the vessel, and
crystallising there, or perhaps sullying the label. According to a
correspondent of the Chemical Neivs, this can be entirely obviated by
simply painting the lip or rim with melted paraffin. Care should be
taken to cover only the side of the lip — none should be put on the
upper surface. It can be accomplished most easily by using a small
hog-hair brush, and a wax of low melting point, such as is used for
embedding sections. It will be found that, besides preventing the
solution trickling down the outside, it enables the reagent to be
delivered in single drops, without resorting to the plan of partially
withdrawing the stopper. Those who have vainly endeavoured to
deliver drops from the mouth of a bottle will appreciate the advantage
of the latter recommendation.
The Aerial d-raphoscope.— At a recent meeting of the
Physical Society was exhibited, as a " new instrument for showing
the effects of persistence of vision," an apparatus under the above
title, which, we presume, is the same instrument (or a similar one) as
that exhibited at the last exhibition of the Photographic Society of
Great Britain in Pall Mall. It consists, as visitors to the Exhibition
will remember, of a narrow wooden lath mounted on a whirling
machine so as to be rapidly rotated in its own plane. When rotated
it presents the appearance of a nearly uniform screen or disc, owing
to the persistence of impression. For exhibiting the latter effect the
instrument is, of course, a useful, if cumbrous, affair; but for
practical lantern projection it is, as we have before pointed out,
practically worthless. The loss of light is, perhaps, ninety-five per
cent., and there is the further disadvantage of this ninety-five per
cent, going to illuminate the rest of the room, though, of course, it
would be practical to place a black-velvet screen behind to absorb
this ; but then the raison d'etre of the machine would be gone.
Photochemical Action.— Messrs. P. Askenasy and Victor
Meyer have been experimenting upon the action of light upon
mixtures of gases capable of detonation. Of particular interest to
photographers are those upon the photo-chemical induction of
chlorine. They say that, in regard to Draper maintaining that a
chlorine-detonating gas, composed of chlorine and hydrogen, pre-
viously exposed to the action of light, possesses the power of con-
tinuing to form hydrochloric acid even in the dark, their experiments
prove the observation to be incorrect. Bunsen and Crowe have
rejected the observation as being incorrect, showing that chlorine
which had never passed outside the laboratory through a glass room
exposed to the heat of the sun, and was then mixed with hydrogen
similarly treated, remained inactive on mixture with the latter in
darkness. The first-named experimenters, in order to remove every
possible objection and element of doubt, repeated these experiments
with every precaution against possible contamination of the gases,.
and made the exposure to lieht continue for several hours, concen-
trating the rays of the sun (in July) by a concave mirror. No com-
bination or production of hydrochloric acid occurred.
A Unit of DCeasure of Xiig'ht and Colour.— At the^
Physical Society, Jlr. Joseph W. Lovibond read a paper on this
subject, and illustrated it with diagrams, models, coloured charts,
&c. The principle of the measurements depends on the selective
absorption of the constituents of normal white light by coloured'
glasses, red, yellow, and blue. The depths of tint of the glasses ar»-J
carefully graduated to give absorptions in numerical proportions.
For example, two equal glasses, each called 1-unit red, give the same-
absorption as a 2-unit red, and so on. The units of red, yellow, andi.
blue are so chosen, that a combination of one of each absorbs white-]
light without colouring the transmitted light. Such a combination.]
he calls a " neutral-tint unit." By the use of successive neutral-tint
units, white light can be gi-adually absorbed without showing traces*
of colour, and the number of such units required to produce a com-
plete absorption is taken as a measure of the intensity or luminosity
of the white light. The influence of time of observation on the-]
penetrability of different colours was illustrated by diagrams, the
results of 151 experiments in colour being explained. Mr. and Miss
Lovibond showed the methods they used for colour-matching and.
measuring.
An Vnrecogrnlsed Use of Photog-raphs.— A few weeks-
ago it will be remembered that a lady was mulcted in penalties and
costs for lending season tickets of admission to the Crystal Palace to
other persons, such tickets being " not transferable." Now, there is no
question that season tickets for exhibitions, railways, &c., are very
frequently used by people to whom they were not granted, and who
have no right to utilise them. Impositions of this kind are very
difficult of detection under the present system ; but, if photography
were made use of, this fraud might at once be exposed. Those grant-
ing season tickets, whether for exhibitions or railways, can, of course,
fix their own conditions. If one of these were that the holder was
to have his photograph attached to it, bearing the Company's im-
pressed stamp, fraud would be next to impossible, and photography,
from a business point of view, would be benefited. Many portraitists
would be glad to make terms with the companies to take portraits for
the purpose at a reduced rate, on the chance hi obtaining orders for
duplicates. It is rarely that a portrait is taken, if it is satisfactory,
that a number of duplicates are not ordered. Here is a hint to rail-
way companies and others. We are quite aware that the idea is not
new, and, if we mistake not, has been carried out in connexion with
more than one international exhibition on the Continent with success.
I
"What Is "aigrht Exposure 7 "—At the present time there
are before the photographic world various "exposure tables" and
different forms of instruments for gauging the quality of the light,
their object being to enable the inexperienced worker to rightly time
his exposures. Now, if we examine these several tables and instru-
ments, we find there is a great diversity between them. Yet each
have their advocates, who assert for them tliat they are perfectly
reliable. Now, how is the discrepancy to be accounted for ? Perhaps
it may be from the great latitude of exposures allowable with moilern
dry plates. Any error within reasonable margin may be compen-
sated for in the development. But this is not all. Ideas as
to what is a correct exposure differ widely. Given three workers—
not novices— with the same plates, if they, independently of one
another, took the same view, the chances are that they would all give
different exposures, and that difference might vary as much as two
or three hundred per cent. Yet each woiJd produce good printing
negatives. Some operators go for a minimum of exposure and a
somewhat forced development ; while others proceed converselv —
give a maximum exposure, and follow what some would tenii a
restrained development. Seeing that both classes of workers get
equal results, who shall decide as to wlmt is " proper exposure ? " Or
is there such a thing ?
Mar 27, 1869]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
841
Safbtj of Bleotiie UrhtlBr*— The popular belief in th«
perfect sufety from fires of electrical modes of illumination has
reoeired tereral rude shocks of kte, so much so as to leave a possibility
of the opporita extreme of belief being; held. But a lecture recently
deliTeied by a weU-known expert, Ur. W. IL Preece, at the rooms of
the RoTkl Institute of British Aidiiteets, puts the matter in its proper
li^ht. The leetoier admitted that iOMCtinies the light was not safe,
but the danger chieflj lay in the nMof imperfect matariais in cheap
contract wo^ Good design,peffeet aMterials, fint-eksawioriananship,
and rigid iaepeetioiioombiaed the elenmts of oompletesafety. In proof
of this Mr. Preaee stated that do fim had oocnrred in bnildiogs fitted
np under the mlas and regnlatioas, and inspected br the officers of, the
insonnce companies in this country. Those of our resders who con-
tampiate the erection of an alectrio-light installation, or the alteration
of existing fittiaga, wiU tbenfors do well to remember Mr. Preece's
adrioe that emything ought as much as possible to be kept in riew,
•nd that the conductors ought not to be hidden under wainscots or
floors, or above ceilings. He farther stated that the gkw lamps
excited by three watts per candle was at present the most perfect
aoozceof domeatie Eght, and when the patent expired— in a year or
two— wo«ld be obtainable at about ea»-third of the pceeent price.
Vassif e Kot«l Oark Soobmb.— As the photographic season
has now fairly commenced, and daring the next few months tourists,
both at home and abroad, will frequently have to avail themselves of
the accommodation provided at hotels for changing their plates, it will
not be inopportune to give a word of caution as regards the light
used. Thk u often of an nnsafe dttraeter, particokriy with highly
■CDsitiTe platM. Hsn is a cm* in point, which has just been brought
to on Bolioa. A gsBtliiinii, rsoMUy travelling on the Continent,
wanted to dange hie plates. He was shown into Um hotel dark
roooL It was illnminated with a window about eighteen inches
sqoan, of T«7 dMrp nby glsM, which admitted vwy little ligfat
indeed. Aftar wutinf for the ayw to get aceostomed to the almost
darkness, it was notiesd that what little li(rht there was bad a
peculiar tint. As oar friend wooU as eooo think of travelling witb-
ont hia poebst aaanid aa ha wmld bis speetnaoope, the latter was
won braght into we. It waa than seen that, little as was the light
poasad, it nontahied a eonaidarahle anoant of blue and soma green—
qolta snlBfUnt to fog a rapid plate, even with but a modermta ex-
pnanrs to It. However, by wofking in a comer of the apartment,
shielded from the window, the plataa ware ehai^ in safety. As
every one dosa not carry a poeat speetraeeopa with him, toorisU
wotild do wall, when luiag stiiaga dark rooms, as a matter of pra-
eautioo. to fc>ok opon tha Ight with sospicion, even if it be perfectly
safe, and axpoaa tha plates to it as little as posaibiab
Bleaobad &•«.— Tha basis of almost all the photographic
vamishee, as most are awars, is sbalke. Usually tha bleached rean
is tha kind snpfeyed. Now, aO who have nude tha vanmh know
qnita waO when tha oidiaarf whHa lae is aaspk^ad that only a
ponioD of tha rasia is diMthrad, and that a aonsidaiable rssidne
rsmains, which takes a long tiaM b sabaidiiv, and is very diffiealt
to filter oat if filtration ba rsaortad to. Aoothaf point in connexion
with bisaehed laeof tbansnal Uad k that if it be kept long after h b
Msaehad It becomea brittle and asova or lees insoluble. ThU datario.
ration may, however, to an extent, be latardsd by keeping the resin
damp. Refsiuoa to thU subject U bro^tht about by the fact
that wa wsce reesntly shown a saapls of white lac that was free
from thesa dafeeta, except that at haeiimiiv britUe, bat even that did
■ot af^aar to interfere with its other qoalitiea. In appearance it was
lUky white. It had been expoeed, d^, to the atmoephara for some
weeks, and was so brittle that it ooaU be easily bnken with the
fintr-^*. When an ounce or so was pisoed in common methylated
spiri'*, it diseolvad readily, and made a perfectly clear and nearly
oolcwxieee solntton that provad aa exeellant varnish. Unfortonat«ly
we eonU lean ao partiralafB about it, except that it waa of foreign
fvodaetion, peobabiy Oermaa, aad was about thr<»^ tiraos the price nf
that aoU ia Englaad. Tha method we believe usually employed in
lae in this country is to dissolve the resin in a boiling
alkali, then add hypochloride of lime, and afterwards pour in some
mineral acid. Chlorine is liberated, which bleaches the lac, which
at the same time separates largely mixed with lime, which is not
altogether separated in the after-treatment. Some years ago the
following method waa published : — The lac was first dissolved in
boiling alkali, then chlorine gas was passed through the solution,
when the lac was precipated free from colour. We tried the process
at the time, and obtained a perfectly colourless lac, which behaved in
precisely the same way as the sample just referred to. Possibly it
was bleached by a similar process.
PHOTOGRAPHY IN MILITARY RECONNAISANCB.
Thb importance of knowing the topographical features of a country
where militery operations are likely to take place ia so far recognised
by the authorities that officers have to pass examinations in rotul-
sketehing, map-making, and reporting of features of ground prior to
reoeiving appointment on the •staff.
Much has been done in the way of amplifying instruments, with a
view to obtaining particulars quickly, and making sketches rapidly,
but it is freely acknowledged that very few men can draw well, and
whan they have artistic ability the disposition is to make pretty
shatchas ud maps rather than give exact reproductions of what they
sea. Natorally photography has been considered aa a substitute for
eye^sketching, and, although only taken up in isolated cases, it has
been shown that it is of the greatest assistence in reconniusance.
Lieutenant F. £. Davies, of the Grenadier Guards, recently read a
?iper at the Royal United Service Institution on 7^ Evmloyment of
'kotograpkf hi Reeomiiaitimce, and alto showed examples of maps
made of the country passed through during a journey extending over
soma weeks, in very bad weather, and illustrated the map with
muginal photographs instead of the orthodox sketches.
The value of these pictoree in connexion vrith maps was favourably
oommented on by general officers aad professors present at the lecture,
for it was at once recognised that if definite particulars were wanted
respecting a bridge to be bk>wn up, or a fort to be captured, the style
ana proportions could be at once gathered from a photog^raph with
but little additional information.
Then, again, with respect to time, a sketch must of neceasitr take
eonaideraUe tima, evan in tha experienced draughtsman's bands,
and, for the same rsason that special correspondents of our leading
illastrntad pnp*r« have recourse to photographv to get their details
and general disposition of the groups or crowoa forming the special
■ubj(.-ct of interest, so military officers, whose duty it la to report
what is going on in the enemy's ooontry in time of war, or for
manoBUvnng purposes in time of peace, will Ibd it of invaluable
aasistanca.
Tha ehoioa of apparatus ia an important matter; but, as Lieut.
Davies justly said, as there are no less than eighty different kinds of
band and portable cameras in the market to chooae from, there should
be little or no difficulty in finding one suitobto for the particular
purpose reouired. It must, of course, be portable, and capable of
Being rapidly and sometimes secretly used. The films or plates must
be so arranged that they can be transported great distances without
fear of bre^awe, or sufisring from meddlesome tampering prior to
exposure, or onbeing returned for development. As the map is con-
structed tha photograph lepreaentiog the part desired to be illustrated
would bear a number, and when printed would be placed on the
poeiUon assigned to it by a similar number on the margin of the map.
In this way the offioer, if need be, could send an orderly back witn
the map and negatives to ba developed at headquarters for the in-
formation of the general.
If necessary, development and printing could be done in the field,
and by using bromide paper it was shown in about a quarter of an
hour after a negative was sent out of the lectun -hall, it had been
developed and a print made. A number of negatives could be
dev^Md and printed proportionately quicker, and, in fact, it was
sSied by one of the speakers that five or six had been so treated in
half to three quarters of an hour.
For military purposes those troubles so familiar to photog^raphers,
such tin vpIIow stains, hardness, &c., may be disregarded, as accurate
- are more important than pretty pictures. The large
1 f photographs shown indicated very fairly the avers^
eiCBlleiice of the resolt. and, when it was sUted that some were taken
on a cloudy day in February with no sunshine, and snap^ho} ex-
p<Muree, it was iimittj-d the claim for recognition of the camera as a
military sdjanct wa» fully supported.
It was recommended that the pistes or films should be specially
343
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[May 27, 1892
manufactured to etand extreme* of heat and cold, and concent^ted
developers that can be used seTeral times over be employed. Very
few dishes need be taken, two, probably, being enough, one for
developing and one for fixing. -j » •»
The paper, as before mentioned, recommended is bromide, for it can
be usedwhile the negative is still wet, and when thus used no printinff
frame is required. The printing, being by artificial light, can be done
at night. . . vi i • i
It was found that, by lining n military tent with blue material,
developing could be well performed by moonlight.
A bucket of water would be required, and for veir rapid work the
negatives need only be washed for a few minutes, ana, after the print*
are taken off, providing they are washed for three or four minutes,
they will reUin their colour for several days. A washing of two
hours makes them, of course, permanent ; and, when the negatives
are required for future use, they should be subjected to the usual
washing after the prints immediately required have been taken off.
Clearing solution would be used, but no toning is necessary for the
prints.
For surveying by photography it is necessary to measure a base line.
Take magnetic bearings, and photograph the objects from each end
of the base, taking care to level the camera each time, and to observe
and record the magnetic bearings of the axis of the lens. By a
mechanical arrangement in the camera, the horizontal line and a
vertical line, representing the vertical plane, are marked on the nega-
tive, and consequently appear in the print. The point where these
two lines cross is called in perspective the "principal point," and
should agree with the axis of the lens.
The focal length of the lens must be known, and this is equivalent
to the distance between the point of sight and the principal point.
If we photograph a range of hills, and we wish to plot them on the
Saper, we draw perpendiculars from, sav, the two highest points
own to the horizontal line. We then plot the base on the paper,
and from each end of the base we draw a line having the bearing
(recorded), in each instance as the bearing of the axis of the lens,
making each of these lines equal in length to the focal length of the
lens ; at the ends of these lines further from the base draw lines at
right angles to represent the horizontal lines ; the ends of the base
will be the points of sight, and the points where the lines from the
end of the base meet the horizon lines will be the principal points.
We now measure on the photograph the distance from the " principal
point" to the point where the several perpendiculars from the objects
fall on the horizon line, and mark off similar distances from the
principal points on horizon line on paper. If we join tlie end of the
base with the points so marked on the horizon lines, we shall be
drawing the bearing of the objects from each end of the base, and
shall thus be able to fix their relative positions by intersection.
In a similar manner, by the application of this method, we can
ascertain height of objects represented on the photograph. Tliis de-
scription merely gives the outline of the method by wnich surveys
can be rapidly executed and the triangulation carried out. Lieutenant
Reed, United States' Army, has given very considerable attention to
this subject, and has published a work on the subject entitled Photo-
graphy applied to Surveying.
It will he, of course, apparent how useful photography will be in
time of war if balloons are employed, and also for the reproduction of
maps, sketches, or even despatches or instructions, supposing, for the
sake of future reference or multiplication, it became necessary and no
mechanical process was available.
For measuring the base line, a simple range-finder, such as the
" Labbez telemeter," would be invaluable, as it gives ranges at sight
in any measurement, and a good prismatic compass, or a Verner's
complete sketching instrument, would assist in recording bearings,
and the latter for plotting same, and showing vertical as well as
horizontal angles. G. R. Bakbr.
THE CAMERA AND THE CON^'ENTION : OR PICTURESQUE
SCOTLAND AND PHOTOGRAPHY.
IV.
Cbieff and Drummond Castle.
Beino now at Callander, before going further west, we might take a run
to Crieff for a couple of days. Its surroundiDgs are rich in lovely spots
with scenery of such a nature as lends itself to the production of good
photographic work. From Callander to Crietf is within an hour and a
half's railway journey. Drammond Castle is one of the most prominent
points of interest there. We had to get a permit to be allowed to photo-
graph at the Castle. Mr. Curr who was the factor on the estate when we
were there (and likely is now) granted us permission with great pleisure
The avenue, garden, and castle are all composed of material for much
good work. The garden is a little too trim and formal perhaps, there
being a tendency to map it out into designs and patterns, that produces
a considerable stiffness in the pictures ; but the outside grounds quite
make up (or any deficiency in this part of the policies. When visiting
the Castle we showed our pass to Donald, the Highland custodian ; he
remarked, " Yon did not need no pass, I would have let you photograph
whatever yon pleased." We wanted to have a cabinet bust of this old
Highland worthy, he is so well known all round the country side, but
thought we had no chance the morning we were there, he was so busy
showing a lot of visitors round the exhibition part of the Castle, but
remarked in passing, " Some other day, Donald, when we come again, we
would like to make a picture of yon ; we would have done it now but see
you are too busy."
" Na, na, I am not too pisy," he replied, " I will be with you in one
minute." The bait was evidently tempting, (or those visitors were off
the premises in an incredibly short space of time, and Donald was with
us in his full Highland garb ready to be taken. We got some good
pictures of him, and sent him copies which pleased him highly.
OCHEBTYBE.
Then there is Oohtertyre, about a mile and a hal( from Crieff, the
grounds of which are generously open to the public at all times. It is the
seat of Sir P. Keith Murray.
The use of the camera is not forbidden in these gronnds, and the
blending of wood and water is very charming, producing pictures at every
turn.
There is a loch in the centre of the park, where boats are supplied to
the visitors free of charge.
Water lilies were growing in patches every here and there, and swans in
great numbers were gracing the surface of this loch at the time of our
visit.
Within a radius of three miles there are two or three waterfalls, wild
enough and picturesque enough to well repay a day spent amongst them-.
The most prominent falls are Spout Hoich and Barvie ; and, for streams,
there are the Turret, the Keltic, and the Shaggie, all possessing consider^
able interest and beauty.
CoUBlE.
If the stay at Crieff extend for a day or two, places of photographic
interest will be found all round. The village of Comrie lies some six
miles further on, on the north bank of the Earn. This small town can
be reached by two roads, equally picturesque. The one passes the
grounds of Ochtertyre, and the other is by the foot of the town. Comrie
is a village famed for its earthquakes. It is a quiet, sleepy place, looking
as if it would be none the worse of an earthquake now and again, just to
shake it into life. A(ter exposing a few plates here, another drive of six
miles brings us to St. Fillans, which is situated at the foot of Loch Earn.
You will remember, when going up the Oban line, we touched at the head
of this loch. The other end, which we have now reached, is equally
beantKul, and there is no lack of pictures to be taken-r-as long as your
plates hold out.
And now we had better retrace our steps, and start again from
Callander,
Lake of Montehh.
The next outing should be to the Lake of Monteith. On leaving
Callander (or Loch Venachar, you will remember we turned to the right
at the end of Bridge-street ; on this occasion we turn to the left, keeping
tlie river Teith on our left hand the first two or three miles of the way.
The drive to the Lake of Monteith (rom Callander is about six miles. On
the first part of the way, for a mile or two, the Teith is fairly near the
road. It is profusely wooded, and gives opportunity for considerable
choice of subject. But after this we liave to strike over the hill to the
right, and (or some three miles on there is not much o( importance
photographically, the hills being bare and heathery, no trees nor foliage
of any kind until we reach within a mile of the loch, when a glorious-
view bursts upon us as we reach the incline o( the hill. A (ruitful valley
surrounded by hills, where the village and the lake lie basking in the-
summer sun, the church spire peeping up from amongst the trees, the-
hotel nestling amongst the (oliage by the margin o( the lake, while in the
distance the island of Inchmahome lies sleeping midst the rippling waters-
that surround it.
The Isle or Rest.
The Port and Lake of Monteith are of peculiar historical interest, for
at Inohinuhome (the Isle of Rest) Mar; Queen of Soots spent some of the
earlier years of her li(e, and it was to this place that her mother sent the-
four Marys to be her companions, to help to brighten up so quiet and.
secluded a home.
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THE BRITISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
343
Thia Ulaad U the chief attraction o( the pUoe, and here stand the
loiiu of that monastic inititation where Mar; dwelt. The ruins are well
■mnged tor pietazM, with windowi and doon in and about, that are
jut in a imlmt itata to pleaie the eathonaat who revels in the rains of
the arehiteetoral work which in its slow decay still keeps telling as the story
d the p«at. And tor thoee who look at the matter from a more romantic
point Ot «i«w than will be found the hawthorn that Mary planted, and
the gum— r-hoon where she Mt, which are shown as objects closely
MModatad with the pleaaorM ol the girl qneen. Many artistic hits will
be toond on this island qoite free frarn the mina.
Boats to eonrey yon to the UUnd eaa be had at the hotel, and a row of
Iwanty minntes will take yon there. Tba Tillage itaeU is small, but very
ffttty, and many eharming stadiaa are to be met with without the troDble
d SMking tot tfa«B-
iiBBmronx.
LeaTiog Montaith, and driviiig on lor other six miles, we arriTe at
Aberfoyle, the spot so Itttimatsly asaooiated with Scott's Rob Roy— a spot
that haa baan vWtad ackin M>d acaia hf all soru and conditions of pboto-
grapban. And we ham navar baea aUa lo diaooT«r why so many people
go to this place from a pietora-taUag peiat ot riew.
It is rieb in story, earlaialy, bat Tsry poor in seanie effect ; and we feal
that the land of tba MeOragors at this spot ia not inWting, and in tba
elaehaa they hava taken to building booaaa, and that of soeb a p«or-
houst type that it taada to make tha plaea look worM! than erer.
Of aoorw, tha BalUa's poker still baaga to the tree at tha aide of tha
botal— tet oaa ma't make a pietoia of that and tha bridge etoaa to the
hotel haa basBphatagrapbadbyerarybody. and at tba beat it is not moeb.
Upon the bin at tha baok of tha hotel there is a little row ol thatchad-
Riofod. dry-ateoe-boilt eoWagaa. that aaka a good pietare with Itha aold
kail-yard sitoatad at tha mi, aamaoMlad by tha broken-down dry-stone
j^|h, all btokaa dowa and OM with then bardiaa ia parte a kind of
iiiikiMpt daai9 tiMt baipa ap a pietan woDdaftally.
Leca A»».
Laariag tha AbarfoyU Botal. wa taka tha road to Loeh Ard, whieb liaa
hi tmit aboot two mOaa laithar oo.
Ob tha wj than will be toond oaa a* two lypioal eottagaa of tba
" WhHt VmA al Ilia ilnrr " class ; and it is worth baring a peap at the
iaiMiar ol oaa «< Ihaaa. tor it will at oaaa explain why Uaiot OfUbraitb
ana Ma nigl-*— * Mmi* niaad aoah aa ehjaatioa to bare tha BailUa and
riiiiiita toraal apea than whan Ihay hjr aoatom had angagad tha heoaa,
fcr laaQy the email irl eoaapany woold folly trntpU the place.
To the left on thIa read to tlM loch ia an old mill with a broad wood
watarwbael. and a littU watattall aVwgaida of it, which makaa a good
psatof*. Loeh Ard italf is worthy o( a riait Aloag iu banks many
tiiutuiaaniis biH era easily ebteined Wbaa wa viailad this spot, wa had
BOloat, and fait tha want of it vary Maah. for it woald hare h«lp«l os
ooMldanbiy ia braakiag ap tba iipiaaa of waiar ia aoaa of the pictures
From Abarfoyla Ibaie ia a roota to Loch Katrine orar tha moontaios
; it ia aona foor or ftra aiitea' joomey. Thia hill toad is in-
'ior alata ^oarriaa. Bob Bo^a WeU. ««., bat there is really
BolUag ol aay phulogiapMa iataMal tin taking tha downward torn ol
tha hOl OB the farther eida. wbea all at ooea the wild prolaaiaB ol
baaotieo that giaae the Trtanaha Valley nafold Ihaoaalraa to riaw^-a
soaaa ao bavildariagly graad that will aerer be forgotten. Bat w« will
taka the Troesaahs Iraa* tbo Callaadar side, and paaa throogb thoae
urar •• only riaw tram tha diatoaca hare.
TUa hm toomay waa tha cm takaa by ooe of tha tripe at tba Olaagow
0«B««aliaa, aod a rery food i»j wa had ol it then.
Toa Taooucaa.
Leariag Callander for the Troaaaaba. at tba tarn of the road we cross
the Lsnv. with Baaladi lyiag to tha asetb. On the lelt,a«roaa the Teith,
stands tiie ajdw»a>Wa. wfaiah looha well in the distaaae. sat ia Miage of
I tiata. Meor to the toad, as we drive along, we eome to
) Farm, where, in front, at the foot of the hill, is Coilaotogle
Fori TMb apol wo risitad on a previons trip. The view of t^oeh
Venaehar ia now «aah bettor aaea from the high road.^The billniile
overtookinff tha leah ia Laarid Mead, which waa tha gathariag ground
ol dan Alpiaa. Tha drive to the eatraaee to tha Trniiirtii proper is
aana aa««a orilsa, and aboot two ailaa bom there lo Loeh Katriaa. For
eoMO Iva ailaa ol tha w«y tha shaggy baath and rooky, lemod Btoaatain-
aida pratty aaO hold their own. with spota ol Lady ol tha Laka iaiaraat
every bora aadtharo; but for onr purpqta apaaiBlly it ia whart Oloaflalas
tama to tha right that the Ar-clad hills, and aargiag streams, and tangled
aopee, and roaky rirulets crowd upon aa from erary aide, and, it it be
eanght in ionshine, the glory ot it will fill the eye with beauty and tha
sool with admiration.
Then come we to the Brigg of Turk, and, keeping along the margin
of Loch Achray, we shortly reach the Trossachs Hotel, a building that,
in its architectural oonstruction, blends well with its surroundings.
Ooing or coming, the coaches wait at the Trossachs Hotel for half an
hour, ostensibly to give the tourist an opportunity of lunching or dining ;
bat, as there are many places where refreshments may be had, to the
photographer who wishes to go straight on, this little wait gives him the
chance of taking a few negatives, and the hotel lies in the very centre of
beautiful picturea. The walk from the hotel down to the margin of the
lake cannot be surpassed for beauty and magnificence, with Ben A'an
towering away towards the north, and Benvenne rising skyward in the
front ; the hoat-lionse and rustic pier at length come into view, with the
loch itself stretching out, with thousands of shimmering reflections
playing upon its sorfaoe,—
" With promontory, creek, and bay,
And islands that, empurpled bright.
Float amid the livelier light.
And mountains, that like giants stand,
To sentinel enchanted land."
To all who are familiar with the Troasaeha it will be well nnderstood
that a weak eould be spent thora with both pleasure and profit ; but, for
thoee whcaa time is limited, we note the following as the spots the most
popular: "Tba Pier and Boatboase," "Where twines the Path," "Ellen's
Isle," " Silver Strand," " The Path by the Loeh," with an endless
panorama of pietoraa between, eompoeed ot scenery that Soott himself
said tliat he piasomed in attempting to daaeriba it — aoaneiy that, when
once seen, wil> never b» forgotten.
FIXATION OF .SILVER PRINTS.
[Loodoa sad rrortnelal Photofnphio AuoeUtioo.]
I HA VI yoor letter asking for my opinion as to the best method ot
a«oertaininf( the period when a silver print may be considered to be
cofflpiatelj fixed. I remember makinff some experiments in thia
direction some time ago, but unfortunately cannot lay my hands on
mr notaa at the preeent moment. However, I think I can recall them
to' mind prettr accurately.
The method generally reootnmetidad in the text books is, to examine
the print by a transmitted light and see whether all patches or blotches
have disappeared, but I cannot regard this aa at all a satlsfacto^ way.
It is troe that with paper of li)^ht weight, aay the ordinary " lUres,"
tho aetiaa of the hypo on the silver chloride u dnoemible, the proof
bebaTioff soasewhat like an ordinary nefrative, but is of course much
feebler in appearanoe. In fact, so feeble is the opacity, that it the
papor is at aU thick it is dilficult to follow the action of the hypo even
when drsigaadly applied locally, and with really thick papers it is
quite imposaibla, eapedally as many of theae papers will be found to
nave in them patcaes of coaifulated sizing tnat would entirely mis-
lead one. Altboof b, thorefore, aa instructive experiment, I regu^l the
traaamitted-light teet as of no practical valua whatever. In fact, the
aspect of the print by reflected light is eaually aa good a test, as
the surface colour of the print will at once eliaof(« under the action of
hrpo. (Xoooiae, I am aware that this change is entirelv on the sur-
face, and therefore only shows the difference between the action of
hypo and no hypo, but thia is exactly what the transmitted test
does also ; the differeooa ia so feeble that it is really only between
thoaa parts thst have been touched irith hypo and those that have not
that tnars ia any distinctiaa marked enough to be of use. Now, teota
such as theae are, of coarse, of no value whatever, as fixing a print
depends not only on dissolving out the silver chloride, but at the same
tim« in slso dissolving l>y an exoeoa of b^po the hyposulphite of tilver
forme^in the print, and this aalt being in eolation is ol course quite
laBsseialble either by reflected or transmitted light. And this hypo-
sulphite of ailver is unfortunately the very point that causes all tha
damage in non-fixt-d negatives, as this insoluble salt rapidly splits up
and forms a silver sulphide, the characteristic yellowy brown stain
giving tbe print the appeoranoa ot having been scorched, as ia probably
too wall known to all photographers.
Tbe proper fixation of our prints is, however, so important a
matter, that some ezperimontini; in this direction might well be
, undertaken. I cannot now remember whether I actually did carry
out tbe expoiimant, or wbatbor I merely intended to ; but my idcA
was to utilise tha well-known teat for ascertaining whether paper is
properly sensitised (Uiatis, the application of a solution of bichromate
344
THE BRITISH JOURNAl, OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[May 27, 1892
of potash to the back of the print), for the similar task of discoveruig
whether there was any silver left in it after fixing; the action, of course,
being the formation of the highly coloured cliromate of silver. One
of the sulphurets of ammonium or potassium mightalso be used, in this
case forming locally the same silver sulphide ; that, albwed to form
all over the improperly fixed print, eventually destroys it; indeed,
it is not improbable that any acid solution applied to the unfixed
print would decompose the silver hyposulphite sufiiciently to form
the brown silver sulphuret. But, nevertheless, although interesting
as experiments, I cannot look on such tests as ever being of practical
value. As a rule, they either act too completely, and show traces
that would be in practice quite innocuous, or else they act too
coarsely ; in addition to this, they only show the condition of the
one particular spot to which they are applied, unless, of course, the
whole print is submerged, in which case the test is something like
striking the whole of a box of matches to see whether they are good
or not,' or rubbing writing to see whether it is dry. Applied to the
edges of a print, as such a test naturally would be, it might give
quite misleading results, as I find that the most frequent cause of
imperfect fixation arises from the prints cKnging together in the bath,
and thus preventing the hypo getting all round them. In such a
case it is perfectly obvious that a test applied to the edges would
give entirely erroneous results, and it is for this reason that, in
practice, I never by any chance make use of them.
However, the necessity of perfect fixing is so important, that in
practice I take great care in this operation, making assurance sure by
always passing the prints through a second and fresh bath of hypo.
For the amateur who is only printing at intervals, and who therefore
does not keep a stock bath, there is no better way, and it ensures, if
the bath is freshly made up, the presence of a sufficient quantity of
hypo in the print ; but with the professional, who keeps a stock bath
continually going, the fact alone of leaving the prints a sufficient time
in the bath is not sufficient, as it may very well happen that such a
bath has become quite exhausted without his perceiving it. But, in
the case of this gentleman, it would evidently be quite impracticable
for him to test each separate print by any of the former methods
mentioned, and he would have really to rely on a test proof, so that,
even if he did take this trouble, he would by no means be certain that
it ensured the fixation of his prints as thoroughly as he desired.
However, as I do not believe in the practical value of any of the
above tests, except, of course, as a scientific experiment, I should give
it as my opinion that the most practical method of ensuring perfect
fixation is to carry on the fixing for a specified time, turning the
prints over once or twice during the operation, and, in the case of a
stock bath, taking the very simple precaution of ascertaining that the
hypo is in an active state. As a matter of fact, this can be done con-
tinuously and without any preparation, by simply watching the aspect
of the proofs as they are placed in the bath. If the hypo is active, as
every one is aware, they wiU at once change colour, turning of a much
redder colour (owing, of course, to the dissolving out of the soluble
blue sub chloride), and the rate at which this change goes on will give
a rough indication of the working power of the hypo. The proof is
neither delicate nor conclusive, but if the print does not change colour
or does so very slowly, it is a gentle hint to the operator to refresh
his hypo bath. Of course, in those cases where it is customary to
treat the prints with salt before fixing, and where, therefore, the
change of colour in the hypo is very slight or entirely absent, the
usually recommended test of looking through the print may be
revertisd to, and the result will be more certain if a small piece of
uniformly exposed paper, such as a slip ofi the trimmings of the
prints, be used. In this case, if the surface be not too solarised, there
is no difficulty in seeing the line of demarcation between the fixed
and unfixed portions either by reflected or transmitted light. To
those who may desire a more accurate and scientific method, I would
suggest a careful measurement by means of a graduated pipette of
the amount of silver chloride that the hypo under examination could
dissolve.
I would like here to mention one point that I have noticed in fixing
prints, and that is, that if strong, or, indeed, weak hypo be applied
locally the print will show a difference in opacity and also in surface
colour at these spots, and these marks will be found to be irremovable,
even after a lengthy immersion in strong hypo. I do not know
whether these spots represent insoluble portions, or whether it is
merely a sort of coagulation of the albumen at these points, but would
mark the fact as worthy of some future investigation.
I am afraid that I shall not have been able to add much new light
to the question at present before your Society, but owing to the press
of other business, I have been entirely out of photography for some
time back, and therefore find some difficulty in furbishing up my
memory and notes of former experiments. Lyonul Claek.
RATIO OF GR.4DATI0N.
I HAVB read with much interest Messrs. Hurter & Driffield's last
communication, and beg to thank them for correcting some misunder-
standings of mine. On reading their paper again, I find I assumed too
hastily that possible loss of energy, in the form of heat, &c., had not
been considered by them. In describing e as the amount of energy
necessary " to change one particle of silver," I had certainly fully
understood them to refer to the visible grains, and not to the particles
of very much lesser magnitude which, as now explained, thej had in
mind. It is very useful to have this correction, as it presents a very
different view of their reasoning from that which I had taken of it, and
very probably some others of their readers may have gone similarly
astray.
I now beg to draw the attention of Messrs. Hurter & Driffield to
some misunderstandings on their part. I will first mention that I
am described as holding the almost ridiculous opinion that no Ught
capable of affecting a photographic plate will ever escape at the back,
and Messrs. Hurter & Driffield kindly give me details of experiments
which they invite me to repeat in order to be convinced of the
falseness of such views. I have tried the experiments suggested,
although it was scarcely necessary, and find, what of course every one
would expect, that a sensitive plate exposed behind another, after a
full exposure, will receive a considerable impression; but, if the
exposure is only sufficient to produce a iinall density on the front
plate, then no visible image can be developed on the other, so that, in
the latter case, greater thickness of film in the front plate would have
led to no greater density in the image. This Messrs. Hurter &
Driffield will find, if they will kindly look through my article again, is
aU that I asserted. I do not, however, rely much on that fact, as, since
writing, I have been studying the " correct formula " again, and find
that the difference in calculated results for small densities produced
by increasing " 0 " to any extent is very trifling unless an exception-
ally thin film be considered. The charges of shifting my ground and
wandering from the point, like the one I have just dealt with, are
hardly, I think, justified. In my first letter I referred to an article
of Mr. Plener'a, in wliich I may mention he, in writing on the subject
of sensitometer screens, gave two formulae as applying to the relation
between the amount of colouring matter present and the transparency
resulting. The first (altering the symbols) was T = e-i, which he
considered to be correct in those cases where the thickness of the
film varied proportionately with the colouring matter, and the other,
which (in a simplified form) is the one I have previously given, he
showed applied when the thickness of film was always constant,
and only the amount of colouring matter contained in it was varied.
That he was perfectly right in those views is still my opinion. The
formula which had been adopted by Messrs. Hurter & Driffield to
explain the relation between silver and transparency in photographic
plates was identical with the first, but I was then of opinion that the
conditions were such that the other was the more nearly correct,
although, at the same time, I thought it was very doubtful whether
either was to be depended on. My object was, in fact, chiefly to express
doubt as to the one adopted. In my second letter I repeated my
doubts, and described an experiment of Captain Abney's whicn
appeared to be quite at variance with either formula.
This experiment I mentioned incidentally gave results quite in
accordance with the " law of error," but I did not then advocate that
formula, although I think it always deserves serious consideration,
and only mentioned it in connexion with the question under discussion,
viz., the relation between the amount of silver and transparency.
Since that letter I have admittedly shifted my ground and introduced
new matter, but still that has been to the point, as I have shovra,
by that means, why I now see reason to believe that the formula,
T = e-^, has, after all, been correctly made use of. On the whole, I
think there has been very little to complain of in this respect. I
ought, perhaps, to have noticed Messrs. Hurter & Driffield's kind offer
to test any plates I could send them which I thought likely to give
different results from those calculated by their formula, but I took
it as a standing offer of which I might avail myself at any future
time, although I scarcely expected to be able to do so, as I was not
willing to trouble them unless I considered that there was a definite
prospect of settling some doubtful point in that manner. The remark
that I had "not again mentioned the subject" may, however, have
led some readers into the mistaken impression that I had undertaken
to supply such plates.
Messrs. Hurter & Driffield's explanation as to the true meaning; of dx
does not, I think, remove all possible objections to the reasoning on
which the " correct formula " is based. They will probably admit, as
I believe it is the opinion of most previous experimenters, that the
visible (more or less) grain must be considered as a whole, and that,
however some of the molecules iu it may be affected by the action of
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THE BRITISH JOURNAX OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
345
lil^t, it win not be «fev«lop«ble till it hu received a certain amount
of expoMira, after which ail the As Br contaiaed in it will be reduced
<a def«lop«nent. If that be true, Uiera mu«t always be in an expoaed
jhtb m ecrtain amount of ■nehangad Ag Br which has absorbed
«Mrnr, bat which will contribute Bothinff to the density of the
drraoped image, and the energy so wiatad doee not appear to be in
any war accounted for in the deoionatration of the "correct
fonnal*. Another matter to be considered aa a probable source
of «rrw ia the fact, that in eTery emulsion there is, of course,
alwaya eon«der»ble variation in the sensitiTeoesa of difFerent
partidaa of Ag Br, but the "correct formula "^ treats them as being
all alike.
MtMva. Horter Sc Driffield conaidAr that my reasonin^r. in attempt-
ini; to abow the superiority of the shorter formula, inTolrea aaiump-
tions which are directly oppoaed to experimental facta, and complain
that I do not aupplement that TcnsoniPK br L'iving instanoes of
experiments which luoport it. Not bavin),' ci>nvfnienoea for photo-
metiioal obeerrationa, "l cannot do so at present in a very aatiafactory
BUBnaT, but I may sorehr be aOowed to make use of the Taluable
material which Mtasis. Hurter ft Driffield have themwlTes supplied
in the aeeonst of their inreatigktioM ; and, if I can show that those
experimenta do not artabKsli all tb«t they are suppoeed to, I am
penapa ofiariag natful entidsm in poinfing that out. In the abeenoe
of experimental nroof that the >i(at>1^r formnk givee the more
truthful ace. .iirit of the action of itrnfrnphy, Measrs. Hurter
A I^ridjfM drcUne to eonaider ni^ which has led me to
nrefer iL Now, the exparimenta uo !v are those described
ny tbemaelf«a. In their orifloal pap- .- :itioDad that they had
■aaanred the danritiea, fal&ift within the " period of correct ez-
Meare," in doaane of platea, and foond them all ooaform to that
xaninl*. Now, however, H ia axpUaidi there is not a plate in the
nuuket to which it ap^lue, except M a rough approximation : but,
ia oppoattion to that opuaoo, I wul MOte an experinu-ut, vit.. No. 'il
m tM paper on " Pbobxhemical UTaatigation*,*' which is perhaps
the most important of the ssriea la the following table I give
Meesr*. liurter ft DfUBaU'a obawred danaitiea — those caleulat«4 hr
them by the " eorrwet formal* " and tlie figant which would raault
by the shorter one if C»'~4 and y^-9T.
OM<tyl»ahtiil.
fc'
|]
!1
ij
aao
11
1
»
i]
10
•«iO
•sw
•aae
ISM
ini
1-6M
90
•4M
•»ao
■4M
eio
1-«M
1-7W
IWT
40
■7«5
•7*$
•7flO
UM
i<m
ton
3-OS9
W
I-OIO
•9U
1-OU
Mao
t-Mf
S-318
s-sai
160
1-S70
i^a
l-t74 i
It win be aaw that the rwelli by tbe abort tanaala are at leaat
a« aeeorate aa tboea tn the other. Aia table iiihiilae all the " period
f enrrect expo— re; we kaov, of eo«iae, that it ia only during that
age that it aapliae, and I have eadastroared to aoeonnt for that fact
: my laat artiaa. We bare here two formolv, each of which givea
ilctilatad deaattiee oewiy eorraapoodiny with tboae foond b^ experi-
ieot. bat only ooe can be tbeoretieaDy tnie, and it seems fair matter
' 'r aicinwon to attempt to dedda waieb ia really the approximate
/oraiala, and which, if either, tba comet one. I think moet nhoto-
fraphen will be glad to kaow that Vaesn Hnrter ft IMlBeld are
owtinaing their raiaable experimeata, and it is to be hoped that ooe
r«rit of tBcir fatve ia?«al%Btioaa may be to tlnow more fight on
tlnmliwl pfcotogiaphy; paftapa by dearly rfaiiMiaaHatiiy tbe trotb
«f tka'cometformala,* W poaribiy by ttaoovaiiaf «na atiU
aatfafaatoij ■xpianatioa of tbe pbotognpbie aetioa of licbc
H. J. CaARiKni.
PROJECTIONS IN NATURAL COLOURS.
Tax riaitof Mr. F. E. Iren to this country for the porpoee of leetoring
^ ' the Royal laatitotioo and demoaatratiag bia aaetbod of rapndacing
ttoral UilsMi apeo the aeraao ia Bttiactiaf pobBs atteatka to the
(loaaibiUtisa of eobur plwtapapky.
The writer baa bimaalf cxpeiiniented during tbe paat two aaiaaaea
in thia direetioa, wad bia efferta wera^ succesaf nl that a Britidi
patent waa eomaleted, ia order to oererHa iaprovemaats upon earlier
laethodc It shoald be uadervtood that Mr. Ivra had worked in
«oloar projectioo for ;«ars before this patent (No. lOJU*.', Norembcr
20, 1890) was applied for, but his system was of so difficult a nature
that little progress was made; and, in fact, Mr. Ives once stated,
several years a^o, that, after tho most strenuous e.\ertion3, he had only
succeeded in making one satisfactory set of three slides which, when
displayed upon the screen, represented a landscape with natural
colours.
Mr. Ives' system, at that time, was to make three negatives of each
subject on three separate glasses, using certain colour screens to sift
the light. These three negatives were printed from in the ordinary
manner, so as to make three lantern slides on three separate glasses.
Finally, three lanterns, with three limelights, were employed to
project the three slides simultaneously upon the screen, with the aid
of coloured gla-sses ; so that, when accurately super-imposed, the
desired composite image was obtained upon the screen.
The above paragraph represents the full amount of knowledge
poaaooecd by the writer when he first took up the subject. Starting
with red, yellow, and bloe'iu tbe primary colours, he soon found
that it was n.it possible to reproduce colours correctly with then*;
and eventually he adopted red, green, blue, and violet as nis primaries.
With thej<e, all colours could be reproduced ; but, in working from
nature, there is usually so little difference between the blue and
violet sections that it is doubtful whether it is not better to combine
the two sections into one, blue-violet. Thus, working independently,
it will be seen that the writer has proved that the three primair
oolours, red, green, and blue-violet, which Mr. Ives was then, and u
Btin, using, are practically the best.
Tbe improvements which the writer made in Ivea' proceas were aa
follows : — Instead of producing the neinitives on three separate glasses,
they were put upon a tinj/le gla>« bv a special camera, furnished with
colour screen; and thus, instead o/ three negatives to be developed,
there was only one compound negative. Further, the three posi-
tives were also put upou one ehias, bv the simple device of printing
by contact from the comp4una negative. It will thus be seen that,
instead of using a minimum number of six plates to produce one set
uf positives, the same result was effected with tteo senaitive plates,
one tilt the three negatives, and one for the three poeitivex. Further,
again, the three po-itives on the one glass were not separated, but
wore put as a whole into a small special lantern with one limelight ; thus
the difficulty^ of maintaining three separate limelights of equal power
in a large triple lantern was overcome. The special lantern differed
from the ordinary lantern chiefly in that it had several object lenses,
or their equivalent, instead of one.
The abore improrements were duly patented, and were first pub-
lished in detail in Thr BRtTisii Joi-rxal of PHOTooaAPHY of
January 9, 1891. A public demonstration of about twenty pictures
made br this prooeaa was also given on May 14 of the same year
before the Manchester Photographic Society, which was considered
Tery iucceasfoL The 3tmwMtt«r Ouardian of May 16, after de-
aerilnng the apparatoa, stated: —
" The sabjeela ahown were varied in ohaiaeter, inolnding landscapes,
snnaeta, shop windows, and adTartising lioardings. The skies, with
light, flaaey elooda in broad dayliiiht, or heavy masses of brilliant colour
in the nmrisaa, wart beantitally shown, and the coloured posting bills on
a hoarding, aa affording a means of analysing the effect of each colour
tereen, ware eraa aiore Intareatlng than the Undscapes or tbe more im-
portant snbje '
Similar reporta were giren in many other papeia, both British and
American.
In June, 1891, aiz month* after the publication of the writer's
improvementa, Mr. Ires gave a demonstration before the Franklin
lastitote of " aome reoent improvementa he had made in the means
of operating tbe prooeM, by which it was rendered comparatively
aimpta and reliable, and capable of immediately profitable commercial
operation for lantern illaatntions." The new arraiwement included
aereial features similar to the improvementa for which the writer had
obt^ned a Britiab patent. In short, Mr. Ivea now makes his three
nagatirea on one gwaa ; bis three positive* on one glass ; and displays
them bT a special lantern with one light. It is this system which ha*
helftsdMr. Ire* to produce the view*, ctated to be of great beauty,
which h« tk now exhibitiog in Enghuid.
The arrangement of the lenae* in both camera and lantern can be
variad ia many wars without departing from the principle, and Mr.
Ive* baa undoubted priority in several ^tures of his s^-stam, such as
the aalaction of the colour icrewns, the arrangement o^ a camera for
taldag three separate view* of one object simultaneously from the
saoiB point of view, and an asplianoe nlled the helio-chromoaoope for
vicwiag tbe slide* direct, witnout the aid of tbe lantern.
There can be little doobt that Ives' colour system will be further
developed and improved in the near future, and tluitit will uveutually
aisiiim an important poaition iu lantern projeciiuo.
AI.BKBT W. Scon,
346
THE BKITI8H JODRNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[May 27, 1892
I
THE WAKWIOKSHIRE SURVEY,
Thr Exhibition of Photoeraphs of the Survey of Warwickshire, now
on view in the Municipu Art Gallery, Birmingham, is well worthy
of a visit, and does great credit to the promoters of the object in view.
On the 1-lth inst. was handed over to the city of Birmingham,
through the Mayor, by the IVesident of the Photographic Survey,
J. B. Stone, Esq., about 1000 photographs in platinotj-pe to be placed
in the Free Library for reference at all times. These will form the
nucleus for an ever-increasing collection of all that is interesting in
the county, forming a reliable record for posterity of the buildings
Ancient and modem, monuments and manners, scenery and society,
and other facts as they now exist. The Midland metropolis may
thank Mr. W. Jerome Harrrison for his unwearied advocacy at all
times and in aU places of a systematic " survey " being made, and
-especially for his repeated appeals to the Birmingham Photographic
Society to undertake that of their own county. How far and how
well t&ey have already carried out his suggestions will be seen in a visit
to the Art Gallery, where above 600 of the views sent in are shown.
Having been invited as a contributor of some of my Convention
views to the collection, I attended the presentation, and had an oppor-
timity of seeingjthe pictures. It is not to be expected that a collec-
tion got together for such a purpose as this could compete with an
ordinary photographic exhibition, either in art, quality, or technique,
■et a great number of the exhibits would rank high, even if judged
ly these standards ; such, for instance, as the fine interiors of Castle
Bromwich Hall and the ancient tomb in Seckington Church, by
E. C. Middleton ; the Offchurch and Compton Wingate's Views, by
Longmore, Simpkins, and others ; Grimahaiv House, bj S. O.Mason;
two sweet little cottage scenes at Hampton Lucy, and a View of
Arbury Hall, by J. H. Pickard; the Baddesley Clinton Views, by
Harold Baker and others ; some capital work by E. H. Jacques and
several others whose names I forget and cannot supply from the cata-
logue, which is good in every other respect, being well printed, and
consisting of eighty-four pages of excellent matter, both historical
and descriptive ; but the names of the photographers are not given,
neither can I remember a tithe of the views worth naming, for there is
a deliglitful jumble of old fonts, church porches, tombs, castles, halls,
cottages, rivers, and lanes, which form an ever-shifting scene in one's
memory. Most of the views are on half and whole-plates, a few
quarter-plates and about a score, presented by the President, 17 x 13
size, taken on wet plates in 1868. The day was finished by a garden
party at Mr. Stone s, at Erdington, where "a large photographic group
was taken, and, in the evening, a dinner at the Colonnade Hotel.
Not being satisfied with photographs alone, I stayed a few days
with a friend in " woody Warwickshire," some eight or ten miles
from Birmingham, and enjoyed, as much as I could without my
camera, visiting some of the places around — Solihull, Knowle, Pack-
wood, Lapworth, Hampton-in-Arden, Henley-in-Arden, Berkswell,
and places whose names I cannot recall. We had delightful drives
along the lovely lanes, tree-shaded, with grassy borders and flower-
besprinkled banks on either side, where bloomed amid the tangle
and tufts of grass many a sweet primrose and purple hyacinth, with
patches of red lychnis and the star-like flowers of stitchwort ; past
many a picturesque half-timbered farm-house and cottage, with
blossoming orchards ard gardens ; under bending boughs of graceful
trees, in aU the fresh beauty of their varied spring attire ; over bridges,
giving glimpses of water-meadows, fringed with elder and willow-
pictures everywhere ! not to mention the old churches we visited.
Truly, the Birmingham Photographic Society has undertaken an
ierculean, if a pleasant, task. Even in the small section of the
county we traversed there is plenty to be done. Take Berkswell, for
instance ; leave out the Holl, if you like, and confine yourself to the
village proper, all comprised in a few acres, where you could revel for
a couple of days in getting pretty pictures. It is an old-worid, out-of-
the-way sort of " Sleepy Hollow," with a most interesting Norman
church. You may be sure it is Norman, if you are not up in archi-
tecture, for the old woman who keeps the keys said it was " bordering
•on 800 years." Singularly enough, the same authority told us the
parson s screw also " bordered on 800 pounds !" Near by is the
well, from which this ancient place is named, with a wonderful supply
of clear water. The village stocks stand perfect on a triangular patch
of grass in the centre of the village, shadowed by ancient elms. Why
there are Jive holes to accommodate five ankles I cannot tell, but
suppose, if three delinquents were captured at one fell swoop, one of
them would have to be content to rest one leg only in the oak ! But
these stocks, though in good working order, are never used now ;
they belong to the good old times, and recall Hogarth's pictures in
Butler's Jfudibras, and the pleasanter recollections of dear old Ricca-
bocca in Bulwer's My Novel. There are thatched cottages you could
not pass by with a camera, and a picturesque old inn with a sign
showing the " Bear and Ragged Staff,'" the cognisance of the Earls of
Leicester, and a shin's gun in the front garden taken at Kertch. We
had some mutton cnops at that inn, and found the landlord was a
professional photographer. I expect Bank and other holidays bring
lots of people here for a drive from Birmingham and Coventry, for
" groups are taken," I suppose, in the stable-yard and pretty back
garden. Thank goodness, the place was quiet enough during our
visit, and not a soul to be seen, or a sound to be heard save the cawing
of rooks and the droning hum of the school near the church. Ah,
that church is a dream, a poem in architecture ! I will not inflict on
you any attempt at discipline, but cut short my rhapsody with recom-
mending " where to go with the camera " — Warwickshire, supposing
you are satisfied with sylvan scenery, pretty cottages, old churches,
moated houses, and castles. You will find all these to your heart's
content. I would further advise you to send unmounted copies in
platinotype of such good negatives as you may secure to the inde-
fatigable Secretary of the Photographic Survey of the County of
Warwick, J. H. Pickard, 11, Priory-road, Edgbaston, Birmingham.
HiCHABD Keene.
GELATINO-CHLOBIDE-OF-SILVEE PAPER: ITS MANIPU-
LATION.
fNorth Middlesex Photographic Society.]
The title of my paper, as it appears upon our calendar, covers rather a
wide field, and I will ask you to take what I have to say for the descrip-
tion of the process as I am in the habit of working it. I wish more par-
ticularly to address my remarks to beginners or to those of you. If such
there be, who have not as yet done much with this particular material.
Before going into the method of working, I will briefly bring to your
notice certain points connected with the history of the process, which
may possibly be of interest to you, and will also mention what I consider
its principal advantages.
Historical Notes and Principal Advantaoks.
In the yearl865 Mr. G. Wharton Simpson introduced a process of silver
printing called the coUodio-oitro-obloride process, or Simpaon-type, in
which the sensitive salts were held in suspension by collodion, and from
which very fine results were obtained, but owing to the favour which
albumenised paper obtained, Mr. Simpson's process did not continue in
very general use.
Captain Abney, in 1882, discovered and suggested the use of an emul-
sion of chloride of silver, citrate of silver, and gelatine for printing-out,
and in 1885 the late Mr. J. B. Obemetter put upon the market his
gelatine emulsion paper ; Liesegang & Trapp manufactured the paper
commercially in the following year, and the Blackfriars Sensitising Com-
pany introduced its manufacture into England in 1890, since which time
the Ilford Company have taken up the production of printing-out paper,
manufactured upon somewhat similar lines, and apparently at a consider-
able reduction in price. I cannot enter into the details of the manufac-
ture of gelatino-chloride paper, but will merely say that the paper
generally used has a prepared surface, and is known as baryta or chalk
paper, such as is used for collotype, in which tlie surface is coated with
an insoluble film of gelatine and barytes or other substance. The pre-
pared paper is coated with an emulsion of gelatine and sensitive salts of
silver, made much after the manner of the ordinary gelatino-bromide
emulsion for plates, and applied by hand or machinery ; the paper is
then dried, and is ready for use. In this state we receive it, sometimes
a little older than it might be. The particular advantages it possesses
are, in the first place, its suitability for weak negatives. With negatives
which are wanting in what is commonly called " pluck," far better results
are obtainable with this than with ordinary silver paper. By the use
of green glass in printing, even negatives of exceptional weakness may
be made to yield quite good results upon those papers containing citrate
of silver (Obemetter and aristotype are, I believe, of this description),
the reason being that silver chloride and silver citrate, which enter into
the composition of the emulsion, are differently affected by light — chloride
of silver is principally sensitive to the ultra-violet rays, and citrate of
silver to the blue rays and some distance into the green of the spectrum.
Now, the citrate of silver, which is sensitive to the green rays, gives
greater contrast to the resulting print than does the chloride ; so, by
stopping out all but the green rays, we obtain the greatest amount of
contrast from the citro-chloride. There is another advantage of a similar
description which citro-chloride presents, that of printing quicker in the
winter-time, when the ultra-violet rays of the spectrum, to which chloride
is most particularly sensitive, are very deficient. The rapidity of print-
ing is very considerably greater at any time of the year than is the case
with ordinary albumenised silver paper, like which it is particularly
adapted to combination printing from two or more negatives, nothing
being left to guess-work or unaided experience, as with platinotype or
bromide, and, if kept dry, may remain a long time in the printing frame
without apparent deterioration.
Banoe of Tons.
The range of tone obtainable at will ie very considerable, and reds and
warm browns, purples and blacks, may be obtained with certainty, pro-
1U7 37.189S]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
347
vkM alwaya that the pint is mitkUa. There ii a photogrm^e saying
that the tone of a prmt is settled whan it leaTee the frame, which is,
doobtlees, trne of meet |)dnt-oat tKueeeeei reqniring toning, bat we have,
I think, in this ease, br (usaler laage than with albomeniaed paper or
other proeseese. Th« eaaa with whieh the sarfaoe of the paper oan be
BMnip<Uated is a partiealarty OMfnl hature from an artistic point of
view. We ean, by roo^toning the sorfaee to a certain extent, tone down
the brilliancy ol strong eootraats, and partly kill the painfol detail and
imall flickering ii^ts often ao eaafaaiag in photographs, or aeoentoate
the detail and piqnaney by burnishing to almost any reqtiired degree ; or,
again, the sor&ee may be left in ita natural state, or jost slightly dolled.
Con>moxs or Pebm a.nesct.
01 all the qttalitiee of a photographic printing paper, there is one whieh
is. or ooght to be, of more impottaace than anr other, that is, the per-
Bianency of the resnlt. We all know the imstahli nature of the arerage
iiher print, and the yellow sinknm whiab oflw roba it of its charms
wifliiD a year or two ol ita pwdaetian. aad sadi o( na as admire the
adtBDiagas and beantiea of a nnasaa which has hold ita own ao long, in
ante ofmherent decay, sboola be glad to aalutjuiu a matarial of a similar
kmd of certainly higiiar eapabilitiaa, and containing the elements of
vastly graater pcnaaaeocty. The iiaaows opon wluch the claim for
greatv peniHoan^ is baaed are these : That not only is the sensitiTe
Sim conmaad el a definite silvsr aoapoond smnlsifUd in gaUtine,
wharaaa, m te illwiiisnlasil tO^rn paper, we have a vcfy miataiile eont-
poond, sHiw aWwuisiiala. bat the sMalaioa ia spnad opon a prspaied
sntfaea, aikd Is eat off tram, and does not sink mto, the textnre ol the
paper. It is eoBsaqoeatly washed with grsater ease and sf&dency, the
diiutagiBtiea of the paper and aise eoaaeqaaBt opon prdonged washinR
of silvar prinu being wqnsationsWy a eeostderaMe taetor in their
ilsstiiwlfcsi It is, of coBrae, BseaMBiy, if the most peraaaant resnlts
aia to be obtained, that the prints ahoold be thcroaghly wall Bied, the
byfo sfleetnaUy filiininaMHli aad snttaWa hoards and materiala need for
•mimmHttf Tbara aw eartaia faoaal nlea lelatiog to the rarioos
iaaai|mlalhiiis which lasst be elnasly altsadsii to, or, withoat donbt, the
results will be partial or complete taitan. The ways and enstoms of
csdinaiy silrer printing mtist be pat oa oae sids, lor tha material is
ditawt aad raqoivsa a difisraBt liHltwt Oaia ia to be aieniaad in
haafllM Iba papsr, asparially wIhb «■!. aa than the aarfaes la very
NM^ttto ol taiary. Tha hands aad diahee mast be dean, aad the
latter wad alwvs lor the ma* porposse. whilst hypo most be carsfnlly
gowdad aaainal. as ths faintaat traes bate* or daring toning will stain the
priatSL Thestongs ol the paper reqiriraa caretol attention, and it will
then keep, for the moat part, u good nrwdHinii lor a eoaaidsrable tims if
tha air, l%ht, mi Jmrnf aw sfciilniHy iiilili » The baal way, I beUere,
to store it is Miar gnasna. I ha«a agarif aaad Aiiatotype paper whieh
I hMt aavaral asaatha, aad stand lor ioar or ti% waaka bstwsen
aaitoBlBg. withoat aoyapptadabb aaariflaacl its good aoaUtiasL
Mpan to wfaiah my i—aiki lalv ara Oberaatter, Artstotypa.
pe, aad lliatd. thaaa being the oaly brands whieh I have need.
ly, I piilst tha uslaiuljus aad anatotTpe for warm looes, aad
ladef ler patpb or UaaL Thqr atl giTS a rsamrkaUa aaMoat
aad are waO naked op aad seat oat. Tha ualstutjva, how-
.^, .^ aet ssam to be ao web salaetad aa the other papers
to; it tea aiao a paalM laadaoay to aorl daring tha opwatfans,
paper ia fiilekar. aad slutda mora wear aad Isar.
Tke
Celerolype
PeraoaaUy
tha
of
bat the
ol a
Tha
aapMiva
t Mt,ab
Paamao.
to dajUgbl la the ordinary
d iiiiUliiail dsMity, an
ahaiafllar saowiag to pro>
ia pranand aa oaoal lor
t SOI, aben aU tblnga, if ol aay
or the lk«e saver will qaiekly stain it
liiiiMrl liengaltiw sapaoiaBy if any tnee ol damp be pnssnt. The
rihac ataia aagr aol show at tha time, bat I have saan it daralop after
words. La^ttaaad prlatlaf la the op« air ia wiaiar tina wffl bring a
ilsli tei ml nl Kahw laaMag^ha paper ia the faama it ia alwaya
dialnUa to dast tha aagslfri said papar with a camel'a-hair brnah, as
dost win Isan white apota, aad to has* Ifaa bask of tha nagatin dsaa. a
thick pad d hletUac-papar or Mt beUad the paper U also very daeinhle.
AU iniaaibls aan ahoald be takaa not to aipoM the papar to aoT bat very
doU'oraftaWal Itfit. as. by raaaoa ol ita iniltlfiisi. it wlu rapidly
beaona tehanedL The same ean mart ho aieraiaad whilst sxAminiag
tha priat. wWah ahoald alwaya bo noMvad iato a doll light befon the
' bcpaaad. Piiatiac shoald aesar be eartiad eat in dttraet aaaMgbt,
bM with asgaHTSS ol loo great a danaity. and for
Phnu are made by eoataet
ierlba
paatsr
sDsw priailag by aay
valaa, tt ahoald ba s«
[to
two, or three
over tha fase
aay nfallvs
a varr sabdned Ught wiU ^v« the best raanlt. One,
see of tiaeiag. or other traaelneeat paper, piaaed
the frame will work wooden with thin nsgalivae.
aspselally whsre maskiag-oat aad printiag-ia of akin or othsr portioas U
tsoortad to. As ranrda tha aaleal to whieh priatiag ahoald be eaniod,
it ia, I lUak, fwallf dnlnMa to auntlaaa aspoeon oatil the darkaat
flwMh this may not ba maatieable with
I braaalBg wtiJbe loot in tooing and Ssing, as
eoosidsrabU aiaoaat clthe depth ol the
negativee^ Tbal
ig wiU ba loot in tooing and Ssing, as will also a
it, aad proper allowaaee (to
a bis made for this.
TosiNO ANB Fmso.
If the toning and fixing are carried on in separate baths, greater
redaction will occur than if a combined bath is used. The prints, if
preserved from light and air, may be kept two or three weeks before
toning, bat if stored for much longer time the whites are apt to become
dirty, and difficulty may be experienced. The toning or bringing of the
prints to a more pleasing colour is one of the most important of the
operations oonnected wi& the process, and is effected by a variety of
sabetanoee, the principal being gold, uranium, or platinum in combina-
tion with other substances. It is impoesible for me to wade tiirougb
a list of the numeroue baths recommended, for their name is legion, but
will give the formulie for a few with which my small experiments have
been conducted. Speaking generally of toning, I have a strong leaning,
to the more rapid baths as being the most interesting to work with,
something of the charm of development entering into the work as the
prints visibly change colour. Daylight is undoubtedly better to tone by
than artificial light, the latter requiring a considerable experience of
results. The light, however, must be weak, and the prints g^ven no
unnecessary exposure to it. In all cases the tone of a print is to be
judged by transmitted light, and not by reflected light, the appearance of
the print in the toning bath twing no sure guide to the tone when
fixation is complete. For instance, Obemetter paper in a uranium
toning bath will appear quite a dark purple-blue, but changes almost
instantly to brown when placed in the hypo. The tone must conse-
qneatly be judged by looking through the print at the source of Ught.
The changes of ooloox made by prints in some of the toning baths is very
striking, brilliant yellow, red, claret, purple, and blue often succeeding
each other. Cleanliness cannot tie too much insisted upon at all
times, but more especially during the operation of toning, especially
where separate tonmg and fixing baths are used Bimultaneously. In
the instmetioas given with the aristotype paper, the printer is directed
to hm ooa hand only for the toning bath and the other only for
the fixing, traaaterring the printa as toned from one band to the
other ; and, i^ this method is carried oat, the chances of stained
prints an greatly rednced, the faintest trace of hypo from fingers or
other sources being sofHeient to discolour the print The toning bath
most, in nearly all cases, be preceded by a thorough removal of the soluble
silver by washing in several changee of water for from ten to fifteen
minates, the printe beiag plaeed m the water face downwards, eln a
deposit is liaUa to form opon the face. The first washing water is seen
to rapidlv beeome diseoloored. The fint wash of water is best poured off
as qaicUy as possible, as it has the effect of degrading the whites if
allowed to remain in contact with the prints ; in the after-washing, how-
ever, the water may remain unchanged for a longer time. Some toning
baths will rejoin the prints to have ten preparatory washing, and I
Bote that tiie laatroetions issued with the celerotype state that one good
washing is soAaiaat, and that the paper eontains no free silver.
OoLoToano.
Toning with gold may be roughly divided into two methods — the first
whan ths toning and fixing battia an kept separate, and the second,
when the toning and fixing an carried ont in the same bath and at one
opentioa Then is, 1 think, no doabt that the first fnethod is the best
and the most certain, and the chances of permaneaey mnch greater, bat
it involvee a little men tronble. I may hen draw attention to the
defeels of the eombiaad baths. Probable want of permanency in the
priat owing to the exhaoatioa or partial eihaostion of the hypo, the batlv
eontinaing to tooa bat Aziag imparfaetly, the latter being, of coarse, the
moot important operation. Then, a^in, many oombined baths have
alum in Uieir conpoeitkm, and the mixtun of this with hypo causes a
deposit of ralphor and oxide of alominium and the liberation of sul-
^aroos acid, leading, in all probability, to fading and degraded prints.
The alum is used to arrest the disiotCKration of the gelatine by the
solphocyanide, and to anson the regolahty of toning.
FoniccuB.
Taming bow to the gold bath— for after-fixation nearly any good bath
may ba aaad— that givan with the aristotype paper I ban always foimd
to work well, — ^
Water 8 ounces.
Chiorida ol (old S grains.
B.
Water Sonaoes.
Solphoeyaaide of ammoninm 80 grains.
Hyno 1 grain.
QinjnclW A poured into one part d B. not the reverse. It u neoes
sary to dilate this a little, say about one-third mon water. The bath
most not be need nntil the red preoipttate is redissolved and quite coloor-
Isaa. If tha hypo be omittsd brown prinU may be obtained. The bath
lenom mended by Obemattar for hU paper ia good for purple tones and ia-
as follows : — j^
Bolphocyanide of ammoninm 8 drachms.
Sodium hypo ^ grains.
Water to 90 ounces.
B.
Dialfllad water !,'.tI'. Bounces.
Ooldohlorida !! 16 grains.
348
THE HRITISH JOURNAL OF rHOTOaRAPHY.
[May 27, 1892
Ponr aboat two and a half ounces of B into A, and stir well while doing
so until quite clear ; then add three to six ounces of water. For reddish
brown tones increase hypo to ten or fifteen grains. This bath may be
kept and strengthened with gold as required. The bath recommended for
lUord paper is as good as any and very simple.
Water 16 onnoes.
Sulphocyanide of ammoninm 30 grains.
Chloride of gold 2 „
This bath should be kept for a day before using, and tones in five or
six minntes, and the bath, when it refuses to tone, should be replenished
with gold or filtered and used as a base for a new bath. A good bath for
brown or sepia tones is —
1.
Water 50 ounces.
Sulphocyanide of ammonium 1 ounce.
Sat. soL ammonium carbonate 15 to 20 drops.
2.
Water 20 ounces.
Gold chloride 1 grain.
It must not be used till quite clear. It works well with celerotype, but I
have never been able to obtain satisfactory results upon Obemetter paper.
For bluish-black tones, Liesegang'a formula works well.
Water 25 ounces.
Sulphocyanide of ammonium 1 ounce.
Phosphate of soda 1 „
A few hours before toning, add to ten ounces of this solution a solution
of five grains of chloride of gold in one ounce of water. After this bath
has been used add some more of the gold solution ; it can then be used
again. And there are many other equally good baths given in the
instructions issued with the various papers which it is not worth while
entering upon in detail. J. C. S. Mcmueby.
{To be continv^d.)
BOSTON CAMEBA CLUB JOINT EXHIBITION.
The CoDunittee having the conduct of the Fifth Annual Joint Exhibition
of the New York, Philadelphia, and Boston Societies report that the
Board of Judges have announced awards to the following British
exhibitors: — Medals: Messrs. A. E. Dresser, Hamilton Emmons,
Lyddell Sawyer (Newcastle), F. Dundas Todd (Edinburgh), Clement
Williams (Halifax). Diplomas are awarded to, among others, Mr. C.
Court Cole, of Oxford, Mr. I. W. Evans, of Wolverhampton, and Martin J.
Harding, of Shrewsbury. We gather that the Exhibition, which was open
from May 2 to 7, was a large and successful^ one, about 1300 pictures
being shown, and the attendance on the fourth evening]numbering 3000.
We have received the Exhibition Catalogue, which is a sumptuous volume,
enriched with several very fine photogravures and collotypes.
CHADWICK'S IMPROVED STEREOSCOPE.
SixcE we described the swhromatic stereoscope of Mr. W. I. Chadwick, of
Manchester, in last Almanac, its maker has considerably added to its
efficiency in two respects. First, he has mounted the eyepieces on
moving blocks, which, sliding horizontally, permit of such a separation
of the lenses as enables the eyes to see, with stereoscopic effect, pictures
that are badly trimmed and mounted in respect of being too wide apart-
He has also, by means of two brass springs, provided easy means for the
insertion and examination of slides, quite irrespective of the length of
their mounts. These improvements render the stereoscope perfect.
THE APTUS UNIVERSAL HAND CAMERA.
This camera, manufactured by Messrs. Sharp & Hitchmough, Liverpool,
and which has been exhibited at several London societies during the past
week, enacts the role of both a hand camera and a focussing camera on a
stand. When used in the former capacity, it appears as a compact
leather case, having the usual perforation in front for lens and finder.
The positions of the relative parts are shown in the cut, which represents
it with the lid thrown ox>en.
By releasing the front and allowing it to fall, the base-board is then
capable of being drawn out, as shown in the following cut. It will be
seen that the body is capable of being distended to a considerable length,
permitting the use of a lens of long focus. The various operations, such
as setting and releasing the shutter, are performed from the bottom. It
has, too, a swing back, and, taken altogether, it is well thought out and
well made.
Mttiin^^ of &oc(ette)e(*
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK,
Date of Meeting.
May 30
„ 30
„ 31
„ 31
„ 31
June 1
„ 1
„ 1
„ 1
.. 1
:: \
„ 2
» 2
„ 2
,. 2
., 2
» 3
.. 3
.. 3
„ 3
>. 3
.. 3
„ 3
Nftme of Society.
Dundee Amateur
Roaseudale
Lancaster
Leitb Amateur
Warriugtou
Edinburgh Photo. Society ..
Photographic Club
Portsmouth
Putney
Southsea
Wallasey
West Surrey
Brixton and Clapham
Leeds Photo. Society
London and Provincial
Oldham
Tunbridge Wells
Bristol and West of England
Cardiff
Croydon Microscopical -
Holbom
Leamington
Maidstone
Richmond
Place o{ Meeting.
Asao. Studio, Nethergate, Dundee.
TowTtsend-chambers, Rawtenstall.
Storey Institute, Lancaster.
Museum, Bold-street, Warrington.
Profession.il Hall, 20, Qeorge-street.
Anderton's Hotel, Fleet-street, B.0*.
Y.M.C. A. -buildings, Laudport.
High-street, Putney.
Egremont Institute, Egremont.
St. Mark's Schools, Battersea-rise..
Gresham Hall, Brijcton.
Mechanics' Institute, Leeds.
Champion Hotel. 15, Aldersgate-st.
The Lyceum, TJnion-st., Oldham.
Mechanics' Inst., Tnnbridye Wells.
Rooms, 28, Berkeley-sq, BristoL
Public Hall, George-street, Croydoa
Trinity Church Room, Morton-st.
"The Palace," Maidstone.
Greyhound Hotel, Richmond.
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN.
May 24, — Technical Meeting, Mr. Edgar Clifton in the chair.
The New Concentric Lens.
A paper, dealing with the properties of the new concentric lens of Messrs.
Ross & Co., was read by Mr. H. G. Heybnrn. [This will appear in a future
number.] At its conclusion Mr. Heybum described Messrs. Ross's lens-testins
apparatus, a replica of which was on view. This consists of a fixed watch dial
on a plane surface, parallel to which, at a distance of several feet, is placed a
holder for lenses of various sizes. Axial to the lens is a microscope on a
stand, wliich is adjustable to the focus of the lens and capable of lateral move-
ment, which thus permits of a lens being examined obliquely as well as
centrally, the former being facilitated by a second and movable dial which may
be placed at any desired position of obliquity. The bulb is in the form of a
sphere, and thus the focal distance is the same for all angles of obhquity. No-
distortion is produced, no matter to what position the bulb may be turned.
M»T 27. 1802]
TRt: BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
349'
At tb* fimHi«<^" of the paper, Mr. J. Stoart presented the Society with a
^opr of Or. Sduoadtr'i book antitiad Di* EltmtnU der PhOmrofAuchm Optdc,
which WB« Um staodaid wotk oo optisa in OomanT. It hail heim crtticiied by
of iffl-r'ia in 0«nnanT, '^•'"■"g lYol—jr Abbe, who aaid that ita only
iraa ita ooiKiaiBaM. i)r. SchroaSir diattnetly *tate<i that the nuuority of
.j.}ks in tka handa of optidaaa «tn axceedingly defectire, •neb boolu
oW daalinf with portiona that wwa liinple, and foii;etting obliqne
. ciUMr important ronditjant TIm optiei oC photography were more
.^^oi than the optic* of the talanopa, wbara only the central pencils
s. iealt with. In reply to Mr. Dabanham, Mr. Stnart aaid that the itate-
' '.. made io the paper ware Dr. Sehroadv'*, who waa laaponaible for arery
wonl foatained is it.
Mr. W. K. DiBHfRAX Mid tto* «•>• aevcnl fUtnoeota in the paper which
>"> ''•<t i">li»>«^ to dtopata vary atnafly. In tba Int place it had been stated
■.bai* waa »o diatortioa witk tba wweaBUfc lana, oo aecoont of the raiiii
TTstTrra piiamlhig paiaOal tsiyla from a evtain position, which
ooH be tba poaWo^ ot tba diifitagin In that eaae thve wtrald
•.ioa if tba haa waM «Ma4 w a ailff* Ism.
IT uid It tm» ahaoMaly alMickt Haaa aa a aiai^ lana, tha Oaoas
' ;y in the eiBtrei
' aaid that tha reatoo ct««a aoeoonted for tha abaenoa of
■ !epth of IbeM," il bad bare, aa be g/Mmni, been
raya^ bol far aatglBal nya, Ba bad alwaya majntaiiwd
r«riar to any elbar ti dapa of teeoa.
Mr. bTtAHf pbtnted oat that tba uoaawtfia icna lUatiibutail tha rays
Msally weU all ovar tba laid.
Mr. DnnnuJi eoald biIbUmiI tbat II ga«« battar diiaitiaa at tha
margtea ; nd tbsnfcrp, itvttag ftnaa • tea potot, tbay aoald aa«a tba
rKri^'.Dic KiMa tor a martsi diiMMa wWowt TaarUnR a oaliiB mooat of
- eflM vUh a law wMsk 4ilMA w«U at tba aavidaal toeaa. Ha
tbia dnth «f fcaai^ bat b(Mr awiginsl daftnttloB And Umb, aa
•-' ■MbK oaklMr tiaa albv kaaa* in wbkh tba nya won not
toSew. wUW baf« tbrr wan all broo^ to a point, tbia
<sylBf Hk«t a paftetly fnaasirl risw waa qni<Aar than one
I not Had tbat aliltoni aafciiil tnm nnda^wpoaara la
tbo^M tMi drfM ftr aatm niddily a mat aialaka
r«ma OB tba vrilih Oartnilag MaiinL HoaTa taatiai
'-U ea a piaaa aailbea w«« n|«odaead by Oa
' divtortlaa, whOa oMaeti oa a eoneava larfbea
M r. Dah^aaaiMttina a mat ai^ato
1 M wtt aay atbsr, aad Iba d» a< tba
'^4? parvpaetlTa of near objauta. Ha
>naU h* avda in laspaet of soeh a
- '^olIiaaaadaBtasaaoraald, waa
-.ooapbar. la aD aaaaa wksra
••■■sd la hba that tba laaa
>kk prscadad it, aapadally in
Mra to bla njirit
■ fui-i UA«e uevQ mmur
laoaawti
-atii* aot Mac n.
V It Bart ba ai
'■-■^^ BMa iaian*
!ibumm b,
-<n with
< of Mr. Dahaaham aa to
tiyotbarlsBaaftba
tha raya aeaoa to a
iDOtbar laaaoo why
\rf Itta, it had no
ttnina. By com.
' •asBatOBc*.
adasad fUas
. . „ ukaafaont 10
.(T'l. It waa aot so moch in
!»(. He bad dealt with the
•irdawMk tbasaMstopk
tbar laafM ««n aad«^
T imita 9 par aaat. Ha
' m stafaaacopletlly.
; nfard to taa eoB-
h«
the
laa aad a lapel symi:
<>««ii<«l, aa Mr. Stoart kaaw. bad ^
tha total laaa at U^ bam tb>
i. WaaBAH irtdikai mm ;
ia
rapid
the
Oast diHniiilttea in the coaslractiea of
ooloar,
of
itic. One of tba gn
< was the enia of eeloar.
■ that waa aot tba aaartioB. Wbat waa tha aaMMUt of
•ptad by tba ooloar of tba laaaf It waa gaaafally
ny mtoor waa hmU. man light brtac lost by nOaetlDn
<nl to tba csMaatnlka of tba ran ^dd^ tba
St. If a bafldtag vwapat oat of ioeaak It woald
> xM Bad It to. Ha wished to nlat a protest
' saooatofaphafieolabanatieBltadatolos*
'ivt hfooaht to ooa vlaoa.
.irybw It did aot Mlovteanetaaa
If they took a i^MN with Unaa
._-, ..-.: - -^aeara someawlth tba obllqae nys
•mck m a ladina fkna the oaatie of tba lens. Cat the sphsn
iTulty Is rodaoad nf half Wbat was tba eoaaaqaaoeef
tAw eT tha iildl[|M fgf^ fS^IHlS?' "^ ** ^^.**
' an omaaila aflbat took plaetk Tha Maqjiaaf pwirili
■f dMfaMtaass oTcr a eooraTs Ssld, aad tba eor-
laposa, fai o«\ler to aacnra a conoaTs ttld, they
i«s«, the aaafir they apptoacbtd to flita i^ tha man
perfect the oblique pencils would be. It was a peculiar property of this lena
that it would give a concave field if exaggerated, out in the proper form it gave
a perfectly Hat Seld. In an ordinary lens they got distribution of coma at the-
marginal pencils, like two arcs crossed, in fact, an object at the margin being-
narrow and distorted. He had tested several of these lenses and found what-
he once thought was an optical impossibility — that is, that objects at the
marain of the field retained their figure perfectly.
Mr. DsBaXHAM said Mr. Wenham had spoken of the lens possibly having a ,
concave field. When a lens gives objects which are parallel to the focussing
screen, and those near the focussing screen are also in focus on the screen, and
so ^ve a Sat Geld for those objects, must it not have a concave field for distant
obiects!
Mr. Wkthaii add. No. Take another illustration — that of a rapid portrait
lens. In taking a group, a photographer would not.put the persons m a straieht
line ; he would put tbem in a semicircle, and get an approximately flat field.
There was no occasion to do that with the concentric lens. It gave a right line
from a right line, whatever the distance might be.
In answer to a qnai^oa of Mr. Swift's, Mr. Stdabt said that the lass was
valuable for copying pnipoaea ; but, of coniae, f-I6 should not be useiL
Mr. DEBBKHAit said it was nndonbtedly the beat lens for copying
ponnaes.
Mr. W. G. Tormt, of Measrs. O. Houghton & Son, exhibited and explained '
the " Shuttle " Hand Camera of that firm.
Mr. Askew exhibited a portable lantern apparatus for oO lamp, the principal
feature of which is the rapidity with which it may be unpacked and fixed in
position, and a slide projected on the screen. On this occasion the operation
lasted aboat five minntaa. Tor riaaoni connected with the patenting of tha
lastern, wa were aaked to withhold any deecription of it.
Mr. w. 0. Buuncn, of the BlackfMars Sensitising Company, exhibited and
explained the Anschiitz Instantaneous Hand Camera.
Mr. H. K Sbarp, of Meaan. Sharp it, Watmoagh, Liverpool, exhibited and
daseribed the "Aptus'CniTenal Camera. [See page 34S.]
Votea of thanks to Mr. Stuart and the other gentlemen oondnded the
iHiMaeiliiiyi
LOJnWN AND PROVINCUL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
Mav 19,— Mr. 6. W. Austin in the chair.
Mr. R. R. Baaid waa elected a member.
Ha;id CxsiMsiAt cr to Dats.
Mr. H. K Shart (of Maam. Sharp & Hitchmough, Liverpool) exhibited and
•xpblBad the "Aptoa" Oalveraal Hand Camera, which U capable of being
MBPlomd either aa a hand or stand camera at will. Mr. B. Fonlks- Winks
ibawad Maaara. Adamt k Co.'s "Adana" Hand Camera, their new "Ideal,"
and tha "Pocket" Hand Camera. The latter folds into a very small compaaa
aad hM a awinc hock. Mr. J. A. Sinclair exhibited the •■Bat" Camera of
MaaMo. AdaB% whiab eaa ba Sttad to an onlinarr felt hat.
A qatatioB froa tba box asked whether aluminium fittings to cameras would
stand tba aflteta of sea moisture. Mr. A. Mackik saw no reason why they
shoold not, aul also thought that aluminium could be lacquered as well as
bnM.
" How TO AacnTAn wrki thi Ptxanoit or a Siltis Panr n OoicFum."
The Hon. flMBStAar itad Mr. Lyonal CUrk'a rapl/to the letter which he
hail writlaa to that gaatleaian, aakiag for information on thia quaation. [See
p. 843.1
Mr. MACKB said Mr. Lyooal Clark had not answered the question ; he hadi
net taid than how to aaeartain when the fixation waa complete. This was an
TTTimr't of tha eaialwa way in which aoma axaninan put qneationa, Mr.
Clark did aot aaan to raaliaa that thay had aaked him to answer his own
nneatinn How did ha axpeat the candldataa at tha Citv and Guilds examina-
tion to aasww a qoaatiaa which ha (tha axamlaar) himself oould not answer I
Mr. P. Knaarr potaitad oat that Mr. Clark mav have asked the question,
waU kaowiag tint thaa was ao aatwar to it and in order to aioertaln the
aaooat of knowladga aawag tba studenta.
Mr. W. I. DaaaaHAM aaid that that would ba a very nnfair thing of a
teaehsr. and ha did not believe Mr. Clark would do that The queetions put
•boald DeaaehaatoeUcit tha information the atadent hadobtainnl from bis
own work oadar tha taanlf He (Mr. Debaaham) did not think the question
was a catch. It waa a thing which, in the preaent state of our knowledge,
could not be known.
Mr. A. OOWA* thooght it was not fair to run down Mr. Clark, who had
girsa them a fair aaawar. Mr. Clark did not know whether he had tried the
Uebronatotaat
Mr. T. BoLA* aaid bichromate had an effeet on silver nitrate and not on
the obkirtda. aad thsrafta* tha examiner oould seoroely have considered the
''^MyJlwaill raid n was aot an inltmomit thing ibr mathematical questions
tfc5'i»«n(%capable of solntioo to be asked.
Mr. O0WA!c hoped that the meeting would thank .Mr. Clark for his communl-
cotioa attboogh taa questioo had not been aatisfaetorilr answered
Mr. A. HaODOV ooaoonad, and alao angieatad that Mr. Clark be asked wbat
anawar ha woold give fUl marks for if ba aet the question. Mr. Haddon said
he shoald be glad to receive information on the point.
TU thaoks oftba mattiag wen foimallT voted to Mr. Clark, and it waa also
dedded to ask him far an answer to Mr. Haddon's question.
Tha raoainder of the avaaing was paaaed in a laotem display, Messrs. W. P.
Dando, G. W. Austin, & J. Berkett, W. Bouts, J. a Teape, and W. H.
Harrison eihlWting slldea. The latter gentleman showed a sUde of Mr.
Maskell's cat, photographed, preeumably, by means of a flashlight. The facial
expneaioo of tne aauoal created much amusement.
360
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[May 27, )802
Mortli London Photographic Society.— May 17, Mr. J. Douglas in the
chair.— The evening wa.s announced as a Technical Evening, and was com-
menced by the Fry ManufacturinR Company showing the different forms of the
"Griffiths" hand camera, which caused much interest. The principal sub^ect
for the evening was Films, and specimens were shown of the well-known Pry
films. Messrs. Edwards had sent some samples of their films, and Mr. J. D.
E^land also sent some specimens of film negatives and film carriers. The
Skcbetaby, in giving his experience of film working, stated that it had been
practically confined to England's and Edwards' films, of both of which he spoke
in high terms, showing negatives taken by himself which fully bore out his
opinion. Up to half-plate there was no difficulty in using ordinary dark slides
provided the thickness of the glass was made up for by a piece of dark card-
board. A film carrier made by the Secretary for hand-camera work was shown,
and the various advantages of films were fully discussed. Next meeting,
June 7, Retouchinij, by Mr. Redmond Barrett,
North Middlesex Photographic Society.— May 23, Mr. C. 0. Gregory in
the chair. — Mr. Mummery read a paper on Gelatirw-Chloride-of-silver Paper
[see page 346], showing examples ou various brands of paper toned by different
formulie. He then gave a demonstration of the process, and answered questions
on technical points. Competitions of views at the last three field days were
then held. Votes of merit were awarded as follows :— " Edgware," Mr. S. E.
Wall; "Chigwell," the Secretary; and "Chingford," Mr. S. Barnard. The
winning prints will be exhibited on the walls of the meeting room for a few
weeks, and finally preserved in the Society's album. A number of the first
two issues of Photographic Work were distributed among the members. The
next meeting will "be held on Monday, June 13, when Mr. F. E. Jones will
demonstrate the Plantinotype Company's new cold-bath process. Visitors
welcome.
People's Palace Photographic Club.— May 20, Mr. C. W. Gamble (Vice-
President) in the chair.— Question : Is a coloured stain on a negative proof that
the plate is old ■ In reply : If, with normal development a stain in the form
of iridescence appears round the edge of the plate, it may be taken that the
plate is old, but a stain sometimes occurs with a comparatively new plate
after very prolonged development. Work was shown by Messrs. Marriott,
Walker, Cable, and Patten. Subject for the evening, Developing Snapshot
Hxpositres, whith elicited a discussion. Mr. G. Patten was strongly in favour
of dry pyro with ammonia, which he found gave an excellent printing negative,
even if developed somewhat thin. For bare or under-exposures his formula
would be half to one grain pyro, quarter of a grain bromide, six minims -880
ammonia. This would be modified for different makes of plates. He found
Paget 50 plates would stand forcing with a very large percentage of ammonia.
Mr. T. Lawday said more detail could be obtained from under-exposures by
giving the plate a bath of ammonia before developing. He preferred dry pyro
for this class of work. Mr. R. Beckett thought the next best developer to dry
pyro and ammonia was a mixture of eikonogen and hydroquinone, which was
extremely useful for a plate that could not be developed with ammonia. It
was quick in its action. Mr. R. H. Edwards had lately used a mixture of
rodinal and hydroquinone with good results. The rodinal, he said, had the
effect of " flashing up " the image, and the hydroquinone gave density.
Eensingrton and Bayswater Photographic Society. — May 23, Mr. H. G.
Hannaford in the chair. — Mr. G. Bursnell read a paper and gave a demonstra-
tion on Bromide Enlarging. Mr. Bursnell showed how bromide enlarging may
be done by either day or artificial light. In referring to the different developers
he believed that the most satisfactory results were obtained by taking the
developer recommended by the makers of the paper used. He made some
satisfactory enlargements on the new rapid paper manufactured by the Eastman
Company. Mr. Bursnell stated that where formerly he gave an exposure of
one hour with this paper he now gave a few minutes only ; this, of course,
with a comparatively poor light. He recommended in all ca.ses to make trial
exposures, as there are so many factors which govern this important part of
the work, the chief of these being the actinic power of light, the density of the
negative, the presence or absence of stains, and the ratio of the stop.
Putney Photographic Soolety.— May 17, Annual General Meeting, Dr.
W. J. Sheppard in the chair. — A satisfactory report was read and adopted.
The Hon. Secretary expressed his regret that he would be unable to continue
the secretaryship, as he was leaving the neighbourhood. The following officers
were then elected : — President : The Hon. Baron Pollock. — Vice-Presidents :
Rev. L. Macdona and Dr. W. J. Sheppard. — Council: Dr. J. F. Farrar, Messrs.
H. Faulkner, T. Gilbert, Chas. JUliaTd.— Treasurer : Mr. Wm. Martin, jun.,
4, Lower Parkfields. — Joint Hon. Secretaries: Messrs. L. S. Zachariasen, Alfred
Villa, Putney Bridge-road, and W. F. Gorin, 3, Moutserrat-road.
South London Photographic Society.— May 16, the President (Mr. F. W.
Edwards) in the chair. Mr. W. I. Chadwick, of Manchester, delivered a lecture
on Stereoscopic Photography. The lecturer said the first thing to be under-
stood was the reason why it was necessary to have two pictures to prevent
complications and difficulties arising. He proceeded to explain this by re-
marks on monocular and binocular vision, illustrated by diagrams of the
human eye on the blackboard, referring particularly to the difficulties of a
person with one eye in judging the distance of various objects. A man with
one eye could only do so by size, and it could easily be shown that in many
instances his judgment could not be relied upon. A man with two eyes did
not judge distance by size alone, but, by reason of the convergence of his eyes,
saw objects solid, or, in other words, in relief. If two pictures were produced
such as would be seen by each eye, and were viewed at the same angle, the
objects depicted would be seen of the natural size, and with the same amount
of relief. He then showed the diagram of a box which he had made some years
ago, by which pictures taken with lenses of different foci appeared of the same
size, and the person who viewed them would be unable to tell which picture
was taken with the longer or shorter focus lens. After explaining the prin-
ciple of the stereoscope, he showed the apparatus, which he used to produce
negatives and transparencies. In making negatives \\ was necessary to have
two lenses of equal focal length, and mounted on the lens board three inches
apart In making prints from the negatives the centres of the pictures were
roduced to two and a half or two and five-eighths inclies ap.irt, a (iist:in"e equal
to that which the eyes are apart The positions of the two pictures'were also
reversed after printing, the right-hand picture placed where the left was and
the left-hand picture where the right was. When the various operations were
successfully performed, and the two pictures viewed in the stereoscope, the
objects depicted appeared as in nature, each standing out in advance of the others
in their proper position. After an address of about one hour's duration a
series of questions from an appreciative audience were asked, and lucidly and
humorously answered by the lecturer.
Brixton and Clapham Camera Club.— May 17, Dr. Reynolds (President^
in the chair. — Dr. T. Charters White gave a paper upon Photo-micrography.
The lecturer said that the subject which he had chosen was a vast one, on
account of the great strides made in photography during the last twenty years
as applied to scientific research, inasmuch as photographs may be taken of an
eclipse of the sun, of the entire heavens, or even of the smallest bacillus. In
the first place, in carrying out his directions, no large outlay is required for
apparatus, and any person who has a camera and a microscope can produce
excellent results. Dr. White said he usually used an oblong lidless box placed
on its side, the microscope and lamp is then placed inside this box, and a
black curtain is pulled over its front, and shuts in the light, so that all
operation^ could be performed in the same room. The box is firmly screwed
on to a stout base-board, the middle length of which slides in and out by
being dovetailed on the outer sides. At its distal extremity an ordinary
printing frame is screwed as a carrier to hold the focussing screen and eventu-
ally the plate. These several parts must be accurately squared with the box
and optical plane of the microscope, or the image will appear blurred. At the
end of the box, next the carrier, an aperture is made to allow of the insertion
of the microscope tube. The lamp is then lighted, and the object placed upon
the stage of the microscope, and the image projected on to a glass plate in the
carrier, which glass plate may have clean wnite paper upon it, and, the velvet
carrier being pulled down, a brilliant image is thrown upon the focussing
screen, and that part of the subject selected that it is desired to photograph,
and thus roughly focussed. If a picture suitable for a lantern slide is required,
the sliding base with its carrier is pushed closer to the box ; and, if a more
extensive amplification is wanted, the sliding base is drawn out. On removing
the paper screen and inserting a piece of plate glass ruled in squares with a
diamond, with the ruled glass next the microscope, the image may be viewed
with an ordinary focussing glass by resting it against the glass plate and by
bringing the aerial image of the object into exact focus with the fine lines,
which would approximately occupy the plane of the gelatine emulsion on the
sensitive plate. If the above details have been properly attended to, there is
no reason why the photograph should not be absolutely sharp. The lecturer
advised the following as approximate exposures : — When using 1^ objective,
3'45 seconds ; ? objective, 790 seconds ; A objective, J 3 minutes ; J objective,
2'7 minutes ; A objective, 4 "10 minutes. Any developer which will give good
contrasts is suitable. At the conclusion of the paper, an excellent set of
microscopic slides were shown, which fully bore out all that Dr. White had
said in his paper. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to him for his eminently
instructive lecture.
Btrmlngbam Photographic Society.- May 24.— The first whole -day
excursion of the season was made to Buildwas Abbey and Much Wenlock
Priory. Twenty- three members joined the excursion, under the leadership of
Mr. William Jones ; and 180 plates were exposed, chiefly whole-plate and
larger. For the comfort of the party, a saloon was provided by the early
express, and a delightful day was spent amongst the grand rivi-rs of these
exceptionally interesting places. For the information of photographers un-
acquainted with these historical ecclesiastical remains, it may be stated that
Buildwas presents unique examples of the transition period from Late Norman
to Early EngKsh. The extensive ruins of Wenlock Priory comprise beautiful
examples both of Norman and Early English work of what was once the most
important monastic establishment of the Midlands, and which are now care-
fully preserved by their present owner. An excellent luncheon was provided
by Mrs. Butcher, of the " Raven Hotel," to which justice was done."
Tyneside Camera Club.- May 21.— There was a club outing to Marsden
Rock and the coast. There was an excellent attendance of ladies and gentle-
men. Plates were exposed on the famous Marsden Rock, Bottle Rocks, and
numerous others. There was a strong west wind, which was a nuisance, and
sundry sharp showers, which brought the waterproof focussing cloths into
frequent use ; notwithstanding the weather, a very pleasant day was spent.
Edinburgh Photographic Society.- The second of the members' Saturday
afternoon rambles, whicti had been arranged for June 4, as stated in our report,
page 318, has been altered as to date, all the other details remaining as stated.
The date is now to be Saturday, May 28, at 2.10, Waverley Station.
Edinburgh University Fhotogrraphic Club.— May 16, Dr. Drinkwater in
the chair. — The first and principal business of the evening was the reading a
paper and exposition on Exposure Meters and Tables by Mr. F. Dundas Todd,
in which he set forth the factors determining exposure, such as the quality and
state of the light for interior and exterior views, the lens, its focus and
aperture, the plates in use, &c., and explained his comparative experiments-
with the various commercial "aids to timing exposure ' in the market, de-
scribing the principle on which each of them was contrived. In the course of
discu.ssion wnich ensued, several of the members stated that they possessed
exposure meters, but each of them admitted that they never used them save
for the purpose of recording the exposure, as they had either found or believed
the figures of the tables untrustworthy. Of the named meters three of the
members had Watkins', and Mr. Pearck stated that so far as he had used it
with a single dozen of plates the results were fairly satisfactory, but he found
his difficulty to be in deciding what subject number to take. Dr. Paterson
stated that he had now so accustomed himself to the use of a meter that he felt
it would hardly be worth his while trying to photograph without it. Before-
using the meter he used to get about one good plate in a dozen, but now, with
its use, they were nearly all good. Mr. Harrison said that since he had
become accustomed to the use of his meter he never had a wrongly exposed
plate. Mr. Todd related a peculiar experience to him in platinum printin'..
For several days in the previous week he had been printing * set of plalinum
M«y 27, 1893]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
351
pcteti, ud, M • ml*, had only tvo or tkiM iadilhnntljexpoMd, but one Aaj,
wbai tki wj WW qoto dear, utd a kaa UUic aaat wind wu blowing, h« had
diOealtr ia daefaUas vboi tba printiag was eoniieto, although he had taken
th* tan* can aa on |»«»fc<ua dan, tha nanlt hdng that the batch of prints
made os that dar war* Raetkauir wflrthlaai, all of them beinc ODder-prtnted.
TWCaanaAi (Or. Dt&kwatat) nid ha waa ao lanaihle of the effect of this
that ba alwm doahlai Ui momum doting as east wind, and
) to faliaw Ua — -"t**- *vkh waa that of the older photo-
mfll or laa nr»-adatine period, tha trwth of it hailiic ariB paasad into s
ik|M> pranrik, The Mr. T. Duadaa Todd here mennnaad baa just been
awndad ena of tha Stb out of twelve maid ■adili riven at the pteaeat Boston,
New York, aad Fhiladriphk rhotofrapMii BdUbttiao, which have been ad-
jadnd to Britiah aal)iartk Hii pfctOM ww Tie SinUUv, exhibited at the
E^boii^ Soda^B mambaa' ezpodtiaa, aad JBtthay (A« Luut. He is the
cah Seotakaani aaioas the Ave nwdal-Mttas, and thia ia the aeeoad gold
madil for kia works wUch he baa obtained daring the last few weeks.
CorrrfiponHencr*
ObfTwpvn^inli d^wU i
' writs m Wa tidm tf On paptr.
DEPTH OF FOCUS.
To Uu Emtoa.
Sn.— The iliamwtnH d yaatariay tnmiSag at the Photogi^liie Soeiafy
ot Oreat Britain haa lad ma to baiiaa* tiwt Ur. Dabanbam and myaJt
eoold not agiaa in mwationa wiliMng to photograpbie optica. I tharefore
•omUv ttat U woild ba oimaeMMiy kr ma to " tnniiah two diagimms
-f T— T — *1tii ramifnniM* fiii hh niinhl nnwiMsiilliai Thia, after all.
wooU paritaaa »o» ba admittad to alnrifcti Iha aabjaet. wUeh ana beat be
daeidad bjr tba oaoal optioal laaia, wUoh aia tba oMBt aeeonta and eartain.
Tba laUag ol piaHnaa ia aaldoa laaortad to, and than only to ahow a
laanllnal ataot
I bava ulgml to tba pfariuk atop aa afimdanMntal example of infinite
dafib of ioaaa. A phetoyaphar aiagr tr* to take a landaeape view with a
padM kna wtt l«i|a apartva, airf fail lor want of thia 4apib of tooM ;
thiabaatnniiii>lihibytbailii>mnial>— Uato^
It Mr. I>abwlnM ia praparad to aiaa«a tha an^aet of depth of ioeaa.
and tba qnaatieB of oblique paaeila in pbetograpliie lensea, I refer him to
tha faeaat work of Dr. Sebroadar, whieh is the only one that traaU
thoroofhlr of tha optiaa of tba aobiaot. I am aware that be haa aooeaa
tolbawack. Ha wiu And Iba naMar tal^ deaU with at pp. U4-lo3.—
I an, yoota. Aa^ F. B. Waxmut.
jf^ as, un.
■
FHOTOCaAPHT EX THK COLOUBS OF NATURE.
TafAeKMiaaL
Sia^Fraa tba rapiy of Mr. Iraa (p. SSS) to my laUar (p. 818) I
learn that Mr. Iraa aoatiaoaa to maka wiiaiaiiiw aialMaaalB fa avdar to
dalHid tba origiMl «i«ta vbieh I hava «o»tra<Watad
Mr. I*aa aaMrta Ibat tba FiaakUa iMHtato |a«a m» % fiOl keards*
balara iwiitina Iba qnaalion ol irrighfiHly of ortboebronatie pbotofiapby
la fareorotbA.
I rapiy that I hara nrrar raeairod any eSaial latter Ikoa the Franklin
Institoto fai tboaa tarma. I only get ttom Piufwacr Bimaa. of Phila-
delphia, a Toy Maadljr arirnta latt«, aakiog (or tavaral dataa and
deiaila of my inraBttoa, wUeb, ia rttmaa' own worda, " ia only aecond
eaa «bct Mr. Ivaa bimaaif doaa not trwt Iha vardiet of tba
I •tituto. tor arvaral yeara aWatwarda ha laeofniaiil tba invan-
"iiaatie pbolacrapby aa miaa ia yoor Jotraaai., 1891,
• aaaaiUoa that " after Mr. Botbamlay'a tranala>
rainiama aambar of o»«aUTaa and prinu " I nee,
.•<■■ ,>j laad aiy nriai—l paper of 188S (mantiooad on
s JocaaAL), wbaraiB I tM aet a word about " flva nagatirea
im."
:.od of working with thraa naialliaa oiaiiDad by Mr. Iraa, ia
tried hafor* mine by Croa, Oaaoa da Haorea, and Albart.
>T* ■■ nothing waa beard aboot hie (my) tryiaff to do it
iTcs antil aftar I (Irea) provad," <ke.. I roplv that, after
- -blieatioo (prinlad fwrim vaara bafoca Iraa'), ovary-
rod printa, with waallad uua^il— ilary aotoor*.
' •' neper ; oven noro, aa la Ivaa' pataat tar 1890
ir«d fnHlt, but only aboot eoloared tantam
Ti>«r I already cihibtled frinU in natural
cukiot*. workad oat al'.- tple. which were exhibited ia Berlin.
I agreawUb tbaSta' iv 10. ■■ that the pietareaara not oolour-
'ith'-- ' -he tam. botratbaraeemWaatiaa
I la aavw Ukaiy.
ofbaiaga
bayoadtba
iftuitive Photography, 1885, p. 137, bat aUo in two lectures before tha
Society of BerUn Physicists (President, Helmholtz), vide report of the
mentioned Society, April 20, 1888, and January 10, 1890, and I show it
every year by eiperiments in my lectures on The Theory of Colours at the
Royal Technical High School, Berlin. Perhaps Professor S. Thompson
had never read tboee papers. Db. H. W. Vooeu
BerUn, May 21, 1892.
STAINS ON PBIXTING-OUT PAPER.
To the EpnoB.
Sni, — May we be allowed to explain one or two points in year corre-
spondent's letter, which may otherwise be misleading ?
1. We did not adnse more gold than that on formula ; we wrote that
the gold in Mr. Meigh's bath was evidently almost exhausted, as proved
by UDwness of toning.
3. Tha piecea ot papor were not signed, bnt only initialled, and it was
impoaaiblafor as to decipher the initials and trace from whom they came
ontil we saw Mr. Meigh's letter in your columns.
3. The piecea of paper referred to have Ixjen sent to Mr. Meigh to-day.
They were printed and tc<ied the day they reached us, and are perfectly
(tee from marking*.
4. We tharefore adhere to oar statement, that the markings are due
to the oanaa wa anggeatad.
We apologiaa to Mr. Meigh (or the accidental separation of his letter
and the piaeaa of onprinted paper, and (eel sure be will allow us to make
this pabue ■tatement ot the poaition of affairs. — We are, yours, Ac,
ThS BaiTAXXU WOBKS Co., LiMITBD.
Jf/ord, London, Ifay Xtk, 1893.
RECRTSXALUSED SILVER KITRATE AND
To the Edrob.
' COSMOS.
--, to tba ao-aallad " eomplamaDtary eolonra," I have deve-
lopad my opiafcaia ovw 4aab(falaaaa aol ooly in my book on Colour-
Sir, — I would aoggaat that the ineteaaed aenaitiveness of bromo-iodide
gelatine emolaioo, made with foaed nitrate o( ailver, as noted by Mr.
Barker, is doe to the fact of the (used nitrate being alkaline, and contain-
ing a small proportion of nitrite of silver. The aooelerating power* of
the oitritca ware pointed out as far back aa 1855 by the Abhi Laoorde and
Mr. Hadow nearly aimaltaneoaaly.
Thoae of your readers who do not know the difference between
ordinary nitrate of ailver and the reerystallised salt vrill and it explained
in the fifth, and probably later editions, of Hardwicb's Photographic
Chem-try. Tha reemtallised is not so attraotive in appearance as the
ordinary salt, being in lesa transparent crystals, probably from being
dried by heat, bat, which is tba matter of importance, is free from
organic impnritiea ajid faom acidity ; and. as old collodion workers know,
it made a moch more aatiataotory bath. During thirty years' experience
aa a photogruliic chemist, I aold many thoasand oanoaa ot both kinds, and
baliava that Iba book* of the chief reiloer* would ahow that the genuine
letiiytalliiwl artiela waa largely used durinir tho last fif^n to twenty year*
of cottodion being in vogue. I tbink tl at " Cocmoi'* is misUken m sup-
poaing that many dealer* acted aa disuonesUy aa hia sharp-practising
prioeipal*.— I am, yoora. Ac. . Bbsbt WaiTriELD.
ifap 38. 1893.
•
PBOTOORAPHIC PRINTERS.
To the Editob.
Sib,— As an old reader of your valuable Jocbxu., I take the liberty of
addreaaing a few llnaa to yon. I am a photographic printer with about
twenty years' exparieaoe, and about live months ago I had the misfortnne
to ba thrown oat of ampioyment, through no (aolt ot my own ; and ever
since I liave baan advertising and answering advertisements in the
oolamns of yonr Jocbxu., and, up to now, have not been successful in
obtaining a ntnatica to luit me. I obtained one, bat was only there a
short tima, aa tha gantlaaao said I waa too old, and tliat he wanted a
Toang man. I might mantion that my age ia thirty-nine. Surely a man
■a not too old at that age?
Now, what I should like to aak yon, Mr. Editor, ia whether photography
i* ia aoeh a bad atate that a laapaetable man cannot get a situation, or is
tha market overrtockad with printers, or ia there any other mean* of
iililiiniairj aituatioa otharwiaa than through the oolamns of yoar
JoCnnl7 I never bad soeh a diflloalty a few years back, say, ten or
twelve years back. For tha laat nine years I have been employed by one
firm as carbon printer, so yoa may jadgo by that I have a good character.
I have been a>kiDg 90*. for carbon, and 36<. a wnek lor silver printing ; u
that a reasonable salary f — I am, your*, *o. , UMronrcsATK.
[Tbirty-nine ia by no maana an age at which a man might be con-
sidired aa too old for a photographic printer, or, indeed, for any other
ordinarr occupation. Tba wages oar cnrrespondent asks are eztremeir
reamnal>le,bat photographic printing ban of late been reduced to such
a detrrea of ease and simplicity thnt we fear the market is overrun
with printer* — good, bad, and indifferent. — Ei).]
352
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[May 27, 1892
Ansttiete to Correspontintts.
AU wutUen lor the text portion of <At« Jocbnal, mcludtngjturiet for^
"Antum-s'^ and "Exchanges" must be addressed to "Thb KDITOB,
2, Torh^treet, Covent Garden, London. Inattention to this ensures delay.
No notice taken of communications unless name and address of writer are
given. ,
•.* Communications relating to Advertisements and general business affaxrs
must be addressed to "Hkxby Grkknwood & Co.,"^ 2, York-street, Covent
Garden, London.
F. E. S. B.— Castile soap may be dissolved in plain alcohol.
E. SCAMELi.— In America the slides are placed "landscape way."
P. M.— If the bitumen will not dissolve in tnrpentine, it is useless for photo-
graphic par])Oses.
S. 0. L. U.— Your letter cannot be inserted unless with your full name and
address appended.
D. SIacbeth asks for the address where he can obtain some of Monckhoven's
pigmented (gelatine) tissues or films.— We believe such are not now obtain-
aSe commercially.
S. W. E.— For a small camera canvas cases are quite equal to leather, while
they are both lighter and cheaper. For larger sizes leather cases are to be
preferred, as they olTer a better protection to their contents.
Atpbentick. — For ordinary purposes, for testing the strength of the sensitising
Ijath for paper, the argentometer is sufficiently accurate in practice. For
theoretical accuracy the volumetric method must be employed.
N. Smith is learning photography, and, having a good deal of spare time, wishes
to learn lantem-slide making and colouring, and would like to kuow of a
work on the subject.— Do any of our readers know of such a work ?
A. HOBTON.— We cannot discover the maker of the lens from the monogram,
which is apparently that of some firm for whom it has been made. If we
can get it interpreted we will intimate the same through this colunm.
R. A. C— You are under a mis.apprehensiou. The original South London
Photographic Society, like the North London Photogi-aphic Association,
ceased to exist many years ago. Societies under the same or similar names
are quite new ones.
Wabden. — You cannot possibly prevent a photographer from taking views of
the outside of the church from any point he chooses, provided he is not
trespassing on your private property. You, the rector, or even the bishop
himself, have no copyright in tlie building.
A. L. (Bedford).— If the stock solution of pyrogallic acid bt-comes slightly dis-
colouretl when first mixed and yet works well after several weeks keeping
there is not much the matter with it. Don't trouble yourself about a trifling
discoloiu-ation so long as the solution works all right.
C. A. Giles writes to know how to make a good varnish that will not stick
when the negative is printed in the sun. — If our correspondent will refer to
the Almanac for the current and piist years, he will find several formulte,
which include the best that have been published.
Z. Y. X. (Leeds).— The cause of the starch not sticking must be that it is not
properly made. Probably it is too thin ; make it as thick as possible. Then,
when it is cold, beat it up with a spoon, and apply it either with a tolerably
stitf brush or a sponge. The latter is preferable for large sizes.
N. M. L. — Hunt's works are now all out of print — so also is Bigelow's .^ftwm —
and have been for many years. The former may sometimes be met with at
second-hand bookstalls. But your best way of obtaining copies of any of
these works is to advertise your requirements in the columns devoted to
advertising purposes.
H, Whiteford. — An ordinary Albion printing press will do quite well for
collotype printing. Indeed, this form of press is still used by some of the
best workers. In your initial experiments we should not advise you to go
to the expense of a regular collotj-pe press, as you already possess one that
will answer every purpose.
A. TiLLET. — It is quite a mistake to surmise that, because a camera is very
light, as well as portable, it will not be steady when set up in the field.
But it must be kept in mind that this most essential quality — rigidity — can
only be obtained by good workmanship and with good material, things that
cannot be expected in low-priced apparatus.
Exposure says: "Will you inform me the principle of Wsitkins' Exposure
Meter, and the working of same, and how the correct exposure is obtained
for various subjects, and stops used !" — Such information is, we believe, sent
out with each exposure meter, but probably the makers will be happy to
supply you with a pamphlet on the subject.
COPTRIOHT asks : "Who has the legal right to the copyright in a group in
which there is a large number of figures ? Can I copy and reproduce any
single figure in the said group, and can the relatives of thtit person (deceased)
restrain me from selling a copy or exhibiting it?" — Perhaps some legal
reader can supply an answer to our correspondent's questions.
.Blackening Zinc. — A correspondent, whose name we have lost, recently
inquired concerning the blackening of zinc. We have since then obtained
the following information. To stain zinc black, immerse in a solution of
nitrate of iron, five drachms to the pint of water ; or in a solution of proto-
chloride of tin, one drachm to one pint The zinc must previously have been
made quite clean.
L. S. D. says he has a quantity of old frames of what is known as German gold,
which have become almost black. He wishes to know if they can be regilt.
— These frames, if they be, as we surmise, of the usual German moulding,
are simply covered with silver foil and lacquered : then the most economical
way of dealing with them is to use them for lighting the fire with, and
getting new frames made, utilising the old glasses and backboards.
T. MoLLOT. — If the emnlsion, the formula for which you obtained from the
1885 Almanac, does not give you sufiicient sensitiveness, increase the time
of cooking, say, fifty per cent., or even a hundred per cent, if necessary.
Fog is the only limit to the time of cooking with a good emulsion.
Ferrous says : " Can you kindly inform me what is the most suitable paper
for ginng black lines on white ground '! I have a formula that gives very
good lines, but cannot get the white ground all over ; have tried numerous
samples — albumenised gave the best, but in this case the albumen dissolved
in sensitising, and gave a smeared ground." — If our correspondent desires to
have prints from line ncg.ative,s, and these are dense and clear enough, the
simplest plan would be for him to use either bromide or platinotyjie paper.
H. W. B. — The interposition of a plate of even optically worked glass will
alter a focus made previous to such interposition. Hence it will be advisable
to focus after the screen is inserted. Try this experiment : Take a small
telescope and focus sharply an outside object through a plate-glass pane.
Then raise the window, and it will be found thiit the object is now less
sharp, and requires refocussing. Something analogous to this occurs with
the microscope as regards the adjustment for the covering glass of the
object.
DAOUEnBEOTTPE says : " I .should esteem it a favour if you would inform me
the best treatment for a Daguerreotype which a customer of mine removed
from its frame and proceeded to dust with a handkerchief, with the apparent
result of removing portions of the image. The surface was not taniished,
but simply dusty, and the amount of friction applied was very slight." — We
fear tliere is no practicable way of restoring the spoilt image. For the best
method of copying and reproducing it, see leadiug article in the Journal a
few weeks ago.
A. H. asks : "Which is the best style and colour of blinds for the roof and
side of a studio ? Should any of the glass be obscured or frosted ? Would
six feet be high enough at the side with an angle of sixty degrees for roof?
Is " Darlot " a good lens maker ? Jly studio is twenty feet long ; would any
whole-plate lens take a full-length cabinet in it?" — 1. Dark blue spring
blinds. 2. If there are buildings in the vicinity which would obstruct the
light, frost the sides of the stuilio to a height of about seven feet. 3. Yes.
4. Yes, providing the lens is of not too great a length of focus.
Mr. .1. BUNCLE, of Edinburgh, sends us his catalogue. This is largely
devoted to detailed particulars of many well-known types of cameras and other
articles.
West London Photographic Society. — May 28, Hampstead Heath, 3.30.
Cycling division meet at headquarters 2.45, or "Askew Arms," Uxbridge-
road, 3 p. m.
Mr. W. F. Stanley's catalogue includes particulars of a large and varied
collection of photographic apparatus, &c. , for which there is a constant call
among amateurs.
We have received the catalogue of Mr. R. C. Murray, which contains par-
ticulars of photographic apparatus and materials, .selected with Mr. Murray's
well-known care and judgment.
Photographic Club. — June 1, Photo-micrography, Mr. T. Charters White.
8, Dadoing Negatives for Printing. Outing, next Saturday, May 28, Merstham.
Train from Cannon-street seventeen minutes past two.
London and Provincial Photographic Association. — June 2, The TeU-
photographic Lens, Mr. T. R. Dallmeyer. 9, Members Open Night. 16,
Photogravure, lecture by Mr. Howard Farmer. Visitors are welcome.
We learn that rodinal, the new developing solution, with the powers of
which we ourselves recently expressed ourselves pleased, is being largely used
by many professional photographers. Messrs. R. W. Greefi'& Co., the agents,
have recently acquired the wholesale agency for Dr. Andreseu's paramido-
phenol and eikonogen as well as of Dr. Byk's products.
From the catalogue of the Fry Manufacturing Company we learn of the
approaching issue by this firm of a brand of plates specially designed to resist
halation and give great latitude in exposure. Reductions are announced in the
prices of Fry's bromide opals and celluloid films. The catalogue, which is a
complete and comprehensive guide to the firm's specialities, has several
specimen illustrations on papers of its own manufacture.
Messrs. Adams & Co. write to solicit our help in trying to trace a thief or
thieves who seem very successful in purloining lenses from them. They have,
of late, missed quite a number, but unfortunately have no clue whereby to
trace same. A few days back, however, a Wray lens, five-inch rapid recti-
linear, with Waterhouse stops, was taken, and this lens bears the number of
4968. Messrs. Adams will reward any one giving information leading to the
detection of the thief.
OONTBKTS,
Paak
lens diaphragms for binocular
OAMEKAS 837
the preservation of modern
prints 3S7
USE AND ABUSE OF THE HAND
CAMERA 3»»
PHOTOGRAPHY IN MILITARY RECON-
KAISANCK. By O. R. BAKER S41
THE CAMERA AND THE CONVEN-
TION; OR. PICTURESQUE SCOTLAND
AND PHOTOGRAPHY.-IV S4a
FIXATION OF SILVER PRINTS. By
LYONEL CLABK 84S
RATIO OF GRADATION. By H. J.
CHANNON 8M
rum
projections IN NATURAL COLOURS.
By ALBERT W. SCOTT 346
THE WARWICKSHIRE SURVEY. By
RICHARU KEENE 846
GELATINO • CHLORIDE OF SILVER
PAPER: ITS M.INIPULATION. By
J. C. S. MUMMERY 946
THE APTUS UNrVEliSAL HAND
CAMERA S4S
CHADWICKS IMPROVED 8TEBS0-
SCOPE 348
BOSTON CAMERA CLUB JOINT EXHI-
BlTKiN !■*»
MKETINGg OF SOOIKTIKS ««
0ORBB8PONDENCE a.M
ANSWERS 10 OUbBESPOMDEHIH Sbl
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1674. Vol. XXXIX JUNE 3, 1892.
PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTERS.
The letter of a correspondent in our last issue, complaining of
his inability to procure employmeat as a photographic printer,
notwithstuoding his poaaeistoo of oonsiderable practical experi-
ence, and, donbtlMs, the neeemry qoalificationa added to most
moderate expectations as to wages, has brought us one or two
rqoinders, which appear to ua to reflect with tolerable accuracy
the views of thoM « ho are in a position to judge of the reasons
wihy so many fiud this branch of photography unremunerative
and otlierwise unsatisfactory. Briefly expressed, the impHca-
tioo is that really good photographic printers are scarce, which,
oonaidered in conjunctioa with what we said last week as to
the timplictly of making photographic prints nowadays being
responsible for the dissemination of a great deal of mediocrity
and sheer inability among photographic printers, undoubte<lly
conveys a good idea of the exact position of mat ten.
Whi!« poin'ing out, howeTcr, the simplicity and ease of
raodcr .ir>bio printing, we, of oourse, should not be
underi ;illege that the qualities in a man necessary
for the product ion of good and unifara impressions from most
kinds of n(;;atiTes with wbioh he has to deal are one whit leas
needful than in former tioMi, or that, in fact, the inherent
difficulties and peculiarities of each procesi hare be«n any
more than partially remored by reoeot improvements and ad-
Tsncea. But. compared with ncgatiTc-making, the production
-f paper pmitivcs of a sort, without rrj^ard to professional
-<)uirements, d'.m*nds such small skill, that we caa hardly be
^u" n«ed that so many penooa aiiould seiu upon photographic
I rniting as aa trnxy means of gaiDififf% liTelihood, with, as a
rule, disMtroaa rciuirs to thcmwUes, and, aa we have already
said, the effect of swelling the niaka of photographic printers
with incnmpetentt and duflen.
Woald-be photographic printw* are ooaatantly submitting
spedmeos of their work to na with a request for our opinion of
it, oouple<i with what we should consider a fair salary to ask.
In moat oaaee these aspirants begin photography as amateurs,
and, failing in their own employment, decide with a light heart
to engage in photography profeesionally. Now and then, to be
•ate, a few really good prints — oarefully printed from properly
exposed, developed, and retouched negatires, and, so far as the
particular epeeiniena go, unifbnnly toned — are shown ns, but
sneh mam are quite the exeeptioo. Usually the spadmans are
tmm indUrcrent negativea, and of poor quality throoghout,
biildM filing in the chief wentlals of uniformity of depth aud
tc«M. Snch people are too oft«n persuaded of their own cleTcr-
nesa that it is a matter of difficulty to oonrinoe or prore to
thiorn that their work falls below professional standard, and a
little advice to aoqoire granter pnAoiaaoy does not always
enoomiter a proper iMaptioa.
But, in addition to this class, unskilful printers are common
enough in the ranks of those who have acted i)rofessioually as
such for years. The fact is, a good printer is the product of a
deal of practical study of the different branches of his subject
He must be a sound judge of the capacities, peculiarities,
defects, and good point* of each of the innumerable negatives
that passes through his hands, which alone, from his stand-
point at any rate, is equivalent \x> a small education in itself.
He must be able to suit the process to the negative or the
negative to the proce« at call ; he should have the ability to
convert faulty negatives into good printing; ones. Each of the
printed-out or developed methods (for example) of printing iu
platinum, carbon — silver in albumen, collodion, gelatine; of
plain paper printing, with all the details and distinctive peculiari-
ties and points of each proc&ts should l)e literally at his finger
ends. The printing-in of clouds, masking, vignetting, combina-
tion printing, are also all necossar}- adjuncts which, in addition
to an ability to produce good and uniform jjrinU, and a com-
plete acquaintance with the principle and practice of develop-
ment, toning, fixing, aud washing, all go to make up a gopid
printer. We fear, however, that such a range of knowledge is
not very prevalent among individuals, and that, indeed, the
number of those who may fitly claim a perfect command over
at least one process from beginning to end is not great.
When we come to reflect on the many qualificutious which
are demanded of a photographic printer — all o/ which we have by
no means enumerated — than is no room for sur]>rise that capable
men are not so easily procured as profo8.tional photographers
could desire. The more we ponder on the matter, and the more
experience we have of it, the greater is our conviction that
good printers are scarce, and, when obtainable, are assured of
fair and adequate remuneration. And what, after all, is the
cause of this scarcity? What, again, is the reason for the
existence of such a very h>w average of skill and knowledge
among the rank and file of photographic printers t The answer,
we believe, rests on two facts. First, the growth and multipli-
cation of new processes ; and, second, the disinclination or
neglect of young printers to make themselves thoroughly
acquainted with the principle)* and [iractice of each of those
processes as it is introduced. In most cases they are
content with merely superficial knowledge, which, when put
i«t»jt«ctice. lands them into all sorU of difficulties, to the
disgust of their cm])loyen and the degradation of their work.
Study and practice, the experience to be gained from occasional
failures, an unwearied application to even the minutest details
are necessary to ensure successful printing from the negative.
How often do we find these qualities, singly or iu combination,
in a photographic printer t
It is HJngiilar that at a time when, as we have often pointed
out of lute, printing processes are being very much improved
and simplified, a decline in the skill of printers should be
354
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAI'HY.
[June 3, 1892
remarked. Is photographic printing now so easy that printers
should fall into the error of supposing that individual or
specialistic ability is no longer necessary ? Are all our modem
negatives so goo<l that pai-ticular treatment or attention to
them is superfluous ? Do not printing processes still require
as hitherto to be minutely understood, and closely studied 1
We submit these questions with the conviction that, if they are
answerable in any other manner than that which wc suppose
feasible, an additional clue will be found for the explanation of
the falling average of ability among photographic printers of
which complaint is made. In former times, when the number
of printing processes in vogue was limited, photograpliic
printing, judging by the numerous examples which have happily
survived, was as a rule more carefully executed than now. Will
the same be said of modem printing a few years hence t
DO NEGATIVES FADE 1
With regard to this question we have recently been, by the
kindness of a professional photographer, put in a position to
make a thorough examination. " What man has done man
can do " is a proverb which has not a universal application in
our science, at least not in the way that it might be popularly
expected to have. The conditions governing the production
of certain results are too often so completely unknown that
their reproduction is entirely fortuitous. But, when in one
person's hands they are repeated indefinitely, it may be assumed
that these may do what man has done ; and, in the case in
point, we will proceed to describe the latter.
We were allowed to examine negatives counted by the
tens of thousands ; they were on dry plates by almost every
known maker, and lot us state at the outset the result was
thoroughly reassuring, so much so, as to enable us to give an
emphatic negative to the question which forms the title of this
article. We do not for one moment wish our readers to think
that we have examined all these plates ; that would be absurd.
But it may lie as well, en jxissant, to make a small calculation
bearing on the matter. Suppose even twelve thousand nega-
tives were examined, and only ten seconds given to each, the
examination would last for four days of nine hours each, the
work being done without cessation ! What we have done is to
dip here and there, beginning at the first dry-plate negative
taken, and at intervals, without selection, take a negative and
thoroughly inspect it. The result was that we did not meet
with one single faded negative. But the owner of the plates
informed us that there were a few damaged plates, and we
inspected them closely. The result was that they might be
placed in two classes — evidently imperfectly washed plates,
and those where mercury had baen used as an intensifier, there
being finally a small residuum of unexplained causes. It was
not the case that all the mercurially intensified films bad proved
imstable. Some were jjerfect though many years old, while
others had turned into that " sere and yellow leaf " so familiar
to those with long experience in this kind of intensification.
Lest the question of manner of storage may be supposed to
affect the result, we may say that the particular examples we
examined were stored in two entirely diflferent modes, yet the
result was the same — practically, complete exemption from any
injury. Some were packed in the boxes originally used for
holding the unused plates as issued by the maker, a piece of
paper being placed between each to avoid scratches. Others
were merely placed in racks upon shelves open to all atmo-
spheric influences.
One point, however, deserves noting : every plate was
varnished. Our photographic friend was most emphatic upon,
the desirability of this being done, that he said he would never
think of printing from a negative of any value which had not
first been varnislied. In proof of the need for this, he selected
for us, knowing where to find them easily, some beautiful
plates quite mined by stains. Tiiesc, as he explained, were
clearly the result of silver. One print had been taken from
them before varnishing, and it was occasionally found that,
whether through imperfect drying of the paper (very im-
probable) or from the frames or pads being damp, or perhaps
the last trace of hygroscopic moisture not expelled from the
film, a portion of the silver had set off' from the paper on ta
the film, and gradually made its presence evident by a brown,
stain, increasing in intensity daily while printing was proceed-
ing, till at last the plate became useless for good prints. We-
dwell fully upon this cause, as it is one that may probably be-
acting in a large number of cases throughout the country at
the present time.
A further explanation was ofiered us as to tlie injury visible-
npon other negatives shown us. They were of larger size, and
we were told that frequently it had happened that they had
been washed under the tap by placing them on a levelling stand,,
and allowing the water to run on them for an hour or so.
Most of the plates were washed in a tank with grooved supports,,
the water continually running in and out for about two hours,
when the washing was considered complete, which, indeed, was-
proved in the results shown. It is an old stoiy how difficult it
is to wash out the solulsle contents of the film, even with so
porous a texture as wet collodion ; far more so is it when a
comparatively impermeable film like gelatine is emjjloyed. If
any one will watch the effect of a stream of running water \ipon
a film containing a coloured liquid, the experiment will h&
instructive, and show how curiously the liquid seems to cling
to and remain upon the surface, though the flush of water be-
considerable.
We may conclude our remarks by quoting another proverb,,
" One swallow does not make a summer ;" but the result of our
examination, as explained, has been to prove that, if gelatino
negatives be well washed, dried, and varnished, they may be-
considered as imperishable as, if not more than, collodion
negatives ; and the test of time has proved the latter to be com-
pletely stable.
Mew G-old Compounds. — M. P. Mercier recently read before-
the Photographic Club de Paris a brief paper setting forth a method
of obtaining a number of new neutral salts of gold for employment in
the toning bath. On account of this neutrality baths made with such
compounds are said to have most excellent keeping properties. The
compounds prepared by M. Mercier consist of auro-phosphates, auro-
acetates, auro-succinates, &c., which are formed by neutralising gold'
chloride with an alkaline phosphate or acetate, as the case may be, m
a small quantity of water, and crystallising the salt by evaporation-
The only compound so prepared commercially as yet is the auro-phoa.
phate of soda, which, by simple dissol-ution in water, yields a ready-
made toning bath, which is said to give rich violet-black tones, either-
with albumen or emulsion papers.
Fluor^al. — The same gentleman (M. Mercier) has also incurred
the serious responsibility of bringing out a new developer, which,,
however, appears to have some novel properties. It is called Fluor(5al,
the base being presumably para-amidophenol. The solution is coloured
by the addition of fluorescein, which is said to prevent veihng of the-
plate during development.
Jnoe 3, 1892J'
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
355
AnlnydrooB Sulphite of Soda. —With fluop'al M. Mercier
employs csiutic litbea in conjunction witli anhTdrous «!a1phit«of soda.
The adrantagea of the anhydrous over the ordinary salt as a pre-
sarratiTe ar« said to be that, thanlu to it« pnlrerulent form, it diaaoWes
quickly ; that, heing free of any w»ter of crrgtallisation, one part by
weight i* approximately equal to two of the ordinary salt ; thitt it
iom not oxidiae, and is therefore, unlike the common sulphite, not liable
to eonreraion into sulphate, which i« generally supposed to exercise a
reatrainiog action in development. If. Mercier states that he has
expoaed anhydrous sulphite of soda to the air for several montha, and
in analysis it only exhibited Tery faint traces of sulphate. The same
gntleman speaks highly of cMHtic lithia aa the alkali in preference'to
potaab or aoda hydrates.
, Photorr^Phy*— In reference to Mr. Clay-
den':* brief lecture on this subject tbe other ni^ht (.<>ee page 304 ), it
may !« useful to point oat that tbe British Awnciation some time ago
app<:>inted a Committee, consisting of Memra. U. J. Symons, F.R.S.
(Chairman) : R. MeldoU, F.R.S. ; John Hopkinjnn, F.L.8., F.O.S. ;
and Arthur W. CUyden, M.A., F.G.S., F.C-S. (Secretary), to take
-th* iMttar in hand. PhotogtBfh* art desired of clouds, lightning,
lioar-frott, tMoarkmUe baUstoaM^ aow-iwreaths, avalanches, ^aciers,
•tofin-wsTaa, watar«poata, tomdow, duat>whirls, halo*, pftrbefia, or
«oT other wteorohigiol phesooMDk or their oonsequeneee. Prints,
V iii'Ii may be mounted or unmounted, should be sent to Mr.Clayden,
at Warleigfa', Tube Hill Park, Loodon, S.W., who also aappliea a
laeflet giving brief instructions for taking eload and lightning photo-
graphs, which all interested in the subject shonld
KetonchlnC' — Of the nnoMioM subjects of intereet (and othei^
wise) which are being eoaaUatljr bcovght before photographic
aoeJBtie*. that of ratooehiag pioWbly neeive* the manaat attention.
This, perhaps, aaiee ttom two aaoMa, whidi we nay indicate aa,
eereraUy, the paoeity of indiTidaab oompeteat to diacoatw upon i»-
aawell aato praetisa it; aad tbe circamatanoe that amaieor
) an few aad far betwaea, aad that, thenfora, Ike arailaUe
r of pMBoaa wiOiag, if able, to traat of it before a Society ia
So naay aaataoia nowadays attempt portiaitare, that to theoi
tba opportonity of acqoitiag a knowlailga, bowerer Uasited, of how to
improve their portrait negativaa wHt be welcome. Sadi aa oppor-
tunity will be gitt-n to the aemben of the North Loadoo Flioto-
graphic Society on Tueaday iiiflit aast. June 7, when Mr. Redmond
Ramtt is to iotrodnce the sabjeet of retnacbing, and will, we helieTe,
aoeoaipaBy his diaeoofaa with aswaral practical demoostralioaa of the
use of the pencil. Mr, Barrett's maMery of his aabject will Muely
attract a good attend ante of member* and vLiitors.
Vkotor- "« in Zrtmdoa. — During tbe
peat areek we have b»«tt f >> b calls from quite a number of
photCfrapbMa now in tiiia eonntry, foreoKMt of whom ia
I Oatkoiaa Weed BatMa, of the AminemH Amattmr Ftotagmplter.
Mai Bane*, aa oar wadais are aware, ia to attend the Convention
raad a paper, and ia addition bopas, daring her stay, to visit
' of the pictarasque parts of the country wiih the camera. Mr.
, Catbatt, of Philadelphia, also called apon ua the other day, and
I a* the new " Oenie " hand camera, a very cbver Uttb instru-
together with soma remarkably fine priata from panoramic
, 18 X 48, taken on his filoM, as well aa serefal maallar prints,
( 90, from negative* on his ortboeliroaatic UaMi Saftor Ferreira,
! Rio Orande, a well-known Itraxiliaa amataar, alio waited apon na.
'Vr. F. E. Ives, of Phibdelphia, wfaoae paper oa Hthodtrmtf we
lefodoea iht where, inform* n* tbat he will not be abb to attend the
CeavtatiaB. We baliere he go** immediately to Switaetland, and
ibaektu
Mr. Xiyonel Clark and tba IMatfoa aad Proylactal
Fhotorraphlc Aaaoclatlon. — Ebewhere we print a letter
from Mr. Lyonel Clark, pointiog out that, when he waa asked by tho
— wlww of the Loodon aad Ptorincial Aiaodation to aniwer a
question as to the method for ascertaining when the fixation of a
silver print is complete, he was unaware that tbe question was
addressed to Lim in the capacity of Examiner of the CSty and Guilds
Institute. Mr. Clark was not the examiner on that occasion, nnd
consequently did not set the question of the very existence of which
he was ignorant. We are certain that the somewhat sharp and hasty
criticisms which some of the members of the London and Provincial
Photographic Association passed upon his communication will be
regretted by nobody more than those gentlemen themselves. Mr.
Clark ia known to have given much attention to the theory and
practice of silver printing, and to us, and possibly to him, it apiiears
only natural that his views, on a point of importance arising therefrom,
ahoukl be sought. It is unfortunate that an erroneous assumpiiou
•hoold have been the means of crediting him with the authorship of
tbe qaestion which has given rise to misunderstandinp on both sides,
and we think that Mr. Clark should be the recipient of an explanation
from the Association. Knowing the admirable manner in which the
affaire of that body are administered by its excellent Secretary, Mr.
Drag*, we have no doubt that this has been done.
JOTTINOS.
A toUthkui. monthly contemporary having been asked by a cor-
respondent to say what it thinks of the various photofjraphic publica-
tions, falla into the old, old blunder of placing the British second
to another weeldy joomal on the score of age. For his information,
and tliat of Mhan who may be lured into a similar mistake by the
nugnetic attraction of imiution, I beg to sute that Thk Barrisu
Jora.<(Ai. OF Pbotograprt dates its birth from the year 18.54, whereas
the other only caw the light in Septemlier, 18.")8. " True, iu original
titb baa been modified, and from a monthly it became in succession
a fortnightly and a weekly, but these are no reasons why it should be
pereMtently deprived of its claim to senioiity. A man who changes
hi* name and "keeps up" his birthday twice a year instead of once
doe* not reckon his age from the date of those changes, but from tho
date of his birth. By the way, your juvenile contemporary dubs you
tbe "wateh dog!" The attributes most desirable in a watdi dog
are fidelity aad reliability, so the compliment is a pretty one. But.
when he goes on to satirise you for demolishing the numerous re-iu-
ventions which are constantly popping up in the photographic world
to-day, he omits to acknowledge what F am sure everybody of proper
feeBng must own, and that is, that " Thk UniTtw " renders an incal
eolaUe service to the piiotogrephio community in preventing those same
ra faiTentions from being palmed off as new and original. If there werr
BO Bbxtish JoiraKAi. of FtiOTObBAPHY just now, it would be neces-
sary to invent one.
I am ranch obliged to Mr. Frederick Park, Mr. W. Cooper Edmonds
and "01(1 Silver Bath " for their comments on my last "Jotting?.'
I agree with the first-named gentleman that /-.32 is practicaJhf tin
same in all lenses, i.*., ,'i of their equivalent foci; but, as tb'
foci of lens** employed for a quarter-plate, or indeed any other kin<!
of work, are not constants, and cannot be guessed, "/-32 " withou
the stated focus is only a piece of relative and not precise information
Tbe point, however, is a very trifling one. As to density, with »
rapid rectilinear lens and a large stop, bring greater in the centre of i.
picture than at the sides, owing to the oblique rays being reduced ir
area by the lens moont, who thinks of employing the full apertur
of a rectilinear len* for making negatives for enbrging f
- Oid Silver Bath's" optimism is of that cheery order which entice
its possessor into the habit of shutting one's eyes to facts. It is m
only becaoae I assisted my employers in cheating the public (I hope " Oli
Silver Bath " does not, after all, live in a ghtss house) that I liinte<
that reerystallised silver nitrate and the ordinary silver nitnte wei'
often held by the vandon to be synonymous terms, but because
used to find that the average photographer was incapable of appri
ciating the difference between the two salts that, despite " Old Silvt-
Bath's " chivalrous defence of " other and respectable dealers an>
maken of photognphic chemicals," I must still stick to my origins
theas. Asinming "Old Silver Beth" to be a genuine and not i
356
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF TflOTOGRAPHY.
[June ."., 1892
spurioiu veteran, I wonder how much nitrate of potash he has bouijht
St the price of silver nitrate in his time P To say that he has " strong
evidence " to the effect that a bath made with the recrystallised silver
nitrate would keep in good working condition longer than one made
with the commercial salt is a piece of intelligence only to be paral-
leled by the news that Holland has fallen into the hands of the
Dutch.
Perhaps it is because I never attend the meetings of any of the Photo-
graphic Societies that a great deal of what I read as taking place at them
only appeals to my sense of the ludicrous, and makes me wonder if
those who speak tliereat divest themselves of their common sense
with their hats and overcoats. Here, for example, is Mr. Haddon, at
a meeting of the London and Provincial Photographic Association,
reported (I hope incorrectly) to recommend amateurs to go in for
collodion positive work instead of gelatine negatives, in order, I
suppose, to benefit -or, ratlier, not to injure — the professional. As
well advise all city men to walk instead of riding to business, so that
the boot and shoe industry might not become extinct. I should like
to have a photograph of the high-souled new-style amateur in course
of putting the Haddonian precept into practice ; so, no doubt, would
' guileless Mr. Haddon. Assuredly the millennium would then be at
hand.
If individual amateurs, or amateurs as a .body, are ever demrous of
lending a helping hand to the rank and file of professionals, who are
undoubtedly the greatest sufferers through the vulgarisation of photo-
graphy, it seems to me that they might easily do so by making a rule
of not giving their friends prints of the portraits they may take of
them, or of the views of their houses, and so forth. Let them make
their friends a present of the negatives or duplicates of tliem, and tell
them to take these to the professional to be printed. Thus the profession
and the trade generally will be assisted, the friend would not miss
the few pence charged for the prints, and the amateur will not only
have spared himself the humiUation of having to give more or less
bad prints, but will have the pleasure of knowing that, after all, he
is a friend and not an enemy of the professional. Did not the late
Mr. William Adcock, as large-hearted a man as you could find, once
publish a similar suggestion in your pages 'i
I have said I never go to any of the Society's meetings. Though once
an habitue of several, I placed myself on the permanent absentee
list several years ago, because, being ane who never took part in
the discussions, it became, after a time, too great a strain upon my
charity and endurance to sit under the deliverances of the same hand-
ful of clever persons week after week, and month after month, and to
acquiesce in, by my silence, the severe snubbing which was regularly
dealt out to younger, and therefore less informed, members who were
guilty of the presumption of not always saying ditto to their seniors.
Were I stiU a society man, nothing would so quickly convert me into
a photographic Narcissus tlian the incident which occurred at the
meeting where Mr. Haddon delivered himself of his remedy for
languishing professionalism. The examiner at the last City and
Guilds Institute is said to have asked the following question of his
students, "How can you ascertain when the fixation of a silver
print is complete ?'' What the answers given were I have no means
of telling; but the question, somewhat unwarrantably, I think, is
brought up to the meeting of a Society which has no connexion with
the examiner or the examination, and the wise members thereof, being
unable to answer, decided to ask the examiner to do so. Nobody
has any right to assume that the examiner's question was not put
in good faith, possibly in order to probe the ideas of the students on
the point, and therefore the action of the London and Provincial
Association in catechising him strikes me as uncalled for and undig-
nified. Surely the members ought to know that catch questions are
among the few means an examiner has at hand of flooring his mortal
enemy, the crammer.
So, Mr. G. H. Slight thinks that any one having the photograph of
a dead friend that had faded since his death might half naturally
ascribe it (the fading since death) to some sort of sympathy with the
death of the individual rather than to chemical changes. I can
coiToborate Mr. Slight's fellow-passenger in his discovery. I have
noticed the photographs of dead people fade more rapidly than they
did when the originals were living, chemical changes playing no-
part in the accelerated fugacity. But I have also ocoasionally noticed
the same phenomenon occur with the photographs of living people,
but not so often as with those that had died. The photographs were-
generally in albums, and the fading was due to the circumstance that
they were frequently examined by sympathetic surviving relatives or-
friends in the best light available. "Proof of the correctness " of suchi
clianges is easily obtained, Mr. Slight. Cosmos.
THE CAMEBA AND THE CONVENTION : OR PICTUBESQUE
SCOTLAND AND PHOTOGRAPHY.
STBONACHLAcqER is the name of the landing-place at the west end of
Loch Katrine. We believe there has been a new hotel built at this spot
since we were there. It is here that the Glasgow Corporation " put up"
when on their waterworks inspection, the aqueduct by which the water of
Loch Katrine is conveyed to Glasgow beginning near this place.
Down both sides of the loch from this upper reach many fine effects
are to be procured, but by no means possessing charms equal to the
Trossachs end of the lake.
Invebsnaid.
From this point the coach starts for Inversnaid, across Glen Arklet, a
distance of four or five miles. This road is so hilly and hard upon the
horses that it may be walked almost as quickly as driven. We have
successfully walked the distance against the coach. Starting your walk
immediately after leaving the steamer gives you the advantage over the
coach by the time it takes to load and get away.
Inversnaid, that we now reach, is a boating station near the head of Loch
Lomond. There is a good hotel here, and close by the side of it is a fine
waterfall that descends from the promontory above into the loch. This
waterfall is on the River Arklet, and certainly has been photographed
many tliousand times— it is so handy and so picturesque.
The late Mr. Ralston used to tell a good story about an old Highlander
that he once met at these falls. Having got into conversation with him,
Mr. Ralston offered the Gael a drop out of his flask, when the old High-
land man, in a serious tone, remarked, " This is gran' water, sir. This
water stands any quantity o' whuskey, sir."
Which he proved on the spot by returning the flask empty.
In the glen over the falls a good general view of Loch Lomond may be
obtained.
Above Inversnaid, about a mile, is Rob Roy's Cave, and further on yoa
reach the pier where you disembark for Inveramon Hotel.
Balloch.
Loch Lomond is too expansive for general views, and we have also found
working from the Balloch end more convenient and more profuse ia
subject, using a small boat and going short distances, and the steamer
when distances are beyond the reach of a small boat. The road up what
is called the side of the Loch from Balloch is very disappointing, as the
estates and private properties lie between the road and the Loch, and for
miles, sometimes, you do not get near the water.
On one occasion we took the boat to Luss, with intent to walk to
Balloch by road, which we had never done before. This was a distance
of eight miles, and we fully expected to get any quantity of pictures by
the way, and it really was very annoying, two-thirds of the way being
between stone walls and such like, and the open parts of no moment.
That day we met a photographic enthusiast on his bicycle, who had ex-
posed his twelve plates on a flock of sheep, and was done with photo-
graphy for the day.
Balloch is situated just where Loch Lomond runs into the Leven. At
this place boats can be had at any time, and from the mouth of the river
to either side of the Loch is but a short row, and as you creep along the
shores the picturesque can be easily seen and noted, and landing at any-
desired place is in most cases easy. When staying here, we used to get
many pictures that way, and found it both easy and enjoyable.
Water Excnnsioxs.
These small boat excursions embrace the grounds of Balloch Castfe,
and on as far as Inch Murrin on the right, while on the left hand are:
Jma» 3. 1803]
Tut: BRITISH JOURiVAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY,
367
Aacheni]eiin«n, Aaehinhsgliih, and Ardeo, aU esUtee
fsite BMr, and mil wortbj • riat.
Than eon* Um trips bjr ttmmtn. Van ii the fint village on the
■may «p tba loeh, and it i* wall litoated for soma good work, bat the
ttopping piacM all the way ap will repay the trouble of going to them.
Bowardaniian ie (peeially intoreeting. Tbia ii the startiag-place for
tboM intending to " do " Ben Looiaad.
At the Olaigow CoaTontion than waa one trip on this loch which will
b« ramamhared with plaatore bj many. It waa noder the leadership of
Mr. John Stuart, the jowney being ap the loch to Tarbet, and across
tba hni to Arroehar on the Clyde.
From BaDoeh some enjoyaUe little tripe ean be had, notable amongst
tbaae are tba groands ot Tilliehewan. Mooat Misery, Ulen Finnieh, a short
ffta bat deep, pradpitoiu and grand. And on the line to Glasgow, Dam-
bartoaCaatl*,
GuLsooir.
Then come we to Glasgow, the aaeond eity of the empire, which already
baa had it* " innings " in the way of eatartsiniog the Convention gather-
ing, bat probably a day will be given to the eity of the west, as was done
to our Sdinbargh Iriands when tba maating was in Glasgow.
Qlaagow, like all olbar oniiiiiMmial aitiH, looks, on the lace of it, as if
tbera waa not matli to fhtto^mfh, Wt amidst all the harry and bostle
ol a toiliag. erowdad ei^ than ia always sooatUng to be foond and noted
worthy ot Iha pialiira taker.
Tha Catbadral atasda fbrst ia painl of {■|iialiaw aad^taraat The
cxtaiiar poaaaaaaa maqypoiata of pfatorial iataaaat wfaieh naet be familiar
to maay wirilil tba intarior o( tha ehoreh, with iu Lady's Chapel
and eiypt, aai rtahiail giaaa wia^om. sopply material for a large series
ot piotoiaa that woold Might tha haart ot thow who enjoy this elaas of
work, and many anthaaiaala laha a paat plaacora in it.
Next ia tba Maaropolis, riatag iiaiiiiiitily bahind tba Oatliadral. It
U vary impeaing. It liaaa aoaa tfano hndrad feat, abowing tarraee on
tarraee eat oat of tha roeky UU, with —«— — rntt and trsaa and shrobs
all blanded in ona bormoaioas whola, raadaring the eamatery a striking
pietma ot paaea in tha midst ol ili bvty aarroondings. The parks are of
■naa photopaphia intaraat. aspaaially the West End Park. It b onforta-
Bate that at pissaat ooo-balf ol it ia torn np in tba eoaaizaeting ol a
distiiet railway ; bat, alill, down tiy tha Kelvin it ia iairly tree bom tba
uhaUiMJtiuM. and M tha otbar alda el the river, where the Eibibition
alood, tha park win ba toond ia vary good eondition, and it is along the
banks of the Kairin oa this aide that tha baat pietataa ol tba University
are to be got. with good fatliaHw aCaala is tha valar and pfetareviue
groapiags ol foliage. Tba Qoaao'a Park. naoaUy eallad tha Sooth .Side
Park, ia aloaa to tha bialoiiaal grooad where the battle ol Umgside was
*— g>»»i M< wawy poiali ol beaaty are to be eaaght in this park and iU
Km B«B Pabk.
The Alasaadra, or Baal Mai Park, ia not in a bTooraUe position for
J- ^.^_ ..jj^ ^ ^ hnmaMala viaiaity of inn works and other
; naaotetoriaa. wWah'taad to keep it in a perpetual
. — J •* haw baaidaa. the park ia aMl too young for the obtaining
ol good gaaaral aflMa. Tba qoay aa the river down l^ tha Bfoomielaw,
whan tha erowdji ol boaia aad people aia eoming and going all day long,
«ID aoamasd itarif to many. Tba BOBber ot iastaataaaoaa pietoras that
has* bOM lakaa bars, both aitialia' and ialaiaillin. argnaa that soch
mmm tt baalliag tUa hasa a ebai» for aaaj pbotogr^ihars. Basy
■tiaato aad baw^w aa baOOagi aio to ha foond aTaiyabeie in this dty ot
Um Wart : bat aiehilaatuial alraat aa^jaeta are tatbar at a diaeoont by
oar CoovaatioB friaada imlaaa Ibay aaahcaea'old oborAaa or meaamaBta
thatfeaasaaaaiataraatoratcay ol thair own— thaaa alao an to ba foond
hi Olasgoa— bot for tba moat part, ia tba tida'el time, tbey have got
■aaii< oat of si^ awmy ia old stratto aad baok ways, aad, midst the
•OMtaal hmry of a eommanial lik, gM|kappad|oat ol memory and neg-
AaaaHtra for tha photognphar, OlaagowSriaada onrivaUad for tor-
looaJhigB III lug baaaiiaa that^ippaal to every taate, whether river,
or Uka, oa moaataia, or flood. For a little oating there ia Campsie
Olaa ; not onidt of it, bat what thara ia is vary oharming. Then, for a
day, thara ia Haafltoa Palaaa aad Botbwall Castle. We bdiave that
•padal iiwmlaaliai maat ba had to gat fcito Haaiilton Palaea aad gnmads,
bat Ihqr aia vaO voUh aooM littla titmbia ia obtaining this. The rains
of Bothwdl Oaatla are romaatieaUy aitaalad aloaa to tba river Clyde, iu
roiaad walb iaaoratad by Hatara with wild flower* aad trailing plants.
Tba qalliiga are waa aoitad tat pieaaing work, withoot mach
trooble hi oMatahg poiata of ?taw, tha ayde tiara being vary pla-
tareaqoa.
COMPOSITE HELIOCHROMY.
[Joui-Bol of tht Society of Arts ]
Most people look to original discovery for tha solation of photographic
problems, and most photographiosl problems are solved by original dis-
covery. There have been a few important exceptions to the mle. The
prodaotion of the so-called half-tone photographic block — the latest snb-
stitate for wood-engraving, now grown to a very important industry ia
one example. The first practical solation of this problem — a process
which I patented in America in 1881 — was a purely mechanical invention
ntilising photographic processes already known. The so-called Woodbury-
type process is another purely mechanical invention, based upon well-
known photographic processes.
CoLum's Pbocess.
The method of colour photography, which I have named composite
heliochromy, and which the French prefer to call photochromy or com-
posite photochromy, is alio an invention ntilising comparatively old and
well-known photographie processes. It is not a simple invention, but
eompriaaa several inventions by different men. The original suggestion
was made twenty-seven years ago by Her Majesty the Queen's painting
master, Henry CoUen. • Briefly stated, Collen's idea was to make three
negatives ot an object, one by red light, one by yellow, one by blue— the
so-called primary oolonrs of Brewster — to print from each pair of these
negatives (superposed as one) a transparent positive having the colour
(in the shadows) ot the light that produced the third negative, and to
superpose these coloured positives on a white surface. A Baron Ban-
sonnet, ot Austria, is credited with the same suggestion in the same year,
but I have not the reference.
It was noCpossible to carry out Collen's suggestion at that time because
there was no known process by which photographic plates could be made
sensitiva to the separate single colours only ; and no photographic plates
ware sensitive enough to red and yellow to admit of the production of
soch nagaiivaa by ezpcaare through selective colour screens. Had it been
possible to carry it oat, the results must have been very imperfect, not
only becanse ths entire proeedor* is baaed upon a- false and misleading
theory of colour, but also beeaaaa superposing two negatives to act as one
wonld doable the intensity of such parts as represented white, grey, or
pale-oolonred objects, with the result that, if the colour prints were made
to show all the details ot the negatives, the finished heliochromes would
show all bright colours aa if mixed with equal parts of black pigment.
DCCOS DcRACBOif'g Patbrt.
On November 23, 1868, Dueos Duhauron, of Paris, applied for a
patentf for a prooaas which differed from Collen's only in the manner of
carrying oat the aaoM idea. Like Collen, he assumed that the spectrum
is made np of three primary colour rays and mixtures thereof. He said,
" My proeednre rests on ths principle that tlie simple colours are limited
to three tba red, the yellow, and the blue — the combination of which, in
divers proportiaos, produces the infinite variety of shades in nature."
Like Collen, he expaetad to aolva tha problem by superposing red, yellow,
and blue prints from nagativea made by yellow and blue, red and blue,
and yellow and red light But, instead of using plates sensitive to simple
ooloora only, he proposed to use plates sensitive to all colours, and to
prevent the action of colour rays not wanted by filtering them out with
oolonred glsssss placed in front of the sensitive pUtes ; and, instead of
suparposing two nagativea to act as one to make a colour print from, he
proposed to make two cokxirs (that is, two-thirds of the spectrum) act to
prodoea aadi negative, which amounts to the same thing. He proposed
to make oaa negative through an " orange " screen, calculated to absorb
tba bloa light and transmit the red and yellow ; one through a " violet "
acreea, calculated to abaorb the yellow light and transmit the red and
blue ; one through a " green " screen, calculated to absorb the red light
and transmit the yellow and blue.
It was no more poaaible to carry out this idea in Dnhanron'i way in
1868 )ban to carry it cot in Collen's way in 1865, although Duhauron,
TrntaH^iiuiriiiiluil in making photograpiis by exposing ordinary photo-
gnpUe senaitive plates through glasses that were orange, green, and
violet to the eye, imagined that he had succeeded in carrying it out. In
reality, the photograph made through an " orange " .screen must have
been mada chiefly by either the graaa, the yellow-green, or the ultra-violet
spactram rays, as can readily be proved by photographing the spectrum
itself through a bright orange aereen (not an orange-red one), on such a
plate aa ba used. The photograph made through a " green " screen, tha
transmitted freely both the yellow and the blue rays, must have been
made chiefly l^ the blue rays, and the photograph made through a
■ Tn Bsi-nsH Joemsu, or PsoroasArsr, October S7, 18S5, p. M7.
t CUm XTiU., MO. S. mtW No. 83,0*1.
S/S6
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRVPHY.
[Juno 3, 1892
*' violet " screen mugt have been made withoat any action by the red ray s
and with a great deal by the invisible ultra-violet rays.
Charles Cbos' MomncATiON.
"Boon after Dnhauron published the details of his process, Charles Cros,
ri Paris, published another modification of Collen's idea.* Like CoUen,
Cros proposed to make one negative by the action of red light, one by
yellow, and one by blue ; but by exposing the sensitive plates through
led, yellow, and blue glasses, instead of employing plates sensitive to the
single colours only. Instead of superposing the respective pairs o! these
negatives to make each colour print, he proposed to make a green print
from the negative made by red light, a violet print from the negative
made by yellow light, and an orange print from the negative made by blue
light. Cros's plan was free from the defect of doubling intensity on those
parts of the negatives representing pale or uncoloured objects ; but the
advantage gained in this way would be lost again in the production of
green, violet, and orange-coloured prints.
The principle of colour selection advocated by Duhauron is identical
with tliat distinctly proposed by CoUen, to whom alone the credit of the
original invention appears to belong ; but Duhauron and Cros, besides
proposing a more reasonable plan for obtaining the negatives, further
suggested that optical superposition of positive images from the three
negatives might be substituted for the superposition of transpai-ent coloured
prints.
On December 3, 1869, M. Poir^e, of Paris, in a communication to the
Photographic Society of France,+ suggested that better results might be
had by making a greater number of negatives— a separate negative for
each spectrum region.
Dyed Silvbe Bromide.
In 1873 Dr. H. W. Vogel, of Berlin, discovered that bromide of silver
can be made sensitive to the less refrangible spectrum rays by treatment
with certain dyes ; and this, with the subsequent discovery of other and
better colour sensitisers, supplied the means for carrying out either
Collen's or Poiree's idea. Duhauron, one of the first to avail himself of
these discoveries, made some practical progress, and, in 1876, abandoned
Brewster's colour theory, and patented a modified process,! based upon
the observation that, while there appeared to be " seven " principal
spectrum colours, three colouring substances would " serve to express
them." The colouring snbstances^he named for this purpose are blue,
earmine, and yellow ; and he decided that, in order to make such a pro-
cess reproduce the colours of nature, the negatives should still be made
through orange, green, and violet glasses.
Chloeophyl and Eosixe Plates.
At this period Duhauron's orange-screen negatives were made on
ehlorophyl plates, and must have been made chiefly by the red spectrum
lays. In 1878,§ he announced that he had substituted eosine for
ehlorophyl, so that he must finally have made them chiefly by the
greenish yellow spectrum rays. The significance of this fact has not been
generally recognised. The production of three negatives, one through an
" orange screen, one through a " green " screen, and one through a
" violet " screen, is a very indefinite procedure. A negative may be made
through an " orange " screen chiefly by the action of red rays, or orange
rays, or yellow rays, or yellow-green rays, or ''green rays, or ultra violet
rays, according to the character and intensity of the " orange " colour of
the screen and the method of sensitising the photographic plate for colour.
Dnhauron, who never recognised the necessity of testing his process by
photographing the spectrum itself, not only did not find out what it is
necsssary to do in order accurately to reproduce the natural colours, but
ail different times he did very different and inconsistent things without
himself knowing that he did so. The facts can very readily be demon-
strated by first showing the spectrum absorption of various " orange,"
" green," and " violet " screens, and then photographs of the spectrum
which have been made on plates^differently sensitised for colour. I shall
now proceed to demonstrate this point.
In 1879, Crosll also abandoned the idea that red, yellow, and blue are
primary spectrum colours, but held that there are three primary spectrum
colours and mixtures thereof, and that these primary colours are orange,
green, and violet. Like Duhauron, he decided to make negatives through
erange, green, and violet screens, and prints in blue, carmine, and yellow.
Cros, Uke Duhauron, was apparently ignorant of the fact that very
different negatives can be produced through one and the same screen,
• Described in Photographic Noes, October 8, 1869, p. 483.
+ The BaiTiSH Joorkai, of Photoorapht, 1870, p. 26.
• t British patent, July 22, 1876, No. 2073.
§ Traits Pratique de Phoiograjihie ies CottI«iirB, Paris, 1878; Pliotajraphic Nexcs,
1871, P. 115.
■ II Bnlletin of the Froncli Photographic Society, 1879, p. 23.
and he also allowed all of the invisible ultra-violet rays to act in pro-
ducing the negative of the " violet" screen.
In 1885, Dr. H. W. Vogel* proposed to make the colour prints with
dyes identical in spectrum absorption with the colour sensitisers em-
ployed in making the negatives. This does not amount to a principle of
colour selection, because the entire spectrum can be photographed on
plates sensitised with dyes that cannot be combined to reproduce some
colours, and even without any dyes at all, by the use of suitable colour
screens.
The Ton.s'n-HKLMiiOLz Thkobt.
Some time previous to 1S8;), I do not know the exact date, the Youug-
Helmholz theory ot colour vision was first recognised in connexion with
this subject by Dr. F. Stolze, of BerUn.t He said, " Although the
colours correspond with certain external processes in nature, there is
also no doubt that colour as such is nothing objective, but a subjective
sensation, based upon the peculiar irritation of the visual nerves by those
external proceedings. We can, therefore, only hope to produce a picture
in natural colours when we are enabled to reproduce upon the same the
proceedings which furnish to us the colour impression." " Thomas
Young .... assumes that there are three kinds of nerve fibres, sensible
to red, green, and violet. Objective homogeneous light excites all three ;
but with red the first is excited strongly, the second and third weakly;
with blue, the second and third moderately strong, the first weaklyj;
with violet, finally, the third strongly, and the first and second weakly.
If all three kinds ot nerves are equally strongly excited, the impression of
white light will take place." Dr. Stolze suggested, but rather indefi-
nitely, a procedure which, although not really representing the appUca-
tion of this theory, was more nearly consistent with it than were any of
the older ones. The theory itself was defective as a basis of procedure,
Clerk Maxwell having shown that the fundamental red sensation is not at
all excited by the blue-green, blue, and violet rays, the fundamental
green sensation not at all by the red or violet rays, and the violet sensa-
tion not at all by the red, orange, or yellow rays.
Mr. Ives' Impbovementb.
It was at this stage that, after ten years of experiment along the same
lines as Duhauron, Cros, and Stolze, I myself made certain improve-
ments, and claimed the credit of bringing order out of chaos by devising
a procedure which not only recognises the facts which support the
modern colour theory, but which definitely represents the application of
that theory.
This process, although in a general way somewhat similar to those
which preceded it, really represents a distinctly new principle, which is
that of making three photographs by the action of light rays as they
excite the three fundamental colour sensations, and superposing these
photographs by means of lights or in transparent pigments which suit-
ably represent the corresponding fundamental colour sensations.
In February, 1888, I demonstrated, at the Franklin Institute, Phila-
delphia.t a process in which the colour selection was according to a
definite plan, and proved by photographing the spectrum itself, adjusting
the colour screens to obtain definite density curves in the spectrum nega-
tive. This was the first publication in which a really definite mode of
procedure was indicated; but it was not until November of the same
year§ that I demonstrated the method so modified as to definitely repre-
sent the application of the Young-Helmholtz colour theory, in accordance
with Maxwell's measurements of the relative power of different spectrum
rays to excite the respective fundamental colour sensations.
Maxwell's Duqbam.
A little study 'of Maxwell's diagram, showing the result of his measure-
ments, will show that the application of this new principle involves very
important departures from the older methods of procedure. In this
diagram, which I reproduce, 1, 2, 3 are spectrum colours which repre-
sent fundamental colour sensations, because each excites one sensation
only, and a, b, c are curves showing the relative power of different
spectrum rays to excite the respective fundamental colour sensations.
The first remarkable fact to be gathered from the study of this diagram
is, that the rays which represent a fundamental colour sensation are in
no case the ones that most powerfully excite that sensation. The red
sensation is excited by all the spectrum rays from red to green, but most
powerfully by the orange ; and the negative to represent the effect upon
the fundamental red sensation must therefore be made, not through a
red glass, or by the red rays, but by the joint action (in definite pro-
* Annalm ier Physik (N.S.), xrrii. p. 130; Photographic A'.irs, 1887, p. 568.
t Arithony's Fhntographic Bulletin (S.S.), 1888, pp. 516, 555, 588, 647,1678.
t Journal of the Franklin htstituit\ csxv. 345.
E;§ 2Wd., Jan., 1888. _ _ ..;,
June 3, 1893]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
poctioaa) o( the red, orange,. tbUow, hmI yellow-green spectmm rays.
The negatire to represent the effect upon the green sensation must be
nude by the joint actios of the orange, yellow, yellow-green, green, and
green- bloe speetmm rays, in proportion to their power to excite that sen-
The MgattTe to wpresentthe egtctopon the blue-riolat
be BMd* bj the joint aetaoa of the blae-grcen, bloe, and rioUt
I nya, is ptaportici to their powv to exoite that aenaation.
By |ilirj>iiwitiii iimsMMimil at the imisHy earre ol a apeetnim oega-
Un, the wka^a — dmI o< mtOac by tha MtmmH apeeti— rajw iMj be
It ia, tberefcm, tmif mil— ly. ia oHer to •soon aaliaB by
I rayi in any deflaite fmpartfaM. t* om each a ooiMmHoii of
MHitiv« pbU and eoloor aeiwa aa iriD yMd a ipeetium nagative hsring
» dMiity corre ewnapondlng to the gimphie eiure repreaeuting neh pr»-
B— auiia FLana 4i» Colo«» ScBxua.
BenaJtiraplatMaaaaoloff Ifcat wg yield thraa aagMiTe of the
•paeinua, havtac i«tni*J enrrM Iha thi tfafaa payUe Mrraa in
Mazwaira diagnM*. wiO pradM* ft iwiiiwnaiit photograpMa naorl of
the eOiet «f light tren ny ofefeat oyea tba thna faadamntal eoloar
■wiarinns Thk eaa aoat fMrffly ba aMWHiliihiil (with separate plates)
ly tunrritg A ^jaiJM ttainail rtfU gekttaa-bioaiida plate thiDogh a
imU» MM«i ol aaOkM jMum aad ahtyaoidiae etaagai ol aaitBUe
batMiity, for tba nd iMaatiea; a eoauDareial " erthoehromatie " pUls
Ihiaogh a saNSB d ** briSlMl ■* (MriMii) yaBow. ol aoilablo tnteaail^, (or
Iho ifHB MBOBtftoB; Hid wi wilMOiy gelalte*>bfeHiida plftte tluoai^ a
' thia pisea ol ptMM faMthod (MS* giaas lor the biae-vielat
k
Tha serMB* that wfB Mean Aa awM faaalts all on ena Uad e( plate are
br more eoopBaalad aad dUBeail al adjoitaaBt; bat any one who
peaai«aa a pboloa|Mtnfiaph aod a good aaaeifiMit o( ooal-tar dies,
ava. Iqp iha ini^ii ol sona aUD aal iageoolly, make tha adjnatmaats
of aiy ohjoet laada aa I hawa
aalo«n ttal, ta order to
to aMpatpoaa tha thrco pealti*o
or opcfl tha latina o( tha eya tha oae
fijwenting the fad aanaatinn with pan red light, the one ispfaaanlliig
tha graaa aanaatim with pan giaaa U^t, and tha ooa Taptsaaaling the
hIaa-Tielet aaaaalioB with btaa-Tiolat UgbL The blending of the three
iaMflaa wdl etaHa esaatiy tha aa»a saaaatioa aa the light eomiac directly
la the aya bam tha otjeat itseU. Tba aywlhaaii aaa aiao ba natda with
priala, aad thte ia tha plaa which baa
I Ika Mat altaatioa. althoa^ tha aimiUeity of epKosI aep«poaition
I h to aalaaHata, aad iaaaaUy aaata aattaalag taaaayUudy.
Tha aal el thraa
el eeoiaa ahev ae aolaar
aoah a gnpUa laeeid oCika
tham to the eye. it U only
cither opon a
OntCAh Bv raatoai iM>a*
Both Dohaaron aad Croe had the idea o( syathaais by optical ioper-
yeaitSoa as waD aa tj eoloor printa, bat naithar of thatn snaeaadsd in
oanyiag oat tha idaa pnetiaally. Boparpoaitiaa by tiipla optioil UaUm
pnfealiaa waa Siil auriad oat saaaaHfaUy by me ia my daosaaatratioa
at tba FiaabMa lii»rt*fiU. PWladalplria. in Febtoary. Ism, lowing a
Isaiaeaps plialBgiapli baas aataia. I ivpiuyad a afaigia laalani box,
haek«(faMaat«taalayataaMakaa teiMhar.witbatr^ Haali^ jet,
aadthalhiaapaailifiaawaaladatfabyrtdafai a aki|^ woadaa faaaa
beUod rad. ««Ma. aad Uaa gliaiii A ooBaidaraMa *arie4y ol sabjaeU
wan ahova vUk Ika aaaa laataia ia Kotanber ol tha aaaaa year, whaa I
flnt elaarty rialrf aad daBMNialntad tha laluaipla which lapaaaaBta tha
apiUillw al tha Tunn HJ^fcilH Man ill aaioar thacty.
The first workable plan of optical snperposition other than by lantern
projection was devised by Antoine Hippolyte Cros, brother ol Charles
Croe, and patented in 1887. In this device, the three pictures are ar-
ranged relatively to each other like the steps of a staircase, and by means
of a peeoliar system of mirrors, some of which are attached to the face of
a rapidly revolving wheel, with open spaces between them, the different
pictures are seen by the eye in one optical plane, in such rapid succession,
that they appear like a single picture with colours blended. The same
device, which is a very ingenious one, was to be used also for making the
iiegaliiei, bnt it is so clomsy, so troublesome, by reason of the necessity
(or providing means to keep the mirrors in motion, and includes such
an extremely narrow angle of view, that I believe it has no practical
value.
Both Dnhanron and Cros tanglit that synthesis by optical superposition
should be accomplished with the same mixtures of light n^^s that acted
to prodnea the different negatives. The picture made through an orange
■anan wm to ba seen by the light transmitted by the same, or an exactly
similar aeraen, and so on.
I hope I have made it dear that sncb a procedure is quite irrational, in
Ttew of the faets which support the Yonng-Helmholtz-Maxwell colour
theory. The photograph made by the joint action of various diOTerent
ol apeetnnn rays most be seen by rays of one colour only. Spec-
laya o( various oolonra excite one fundamental sensation, but only
raya ol one aingla colour will serve to represent that fnnda-
laaatil sensation.
I here taken partienlar pains to emphasise this (act in every paper!
hava pabUabad opco this sabject, bat have not yet succeeded in impress-
ing it npoo the minds of the French writers, who continue to assert that
my procedure does not diHer in any essential particular from that indi-
cated by Dohaoron and Cros. I think that tliis one difference alone is of
vital impoatanee.
ExpsamsTs nc thb Tbiplb Listebs.
The application o( the Tonng-Helmholtz-Maiwell theory involves im-
portant changes (rom the older methods, not only in the negative process,
and in the syntheeia by optical saperpcaition, but also in the production
of permanent eoloar prints. Theoiatiaal considerations alone led me to
eooelnde that a transparent eoloar print from either negative could be
made to perfcnn'axaetly the same function that the positive transparency
from the same negatire performs in the synthesis of triple-lantern projec-
tion, and aaimple espariment with the triple lantern oonfimts my con-
el osions.
The white diae that we obtain in screan projection by mixing (he red,
green, and btoa-Tiolet lights, eoireaponds to the white paper which may
brm tha baaia at a permanent ooloor-print heliocVtoma. When we insert
the positiTa o( the red sensation in its place in the lantern, iU shadows
eat off the red light, leaving the disc still white, except in the shadowa,
where thera remain* only a mixture of the other two lights, green and
Uoa-Tiolet ; a traaaparent print (rom the Mima nagatfra performs the
same funetioa whan laid upon tlie white paper, provided that its shadows
also eat off iha raya that excite the fundamental red sensation, but freely
transmit the green and blne-Ttolet. I have found that a ooal-tar dye, sold
aa " thio bloe A," afaaorba thcae raya which excite the fundamental red
sensation, but (k«ely tiaaamtta the green and blue-violet ; a Woodbury-
typo proeesa print in this colour fulfils tha requirement for a permanent
print to^repreeent (by transparency) the aflaet opon the funlamental red
seoaatiaa. By a similar proeesa I hava (onnd that (uchsine (ulfils the
reqoitemaBt tot] making a print to repiaaant the green sensation, and
aniline yellow tba print (or the blae-violet sensation. It is true, aa I have
already pointed ont. that theae permanent eolonr-print helioohromes will
show a sli^t degradation of colour in ordinary white light, but they
should exactly reprodaee the natural colours when viewed in a
white light prodiMad by mixing tha red, green, and blue -violet
spacUnm rays.
— tfwtH Ibal ooBditicas ot soooau have, there(or^ bean taaMaad (or
'Oi'AgativD pneeaa, aad for all three methods o( aynthaai*.
TBB^HauooBBOMOBcora.
Bnt there is another aspect o( this anbject, which, (rom a practical and
commercial point o( view, ia quite as important as that of realismg
the theoretical conditions o( succens. I am of the opinion that, how-
ever perfeat rasnlts this process could be made to give, it would not be
reasonable to expeet it to be commercially saccessful, so long as
eomplicated by the necessity for making three eeparate photographic
negatives and three aepaiate photographic colour prints, in order to
obtain a single reprodoetion in coloura. Bach a complicated prooednre
migbt ba earriad out luccessfolly by experU, dealing with such subjects
360
THE BKITISH JOUBNAL OF PHOTOGKAPHY.
[June 8, 1892
as paintings or similar art objects, bnt would not be available for Und-
Bcape photography, or in the hands of amateurs.
The only way to make the process simple and reliable enough to be
available generally is to reduce the number of negatives to one, and dis-
pense with the colour-print process altogether. This I have accomplished
by the invention of a camera that makes the three pictures on a single
plate, by one exposure from one point of view, and a device, which I have
named the hcliochromoscope, that optically recombines the triple black
and white photograph into a single photograph reproducing the natural
colours. With this camera (about the size of. a kodak) and the helio-
chromoscope (the size of a hand stereoscope), the reproduction of the
natural colour by photography is not only made practically available, but
reduced to the simplicity of stereoscopic photography.
I wonder if people are prepared to realise the full significance of this
fact. The hope of producing colour pritiU by a direct process is calcu-
lated to discredit the value of an equally simple method that accomplishes
substantially the same result in a different way. I said " substantially
the same result ; " but, in a way, it is a better result, because it is quite
impossible that nny coloured picture, with its distracting surroundings
and surface reflections, should ever produce such a perfect illusion of
nature itself as we may obtain with this little instrument, consisting of
several small mirrors, two of them transparent, placed at certain angles
with reference to the photograph, and enclosed in a box. If the helio-
chromoscope was merely a box for seeing photographs in colours, it might
be regarded with indifference ; but I hold that it is as far from being
merely that as the phonograph is from being merely a device for making
a noise by turning a handle. It capable of accomplishing for us, in the
reproduction of colours, more than the phonograph accomplishes for us
in the production of sounds, because the illusion is more perfect. I quite
bt.'ove that the writer who, in a recent article in The Speaker, described
the heliochromoscope as a toy, comparable to the kaleidoscope, would
have been capable, under similar circumstances, of comparingthe phono-
graph to a baby's tin rattle.
SlMPLIFTINO THK ColOCB-PrINT PbOCESS.
I have also tried to simplify and perfect the colour-print process. The
employment of the new triple camera, making one operation take the
place of three, is one step in that direction. The use of the dyes I have
mentioned, corresponding to the colours produced in screen demonstration,
is another. The production of a single print instead of three, cutting the
images apart only when ready to be dyed, is another. Experiment with
the Woodburytype process is another. The Woodburytype process offers
the vitally important advantage for reproduction in large numbers that,
having found experimentally the right amount of dye required in each of
the three colour prints, an indefinite number can be made without any
variation ; it will be available for the commercial production of lantern
slides. These appear to be real advances ; but, after all, the further com-
plication and mechanical difiiculties of carrying out the print-making
process render it comparatively unsatisfactory up to the present time, and
the value of composite heliochromy must be estimated, for the present,
on the basis of its application to the photographic reproduction of the
natural colours by optical superposition.
If the heliochromoscope is the only solution of the problem that is
sufficiently simple to be practicable for general introduction, there is,
nevertheless, a field for the application of the method of colour projection
for lecture illustration. Here, also, we escape the complication and
mechanical difficulties of colour printing, and obtain results which are
permanent, as far as the colour record goes, and which can be shown to
many people at one time. It will be necessary, however, to employ the
arc electric light, in order to project landscape views at night as perfectly
as they have already been projected by sunlight. The value of the method
cannot be fully demonstrated with the limelight.
In conclusion, I would like to say another word to emphasise the fact,
which I think is quite sufficiently demonstrated in the heliochromoscope,
that, although we are not able to make photographs in natural colours of
exactly the kind that people have been looking for, we have, nevertheless,
found a true solution of the problem of reproducing the natural colours by
photography, as remarkable in its results as the telephone or phonograph,
more perfect in the illusion of nature than would be possible in coloured
pictures, and almost as easy to realise as stereoscopic photography. It
seems to me that this is an advance so great that it should finally break
down the prejudice against the idea of composite heliochromy which has
grown out of the long series of failures of unscientific, complicated, and
impracticable methods. With no more operations than are required to
make an ordinary photograph, we now make a photograph that, as we are
able to see it, reproduces nature itself, light, shade, and colour.
F. E. Ives.
GELATINO-CHLOEIDE-OF-SILVEB PAPEB : ITS MANIPU-
LATION.'
The Alum BatS.
Takino a print from the washing water, place it |in the bath, being «ure
it is covered with the solution and free from air-bells ; then watch the
results. With a bath strong in gold the change will begin almost at
once. With some baths the prints will rapidly turn to a bright yellow,
and on to brown and purple, and, when arrived at the required tone or
slightly deeper judging by transmitted light, are transferred with a good
rinse in clean water to the fixing bath. It is recommended, however, to
wash the Ilford P.O.P. for five minutes before fixing. In the case of a
slow bath several prints may be toned at once, taking care to keep them
in pairs face to face, as otherwise the toning solution will not flow
between them ; but they will cling together and tone unevenly. Toning
may be stopped at any point desirable, and considerable variation is thus
obtained. Should the bath become exhausted whilst in use, gold should
under no circumstances be added whilst the prints are therein, or unequal
toning will result. In the event of the bath containing too much gold,
the edges of the prints may tone before the centre ; an alum bath before
toning will generally prevent this. The fixing bath is best made of one
ounce of hypo to ten of water without the admixture of any other sub-
stance, and the print should be placed therein, face upward, stirred about,
thoroughly wetted, and allowed to remain therein certainly not less than
fifteen minutes. The toned prints may, of course, be saved and all fixed
at once, and it is then best to arrest the toning by placing the print in a
bath of salt and water ; the former method will, however, generally give
a better tone. The true tone of the print is not attained until it ii
properly fixed, a considerable loss of tone and strength often taking placs
on the first immersion in the fixing bath ; but when fixation is complete
this should return. It is undesirable to use too strong a fixing bath, as
the tone of the prints may be permanently reduced. I have never yet
seen any indication of frilling or blistering with these papers ; but I con-
clude that it does sometimes occur, as we find so many formula; for its
prevention. If such symptoms are visible, and an alum bath be used as
is generally recommended, the prints should be laid therein face down-
wards, and must be most effectually washed after the alum bath and
before toning or fixing, as the case may be, or the sulphoeyanide or hypo
will be decomposed, and the prints will eventually turn more or less
yellow. A good bath, I believe, is chrome alum, one part; distilled
water, 130 parts, with the addition of ammonia, until a permanent
precipitate is formed. It should be filtered, and three or four minutes in
this bath will effectually harden the gelatine and enable it to maintain its
enamelled or matt surface less impaired by wear. In washing the prints
the object to be attained is to completely remove the hypo in the least
possible time, for if the hypo be not illuminated the prints are unstable,
and if washing be too prolonged, the gelatine will possibly partly decom-
pose.
Combined Toning and Fixing.
There are many good washers on the market, and those perform their
work best which rely upon a stream of running water entering at the top
with not too much force, and draw off from the bottom below the prints.
With a good supply of water and such a washer, about two hours should
be sufficient. Effectual washing may also be carried out in a series of
changes of water at short intervals, or the moisture may be several times
squeegeed out upon glass, or other substance, with washings in fresh
water in between. All formulse for the removal of hypo by other agents
should be studiously avoided, as by their means the salt is merely con-
verted into other compounds almost as detrimental to stability, and is not
eliminated. Combined toning and fixing baths, the defects of which I
pointed out, probably owe their extended use to the saving of trouble
attendant upon the loss of septLrate fixing ; but some of them are
stupendous mixtures, and I imagine the chance of failure is rather
increased by this complexity. The following bath, as recommended by
Liesegang, answers very well with all brands of paper : —
A.
Water 24 ounces.
Hyposulphite of soda 6 ,,
Sulphoeyanide of ammonium 1 „
Acetate of soda 1 ,,
Saturated solution of alum 2 „
B.
Dissolve thirty grains of nitrate of silver in half ounce of water ; add
thirty grains of common salt, stir well till a white precipitate is formed ;
pour B into A, and leave it for a day. Then filter, and add the following
solution : —
C.
Water 6 ounces.
Chloride of gold 15 grains.
Chloride of ammonium 30 „
The bath will keep for any length of time. It can be used over and
over till the light half tones of the print become of a greenish hue, which
is an indication that the fixing agent is exhausted, when it must be re-
placed by a fresh bath. A fresh bath may take an hour or more to tone
to tlK violet shade ; after having been used several times it will tone
* Concluded from page 348.
JawS,18fti]
THE BRITISH JOUBNAL OP PHOTOGRAPHY.
an
qiriekar. Tbe bath reoommendad by the Blaeklrius SenikUiog Com-
pany for th«ir paper ii Tcry liimUr, tha Mtoradon of the bath with
chloride of nlTcr, which it neeaaaaiy to tha pnper working of all eom-
, it ban obtained by patting in watte printa, scrapi, Ae.
Waiar 24 oanoea.
Hypoaolphite of aoda _.,~^.. 6 „
Bolpboeyanide of ammoaiom 1 „
AMtataofioda 1) „
Afam lataiated wlatioii » 10 „
Fill the bottle containing thia aohrtioo with lerapi of Kntitiiad p^wr,
bad printa, Ac, which hare not bean fizad. Filter ; allow to itand for one
daj, tlMBadd—
Walar « <
Chloride of gold —> X5 graina.
CUorida of ammooinin » 80 „
With thia bath tha printa nqoira ao ptaliminuy waahing. The printa
an plongad dinot into tha ichitina, and allowed to naain ontil the
daaind tODc ia anirad at. A good and limple bath ia :—
Chloride o< gold 6 graina.
NitrataodaO. 8 „
Sodiaahgrpe ~ Soaneaa.
Diatiaad water 90 „
taa {ran atom. It ia beat in all
flsiag hatha, to diaaolTe the
' ehalk, and aftarwarda to
Thia bath baa the advMriaM otW^i taa
mM Mf rilaH. «Bd partnliaa it with pewdetad
Wtm. aad add to tha other Mlla, wfaiaa ahoald alao hava baaa diaaolwd
iSillMnd. Tba naeaaaarr talanttoa oc ina oatb witn ahionda ol
lOfar, I hare already allodad tx Tba final waahing ia, ol oooiae, tha
■MBa aa where two lapaimta batha an naed. Tha weakeat point in the
fwnWiKtd batha ia tha naeerlaiaty aa to bow far tha printa are being
flied ; thia will, after a tiaa. ihew itaelf by a grtMiah tint in tha white ;
tba bath ia tbao wotaa than uaaUaa. Ia jtaniag with oianiam and gold,
(ba loil0wia« ia a food bath :—
CUoridaelfloU
ChleriieotiodiaiB..
Aeatato of aodiaai ..
DiaHIIad vmtar
4graiaa.
4 «
60 „
60 ,.
16 (
Iba niaaiani aad fold ia a llttla ol the watar, and neatialiaa
ha aaad far taataf, aad aeeordiag to Obataattar tha
win -
Ohlot»plaliBita
HrtOMwalw.
No. 1.
Waatial oaalata potaaa
Fkoaphataot]
DiatfMwa
Mo.1
li grain*.
1 oanoe.
3 ooneea.
ISgraiaa.
40<
Oia two paita e(No.Stoaaaaa4ahall Mrta «MflM
paft«(Mo.L It ia iiiiillil that ablorp-platiaito «l
■ad ao( tha ehlorida of polaariaw ol aoaiaMrsa.
maadad by tha PUtiootypa Company ia ate aoaaidicad good
No. L
OaMialpalMh 6
Mwiiilawii arthe'fhoapliata S
" BOT ••eaa«*a«aaa«*a*a>a*aa«a«aaawaa«a«**«aa***aa«a>a ■■•■«• 9V
INilawlnm dJoro-plalialto
Wa»ac
«0L&
parte ol Ka 1, ooo part ol Ha 3, aad twoparta ol water.
Thalba wiO not kaap aaora Ibaa a aonla ol days. Tba priata moat
have a prapaimtory wadiing, aa alraady daaaribad, and be prtparad for
tha toofag bath by a Anal waah in dtttiOad water. Th«y had beat ba
plaaad fai tba teaiag batb faaa ap«ard, aad, whan Iba aetioa la aoaplato,
OMl ba IkonaiM' vadMd ia eold walar, made alighUv alkaliaa with
eartoaalt «f pottili er aoda, aad an ftiad aa bafara Jiaarlbtl The
priali haelag baaa loaed, flsad, aad waabad, than an eareral ■ethoda
I gaaarally pi alar to dry tham ptapaiatory to
a« I aa iaaltoad to think that they an aaaitr ol
r operatioo,
BalaHaaa aot qoiu eo Mtaraiad aa wbea taken direct froaa tha hMt bath.
II. bw— la, tb^ ban baaa toaalad with afanaaa aima, aad it ia darfnd to
flaiab fb«a with aqr olbar Ibaa tha aatoral nirfaee, Ihay moat not ba
allawid to du, or ao aaooat d aoaUag will reader them toll aaoogh
torfatan
Dfyiaf ■
^oalaaaooa, aad beat nnat
method, or layiaa dh
inaat be takaa Uiat
d«fc
aapliad ; faaagmg tbaa by eUpa to a itiing ia a Mod
; Am oT«r a aomla ol puallei roda or itringa. Can
daat aaltlat opoo Ibeta, eepaeially dual (raa a
II lift to dry thna, their naihral narfaeawill
be eqnal to, or more shiny than, albamenised paper, and they may be
that trimmed and mounted. Should any deposit from the water appear
upon the face of the print, it may be removed by wetting the print and
gently rubbing the face with a tuft of cotton wool. The detail in the
printa, when dry. will be considerably clearer than when wet, owing to
the greater opacity of the paper.
FlNUHINO TBB PslXTS.
The surface of the prints may be slightly reduced In shinyness by
rreaiiug them between sheets of blotting-paper before they are quite dry.
They must not, howerer, be wet, or sticking will occur. To finish the
printa with a matt sorface, they may be aqoeegeed upon fine ground
glaaa, each as should be need for focussing screens. The ordinary grotind
glaaa of commerce will not do, as it will show glazed specks. The glass
mast be thoroughly clean. An ordinary sombbing-bruah and Brooke's
Xaakey Brand will effect this in a few moments, and it can then be left
to dry, or be dried with a doth, and the surface be dusted over with a
toft of cotton wool dipped in powdered talc, otherwise known aa French
chalk, which in turn is removed by rubbing with a piece of clean silk oc
linen, so that no talc is risible. The prints, having been soaked for a
few minates, are then preeaed into contact with the gloss, using a roller
aqoeegae and some little force, and a piece of clean paper on the back of the
print to prevent tearing. The air must be entirely pressed out, and the
prints will then adhere more closely to the glass ; and, when dry, a piece
of cartridge paper, or special waterproof paper, sold for the purpose, and
cut to the axaet aixa, ia moanted apon the back. When the prints and
their badting an thorooghly dry, they will easily peel from the glass
tapport, jost raiting one comer with tiie edge of a knife. Should the
pnnta refnte to move through the use of common or dirty glass, they
m»j be taken off by soaking in a weak eolation of hydrochloric acid and
water. There it another method of matting the surface, which I have
been trying lately, namely, bj lightly rabbing the surface of the print
with clean white pamice or other powder having a fine tooth. This is a
▼aatly eaaier method, and, I think, as good. Prints whidi are lighter
than desired an eepaeially benefited by matting their snrfaoea, and will
appear oootiderahly ttroager than if finished with a gloasy sorface. In
like manner, prints may be given an enamelled surface by squeegeeing
upon the best British polished plate gUas. The plate glass must be
earefally handled, or it will get seratehed, it being comparatively soft
after the ramoral of the tnrfaoe in polishing. Poliihed or matt celluloid
ebonite, tin-typa plate, or enamelled metal plates may be obtained and
oaad for tha same pnrpoaa aa glaas, aad thate will not re<iuire the um of
tale ; bat, in tha cnnt ol the printa not stripping properly, a trace of
rwaat oil may ba nibbed on and removed. The principal point is to let
the pt^nta get thorooghly dry before attempting to strip them off. The
walarproof hanking baton mentioned it applied to faciliute mountmg, at,
if tha printa an ttripped from tha tapporti without it, ditliculty may be
aaparianoed ia preaerTing the highlv glazed or matt lurfaoe when the
mooataat ia applied, aad tba wet atrikea through the prinU. Tho glats
aiagr alao be preparad with wax aad benaole in a somewhat similar
manner: — TeUow rttin, 80 grains; yellow wa^, 34 grains. Two
ooneea of bantole formed into a solution and spread over the glats
with a taft of eotton wool, and then polished off with dean cotton wool.
The print it floated taoe downwardt m a diah of clean water, the plate
inaerud below it, and the two brooght op and out of the water, and
treated aa befon deaeribed. Oalatino-ehlonde printa an more difficolt to
mount than priato npoo albomaaiaadpaper, bat failure need never result
if only ordinary can be ezerdaed. Thoee printa which an backed vrith
paper may very well be moanted with ttaroh or similar moontant, made
aa ttiiek aa poatibie, taking care that no hard lamps are formed. If the
prinU an flniibad with a matt or brilliant surface, and do not rooeive a
badcing of waiarproot paper, ttaroh and paato an not tuitable mountantt,
and raooone maat be bad to ahellas and aloohol, or geUUna and alcohol.
Tbeee m»j ba boaght ready iweparad at moat dealers, and if need with
can the glaiad or matt aorfaoa will be little the worse. If denred to
mannfartnn, thaaa nMontanto reedpta an to be foand in loch books ai
Tkb Bamtn Jodbhal Paorooairaic Ai.ma.nic, Ae. The exact position
tha Mint ia to oeeopT thoold be marked opon the mount if there is a wide
boTMr, the print laid taoe downwardt apon a piece of dean blotting-p^wr,
and tha mooataat broalMd rapidly over tha bade with a ttiff hog-air tool.
Tba moontanU an moatlv naed hot, being ttood in a baiin of hot water.
Tba moonlanta mar alao be applied to the adgea only by laying a theet of
pa£«t opoo the back of tha print, cot to aa to ibow one-eighth of an inch
iiiaigiaaBToond. the moontant being bmthed opon this expoeed part;
the prints mutt, however, be very ilightly damp to allow of thia treat-
ment withoot after ooeUing.
Monmiio.
Another method of moontiag, exeeedingly eaty to work, is to sqoeegee
the triaimed print upon glaat, and when nearly dry to work tome strong
aunh into the back with a stiff broah, and leave to dry, and then strip
frxMn the slata. The moimt it then wetted with tponge and water, and
the print laid opon a wet mount and sqoeegeed down. A solution of
indianibber may alao ba oied for moonting round the edges, and may be
bought ready preparad, bot is liable to decay. It it it desired only to
retain the ordinary surface of the paper, tho simplest method is to soak
the trimmed print for a few minates in cold water, then taking a print
lay face downward opon a theet of paper, blot off the moisture from the
S62
THE BFUTISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAt-ilY.
June 3, 1892
back, and apply a warm gelatine and alcohol mountant, lay the print in
its position upon the mount, and on the wet face a clean sheet of note
paper, and press down with a soft pad of clean linen, wetting it necessary.
The points to be observed in mounting are, not to apply too much
monntant or It will press oat at the edges, and not to place the prints
under pressure until almost quite dry. There is a considerable advantage
in using the best prepared mounting boards, as many deleterious chemi-
cals, amongst them hypo and acids, are used in the manufacture of
ordinary cards. Spotting may be done with pigment mixed with gum
arable, and if carefully executed will not show.
I am afraid in reading this paper I have been going over ground which
most of you are as well or better acquainted with than I am. Instruciions
for the process are scattered broadcast over the land, and any one who
will read and carefully follow them out may be assured of good results.
The mechanical part of the process requires only care to work it, and so
long as it is done well, the less time occupied by it, the more elTort may
be concentrated into those operations, such as printing and toning, where
there is opportunity for the use and display of artistic feeling and know-
ledge. The capacity for making brilliant prints by this or that process
is, to my mind, as nothing compared with the power to use to the full
those qualities by which we may easily render or alter to suit the require-
ments of taste the forms and values as they are often crudely represented
upon our negatives, and in its capacity to fulfil these requirements I
believe the gelatino-chloride process to be capable of holding its own
against any other. J. C. S. Mummeby.
COMPOSITE HELIOCHKOMY.
LiSTBSjiNO attentively the other evening, and with much interest,
while Mr. Ives discoursed on the above subject at the Society of
Arts, the idea occurred to me how singularly Mr. Ives and earlier
experimenters seemed to have missed one of the simplest mechanical
and optical means of securino; the superposition of the differently
coloured positives which go to make the composite picture. A
drawing was shown of the plan proposed by Antoine Ilippolyte Cros,
which was a most complicated arrangement of revolving mirrors,
involving some most difficult adjustments. Mr. Ives' own system,
as in his " helio-chromoscope," was not described, but is known to
consist of a series of glasses, dividing and reflecting the images until
they meet at the eyepiece ; and the'numher of surfaces seemed, in
practice as well as in tlieory, to involve a good deal of cleaning to
avoid moisture and dust. It occurred to me that a .simpler plan than
either had been overlooked, and I suggested to Mr. Ives after the
meeting that he might find a commercial solution of this part of his
work in the following direction. Those who remember the Poly-
technic of thirty-five to forty years ago will recollect the earliest
forms of the Zoetrope, or wheel of life, there shown. A disc, with
slits, revolving before the reflected images of graduated pictures, gave
the appearance of life and motion, since so well known in the Zoetrope,
Praxinoscope, &c.
It seemed to me that adopting this principle it would only he neces-
sary to set the three positives equidistantly as the radii of a circle, the
bases accurately directed to the centre, and to mount the film so
arranged on a framework attached to a spindle carrying a disc with
three slits adjusted to these pictures. The whole being then rapidly
revolved by a suitable appliance, and viewed either direct or through
a magnifying eyepiece, would, under the law of persistence of vision,
produce a similar result to that of the wheel of life, with the differ-
ence that the effect woidd be combination of colour, instead of
apparent motion. Some day, I have no doubt, when heliochromy has
become a commercial line, this plan of working will be brought for-
ward as something new. I hope no one, then, will try to patent the
idea. W. Bishop.
A NEW DBY PLATE.
Two inherent defects of most gelatine plates are a liability to the
phenomenon of halation, due, as our readers are aware, to the inter-
mingling of the high lights of a picture with the darker parts, caused
chiefly by reflections from the backs of the plates, and an inability to
allow of any considerable latitude of exposure with normal, or even in
many cases with abnormal, development. With the object of obviating
the occurrence of the first-named evil, and at the same time of producing
a sensitive surface admitting of an extension of the scale within the
limits of which almost any exposure will allow of a good negative being
easily developed, Messrs. E. W. Thomas & Co. have produced a new
plate — called the " Sandell '' plate, after the manager of the firm — at
whose works we recently had an opportunity of v^itnessing some compara-
tive experiments intended to illustrate its special advantages.
The new plate consists of two or more films of different degrees of
sensitiveness, a slow emulsion forming, as it were, the substratum, a
quick one the top coating. In the experiments, the " General '' — that is
the new plate — which is intended for all ordinary purposes, was pitted
against the firm's Extra Bapid plates, and a series of equal exposures,
ranging from a tenth of a second to fifteen seconds, made in bright sun-
shine with a lens of a given aperture. One of each variety was developed
at a time in a normal, unrestrained developing solution. The exposures
proved to be excessive in all cases, the ordinary plates, after fixation,
presenting an over-dense, bumt-up, foggy appearance, suggestive of the
impossibility of converting them into good printing negatives. The
surfaces of the negatives on the " General " plates were, before fixation, ex-
tremely foggy ; but, in contradistinction to the others, the images were not
forced through to the backs of the plates, and, by transmitted light, could
be seen to have retained due vigour and gradation, and proper density.
After fixation both sets of negatives were " cleared " in a ferridcyanide
bath. Those on the ordinary plates, however, still preserved the worst
effects of over-exposure, such as flatness of image and general fog, the
latter being very marked where the high lights met the shadows. On the
other hand, the negatives on the " General " plates came out extremely
brilliant and clear — full of sparkle, in fact — of excellent printing density,
and having an admirable modelling of image. Indeed, we found it a
difficult matter to differentiate between the negatives on the score of
exposure, which, as we have indicated, had a range of from 1 to 150 — a
severe test.
The " Sandell " plate should simplify the difficulties attendant upon
exposure, and will, doubtless, enable many a negative to be saved which
if taken on an ordinary plate and very much over-exposed, would be lost.
" OPTIMUS " PRIZES.
Prizes to the extent of a hundred guineas for productions by the lenses-
manufactured by the " Optimus " (Perken, Son, & Eayment) Company-
remind one of enterprise displayed by some transatlantic firms, although-
never to our knowledge have these firms carried out the idea to quite
such an extent as that manifested by the English firm.
This competition is open to all, whether amateurs or professionals.
The conditions are very plainly laid down as follows: — 1. Every prize-
winner shall be requu-ed to make an affidavit that his negative has been
produced by the aid of a lens bearing the trade mark " Optimus," and
name, " Perken, Son, & Rayment " engraved on the mount, within the
given period, and shall produce the lens if called upon. All prints sent
in to this competition shall become the property of Messrs. Perken, Son,
& Rayment. The negatives of the prize prints shall also become their
property. 2. That every print must be from a negative produced since
January 1, 1892. 3. The artistic trimming of prints shall be allowed,
but in all cases the full size of the negative must be stated on the face of
mount and entry form. 4. Enlargements or prints from enlarged nega-
tives will not be admissible. 5. The whole work must be done solely by
the competitor. 6. All prints shall be mounted, and bear on the face of
the mount in the middle, haU an inch below the base of the picture, a
■written or printed title, and on the back a nom-de-plume. The mount must
not project more than one-third of the picture on each side ; for example, the
mount for a print measuring 7J x 5 must not measure more than 12J x 8J
inches. 7. With each print must be enclosed an envelop bearing on the
outside the nom-de-plume, and inside an entry form, duly filled up, bearing
competitor's name and address. 8. All prints and entry forms must be
received by October 31, by E. J. Wall, 1, Creed-lane, E.G., and must be
marked outside " ' Optimus ' Competition."
The Classes are : — 1. Landscape, with and without figure. Sub-class A,.
7x5 and under ; sub-class B, 8^ x 6J and over. 2. Seascape. Sub-
class A, 7 x 5 and under ; subclass B, 8Jx6i and over. 3. Portraiture
and figure study. Sub-class A, 7 x 5 and under ; sub-class B, SJ x 6 J and
over. i. Instantaneous work, including also hand-camera work, limited
to 5 X 4 and under.
The prizes offered to each successful competitor are such as must
prove exceedingly tempting, and they are so arranged that each prize
winner may select from them any one or the other that suits his fancy or
requirements, all being of the same value, viz., 15?. each.
Set A, 10 X 8 : — Eayment camera and two double dark slides. "Optimus"
rapid view lens. " Optimus " tripod stand. " Optimus " focussing mag
nifier and focussing cloth. " Optimus " collapsing waterproof case.
Set B, 8i X 6J : — Rayment camera and three double dark slides.
" Optimus " rapid rectilinear lens. " Optimus " tripod stand. " Optimas "
Jnae S, 1W9]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
363
ftifiniing magnKtei and toeaanag doth. " Optima* " kathtt ewe with
loekaod k^.
Sit C, 8ix4|: — Bajmeat eaiaan Bad three doable i»A alidaa.
•• Optimw '' wiijieu|»e lens. • ■ Optimna " plange shatter. •< OpOmm "
hmMi tripod. " Optimal " fcwniwing migniftar and foenaaiiig oloth.
" Optimal " watatpcoei eaae with lock aad key.
Set O, Si X >} : — " Optimal " hand or deteetire cuoen, indading six
daik lUdae. " Optimas " rapid earysoope leni and shatter. " Optimal "
wtogtiig appofatai. ornamental mahogaoy body, lined with metal, patent
fnonoillC ai^MluMliI, with six-iaeh nomponnd condenaer, alao a looz-
indi for the pfojeelion of lantern ilidea.
SetE — "Optimof "looatfield-glaH, withalaminiam body. "Optimas"
oUqae hand camera, with single view leiu, shatter, and three doable
AMkiMea. " Optiama - photogrmpliewope, a rery handsome table oma.
moDt, h«Ttog meebanieal eaqtrivaaea for displaying a nuaber of cabinet
pistaiM CDO after the other la uuili rotation.
Set t, — Soperior alaaiiniaas telsMopa.
It is, o( ooone, neeeasary that mA eompetitor make an affidavit that
the pietan WM aetaaUy takaa bj aa " OpttaMs " leas, the Bomber o( wbieh,
as eagimTeJ on the motmk. (Mat bs #aou. and that the whole of the
work o( •xpoaort, dsreloping, piinllag, toning, and ""wr^ng was done
by him or her aiaaa itrnmrf 1 «f tho paMaot jiear.
We have aeaa aad examined the variooa prixea, and eaa rondi for
thair beiag, ia tntrj sense, first- elaaa. Ifeasta. Perken, Bon, and
BayaaBf ■ aatapdaa ahoold prodaea a noat iw^natif eompeUtion.
Trb " Orratcs " UsimaiL Lcxa Fuaox.
Tha SIteaitf U attarhing tha nuUtifanoaaty- flanged lanaaa to a
raws treat ia ooa oo wkieb w« bam Muiy tinea wiitteo. We there-
tot* kail with deMcM tha iBfcedastion «( amy piaea o( iiMahanisni whieh
win aodUa tUa to b« dooa with tha miitiaoM of adWcaqr and the
As appUaaea whiab ia mem about to ha iatndaaad ladar tha o^ of
IhT "fyiimw " "nfrrml Trtm Wa^t ■ills lilh tmr winaaat approTtt.
aa ft lanat, witt aO who oaa a Taiia^ of laaaee and do aot e»ra to carry
Willi tbaa • aiyarata eaaara troat lor aaak. By thta uivanal flange
adaplar. wfaidi is shows in tha eat. havi^ baao aecawad on tta auaaaa
troot ia the iisaal way, we bow poaaaaa • means of hiatantaisoaa^y aad
flxa^aMMUag afayoaa of ov aaaaaooa sadaa nf lanaaa and nhangfin
thiHalwiU. Tha — astaala to altato thia aad are aot aaly tha moot
rafid bit atae tha moat staqdaTKooBlriMd. Thia wiU be vary nadily
odnlaod if «a aay that tha liMia MmwMMat m m »«yrp«i«i" appU-
calioB of Iha b^yoaat eatch.
laf
eighth of a
Tltoas
with
an aiada oa tha margiaaf the lana
with Ihiaa iataraal proJaatioM on tha uai-
Tba pMltanlar taaa aboat to ha oaad ia poabad iato tha
riac A oa llw oak The laoa baiag bald tmif, ahoot ooa-
i«*ol«liaB ia daacfibad. whaa U wffl ba lond that rigid aon-
batwaan laM aad aamara. A revaraal of the
the laoa, aad olhass aiay be ooaseeatiTaly ennnaetad.
with tham a variety of lea sea will hail thia new flanp
NEW KODAKS.
DcBiso the present week the well-known " Kodak " of the Eastman
Company has entered npon a new, nay, a revolationary stage of existence.
Hitherto it has been manafactnred in such a form as necessarily repre-
seated a price which, althoai:;h moderate considering its get-up, was yet
ia excess of what many might be able to aCford ; bat by discarding snoh
refinements as Rassia leather, morocco, and their cognates, and pre-
sumably by improved machinery in the production of the instrument, the
Company now introduce a series of Kodaks so low in price as to beggar
all preoonceived ideas as to their cost.
The aew aeriee is known as the A B C Kodaks, and, as the prospectus
says, " are daaignod especially for a very large and increasing number of
amateoTS, who do not care to porchase an expensive instniment. The
letten ABC refer primarily to sizes, but they may be taken, in another
sense, to indicate the great value of these instruments for beginners ;
they are extremdy simple in construction, and will supply a want long
fdt for a really well-made camera of great capacity, enabling the beginner
to eommenoe at the A B C of Photography, and produce good results."
The retaU prioe of this series varies from twenty-six shillings to sixty-
five shilling, aeoording to sise, a small advance on this price conferring
tha advantages of having a foeussing arrangement and a leather-covered
body, fitted with spools for rdoading in daylight, a recently introduced
improvement, which render* one independent of a dark room when en
nmU.
The power of reloading in daylight is one of inestimable value. The
gaaaral prindpla U thia: attached to each end of the sensitive film is a
baad of blade paper, whieh, being wound round the film, prevents the
BLACK PAPER
-!S-^ : — ,
»
BLACK PAPER.
of light to it. It ca open daylight.
of ehargiag tli. i out of doors,
by— after tb* twaoty-foarth exposure ha* been made, and before the
Kodak haa baaaopeaad — poshing the register lever to the right, and
wiadiag tha kay, the operation being repeated until no more material can
ba obtaiaad. The empty spool taken from the Kodak being plaoed along-
aida (wa qnote from tlie diraetians), take the end of the paper protruding
-
= rwi^
f©
6
from the tnah spool boot, aad draw it over to meet the paper on the
mp^ ipool, aad faataa tham togathar by moistening the gammed edge
of the tiaah spool. Allow the gammed edge to dry for five minates.
364
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[June 3, 1892
Beplaoe the spool boxes in the roll-holder, slotted ends down, the fall
spool at the left, and the film passing over the exposing board to the box
containing the empty spool.
Beplaoe and screw down the lid, and put the bolder in its place on the
camera.
The combination of advantages embodied in the new Kodaks should
secure them a large share of favour, the facility for changing the spools
in daylight being a boon of inestimable value.
CASTLE WEMYSS AMATEUR PHOTOGEAPHIC EXHIBITION.
Tbk second Exhibition, exclusively for amateurs, was held at Castle
Wemyss on Friday and Saturday, May 27 and 28.
This Exhibition is quite unique in its way, being got up, advertised,
and conducted by a lady, Miss Burns, of Castle Wemyss, who is herself
an enthusiastic and successful photographer. In the centre of the castle
grounds, in a winter tennis hall, the Exhibition was located, this hall
possessing plenty of space and being extremely well lighted.
Miss Bums, who takes upon herself all the responsibility of the under-
taking, must feel highly gratified at the hearty response made to her
circulars, for, although in quantity the number of exhibits sent in was
scarcely up to those sent in on the first occasion, the quality showed a
much higher standard of merit.
One thing that militates against a much larger show of exhibits at this
Exhibition is, we believe, the limited time the exhibitors have to prepare
their work. This cannot well be avoided, for the lady cannot date for-
ward the same as a committee working up an exhibition, as it is only when
she has a few clear weeks that the pleasant pastime can be indulged in
and worked out.
Still we are of opinion that, if three or four months were allowed to
prepare the work, the hall would be filled to overflowing with exhibits.
The long distances that many of the present exhibits have come is sur-
prising, and speaks well for the future.
The Judges were Messrs. Francis Powell, John Fergus, George Mason,
and H. E. Gordon.
The following is the list of awards : — Portrait or group (photogi-apher
nnder two years' experience). — First prize, silver medal : Mrs. Meeta
Pollard, for Migs Nettie Beattie ; second prize, bronze medal : none
awarded. Landscape or seascape (photographer nnder two years' expe-
rience).— First prize, silver medal : Mr. Pollock, for In Clandeboye De-
mesne; second prize, bronze medal: Miss Martin for TAe i^n«'n. Portrait
or group. — First prize, silver medal : Mr. Evans, for Only a Street Arab;
second prize, bronze medal : Mr. J. Chamberlain, for Eastern Fantasia.
Landscape or seascape (8J x GJ and over). — First prize, silver modal : Mr.
Austin, for Off to the Plough; second prize, bronze medal: Mr. Stewart
Smith, for Kelly Sau-mill, Landscape or seascape (8x5 and under). —
First prize, silver medal: Mr. Martin, for Loch Linnhe; second prize,
bronze medal : Miss Brock, for The Fruin. Instantaneous. — First prize,
silver medal : Mr. Martin, for Swans ; second prize, bronze medal : Mr.
A. Watson, for Yacht. Animal study. — First prize, silver medal : Mr.
Austin, for Cooling Waters; second prize, bronze medal: Mr. F. Mac-
kenzie, for Highland Cattle. Enlargement. — First prize, silver medal :
Mr. Austin, for Winter; second prize, bronze medal: Mr. Morison, for
Watering the Horses. Lantern slides (set of six). — First prize, silver
medal: Mr. Arch. Watson ; second prize, bronze medal: Mr. D. Cunning-
ham and Mr. Austin (equal).
RECENT PATENTS.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS.
No. 9213. — " Improvements in Negative Film EoU Holders for Photographic
Cameras." J. R. A. Stuart. — Dated May 16, 1892.
No. 9214. — " Improvements in Apparatus for Operating Negative Films in
Pliotographic Cameras." J. R. A. Stuabt.— Dated May 16, 1892.
No. 9218.—" A Process of Treating Gelatino-chloride of Silver Papers by
Development and Toning same without Gold or other Metals." E. J. Browke.
—Dated May 16, 1892.
No. 9294. — " Improvements in or connected with Photographic Cameras."
Complete specification. E. V. Swindkn and J. "Ek-Rr.— Dated May 17, 1892.
No. 9471.—" Improvements in Photographic Roll Holders." A. L. Adams.
Dated May 18, 1892.
No. 9494. — "An Improved Appliance for Locking or Securing Tripods
Employed for Supporting Pliotographic Cameras or similar Instruments."
W. K Henky.— i»ate(/ May 19, 1892.
No. 9535. — "Improvements in Photographic Apparatus." J. D. Lysaght.
—Dated May 19, 1892.
No. 9700. — " Improvements In Tables or Beds for the Manufacture of Photo-
graphic Films." W. H. Walker.— 7>a<eti May 21, 1892.
No. 9721. — "A New or Improved Photographic Accessory for Portrait Pho-
tography." E S. Ladder and J. S. Lauder.— Z>a««<? May 23, 1892.
No. 9819.—" Improvements in Photographic Cameras." C. Beck and J. T.
ChAViKX.— Dated ilay 24, 1892.
No. 9820. — "Improvements in Photographic Camera Shutters." C. Beck
and J. T. Clarke.- Z)nto/ May 24, 1892.
No. 9926. — " Iniprovements in Photography by Means of Coloured Glasses
used in Combination with the Photographic Lens." A. Burchbtt. — Dated
May 26, 1892.
No. 9943. — "Improvements in the Finishing of Photographic and other
Prints." J. B. Brooks and J. YjKWIH.— Dated May 26, 1892.
No. 9991. — "Improvements in Photographic Cameras." A. H. Townsesd
and E. Parker.— />atoZ May 26, 1S92.
No. 10,023. — "An Improved Developing Tray or Dish for Photographic Pur-
poses." A. Dksboutin.- flate^ May 26, 1892.
No. 10,033.— "An Improved Form of Photographic Tripod Stand." A, R.
Wormald.— X>o<e(i May 26, 1892.
No. 10,167. — "Improvements in Photographic Cameras." J. P. Parsons. —
Dated May 28, 1892.
No. 10,191. — "A New or Improved Appliance to Photographic Changing
Boxes or ' Magazine ' Cameras." A. L. Ada-MS. — Dated May 28, 1892.
SPECIFICATION PUBLISHED.
1890.
No. 4704. — "Photographic Cameras." Vaklbt.
Amended Specification.
1887.
No. 13,879. — " Photographic Cameras." Swinden & Eahf.
Mtttin^^ of ^octett>jS«
MEETINGS OP SOCIETIES FOB NEXT WEEK.
Kune of Society.
Exeter
Glossop Dale
Herefordshire '.
Lewes
North London
Oxford Photo. Society
Rotherham
Sheffield Photo. Society
York
Leicester and Leicestershire ..
Munster
Photographic Club
Heading
Stockport
Birkenhead Photo. Association
Bradford Photo. Society
Hackney
London and Provincial
Manchester Photo. Society
North Kent
Oldham
Cardiff
Holbom
Ireland
Maidstone
Richmond
West London
Plftce ot Ufiotlng.
College Hall, South-street, Exeter.
Rooms, Howard-chambers,GIossop,
Mansion House, Hereford.
Fitzroy Library, High-st., Lewes.
Wellington Hall, Islington, N.
Society's Rooms, 136, High-street-
Masonic Hall, Surrey-street.
Victoria Hall, York.
Mayor's Parlour, Old Town Hall.
School of Art, Nelson.place, Cork.
Anderton's Hotel, Fleet-street, B.C.
Mechanics* Institute, Stockport.
Association Rooms, Price-street.
SO, Godwin-street, Bradford.'
Morlcy Hall, Triangle, Hackney.
Champion Hotel, 15, Aldersgate.st.
36, George-street, Manchester.
Gravcsend.
The Lyceum, Union.street,OIdham.
Kooms, 15, Dawson-street, Dublin.
"The Palace," Maidstone.
Greyhound Hotel, Richmond.
Ghiswick School of Art, Chiswiok.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
May 26, — Mr. J. Weir Bro^vn in the chair.
Meteorological Photography.
Mr. A. W. Clayden, M.A., the Secretary of the Committee on Meteoro-
logical Photography, appointed by tlie British Association, gave a brief dis-
course on this subject, illnstrated by numerous lantern slides, first of all
describing and exhibiting the camera he uses for this class of work. This
consists of a swing camera, with a revolving black glass mirror inclined to the
axis of the lens. The mirror being arranged to extinguish the polarising com-
ponent from blue sky, there was, said Mr. Clayden, remarkable detail when
one looked at a cloud on the screen, and this was partly due to the extraction
of the polarised comjionent of the blue light, and a good deal to the diminution
of the brightness of the image. It enabled one to judge the exposure carefully.
Having pointed out the objects of meteorological photography, he said that,
when he began photographing clouds, he endeavoured to find out whether there
was any kind of plate which had special advantages for this particular purpose.
He had found there was not very much to clioose between the various kinds.
The Committee wished photographers to take photographs of tliunder clouds,
&c., at short intervals, so as to have successive photographs in order to be able
to study the development of one form of cloud out of another, and in its various
transition forms. In connexion with lightning photography, a number of points
had never been cleared up, as, for example, the cause of the black flash.
Mr. Clayden then exhibited a number of lantern slides of cumulus and
cirrus clouds in various stages of formation, together with several slides of
lightning flashes. Some of these were taken with a hand camera, and the fact
that some of the flashes took a triple form led him to question whether he had
not moved the camera during the exposure. In connexion with some pictures
of the black flash, the phenomenon of reversal was shown. He had tried to
get reversal with the electric spark, and had succeeded by allowing difi'used
light to have access to the phate after exposure. Difi'used light on the phate
before exposure did not produce reversal.
Jim 3,1809]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHS.
866
Mr. W. E. TttBEHUAU, in ratecnea to « eampbint of Mr. CUyden as to the
gnaaluttr of loine of tha fUitaim whiA wara intctuifieil with mercttry, said
tba ttimamU} «Mld not qvpaar if tha pbtai wen kapt wall moring during
Mr. J. K. SxnH aakad Mr. Cb jdaa if ba Ind erar laceaadad in piiotognph-
!■■ a rainbow t
Mr. Clatmdi had doaa ao^ hot tt was not a Tar; btilUant image.
Mr. O. W. ATKin la comiartin witk Mr. CUydaa'a soggaatioo aa to snc-
aaaatva diathaigaa of "gMr'f iMviaf prodaoad tbraa imagea of a ainal-poit in
«aa of tha |iictare» ahinra, add that on oaa occasion during a flash oe had seen
A slnal-poat in thraa diffvent poaitioaL
MrOnmAif poiatad oof tka* Ike fM* of tha nlatca aot having been
hacked was ri«i4wt to l ■■! rf tha taa^laaQaMef tlMpfatarai,
aadaaid it was aztiaaaelT daataahla tkal ia tkan azpariaaate backed plataa
akoald be naad.
After sotDc fnrthcr discosaion, a Toto of thanks was paased to Mr. daydan.
Mr. AaKSW exhibited his inaMiiattaa eH laatam, which is rapidly set np on
aa oriiaary tripod. Tha wkob vm6k» a varr eompacUy, and may be carried
oa aa oriinarjr bicTcla. It ia cUaCy twaiton (or Tillage oaa.
Tba BMetiag than tvadaaiad.
Bonofm Caoiata Ctabi— Hay 27, Mr. T. 0. Dear in the chair.— A lam
-r.,>,r nfiUitas wbich hsd takeajpciJaa ia a eoaapatitioa wara passed thrxnwh
. followed by soaw by Mia nawocth Oobb, and Millar.
!«■ and WlHaadw llHHfl|lkill ■oeM^.— Mar S4, Annual
'! reting.— The loUowing cOesfB wan sleeted •.—PrttiJaU : Mr. John
' ottMoi . Mcaan. T. Claptoa, Par, C Wiatsrhoa, H. Dale, aad Lyon.
fr: Mr. Seed.— ITea. Aaenfary; Mr. W. & Woodbory,
oaa, llarlaaileii, X.W. Aa aicBfaioa to Staanon, oadsr the
Pr^fidaat, Mr. Ifaylar, will take plaee oa SataidaT, Jane 4,
■t the bookiag.ofleab WOlaadaa Joaetioa, U UO p^m.
: loeto^.— MayS^ tha Int azeoniaa of tha aaMon.—
'< 'Icomha. Han a diaasad old cbBRh waa fooad,
^aaea of a Henaaa doorway, aapposad to hare
'"■''Haa, aad, aaMiag other tkiacs, aooM corions
I OaedvwHhan
/OS mut I I^ la the dask.**
NoitOB Han b Tasy pleasantly sitaaiad ia utMMJii pvndi^ a^Jaeaat to the
■ay tortldaa of tUa ttmi briw of
viaaa af tka taMM Itadted^
piitoiaiaa aa— a wadafhtail
oMdMUaltaatkefc
aa tha party lanbled
■ifrtigMM riMv^
dbalr.— «tJt new man>
aad oaaof Mawaoa's '
J. Laaaoa nra a deoi
m4 SmuUimd Pmftr
sbatar wat thtOHk
Ijtiag^ k«, ahawtaf *'
lJBB(waaUoaa7th
la that paper aaMaM*
is waated to ha akt
skaBbaaeAaaaddowr
raagk paper. Than *
iafafdalaa: bat a ^
ispsaaealed aad the Ian . :i _:„. .
jwierally ass is Whstaaa'e haad-nada watr r
u pure, of aa area sarlkee. will slaad pleat}
' oloor, it ia Iwwalsilal whose aaka ia osad. '
tWTsa k ■«■'> AiaaWh whlwehi il ; bat tt i.
■ :. for rilk, MMaa, waod. *a, say he aar.
' popsn with difltanal aarlhaas, tt>'
-)>al aUoaahaatodablosaltt!
Ms ia a paathalaii of tkia i
tck, ktL. an vwy aaiily mav
i't, psrhopa^ at Ika adaaa^ an
- of peparthaa rrequr
^apenal sheet of What;
■■•- ree 10 x& Thesr
wtiala plataa or
Mkseottonqairt
odMy.— May IS, Mr. O. T. Ljadoa ia the
HiMjIii of Barfcalay'a "Tbeoaiae"
gcMBsiNn laid OB the table. Mr.A.
the Pnrmrmtiim qfEvmtmHtd
■ f/ aOmr PnttM. The"
< of altlwL iidllalas
h tha w«tk ia doaa. Mr.
■■uaHlalBg aaa'a own paper
•~-l. whether the detaO
i< raoatnd that h
!- yr "Maas of the
--mt tha nader-
'»4aelwUak is
!->>*• paper I
' >ogssit
'. a good
iiiineDds
>per at
' liare a
ti to the vary
-••tive. The
' )>rowBa,
lilBcalty
i<itiae a
Into six
.1
.le
.atioo I
:nOBiac|,
- "X)0
■n
■■f
-Chloride r
. Hiin
'Mr of
till the precipitate first formed is rediasolved. It is then divided into two
equal parts, to one of which add nitric acid till the litmna test shows that it is
slightly acid. The two halres are then mixed, and the bulk nis<le up with
water to twenty parts, or four ounces. The bath need not be protected in the
slightest irom Ugbt ; in fact, silrer baths are often improved by being sunned.
The solution is now brushed over the paper on the right side. I always place
the paper on a large sheet of plate glass inclined a little by being placed in a
lar^ porcelain dish, the bottom of the glaas resting on the bottom of the dish
agaust one side, and the opposite side of the dish supporting the glass plate.
On this I place a sheet of tuottinspaper, and then the paper to be sensitised.
The blottiog-paper absorbs any solution which may come over the sides of the
paper, and, should any quantity Mow ofT, the dish prevents it reaching the table.
The aolation is then brusheil over the paper in broad sweeps by means of a
good-aiaad eamel's-hair brush (avoid brushes bound with wire), commencing at
the top aad working th>m left to right till the bottom is reached. The paper
ia then tamed at right anglea to its previous position, and the brushing repeated
so that it will croas the lines of the other coating ; it can then be hung on a
peg to dnr. This prooeaa ia then repeated, as the nitrate of silver must \k in
axcMs. This paper, when prepared, will not keep like the ordinary sensitised
paps' of commerce, bat should be sensitised, toned, and fixed in the day, or
within forty .eight hours at longest Should it be wanted to be kept a time
befon being toned, a different fnrmula will be required. Mr. Clark recom-
meoda the following :— Nitrate of silver, 60 grains; citric acid (crystals),
SS graiaa ; water, 10 onncaa. As in albumenised paper, the citrate of silver
keepe so mneh better than the nitrate, as it is the f^ee nitrate which discolours
the paper. One eoa tone with almoat any toning bath, the prints toning much
2aidur than the ofdiaary aOnr paper; in fact, (or the following bath, which I
Iway* use, the tone Taiiea between forty-five seconds for a warm brown to
three minatee tat • poiple black. Toning bath h— borax, 30 grains ; chloride
gold, \ grain ; water (warm), 8 ounces. This bath can be used at once, and
while warn ; no appndable difference will be noticed in the colour until put
into the fixing solnnon, when the colour instantly begins to change to the tint
rcqoired. After washing, the print is placed in a fafrly strong hypo bath for
tea minntea, aad it is thai as well to place it in a second hypo bath, so as to
be qoita aan all tha fk«e ailrer ia rcmoTad. The prints an then washed
thonocUy, lad dried by baiag hong np by ooe comer, prerious to which I
place theoi hetwasa bloltiBC'faper to abaorb aD the water inm the surfhce of
the print These prints lead theosalTea to spatting Tory eatily, as the colour
ia not repelled, as is the case with albomanlaed paper, and the colours are
aaeOy obtained. Ia Boaeltiaiaa, I would draw yonr attention to a few notes it
is sa well to bear ia miad. It is beat, if poaaible, to salt and sensitise the
paper in doahMaagth atrfpa. One advantage of Whatman's paper is Uut the
name ia cnafinad to one quarter sheet DoaH make enough satting solution to
laot man than a aooth, or it will rot Keep the bath warm while salting. If
ity or Tigoar is nqoired, use more salt Onoe aenaitising is often not
IsBt ; rapaat tha priiraas, in order to be on the aafa aide. Don't dry it too
oaiekly. Searitiaa, toaa, aad fix, if poaaible, in one day, as by so doing
daaav priala an oblaiaad. The pluckier the negative, the richer the tone.
Waah tborooi^y. 8taiaa of silvsr may be ramoved by salt, hypo, or evanida
of pntisainm Be saie the paper is perfectly dry before placing it in the
prlatlBf Ikama^ or it will spoU the negative. Print deeper than is usual for
alhamaaiaad paper. Wash in a change or two of water before toning ; wash
well after toning and befbn fixing ; wash very thoroughly after fixing.
UTWpool tiataw Pbatographlo AaaoeUtlon May 26, Mr. W. Tomkin-
sea, the Preridaat, in the chair.— Two new memhan wen electetL Mr.
ScanaWATia introduced a diacnasion on Film PUugrapky, giving his ax-
petleace of the use of flhns bv different maken, and showuig anmgenious
carrier fbr the dark slids, aad also one for the developing dish of his own con-
straetion. Mr. A. W. BnB stated that in a tour on the Continent last year,
he, with a frimi^ aaad tweaty-foor dtnen 10 x 8 films with most satisfactory
rssolto, aad hopad to do tha aoma afda thia year. Ha bad not the least diffi-
cnltv with dsiilniiMt. aa by kaepiw the bottom of the dish wet the film
would lie TitrttMf Ibt by snction. Mr. Paul Laxgi expreased his intention
of taking toirty doissn Sx 4 to Norway with him next weeic, the weight being
six poends instead of half hnadraJ weight, which it would have been if he bad
taken glaaa. The lYwJilsat than oollad unon Mr. John Carbutt, of Phila-
delphia, the weU-kaown faoaolhetanr of Carbntt'a films, who, in passing
thfoo^ livaipool, had kindly aeoepted the Secretary's invitation to be present
at the laeHng. Mr. Camsim said that films ware rapidly coming into favour
with amatean far oatdoor work, beeansa they were now ouite reliable. The
•lefeeta in the earlier Sfaaa pot npoa the market were foond to be caused
entir^ by the chendcal eaunwaifluu of the ccllnloid ; but, after numerous
cxparimanta, thia had ao* baea raoMdled. Mr. Ovbott exhibited some largo
pttata, aboat foar foet by two fimt, wUdi had baea takaa direct upon filma
with a paaaramie leaa. He aao showed two very iqpnioua cameras, the
"Oaaia'^ aad the " Hcary Oav." Mr. Archer exhiUted an apparatus for
dryiag aagatlvaa^ the "Cytax" band camera, and the "Biffel" stand forhalf-
plota lamwa. wrifht sixteen oonoae. An exhibition of lantem alidea followed.
Correst^iotiDeticre
ar Otrr—fmimh rtiwiU B«««r wf«s ea IsM sMm cf Ms paptr.
iry tiiat the Water «h'<
The nitrate la diaMlvr- :
iilrate of iilvcr " by adding
arop oy drop
HELIOCHBOMT.— ALBEBT SCOTT AND DB. VOGEL.
To the EnrroB.
..—Mr. Albert Soott, p. 315, makes some erroneoni itatement*,.
>!« has mod* before, and which I duly corrected, bat which I mast
n bacaoae bahaa repeated them.
■ >rl^iial domoastiBtioD o( oompoeite belioohromy with the
bi^ie iiujUira, in February, 1888, woa not carried out with "red, yellow,.
l-HE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[June3,]Sfl2
«nd bine glasses," but with red, green, and blue-violet. 2nd. Three
lanterns were not employed, but one lantern, built expressly for this
purpose, with three optical systems close together, and a triple jet, which
it the name arrangement that I use to-day. 3rd. I did not use three glides,
bat one slide carrying the three pictures. 4th. My earlier experiments,
as far back as 1881, were with a single sensitive plate for the three
■pictures, which were made by simultaneous and equal exposure beliind
three lenses ; and that plan I had to abandon as worthless long before I
published anything relating to this subject. It fails now in Mr. Scott's
hands, as it failed in my hands ten years ago, because the three images,
being unlike, will not register on the screen.
Mr. Scott's only original idea in connexion with this subject, is that of
a lantern employing a single source of light for projecting several pictures
— an ingenious plan, but quite unsatisfactory with the limelight.
Dr. Vogel (p. 351), instead of acknowledging errors which I clearly
pointed out in his last communication, makes another false accusation,
and fresh errors. I repeat that the Franklin Institute gave Dr. Vogel a
full hearing in the matter referred to, through correspondence with
Professor EBmes, who was one of the most active members of the Com-
mittee in charge of the investigation, and very friendly with Dr. Vogel.
Dr. Vogel received the statement I have mentioned, and I believe his
comments upon it are now on file, with the other papers relating to the
■case, in the library of the Franklin Institute. Professor Himes signed
the report crediting me, not with the " invention of orthochromatic photo-
graphy," which Dr. Vogel has good reason to kiww I never claimed, but
with the publication of the first practically successful method, years
before Dr. Vogel aimounced that he had just " solved the problem " with
eosine collodion sensitive plates and the yellow screen, a method that
gave inferior results.
Mr. Bothamley's statement of Dr. Vogel's principle will be found in
the Photographic News, 1887, p. 568, and sustains my statement that he
contemplated the use of not less than five separate negatives and colour
prints.
The statement that "the method of working with three negatives,
claimed by Mr. Ives, is an old one," is something else than merely inexcus-
able, in view of the statements I have made in each and every paper I
have published upon this subject. Facts and references are given in my
paper on " Composite Heliochromy," in the Journal of the Society of
Arts of May 27.*
Dr. Vogel persists in ignoring the fact (which he recognised in a
characteristic way at the time) that my method was published in 1888,
with particulars of the production of colour prints — two years before Dr.
Vogel now claims to have exhibited some colour prints, which, so far as
I can learn, were never brought to the attention of the photographic
world.
I know very well that the only true complementary colour of any dye
is the mixture of light rays absorbed by that dye, and that Dr. Vogel's
idea, according to his own interpretation of the action of colour sensitisers,
represents the use of colour prints exactly complementary to the colour
of light which has acted to produce the negatives. Dr. Vogel may assert
the contrary, and may find some to accept him as an authority upon this
subject, but that will not alter the facts.
Dr. Vogel has a right to quote, and spread, and commend the only
unfavourable expression of opinion of my lantern projection process he
has been able to find in print, and to ignore the heliochromoscope alto-
gether.— I am, yours, iSic, Fbed E. Ives.
London, May 30, 1892.
MR. LYONEL CLARK AND THE LONDON AND PROVINCIAL
PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION. "
To the Editob.
SiH, — I notice in a report appearing in your columns that I am men-
tioned as being the examiner who set the question in the last examina-
tion paper of the City and Guilds of London, as to the best means of
ascertaining when a silver print is properly fixed. Will you permit me
to point out that, although appointed to the post, my duties in connexion
therewith do not commence until the ensuing season, and that therefore
I had nothing to do with the setting of this very practical question that
has aroused so much interest.
I mention this fact, as the Society in question wrote to me saying that
the query had been put at one of their meetings and had been referred to
me, but not stating or in any way showing that they were addressing me
as the examiner who had set it ; and indeed it was only from a perusal of
your columns that I discovered the existence of this erroneous impression.
The matter has become slightly complicated from the fact that, be-
lieving I was written to as a private individual who had given some
attention to the subject of printing in salts of silver, I was very pleased
to give the results of my experience in this branch of the subject to the
Society, and accordingly sent them a few rough notes on the subject.
If these notes should come before the eyes of any of your readers, they
may, under the erroneous impression that I was the examiner answering
his own question, give them an official cachet which they do not possess,
and I should be glad to avail myself of the opportunity offered by your
• Mr. Ires' paper, to wluch reference is here made, will be found on paiie 357,
ante.— Kd.
columns to state that these are my private opinions, given without th
knowledge that the question had ever been publicly asked in the Guild'
examination, but merely put forward to be of what benefit they might to
my fellow-photographers. — I am, yours, Ac, Lyonei, Clark,
11, Victoria-street, London, S.W., Hon. Librarian, Camera Club.
May 2£, 1892.
PHOTOGRAPHIC LENSES.
To the Editob.
Sm, — There is an omission in the report of the discussion on the
Coricentric Lens at the Society's rooms on May 24.
I'was stated to say that " one of the greatest difficulties in the con-
struction of photographic lenses was the cure of colour." I said " the
cure of y)7^encai aberration with colour." This, known as " under-
correction," is associated with a degree of positive aberration that can-
not be separately corrected in a telescope, which must ever remain faulty,
unless all colour is eliminated.
On the other hand, in the photographic lens with the presence of this
colour, irrespectively of which we can correct spherical aberration alone,
by varying the thickness of the glass, or by an adjustment of the distance
of the component lenses of the system, we can thus obtain a surprising
degree of distinctness in the image, that almost equals telescope definition.
—I am, yours, &c. F. H. Wenham.
DEPTH OF FOCUS.
To the Editok.
Sin, — It is a"* matter of surprise that a gentleman of Mr. F. H.
Wenham's more than European reputation should write setting up a
claim for " Depth of Focus " for a particular lens, thus practically assert-
ing the insufficiency of the formulfc in the text-books, which give only
the aperture and focal distances as factors, without being prepared to
show that a difference in this respect between two otherwise similar lenses
is at least possible.
In the discussion which took place on Tuesday, the 24th inst., Mr. J.
Stuart admitted that for central rays the lens in question possessed no
greater depth of focus than any other corrected lens, and that it was
impossible it should have. He, however, still claimed that the marginal
rays being better defined than with other lenses, there was a greater
distance within which a certain sharpness could be obtained. This comes
within the case of the possible apparent exception referred to in my
former letter, and is more properly described simply as better marginal
definition.
It is to be hoped that the present incident will do som ething towards
expediting the extinction of the fancy, once cherished by many photo-
graphers, that depth of focus is a quality existing in some lenses more
than others, independent of equality in aperture, focal length, and fine-
ness of focus, or absolute defining power. — I am, yours, Ac,
May 30, 1892. W. E. Debenham.
PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTERS.
To the Editor.
SiH,— Your correspondent, " Unfortunate," complains of not being able
to find a situation to suit him, and as I am another unfortunate who has
not been able to find a printer to suit me, I thought that a few remarks
from a brother in distress might not be devoid of interest.
First of all, I shall be glad to give immediate employment to " Un-
fortunate," promising him a permanency, moreover, if he will but print
me one dozen albumen prints or whatever order he has, from each
negative alike in depth and colour, is able to vignette well and ensures
perfect fixation and subsequent conscientious and careful washing in
repeated changes of water. To such a workman I shall be ever grateful,
and I further promise your correspondent, and j'ou Mr. Editor, that I
will report progress to your readers after a trial for a month or two, en-
deavouring to be just to him, the public, and myself. I may say that I
had one printer who served his apprenticeship with me, after which he
remained for several years (seven in all), a better workman could not be
found. Before and after this, my unfortunate experiences with printers
were sucli as to make me often give way to a sinful longing for a land
were everything is toned and fixed by spiritual agency. I have written
enough on this subject in the pages of this Joubxal and its Almanac,
(see Almanac 1888, page 336), to show that there are two sides to this
question, and I am sure a majority of employers will support my
statements.
Any " unfortunate," who is not afraid of work and able to cope with an
ordinary amount of work, changing each print when done and not
waiting till the whole batch is completed, may be sure to find employment,
but I am emphatically of opinion, that the peril lies in keeping the same.
If printers would bear in mind that it is the result of their labour wliieh
passes directly into the hands of the customer, and that they have it in
their hands to make or break a business if left to themselves, thkigs
might be different.
June 3, laOS]
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
307
At Um VNMBt time then can be no doabt, bowerpr, that th« supply
tM ^f"*^! bat I do not think this vonld be the ease if printers
woald kxA npoo themselves as skilled workmen aoJ not as antomata.-
I am, yotirs, Ac, 3. Hcbebt.
N3.— I have alwajrs fuand rmetadat •drettised in jrooi Jodbkai.
Hag SO, 189a.
To thtJtnnem.
Sib, — I DOtiee in yoar last issue a letter (rom a pbotoRraphia printer
wht'V*"'1|I that he eannot mt work, and 70a seem rather to eodorse
tba view that that claae o( work is hard to obtam. Of eoarse, it is diffi-
ealt ia tmj toade ior a man to obtain work ooleas he be both «mart and
eMgilie ; bat the mnBbat of appUeaiiovi that we get for smart platino-
typ* printei* pi«<«a eoodaitvely that a good man need aerar be ont of
emjriqjr.
Of eooiae, it a man is oonteot to stiek to sflTcr printing and antiqnated
proesMss of that kind, he eaaaot aspeet to keep his head abo«« water.
Bat the demand for really good worker*
^
« apod man oat to Philadelphia, and
t pMM lor dozens of good plMnotype
is snormoos ; at the pnseat
it we are ai« asked to
h« witter stele* that be eoold Had ,
b«t, eat tksM, a maa nasi ao* «a^ be a good
I cashing and able to more with the times.
It is as tme, in the photagr^hie trade •• ia every other, that ao good
worker need ever be oat of work ; it is osUy the incompetent or the la^y
who get left in the race of life.— I am, yoan, Ac..
rW Plalimtlgfi CsMMiqr, Eunurr J. HnovnT.
38. SoHllmmrkM im. High nolborm. LoaJom, W.C, Jifey 81, U93.
COBBMT BXPOfiUBSa
TelAsl
Bka,-I«ai
would reply to Mr.
soah aaawer hae
tt i* by
abjeel iaelod*d
.. a bill» oBtkiaa than I can elaia to be
• letter oa lU* sabjeet on p. SS.'S, but aa no
I Tsalar* to gh* Iha resalt of mr etperkaee.
Ml Iha k*** refciiud to (the aiaoaat of
Um piM*). sboaU ha oaittad (rom dUleraat qratson*
The plain (Ml i*. that tUa bMlor, aa
tlM Umaef «spe*ar*. baa no rrislanea ootside
In the flrM plana, look at tha qaaaUaa trcm a praetieal point of view.
I carry with my 7| < 8 aaaera, loar Isms*, of 7}, 9. 10, and 13 iaebe*
(oeoa. I ha** often takaa pbotogfapha (rom to* sane point of via*,
with the 7) aad IS toA leoM* within a fewminnte* of aaebollMr, giving
ih* «aa aspeaaia with apattaM* whieh have the same ratio to tha io*M
(/•» ia* laalaaa*). Ia ao aaa* ha«a I ioaad that the wid* aa^ piotan
had r*erff*d a gnatar aipoaar* than Um olhsr. I Uiink bmmT pooUeal
pbotognaber* wfll hear ■• oat ia aniaa that we may saMy accept Iha
iiplicians^ *tal*ia*Bt that, (or all pracSaJ pnrposs*. the strtCBMat of the
ratio «< apsrtare to tocoa, gire* aU lb* aeMfol inforaatloBi ragaidiag tha
ra^di^cl aleas.
E**B tba abaetfaing aad raflaeliag rapasllj of the ^aa* haa, I think,
Isaa iaiaMHi Ihaa iwaa Urfak. tM f haw laUad to dis*OTar Uat a siagie
lena witb, mj, an apertur* o(/-10, repair** lee* ezpoenia Ihaa a doohUl
lens with /-IS. A lew mooth* ago I made soom deAnite esperimenla ia
lliis directioiL
I Ml ap a while rafleeting satacn ia a nam iUoasiaatod by ateadgr
sky IighL I fixed a caaMta at saeh a dirtn** that the wid**l aagi* laoa
waald Bot faaiada mam sahjet thaa Um whtte aenm. I Omb ezpoMd
tarn plif wllb itar — wl liiii. «a*h io* thw* awonds with /-fg (aa
lagriMd by Um upMuiaai), takfa^ aaia that aadi Um waa worksd at iU
aanaet (beo*. I afterwaida iiumuhJ Um opacity of M*h negatire with
OivWn Abney's pbotecaalar. and ^ Um
l0mt.
TMw.
A»*rlan.
OpadtrolXsvrftve.
WiaySiMU
lOiaah
/!«
7
Beak BaaiUacar
•
/.16
71
l^yteDoaUd
5
/.16
7|
Boas Portrait
»i
/.16
H
Tba usgaUwi «*r* d*Ttlop*d ia Um aaaoa dish, with lb* same davdoper,
ior Ibe MM period of tha*.
I «■■ altaaaiil* eaiioaa to eompar* the ezpoeoM giraa by a riapi*
I (ao leas) with that o( a leaa. I therefore apoeed a half iaeh
I at eight ioche* (M<) lor six laeoads, aad dbeetly afterwards
eti&a«ar at /-IC, nnder iimnar dmimataiieas aa before, and
eanfnl^ maaMirad tlie opadtiee of negativae. They were: i^pla
apsrta(t.lbii|y-ifa: aad Bask leas thirty-fiTe. praetiealh ideotiaaL TV>
tatara 10 lb* origiaal aabieat. Tha (alhuiy oflCr. Michad'a aigaaMat ia,
ia issiiialiig Ibat a lasa* aaoaot of sobjeel will traaemit mer* Hgfat to
a ■aaO aBon
tb*plal*
Ibia.— laai. yaaiB.*a.,
Bnt/ord, Ifop 30.
Hgfat
Ncitbst UMoqr Bor pnMUo* »appuila
ALmn Wanan.
STAINS ON PBINTING-OUT PAPER.
To tlie EsiTOB.
Sib, — With reference to the letter of the Britannia Works Company in
your last Friday's paper on the above subject, I may say, first, that it is
a mistake to suppose that I complained about the prints toning slowly,
as the first lot toned so quickly that I could not tone more than three at
a time without over-toning ; even the last lots have toned twice as quick
as ordinary sensitised paper. Wliat I complained about was the poor
tone, and the stains in all bat the first lot, although I used my usual
toner — eighty grains borax and one grain gold— until nlvised to use more
by the Britannia Works Company. I always use fresh solution each time ;
seocmdly, I mast admit that my monogram on the p^ier I sent was not
as plain as might have been, therefore I think there is no necessity for
the CJompany to apologise to me (or not being able to read it ; thirdly, the
pieces of paper referred to in my last letter have arrived, and are free
from slain, and the tone is good ; fourthly, it may be ignorance on my
part, but I must say I do not agree with the Company that the stains are
caosed from want of gold, or why should not the marks be all over the
paper ; and why do they come in the printing before they have been near
the toner ?
I think, instead of the Britannia Works Company apologising to me
(or not being able to read my monogram, it is my place to apologise to
the Company (or not having acknowledged the receipt o( the prints in
yoar paper o( Friday last— I am, yours, Jte., W. Aubeo Msion.
Aih Hall, Stokt-upon-Trtnl, Hay 30, 1893.
BBOWN TONES ON OPALS.
To the EniTOB.
Sim, — For some year* I have been invariably suocesalul in making
gelaUa^braaid* eawlsion for coating opals, giving vary pure black
tea**. I baf* Maaally mad* three loto, and eiMm one gives me a inimt
Mpia toa*. Tttt dicmieals are Johnson A Sons, eareftuly weighed ; the
gdatinaa, NeUon's No. 1 and Hcinrich's. Can you, sir, give me the
eaase of the brown colour, and bow to avoid it ? If you could briefly
grre me a good formula, I sboulil be obliged. There is nothing on the
sobject in the last fivf or six Kuix^xxca. The gelatines have been kept in
a dry eapboard since October, so I oannot suppose that any deterioration
has taken place, and the ammonia bromide, ammonia iodide, and am-
monia chloride are from tlie same stock I nsed saeoessfully in the winter.
I oaed ferroos oxalate deT*Iop*r, and no matter how much under or over
expoasd, I can gal no other coloar than brown. The pictures I now get
at* Sac fiKWgh, but I am altogstba* poialed witb the remarkable change
o( tone. — I am, yoois, d«L, H. BiimBT.
Uridtt-Urut, ChuUr, Hay 21. 1893.
BEMOVINa 8ILVEB STAINS.
TttheEonoa,
SiB, — In yoar last iasne yoa ask (or ezperitBoe* with an American
(ormola lor renKrving ttlTcr stains. Aboat a week prerioas I had seen
the same (ormola ia O. Haaon ■& Co's PHotogntpkie Ouidt, accredited to
Daniel Rob«rtaon. Having by me a negative which had been silver
stained two or three dm before, 1 tested the proeeea. Immersion (or
(ram five to (Uleen mlnntes was said to be sufSdent. I (oand that
thirty minotee in two freehly made baths (died to remove the stain.
No apparent reduetioa in Um nnage look place, nor waa the silver in the
slain resMvad, bat tba objectionable vsa aobar was gone, as also the
yellow stains (ran pyto devdopment. The negative now resembles one
prodnoed by iiikwiugMl. II woald appear to be hopdeas to expect any
agent to ramov* lb* U^t r*dac*d silver of the slam without attacking
the developed image.— I am, yours, <te., J. McIirrosB.
14, Lowwum-nad. UoUotay, May 34, 1891
Sxct)ange (Solumn.
■ it madt far lassi Wwji MadtamfU of Afpmalui <« IKxt column ;
^.Mi won* -..^ t« vnmiti ymXtm (k» artieit wwaterfw d^AmiUly statsd. Thou
wht 4pMyi> rt«<r I »|ii<i»Bswli as " ipfiMiy tmfiU " wM thar^on mtdmtlmitd
Ms fsassa^y la^c Me^a^psarsae^
anartv o
thna «hii»<ii«w. two fMt br thns (Ml, for txS taaekgnmads or I
B. K. W«TKU, Ofaad Mtadio, Marbw Patrnda. Bearbonmgh.
Tas Bamaa Jovbitai. or PaoTooaAnrr (or 1890 and 18tl, for a
or kll-pkta npid iiillllimr Imu.— AddroM, E. B«i.ure, M, iam»«rav«.
' ghspvhercl, will «xobaiirfl for raotUinsar or oabliuit
■, — f—g- itadlo aocoaaorlM Addiu*. 8. J. Ouisos,
Whol^ybU portrait Isos. by I
«l«o|iilaHw«hUi»*Waimias,i
ClwliisftiiiL
ffitM'l qaartsr.plat* Tints ill lie n|ili ud throe dark •Udea, al«o a hand csmara to
any twain S|xl|pklas,taaiehaa<ra for a half-plato oamara, or a good qnarter-
plato haad aaMan,— tiMtaaa, F. Boiwiu., M, Lima-Kron, BidafonL
808
THE BUITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[June 3, 1892
flnstoers to ^ftortesponirent?.
AU muMtn for the Uxt portion of (Ml Joubhal, includingjuariet for
<>T^,'^ a»A"^c^^" ■•««' *< addressed to "The Edijob,"
%notice tahim. qf eommmieatioru unUss name and addressof vxtter art
•.'"Zimunications relating to Advertisement, <}r^ .ff^Jf^^;^' g^
must be addressed to "Hesbt Obbbnwood & Co., 2, York-street, (.ovent
Bardm, London. ___
E. Babben.-A disUnct trace of iron in the water would doubtless produce such
B.V.-Both formulte are published by the Company. Probably you had better
employ the later one issued. , , „ ,
E. A. CABNEI.L.-N0 photographic exhibition to be held at the Crystal Palace
this year that we are aware of. ,. ^v
W Cox —Probably a trace of iron was left in the prints, notwithstanding the
careful manner in which you appear to have cleared them.
G G Baosteb. We should be pleased to receive the communication. We
described the result of M. Lippmann's latest experiments a few weeks ago.
E. Walton.— From the fact that a very large nnmber of plates are daily sent
abroad, it may be fairly assumed that they are fully appreciated by some
foreigners at least.
Beccles.— If all the plates turned out well with the exception of those you
changed in that particular dark room, it would seem to indicate that the
light was at fault. The light in hotel dark rooms, as we have said on former
occasions, is not always to be relied upon.
C WhiteBOUSE.— The pier companies and the proprietors of gardens and
'parks can, of course, lay down their own conditions as regards taking photo-
iraphs on their property. But in the case of piers it is petty to extract
heavy fees, if, indeed, it is not a mistaken policy, as few persons will pay
them.
R. A. Bboome asks where china plaqpes for vitrified photographs are to be
obtained.— We believe they may be had from most of the Staffordshire cliina
manufacturers. Mintons and Brownfields, we think, both supply them, and
they have London offices, which will be found irom the Directory. Mortlocks,
if we mistake not, also supply them.
W A. J.— If the p.iper turns bro\vn a few hours after being sensitised, while
two other samples floated on the same bath keep good for two or three days,
it shows that there must be something wrong with the paper. The addition
of nitric acid to the solution might improve matters, but then it would
probably not work well with other papers.
A. C. C. has been essaying the wet-collodion process, and sends us a negative
for our opinion, as he has not a negative by that process with which to com-
pare his work.— The negative is a very poor specimen indeed. It is fogged
and streaked, as well as slightly stained in development. The bath is out of
order ; try the effect of an addition of one or two drops of nitric acid.
r. Thomas says : •■ When enlarging, it makes my eyes go very red all about
them, and I attribute it to the red or ruby-coloured glass, which seems to
have a strain on one's eyes. What would prevent this ? Would using blue
spectacles in the enlarging room prevent it (the strain on the eyes), or what
do you recommend ?"— Probably a shade would be a sufficient protection.
S. Y. complains that he has taken a dozen cabinet prints from diflerent batches,
and cut them in half. One-half he has mounted on cards recently received.
At the end of a month the mounted halves show spots, while those kept un-
mounted are quite perfect. He wants our opinion.— It is this : It is clear
that the evil is due either to the cards or the mountant. We cannot say
which.
Messbs. McGhie & Co., of Glasgow, write : " We notice, in answer to a corre-
pondent, you state that ' Monckhoven's tissues or films are not obtainable.'
We would respectfully inform you that we have a large stock of the different
colours, and the demand for this class of paper is increasing. The same
remarks apply to a query you answered some time ago regarding photo-
mechanical papers."
Bbginneb.— The fault in the prints is that the negatives are much under
exposed. The professional who made the print is quite correct when he says
it IS impossible to get better prints from such negatives. You say the shutter
you use is the best and quickest that is made. Quite so, and probably that
18 the cause of the trouble. It has been set to work too quickly for the
plates. It is easy to obtain rapid working shutters but not so easy to obtain
plates sufficiently sensitive to respond to them, particulaily when used by a
novice.
Victim says : " About a fortnight ago I sent my photograph (cabinet size) to a
firm, in answer to an advertisement for an assistant, and they h.ive not re-
turned it. I wrote to them last week and asked them to return it, and they
sent reply to say they thought they had returned it, but if they find it laying
about they will send it to me. That seems to me rather unbusinesslike. Is
it a firm that is on your black list ? I have enclosed the n.ame and address
of the firm mentioned, and also my own, but not for publication." — The firm
named is, we believe, a respectable one.
<3. A. S. asks, 1, if the owner of a racing yacht can prevent any one from taking
a photograph of it when the vessel is in the open sea. 2. Now, yachts are
photographed in full sail when comjwting at regattas. Whether are they
taken with long-focus lenses from the shore or from another boat?— In
reply: 1. No; certainly not 2. The way yachts are usually photographed
is this : The camera is on board of another vessel, usually a steam tug or a
steam launch, the vessel steaming in the same direction, and at about the
same speed, as the yacht is going. It is by this means -that the sharpest
jacht pictures have been obtained.
C, Mabtin says : " I have just purchased an old lens of Voigtlander's make,
alwut the half-plate size. On the inner tube there is an engraved scale, the
divisions being about the sixteenth of an inch or a little more. Can you tell
me what is the use of it ? I have not yet tried the lens, as I have not a
camera to take it." — Apparently the lens is a very old one, and the visual
and chemical foci are not coincident. The divisions on the scale indicate the
amount of alteration that is necessary to be made after the image has been
focussed in order to obtain a sharp )iicture.
G. L. says : " Just before Christmas last I sent a negative to a finn to make
me one 12 x 10 enlargement, and finish in oils (' paper '), enclosing postal
order for same. About a mouth after I received the enlargement, but,
owing to the likeness having been destroyed, I returned it at once for altera-
tion, and, in reply, received a request to send the negative again, as they
could do nothing to improve the likeness, and therefore wanted to make
another enlargement. Up till now I have neither received enlargement nor
can I get any answer to repeated letters asking for an explanation, and my
clients now say they will not take it, as I have disappointe<l them so often.
Can I take any proceedings to recover the amount paid and the loss I shall sus-
tain on the order ? I may state the enlargement was not promised for any
time, but I think four months quite sufficient."— To ensure the return of the
negative, we should recommend you to communicate with the local super-
intenilent of police. As to whether you could recover damages for the non-
delivery of the enlargement, a solicitor's opinion would be your best means
of ascertaining.
♦ •
RECEn-ED.- W. J. Stillman, Albert Levy, Mortimer Field, and W. Borough.
In our next.
North London Photoobaphic Society.- Tuesday, June 7, Reloxiching, by
Mr. Redmond Barrett, at 8.15 p.m. Visitors are invited.
London and Provincial Photoobaphic Association.— June 0, Members'
Open Night, 16, Smne Pr'mie Factors in Exposing, Mr. Howard Farmer.
23, Annual General Meeting.
Newcastle-on-Tynb and Nobthbbn Counties' Photographic Associa-
tion.—Joint Outdoor Meeting, Newcastle Photographic Association and
Hexham Photographic Society, to Stocksfield on June 16. Train leaves
Central Station, Newcastle, at 9.60 a.m. Leader, Mr. J. P. Gibson.
Photoobaphic Club.— June 8, Dodgimj Negatives for Printing. 15,
Platinum Possibililus. Bank Holiday outing next Monday to Gomshall and
Shere. Train from Charing-cross at twenty-eight minutes past nine ; London
Bridge, thirty-five minutes past nine. Train does not stop at Cannon-street.
Stop Thief !— The Eastman Company write us that a No. 4 registered
Kodak, numbered 7806, was, on the 31st May, 1892, stolen from the counter
in their .shop. They ask our assistance in the hope that the camera may be
offered to one of our readers, who would no doubt be willing to help them in
the detection of the thief.
Messrs. J. Lancasteb k Son's 1892 catalogue should be invaluable to
amateurs, as it includes particulars of the firm's innumerable productions in
the way of apparatus and sundries for the prosecution of the popular art. It
may, indeed, be truly said that both rich and poor will find in these handsome
and well-illustrated pages every opportunity for satisfying their requirements.
The amateur who is without Lancaster's catalogue cannot claim to be up to
date.
Mabion's Photoobaphic Paste.— Messrs. Miirion & Co. have sent us a
bottle of a new paste introduced by them for mounting prints. Its nature and
uses will be amply ascertained from the label, which instructs us to " lay the
print to be mounted face downwards on a clean surface, and paste evenly with
a hog-bristle or indiarubber brush. When thoroughly spread, place the print
on the mount and press well down with a pad of clean blotting-paper, pressing
out all air bubbles."
Chicago Exhibition, 1893.— The Royal Commission have appointed a
Photographic Committee, consisting of Captain Abney, Francis Cobb, James
Dredge, G. Davison, Colonel J. Gale, H. P. Robinson, and Sir Henry Trueman
Wood, to form a collection of photographs representative of the best work
which is now being done in this country, both by amateurs and professionals,
for the photographic department of the Chicago Exhibition. The pictures lent
for this purpose will be transmitted to Chicago and brought back thence free
of charge to the exhibitors, and the Royal Commission will also undertake their
care while they are in the exhibition. The Committee propose to send an
invitation to a limited number of photographic .artists, and hope to be able to
get together a collection which will be worthy of tlie present advanced con-
dition of photographic art in England. Pictures will only be received from
those to whom invitations have been addressed. In addition to this selected
collection, there will be many photographs sent by exhibitors at their own
cost, and for these space will be allotted in the usual way.
*,* Seixral contributiom and ansieers to correspondents are wiavoidably
held over.
\
I
OONT
Paas
photographic PBINTEBS 853
DO negatives fade? 854
JOTTINGS. By cosmos 86S
THE CAMERA AND THE CONVEN-
TION; OR. PICTURESQUE SCOTLAND
AND PHOTOGRAPHY.— V 860
COMPOSITE HELIOCHBOMT. By F. E.
IVES 867
GELATINO . chloride OF SILVER
PAPER: ITS MANIPULATION. By
J. C. S. MUMMEEV 360
BNT8,
riM
COMPOSITE HELIOCHBOMT. By W.
BISHOP »a
A NEW DRY PLATE 86a
"OPTIMUS" PRIZES 86J
NEW KODAKS a6J
CiSTLK WEMYSS AMATEUR PHOTO-
GRAPHIC EXHIUITION 861
BKOENT PATENTS 864
MEBTINOS OP SOCIETIES »«
OOBBKBPONDENOE 86.'
EXCHANGE COLUMN SCT
ANSWERS 10 OOBEKSPONDKNie 36S
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
yo. 1675. Vol. XXXIX.— JUNE 10, 1892.
THE FIXATION OF SILVER PRINTS.
Tbz qaeation noted before the London and ProvincitJ Photo-
.Taphie Aasociation as to tiM ponibility of testing otherwise
than by ocular obMrration wkethor a print is sufficiently fixed
r not is one of the very higbest importuioe, more espedaUy
where large numbers are manipulatad at one time. In dealing
*ith a small number, it is perCaedy easy, by employing a
snffioieDCj of aolntion, and moTing them about for a given time,
•o that the bath has free action upon each, to ensure that all
are tbotongfaly cleared of all unreduced silrer chloride and
albmnenate ; bat whan Tety large numbers are worked at
onei^ M in profeMJonal eataMiahmita, it is not so easy to give
to aaeh one the same individual care. Not only is there a
tondency to curtail the quantity of solution used, but the very
fact of their numben precludes the possibility of turning them
orer so tborooghly or of pcvTcnting their massing together so
as to canso irnigiihr aetioii of tiM hypo.
This is a pnlifio eawa of imperfect or irregdlar fixation,
and, while an obvious reoMdy exists in increasing the bulk of
the solution and exercising care that each individual print is
safanitted to the full aetioa of the btOh for a proper time, no
pnetieal test appears to be availablo of the tboraoghnesa of
the treatmenk; and, if such did exist, it would have to be applied
;o sack singb print, with the result that thoao that were not
ompletely fixed would be spoilt at once, instead of remaining
-o fade with men or lass rapidity. The phm adopted in many
' agt aataUiakaMDta of ecsploying two seponUe baths, and
removing the prints one by one from bath to bath, seems the
rnoKt likely method of ensuring the perfect aotiao of the
•lution ; bat this neoeasarily involves time, and is tbereibre
liable to be shirked by the apprentice or assistant to whom
such work is usually relegated.
We have said that no teat appean to be available, because
it is obvious that a print freshly removed from the hypo bath
nmat oootain a certain proportion of silver eoaipoonds in the
solable eoodition, ahhoogh it may be perfectly ixed, that is
to say, may have had all the sQvar cfakride and albnmanato
dimohed. OsoMqnently, befbre such a print can be tested for
insoinhle eompoads, it must be freed by fotect washing iWnn
he soluble deeompositioQ products of the operation of
......^ And here we may point out that some mieapptehension
«eems to exist as to the terms " imperfect fixation" and "imper-
foot waahingi" The original qneatioa put by the examiner may
haw mtiMHl either one or the other, but the memben of the
[ioadon and Pnjvincial Asaoeiatioa were undoubtedly correct
in readinf; it in its lit<m1 t-nw lu referring to tiie action of
the Axin^; balh sJooa.
A print may be turned out in tbree separate states. It may
he iasperfMCly fixed bat perfectly washed ; or, vice wnA,
thoroughly filed but insofficiently washed ; or, again, neither
operation may have been thoroughly performed. In the first
instance, it will contain insoluble silver chloride and the practi-
cally insoluble sodio-silver hyposulphite ; in the second instance,
it will contain soluble hyposulphite of silver and soda, together
with chlcnride of sodium and hyposulphite of soda ; while, in
the third ease, it will contain the whole of these materials, both
soluble and insoluble. Obviously, each class of print will
re«]uire different treatment in testing, and in the case of the
perfectly fixed print alone can any really efficient test be
applied. Starting with the understanding that the whole of
the unreducejl silver compounds, chloride and albumenate, have
been brought to the soluble condition by the full and free
action of a sufficiently strong hypo solution — which means that
they have been converted by the hypo into the soluble form of
sodio-silver hyposulphite (Na^Ag'S'O*), together with chloride
of sodium — sJl that is required for their removal is plentiful
washing in repeated changes of wator, and a suitable test
applied to the washing water will indicate when the whole of
the hyposulphites have been eliminated. Of these tests there
are many of greater or lees delicacy, and the one test will
apply to the full batoh of prints.
But when, from the use of too weak a solution, too short an
immersion, or the adhesion together of the prints in the dish,
the prints are iiuufficiently fixed, the most perfect washing
possible will leave behind the insoluble doubli hyposulphite of
soda and silver (NaAgS^O'), together with, in all probability,
unaotad-upon silver chloride and albumenate. No test applied
to the washing water is of the slightest value tmder such con-
ditions, as the impurities remain in the prints themselves to
which the tests must be applied, with the result, already
mentioned, that they are at once spoiled by the formation of
sulphide of silver, itself unremovable by any known agent that
will not destroy the paper.
In the case of a large batch of prints, then, that it is desirable
ti> test for sufficiency of fixation, the only practical plan appears
to be to select a single print hap-haxard and submit it to the
test for silver and hyposuljihites, and, if it be found wanting, to
pass the remainder of the batch through a freshly made Imth
of hypo, when, if ordinary care t>e applied, it is difficult to
imagine that they can be anything but thoroughly cleared, and
s Hiiiwemiji washing will place them in a condition of safely.
Tha^'OTiginal careleesness, then, involves merely the loss of a
single print and the expenditure of a little more time and
material. It must be observed that no test is applicable until
the prints have been thoroughly washed ; or, rather, that the
test for thorough washing must bo satisfactorily answered before
that for fixation is of any tise, because, so long as any soluble
hyposulphites remain, they will resi>ond equally with the
insoluble.
The next question that arises is as to the test to be applied.
370
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGKAPHY.
[June 10, 1892
Mr. Lyonel Clark in his article mentions potassium bichromate,
which he states is employed for testing whether paper is suffi-
ciently sensitised — an application, we may remark en passant,
we have not previously heard of, and the value of which seems
dubious. Its use for the purpose under discussion is, however,
perfectly valueless, as was mentioned at the meeting of the
London and Provincial Photographic Association, since a print
that had not hem fixed at all, if thoroughly freed by washing of
its soluble silver nitrate, would fail to give any reaction with
the chromate. It is possible that it might react with the in-
soluble double hyposulphite of soda and silver, if that were
present in a print ; but, even granting that, the silver chloride
would be beyond the test, and might be present alone.
The alkaline sulphides also mentioned by Mr. Clark are un-
doubtedly efficient for the purpose, forming most delicate tests
for silver either in the soluble or insoluble form ; but, as Mr.
Clark suggests, these reagents would most probably be too deli-
cate, and, by acting upon the image itself, especially in its more
delicate portions, give a false character to the print tested. On
the whole, therefore, we should incline to reject that method of
testing.
The double hyposulphite of soda and silver is, however, very
soluble in various reagents, including hypo itself, ammonia and
other alkalis forming extremely sweet solutions, as any one
may prove by letting a drop from a newly fixed print fall on
the tongue. These solutions, if tested with a soluble chloride,
give a silver reaction, owing to the superior solvent power of
the substances named, especially hypo, but, if in a sufficiently
concentrated condition, iodine or a soluble iodide, will form a
precipitate, owing to the lower degree of solubility of the iodide
of silver. A suspected print might, therefore, be boiled or
digested in a small quantity of water containing a little am-
monia, and the solution tested with iodine, or a drop of
ammonia or solution of soda or potash be dropped on the
print, and afterwards a drop of solution of iodide of potassium,
■ when a yellow stain of iodide of silver would be formed. This
method would perhaps be scarcely delicate enough in most
cases, so an alkaline sulphide dropped into the solution, in
which the print had been digested, would give a precipitate of
sulphide of silver, an indication that would be free from the
objection raised against its application to the print itself
In very bad eases, or where it is suspected that the prints
have adhered together in the fixing bath, simple immersion in
a solution of iodide of potassium would betray the presence of
any considerable quantity of either chloride or insoluble double
hyposulphite of silver by converting them into silver iodide,
easily recognisable by its yellow colour ; and this plan possesses
the advantage that it would have no ill effect on the print,
since the iodide of silver could be easily removed by reimmer-
sion in a fresh bath of hypo. In this it would seem we have a
practical test, to which the whole of a suspected batch of prints
might be submitted without injury, though the indication in
slight cases would be perhaps very faint.
Alum solution forms another fairly delicate test, though it
produces a permanent precipitate of silver sulphide, and is
therefore only applicable to a selected print. Its action is to
decompose the hypo and precipitate the silver in the form of
sulphide, while further indications of the presence of the hypo-
sulphites are given by the odour of sulphuretted hydrogen and
sulphurous acid given off.
Finally, the hyposulphites of silver, both soluble and in-
soluble, are readily decomposed by heat and converted into
sjjlnVii<le. Hence, dipping a suspected print into boiling water
or heating it in a weak alkaline lye would, by the production
of the characteristic brown discolouration, reveal the presence
of the enemy.
These seem to be the most feasible methods of testing the
fixation of prints, and, if they are not as effective as could be
wished, perhaps some benefit may accrue from a recognition of
the difference we have pointed out between imperfect fixation
and insufficient washing.
YELLOW SCREENS FOR ORTHOCHROMATIC WORK.
It is obvious that the employment of the yellow screen in
orthochroniatic photography opens up at the outset the question
as to the choice of a tint for particular classes of work, so that
in the resulting negatives the relative colour values of the
subjects are rendered with uniform accuracy. For instance, a
subject, rich in bright blues and very subdued yellows and
greens, might require a screen rather deeply stained, in order,
while effectually cutting off the blues, to allow the other colours
to assert themselves sufficiently in forming the image. Re-
versing those conditions, however, the necessity of employing a
deeply-tinted screen disappears, and hence a light screen might
be used, to the advantage, of course, of considerably shortening
the exposure.
The foregoing examples tend to show that, where a photo-
graplier engages in orthochromatic work constantly, the varia-
tions in the relative and particular colour values of the subjects
he has to reproduce require that he should provide himself with
a number of screens of different intensities of colouration.
Practically, however, we believe that a large number is un-
necessary, for a little reflection will show that, say, five dif-
ferently coloured screens are susceptible by combination,
according to the requirements of circumstances, of being so
utilised as to constitute a much greater number of screens of
varying depth of colouration.
We have been asked this week by a correspondent to give
him some idea of the method employed for colouring the pelli-
cular structures used so much abroad as colour screens, and
also to inform him of the means he should take for preparing
the pellicles of different, and at the same time of regularly
increasing, depths of tint; and, as the matter may possibly be of
interest to many of our readers, we embody our reply in the
form of a short article. We are aware that considerable variety
of opinion prevails as to tlie advantages or disadvantages of
the yellow screen with orthochromatic plates, into which con-
troversy, however, we have no present intention of entering.
To the late M. Boissonas, we believe, is due the following
plan, which we outline as briefly as possible, of making two
solutions provide no less than four screens, increasing in inten-
sity in the order of their enumeration, and equally so prolonging
the necessary exposure in a like ratio. Experiment led him
to determine that with what he called No. 1, or a faint
yellow-coloured screen, the exposure of the orthochromatic
plate, which, without a screen, was unit or one, was increased
by that screen from H to 3 times, according to the intensity of
the light ; No. 2, a darker screen, increased it from 3 to 6 ;
No. 3, still darker, from 4 to 9 ; and No. 4, from 6 to 12. The
preparation of the coloured pellicle was conducted as follows :
Four sheets of good glass, of the size thirteen centimetres by
eighteen, were coated with a thin film of wax in benzole, applied
with a clean fabric, dried over the heat of a spirit lamp, and
the surface slightly polished. When quite dry, an edging of
benzole was given to the plates, which were then coated with
June 10. 18B2J
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
871
a pUin collodion containing 2 drops of glycerine per 100 ao.
Two solutions were then prepared : No. 1, the colouring solu-
tion, consisting of white gel&tine, "J grammes ; glycerine,
1 C.C. ; distilled water, 95 tc. ; phenique acid, 2 drops ; and
5 C.C of a half per cent alcoholic solation of aurantia ; solution
No. 2 consisting of 7\ grammes of white gelatine, and 1 c.c. of
glycerine in 100 c.c of distilled water. In each case the
gelatine was dissolved first and the other substances added
afterwards, the two solutions being well filtered and kept at a
temperature of 120 F.
For the first or lightest tint 10 cc. of the colouring solution
were mixed with 30 c.c. of solation No. 2, and applied to one
of the collod ionised plates. The second or darker tint consisted
of 20 C.C each of the two aolntiona ; No. 3, of 30 c.c. of the
oolooring solution and 10 c.c. of the gelatine solution ; and
No. 4, simply of 40 c.c. of the colouring solution alone. Thus
the depth of colour is in the inverM proportion of the dilution
of the a>louring solution with the plain gelatin& When the
films are perfectly dried, they are each coated with another
film of collodion, and finally stripped fW)m their supports.
The filots of coloured gelatine so prepared are adaptable for
employment in the diaphragm opening of the leoa, being
secured within small discs for that porpoee ; equally so they
can be applied to optically worked gUs>,and used in the ordinary
way. Collodion alone giree a thinner film than gelatine, and
■oreens of the tints above specified are prepared by dissolTing
one gramme of aurantia in 100 cc. of plain collodion for the
colouring solation and mixing five c.c. of it with fifteen c.o. of
an uncolonrad solatkm, and for the other tints, icepeotively,
ten C.C. of meh, fifteen and five aa of each, and twenty cc. only
of the coloured collodion solntioo.
We beliere that cdoond griktine and collodion films for
ortboehromatie work are artiflta of eommeroe on the Continent
where they are in extenaiTC oae ; and probably the information
as to their preparation here given may be of serrice to the
increasingly large number ci people who are taking up ortho-
cfaramatie work, and find that aa much attention has to be
girea to the prcfwrtiee of the screen as to the plates them-
selrea.
Photo-Teohnlcal Xdacntlon at Home and Abroad.
— At the Photographic Soe'wtj of Urrat liriUtn'i nsxt meetiiif; on
Tuaaday, Jum U, Mr. E. Howard Farmsr will read a paper on
this nibj«et, ia wUdi he will euapare the tsaehing (and the nsolts
of the toaching) in photo lerknolngy which has bsan given in Eiyland
with that givan on the Continrat. As the stateasot made at a
meeting ci the tioeialy, "that tha* was no plaea in England
when jfkiAn IwtHtwiihm eonU ha obtained," has done the Polytechnic
8cliool of Photognphy ssiiMs bfary, Mr. Fanner is anzioos to make
the sahject of his lecture •• pablie as possible.
Colleetlnr Fine Predpttatea.— Some years ago, in reno.
vatiag by nitrate of baryta an old bath, we took mme tnabie in
eolbctiag and exsminiog the small quantity of precipitate produced
by the baryta. From a Winchester eolatioa we nbtaincd a rery
minate pneipitate which was very troubleeome to collect. Mr. W. H.
Berber, in the C%tmieml Xewi, ptopoiee • rery neat way of d»ftlioir
with tuch difiealtias. He reeooimeads the addition of finely dividMl
aabeslos to solotioDS containing a troublreome precipitate, and tb«
coUeelaoa of the whole oo an aabtetoe plog. The precipitate may
thea be washed, redissotved, and estimated with great ease.
Ammonl* •• n rixlnr Agent.— ThMeraneseent character
of ailfer ie primarily attriboted to the hypoealphite of soda tised for
fixing, or the hypoeulpbiie eoapoands formed during the operations
and their imperfect removal in the after-washingr. Indeed directly, or
indirectly, "hj-po" is made, and not without cause, the bugbear of
fugitive silver prints. Now, it may not be generally known to a great
number of modem photographers that ammonia is a very good fixing
agent, the unaltered by light chloride of silver being freely soluble
in that menstruum. In olden times it was frequently used in that
capacity. The unfortunate thing in connexion with ammonia as a
fixant is that it cannot be used with albumenised paper, inasmuch as
it dissolves the albumen. There is no reason, however, why it should
not be employed for plain paper, as bv its use no hyposulphites— if they
be the cause of fugitiveness— could be formed. Those who are working
with plain paper might give it a trial. It need scarcely be remarked
that ammonia is by no means an agreeable material to work with ;
but some might be inclined to overlook that fact if permanence wete
ensured.
Action of Xil«rht on Sulphite of SUwer In a recent
number of the Oumical AVim, Mr. W. H. Sodean relates some
experiments with regard to this action of light which have a decided
photographic interest. The salt was prepared by passing sulphurous
anhydride into a solution of recrysUlUsed nitrate of silver, washing
the precipitate thoroughly, and completely desiccating by keeping it
in a vacuum over a mixture of sulphuric and chromic acids. When
kept in hermetically closed tubes it was slightly blackened after a
fortnight's exposure to s«udight. When the tempersture was raised
the hlackeniijg was more intense and more quickly brought about. It
was noted also that when moisture was present the darkening was
aooaleiated. This latter effect might he anticipated, for it is well
known that many familiar gaseous reactions are absolutely imposdble
when the gases before mixing and the containing vessels have been
rendered perfectly free from wafer vapour. Quite recently, for
example, it has boen shown that sulphuretted hydrogen gas, so fatal
to silver prints and injurious to silver articles, is quite without action
upon silver and other salts when quite dry.
OrdnsuBoe Map*.— It will be remembered that in June last a
Departmental Committee of the Board of Agriculture was appointed
to inquire into various points in connexion with the Ordnance .Survey
of the United Kingdom and report thereon. That report has recently
been pieesnted to Pariiament From it we learn alwut that :i400 persons
an now engaged in the different branches of the survey, a very large
proportion of them being the mihtary— the Royal £ngineer8. The
Bsost important work the Office now has on hand is the completion of
the twenty-four-inch scale maps. It is intereeting to learn from the
report, thankt to photography and photo-zincography, that the sale of
the maps to the public now pays the expense of publication. This
will, no doubt, be surprising to some who have had the opportunity
of sseing the work in progrees at Southampton, and the time and care
expended upon it; and, without this, it would be impossible to produce
the excellent resolts issued. Few ooniaenial houses, we imagine,
would find it remnneratJTe to bestow the same amount of time on
their work as that expended upon that at Southampton.
Albumen and Sulptanr.^Tlie connexion of these two bodies
hss a close bearing npon the most familiar form of silver print, and
Herr Rosing has discovered the singular fact that, when an emulsion
of pore sulphur is mixed with egg-albumen, a decomposition takes
piag^' ^The albumen is oxidised, a hydroxyl group derived from a
lauletiis of water replacing a hydrogen atom in the albumen mole-
cule, whilst the dispUoed hydrof[en stom unites with the remsining
hydrogen atom of the water molecule and with an atom of sulphur
to form sulphuretted hydrogen. This action, however, does not take
place when no water is present, nor when neutral sslts capable of
combining with water are present, nor when the albumen has been
previously with iodine or other substances. Now, it is evident, that in
a print in which toning takes place by " sulphurisation," we have con-
ditions very similsr to these — sibumeo and sulphur in a fine state of
division brought into dose contsct, with a profaisbility of the gradual
production of solpburetted hydrogen, its gradual oxidation to sulphuric
373
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[June 10, )Rn2
acid, and the destruction of the print. The question that arises is,
whether the alhumen has heen previously hydroxylated dunng the
various proceeses it has passed through.
Obromo-Pliotog-raplxy.-The controversy vvith reference to
chromo-photography and Mr. Ives' recent demonstrations does not
seem to be confined entirely to the technical press, for Dr. \ ogel had
a long letter in the Standard on the subject of his own investigations
and that of others many years ago. Other letters on the subject
have also appeared in the lay press from other writers, ^ow
every one in this country is always anxious to give credit to
whom credit is due, whatever may be their nationality. There
is another phase of the question that appeals to the more prac-
tical portion of the public, namely, the commercial value of the
results. Mr. Ives has shown photographs in colours on the screen,
and described the methods by which they were produced. Dr. Vogel's
work lies in a different direction, though on the same basis— that of
producing chromo prints by printing from three plates made from
three negatives; that is, pictures in all the colours of nature with
three printings only. So far as we are aware, none of the Doctor's recent
examples have reached this country as yet. But we are informed by
a friend who has had the opportunity of seeing them, and who is
fully qualified to judge, that they are far and away the best results
in this direction he has hitherto seen ; and he is quite familiar with
the best that have been shown in this country.
Stains on tlie nXarg-ins of Plates.— A question was
recently put at one of the metropolitan Societies, as to whether
stains at the edges of a plate were to be taken as a proof that the
plate was an old one. Any answer to this question ought only be
given with a qualification. A plate may be old and yet show no
stain, or one may be comparatively new and yet show a marked
stain. We recently worked with some plates which the date upon
the box showed had not been made a year, yet they had a strong
iridescent stain encroaching well into the plate; while, a short time
back, we developed some plates that were nearly seven years old,
and they showed practically no stain whatever. These plates were
packed in contact with each other, with a piece of paper between
slightly smaller than the glass. The only trace of staining was
where the paper did not cover the film, and so protect it from the
atmosphere. The other plates alluded to were packed in the general
way with slips of paper — unusually thick— separating them, so that
the films were exposed to the air and noxious vapours it contained,
also to any deleterious exhalations from the packing paper. From
this it will be seen that the presence or absence of marginal stains
cannot be taken as any criterion as to the- age of a plate. Again, the
keeping qualities of plates coated with emulsion made by the boiling
and by the ammonia methods vary considerably.
Photogrrapliy Abroad. — A question is often asked in pro-
fessional circles, when the effect of amateurs on the business is the
subject of conversation, as to whether amateur photography has
assumed the proportions on the Continent that it has done in this
country. If the number of photographic societies can be taken as any
criterion, it certainly has not ; for it must be borne in mind that it is
of the amateur elements that the larger proportion of them are com-
posed. At the present time there is scarcely a large village without
a society, and most towns of importance have several. Upwards of,
250 photographic societies at present exist in the United Kingdom.
It is very doubtful if all the societies throughout the world were
added together they would amount to anything like this figure.
Many very large and important cities on the Continent have no
photographic society whatever, yet they contain, proportionately, as
many, and in some instances more, professional photographers than
places of corresponding size here. Munich, for example, with a
population of between 300,000 and 400,000, and a very large pro-
portion of professional photographers, as well as numerous large
photo-mechanical establishments, possesses but one photographic
society, and that numbers fewer members than the majority of the
societies in the suburbs of London or small country towns.
Old Portrait Kegratlves. — What shall be done with old
portrait negatives ? Those who do a large portrait business find
themselves, after a few years, encumbered with thousands of
negatives from which copies will never be required. Photographers,
or at least, the higher class ones, tacitly undertake to keep their
negatives indefinitely. But some, after the lapse of from seven to
ten years, set no further value upon them ; yet there is an old
saying amongst the profesaon that, if a negative be destroyed^
copies from it are almost sure to be required. At one time, in the
old collodion days, it was worth while to clean off old negatives —
particularly when patent plate was employed — to use the glass
again. Now, " that game is not worth the candle," because glass
is so very cheap. What, then, shall be done with the stock of old
and valueless negatives? Mr. Silvy, and others, when tliey retired
from busineas, advertised that their old sitters could purchase their
negatives for a small sum, and many were disposed of in this way.
But some who tried the same plan some few years ago met with
but little response, doubtless because but small value — now that
people sit so frequently — is set on portraits after they are a few
years old. This fact should be kept in mind by those purchasing
businesses^ One thing is certain, namely, the negative of a portrait
should neVer go out of the hands of the photographer unless to
the sitter.
An Astronomical Detective on Duty.— The interest of
the paper recently read at the Parent Society's meeting upon the use
of photography in detecting falsifications of documents, cheques, and .
similar objects that can be closely inspected, sinks almost into in-
significance when compared with the latest efforts in searching for-
the unknown by photographic means. One of the triumphs of
mathematical astronomy was the prediction of the existence of a
planet owing to the perturbations of certain of the heavenly bodies,
and the ultimate discovery of the planet. In a paper read before the
Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1880, Professor Forbes predicted, with,
much confidence, that one or two planets must exist beyond Neptune.
He said that there could be no doubt but that two planets moved!
in orbits external to Neptune, one at about 100 times and one at
about 800 times the distance of the earth from the sun. Mr.
Isaac Roberts wrote to the Professor for some indications, who
replied that within a certain named range the planet, if existent,
should be found. A chart of the region was made at Crowborough,_
and the region was covered by eighteen photographic plates. There
was little fear of the object disappearing between successive ex-
posures, for Professor Forbes estimated that before the path it
travelled over covered as much space as the moon's diameter the
average span of a human life would be twice passed. Two photo-
graphs were taken at an interval of not less than seven days, and
with not less than an hour and a half exposure. The whole of the
plates covering the region were carefully examined, and Mr. Roberts
said it only remained for him to report (he was addressing a meeting
of the Royal Astronomical Society) that no planets of greater bright-
ness than .a star of the fifteenth magnitude existed in the area indicated,
nor was there anything in the plates of an abnormal appearance to
which it was necessary to call attention. It could be wished that
there had been another ending to the investigation, so great would
have been the credit that redounded to our science.
OBSOLETE PROCESSES.
No. 3.— Wax Paper.
In the article on the calotype process it was mentioned that it
yielded most excellent results. Such was the case, but its practice
was attended with some inconveniences, one of the principal being
that the paper had to be exposed and developed within a few days,
at most, from the time it was sensitised. Indeed, in hot weather, or
under adverse atmospheric conditions, it would not keep more than a
day, or, if prepared with the maximum of sensitiveness, not beyond an
hour or two. This led to the introduction of what was named the
" wax-paper process."
In this process the paper, in the first instance, was saturated with
beeswax, and, instead of being sensitised with gallo-nitrate of silver.
June 10, 18»3]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
873
it was excited with • pUin solution of nitnte of silver, strongly
acidified with acetic add. The paper, thus prepared, was, howeTer,
much ak)wer than the calotjpe paper, but it possessed the compensatiiif^
adrantage that it would keep good for weeks, and, under favourable
conditions, for months, before exposure. Hence for general landscape
work it superseded the oklar ptocesa. The English paper that was
usually oooaidered the beat fbr ealotype did not prore so good for the
>c«BS now under conmderation, inaamoch as the sizing matter being
gelatine nadeced the p*per too hard and non-abaorbent to permit of
its eren permeation by the wax with which it had to be saturated.
If Fngi:«li papers were, howerer, employed — as they were by some —
they mn MoaUy traated with hot water, aomeUmes slightly acidified,
in order to lemore some of the sizing matter prior to the waxing. The
foreign papers, which were mostly sised with starch, such as those of
Canaon or Lacroix, were those generally preferred. There were two
kinda of these papers, the thick and the thin. It waa the latter that
waa ooaunonly used for negatirea.
For waxing the purest white baaawax obtainable was employed.
The opwation was as follows : — If only a few sheets were prepared
at a time, they were laid separately upon a heated iron plate, and a
lump of the wax rubbed orer theai, on^ the paper became saturated-
But the more oonrenient way — aa this paper would keep indefinitely
— was to prepare a good stock at a time. In this case the wax was
melted in a flat dish, and the sbeata floated npon it. When either of
the papers just named waa employed, they were quickly permeated by
the molten wax. The paper waa then remored, drained, and the wax
•Dowvd to eongeaL When a good anslMr of ibeots had been thus
tnated they wet* eaeh placed betwatn ahaats of dean blotting-paper
and then ironed with a laundry iron, sufficiently hot to thornughly
melt the wax and cause the superfluity to be absorbed by the bibulous
papa. When finished the papar waa quite translusoent, and had, if
properly manipulated, a perfectly ereii taxtore.
As the wax, to some extent, pi«f«Btad the stlrer salta from combining
with the paper itaalf , it waa fmmd desirable to introduce some organic
matter with the iodMng material, aneh as sogar of milk, honey,
iainglass, albamen, gum, Ac. In tUa matter almost erery worker bad
his own pet farauk, as wall as for the salts of stlrer to be formed in
the pspOT, ench as the iodide, bromide, chloride, cyanide, fluoride, Ac.
Here ia a typical formula, and ana that gare excellent results : —
DtstiOed walar, or, prefetmbly, water in which rice had been boiled,
ooe fiat ; iofida of potasrinm, half an ounce; bromide of potaaaium,
ten grains ; eyanid* of potaariom, tweWe grains ; flooride of pota*-
aimn, f oar grains ; sugar at milk, half an ounce ; albumen, a similar
quantity, and sufficient iodino to j^re the solntioii a deep shiny colour.
Sometinaa, in addition to theaa natariak, othan were added. For
•xaasple, chloride of sodinm, tMoey, istnglaas, gum, and sereral «ther
■ataiUi had their advooataa. laAnd, it may be almeat said that the
moia wmylax the io^Qriqg aekitioa waa the better it seemed to be
apyreeiated by aoaaa pao^ It moat be mssitloiied, howvrer, that
thaw wate distinct advantagia to be gained by 'tlie employment
of soma of tba sabstanesa aaad. For instanea, oigaaie matter, like
•agar of jaSk, Ac, wia indhpsoaable, for the reason already indicated.
Tte bwaaida certainly snhannsH tha senaJtireaess, and the chloride
and the flnnrida waa, by aoaa, tkooght to do the same. Again, the
ryanide serred a good poipaaa is asdatiag the permeatioa of the
paper by. In a Meaania, daatraying tha greasy and rapdlent nature of
thewBX. The iodiaa, too, was daddadly an advantage in ameEorating,
or moriag, laatalKr particiss, and forthermora, by combining with
tha staidt fai tha papar, laadaring it a dark blue or riolet colour.
Whaa so liatod, air^bblas, or baqoalitiea in tbe salting of the
papar, wan at once naaifeat Tba sbaats wars iodised by immersing
them in the solatioa, whara they wan allowad to soak for an hour or
two, or ontil they had aaaamad aa eran rielat tint. . They wen then
haw «p by eoa aomar to dry. It waa caatoaiary to icidise a good
stock at a tima, as the p^ar woald keep for a long period if preatfred
dry.
The swilialng solntioa was thirty grains of nitrate of silver and
forty mlaiaa of |)acial aostic acid to the oonca of distilled water.
Thaaa fnmrtiaaa ware, howarar, often varied according to drcum-
•taaeaa. For ezaaspla, if the paper wen for immediate use, the
nitrate ct sihrar might ba incrsanad, while the scid was diminished,
with a oonaspoodiag gain la scnsitivenesa. Conversely, if the papc'
had to be kept for a long period before use, tbe silver was decreased,
■whDe, at the same time, the sensitiveness was retarded, good keeping
qualities and high sensibility being inimical. The solution could be
applied either with a glass rod or by pouring some on a glass plate
and floating the paper upon it as described for the calotvpe process.
But, if many sheets had to be sensitised at a time, the solution was
generally put into a shallow dish and the paper floated upon its
surface. The paper was allowed to remain on the solution until the
blue tint of the iodide of starch was discharged. It was then washed
in two or three changes of water. The more perfect the washing,
the longer the paper would keep, with some sacrifice of sensibility,
however.
The exposure, as before mentioned, was much longer than with
calotype. But with a portrait lens and a good light out of doors,
under favourable conditions, a negative could be obtained in thirty
or forty seconds. With a (landscape lens, aperture about /-30, and
paper of medium sensitiveness, an exposure of from twenty minutes
to three-quarters of an hour, according to the subject and the quality
of the light, was required. Although the papev would keep for some
time, it was customary to develop as soon after exposure as possible.
The developer was a saturated solution of gallic acid in water, to
which a few drops of the sensitising solution had been added. The
paper waa floated upon the solution, or sometimes immersed in it.
If the paper were prepared for immediate use, it was usually but
slightly washed. Then the addition of the silver was not made until
the image was well out, the paper having suflicient free silver in it to
start the development.
The development of wax-paper negatives was a somewhat tedious
operation. If the negative waa very fully exposed, the development
could be completed in ten to twenty minutes, but, more often than not,
it was a question of two or three boon, though, of course, several nega-
tives, in separate dishes, oould be developing at the same time. The
time was, however, often shortened — frequently with advantage to the
picture — by slightly wanning the solution. In place of gallic acid,
pyrogalUc, in the proportion of a grain or two to the ounce of water,
was sometimes used. When the image was fully developed, it was
well washed in several changes of water, and the surface gently
rubbed with a tuft of cotton wool or a broad camel's-hair brush. £x-
tnme cleanliness, it may he mentioned, in working was essential in
order to avoid stains and marble-like markings.
The great reformer of the complexity involved in the preparation
of wax paper was Mr. F. Townsend, who, with. one blow, demolished
the great variety of ingredients menticmed in the typical formula
given above, and reduced them to two only, iodide and bromide
at potaauum, with which had been dissolved enough iodino to impart
a sherry colour to the water forming the solvent. The advantages
claimed for this papar, when excited in a bath varying from fifteen to
thirty grains in atrongth, wen great delicacy and brilliance, good
half-tonea, sensitivanass, non-solsjisation, sensitiveness to the green
rays, and absolute certainty. We hen give Townaend's formulea, as
it is not improbable that some may be induced to try it. At any rate,
soma negatives of large size, at present in our office, have been seen
and examined by many, who declare that they possess features of ex-
coUenoe so great, that upon any details of practice being published they
will certainly give the process a triaL The paper is immersed in —
Iodide of potassium 600 grains.
Bromide « 200
nater 40 ounces.
To this add four or six grains of iodine, or enough to impart a
sherry colour. Let tbe paper remain immersed in this for two hours.
~SIu^nite dry, sensitise for six or eight minutes in a thirty-grain
■hrar bath, to which a minim of acetic acid is added for each grain of
silver. If the paper is to be kept k>ng, the proportion of acetic acid
should be increased. When sensitised, remove the superfluous silver
by clean blotting-paper. The development is effected by a saturated
solution of gallic acid, to every four ounces of which a drachm of the
silver-bath solution is added, together with a few drops of acetic acid
(glacial).
The negatives are fixed in a solution of hyposulphite of soda, two
ounces to the pint. In this solution they remain until the yellow
iodida of silver is completely removed. A thorough washing com-
pletes the picture. Generally, when the negatives are dry, they
S74
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[June 10, 1892
h»ye a more or leas duU or opalescent appearance ; but the transparency
of the paper U quickly restored by holding them before the fire for
• few minutes. v l • i n j
The wax-paper was an excellent process, and one which, in skiUea
hands, yielded charming results. Many of our oldest readers will call
vividly to mind the admirable Russian views that were taken by the
late Mr. Roger Fenton in the early fifties.
CONTINENTAL NOTES AND NEWS.
The Parte Photograplilc Apparatus Exhibition.—
From the list of exhibitors in this Exhibition, given in the June
number of L'Amatetv Photographs, we gather that very few English
houses indeed have taken installations for the display of their products,
and, on the whole, the international character of the exhibition is not
well sustained. French firms appear, however, to give it a very
hearty support, which may in some degree account for the coldness
with which it has been treated abroad.
« The Origrinator of Smulsion Printlngr - out
Papers." — According to M. Gravier, who lately discoursed on
aristotype and cognate processes before the SociiU ^Etudes Photo-
graphiqius, the process of printing on emulsion printing-out papers
was originally made public by the late Dr. Van Monckhoven in 1862.
History, however, attributes the introduction of the process to the
late Mr. G. Wharton Simpson in the year 1865 ; but history and
M. Gravier are both wrong. So long ago as 1867 we conclusively
proved that the coUodio-chloride process was first published by Alexis
Gaudin in 1861.
Para-amldophenol nitrate.— The employment of para,
amidophenol chlorhydrate in conjunction with sodium sulphite and
potassium carbonate has been found by some workers to induce a retard-
ing action of the developer, due to the formation of potassium chloride,
which is said to act as a retainer. To obviate this, Dr. Schiichart, of
Gorlitz, recommends the employment of para-amidophenol nitrate,
which is freely soluble in water, caustic soda replacing the potassium
carbonate as the alkali. It is suggested, however, that the substitu-
tion of sodium carbonate for the potassium salt in the original
formula would equally prevent retardation of development.
Amidol. — According to Dr. Eder, who details the results of
his experiments in the June number of the Correspondenz, amidol
( Cj H, \ KTi )2, with the addition of sodium sulphite, and with-
out alkali, acts as a developer per se, and is said to be superior in
some respects to ordinary alkaline developers. It is, we believe,
the case, although it is not generally known, that a solution of
eikonogen alone will develop the image, although very slowly.
Possibly the addition of sulphite would, as in the case of amidol,
play the part of an accelerator.
Blue Positives for the Xiantern.— Mr. Gaston Henri
Niewenglowoski quite truly says that blue lantern'slides may be made
by dissolving out the silver bromide from a gelatine plate, sensitising
the remaining film with potassium ferridcyanide and ammonia citrate
of iron as for blue printing, and exposing, &c., as usual. But the
operation appears to us to run the original Chinese idea of how to
obtain roast pig very close for circumlocutory indirectness. A simpler
plan, possibly, would be to develop an ordinary lantern positive with
ferrous oxalate, and before removing the last trace of iron to flood the
plate with a solution of potassium ferridcyanide, which would yield
the desired azure-tinted picture.
An Imitation Platinotype Paper. — At the April meeting
of the SocidtiS Franjaise de Photographie, M. A. Pavard read a paper,
in which he said that Professor Boivin, after many experiments with
the salts of iron, has prepared a paper with those salts as a base.
which keeps well, and is cheaper than either platinum or silver paper.
It is printed out until the details of the shadows are seen, and, when
removed from the frame, the image is either steamed or breathed
upon. This developes the picture, which, after washing, is " fixed "
in a solution consisting of —
Water 1000 parts.
Hypo 80 „
Goldchloride (1 : 1000) 20 to 40 c.c.
This bath gives purple, sepia, or warm black tones, according to the
length of immersion of the print.
Development and Temperature. — Dr. Miethe has recently
been giving some attention to this subject, and remarks that it is well
known that in general cold developers act with less energy than warm
developers, and that some cold developers give stronger negatives than
warm ones. The influence of temperature on the developing power
of the various substances varies with different developers. As to the
sensitiveness joined to temperature, he places modem developers in the
following order: hydroquinone, pyrogallol, iron oxalate, eikonogen.
The latter, as regards its reducing power, does not appear to be
influenced by the temperature ; hydroquinone, however, is so affected
that at 40° Fahr. it has no reducing power over the exposed image.
Pyro, with a salt of soda,like ferrous oxalate, exhibits little diminished
activity even at a point so low as 32° Fahr. At a low temperature,
eikonogen gives weak negatives instead of strong ones as do the other
developers.
Reversals with Thiosinnamine.— M. H. Fourtier, in the
Photo Gazette, details the results of some experiments, on the lines of
Colonel Waterhouse's now classic work with carbamides in the
developer, made in order to obtain reversals in development, in H
which, however, it appears that he was utterly unsuccessful. Ex- ■
posing a plate in the printing frame to a positive he obtained a fine
negative, with no sign of reversal whatever. It appeared to him
that the thiosinnamine played the part of an accelerator, since the
image appeared very quidcly. This might be accounted for in
another w^ay, as it would require a very slow plate and an extremely
brief exposure to daylight in a printing frame in order to prevent the
image rushing up under development. M. Fourtier also states that
a series of instantaneous pictures all gave on development negative
results, and the effect of largely increasing the thiosinnamine was to
prevent the appearance of any image at all. The thiosinnamine is
undoubtedly at fault. Perhaps Colonel Waterhouse would kindly
put M. Fourtier in the way of obtaining a suitable sample.
The International Union of Photography. — We have
received the rules and regulations of the Internationl Union of
Photography, which was founded at the luternational Congress
assembled at Brussels last year. The Union is due to Mr. S.
Pector, who conceived the idea of an exhibition which should be
a federation of all amateur societies and of all persons interested
in photography. " The Society has for its object, in the first place,
"the dissemination of ideas, and the making of constant efforts to-
establish unity of action in regard to photography, so that facili-
ties for the comprehension, study, and utilisation of any new facts
might be afforded to all. These facts will henceforth be published
in accordance with a method universally adopted, based and ex-
pressed on a system generally admitted. Tlie Society also has for
its object the collection of information in regard to all fresh dis-
coveries in photography, in the Old and New World, in order tO'
make them universally known to all persons interested in the con-
quests made by the genius of man over the as yet unknown
dominion of the photographic art." The General Secretary's
address is, M. Pector, 9, Rue de Lincoln, Paris, and further par-
ticulars may be obtained of him.
Printing'-out Platinotype. — The following formula, ac-
cording to one of our Continental exchanges, is simple in working and
yields results of the highest class. Suitable paper is floated on a
solution consisting of —
June 10, 1898]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
S76
Oektioe 6 grammes.
AmmoniA alum 3 „
Meth^Uted lipirit 130 ce.
Water 450 „
Float for ten minutes, and when irj smsitiae on a mixture of 10 c.c.
of each of the following solutions : —
I.
Potaarinm chloroplatinite 6 grammes.
Distilled water 86 ex.
n.
Penxalata of iron B^'g^mmes 60
Distilled.water 35c.c.
The operations of ezpoaure, derelopment, and clearinx are already
too familiar to oar readers in connexion with the well-known hot-
bath platinum prooasa to need reoaptoktion here.
" XlxtoL" — This b the naiM of a Continental one-solution
'1-Teluper, and the foUowiog is its eompoaition : —
BoiEng water 1000 ex.
Sodium sulphite 120 gruna.
Hydroqoiaaaa 16 „
EikoDogeB 10 „
PotsMiam ferrocjranide 20 „
Potasaiam carbonate 76 „
Caustic potash 16 „
Potasaiam bromide 1 „
Oljeerine 2 drops.
It wooU be intereatiag to persuade the author* of these modem com-
plicated developing and toning and fixing formulis to state clearly the
assoBed aetion wkieh all the Tatioas iagredients of the solotioos are
•opposed to bare, accompanied with apnetieal demonstration thereof.
The inTentor of mixtol, boweTer, has brooght his own punishment
upon him. He elaim* that it does not stain the film, and then in-
caatiooaly advises the use of an acid fixing bath to remove the yellow
"tain caoaed ia dawbpaMot, with mtxt'>I, of ooorse. lie furthermore
claims that mixtol kaepa well, but only advisee ita preparation in
"f from 900 ce. to 600 c.c. at a time. One of his critics
- nn the ooDtrsdictory nature of this pieee of advice, and
H developer keep* well, only a amall quantity ia r^
•3 made at a time ; and also why, if it does not aiain
1 fixing bath to nmova the yellow staia i« recom-
riCTORUL SELBCnON IN PHOTOOBAPHT.
(fliilHiuMi 1111111 «t»«Cr»y<o»llHrawii»haHoelHy.3
Im fcsHiig with tb* ecmpasiUcB of pietares to refarMiee to photography,
•part from painting, it 'a only neesssary to treat of : the poaitifln and
artaacsuMBl of Unas ; the balanea of parts ; the Tahatim in the tonea of
Ugbt and shad* ; aad the meet soitable poaitions ioe the iatrodoetioa of
flgaiaa or other objaeta which shall go to iorm a pleasing pietore.
Let me. however, at the oolaet, explain that H is (artheat from my
wish to insist nclasiTcly on any on* series of roles upon which ail
pistMsa sboold be oonttracted, any mote than I woold dasire to SBforee
a siaodard by which all works sboold be jodged wbethn they b* good or
bad. I mean that, having regard to the great dUersnee of opinion held on
maMan ol art, it is nselsas to lay down an inflexibis or bard -and -fast line
whieb admilB of ao departure. I hope, tbarelat*, th* remarks I may
make will be aeeeptsd rather in the light o( " bints." in the earryinK out
of wUah a batter r*ealt owy be obtained than woold otherwise ooei»
shoald Ihsa* point* b* overlooked or negleeted.
BsilHg that pbotogiaphy is ao purely a meehanieal proesas in which
lb* arUat has wo tUmotr at leaving oot any objaetianable object which
may detiaet ffoas the view baton hi* lens, it ia of the utmost importaoee
he aboald kaow aooe ol the piiauiplie on which a good picture ia built
np, in order that h* may in soma neasur* be able to cope with the diffl-
«alty and psrbape ovrauaie it. To know wh*r* and how to seleet the
beat standpoint, how much of the prospect to include in his pioiare — and,
of equal importance, how much he should £x-olade — to note the changes
under varying lights, the relief of those portions in light against others
in shade or cast shadow, the judicious arrangement of parts, or the apt
introduction of figures requires more training than the setting up of a
eamera, the snapping of a shatter, and the subsequent development ol
a plate ; yet it ia only on aoquiring snoh knowledge that the photographer
is able to excel, or that really artistic pictures can be produced.
To some theee matters present little difficulty, they grasp or overcome
them without apparent effort, in some instances are hardly conscious of
having exercised any discrimination in their choice, and, if questioned on
the composition of their pictures, could only tell you " they liked
them that way best" Others are not so happy; they never get successful
pictures — their horizon is too high or else it is too low, sometimes too
dense, at others hard to find ; the front elevation of a house appears to
afford them interest ; whilst a large tree in the centre, with a smaller one
equidistant on either side seems, to them, quite an ideal picture, th*
embodiment of perfection in composition — having a due regard to ■the
equal balance of parts. Sometimes they essay figures or portraits (?) of their
friends, and, remembering tlie triangular form has been, by some, greatly
extolled, they straightway place their central figure in a standing position,
carefully arranging the residue of their victims in sloping order, on either
side, with a result too dreadful to dwell upon.
One oould multiply these instances, but enough has been said to show
how necessary it is to have either some knowledge of pictorial effect or,
failing this, the desirability of becoming aeqoainted with a few of the
rules of art. ,
Composition is ths art of properly disposing or arranging in th* most
sffeetive manner the various forms and objects which constitute a picture,
or, in other words, the judicious selection and combination of various
parts which, when united, form one perfect whole. Sir Joshua Reynolds,
when speaking of painting, says : " Composition, taken generally, is the
principal part of invention, and is by far the greatest difficulty the artist
has to encounter. Every man that can paint at all can execute individual
parts ; but to keep those parts in a due subordination, as relative to a
whole, requirsa a eomprabensive view of the art, that more strongly
implies genius than perhaps any other quality whatever." Let ua now
see of what this quality consists; and, in the first placs, consider ths
arrangement of linea.
Loss.
Ths term "line" is not altogether satisfactory, as. there are no actual
lines in nstore, but it miut in this instance be understood to refer to the
apparent boundary of diflarsnt objects, the limit at 'which they aeem to
merg* the one into the otbar. The most important line, or that which
has tb* greatest inflaeno* on all the others in a picture, is known as ths
horixan, or " boriaootal line," which should always indicate the height of
the eye of the spectator. This line varies in height with the position
ehoaen, so that, when standing on a oommon or the seashore, the horixon
appear* low, but in ascending a cliff or hill it ia found to riae in proportion
to the height attained ; hence, in the former case of the aeaahor* ths
horizon would be situated about a third or a fourth of the helKht of ths
picture above the base Una, whilst in the latter instance it would be much
nearer tb* top. It should not on any account be allowed to divide a
picture exactly in the middle, as in this ease all linea receding from the
apeetator, either from above or beneath, woold be too equal to form a
pleaaing r**nlt. No exact height need be given, hut, aa a guide for all
open proepeeta which present great distanoes at a low level, it would be
well to assign the horiaon a poaition not exoeeding, aay, one-third the
height of the picture above the base line, where it would give greater
variety to the linee running from the spectator, and altogetlier form a
more plaasing and agreeable oomposition. For pictures taken from aa
elevation, the spaoa fnaB< baa* to horison would perhaps occupy three-
amrtars ^the height of th* oomposition, or possibly even more ; but let
asa )MC»«amark that tba gteateat care should be exercised in determining
the height of the borisontal line, as it is on reference to its relative
poeitioo that an intelligent observer woold recognise at once the altitude
from which the picture was taken. It is equally necessary to bear this
ID mind when making "alidas" or trimming prints to guard against
cutting off more (of the foreground than the aky, thereby reducing the
height of your horizon, and in cooaequenoe falai^ing your picture.
Having decided on your horizontal line, it is necessary now to note the
direction taken by the other linea, which are regulated by the position of
the " point of sight."
roijrr or Siobt.
The point of sight is always situated, aa you are aware, opposits th*
eye on the horizontal Ime. You will remember the fact that objects ara
376
THE BRITISH JOUHNAL OF PHOTOGRAPflY.
June 10, 1892
Been by means of rays of light proceeding in straight lines, some of whioh
meet at the eye of the observer; and I need only point out that, supposing
that obeerver should choose the centre of a long, straight, and level street
(or the scene of his operations, be would get a series of lines from the
nits, gutters, footways, and bouses more suggestive of a geometrical
design than a pleasing representation of an inhabited thoroughfare (Fig 1).
Fig.l.
The same remarks apply to the point of sight as were made in reference to
the horizon in the nndesirability of giving it a central or middle position.
It should be placed, more or less, either to the right or left of the centrci
•o that, by presenting more of the subject on one side than another,
formality is avoided, and the angles of the general lines are more advan-
tageously varied (Fig 2).
Having determined the position of the horizon and the point of sight,
it should next be seen bow the lines of the landscape compose them.
Fig. 2.
selves. Many methods have been advanced for the most perfect ar-
rangement of lines, but in the infinite variety of subjects which are
presented it is almost impossible to be guided by precept alone.
Parallel lines should always be avoided, as, apart from their tendency
to suggest a geological diagram, they serve to conduct the eye from
aide to side of the composition, a defect which should be carefully
guarded against (Fig. 3). Lines which guide the sight perspectively through
the picture, or which lead the eye from the foreground through the
middle distance on to the horizon, are always the most pleasing and agree-
able, and should invariably be selected in preference to all others (Fig. 4.)
tines which have a tendency to encircle a view should not be lost sight
of, as, in addition to the help they afford of keeping the eye in the
picture, they also assist to concentrate the attention on the ehief
point of interest beyond. As instances of this effect I might cite A Pttf
between Trees, or a pathway through a wood, in which the stems and
branches of the trees would take the direction named. If in the firsj
position you have chosen to set up your camera you find the lines of ihj
foreground rising perpendicularly from the base line, reject it at once, and
move to a spot where they shall incline either to the right or left. The
lines, then taking a slanting direction, will lead the eye into the picture
1
Fig. 3.
in a far more agreeable and satisfactory manner than if they had followed
the vertical tendency which obtained in the first situation.
Points.
Observe where the most prominent feature of your landscape comes,
whether too much m the centre of your picture or too near its limits.
Fig. i.
It is generally considered bad taste to have any object coming exactly in
the centre of a composition so that it shall be equidistant from the
outside lines of the picture, and this should be borne in mind when
focussing the landscape, but I shall have something more to say in
reference to this later on. Note whether you have one point immediately
over another, and, if so, make some little alterations in your position to
remedy this defect. Do not have two or more parts of your picture o£
nearly equal size, neither let the undulations of, say, "a moorland with
distant hills " cut up your composition into several equal portions a
circumstance of very frequent occurrence in all such situations as well as
in mountainous districts. w. D, G.
(To be continued.)
JunelO,18B8]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
377
THE TELE-PHOTO LENS : ANGLES AND FOCI.
[Loadon and FroTineU Pkotafiaphio AmeiatioB.]
- _-
No. 1
No. 2.
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(1) To obUin the dkuoeM from tl^jlmjf to tk* toeamiaf; aencn,
•dd ^, 4, aad e iaebw far No*. I, 2, uid S napMtiralj.
(■J) TIm aagb jadndad U » eoMUnt for «m anrtiiT* for any
dUUDM al fiifiiMJnt HnaB, bat it diainUhw u «iDMkr dUpbragiM
mamploycd.
TIm diratm^CB* u« *> ■riiimil that for anr initial extaanon (aad
eacrwpoaaiag mtcMibr) cadi wwnmidiiig nnaller diaphragm rtqnirM
doable tbe eipoMX* of the next larger.
Theft are nren diaphragm*, raa^iag from fall aperture to the
tmuillmt, which reqoirea uxty-four tUM« the ezpneure required for
foD aperture.
The eiinUaar etop raduMt Ai» angle* indnded at faQ aperture in
.No*. 1, -J, aad S to 8|*, 9*. aad 8|* reapMStrrely.
No. 1 taI»^otographic len* conaata of the patent atereographie
< ' ' in^i* diameter) la eonjanction with a compound negative ■f, of
tn .llCh"
No. 9 tiih phntiyiifMr baa oonnrt* of the IB. patent portrait
I ;.' ioekae dl*w*f ) la aaajaaction with a compound negative i < of an
loeh Aameter.
N '. 3 1*1* flu iti HI nihil laa* consut* of the 2B. patent portrait
Mch*e ^aaater) in conjuaction with a compound negative 1 inch
J.«.ii«tar. T. R. Dalxj<btxs.
THE CAMEB.4^ AND THE CON\"ENTION ; OR, PICTURESQUE
SCOTLAND AND PHOTOGRAPHY.
VI.
Tbs Falls of Clyde vrill be remembered by many who were at the Glasgow
Convention, and joined the trip to Lanark. Unfavourable weather
always leaves a lasting impression, and, like the witches in Macheth,
we met " in thunder, lightning, and in rain." In fine weatlier, however,
the Falls of Clyde are a very enjoyable photographic field, but only part of
it could be well overtaken in one day. From Lanark you wUl get a
vehicle to take yon down to the gates of the grounds ; but, if your apparatus
is weighty, get your num to drive right in, if they will allow you, and,
if not, have some one engaged to carry your traps, for some parts of the
roada are hilly and rugged, and, if it is a hot day, it is very fatiguing.
We have been there and found it so.
IiASAItK.
A good way to go to the falls at Lanark is by train to Hamilton and
thence by coach. The first place of interest by this route is TiUietudlem
Caetle, which figures in Sir Walter Scott's Old Mortality. The ruins of
this oastle are on the hill abont a mile and a half from the high rond.
Your conveyance is left at a wayside inn, and the approach to the
oaitte ia made on toot, by the side of a glen most of the way, very
piotureaque, well wooded, and full of charming studies. The last time
w* war* at TiUietudlem the eastle waa surronnded with fruit trees, rich
in bloagaui, and all the ground waa carpeted with the fallen blossoms.
Some good negatives are to be had here, bat we would warn yon that it is
a eanddarable pall np the hill if your apparatus is heavy.
Next w* eome to Stonebyre's Fall, which is within four milen of
Lanark. Tbeit ia oonaiderable difficulty at this tall in getting sure foot-
ing at aoitabla plaoea (or the most efleothe piottires. It is the largest
fall, and the volume and mah of water to be aeen here when fairly full is
magnificent Btill it la not eaay to get at, and needs a little nerve.
From here we drive right on to the town of Lanark. It is of interest as
a town, being the pUee where Wallace, the hero of Scotland, began his
career. Aad Wallace's Cave is atiU shown on the Moose Water, about a
mDa north-weat from Lanark.
From the hotel at I^nark, yon will get a conveyance to cany yon to
the Falla of Bennington and Cora Lime. A day's vrork is to be had at
and aiooad th*** two falla ; everywhere we tarn the glen and grounds
are co* aaeeeaaion of beautifal panoramic pictures. Cora Lime is the
flrat fall reached, aad good poaitions for clTective pietarea of this fall are
eady obtained. Th* Bonnington Fall ia alao eaay of access.
For piotniea of (all, and rnahing stream, and rich woodland scenery,
thoae that ar* to b* found here, amidat the mighty sound of ceaseless
falling waters, ar* nnanrpaaaed.
If the (alU are to b* viaited by rail <natead of driving from Hamilton,
the Joomey to Lanark is twenty-five r.lee from Olaagow.
Atb.
Th* town aad district oi Ayr is looked upon with intenae inteieat and
pleacare by every lover of Bobert Boms', Sootland'a aon of song, and we
believe every Scottish heart warms at the mere mention of his name.
Ayr la abont forty milea from Glasgow. The town itself posseaaes aome
poiata of interaat. each a* the Wallace Tower, in the H^hstreet ; and
before reaching it, on the same aide of the atreet, is the " old pub " where
Tam O'Shanter and Souter Johnnie did oaronae on that night when Tarn
got aneh a flag at Aald AUoway Kirk, and just saved himself at the
expenae of hia auld mare's tail. Then there's the " Twa Brigs " and the
" Fort of Ayr," and the River Ayr, ap beyond the station a mile or two,
ia rich in pictures. Borne' birthplace is not more than two miles from
the town. This, and the Aald Alloway Kirk, Bums' Monument, and the
aald Brig o' Doon are all within a quarter of a mile of each other.
There is a new Brig and the auld Brig, and a little house, with aome
atatuary and relics of Bums, and Bums' Monument, all within the
groandaat tixe back of the hotel, and all quite convenient for photographic
pnapnaaa '■^And up the river, beyond the Auld Brig, there are some old
mlUraatf other quaint atudka.
When at Ayr we drive to the Brig of Balloebmyles. Here we can get
some good river pictnraa. This ground ia alao closely associated with
Buma* life, tor the Braea of Ballochmyle are only about two milea from
Moaagail.
COACBIXO TOCBS.
Joat aa we write, we aee that there ia a series of new coaching tonra
being started in Aynhire tot the aummer montba. Intending touriata
take train from Olaagow to Ayr, reaching Ayr early in the day, where a
ehar-&-banc, a vehicle arranged for twenty paasengna, awaits the arrival
of the train, and takes one of three routes, as it ia arranged to go to one
of th* following each d«y :— Straiton, Culzeau, or Balloebmyles, returning
878
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OP PHOTOGRAPHY.
[June 10, 1892
to catch the train at kyr in the evening. Either of these ezcarsions
woald take the toariat through some of the most charming ecenery in
Scotland. The only thing we doubt is that the journey being done
against time, so to speak, there will not be opportunity to photograph as
much as one would like. We have gone over a considerable portion of
the ground that these tours intend to embrace ; but we had lots of time
to look round and photograph, and, nnder these circumstances, had a
good holiday.
Water Excubsions.
From Glasgow the outings that appeal most to the stranger, and those
that are mostly taken advantage of, are the " Doon the Water " excur-
sions. There is a story told about a Paisley weaver, on board of one of
the river steamers, who, on going down to the cabin for a drink, called
out, " Steward, steward ! mind yon cry me up whin the scenery begins ! "
And we sometimes think that there is more than the weaver possessed
with this idea, for the tourist in his haste usually takes the train to
Oreenock or Qonrock, and catches up the boat at either of these places,
80 that he may be launched into the picturesque at onoe without having
the labour of gradually approaching it. We believe, however, that the
stretch of river between Glasgow and Greenock possesses many pictures
and effects that in such a hurry are lost to the tourist.
From Govan, down both sides of the river, for these first twenty miles
there are endless and ever-changing bits of scenery, that in a region less
wealthy in beautiful effects would be hailed as charming.
We have done a good day's work at and around .Eenfrew, and on the
Blythswood Estate, a little farther down on the same side, while on the
opposite shore is old Kilpatrick, with the canal behind [the houses, and
the old boats slowly moving on its sleepy surface onward to the Clyde.
Then lower down lies Bowling, which would |weIU repay a visit; and
Dumbarton Rock and Castle, from shore or river, is well worthy of a
plate or two.
Greekock.
And now we come to Greenock. The Greenock piers are much fre-
quented by the photographers who delight in instantaneous pictures.
The old piers. Prince's Pier, and the 'new landing-stage at Gourock, give
plenty of choice for this class of work. Moving steamers and boat
pictures generally may be easily had from; any of these points as well as
the Esplanade at Greenock.
Everything will be found to make work 'easy, the river at these points
being narrow enough to allow of getting a suggestive'^distance introduced,
obtained from the hills and foliage on the' further shore. On the quays
themselves the traffic is constant and ever-changing, and, like the bits of
glass in a kaleidoscope, the moving groups are ever taking new forms.
Photographically, the town of Greenock is not of much count. Burns'
Highland Mary is buried here, and Greenock was the birthplace of James
Watt.
GOCROCK.
Gourock stands next to Greenock, on the same shore ; but this side of
the Clyde does not lend itself so much to the excursionist out for the day,
who desires, when reaching the scene of action, to have the picturesque
ready to his hand. One really romantic glen and dell, however, is to be
found between Gourock and Wemyss Bay at Inverkip. For river scenery
it is a gem in a foliased setting between two hills.
Wemyss Bay in itself possesses some good points for water pictures,
but for landscape views it shelves too much to the sea. Largs is also
barren of any wide range of picturesque photography. We have taken
the train from Largs to West Kilbride, and walked back by the seashore
to Fairlie, and we found this ground rich in seascapes and rock effects.
Coming further round the coast, we touch at Ardrossan and Saltcoats
both of which places— leaving the sea out— are too towny for effect. Good
ehipping is sometimes to be had at Ardrossan.
RELATIVE KXPO.SURES FOR VARYING PROPORTIONS
OF IMAGE TO THE ORIGINAL.
[Photographic Society of Great Britain.]
When an enlarged photograph has to be made, either from a neo-a-
tive or print, it is commonly under.-tuod that the greater the deeree
of enlariiemcnt the longer will be the exposure required, but I have
generally found only the vaguest ideas to exist as to the amount by
•Hhich ^u^h exposure has to be pr. .longed. Sometimes, indeed it i«
assumed that the exposure will be in direct inverse proportion to the
urea covered, .<;o that a copy of twice the linear dimensions of the
original— covering, as it does, an arei of four times the size— would
roquire an e.vposure of four tiiues that sufficing for a copy of the same
fcue. I'his calculation, however, omits to recognise an important
factor, and leads to serious error ; the actual exposure required in the
case mentioned (assuming the same lens and stop to be used), being
not four times, but two and a quarter times that of a copy of same
size ; whilst, when we come to high degrees of enlargement, the error
would amount to an indication of nearly four times the exposure
actually required.
To find the relative exposure, add one to the number of times that
the length of the original is contained in the length of the image, and
square the sum. This will give the figure found in the third column
of the annexed Table.
Proportion of
im»ge to oriffinal
(linear).
Distance of image
from lens* in
terms of
principal focna.
Proportionate
exposures.
SxpoBures
Broportioned to
that reqaired for
copying
same size.
1^
lA
1-07
•27
sS
lA
1-10
•28
i-o
i.V
1-21
•3
i
^
1-27
•81
i
H
1-36
•34
i
li
1-56
•39
i
14
2-25
•56
i
i|
3-06
•76
1
2
4
1
(Same size)
2
3
9
2-25
3
4
16
4
4
5
25
6-25
5
6
36
9
6
7
49
12-25
7
8
64
16
8
9
81
20-25
9
10
100
25
10
11
121
30-25
11
12
144
36
12
13
169
42-25
13
14
196
49
14
15
225
56-25
15
16
256
64
16
17
289
72-25
17
18
324
81
18
19
361
90-25
19
20
400
100
20
21
441
110-25
21
22
484
121
22
23
529
132'25
23
24
576
144
24
25
625
156-25
25
26
676
169
26
27
729
182-25
27
28
784
196
28
29
841
210-25
29
30
900
225
30
31
961
^0-25
As examples: supppose a copy is wanted having twice the linear
dimensions of the original. Take the number 2, add 1 to it, and
square the sum, .3^=9. Again, if a copy is to be of eight times the
linear dimensions of the original, take the number 8, add 1, and
square the sum, 0-=81. Copies respectively twice and eight times
the size (linear) of the original will thus require relative exposures
of 8 and 91 — i.e., the latter will require nine times the exposure
of the former.
It ii convenient to have a practical standard for unity. An image
of the surae size as the original is a familiar case, and serves as such
standard. By dividing the figures in the third column by four, we
get at the figures in the last column, which represent the exposure
required for varying degrees of enlargement or reduction, compared
with thw exposure for a copy of the same size.
The Table is carried up to enlargeiUHnts of thirty diameters ; that
is about the amount required for enlarging a small carte-de-vUite
to life size.
The exposures required in reductions do not vary at all to the same
extent that tliey do in enlargements. It has, therefore, not been
thought necessary to fill in the steps between images of ,'(, and ^V*
and br-tween Jj and 3V of the size of the original. Beyomi ,',, there
is scarcely any perceptible difference in the exposure until di-l iirbanre
comes in from another cause, a considerable distance of illuminated
atmosphere (haze or fog) intervening.
' With a double lens it is usually sufficient to meaeore from the position of the
diaphragm plate.
jmw 10, lera]
THE BRITISH JOUBNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH T.
879
The figure* in the aecood oolamn will k1«o aerre m a Table for di«-
Uncea froa the lao* to the plate and to the oriKinal, all that is
meeatmrj hdnf to anltiply bv the principal focus of the lens in uae.
In tb* caM of tBittgrnataU the fi^rurea leai than 2 moat be multiplied
to g«t the distance from the orittinal to the lens, and the finiw
pester than '2 for the distance from lens to imue. For reduettoae,
the fignrea lea* than 2, multiplied br the pHncipiJ focus of the lens,
jrield the distance from lens to plate ; and the figures higher than 2,
■milarly multiplied, gire the distance of original from lens.
W. £. Dkbxmham.
ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHIC WORK FOR AJiATEURS.
LxT OS now see how any ladr or gentleman, who having made a imall
quaotitj of emulsion (it will be about Mz oonees), as described in the
pneediiif article, should set about oo«tia^ their ftnt places, andpiere I
reeoouBiod their beginning with small sue* and only a t^tj few just
M a atait notil thej get their hand in, when they will, no doubt, fly
•t bigfaar guao baCwe long. To begin with, howerer, two or three at
modest qoarter-platea or, at the outside, three half-plates, only should
be taken in band, becaoae there wiD be leas lilwibood of mees or
failure than when larger aixee and greater numbers of platea are
Baantpulated.
Bsgin, therefore, br having, aay, tkxae perfectly dean half-plate
opals with matt surfaces on ODe side ready, plaice these in a flat
tray containing hot water so aa to keep them at a nice warmth when
the emBlsioB & baiag poond oa them. This done tab a lamp of the
iMiilaion abo«t the sua of a small egg and mah it by pladag the
tumbler containing it b hot water, or it is better to use a glass
graduate meaaore naving a pooring lip. When the water is heated
to 100 deaiees Fabr. the lump of emulsioa wil he all mdtad, and
after standing on the water for about fire aaiimtas the emnlsioo will
he of the proper warmth for coating. Whilst the emnUMi is haing
melted it u well that a moment's atteatioa be giran to a aimpk
anangemmt for holding the coated piata* ao that the emolsion will
set perfectly STen and flat. An ingeniotM mind will not be long in
finding in any veU-ofdarsd honwhJd Maaa aaitabie support for this
purpose. 1 would, h«w*««r, taRMt • tam old nagaUTe glasses of
iuftt sisaa, tmek aa 15 x IS, or lix 10. When only small opala are
hatag eoMad thaas Wralliag samorts ate easily set true with the aid
of a mmtttm spirit IsreL whia, doohtleas, eT^ry amateur who has
gooo this tar m phoCogrnaT will hare at hand, if 'not, the sooner be
MU oae tha hettar, aad than let it be circular in form. Hanng,
therafore, arranged for the aatting of the plate* when coated, let bim
proceed to take aa ooal from the dish of warm water in which they
were plaged, and with the aid of a el«an, dry towel make the opal
anite me of damp, both back and front and round the odgea. This
done, let the opal be takaa bstwssB tha foriAiwer aad thamh of the
left hand at the left bottom eoraar, aad holdiag the plate as nearly flat
as poaaihia, with the right band take the grftiluated elaw meaaore
ooataiaiag the emnkion »ut i>f the hot water, and by planing the Up
of the measara fmU eiam to tha sorfaee of the opal q&tly ana
sIowIt proeaad to pov a raaaid/saf of amolaion oa to tha middle of
the plata. A vary aKght fnetiea wiB enable any one to lodge of the
•iaa of tha aooL Now. ww gently tilting the plate, sod br coaiing
with tha ItOa lagar of Oa richt hand, which still holds 'the plan
■lasan, tha mnmam on tha nMa is aoaxed to the foar comer* and
ovar tha antiia aarf aaa. If ittshidged that too moeh emulsion has
bean flowad on, a verr alight tiluag of the plate will enable a portion
to be rm off into the maasnr*. Tha plate is then coaxed till the
surface is evenly coveted, aad withoat delay plaoad on tha laraDing
stand. Meantime, the glaaa maaaaia firntaiiiiiig tha amaUon has
been reeet in the hot water to keep the eontent* at aa even tem-
perature ontjl all the platee are eoated la a aimilar way.
Now, when gone aoout deliberatelv there is ao mees or diflScuItr
in coating a place with emnUon in tde manner I have described. 1
feel the great tecret of sneeem liee in harinir the opals (lightly warm,
or, at least, with tha cUU oil, aa the sarinir gri««, snd tbiit'is done
beat hy Wpiag than hi warm water till' required. Next, the lip of
the ^aaa maaanra maat ha plaoad doee tn the sorfaca of the opals
when tha imalaien ia hriiy poored. This prevents slopping, aad
avoids air halls, aad also ana Mas a eireuimr pool to he formed, which
will ran ovw the sarftMS of the giasa moeb more easily than when
saeh'aanmas every inconcsivable shape. In a few mioutce the
earalaion wiD have set after being laid on the levelling plate*, and tha
ovak are ready for dryiag. All this work is done by nrdinarv gse-
ight. T. N. ARMSTBo'xd.
Out Stiitenal SatU.
A Mantjai. of Photographt.
Bf A. Bbotbum, F.B.A.S. London : ChvlM OriiBn & Co., Limited.
Mr. Bbothkbs has bad such a large and varied experience in photo-
graphy that any work by him on the subject cannot fail to prove
interesting and valuable. The present is a most comprehensive
volume, commencing with the early history of the art, and taking tt»
progreasirely up to the present time, entering with full details into
the Tarious' prtxesaes now or formerly extant The chemistry and
topics form the divisions in this work. It is very fully
illustrated, both with woodcuts and f ull-pHge examples of photogravure,
chromotype, Melwnbach, examples of Boussod, Vsladon, & Co.'s
work, photo-lithography by Messrs. A. Brothers & Co. and others,
half-tone zinc et4&ng, Woodburytype, and several other processes.
The text portion winds up with a collection of practical hints of
great value. It is a handsomely printed volume and admirably got
up. 364 pages.
W« have received from the Fry Manufacturing Company a
uranium toned print on their " Roiighest " bromide paper. The sub-
ject is Ooing out to Sea, by A. J. Oolding, which took a prize at tha
recent Holborn Oamara Club Exhibition. The negative most have
been a fine one. The compoation is shown by the reduced etching
here given, aad the picture m a charming example of the process.
RECENT PATENTS.
PATENTS OOMPLBTKD.
laraovimirrs or Lnraaraiss ahd LrrBoasAraic Miooasais basid
trroif Pbotocbapht.
No. K71. Et-om Albsbt, Schwsbitut, near Munich, Qtnaaaj.— April 16,
Tan iavaatioa ralstaa to improv«B*ats in l*tt«rprassaad Uthogmpbie prooaasa*
Phet»4ltiMfiB|*yaild hatf-taae blocks for the Isttarpfeas si* produced sa
Mlows :— Whaa taUag a phetomph of so object, a riass piste sapplied with
tba nqaiatte Uaaa or mhw is nlscad before the aendtlre film, tod then the
napttve is azpoaad throach Ifei* B*t or tint. Owing to tha soUriaatioa, or
•xiaaaioaof IhaaatleBerthaligktridsways, being psopottional to the values
efikthtoaadshadaa^ thehalf-teaaa of tha>ot<^2 am divided into bigger or
aaaaOar Uaaa aad potata. fram aaeh a nafativ*. compoaad of line* and points,
tb* tmaabr oa rtona or malal is mad*, aad sabsaqusntly the etching takes
place hi tba known raaaaar.
Tb« nvnlt of this stcbing, as far m it in mMhsnicsl snd withoat any art
muupalstiOD, ia only faaaad opoa the osusl bis or small Udsi and point* of the
maoipalatiOD, Is oolv hasad opoa the oaual bis or small UDai anc
givsa aagativ* aeeardioK to th* ligfati and «had** of tb* original.
Th* aim of th* poiata, without rapid to th* character or the original to be
rqvodae*d. dapaadi on th* nombar of Un** to th* miUifflatra, sod on th*
rtioo of tb* white aad transpaisnt liaa* to th* blaok and eovavad ooaa oa
proponk
tbaliMi
tb* lis* piaU or Hat.
Th* nombar of liam to a millimetre raagca tnm 6 to 8 ; with a Iai«r
nombar th* priatiag easaeity of th« blocks is prejudiced, and with a amaUer
nombgr tkatiebnaaa of ton* Is diminished. Thk (bawback arise* as follows:—
9«[ifit<a^ha proportiOB of the white to tha black line be 1 : 1, the solarisa-
tion, with a eerlam stm of the net or tint, would no more auffioe to contract
enon^ In tb* li«fats th* tnosparaot points oa tb* aegatlve, while th* covered
point attain* ia Um sbadM nomhlsialila illmanalnM. owing to the wide meahes
of th* line plate or tint Ooaa*qD*Btiy th* Hgbta, altar etching, are too dark
and withoat any •flaet, whil* to th* d*ep tonaa a middle grey i> ob*ervabIe
immadiatoly beside tb* oonpletely dark. If in the net or tint the proportion
of tb* hl*ck to tb* white lin* were altered in favoar of the latter, the ligbte
would, of conna, profit thanby, but th* shade* would be greatly damaged.
A Isrgv black line would give better sbada*, but no lights.
It is. tberelora, impossible to prodnre, by a coarse line, plate blocks of good
effect and rich In ton*, which would he adapted for printing on common
placard or poster paper, sad for illustrationi of daily newspapers, kc It is
»till a great drawback iabeivnt to the photographic line plate or tint process,
that good nanlte ngaidlng the soft and phuitic thade*, th< tender half-tones.
aao
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF rflOTOGRAPHY.
[June 10, 1892
and the peat d«ar lights, can qnly be attained if the originals are well quali-
fied for this purpose. . ., , • -^v , u.
In order to always ensure the said advantages even with unfavourable
originals, and with any net or tint, it is necessary to employ for the different
tones of an original also ditVerent line pistes or tints in such a manner that.
for the sha<ie3, the black lines are larger than those for the lights, and for the
lights the white lines are larger than those for the shades.
Snch an ideal, impossible as it seems, can be attained by the gradual line
plate, or scale net, or gradation tint forming the subject of this invention. A
gradual line plate or gradation tint can be proiluced in different ways ; but the
most simple and .iccurate manner is the following :— . .
To prepare the negative for the reproduction of an original net or tint, the
lens is put in communication with a screw, the revolutions of which can be
controlled by a counter. The principle of this manipulation is founded on the
parallel displacement of the lines. The very small degree of such displace-
ments necessitates accurately executed mechanism, which, for instance, would
render a movement of one-hundredth of a millimetre determinable.
A gradual line plate or gradation tint may be, for instance, produced and
applied as follows : —
The original lino plate or tint, in which the light and dark Imes are sup-
posed to be in the proportion of 1 : 1, is focussed in the usual manner, and the
objective adjusted in the above-mentioned machinery. After the sensitive
plate has been put in place, the exposure is commenced, which, to obtain the
necessary effect for the net or tint negative, may be supposed, in this instance,
to last altogether six minutes. After the lapse of three minutes, the exposure
is interrupted, and the objective displaced by means ol the screw to such an
extent as would amount to half the thickness of the lines. Subsequently, the
exposure is continued for another three minutes, and then the plate develojied
and fixed. Each single line of the negative thus produced has two tones, vir. ,
a grey tone and a black body in the middle thereof. As after three minutes'
exposure the objective was displaced only by half the thickness of a line on the
negative, the second half of the six minutes' exposure was, for one-half of the
line, a continuation of the first exposure, which accounts for the black body in
the middle of the line of the negative.
If the white line on the original line plate or tint was equal in width to the
black line, the displacement has now caused the grey line with black core to
become broader on the reproduced line plate or tints at the expense of the
white line, the proportion being now 3:1.
When reproducing an original by means of such a gradual line plate, or scale
net, or gradation tint, the grey line forms an obstacle for all rays of least
intensity from the deep shades of the original, and represents, in fact, an
equiv^ent of the black line. The result is a broad dark line and a narrow
light line in the proportion of three to one, which is favourable for the repro-
duction of the shades of an original.
The rays emitted from the half-tones of the original begin, corresponding to
their intensity, to solarise about the grey line, while the rays from the lights
are sufficiently intense to penetrate the grey line and find an obstacle only in
the double film of the dark middle— that is to say, only the dark core avails
for the lights ; the grey line acts as if it were white, and the result is the most
favourable proportion for the lights, viz., a narrow dark line and a broad light
line in the proportion of one to three.
The number of scales or gradations may, of course, be increased according
to the subtleness of the mechanism or size of the net or tint. The desu-ed
gradations can also be produced photographically by other means, such as, for
instance, according to the above-mentioned principle of the parallel displace-
ment of the tint lines. It is also possible to produce an original gradation tint
by any suitable direct mechanical means. Tlie desired result may also be
achieved by displacement of an ordmary tint consisting of dark and white lines
put immediately before the sensitive plate during the exposure of an original,
or by the displacement of the sensitive plate itself. The effect of such a dis-
placement varies for the different tones of the original, because the high lights
of the original produce a correspondingly intense action on the sensitive plate
in a fraction of the time of exposure, the transparent points on the negative
diminishing in accordance with the amount of the displacement. On the other
hand, the dark parts of the original cannot produce a chemical action in a frac-
tion of the exposure but only during the whole time of exposure, and therefore
the covered points are accoriUngly diminished.
The new principle may be applied to simple as well as crossed line plates or
line waves, and it comprises, for the usual size of nets or tints, an important
perfection of the result by mere mechanical means, while, owing to the possi-
bility of employing coarse line plates or tints, it opens to the photographic
processes for typo and lithographic prints the new domains of placard or poster
printing, illustrating daily newspapers, &c.
Having now particularly describeil and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is : — 1. A tint, single or crossed, for photographic reproductions, with
any number of gradations of tone in its dark lines or line waves, which grada-
tions may be produced mechanically when making an original grad.ition tint,
or which may be made by photography, from a tint consisting only of dark and
white lines, substantially as hereinbefore described. 2. The displacing of the
screen or tint, single or crossed, pnt directly before the sensitive plate during
the photographic exposure of a picture, or the displacing of the sensitive plate
itself, sulMtantially as hereinbefore described.
lUFROVKHENTS IN THE MBTHOD AND APPARATUS FOB PBODCOIUa MaOKKSIDM
Flashlight.
(A Communication by Emil Wiinsche, Dresden, Saxony.)
No. 6269. Newnham Browne, 73, Cheapside, London.— iJ/oy 7, 1892.
Tv photographing living subjects by magnesium light, it is invariably found
that the subject or subjects are adversely iiiHuenced as regards the photograph-
ing by the liame usually employed for ipiiting the magnesium powder. 'The
disturbance of the subject by this flame is frequently the cause that makes the
r> .'suiting picture defective.
To obviate this disturbing influence of the magnesium light, by dispensing
with a flame for igniting it, is the object sought by this new method for igniting
the magnesium powder.
According to this invention, the well-known paper-cased percussion caps, or
other percussion caps or detonators of a like character, which ignite with a
report when struck, say, by a hammer, are employed to ignite the magnesium
powder.
This method only sometimes succeeds in igniting the magnesium powder
(experiments tend to show that this takes place only in about four cases out of
a hundred), but these can only be deemed accidental exceptions ; nor is a
materially better result obtained even when the magnesium powder is strewed
near to or even upon the fulminant material.
The reason why ignition of the magnesium powder by these percussion cajis
so often fails the inventor thinks to -be this, that, when the fulminant is
exploded by a blow, its ignition is too rapid to be capable of communicating
itself to the magnesium powder.
The inventor's endeavour, therefore, has been so to retard combustion of the
fulminant that its ignition may, with reasonable certainty, be communicated'
to the magnesium powder.
This he obtains by substituting for the blow of a hammer the prick of a
needle, which perforates the fulminant material. In this manner a small
portion only of the said material is immediately ignited instead of the entire
mass, and the combustion therefrom spreads to the remainder, thus taking
place more slowly, and is with certainty communicated to the magnesium
powder strewed upon the cap so that the magnesium becomes luminous.
Improvemests in Photographic Hand Cauebas.
No. 11,394. Fox Shkw, 88, Newman-street, Oxford-street, Middlesex. —
^fa!/ 7, 1892.
The invention relates to improvements in photographic hand cameras of
the character referred to in the Specification of Letters Patent granted to
George Lowdon, No. 4102 of the year 1885, and has for its object, first,
to enable lenses of different foci to be used with such camera as well as
the ordinary fixed focus lens ; and, secondly, to enable the back of the
camera to be adjustably held within certain limits at any angle with the front
thereof
For this purpose I make the hinged sides or wings of the camera extensible
by forming them in two parts, fitted together with groove and tongue joints ;
and, as the substance of the wood is small, I form the tongue of metal, pre-
ferably rolled brass, which latter is provided with two or more notches, into
which a spring pin is capable of entering.
Thus, when using a fixed focus lens, the sides or wings are used in their
normal or non-extended state ; but, when using a lens of different focus, the
extensible portions are slidden outwards from the fixed hinged pbrtions, and
are locked in the required position by the spring pins.
The outer ends of the sides of the hinged portions of the sides or wings
are connected together by a metal cross bar, which greatly strengthens
such parts, and, in combination with a projection on the sliding parts, acts as
a stop.
The back of the camera is divided into two parallel frames, the forward
frame of which has connected thereto the hinged sides or wings, whilst the
rear frame has connected thereto the rear end of the bellows. I also fix to each
side of the rear frame a toothed rack, the front portions of which, just in iront
of the front frame, are formed with a hinge joint made in the body of the rack,
and having the meeting faces of the leaves formed at a slight angle with each
other, so as to cause the outer portions of the racks to be sprung slightly in-
wards towards each other, thereby causing them to have a grip on the front
frame when the latter is extended, and by this means assist in holding the
parts firmly together. These hinge joints also permit the racks to be folded
down on to the sides or wings when the camera is packed up for transport.
The front frame is prorided on each side with a pinion, by which the rear frame
can be extended as desired.
I also provide each of said frames with a slotted plate and a binding screw,
the buiding screw of each frame acting to bind the slotted plate of the other
frame, and, in order to enable such slotted plates to fold within the limits of the
frames, I form them of L shape, the pin joint being near the extremity of the
jhorter arm and the slot in the length of the longer arm.
iHeettng^ of ^octette^.
♦ -■-
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK.
Dst« of aixtSnt.
Nftmeof Boclety.
Place of Heeting.
Trevelyan Hotel, Darlington,
„ 13
„ 13
North Middlesex
Jubilee Hall, Homs^-road» N.
Smith's Restaurant, Victoria-street
" u
. 1-4
50, Great RusseU-pt. Bloomsbury.
;; u ::
„ 14
.. 15
Bury
Temperance Hall* Bury.
;; i?:: :::
Manchester Camera Club
Victoria Hotel, Manchester,
15
Anderton' s' Hotel , Fleat-street , B . C.
„ 15
Y.M,C. A. -buildings, Landport.
„ 15
15
Weet Surrey
St. Mark's School.s, Battersoa-rise.
>. 16
Gresham Hall, Brixton.
„ 16
Champion Hotel, 15, Alders^ate-st*
;; ie" :
„ 17
;; i7 :
,. 17
;; 17
"The Palace," Maidstone.
„ 17
Greyhound Hotel, Richmond.
joM la idos]
THK BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
381
LONDON AJfD PROVIXCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATIOM.
JcVB i, — Mr. A. Comn in Um chair.
AmRiCAS TniTDiis.
10a CUharioe Waed Buoea. New York, Mr. J. Carbatt, and Mr. ?. K Ires.
PhlMilphia, were pnaent at toe mcetfaw to which ther wen welcomed, in a
brief fpcech tm bdirif of the memfaen if Mr. J. Tnifll Ttijlor. At a btar
•tase of the n»<— iWlM,
MiM auaa. lanftT to tii* dMlnmi'a iaritaUon to epeak, aid ihe had
oooe to the meeting to learn aad nat to tMdu She wai anxiou to take hack
n luath uf IImi iwinti j mi hm |Jatw mi tn do m Baah with her camera as
licaihladari^barataj. 8ha ngudad it aa a gnat pririlaga to be pnaent.
Jhi halt hill tna pleainm nf iniing enmn partial taits of Mr. DalbneTv's tale-
photo lane and waa aieeediag); tntenned. In the April number of her
laj^utae (the Amtriean AwmUwt notaanaher) ibe had reprodnced lome
IlMlialiiaii dOBO far meaai of Dr. Mietha^ tele-pboto lew, bot she had macb
wntadtobearMr.'DallnejreKaaida. Ai an Amarlcan (he lored <Ur play and
Uk«l to hear both ddea.
Thb Black ri.itw RWttat.
Mr. J.3. Tkmrefand toMr. Cl»dan'aazpitimanti which had been earriad
the caoM of the black laah in
_ diachargea.
Mr. ClaydcB had giv«a a plate a thort ptdbniaary exnoaon and Qien expoaed
*. to the electric tpark ; on that plate be had obtained no rerenal— that la, he
■ * -" '"* He abo expoaed part of the
■ •" " »ith
an. I
out to •ndaaToor to peon the
- - - - - ■ put.
inth
, aawai'toha^tpaelad.
ume plate, which had
noil^of lawiwl. H
.-««• a eabnqnaat tetat axpoauw^
Ha (Mr. Ttapa) h«I aada mmm
•^aet.
aa thajr wen all OB on* plai» I
nt waated to tad the aBMont of light
d bald no prdimiaarr azpoiaa, to the lame spark, w
Ha than axpeaal a yfate to the eleetrie spvk Ont, a
at expaenn^ aad ahana obtainail Nfanil «f the imai
axpariaHM w
lai» Ha toak
nftard etdiMny pUta aS
whiab woald gin rennaL flacorand
.1 with an ej«i{na aeneB with aigbt opaiaai in it. and expos*! from one-inch
to Atf tnir -* — |— ' — tn it.at twain iachea disUnca,aBd of eouia
MMwhtn tba nrcnal was obtainal. Ope inch v>n a &iat iten of lannal
He took aaolbar pUte and connd Uf or it with
•utwfal, aad nn a pnUadnanr
hnn at foor (Set dWaaea. aad
of an inch of
hafw— Miiiiamteatart wttaBtBa hsa M— hadaet— Uypro-
ranal M tha lart plala. Ha alHtad «Uh thraa^iaaitan of an inch at
diitanBa, aad fan the aaoM
tba nina dtataaea, aad gan the aaoM axpoaua to the aaMopaBtayoreadihalf
ofthepiata: thne qaartan of an iaetLOM inch, oaa aad a hatf iaehas, aad
twoiaehasL Totha wwnd-M>haM;i*IAb>dhad thapnUmiaary axpoeare,
af Ml taab at fcw Ink aa a safnlawsataiT aapa— is.
hoMM'a h|dre«|alna»ii daealopar fur In Bteataa. ha leaad
it, pnllmiaaiy, or simple
x. tlaydsn's rantlta.
r hall; lAiek bad had ihapraliaifaary aiyoauia,
ha ^r* a qaaitor
Daniovteg with Th . .
no dltetua whatanr in the thna lasnlla whasrn
(XMoad piatsb. Ba waa qaita aaahb to aeeooat tor Mr.
The OuaauM ohasripad that than iwdto had not been borne oot bj Mr.
Teape's axpariaMBta.
Tn TBS-nnm Lns.
Mr. T. R. DALUOtmaiidthat, a* thetefe-photolenshadalnadrbeenftillr
dasaibad, ha did not propose to gin a sat jmftr oa tta labjaet, bat he
wA
; ptoposa to gin a sot paper oa tna labieet, oat be
HWafnaaliawfckhtedhMimdaeBdbjrtt. Hwaa
a MpMva imm to taraas the ste «f aa taiagii_wai
•oMlafii an* ram ago ia eaaaciloa wMk talaseeaas bv fttar Bi '
iMawas at aQasldawMs naa^ hat tha Harito wtthk wUek M ea
fii iiaii fwhig I iiwi iirliliilT iiaill The Brat Isaa
esstaialy
IsoaMt off Badanto paw waaasptojpsd a
la thai loM ha laimad a pasMre fhiat
as laaiaMlaJ tm^mm—t^mtfl abimhs
negalin
FMfnL
maekaa
(Mcklsaai The
twiea-tlMB the paolti'
to that of a loagJ4bci
•llstoitioB. The aaxt
tuipkyad batwasa tha tw»
pow«rala(|*tin
Btolow. That
eoaldbaaead
in wUeh a
tha orthoaeopio laaa of
■ wy
tha
In ilMaaat. Iha aMhMBopic Bin a ■■gaWraHna ai|aal
wed laaa. It was MigteaUr totaialad «tr the aan of
■OTiaisat waa ta awaarton with Dsngr's leaa. Ha
OsngT's
of a tortnit cuuUuatioB a aMdsntdy
byiant asa piakMi, wbleh
In uniiiaiifla with DaDaMVwa
I in a tind
He taaltarad thia WM tha Ont
Harlag daserlfaad tha Ant fona of
Usdthatiatheaawlsaaths
bfahahaaaiagHdifeaBii Tkaaait
tH»J. sihiiaaatli, thaaaglln
rh <iMoHiaa waa abaolal
na wMskhahaA
■nit eoaibiBatiaa. aanwt^T m fu aa psadiaibia throMbbat its
• Degitire elcmr! ' nunafrlcal conbinaaon, also
■h« ntjrs from tbc , :u«at DMt the aegatin elan
TT wiU thniwDoat a taffB flald aad dliteilloa
AaalyrfHlttMiMfMlMttayw«MU tad H a I
niards iMMi llawMMisHM waa «f ton* aps
a eoaiaanrtlvin iMffa aagia. WHa a sa
>D«da aadnntlitr wmM ha Bodindaasd : with
"^^ lagfe iadadai wmrid ba nrjr sbhU. A
he Bortnit Isaa won that by noftag the
llrtant otifaeta was ohialaad. The Um
ttahaafli.
<tt<B8itiaa at MI aaattna [see
> datanad Ibr Dr. IMlWslius,
!l end
:'£l£w(r'
,1, faaaga eqnal in
i<*ctin woittd be
^ paiapauUn.
-photo lew
' eelipee. In
refetenoe to a batch of negatives which he also passed round, he Indicated some-
to show that density oould be obtained without difficulty in these enluged
Mr. J. Traiu. Tatlob said Mr. Dallmeyer had given Deroey credit for
introdncing a negatin eombination, but he (Mr. Taylor) would like to place it
on noord that t£> fiiot to introduce it in this country to lengthen the focus of a
len^was thcflate Fraderiok Scott Archer ; Goddard was the tirst to improve upon
Sutton, who introduced a negative lens to ttattan the field and cure distortion,
the negatin being placed in the centre of two achromatised plano-oouvezes,
Ooddard """"g the positin lenses of a meniscus fonu. The Photographic
Society of Scotland bad tried it renr earefblly, and it vm the only loos uey
bad aeoes to which gave abaolnto freedom from curvilinear distortion. As a
set-off to this, however, it had a diabolical flare spot. Than was something
Mr. Dallmever had forgotten to say, and this was, that he had made his
amplifying lens with its first surface convex, and that rays fh>m the portrait
combination fell upon it nonnaUy. There was a considerable difficulty in
getting vigour and force in negatives taken bom a distance, owing to aerial
perspective. He had had a deal of difficulty to cope with in getting vigour, oa
aoeonnt of tremor or wavineas in the atmosphere cansed by the heat bom
the chimneys. He raoomaMndad thoae who tned tiiis lens to keep away froia
London as much as poaaible.
Mr. W. E. Dbbbiham said that Mr. Dallmeyer said it waa impossible to
conect a lana for near and distant objects. What would be call a near object ?
Mr. Daixmbtib said the other side of the room. The lens was considerablr
used for Ufs-aissd objects. Mr. Taylor's lens was of the Petzval form, which-
might aeeonnt for the defect be complained ot
Mr. Tatuw obaamd that Mr. DaUmayar would not recommend the negative
attachment for use with a rapid rectilinear lens, but he (Mr. Taylor) Imd tried
it aadfoaadit anawerwoDderfblly. It waa a mighty impronment with regard
to perteMUty, bot he had to paT for it by giving a longer exposure. Tlte draw-
bade waa that one had to maka the adjustmant once for all. ConM Mr.
DaUntanr snggaat how to get onr the diinealty I
Mr. DaanmAM aaid Mr. Dallmayer had said that the nse of a diaphragm
woold make the field much smaller. Suppose tha diapbngm was close against
tha nantive leas I
Mr. Uallmitkr said little benefit would be got from that, as the angle would,
still be reduced.
Mr. DBBEntAM laid that, in regard to tremor, then was another cause than
haatad air, aad that was from the tremor of the iastnunent itself or the
Mr. Dauiiam aaid that with the tele-photo laaa a draw of eamen eighteen
iaehsa letaaaantaii a Ibeoa of aannty-two tochaa.
Mr. OaHOUUii coasidand it dssiraWn to iniprasa dmb men of tha Isaa to
han a rigid ataad aad aot aia it whaa tha wind waa alioBt. Ha had axandntd
tha lans aad fooad that tta field was distiactlv connxad.
Mr. J. CaBBUTT having exhibited tha Genie band oamen and the Henry
Clay 7 X !> hand camera, aa well aa some very large pioturea taken on his films,
votes of thaaka van |paaaed to him and Mr. Dallmeyer, and the meeting
Belbara Oaana Otati— JnaaS, Mr. K tozton in the chair.— .Mr. Wfst
opened a dlimiwhin on Larndtcapt PholojfmpAff. He confined himself strictly
to atllttie jirodtiatiBafc Ba dia not fcr oaa nooMnt lUnk photogmphy wa.s a.
hirik art— it was iaqioiaibia to ba ao ; bat a man with ^itUe bit of the artist
iahia, and who waa aoaedeatioaa in hia saleetiaa of Um anbgeet and tba way
" n
the
, ^. _ , artistic
fbellngi, and a knowledge of composition was very important if a picture waa
to be turned ont Ha pat the chief mlee of oompoaition before those preaent,
and gave lUnstrations which deariy interpreted those rules. He made a
■nadal point of tha three planes, forsgroond, middle distance, and extreme
ifiatiana He gan a few hinta on axpoaoM, and then dwelt on Uie developing
•f oar walk. A perihet kaowiadga of tba eapabilltiee of the difTerent
ta BIB, ana woo waa aoaaoMBUoaa in aia saiaeiiaa oi bm saigeci ana uia waj
ba ooiriad it throi«h tha aftv-proceaees, might, if not to make photography i
high ar^ vary near uyioach it. He propoeed to gin them lus idea of thi
oompoattion of a linaasapa nictnn^ A pictare should appeal to one's artistii
pgrtlaa af oar wa». A pemet kaowiadga of tba eapabilltiee of the dUTerent
I ' t' artdsh foraMd tkadaniapar waa lasintlal. He gan broad lines for
prftr"«g to danlop : hot, aa every plato laquind a diiunat mode of trcat-
BMot, it waa axtnasily dlOoalt to gin iafcnnatioa on stiiet lines. They
most go caatiaaaly to woHl The last aad BMat important part waa the
priatiag of tha negative. Whether it waa printed in bromide, silver, matt
sorihea of gloay, it should suit the sabjeot. The chief end in photography
was tba flushaa prinL What did It nutter if the negatin was not technically
correct if tha resulting peint waa right T An interssting discussion followed.
Mr. Bapbael showed a Band caaMn callsd the " Sotpriae," whish had a very
ofigiBal f^'^g*^ amngaBMBt Mambais are requested to take notice that
tha Planar ootlBg Is poatoonad to the following Saturday^une 18, tha
the msoiben being Invitad to a taa at the " Gracn Han," Mill mil (Edpnn),
on Saturday, Jane 11, by Mr. C. 0. Bargees, tha President of the Holbom
Cycling Club.
IwiilifjflhahaatT Pbotogrmphle Soeioty.— Mav 30, Mr. W. I. Chsdwick
in the e&Ur.— Maesrt. J. Aitchison, jun., and J. \ViM wen elected members.
The CbauuiaS presented the Society with an enlarging lantam, and, in tha
Qonna of hia mnarka. aaid that, althoogh bromide enlargements were verv
nice if wail deoe, still ha did not think that the results could compare with
thon obtained either by tha plattnotype or carbon processes. The thanks of
the Sooiaty wen awarded to Mr. Chadwid( for bis preaent, and Mr. Unnell, in
propoaiag tba sana, sold be hoped tha eiambin woold make rood nse of it.
Besolts of tha MOIsnT Oalaiaaibla wwBthan ibown br several of the memben,
ehially bi the fbnn of ataaoaocnic tnaaparendes, and were pronounced to he
very ^nocessful. Mr. Unnell alao aahibitcd the negatives whfch were taken on
E<lwanls' films, and. in the diaoosaion that followed as to the reUtive ad-
vantages of films and giasa, it was proved that resulU were quite as satisfactory,
and, as ragaids tha weight, oaa doaen Mx4| films, with paddng, weighed five
ounces, whereas one doiaa platea same fin weighed forty ounces. In one case
382
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[June 10, 1892
he cut the film in two, »nd transposed the puts, with the result that a stereo-
scopic transparency could be obtained from one printing. Messrs. Mawson &
Co. a "Ramal" and "Metal Miniature" hand cameraji, along with Hurter
k Driffield's actinograph were laid on the table for the inspection of the
members. Specimen photM^phs on Fry's roughest bromide and soltype
papers were also shown. Exposure notebooks sent by Messrs. Mawson &
Swan were distributed. In the absence of Mr. Wilkinson, the Secretary ex-
hibited the Beard-Pringle lantern, which was very much admired for its com-
pactness. Slides done by the members were then projected on to the screen by
its aid, some of the work being very good. An a<tjoumment wa.s then made to
the lecture-hall, when some beautiful flash-light pictures taken behind the
scenes during the two last pantomimes at the Comedy Theatre by Mr. Wade,
President of the Manchester Amateurs, were shown by aid of the lantern, and
some American views brought by the Chairman.
Cotte£())oniience«
OlMT*q>ond<n{« AmM nntr writt sn boih tiiiM of t)u pofMr,
HELIOCHBOMT.
To the Kditob.
Sib, — From your issne of June 8 I learn that Mr. Ives continues to
judge of my process of heliochromy from faulty translations of my
paper of 1885, and maintains his assertion that the friendly, cordial,
private correspondence over orthochromio matters between Professor
Himes, Philadelphia, and me, should have been an official one, in the
name of the Franklin Institute.
In reply to this I remark that, if I could have known that my private
correspondence would have been recognised as an official one, I would
have given Mr. Himes much more information for the decision of the
priority than I have done. Therefore the verdict of the Franklin Institute
in the matter is valueless for lack of full information from my side.
Mr. Ives asserts that he has published " the first successful method "
for taking orthochromio pictures by the chlorophyll process, and degrades
mine. I answer that I published already (1883), six years before Mr.
Ives, my method for taking colour pictures successfully by corallin and
collodion ; that (1878) Ducos du Hauron, in his " Traits pratique de photo-
graphic en couleurs," Paris, Gauthier-Villars, p. 24, published a chloro-
phyll process one year before Mr. Ives. Ducos du Hauron gave up this
chlorophyll process in favour of the eotine proceis Mr. Ives degrades.
Indeed, all reproduction galleries of Europe and America work with the
eosine process, or the eoside of silver process, but nobody with Ives'
chlorophyll process, which has only an historical interest on the other
side of the water, in circles where European investigations are ignored in
favour of American ones.
Mr. Ives asserts further that he already published his new (?) process
of photography in natural colours in 1888. I reply that my process was
published in my book, mentioned on page 318 of this Journal, already
three years before Mr. Ives'. The fact remains uncontradicted that Mr.
Ives totally misunderstood this process of mine, and has given a totally
wrong description of it in the Journal of the Franklin Institute, January,
1891.
It is also wrong if Mr. Ives says that I " ignore the heliochromoscope
altogether." On the contrary, I acknowledged it, p. 318 of this Jodbnal.
At the end of his letter, Mr. Ives says, "Dr. Vogel has a right to
quote .... the only unfavourable expression of opinion of my lantern
projections," Ac. In reply to that, I call the attention to a second un-
favourable expression over Mr. Ives' performance in the Photography,
p. 292, wherein it said, " We must confess we were somewhat dis-
appointed," Ac— I am, yours, &o., Dr. H. W. Vogel.
Berlin, June 5, 1892.
To the Editor.
Sir, — In his reply to my article entitled, " Projections in Natural
Colours," Mr. Ives makes some statements which go wide of the mark.
First, He commences by asserting that he did not use red, yellow, and
blue glasses in 1888. As I have never stated that he did so, this asser-
tion is quite uncalled for.
Second, He states that he did not then use three lanterns hut one
lantern, with three optical systems close together and a triple jet. I
presume by a triple jet he means an arrangement of three limelights
controlled by one pair of taps. This bears out my statement that he used
three complete lantern systems with three limelights, what is generally
called a triunial or triple lantern.
Third, He says he did not use three slides, but one slide carrying the
three pictures. As his negatives were on separate glasses, it is clear that
the transparencies were also on separate glasses in order to admit of
correct registration, hence he must mean that the three slides were
mounted in one frame. This is practically admitting that his three
positives were on three separate glasses, which was what I stated.
Fourth, He states that he tried making the negatives ten years ago on
a single plate, hut abandoned the plnn in favour of separate glasses for
the three negatives. This proves my statement, that in 18S8 he was
making each set of negatives on three separate glasses. It also proves
that, prior to the publication of my improvements, he had not grasped
the principle that the position of the three pictures photographed simul-
taneously on the one plate was precisely that which was required in order
to secure perfect registration of the images on the screen. For example,
in a view including a flagstaff it is obvious that the lines representing the
flagstafif must be absolutely parallel to each other in the three positives.
This parallelism is secured in the most perfect manner by taking the
three pictures on the one plate simultaneously.
After the publication of my improvements, Mr. Ives entirely altered his
method of working. In June, 1891, he exhibited the new arrangement at
the Franklin Institute. According to a report relating to this, " when
Mr. Ives first published his process several years ago, the three negatives
requisite were made in one camera from one and the same point of view,
but last night he showed that, by an improvement on his heliochromic
camera, the three negatives are now not only made from one point of
view by simultaneous and equal exposure, as they were three years ago,
but also upon a single sensitive plate. . . . The lantern front used for
these new projections consisted of three prisms, converging light from a
single condenser, and radiant to three small projecting lenses." The
latter sentence indicates that he was then using a lantern employing a
single source of light for projecting several pictures, an idea which he
admits originated with myself.
Mr. Ives is welcome to adopt my improvements in his own country ;
but, when he exhibits his results in England without giving the slightest
hint that there are patent rights attached, it is needful for me to protest.
Mr. Ives asserts that the process has failed in my hands, because
the three images, being taken from slightly different points of view, will
not perfectly register on the screen. Six months ago I devised an
axrangement of lenses whereby the pictures are taken from points of view
only half an inch apart, so this small defect is corrected.
Mr. Ives' heliochromic process and Scott's " Verak " system are now
practically one and the same thing ; so, if the one is a " failure," the other
must be a failure also. — I am, yours, *c., Albert W. Sooit.
401, Cowbridge-road, Cardiff.
To the Editor.
Sib,— In your issue of May 13 appears a letter from Dr. H. W. Vogel,
objecting to my remarks about Mr. F. E. Ives in a lecture on April 5
last, as follows: — "When, about thirteen years ago, Mr. Ives undertook
to reproduce, by means of photography, the colours of nature, he fully
realised that no light task was before him. "
In stating that this remark is strictly true, I wish to add that, if Mr.
Vogel will now undertake to produce results equally as true to nature ag
those recently shown by Mr. Ives in London, I am quite sure, if he will
ignore entirely the ingenious devices of Mr. Ives in colour photography,
he will find that he has " no light task before Aim." Until then, " 'nuf
ced." — I am, yours, &c., W. N. Jennings.
Franklin Inititute, Philadelphia, May 27, 1892.
THE CONCENTRIC LENS.
To the Editor.
Sir, — I gave you the result of the trial of the new concentric lens some
weeks ago, and since then have had the lens opened up to /-ll and /-IS,
and send you impressions of the negatives obtained. With /-ll the
focussing is difficult — why I cannot say — and naturally there is not the
same range in the depth of the focus; but /-13 works perfectly, and,
though No. 3 is a poor print, you can see that the definition is as good as
need be, and the exposure — the shortest I could get with the convenient
little shutter of Perkin, Son, and Eayment — gives me figures in motion,
and if I could have diminished the exposure considerably it would still
have been enough. I get so little time for experiments that I have not
been able to make another trial with an opening of /-16, which I think
would be sufficient with the same conditions. In No. 1 (/-ll) the
extreme distance is wooUy, which is not the case always with that stop ; i
but I cannot say why. I suppose the reason is that the granulation (rf j
the focussing screen is too confusing, for I find it very difficult to deter-
mine the focus for the granulation when I employ the magnifier, and find
it safer to focus without it. Then with films I am not sure of the exact
focus, as they sometimes curve a little ; not enough to do any harm in
ordinary cases; but with the stop of /-I I a very little variation does
harm. We have no plates of English sizes here, and my camera does not
take the French conveniently, so I am waiting for some good English
plates to try the next experiments.
But I should advise those who wish to use the concentric for very short
exposures to have it opened up to /-12, which it will bear perfectly for
practical purposes on an angle of about fifty degrees, maintaining all the
qualities of the lens. Nos. 1 and 2 were taken with the componentd
separated about a half millimetre beyond the normal, but No. 3 with
them in their proper place ; and you will see the effect on the illumina-
tion, which is much more equal in the last. The lens is a seven-inch. —
I am, yours, &c., W. J. Stillmbn.
Eovw, May 29, 1892.
Juae 10, 180:}]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
883
" COSMOS."
To tht Editob.
Bn,— A* oiM at Um jonior members ot the London and ProTinei&l
Fhotosnvliie Awrwi^tion. who •!• wypoeed by '• Coemo* " to suffer
tRn ••tan WBhWimi wed hj weak, permit ma to danj the tmth of bis
iwailiima if epplieo to oi" Soeietj. I look to the London and Pro-
Tioeikl M my most Tklomble sonree ot technical information, and I am
booad to s^ I hare always loood oar old and best- informed members
laady to assist in aolTiag a difBaolty, (ran at the expense of considerable
tioable to tbanaalTas. In linking Mr. Haddon's name with his gibes,
yoor eootribotor is ongnlarly iiiifuiliiiiale. beeaase Mr. Haddon's repa-
tatioD, •• ana who has made maayvalaafcla suggestion ^ to photographers,
is soffleieot to rafata the nogenanas saaar. And here, by the way, let
ma raniark that Mr. Haddon's »Mea to amateors, to niake collodion
jiuaiti»a« tor their triaads, was rather lac the benefit they would derive in
■ladyi^ the proeass. As foitbsr rwiommandatiftn he mentioned it might
ha^ to mitigata the injory dooa to inofassioiisl photographers, and
ttmof thk un tiom tlia •■•taB's oana. Bot. rarertiog to tba attack
CO oU mambera ol photogn^ia •eriiMn. I woold like to poiat oot a
noMikahb eeotradtatioa. The tradiMlilj ot a witnaas ia dependent
hia liiillifiiliia^a What do«^ " Ooamoa " say to thaae qootations
Ihn his modaat litUa jottings ?—
Th> BarruH Jocwus. or Psoro- Tbs BamsR JovtatAJ. or Pboto-
oB^BT, May la, page 909 :— " Not aBanrr, Jona 8, page 8M :— " I have
long ago I waa pcaaant at a meeting said I narer go to any ot the So-
«(BpbotoBapliiesodatjr.'' aiaty's meetings. Thoogh once an
Mtetf a< asraral, I pland myseU
OB Iba permanent abaantaa list
MfanI yean aga"
Baalty, Mr. Editor, seme persons shoold lukTe long nanoriaa.— I am,
yours, Aa., Jmnoa.
Lpm^m, Jam* 4. IMS.
raiWXacTOB.
Bib,— •* SOrer Bath " Is plsaaad to latorm " Coamoa " that in this parti-
aolar eaaa ha deaa not lir* ia a 0m» bonaa, also to tell him that some
oU pbotograpiian wan parfaetty saipsft to rerify the qoality of the
ehamteala titty boiwht. The ansaga atwtographer ot the aarij timaa
kaew moeh man afcoat the matsriala M oaad thaa one o( tba praaent
date, bot U ba bwtod at limw to Ibo boMor of ao-aallad raapsetabU
deotos, Bad waa «iwitii. »baw BmIImM— aT " SOvar Batb " kaaw
thirty y«n ago that ailnr ailnto «•• lioiaty Bduhanted with potaab
nitnto, bot this artiela was nsosWy oflsiad at a lower ptiee to tempt tba
nnwaty ; ba knows tbal ha did ae* hO into Iba trap. As ba aommaaaed
pbotogmphy neatly fifty yaan afo, be cannot ba eaoaidarad a tyro, and
ha does not wish to oaaopy apoae ia Tob Baniaa Jooaa^ or I>boto-
oBAroT to Bcosa who! waa wall kaowa— tba adrantaga ot tba bm of
laaryatallisad dhm rtiala ia awkk^ tba bath over tba aommaraiBl
aitieia.— I am. yoon. *a., Biltsb Batb.
Jum 7, ISn.
' PBOTOGBAPHIC PBINTEBS.
Ttthd
BtB.— I ban read with gnat istanat yoor aitida aad
" Joes I
diffleoU to obtain a berth in ttiat eapasity as ■■ Uotortonate " does as a
prlntsr. Kow, I am not oaa to aoataat myselt with plodrfiag aloag any-
how, bol ban made a eaiafol atady ia sill branebaa of oparBting. and
ban BktoUsi Iba bighssi aad atoal iBllering of >isfsiweaa fnm good
tbmo, whiab taal^ to my aUU aa aa oipart phologrBpUr. It aU am-
ple/an wan Uka nor aosnapoadaat L Habart. I woold ban no diS-
c^iy ia finding a oaitb. I am a euMpalaat operator, but not a first-
ekMS retoaebar, worker in moaaebiaaa, water eotoor*. black and while,
.ka. How eaa amployan aBpael a maa to ba*e maetary onr so many
bnaabas, aa is loo oflaa ratotaadf Tbaa, again, will not amployan
— g-g- a maa of tbirty-fin yoan «f aga wbo baa lakaa op pbotograpby
4ba laal fin ia pisfsisaas to aaolbw who, patbapa, is blasaad wiib loon
kraia power, aad boa eight yaan'ansrfaaoa, bolta aaly afladtwaaty-flnr
Tba qosatiea la. An taetimonials of any asa, aad wiU age gin btaina ?
Is it not a laat, Mr. Editor, that a smart. aaaigsHe man wiU laara mon
in fin yaora ^ cieroMiag aommoa aaaw aad brain power thaa anotlier
wbo plods aloag in a marlianiral sort «f way tor twenty yean ?
I ban oflaahad my appUeatiaa far a berth retorned to me written
■ Kol eld snnngh fo* tipstfaasad operator." in spite ot my ex-
I am, aafottoaataly, only twenty.fln yean of
-I am, yoora, Ae., Ab OrBaaioB.
^MM 4, im.
ToUksBBnoa.
Sia.— I aotiao ia yoor laat iaaoe two lettera tram oorraapondaala In
to prtBlars. ia wbieb one geotieman states no good worker aaed
at af wort : bot I bsg to differ on thmt point I am B pnatar
) with aenral ysan' relerenoe from a leadiag ba^
class photographer in London. For several weeks I have been oat of
employment. Daring that time I have advertised occasionally. The
answers I often got were, " Thanks ; year price is too high."
Now, sir, what kind ot men do employers expect for the salary they
offer ? If they were to pay a fair and reasonable salary, they woald have
no difficulty in obtaining a good man ; bat, of oonrse, they engage the
cheapest men, and get tlie " incompetents and daflers," and then complain
of being unable to obtain really gtrad workers.
It is quite true then are vaoaneies every week, but not the vaeanoies
an experienced man woold apply for. The majority are as follows : —
"Printer wanted, one able to operate and retouch preferred." After
sending carte of self, specimens, and reference, they offer the enormous
salary of II. per week, which barely keeps starvation away. — I am, years,
4o., F- li-
June 6th, 1893.
m
OBTHOCHROMATIC photogbapht.
To the EonoB.
Sib, — I shall be glad if you will annoance that the next ordinary
meetmg of the P. S. O. B. will be held here on Tuesday, June 1-1, when
Dr. J. J. Acworth. F.J.C., F.C.S., will read a paper entitled " Ortho-
ehromatio Photography," with experimental illustrations. — I am,
yours, &e. , B. Cbhj) Bjltlbt, Aut.-Sec.
SO Ortat BuMteU-itrtet, June 4, 1893.
COBBECT EXPOSUBES.
To tht Eoitob.
Sib,— It is hardly fair to ask you lor spaoe to reply to Mr. Alfred
Watkins' letter on this subject in your but issue.^beoanse. ray reply will
only amount to a repetition ot my farmer statements on this qaestion.
Mr. Watkin* statee my oontention tliat a large amoant of subject will
transmit mon light to the plate tlian a small amount quite correctly,
but it seems an easy wBy of refuting that oontention to state " the fallaoy
of Mr. Miehaal's argument is, in assuming that a large amoant of subject
will transmit mon Ught to the plate than a small amoant." Mr. Watkins
makes no attempt to show wherein the assumption is fallacious, neither
does he point oot wherein the example I gan in my former letter is
Ifasacoiieally wroog.- 1 am, yoots, He, M. J. Micbaxl.
Jwu 6, 1893.
•
THE PHOTOOBAPmC CONVENTION OF THE UNITED
KINODOM.
To th* EDrroB.
Sib, — I ban the plaasun to enclose a farther list of papers to be read
at Ibis year's meeuag ol the Convention at Edinburgh, which I hope
yoo will palUish for the eonnnience of thoee ot your readers who an
mamben. Profeeeor W. K. Burton and Mr. F. M. Sutelifle have also
promiaed eootributioos, bat the title ot their paperuue not yet to hand.
—I am, yoon. Are., T. P. CBxnBAiio. Ja.
Tk4 Art 0/ Photogr^phf <a Rtlation to Planting, by Mr. A. Borchett.
Direct SilkoueM Portraiture (oith lantern iUustntions). by Mr. J. Cox.
On the Training of Photographer; by Mr. E. Howard Farmer.
The Ute nf the Colour Screen Ih Landeeape Photography, by Mr. Charles
L. MiteheU.
10, CambrUge-ftrieme, Mekmond, Surreg, June 3, 1893.
CHRONOI'HOTOGBAPHT.
To the EorroB.
Sib,- An article on " Chrono- Photography of Star Transite " in the
last-reeeived number of the Jocaxio. (Mi^ IS) prompM me to send yon a
pamphlat wliicb m^ pon interesting to yon and to yoar readers who
ban at heart the appbeatton ot photography to soientifio research.
The Obeervatory publieation will explain itself tally. The authors, I
balien. intend to bring oot, in June or July, a report of still further
appUaatiooa of their Pbotochrooograph. practically and theoretically
•aoaaaaful. — I am. yours, Ae. J. A. S. Bboshav, S.J.
Wmdtlock ColUgt, Woodtlock, Bovard Co. ild.. Hag 24, imi.
[Tba work in qnaation frivon an illustratad description uf the photo-
' employed, and details tbe resulte of a number of ezperi-
in pbotognphing transits Ed.]
fiic^ange Column
,* Ho eharge is made for ineerttng KxcAan.jrj o/ Apparattu m t*w ooiimn ;
but ume wiU is iii«ir«si< iMJssi <A« artK^ toanted u dennitely etated. Thou
whtigmrfg tAetrrifmnmmUeeie "mngUumg .^ful " icUl Uumtore ^tuUrttani
Ihereaeea e/ their new ayjuanwai.
lud Wi waatad ia sintoNTS for a brwid uw (patent) UadMap* whok-plsta
r«i»OT waith 7L 10».— Bddiwt, BsifBLi Bsadt, 1, Uaucertant-rlllu, Long Ditton,
Bmnef.
384
THE BlUTISH JODKNAL OF PHOTOGBAPHY.
[June 10, 1892
anjstoerB to €orre»pon»ent0.
dU matltrs for the text portion of thu Joubnal, including queries for
"Annoera''^ and •• Exchanges," must be addressed to "Thb Editob,
2, York-strut, Covent Garden, London, Inattention to this ensures delay.
No notice taken of cmnmunicaiions vmlest name and address of writer are
given.
*,• Communications relating to Advertisements and general business affairs
must be addressed to ••Hknht Gmbnwood ft Co.," 2, Tork-street, Covent
Oardtn, London.
E. C. PHiLLirs.— Thanks. In our next
Paste. — Omit the acetic acid from your paste.
• G. C. Hanck.— The sensitising solution named will answer for canvas.
Sekoj. — Better precipitate the gold by protosulphate of iron, and then redis-
solve it.
A Lkvy.— We ilo not think that the lens mentioned would be at all suitable
for your purpose.
Ranokr. — Appliances for carrying hand cameras on tricycles are sold at most
cycle warehouses.
Othello.— 1. The lens is of trifling commercial value. 2. Millet was the
name of the maker.
Mebccbt.— See the paper on "Photographing on Wood," by Mr. W. J.
Rawlinge, published in the Journal of April 8.
MoRnuEK Field.— Tlie Meisenbach Company, of West Norwood, will pro-
bably be able to supply you with the kind of zinco blocks you require.
X. 0. Z.— If only three sheets of paper can be toned with a fifteen-grain tube
of chloride of gold, it shows that it does not contain the proper proportion
of gold.
W. BoBonoH.— Mr W. T. Wilkinson has, we believe, recently brought out a
work ou the subject, published probably by Messrs. Iliife, St. Bride-
street, E.C.
Alf. a. — The prints in question are collotypes varnished with an aqueous
solution of shellac, which gives them the appearance of being silver prints on
albumen paper.
S. C. J. — You certainly have paid a very low price for the lens ; but it does not
follow that all low-priced lenses are incapable of producing good work.
Yours may, perhaps, prove one of the exceptions.
T. Sedgwick. — The spots on the films are due to the emulsion. It is no fault,
as asserted, in the manipulation. There is no way of avoiding the evil in
the development, as it exists in the film before the developer is applied.
J. E. Lindsay. — If you wish to take landscapes only, and obtain the best
results, by all means take a half-plate or larger camera, and work it on a
stand. For this class of work excessively rapid exposures are of no advantage
— often the contrary.
1 0. Q. P. — The cause of the converging perpendicular is that the camera was
tilted when the negative was taken, and the swing-back not brought
sufficiently, if at all, into use. This is not an altogether uncommon fault
with some foreign views.
' C. BiNGLEY.— You are quite under a mistaken notion as regards the wet-col-
lodion process for portraiture. For quality of results, that process has not
yet been eclipsed, except in the matter of exposure. Yours is by no means
an isolated opinion amongst modem photographers.
IH. Payne. — Vulcanised rubber is useless for making a solution of indiarubber.
Get some "masticated rubber," and dissolve in benzole to the consistency
■ required. The simplest way to obtain a solution is to purchase a tin of
■ mbber solution or paste, such as is used for repairing indiarubber goods, and
thin that down with benzole.
Bebtros. — With your experience and credentials you would, we think, find
the best opening in one of the smaller towns at the Cape, such as Johannes-
burg or Pietermaritzburg ; there would be far less chance for you at the other
places you name. The risks of finding an opening on arrival are so great
■ that we cannot advise you thereon.
: B. R. U. M. — Y'ours is quite a case for the gentlemen of the long robe. If you
have been sold the business under a misrepresentation of the facts, and find
the receipts were not anything like they were stated to be, the law will cer-
tainly give you redress. Until you have had legal advice, we should recom-
I mend you to withhold any further payments.
' " B. a;" feels aggrieved because we, in a sub-leader a few weeks back, said that
many artists use photography largely to aid them in their work. It is a
fact, nevertheless. Some pictures, by "good names" too, have been
) painted almost entirely from photographs. Of course painters do not
admit this, but there is no reason why they should decry photography.
B. Ratmont writes : " I have often seen it stated in print that by filtering a
solution of brown shellac in methylated spirit, such as used for negative
varnish, through animal charcoal it will be decolourised. I have tried this
■several times, but always found that no colour was removed. Where have I
failed ?" — It is a fallacy. The alcoholic solution of shellac is not decolourised
by filtration through charcoal.
iHants, writing in relation to a paper recently read before one of the London
photographic societies, asks, when any one undertakes to read a paper on
any subject with which it is well known he is familiar, if he should not give
-some details of the methods of working, instead of leaving that portion of
•the subject in the dark. — All we can say is that a little of the practical side
■of the question would have been very acceptable to the majority of those who
were there. But, of course, it rests with the readers of papers as to what
they will say. The societies cannot stipulate as to how the difl'erent subjects
shall be treated. They, in most instances, are glad to get papers of any kind
Just now.
Mkltonian asks, "Which is the best gelatine for Woodbury printing ? "—If
our correspondent means for printing the impressions from the metal moulds,
then any gelatine of a strong kind that will set quickly will sene. But, if
making the gelatine reliefs is meant, then one of a different ch.aracter must
be used. The "Amber" gelatine of Messrs. Nelson, Dale, & Co., is the one
most generally employed for that purpose.
R. J.— The mere fact that the photograph bears the word "copyright " on the
imprint is no proof that there is a legal copyright in the picture, or even
that it has been registered at Stationers' Hall However, it is illegal to
attach the word copyright to a photo^ph that has not been registered, as
it is misleading. It must be borne m mind that a photograph may be
registered and yet not be legally copyright if the matter were tested in a
court of law.
G. A. H. writes as follows : "I have been told that if a diamond cut is made
in a piece of glass, and the glass is not separated at once, the cut will heal
up, so that after a few days the glass cannot be divided where the cut was
made. Will you kindly tell me if this is a fact ?"— We have more than
once heard the same thing asserted, but have never put it to the test of
experiment. The thing is easily tried — perhaps our correspondent will
make the experiment and let us know the result Possibly others will like
to try it
R. Taylor a.sks how mirrors which are fixed at an angle of 45° in front of
the lens for taking reversed negatives are made, and whetlier thick plate
glass or patent plate is best, and whether the glass is silvered on the oack
or the front, and how ! — Commercial plate, or patent plate, glass is not
reliable for the purpose. The glass should be optically worked, so that it has
an absolutely plane surface. Unless this is the case, anything like perfect
definition will be impossible. The glass is silvered on the surface that is the
one nearest the lens. Formulae for silvering the glass will be found in any
of our Almanacs.
J. C. P. has a very old photograph to copy which is much tarnished, and
wishes to know how to clean it and restore it as far as possible before copy-
ing. It is on zinc or some similar metal. He tried one lately that was very
much tarnished, and as soon as he placed it in a tray of clean water to soak
the whole of the film broke up. However, it was very frail when lie received
it This one seems all right on tliat score, but he is afraid of it after his
experience with the other. — From our correspondent's description of the
picture we are unable to identify it If he will send it for our inspection,
we shall probably be able to assist him.
S. Moore, who says he is a novice — and we have no reason to doubt him — sends
us several negatives for advice thereon. Tliey are marked, have large trans-
parent holes in them, and are covered with mottled stains. He asks if the
defects are due to the plates or to his work. — The latter decidedly. 'The
marks are due to the plates not being covered with the developer when first
immersed in the solution. The cause of the spots is air-bubbles adhering to
the film while in the developer. The mottled stains arise from the dish not
being kept in motion while the development is proceeding. 'The various
causes of trouble being indicated, the remedy is obvious.
West London Photographic Society.— June 11, Watford.
division meets School of Arts, 2.30 p.m. Tea at "Essex Arms."
Cycling
We have received the summer supplement to Vevers' catalogue, which
embodies in a handy form particulars of new apparatus an^ sundries.
North London Photographic Society. — At the next meeting of this
Society Mr. J. TraQl Taylor -will discourse on Lenses Ancient and Mode-m.
London and Provdjoial Photographic Association. — June 16, Some
Prime Factors in Exposing, Mr. Howard Farmer. 23, Annual General
Meeting.
The Photographic Club.— June 15, Platinotype Possibilities. 22, Tlie
lielntive Permanency of Prints by the Various Methods in Present Use.
Outing, Saturday next (18th), Bumham Beeches. Train from Paddington
at twenty minutes pasl two.
Messrs. B. J. Edwards & Co. inform us that they are being repeatedly
called on to furnish instructions for dissolving one ounce of eikonogen in
thirteen ounces of water, that being the proportion given on page 800 of the
1892 Almanac as their formula for eikonogen developer. We regret the
printer's error. The correct formula is as follows : — Eikonogen developer, for
isochromatic plates : No. 1. Distilled water, thirty-five ounces ; sulphite of
soda, two ounces ; eikonogen, one ounce. No. 2. Distilled water, ten ounces ;
carbonate of potash, one ounce. For use, mix one part of No. 2 with three
parts of No. 1, and (when new) add to each ounce of the mixture two to three
drops of a ten per cent, solution of bromide of potass. The developer can be
used repeatedly by adding more No. 1 and 2, omitting the bromide.
0ONTBNT8,
P4U
THE fixation of silver prints .. S(i9
YELLOW screens FOR ORTHO-
CHKOMATIO WORK S70
OBSOLETE PROCESSES 873
CONTINENTAL NOTES AND NEWS .... Sll
PICTORIAL SELECTION IN PHOTO.
OliAPHY. By W. D. G 376
THE TELE -PHOTO LENS: ANGLES
AND FOCI. By T. H. DALLMEVER .. 877
THE CAMERA AND THE CONVEN-
TION: OR. PICTUKESQUE SCOTLAND
AND PHOTOGRAPHY.— VI 3?J
PA«a
RELATIVE EXPOSURES FOR VARY-
ING proportions of image to
THE original. By W. E. DEBEN-
HAM 87
ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHIC WORK
FOR AMATEURS.— 11. Bv T. N.
ARMSTROXQ '. ST»
OUR EDITORIAL TABLE 379
RECENT PATENTS 879
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES SSO
CORRESPONDENCE sdl
EXCHANGE COLUMN .•»)
AN8WEBS 10 COBRESPOHOENTS l»t
THE BEITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1676. Vol. XXXIX.— TUNE 17, 1892.
DUST.
OxE of the most fatal enemies to good and clean photography
U dust in one or other of the many protean and often un-
expected forma in which it presents itself in photographic
practice. It will not be time ill tpmt to take into considera-
tion soma of these cases, their psvrention and cnre. We
naturally first torn our thoughts to the i^iparatua employed,
first, of course, being tlie lenaca. Old readers of this Joubxal
<lo not need to be reminded of the nmubcr of times we have
pointed ont bow nerc—ry it is, first, to protect all lenses from
dost ; and, seooodly, to use great care in remoTing it when
aft«r all preoautioos it has gradually settled upon the glass
sutCmssi For field work, when the eainera is only occasionally
employed, it will often be (bond necessary to rsmoTe a slight
film before use, yet tliis neoessitj might in the main be
obriated if the instrument were prorided with two caps
instead of ooc. It may be supposed that the reason why two
such paoteotions are not prorided bj the maker is the extra
price that would have to be pat npoo the instrument — an
important ooniUtntkn in these days of competition and low
prices. It shoold be remembered that dust will find its way
into almost erery case, drawer, bos, or other receptacle used
for containing leuMS, while the universal relret-lined cap is an
almost perfect protection. There is something to be said in
fsTour of the oU oetal caps, fonneriy the only kind employed,
for they fitted dost-tigfat sgainst the lens. When the lens is
a praeticaOy complete fixture to the camera, as in studio work,
oorersd and tmoorered by an internal shutter, it is often
istomary to IsaTS it uapnteeted, and oceaaiaaaify to wipe its
- .rfkce, but such treatment of a Taluable instnunent is ss
I sa nnfikir to the maker ; it should always be capped
when not in use, ilthoa|^ there be a complete doaing and
^closing arrangement inside the camera. When lensee are
put away they should, further, be always dusted with a soft
camel's^Mir brush to raoaore any particles that may hare
become attached while they hare been in use, for "dust"
being of very varied ooostitution there may, poasibly, be some
adherent spot capable of acting as a nucleus to collect other
injurious particles not easily removed, or that would scratch
the surface during removal.
Ail Isneis, morsover, will need occasional (but only oc-
casional, when ordinary care is used) unsciewtng and internal
cleaning, owing to the deposition of particles of dust, so fine as
to partake more of the character of a stain than a coOeetion of
small particles. If this film, for such only can it be called, be
not removed, it wOl be fbund that under some oooditions of
light it win mar the eriqness of the shadows, and tend to flat-
ness of image. The fact is, this film becomes actually illu-
minated in a strong light, and so gives off rays which reach the
whole plate ; if a bright light shine on the lens, and a badly
illuminated object be photographed, the effect is sure to be
brought about
Now, as to the removal of these film-like deposits, as well as
more grossly visible particles. The only secret in practice is
first to remove the loosely adherent particles by means of a
brush, and then to polish the surface. For this latter piu|x»e
notliing but the softest possible material should be used, some
preferring washlcather, others an old linen cloth. If the former
be chosen, it must first be well washed, to remove the lime
dressing, and also be occasionally washed afterwards, to remove
any possible gritty particles that it may have collected, and
which, being unseen, might injure many surfaces before being
discovered. On this account alone there is much in favour of
the contention of those who say that nothing but old linen
should be used, and that, after employment a few times, it
should be discarded, and replaced by a new one, which would
be readily done, as the cost is nil.
On no account whatever should rouge putty powder or
other polishing material be used, except by an expert, for
he only knows when it is of the right kind or how to use it.
A lens, when sent out from the workshop of a g|ood maker, has
a suHsoe of exquisite polish, which can easily be injured, and^
the loH of which is so much off the value, commercial and
pnetieal, of the instrument. If any one examine hap-hazard a
doMU lenses belonging to amateurs of average carefulness, and
that have been in use a few years, it will be surprising if he do
not find more than one having hair scratches on its surface,
not always producing perceptible ill effects, but capable on
occasion of doing great harm. We have seen a lens with a
circular scratch, caused by polishing with a dirty cloth, and
many a lens with a deep and decided out, from similar causes.
We may here add a word of advice about the treatment of
such marks. Often they are no detriment to the performance
of the instmment, but under a certain conjunction of circum-
stances they may totally ruin a negative, as, for example, when
a very strong light impinges upon the lens from a bright
window*^ one side, when photographing a dimly lighted
interior, the scratch may disseminate more light than the view
itself. The remedy, therefore, is to paint the scratch with
black varnish ; the image will not be in any'way interfered
with, the light will only be reduced a fractioh of one per cent.',
and, in all practical respects, the lens will be equal to new.
The importance of this particular branch of our subject has
led to our occupying so much space over it that other ramifi-
cations of the " dust " question must remain for treatment in a
succeeding number.
386
THE BKITISH JODBNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[June 17, 189L'
THE FIXATION OF GELATINE PRINTS.
Is writing on the subject of The Fixation of Prints in last
week's issue, we dealt principally, if not solely, with prints
upon albumenised paper ; and, though the same general rules
prevail in both cases, still prints or negatives on gelatine films
present some points which require somewhat different treat-
ment. The comparatively greater thickness, for instance, of the
gelatine film renders necessary not only a longer action of
the fixing solution in removing the silver salt, but also a
correspondingly longer washing to eliminate the soluble pro-
duction of its action. Then, again, the ]>hy8ical character of
the two films is utterly different, the albumen being hard,
insoluble, and capable of withstanding a considerable amount
of rough usage, owing to its coagulation in the silver bath,
while the gelatine is tender and usually soluble in warm
solutions, and, even when " alumcd," it requires careful treat-
ment to avoid damage.
These physical differences may at first sight perhaps not
appear to amount to much, or to be of very great importance ;
but, in practice, the contrary will certainly be found to be the
case, as we shall show. But there is a chemical difference which
possibly has far greater effect on the absolute permanency or
otherwise of images in albumen and gelatine respectively. Pure
albumen contains, as one of its constituents, a portion of sulphur,
amounting, according to one analysis, to nearly two per cent,
of the whole, a considerable proportion, truly, in a chemical sense;
but, in ordinary egg albumen, the form in which it is used in
the prepai-ation of photographic paper, the proportion is nmch
greater even when fresh, and still further increases aa the
albumen becomes stale or putrid. As it is the practice of some
albumenisers to intentionally keep the albumen until it has
arrived at a certain degree of putrefaction, in order to thereby
attain a higher gloss on the paper, it will be scon that the
chances are greatly in favour of the marketable film bcina:
particularly rich in sulphur, or sulphur compounds, long before
it comes in contact with the fixing agent.
In the composition of pure gelatine, on the other hand,
sulphur is practically absent, or nearly so, though some
chemists have indicated small quantities, while others have
altogether failed to detect its presence. In the commercial
article, it is true that that sulphur may exist in very appre-
ciable proportions, owing to carelessness in manufacture
sulphurous acid being employed in various stages of the process
to decolourise the preparation. Still, while tliis is little likeh'
to occur with the samples now specially prepared for photo-
graphic ptfrposes, and used almost universally by the manu-
facturers of gelatine films and papers, it may be said that the
form in which the sulphur presents itself is far less dangerous
than in the case of albumen, being rather in the form of
sulphite or sulphate than free or in the form of sulphide as in
the alfeumen film.
Sulphur or sulphur compounds are formed and given off by
the decomposition of gelatine, as of albumen or any other
organic matter ; but this phase of the question, so far as
gelatine is eoneerned, need scarcely trouble the photographer
since the slightest approach to decomposition or putrefaction
entirely ruins it for the purposes for which it is employed.
Pure, fresh gelatine is an essential to the manufacturers and
no inducement exists, but quite the contrary, to allow it to
become in the slightest degree stale.
Tlie effect of this chemical difference amounts just to this
iliat, whereas albumen paper maj .contain within itself all the
essentials for the formation of dangerous sulphur compounds
before, during, and after sensitising, and even after " perfect " '
fixation and washing, gelatine starts with no such evil character
necessarily attached to it, and with careful treatment in the
matter of fixing and washing appears to promise a prospect of
as complete permanency as can be attained in an image
composed of silver. The question, then, is simply what are
the best means to be taken to ensure perfect fixation and
washing %
In the opening lines of this article we mentioned gelatine
negatives, and though these are far less likely to suffer from,
at any rate, insufficient fixing than any positives, merely
because they are usually treated singly and individually, still
all who have had any experience in negative work will know
how frequently they do actually suffer from that cause. Take
glass negatives, for instance, with which the ocular test of
perfect fixation would appear to be all that was required, and
go back to the old days of, say, ten years ago, before the intro-
duction of plate-coating machinery, and when films were not so
uniform even as nowadays, how often was there found along
one edge or on one comer of a plate an unsightly brown stain
which gradually developed and intensified itself in course of
time, although entirely absent when the negative was freshly
made. Tliis was due solely to the imperfect action of the hypo
on the thicker portion of the gelatine, where, although all the-
silver bromide might have been dissolved, i.e., converted into
the double hyposulphite of soda and silver, and the film thus
rendered transparent, the process had not been carried far
enough to produce the perfectly soluble form of the double
salt ; consequently, no amount of after-washing would remove
the evil, or, in much the same way, washing that was sufficient
for the thinner parts of the uneven film would still leave
sufficient of the soluble double salt in the thick portions to
bring about the same kind of discolouration as time went on.
Now, when the difficulty of judging the completeness of the
fixation of a film on a transparent medium like glass is so great,
how much greater still must it be when the support is opaque
paper. The paper prepared by the larger manufacturing firms ■
in long rolls is less liable to suffer from inequality of coating, ,
but that prepared in single sheets is still, it is to be feared,
liable to the charge. The ocular test is useless, and as we-
showed last weelc the chemical ones are troublesome and in^
efficient, so what is to be done ?
The only general system we can propose is to ascertain what
time of immersion is required in a bath of certain strength,
and at a certain temperature, and in practice to invariably
adhere to those conditions, or preferably to give a considerably
longer immersion, using always, as a matter of course, a freshi
and clean solution of hypo. After that, the question is reduced,
to one of sufficiency of washing, and this can be attained by
the expenditure of a little care. Owing to the greater thickness
of the gelatine film, it will be necessarily more protracted than
with albumen, but it may be hastened, as may indeed the
operation of fixing, by separately "squeegeeing" at intervals
each print or negative face downwards on a sheet of glass or
ebonite, so as to mechanically force out of the pores of gelatine
and paper as much of the solution they contain as possible.
On reimmersion in fresh water, the pores will be refilled, and
the remaining salts thus far more rapidly diluted and elimin-
ated than is possible by mere soaking.
Another good plan, though involving a little trouhle, men-
tioned to us many years ago by Mr. John Stuart, of Glasgow,
consists in giving the print or negative a thorough washing and
JuM 17. 1803]
Tat; BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
387
then drfing. Any salta that remain will now be in the form
of eiTBtals and the gelatine in a state to readily and quickly
absorb water. The print is therefore reiinmersed in fresh
water for a short time when, any remaining hyposulphites will
be foond to have completely disappeared.
ORTHOCHROMATIC PHOTOGRAPHY.
Db. Acwobth's [>aper on this subject, read at the meeting of the
Photographic Society of Great Britain on Tuesday last (see
fwge 394), was to some extent devoted to negativing the belief
that an ammoniacal solution of a dye was neceasaiy in order to
-effect the scnaittTeness of an emulsion to certain rays. In this
he quoted the experience of seTeral able experimentalists, and
was supported in his views by some of those who took part in
the subsequent discussion.
But then were other points of interest in the ps^per quite
outside this one. Perhaps the principal of these was the state-
ment that, contrary to what m^^ hare been supposed, a very
minute trace of erythrosine in combination with silver nitrate
not only sensitises for the yellow rays, but also causes all the
other regions of the less relcaDgibla end to become more
sensitive,
The experimsnts he dseeribes not only bear oat this im-
portant tetany bat also bring to light others of great compara-
tive and partioolar interest To three separate emulsiooB, each
of 30 ac., and containing half a gramme of erythrosine, he
added, in one case, nothing ; and in the other two half a gramme
of nlver nitrate and 5 cc of ^•nmr^im respectively. The
emnlaion ennteining arfthroeine alone showed " a saaD band of
yellow ssoaitaveosss ;" thsl nwrtilalMg the etythroaide of silver,
«i^t to ten times greater ewritiveasaB to yellow, as well as
incnteed sensttiveneas throogfa the green to the blue. The
effect of the ammooia on the third emulsion was praotieaUy niL
In the tangaiag ezperimenu the silver and the ammonia
were added to emnlaioas already containing erythroeine, but
in a fborth eiperiment the erythroeide of silver itself (-010
eiythroaine and sufficient nitrate to form the erythroade) was
added to the emolsioo, and the maximum efEaet in the yellow
obtained. Dr. Aewetth ernialndae from this that lai^gs quanti-
ties of dye are saperfluons, and states that the maximum effect
may be obtained by using as little ss one or even half a milli-
gramme of, etythronue to 30 c.c of emnhioB, if the dye be
perfsotly sesocisted with the silver.
While there has bsen a tolaraUy com— an^ idea that in
octhochipmatie sinlwpn making the qoanli^ of dye necessary
WM Boeh hugnr than Dr. Aeworth indicates, ezperimentalists
in orthochromatic bathing have been well aware that the
quantity required is there exceedingly small In the course of
the diseossiou. Captain Abney again described his own method
of procedure of flooding the plate with the erythrosine solution,
and washing oot as mnoh as possible of the dye, so tliat the
plate eoold faaidly be distinguished from an ordinary plate.
Under this traatment, the quantity of dye which remains in a
I^ate must be infinitesimal.
Several other matters of considerable interest to experimen-
talists in orthochromatic work and others cropped up in th
course of the paper and the discussion, to which we refer them
for fothsr details. Dr. Aoworth's sncoess in — n»tt;»;ng for all
rays of the speetram by means of tincture of jaborandi and
silver nitnrte, gives promise, we hope, of further advances in
crthoduonatic work.
The Convention.— We are authorised to state that the Lord
Provost of Edinbuigh will officially receive the members of the
Photographic Convention of the United Kingdom on July 11.
This action on the part of the municipal chief of the modem Athens
will, we are confident, be viewed by the members of the Convention
with the liveliest satisfaction.
A Ziargre Oronp.— A photograph of the seventh Internationa 1
Congrem of Hygiene and Demography, held in London last August,
embracing over 1000 Udiea and gentlemen, has been published by
Messrs. Barraud. In order to provide sufficient standing room for
the repreeenurive company figuring in the picture, the proportions of
the great staircase of the University of London, which furnishes the
bad^TOttod, were enlarged. Each member of the Congress was given
a separate sitting, and a satisfactory likeness was forthcoming in each
case, and the combination of this large number of portraits is said to
have been very soooessf uL
An Automatic Photograph Company Payn a
Slvldend.— The Automatic Photograph (Foreign and Colonial)
Company, Limited, was, we believe, wound up not long ago ; but the
failure does not, after all, appear to have been a very bad one, inas-
much as we observe that a first and final dividend of twenty shilfiags
in the pound has just been declared, and is payable by the Official
Receiver and Liquidator. This means, according to our limited
acquaintance with the niceties of company finance, that the share-
holders get a'retum of thdr capital Penny-in-the-slot photography,
we learn, is still in existence along " the shores that round our coasts
from Deal to Ramsgate span."
Recoverlngr Oold and SUver with Aluminiamr.—
Mr. J. R. demons, of Philadelphia, whose method of tonii^ «ith
aluminium ohknids was referred to in these pages a few weeks sgo,
suggests the lacovsry of gold and silver from old gold and silver
aohitions with the ssme reagent The bath is first acidified with
hydroehlorie sdd, and a strip of aluminium placed in it The gold is
said to be precipitated in a good state of purity, and needs only to be
(lightly washed before being reconverted into the sUte of trichlonde
in the usual way. The plan also answers for combined toning and
fixing baths, the silver being separated from the precipitate with
nitric acid, and the salphnr filtered off from Hfe redi»solved gold.
Metallic silver is precipitated from the chloride ia a similar way.
Ammonia Poiaoniar.— .\n inquest was held the other week
at Portmnouth on the body of a blacksmith, who had committed
suicide by drinking ammonia. According to medical testimony, one
teaspoonful of that alkali had been known to destroy life. The
coroner ssked if pt was not unusual to sell poison in such " lo^
quantities," and, on being informed that ammonia was not included in
the Sale of Poisons Act, remarked that that was rather strange.
There are, berfdes ammonis, several other chemicals employed in
photography of a highly poisonous nature which are not indaded in
the Act and that are sold in much " larger quantities " than one
Ublsepoonful at a time, but of the poisonous nature of which their
nien are, as a rule, ignorant. There b, as it were, a fashion in
poisons, cyanide being in favour among photographers.
The Kinnear Camera.— We this week publish in our cone-
spuodMUv columns a latter from a gentleman whose name is assuied
of perpetuation so long as the camera is in existence— we allude to
Mr. iCioDoar, the inventor of the form of camera which is colled after
hia. Mr. Kinnesr, ^mpo* at patentable improvameuts, sarcastically
remarks that " it seems now as if any new screw or slot introduced
into a camera was worth patenting." He goes oa to wonder what
his iaoocDe would have been now if he had patented the Kinnear
iriiich he invented in 18.57, and which, with subsequent im-
is in all wssiinlisli the camera now made by hundreds of
Mr. Kiimesr is one of the leading architects of the
present day in Edinburgh, and architecture ia his debtor t» rell as
photography.
388
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[Jane 17, 1832
0-, ■ A Xilne to be Drawn.— Mr. Leon Vidal, in ths current
number of the Moniteur, thinks that photo^aphic aaaociations should
coniist of two distinct groups, the one formed of experimentalists and
$avanti devoted to the study of the pro^ss and applications of
photography ; the other, of amateurs properly so called, whose
ambitions do not rise above the sportive use of the hand camera.
Between the latter and such men as Janssen, Marey, Lippmann, the
Henrys, LumiJre, Braun, Balagny, and others, there is, as M. Vidal
infers, a tremendous gulf, of which, however, we can supply a perfect
parallel on this side of the Channel. Sportive photography, he thinks,
should be kept within its own boundaries, and he complains that it is
scarcely respectful to scientific and industrial photography for such a
beautiful branch of human knowledge to be degraded by certain
photo-mural decorations of Paris which he describes. He winds up
his remarks on the subject by reiterating the necessity of separately
grouping earnest and ephemeral photographers in societies and
exhibitions.
World's CongrroBS Auxiliary of Photog-raphers.—
The preliminary address of the Committee of the World's Congress
Auxiliary on a Congress of Photographers says: "Among the Con-
gresses of the Columbian Exposition of 1893, that devoted to photo-
graphy should rank high, and be, as it undoubtedly will, a permanent
benefit to the civilised nations of the earth. The advancement that
has been made in photography, and the processes dependent upon it,
within the last twenty years has astonished the artists and scientists
of the world. By its aid the astronomer has discovered countless
stars and remodelled the map of the starry heavens. It is extensively
used in almost every department of art, literature, and science. Its
future possibilities are too great for any one to estimate. It is the
design of the Committee to have men and women, who have become
distinguished in the various departments of the photographic art, and
the processes dependent upon it, deliver papers before the photo-
graphic congresses which shall contain their best thought, and, after
well-regulated discussions, shall become the property of the World's
Congress Auxiliary, and, if deemed worthy, be published in the
Encyclopasdia of proceedings." A lengthy list of subjects to engage
the attention of the Congress is then ^ven, and the assistance of
photographic societies is asked, as well as suggestions from individuals.
A committee is in charge of the arrangements, and " advisory
councils " have been appointed both in America and other parts of
the world. The Chairman of the Committee is Mr. J. B. Bradwell,
of Chicago, U.S.A.
♦
ON THINGS IN GENERAL.
I DO not know whether my readers are most to be congratulated
upon escaping, for the first time for twenty years, my monthly visi-
tation, or myself upon being able to resume my pen after an enforced
holiday. When, as in my case, one's medical adviser emphatically
forbids either reading or writing, inclination must go to the wall.
However, I trust my weapon is not rusted by disuse, and that it is
as capable as ever of the friendly pricking it is ever intended to
give.
Of matters that have been discussed since my last, I have been
jnuch interested in the old, old question of amateur versus professional.
As I need not inform the bulk of the readers of this Journal, an
amateur in athletic circles is one who does not compete for a money
prize against any one, nor for a prize of any sort against a recognised
" professional." He obtains certain advantages by these conditions.
Mid is content to abide by them. But in photography an amateur
appears to be one who may make as great an income as he likes by
exercising his profession, so long as he has not an office or reception-
room devoted to the purpose. Quite recently I heard of a case of an
amateur who received 1-50/. for a set of negatives talien in this
country, and who yet would deem it an insult to be called a profes-
sional photographer. But I do not suppose he ever paid income-tax
upon the money. Personally, I do not see, in a free-trade country,
why a man should not add to his income in this manner ; but I
should object to his gaining a medal as an amateur, and still more
to Mia entering the establishment of a professional rival under his
f»Ue colours, and so gaining information calculated to be of benefit to
him in his commercial pursuit of the art. I e.xpect the other day, at
the London and Provincial Photographic Association, Mr. Haddon
was having a sly laugh at the expense of some of the narrow-minded
professionals when he suggested to amateurs their return to wet-plate
work as a means of pacifying the former. If the amateur, so called^
can make money, let him do so, and forfeit any advantage his
amateur status brings him. The good amateurs will, and often do,
become good professionals in sober earnest in many cases, and all the
better for the profession, which cannot be supposed to exist for the
purpose of giving a monopolising status to a lot of indifferent workers,
who might Ije better employed otherwise.
The introduction of the concentric lens promises to mark an epoch
in lens production. The controversy which it has raised is only what
might be expected, for, when such highly technical questions as thfr
manufacture of lenses is introduced, there is generally some wild
talking, the subject being one upon which so very few are competent
to give an opinion worth listening to. I have been, I may say^
anxiously looking forward to the vdtimate publication of the new lens,
for, when I had the privilege of being shown in Messrs. Ross's private
laboratory, some years ago, the first of the type made, but which
they were doubtful about repeating till they had further investigatecS
the keeping qualities of the glass of which it was constructed, I fore-
saw a great future for the instrument. By the bye, the account given
in the precis of the proceedings at the Photographic Society of Great
Britain is a little indistinct. A " bulb " is there referred to, which to-
outsiders will appear a mystification ; it is simply an achromatic lens
in the form of a bulb or sphere which, as explained, is used in
examining the image given by a lens. No ground glass is employed
as the " bulb " does the same work, but with far greater accuracy.
Those, however, who wish to adopt some such means in their own
practice can with advantage use one of the pocket achromatic magni-
fiers now so common. I refer to the kind that appear like a
Coddington lens without the diaphragm. If mounted on an adjust-
able stand, they answer excellently for examining the image given by
a photographic lens.
It is unfortunate that the term " depth of focus " has become a sub-
ject of discussion, seeing that a true focus lies at a point only, and can
have no depth, which, if it be confused with depth of definition, the
latter expression lends itself to a vagueness of interpretation far too
inexact to found a scientific argument upon.
Another important event on the optical side of photography is the
introduction of the tele-photographic lens, which in a limited sphere
is capable of considerable use. But it must not be forgotten that,,
quite apart from any question of difficulty of avoiding vibration, and
of getting rid of the effect of haziness through uneven transparency
of the atmosphere, there will ever be the effect of haze in the atmo-
sphere to battle against. How many negatives are there in the country
at this moment out of the tens of thousands annually produced in
wliich objects half, nay, a quarter of, a mile distant can be compared for
clearness and transparency of shadows with those fifty or one hundred
yards away P For scientific purposes and as objects of reference,
photographs of distant objects may by the aid of the new lens be
taken so as to be most valuable, but, as to pictures, scarcely ever.
What is " atmosphere " in a picture, but the toning down of the darks
by the aid of the haze ? it is capable of beautiful effects in pictures
where it forms part of a whole, but, when the parts are viewed divested
of the surroundings of foreground, &c., they make a poor display.
I have been rather sorry to see the eager way in which, so far as an
outsider can judge, a trap has been attempted to be set for Mr. Lyonel
Clark in the matter of completion of fixation of prints. Apart from the
merits of the case itself, he has conclusively shown that he is in no
way responsible for the question set by the examiners.
What an amusing batch of letters the Editor must have when there
lies before him the week's queries; but, of all the droU questions
asked, surely the drollest is whether, when a piece of glass is cut by a
diamond, the cut will fill up and " heal " gradually if left to itself ?
If the question had been of was, pitch, or similar liquids, there might
be reason for it ; but glass !
I see some one has been writing about the removal of silver stains-
upon negatives by immersing tliem in a body containing, among other-
things, twenty per cent, of nitric acid. Might I recommend that, if
that be tried and with nonsuccess, the experimenter ascertainedr
June 17, 1893]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OP PHOTOGRAPHS.
whether boiling^ them in a p«n of water for half an hour would
produce anj move eatufaetory resolt P I should not think it would
be aajfess dangvnms to the inlegritT' of the image.
Fbkk Laxcb.
♦
OBSOLETE PROCESSES.
No. 4.— Trb Albumsx Pbocbss.
Thx albumen is the oldeat of aDgtaaprooeMea. It cannot altogether
be elaased as obaoleta, niatmaeh as it is, in a modified form, still used
to some extent for stereoseopie and kntem transparencies. In this
form, however, it differs materially from the prooeas by which nega-
tiree used to be obtained, and tliat is the one that will now be
deacribed. As in the oollodion proeeM, so in the old albumen one.
great care had to be bestowed on eleaniog the glass, so as to get it
chemlcallj dean. The details of this worii need |not be gone into in
this article.
It maj be well to explain here that, in the earlier dajs of this
proeesa, there wen two methods of iodising the albumen. One was
by first eoatiag the gfaas with plain white of egg, and then submitting
the dried film to ^ rapoor of io£ae, in the same manner as a
DagoerreotTpe plate was iuiliiad. The other phin, and the ooe nni-
Tanally followed in the later day*, was to dissolTe an iodide in the
albtuaen before it was applied to the gimsa. It is easy to coneeiTe how
the former method aaggestad itself when it is considered that, at that
period, the DUgnemotype was the proces of the day. Here is a
formula that wa« in rery geaenl OM^ though, at in moat of the older
pcoceasea and many modem ooaa too, for that matter— different
woriurs had pet formulas of their own. Albumen from fresh eggs,
ten ooneea; iodide of ammooiom sixty grains; and bromide of
Ammonium flra gimine, diseolTid ia an ounce of water. The mixture
was then beaten into a stiff froth, either with a silver or wooden fork,
until the Teasel containing it eooU be iorerted without any fluid
running oat. The praparsd albaaMS was then alfewed to remain
nndistarbed in a eool place until the following day. By that time
a large proportioo of the albraen brad aabnded, and waa then care-
fully decanted, the ataoat soHd entt of froth on the top aeting as a
flltrr as it foveed ita way throogb.
For eoetiiy the plate it waa attached to a boMer. This naoally
consisted of a short wooden rod, at one end of which was a lump,
otp-ahaped piece, of gotta per^a. This was warmed in the
of a spirit lamp, nntil Um ooter surface became soft and
It was thni preesed on the back of the glass, to which it
adhered. Soae of tbe ■Itmi— i wm than poured on the plate and
gnidad o«w the aoillMa irith • gha rod or a strip of paper. After
the albnasB had been towed eaee over the gUaa, it waa slightly
drained off. Thao a rotaiy BMMiM was imparted to the plate by
twirling the lod of the holder Itl— au the ingpn, m> that the slight
oantrif ngal Corea eawaad aa evn diakribntioo of th* floating. An eren
flhn having been thaa aaeand, it waa Beeaaaary, ia oidar to retain it,
to keep the ptelae ia a parfMly boiisoBtal poritiaa till they were
dry, for albniaeii,aalihe gelatine, haa*Bo "setting'' |MopeHise. Forthia
porpoae drying bcone wwe sold. Tbsae war* wooden boxea asoanted
on UreUing soewa, and having horiaontal groovaa in them, like an
ordinary pkta box set on aod. In these groorea the plates, immedi-
ately they vrere eoated. were plaead, alteraately with a thin board of
potooa wood that had pwrioily haaa made very dry, to absorb
the aoiatare. One of the chief diileoltise in eonnezion with tlii«
operation was that of preventing dost from reaching the film, which
always seemed to have the greatest affinity for it, any particles of
whidi would show^a spots or eoaaeta in the finislied ne^stive. At
thai period, it may be mentioned, the most abaord statameats were
made as to the precaations taken by some workeis for its avoidance.
The plaleit at this stage, if pneerved dry, would keep good for
years.
The platee were sensitised in an aceto-nitrata bath, similar to that
■sad for wax paper, but stronger, namely, fifty grains of nitrate of
silver and a dram of acetic acid to the ounce of distilled water. The
ssMitiaing waa naoally done in a flat dish, and the time of immersion
waa very brief, ftoas thirty to fifty seconds only being allowed. By
use thie bath heeotoaa diaeobmred, hka that used for aanJtiwig paper,
and it waa JitebiuiMd ia the Mioe way, namely, with ItaoBa After
or a
the plates were taken from the bath, they were well washed in
distilled water to remove all the free silver, and dried. As the film
of albumen was very thin, the plate dried quickly. When dry, they
had a thin, pale blue opalescent appearance, quite different from the
modem dry plate. Albumen plates in the sensitive state possessed
excellent keeping properties, both before and after exposure. Indeed,
they have been kept for years, and then yielded good pictures.
With regard to the exposure, this was the slowest of all pro-
cesses on glass. With a single lens, possessiog an aperture of
/-30, in a fairly good light, an exposure to a landscape might be
reckoned at from seven to twenty minutes. Great latitude was
allowable in this process, perhaps greater than in any other, the
gelatine not excepted.
The development was also a'slow operation. The time usually was
from a quarter to three-quarters of an hour. In the case of great
underexposure, several hours were often required. The developer
was a saturated solution of gallic acid, to which a drop or two of
the aceto-nitrate bath had been added. In the later days of the
process, pyro^llic acid, restrained with acetic acid, was used by some,
but gallic acid was originally the universal developer for albumen
plates. If the negative waa under-exposed, the energy of the de-
veloper could be much increased by uung it warm, and even hot ; or
heat might be applied locally, and by that means detail in deep
shadows, which would otherwise be lost, could be forced out. We
have frequently had recourse to a heated soldering iron, or even a
poker, applied to the back of the plate to coax out detail in the
heavy shadows when the negative has been much under-exposed.
We have even seen the flame of a spirit lamp applied. Sometimes
during the development — particularly if it were a long one — marbled
stains would make their appearance. These could, however, be
cleaned off with a pledget of cotton wool under the tap, and the
development continued. The fixing was done with a solution of
hyposulphite of soda; two ounces of the salt in a pint of water.
One very general fault with albumenised negatives made by novicee
was the hard and " chalky " prints they yielded. This was not
attributable to the process, but to the manipulations, the negatives
being mado too dense. The image of an albumen negative developed
with gallic add was generally of a dirty olive-green tint, and of a
highly non-actinic character; hence it obstructed far more light than,
from its density, it might be judged it would.
That the albumen process vras, and ia, equal to yielding the finest
results, is proved by the early work of such men^ Boss and Thump-
soQ, of Edinburgh ; McPherson, of Rome (veryuwge sises) : Ferrier,
and others. Indeed, the albumen process will yet hold its own,
except for speed, agabst any that has hitherto been introduced.
It has beat mentioned that this process is an exceedingly slow one
—that refen to the normal method of working ; but it is on record
that one of the most rapid pictures yet taken, including those with
gelatine, was that made by the late Fox Talbot, when he, in 1851, at
the Royal Institution, took aharplv printed matter pasted on a rapidly
rsvolving wheel by the light from the discharge of a Ley den battery.
THE CAMEBA AND THE CO>rVENTIOS ; OB, PICTtJBESQUE
SCOTLAND AND PHOTOGBAPHY.
vn.
At the last Olaagow Convsntion, one of the Clyde trips was down to
Tarbert and back in the Coliimba, It waa moat eojojable, but the dis-
tanes was so grsat that most of the plaeea oonid only bo iilanoed at in
pMsil^with the esosptioa of Tarbert, wbers we landed and the Convon-
tifiBlpenp was taken. Most of the photography that was done that day
was taking shots at aaeh other on board th« boat, tor we were sailing
pretty well all the time from morning till night. Certainly, a few very
fine instantaneous efleets were secured at soma of the quays where we put
in. Notable amongst' thee* waa Mr. Seaman's picture of the Botbesay
Pier ; it was a gem, so elear and folly exposed, in spite of the shortnc^^i
of time and the hundreds of moving figures.
Tbc Qua Looa.
Oa the north sids of the Clyde, after passing Bowling and Damb<trt~:i,
which we have previously noted, we come to Helensburgh, which <s
thj nearest town to lb* Oare Loch. Tbe Oare Loch is th? fir^t of
S90
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[June 17,1892
these inlets of the river, that stretch away miles between the hills,
and are familiarly termed lochs. This inlet runs up north-west about
six miles, and its bonks all round are well wooded, and rich in pic-
tures. Leaving Helensburgh, and going up the loch, we pass Bow
Sandon— the village at the head of the loch— and coming down the
other side, at the point opposite Bow, we come to Boseneath, a very
beautiful spot. This would embrace a good day's photography. From
this point, a walk across the hill would bring you to Killcreggan.
All along these fringes of the sea the prospect is charming, and at
any point pleasing effects are to be obtained. There is a pier at
Killcreggan, and, further on, one also at Cove, where the next loch
enters, between Cove on this, and Blairmore on the other side. This
U Loch Long, and Loch Goil strikes out from it some three miles up.
During the summer months, daily tours are arranged for in this
vieinity, embracing the finest stretches of river, rock, glen, and mountain
passes. One favourite run of this kind is by boat to Loch Goil, where a
coach awaits its arrival to convey passengers through " Hells Glen " to
St. Catherine's, on the shore of Loch Fyne. Here there is a ferry boat to
take passengers across to Inverary, where the Lord of the Isles lies waiting
to bring the passengers home, by the Kyles of Bute, to Princes Pier,
Greenock, or any other calling port more convenient.
Another trip of the same kind is by coach from Dunoon to Loch Eok,
thence to Strachur, where a. boat waits to take passengers to Inverary.
In this case, also, the journey home is by the Lord of the Isles.
Leaving in the morning by the Lord of the Isles for Inverary, the same
ground can be covered the reverse way.
Lock Striven,
We once drove across the hills from Kirn to Loch SirlveH, We
did not find it up to our expectations from a photographic point of
view. After leaving the shores of the Clyde, and until we neared
the loch at the other end, the hills were barren and bare, and lack-
ing in photographic subject, although, leaving photography out, and
looking at them from a picturesque point of view, they were very grand.
Hills upon hills, nothing but hills ranging for miles, standing up in all
their majesty, without a sound to break the silence, save the bleating of
the sheep, that, away in the distance, looked like white pebbles on the
surface of the hill.
Away, buried in these hills, we came upon a charming bit in the way
of an old dry stone-built, thatch-roofed cottage, of which we made a
picture, and at the door we placed the old woman that belonged to it, an
old soul that looked as worn and antiquated as the house itself. In
conversation she told us that she had been born there, married there,
reared her family there, now they were all married and away, and she
was still there herself, and not a doctor within call for eight miles.
Fancy I and she looked contented and happy.
EOTHESAT.
Passing Innellan and Toward Point, the Isle of Bute lies before us.
Crossing the bay, we reach Bothesay, which is really the most popularised
resort on the Clyde, and if esplanades, and bands, and good shops, and a
never-ceasing influx of visitors are the sure indications of the well-doing of a
place, then Bothesay certainly does well. It lies in the very midst of
some of the finest Clyde scenery, and possesses on its own shores places
of beauty and interest, combining picturesque drives, lovely walks, and
enjoyable sails, all of which commend it as a good centre for the tourist
who has a Uttle time to spare. Rothesay, as a town, looks very pic-
turesque from the bay. The ruins of Bothesay Castle are worth the
attention of the photographic visitor.
Wagonettes ply daily to Mount Stuart, the seat of the Marquis of Bnte.
The grounds are open at all times. They are filled vrith good things.
from a photographic point of view, especially the walks and avenues'
they are so beautifully wooded. On the way to Mount Stuart you pasa
Ascog, where Montague Stanley is buried.
Ktles op Bote.
The tram car can now be had from the town to Port Bannatyne, which
is the beginning of the Kyles. Opposite Port Bannatyne Loch Striven
strikes out from the Kyles, finding its way some eight miles north
I>etween the hills.
The Kyles of Bute is that belt of sea that winds round the northern
half of Bute, covering a run of some seventeen miles, and it is certainly
one of the finest water effects on the Clyde. All the way to Loch Fyne
there is a constant shifting of beautiful scenes, twining and turning out
•and in between between shore peaks and islands, leaving on the imagina-
ition of the beholder that surely now he is going to be land locked, and
*his sensation repeats itself every little bit of the way. With the shores
now close in, and now at a distance, with villages, clachans, and cottages
springing into view in a most bewildering fashion, and always charming,
the steamer goes churning on its way until we reach the open waters at
Loch Fyne, after having passed Tighnabruich and other points of interest
on the way. Tarbert, on Lock Fyne, is a good place for fishing boats
and effects. We have seen many artistic pictures that have been taken
there, but one has to wait for them, a short time like that we had at the
Convention gives no opportunity for such pictures. Tarbert is much
affected by seascape artists.
The next stopping-place is Ardrishaig. If you were staying here any
time, some pictures could be got of the Crenan Canal, which is quite
near to the landing-stage at Ardrishaig.
Invebaky and the Clyde.
Inverary, on Loch Fyne, is also a good centre for a few outings. At
this place is the'seat of the Duke of Argyle. The town is most roman-
tically situated, and endowed with charming surroundings, and in
summer it is also quite interlaced with steamer and coach routes, cover-
ing the ground in all directions, one or two only of which we have pre-
viously noted.
The islands, such as the big and little Cumbraes, are not so picturesque
as many other parts of the Clyde ; but Arran is a spot where some time
could be profitably spent.
The yachtmg on^the Clyde is one of the features of the place that will
commend itself to all lovers of this class of work. A better place than
the waters of the Clyde for boat or yacht photography it would be im-
possible to get. At almost any of the quays on the river good positions
for this class of work will be found. Hunter's Quay, however, is probably
as good a place as any for a day's work on yachts. The headquarters
of the Clyde Yacht Club are there, and a greater gathering of the white-
winged sails are often to be found at this spot. Many will remember the
day we had yacht shooting on board of our own steamer (hired for the
day)2during the Glasgow Convention time, when, during the bright part
of the day, we kept running in and out amongst the graceful racers,
with the famous Thistle in their midst. That really was a proper method
to procure impressions of sailing ships, as the hundreds of plates exposed
and the many successful productions proved.
Now, we will have to think of going home, as our plates are done and
we have to develop many impressions. Oh, yes, we could take you
further afield, and find no end of beautiful districts and places that would
delight the heart of the landscape worker. It will be better to leave them
for some other time, when the programme now set before us has at least
been partially exhausted, and a little opening made for something new.
Then we may tell of pastures yet unexplored.
May the Convention gathering have good weather and good times !
PICTOEIAL SELECTION IN PHOTOGRAPHY.'
BUEADTH.
Remember that simplicity of construction, combined with masses of
light and shade, agreeably disposed, are the requisites necessary to giv*
a picture dignity and repose. Therefore, although it is most desirable to
have variety and contrast in the lines of your composition, it is highly
important that these values be carried to no great excess. An outlin*,
well diversified in a natural manner, will always be more pleasing to the
•y» than a repetition of lines without variety ; for the sight is as soon
fatigued with monotony and repetition of forms as the ear is with the
continued recurrence of the same sounds. The rounded forms of tht
clouds will contrast with the angular forms of the mountain, and these,
in their turn, with the horizontal lines of water ; but it is the breaking
Dp of these masses I would particularly wish you to guard against, always
bearing in mind it denotes greater talent in those who can " simplify,"
rather than in those who " cut up " or complicate their productions. For
instance, gee that your distance is not " broken up " by, say, an open row
of trees cutting across it on to the sky line, thus rendering patches of
distance as seen between the trees as patches also of the trees themselvei
(Fig. 5). Get to some other position, in which you can either command
the distant prospect without the interruption of the trees, say, above
them, or else go closer to them, in order that you may get a view between
them, and thus overcome the difficulty (Fig. 6).
Hundreds of otherwise good pictures are quite spoiled through laekinf
this great quality of " unity " or breadth, whilst those of a very lew
order excel. In the minds of the vulgar, in its very violation.
Let me give you an example of one of these latter. A little piece of
lock here, or a tiny bush there, two stones placed together and another
not far off. A winding road which leads to nowhere, cropping up at un-
* Continued from page 376.
Jane 17. 18W]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
391
apMtad intarmli, aerres to offor ■ome (onndrntion for tnrellen who an
•Ma to kwp « mo*t ngnlar and raqweUal disUnc* from each other. A
Mttla to tb« right is a pladd itnani ot water, with a wonderfal lot o(
iMhaa of isolated growth and " pot-hook " form. A man in a boat adds
BCi to this portion, whilst a bridge, at no remote distance, affords a
I gToond for one on fishing bent. It wonld be hard for these poor
to be tar away from any sooiee of refreshment, so a kindly hand
I an ian, and Cada a Uadlocd too. Tou hare often seen hin. He
fa Meat faaenlly to be ulaaiwJ at tha tear, whilst his wifa leans oat at
tb* window. Two wva ia laafaWng etdat, siagU flU, osa nd tba otbar
wUto, go, tegathar with a biaak hona. to aompUto the list of aU tba
bodies taneetrial. Tba pwapeet bajond is of great Tariety ; heathery
ria.«.
noon aad giowiagMda. (oaha ol qaatat geological fomsalioa. aad aas-
cadea past eoooaptiaa to tba offiaary boaiaa aiiad ; but at laat thqr are
all marRsd Into the distaaaa, aa4 find repose In tba " bfaiaa."
We bat* saaa, tboa (ar, tba BMot agracabia aitoatioa for tba •■ heriion,"
tbaporiiioa of tba poiatolai^ tba teodaaey o< tba gaaeral Unas, the
diapoaitioo of tba imwii, and tba dadiability of maintaining •• breadth "
to tba aiduiioii ct " spotHawi " ia oar pietoiw. We moat now oonsidar
tba balance of porta, or the relation wUob one or noto aiaaaaa bear to
olbara ia tba eompoaitioa.
BaLUIOOV fABTS.
▲ bolaaoa ot part* doaa not aaoMMiily laaaa that oqoal qoaatities of
the aabjaat ahoaU bo plaaad oa aaeb sioa ot the piotore. We hare
already aotioad tbia imaatiafaetoty eSeet in the view of the roadway as
aaaa bom a aaatial poaition. A great preponderance of your sabject
may asiat ob oao aSda, aad yet be aafBeiently balanced on the other by a
greap «l flgana, aa objaol, or a maas of eitbar light or shade. Indeed,
it ia eoMMao, ia noal hndaeapa oomporitiaaa, to place a greater mass
oa ooo rida or Iba otbar, aOewiag it to slope into tba distaaec, tlia mans
being bataaaad, say, if ia a boiboar, by " shipping," or, in the ease of a
oadway, by " inimala or flgBrm," tbo afa^^piag, aaimala, or Cgnna,
alicayt holding a secondary position in reference to the amount of space
they occupy (Fig. 7).
Not only is this arrangement more pleasing in its lines, but it is
decidedly more pictutesqac in the irregularity of its parts. Another
Tory general and agreeable oomposition is that in which the greatest
mass is allowed to talw a position a little to either right or left of the
oentre, sloping towards the sides, the objects which balance it being
placed in doae proximity (Fig. 8).
nr.8.
In the infinite rariety of aspect In which natnra is presented to us,
it is obrions no code of rules could be formulated to adequately suit all
dieomstaneea, so that one's own personal judgment must be largely
reliad npon tor mlaetioii and atrangament, and, in proportion to the
aitiatle knowladga wo pomaai, so will depend the success or otherwise ot
•MiJIjAtftions.
STBOaO LlOOTS.
It must be remambarsd that brilliant light and strength of tone act
in a powerful manner on oomposition. A very small quantity of black
and white in violent oontrast will require a large amount of middle or
half-tone to subdue it and preaerre the harmony of the whole.
You will allow ma to suggest, when photographing from nature, tho
necessity of bearing in mind thoee colours which are likely to give these
strong contrasts when reduced to black and white, in order that yon may
make due allowance for their balance in your composition. I am told it
l« an excellent plan to use a piece of cobalt blue glass when selecting a
subject, as the tones can more readily be estimated by this means rather
than on tba ground glass.
392
THE BEinSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[June 17, 1893
Chut Ponn.
Do not forget there should be a chief point of interest in erery pietor*
which should at once arrest the eye, and in relation to which all other pointl
must be held subordinate. Where this " chief point " should be situated
depends very much on the character of the subject chosen, but >om«
points in a landscape are so obviously well suited for this purpose thai
they should at once be selected and decided upon. In historioal or
genre pictures the chief point of interest is not unfrequently placed in ot
near the centre, but it is by no means essential it should occupy that
position alone.
Having now determined your "chief point," yon will arrange the
residue of your subject in such a manner as shall keep up the interest ot
the whole, and present to the eye an agreeable composition. One objeet
should never be placed over another when that other is of equal size or
effect, as this, by dividing the interest, would destroy the power of both.
For the same reason two objects of the same size and interest should
never be placed so as to appear one on either side of a middle object.
One must be rendered subservient to the other to overcome this
deteriorating effect.
Propoktioss.
The proportions of pictures may vary with the general forms of the
lubject selected, but they should never be exactly square. The effect ol
height is often aided by an upright form, but its height should be
evidently more than its width. For landscapes an oblong form is most
desirable, varying in length as the prospect demands. W. D. G.
(To be continued.)
KOYAL CORNWALL POLYTECHNIC SOCIETY, FALMOUTH.
The sixtieth annual Exhibition of this Society will open at Falmouth, on
Tuesday, August 23, 1892. Medals and prizes are offered in the following
departments : — Special Exhibitions of Electrical Appliances, Mechanics,
Mineralogy and Chemistry, Fine Arts, Photograpliy, Natural History,
" Lander " Competition.
The following are the regulations for intending exhibitors in the photo-
graphic section : In all cases it must be stated whether the work is
professional or amateur, and the process of production named. All work
sent for competition must have been executed within eighteen months of
the date of this Exhibition. Cartede-visite portraits are excluded from
exhibition, except when illustrating some special process or novelty. All
enlargements for competition must be the work of the exhibitor.
Pbofessiomal. .
Medals are offered for meritorious productions in the following subjects.
Outdoor Photography.— 1. Landscape, not less than 20 by 16 inches.
2. Landscape, 12 x 10 inches and under. 3. Genre. 4. Architectural
(exterior). 5. Instantaneous, including marine. 6. Animals. 7.
Enlargements.
Indoor Photography — 1. Portraits, not less than 20 x 10 inches. 2.
Portraits, 15 x 12 inches and under. 3. Home Portraiture. 4. Still life
flowers, &c. 5. Interiors, architectural or otherwise. 6. Photo-micro-
graphs. 7. Enlargements.
Amatedr.
1. Landscapes. 2. Architectural, exterior or interior. 8. Hand-
camera work, not less than twelve examples. 4. Instantaneous, including
marine. 5. Still life. 6. Enlargements.
Photographic -ApPABATns.
With a view to offer facilities to manufacturers to bring their specialities
prominently before the public in the West of England, the Society pur-
pose this year to apportion space for photographic apparatus generally,
including the lantern and its appliances.
Further information respecting the photographic department may be
obtamed from Mr. W. Brooks, Laurel Villa, Wray Park, Reigate.
LINCOLN CAMERA CLUB EXHIBITION.
On Wednesday, June 8, the Bishop of Lincoln opened a photographic
exhibition at the Schools of Science and Art, Lincoln, which is being held
under the auspices of the local Camera Club. The display has been
got together by means of special invitations sent out to well-known
men, and the exhibits which form the nucleus of the whole have come
from the exhibition of English Art Pliotography recently held in Brussels.
The local press speaks enthusiastically of the pictures shown, most of
which are already familiar by reputation to our readers. The idea of
bringing examples ot the works of all the best known photographers to
Lincoln is duo to Mr. R. Slingsby, who wrote personally to the Brussels
exhibitors, each of whom acceded to the request for work to be for-
warded to Lincoln.
At the inaugural proceedings the Bishop of Lincoln was called upon to
open the exhibition. The Bishop lightly touched on the history of photo-
graphy, and gave an interesting and humorous account of his own experi-
ences as an amateur photographer. Proceeding, his Lardship asked the
members of the club to see if they could not put into their pictures something
of feeling, thought, mind, and souL It was wonderful what photographs
did for them. By their means they could in their own homes look npon
the wonderful architecture of Egypt, and upon the scenery of foreign
countries. The astronomical and other uses of photography were mar-
vellous. Who could estimate the moral support which a mother's
photograph had been to the lad who had gone across the seas to seek his
fortune ? Many and many a man had in his breast pocket a photograph
which had been the star of his life, and had guided him safely over the
troubled waters, and through the different temptations which beset him.
Let him, if he might, utter one word of caution. He did hope that
Society would set its face against and banish indignantly those photo-
graphs which a man would be ashamed to look upon if his wife or mother
were standing by. He held it to be a disgrace and a wrong upon art for
a man to hang upon his walls a photograph the original of which he
would be ashamed to be in the company of with his wife or sister.
Bux jBDiterial Cat)(e.
The " Fallowfibld " Cameba.
This is an emanation from the fertile brain of Mr. F. Miall, well
known as the inventor of the " Facile '" and other cameras. In devising
this camera Mr. Miall has introduced a variety of original and
ingenious mechanical expedients to secure automatic action. It is
arranged for either being used as a hand camera or for being placed
upon a stand, and it differs from the " Facile " inter alia in this
respect, that the subject can be focussed from a distance of three
feet to infinity and that the focussing can he done either by a
graduated scale or by direct observation on a ground glass the size of
the plate. The lens has an iris diaphragm which is opened or closed
from the outside, and the shutter is controlled by a brake which
enables an exposure of from two seconds to the hundredth of a second
to be given, with the option of giving a time'exposure when the sub-
ject demands it. Another prominent feature is a removable magazine,
in virtue of which when the first dozen of plates has been exposed
the receptacle containing them may be withdrawn from the camera
in full daylight and anomer magazine inserted in its place.
In these cuts are shown the " Fallowfield '' as carried in the hand,
the second view given being that of the bottom, which is uns-een by
the ordinary observer. In this, K is the arrangement for changing
the plates, the one selected for exposure being determined by moving
the index lever to any special number when plates of different degrees
of rapidity are stored ; or, of course, they may be exposed in rotation.
At the front end the movements of E and H respectively determine
the speed of the shutter and the aperture of the iris diaphragm. The
other pieces of mechanism are sulHciently obvious not to need special
description. StilJ, we may point out that D, bv pressing which the
exposure is given, enacts the further useful part'of having opened an
internal flap which shuts off all light from the plate, the terminal pare
of the pressure on D liberating the exposing shutter in the lens. By
Jime 17, 1809]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
S93
•n antomatic amngement the mere act of withdrawing the magtuine
of ezpowd platM closes it ap tecaidj against the admission of li^ht,
the act of poabiiifr in the luceeediitt magaiine equally and automati-
cally lemoTiaf; its li^ht-tifrht lid. Taara are two finders. The
oainara i« neatljr coTerad with crocodile moroeoo leather. It works
with abaolnta certainty. During the short time it has been in our
pomMion we hare exposed and tranof erred several dozens of plat«8
without experiendne an approximation to a hitch. As will have
been inferred from tbe name it is sold by Mr. Jonathan Fallowfield,
146, Charing Crow-road.
Fbom Meaars. O. * W. Wimpy, 365, Ooldhawk-road, W. (the
Rembrandt Studio), we have received apeeuaens of their trade work,
consistintr of charmingly worked-up bronuda anlaiigements, artisticallT
finuhed in black and white. In one of theae the head, a profile, is
well relieved by a sketchy floral baekgroond, which much conduces to
the fine effect. If this young firm oontinaea to issue work of equal
merit, many of the profession wHl avail themselves of their services.
The SrsAND Maoazikb for June take* us into the interior of a
sculptor's studio, and, aided by nomeroiis Oliutrations, shows us how
a sculptor works, from the franvworit foraing the support cd the day
up to the flttiaed BodaL The putUaita of celebrities, at different
tunes of tMr Eraa, embrace Sb Omsk Trvrelran, M.P., W. P.
Frith. RA., & W. Leader, X.RJL., Wm Lilr ifanbury, Sir Henry
Parkas, and Jaoqoea BlamenthaL 3Iad«ae .Vdalina Patti forms the
snbjeet of the iUuatratad interview. Tha MMfosmt is profuaely illus-
trated.
Tbb igi» Catatogne of Measn. £. * T. Underwood, of Granville-
Ktreet, Bbiriagfcam, is rich in particiilars and illustrations of the
latest and moat impnvad foraa ot cameras, shatters, tripods, and
other appaiatw mualMtafed sad introdnosd hy this booae. Tha
Catalogue slao eontaiiM tans sarrietafala kioU on tha naea of their
cameiaa, isnaes, Ac, which, being of a h%k dam, anjor a weB-marited
popolarity among {wofeasioiia] and amataor pbotognipbert.
RECENT PATENTS.
APPUCATI0H8 TOR PAnvni
Na 10,277.— "'The Cmtrol,' httag sa Isntort.! Form of Phdographle
ahattw Ibr TisM tad laitontsasousinesawa," P. BAULm.— /Marf Mum
30, USl — r-~
Na 10^SM.-"IiqH«T«l VtaaaUiac AttaebssMt to FlMtapaphia PHatiac
Now ViJti.—" IsswewsrwU la AppaiaiM (tar taUac Instsatsasens Fboto-
papUe PtetaNi.'' 6. P. C ILuHNnm.— AsM Mf il. IMl
Sq.10,SU.—»-
■«lJ<ntl,UK.
la er toaantsil with ftaotaaie or the like
by A. da Bsis-Bsjmaal W. P. TkOMfWNi.—
Vol iq,Sn— " Aa Imprersd Bmiag PaitaaiMt tat the Shatiari of Ptota-
, ifhie Usrk aUdsi sad olhsr pvpoaaL' A. J. SltrnL— Aafaif Jum S, 1892.
N'a 10,811.—" laucoraMati la Phoiognphic Laasaa sad in Appantos
«oaBMt*d Ihvewlth.^ A J. »n»Mt.—DmltdJmma S. UM,
NcL 10.0P.— 'AalwiiimaimHafbntogiapMe fliailHm Tlba HoUsn.'
& a Par.— Ztetrf /«M 4, UaSL
Ra I0,6n.— " Aa Impiowaisnt In PhateBaphv." B. Vas BSn Wiviw.—
Tfattd Jmi 4, IMl
N'a I0^7iai— " ImnmasaU ia Pbote|nphk Lmass er OMteUvH, sad In
;«fBtas eowasrtsd tharrrith.' OompWis iiis^iailiiii A. J. BrcABT.-
• '•ttd Jwat 7, IMl
S» I^TWL— "iMitwrmito Bdatiac to Photagiaphle Appaistaa." H.
No. lQ,MBu— " laiyrBvssssBls ia Anpaistw for IVImmlBf FbotanmUe
PriDls." CbtavlsU spaeUaaUoa. H. H. Kawoom.— XMsrf /mm I.USS
Nft. lObSMb— » IsMnmawato la RMsplaala* or (teas for HoidlM and Pn»-
tMttat siid Irtftrthif ia Vatatioa PMopbdIm, DmwiMi, or otbtf simikr
■rtklaiL' r. A Wamw.— ZM^ yMHTrun.
No, lObMB.— •• liawanmiali ia aad lalaUag to Chiasra THpods." Con-
plsU ifi^satlsa. 1> B. Bmtrr.—DmUd Jm* t
rS,lMl
K& lO.MX— " Aa liBMuiMBWit ia PbotSBsohr." H. Via on Waroa.-
No. 10,971.—" InsuwrsmsaU ia HoMm for Object OlaiMa aad Ua*
TabvL" Osmplsto »pa<llmttco. • J. iiwirr.— /Jotai Jwu 10, 1802.
No. 11,0IA— •• laijmiBimli la foaamrina with Pbotacraphsand Appamtas
for EsUUtiag mam.' CssiflsU spacttsaUoa. i. tH!mt.—Dtid Jim XI,
1$»2.
PATENTS COMPLETED.
Imfroved Mbthod of Obtadonq Solab Altttudib by the Ail op
ISSTASTAXBOCS PHOTOOBAFHT.
No. 10,101. Jobs Jolt, 39, Waterioo-road, Dablin, Ireland.—
May 14, 1892.
The method consists in pboUNtraphing instantaneonslf the son and hori20n so
that from measorements made snbseqaently upon the plate, the angular dis-
tance of the son and the horizon at the moment of talong the photograph can
be aseertained. I prefenbly carry oat my invention by affixing to a Hadley's
■extant a photographic aiipantns, replacing the nsual eyepiece or telescope,
which, when the moTeaUe limb of the sextant is so set that the snn and
horizon are brooght into approximate coincidence and the observer, through a
suitable sighting glass, points the instrument at the sun or horizon, uien,
upon releasing a diutter, the photograph taken of the direct and reflected
images shows the exact want of coincidence of these, and so affords a correction
which, applied to the setting of the sextant, gives the true altitude. To fix
the time of observation accurately, I may simdltaneoasly photograph the dial
of a timepiece,
iMPBOvmoins is Afpakatcs fob CBAHoraa Sbmsitisbo Platxs for
Photooraphic Cahxbab.
No. 11,728. WALtKR .KMrowD RiBSLAKB, 47, Osrrick-street, and Pktib
WBrri JOHVSOV, !>, West-road, Elm-park, Ullet-road, Liverpool, Lanca-
shire.—Jfoy 14, 1892.
This invention has refersnee to a changing bag and means for attaching the
same to the dark slide of a caaefs so that senaltised plates can be transferred
fh>m the bag to the slide, and viet mrad, and the object of the invention is to
•nsnre the bag being doatd so as to exclude all light fh>m the plate when the
latter is in the bag, and aim to provide means for attaching the bag to the
dark slide, sacb that tha plate can be readily traasftarred from the one to the
othar vitboat adniittiiu| aa j light thereto.
We provide a hag samdently wide to oontain the intended plate, but some-
what longer than the latter ; the bag is made of any suitable material which is
quite opaque to actinic light ; we'nnd waterpioof doth or thin sheet india-
rabber suitable for the pnrpoee.
We Une the interior of the mouth end of the bag with velvet, plush, or
other pile material, the lining extending a little over the edge of the plate
when the Utter is within the mk so that there may be no liability of the plate
catching the edge of the matarisl aa it is being withdrawn.
At a short diatanoe from the mouth of the nw, but between the mouth and
the adas of thef lata, we attach a strip of mstalVor other suitable matnial, to
each Of the opposit* sides of the bag. These strips are nearly as long as the
width of the oaL aad plaeed prafetably between the pile material and tha
outer mstsrial oftne bag. It will be seen that when a rubber band is stretched
roond the bag aad over the stripsL the pils material lining the bag is brought
into eloss contact, and so doaee the bag and exdudes the^ight.
In oidar to mora sfltaotaally sxdode the light, we comiisate the slips longi-
tudinally, that is to say, tha coiragations are panlld to the month of the bsg,
and they are so airaaged as to iatorlock ; and In order to stiffen the bag, we
attach a metallic frame to the bottom and two sldea. The section of the ntime
is pcateably U-sbaped, the concave side bsbig inwards ; this also serves to
pntset the edges sad oomen of the bag sgtinst wear.
nc dark suds^ whkh Us the eamen In the nsnal ynj^ and which baa an
ocdiaarr slkUagdMr to expose the piste. Is provjdsd with* rsetaoguhu' tnbe,
carmfsiad ttaasvan^, over whldi the mouth of the bag stretches, and throng
which the jdata la psased Into a gtmve in the slide, the comgations serving to
BMTS sSsetaally sxdnde the light, sad to prevsnt the bag slipping ofL
The OMde of Bsiag the bac is ss follows : —
A saaatUasd piais ia plaeal in tha bag In a dark room, and the bag dosed by
pladag a rabbsr land ovar tha strins. When It is desired to place the plate ia
the dtfk slide, the nooih of tha nag Is stretched over the cormgatol tube,
and tha rubber bead is maorsd bom over the striiM and placed round the tube
(or two rabber bands mar be naed) ; the plats la thsa traasferred from the bsg
to Its poaitiea in the dark dids aal the expoanrs made, alter which the plate
la traastend back to ibs bsg.
Tbe dsrk slide may, if damad, be fitted with groond glaaa for focoasing, said
■lass being srrsaged to move bsek to sdmit the plate ; tae dark slides may also
be auds uale or doable^ m pnMnad.
Tba moota of the bag may bs eormgatad so as to form a better ioint with
the oomgatsd tabe, SM matsHIci sprlnp msy be sabstitnted for tiie rubber
baada.
Tha pottioB of oar lutsnUoii nlatlag to tha eofnaatiag of the bag and tuba
is also sn>lic«M« to chaagtag boxes aad other devleea for changing sensitised
plataa.
iMraoTBHBRa or PonASta PBorooairHio Aptaratds ADArrxD to
_ -.^ Tak« Vikws.
TXKVJS^ WtLUAX POBO SrAXLST, 13, RaQway-approach, London
Bridge, S.E-ifay 21, 1892.
The object of my invention is to construct a camera, with its stan'l or tripod,
for taklag lane views. In so portable a manner that the whole anjiarstus may
be eaaOy eamsd by one man, also to make the caaien in a special light manner,
with aangsmaats tot enrlnslng or boxlng-np the whole of the parto Iia1>le to
•'*'**in. ao that when dossd tlw oatar parts of the camera form a box or suit-
able ease to contain the eaman, foenasing screen, and a number of ilouble dnrk
alidaa. The stand is ooastraetad so thatlt packs in a small space, with a form
of elide specially ad^itad to this camera that will not jamb or sticlc in its parts
If wsttad or exposed to damp. And aa airaagement for holding the camera
stssdy whan npoa the stand.
To carry my iaveotioa into cSaet, I oonstmct my apparatus as follows :—
The camen, a coaveaiaBt slas of which Is for carrybg pUtes IS x 12, but it
caa be sdaptad to aay alis, is formed within a case, just large enough in width
a&4
THE BRITISH JOURNAL, OF PIIGTOGRAl'fly.
June 17, 1802
and depth to cany the dark Rlides, and the thickness through is governed by
the number of dark slides to bo carried. Three is a convenient number, hold-
ing six plates. These, with the focussing serein, are placed against the back
of the case, and just in front of them a suitable frame which the dark slides or
focussing screen bear against, and the bellows body of the camera is attached.
This frame.s' comes about the centre of the case, and is fitted with a spring
piece at its ujiper part to bear against the dark slides and prevent any possi-
bility of light entering. The front portion of the case contains the fohled
bellows body and wood front for carrying the lens ; the bellows is t.apercd so
as to fold more compact, and is of oblong form, so that the lens front may be
fitted with a peep-hole or lens for focussing from the front. This neep-hole is
fitted with a suitable light-tight shutter. Tlie front of the case is hinged so as
to open down and form the baseboard of the camera, it being held in its posi-
tion by suitable metal ties which clamp by set screws running in slides upon
the sides of the case. The inside of this flap is provided with slides, in wliicli
the lens front of the bellows body moves, fitted with suitable means for clamp-
ing the lens front to focus in any desired position.
The top of the case is hinged at the back part so as to open for changing
and operating the dark slides. The dark slides are made as light as possiole,
and provided preferably with \-ulcanite shutters. The focussing screen is
preferably formed by stretching a sheet of drawing paper on a suitable frame.
Siiace is left at the back of the case behind the dark slides to contain the
shutter of a dark slide when it is removed for taking a photograph. Suitable
arrangements are made in the bottom and one side of the case for attaching to
the stand for either portrait or landscape views, and locks, citchcs, and other
fastenings are provided for keeping the hinged flaps closed to bo.'; up the
instrument when out of use.
The stand is made of a usual sliding form, with either one, two, or three
slides, and as light as possible consistent with strength, but with the following
essential diifereuce, that, as hitherto all sliding camera-stands have been made
to slide by means of square grooves on each side of one piece and square pro-
jections upon the other, so that if the wood gets swollen at all by wet or damp
the slides jamb or stick, thus causing a considerable amount of inconvenience
to the user, with this improved stand, instead of making square grooves and
square pieces to slide in them, I make the grooves and sliding-pieces V shape,
and provide a suitable clamping arrangement round the legs, so that by
slackening back the clamping screws the sides are perfectly free to run easily,
and, when in any desired position, they are clamped with greater rigidity by
means of the clamping arrangement. " The clamps are preferably made by
bands of metal encircling the lower part of each section, provided with a suit-
able screw arrangement at one side, by which the legs are clamped together.
By this arrangement it will be seen that the slightest turn of the clamping
screws will cause the slides to fit quite tight, or, by release, be perfectly free,
no matter whether the wood is swollen by wet or not.
The steadying arrangement is made as follows. In any suitable position
npon the camera, preferably on the large flap that opens down, forming the
base, a stud is affixed, and round this stud a cord passes to two suitable spikes,
preferably fitted with handles, by which they are pressed into the ground, and
the cord is provided with an arrangement for adjustment, preferably similar,
but on a small scale, to that used for tent ropes ; the cord runs through eyes
in the handles of the spikes, so that no other fastening is necessary, and is
tightened up by the above described means, thus forming a stay in two ways
from the camera to the ground, to prevent the efl'ect of wind upon the camera.
The whole of the camera and fittings is provided with a suitable waterproof
canvas case, which is coustructed to be carried knapsack fashion upon the back
of a person, the said case being also fitted with a suitable handle for carrying
by h.and if desired.
Various modifications may be made, and any suitable materials used.
iHeetmsg of Ibocfettejs*
* —
MEETINGS OP SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK.
Date of Heeting.
Name of Society.
ilane 20 Dundee Amateur .
20 Hastings and St. Leonards .
20 Leeds (Technical)
20 South Loudon
21 North London
21 Oiford Photo. Society .
21 Sonthport
22 Photographic Club
33 1 Birmingham
23 i Hackney
23 1 Ireland
23 London and Provincial .
23 1 Oldham
24 1 Cardiff
2i..
24..
24..
24..
24.,
Holbom
Maidstone
Richmond
Swansea
West London..
Place of Meeting.
Asso. Studio, Nethergate, Dundee.
Mechanics' Institute, Leeds.
Hanover Hall, Hanover-park, S.E.
Wellington Hall, Islintrton, N.
Society's Rooms, 136, High-street.
Shaftesbury -bnildinfrs.Eastbank.st.
Anderton'8"HoteI.Fleet-street,E.C.
Lecture Room, MidLind Institute.
Morley Hall, Triangle, Hackney.
Rooms, 15, Dawson-atroet, Dublin.
Champion Hotel, 15, Alderao'ate-st.
The Lyceum, Umon-atreet,01dham.
" The Palace," Maidstone.
Greyhound Hotel, Richmond.
Tenby Hotel, Swansea.
Ohiflwick School of Art, Chiswick,
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN.
Junk 14th. — Ordinary Meeting. — The President (Captain W. de W Abnev
C.B., F.R.S.) in the chair. '''
Mr. H. A. Lawrance was elected a member, and six other gentlemen were
nominated for membership.
It was announced that the Madras, Putney, and Saltbnm-by-the-Sea Photo-
graphic Societies, and the Cleveland Camera Club had been admitted to aflilia-
tion of the Society,
Obthochbomatic Photooeatht.
Dr. J. J. AcwoKTH, Ph.D., F.I.C., F.C.S., read a paper on OrlhochronuUic
Photography, in which, after saying that he proposed to confine himself to a
few scientific facts, and digressions therefrom, he described the uses of the
spectroscope in observing and photogi-aphing absorption bands of various dyes,
dj-ed emulsions, &o. One class or series of dyes was more particularly used for
orthochromatising than any other — the so-called eosine series. For yellow
sensitising one dye had hitherto been preferred, as it gave less slowing action in
the blue, and thatatetra-iodo, fluoresceine, orerj-throsine; for green, uranine,
or the soda salt of fluoresceine now commercially used ; for orange, red quino-
line blue or cyanine is employed. Dr. Vogel's secret "azaline," for red sensi-
tising, was composed of quinoline red, with a smaller proportion of quinoline
blue (cyanine).
He had no doubt that, although one or two of the so-called eosine group of
dyes were now mostly used in orthochromatic photography, other dyes were
equally or even more suitable. Even now they had the rhodamin series of dyes
quite outside the eosine group ; but he was somewhat doubtful if, after all,
dyeing a plate was anything like a perfect method of making it more sensitive
to the less refrangible rays of the spectrum. Captain Abney had shoivn how
bromide of silver can be made sen.'*itive to the red and even ultra-red rays, and
this without any addition of dye. Certain brands of plates possess far greater
yellow sensitiveness than others did, they but work with the idea of making un-
dyed bromide of silver yellow sensitive instead of blue sensitive. A solution of
erythrosine added to a gelatino-bromide emulsion instantly made it sensitive to
the yellow rays. By ailding ammonia the sensitiveness to the yellow rays was
no more increased than was its sensitiveness to the other parts of the spectrum.
Adding some erythrosine — in fact, a very minute trace — to some more of the
same emulsion, and then some silver nitrate, they got a combination between
the silver and the dyed emulsion, and this caused the emulsion to become far
more sensitive to the yellow rays, and, in fact, far more sensitive to all the
other spectral regions of the less refrangible end.
In connexion with orthochromatic photography he mentioned the names of
three workers — Dr. Eder, Dr. Vogel of Berlin, and Mr. Clayton, an ortho-
chromatic plate-maker of Paris. The latter two had one thing in common —
they were patentees of orthochromatic methods. The Tailfer and Clayton
patent, January, 1883, claimed the use of ammonia in conjunction with the
dye because ' ' eosine gives no result unless it is introduced with ammonia as a
vehicle. " This was an assertion absurd and contrary to fact, as mentioned by Mr.
Bedford a year ago. It was the combined use of ammonia with eosine that formed
the essential feature of the patent. It says to every 100 grammes of emulsion
you must add one gramme of dye. This is what he did to a certain extent. This
dyed emulsion po.ssesses a greatly reduced sensitiveness to the blue rays, about
one-third or a quarter of the original, whilst the yellow .sensitiveness is very
high, and equally so whether ammonia be present or not. Of course, they were
aware that plates are not, nor could be, prepared in such a manner, the
enormous quantity of the dye aloue greatly interfering with the practical work-
ing of the plate. Another point worthy of notice was, that as most of the
gelatino-bromide plates were prepared by means of ammonia, this patent, if it
could be maintained, would have the consequence, when eosine dyes were
present, of preventing the preparation of plates by the usual method of making^
emulsion, which to his mind seemed extraordinary, to say the least.
Professor Vogel's jiatent appeared to his mind as the only real patent of any
commercial or practical value that ha-s ever been taken out for the manu-
facture of ortliocliroinatic plates. Its essential feature or claim is the combina-
tion of the dye with silver, or formation of eoside of silver. All orthochromatic
plates to-day were, he believed, made under this patent. In the case of
Vogel's patent we can use, instead of a large amount of dye, merely a few
milligrames, these few milligrammes giving an effect infinitely so superior to
that obtaiiieil with the larger amouut of (lye that we can no longer compare
them. They had heard a good deal of discussion about optical and chemical
sensitising. He thought it was becoming recognised that Tailfer's method
should be described as optical sensitising, and Vogel's chemical sensitising,
the latter giving far superior results to the former. This patent had already
lapsed for nearly a year. To prove that orthochromatic plates are maiie
according to Vogel's eoside of silver process, they h«4 a»Iy to treat a plate
with a solution of potassium bromide, which would to .all intents and purposes
deorthochromatise it. The practical orthochromatisatiou of a whole plate may be
destroyed by a single milligramme of potassium bromide. Potassium bromide
is usually added to emulsions to cause thera to keep, so you can understand
the reason why orthochromatic plates are supposed to deteriorate so much
more quickly than ordinary plates.
The following results of experiments bore on optical and chemical sensitising.
Nos. I., 11., and III. were separate emulsions, each containing 30 c.c of
ripened emulsion and '05 gramme erythrosine.
To I. added nothing ; to II. added" ■():> gramme AgNO, ; to III. added '5 c.c.
AmHO. Tested wet in the spectroscope.
No. I. showed a small band of yellow sensitiveness.
No. II. showed a vastly increased sensitiveness to yellow (eight to ten times
greater), and the band of sensitiveness now stretches without a break, though
of course, of reduced intensity, through the green right away to the blue violet.
No. III. General sensitiveness to the whole spectrum was increased, but
sensitiveness to the less refrangible end did not appear any more increased than
does sensitiveness to the more refrangible end
No. IV. To 30 c.c. of emulsion -010 gramme of erythrosine and AgNO^ sufli-
cient to ibnn erythroside of silver was added. In this case the maximum
efiect in the yellow was attained, and practically little, if any, loss of blue-
violet sensitiveness. From this it was obvious that large quantities of the dye
were superfluous and injurious. The maximum efl'ect could be obtained by
using far less than even this latter amount, for he found that 1 mgr. or even
•5 mgr. of erj-throsine to 30 c.c. of bromide emulsion would, if the dye be per-
fectly associated with silver, still give a maximum efl'ect in the yellow.
He had also tried the combination of uranine and erythrosine, and with satis-
factory results, as the following exjieriment showed : —
To 30 c.c. of emulsion he added -030 gramme uranine and '05 gramme of
Ag NO3. This gave a splendid band in the green. A small quantity of
erythrosine — say 1 mgr. — did not seem to give a good result in the yellow ; but
June 17, 18625
when the tmaat wm iacnaMd to MO agr., yellow MnxitiveDess mu ob-
tainod. H« flutlMr nuda a imaio-crythrauiia ramljaon, conUintng -080
gnauM of vmnin and .015 erythitMiiMv tli* wimViinn oontainiog silnr aqiul
to i ffiwiTM of nitnta and laJfidcat ttia lilTar to eomtijiM with the dya. To
a noctioa of nch emolaion potaadnm bmnide waa added.
Tka ■omial anaia-erytkronM djad — hinii gare a cnrre of eemitiTaneu
aiaiiar to No. I. That to which a onallpartiaa of bromide waiad<led, a cuire
^■Bv to No. n. It will hen be aeen that jrellow-gnan teneitiTeoees has
Imh mthr daiiteciatcd in ooapariMB with that of blue eeoeitiTeaMa— in {act,
tkt amnMnn was practicallT dearthofhromatiwl. A plate coated with the
Bcnal cmaUon. and tnated sabaeqMBtlr with potaesiom bromide, producetl
• riaiilar dactndatioa of Tellow-gnea MDUtinBeaL
M. UoB Vidal aaid in Ytaoca Tery fnr platas wen sold made bgr the Tailfer-
ClajtMproeeai, which was woriced aataly bj the Datentaa, thoe plates being
of a qnaUT moeh infviar to thoaa made by the baioas firm of Lomiire, of
Lyons. The plates of thi< latter firm, which were so much esteemed in France,
wen made in a manner gnite dilTereat from that of Tailfer-Clajton, and were
fiyd in two aerks, the one ianiitin to tha 7eUow.green njt and the other
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PflOTOaRAJ'HY.
395
llna^ the eamtmrol
Diatea fcr tartiK. Whaa
of Ma
LnmUre, he had
swrtite to the red.
oirad soma of than platea Ibr tartiK Whaa examined roeeteoecopicallT,
tha TcHow acaaitiTe pbtea ihow a haad of senaitiTanaaa similar to that when
«t]rthioaiBa is need. ThoasaaiaitiTetoiadthowabaadof sensitising action in
tM nd. Both BR nmatkably fias and clam wotUag pbtaa. IL Jiasaodier,
«t Fkria, also maksa crthochnoatie Sbm hj anotbar rfni— The wall-known
liB of Dr. XaaekboToi, of Chant, alM aakai atthochrooatie plat« br a
IMtmm whidi ha Jiaa hinaelf eUbantad. U. VUal aajra that t£e so-c^lad
{tataot has hindand any adtanea of ottheehromatie pholoenphy in France,
until a Irw hl^-«Iaas flrai^ inmrn^mg both intdligcaca and enterprise, hare
— ' -'"' tka jBtSBt, aad worfcad ovt snmatMag better withoot it
For irlwtllf yiiniuaw ha had nada platas saaattiT^ pnetkallT, to all the
ray* of the qieetnuL For this ptmaaa ha «sad tinctora of Jaboraodi, and
aiad tha tiaetura in eemWnatlon wltk lAvcr aitnto and ammonia in the
eiaiMea. Of eooiae, chloroobTll waa tts dUaf ooloar ■TTJtttar hei«. The
reaolts w««, howerar, aomewW aaeartaia, aad tha plataa kept badly. With
thaaa platM^ '^'****5> ^ ^^""Vf^ tha aeiw speetnua, aad obtaiaad tha
to H, aad bayond the
eoDoiUon work la Oanaaay,
>-broadda wwk, aal
wU^ dapcadad oa
. Mr, OB tha pndoni-
flftbal^^L Atthatenaiaattoo
pfcalnpaph d tba Baaa from A m tha lid light away
^taMaalhaaaaBlaaaL
Omrlaithit, he toaehad apoa orthnthrwaHi eoIlo<lii
aMek ha theagkt dkappoiatiag oo»paiad with gehUao-bi
BAka or tha aaa ef tba eoloond aeraaa, tte aiiMJli for wh
thaialalliiMBitttwaaaacCthaplatotaMwMaaaad nllo«.
photogra^y b^ Or. Vonl
iaribaHMMl,MdM«*
of tba panr, ha Aovaa aaaaalaa of
prodaead by arfag piatat •eaMtbad Ibr tba dUkrat eoloan, the e«Aoan
collotypa prlat U&g dataralaad bj tboM of tha aoliri«:t Dr. Vogal said
thanwaaaaaataalla Owaay fcr artbaabwath phntognmhy. wflab waa
aa MMiia «f WatMhoMir* warfc, aad ttmfaalbM* waa ao iavaaito ia tt.
naWaf wHtbama tba Ihn Ilia, ba—aaAtbaaitoaaatd legal
qumtttm. Ha Aaald lala qaaataaa aa to Brtwt i<gbto gat of eedsr. They
asaa eaadas tbaaiiNaa to tba setaatiiaMd arttOe sMaaof thanUaet, as
tbaykalqattaaaflaiMttodiMaawttboMaaUag thsMairaa a MBaU eoart
of law.
Dr. O. LoHAf Joaaoa aritad for hlhnaatfaa aa to bow Iom orth»-
alML aaa aajr saiM IM
Mr. J. BraxaB arid that iHbia^ tba aal#aat waa aet aaw, ba Mt gnat
iirtaraatlait Dr. AcwartkbaddaaawtMtrMdwaUlBMMlMltbritanlba
aiMhsn at that gaalaty la a traa. trimMkt tftrifL AmwanoMartwo
dataOa la tba pifar as to wyab ha *«• taitoad to jota haaa wiU Dr. Aeworth.
~1n* at teo|Mal Md ibwriori tm^Umm. Wentbey really aotaaa aad tba
aattlag? Ih'. A««wtbbadaMaltaaadthat,hytha MaUeatieaoraamall
aatity ef dya. addlag at tba atM tiaM a aailaia propartte of ribar alirata,
• aanlrioa aoald ba artboatiiwilliil witb a aaab iiaillir iniiniil of
■M». AtflntiMttbiawnaaTCnrlmaitaataliplatbadiNetlaa
. _ t: bat«adU OkiAawaitbaaaarttbatalalMaripHadthIa wayhad
■.nr a— aaat naaWHail Waa it anadhla that pMai vltb fria aUrer
traia woold ka«« ? Tka, wbaa arytbraalaa caaa Into eeataal wItb braailda
f filaai; a ehaoikal rbaay occanad by tba tatewhaaga af braataa aad
-liaa^wMab waaoaaalMtrilbtaC Tba fcrtUariaaettoa. Ag a+Klm
^i UK a Atmti, irtHtiKHg ftbiailai or diiitiiiih, that a daiga
I la Iba Bati aad anrtbnaiaa waa BO bagar
tba todiaa bad gone to the silver.
r to tint tba dim, hut whether
tba adztara at a
bay atad erythroaiaa aa a ahapia dy% W
; waa aaad la that tola, «r tiat to^Maid with eUnr. aa Vamd woald
ad,lteaBMtotbaaiM tbt^la IbatML IWa wm a iCrp Haa
ayynilaadtbawlcali litil i ^ * i> latba httar. daioaipoaMaa
Mr. W. K. Dia— >■ aaid that Dr. Aewailb baiT taid tbaa that a raall
,naatttT itf hiiialili nf |rirtaailaai ina tiflaliat In daratbmibiiaiialha a plataL
hatwatatbaatialiltMqtbar tbaa aitba«bi«Mlia iwaltlwt. tut aadtwitit
anttMlMtotlartwttb.aataiadawttbthaaMnlaMttaartoottidaf Otb»wli^
tbar waald ha daatttaAnMlltad at oaaa With ttami to Kr. Mller-t
•ImMm^ dM tba iadka fi ••« to tato MUa of i<H«r aaweiatad wWkMBa
«a«|dtB(adyarariBBtofaliariBBibedyl HIa owa atparltiaBta fkUy eon-
d»»adPr. Ae— tb'a wadiiaat thrt tainiiBli wia aet fat tba tltahtatt dma
iSadtoil wilb III iiiililplitia. 'ITrmf A< riT«1i1*tbit!mL irrBhSi?
aad the laaM ililiMiit, It wat saipiWag to lad tha atatttioa dtpaadad
vpoo iaaay wivthat arythfoalaa wUboat aoaoala la aaalaat la an aauUoa.
ordoaaaatptifciiltofknafceC As to tba afltat la eoOodka, bafaaadlt
■aab Iba —a ■ aUb giltttti plataa. Tha ptaha whkk dtowtd tba baat
•*<da wllbott a ta«« van tbeaa prnatad wItb agOoaoiL »ilbi>iitaa
t of dowiw
slowedrl^?SX^'a:^u;!(i:'^" ""^"^ ''^'"* '°" times/only
U^ar-y^^^^^Xt^!^ Dr Vogel-s axalin. in his hands for the
astoDr^Jl bS^ ™i nf^f •'ii; V°^'^ matt«rthat had been menUoned,
Usiw b^mXofri^Lf^t.f u ^ ^^^ "Periment" with orthochromr-
he (Dr AcWthi n«Sl^ i ""' }? W^ed to use the Eiiwi quantity, but
for aU pi»cUcal nnnlSL »f F^H?' o ',?* ?Pe«l"n« ot, which was absurd
diaaoeiated fh>m th« h^ it--^? "" , doubted whether iodine was
AcwwthrcoSZot Lv nJX^A " ".HgSMted by Mr. SpUler, but be (Dr.
of dyTd^radrf blTe s^v^lT^^^I ""f ^V **de ; a I«^ amount
w«d^to ?h^cJru<^on"lirt^°i^'iier^'' '^'**'^^''"' '^ ~"°^°°
orSiiSSSJrt^StS'whi^ i^*" m'7u*'~ P°'"t» - to *•>• 'V^^" °'
Seat^S^I.to!ta X i^w''.*,*"."''^ l''"'^ «f"- M"y people ^^ the
Srst»aMoK»„u2^n'''"',5'^u*=^'^"'= q»»Utie4Tut remained
SrooSac^Uu^^eiDS!^.^*! *?'^'^ ^' v*" ''»'"' *'«*»'" » good ortho-
'^Jp^s^z ^:w.vaL't?u^ ' ^'" ""^ • '^■"'' '""-«»
Dr Ac«S?^; I" '**'^ ^. «>l»<»-«on £d moring a vote of thanks to
«.h£rShoJttSlld'=^' ."•? «»'' ttgardinf *the laqp quanUt, of
JnS?i^-to«^??^.u^ *. '°^"*« q-JMUty of^oiuing litti. his iwn
Sr~Sd7I?thJfZ^„M '^Pift." «*«iion, and wash oJt as mudi as ever
mnin. .«— -Sk , ""'T** »' ^^ Camart Oub some time aga Using
«^»*to*a«mada a remark which recalled i' eip«Sent of his (the
uSniiin^J^'.^T" "S"-. ^e" ^- VogelTiat gave them 'the
aSS««illf2!2°^w' ■" "^ t*"' •»• C^e PTMSmt) coSd not get an
mSi2Mi^jr.!!?^'^"'*f'*"°''»x)mideooiUirbe<Sthochromatised.
Utod^SlSSf t& »«• «k» ocwhiaatlon between erythiosiBe and cjanine,
iSu ^S^^L^ZJ^'^ "^ """O^ »' the tpectkm (torn beginiing to
~.^*»°°g«'° awelopmaat gave good reeolU iTto opUcal anf chemical
een«.!So.<L: ^5!3"'' !^ '■'^ 1"^'« the "vane view of Dr. Vogel, who
5S^wC«Si^!.^SS?'* ""•^ ^- ^'-VJ "Jd that an opUcal ^n^tiser
I*L*^.w'ji??^'K°»^'»«°^"'* There wasacru^ezperiment
IrettaI^l5f5"J5L?.'"^'?V *''• 8piU" "f«red to took placT Pujt.
SgZySg*-!?! flaartaeent. jnd if the comT>ination occur^ld, theygot eosine,
SSJX5?.5!S!!!?*- H«l»«nrf that double Oeoompdeitioa took placed
SSr?lT^^!3l5P^«*'*'»^ M. Vidal h«lthoiihtorthochix.Snatlo
SuhhtoT ^.££^^**** I*ot«f>»l*y. tnd h« (the President) s«r«ad
1^^^ rl^i*^* ttliaetptt wartSteSmEtod. They should use a feJlictor
instead of a telaaeope^ aad they would get better imalti.
PBoro-TacmncAL Kdccatioh " at Hohi akd Abroad."
Mr. K. H. FAMon read a paper on this subject, beginning by saying that in
Horamber Ust Mr. Waracrke, a magtbar of the CouncU of Uie Society, road a
paper entitled Photo-Tteknieal S*temHtm <m the ContimaU of Europe, and
therein aaid :— "Plitt of all, he woald oiw th» mum wAy (Ac Council had
asked him to i«d each a pqnr : IT* JM no MbMMwtent in thu country
wWe* yaw lajfrweCmi im mitttc ttrknicai *i»ieaHBm.''—rid» Thi Bbitish
JoiTMAi, ow TrnmamATWi, November 12, 1891. Mr Farnu r laid this sute-
meat aad ita atndvaleat, by word, and a gr«at deal n nee, had gone
foeth tothepnbUe preea bj tha authority of the Cou ihority which,
aa the rtpraMiatoliva of tha Photogmphie Hociety of Greai iiniain, is, in name
at least, tha higbaat anthority on pbotognphic mattan in England. Ho
wished to aav that, hewavir mach it might coaoem him penonally as a public
«>Mh<r of photo-taehaobinr. ba wiihad to sink his own identity and to appear
kbam aa tha cOdai movtbplaoe of the Polytacbnic. The force of this
— "*"' * aoold ooly ba ftally apprtoiattd by taking into coosidera-
awfalab lad to iU being andtL Tha Cooncil decided that a
H» ■Mill III t, oaa of whoea chief fnetjona would be pboto-tecluical
inhwld ba promttd la Urndoa oadar the management of this
" n^i ^ a wodtar la tba eaaaa of British pbotogiapby, he wss glad to
weliiJoaM tba n«apaet of tha aaw pbotoeraphic iastltate. But while tha
Conadl eommtttioned their agtot to tour the Coolincnt of Europe and surrey
the photographic ichools, laiga aad small, which an there to be found in con-
Jna^iea with polytachniet aad taohaleal tehoola, they not only neglected to
iBoantottba tehoola already axlatti^ In Kmland in connexion with similar
atUbUibBtBta, bnt, on tha eoalnry, allowed their representative to sUte,
aad tha public to infer, that then were none. It was not bis intention to
disena the scheme of the propotad institute, although, at all times, he would
feel the ntmoat deaira to do all ha oonld to promote so excellent an object ; but
it was hU doty to lay hefcn than a britf fdmai/ of the facU he had been able
to compile la eOBpuiag Um Costiaaatal schools with the work of the Poly-
technic la maktag Uut ooaiparison, he did not wish to disparage in any way
those Institntioaa on the Conunant, The salient points of comparison m the
396
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[June 17, 1892
variona scliools were these :— I. The buildings, appliances, and endowment
fnnds. II. The fees paid by students. III. The code of instruction. IV.
The number of students. V. The results of the teaching. ,,,,„, , ,
Mr. Fanner then gave a history and description of the Polytechnic School of
Photoeraphy, comparing it with the Continental schools, and concluded;
" I hiwe said enough, I hope, to show that we Jmvc establishments in England
where photographic technical instruction can be obtained, and I believe that
any unbiassed inquiry into both will prove that whether ' the number of the
students ' the degree of advaneement to which the instrnotion is carried, 'or
the results of the instruction,' be taken in comparison, the work of our school
at the Polytechnic will compare most favourably with that done m any school
on the Continent. In view of the facts I have laid before you, I trust your
Council will see the advisability of publicly removing, in no half-hearted or
nlgrardly manner, the stigma they so unwarrantably cast upon English photo-
eraphic education, and on our school in particular ; and as I understand that
tilia is the last meeting of the Society this session, I would point out that any-
thing they intend douig must be done at once."
Mr. W. S. Bird regretted Mr. Wamerke's statement did not cover the whole
of the ground. The Polytechnic School could have brought it to the notice of
the Council. The statement did not appear in their own journal. He was sure
there was no intention to do any harm.
Mr. W. Bedford said there was one thing to be borne in mind as to the un-
fortunate remark which Mr. Wamerke was reported to have made, and that
was, Mr. Wamerke had no mission to go abroad ; he was simply asked to
read a paper. The sentence did not appear in their own .journal, so that,
perhaps, on second thoughts, he saw the remark was not justified.
Mr. Debbnham thought Mr. Farmer had misconceived the position. Mr.
■Wamerke did not represent the Council ; things might be represented in the
paper over which they had no control.
Mr. T. Sebastian Davis believed that on the occasion in question Mr.
Wamerke's point was that there was no society or institution supported by
Government in which the subject of photography was taught, and he thought
that was the general impression. He was sure they were all pleased to hear
Mr. Farmer's excellent description of the Polytechnic Institution, which was
conducted without Government aid.
Mr. CuFT believed Mr. Wamerke had the subject of photo-mechanical
printing in his mind. There was no school whatever in this country, and the
proper workers could not be had in England.
Mr. T. R. Dallmeyek thought most of them understood Mr. Wamerke to
have that meaning. M. Lc-on Vidal had recently assured him (Mr. Dallmeyer)
that we were behind France and Germany in respect of photo-mechanical
work.
Air. Andrew Ppingle agreed with the views of the preceding speakers, and
said he thought the business of the Polytechnic Institution was with Mr.
Wamerke personally rather than with the Society. There was no such state-
ment as Mr. Farmer complained of in their official transactions. It had only
been reported in The British Journal of Photography. Mr. Famier
had misunderstood Mr. Warnerke, and should have applied to Mr. Warnerke for
assistance.
After some further discussion, Mr. Farmer replied.
The President, in closing the discussion, said the Society was sorry if, by
any means, it had given countenance to the idea that it had slighted the Poly-
technic. Nobody knew more than he did regarding the amount of instruction
given there, and he liad reason to believe that every word Mr. Farmer said was
absolutely correct. He had been E.\-aminer of the City and Guilds Institute
for .some time, and he was perfectly ignorant where the papers came from, but
he found that the Polytechnic was generally to the fore. Photo-mechanical
process work was a fixed idea in Mr. Warnerke's brain, and he (the President)
was perfectly certain that when Mr. Warnerke was making his introductory
remarks, he was thinking of instruction in photo-mechanical printing. He
(the President) might have taken objection to the remarks, as there was a photo-
mechanical printing establishment at Chatham, of which he (the President)
was the founder ; but it never struck him as haviug any bearing on the case.
He asked them to show, by their applause, that there was not the slightest
intention in any way, on Mr. Wamerke's part, in his introductory remarks, to
slight the Polytechnic, and that they regretted it for him and for themselves.
Mr. Farmer having been duly applauded, the meeting terminated.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
June 9,— Mr. T. E. Freshwater, F.R.M.S., in the chair.
Mr. A. E. Smith, of 90, Queen-street, Cheapside, was elected a member.
Progress of the Affiliation Scheme.
The Hon. Secretary read a communication from the Photographic Society
of Great Britain, stating that proofs of the papers read before the Society
would be available for the affiliated societies, before whom, also, Mr. W. E.
Debenham was willing to lecture. Members of affiliated societies would .at the
forthcoming exhibition be entitled to a remission of half the charges for wall
space and on the tickets of admission. Tlie following societies had placed their
dark rooms at the disposal of members of affiliated societies : — Southsea,
Oxford, Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, Darlington, Dorset, North Kent, and the
Photographic Society of Great Britain.
EoGS and Sensitiveness.
Mr. W. H. Harrison quoted a statement of Hunt, that in albumenising paper
more sensitive results were got with the albumen from ducks' eggs than from
hens', and still more from that of the eggs of geese. The albumen of the eggs
of birds of prey was said to increase sensitiveness. Was there any truth in the
statement ?
Mr. W. E. Debenham said they were so accustomed to hear these statements
as to greater sensitiveness, that he thought they might disregard the whole lot.
He thought tliere was little difference in the sensitiveness of any albumenised
or gelatine papers.
Coloured Foo.
Mr. J. E. Smith exhibited a negative developed with hydroquinone followed
by pyro-ammonia, in which green, red, and yellow fog were visible.
Mr. A. Cowan said the coloured fog was produced by the combination of
hydroquinone with ammonia.
Mr. W. E. Debenham observed that the complementary colours of the fog
were visible by transmitted light.
The Yellow Screen. \
Mr. P. Everett exhibited two negatives of the same subject, one exposed '
with, and the other without a screen, on Ilford medium plates. The exposure
with the screen was increased three times. He had tested the screen with
albumenised paper, printing to the same tint with and without the yellow
screen. The screened negative was in all respects superior.
Mr. Debenham had found that with a pile yellow glass and an ordinary
plate he had to give four times ; but with an erythrosine plate only twice the
exposure. Deep yellow increased the exposure with an ordinary plate twenty,
and with an erythrosine plate five times. He had used Edwards', Ilford, and
plates of his own preparation. He thought Mr. Everett -ivrong in his ratios.
Mr. J. S. Teape asked if Mr. Everett had been guided in the development
by the screened negative, as it seemed to him that the unscreened picture was
not developed enough ?
Mr. Eveeett replied that development of both pictures was simultaneous,
and pointed out that halation was about equal in each case.
The date of the annual general meeting was altered from June 23rd to the
30th.
North London Photographlo Society.— June 7, Mr. J. Traill Taylor (Presi-
dent) in the chair.— The members of this Society (and a goodly number of
visitors) met on the above evening to hear a discourse by Mr. Redmond Barrett
on Retouching. Dealing with the ethics of the art, both from an artistic and
a commercial point of view. Mr. Barrett pointed out the purpose of retouching,
and described very clearly what should be done and what left undone, inter-
spersing his remarks by severiil amusing anecdotes of personal experiences, and
illustrating them by a considerable number of specimens of different classes of
work. Mr. Barrett, as was to be expected, dealt with his subject in a thoroughly
practical manner throughout, and was highly successful in establishing his
possession of a perfect command of all the niceties of his art, as well as in
conveying a mass of valuable, instructive hints thereon to his audience. In
conclusion, he promised to give the Society another evening later in the season,
for the purpose of actual demonstration upon a number of negatives to be pro-
vided for the purpose. A conversation followed, and a cordial vote of thanks
to Mr. Barrett concluded the meeting. Next meeting, June 21, Mr. J. Traill
Taylor on Photographic Lenses. Ancient and modern visitors are cordially
invited.
North Middlesex Photographic Society. — June 1-3, Mr. Stanley Barnard in
the chair. Two new members were elected, and one nominated for election.
Mr. F. E. Jones gave a demonstration on the Platinotype Company's new cold-
bath process. He developed prints from hard and soft negatives, and having pur-
posely obtained air bubbles on the surface of a print, showed that they disap-
peared before completion of development. The points he emphasised were : —
That the new process is suitable for use with softer negatives than the hot-bath
process, and if a negative gave hard prints, it would be advantageous to over-
print and develop on a weak bath. No thermometer or special dish is
necessary. In printing it would usually be found desirable to print until
detail is visible in all but the highest lights. Paper which had been properly
stored for some time would give more half-tone than newly coated paper. The
developer is made by dissolving half a pound of developing salts in forty-eight
ounces of water. About fifteen seconds' floating is nece-ssary, or longer if there
are heavy blacks in the print, or the shadows may be rusty and granular. The-
used developer should not be kept in a strong light. Mr. Jones answered a
number of questions, and stated that an under-exposed ijrint might, in some
cases, be saved by slightly heating the developer. A vote of thanks was-
accorded to thelecturer. Messrs. Houghton & Sons exhibited tlieir hand camera,
explaining the action of all the parts. The remainder of the evening was
devoted to technical matters arising from questions found in the box. The
usual competitions of views taken at recent field-days were held, that for
Sewardstone showing the largest number of entries. The vote of merit was
won by Mr. H. Smith. The next meeting will be held on June 27, when
Mr. F. Tennant will take the chair, and celluloid films will be the subject of
discussion. Visitors will be welcome.
Holborn Camera Club.— June 10, Mr. A. Horsley Hinton (President) in
the cliair. — Mr. E. Clifton gave a lecture on Developing in Practice, dealing
only with development by pyro. He dealt first with the d.ark room. The
most important thing was the light, and daylight should be dispensed with,
having oil or gas as the source of light. The next most important point was
cleanliness. Many of the mysterious marks and streaks on the plates were
due to a dirty and sloppy bench. With regard to developing, Mr. Clifton
said the preliminary soaking of the plate in water before developing was no
great advantage, and gave rise to air bubbles. The best developer for amateurs
who had to develop plates exposed on various subjects was pyro-ammonia,
using the various ingredients in teu per cent, solutions. For portrait work the
soda developer was the best. He had found that the general fault with
amateurs was under-developmeut. The plate was not sufficiently developed
until the image seemed to be disappearing from tlie plate, and, on turning it
over, the high lights were showing through the bromide. It was better to-
carry the development too far and then to reduce than to under-develop and
intensify. The inrtuence of the temperature on the developer was very great
on the density and brilliance of the negative. In the summer tlie alkali-
should be reduced. A very good cure for green iog was to immerse the plate
in a weak solution of bichloride of mercury for a very short time. This solu-
tion would also get rid of metallic lustre, sometimes seen round the edges oC"
stale plates.
Jane 17, 1883]
THE BKinSH JOUBNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
397
BsckiMjr Fbetogn^iUc BoeU^.— Jon* 9, Hi. W. P. Dando in the chair.—
-' th* BuiMt pUte wen distribatoL Tbe Box. Sicbrabt nmlndcd
at aftar thia month Baat^y would b« held ararr Taasday at 806,
Vr. DbaH aakad how it waa h« had been troatded with ailTeriog
oatie piataa I Mr. BEOcnT laid it waa probably due to
T«!ate, ortheftnnaaofKuhaTingoome to them. HeadTiied
' -T and methylatad ifiait, which wonld remoTa lilTering.
vtad takan a riaw in Bj^piag Fteaat last Wadneaday aa
-a, with /-44, and gave a twimty aaconda expoanie, and
y carefully. The tnbject waa a Tery daric one. Ur.
' :ra taken in the Foraat, in which ha had giren orer
rer ona-ajnata azposcre, the trees being moring
'>wadaai»^hatazpaaiaa of tennis plaTaia. Mr.
nleroaeopHd work done on the Imperial platea,
. Mr. Hniux aaked which waa tbe best
It waa said that a alow ezpoann later in
■ -ry rapid azpoanra waa naaantial. Mr.
laaaea, 3i»gU r. lU^id JUetUimear,
:^e lesaea whan thay ware good, bat
'ladaaapedality of tMm. He
folly, aiM handed round aeraral
'«a of nine, twdre, and Oftaan-
rabject then tnniad to a dia-
on rapid than idataa, and pre-
< RT had triad aartral backings,
u :— Oaramal, ooa onaee (allow
.ianna, on* ovnee ; mathylatad
.1 npa kaa loat ita taate, which
'«! aaraial ba^kiaga, had used
.. The OKamiitw aald ha had
itk tta eqnal aaoaat of wat«.
_ -x>k raad to him wUlat doing it
ul.
^^raphle lodaty.— Jnna 8, tbe Pnaidaat, Mr. F. W.
iper was read by Mr. A. Honlay Hinton oo Om
m* AwMSfwiM, Prmetitml and OMarwise. Iha
• — nUUig to the wJteatioa of ait to '
-ra pnaant Hdgtnt tsn hia aocgaatibw to
1V> aint aoma thiidUN aad toawdtan
r<a waa Ua wiah. Ira pietan waa to
ol af lapoaa ia atraa|^y nrakaaad by
• ^'"-^ ii'iaataaHaMlliw mi aoica one
y atadbd, " rapoaa," than tha
•!h«.
HiatiiiMrt wiU •'
Ttry facaafl ev av* '
«<aiii|M«|ttat
liBlIf of diaeovvr . :
b« moll AB obiaet as a
•0 that
mdSo
■ itn tha com-
TtMNMlk
of evaaia^"
>'y<^
1
p»pkiel
Mr RtlBWDI, Of
"K'xlalH,' whlci.
' V.Daadi," Mr.
Two mmAtn al
rapott later CK
Chtiiai^Mr. C
oaa Matar
..;, Um id** wiuch in the' &iat
lopitfaa lotmr (Hwto-
noo waa ffoW Oawarwa.
-' ezplaiaad Iha Daw
-toart ahewad tha
I'nnl "Chadwiek."
ofthiaelua.
promiaad to
' f" •lael a
to t.
biyriy attaadad.
Mr. A. IL w«t>liDg ■« Committeeman. The meetmg
ted aa
thadteir.— Mr.
Mgr.-J«Da 7. tkaPMddairt (Mr. J. O. Bndan) in
«M ahtMaMHbvof tkaBeeiaty. Mr. K. J.
Ahmm tf WUt^tmfU Lmim.
tlAmMttUPktttfrmmka': lUCmmut
He expMtead, by maaaa of dlaoima ob tha
bliiiHiwid. tba potato eooiwrtwl with Uaaar pvapasliTi^ aad whi^ were
thaaebwcrawMawMlaWM.
TCia or
Ml
r to havw ia antor to Ml;
laltolbMftwiteitopaBar. IIm
that, aa ha woold abortly ba laaTli« the towaiba wovld be oblM to naign hia
part—* BtaeaadJag which ha maeh ragnttad, aa ha had held it since tha com-
-"■•"•■■ " tha
ibar
totha
. . •"•1
aeeoantad lor ito saaeaaAI earav so far. Aa axcnr-
te Hwitiiiuimaii OmtU ThaKaatfaaaraaBoelety
liaia laaraa'Lawto at tw adaataa paat tweh*.
■wily, J Mi 8.— Tba eoneladfat maatiag of
' $or * week, in order that it aiigfat be
altboogb not qnlta
whfcklaamatBi
atsalakaadaeaaa
willjata. ThaM
this SedatT far tha
held IB Iha new
wiilatod ia aB
IhBiB^lywIwI
of Iha aoefa^b
ti, NcMh CMU»«tiaat. which,
ran aaMdaally ao lor Ibia lasatiiia ai
I wiailagllaatwtlwa ia ■dJaban*. The
nsiaDy aitnatad, and, whan lalited, will aftnl
mnch more comfort than hired rooms for tbe general pnrposes of he body
although not sutficient for the popular meeti^s, which require a hall commo-
dious enough to hold at least 800 people. Aey comprise a large hall, with
committee-room on tbe first floor, and on the next are reading and smoking-
room, a large dark room, with all appliances, with private lockers for individual
members, and further accommodations for a caretaker are within the building.
The chair was occupied by the President, Mr. Blano, Architect, .VR.S.A.,
under whose gratuitous and anxious core the necessary alterations have been
carried out.
In openinjr Uiis, tne first meeting in the new rooms, he called the attention of the
memben to the fact that the Sooietj was now in its thirty-first year, and that the
modest terms in wliieh tlie intimation of the opening of the new premises hail been
stated br the Sesretsiy doubtless arose from the Imowledge he bad that their new
ni siiiliii would be no more than oconpiable at the time, and conseqnentlj not in a
fit state for members aad friends. Fortunate it is, therefore, tliat a formal opening,
with ita aecompanying address from the chair, are not expected this evening,
becaose, aader the present nnflniihed conditions of oar new accommodation, it
might be dlBealt to stir enthnsisam or gatlier inspiration. With roar permis-
sioB, he said, I am eoaatraiaad, ia a word, to extend to yon tlie Coancil's con-
npon tha aeeompHshmmit so far of tbe longoherished wish of the
aad to eaiiiess the desire tliat, with ttie increased facilities offered by thr
'of these apartments, tlie Soeiety will proportionatelj increase its own nse-
* add stOl BUire to the Isndshle record it can boast of, as haTinir oontribnted
. the past thirty jsan soau of tlie foremost thinkers and workers in the art-
sdeaeeofpbotomphy. Thirty yean is a lone vista to look through, and it is a oom-
pacatiTalyloaiiufe Tor a Society to boast of. It is doobtfol if tlisre are manr present
or ana maay on tbe Soeietr's roll, who are Um original men who, in 1861, formed
tUa BOW popolar Society. If there are, then 1st ns extend to them a cordial word of
thanks aad coagratnlaHnne— thanks for tlie fortanate thonght that conceived the
fnmisHnB e< sou a Ouele^y, and eongiatidations on tlieir being able now to witness
tha hany riaait of their ads. .That morament, from a smiol beginninir, has now
darelopaa aa tssociatfcm raalisiaff aa aggregate as high as tliat of any similar society
ia tta dty, U act tha klagdum. Its memtmrs have from the commencement steadily
iaanaiad. ■otwWhalaadiac tbe Saetaatioas iacidontal to the oompodtion of soch
aodaHaa, aad. thcogh its progrsasia tbe particalar direction of its object has been at
varied rMsa^ yet hamar are we that tbe progress has been steady rather than as a
ssfias ol spasianiHe aSorls tkat leave only moertainly bs their train :—
"geieaee moves hot slowly,
, Uowty orsq^iag osi from point to point.'
araa piugises. A statisMeal Aaerieaa onoe asked one of oor
What waa, or is, Idiabarth's ladnstry P " "Her schools" was
t that eoald hava besa aiada with verity 100 years airo, and it
haa, la saort, always taken a foremost plaee among oiUes
Ik and Utstatars, and to thias may be added its societies
al the arts aad wIeMss. It was aatnnl, therefore, that
Thataloaa
laeeat eMe rvlara.
asanasayodaw,
VSWaSfl to Iha aUVai,W«^.«M» M« «.« *..« »W pi IWIWI^I «• ■*«■ „W,m aii .USIQMVIV, kU«w
whaa Iha early wUnsn el the aew art-seieaea, which was being diligeatly stadivd
aad srasilmialiilwftheB tha Oaatincntl^ the elder Miepee.a^rted by Dagnerrs, fell
apaa tta taHsOsets of thIa eily, there shoald be areosed a spirit ol earnest cariosity.
wtth the dssirs ta peasltate the miaa, however deep and dark, aad however
dUtoalttoeieatata. What ttaae two laaden deToattr straggled lor was, as we aU
know, Wt to Mr. ta* TWlbot to acoompUah, aad by aim waa tha photography we
have, with its laiHspsasaHs rapaattag aegatlva, made tbe eoouwreial possibility it
BOW Is. A lew enaganial spMIs waranowa at afaoot the laaie date, and for ten or
■fisea years afterwards, saeh aa Bowie, the miniatrne painter, Popowiti,
Otnaga, Osorgladie, melnlj feraigBan. to work the Dwaerrsotype process ; but tbe
letalMea eaaasd by In TUbot wllstsd at eeoe qntte an array of workers who
aalasad the told ia oar alty. 8tadyii« aa thay now praetissd the faKinating art-
sriiaaa, sipiilaials ware is ill la tae efleela of light on aiany dillerent sabstancot,
aad tha aalaoms was the diseoveiy by Maago Poaton (IfiW) of tbe action of the
ehraolB aalt* oe aU bodies of a eoUud natnr*, soch as starch, albamen, gelatine, Ac,
ttaa bom sar owa city sasaaatad the carlxm prooees, whiob, bow allied to many
n man lasrtonlnal, baa givaa birth to so many and wide-spreading indostries.
fanber, bom tbe pefas ol tha Traasaotioas ef the Boyal Ho^Ush Soeietr of Arts of
(lOi), we Isarn that another Edlaborgh oMnsn, 0. J. Bamet, first
I into practlee nauiy years later,
itarssbythlsproi
s proeses properly, we most
had not been expoeed to
tbe ame year i,
diseovesad aad made Inaiy known what only eai
aaasaly, Ibat, to sseare tbedevalepiaaat ol the piotn
aspeee ea eas side d the Ha, aad dcvalap on that wUoh
HgM. Itwaa aatoial thq so iatsraetiag a novelty as photograply shewed Itself to
tottoallaaiaatoHBlaltawara ta a like direction, aad, as a eoaseqaenoe, the Photo-
al teellaad was termed, aader the highest aasplces. Its membership
^.dtithsnewart-studybsoome; bat this Society's alms
.aadtbitaalMimama aiiitlini pertaining rather to dliettantism.
.J aradaslly pasasd away. PhcaBb-like, however, there
areaa, aot ptsrtssly fiasa Ma aAaa, hat tnm Ha slowly advaaelng death, a few of tbe
sera est auikeis who seagM to perleet thouelves in this spootikl lins uf knowledge,
aad aataiallf so, by Maadly msstiagi at which all new discoveries were bronght
* — ard and Ideas iatarskaafad. TheeetBlomalgatheriagstookoltimate shape, aad.
■ a aaccesafal aSect al utaf Iham aa wsskly meetiaga. it was finally reeolved to
faraardaad
after
w society. «
lerediwAy,
srhiah has eoatlnoad to bsar and to
carry
rapbic
on, we labmlt.
s saihilly aad ereditobiy, ila work as the Ediabonb Fhotoarapbic Society. Tbe
tetUig at which the iiilalluu was carried into effect was held In Baehaanaa's
Tsmparaase Betel, HIghitiaet, aad nathiag, it iiiuii to aw, eaa be more faitsrssllBg
thaa t^al tUa hiegHinar period, reeall the aaaass ol tboaa preeent. First we have
Mr. J.Tiam Taylor, tbe first Aioetary of tbe Society, aad now tha well-known
editor of Tna Barrisa Joimaat or PBOTDdaaraT ; Mr. Oee. II. Slight, then
ragiasar and aow aadsr tba Boaoatnbie tbe Trinity Board ; Mr. Andrew More,
adtoaala, aow Sapissai Jadfa at the reeeatly afllUited IsU of Ibaritins ; Mr.
AreUbald Bans, ol Masei*. OUnr A Boyds, and well known before his death as
a pbatactapbarwhaae BenUvas ef the pktansqaa bits of old Kdlnbnrgb bars Karoely
bseasaaallad I than walsid Mr. Oalloway. a writer BOW deceased ;l«ter, James Hasmge,
Ibl iniaiiSin If theMesMS. Halsoa* Scos priatiag works, and Mr. W. U. Davies,
aM alasat swery cflae bat my praasat ooe in the Society, and to whom, as he
leMtotarest in aay aisllirs bearliw en ^lolagiaphy, I am indebted for these
Itoliag fkcu. The first OMabeta elected after tbe oonstiratlon of the
Beciely, aad oo the same evaaiag, were Mr. J. TalcBtiBe, sen., of Dandn, and
Mr. Baatossa. tba hoM preptletoii. both of whom rsmaiaed members tiU their
rsspisUsa daalba. From lUs it will be hcb ttat tha Sodatj was at first chiefiy
compcead ol aasstsarai bat, aa photography iaersassd lU bold oo pablio patronage,
tbe namber d piiifadwul msaibirs laenaaed rapidly, and so they became
blaadad toto tba geaanl bady ol tbe Bodaty. A ghuice at the early minutes of
the Seeie^ Is act oaly lalarastiiw, bat lastractlve ; as many eusrgetie minds were
drawB by syBBotby to tbe varlow departments nf photographic work, the mectingK
tasvarlably pradacad something of aovaity la mechanical contrivances, or in chemical
dlseovortse. In kaowMge of optical sriaaes and appliances, and tbe rapid evolution
ol Bcw ideas tbas psodaead sat tbe Society aficat on very propitioos and popolar
lines. Tto Baaiety was boaoorad by iti fint President in the perran of Mr. J. O.
Marwick, thaa Tawn Olark ia tUs city, oow Sir J. D. Marwick, City Clerk of Glasgow.
He held cAee lor scfaa years, retiring to emta a vacancy that, aa he said wiMly.
fnsh Us ml^ be lafMed. Be waa sooeaeded by Bhenfl HaUard, known in the
Sedety aa aa aidsot aad aotbaslastic worksr ia photography, aad, beyond that, as a
THE BKinSH JOURNAL Ot PHOTOGRAPHY.
[June 17, 1802
BCTiial citiien »nd a fair and impartial wimini»trator of jnatice. For « long ponod
iftcrward. profewional photoeraphtrs fillwl the chair, among whom it mav simoa to
mention tbo namet of TnnnT.Voffat, Ross, and Xeteon, and more recently «-c have
had nuh hich profaiional men aa Dr. Sidcy, M.D., F.R.8., Mr. Korman Macljoth,
B.S.&.. MrTjanwi LaMali, arehitect, to each and all of wliom the Society le more or
laa iniebtad. Froithibeeinning, the Societj frankly reco?msed that so interesting
a rtndT aa photO(n»phy co3d norbe limited, and »o an inviUtion to ladies to parti-
cipate in SemWlSpSfBi initiated, a call which, however has been responded to
hitherto in a Terr Umlted degree. There is no reason why this shonld not be im-
proved in the near fntnre. With snch an inUrosting record, arc we not, then,
Mmnlated to new exertiona and to «tUl greater achievements ? We have a larRis and,
I Tentnre to think, a vigoroua memberahip. and, with the machinery with which we
■n about to be equipped, the poMibiUties of further strides are m our favour. If
■nrthiss ahould tend to the consolidation of a Society and be a powerful factor jn its
derelopment, I can conceive of nothing more potent than the common interest
aijiing from a joint proprietorship. Here we have that interest; for a
comparatively nominal subscription wo possess a well-ordered suite of aprirt.
monuT comprising meeting.hall, committee-rooms, smoke and rcading-roonis, w-ith
facilities for seeing and studying the journals and literature of pliotography, and the
inevitable dark room, with ample store accommodation, and all under conditions
which shall render them attractive ; and we wait with much interest the result.
It would be prematura to suggest, and 1 would therefore postpone to a future
meeting the consideration of many projects which occur as to the means by
w» can make this advance a genuine movement for good, both to the individual
membera and to the Society as a whole. The age is distinguished on all sides for tlie
Boqnisition of knowledge ; I trust, therefore, this Society will not be fonud behind in
ita willingness to giro from its stores such knowledge as it possesses, and so increase
the attraction to all interested in photography. The formation of sectional classes
for instruction, the encouragement of afternoon rambles, a lecture syllabus, anunal
exhibitions of worli, and tlie formation of a Society album, in which all prints shall
be permanent ones, are a few of the many projects that occur as being worthy of
being kept in view, and thus extend our influence for good. Among the many causes
for congratulation, the acquisition of these rooms at this time is singularly appi-o-
priato and satisfactory, as you are aware arrangements are now completed for the
reception of the Photographic Convention, whose visit to the city takes place during
the week from the 11th to the 16th of next month (July), and your Council feel
assured the Convention will gladly recognise the life and energy exemplified by the
Society in taking this important step. It is to be hoped, however, that members will
not be satisfied to allow the Society to rest its reputation alone upon the exhibition
of the new rooms, but will establish the Society's etiorts, and verify its existence by a
personal presence at the chief gatherings of the Convention. Thus only can the Con-
vention be assured of the reality of our faith and the oamestneSB of our aims and
aspirations. Let us support them loyally as far as is in our power, and help them to
carry away happy memories of pleasant associations from our own romantic town.
One word more, and I finish. What has been said of our duty to the Convention has
greater force applied to our own Society, and I take the liberty to say it, that towards
the accomplishments of the Society's aims united action is indispensable, all pointing
to the one end, namely, that of justifying the continued existence of the Society by
increasing its intluence and usefulness, by encouraging a true regard for every one
joining ite ranks, by courteous consideration of what may seem to be the least important
contribution to its business ; and, while remembering that all things should be done
decently and in order, let us not, by over-zealous desire to abide by that rule, lose
sight of the real object of our meetings, our mutual improvement in the art-science
of photography.
CottejESvonnencr*
Correaptmdmts should n«v«r writs on both sides of th< pap#r.
THE ECLIPSE CAMERA.
To the Editok.
Snt, — In the last number of The British Journal of Photography
there is given the specification of a patent which has been taken out by
Mr. Fox Shew for improvements in hand cameras of the character of the
ingenious " Eclipse " Camera, devised by George Lowden, and made by
Messrs. Shew. The first part refers to a mode by which the camera
can be fitted for lenses of different focal length. It is simple, and I have
no doubt efficacious, and, though I have not myself had occasion to use
lenses of different powers with my camera, it will undoubtedly make this
form of camera more generally useful.
The second part has reference to a mode by which " the back of the
camera can be adjustably held within certain limits at any angle with
the front part thereof," this being accomplished by making the back of
the camera of two frames instead of one, to one of which the wings or
sides are attached, and to the other the rear end of the bellows body,
the one being worked in the other by rack and pinion, and fixed where
required by binding screws. This plan I had applied to my camera in
March last, principally, no doubt, as a means of focussing (the want of
which, except by sliding the lens in a tube, which was unsatisfactory,
being a serious defect in the " Eclipse " form of camera), but also to give
a limited power of "swing back" to the camera. The main " swing-
back " power, however, in my camera, is got by a very simple arrange-
ment of the head of the camera, by which raising the lens is combined
with what is equivalent to a swinging of the back. I am thus entitled to
claim priority over Mr. Shew in regard to this second part of his specifi-
cation. I do not, however, desire to interfere with his patent in any way.
The improvement was so simple and so obvious (merely an adaptation,
in fact, of the old-fasliioned double-bodied camera), that it never occurred
to me to be worth patenting. It seems now, however, as if any new screw
or slot introduced into a camera was worth patenting. I often wonder
nbat my income would have been now if I had patented the " Kinnear
Camera," which I invented in 1857, and described in the Photographic
Journal. As then brought out, with the addition of one or two improve-
ments I made on it next year, and described in the Journal of 1859, it is,
in all essentials, the camera which is now in universal use, and is made
by hundreds of thousands. — I am, yours, &c., C. G. H. Kinneab.
12, Grosvenor-crescent, Edinburgh.
SPEED OF PLATES.
To the Editob.
Sib, — Tour issue of May 20 contains a letter under this heading from
Mr. Alfred Watkins, to which I think some reply should be forthcoming.
I have had considerable experience with the exposure meter, and con-
sider it a valuable photographic instrument. Why? Because its indica-
tions give me good pictures. I have also had some experience with the
octinograph, and also find this an excellent help, lor precisely the same
reason.
Moreover, if Mr. Watkins will obtain a dozen plates whose actinograph
speed is known, and determine the plate number for the exposure meter,
he will be in possession of a ratio which will serve to convert the actino-
graph speed into plate number for any other plates whose actinograph
speed is known.
Let me grant, with Mr. Watkins, that the light of a standard candle is
subject to variation ; so is the daylight to which the sensitive paper of the
exposure meter is subjected, and subjected before the exposure is made,
and therefore to some extent different from the light during exposure.
This variation is often far greater than that of the standard candle. The
error of judgment as to when the tint of the paper is the same, or equally
dark as the standard tint, is also open to considerable error. My position
is that, in spite of the many sources of error to which both instruments
are liable, they are both valuable indicators of correct exposure when
carefully used and with properly determined constants.
When using the meter, Mr. Watkins advocates the use of different
subject numbers for objects of light, medium, or dark colours ; I do not
see the propriety of so doing where the nearest possible approach to cor-
rect representation is aimed at. Let us suppose three houses ; light,
medium, and dark. Let the medium house require subject number 100 ;
if not, paint it so as to require this number. In like manner, let the other
houses be so light and so dark, respectively, as to require subject numbers
50 and 200. Can these three houses be correctly represented on one
plate ? If not, the subject numbers fail to help us, as does the actino-
graph ; neither instrument can help us to photograph an unphotograph-
able combination. Can they be correctly photographed? Then one
number must serve for all three. I always use the No. 100 for such
compounds of light and shade as are ordinarily met with in views, and
find the result practically correct.
The oases where the subject nambers 200, 300, or more are mainly
applicable, say the photographing of dark interiors, paintings, Ac, are
cases where the actinograph is evidently unsuitable ; and an argument
against the actinograph under such circumstances is like saying that a
sun-dial will not work by moonlight, which everybody knows.
I do not quite follow Mr. Watkins' suggestion to use a Spurge's sensito-
meter, to determine the speed of plates. As I gather, he would expose a
plate behind the instrument for a certain time to a standard illumination,
develop, and compare with a plate of standard density. Suppose that, in
one plate thus treated, the portion exposed behind hole No. 4 matched
the standard tint, and that in a second plate the portion behind No. 9
matched the standard tint. What inference would he draw from this
experiment ? That the speeds of the plates are inversely as the areas of
apertures ? From all I know of the action of light on the photographic
film, I doubt whether this would be a correct inference ; indeed, unless I
am entirely wrong, this inference is baseless. No conclusion can be valid
from such restricted observations. The behaviour of the plate to many
varying amounts of illumination must be studied before a correct verdict
as to the rapidity of the plate can be pronounced. We have to find the
first term of a series of illuminations, ever doubling, in which the densi-
ties of deposit increase, approximately, by equal differences. That only
can be the real criterion of the rapidity of the plate ; the actual density of
any one portion is no guide whatever.
I see, from a subsequent letter of Mr. Watkins', that he makes use of
Captain Abney's photometer. Would he be so good as to inform me what
is the exact meaning of the numbers denoting the transparency of a film
with that instrument ? Mr. Channon supposes them to be percentages,
though, as Captain Abney quotes numbers higher than 100, this can
hardly be the case. I have tried to ascertain what they really are, but
have not succeeded.
I presume that they are the same numbers as Mr. Watkins' uses to
express opacity in his letter of May 28, — I am, yours, itc.
Ash Club, Manchester, June 6, 1892. B. C. Phillips.
I
' COSMOS."
To the Editor.
Sir,— " Junior " concludes his letter of the 4th with an impeach-
ment of my credibility. For him the terms " not long ago " and " several
years ago " are of a sufficiently contradictory nature to warrant an insinua-
tion of untruthfulness. This eagerness to convict me of falsehood
scarcely indicates an honourable opponent's disposition or desire to enter-
tain an explanation in maintenance of my veracity, and I therefore pro-
pose to leave your correspondent undisturbed in his persuasion to the
contrary. Everybody, however, endowed with ordinary intelligence (among
which class "Junior" restrains me from including him) understand
Jane 17, 1882]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
890
ncM, aiu
linnnTwd I
qsito ««nii0« M<7 it U in vritiog and ^Mking to mimoe moh phzMM
M b» p*«fc« aot, M ««U M many otban of an equally inexact character ;
tmk ■JiMMiwBtlj" are abora Iba pahrinaas o( oonTcrting pardonable
iMWitiw af ii|iiwinn into eTidanoaB of pnraneation.
I am soaalad to nadentand whr my anecdotal reference to the Ennbbing
with wUehtba Toonger memben' o( a photographic society I formerly
baloBtad to (probably when '■ Jonior" wai in long clothes) were treated
bv «*i«M' lenian, shoold be taken to apply to the London and Pnn-indal
pfu^^y^pKin AaaodatiMi, ol which I do not claim membership, of whoae
' Wilnna my kaowUdgi ia nmply gained thiaugh the raportt in your
a, and to my preaenee at whoae meetings a reaidenee nearly two
__Jred miles from London would be an obstacle. In denying assertions
which were not applied to hie aode^, yoor correspondent gives sneb a
•orry exhibitico of mingled impetnoaoiy and (tupiditr that I am sarprised
at hi* poaaciMiciii o( the flaah at viadon which led him to withhold his
nama and thna apan him the tidianla o( hie fallow members. I neTer
" iainwaail " t*"* the jonior at"'*'*" of the AModation wera snnbfaad
waek by week, and ann " Jmuar " binuelf eanaot pot his floger on nioh
a ampoeition either implied or anirewsd, or why doaa be - deny the truth
0<a«ertiaDsiV° applied to his BodatyT" If I rappoaed or aaaerted aoy-
ttihUT aa to the Aiaoejation why ** Jmiktr^" " if." and as I did neither,
wfay hiadanial?
In awiiiiin ■• e< gifafaig and naadng at Ifr. Haddon " Junior" is
guilty d a piaaa ol axamfatiea aa rnihirwa as it U inexplicable. I
appeal tmn llM rariM ola jndga wtaeaa Utiaraeas of attack perplexes me
by ita total ladk of pcoiwatian to tha faapaztiality of any tmprejndieed
nadn of tbia r^imfrm^''-^ Hr. Haddon'* adrioe to amateois to make
4wlkHlio" poaitiTes. aa well lor tha raaaona giren a* for others, may be
•MaUaat enough in the aheUact ; but. Sir, I ask, in all good faith, what
eattbbr elmaaadoaait ataad o( baing pot into praelioe by madam amatears?
Ifi TiaiVliai ■tuM I do aol know, bot whoa* contribotiona to pboto-
gnq^iie kxiakdgs I havaaalaaaadfor many years — would probably him-
aaltbanoiwfaipriMddianaoTbodyalaetoBaahiaoeaiMaltakan. It was
baeanaa I rugaritd hi* isiiiiiinwmlatinii to aaaatoar* to take up bath
photognphy wliite ixy pUlaa bold tha flald as so modi waato of breath,
ttet I Tantaiad, goad-hsmaaiadly I lolmiit, to ridioola tha advie*. In
M doing I did oot intand to aMsad Urn limita of fair and lagirimato
I lilliilMii. ami T iVai'l iMnt T tiiTti I baivao mean* of knowing wbalbar
Mr.HadloBtakaaaaoppoaiMTiswofmTramaika. but if hedoaal trast
b* will believe that nothing waa laitbsr bom my de«ign than to " gibe "
and " sneer " at him, a form of aommaat b which his imptUiiTe young
adTocato aeaBa to me to shine with a «ooBas* I can never b(^ to amolate.
—I am. yoor*. Ac. Ooaiioa.
Jwm II. iwa.
PBOTOOBAFHIO PBINTEB8.
To th* Eprroa.
Sia,— Tha liilaisaliilg attia* tt lettara now appearing in Tbs Barnaa
JoraxAL, rt prinian aad tha dUSeoltia* tbey have in AndtBganplajmesit.
opens Dp a widb flald lor diasoarioa. liia not only in tha niika ot tb*
phet«frapbia priatar limt than an n«ses tor lamantaliea. bot tha
opmSt, iilnrwihar. noap«iai-<Mn attMlftot, and moontar and floiaher,
ban alao adid naawii ior aoaplaiat afdaat tb* taodcney to employ the
eMtap and muli/ order of werltar. SalarSca, a* any one who i* in the
knew i* w^ awara. ban bean lor aona years now, oo the downward
grade. 1st. Chiafly ben on of tba errtr-ctowdad state of tha pboio-
graphie labour markst. Sad. And of ae laia importaan ia it* baasiag
apoa bad trade generally, ia tba want of proptr rrtptet for Ibair ealliag
~ Mrtaia olaaan of piiihiiliwali : lor. it than wrtl— n -^-
M^asyrM
UMb anian. mooebna I
waritaaUM*'glTeo»«a7wiihaMaBdof tn"prineipla. ka^asyraapaet
for photography (or tbamaahnl tJKy woold never descend to such means,
Bor would the " one oaUnal aad tbm C. D. V.'s for is. <W.," and tha '■ odo
la X 10 bcautifolly flaiafaad eatafgamaat given with one doaaa eahiaat* "
tratemiiy paraoa tb* (aaVcven tsaor of their way* withoat maay a
OMBnianni Of late yaan qiite as army of dmp aad aaaty
n to tb* trade, have eprung op Uk*
Th*n an Iba Mopls'wlio paadar to tba wanta of tna abeap
aad natty amateur aad profwalanal, and to tha **mi-piof*nlnn«l, who
pom a* "an amateor, bot who i« a blackleg. Batamiag to Iba sabiaet of
tba ovanrovdad labiMir markat. It i* overeiowded aimply bennee it is
glaMad with tba " Lasrat it ia aia raonlha !— «aa opania, print, tone ;
clonr with ebUdna ; ealary, 2S«. per «**k ! " pbolograpbie wastasa— tha
elan of paopla wbo^ baviag failed to baeona goodlea-groean' snislints.
datha. diapen, Aa.. Ae., take up photography aa a wssns of eaiBiiig a
livalilMod. In wawilnahai. I say that if only amployen bad bat tba
iiin^* to keep op tbeir niecj, and be a little leee apatoetic to their own
mlirsste.tbsy wooldbaabU to pay b*tt*r *alari*a, employ better a««i*tant*.
aad tbsnien dobattar work, and instead of helping to drag pbotogi^hy
ibaoaslk tba mad. aasiat to plan it on a bighar pinnaala ia In* *atiinatlon
of tha paMVibaa It aow holds. Again I wy, amplojtn kaap up joor
pnea*. *mpioy aon* bat aompalaat p*opl*, hav* notbfaig to do with Iba
cUeap usJ oaisly order of dealer, and do not deal with thon Arm* who
do evcp thing tb*y eaa to catch the amateur at the expenee of tha
auuKgUng pTOlaseloaal.— I am, yonr>, Ac. F. J. A.
J»n* 11, lan.
To the Editob.
Sib, — I have read with great interest the correspondence in your
Tslnable paper "re Photographic Printers."
My experience has been similar to those already given in the pages of
the JoDB!iAi»
Notwithstanding the fact that for some years I waa connected with one
of the principal firms in the kingdom, and possess testimonials of the-
highest order, I have found great difficulty in obtaining a permanent
engagement
The statement that good printers are scarce, and diflScnlt to obtain, is
not correct.
Trtie, there are many duffers In the profession ; but who is to blame ?
The photographer who, rather than pay a man a decent salary, engages a
duller at a very small salary ; and because he does not prove a success,
stigmatise* the whole race of printers as bad.
Mr. Editor, printers have their grievances as well as those who employ
tbem ; and it photographers want good work, they must be prepared to-
pay a wage at least equivalent to that received by a bricklayer's labourer,
not the paltry wage as at present offered.
Moreover, let them provide proper accommodaUon for a printer to do
his work, and not push him into some out of the way corner, useless for
any other purpose, and then complain if his work is not good. — I am.
yours, <£«., H. D.
June C, 1893.
BED LIGHT AND THE EYESIGHT.
To t}u Editob.
8n, — I notice one of yoor correspondent* complains of his eyesight
being affaeted through the use of red light in the developing room. Som»
tiaie ago I was aimilartj' aflaeted, and no doubt, like many others, was
almost eokmr-blind for *om* time. I, however, had a sheet of green glaaa
running on roUars, and when the work was finished, instead of changing
immediately into strong light, I turned on the complementary colour, and
after a tow momenta foond aiy colour-sight restored, and felt so much
baaafltad that I woold like othsrs to try it for themnlve*. I suppose, in
lb* a*M of orange or yellow light being used, ite complementary (blne>
woold have the lam* efnct. — I am, yours, <tc., OrESATon.
I^ndoa, June 8, 1898.
■
"AN OLD PBO.'S" WAIL.
To the Eorroit.
Sib. I •OBMtimM think «* profa**ionsln are falling out, because or
our modcrty or want of asserting our position and righto. We have no
trade nnioo or goUd. no badge, decoration, or letter to show ourselves
aoeradited membera of an honourable calling ; and no means of keeping
any from iniHnginj what i* our position or righte. We cannot get our
goods at a special trade prio* from dealers ; when we work to a middle-
man, wa an ■w*alsd to get the lion'* share ; when another does jobs wa
coold faan dooa, while wa pay rent, taxes and extra insiuance, he is free of
tbanandwahaTenoradrM*. I see at a Liverpool sociny, where the mem-
bos do arerylhing pbolognphic for pleasure and nothing for pay, one
party did sooi* thirty doaea films 10 xK on the Continent last season ;
and a geatleaMa is going to the Land of the Midnight Sun with some
thirty-Bv* dozen 8x4. A wonder to me, " Poor Pro.," how does this
kind of thing pay ? Ooold you put one up to the secret of their trade 7
We might go in to amateur it. There most be money somewhere. Can't
you tell us bow to get a bit of the meat, or, if not, a bit of the bone, for
our old gums ? — I am, yours, Aa., As Uli> Pbu.
Jutu II, X»i2.
LIGHT CAMERAS.
To the Eorrou.
Bib,— WiU yoo pleaae tell me the weight of the lightest half -plate and
whole-plate tootisto' cameras that are made ? The reason is, I am a
earpentar and amateur photographer, and have just made a wbole-plato
caman which only wai^is three pounds ten ounces. I have shown it to
teveni liisads, both prnfnssinnal and amateur, and they all say it i»
lighter, awn rigid, and compact than any tliey have seen. The size
ouUide i* tan iaetm by tan inehes. — 1 am, yours, Jtc, 1''. Poixuio.
31, PlnUmmom^road, HaiUngi. June 14, 18'J2.
. confen to not having scaled the various types of cameraa
e TJew to disooTerinir which bossu of beinjf the lightest
made, hut a wb»le-plate that only vreighs thnw pounds ten ounces i»
certainly ertrwmclr light. — Ed.]
iSic1)angc Column.
Bown's JKoh* s»f»ty Meyeto, good onkrr, in uotauw* for triple or good blnnta
optiosl laolan.— AiMrii*, Dobas, Wwt UrisbtoB.
Eatnkin't " Kartk* " bamlihar waaUd ta o»ck«ii»« for new e«rt«-<J«-»<»«« portrait
Iraa.— AddrsM, W. Walks, Beotbolmf, Hottingbua.
400
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[June 17, 1892
anatoeta to CortesponJentt.
AU matteri Jor the text porHon of thit JotniKAl, %ncludv^ qumet for^
"Atmoert" and " ExcKanges," micst it addreiaed to "The Editor,
a. Torkstreet, Covent Garden, London. Inattention to thit ensures delay.
Ifo notice taken qf communications unless name and address of vmter are
given. ,
•«• Com.munications relating to Advertisements and general business affairs
must be addressed to "Hbnry Gebknwood & Co.," 2, York-strut, Covent
Garden, London,
T, K. (Darlington).— Thanks.
J. C. HnoHKS, ScoTU, E. W. A. S., and others.— In our next.
R. G. — Yes ; the developer on hromide prints should be kept ia motion.
R D. Smiixib & Co.— It is described in this Joxjbnal for March 11 of this
year.
Mbrcurt.— 1. There is no frame on the market for printing wood-blocks.
2. We do not know what paper is most read by wood-engravers.
IJI PRO VBB.— North America, as a field for photographic operators, is in no
sense superior to Scotland ; hence we do not advise you what part of the
States to go to.
Metal. — Try the effect of diluting the ammonia with its own volume of water.
To ascertain when fixation is complete, test successive ammonia baths until
no silver chloride is precipitated.
W. Jot.— Saxe paper is to be hiid in continuous lengths of about four feet six
inches wide. But we do not know where it is to be had in small quantities.
It is usually sold by the roll, weighing a hundredweight and upwards.
J. Knowles.— It is quite impossible for us, or any one else, to say, by simply
looking at it, if the mount contains anything that would act injuriously on a
photograph. It can only be ascertained by a careful chemical examination.
S. Karl asks : " If a thing is patented— say, a detective camera— can I make
(legally) one for my own use? Of course, I know I must not make for
sale." — It is illegal to pirate a patented invention even if the article is cot
made for sale.
ExPERiMENTAUST.— For a lens of the rapid type, of one and a quarter inch
diameter, we should much prefer a prism to a mirror for taking reversed
negatives. With lenses of large diameter, the mirror is to be preferred on
account of the cost.
A. E. F.— The pictures are, on the whole, very good, but would have been im-
proved by a little less exposure, and printing on a better sample of paper.
The lighting of one is rather poor. With a little more practice, you should
meet with fair success.
R. B. Y. — If the lens be symmetrical, it does not matter which combination be
used as a single lens. Arrange the convex side so as to be next the ground
glass. The stops, as fitted in the tube, though not being in the best position,
will answer every practical purpose.
H. J. D.— Yes ; white, hard varnish, thinned with methylated spirit, is often
used for varnishing negatives. It is not so durable as " brown hard," as it is
more liable to abrasion with rough usage. The slight colour in the thin film
of the latter varnish will practically be of no disadvantage.
P. McN. asks if any one is allowed to take photographs of any of the ancient
statuary in the British Museum. — Yes, by first obtaining permission of the
authorities. Make formal application, by letter, addressed to the chief
librarian. It will be well to state in the application the purpose for Which
the photographs ^e required.
Berks. — The prints forwarded are very pretty lane studies, but we think the
negatives have very little, if any, commercial value. Berkshire lanes are
very Uke the lanes of most other counties. You might, however, submit
copies to some of the publishiug houses, such as Poulton & Sons, Lee, or
Frith & Son, Reigate. They would be the most likely purchasers of the
negatives.
C M. Moses. — We can scarcely imagine the negatives blistering, at this season
of the year, directly the developer commences to act, unless the developer or
the water with which it is made had been exposed to the heat of the sun ;
moreover, we have never heard of blistering with the brand of plates you are
using. Make another trial. This time be sure that the developer is of the
normal temperature.
Benja.min C. asks the best material with which to coat a large wooden trough
that is to be used for silver solutions for sensitising paper ? — One of the most
inert materials, and, at the same time, one of the best waterproofers, is
paraffin wax. Before .ipplying it, the wood should be made perfectly dry and
warm, indeed hot. Expose the vessel for a few hours to the heat of the
sun's ray, and then apply the wax in a fluid condition evenly with a hot iron
or spatula.
Midlands writes : " I have a very strong impression that a photographer in
our town is sending out bromide prints for platinotypes, although he charges
for the latter, and at a high figure too. Can you tell me how I can test one
of the prints to see, for certain, by which process they were made?" — There
is a very simple test. Immerse the suspected print in a solution of bichloride
of mercury. If the print be a silver one, the image will be gradually bleached ;
if platinum, it will be quite unaffected by the treatment.
R. Botwbight asks how reversed negatives, as regards left and right, are made
for photo-mechanical purposes.^There are many ways of making them.
They may be taken direct by means of a prism or mirror in front of or at the
back of the lens ; or the sensitive plate may be placed in the dark slide
reversed, and the negative taken through the glass, which, of course, niust
be clean on its surface ; or the film may be stripped from the glass by Plener's
method with fluoric acid. There is yet another way. The negative may be
reproduced in the camera, either the transparency or the negative being
reversed in the copying. All these methods are constantly being employed.
There are others, however.
S. Blount complains that when making, or rather attempting to make, litho-
graphic transfers, for transferring to stone, he cannotgetthe transfer ink to leave
the paper clean when it is treated with the warm water. He says he can get
the mk away by rubbing somewhat hard, but it leaves the paper dirty, which
soils the stone, and wants to know the reason. — As he does not say how the
paper is prepared, or the kind of ink employed, it is difficult to reply. R-e-
suming, however, that he uses the paper and ink sold commercially for the
purpose, the reasoa may be that the paper was kept too long after sensitising,
or that the ink was used too thick. A very prolific cause of this trouble is
when unsuitable negatives are employed. Unless the negative is specially
suited to the work it is impossible to obtain clean transfers.
A. Phillimore complains that he has several lots of sensitised paper that he
has purchased lately, but upon none of it can he get a rich, deep tone. He
says : " Before they reach that stage they become woolly, and, after they are
fixed, they are like the colour of mud. It cannot be the fault of the
negatives, as when they are printed on 's paper I get just the deep tones
I desire. But there, that paper is dear. Can you give me a word of
advice ?" — If the negatives will yield rich tones with some papers, it is clear
that they cannot be blamed. Some papers, however, will not tone beyond
the warm brown stage, though they ■will yield good prints of that colour.
We can only suggest that our correspondent be content with that tone until
the paper is used up. Then procure a supply of that which gives the tones
desired.
A. W. Farley complains that rain, by coming through the roof of the studio,
played sad havoc with his backgrounds, &c., all of whiuh had been recently
redistempered for the coming season, and now have stains where the
water has trickled down. He asks what is the best to be done, as he does
not wish, if it can be avoided, to have to go to all the expense over again ? —
We fear there is now no remedy. If the evil is discovered at the time, stains
may often be obviated by making the background evenly wet all over, and
then allowing it to dry spontaneously. The only thing we can now suggest
is to make the backgrounds, or, by v.-ay of experiment, one of them,
thoroughly wet, and then work it well and evenly all over with a soft white-
wash brush, and then set it aside to dry. Sometimes this treatment will get
rid of this kind of stain, but not always. Anyhow, it is worth tlie trial.
P. 0. M. says: "A few months back I sold a number of local views to a
visitor to the neighbourhood. He had them mounted and bound up as a
folio by a bookbinder. Now all the prints are fading, and he wants me "to
replace them, threatening if I do not that he will sue me not only for the
value of the prints, but for the cost of the book as well. As my own prints,
mounted and unmounted, made about the same time, show no signs of
fading, I suggested that the mounting material or the boards were the cause
of the fading. I have just ascertained that the prints were mounted with
the ordinary paste used in the workshop. What would you advise ? " — We
should say. Resist the claim. If paste such as is used in some workshops is
employed for mounting photographs with, there need be little wonder at
their quickly fading. If our correspondent can prove that a deleterious
mountant was used, it will be a good defence to an action.
London and Provincial Photographic Association.— June 18, Outing
down the River. First boat after two from London Bridge. 23, Intensification.
30, Annual General Meeting.
Photographic Club. — June 22, The Relative Permanency of Prints by the
Various Methods in Present Use. 29, Plate and Film- changing Appliances.
18, Saturday outing down the River. Boat from Old Swan Pier at two
o'clock.
South London Photographic Society. — June 20, Hand Camera Work,
Mr. James A. Sinclair. July 4, Can our Excursions be made more Interesting
and Useful '( Mr. J. F. Kelly. 15, Photographic Dodges and Combination.
Printing, Mr. J. Miller. Visitors invited.
KiMBERLEY CAMERA Club. — The annual general meeting of this Club was
held on Friday, May 13, when the following were elected office-bearers for the
ensuing year : — President, Rev. Father Ogle ; Vice-President, F. Skead, Esq.,
B.A. ; Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, Malcolm Macfarlane ; Council, Messrs.
C. A. Chappell, A. Gasson, and J. Henry.
Glasgow Photographers' Half -Holiday. — Messrs. TurnbuU & Sons'
employes and friends had an outing on Friday last to celebrate the movement
recently adopted in Glasgow. The party was under the care of Mr. John J.
Moran, who was instrumental in bringing the half-holiday movement to a
successful issue. The location was a charming spot on the Clyde — Inverkip ;
and the company, numbering over seventy people, indulged in games, dances,
sports, and avisit to the beautiful glen, and returned home, .after spending a most
enjoyable meeting. The firm very kindly closed earlier than usual, so as to
enable the employes to have as big a day as possible, which was much appre-
ciated.
OONTENTS.
FiaK
DUST '. 385
THE FIXATION OP GELATINE PRINTS 380
orthochhomatic photography .. SS?
ON things IN GENERAL. By FREE
LANCE 388
OBSOLETE PROCESSES 889
THE CAMERA AND THE CONVEN-
TION ; OB. PICTURESQUE SCOTLAND
AND PHOTOGRAPHY— VII 869
PICTORIAL SELECTION IN PHOTO-
OEAPHY. By W. D. G 390
ROYAL CORNWALL POLYTECHNIC
SOCIETY, F.ILMOUTH 393
LINCOLN
TION ..
CAMEHA CLUB EXHIBI-
OUR EDITORIAL TABLE 392
RECENT PATENTS 894
MEETINQ3 OF SOCIETIES 394
OOKRESPONDENCE 898
EXCHANGE COLUMN 391
AMSWEBB TO OOBBESPONDSHTS
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1677. Vol. XXXIX.— JUXE 24, 1892.
LONG-FOCUS SINGLE LENSES FROM RECTIUNEAR
COMPOUNDS.
A qcnnox frequently ariMs as to whether it ia not posBible
to employ, for landscape porpoMa, one only of the two lenaes
that form a rectilinear oombinatioa If the front lens be
removed from the mount, and the back one alone left in situ, a
very excellent landacapo objective, of about double the focus nf
the conibinatioo, is obtained. When used in this way, the
diaphragm will be found to be rather too close to the first
sui&ce of the lena, and, to enson the best results, the distance
between them must be incraaaed. This is sometimes oaa-
Tenimtly eCRacted by plaeing a cap, pierced with appropriate
apertures, on the outsr end of the tnbe^ from which the anterior
las baa now been remored. It is oeeasiooally done, too, by
a sapphmentarj ring screwed in the rear end of the mount,
and into which the lens in turn ia a<laptcd.
It will be obaerred that this bnplies a Tety oonaiderable
lengthening of the camera, and it ia oft«n found, to the
chagrin of the naer, that the ounetm will not extend sufiB-
ciently hr to admit of the subjeet beiii^ brought into focus,
for it must be borne in mind U>at, nltli<>ti;^'h the ttxal centre —
that porttom from which, in a tomJbimalinn, the foeos is to be
measured — lies pntctically mid-waj between the lenses, or at
the c«ntre of the tube, this is sot the case wlien one of the
lenaes is to be used alone in the manner deaeribed, for now the
focal centre is transferred to a point outside of the convex
surface of tlie lens, and actaallj nearer tn the ground glass of
the camera than the Isna. Vrm this it will b« seen tliat the
TToIongation of the camera most, in order to admit of a single
iii[x>iient being thus employed, extend considerably farther
rhiii at fint sight would be antici|iatc<l.
Kut what ia to be done when no inch distension is per-
missible I Although it ia donbtleas b««t to employ a single lens
A !i its flatter or ooacaTS side to the object, it ia also possible
ise it when reTersed. This is more particularly the caae
when, aa in the instance before ns, it happens to be a rather
deep meniscus, for the eompooenta of lenses of the rapid
rectiliiMar type are mTariaMy msnisei. If, therefore, instead
of raiBOving and laying aside the front lenn of such a oombina-
tioa, we treat the back one in that wny and leave the front
leas itself in the mount, we shall find that not only do we get
an ima^ the asms size as when the hack lens was used, and that
^e get good bright definition on the plate with a moderate stop,
but we alao obtain these advantages with a distension of the
eamsn leas bj sevsnl inches than when the back element of
the eombinatioo is employed sitnated at the rear end of the
motmt. The precise amount we gain, or, in nther words, the
amount practically added to the extension of the camera, eqaals
4he entare length of the brass mount of the lens, in addition to
the small portion intervening between the outer surface of each
lens and the optical centre, which, as we have pointed out, ia
in such a case located outside of the convex surface. A camera,
therefore, which would not expand nearly sufficient to permit
of the employment of a single component of the combination
when the back lens is in question, may frequently be utilised
with entire satisfaction when the front lens, still remaining in
its place, is used.
We kno^vcry well that a lens, when worked in this position,
with the stop behind it, will not cover a large field so flatly as
when in a reversed position ; but, when employed, aa it must be,
with a stop, it will cover with considerable brightness and
sharpness a field at least as large a.s that covered by the com-
bination, even when well stopjicd down.
Of late we have employed this system to its full extent. Two
of our cameras, one of them a 10 x 8 and the other a G^ x -1^,
possess a distending range which, while considerably in excess of
that required for the combination lenses usually employed, yet
fall short of what is requisite when the single half of any of
them is employed in the old way. But by adopting the method
now suggested — and it applies to both of the cameras in
question — an enlaiged view, the objects being double the size
of what can be obtained by the combinaticta, is now got with
the greatest ease, and with from half an inch to an inch of
camera distension to spare.
We need scarcely point out that many of the two compounds
forming the lenses of the rectilinear and symmetrical are not
abeolntely indentical one with another, the back lens being
frequently sliorter in focus than the front. In this case it only
remains for the photographer to select the particular combina-
tion of tliat foous which coincides approximately with the length
of the camera draw.
FACTORS IN EXPOSURE
Mit Howard Farmer's communication to the Lomlon and Pro-
vinciul I'hutographio Association, on S'>m< Prim< Fuetort in
Erponiuf, appean, from the tenor of our report (see pajre 413),
~tir±ft^ been marked by considerably more information of a
ntt&re likely to be of service to the inexperience<l photoi.Taphcr
in an admittedly diRicult branch of his subject than most dis-
sertations upon exposure with which from time to time we are
made acquainted. Suggestive as well as practical, his e.v-
amination of the ntuuerous factors which have to be considered
in the exposure of a plate should serve as a useful auxiliary to
those who need reminding of the many causes which directly
influence that important operation. There is an oft-tjuotcd
remark of Captain Abney to the effect that development is an
art and a science combined ; but, if this is meant to favour the
403
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[June 24, 1892
belief that the successful treatment of the developable photo-
graphic impression is attended by difficulties which only
assiduous study and practice can surmount, we incline to
think that the dictum is more applicable to exposure than to
development.
Starting with the proposition that the correct exposure of
a plate under normal circumstances is to be ascertained by
calculations which take cognisance of the factors involved,
several modem inventors have produced actinometrical instru-
ments and exposure tables of undoubted ingenuity which it is
claimed will, by proper use and application, relieve a photo-
grapher of the difficulty of arriving at the duration of his
exposures entirely unassisted. In these mechanical and other
devices, however, by no means all the factors involved are
always given play, and they are thus open to considerable
theoretical, if not practical, objection on those grounds. Besides
the light, the aperture of the lens, and the rapidity of the
plate, subject, colour, and distance also claim entrance into the
calculations, although they are not always included ; and since,
so far as we are aware, no accurate rule is available for
estimating the values of light and colour, to say nothing of
subject and distance, in relation to lens apertures and plate
sensitiveness, all mechanical aids to exposure must of necessity
exist under the disadvantage of comparative imperfection.
This, of course, excludes the faculty of judgment from the
calculation ; but the quality of judgment in photographic
matters varies immensely with the individual, and in no respect
more so than in the case of the exposure of the plate. We
have noticed, indeed, that in the employment of mechanical
aids to exposure the photographers most successful are usually
those whose accuracy of judgment has been confirmed by long
experience in the art of unassisted exposure. Again, there
have been to our knowledge instances of exposure by meter
and exposure by judgment being made, and, all other things
equalised, with the results that the exposure by judgment was
correct, and exposure by meter plus the requisite judgment
markedly incorrect.
The raison-d'etre of mechanical aids to exposure, if invisible
to experienced and finished photographers, is, nevertheless,
obvious enough. They are designed to remove from the path
of the beginner the difficulty of arriving at the correct ex-
posure of his plate. Their success in bringing about the
attainment of such a result depends to an almost total extent
upon the skill of the individual in putting them to practical
use ; but, as we have already pointed out, the majority of the
factors are not constants, and, besides, are not accurately
determinable on emergency, so that the sources of error other
than those referable to the variability of the personal equation
are not to be overlooked. The speed of the plate and the
power of the light may be ascertained strictly according to
rule, a given aperture of lens employed, and a certain dura-
tion of exposure indicated. But the influence of distance and
colour of subject, as well as atmospheric perspective, that we
wrote of a few weeks ago, and momentary variations in the
power of the light, are of necessity left to the photographer
himself to determine, and, if he be immature or inexperienced,
it is hardly necessary for us to point out that the opportunities
for error and false judgment are ample. Indeed, we are not
sure that in the majority of cases the probabilities of errors of
judgment are so great that the accuracy of the constant factors
is more likely than not to be effaced, and thus the superiority
of mechanical aids to exposure over the unassisted judgment is
not sustained.
In classifying methods of exposure in vogue under several
heads, Mr. Farmer seemed to think that, where the exposure
was simply judged by experience, no method could be bettor if
the experience was sufficient. At the same time he remarked
that, for a young beginner or the student, the method was
practically useless. So much the worse for the beginner or the
student. The indefinable quality in a clever photographer
which enables him to judge of his exposures with such accuracy
that, as we are aware is the custom of many, he never makes a
second exposure on a subject, may conceivably be acquired by
rule ; but, having regard to the necessary inconstancy of some
of the factors, we are sceptical on the point. The modem
fever for reducing certain branches of photography down to the
level of mere mechanics is an unhealthy one, as it substitutes
the cut-and-dried determinations of the arithmetician and
the calculator for the deeper and more lasting wisdom of
experience.
Experience indeed seems about the last thing in the world
which many consider to be essential to the training of the
modern photographer ; hence exposure meters and tables. But,
in times when such things did not exist, experience was the
only path to success in exposure and other branches of photo-
graphy, and on the whole neither we nor the old race of photo-
graphers themselves have any cause to lament that there was
then no royal road to correct exposure. Photographers — and
amateurs at that — were content to learn by their failures ;
nowadays the chances of failure are intended to be reduced to
the minimum for them. It is possibly a very unscientific thing
to advise a young photographer to acquire a knowledge of
exposure by the appearance of the image on the ground glass
added to a studious adherence to a suitable brand of plates and
a standard developer ; but we are almost tempted to do so
when we reflect upon the many skilled photographers, pro-
fessional and amateurs, who have acquired that knowledge by
no other means, and who at the present moment are doing
irreproachable work on the same rule-of-thumb basis.
Without denying that exposure metres and tables are in
certain respects useful, we cannot but think that the acquire-
ment of experience in the old-fashioned way, even though it
takes a year or two, is more likely to impart to a beginner a
knowledge, judgment, and mastery of exposure, which will
enable him to work with a high degree of accuracy and
certainty, than even a theoretically and practically perfect
actinometer would do. The former may be difficult to obtain,
the latter is nearly impossible ; and, were it not so, it would not
diminish our belief that, after all, the cumulative lessons
to be learned from the growth of success out of failure are of
considerable educational value to the young photographer.
Remembering to what a large degree the qualitative character
of the negative relies upon the exposure, no pains, it seems to
me, should be too great to exert in studying this branch of
photography, and to that end no system, in our opinion, is
superior to that of trial and error, which, though it may be
tedious, is never uninstructive.
ESTIMATING CHLORIDES.
Scarcely a year passes by without our having to chronicle
some new method of recognising or estimating the halogens
when associated in a mixture. Many of them are too intricate
for the unskilled chemist, others may be undertaken with care
by the comparatively inexpert. Some time ago a method for
determining iodine in presence of chlorine or bromine, having
Jooe 34. 1883]
THE BRITISH JOUBNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY,
40S
for ita uoderlTing principle the slight solubility of the yellow
colour of thidlous iodide, was givem by Herren Hubner,
Spezia, ind Frerichs. It wms portly gravimetric and partly
Tolometric, and was too ioToWed for ordinary photographic
experiment ; but Herren Jannasch and AacbofT havo proposed
a new method of separation, which would lend itself readily to
photographic invastigatioiiB where, for example, it was desired
to ascertain the amount of chloride present in a particular dry
plata. The method proposed for separating iodine and chlorine
is by means of thalliimi sulphate, which gives an absolutely in-
soluble precipitate of thallous iodide in cold water containing
alcohol, even in presence of ammonia and other compounds
in which thallium chloride remains in solution. Unfortunately,
however, the bromide cannot be separated at the same time, as
the thallous bromide is soluble.
T«aa*a Sanahlne. — Aeeatdiag to the report of the
Astroaomar Royal at the Annual Vimtmtiam of the Greenicick 06-
nrvatory, the smooat of smisWiis nendsd bv the Campbell-Stoke*
Reeoider. aad after reetigeation, was 1SS2 boon, which is abont
rixtT-«iz boon below the urtmge of the preceding fonteen years.
The actual time the man waa above the homon was 4464 boors. It is
thus ssaa that we bad twenty-sevM psir esnt. of potsible sunlight, or
between five sad Ms per eeot. below the avenge.
Tlie Convention.— We have reetivsd the eosBriato proapeetas
of the fortbcominir Conventioa at Ediitergb. It isiMoed in the fonn
of a bbmII paasphlet, and gives a list of asmber* of the Conocil, of
the Local Cooiiiittss, with details of asanriaea to varioos plaess of
inteiest, and a naM tt gsnsral faiforoisidaa, which will be of eonader-
able ssrvies to thess aUendiag the aMatiags. In addition to the
foisgoiag tha tariffs of the principal Kilbhiiiiih hotels are given, as
weU as s sjuopris of tha formal proeeediogt of the Cooventioii daring;
the weefc eowmifiiig Jaly 11.
not knowing that they were doing wrong. The term " near" is a very
elastic one with some over-zealous officials abroad ; but it cannot be sui^
mised that, when stretched to its utmost, it can exceed a mile or two.
Xow, it often happens that some excellent views might be obtained
from this forbidden ground, and made more interesting^ on account of
the interdiction. How about the new tele-photographic lens F With
this instrument and the clear atmosphere of the Continent, distance
becomes ignored. Reversing a well-known phrase, it may be said,
" Yet so far, still so near."
Coloured X<antem Plottiras.— Methods by which blue
laotem >liiiee may be produced have recently been pabBshed, but
nifeiy tha carbon proeesii would be the simplest way of all We well
remember eooa brilliant bins laatsm sttto beiair abowa on the screen
St on* of tba Isatmi sxUbitiaM of tka old South London Photo-
■raphic Society, many ysais ago, if wa remember rightly, by Mr.
Foxlee. Now, by the earboa pfoeesi, traaspaimeica maybe prodneed
in »Imo*t every eooesivabie eofenr, and that by the sisiplsst means.
If a demand ezistsd for eokned "carbon" tissoes. a sopply wonld
doabtlet* be fortbeooung. The eoloor of say earboa traaspareDcy
can be greatly modified hj toaing or dyeing it, as we have explained
OB former occasion*.
A Mmw Antls«i>tle.— As we aannot be supposed to have
arrived at the production of a perfect antisepde harmlesa to photo-
graphs, it is worth noting that a new aapirant for honour* in this
direction baa made its sppearsnce. Formaldshyd is stated to poasea
remarkable properties of sterilisation, which practically amounts to
the same thing aa being antiaeptic. It ia ao powerful in ita effeeta
that it is stated that when so readily patreecibl* a compound as urine
ia trsatod with it do potrefsetion can take place. In some of the
prepaiatioas used in bseiariologieal reseaieh iu f ffecr ia more power-
ful avsn than eorrosiva snblimaU, one of the beet aatiseptics known,
but AHmHiomMm on aeooont of iu toxic propertie*, and quite in-
sppBeabb to |ifculinis|iliii purposes on account of its chemical action.
Pbotorrapblnir aaar Foralfn Forta. — Photographic
toarista have before anw subjected tbeasaelvcs to considerable inoon-
veniene* thmngh cteetii^ tbeir cameras in proxifflity to Continental
fitiflfstfams (Mtfcfmgh the latter have not been visible from tie SrOt),
SIficixltles in SKaklntr the Oreat Star Map.— The
attempts to secure the required uniformity of stellar magnitudes on
the photographic plates by the employment of the metallic gauze
screens of one definite mesh were unsuccessful. Much time was
ooosnmed (st Oxford University Observatory) in the experimental
reeearch into the action of such screens on the photog^phic image,
and in the course of the inquiry certain unexpected and interesting
results cause to lig^t, the substance of which was communicated by
Profeaeor Pritchard to the Paris Academy, and which were subse-
quently pnbliahed in the proceedings of that body. The result has
been the production (and the distribution by the Paris Academy) of
photographic catalogues of stars of the ninth and eleventh magnitudes
within small specified areas for the use of the eighteen observatories
engaged in the international chart of the heavens.
Mnaleh Fine Art* Bzblbltlon. — A few weeks back we
alluded to this international Exhibition as being likely to prove a
great success. It is now open, and is a very fine one. There are
upwards of three thousand frames. The pictures are from almost all
parts of the world, though we are given to understand Great Britain,
numerically, is not well represented. This may possibly be, in a
measure, accounted for by the fact that the RoyaJ .\cademy has a
greater attraction for British artists than a foreign Exhibition. Some
photographa are shown, but it appears they are copies of architectural
deogns, kc. The illustrated catalogue, a copy of which is now before
us, is wall got up. It contains about a hundred and fifty illustrations
of the more important works, including statuary. The majority of
the IDustrations are from half-tone process blocks.'which serve well
to show the preeent state of this branch of photo-mechanical work in
Germany, when applied commercially. We are told that the cata-
logue, Eke most others, for that matter, had to be got up in a hurry.
It is a marvellons two marks' worth. Those visiting South Germany
this summer should make a point of aeeing this Exhibition,
A Vaw Permanent Zncandeacent Ziamp.— One of the
drawback* tu the use of incandescent electric lights is the ultimate
loaa of Hght, owing to the gradual covering of the inside of the globe
with a fine coating of black, derived from the alow conveyance of
particles of the carbon filsment to the surface of the glass. According
tn an article in the Eltetrical World, a new method of exhausting the
bulbs has been devised, and ia now in use, which quite prevents the
occurrence of thia blackening. The usual way of exhausting the
);)obe, which, as our resder* are aware, is a m-cessart- part of the
manufacture, is by means of a mercury pump. With the new piimp,
whieh «M|^ finally made a success on May 0, 1890, mercury is not
uaed.^li'>iskes a more perfect vaettum than the mercurial pump,
and does the work more quickly. The pump in use by the Beacon
Vatuum Pump and Eleetrieal Company can exhaust 600 lamps at one
time, while the other cannot make a* good a vacuum in five hours on
six lamps. Furthermore, the residuum or vspour of mercury in a
globe exhausted with mercury is injurious to the filament. It will
Ukewise blacken the interior walls of the globe as before mentioned.
With the new pump s remainder of vapour of oil or hydro-carbon is
left, and it will decrimpore in about twenty-five hours, leaving a
perfect vacuum behind. Hence the lamp will not blacken, as the
small rartides of carbon from the filament will have no carrying
medium to convey them io tlie glnse.
404
THE URITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[June 24, 1892
Restoration of Faded Prints.— A great deal of thought
and experiment have from time to time been expended on the attempt
to render silver prints permanent ; to what efiect, in practice, alas !
we know hut too well. However desirable it is to secure stability in
the photo^aphs of the future, it is equally so to be able to restore
those that have faded ; or, at least, those of departed friends, or such
pictures as cannot be taken again. Little experiment seems to have
been made in this direction, or, if made, the results have not been
published. The material that once formed the image, it must be
assumed, still exists in the paper, though in an altered state, as it has
not yet been proved to be volatile. All that is wanted is a method
for restoring this to its original condition. The question is. What ?
It has often been stated that a faded silver print can be restored by
treatment with bichloride of mercury. This is a fallacy. By the
treatment the sickly yellow tint is removed, and the print becomes
brighter, but no detail that has actually dieappeawd is restored.
Still, in many instances, the picture is considerably improved in
general appearance. Aj»-a}ios of this subject, many of the pictures
" restored " with the bichloride have an unpleasant red tone. This
may, however, be avoided by employing a much weaker solution, and
allowing longer time for its action. A solution containing from a
quarter'to half a grain of the salt to the ounce of water with several
hours' immersion is better than a stronger one and a shorter treatment.
Photography and the General Election.— " It is an
ill wind that blows no one good," says an old proverb. A General
Election always brings with it a stagiiation of trade, except in some
few businesses, and amongst these is, or ought to be, photography.
During the last one or two Elections, some of the candidates for
parliamentary honours have made it a feature to send their portraits
with their canvassing cards, and in some instances, it is said, with
good effect. Now, the forthcoming Election ought to bring a good
line to a large number of portraitists, especially to those in the
provinces who are enterprising enough to secure the advan-
tage of supplying the electors with portraits of the candidates.
Of course, the local photographers woiJd be the only ones who would
obtain the commissions, as it would only act adversely to the would-
be member to have the orders executed out of the district. The
question wiU arise to many as to how the orders are to be executed,
as, after they are given, the work is usually wanted in a very short
time, insufficient to permit of silver printing. Amongst the
mechanical processes available, we have collotype, Woodburytype,
and process blocks, all of which are good for the purpose. There is
yet another process which is often overlooked where rapidity of
production is necessary, we allude to bromide paper. With this and
a single negative it is possible to produce several thousand prints
within twenty-four hours, as there is no mould to make, or plate to
prepare, before printing can be commenced. What can be accom-
plished with this method has been fully exemplified in the illus-
trations in our Almanac during the last few years. As we have just
said, the Election ought to stir up business with many portraitists.
(
CHLORIDE PRINTING-OUT PAPERS— COLLODION AND
GELATINE.
In consequence of the increasing popularity of the newer kinds of
printing-out papers, and in spite of the fact that there are numerous
brands on the market of the highest excellence, there is still a
tendency on the part of many, both amateur and professional, to
prepare their own, the operations involved being far simpler and more
easily carried out than in tlie case of the more sensitive emulsions
used for negative or enlarging purposes.
There have been published in your columns and elsewhere many
formulae, accompanied by the necessary hints and instructions, for the
preparation of both collodio and gelatino-chloride emulsions and
papers; but, notwithstanding the very full information already given,
there still remain apparently some difficulties which many of the
would-be workers have failed to master, and I propose therefore,
in the present article, to endeavour briefly to smooth over some of
those which have been brought to my notice. It is not my intention
to give any definite formulae — at least, in the course of the present
article, as my remarks will, I think, enable any reader to easily adapt
those already published to the slightly modified conditions of working
which we shall describe.
I will deal first of all with collodio-chloride emulsion, as being
the older preparation and the one which will be found generally
easier of application by the amateur, whether for paper positives,
transparencies, or opals, for all of which it is equally well adapted.
The chief difficulties found in connexion with this form of emul-
sion are the structural character of the film it gives usually, the
strong tendency of the sensitive film to leave its support, and,
finally, the short period the average emulsion will keep in working
order. These, one and all, depend mainly upon the same causes,
and in removing one we are fortunately able to greatly mitigate,
if not altogether to eliminate, the others.
The first difficulty, that of structure or inequality of the film, is-
more especially felt when the emulsion is used upon glass or opal,,
and is due, as you pointed out, in an article published some
months back, almost entirely to the employment of an unsuitable
sample of pyroxyline, combined with the acid nature of the-
emulsion. These causes combined to produce that quality of film
known to old collodion- workers as " horniness," a condition in
which the film itself is extremely tough and contractile, and,
owing to the indifferent fluent properties of the emulsion, generally
presents a series of crape-like ridges, which are extremely un-
sightly, especially in the case of transparencies. The same homy
or contractile quality is, further, the cause of the second difficulty,,
that of the film leaving its support; the collodion itself has very
little inclination in the first place to attach itself firmly to any
kind of support, and under the action of water exhibits such a
powerful tendency to curl or pucker, that the invariable result is a>
final separation.
Then, again, the want of keeping properties in the emulsion is not
due to decomposition of the silver compounds, but a gradual curdling
or clotting together of the solid constituents which eventually
separate and leave the solvents perfectly clear. This result is not
attained all at once, but the defect passes through various stages, ia
which the emulsion becomes more and more gelatinous, and less
inclined to flow over the support, until it at last becomes entirely
useless. Here, again, the fault lies almost wholly with the pyroxyline,.
and the usually acid character of the emulsion, though it may, and
probably is, in many cases, intensified by the employment of unsuit-
able salts in sensitising.
The methods or formulae ordinarily given for the preparation of the-
collodio-chloride emulsion consist in the formation of a chlorised
collodion, chloride of calcium being usually recommended on account
of its easy solubihty. To this a large excess of silver nitrate is
added over and above what is required to neutralise the soluble
chloride, and finally a considerable proportion, often as much as three
or four grains to the ounce, of citric acid for the purpose of forming
the organic silver compound that is necessary to give vigour to the
image, and also with the idea of making the emulsion keep. The
conditions, in fact, considered desirable in order to form a good
emulsion are chloride, together with citrate of silver and an excess of
silver nitrate and of citric acid. The desired result, so far as quality
of image, is certainly arrived at by the method indicated, but it is at
the expense of the other good properties of the preparation.
In the first place, the employment of chloride of calcium is to be
avoided, as, especially in the presence of citric acid, it not only forma
a useless precipitate of calcium citrate, but it acts powerfully on the
pyroxyline, destroying its solubility. The excess of citric acid
behaves in the same way, this acid, more perhaps than any other,
exhibiting that particular action. Besides this, it does not form
citrate of silver in the real sense of the term, as is usually supposed,
the whole of the silver not converted into chloride remaining in a
soluble state, or nearly so. If a quantity of silver nitrate, such as
would be used in the emulsion, be dissolved in water and a corre-
sponding proportion of citric acid added, a perfectly clear solution is
formed, containing possibly citrate of silver, but held in solution by
the free nitric acid as well as by its own slight solubility in water.
If the same additions be made to plain collodion, the result will be a.
slightly opalescent emulsion, which sets upon, glass perfectly clear and
JaM3«,IBeS]
THE fiBITISH JOURNAL OF PflOTOaRAPHY.
405
- - '>pareDt, and when dried shows a crop of minute OTsUk jiwt as a
hr qoantity of silrer nitrate would do. This ahows that in the
f«rT«d to the citrate of ailrer cannot be present in its most
'■, but acta merely aa lo much fi«e silver, while the whole
xceaa of aoid ia at liberty to exert its moat baneful
N«xt, witii regard to the suppoawl neoeaaity of free silrer nitrate
and of acid, I hare prored by careful experiment that this is much
aooggerated, if, indeed, sndi exoeaa may not be wholly dispensed with.
I fakve, in fact, prored hf aetnal trial that an emulsion containing no
free ailrer nitrate, or so little that it ia practically absent, will give a
rich, Tigoioiu image, and befaare in erary way as well as, if not
better, than one containing the regulatieB •seeaa ; and, farther, that it
may be rendered alkaline without daatniyiiiB' ita good qoalitiea, or
bringing abont tbe deeonpositioa of the iUjvt mitt. Tht actioa of
the alkali, bowerer, upon the coUoJow aoon daalruya ita power of
aoapending the tthrer chloride, and thw renders the emnkion nadeaa ;
but tbe experiment ahowa that at beat a large exccaa of add is un-
neeeaaarf in order to make tbe iwuMnn keep.
Now, if we take aa eaolaion prepared according to the naud
fonnola, only for tbe aahe of simplicity aabatitutlng ehlofida of
ammoninm for tbe ealdnm salt, and keep it notil it raachiw the
extremely riseid atage aa^ rataMa to flow over the giaaa, the addition
of a few dropa of akohoi eaatrfntaigtM per cent, of aqneooa ammonia,
fallowed by a rigcvooi akahMvfll qaieldy rMtore ita flnent properties ;
and, if the alkaB be eantioaaly tMii lo aa to leave a very faint trace
of add atin in exeeaa, the aarakioo will be found to have entirely
rsgained ita arigliia] food ifnalitiaa, and will show no farther'tendeney
to thiefcan or do* together. Whan pooled opon gla«a too, it will in
an piobabifity shour a deaaar or laa tnaaparsnt film, though in this
respect dtro-eblorida emaMoaa aie alwaya much thinner than those
of bromide.
In this erperimdit we hare taken up the free acid by meaaa of tbe
alkali, and thrown down the dtrate of ailver aa an actual predpitate.
If tbe aaunooia were added to a mixtare of plain eoUodion with ailver
nitrate and dtrie add whhoat any ailnr ehloride, tho diflaraaee
would be that tbe Sim whaa as* waald be opalsaeaat inatead of trans-
paient.owing to the dtrate haiag ia the "TilTifltil inetaad of the
djawired state; and in that waJtica H wnald oafy laaei inainnalilii
to suppose that it would paffOfm ita duty mot* affsolaaDy.
A^da, if the qnaatity of aibw iritma aaed ia aaahWaf be redaeed
to)Mtthath«)NdealprapattiaaMfrfrsd to fora O* aUortde and
citrate without kariag aay exoMa, it will ha ftouai that Btlle or ao
diff ersnee ia laade ia the vigour of the iiaallln iM^a, tto^ ita
colour, and poasiUy ita gradatioBS, will be ooaddaiahly nodMad.
Tbeee, howenrr, are aaaily raadjaitad by varying tha proportion of
citraUaadehkriaeafdlTW.thoazpHiMatshowiavthatthe exesas
of silver aitiala ia aaedlaaa. With that raaioTsd, wa kaa one of the
I to tta ksepiag qnafity of the paper or fifaa, if not of
I itMif, for it alaada to rea«>a that the more free aiher
I thara ia praMsit, in contact either with tho pyraxyBae in tbe
or Om or with the paper support, the aoooer a apootaneous
itioo ia likely to abow itaelf. Tbe dtrate of atlver in eom-
with the ddoride anIBoas to gire the reqniaite rigour of
linage, while it is sulBdently soluble in the aqneooa portion of the
'■dmta to iarpart that riehnaas of ooloar which it ia oaa of the
faaetiaai of the free nitrate to supply, while it is not aaMaiaBtly
solabb tn exert the injurious inflneaeo of the latter.
As for the practical application of the foregoing ramaihi to existing
fotauika, the prooeas ia Tery ample, eapeciany to audi aa aia able to
ralwilata out the Tarioaa dbaaical squiralenta, although ewi this is
by ao aaaaa ahaolately nieeaaaiy, aa we ahaO show. In the selection
of pyaso^ae no apadal eare ia needful so kog aa an ordinarily (rood
photapaphic saapb b aasployed ; but much of that in tbe market at
thaamaat day k flt oely for enamelling purpoees, or for making
BUigMBi eoOodion, and it is hardly lequisite to aay that my remarks
do Bc4 apply to remedying the defecta of such samples.
Let the collodion be aiada of modent* conaisteney, odther too
thidi nor too thin, baadag in mind that a thin collodion givaa always
a mora area and stiiitluialaaa llha than a thicker one, and that for use
on paper all the Tigour and rirfinasa that can be required will be
Sivaa by a oomparatiTely thin ennilaion, though f or tiaaspanadaa oae
of greater density may be desirable. Let the solvents be of as high
grade as possible — that is, as free from water as can be obtained —
because this is a condition that, more than anything else, operates
upon the fluency of the emulsion and the character of the film. The
larger the proportion of water the less easily will the emulsion flow,
and the greater will be the tendency to " crapiness " and structural
markings. As it ia absolntelr necessary to add a certain quantity of
water in.sensitieing thejemulsion, the importance of starting as free
as possible will be recognised.
In selecting ^he salts, avoid those whose bases form insoluble
citrates or other salts, as these are liable to combine with and act
upon the collodion, causing partial or general insolubility. Perhaps
nothing excels ammonium chloride, which, with the assistance of a
minute quantity of water, is easily got into solution in the alcohol if
triturated in a fsmall raortar. JNext, .instead of employing citric
add in the free [state, use it in the form of an alkaline citrate, the
potasdum salt bdng beet for the purpose, as being the most stable.
The chemically qnalified reader may analyse the original formula,
and, if posable, calculate the theoretical quantity of citrate to use|;
but it is scarcely worth the trouble, aa the emulsion made in the
ordinary way is an extremely indefinite compound. The better plan
wiU be to make a trial by oonrerting definite proportions of ^rer
nitrate into chloride and dtrate reepectively, and, if the first be not
satisfactory, to vary the proportiona until the desired result is attained.
Two ports of chloride to one of citrate of silrer will form a useful
base to start from. The dtrate of potash may be dissolved and added
to the coUodionlsimultaneously with tbe soluble chloride.
The next question is that of acidification, and here I have only
to say that, though it is not absolutely neoeaaary for the keeping
of the emulsion, it may, nay, undoubtedly is, useful in preserving
the whiteness of paper after coating with the emul^on. But,
in plaee of citric add, I recommend the use of acetic, in the
proportion of,'say, a quarter of a minim to the ounce of emuldon.
It may be oooveniently added in the form of an alcholic eolation
of definite atrengtb.
Aa legarda aendtising, let the quantity of silrer nitrate be such
as to bardy neutraliae tbe chloride and citrate employed, bearing
in mind that the citrate of silrer formed acts the part of " free "
direr. The nitrate ia added to the collodion in the usual manner
in alcoboUc solution, formed by dissolring the crystals in half
their weight of water, by heating in a test tube, and then adding
a amall quantity of alcohol, and again hettiing to ebullition.
\Vhen formed into the collodion, and well shaken, the emulsion is
complete.
Prepared in this manner, the emuldon will require to be kept a
little longer before nae ia order tojbring it into its best form ; but,
that stage reached, it will be found a far more permanent preparation
than those hitherto in nae, and to be free from the spedd faults we
hare already noticed. It is probable that the proportions of the
variona ingiedienta will have to be connderably moditied in order to
aecnie certdn favourite colours of the image, though, after all, the
origind ookur makea very little, if any, difference in the toned print.
.\ final hint may be given in connexion with coUodio-chloride. A
difficulty is experienced by many in coating paper, the usual plan
being to pin it down on to a light board ; but this generally inrolves
a kit of trouble in covering comera and edges. Nothing is easier and
more effective for small aizes, and it seems equally available for large
than tbe following plan, heterodox aa it may seem : Thoroughly wet
the papiT, and, when at full stretch, sqUeegue it on to a sheet of glaas.
Ihea, baring carefully surface-dried it with a soft linen doth, coat in
thacrdinaiy way, and, contrary to what might be supposed, tbe film
wiU be as structureleas and adhere as well as, or even better, than if
coated dry. W. B. Bolton.
(To bt coneUided.)
AMERIC.VX NOTES AND NEWS.
Amerloan Viaitora to the ConTontlon.— We have
reo-ntly had the pleasure of a ridt from Dr. Charles L. Mitchell, of
Philadelphia, who most be known to many of our readers by bis con-
tributions to American photographic literature. Dr. Mitchell ia to
406
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[June 24, 1893
tead a paper before the Convention on the U,e of the Colour Screen
in Landtoape Photoffraphjf.
t'Xanen Sromlde.."-We read that linen sensitised with
geUtinc^bromide of silver for printing purposes has J^s* ^^'J P^'T^
Tthe market by an American house. The advantage of fabr c
printing by development over the platinum and chloride of silver
JrS-out proceJLs is not apparent, and we should be inchned
to doubt its practical success.
UtmuB Paper .-A note in the St. Louis and Canadian Photo-
grapher states that blue litmus paper is prepared from a seaweed the
common rocella, which is found in all tropical seas, but particularly
and abundantly in the Mediterranean. It is a lichen which grows on
the rocks in the water and near the shore. The litmus is prepared by
macerating the plant in water with Ume, potash, and other materials,
and leaving it for weeks until fermentation ensues. When it fer-
ments it first turns red, and then blue, and when the whole mass is of
the proper blue colour it is pressed into a mould and made into small
rectangular cakes, which have the look of indigo and the smell of
violets? To make the litmus paper, an infusion of the htmus is made
with boiling water, and unsized paper is soaked in it, bemg afterwards
dried. .
Storage of Albumenteed Paper. — Mr. A. W. Clark
savs that " albumen paper, kept even for a short time in a close,
warm room, will become so dry and homy that, although it may
appear to take the silver properly, it is not in the proper condition for
producing the best prints, even should no ill effects show until the
tonmg is reached. Here trouble will make its appearance, and the
toning is arrested, or, at least, but poorly accomplished. The paper
requires only Uttle damping, but requires time, according to its dry-
ness, to absorb the proper amount of moisture." Mr. Clark beUeves
that albumen paper still holds the fort, and is destined to do so for
some vears to come, and he has recently come across several faUures
in printing which he has traced to the albumenised paper having been
kept in too dry a state before sensitising.
Toning and Fixing' Oelatino-Chloride Paper.— Mr.
Louis Bradfisch, an experienced manufacturer and user of aristotype
papers, is convinced, in Wilton's Photographic Magazine, that the
proper manipulation of these papers is by separate toning and fixing.
After washing, he recommends a toning bath of gold chloride, soda
acetate, and soda bicarbonate, and, when toning is complete, a com-
bined hardening and fixing bath, which should be freshly prepared
every day, and consists of forty minims of acid sulphite of soda solu-
tion (? strength), and two ounces of powdered alum in twenty ounces
of water, to which two ounces of hypo are finally added. On im-
mersion in this bath, the prints turn yellow, but assume the proper
tone in from five to ten minutes.
Do Plates Increase in Sensitiveness by Keeping' 7
—In an American contemporary, Dr. Vogel quotes Herr Wolf,
the Heidelberg astronomer, in support of the theory that gelatine
plates increase in sensitiveness by keeping. Herr Wolf says par-
ticular care is necessary with fresh plates. When formerly he
received plates from the manufacturer he always observed that
the new plates were not as sensitive as the previous ones, and that he
had to expose much longer than before, so that it almost appeared as
if the plate -manufacturer was turning out inferior goods. Last
winter new plates of ,with even three times the exposure,
hardly showed the objects on the negative, which were distinctly
visible on plates received in a previous shipment. He could not
obtain, for instance, with three hours' exposure, those stars and
nebulio which previously he had photographed with the greatest
facility in one liour. It was, he says, known to him before that
plates change their sensitiveness somewhat, but th.it they would
increase to three times their original sensitiveness he could not
expect. The same plates which, in the beginning, had so little
sensitiveness became as sensitive after five months as the previous
ones, and surpassed all his other plates in sensitiveness. The ortho-
chromatic plates seem to be less subject to this change of sensitiveness.
According to Dr. Vogel's opinion, the gelatine here plays an im-
portant part. Lately he had to examine quite a number of different
kinds of gelatine. Ordinarily they give emulsions of high sensitive-
ness only if ammonia is applied after cooking. He found only one
kind of gelatine which, by cooking alone, gave just as sensitive
emulsions as with ammonia.
Pbotogrraphy at tbe World's Fair. — ITie following peti-
tion to the Ways and Means Committee of the Columbian Exposition
is being extensively signed on behalf of the American Photographic
Societies :— " Having learned that it is the decision of your Com-
nnttee, and that of the Executive Committee of the World's Colum-
bian Exposition, that the granting of spedal permits to amateur
photographers and others for the privilege of photographing in the
Exposition grounds is to be refused, because they will interfere with
concessions to be held by three or four professional concerns, we, the
representatives of the photographic clubs and societies of the United
States, do most urgently petition you to reconsider your decision ;
first, in behalf of the thousands of amateurs and others who will wish
to exercise the right to photograph ; second, because their work will
make a far more valuable and complete record of the Exposition than
is possible by the few to whom it is proposed to giant the privilege;
third, because it is probable a larger revenue can be derived by the
issuing of special permits to the estimated hundred or two hundred
thousand photographers who will certainly visit the Exposition (at
the rate of five dollars for a limited period of one week, aggregating
very nearly half a million dollars), than will be realised by restricting
the privilege to a few for a specified amount (which is likely not to be
much above one hundred thousand dollars), while at the same time
greater general benefit will accrue to all concerned. We hold that,
as the camera is now so universally used by the puMic, and as the Ex-
position is a public enterprise, conducted by the United States for the
public benefit and education, it is unjust to the public to restrict the
photographic privilege as is now contemplated, when the same revenue
can be effected by methods which will confer pleasure and instruction
to an immense number, and with less friction. We earnestly request
that the interests of the amateur photographers be especially recog-
nised, because of the increased revenue they may bring to the Expo-
sition, on the plan outlined, and on account of the great value of the
work they will create. We further request that special facihties for
photographic work be provided for the amateur on the Exposition
grounds, from which an additional revenue can be derived above that
previously mentioned." There is so much that is reasonable in the
prayer of this petition that we hope the Committee will see fit to
grant it ; not only in the interests of American amateur photography,
but also because we are certain a large number of the visitors from
this side of the Atlantic will be accompanied by a camera, the use of
which being interdicted must undoubtedly damage the Exhibition.
PHOTOGRAPHY AMONG THE LIBER.\L ARTS AT
CHICAGO.
In the regulations for the forthcoming (1893) Chicago Exhibition, we
are told that " All the photographic exhibits, however, will be placed
together in the portion of the Liberal Arts and Manufactures buildinj
allotted to the British Section." In spite of our having been recently
told that photography is not art, it may yet be of some interest to
inquire the meaning of the words Liberal Arts, seeing that it is in their
company we ar6 destined to find our photographs at Chicago. (Some
may here lament that " adversity makes us acquainted with Strang*
bedfellows.") Parker tells us that " the term Liberal Art is more
venerable and famous than the term Fine Art." It is at least som*
comfort, then, that our companions have antiquity|on their side ! [For
a note upon the term Fine Art the reader may refer to the British
JouRXAL OF Photoghaphy, May 22, 1891, pages 323-4.]
It would seem that the name Liberal Art wa?, in its early usage,
applied to a puvsuit followed by one of free birth and cultivated taste,,
but subsequentlv its arpH-'ati^m became narrowad. The history of
the term (according to Piirkpr) seems to be somewhat as follows : —
1. The learned lioman, Varro (b.c. 1 16-28), is said to have written
490 books, a very larze majority of which are lost, among them beinp
3ar» 34, ISW]
THE BsmSfi JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
407
oo* called tlM yine DitdpUne*, which aMou to hAre been " mi •!>•
c^clopedi* of tcienee."
'2. At <ome undetermined p«rt of the fourth century one Martianu*
CspelU wrote » philosophical rorasoce, entitled, Tlu Xuptialt of
Memay tcitk Philology, the tUmohtar of Pkronetit, in which the
teren arts, frrtmmar, diidectics, rlietoric, gaometrj, arithmetic, a»-
tronomy, music, appear aa Mren hridmmaida.
It is' extremely probable that this was foanded upon Varro't Nms
Diteiplinn, the two miMOff inwibmn being architacture and
medicine, the reaaon of thair axpaigatioa frobably being becanae they
tended towards the narful rathw tbaa the omamentaL
3. Thia eonpoattion of CapeDa's, who ■eens to hare been a pagan,
waa apparently reriaaa hf Caaaiodoms (a.d. 486-670). It seema
that it was this Caaaiodoms who again drew attention to theee aeven
studiee, and dubbed them " Liberal Arts; * bat by that term he in-
tanded them to be regarded aa aeieaeas, and roughly definea them aa
those arts whidi are eontained in hooka.
4. John«>n (Idlrr, No. 91) aaya, "Theta is, I think, not one of the
Uberal arts which may not be eompletely learned in the English
lai^'uage. He that aaarebes aflar matheoutical knowledge may buay
biinaeU among hia own oonntrmen, and will find one or other able to
inatruet him in erary part of thoae abetruae acienoes." Thua, roughly
speaking, the Taloe of the term Liberal Art has not materially cbangad
from the tinM of Caariodons to the preaent day.
It is here interestiog to aoita that the early usage of the term haa
bsan arsnly [iiasniiiiil in the Unhreraitiea of Cambridge and Oxford,
wh«« the Baehalflr, or Master of Arta, ia sapposad to bar* shows
some profideoey in the fiberal arts. Th«i« ia wason to suppose that
in the earlier days of these Unirersitie* mwie hdd a mora prominent
poaition than it now doea. In both UniTeraitiea, daring the present
«sntary, thera baa been a marked ■orement towards phaing the tine
arts of moaii; and p^mting (seolptiire, kc), in a mora prominent
poaition. The Slade iWeason are growing in nneral appreciation.
In ooonaxioa with oar twin t«m, Seisaoe ana Art, it is interestii^
alao to note that tha aailiar osaca of laeHtui, tji., seianee, was practi-
cally reatiietad t« theology, mtaj nodam have usarped tliis tarm,
and wonld aatireiy Asthrooe the andsnt sorardgn.
Okndng bade at tha progenitors of the preaant-dar liberal arts ws
may, without any riolenee of aasamption, fairly well take stock of
the legitimate daaoeodants. From the first three bridesmaids of
Capella are dsawdtd tlie ara^spwding family of the claaaies, in-
clnding philosophf , phildlqgT, ontory (in law and politics), and
kindred Btaaehsa. Trom the naoR-aaaotioned thrse are derirsd
mathenatica fSMtally, and ita attendant yoonger hroadtaa, rit., the
exact srianess, physics, dtemistry, ftc; so (hat, corrsapnnding to the
■isaaiil jay be arte, maaic alaoe la lapiaaaBtsd, onlsM poetrr may
lia aaoggled in onder the cloak of deaaiea, and arehiteetai«,aader tha
patronage of medanic*.*
Turmag onee again to the aniveraities, it wQ] not be difBcult to
sse that the modem lepceaeotatire of music is more akin to this
th«or^, I.*., aeientiik side rather (han to the artistic practice.
Thu ia, mutati* mufamJU, aqoaDr true of the usual instruction
imparted by the Slade r»<i«asot of ^ine .\rt, although of late years
aome eaoooragaaMOt lias been gimi to the praedos of mnaic and
painting, Ac.
Tha emKliwinii of tlie matter, then, saeras to show that the modem
daaeHidaata of the ancient liberal or poBte arts are what are now
aaoaOy known as sciences rather than arts.
Now, as to what oonatitutea the precise differmca between a
acienoe and an art ia not easy to formaute in dtffimte terms. Pho-
tognphy^aa been, and often is, tamed an art-science, thereby
Implying that it partakes of the naloie of both, without bak»ging
SBclaaiTely to the one or the other.
This term hss prorided sn ample twgetfor the feeble ahattaof tha
Floeadilly ptnditc Bat, despite their superior information, it may
well be qoestiaoed aa to whether or not ertry art is at bottom ths
anderelojped embryonic form of a saence.
It may, I traat, be taken for granted that science ia knowledge,
bat it d(^if not necessarily follow that all knowledge is sdenca. A
"homely illuxtntioa may mike this clear. The saTaae knows that he
■eon " make fir* " with flint and steel, or by friction of two bits of dry
wood. He knows th»t certain planta, seeds, Ac., will grow in certain
■laeaa and not in othsrsi that oartain hsvbs, Ac, may be used for
foods, madieinsa, ke. Bat he doea not bother his brain with theories
■of ansrgi, frietkw, eombastkm, chemistry of soils, botany, physiology.
TTsmOTau from his native sorroondings, ha ia at a loss to knew how to
fad iobstitatss. New experience has to be gathered. Induction and
ibw-that, 'taring the middle ^sa, tk* mtcd
1 tke TViriitw, !.«., gramiaar, Mok, "^ '
feamat^, mOToaomj, and masic.
■ It aa
arts van
as to
iy giueued into tke Titriam, !«., gramour, l^ie, rfastoric
deduction are practically non-existent for him. Cultured man,
howerer, haa accumulated facts, experiments, observations. These
be continues to arrange and rearrange with a riew to grouping and
connecting cause and enect, <S:c.
When this is done, hia results have a permanent and aystematle
ralue. The under-current of knowledge connecting cause and effect
is then dignified by the name of science. Scientific knowledge, then,
may he broadly defined aa that which may be formulated in logical
sequence.
Une curious and interesting point may here be noticed, Tia., that, in
tha early days of the use of tnu term, it seems to have been especially,
If not exclunvelT, applied to theology, whereas, in our own day, there
are not a few who would deny this branch of knowledge haring any
claim to be called a science.
Turning to the Enxyclop4edia Britarmica, we find an article (abora
the well-known signature "S. C"), from which may be gleaned
Johnson's definition of art aa " the power of doing something which is
not taught by nature." This is found too narrow, and i» amplified
into the following : " Erery regulated operation or dexterity by
which org^ixed beings pursue ends whicn they know beforehand,
together with the mles and results of every such operation and
dexterity."
The Imperial Dietumary (18.51) divides arts into (1) the ttu/ul, or
mechanic, . . . and (2) " the liberal, or polite ; or, as they are now
more frequently termed, the fine arts are generally understood to
comprehend those productions of human genius and skill which are
more or lem addressed to the sentiment of taste or to the imagination
— as painting, sculpture, architecture, engraving, drawing, and music."
The En<ifcloi>tTrlia Amrricana (1883) doea not appear to contain
any article under the heading; Art. It is quite possible that the use
of the term Liberal Arts at the present day in America is but another
of the many casea where they, with a true conservative spirit, retain
a meaning which we, ever fond of change, have sought to express by
the newer term Fine Arts.
At any rate, it will be a matter of interest to many intending
Eogliah exhibitors to know what are included or implied by the term
Liberal Arts and Manofaetares as used in the prospectus.*
The time seems not far distant when men will cease attempting to
draw fine linec of distinction between science and art, and wiU recog-
nise that no sach sharp lines exist. On the contrary, the artist will
cease to look upon the scientiat aa his natural enemy, and will hail
him aa useful helper and sometiffies fruitful suggester. '
In fact, there seem to be many points of analogy between the r»-
lationship of faith and reason on the one hand, and art and science on
the other. In the former case, faith is not contrary to, but beyond,
reaaon, and begins whora reeson ceases to carry os. In the Utter, art
is not contrary to scienoe^is,, formal statement of truth — but, in
turn, transcends and records flights of emotion and perception which,
in our present state of knowledge, are only felt, but are not capable
of experimental or logical analysis.
Saence and reason appeal to the intellectual facultie>, enabling us
to say, " I know ; " faith and art appeal to the emotional powers, and
prompt us to say, " I fseL" F. C, LAUnanT.
JOTTINGS.
Tun development of partly printed proofs on gelatino-chloride
paper, <>f which mention haa occasionally been made of late, reminds
me that many years ago— I think it was in 186fi — the late M.
Claudet published a formula for a simple process for exposing to
daylight for a very abort time, and then developing the weak imiige
ao pndnoed. The process, if I remember aright, consisted of floating
paper on a solution of mercuric chloride, and, when the paper waa dry,
■MHitising on silver nitrate. The paper was exposed for two or three
sweotidk in aommer and np to about a minute in winter, the feeble
image being fully brought out by means of an aqueous solution of iron
piotosolpbate and glacial acetic add. After washing, the developed
print was fixed in hypo, a deep black image being obtained. I think
at the time the paper was called the Instantaneous Positive Paper.
" Talbot Archer," the English correspondent of Anthony't Bulletin
says " that the event of the month hat been the opening of the first
* The foregoing wss written aomatwo or tbrse weeks before the writer hasrd
Mr. U. P. itobtnsoD'i cleTer paper rccentlr read at tb* Camcrt Club Cnn-
fcrsDce. Tb* r«a<l«r msjr b* referred to the eoneluiling portion of Mr.
Robiofon't papsT as toncblng upon ±t niitter in qiiutioa.
408
THE BKinSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[June 24, ) 892
I
free public exhibition of survey photographs " at Birmingham. He
informs his American readers that the , " work has been taken up by
some eight or ten other societies, but in a desultory and disconnected
way, and, with the object of binding together for this grand work all
the 300 photographic societies of the British Isles, Mr. W. Jerome-
Harrison read a paper on the subject in London before the Photo-
graphic Society of Great Britain on May 10th. Mr. Harrison urged
that the 'parent society' (as the Photographic Society of Great Britain
is still fondly called), should take upon itself the direction and organi-
sation of this grand work — a National Photographic Record and
Survey. Such a task will be commenced, and must be completed ; "
but " Talbot Archer " fears " that the Photographic Society of Great
Britain is in ■ too ' f osaUsed ' a state to furnish the men, the energy;
and the funds which are needed to inaugurate this great movement."
As "Talbot Archer" and Mr. W. Jerome Harrison are tolerably
well known to be one and the same person, it would be interesting
to be told whether the Photographic Society ofGreat Britain was dis-
covered to be " in too fossilised a state to furnish the men, the energy,
and the funds," before the reading of the paper or after? If the
former, why was the paper wasted on such a Society ? if the latter,
what has the Society since done to merit such a criticism from one
who was glad to avail himself of the opportunity to read a
paper before its members so recently as May 10? If the Sociey has
fossilised since May 10, the process must indeed have been a rapid
one ; and how is it that nobody but Mr. Harrison— or " Talbot Archer "
— has heard of that unfortunate change for the worse ?
But, not content with smiting the Photographic Society of
Great Britain because, I presume, that Society did not receive his
photographic survey scheme with the enthusiasm which that " grand
work " merits in the eyes of its originator, " Talbot Archer " — or Mr.
W. Jerome Harrison — thus proceeds to employ Anthony's Bulletin as
a vehicle for the following attack on the Photographic Convention of
the United Kingdom : " The annual meeting of the Photographic Con-
vention of the United Kingdom is this year to be held at Edinbm-gh,
in the week commencing July 11. It is curious to notice the[mistaken
ideas which have prevailed on either side of the Atlantic with regard to
the annual gathering or ' Convention ' of photographers held in each
country. We (I judge from the references in the English photographic
press) regard your Convention as a wonderful success ; and yet any one
who reads between the lines of the American journals can see that it is
a consistent failure, relieved by spasmodic efforts at success. But, if
your Convention is a failure, what must be said of our dismal imita-
tion ? A meeting is announced at some interesting spot — Chester,
Bath, &c. The expectations of the inhabitants are aroused, and they
roll up in then- tens on the opening day, headed by the Mayor, in his
robe and chain of office. To them there appears some score, or perhaps
even thirty, of photographers from London and other ' furrin parts,'
consisting of the usual incapables who have hitherto ' bossed the show.'
Excursions are made (always in heavy rain), and papers read before
audiences of from fifty (on the opening night, when refreshments are
provided free) to five at the finish." "What a' grotesque and pre-
judiced distortion of the facts !
This amiable critic of the Convention proceeds : ' This year there is
some hope of better things, for the new heads of the Convention
(Davison as President and Cembrano as Secretary) are a long way ahead
in business powers and in popularity over their predecessors. Per-
haps they may be able to persuade as many as fifty English photo-
graphers to follow them to Edinburgh, but I doubt it." Your
American friends may like to know that the " usual incapables who
have hitherto bossed the show " include, as Presidents, Mr. J. Traill
Taylor, Mr. Andrew Pringle, Mr. Charles H. liothamley, and Mr.
William Bedford, with Jlr. J. J. Brigiushaw as Secretary, and a
Council numbering such names as Cowan, Haddon, Lang, Mason,
Sayce, Webster, Wellington, Bridge, H. M. Hastings, R. Keene,
A. M. Levy, Henry Sturmey, John Stuart, of Glasgow, with
many others who are recognised as men of sound practical ability,
and who are identified with much that is best and most successful in
modern English photography, as well as up to (he year 1888, Mr. W.
Jerome Ilanisou himself! The remainder of "Talbot Archer's"
attack' is based upon personal . motives. I see that the forth-
coming Convention will be attended by several distinguished
American photographers, who, I have no doubt, will take back a
different impression of its importance and proceedings than that
which this biassed critic has attempted to create in advance.
I read that at a meeting of a Society — which, upon my word, sir, I
hesitate to name for fear some unreasonable young member may take
advantage of your benevolent pages to call me all sorts of names for
daring to criticise his friends' remarks — and iljiropos of the subject of
halation, "films were considered more rapid than plates." Upon what
evidence ? Surely not upon any theory that the nature of the sup-
port exercises some sensitising influence upon the emulsion ? If that
is meant, where are the proofs ? Cosmos.
FUSED NITRATE OF SILVER.
Noticing the correspondence that has ensued since my statement re
fusing nitrate of silver, it occurred to me that it might perhaps be as
well to add a few further remarks in the hope that they may be of
assistance to those deskous of experimenting in this direction. Mr.
Whitfield's suggestion that "fusing nitrate of silver renders it
alkaline and forms a proportion of nitrite, thereby rendering it a more
sensitive compound than before fusing," is partly correct, as the result
depends upon certain conditions, and this increase of sensitiveness, as
I have already pointed out, holds good both in collodion and gelatine,
although it by no means follows that the action should be the same
in both cases — in fact, many substances differ greatly in their action
in the two mediums.
Thinking that probably the nitrite formed was the cause of
the extra sensitiveness, I tried the addition of the nitrites of silver
and soda to gelatine emulsion, but did not like the working of
this, it being uncertain and prone to fog, owing perhaps to the
instability of the nitrites. As regards the fusing, I found that to
obtain the best results each different sample of nitrate required to be
treated on its own merits, for, unless some samples were fused suffi-
ciently, very little benefit was derived, whilst the same amount of
fusing with other samples would develop decided fogging tendencies ;
and I think this admits of explanation from the fact that the first
large crystals formed during the ordinary commercial process of
manufacturing nitrate of silver are decidedly purer, or free from
impurities, than the crystals obtained by evaporating the whole of the
mother liquid ; in the first case, simple dissolving in pure water and
re-crystallisation would be all that was required for most practical
purposes, but in the latter case it would certainly be an improvement
^o fuse.
To those who care to take the trouble I would suggest that,
if they have an ordinary pure commercial sample, they fuse at a
temperature of about 430" Fahrenheit ; this will fuse the nitrate
without forming any appreciable quantity of nitrite, and yet drive off
most of the impurities. The lid should not be put upon the
evaporating dish, and the melted mass should be gently stirred with
a glass rod, as probably the action with nitrate is similar to that with
metallic silver, which absorbs oxygen from the air whilst in a state of
fusion and gives it off again when cold. Should the sample of
nitrate operated on be an impure one, it may be necessary to apply
greater heat. Perhaps as good a test as regards impurities in the
ordinary way is the amount of scum that forms during the fusing ; if
this scum cannot be got rid of by continuing the fusing at the heat
recommended, the temperature should be raised until it is dissipated,
when nitrate will almost certainly be formed, and it is as well in this
case to dissolve, when cold and set, in pure water, and then re-crystal-
lise. It must not only be borne in mind that as the temperature is
increased the nitrate is decomposed and nitrite formed, but also that,
if the temperature be still further increased, the silver itself may
ultimately be deposited in metallic form upon the bottom of the
evaporating dish. J. Babkbr.
OLD SILVER PRINTS.
The recent exhibition of old silver prints by the Photographic Society
of Great Britain should point a moral with respect to the permanency
of pictures made by this method. It is a mere truism to say that
there must be a rule for tlie production of anything, if it can be
repeated. The rule may be difficult to carry out or even, perhafj^ *-■
comprehend. Still, the rule exists, and it should not be n' — '""•"^^
JoM 24, 1882]
THU BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
409
tlw doll of modern photognpheTs to nnderstand and t«ke adrantag*
«l. Wberi there are a gmt number of conditions, and the neglect of
«at oae beitig roifieient to negative the advantages grained by scrupa-
fen* attention to all the reat, it only goes to prore bow much more
car? is nucMsary to aecaTO a ptopaily prepared silver print than is
usoally accorded' to it. From cooaiaerablie experience, and in observing
how mMBj photographers go to work in this department of their
mohtiioa, toe fact that a very large prop<irtion of silver prints are
nigitiv* is no matter of surprise whatever — if thcvdid not fade itwould
be the more astonishing ; and that the reason they do so — the root of
the matter, so to say— ifaould hare escaped the observation of so
many is bard to understand. I sttribote it chie6y to a blind following
of a oartain routine, and ignofSMfe'^^tke majority of wAy such a
routine has been adopted, frsqantly dsled to nn utter indifference to
the work.
Fonneriy the printing depvtmeat was deputed to bo;^ s and under-
strappers, who knew little, and cared leae, about anvtiung else than
eaxTTiag out a eertain sequeaee of procesaw. If the prints looked
bright, clean, and of goixl colour wnen finished, that was the sum
total of all they eared for, or all that was expwted of them.
It was a long time before it dawned on tiie i^reater mass of photo-
grapbets tkat pnnting opentJana reqaired more intelligent looking
after. luTestiaetioos were aet on loot, manv papers were written,
discuaaions heU, nri the outBone of it was that, mainly, insufGcient
washing after fixing, and oonaeqnaody the imperfect removal of the
hrpoanqihite of aoiu from the prints was the principsd, if not the
onW, cause of fading. Scores of waahing machines wete constructed,
aacl the isipactaaee of the opinion waa aeeeaad so great that but few
photogfapheta neglected to avail Aanaelvea of the beat means at
their cfiapoaal for thoroogfalr diaafaating the hypo from the paper.
So tar good ; thorough washing ia ladoabtedlr an excellent thmg,
bat 00^ one of the exwillwit thin^ naosaaazy to preserve the work,
and thoee who look upon it as all in all lean as upon a broken reed.
Prints that have stood the teat of three or four decadea without
change are, in all probability, far from innocent of contamination with
hyposulphite of soda. It wooU he instructive to get some of the
best, and test them for the pteaMiee o( this chemi(^. The proba-
bility ia that it would be foand in BMiat, as, formerly, waahing was a
very yaafiiMetuiy operatioa, and the anpposed neceasity for the
thoroagh leaoraJ of the hypo wae not tbooght of, vtA. if the prints
wete SBtinly deprived of' it, it was more a mattor of chance than
iHibfWtir intentioo. Notwhhataading this, many soores of pictures
have nmainsd bright and oanlterad to the pteaent time. The toning
and fidng was oae operation, bat the bath waa atroog in hyncouhihite,
and the immeiaion long, too. The paperjalso,waa leaa hignly gloased
than we have it at the pieaant tiaw. The negatives wete stronger,
and the printing much lotgcr aboot, with the molt that the image
waa iiaiaiaaiiil ngbt into the body of the paper, which had absorbod
more of a very moch atiwigei aihar solution than ia used at the
present day. AU thaae diflmaesa^ ao doubt, tended to make a mote
roboet hasiga than we are ■mtiiiiiaJ to aee. At the aame time, it
would aot whoDy aeeoont for the fkaahneaa and good pieaarvation of
the half-tone that aaay of the phoCopaphs !>hown at the exhibition
poeseased : aome otibr leaaoa aaat ha foond for this, wUcfa I believe
to be in the mora affeetaal tmg they leesived.
The atroager silver bath and moralieavily Mlted paper charged the
print with a much orrpater amount of silver salts that reqaired
removii^f than t ^ raapeet tk0 old print) were at a disadvan-
ta;.-e ; but the I' .:ae and strum «i bath used to fix and tone
wx< equal t'l tbx uu:^, and, although we might probably find hypo-
fulphite Mf sods, I do not think we should find more than the faintest
traces of silver. '' ' ibe whilea of thaae pietoiee. There wet*
also prints ti. y had been prepared from naaatiiia of
moderate dsmitj, umt, n« far as scale of tone goes, wonld aompaie
favourably with our modem work. This nartovred the invaatigati>>n
to the fixing and washing, if we say nothing aboot the aaaount of
albunMB oa the papar, which has uadoubtedly some iaflaeitce in ths
matter, bat not oumrient to account for the rapid deterioration of the
wdric of to-day unlesa supplemented by aosaething very much more
tiiiiK>rt«ot. Aixl this I quite believe to ha inadeqaate fixing to which
printa tcoeive, and alao, to go back to first eaaaes, the
■ of permanene^ ia diicuaaad, the oonditiona for
. ileiirable qaakty are generally looked upon as
u:u>;;taia— an opinion apparently justified by the resolta; however, it
seem* to me, if lunxcn conditions wete rigid tu adhered to, the
uncertainty would vanish; but, unfortunately, toey are not by a
I'ing way. At one time or another I bare made many experiments in
•hi< -^-•- - -'-- »■ ' — invariably pointed in one direction — that
,. vfinn, is an ahflulr »er/>*e?7y,and i« not •ucb
^, .. .^ (.vAsrally eonaidvied, the fact of just putting
the prints out of the wash water into the hypo bath, moving them
about for a stated time, and followed by a good washing, being the
whole, but most ineffective, procedure. Let us examine the method
in detail. In the first place, the print as it cotnes from the toning
abounds in silver salts more or less soluble, the greater part of which
it is necessary to remove, seventy-five per cent, at anv rate, the
solubility being govw-ned in part by the thickness and" permeability
of the vehicle containing them, usually albumen. Some, of course,
are in the substance of the paper itaelf, but the aim has been to keep
the image on the surface much as possible, and with many of the
papers now in the market this aim has been successfully carried out.
The photographer is very much in the dark as to the'paper and its
preparation, and has no means of gaining any information on the
subject It, no doubt, varies >vith every maker and albumeniser, but
is sufficiently alike to answer its purpose with the same treatment.
Hyposulphite of soda is the agent universally employed to fix the
prmts. It goes without saying, it should be a good sample.
EdwABD JDCNMOBB.
PICTORIAL SELECTION IN PHOTOGBAPHT.'
LtoBT kxa Sbasi.
Wb will next see what inflnence " light and shade," or " cAiaro-oteuro,"
has upon pictorial effect. The words " chiaro-otcuro" are commonly
translated " light and shade." Some writers prefer " clear obscure," or
" light obeeare." The term is used in reference to the lights and shadows
of a pietore, as also to its tones of ooloor.
In eootemplatlng an extensive landscape it may have been noted that
on the objects and forms nearest to the eye, the most brilliant lights and
the deepest shadows are aeen ; and that, as the distance from the sye In-
arsaaea, these lights and shadows gradually diminish in intensity until
they are oltimately lost, blending together in a kind of greyish-blue tint
tiot only is it found that lights and shades lose their intensity in pro-
portion to their nearness or remoteness from the spectator, but, as a
oeeeeaary consequence, the contrasts also are less prominent, and ths
ontlinea laaa distinct, the more the distance is increased.
It may be as well here to state that there ia a distinction between shade
and shadows, the former being used in reference to those portions of
opaque bodies which are removed from direct light, and the latter the
deprivation of direct light suffered by another body, occasioned by the
opaeity of ao object which intercepts it. That it \m aeeessary to make
thia distinction is obvious, from the fact that in nature there is invariably
Coond a diffarsaoe in the intensity of these two kinds of shade, the shadow
being almost always darker than the shade on the adjoining body by
which the shadow ia east. This can be easily seen by taking a white
object, say, a cubs, and placing it on a sheet of white paper in a strong
light, when it will be seen the portion ol the cube in ahsda will be lighter
than the shadow it casta. This difference is occasioned by reflected light ;
but it is unnecessary for me to do more than just refer to it, or detain
yon further on the matter.
It is the intention of a good picture to tell its story distinctly and
Intelligibly, avoiding all things which distnrb the attention. This,
witboot a good knowledge of chiaro.oteuro, cannot be done, (or, unless
the artist strictly adheres to the leading principles of this department of
art. hie labour will be thrown away. His first endeavour must be to
obtain unity of light and shade by so massing bis lights on the chief
point of the picture that the eye may dwell on it with undisturbed
aatiafaatioa. Xo scatter over a picture at regular intervals a variety of
objects having an equal degree of light is to produce a result more nearly
approaching the nature of a eheas-board, where the altematmg spaces of
bltsk aad white, ao etiual in site and power, allow the eye to wander over
Its sorfWiB finding not a single point of interest on which it can repose.
The quantity of dark shade given in paintings ia about one quarter ;
another i|uarter ia allowed for light, and the remainder for middle tint.
In many excellent pictures we see the greatest part ooenpied by middle
tint, with very little positive Ughl or dark, and in otliers we find a
preponderanee of light, with just a tittle " strengthening" or " darken-
ing " of a part to create a focus for the whole. Generally in this laitsr
eomposition small spots of colour, or strong contrasts, are introduced
with telling etreet, as is often to be noticed in some of Turner's charming
works, in which a group of figures, a boat, or even a few broken posts,
five extreme brilliancy to the picture.
As we are dealing with the camera now, it will be unnecessary for me
to enter into the various msthods adopted by artists in the treatment of
* ConelDded from p*f« 3K.
410
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OB PHOTOGRAPHY.
[June 24, 1892
*hiaTO-<ueuro, b«oi(aae it ii obvioui th« photographer's art U limited to th*
extent that he i« only able to reproduce the subject as it appears before
his lens, after a careful selection of his position, <feo., and the due eon-
•ideration of its most suitable lighting, whereas an artist has greater
aoope in introdacing certain effects, which may enhance the beauty of
the composition, although not actually present in the particular subject
before him. This would be considered under the head of " inyention,"
which need not trouble us here.
Supposing yon hare chosen your position, yon will note how the
objects in the foreground tell, the proportions of the strongest contrasts,
<he amonnt of brightest light and deepest shade in proportion to the
remaining middle tint. See the shade and shadow is not in excess, so as
to produce a dark and heavy result, and that the light does not pre-
ponderate, for an exactly opposite reason whereby a weak and insipid
l>ictnre will be obtained. Do not hesitate to alter your position if these
do not quite satisfy yon, as no success is gained without labour, and a
good negative is worth a little trouble. It will require some amount of
-practice to nicely determine the "values" of distant prospects, as in
photography colour is reduced to black and white, with intermediate
tones ; but for near scenes, picturesque bits, old houses, &o., this difficulty
ii soon overcome when it is remembered what depth of tone certain
•olonrs produce.
Although nnity of light must always be sought after, it must not be
carried to too great an extreme, as repose will almost be lost by the eye
l>eing continually recalled to this isolated point (Fig. 9). In order that
Fig:. 9.
this singleness may be prevented, it is advisable that other groups of light
should be admitted (Fig. 10).
These must be varied in their form, size, and degrees of power, and
the breadth of the shadows so well preserved, that they may serve as
places of repose to the eye, separating the groups from each other, that
is, there should be one single portion having the most brilliant light— and
•consequently possessing the greatest contrast in the opposite depth of
Tig. 10.
«hade — to which should be added other groups of light of a less degree of
intensity, \Aereby both unity and repose will be secured.
The term " repose " is applied to those ports of a picture, either in deep
shadow or middle tint, where lights and shades are so subdued that the
«ye can rest upon them without fatigue, after the excitation produced by
the brilliancy and effects of the principal parts.
However objects may be scattered throughout the picture, they must b«
so grouped and collected together that, althongh each object hai ill e«B
particular light and shade, the lights of all shonld generally mass togethtf,
as well as the shades, which will give a nnity of effect always to be eo»<
mended (Fig. 11). Cast shadows will be fonnd of great aMistance in
'//,-
Fig. 11.
securing this quality of unity, inasmuch as, by passing from one object to
another, they connect and hold them together (Fig. 12).
Seeing that shadows are more prolonged when the sun is low, it will be
well to make exposures, when possible, either in the morning or after-
noon rather than exactly at noon. As, in speaking of composition, it
Fif . 13.
was suggested that lines receding from the foreground were to be a-
ferred, so, in the matter of shadows, parallel lines should be avoided.
Intzbest in Objects itt Liqht.
It is important to observe that when any object is placed in light it is
essential it should either possess some interest in itself or in its acces-
sories in order that it may have that degree of interest which alone can
allow the eye to rest upon it with satisfaction. Without such care it will
appear bald and uncouth, and present an uninteresting and defective
appearance. Thus, if you are about to select a rustic cottage with white-
washed walls, see that the portions in light have a few picturesque cracks
between the stones, or across the plaster, are partly hidden by a creeper,
June 34, 1863]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
411
m vx applt-tow eloM by. Perb^c » nail ii>«7 be foand on which to
htag • biid-«a^ baikat. Kane guden implementi, • liave, or article ot
HWiiiiU appkrtL K % fithenntn's abode, neta, erab-pota, oara and ipara
WMj ba leqoijitionad, and failing all tbaae, it will poaaibly aiford a loit-
able poihico to plana a fignra, care being likaa in selection of eolonr of
ima in lehienee to contraat. If the ta^mmm cannot be OTereome by
■07 ol tlMM iBMBi it will b« beat to njaot it altogether, or defer ita
portraitim nlil » more fitting time, when it may be seen in shade, and,
in ecmaqnnea, be laaa eonspicuoo*.
To iiiim<liilili. «• have noticed the moet brilliant lighta and shadea
are in tba(aregiaiuid,giadnaU7lo«ing their intw)aity a« distanee inereasea,
that there i« a Jiatinetion between shade and shadow, the latter being the
darker of the two, the intention of a good fietore to tell its own atorj,
vfaieh ia impoaaible without good anangaaant of light and shade, the
Eiat impaatanea ol onitj in thia matter to the getting rid of scattered
ht. Tarioqa proportiaoa of light and shade in compoaitiona, the deeir-
abilitj of haring more than a single spot d light and the pnportionate
Intenaity and vaiiatioa in size of thoee added, the gathering together ot
■eatlarad o^jeela, the aasistanoe of east shadows, and the neeeaaity of
having inteiaat in tha portion in light
To determine tha moat agitable "'""^'^ in which we may introdoee oar
flgnree, and to find the moat apptopriata porttion to place them in, mast
be oor next cndeaToor.
Fiocaxa, ic.
There are b«t law aeenee in natnie^ boMver beaatifal they may be,
apon which the eye ean raat with eoatiBaad pleaaore anleea they exhibit
aooe signa ol animated Ule ; eonaaqnenlty, few landacapes are complete
wttlioat tha introdoetioa of figorea or animals, which shall enliat oor
iympathiaa oo behalf of the aeane pi seen tad to ua, and, moreover, famish
as with a aeala by wliieh we amf judge of.the extent ot tha view and the
aise ol orary otber ofejaet it may eontain.
Who doaa not know how greatly a wild atrateh of moontain and moor
ia etihaiMied by tlie preaiaee ol deer, aliaggy eattle, or homed abeep 1 and.
anppoaiag it to i«|a«ait a i^ even too dreary to afbrd anatananrs for
theee, bow waleooM ia tha daA form ol a cormorant riaing with beary
beat from a |isal atalned tarn, whoee watara, chafed by the flapping wings,
break into rilw ripplaa along ita aowaa to the opposite shore I Or, to
take a paatoral aeans, who wQl deny the Inersaasil intereet manifeated in
the eootemplallaa ol an eld tiabar wag^M with ita team of boraea and
Mrt«pa, aoggMting eoma slight
bow trivial te itaelf^ net oaly givea to the whole an
air el reality and trathfnlneea, bot lenda an aidditional charm to the
Viewa lAiah eoaairt ia a kiga maaini s ol water, be it river, lake, or
tea, find thair fvofar mabiKkkmmU* in ifaipa' bargee and Bailing craft of
all utditlu^e ol ahape and riaa, aad «t nny poertia daswilptinn.
It ia very aaaential in ehnoeing an ebiast or figure to remember it
ahoold be " in keeping " with the reat of the pietore. Thas, in a nllaga
i<-*ne onneieting d thatuhed eottagaa, with trees, a tiny brook, and
■ iM eoontiy beyond, it vroold be hi^dy injadieioos to introdoea an
ridoal wiMoe abid attriboiaa eooaiat el a stove-pipe tiat. with coat
and treaaara ol tha lalast Weet-end cot and daaign, to say nothing of
" apata" vpea hia ieet, and a atiak aad ^aas complete, very proper, no
doobt, to hia miad, for Piaeadilly. bot ntterly nafit tor the porpoee we
Batbar let ae look abaoi for oae vboee elothee beapaak honest
Ueh bava loag siaea loat the ereaaaa tbey ooee poeeeeeed ia the
•bopnaa'a wiadowa, baviag. ia part, beao^ BMoldad to the torn which
Uvea beaeath them.
*"«^»«» point I ahoold like yon to aanaidar ie the " poee " of yoor
flgoiee. It mmat be admitted that, in aaay eases, there is a lack ol
graeelin eeaatiy-elde folk and a certain siaannt ol eradencaa, or anga-
laiity, call it what yoa like, aboat their natnral attitadaa. Parliapa no
eoe better than a painter knowa the great difienlty there ia in overcoming
thia ■■' '■'■ *T aSeot, the aoet trying part ol which is, that, the mors
yoo sadaaieai to get yoor modela iato a pleaaing attitnde, the more ritpd
and aognlar tbey beeons Tltey have the knowledge they are being
" took." aad. aa tbsy generally bold viewa diametrically oppoeed to thoee
- le artiat ea aaeh mattats a pleaaing reeolt ia only obtained after mooh
ilatica. TUa ia, however, moat to be remarked in peraooe of middle
- aad eawatda, aa ahiltoa d both aesae aad thoaa ia the hey-day ot
■h generally poee tkaaaalvee ia very plaasiag attitadaa, qaite befitting
i'.<>ir eooatry lifa aad oeaapatioa.
Wbilat it aheald ba year aim to place yoar figorea in sneh a manner m
ahaU preaeat a^aaaMa linea io yoor eompoaitiaa, be rery cartful yon
•void the otber ectteaM in givios tiMB a ipaaiaa of elasaic pose more
I el Jaaoa or Diaaaa tliaa tba aispia folk of a coontry village,
yea bad batter a tbeaaaad tiaaa have aognlar and even
somewhat agly forme in yoor pietores than that such a resalt eboald
obtain.
These remarks apply to rustic scenes and general landscape views, and,
inasmacb as a West-end fop would be " out of keeping " in proximity to
thatched roofs and whitewashed walls, so would a plonghboy in a like
degree be out of place in a London -drawing room, however much yon
might wish to emphasise contrast. Always see, then, that your figures
are suited to the situation you intend them to occupy, and endeavour to
place them in as natural and easy a posture as possible.
Kow, as to where tbey sboold be introduced in your compositions.
This will entirely depend on the subject yon select, and what you deter-
mine shall be your strong point. If you decide that on object m the
landscape shall first arrest attention, the figures will then have to hold a
•eeondary poaition ; but, if there is nothing of any particular interest in
your view, let the figures be made of more importance. They will
generally be found useful as a " balance " in the composition, or as a
" contrast," the irregularity of their outlines being opposed to the linea
and angles of buildings, as also their apparel, to the darker tones ot
vegetation, or vice vena.
Another point yon should consider is, whether you intend to make a
" figure subject " or a " Undaoape with figures," as on this depends the
size ot the figures, or the space they should occupy. Avoid having them
ot such a size aa would leave any doubt in the mind ot the observer which
was the more important part of the picture, the figures or the landscape.
If the former, the prospect beyond should be brood and effective in its
masses; if the latter, then the figures should be just suiBcient to serve as
a scale, and give additional interest to the whole.
In "grouping" care should be taken that no two groups are of the
same size, nor placed in opposite positions. Always endeavour to have
one group larger than any others, both as regards number and the space
it occupies. Oenerally, groups should diminish in the space they occupy
as they recede from the eye. If the light admits, try and connect them
by means of the shadows they eaat ; sometimes a dog will be found very
useful to this end. In placing your models avoid formality, aiming
rather at irrcgolarity in their oatlines. You do not want a regiment of
soldiers ; henea naver arrange them in line, have some portion of the
group higher at one point or another, not forgetting that nets or farming
implements carried on the shoulder will materially assist yon in thii
direction. It yoa have a preponderance of vertical lines in your com-
position, let the flgarea poee in such a way as shall cut them obliquely r
should horizontal lines be in excess, connect them with those of perpen-
dicular tendency (Figs. IS and It).
II,-. 13.
The "relief which figorea afford in yoar pictures muet receive soacg-
eonsideratww ; and, perh^M, in no instance will it be more necessary to
remembac wtet tones eertain colours take when reduced to black and
white. If ttda is overlooked, it will be found, after much care and trouble
have been expended on their arrangement, you will get no effect, owing to
the eoloors of the apparel worn by your figures being so near io tone to
whatever may form their background.
If your background is light, you will have greater " breadth," if the
tones of the dresses prodoee a light middle tint. If contrast is required,
yon will have recourse to pronounced tone ; but. supposing you have a
street view in some village, the brightest light being on the side of a
house or wall, it is by no means necessary you sboold straightway seleet'-
that spot as the most suitable to place yoor figures wearing the darkest
slothes, anises you desire to rivet the attention ot the observer on that
partisniar point. It is impossible, in the infinite range of subjects which
will commend themselves to ycur notice, to ray where your figures should.
412
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[Jnne 24, 1892-
be placed in every instance. II you have natnral taste, positions will be
suggested almost at a glance, and it will only remain for you to bear in
mind some of the precepts which have been enumerated, in order to
Fig. It.
determine which is the most suitable, in keeping with the laws of
composition.
To those who do not possess this precious gift, but who are anxions to
produce pictures having some claim to artistic merit, I can only advise
they should endeavour to master these rules — a by no means insuperable
task — at the same time taking note of good work executed by others, not
only in photography, but in every branch of pictorial art, and, above all
things, continually going to Nature, closely studying her under her many
aspects, thereby acquiring a knowledge which can never fail to interest,
and which will always elevate and refine.
Let me say, in conclusion, I hope these remarks on composition may
assist you in your future efforts with the camera ; and, although at first
light it may appear a difficult matter to overcome, it should be remem-
bered, so vast is the importance of its principles to the artist, that any
time spent upon their acquisition will be well bestowed. Of this, how-
ever, we may all rest assured, that no portion of sound knowledge ii
•ver gained without some corresponding amount of exertion, and equally
aertain is it that " excellence is never granted to man but as a'lewaii
ai Uboor."
The following works have been referred to in the foregoing remarks :
— Theory and Practice of Landscape Painting, by George Barnard ;
Theory of Painting, by T. H. Fielding ; Model Draining and Perspective,
by Williams. W. D. G.
NOTES FBOM NEW SOUTH WALES.
Pkbmasence in photographic prints is one of the subjects which seem to
be open to perpetual discussion and controversy. In a recent issue of the
JouBKAL I notice that Mr. George Baukart, in a paper read before the
Birmingham Photographic Society, places this point of permanence in
the first position in urging the merits of the carbon process.
In this climate — the northern extremity of New South Wales — we
have extremes of wet and dry weather, often with great heat in both
cases, and my experience of carbon pictures is that, in hot, damp weather,
they are often attacked by mildew, unless extraordinary precautions are
taken ; while in a dry heat they are apt to crack, especially where a deep
shadow is pretty sharply contrasted with a high light. In looking at
some very nicely executed copies of engravings, done on opal by the
carbon process, I found them cracking all over and coming away in thin
ribbons from the support. This occurred chiefly where there was little
or no pigment ; and it appeared to me that whatever substance — gly-
cerine, sugar, or other material^had been used to give permanent
flexibility and elasticity to the carbonaceous ink had either dried out or
been insufficient to prevent it from contracting and tearing off in ribbons
in the manner described. When mounted upon such a material as opal
or metal, unless this property can be destroyed or neutralised in the
gelatine ink, I am afraid carbon pictures upon non-porous, inflexible
substances cannot be declared to be permanent. By the way, examples
of most of the more commonly known processes may often enough be
seen out here, but platinum prints are amongst the rare pictures.
Stereoscopic pictures were, some three or four years ago, to be seen in
the windows of every photographic printseller and stationer, as well as in
many of the opticians' and photographers' show-cases ; in fact, there was
quite a craze for them ; stereoscopes (cliiefly the " Holmes " pattern)
and pictures were the fashion. This result appeared to me to have been
brought about by the enterprise and push of some Yankee agents, who
permeated the city, suburbs, and the country with their instruments and a
stock of slides, which they were selling together at a fairly remunerative
price, so many slides and a stereoscope for so much— about 25». for, say,
two dozen and the instrument. Some of the slides were very good,
others inferior enough, and the demand gave rise to a supply of rubbish
generally copied from others, often being made from two prints from the
one'view (monocular pictures). Some of the best I saw were Colonial
views of yacht races, street scenes, seashore views, &c. ; but, upon a
subsequent visit to the city some twelve months or so later, all the
stereoscopic pictures were gone from the windows, the fashion was past,
and instead, optical lanterns greeted one's sight everywhere. Recently,
the number of places for the sale of photographic requisites has largely
increased, and the prices are comparatively moderate, running at twenty-
five to fifty per cent, over English quotations, according to the article.
The productions of all the leading makers can be had in Sydney and'
Melbourne, lenses at an advance of about twenty-five per cent., cameras-
40s. to 50s. on advertised prices.
Photo-mechanical processes are beginning to be used during the last
few years much more extensively than formerly — or, perhaps, I would be
more correct in saying photo-zincography, if that is the proper term to
apply to the pictures prepared for printing along with type. The
Illustrated Sydney Nexvs (monthly) and The Town and Country Journal
(weekly) are much indebted to photography for their pictures ; and, in a
lesser degree, the Sydney Mail and Bulletin (weeklies). The process
seems to be similar to Ives' or Meisenbach's ; but I am bound to say that
there is much leftjto be desired in many of the reproductions. An ink-
holding grain formed of a fine, uniform mesh does not readily lend itself
to the exigencies of rapid and frequent printing with common ink on
inferior paper ; so that it is only the better journals which show satis-
factory results.
A photolithographic printing company was started in Sydney, some few
years ago, with a pretty large capital ; but I am afraid it was in advance
of our requirements, for although some very good lithographic work was
turned out, the company did not seem to be a financial success. The
process was a patent one, but what was its distinctive character I do not
know. Very good photo-lithographic work is turned out at the Govern-
ment printing-office here ; but only recently one of the principal land-
scape photographers in the metropolis complained through the press of
the fact that many pounds' worth of views, &c., were obtained by privileged
persons at this institution free of charge to the recipients, but at the
expense of the taxpayers generally.
Although there are a large number of professional and amateur photo-
graphers in the colonies, the societies are not at all numerous nor " much
in evidence." There appears to be one in the capital of this colony, only
two in Melbourne (Victoria), two in Brisbane (Queensland), and one in
each ;of the other colonies except New Zealand, where they are more
numerous. It should be an interesting, instructive, and profitable
speculation, if carried through with judgment and energy, to have an
exhibition of photographs in each of the colonial capitals, at which the
various prize pictures shown in Great Britain would be exhibited, along
with others of great merit, and some of our best colonial pictures. I
think a great deal could be learnt by both professionals and amateurs by
the opportunity for inspection and comparison. We should, at any rate,
be able to judge of the position held by the colonies in the art-science as
compared with the mother-country. Many of the pictures should find
purchasers it for sale at reasonable prices.
In the matter of portraiture, I think our best artists can hold their own
with most of those which I have had an opportunity of seeing from the
old country, but there has been a very extensive adoption of the " enamel "
finish to portraits, especially in the country towns.
Prices vary, too, almost as much here as they seem to do with you.
The "Cabinet " is the size most largely patronised, and they can be got .
from 10s. or 12». per dozen (or, I think, even less) up to 21. 10»., the mean
being about 15s. to 11. 5s., for which price very good work is given.
Occasionally a fashionable photographer in the city gets a sitting from,
an actress, or some other celebrity, who is temporarily " the rage," and J
the pictures are sold by thousands. I understand this occurred in the
case of Mrs. Brown Potter, Madame Bernhardt, and one or two others. I
was not fortunate enough to see the originals of two or three of these
" Beauties " — a matter of regret to me, as the photographs have left me
wondering what all the world went crazed over. If I accept the photo-
graphs as trustworthy portraits, I should say that America and this
colony have given the two most beautiful women to the stage, and they -
have both abandoned it.
June 24, 1892]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
413
I MB tottj to My UuU rety few poctniU ribw can be relied npon to
anj gnat degree. Tbe " Retooeher " frequently remodels the picture so
•xtenately that one often doe* not leoogniie his friends.
A J. Sddsor.
♦
AoAiu ft Co.'8 Phoioobaphic AmruAi, 1892-S.
Pbxpixed by a numlwr of wractieal wtieke on topics of photomphic
inteieet bj Caotain Aboey, Maaen. H. P. Robinson, Aadrew Pringle,
W. WiUia, ana other writers, this waU^printed and lavishly illustrated
AmauU aoppHee an excellent guide to the innumerable productions
of Mimii Adams. It is most complete and comprehenstve, and is
in ha way a clear indication of the expansion of modem photography.
Eumtur's OsuiTixo-cHunnm I*kixti!tc Patkb.
\Vb are Terr glad to see that the BMtaan Company has introdnoed
a new printing-oat paper, for we kaow that their eetabBshment at
Harrow is so perfect and wdl aqnipped as to lead as to anticipate
no failure in keeoing up the oatpat « anything they now undertake.
The frdatino-caloride paper u iMoed in two forms, one being
pom ^^ite, and the other with a delicate warm tint, this latter
naving a sommow o( loasae, ahhoMch not pronounced. In surface
appeaianee the papr ia alaaat MawHwl with albnmeniawd paper,
ana we note ita antiM ftaedon Oram apteka or defeeta. Whea placed
under a negatire ia the frame, it priats with great rani£ty, wTCinedtiig
in tkia reapect ail the aamptee of ready eeaeilised aloomeD paper we
have of late had aeeees to. It tahaa a good tone in the pciaiiag, and
a aaaeial feature ia, that it doea aot aaad to be moeh ov«r<|BBted.
AHaoagh, after pnatiqg, the aubaaqMnt operationa of tcmaff and
fijong mar be canied oat joat aa waiiil, yet ia a aaeeial fbiiMua for
toning and fixiag at one operatioo lecnaanieaileil. It ia aa foUows : —
CoMBino Totrixo xso Fixing Bath.
Na \^—Akm mmi B^ Oalmtiom.
HvpoaolpUta of Soda 8
Aiiui 6
Water U „
Whea disaotTed, add to ahore thne oaneea earhooate of
diaaotrad in eight onaoea water. (TUe must be added rery earafally
oo aeeiMBt of the nffiimeeawea which takea aiaoe.) Allow to ataad
tw«atj4tar keaia, then decant the daar Bquid.
No. •i.—OoU Otkttiam.
Chkirideof Gold 15 graine.
Acetate of Lead (Sugar of Le«l) 64 „
Wittrr Sooaeaa.
To make the toning bath : —
Take of No. 1 Solatioa Sooaeaa.
Take of No. 2 SobtioB 1 onnoa.
After printing, immeiae wHJLmt mumcm* vaMitf in the above
toaiag bath DBiil the deaired tone ia aiataiaed.
The akore aolntioBa will heap ai^ kagth of time.
Whan toned, tiaaefar the priata to the washing tray, nviag at
leaat one hour and a half a thoroo^ ■■aliiim in aareraf ffiaagia ol
water.
Should any other formula be need for tani«g, the ptiata, when
: 4Mdf must be waahed in two or thiee ehaagea ot water, and then
fixed m a bath of hypoeolphite of soda of the following strec^f^th : —
Hrpoealphite of Soda Soaaeea.
^^'afer 1 piat.
Cam Bust be tahaa to keep] the prints in continual motion, ia aD
'Intieae.
Kmm tbe triab wa have made of tUa paper, we are greatly pleased
with it, and nraat eooKratulate thoea aoaeemed upon its introauction.
iphic
hich
'A'k haTe also itcared ttie catalone of the Blackfriar- '"
• impaay. of Suneytow , S.E. Tbia ia a very bulky v
.ostrated partfenlarsof the principal photographic matenau
-^ota: ar^ givca, incIuAaf the fim'a own apecialities. ,
ui general
iHeettngjS of ftoctettej^*
MSETINOS or B0CISTIS3 FOR NEXT WEEK.
CataolXMltac.
JnoeZT .
.. 37.
.. 27.
., S7
„ 28.
„ 38.
„ S8.
„ as.
.. ».
.. s».
.. so.
.. 30.
.. 30.
" £■
.. ao.
• otSocMr.
Diiadee Anateiir ..
GlonoastanUis ..
North IBddlswx..
Gnat Britain (Technical)
Laith Amatmr ....„„
Wuriastott
BmOi
Burnley
Photognphio Olab ..
Halilu Photo. Club
HaU
Lintpool Amstour,
FlUtOlKMUBf.
Aaio. Studio, Ketbetgate, Dundee.
Jnbileo HaU, Honu43r.road.
Toirnwnd«hamber>, Bawteutall.
50, Qnat Kuuellwit., Bloonabutr.
Stan? Inititats, I«ncasten
Xnwnm, Bold-gtraet. Warrington.
Boy.Lit. Ago. Inst.,T«rnu»-waUu.
Bank Chambera, Hargnmm itiwit.
Anderton's Hotel, PleetmtnaWLO.
Haohanioi' Hall, Halifax.
Bojal InDUtatioii, Hull.
, Oruoent Chamben, 3, Lord-street.
Mj^oo and ProTinoial ' Obampion Hotel, 15, AlderB^e.(t.
'^^^ ■ Tbe Lycenm. Unionh^t., Olunnu
Boomi, 28, Berkela7.aq, BriatoL
BrMol and Wwt of Kaglud
OanBg_.„„.............7I!.
CrDrdao IQenMOopical ........
Hcubom
Laaminctoa .- _ „
Public Hall,Oeorge.«treet, Orojdon
TrinitT Chureh Boom, Morton^t.
"TbePaUoe," Maidstone.
Qnjhonnd Hotel, Richmond.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
Jnr« !«.— Mr. P. Everett io the chair.
Mom. R. P. Dr^p and J. Weir Btowq were appointed delegates to the
CoDTentSoQ.
SoMx Pbdci Faciobs CI Exroanio.
Mr. E. HowABO FABitia delinrtd a disoaum on this subject, and said
that, if it was not new or iatarssthig, It was impottant educationally. In
pbotooaphy nowadays, as in other suldeoti^ pe(^ wtn not aatiaaed to
work by rule of thmnh. For the itndent a knowledge of nrinciplee was of
great Taloa. A gnat deal of attention had been giTen to the production of
taUv and tnstrameBta. wUeh, by menhaalfl msaoa, gave tbe time of exposure.
Such aids as the Watkins azpeeurs meter aad MeHn. Hnrter ft Diiffiehl's
actinognqik wars of great ralaa as lafaoor^aving fanpleaenta or tools, enabling
a phntngfanher to arrire at his oorrect axposare without the exerdse of bmin
enesgy, sad aavthiag which aaTsd that was of ralue. Hin purpose that night
waa to tiT and show the eateat to which the ground coverMl by these tables
bad ataeady beaaeoae over. There were four methods of aaoartaining the
expoaora:— <I) Wfiiae the expoaara was goaand ; (2) where it was judged of
soUy brr the flhnntaatinn of the grooiid (lass, a method largely used at the
praaaetUme; a>nfariwthasalt{eattosoDeotharrabject of the same nature
- aimllarcoD^ians; and (4)t'
. . that in which the worker, so br as he
knew, took hito nonsiderstlae srery iMter which ragalatei the expoeore and
allows for each of them in the particular subject ha was going to expoee for.
Tbe Ont awthed was like hatting, it waa all the odda ou the exposore being
wraoc. As to the seMad, many opcfaten simply jndasi by experience, and,
where the operator bad sufloicnt exparieeca, the accuracy was surprising, but
whan thsT cams to the yoong beginner that method was practicaily naelsas ;
beaidaa^ it had sourass of error which were ameoognised. Fkxr instance.
hardly aay twoBisaas of gnmad alaas gaTs the aams MUianey of image, ud
that mads a ilHawiii l«la, diifanat atmosphsrie conditions msde a oon-
iMsniMs diftnaaetal the MUiaBcy of the image, and ao did moistareand
masicathenenadiJaaa. The thud plan waa a most excellent ooe, where
the opamtor had the prariooa experience, and where notes of the exueaurea on
siaaflsr raUaets wwa k^ for reference. The fourth method oonrisied practi-
cally la aaudagaaart of eqoatien In which A, B, C, kc, wars the known facton,
Taryiag aader dUhraat condltioos, and tbe exposure required equalled x; and
aooM each plan aa this was neoeaaary until snffldent experiauce had been
ofataiaed br the wocfear. All the artlnometer taUea and photooaters were
baaed on tUa method, and be piauused to show how far that method went,
(a) Aa ofientor working in a stodio raraly need his leas quicker tban/.4 or
slower thaa/SS; for outdoor work,/.8 or/.«4 ; and for intarion/.16 or /-ISO ;
aadthtafwearariatloafarofdiaaryworkofl to60. (6) The sensitiveness of
the ilhn taklag Wmttan's lastaatanaons plates, which were about 18° on
Wanstfcs's seaJtemster, ss affolde— Tsried about 1:10. (c) Power of the lij^t.
With tbe altitude of the san down to one or two degrees, the variation would
ha about 1: IS; ateO*or 7n>*, 1 : 2 ; in doll weather, about 1:4; the extreme
range thus bsing about 1 : M. (if) The variation in the amount of light cut off
by trasiL iBlalanan^ ftc, wasnnUmited ; in connexion with which he mentioned
havtag, JahM the biterior of a city church which required an exposure of a
rort^ba 'fla had thua aaaumed certain cooditiona, namely, the working aper-
Ura of the Una t/S, the aensitivenaaa of the plate to be that of Wratten's
iaataataaaooa (ir WanMritsk, the ana at an attitude of 3(r to 40°, with a blue
sky aad a idily eeastaat Hpt. As to (<), tbe subject, it was not nearlv re-
to what aa aiMiauai degree thb reguUted the exposure ; while in
nguA to distaaoe a great dUferanoe of opinion prevaiIe<L Supposing, then,
tliey were standing on a hillside looking at a to«-n in a valley three or four
miles distant, with the son shining, aa£ say, one or two Mends in the fore-
ground, tbe ptepv expusaie (with tbe nragoing oonditions) would be one-
thirtieth of a saeoad. Oatag to wtthin 100 feet of some trees, the exposure
would be laeneaed to naa iigbtb of a second ; quite close under the trees,
it would be ous aeoend ; and, vary near indeed, it would be four seconds. The
dUtarcaoe ia the expeeuies waa due to their having to expoee for the shadows.
Tbe ftnt subject was aetuallr in sunlight, but at a distance of 100 feet there
wan pettloaa aot in aunlirht, necesdtating a longer expoenre, while up to
the tisea there waa ao aun. This method was in employment at the Polytechnic
The students were aant out to take a certain subject, and give a certain ex-
414
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGIwAl'flY.
Jose 24, 1882
posore ; and, if this was found incorrect, they had to take the picture again and
again. Thus they had got together a mass of evidence of the greatest value
from an experimental point of view. The same remarks as to distance and
the effects of lights and shade held good with regard to studio work and
interiors. An easy method of illustrating the effect of distance or exposure
was obttuned in the ca.se of a hedge. Being close to it, one could see into
dark portions of it : but, getting further away, those dark places were not
seen. The colour of objects ranging from snow to hillside grass and a dark
Devonshire cliff ; of white statues, groups, bronze figures ; of a grey-haired
man, an ordinary individual, and a Hindoo, gave considerable variations, the
range being from 1 : 60.
Having oriefly considered as factors the object aimed at and the size of thfe
plate in proportion to the original, Mr. Farmer said he thought the exposure
meters did not sufBeiently take into consideration some of the most important
factors which regulated exposure. In Messrs. Hurler & Driffield's actinograph
the light, the aperture, and the sensitiveness were allowed for, but the other
factors were not. But how far was it possible to give particulars for those
other factors ? He indicated a table of distances as the basis of exposure, such
distances being taken from the camera to the nearest important shadow. Com-
paring the light in different parts of the world with that of Kngland, he said
he found the light of the Canadian prairies the most actinic, being twice as
quick as that in England, which he accounted for by the country being very
flat and the ground very light. A large proportion of the light was reflected
from the ground. Diffused light was no quicker than in England. In con-
clusion, Idr. Farmer passed round a number of pictures in illustration of the
chief points of his discourse.
Mr. A. Cowan thought that Mr. Farmer had made out a good plea for one
addition to the actinograph of Messrs. Hurter & Driffield. The table of factors
was not sufficiently large, although, so far as the table went, it was very correct.
Mr. Farmer's four first factors must be correct.
Mr. J. R. GoTZ, in reference to the lens at /-8 as a factor, said that the
exposure would be longer for a wide-angle lens of the same focus than for a
narrow angle.
Mr. A. L. Hbndkrson considered the fortnight's exposure, to which Mr.
Farmer had referred, as "incomprehensible."
sir. J. S. Tbape had used the actinograph several times, and found it very
accurate as a guide, but said that, in photographing a village scene with the
trees in shadow, and the sun striking over the tops of them, the actinograph
indicated twenty-four seconds. He (Mr. Teape) gave a minute, and the plate
was only just about correctly exposed. He thought note should be made of
such cases for guidance.
Mr. J. Weir Brown, in regard to the colour of light at different times of
the day, said that the relative rapidity of some plates he had recently been
trying increased from 4 : 6 in the afternoon, to 1 : 6 in the evening. The light
must have been of a different quality at seven o'clock than at four o'clock.
Mr. W. E. Debenham said it was desirable not to take the last numbers
visible in the Wamerke sensitometer, but to take that part of the plate where
the straight line in Messrs. Hurter & Driffield's curve came in. He men-
tioned this ten years ago to Mr. Wamerke, who agreed with him. He (Mr.
Debenham) and Mr. Burton both made some experiments with regard to
auxiliary exposure as affecting the sensitometer value of plates, and they
found that a certain plate with auxiliary exposure could be made to register
a speed sixteen times greater than without. Of course this could not be taken
as a guide for exposure.
Mr. Farmer having replied to the discussion, a vote of thanks was passed to
him, and the meeting terminated.
Holborn Camera Club.— June 17, Mr. J. H. Avery in the chair.— Mr. A.
J. GOLDING gave a demonstration on Carbon Printing, using the tissue as sent
out by the Autotype Company. This printing process was, in Mr. Gokling's
opinion, one of the most charming. Mr. Golding gave a number of hints
during the demonstration, and developed a few prints to illustrate his remarks.
On Saturday, June 18, outing to Pinner and Ruislip, where a very charming
day was spent in spoiling plates.
People's Palace Photographic Club.— June 17. — " Outing " work was
shown by Messrs. Cable, Walker, and S. J. Beckett. Mr. George Patten
handed round some whole-plate prints from negatives taken in the Lake
District ; he also showed some marine views, printed on Whatman's drawing-
paper, which he had himself prepared. These were much admired. Mr.
Cable asked why his prints sometimes printed a blue colour and sometimes of
a red-brown tint ? In reply : It depended upon the amount of moisture con-
tained in the paper. If bone-dry, it printed blue. It was thought a certain
amount of atmospheric moisture was necessary for getting the best results.
Mr. G. Kendall, referring to his previous experience of marbling-like stains on
his plates after developing, said be had overcome that by putting the plate in
water before flowing on the developer. He, however, was stul unable to
account for the cause of the stains.
Harlesden and WiUesden Photographic Society.— The members of this
Society made an excursion on Saturday last to Cassiobury Park, Watford.
The occasion was a most enjoyable one, and, notwithstanding the unsettled
state of the weather, some charming bits were obtained. The next meeting of
the Society will take place on Tuesday, the 28th inst., at "Sunnyside,"
50, Craven-park, WiUesden. Intending members are invited to communicate
with the Hon. Secretary (Mr. Woodbury), 23, Fairlight-avenue, Harlesden,
Kidunond Camera Club. — Since the beginning of the summer session
weekly meetings, chiefly of an informal character, have been held and, con-
sidering outdoor attractions, well .nttended. On the 10th inst. Mr. Ardasekr
gave a demonstration of the pro'-e.ss ot toning with salts of platinum. The
]irocess was clearly and concisely e.vplaine(l. and a number (if print-i vv-ere
toned by way of example. Cliih i-xcuisioiis have been mijde to Perivale, to
Hayes and Keston, and to Penshnrst.
Mancbester Photographic Society,- June 16, the President (Mr, Abel
Heywood) in the chair. — After the formal business a number of the recent
developments of what may be termed modem photography were brought
under review ; the first was the use of films as a support for the negative.
Mr. C. H. OooTE gave his experience of the films used m the ordinary double
backs. As regards the workmg he found no difficulty, and his results were in
every way equal to glass negatives, the saving in weight could be judged from
the fact that three dozen films did not exceed in weight three glass plates.
Isochromatic photography was treated in short communications from Mr.
Whitekield and Mr. Brier. Both gentlemen arrived at similar conclusions
with regard to the use of the yellow screens, namely, that with ordinary
plates very little was to be gained, but with isochromatic plates the results
with screen were superior to those taken without. From experiments Mr.
Whitefield had made, a dark screen did not over-correct the blues as compared
with the yellow. Mr. Brier considered that for landscapes the isochromatic
plate and screen rendered a better gradation of tone, especially in the sky,
though it showed the exposure in a good light about three times. During
the evening Mr. Brier explained the working of the new cold-bath platinotype
paper, and demonstrated the simplicity of the process by developing about a
dozen prints. One great merit of the paper was that, the development being
gradual, the result was better under control. The finished prints have a very
good black tone, and the detail is remarkably well rendered. Mr. Brier also
contributed the following notes on the working of the new Anastigmatic Lens
by Zeiss, of Jena : — " After most careful and thorough trial of the lens last
winter, I was so convinced of its great superiority over all other forms of lens,
that I purchased one of 5\l inches focus for a new quarter-plate travelling
outfit I was making. I have since used this lens for about 200 exposures,
the results of which quite satisfy me. To put the virtues of the lens into as-
few words as possible, it possesses the most perfect defining powers in the
centre of the field of view at full aperture of any lens I know. Secondly,
being a lens of great covering power (or wide angle), and giving excellent
marginal definition, with a comparatively large aperture, on a large surface,
relative to the focus of the lens, it can be most successfully used for short
exposures on subjects requiring such powers. I draw your attention to a few
examples, in which, though only four inches by three, the lens has practically
been covering a plate of twice those dimensions, and has defined well
close to the margin with the large aperture of 12'5. Then, there is the freedom
from astigmation, as it is called. Well, this astigraation is nothing more or
less than a confusion of the pencils of light, generally getting worse as the
margin of the field of view is approached, or it may be quite central on
points or objects which are out of focus ; but the best (or worst) way of
arriving at this beautiful result (with any lens) is to focus sharp on a very near
subject, leaving all distant ones to take care of themselves. Well, this Zeiss
lens just gives as little confusion as possible, if properly used. I show you
comparative resiilts between it and a recently produced lens of similar focus
by one of our most noted opticians. The lens is a most excellent one for
enlarging with, as at full aperture it will give better definition than other-
wise good lenses will when stopped down to a fourth of its rapidity ; but care
should be taken to keep the light out of the lens, except when necessary for
focussing and exposing. I do not think this lens desirable for hand cameras,
its powers of covering are not required, and it is better for being accurately
focussed."
Rotherham Photographic Society.— Jane 14, Mr. E. I. Hubbard, M.S.A.,
in the chair. — Two new members were elected. The principal business was
the consideration of a paper on Stereoscopic Photography, read by Mr_
Leadbeater. He argued that stereoscopic pictures possessed a charm not to
be obtained by any other means of picture-making. He had recently renewed
his acquaintance with this branch, and had obtained most satisfactory results,
many of which he exhibited. On Friday, the 17th, the members had an.
enjoyable excursion to Haddon Hall, Derbyshire. The first "outing" of the-
season was to Comsborough and Sprotborough on Saturday, May 28. Beauti-
fully fine weather prevailed on both occasions.
Oorreifxmdmti should n«v«r ^critt on both ridts of iht pap«r.
OETHOCHEOMATIC PHOTOGBAPHT.
To the Editor.
Sir, — We notice in the paper read by Dr. Acworth before the Photo-
graphic Society of Great Britain, of wliioh a report appears in your last
issue, many inaccuracies, some of which we must beg to correct.
Dr. Acworth mentions the name of Mr. Clayton as one of the workers
in connexion with isochromatic photography. Probably no one would be
more astonished at the honour thus conferred on him than the gentleman
in question, who in reality had nothing to do with working out the pro-
cess, his name occurring on the English specification merely because he
was at that time in business partnership with the real inventor, Mr.
Attout Tailfer, to whom, as stated in your columns by Colonel Water-
house long ago, " alone is due the credit of the successful application
of the colour-sensitising properties of eosine to the gelatino- bromide
process."
In Dr. Aoworth's incomplete description of the Tailfer process, he
speaks of it as an optically sensitising process, and of the plates prepared
by it as containing " an enormous quantity of dye." Any one who will
read Tailfer's specification will see that this is altogether erroneous,
and that the eosine, or erytbrosine. is not used as a " dye," but as a
chemit-al sen.=iii?er, only so much of it remaining in the film as is com-
bined with the silver bromide. The plates are not dyed at all, as Dr.
Acworth supposes, and, in fact, diflfer very little in colour from ordinary
plates, as can be seen by examining any of our isochromatic plates. The
JoiM 34, 1803]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
415
mtam ol " optieftlly Miuitiimg " fa^ mtans of d^ ii well known si Dr.
Voftl**. knd thoald not be oonfoaea with the TaiUer piooeu ol obemieal
With ngkid to Dr. Vogel's Eog^Ui patent, it if perlwpe not gnanlly
nown thikt this patent wm nevwimaa •eeording to the original tpeeifi-
tatioe. Ihi mliim of the Britiah patent being raoeeMfaHy oppoeed by
udfiabea «a tiia grasad ttiat it waa, tomll intenU md pupoaaa, a oopy
and inMngement o( TalUer'f inmtioa ; eoneegnentiy, of oider of uie
CeoiptioQer, Dr. Vogel'i prindpal elaimi were stmek oat, and a dii-
.■tf»i«»«» inserted, the legal efleet bdng that the pocess, if ased at all in
thia eoontrjr, eoold only be so need by uoenee onder the TaiUer's patent ;
doobtleaa thia ii why the Vogel patent waa allowed to lapae.
Tba uiiwiwe. bowarar, waa no tapcorement, and narar had any eom-
metoial value, ioc the laaaon adaittad by Dr. Aewortb, that platea pre-
pared by U witti bae ahrar wfll not keep, neither an they any more
eoloor-ienaitiTe than properly pieparad iaochromatie platea, whioh hare
the additional advantage that tb«y an eqoaUy aa permanent aa ordinary
platea.
Finally, in qooting M. Leon Vidal, and epeaking ol the iaochromatie
platea mamrfMtuiad by the firm ol LamUce, ot Lyona, Dr. Aewcrth
aaita oaa teyortaat fact, which ii, that thia firm bolda a lieenoe from
Atteot Tailte aadac hia French patMit.— We are, yonra. Ac,
Haektu^, Jum SI, 18W. _ B. J. Bdwabiw <ft Co.
COBBECT EXPOSUBE.
To tin Knrroa.
Sts,— I cannot help wondering whether Mr. Michael hai made any
definite trials with a riew of lUidiaf oat the troth in this matter. It he
had. I am sure that he woold find that his tbeoir of a wide-angle lens
reqoizing laaa eapuame than a aanov-angla one when oaed with the same
ratio d atop ante idantical rinoMlMaaa to be quite inoaneet
I have jnat SMda a ilsflaita oparimaat in the matlar. One half of a
7i X 5 plaite waa aipnaail wUh m aawa ami a half ineh aingia Wcay lana at
/■S3 for thraa aaaonda. the olhK half being marked. Tha vnentoaed
half was then siiioaeil eo tha sama Mbiaet tram tha aaaa atandpolnt
a twelTe-ioah aingia Wn/ Ihm at /-Sa tor throe aaeoBila. the two
within ftta maxtm of aaah other, and tha light (nn-
M) being ■aahangad. Tha two aapoamaa laoaivad, of
J tha aanta MvaliMMBt, aMl ■naioaa the nagatira.
Weald itM. air. kiM^ aqr whalhac than ia any dgn ol ioaqoaUty of
aipoaon, wfaieh would ha Aa aaaa U Mr. lOahaal's theory wan eometr
The plaie is an old make, and ooa and of the film thin. I most be
eunaed from entering into an e»planaltoo of tha laat vky a large amoant
of sahjeet raflcota no men U^ to a aqwn tnah of the aaswiTa plate
than a aaall amoaat doaa. It ia a ^aaatioa wfaieh tha optieiaaa nave
not leaaliad apoo.— I an, yoors, Ac, Ai.raso Watxivb.
ir«r«/)rd./«Ml8.
[We bare atawinad tha plate aant. and cannot detect any aign of
inequality in tlM axpoaaw ot the two imagaa.— Eo.]
with
iipoeuiea
To iJkr B»rroa.
Sia.— Hr. Mehaal does not appear to ban BoMoad that in kaepinR the
same ratio of apaitan to foeos TMav SO, nogo SW) he has changed the
area of the atop, and made eiaatly the allowanee for which ha contends.
In the eeeond eaaa, tow timaa tha area of object, ginng four timee the
light, la made to aawir the saaM area of plate aa in the flnt inatanee, bat
«ha atop hoa bean ndaaad to a qaartar of tha ana. and allows oiaetly
tofUghtto
Tha aspoaon loqaind ia Iharelen am»l ia both eaoaa, or, aa ha ex-
«eae« it, " tha lana worfo at Ilia aaaa mtaDaity."— I am, youra. Ac.
lUJlamd*. tUd Hill. Jumt 30, 1891
"JUHIOB" ASD -COSMOS."
JoBii BrcBaT.
So,— " Coaatoa" rhillawoM »a to point to a ainiuuailkw^imyliad or
aapreasod. that tita London and Pwvlaaial Photogtrnphie Aaaoaiation was
aimed at in hia ramarks. I refer him to the sixth paragr^h of his
" Jottings" ia Tea Baina* Jocbval ow PaorooBAraT, June 8. In the
loorth paragnsb ha mentions the London and Prorineial, and in the
sixth ha piuMeila to elabonta hia attack by gibae at tha elerer peraoos
who wanlarly anobkad tha yonafv and leeaTnltorMed aaambass fai hia
dnjii Fotther on. ha stataa that tha wiaa Maaaban of tha Society to
wtdah Mr. Baddon belongs wan oaaUa to answer a eartaia qaastioo, and
raf«nd it to the etamlner. Tha wlwie paiagn^ poinla to tba London
and Prorineial ; bat. as the attack was by faatado. I denied ita truth in
the only awnner poeaible, viz., " i/ applied to oar Soeiaty." Wan I so
diaaoeed. I miglM take advaataga of yonr aontribotor'a dMastive grammar
in lb* iMt ffanaa ol pat^iuh aix. whna ha writee Soaiaty ia tha poaaaa-
iin dafltfai laMiad ol the pioraL
With tlMhiaa wlaalaaii •• Coamoa " wiU hardly admit that •' not Iook
ago " ia iMawMant with " saratal yean ago." If " several years "
aieane " net long." then '■ Cosmos " should chaoKc his nom-dtplunu! Bo<i
sabseribe himself Metboeelah, for with him years must be as days. Bat
— moat extraordinary of coincidences ! — yoa may remember, Mr. Editor,
that at the meeting of the Locdon and Provincial, on May 5, one ot the
members mentioned be had been informed by a diemist's assistant that
reerystalliaed nitrate of sliver sold by his firm waa merely the large
crystala pieked from the ordinary stock. This ia the very thing
" Cosmoa." a^t di^ later, stated he had heard not long ago at a photo-
graphie soeiety, and, to his own discredit, bore witness to the fact of sach
dishoneat practice. I do not aay " Cosmos " heard thia remark at the
London and Provincial. He lives 200 miles away. Besides, be ia very
old, and woald not visit London, because be would have to travel by that
abominable modem invention, a railway. — I am, yonra. See.,
June 18, 1893. JtnaOB.
To the EoROB.
Sib, — In common with many other members of the London and
Provincial Photographie Aasociation, I was somewhat at a loss to under-
stand the onslanght on friend Haddon by " Cosmos " in yoar impression
of the 3rd inst. I even had nnkind thoughts of your correspondent and
dim viaiooa of "writing to the papers " on the subject. His letter this
week, bowanr, haa disarmed me, and I now bear him no ill-will. It
must be very difficult to successfully ridicule the proceedings of photo-
graphie soeietiee when you have only the reports in the journala to guide
yoa, and when a oorreapondent lives nearly two hundred miles from
London, and haa not attended a meeting of a photographic society there
since " Junior " vras in long clothee, the diffienlty most be still greater.
Since " Junior " waa in long clothes ! Dear me ! why at that time
there were only two or, at most, three photographic societies in London ;
now we have them in almoet every parish. So the young members were
" snubbed " in those days, were they? How things change ! Now it is
the folks who (Um't go to the meetings who try to do the snubbing.
"Coemoa," I notiee, eommenda the wisdom of "Junior" in not signing
bis name. It is aa wall to write under a iioiii-(i<-;i{uFn« sometimes. Had
"Coamos" set a better example, perhaps " Junior " might have followed.
I say might ; bat be might not then have oonsidered it worth while to
reply, or might not have cared to risk having half a page of expletives
flung at him — who knows? Oh, 1 am glad I did not reply to his letter.
— Tooia, Ac, Akothbb Juniob.
[Come, oome, good friends ; we put it to you whether enough and to
apan haa not been aaid on both sides of a matter which seems to bare
pnn riae to a good deal of misunderstanding all round. — Ed.]
THE ECLIPSE HAND CA&tEBA
To the Enrrom.
StB,— My attention having been drawn to Mr. Kinnear's letter of the
17th, I feel eompallad to reply to that portion of it which is likely to
mislead.
Beferring to my apedfleation ot a patent, pnbliahed in the Joubkai. of
the 10th for improramants in hand cameras, he says : — " This plan I
had applied to my eaatan in March last, prineipaUy, no doubt, as a
mnnt of foanaaing, tha want of whioh, except by sliding the Icna in a
tnbe, which waa nanr aatialaetory, being a aerious defect in the Eclipse
form of caman."
From thia I aaattma that Mr. Einnear doea not know of the existence
of my foeaaaiag flange, which enables the operator to focus with absolute
praeuiaa Cram infinity to within fin feet without in any way increasing
the balk of the eamera or lenc
With regard to Mr. Kinneax'a aaggeation or claim ot priority ot inven-
tion, I am unable to eomment on the addition he has to his camera, the
Objeet of wfaidi he appean somewhat In doubt ; but doea he suppoee that
a patent filed in June required no time to bring it into existence ? As a
matter of tact my swing-oaok davioe waa made and tried as far back as
January last, but waa not secured owing to difficulties that had to be
orareome with tha eliding wings, avenr part being so slight.
With ny design the awing obtained is so great that there is no need for
raising the front, and I turtiier obtain a greater local range than haa,
owing to tha paaniiK. •oaattartisicaf.tlu. spring fltti^Bi ^greater focal
ouiga lisn. haa. liitfaa^i^-lMBi. ponnliie -on a oaBMii&..ot snoh. small
dimsnsions.
Soaoundad aa I am by oamaraa with swing backs of ancient and
Jmllliiinuusliuetion, it is scarcely probable that I should patent a swing
asMBCMnant with no novelty in it, aa Mr. Kinnaar aaaumes ; but my
objaat ia mon than attained if so good an authority as he is convinced,
aa ha aaya that than improvemants " will undoubtedly make tliia form of
caman OMn generally aiiafnl."— I am, yours, Ac, F. Saaw.
87 <f 88, XemuM-itrut, Londim, W., June 33, 1893.
Sidjangc Column.
KzebMMPi two qaartsr-Blato mahoeao; lUdM, bot make, aa<l a ikattw bj Ifartoa k
Co., (or wboi*-plate laaa.— AddnM, 0. Oilibs, S3, Eftoouit-road, Watford, H«rt4.
WUl tictiwic* two asarly eew iMokfroanda, inUrior and sxtorior, tor half-plata wi ■»
■■(U I'M <if tool Mkar.— AddraM, Wiluah CiiI'ST, Cardi««a4lnist, I|mw.oI>.
416
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[June 24, 1892
finsboers to arotresponHentis.
Att matl»rt for the text portion of (Ms Joobkai, including queries for
"Anmers" and "Exchange," mint be addretted to "The Editob,"
2, Torkstreet, Covent Oarden, London. ItuUtenUon to thit ensures delay.
No notice taken of communication! unleu name and addreu of writer are
fftvcnt
•»* CommunicatioM relating to Advertisements and general business affairs
must be addressed to "Henry Grbinwood 4 Co.," 2, York-street, Covent
Oarden, London.
Photographs Reoisterbd :
Sunnal Powell, Rnshden, Higbam Ferrers.— Baptist Missionariu' Qroup, Baptist
Ministerg' Group.
George Kmberson, Chortaey, Surrey.— Portrait of Jolin Valma.
A Sl'BSCBlBER. — Consult the information on toning in the Almanac.
Joskin. — 1. We believe Messrs. Marion and other Anns supply such rims.
2. "Name It " will probably suit your purpose.
L. S. D. — Gum arabic is not soluble in methylated spirit, therefore there need
be little wonder that you failed to make a solution.
Pickwick. — The paper has clearly been exposed to light before it was placed
in the enlarging camera. Hence the cause of the fog.
Scotia. — ^We have not tried such a method, but see no reason why it should
not answer. Better give the plan a trial, and thus prove, in practice, if it
answers your requirements.
Vf. A. M. — The "phenomenon" you describe was brought about by your
putting the plate wrong side foremost in the slide, so that the glass side was
next the lens instead of the film.
Robert Wilson. — The quantity of pyro does not strike us as being excessive.
The solution can be used for several prints. Take the solids as grains
instead of parts, and the water as 2 oz. 1 dr.
S. H. P. — We see no objection to your making transparencies for enlarging
from on the specially prepared lantern plates, instead of in carbon. If the
transparencies are equally good, it matters not by wliat process they are
made.
H. SusMANN. — We did not take note of the date of the .'Standard in which
Dr. Vogel's communication appeared. That gentleman's views of Mr. Ives'
method are, we should think, suificiently clear from his letters in our own
columns.
Liverpool.— The primuline process is patented, but you may obtain a licence
from the patentees. If you only want to work the process as an amateur,
we believe a licence is not required, provided you purchase the material of
the patentees or their agents.
W. Charles. — At this season of the year the strength of the solution for
sensitising carbon tissue should not exceed three and a half or four jjer cent.
In winter a stronger bath is advantageous, say one ounce of the bichromate
of potash to a pint of water — or five per cent.
E. B. J. — Dextrine, as we have said several times before, is not a suitable
raountant for silver prints. It is a convenient material to use, it is true ;
but, unfortunately, it is almost invariably acid. Consequently, it should
be avoided for photographic purposes, or at least so far as silver prints are
concerned.
E. W. A. S. — There may be several reasons why the prints do not tone. The
paper may be at fault, or the bath upon which you sensitised it may be out
of order. The same remark applies to the toning bath. Make an entire
change of the materials used. This will prove whether the chemicals, or the
manipulations, are at fault.
"W. B. says : " I have an old lens, rather large, and the following is the maker's
name : Jamin, ingi-nieur opticien, brevete s.g.d.g., 14, rue Chapon, Paris.
Could you tell me what kind of lens it may be, or if there is still a firm of
that name in Paris ? — It is evidently an old portrait lens. Jamin has long been
succeeded by the firm of Darlot.
R. Bothwkll complains of the returns made by a refiner for some residues
sent for reduction. As our correspondent ajipears to have no idea as to the
quantity of silver contained in the residue beyond that they weighed so
much, with such data it is quite impossible to form any judgment as to
whether the return was fair or not.
Ixx. — 1. If the negative has been intensified with uranium dissolve out the
latter in a solution of sodium carbonate, and, after well washing the negative,
bleach with mercury and redevelope with ferrous oxalate. If sufficient
density is not then obtained, repeat the operation. 2. Probably a solution
of citric acid will remove the stain,
C. Williamson asks if there is any objection to smoking in the dark room
while developing— that is, will the fumes act injuriously on the plate ?— So
far as we know, tobacco smoke has no effect whatever. As a matter of fact,
it may be safely affirmed that the majority of amateurs' negatives are de-
veloped in the presence of the "fragrant weed."
R, J. Cholmondelev (Ilythe),— Not knowing whether our correspondent
means the retouching of cabinet heads or cabinet landscapes. If it be the
former, Mr. Redmond Barrett's charge is, we understand, eighteenpence
each, high-class work being assumed. If he means landscapes, he must ^vrite
to Mr. Barrett, whose address is, 527, Caledonian-road, London, N,
R. Bristow. — Evidently you are under a misconception with reference to the
"process block" ]iortraits that sometimes apjjear in the illustrated
periodicals. They are not all done from tlie original negatives, but from
others made from specially worked-np portraits — often enlargements on
bromide paper. In this way better results are frequently obtained than if
the original were employed.
Reducer. — 1. To reduce with perchloride of iron, nse it in the proportion of
one drachm to six ounces of water. Bleach the plate, and, after washing,
fix out the silver chloride formed with hypo, 2, One and the same,
H, WELL.SMAN inquires if, when the copyright in a picture has expired, .and
photographs of it are published, lie is at liberty to copy one of the photo-
graphs, as he cannot obtain the original picture to copy himself? — Altnougli
the copyright in the original picture has expired, there may be a copyright
in the photographs of it, in which case reproducing one of them would render
any one doing so liable to penalties.
NuMQUAM. — 1. It depends entirely upon the effect desired and the formula
used, 2. Yes ; in conjunction with the preparation of the plates, 3, It is
not usual to treat the plates with s] lirit. 4, Some workers adopt one method
and some the other, according to the preparation of the films, S. Quite a
matter of taste, provided the plates are properly coated. Usually the plates
are coated, and then placed in the drying box,
T. L,- Hakt writes : " Can you give me the reason why my enamelled portraits
lose their lustre after two or three weeks' standing ? Some conmiercial
enamels I have by me are almost as brilliant as when received several
months ago." — The portion of jiriut enclosed certainly has a dull surface for
an " enamelled " print, but we cannot assign any reason for it, seeingthat we
are furnished with no particulars as to how the print was treated.
Provincial asks how professional enamellcrs treat the glass plates to prevent
the prints sticking. He says he has tried wax and French chalk, and he
cannot get on at all with the latter, but with the former he can, except that
the prints have a smeary appearance from the wax, after they are taken otf
the glass. — There ought to be no difficulty with the chalk if it were well
rubbed into the glass. The smears, when the wax is used, are due to im-
perfectly polishing the waxed surface, A little more care will overcome the
difficulty,
J. C, Hughes says : "I should feel extremely obliged to you if you can give
me, through your correspondence column, a recipe for making a mountant
for dry prints, and whether dextrine is injurious to a photogi'aphic image.
2. Messrs, Marion sell a mountant, a clear brown colour, for diy plates,
which I wish to make some like." — In reply : 1, Starch is as good a
mountant as can be used, whether for dry or wet prints. With regard to
dextrine, see reply to another correspondent. 2. As we are unaware of the
formula by which Messrs. Marion's mountant is made, we must refer our
correspondent to that lirm for its composition.
A. R. W. writes: "One of my assistants has unfortunately let one or two
drops of sweet oil fall on a water-colour drawing I have undertaken to get
framed. Although the oil was soaked up at once with blotting-paper, it ha-
continued to spread in the picture. The picture is said to be a valuable one-
I have tried to patch it up with water colours of the same tints, but it i-
repelled by the grease. Can you suggest anything to make the colour
' take ' ? " — If the grease be taken out no fresh colour will be needed, and
this may be easily done in the following way : Take some 2>v-rc benzol, and
let one or two drops fall on the gre.ise spots, and after it has remainetl a
few seconds blot it off witli perfectly clean blotting-paper. Repeat thi^^
treatment till the whole of the oil is removed. If the grease has penetrated
deeply into the paper, it may be well to treat the back in the same mannc:
as the front, that is, supposing the picture to be unmounted.
London and Provincial Photographic Association. — June 30, Annual
General Meeting. July 2, Outing to Theydon Bois, 7, Intensijicat.ion.
Photograthic Society ok Great Britain, — At the Technical Meeting on
Tuesday, June 28, the subject for discussion will be Latitude of Exposure.
West London Photographic Society, — June 25, Weybridge. Cycling
division meets at School of Arts at half past two. Tea at " Hand and Spear,"
Weybridge,
Photographic Club, — June 29, Plate and Film-changing Appliances.
July 6, The Solubility of Photographic Chemicals. June 25, Saturday outing
to Watford. Train from Euston at fifteen minutes past two ; Broad-street,
forty minutes past one.
The Duke of Newcastle and Mr. Gambler Bolton, F.RG.S., start this week
from Tunbridge Wells in the Duke's caravan, the "Bohemian," for a photo-
graphic tour in Kent, Sussex, and Hampshire. With two hand cameras always
ready for " shots," and the large apparatus, which both carry, close at hand,
they should return loaded with good negatives. Their joumeyings will
doubtless be watched with great interest.
Brighton and Sussex Natural History and Philosophical Society
(Photographic Section). — The next excursion of the Photographic Section will
be on Saturday, June 25, to Berwick (Alfriston). Train leaves Brighton at
fifty minutes p.ast one. The next meeting will be helil on Friday, July 1, M
eight p.m., in the Librarian's Room, Public Library, Church-street. Subject :
Perspective os Applied to Photography ; the Use and Abuse of Wide-angle
Lenses, Mr. Bedford.
OONTBNTS,
Pk»s
LONO-FOCUS SINGLE LENSES FKOM
KECTILINEAK COaPOUSDS «01
FACTORS IN EXPOSURE 401
EXTIUCTIXG CHLORIDES 402
CHLflRlUE PUINTING-OUT PAPERS—
COLLomON AND GELATINE. By
W. n. nOLTON 404
AMERICAN NOTES AND NEWS 406
PHOTOGUAPHY AMONG THE LIBE-
RAL ARTS AT CHICAGO. By REV.
P. C. LAMBERT 40«
JOTTINGS. By COSMOS 407
FUSED NITRATE OF SILVER. By J.
BARKER 40S
OLD SILVER PRINTS.— I. By EDWARD
DUNMORE 40S
PICTORIAL SELECTION IN PHOTO-
GRAPHY. Bv W. D. 0 409
NEWS FR05t NEW SOUTH WALES.
Bv A. ,1. SIMPSON 414
OVk KDITORIAL TABLE 413
HKETING8 OF BOGIEILES 41S
0ORUE8PONDENCE 414
EXCHANGE COLUMN 415
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS... . »''■
THE BKITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY,
No. 1678. Vol. XXXIX.— JULY 1, 1892.
PRESERVATION OF SILVERED MIRRORS.
The production of mirron by the depositioa of metallic
•ilver upon the surface of glua has now been practised
for nearly half a century, aad has greatly conduced to
adTanoes in the arts, scienoea, and nuumfacturca. Astro-
nomical Kienoe in particular haa gained much in the popu-
larising of teleocopea of large dimensions, that may now be had
at prices infinitely less than when the coatly specula, along with
the still more ooatly achromatic object glass, alone held sway.
In photography the ailTared g]a« mirror has proved of great
utility as an optically perfect reflector. It need scarcely be
pointed out that when the sUTering is ou the back of the
glaac, as must necessarily be the caae if the tinfoil and mercury
■yatem be employed, the refiectioo is altogether imperfect and
inadmiaaible for purpoaea requiring accuracy, on account of
there being both a ptiiiiary astd A aecondary reflection, the one
fh>m the sOTered ■nrface, the othar from that uf the glaaa.
A true optical reflector, such aa that used in front of the
lea* for productng a reveraed nngatirn. must be silvered on the
frMt turfaoe, and that moat be polished into brilliance by
«ottoa wool and rooge, according to methods well known.
The aflvering itMlf ia quite an easy matter, if practised
according to the directiona very oftnfully given in aaveral of
our AuiAXACB of a former date.
But what we desire at this time to draw attention to ia the
faet, that a layer of pure silver, cipoeed as it is to the action of
the atmosphere, ia very liable to beootne tamiahed, and some-
times with oon^ermble rapidity, by the deleterious gases oon-
tinually present, in addition to the oxidation it would undergo
even if the atmoaphere were quite pure. Conversing on this
subject with Mr. F. E. Ives, that gentleman mentioned hia
employment of a vamiah oompoeed of a solution of celluloid for
such silvered surfaces, which, while it was infinitesimally thin
and did not practically interfere with reflection, yet waa so
bomofaneona aa not to pceaent the slightest break in ita con-
tinuity, a test he employed for this purpose being the applica-
tion of ammonium sulphide, which would immediately make its
presence known upon the silvered surlact:*. Mr. Ives had also
tried collodion for the putpcee, but found that, when greatly
diluted, it had a diaintegrated film. We, too, had frequently
tried ooQodioo aa a vamiah for silver, but, from our selection of
a spectaDy tough or skinny sample, and using an ezoess of
ether, had not found any disadvantage.
Celluloid ia readily soluble in amyl acetate^ and this is the
solvent that must be employed for the purpose in question. It
is imperative that the solution be exoeedingly thin, and also
that it be carefully filtered previooaly to its application to the
mirror, which, too^ most be weD doeted before it is coated with
the vamiah. No heat must be used.
In addition to the value of such a vaniish as this, when
applied for the protection of the reversing mirror of the photo-
grapher, it seems, so far as we have tried it, not to interfere
with the definition of a silvered telescopic mirror, and, if further
trials on delicate star tests should bear out our first impression,
it may prove of utility in the employment and preservation of
large reflectors, which entail a certain amount of trouble in re-
silvering when the metal gets worn off by the polishing neces-
sary to keep it dean.
THICKNESS OF FILM.
The opinion expressed in the course of the discussion on
latitude of exposure at the Technical Meeting of the Photo-
graphic Society of Great Britain on Tuesday night, tliat a thick
film of gelatiao-bromide of silver allows of greater latitude in
the exposure is, we believe, largely if not generally held. A
little reflection, indeed, will show that the penetrative power of
the light is necessarily determined by the quantity of silver
salt held in the film, and consequently it is easy to realise that
in the caae of long or abnormal exposure the high lights and
what we shall call the middle lights penetrate the whole of a
thin film, or one comparatively poor in silver, far more readily
than a film holding a larger quantity of silver.
Perhaps this effect may be more clearly understood and
i^preoiated by the simple experiment of holding side by side, -
in the sunlight for a minute or so, two plates, one with
a thin film of bromide, the other with a thicker film. On
examining the bocks of the plates after the exposure, it will be
perceived that, while the surfaces of both plates arc equally as
dark, the back of the thin plate is much darker than that of
the thicker one. In the case of over-expoeure in the camera
the penetrative power of light, although its action is not
visible to the eye, is somewhat analogous iu its efi°ect.
The colour of gelatine plates produced by the presence, in
more or less quantities, of iodide of silver in the film, is also
supposed by many to assist the film in resisting the penetrsr
tion of the light, although, in point of fact, the film itself may,
as regards its quantitative nature, be undoubtedly thin. This
ttadlliy 4S plausible enough, taking into consideration the com-
perative insensitiveneas, if not inertness, of iodide of silver.
Silver iodide enters into the composition, although only
minutely, of the most rapid plates, and, employed in films
in which so liberal a quantity of bromide is present as to
constitute an admittedly thick coating, is probably capable of
assisting to allow of a material expansion in the latitude of
exposure as well as of ininimising the dreaded phenomenon of
halation. Indeed, a thickly coated fihn containing a good
^cu
418
THE BKITISII JOURNAL OF PHOTOQUA.PHY.
[July 1,1832
quantity of iodide is held by many able experimentalists to
fulfil both requirements far better than many other special
devices. Here, then, is a hint for those plate-makers who are
anxious to meet modem requirements under those two heads.
It is singular that the plea for plates admitting of greater
latitude of exposure than those now obtainable should go hand
in hand with that for plates that will prevent halation. We
have heard it stated that both the complaints here implied are
to be traced to the abnormally thin films with which emulsion-
makers are now said to coat glass and celluloid. Avoiding for
the moment any consideration of this point, we may note as a
fact that in the earlier gelatine dry-plate days restricted
latitude of exposure and halation did not seem so commonly
complained of as now. This leads to the supposition that in
those times much thicker films were vouchsafed to us than
now. Is that so ]
UNACCUSTOMED DEVELOPERS.
It is now many years since Mr. M. Carey Lea published a series
of most elaborate researches into the varying action of different
developing agents, many, if indeed not most of which had been
hitherto unsuspected of the possession of any developing
power. Although at that time none of the numerous substances
tried exhibited any real advantage over pyro or ferrous oxalate,
practically the only two developers then employed, more than
one of them gave promise of better things if only the proper
conditions of working could be found. Although we failed to
corroborate in their entirety the results obtained by Mr. Carey
Lea, the reason was probably to be found in the fact that, while
our repetition of his experiments was made upon gelatine films,
his original researches were made, if we remember rightly,
with pure silver bromide spread upon paper.
At the present day, when paper is so generally employed, and
developed prints are an every-day production in every laboratory,
amateur or professional, it does not seem unlikely that some of
these almost-forgotten developers might be found to have their
special uses, either in rendering some particular class of tones
or in dealing with negatives of some peculiar quality. For
instance, while the prevailing tone of developed prints is
usually found to range between neutral black and various
shades of grey, there is an undoubted leaning towards tones of
a warmer character, either brown or red, even to the terra-
cotta tint known as " red chalk " or Bartolozzi. Again,
different brands of paper, when used with any given developer,
are often found to give results varying with the character of
the negative, one paper favouring thin negatives, while another
gives better results with an image of considerable vigour.
Now, in Mr. Carey Lea's exhaustive description of the
behaviours of the different solutions tried by him, the colour as
well as the relative vigour of the developed images were the
points to which he attached the greatest importance, rapidity
of development, freedom from fog, or abnormal reduction, and
similar characteristics being made to occupy a secondary posi-
tion, as being subject to modification by very slight causes. In
the development of paper positives these two points are the
ones which may be said to entirely control the character of the
result, hence it is that Mr. Lea's articles of upwards of a dozen
years ago become well worth reference at the present time, in
view of the possibility already hinted at, that they may open up
fresh methods of development available in connexion with our
modern processes.
Of the large number of substances of widely different I
character " exploited " by Mr. Lea, undoubtedly the most
interesting group was that of the ferrous salts, mostly of
organic acids, to which especial attention was devoted, owing to
the fact that it w^as from that particular group that the then
newly introduced ferro-oxalate developer had been evolved. In
practice, however, though most of the ferrous salts were found
to possess developing powers, none except the oxalate proved to
be of any real use as substitutes for the methods already in
use, those that were readily soluble being generally the worst
in this respect, while those which necessitated the employment
of some other agent, such as potassic oxalate, for their solution,
were open to the suspicion that any good effect might really be
due to the formation of ferrous oxalate or other salt.
Some of the salts were, however, spoken of favourably as
being worthy of further investigation under different working
conditions, foremost amongst these being ferrous borate,
tartrate, and sulphite ; while, speaking without direct reference
to the articles, if we remember rightly, the citrate, which soon
afterwards became a recognised developer, especially for chloride
films, was passed over with comparatively slight mention.
The borate developer was mentioned as in every way the one
that had most favourably impressed Mr. Lea, though, again,
speaking from recollection, its finest results were obtained
when used in combination with oxalate of iron. Its general
characteristics were, however, vigour of development and
quality of colour, and our recollection of its behaviour with
gelatine films is that it gave pleasing brown tones of a " sepia "
character, and entirely free from the objectionable greenish
tinge so frequently associated with brown tints.
Of course it must always be borne in mind that the colour
of a film or image may be entirely different when viewed by
transparency, and backed up by paper respectively ; and that,
therefore, the colour obtained by us might not be available for
positive purposes. At the same time it should be also borna
in mind that the colour of the positive by reflected light, i.e.,
a paper or opal print, is very greatly affected by the thickness
of the deposit, and that, though an image dense enough to be
viewed as a transparency might be wholly useless when backed
up by paper, still the colour under the latter condition would
be favourable if only the density were considerably reduced.
For sepia tones in bromide prints the borate developer of Mr.
Carey Lea, either in its entirety or in combination with ferrous
oxalate, might be worthy of a further trial.
In connexion with the ferrous nitrate developer there was
nothing special to mention, except that it offered the chance of
a combined physical and chemical developer ; or, in other
words, could be used for either wet or dry plates. Its actual
application in this form had not, so far as we remember, been
successfully made ; but its possibility was demonstrated, and,
as Mr. Lea pointed out, such a combination would constitute an
ideal developer. This, again, may be worthy of further atten-
tion on the part of our experimentalists.
The sulphite developer was another that was very favourably-
mentioned, though, if we are correct in our recollection again,
it was formed by the simple admixture of sodium sulphite and
ferrous oxalate in Mr. Lea's experiments, while in our own we
dissolved recently precipitated oxide of iron in excess of sul-
phurous acid. Formed in this manner, it makes a pale-greeu
solution, which keeps well and acts as a somewhat energetic
developer, giving markedly warm tones of the "red-chalk"
character, especially with collodion emulsion ; and, what is of
greater importance, the red image so obtained can be toned
with gold in precisely the same manner as a silver print.
July 1, 18921
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
419
This solution may be with very great advantage combined
vith ferrous oxalate in varying proportions, according to the
colour desired ; indeed, it nukes a most admirable renovator
for spent ferrous oxalate, and such a revived solution is par-
ticularly well adapted to the development of prints.
DUST.
We have dealt with the evil effect of dust on portrait and
land»:ape lenses, but in modem photography we have to count
with microacopes, telescopes, and ipectroacopes, in connexion
with which also the dust evil is capable of working considerable
mischief. A good photo microgr^h cannot be secured unletis
the lenses are scrupulously clean, and especially is this so
when working with the eyepiece. To ascertain whether a
particle of dust, that is perceptible in the illuminuted 6eld
of view, is on the objective or the eyepiece, the latter should
be revolved on its axis : if the spot move, its location is the
eyepiece; if it remain stationary, it must be sought in the
objective. In any case, it mnst be removed before work com-
mences.
We need not discuss telesoopically hurtful dust, as that
branch of photography is only employed in a few and those skilled
hands, but a word about the spectroscope may be written. To
those who oae this instrument with the eye alone, few things
are more annoying than to find that a spot of dust of some kind
bM settled upon the knife edges of the slit ; far more trouble-
soms is the preseaoe ot such a partielev ss, until removed, it is
the cause of a pennanent stieak from end to end of the
spectmm — a disfigurement that would be particularly annoy-
ing when the negative was the result of labour and tim& We
mention it here only to nams a remedy that was recently
given by a well-known astraDomsr. Those familiar with this
" matter in the wrong place " know how troublesome it is to
get rid of. The remedy is a quill toothpick — one that has
been rubbed with the teeth is better even than a new one.
Ws dismiss onr considention of the connexion between dust
aod apparatus by saying that in the putting away of all
apparatus — leossa, portrait, landscape, microscopic, spectro-
scopic, and woodwork — more injury is, perhaps, done by
omitting to remove dust than by all other causes together.
Where the posseesioas of a photographer are one lens and one
camera, or a seore, the most sorapakms care should be taken
each day they are employed to see that they are put away
perfectly free from dust Many hundreds even of dry-plate
negatives have their qualities greatly marred by pinholes of all
sixes, caused by dnst that has gained aocsas to the camera or
slide. To the trainsd aye a pinholej negative always suggests
untidinws, the enemy to oooaistent nnifonn sicellence.
There is, however, another dost eanae for pinholes that is
too often ignored notwithstanding the great care used by the
makers of dry plates to see that they anjve at the hands of
' he user in ss nearly perfect a state as possible ; particles of dust,
or splinters of glass, abrasion of packing paper, and so on, are
bound to be seen ooeaaiooally on the plates, and every pUte
should be carefully swept with a broad camel's-hair i)encil before
bsJag placed in the slides. Those who do not adopt this plan
win be surprised to find how much unexpected dust is capable
of removal with advantage in this direction.
Before ooncluding our remarks in a succeeding number, on
what proves to be a very large subject, we wish to point out
:t4 err' '' '•■'— <>y m WS csu a dust eflect by which great mischief
;s ' 7 being produced. We refer to the simple
matter of framing photographs. " Oh, it is only a photograph,
and we want a cheap fninie " is a very familiar cry ; but, be the
frame as cheap as it may, every photographer who has the
dignity of his art and its reputation for stability at heart should
insist upon dust being excluded from even the cheapest frame
by the simple expedient of pasting the glass to the frame in
the well-known way. We have seen, we can truly say, scores
of pictures, greatly valued by the owners, which it was desired
to know how to restore, as they were " fading." It was most
difficult to persuade the owners that the " fading " was nothing
but dust, dust in fact that had gradually entered, as it will do,
through the finest aperture or chink. All pictures framed
without the protection we allude to will become altered more
or less by dust deposit to the injury of the picture, not to speak
of its gradually increasing disfigurement. Yet such protection
is by no means common; wc siiould not like to state the smallness
of the proportion in which we should estimate it is carried out
Suffice it dt>w to say, we emphasise in the strongest manner
possible the need for this protection for preserving photographs
in their pristine beauty and chemical integrity.
Pbotogrraphy In Japan.— We are pleased to gather from
the aDDU&l rejiort of the I'hot ifrrapliic Sixuety of Japan, a portion of
which we point amonir our Society intellifrcnce, that tliat Society now
boasts the re«pect«ble total of 140 mombtro. From this we take it
that both the Society ItarU and phcitograpliy generally must occupy s
tolerably well-eatablished position in Tokyo, n result no doubt largely
brought about by the efforts of Mr. W. K. Burton.
Quite Another Thlnr.— In a recent Continental note wo
remarket!, in rffi?n.-uce to thi- l*.irLs Photographic Exhibition, that
" French firms appear to frire it a very hearty support, which may in
some degree account for the coUneM with wliich it has been treated
abroad." We meant ■omethinjf altojfether different of course, the
word " atone " being intended for " account." .\ good French friend
in Paris has drawn our attention to the error, for the opportunity of
correcting which we are obli|^^ to bim. The entente cordiale
between the photographic prcs-i uf each country Sa therefore in no
danger of being strained or tlin-att^ned.
Photorraptaj In Parliament.— Among the candidates for
the hunnurof aseat in the luiperioi Legislature is Mr. W. J. Lancaster,
the well-known maker of photographic apparatus, of nirmingham,
who i« conteeting one of the ditisions of that town. Glancing down
the li(t of candidates, we observe the names of many amateur photo-
graphers. Let OS hope that some of them will be successful, for, on
the principle that a fellow feelin^^ makes us wondrous kind, it will
tbcQ be poMible occasionally to get a question of photographic interest
put to the Government on, say, such an iniciuitously foolUh law as
the new methylated spirit regulatiiin«, or on other matters of interest
which occasionally affect the comrort and convenience uf the estimated
quarter of a million photragriiphero throughout the country.
Scnaltiveneas as a Factor In Szposure Caloola^
ti' .. 'r. Vogel's experience of the increasing sensitiveness of
g> : , lies if kept for any length of time, as referred to in our
" American Notes" la»t week, suggevts to us a p'lint possibly of some
importance in connexion with accepting the ascertained photometer
speed of plates ss a conttant factor in exposing. If plates really do
incrvaae in sensitiveness — and there certainly seems some evidence to
support the theoiy— then it is probable that their photometer speed
can no longer be regarded as a constant factor if the particular batch
of plates tested be kept a certain length of time between the moment
of te'iin^' and (he moment of eX|Kwure. It is no uncomnmn thing
for unex; o'":-<l plates to b" kept many months before expa»ure. M'o
420
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[July 1, 1892
suppose that in that case it •would be recommended to test the plates
as soon as possible before usinjj ; but how would this get over the
alleged difficulties of different batches of plates, and differerit plates
in those batches, varying in sensitiveness, although the contrary is
supposed to be the case by makers and users alike?
The X.ew Method of Testlxxer X<enses.— At the Royal
Society recently, a paper by Major Darwin, " On the Method of
Examination of Photographic Objectives at thelvew Observatory," was
read. The paper describes the method of examination of photographic
objectives which has been adopted at the Kew Observatary, chiefly on
the recommendation of the author. In selecting and devising the
different tests. Major Darwin acted in co-operation with Mr. Whipple,
the Superintendent of the Observatory, and was aided by consultations
with Captain Abney. Among other particulars we learn that the
principal focal length is found by revolving the camera through a
known angle, and measuring the movement of the image of a distant
object on the ground glass ; with the testing camera it is so arranged
that an angular movement can be given with great ease and accuracy,
and that the angle is such that half the focal length is directly read
off on a scale on the ground glass. The observation is made when
the image is at a point some fourteen degrees from the axis of the objec-
tive, and it is proved that the focal length thus obtained, even though it
may not be identical with the principal focal length as measured on the
axis, is, nevertheless, what the photographer in reality wants to ascer-
tain. This test for distortion depends in principle on ascertaining the
sagitta or deflection in the image of a straight line along one side of
the plate. It is shown that to give the total distortion near the edge
of the plate would not answer practical requirements, and that the
proposed method of examination does give the most useful informa-
tion that can be supplied. Definition is found by ascertaining what
is the thinnest black lino the image of which is just visible when seen
against a bright background. It is shown that this is the best
method that could be devised of measuring the defining power of an
objective, and that it is not open to serious objections on theoretical
ground?. The test for astigmatism is performed by measuring the
dl-:,i:. between the focal lines at a position equivalent to the corner
. » . ; plate, and by calculating from the result thus obtained the
. ;iproximate diameter of the disc of diffusion due to astigmatism.
OBSOLETE PROCESSES.*
No. 5. — The Taupenot Peocess.
In the article on the old, or original albumen process, it was mentioned
that most excellent results could be obtained with it, but a long
exposure was necessary ; also that great precautions had to be taken
in the preparation of the plates, in order to obtain a film free from
dust spots ; and, furthermore, there w^as the inconvenience of the plates
having to be kept perfectly horizontal until they were dry, for,
unless this was done, an even filra could not be obtained.
The process now to be described is, to an extent, a modification of
the oiiginal one, and was named after its originator, the "Taupenot
Process," or, as it was more familiarly called, the collodio-albumen
process, inasmuch as it was a combination of both the collodion and
the albumen processes. There were two films, both of which had
been sensitised in separate silver baths, the one collodion and the
other albumen. Although more operations were involved in the
preparation of these plates than in the older method, they were, on
the whole, found to entail less trouble and care, as they could be
dried in a vertical position, and the drying accelerated by heat.
Added to this, the plates were more sensitive, and developed more
easily, while the results, if not superior, were at least equal to those
obtained with albumen alone. Therefore it is not surprising that soon
after its introduction the original method was seldom practised, that
is, for negatives.
In all the older processes on glass, the greatest care had to be
bestowed on the cleaning of the glass, and essentially was this the
case in the one under consideration, for not only with an imperfectly
cleaned plate was there a liability to stain, but there was as well the
' Coacludcil.
almost certainty of a blistering of the film during the development*
Indeed, in the earlier days of the process, blisters were one of the
greatest troubles encountered in its working. Tripoli and alcohol, or
tripoli and ammonia, were the most favoured cleansing agents.
The plate, having been cleaned, was next coated with iodised
collodion. The mechanical condition of the collodion used was
really of more importance than its chemical nature. One of a very
adhesive character was necessary. That usually employed was such
as was in use for wet collodion, after it had been iodised for some
montlis and had become too slow to use for its original purpose.
When the film had well set, it was sensitised in the ordinary silver
bath — thirty grains of nitrate of silver to the ounce of water. The
state of the solution was of minor importance. A bath that would
yield foggy, or otherwise inferior, negatives if the plates were used
direct, would still do quite well for collodio-albumen. After the
collodion filra was sensitised, it was well washed in several chanses
of water, and finally rinsed under the tap. After closely draining,
the plate was ready to receive the iodised albumen.
The formula for the iodised albumen, like most others, varied with
different workers. This is the one we generally employed our-
selves : —
Albumen 12 ounces.
Iodide of potassium 1 drachm.
Bromide of ammonium 15 grains.
Liquor ammonise I3 drachm.
Water 3 ounces.
With suflicient iodine to give a pale sherry tint. The whole was-
then whipped to a stiff froth, as described for the albumen process a
fortnight ago, and allowed to subside. The liquid portion was then
filtered, either through sponge or fine muslin. The albumen was
applied in the following way : — A little was poured on the upper
portion of the dramed plate and allowed to flow over it in an even
wave and off the other end into the sink, carrying what superfluous
water there was before it. After draining for a few seconds, a fresh,
lot of albumen was applied, and this was flowed backwards and for-
wards over the plate for a minute or two, so that it might soak into
the collodion film. The excess of albumen was then poured off into
a vessel, to be used again as the first application to the next plate.
The plate was then reared up on end to dry, either spontaneously or
assisted by heat — the latter was most general.
When the surface had become partially dry, the plate was sub-
jected to heat, usually by holding it before the fire until it became-
as hot as the hand could well bear. Strongly heating the plates at
this stage was found to be a great preventive of blisters. In con-
nexion with blisters, it may as well be mentioned here that it was a
very common practice to give the plates a preliminary coating of
dilute albumen, and drying, before the collodion was applied in the
first instance. This thin substratum, though increasing the manipu-
lations, secured an immunity from the trouble, and therefore was
invariably adopted by some workers. In this state the plates would
keep good for years. Up to this stage the plates, could be prepared
in open dayUght, as any effect that the light might have upon the
sensitised film was destroyed by the iodised albumen, which also
obliterated any bad effects from a disordered silver bath.
The sensitising bath, like that used in the albiunen process, was
the aceto-nitrate of silver, but somewhat weaker — thirty grains of
nitrate of silver and a similar proportion of acetic acid to the ounce
of water was the strength u.sually employed. The time of. immersion
was short, not more than a minute or so. When the plates were
taken from the bath they were thoroughly washed, first in dishes,
and finally imder the t.ap. They were then dried spontaneously,
either in a drying-box or, more often, on the shelves of the dark room.
The sensitised plates would keep good for a month or two ; but, if
they were treated with a dilute solution of gallic acid before they
were dried, they would keep for a year or two.
AVith regard to the exposure, the plates were slow, though they
were quicker than the original albumen ones. With a single lens,
aperture, say, /-SO, a landscape would require from five to iifteen
minutes, according to the light. Here there was, with this process,
considerable latitude allowable, and the best workers seldom, if ever,
erred on the side of under-exposing.
JulT 1, ISM]
THE BRITISH JOUKNAX OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
421
In the Mrlint days of the procMS • solution of gallic acid, with a
drop or two of ac»?ta-nitr«t« of nlTer, was the developer employed.
Later on. pjrogallic acid supenedad the ^llic, and this is how it was
us«d : — The exposed plate was first moittenet) with water. Then a
plain solution of pyro — a eotiple of grains in an ounce of water — was
fiowrd OTer the plate. In a short time this would brin;: out a faint,
phantom-liki» imn^ by reflected light, from which t-e correctness, or
otherwise, of the erposare could be judged. If it had been rightlr
timed, the image would come oat trnmiy, just as it does in a correctly
exposed modem plate. When nearly the whole of the detail in the
shadows was rinble, the solution was thrown ofiF, and another con-
taining two grains of pjro to th« ooaee of water, restrained either
with fiftMD or twenty minims of aMtie, or half a prrain of citric acid,
WM flowed OT«r the pkte. It was then pitured ofT and a drop or two
of » sohlloa of nitrate of silver added. It was then reapplied, and
the deTel'>pment, or rather intensification, continued until sufficient
density was obtained. If stains appe«red on the surface of the film,
as woold sometimes be the case with a proknged derelopment, they
coold be rabbed off with oottoo-wool tinder the tap.
As with the albumen prooeas, so with this one, the image waa of a
hiffhty noih-aetinie character, and the nefralires of many noTioes were
spoilt by orer-deTelopment. If, by chance, the plate was under-
exposed, detail was coaxed ont by nsing a warm or, if necessary, a
hot solutioe of plain pyro. If OTef^«xpoaed, a large proportion of
silrer was employed with the aridilWid developer. The fixing solution
was ooe of hypaenlphite of soda, of about the strength now employed
for gdAtine piatee.
The resolts obtainable with tiM eallodio-alb<imen process are per-
fectly familiar to ow older wdew ; so, to them, no ooanMat is neces-
sary. To iMir yoanger one* we may say that the p*aea« has yet to
be inreated that will rieM finer oegstivea — that is, in the hands of
those profident in its manipulation.
are issuing' a polyglot circular to Swedish, Finland, Russian, German,
French, and English amateurs, asking them to send to Messrs. H. & S.
ten or more unmounted prints from their negatives, when they will
receive in e-xchange an equal number of the same-sized prints — of
course, of different subjects. Thus the amateur has a ready means
of making an international collection of amateur work from different
parts of the world. Messrs. Hamfeld & Stahlberg propose to open
branches in St. Petersburg, Vienna, Berlin, London, and New York.
It is difficult to see what profit, beyond that accruing to pure philan-
thropy, awaits Messrs. Hamfeld & Stahlberg in their enterprise. If
any of our amateur readers have'received the circular spoken of, we
should be glad to see it.
X. Villain's Coloured Positive Process. — In de-
scribing his process before a recent meeting of a French photographic
'society, M. S'illainjgave the,foUowing*detai]s : — Paper is floated on a
bath consisting of
Water 1000 cc.
Bichromate of ammonium ....' 50 grammes.
Metavanadate'of ammonium 5 „
The paper is dried at a low temperature in the dark, and is then
exposed under a negative'until the details are well out, being next
washed to remove the unaltered bichromate. The picture is now
immersed in the'colouring bath, which is maintained at a temperature
of ab<->ut 00' C. If. after " colouring," the whites are not clear, a
warm bath of sodium carbonate, or a cold bath of lime carbonate
acidified with hydrochloric acid, is applied. The colouring agents
employed include artificial alzarine, isopurpurine, alzarine blue,
alzarine bhick, green, orange, anthracene brown, and others.
Combinations of these may' be applied, and thus a large variety of
tints obtained, all of them stable under the action of light.
CONTIXEXTAL NOTES AND NEWS.
An Old rrtaad te a Vew 9wmam. louie ingMuoM German
knight of iadnstry has, it seems, been lately exploitiBiir * mysterious
and woBderfvl prodnet. which was said to be of remarkable value as
an aee^MStor if need as a praliminajy bath before development. The
snbetaaee wa* given the formidsbls asme of laoaobrombrenztraabea-
tian ! Dr. H. Vogel i* reported to ksve sabmittad • ssnple of it to
the cold and impartial semtiny of analysis, and to have proooaneed it
to ha ao(U^( moca and notUof Im* than our old friend, hypo !
Coloured Transparencies. — M. Meonier-Poatbot is said to
be uurudactng commeirially a plate which, with a special kind of
tooiafr balli. ot wUek no deteOs are to hand, allows of the depoat
lowed aitkcr yaifew, yaDowish brown.'reddish brown,
i'>let, red. Urn violrt, indigo hine, or greaniah blue as
led. .vn these ooloan tie said to be obtained with one toning
>> , if not an, dspaoding npao the time of expoaora and toning.
•-al toning, this proesm is susoeptibls of yieUing parti-
. u slide* and
Kow to Tell Wkathar a Flat*
or Vot.— M. I'apaiogU, of Vaud, snggerts treating tii* eomer of
the plate with the drTek>par; if tb* plato darkens, it has, of eonrse,
bscnarposed;if not, the colour of the deposit is unchanged. It is also
■ofgwtad that this is a ready means of ascertaining whether a plate
has been owr or undar-expoeed. The efficacy of this highly ingenious
method, whieli we have all unaccountably oveikioked up to now (save
and except M. Fapasogh), is soaewhat discounted by the drcum-
•taaee that, thoegii the margins of a plats may not darken OKler the
deretopsr, the eantn may, neverthakaa, have been expoeed, and thus
the door is opened wide for error. So, onee mon, nu 6om> f
Am Xataraatiottal Ptaotorrap^o Sxohaare.— Hasan.
IIaicf>M k StaUbFig, editors of the Uelsingfors jooinal, CvmtraH,
ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHIC WORK FOR AMATEURS.
U.
IlArtNO referred in aprevious article to the making of the emulsion,
and the coating and setting of the opal plates, we now come to the
consideration of what is al*o a very important factor in the operation,
viz., the drying of the coated platei.
Undoubtedly, since the advent of thegt>lntiDo-bromideprocess,perbaps
them has been no greater Mumbling-block to the amateur plate-maker
than that of a handy and reKable method of dryin/his coated plates, for
doubtless it has been at this stage that failures have arisen, and hence
the dnad many experienced workers in a small way have of tackling
the m%V''y of their own emulsion.
From time to time quite a numerousclassof drying boxes and contriv-
ances have been sng^wrted for the purpoee, some of which are m
constructed as to utUiae gas as a warming a^nt to the interior of the
chamber, hot all seem to agree on the necessity of having a current of
air freely drcnlating throogh the box. AMien such a box is at hand,
the difficulty of drying is entirely overcome, but there is no need for
any ordinary worker to refrain from undertaking the work we are
conadering on account of not having at hisdi.tposal a drying box. In
the ease of the emulsion we are dealing with, we have not an article
of such exalted sensitireneu as a bromide emulsion, commonly met
with in dry-plate practice or negative work. What we are dealing
with is a printing-out emulsion of much the same sensitiveness to
light as ordinary printing paper, and hence the same absolute pre-
cautioiu from every ray of white light during drvincr are not so
imperative. This 'being so, there are many simple, homely ways
whereby plates, coated with such an emulsion, may be dried without
the ai(| of any of the so<alled drying boxes or chambers, so necessary
"trrtimTlarfs emnltion work.
I hgtt seid that in all the arrangemento for drying ph»te.» of any
description an e^iential element is that a current of air be made to
pass over the films. Let this dondernium once be grs'pt'd and under-
stood, and an enthusiastic worker will not be long in rigguig up some
homely arrangement for drvinp the pint. «. I may, however, describe
thi«e entirely diff-rent method.t that 1 have seen adopU'd by some of
my pupils for the drying of the same kind of plates we are cm-
sidenng. One very simple war adopted by a gentleman— who, by
the way, is merely a lodger, and who, therefore, has not the entire
control of a houaehoU— is by the utilisation of the firepUce in his
bedroom, and, all toU, this is perhaps as simple a phm as any that
^7
422
TriR BKlTISn JOURNAL OF rHOTOGUAPHY.
[July 1, 18D2
can be arranged. Ilaving coated a ftjw opals, be opens the damper of
the fire-grate, so that a current of air passes up the cliiraiiey. He
then brings in a box about three feet long by twenty inches square,
■with botli ends knocked out. This box is placed close up to the fire-
place, and some clothes padded round the end, -which he places
against the grate. I have seen him utilise his "breeks" for the
purpose. This long box acts like a tunnel, and the air rushes in and
up the chimney in fine style. Plates coated with an emulsion as
described will dry evenly and perfectly, in dry weather, in about four
hours by this simple means. He generally so arranges to have the
Slates placed on the tunnel just about bedtime or after dark, and
uring the early hours of the morning he gets out of bed, and stows
the opals away in grooved boxes. Another method employed by an
ingenious amateur is on the same lines as the above ; only, instead of
u«ng a long box, he utilises his large 12x10 camera. This be
places, with the front out, up against the fireplace, and, having placed
some sheets of brown paper to protect the inside of the bellows, he
places his half-plate opals inside, and gets up in the early hours of
the morning ana merely folds down the focussing glass, over which
he throws a dark cloth. After breakfast the plates are then removed
to a store-box.
Another very simple way is the using of a grooved box of the same
size as the plate coated. Out of the top and bottom of the box a
long strip of the wood is removed ; this extends the full length of the
box. Over this apparatus a length of coarse muslin is tacked. When
the plates are placed in the grooved boxes the lid is shut down, and
after dark the box is placed on end in some place where a draught or
current of air passes, such as an open doorway, or in front of a fire-
place, as described. The muslin tends to prevent dust getting on the
surface of the plates, but the plates take slightly longer to dry.
However, it is quite a good plan. Either of the above methods may
be adopted with a certainty of success provided a current of air be
made to pass over the films. Do not be tempted to use heat in any
shape or form, and when such simple means are adopted the drying
difficulty is at once overcome, and we have on hand a supply of opal
plates of about the same sensitiveness as ordinary albumenised
printing paper, and all that remains to be done is to place the same
in an ordinary printing frame in contact with a suitable negative to
print in the shade, according to the requirements of the particular
negative used. Of course the face of the opal cannot be inspected
during printing like a piece of sensitive paper, but it is quite an easy
matter to run a pilot alongside during the printing operation. This
may be done by taking a negative of similar density and placing in
contact with it sensitised paper, and when the one is up the other
will be about right. A very little practice with each batch of emul-
sion will show the comparative sensitiveness of the opals to the paper
used. It is well, however, to print deeply. On removal from the
printing frame, the opals are treated in exactly the same way as
ordinary silver prints. That is, they are first subjected to washing
in several changes of water, they are then toned with a very weak
acetate bath, which may be conveniently made up as follows, viz.,
one tube of gold, one ounce of acetate of soda, and forty ounces of
water, prepared the day before, being used. When going to tone,
add the same amount of water to the quantity taken from the stock
solution as above, but do not tone just into the purple, for the film
■will dry at least three tints darker than the pictures appear when
being taken from the fixing bath.
Provided the plates are evenly coated, and ordinary care exercised
in the manipulation, the surface of the opals will be found to be quite
evenly toned ; but, should it be found that slight cases of irregularity
are apparent, then a preliminary bath of weak alum and water will
be useful. Tlie plates are then fixed in a weak hypo bath, and, after
careful and thorough washing, are set aside to dry, when pictures of
more than ordinary beauty will be the result, and which will be sure
to cause more admiration than any silver print on paper ever
produced.
The opals may be finally mounted with a cover glass, having a
cut-out mask or mount inserted between the film and the glass, and
bound round the edges with lantern strips, or they may be framed
ai taste dictates.
An emulsion such as I have described comes in very handy in
another way at times, for who has not among their collection of
negatives a plate that would not bo benefited by some dodging,
■whereby the dense high lights of the negative would be made to print
more in harmony ■B'ith the shadows and middle tints of the picture ?
Such cases are very frequently to be met with, and, as a rule, the
treatment generally adopted is the flooding of the glass side of the
negative with ground-glass varnish, or other similar material. When
such is used, there is always the after-manipulation required in the
remoTal of the varnish from the high lights by means of a scalpel,
whilst the middle tints are left just to look after themselves, for it is
not easy to deal with them when gruund glass or some other semi-
opaque lubstance is used to retard the printing of the shadow portions
of a negative only. When, however, a worker has a small qu mtity
of the emulsion referred to beside him, he has in hi^ possesion a
most valuable medium for correcting such inequalities in a negative,
and the application of such is an operation of much interest to those
who desiie to follow in a somewhat higher track than the mere
printing of a negative just as it happens to turn out good, bad, or in-
diflferent.
Some writers pooh-pooh the after-improvement of negatives in
every shape and form, and condemn retouching and all dodgivy as
outside the pale of legitimate photography, and even to such an
extent was this carried that amateur photographic societies were
beginning to make such strictures in their rules for competition that
were simply absurd. In my opinion, every possible means should be
employed to improve negatives, and so get the most pleasing results
in the way of prints from them.
Here, then, is a very simple way of treating a negative that has
over-violent contrasts. First, let the worker take a sheet of glass the
same size as the negative, and having made it fast to the film side
by means of ordinary gummed lantern strips (the object of this is to
protect the film from any possibility of damage during the operations
that are to follow), then let him take from his stock of emulsion,
which, when melted, will be sufficient to flow over the glass side of
the negative. Of course, this must be scrupulously cleaned. The
operation, in fact, is just that of coating a plate. Ilaving flooded the
negative, it is set on a levelling stand, and in due course placed in the
drying tunnel, and when dry is ready for exposure. We have now a
negative with plain gkiss on the film side, and a coating of printing-
out emulsion on the glass side. The negative is now placed in an
ordinary printing frame, and a piece of black velvet or other suitable
soft material placed over the sensitive coating of emulsion so as to
avoid any damage to the film by pressure from the springs and back
of the printing frame. But little consideration will be required to
understand that when such a plate is exposed in a printing frame to
daylight the shadows and middle tints will be impressed before the
high lights are printed at all ; and this is just what we require in such
a case as we are considering — in fact, we print a partial po-sitive image
in close contact -with the glass side of the negative, and the image so
printed acts as a most beautifully perfect shield over those parts that
it is desired to retard the printing of. When it is deemed that
sufficient detail and density has been printed, all that remains to do
is to fix the plate by means of an ordinary hypo solution. In doing
this it is more convenient to apply such (after the plate has been
washed under the tap for a minute or two) by means of a flatcamel's-
hair brush. This will prevent the need of placing of the entire
negative in the hypo bath, and when such is gone about expeditiously
the paper binding to the cover glass of the negative will be quite
8ufl[icient to protect its surface from damp. When fixed, a slight
wash and after-application of an alum bath will finish the operation,
and we have then performed one of the cleverest dodges in the way
of doctoring a faulty negative that I know of. To those anxious to
improve such negatives I say, Try it. T. N. Abmstbono.
CLEAN NEGATIVES.
At a photographic meeting held just recently, and reported, mercuric
chloride was recommended for the purpose of removing the iridescent
stains frequently seen when developing, with pyro, old and stale
gelatino-bromide plates ; the words with pyro are used advisedly, the
stain not making its appearance when an iron developer is used. The
statement should not in my opinion go out to the public without
quahfication. If it be true that a solution of mercuric chloride will
remove this stain, and it is not my invariable experience, it is far
from being the best chemical for the purpose.
We are probably half way through with the development of a
negative, when, hey presto ! appears this demon stain, little or more,
according to the quantity of ammonia used in the developer ; further
detail under these drcumstances is not to be got, therefore we wash
and fix the plate.
Now, to intensify — for that is what it means — -with mercury, is not
the thing to do yet, for it means clogging up the shadows of an
already dirty negative. The thing to do is to clear away the stains
first, and then intensify as follows : — Add a few drops of a saturated
solution of red prussiate of potash to a -weak hypo solution (half an
ounce to the pint). The stain disappears very quickly. If the
negative has not been allowed to dry, a tuft of cotton-wool assists
the action very much ; but it will be easy to over-do it, so that as
July 1. 1893]
THK BRITISH JOORXAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
423
soon u the stain has gone remore the neftatire and wash thoroarhlj
We hare now a beautifully clear and clean negatire, which wUl be
I'eyrwwrf, in moat caaea, bj intensification with mercurj. Colour and
denaitT wtO be aatiaf actory.
With Tcgard to green fog, this is un(]uestionabl7 removed by
BMrenry treatment ; bat iiere, again, where u the advantage ? Green
foir I hare not met with for soma Tears, bat if I remember ri);htly, it
was never noticeable till after tne negative was fixed and dried.
Tberefore, in the majority of cases, the negative wu already dense
cnoogb, siad needed no further intensification — in fact, would be
spoilM hj snch treatment. If thoo^t neoeaearv to remove the fog,
and I believa it was ^^enerally thought not to impair the printing
quaUtiea of the negative, the bath already mentioned will answer
•Ttfy porpoaa. J. Pikb.
TELESCOPIC PHOTOGR.^PHY.
Aboct tbiea years ago, I made several attempts to pbotoirraph
distant objects, and a few notes of my experiments were published
in the Almanac, along with aa engraving from one of my nega-
tives. Tb« lens I used was a very fine two-inch telescopic object
l^baa, by Wray, of twenty-five incMs focas, and a No. 3 microscopic
eyepiece by Zeisa. I found, however, that such an eyepiece was not
at all suited for tba porpose. The image on the screeo was very
bright, bat then was always aa amoant of faxsineM which made the
negatives taken with it very imperfect as to aharpneaa. I had done
nothing farther in the matter antil my atteation was again directed
to it by the notieas and oom^oodaaea in rrgard to Mr. Dallmeyer's
proposed telA-pholographie lensi I have not seen any of these lenses
or any of tlie photographs tahM with them, nor have I farther
information as to what had loo^agp besadooe by Dr. HagoSchroedar
otb^r than what has appeared m oia letter in thu JoraKAL.
Wben I wa^ experimenting with the Wray objective of twenty-five
iaehea foeos, I foond that wImo the camera was placed on the wastem
ikon ot the Oaielxh at Rahana, which is just about a raik brand at
that place, tha Said of view given by the eombinatioa I was nsing
waa, OS a qnaitiMlate, only sofldent to «ahla ma to get into the
asgstive oo*-half of tha steamar OarWbeA, which waa then lying
I tha aaatani or oMMita shon. This seamed rati
rather
I
BaJamoek Quay on tha aaatani or oppMita
too great a magaifleatiaB for ordiMiT landscape photcgraphy even of
a moderately distant object, and in taa aiperiments I have jnst made
I have adopted a much shelter apparatoa. I came into poesession the
other day of an old photomphic portrait lens which belonged to the
late Dr. John ThooMoa, R.N., a former Prenident of the Edinburgh
Photoffraphie Society, and I detsnninad to use it as tha objective to
form Um image, which I prepared to magnify in. the camera. This
laoa haa aa a^alvaleat focoa of about eifht and a half inches,
aad tha comfauwtioBs are about two ana oa»«ightb inches in
dkoMtar. I was at fint aomawbat doabtfol if it was actinic,
aa it had eridsBtly been made at a vary early date. I found,
howavar, oa trial that it was all right as regards its actinism.
Now, having got my objectirr. in what way was I to magnifv the
image it gave me r A Haygbenian eyepiece would not do. I had
•ettled that by my previous ezparimaots. I did not bdieva ia tha
iiarlow achroniatic coaeave ampHBar which Mr. IMIiaajrer nsea. I
had, however, in mv microscope box a very fine No. 4 projection
ivapiaee by Zeisa, of Jena, which I knew was perfectly corrected for
^ ^anical ray. I have not noticed in all the writing and notices
which have appeared recently that any one has used, or saggeatad the
oae of, socb an evepieoe for tele-photography. I felt sora that I had
foandexactly what Ireqnind,and I at onca made a rigid box camera,
a aood sobatantial ooa, aad,althoagh it is made oat of a few scraps of
old poeking^bosas, I have atainad it with biehromaU of potash,
enosad to aoafight, aad than vamiahad, aad I ahoold not be at all
a*amd to show it to that leaned body, tha Goavantioa, when they
meat la oar modem Athana next oMath. The baaeboard of the
I into which
erapieoe, is
Ftheeamera
is <4 iaehea. I find that this distance is required to give me a aaffi-
eiantly large circle to fill or almost fill the breadth of a quartar-plate.
Yealarday evening, between seven and eight o'chxk, I exposed
three qoarter-platae, aad thaae I have sent to the Editor that be may
sea the quality of tha dafiaitioa given by the combination I have
d«scribed. Earhjplats got ten seconds' expoeure. These are the first
pUtM I bar.- rxpoesd, and were all three firat shots. I find, upon
mcoeoring the sua of image given by the portrait lens alone, and
also tha same image when OMd along witli the eyppieco, that the
camera gives bm a magnification of exactly six times. This wa«
atcertaiasd by tonung it to a signboard and measuring the rriative
caaiaia is exactly eightaan inehaa long. From the flange
the pottnitlena is serewwL to eya laaa of the projection <
7) inehea,and from thaeya knato thagimmd-glMssereaaof
length of the two images; or, again, the magnification may be
arrived at in another way. I found, on calculating the equivalent
focus of the projection eyepiece by Cross's formula, that it waa equal
to a single lens having a focal length of 1-46 inches, or, as nearly aa
may be, one and a half inches. Dividing the focal length of the
portrait lens by one and a half we get the 6gure six. I think I am
right in assuming this method to be very nearly accurate, because
the distance of the eye-lens from the screen is just about ten inches,
the attumed normal focal length of the human eye.
One thing seems to be a most important factor against the use of
combinations of lenses for photography, and that is, the difficulty of
getting more than one focal plane into focus. We know that, what-
ever may be said to the contrary, it is impossible to see more than one
focal plane in the microscope, and the same defect, if it may be termed
so, iaforcibly apparent when focussing with the combination I have
described above. What, however, one looks for, and should strive to
obtain, is such a reasonable arrangement as not to render the want of
sharpness on the resulting photograph unpleasantly conspicuous to the
eye. Of course, one need not be restricted to a quarter-plate in such
a matter. It is onljr necessary to increase the distance of the plate to
get any reasonable size covered. I should have liked much better had
my portrait lens been of greater focal length. One of about twelve
inches equivalent focus would suit very well. Taking, liowever, that
I have, and multiplying its focal length of eight and a half inches by
six, the magnification used, it is easily seen that with the short
camera I used I get, practically, a picture the same as if I had used
an ordinary photographic lens of six times eight and a half, or fifty-
one incbea focos. PaocaiXA.
♦
OLD SILVER PRINTS.
II.
BxroRK we place oar prints, after toning, in the hypo solution, all the
free silver nitrate and salts soluble in plain water have been got rid off,
aad there only remain those that require chemically decomposing for
the hvposolpbite to act upon. This it does by dissolving the chloride
after changing it into hyposulphite of silver, which ia only quite soluble
in a strong hyposnlphite of soda solution and water. Some albumenate
of silver has also to be removed. This is somewhat more difficult to
thoroaghly effect ; in fact, it very often is left in the prints. Au silver
should be found in the whites of a properly finished print.
The method of doing it is to use a tolerably strong fresh solution of
hyposulphite of soda for a sufficiently long time, or preferably two-
baths of the same strength, with or without the addition of a little
ammonia. After the action of the hypo on them, we have the prints
saturated with salts that are soluble in ordinary tepid water; and if
the print* are removed singly to dishe* where they can be alternately
washed and pressed for a few hours, with a constant change of
tepid water, they will in all probability be freed from anything
prejudicial to their permanenea. The final rinse or two may be in
tolerably hot water with advantage.
Prints will be much brighter and better for a short washing, of not
more than two hours or less ; after a more prolonged soaking, the
long iauaaraon invariably reduces the gkies of albumen prints, and
does not oondoee to their permanency— rather otherwise. The wet
washe<l print should be tarttU$$ and odouHui : if any metallic taste
nmain* or any odour is distinguishable, it may be concluded tha
prints, for some reason or another, have not been properly fixed or
washed. It is surprising how seldom the process of fixing and wash-
ing is properly done, even by men whom one would have thought to-
be thoroughly versed in the matter. A very usual way of working
is, after a wash after toning, or even without it, to gather the prints
into a bundle and plunge them all together into a small quantity of
hypo bath ; to separate them afterwards. It stands to reason, it a
large number have to be separated, those last moved will not have
received the same amount of fixing as the first did ; it may make from
three to five minutes' difference, a consideration when ten «r fifteen
■uantea ji the time allowed in the hyposulphite solution. They are
then (Jaei mors gathered Into a bundle, prsssed with the hands, and
plunged altogether into clean water, to be again separated. It i*
very probable that, by this style of working, some of the prints do
not get separated, and consequently neither properly washed nor fixed ;
the only excuse offered, it economiaee the time, but if it does, which
is questionable, it is at the expense of the prints.
Another risky proceeding, with regara to permanence, is fixing
several batches of prints in the same hyposulphite solution one after
the other. The last batches, in all probability, are not lixed so well
as the first: a little extra time being given will not make up for
deficiency of solvent power, especially if the hypo bath waa weak to
begin with. Weak baths have been, time after time, recommended
^
4^4
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
IJuly 1,1832
to prevent the blistering of albumen paper, but I am firmly conTinced
that weak baths ■will not properly fix any prints, no matter how
long they remain in them ; time is not a su\)stitute for strength, for
the objectionable salts in the prints are almost insohible in weak
hypo, and this, with a low temperature, as very often happens in
winter, practically leaves the prints unfixed. Temperature is an
important factor through all the processes, none of them working
smoothly and well if it is very low. Very high, say 100° F, has also
its disadvantages by making the prints less brilliant; I do not allude
to the final washing, but to the toning and fixing. I have found that
the presence of hj-posulphite alone, in a properly fixed print, is not
detrimental if the prints are kept dry, and not particularly so if they
are not specially cared for in this respect. To ascertain this, I
prepared two prints carefully in the same solution, at the same time,
washed and dried them, afterwards dipping one for a few minutes in
a twentj' per cent, solution of hyposulphite of soda, again, just rinsing,
drying, and fastening each up in a bottle suspended in the full light,
out of doors, for a long time. There was not the slightest apparent
difference in either ; afterwards a bit of damp blotting-paper was intro-
duced, and after some time had elapsed no change had taken place,
and the experiment was dropped. In all probability the damp would, in
course of time, have produced some damage, and to a greater extent
with the one containing hyposulphite than the other; but what
prints would not suffer if continually exposed to a damp atmosphere,
either with or without special chemical agents in contact with them ?
Imperfect as the experiment was, it satisfied me that hyposulphit*
of itself is not the bugbear it is made out to be in connexion with
silver prints, and I certainly think the lasting qualities of the many
old prints wo see support this opinion.
When hyposulphite of soda is a real enemy is during the time the
prints contain free silver nitrate, when the least trace will not
only produce stains, but utterly ruin the pictures, if the usual alkaline
methods of toning are employed. If a yellowish glare appears on the
prints in the toning bath, it may be certainly concluded that hypo-
sulphite of soda has somehow or another contaminated it, when the
merest trace is sufficient to do this and to spoil a whole batch of work.
It will be noticed that, if this occurs, it will be almost impossible to
wash out a peculiar sulphur odour that is very perceptible when
the prints are warmed, as well as when partially dry. It is a
remarkable fact that such an infinitely small amount of hypo-
«ulphite of soda should have the power of producing so great
an effect. The yellowish glare alluded to seems to be sulphur,
but the mere trace of hypo producing it could scarcely be sufficient
to supply enough to spoil an almost unlimited number of sheets of
prints. I think this is a matter that it would be useful to investigate.
If the deposit is not sulphur, what is it, and where does it come from ?
Edward DnNMonE.
EAELY.PHOTO-MECHANICAL FEINTING PROCESSES.
[Journal of the Photographic Society of India.]
Under the heading Processes before their Time, the writer of an editorial
note in The Bkitish Journal of Photography for April 29 remarks that
the method of breaking up the tones of a subject into lines or dots to
obtain a printing plate was first practised and patented by Fox Talbot
forty years ago, and that his photographic process is practically the same
as the " photogravure " methed now practised. He also points out that
half-tone blocks, and good ones, were produced by Pretseh in 1855, and
that as far back as 1866 Bullock Bros, produced photo-Uthographs in
half-tone quite equal to those now made. He asked why, therefore, did
these processes remain dormant so long ? and gives his opinion that the
reason is, because the processes were introduced before their time ; their
value was not recognised, and therefore they were not appreciated. This
may be to some extent true from the fact that the full value of photo-
graphy for reproduction was not then known, but the real reason of the
delay in recognising the merits of the old processes is, more probably,
that they were all of them deficient in some point, the want of which
made them useless for really practical work. In the later methods these
missing links have been supplied, and the defects of the old processes
having been overcome in various ways, they have been put on a really
practical footing, and as soon as this was the case they have been taken
mto use. For instance, Fox Talbot's early method of photoglyphic
engraving contained all the germs of the photogravure process ; the resin
ground, the negative chromo-gelatine image, and the etching with per-
chloride of iron were much the same as at present, but it faded for the
same reason that all the old carbon processes failed, by having a quantity
of soluble or unchanged gelatine at the under surface of the exposed
image, so that the etching fluid penetrated to the copper underneath
even the densest parts of the gelatine image, and it was not until KUq
applied Swan's method of carbon printing to the photoglyphic process and
etched through the developed image that really practical results were
obtained, and now the obtaining of a well etched plate with perfect
gradation from the most delicate lights to the deepest shadows is a com-
paratively simple operation, which it certainly was not with the original
process, in which it was exceedingly difficult to keep the gelatine film
down on the plate, and to obtain full gradation in the etching.
It was the same with the various methods of photo-galvanography, or
photo-electrotype — they were very good, but not thoronghly practical ;
they took a lot of time and required a great deal of hand work, and
consequently they have been largely superseded by the etching processes.
Again, Poitevin's method of printing off an exposed gelatine film had
all the elements of the present photo-collotype processes, but was quite
unworkable in its early form, and it was not until the principle of
sunning the exposed gelatine film from the back was introduced that it
became practical.
Then, as regards half-tone block processes, no doubt various half-tone
block processes, some of them good ones, have from time to time been
brought forward by Pretseh, Placet, Dallas, Woodbury, Ives, and many
others, but nothing very practical was done until 1883, when JIariot
enounced the principle of graduated diffusion of the lines and dots by
which the image was broken up, and Meisenbach about the same time
brought out his " autotype " process of photo-block printing, which
depended on this principle of ditiusion by the use of ruled screens placed
in front of the sensitive plate, as noted in my paper on Half-tone Plwto-
block Processes. Since then the latter method, and modifications of it,
have taken possession of the field, and naturally, as soon as publishers
and newsvendors found that they had a really workable process of the
kind available, they have hastened to make use of it, somewhat to the
detriment of the older and more artistic woodcut. It is not so much
that these new reproductive processes were not wanted before as that
(hey were not available in a really practical form as they now are.
Colonel J. Waterhocse, S.C,
Assistant Surveyor-General of India.
THE LATE LEWIS MORRIS RUTHERFURD.
We are sorry to learn of the death of Mr. Lewis Morris Rutherfurd,
which took place at his country home, " Tranquillity," New Jersey, on
May 30th.
Mr. Rutherfurd, says Mr. O. G. Mason, in the course of a
biographical notice of the deceased man of science which appears in a
recent number of the Photographic Times, was bom at Morrisania,
New York, on November 2oth, 1810. His father's family can be
traced back through its Scotch descent more than seven hundred
years. His mother was a direct descendant of Lewis Morris, one of
the signers of the Declaration of American Independence. In his
early years Mr. Rutherfurd gave proof of that pecuhar feature of
descent which physiologists have long observed, namely, the inherit-
ance of traits of character belonging to members of the family two or
three generations earlier in its history.
At the age of fifteen his education was such as to enable him to
enter the Sophomore Class at Williams College, where he graduated,
in 1S34, at the age of eighteen. While at college his love for investi-
gation was so intense that he became assistant to the professor of
chemistry and ph3-sic3 in the preparation of lectures before the class,
making many pieces of apparatus for their illustration with his own
hands. In his early college days Mr. Rutherfurd took his first steps
in the field of Astronomy. Finding among the unused apparatus of
the college laboratory the disjointed remains of an old telescope, he
reconstructed the missing parts and put the whole into working
order. While engaged in study, and later in the practice of his pro-
fession, his leisure hours — or what would be termed such to others —
were by him fully occupied in the embodiment of some chemical or
mechanical device for the furtherance of his favourite science.
In the early days of his professional life, he married Miss Margaret
Stuyvesant Chanler, a niece of Peter G. Stuyvesant. His wife's
fortune added to his own ample inheritance was such as to permit the
abandonment of his profession and the devotion of his entire time to
travel and study. In 1849 he went to Europe, where he remained
several years. During this visit, he met and studied with Professor
Amici, the famous Italian optician, from whom he, doubtless, learned
many fine points in optical work, especially in connection with the
microscope, which served so well his purpose in later years.
After his return from Europe he constructed upon the lawn of his
residence at Eleventh Street and Second Avenue — what was then the
finest and best equipped private astronomical observatory in the
country ; here in the early sixties he made with his own hands for his
great equatorial refracting telescope a lens of thirteen inches aperture,
corrected especially for celestial photography ; this lens, worked out
upon his own formula and the first of the kind ever constructed, was
a wonder to the astronomical world, and has since created a revolution
in the methods of observation. His photographs of the moon, planets
and star clusters, made with this instrument, have not yet been
excelled.
July 1, I8W]
\
THE BRITISH JOURNAL* OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
425
At about thU time he began hU work up^in the «pectra of celestial
budiM; not hein^ able to find instrumenta siiitol to hi« use, he
eqniNed — with hu own and the beat took pn)ctirable— a shop in his
nnauice, where be cotutmcted some of the tintvst apparatus known to
■cieaoe. Many of these inventioos of hi« act n<- miml have served as
modela in the leading obserratories of our own and fcivifn lands.
Buly lecognicing the advantages to be |iniine<l l>\- the um of diffraction
rntinc of finelv ruled linp« upon ghma and metal, instead of a long
-iana for the d> t of light in spectra study, and
!iat only small . .-rating* mad>' ov Nohert — who
kt-ji: liii proceed a profonnd secret, — were procurable, Mr. Rutherfurd
inrenteii aiid constructed a ruling engine, upoo which gratings were
made far aurpaaaing any others lai<<. if these having mote
tlian aerenteen thousand lines to tb- ^ny of these gratings
were generously presented to his feUuM ^M'turr* in spectnira analysis.
With these gratings hia great photographs — more than ekren feet
lung — of the solar spectrum were made. For the measuiement of the
distance of stars on the plates made in the great equatorial he con-
structed a micrometer, which has [oored mo«t valuable in observatory
work. Tlie uieasarements made anon this idstnunent, filling many
lum.- if cl'>-:rlv tabulate'l f il W i
manuscript \
the pr»-^««
KutliHrfii: '
i.iib!i-l,...
til,' ;ir-t
chf:i
arnetl.
In 1867 Mr. Rutherfurd
in ti.f American Jtiui
• . < lasify the stars
•4 aod astraoomr uutbiej \v.vl.
the high position he hvU in
. was issued from
;hi' death of Mr.
liL'itrated papers,
im to hare Men
.lis knowledge of
1 d< vi*' and carry out
t!ie ranks of the 'most
t
was elsetcd I'iV'<ident of the American
Ilwtampbic Society, on whose oScial buutl he had many years
serredas fiist ^^ee-Pnsidsat. Tkdam kia administratiaa the Societr
becaaae th« FVitographie Seetion of the American Institute. He
was MTW knowB to wear an* one of tii<> many decorations, emblems
of rank, or aeqiiuviiinits niSA had been rooferred upon him. All
these w«ie laid away in prirata iscsptf Vis of hU home, and but few
of his intimate frisods ever knew of their existence. Sosm of the
hoooats bestowed upon him, liJee tlM awani of the Count Rumford
medal, and the naming by spedftl act nf Oongress as one of the
organizen of the N'atianal Aeademr nf Sciaoes, wars too ooospieiious
and pobEcly known to be hidden awar. The eaastrnetkai of instru-
Bents, the perfeettng of proecwes, txA tks eolation of pniblems which
made tb« proudest works of aatui* write tbeir own histories, was to
him far more tbaa the pbadits of his fellow-men. Rendering the
eoOodfaa film staUs ■ndM' all conditiona of atmospheric change, and
maUiif that film extra s»iiuti«« to the light in a teleeoone which
prodoMd the image of a distasl plust, sharp in all iu details, wookl
akoe sotitle a man to kstinr iaiasinbiaiii.ii.
Wbea be feh that b« baa readMd a time for rest, bis ioitrtnD»nts
of hboar, tb* fiaa aqulpaeBta of Ua obearratory and tbe i«corded
results of^basiiBtlou eoraring a period of many yaaia, were pra-
sented to Golaaibia CoDsfs, in whoaa eoancils be bad sarrad as trustes
more tkan Ae qaarter Si a eentarr. Ihtring tba last few yean of
Mr. Rotharford'a Kfe, impaired baaKh prevented bis taking an active
part in astKoooaucal work, b«t bis wis^ council was aooght and
rnvvniaed la being of tbe grsatast raliw. His liberality in the
'~ •\rn of tk* taowMga vfai^ be had gained was known and
, ciaiad by bondrsda wbo aoaght bis sdvioe.
BIHOCOLAR Vision AND A.STKoNOMICAL PHOTO-
OKAPHY.
Im torn* former artidea and oonespoDdance, published in theas pages
many yaan ago, I endeavoured to show what the principles of
biaoeajar nsion involved in tbe appreciation of the third dimension
of spaea or distance, as applied in photography, wars, and nve soma
exaiiiplsa in illustration of then wsO-kaown stereoscopic tliosa, which
bad bean produced from portions of asveral negativas, eaeb of which
aaasMad at its proper distance in spaee, exactly as it would had the
whoia of tbe pietare been made in one operation : and, in more recent
year*, b^ otbar artidea, treating of the poaaible application of the
same amriplea to more strictly scientific purposes. In Mtuming to
the subject, I hope to offer soma s>^gastions and describe an instru-
ment that will be of service to aatnooarieal photograpbara, to anabla
them to test tba aeeoraey of tlieir work as it pneaads with graatsr
speed and sIHeisncy than, ncrliaps, is poanbie at preaent.
Aa tMjmMikK and a pnotogtapher, I bare been greatly interested
in tbasdbttaof astfonoaMn to pnsa pbotograpby intotaair ssrviea,
and tba wiaaai adopted to compel it to be truthful. To anaara its
' of tUt iadiapanaable quality of trathfolnsss
with gelatine in the question is by no means an easy task, and it
strikes me that the star-charting scheme will fall very far short of
what some of the more sanguine of its promoters expect. Whether
the exact formula and mode of preparation of the gelatine plate to b*
employed for the purpose have been decided, nnd what sort of an
artide it is, I do not know ; hut, if it be no better in structure than
some highly commended star plates which have been in my hands,
there is room for improvement. These would not satisfy me, nor
their producers, after the first blush and excitement of novelty had
passed off. Both the thickness of the films and their granularity
were alike fatal to refinement and accuracy. Apart from structure,
the neceaaty of re-wetting the plates for the purposes of development
and fixing introduce into a mass-like gelatine an element of uncer-
tainty in the redistribution of strains and physical changes of other
Idnda, too delicate to be detected by ordinary observation, even when
asnsted by a network impression, or otherwise than by the most
careful micrometrical measurements and comparisons.
In considering the matter, it occurred to me that, if some method of
comparison between the negative, or a dispositive from it, with the
actual or focal ima^ of the same region in the field of the objective,
between two negatives or diapodtives from them, taken at the same
period of time, or at intervals of six months or other period, or a com-
parison between one diapositive and the same region in the telescope
ai intervals could be maae ; in each case dealing vrith the photographed
images, or photographed and aerial images, in small zones at a time
to avoid confusion, the following results might be expected : In the
first case, the superposition of the two elements by the eyes in the
same fidd of new would, in accordance with the laws governing
binocular sight, cause any displacement or distortion (probably
occurring in patches) to at once appear as occupying another vertical
plane nearer or farther away, as tne point or pomts under observation
were out of position either to the inner or outer edges of the plata
undergoing test. Comparison of the second pur, if both were exactly
alike, would show the stars as bein^ in one vertical plane, any dis-
crepaneiee takii^ op other planes, as in the previous instance, llioea
at mtervals of six months or shorter perioas might show parallax in
some stars, due either to proper motion or position in space, to decide
which of the two further tests would have to be applied. Any
portions of such pairs of plates could he greatly magnified, the aerial
imagas at the focus of the enlarging lenses being examined and cora-
pared under the binocular eyepieces, when all defects and displace-
ments woold in consequence Mcome coarser and more prominent
in proportion. Something similar would take place in the find
instance — that of comparing the diapoaitire with the telescopic
Image at any time. A body new to the region or alight motion of
aajr one would be shown as occupying a poaition apart from the re-
mainder, apparently neart^r or farther away, as Uie case might b«.
The method, therefore, includee the detection of dSfeets in the process
employed, and the possible discovery of planetary or other booies, or
tliat soma of the sinaller stars are soffidently near to show parallax,
and are email from dza inatead of remoteness.
It will be well to give here a few words of warning. Do not let
any one imagine he is going to apply the method straight off without
any preliminary cultivation of the delicate discriminating powers
binocular vision confers. A course of instruction with much practice
is essential, under tbe influence of which the eyes become extremely
sensitive, and detect diffenoces of the most refined nature. Such was
my experience in the coltivation of my own sight for tbe duties ds-
volving on me many yeara ago. It was part of my work to fix up
combination slides for tbe stereoscope, and to both photograph ana
manufacture " stars " for some of tne beautiful slides then favourites
in the market. The home-made orbs proved vastly superior, having
more sparkle than anything produced bv means of the camera. As
tbay had to be pricked in the aark-blue fifms withaneedle at an exact
distanca asunder, some mechanical help was necessary. This liad to
be adjoeted to prodaca " star " plates for the series of the particular
scene under tveatment, and was accomplished by trid and error on a
irwte plate till an amount of separation was found that satisfied th*
•igfatr- Tins is tba kind of schooling the eyea require if an observer
would have success.
The binocular instrument for the examination and comparison of
pairs of plates is of tbe nature of an enlarging camera box, but having
a diviaion down the centre, and a pur of rectilinear lenses of ten inches
foctu or so, mounted on fronts, and sliding within it, one in each half.
The front of the box or boxes is fitted with carriers for the plates, one
of the latter being put in position on cither side of the division, in
front of its respective lens. Behind are mounted a pair of tele-
scopic or other ,'eyepieces for viewing the aerial images enlarged,
or otherwise, which ttie lanses have formed of the plates, or parts of
tbe plates, in front, and soitabla rackwork and fixings applied to ths
426
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTUORAPHY.
[July 1, 1892
whole to bring portions of the plates into the field of Tiew, to adjust
the extent of magnificntion or p«rfect the focus. An instrument of
this description will be available for the comparison of photographs of
■pectra, or of anything^eUe in -whiohchanpe is suspected, and of which
two distinct exposures have been made. The vagaries of a gelatine
plate could be made manifest by the same means. The pictures may
be magnified to almost any extent, and, as their enlarged images are
under examination in air, no disturbing elements arise to discount
results, such as might be expected if the making of another photograph
in the enlarged condition were necessary. To go to extremes by way
of illustration, there is no reason why the two diapositives should not
be thrown by a pair of lanterns on two screens at the opposite ends
of a large room, and viewed as one from the centre — reflecting stereo-
•copic fashion— by means of an opera glass, fitted with right-angled
prisms, or mirrors, at a right angle, or in any other way by which th«
full benefit of binocular effect may be obtained from the screen.
To compare a diapositive with the aerial image of the same region
•t the focus of the telescope or objective which produced it, a long
fcox or tube fitted with a lens and carriers in a similar way to on«
half or side of the instrument just described, is mounted alongside of
the telescope, or at right angles if more convenient, with mirror to
divert tho image into line. The transparency is placed at the front
•nd sufficiently illuminated, the lens being adjusted to give an imag*
•xact size. A binocular eyepiece is then arranged to take in this
image and that in the telescope, and unite them for comparison, as a
pair of pictures are in the popular form of stereoscope. Such an
arrangement as this creates a binocular telescope, whose eyepiecei
may be made to view a region from two points of a base line equivalent
to the whole diameter of the earth's orbit.
If I have failed to make my meaning clear on any point, I shall b«
f lad to do my best to explain it more fully. John Habmbb.
ABT: ITS MISSION AND CATHOLICITY.
"Art ii th* expreislon of ona soul talking to another, and li prttlova
according to the Neatness of the soul that utters it," — BuiKin.
How little that hypothetical ape of the evolutionist realised the im-
portance of his action when, in the murky depths of some primreval
forest, he raised himself laboriously to an erect position, and shambled
aimlessly alon^ with his fore-legs hanging idly by his side ! Those
fore-legs ! It is impossible to over-estimate the significance of their
being left at liberty. Without them the Farnese Hercules would
have remained unquarried and uncarved stone ; Palmyra would never
have cast the cool shadow of her stately buildings across the hot
desert, and the complicated civilisation that exists around us at the
present day would for ever have remained in its undeveloped state of
primitive economy. Idle and useless those fore-legs may have been
in the early days of our frugivorous ancestor's erectility, jbut the time
came when necessity found them their application ; and, of all event*
in the world's history, no one, from its ultimate result, seems to me
•o deeply interesting or significant as this one event of an ape's fore-
legs, emancipated from their earth-service, finding an application.
We can only be grateful to the necessity that occasioned their use,
and speculate on what that use might have been. Perhaps, hard
pressed by some fleeter enemy, he turned at bay, and hurled hii
missile of stick or stone with black hatred in his sloping skull, and
art commenced with the flight of that missile and the mental force
that directed it; for he was giving outward expression to the ideal of
his mind — the annihilation of an enemy.
Those fore-legs, what have they not done since then ? Through
long ages have they been trying to express in an outward, visibla
manner the workings of their owner's mind; and the rude hiero-
glyphics chipped by the eariy Egyptian on the tomb of his dead wai
as much Art as the grand conception of Rubens that speaks to tha
world from behind the altar of Notre Dame at Antwerp, the question
of their difference being, not one of kind, but of culture. We ar«
too apt to narrow down to a few yards of canvas, a few tubei of
colour, and the pet tenets of some particular school a principle that
ii the very foundation of human life— conscious expression with a
•pecific object, or Art.
Thought may take many ways of making it self-ponderable, and
the artist who thinks expresses himself in the medium best adapted
to his nature ; blind Milton and deaf Beethoven were artists giving
outward expression to their lofty thoughts, the one in the printed
page, and the other in the musical score. Any means of expression
becomes Art, and the user of it an artist, whose statu$ is determined
by the importance of his conception and the legibilitv of its ex-
pression ; for it is a great truth that, when some thinker confronts u$
with an urgent lesson or lofty ideal, he he ajtist in word or colour,
we forget to be critical. Touch but our sympathies, and the dry husk
of cherished canons falls from us, and, because of their eloquence, wt
forgive them their trespasses against some small rules we had framsd
for the cultured expression of their idea. Had Carlyle been a painter,
he would have been a law to himself in painting as in letten :
yet the man's mission to men would have spoken so dominantly in
Lis pictures that we should have loved his irregularities and cherished
thera, as we now do his rugged use of the English language.
Two broad and, as it seems to me, sufficiently comprehensivs
divisions have been made in Art — the Useful and the Fine. To either
one of thefcjwe can ascribe all human endeavour ; for, as a careful
thinker has well said, " All departments of life at the present day —
Trade, Politics, Letters, Science, or Religion — seem to feel and to
labour to express the identity of their law. They are rays of on«
•un ; they translate each into a new language the sense of the other."
But under the influence of civilisation the Useful merges imper-
ceptibly into the Fine ; or rather, Culture, seeing the coldness of bar*
Utility, seeks to overshadow its realism by the beauty of the Ideal.
The woodland aisle or hewn catacomb was a sufficient home for th«
simple creed of the early Christian; but when, in the progress of
time, that creed grew to be the ornate liturgy of the Romish and
Greek Church, it was housed in the sumptuous Gothic minster.
Hence do works of art become also a history of the Culture of man-
kind, " They denote the height of the human soul in that hour." The
rude idol of the Indian, sheltered under its canopy of bark, bespeaks
an imagination of the Deity less cultured than the elaborately carved
and splendidly sheltered god of the Hindoo.
Geobge T. Habbis.
(To 6e concluded.)
®ut I5titt8rial HLdMlt.
Bbomidb Enlabgino and Contact Pbintino,
AND How TO Do IT.
By the Author of Lantern Slides ; HouJ to Stake Th«m.
(London : The Fry Manufacturing Company, 5, Ghandos-street, W.C.)
Not the least attractive feature of this neatly printed little volume
are the admirably clear and self-explanatory illustrations with which
the text is interspersed. The Author betrays a complete grip of his
subject in almost every line, and writes with such directness and
lucidity that the instructions he desires to convey cannot fail to be
comprehended by even the least experienced amateur. It is, indeed, as
complete, intelligible, and succinct a guide to bromide enlarging as
either the professional or the amateur photographer could desire.
After discussing the advantages of the bromide process, and com-
bating imaginary difficulties, the author deals with the choice of a
paper, the factors influencing exposure, the kind of negative desirable,
the apparatus, how to ascertain correct exposure, the fittings of an
enlarging room, vignetting, printing in skies, enlarging by artificial
light, development, dodging, toning, mounting, and finishing, &c
The pages on vignetting, printing-in skies, and mounting and finishing,
are alone worth the small sum (Crf.) which ia charged for this very
practical and comprehensive little manual.
Fallowfibld's Photoghaphic Annual, 1892-3.
Thk volume before us is, in all probability, the largest of its kind in
existence. It occupies nearly 600 pages, and is illustrated by over
800 engravings, l^uly, a mammoth catalogue ! It would puzzle
one to name any photographic article in current photographic demand
that is not particularised in the Annual, which is a monument of
commercial enterprise and industry. The hints and formulae included
therein are likely to be of considerable service to the amateur, and,
take it altogether, the Anntial, which as heretofore is well printed
and got up, is a production of which Mr. Fallowfleld may be proud.
RECENT PATENTS,
APPLICATIONS FOB PATENTS.
No. 11,090. — "Improvements in and in Connexion with Photographic
Shutters." A. L. Adams. — Dated June 13, 1892.
No. 11,149. — "Improvements in Plate-changing Devices for Photographic
Apparatus." Communicated by Dressier & Heinemann. W.P.Thompson. —
Dated June 14, 1892.
No. 11,175. — "Improvements in Photography." H. Van der Wetde.—
Dated June 14, 1892.
July 1,1809]
THE BRITliJa JODRNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
427
No. 11,2SS. — " Improrementi is or ReUting to the Uanufacture of Photo-
graphic FUnM ud PUtea." J. B. & WtlLaaroy.—ltaUd Juni 15, l$9-2.
Na ll.SM.— " ImproTODcnU in or RclatiDgtotheManufartnreof S«iuitu«d
niMlfa'Cwbon Printing." J. T. CLAaM».—Daitd June IS, ISd-i.
Na 11,287. — " An tmproTcd Oitb for Um in Photographic DeTelopment or
otlMr proccM." H. HATtOL—Dattd Juiu 15, 189a
K& 11,S79. — " ImnoTODaBti in and Conneetod vith Hand and other Photo-
grapUe Camcna," A. P. Bsxxr.— Dated Jwu 17, lS9-,>.
Na 11,600.—" Improremcata ia Monatiaf and Framing Photocrapha and
UxUka" O. HaOR*.— Aita</wM21,lM
No. 11.739.— "Imprawtaeata ia «r niatiag to Photographic Camaraa."
J. R. C. Gau.— Altai /km S, 18«1
No. 11,W7.— "ImptoTcmaiti ia tte pndoction of Coloared Pictores, or
lik* raprcaratatiom, or the aid of Fbotagnphy, ami in Means or Apparatus
anploycd thentn." O. T. TlAanau-BDcuu.— Aa^<f Jme 25. 1S93.
K«L 11,809.—" ImproreoMata in and relating to Portable Cameras." V.
JycSKXtHJCt.— Dated June 25, 1892.
PATENTS OOKPLCTKD.
IitnoTiJuaTB or Pbotoobaphic CtnoKkn.
Na 14,618. AKnnmRATMBrr,9ttHattoB-fBni«a,London, anilGioBoiLT05a,
19, Scoanct-atrat, Portniii imw^ Loadoa.— Jftiy -2S, 1S92.
This iaTtatioa raUtaa to iaipfOTaawto ia tk* etdinarr photographic camera,
whiek it and* to fold op and lay tloaaly lagrtkv, to ai to padc awajr aasUy,
aad «alj oeeapy • aanu apaea, laeh mi baiiif asuailjr moontad apon a
triped rtaad, at ia wall nadastood.
Oar pvaHet iunamatuaata eawM la to eonatracting, arranging, an<l
moaatiag tka " bvat," or part eainiM tkt loa, that tnch front can be
rMdfly aad mtiniy ittaAti from ttwWabotfd. to aa to be eaaUy folded
m, aad alao eta bt nadily attacbtd ia Ikt ilwirtil paaition on the bawboard
wiMa tttttag ap tkt caaMra for aaa, tkmamtir azpcditing the operation.
For tUt iwipow w* tiraaaa a UagaflB or Unge-piu on tha ibwer part of
tka dItifciMa "boBl," aad tktaa iiiat («r ida) eaga^a ia eyaiaU or hole*
Baiva tMM la or on tka baaaboard.
TUa Uaat^oiat ■« ba of aay taltabit ckaiacltr (aad tha parta, whta thns
•y ha It^ ia tka datfead foMtkm by aiaani ol aay toitable
'lar aoahaltat typUtWa) ; telMtaBeak tha joiat may
r of tha waO-lDwaB faayoMt Mat
Partlianiinta. tha float atay ba rapportad by aa tdfutaUe " itrat," on one
or both tidaa lte«o( aad tlia " front " baiac momUa faadcwarde or forwarla
(oat of tka twtied Mm If dtita
MqriiifcilpoiMf ky tka taUT t^Mtiat ttra^Md tka hadi bataf ali
~ " I tt ataaL oar pna«t ianaoMMtata ttaa aSord latriaiid ndlity in
l( vltk tka caaan at ««ll at la tpitd ia aetting qp aad folding, and
efi<d»abla aoonomy of tka ipaea oecapiad by the folded camera, aa
byoarwao»Mtlw|amiBata«iwata»lbortliy waWtil toMltaaaek
A'iViiM ktll. oriVHaC baiti^ I
bit b«atio ta««o witk (
I aad aoaatad oa
Tor ilota In or on the bataboafd
(«r twantrai) ftaiiwl to laoaha aatd'Ul% tack aa In a limilar aiaaaar to aa
ordiaaiT door latek. 8aek batit bolM tkat adf-eagagiag, aad tko aleU. kc,
to rtotlTa MMOk May ko wnafad la two or mora wparato iioiltioa^ ao aa to
ittrWy eat ap tka Mat at a pttl» or
Mdtttrtd.
>o or mora wMrato tioaHJoaiL m
Ita dMaaoa noB tko bcatMff
Ax Ixnono lUawmKu Ijutr.
Xa, «9S8l BulWisu^ PiitiliiiwHiiMi, 9(\ Beriia, Oanaaay.-
/WM4.IM1
Thia iavaatiea kaa nlhraan to a loiiitiBcUua of magnaiiam lamp vbeiaby
ligkt or niMliillaa oloita coa ko pwdaaod taMakU Ihr ranoat iiaiyutoa, tack
totikkf BkeltpapM^fcrriMattatVvtaMO oa aktea or olkor ahMMad
for tt Jitd II Ml QUI. HalMp Ma kt atod to mdaoa U^talac-Uka
r J t&et tkaa tkt tttetrle
-'dTta(ri«MKiaaload
r oaa "
»ftIio
to Modi
Ut'Uikt, tko light oMidatd prodaciM a'aora
Ugkt ; aad can adTantaaaaaaly ba oaad ftirtko
dof otkar ■taaakaretoMoaaadfor thia par-
IMi
rUo'
^ti
■ tr
I
'hkkapa|y'r
r ■kowtlvo
aaanla at Oa fci^Mn, wUA laoRta dniHIii aa a licBaL
tthoat aJMlilaia oT onlotin tabataacaa, it anployad aa tka
'•hiagttaiL
a hooccoM Oouxruo PwrtDoaAna.
iiBB, 9, JlcfaHOBrt-nad, Wtat Haapatoad, Loadoa.—
Jmm «, I8B1
thia iBTontion t pradnee. by tko aid of tka eaaUakt, or of
' ht, pkotop^kia Btaatlirf of took a ckanetar tkat priata
< iwHMiil v&fm. itaH, itlaliBt Urn, tUa tUa, or othor
'>*n bo e^akla or raoalrlat coloailag ia anek ataaaar aa to
' jeela pkolnmpkad.
' taatigkt, ia otdar to prodnca a aoitabla atntlTc, I
' — !n ftoat of tko f titlti pUto a tkaot of tiaaa-
>r tad ealoar, anwirJIag at tka objtet eoatalaa
'nm. Tkoaoeokandgiaaaaeraeeakavatackta
' - that tka priat aobaeqaantly Mtda tkan-
; toot or coloar, or it raadartd trlko-
r a Drgatire of a gancral grey Umt, ttum
■ reatad, *UI allow all the colaon to paaa
- o>-ject photogra)>liMl. The niitltlni it
' -T hj meant of ferrooa oxalato aad
J worUag ^r ttmoir trtiBcial light,
., 1 uRiiaet upon tha object by maaaa of
, lajt of biatk y«uow> or nd light according ta tka
object contiins much of blue, yellow, or re<L I develop and fix the negative
in the usual manner, vit, by means of oxalate of potash, sulphate ol iron, and
bromide of ammoninm, and by means of hyposulpliite of soda respectively.
The paper or other materi.il well albumeniseJ is, for the purpose of my in-
vention, quite immersed in a silver bath of about fifteen per cent, strength.
The paper should be white and not toned, and should be an inch or two larger
all round than the negative. After about five minutes' immersion 1 dry it in
the dark, and then use it for printing from the negative. I put the print into
a chloride of gold bath cf usual character, and leave it in the bath until it
assumes a black print or neutral tone. It is then fixed by hyposulphite of
about ten per cent, strength, whereupon it is washe<l in water for several hours
in the usual manner. The print is then put in a white blotter, and while still
damn glaed on to a wooden frame.
When quite dry by exposure to the air I coat it rapidly on the back with
pure alcohol for the purpose of coagulating the albumen. When the alcohol
has evaporated I coat it on the back with a liquid consisting of white Venetian
turpentine mixed with pure alcohol, or with essence of turpentine, the pro-
portion being by preference about half of each.
The print is then immediately placed in a suitable stove, by preference
heated by means of methyUted spints or by gas, and which may suitably bo of
the form presently to be describeil. In this stove the print is heateil to about
50* Cent. According to the difl'erence in the quality of the sensitised paper,
one, two, or three eoata of the solution may be applied with stoving after each
coating, but theae storings should be at a less heat than the first stoving— that
ia to aar, at aboat 30° or 40° Cent only. For very thin paper, one coating ia
generally sufficient. After about six to twelve hoars' total stoving, the paper
it dry and very limpid. The image is now more clearly visible on the back
than on the front face of the pai>er, and it has acquired permanency because
the stoving has reduced all the salts.
Before the colours are applied I give the back of the print a light varnish of
iainglaaa, or, by preference, of a saturated solution of gum arabic with one-third of
sugar camly added, to form an insulating surface, in order that the coloura
may not, by penetrating to the fh)nt, alter the transparency of the image.
Wlien thia ramiah has dried, I apply to the parU required on the back of the
print by oieans of a bmsli, a palette knife, or a pail, the coloura of the object
photoerapbed. The varying depths of tone in the jirint modify the effect of
the colours sec* through them. I only nae oil colours or spirit colours. For
retouching, if desired, I ute colonn and dyea dissolved in alcohol ; these do
not leave a trace of their preaenoe on the image.
Tlie print ia now detached fh>m its wooden frame, and may be mounted on
Briitol board, on a anitabla bbric, or upon a panel or boanl of some suitable
material It may then, if desir«d, be Tamisbed with a good copal varnish,
bat I prefer that of Soen^'i manufacture. The stove may, aa stated, be one
beatad by spiriu or by oil aad of a square aection.
When employing nUtiiio films I dry the various coats in a dry room
without using stove neat, bat my invention is not so nieful for such films.
Having now particularly deacribed and aaccrtained the nature of my said in-
vention, and in what manner the same ia to be performed, 1 declare that what
I claim is : — 1. The combined prooeaa for production of coloured photographs,
oooiittiag of the following inooeiaiTe operations, viz., the preparation oftbe
atnUTa for rendering it orthocbromatic, the developing and fixing, the
priatiag therefVom on papar or other material, previously prepared as de-
aeribod, the toning of the print in the chloride of gold batli in the manner
dateribtd, tha otoal fixing and washing of the print, the coating or coatings
with tha tolatloa for nadttiag tha print transparent, tha stoving or air drying
opantioa or optratioaa, the coating with the gum arable solution or isinglass
aolatiOB, aad tha colouring of the back, with or withouLthe final retouching,
tnbatantially as sot forth. 2. The application in the afc/Feaald proceaa to the
back of the transparent print of the gum arabic solution described.
luPBoviMEm n cos9ixtO!i wrrH Aanncui. Liqht Photooiupht.
No. 8145. Cbabui Eaiip Elliott, 36, Jewinstreet, Aldersgate-street,
U>n<\on.—JuHe 4, 1892.
Tbi oUect of my ioTtation for improvements in connexion with photography,
takaa by tha aid of artificial light, ia to provide a method and means for ob-
"lotlof or prrreating the occarronca of deni, heavy, aad decided ahadows upon
tko tdctan^ at obtains with the systems hitbeito employed, and I attain this
by the employment of a device or uevices whereby the rays of light from the
source employed are deflected and reflected, aad generally diffase<T around an^
about tka sitter or object to be photographed, so that only such shades or tinU
exist as taad to beaotity the pietnrt.
My iavcation eoatista of a portable taat or canopy, in one piece or in
ttctloaa, aad when placed together ready for nso may be of any shape or size
doslrad, but, preferably, rfrtangnltr. and not larger than is necessary for the
parpose, the inside of whidi, or such part or ports thereof as may be desired, is,
or ar^ lined or otberwiae provkled with a white or other light-tinted surikce,
adaptable, fh>m a photographic point of view, as a surrounding for the sitter
or ol^iect to be photographed. The artificial light employed may be any of
thoto well known to the profeasion by which the most actinic effect can be
pooAaaoiybnt I prefer to uaa that obtained by the combustion of magnesium
riWiwj >ii(Pt strip or stripe of this is, or an, arrange<l or disposed within a
taMMi Iboen or suield, pnferably semidrcalar in horizontal cross section, the
flat tida or baae of said semicircle being the open or tron\ part thereof, and
ooviag tald opoaing, aad attacked to saco screen or shield by any convenient
mtana, 1 pcovide an alongatad anrface having a central opening, through which
the rays of light from the burning ribbon are reflected by the inner surface
of the screen, thia being painted or otherwise coated with a white, or other
light-tiatad surface, dull or glazed, as may be desired. Upon the said
angnlatod anrface when fixed upon tha icreen, I hinge or otnerwise pivot,
so la to cover the Ofi«nIn^ or aperture therein, and suitable number of
louvrat, bat {treferaM thereabouts, each of which maybe rendered
ailjuttable to any .i! ins of chains, supmrts, or <|ua<lraiit»l siis-
peoiien, or any othei .../ii.cuK nt means. The said surface and the louvres
therson may be paintoi distcmpcrvd, or otherwise coated with a white or
428
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF rHOTOGKAI'HY.
[July 1, 1892
other suitable flat tint, but preferably the former, and the apparatus so con-
structed may be mounted upon an adjustable tripod, or other stand capable of
permitting the apparatus tliereon to be raised, lowered, turned, or placed in
any position desired, and the whole may then be suitably disposed within the
aforesaid tent or canopy, at either side of the camera, and more or less facing
the sitter or object to be photographed ; and by a suitable arrangement of the
apparatus and its accessories, to be hereinafter fully described, the light may
thereby be deflecte<l and reflected upon any part ot the interior of the tent or
canopy, or upon other reflectors or louvres suitably disposed therein, so that
the light may by them be caused to expand, spread, or circulate, or be con-
densed, concentrated, or located, or otherwise diffused around and about the
sitter or object in any desired manner for obtaining the best efl'ect at the dis-
cretion or will of the operator.
mHting^fi of Jboc(ette^*
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK.
VU Ol UMtiBg.
July i...
4...
4...
4...
4...
6...
5...
6...
5...
5...
S...
5...
5...
5...
6..,
6..
6..
6..
6..
8..
7..
7..
7..
7..
7..
8..
8..
Name of Society.
Halifax Camera Club..
Peterborough
South London
Stereoscopic Club
Exeter
Glossop Dale
Herefordshire
Lewes
Noi*th London
Oxford Photo. Society ..
Rotherham
Sheffield Photo. Society..
York
Photot?raphic Club
Portsmouth
Putney
Sonthsea
Wallasey
West Surrey
Brixton and Clapham
Leeds Photo. Society
London and Provincial ..
Oldham
Tnnbridge Wells
Cardiff
Holborn
Ireland
Maidstone
Richmond
West London
Place ol Meeting.
Dundee Amateur^.... Abso. Studio, Nethergate, Dundee.
Museum, Minster Precincts.
Hanover Hall, Hanover-park, S.E.
Brooklands Hotel, Brooklands.
College H.all, South-strect, Exeter.
Rooms, Howard -chambers, Glossop.
Mansion House, Hereford.
Fitzroy Library, Hi^h-st., Lewes.
Wellington Hall, Islington, N.
Society's Rooms, 136, High-street.
Masonic Hall, Surrey-street.
Victoria Hall, York.
Anderton's Hotel, Fleet-street, E.G.
Y.5I.C. A, -buildings, LauJport.
High-street, Putney.
Egremont Institute, Egremont.
St. Mark's Schools. Battersea-rise.
Gresham Hall, Brixton.
Mechanics' Institute, Leeds.
Champion Hotel, 15, Aldersgate-st.
The Lyceum, Union-street, Oldham.
Mechanics' Inst., Tuubridge Wells.
Rooms, 15, Dawson-street, Dublin.
"The Palace," Maidstone.
Greyhound Hotel, Richmond.
Chiswick School of Art, Chiswick.
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN.
June 28, — Technical Meeting, Mr. William Bedford in the chair.
The Sandell Plates.
Mr. H. Chapman .Tones (the Hon. Secretary) said that he had \vritten to
Mr. J. T. Sandell (Messrs. R. W. Thomas & Co.) in connexion with the subject
of the evening, and he had sent a number of prints, &c., in illustration of the
properties of the new Sandell plates, with which it was claimed a great latitude
in expo.sure could be had. Mr. Jones said he had himself made some sensito-
meter tests with the plates, which showed a far wider range of gradation than
any others he had tested.
Mr. J. Cabett said there w.as no doubt that one could over-expose the
Sandell plate much more in proportion than any ordinary plate, and still get a
good printing negative. He did not think the prints sent showed the quality
of the plate in any way at all. He knew the plates had the good qualities
claimed, as he had tested them. With an ordinary plate very heavily coated
they could get gradation far beyond the power of any ordinary printing
paper. Messrs. Hurter & Driflield in their tests had found that an increased
range was obtained with a heavily coated plate. With such a plate the limit
was soon reached where the high lights could not be printed through. They
were, in fact, limited by the paper. On a transparency they would get far
better gradation. It was surprising the little range there was in an ordinary
print — the negative was more perfect than the print. If he were going to con-
siderably over-expose he should certainly use the Sandell jjlates.
The Chairman a.sked if there was any special advantage in having a slow
emulsion underneath a rapid one ?
Mr. Cadett thought the idea must be good — it was a good quality in a plate.
Mr. W. E. Debenham said a good many experiments had been made years
ago in mixing emulsions of different rapidities. How would that result as
regards gradation?
Mr. J. D. England said less gradation would be got in mixing emulsions.
Mr. Cadett also thought density would be apt to be lost. It was supposed
that one would get a result the mean of the two, but the result favoured the
slow emulsion.
Mr. England thought much depended on the exposure.
Reversal, kc.
Mr. Debenham observed that he had not been able to put off the point of
reversal by any variation of development, and asked for the experience of
others on the point.
Mr. E. Clifton had found that when the point of reversal was reached no
modification of the developer, even though it were strained to the utmost,
would prevent reversal of the image, ilr. Clifton subsequently observed that
there was one point in Messrs. Hurter & Driffield's investigations which these
gentlemen had not touched upon, and that was the mechanical obstmction
offered by the gelatine itself.
The Chairman observed that Colonel Waterhouse's experiments had proved
that reversal could be encouraged ; could it also be retarded ? Mr. BoUs
might perhaps tell them something on the point.
Mr. T. Bolas, F.C.S., in allusion to a former experiment of his with a
bichromated gelatine tilm, said that the use of bichromate did not so much
encourage reversal as tend to make it more definite than it otherwise woold
have been. If various developers could bring out reversal at various stages,
reversal .stepped in at varying points of development, and it could be either
accelerated or retarded.
Mr. Debenham's point was that reversal could not be put off.
Mr. Bolas asked whether a nonn.al negative could be develojied with Colonel
Waterhouse's sulpho-urea solution ?
Mr. Chapman Jones said Colonel Waterhouse had tried and failed.
After further discussion, chiefly of a conversational nature, on the phenomena
of reversal and halation, the fneeting, adjourned.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
June 2-3, Mr. J. Weir Brown in the chair.
Mr. H. Barnes was elected a member.
Questions.
The following from the question-box was read : "What comparative ex-
posure is necessary for photographing clouds as compared with an open laud-
scape ?"
Mr. E. Howard Farmer said one-fortieth to one-sixtieth of a second \vith
/-8 — that is about twice as quick.
The Chairman had given four seconds with/-16.
M. J. S. Teape had taken clouds with /-32 cap on and off. A very hea\'y
cloud required as much exposure .as a landscape.
Question : " Given two lenses, one of six inches focus used on a quarter-plate,
and another of twenty inches focus used on a 15 x 12 plate, worked both at /-S
— would the exposure have to be the same ?"
Mr. P. Everett thought the ratios in both oases were somewhat different.
Mr. F.ABMBR said that the shadows, or relief of the subjects, had a variation
of from one to ten.
Mr. W. E. Debenham said there would be less light in the comers of the
pictures, but, as far as the subjects went, there would be no difference.
Mr. Farmer thought that the matter depended entirely on the subject.
The exposure might be very different, or might be the same.
Question : " Has any one tried the effect of projecting a picture by means of
a lantern on a background suitable for portraiture ? "
After some discussion, it was suggested that Mr. Henderson should deal with
the subject at a future meeting.
The Surprise Hand Camera.
Mr. T. E. Freshwater exhibited and explained the "Surprise" hand camera,
which carries six quarter-plate dry plates or films, iiutomatically changed troiu
the outside as rapidly as desired, and without any complication. The plates ait-
held in wooden carriers forming the three vertical sides of a revolving trianguh.'
prism, the carrier being double, thus holding a plate on each side. A hand o
arm revolves the prism upon its axis, and brings in turn each side parallel to
the front of the camera. Before the triangle can revolve, it is essential to move
a mask, which holds the plate in position, by means of a rod, underneath the
camera, moved towards the lens over the pin, and, having revolved the prism,
immediately replace the rod in its original position before exposuig the plate.
After the front plate h.as been exposed, the hand is turned round so as to bring
to the front the plate No. 2, which was on the inner side of the canier. The
camera is in the hands of Messrs. J. Levi & Co., of Furnival-street.
Prime Factors in Exposing.
Mr. Debenham resumed the adjourned discussion on Mr. Farmer's
discourse, and said he thought Messrs. Hurter & Driflield's directions for
estimating certain degrees of dulness of light did not go far enough. He had
printed a negative in seven minutes which, two days later, was onlj' half
printed, although the light looked brighter. As to the value of colour, which
Mr. Farmer told them varied as one to one hundred, he asked for an explanation.
He could not see the reason for Mr. Farmer's advice to give an exposure in the
studio four times more with a large head than with a small, the apertures
being the same. Mr. Fanner h,ad perhaps given the sesthetio rather than the
photographic reason.
Mr. A. Cowan exhibited four negatives, each having the same exposure, but
showing a graduated difference in density produced by reducing the amount of
pyro from two grains per ounce in the one case to one grain, half a grain, and
a quarter of a grain respectively.
Mr. A. Haddon suggested the presence of moisture and wind as having in-
fluenced the disparity in Mr. Debenham's printing experiment.
After some further discussion, Mr. Farmer replied, and said that the object
of his discourse had been to consider certain factors in exposing in addition to
those given by the actinometers ; there was no reason wliy they should not be
taken into account. In estimating dulness as varying from one to four, Messrs.
Hurter & Driffield took the altitude of the sun into consideration, but omitted
London smoke or fog. The difference in the value of the reflections made an
enormous difference in the exposure, a rule which applied to the case of Large
and small-sized heads.
North London FhotograpMc Society.— June 21, 1892, Mr. W. Coventon in
the chair.— After the usual preliminaries, Mr. A. J. Spiller showed some fine
prints by the new cold-bath platinotype process, taken from whole-jdate nega-
tives, Mr. B. J. Grover a series of hand-camera pictures taken in Cambridge on
July 1, 1899]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
429
Edwuds' iwdramatic filnu, and the Praaideot (Mr. J. Tnill Taylor) showed a
new (tcnoieopjc ihatter nuje for him fiiraae at the Conreotion. The Secre-
TABT called ipadal attention to the next iiwthut of the Society, to be held on
July 5, when Mr Howbod, of the Brttuaia Worfci Company, Ilford, would
iotnten th« fabjoet of ItocKnmatie Pkttograpky. A copy of the Ilford
Mmmmtl ^Pketampkg had bean taoaind nr the Sodaty*! nae, and samples
of tha >-•*-— dompaay'a new ehlorid* ivintiBgHMit paper, receiTed for trial,
w«» aatrflmtod totta m—ban. Mr. J.TtuuxTATLOBthengaTeaoonTeisa-
ttanl laetora oo Pholem^fkir Lmta, AndaU and Modern, in which he com-
B oie oy phot
pared tke lanaaa in nahj photooaplian vior to 1865, and about that period,
with the lanaaa now in oae, desenbinf fnUy their principles and construction,
and Olaatntiac hia nmarka by diagrama and by the exhibition of a large
niunbcr of laaiai of iJl Uada, wHA were JPueed round for inspection. Tbe
leetara waa highly eppredatad, and a eordial rote of thanks was pasMd at its
do**.
north maamn HMtOKimphle loeMj, Jnne 37ttL-.Mr. J. SUwartin the
chair.— In tliennaToldahleaBe«aea»fto«allliiiiai.of Mr. Cherry, who was to address
the Society, Mr. Marcbant (the Ptaaideat) opaMd a dtacnsaion on celluloid films.
After tiidng the history of the material tominc the rapport, be dealt with
their advaatagaa aad dlaadrintagi m iwpaiwl whh glaaa piatea, and came to
the w?«<!liitV«n that tka halHea «m is kTOnr of the mna, a oondusion which
was aeraed to la the iliWMloH that tcOmni, in which Meian. SUwart, Smith,
Taylor, Cbs, Slataiay, Gregorr, Bamaid, and otheci took part Mr. Cox then
showal aona silver pria|i of ola data made by Mr. Rnglanii which had retained
all their priatiaa rinwr, aad alao eiMWtad a cnrioosly old-Iashiooed printing-
fraae datog ftaaa the Wt. Vaiioos ettiar matters of interest haring been
bfoo^t fcrwanLthe naaal compeMtiaa of riaws taken at recent field^lays was
hdd, Cbeaham, Haawall, aad Waaalaad baiaf raptesantad. In the laat-aaned
Mr. C D. Gn(arx rsoeirad tbe voto of awilt Tkree aew memben were
elected. The Sntmaelinc in the aexUMlf-vaar wiU beheld on Jnly 11. when
Mr. OiU will be In the chair, aad a teehakal meeliac wtll be held. VUitora
■olbon Camont Olnb. — Jane 34, Mr. F^ed Brocas in tbe chair. — A number
of aUdcs by Mr. John A. Hodna wars thrown upon the sereeea, including
aoaa axeallcBt viawa o( North Walaai Dinaiilii. UarbyaUre, aad some figure
ttmUm. Tbeae WW* followed tyaoiWhinr Jldaaef Mr. F. J.Cobbaad
Mr. H. Bak«. A aaaber of ilIilM IWmIH
doded the batata show.
•■■•IMlgBTeanUaflevriatftMa. Mr.
■!■ to two vaao, a^ MB ta fcUHa thcra
«T Blalaa. It wm aaaowaead ttwttbe next
J«ly STat a».
the OUtetion of Cnm* con-
rbotagnphlc Sodoty.— Jo* OL Dr. Genid Smith In the chair*
l*th aad aaked how to raaoT* the atains-
orf aoloklte of aoda waa ra-
Mr. C*nL aakeil how redoetkm took place on
by aayiag that the sUTer waa equally
tkat a WBcd plate reduced and intaaiUed
•Ae Caumus ■iliilaweak aolatlen.
JT SrtMliaMMB attend to CknMtnL Mr. HndaaaaboMd
cheap tefciWaaaiad* It Cbipper. Mr-OunaaidkahMlexpaeedaBaadoU
plate la the fonat It waa danc, oadar treea, with patehea of bright sky show,
lac ; ased/-3>, and (are twenty seeonds aboat six u'clock, without getting any
WaUoa. The Aei^staat Saowtaiy dktriboiad aaaplae or Kastmatfa geWino-
cUofUe paper. TIm nfatl, gi*M bjr Mr.' BBf■ua^ of the Baraat pUtaa (di*-
tilbalad at latt laaatln), waa that tkejr were ««nr good. Mr. BABxn then
opeaed a dbeairiM ea oithoehnaaatk platai. the Craibiux said if we
looked through a pwfta ^aa at a view, w« riMald aae the liawwii aaumnt of
fade ta aatara. TWae, be said, orlhuatmiath plates hioa^ out An
onliaary riew, takaa la avv^e Ilgkt, wmif be no better, hot la a yellow light
then WM a ■atkad advaatagt Mr. Dano aaid Tkt MiUltm aasd a dvad
aoaatoolilllmlaall " "' ■
Gaasrted
was a sariud adi
:neerti^ would be aatWeidajr, July B^ ■* 30^. Mareatwet, th* aub's new
'joartasK Vkdton an wtleoaM to aay meeting I'articnlan of maBbenhip
^n be obtalasd of the Boa. Seo^ary, \% Kiag Edward-road, N'.E.
•ovtit iMdM rhe««Kim|Ue ■ociMir.— Jaae aO, OnUnary Meetii«: the
Hrvhlenl (Mr. F. W. BdwirJa) b the chair.— Mr. F. W. Oria waa dadaied
tbe wfaaar of the award tor the beat prti* Ikom a M^tire oa UBperial plataa.
Mr. JAMaa A. aoctaai thaa a paper oa B*^-tamtr* Vtrk. The leetanr
set aside for their wotk la teoeat eshibitlaM. He wae la b«our of a <
wttk a 1«M of aboat four aad a half iBfkai fecM, workiag at /<, bat h* anally
w«riMdwtU/-n «r/-ia. Tbe ihetler akoaldworiibi thadlaalMMBdet,
cMiag aad doaiag rMt acroaa the taaa f tie, ao that aa maA li|kt aa pea.
siUe eoald be adamtad darliV tka ttea af aipoeara. Tha diaagiag of plates
ateaU take plaea la the ihi|liit aaaMr fewlbli f.a,, aatooatkally. For
dmloMaaat he advocated th* aa* of pyn, gatting aa aneh detail aa pDaaible,
aad thea atwi^healM the anaHeatf rimaiMj. Mr. Siadair'* raaMika ware
I by aevenl of the mawhan pnaaat, aad aouM dltarjaaua of
waa ijwaaaid. It was aa attaaAw* of forty. MaMi. R. ft J. Beck
: tfcair "F^Ma" haad caaiera, together wttfc acne en-
knaaaeata froai aegatH** Bale with It Maarn. Hooghtoa did th* aane with
IMr " Shattk " haad tmmtn, ahowing spaebBeaa of work pradaead by It.
fttclMiaadOteptaaaHMnOtalti— JunaZL— Mr. W. H. Smith, of the
Wialaiitjiis COaagaay, iliaiiaialiatiiil th* woridag of their aew eold-batk paper,
pdaMag out the dlniellnaa la whMi It waa aapmr to th* papan gnrioosly
oadik Oa* alvaatMa II pa*aMa*d la haiM amaaaMa to qi*eial traataaat in
c—a whan l**al ili i iln|Biat wm ilaifcaMa Thia eoadalad la th* appUcs-
tloa «f glrcaila* to Om Bfhrtad proof dthar with a btnah er apean or *T*B by
bohQyraMvitoBwAthahaad. Tki* had th* dbet of retaking derdop-
aaatteaaaaaitaBt, aad aHowud the daealoBBiaat of the print with the brush
aad oaalrta aulatluBa of nrloaa atiaagthi Thia aMthod waa specially applic-
able to caaaa i^an ailailaattnn la th* dark paria waa to be hand, or wkm it
hand..
waa dsaired to reader eerlaia parts In a tighter torn than they would appear in
aa Bi<walad Brtat.
TO? •
Hm gKBnlarity which would probably make it*
w«« the hot-bath papar MM, waa
by its absence, and, what was certainly contrar}- to expectation, the finished
print did not betray by patchiness or harsh outlines that any special treatment
had been given. On Saturday, tbe 25th, the annual excursion to Bexley, by
invitation of Mr. Dresser, took place. Ample opportunities for picture-making
presented themselves on the farm and by the River Cray, .\fter tea Mr. J. W.
Coade, Vice-President, on behalf of the members, asked Mr. Dresser's accept-
ance of an illuminated address, expressing their thanks for his services as Pre-
sident during the last three years.
Leeds PhotogTaphic Sodety.— The first excnrsion of the Society should
have taken place ou tbe 18th instant, bnt the weather was so bad that, after
sheltering for about an hour, a retreat was made for home. Fortnightly meet-
ing, June 20, Dr. Jacob (President) in the chair. — A set of prize slides were to
have been exhibited, but did not arrive. This is the second time this season
that this Sodety has met to see these slides, and been disappointed, and on
each occasion the excuse has been the carelessness of a clerk in not booking the
engagement. The members scarcely seem able to stand a thinl ilisnppointnient,
so it was decided not to trouble the owners of the slides to make another
engagement
Id Camera Club.— June 24, the President (Dr. Hall Edwards) in the
chair. — This was the second of the Elementary Evenings, and there was a fair
attendance. The subject was that of Development, and the President gave a
very interesting demonstration, using a nnmber of different developers upon
nentivea he had taken the previous ilav. Several new members were elected
and proposed. By the kindness of the Eastman Company, a sample packet
of their geUtino-chloride printing }>aper was presented to each member present.
Much interest was shown m the Club's first outing, which is to take place on
the 10th of this month.
Photographic Sodety of Japan.— May 13, Annual Meeting.— There was
an exhibition of work by members and of apparatns daring the daytime.
Amnngat ottier things were shown a large collection of the most modern ap-
pantoa by Mr. R. Konishi ; a set of photo^^phs on porcelain, excellently repro-
doced ; a series of fine prints on eeUtmo-citro-coloride paper, by Mr. G.
Brinkworth ; and an album of the Tokaido, by Mr. K. Ogawa. The Secre-
T^aias read their report for the past year, which showed the Sodety to be in a
ptoapaioua condition. Mr. K. OcriiA read a paper on Strippinj Oelaline Films,
and gaTe a demonatration of the prooesa. Afterwanl." Mr. T. Saito demon-
strated the Stripping of Collodion FUuu, and Me Appl^iiiff of them (o U'cxxf
/or Ike Sngraver. Botn demonattationa were highly successful. Mr. C. D.
WasT then read a abort paper on A SeiB TnUng ProeetB for Silter Prinla.
This procea is simplidty itadt The printa must be on plain pai>er. They
are printed in tbe nsoal way, are fixed, and are then thoroughly washed. After
thia they are dipped in a aomtion of sulphuretted hydrogen tUl they reach tlie
tone wished for. Prints were shown that were of an excellent tone. Mr. Wist
said that probably photographers would think that such prints were of necessity
the revetae of permanent, bnt he saw no reason to think sa Sulphide of silver
waa really the most permanent ailver salt he knew of. As a matter of fact, he
had failed to make any alteration on printa dther by dampness or by the action
of light during one year. Attar this paper waa read Mr. W. K. Burton ex-
hibited the actwa of a rtrj novd form of optical lantern that had been brought
froai America by Dr. A. & de Guerville. Thia apparatus, althoogh occupying
litth men room thaa aa ordiaaiy limelight lantern, diatils its own oxygen and
hydn^sn aabatitata aa the exhibition goee on. Considering that the gear was
in the bands of a lantemist of but alight experience, and that it was tried by
him only for the fourth time, it worked with remarkable snioothuess. The
light was of extreme brilliancy, and the audience eeemed to highly appreciate
a act of scenes that were projeded on the screen. r
CotreiSiionZTntcee
<r Oirrwysefils Aeald aeter wrilt en Mk Mm cf Iks papsr.
"TALBOT ABCHEB" AND THE CONVENTION.
To the EDrroB.
Sn, — Year eontribator, "Coamoa," make* some grave allegations
•gainat Mr. W. Jerome Harriaon witboat advancing a tittle of proof to
aopport them. Thia ia not lair and not joat, although, to judge by bis
neaat ramarka in yonr page* on othar aabjecta, aneli conduct is quite
eharaeteriatio of " Coamo*. " Thia gentleman may be aa ancient and
lofty an anthority in {^otographio mattera as he aets ap to be, but I don't
think that he ia at all entitled on that aoconnt to make such serions
charge* without at the tanw time furnishing better proof than mere
haatatj.
Ihmtm Mr. W. J. Harriaon so well a* to be certain that he would not
iuali Hlu'^Boak of anonvmity to burl untruthful and spiteful charges
agiriut tha members of ibo ConventioD, either individually or collectively,
aad therefon I am confident he is not " Talbot Archer." Besides, does
" Ooamo*" think that a man of Mr. Harrison's position could possibly
d*ao«nd to Uia practice of praising himself in Anthony'i ISulUtin. which
U what Mr. Harrison would be gnilty of doing if " Cosmos"' allegation
wan true? I read Anthony re^olarnr, and I have long observed that Mr.
Harrison's name figures fnqnently m " Talbot Archer's " English notes.
But why is this ? Beeaoae Mr. Harrison is such a nrominent figure in
th* Wngiuh world of photography, and is always to the fore in tbe army
of ptogre**. Conaaqamtly, •■ Talbot Archer," as an accurate chronicler
of Engliah photographic history, could nut, or at least should not, ignore
the iuge part which Mr. Harrison fills therein.
J
430
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
July 1,1802
Ihipe that concurrently with this letter you will publish an indignant
deni \ from Mr. Hanison, and that " Cosmos " will be forced to apologise
for traducing him. — I am, yours, Ac, Bbom.
Jant 27, 1802.
*
HELIOCHBOMT.
To the Editob.
Sib, — I regret that I am obliged to occupy your valuable space with
replies to statements which ought never to have been made.
Dr. Vogel (p. 382) appears to accuse the members of the Committee on
Science and the Arts of the Franklin Institute of having acted in
ignorance of facts which Or. Vogel himself knew that I had communi-
cated to them some time before they issued the report indorsing my
claims. In the identical statement that was submitted to Dr. Yogel for
criticism, I gave due credit to that gentleman for his use of corallin in
1873, and to Becquerel and Du Hauron for their experiments with
ohlorophyl. Dr. Vogel also certainly knows that Du Hauron never gave
up my chlorophyl process in favour of Dr. Vogel's eosine process. Du
Hauron never made use of either of the processes referred to, but used
chlorophyl according to a method of his own, and eosine according to
the method of Colonel Waterhouse.
Dr. Vogel's reminder that he published his alleged " new principle " in
1885 is not pertinent, because my process is quite different in principle
and in practice from anything that is possible in accordance with it. I
am quite certain that Dr. Vogel's ide^ cannot be carried out in accord-
ance with the facts which support the Young-Helmholtz theory of colour
vision. As a principle of colour selection in the negative-making process,
it is utterly indefinite, and as a guide for selecting the printing colours,
it is positively wrong as applied to the triple print process.
In reply to my intimation that he quoted the only unfavourable ex-
pression of opinion of my process that he had been able to find in print.
Dr. Vogel now quotes from Photoijraphy a remark that had no reference
to either process or results. The Editor of Photography said he was
" somewhat disappointed at the attendance " (at my first lecture), but
that " the beauty of the results which were shown, however, was great."
Will Dr. Vogel make another search?
Dr. Vogel is also in error when he says that he " acknowledged " the
hehochromoscope on page 318. My statement that he had ignored it
altogether was strictly true.
Mr. Scott's letter is mostly a repetition of assertions which are suffici-
ently answered in my former letters. He had not patented anything
new except a particular form of single-light lantern for multiple image
projection. My system of 1888 gave perfect register, which is impossible
with images made in the way Mr. Scott advocated. Pictures of quite
near objects in relief will not register sufficiently well if made from
points of view even as much as half an inch apart. The subjects which
I have been showing in the helioohromoscope would have been complete
failures if made in that way. Mr. Scott must use my camera as well as
my processes if he would succeed. Fbed. E. Ives.
London, June 17, 1892.
♦
ORTHOCHROMATIC PHOTOGRAPHY.
To the Editor.
Bib, — Dr. Vogel wishes to make a few corrections with regard to
some stateinents made at the meeting of the Photographic Society of
Great Britain, and asks me to send the following reply for publica-
tion :—
"Deab Sib,— You are reported to have said, at the meeting of the Photo-
graphic Society of Great Britain of the ISth inst., that I was one of the Brst to
experiment with orthochromatising bromide of silver. Allow me to correct
your statement in so far that I was the first who made such experiments, and
that my results were at first not understood, and remained unconfirmed by
other experimentalists in the same subject. My discovery was made in 1873,
and it was not until July, 1874, that Becquerel, of Paris, and 1876, when
Colonel Waterhouse proved the correctness of my statements, that the matter
met with general acceptance from the leading experimentalists of the time.
" With regard to the statement by Captain Abney, that I had said I could
not get an orthochromatic plate with an excess of bromide, the statement
(made in 1876) had reference to collodion plates, and not to gelatine. The
statement seems, therefore, to rest on a misunderstanding.
" l^''- ,^P'l''='''s opinion, that an eoside of silver could be ibrmed when eosine
is added to the plam emulsion, is contradicted by most authorities in such
matters, foremost by Dr. Eder, who holds that eoside of silver can only be
formed when eosine comes in contact with a soluble salt of silver, such as silver
nitrate. An excess of bromide of silver is, however, present in every emulsion,
which will immediately destroy the eoside of silver by forming bromide of
silver. The assumption, therefore, that bromide of silver, on being dissolved
by the ammonia present, will form eoside of silver, is inadmissible, for the
silver has the greater affinity for the bromide than for the potassium, which
would have to be formed first ; also the other assumption, that nitrate of silver
would destroy the erythrosine (tetraiodide-fluorescein) by combination of the
iodine with silver, is not correct. I have erythrosine-silver plates one year old
ui which the unchanged erythrosine is easUy recognised by the spectroscope.—
I !im, dear sir, yours truly, (Signed) Dr. H. W. Vogel.
" Berlin, June 2», 1892.
"Mr. J. R. Gotz, Loudon."
I have nothing to add, but that I am not able to repeat the exact \
words I used at the meeting, but that it appears to me that I could hardly ]
have used them as reported. That Dr. Vogel first discovered the property!
of different dyes as local sensitisers is an undisputed fact, which needs no J
further assertion. — I am, yours, &e., J. R. Goiz.
19, Buckingham-ttreet, Strand, TT.C, June 27, 1892.
To the Editob.
Sib, — I am awaiting some further information, and shall, next week,]
be enabled to answer Mr. Edwards' letter very fully. — I am, yours, &c.,
June 28, 1892. J. J. Acwokth, Ph.D.
THE DARK FLASH.
To the Editob.
Sir, — During the storm of Tuesday last, I observed an effect thati
would undoubtedly have produced the much-discussed " dark " flash if^
reproduced on the photographic plate. It was simply that the colour of j
the flash was a dull red, relieved against a background of the usual kinp j
when clouds are illuminated with an electric discharge. Probably others J
may have noticed the same effect and drawn the same inference. — I am, |
yours, ire. E. Dunmoee.
27 Glenthome-road, W., June 29, 1892.
THE NEW PLATINOTYPE PAPER,
To the Editob.
Sib, — I have started working the new platinotype paper, but the results!
are not promising. The prints appear mottled, although I have foUowedJ
the instructions most carefully, and have also tried different exposures?
from the same negative with a like result. The paper was supplied by an I
agent. Do you think that the paper is to blame, or can you give me|
any cure for the evil? If you can do so I should be very thankful. If
may also state that the pictures are stored, also paper, in a proper calcium!
tube.— I am, yours, &a., A. C.
June 27, 1892.
[We have had no experience of the failure with the new platino- j
type paper such as our correspondent indicates, and, therefore, arel
unable to suggest a remedy. Perhaps the Company would he disposed]
to come to his assistance, and allow photographers generally to re-
ceive the benefit of their advice. — Ed. J
EMIGRATION TO THE UNITED STATES.
To the Editor.
Sib, — I will be glad if you will inform me what you consider the relative
prospects of workers in this country and in the States. I have had Bome|
experience in dry-plate factories on this side, and am acquainted with!
most of the ordinary details of emulsion-making. Do you consider ll
would get the best chance of doing work by stopping here or by emigra-i
ting ? — I am, yours, &c. , John Pabby.
June 25, 1892.
[Questions such as that conveyed in our correspondent's letter are j
constantly reaching us. For his information and that of many others!
we may here state that America by no means oflfers a better field for
photographic enterprise of any kind than this country. We should,
therefore, be chary of recommending emigration in any but exceptional
cases. — Ed.]
SPEED OF PLATES.
To the Editob.
Sib, — Mr. Phillips' letter of June 17 is evidently written in a genuine
spirit of investigation, and what I have to say in reply is not of necessity
antagonistic to his views, nor does it follow that I am adversely interested
in criticising Messrs. Hurter & Driffield's method of measuring the
sensitiveness of plates. No method wUl have the slightest chance of
being generally adopted by plate makers until it has been adopted as the
standard method by a representative committee of the leading society or
societies, and when this is done, all makers of exposure instruments and
tables will adopt the new standard alike.
Mr. Phillips covers rather a wider field than I did in my letter of May
20, and I shall try to keep within the subject. I entirely agree with his
explanation about " subject numbers." As I mentioned in demonstrating
my instrument before the Camera Club, "correct exposure" is a mere
phrase when applied to a group of objects of various colours, .ind really
means the best compromise %Yhich can be made between the right exposure
for the white or grey objects and the right exposure for the most non-
July 1, 18M]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
431
actinic ooe*. Thii eompromise is represented b; the labject namber,
1(X) io my ezposnz* ■yslem, and, as Mr. Phillips remarks, it is fairly
reprvMntatiTe o( most groups of objects osoally photographed.
It is because this typioal standard object is rery tar from being white
or gny that I objeet to any scale of irAi«-Ught sensitometers being
adopted as a ttaadud. With regard to Mr. Phillips' remark abont the
"restricted obMrrations" made with a Sparge's sensitometer, and the
'.eed to stndy the behariour of a plate to many varying amoants of
. lamination, I most point oat that when a plate is exposed to light in a
SpMBs'a ansitameter it is exposed to twenty-foor Tarying amounts of
..linnaktioa, with jost as mnen aeoaracy and far more conTenience than
i( it were exposed to a staodaid light in Tarying portions for one, two,
(oar, eight, ie., seconds.
If I were to expose two plate* U different rapidities in the instrn-
meat, and found that io the oo* aaae the light which had passed
tbroogh a diaphragm of /-M had prodoeed the same opacity on the
plate as that which had passed throogb ^-33 in the other case, I
•bonld know that half the amoont of U^t u required to produce this
opacity in the ease of the leoaiid plate than ia the first ; or that
e doxBtiaa ct tb* iaia* li(lit voold do the same thing, and I
i eonelode that the aaeaad plaia was twice as sensitiTe to white
hgfat as the first.
I do not say that Messrs. Barter St Drif&dd's method of " finding
tba first tana at a series of illuminatioas erer doabiiag, ia whkh the
dsaiitiea ol deposit iaerease, spproiimately, by eqaal diftareaeea," is
■ot an MBorate laethod of aseertaiaiag the white-light ■easttiTeness of
aoj pfaUa, bat I atnai^ pcotaat ■<«■■< its beiag stated as the only
eotteet method of attaining the earn* ead. I shall defer giving my
aact views on this subject until I eaa give them ia a more complete
form, as a contribution to the eomiag problem ot a staadard semi-
tometer. which abaU gir* earrectly tb* Mmera •easitiwi*** of pUtes.
I bad already adoptad Mr. PhiUips' iimiillnii about eomparing the
•p**d Bomban of tb* aetinogT^b vitb lb* plat* Bamban for my
lyuwi* BMtar, aad ia tb* *»b «Miaa of iaakMUaa* te my instru-
»*B*, tb* (oilarwiog fbotnot* b appwdid to tb* liat of pbt* speeds :—
" Marion's plates are now oiarkea with a speed number (actinograpb),
which, maftipUed by ofi* and a half, give* the P. number. Thus,
Aet. «0 = P. 60."
In reply to Mr. Pbillipe' flaal qosfy, tb* pbotoaoter I nee is the
ibtfla OB* dmoribsd by Captaia AhiMj, ia tb* latest edition of Ih-
Hruttim ia Pknofr^kg. Aa Ofaaitj ot eight,. lets tbreogh one-eighth
of tb* Hgbt ; aa opaMty ol oo* bandrad, ha* a traasparsacy of one-
bundredth, and so on. A* tbis iaalniment is qaite different from
Captain Abaey's Seetor Pbetometar, I am unable to giv* any infor-
mation a* to the valne ot tb* flgon* fai tb* latter instrament, or to
■ay which inctrument Captaia Ahoey baa as*d for bis poblisbsd
ob**iia»uui.— I am, yoora, Aa., ALrBBO WATum.
BtttftHL, /mm S5, 1891.
THS EASTMAK OELATISO-CHLOBIDB PAPEB.
To tkt EnrroB.
8ia,— I •** la yoor i**a* of to-day that yoa eooflrm tb* good opinion
I had temad of tb* b*w Ba*tmaa gilillaa-^bloiid* pap*r. I wiib*d to
have yoor opiaioa ia aafaig tb* *owiBla«d bath. Ia taeir* aay daager ia
asiag it in any way 7
I notice the Dford peopl* *ood«mB it loondly ; bat it is ineoooeivable
Ibat tb* Eastman Company should iwiniBiBsnil it U tb*t* was the
ilighteet danger.
I want to OS* it, a* it savas a bath aad a waahlng — I am, yours, Ac.,
jw»t M, isn. O. B. C.
[AeoonUnff to oar experieee*, which of course is brief, there ia no
daager in using the Fatman Company's combined batb. — £0.]
MABBLB LIKE STAINS.
To t>u Editob.
Bib,— I noti** ia roaort ot the People's PaUaa Pbotogr^bie SooMr <»
Ib*I week's Jovbxal. that Mr. O. Kendal, isieiilin to bu ptariooa ex-
MriM** of niarh»*-lik* stBiB* oa hi* plat** afl« d*tibi|daa. said that be
bad uiaiauMii tbat bypsMiag lb* pMalavalv biioMBo*ii« on the
dewlBMr. B* was, bowvvsr. slffl aaaM* to a**oant tor it. I might say
tbat I iaftciably soak my plalM baton datdoping. and yet somctim**
lb*** stall* •pp*ar. After iaraiHgaHllg (soakiag piste and also poaring
diiiluiWi *■ iry plat*), I find tb* etaias ar« due to iniinlBcient washing,
i-t^ tarn Uavtag tb* aertiopar, aad bator* putting into the fixinv bath.—
lam, yoor*, Ac, HsireT V. Lawb*.
JmuTl.imt
CORRECT EXPOSURE.
To the EnrroB.
Bib,— la pbatogiaphy, aa in many oth«r matters, an ounce ofpractice
la worth a toa of theory, and Ibarifon I give doe weight to Mr. Watkins'
experiments (or the parposn of clearing up this matter ; and, if my ex-
perience agreed with hi't, would at once admit that there mast be some
(actor left out of account in the theoretical statement o( the case which,
if taken into account, would reconcile both theory and practice. Mr.
Watkins wonders if I have made any definite trials with a view to finding
out the truth of this matter, and, to be candid, I must admit that I have
not; but, in every plate I expose, I take into account the amount of
subject included by the lens on the plate, and so, in a sense, am con-
stantly making a definite trial of the theory, and sometimes I have more
nearly realised the exact conditions o( Mr. Watkins' experiment, for I
have taken two photographs from the same standpoint, with lenses of
different (ocal length, and hare varied the exposure so as to give less
where the lens o( shorter (ocus is condensing on the plate the larger
amount o( light transmitted by the larger amount o{ reflecting surface.
Mr. Watkins excuses himself from " entering into an explanation of
the fact why a large amotmt of subject reflects no more light to a square
inch of the sensitive plate than a small amount does " apparently on the
ground that " it is a question which the opticians have not touched
upon." Perhaps, Sir, you, as an authority on optics if not an optician,
may think the subject of sufficient valne to devote a few lines of explana-
tion to the elucidation of the matter.
With regard to Mr. John Sterry's letter on this subject in your issne of
June the S-lth, in attempting to show that I have omitted to make allow-
ance (or the different area of stops used, he himself omits to take into
account the elementary law o( optics, that the intensity of the illumina-
tion of an object varies inversely with the square of the distance from the
source of light ; in other words, he forgets that with two lenses of different
foci the plate is at a different distance from the stop which regulates the
amount of light admitted to the plate, and it ought to be needless to
point out that this is one of the (actors necessary to be taken into account
in regulating the size of lens stops, and in the statement that two lenses
are working at the same intensity.
Mr. Sterry's statement should, therefore, run : " In the second case,
four time* tiie'area of object, giving (our times the light, is made to
cover the same area of plate as in the first instance ; but the stop has
been reduced to a quarter o( the area, and allows exactly the same
amount of light to pass as before." The plate, however, has been brought
to half its former distance (rom the stop, and theie(ore is (our times as
brilliantly illuminated as in the first case. — I am, yours, itc,
June 35, 1893. M. J. MiCH^L.
Sictiange Oolu mn.
*,* So tkairg* ia mtit for imamttrnf ffiwHijss ^f Apparatxtt in (Kit column ;
but nono mil ts imirrsit aalsat IM mrticU toanUd u deHniUty ttaUd. Thott
mA$ tpoc\ft Utir rSfm'rWMwtl m» "omftMnguitful" taiUUtor^ortundorttand
iA 0«nm«T«r'i peleot portrait leu for Is or 3b ditto aad ouh. —
Addnai. i: B. * a VOX. BnHUord.
Will
TtnlMMS ihiv'* •hfaaoastsr ta aood order lor U x 11 modam eanwra, lour utauion.
beokfronnd* for imitation rookf aod rat tic 1
CaUaot fbotMrsyks at meh book(roaad eaa b* Mat.— Addroa*, W. Uosasw
dio, B^roa Waldoa.
WiUt
Tb* studio, I
Will neh>at« oow baraUhor, b^ Tovon, tw*lT«.(iioh oodlUtinc bar, for (ood posinir
ehatt, wtu two or mora baok*. or pluh or Telnit •todiooartalii, or offers. —AodroM.
Hoana, Phstoirapkar, Oarellae rtwat, Cardilt.
Weald oskaac* Tas Bamsa Joobs4L ot PaoTooairxT, IMU (part boond) aad
lan, (orhalT-pUU and qoartar-plate d«al boi (13 f raovaa aaoh) witb loolt and liar,
aad walfbta.— Addnai, gAiDsasos, 16, Bha(t«*biir/«Tsnn<, Lowar
•itar.alat*
rantlllaaar
dotaetiva
■U doable baeki, two fladan.
Iilpiid. gboa'a satoat rantlllinar aad ahattor, ooat aarsa (olaaaa ; exobanra lisbt
wbola-plata or aalf-plata flalaa^^ or Hnnhea' Pampbango*. — Addraaa H. A. CoucB.
II. Watarloo-onaoaat, Dover.
Will aiehaMs hall-siata ruid nctiliaear Una. Boaa Xo.l portratti UxlO oamora
with two iaobla SMki 1 firtariar aad aztorior baekyrouada wantad, haad and bodjr
raati it«dk> aaiaara itaad; itadio ohatr with four baoka.— Addraaa, H. WusroaD,
tl. ritatloo-atreat, Bittlngboam*.
Wanted, portrait li-iu (rshinat), ia osebaaga (or foortaan volnmca of Amaltur Photo-
rr«plMr,^raB October 10, 18M, to Oelabar «, IWI, alao aareral ihUUnt pablicaUona.
tsa— kbJiert ot tb* (oaitssa volomaa miaaing,— AddroH, F. Aarsu., 16, Qrova-
liiMii. aith-road. Tottaahaa, H.
Win aanhaaai haakiroaad o( vataadab (will aoawar ai eitarlor aad interior), liia
• x7 (aat, (or estarlor baekcraood, alio fraad oarved tabic (aoUd wood, rood liza),
(or a raatts auuannry aoltaUa (or diBeraot poritiona. Pbotofrapha •zohangad.—
Addnaa, W. Mobaa*, Oraaa PwIUmU, North Walaa.
f inhiafi (or U X 10 aiodani oatdoor eaiaara, with donbia alidea, or (onr baok chair,
aaraa raan* Bamaa JoDasu. or PaoroaBArar, Baarar i nutio bridge, back-
(naads lotarior aad aztariqr, Boaa'i wid»«nirla doublel, 10x8, ditto, whole plats.
—Addraaa, W. B., Prospect TiUa, Btoka-road, OoUdford.
Waalad, baekffrooodai will eiahaag* Bamaa JooaaAL or Photoobafrt (rom
Jaa^^, UM, to Deeamber, IWI, and twentr-aeran odd nnmbera. Al«o Practical
Pkolofravkar (rom Jaaaa>7, IHO, to December, 1891. Alao good oil atoro, bj
KippiaffiU*, ooat 21.— Address, H. WsLrosD, Oraham-atraet, Penrith.
J
432
THE BHITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH!'.
[July 1, 1892
anametB to ComjJponOemfl.
Javrt
Caotni
V Communicalvmi relating to Advertisements and j/meral ^^> ^
must be addressed to '■ Henry Gbskswood t Co.,'' 2, Tork-street, Cm
Oarden, London,
Bell.— Apply to Sir. W. E. Debenham, 46, Haveretock-hill, N.W.
C. p. W.— 1. Probably not 2. Yes, but starch is generally preferred.
Fog.— There is an article on utilising fogged plates in the Journal for July 3,
1891. . , . *
W. J. Stillmak.— Received. Negatives not to hand at the moment of going to
press. , . ,
J. C.-Both cameras are excellent for the purpose ; the lens named would do
for No. 1. , ,. _i.. /
J. PAm:HSON (Cavan).— You omitted to forward the conclndmg portion of
your letter. .,. . , . »
G JOHS.— In the volume of the Journal for 1890 you will 6nd a series of
papers by Mr. Lyonel Clark on the subject.
Crsrao -The scratches would in all probability not interfere with the w-orking
properties of the lens. But why not put the point to a practical test !
H Couch.— The method is a trade secret, but in all probability preparation of
the celluloid surfaces i.« not essential. Coat them as far as is possible in the
same manner as glass plates.
CABMESZ.-1. No. 2. Under-exposure. 3. The developer does not seem to
be at fault-that is, with an excess of alkali. Probably you employ the
solutions at two high a temperature.
BOGUS.— If the pictures are registered, you have a legal remedy against the
man ; but, of course, he is not bound to tell you where or how he obtained
them, unless the question is addressed to him in a court of law.
Green savs : " I shall feel much obliged if you can tell me the proportions of
ether and spirit to use for thinning transfer collodion as used for developing
carbon prints on glass. "-Usually, this collodion is made with equal parts of
ether and spirit as solvents. But, as in use the ether evaporates faster than
the alcohol, the coUodion should be thinned with two parts of ether to one of
the alcohol.
K. L (Fallearh, N.W.P., India) says : " Would you please let me know which
Of the so many processes for reproduction that are in vogue is the easiest,
cheapest, but yet artistic, and which can be worked here without any dim-
cultv ' I require about one thousand copies every second or third montli ot
drawings, portraits, &c., which I desire to reproduce myself. I have a fair
knowledge of drawing, painting, and photography."-The collotype process
would undoubtedly be the most suitable.
Miss H E says : " Will you let me know what is considered a fair weekly
salary for lady retoucher and book-keeper, several years' experience, hours
9 30 a m. to 7.30 p.m., living out, an hour allowed for each meal (dinner and
tea), work considered by employer good, and averaging about hall a days
retouching and half a day's book-keeping, including sending out of all
accounts quarterly, some reception-room duties and superintendence of
photograph orders and some correspondence ? "—We should think a weekly
salary of thirty shillings would be a fair remuneration.
CABDiKKsays: "Having taken a half-plate portrait of a near friend of mine
that is now in India, I have unfortunately destroyed the left eye by letting
it get damp ; othenvise everything is very good, and, as it will probably be
years before we meet again, I would ask you to kindly inform me by what
means it will be best to rectify my misfortune— whether to spot the negative
or to treat the silver print, also whether to use water-colour paint or penciH
—It is impossible, without seeing the negative, or a print from it, to judge
of the kind of damage, to say the best way of deaUng with it. If our corre-
spondent can touch out the defects in the negative, that will be the best pro-
cedure, and it matters not whether pencil or water-colour is used, so long as
the desired result is obtained. If the injury cannot be remedied in the
negative, a print taken before the damage was sustained should be copied,
and the new negative utilised.
A. M. M. asks : " 1. Wliere can detailed information be obtained as to the
use of a mirror for photographing clouds so as to utilise the polarisation of
light? 2. Under what circumstances is the method most effective? 3.
What should be the position of the mirror ? 4. What kind of mirror should
it be? 5. Where can detailed information be obtained as to the use of
Nicol's prism for cloud effects ? 6. How do the following methods compare
as regards cloud effects : (a) Ordinary dry plates ; (*) orthochromatic dry
plates, with or without screens ; (c) mirror method ; {d) Nichols prism
method '"—Instead of replying seriatim to these queries, we shall lump them
together in the following remarks :— In this Journal for January 30, 1891,
and on page 72, an excellent and practical paper On the Use of Black Glass
Mirrors for Cloud Photography, by Mr. A. W. Clayden, will be found. In
this paper the first four queries are clearly answered. We remember many
years ago writing an article on the application ot the Nicol prism for this
purpose, but are at present unable to give the date of the Journal in which
It appeared. When conducting the experiments which led to the publica-
tion ot the article in question, although our prism was what is usually
considered one of large dimensions, yet did we find a serious drawback to
arise from the narrowness ot the field included, and waited for the advent of
one which was said to be at that time in course of construction by Ahrens,
and by which a large angle would be included. Circumstinces arose which
prevented this line of research being prosecuted. In the wet collodion days
black ghass plates (in reality a very dark purple) were articles ot commerce
for collodion positives, and some ot these were very flat, and polarised the
light well. We are unaware whether any ot these are now procurable.
All our cloud experiments were made with wet collodion, hence we are
unable to replv to the sixth query. If this falls under Mr. Clayden's eye,
he will probably kindly supplement what we have said.
Thos. Bbamwell. — With very thin negatives— those wanting in contrast — it
is difficult to obtain vigorous prints on albumen paper. Such negatives are
also uiisuited for platinum printing. Negatives of this class may, however,
be utilised with advantage for printing on bromide paper. Strong negatives
are not necessary for bromide printing.
PRn<TEU writes ;— " Last summer I wrote you asking for a cure for blisters in
silver prints, to which you kindly advised the use of methylated spirit, which
I used last year with every success. This season the spirit seems a terrible
enemy— the prints I have done with it go quite yellow in about a week ;
would that be caused by the naphtha in the spirit ! 1 notice ;n the washing
waters after soaking jirints in the spirit, that there is a lot of stuff that looks
like paraffin, but what it really is I cannot say. My ])rints have twenty
minutes in hyjio, they then have about fifty changes of water, are left in running
water all night, and have fifty changes in the morning. I use 's non-
blistering paper, or at least, so they guarantee it, but I find it blister up
about the size ot five-shilling pieces, unless the spirit is used. If you can
advise me in the matter I should be greatly obliged. Is there any substitute
for the spirit ?" — The example sent has all the appearance of an imperfectly
fixed print, though that should not be the case with twenty minutes,
immersion, supposing the solution is of the usual strength and the hypo
of good quality. We can scarcely imagine, without definitely putting the
thing to the test that the addition of the petroleum sprit to the alcohol can
influence the fixation of the prints.
(Several otlier conespondents in mir next.)
Brixton and Clapham Camera Club. --July 19, Photographic Apparatus
and its Use, by the Hon. Secretary.
London and Provincul Photographio Association.— July 2, Outing to
Theydon Bois; Leader, Mr. Pask. 7, Intensification. 14, Members Open
Night.
Mb. Joseph Pubnell, Photographic Printer, of New Maiden, died on
Juna^23, aged sixty-five years. He was one of the very early photograi)liers,
having entered the profession about 1855.
Photographic Club. — July 6, The Solitbility of Plwtoyraphic Chemicals
13. Photographing Natural History Specimens. Outing, Saturday next,
Stanmore. Train from Euston, fifteen ' minutes past two ; Broad-street,
forty minutes past one.
Mutual Improvement Postal Photographic Society. — As there are
several vacancies in the above Society, amateurs willing to join are requested
to send their names and addresses to the Hon. Secretary, Albert B. Moss,
64, Wood-lane, London, W.
We are deeply sorry to learn that on Wednesday evening last, on the occa-
sion of the fatal balloon accident at the Crystal Palace, Mr. C. V. Shadbolt
(the well-known aeronautic photographer, and son of Mr. George Shadbolt, a
former editor of this Journal), who had also made the ascent, met with very
serious injuries. At the time ot writing the unfortunate gentleman is in a very
precarious condition.
As it may be agreeable to members of the Convention going to Edinburgh
by sea to travel in company, we have made inquiries as to the best steamer
sailing from London on July 9. The Scamew, of the General Steam Navigation
Company's fleet, which is said to be the .largest and fastest steamer on the
station, is appointed to sail on that day. A tender leaves Westminster Bridge
at noon, calling for passengers and their luggage at the Temple Pier, and Old
Swan Pier. Passengers wishing to join the sTiip direct should be at Irongate
Wharf at noon. Those who prefer travelling to Edinburgh by railway may, of
course, avail themselves of the tourist system.
South London Photographic Society.— The Committee of this Society
offer for competition by members of the South Jletropolitan photographic
societies, at their Exhibition to be held in November, 1892, the following
medals :— Silver medal for the best photograph shown, irrespective of size ;
bronze medal for the second best photograph shown, irrespective of size ; silver
medal for the best set of six lantern slides ; bronze medal for the second best
set ot six lantern slides. Entrance fee, payable only by non-members of the
South London Photographic Society, 2s. 6d. each competitor. Among the
rules for competition are the following :— Photographs for competition at the
Exhibition shall be from negatives taken since the date the competitor was
elected a bon6, fide member ot one ot the South Metropolitan photographio
societies. The term " South Metropolitan photographio society " includes any
photographic society whose meeting-place is situated within the South London
postal district. Any member of the South London Photographic Society who
is successful in obtaining an award shall present a copy ot the photograph to
the Society's album. The date and place of exhibition will be announced
shortly. Entry forms can be obtained from the Secretaries of any of the South
Metropolitan photographic societies, or ot Mr. Chas. H. Oakden, Hon. Secre-
tary, 51, Melbourne-grove, East Dulwich, S.E.
OONT
PUX
preservation of bilvebed mib-
BORS «7
thickness of film 417
UNACCUSTOMED DEVELOPERS 418
DUST *1»
OBSOLETE PROCESSES 430
CONTINENTAL NOTES AND NEWS .... HI
ADVANCKD PHOTOGRAPHIC WORK
FOR AMATEURS.— III. By T. N.
AHMSTIIONO 4J1
CLEAN negatives. By J. PIKE 4M
TELESCOPIC PHOTOGRAPHY. By
PROCEI.LA 428
OLD SILVER PRINTS.— U. By
EDWARD DUNMOBE 438
ENTS,
PUX
EARLY PHOTO-MECHANICAL PRINT.
ING PBOCKSSES. By COLONEL J.
WATERHOUSE, S.C 4S4
THE LATE LEWIS MORRIS RUTHER-
FURD ••* •*■ ^^
BINOCULAB VISION AND A8TBON0-
MICAL PHOTOGBAPHY. By JOBS
HARMER ,,............■•••- ■*&
ABT: ITS MISSION AND CATHOLICITY.
By GEORGE T. HARRIS «S
OUB EDITORLAL TABLE 4M
RECENT PATENTS I '■^
MEETINGS OF 800IKTIE3 *»
0OBRE8PONDEN0E 429
EXCHANGE COLUMN 491
ABBWEBS TO OOBBEBPONDSHIB 432
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1679. Vol. XXXIX.— JULY 8, 1892.
OPENING OUT THE FIXED STOP OF A LENS.
It xdaj be taken for granted that the maker of a lens is,
or ought to be, the best judge as to the largest diaphragm
that should be employed with it. Some persons, however,
are so constituted as to imagine that they, as the users of
the lens, are better competent to decide what suits their
special requirements than the manufacturer of tlie tooL
And there is much that may be said on both sides. Our
remarks, it may be ofaaerred, have reference to that class of
lenses, whether single or oompound combinations, in which
the diameter of the largest stop is smaller, sometimes con-
siderably so, than that of the lens itself, a characteristic
asaally much more pronounced in wide-angle than in narrow-
angle objectives. Such lenses are mostly of a deep meniscus
form, which is inimical to the transmission of a large bundle
of rays to a focal point, and hence the necessity of limiting
the diameter of sneh a bundle by the agency of a small
stop.
The optician, by trial, ascertains the maximum size of
aperture that lessens q>harical aberration to such an extent
as to ensnre sharp definition, and he decides upon that as
the largest, or fixed, diaphragm in the mount, supplying
smaller ones to extend the central sharpness OTSr the whole
field, or as mnch of it as may be thought necessary.
There are some naeis of lenses who think that the opticians
draw, as it were, too fine a line in the determination of the
tiefinition ; they would prefer a softer, less crisp degree of
sharpness, obtainable only by the power to employ a larger
apeftnre, eonpled, as this is, with the incidental advantage
of a greater degree of rapidity, by an increase in the illu-
mination. We could mentJOB several who are of this way
of thinking, amoagrt thsm Ymng Mr. Stillman, of Rome,
who has just sent us a large collection of negatives, illuB-
trating advantages aocming in his practice from opening the
fixed aperture in his oonoentric lens from /-1 6 to /-1 1, which
repraaents an increase in rapidity of working [exceeding one
hundred per cent.
For portraiture, especially if the heads are to be moderately
large, and also for producing certain " naturalistic " effects in
landscape work, this enlargement of the optician's fixed stop
ooofers an undoubted advantage, a doctrine we have many
Thnss enunciated ; but, when we come to consider that the
largest aperture of this particular lens giving crispness (we are
judging by our own one) would be more fittingly estimated at
f-l9 tktn/-16, we think that the makers act prudently and in
sslfdifinBS in not sending thsm oat with larger stops. If
ftfOtogfUfbtn were, as Mr. Stillman is, educated to employ
their lenses with judgment, then no harm would be done by
placing in their hands the giant's power of employing any
aperture, however large, they choose; but opticians, out of
regard to their own reputations, cannot afford to dispense such
a power, for it need scarcely lie said that the rank and file of
camerists estimate the good quality of their lenses by the
sharjjness of the pictures produced by them. We have known
a lens of undoubted excellence returned on the maker's hands
because with full aperture, one of great angular width, it did
not cover so sharply to the edges as another of less excellence
by a different maker, but having a small central aperture.
We, therefore, think that it will commend itself as a prudent
step for opticians not to place their reputations at the mercy
of babes and sucklings in the art whose knowledge of lenses is,
at the commencement of their career, invariably of a low order.
It is time enough for them, and even then under protest, to
give a larger working aperture than that dictated by their own
judgment when such a thing is demanded by one whose know-
ledge of his requirements, and the conditions under which the
power should be applied, render it safe to place such in his
hands.
SOME POPULAR IDEAS OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
What photography does and is doing for the progress of man-
kind in the arts, sciences, and manufactures, is perhaps known
only within a small and restricted circle, notwithstanding that
the camera and the dry plate have penetrated the homes of
so many persons of all degrees of altitude on the social sctde.
Moreover, the opportunities which the non-photog^phic public
have of correcting certain prevalent and erroneous ideas aa to
the supposedly narrow field in which modem photograpliy finds
its applications are not easily available ; and, were it otherwise,
it is doubtfiil if the spirit of inquiry is rooted deeply enough in
the minds of {teople of average intelligence to prompt them to
ascertain for themselves the exact position which photography
holds in the ranks of latter-day knowledge.
Many people of the class we have just pointed at are, we
have observed, prone to draw false conclusions in regard to
photographic activity simply from a passing study of the con-
tents of photographers' show-cases, and of the windows of those
who make a speciality of retailing the counterfeit presentments
of good-looking society ladies, shapely actresses, politicians,
eetoro, members of the Royal Family, and the season's lions.
For such as these the achievements of modern photography
begin and end in the least important respect in which photo-
graphy shines — that of shop-window portraiture.
Other persons, again, whom on most counts one is constrained
to regard as tolerably well educated and informed, are influenced
in the light esteem in which they hold possibly t)ie most
marvellous art of the Victorian epoch by a half-contemptuous
contemplation of such decaying relics of the i>rimeval era of
434
THE BKITISH JOUBNAL OF PHOTOGKAPHY.
[July 8, 1892
photograpLy, as the shabby doorsman, the melancholy itinerants
of the open heath, the seaside beach, and the rustic hostelry,
and a consequently prejudiced estimate of their cheap and
uaskilful efforts to cater for their humble clients. Photo-
graphy to such a class carries with it so strong a suggestion of
being the exclusive prey )f those known on the other side
of the Atlantic aa cheap Johns, that, unconsciously maybe,
they become fatally unfitted to realise that it has a great and
glorious existence quite apart from any such lowly, if not
unworthy, surroundings.
A third class, probably as large as the two already mentioned
combined, grounds its estimate of what photography is, and is
capable of, solely from an observation of the outdoor perform-
ances of the ubiquitous amateur, and particularly tlie ex-
ceedingly numerous off-shoots of the race sworn to the devotion
of the hand camera.
Superficial observers form by far the larger class of the
community, no matter from what standpoint we cast the net ;
and the same rule applies, as we have endeavoured in the
previous paragraph to make clear, in i-espect of modem photo-
graphy. It will be evident that the number of people who
have only the most confined and incomplete ideas upon the
exact part which photography holds in the advancement of
human knowledge is extremely large. In all probability, an
appreciation of this fact was in the mind of the editor of one of
our Parisian contemporaries, when he lately dwelt upon the cir-
cumstance that so many amateurs of tlie present time simply
took up photography as a means of recreation, and that between
such and the baud of earnest workers and investigators in the
various branches of scientific photography the utmost possible
distinction should be made. But, to be of any real welcome or
value to scientific photographers, this distinction should exist in
the minds of the cultivated public, a state of things difiBcult to
create, for, unfortunately, lack of appreciation and discrimin-
ation between the trivial and the important in scientific
matters is a public idiosyncrasy which is not easily eradicated.
Perhaps there is little or no ground for complaint that, as a
picture-making art, photography has not, on the whole, failed
to secure a fair degree of recognition from the critical and
cultivated ; but of its far larger and more important accom-
plishments in the spheres of science and technological industry
there is, generally speaking, a most profound ignorance. The
enormous aid it has rendered to the astronomer, the biologist,
the microscopist, the medical man, and a long list of professors
of other sciences which Professor Meldola very effectively
referred to in his recent lecture, as well as to representatives
of innumerable manufactures and liberal pursuits, is either not
perceived, or lost sight of, by those whose estimate of what
photography is and does is based simply on the trifling ocular
evidences we have enumerated above. Hence they refuse to photo-
graphy the dignity and esteem which it should surely possess,
and ignorant journalists and others constantly fling witless
sneers at an art of the highest utility and illimitable possibilities.
Pliotography has helped to advance many sciences. It has
revolutionised engraving, it has aided art and educated those
who practise it, it has created several industries and sustained
many others, and it has contributed liberally to nearly every
section of human knowledge. These and a hundred other
things in its favour equally as cogent are not so well and
widely known as they should be, a fact we should all bear in
mind when next it is our fate to submit to the ridicule and
contempt with which a good many otherwise excellent and
intelligent people regard photography to-day.
Theoretical Predication of the Powers of Certain
Compounds in SevelopinR:. — In tlie Moniteur Scientijique,.
earlier in the year, is a very important paper upon "Keducing
Agents of the Aromatic Series which are capable of Developing the
Latent Photographic Image," by Messrs. A. & L. Lumiere (see
page 440). We commend it to the notice of all our scientific
readers. A great variety of compounds and their isomers are
treated of, and their relations to known developers described. All
the " new developers " are alluded to, as also others not yet brought
into practice, but which are capable of being utilised for the purpose
with a greater or less amount of usefulness.
Decolourising' Solutions of Shellac— It has often been
asserted that a solution of shellac in spirit can he decolourised by
filtering it through animal charcoal. Snch, however, is a fallacy.
No such treatment will remove the colour. "What has been said with
reference to a spirituous solution has also been reiterated with regard
to aqueous solutions. Here, again, the suggested treatment is equally
fallacious, as all are aware who have put it to the trial. We allude
to the fact here because we have on several occasions had letters from
correspondents on the subject of their failures, and another is now
before us. Apart from decolourisation, aqueous solutions of lac are
exceedingly difficult to make clear by filtration, through whatever
medium that may be performed.
The Next Solar Eclipse. — In the current number of
Nature will be foimd an article giving detailed maps and particulars
regarding the solar eclipse which will take place on April 15 and 16
next year. The line of totality will be seen to pass through South
America and across tropical Africa. The American photographers
will probably photograph from the Chilian district, while, probably,
both French and English observers will work from stations on the
Senegambian coast. The eclipse will probably be very widely
observed, not only because the shadow of the moon passes over such
a great stretch of land, but because the phenomena occur at a time
when a sunspot maximum is approaching, when the sun's atmosphere
will be more disturbed, more striking corona eflEects observed.
Colour Vision. — The returns issued annually prove very clearly
that many of the candidates for the marine service are, more or less^
colour blind, that is, they are unable to distinguish between certain
colours and others. Now, this defect in vision often exists where it
is not suspected. On the other hand, some persons are supposed to
suffer from it where it has no existence at all. This sometimes arises
from their not being able to name the coloui-s properly, although they
can distinguish them rightly enough. Some persons, for example,
would call some shades of blue purple, or some shades of green blue,
and so with other tints, yet they are perfectly able to distinguish
between them all. A writer in a recent number of a contemporary,
advocates, as a test for colour vision, the matching of colours without
reference to their names. This idea seems to be a good one, if only
as a supplementary test.
Election Portraits. — Those profes^onal photographers who
acted upon the suggestion we made a few weeks ago with reference
to portraits of the local candidates for the new Parliament have, in
most cases, no cause to complain. Indeed, some have written, thanking
us for the "tip." At no previous election has photography figured so
conspicuously as it does in the present. This, to a great extent, is to-
be attributed to the facilities that modern processes offer for the
rapid production of large numbers. " Process blocks" appear to have
been the method most generally adopted, for the reason that they
could be printed from in the press with ordinary type at a cheap
rate. Some of the examples, however, are particularly unfortunate,,
not 80 much on account of the quality of the block, though in some
instances these have been inferior, as to the printing. Half-tone
process blocks require careful treatment and the employment of good
paper. The paper and printing adopted for electioneering purposes is
not of that high order that would make the best of a delicate half-
July 8, 1809]
THB BRITISH JOURNAL OP PHOl'OGRAPHY.
435
tone block, although (ometimes we are told the price paid for it
would warrant the beat results. Alaa ! for thoae who have to pay.
•The Kew CommltMe and FhotogTaptaj.— In the last
issue, No. 3"', "f thf I'nffediiias of the Royal Soeifty, will be found
the report, in full, of the Kew Committee, which tr«at8, inter alia, of
manT subjects of photographic interest. We l^arn from it that a
new and aimpEfied method of taking and comparing cloud photo-
graphs has been carried out, partienlara of which, with examples of
the cloud pietnrea, have been tent to the rarions committees interested
in cloud photographs. We have no details of the kind of picture,
'bat it woiuld seem probable that, if duplicates could be purchased bj
-tiM poUie, photographers would hare a very ready means of obtaining
^ond nagAtires, anl in greater Taiiety than is now posnble. Of
'flomw, we are aware that nnmbeia of such negatires of excellent
ehaiacter are now purchasable at the dealers' ; but it is evident that,
the greater the variety, the kM the likelikood of two pictures being
«ihibited with the same atmoapharie affects. We may say that our
armpathy is entirely with those who prefer to take their own cloud
negatives direct from nature ; yet we cannot shut our eyea to the fact
that a large and increasing number of photographers buy ready-made
elood negatirea. ^^_^^_^^^^____
Zten* Testlnr- — The report states that, " in the preliminary
«peratiaas unawary to conduct the satirfaetoty esamination of
^otopaphie laosss. Major L. Darwin, lata HJB., haa baan aMoaiitsd
with ^ptainAhney, and in aeooidanea with hiaiingiliiM, ■ niiwiil
«UMra, capable of working with IsMsa of foar ^tkm tfrntmn, aad
ttbtj inehea focal length, haa baaa ittad of at the obserratory. A
photooMtCT, on Ahnay's prindpl*, haa alao baan fitted for oae in the
taaling operations. A dataHad ■eeoanf of the apparatos aad methods
onployed iain eooneof pnpantiaa byM^orDwwinforpohUcntion.
MauwUle, dienUn iwpeetinf tha ftofoaad ithiwi of winiinaHow
aad ptalia^aary entiflcataa hava baaa prfatad, aad 900 dialribvtad
■BMOK tha laa^ag optieiaas, awaofaeturen, and asaataiisa of all the
teat known photognphie aodatisa, both at hnoe aad abroad, to call
thsir attention to the iaieadsd plan of examination.''
Stations aapplled with FhotormplUo Apparatus.—
The laport alto givaa a list of pitcias to whidi they hava sent material*,
and thus wa lean that tha obatcratories of Aberdaen, Lisbon,
■aaiftius, Oxford, St. Petarthaif, Stoayhwst, the mataiaological
cOeea of BaUvia. Fort Willka^ aad Valencia hsTe haia thns
aqniypsd from Kew. Amoag gtlitr things, a caaiais aad laqniaita
fttinga for teenring photognpha of abads aad ighlaiBg h«fa baan
aaatf or MaaiWaa
rixlnc. — In the disentaions that have taken place at some of the
leading photographic tedatiaa OB tha stability or othvwite of nlrar
printa, tha geatnl cffUkm of tha acat experianead wofkara appaan
to be that more importaaea tboold ba attadied to the fixing of the
peinU than to their waahlng afterwards. In other words, a perfect
fixing is far more adrantagaons than a perfect waahing— that is, if either
«f the two operationi have bten aegitgantly performed. The complete
fiutioo of a silver print is only to be brongfat about by a prolooged
JnmeiihMi in the hyposulphite sohition, which tboold be freely made
■ad la good qnafity, or preferably by the use of a second bath. Un-
fortnntely, howvrer, tome prial^ sneh as thoae printed (ran feeble
negatives on weakly sensitiaad pspar, vriD not stand thia treatment
without lorn of tone and vigoar. A pilaler la aa iitlililiahiawil doing
a larga burfmm tscently reaiariptd to iw that, if modan priata ««•
left te a fixing bath of the oidiaaiy stniMfth for awre thu tea
ndaotea or so, they began to detarioiate rapidly in appeanaee. This
used not to be the eaaa, he said, with piiaU (tarn the negatiTM of old
made on the hsaray natitiasd paper used with them. If modem
prints wfll aot staad the operatioa of fixing, how can we expect
Bad Konnts.— Varioos caosas are st different timsa asrignwl
for the rapid fafiag of nlrer prints ; one of the nKxt freqoeat ia the
cardboard upon which they are put. It is frequently assumed that if
the mounts are free from " antichlor " — hyposulphite of soda — they
are safe. This is a mistake, as they may be perfectly free from that
impurity, and yet contain such deleterious matter as would seriously
affect any silver print put upon them. We were recently present at
the unpacking of a rather large parcel of photographic mounts from
a Continental factory that may contain no hyposulphite of soda, yet
we should say they were quite unsuited for photographic purposes.
They had evidently been packed while they were wet, and had
" sweated " in transit. They had been perfectly dry on the surface,
no doubt, but were damp in the middle, so that when unpacked they
had a sour and sickening smell, showing that a fermentation had been
set up from the moist paste in the interior of the card. Although
the mounts showed no signs of mouldiness, there is no doubt that it
would develop itself later on if they were kept in a moist, warm
ntnation. What effect this would have on a silver print our readers
need no reminding. Some time back we saw some " wood middles "
that were to be used in making mounting boards that had been
packed damp, or had become so in transit, that were quite mildewed
in the centre of the bales. There is no question that mounts made ot
such material must sooner or later act injuriously on the silver image.
New Method for Setecttngr Chlorides or Bromides
Ib Frsasnee of Iodides.— It was only quite recently that we
had occasion to describe a new mode for ascertaining the presence ot
the haloids, and again we have to announce a still further process,
which, though bearing a superficial resemblance to plans already
pnblished, is quite new and easily carried out with regard to dry
plates. Dating from the People's Palace Technical Schools, Mile
&id Koad, Dr. D. S. Macnair writes, that when freshly precipitated
moist silver iodide is heated with potassium bichromate and con*
centrat«d stilphnric acid no iodine is set free, but the precipitate
readily dissolves, forming silver iodate, which ia precipitated along
with soma tilvar hichromato in diluting moderately and cooling the
solution. SUvar bromide, when treated in the same way, gives alvei
sulphate, the whole of the bromide being set free, while silver
chloride behaves like the bromide, giving free chlorine and silver
sulphate. Tiieae reactions furnish an easy method of detecting
chlorides or hromidea in thtfctreaence of iodidet. It is only necessary
to precipitate with exeeaa of silver nitrate, filter off, and wash the
precipitate, and heat it with powdered bichromate and a little strong
sulphuric acid. If any chlonde or bromide is present, even with a
very laige exeaaa of iodine, its presence is Cfsily detected by the
evolution of chlorine or bromine. Dr. Macnair is at present making
farther aipailiuautt with a view to determine the delicacy of the
reacttoo, and alao whether^it can be conveniently employed for the
quantitative separation of iodine from^hlorine^and bromine.
ADVANCED PHOTOORAPIIIC WOKK FOR AMATEURS.
IV.
To those workera who acKperieaoe real pleasure in mastering the
minutest details of the vatioua opermtiani connected with photo-
graphy, such aa the developmsat of their negatives, and who
mbseqattttly print the same themaelvee, instead of, as many now do,
by atodiag them to some professional to have the work done, there
moat, of neeearity. be a pleasure which is entirely unknown to the
amateur .of the " Yoa prem the-button-we-do-thejest school." Still,
evea aaiong thoae woritert of the former class, it is but seldom
that any cf " such arc found who even go as far as they might in the
' ig and senaitiainK their own printing paper.
albumeniaed ana printing papers of commerce are so
and easily aoauired from any dealc-r, that the mere idea
of an amateur preparing hu own paper is never for a moment enter-
tained. Here, again, lunvever, we nave an operation which is fraught
with much that is interesting to an enthusiastic worker. Doubtless
the ordinary albumeniaed paper of commerce is now supplied to
the public in perfect coBOition (a condition which no tyro would
be ame to ^piMch in the attempt to produce such). Still, there an
other eltttnt of printing paper* than the highly glazed or double
albumeniaed temples, wnich any amateur may prepare with much
saoeeta— in fact, a 6km of paper which it is impoaaible to obtain
otherwiae than by pieparing such oneself.
4.'{C
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[JulyS, )Sfl2
Of late years, for the larger sizes of photographs, such as, sa^,
■whole-plate and upwards, there has been a distinct advance made in
artistic taste by the employment of matt-surface papers, such as
bromide or platinotype papers of commerce ; and doubtless the last-
named, to a very great extent, has taken the place of the good old
roxigh-surfncc silver paper so popular with workers of the old school
of jhotogrnphv.
I have no desire or inclination to discard the use of or deride the
beautiful results obtained with the aid of platinotype paper, but I
often think it a pity that the good old plain salted paper should have
been so unceremoniouslj- set aside by those workers who aim at the
production of prints of the very highest degree of artistic merit. No
doubt the facilities aflPorded the public of obtaining ready-prenarod
printing papers that will keep, and the admirable manner in whicn the
bromide and platinotype processes lend themselves in the way of
furnishing neat demonstrations in the matter of enlarging and develop-
ment before amateur societies, has much to do with their popularity ;
but, were the heads of our various amateur societies to give more
attention to the practical demonstration of numerous almost-for-
gotten photographic processes, I am quite certain their members would
profit thereby. How many amateurs of the present new school of
photography ever prepared or sensitised a sheet of printing paper for
themselves, or even ever saw such an operation done ? And yet this
forms one of the most important items in practical photography. I
am quite aware that, were all amateurs compelled to prepare and
sensitise their own printing material, the number of those who now
practise photography as a pastime would soon be reduced to a very
small number indeed, because not one in a hundred would take the
trouble to go to the extra cost of arranging even for such simple little
necessaries as would be required to undertake the work. Others,
again, have an idea that such is an operation of much difficulty ; and,
doubtless, tliis is true in a measure with regard to albumenised paper,
but no worker of ordinary intelligence need hesitate for a moment in
preparing and sensitising a supply of plain salted silver paper, the
results from which will certainly compare with, if, indeed, not far
surpass, the beauty of platinotype or bromide papers.
Admirably adapted for this purpose are the rough-surface drawing
papers, such as Whatman's, and, when the samples known as snow-
white are procured, an amateur could not select a more convenient
paper to try his 'prentice hand upon in the way of preparing his own
pnnting paper.
Let any one, therefore, desirous of undertaking this interesting part
of photography procure such a sample of paper, and then proceed to
make a salting solution as follows : —
Into a jam-pot place thirty ounces of clean cold water, then add
forty-five grains of chloride of sodium and forty-five grains of chloride
of ammonium ; dissolve, and add forty grains of gelatine ; place the
jam-pot in a saucepan of warm water till the gelatine is incorporated
with the solution ; then set aside to cool by pouring the same into a
flat porcelain dish of larger dimensions than the pieces of paper it is
intended to prepare.
A convenient method for any one to follow who undertakes the
sensitising of paper on a small scale is to cut up the paper into sizes
slightly larger than the negatives to be printed from, and then im-
merse singly each piece in the salting solution for at least five minutes.
This is best done in close proximity to a good kitchen fire, in front of
which the homely " winter dykes are placed, and, having bent some
good-sized pins into the shape of fishing-hooks, attach them by fine
threads to the cross bars of the clothes-horse. Each sheet of paper is
then one by one removed from the salting solution, and held up at
the comers by means of the hooks, and dried somewhat rapidly in '
front of the fire. When quite dry, they are placed away between
sheets of clean blotting-paper, and are ready at any time for sensitis-
ing by means of the ammonia-nitrate-of-silver solution, prepared as
follows : Dissolve one ounce of nitrate of silver in nine ounces of pure
water : take three ounces of this solution, and add to same strong
liquor ammoniae until the oxide of silver formed is redissolved, and
the solution again becomes quite clear ; then add this to the remain-
ing six ounces of solution. Oxide of silver will be again formed ; this
must be allowed to settle to the bottom of the bottle, and allowed to
remain there, When using, filter off as much solution as will be re-
quired ; exercise a little care in this, otherwise there will be surface
markings on the paper.
We will now suppose it is required to sensitise, say, half a dozen
pieces of paper to yield prints from 10 x 8 negatives, the paper being
already salted and cut to sizes somewhat larger. Each piece is
taken singly, and a pencil mark is made on the back, whereby
the sensitised surface may be distinguished. The pencilled side is
then laid upon a flat board, and the ammonia-nitrate-of-silver
solution is evenly and lightly swabbed on by means of cotton
wool or flannel. A convenient way is to emplov a piece of glass,
about three inches wide, over wnich are folied two folds of
swan's-down flannel. This is first soaked or damped in clean
cold water, and allowed to dry before being used in contact
with the silver solution. The paper being tacked down at the
four corners to the board, a pool of silver solution, in quantity-
sufficient to well cover the surface of the paper without any
violent rubbing, is poured on the centre. The solution is thea
evenly guided, by means of the swan's down, over the entire sur-
face of the paper, care being exercised that the surface is not
roughened, and that the solution is spread evenly. This is best
done at night, by means of ordinary gaslight; the paper is then
hung up by the pins as before in front of a kitchen fire, or other
suitable warm place, and dried quickly. It must be borne in mind
that paper so prepared will not Keep good for any great length of
time ; if, however, placed between sheets of clean blotting-paper,
it will keep quite fresh for some days ; therefore it is advisable only
to prepare as much as is required for immediate use.
In printing this paper, it will be necessary to print somewhat
darker than is the case with ordinary albumenised paper; when
printed, however, the operations are just the same, only a much
weaker toning bath is employed, to which I shall refer in my
next. ' T. N. ARiieTBONG.
JOTTINGS.
" Brum's " hope that, concurrently with the publication of his letter,,
an indignant denial from Mr. W. Jerome Harrison would appear,
disputing my charge that, under the pseudonym of " Talbot Archer,"
and in a journal published at the conveniently safe distance of some
three thousand miles or so, Mr. W. Jerome Harrison had stabbed and
derided the Photographic Convention of the United Kingdom and its
chiefs in an un-English, unmanly, and unjournalistic manner, was
not realised. I do not think " Brum " expected that it would be, for,
while he goes out of his way to make himself impertinent and offensive
to me, anybody can see that his defence of Mr. Harrison is of that
nature which is calculated to make the latter individual pray heartily
to be saved from hia friends. The fact is, Mr. W. Jerome " Talbot
Archer " Harrison cannot — nay, dare not — make the denial for which
" Brum," in his malice, asks, for the good and sufiicient reason that
evidence establishing the identity of " Talbot Archer " with " 3Ir.
W. Jerome^Harrison " is far too plentiful to render such a disclaimer
anything but the most forlorn and dangerous of enterprises. For the
credit and good name of American journalism, I hope that, if he does
not mend his ways, this expose will result in the substitution for Mr.
W. Jerome " Talbot Archer " Harrison of another English corre-
spondent otAnthonx/s Bulletin ; but if, unfortunately, Messrs. Anthony
should fail to read these "Jottings," and thus have no opportunity of
sending " Talbot Archer " to the right-about, I shall make it my,
business to keep a sharp eye on his fortnightly lucubrations, with
the view of keeping your readers informed of the future goings on
of " Talbot Archer." This, of course, assumes, Mr. Editor, that 1
myself do not meet the deplorable fate of being sent to the right-
about from your own pages. [Exactly ; so be careful. — Ed.]
I have tried some of the new Eastman gelatinc":;hlorlde paper ; but
as there are several other emulsion papers in the market, and as I
wish to remain good friends with the Editor and Messrs. Greenwood
&, Co., I am not going to say anything about it which would lay me
open to the imputation of having smuggled into this column any opinion
of a laudatory, or advertising, nature. One thing in connexion witk.
the new paper, however, strikes me as being such a good idea that I
ask leave to single it out for mention, in the hope that it will be
imitated by other manufacturing houses. I allude to the fact that
for the humble shilling one can obtain packets of the paper of any
standard size from quarter-plate up to 12 x 10, the aggregate area
of the paper in one packet being equal to that of any of the others,
larger or smaller. Few photographers would find it difiicult to afford
a shilling for six, say, 10 x 8 or four 12 x 10 pieces of paper, whereas
perhaps, if the paper were only sold in packets of one dozen sheets at
the same rate, the inducement to purchase, as well as the convenience,,
would not be so great.
July 8, 1802]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
4S7
The proeess of toning sflrer prints on plain paper by converting
them into tilrer sulphide, described by Mr. 0. D. West at the May
meeting of the Photographic Society of Japan, is hardly entitled to be
called "new," except perhaps the novelty be the employment of
solphutetted hydrogen instead of potassium sulphide. Of the
stability of the image of sulphide of silver, as well as the beauty of
tone that may thereby be obtained, there is such a general agreement
that I am surprised such a ayitMa of toning is not more largely
adopted both for transparenetea as well as paper prints.
The plate malmrs must look apon the Holbom Camera Club with
an eye of approval, for, according to the report in the JoinutAL of
Jane S4, tbe Club had an ontiiig on Jane 18 to Pinner and Ruislip,
"where a very charming aftaraoon was spent in spoiling plates."
Bat, if the members of the Holbocn Camera Club are not capable of
atiliiiiig dry plates in any other manner than by spoiling them, why
go to the time, tioaUe, and expense of a journey to nnner and
Roialip, and waste a very charming afternoon in pursuit of that
object ? Or is this, after all, only a little secretarial joke ? If it is,
what do the members think of it P
I was pleased to see that Mr. J. Piks discounted the value of
mereorie eillofide in ■■slating to wovn iiidwtent staiii* ■nmetiimw
prodaesd in amiMidA deralopoMBt, a ndnfldoa proesa* with potaaHom
ferrideyanide and hypo, soch as ha iadieatea, being olmoaaly more
ratiooaL The iridescent stains be speaks of are not, I fear, pro-
dnoibb by ammonia alone, for I have myself bean tzoaUed with th«m
whan oaing sodiam carbonate as the alkaE. It ia, I beBeve, an on-
doubted fact that iridesceaea ia ansDy a agn of age in a gelatine
plata, which often doea not naad tba aaiit^ncie of the developer to
make it risible. The wont casa of iiMa«iat naiUngs with which I
was aver troubled, however, waa ■bown ia aoae plates which had
r. >t left tka maker'a eoatiag room a IbHaigbt. Thoee plataa before
<l'-relapaiant bad "gone* to tka Jspth of about an inch round three
sides, and, after developwaBt, looked lika nothing so much aa polished
metal of a bluish tinge.
!h« oasaof the fiaat eambination of a
1 type in aOowiiig of a gieater focal
:siu>.-j than when tka bade eombinalian, aa is often
: vMt a bint whidi datwaa noting and TMnembtaaee.
und ianaaa raaOj •jmnetrical, which aa a matter
the etrenaataaoa that aithsv the front or the
'- amployad at will eoabn a popatty upon
- enoeof which Is not gaMtally laoognised.
'Im» ia, tiiat Out one IsM can ba oonrattad into ptaetically three
' Ijjvctivea of dillannt fbcL
I am sora, in saying that wa all deplore the laasenUble balloon
IT. ident at the Crystal Palace in which Mr. Cecil Shadbolt, the
-■^- 'on of a>orth7 fathsv,so nearly loat his life, I am only
.reneral opinion. Both gantlemen have done good work in
( .. :.• lu uf photography, and an wtitlad to oar wannaat sympathies.
♦
ART: ITS MISSION AND CATHOLOCITY.*
Each one of us ia a enrioas adaixtare of Useful and Fine Art;
and, as a man's temperament is, so will tha Usefnl or tka Rna Bt»-
pondeiate, so will his path in lif^ be ehoaen. With his eo^Araetion
of iron and stone the artist wiO bridge for liis feOow-beinga an arm
of tka aia, or with hia palette and nraah he will biidgetM narrow
gnlf bstwa« the Real world and the IdsnL We are each poa-
aaasad by tkia Ideal, consdoosly or naeoaaeioaaly, and ia working it
ont wa show ooiaelvea artists of peat or mean capacity, just so far
as oar Ideal it isswitisi to the panod in which we labour, and just so
far as it ia made dear to those anrnnd us. it may be said that no
work of art waa ever pcodoead that was not an effort on the part of
tha artist to tranahOe tha eonosiition of hia mind into a medium
ondatatood by his teflow-beings ; bat, " in the long way from the aye
* CcMladsd bsai fsge 4S8L
through the arm how much is lost!" his production will be the
replies of his conception just so far as he is a skilful artist. It may
be such a complete and luminous translation as shall be its own
emancipation from art canons, or it may be a mere catalogue of form
and colour. Looking back with critical eyes over the world's history
the conviction is forced upon us that the aim and endeavour of Art
is to give concrete form to this WiU o' the Wisp Ideal. It is Art's
one supreme mission in every am to stamp the Ideal of that age in
its surroundings ; and in the works of art of any period in the world's
history we have an unimpeachable witness to the culture of that age
and its customs ; for to enable each age to make itself ineffaceable
seems one of the truest offices of Art.
Yet the work of art can never wholly realise the Ideal of the artist ;
it can only be an approximation to it, for the artist must ever be
hindered by the unpliBblenc».s of the medium in which he realises his
conception ; " but through his necessity of imparting himself the
adamant will be as wax in his hands, and will allow an adequate
communication of himself." It rests with his education and persistent
sffort to expand the arc of the pliability of his means of expression ;
the hammer and chisel of the Egyptian hieroglyphist became, through
long use and careful education, the facile medium of the Grecian
sculptor; and the painter's brush has become, next to language, the
most eloquent of any means of imparting ourselves. To what extent
photography can be made available as an art of expression rests with
Its disciples, yet we cannot look around the walls of any photographic
exhibition and doubt that a great future exists for it in this respect.
All bold endeavour to utilise photography as a means of conveying
an artist's conception should be welcomed and tolerated, as tending
to increase the arc of its pliability. Mnch has already been done in
this direction, thanks U> those bold spirits who dared the first depa>-
tores from the mechanical photography of former days, and there are
in existence, in^ no meagre quantity, pictures done "by photography
before whfch criticism is dumb, because the conception of the artist
has been so clearly imparted as to leave no room for speculation.
When an artist works out his ideal and places it before his fellow-
beings by means of the Rne Art in which he works, it is with the
reasonable^ hope that it will afford pleasure or instruction to those
who have ideas and views resembling his own ; but in all communi-
ties of men there will be diversity of opinion and taste. The same
landscape, the same human face, the same phase in our social life
will be different for you and me by the difference in our tempera-
ments: and, when we have issued to the world our separate inter-
pTetatioaa of the evening landscape, the human face, or the social
phase, there will be the difference oetween the two of our individu-
ality, which is a birthright no one can take away from us. The
picture that attracts and is full of meaning to one is to another devoid
of interest and beauty ; yet does that not give him the right to say
it should not exist. All works of art that exist have meaning and
beauty in them for some one — it is their warrant of existence ; it is
nothing that their meaning be bidden and thefr beauty unfathomable
to those who lack that sympathy which is the key to their use.
" Every genuine work of art, ' we are told, " has as much reason for
being a* the earth and the sun."
In ooncladon, 1 would plead for a broader view of Art, and a more
liberal appredation of iti functions. Art is not soldv pre- Raphael-
ism, or Imuiession, but of sufficient universality to incluoe both these
phasee, and a thousand others beside. It is not the painter only who
Is an artist, but the musician, the litt<!r«teur, the orator, and, if he
ehoosea, the photographer. A work of art is not, or should not be,
prodnead aa aa exemplification of the tenets of particular schools of
trsAtment, nor shouU it be a picture-lesson in art rules ; for then will
it become, what only it dcaervaa to become, a battlefield for vitupera-
tive critics. It ihnulH br tkt clotftft pouibb approjtmation to the eon-
efption of tht artitt'i mind that hu method of ejpre$a<m, aided by
hu own culture, trill allow. Then will Art fulfil lU mission, as " a
wonderful expression through stone, or canvas, or musical sound of
the deepest and simplest attributes of our nature, and therefore meet
iaUlligihle at last to those souls who have these attributes."
GaoBGK T. IIaxsu.
MAGIC LANTERN MATTERS.
[SoMh tUaelwaUr PholofimpUe Sodttj.J
On the preeent occasion I shall not have much to say about the magic
lantern anterior to the introduction of Marcy's Sciopticon (from
America) by the late W. B. Woodbury. Of course it is quite true
that we bad lanterns before the sciopticon, and these were of two types,
one for burning oil which was nothing more than a toy — and a poor
one at that — quite unsuitable for anything more than showing painted
tlipe on laeeiii rery little kiger than a pocket handkercnief ; the
438
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRA.PHY,
[July 8, 1892
other was a big clumsy oxyhydrogen lantern, which was chiefly used
for Sunday-school meetings, mechanics institutions and by a few
private exhibitors and lecturers. We had occasionally a good deal of
talk about using the lantern for educational purposes, but there was
very little practical work done in this direction ; not many amateur
photographers made lantern slides, or paid much attention to them in
those days. But there were a few commercial firms who produced lantern
slides, and the introduction of the sciopticon must have vastly increased
their business, for that beautiful little instrument not only filled up
the gap between the already existing instruments : it did more, it
was capable of taking the place of both ; with its two-wick oil-lamp
it was possible to exhibit photographs in the drawing-room on from
five to six feet and up to seven-feet screens without much trouble,
and also by the same instrument, using limelight, the largest screens
were just as brilliantly illuminated as by the most ponderous lantern
ever constructed ; indeed, the sciopticon came at the right time, it
was just the very thing that was wanted, and it became so popular as
to be almost a part of every amateur's paraphernalia.
I believe it to be a fact that Woodbury djd take provisional patent
Erotection for the sciopticon lamp in this country, and that during the
rst year they were placed upon the market over 400 were supplied,
but by an oversight, or we may say neglect, for Woodbury was not
a business man, the patent was not completed. Other firms took
advantage of this, and very soon placed similar lanterns before the
public at a slightly reduced price. I am informed that one firm alone
supplied over 1000 of these in the following year. We had not long
to wait before several so-called improvements were introduced and
patented, but it may be said that nearly all the oil-burning lamps for
lantern purposes used to-day are more or less the progeny of the
Qciopticon.
The sciopticon was originally constructed to burn two one-ond-a-
half-inch wicks, placed edgeways to the condenser, and with the ex-
ception of some improvements in the combustion chamber, made by
Mr. George Smith, the present proprietor and manufacturer, it remains
in its original state. Some of the so-called improved lamps are made
to use three, four, and as many as five wicks, and these up to two
inches and two and a half inches wide, either placed parallel, con-
verging, or diverging, and some again take other forms, the intention
being to increase the illuminating power.
Now, if it were necessary, I could give my experiences of many
years with nearly all these multiple wick-lamps, and down to the
latest patent before the public ; but, to be brief, I see no advantage in
them for the purpose for which oil-lamps are suitable. There
undoubtedly is in some an increase in the size of flame; but for
lantern purposes a large volume of flame is not required. It is
intensity that is necessary, and the intensity must be in the right
place, which is the focus of the condenser, and is confined to a very
small area, and it can be shown to be a positive disadvantage to have
more volume than is required. Then, again, the enormous heat given
off by some of these powerful lamps, resembling a roaring furnace, is
another very great disadvantage. Added to this is the difficulty to keep
the wicks burning evenly, by reason of unequal combustion, for very
soon the wicks begin to " fork,"' one flame gets higher or lower than
the rest, the thing begins to smoke, to smell, the light goes bad, and
the whole affair has to be readjusted ; but with the two-wick lamp
there is none of these troubles. It is quite easy to adjust the lamp
at the commencement, as not to require the sUghtest attention for
three or four hours.
It has been stated by some amateur lantemists that with So-and-
So's or somebody else's lamp they have exhibited ten-feet pictures,
and we know there are some gentlemen who are always cleverer than
everybody else, and sometimes these gentlemen are so carried away
by their enthusiasm as to believe they have done something big, or,
at any rate, to tell us so. I can light my dining-room by a farthing
candle, but I do not think you would care to be entertained at dinner
by such illumination. Then, we have somebody's lamp compared to
limelight. Well, of course, we can compare the light of a candle to
the electric arc light ; but for equality of illumination the comparison
is a very poor one.
The limit in size of picture shown by any oil lamp is, in my opinion,
six feet square where photographs are the pictures, but it is possible
to select a few photographs of certain subjects that might be tolerated
to seven feet, and perhaps more, but after seven or eight feet the blow-
through limelight becomes necessary, and this may be used up to ten
or even twelve feet, and after that the mixed jet, with oxygen and
hydrogen under pressure, is indispensable. Ether may be used in
place of hydrogen or coal gas, but I see no advantage in its use in
any way.
The oil-lamp, then, as I have stated, is only suitable up to six-feet
screens, and the question comes now, is six feet large enough ? The
answer to that is, it depends where it is to be used and the size of
the audience. I have given a good deal of pleasure to private friends
at home by even a less picture, but in a private drawing-room or
a dining-room it is not always convenient to fix a six-feet screen, and
very often when it is convenient there is either a fire burning in the
room or some abominable reflections, that cause a good deal of trouble
by interfering considerably with the results. All these objections are
dispensed with by using a transparent screen such as I now introduce.
In this little waterproof case, not unlike an umbrella-cover, except
that it is a little longer, is a roll of a particular kind of semi-trans-
parent paper three feet eight inches wide. The outer end of it is
attached by six drawing pins to a wooden lath five-eighths of an inch
square, having suitable fittings for attaching to two bght stands, also
contained in the waterproof case. The screen, as you win see, can
be erected on one end of a dining-room table in three minutes ; and, if
the table is long enough, the lantern can be placed at the other end.
The audience sit in front, and I think you will be surprised to see
how beautiful pictures look when projected in this way. The re-
flections from the house-fire do not interfere with the results in the
slightest degree. We may even permit a tolerable light in the room,
and you may strike a match to light your cigar without seriously im-
pairing the brilliancy of the picture. And, now that all is ready, you
see a beautifully illuminated picture three feet six inches square by a
sciopticon, and which I maintain is large enough for most private-
house exhibitions, or even in a small schoolroom, where the audience
is not too large.
I am not advocating small screens in preference to large ones, for
all depends upon circumstances ; but I do prefer a well-lighted small
screen to a large one with inferior illumination, and especially so
when we can get to the best position from which to view the pictures ;
and here another matter may be of interest.
The lanternist inquires what is the most suitable size screen for a
certain size room ? and the audience ask which are the best seats to
see the picture from ? To say that the screen ought to be in propor-
tion to the size of the room is the general way of putting it, and to
sit about the middle of the room is the usual reply to the best
position.
Now, it is an established fact, which was recently demonstrated
at the Stereoscopic Club, that the most correct position from which
to view any photograph is at the angle at which the photograph was
taken. Thus, if we make a picture by a twelve-inch lens, and we
wish to appreciate size and perspective correctly, we must view the
picture at twelve inches from the eye. To examine it at a nearer
distance is equal to it being taken by a longer-focus lens than twelve
inches ; and to see it at a greater distance gives the impressions of one
taken by a shorter- focus lens. Then, if we make quarter-plate
negatives by a five-inch lens, to see it correctly we must either use a
magnifying-glass or a stereoscope, or we may magnify it by the
lantern; but the principle is just the same. If we make lantern
slides by contact from quarter-plate negatives taken by five-inch
lenses, and mask these down to 2f inches, as is usual, and then
project these slides to 6 feet, we have a magnification of 26 diameters ;
then 26 by 6 (focus of lens) gives 11 feet. If we project the slide to
12 feet, or about 52 diameters, this, multiplied by 5, will show us that,
at 22 feet, we should see the pictures at their best; and, from what
has now been said, it will be understood how incorrect it is to make
lantern slides which are to be shown in series from negatives taken
by lenses of different foci, or what comes to the same thing, is making
contact slides from quarter-plate negatives and other contact slides
from portions of whole-plate and even larger negatives.
At a lantern exhibition, not very long ago, a series of slides of
Haddon Hall were shown. The photographer had used a nine-inch
focus lens for most of the exterior views, but for all the interiors a
five-inch lens was used. I well remember the view from the terrace
steps, showing the main front of the building, with the ball-room
windows ; and the next view was the interior of the ball-room. It
looked so very large, that no person in the world who did not know
the architecture could have imagined a room of such dimensions to be
contained in the building we had just seen upon the screen. It was
as ridiculous as for an architect, to submit unfigured plans of the
rooms in a house all drawn to different scales, to fill up the paper, and
where the bath-room and the w.c. might be shown the same size as
the dining-room, no true idea could be formed from such drawings
or such photographs.
A similar misuse in lenses was made by a friend of mine who went
to Norway last year ; he had a half -plate camera, and a seven-inch
rapid rectilinear lens. About half the number of his pictures were
taken by this lens, and the others by one of the combinations of the
lens only, which would be about fourteen inches focus. He said it
saved hjm the trouble of walking or climbing to places where, say, a
July 8, lS9e)]
THE BKITI8H JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
439
w»terf4ll would have be«n too small to fill his plate if taken br the
aeren-inch C':>mbinatioQ: the reault i«, that nearly all the waterfalls in
Nonraj, judging from his pictorea, are the same size, and no true
•pprecution of sue or distance is poanble from his *ene» of pictures.
About the artistic side of the question, I am not here to-night to
diMaas. tboa(;h admitting ther>* may be circumstances where, on the
■BUM life plate, a seren-inch lens will b« better than a fire-inch, or
tiee veritt. but I repeat, and with emphasis, that the too frequent use
of lenses of great (usparitT in focus for lantern sfides is a miatake.
It ma.T be said in conclusion that the focus of the lantern objective
haa nothing whataver to do with the subject of this communication.
W. I. Ckadwick.
♦
CLOIT) PnOTOGRAPHY.
Not to tiefipaaa too greatlv on jour space, I will briefly say, in
reply to yonr oorreapondent'" A H. M.,** that further experience has
not led me to wiah to qualify anTthing I have said in the paper to
which Toa kaTe »f erred him, anJ whicii gires a full answer (as you
■ay) to Bis first foor points.
As to the use of a Nicol prism, I am not aware of any eztesdad
•eriaa of experiments in point. The apparatus would necoiaarilv be
radier chuBiT, and, if a reasonably wide angle of view were required,
the coat of tAe Nicol would be very great, far more than the mirror,
and without any correaponding adrantage.
Oidinary dry platea and direct expoaoze may be i»»Ie to yield good
Wiulti whara Ma* oiooda are denae tad stand aninu a ciear deep blue
aky ; but if the akr ia baxy, or if tha cloadi are thin, it is com-
f«ntm^ aeldom Uiat the ezpoaore ean be eorrectlr timed.
Soma aieellaBt pietorea hare beta aant to the Britiah Aiaoeiation
ComBittee on Metaoroiogical Photography which have bean talcen on
orthochromatic platea, bat no rery troatworthy eoocludon can yet be
dnwn u to the comparatire mant of the watnod. At the last loiHa
ti tka Soyal Soeia^, aoma beautiful [ietum wan ahown which bad
bean taken at th« Vatieaa Obserratory Oder tbe direction of the
fiar. Padn Deaa. Soma of thaaa were taken by thia method, but
wilbovt a ootoorad acraao.
I taa tUt U. Aagot, in a report primrtii to tha SocMW UMoio-
leaiqna4aVtaiMOiiJniia7,a»ya: ^Tk« beat naidtaaMoMaiiiad with
eelinrad aeneoa; iiii>aitha>am, tha MdoMrr aoeana am iiiaaffictent.
Tha fallowiag formnk, doe to IL LA» Vidal, giraa aiTafT aatiaf action.
Ia a Bttla § laaa tioMh with panOat taoaa, a solatioo u introdnoad
wUeh haa tha toDomat toBtfoaUom :—
Sokhalaofeoppv 171 pim—i
Bflfcmnata of poUah 17 «
Solpharic aod 3 ex.
Thaaa are dimolvad in from 100 to tOO cnUe centlaMliaa of water
aeeofdisff to tha thickoaaa of tha troofh and the raaaha to ba attained."
Loiitrea orthochromatic pktaa ara oiad with thia acraao.
Dr. Rinaahaeh diiaeu that azpoaora (direct) ahonkl be ao timed
aad dawlojiMaBt ao earned oat that the image of tha cloud ahoold
Ear whOa tha aky wiaiiii clear. Tha faint imaga thoa obtained
lid thao baialaoailad by tha aalphantimooiaia method, bat that,
M kaK tonaa ara nqjdxti, aoae other irtenaifUr moat ha iMad.
I moat aaylaaatafciaatoaae how aoch a malhod ooaU yield tha
haaatifnl laaolte Dr. Bigganhach hai obtained, bat it ia laah to
thauriaa in aoch mattan, and I hare not yet exparimantad upon it.
Ona thing I hara done ia to azparimaat with Wo»Bfa««». "A.M.M."
■akaa no reCetaooa to thia method, bat he will find it waD worth
trying. With my black mirror and Mawaon ft Swan'a photo-
maehaaical niataa, or with platea ooatad with tha amnMoo tha same
■akannaarorlantamslidei,! hara obtained nagaHrea of tha thinnaat
and moat diffienh eiooda which, for rlwmaaa of daftaition nt tha dood
fnma, eoald not ba aarpaased. Kagntfraa takan on ordinary platea
by tka aaat mathod oftan raqoin hianameatloB, bat tha alow plate,
•aatioMiy dwolnpad, givaa axeaOaot bromide ot tranapaiwey printa
Slow platea azBoaed direct may alao be mada to give aatiafactoir
iHoMa, bat tha aajnataent of atop and expoonre I find man difficalt
than it ia with tha minor.
I ham not pH ban able to make a oomparatin taat of tha merit of
oittoekraaatM pktaa, but I do not think a rapid brand woold be
tcmad ntirfaetoty. A slow brand would probably give good raaolu.
I aa afraid than nolaa are aomawbat hasty andfdwiointad, bat they
'^n show " A. X. M." that doctota differ aa to the reepactiTe mariu
«< thair mathoda. Probably black mirror, oolourad scraana, ortho-
rhnmnliE plataa, or mn ak>w pUtea, can, in practised handa, ba
■ada to j*M a^oaOy good nmm. BM tha qneation b, Which is
oaiiaatP So far aa my axperienee goaa^ yon eoold hardly bare an
aailwlMk than to taka a eiood effect with the black mirror and a
slow plate. I use a stop /-ll,andTary the e.\posure from half a
second to perhaps one-tenth, according to the light. Heavy clouds
require longer exposure than cirrus, but a little practice will soon give
better guidance than anj amount of verbal advice.
In conclusion, as Secretary of the B.A. Committee on Meteorological
I^faotography, I ahoold be most happy to give " A. M. M." (or any
one elM who wishes to take up cloud photography) any further in-
formation in my power, or even an opportunity of seeing my apparatus
and negatives. Abthub W. Clatdkm.
PHOTOGRAPHIC CONYENTION OF THE UXITED KINODOV.
EDniBUROB Meeting.
The Convention proceedings commence on Monday, July 11, in the
Hall of the Boyal Scottish Geographical Society (kindly granted by the
courtesy of the Trustees (or the Board of Mauutactures), Queen Street,
Edinburgh.
Details or EIxoubsions.
Tuodoy. July 13. — Melrose and Dr;burgh. Leader, Mr. Hippolyie J.
Blane, A3.SA. Train leaves Waverley Station at 9.20 a.m., and Melrose
on return at 5.59 p.m. ; 10<. 6<i. each, including railway fare, admission
to Melrose and Dryburgh Abbeys, drive to Dryburgh and back, and
lunoheoo; lunch at the George Hotel, Melrose, at 1 p.m.; drive to
St BoaweUa at 2 p.m. Fnll particulars will be posted in the meeting-
room on Monday, July 11. At Melrose: The abbey, east and south
windows, portion of cloister, ix. At Dryburgh : The abbey, Norman
door, cloister ooort, St Mary's aisle, Sir Walter Scott's tomb, views on
river Tweed.
Thundajf, July 14. — Ezenrsion A, St. Andrews. Leader, Mr. 3. D,
Coz. Train leavaa Waverley Station at 9.35 a.m., and St. Andrews on
retom at 8.30 p.m., arriving in Edinburgh at 5.23 p.m. ; railway (are,
U. 8d. ; lunch at " Oroaa Kays " Hotel at 1 p.m. St. Andrews Cathedral,
St Begulnt' Tower, views in harbour, A-e. — Excursion B, Dunfermline,
ifee. Laader, Mr. J. M. Tumbull. Train leaves Waverley Station at
10.15 a-m., and North Quaansfarry on return at 3.39 p.m., arriving in
Edinbnrgh at 4.5 p.m.; railway (are, It. lid. Dunfermline Abbey;
Inverkaithlng, old hoosaa in atreat ; North Qneen8(erry, views o{ Forth
Bridge.
Friday, July 15 Exennion A, Dalmeny and Cramond Bridge. Leader,
Mr. J. B. Boddiek. Coach (rom Waverley Steps. Princes Street, at
10.80 a,,in.; other coaebes about every half hour; (are. Is. each way;
hBabaoo, Cramond Bridge Hotel, LSO p.m. At Dalmeny: Dalmeny
Booaa and Bambongle Castle, the residences of Lord Boseberry ; views
in park, including Forth Bridge in distanoe. At Crantond : Old Bridge,
Old Villa, Cramond Ferry, and numerons fine views on river Almond.
Mambara daairoas ot doing part o( this excursion could join in the
morning and ratom to Edinbnrgh to luncheon, ox could join the excursion
(or the aftamooo at Cramond Bridge Hotel at 2 p.m.— Excursion B,
Boalin and Hawthomdan. Leader, Mr. \V. Brown. Coach (rom Waverley
Steps, Prineea Street, about 10.80 a.m. ; other ooaohes at intervals during
the day. At Boalin : Chapel, exterior and Interior views ; Boslin Castle
(rom dell ; and many fine views on the river Elk, in BoiUn Olen, and in
the grounds o( HawUiomdan.
GESEKil. iKroaXATIOK.
Applieatioo (or mambarahip should be made to the Hon. Sec. or to the
Hon. Local See. Tba anbaeription ia Ss. per annum, and ia due on the
1st ot Jannary of aaeb year. Ladiaa are eligible (or membership.
An exhibition of noraltiaa in pbota^^)hio apparatus will be held at
tha Hall of tba Boyal Boottiah Oaogriqibieal Society daUy (rom July 12
to 16 inaloaiTa,.batwaan tha hoars o( 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. Members must
pcodaee their mambarahip ticket oo entering.
The annnal meeting wUl take plaoe at tha Ball o( the Boyal Scottish
Oeogimphieal Sodaty at 10 ajn. on Wednaaday, July 13.
Tha groap will be takan, waathar pannitting, in Princes Street Gardens
on Wadnaeday, July 13, at noon.
-JPA Boyal Hotel and the Waverley Temperance Hotel will be the
OoBvantion head-quarters during the meeting.
Tba dinner will be held at tba Waterloo Hotel, Waterloo Place, on
Friday evening, July 15, at 6.80 p.m., (ollowed by a smoking concert
Tickets, 6<. aaeh (including attendance but exclusive o{ wine), (rom the
Hon. Saorelariaa.
Mambara on arrival are raqnested to enter their names, (nil address,
and wbata staying in Edinburgh, in the signature book in tlie hall.
Tha rooms o( the Edinburgh Pbotographio Society at 3S North Castle
Street have bean kindly oflaiad to the members o( the Convention (or
ehangiog or dareloping tbait plataa. The (allowing dark rooms have also
440
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[July 8, 1892
b«en placed at the service of members of the Convention : — Mr. A. H.
Baird's, 15 Lothian Street ; Mr. J. Buncle'g, 7 Hope Street ; Mr. William
Hume's, 1 Lothian Street; Mr. James Stuart's, 34 Frederick Street;
Mr. J. M. Tumbnll's, 6 Boae Street ; Mr. T. Haddow's, 2 Maitland Street.
Permission has been obtained to photograph the following places:—
Edinburgh from Calton Hill, before 8 a.m. ; Edinburgh from Castle, in
the afternoon; Sir Walter Scott's monument, any time; Castle from
Princes Street Gardens, morning or evening ; Castle from Grassmarket,
before 9 a.m. ; John Knox's House, High Street, afternoon ; St. Giles' Cathe-.
dral, east end, before 9 a.m.; ditto, west end, after 2 p.m. ; ditto, interior.
A Randy Guide to the City and Dutrict, with maps by Bartholomew
& Sob, can be had at the meetings of Convention, price Is. each.
Stxopsis or Pbooebdimoe.
Monday, July 11.— Beception at 6.30. Presidential address at 7.30.
Optical lantern and opening of exhibition at 9.
Tuaday, July 12.— Excursion to Melrose and Dryburgh.
Wednetday, July 13. — General Meeting at 10 a.m. Meeting of General
Committee at 11. Convention group at 12. Papers (3 to 6 and 8 to 10
p.m.): Individuality in Photography, H. P. Bobinson; The Art of Photo-
graphy in relation to Painting, K. Burchett; Amateur Photography in
America, Miss Catharine Weed Barnes ; Orthochromatie Photography IV.,
C. H. Bothamley ; Photography in relation to Medical Becord and
Demomtration, A. Pringle ; On the Training of Pliotographert, E. A.
Howard Farmer ; Paper by W. K. Burton.
Thuriday, July 14. — Excursions to St. Andrews and Dunfermline.
Papers (8 to 10 p.m.) : The Use of the Colour Screen in Landscape Photo-
graphy, Charles L. Mitchell, M.D.; Direct Silhouette Portraiture (with
lantern illustration), J. Cox Cox; How to look at Photographs, F. M.
SntcUfie.
Friday, July 15. — Excursions to Oalmeny and Cramond Bridge, Boslin
and Hawithomden. Dinner and smoking concert, Waterloo Hotel, at
6.30 p.m.
Saturday, July 16. — Council Meeting at 10 a,m.
EEDUCING AGENTS OP THE AROMATIC SERIES WHICH ABE
CAPABLE OF DEVELOPING THE LATENT PHOTOGBAPHIC
IMAGE.
{Moniteur Seientijique. )
The authors have endeavoured to apply to photography the conquests of
chemistry, and to find a chemical theory for developers ; from their
observations, the following conclusions have been drawn.
1. For a substance of the aromatic order to be a developer of the
latent image there must be in the benzinic nucleus at least two groupings
of hydroxyl or two of amidogen, or at the same time a hydroxylic and an
amidogenic group.
2. The preceding condition is necessary, but it only seems 8u£Scient in
isomerism.
For example, orcine will not develop; its iosomeride, tolnquinone,
develops perfectly. Besorcine indicated as developer has no action in
the state of purity. Cafteic acid, however, —
CH:
I
6
5
\
and pyrocatechin, —
CH
OH
I
—OH
are developers. It is possible that other substances than the iaomerides
have reductive qualities, but these exist in all cases of isomeric relation.
3. The developing power may persist when in the molecule there are a
greater number of groupings OH or NH,.
I'yrogallic acid was already known ; we may also mention diamido-
phenol, —
1
6 2
5 3
4
-NH,
diamidocresylol, —
CH,
— / 1
6
H,N—
—OH
-NHj
a triamidocresylol ; gallamio acid.
4. When the molecule results from the welding of two or several benzinic
nuclei, or of benzinic nuclei and others, preceding remarks are only
applicable when the hydroxylic groups and the amidogenic exist in the
same aromatic nucleus.
For example, benzidine has no action nor oxyoarbostyryles, whereas
paradioxyquinoleine acts.
5. The substitutions made in the group OH or the group NH, destroy
the developing properties whenever at least two of these groups do not
remain intact in the molecule.
For example, dimethyl-para-amidophenol does not develop, neither does
dimethyl-hydroquinone. Guaicol, however, acts.
6. The other substitutions which may be made in the CH of the
nucleus do not seem to suppress the developing power.
For example, hydrophlorone —
CH,
HjN—
1 ^ —OH
6 2
5 3
4
— CH,
Podocarpic acid does not seem to annul the developing power. But the
acid function seems to diminish it, for caffeic, protocatechuic, and ami-
dosalicylic acids only develop with a strong base, the alkaline carbonates
being no longer sufficient.
7. The preceding remarks only apply to the aromatic series.
Ethylendiamine and guanidine have no action. Phenylhydrazine is
an exception ; but, on the other hand, this compound is quite outside of
the previous rules by its mode of formation.
The following conditions must be added to the above. The substance
must be soluble in water, its solution little coloured, and the products of
its oxidation in the bath must have little colour and not dye gelatine.
In a note in the June number of the Bulletin de la Societe Fraru;aiie de
Photographic the authors indicate the following formulas for the application
of para-amidophenol to the development of gelatino-bromide of silver.
L
Water 1000 parts.
Sulphite of soda 200 „
Carbonate of soda 100 „
Para-amidophenol 12 „
n.
Water 1000 „
Sulphite of soda 200 „
Carbonate of lithia 12 i,
Para-amidophenol 12 >i
The first formula is very energetic, and is particularly suitable for
instantaneous developments.
The slight solubility of para-amidophenol does not give the latitude in
Jnly 8, 1869]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
441
the fonnala whiebi pjiagallie aeid pcManU, for eumple. Bat, per
MHtra, the folatiaa it pia»emid for • long time colonrleu and aotive.
FinaUj, in a reeest eoaunQiiieatioo to the French Photographic Society,
Meavs. Lamitee publish • eomparttiTe itadv on bydroquinone, p«ra-
, and eikooogen. Leariog aqueoui solutions of these three
I in the air, the paia-amidophenol oxidates first, then eikonogen ;
yijitf*M|qfiwwi^ reaisia loosest.
The proJoat Ikwn oxidation of the para-amidophenol, probably qoinoni-
mide, is inaohible in water ; the tolation is not distarbed, bat deposits a
black Bolable precipitate, which tama riolal in ammonia or alkali and
red in nitric acid.
With eikonogen, the solation is eoloored deep brown, taming green in
ammonia and red in nitric acid.
Finally, the oxidated solation of hydroqainone is reddish, becomes
yellow in *minnn;«, and is diseoloored by nitric acid.
Tbeae aune proAwta torai in darekfing ; those of eikonogen and hydro-
qninooe dy« naltltiMi yaUov, which remains ooloarless in the case of
pAra-imidophsDoL At least twenty-fiTe eliehit can be developed with
this last sabatanee withont finding any diffaceBoe from first to last ;
atisiwi with the two others, as soon as some elicMi hare been dereloped,
the olhera torn yellow.
Theaa three eompooada redaee soluble salts of ailTer, bat hare no
action oa haloid salts, except in prsesnce of an alkali or alkaline car-
bonate.
The «^M't"»" to the dareloper with para-amidophenol base of bromide
d potaesinm oc hypoaalphite of aoda, pcodooea almoat similar effects as
with tba other derdopva.
Bj the Beab praetas, to fix the wai^ of neoeeaaiy matter to reduce
osM giamme at nitrate of silrsr, the antheea obtaiaed the following
ntimbers : —
Hydroqainone (H>7
PBi»-amidoplMaol 0-14
Eikonogen 030
It then rsqairea twice as much para-aaaidophanol, and four times as
ancb of dkooogaa, to redoes the saoM weight of^trate of stlrsr. From
a pnetieal point tt view theaa iftlfwswnss ars c( oo importanee, for the
Tadaaiag acsat ia always In great eseaaa aa regards the salt of silver.
Tiia aariinjhwiil howsrer, seeaaa to pr saint theaa adraatagaa. It
oiidalaa man lai^idlj. and, in eoBanasnei, la more eosfge<ia,7and de-
volopa mem ragWy. The pndMlB of ita oxidation have no iojarious
aflaaton the iaaage or gstatine.
The beat pnpertioos era, it sasns, aakBavs:—
Water SOO parts.
Carbooata of potaah 40 „
Solphita of soda ^„ 100 „
Fara-aisidopbaDoi „..,. 8 i.
A ft It. Lmataa.
♦
AM IMPOBTANT PATUTT LAW CASE.
Ssnona ft Co. r. Bmsw ft Co.
baaHrafi^ jodgMBl in tUa aaaa. «■ Jaty 1st, Mr. Jastiea Kotth aaid :
IhwteawlwiihtbethirHyissaMlaaBticBof the Aal and the easea that
h«fe baas daeided apon it Loekiag at thooe cMea,it iaalaar that if the
aoUeilarofapatantsewriteatoaparaaawfaacB ha beiiersa to be infring-
iag his palaat. and threatens him with an action ior iafi Inganiaiit. that
k a thnat which the persoo to wltoai it is ssot faaa a right to treat as a
Ifaraat within the thirty aaeood saatiea af the falante Aat, a^ to bring
•■ aetiea la rsatnte aaaaaliagij. Be ealy doea it at aeaM ifak, hecaose
Ike proviaa at the aodof tbU iiUlw raaa that the aaatiaa aUl not
apply if th« paraoB OMkiag aadi a threat with doe dfligaooe enmmeneea
aad piniiiiilss aa aatioa lor the iaMafsneat of l>is patent, and it may
ba that if • paraoa to whoa* aoah a laMer ie eent treaU It aa a eaaae of
aeifa^aa4 Macs hia aetiaa apoa it. he aaay find tliat hie greond of
•eliaala a«t frcoi aadar hia Itat by, within a roMOMhle time aflarwar&^
a* aaliaa briag oemaMaaad aoeh aa «aa ihnalaaad. That waa the mnr
aaaa that Moae ia the ease of the OoaiUaed Wdlghiag aad Adfartiaiag
Company «. Tlie Autooatie Weighing Sfachins Company, Int as
a step in deciding that aetica the first thing deoidad waa that
the letter written waa a thiaat It it had not been so the rest
of the daaiafaa woald have baea entirvily unnecessary. The law has been
so siWlai asat aiaaa the aaaa of the Driffield Coanpany r. The Waterloo
Waiakaariag Ceopaaj, reported in 31 Chaaeery DiTision. I found the
law so aatHad, aad I had to foOow it. and I had in consequence, in the
eaas of.Barrat r. Day, to hold that a letter, which I thought was aperfeetly
proper letter tor a solictor to write, saying that ao action mold be
inm^ to laatiaiu the Infringsment of the patent, siidrsssed to the
, I had to held that that was a latter which did give a right of
I Iha ptoriaa preraated it. In ttiis caaa tha
which has been put in, is all that we have to consider, and the history of
the ease is shortly this, that on the 12th of February the Stereoscopic Com-
pany vrrote to the defendants : " We have had submitted to us, with a
view to placing it upon the market, a folding hand camera, which we
send herewith. On looking at it carefully over, it struck us that in some
points there were faint resemblances to your own Eclipse camera, and,
as it would be quite contrary to our desire to in any way infringe upon
yoar patent, we thought it would be very mach better to submit it to
yoa, and ask whether you thought it in any way encroaches upon youi
rights ; not that we think it does, but, of course, we are always anxious
to act honourably towards any other dealer in the trade." To that the
defendants reply to the Stereoscopic Company : " We thank you for your
kind letter of yesterday, and, in reply, b^ to say that the camera shown
is undoubtedly, in our opinion, an imitation of ours, and an infringe-
ment. We shall be pleased to see Mr. Humphreys " (he is a member of
the Stereoscopic Company) " on Tuesday, as saggested, and shall by that
time have taken further advice in the matter." A meeting took place.
I have not heard what passed at it, but evidently a letter was promised,
for on the 17th the Stereoscopic Company wrote to the defendants : " I
have not yet received the promised letter, which places mc in rather an
awkward position, as we must do something definite in the matter at
once. Can yon send it per bearer?" "To do something definite," there
obviously was replying to the plaintifrs letter, whether they could or
could not take any of these cameras, or undertake to put them on the
market. Then comes the answer from the defendants to the Stereoscopic
Company of the 18th : " In reply to yours of the 13th inst., we beg to
confirm our opinion, previously exprosed, that the camera in question
is an infringement not only of our patent No. 4103, 1885, but also of oar
Mo. 15,657, lUi«l. We have taken further advice in the matter, and are
prepared to stop the sale of the camera it placed on the market. U yoa
are willing to do eo, it would save time and trouble. If you give os the
name of the manufacturer, ftc, we will communicate direct with him."
That waa a latter written deliberately for the purnose of deterring the
Btereoeeopie Company from completing the propoaed agreement with the
pUt^ttsh ^ them to put upon the market the plaintiffs' camera. It
waa ''■*ir'**^ tor that purpoae, and it waa intended to deter them. It
waa a atalaaaat — a boiui Jid4 and honest statement, no doubt; bat
It was a atalament that they were prepared to stop the sale of th«
camera, and that, of eoarae. means it it was placed on the market by
yoa or by anybody elaa. Then, instead of furnishing the name of
the plaintiffs, the Btereoeeopie Company themselves write to the
Elmintiffj by their aoiidtora: "The London Stereoscopic Company
M« ooaaaltad aa wtth rataraaee to the pnq^oaals for a license
oadar jvat pataat km iaspcovemeato in eaaieraa. We have also
before oa the ewteapcadanee which haa passed iMtween vou and onr
clients." Then it explains the dreomstancee under which they laid it
before the defendants, and they sent to the plaintiff a copy of the letter
they reeeived from the defendants, vrith these words in addition : " Under
thsee airenmstaaces it is absolutely Impossible for our clients to continue
aagr negotiations for an agreement. However osefnl your invention may
be, thay aannot submit thawaalvaa to tlte riak of a lawsuit. We are,
thsMfoia, instructed to iaform yoa that oar clients decline to oontinae the
nagiitlalicia. at tlte saaie time desiring ns to exnress their regret that
both yoa and thay sbooVd have been pat to any inoonvenienoe in the
matter. In one of yoor letters yon stote that yoa are prepared to
dispato with Messrs. Shew the point. Do you wish us to give them
yoor name ia the matlarT We shall be glad to hear from you on this
poial'' Thea the aeit latter U on the aoth. The plaintiffs write to the
defaadaato, hariag aeea their letter to the Btereoeeopie Company, having
a eopy of it before thaal^fal viiich they adriaed tha Btaraoaoopie Oompaay
Hiat a the Btereoeeopie Coaspaay agree with the plaintifla, the detendanta
would bring an action against them, the plaintiff vrrote direct to the
defendants : " We are informed from the letter which you sent to the
London Btereoeeopie Company that you intend to dispato our right to
make our patent hand caaaera, of which they showed you a sample.
We may say vrs have taken competent advice from more than one
eminent authority, aad we are tally prepared to defend anv action that
you may bring. The only probable leealt will be the quashing of your
own patent throagh deteetive speeiflcation ; in any case we are advised
that oar camera ts elear. We are sorry to have to come to litigation
with you. but we are so sure of our ground that we cannot for a moment
entertain the idea of vritbdrawins onr camera from the market. We
have already a number of them in hand, and these will be on the market
diraetly. we shall be glad to hear from you what steps you propose
taUag ia the matter." Now, the plaintiffs writo that, and I must assume
aoMflkst them that the statements in it were true, as the defendants
wonUhave a right to assume. Then the Stereoscopic Company writs to
the detendante : " We regret our inability to send you the model of Mr.
SUaaer's camera, as the matter being at an end between them and us,
we have ecnridered it best to send them the models, so that they may
remit them to you or not, as they deem best." Then, on the 23r(l, the
defendaoto write to the plaintiffs : " In reply Uy yours of the 20th inst., we
can only confirm ours oi ths 18th iiut. to the London Stereoscopic Company
that we consider the camera ia question an infringement of our patent.
No. 4103, 1885, and 6655, 1891, and are prepared to take action to stop
the sale. In order that we may go further into the matter before loss of
time is ineaned, it yon would aead as a camera, and give us the number
442
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[Jul- •», 1802
of the patent, it would be an aid to our farther investigation of the
matter, saving unneceseary delay." Then the plaintiffs' solicitors write
on the 2nd of March, and then again on the 8th : " Mr. Skinner has
consulted us as to the correspondence which has passed between you as
to the alleged infringement by our client of your patent rightsi Our
client is satisfied that his invention is patentable, and, acting on our
advice, he will at once file a complete specification, and leave you to
contest the question. We shall be obliged by your informing us on
what grounds you consider onr clients' invention is an infringement of
yonr patent. Mr. Skinner will also at once proceed to sell the camera
which he has invented, and a stock of which he has manufactured."
That seems, from the subsequent letter, not to be correct, but of course
the defendant had a right to believe that it was correct, and the
plaintiff could not be heard to say to him that it was not. I suppose the
real explanation is that, although they might not have been finished,
that they were nearly finished.
Mr. Everitt : A large number were in course of manufacture, but we
stayed our hand in consequence of this.
Mr. Justice North: Then on the 9th the defendants asked for a camera,
and on the 11th the plaintiffs' solicitors replied, referring to their own
patent of 1885. I need not refer to that part of the letter. Then they
say, " We give you notice that we shall issue a writ for injunction and
damages on Tuesday morning unless an arrangement is come to for satis-
factonly compensating our clients for the damage they have sustained,
and unless we obtain from you an undertaking that you will withdraw
opposition to the patenting of our clients' invention, and also withdraw
your threatened legal proceedings and right to interfere with the manufac-
ture and sale of our clients' cameras. " Of course, the defendants were not
bound to give such an undertaking as that, but the result was that the
letter of 11th of March stayed all proceedings for a couple of months.
But on the 16th of May the plaintiffs issued their writ for an injunction to
restrain the threats under section thirty-two.
Mr. Everitt: Has your lordship got a copy of the letter of the 16th, in
which they say they will accept service of our proceedings?
Mr. Justice North : Tes. Then the matter stands thus. Down to May
no proceedings had been taken by the defendants, and the defendants do
not ask, and the order I make will have a statement to this effect, that
the defendants did not ask that the motion should stand over in order to
enable them to bring an action under the proviso at the end of the thirty-
second section, and it will also state that both parties, the plaintiffs and the
defendants, ask me to treat this as the trial of the action, and to give
such relief as the plaintiff is entitled to on the trial, and if I thought that
damages could be awarded, to proceed now to direct an assessment of
such damages. In my opinion there is a threat within the section having
regard to the cases which have decided that such letters are threats.
That being so, the result follows as a matter of course. I must grant
the injunction worded in the way I have said, and I must refer it to
Chambers to inquire whether the plaintiff sustained any and what
damage by reason of the threats. Two points were set up particularly
by the defendants. It is said that an answer to a question cannot be a
threat. I do not see why not. I cannot see what difference it makes
whether the threat is made in answer to a question or otherwise. It was
a threat that was uttered by the defendants to the London Stereoscopic
Company to deter them from dealing with the plaintiffs, and that being
so, the fact that it was only given in answer to a question seems to me im-
material. I carmot see that there is any distinction between the defen-
dants answering the question of the Stereoscopic Company from what
it would have been if their own letter had been elicited by not a question
put to them but by an exhibition in the windows of the Stereoscopic
Company of a model of the camera in question.
Mr. Everitt : I have seen my learned friend Mr. Bousfield, and he
quite agrees that we should treat this as the trial of the action. He does
not ask for the case to stand over, and he submits, if yomc liOrdship
thought it right, to an inquiry as to damages.
Mr. Justice North : That has been done. I don't want any under-
taking.
Mr. Everitt : Then as to the costs. I should ask your Lordship for the
costs of the trial.
Mr. Justice North : Yes.
Mr. Everitt : And the costs of the inquiry, as to damages, will be
reserved and dealt with.
Mr. Justice North : Yes ; I always reserve the costs of an inquiry as to
damages. You can have the costs down to the trial.
Mr. Everitt : If your Lordship pleases.
The plaintiff's solicitors were Messrs. Waterhouae, Winterbotham, &
Harrison, of New Court, Lincoln's Inn.
Wb have received the catalogue of Mr. W. Hume, of 1, Lothian-
street, Edinburgh, which embraces particulars of a large selection of
photographic requirements. The catalogue of Messrs. Archer & Sons,
of Liverpool, has also reached us. This will also be found useful to
intending purchasers of apparatus, &c.
PHOTOGRArHIC E.VLAHOEMEXTS.
By Oeoboe Whkeieb.
This work, which is published at 1«. by G. Wheeler & Co., Man-
chester, deals with the subject of enlargements in a practical and:
comprehensive manner. Mr. Wheeler in the preface informs us that
it is free from any attempt to push some special make of paper or
apparatus to the front, and to that extent is unbiassed. Indeed, we
perceive,at a first glance through its 1.30 pages, that it is entirely fi-ee
from anything of the nature of shoppiness. He divides his work into
twenty-four sections, each of them treating of a definite topic, such aa-
" Daylight and Artificial Light," " Exposure," •' Developing," " Spot-
ting and Retouching," "The Treatment of Faulty Negatives," " Rough
and Smooth Paper, &c. To aH who desire sound, practical informa-
tion on the subject of enlarging we can recommend this manual.
" Photogbaphy " AxsuAL, 1892.
Edited by Hinet Shumkt. London : IlifEo i Son, 3, St. Bride-street, E.O.
As well printed and got up as last year, this bulky annual is other-
wise formed upon practically identical lines. The literary contents
include, among many other articles of interest, a most useful record
of the progress of photographic chemistry during 1891, by Mr. C. H.
Bothamley. Mr. Albert Taylor performs a like office for Astronomical
Photography, Mr. Chapman Jones for Photographic Optics, and'
Mr. T. Bolas for Photo-Mechanical Printing. The " selected " articles
deal with practical subjects. Interspersed throughout the volume are
a large number of excellent collotypes and " process " pictures, while
the various sections of the work devoted to commercial catalogue
purposes are fully furnished, and a mass of other useful information
relating to societies, dealers, &c., is also given. The price of the aimual
in paper covers is 2s. 6d.
The Idler for July is brimful of amusing reading matter happily
illustrated by some of the cleverest authors and artists of the present
day.
Our Cruel Patent Laws, by a Liberal Candidate, is a reprint of
letters and articles pointing out the injustice of the English patent
laws.
RECENT PATENTS.
APPLICATIONS FOB PATENTS.
No. 11,922.— "The New Bellows Actionpor Photographic Camera Shutters.
K. ASPA.— Date)! /wne 27, 1892.
No. 12,029.—" Improvements in Apparatus for Regulating Photographic
Shutters." H. Hill and A. L. Adams,— i>ate(i June 28, 1892.
No. 12,097. — " Improvements in or connected with the Production of Images,
or Pictures, or Impressions on Photographically Sensitive Surfaces, or on such
Surfaces after they have been exposed to Light." F. J. Suns.— Dated
June 29, 1892.
No. 12,109.— "Improvements in Coating Photographic Papers or other
Flexible Materials." W. J. WiLSOX. —Z>a<ecJ June 29, 1892.
No. 12,207.— "Improved Apparatus for Spreading Sensitive Materials upon
Flexible Supports." S. H. Fry.— Dated July 1, 1892.
No. 12,244.— "Improvements in Magic Lanterns." Complete Specification.
H. C. Ntwio^.— Dated July 1, 1892.
SPECIFICATION PUBLISHED.
1889.
No. 19,897.— "Photographic Films." Communicated by Eastman. BouLT..
PATENTS COMPLETED.
Impbovembnts belatino to PHOToauArHic Cameras, and to Appliances
FOR Changing Plates ok Films therein.
No. 12,961. Benjamin Joseph Edwards, The Grove, Hackney, Middlesex.
—June 4, 1892.
Mt invention is designed to provide in a more simple and efficient manner than
heretofore, for effecting the change of position of sensitised plates, films or
paper in photographic cameras, so that any desired number Oi the sensitised
plates or surfaces can be used in succession.
My said invention comprises improved means whereby sensitive flexible films
in continuous lengths may be used, the pictures being taken in succession upon
a strip of the sensitised material which is wound upon rollers enclosed in a
suitable box or case. I use a pair of roUers, which 1 prefer to make of such
diameter that one complete turn thereof shall unwind from one roller a sufficient
length of film for one exposure, and shall wind upon the other roller a corre-
sponding portion of such film previously exposed. One of the said rollers is
provided with suitable means whereby it may be rotated from the exterior of
the box or case. Each of my rollers is fitted at the ends with rims or flanges,
aad, instead of making the roller to turn on small pivots or bearing surfaces as
July 8, 18B3]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH VT.
443
ntaUe
done, I make the enlarnd cndi or flange* of the rollen to rest in
ia wfaidi the raM roDen rvrolrc. The large bearing! which I
<e tor this paraoae an dirided loogitiidtaially, and the rollen an anaag*d to
De vniMd iato tka lower b^re* thoaof by a ftiag or other suitable device so
at (o iiMtl mIHi laiil Metioii to give the uuhmmft tanaion to the film as it ia
nnwavBd frMB oaa raUer and woond apoa the otW.
To kMD tha Hb eaastantljr and ere^ stntchad I proriiU gnide-rollert,
OT*r whin tlM film wiD paaa in traTeDing Bom on* to the other of the main
roDan, Td* Mid gnSdinroIlcra may be amaOer in diameter than the main
roDant and an nbead at such a di^ance fut at may be required to suit the
width of tha pietana. I anange one or mote of these gnlde-rollen to torn in
tlotttd *— «*t^ and the taid ndkn an htU apart from ea-rh other by a spring
or 'S'tit/t hi saa manner that, tha flloa bebig held at each end by reaaon o7
tha Mbbob OB the anda of tha main rollafa, the portion of the tUm which is in
peaitieB tor axposnn will ba kept tightly ttntehed by the ontwaid |>iettmu of
the gnida-rallar or gvide-nUen actaatad by the tpring or ipriaga.
(a th«itaa or flange of ana or both of tM main rollen I pronda a prc>]action
or, ptalwahly, adepnatlon or reetm, at coe portion of the drcnmnranoa, to
that, when the raOer haa made oaacempltta tarn, it wiU actuate or permit the
aetioB of a tpdag or lerar proridad wtth a point or marker, which, by means
of the taid ^(iac or lerar, ispnated againtt thefilm at the end of each nrolntion
of the itQir. tka mark, VarL ordok wUA ia thna prodaoed, terrcs to indicate
the Hae of diTiiioD between the stpmilaaptMni, and ahowt when the film
is to be eat prerioaa to diritlmiiaft Ttomelimea eoaaeet the said marker
with the shnttaror with the inrUal— wfcht aetmasa tb* same, so that the
film WiU be mailud aa the Anttar tOa, «v k operated ibr each expoanre, or aa
itia
Topmtiettkel
Tid*aaAo<ttawllma,a|
tka
aCHplithafDrt and after ezpaaoT*, I pro-
Im ^m la woand, with aa improved Ugfat-
of a eyUadtiealtaibaof caidboaidorolkerraiuble
W, vlJok ia »mi to tarn freely no* the rolkr. the tads of tha latter
baiag MBtaaad to neiiia Ow eadt of the taba lb nek maaatr that ao 11^ can
paaa to tka fartiriar ef tkt tabtL htktabaormttaaiaapiitoreatlMgita-
diMly anMkoal ito aiMn laagtk. aal tka edM eftha itt an eorarad with
nhataretkirialtoMaeallMtarM, wUh «lSk if darind. tka wkole of tha
intalareftkatokamavelwkaliaad. b w% tU fllm it dnwa tkfaotk the
valea* Ihri riit, wUafc ii kept afaaa MJ H|^ Wgkt by tha Mtmal ijr^ or
^Mlki^ of tka MttiU af wStek tka eyUadv ia mada^ or aa efawUe haad may
U paaaid oear aaA aodefthatahetokMpthetiileioetd. Brataameaas
itlM tkmaof to Ii aita^ ia ate, it aikctaalW ka|*
m, wMi ttttr cmiM^ may be tatfly ffotia from
1 to H^MUhl fltofaek^aa, which en batairtad
itoerioll£iihrtod«yl%ktwitkoat fear of iajnry
tka
fraatkelW*. Tk
tkeMOMda^tBdea
aad lainiiisit tnm tke
«o the film.
Mytoidiavtotiea
may ka ia|<dlyi
iwiUMialiW itoyiiwed amaaa whereby aeaalUto alato
ifantopiaMitoiykaiiMd, aad wktrebf m* ffalH
oaaof Bdaritroom, aad wttkoat attariac wa Ibeaa.
For tUa pwpoaa 1 aaa aa luuauvad din sua er ckaaging box, oooimtiac of
twBto^miaiJMaiareawatoiJatodHae—iakto tke other, aad la lAek
tkeMawflwanw^iAMd. Wmjli— rlhtotoajwfcwhjyytoawWk
nilMladMalhs er etofim% or ma kanid wlik plaeto or caitfboavd or o€kto
ltaMamrtmlal,eftkepTBparBaitoilnii Aa toatr dl«i« eaM ia made to
ihto of tke ikaafki earijilag tke plalto er fltaai, aad o«e tad of
at hedi tka hack aad tka froBt to to aOsw eaa of tke
atatoa
iseMtkto
vaikaatatiaatoiambdoareatartkatMeaea. WHklilka oaler oMa I
I aad ntola tke'arid AtaS
;«i%«llk tha oikar
( dntva oat to the fUl I
by aritrihfc mIm to tka oppeitte lUaaf '
Wkaa tke iaatr can ia apto *a7ar naM Iwiiia^ tke aiid
iato It aa< tokm Ito pariiioa aatta anedUA ente kto^eof
""""^ ' J tha
illidnfwv
tke ftaal to tka tack of tka
adlalh««e( Ipfmrtoantwosilaaf tpriaga tdapltd toaetapoeeiiBeitte
:«« of tke riiaath, iwl aaek of wUA eeuitna two tpriiWi to ootobiaad tkit
toer arm at an tkaM
Boa Mm of tha
of whidi la toiiiWM< lh<, aiima an iha jhlto or
•IMS V nnnM dox mw Inn npottd, Im mU
aad tka ^tSecHRiM tke enoead plrtto
eaae or naweir, vUdkli alao ted iHdta
tha<ltf baaHiihtj totha Ai^bn baa,
I to Ik tMnAoto wHnwrt oHpeeaia to
I from a
orBBB. than laen or new lulit are made lat
^ laftadsrt
shatter may bo wttkdiava
he allowed to drop tato aa oaipty
lUdiM Ul.Md to w eoMtiactod
■.aad tke |lalM or IhM «n be
lia Bfidintly proTtded wttfa rfldiw plato ad
I to'aMwa OtNwftL to thai, wkaa tke dlAaf aaw to
dfBWB «« to Mft aa ezpoaad pkto frenatta fipont to tka back Oanej; tke add
alliWimlBtowfflhediawortwWklt. Tke aald tHdiM plato ia w anaand
thtrtlTwaaet aa a MtMtoptoktke Aaatkatotkefreatef tkatiilto(«MaBBd
ahwkoldtkaplatto&SlBMreitowktoltlawltkdiBWB. Whaatfaikaatka
aad plataa tia to ha laitotad ia, ornaaevad ftoto, tke dark illda er eki
box, Ike dhtoirid calAat an&tacisal Md tke tUdiac apri^ plato ia
ontwitkeatlkerfldiiW
I find H adnntagaito to imaaa la tke oaler eaia a hraik teaad ef vrirct
•imllar a^trkl, wkick wffl^MaaDy deaa tke pfarte or fllm m the aUdtac
I sometimes so arrange the eases that the inner case will remain stationary
and the outer case will oe moved to effect the etumging of the plates.
My improved dark-slide or changin^-box and my improved roll-bolder may
be made of the same external dimensions, so as to tit and be interchangeable in
the same camera, in order that the opentor may use either at will. They
may, moieover, be fitted to any ordinary camera, which need not be of special
construction.
To register the nomber of ezpoenrea aa made, I sometimes provide a counter
or index, vhich may be in the form of a fignre<l disc attacned to a ratchet
wheel, which is moved forward automatically one notch or tooth as each fresh
portion of the film is unwound, or each time the pistes or films an changed
Or I may employ any other suitable registering device.
B^tttinqH of SboctettejS.
MBKTINGS OF SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK.
lotejtiiiiifce
• oiaoeittv.
JolyU
.. "
„ II
„ 12 .
„ U.
» «
7. w
.. u
.•: it :
„ li .
- "
» u.
M !»•
- IS.
~ 14.
„ 14 .
. U.
DarUneton.
Dimdeei
Hetth XkUIessx .
Pwt; ......
Amattor..
Ltieatw asd Itfieestenhirs
FhoaognpUe Otab »._._
Stoekaort
Mikaiilisad Photo. Hnnnlatloo
Bndfard Photo. eoaiM7
i Badoaay.
^XatthXaat
CUdU
Photo. Sooiety .
nsMolHMiiBf.
Trerelna Hotel. Darlington.
Asto. Btadio, Nethergate, Dundee.
Jubilee Hall, Homny-iotd, N.
Smith's Bestanrant, Yiotoria^treet
Laetme Ball. Atheusnm.
Maaonle Ooart, Hiarb.*trtat
Mayor's Ptrlonr, Old Town HalL
Botaool of Art, SeltoD-plaoe, Coric.
Aitderton's Eotal,na*i-strset,X.O.
Meehaaiea' lastital^ Stockport,
aseorlstinn Boons. Ptlee street,
ao^ eodwia-slxtet, Bni^ord.
Mntay HaU, Triaatle, Baekney.
OhaiapiraHistain^ AldengatMt.
M, Oaot|»«lnat, Manchritcr.
Qnvattad.
Tha I^eaoa, UaioiMt., Oldham.
TrialtT Cbnnh Boom, Morton-st.
"ThaPalaM," MaidstoiM.
Onybonad Hotal.
LOSBON AND PROVINCIAI, PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
JmBaOb— Aaaaal Oeaanl Moett^ Mr. J. TraiU Taylor (Trustee) in the
Tke Ho*. BacaaraaT read the aannal report aa foUowt .—
Taara Antcai Bbpost or m Loaaos sas PaoviacuL PaoTooaAraic
AssocuTioa.
Ia praaaaMag the taath aaaati rtpaf^ tha Oomaiittta wish to ooagratnlate the
meabanoa tb* work ol tha past ymr. Thar* have been laiga attsadaaoas, and many
vmlaahb diaaaaaitoa ha** laksa pUe^arialM oat of Isctnr** given and papers i«ad
bymaibbanaaiolhtrgealltBMB e( mtHnrtfua in the pbatofrtBhio world, amongst
aahsn bai^i PMtfmpM* Fwspssliifc Mr. W. B. IMwnham, and one on taiae rab-
i*et Iv Mc F. anniai rssshrteieWi Fketopavky. Mr. B. J. Bdwards i Tht Lantmm
M>(msc|ii, Mr. T. B. Fisshaalisi ) A VtrUet f aialMM fc« a Vcw Preoan, Mr, A. L.
Baadanoai Bsau BMnttbMWtiMU.Mr.T.B. Sewaan; TtoBMMmMPfnjmh'M
tir<4<-Mfb Ufk-t, Mr. F. Ivwitti Om BtUm aad tWirfiar'ty. Mr. F. A. Bridge ;
KWnmm&t PUI», Mr. Joha Bowttai Jalantaa Laatsnu, Mr. i. TraiU Tkjlor;
Wtt CWI«ti><, Mr. W. B. '^■'^^-1 OmNasalaiPhsCsraWc IwtilueupM and thnr
/iVl>*aeM, Mr. W. B.
BawU^ilCMiaM**
■aoi Otasaslrattoa sf Fkttsaraskk on ITood, Mr. W. J.
^. —■IsCi, Mr. A. Ma^i^ir«< 6>n«l<aa. Mr. Jotgrii
Baihart ft* Fliliru»ll die*! of atads aM UfMMa*. Mr. A. wTOtafdaa i Thi
Tiii yl^MUfHt t«a^M«.t.iC OaUmeyvi Smm Ptmu TWetofS <• Bspsttaf, Mr.
BewBid Ikcmtr.
■L Oeuige's BaB,
Ike III am a ~
O,
III am a Bwaiat. aad» th* safsrtntoadtae* of M
Atklas, ban h**a faljy appietiCCil.
■hrklty oatian ha** heea amagad br tka pnaeat
Bksaiy hashed SMay addttttas, aad tb* work
ally paiked lerwaid by the Bbnuriaa. Mr. F. W. I
laaltra aad moaloal, wsi riven on Ftfarnary 18 in
by ■■atisrs aad (risBd*. to a Utg* aodieaee.
' ' of Messrs. T. B. Freshwater and
Tha Bhsaiy has \aA amay addmsas, aad tb* work ol Undisg, ke.. It being
by Ik* Bbnuriaa. Mr. F. W. Pask.
A seoMbatiaa ef H. 17t. W., eoPeeted from vaiioos aMadieii by Mr. A. Baddon,
was Stat to Ik* MaMiB TatiMaial Faad.
Th* tBi^alln. wttt tha Tinr al aa^lkw tha Phetogiaphia Beeltty of Great
Bctlaia ia i«B afloita to iamn** tha BaaMaaar tb* annr soaieUes. bteam* sfflUatwl
to that fiotiat^. Ms»a. P. BvtnlSaad F. W. Pask being appointad d*l«gat** to
FlftyJaari
tot
th*
tabtd daring th* ytar, aad than have been six
aben tboald still eontiane tbeir eSorts
eanlor, wU b* eoaimeoeed in tb* antana, sad will
isitttt thair aambtts, tha work doa* by tbt Atsoelatiaa being scksowledged bv
U^ast aalhorWai to to atead to aoae ia lUt aoaatry , aad the Oomadttee wonld
> tak* this ofvortaaily tt vtadadlag the ■ambtti that th* Mrtas of leetaret, aa
peatdbTMr.A.aaSU.eari " ""
jMt i»ffor»«dwfll ptow le bi
cnpUt ipuuMnn*
ffaaaaWly, tto aatltka e( the
tal«ltd,Badtoan(iaaabetaalW
a sees ia ahotograpliie circles. When complete,
wlU hs jablitittd. tarl it U axpeettd that the
to (armed wlB piova to to th* aoat, fiompltts r/nm^ ap to data of photo-
la hIgUr ntlaftetory, all UabUities an
Had largely in increase of that of the
ing the adoption of the report, tbonght they
nilt. He Bpok& perhaps, with as little biot
itTtral metropolitan phoiognphie societies,
Mr. Wouui Bisroas, ia movin
might oonpatalate Otouelrai opon L ,
aa anybody, being a menbar of ttrtral metropolitan pb _ .
aad baviag, he waa aony to aay, veiy little to do witn the prosperity of the
Attodation ; in fact, not ae moeh aa be withed to have. But, although he did
not attend very ofttii, he waa plaaaed to tee by the nports in the journals the
good the Atoodatian waa doing. H« thought they might congntnlate them-
444
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[Julys, 1892
selvM on being one of the most useful photographic societies, and, although it
was a secondary matter, upon their financial success.
Mr. W. P. Dando seconded. , , , , j
The Chairman observed that the Society was one that all the world looked
to for information as to advances in photography. •„ t. T^
Thanks to the retiring officers and committee were voted, Mr. R. P. Urage,
the hon. secretary, being specially singled out for a warm compliment in
recognition of his services as Hon. Secretary and Treasurer during the past
year.
The election of officers for the ensuing twelve months resulted as follows :—
Truiteea: Messrs. J. Traill Taylor and J. B. B. Wellington.— CommtWce;
Messrs. G. W. Atkins, H. D. Atkinson, Thomas Bedding, J. Weir Brown, C.
H. Cooke, P. Everett, T. E. Freshwater, J. 8. Teape.— CHveto/- .• A. Haddon.—
Libmrian : F. W. Pask.— ^o»i. Secretary and Treasurer : R. P. Drage, 95,
Blenheim-crescent, W. , „. t, .» tt t.
A large gift of photographic literature from Mrs. C'orelli Bere, per Mr. H. K
Davis, was acknowledged, and the donor thanked.
Votes of condolence with Mr. A. Cowan, in the death of his daughter, and
with Mr. George Shadbolt, in the terrible.balloon accident to his son, Mr. C.
V. Shadbolt, were passed.
The New Eastman GELATDto-CHLoniDE Paper.
Mr. H. M. Smith exhibited prints produced on the new Eastman gelatino-
chloride paper. He said that the ordinary sulphocyanide toning bath was not
recommended for this paper, it having been found, by a series of experiments,
that it was not the best, inasmuch as it had a bad effect on the gelatine, and
made it very soft, so that it reqtiired exceeding care in handling.
Mr. W. E. Debenham considered sulphocyanide toning the best in use, as it
deposited so much gold that he believed the prints were more permanent than
those toned in alkaline toning baths.
Mr. Bromley Smith showed prints on the new Eastman paper toned with
sulphocyanide. The prints had been alumned. Why did the Ilford Company
condemn the combined bath and the Eastman Company recommend it ?
Mr. Kapson also showed prints toned in ordinary lime and acetate baths.
Mr. G. W. Atkins asked if Mr. H. M. Smith had found any difliculty in
stripping the prints from glass which had been treated with French chalk.
Mr. H. M. Smith had found talc fail, but not wax. If the latter were used,
stripping was far more easy and certain.
Mr. Debenham found that success with talc dependedjupon^its having been
well rubbed into the glass.
Mr. J. S. Teape said that in connexion with the waxing of glass the prints
shoiUd always be well alumned. He had never failed with talc if it had been
well rubbed in.
Mr. W. P. Dando, in reference to the Eastman Company's instructions to
mix the combined bath and decant off the clear liquid, said that he had mixed
the bath, and after it had stood four or five days there were only about two
ounces of clear liquid. Was the precipitate waste ?
Mr. A. Haddon pomted out that the addition of carbonate of soda and alum
to a solution of hypo threw down alumina, and asked why sulphate of soda
could not be added directly ?
Mr. H. M. Smith said that the Eastman Company had been experimenting
with that object, and, after a few remarks from Mr. Bolas as to the effect of
sulphate of soda on gelatine, it having been employed in_carbon printing, gave
the following formuhe : —
Combined Toning and Fixinq|Bath for Eastman Chloride Paper.
No. 1.
Hypo 20 ounces.
Alum 5 „
Soda sulphate 10 ,,
Potash sulphate 2 „
Water 160 „
No. 2.
Gold chloride 15 grains.
Lead acetate 64 ,,
Water 8 ounces.
For use, eight ounces of No. 1 solution ; one ounce of No. 2.
He observed that a red precipitate was thrown down in the gold solution, but,
if shaken before addition to the hypo, it would be redissolved.
Formula for Blue Tones.
No. 1.
Borax 600 grains.
Water 160 ounces.
No. 2.
Gold chloride '. 15 grains.
Water 15 ounces.
For use, eight ounces of No. 1 ; half ounce of No. 2. The solutions must
be kejjt separate.
The meeting adjourned after passing a vote of thanks to the chairman.
Earlesden and WUlesden Photograplilc Society.— July 5, Mr. J. Naylor
in the chair. — Mr. Naylor gave a demonstration of the jfew Cold-bath
Platinotype Process. After a short resume of the history and chemical theory
of the process, he oroceeded to show the superiority of the new process over
the older ones, 'the printing, he explained, required to be carried on until
the image was more visible than witli the old process. The members then
adjourned to his palatial dark room, when a practical demonstration of the
development took place. The members were much interested in the manner
of development, and the methods shown of saving an over-exposed print, or,
by the addition of glycerine to the developer, over-developing certain portions
stronger in order to gain greater contrasts when required. Befening to the
methods of obtaining sepia tones with the aid of uranium and other metals,
Mr. Naylor reportetl a discovery of his own, which he practically demonstrated
for obvaining sepia and other warm tones by the addition of a small quantity
of bromide of potassium to the developer.
Leytonstone Camera Club, — June 27, Annual General Meetin|. The
President (Dr. W. Pickett Turner) in the chair.— The statement and balance-
sheet of the hon. secretaries accounted for sixty-eight members, and showed a
balance of cash in the hands of the Hon. Treasurer. The election of officers
was then proceeded with for the ensuing year ending 30th Jane. 1893, the
directorate being constituted as follows : — President : Dr. W. Pickett
Turner. — Curator: Mr. Herbert Summers.— CVi^erer; Mr. Simpson Turner. —
Treasurer : Mr. Tom Symons. — Hon. Secretaries : Mr. Robert Overton, and
Mr. Albert E. Bailey, Rose Bank, South West Road, Leytonstone (vice
Mr. T. F. Sanderson, who did not stand for re-election). — Council (in addition
to these gentlemen by virtue of their office) to consist of Messrs. F. W. Wales,
A. P. Wire, T. F. Sanderson, A. T. Cuttey, D. G. Riddick, A. Newton, and
Mr. Beinhold Thiele. Special reference was made by the Chairman to the
invaluable services of Mr. T. F. Sanderson as joint Hon. Secretary. Their only
consolation in his loss was that in his successor, Mr. A. E. Bailey, they had an
excellent officer, a gentleman who would bring to bear upon his duties all the
tact, experience, and practical knowledge which every member of the club
knew him to possess. Active preparations are being made to make the first
annual public exhibition of the club in October next "a big thing," an
ambition which appe.irs likely to be realised.
Birmingham Photographic Society. — June 23, Mr. George Smith in the
chair.— Mr, H. V. Cox, Messrs. George Houghton & Son's representative,,
exhibited the " Shuttle " hand camera. A new and very cheap hand camera,
manufactured by Messrs. Lewis & Company, Limited, was shown by Mr.W. S.
Horton. The Eastman Photographic Materials Company, Limited, sent a
number of sample packets of their new gelatino-chloride printing-out paper,
which were distributed amongst the members present. Mr. Edwin Underwood
gave a short but exceedingly interesting paper on Aclinmneters mid their Use.
Mr. Underwood, in the course of his remarks, said that exposure tables were
utterly inadequate as a guide to possible states of the weather, as it was a
matter of individual notion as to what constituted dull, very dull, &c. The
preparation of the bromide paper for use in the aotinometer was explained.
As to the necessity of an actinometer as an aid to the photographer, Mr.
Underwood read a number of " tests " from his exposure book, a couple of
which will suffice as examples. On November 2, 1891, at half past twelve, it
took five seconds to secure the desired tint, while at a quarter past one it took
four seconds. Again, on April 8, 1892, at twelve o'clock, it took twelve seconds
to secure the tint, and at one o'clock it took twenty seconds. Mr. ITnderwood
also explained the method of establishing a ratio between the jilate and actino-
meter, and the method of calculating the exposure, &c.
South Uanchester Photographic Society.— June 27, Mr. W. L Chadwick
in the chair. — Exhibits of holiday work were brought by Messrs. Bowden,
Limull, Wood, and others. Questions were asked and replied to as regards
toning, &c., of the exhibits. Mr. M. W. Thompstone (Hon, Secretary) read a
short paper on the Platinum Process of Printing, and gave a practical demon-
stration of the new platinotype papers, in the course of which he showed that
prints could be developed by going over them with a brush charged with the
potassium oxalate solution, or by tto.ating or immersing them in the usual way.
Over a dozen pictures were thus produced, which were to be preserved in the
Society's technical folio. Mr. Thompstone said : "The first who really appears
to have endeavoured to obtain a paper printing process by the means of
platinum salts seems to be Robert Hunt, but as he was unable to obtain a
workable one it was allowed to drop till the year 1874, when Willis succeeded
in producing the first platinum printing process that could be relied on ; and.
which, with very slight alteration, is the hot-bath process of the present day.
Willis's process is, undoubtedly, a toning one, in so much that platinum re-
places iron in the s.ame manner as gold replaces silver in the albumenised and.
gelatino-chloride papers. That ferric were altered to ferrous salts by the
action of light was known early on in photography, for Sir John Herechell
pi epared paper by means of the iron salts, and replaced them after printing
with gold. Willis further improved it by substituting platinum for gold, and
in discovering that a solution of potassium oxalate caused a precipitate, also
the advantage of platinous over the platinic salts. The paper is first coated
with a mixture composed of ferric oxalate and platinous chloride, but after it
has been exposed to light we have present both ferric and ferrous salts in union
with the platinum one, but not in a chemical state. The ferrous salt has only
the power of reducing the platinum in the presence of potassium oxalate, but
the ferric possesses no such power when so treated, so the following reaction
takes place : When the print is immersed in the potassium oxalate the ferrous
oxalate formed dissolves, and, in so doing, throws down the platinum in a
metallic state in proportion as it has been acted on by light when exposed
under the negative ; but where the light has not been able to penetrate the
ferric salts remains unaltered, and no reduction of the platinum takes place.
The next thing is to remove the ferric salt, which Is done by immersing it in.
several changes of hydrochloric acid diluted in the proportion of one part of
acid to sixty parts of water. In the cold-bath process the platinum is added
to the developer instead of being contained in the paper as in the hot bath.
Recently, the Platinotype Company have introduced a new paper similar to
the hot bath, but the developer is used cold. This is the process I intend,
showing you to-night. The paper having been exposed in the ordinary way
till the details can be distinguished, it is placed in the developer, viz., one
pound of potassium oxalate to sixty ounces of water. The image soon makes
its appearance, and darkens rapidly, but is quite under control. As soon as it
has arrived at the required density it is placed in the first clearing bath, and
left for about five minutes, then in a second and third till there is no trace of
yellowness in the last bath, washed for about half an hour, dried, and mounted
in the ordinary way. I find that I get better results with a thin but vigorous
negative than I do with denser ones, and as for the results I don't think those
obtained by means of silver can compare with the platinum for their
velvety softness and beauty of tone," After the demonstration several questions
were replied to, and various experiences given. Mr. W. I. Chadwick read a
July 8, 1809]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL. OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
446
mmmtfltifHat liitiiiMHIftlMi «■• that known «■ MoBdhoTen's
Mthnd. br wUA • miztoa of dlfw and mercoTj b d«paiitad on the
and for radoction th< demonstntor mada qm of tha fenidcyanide i
|)a]Mr on tha Mafie Lamttn <aaa pact 437), and exhibited a sdoptioon in
opeistioa, with a tna^azant aenaa nutda to rail np into a rery small apace,
and aoffortad by a ntir of pnrtablo liga. The whole of the lantern and
aoMB eoold be plaead on a dininr-raam tables ezhiUtinK a three-fcet-aiz-
iach pietai*, whiA was coatidarM laige oongh for moat private - home
eihibitVan
Sonthport Social Photographic Clnlk.— Jane 29.— Mr. C F. Deprea gare a
I oa tha Inttiu^iemtiam mad StAtctim ^^Kfotitu. The pro-
m'a c^ranide
the unace,
'fetridcyanide tolation
introdncad by Mr. Howard Fanner. The reaolta in both caaea were highly luc-
oaaafnl, aid at tha doae a hearty tota of thanki wai aeeotdad to Mr. Uepree.
rkotanvUe Boetoty of FlrtlartalpMa -June 8, Mr. Joaeph H. Bar'
roBgha (ftaddant) in the chair.— A mrnmnniration lh>m Mr. F. C Beach,
Editor of tha Awmieax AwtaUitr PhaUarmflter, waa read, in naotrd to a
petition for tha aztentioii of the photopaaUc nirilege at the WorWa Fair in
Chkaao in 1888. On motiao of Mr. Taylar, the Preaident waa anthoiiaed to
aicB tka palitioa latnaaaiillin tha 200 aettra and Ufc memban of tha ~ ' '
Mr: a & Wood eddUtad a aaall canMnwhieha IHaadof hia had
ftoaPkria. It waa of tha aiat and ahapa of an open or Md gtaaa, and
,datS|xI|. Tha laaa waa of a aaiianal fooaa, and wi
eaa ltd* i tka tMMn. Tha alkar alda waa naad aa a finder, the
tyaaaspoabiKabittwaBlhalaHL He alao exhibited a
, ^ aatan lor an whM tasnOinc. It contained a reaarroir
far'ataarlna. ao anaMd that whan tha laap wai Ughted the beat melted the
■taaiiae, wUdi then down to tha wide. The lantern wai unall and compact,
anJ co«U ba rwdily paekad for tnralUac. Mr. Jeaniofi ezhibitad a aariea
cf Uotam aad atwaoaeopfa alida* of Hjlitiilii Saahaa, TVt aUnoteoDic
pictana, ha Haiiail, waia tha SntatwaaAt of the kcavaaa' ilarilihal Sm-
• - ■ ■ teUadly iaienatinc. InoMcaaatha
, ftan whiah ndtatad. in
thaoty of tbt aihibttor
L by a aottrios of flaahaa aad a eoBaaqnaat
aeattariag of tha dtaatafia iato a tmmlbm tt potata or balla of flana. which
trsTaOad oaarard iaio apaea OB tkair owB aeaenst. In aaoCharvlcw theatarao-
•COM lafaalad tiha ftet that a ditebai|a aniautly xig-ng in iu dinetiaB waa
(tally tftal is ita eouai: Mr. Btownt Mtilttad two BtcaUrta for inapce-
platm,
aeaai
pictana, ha rialirl. wtia tba flmatwaMt of taa
e^taat, and tba ttanoaeapie tAtet waa teUadly iaie
■■MWIiaplatohad aa^t tha ayMtri ttrndtrtoh.
waa that ttaadtrtolla ware temad by •aoffitloa of I
aeattariMoftha diaakMia iato a ■■abtr af Mtata
tiea,'aM of whieli, a flaahUi^t vUtmn, wia Jltaauitd by a wavy ribbon of
lUt aenaa tha aastiB. Tha otbar wai daUad with a^I drenlar ipeU of
•fatoglaa. Tht latter ha baUarad to ba daa to tha on of a roaa noola in
wwMag, a waaring away by tha iwtlaiitil ttWoa of walar ; bat th# fcraMr he
waa Bttariy at a loaa to aeooaat itar. Mr. Wooo Mated that ha aotiead the
ether day, oa aiaiatning eatala aagiHwa ttkaa aataa or aightyaan ago^ that
tha Ua waa ItoTiag tha niata nwalag aff ia mat flakaa. Tha plataa wen
aot Ullad whaa ilwalattd. aad ha tte*^ Poqw, tha alom ba& rtadand
tha fiB hittlH aad BT* it • tawlwty 1e Itari tha plata.- Mr. O. M.
TATbOBtaUhakaavarn balnea wtaaOa Ifaa had left tha oanaloU alto-
iMhtr— hadpedadofiaoMpitea. Mr. Yaai« exhifaMad BMattraa nada by
iaa aaw Zato AaaaUgaat Itaa anankstand fev the Baaaeh JkLombOoanaay.
Tka laM waa 4 » ^ bat Mr. Yoaai triad it aa a « X 8i Blala, wlik Ml aptMiiC,
aaditaMaatdthaflilavriltrtta aaiigla. <& SGSm.
tmk m/Uttf wara immAM^ Mr. FMaeatt ikawad a paaon
of tha el^ af Wataibary, Cooa.. which ha had taken by neana of 'an
ahia tripod top of hia own auaabetanu Foor 8 x 10 plataa wcra awd,'aad
thajpttotal lop ha had caraAiUy aahdirtdad Iato foar poaitloaa, aoilaariM ia
aDIOldamat. Ha had a tapplMtaiy tni^iaiait with Ira poaWoaa,
iwoSdtakaia m dagrtoi Tha lictara exhibMtd tkowtd ptat aal-
teslty, and tha eoatlaalty waa
CorcejSpotuiencra
"TALBOT ABCHKB" AKD THE COKVEMTION.
To the Et>rro».
Ba,—" Coanoa " aad my kind Mand " Dram " moat iadaad think ne
agraaahandif thaytaiieylaatab«'*drawn"by Ihair aaouynmua and
pvaonal naaaAa. Wa ha«a all haaid of •• Balaa noronac ain," and
thrfr «B— nlMllBM ■!« hJiii a aaaa la point Bona tima back,
■ laltan attaeklnc ma ^paaiad in a photegmpUe jwiiodieal. and
> tba aditor wrote to tha addraaa giTaa it waa lonad to ba a void
' 1 thia dty. But. undar any cJiwimttaneea, I tboold not think of
Iha pom braaah of ptaaa atinioatta into which thay would
to laad aaa. I ahaU taka no nolaca whatarat of any turthar
I opoo tba tobjaat.— I aoi, yoota, Ae.,
Sirmta0kam, Julg 4, 18U. W. J. HAaauoa.
fla bri^^iaf tbia cotnanmuj to a doaa, wa cannot rafimin from
. aa w» nadantand pnai ati^Mtta, Mr. Haniaoo ia in
pndadad tnm denying ioeb abai|g«a aa tboae which
' ■; bim. — Ed.]
OBTBOCHBOMATIO FBOTOGRAPHT.
To tht EotToa.
BB(— Oar attnition baa baan eallad to a latter in yoor iataa of 14tb
tba oppuaQioa el
wa cannot alhuw tba
•aata. B, J. Edwarda dt Oo. on abore aaMaet, and bariac
lor Dr. VoRti in eonnaiiaa with hia Bntiab patent and
)f Mwari. Bdwarda tbaiato, fai tba ioteraat ot our dient
ta in laid latter to ramain nncontiadictad.
We shall therefore be obliged if yon will permit as to state that so tar
from its being correct that such patent was " sacoesafally opposed " by
Meaars. Edwards, the fact that such patent waa granted is clear proof
that the opposition to SQch grant failed, the Comptroller in his decision
stating that in bis opinion ■ the process of Dr. Vogel differs materially
from that of Abel ' — that is, the patent on which Messrs. Edwards relied
to prevent the grant of Dr. Vogel's patent. It is true that a reference
clause was inserted in the ipecification, but in stating this Messrs. Edwards
omit to point out that before the opposition was heard Dr. Vogel offered
to insert in hia specification a clause with a ipedfic reference to the Abel
patent, but that Messrs. Edwarda refused to agree to this (although the
original suggestion that such a clause should be inserted came from the
patent agent acting for them in the matter) ; while in hia decision the
CompttoUer does not consider it necessary that the reference clause
abonld make such specific reference to said patent, and in other ways
makes the reference clause much less comprehensive than the one
Dr. Vogel was prepared to agree to without any compulsion. We there-
fore entirely fail to understand how Messrs. Edwards can consistently
maintain that their opposition was in any sense snooessfnl.
With regard to the claims, it is absolutely inooriect that " by order of
the Comptroller, Dr. Vogel's principal clauns were stra(^ out." The
reduction of the number of claims was not by order of the Comptroller,
but on the suggestion of Dr. Vogel's own oounsd, as he thought that
those retained fully eoTeied the invention, the others (so far from being
tbejmaetpai onea/baing anperfluons); and as we agreed with this view
we reoommended Dr. Vogel to adopt this suggestion, which he did. The
Comptroller in his decision leaves the matter of the omission or retention
of any of the claims entirely to Dr. Vogel's discretion, his words being,
" Any or either of the cUtms numbered 2, 3, i, and S, may be struck out,
atpropotd by tht apptieanU' eouiuel at the hearing."
Witn the ezeeptiim of the inaertion of the reference clause stated, and
tha nmiaiion of ineb elabna aa were considered superfluous (and which it
waa left to Dr. Vogel to omit or not aa he ohoae), the specification originally
filed was in po w«y altered.
We totally deny that the legal effect ot the reterenoe clause inaerted is
" that tba proceai, if used at all in this oountry, could only be so naed by
lieenee nadar tbe Tailfer (Abel) patent," as it in no way refers to such
patent ; and even if it did, it would not prevent Dr. Vogel from contesting
the validity thereof, or maintaining that hia patent does not infringe
lamc in any way. — We are, yoors, ite., ALuaoM Baoa.
5-J ChanceryUuu, London. W.C., July 1, 1893.
To th* Edttob.
Six,— In your valnable Joobhal (Jane 34, p. 414), Mr. Edwards asserts
that "tba iryatani ot 'optieally sensitising' by means of dyes is well
known aa Dr. Vogel's, and sboold not be oonf used with the Tailfer prooess
ol ehaminal aanaitiaing," which, it there is any meaning in it, shows that
Mr. Bdwarda doea not know what an optical sensitiser u.
I eall an optkal asnatiiw snob a one which rnnnitiast bromide or
ebloiids of sQvar only lor tboae speetnui raya which it absorbs. That
aetton ia one proper to both eosine and erythiosine; hence, in my
meaning of tbe word, both are optical temititert.
A ohemieal aanti tiler, on tbe other hand, would be one that comUnaa
with iodine or branina liberated by espoaing iodide or bromide of direr
to linhtb Eoaiaa and Mytbroaina oo not do that ; they are therefore not
•htaMal aaodtiaaa in my application of the word.
Kow. I ean aasnra Mr. Edwarda that I am as anzions aa be is that my
syatam of eombining, in a definite form, the dye with the aolnbla silver
faatb abonld not be eoofnaad with his (TaiUer'i) plan ot " eAonieat umi-
tistHg," ai ht ealU U, in which " only to wmeh nmaint in the film at it
combiiud with tht lilptr bromide.
It may ba remarked that an attempt was made to patent tlie Tailfer
prooiaa alao in Qermany, bat, aa it is tha daty of the Oerman Imperial
Patent Ofltee to eramina patent applications aad claims beforehand aa to
tbair novelty, tbe aaid patent was refoaed by the Oerman Imperial Patent
OtBoa.
Mr. Edwarda opnoaed my Engliab patent tor the application of "Eoaide
ot Silver," not, aa be aaya, aoooaeafnUy, but uiuuceeu/ully, tot the patent
waa granted with tUght modi fl nation of the claim, and the prineijial claim
-that of tbe silver eoeide wui gnMed, not ttntck out, as Mr. Edwards
aaaerta.
Ha proeeeda to say " that tha proeeai waa no improvement, and of no
eonimereial value " on aoooont of tbe want of keeping qualities of the
plalea. This statement is on a par with hia other asaettions. Apart
txonrBagland the plataa are sold largely in Oermaay, Italy, and America,
aad tbe sale ia eontinaally inereaaing. That the early plataa, made four
or five yean ago, may lomatimae hare been deficient in keeping quality
baa notbing to do with tba principle on which they are made aensitive to
tba yellow-red raya of the qwetenm, bat with tbe want ot sufficient expe-
tieaea on tbe part of tba ^ate-makers. Their keeping quality is now
everytUng that could be desired, though the prooess by which they are
mads diflen in every eaaantial point from that ot the Tailfer patent.
Tbe manner in whiob Mr. Edwarda derides the value of my prooess
needs no oomment, as it only shows bis own ignorance of these matters. —
I am, yoors, dc, Db. H. W. Vooel.
BiTlin, June SO, 1893.
440
THE BRITISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
July 8, 1892
To the Editob.
Sib, — It is far from my wish or intention to enter on a eontroversy on the
above Bnbject, bnt I cannot allow Mr. Edwards' letter, charging me with
inaccuracies, and which I cannot for a moment admit, to pass un-
answered. I may at once state that I am quite willing to stand by every
word in my paper, which has been written neither hastily nor without
sufficieat data at my command.
Begarding my mentioning Mr. Clayton's name, I had no intention of
making out a complete list of those who have helped to make orthochro-
matic photography what it is to-day, or I should not have left out such
names as Captain Abney, Mr. Bothamley, and many others. However,
Mr. Edwards' remarks amount to the veriest quibble. To the outside
world Mr. Clayton is just as much the so-called real inventor as Mr.
Tailfer ; and, moreover, in other ways, Mr. Clayton is at least as con-
spicuous as Mr. Tailfer. But this is absolutely unimportant, and outside
the question.
We are not all obliged to agree with Colonel Waterhonse that to Mr.
Tailfer " alone is due the credit of the successful application of the colour-
sensitising properties of eosine to the gelatino-bromide process," and,
even if we did, it would have no effect on the question of patent value.
With reference to my " incomplete description of the 'Tailfer process,"
I have given it as fuU as possible. There is no description of modui
operandi, as any one can see for himself who will take the trouble to read
Patent No. 101, 1883, and certainly no one could make plates com-
mercially (this has been tried) with only the specification information.
That the Tailfer plates were not dyed, is an incorrect statement of Mr.
Edwards'. I have had many boxes of Tailfer plates, and they were very
red in colour. With regard to the plates manufactured by Messrs.
Edwards & Co., it is quite another question — a very small amount of dye
M present, but that dye is present combined with silver, as recommended
in Professor Vogel's patent. I have already given my views re " optical "
and "chemical " sensitising in my paper, so will not take up your space
with that subject. They are, however, diametrically opposed to those
of Mr. Edwards', but I may mention that they are quite in accord
with those of Captain Abney and others. Professor Vogel's patent was
not successfully opposed by Mr. Edwards — the patent was allowed, after
adding a disclaimer, which in no way affected the validity of the patent,
and, if sufficient technical and scientific knowledge had been at hand
even this disclaimer would probably have been superfluous. The true
reason why Dr. Vogel allowed his patent to lapse, was, I suppose,
because no one had either sufficient enterprise or ability to work it in
this country. And it is not true that the process has no commercial
value, for plates are made in large quantities in Germany and elsewhere
by this method (Dr. Vogel's), and all, or nearly all, orthochromatised
plates I have come across contain silver associated with the dye. Plenty
of plates manufactured by Vogel's process have, I understand, been sold
in England since the granting of the patent. In connexion with the
-whole matter. Professor Eder is the greatest authority on the subject,
and his expressed opinion is entirely in favour of the Vogel method.
With reference to Messrs. Lumi^re working under a licence from Tailfer,
I have had some further correspondence from M. Vidal, which will
tend to show by what kind of means the poor patent has to be propped
up. My statement in my paper was also from M. Vidal's letter ; I give
his own words : " Le brevet de MM. Clayton & Tailfer n'est exploite
que par le titulaire Attout-Tailfer, et encore tr^s peu, ses produits itant
de valeur inft:rieure. Les plaques que Ton pref^re sont celles que fabrique
la maison Lumi^re de Lyon ; elles sont prepares par un procede tout
different." In a more recent letter M. Vidal says : " Quant au Luraidre,
voici ce qui s'est pass6. Cette maison produisait des plaques ortho-
chromatiques. M. Tailfer les a menao^ d'un proems. Voyant les menaces
sans effet M. Tailfer a fait offrir & MM. Lumiire de leur aceorder
gratuitement une licence. Ces messieurs voyant qu'ils ^viteraient aussi
les ennuis du proems dont on les mena^ait — bien qu'a tort — ont consenti
a acheter gratuitement la licence en question, a la seule condition de
mettre sur les boites les mots ' avec I'autorUation de M. Tailfer,' ce qu'ils
n'ont fait que quelques fois. M. Tailfer a voulu user de sa victoire en
entratnant la maison Monckhoven a lui acheter une licence ; et il lui
a ecrit qu'il lui donnerait pour rien, tandis que MM. Lumi^re lui avaient
paye 30,000 francs. J'ai montr6 a la maison Monckhoven la lettre de
Lumiire me declarant ce qui s'6tait passd : ' Eien pay6, pas un centime,'
dit cette lettre." And much more information, not particularly edifying
to those concerned, which I would prefer to withhold.
Apologising for taking up so much of your space, — I am, yours, &c.,
July 4, 1892. J. J. Acwobth, Ph.D., F.I.C., F.C.S.
HELIOCHEOMT.
To the Editob.
SrB,— In reply to Mr. Ives' remarks, page 430, 1 will begin by quoting
his own words : " I regret that I am obliged to occupy your valuable
space with replies to statements which ought never to have been made."
But so long as Mr. Ives continues to publish wrong assertions against
me, I am obliged to answer him. He asserts that an " identical state
ment " (like that he communicated to the Franklin Institute over his-
claims) " was submitted to Dr. Vogel for criticism." I answer, I have
never received such a statement.
Mr. Ives says further, " Dr. Vogel also certainly knows that Du Hauroa
never gave my (Ives') chlorophyll process up in favour of Dr. Vogel's
eosine process." In reply to that, I may mention that I have never
asserted that Ducos du Hauron had used Ives' process or my eosine
process, both pubHshed several years after Du Hauron's paper,
Mr. Ives says further, that my " idea cannot be carried out in accord-
ance with the facts which support the Young-Helmholtz theory," &c. I
answer. My idea is already canned out and worked out in practice in
Berlin. Specimens of my process were again exhibited here three weeks
ago, and have received the praise of the most eminent painters and
scientists of Germany, and of the first art critics of the German news-
papers. Even Dr. Von Helmholtz himself has visited this exhibition, and
declared that the results are in accordance with his theories I Verb. sap.
Perhaps Mr. Ives only knows those parts of Helmholtz's researches
which are related to Young's, but not Helmholtz's many other inde-
pendent papers on over-colour vision.
Mr. Ives says further, " Dr. Vogel was in error when he says he
acknowledged the ' heliochromoscope ' on page 318." I maintain my
assertion as true. Every reader of your valuable Jouknai, may convince
himself of the correctness of my words. More than that, I have also
acknowledged the heliochromoscope in the Standard, in an article Mr.
Ives has certainly read. I allow Mr. Ives the honour of employing the
old Ducos du Hauron principle first for making coloured lantern slides
by projection.
But I am sorry to say that I must now qualify my acknowledgment,
since Mr. L. Vidal, of Paris, has published in Anthony's Bulletin, p. 297,
the following lines: — "We consider it as a duty to remind him (Ives) that
a description of the principle of the apparatus of this kind (heliochromo-
scope) appears in a paper published in 1869 by C. Cros."— I am, yours,
*c-. Dr. H. W. Vooel.
Berlin, July i, 1892.
SPEED OF PLATES.
To the Editob.
Sib, — The mode of ascertaining the speed of plates proposed by Mr.
WatWns in his letter of May 20, and further explained in your last issue,
would be very simple indeed if it could be shoTep to be reliable ; but, un-
fortunately, it will be found that developmen^for a certain time, will
not ensure the results desired. As pointed out by Mr. Phillips, much
more extended observations must be made even to obtain an approxi-
mately accurate result.
Granting that, if carefully made, a Spurge's sensitometer might give as
great an accuracy of comparative illumination as the simple plan adopted
by Messrs. Hurter & Driffield, I am unable to see that it would be more
convenient. A number of plates could not be exposed at the same time,
by which means the effect of any slight variation in the source of light
may be eliminated, and a fair comparison made.
Mr. Watkins objects to the standard candle, but does not suggest any-
thing superior, and, should he succeed in finding a better standard than
the candle now used by Messrs. Hurter & Driffield, the accuracy of which
is very great when their conditions respecting height of flame are strictly
adhered to, it will be equally available for either method of exposing the
plate.
The densities obtained still have to be dealt with, and I select the fol-
lowing to show that no indication of the speed of plates can be obtained
by the simple comparison of the densities as proposed by Mr. Watkins,
Four plates of unknown speeds were exposed at one time (11 to 160 candle-
metre seconds), and developed together for the same length of time. The
densities, when measured, were as under : —
1.
2.
3. 4.
UCM.S
2J ,
•09
•33
•14
•47
•86
1-26
1-64
1^92
217
2^31
•30
•50
•74
1^01
1^21
133
1^44
1^55
•16
•43
5 „
•68
1-06
1^45
1^76
•77
1^13
10 „
20 „
1'47
40 „
1-78
1.97
80 „
201
2-21
160 „
2-14
Inertia „...
Actinograph speed
1-45
23
1-25
11
31
1-3
•65
52
•85
11
81
Development factor
1-15
Densities of 1-45, 1-44, and 1-47, which, to the eye, appear equal, are
found upon plates 1, 3, and 4, and, being due to the same exposure upon
1 and 4, the plates would, by Mr. Watkins' method, be considered of
equal speed, instead of as 23 to 31.
The same density upon No. 3 was only obtained with four times the
July 8, 1893]
liUi BRITISH JOOBNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
447
li^hi, and would b* taken to be (oar timM ai alow as the others, whereas
it U twice aa rapid as No. 1.
No*. 2 and 4 are equal in rapidity, bat do aot eomepoDd in density
anyiriMM.
It will b« laan that the diflereot darelopment laetor reached in each
ease BMVMti tba ertimation of spaed by inspeeUoa, and ia most mielead-
ing wtth the faetast plate. When, howcTer. tba enrre ia laid down npon
UcMTtL Hortat A Driffield's plan, the speed of the plates is at once de-
termined with great aecoracj. — I am, joors, >te., Jobs Stbbbt.
Sedkill, July 4, 1«M.
THE DABK FLASH.
To the EoiTOB.
Sn,— I ean eonofaonta Mr. Inainon'i Matement in laat weatt
Btrrtsa Joubsal or PHotDoaAPHT rt Om •bova, aa I aaw it quite dis-
tinctly ; thaie were, however, two flaahaa, eoa U^it, tha oUiar dark, and,
)tlt)w»i|li I aaw both flaahea praetieaQy at the «un« tioM, the U^t one
•eemadto be tonned firat, probably baeaoae it traveUed qnUar than the
dark one. The effect took place about 10 p.m. in the north-eaat part of
the sky, the light flaah bong oo the northern, and the dark flaah on the
aattcm aide, tba colour of this being difficult to describe other than a
mixtaieof Tciy dark ted or ourple brawn, with dark giey, the backgroond
of ekMda being illnminated oy the li^ flaah.— I am, yoon, ite.,
TMtridg*. July 4. IrHfi. J. BtMKX*.
m
TONKG SILVER PKniTS DUBETO THCKDEBSTOBMS.
TotAf BaooM.
Sb,— Laat night (Taesday, Jnoa M «• had one ot the moat terrific
tbaadiMalanH avet KDowB in thia BilphaariMied.
On }«a «r ycm natei tall n* M M^ Ihm« «*m faaad gnat Affleulty
IB tcBJBC advar prista daiteg tba ttaaa cL or tmmadiataly pnoading, a
Mvare (torm? I (oond my priata woald not tone op to the usual
standard o( eoloor on Tnaiday night, and yat I naad tba same batb that I
haifa oaad lot Tewa, and which I ioond at
'~~"»1I altar tba storm bad pasaed orar.
What I want to know ia. Am I jnstiHaitfa attributing tba fMt tbatmy
prima ftnaed to tm» to tba ifiaty ilirtrinl stnta tfirt Iha ateMnphere
b soyroMd and balia«ad to ba in at aaah a Kmat
I sndnn two printa with aotaa at the back, and you ean pnbUab this
or not aa you tbink w«n. If you think it dintarast, I would write a short
aitiala for tba Aumim nast year.— I aui. yunn. te,
ai9l^-*f«f. W*tM40*. Jmt 39, IMS. Tioiua Ostma.
answered well oa Wadnaaday
COB&ECT EXPOSUBB.
Te tkt Eonoa.
Bo.— At Mr. XMiMl kdopu my wording that "the stop baa been
reduced to a qoait* of tba area, and allows exactly the mmm my^fft^t of
Ugbtto ■" .. .
> DMB M bslan,'' sora^ it ia vridant that whan tba niata ja plnsad
tETenciMt diatanaa (wUib ImI I bad b7 no aaaaa Inattan),
wfaara tba soM aaeuM of U^aorasa IhasMM area of Plata. thaOhmiaa-
.ou most ba sqonL — I an>> yours, ^k«..
a*d am. Juig t, un.
Joua SasBST.
TalAs
ain.— The law wilaHs^ to tba fafal^y of iti.....i— n— .y— -iaj. m,
licbaalbasaabiaaiguBeBtdoaa aol Bn|y t« tba aaaa at all: it U true
alycf dJasryfcifivs. and dayiiliwHi an woo tba iMt that the further
aeldsatiiboBtbasouiaa of UdM tba la«« will ba tba rays that laU
.poa it, and aot baeanaa any iadiTidnal iw loaaa in intsMity.
Now, in tba caaa of two laasaa. ona douHs tba feeal Uoftb of tbootkar,
and both having tbo aaoo nUtiro alop. tba mmbsr of nja of light from
any unit of soxfaoa of tba lanikMiii wbiah pMO thia^ tba atofo will,
ia tha caaa of tba k^sr-loeaa lana. be toor tiMM Msalai tbM in tba
aee of tba ahartar-ftMOS ooa, lor tba ana of Ibo atop H aa lour to one.
Tlio ■bartas-fDOH lais, bowovar, farms an fanaga oo Oa plate with
uiaaa laua, wUab la oaly a quarter tba asM of tba faBMfs lonnod bv tba
loaprmas ona; tbanton fai aaoh saaa Iha aambar of im of Debt
whiah fall opoo a ghoa onlt of sodboo of Iha data wOIba squaT^
I am. yoors, *c., B. CoLun Oun.
Drriy, July ith, UM.
»
THX PBICE OF BILVEB.
To tht EtirroB.
!^tB,— On all sides U ia said that sUrer was aovar known to be ebaap aa
is i> now. Wbv is it, sir, ibat photograpfaan eaanot baaafit Iqr tbia low
suteoftbaoarfcat? Than is nothing to gxumbla at aa to tba price paid
lor plataa, but sorsir thers is no gsnuina reasoo why asnsilisad psfsr
sbooU nnate at tba arios it was whan silver was nearly doufali Ita
present rata. If you badly inaart Ibis in the JouaaiL. it may ba that
some ol the mahan of ssaaWnd paper win eonts to tba tea and enlightan
the subject a littU.— I aa, yoan, Ac , A. Hoaxoa.
Cardiff, Jwmt9.U»t.
PBESEBVATIOX OF SILVERED MIBRORS.
To the Editor.
Sib, — Mr. Ives is exactly thirty-sii years too late with his suggestion.
When Liebig first published the process in 1856, he suggested that the
surface should be varnished. I quote from his paper as given in the
Journal de Pharmacie et de Chimie, troisi4me serie, tome trentiime.
Sage 74, aa follows: — "Lorsque le miroir est sec, on reconvre le tain
'nn vemis incolore compose d'une dissolution alcoolique de resine de
Dammar; ensuite on encadre." For astronomical purposes, no one
nowadays would ever dream of spoiling the surface of mirror or flat with
Tarnish. The silver film adheres to the glass so tenaciously when pro-
perly done, that it will bear a very great amount of rubbing without
coming off. Dr. Draper has stated that the thickness of the silver film
is only the ysi/inn of an inch. Varnish of any kind, whether celluloid or
collodion, never oould be put on of such extreme tenuity as to approach
this, and of uniform thickness.
I have had considerable experience recently in silvering mirrors ground
by myeelf, and I should never dream either of varnishing them or of
polishing the silver film with cotton tcool and rouge.
July 5, 1892. Pbocilla.
[" Prooella " is not quite correct in several points. First, Mr. Ives'
suggestion of uaing a celluloid protection for a mirror cannot well be
" exactly thirty-eix years " too late, for celluloid has not yet been
this time before tbe world, and the quotation (riven from Liebig
speaks of dammar, not celluloid vamtsh. Seoonaly, Is " Prooella
sure that Liebiff was tbe first to publish tbe process in 18o6 P Is be-
unaware that ue invention was really made and patented bj Thog.
Drayton, a London chemist, in December, ld4S ? Lastly, the appli-
cation of the varnish was suggested, not to ensure the adhesion of the
silver to the glaas, but to prevent its becoming tarnished. — Eo.]
DJCBEASB OF PLATE SENSITrVENESS BY KEEPING— TONING
AND FIXING BATHS.
To the EcrroB.
SiB,— Two items in the Joubsal. of this weak ban arrested my atten-
tion. Firat, with regard to the increase ol sensitiTeness of d^ plates by
keeping, I wish to bring to your notice what has happened in my own case.
In the early summer of 18'J0 I prepared a batch of plates bv boiling vrith
ammonia, and on trying I found tnam extremely slow and thin, but dean
and with good detail. I put them up in the dark room, oloeely papered,
and in empty neptive bozaa. They have lain there sine*, till laat week. At
that time I waa m Beltorbet, but my son was carrying on the business.
I was quite siiipiisail to bear from him that, being short of an IlforJ
half-plate, he osed one of this old batch. Beault, a good printing
negative and szposnn same as he was giving Ilf ord Ordinary. This is
item on*.
The Eastman combined tooing and fixing bath. — In reading over your
"Editorial Table," I was struck with the similarity of the first part
of their fixing and toning b*th to one for fixing, which I submitted to the
Iltoid people soma maatbs back, and lor which I claimed that it would,
render tbe gelatine sortaes so hard that after enamelling water ooold be
taken off tba faoa of lbs paper withont leaving a mark on the gloasy snifaoe.
I baHave I am amongat tbe oldest ol emnlston paper workers, com-
■aaahig with Obemettar's eoUodio-chloride ol silver paper in 1873, and
following the same maker in gelatine to tbe advent ol tba Dlord people.
Formnla for Aiing batb, —
Hypo, of soda 16 ounces.
Alum „ 16 „
Bicarbonate of soda 4 „
Water 4 quarts.
Hypo dissolved flnt, bicarbonate added and dissolved, and alum laat. A
oopioas white prseipitate falls, which settles in twenty-four boors, when
tbe elaar part la dseanted lor use. Time ol fixation, not leas than ten
nor more than ffltasn minutes. — I am, yours, ^to., J. PittaBsoa.
Coram /r«l«U, /mm 16, 1893.
Sir^ange Column.
• •-JTo «tr?< *» <"■<'' /'«' HwerfuM gmkmtm *f Ampanlm <» <M« ««f«M» ;
wHsysBt^jy t*«* iS|MirHiSa<iai "mtythii^tmfiWmUaitr^f»r*tmdtrttand
WtU<
gmlnfii I ril 1 — 1' ti— tnin or(ma, t«7 Uttl« oMd, tor > IS x IS or 12 x lo
—I. wHb tbm doabis •B4« i Bast b* U«ht, (or outdoor pbotafrkphT.— Addran'
J. B. OOLB. tko Studio, Ba^Craft. bi(iil«7.
WUl oiilMac* (orrotTP* ouMra, Ittad with two 1om«, to Uk« fonr piotorat on lulf-
JUo. (or • (aw raallr good bashrraoads, tntarior ud extarlor.— Addrats,
. WIU.U. Baalwitt StaAo, Boothnd-oa-Saa.
WUl iiiikeaai Taaw stir's ■■■ oaaam, oiaa laasaa, lalcaa tUrtr-rix on pUta 7x5,
wttk UOO Ooa aad TMona aenBta, lor baU-nUta or 7 X S ruld raotUiaev or rapid
•TBBMlrleal laai. nay food aakar.— Addtaw, t. M l urraoar, ltatkat>plac«, Bomtj,
k
448
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[July 8, 1892
anstoets to <Eron:esponlient0.
All matUri for tht text portion of lliit Joubkal, including queries for
"Answers'^ and " Exchangee," mutt be addretted to "Thb Editob,
2, Tork-sirut, Covent Garden, London. Inattention to thit enruret delay.
No notice taken of cor^municationt unlea name and addreu of vriter are
ffvoen,
•«• Communications relating to Advertisements and general business affairs
must he addressed to "Hknbt OMMnrooD * Co., 2, Torhstreet, Covent
Oarden, London.
Fhotogiupbs Rkqisterkd :
G. B. Bradahaw & Co., Altrinoham.— " We'll be lattfor Ow poll."
John William Beaufort, Birmingham.— P?ioto»roph of Auttin ChamlKrIam.
Thoma< A«hby FlemonB, Tonbridge.— PJiotojroph of (ht Lunchton Porfy at Tun-
hridgt Yicaragt, June 28, 1892.
J. C. — Received.
R C. Philups. — Thanks ; next week.
Pkkplixii). — The print is imperfectly fixed.
C. H. M. (West Hampstead). — Received ; thanki.
Cbkmiccs.— By amnionic hydrate the ordinary liquor ammonise -SSO is generally
nnderstood.
D. AvANZO. — Hardwich's Photographic Chemistry (J. & A. Churchill, Burling-
ton-street, London, W. ). Ptice 7s. 6d.
G. Scott. — Under varying conditions the three kinds of plates named are,
probably, equally as gowl for portraiture.
Valentine & Sons. — A cold varnish for negatives may be made by dissolving
gum dammar in benzole to the consistency of cream.
Spots. — The mottlings on the prints are due to the action of the mountant on
the mount, the enamel of which was not properly " fixed."
Nonplussed. — The prints were imperfectly fixed. The discolouration of the
silver solution is due to the dye being abstracted from the paper.
Cadmus.— Given both forms of lens mentioned of good construction, their
defining powers both for foreground and distance should be equal.
K. Stubkock.— Yes, you have been rightly informed. Glycerine applied to a
print on the new platinotype paper before development acts as a restrainer.
J, Wood. — A negative from a negative may be made by the addition of sulpho-
urea to the developer, according to the method suggested by Colonel Water-
house.
A Wtnch. — 1. The mountant given at page 790 of the current Almanac is,
perhaps, as suitable as any. 2. The "permanence" of gelatino-chloride
prints has not yet been called into question.
A. Z. Y. — The "peculiar marks" on the prints are due to finger or thumb
marks on the paper before it is printed, or, may be, before toning.
Sydney A. Harding. — There is a work on Collotype and Photo-lithography
by Dr. Julius Schnauss, translated by Mr. E. C. Middleton. It is published
by Messrs. Iliffe & Son, St. Bride-street, E.C.
Several correspondents who have forwarded us Messrs. Hamfeldt and
Stahlberg's circular relating to the Helsingfors International 'Photographic
Exchange are thanked for responding to our invitation.
Patentee. — Before you commit yourself to any threat against the dealer who
you say is infringing your patent rights, you had better make a careful
perusal of the important law case which is given in another part of the
Journal.
Saxon. — Considerable intensity, probably greater than that obtained by the
ordinary processes of mercuric intensification, may be imparted to the
negative by bleaching as usual, and "blackening" with an ordinary ferrous-
oxalate developer.
E. Harvey— Permission to photograph in the royal parks may be obtained by
addressing H. W. Primrose, Esq., Ofiice of Works, Whitehall, S.W. ; and
for the other parks of H. de la Hooke, Esq., London County Council,
Spring Gardens, S.W.
A. Stanway. — In the best studios on the Continent only plain backgrounds
are used, or landscapes and interiors, which are artistically painted so that
they are little more than suggestive. The pronounced scenic background of
twenty years ago is never used now.
C W. Kingstow (Glamorgan). — From the description, the paper seems to
be of the right kind. But we cannot say for certain without seeing a
sample. If it was supplied by a photographic chemist for the purpose
required, it is no doubt the correct thing.
B. Brownlow. — The only way of keeping the sun out of the studio is to make
the outside boards higher. Bear in mind that at this time the sun is at its
highest altitude, and it is for this reason that the hoarding that effectually
stopped it out a month ago, does not do so now.
S. A. (Leeds). — The best work for your purpose, although it does not deal
specially with photographic chemicals, is Fresenius' Chemical Analysis.
There are two volumes, one devoted to qualitative, and the other to quanti-
tative analysis. The former will answer your purpose at first.
Alio. — In our report of the last meeting of the London and Provincial Photo-
graphic Association you will find two new formulae of the Eastman Company
for their gelatino-chloride paper, the employment of either of which wiU
obviate the precipitate of whicn you complain with the original formula.
F. Harrington & Co. ask where a copy of the catalogue of the Munich Fine
Arts Exhibition can be obtained. Any foreign bookseller would, we pre-
sume, obtain a copy to order. Or a Post Office Order for two marks, and
the necessary amount for postage, addressed to the Secretary of the Exhibi-
tion, the Gaspalast, Munich, would secure a copy.
C. P. C. asks : "Who is the person to apply to for permission to photograph
Tintem Abbey ?" — Perhaps some reader can supply the information desired.
S. W. C. — In taking reversed negatives for photo-mechanical and other
purposes for which they are required, a mirror, jirovided it be optically
plane, will answer quite as well as the more expensive prism. But it must
be borne in mind that a defective mirror, or prism, will quite destroy the
quality of the most perfect lens. Therefore, whichever be used, it must be
optically perfect.
F. Stoneham. — Pizzighelli 4 Hubl's work on Platinotype (published by the
Photographic Society of Great Britain, price 2s.) treats exhaustively of the
earlier platinum processes. There is no book which brings the subject up to
date, and your best plan, therefore, would be to consult the indices of our
more recent volumes, and digest the various articles on platinotype contained
therein. This, with the necessary practical experiments, should meet your
purpose.
E. Cooper asks for a simple method of reducing silver prints that are over-
printed.— Several methods have from time to time been suggested which, in
a sense, answer ; but the prints are seldom as good as those that are printed
to the proper depth in the first instance. As a matter of fact those who
print professionally do not consider it worth while to waste time in doctoring
over-printed impressions, but simply tear them up and make fresh ones.
Our advice is, follow their example and do the same. It will save time and
ensure better results.
S. A. J. says : " I was apprenticed to my present employer for three years.
My uncle paid a premium of one hundred and twenty-five pounds for the
apprenticeship, I to receive nine, twelve, and fifteen shillings a week as
salary. I have served two years of the time, and have done nothing but
printing, and have never yet worked in the studio. In fact, 1 have been
employed solely to do the work of a man whom he would have to pay three
times the wages to. Can I compel my master to teach me the portrait
work?" — Thi.s is a very common complaint of those who take apprentices
with a premium. The uncle should consult a solicitor on the matter.
S. Trebbs writes : " I have got — or, rather, expect to get— an order to photo-
graph a quantity of furniture to illustrate a manufacturer's catalogue. A
great deal of it is inlaid wood. Some is inlaid with metal. As I have
never done anything of the kind before, although I am an old photographer,
can you give me any hints that will help me, I mean with regard to photo-
graphing this class of work ? " — The best effects will be obtained by photo-
graphing the objects before they are polished, as then there are no reflections
to contend with, and finer detail will be obtained. It is in the unpolished
state — after being slightly oiled, which brings out the grains of the wood —
that this class of goods is most satisfactorily photographed. If, however,
the things are already polished, then they must be dealt with as they are,
in which case use backed plates, and arrange the lighting so as to avoid
reflection in the direction of the lens as much as possible.
Collodion writes : ' ' Kindly inform me of a reliable method of keeping wet
plates wet for two or three hours after sensitising, so that they can be ex-
f>08ed after that length of time. Is there not a method of coating with a
iquid of which Bass's beer is a constituent !" — There are several methods by
which collodion plates may be kept moist, such as coating them with such
things as honey, oxymel, glycerine, kc, but they are all more or less un-
satisfactory, particularly with regard to sensibility and quality of negative,
except in experienced hands. The beer, coffee, and other processes of thai
class are practically dry processes. It will be found far more convenient,
when negatives of the wet-plate character are required, and the plate cannot
be exposed as soon as prepared, to use some of those plates specially pre-
pared for photo-mechanical work. These plates are slow, but they yield
negatives that have all the characteristics of wet-plate ones.
West London Photoobapbic Society. — July 9, Oxted.
London and Provincial Photographic Association. — July 14, Members'
Open Night. 16, Outing, West Drayton.
Photographic Club. — July 13, Photographing Natural History Specimens.
20, Photo-mechanical Processes. Outing, 'Saturday next, July 9, Rickmans-
worth. Trains from Euston, quarter past two.
Mr. Alexander P. Taylor, late photographer, Dunfermline, died at his
residence in New-row, Dunfermline, on Thursday, June 23. Mr. Taylor had
suffered from indifferent health for about six months. Mr. Taylor was a native
of Dunfermline. He began life as a grocer, but his knowledge of chemicals led
him ultimately to give up the grocery trade and take to photography. Photo-
graphy had scarcely been reduced to an art in Mr. Taylor's early days, and if
the work he produced would not compare favourably with what can be had in
Dunfermline to-day, it was wonderful for the times, and certainly creditable to
a man who had, in the real sense of the words, beien self-taught. Mr. Taylor
was sixty-eight years of age.
OONTX1NT8,
PUB
opening out the fixed stop of
a lens us
SOME POPOLAK IDEAS OF PHOTO-
GRAPHY 483
ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHIC WORK
FOR AMATEUES.-IV. By T. N.
AKMSTRONO 4S6
jottings. By COSMOS 486
ART : ITS MISSION AND CATHOLICITY.
By GEORGE T. HARRIS 487
MAGIC LANTERN MATTEBS. By W. I.
CHADWICK 487
CLOUD PHOTOQEAPHY. By ABIHDR
W. CLAT1)EN 4St
PHOTOGRAPHIC CONVENTION OF
THE UNITED KINGDOM 4S»
EEDUCINQ AGENTS OF THE AROMA-
TIC SERIES WHICH AUS CAPAIILE
OF DEVELOPING THE LATENT
PHOTOGKAPHIC IMAGE. By A. AXD
L. LUMIEUE 440
AN IMPORTANT PATENT LAW CASE .. 441
OUR EDITORIAL TABLE US
RECENT PATENTS 4U
HKETINOS or SOCIETIES 44S
OORBSSPONDENCE 441
EXCHANGE COLUMN 447
AHBWBB8 10 OOBBESPOMDEHIt MS
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1680. Vol. XXXIX.— JULY 15, 1892.
SOME POINTS IN MR. DAVISON'S ADDRESS TO THE
CONVENTION.
The chivalrous oompliment which he paj« to Mr. H. P.
binaon in the opening sentence! of his address, and the
iiiijdest manner in which he exempts hinuelf fri>m following in
the footsteps of hia pndeceaors in the presidential chair in
criticisin;; scientific adraooet or inventions in photography
daring the preceding year, arc in that admirable taate which
we looked for in the President of the ConTcntion. And, if Mr.
Daviaon does not whoU/ confine htmaelf to a consideration of
the bearing's which thoae new developments and discoveriet
have up<:>n pictorial work in photography, he disarms the
objections of thoee he may have disappointed by demonstrating
to them by hia intelligent referenoee to rcoent optical improve-
ments, to Messrs. Hurter & Driffield's labours, to the struggle
for the survival of the fittest among printing suriWoes, to photo-
mechanical proocasea, and other su^ecta luunlly conceded to be
the almost ezclnaive oonoem of thoee to whom ph< 'togiAphy is of
least account as a picture-making art, that it is difficult, if not
' 'It of the question, for thcee who profeaa to pia tiieir allegiance
jihotography, simply beoaoae it is eapAble oH realising their
Inspirations after artistic efTeet, to avoid aoiuiriiig and holding
a deep interest in the progwse of photographic science, of
which it in an undoubted obligation that they should cultivate
a knowledge hardly leas oomprehensive than that of aoientifio
men themselves.
I Briefly it comes to this, that Mr. Davison, as the aocrodited
vpokcHBan of that large and growing section of photogiAphcn
to whom photography appeals aa an art and aa an art alone,
•nnihilates the fiction that that school can aflord, or really
'eropts, to ignore or remain indifferent to its importance aa a
r reaching progresaive aeieooe. In (act, photographic science
>Mt be nearly as modi at tlM finger enda of the artist in
.otogrephy aa of the photo-micrographcr, the photo-
rrooomcr, or any other inveatigiUor who joina photography
to his aiib to disooreiy.
Mr. Davison's defence of " supprtMion of definition," or
1ilfii-«(l treatment "* in modem photographs, is somewhat
4Coante<i bf the circomatanoe tiAt it is studiously based
rxm almost purely personal predilections. He seems, indeed,
iy his declaration in favour of an individual preference in
■ ic matter cf the focal treatment and tone rendering of photo-
-ipha, rather to aeek to avoid than to reopen or prolong the
inevitable cootrov cwy aa to the exact value of ilcfinition in
photographic pictures. But, candidly, while coiuplirncnting
Mr. Davison on his diplomacy, we cannot help remarking that,
as the |>oint is one which is of fundamental importance in the
«ppKcation of pliotography to artistic purposes, its discussion
in the fullest and freest manner is highly desirable. Mr.
Davison forgets that public taste has yet to decide between
definition and no— or " difTerentiated " — definition, and wo
have little hesitation in conjecturing that, if the public prefer-
ence is conclusively realised to be in favour of the former, the
result, despite the small and temporary influence of outside
critical impressionism, must lead to the relegation of nou-focussed
landscape and other kinds of work, to a position of artistic
unimportance, if not neglect.
Mr. Davisqn's regret that the " broader treatment " advocated
in former days has not survived is allowable enough, but, in
venturing the opinion that " almost the only valuable artistic
survivals from that period are in the particular broad focussing
of Mrs, Cameron's iiowerful and original pictures," he perhaps
does not exalt that lady's portrait work too high, but errs, we
think, in omitting mention of the work of Robinson, Diston,
Rejlander, and many others who for a long span of years were
admitted to have worthily u|)held photography aa an exponent
of the highest artistic capabilities. If, according to the Pre-
sident's personal leanings, their treatment was not " broad "
enough, surely he does not on that score refuse to concede the
artistic value of their work 1 The focal treatment of a land-
scape is apfiarently merely one of degree of breadth, determin-
able by the individual, but it seems strange Utit " breadth " and
"narrowness" of treatment are in some minds artistically incom-
patible.
In discussing the interrelations of science and art in
artistic photogra[)hy, the President arrives at a conclusion
which he himself, by his able grasp of scientific progress
in photography, does his best to destroy. Possibly the man
who devotes himself to science and purely scientific habits cuts
himself off, more or less, from the development of hia artistic
perception and knowledge ; but a eoi;iplete or a partial posses-
sion of one or both are by no means antagonistic. We have
seen many excellent pictures on the walls of the Pall Mall
Exhibition by the foremost man of science in photography to-
day— we allude to Captain Abney — which quite disprove Mr.
Davison's argument, against which, indeed, we are willing to
quote that gentleman himself as a conspicuous witness. If
«ft_WBaDber aright. Captain Abney, in the late Camera Club
OuiiBwaoe, claimed that many artiste would be all the better
for considerable scientific knowledge. True enough, as hia illus-
tration of the extraordinary moons and mountains seen in
some pictures amply testify. Your modem artistic photo-
grapher, whether of the " broad " or "narrow" school, must of
necessity have a knowledge of photographic processes scarcely
inferior to that of the scientific photographer pure and simple.
The concluding portions of the President's address, although
written from the artist's standpoint, stamp Mr. Davison as
450
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[July 15, 1892
something more than an artist, and will be welcome to those who
feared, and not without cause, that the majority of the Conven-
tion papers would entirely occupy themselves with the eternal
art question, which is one of those things of which we conceive
the most ardent disciple of the " suppression of definition " or
" diffused treatment " school could have too much. The chief
movements in photography during the past year are briefly
described and thoughtfully reviewed in tlie address, althoiigh,
to take one example, it seems to us a little premature to expect
that " the great practical result of Messrs. Hurter & Driffield's
admirable work " will be " the simplification of development
for all photographers."
The President's address is throughout an admirable survey
of many phases of recent photography, and it is entitled to the
further compliment of the admission that it contributes plenty
of matter for reflection and criticism alike. It will probably
secure both.
DIFFICULTIES IN THE COLLOTYPE PROCESS.
If an opinion can be formed from the amount of corre-
spondence we have received during the last few months,
the collotype process — or, as it is termed on the Con-
tinent, Lichtdruck, and here passes under various pseu-
donyms— is receiving far more attention than hitherto. As
in every process, so in this, those who take it iip for the
first time soon find that some little difficulties have to be
encountered ; and also that, when text books have to be solely
relied upon, they are not so very easily surmounted. Hence,
no doubt, the number of letters continually coming to hand
recounting failures and asking their cause. From the meagre
details usually furnished the questions are, in most instances,
impossible to answer with any degree of certainty. To do that
properly, not only should we require to know all the precise
conditions under which the plates were prepared, but those
also under which they were treated before printing in the
press ; in fact, to see all the operations performed. Usually,
novices in any process are prone to attribute their failures to
the formula by which they have worked, while the actual cause
of trouble is rather in the conditions existing at the time.
Notably is this the case with the process now under considera-
tion, for its successful working really depends more upon con-
ditions than upon mere formulae.
In the abstract collotype is one of the simplest of processes.
A ground-glass plate is prepared with a substratum, which acts
as a bond between the glass and the printing film. This
consists of bichromated gelatine, to which other substances
are sometimes added. The plate is then exposed under a
reversed — as regards left and right — negative, then washed
and dried. It is then moistened again when it is ready for
printing from, in the same manner as a lithographic stone is
treated. All this appears simple enough; but there is no
disguising the fact that to work the collotype process success-
fully, under the continually varying conditions of temperature
and humidity of the atmosphere of this country, requires a
certain amount of judgment, which can only be acquired by
practice. Therefore beginners should not be discouraged by a
few failures at first, as they are only what might be expected.
With a view to the assistance of those experimenting with
collotype, wc will refer to a few of the more important points in
connexion with the process.
One thing of great importance is the gelatine itself. One of
its properties must be hardness, to withstand wear in the
printing ; while, at the same time, it must be freely absorbent
of moisture. Generally, this characteristic is obtained by a.
mixture of two kinds — one hard and of an insoluble nature,
and the other of a soft and absorbent chai*acter. The
blending of two or more kinds in the right proportions to
secure the end desired requires some little judgment. The
proportions, however, that would be best in the winter would
not be suitable in the summer, as the film would then be too
soft, while what is necessary iu summer would be too hard and
non-absorbent in winter. However, a few experiments made
from time to time with different samples of gelatine will
determine the most suitable proportions of each quality to-
employ. As different batches of gelatine, even from the same
manufacturers, are more or less variable, it is customary with
those who work on a commercial scale to purchase a large
quantity of the most suitable kinds at a time, and thus avoid
unnecessary experimenting. The thickness of the printing film
is of importance, as it affects the grain. But the experi-
mentalist will soon be able to determine that most suitable
for the work in hand.
A very important factor in the preparation of collotype
plates is the temperature at which the printing film is dried,
and this must be regulated according to the result desired —
whether a coarse or a fine grain. The slower the plate is
dried, and the lower the temperature at the time, the finer
will be the grain, while, on the other hand, quick drying at
a high temperature — within certain limits — is conducive to a
coarse grain. If, however, the temperature is carried too high,
and the drying effected too quickly, there may be an absence
of grain altogether. The fineness, or otherwise, of the grain is
also influenced, as we have just said, by the thickness of the
film, as well as by the character of the gelatine of which it is
composed. Hence it will be seen that no definite temperature
for drying can be given, though it is sometimes done in text-
books, as it is influenced by other conditions. It need not be-
explained to our readers that the granularity of a collotype
plate is a reticulation of the film, similar to that which gave so
much trouble in carbon printing many years ago, when the
pictures were first developed on glass.
Next to the preparation of the plate itself, the most im-
portant point for consideration is the amount of moisture in the-
film at the time of printing. If too much is present, the ink:
will be rejected where it ought to " take," and if too little then,
it will adhere where it ought to be rejected. The proper-
hygroscopic condition of the film often proves a stumbling-
block to beginners ; in fact, really good printing plates are
often condemned, though they have no other fault than being
too moist, or, the contrary, not damp enough.
Some workers moisten the film with water alone, but the
more general practice is, nowadays, to treat it with a mixture
of glycerine and water, with the addition of a hygroscopic salt,,
such as the chloride of sodium or of calcium, "etching" the
plate, as it is generally termed. When the atmosphere is very
dry, more of the salt must be employed ; but, when it is very
damp, it often has to bo omitted altogether; indeed, with
glycerine and water alone, in very damp weather it is frequently
found necessary to stop the printing, remove the plate from the
press, and partially dry it by heat, owing to an excess of
moisture being absorbed from the air while printing.
With beginners it not infrequently happens that a difficulty
is experienced in getting the film sufficiently moist to reject the
ink where it is not required. This may be due to the use of
too hard and non-absorbent a gelatine at the onset, or to the-
July 15, 18W]
THJi BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOORAPHY,
4ol
pl«te being kept for too long a time before exposure, so that
the film has beotHne inaolable or non-abeorbent ; or possibly it
may have been OTer-expoaed. An under-eipoeed collotype film
will take moiature readily ; a rightly timed one less so ; and an
oyer-«zpoMd one only with difficulty, if at all In the first
<aMe, tioaUe m met with in getting the ink to take on the film.
In the laat, it takes more or kw uniformly all over the
snriaoe.
In the foregoing we have pointed out the principal difficulties,
and their causes, that beginners are likely to meet with in
essaying this most valaable process. The causes being known,
the difficulties may then the more eaafly be overcome, or often
avoided ahogether.
DUST."
Tmc final aspect from which to scan this very fertile subject
might be termed the chemical view, for it is with chemicals
and solutions geoenlly that it deals. In the "good old
^mes " of wet ooDodion — " bad " old times the modem dry-
i^late worker would consider them — volumes might have been
written on this one topic ; for, of all things hurtful in wet
collodion, dust was the most dreaded. Some of the present
generation of photographers would look upon it as incredible,
though it is strictly true, that at IsMt ooe professional photo-
gn^ther had a glass cupboard oowtracted for the purpose,
within which erery plate was eoated with collodion, solely to
avoid the possibility of dust settling upon the film. But this
is merely mattsr of UatOfy to th* balk of our readers, though
It must not by any nisw be thou|^ that wet collodion is no
longsr practised. One point raqnini hr more attention, owing
to Hi almost anivassal iw^Mt->dait in vaahing vatsn.
Almost erery one who washes his asgathrss for an boor or two
ii awtn of • fin* iafimt, wfaioh is nodered visible by passing
« ftnger mrms flie flm, and ^b» men earef nl workers rub each
plate with a pledget ct ootten-wool or some soch soft material
to remove this deposit, and give a final rinse before diying,
that an even sorfaoo for varnishing may be eeonred. This
depoeit, in most easss, la neither more nor less than dust,
Ihoi^ iiijonsinnaHj it laqr he tnoed to deoompoaitioo of the
**h7pok" and eaheeqnent dcporitka of eolphnr. Now, though
it is a self-evident pcopontioo that^ the freer from dust all
'washing waters can be made, the better for the photographers,
if it be asked how many workers take pains to guard against
ita ■^"'JM'"", the reply would indicate a very, very smaU pro-
portion. Are the vessels the plates are washed in kept oovsnd t
Are the tanks throogh wliich the water pessss seoured against
the all-pervading enemy 1 flnaUy, is the water passed through
• filter — ooene or fine — bdbrB passing to perform its duty!
In very many eases. No I
If there is need for all thsee precautions in regard to nega-
ilves, doobly does the necessity exist when prints are in
•qoestioo, be they on albumeniaed paper, platinotype, developed
gelatine, or carbon. It argnee an extremely pure aooroe of
•apply, and great ears at every step against Um entry of dust,
when prints that have been washing in running water aD night,
or, indeed, a tem hoars, an quito as dean surfaced as when
-fint pat to wash. In many places, every print is carefolly
eponged ami rinsed before drying, and, where many vignettes
ars tlie rule, it is afaeolutoly necessary, where doe precautions
have not iMcn taken, to perform this time-wssUng work. Yet it
need not be ea If every tank be covered, the washing veasel
Jikewiae, and the watered be filtend, either by one of the
kU».
filters sold for the purpose, or even by means of a piece of very
fine muslin or flannel, it will sorprise those who have not tried
the plan to find how pure and clean the prints will appear.
But a ■word of caution. Any one endeavouring to take advan-
tage of these hints mtist start with everything clean, which
means cleaning out, to begin with all tanks and washing vessels
before using the filtered water, and covering in all from the
enemy.
So far, what may be termed mechanical dust has been dealt
with; but thousands of prints and negatives are, we might
almost say, daily marred or destroyed by what might be
termed chemical dust. AVhere, as is often the case, the space
is small and conveniences few for the manifold operations of
the practical photographer, and, indeed, in all ci\ses, an amount
of care is needed in the handling of chemicals that is not often
exercised. Hypo is spilt on the floor, it is wiped up with a
towel, sponge, or cloth, and that very falsely is thought
the end of the matter ; for, as the " hyix) " dries, a few
fine crystals are left upon the floor to form one of the con-
stituents of the ever-present dust. It is spilled tipon the
clothes of the operator, or his assistant, and again forms dust that
may or may not fall up>on a print or cUng to the albumenised
paper as it is h<mg up to dry. Innumerable cases of spotted
prints, the blame for which is often thrown on the albumeuiscr,
are produced from this one cause alone. 'NMicrc the same
room has to be used for all such {)urpose8 — sensitising paper,
ilisiiliiiifc hypo, and other substances, weighing and measuring
eheoueals, and so forth, the utm(«t care should be takeu to
proridc against any particle of chemical or drop of solution
being spilled upon the floor. But of our own practical experi-
ence we are able to say that too often is the g^itest careless-
ness displayed. A hundred- weight cask of hypo lies about;
what matters one riny crystal spilt upon tlie floor ? A quantity
of pyro is needed to be weighed in haste, it b rushed on to the
scales, particles, perhaps left on the scale pan, and many
of the slight fibrous crystals wafted in the air; and yet, if a spot
appears upon a print done in paper sensitised in the same
room, what surprise is expressed, and how the paper-maker is
blamed ! It may he truthftdly said that the only marvel is
there are so few spots, and that the loss from such causes does
not mount up t<> quires of paper and doeens of plates, rather
than the few that are heard oL Perhaps the destruction is
greater than is really known. In cunclusion, let us advise our
readers to cover all tanks, filter all water, let not a crystal or
drop of solution fall to the floor without being removed, and
then some of the direst effects of dust will be avoided.
Aa BleetHo Setonober.— It is said that an electric pencil
for retouchiofr has been patented by a lUiode Island photographer.
Ratonehii^, it is dainied, will, by its aid, be made a very mmple
operatioo, and more quickly performed.
Ooawertlnr 0«Ulo Acid Into FTroraUol.— Mr. P.
6BM#Uve sends a communication to the Juni- niiinKT of the Comptes
Rendtu, in which he sUU's that, on adding to gallic acid double its
weight of aniline, the mixture congi-als abruptly into a mass, with a
rise of temperature. On the application of hest, aniline pyrogallate
is obtained in long, instable crystaU, from which the aniline may be
removed by cold bensine and toluene, leaving pure pyrogallol. The
melting point of pyiogsnoi is 133* Centigrade, and not 115° as stated
by the text-books.
American Jonmsdlstlo Amenities.— This is bow the
editor of the Paci/k Qxut Photographer writes of one of his con-
452
THE BKITISH JOOKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[July ]5, 1892
temporaries : " What a small, petty, picayunisli thing the editor (or
editress) of the long-titled sheet the is. It is a question in the
minds of its seven subscribers whether a man or a woman is responsible
for the editorial gibberings. No one knows; when we look at the
cover we see on it a woman's portrait, but, if we should happen to
look inside, which is seldom done by any one, wo would be forced
to notice an effervescence of petty bickerings and spite, which could
never emanate from aught but a dyspeptic, rheumatic crank!"
floity toity ! ^^_^^_^_^_^^^_
Toning' In Thunderatorms. — In the last number of the
JocBNAL a correspondent mentions that during the thunderstorm of
June 28 Ids prints refused to tone up to the usual depth, whereas on
the following morning, when the storm had passed away, the toning
action proceeded as usual. We have exaniined the prints sent, and
the difference in depth of tone, if not great, is at least appreciable.
AVe have no experience of the implied influence of an atmosphere
charged with electricity upon toning baths (by the way, our corre-
spondent omits to describe the particular bath he employed), but it is
at least conceivable that some such retarding action as that spoken of
does take place. Perhaps some of our electrical readers can give an
explanation of the phenomenon here assumed to be instigated.
Death of 9Kr. C. V. Shadbolt.— We are sorry to have to
announce that Mr. C. V. Shadbolt succumbed on Friday last to the
injuries which he received in the balloon accident at the Crystal
Palace a fortnight ago. Mr. Shadbolt, who was only thirty-three
years of age at the time of his death, had a well-deserved reputa-
tion as an intrepid and clever exponent of aeronautical photography,
upon which subject he contributed a brief article to our Almanac
for 1884, where he also made reference to Captain Dale, his com-
panion in aerial adventure. In our issue for June 1, 1883, an
article by the deceased gentleman on a similar subject will also be
found, and, indeed, from time to time he contributed to our pages on
a variety of topics of photographic interest. We are confident that
the sympathy of all photographers will be extended to Mr. George
Shadbolt and the family m their bereavement.
Semovlng- the Vellow Tone of Gelatlno-bromide
Prints. — " Moncton," in the Canadian Thotographic Journal, gives
the following remedy : — Place the prints in a solution composed of a
saturated solution of oxalate of potash, two parts ; water, acidulated
with acetic acid, one part. The immersion may last an hour or two,
and the method is, says " Moncton," also efficacious for prints that
have been made several weeks. The same authority also states that a
one per cent, solution of iodine in equal parts of alcohol has a " fine
effect." The action is the opposite to that of the bromides . . .
iodine tending to produce reduction of contrast, and, if used to an
excess, it will flatten the negative. " Sloncton " says this is worth
trying, as the effect is a very striking one. No doubt; but who wants
flat negatives ?
tk. Flourlshlngr Photographic Society. — We are pleased
to gather from the annual report of the London and Provincial Photo-
graphic Association that that body betrays the best possible signs of
vitality in an increased number of members and a sustained interest
in the papers and discussions which take place at its meetings. No
small share of this gratifying result is due to the Honorary Secretary,
Mr. E. P. Drago, to whom we are glad to find the members at the
annual meeting passed a specially hearty vote of thanks. In the
course of the coming autumn the Association is about to commence
a series of lectures on the various branches of photography by recog-
nised authorities, and those papers, together with the discussions
thereon, will subsequently be published in book form. We hope with
the Committee that this volume will prove the most complete resume
of photographic procedure up to date.
The Price of Sliver. — Although, as a correspondent points
out, metallic sOver is very cheap just now, the margin between
cheapness and deamess in this particular product is, after all, so small
that it is difficult to see how any benefit worthy the name would
accrue to photographers by manufacturers of many sensitive prepara-
tions adopting a sliding scale, for, at best, the advantage either way
could but be fractional. The reason why sensitive paper remains at
the price it was when silver was nearly double its present rate is not
clear. Modern albmnenised papers are, comparatively speaking,
weakly salted and weakly sensitised, and we would therefore suppose,
as our correspondent does, that they would be cheaper on several
grounds. As a matter of fact, we believe sensitive paper is supplied
to the trade on lower terms than was the case years ago, but the
user of the paper does not always get the benefit of the reduction.
Decline of Intensification. — In the course of a brief but
interesting discourse on intensification at the London and Provincial
Photographic Association on Thursday week, Mr. J. S. Teape appeared
to think that the intensification of negatives was not so much resorted
to now as formerly, among his reasons for that opinion being the use
of actinographs, &c., which he said guarded against excessive over-
exposure, of slow and thickly coated plates for landscape work,
backing, and emulsion papers. We are ourselves disposed to agree
with Mr. Teape so far as general or every-day work is concerned and
where the reservations he mentioned prevail, but the wide use of very-
rapid plates is, undoubtedly, still responsible for the necessity of
strengthening tlie image in such a large number of cases that intensi-
fication cannot yet be regarded as likely to die out. The development
of very rapid exposures so as to get the requisite degree of density is
the bite noir of a great many photographers.
PHOTOGRAPHIC CONVENTION OF THE
UNITED KINCJDOM.
EDINBURGH MEETING.
The arrival of every train in Edinburgh on Monday signified arr
addition to the band of brothers and sisters of the Convention who
kept pouring into the city all that day until, still some time before the
commencement of the inaugural meeting at seven p,m., something like
280 names had been registered.
AVhen Lord Provost Kussell, in official robes, attended by several
civic councillors and mace-bearers, and accompanied by some leading
officials of the Edinburgh Photographic Society and of the Conven-
tion, entered from a side room the hall of the Koyal Scottish
Geographical Society, it was found that the place was already filled
to overflowing, many ladies being present, several of whom had come
from a considerable distance.
Mr. Hippolyte J. Blanc, Chairman of the Local Committee, and
President of the Edinburgh Photographic Society, introduced the
Lord Provost, and recognised his kindness in being present when he
knew that other engagements claimed his presence elsewhere almost
immediately.
The Lord Provost expressed the great pleasure it gave him in
welcoming to the city of Edinburgh the Photographic Convention of
the United Kingdom, who were exponents of the present state of
photographic art. To realise the advancement photography had
made since its early days, they had merely to compare the first
Daguerreotypes -n-ith the exquisite productions of the present day.
Some had said that photography could not be associated with the
fine arts, but the sun was merely a brush by which a man produced
his individuality on his photographic works. Keferring to the possi-
bility of producing photographs in the colours of nature, he said it
was,' even more than photography itself, in its infancy ; something
had been done, and much might be anticipated. There was no doubt
as. to what it was doing for science. Astronomical science in par-
ticular had been greatly indebted to photography, which had demon-
strated the existence of suns and systems invisible to the eye even
when aided by the telescope. However, their great pleasure would
at present be in seeing photography developed as a fine art. He
hoped the Convention would have a very happy time while in
Edinburgh, and that the weather would prove auspicious for their
projected excursions.
July 15, 1803]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
453
Mr. C. H. Bothamlej', who presided in place of Mr. Bedford, the
Prosuleot, who wbs absent through illneas, returned thanks to the Lord
I'rorust for hU weloome. Edinburgh wms, both in itaelf oa a city and
ill its nirroundiogs, replete with historical subjects, which would
.tTotd ample themes for the exercise of their cameras during the
week of the meetintr, and the kindly welcoming of her chief magis-
trate was and would be much appreciated. He then introduced the
new Pnaideat, Mr. George Darisoo, who delirered the opening
addnta.
PKESIDENTd ADDRESS.
I WISH, at the outset of our Edinburgh meeting, to give expression
to the Erely feelings of interest and sociability with which, I am
sme, photographers from all parts hare come together to confer and
fraternise with their eomiades ot the northern capital.
A Plxa fob th> OoHVKmo.x.
Of all the_ coufeotiuoe, eonfmaeea, eonareases, and asaodation
meetings which are organixed to farther Uie interests of various
pnrsaits, none, I think, can be held to be more appropriate to a
-ummer gatbariiig than a reunion of photographers, whose practice
'.atorally lead* tliem at this season ot the year so greatly to outdoor
tfnetm
inquiry in yhetogifhy. It ssems natural and right that pboto-
grapheTB ahoold gather in this sodabls way each summer, and par-
ticularly happy Utat they ahoold neet in this beautiful city on an
oeeuion when the heads of the orgaaxation hare signified in some
sort their reeognitioti of the aitistie ap^ications of photography by
seeking as prcaident oar veteran fai the art, Mr. II. P. Robinson, and,
failing him, ooe younger, though not leas enthusiastic in devotion to
the same branch of camera craft. I have faith, then, that the
cordiality and sociabiGtr, charaeteriitie ol the camera, will, in oon-
junction with a sympathetic seekiair of the beautiful, be specially
marked and remambeied in eonaazion with this Edinburgh mating.
Notwithstanding the isabnaii and qnarreh of tpecialiata, which
indeed may be legaided as rignifieaitt of Mperalmndant life and
energy, there is certainly a sympathy fait wkararar a fellow-worimr
in photographr is met. As the use of the amara baoomas more and
mora nairenal, such sympathy and oaity may baeoma laas and leas
wKieaabIa, bat ia the aariy hisloiy of any poisnit they an an im-
poitant factor ia progxass. It b to be hoped that, demite all passing
oiMtMiaas and peiaonal differences, pbotajgnphers will always foster
the fratemal spirit prominantly wifn— sJ m the very idea and
axistsiice of the Convention we ars now holding.
On lookinr aroond at the ^neral poaition in which photography
is found K>-<uy, I think thers m room for satisfaction at tho activity
•nd pi^omiM displayed. Photography is extinling iu borders in
every dinelioou In its cnadty as handmaid to other sdenoea and
art*, and la its indnstml applications, them saems no Emit to iU
utilitv. Directly, as a pofiiasiuii, or as a pantime, it alao grows apace,
and I can see little justifleatioa for tha prophecy we have all heard
that the rage for photography woold die oat as did that for rinking.
So far from this Ubm thapiospaet. pbotoffraphy, with iu attendant
indtament to the stodycl Bfht, optica, and chemistry, ito cuhivation
of the powsca of obawratioa, gaaeral and artistic, and as an india-
pcHKbla msana of tacord for travelWr*. has bra^me a nnrrssarj ooo-
yyitant of o«r advancing civilisation, and S(«<ras likely to extend iU
iufluaUM until the eamera will oeenpy a place in evanr edncated
fcowaahoU as naturally as tho piaao aoj even, in soom sort, will be
loade part of the otdinary adncatioa of avary boy and girl.
PicTrkK>)iAxnio HO Wjjnm a» Too.
Having said so much in regard to tha gmrnl ootiook, I piopoae to
& direct my rsoarkschiaflT to one particular aspect of our pragresa in
bt and adUaaesconeemintranr topic that I accepted the honour
of tlM pwwJMey of thia year's Oonvaotion. In being called on to
"'*'■•«« tho laii* body of prmetieal and scientific men who impart life
'•«MBaai to this Ofganiiatiao, and, through them, to meak to many
.TanfMCT OS Well aa the gananl public, I feh I could sav nothing
eriticiia of rseeot porsly mentifie advanoss or unrantions
.'hr wUah wouU not hava Vsen already bettor smBmaiiaBd
Vnan from a general and popolar intonat ia tbeae
uOi observations as I have been able to give have
I know, liirected in a diffmnt channel, and it u only as
l-wlopmenu and discoveries have seemed to me to have a
'orial work in photography that they have had any
for ma, and that I fcal able to discuss them. I shaU
have, therefore to ask for the patience of those who, by some mis-
fortune in their constitution, hold that mere picture-making is a wasto
of time, and that it is only in its applications to science and the in-
dustries that photography should be seriously regarded. Despite the
expression of such views, I deem it unnecessary, at this date, to arffue
that photography is capable of direct artistic application. Such a
position, you will generally agree, it would be absurd to gainsay.
The exact extent or limitation of the powers of photography in tlus
direction is a very different matter. New means and new methods
are being constantly introduced, and it will be best to leave it to time
and steady effort to prove its capacity and its limits. I welcome,
however, this public opportunity of renewing, to the fullest reason-
able extent, the art claims of photography, and of inciting all photo-
graphers with artistic tendencies and ambition to inquire into and
applj; to their purpose every new means, method, instruments, or
practice, which science can devise, or which their insight and needs
call for and suggest
"StTpPBBsaiosc OF Definition.'
I think the state of photographic art at the present time is not
without encouragement. It has passed through several phases. It
started under the friendly auspices of recognised artists, many of
whom seemed to expect that it would do, automatically, more than,
even wnth training, it can be made to do; and later, wKen their die-
anpointment came, it has suffered from an equally unreasonable excess
of opposition from some of a certain class of painters, who, while
using it, find it possible, at the same time, to roundly abuse it.
F^ly in its history it discovered one or two who understood and
mastered some of its powera, and that work remains a marvel of
excellence and strength or a triumph of skill in the handicraft.
To-day interest in its development has been freshly roused by keea
discussions as to the distinctive qualities of photography, as to the
naturafawss of certain methods of focussing, as to tone relations, and
as to the qualities yielded by the several printing processes in respect
of gradation, surface, quality, and colour. I am of opinion that there
has been a great advance made, and that the improvement is still
going on. It has been stated that tho imparting of superior artistic
quahties by the suppression of definition was an old idea, and had
been ably and exhaustively discussed in London societies tlurty years
a^, and that the present movement would probably die out aa that
died out, I do not think this is a safe forecast. I have not thought
it worth while to inquire how ably and exhaustively the matter was
thrashed out, but I cannot but think it must have been a one-sided
view, as far as the photographers in those societies were concerned,
for none of them seem to have had the courage of their opinion to
practically and adequately illustrate the broader treatment. It is a
very curious dreumstance that almost the only valuable artistic sur-
vivals from that ^leriod are in that particular br<*d focussing. I refer
to Mrs. Cameron s powerful and original pictures, which, to-iday, are
universally admired. However, the nresent movement ia not con-
fined to matteia of focuanng, nor is it due to any individual, or clique
of individuals. Tho general result of it is happy, in that many
photographers have been set thinkiiig and working, and more general
and special recognition of the artistic powera of photography has
resulted. Only a few days ago a well-known and very popular
painter, referring to certain pictures of the chua indicated, saia to ma
that he wished oe had one or two representative photographs of the
kind for his nainter friends to see. They were auite unacquainted, he
said, with what was being done, and could be done, in this direction,
by photography. Painters could not be induced to virit photographic
exhibitions, oal were prsjodioed by the great mass of ordinary pho-
tographs which are displaved in the shops. In the some way Mr.
Seymour 1 laden reoofpised in these photographs the power to seize
on beautiful impressiona of a subject, and secure what he termod
painter^like qualities.
" DorTtTBiD TBBanaira.*
Do not let it be thought tliat I wish to arouse afresh any
hittar <pptrovefsy oa to the relative merits of different kinds of
fofiOMg. Impressions differ, and truth and naturalness in these
matten ore as various and defensible as the likes and dislikes of
different people. We shall do well to keep each of us to the truth
that seeiDS the best truth to us, after fully and fairlv trying all ; ot,
better still, to cultivate that frame of mind which leaves us free te
apply any and evenr principle or plan as it seems best to suit tha
purpose in hand. I frequently sec photographs which would be eon-
fidered quite sharp, possessing most charming qualities, though gene-
rally in the direction of tha bMUties of the miniature or the somewhat
rigid steel engraving. My own preference is g^reatly in the other
direction. Photographs in various degrees and quahties of diffused
and differentiated focus may still be denoiont in aome essential quaS-
4S4
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[July 15, 1892
ties, but the general tendency of this treatment seems to me to If ave
open (treater possibilities of securing the broad character of a subject,
■JhatTiBS been referred to as painter-like quahties. I do not thinlc it
necessary to discuss in detail how far, or if at all, the beauty lies m
the use of a rough-paper medium or in diffused treatment ; i wmply
indicate that their tendency appears to me to be towards affording
jrreater scope for, and lil^eUliood of, securing the general sentiment, as
opTWsed to Tmoro detailed and decorative interest in the resulting work.
It mav be that this is merely a fashion, a conventionahty in art; but,
if so the conventionality is there, good or bad, and it is certain that
results bv these methods best please those who have had artistic
trMninir It is merely an accident— or a natural consequence, if you
wm-^at these pictures are open to be mistaken, and are mistaken,
for seoia drawings. In the same way, sharp and glossy photographs
mav be called imitations of the stiU older miniature paintings. Ivo
one method has a monopoly of all Qualities. The artUt in mimatures
mav have as much perception as the impressionist of broader treat-
ment although it be a different perception. It will be best, perhaps,
to consult and abid« by our individual preferences in this matter, as
also in that of the much-discuesed question of composition, where
there may be a preference for the fascinating excellence and subtle
combination and direction of line and arrangement of light and dark
in spaces, or, on the other hand, for the charm of naturalness of effect
and the spirit and character of natural scenes or incidents. The
attitudes in the cultivation of these two exceUences are somewhat
opposed to each other, and the man who marries the two in his
expression by painting, and without seeming effort, is the genius we
may all conspire to worship.
PuELATION OF SCIENCE TO ArT.
Here I am reminded of the very interesting discussion as tothe
separation or relation of science and art, which has recently gained
some prominence in our societies and journals, and which seems
particiJarly prompted in connexion with photography. The photo-
grapher, especially in a new and growing art, and one in which the
too6 are less simple and direct than in other more definitely handi-
craft arts, cannot afford to disregard any new weapon which seems to
promise aid to his purpose, whether given by science or prompted by
the practical necessities of other workers. At the same time, any
interest in science or mechanical work, apart from its application to
the one pictorial end purely, cannot fail to vitiate the character of the
result from an artistic standpoint. The argument is the same as in
the painter's art. There is a large tract in the domain of the artist
altogether uninvaded by science, as the term is reasonably understood.
A great painter may" be practically scienceless; his knowledge of
appe*ance8 may have been gained in an unscientific way, and better
so. He sees, he knows; and the process of his observation and
knowledge, and of the expression of his message, is at present past
finding out. At the same time, it cannot be said that artists are
better without science. It is, indeed, to their advantage to make use
of every new fact and discovery ; and art in the present day seems to
require more and more erudition. An absolute scientific falsity is a
distinct blemish. The case cited by Captam Abney of the painter
who painted a rainbow inside out in respect of the secjuence of
colours, and then charged twenty guineas for setting it right, is a
good, if apocryphal, instance. Mr. H. P. Robinson pointed out that
the picture was not less beautiful in one way than in the other, and this
is true as far as ninety-nine out of a hundred observers would be con-
cerned ; but, in so far as the painting is for all, and that spectrum
analysts have probably still some slight interest in pictorial art, their
feeling's ought to be considered, and such a defect should certainly
have been wiped out, and without charge. A picture may be great
and beautiful in its truth or its fancy, in spite of many technical and
scientific ignorances, but it would be better still without such blots.
A great natural genius may, straight out of the heart of nature, draw
beauties in a way that a student of the very latest theories of light
relations, perspective, focus, colour, would miss altogether, but still it
is of the utmost importance that all this knowledge should become
part of the equipment of every new man who feels a mission to move
our susceptibilities by graphic art. It stands out clear that for the
average man the two paths of science and art lie apart or diverge.
The man who devotes himself to science and to purely scientific
habits and research thereby cuts himself off, more or less, from the
development of his artistic perception and knowledge. The sciences
of colour, and light, and biology, and the knowledge of kindred
sciences necessary to master these, form a life work for any one man,
as do also the science of appearances and the cultivation of the powers
of expression and skill in selection and aiTangemeut. Each man has
his natural bent. Nature does not yet exhaust herself in one great
stroke by reconciling in any one existence or work the seeming con-
tradictions of science and art.
An Institute of Photogeaphy.
Adverting to somewhat more practical matters in connexion with
recent photographic affairs and events, it is hardly possible to pass by
altogether, on such an occasion as this, the temporary excitement
which has been roused concerning a Photosraphic Institute, and
other attempts to organize concerted action in the form of pboto-
fraphic surveys, geological, local, archaeological. Some good work
as been instituted in the latter directions by scientific association.^,
and by a few energetic provincial photographic societies, but it seems
to be a matter of some difficulty to secure anything like combined
action amongst photographers. Such an end can only be attained
by associating those interested in the several applications of photo-
graphy. The great schemes for an Institute of Photography, in which
students could be adequately taught and trained in photo-mechanical
processes, in industrial apphcations of photography, and in methods of
scientific inquiry, seem unfortunately to have now been lost and for-
gotten, notwithstanding the admirable outline suggested in the paper
read by Professor Meldola. If such a College or Technical Institute
is to have promising initiation, the first steps must evidently be dis-
sociated from any one association or clique, and even from those who
might be called on for some support, namely, those directly interested
in photography commercially. Speaking as a practical organizer, I
think that with a purely scientific and practical body urgently called
together, in the first instance, by such a committee as Captain Abney,
Professor Meldola, and Sir Henry Trueman Wood, and chiefly com-
posed of certain representatives from the leading scientific societies —
astronomical, chemical, engineering, meteorological, and the like — a
dignity would be imparted to the movement which would possibly
secure wealthy, energetic, and influential support.
The initiation of a nationally useful enterprise of this kind might
be held to come within the scope of the work of the Society of Arts,
seeing that the movement is so intimately associated with progress in
science and in art, and aims to fill a gap which constitutes a national
misfortune. Under the auspiaes of an independent and powerful
organization the undertaking should surely meet with success, and
there would no longer be felt the frequent necessity for going abroad
to find practical craftsmen in photo- mechanical processes. The question
as to whether photographic art should be included specially as a
study in the curriculum of such a college seems to be a matter of
divided opinion. For myself I hold there is very great scope for
teaching in this direction, and such an institution could not be con-
sidered complete without due provision for instruction in portrait
and landscape picture-making. At the same time a complete photo-
graphic college with laboratories would be a treat task to contem-
plate at the outset, and the first, and most probably self-paying,
department which suggests itself is instruction in photo-mechanical
processes. Probably one of the best introductions to the initiation
of an Institute movement would be the holding of a fully represen-
tative photographic exhibition, in which the many applications
possible to photography should be practically illustrated in separate
scientific departments, and the art section placed separately. In face
of a cry for a technical school of instruction in the industrial, scientific
and artistic applications of photography, it is a matter for some
surprise that such an exhibition, which would be the best practical
evidence of the opening and scope for a teaching Institute, has not
been arranged. I believe it would prove a_natural and easy step to
what is desired.
A B.ECOHD Office — PHOToaBAPHic Exhibitions.
Suggestions have also been revived for the foundation of some kind
of State record ofiice, and the value of permanent photographs of many
subjects, objects, and individuals in the future would, if judiciously
classified, certainly be found to be as great as that of most printed
and written documents, some of which, indeed, are priceless. But
there seems to be great difficulty in making and centralising such
collections, and each division of applied photography is left to make
its own disjointed collections. There is a gallery, or portfolio, of
photographic portraits of prominent men and women in course of
accumulation, due to the initiative of the Amateur Photographic
Association, and deposited, I believe, at South Kensington Museum.
Such permanent photographs, more particuLarly if free from much,
or any, retouching, should, in time, help to prove the need for a still
more extended work in the same direction.
The subject of photographic exhibitions naturally finds a place in
my remarks. I think the tendency in that respect must, from an
artistic standpoint, be held to be satisfactory. The more it is re-
garded, the more, I am sure, it will be seen that any system of classi-
fying artistic pictures, and judging and giving medals to them, is out
of place and objectionable. The public interest which is now felt in
all the leading exhibitions is quite sufficient to form an inducement in
dly 15, 1899]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH V.
465
for exhibitiiifr, and the (malleT local exhibitions maybe
left for the moment out of consideration. The beet argument to be
addnwd in rapport of this riew ia the .succeas which baa attended the
Intaraatiooal Exhibition at Vienna, the Enfrliah Exhibition at
ftimnnli, and the practical repetition of thia latter at Lincoln, in all
of which, by aelection and inTitation, a better arerage of excellence
and a far gnater credit to photORTaphy hare been the result. In
this connexion it will be rememberea it has been a frequent custom
to divide the art tection of phot(WTa;>hT exhibitions into amateur and
profeaaional daasee. For tliis, I thinlc, there can be abeolntelr no
defence if the exhibition has any prefteaBioas whaterer to be called an
art exhibition. In art there can tie do divkion of amateor and pro-
fMHonal ia the eoiamcm aoMptanee of the terms. For the require-
■nti of dafewhr* tnda imiao, or for dub and fteneral distinction,
the diTiaioo maj be deened adriaable or not, bat in art there is only
qaa£tT — the good and the bad — whether the pictures be for sale
«r not.
Referrin(r briefly to some recent inrentions or introdoctiooa which
rar to hare some relation to art photography, we come first upon
gnat aagotanHit of photography in natural colours. There is
aoUu^ ftMtiBal M yet in this naptct to deal with ; but as two of
our fotmoak pbotcffraphers— on* m sdeooe, the other in art — hare,
in the inlciicati of arti<>tic appeanaeea, deprecated any sucli di»-
coTery, may we not ask why this a^o«Id be so ? Should we not
rather wdeoMo, with the keeneat catMiaHB, a poww of eotoor, eon-
Bdeat of aUlty to aroid the eommmjImBt aad the ■Mflhuical, and
ot ameeim ia aippiyiag it to direct ntiatie pipuaa t
Naw Lmaxs.
In lenaee there hare beea the tals-pkatopaphie combinations, in-
trodnead bat* br Mr. DallaMmr, wila wUch ancnified pictuea of
diauat obJMli, atda short or avmOooa, are prodocad, aad which,
ia toaM CMH^ it ia qoita coawif Me would be applieaUe to an
•rtiMk parpoaa, Qaite raesatly tlM eoaoentric lens of Meeais. Rosa
hw beaa liaaBrnwd aad iattodaead, aaipiua would appear to rive the
power of diffoaon of dafiaitioa, aeeoamaiad by rapsdity. How the
?uality of the definition compares with that of the patient ^nhole,
cannot say; bat, as far as I hare aay •xparieeee, I hare not y«t seen
aoT qualitr o( datnitina ao plaaaaf aa that yiaUad in dimactiaa
pbot'vrapha, aad I woald aUua^y na the won aitaadsd naa of
aiBHob ybotoRTaphy. In eownaiioii wita lenaea for artistic purposes
&HO«parMany may also ba takni of dtawing atteatioe agaui to the
■■ of Mif» riifla laaasa opaaed oat to aa JataJaitr of /-# or widar, aa
aasplqyad >y Ih. Lyoad Clark for portnitan of lane beada. IV
*— ^J*"-* Malta obtaiwad br lua eeruialjr Jaatifr aad call for a more
fMttml pcMtiea of tbe awtaod. Under taahaaa of ooatrol by means
of laaaaa, I omt rrfar in aaasial tataM to a method of local control,
vU^. I aadarataad, Mr. Vaa dar Wayde has derisad. aad of whidi
ka wiB rimtlr xive a foil dascripthia. By thia ■athod tiM rriatire
pajpottioaa of tataraa ia pMttaita or of objaeta ia othv fietnraa can
Ba altsaad at wiU. The rdatire imwasa or diniaBtioa of parts can
be carried to any extent, and it is erident that the proeeaa will be
poaable of both artiaUc aad groteaqne application.
riiilM oa oaa atap^ thoe bM baaa cwaMdatabla attaetioa darotad
t» alda to tacfomn, yartisalarly ia Miiw Hartn k Pilgilft
•ifatMi, oa tba froaad that oaK by anetly aoffiaet espoanra aaa tha
teaa ralatira ipadatioa of a Mbfset be saeoiad. Speaking meraiy
txom pcaetioal aipwiaaca, ia landairapa worii, Itoworer, the diiSeiaaeaa
ia gaaaral qoaBtr aad naraeter in prints from aagatirea which bare
leoeired raitooa OaitraM of orer^exposoia are not appreciable, prorided
that a thiddy eoated aaaaitira^ata ba oaed, aad taa derckmnrnt be
arrested at the rinbt time. Tba gtaat praetieal iMalt of Maasra.
Barter k DrilBald'a adadiabla work aMma to ma to ba the limpifi-
catioB of daralopmcat for all pbotographtn. In ngaid to saaamra
platas for tba artist photograpbar, the tndaa^ mart, doabtlaas, be
h tba dbaetioe of thidcly coated aad orthodmaaatiasd plataa naed
with seraens. In nnrd to tU^ vl>tr>> ^riwt, aa far aa I kaow, m a
aaw dapartare has bsaa mada bf tlw iatrodnelioa of a plate with
of varying rapiditi« eoatad oae opoa tba other, thereby
fjnrng vnat latitade in or«r«noaara, aad gmatly obriatiag halation,
0M« the moat inaidiwia lad oRaa aaRHfaciad wbim of taoabla to
Ibi |h ili^iaphw
Nbw Panrnve Paocaam.
It ia, perhaps, in respect of aaw and modUad printing proesaaas
that tba artist photographer of to-day can be moat eoegratulatad. No
ftaar raaalta hare orer bean prodneed ia colour and general quality
than the prints obtainad by Mr. Lyonel Clark ia worldng what u
now kaowa as his toning process in connexion with rougn-eorfaced
papan. Tkara is, howarar, the doubt of permanency; and tba prac-
tied aail ■wnalal ifflliwltiar anil asMrtaaatiM in thapnpnation
of one'8 own paper are great objections for the artist, who requires
all his attention in other directions. Similar appeamuces have been
obtained in bromide papers, and, with the advantage of permanency
in platinotvpe and carbon, and ot the newer methods, the interesting
kallitvpe process might, perhaps, be applied in the same manner.
A striking noveltv for the artist photographer is the method recently
introduced by Mr. "VMllis of controlling the character and effect of
platinotvpe prints by slow local development with a bruah, the
development being reUixled by preliminary treatment of the print
with glvcerine. The beautv of some of the results by this means in
the hands of a competent painter photographer is very noticeable.
Photo-Mkchamcjli. FBOCassxs.
Turning for one moment to photo-mechanical processes, there is not
much that is new which woula seem to have any special application
to artUtic photography. The use of photogravure by the greneinl
worker has not extended as was anticipated, owing, perhaps, to the
practical difficulties to be surmounted, and to the greater satisfaction
felt in the production of a single direct print superior in most cases
in qualrtv to what the en!rravin<r process would yield in numljers.
As regards photogTnvur.'i< and other photographic reproductions cf
artiav picture.^ and dm wings for framing and for journal illustration,
tbate ia still much jealous opposition amongst artists and some haugers-
00 of the press, who take their cue from these artists as to the quality
cf such reproductions. No doubt, in the cheaper processes, the genen.1
gradations of the picture may b»' modified if the loss be not obviated
bv spediil pr>'pamtion of thepicture ; but, at the same time, there is
retained in the-*' processes or photogravure reproductions 80_ much
m<irp of the character and originality of the artist than is seen in any
but the venr best wo<k1 or other enjnra^-ing that there can, it seems to
me, be no ^onbt about their becoming more and more used.
I have tried tt) indicate the state of photographic art amongst us.
1 think we may be proud that there is more interest in pictorial
photography, and greater advance in this respect in our own than in
any other country. It is hardly fair to form a jud(jment from the
harsh, uninteresting, and even grotesque illustrations which are from
time to time given m foreign photographic journals, as even those in
our own photographic magazin*>s are often very little better; but there
ar-' other menus of judging of the standpoint in this regard of our
brethp-n in France, Be^nm, Austria, (Jermany, and America. I can
only say it wouU be better, in all cases, if these ill-judged illustraticna
were omitted.
In oaadaaion, let me urge that we should not fail in keeping up
and standing br the dignity and just ckinis of what we profeas and
practise. I thmk I see in the past a steady and even a rapid progre.-s
in art lAotogrmphy, and in the future a hop*- of still furtlur advanci-
ment and of a better position. It is this spirit that has animated ma
in addrasatag yon, and, instead of having to appeal for tolerance, I
f(H'l I may auUm bold to claim a f er^uur of agreement from you, a
union against aD aaamiea, and a combining to orercome all obstacles
We shafi ba anstaining the true and 5tting spirit of this Convention
if we can all continue to advance together in tne science, the art, and
the good fellowship of our common object — photography.
Mr. Ciooke, of Edinburgh, propoeed a vote of thanks to the Presi-
dent for his very comprebansire addreas, in which so many phases of
the art had been intiodtteed. This waa aeeooded by Mr. W. Lang,
jun., of Glasgow.
The President, in aoknowledgiag the rote, said that they had with
them on that occasion aoma photoigrapbers from a distance, namely,
Mi« Catharine Weed Barnes, who repreaantad photography in New
York, and Dr. Jiitchell, from Philadelphia. Mr. F. E. Ives had
written to say that greatly to his grief he could not csrry out his
intention of baiag pieaent and reading a paper, as had also Dr.
Lieaegang, of Germany.
Mr J. Traill Taylor mored the thanks of the Convention to the
retiring I*re.ident,' Mr. William Bedford. This gentleman, he wtw
iony to say, was unable to be with them on account of serious ill
health, being pnditbited by hia doctor from leaving his room. Mr.
Bedford has been moat aaaidnous in attending to his duties ; he waa
a man of great ralue, and emphatically one who was most excellent
in counsel. lie would couple with his rote of thanks one of con
dolence with Mr. Bedford in his present affliction.
Mr. Cembrano, Hon. Secretary, seconded this, which was carried
unanimously.
I Befrcahments baring been partaken of in an adjoining room, the
*66
THE BRITISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY,
fjulyl5, ]«92
party thereafter assembled in the main hall, where a lantern enter-
tainment was provided which occupied the time till a late hour.
On Tuesday morninf^ a party of about ninety availed themselves of
the first excursion, which was to Melrose and Dryburgh, under the
leadership of Mr. Hippolyte J. Blanc, A.R.S.A.
It is at present a little difficult to say how many members are
present at the Convention ; but, from the number of names registered
previous to the formal openin)^ of the proceedings on Monday evening,
»• fair idea may be had. The greatest geniftlity and enthusiasm
prevails, and tlie meeting is unanimously voted to be a great success.
On Wednesday morning a public meeting, for the election of the
General Committee was held. Mr. Davison, President, occupied the
chair. Those conversant with the rules of the Convention are aware
that it is from this Committee that the Council are elected. Mr.
Cembrano, Hon. Secretary, read applications from the Devon and
Cornwall Camera Club, Plymouth, the Shrewsbury Camera Club,
and the Photographic Society of Ireland, Dublin, each requesting that
the Convention would honour their respective places by holding the
next meeting there. Some discussion took place as to whether
Plymouth or Dublin should form the next place of meeting, but seeing
that a tacit understanding had been arrived at last year in favour of
Plymouth, it was eventually, and unanimously, agreed that the meet-
ing for 189.3 be held in Plymouth.
The President referred to the readiness and grace with which the
Lord Provost had inaugurated their proceedings, and to his address,
which displayed an intlLuate acquaintance with the nature and scope
of photography, and proposed a vote of thanks to him, which was
carried by acclamation. Thanks were also proposed to the Trustees
of the Board of Manufactures, who had kindly granted the use of the
fine hall in which the meetings were held, and to the Edinburgh
friends whose exertions had so greatly conduced to the success of this
year's Convention.
Mr. Bothamley proposed, and Mr. Davison seconded a vote of
thanks to Mr. Cembrano, the Hon. Secretary, whose labours had been
Tery great and very successful. This elicited three cheers.
In responding, Mr. Cembrano said that he was gratified in being
able to announce that in numerical strength the present Convention
Iras beaten the record, the number of members being greater than that
of any former year.
The following were elected as Council for the ensuing year : —
Bedford, W., London.
Blanc, H. J., Edinburgh.
Bothamley, C. H., Taunton.
Bridge, F. A., London.
Brigmshaw, J. J., London.
Camell, A. A., Plymouth.
Cembrano, F. P., Richmond.
Cowan, A., London.
Drajje, R. P., London.
Ewing, J., Aberdeen.
Evans, F., Chester.
Gibson, J. P., Hexham.
Handsworth, Worth, Plymouth,
Harding, Martin J., Shrewsbury.
Hastings, H. M., London.
Henderson, A. L., London.
Hepworth, T. C, London.
Keene, R., Derby.
King, Austin J., Bath.
Lange, Paul, Liverpool.
Lang, W. jun., Glasgow.
Levy, A. M., London.
Lucas, C Phipps, Eltham.
Mason, George, Glasgow.
Mackie, A.j London.
Naunton, W. W., Shrewsbury.
Porritt, J., Leicester.
Pringle, A., Bexley Heath.
Sayce, B. J., Liverpool.
Seaman, A., Chesterfield.
Smith, H. M., London.
Sturmey, H., Coventry.
Stuart J., Glasgow.
Taylor, J. Traill, London.
Tate, A., Belfast.
Turnbull, J. M., Edinburgh.
Wamerke, L., London.
Webster, G. W., Chester.
Wellington, J. B. B., Harrow.
Werner, A., Dublin.
The members thereafter proceeded to Princes -street Gardens,
where some groups were taken by 3Ir. Alexander Ayton and others.
The number present was very great, but the posing was efiectively
done by aid of the shelving rocks at the base of the Castle.
In the evening the following papers were read : — Individuality in
rhotography, by H. P. Robinson ; The Art of Photography in relation
to Painting, by A. Burchett; Amateur Photography in America, by
Miss Catharine Weed Barnes ; and On the Training of Photographers,
fcy E. Howard Farmer. These, together with a description of the
proceedings, will be given in our next. Fortunately, during the
earlier part of the week the weather was fine.
Appabatcs and Pictueks.
The display of apparatus and pictures is not, numerically speaking,
very great, but is unusually excellent.
In pictorial display first come the Eastman Company, who
cover one end and a large portion of the side of the hall. Their
exhibits mainly partake of the character of enlargements, which,
speaking quantitatively, are the largest that have probably ever yet
been seen. Their perfection is marvellous, especially seeing that
there is but little of the work of the retoucher or finisher to be seen
on them, one, indeed, e.g., a view in Chiddingstone, by a former
secretary of the North London Photographic Society, being absolutely
untouched both in negative and enlargement. Several are from
negatives by Thomas Fall, Lafayette, 11. Yeo, and others in this
country: and others by Van Bosch, Boyer, and other Parisian or
French artists. This Company also exhibits a large collection of
prints taken direct on their new chloride printing-out paper.
Morgan & Kidd show many fine enlargements from small negatives
by Van der Weyde, and others. It is to be regretted that a catalogue
of such exhibits is not specially prepared, as it would have greatly
facilitated reference.
There are several carbon'enlargements by M. & T. Scott, one of
special excellence being a large group of more than a hundred figures
by Alexander Ayton, jun., of Edinburgh, in which the posing (a
difficult matter) has been happily managed.
There are also excellent enlargements by Elliott & Son, and by
John Patrick & Son.
In apparatus there are lantern microscopic attachments by C. Baker;
Wood's paper-cutter; a large collection of scientific apparatus, lan-
terns, and hand cameras, by Andrew H. Baird of Edinburgh ; and an
exhibition of lantern appliances in form of cylinders and pressure
gauges by the Scotch and Irish Oxygen Company.
Messrs. Wray have a case of their lenses ; but, as it is covered in,
we can only surmise that they are of the same high-class character
for which the productions of this firm are so well noted.
AVilliam Hume, of Edinburgh, exhibits enlarging apparatus of
various kinds, including his Cantilever and Nimrod lanterns, the
reputation of which has been long established.
Watson & Sons, of London, show their admirable Acme cameras,
extensively fitted with aluminium metal work, which is both light
and rigid.
Geo. Houghton & Son have a good exhibit, which includes their
Shuttle hand camera, of which we gave a description quite recently.
As for kodaks, they are here in every size and form, together
with the variegated productions of the Eastman Company, in the
form of roll-holders, dark slides, spools, and other appliances. Mr.
John Jackson at one end of a long table, and Mr. H. M. Smith at
the other, were busy at the time of our visit in demonstrating to
Edinburgh professionals and amateurs the toning and fixing of the
Company's new paper, which appeared to give great satisfaction to
those concerned.
Bodinal (the new developer) is also in force, and specimens are on
exhibition, together with instructions for using the same.
The showroom attached to the hall being insufficient to contain the
large exhibit of George Mason & Co., of Glasgow, this firm has opened
special and temporary premises in Waterloo-place, in which to show
their goods. These comprise all the novelties of the year, and include
new American background stands, Morgan's graduated backgrounds,
new American paper and mount-cutters, Ross's lenses (including the
new Concentrics) in brass and aluminium, Zeiss lenses, Mason's patent
tripod securers, instantaneous shutters by all leading makers, " Globe "
mckel-plated burnisher, the " Amateur " burnisher (various sizes),
cameras for studio and field (from quarteivplate to 24 x 24), Scovill's
American studio cameras, tripod nets in which to lay holders and
diaphragms, magic head screen, new head rest with ball and socket
arrangement, Mason's lantern-slide " Binocular Photoscope," focussing
glasses (numerous patterns), photographic chemicals, graduated mea-
sures, chemical balances, dark-room lamps, retouching desks, printing
frames (in oak and mahogany), grooved fixing and alum troughs.
July 15, 1882]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH y.
457
I
stodio tmMariw > Utk* uid raried election, including cottage back-
ground, tree stamp, balustrades, gate and wall, biid-cage, oak tables
(rarioos), chair (three backs), chair (four backs), electric bells, and
talBphaaea) — photographic fitenrtttie, negatiTe and print washers,
deTdopiag ^abea, cameia eases and aUnda, stttdio stands of Tarious
patterns, new and improred enlarginf; lantern, aniline and other
colours for tinting photographs.
Since writing the above, several additions hare been made to the
apparatus in the hall, to which we shall refer next week.
A NEW FORM OF ETHER-OXYGEN LANTERN.
[Rorml Bociatr et Okawbt.]
Tax difEcultiea eommonlv incident to the preparation and manipula-
tion of the oxyhydrogen light have led me, after a series of experi-
maoto «staBdinf OTer many yeaia, to derii* and oonctruct a form of
optical lantern which may be qnieUy and caaUy operated with the
leMt ezpenae and danger, and in wkkh compactness is secured
tocfither with an avoidance of eitewive w«igbt.
The apparttua haa been dewgnatcd the Etboxycon, as indicating
the nse « ether and ozysen. It fomfciof* both the lantern proper
and the gas generator and storage bag or receiver. In general terms,
the generating and storage parts eooMt of a generator or retort for
tiie prodnetion of oxygen gas, a filter or waaher, a saturator, a regu-
lator, and a atotage gas receiver. All of these, together with the
lantern prapr, are contained in » box or ease, which measnres
10x18x18 inches. This also serrw as a stand for the knten whan
in Bse.
The detaila of coastruction and operation are as follows : —
The lantern proper, or the optical part of the instrument, consists
of the ordinary Ina system for snkiging, projecting, and foeoaaiiw
the image o( toe object as illamiaated vj ravs of tigrht passing throogn
a condenser. These parts are alt comprised in a small case of wood
and metal, in which is piscsd a four-uich eoodenaer, this siie bring
ample to cover the aperture of as ordinary lantern slide three inches
souare. The back case of the lantsm is prorided with a sliding
aajustment to establish the proper focal leiations between the lens
and the condenser. The spindle upoii which the lime is placed is aim
provided with the nsoal msaas for tmsverae and vertical adjust-
ment and adjostmsat of the jet rdativelT to the lirae. An important
fsatnre coosmIs of msans for rertieal adjastmcnt of the entire instm-
nMBL This is aOselsd by hariiw the body hug on pivots at the
summit of two mstal tihi^tiss. From saeh pirot there depends an
arm, carrying at its lower •xtiemity a clamp operated by a thumb
screw. This latter passes through sad engages upon a short arc
opening in each tiin^ la soeh a way that the body of the lantern
may be adinslsd horiaoatally, or vertically above and bdow this
<ittoa within an axtjaass range of about 30*, the position desired
■ \aa firmly secnrsd by the clamping action of the thomb screws.
The genmtor eoosists of an inw or steel tube, with a semicircular
< roes seetkm. Into the fiiat or low«r lUe are inserted a number of
c •piper cnns, sach of a capacity to eootain soflasnt aixtare to
mamtain the liffht for about fifteen minrtsai The dilfaTCat rates of
ridaetion in tbe two metals of the retort serre two [luipusw. The
pper. being a rapid eoodoctor, Irinp about a speedy ftwion of the
-^ ' potaA, which quickly nves off gas. Ae iroo, by iu
letivitT, serves \ii reurd the traaankrion of hsat from
•><"r>by pievsnts action taking nlaos in any cop not
nd aecttres complete eoatrol of the whole opeiation.
■ i in turn by msans of a spirit lamp or a small
be desired, the transfer of beat from one to
"d automatieallv by an attachment which is
•:«iTer when the gas has reached a certain degree of
ii
tl..
operat>
«xhaa<i
Th«.
measu.*
' T, and regulator are combined in ods piece,
■Orh em. This it placed dirrctly beneath the
' 'ly of the lantern between the triangular supports. The central
:gitodinal seetioa is occopied by the washer. This consists of a
[<ibe arranged with fine wire cloth, and filled with a moist filtering
substaaea, which serves to aneat any particles of carbon or other
similar imporitiee which may pass over from the retort. On each
side of the waaher is a similar tube filled with pine-wood sawdust,
which ia ehai|ed with sulphuric or petrolic ether, as mav be desired.
The fons «f liualcr Is an improvemeat opoa that osually employed,
while the fwastiastluti ia such ss to aroid sU posabilitv of es^pMiaa.
Towards oae sad. sad directly over the washer, b a miall staadpipe
with two stopcoebs and a ngnlator. The Utter oonsisU of a rubber
diaphragm, upon wUeh rasU a lead disc vreighing about 136 grammes.
The amount of gas passing through from the regulator to the burner
is determined by the adjustment of two needle-point valves, one for
each pas, and thus the production of a brilliant light is readily
secured.
The f;as-receiver is contained in the case which holds the entire
instrument when in transport. It consists of a rubber bag, having a
capacity of nearly one foot, the upper part of which is formed of a tin
pan working upon two upright metal posts, one of which serves as a
tube for the conveyance of gas to and from the receiver. Into the pan
there is loosely fitted a second pan, designed to be filled with water
in Older to establish the necessary pressure. Upon the front edge of
the first pan are a number of catches designed to engage a spring and
automatically transfer the source of heat from cup to cup as the pan
descends during the exhaustion of the contained gas.
To place the lantern in operation the case is located in the desired
position and all the movable parts are removed. The loose pan is
next filled with water to about two-thirds or three-fourths its capa-
city and placed in position. The rubber tube supplying gas to the
receiver is itext attached to its corresponding metal tube and passed
through a hole in the cover made for this purpose, the latter being
then dosed down. Two metal rods projecting from the front of the
cover are then drawn out as supports for the retort, and the lantern
is F^soed in position on the top of the case.
Ulack oxide of manganese (Mn U,) and chlorate of potash (K CI 0,)
in the proportions of 1 : S are now thoroughly crushed and mixed. If t be
crystals of chlorate are fine, thorough nuxing with a spoon will suffice,
but if large it will probably he found better and more expeditious to pass
the mixture through an ordinary coffee mill. A metal trough of the
form and length of the retort is now filled with the mixture, passed
into the inverted retort, the whole reversed and the charger or trough
withdrawn. Jn this process each cup will be filled, and any excess of
material discharged ss the trough is drawn out. The head of the
retort is next firmly clamped oa, the retort is placed in position on its
supports, and the uunp aajusted to the first cup on the right A large
rubiier tube is now connected with the retort at one end and with the
waaher at the other, while the small tube leading from the receiver is
also attached to the washer. After making certain that all connexions
are perfectly tight, beat is applie<l. If suRicient, gas will form
in two and one half minutes, the first indications of which will be in
a slight action of the receiver, followed by an elevation of the regulator
to its full height. The pan now rises rapidly, and, under favourable
conditions, the light should be on the screen within five minutes from
the first application of beat to the retort. When alcohol is used in
generating the gas, a (omewhat longer time mu«t be allowed for.
The distribution of the gas takes place in the following manner :
As fast as it generates it passes from toe retort to the washer, whence
it returns by a smaller tuoe to the receiver, in which the surplus is
stored. From the washer it also enten the atan^ipe and reffuUtor,
which Utter detemunea a uniform pressure in th« gas supplied to the
t'et, thereby securing a steady light. From thu point, as reguUt«d
ly the needk valvea, the gas is led by two separate channeU to the
point of consumption. One valve transmits pure oxygen directly
from the waaher. The other causes a certain volume of oxygen to
pass downward into one of the saturators, from which it passes into
the second, and thence directly to the burner. In its course it
becomes supersaturated with ether, and therefore constitutes the sub-
stitute for the ordinary hydrogen gas employed where separate gases
are used.
The capacity of the retort is such that sufliciont gas may be
generated to operate the light continuously for about two hours.
Two or more retorts will be found of sdvantage, and by tlieir use
continuous service msy be secured for sny length of time.
The exhausted charges mar be speedilv removed from the retort by
placing the Utter on end ondiar a tap and uringafree supply of water.
If the latter be heated, the operation will be fadlitated. If not
immedUtely needed, the retort may then be placed on end with the
mouth downward, to thoroughly drain and dry. No accumulation of
moisture should be allovred, ance it passes into the tubes, clogs the
paoaigaaf the gas, and tends to produce a unsteady light.
nnrwuhing tube should be cleaned out occsKionally with fresh
water to prevent clogviog. The saturator needs only occasional
replenishing. With due sttention to these directions and the
ordinary prudence which must at all times be exercised in the use of
hiKhly 'explosive substances, this Ump is cspabU of affording a
brilliant and satisfactory light, with perfect safety to the operator
and a minimum of expense and trouble. The cost of operating the
lamp, so far as can be determined from present experience, ia about
fifteen cents per hour.
The apparatus is potented in Europe and Americs.
Gboboi R. Pbowsb.
458
THE BKinSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOOrRA-PHY.
[July 15, 1892
®ur IBUitarial Catle.
A PHOTOoaAPH AtfD How TO Takb It.
By " Oks Who Kkows." Thirty-second edition.
Ijondon : E. G. Wood, 74, Clicnpside.
Within- the space of some twenty-eiprht pages this booklet gives a
number of nractical hints that are likely to be of assistance to a
beginner. The remnuider of tlie work is devoted to a catalogue of the
firm's stock of apparatus and chemicals.
As may be gathered from the cut, the negative and sensitised paper
upon being placed in position in the frame are gripped by a strong-
clip about the eighth of an incli from their ends, and are held firmly
together, entirely independent of tlie pressure board at the back.
This is .said to give perfect freedom in the examination of the wliole
print, wliicli remains immovably fixed until a small lever is pressed by
the thumb. An even pressure is obtained by a hinged spring, which
pre.sses the centre of tlie back board and is automatically fastened
down by a catch. The " Bynoe " printing frame embodies a clever
idea, ingeniously executed, and possesses many claims to supersede
the inefficient printing frame in common use.
Th« Photogbaphic Recobd.
ll^aiUCUb, HUVl MC^i^^o uou.u* j....*.^»w ^^ -..., — -
(by AV. T. Wilkinson), Creseo-Fyhna (\V. H. Shirley), Gelatino-
Chloride (fl. Wade), all read before the Society, includes some read-
able " general notes " and descriptions of " rambles," &c. The Question
Box is an instructive feature.
We have received Fallo\vfield's Remembrancer for June and July.
It is, as usual, an accurate record of the latest novelties.
SociETE DES Amateurs Photogbaphbs (Pabis) Annuaise
FoBMTLAiBE Illustbe, 1891-92.
This tiny annual gives a history of the Society and, besides its rules
and other matter of interest to members, a number of fonnulaj for
development. It seems that even a photographic society abroad
requires the authorisation of the Prefect of Police to exist. This is
one of the things we manage better at home.
Bbitish Mosses.
By the Et. Hok. Lord Justice Frt.
" Knowledge " Series. London : Witherby * Co., 326, High Holbom, W.O.
This is a pamstaking study of British mosses, arising out of a lecture
originally delivered at the Koyal Institution in January 1891, the
expanded papers thereon being reprinted from the pages of our
contemporaiy Knowledge. The author deals with the classifica-
tion, life history, modes of reproduction and organization of mosses,
the chapters being admirably illustrated by Miss Agnes Fry. In a
concluding note Sir Edward recommends the study of mosses to
natui'e lovers, and winds up by a few simple directions as to how to
begin that study.
The Bsnoe Printing Feamk.
London : R. & J. Beck, 69, Comhill.
The advantages of being able to watch at one view the progress of
printing, of ensuring optical contact however many times the print is
The Photogbaphbe's Companion.
By Edward Donmoee.
London : Henry Greenwood & Co., 2 York-street, Covent Garden.
The sub-title of this work indicates that it is a collection of hints,
expedients, and formulae, systematically arranged as a supplementary
reference book for use in the studio and dark room. In casting it on
those lines, the author may congratulate himself upon having covered
ground not hitherto invaded by photographic writers. The practical
essentials and difficulties of most processes, ancient and modern, are
fully, but not diffusely, discu,ssed, and a good deal of serviceable
information provided for those emergencies which are sure to arise in
photographic procedure. The chapters on " Photographing Interiors,'
"Artificial Light," "Out-door Work," " Home Portraiture," "Copy-
ing," and " Composition Printing" are of particular value,but the entire
work is of special interest to the practical photographer, and in that
sense will, doubtless, be welcomed by both professionals and advanced
amateurs alike. It is published in paper covers at Is., and in cloth
at Is. Qd.
The "Suepmse" Hand Cameea.
Joseph Levi & Co., 40 Famival-street, E.G.
Thebb are certain features about the Surprise which entitle it to be
regarded as a novelty, even in these days of ingenious hand cameras.
It carries six plates or films, which are held in wooden carriers
forming the three vertical sides of a revolving triangular prism, the-
carrier being double, thus holding a plate on each side.
The hand or arm A revolves the prism upon its axis, and brings in.,
turn each side parallel to the front of the carrier.
After the front plate has been exposed, the hand B is turned rounds
looked at, and of getting an even pressure over the whole surface of
the print are only possessed in an imperfect degree by most printing
frames. The neatly constructed piece of apparatus now before us is
designed to secure these and other desiderata.
as shown by letter C, so as to bring to the front the plate No. 2, which
was on the inner side of the camera. Care must be taken to always-
tum the lever A from right to left to ensure the proper and easy
working of the apparatus. The same remarks apply to B. This mode-
of changing allows plates of various rapidity being used in the
camera at the same time, and expose at will.
The back part of the camera is made absolutely light-tight by the
mask, hinged on one side of the box and adjusting itself to each plate
which is brought to the front for exposure. The price of the camera
is 1/. 1«. It is cheap, novel, and ingenious.
The Steakd Magazine for Jult.
London : George Newnes, Southampton-street.
The Strand Magazine, in its July_ number, in addition to a large-
assortment of exciting fiction, admirably illustrated, has instructive
articles on " The Evolution of the Cycle" and " The Raising of the
Utopia^' The subject of Mr. Harry Hows tactful interview is the
prince of journalists, Mr. George Augustus Sala. The Strand Maga-
zine, like tlie thoroughfare from which it derives its name, is always-
animated and interesting.
July 15, 1898)
THE BBmSH JOURNAL OP PHOTOGRAPHY.
4m
Tax Photogbafhic Qtabtssly for Jtcly.
Urnim: ■naIl.Watooa,AVi]i«7.0M«U>a«.
A ssjLBcnrABUi illwtnted article, by Mr. £. J. Hnrnphreys, on
" Life on the Broads," relieves by it* chattiiMM tbe heavy, though
vcellMt, bill c( fare of tbe July mxaaim of tk« Qiiarttrfy. "Some
i'ointu oo Expoeiire," by Mr. A.' Watkins, and " A Recent Impn)v»-
meat in the ManiiftetnT* of Ozyg«n Osa," by Mr. Clement J. Leaper,
are among the aitklee giTen.
RECENT PATENTS.
PATENT REPRDfTEn.
uta
Xall^an.— "FbotoptpliieCuiMnik'' JUmmon.
PAmrSOMIPUXEDl
* "iMfHUnra ni FR*jna TOB*PK0T0GBarB(, PicnnuB, ajts tb« uki. "^
HdSUL Joan PBCTKnrcuulHmT WiULOtKiJia,S22 uil 224, Gocwdl-
read, Laodi».-JtaM 11, 1892.
tarn lMiwlh»i ralatM to fhunta for jietMM. pbotonaplia, and the like, ind
iiM fer iU doKt to noTide ianovvd ■«■• far fiitrirfiKhig a^ iBBwriac
phetdgrmte aad the Ilka into UKl from aaik ftaaei.
' AeeetSc to oar iBTaatioa the frame bfnividid with a beid, to which b
M^id aaJTliiwlMt the hack rftha f% »Mah M h gtoawd cr miaii to
fitOMrthaadaMofthabeidtoeidaaa^Ht Tha Ua^i coMiiliof aanriag
•iasr tar attacked to the Ud, aad hattac Ha two eadi jaaad flna«hlKiI«
:atkab«Ml.aBdb«ttofarairi^« or tjm byaMaw ofwUift the'"
Thin hoka throo^ wUch theeadaoflha piaanpaaiidamiU^ktlToataf
thea»Mliaaofthtida.iothattha»eHaJtMitwi7 of the ifriBg wSl be to
ntaiathalidefaied,thc<Uxibaitr of the ffa tOowiBcthaapaaiacaf theUd.
Th* laU ndaf-fte alio Mrree to daw the mid Ud, w that a e^eh thaaon
«^B|M wU a aolA or the Uka hi the baadL
It'the back of the Md U a iat cr rtrt fcr wiiiiiatlai the ftama at aa ao^
OM* a table «r the like. A nriM h aba plaead laddt the lid bi lodi a
iBBMr that, *ba the Ud U cloaadTua pietaia or the,Bka win be haU a
th*(hai«(fhe
\ UMtmm oKBrnm vrlbasi or wBaPRtvaai PawansB trty a
Scazn nmt an Otwcai o« MawL*»t— a« Lavnaa aBi San
Di Bblbf, OB wmi BiuBuaoono ftiBti.
Ho. 11,BMl J<MDi AJoaMMi, I&MMk-4ia^ Siiula^iam,
Warwlcfcrii[toa*^->^WM 18, 18R.
Two views cr pklimi of aa ottHet an lakaa te th* dinctka U wUah it woald
l»tlawi<tyaialwo eyw, by rhatyaphyar otter yeaa («* tgjgtojhe
' , apl IhMe pktmae an piaeeil m aa o|ilieal or aMgie laKlBB Witt
, er la twa or mare tMiata laatHBa
lato'tta ovlkalCTitMofaMhe^eetieaarbatani la iBtndMad a Kiool'a
Ion, plale of toanaaUae^ or asrottOT Batartd or anntae that
theU^ Md th«e fcrilMfllAy. lay two XieoTe aitam, an
Aa SmwIB «Mna fta« nelaaf ■ . -^ •
tatMi
it0n polariaed u a ptaae at a
an aaaoneaed apoa a taaaa oiavQuaai
MT ether ■Btarkl that win aet dapofaafie or elUBlkanypelaAe tta aalaiiad
tmm or Ilia— ititlti of the two irfewe pminti I apoa It
lie rawq-'Tf' Tiewe an viewed w the obaarra' ttnagh a pahr ef
^ll WT ct Kieot'a sriaa* or aay otMr aabetaaoe or qralaa eanabia of
eSuH mm, Md Ihiai tij-. SieoTa w«w an pheed witt tha<r pUaea
of BolaftlkB at iMlt ai^ea to aaA ettir. The om pdam will pamiit tte
tapelMMta theaaaM plaae to naeh, ny. the lifht Mk
it tteaamd pktoa boa bUii« npoa tt : wbflat the otbor
I ita ahae of jiBlaftmlfcia at a liaht apgja to the flat, winpamit
r<A, A aaa that ia iilwiii Ifa thaaaawphM^ to waA
tte left en. a.^wffl^pw«ai* tt. aetoJjLtaw fta» *MiH^y ». _,
TbaeiathoB (aa the pietane an alM^MparpMdapMlhaaanaa. and
M Bpeo each ere a dlSMBt ptotan orrlaw feUanpoo eorraapoadiag portMoa
-ef tbe retioa) ^ tbe eondlttOM oadv which the cAct of atanoaeopte viaiae U
awdMad, aad thantaa the eemblBed pWM q^aan ia iriiaC gi*i« the IB-
l._L- If -Jul uMIIti 111 lb I ilaaiiiiii «iiiiaiiii_
By thia aiatbed or ayitam the mltau af tta pMaaa am aot ia aagr way
alhiiedi
UaTtDC BOW particabriy daaaibad aad aeaartained tbe aetan ef ay nid
liiMliii!r. Mdh what maaaar the nae b to be oirfkrmed, I wtah tt to be
^CSSi fk« I doaot Hait myself to the man praritaeMailahMBlaaat
talk, m 1 maj anmitimaa Taij thi -mt It -iW IllTinal i n 'i i -1 at the
same ttee aSartaijo the mk |ihi|pla ef this my lafaattea. Idaalenthat
what I daha h >-Tha ■ taallllii armMaaaat of the aeranl parte (juuaUtaUBg
illl 1 r I- -j^]- J -'-'--'- -J— ^■r-'-'-" '"-"i^, a
ateraMMpto ttti to plataee, aad each Hfc% pufaatad apoa a aawaa or ebe-
whM«^ aad fanahic thereby a aMthod or ayalam by aaa» of wbiohaacli
ptetaras or elhore^aate baiac ao aniaelad itaB aa e|«ieal or BMlie laatara or
UttfBB an aaaa to nUd, aabafiifelly aa hania men tally aattett aad
dcepfted.
aUah OMy be naed ae a walking-sticlc The axis of the lens is at ri^ht anglca
or aeariy so, with tte line of the stick, wliich bears on its end a conical pointed
ferrule or spike by which it may be tize<l in the groiuid
Tbe hanale, containing lens and forming the camera, is of an egg shape
(about the size and shape of a guillemot's egg), and is tixed on the stick near
its smaller end. The " leas " slides in an~' embracing tube " or cylindrical
apeitnn in the smaller end of the handle in such a way that if pushed home
(in focus for distant objects) the txtck of the lens will be vertically over the
centre line of the stick, or nearly so. For focussing objects very close at hand
Um lens can Iw slid forward in its " embracing tube," distances being marked
on the tnbe into wliich the len^ or lenses are screwed ( " lens tube ") ; so that if
a muk, say. three feet, is just uncovereil by the end of tbe "embracing tube,"
the lens wul be " in focus for objects at that distance &om it Tl\e lens can
be slid right out of its " embracing tube " and used, in conjunction with a
aepnate "enlarging iqipantos," for prodndng enlarged positiTes itam tbe
DCgatiTea taken in the camera. The lens tube luw a slot, through which
dii^bragms with various apertures may be inserted. In order to insert them
the lens tabe moat be palled half oat of the embiacing tube ontil tiiis slot is
nnoorered. The diaphragms are made ao as not to project ontside the lens
tnbe. A sensitive plate or film is placed at the larger end of the egg-shaped
handle, the '•''■"(^"g of plates or films being accomplished by hand, or by an
automatic "changing box" or "roller due." The method I prefer for
changing plates (sqnare, rectangular, or round) by hand is by means of a
' ' changing bag" of aome *' ligfat-tight," flezfbls material, having two apertures,
tbe one to admit the laraer end of uie egg-shaped handl& and the other for the
hand of tte qieratoc Tba former aperture is made light-tight when the bag
is ia aae b7 a stiff ring eovsied with velvet on its indde, and the latter by
alaatie baada doaing ronad the operator's wrisL With this aiiangement I
make tte Inner end of tte banfla a removable can, fitting on with a "bayonet
jotet," the putae bcinc kept in a box within tte changing bafr
The removal of tte above cap and changing of platee is done by the hand
of the operator Inaide the bag, the cap being replaced before tbe bag is taken
oS. The plate, wImb in position, rests witt its four coman in notdies cut in
a nqjeetingriag in the interior of the handle.
leas to
boOowed oat to allow of tbe ttet passage of light bom the
the aeaaitlTe aorflue, tte 'Mnstantaneons shatter " (pr^ently to be
daetrihed), beil« aoppoeed open. The smaller end of the egg-shaped handle
eoaalBtaoianniovBOiecapeovering ttelenaaad fitted to tte reat of tte handle
by a "bayonet joint
A abvtter with an " np and down " motion works in grooves immediately
beUad the back of the laia, aad in a plane at ri^t angles witt the axes of tte
iMa. Thaae groevea actawl a abort diatance down into tte upper part of tte
atidc, wbkh opper part may bo of metal tube soch aa bnss, and of an internal
dlsmstiTr greater than tbe mameter of tte back lena.
The op and down motion of the ttutter is produced by a crank capable of being
Ived by a spring. Hie shatter is coonected to tlUs crank, ettter directiy
or bnr SB tatanaadiMe mnnerMng rod.
ne eraak axle revolvea on aa axia paiaUel to the axis of the lens, its bearing
babw In a block fixed to tte inside of the hoUow upper portion of the stick.
Tbia block eoataias alao, vertically above tte bearing of tte crank-axle (tbe
atkk baiaa aapoaaed vertical), the bearing of a catch, by which the shatter mav
be raleaaea (na the "expoean " made). The axlea of bott crank and catch
pt^oet oa the ontaide oftte stick, a short distance under tbe laiger end of tte
baadle. The ptqjectioa of the crank-axle bean a small button, by which tte
crank may be nvolved by hand in a direction opposing tte toision of tte
spring bf wbiiA it Is actaaUd, aad so " winding op the mechanism.
TU catch dliaotly nieaaee the cnnk, and serves alao to check its motion
after oae ravolntioa. In order to effect this, it is bade in tte form of an
grfflaary dock eaeapement, witt two short carved arms, one on each side of an
ujs, ao that when one arm is on a level witt the top oftte crank, and about
to nieam It, the other bbdow the crank, and in a position to intercept it. In
the Bormalpoaitioa of the catch, the latter arm atanda dear of the crank, and
the temar firtoreqita IL His position is maintained by a spring. The pro-
joettac aad of the oatdi-axle ia bent ronnd, ao that an npwazd prsssnre of the
■aav niaaa the arm holdi^ tte cnnk, and releaaaa it. The cnnk will tten
aad the ttattar wfllnncover and re-cover tte back of tte lens. If tte
raauwed, aad the miaaum again applied, tte crank will revolve once
Eadi nrolatlaa wU bs alower than the but, ontil the actuating spring
lafolv^ a
fiMsr be
iMnanMun Ootnncntswm PBorooxArHic r>miai *xa Brana.
Xa 18;«n, AacOTai.D CAxraau, SaathwaU Boase, Soattwca
Loadoa. a.W.-^«a« 18, UBSL
■Ma of a pkolomphio eaaen Ixid to
cfastUkto thenaaacr to be doacribed, and
la da^ whoa the oraak sboald stand In ita lowest poaition, with tte back of
the laaa a^oaad. Tbia ia the poaition in which "time emoanres " are made,
by waana of the cap oovaring the Ihint of the laaa, wbioh ia kept uncovered
daring aa " laatantaneooa ** ezpoenre. The actoating niring may be a spiral,
witt the inner end fixed diiertly to tbe crank-axle, and the outer to the bearin^-
bloek. Or It may ooaaiat of a atnigfat helical spring, extending down a hole in
the interior of the sti^ aad fotatlag the cnak by a thread wound round a
diva on tte enak-axla Thaeadofthaspringnotutachedtotbe thread may
be fixed to the lower ead of s rod, or stiff wire, tutenad at its upper end to the
baariag-bfock, and projecting down tte centn of tte spring.
Tbe apMd of Uw ahattar ia increeead by " winding it up " (routing tte
cnak) or ■«»«"'«>««'—< by aaeoeasive piaaeuna on tte catch. The whole
mechanism of the " inataataaeoos shatter,'' deacribed above (witt tte exception
oUha «*Tertiea] groovea "), ia fixed to the " bearing block," and U thus MsJy
(letactuJh. Tbe metal portion of tbe stick, to tte interior of which the bear-
ing Uock U fixed, serswa or aUdea into a aocket fixed to the lower part of the
stfek. (The upper boUow portion of Ute stick must be safflciently large to
allow of the ftws ravblatloa of the eraak.)
Tbe " camen ead shatter " nuy be detached from tte socket and lower
portioa of tiw stick and fitted to soaae form of tripod stand, which may be
eoaatrneted to fold np into tlte form raaainbling a stick.
Bat iir eidfaiary nae the apike (previooaly mentioned) will be foanda suffi-
deatpopport Aa to matarial, I prefer to make the " handle ' of the atidsU
well aa the actual abnttsr of the " iaatantaneons shutter" of ebonite. Tbe
stick may be of wood stained black, witt an iron or sted nrike., the upper or
hollow portion of the stick, snd the "embracing tnbe," "^'crank, "catch,
and ■■ leas-tnbe" of taraas, bronzed black on the oatdda.
Uaring now paitioalarly daKribed and aacertained the nature of my inven-
460
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[July 15, 1892
tion, and in what manner the same is performed, I declare that what I claim
is : — 1. The combination of a photognipnic camera of small size with a stick in
such a manner that the combination may be used as a walking-stick, sub-
stantially as herein described. 2. The combination of a photographic camera
adapted for both " time " and instantaneous exposures " with a stick forming
the stand thereof in such a manner that the combination may be used as a
walking-stick, substantially as herein described, 3. The combination of a
walking-stick having a jiointed ferrule or spike with a photographic camera,
and forming the stand thereof, substantially as herein described. 4. The im-
proved instantaneous shutter and release-catch, substantially as herein de-
scribed.
Imfsotehents nt the JLvNUFACTrw; ok Colours, specully apflicablk for
COLOURIUG PHOTOORAPHS.
(A Communication by Carl fleinrich Wilhelm Brans, Halberstadt,
Germany.)
No. 3791.
Alfrbo Juuus Boult, 323, High Holbom, Middlesex.-
June 18, 1892.
Although the colouring of photographs is both a lucrative and pleasant oc-
cupation, specially trained people only have hitherto been able to devote them-
selves to it, chiefly for the reason that there have been no colours exactly
suitable for the purpose, either the ordinary oil colours or water colours having
been resorted to. It is, however, a fact, that these colours do not, without
difficulty, adhere to the surfaces of photographs which have been fixed, glazed
with collodion, and generally treated for photographic purposes. It is there-
fore necessary to submit the colours to certain rather complicated preparatory
operations — for example, to mix them with certain liquids, the nature of which
is, in many cases, the secret of the individual artist performing the work.
Besides, the colours hitherto used always entirely cover and conceal from view
those delicate shades which form one of the peculiar advantages of photography,
80 that the general effect of the photograph, after colouring, is spoiled, as in no
case is it possible to convert a photograph into a real oil painting. When
coloured photographs have to be subsequently varnished with collodion, or
otherwise glazed, it has generally been found that the colours were unfit for the
reception of such varnish or glazing, and that the whole picture was spoiled in
consequence.
The new colours obtained by the process, which forms the subject of this
invention, enable photographs to be coloured without requiring any preparatory
operation. The colouring of photographs is thus placed within reach of the
general public, and is not confined to professional hands, and any lover of such
work can colour a photograph in a few minutes. The original shades of the
photograph are not only not concealed but rendered more prominent, and the
resulting pictures present the appearance of a water-colour painting, which in
colours is the nearest approach to photography, the glossy and yet somewhat
dull colouring admirably suits the nature of a photograph. The colours adhere
to any photographic surface whether or not treated with collodion, and if the
picture be collodionised or glazed afterwards it is in no way damaged. These
colours, which the inventor describes as "transparent glazing colours," are
prepared in the following manner : —
Caseine, entirely freed from fatty substances (say, by means of the So.xhlets
fat-extracting apparatus and by treatment with sulphuric ether), is allowed
to dry for about twelve hours, during which time the ether that may have
been left in it evaporates, and the caseine becomes fit for the subsequent
treatment. In about 1250 grammes of water, on the other hand, 110 grammes
of borax are dissolved. This solution is mixed with one kilogramme of the
prepared caseine. Then, while the mixture is continually stirred, it is heated
to the boiling point ; but a moment before the boiling point is reached the
stirring is discontinued, and the impurities rising to the surface are removed
by means of a skimming ladle. After allowing the mass thus skimmed to
boil a few minutes longer, it is cooled in a water bath.
The result is a liquid which, by being thoroughly mixed with the desired
colouring matters, will produce colours for photographs such as have been
above described, and which may, moreover, according to requirements, be
mixed with or diluted in water without undergoing any alteration as regards
their essential properties.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated
to me by my foreign correspondents, I declare that what I claim is :— 1. The
manufacture of colours suitable for colouring photographs, and capable of
adhering to paper treated for photographic purposes, consisting in dissolving
the colouring matters in, and mixing them with, caseine, boiled in water, with
the addition of borax, substantially as described. 2. The herein-described
manufactixre of colour, suitable for colouring photographs, substantially as
described.
Improvements in and connected with Stereoscopic and other
Photographic Cameras.
No. 10,278.
Etiennb Ricard and Jean Baptist Joskph Lacroix, Agen,
France.— yH)i« 18, 1892.
The present invention relates to a new and improved photographic camera
which we prefer to term the " Veloclgraph."
The camera has the peculiarity that, while it is in reality a magazine camera
or a camera for a number of plates, it has no changing box or dark slide, or
any distinct compartment for the plates, these latter being inserted directly
into the camera in a vertical iwsition and fall down horizontally and auto-
matically on to the bottom of the camera after they have been exposed.
The apparatus is provided with a cap or cover in front which when closed
protects the objective and the mechanism adjacent to it. The back of the
camera is also provided with a second cover or cap to which is fixed or attached
a strap which engages with a hook by means of a loop or buckle. Tlie perfect
closure of the front and back of the camera is ensured by pressing down the
hook and so closing the lock to which it is connected.
Tlie mechanism of the camera consists of a lever arm or handle for set-
ting the shutter, a catch for liberating it, and an arm for regulating the
velocity.
The shutter consists of two half shutters, or sectors of sheet metal, or other
suitable material, each having a similar aperture, and both placed one upoa
the other and moving freely on the same pivot, which is further provided with
a l)ent or curved rod, engaging with a part of one of the sectors, which is bent
back upon the lower edge of the other sector. The result is that, when the
setting handle is turned in one direction, the bent roil turns at the same time,
carrying with it the sector with which said rod engages, and consequently
also the other sector, the notched edge of which engages with a detent. The
shutter having been in this way set without uncovering the objective, the
setting handle is released and returns to its original position, owing to the
action of a spring, as also does the bent rod.
To liberate the shutter, it is merely necessary to press upon the catch, which
raises the detent and lilierates or sets free one of the sectors, and permits the
latter to be returned to its original position by a spring which, preferably,
winds itself on a pulley keyed on to an axle. The aperture in one of the-
sectors passing in front of the objective allows the light for the instantaneous
exposure to enter the camera.
One of the sectors is furnished with two notches in its edge. The first of
these is for time exposures, that is to say, when it is held by a detent opposite
the objective fully exposed. The second notch is for instantaneous exposures,
as has been explained above.
The velocity of the shutter is regulated by moving the end of the before-
mentioned arm along its graduated quadrant. This pointer is provided with a
point ; it is drawn forward a little and the point inserted in one of a series of
holes in the graduated quadrant or plate. This operation having caused the
pulley inside to rotate, a greater or less amount of tension is produced in the
spring which is wound on said pulley.
The plates or films are first introduced into a dark slide of metal or other
material, and are placed vertically in the back part of the chamber. They
rest upon two blocks, and are constantly pressed forward by a spring-controlled
rod. They are kept in position at tlieir top part by a suitable anchor or stop
with two teeth, the action of which will be described below.
To fill the apparatus the back end must be raised and the spring-controlled
rod drawn back. For this purpose a pawl is caused to act as a brake by-
pressing upon its prolongation ; this pawl then assumes a position in which it
is retained by a spring which is in contact with a pin. The spring-controlled
rod is then drawn back, and when it has arrived at the end of its course the
l^awl extension strikes against a tappet or stud which tips it up.
The whole arrangement remains of itself in the position it now occupies.
The apparatus having been filled, the spring-controlled rod is moved forward
by hand, the pawl disengages with the tappet, and falls into the toothed
sector.
Each plate is removed as soon as it has been exposed, the spring-controlled'
rod presses the plates forward until they have all been used, at which time
further forward movement of the rod is prevented by a suitable stop.
The teeth of the sector serve as a break to prevent backward movement of
the spring-controlled rod, and consequently of the packet of plates, when the
camera is being worked.
The mechanism for changing the plates, forming the principal part of our
invention, consists simply of an anchor very like that used in the escapement
of a clock, and worked directly and simultaneously with the shutter by means
of the lever arm. This anchor consists of an axle furnished at one end with a
finger and at the other with two teeth, forming the anchor properly so called.
When at rest, one of the teeth keeps the pile of plates in position, while the
other tooth is sunk in the top wall of the camera. It is easy to see in what
way the change of plates is efl'ected. The first of the plates having been
exposed, the apparatus is inclined slightly forward, and the shutter is set by-
means of the lever arm. The result of this movement is that a rod presses
upon one of the fingers by means of its bent extremity, and in this way causes
the axle to turn ; the result is that one of the teeth is inserted between the
first and the second plate, while the other tooth, sinking into the wall of the
camera, allows the first plate to escape, which turns forward upon its base and,
being guided by curved plates, falls upon the bottom of the camera.
When the shutter has been set, the setting arm is allowed to return to its
original position, and one of the teeth rises, and the other tootli, taking up its-
original position, supports the plates, which are pressed against it by the spring
rod, the axle on which the latter turns being provided with a toothed sector,
which causes an indicator to turn, and enables the operator to see at any
moment how many plates .are still at his disposal.
To set the shutter without changing a plate, a case which necessarily occurs
when the first plate after the filling of the camera is to be exposed, the setting
arm is turned until the second notch in the shutter sector is engaged with by
the detent, and it can easily be heard when this takes place, and the pointer
is allowed to turn backwards. By this action, the anchor operating rod not
having been moved sufficiently to let one of the teeth escape, none of the plates
can fall.
To prevent the plates which have been exposed from moving about in thu
bottom of the camera when it is being carried, the setting arm is turned in the
opposite direction ; the prolongation of the bent rod on the shutter pivot then
pushes a cushion which, being jointed, presses on the edges of the plates and
keeps them in position between the cushion, which may be of thick soft leather;,
and blocks covered with soft leather.
Our system is equally applicable to stereoscopic cameras. Then the parti-
tion which divides the camera longitudinally into two equal portions is ren-
dered movable to enable the plates to fall ; this partition is soldered to the
axle carrying the anchor or teeth in such a way that when the shutter is.
worked the said axle is caused to turn, tlie partition rises at the same time,
and cannot prevent the plate that has been exposed from falling to the bottom
of the chamber.
'■4
July 15, 1802]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOIDGRAPHY.
461
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LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGEAPUIC ASSOCUTION.
JPLT 7.— Mr. Aiaamim Maekia U tk* ctak.
Mr. A. L HanaHW ihaiMd • MmB bamt-io oiuunal, prodiMad hj Mr.
g|i«D«»r Cook, of DsMkUa, Nav ^-t*'*H. who hail aoccoadad aimpW with a
ftv taatrartfciiw hf lattarsUob Mr. Bmimmm had pna him. Mr. Haadar-
MB HimMtnA tba pietaia tbt umbWik aBd ebmmi that paopla (aid ha
4U aot gi*a an tba niiiiiy inbraatiM la tha patent wbieh he bad taken
oak yaan 1(0. Tbia «m set tba aank
Ombocrmmatic Putw uto Bauoios.
Mr. W. P. Daxdo bad raeaatlT haaa adag imniaBiilal iaoehroiBatie plataa
wbkb gara balatioa, altbo^ baekad »ilk barat lianM aad caiaaML He
ako obaMTad Ibal, la ti7<ac to ladaea by bmbi of OMtbylatad ipirit anil
vatar, ba Ibaad tba Uma of tba aae plataa dtaaelTad away.
Mr. J. B. Knxow alio ibowad two aanUfai «a iaoehromatie plataa, both of
wbieh bad baea hacked. Oaa Aowad^kUoa, tha other did aot.
Mr. P. W. PjLMg. bad aMl Mrenl if tte auaa kiad ofplatM, baekad with
k aad aaiaBHl, withoat bata( tnahiad «tlh balatioa.
plataa for tnveUiiigT He
Itikiaffalnal^iolthetaekiaaaiartha cafamal
Mr. DAinw
iaaadthat
Mr. A. Haano*
to eofar it with
Mr. A. S. DawaoM rtalad that aaraaMl woald dry ia Bve alMiaa if properiy
■ada, Aa a lala, K wai aotbrftadloMMMiVk. Ha 1m! msm a»da thne
■NothaiCDk wUeb hal aot dried yaC
Mr. Haooo* mid that enaaML atiad vHh gilatiBe, peedacad aa iMofabla
-itlxtanLndMlaaaiaaBtly itatad that eanaallhouM be made at a tanpantaie
Mr. J. & Tkarm, la ii»iwui to a aianlalat oa thainIM, aU eoatiaK
wttk a taeaah draws la Ihaa waald Mwajwttoa «f fly iiMJgil la rijiii, to
aroU which he
•rMppUaf tha
Oa
A pAna Dabc Buob.
Mr. HaDOOM obaarad that m doaU UMy had aeea, la apiaay I
paper, aa adeeitiMatali raaaiai^ " Why eairy heavy wiwidw tUdaa wi
twehe' (aaeh aa that wUeh ha asUMtad) "raald ha nada la aa hoarl"
The ipeeliaeB la qaietlon bad eoat him orer a ihiDinc : it eoaiMad, apparently,
orhrawaiiaparaadcardboaid.aadMr. Hadloaaiidtkat be did aet think any
oaa woaM ftaia to aipow plalM ia aaeh a dUt.
Disss.
bearlBf daU Apill, 1886, wbBi
r. A.
Ihtiiblal _
it priatediaa thW of tha thaa of wrMaaii allinai'ihwl paper, bat ha
aet priatie bat Aa iMlraa of the prlat
Mr. BrOailiDaadtbathdldt
u AcoM piatiao^hlorida and odiaaiy alfaaaMaiaad paper laepatUtely, aad
Doth w«a ia food pcaaenatioa.
l» IMMIilCaTIOB.
Mr. J. & TfcATB, la tho eoawa of a ihart nMri oa thii mMect, mU that
rohaUy ao mmJbtt had doaa le Uttia laliiUialliiii la himiiMl ai ha aiwayi
luaad to frt iwilly at tha atart. Ha had naaaa to baliaea^Uk there waa
uuMh laae doaa now thaa in the poet, aad oaay thia«i oeeonad to hia which
ijbclad tha aiattar in thia diractioa. For one thiag, thay bad eipaaan tablea,
llamaihi, iitlaiaMfi, Jto, whiih eaahled th— to gaard Mriaat it nilea
iWf— ifciAiah,tithaeariypiiWHid«ya,waathaeaaeaafthiaaipMTefc
iflowMAttUiyaHlad plataa fgrlndampawoffc. which wan la
aadoabtilly bort aaeia aipuaiue withoat giTia( a thin imaga thaa lapld plataa.
BMkkl^ IIBia, eaablid a plate to etaaif bmn azpoenie withoat utrins a thiu
haaga Oa aa aahaihad plate. The aia of aelatlao aad ootlodio-dllorida
vaser laiaMd the Hi for lateaaiacattaa. w thay aoald ohlaia ftooHMa
SiaiBMd Ibo aanarity for lateadScattaa, aa thay aoaU ohlata
aatiUhwalwtH. Fwiily tha paper waa pwpawdlbr tha
WMritpMnfMnnadyforaaaL Chptota Atnay bad laid tl
tha ffHiHt tMiMa amdatioa ia a netaUm, a thla image ahoold ba d
that, to (at
um, a tua image ahoold be daratoped,
,Maha(Mr. Teape)qaitoHn*d*n<k<^i>- The range of
ia the aeoura dareiopod light out ia tbaSnt
of the haU-toaee to a giaaUr aztaat thaa tha
high li^ts was a point of great value. A plate might be put into the solution,,
and the latter allowed to penetrate the hair-tones only, toe solution ))eing pre-
vented attacking the hign lights, but it was a very difScult matter to reverse
it — that is, to intensify the high lights more than the half-tones. He had
tried Mr. Chapman Jones's method, but development went ou so mucli that it
could not be stopped, and he also found tb.tt a plate, inten.silied with uranium
and washed for a qnarter of an hour, had the density of the lights reduced, but
the half-tones were nntoached. It was difficult to say how that happened ; but,
as it tonche<l npon the very point he had just mentioned, it was, perhaps,
worth referring to. Poasibly the <lense i»rts of tlie image held tne hypo
more than the other parts of the film, and thus Farmer's retlucer wa.« formed,
which might cause the reduction. Mr. Teajie concluded by giving the follow
ing formulie for intensifiers, which he had used himself : —
No. 1.
Potassiom ferridcyanide 30 grains.
Uraninm nitrate 30 „
Acetic acid 25 minims.
Water 10 ounces.
This might be nsed for a long time, and, when the action slowed, gave a red
imuja. One of the advantages of the intensiiier was that an excess of density
ooaU be removed by washUig, or reduced, locally, by a dilute solution of
carbonate of soda.
Na 2. — Honckhoven's Intensifier.
Solution 1.
Potassium broaiide 10 grains.
Mercury bictilarida 10 „
Water 1 ounces
Solution 2.
Silver nitrato 10 grains.
Potsaiinm cyanide 10 „
Water 10 ounces.
Solution No. 2 would give a precipitate, but a thirty-grain solution of
cyanide should be added, drop by drop. Bleaich and wash, and then apply the
silver solution.
Mr. Baioog said that ba aevar bad ooeaaioa to inteaaify nowadays, and
Hr. T. K FBBBWATSa made a aimilar raaiaric
Mr. TiAFi obaerved that, aa very rapid platia only gave thin images, that
sunpUad a special use for intensifying.
Mr. Stsvxxso!! complained of pinholes with mercnry, followed by ammonia.
Mr. C H. Cook objected to mercnry and ammonia, as the shadows were
cloKged op.
ttr. Daxdo asked if it ware not advisable to remove veil before intensifica-
tion.
Mr. TlAFB said that waa a venr important point, and recommended bichro-
mate of pataah aad salpharie aeia for the purpDse.
Other BMmbaia eoatmoad tba diaeusaion.
Dn Znai AxAanoMAn : Stam II.
Ur. DAinnihowad a Zsiaa apochromatie Anastigmat (Scries II.), which he
said waa tba 8nt one sent to this ooontry. It bad a focus of about six and
tbn»<|aarter inehai, aad at f-d. the laigMt aperture, oovered a whole- plate ; at
/■ll It oovand a 10 x 8. Tba leas waa iatanded for hand-camera work. 'Tho
ilistanna batwaaa tha eomUaatioaa was oaly tbiae mllllmatras.
Tba maatiag thaa doaad.
>Mtb UmdOB Photographic Society.— July S. 1892.— Hr. B. J. Grover in
tha ehair.— Baoahred khIi tliiink\ for library, Mr. K Donmore's The I'holo-
tjtmfkm't OuRfuasM ; Mr. J. FallowQeld's J'h-lcgraphie Anniuil. The Secre-
tary reported that he had received a very Idndly letter ttom Mr. J. Howson, of
tha Britannia Worlu Company, lUonl, who was to have addreaaed the meeting
OB ImKknmatie Pketaorapkn, stating that be had bean called abroad, at a few
boen' aotioi^ on aM« usaat bnslnssa, aad would ba unable to be present
Tha Company bad, bowavar, seat aa a substitute a large parcel of toeir new
iaoehromatie balf-platea for distribution among the memoera, who, it was
hoped, would test and raport upon them. A vote of thanks was cordially
paaaaa to the Britannia Works Comiiany for tb^ liberal action in the matter.
Notica of tha change of programme had been sent to all mainben, and a general
ooevarmtioa on technical matters took plaoe, principally on iaocbromatio
plalaiL Mr. Bnwar showed a snccensful negative of red roees taken on these
plataa, aad tha Saerstary, who need hydroquinone (Ilford nnivenal) as a de-
valopv, bad fooad tha lioohrDmatio plates moat uaaftal. Other members
preferred a pyro davaloper, bat all who had triad if^aid In the great advantage
of the colour conaction. The pUtes received wen duly distributed as re-
i]n«atad. Next meeting, July 19, Holiday OutJiU.
Vortb Mlddlaaax Fhotogiaphio lociaty.-JnIy 11, Mr. C C. OUI in the
chair. — A technical evening was held. In the unavoidable abaeace of Mr. F.
W. Cox, Mr. r. Cherry opaaad the diaeusaion on Dntlopment, He dwelt
cbiclly upon the portraitnn side of the question, gave his own method of work-
Ina iaftlMslt with the allied subjecti of lidong and exposure. Messrs.
aSSSk, JTost, Marchant, Smith, 'Taylor. WaU, Mattocks, llttensor, and tho
Cbainaaa took part in the diaeusaion, which jndnally tended in the direction
of tha pnraation aad con of halation, fta comparative difficulties and
advaatagm eonaaetad with worfcinx celluloid films also attracted attention..
Some of the members had found a dil&culty in washing film negatives when a
number bad to ba treated at once. Mr. Frost had solved the difficulty by
beading tha film into a cylindrical form, gelatine side inwards, and tying ft
ronad with a piece of thread. A number of them could then be put into a.
washing trough, aad the water allowed to riow through them without fear of
injury. They were then hung up to dnin in the same stote, and when ilry the
thrntd could be taken OS. Three new members were elected. Prints were
then shown oo samplaa of the Eastman gelatino-chloride paper, which were
distributed at tha last Bieetiag, the consensus of opinion being that the paper
was good ia all napaeti^ and that widely different tones could be secured upon
462
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[July 15, 1802
it with certainty and ease. The usual competitioiis of views taken at fielfl-
days were held, the vote of merit behig accorded to Mr. Marchant, for Broi-
bourae, and to Mr. Walljer for South Mimms. The next meeting will \x held
on July 25, when Mr. F. Cherry will take the chair, and Mr. Thomas Bedding
-vrill addr ss the Society. Visitors welcome.
Hacknay FhototTaphic Society.— Joly B, Mr. Walter Barker in the chair.
—The Chainnan hoi>e<l the new quarters would be fully appreciated. A ques-
tion from the box alx)ut whether carbonate of potash would frill more than
ammonia was then discussed. Mr. Beckett had never had any frilliUK with
either ; jxMsibly the temiieratore ol the water was tlie cause. Mr. W. Fenton
Jones said soft gelatine, used by some makers, was sometimes a cause. A
question was then asked, " If two lenses of same focus were selected for use in
stereoscopic work, would they be suitable, and would there be any difficulty
of letting otf shutters at same time ? " Mr. Dando said there would be no
mechanical difficulty, but the lenses ought to be good, and selected by an
optician. Mr. Sodeau showe<l card on which 100, 200, and 300 parts of an inch
were shown. Report of excnrsion was then taken, Mr. Gosling humorously
describing it. Mr. Dean showed photograph of fungi eighteen and a half inches
across ; Mr. Barker, work done on Eastman gelatmo-chloride paper, samples
of which had been sent. Mr. Dando handed round a piece of the same paper
which he had put in wrong way in frame, and asked, if he dissolved the gelatine
from other side, would it fade? Mr. Beckett said. Not if paper had been properly
ixed and washed. Mr. Gosling handetl in prints on Ilford printing-out paper
from negatives on Ilford isochromatic plates. Mr. Hudson showed an arrange-
ment he had made — on the stereoscopic principle — for taking moving objects.
The idea was, that focussing could be done on the top, and the exposure made
immediately it was obtained sharply. Mr. Dando thought the top would rather
<iraw out of focus. The Chairman showed a diaphragmatic shutter, the shutter
opening from, and closing to, any sized diaphragm. It was said that the
principle was wrong, as only fifty per cent, of exposure was obtained. Mr.
Hensler had heard it stated that a smaller stop alters focus. The Chairman
observed that Dallmeyer advocated focussing with any aperture but the full.
Mr. Beckett said faulty lenses would alter in focus. The Chairman handed
IDund a new hand camera of Hs o\vn design. The plates dropped on to an
indiarubber band, which one member declared was dangerous to the plates, as
it would cause a fonnation of sulphur. Mr. Dando wanted to know whether
storiug backed plates would cause them to deteriorate, but an opinion was
given that it did not. Mr. Dando was then unanimously chosen as a delegate
to the Convention on behalf of the Society.
Leytonstone Camera Club. — The members of this Club had a most suc-
cessful outing on July 2. The place of meeting was Kingston station.
.Some good shots were got in the town, it being market-day. The busy market
was well patronised by carriers of hand cameras. The Coronatiou Stone and
other historical spots having been visited, the party were ferried over the river,
■where points of vantage were secured for the bridge and town. The bridge
was next crossed, and the party proceeded to the promenade, where some ex-
cellent snap-shots on the river were made. Proceeding along to Teddington,
some good shutter exposures were made, the lock, going over the rollers, the
weir, &c. The next outing is on July 16, to Cheshunt ; raeet Cheshuut station
four o'clock. Visitors are heartily welcome.
Kensington and Bayswater Fhotographlc Society. — July 11, Mr. F. A.
Hahn in the chair.— Mr. G. W. Tottem, from Messrs. Houghton & Sons, gave
a practical demonstration of their hand camera, the "Shuttle," and various
•other novelties. Mr. Winter, from Messrs. Mawson & Swan's, showed Loman's
patent camera, a novel form of book camera, walking-stick tripod, &c.
Putney Photographic Society. — July 4, Eev. L. Macdona in the chair. —
Messrs. Faulkner and Macdona gave a demonstration in development with
rodinal and pyro-soda, showing how the results of a considerable over or under-
exposure may be corrected by suitable modifications of the constituent parts
of the developer. The demonstration was followed with much interest by the
members present. Messrs. Faulkner and Zachariasen exhibited prints on the
new Eastman chloride emulsion paper, which were greatly admired. Sample
packets of the paper, presented by the Eastman Company, were distributed for
■trial amongst tne members. Tylar's " Full-view " printing frame, an improved
metal single dark slide, and other novelties were shown and discussed. Four
new members were elected. The Society having joined the affiliation scheme
of the Photographic Society of Great Britain, Messrs. Macdona, Vice-president,
and Zachariasen, joint Hon. Secretary, were elected delegates to serve on the
Central Committee of the affiliated societies. The summer outings, held on
alternate Saturdays, to places in the neighbourhood, have been very successful ;
many good negatives have been taken, and will, no doubt, give additional
interest to the competition amongst members for the Society's medals. The
outings have been particularly instructive to the beginners who have been able
to profit by the kind assistance given them by the more proficient. The next
■outing will be held on Saturday, July 23, at three p.m., at Hampton Court.
Sonth London FhotograpMc Society.— July 4, 1892, the President (Mr.
F. W. Edwards) in the chair. Attendance 33. — Mr. J. F. Kelly read a paper,
Can our ExCursums he made more Interestin'j and Useful ? After a brief de-
scription of a tj-pical photographic excursion, the lecturer dealt with a large
number of suggestions for rendering such meetings more attractive and usefuL
He considered that excursions should always be .irranged to suit the pockets of
the majority of the members, and suggested that, at the commencement of
each excursion, a short demonstration by some competent member, nominated
for the purpose, of the practical use of some part of our apparatus in the field,
as the proper use of the rising front and the swing, the capabilities of lenses,
exposure, and the uses of tables and meters, shutters, &c. He regarded ex-
cursions as a means of educating the younger and inexperienced members of
the Society, while the more competent workers would use them as prospecting
times for more serious work. The announcement at the preceding meeting of
the places to be photographed, and the points of interest, &c., would be useful.
The social side was dealt with. The lecturer urged that excursions should be
arranged with some end in view, as, for instance, the illustration of the rfijar
Thames from Sheerness to Oxford, a complete series of social views, the monu-
ments of London, &c. Results should be shown at the following Society
meeting, and a free and impartial criticism indulged in, and advice and sug-
gestions given. Mr. Kelly deprecated the practice of stowing away good
negatives until the exhibition, for fear that some brother worker might infringe
his copyright — the view was not made by the first man, that is common pro-
perty, and the second might not be able to so arrange it as to make a picture,
or might make a better ; then, if so, he deserved the credit of it. A set of
good lantern slides, illustrating the excursion, should be made yearly, to become
the property of the club, and loaned to members after they have been exhibited
at a meeting to be held for the purpose. This meeting might be so arranged
as to form a general entertainment by the members, and be productive of
general good feelings. Mr. Kelly's remarks were criticised to great length by
tlie members present.
LeireB Photograplilc Society.— July 5.—A small exhibition of hand cameras
was held. Some of the members described the cameras they had in use, and
Mr. K J. Bedford gave a deecri)ition of several of the latest patterns, which
had kindly been lent by Mr. Hardcastle, of Brighton. The certificate for the
last quarterly competition, for "the best photograph of animal life," w,as
awarded to Mr. J. Tunks. Mr. Foxall (Brighton) judged the prints sent in,
which were not so numerous as might be desired. The Society will make an
excursion to Alfriston on Saturday, if the weather is favourable. Others have
been arranged for Buxted, Newick, and Isfield. The subject for next quarterly
competition is "Landscape, with or without figures." Mr. J. L. Adam was
elected a member of the Society.
Sheffield Photographic Society.— July 5.— Mr. B. J. Taylor in the chair.
After the election of two new members, Mr. C. W. Crowder gave a paper on
A Holiday Tour on the Norfolk Broads. He began by describing the journey
to Yarmouth, and from thence to various resorts on the Broads ; also the best
and most convenient means to get there. The Secretary laid upon the table
samples of the new Eastman printing paper, and intimated that the excursion
to Allport next Wednesday gives promise of a large number taking part in it.
CortejS)}ontrencr«
OontfpmAmtt itunH nevvr vrite on both <>dM o/ t)w
HELIOCHEOMY.
To the Editor.
Sib,— I cannot find any excuse for Dr. Vogel's persistent misrepresen-
tation of facts. He may have such a bad memory that he forgets im-
portant occurrences after a few years, and he may not understand the
English language well enough to have learned that the hehochromoscope
is not a projecting lantern ; but I doubt it. I had positive assurance
that Dr. Vogel received and replied to the statement, which he now says
he never received. Any one who ■will look may see that he did not
" acknowledge " the hehochromoscope on page 318, as he has twice
positively asserted that he did. I believe that every statement made in
my last letter was strictly true. I know that Dr. Vogel's alleged principle
cannot be carried out in accordance -with the Xonng-Helmholtz theory of
colour vision. I do not know that Dr. Vogel has ever produced any good
resuVts by any photo-chromic process. My position is clearly defined in
the paper reeently reprinted in your Jouknai., page 357. I believe that
the repeated misrepresentations which my references have proved are
quite sufficient to justify me in declining to have any further controversy
with Dr. VogeL — I am, yours, &c., F. E. Ives.
London, July 8, 1892.
SPEED OF PLATES.
To the Ediiob.
Sir, — Allow me to thank Mr. Watkins for his considerate reply to my
letter of the 10th ult. There seems to be but Uttle difference in our views
needing comment, at any rate, except as to the method suggested of
using Spurge's sensitometer and a standard tint-plate. This instrument
gives a series of exposures, increasing in geometrical progression, the
amoun doubling at every third hole. Thus, counting from the smallest
hole, the holes 1, 4, 7, 10, *e., constantly double the exposure. It is
required to compare the speed of two plates by means of this instrument.
The plates are exposed behind the sensitometer to the same illumination
developed for (say) twenty minutes, fixed and dried. On comparison
■with a standard tint, one plate, A, is found to possess that tint with
exposure No. 7, the second with exposure No. 10. It is inferred that, as
exposure No. 10 is double of No. 7, the first plate is twice as rapid as
the second. We are here judging from an examination of one tint only of
each plate, and that is what I called " restricted observation."
_ If we examine all the tints, and find that tint 8 of plate A agrees with
tint 11 of B ; 9 of A with 12 of B, and so on throughout, then undoubtedly
the first plate is twice as rapid as the seeoud ; but it is just here that I
apprehend that the method would fail, it is generally the case that other
tints, say, 9 and 13, would agree, and had that tint been adopted as
the standard (and it is arbitrary) a different speed would have resulted.
H, inste&d of confining our observations to one tint, we note the
behaviour of the tints among themselves, we get a much more definite
*atilt ; Messrs. Hurter & Driffield would say : " If in plate A the densities
JalT 15, 18021
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
46S
acreaM with cpproximately equal inerementa from and beginning with
No. 7, and thoM of plate B fn>m No. 10, then, no matter how the
■iflnm'tiw fli one plate compare with thoae of the other, A is twice as last
ai B." Tb« fint taw expoaorea nerer inenaae in density in this regnlar
manner, nor do ezeeniTe ezpomres, bat there ia alwaja a range that does
inoieaae thns ttmUMilj ; find the first term of this regnlar series, and the
problem iseomd.
Then now arises tha qnestiaB, hgm awek light has fallen through hole
So. 7 or bole No. 10. 11 tUa ean ba anawersd, we need not refer one
pl^ to anotiiar aa a standard, bnt expreea the rapidity in terms of the
Ufjtit itaeU. Failing a better nnit, the aathors of the method nae the
Tliaifffirl aaadla at a matoe distamia, and aa^ that the inertia ol a plate,
L*^ tb* aaoaiil «< Ulnminatfcw Midtal to Mm Om plate to the eom-
lusneaastDt ot the tegular aariea tt imtJ^Jm, la so miany candle-metre
aeoonds.
The next step is, I think, not gtnerally known. It b, howerer, im-
portant as answsing, in a great degrte, the objeetioo that the speed has
baa detarminad by artificial, not natoral, light. Jost aa lb. Watkins,
br aetoal eaatera trial, fbids the plala number on his meter tor a sireo
plate to be 51, so by aetnal tr&I Hasan. Hartex & Driffield find the
aetinogrwh nmnber to be St wkca tJt« tmertia it 1 C. J/. S. Therefore,
for any p|*t*, tlMy dirida 34 by tha inertia to obtain the aetinograpb
speed. The aasnmption is that, if one plate is twice as rapid aa another
to candle-light, so it ia to daylight. It is a natoral assumption, and is
joslifiad by the soeoees of the aetinograpb to indicate the correct tifotaat
<m tka stMB«lh ol this amnptiaa.
>■ Ml TTililM ilatia llial In is ■iMfil iiitli llii iiiiMllwiti J llils
iwbjeat, a^ tha* te this rsion ha Msn gHteg Ua viawab a aoaiplata
'am, it wtMld be savMaosiaUa to sipaet a dalnuad aignmant from him.
rha snbjaet, huaawt, baiag of wide iat— at, it mw not be oat of plaee
for me to bring balore toot rsadan the eoapUeatsd natora of the
psoblsm, and tha liBatkaUa laaaarehaa which have baen broathl to bear
oB iusolmioa.— laai, Toors, Ae., & C raaurs.
ThtAru Cbih, MamekttUr, Jnig 4, 1893.
P.8. I h*T«baloraBM the rsoords of two plates, both highly deraicMd.
An expoenra of 0-8W CM. 8. on ooa giraa tha laaaa dans^y aa 1-i on
the other ; 2-6 oo tha one giraa the saaa aa S-< on tha othar; aad SI
C. M. S. giraa the same dasMity ia both aasas. What eoold be acBeladad
from thaaadolaaatathaiaiatiraapaad of theplataa? lbs ivsoda an
setoally aa M : M.
CLKAN KEGATIVia
To tkt Eorroa.
Sn,— I And th« baM and tiaiplest «m of mnoriag tha graen or
iridasesMt HaiB on tha wsgatite ia bj lantty rabbtng tha snifaea with a
KrflolaeMoa-voalaMialMadwiik spMt, at h oaa be dona firaetly after
fisiiig br mbWng witif tha fincsr ; hat, ol aooisa, it raqidraa mora care
than with tha spfail whaa tha aipllii ia dir. I aea a aacraspoodaat
complAins aboot tha na^ platlBO^pa p>p». I eneloaea pisea, mottled:
the eaooa «aa boiM left fay aaawsBt ia aoniaet in tha pciaiiag frame
with a aaptiTo whiah waa rmy daaaa, being ««ar-islaariflad with
nMnonr.— I am yours, Jcc, T. W. Knax.
S9, OTOM-fmrk. LireryMl, Ja/y U, IMl
OBTHOCHBOMATTC PHOTOGBAPHT.
To tit Ki>ma.
Sn,— We will only tronble yon with a vary short reply to tha Mtata of
Masara. AlMaoa BMa. oiad Mr. Ao««tth. whhh appearsd la laat woak'a
JomsL. Tha loMv of Mssais. AlBaaa Bros. foUy aomboratoa oar
stntainant aa to tha dioalalaifaig riaaoa wMah. by ordar of the CesnptioDar.
<ria inoartod in Dr. Togsfs spaoiflaaHoB (Ko. UJUt, 1886) la
ioaoea of our oppoaitiaa. Aa to tha legal eSaet of tha disaUiaac,
AlUsan, aa patent agaata, harta a pesfeot right to thair opiaioa; on
otho Ma. wa have tha optaion of tha noal eaaiaaat patoat law
Iho* tba aOaal woald be at «• ha«« atalad. - that the Vo«sl ptoaa
oatr b« wortad ia this aoBati7 oaiv tha TaUltr patent.'' We iMfo,
Oar dtoorfptian olDr. ToMl'a iryalsai ol "cytlMl osoaMdac - 19
of 4y<sa waa takoa tnm Ua owa Bafflsh apiBWiatlDB. Ka TSM, datad
Joae 15, ISM. Ia thla ipsrifluatliM. auhoogn many dyas are meattoned,
not a word la said aboat ooaioa, tha sapanor pnmortias of which as a
r far aslatfao-bwlda of Jhor woold appsar only to hara
I by the Prof nwor at a latar data, tha spaaHWiatlow of his
la ol alhar " ptoaeoa boiag datod HofamMr 99 ol the some
year. As to this latter proceaa, wa daqy ontirelT Dr. Vogel's right to
claim it ; wa mahrtatw that it is simply a eopy of the Tailfer proosss ; in
(act, only a mosa tnaadahont way of prodooiBg hy tha same meaaa, i.*.,
eoeuie aad snaaaada. parfosty tha saiaa aoloar aaaaitira eompouad of
il ibfar wUeh ia obtaiaad mors firactly by TaOJor's
made by the Tailfer process, " the dye is present, combined with silver
as recommended in Professor Vogel's patent." Precisely so, the result is
exactly the same, except that plates prepared as recommended in Dr.
Vogel's patent will not keep, as Dr. Acworth has already admitted in his
paper read before the Photographic Society.
We do not intend to discuss the validity of Tailler's patent. If further
evidence is required on that point, it will be found in the disclaimer
published at the end of Dr. Vogel's specification. We are perfectly
satisfied ourselves, and with our licensees, the Britannia Works Com-
pany, nford, are fully prepared to maintain our rights by all legal means.
With M. Vidal's spiteful letters to Dr. Acworth we have nothing what-
ever to do. It only concerns M. Tailfer, who will doubtless know how to
deal with its author and publisher. — I am, yoors, &o.,
Hackney, July 12, 1892. B. J. Edwabds & Co.
COEBECT EXPOSUBE.
To the EnrroB.
Sib,— It is difficult to believe that Messrs. E. Collier Oreen and John-
Sterry fancy that the focal length of a lens is not one of the factors regu-
lating the intensity of the illumination of the plate during exposure, yet
that is what their letters in your issue of July 8 seem to imply.
Mr. Green says : " Now, in the case of two lenses, one doable the focal
langth of the other, and both having the same relative stop, the number
of rays -of light from any unit of surface of the landscape which pass
tbrengh the stops will, in the case of the longer-focus lens, be four times
grsator than in the case of the shorter-focus one, for the area of the stop
it aifimr to one."
According to Mr. Green, therefore, with two lenses, one ol eight-inch
toons and one of four-inch focus, used with an identical stop of one inch
in diameter, the effect on the plate will be the same in both cases, for, to
nae Ua words, only Stored so as to apply to this ease, the number of
rays ot light from any nnit of surface of the landscape which pass
throo^ the stop will, in the case of both lenses, be the same, for the
area of the stop is the same. As a matter ot fact, however, the ratio of
mtensity of the two lenses used under these conditions is as one to four ;
in other words, the plate is tour times as brilliantly lighted by the four-
inch focus lens as when the eight-inch focus lens is used.
Mr. John Starry, toe, seenu to think that the distance of the plate
from the atop whidi regulates the amount of UgtU is a negligeable factor,
for he says : " Sorely it is evident that when the plate ia placed at half
the original distance (which fact I had by no means forgotten), whero
the $ame amount of light covers the tame area of plate, the illumination
moat be equal"
If by that h« means the same amount of light at the point where the
plate is, the statement is correct ; but this is not what he said in his
letter in your issna of Jane 24. The important words of his then
wars : ** llie stop baa been reduced to a quarter of the area, and allows
exactly the same amoont of light to pass aa bofora."
If, therefore, his sutement is meant to imply that where the same
amount of light admitted by the stop illnminateaJDie same area of plate
the illumination must be eoual, it is by no meana true ; for, as ia pointed
out above, the distonee of tne plate from the stop is as important a factor
in tagnlating tha inlanaity of illumination as tha sixe of the stop itself. —
I am, yoora, Aa,, M. J. Uichxel.
.^aiy IS, 1899.
^
£icl)ange Column.
',* ife tharg* il wtmie for itttnUng MmKangm tf Appmatui m» tM* eofumn ;
l«lii0iMiAUia*Msr(ad«aJ*MM4arMaIsw«M<edwdsfliH(<lys(a(«i Tho—
w*«<'*»yV ftitnafirfissiaifi as "tm^fi^mttmL" wtatKirrfortwnAm^nwi
Wa hat* iHHIimal afidanos to this efhet in Dr. Aeworth's own latter
of last weak, in whiih ha ooyi that ia oar ioochromatie plates, whiah are
mn iieltsine SilbBSytt's t B for S D or Som Unltnml.— A. JninHas, 85. St.
Altoa't in*», BkKkbUB
Wt^'-Fi waated food Msfas rhsir, two or tb** beeka, and table, aichuge W-kay
■mlkk imaiwIlM by Wbsetstn— .— Addren, Tasaoow, photovntphen, WhitUsMa.
Wm eaefc— » m\mMA tiwiib wmM rsntlltaesT I«b». wkok pUt^ tm-incb foaiu,ror
wMMals i»gtll1a»» er eotrid* stew «m«s. iMmrn, Wtuissox, Cbarob-gnw.
BHMai'SBalMt head waara with two Cadan, rapid rMtttbuM- kiiia.bold* twelve
tMiV*n, la nebsM* for lOxS vtew I«M or ax? rapid rwttUiMM',— AddrsM, J.
Dsn, 1 1«nat*.pfa0*, aoatb BUalds.
KaelMB(« qaMrt««lal* lastsatefnah srt (bnui bonsd) with thra* doubla bma
bond aUda Ima akattar^trtyod aadaUBf aasa (orjood bJilf-ptoU let with oaah.—
W. AaaaoB, PoivaUoa. Tabwaaa. 80M1 Dwroa, B.8.U.
WmaxalM«nI(o.4)aaiarEod*kUttlaaaad,er UxlOnunlani tonrlateunaimtbrae
doahla lUdas aod trtpod, or UxlO cqpM nctUtiiaw, sad UxlO wlda-uiffle
neUlinMr, for • 10x8 Bom aniTanal ijBaMtrloal leu.— Addraaa, E. W. Msllob.
FairbiwB, LytliMB.
PMaeravky, VoL IIT. complete ; Ths Bbitisii
Exrhanira Coifler't foIl-plata kaa
Jorsau. or PaoToakArar ""■
sood aaoead-haad half plate
'" ,A.0UBSs,Art8tadie,
vT'i fan-plats lags I PMaentiky, VoL vn. complete; Ths bb
PaorookAnnr, UOt-Ol I m«l«anipW, Vol. LXXXIII. to XCI.
■ad Irl' r''*T eaaaTB, doable dldoa, lataat iBprorsmanta b/ a
edldM,lat
Batliaada,
good
464
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF rHOTOGRAPHY.
[July 16, 1892
flnetoets to Cotresponuntttf.
AU maltert for tht Uxt portion of tti» Jottbkal, t«di«^»«ff P*?f«» A*
"Amtoers'' and "Exchanges," m%at he addressed to "The Editob,
2, Tork^treet, Covent Garden, London. Inattention to this ensures delay.
Ifo notice taken of eomntuntcattoiw unUss name and address of renter are
given.
••• Communications relating to Advertisejoents and general business affairs
m«rt U addressed to "HBirET Gbmnwood & Co.,"^ 2, Tork-street, Covent
Garden, London.
Photoobaphs Reqistebbd :
Goodwin Thorley, Lonjr Eaton.— PhotosrapK of Sir Walter foster, U.P., Tuaa and,
thouldms, Alto one thomng head, ahouldera, and the arms crossed in front.
E. Matthews.— No.
Mu. — Received ; in our next.
Fair Plat. — Better communicate with the Company on the subject.
FlDBS. — We do not think you would be justified in doubting the integrity of
the person referred to.
T. C. — Common German moulding is not worth renovating. New frames will
be by far the cheapest.
C. BuNVARD. — The plan you propose appears suitable, seeing that the length
of the room is not available.
E. LiESEOANO (Diisseldorf.)— The Idler is published by Messrs. Chatto &
Windus, Piccadilly, London, W.
Ethel Constance Mat. — The phrase you refer to was inserted by inadvertence,
l^anks for calling our attention to the matter.
Bullock Brothers (Macclesfield). — Messrs. Waterlow, the London Stereo-
scopic Company, and other firms undertake most, if not all, photo-mechani-
cal processes.
Jas. Nowell. — For particulars of the forthcoming exhibition of the Photo-
graphic Society of Great Britain address the Assistant Secretary, 50, Great
Bussell-street, W.C.
Little and McClean. — The picture is probably a collotype, such work, of
which it is an example, being, we believe, undertaken by the London Stereo-
scopic Company and other firms.
A. M. W. asks us for a design for a good detective camera that is free from
patents. Several have been described in back volumes, but most of them
have since formed, wholly or in part, the subject of patents.
F. Short says: "I have a Dagueneotype for copying, and unfortunately it
has been scratched badly. Is there any means of getting rid of the
scratches ? " — We know of no means of removing the scratches.
T. McAlpine. — See article in the present number. In that you will find your
difliculty dealt with, and from it you will be able to see the cause of your
trouble better than we can point it out from the limited details contained in
your letter.
E. S. A. — Build the studio as shown in the plan, as eighteen feet would be
too short for general work if built the other way. As, from the description,
we imagine no light will be obtained from the west side, the studio had
better be constructed on the " lean-to " principle.
Clarina Hill. — If space is available, erect the studio so that it nins from
north to south. Twenty feet will be very short for anything but bust or
three-quarter figures. As regards the cost, you had better get a builder in
your neighbourhood to give an estimate for the work.
Othello. — We are not aware of any such contrivance. Probably the best
arrangement for you would be a double camera, with the foci of the lenses
equal. This would enable you to observe the image on the ground glass of
the upper camera without the necessity of taking out the slide.
TV. J. Bedwell says that in the formula given for matt viirnish there are no
directions for use, and asks if it is to be used like ordinary varnish — the
plate warmed and the varnish flowed over — or should it be applied to the
negative cold ? — The varnish should be used without heating the plate.
-J. M. P. says he has a portrait lens three and a quarter inclies in diameter, and
ten inch focus, and a rapid rectilinear of about. half that diameter, and
twelve inches focus, and wants to know which lens would be the better for
copying some pictures twelve inches long, on 10 x 8 plates ?— The latter lens
will be the better to use.
Alf. C. Ward. — The "dull, or ground-glass appearance" of negatives and
transparencies developed with the ferrous oxalate developer is due to the
lime in the washing water, which causes a precipitate of oxalate of lime on
the film. Very dilute hydrochloric acid will dissolve it, and make the
picture transparent again.
Eev. C. a. asks if there is a copyright still existing in the old Bartolozzi
prints— those printed in a red or sepia ink ? — The copyright in Bartolozzi's
original works has expired. Many of the prints have been reproduced, and
it is possible that there may be a copyright in some of the reproductions,
though in the original prints there is none.
•G. H. — 1. With care, the prints need not be creased or torn in drawing them
over a flat piece of wood to prevent them from curling. Commercial prints,
that are put into the market unmounted, are usually rolled, under heavy
pressure, on a burnished steel plate. They then keep flat, and have a high
gloss, which they retain. 2. Try the flash light ; it is inexpensive.
■O.XFORD.— We believe you are legally in the wrong in exhibiting the picture,
but, outside the question of legal rights, we should advi.<ie you, as the lady
objects to its exhibition, and simply, as an act of policy, to defer to her wishes.
She may be of " little moment in your town, but it is not wise to provoke
a conflict which can do ou no ood, if even it does not do you harm.
P. 0. Q. — If the youth is not being taught the trade, and is merely employe 1
at menial work, our advice is, Consult your solicitor. He will, no doubt, f
the indentures are valid, advise you to commence an action for the return of
the premium you have paid, together with damages for loss of time, and
something for services rendered. Your complaint is not altogether an ua-
usual one.
Elector. — The prints are over-toned. Although they may have been tak jn
out of the bath while they were quite brown, they are still over-toned. Ih'iy
are mealy, which would not have been the case had they been removed at an
earlier stage. Some papers, particularly when the negatives are not very
vigorous, will not stand toning beyond the red stage without becoming
mealy, idthough they will yield good prints of that tone.
C. Bennett (Lyraington), — From the appearance of the negative, we should
judge that the water contains some impurity, such as iron, particles of which
are impressed in the soft film by the sponge. Each of the spots has a distinct
nucleus. Under the circumstances, you had better abandon the use of the
sponge. We fear the spots are irremovable, but you might try the effect of
reducing the negative down to a very thin image, and then intensifying it.
C. Hood asks how he can take stereoscopic views of street scenes — instan-
taneous pictures — with a single camera. The thing is easy if the camera is
large enough to take a half-plate. Tlien all that is necessary is to fit a par-
tition in the centre of the camera, so as to divide it into two parts, and screw
a pair of stereoscopic lenses on the front. If the camera is not large enough
for this, the thing is impossible, so far as instantaneous views of moving
objects are concerned.
H. S. says : " Enclosed is a sample of a quantity of prints I have had brought
to me to take off' mounts and remount in album. After they were un-
mounted, and as they dried, they came up like the print enclosed. Could
you kindly inform me what will restore them to their original state ?" — The
f)riut sent is a collotype that has been varnished with an aqueous solution of
ac. Clean off' the " chilled " varnish with methylated spirit, and then re-
varnish with an aqueous solution of white lac in borax. That will restore the
prints to their original state.
Opaline says: "I have mounted some photographs on bevelled glasses as
opalines and am about to fasten the backs or stands on. Is it safe to use
ordinary glue for that purpose directly on back of photographs? If not
perhaps you can kindly suggest the best method. If you can tell me a gooa
means of spotting such prints so tliat the colour will not come off in wetting
I shall be glad. — 1. In place of glue we should recommend you to employ
gelatine — the best kind to use is Nelson's soup gelatine. 2. Ordinary artist s
oil colours with rectified spirit of turpentine.
Eedneb. — Burton's hook on Photographic Printiiig Processes (Marion & Co.)
will give you a general idea of the difi'erent mechanical processes, and from
that you will be able to form an estimate of the cost of plant, according to
the scale you wish to commence upon. The plant of some of the most
successful commercial workers cost many thousands of pounds. With
suitable machinery and appliances, we see no reason why you should not
compete successfully with large firms, if you do the same or better work.
Portraiture is not so profitable now as it was years ago.
Photographic Club.— July 20, Photo-medumical Processes. 27, Report of
the Delegates to the Convention. 16, Outing to Watford.
We note that Mr. F. A. Bridge is announced to give a lecture on "Quaint
and Humorous Songs " at the Bh'kbeck Institute on Wednesday next.
London and Provincial Photographic Association. — July 21, Adjourned
Discussion — Intensification. 28, Delegates' Report of the Edinburgh Con-
vention.
Singapore Photographic Exhibition. — The Exhibition of the Singapore
Amateur Photographic Society opened on June 3 last. Some of the pictures
are admirable specimens of art, and will bear comparison with the results of
professional photographers. Looking first at the competition pictures, the
prize for the best set of landscapes was taken by Mr. H. M. Simons. The
second best set of landscapes were sent in by the Hon. Secretary, Mr. E J.
Robertson, an avenue of the Botanical Gardens at Buitenzorg being the pick of
the three. A group of the students at the Malay College was reproduced in
the Daih) Graphic, and the two prints are exhibited in juxtaposition. Tlie
best work of the whole exhibition is to be found on Mr. D. C. Neave's stands.
Two beautiful prints of lilies and a transparency are of the highest merit,
artistic in design and technically almost perfect. A splendid interior is also
shown by Mr. Neave, who also has a small table showing details of a photo-
mechanical process for the production of plates for newspapers and illustra-
tions. The original, the negatives, the zinc positive, etched plate, and final
picture of this complicated process are to be seen. On an adjacent table, Mr.
Heini shows some good stereoscopic slides. Mr. W. Thomson shows a series of
good pictures, some of his interiors being most successful. "G"has some
good prints of the native troops at Blakang Mati and the "R.E." of Saigon.
The list of things worth looking at is by no means exhausted. There is some
weak, slipshod work, but the wonder is not that such should appear, but that
a Society of so small dimensions numerically should be able to show so much
as the results of a year's work. The members are heartily to be congratulated.
OONTBMTS,
SOME POINTS IN MR. DAVISONS
ADDRESS TO TUM CONVENTION .. 419
DIFFICULTIES IN THE COLLOTYPE
PROCESS 450
DUST 451
photogkaphic convention of
the UNITED KINGDOM 462
PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS 4r.3
APPARATUS AND PICTURES 460
A NEW FORM OF ETHER - OXYGEN
I LANTERN. By GEORGE B. PROWSE 457
' OCR EDITORIAL TABLE 468
RECENT PATENTS 45»
MEETINGS 0» BOOIETIES 461
; 00BBE8P0NDENCE 462
: EXCHANGE COLUMN 4K)
' ANSWERS TO COBBEBPONDKBTe 464
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1681. Vol. XXXIX.— JULY 22, 1892.
DO NEGATIVES LOSE DENSITY IN FIXING 1
It may be remen)bere<l that some months ago an esteemed
cerreapondent, Mr. Albert Leyy, of Paris, favoured us with
I ft communication, in which be implied that the density of
a developed gelatine nej^tive suffered reduction in the hypo
fixing bath. Applied in this connerinn, the term " reduction
of density " woidd, in its ordinarf acceptation, be held to
hare a purely comparative meaning, since it must be obvious
that, in gauging the density of an unfixed negative by the
artificial illumination of the dai^ room, the influence of a
substratum of unaltared salt in the plate converts the point
into one of individual judgment, which, as the resulting
nef^ive too often shows, is as liable to be fallacious as not
en is no napect, indeed, in which both beginner and
r:\jficient are so likely to trip as in deciding when the
) negative has reached proper printing density, to which cir-
cunwtanee we are inclined to trace a not infrequent neoee-
■ity for an inteneifioation or strengthening of the image,
which is often ascribed to other oanaee.
The burden of oar coi respondent's contention, however, was,
Ot that there was an apparent reduction dne to an optical
bat that in reality the actual density of the de*
inage underwent diminution in the fixing b^th, and
eodenvoand to JwBelieh the theory that any
loction took place, sapporting oar Mgoment by soch evidence
the contrary as instantly appeals tu the mind when the
f the phenomenon ia faeiefly tonaidend. Our con-
that the km in qjoaetkn aigiit be due cither to
nt or iinder.«xpoaare^ or both in combination,
itity of the ioMge being influenced to a great
ent by the colour or nnneieteney of the original film.
observe that the sulgeet of this assomed toes of density
ider discussion at a recent meeting at one of the London
- societies, and, from what was said on the occasion
, we are induced to suppoee that there is a more or
1 general belief that a real reduction of developed density
-■• take place in the fixing bath.
On practical as well as theoretical groonds we have no
litation in meeting the proposition in a spirit of scepticism.
e say now, as we said before, that in imputing this reducing
t roperty to the fixing bath the latter is assumed to have tlie
■v;tr, at a normal strength and for a normal time, of dis-
ving out the metallic silver of a developed gelatine negative
a material extent. Such a conclusion has, to our knowledge,
' er been peaetioally demonstrated or maintained.
lint why is this reduction of density SMumcd to be confined
the negative t If it takes place in that case, are not lantern
les and transparencies equally liable to loss? MThat, too, of
veloped geliAino-bromide prints, of printed-out emoliioo
papers! If density of deposit — not mere apparent density,
mind, which is another thing, and not, of course, what is
meant — is reduced in negatives by the fixing bath, it is
equally at the mercy of hypo in the other cases we have
cited ; but, so far, we are witliout suiy data to warrant the
assumption that it has ever beeu noticed or experienced.
Confining ourselves to the question of negatives, however,
the conclusion forced upon us from a consideration of the
point is, tliat whatever reduction takes place is apparent and
not reaL On the previous occasion we drew attention to the
circumstance that the presence of iodide in the film renders it
more opat^ue, so that it is easy to conceive how, in development,
a backing of bromo-iodide of silver, being presumably of a
deeper oolour than pure bromide, would conduce to an appear-
ance of {greater density of the image than where the sensitive
compound was confined to the latter salt alone. We have
hinted advisedly that silver bromo-iodide is only presumably
yellow, as compared with pure bromide alone ; for it is, we
believe, known to experimentalists and others that the latter
salt occasionally assumes, in an emulsion, a yellowish tinge,
which renders it indistinguishable, even to the experienced eye,
from silver iodide.
Other causes, in addition to the foregoing, may lead the
incautious to generalise too hastily over this supposed cvauish-
ment of developed density. Among these wcielect inconstancy
or irregularity of dark-room illumination. If the light be
comparatively weak, either from the employment of a small
flame or too dark a tint of non-actinic material, the density of
a negative ia liable to be over-estimated, especially if the
operator is usually, or even occasionally, accustomed to work by
a less subdued light. Over-exposure is an obvious trap in
mistaking density, eepecially in a>reak light, and, coming from
the general to the particular, different makes and rapidities of
plates vary so greatly, both in colour as well as thickness of
coating, that, even where one is working by an invariable
illuminant, tlie imagination is easily seduced into an erroneous
comparative estimation of density. This leads us here briefly to
lay stress on the value of uniformity of dark-room illumination
on the score indicated, as well as on that of others.
A discoloored developer is by no means a negligeable factor
rn-ilkt''tee»,t\on of false impressions as to density, and another
thing which facilitates, although, of course, only slightly, the
optical deception is the fact that the film is wet In point of
CkCt, a wet negative appears denser than a dry one. But
the main cause of the illusiou is, of course, the colourific pro-
perty of the unaltered salt. On the last occasion when we
treated of this interesting point, we remember fixing the half of
a n^iative (leaving the other half uufixed) that had been
taken on a slow plate, which we knew contained a compara-
THE HKITISH JOURNAL OF I'HOTOaRAPHY.
[July 22, 1892
tively large quantity of iodide. Upon examining the plate by
ruby light, the difference in apparent density was enormous,
and the same disparity was maintained against a naked gas
flame.
But the example we cite was one of apparent reduction only,
and under that head, we are convinced, come all those cases
where loss of density is complained of. No such loss, we
submit, actually takes place — unless, perchance, we have all
along existed in dark ignorance as to the action of alkaline
developers on the exposed silver haloids in gelatine, and have
deprived dilute hypo of a right to] be considered, with nitric
acid, a solvent of metallic silver.
PLATINUM AND PLATINUM RESIDUES.
New developments of probably the most stable of all photo-
gi-aphio printing processes naturally lead to the dissemination
of an increa.sed amount of interest as to the available sources
of supply of metallic platinum, and, in response to a suggestion
recently made to us with that object, wc here indicate the
region from which, notwithstanding the frequent reports
alleging the discovery of platinum in Australia and other parts
of the globe, the supply of the metal for the various uses to
which it is now placed is principally derived.
The platinum beds of the Ural Mountains, according to a
foreign contemporary, are the only ones in the world in which
the metal is found in grains. Platinum is found; in Brazil and
in the Cordilleras in the hard serpentine rocks, but never
in the form of grains. The platinum beds of the Ural
Mountains are found in various districts. The platinum found
in these places is in the form of grains, in sand frequently con
taining gold. The weight of the grains is from 17 to 21
grammes to every 1 640 kilogrammes of sand. The richness of
the platinum beds varies in the same proportions. In some,
the thickness of the turf covering the sand does not exceed
from 2-16 metres to 2-88 metres; while in others it varies
from 10'80 metres to 14 metres, so that it becomes necessary
to work underground. The thickness of the platinum sands
does not vary much. A noticeable characteristic of it is tliat
they are found in the form of friable grit, and easily washable.
The clayey sand is rarely met with.
The demand for platinum for industrial purposes is relatively
restricted, as it only dates from the last twelve or fifteenjyears.
It is, of course, as our readers are aware, largely used for
electric lighting and dynamo conductors, and con.siderable
quantities of it are employed for photographic and chemical
purposes generally. During the last twelve years the annual
production of platinum has averaged about 3194 kilogrammes,
of which half has been derived from the beds in the north of
the Ural Mountains, belonging either to the State or to private
persona.
Throughout the whole world only about 3270 kilogrammes
of platinum are annually used ; but it is anticipated that this
amount will soon be considerably increased, and it is stated
that the platinum beds of Bisserski can alone supply the total
quantity required for the consumption of the world. When
the demand for platinum was insignificant and the price very
low, the gold miners who found platinum while seeking gold
frequently, it is stated, used the former, instead of lead, as shot
for firing at wild birds.
Although the consumption of platinum in photography is
stnall compared with the extent to which it is used in other
arts and industries, its characteristic fluctuations in price give
it something more than a sentimental interest to photographers,,
who on at least one occasion have had cause to deplore its-
temporary scarcity by an increased price of the salt employed
in the production of the platinum image.
Where a large quantity of platinum paper is used, it is
apparent that great importance is ' to be attached to the
recovery of the metallic platinum contained in the unaltered
salt, as.sociated with the sensitive iron compound, which is
applied to both the old comniercial hot and modern cold-bath
platinum printing surfaces. Indeed, it will be evident that
spent oxalate developing solutions must carry down with them
a considerable quantity of platinum, and hence its recovery
should not by any means be neglected.
In our present number a correspondent from a distant part
of the globe who, it appears, has been accustomed to work
platinotype printing on rather a large scale, asks us to give a
method for recovering the platinum from old developing
solutions. The process is simple enough, and in describing it
here we have little doubt that it will do a service to others.
The vessel containing the accumulations of the old developers
is heated until the licjuid reaches a temperature of about ISO*
Fahr., a saturated solution of ferrous sulphate in the proportion
of one part to four of the oxalate solution being then added to
it. Precipitation of a_^dark substance immediately takes place ;.
this is finely divided metallic platinum. When the precipitate
has settled, the supernatant liquid is drawn off, and the pre-
cipitate after being washed is ready, either for conversion into
chloro-platinite or for transmission to the refiner. Probably
the latter is the preferable plan.
Of the quantity of platinum salt with which platinotype
paper is coated it has been estimated that far from all of it
is taken to form the image, so that the wisdom of saving the-
developing solutions is manifest. The acid clearing solutions,
however, only carry over but an infinitesimal proportion of the
l)latinum salt, so that their preservation for the purposes of
recovery would be futile.
Chlorophyll. — In view of the use"of this substance in correct
colour photography, it is interesting to note that the long-held idea
that iron is a constant constituent is now stated to be incorrect. Dr..
H. Molisch, who has recently been investigating the question, having
found that iron was invariably absent in the ash of chlorophyll.
Photog-raphic Patents. — A General Election is usually said
to upset men and things. Has this been the case with photographic
inventors, we wonder? In the list of over 350 applications for
patents in the official journal last week there was not one that directly
or indirectly related to photograph}'. This is a most unusual circum-
stance, as of late years the applications for patents in connexion with
the art have been very plentiful indeed, although a considerable
proportion of them are not completed.
Photogrraphs in Natural Colours. — In connexion with-
tliis subject, we have recently been visited by a gentleman who only
the otlier day was in M. Lippmann's studio, and he informed us that
that investigator is still pursuing hit* work in the same direction^
Professor Lippmann some montlis since gave to him one of the-
spectrum photographs which created such excitement in the scientific
world, hut it is far exceeded in interest, he told us, by some of the-
later pictures, one taken of a combination of the French and the
Piussian national flags being strikingly real, and exhibiting the colours-
of the original in a very complete manner.
July22,l»3]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
467
Cracked Hegratlvea.— It is no nnusiul dicumstance to find,
■attet » nef^ktlTe u developed, that the glass u aligfatly cracked at the
-eoraflr. If it be printed from in thia oondittom, the ehaaoee are that
the crack will extend, •ometimee to th« total destmction of the nega-
tif«. If the attempt be made to cot off the damaged portion with a
.itmwMwwl, the pfeaenre will often esnae a apttt right across the picture.
The beat and safest war to deal with the fracture is to lead the crack
oat of the negatire with a hot rod. If a piece of stont iron wire he
heated and then the point placed on the ^ass a little in advance of the
eiack, the latter will follow the wire in any direction. By this
me«n* the f ractuiu may be led to the edge of the pkte, and thus
-further extenaion will be avoided.
Zntematloiial Copyrlg^ht. — The recent law passed by
the American Congress appear* to be of rery little protection
to g"g>i«»» publishers, as their works are still freely pirated in
the State*. A firm has, it appeata, recently repuhliahed some ef
Uetan. NoTeUo ft Co.'s mosie. The latter have now commenced a
tea^ action agaiait the pirates, and the whole of the home music
paUiskiiig tnda hare eomUBMl togathar to bear. the eoaU ci the suit.
This is as it sIkmU be. So fkr ■■ |ietiu«a are ooBcemad, the law is
practically a dead letter, as we are told that directly European works
are published in America they are tjrstamatically pirated. Notably is
this the case with photographic reproductions of European works of
art, particularly pbotograrura*. In this direction the Contintmtal
pohtishera, we laani, miSet mora than thoae in England.
The Vext rreaident of tbe Convention.— As will be
aeaa from o« tapert of tha prewsdingi at the i—ating o< thaCoiieil
■of the Photographic ConTOBtiaa of tha Uoitad Kingdom, which tock
place in Edinbuigh on Saturday morning last, Mr. George Mason,
of Glasgow, was naanimoosly saleetfd to occupy the presidoitial chair
at the nteetiag of the ConTaatioa which ia to be held at Plymouth
in 18M. We have little haaitatioii in propheaying that the ooa-
juDction of Mr. Maaoa aa PtesidaDt with Ih* same Tigonraa ezaeatiae
tr.^t i,.. T<ii..r>MltheEdiahaighiM**lia|rthioagh to saeh aiaoMriwble
-idt in an siihninad Jsgias of pcaatige and good fortune
' - The Aoiee ef the new President is a happy one,
h:* \<-Ag9 of photography in all H* phaaea, his high
litersrv i^uaiiuLaM >ii*, and the nidTCTMl ««teem in whidi he is heU
by all sections of pholographeis admirably qualifying him for the
hoDooeahla position he has baan salsetad to occupy.
Holiday Work. — ^The hofiday'scaaon is now^on, and amateur
' ' Di^ away with ihair csMNna in saarch' of the
-worthy fact that Maaf aaalaan will take a
! perinpi Uundieds of ndlaa, and than expend the laixer
n of their platea on sobjeets such as oould he obtained quite
a« woU ckiee at home, perhaps nn a Saturday afternoon outing. This
ia imther sorprising, aa one would hare surmised that the opportunity
would be taken, in ri«tiag a diatdct, to take only saeh anbjecta
as could not ha obtained elsawhera For example, in visiting, say
Sootkad or Walsa, it w««U he wall to seen*, in all the pit^rea
tahw, something to idsutify thaa with thoaa particalar places. If
this wan done, moet amatevnT eoBecliona wonld prove far more
interesting from variety than they are. One eounliy lane is pretty
much like any other country lane, and pcetty onaa an to be seen
emywhera. Oowerer, the amateur finds pleasnn in whatever be
dose, and is not like the professional, who haa the qnestiooof ways and
I to eonsider.
VadUdettI Sohoola.— A great dealj^has been, [and ia being
s^d on the advantage of technical schools, such aa those on the Oon-
tincot. Then can he no question aa to the benefit to be derived from
such institatioas, hnt do they, m practice, prove of saeh value aa aome
writma woold have ua balien f Let us tak# photography and iu
differaat hsinnhee as aa iUnstration. From inquiries we have from
time to time made iiiiiaigsl Continsotal workers, we have been given
to aadentanA that the kaowlpdge gained at these sehoob, though
thoroughly theoretical, is not of a really practical character. One
gentleman, the head of a large photo-mechanical printing establish-
ment, recently told us that pupils from these schools rarely knew any-
thing practical of the different processes taught. Indeed, he said
he would rather take those who were quite ignorant of the subject,
and teach them himself, as tlier always made better workmen in the
end than those trained in teclinical schools, as they had nothing to
unlearn, which the others often had. We have heard similar opinions
expressed by others on the Continent. However, one would think
this should not be the case if the tuition were of the proper character,
and this it is said to be in the Continental schools.
Coloured Ploturea bjr Photogrraphlo Aid. — At a
recent meeting of the Berlin Physical Society, Professor Vogel ex-
hibited what is described as a remarkably line series of coloured
prints of oil paintings, &c., prepared in accordance with his method
by Meesrs. Vogel and Ulrich. His plan consists in first taking a red, a
yellow, and a blue negative of the object, on plates specially sensitised
for colours. The three negatives are then printed on one and the
same piece of paper by means of complementarily coloured rollers
or stonea. In order to obtain the colours exactly complementary to
those of the ncgaliyea, the colours used for printing were either the
ooloDTed sensitisan thenMelvea, or some substance whose equivalence
to these [had been determined speotroscopically. The application of
the physical principles involved in the above yielded an approxi-
mate reproduction of the natural colours, which is stated to he
" sarprisii^y^oomplete, and will, become more so as more and more
coloured subetaness an diaoovered suitable as sensitisers."
Zionar Photocrapha. — Dr. L. Weinek, of the Prague
Observatory, has received several photographs of the moon from
Professor Holden for the purpose of making enlargements from them,
the negatives having been taken at the Mount Hamilton Observatory
with tiieir large equatoriaL In L'Attronomie for June is an illus-
tration of one of theae enlargements. We have not in our possession
a copy of that periodical, but Nature points out that it looks at first
Bght as if the amplification had been carried too far, though at arm's
length the effect is very fine. " The moet striking features are the
narrow, river-like ILuea, which are numerous and very alike in appear-
ance. Whether these are photographic or not of coarse we cannot
say, as we have not seen the original negativ<|s, hut they seem to be
rather too distinct and natural to be taken for any impression other
than photographic." Thus the editor of AViturv : to us the description
reads exactly Uke that of the effect which would be produced from
" crapey " coUcMlion, an effect well known to all old workers in col-
lodiiMi. Whether our explanation be correct or not, it would appear
to us that enlatgmnents of this character would stand a far better
chance of being well done if the work were put in the hands of a
profaesional photogiapher accustomed to that class of work.
Oopyrlg'ht. — In the report of a recent meeting of one of the
Metropolitan .Societies thing* appear to have got a little mixed, and
might convey to some the idea that there nay be a copyright in a
view — that is, if a particular view has been photographed hy some
one, and that person has made his picture copyright, that the same
view cannot afterwards be taken by any one else. This, no doubt,
was not really the idea of the speaker, though the report might give
the opposite impression. We should not have referred to the subject,
-|ITr'sf» for the fact that we frequently receive letters inquiring if,
when a photograph of a landscape or of a building is marked copy-
right, any one is prohibited from taking the same subject from a
somewhat similarjstandpoint. Evidently such an impression exists, at
least in the minds of some people, or we should not have so many
queries on the subject. There is no copyright in nature. If a person
takes a photograph, or paints a picture of any particular view, he can
make his photograph or painting, as the case may be, copyright, but
that]will not prevent any one else from producing another photograph
or planting from exactly the same spot, and in every way the same
both as legaidi aiie and style. It would, however, be legal piracy to
468
THE BRITISH JOUKNAl. OF PHOTOGRA.PHY.
[July 22, 1892
copy the picture that had been copyrighted. Nature cannot be copy-
righted though a picture from it may be.
A Rapid Albumen Frooes*.— In the article on the
albumen process, a few weeks ago, reference was made to the fact
that, by a modification of it, one of the most rapid pictures yet taken
was produced, namely, when the late Mr. Fox Talbot, over forty
years ago, photographed some printed matter fixed to a rapidly
reyolring wheel by the light from the discharge of a Leyden battery.
Some correspondents have asked for a description of the modification
that conferred such extreme sensitiveness. Here is a brief outline of
the method as given by Talbot in 18.51 :— A glass plate was first coated
with a thin film of albumen, and dried. It was then treated with a
▼ery dilute solution of nitrate of silver containing a large proportion
of alcohol, and again dried. Then it was washed, and once more
coated with the albumen. After that was dry, the film was iodised
by dipping the plate into a solution of proto-iodide of iron contauiing
a considerable quantity of acetic acid and alcohol which had been made
some time, so that acetic ether was developed. The sensitising was
effected by immersing the plate in a strong solution of nitrate of silver
strongly acidified with acetic acid. The plate was then exposed in the
camera while wet. The image was developed with a strong solution
of proto-sulphate of iron. It will be seen that this film contained
nitrate of iron, and to this, no doubt, was due the extreme sensitive-
ness, nitrate of iion being a strong reducing agent.
PHOTOGRAPHIC CONVENTION OF THE
UNITED KINGDOM.
EDINBUKGH MEETING.
At the Wednesday afternoon meeting, Mr. H. P. Eobinson's paper
was read by Mr. T. C. Hepworth —
INDIVIDUALITY IN PHOTOGRAPHY.
By H. p. Robinson.
In a recent number of BlacktooocCt Magazine an ingenious writer
tries to show that the one thing more than another that now repre-
sents prunitive man is the baby, and that the nineteenth century
British baby differs very little from the savage child of, let us say,
a couple of hundred thousand years ago, for the baby is nearly a
quadruped, and is a reckless creature devoid of conscience. It is,
perhaps, a knowledge of the fact that babies are all alike that enables
photographers, as if is libellously said, to make the negative of one of
the species satisfy the yearnings of many mothers. Now, photo-
graphy is certainly somewhat like this view of the human race in the
respect that its immature productions are all alike, and it is not until
they grow up and acquire a conscience or sold that they differentiate
and show individuality.
Of the immature there is no end, but a wise and invariable pro-
vision of nature checks over-production. Nature is always wise, but
has no mercy :
" So careful of the type she seems,
So careless of the single life ;"
and, seeing that the world would be overwhelmed by immature
photographs, she sent beneficent fading to destroy them (always, as in
other departments of nature, " so careful of the type," sparing a few)
until the art grew old enough to possess a soul or conscience, and then
permanent methods were given to us ; and even now we sometimes
feel incUned to paraphrase the wisdom of Mr. Whistler, and say
modem photographs do not fade, and therein Ues their deep damna-
tion. This wonderful preservation of a few in all their pristine
freshness is suggestive of a special providence, for according to the
scientists, who are, of course, always right, like methods should
produce lilte results, and not one of the old prints should have
escaped.
Now, evidence of soul or conscience in a picture is art. Y^et there
are those who will not recognise that we have a soul, but, like Mr.
Gilbert's mechanical figures in the Mountebanks, are only stuifed full
of badly made machinery that sometimes runs down, and always
moves with a jerk ; and I am not sure we are not suspected of trying
to adapt the " put a penny in the slot " business to the fine arts.
It is a favourite reproach with the opponents of photography as a
picture malier that its results are all alike ; it is one of the triumphant
proofs of those who will not admit tliat photography is an art that
the unthinking machine makes all its products to the same pattern ;
that there is no intrinsic evidence in anj photograph of its maker.
They will no more believe the plainest evidence to the contrary than,
those of old would believe the angels. They say we are mechanical,
and it is of no use pointing out that this wdd assertion is obviously
untrue, we hear it over and over again, sometimes from one who
knows that it is not true, at others from those who are simply
ignorant and cannot learn. These are to be pitied. Then, there are
those whose purpose it serves to deny ; and, worst of all, those who
have tried, and altered their faith because they failed, tho.se who, as
the poet says, " fade away, and dying damn." To the credit of photo-
graphers there have been very few of these ; however, we have lately
had an exhibition of one of them. A most enthusiastic defender of
photography as an art of a few years a^o, but who, perhaps, failed to-
prove it in his works, was politely asked to contribute to a recent
exhibition, and is reported to have replied as follows — it is a lesson
on the mutability of things to compare this letter with his former
opinions : " I am fully persuaded that photography is not art nor can
be, and to encourage exhibitions is to lead a lot of vain people to
waste their time in the practice of a useless and vain pursuit."
It has no effect with the prejudiced critic to point out, that if
different minds using the same machines produced like results in-
variably, as machines are expected to do, any one of them who-
understood tlie machine ought to be able to turn out a series of
masterpieces equal to the best that have ever been produced, always
providing, of course, that one machine was as good, and as well
brassbound and French-polished as the other. Y'et they continue to
say — and this is one of the latest utterances of science : " The picture
painted by the artist is a transcript of his own emotions, but a photo-
graph is not a reflex of human emotions at all — unless, indeed, acci-
dentally so — hut is a direct reproduction of nature, and only through
science the offspring of man.'' We must be grateful to the writer for
allowing us the accident.
I am quite ready to confess that up to a certain point, and in the-
hands of the ninety per cent, of the followers of the art who are not
artists, the photograph is in the process; but with the others the
picture is in the man (as in painting, only in a less degree, and as far
as the materials will allow). The process takes a very subordinate
place, and is dominated by the taste, thought, and feeling of the artist,
when an artist uses it with what may be fairly called emotional
results. Who has not laughed with many of Rejlander's characteristic
heads, or wept — yes, I have seen even that emotional result produced
by a photograph (which was not an accident), and it is an important
part of my argument that all these emotions arose first in the mind of
the photographer, and would never have been originated by the same
models in the hands of another photographer.
Of all the attempts made to prove that photography was not ar»
art, that which would have most force, if proved, would be that it
showed no evidence of individuality ; but, on the other hand, if the
possession of that quality were proved, it would be one of the
strongest arguments in favour of the admission of photography to the
brotherhood of art, for individuality, in its products, necessarily
impUes the operation of a directing mind behind the "soulless
camera."
The latest of the many attempts to define the meaning of the word
" art " is a very remarkable one. It is said to be, " The apparent dispro-
portion between the means employed and the end obtained." And, as
an illustration, the following explanation is given, at which, I think,
many a practical photographer will smile.
" Admit, for argument's sake, that a photograph reproduces with a
fidelity far beyond anything that the hand of man can attain to, it
must still be allowed that the means used to attain this end are
infinitely more complicated than the few hairs tied to a stick which
the artist uses. Indeed, it might be argued that, if art is the apparent
disproportion between means and end, photography is not art at all,
but science. There is no art on the part of the lens when it produces
its images ; it does so strictly in accordance with natural laws. The
developer acts as thoughtlessly as any other chemical experiment,
and these are the chief factors in every photograph. It is true, you
have one small part to play — you must have the art of exposing
properly ; but even here a few shillings will purchase for you a
machine to do even this. I do not admit art in development. Art in
development is only csdled in when the exposure has been made
without art, and, as I have already allowed art in exposure, I cannot
allow it here agam. With such an infinitesimal part of the picture'
the outcome of art, is it honest to call a photograph a work of art ? '
This curious example of scientific knowledge of art is by Dr. J. K.
Tulloch, of Dundeij, and was written in the present century. Are we
to understand from this singular piece of reasoning that painting is
an art because the painter uses " a few hairs tied to a stick ? " and
does the writer suppose that we claim photography as an art because
of its fidelity — that heritage of the youngest amateur ?
Jnir 33, leaq
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OP PHOTOGRAPHY.
469
Some writais get oonftued between degree utd kind. In Bn article
in the Jfeyonw rf Art, s eertain writer, who was once a pboto-
IfTCpher, awle*TO«n to show that photography cannot become art,
becaote ita indindualitj ia limited. That it ia more limited than
painting ha« always be«i admitted — we cannot get ao far away from
the troth as is the painter's prinlege — but it is also admitted that all
mit<h~<* of art ate more or leas Kmited, and the amount of limitation
is only a matter of degree, aot of kind. The limitations add to the
difBeulty, bat do not alter the statns.
Let us run back a little and see if we can find a few workers whose
results are totally different from thoae of their oontemporariee, and
this inTariablr. One of the earbaat photographers to snow (genuine
art feeling ia lua work was Bejlander. He died sixteen or seventeen
yeaia ago; mt, aaMog OMiiy thoMaada of photographs, it does not
reqmre mncn eipeiienee to reeo^nisa a Reitanider. There was nothing
in the manipulation to distinguish them, except, periiaps, careieaneH.
It waa the miad of the man that was risible, ^ou recognise the man
bajrood the proeaWi There an still those bring w£> can say, on
looking at a eoOeetion of old pbotompha. This is a Francis Bedford,
a Dr. Diamosid, a Fenton, a Deumotte, a Le Gray or Silry, a
Wiag6eld or a Mrs. Cameron, eertaialy anite as accurately as an
expect ia painting would say this is a Raphael, or Titian, or a
Correggia Tbaa, what beeomea of the machine argument ?
I wiO BOW eodaaTonr to put it aaothar war. I'hotographs, as I
hare endeaToored to prore, show the miad of toe produoer — when he
has a mind to show— and giren two aqnally gifted photographers, as
far as eauality can be measured, the one could not prodaoa even a
eoloaxabts ioutatioa of the work of the other. Neither ooald dismiss
hi* iadiridnality la* him t^ how ha may. Take two rspreaentatiTa
nwD, Rejaader aad F. Bedford, ncithar of thsaa aoeompliahed photo-
graphers ooald have imitated the othw. Ther had both original
minda, and fallowed the bent of thair geaiaa, and their haads, aa wall
\ tha wotkaia of tas fiaasat day, I ooald point to doaaoa of
f bat one or two most sofiee. No man's work
haa haan mora JMitatad than that of Mr. Oala. In every exhibition,
ka ia imitated ia liaa, stjrla, baaing, aad aignatore, yet an expert can
dedaively say of two pietona, This la ths Oala, and this the imitation ;
ha aaa area diatiagoiih hatwiw tha Utatofs, and say, lliia is a ,
aadthtoa .
Thai, in a v«y HBmmli atyla, th«a an tha works of oor maeh-
laapaetiid PiasidanI, than vhoai thai* is ao one I would prefer to see
oeeapv tha hmaiaiahli porftioa wUeh datelive health eoospelled me
to daama ftihapa I aa mK a It aad piopsr judge of his pietures.
hot, wilfcoat altanig mj ooiaiaa of what a photograph ahoold be. I
■Oik cowftaa that aooM of thsaa have eaptoied my adoiratioo for
thair beaotr aad laanaet fm other waya than mv own when in good
lar waya than my own when in good
ivoond to imitate Mr. Davison, and
thairbaaoty
la. Now, ioaM nava
I have tanrioaiad photography ia dsspair, beeansa thav could ooly
I tha iBWtiiaihr without toooUag the exeall«ee. It is easy to
pat tha haaM oat of fboH, hot not ao easy to flsaka a pietnra by that
■aaas, and Mr.Daviaoaiaalraa picUnaa, It is ««sy to copy peculiarities,
hot not so easy to iadtata valnabia aaswaHsls,
While oa the subject of oor Prestdsnt, may I be permitted to add
— for ha is now in a public poaitioa aad open to oor shot*— that,
hoaavw ataaitaBed his views of the praetiee of photography as aa
aft maij hav* ba« at oae tiaM, hia ophioas have eoastitutionallv
hfoadaaad dowB, aatil BOW tha hav-aote of b is teaching is liberty for all
We DOW eooa to iwothw proof of individaality. It used to be the
pnetiee to iaiiat on aaooyauty at exhibitions ontil after the judgea
iMd doaathsir wofk: bat tUs waagivaa up whaait baeama spparaot
Oat tha jadgaa oaoaDy lacognissd the worii of tha old handa, and tha
only naairissi oaaa war* new exhibitors. In Aaariea— at least, at
the CooTsotlaa Exhibition — the fares of tha aaoavmous is still carried
to saeh aa oxtaat that nobody ssaaM to know, oAcially or otherwise,
who tha pietufH ai« by natil it ia too lata to be of any ose to the
exhibitors; aad nawapaper criticism has to be pubUabod without
names. For, bowaver tha photographs may praelaim their authors, it
saaau to be etiquette to prstend not to kn«nr.
The diffswaa batwaan the worts of soom of our best photographers
sad thoas of the modentelT saoeearful ean seaiotly be doe to a
•cieatlfle eauae, except, indeeo, to a nveiaal of tha geoerally laeeived
idea; lor I ihiak, if the troth were known, it wooU be found that
the pfudauaii of the indiffvrvnt picture* had much mote scientific
linowladga than thoa* who produce the moet artistic pictarea. I am
aequaiatod with a giaat many of oor photofn^haia, but I do not
know ooa of thoae to whom we are aeOMtoosad to look for the eUef
oraamanta of our exhibitioas who have any elaborato scientific know-
ledge. Indeed, thair tarimiral methods ara so very simple as to seam
quite elamentary. Tbay osoaily take a plate to the make of which they
are accustomed, a mmple pyroand ammoniadeveloper, a handful of hypo,
and a jug of water, and use them properly ; and that is all. They do
not bring science to hear even on the exposure, at the expense of " a
few shillings.'' They get on without an actinometer. They feel from
experience when their plate has had enough, and an actinometer,
however perfect, would only confuse them. But, as they endeavour
to put taste, thought, and feeling into their pictures, their works
necessarily differ from those of the scientist, and the essence of their
art is individuality.
My last word must he a word of caution. Be original, be unique if
Tou can, but not out of harmony. Individuality goes wrong when it
js out of harmony with iti surroundings. Eccentricity is very easy,
but it does not last. It is open to the meanest capacity, and is often
assumed by it ; but genius, to be useful, should consist of individuality,
backed up by suitability to its environments,
Mr. Orooke said there was no doubt there waa individuality in
photography, and pointe<l to instances in which it was expressed. He
thought that in many jKirtraits of large size an advantage frequently
aroee from their not being in quite sharp focus. In small pictures
sharpneas was looked for as it was in a miniature. He was much
pleased with Mr. Robinson's paper.
Miss Barnes had recently been out photographing with Mr. Robin-
son, and he said to her, " Now you have got some good exposures,
see that you don't spoil them in developing."
Dr. Mitchell considered that no proper photographer could be on
artist without possessing individuality.
Mr. Bothamley quite agreed with the paper. There were many
photographs, as well as many paintings, in which there was na
individuiJitjb; but they must judge photography by the work of the
beat men, for it was capable of producing artistic results.
The President said that it was not likely there would be much
difference of opinion among photographers as to this, but many
painters were greatly prejudiced. One of these had said in his hearing
that, if six painters were given a definite subject to paint, the result
would be six pictures each differing in character from the other; but
set NX photographers to work to reproduce it, and all six photographs
would be alike. This be (the Chairman) denied. He advocated
treatment of subjects broadly, which often did not harmonise with
sharp focua»ing. He waa much pleased with the paper, which
bristled with good points.
The following paper was read by Mr. Bothamley in the absence of
the author : —
PHOTOGRAPHY IN RELA-nON TOPAINTINQ.
Bv Abthi'b BrncHKTT.
lit commencing this paper on Pkotograpkt/ in Jielation to Painting, I
feel that I cannot do better than give toe definition of both piunting
and photo^phy. Painting is a representation of objects on a flat
surface, painted by the hand by means of brush, pencil, or other tool
being imaar tha will of the artist, unrestrictud in fancy, subject, colour,
form, place, or period. Photography is a representation of objects on
a flat surface, restricted to the absolute reality of form present, as
rendered by the lens on tbe sensitive plate in tM camera, being only
under the control of the photographer in development and in t^aice of
subject, form, place, focus, and length of exposure, and in some few
cases light and shade.
Such being the definitions of painting and photography, we can now
•ee how very limited are our rssouroes in photography, comoMed with
painting, for producing a picture that shall have qualities tiiat give it
an art value, for it is not a mere transcript of nature that we require^
but a picture oontainiiw some sentiment or idea that shall give pleasiva
to those who see it, and in nature there is in both figure and landscape
an endlosa wealth of beauty that we can render, if we see nature with
tjn^mledge of what the camera will do and what it will not do.
fliMi(nMhy being limited to reproducing the objects present
without colour (which in painting is often ita chief charm), we must
therefore, find out how near photography approaches painting by
comparing reproductions of paiutiiws with the work of the lens. Un-
fortunately, photography is sevemly handicapped bv the inability of
the sensitive plate to render the true tone value of all colours, and this
inability adds very much to the difficulty we have in judging Nature
as she is represented in the photograph and in painting ; but even with
this defect the result in photography is very close to the true rendering
of Nature, and will be even more so in time as photography advances.
I need not point out tbe defects of photography with regard to
470
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[July 22, 1892
renderiog colour into block and white, for we all know them. In
painting, certain colours have a different tone value to 8ime
artists than to others, and, when their pictures are rendered into
black and whit«, fail to recognise the likeness of effect to that of the
painting.
Both in photography and painting we have to consider, in the con-
Btruction of the picture, the possibilities of its being a success, its
story, composition, light and shade, and all the various items that
ma^e its being. A painting or photograph must have some reason
for existing, some object or story, and this must be the one tiling that
all else is to be subservient to. "In a picture the artist tries all he can
do to keep your attention fixed on his principal figure or object, and to
do this keeps all his what we call " focus " on it, and all else is kept
down both in tone and sharpness, so that the eye shall not wander away
and become confused by the surroundings. Many pictures and photo-
jfraphs are spoilt by the want of concentration of interest, simply by
forgetting this simple rule, in painting by over-elaboration of unim-
portant oDJects, brilliant colour or strength which kills tlie principal
object in the picture ; in photography, by microscopic focus, which
puts everything on an equality with the principal object, accentuating
things that are unseen by the eye, for the eye sees the thing that is,
not what it is made of ; a tree is made of many leaves, branches,
&c., but the eye sees them as a mass of foliage, not as individual
items.
Many pictures are spoilt by want of contrast of light and shade,
for it is a well-known rule in art (and art applies to photography as
much as painting) that, except in exceptionail circumstances, there
shall be no accessory object lighter than the principal object of the
picture, or, if that is a dark, darker than this object. In this was the
secret of the great success of the old Flemish artists, Rubens, Van-
dyke, Rembrandt, &c. Both photographers and artists cannot do
better than carefully study the way in which these masters have
managed the light and shade, both in portraiture, figure, and land-
scape.
The next thing to consider is the composition or arrangement of
the figures or objects that constitute the picture or photograph. In
painting, this is comparatively easy, as the artist can place his figures
where he pleases, and use any kind of composition. But the photo-
grapher is entirely limited to a more or less equol plane of focus,
owing to to the distortion the lens gives in figure subjects, for what
is simple foreshortening in painting often becomes absolute distortion
in photography.
Composition not only applies to the arrangement of the figures, but
also to the light and shade, which must be so managed that it gives
value to the lines of the figures, and in figure and landscape pictures
EG combine them that they become as a whole. With pure landscape
photography, composition is impossible, as you cannot arrange your
objects; you can only select a view, and can only use the knowledge
of composition to help you to choose the best view. In landscape and
figure pictures very much can be done in photography, but you are
limited to simple arrangement in a selected landscape, which has to be
taken just as it is, and which, in painting, would be so altered and
arranged that it would carry the lines of the composition in harmony
with the figures.
Light and shade in landscape, which are so important in painting,
are quite as important in photography ; but here, again, we cannot
arrange like the artist, but are quite dependent upon the effect at the
time of exposure, which can sometimes be chosen. It is a very great
misfortune that photography will not render the true effect of cloud
and sky, combined with landscape, for, until this is possible, we must
depend upon the sky from another negative, which, more often than
not, is entirely unsuited to the landscape, and also is, as a rule, printed
far too heavy.
In painting, besides the great charm of colour, the artist has one
which is, perhaps, greater, that is, " ideality," or the rendering of the
image of the mind as opposed to the reality. Idealism in painting
often merges into mannerism. There are many living instances of
this, the weary repetitions of the same form and the same effect. In
photography, the danger of mannerism is greater, as, if we use the same
stop to the same lens, and the same printing method, our photographs
must necessarily look more or less alike, only the difference of form.
I suppose it will always be so, at least, with the majority of workers
who only have one lens. Painting is very much like handwriting ;
one can recognise the author, but photography changes in character
with every different kind of lens, so that it ought to be possible to
eicape from the more glaring faults of mannerism.
Impressionism must not be confounded with idealism, for impres-
sionism is the rendering of the way the object or scene appeals to you
— how you see it — whereas idealism is the correcting or altering nature
to suit what you consider true beauty. Impressionism in photography
is not only possible to a very large extent ; but the results are very
beautiful, and do depend in a very large measure on the artistic
aptitude of the photographer, and the knowledge of his lens, and
though, to those who are unable to see the beauties of nature (and
they are legion), it may appear entirely chance work, yet those who
use knowledge both of nature and photography, know that the
results are precisely those that were aimed at.
And now we come to what is considered to be the great strength of
photography, its imitation of form. In painting it is often colour
that expresses form, such as grass, sand, and many other things.
There the colour tells what it is, and the mind is satisfied; but in
photography, unless there is a sufficient indication of form, the repre-
sentation is vague, and leaves the mind wondering and unsatisfied ; it
is therefore necessary to the proper understanding of a scene or object
that the definition of form shall be such that the objects are recognis-
able, but how far it should be carried is entirely a matter of individual
feeling, for, as in the case of idealism, the perception of form is in the
mind ; to one person form is soft and without line, to another the
feeling of form is so strong that he can only express himself by sharp
outlines, it is only a matter of thought, for in nature there are no
outlines. The impression of nature is to me a soft blending of colour
and tones, quite unlike the rendering given by what is termed " a nice
sharp photograph." One of the great difficulties both painters and
photographers have is the introduction of figures into landscape so that
they shall not intrude or attract the eye from the mo<(/ of the picture.
As a rule, we find in the best landscape pictures that, if a figure is
introduced, it is placed in the middle distance, and is used more to
serve as a known size to give grandeur to the landscape. Turner was
a master at this, and, though he defied this method in some of his
pictures by placing the figures in the immediate foreground, yet he
did it so well that they appear away from where the spectator stands,
and therefore practically in what is the middle distance. Of late
years it has become more the fashion to introduce figures in the fore-
ground, so as to give a title to the picture, but it is very diflicult to
do so without sacrificing the landscape to the figures. Of course,
these remarks do not apply in the case of what are called "figure and
landscape subjects," for there the figure is the important object and
the landscape only accessory.
I am afraid that my paper vsdll not be considered complete unless I
make a few remarks on motion as rendered by the camera and by the
artist. I know that it is dangerous ground to tread upon, but I must
needs venture. In the expression of movement in painting, the
artist does not endeavour, like the photographer, to obtain a
perfectly still look or an action that he cannot see, but such
an action that shall express the characteristics of the movement
he wishes to represent, whetlier it be running, leaping, falling,
&c., and obtains that look of movement not only by the position
of the figure, but also by means of flying drapery. Now, in
pictures by many of the great masters, this drapery is painted in
mdistinct ioldiS purposely to give the effect of movement. There is a
very fine instance in the National Gallery, London, St. George and
the Dragon (by Tintoretto), perhaps the finest example of movement
ever painted. To say that movement must be expressed by move-
ment expresses what I wish you to understand. In this picture not
only do the figures seem to be moving, but the drapery vibrates ; but
still it has not the same kind of look that photography gives of the
blun- of movement, but is of a character that I am afraid photography
can never imitate. Another instance of the rendering of movement is
Vandykes drawings of the condemned being cast into hell. The mass
of humanity seems to fall headlong. The effect of movement is inde-
scribably true. When an artist looks at an instantaneous photograph
of the movement of a figure, the chances are that he has never even
dreamt of that representation being what it is intended to represent.
The very fact of its being a perfectly arrested action takes away all
sense of movement, and makes it only a pose. In landscape the ex-
pression of movement cannot be expressed by a perfectly sharp image.
How often one hears the remark, ' This is not good, as the trees have
moved.' Yet to an artist it is often the best quality that photograph
possesses. Turner, the great master of movement, always got the
effect of wind in his trees, waves, and sky by indistinctness of detail.
Sea and sky in photography are often perfectly representatives of
movement. One need only see one of Dresser's seascapes to acknow-
ledge this ; but there are many other photographers who only give the
arrested motion, the stillness of death, for it has the form but not the
breath of life.
The imitation of nature should be in photography what artists have
endeavoured in all ages to paint — that is, the life of nature not as a
still, sharp microscopic image (for the time is past when we were
content with seeing nature under this false light), but as a repre-
sentation of life as seen by the eye, for what is false to the eye cannot
Joly 23, 18Wf]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH i'.
471
appeal to tlte mind. It may be a perfect photograph as far as
ejqwetiie, devalopmrot, and priDting can make it, but, onlesa it ba.'t
th«t MWMtUiif which truly repreaenta the life of nature, it is wortbkaj
is an artistic aeMe.
Mr. Hepworth coa^idered the most remarkable thing in this paper
waa an abaenoe of the abuse which painters so laTlsblj burled at
phutographma. It was doubtkas aoooimted for by the fact of the
author boag • photographer as wall as an artist.
[>r. Bfitehell said the perception of moTement was not satisfactorily
effected by a too rapid axposoie, which gave a crystallised exproaiion
that afforded no idea of motion ; that was better oonreyed by a longer
eipoiw which gare a slightly blurred effect. He instaaeed Muy-
1)ridge's mnning horses as examplea of this. The eye saw only the
Oombination of moTements.
Mr. Sturmey reminded them that while the author belaboured
painters, he alao admitted that some o( them made poaea that were
natural and artistic
Mr. Cembraao, alluding tn eloods in landscape, said many of those
seen in natimt were quite unsuitable from form and lighting to conduce
to pictorial effect when photo^mtpbintr the landacape, and conndered
it miirh better to print in the sky from another and more appropriate
negatire.
Miss Banes remaHmd that har teacher in painting, long before she
took to photography, impressed apoa her the necessity for noting the
yoiatB «f farigirtBat light and ikspaal Uaek in the sabject,'aiMl aroiding
aHawiag any other part at tha fitbu* to equal these.
Mr. Joha Fogos having OMda aaasa obaOTratidoa,
The Praaideat explained that Mr. BoitlMtt at oae tlna lost hia
colour-light, on whidi aceoont be practised photography ; but he was
glad to say that his coloM dght had again i«tunied to him.
AMATEDK PHOTOQRAPilY IN AMEIUGA.
By Catkauxb Wbks Darxbs.
It win ha impossible to sntar fally into the question of amateur
photographic work in*AaMfiea,aad I shall not attempt it, bat, in con-
»i<leriag a sahjaet wiueh iwnaaMtily iuTolvi^ comparisons between
Kngliah aad Amariaan work aad workars, it u well, in all faimeas, to
hare aoaa tiaar idaa, to start with, of bow photography Is poraaed,
and tk» o«iaiaa aalartaiasd of it ia both eoaatriaa. At piuiiait, and
this ia mU adviaadly, tha Eogliak have the adTantaga at exhibitions
of a higher gaaatal aTstafa of wotk, thoagh I do aot know if it is
good pisituies aerer teach the axhibi-
tha case aa with oa, thai
tioahalL
Tha iialiaia m Bigiaad, aad ia Earope
IB what thay ari doiag, aad
proper time aad aaia,wwhiBahaid if aetd ha toaitsnrwgood rsauhs;
* ittle. Thaia are too many what might be ealM
larope gaasrally,
it worth whOa t
I to baliere
to gire tha work
■td Ihfa ia half the battle
aaap naalta with a*, and the
■saM to kin tiasa, net worthr of
loo anihias to do thiaga ^aiaujr,
I froat patient, '
of
upon largelT aa a
ke. Waaie
is stUl looked
for ita own sake.
often thereby what only
aff art.' Thara ai« tastanoaa aaiong
d detaiainatiao to show
what photography can aduero m art, science, aad
and soah aia flUsd with aa anthasiafi which aaabfes iu taiaiaiBT to
think only of the and ia Hew, and band eTerrthing to aoaompBah it,
tagardliss of atantal or phtaioai fMgnaw Tha M paiatHi
mtmoummtt
MMvant of anuiT of anr
Crthat
t of art, bat th«^ had a wonhip
tkiaff itasif, tea oflan waaliiif in oar atilitanan age, and the
Mir i* Mkid of phalaaiaphy. Altogathar, too many workars
and with «■ delaagra^Mwwii. Whyf Baeaoaa there is
abroad in tha laad that thay are no tmnbia, raquirs no
brain *arthw, are alwajrs aTailabl^ aad the oaar aaad act look upon
Ui iaalnHaaat aa anything more taan a toy. Ua gansaaUy axpscta,
howarar, that same toy to fomii all tha photogiaphie rirtnaa of tha
widalj diSiring hranehaa of woik. Bsginatag with elaaa, well-
Sghlad portraitore, for inataiwa, tbroott^ tha giadatidna of soft,
alaeaphsnc landscapes aad aariaas, brilliant snap ahols and carefully
HMHt|»d iatsriors, it is expected aU these may be mads in the fraction
of a Moond, and, of eoaraa, with a single view lena and cheap camera.
I anna laish id a httar, aot at aD an annaoal one in my editorial
ceaa^aadHMa, wharwn tha wriltr took sararalpagea to explain wbut
ha wanlsd a lens to do, aaeh ra^airsBwnt contnwiirting soma other,
•ack
t laaaiiaaMnt
a thmf one.
Mr anawav was that
■ate
aa ha dsairsd had yet bsan ntrantad. The American worker,
in man towns, is Tery of tan anabia to patehaas more than
one lens, and yet is anxious to cover the whole photographic field. In
such cases I always discourage hand cameras, as, under the best
of circumstances, their n?«ult« caunot fairly compete with tripod work,
not merely because the latter is better in itself, but after taking the
necessary trouble of settini; up such a camera, one is apt to take mora
pains with the picture. Until one realises all the possibilities of time
exposures, he does not begin to appreciate photoijTapby at its true
value. A very encouraging sign of progress with us is the increasing
number of organizations devoted to camera work. Hardly a week
passes that a new one is not started ; and their reports, as sent to our
sanctum, show a constantly widening horizon of comprehension re-
garding the different fields of photographic usefuluees being entered
upon by workers in different professions. Pkysiciane, painters,
scientists of all kinds are utili.<ing the vast help nbotograpby can give
them, and are realising also, aside from that, toe great and almost
mysterioaa faadnation it can exert, independently, on its own special
account. A celebrated painter told me recently that be occasionally
used an ordinary snap camera, not daring to attempt any of the
actual work, or he should neglect bis regular painting. I cannot but
feel that to do camera work well, through all its countless ramifica-
tions— and what is worth dicing at all is worth doing well — one must
get rid of, and put behind him once for all, the idea that its limita-
tions are as narrow as the illiberal prejudices of the past have settled
upon. It is far harder to live down a prejudice than a principle, and
that is just the task that lies before photography.
Experience, however limited, has taught me that, when a certain
effect is gained in photographic work which at all departs from an
ordinary photoajapb, if one attempts to help others by telling how it
was done, his effort is looked upon as if he took his auditors behind
the scenea at a theatre, and showed them how certain theatrical effects
are produaed. Ptobablv tha same thing is true this side of the
Atlantic. A camerist would, above all things, never apologise for
anything which will improve his results, because negative or print has
bean, as the unregenerate term it, " doctored.'' If a painter refuses
to rsoognisa the enatanoa of an obnoxious element which would spoil
his picture and simply leaves it out, why cannot the photographer
use the only means at his command, and obliterate the object, whether
on negative or print ? Wh v should one be considered genius and the
other a trick .* The American public, as yet, has not been able to
realise that photography has risen far beyond the high tide-mark of a
generation ago, indeed that it is still risiiur. They ate, as a rule,
more aaxioo* for something new than for steady progress in the work;
but attendance at noent ubibitions has proved to me that photo-
graphy is winniiw a high place for itself, if its followers will insist
oo not lowering its flag to the level of a trade, but keep it where it
belong*, among the arte and scienoaa which are elevating the geneial
education of uie world.
One great canse for tha siinrom of EuropeaiL workers at our exhi-
bitiona ia that we do not give enough oonsidaiMion to the choice of a
subject We have not tM wealth of historic scenes which the old
world famishea, and laadscapes, pn- m, pall on one's attention iu
large number*; but we am doing something, I am proud to say, to
preaerve a record of the historic landmarks we own, before the so-
called march of impfovcment destroys them, to say nothing of also
keeping a record of paaaing events, which afford an important field
for camera workara. Oae of the aocietiaa with which I am coo-
neoted baa an hiatorioal section, whose members are detailed, when
any spaeiaUy important event occur*, to photograph it from different
atandpoints, thus obtaining a large and varied collection of prints
in a oomparativaly brief time About a thousand negatives were ihas
obtained at the centennial celebration of Washinirton's inauguration
as Prasident, which will eventually be of great value. This soeietj's
badge entitles the holder to entrance within the police lines at <fires,
paradea, Ac, and to work in the city parks. Both the laree Tfew
York soeietiaa alao give theb members spscial privileges. Tnis idea
as to hiatorioal work ia spreading among our societies with excellent
reaulta. The Chicago workers ought to take up wriously the matter
of p4iotagraphing at the Exposition, and a general protest is likely to
k*m-t- against what appeara to be tha somewhat arbitrary ^ulinff of
~ihe authontiaa. Permisaum should not be indiscrimiuat«ly given, but
under restriction*.
I have not been able to prooora statistics as to the namber of olubs
in oar country, bat have visited many uf the leading ones from liew
York to Cali/nmia, finding that, as in the case of the £oston Club,
with its fine studio and meeting-room, each ban some spedal advan-
tou'H, but none offer better woricini; facilities than the Xew York and
riiiladelphia Societies. The New York Camera Club Ulks of a
special club-house, with separate studios, dark .rooms, &c A desire
is spreading among the clulNi for more practidtl instruction than is
given in paper* or discussions, and nowhere is this better ahown than
472
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRA.PHY.
[July22, )«P2
in some of the smaller clubs. The idea, so general here, of camera
trips during; the summer is also gaining in favour with vis. Women
are admitted to membership in tne greater number of our clubs, and in
some of those who still hold out in the good old way their work is hung
at exhibitions, their lantern slides shown on the screen, and I have
spoken before several clubs which do not as yet admit women members,
agreeing, perhaps, with a gentleman friend of mine in one such club,
that a photographic society should be considered merely as a sort of
masculine boudoir. Women workers are increasing rapidly among us,
and it is only a question of time when they will be generally recog-
nised as mentally fitted to improve the educational opportunities
afforded by a club. Working by one's self encourages a narrow,
prejudiced manner of judging one's methods and results, and women
as well as men need to have their rough edges taken off by the sharp
attrition of sharp criticism and discussion. We have in America
what we call smoking concerts, which women, even if active members,
do not attend, and it is only occasionally that a pipe or cigar is seen
in the ordinary meetings, never at general entertainments. In the
dark rooms the stall system is largely used as being more private, but
the printing and slide work is done in a large room. Quite a number
of our leadino; workers have their own developing rooms, and even
portrait studios. In my own case, after making a portrait exposure
and developing the negative, I take it to a professional friend of mine,
who retouches wlien necessary, and then, unless in special instances,
the sitter oi-ders from and pays him for what prints are desired, the
negative, of course, being held by me. I have not time to make so
many prints, and sitters would not realise the extra labour involved,
besides valuing the pictures more if obliged to pay something for
them.
In landscape work the English have an advantage, rather than dis-
advantage, in their unduly blamed climate, far better atmospheric
effects being gained in our clearer air ; but they, as a rule,
tise heavier cameras than Americans. We rarely use an imported
one a great while before beginning to make improvements in it, and,
first of all, making it lighter, carrying the latter point even to excess.
English cameras, unless of specially seasoned wood, are apt to warp
in our drier climate, and I do not believe in, and certainly never saw, a
single American worker using a wooden slide in his plate-holder.
Most of our finest cameras are made to have the ground-glass keep
its position, even when the holder is slipped into place, and the tripod
if made distinct from the camera, which latter I am not sure is an
advantage.
Practical demonstrations and clear plain talks seem to be most
enjoyed at our Society meetings, and when papers are read it is a
rare case when the lecturer is not afterwards called upon by different
hearers to explain various points still farther.
Dry plates are most generally used, though a few cling persistently
to the wet process. One amateur I know of who coats all his lantern
plates, and another, in preparing his, takes into careful consideration
the special purpose for which they are to be used.
Only a few of our manufacturers make slide plates, and I consider
it as somewhat unwise to make them more rapid than the English
ones, which actual demonstration has proved to me is the case. It
is claimed that slide-making is losing in interest, but such entertain- ■
ments are always well attended, though the audiences seem to pay
more attention to the subject of the slide than to its technical or
artistic merit. We trust that European workers will in time see
the advantages of our size negatives and slide plates, and that there
is no actual need of using such very heavy cover glass. Inter-
national exchange of slides is an idea worthy of cultivation, and is of
value specially in encouraging all to do their best. Several of our
amateurs have experimented in camera-making, and of shutter
attachments there is no end. Our national fondness for haste has
found a new vent in a kind of craze for instantaneous (I use the
word under correction) pictures of racing, athletics, scientific experi-
ments, &c. ; but, on the other hand, that same tendency leads us to
constantly invent practical, labour-saving appliances, wherein I claim
we hold high rank, and many of our best workers have either person-
ally made many such, or suggested them to some manufacturer, while
one amateur has invented a shutter which allows several exposures
per second. Orthochromatic work (or, I should rather say, colour-
sensitive) is receiving more attention than formerly as the plates
improve. They were supposed to be very difficult to develop, but at
some of our recent exhibitions remarkable results from them have
been shown, especially as regards flowers and delicately tinted
drapery. As is well known, Mr. Ives is the only one among us who
has succeeded in demonstrating what is hoped for from colour photo-
graphy, but even yet he has a difficult task before him. Ordmarily,
we depend for our finest lenses on foreign makers, but there has been
a new one placed recently on our marKet by a New York amateur
which, in the way of reducing harsh contrasts and allowing the
shadows and half-tones to appear as in the gradations of nature,
practically enters the field of orthochromatic work. It has a violet
colour attachment, which can be screwed into the place of the rear
combination of the maker's rapid rectilinear, wide-angle, or portrait
lenses. It slightly increases the time of exposure, and the eye is at
first disturbed by the use of the coloured instead of colourless lenses,
but the results are remarkable, especially with portraits. The makers
are also busy with a tele-photo lens, similar in some ways to Dall-
meyer's and Miethe's.
There is a reluctance with us, in England, except among those
amateurs who have been given over as incurable, to carry a size
camera which will permit the picture to properly represent the view
photographed. Even when intended for use in the lantern, the
picture-takers too often prefer contact slides, simply, it would seem,
iiecause their physical strength is really or apparently inadequate to
the carrying an 8 x 10 or 5 x 7 camera for the negatives, to say nothing
of the extra exertion of reduction, but ; as the French proverb says,
" that which costs nothing is worth nothing." With regard to de-
velopers, many of us like hydroquinone, more stUl like it mixed with
eikonogen, and others eikonogen alone, though I believe the majority,
for regular work, prefer pyro and soda, as ammonia does not seem to
agree with our plates. It would seem a good plan to test each new
developer as it appears, for then, and only then, can the worker be
really justified in making a choice. A number of our workers are
expert chemists, and always prepare their own developers, not pinning
their faith on ten per cent, or any other made solutions. As one of
our writers has said, " A fool or a folly is no better for being an old
fool or an old folly," and, if any method of work or modification of it
suits our purpose, we do not wait until it is overgrown by the moss
of tradition before recording our acceptance. Film rolls are much
used m hand cameras, though magazines are preferred by those who
keep to glass plates, and their number is increasing. Albumen and
other glossy surface prints have been most generally used, though
they are being superseded with our amateurs by the various matt-
surface papers, especially bromide and platinum.
The question of exhibitions is not yet considered, as it should be, a
valuable factor in photographic education, and we do not have enough
of them. I cannot but wonder sometimes that judges are found will-
ing to face the almost certain blame attaching to them, no matter
how conscientious they may be. They are fallible — very much so —
like most of us, and naturally praise what seems good to them,
whether the general verdict agrees with theirs or not. The true
benefit of an exhibition is gained when one ascertains not merely
wherein his work excels, but wherein it is deficient. The general
impression is growing that boards of judges should not be formed
exclusively of either photographers or artists, as each is apt to be
influenced by the prejudices of his own special education.
When will it be understood, both sides of the Atlantic, that pho-
tography in its dual nature of art and science is not necessarily a
house divided against itself, and why is it not possible, as in the story
of the gold and silver shield, to look at the question from both sides ?
Americans have not shown their full strength at European exhibitions,
largely because notices of such rarely reach us in time for us to prepare
and send any special work, and some international arrangement ought
to be made, certainly on our side, to obviate the annoying delay in
the Custom House. But I do not propose to discuss the tariff
question.
Photographic literature should not be entirely passed over, and its
importance is shown not alone in journals especially devoted to its
interests, but by the way in which it is leavening our whole American
literature. The daily press in many cases publish a photographic
column, constant references are made to the subject, and many of our
magazines give considerable space to articles on the work, or illustrate
their pages from the results of the camera. Even the way in which
the newspaper reporter attempts to be humorous on the subject shows
a general interest in it. We have several magazines devoted to pho-
tography, professional and amateur, and they have a wide circulation.
Our readers demand a great deal, being very particular also how it is
presented, and those who undertake to furnish food for the average
photographic brain have by no means an easy task.
It is often asked me if photography is not dying out, but I can
most positively declare that with us it is most constantly growing.
There are almost daily inquiries, of every one who is supposed to be an
authority, as to instruments and methods of work, and it rests with
our great army of amateurs to make their own place in the world.
Believe in what you are doing, and people will believe in you. The
work should be followed not merely for personal credit, but for the
work's sake and its value as a mental and moral education. I am glad
that America has several representatives at this Convention, feeling it
jii]7 2^iMr]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOl'OGRAPHY.
473
wa io mn«k to •tWBgthen the bond of comrsdMhip between kindred
bodiMofworiten. TbereihooHbeonly »iei>~ of generous emuUtion
oo eMk ade, aad the tie of rebtionehip not faa wedwned, though the
oceu Ue between m, foe e«ch c«n and ihoiikl gun by mutual help.
A» our great poet Lowell »«y»,—
" For mmnUsd are one in spirit, and an impalBe bears along,
Roond the euth't electric drcla, the swift flash o( right or wrong.
Whether eonaeioos or nnconaeioaa. yet Homanitys vast frame,
Thian^ he ocnnmndered fibree, feeU the gosh o( joy or shame ;
In the gain or loea o( one raee all the lart have eqoal claim."
Benuihi ot • compUmentaiy natnie to Mias Baroea, and on the
Chki«o Eihibition, were made by Meena. Taylor, Ward, Bothamley,
Stnnney, Hepworth, and Dr. MitchelL
On Wedaealay «venii« the foUowiag paper, in the author's abaence,
wa« md by Mr. (Jembrano: —
DEFICIENCIES IN THE TRAINING OF PHOTOGRAPHERS.
Bt E. Howabo Fabmbb.
Eablt Ocidakcb.
Whbx it i* known in the earlr Hf e ol a lad that he will probably
beeone a photographer, bia trainii^ thoald commaoee during the
lattOT y«M* of & aehool life. Hia atadiaa cm then be guided in
dinetioH whiek in aftM^yean will b« Erectly naeful to him in his
pirffMJmMil CBMcity, and ha wiU aMoire knowledge ra»lily that
may later aa»ehim much kboor and dfcrt „ . , , .
Where thla has been done it will he gwarany found that the
directiw parent i» a photocraphar or eomiaetad with photographT,
and in aa^eaMa the same forethought whid haa guided these early
.»^^^ into wefnl ehanneb bae pcobaUy eontinnad their direcUon
ton *"' "
Impobtaxcb or UoNmrtriTT.
Bat (he majority of thoae who beeoaa pholographen haTe their
caiear decided after Wring adiool— aoaaUaaa a good many yeara
aft«fw«»dB, and it U to these ay wwaifci mow eapeoally apply.
v suppose a lad has left Mbool, and not nntO he has sab-
• pnit a year »x mors in koBdaj-«aking ia the important
' u to what hM Ufo'a watk alttO be, and atepa are taken
bia CMMT.
-hole of ear ijimiithiH iMy go to aid the lads
lay of bia yooUk, tha itan eompetitian of life
' !)>«t thia, the moat valuable poctkin of bia
■tandpoint, moat he utilised to the utmost,
- no need to dMrire him of hia pleaaurea,
' ■ --t, forming natural diriaiona to
I Til •■fHJf ¥
thirty
from
aiiat eome in aa a
It « w«U known among laaekHa that the aavmilatiTa power for
new knowledge usually USm off ««7 mwh after the aga of twonty
or ao ia iMehad. This ia ii|iiiiMy tha aaaa when a lengthy gap or
interral baa been aOowad to owor in the training, and a ma«a of
• Tvienea to aapport thia oeena with phetographeia in the very amall
; r oortioa who, however hardlT thay may be pisaasd. attempt even
- .«• their knowledge ; and the ataadfaat appication leqnirad
who do, it ia not too mneh to my, that uiJiTaBdaBt of tha
aloe which kMtwMga aeqrind at tha age ol twan^-fiTe to
Mimaa, aa eomparad with tha aama knowMga aeqnited at
to twwty. tha lahoor aid appMcathm naeemaiy in ita
acgmiatntbthfaaerloartlmaa aa mat at tha aon advaneed age.
It ia from oonaidantioaa anoh m thma wa are loraed to conefaide
that in aOowuv • lad'a trainiag to alop aoddaoly when he learea
sehool, aran if only tempontily, not only ara the has* fmita, which
might laadily follow from the eumulativa effect of hia prerioaa
trainiiif kft ongatherMl ; bat, before he haa arriTed at an a^ when
he hinwelf mayfairly be heU in aoeae maMna napoiaible, hu future
slatw ia piaead in JMpardy.
DanciKtciBa or thb ArrBBsmcacHtr SraTBii.
Wa may next annpoae that the lad forming oar oample ia
itHiiitimii or plaeaa to learn bia trade with some firm of photo-
i^Taphan. In ifiwilliahiini thi^ the parent very frequently considers
that ha has aow f aiity atarted tha kd on hia eareer.and, ao far aa any
MeaTaait to tha care of hia employera
further tiaiaiag ia
and tha lad'a own
AloMet «nt«etaal aa aacb a method of ataiting a photographic
-the demumtiahla iasaSdeaey of aoch a praoednie ia only
1^. In tha Irat place, tha prafaasionaledneation,ase^piiag
luiriag iMBiimlative aUU and a knowledge o< aome
coMMNial aeonomT of the hoainaaa ia eonewnad, laaraa
<!. uught to bagiB, and, altbongh ao one will haiiute to
admit the prime importance of manipulative skill and of bosiness
methods, the trained photo(?rapher nowadays requires a great deal
more in order that he may atUin any rf(i<«». In the second place,
even the manipulative work ia conBned to one or two specialities,
whereas the student wants at this, the very early stages of his career,
and before specialising, trial practice in all branches. Thirdly, the
skill acquired will depend largely upon the attention devoted to the
student by the employer and fellow employii, which introduces an
element of uncertainty into the training, and to which may be added
the inevitable proportion of time which is wasted or during which no
ptogieas is made. There are aUo other reasons which at first sight
are not 80 obvious ; why the old system of apprenticeship, which is fast
diaappearing in other trades, must also in photographr disappear, or be
largely modified and supplemented, in order that the photographer
may not only acquire an nonourable itatus in his profession, but also
keep on a distinct level above his neighbour the amateur.
Tech.vical a.n-d Abt TEAiJnso— thk Nbomsiti for.
.Vfter his training has commenced, our supposed young apprentice
find* there are at least five distinct sides to his subject, as follows : —
1. The Practical or Manipulative.
2. The Technical.
3. The Commercial.
4. The Artistic.
5. The Scientific.
Each of which requiree his attention in a greater or leas degree
according to the character of the work to which he intends devoting
hia abilities. To convey some definite idea of the average relative
imporUnce of each of theee divisions, it will be nec«aaary to consider
th)-m individdallv.
1. iVottfiea/.— t'be manipulative skill requited for most branches of
photographic work ia not ot a high order; for example, the actual
operaSona involved in the taking of a portrait negative are all of a
fairly eaay character, and requin- but little experience and practice on
the part of a atudent to perform them with regularity and success.
Notwithatandiw thia, Um eoief help which the atudent usually derives
from Uawarikui the itodio i« confined to a aufficieney of experience
in theaa eaailr aequured manipulations.
Then is, Bowavar, one ^wcial branch of studio practice which
requiiaa a Teiy high degree of akiU, and that ia retouching. In other
departmanta o( photogiaphy also, such aa working krge wet plates
sucoBsafuHy ; aome portiona of prooeaa work ; and others, considerable
manipulative akiQ ia eaaential .
3. T»Blmiju».—\\. is not difficult to show that the main foundation
ot pbotographv, as a profeaaioo, lies in ita ttchniqHe.
WhetMr in' the artistic or adentific departments; in landscape; sea^
aeapa; motion; architecture: leproductions; or printing processes; the
wivker who u trained in either of them is the one who excels ; and
on examination, it is found tlist the sucoeaa dapendanot so much upon
any particular difficulty in performing tha neceMtry operation^« as
nnon m eamp4»UfmHSmritw wUA tki mimUu* rnnddetmiU of prooedure,
wtdeh give tha heat laault under particular conditiooa. The reaaon
that aavaral yeara' training u commonly neceaaarr to get a fair per-
raatagf of aoeoearfnl rcaults in any one of them is due to the fact that
the worker has not had the opporUnit;^ of learning, in a systematk;
form, the minutia and special factors which govern different classes of
woik, but is left like a man groping in the dark to find hia way
sk>wly and laboriously bv the method of trial ; and, even if he has the
gnidanea of a fallow-w'orker, it ia one who has found it himself by
trial and experienee, and can only impart it in the same manner.
Take two begiaaeia of identical abilities, paraeverance, and general
education ; give both tha avaran training obtainad aa apprentices to a
photographer, and give one of them, in addition, ayatematic instruction
in tteJMqut. The latter will become aa good a photograph in one
year aa tha former will in four yeara, aid will ultimately become a
much mora eompetent and independent worker.
S. OwMifMrcta/.— Important as a training in commercial economy
wi^milUly is, which includea such subjecta as economy of time,
mstartal an'd wage* ; vahie of specialiam and enterprise : punctuality,
tact, and politeness; treatment of employer and nnphyU; accommo-
dation to drcunutancea; and, in fact, all the minutur which together
form the system of a sucoeasfttl business roan ; this side of his training
is one which, in great meamre, would be the same in all trade.'*,
and which therefore is rather included in his general education than
in his specially photographic one. That photographers as a body are
behindhand in this department of their training is, however, a fact
very widely conceded. .
4. Artutic.—ThiB value of an art training is second to none in the
whole range of a pbotographer'a studies, as it invariably gives the
stamp of refinement and anperiority to his work. Thia is abundantly
474
THE BKITISH JODKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[July 22, 1892
testified in public displays of photogrnplis, where the pleasin(? effects
produced by artistic feeling or culture deservedly take the first
rank.
S. Scientijic. — The value of a purely scientific training to the work-
ing photographer has, in my opinion, been a great deal over-estimated.
In tne early days of the art, when the worker had to go through a
series of delicate chemical processes for each photograph taken, and
when the successful performance of these processes was alone suffi-
cient to tax the knowledge and skill of one individual, it may have
been true that a trained scientist was the best man. But, in these
days of dry plates and ultra-simplified printing processes, photo-
graphy, except in its purely scientific divisions, is being lifted above
a teat of chemical knowledge or optical expertness, and, in taking its
place as one of the most valuable handmaidens the fine arts possess,
must sooner or later be admitted into partnership with them.
The chief use of a knowledge of chemistry, molecular physics and
optics to the photographer, Independent of the general educational
value; lies in their giving him a clearer insight into the sciences
utilised in his work, and thereby indudng an interest which acts
as a powerful antidote to the apathy which is so fatal an enemy to
progress.
MoKK Cabk Rkquikbd in Specialising.
Another division of his subject is recognised by the photographer
more and more clearly as his work proceeds. Having probably
started by associating photography with taking portraits only, he
becomes conscious of fields and scope for work in which portraiture
plays no part ; he finds workers devoting the whole of their time and
energies to landscapes, to copying, to architecture, to printing, or to
process work ; and even in portraiture alone he finds one worker
devoting liimself to operating, another to retouching, and a third to
printing. He begins to realise that it is impossible for an average
individual to master every branch of photography, and so it comes
about that he, like tlie others, has to select some departments and
reject others — in fact, specialise.
In doing this, he is usually guided by what he considers the most
lucrative portion of the art, and in most cases portraiture seems to be
chosen. It is, of course, a matter of opinion as to wliich branch of
photography offers the most lucrative openings ; but in my opinion
the prospects of a landscape or general worker, or a reproductionist,
at the present time, are better than those of a portrait photographer,
these prospects being not so much in the silver print as in the collo-
type film, the copperplate, or the type block.
There are other factors also which should be considered in deciding
upon the direction in which to specialise. The probationist, while
it is still in his power, should be guided more by liis own capacities
and temperament than he is at present. If he likes indoor life and
delights in the human figure, he would be unwise if he did not take
up portraiture; but, if an outdoor life suits his constitution and
tastes, he would be equally unwise if he did not specialise in land-
scape or other outdoor work. For town life he must be more expert
and specialistic than for country life, for wliich a good general
excellence is better suited. And, again, according to his proclivities,
he should choose the artistic or manipulative sides of his subject.
Whatever special branches he ultimately adopts, a good general
commercial and art education, and a good technical and trial know-
ledge of all the principal photographic processes, with their individual
applications and possibilities, should form the basis of his work.
EVIDKNCK OF THK PeKSBNT InSUFPICIKNCY OF TRAINING.
Evidence of the insufficiency of the present system of photographic
training is everywhere present.
In the extremely Umited range of most workers' skill, which, while
good in itself when carried to sufficient perfection, and supported
upon a general foundation, is frequently mere rule of thumb, so that
the results are capricious, and, in taking up new processes or methods
which the progress of technology or discovery may render advan-
tageous, the worker finds himself but little better than a novice.
In the deficiency of technical, artistic, and general knowledge so
commonly met with, which, while it is excusable among those who,
interested in photography, are not expected to know its minutia; ; it
is inexcusable among those who, by their calling, are expected by a
public— quick to criticise harshly — to have been properly educated in
the art they profess.
And, last but not least, in the surprising facility with which a
determined outsider will place himself on a level with workers of a
lifetime.
Thb Probablk Remedy.
It is, I believe, in the spread of a sound and largely extended
intermediate and supplementary training to that of the school and the
studio that the photographer will not only occupy an impregnable
position as a specialist, but will also learn how to utilise to the
uttermost advantage the factors and processes at his disposal, and in
so doing will both kill the untrained competition from which he in so
many cases at present suffers, and will place his business on th»
soundest of all foundations.
Mr. Wollaaton said that Mr. Farmer had omitted mention of a
particular training which was of great importance to a photographer;
he referred to btuinens training. Ordinary assistants and apprentices
seemed to be lacking in that essential.
Mr. Ward observed that there was an almost unlimited demand
for good assistants, and if quite a large number were properly edu-
cated, they would find good and permanent situations.
Mr. Welford said that while all-round men were generally desired,
such men, when employed, were usually given one special thing alone
to do.
Mr. Anckhom considered tliat if an assistant pushed his way he would'
get on. Young men should have proper training, and be "indenturedi
for a term of years. If a clerk or business man was wanted, they
could get one at a pound a week.
Mr. H. M. Smith said that Mr. Farmer seemed to want a gentle-
man who was a paragonof all the virtues — one who was a good scientific-
man, a good business man, and a good photographer. But a scientific-
man was not usually a good business man, and, contrary to Mrs.
Anckhorn's statement, you cannot get a good clerk at a pound a week..
Mr. George Mason stated that the position of operators depended'
upon themselves. They ought to be able to retouch, so that wheU'
any department is vacant they could step in and fill it. The matt'
who taught himself would by-and-by be able to teach his employers.
Many operators held ridiculous opinions regarding lighting and ap-
paratus: some, upon entering a situation, could not work because the
lighting differed somewhat from that in their previous place; others
who had been using a lens or a camera by one maker could not take a
picture with that of another maker, and so forth.
Mr. Kidd's experience was that a man did not desire to do more-
than one particular kind of work. The want of knowledge among.
assistants was entirely due to themselves. This was also the case in.
other professions and businesses.
Mr. Deed advocated the establishment of a training institution to
enable photographers to rise and become higher men.
The President said that Mr. Farmer's paper pointed in the direction
of which Mr. Deed spoke- — the establishment of an institution where
all kinds of scientific and technical knowledge could be obtained. There
were certainly openings in portraiture for operators possessing highly
artistic skill.
After some observations by Mr. Wamerke on Continental establish-
ments of the nature indicated,
Jlr. Bothamley occupied the remainder of the evening by giving
an address on Development.
On Thursday evening the following paper was- read by the
author : —
THE COLOUR SCREEN IN LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY.
By Chaklks L. Mitchell, M.D.
The value and use of orthochromatised emulsions in landscape photo-
graphy is now fully recognised ; but, as yet, there still appears to be
considerable difference of opinion in regard to the necessitv of the co-
incident employment of the colour screen. It is stated by many of
the manufacturers, who at present supply the market with iso or
orthochromatic plates, that the u.so of this valuable adjunct is by no
means necessary, and that equally good results can be obtained with-
out it. Having, during the past two years, made extended trials for
landscape purposes of orthochromatised emulsions, coated on both
glass and celluloid films, and during these experiments made frequent
use of tht^ colour screen, a few notes on the principles and methods
of its employment may perhaps bo of interest. The class of subjects
selected was almost exclusively landscapes, and the large majority
extended landscapes in the mountainous regions of S-witzerland, .
Norway, and Northern Italy, involving distances ranging from ten
to one hundred miles. The first year the colour screen was used
sparingly, but the results obtained with it were so satisfactory that in
the following year it was used whenever- possible, and the success
attending its use was so marked, and the- qjiality of the work so its
Jul/ S3, 1609]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
<7S
Mperiflr to tke yortioo in wbicii the MrBeii wm oaitted, tliat I now
•m fidly eoariiiMd that the colour iBteca m an indiqtenMUe adjuDct
tut ai^ niHwIt^ or eompreht- nuTf landscmpe work. Tb« reasons for
tkb OfMNOB •!• aot luud to tind. It ia • well-laiowii fact that, wheo
an opM ]aadMK|W it photographed on an ordinary gelatina emulsion,
:two ■aioos diSenltMa are alwars eiieoi>nt«red. These difficulties
hear ineh a niatiaD to each other that the means emplored to
)«enrent the ooe alwaya ineieaae the aril affects of the otW. I
aUnda to the diSeubr of ofataimag eren imd harmonious exposures
for both aaar fortfioaDd and extreme distance. The rapidly Tibrating
Wne la^ra eoming from the mora distant purtioa-^ of the landscape
fBodaea, is an aztxeaaelj abart time, a reiy powerful reducing effect
w« the •■Biilaioniaed silver aaha, and that li^ng before iSe more
m/wly vibatiag rays coming from the nearer and generally darker
Mad haTe had time to proparly act on the plate. The conse-
I ia that, when proper definition, detail, and colour value have
obtuned in the fofegiDund, the distance has been so over-
uipasail as to sokiiae to a naatar or lets degree that portion of the
image. On the other haad, sfaonld the exposure be so shottaned in
tine as to obtain proper values for the distance, the foreground is so
kopeieasH underexposed as to be but an unmeaning smear of black,
devoid of all detaiL
All kinds of devices have bean sog^ested for lemedriag these
AiBcnltiea. Sky ibades, shutters havng apertures of Aferent
■bapes faaeicd to dimiiiiah to a tmtda degree the aKpcauia of
4ha shy and iliHanna, kc, have at dillwMit times bem imintiiil. but
aoue ^ thaae have proved cf rnitttimA value to become popular.
Tbe diffifultias, as above noted, an narticularly notioeabie in the
case o< Alpine landseMies. Here, than, is often a foregronad of rocks
•ad dark ptasa, abounaing in daric giaius and browns, and opposed to
h a distance coaposwl of brilliant snow-wbito peaks and gladen, stand-
ing oat agidnst a deep blue sky, varied, perhaps, with £iating clouds.
With an ocdinary emulsion it it almost liiipiiawlilt to nodar properly
taeh a lai>dteape,as the fotacioand win be Midtr^imed and laddng in
detail, or ebe the peaks ana sky will ba ao onw-axpoaad or " hunt
MU" en tha negatha aa to nadar the dawnreatirwi line between snow
sud sky almost indiirtnipiishablti Whan, however, certain colouring
Tuts are added to the ordinair amnltinn, as is done in tha pneev
ortbochromatising, aa entiraly naw ooodition of affairs is brought
•boot I win ao* attaamt to axpUa this in d>-tail, for it has and will
ba dona br OMch mart aUa and qnaBfied hands than mine. Suffice
it to say, oriefly. tibat wbQe tha ainulihai is bow, ia ha altered cha-
racter, a little leas sansMve to tha aoliaa d tha bfae rays of the
tpntiiim, it ia moraMutillva to tka yalow.gTMB, and rad ra^a oooiag
Cram tha ofposito and o( tha apedram. A piata o( thit «haraetar,
when rxpoaed to tfca saaM Alpine laateape as praviooa^ tdad, would
h
sshibit Boch nMtra dalaU in the fsaaawiud, and the <fisranee would
be ia much bottar taoa. But, ahhooga the tenntivaness of the plata,
as orthoefeoataiased, ia of a much lam degree as far as the blue rays
are euncwaed, tbev ar» to powerful that they stiU act too rapidiv on
the amnhian, and it is dsaiiabla to Bait mXH more their cOtet. This
is afBOBtpiishad by tha eohMir tgaw. A suitable ookmnd medium,
in thia ease yellow, is iatarpoatd betwaeu the object and the sensitised
plata. This ■adiam aalsnapto tha pamags of tha Uue rayt to a
oertafai extant, or dhniniahaa tha naidity of their vibrations, and,
while proloogiag thus tha aipoania, allowt tha reds, grtana, yoOowt,
A&, to paaa Uuoadk without Undranca and impreaa tliwntnhtt f nllv
upon tha plato. Tim nswhing image will now ia|naaiiui ia mucn
) eoiour toaa, aa ttpwed ia black and white, the dif-
of the landseapa, gninf full detail and aoftnees to the
and ahowiag ia tha AMaaoa white peaks against a daricer
For pnrpoata of laadaeaaa pholqgraphT tha eolonr seraen aamiored
ihoHld geamuDy ba of a H^t yaBwrMana.encapt ia tome apseul few
httaacaa, whan, to obtain uartiwilar tAsela ia • landtaap% eolottred
aenana of more or lata of a nd at saddfah onaga awy ha f omd
to ba iidiaWi
F^BB tUt brief explaaation the ptiaeipiaa which govern the em-
uloymeot of the aolonr tenaa may ba made apparent, and on its very
taee the theory of ita aelian woald aiam to ba eonaet aad of aomd
valaa. Aad I uaheaitatiagiT aatert that, whaa tha ookwr terasn it
^9pm1f used, the remits will, in every iattaaoe, bear out tha tonnd
priaiujlia of tha theory. Landteapea when, while fuU juttioa it given
'nra, tha distant raagee of hilla are aa ciMrly dnflnad at
1 be to the eye ; water which looka like water and not an
> of tnow ; foliage aad verdure which ihow the varied thadet
) with which aatuM bedtekt haraalf ; or the varied tinta ia aa
kadaeape, aad doadt of white or pale ney floatiaf on a
daiittr tky, aa we tea thaaa daily in the heavene. But a aoloor
ahoald ba aiadwith jndgmwl. as ahonld every othar
adjunct, if good results are to be secured; not for every subject, or
for instantaneous work, or generally for objects close at hand, but
for the special work for which its usefulness has been explained.
Let us for a moment consider tliis and its practical features a little
more in detail.
The first point to be considered is the colour screen itself. This
should be of glass, perfectly flatted and ground to a true surface, or
else it will produce such ao amount of distortion as to render it
totally unfit for use. In England, I have been infurmed, one or two
firms offer for sale colour screens made of yellow pot glass, ground
and polished to a true surface. The only one of these I have been
able to see was of so light a colour, and that more of a brown than a
yellow, that 1 should feel afraid to use it. The quality of others may
be better. It is very easy, however, for any photographer to prepare
his own screens, and of whatever colour be may desire, by a process
which I shall now describe.
Procure plate glass, thin, perfectly flat, ground, and free from all
stritB or bubbles. The thin plate glass that is frequently used for
waking colour cells and animalculsB tanks for tlie gas microscope will
he found to be euellent for this purpose. After being cut in small
squares of the nse desired ('2i x 2|, and 3j x 3^, I have found answer
nearly every purpose), a square should be flowed on one side in the
same manner as when ooating a plate with collodion, with a solution
of the colouring agent in amyl-acetata collodion. The colouring
agent may be either " aurine " for orange red, or any other colouring
matter desired, provided it is soluble in the varnish. For the yellow
screen I am in the habit of using an aniline dye, called "golden
yeUow," in the proportion of from nve to eight grains of the dye to
the fluid ounce of vamiah, aooording to the depth of tint desired. It
is nermaneot, does aot fade to any extent, and gives a rich lemon-
yellow screen. The amyl-aeetato collodion, now extensively used in
the United Statea for tha purpose of lacquering gas fixtures and brass
work of all kinds, is known in trade by a number of different fictitious
names, such as " enameline," Ste. It is simplv a solution of soluble
nitro-oelluloae in mixtures of amyl-acetate. etoer, petroleum, bensine,
and alQohol, mixed in varying proportions. It can be easily prepared on
a small aoale bv riatninff off tna emultion from a spoiled celluloid film,
cutting tha Um up in tmaU ttript (toaking them well in strong
aloohol to lamove the oamphor), and placing theie in a bottle with a
mixture of ctte part amyt-aeetate, one nart petroleum bensine, three
parts aloohol, and three parts ether, all by measure. The celluloid
swell* up and dissolves rather slowly, hence the bottle containing the
mixture should he weU shaken at intervals for several days. A better
collodion is made, however, bv dissolving ffood nitro-oeUulo^e in the
above mixture. When the celluloid it all oissolred, the liauid should
be filtered through a little absorbent cotton to remove any loose flecks
of dirt. TUs varnish gives a toush film, clear and free from trana-
verteii ttria, aad is also aa eseeUent material for vamiahiiig glass
aegatives or positives, being perfeetlv waterprsof. To resume, the
giMS tauare^ aftur having b«tn ooatea with tne coloured varnish, is
aDowea to " aet ' for a few momenti, and then placed aside on a flat
surface until the yamiak is perfectly hard and dry. Care must be
tahw to keep it ooverad while drying, to at to avoid dust and dirt
settling on it. Tha coated plate is now plaoed on a level surface,
film upwards, and sufficient pure Canada balsam ^white and free from
dirt) poured on tha plate to make a pool in the middle of the plate of
about one-fourth of its area. A. fresh, clean glass square of the same
aiae is nsxt taken, sod gentlv lowered on the balsam and plate in the
saaM aMaaer that a oover glass is plaoed oa a microscopic object, and
thea a gentle and even priarare ajmlied until all air it forced out, and
the two glass surfsoss are cemented together with the balsam and are
in uniform contact. The cemented platea are now laid aside on o flat
surface, and allowed to remain several weeks undisturbed, until the
balsam has thoroughly hardened. Then tha edges are cleaned off, the
exuded balsam baiug removed with a little benUDa or benxolej and the
tdgat bouad with toaa atrips of lantom-alide paper. This colour
screen can be placed either before or behind the lens. If before, a
special hood for each lena must be made to hold it I therefore prefer
to use it bihmd tha lens, on the inside of the lens board, when it can
hratrtad or ramovad in a few seooods. This can easily bo arranged
wla two smatt braa or wooden cleats, seeured down on the inside
face of the Itnt board, and adjusted to that the colour sereea can slide
between them.
The next item is the subject. It is hardly necessary to say that
moving objecte and aU instantaneous work are entirely beyond the
toope of the oohmr screen owing to the length of exposure required.
Moving clouds can often be mtisfactorily photographed when tha
motion is slow,and the exposure made with the full aperture of the leu.,
from half to two seconds being generallv sufficient. Large masses
annulus clouds, and also the lighter ana more graceful forms of
476
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[July 22, 1892
dmis, can be made, when at rest, to repeat themselves on the photo-
graphie plate with rare fidelity by the aid of the colour screen. There
are many days of the year when these remain almost quiescent in the
sky, and, as no great' stopping down of the lens is needed, a large
aperture and short exposure will yield excellent results.
For ordinary landscape work in close proximity to the subject the
use of the colour screen is unnecessary, unless some special conditions
of colour exist. Still life, fruit and flower subjects, however, are
especially fruitful fields for the colour screen in conjunction with the
orthochromntic plate. Here time is of no importance, absolute sharp-
ness and fidelity of detail can be secured by stopping down the lens,
and, with a full exposure, every feature of the object will be repro-
duced. The principal use of the colour screen in landscape photo-
graphy, however, is in field work, especially where extended country,
and often extreme, distance, are concerned. Here the colour screen is
an absolute necessity in order to secure uniform and satisfactory
results. I have photographs in my collection taken from the summit
of the Furca Pass in Switzerland, where, while the foreground is
harmonious and full of detail, the Alps of th« Mounts Blanc and
Rosa group are distinctly visible, although at least sixty miles distant.
I have also noticed in the use of the colour screen, when photo-
graphing in both Switzerland and Norway, has given much more
briUiancy to the dull monotone so often noticed in the photographic
rendition of long stretches of bare mountain side, it seeming to
differentiate and accentuate the different tones of browns, dark greys,
and greens so prominent in such landscapes. In fact, I have grown
to rely so much upon the colour screen in photographing these
extended views that I fear no landscape, no matter how e.xtended,
provided it is properly lighted, and I think I can show as satisfactory
results for such subjects as it is possible to compress into the limits of
a small photographic plate.
A word may also be said just here in favour of the use of celluloid
films. Glass is as yet undoubtedly the most perfect medium of
support for the photographic emulsion. But it is heavy, liable to
break, and for distant landscape work apt to show halation. This
latter, it is true, can greatly be prevented by backing the plate, but it
is a tedious, dirty process, and involves infinite trouble. Celluloid, as
now prepared in the United States, is rapidly taking the place of glass
for tourists' work. It is now manufactured almost free from defects,
and is so light and portable that a gross of 8 x 10 size will take up no
more room, and weigh no more, than one dozen of the same size of
glass plates. It cannot be broken, and, moreover, is almost entirely
free from halation, owing to the thinness of the film and the conse-
quent absence of reflecting surfaces. To illustrate its advantages, I
may say that last summer I took a three months' trip through
Norway, carrying with me, in a small Norwegian trunk, together
with my clothing, suflicient material for six hundred 8 x 10 exposures.
The weight of these films was about thirty pounds ; the same amount
of glass plates would have weighed over four hundred pounds — an
almost insurmountable burden, unless one travelled with a baggage
train.
It remains to say a few words concerning exposure and development.
Exposures for orthochromatic plates should always be fully timed to
secure soft and harmonious negatives. An under-exposed orthochro-
matic plate or film is much more inclined to fog on development, and
is mucn more harsh and lacking in detail than an ordinary plate of the
same speed would be if subject to the same conditions. On the other
hand, the orthochromatic plate, and even more so the film, will bear
an amount of over-timing which would simply be ruinous to an ordinary
plate. When a colour screen is used the exposure should be prolonged
eight or ten times, and my friend Mr. F. E. Ives, who is world-cele-
brated for his researches in colour photography, has assured me that
twenty times is none too much. I have no doubt some advocates of
rapid exposures will be shocked by this statement, but, when we con-
sider the retarding effect of the colour screen, the amount of " leeway "
in exposure is in consequence immensely extended. In all such work
plenty of time in exposure is necessary to obtain full detail. The
distance will take care of itself, so will the clouds, and unless there is
a brisk wind blowing they will show up all right in the negative.
Furthermore, in overcast and cloudy weather, exposures on ortho-
chromatic emulsions, either with or without a colour screen, must be
greatly lengthened, much more so than for ordinary emulsions under
the same circumstances. For instance, if I gave two or three times
the exposure (using an ordinary plate) on an overcast day that I would
on a brijrht, clear day for an orthochromatic plate (using no colour
screen), I should give from /our to eight times the exposure, and, if I
did not do so, I should get an under-timed plate. If a colour screen is
used in addition, the exposure should be increased proportionately as
previously mentioned. Most of my failures with the colour screen and
orthochromatic film have been from this cause — under-timing on
cloudy days. There seem* to be, under these circumstances, an
absence of certain light rays in the atmosphere (yellow perhaps)
which ordinarily affect more quickly the orthochromatic emulsion.
After I discovered this I have frequently, after making an exposure,
the time of which I had judged should be ample, made a duplicate
exposure, in which for purposes of experiment I doubled the exposure,
and almost invariably the longer-timed negative came out the best.
Finally, a word or two may be said regarding the development of
the exposed plate or film. The developer used must depend largely
upon the purposes for which the negative is to be used.' If for
bromides, lantern slides, or transparencies, my preference is for the
mixed developer of elkonogen and hydroquinone, it giving negatives
possessing the full detail and quick-printing qualities especially requisite.
For platinotype, plain silver, and kallitype, I am growing to believa
that pyro gives perhaps better results. 'The steel or blue-grey image
produced by the mixed developer gives a density which seems greater
than in fact it really is, and in printing processes which tend to
diminish contrast it will not give as brilliant and " plucky" a print
as will the slightly yellowed pyro-developed negative.
During the reading of the foregoing paper, Dr. Mitchell exhibited
several specimens.
Mr. Bothamley said, that in the absence of the colour screen,
frequently no advantage was gained by ortho-chromatic plates. This
he had ascertained by experience when photographing on the Wye
with Mr. Pringle in 1889. In summer, and with foliage, there was
less advantage than in spring and autumn. He used plates colour-
sensitised, by dipping in a bath of erythrosine and ammonia, and this,
with a lemon-coloured screen, was very sensitive.
Mr. Wamerke asked whether a matt, or a polished surface of
celluloid, was best to be coated with emulsion.
Dr. Mitchell was not yet prepared to say. Opinions differed.
Mr. WoUaston endorsed what I)r. Mitchell had said regarding
photographing on a cloudy day.
Mr. J. Traill Taylor said, that when making a colour screen, instead
of having to wait several weeks before it was ready for use, as mentioned
by Dr. Mitchell, the operation could be completed in one or two hours
by applying heat. to the balsamed plates, as done in cementing lenses.
Several speakers, including Messrs. Tate, Weir-Brown, Keene, and
MissBarnes, then made remarks on the subject of orthochromatic photo-
graphy, but the chairman pointed out that the subject was the colour-
screen, although he would express his opinion that the photographer
who once got at home in working orthochromatic plates with th&
screen, would not i-eadily give them up for ordinary plates.
Mr. Ward then brought forward a motion that a request from this
Convention be forwarded to Chicago to request that facilities be
afforded all photographers to take pictures during the Exhibition
there next year. This was unanimously agreed to.
The following paper was agreed to be taken as read : —
HOW TO LOOK AT PHOTOGRAPHS.
By F. M. Sutclip»s.
PHOToaBAPHS are generally said to show either technical or artistic
excellence. Sometimes both qualities are visible in the same piece of
work, sometimes they are not. There is another quality which ought
to be present in all photographs, without which no photograph can
be considered perfect ; and, until this quality has been recognised, the
photographer should stop before he pats himself on the back and says,
" What a good boy am I," after he has taken what he may look upon
as a perfect piece of work, as an example of technical skill, or as an
attempt at picture-making ; it maj- be clever, yet for all that it is a
failure if it cannot speak to those who look at it.
There has been, as you all know, a lot of strife between what has
been called the old school and the new, or the sharp and the
unsharpened ; it seems to me that, if both these parties had looked at
their work and at that of others in the right way, all this bickering
would not have been. It would almost appear as if many consider
their photographs as an end rather than a means to an end, and as if
all that is expected of the spectator is that he should admire the skill
of the worker as shown in his work ; sometimes even it appears to
be the author of the work who expects to be admired. Only the
other day this was strongly impressed upon me. A youthful photo-
grapher was pointing out the beauties of what he considered a most
successful picture, which he had just finished, to one of our oldest
photographers, saying how ho had been advised to place a figure at
such a spot, but did not, because and because, seeing the old photo-
July22,l»a]
THE BRITISB JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
477
grtpher tmife, he stopped in his^ ontion, and, I hope, received •
uwfol lewon when the old one said : *' Pardon me for smiling, but I
was ♦hi"^'"g of a whipping I once got for falling into a burse-trough
the venr image of the one yon bare therv." That old photographer
knew BOW to look at photographs, for be was able to make them
•peak to him and recaU to his w"-\ }^v,n.ne days. The person who
looks at a photograph ta a €<:>:. 'ore. unable to say anything
aboat anything except the fa< . existed at the mi>ment u(
ezpa«ure,'doe« not aee rery far. Von may contend that, if this b
true, it will depend mocv upon the spectator than upon the photo-
graph, for what will give pleasure to one will say nothug to another.
To be sora, if the vpectator is blind to ererything except the
mKbanical part of the work, the losa is his alone ; but he need not,
as he often aoea, call attention to his own ignorance by denouncing a
picture a failure because his mind happens to be blank except so far
as a knowledge of a certain kind of mechanics may go.
If a photographer thinks he can tell his tales better by making his
works microacoptcally sharp, let him do ao by all means ; if any one's
hobby is the atudy of moesaa and fungi, oo pinhole or spectacle-lens
Tiew wiQ remind such an one of the havpy days he has spent in
poring orer orer damp walls in nnsty nooaa and comers. To some
an extremely sharp picture may be poaitiTehr painful, for it will per-
haps disturb and break the train ol thought, whereaa a lew^dehned
ooe would allow the mind to wander at its own aweet wilL At the
lact exhibition of the Photogranbic Society, the hanging committee,
the secretary, and the jnd«« Bad the opportunity of studying a few
works which the reat of tae worid wars not allowed to see. I don't
•nude to thoae which were hung on the floor, and afterwards con-
sagned to the cellars, bat to ft email collection of picturee br the
worthy Prasident of this Conwlioa. Among them was an almost
ideal phottcrapb. I don't meea tlwtitwaeaounceftainand undefined
that it couu haTe repreaeoted anjrtUaf tke apectator might hare been
pleased to wiab, bat it wae just aoMgh to start the mind along a
plaesent fhanttl The foreground did aothing mora than carrr the
eye to the pciaeipal object, and wheo it got it then the eye waa politely
aakad to take a net, and the laiiid taaa began to entertain the spec-
tator, and picture after pietara we fat baore him : one beard the
wind blowing aod whiirtlfaig tbra«gk the Mill tails, then it almost died
away, only to come again in loader and loader gueta. Now the miller
and MS man come out and look anxioualy, 8nC at the yellow skj, and
then at the wanda, from which Iher take in neerlr all sail. 'N et the
big araa rush louad at a fearful rate as the aky gets darker and
darker ; what an ■aiwoui tiie the aiO look* — did yoa ever go under-
neath a mill's sails in tbe dask t What tvrible things the anna are —
they are aoi* like a wiehlwsis thaa anything isal, as thejr come
down threatening to crash yoa at eveij turn, yet never gettmg any
Bsarsr. Tkee, pwhapa, you awake from your dreams, oolr to find
jtMmelf iaside the miD on a bright aommer's morning, where the
snowy wUtMNSS ia hot UtUs lam Oaasling than the sanshine outside.
Yoa notice bow spotlsssly dean the floors are jioliahed by an un-
•adiag strsam ol loUsa grain ; year nostrils drmk m, with bfinite
defigbt, the seeat of Mwhr gravad wksat Perhaps the miller weighs
yoa in the big. old-fssbioBed Howry sealea, in which hare been
weighed, in gsod years and bad, the dailj bread of the whole Tillage.
AD thia, and mweh more, did Mr. Danson's simple photograph say.
Had it been takan by ooe of the east-iion school, the same plaasaat
train of tbooght might hare followed, if (mark the " if," if you pleeae)
one ooold oaly haWliept at a distance of ten yards ; bat where is the
man who is eootsat to look at a photograph from this distance? No,
it woald hare drawn ns nearer and naarsr, and erery step woald hare
Attvbed the train of tbooght by foreing other anbjects forward.
Meet fiksly the eseaOeaoe of the leoe wow have been imprtessd upon
as, sad, ones started on saeh a sabjaet a> camsns and laoasa, good-bye
to aOpieasare.
Yoa may think a windmill is a Tery soggestire subject — almost
alire, as it were— and that it is f>nly natoral that it sboaU have a
story to tell. V'et^ well, then, take akotcmphie portraiture, or
Hkeneas-takincr, as it used to be callsa : which are the soooesef ul
portraits :' iMse which ai« most beaotifaUy poeed, most brilfiantly
lighted, and noet elecaatJy tetooched P Not a bit of it. The best
p<^<rtnuu are those which remind ns in the happiest way of the
' Tiginais. Thoae sittssa who go to he taken ooly to please themselves
nrx invariably disappointed, and " serve 'em right ; " for who, in their
•> nsee, wishes to be reminded of themselveer Or uke views fur a
cbanoe. Why do people bay local views P Are they allured into
spending th«r monejr Dseaosa they are offered such exquisite ex-
ampiss of aholographie art ? No ; all the tourist wants is something
to remind idiii of the pkices he visits, something to strike a note in
his measory. A few years ago I took a view, but somehow or other
it did not sell at all, thoogh it waa as clear M the moet fastidious
could wish for. No; the view which sold was taken by the other
man, though he ought to have been ashamed of it, for the grasa waa
black, and his whites were white without any mistnke. But his
prints sold ; do you know why ? At one corner of his view was a
whitewashed public-house. 1 learned afterwards that visitors called
there to refresh. My view did not include that ugly public-house
What I gained in artistic excellence I missed in sentiment nnd £ t. d.
There ia another class of work which should certainly be able to
speak. I mean subject or genre pictures ; but these sometimes fail to
appeal to anything but the spectator's sense of humour, so narrow is
the line which divides the sublime from the ridiculous.
Turn to whatever branch of photography we will, it is hard to find
one that does not provide ground for our airy palaces. You have all
heard of the man who bad been so badly brought up that
" The yellow primrose by the river's brim
A yellow primrose 'twas to him.
And nothing more."
Somewhere on the walls of this room you will find a photograph of
some animals — sheep and lambs. Now, this little photograph will
moet likely say to you what the yellow primrose ought to have said to
the unfortunate man. It will remind you of the days when you were
young and iniK)cent as the lambs : it will remind you of successive
spring-times, of the birth of many happy years. Young lambs always
remind me of a photographer I knew when a boy. He was always
singing —
" If I'd as mnch money as I could tell,
I wouldn't go crying, ' Young lambs to sell !' "
He had, like many of us, mistaken his vocation, and waa consequently
miserable.
If poesibl^, whenever ^ou look at a photograph, try to forget the
photography. An architectural photograph will preach no end of
sermons in stone to one who is well ven<ed in the history of archi-
tecture, but to one who knows nothing of this art it will only tell of
small stops, wide anglea, and the like ; it will supply him with less
mental food than the view of the lambs would to a man who had
never known the country, to whom sheep and lambs only meant
mutton chops and lamb and mint sauce.
No doubt you are thinking. Who do you expect has time nowadays
for all this dreaming, and will be saying that you want your picturee
ready made without being at the trouble of making them for your-
selves. If these are your thoughts, I am afraid you find the world a
very hard place, for, if you take away the " make-believe " with
which life is coloured, you must make existence almost unendunible.
Thoae among yon who are unable to agree with what I have said
will, I think, at least admit that it is better to take your photograph
firvt, and then build your ideal on it, than to raise your ideal and
then expect to be able to take a photograph to some up to it. I will,
if you will allow me, give you an example. A customer of mine
wanted his shop-front taken. Ily the way, shop-fronts are alxnit the
only things the amateur has left for us poor professionals to take.
Well, I took the shop-front, but it failed to please. Why? Because
my customer expected the photograph to rise as high as his imagina-
tion did. When I asked him to point out the fauUs, he said that, in
the first place, the young lady looking out of the window was too
short and fat, not tall and graceful, as ahe ahould have been.
Secondly, a wax figure he expected next week for the window did
not show in the photograph; out his principal objection was that a
gilded sky-sign, which he intended having put up next winter, was
not in my picture.
May I say that a photograph gives us the naked truth, which has-
to be cbtheid by the imagination.
The amittal Convention dinner waa held on Friday evening, and was-
the moet successful that haa ever yet taken place. There were inany
ladiee present Mr. I>avison, in the chair, was supported on either
side by Hiss Barnes, Miss Carey, Dr. Mitchell, and Messrs. Botham-
lejLanii Cerabrano.
Die toast of "The Convention" was responded to by Messrs.
Cembrano and BarcUy, the hon. apd local secretary. Mr. W. H.
Walker proposed " The Ladies." Miss Barnes responded. The toast
of "The Photographic Preas," given by Mr. Wm. Lang, jun., was
acknowUKlged by Messrs. Taylor, Sturraey, Wall, Welford, and
Ward. Mr. Bothamley gave " The President," who responded. The
songs, redtations, sentiments, and anecdotes were numerous, and were
contributed to by Miss Barnes, Mrs. Msson, Mrs. Werner, Mrs. War-
neuke. Dr. Mitchell, Messrs. Joseph Cox, Bridge, Crooke, Mason,.
Werner, Welford, U. Cranston, H. M. Smith, T. Scott.
•478
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[July 22, 1892
The party present numbered about a hundred, and the utmost
■geniality prevailed.
The excursions were -well attended, and the weather being fine,
innumerable pictures were taken, a noticeable feature being the
number of ladies who carried and made good use of hand cameras.
On Saturday morning an open meeting of the new Council was
-lield, Mr. Bothamley presiding. The Hon. Secretarj- (Mr. F. P.
Oembrano), in making his financial statement, stated that from
the members' subscriptions they had got so far 591. 5s., and from
advertisements 161. 5s. The local expenses amounted altogether to
40;. 14s. Zd., and he hoped there would bo a small surplus. After a
little discussion, a motion, proposed by Mr. G. W. Webster, Chester,
and seconded by Mr. George Mason, Glasgow, was adopted, authorising
the Council in future to take such steps as might be necessary to make
the Convention self-supporting. Votes of thanks terminated the
proceedings.
The election of the president for next year was then proceeded
with, and Mr. George Mason, of Glasgow, was unanimously elected
to that ofiice.
It was felt that the Convention was very deeply indebted to the
kindness of many members of the Edinburgh Photographic Society,
several of whom were most assiduous in their attention to their visitors.
We have seen proofs of the large Convention group, taken by Mr.
Alex. Ayton, jun., and the smaller one, by Mr, John Stuart. Both
are excellent.
»
®ur Ctiiterial STaiiU.
Thb Practical Index op Photoghaphic ExPOsmiB.
By A. R. WoRMALD, Sntton, Bnrrey.
Me. Wohmald's little pamphlet has now reached its seventh
thousand. This edition has an appendix on the speed of plates, as
indicated by number of times, sensitometer numbers, &c., in which,
inter alia, the author casts doubt on the value of sensitometer num-
bers, as adopted by some plate-makers. Tables of the probable
average speeds of some of the principal plates are given.
Mr. Wormald also sends us his cheap tripod head. This consists
of a wooden triangle, on the under side of which are attached three
revolving rollers, into which three very light legs are screwed.
The head and stand cost (for half-plate) 3*. It is a marvel of cheap-
GuENTHEE. Wagnee's Teanspabbnt Albumen Coloubs.
C. A. RuDOWsrr, 3, Ouildhall-oliambers, K.C.
Mb. Kudowsky has shown us several photographs most skilfully
coloured with the above preparations, the advantages claimed for
them being that they are liquid, ready for use, need not be rubbed on
a palette or diluted with water ; work satisfactorily on all kinds of
glossy photographic or photo-lithographic papers, are perfectly trans-
parent, dry with a gloss, can be applied without difficulty, have a
high degree of permanency, and are not aSected by the burnisher or
by the application of collodion. The colours are equally available for
lantern slides and transparencies, and, from the specimens submitted
to us, we have no doubt that most artistic effects can be produced
with them. They should be welcome to amateurs.
For spotting purposes, Mr. Rudowsky also has Wagner's albumen
retouching medium in a variety of photographic tints. These can be
applied in the finest spots as well as in the most delicate lines. They
will, by themselves, or mixed with one another, yield every hue
-desired, and will stand the hot burnisher. For professional use these
media should prove a great boon, and only require to be known to
secure appreciation.
COLOTTEBD PhOTOGBAPHS ON SlLK.
Me. C. H. S. Schultz, of 10, Ilaupstrasse, Schoneberg, Berlin, who is
at present in this country, has shown us specimens of coloured photo-
graphs on silk, produced according to a recently patented process.
The silk, which is of a special nature as regards its translucency and
texture, is sensitised and printed in the ordinary way, a rather weak
print being aimed at. It is then coloured from the back with dry
pastel colours, and the resulting pictures are of a most artistic
description, especially in the rendition of ladies' dress fabrics, &c.
We can conceive that such colour photographs would be very popular,
and it is in its favour that the process is easily worked.
The " Sandell " Plates.
B. W. Thohis & Co., Limited.
We recently made some trials of the Sandell plate ("General"
rapidity), and can therefore speak from actual experience of the value
of the claims made on their behalf. In cases of considerable
over-exposure purposely given, we found that by removal of the sur-
face veil by ferrid-cyanide excellent printing negatives were easily to
be obtained, whereas, in ordinary cases of over-exposure, it would have
been difficult, if not impracticable, to get results equally as good.
The " Sandell " plates should render the plate-user practically in-
different to the terrors of over-exposure. 'Their halation-preventing
properties are also conspicuous. Our exposures included tree tops on
a background of bright sky, against which the leaves and branches
were sharply defined without exhibiting the least encroachment of
the lights. But what perhaps impressed us as much in favour of the
"Sandell'' plate as anything else was the extreme ease with which, for
such a rapid plate, the fullest density could be obtained with a normal
and yet very rapid exposure.
Sun Picttteks feom Many Lands.
London: Hazell, Watson, & Viney, Ld. Office of the Amateur Ph«fosrap)i«r,l,Oreed-
:iane, E.C.
This elegant volume is the outcome of one of those " Holiday with
the camera " competitions which are so popular among the readers of
our contemporary. The literary matter is derived from numerous
descriptions of holiday outings, in which the respective authors have
contrived to condense a great deal of readable information of a
topographical, historical, and photographic nature. Several of the essays
are illustrated from photographs by the authors in a manner which
the editor claims as a novelty in this country, a great many
well-selected and charming collotypes in various tints being inter-
spersed throughout the text. A couple of excellent detached Wood-
bury-gravures are also given. Collotypic printing in " Sun Pictures "
reaches a high level of excellence, the volume, as a whole, being most
creditable to publishers, printers, and editor alike. An index of con-
tents, however, would have been welcome.
RECENT PATENTS.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS.
'An Improved Box for DeTcloping Photographic Plates and
Hekey Curtiks, 13, Heene-terrace,
No. 12,857.-
Films without the Us8 of a Dark Room."
Worthing, Sussex.— Z)a<«d July 13, 1892.
No. 12,872.— "ImproTements in Transferring Prints to Glass or other Sur-
faces." Arthur Mabtyic, 209, The Grove, Hammersmith, London. — Dated
July 13, 1892.
No. 12,917.— "The 'Make Sure' Camera." Gkoroe Chafpbll, 5, Great
Stanhope-street, London. — Dated July 14, 1892.
No. 13,086.— "Improvements in Photographic Cameras." WiLHKLM HoiT-
KAMN and August IO:-umpp, 61, Fore-street, London. — Dated July 16, 1892.
Mtttim^ of IboctetteiS*
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES
FOR NEXT WEEK.
D*t« ol Meeting.
Name of Society.
PliieeofUeetinl.
JnlyaS „...
..25 ...
Asso. Stndio, Nethergate, Dundee.
„ 25
North Middlesex
Jubilee Hall, Homsey-road.
„ 25
:: as ::::;::::::;
Great Britain (Technical)
50, Great RussoU-st., Bloomsbury.
„ 26
Storey Institute, Lancaster.
f* 26
„ 26
„ 27
Bath
Roy.Lit. k Sc. Inst., Terraoe-wsvlks.
Bank Chambers, Hargreaves-street,
„ 27 ...
„ 27
Anderton's Hotel, Fleet-street.E.O.
„ 28
Lecture Room, Midland Institute.
„ 28
Morley Hall, Triangle, Hackney.
„ 28
Halifax Photo. Club
„ 28
Hull
Eoyal Institution, Hull.
Rooms, 15, Dawson-street, Dublin.
„ 28
„ 28
Crescent Chambers, 3, Lord-street.
„ 28
Champion Hotel, 15, Aldersgate-st.
„ 28
Oldham
The Lyceum, Union-street, Oldham.
„ 29
„ 29
;; 29 ::.
" The Palace," Maidstone.
„ 29
Greyhound Hotel, Richmond.
„ 2S
Tenby Hotel, Swansea.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
July 14, — Mr. Beckett in the chair.
Receipt of a copy of a work on Bromide Snlarging, sent by the Fry
Manufacturing Company, was acknowledged.
Jaly33.18M]
THK BRITISH JOOKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
479
Loss or DnsiTT is Fnixo.
Hf, J, a, Turi aid tkat aany people igBorol the idw that th«n mm any
]em at Mm^tf is tk* amtian o( • iiyllin. aad h« wonfcl like the opioiOBa of
o(ka«Mlh»Miri«tL He Unadf Mad tkatt tak* it genendljr, than WW a
very eooaUoable ndnakm. Smm ■■,■>!»■ nigibt haTt a pietty amwoit
ndnetioo of the image when the smau amoant of light in the diirli room
nvrentad thai Metng th* actaal dearity. For the parpom of deciding the
])ofat,h«hadeaniedoTitanexpaimeat Ha kad cat a plate in halrea, ezpoaed
ttakal*«a togctlwr to a traaaparency, and detdoped nirther than he sboolJ
hare dereloped forr ordinary puipqeea,, Harlnc llxed one half, he waabad the
deedoMT from the othei hall and «»— «*«J both in daylight. The half
which Md been ftzcd woold imn baaa a Mr printabla negatire, bat the
uoftzad haif waa to danaa that ha coaU only jnat ace the image. Upon axing
t oat there eertainlr waa a eaoaiderablc radBctkm of the imam.
Tba CHaibiias obMrred that when he waa working with nesatires by a
he bad to
weak Ufkt, in making copiaa or i
, be foond that
r to get density.
keep
tha davSopar oo fox a mneh louv Ume to
Mr. W. X. DiBBnuil thoof^ the idea tkat there wu any re<laet)on of
doMitr waa a miitaka. There aU^ be a creat apparfnt ndnctlon, simply
tnm tna amoant of aemi-opaqaa Buttter ia the film, which altera the light so
■■ek ia its paaaaga tkioa^ aa to gira tha idea that it waa a mneh denaer
■agalln than tt waa : bat aa aooa aa the Inatda waa remored, more li^ got
tkroogh tha Sim, aad one eoold see tha ptopar denaity. Tha nagaiiTa wonld
appear moeh danaar is a waak light than in a height light
Mr. P. KnaiTT asid the difference in the thtekacaaea of fllma might account
tka
tbani
Cor tha appana* Iohl Anis, waa matallir tUnt adnble ia hypo, so that the
sMllff* m^l ha laiiniial to bs Ndaaai ti tha ibdM^f
Tka Obaibius olMrrad that ha al«q«k«l a ioaaaf deadly la weak Ught
Mr. DaaaniAM aakad what the ehairBaa meant by weak liAt, and thongbt
that ha waa cobAmI^ two thiiupi : am waa waakncm of Hi^wkora tho Mght
I Mopcitieaad Ikwughuat tka wkob aaola, as ia maUag a traaaaaniaey ia
ht^Bial aaiamar or wiatar. Tkaa. aa to wak Hgkt wfo a Map aliiW, tka
katva* tkakigkaat U^ta and ilaapaet ahadowa Botbaiaf aomariced,
ao ■Vfi^^'t wkaa tka Vghl wm pnpartiooad thioaaboot OItcb
a propafttoMto ecpaaara, tka ottkaala twmk la the same. It bad baaa aald
tkot a aaall atop waa aoppoaed to gl*a a weak image, bat be had aertf been
oMa to ftad aay diflkoaoa la tka laaaMik
tka filianai— add wMk a «m»4kal Mwv pednpa got a poor axposM*,
aad la tka wMar ttoT woald koea tta aaiao ttkf ««7 mnak aUka.
Mr. Daanaa aald thai ia thM ea« N mom ha Mlar to any tha koa of
dwdfy WM aaMaad wMk aadar aiwaawai
Tka Cunuta* aoboUtatod Ika term laMBdaMT oTBght.
Mr. Tiara aaU ikal tbia waa tmijjm pkaaa of Iks BMUar. i
wkare proow UBuaaw was glvoa. Tha owdiea waa. What was
tka leaa added?
Mr. EraBiTTbali(*sdtks"lsaa''tohsdasiatkerto tka aataia offtatba
thaa Ike aetioa et tka Szlig hsth. Ha had aotlocd It with platea made
t7 hiwnlf wkick had a lafgs proportloa cT lodlda of aflrer. Ths yeUowBeaa
iihliilllBi. lull llilllllli. illilwililMUl I It li <lj fll |l
TU 0M Of BMNOBa B Dvvaunuji.
The CKanWair adtad wkat waa tk^ pTBelled «a of hrMBMe ia
Mr. Dnmnun aaU II (Mkiod oas la dsfslop (br a )om tias
ilal»la|| lapr la tW iks Jo w^ sad mlgktjMkla aas to got y lalii dw
w««ldhs«dL
Tka Cfeamu* kad
aoMtasr
raaggadad
aad ttat woold daibor flks
Tka OHaiBwaw aald If Ika
Ike..
might hare baaa peoaeat,
ha kad lafciiad to waa sonset, tha
Mr.TlunfeaadaltksitertarttaiddiasaraeMitkathawas ooatlaaally
diialupaiaal with a sdotiea of
voadas aleaa^ aiwlag tha pyio drop bjr Asp, Imt ha had
tko eflMUafenod ta.
Tka
CoccesMfonnmcra
' wfMi m tea iUm ^ UM rfr.
HEUOCHBOMT.
To the ESTTDB.
Bib,— I MS, twm lb. Ivaa'i rsoly in jmr faans of Joly 16, that he ia
iMBMalaiadMipsalaBgrtrathfldBsw. I saaaot m a gsntlsmaa follow
hiai te thM way.
If ha boa aa J real oOdtl doooMiit to prors tha tmth of his aassttkraa
•«BiM*as,hsaBapabfiifaU. I don't (kar it. Tha pbotanapbie world
knows mm kmtm. aa^ porhaps hstiar. than him.
Ilia taty dnfakr aad dtBiaaant of his atyis of argvmsiil that he again
"''••! *■• "W prindpUa won "no! in aoixwdanaa with ths Toong.
HshnhsHi thsen " in sails of Hdmholte bimaoir, who aoknowladasd my
hsUoahnais pg&la, and Mid that tb«y wars in seeordanss with his thsory
g<f« Jba^mit, ^ Md). I am sora that ths world will bsliara Mr.
fIslniheMi IB pwdm— aa to itt. Ives. — I aai, yooia, Aa.,
Btrlim, Jntf 17, !«•>. Da. W. H. Vooiu
OOPIING PHOTOGRAPHS.
To the Editob.
Sib, — I have not observed in the numeroDS ezposare tables compiled
for photographers any special instructions for copying engravings (and
photographs, especially platinotypes. We so often wish to reprodnoe a
good photograph, either of the same size as the original or redaced, in
order to give copies to friends, Ac, that such instructions would be con-
sidered a boon by amateurs. Neither is it at onoe apparent how the
calculations are to be made. When the normal fooas of the lens
beeomea much longer, as it does in copying, all the measnrsa marked on
the Isns, mount, >tc., are in snch cases quite naelesa; and it becomes
neeeaaary to remeasure the diameter of the stop oaed, and the new
distance from the stop slit the screen in each case, in order to oaloalats
the intensity of the light.
Then, again, I think, in copying a monochrome such as a platinotype
or engraving, other conditions of development and intensification obtain
than in the ease of an ordinary landscape or portrait, and, in order to
obtain the best resnlts, a special table and special instructions for the use
of copyists wonld be of great advantage. Do these already exist in a
aepanta form 7—1 am, yours, li^o., Ethel Constance Mat.
/«iy 19, 1892.
m
COBBECT EXPOSUBE.
To the Editob.
Sib, — BIr. Michael qnite ignorea the concluding paragraph of my last
letter, and it ia vs^ diffiaolt lor me to believe that he wroU the first and
thM paragraphs of fats letter, appearing in your iasue of last week, in real
aanest. If he did ao, I will endeavour to explain myself to him more-
iiliariy, osiag his own eiaaaple.
With two Isnana. one of sight-inch focus, and one of four-inch (ocas,.
nasd with aa idantieal atop of one ineh in diameter, the number of rays
of light fmn any nnit of aorface of the landscape wiitb paaa throngh the
stop will, in the eaae of both lenaes, be the same, for the area of the stop is
the same. 'But, as the image formed by these equal number of rajs of
1^1 will, in tha caaa of ttis foor-inoh lens, be only a quarter the area of
t^t formed by the sig^t-inoh lens, the namber of rays of light wUeh
fall npoa a onit of soriaes of the plate will, in the caae of the shorter-
foeoa lens, be toor times giealsr than in tha ease of the longer-focni one,.
and ths eflset on the plate will not be the same in both eases.
H, iaslsad of a slop of tha same area, one of the same relative area had
bssn iMsd, the number of rays of light falling opon a unit of surface of
the plate woold have been equal in both caaea, as 1 pointed out in my
last Isttar, aad the sffset on the plate would have been the same.
If Um. Michael has still any doubt on the sabjeet, let him prepare a
ssrsaa, ralad into eqnal sqnaraa, which will represent units of surfaoe,
and photograph it with hia two leoaes from the same stand-point, naing,
first, slons of ths aams aluolute area, and than stops of the same rfiotitis
arsa, and I think that be will And that ths resolis bsar out what I say.^
I am, yoora, Ae., E. Ooi.meb Obbesi.
Derif, Jult 17, 18M.
«-
WLtaaamu bbsidue^
Tothe'Bvnen.
Sib, — I send you four pUtlootypa prints — copies of paintings of
Tasitianian scanei7, printed on Steinbach plain photographic paper
and isnsitised with two drachms of platino salt to three ounces of iron
eolation, two of B and one of A.
I bare jnd finished a large order of 8000 oopies of same, and have
kept tha developing and add bath. Would yon kindly inform me
what is the beat msans of throwing down the platinum in the said
bath, and how to dispoae of it— that is, woold it be advisable to sdl
it in the eokmiea, or sand it home?
Also, can yoa Inform me who are the beat aathorities on collotype
and photo-nMebaaieal printing, and where they are to be obtained. —
I am, yoats, Ao., C. Scott,
Hobarl, Tatwta-ia, Jfay 81, 1893. OorermnaU photo-lithographer.
TThe platinum pictuiaa our corre-; ' nda us are tnilj admir-
able, the gradation of tone bmn^ ni. . well rendered. Infomi-
ation as tothereeoreryof platinum reuUuua is friren in the course of a
hading artiele in the pieoent number nf the Journal. Probably, to
a bagmiMir in the practical Ktn!' ' : ■ ■^^ work, Mr. W. K. Burton's
book on I'hoto-meekantcal J' . ublislied by Marion & Co,
Soh^^uan, London) would pDM' moni serviceable. — £d.]
— ^
— >
C0ATI.\O PLATES.
To the Eorroa.
Sib,— I cote my own Plates ; Sum i get to thick and sum to thin ; i
thought of gating a Silver Hpoon and Put it on and Spred it over with a
Piee of gbws tobing ; will ths Silver Spoon inger the emulshon ?— I am,
yotirs, Ac, Auxture.
Julf 19, 1893.
[No, good " Ametoie,'' a silrer spoon will not injure the emulsion.
Utendis of silrer are axtensiveljr employed in commercial emulsion
making. — £s.]
480
THE BWTISH JOUKNAL, OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[July 22, 1892
anstoera to ©orreaponuetiw.
All matteri M Iht text portion of IMt Joubhal, including queriei for
"Annoeri" and " Bxchangea," mtut be addreued to "Thb Editob,"
S; Tork-ttreet, Covent Garden, London. Inattention to thii enmret delay.
No notice taJcen of <MmiMi,nicatvm* unleu name and addreu of writer are
given.
•,* Communicationt relating to Advertisementt and general biuinees affairs
mutt be addressed to "Hbnby Gbsbnwood & Co.," 2, York-street, Covent
Garden, London.
Photographs Registered :
Arthur Frederick Winter, Preston.— Portraifj of H.E.H. Duke o/Bdinb imifi, Cajitain
John and Mrt. Hamher {Mayvr mi Mavorws of Preston), Mmter Humlcr, Barl
Latham, Hon. W. 0. Colville, and LMut.-Oolonct A. M. Jfoorsom.
Oromwell Hall Warren, Bristol.— Pfiofoyraph of the refreshment building ond brood
waik at the Zooloj/ical Gardmt, Clifton, Brintol.
BECEn'ED. — J. H. ; J. S. Gladstone ; and other*.
Mia.— The Scotch and Irish Oxygen Company, Polmadie, Glasgow, supply gas
cylinders.
G. E. T. — You might try a dilute solution of cyanide of potassium, and, if that
does not remove the stain, you may conclude that the case is hopeless.
Oxalate. — Messrs. Barnard & Son publish a work on the crystoleum process,
and supply all the materials for it. Their address, we believe, is Beniers-
street, W.
Sodium says he is much pleased with the Ilford printing-out paper, and asks if
it would be possible to enlarge upon it, using an enlarging lantern and the
limelight. — No ; except with such an exposure as would make the thing
not worth the trouble.
T. SiDEY.— The fault of the pictures is that they are, like many amateurs' hand
camera pictures, very much under-exposed. Either the shutter was too quick
for the plates or the plates were too slow for the shutter. With the class of
subjects enclosed an excessively quick shutter was not necessary.
DuBUN. — The appearance described is due to the balsam with which the lenses
are cemented. By warming the combination the lenses may be separated,
and the old balsam cleaned off with turpentine, and recemented. Perhaps, if
you are not familiar with the manipulation, the best way will be to get a
practical optician to do the work.
A. W. — In intensifying carbon transparencies with permanganate of potash the
strength of the solution is of little importance, though it is not advisable to
use it too strong. The same end is attained by using a weak solution as a
stronger one ; it is only a question of time. From ten to twenty grains of
the salt to an ounce of water is a good proportion.
E. Bishop. — In marking the pictures " copyright " when they are not registered
according to the Act, you are acting illegally. You have no right to claim
as a monopoly what you do not possess. For example, if you were to mark
a thing as "patent," although you may have provisionally protected the
invention, but have not completed the patent, a penalty is incurred.
C. CuRTiNS. — The]excellence of the reproductions of painting of Continental pro-
duction, seen in the shop windows of London, is not due to any superiority
in the light in which they are made, but to the skill of the operators. As a
rule, the wet-collodion process is used for this class of work. We need
scarcely say that full advantage is taken of orthochromatio photography.
Thomas Evans (Cardiff). — We have no knowledge of the person of whom you
bought the hand camera, but it appears to us, that as, according to his letter,
he states that a lens of four and a quarter inches focus would suit it, and you
find that it does not, you have legitimate ground for complaint. Con-
sequently, we are of opinion that you can legdly compel him to return the
money.
A. Alexander asks which process requires the more expensive plant for its
working, the collotype or the Woodburytype ? — The Woodbury process is the
more costly, on account of the hydraulic press \vith the planed steel plates,
and the rolling press and plates necessary for the preparation of the paper.
With collotype an ordinary typographic press, or a lithographic press, is the
most costly thing required.
S, A. J. — There is no school in London, or elsewhere so far as we know, where
posing and lighting the sitter are taught The knowledge you have acq<iired,
as an amateur, in six months will, we imagine, avail you but little in securing
an appointment as operator in a first-class London establishment. Skilled
operators of many years' standing are, unfortunately, only too plentiful to
leave much chance for novices.
Solids. — If you have the chloride of gold in solution, or, as you term it, in a
liquid form, all you have to do to get it into a " solid form " is to place the
solution in a Berlin evaporating dish on a sand bath, and apply heat until the
water is evaporated. If, as you say, you have got rid of the acid, it will be
T: well to add a small proportion of hydrochloric acid before commencing opera-
tions, and thus avoid decomposition of the salt.
>B. Jackson. — The "steel facing" of photogravure plates is by no means a
difficult thing to those who understand the work. But our space will not
admit of giving full details of the work, as it would involve writing a treatise
on electro deposition. Besides, probably not half a dozen readers are in-
■ terested in the matter. Our advice is, send the plates to one of the firms
who make a speciality of "steel facing," particularly as you have " only one
or two to do now and then."
COL. A. (India). — From the description of the behaviour of the paper, we
imagine you have over-dried it. Bear in mind that a certain amount of
moisture is necessary in the paper while printing, otherwise it will not tone
readily. Of course, if the pads and the backs of the frames become ab-
normally dry, they will absorb moisture from the paper, which will prac-
tically become equivalent to over-drying the paper.
A. A. — In crossing the French frontier from Germany you may possibly meet
with a little difficulty with the exposed plates, as you do not speak Frencli ;
but if you provide yourself with a passport from our Foreign Office, and are
courteous to the Customs officials, the difficulty will, no doubt, be sur-
mounted. Without any suggestion of "bribery or corruption," we may
mention that a franc or two often overcomes difficulties in foreign parts.
B. AND D. (Swansea Valley). — The length and width of the studio will depend
entirely upon what you wish to do in it, and this you do not say. A length
of twenty-five feet will enable full-length portraits to be taken, of the cabinet
size, with a lens of the most suitable length of focus to use. The width may
be from ten to twelve feet. If you wish for a studio for groups, &c., the
length and width must be proportionately greater. If the studio is wanted
only for amateur work, probably one of smaller dimensions will suffice. If
you have a choice of positions, as from your letter we surmise you have, let
it run from east to west, so that the light is admitted on the north side the
south being opaque.
Photographic Society of Great Britain. — July 26, Technical Meeting.
Subject for discussion. Modern Developers.
Major Leonard Darwin, formerly a member of Council of the Photographic
Society of Great Britain, was among the successful parliamentary candidates
at the recent general election.
Photographic Club. — July 27, Open Night. August 3, Outdoor Ex-
periences. July 23, Outing to Oxted and Edenbridge. Train from Victoria
at thirty-five minutes past two ; from London-bridge at twenty-five minutes
past two.
Mr. James Cadett informs us of the termination of his engagements, and
his resumption of the manufacture of dry plates under his own name. He has
associated himself in partnership with his brother-in-law, Mr. Walter Neall.
The " Cadett" plate of Messrs. Cadett & Neall will be placed on the market
on the 1st of August. The firm's works are situated at Ashtead, Surrey, and
they have decided to adopt the Hurter & Driffield standard for the testing of
plates. Mr. Cadett's long experience in the art of plate-making should stand
the young firm in good stead in its venture. Three rapidities of plates will be
made, viz., "Lightning," "Ordinary," and "Lantern."
The Potsdam Observatory. — In his recent inaugural address to the Berlin
Academy, Professor Vogel gave an account of the important work cut for the
Potsdam Astro-Physical Observatory, of which he is the head, during the next
ten years. The gist of his address was as follows : — It is well known to those
acquainted with the subject how greatly astro-physics, and especially the
spectrum analysis of the fixed stars, have been promoted by the application of
photography. When the same optical means are used, spectrum photography
enables one to make measurements twenty times more exact than those made
by direct observation through the telescope ; and, as a result of his investiga-
tions, carried on for several years, by the new method. Professor Vogel drew
up, in the beginning of this year, a catalogue of the motions in the vision-
radii of fifty-one of the brightest stars of our sky. One of the main tasks
of the astronomers of our time is to extend this catalogue to the utmost limits
the most powerful telescopes admit of, so that it will comprise about five
hundred stars. Professor Vogel has good reason to hope that the improvements
of the instruments of the Observatory necessary for this purpose will be granted
him ere very long. Besides their main purpose, which is the enlargement of our
knowledge of the motions of the fixed stars, the.se spectrographic investigations
have led to the demonstration of a class of double stars, hitherto only assumed
to be such, the peculiarity of which consists in the extremely small distance
between the components, so that contact of their atmospheres seems almost
inevitable ; and no optical apparatus powerful enough to render the components
separately visible can be imagined. Certain relations of these' systems to the
so-called new stars, and especially their comparative frequency, seem to indicate
that these close double stars play a far more important part among the fixed
stars than has till lately been supposed, and the investigation of these relations
therefore promises to be of great importance. Among the fifty clearest stars of
our sky, four such stars are already recognised with certainty.
*,* Owing to the pressure of Convention matter, we have heen obliged to hold
over several letters, Society reports, and other communications. These will be
given in our next.
OONTENTS,
Pask
DO NEGATrVES LOSE DENSITY IN
FIXING? 465
PLATINl'M AND PLATINUM RESIDUES 166
PHOTOGRAPHIC CONVENTION OF
THE UNITED KINGDOM 468
INDIVIDUALITY IN PHOTO-
GBAPHl'. By H. P. ROBINSON., tm
PIIOTOGBAPHY IN RELATION TO
PAINTING. By A. BUROHETT .... 40
AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY IN
AMERICA. By CATHARINE
WEED BARNES 471
DEFICIENCIES IN THE TRAIN-
ING OF PHOTOGRAPHERS. By
E. HOWARD FARMER 478
Urn*
CONVENTION— ooni/nwi^d.
THE COLOUR SCREEN IN LAND-
SCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY. Bv C. L.
MITCHELL, M.D 474
HOW TO LOOK AT PHOTOGRAPHS.
By F. M. SUTCLIFFE 476
THE CONVENTION DINNER 477
OUR EDITORIAL TABLB 47S
RECENT PATENTS 478
MEETINGS OP SOCIETIES 478
CORRESPONDENCE 479
ANSWERg 10 0ORRE8PONDENIB 480
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1682. Vol. XXXIX.— JULY 29, 1892.
I
AN IMPROVED METHOD OF TREATING RESIDUES.
The time-honoured method of adding salt— common kitchen
salt — to the washingi from silver prints is always difficult to
displace bj improred methods; still, as the erer-increasing
preanire of competition causes vnaj professional photo^^pher
to seek means of increasing his ineoue, it maj jet be that, if he
see any distinct u'ain, he will throw aside prejudice, and take up
new plans promising gaia At the outset we may say that
chloride of sodium is a very nnsoitahlc precipitant for two
potent reasons. In the first place erery printer of experience
knows that, when the silver is precipitated in the ordinary way,
« Tery long time has to elapse bdbre the hut traces of diloride
wWda ; it ia neoeMary to have aeraral venek to be used in
soocMnou, so that the one first filled may have cleared suffici-
ently to be raady to empty by the time the reiit are full. If this
be not done, the liquid run off is "milky," in other words,
contain! a quantity of finely divided chloride of silver in
BaspenaiMi, and this goes down the sink and is wasted.
Secondly, though the li<]iiiil may be quite clear, there is yet a
'.' u^iderable waste ; for vilution of diloride of sodium dissolves
iin appreciable amount of silver chloride, und tu the extent of
this solubility must Ices aocnui If any one entertain any
doubt on this point, let him veiy carefully filter a portion of
the clear liquid etuiding ortr the precipitate, and add to it one
drop of the eolation of liver of solpbur, which he uses for
thr>wing down silver from the hypo. The considerable dis-
colouration produced is irreftnytble evidence of the presence
of silver.
Doth tbeee olgeotioas may be removed by « using hydro-
chloric acid. The impure add — ^the mnriatio add of the dry-
salter— will suffice. It does not dissolve the silver salt, and it
causes the precipiutioo to be more speedy, or perhaps we
should My leas slow, in falling, and to thus decidedly a gain in
material and in time.
But even with this pndpitattft there to dday, and. where
»: ue it of importance, it cannot but be that some silver to
wMtcd through inaofficient time being allowed for subeideuee.
We have, therefore, been nnUag a series of experimenU
1- 'ring npco thto point, and have dertoed a method which
-" "Tna to be all that can be desired. Starting with a process
• ni ployed in metallurgical operatiooe, we first tried the effect
ot precipiuting the silver as a bromide ; but, try it how we
would, no benefit resulted in any way commensurate with the
incKwed expense thto more ccetly salt involved.
Oar next plan was to add to the washings some snbetance
Iwhtoli vonld cause a more speedy fidling of the chloride. After
numeriNie fiUlatcs, particulars of which need not be here re-
counted, we brought into use a soluble lead salt, which mi^ht be
precipitated nt the wmc time as the silver, and perhaps, by virtue
the particles of silver chloride. This plan met with complete
success. So far our trials have been merely on a laboratory
scale, and thus not with a large bulk of liijuid ; but there is no
reason to doubt that, when put into actual practice, it wUI act
in a precisely similar way.
Taking a quantity of washings obtained from prints to cause
the laboratory conditions to, as nearly as p<:)ssible, resemble
printing-room work, and, dividing it into a number of portions
of equal bulk, we placed them in a series of test tubes. The
first experiment was a mere tentative trial, but its success was
erident A few drops of solution of lead nitrate were added to
one test tube, and the precipitant added, a second tube having
the siime treatment, but with the lead left out. In number one
tube the precipitate all sank to the bottom and left a clear
liquid in less than a minute, while the second tube was milky
half an hour afterwards, and no doubt would take a day or
so to become quite clear. We next tried the effect of varying
quantities, and we found that there was no gain whatever in
iucrcssing the pro])ortion of lead salt beyond a cerUin small
proportion. This proportion, as near as we can judge, would
be about one-fiflh of the silver salt present.
Next we ascertained the best form in which to add the
chloride. The action was so prompt that it was needless to ex-
I>eriment again with bromides. The result was that, though
hydrochloric acid was very quick in action, the ordinary table-
salt solution was still better. It was th^n desirable to see
whether a more easily obtainable lead salt — the acetate —
would answer. It was quite e<|ual to the nitrate.
We were thus in a iweltion at once to formulate a method
for practical use. To each jar of print washing — say, of ten
gallons — add a quarter of an ounce of acetate of lead — sugar
of lead, it is commonly called — and, when completely mixed,
add the usual chlorine, either as "salt " or as "muriatic acid,"
stir for a little time, and allow to subside.
We are hoping that before long we may be able to say how
the plan works in practice on a large scale, for Mr. Watmough
Webster, who joined us in these experiments, has promised to
introduce the method into hto daily practice, for a time at any
rate, and report the jjracticid results attending what may be
termed the lead method of precipitation.
THE ALUM AND HYPO FI.XING BATH.
Ibtkuct has been recently revived, in connexion with some ot
the commercial "printing-out papers," in the almost-forgotten
combination of alum and sodium hyposulphite, or thiosulphatc,
introduced many years back with a riew, as was supposed, of
seciuing in the one solution the hardening effects of the one
and the Bxing action of the other. It is at least ten years
since this composite bnth w(i.s first jmblicly mentioned at a
482
THE BRITISH JODIiNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[July 29, 1892
meeting held in the Hall of the Society of Arts, and it was at
once pointed out that, as the two substances decompose one
another, there was scarcely any probability of the desired end
being attained, since, if the bath were to possess any fixing
power, the hypo must be greatly in excess of the alum, which
would consequently bo totally destroyed or deprived of any
action it might possess.
Although the combination was written down aa useless, and
practically set on one side as a merely fanciful innovation, it
continued for some time to keep a slight hold on the public,
some of whom claimed for it that, whether right or wrong in
theory, in practice it was decidedly superior to plain hypo ; and
now, at the present day, it is actually coming into use again,
under the recommendation of some of the leading manufacturers
of gelatine- chloride papers. Under the circumstances, then, it
may be worth while to examine critically what the compound
solution really consists of.
It is a fact well known to the large majority of our readers
that a solution of sodium hyposulphite, even when pure, is of a
rather unstable nature, and that it is instantly decomposed by
most acids, with liberation of sulphur and sulphur compounds.
To avoid the risk of introducing any such dangerous agents
into the fixing batli of days gone by, it was the practice with
many to render it very slightly alkaline, especially when em-
ployed for the fixation of prints, the whites of which, amongst
other advantages, were supposed to be thereby kept much
purer, while the risk of fading was also considered to be
lessened.
In recent years, however, a movement has been made quite
in the opposite direction, and it is not long since the photo-
graphic world was discussing the merits and demerits, the
orthodoxy or otherwise, of the acid hypo bath. As in the case
of alum and hypo, there was at once a great outcry that the
acid bath was theoretically and scientifically impossible, and
could only lead to imperfect fixation and rapid destruction of
the images submitted to it. Here, again, practice stepped in,
and said that not only was the thing feasible, but that it was
a distinct improvement upon the old bath of plain hypo ; and,
upon examining more carefully into the chemistry of the
matter, the " rule-of-thvmib " men were found to have reason
on their side. If properly prepared — and many different
formula; were published — the bath, when ready for use, con-
tained, besides the hypo, nothing but free sulphurous acid or
an acid sulphite ; and as this acid, unlike most others, causes
no decomposition of the hyposulphite, while it possesses distinct
clearing powers on the negative image, an advantage might fairly
be claimed for it.
But, after all, many of the formulse were simply very round-
about methods of simply adding the acid or acid sulphite
directly to the bath, for the result was attained by adding
other acids, wliich, by partially decomposing the hypo, liberated
the agent required, the process in many cases requiring great
care in order to secure the proper result. The alum and hypo
bath is, jierhaps, another example of taking a somewhat round-
about way of arriving at something like the result aimed at.
As all who have tried it are aware, that iipon mixing solutions
of alum and hyj)0 a dense precipitate is formed, but the behaviour
of the mixed solutions varies very greatly with the conditions
under which they arc brought together. When concentrated
solutions are employed, especially if hot, the mixture almost
instantly solidifies into a soft solid mass, from the sudden pre-
cipitation of alumina in the gelatinous state ;.with weaker so-
lutions the combination takes place less rapidly, and the pre-
cipitate partakes of a difierent character, and is more easily
separated from the solution. The first thing to be done is, of
course, to filter out the precipitate, and the bath is then ready
for use.
But now we come to the chemistry of the mixture, which
scarcely seems to be clearly understood even by those who
recommend the composite bath. From what transpired at a
recent meeting, the idea seems to prevail that the precipitation
of the alumina is all that takes place, and that a similar result
would be achieved with less trouble by simply adding sulphate
of potash instead of the double salt that goes by the name of
alum. Such, however, is far from being the case, as we shall
show, the changes that occur being numerous and complicated.
When a solution of any of the alkaline hyposulphites is
heated with a salt of aluminium, the alumina, together with
sulphur, are precipitated, and sulphurous anhydride is liberated ;
that is to say, sulphurous acid is formed in the solution, and
the hyposulphite is converted into sulphate. Taking the
mixture we have under discussion, the following equation
shows exactly what occurs : —
2 Al K (SO,)' + 3 Na^ S^ 0, = Alj 0, + Na, SO, -f- K, SO, -f
Sequiv.alao. | S«piv.h,po | ^^^M ''o''fISS'- V^'^T^
3 S + 3 SO,
S eqniT.
sulphar
3 eq. Bnlph.
anliydride.
Thus we see that two equivalents of alum and three of hypo
exactly decompose one another into a variety of substances,
and we begin to sec that the alum and hypo mixture may
possess virtues, though scarcely such as were aimed at by the
original introducer of the formula. The changes stated above
take place with great rapidity when the mixed solutions are
heated, but much more slowly at ordinary temperatures,
especially if dilute. One care, then, in using such a fixing
bath, should be to give it plenty of time for the decomposition
to become complete before filtering it.
It is obvious that the hypo must be largely in excess in
order to preserve any fixing power in the bath. When filtered
and ready for use, the solution will contain, in addition to the
excess of hypo, the sulphates of potash and soda and free
sulphurous acid, to retain which as much as possible it is
desirable to perform the filtration with as little exposure to the
air as can be. Now, the sulphurous acid acts as a clearing
agent, while the alkaline sulphates are claimed, with what
reason we can scarcely say, to exercise a hardening action
upon the gelatine film similar to that exhibited by alum itself.
The alum and hypo bath resolves itself, then, simply into
another form of the acid fixing bath, with the possible additional
advantage of its combining hardening with fixing.
In making such a mixture, it is in every way desirable to
know what we are doing, and what is the precise composition
of our preparation. From the data given above this is easily
done, for, reducing the quantities of the two materials to actual
weights, we find by calculation that one ounce of alum will
decompose a little more than three-quarters of an ounce of
hypo. In making a fixing bath of any given strength, then, it
will be necessary to add an additional quantity of hypo equal
to three-fourths of the alum employed ; and, if this rule be kept
in view, it is possible, without altering the fixing strength of
the bath, to increase or decrease its clearing and hardening
capacities to any desired extent, and so we may convert the
mixture into something like a definite formula.
With regard to the hardening power claimed for the neutral
sulj)hatcs we are personally unable at present to say anything,
Joly 39, 1882]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOORAPHY.
483
but we may point out that one of the earliest remedies for
frilling oonsiated in adding Epsom salU— sulphate of magnesia
to the developer, and to the water in which the plates were
soaked. Ferrous sulphate also was proposed by Mr. Kennett a
docen years ago as an addition to the fixing bath for the pur-
pose of imtfiuification, though the acUon waa more probably a
clearing one, by which the colour and contrasta of the nega-
tive were altered. In this case too an indurating action
has been claimed, and probably with more reason than in the
case of the alkaline sulphites ; but the clearing action is un-
doubtedly due to some series of cwnplex decompositions similar
IB general character to those stated above.
PHOTOGRAVURE AT HOME AND ABROAD.
It is a noteworthy fact that the m^ority of the mechanical
icocessea of photography are worked more extensively on the
Continent than they are at home, and, as some aver, with a
certain show of reason, to greater perfection. In support of
this idea, it is an incontestable fact that a very large projKirtion
of the photo-mechanical work met with commercially in this
oountry is executed abroad. Notably is this the case, and we
regret to have to admit it, with the bif h-class photogravures,
which hare practically taken the place of line engravings.
When one sees a 6ne example of photogravure in any of the
shop windows of our large towns, the chances are ten, or more,
to one that the imprint indicates that it was made on the
Continent We are not here alluding to the reproduction of
works of foreign artists, but to those of our own countrymen.
Seeing that the greater proportion of the photogravures
from the paintings of the principal artisU of this country are
prodooed on the Continent, it becomes a matter of no little
interest to inquire why this is the case, particularly when we con-
sider that the processes by which the plates are made owe their
origin to this coontty. Most people would imagine that home
pbotogfH)hie engrsTers would have several advantages over
tboae abroad, in so far at least as British works are oonoemed.
The proprietors of valuable paintings have, very naturally, an
objection to their going out of the country, yet for the purjKjse
of reproduction they are continually being sent away. It is
true the paintings are sometimes copied here and the negatives
only sent This is, however, ezoeptional, for the first-class
photographic engraver finds it almost an absolute necessity to
have the original before him, in order th«t he may make sure
that the colours of the picture are rendered in their true
I ' 1 into monochrome. Without this being done, the plate
V. ;. \)c valoaless in the eyes of a (irstHsUss publisher, and,
what is more, ths painter would not sanction its publication.
It is very common, when the alleged superiority of any kind
of photographic work over our own is spoken of, to hear the
naaon assigned for it that the li^t is so mnch better on the
Continent than it is here. This reason oan soaroely be sdmitte<l
in this instance, inasmuch as, beyond the mere prodm-tiori of
the negative, lij,'ht is not a factor in the case. Of course, it
goss without saying that excellence in the negative is an
csssntisl, and this brings us to the point Are Continental
photegisptiers mon- skilful in translating the colours of a
paistias in a negative, or, in other words, more experienced in
intbodiromatio photography, than those of our country! It
will be remembered that a few yearn ago a Continental firm
repnduoed the pictures in our National Gallery in a better
mannfr thtti tboy had ever been done before. But since
that time the subject of orthochromatic photography has re-
ceived very considerable attention here. So far as the photo-
graphic phase of the question is concerned, we fail to see that
the foreign workers possess any advantage whatever over their
English cimfreres.
Next to the purely photographic aspect of the work comes
the production of the engraved plates. There are two methods
in vogue for making them on the Continent One by forming
the plate by electro decomposition upon a grained gelatine
relief, the other by etching through a gelatine image on a
copper plate with a solution of perchloride of iron. It is the
latter process that is in the most general use, as it is also in
England. Are the foreigners more skilful in the manipulations,
or have they any special method of working that is not known
to us t One can scarcely imagine either.
There is, however, another point of importance in the pro-
duction of a photwjravure plate beyond what may be termed
the mechanical portion of the work, namely, the retouching of
the plate. This, of course, requires a considerable degree of
skill as well as artistic ability. If we examine a number of
foreign photogravures from different plates, we shall see on
some that a large amount of baud work has been expended
upon them, while on others there is very little indeed. But,
little as there is, it has been introduced with very great dis-
cretion, and often only where photography has failed to properly
translate the different shades of colour, thus showing that the
mechanical 'part of the work must have been very perfect in the
first instance. Have the foreigners any wlvantage over us in
this direction 1 There certainly is no reason why they should
have. The question of printing from the plates hardly
applies, seeing that although the plates are made abroad, a
considerable proportion of them are printed here.
One important item for consideration is price. It is fre-
quently said that foreign work is cheaper than English ; but
this can soaroely be said with regard to photogravure, for the
price charged for the highest-class foreign plates is quite as
much, if it is not more, than is charged here. Again, when a
publisher has paid a large sum, sometimes amounting to as
much as "four figures," for the copyright of a painting, the
matter of a few pounds in the cost of its- reproduction is a
secondary consideration to the quality of the result The reason
that has been assigned for the largo number of photogravures
from the works of British artists to be seen in this country, issued
from foreign houses, is that Continental publishers, it is said,
will generally pay a higher price for the copyright of high-class
pictures tlian is the case with English publishers.
Whatever may be the reason or reasons, it is a regrettable
fact that so much work in the reproduction by photogravure of
British artisU' pictures is being continually sent abroad for its
execution. Particularly is this the case when we consider that
we possess equal, if not greater, facilities for doing it at home.
A Photorraphen< Party for the Chicago Exhibition.
—Mr. H. Snowden Ward informs us that he ia making the preliminary
arran^-meiiU for a party of photographers to visit the United States
MKi ywar, in connexion with the Chicago Exhibition, and soliciu
suggestions for the success of the undertaking. Several gentlemen
bare already expressed s willingness to join such a party.
Tbe ». A. P. P.— These are the initials of the National Asso-
ciation ..f Professional Photographers, of which body several informal
meetings were heU during the Convention week in Edinburgh, when
many matters affectmg the weU-being of the Association, and through
it of profesnonal photographers, were discussed. Mr. T. Fall (the
484
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[July 29,] 802
iTesident) andMr. H. J. "W'hitlock (thelate President) take a very active
intHrest in the AeK)ciation, which is apparently drawing to itself
considerable support and sympathy. Probably the annual meeting
wi 1 be held in London next November, when we hope to hear that
t;,t> aims of the Association are in process of achievement. The Secre-
tary is Mr. D. J. O'Neill, of 47, Charlotte-street, Birmingham, who
wUl be happy to supply all particulars of the N. A. P. P. to those
w!io are interested in it.
The Stops of Front Combinations. — A correspondent
wrtes this week, ajirajioa of the employment of the front coinbina-
tio'i of a compound lens, asking us to indicate the values of the stops
w'rn the lialf, instead of the entire, objective is used, in order to get
•w' at is practically double the length of focus. The rule is as follows :
Pnj.pose the stop, which is /-8, of a six-inch lens be also used when
H<f front combination alone is taken, it is then expressed as /-lO. If
b<)l h figures be squared, it will be found that the larger is divisible ex-
a tly four times by the smaller, and the exposure has to be increased
txai-tly that number of times. Applying this rule, our correspondent
finds reason to complain of over-exposure, and appears to .suggest that a
sboiler one would have sufficed, on the ground that he gave four
ti lie." what he would have given with the entire lens. Had lie made
cmpaialive tests on those lines, he would, in all probability, have
fji.il that both pictures would have been over-exposed. But thi^
doi- not affect either the theoretical or practical accuracy of the
Pug-aclty of Bromide Prints. — The Indian climate appears
V- l.e peculiitrly unfuvourable to the longevity of bromide prints, the
(■ use of their di.sappearance being probably due, as was suggested
M) e months ago. to the instigation by humidity of a chemical action
in t lif material of the paper, which converts the silver into a com-
iriiiiid that diffii.ses and disappears in the support. Mr. J. S. Glad-
^toIl^• calls cur attention to the circumstance that bromide prints in
c>ntart with platinotypes had, after two j'ears, almost disappeared,
tli» plHtinimi pictures standing well and partly printing themselves on
thf biomide support. The high temperature, excessive humidity of
air. and gentle pressure he is inclined to assign as the causes of the
disa|'| 'Hrance of the bromide prints are, if we remember, those for-
w-il' sug>!e-ted for the phenomenon. The stability of the platino-
fvj"'- under these conditions has been commented upon before, but we
d'l n"t recneraber having lieard of the curious fact that such images
• iin led off."
Fungroid Growths In Xiantern Slides.— Mr. Gladstone
»l .' -e^ ds IIS -oniH luiiteru slides with the films partly detached and
< .liiliiiina both ou glass and gelatine distinctly marked growths of a
fiiiigdi lal nature. From our examination it would appear as if the
gtiis vierf t e cause of the growth, although one might have conjec-
lur.'d tliat the gtlatine would more likely to have been at fault. Our
f.oii'Spoiidei t complains of some chloride plates which developed black
111) ost-r, and is of opinion that such plates will not stand the cUmate.
Vv . iiiiM ionceiv-- of considerable risk in keeping organic chloride, that
i-, |)iiiitiiig-(Mit chloride plates in such a climate, but we are at a loss to
iinufiiif w li_\ pla'es of pure chloride should not keep just as well as
1 lidi p « es for negative work. Thousands of dozens of the latter
• :iniiiiad exported to India with satisfactory results. We should
1 li a ifuiptratm-e of W extremely high for such plates to be
I : ill. rmt we hav^ known of instances where a much higher tem-
p 'iit r.- 'or H period of several weeks has not produced any ill effects
o gelatine plate-.
.Snake - fn the Dark Room.—" Z. F. G." writes to the editor
oi I lie .hnirnn' "f the I'lioto(/rnphic Society of India: "During these
!.•• iliiv. i- \v ii'd h- well for every operator to examine his dark
> <i liefni-" shntrinif the door for work. A few days ago I went in
Mtniii tu iijiko -omf changes, and found a huge snake, not less
II >e. • t ill length, coiled up under the table. Had I gone in
t ;h\pI. p, ' ii.ml.l have shut the door, and not have known lie was
i-i' Hn'll T ' U hi II nndnr my f^et." Onr contemporary remarks:
• I li- -is sr -.ii.hle idvice for India, and 'Z. F. G.' deserves our
thanks for sending it. The other day, my servant, hearing a noise in
the waste-water pipe attached to the dark-room sink, began to tap
it underneath, when, presently, a young cobra, nine inches long
squirmed out of the hole, and from his appearance seemed to demand
the reason of all this disturbance, whereupon the bearer resumed
the tapping, but this time on the reptile's head, and then brought
me to see it, I have a good look round when I enter my dark room."
Indian amateur photography is apparently carried on under most
exciting and vitalising conditions at times.
CONVENTION JOTTINGS,— I,
The Convention a Great Success. — Now that the Con-
vention is over, we are in a better position to speak of it than
in our first article, when it was still going on. It may now be asserted
that, in every respect for which the Convention was established, it has
not only proved a great success, but has been the most successful of
all the meetings since it was first instituted ; that, in short, as the
Honorary Secretary said at the last day's meeting, just anterior to
the formal breaking up, it has " beaten the record,"
To what has this been owing ? Doubtless to a variety of causes,
amongst which may be mentioned the prospect of revelling amid
charming, attractive, and historical scenery and places, the unusually
great number of ladies present, the excellent weather, and, in a special
degree, to the kindness of several members of the Edinburgh Photo-
graphic Society, whose goodness of heart and great attention to the
visitors will ever live in their memories.
The ZSxcursions. — The excursions were so planned as not to
interfere with the more purely intellectual proceedings, and, as a
consequence, both were numerously attended. The excursion to
Abbotsford, Melrose, and the locality of Sir Walter Scott proved
very attractive ; and, although personally we could not form one of
the party, yet did we count some ten or twelve compartments in tho-
railway carriages comfortably filled. The next great excursion, that
to St. Andrews, saw an equal number, and it was noticeable that
almost every lady carried a Kodak or hand camera of some form or
other. On arriving at the station we were met by Mr. A. Cowan,
who (with his family, in which he so recently suffered a severe loss),
was at that time a guest of the Provost of the City. The old place
(it is but a small and a very quiet city) must have been seriously
thrown out of its equilibrium at seeing itself the cynosure of fifty or
si.xty tripods planted here, there, and everywhere. It is certainly a
glorious old city, and is replete with archaeological remains. It is full
of old buildings and ruins. Originally named Muckross, a cathedral
was erected somewhere in the fourth century, and on the union of the
Scottish and Pictish kingdoms the name was changed to St. Andrews.
As for the priories and seats of learning which were soon afterwards
established, there is no need we should go into them, hut they must
have had lofty ideas of architecture in those days, and certainly they
built well. Here preached John Knox in later days, and he must
have had a "sweet, persuasive tongue," exceeding even that of
Bothamley, ere he could have induced his hearers to lay in ruins the
grand old edifices of those with whom he was of a different way of
thinking.
Reminiscences of Sir David Brewster. — In still later,
and what we may term modern, days flourished Sir David Brewster,
who was principal of one of the universities, and don't forget this, O
photographers ! it was from this place that the Stereoscope, the
Kaleidoscope, the Optics, and several other inventions and works of
that grand old Scotchman were issued. Hence the photographer can-
not afford to turn up his nose at St, Andrews. Oh, what exposures
were made that day ! It was an embarras de richesies. But when
the old castle, perched on a jutting prominence in the sea, was
discovered and appreciated, then did every lady and every man begin
to look anxiously to the numerical state of liis reserve stock of plates,
for surely here was subject for exposures " galore," The poor old
castle was stormed as it had never previously been, and well did it
deserve such consideration. This fortress, the guide-book tell us,
was founded about the year 1200, James III. was bom in it.
July S9, 18BS]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
485
Cudiosl IWtoD resided in it, and, 1>eiosr afraid of the fury of the
people after he had cruelly executed Oeorjte AVL'hart, a celebrated
reformer, in front of it, strengthened it with n riev of making it
impregnable, vet therein was snrprised and assassinated. Our outfit
on this exeurdcm was a stereoaeopic camera, and. after bagging manv
attraettre petaiea and ezhaoatiog our plates, we joined the legitimate
return party, tearing behind some twenty or thirty others who thought
the afternoon's sunshine too good to be wasted, and who Tetomed to
Edinburgh a few hours later.
Bdlnbarsrh Photographers Fast and Present.— We
were dL<appoint«d nt not seeing at the Convention some of the members
of the old and extinct Photographic Sodety of Scotland. Perhaps they
are now, like Brewster, the PrMideat, all dead. This, we are glad to
say, does not apply to Mr. Kinnear, the whilom Secretary of that
body, who, in these days of summer trarel, mi^ht possibly have been
tourini? el'W>wfaere. The pririlege, howerer, of seeing and fraternising
with Mr. R. H. Bow, C.E., one of the early members of the Edin-
burgh Photographic Society, was not deni<Ki os. This gentleman,
before aoiDe c*merist« of the preaeat day were bom, had made a
disniiiilly high raputatioo by fak pspan and articles on Photographic
Optiea, and we know that these worin—aotephememl, but for all time
— will long surrire him after he ha* hem " gath»r»d to his fathers."
Edinbargh has reaton to be proud of sneh a man. We know whereof
we speak.
OX xnixos IN '
\\..
Thkbji nott be something wrong aV ' '. nvention; arerygreat
anthority wrote it down ; it was to be a hunentable flaaeo; yet, if
ivporta are ti> be credited, never bae there been so sooeessful a
meeting. Mora): Nerer prophesy imleai you know. And what a
suceesa it has been t Onr hrethrea aenwi the border have shown us
before how to do thing*, and they hs** Npesied the laaean with
Ttiriatioo*. IVrhapB more than any caoaea the piaseneu of the softer
■ !• int-nt haa had a large share in popularwing the meeting. While on
fortaer oecasitins there hsT* bees a few Uise who have, ia traditional
phfBaM>k|ry, grMsed the CoaTeolioa \y tkeir preaaaee, there can he
no dosbt they feh Bn fah oat of water— g<>ld fish, it may be, hut,
ni'iTirthalwi, ftaBaf * trof ia alsMst all senses. But at last they
hare heeoae • eoaatitoffit part of the gathering, and no Convontion
will be complete without them. The dinner too. (.adiesat a dinner!
I can safely ratieinate here ; this wifl aot beihe last Conrention
linn«r at which they will be pteaaat. Their roiCM, both in speech
~ 'Og. were fak—aoolher word will better express my warning —
1* to the Amerieaa Roeal, Mks GMbarino Weed Banaa, ibe
perfect (and deaarvad) ovalioa .May thia not be her laat
'>n thtae swarioni ii a -wUk that wiD be oordially echoed
. • rs rted and the attaodaat Saaamioas were pfagnant with
n-.wur for farther thought. It ia not within the scope of a letter like
t).i* to attempt a complete oitietam, bat a few disenraive remarks on
t ■\>ir., that bare before bean tooehad ayoa may aot be oat of pfaKe.
T-i'i.. Mr. Arthur Barehett'a paper waa very iataMliag, eapaeiaDy
iiehed the frioge of the vexed qoaatioa of the doe reader-
'• in motion. Hi* referenem to the work of great painters
il. My opinion of Moybtidge'swoaderfnl photographs
- '■ 'n the phyaiokgist.aaelea* to the artiat^thooghhe
Vaimeoiar repainted a horM ia an important
yi ' liiii iu'Tt- III >c<x>rdaaoa with the facts than the oaoal modea
»>r- pmved tobeby theworfcof iheeararra. By the bye, the effect
Iapmtb* pablie of thaae and other instantaneona phetographa ia
exeaadfagiy ililiimailal to the work of the profcesiooal photographer.
For aiample, I was r»c*ntly informed by a well-known artist thst,
after photqrraphing a favourite horse for one of his clients, with the
■Hal ABealty in getting the position in general, and limba and ears
Jart aa the owner wished them, a great number of plates having been
«ai«ad oaths work, he wa* informed that," Now I woaM likehim taken
*">*<**>•" It waa alaKWt impoaaible to get the owner of the hone to
*"*'w*—J thai each work waa not of a kind that could be under-
taken ata
;
t's notioe, and eqnally difficult to explain that, if a
rfagb picture wata ohiainad, the chaneee were that the limba would
be represented in a manner that might possibly appear simply
ludicrous. The renderinp- of an afrreeable-looking position is practi-
cally out of question under average conditions. I use the word
" rendering " and not " rendition," as a writer of one of the Con-
vention papers phrased if, followed, alas ! by the ra«pected Editor of
this paper. If rendition has any meaning at all, which it has not,
it could only be in connexion with rending, and not rendering. There,
I feel relieved in my mind after that utterance.
Mr. Howard Farmer came out in a new light. We know his ability
as a chemist and lecturer, but equally valuable is what he had to say
about the commercial aspect of photographic training. It is too true
that business ability is usually conspicuous by its absence in the
photographic profession. And the more the pity. Who is there
that cannot point to men of undoubted ability who have opened a
professional studio and gradually come to an untimely commercial
end, though their work has been of the highest class and the prices
charged not exeesrive? Some of the most successful professional
photographers started life behind the counter of a retail shop, and
their experience has ser^'ed them in good stead. Many of those pre-
sent at the Convention dinner felt hurt at the President's remark
about the Convention Group, which he characterised as the best yet
done. We must assume that he alluded to its evidence of the
numerical sucoeee, and that therein lay its excellence. Otherwise I
can only say that there lies before me Tur Hritish Joitiinai. op
Photoorapitv for 1887, in which another Scotch group — that taken
during the Glasgow sitting — U rn fndrnct, and in no way i.'< it in-
ferior, technically, to the Edinburgh group, though taken evidently
ander very difficult conditions.
A short timis ago a writer to these columns put a query about the
new platinotype paper. As there has been no official reply, I may be
permitted to say that his is not the only experience of this mottli-
ness ; but, when it is remembered that the whole process, as now
worked, is quite new, there can be no wonder that some of the
prepared paper is not up to a certain standard. As to the excellence
and easy working of the new cold-bath paper, there can be no two
opinions. It is capable of producing exquisite results, in every way
superior to the hot-bath prooeaa ; but like every other proce.<is, and
fortunately so, the materials have to be mixed with that essential to
successful art, according to Opie — brains.
What a moral the great patent case recently reported in this
JornXAL provide* for ontsiders. A gentleman conversant with the
practical issueaof patenting once said, " Getting a patent throu^rh and
in paying order it all bluffing and tossing halfpence, at the bt>st."
' FoBK Lanck.
e
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RULE.
[Sorlh] MiddlMn Pho»o(npUa BeoMgr.]
A RrraospKCT.
Tkh or twelve years ago, when the gplatine dry plate bad finally
r<inquered the prejudices of profi-ssional photographers and the ranks
of amateurs wen- b«-ing swollen by the acoenion of many to whom
wet-plate photography wan unknown except by name, it was often
charged against photographi-rs of both classes that their work was
'■'K^y governed by " rule of thumb" — in other word.", that in ex-
poaare and darelopment, probably the two most impi^riant divisions
of photography, success was allowed to depeiMl very much uponpure
guesswork, in contrailixtinrtion to srstem and calciilntidu. Tnose
were the days when th» rapidity of the pUte was generally imder-
estimated; when a fn-qut-nt if not common methcxl of rmupounding
the developing solution was by shaking an unknown numlxT of grains
of dry pymgallic into an unmesKurud quantitv of water, and, after
soaking the plate in it, adding thereto an nniletcrmined number of
4na^a^^mnionia. For rapid exposures, a simple drop shutter,
wl^Wfi^dity of action could easily be accelerated, but was rarely
if ever reduced to arithmetical expression, was mostly used ; and
albumen paper held practically undisputed sway for contact printing.
These broaa outlines of early gelatine dry-plato photography may,
perhaps, serve to convey some idea of the chief conditions of working
which obtained at that period— conditions under which, be it remem-
berml, amateurs as well as prof>'«ic>nals pursued photography.
It i<. I am sure, needle*.* for me fci imlieate proci^vly to what extent
tho«e comtitions have be»'n chang>'<l or nioditied ; for you are all awaro
that lievelopment bus been lifted from the low ground of a " rule-of-
tbumb " opeistion to the level of a scientific study ; the compaittive
486
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH f.
[July 29, 1892
and particular speeds of sensitive preparations have been made the
objects of close investigation and valuable experiments; and meclianical
aids to exposure have called an apparently inexhaustible supply of
inventive ingenuity into existence— the main and indeed the sole object
underlying all those efforts being not merely the simplification of
exposure and development, but their reference to pure rule and system.
I propose briefly on the present occasion to consider some of the
tendencies of modern photography— chiefly amateur photography—
for which the application of this scientific method to several of its
branches is responsible, and to submit a few reflections of a deductive
character thereon.
RnLB OP Thumb.
Before dealing with that part of my subject, however, I wish to
submit that the bad old " rule-of-thumb" daj-s of gelatine dry-plate
photography do not expose a very broad target for the arrows of our
reproaches. Point for point, and excluding from consideration the
well-directed, but unconvincing, productions of the new diffusion-of-
focus school, a comparison of amateur and professional photographic
work of twelve years ago with that of to-day reveals little, if
anything, in favour of the latter. The portraiture of professional
photographers is possibly, on the whole, more instinct than formerly
•with artistic feehng and treatment; but that is not a matter upon
-which I wish now to descant. It is from a technical standpoint
alone that I desire to make the comparison. My own observations
lead me to think that, technically speaking, in qualities of negatives
and prints, the professional work of to-day is practically what it was
a dozen years ago, taking it at both its best and at its worst. The
negatives of the former period were, perhaps, not so pretty and clean
to look at as those produced nowadays : but will anybody undertake
to say that the resulting prints exhibit any traces of inferiority to
those of the present time — that the negatives were not so well
exposed, or that the prints were inferior in point of careful printing,
uniformity, and depth of tone ? The same question stands for all
other kinds of professional work — always remembering that I wish it
to liave a technical bearing and no other. It is, of course, not so
easy to make a comparison of amateur work, because in the times I
am referring to, exhibitions were few and far between ; but recalling
the pictures shown at Pall Mall and elsewhere at that period, and
.contrasting them with those of to-day — a mental process in
•which, no doubt, most of you can accompany me — I fail to perceive
that any distinction is to be made. Technically speaking, the work
shown then was quite the equal of that shown now, and probably the
. average of quality was higher.
1 have roughly traced the conditions under which photographers —
; amateur and professional, new and old — formerly had to work.
EecoUect also that failures were more frequent then than now.
Dry-plate making was in its tentative stage, and, consequently, to the
•difficulties of exposure and development a large number of troubles
incidental to the preparation of the film — such as are not often ex-
perienced nowadays — had to be habitually encountered. Those were
the times of constant frilling, of red and green fog, and of numerous
mechanical imperfections in the films ; and the percentage of failures
was, consequently, high. Yet, notwithstanding these obstacles and
drawbacks ; notwithstanding unscientific rule-of-thumb methods of
exposure and development ; notwithstanding a condition of know-
ledge of applied photography such as many to-day might be inclined,
with their superior advantages, to stigmatise as ignorance, we
have not, I submit, made any technical advances on the produc-
tions of that time. Tastes and fashions have changed in respect of
new developers, printing surfaces, and so forth ; but a cliange does
uot necessarily lead to an improvement in intrinsic quality,
A Plea fob Technical Excbllbncb.
Do not, however, suppose that I am not alive to the economical
advantages of the improved developers with which we are working ;
ijf film photography, of the value of orthochromatic plates for certain
classes of work, and of the remarkable cleverness displayed in count-
less shutters, hand cameras, and so forth. Each of these has its uses
according to individual idiosyncrasies, but, if I am correct in my
sun'festion that in technique photography stands to-day where it
stood at tlie commencement of the last decade, their introduction
was not called for by necessity, and their existence is not essential,
and has hardly been justified by results. I am unable to understand
that they have improved the technique of photography. Technically
"Ood photographs, I venture to think, are not so prevalent that we
can afford to regard them with the contempt bred by familiarity.
At a moment when the art aspects and attributes of photography
occupy so much attention, perhaps a plea for technical excellence may
not be misplaced. While I have, I hope, as keen an appreciation aa
any one not an artist of what is artistic in photography, I am equally
ready, and I trust capable, of appreciating what is technically good in
any photograph, whetlier it makes pretension to being a work of art
or not. Definition, however finely rendered, appeals to my sense of
the fitness of things in the contemplation of photographs of architec-
tural subjects, and I ain unregenerate enough to prefer it to fuzziness
in landscape work, with or without figures. Definition, or sharpness
to a refined degree, is in practice not so easily or invariably obtained ;
a photograph is not so frequently taken from the correct or the most
favourable point of vieW; distortion and other optical imperfections
are not so often absent as the critical might desire ; the negative is
not always so carefully exposed and developed as to secure all the
detail and the gradations of the subject ; the printing process chosen
does not so often do credit to the discrimination or the selective
faculties of the photographer ; and the resulting print does not so
often embody the essentials of what a good print should be, that we
can afford to treat excellence of technique with indifference when we
meet with it. A perfect photograph of even the most commonplace
object is, I consider, a tribute to the skill of the photographer, and
from a technical point of view is just as calculated to evoke the
admiration and the approval of photo-technologists as an art-
photograph is that of an art-photographer. A line drawing to scale
of a great public building by an architectural draughtsman has
certain elements and qualities in it which appeal to the cultivated
perceptions of an architect. Your artist may sneer at its " mappi-
ness, but he dare not and cannot impugn its proportional accuracy
and its fidelity. On the other hand, when the artist idealises the
same building in his painting, how easy it is for the architect to
discover faults of perspective, proportion, and drawing ! At the
Royal Academy there is (or was) a room devoted to architectural
drawings, and, I believe, it is on record that some years ago some
such disparity as that which 1 am now hinting at was pointed out
and commented upon.
The Focussino Scbbkn the best Actinogbaph.
Heretical though it may sound, I do not think that the cause of
photographic technique is in the least likely to be advanced by the
present disposition, especially among amateur photographers, to base
the making of the photograph as much as possible upon lule and
system. The rule of thumb and pinch of pyro days of photography
are, perhaps, over — thanks, not I believe, to formulae-mongers and me-
chanico-arithraeticians, but to the fruits of experience and experiment.
I consider it an unfortunate thing in several respects that there are so
many inducements to modern amateur photographers to attempt the
acquirement of a sound photographic judgment by other methods
than that of simple experience. Let me cite, in point, those so-called
aids to exposure : actinographs, actinometers, and exposure-meters,
as calculated rather to prevent the cultivation cf individual judgment
tlian to foster it. You must remember that professional portraitists
and land.scape-workers, and the old-style amateurs, of whom I have
already spoken, relied upon experience alone to guide them in their
exposures. My own belief is that a man who takes up photography
will surmount the ditticulties of exposure by the aid of his
own brains, or not at all. If he has not brains enough for that, then
he is equally incapacitated for mastering the philosophy of exposure-
calculators. I am about to examine some of the principles upon
which actinometrical or actinographical systems are based, and
possibly to draw some conclusions not entirely favourable to them ;
but, before doing so, there is one exposure-meter which I must ex-
empt from objection. Indeed, I recommend it to eacli and every one
of you. It is, I think, the cheapest and most efficient on the market,
does not get out of order, if destroyed may bo easily replaced, requires
no arithmetical calculations to use, and and may be had of all dealers.
It has been testimonialised by the most successful photographers
throughout the world, and, when once its application is mastered, it
seldom leads you astray. With it all the best photographs have been
taken, and thus, in regard to medals, it, as our friends at Ilford would
say, has secured more than all the rest. It is an exposure-meter
which enables the photographer with brains enough to use it to get
twelve good negatives from a dozen plates. No photographer should
be without it, and no photographer is. Need I say, gentlemen, that
I allude to the focussing screen of the camera ? It is by the study of
the image on the screen, it is by comparing the depth of the shadows,
the strength of the half-tones, the brilliancy of the high lights,
with those of other pictures taken under similar circumstances ; it
is by studying the visible influence of the lens diaphragms on the
brightness of the image ; in short, by comparing the exposure about
to be given with that previously given under similar or different con-
ditions, as the case may be, that experience was gained in former
times. It is theoretically a very unscientific method, of course, but
you all know how well it has answered practically. Occasionally it
fails ; but can you conceive of an infallible actiuograph ? Besides,
Julj 29, ISM)
THE BKinSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
487
it M good tb«t it should fail at times for what an education in deve-
lopment under and oTer«zpoaare proTidea for the painstaking photo-
gnftttr who i« wiUine, a» ne should be, to learn from bis failures !
You wMj wy to me that these last advantages also accrue to the em-
plqynaiit of an erpoeuio-meter or an actinograph ? Granted : but, in
that CM*, whjr use an exposure-meter or an actinograph ? An instru-
ment or system of this nature, plus an unerring judgment of those
factors in exposure compulsorUjr left to the estimation of the indi-
Tidual, and which ii fallible, seems to ne not to possess any point of
snperioritT to the unaidfd fallible jnd^piant alone. I shall endeavour
to show tost the probabilities of any instrument or system for indi-
cating correct exposure can scarcely be other than incorrect, to the
contrary of which there are practical objections which science is, I
belieTe, powerless to oTercome.
No ExPostrBB FacTOBS " CoxsraNx."
Mr. Howard Farmer recently pointed out that several important
(actoTS are not taken account of in certain systems of calculating
exposures ; but, even if the omitted factors — such, for example, as
eouur and distance of object — were included, I still submit that
theofetieal oz practical accuracy could not posaiblv be assured. To
the inexperieDced or the beginner in photography, for whom, bear in
mind, all these aids or guides to expome are intended, the difficulty
of estimating, or, rather, of judging the actinic value of the light on
any day or at any hour is no ineooaderabk one, especially if you
reflect that even a photographer of r^ and lengthy experience is
occasionally mistaken in his jodnnt. I have seen it stated that
of the three principal faetors iBvotrad, via., the light, the speed of the
plate, and tM ^artiire of the kas, the two latter are constant. But
tha aseavtaiMd eoasparative or partienlar speed of a plate so soon as
it kaves tlM Baaofactuivr's drying-room does not appear to be above
saspiooQ o( diaiige. Quite recently, I>r. Vogel, of Bsilin, gave
instancsa where commercial plates materially increased in sensitive-
ness aft>r a month or two's ksvpinff, aad the same phenoaMHon has
been claimed to have been observaa bj ssrstal other woiksn during
the last few yeara. On the oth«r hand, some photogiaphars have
cooclnded from the resdu of expstisaee that sensitiveneas diminishes
by keeping. If either of these two theorisa b correct, the spasd of a
plate, no matter how it is ascertained, cannot be leasonably aeeapted
a* a constant factor in exposal* caVmhtinns. Again, the aignment,
in reference to the aperture of tha isos, that all lenses are of equal
rapidity with a given stop, assnmss two eonditioos which are far
from being always reafissa, namely, that the diameters of the stop
oyings are accurately aipiesssd w lalation to focus, and that all
IsMsaanoaaasqaati^astothaaasaaBtaf fight they pass. Optical
glasa, howerer, b, I beUave, of soawwhat varying quality as regards
colouratii^, expsriinaat haviaf Moved that even in aodsm knsss as
much as tweatT-flva per cwt. clothe light is oecasicaaQy ohstmetad
bjr ih* coioannoa of tha gWaa w coanawd with the glaas employed
in other ohfsetivaa. On* tan mdij ndentand that time super-
iniaeaa chaagas ia the ^Mi cC Immm at wall as in the material with
which tber are taiiiaHted ao as aatariany to slow them. Can it, then,
u f .iriv claimed that all or either of the thnv factors I have referred
)» aeeeptsd as cnnataiits ia baaing cakulatinns upon them P
I" ■ "
f •■>, in what manner will yoa diipHse with individual judgment if
nil Hilmtt, as voa mast, the ao laa inottaot factors of colour and
f otjscts to yoar iislialalhais I pot it, that constancy of
faalars ia
eakakiions is far from bring the
t..,. .».,.,. we are sskad to hsfisra.
"FoamrajB."
That aspoaaias ealenlated aceonfing to the systems wa are now
diKusaing an sometinMs ooneet, I do not deny ; it would he strange
were it not so. But an exoeptioa doaa not negative a priaeipfe, and
it is a principle I am urging, aaaialy, that of buying pbotflgraphic
wisdom by photograpUe axnatianea. The wortd's photography has
M far baaa aeooBpiisMd by tae aid of the aetiaoaasttical readings of
tka fociMsing screen; why, tbsn, shoold the hag inner or student
■ifMt to aztiaet from mar* empiricism tha kwmlsdgs which has
haM showa to iwdt from the laliahb. althoogh " unscientific,''
mathod of trial aad error? The plethora of aew daralopen, the
legioBof hand eaoMras and rapid shatters, the aiuaai«NM exposum
so to
tity of having to Warn to walk.
Itoaot ■aJamaaJ ma as advocating rule of thumb; I am mersly
■iii'nallai tha exerdss of the individtuU intellimnee as oppoaed to
fobeiy iamiad fonaaks. The word " formuto '^ hers iodooea me to
lecoasaieBtt to jaa a sonroe of instmction ss to the wide range in the
diHsrsBOta «f opiaioa wUeh prevail among dry-plate makers and dry-
plala caan iaiaapaet of the praportkmal oontitution of derekping for-
■jsla— laaai to bm to b« tha articulate aapsarioa of a wk
Bciaaw photograph-taking into a mie-of-tnrse sam, aad i
Mahls flW to ran without tha nicessity of having to feam to <
muUe. Make a collection of such formulae from representative sources,
and.convert them either into parts per thousand or grains and minims
per ounce, and you will assuredly have a most bewildering statement of
proportions of accelerator to reducer, and of restrainer to both, to-
gether with a lengthy list of ingredients which appear in some
formulae and not in others, and the exact functions of which many
people would find it difficidt to define. In the normal developer for
A's plates, for example, you mar see one and a half grains of pyro,
eight of sulphite, and ten of sodium carbonate ti> the ounce; in B's
developer the Quantities doubled ; in C's one constituent quadrupled
and another halved, while in D's the inter-proportions suggest nothing
so much as the constituents having been selected purely by hap-hazard.
The curious part of the matter is, that in all probability A's devel-
oper will devt'lope C's plate perfectly, and D's B's, and so on ; in short,
each or any one of the many developers you analyse, although
specifically recommended for one brand of plates, will develop any
other brand equally well. So much the bistter for the users of
gelatine plates, you will say, and I en lorse the sentiment, but do not
overlook the obvious point, and that is, that after all the years during
which " scientific development " has been preached, practically the old
rule of thumb still survives, and that, on the whole, photography is
little the worse for it.
" Photooraphy Madk East."
The commercially created and fostered tendency among amateur
workers to substitute for the mellow judgment of experience and un-
wearying practice the ephemeral wisdom of the many aids to easy
pbotographv which shrewd men of business are always anxious to
supply on demand, tend.'<, in my humble opinion, to undermine those
valuable characteristics of practice, patience, application, self-reliance,
and perseverance which have hitherto been recognised as essential to
the making o{ the successful photographer, amateur or professional.
Frankly speaking, I look upon it as one of the causes to which we
may refer the admittedly low average of quality of modern amateur
work. The best amateur work of to-day is undoubtedly as good as,
and possibly better, than the work of ten or twelve years ago ; but
the averMe strikes me as lower, an opinion which I base on a com-
parison of the work shown on the walls of exhibitions during that
time. Probably the seductive simplicity of the hand camera and the
fascinating facility of shutter work have also operated in the same
direction.
In conclusion, I renew the ploa I have already entered for technical
excellence of photographic work, for technical skill in producing it,
for technical iiwtinct in Bpprai^lng it. But that excellence, that sKill,
and that instinct can only U- reached by assiduous cultivation. Be-
lieve me, while there are many persons to whom a photograph is only
admissible when it appeals to their esthetic emotioa«, there are pro-
bably a far larger number who, while ready to welcome the artistic
effects produced by " diffusion of focus " and low-keyed tones on
rr>ugh surfaces, have a higher appreciation of fnu technical quali-
ties previoinly referred to. Whether or not the cause of technical
photographic' excellence and progrees is likely to be promoted by
the atteropu now beii^ made Ui convert photography into an in-
volved arithmetical exerdse, and, in fine, what the tendencies of that
movement are, is a point for discussion that I have endeavoured to
lay bare to you in the course of a series of intangibli> generalisations
and impressionistic refiections which, I hope, while blunting the
edges of your critical dissecting knivee, have not wholly undeserved
the attention you have been so g<>od as to bestow upon tliera.
TuoMAS Bbddxno.
THE NEW CONCENTRIC LENS.
(Pkot«traphi« Boelat; of OrMt Brltala.]
Thr following is the paper by Messrs. Ross Sc Co., read at the meeting
of the above Society on May 24 : —
The oonstmetion of a lens to ^ive a " positive " focus, or that caused
by rays of convergence, has hitherto bean obtained by the radius of
convexUy of one refracting surface being shorter than the concave
e«SP-''£lan illustration of this, take a simple lens of the form shown
in the diagram (Fig. 1, a, or as acbromatised in h). If the meniscus
form of this were to be altered by making tha concave surface
deeper, as in e, the lens would have no convergent focus at all, the
rays would become divergent, and the result would be negative.
Supposing this lens to be a compound, made up of crown and
flint glass, the latter having the greater refractive power, it will
still be observed that the sum of all the positive curves is deeper
than the sum of the negative radii. This form of construction is
reversed in the Coooentric, in which lens the convex surface has a
longer radius than the concave, as in c above, the diagram of which
488
THE BRITISH J0T3RNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[July 29, 1892
would at first sight lead one to expect a negative focus -without any
image ; but this is not the case, for, by the selection of a suitable crown
glass for the positive element of higher refraction than the flint of the
negative element, the rays are caused to converge, and, by the special
effect of refraction on the oblique pencils, tlie lens, although of this
peculiar form, gives a real image, free from distortion, on an abso-
lutely flat field, extending over a circle of about 75°, the margin being
as sharply defined as the centre; and, moreover, the whole is prac-
tically as equally illuminated as the theoretical limits will permit.
Every simple lens is represented by a system of prisms, whose
angles are formed by the tangents of the radii. If two prisms or
lenses are cemented together to form an achromatic prism or lens, the
angles of the two components are in a certain relative proportion,
determined by the ratio of refraction and dispersion of the glass em-
ployed. When rays pass through such a lens, achromatic both at
centre and margin, these angles may then be greater, yet the relative
ratio of both must be the same as those at the centre, for, if they
differ in ratio, the marginal pencils will not be achromatic, and will
be deviated in undue proportion, and, besides colour, will cause
optical distortion. Taking an ordinary compound meniscus lens,
whose curves are represented in the diagram (Fig, 2), we find that
the tangents of the three curves are parallel at the centre, so that
Fig. 2.
there is no distortion or deviation of the direct incident pencils ; but,
•s we leave the centre, we find that the tangents of the first and
second curves approach one another, forming a wedge or prism, and the
tangents of the second and third curves form a similar prism of smaller
angle and in the reverse direction. This implies a greater power of
the crown lens at the margin ; and, as this has positive alirration,
the image produced by the margin of the achromat must be smaller
than the central image, and hence barrel - shaped distortion and
coloured fringes are produced. In the other diagrams (Fig. 3) repre-
senting the " Concentric " lens, it is evident, on consideration, th»t,
on account of concentricity, the two tangents, which, with the central
plane, form the prisms, are always parallel, and the angles formed
m constant ratio. Such an achromat will therefore produce neither
general distortion nor distortion of the coloured images.
The field of the Concentric lens is practically illuminated equally all
over. In all lenses the diaphragm reduces the amount of light in
proportion to the deviation of the oblique cone of rays from the
central cone (Fig. 4). This diminution of light towardi the margin of
the field is small, however, when compared to that due to astigmatitm
and longitudinal spherical aberration in all ordinary lenses. Th»
elliptical appearance of the diaphragm, caused by the oblique direction
in which it is viewed, is exaggerated by the distortion in ordinary
lenses, which have the property of diminishing objects in the horizontal
diameter, whereas in tne " concentric " lens the diaphragm retains its
circular shape until the light has nearly vanished. This is the effect
of the opposite refraction, due to the negative meniscus fonn having
a positive focus, and which tends to open out—so to speak — the dia-
phragm to its normal circular form. An ordinary lens, bringing its
central rays to a sharp focus, may be so constructed as to do so
Fig. 3.
marginally also, but only on a curved field, a flat field being alone
obtainable with such a lens by the undue lengthening of the marginal
pencils, resulting in astigmatism at the expense of definition. The rayg
do not actually meet in one point, so that the major portions are lost,
or worse, as they only assist to obliterate the sharpness of the actual
working rays. In the " Concentric," however, the whole pencil of rays
go to form_ the image equally at the margin as at the centre.
Theoretically, a lens has no depth of focus; or, to speak more
correctly, no depth of definition, for, optically, focus is a point. At
the focal point the sharpest definition is obtained ; but on each side
there is a certain amount until the aberration becomes so great as to
be perceptible. Ordinary lenses, which come to focus sharp only in
the centre of the field, with vanishing distinctness towards the margin,
are said to possess a certain depth of definition ; but this is alone true
for the centre, the remainder of the field being only a compromise for
definition at all. In the " Concentric," however, we start with sharp
and equal definition all over the field, due to its novel system of
construction, and thus the definition of all objects situated equidistant
from the principal focussed object is equalised. Also, as there is no
distortion or deviation of any point of the cone of rays, they may be
said to cling closer together for a longer distance on each side of the
point of true focus. The "Concentric," therefore, more nearly yields the
theoretical amount of depth of definition (regulated more or less by
aperture) than any other lens, and consequently may be said to possess
greater depth of focus or definition over the entire field.
In practice it is found that the " Concentric " lens is considerably
more rapid than other lenses of equal aperture and focus. By re-
ferring back to the diagram (Fig. 2) shown to illustrate the loss of
rays from spherical aberration and distortion, it is apparent that the
whole cone being brought to a focus in the " Concentric " without
distortion the " Concentric " consequently works quicker than lenses in
which a portion of the rays only is used, and where the non-focussing
merely interfere by throwing useless light into the shadows.
Having now drawn attention to some of the chief diflferences be-
tween the " Concentric " and other lenses, it will be desirable, before
July 20, ISeS]
Vim BRITISH JOaRXAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
489
proceeding:, to examine and compare theae leiuea optically, to explain
tbe prindiUe opon which the teeting apparatus 'u constructed. We
Me a ataDd to carry a photograplnc lens in direct line between a
itationary lamp and a ooncentrieaplanatic magnifier ; the aijnitiiimti
attMbod an lo alter the diataneaa betwaao the poaitionn for eon-
TWMBOa of foeaaiiig. Haring \ij thb BMana examined the central
I
laa I wo <ii
»(.&
TiiSer at the back ia motred i«da in a line towarda the
'i\K]d, and a morable lamp placed at a diataace ia
, narmOel and at tbe mm» lerel a« that in wUeh
-h, and which eoinapanda to the mrfaca of dw
.1 camera ; the magnifl«r ia aorad aidaway* until the
' M dial at* riabla, tbe ao|^ a«bteiided then htiag
•fpctiU ade. Thii repre«ent« the view angle, or,
h0 ^BmomJ of coreriDK at that particniar aim*.
lagnusi oenwitB <Fi|^ 6 and (i) rapnaent the prinaple
upon which this method of testing Ig baaed, and it will be found that
all that has been stated in |connexion with the " Concentric '" lens ia
optically correct, both when taken by itself and in comparison with
other lens«s. It should be mentioned that, the macrnitier being of the
form of a sphere with concentric surfaces, the focal distance from the
centre is the same at all angles of obliquity, so that it require* no
axial adjustment to meet the line of an oblique ray.
DISRUPTION OF THE SILVER HALOID MOLECULE
BY MECH.VXICAL FORCE.
[Philoaophical Magniina.]
Is a paper published about a year ago on the subject of Allotropic
Silver, there was included an investigntion into the action of the
different forms of energy upon silver chloride and bromide.* It was
there shown that these substances possessed an equilibrium so singu-
larly balanced as to be affected by the slightest action of any form
of energy. Such action produced a change which, though it" might
be wholly invisible, vet caused the breaking up of the haloid when
aubeequently placed in contact with a reducing agent. The forms of
energy with" which this effect was observed are —
Ist. Heat.
2nd. Light.
SnL Mechanical force.
4th. Electricity (high tension spark).
6th. Chei^m.
It follows, therefore, that it u not light only that is capable of
producing an invisible image, but that this power Mongs aide to all
formt of tntrgi/. So that a slight impulse from anv one of the forces
ju$t mentioned brings about a change in the equilibrium of such a
nature that the molecule is more easily broken up by a redudug
agent.
As respects four out of these fire forms of energy, it was further
shown tnat when made to act more strongly, they were able of
themaelres to disrupt the molecule without external" aid. One form
alone tt energy, mechanical force, made an apparent exception to
this general rule. The other four, when applied to a mc^demte extent,
produced a latent image ; applied more strongly, they broke up the
molecule.
The object of the present peper is to prove that this exception ioes
not exist, and that as all forms of enmnr have been shown in the
; nvious papers of this series to be cspable of impre^-sing an invisible
. 1.-", so also with stronger manifestations, anft form of ntergy m
,.i^Mt of dumpling the moUaUt.
Iwaaable to show man_y year* agi> that mechanical force could
prodooe a latent image. Line* drawn with a glass rod on a sensitive
soifaoe eoold be rendered visible by development in the same way
as impiMsions of light An embossed card pressed on a seniltive
film left an inTisibw image, which could be brought out by a re-
ducing agent. The raised portions of the embossed work exerted a
atiuoger presaue on the sensitiTe lilm than the rest of the card, and
thate portions darioened when acted upon by a reducing agent. In
the same war, the lines traced with a glass rod blackened under a
deTeloper. In each case, it wa-i the portion* which had been sub-
jaeled to preasore which yielded first to tbe reducer. It was tlierefore
dear that in the molecules which bad received this slight pressure
the affii''t^ of the atoms had been loosened.
To bring these phenomena fully into line with the others, it is now
neoesaaij to prove that an increased pressure can take the place of
a reducing agent, and disrupt the molecule. .And this is actually
the ease.
It was found that the breaking up could be producwl in two ways
—by simple pressure and br soenring stress. .Silver chloride and
^^MaMkiomiad and washed in absence of active light were subjected
tir%OT agencie*.
1. SiMpLx PanarnB.
In the first trial made with silver chloride it was enclosed in
asbestos paper, which had been firat ignited with a blast lamp to
reoMive all trace* of organic matter pr-wnt. Tills method was tried
in order that the chloride should be in ontart with perfectly inactive
material only, but it was not found to answer. The great pressure
* PKOatufKiiial Hagaaiu, April ISOl, p. 320.
490
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF rHOTOGRAPHY.
[July 29, 1892
employed forced the dry chloride into the pores of the paper, ce-
menting it toirether, so that the opposite sides could not be separftted
Platinum foil was then substituted with satisfactory results. With
n pressure of about one hundred thousand pounds to the square inch,
maintwned for twenty-four hours, the chloride was completely
blackened, except at the edges, where, owing to greater thinness, the
pressure was less. Very bright foil was used in order to detect the
slightest discolouration that might occur, but none resulted : it was
impossible to distinguUh the portions which had been in contact with
the^arkened chloride from those that had not. The chloride did
not assume the usual chocolate colour, but changed to a deep greenish
SUver bromide gave exactly the same results. It should be men-
tioned that the silver chloride and bromide were each precipitated
with an excess of the corresponding acid. . ,., ■
As silver iodide precipitated with excess of potassium iodide is not
darkened by light it seemed improbable that it should be by pressure.
The experiment was, however, tried, and it was found that the iodide
darkened fully to the same extent as the others. This result surprised
me so much that the experiment was repeated with every possible
precaution. The result left no doubt that silver iodide, as well as the
chloride and bromide, is blackened by great pressure. All three
silver haloids take on the same colouration— an intense greenish black.
It was found best to use the material air-dried. If at all moist, the
platinum foil bursts under the pressure and the experiment is in-
validated. The air-dried salt retains a sufficient quantity of moisture.
2. Sheabing Stress.
As a means of applying this form of force, the silver chloride,
precipitated with excess of hydrochloric acid and well washed, was
put into a porcelain mortar and well triturated. The improbability
that the small quantity of force that can be applied in this way
would break up a stable molecule like that of silver chloride seemed
so great, that at first a substance tending to aid the reaction was
added. Tannin was selected, and when forcibly ground up with silver
chloride the latter was soon darkened. Next a substance capable of
taking up acid, but having no reducing action, was tried. Sodium
carbonate was used. This also caused the chloride to darken.
Finally, it was determined to ascertain if the molecule of silver
chloride could not be disrupted by stress alone. The chloride was
placed in a chemically clean porcelain mortar and well triturated.
For some time no effect was visible. After about ten minutes' action
dark streaks began to appear, and after five minutes' more work a
considerable portion of the chloride was darkened. The end of tlie
pestle was covered with a shining purple varnish. It had not
become perceptibly warmer to the touch. On the violet-purple
substance nitnc acid had no action, but aqua regia slowly whitened
it. It was therefore what I have proposed to call silver photo-
chloride, that is, a molecular combination of chloride and hemi-
chloride. This experiment was carefully repeated with the same
result. Silver bromide similarly treated gave a similar result. It
was noticed that both chloride and bromide, in darkening, took on
the familiar colour between chocolate and purple, so generally seen
in the darkening of these silver salts, and differing strikingly from
the greenish-black colour assumed by all three silver haloids under
simple pressure.
The fact that the platinum foil remained absolutely unattacked
when the silver haloid was reduced by simple pressure in actual
contact with it is interesting, and would seem to show that in the
reduction of the silver haloid the halogen is not at any time set free ;
but that water, if present, is decomposed at the same moment, with
formation of halogen acid.
The observations recorded in this paper prove the existence of a
Eerfect uniformity in the action of all kinds of energy on the silver
aloids. The balance of the molecule is at once affected by the
action of any form of energy. A slight apphcation produces an
effect which, though invisible to the eye, is instantly made evident
by the application of a reducing agent. The bonds which unite the
atoms have evidently been in some way loosened, so that these
molecules break up more easily than those to which energy has not
been applied. Consequently, if the substance is submitted to the
action of light, heat, or electricity, or if lines are drawn by a glass
rod (shearing stress), or with sulphuric acid (cheniisni), a reducing
agent blackens the parts so treated before it affects the parts not so
treated. This justifies the statement made earlier in this paper, that
the phenomena of the latent image and of its development are not
exclusively, or even especially, connected with light, as hitherto
supposed, but belong to all other forms of energy as well.
M, Cabey Lea.
[To he coTiclucUd.)
Out IBDtterial tlTabU.
Lb Constant,
This is the name given to a shutter, or, to be more explicit, a series
of shutters, of the " always ready," or automatic class, for which
Mr. J. K. Gotz, 19, Buckingham-street, Strand, W.C., is agent. One
of these, now before us, is arranged for the stereoscopic camera, and
fits on the hoods of the lenses, being firmly fixed thereto by thumb-
screws. When set for instantaneous exposures, pressure on the
pneumatic ball suffices to discharge it,
and, as no setting is required, this
may he made to go on interminably.
By setting a lever, the action is brought
under the direct control of the ball,
upon pressure of which the shutter
flies open, and remains so until the
pressure is relaxed. By pushing in
a button at one end, the shutter re-
mains open permanently to permit of
focussing. This is a most delightful
shutter. We exposed several dozen
stereoscopic plates by its agency during
the late Convention in Scotland, and
the certainty of its action charmed
every one who saw it.
Another of the same class of shut-
ters, or another application of the prin-
ciple, is that shown in the cut.
AVhereas the former one is fitted on
the front of the lens, this goes between the lenses of the combina-
tion, which is undoubtedly the best position. The parts indicated by
letters show respectively the manipulatory points at which time and
instantaneous exposure, speed regulator, operating an iris, or inserting
a Waterhouse diaphragm, and attaching the pneumatic tube are
effected. The workmanship is admirable.
Tylab's Tap-spkinklebs.
Mr. W^illiam Ttlah has sent us specimens of two styles of tap-
sprinklers which he has just brought out. While they slightly differ
as regards form, both are equally effective in action. They fit easily
on ordinary taps, and their nature and use will be ascertained from
the diagram.
Photoqeaphic Reproduction Pkocessks.
By P. C. DucHOCHOis.
Lonilon : Hampton Judd, & Co., 13, Cnreitor-strcet.
ly this work the author treats very fully and cleariyof most
printing proces.ses, ancient and modem, other than those in which
the salts of silver form the sensitive layer. Iron and uranium
July 29, 1893]
THE BRITISH JOURNA.L OF PHOTOGRAPHS.
«1
printii^ aethoda find • Dtomineiit ^teee.and many other little known
prooeMM an dealt witn, which should make the book useful for
r«fexanoa to those who de«ire a oolleeted account of the results of the
experiiMnta of Hunt, Herachell, Burnett, and manr others who in
former dnea deroted a large shajie of their labours to the invention
of printing pnrocteMe, some of which, although lost sight of at the
present mooieat, are probably destined to be n?suscitated. The
book is well bound ana printed.
Thb Photo-Chbomoscopi.
This ineenioaa invention has been pkoed on the market by Messrs.
G. Hoortton ft Son, of Ili^h Ilolhorn. It was shown at the Edin-
baigh OoBTention. By it^ aid transparent photographs can be trans-
ferned into realistic pictures, perfect in detail, in perspective, in light
and shade, and in general tints, and susceptible of a variety of natural
•ndpleasing changes of effects.
Tne apparatus should be arranged in the 6rst place as shown
(opsoed) in the cut, the back exposed to a fairly strong light —
s window during the day, or a lamp adjustable to any reauired
position at night ; the photograph to be exhibited being placed in the
gUied frame a, and (if neoeasary to keep it flat) covered oy a pane of
glass, and the sliding panels, d, b, r, being adjusted so as to exclude
the light from all tnat portion of the frame not occupied by the
picture.
The light being thus eielnded from the surroundings of the semi-
ttaaMNOt photograph at tho front, and thrown upon it strongly at
tho Hck, mmmj « Um details which are ordinarily indisttnct are
cwniy hfougbt oot.
By Tarioos adinstaMBta at the parts of the apparatus it is available
for the exhibition of Undseapes, portraits, and statoaiy, a sreat
raristy of efHsels being oblainsd by tha dapression or eferatioa nf the
shade b, the sky fraaaa J, or the laflaetors k, l, as wall as eolonrsd
sHps phieed at l alooa. Miiwii. Hoi^ton supply a full deseriptiTe
painp&let.
0
BEOENT PATENTS.
APPLICATIOH FOB FkTtXt.
Ka I%S41.-"A Stm or Irnprev*! PlaU Senn for Fhatognpkle OaoMfaa.-'
T. aaiwaaT.-ZMcrfyWy 1», ISH.
SPlCinCATIOM PUBLISHED.
S« ll,ai6^" Kmpiojri^ Matarials BasHivs to Radiaat Kasrnr."
Tbomas.
PAmm oounxrwD.
As Ixraom Boduim Attabjitos roa PaoroaBAraic aso oths*
XolI
OML Oaoaos FaAitcis Ptitab, 48, Haniterforii-rosd, N., UIMUmx,
i feasBRTaoiiHas. lO. Maribaraach-iiMd. htt, KfL-Juiu », 18M.
Tin lavaattsa hss far tta o)^ the lUMUattlua of a wrias of trowhs, siaks,
mi waiitsi^ la be nl— tri by tks flovof »at«r or other liqaM, nr raekiiw
cr wislilaa ahalaaapMe nhilas or Bftatai Abe for combiaing tbe piaussisi «
dereloping or washing with rocking. Also for obtaining a rocking motion for
any other purpose.
it consists of the following parts : —
Int. A iloDble-enJed trouKD, with ends inclined outwanls, having a cross
partition in the centre. Thio trough is arranged on trunnions, having a crank
attached to one trunnion for the purpose of actuating tbe rocking tray.
2nd. A rocking tray, consisting of a Hat sheet of metal, with projections to
support object to be rocked or washed. This tray is balanced on pivots, and
connected to the trunnion crank by a rod.
3rd. An inlet pipe, arranged over the central partition of rocking trough in
such a manner thai tbe water or other liquid can flow on to one side of partition.
This blla one side of trough, and causes it to drop and empty into the siuk
underneath, at the same time raising the other end of trough. From this sink
the liquid may be allowed, if necessary, to run over the object to be rocked or
wa.shed, which is placed on the rocking tray. The pipe now tills the other end
of trough, and causes it to drop and empty, thus prtMlucing a rocking motion,
and en.suriDg a continual movement of the object operated on, and also bringin;;
fresh liquid in contact with it The Uquid, by actuating the rocker thus, may
serve two purposes.
The rocking tray is arranged in a suitable sink with outlet.
The greater {>art of this apparatus is preferably made of tinplate, and will bo
exceedingly cheap to manufacture.
Hating now pirticttlarly described and ascertained the nature of our sail
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, we declare th a
what we claim is : — 1. The combination with a platform mounted upon piv<i s
or trunnions of a double-ended trough also mounted upon pivots or trunni-> s
and connected with the said pivoted platform in such a manner that, when i .<
said double ended trough is caused to oscillate by alternately tilling tbe ru s
with water and emptria^ the same, the said platform will also l>e cause<l Ut
oscillate, •obctantislly in the manner described. 2. In a rocking appani us
provided with a donble.ended oseilUtins trough as described in the prece<l( .;
claiming clause, providing tbe said doable-ended trough with a central partii i ii
for alternately directing the water into the opposite ends thereof, substanti .\'.y
as described. 3. The manofscture and use of the improved rocking sppar.iiu's
hsrsiabefofe deaerihed aad illustrated in (the accompanying drawings, aud
operatsd as and for the pupoaas set forth.
* IxpaoTiMKrTS c( Pbotogbapbic Apparatus.
Ma 14,338. Cbabibs Waubb Clakkb, 32 Uarket-pkce, Devises, Wilts.—
/km 25,1892.
This my invention rdataa to certain improvements in or relating to photo-
graphic apparatas, and eoasists of a shade for cutting otf or screening a part
of toe light fhmi oeitain parts of a view during ezjiosure in the camera, such as
the sky in a laadseape, or windows in the case of an interior.
This screen may be of any suitable material, but I prefer to use either
osMuIoid, or glass stained or tinted in pUces, but graduated olT to an absolute
traaspsnaey.
For taking a laodaeape pbotoanph, I should gaoerally use a screen in such
a podtioa tbiat it would cover the sky as seen through the ground glass, and
should set it in such a position that the transparent edge of the screen just
eiaan the horiion in the view (this I should r^fulate by a graduated scale
attached to the serasa, aad a conesponding scale attached to the ground
glass).
I flad that, by this means, I am enabled to obtain a negative of much more
nnifam density, sod to obtain pictures of clouds which, without the use of the
sersaa, would not appear at alL
The screen may be used in any convenient pmition, either in front, between
or behiad the lenses, but I find it convenient to maKb tbe screens to slide in
a slot la tbe saoM awaser as a Watcrfaoose diaphragm ; but sometimes I use
either a drsalar senea to revolve, a square screen to let down bom the top,
or to be peabed tkrougb the side, inside the caoiera, with suitable arrangements
for maaipniating the same from the ontsida This screen is formed either in
different shapes, or with tints of different depths, or with different patterns
(pnlenh4y round its drcuufersnce), and is arranged in such a manner that
mors or lass of either tint, or pattern, or screen, may be brought into the view
ssrsqalrtd.
To seraea a window in the ease of an interior exposure, I should select a
scresa having one or mora suitably stained and graduated spots, which I
sboold snaan ia sack a poaitioD that it would shield or screen off the bright
lays as •ceo tbraagh the grooad glass of the camera.
It win be nadststoed that the object of this invention is to reduce the
neater UlnaUaatioa isiisasdliis fh>m certain parts of the subject, such as the
Niror a window, Isavina tbe uricsr portions nnscraened.
The device aiay be aithsr eomUned with the camera, the lens, or the shutter,
or, if ilssliad, it may be a separate or independent sttaehmeot.
It may soaisMmss be dasiiabia to use two or mora screens for different parts
ofaaaUseL
If dsdrsd, tbe sersaa maf ssaaist of a elood sesaa, msda by photographic or
by say other means, sad used pnferaUy iasMe the earners, so that by this
arraogemeot clouds may be iadnded in a negative, even when the sky is clear,
or any other device by the same means may be formed on the screen for inser-
tion i^hs aagative.
~^3Cm( aev partienlariy ilssnrlhsil aad asoertained the nature of my said
lUieuflDB, aad la what manner the same is to be performed, 1 ileclare that
what I claim is :— I. Tbe con/ th an apparatus for exposing a photo-
graphic plate or film of a semi t or tinted screen so arranged that it
only coven a part of the view, ann i> nmnght into (loaition after the view or a
poftioa of the view has had a short but complete exposure substantially as
dsacfibed. 2. The cnmbiaatioD with an apnaratus for exposing a photographic
plate or Aim of a semi-lraasparent or tintwl ncreen which only coven a part of
the view, so arranged that it can be |>artially or wholly removed, giving a short
but complete expoaon to a part or tbe whole of the screened Portion of the
view bsnn the shutter is doseal su)j«tantially as described. 3. The combina-
tioB witb an apparatus for exposing a photographic pUte or film of a semi-
transparent or tinted sersen which only coven a part of the view, so arranged
402
THE BKITISH JODENAL OF PnOTOGRAPIIY.
[July 29, 1892
and operated that a short hut complete exposure is siven to a part or the whole
of the screened portion of the view, both before and after the screen is brought
into operation substantially as described. 4. The combination with an
apparatus for exposing a photoRraphic plate or film of a serai-transparent
or tinted screen so arranged that it only covers a part of the view, and is
graduated oflf to an absolute transparency at one or more of its edges, and so
arranged that it reduces the amount of light which reaches a portion of the
photographic plate or film substantially as described. 6. The combination
with a photographic lens of a semi-transparent or tinted screen which only
covers a part of the view, and which is graduated off to an absolute trans-
parency at one or more of its edges, and so constructed that it may be
inserted and used in the diaphragm slot together with, or instead of the stop,
substantially as described. 6. The combination with a photographic lens
of a semi-transparent or tinted screen which only covers a part of the view,
the form of which is capable of being cut or altered to suit the subject in-
tended to 1)e taken on the photographic plate or film substantially as described.
7. The combination with an apparatus for exposing a photographic plate or
film of a frame, aiTanged to hold a semi-transparent or tinted screen, and
which slides in a slot, and is connected with the top of the rod by which the
flap is workeil, substantially as and for the purpose described and illustrated
in the accompanying drawings. 8. The combination of a semi-transparent or
tinted screen, with a frame, arranged to be brought into operation by the move-
ment of a shutter, substantially as described and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings. 9. The combination with an apparatus for exposing a photogr.aphic
plate or film of a semi-transparent or tinted screen which only covers a part of
the view, and which is graduated off' to an absolute transparency at one or
more of its edges, and has one or more of its edges straight or curved, and is
supported in front or behind the lens in such a manner that it reduces the light
which reaches certain portions of the photographic plate or film, substantially
as described. 10. The combination with an apparatus for exposing a photo-
graphic plate or film of two or more semi-transparent or tinted screens which
will only cover part of the view, and which are graduated ott" to an absolute
transparency at one or more of their edges, and have one or more of their edges
formed either straight or curved, and which are so arranged that they obstruct
or reduce the light which reaches certain portions of the sensitive plate or film.
11. The combination of a photographic camera with a semi-transparent or
tinted screen which only covers a part of the view, and which is graduated off
to an absolute transparency at one or more of its edges (which, if desired, may
be curved), and which is arranged behind the lens and inside the camera in
such a manner that it screens or reduces the light which reaches certain portions
of the photographic plate or film, and that it may be .adjusted from the outside,
and operated either by the action of the shutter or independently, substantially
as described. 12. The combination with an apparatus for exposing a photo-
graphic plate or film of a transparent screen having more or less, but not the
whole, of its surface stained or tinted in such a manner that it obstructs or
reduces the light which reaches the sensitive surface from the lighter part or
parts of a view, substantially as and for the purpose described. 13. The com-
bination with an apparatus for exposing a photographic plate or film of a
transparent screen, which is stained or tinted more at certain parts than others
in order to reduce or qualify the light which reaches the sensitive suriiice, sub-
stantially as and for the purpose described.
A Xew oe Improved Foccssixg Device or Cloth fok use in Photography
AND THE Like.
No. 18,702. Ann Vax der Werff, 37, Dockwray-square, North Shields,
Northumberland. — June 25, 1892.
This invention relates to a new or improved focussing cloth or mask for the
use of photographers and for like purposes.
In carrying this invention into practical effect, I provide a mask so con-
structed as to closely fit over the eyes of the operator, and formed witli an
opening or openings through which he may view the focussing screen. One
en'l of the focussing cloth is secured round, or partially round, the edges of the
mask, which may be provided with a handle with which it may be held in
position before the operator's eyes.
In a modified arrangement the mask may be held in position by an elastic or
other band passing round the operator's head or ears. The said mask may, or
may not, be provided with a magnifying lens or lenses, arranged in the
openings through which the operator looks, in order that the image on the
focussing screen may be closely examined.
In a further modification, I form one end of an ordinarj' focussing cloth as a
mask, or partial mask, to fit over tlie operator's eyes, and strengthen the said
mask by forming it upon a frame of wire or other suitable material.
It will be readily seen that this combined focussing clotli and mask does not
obstruct the breathing, and is specially adapted for use in the open air, as the
wind cannot blow it up from around the operator's head, as is so frequently the
case with the ordinarj- cloth.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is : — A new or improved focussing device for use in photography and the
like, consisting of a focussing cloth, formed at one end as, or attached to, a
mask, or partial mask, to fit over the operator's eyes, substantially as and for
the pur]J0.se hereinbefore described and set forth and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
Improvements in Supports for Photographic Cameras.
No. 11,372. George Mason, 180, Sauchiehall-street, Glasgow, Lanarkshire,
N. B., and Alexander Lamost Henderson, 277, Lewisham High-road, St.
John's, Kent.— yM^y 2, 1892.
This invention relates to photographic camera supports of the tripod or
jointed-leg class, and has for its object to provide improved adjustable
mechanism for fixing the legs rigidly in a required position, so that they
will not tend to spread or otherwise move in a manner to alter the position
of the camera. _ - _ - . .
The improved mechanism consists, in the case of a tripod stand, of three
steadying bars, with a clamping screw or screw box for fixing them together
centrally, with the bars radiating from the centre to a greater or less extent as
required in each i!ase. The outer ends of the bars are fitted with parts for easy
attachment to the tripod legs. In the case of a common construction of tripod
stand, in which each leg is'lockcd ujion the pins in the top frame on which
the leg is hinged by a stmt or turn-down pin which distends the sides of the
leg, the ends of the steadying liars may be arranged to engage with the said
struts, or the struts may be fornicd on the ends of the steadying bars. Any
other convenient means for connecting the steadying bars to the tripod legs
may be nsed. The steadying bars may be slotted longitudinally, the clamping
screw passing through the .slots and tlio bars being pinched between the neacl
of the screw and a nut ; or the stendying bars may be unslotted and be passed
through slots in a small box, a screw screwed into one end of the box serving
to fix them.
When an operator is adjusting his camera the clamping or fixing screw will
be loose, and the adjusting bars free to move with the legs, and, on obtaining
the adjustment, he will simply have to turn the screw until tight.
iHeettnsjS of ^cctcttejS*
— -. I ♦■ ■ -- .
MEETINGS OK SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK.
D>t« ol MMtlne.
August 1
1
., 1
„ 1
1
„ a
,. 2
2
.. 2
>. 2
2
2
2
3
3
>, 3
3
3
„ •*
5
;: t
>. s
5
NameotSoctetT.
Dundee Amateiu-
Halifax Camera Club
Peterborousrh
South Loudon
Stereoscopic Club
Eseter
Glossop Dale
Herefordshire
Lewes
Oxford Pboto. Societj
Rotherbam
Sheffield Photo. Society
York
Photographic Club
Portsmouth
Putney
Sonthfeea .'
Wallasey
West Surrey
Brixton and Clapham
Leeds Photo. Society
London and Provincial
Oldham
Tunbridgc Wells
Bristol and West of England
Cardiif
Croydou Microscopical
Holborn
Le,aniingtoa
MaidstoDe
Richmond
Place of Maellng.
Asso. Studio, Nethcrgate, Dundee,
Mnseum, Minster Precincts.
Hanover Hall, Hanover-park, S.E,
Brooklands Hotel, BrooklantJs.
College Hall, South-street, Exoter-
Rooins, Howard-chainbers.Glossop.
Mansion House, Hereford.
Fitzroy Library, Hijfh-st., Lewes.
Society's Rooms, 136, High-street.
Masonic Hall, Surrey-street.
Victoria Hall, York.
Anderton's Hotel, Fleet-street. E.G.
Y.M.C. A. -buildings, Landport.
High'Street, Putney.
Egremont Institute, Egremont.
St. Mark's Schools. Batterseo-riaOi.
Gresham Hall, Brixton.
Mechanics' Institute, Leeds.
Champion Hotel, 15, Alders?ate-st*
The Lyceum, Union-street, Oldham.
Mechanics' Inst., Tunbridge Wells,
Rooms, 28, Berkeley-sq, Bristol.
Public Hall, George-street, Croydon
Trinity Church Room, Morton-at.
"The Palace," Maidstone.
Greyhound Hotel, Richmond.
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN.
July 26, — Technical Meeting, Mr. Alexander Mackie in the chair.
Modern Developers.
Mr. H. Chapman Jones exhibited ?. sample of eikonogen, which he had hail
for three years, and which had not blackened. He observed that eikonogen
crystallised out from a sulphite solution would be perfectly white. He hail kept
an eikonogen solution for o. year, au.l it hail worked well. The addition of
bromide had been said to be disai'.vantageous, but he found a small amount
gave more detail and a better image. He preferred sodium carbonate to the
caustic salt, and gave the following as his formula : —
Eikonogen 25 grains.
Sodium sulphite 50 ,,
Sodium carbonate 50 ,,
Potassium bromide J ,,
Water 1 ounce.
For use, he diluted this with an equal volume of water. In reference to tho
solubility of eikonogen, Mr. Jones observed that an alkaline solution dissolved
more than plain water.
Mr. W. E. Debbnham found a Rm.all quantity of bromide in an eikonogen
developer advantageous in keeping the shadows clear, and preferred boiled to
distilled water for mixing the developer. Since the methylated spirit had
been corrujited he had abandoned it. and used a small quantity of citric arid,
which he used in the proportion of thirty grains to the ounce of pyro. He had
kept such a pyro solution for four months, and it had only very slightly dis-
coloured.
Mr. Chapman Jones asked what was the object in keeping pyro in solution ?
Mr. Dkbenham thought it was convenient, and considered the dry-pyro
plan objectionable, .is one coub! not easily tell the amount of it used, and a
little pyro made so much difietence.
Mr. Chapman Jonks regarded hydroquinone as the worst developer and the
best stainer. It would bring out "frilling better than any developer he knew
of, the other parts of the formula Iwiiip the same.
Mr. L. J. Montefiore had used hydroquinone a great deal, and never found
the plates frill.
The Chairman said many workers complained of being unable to get clear
shadows with hydroquinone. He had a five per cent, solution of hydro-
quinone in methylated spirit, water, and sulphite, which had kept good for
about three years, and during the last four months had gone nearly blaBk." '
July 29,1898]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
493
Mr. CBAmiS Joxts had fooad that hydroqoinone and aodiam carbonate
wooid not dcrdop an image on some pbtM.
Mi. DoEnux thoaght that the introdaction of the caustic alkalies had
helped the derctoper.
Mr. E. Curroil wai of opinion that the eaiutic alkalies had done injury to
the d«*doper, as the lizht* were cloned np and the ahadows not clear, the
plates looking as if they wen tuMW-expoMd. He thought hydroqainone
ticttsr with carbonate of soda instead of caustic soda, the negatives acquiring
man of the chancteristica of pyroderdoinDCBt
Mr. CBamax Jo5K9 could not see why dkoooKen an<I hydroquinone should
be mixed. With the eikoBogen d«Tala|Mr already mentioned he obtained any
density be raqvfaed.
Mr. Cumnr said the qnidrart Jewloper, and the one which gave most
dsBsity, that be knew, was the one lewmeitded by Messrs. Marion k Ca for
ezposvneof ooa-tbotisandthof asseood aad imder. It had to be used warm,
bat it tanoi^ oat the image in a rary short space of time. The formula was :—
■kaaogeo ...„ 1 part.
Potasrinm carbonate „ Sparta.
Sediaa aolphita. „ - 5 „
Hot water „ 30 „
Mr. H. A. LiwxEiCB had ezpoaed twa plates for the same tine, and bad
attempted to develop one with femoa oxalate, which, after an hoar, gave no
image ; bat the derelopcr mentiaiMd by Mr. Cliilon gare a remarkably dense
imaJie.
Mr. W. BntroBD imjliiiiil snuwiaiii to bydroqalDooe for bramide priata,
as tka lattar was ratW ■aiwmtaatfa. A tmtU aaioant of bnimida had a
rMMriublaeAetwithtfcacarfaaMtaiL PwdMy eaastic alkalies paasad thwuMrh
tba aim Boeh man rapidly than tlM anbeaatea, and tended to degrade the
hU Uskti^ aad proroke balatioa
Mr. MOTRnmz aaU ks Ibvad ndiaal (tad for portraits, bat to get density
he had to apply a bydroqalBoaa Jwsleyw aftw aai Js.
Mr. Cumni aid that be kaUtaaQy mti fjra, sulphite, and earfcoaate of
soda, vttboot bromide. For bieaafch pip« aa asad Mr. Oowaa'a sikooogan
Ataala, wHb HtUnm earbooate, *«]r mtimmfhSij. It did not aaawar for all
nakaa of pwr. aa it Ut a IenmB-«elo«iBl rtaia on aooie. The stain might
be pranatad by asiaf a weak add bath la tka aaoM way as with iron. Other-
wfaa the dsrakipviot lid of the add batk aWotHbar, aad the pietorss were
ptMaaaMy am psnnaaent, aad the Jawlay did aot mhi to give soeh
donid shadows aa teiooa oxalatSL
Mr. 1. W. Paann bad foaad that tkaMbvdraas earboaatsa gave leas »uin
thaa the ordiaaiy otrbonatas. Be iaqnlfad My Cootiaental plata InTariably
fonad wHh aauDOiu^
Mr. OoDaail aikl that tka «aaa tUM kad boM cbaned ^niaat Aaerkan
pkiaa. He had, howarar, iimaiftiUy fc»<a>il tba M. A. B«ad Coapany's
platca wltk a— rwila IWy «sr* tke asat lapid platea be had nrt nmiL
The aaatiaf aahiaqasatly adJoaiMd.
J- Ll
MK, l.AnEl l.KA '
' \L PHOTOORAPUIC ASSOCUTIOX.
: the chair.
flealad asmhen of the Aasodation.
ittat; «kkb eoald ha aaad sither for
■>;, Intmdaetd by Mr. Teane at
of dercloper stains, anil the
.,.7 ,.^>^. .i _uu« •UU wet, bdag nfamd to aa
■ ity.
" Piaitirtw or vn 8am Haias IImjktu bt
Ma. JL HaOKM drew
la tba evTMt aaaber oftko
was toad to the
toai
.d
m Ikta saMaet by Mr. Cany Lsa,
yU Matatw, wbkk, at hU aaMpHtoii.
•■ Mr^fey Ua'a eiaiaa, Mr.lkaddoa
Abnw. Maasta. A. U Hwdiia, Oawaa. aad Wellha-
iMhr V Ki^ I'' i> kia laiMMa to hia owa cxpaH-
at naacs in psaasars, It was a auttar wkkh stoold
sad be thoo^t that the whole ovlit of the expertment abonid
'<rl aeroa the Atlantic. The paper was of giaat iatenet, aad be
' ' not wiah to detract ftaa irtat Mr. Osny Ua had imt, bat
lie paper (boold ba rad to the nieabeia.
waa laad b7 Mr. O. W. AtUaa. Mr. T. Boua obarrad Oat
Mr. I'sfrr I^ea tboald haia BMaltMad tho axpsrtasata of those
overal that s fatfent baaai was Btadaead by laasaia. At the
-led to hIa that what Mr. Lsa had aUaad a new waa the
<;eaiaf of sflrer chloride by
I:
■ ioe OB tUi laMaal waiiaiHaad by Mr. W. E. Dntv-
■•'•' indawtaad tfca abiiaui of a aaaaalt) fcr tateaai-
ra seoko of at a praeioai aMOag. His own
• thin aamrtiea aad fartaadiyikM. Bafcaad
SckUppera aalt gave a giaalar aiMMat of
SchUppera aalt gave a malar aiMMat of
<idan, aad the faama did aot ekaaia a
> randsamed hscanss tlw aia«tl»i wm aot
' ferred it waa sbowa at oaea whether
r.t the caw with other |iiuiaaii.
" vea yean an, ayd ibwid that
\ for, aad the bteasiaad iHfi
°, »o pwrssaa he had prarioai^
:i <leiuity wet* otitaioed, it conM he radnceil.
merrury image eoold be reduced hefon it wa
' ' •■Sected by any chloride process.
- ftether dkcMdaB.
North London Photographic Society.— July 19, Mr. J. Brewer in the
chair. — The SecrfUry exliihiteii Messrs. IJeck's "Frena" liand camera for films,
anil Mea«rs. Houghton's "Slmttlt- " camera for quarter-plates, which had been
lent by the makers for that purpose. The action of the ' ' Frena " in releasing the
films after exposure, each film coming to the front in turn, wa.s much admired, as
also the Tarions arrangements for sighting and exposing which have been well
worked out in a convenient and practicable manner. The peculiar aad special
action of the "Shuttle" was fully explained, the simplicity and certainty of
the changing movement being of especial interest, while the amngements for
focussing and exposing were thoroughly examined and appreciated. The
opinion was strongly expressed that both cameras, each for its own special
work, should take vtry tdgh rank among the hand cameras now before the
photographic world. Messni. Beck's "Bynoe" printing frame was also intro-
dnced, and attracted much interest. Satisfactory reports were received of the
Eastman chloride paper, most successful prints being shown, and the trials of
the llford isochromatie plates had given great satisfaction, one especLiIly fine
negative of cherries being shown by Mr. Brewer. Mr. .K. E. Smith showed
pictures taken with lenses arranged as in an opera-glass, giving a telescopic
resnlt, aad the Secretary showed cardboard dark slides made for use with films.
No meetings daring August.
Horth Mlddlaaoi Photograplilc Society.— July 25, )Ir. F. Cherry in the
chair. — Aboat thirty-five luemliers ami friends were present, and three candi-
dates for election were nominated. The Chairman mtroduced Mr. Thomaa
Bedding, who addressed the meeting on Phutogmpky fry Rule. He contrasted
the soBiewhat role-of-thnmb methods of the early workers with the present
ciaa for ianomerable formube, each re<|uiring to be weighed and measured
with sempaloas nieety, and each (though compounded to effect the same pnr-
poa) dMiiflim so widely in their coostitaent parts that neither science nor
jndfBMBt seemed to have ban oonsnhcd in constructing them. He expressed
tho epiakia that the work produced in the early days had yet to be beaten, and
that tho gaacral areraga wu higher then than now. He pleaded for a cultiva-
tioa of tba laaaoning powers baaed upon the worker's experiences, whether
sneaaii or faUarea, and deprecated an implicit trust being put in incom-
piets tahla of exposora aad fallible actinometen. He oi^ upon hia
andieaeo that all ocwild aad oaght to acquire technical excellence, upon which
thoa wIm posseaaed artistie feeling might base their higher attempts. In the
ooneeiaatioa tSat foUowed. Maeara. Beadle, Wall, Matthews, I'itber, Johnson,
Smith, aad the Chainnan took part A vote of thanka was passed to Mr.
Bedding for his paper, pregnant a it waa with poinU of interest. Views taken
at Kingsbury and Boraham Beeeha were then voted upon. The latter com-
petition wa wall entered for, and the vote of merit wu accorded to Mr. Mer-
chant. The mnaindcr of the avaaing wu deroted to technical questions and
answers. The next masttna will be held oe Aanst 8, Mr. Marchant in the
chair, when the varioai aathoda o< hatainalihig harsh negatives will be dis-
cussed. Visitors wcleoma.
Baekaey Pbotognphlo Boclaty.— July 12, Mr. Beckett in the chair.—
Work done oa excursion to the ZookMrical Oardena wa ahown by Mesarai'
Sodaaa, Diaa, Nana, Roder, and the Hoa. Seeretarr. Mr. Pollard showed
soaw prlaia afTlBtsni Abbey. He wu asked if he had permialon to photo-
graph th«r^ hot ha statad he had to pay it. M. to do >o. Mr. Reynolds
asked eoold be aa aa oidinary reducing solution for Sandell plates when
oeceesary, a ho eoold not manage that quoted t The CualKMaa preferred
Howard Fannar'a fonaak. The ferrieyanida would get exhausted after a time.
Mr. aoDKAiT said, la asiag too auch fetrieyanlde, there would be a loss in the
•hadowa. Mr. Ooauao asked If any one had obtained too much density with
Ilferd pyro foiaaU. The Caainiia!! observed that if /bat wu so, too much
pyio WW aaed. He thea oallad upon Mr. Hill to giro a demonstration of
the Cnseo-Pylina priniaa, Spedmeoa of the process were passed round.
The idaa was that oa lamanlmi (into the above mentioned solution) of a
posittvo or naaatira, tko fllm woold lave the pUte and expand into nearly
twiea tka aia idswoBstated, with raolt that equal enlargement took place),
aad waa then tiaiiafaiad to dtber aa opal ^aa or paper in case of a
neaitiva^ or glaa for aifativa. The after procea wu precisely u would be
tko eaa of aa ordiaary print or aegativa. Mr. Hnx stated that hydro<|uinone
WM tka best doeekper to ua for produdng the original negative. Alum would
aot a a nnUaat, w wa not adnad, thoorii citric add could be used in pyro
aiatiea. Mr. BuiMua aaked if alkali would affect the stripping. Mr. Hiix
adelaad eaiboaata ia prefotenea to hydratea, though ammonia would enlaise
parhapa better. Mr. Pocnaoa wanted to know if, in drying, dust wu likely
to aflat tho pialo; bat waa iafMBod that it woidd ba pobaps better to wuh.
Mr. OoBiM tkaa ^«a a dMMartralioa oa DordopaMat. He advocate<l the
oU tkaaaofoaaderaloper, aadkaprstersdpyro-soda. He wu an " llford "
man, he said, a be bail Isamt all he knew mm "Scraps," and consequently
tbe plates, die., be nse<l, were of that firm's manufhctnre. He then developed
a aaatlfe aad butara plate, bat need too deep a light (in the genera] opinion
of thoa present), which wu eonatructad (for the occasion) out of a biscuit
tia.
Ji-LT It, Mr. C P. Hodga ia the chair.— Mr. Nunn showed prints taken
of the animals at tbe Zoo, and a plaster mould he bad photographed pre
six **— ml*, with rapid JHate, /-Id by gadkht. A discussion on sticking
nuer) wu ttia taken up. Mr. Kiykolss
hioh wu flnt heated and then putting on
wax aad rabbiag arith rfanad antQ very little wax wu left. The Cbaibilui
had asad ebonite, and, a an emetgencV, the papier-mieU trays now so com-
monly asod. Mr. Dbax said he thonat if alum were used before squeegeeing
to tho plato prints would not stick. Mr. PorLsos used ferrotvpe plate. The
CHsiaaaa ooaerved that people, u a rale, were too much in a bnrry, and
triad to pod them off before thoraughly dry. Mr. Dean showed a print from a
mayfly which he had shot in a book and then photographed. The edges were
stained on negatirs which had been developed with ferroos oxalate. Hr.
BicKETT obaerved that he would put the negatiTe direct into the fixing bath.
Mr HK!<a(.Bn aaked how to stop up hola in negatives. Jir. Foi-lkks-Wikks
soirl if thin negative he aronld vamisb and then oa the penciL Mr. BxcKirr
said be would match tbe colour of the negative with colour. The ChajrmaS
494
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[July 29, 1892
uid he once lost part of a negative through the film getting torn. Mr.
Foui.KES-WiNKS said he would advise, under such conditions, that a print
be taken in platinum, then filling in with pencil, and then a reproduction taken.
A question was then asked as to a good combined toning and fixing bath for
aristotype prints. The Eastman last formula was recommended. Mr. Sodkak
obse"vea that corks in these bottles of solution were not to be recommended,
as these solutions would not keep so well. A question was asked on intensi-
fying with qiiinol. Sir. Bkckett said he used cyanide of silver as fixing ; if
not thoroughly washed, stains would result. Mr. Winks said, wlien printing
for platinum toning it would be best to print darker than usual. Mr. Henslku
then asked how to use saturated solution of hypo. Mr. Sodkan said. Take one
ounce of solution, and one ounce of water. Dr. Colquhoun was nominated for
membership. Mr. B. Foulkes-Winks then gave a paper on Dodges. Among
the hints given were how to back plates, how to reduce with an ordinary
camera, flatten silver prints (by passing paper-knife over the back, to cure pin-
holes and transparent spots (the former with retouching medium and pencil,
the latter with a tint composed of black, blue, and crimson lake), blisters
(pricking at back of print), and he advised any one using silver paper to use a
sixty-grain bath.
Leytonstone Camera Club.— July 23, Outing to High Barnet, which was
reached shortly after three o'clock, where the company were met by Mr. Hubert
Elliott of the firm of Elliott & Sons, by whose kindness they were all provided
with ' ' Barnet " plates. Under the guidance of Mr. Elliott the company were
piloted round Barnet and Hadley which are full of historical subjects. The
stocks on the green, the High Stone, Mouken Hadley Church, tlie old oak
commemorating the scene of the battle of the Roses, Hadley Woods and
various other spots having been visited, the party were invited to Mr. Elliott's
mansion to a most sumptuous repast, and were next shown over the grounds,
where boating on the lake and tennis were In full swing. Permission having been
given by the liost, several members had some excellent shots In the grounds.
The company were next shown over the house. The pictures (some of which
were of great value) were specially admired. Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Elliott having
been thanked for the kind manner the Club had been received, the party were
next invited to inspect the Barnet Plate Works, at the entrance of which they
were met by the Mau.ager, Mr. Birt Acres, who personally, in conjunction with
Mr. Hubert Elliott, showed the whole of the premises, several of the managers
of departments and others being in readiness to give special Information of
their respective departments as they in their turn were visited. To describe all
that was seen would occupy more of your valuable paper than we dare do, as
there would be little dlfBcuIty In taking several pages ; but the carbon enlarge-
ments, life size, of figures and animals, and the Cadett machine for coating
plates, for which the machinery in all departments was at work, were specially
interesting. In fact, if all amateurs had seen, as we saw, the process that a
plate has to go through from the glass crate to the packet of dry plates, they
would marvel how we can possess them at the price we do. When the last
department had been through, of which there had been about forty, w« were
aurprised, although we had hurried through, it had taken two hours. Upwards
of 100 plates were exposed.
Putney Photographic Society.— July 23, Outing.— Tlie members met at
Molesey Bridge and proceeded to the lock and weir, where some interesting
views were t.ilsen. From Molesey the river bank was followed past Hampton
Court and Thames Ditton to Surbitou. Saturday being the day of the Kingston
Regatta, there was a rare opportunity for obtaining hand-camera negatives of
the river crowded with pleasure craft of all kinds .and sizes, not forgetting the
City State barge, the " Maria Wood," so well known to all frequenters of the
upper reaches of the river. Before proceeding on their holiday tours, several
members tested plates and films of various makes, to compare their respective
qualities, and much useful and practical Information was obtained. Mr. Gorin
exposed three of the new " Sandell " plates on the same subject — a clump of
trees and bushes surrounding a pond ; working in a fair diffused light at 5
p.m., with a stop of /-22, he gave one plate an exposure of about one-twentieth
of a second, another one second, and the third twenty seconds. The negatives
were developed with pyro and ammonia, and all three came out extremely
well, the snap-shot being only slightly under-exposed, the one second correctly
exposed, and the twenty seconds' exposure having none of the usual signs of
extreme over-exposure ; In fact, with more experience in the manipulation of
these plates, and pjirticularly in judging the density when developing, there
can be little doubt that the under-exposure could have been greatly modified,
and that the over-exposure would have yielded a negative in no way inferior to
the app.arently correct exposure of one second. Mr. Zachariasen carried out
some experiments on the relative merits of plain and isochromatic films, the
latter with and without a yellow screen. The subject chosen for the experi-
ment contained yellow houses with red facings, pale blue blinds, blue slates,
and light and heavy foliage in the fore and background. The results obtained
fully confirmed previous experience, that for some sulyects the isochromatic
films have decided advantages, and that this is Increased by the use of the
yellow screen. The screen was of a light lemon coloiu". Increasing the exposure
four times, as proved by the following experiment. A half-plate film was
exposed in camera divided by stereoscopic division, one-half being exposed for
five seconds through a lens fitted with the yellow screen, the other half through
a plain lens for one and a quarter second ; the uncut film was then developed,
the two negatives appeared at the same time, and development proceeded
steadily. When taken out, both were equally developed, proving the relative
■correctness of the two exposures. A gas lantern, fitted with a two-feet burner,
and provided with a deep ruby glass, eight Inches by six' inches, and a ground
glass placed inside, was used during the development. This gave a soft and
even Illumination, quite ample for judging detail and density. Care was taken
to carry on development at some four feet from the lantern, approaching it
only to watch progress. The edges of the films kept perfectly clear ; It Is
therefore obvious that no fogging took place, and that the objection occasion-
ally raised to the use of isochromatic plates and films, that they must be
developed In a very feeble light, Is not a serious inconvenience when the bright
light is of the right quality and carefully used. The next outing of the
Society will take place at Carshalton, on Auguiit 8.
South London Photographic Society.— July 18, Mr. L. H. Greaves in the
chair. — Mr. J. Miller read a paper On Photographic Dodges and Comhinaliwi
Printing, After a few hints as as to the practical use of the camera, Mr. Miller
advocated the use of the following developer, which he had used for a consider-
able period in Great Britain and South Africa, and with It had been able to
develop plates of any make : A — Sulphite of soda, 300 grains ; citric acid, 20
grains ; pyro, lOOgrains; distilled water, rain water, or boiled water, 16 ounces,
dissolve ingredients In order named, each to be dissolved before the next is
added. B.— Bromide of potassium, 50 grains; water, 60 ounces. C. — Liquor
ammoniie -880, 2 drachms ; water, 16 ounces. For normal exposure take half
an ounce each of A and B. In another measure take half an ounce of C,
adding it to A and B immediately before development. For under-exposure
use less of B and more of C ; for over-exposure use less of C and more of B.
In cases of great contrast reduce the quantity of A The lecturer stated that
he considered every negative, no matter how good, was capable of Improvement,
and proceeded to explain how this could be effected. Before anything was done
he always, took a rough proof from the negative. Matt varnish was useful to
increase contrasts, as It could easily be scraped away from any part which it
was desired to print more deeply. It could also be used to retard or keep back
any part that printed too deeply, and afforded a fair surface to retouch or stump
upon. Tissue paper without any grain, such as is u.sed by draughtsmen, could
be employed to effect similar results, by fastening It on the back of the negative
with starch. Portions of this could be cut out with a knife and afterwards
removed easily after damping. The paper could be made transparent by ap-
plying the following mixture with a brash, viz., Canada b-tlsam dissolved in
benzine, using sutticieut of the former to prevent the solution spreading when
used, and afterwards adding three or four drops of castor oil. Portions of
negatives could be blocked out by the application of lamp-black to the paper.
Mr. Miller advised the use of a piece of discoloured silver paper In the frame
when making prints to prevent discolouration and contraction. Prints should be
washed and toned as quickly as possible. The faces should be sponged before
being placed In the toning bath, as this facilitates toning. The bath was made
up as follows : Acetate of soda, 340 grains ; bicarbonate of soda, 35 grains ;
chloride of gold, 4 grains ; distilled or boiled water, 80 ounces. Keep for a
day or two before using. The various methods of producing combination
prints on silver paper were dealt with at length. To remove the discolouration
from the edges of old plates, and for reduction, the lecturer advocated the
following, viz.. Iodine dissolved in water, using a few crystals of bromide of
potassium to bring about dissolution, and adding .same to the hypo bath. The
solution of Iodine must not be too strong.
Brixton and Clapham Camera Club. — July 19, Dr. Reynolds (President) In
the chair. — Some interesting questions were taken from the box and discussed,
one of them being, " Is it necessary that the axis of the lens should be at right
angles to the plate?" Upon this opinion was fairly evenly divided, but pro-
bably the majority considered that it was not absolutely necessary. Another
question, which is of interest at this season of the year, was, "For sea pictures
is it advisable to use a quick plate and a small stop, or a slow plate and a large
stop?" and the meeting seemed to favour the latter view. A third question
was, " Does any member find the Ilford 'P.O.P.' paper tone rather slowly?"
This was answered in the affirmative. Subsequently the Cluh lantern was
used to throw upon the screen some slides contributed by Mr. F. Goldby and
the Hon. Secretary.
Newcastle-on-Tyne and Northern Counties' Photographic Association.
— July 14, a party of sixteen members had an outdoor meeting down the Tyne.
The party journeyed by the one o'clock boat from Newcastle Quayside to North
Shields, several exposures being made at the shipping on the way down. On
arrival at the Fish Quay, the number of cameras on the scene caused a deal of
excitement amongst the fisher folk, several of them being very anxious to be
photographed. After exposing a number of plates on the various groups, the
party crossed the river to South Shields, when Mr. William Parry, who ably
acted as leader, photographed the members. After tea Mr. Parry kindly
showed them over his studios and printing rooms. A most enjoyable day was
spent, and the weather was all that could be desired.
Cortesj)oniience*
LOSS OF DENSITY IN FIXING.
To the Editor.
Sib,— I am very glad to see your leader in the current Jouknal on the
question whether the hypo bath can really exert any solvent action on
the negative image during fixation. I always dismissed the Idea of it
being possible, seeing how very much this seemingly innocent and dilute
solution differs from any known solvent of silver.
I fear I must differ from your remark that " a wet negative shows
greater apparent density than a dry one." My experience would put it
just the other way, for frequently a negative which— when developed,
fixed, and washed — has been considered too thin, and is consequently
put aside for intensification, when thoroughly dry has been found to be of
ample printing density. Possibly the monochromatic nature of the dark-
room iUnminant may sometimes account for this.
There is another curious point about gelatine negatives that I have
never seen mentioned or noticed anywhere. This is, the difference in
intensity and vigour of one intensified immediately after fixing and
washing and one which has been allowed to dry first, the latter being by
far the better of the two.
The actual reason of this I do not know, but it seems certain that some
molecular cliange takes place in the film in the process of desiccation.^
I am, yours, &c., A. How.^rd Benham, A.M.I. C.E.
4, Albert-terrace, Allert-road, Regent's Park, N.W., July 22, 18U2.
July 39, 18»]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
495
THE STOPS OF FRONT COMBINATIONS.
Ta tiu Editob.
Sib,— Will yoa kindly tell ma bow to Mtiiwt* the Tklne of the stops— in
other wocda, bow to ertimete the exposal* when ncing the front lens of %
leetOhiear eombinstion u s siogla Imis. u inggMtoH in ;oar leading article
off Jime 34 ? I tried it yeeterdar, using' the front lens of m; nine-inch
Boas'i nniTersal symmetrical (tiie camera not haring sufficient draw to
nse the back lens), and gave four times the exposure I sboald hare done
osing the same stop with the complete lens, which I thoaght was
tbeoretieally what I shoold require. This, bowerer, gave over-exposore,
and I think three times would haTe been qnite sofficient.
It seems to me that, if one was sore of the expoeores, it might some-
times be ^my eonvenient to ass the lens in this way for distant views. — I
am, TOOTS, Ae. J. B.
July 19, 1894.
[Ws hsTe dealt with oar eowespondent's communication in
another part of the Jovhhal. — Ed.]
SPEED OF PLATES.
To Ike EoRDB.
Bib,— The ootoome of the two letters o( Mr. Sterry and Mr. Pbillipa is
to draw attention to the one Hssentisl dsAaition of sensitireness which
Messrs. Hartsr * DrilSeld kBT* adoflsi 4a Ihair method. It is to find
lbs first term of a rs^alar ssriss of ssposwss in which the resolting
daasitias tnefsiss by regolar inerMMOts. Now, this method lesTcs
wliiel7 oat of ths qnsstioa wbathsr ttdi eoriect seals of gradoation has
■BflWaot ovaei^ in the highest tanns of its scale to proride practical
fslaliua ** MBsi^ " in a negative. Tit* , peactieal eonssqaeaee is that,
wtai dean. Barter it DnfEeld's msthoi m Mplied to certain classes of
smMwis, it iadieates a sspsitiTMisi vUah is not substantiated when
tts pirt* is sniossJ in th* taiam*, aad a pnMtieal printing opacity
For tnstsnes, Msssn. Hnrtw A Driflsld, in tbeb original paper to the
Beeiety of Chemical Industries, msatioa that they bad foond ths lUord
tad label to bs the qoicksst plaU thsj had triad.
Now, it bappeaad that when this payar aaaa oat I bad been eoaaparing
1 the camafB ailarant brands of platsa. sad fomid that the plaia named
m
was br no msans so ssasitifs, traa Ufrmttitat point ol rlawi as most of
lb* other f^id bands of plataa. It la traa that it gnTa detail (what
Miiasii. Hnrtsr A OriflUid woold eaO eeiraet madoatica) with short
apoaara, bat to gat printing opadty (density, as a photographw calls it)
a aonsMsmbly ioaiger azpoaora had to ba given.
I feel qnlta (tea In ■wlliiBiin Ihia iMilMa, as the Britannia Works
Company bavs latafar mgmmlftA tha plala in question by a iww Uford
red labd piaia. wfaiah is aatfawly aMwiBl !■ - deoaity '-giving oapabiU^,
and aoMafMirthr ia twice as raaid as Iha aU brand.
FostMMl^y Mr. Btany, in Ua table of aramplee, haa ptoridad me
with a msans of Qhistrating this point. I most first mention that.
althoi^ Msswi. Barter A
mmMm ia Ibair iaalrvnaot. theae
dtwMssea Iha assJa of the
has givaa riss to nraah
iMka thelfmaaadaiMoad bv
htad Mr. Bteny* ilairtlw bajt
are obliged to meaaore aetnal
lies are translated into pbysieal
'ffUs peenliarity of the system
■ad misniwlsistanding, and, to
'I have trans-
1
1
s
4
H c.M.a
l-U
s-u
ii-
M
IM
MB
IB
1-M
MB
7-«
18-5
44
M
IBS
170
Bl
fl
i-17
10-fi
le-s
SIS
S7S
SSS
S3
1-45
31
8-7
6* ;. :::: :::::::::
S-9
10
lS-6
90
39-8
40 „
•0-5
80 „
94
IW „
IM
Aetinoeranh sD*a4
SI
la oidar that ths rsader may grasp Iha mMntng of tha abova Bgorss,
I ihaold aenticn that in a nesative rsqalrad to print a eomplate swie of
I tma white to blnek on piatiaam paper, and in wbidi tha bladi is
•salsd br elear glaw. tha proper ooiai^ for white is S4. In other
words. If w* find lb* grsatest amoant of light to which platinan paper
can be txpoasd, and still be while whan developed, exactly 54 timee Inis
amount of Ught i* lauuifJ to print dead black on the same paper.
Now, ia pMlagnpaing a gnap of whit* objects with a full scale of
• ,... -I'.^niioMaak, Hwoald be neeeeeaiy that the highest ligbu in the
hoold be reprsasntsd by an opacity of S4.
-ring to Mr. Blatiy's trials, it will be seen that in No. 1 plate
' 10 asaoads gave an opacity of US (sufficiently near for oar
'.aUag Mo. 8 plate, which the aetinogrsph method makes
nearly twice as ssariliva m Na 1, it will be seen that tha saint aagowie
(40 seconds) only gives an opacity of 21 "5 with the same development.
It therefore follows that, if No. 1 and No. 3 plates were exposed for the
same time on the group of white objects, the expoeore being just right to
give a maximum opacity in the ease of No. 1 of 58, the highest opacity in
the No. 3 plate would be only 21-5, and the negative would be too thin to
give a correct print, and yet Messrs. Hurter it Driffield's method would
lead the photographer to suppose that No. 3 plate only requires half the
exposure of No. 1.
The fact is that No. 3 plate is coated with a poor, thin emulsion of
detail-giving capacity, but wofuUy short of density-giving power, and in
ascertaining its practical sensitiveness a very considerable compromise
would have to be made to get anything approaching printing density, and
I should prefer not to use it at all for making negatives. There is very
little that is absolute about the science of photography, and probably the
final method of ascertaining the sensitiveness of plates may be something
of a compromise between the " scale of graduation method " and the
" density-giving " method.
I still hold to my original objection to Messrs. Hurter it Driffield's
method, that, giving a white light scale of sensitiveness, it can not express
the average camera sensitivenees of different makes of plates. My objec-
tion to the standard candle I stated to be a very minor point. Perliapa
it is as reliable a standard as any other.
Would Mr. Sterry kindly say what he means by the term development
factor? I find no mention of it in Messrs. Hurter i& Driffield's paper. — I
am, yours, 4c., AurnxD Watkijjs.
Uereford, July 24, 1892.
»
FXTOGOID GROWTHS ON LANTERN SLIDES— FOGACITT OF
BROMIDE PRINTS IN HUMID CLIMATES.
To the EorroB.
Sib, — Ton will, no doubt, remember my sending you several specimens
of lantern slides (in 1889 or 1890) to show the fungus growth on the
eorering glaaaee. I am now sending yon through my brother at home two
specimens of chloride plates of English manufacture which show the effect
of this climate. I am sorry I cannot ssy what make they are, but they
are specimens of what is going vrrong with a large batch of chloride trans-
parenciee out here. Yoa will notice, 1, that the film splits and leaves the
glass ; 3, that a fungus growth has appeared between the glass and the
film. This Bxmj possibly account for the film leaving the glass. I think
the glass used must be French white, which grows fungus here faster than
any other kind.
I draw your attention to the above because other makes give results
which stand this climate perfectly. Whatever claims the chloride plates
have to priority, they are no ass bere.
Last year I sampled several makes of chloride plates purchased here,
and every plate developed dead bUek all over with hardly a sign of the
pietnr*. Scvoral others tried them with the same rasalt and we let the
platee alone. I have lecantly received a few boxes of rapid and slow
lantern platee throagb my brother, and the slow pUtes develop dead black
without exposure to white light. Others confirm my results, and I am
now oonvinced that the platee irill not stand the change in climate.
I shoold liks to know whether Ihsss platee, if kept y a temperature of say
90* F. for aoms tims in England, givs the same results. Rapid chloride
stand much better, bat also loss much of their proper qualities. If the
above heat test cansss no change, the air should be damped. Our humidity
at praaant raogee from 10 to 95 per cent.
While on the subjeet of the Indian climate, did you read my article in
the f ndiaii Jtntrnal toma months ago on the destruction of bromide prints
by kssping than face to face with platinotypes ? After two yean my
bromidea have almost diaupsarsd, whils tha platinotypes stand perfectly.
This is ondoobledly owing lo snmalhlng paonliar, as the platiootype
picture prints itself on Iha bsoaiide by deatroction. If the platinotype or
toooude were inparfaetly ttaated the destmctivs action would take place
all over. I feel sor* it is a chemical action between the platinum and
silvar reqoiiing a high temperature, exoeeaive humidity of air, and gentle
pressnra to sseore contact.— I am, yours, Ae., Johk B. Oi-acstunx.
a<Ua»dtr Honte, Calcutta, June 31, 1893.
[We hare oomnented upon our correspondent's interesting com-
munication elsewbere.— Ep.j
ENLARGEMENT.
To the Editor.
May, is not so great as she thinks,
Where s
Stat -4%e difficulty raised by your correspondent, Ethel Constance
D D -/ 1
From the formula -— - —~- = -
/+' / n
increment of focal length, and n = number of times linear
enlargsmsnt, it is saaily ssen that
/+*
= n + 1.
Banea, to obtain Iha new focal value of a stop, we multiply the de-
nominator of its fanner foMi value by n + 1. Thus, if n = 3, /-8 becomes
/■32, requiring sixteen timee the exposure for /-8. Of course for reduction
a is fractional.— I am, yoors, Jrs., Cukfubd E. F. NAsn.
ChtUenhtm, July 86, 1893.
496
THE BKITISU JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[July 29, 1892
Sxd)aTtge Golumn.
•,• No charge ii node for imerting RxdiangtM of Apparatus »n this column ;
but none vriii t* interUd unless the article foanted is definitely stated. Those
vho$pee\fy their rtquinmenU as "anything useful " will therrfort understand
tk* Ttaian irf their non^j>ptaranee.
SiohMn Cbamban' 15 » 12 W. A. E.. new, for (rood whole-pUte modern oainfra »nd
tluM M^L— F. t H^Dxys, Photc?raph«r>. Beiding.
Will axohuigs 15 x 12 Bom' Undtopa leu for wbole-pUte wide-angle rectilinear, any
good make.— Addresi, E. J. LxvuB, 7, Foreit Hill-road, s.E.
Pneomatic aafet^ bicycle, ball* throaghont, Snnlop tyres, new last snmmer, in ex-
change for 10x8 Tiew camera, thiM dark slides, and Iripod or lens.— Address, T.
■Wn.»o», 44, Swinley-lane, Wigan.
Win excbiinTe Franks' Presto hand camera, pocket microscope and slides, panta.
gnpti, and shorthand books, for Skew's gninea pocket camera.— Address, J. F.
TCACCE, 4t, Leifchton-Iana, Leads.
Fifty-two inch cyclometer by l^je, adjustable to hub or spokes: exchantre for
Watkins' erposnre meter or "Thomton-Pickard shutter (half-plate).— Address,
H. G. PERBnro, 6, Kewlngton Green-road, X.
Will exchange 8x5 new Ross' TTnireraal symmetrical lens, for Ross* No. 2 Unirersal
lens, or Dallmeyer's 3d., or 8^x6} Dallmeyer's patent rapid rectilinear lens. —
Addreas, J. W. Cocbt, Horthgate, Hartlepool Bast.
Exchange background (distempered). 8 ft. x 7 ft., Tylar's current producer and dis-
charger, hand camertl (carries six quarter-plates in three double slides), and
quantity of photographic literature, for backgrounds (interior or exterior), or rustic
accessories.— Address, Fbzo. C. D. Hcbd, Photographer, Shepton Hallet.
angtoers to iETotresponHentis.
AU wutUeirs for the text portion of this JoURNiX, including queries for
"Anneers" and "exchanges," must be addressed to "Thb Editob,"
S, Tork-street, Coveni Garden, London. Inattention to this ensures delay.
Ao notice taken of eommunicatiotu unless name and address of writer are
given,
•»• Communications relating to Advertisements and general bitsiness affairs
nutst be addressed to "Hentit Gbki>'wood k Co.," 2, York-street, Covent
Garden, London.
W. Bbamstos. — No ; there is no "assistants' nnion " in existence now.
Eeduckr. — Potassiom ferrocyanide does not react with metallic silver, hence
your failure.
L. B. Rice (Bridgend). — Xo ; hypo is not poisonous. Your informant was
probably thinking of potassium cyanide.
Palladicm.— The new Eastman gelatine-chloride printing-out paper is
amenable to the action of the burnisher just the same as albnmenised
paper.
R. Camkrox. — The Cosmoramic stereoscope is practically the same as the
original Brewster instrument, the wooden body being square instead of a
pyramidal shape.
D. Fisher. — Yes ; reversed negatives are sometimes taken by exposing the
plate through its glass side without any appreciable loss of sharpness being
found to result.
Alec (Perth). — It may be that the slowness of the fixing of the plates arises
from the strength of the hyposulphite solution. Instead of using a saturated
solution try the effect of slightly diluting it.
Lost says : " Could you give me the quantities of soap and alcohol for making
a lubricator for burnishing silver prints ! " — Two grains of Castile soap to
the ounce of alcohol would form a suitable proportion.
SiLEifDO. — Hydroquinone, or hydrokinone (C^HjOj) is known to chemists by
either of the names here given. The full chemical name of eikonogen is, we
believe, Amido-B-naphtholB-monosulphate of sodium.
Geo. Knight.— There is a work on Collotype by Dr. Julius Schnauss (trans-
lated by Mr. E. C. Middleton, and published by Messrs. Iliffe 4 Son, of St
Bride-street, E.C.), which is probably what you require.
Landscape (Brompton-road). — This correspondent asks us whether permis-
sion to photograph in the royal or public parks enables one to sell the views
so obtamed. We know of no regulation to the contrary. Do any of our
readers?
ASETAS (Stockwell). — It has, we believe, been proved that the electric spark,
given off when either cut or tollable films which have adhered are sepa-
rated by a little force, is suflicient to fog the sensitive layer. Yours is no
uncommon experience.
A. C. W.— There are other methods of blackening an image bleached with
mercuric chloride than those with ammonia, sodium sulphite, or hypo. For
instance, an ordinary alkaline developer may be used to the advantage,
probably, of more ultimate density than with either of the foregoing.
T. D. (Catford). — You over-estimate our capabilities in asking us to tell you
"the reason why" you "cannot protlnce as good a negative as that which
was shown at 's as a specimen negative on their plates." Send us one
or two of your failures, and we may then be able to indicate the cause of
them.
Thiosulthate. — Fix your negatives in this way : place them in the old hj-po
bath until they are cleared of the white bromide, w^hich is ascertained by
looking at the back ; then transfer them for a few minutes to a fresh hypo
bath and afterwards w.ish. When the first bath is exhausted pour it away
for precipitation of the silver and let the second one take iL« place, a fresh
one being made to supply its place. This will fulfil your ideas of economy.
SxAP-SHOT. — The examples for a Iwttinner in hand-camera work are above the
average in point of merit. It is a moot point, however, whether such
pictures as yours — notably that of a group of men emerging from a public-
tiouse in a highly ' ' elevated " condition — are quite penuissible. The indis-
criminate use of the hand camera is to be deplored.
Helios. — Possibly small particles of wood were left in the rebates of your
slides, and these may have adhered to the plates during exposure, and so
have caused the transparent spots you speak of. Most beginners omit the
precaution of well dusting the camera and slides before using them, an
operation which is highly necessary with the cheaper forms of apparatus.
A H. says : " Would you kindly tell me whether there any works on the pre-
paration of dry plates, or where I could get the necessarv information ! " —
The British Journal of Photographt and its Almanac of former years
contain information on the subject of dry-plate making of a highly complete
and valuable character, which would certainly repay our corres]»ndent for
the trouble of searching. Abney's Emulsions is an excellent book on the
subject, chiefly from the experinientalist's point of view. ITiere is also a
work in German by, we believe, E<ler, which goes into the minutiae of the
process for manufacturing purposes.
Messrs. Phiupp, Mcnson, k Phelps, of 7, Beekman-street, Xew York, write :
" We have occasion to inquire iuto the history of the art of photography,
particularly with reference to the use of gelatino-bromide emulsion upon
paper for positives. We write to ask you if you can refer us to any full
description of the use of gelatino-bromide emulsion paper for positives prior
to the year 1879, or can give us any information which may possibly result
in our finding such a publication. We may say that we have fully examined
The Brttish Journal of Photography, Plwtr'graphic Xeies, PMoyraphic
yeics Almanac, and The BBrrisa Journal Photographic Almanac, and
are familiar with references found in those magazines to these subjects.
Any information with r^ard to the early historj- of gelatino-bromide emul-
sion as applied to paper will be gratefully received by us. We are in search
of Dr. Mouckhoveu's Treatise on Photrigraphy, published about 1879, and
also of a publication entitled the Argentic Gelatino-Bromide Workers' Guide,
published at London about ISWJ by Morgan k Co. If you happen to know-
where either of these works can be procured, we shall be obliged to you for
the information." — We do not think that any such description or publication
as our correspondents require is in existence. If they have digested what
has appeared in The British Journal of Photography and its Almanac
on the subject, they have secured all the information available ; but, lest
they may have overlooked it. we may refer them to our article in the
Almanac for 1875 which deals with paper as a support for gelatino-
bromide of silver, suitable, of course, for either negative or positive pur-
poses. A further fact of possible interest in connexion with this matter,
and one generally, if not entirely, overlooked nowadays, is that, iu
July, 1879, Mr. J. W. Swan obtained a patent (2968, July 22, 1879) for what
was, and is, practically the modem process of gelatino-bromide of silver
printing for developed positives. Monckhoven's Treatise is not now obtain-
able, but possibly Messrs. Morgan & Kidd, of Kew Foot-road, Richmond,
London, S.W., may be able to supply our correspondents with a copy of the
Argentic Gelatino-Bromide Wor/xrs'' Gtti<le, published in 1880.
Photographic Club. — August 3, Outdoor Experiences. 10, Opal Pictures.
Bank Holiday outing, Berkhunpsteiad ; train from Euston at fifteen minutes
past ten.
Herr Rudolf Mater Nachf, of Munsterstrasse, Friburg, informs us that
he has a dark room which may be used free by amateur and professional
photographers visiting that town.
London and Provincial Photographic Association. — August 4, Report
of the delegates to the Photographic Convention of the United Kingdom, held
at Edinburgh. 11, Members open night.
The freehold of the land and premises occupied by the Autotype Company
at Ealing Dean, formerly part of the estate of the late Mr. Benyon-Winsor,
was recently put up for sale by auction. The purchasers were the Autotype
Company.
In our notice of the " Sandell " plates last week, we inadvertently referred
to the "General" plate as the "General rapidity," thus implying that there
was a diSerence of rapidity between it and the " Especial " plate. Both plates
are, however, of equal rapidity.
Photographers often desire to take pictures of the interiors of the English
cathedrals, and doubtless the terms upon which the necessary permissions may
be obtained would be of general interest. Perhaps those of our readers who
have had experience of tms kind of work can enlighten us. In the case of
Xorwich Cathedral w^e are informed that the Dean grants permission on the
following terms :— 2s. 6d. per day, 5*. for two days, 20^. for a week, a fee of
Is. 6d. being charged in addition by the " sub-sacrist " for his attendance.
As these figures read, it would be cheaper, as our friend remarked to us, to
pay daily than weekly. The charges appear to us rather high, but they are
eclipsed by the guinea per day which, we are told, is exacted by the authorities
of Hereford Cathedral.
CONTENTS,
Pass
AS IMPROVED METHOD OF TEEAT-
ISG P.ESIDUES tn
THE ALUM AND HTPO FIXING BATH t«l
PHOTOOKAVUKE at HOSIK AND
ABROAII 4A3
CONVENTION .lOTTINGS— I t?t
ON THINGS IN OENEBAL. Bj FREE
LANCE 1S5
PHOTOGBAPHT by BULE. *JJr
THOMAS BEDDING let
rsac
THE NEW COSCESTEIC LENS 467
DISKVPTION OF THE SILVER
HALOID MOLECULE BY MECHA-
NICAL FORCE. liv M. CAREY LEA.. V»
OCB EDITORLAL TABLE WO
BECEKT PATENTS 4»1
MSETIKOS or SOCIETIES 4M
CORRESPONDENCE <N
EXCHANGE COLUMN SSS
AJiSWEBS TO COBBEBPONDSSIR 4W
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1683. Vol. XXXIX.— AUGUST 5, 1892.
THE DECAY OF PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY.
The apprcnticeahip syBtem in modern profeasional photography
was subjected to some destructire criticism at the hands of
Mr. Fanner in the course of the paper on " DeBcienciea in the
Early Training of Photographer!," which he contributed to
the i-Minborgh Coavention. That paper and the diacunion
that followed it are of oooaideraUe utilitarian value. The
author haa an undoubted knowledge of his subject, gained by
exparieooe and obaerration aa an instructor in photography,
mimI the speaken in the course of the discussion were repre-
sentative men whose views on the points raised command
attention.
In condemning the apprentioeahip system in profiaasional
photography, and in adducing hia wdl-r«oognised reasons why
that system should diai4>pear or be modified, Mr. Farmer
indirati^ the existence of a state of things which if not dealt
with ere long mnst ondoabtedly react to the injury of pho-
tography as a proft—inn in the near future.
PiotosioDal pbotcgi^y at the present time is admittedly
not in a flourishing ooiidition, and tiM causes commonly assigned
for the depression include, of ojone, bad trade, severe oom-
i>etitioD, and the influence of the onoe<lespised but now potent
amateur. We fear, however, that a photographer himself is
more often the cause of his own unfiirtunate poeitioo than are
those we have just named. No parent in hia aenaea would
dream of apprenticing a lad to an ordinary photographer now-
adays, and the reason tor this strikes us aa being equally avail-
able as an ezplanatioo of the ordinary photographer's
lantaotatioas over tbe entallw of his profits. In the
ostabUdunent of soeb a man a daver, intelligent la<l of fifteen
or sixteen might pick up in the oonne of a year or so all that
was to be learnt there, and probably a Uttle more than his
principal was competent to teach him.
For what is t« be learnt in ninety-nine studies oat of a
humlrcd beyond lighting, posing, expoenre, and development 1
The retouching, as one may gather frm our advert ieemeDt
columna, is generally put out ; the printing is more fkequently
executed by trade printers than not, and in cases to the con-
trary is dtiefly confined to one, or, at most, two proceases.
Ag^n, photographers who do their own enlargements are
remarkably few ; and, indeed, to sum up the average photo-
grapher's business, it may safely be laid down that moat, if not
all, the work and its numerous varieties is "put out" In
such cases, which, we believe, form the miyority, we submit
that tbe apprenticeship system is bound to fail on account of
the inability of the principal to impart any but a limited range
of practical knowledge to the yonth he is supposed to teach.
But this ia not all. The mere taking of the negative is
often, if not exactly " put out " at least " farmed," that is,
supposing a portrait photographer to have an order for a laud-
scape embracing a house, a piece of architecture pure and simple
an interior, or an objet iPart, &.C., to photograph, he probably
prefers not to undertake it himself, but to employ another
photographer, who makes a speciality of such kinds of work, to
produce the negatives for him. The growth of specialism in
modem photography leaves the average professional photo-
grapher much in the position of a mere commercialist, witix just
the necessary superficial technical knowledge that will eniible
him to conduct his business with more or less success.
Of course, there are exceptions to the picture we are drawing,
but we do not think they arc sufficiently numerous to shake
the accuracy of the outline. The race of photographers who
coUodionised and sensitised their own plates, sensitised their
own papers, retouched their own negatives, did their own
printing and enlargements, and in short carried on in their own
establishments most if not all the work which to-day is
" given out," does not seem likely to be perpetuated among
the professionals of the'preaent time. We should have nothing
to urge in disfavour of this practice of " putting out " work if
we could feel assured that it did not operate adversely to a
photographer by depriving him of considerable practical know-
ledge, and placing an obstacle in the way of his transmitting
such knowledge to others. Those, however, arc the two un-
fortunate effects which the system appears to us to have.
We regret very much to reflect that, in the endeavour to im-
part to a youth the necessary training and practical experience
in order to qualify him as a thoroughly well-grounded, and,
what is called,"all-round" professional photographer, it should be
essential that he should not be placed at the mercy of one who
should be his natural preceptor — a professional photographer —
but apparently there is no help for it. The future of profes-
sional photography depends, fortunately, not upon professionals
themselves, otherwise the outlook would be inexpressibly
dreary, but upon the facilities provided for enabling young
fellows to practically qualify themselves on the linos laid down
by Mr. Fanner. Few as thuee facilities are at present, we are
convinced they will not be without great influence for good in
the near future, and we hope to witness a considerable extension
of them.
CLEARING SOLUTIONS.
In «-riting last week of the " Alum and Hypo Fixing Bath," we
showed how it combined with its function of fixing that of
clearing the film, if not also of hardening it, an economy of
labour which, under some circumstances, may prove extremely
useful Comparatively few, however, employ this compound bath,
the great majority, simply as a matter of practice rather than
one of preference,japplying the clearing and hardening solutions,
500
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF rHOTOQKAPHY.
[August 5, 1892
Improving- Negratlves. — In a paper read before one of the
metropolitan Societies, the author of it said that he conaidered every
negative, however good it might be, was capable of improvement.
In this opinion he is quite correct. We well remember some years
ago being present at a demonstration of the carbon process by Mr.
Lambert, when some very excellent portrait negatives were handed
to him, with silver prints therefrom. The first thing he did was to
improve the negatives. This he did by backing them with thin
transluscent -psn^T— papier jnin^a/— and then working on that with
a stump lightly charged with plumbago. Although the work only
occupied him a minute or two for each, the effect was truly won-
derful, although, as we have just said, the negatives, at first, were
corisidered excellent. It is a little surprising that amateurs of the
present day do so little in dodging their negatives, particularly as it
requires no particular skill, and, moreover, is quickly done. For small
negatives, matt varnish is preferable to paper, and it has the ad-
vantage of not discolouring with age, and is not so liable to injury.
The varnish should, of course, be applied to the back of the negative.
Those who have never tried will be surprised with what can be
effected, and the ease with which it b done. It a shadow requires
strengthening, the varnish is roughly scraped away. If lights require
vigour, a few touches with a pencil, or a stump and black lead, is all
that is necessary. If the contrasts in the negative are too great, they
may be ameliorated by removing the varnish from the lights and
leaving it on the shadows, or, if necessary, stumping the deepest ones
over with the plumbago.
CONVENTION JOTTINGS.— II.
The Group.— In the earliest ages of the art, when exposures
were measured by minutes, and sometimes many of them, it was an
easy matter for the photographer when taking a group to uncap his
lens, and then rush forward and take his position previously deter-
mined upon, afterwards darting to the camera and capping the lens
without any trace of the movement showing in the picture. But in
these times, and with plates of exquisite sensitiveness, methods
of this nature cannot be had recourse to, the photographer must stand
by his camera to touch the trigger at the moment he observes becom-
ing quiet and expression on his subjects. This accounts for the
absence of some prominent men from Convention groups, men who are
on the spot, yet cannot be induced to trust their cameras into the
hands of assistants even for the few moments requisite. It need
scarcely be said that when a large and important group, like that of
the Convention, is posed, numerous photographers other than the
legitimately appointed one (Mr. Alexander Ayton, jun., in this
instance) are anxious to have a shot.
Tbe Xexr Premises of tbe Sdlnburg-h Society. —
We visited the new premises of the Edinburgh Photographic Society,
situated in North Caatle-street, directly opposite the town residence
of Sir Walter Scott. As a detailed account of it appeared in this
Journal a few months ago, we need now only say that it speaks
much for the enterprise of the Society that on such a small member's (
subscription it has acquired such central, commodious, and well-fitted-
up premises. Here are smoking, reading, general meeting, experi-
mental, developing, and no end of other rooms. The library was in
course of being arranged when we called.
Tlie Apparatus. — As we stated elsewhere, the display of goods
exhibited on the tables at Convention headquarters was only in pro-
gress when our first parcel from there was dispatched. Among the
things which were in situ the day following were a peculiar little
hand camera by Shew & Co., the action of which was unlike any-
thing we had previously seen. It had no baseboard, the body
being distended by internal mechanism ; but, by pressing the top and
Ixittom by thumb and finger, it instantly collapsed into the smallest
conceivable space.
Careless Storag-e of Cameras In Travellln^r.- Said a
lady, whose watchful eye was taking stock of the debarkation on the
rwlway platform of a large collection of handbags, portmanteau, and
photographic apparatus generally at a post-Convention outing at
Callander, " Which of you gentlemen have been so insane as to have
entrusted your cameras to the guard's van ? I always thought you,
considered your cameras so sacred as to treat them as tenderly as we
treat babies in arms, and here are two among the packages in the van.
It's incredible !" Two of the large party, composed of ladies and
gentlemen in nearly equal numbers, pleaded guilty to the delicate
impeachment — one of them a well-known member who hails from
Chesterfield, the other being ourself. But there's something to be
said in extenuation, especially when one carries two cameras, one of
which, as in our case, was somewhat large, and fitted with a roll-
holder capable of containing several dozens of " exposures." When,
in a crowded train, ten people have to find accommodation in one
compartment, it is emphatically a case of ^^Zace azix dames, and those
who travel with ladies know what this implies.
Focussing: VTlthout a Screen.— Having next day ex-
hausted the supply of plates belonging to our stereoscopic camera, on
reminiscences of the Pass and Falls of Leny, bits of Ben Ledi, Loch
Lubnaig, and the rich pictorial scenes in that locality, we had to fall
back on the large camera, with roll-holder, for the outing the follow-
ing day, when our party, filling two large waggons, drove through the
Trossachs' Pass to the beautiful Loch Katrine. Unpacking the camera
for the first time since the guard's van episode, we became painfully
aware that its ground glass had been smashed into a state of
" smithereens." What was to be done ? The day was bright and
calm, and all nature was lovely, but the nearest glazier's shop was
many miles away, and even there they would not be likely to keep
focussing screens in stock. A fragment, the size of two fingers, was
secured, and held as near as could be guessed in the plane of the rebate
of the frame, and upon this the focus of the middle distance was
obtained with the full aperture of the lens, the iris diaphragm being
then closed as far as it would go. The location of tbe subjects oa
the plate was ascertained by squinting along the tail-board of tha
camera, and, singular to relate, all the negatives taken that day by
this once-for-all focussing are quite sharp. A piece of geometrically
flowered glass was next day fitted into the camera, and formed an
extraordinary, but on the whole a serviceable, substitute for a ground
glass.
A Kome from Home. — The Trossach Pass has had a. certain'
reputation extending for ages back. This reputation savours of the
" stand-and-deUver ! " order of language. The most recent develop-
ment or evolution of the sentiments entertained by men of the
Roderick V'ich Alpin Dhu calibre is reported to be associated with
the hostelries of the district, where " Thy name and purpose, Saxon,
stand ! " more recently assumed the more civilbed rendering of
" Here's your bill, sir," delivered on a silver salver by a white-neck-
tied waiter. This, from personal experience, we affirm to be a slander,
so far, at any rate, as Callander is concerned, where we domiciled in
the Callander Caledonian Temperance Hotel, tbe most beautiful and
best-appointed of all the hotels we have seen in the Highlands, where
the charges for tea, bed, and breakfast are scheduled as at five
shillings, with ninepence for attendance. We never like to advertise
hotels, but it is due to the present and reformed character of this
town, which forms the key-note to the Roderick Dhu parts of the
Highlands, that we should here give a new and more pleasant render.*
ing of the " stand-and-deliver " idea so long prevalent.
ON THE SELECTION OF VIEWS.
I.
Thb season has now arrived when genial weather and all the
attractions of a pleasant EngUsh summer tempt photographers, both
amateur and professional, to start in search of pictures, not only in
the most favoured part of this country but in the less picturesque dis-
tricts ; for where are not pictures to be found by those who can see ?
So universal has become the practice of this beautiful art both for
business and pleasure, especially the latter, that it has become
rather a rule, than an exception, that some one or other of every family
August 5, 1803]
"RB BIUTISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
501
will (Ubbk more or lees in it. It seems so very easy for beginners tu
select Tiews uid bits to photojrrApb proTiding thev are fortunately
situated witb regard to tbeir surroundings, that anr Lints as to finding
suitable ones may seem superfluous and unnecessary.
It is not until the negative ia taken, developed, and probably
printed that it is discovered, although the view was so promising, the
results are disappointing and very different from what was anticipated,
coming out neither artistic DorpJeasing.bothof which qualities seemed
sasmed when the picture was seen on the focussing screen. Many
I^otographers cannot realise that it rests principally with themselves
to pnxiuce either things of beauty or of no value almost irrespective
of the scene, for the moat unpromising in clever bands will supply
beautiful pictures, examples of which we have every day. A view
of itself is only so much material from which a proper selection has
to be made, and the value of that selection will depend entirely on
the nooeptions and artistic ability of the photographer himself.
To pDOtograph a landscape without due consideration, simply because
it appear* beautiful to the eye, is to court failure. Supposing a
number of choice works of art were put together iodiscnminstely
and photographed, they would make but a sorry picture, but if
properly arranged and lighted would be individusJly beautiful ; so
It ia with landMapss ; an aggregatkm of beautiful things that require
care and discrimination in seleetiw; without, they are represented
•a a mere unastiifaetory jumble, u* food qualities and attractive
pointa an lost or with difficol^ tfirtinniaMd, the general result
Ming uapietnreaqiie and onaatiinring. xhe fault of moat beginnen,
and ione other* too who bare baa more experience, is to attempt
too mneh, that is, to rtpraaant too mneh oa eadi plate, henoe the
bankering after wide-angle Ifiiisa, The imdesirableneas of using
iaatniments of this elaaa has been insisted oa times without number,
bat thai* aeema to be somathiag fascinating in the power of
tndndfaif a twrneBdouily wide anm that the advice to use less
ioclosiTa leaiaa has to bs fiequeuUy repeated.
Thar* ia ao disputing that wide ingU lenaas are of great use in
certain eases, in fact I do not ]ni<irw how we oooU get on reiy well
without them, but for ordinary landaeapas, I may say, they are never
TOMBred. Mr advice ia to always na* as small an angle lena as eon-
Mint with the reqaiiementa of the sabjact ; by doing so, the, artistic
•fltet wiD be better. If, for instaaea, a tea-inch lena will include all
«; hot if the photographer has
artistic ability, he will soon see
wiiieh win be of tha aaoat aoitabl* foeaa aad give the moat pleasing
laaalta. Howewar, tUa U aot a di—tation oa leasee, but how to
aefeet the best points for tham to be osad opoa.
It does not follow, hr anr means, that the OMMt beautiful landscape
to the aye ia the bast for paotognpUa lapiasentation, it is freqaaauy
the urr oppoatta. Before mtmg to work, the photographer shoold
ciitiealgr aiamiww the view h* iataada takiag, gmooiag its suitability,
iuiluysarliint of its coloor, which oftsa axweiais a mrtracting infl ueoce,
its examiaatioa through a piece of Baatial<olain«d glass is a help in
this dirsetico, and enable* him to aola the effect of the light and
shade in a mors eonaet maoasr thaa he otharwise eoold, until by
fWCtica ha eaa ssHmat* ita praaar photographic ralue by his unas-
iiatad eyasight. Whan thanMfhljr wirtir of this, a grMt step has
baaa taken toward* tha fnimnaa cf good woric It will be found
that, ia addition to tha aistaihi^ laHa^iiea of gaaaral colour, kxal
colour win have to ba takea into aoeonnt : aa aa example, a road,
with a red brick boildiag on one side, a bright aonahiae, and on the
other a wUtawaahad cottage in the shade. Tha probability is the
white cottage and shadow wiU come oat lighter than the red brick in
tha ——*■*«»; owing to its fecal coloor. This ia bat an instance ;
BiiminiM caasa^ with varying ilnisa* of effect, are frequently
cropping np, aad it u only exnarience that will afford tha neceasary
Imixwiaam to estimate th«r vune* traly. Still, bv having (oma idea
of the ioflaence of local cokmr, very giaring mistalcas may be avoided.
Even with old hands, local colour will sometimea npset the balance
of a composition, which has to be wmadisd aftarwarda, aithar on
■Mithw ur printa.
With raapeet to folia([e, perhapa aona gi*« so poor a photographic
result as the yew-tree ; its aombn, black green uid compact fonage
coauag oat as a dark patch, void of detail in diffused light, even in
height sanshine, if included in a landscape, is mostly too dark for a
affect. The white beam-tiee and elder, on the contrary,
mqaind, do not nsa an eight-inch
agoodssiiaa of lanaas, ami poasea
there is a right and a wrong way of treating them. If trees in the
middle distance come out black and heavy, by reason of the lighting
or under-expi»ure, they generally spoil the picture; and when in the
foreground, with too strong contrasts in light and shade, so that the
lights are represented by white paper on the print, however good
their forms may be, they are scarcely leas so. A landscape photo-
graph cannot be called good if the foliage is deficient in half-tones.
The very rapid exposures now in vogue are very ant to produce these
results, and are on this score to be deprecated'. Sometimes it hap-
pens that the under-exposure of dark foliage is unavoidable. I may
c«ll attention to one particular subject that occurs to me, which
almost invariably shows the bushes too dark. That is the general
view of Uox Hill, in Surrey — a favourite spot for photographers.
Here the bushes come out as so many black spots on the nill-side ;
the brighter the day, the more decidedly spotty they appear. A
slight hare might improve the effect, but in all" the photographs I
have seen of it the contrast is much too violent. These abrupt con-
trasts of colour frequently occur in chalk and limestone districts,
where the outcrop is bare of vegetation, and the light reflected from
the white surfaces in sunshine is so strong that the contrast between
it and the f^^n herbage tends to make a hard picture, rMuiring tha
utmost skill in exposure and development to overcome. The larger-
leaved plants often supply most valuable forms for pictorial effect,
notably the docks, digitalis, hemlock, and iris. The common thistle
and nettle are not to be despised in this connexion, as they both, in
form and colour, lend themselves to harmonious results. It need not
be said that the foreground is generally the most important part of
the picture, and on this account requires special attention. A good
foreground is often the making of a picture, and an unsuitable or ill-
choeen one its ruin. All the same, the distance must be by no means
neglected because it takes a subsidiary place. No matter how beautiful
the foreground may be, a peep of distance will wonderfully enhance
its interest and pictorial value. Edwabo DuNMomt.
pbotogiapk suBiawhat Eghtar thaa ther 'Vf**- Then* is such an
lafiaita vnietf ia the form aad effect of fouage that it is well worth
' il ttaaj, aad its value as foregroand material cannot be over-
Tn**, imspectiv* of their own particular forms and coloon, are
■MMt osefol in bnaUagnp horixontal line* in the landscape, often the
amiy snikUa ■ntadal for tha pnrpoaa ; bat, like moat other thing*,
DISRUPTION OF THE SILVP:R H.ALOID MOLECULE
BY MECHANICAL FORCE.*
[Philtwophkal Ifa(aaiw.1
Etxbt Fobm or Enbroy DisBcrrs thb Sil%'Kb Molxcitlb.
It is therefore true that every form of energy is not only capable
of producing an invisible image (that is, of lootiening the bonds which
unite the atoms), but is also capable, if applied more strongly, of
totally disrupting the molecule. This law, in a general form, was
proved in previous papers with but a single exception, and that one
exception is removed by the obeervations recorded in this paper.
.\» far as obevrvation has gone, silver oom^unds are the only
ones that exhibit this univerMl sensitiveiiess. Of other substances
some are decomposed by heat, some by electricity or by chemical
action, and a few by light.
It has now bem shown, as I believe for the first time, that
mechanical force ia competent, without the aid of heat, to break up
a molecule that owes its existence to an exothermic reaction.
It is important to distiiwtiish between the two treatments here
described. In the case of snearing^treas, force is expended in over-
coming friction, and in so deing produces heat. It may be questioned,
however, whether the very small amount of heat thus generated
has anything to do with the reaction. The heat is not perceptible,
it is momentary ; and it has been elsewhere shown that though moist
silver chkiride can be broken np by heat, the action is slow even at a
temperature of 100' C.
In the case of simple pressure, heat certainly plays no part. The
material is small in qnantity, is folded up in metal, u placed between
large and heavy piecea of metal, and the pressure is applied gradually
by means of a screw. Even supposing a slight increase of temperature,
it could not exceed ona or two degrees and would be momentary.
As just remarked, heat does not produce an effect except at about
UX>' f »nd after many hours.
The powerful aflioity which exists between silver and the halogens
is well Icnown. That this aflinity can be counteracted and annulled
by simple pressure — that the halogen can in part be forced out of the
molecule by mechanical means unaided by beat — is remarkable.^
It need scarcely be said that this phenomenon has nothing in
common with decompositions produced by mechanical force in
sabstances such as silver or mercury fulminate, nitrogen chloride, and
similar explosive*. Such subtitances are all formed by endothermic
reactions, and their decompositions are exothermic. Ileat does not
* Concluded from page 190.
502
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOT0QRA.PHY.
[August 5, 1892
need to be supplied, but only what Berthelot has named a " travail
priliminaire, an impulse to start the reaction. But silver haloids
are formed by exothermic reactions ; consequently their decomposi-
tions are endothermic, and require that the energy which was
disengaged in their formation shoiUd be returned to effect their
decomposition. The experiments described in this paper show tliat
mechanical force may be made to supply this energy, and so play the
part of light, electricity, or heat, without previous conversion into
any other form of energy.
The thermochemical reactions of the silver haloids have been
studied by Berthelot, and tlieir reductions were found to be endo-
thermic* There can be no doubt, therefore, that an endothermic
reaction can be brought about by simple pressure.
M. Cabky Lea.
ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHIC WORK FOR AMATEURS.
V,
One of the advantages in using rough-surface paper is undoubtedly
the ease and certainty with which such can be printed and toned to
any depth. Unlike bromide or platinotype (where, to a certain ex-
tent, exposure must dovetail witn development), the rough-surface
paper gives no trouble in this respect, being examined in the printing
frames like ordinary alburaenised paper. In toning, as a rule, a much
weaker bath is used, and, by a judicious alteration of the ingredients
composing the salting solution, quite a range of tones are obtainable,
running from ordinary purple-black, through sepia-brown, to brown-
black. It must, however, be borne in mind, when altering the various
chlorides which form the salting solution, that tlieir quantity in com-
bination must be carefully considered, and the strength of the silver-
sensitising solution made to suit such. For instance, one salting
formula will work better wth a sixty-grain sensitising solution than
would be the case were the latter reduced to the strength of forty
grains of silver to the ounce. It must also be borne in mind that
some samples of paper w^ill yield much finer results with one salting
solution than that composed of some other chlorides, so that, once a
good formula has been hit upon for each particular paper by experi-
menting, it is well to keep to it. In this alone an enthusiastic worker
has much to engage his thought, and there are a great many papers
in commerce quite suitable for use, even the common web paper,
which can be bought in rolls of great lengths, and various widths,
and varying tints. I have obtained excellent results from such, the
price of this class of material being very much cheaper than that of
Whatman's drawing-paper.
In toning, quite a range of colour is obtainable, provided suitable
negatives are being printed from. In this class of work it is im-
perative that such have plenty of pluck and vigour. When this is
the case, results will be obtained that will surpass any other class of
printing material that I know of ; therefore workers should aim at
the production of bold, vigorous negatives. Tlie miserable flat pro-
ductions usually seen as the result of using very rapid plates are quite
unsuitable for this class of paper, and, indeed, for both platinotype
and bromide work also.
With suitable negatives, a good formula for purple-black tones is —
Water 120 ounces.
Acetate soda 300 grains.
Phosphate of soda 160 „
Tube gold 15 „
The printing must be carried further than would appear necessary
■when using ordinary albumenised paper.
For sepia or warm brown tones the printing is not carried so far,
»nd a weak borax bath used.
For brownish black tones, a bicarbonate of soda bath is used, freshly
prepared.
The treatment of the prints, both before and after toning, being as
nearly as possible the same as for ordinarv albumenised paper, the
fixing bath I prepare as follows :— A gallon or two of a saturated
solution of hypo is always kept in stock, and when going to fix my
prints— say, in winter— I take one volume of saturated solution of
hypo to four volumes of warm water ; in summer, cold water may be
sed.
The mounting of these prints is a pleasure, there being almost an
entire absence of the cockling so troublesome at times with other
papers. A good flour paste, well boiled, with a few drops of oil of
* Mecanique Chimique, vol. ii. p. 411. The reduction of silver chloride to
metal involves an absorption of cal. 29-4. That to hemichloride has not been
measured, but is, according to Berthelot, also endothermic. See also Ditte.
Les Mitaux, i. pp. 232, 233.
cloves added by stirring well after it is boiled, and, when cold, pressed
through coarse muslin, makes, for these thick papers, the best mountant
it is possible to use.
To those workers who have never done anything in the way of
preparing their own printing paper I can promise a genuine deliglit in
their undertaking the salting and silvering of a sheet or two after the
manner I have described. It is quite a cleanly and easily executed
operation, and even ladies need not for a moment hesitate to try
their hand. Should the silver solution, by coming in contact with
the tips of the fingers whilst being applied to the surface of the paper,
cause stains, such are easily removed with the aid of a little pumice-
stone ; and in very aggravated cases, such as splashes through acci-
dentally spilling some of tlie silvering solution, an application of some
powdered chloride of lime, rubbed by means of a damp flannel over
the hands, will remove all traces of the silver stain as if by magic,
and any smell of the lime is easily dispelled by using the juice of a'
lemon on the hands afterwards.
It is not, however, in the preparation of rough-surface printing
paper alone that amateurs find .scope for interesting occupation of
more than ordinary pleasure, and once they have tasted of the delight
it will be strange indeed if they do not long to fly at somewhat
higher game, such as the salting and sensitising of cloth and other
fabrics.
Therefore, should any one feel disposed to try their hand at printing
on fabrics as a start, they need not be deterred by any thought about
tlie difiiculty of the operation, for they can from the I'latinotype
Company get ready-prepared sensitised material, such as nainsook,
sent them on application, the working of which is by no means
difficult provided suitable negatives be employed, for in reality it all
lies in this. Supposing, therefore, it be desired to make a lady
friend some little present in the way of a useful article, be it a
marriage gift, or a slight donation to a bazaar for some worthy object,
what is more suitable than, say, a dozen or two round or oval-shaped
d'oyleys ? and these, when carefully printed in platinotype, and handed
to a member of the fair sex, to adorn, by means of an edging of
lace or crochet work, forms a gift that is always highly prized and
quite permanent. I have seen a set of two dozen mats for finger
glasses adorning a dining-table that gave no end of pleasure, and
which were higlily prized indeed, and yet the production of such
was a matter of no great difficulty; indeed, any one possessed of
suitable negatives could, with the greatest of ease, produce such.
In the selection of suitable subjects for such adornments, there is
alone room for the exercise of much taste and thought, and, as a rule,
it will be found that copies from photographs, portraits, engravings,
pictures, &c., instead of from negatives taken direct, will yield quite
as charming results, for, as a rule, a negative that will print well on
some classes of albumenised paper would be too soft for such work ;
therefore I have found it best to prepare special negatives for this
class of printing. Let us just take a case in point. Say it is desired
to present to a lady a mat, or some other little souvenir as a
birthday present. This may take the form of presenting a copy of
a well-liked photograph, say, a portrait, and having obtained an ordinary
print of this, which, for example sake, we will imagine is a vignetted
head and bust of, say, half-inch size, the first step to take is to produce
a somewhat enlarged negative from same, say, almost double the size.
This is best done by placing the print in a printing frame carrying a
sheet of patent plate glass. The print is then pressed close up to the
glass by means of the back and springs of the printing frame. The latter
is then placed on edge on the copying board, and with the aid of a
slow bromide plate a negative is produced which is strong in contrast.
This is easily accomplished when the exposure is such as to work in
harmony with a developer that is strong in pyro and bromide. These
points must be carefully attended to, and, of course, it is an easy
matter by arranging the distance of lens and camera from the picture
to make the image somewhat larger than the original; by this means
there will be no grain of the paper visible, but in this class of work
such is really not a matter of much importance. The great aim is
to select suitable subjects and get good plucky negatives of such. I
have found Mawson's lantern plates admirably adapted for this class
of copying ; so also are Edwards's slow isochromatic plates especially
useful in all cases where black-and-white or coloured objects have to
be copied. A fast plate yielding a thin image will certainly end in
failure. However, once a good vigorous negative is obtained, the
whole thing is reduced to an operation of the greatest ease. A supply
of nainsook or other fabric is obtained from the Platinotype
Company, and printed and developed with the necessary care ; the
picture is then cut into any desired shape by means of, say, a plate or
saucer, as would be the case when rounds are desired, leaving a slight
margin whereby the photograph is tacked by means of needle and
cotton to some other suitable fabric as a flexible support. These
Angm 6,ia»]
THE ORITISH JOURNAl. OF PHOTOGRAPHY^.
50S
thfMd — yfctf are then OTerbpped, whan joo g«t your ladj fnend
to ttiteh OB tlie laoe or ooehet-work m tlM •dcing.
Adminbly adaptvd for such we yachting rabject«, and, when theee
ai« TigfOBtted, their auitabilitjr i* enhanced; larps originaU can be
easily rrdaeed, and negattraa made apacially for this clas^ of printing;
by exactly the same iMthod, only in this case the canH>ra and lens ar«
oored further away when copying.
It is not only pUtinotyp^, howeyer, that may be emj^yad for this
ela« of woik ; rery deUghtful pictures can b>< obtained oy many of
the other methods of printing, eepeeiany the blue prooeM.
T. N. Abmstboro.
•' INDIVIDCAUTY IN PHOTOOBAPHT "—A BEPLT TO
MB. H. P. BOBIM80K.
I rmcsT yoa will be kind «na^ to gnat ma space to reply to the
remarks (so lar as th^ ralate to ayaalf) anittained in the paper on " In-
diT)daali|7 in FhotAfraphy," by Ur. B. P. Bobinsoo, and read for him
at the Phoioyyhio ConTetiost.
Whs* ooa ia mmtij lidieoled ia plaee of being argned with it beeoaas
aiaisstial difSaalt to defend pnm'f To sowitssBsnil to the same laoties
aad flght with the aama wei^oBa ia gwsial^ an easy aaoagfa way oat of
the diflealty (that is, if one aheuld ha PiWiopafcwa wiuwgfa) and it would
he pattiaaiarly easy fai thia OMa.
As iltfeale, b«««vw, is men taapailiaeMe in any asriooa diaeiMsion, I
doBOl iatead to avaaaigfMifof itifMStiaaaUeaid. I think I am not
> in (BseufSi^ throi^hcat fte whole of Mr. Bobiaaon's paper an
I of aaU-awoDed latbOiHI^y. Indinfll. the very taet that Mr.
B. P. BoUaaoa ezpeeta the wwali— of *e Oonvaatioa lo believe that
my ideas are prepoatetaas aithoat aqy arBoment at all, bnt merely on the
■toeagth of his word, pis supyuess ihia.
Let it be graated laat Mr. BoMatoa is the aothor of pbotographiw work
that lias not baeaeiaalM.teaanl^aaBao(peaaaae on this to set np as
an authority ia pblloeepfay. The qaeatka ef whethet or ao photography
!« 10 be rsekoaed as one of the Aae arU ia ooe in the ssttlsaaeat of which
neither artiata aer photoi^phsn eaa be allowed lo have any special
aathocilj. It is aol aeeeaaary to be etthst aa artiM or a pbotographar lo
BaM«, and it aaight be Mfoed that, both beiag iatwsetid
) ia eaty eatWed to state Ma o«a Me ot the qaeetkia. the
I with Iboee who have ae iateraet ooe way or othsa ia the
I ia ao aalhatilgr wtaletar oa the qnastioa of whether or
r ia lo ha raakoaed as oae of the flae arte, or, U he is. the
> of h haa hsietulais. like ell heaesi merit, ever loved the shads.
Diepoaiag of the rest of Mr. H. P. BoMasoa's paper (bsyoed what relalee
to vyaeU) by eaadidly admitUag that I do aol ia the vary least kaew
what he is drlviag at, aad ae«l«rfag to a psilsul iaipalienee of his
ptimiliTe logie, I peea on to hia naM^ apoa my own pi^ar. As the
aigoaait ia my p^ar Is a aaaalaliva oae, I haTs a pertset li^t to
ofajeat to Mr. H. P. BoWnsow ^"r'i'n"-g it, and calling ia qoaalion
mmrirfT bagBMals, but I wahs this poiat aad argae the qneetioe. Be
ddlealea and ehiaata to the loUowiag alalaaieat: "The pietore painted
by the artial ia a tiaaawlpl of hie owa emoHnwi , bat a photograph ia act
I of haman aMoMeae at aU, anises iadaed aaaidentally so, bat is a
lysadaiillna at aatara, and oallr Ihroagb arfanoe the ofbpriag of
■aa." Ifr. 8aMneaw add*. •• We mm» be patsfal to the wiilar tar
aOowiiW aa the tiiilnit "
ma thla reaarh I dadoes the edlgfai of Mr. BoMasoa's eoafarfoa.
If Mr. Bobiasoa had had aa adaqaato kaowlad^ of whM I take to be hie
molhsr toagoe, he would have kaowa that ** aesidaat" aad " ehaaes '
■MBOtalwvaoaeaadthesBaMAiag. For Mr. BoUasoa'a behoof, and
la ao spirit of rstaliatiea. I asaat poiat eat to Mr. Boblaaaa that all
aasiiailf it qaalMee or psapsetlee aoaaa aadsr the tana " aaaidsnt." If
MianollaeflaeapoiatlorMr. Bebfaaeatosae.lstaeealatolhat fidelity
to an oiigkad ^vao appmiaurte) ie ao asMnlfal ecMewiillanl of the pro-
cesses whiah oalmlaato in a photagiapb. It ia ao4 safely with the
iaiaitisa of ptudasiag a liken ses of anyUilag that any oae of the pro-
essaaa lakae pliaa, aad a likeaese le breagfat abont it is aot that
I anything mora than ths action ot light apoa sab>
aapaWa of hsteg aelad oa. This is the only ettininl part of
phiitagiaphj, Ukeases making ia aetidntal. If a photograph lama oat
to be a hanaaript of aay ama's emotioas, no matter how mash he has
itofciii«ttafcoat,i»iathef« what it is, the raaoh of natoral Uws
at ot hie aBMNlaaa, aad ia Ihanfors strietly
Ui, BoUoaon most be very dense if ha aanaot lea that Ihia !■ w
entirely different thing from a picture ptunted by an artist. A photo-
graph haypetu, we shall ssr, to be what a min sees ; a painted picture
U what a man sees. Fidelity or likeness to an original is an accident in
photography ; in a painted picture, on the other hand, it is inherent and '
euentinl — part of the creation. Oo not mistake me. The picture of the
artist may not l>e true to nature, as a photograph is ; but herein lies its ^
superiority. It is true to the artist's conception, which is nature plus
genius, and which is just the difference between chooiiitti a picture and
makUif one.
In reading over Mr. Robinson's paper, one is strongly tempted to dis-
cover the absurdities as they come, line after line ; but as I have only
my own affair to settle with him, I take his next quotation. "The
latest of the many attempts to define art is a very remarkable one," says
Mr. Bobinson. It is said to be " the apparent disproportion between the
means employed and the end obtained."
It Mr. Bobinson has read my paper earetolly (which I certainly donbt)^
he will find that this is the definition ot art, as distinguished from fine
art, and most be snflSciently comprcbensire to include every kind ot art
whatever. It is waste of time to try to determine what line art is until'
the broader aad mora oomprebensive term ol art itself is determined.
Mr. Bobinson thinks that " individuality " is art. Individuality is aa
maddent of art (to][eome l>ack to the stmnbling block of accident), but i»
not art itself.
It indiriduu/i'ty be art, there cannot be moeh or little'ot it ; whereas
everybody reoognisea dtgreet of art. Let ns take a ease in point. I am
ahown a painting, aad in it see much that snggests the band of Turner;
bat there is a donbt Again, I see another painting, and am more
oonvineed than before that this is by Turner. A third picture is shown
me, aad this time I have no doubt whatever. Am I to understand that,
as there was more aad more ot the Tomer tndiridua/if)/ in each
snoeeaaive pietore, that therefore there was more and more of nrt f If
my idea ot art is to make the praetioal photographer smile,
sorely this will make the whole common-sense world smile. It sorely
doea not reqolre a gaaina to see that a man's individuality at one period
ot his lite is not the individoality of another, and that, in some oases, the
individoality grows at the eott of art, and mannerism is the resolt.
Not only is indiridunlity not art, it is opposed to it, as a moment's
oooaideration will show. Aaoording to Mr. Bobinson, the more ot the
man yoo bare in his work, the more ot art. I think most of as have
seen many instances where the leu ot a man we had, the more art.
Apply the same test to my definition, throw overboard the individoality
teat of Mr. B. P. Bobinaon, and let as have in again the three paintinga.
I take the tint, and note that, to get a certain effect, much work haa
been expended ; the artist is a beginner. I take the second, and find
that the same effect has been produced with halt the labour ; ths art is
donhled. And I lake the third painting, and fai that with sUU leas
lahoar the very same effeet has been produced ; here, again, I say wo have
still greater art Mow, a moment's consideration will show that, the end
in aaob case being the same, the greater merit lay in the reduction of the
laboar to prodoee it ; ia other words, ths apparent disproportion between
the end obtained and the means used.
It has been well said that ths higliest art is to conceal art. If Mr.
Bobinson's idsa be the ootreel one, and individoality be the prime taetor
in art, the very reverse would be the oaae ; for individuality is not to'
eonesal, bat to rsvsal. Art (not works ot art, nor works ot fine art, bat
art in eeeenoe) is the faoolty ot prodooiag the greatest etieet by the
siasplset means ; in other words, " the appaient disproportion between.
the meane employed and the and obtained." klany people confoond art
with aethetioe. Art has no special eonnexion with beauty or taste, or,
lor that matter ot it, with either sool or eonsoieaee, as Mr. H. P. Bobinson
thinks, rim art, an entirely different sobjeet, ie oerlainly most intimately
eonneeted with the eaKMioos, althoogh Mr. B. P. Kobinson does not
seem to appreeiato aay dlatinetion whatever between art and fine art, bat
classee in bis definition ot art such widely diverging arts as pugilism and
painting, evidsnoe sorely of an unthinking mind.
— ./^ teoewliat long qootation from my paper on the relation ot photo-
graphy to art (not tins art) r»|uires a few words. I deny that art, to any
great extent, enters into tlie photographic processes which go topeodnce
a pielare. Mr. BoUaeon at&rms that it does. We may narrow the dis-
eoseioo on this point to one ot exposoie and development, as a very tew
have to do with the plate in its manuloetore. And, first, as to ita
exposore. The photographer has in his exposure to consider three
things. First, " composition or affect;" second, the allowances which
be most make tor the ahorteomings of the photographic process ; and,,
tliirdly, the doration ot exposore.
As to the first, I deny that It is art, and affirm that it ia intuition.
Artiste, like poets, are bom, not made.
604
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH J.
[August 5, 1892
It is in the selection of his subjects and his treatment ol them that
the photographer can show the stuff he is made of, and I have never
denied this. So far as the selection ot his subject and the treatment of
it is concerned, he is on a par with the artist ; but the picture is not a
work of fine art for all that. It is, if I may be allowed to coin an expres-
sion, " a work of fine intuition." It is a measure of a man's emotional
character, that must be admitted, but a measure made manifest chiefly
through tcience, not art.
Under the second head the photographer must by art determme the
alteration in his composition brought about by the shortcomings of photo-
graphy. I allow art here ; it is not a matter of intuition. He must learn
by eiperience what allowances he has to make on his compositions for
the shortcomings of photography and art is necessary to make up for
them. Either he employs legitimate photographic art, as by modifying
exposure, or development, or both, or he may employ what maybe termed
non-photographic art, such as retouching the negative. This latter
method, not being a photographic process, requires no consideration at
our hands, and, of course, it cannot affect the question ot whether or no
photography is one of the fine arts. To this extent, then, I admit art.
With regard to the duration of exposure, this is generally a matter of
art, but need not always be. We may have no certain means now of
conveniently determining the exact period of exposure, but undoubtedly
it is a calculable problem, the data being already to hand.
With regard to development, every day seems to make it more certain
that it is just what I contended— a chemical experiment, scientifically
interesting, but devoid of art. Having, at considerable length, discussed
the question of art, it is, in my estimation, not a difficult thing to deter-
mine the meaning of the expression " fine arts."
By common consent, the fine arte are those nrts dedicated to the ex-
pression of the emotions. It may be the expression of beauty or ugli-
ness, joy or sorrow, but the expression must be through art (the preroga-
tive of intelligent creatures), and not through science.
I have only this more to say to Mr. Robinson. I am not a scientist,
but (if anything) a practical photographer, actively and uninterruptedly
engaged in the pleasant pastime now for more than twenty years.
J. K. ToLLOCH, M.B.
THE PREVENTION OF HALATION.
The subject of halation, though an over-present one, does not occupy
so much space in the journals as one would be inclined to expect. No
doubt workers have been able to overcome much of the trouble inci-
dental to the exposure of gelatine plates oninteriors; also, undoubtedly,
our studio and landscape examples have reached a very high point of
excellence — this, it must be remembered, with the means at our pre-
sent disposal. The introduction of a new plate, designed specially for
the prevention of halation, would go to prove this bugbear to he lively
as ever, while the following remark in a semi-editorial critique of a
new lens of wide angle, with more than the ordinary wide aperture,
to the effect that " this means shorter exposure (interiors), and conse-
quently less danger of halation," appears to me to denote a doubtful
Knowledge of this trouble, not so much as to its cause hut its pre-
vention. The cause has been demonstrated frequently and fully. It
is only by experience we discover a preventive.
In order to photograph interiors with a fair amount of certainty,
(1) the light must he suitable, no sunlight preferably; dull, foggy
even, provided the interior be free from fog ; or rainy weather. (2) A
good brand of dry plate ; a ^late easily worked outside, giving
density, one which will hear forcmg — a plate, in short, which contains
a fairly thick stratum of emulsion. (3) Backed plates ; the backing
brown, dense yellow, or black paper, blacking, Japan black, or, what
I invariably use, equal parts of collodion and matt varnish in which
has been dissolved a good proportion of rose aniline. This liquid is
poured on and ofi the back of the plate, previously cleaned ; it dries
quickly, with a dead matt surface, and is easily removed prior to
development. (4) Plenty of exposure ; where one works by tables,
always give at least three times the exposure prescribed.
It is quite certain that many interiors, even those most prone to
give halation, may be successfully photographed every time with
ordinarjr plates well haxkeA, provided the light be right. "One interior
I have in mind is a case in point. A large hank office, some thirty
yards square, windows all along the front, facing the street ; at the
back light has access onl^ through a conservatory, occupying one-
third of the space. The wmdows are ordinary plate, marble columns,
Iwautifully ornate and coloured ceiling, and fine oak carvings. The
morning chosen for this order turned out even better than was hoped
for ; a dull, dreary morning, raining incessantly, barely enough light
to focus by. The conservatory, where halation was most to be feared,
was illuminated by what appeared to be practically yellow light, from
the atmospheric conditions prevailing outside ; and this was a bit of
good fortune not anticipated. An exposure of four hours was given
— ten o'clock till after dinner ; and the resulting negative was a com-
plete success, no trace whatever of halation. It must be obvious this
portion of the interior would have received considerably more
exposure than absolutely necessary ; I am inclined to think that an
alternating negative and positive process goes on in such cases. Other
subjects to be successfully photographed under similar conditions of
atmosphere are showrooms, structures lighted from the top and sides,
workshops, conservatories, winter gardens, and the like.
A troublesome interior was the private chapel of a well-known
Bishop ; the place was incomplete at the time, the windows being
temporarily glazed with ground glass ; the east window commenced
immediately above the reredos, the latter, a beautiful gilded and
coloured work of art ; following the rule of a dull day and prolonged
exposure, a negative was secured which, with regard to the windows,
was all right, hut the altar-screen had suffered, and, in order to secure
a satisfactory result, two negatives were taken on a subsequent occa-
sion— one in the usual way, the second from exactly the same stand-
point, but, by carrying forward a tunnel -shaped shade from the
camera front, particularly at the top, much more detail was visible,
and, in fact, the window could be blocked or screened out altogether,
double printing was necessary, but I don't think this subject could
have been secured any other way.
Some church interiors are very badly lighted. Stained - glass
windows here and there ; occasionally, to throw a little light into
the roof, some rabbit-hutch-like windows will have been inserted up
aloft. The place will he full of harsh contrasts. What is the best
remedy ? Simply prolonged exposures. One need not be deterred,
even though sunlight be streaming through the windows ; a short
exposure here will be fatal — give plenty, and the result will be
pleasing.
We must all welcome any improvement in dry-plate making, though
many of us are inclined to ask. What is the matter with the old ones?
Given a little more " body," they are as good as need be. Plates were
coated more liberally before the advent of high-class machinery ; the
makers are " a hit too canny " with their emulsions nowadays, and
there can be no doubt whatever that the film must be fairly thick to
be at its best. Apart from this, plates have arrived at a very high
standard, and in practised hands are capable of the most satisfactory
work. In conclusion, I am pretty certain that the great majority of
failures through halation are simply failures on account of (con-
siderable) «?i«?er-exposure. J- Pikk,
HINTS ON MOUNTING PHOTOGRAPHS.
[Anthony's BaUetin.]
In this article we have endeavoured to give a few of the most impor-
tant points of manipulation in connection with mounting photographs,
deeming that they might prove useful to some of the younger of our
photographic brethren.
From among the various pastes and mounting preparations it is
necessary to select the one best suited to our needs. For prints
having a decided and seemingly irremediable tendency to curl when
moistened, it is advisable to use a paste of considerable tenacity, as
otherwise the tedious and unpleasant operation of " licking " down
the corners and edges will have to be resorted to.
There are two golden rules in selecting a mountant that should
always be remembered. First, to have the mounting medium^ fresh,
and not in a state of partial decomposition. Want of care in this
direction has materially hastened the fading of many a print. And,
second, to employ such a one as will not readily take up moisture
from the atmosphere after being once used. Glue and gelatine are
both somewhat open to this objection, but the employment of a very
thin layer partially does away with the objection in these two cases,
while, for some operations, gelatine itself is well-nigh indispensable.
Thus we prove our second golden rule by quoting immediately after
it the exception: the first one should admit of no exception or
deviation.
To prepare the glue, break it up into small pieces and half fill the
glue pot with it, which should be placed in a second pot filled with
boiling water. Add a little cold water to the pot containing the glue,
and place both on the fire. In a short time the glue will he melted;
stir it up with a stick, when it should be of a thin watery consistence
and just tacky when put between the finger and thumb. If too
thick, add a little more water ; if too thin, a little more glue. _ This
mountant must be used hot, and it is best to keep it immersed in its
jacket of boiling water during the operation of mounting.
To make the gelatine paste, soak two ounces of soft gelatine in cold
water, and then pour on sufficient boiling water to make a rather
Angnst fi. 1809]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
605
thidc •olotioa. When aolation U complete, stnun through muslin
nto Miy eonTMuent receptacle. When aanfi, heat by staiiiding the
Te«el eoatawing it in hot w»ter for • thort time.
StMch pMte we believe to be ordinarily the beet of mountants,
and it i< beet prepared fresh ■■ needed. A^ teacpoonf ul of the (tarch
should be thoroogfaljr wetted and sdrred in a small saucepan with
cold water, anj lumps which may form bein^ broken up until the
mass reaemUee a CT«am ; this is then poured into a half pint of boil-
ing water, atirring constantly while aodiag. Allow to cool and strain
throoffh mosSn. If it is desired to keep this fur any length of time,
a pinai of salicylic acid should be adoed to the boiling water and
stirred ontil dissolved before adiatg the starch.
To piepare the prints for mounting it is necessary to first trim
them, rot this it is convenieot to haTS a glass form of the desired
size. Theae can be readily obtained of the dealers and insure sqnare
corima and nniformitr among your trimmed prints. A cheap knife
•adi as is nsed in the kitchen for paring potatoes, and a rough sand-
atone are neeeawrr adjuncts.
Lay the print down on a sheet of heaTjr glass, place over it the
glass form, and trim with the before-mentioned potato knife; the
roogh sandstooe readily ^ves a sharp, somewhat serrated edge,
sJmirably adapted for thu purpose, and a quick movement of the
knife prodoeea a dean, sharp cut with no raned edges. Care should
be taken to bold the glass form ftmly i^on the paper while trimming
as an additional preeaatioa against taanag.
The printa saoold next be thrown into water, and thoroughly
aoaked, and then laid face down — on* oa top of the other— on a sheet
of glass ; mack ot the soperflooos moiitai* can be removed by press-
ii^ down oa the fife with the haad. and allowing the water thos
•qnsaasd oat to mn off by tilting ap tiM glass.
If this la not Mfficirnt, lay a clean towel over the back of the
niiat jnst bafora apnlyiog the paste, and smooth it down ; this will
Mar* tba snfaea onl^ slightlv damp, and in «>xoellent condition to
taeslva tko paste, which nonld be applied with a wide flat brush, in
a tUa, erto coating, taking care that no huapa an loft on the print
lefort afi^yiag it to the moont, and that the e^tea and eorners sre
wdl eorand. In this war no paste is distributed on the face of the
yriat, whore it otherwise ass an unpleasant habit of getting, and the
whola ojpeimtion can easily be eoadoctsd withoat any of tne inerit-
^U " seas * which so often unneeasaarily follows many of our photo-
fraphk opatstioaa.
Hamg applied the paste, inssrt the wwit of the knife under one
eofaw of tM priat, gantly raise it, aad teka hold of the print by the
thoMk nd fonAager of each hand by tbedhgDMBToppaaite oonen.
Ova ihoaU W tana to graap the inat at aonM distaaee from the
•dgaa, to avoid iinvlaa the paste fraea them with the fingers, and
haviac thsa eari ap vhsn dry. Toaehbg the paste hrwia lightly
Ithuose tagmt eoniag ia contact with ua pasted side of tha print,
with!
b aho a good ptaeaatioa to take for the aaaa reasoa. • In taking hold
of the pnnt, the thomb shuold be inawtsil under the pictnre side,
I it is very easy to reveraa ita positioa, aad bring it to the proper
CM for Maying it to the moont.
By a httle ptaetica yon eaa hold the piiat ia this way so as to
almait let the two free eomen tnneh tha moont, and the prooer
pladBg eaa in this way be rsadily jodgad withoat tha nse of a
muBBtiag hoard.
Ia lowering the print npoa the moant, let the diagonal PM^xf
throogh the two fiae euiiisia fliat touch, and then gently and
gradoany lowar the other two eomem The nriot will d<iw he flat
sad even apoa the momit withoat aar air oubbice makiag their
■pfMianfU. It is next to be sqossgasd down, and any paste axadiag
mm the eoiBsra to be at once rsasoved with a elaaa towaL
b tha ahiMM of a aaoaagee, a towel laid upon the faeo of the piint
aad miduBj rahbad diawa mtk the tngws from the eantre to the
adaaa of the print will answer every parposa.
¥fhan irj the edgea should be etamined.and if they sliow any sign
of earing, an ivory paper cotter ahooM ho eaiafaDy inaerted aiid the
adgaa of the pietars sfightly detached ftoai the atoont. In the
aoniag Ikw formed a feather wiO be fooad very convenient to apply
the paala with.
Ia aoase siUima eases it will be foand naeeasary to dry the printa
hetwaea towels aader prasare of a pile of books or a letter pram, to
prsvaat ths eailiag ap of the edgea.
Too hard a famMB* oa the sgosagae wQI aometimaa sqoease oot too
much of the paHa aad eaase the abov*-maationed difliculty.
Blottsta are aoC to be neomaseadad for dmag prints, sa they are
fiabia to l«v« ** fiafla* ont the sorfaoe, whkh, when dry, are diffi-
eahtoi— uii.
SooHtimw tha prints are nMoated faea side down upon glass, and
tha laiihad pielaie viewed through the glass. In the case of
bromide and chloride prints it is only necessary to squeegee the print,
face downwards, upon a perfectly clean sheet of glssa and allow it to
dry. With albumen prints it is necessary to give the glass and print
a coating of the warm gelatine solution mentioned in tlie Qrst portion
of this article. Lay it on one side to set, and gubiiequently clean the
glass with a clean spongq dipped in hot water, but do not touch the
print itself. '
A picture of this kind can be backed with rough drawing-paper,
whica will appear as a mat, and the whole may be bound to another
piece of glass, similar to the method employed in mounting lantern
slides. This is an excellent way of using up spoilt negatives, and a
most effective and permanent method of mounting.
Select your mounts with special reference to the subject, and give
them plentv of mar;;in, as it will (ireatly enhance the beauty of your
picture. llow many of us have seen an otherwise excellent and
attractive print marred, if not totally ruined, by an inappropriate
setting?
♦
NOTES ON STAR PHOTOGBAPHY.
(Seienoe.)
Ail anaooneement has recently appeared to the effect that the French
astroaomers have began to doubt the value of negatives of stellar bodies
taken on ortbochrooiatie plates, because the stellar discs are surrounded
by a strong aureola, due to the aberration of the red rays of the objective.
For this reason the permanent committee on the chart of the heavens has
decided to exelude orthochromatic plates for such work.
I presums every one finds some satisfaction in saying, "I told yon so."
The annoaneement leads me to publish now an arUcIe on this subject
whioh was written in Japan between four and five years ago. It was
perfectly dea> to me, at that time, that eoloor-sensitive plates were being
used in astronomical work when the very opposite kind of plates would
have been much better for the purpose. Instead of extending the senai-
tiveness, it should have been restricted as mnoh as possible. My article
was not published beeausa I deemed the facts too obrions to require dis-
cussion. But, sines M. Uon Vidal, Editor of /.<■ iloniteur tie la Vhoto-
grapkit, has taken, as I believe, an erroneous view ot the matter in
opposition to ths practical results of the astronomers, I have looked np
my old MS., and publish it herewith without change.
I would add, that the opinion then expressed as regards the future of
oollodion plates tor all scientific work has been greatly strengthened by
the rssolts of later investigations.
The article referred to is as follows :—
The so-eallsd isoebromaUe, or orthoehromatie, ssnsitive plates have
been reeommended tor nss in astronomical photography, in order to
obtain imprssatons of red or yellow stars along with those having more
bine and violet light in their radiations. Spsetypeoopio observations
have shown that the light of different stars differs very much in the pro-
portion of highly rafranglbie rays, and this difference must be of great
nflnenee in ilMsiiillillin ihair photographic action. The ordinary
ssBsiUvs gdatine plates possess a maximum of sensitiveness near the
Fraonbotsr line H ; bat soom action ean be traced into the yellow, as tha
laaolt ot very long ezpoeurs, or even still further. For ordinary purposes,
however, we may consider that the action does not pass the blue, partiea-
larly whsn photographing bright sources of light, snob as the stars,
beeaase the more refrangible rays are so very much more powerful in
their eflset upon the plate that they exert their fall astion before the
others ean make a risibis iaprsssion. To extend the time beyond that
point would result in a reversal of ths effeot sought for, a change in the
character of the negative, and serioos Irradiation or spreading of the light
arooad tha Image, resulting in impaired definition. With ordinary
sensitive platsa, therefore, the images ws photograph are Imagss made
vritb bhie, vtolst, and ultra- riolet rays, eoveriag, indeed, a considerable
range in the spectrum, bat excluding a large and important portion of it.
Ths differences in ths ehaiaoter of star radiations are so considerable
that the blue is sometimes vary strong aad brilliant, even exceeding that
of the win reUUvsly to the other parts of the spectrum, as we find it in
a l^ftm <Dd in Sinus ; while in other stars the temperature is so low that
there is searoely any blue, and line-absorption gives place to flntinga, or
even to the bright lines of ineaadaaaanes from eomets and nebulie. It is
obvieaa, tberetore, that one star not only differs from another in glory, as
seen b7 the eye. but the photographic plate, which takes no aosonnt of
any eoloar* beyond its limited range of sensitiveness, tends to exsggerate
the diflerenee, aad give ntteriy Itlse evidence of reUtive brightness. For
a red star may appear very bright to ths sye, while iU image on the plate
would be very taint, or perhaps searoely diaotmible.
With orthochromatic plates the result will be different, provide4 the
telescope itself is not at fault. We will assume tor the moment that the
y
506
THE BRITISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[August 6, 1892
telescope is so constructed that the " chemical " and visual foci exactly
coincide, and that the plates are equally sensitive to all the colours of the
spectrum. Then the negative will show exactly what is seen by the eye,
and these are the only conditions under which such a result can be
perfectly attained.
Doubtless such perfectly corrected telescopes, or perhaps I should say
such aa are so corrected within the limits of the optician's skill, are rarely
available, and a very usual plan is to make certain corrections for
ordinary telescopes to adapt them to photographia work. The effect of
these corrections now deserves consideration.
The difference between the so-called " chemical " focus and the visual
tocus of a telescope may be little, or it may be half an inch. In either
case the photographed image will be decidedly out of focus if allowance
for this difference be not very carefully made. The usual means of doing
this is to change the position of the plate-holder, and find the place of
the sharpest definition by trials. By properly arranging the ground glass
and the plate-holder, the plate will always be in focus for the actinic rays
when the image appears sharp on the ground glass.
Having accomplished this result, we have succeeded in doing precisely
what we do not wish to do, viz., instead of arranging the instrument to
photograph what the eye can see, by means of the extended and uniform
sensitiveness of an orthochromatic plate, we have arranged it to define
only with blue or violet rays, and have restricted its range to stars that
are specially characterised by highly refrangible radiations, effectually
cutting off the red and yellow stars, and rendering the use of ortho-
chromatic plates not only useless but positively objectionable.
As regards the red and yellow stars, the greater portion of their light
will be brought to a focus at the point of distinct vision, not on the sen-
sitive plate, and, the feeble radiations of higher refi-angibility being too
weak to act strongly on the plate, such stars will be but faintly shown in
the negative. The rays not focussed on the plate will tend to blur the
images, and this effect will be more pronounced and objectionable in pro-
portion as the range of sensitiveness of the plate to the different parts of
the spectrum is increased. For this reason the most perfect pictures
would be produced, under the conditions described, by using plates
sensitive only to the particular rays that form the image on the plate, or
else by cutting off the other rays by a screen, thus working with mono-
chromatic light.
It is possible that there may be some object in photographing stars
with the different colours of the spectrum separately, in which case
orthochromatic plates can be so prepared that they will select the parti-
cular light required, and such observations may be made with ordinary
telescopes, correcting them for each set of rays in turn, in the manner
described. But, if I correctly understand the purpose of photographic
Star-maps, they are intended not only to represent the distribution of
stars and their relative positions, but also to show their respective bright-
ness, or, as we usually call it, magnitudes. Now, magnitude measured
by brightness is not the same as the photographic action of the stars
upon a plate of restricted spectrum sensitiveness, such as all ordinary
sensitive plates, and this, although a self-evident proposition, has not
received in practice the attention it deserves. On the other hand, ortho-
chromatic plates will give perfectly truthful representations of the starry
heavens when used with perfectly corrected telescopes, as already ex-
plained, and that they will only do so under such conditions is, I believe,
obvious.
If it is possible to make plates of uniform sensitiveness as regards tests
in the sensitometer, and also as regards all the rays of the visible spec-
trum, and if such plates can be produced regularly in large quantities,
we may consider the problem of photographing the stars to be satis-
factorily solved. But much yet remains to be done before a plate that
can be regarded as standard can be adopted. The composition of the
emulsion, the manner of rendering it sensitive, the means of testing the
plates, including the standard of light to be used in the process, and the
keeping qualities of the plates, must all be thoroughly investigated before
it will be safe to adopt a standard plate for universal use. Never-
theless, we are in a position now to begin practical work, and the results
will be of permanent value if we act upon the proposition that with
orthochromatic plates there is no distinction of chemical and visual rays,
and that such plates can only bo advantageously employed when all the
rays from red to ultra-violet are brought to a focus in a single plane.
I do not venture upon any speculations as to the probably best method
of preparing colour-sensitive plates for astronomical work, for the reason
that new methods are constantly being tried. I will say, however, that
I deem it not at all improbable that collodion will be found superior to
gelatine as a vehicle for the emulsion, and, although the gelatine plates are
at present more rapid than collodion emulsion plates, there is no obvious
reason for this, further that than we do net yet know how to make extremely
rapid plates with collodion. But there are some objections to gelatine,
and none to collodion. Gelatine swells in water, particularly in warm
climates, and, although this defect can be to some extent controlled, it is
really at times a serious trouble, which no " tropical " plates can entirely
overcome without a sacrifice of other good qualities.
The great point in favour of collodion is that it seems to lend itself
pecuUarly well to the production of colour-sensitive plates, and this,
coupled with the uniformity of the material that can, by proper means,
be secured, and the clearness with which it works, leads me to anticipate
that it will eventually rival gelatine for fine, delicate work, and I believe
it wiU come to be highly favoured in astronomical work and speotro-
graphic work. Eomyn Hitchcock.
LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY WITH ORTHOCHROMATIC
FILMS.
fAmerican Am«tenr Photographer.]
Dl'iuno the past few years, in a rather extended ezperieoce abroad,
I have made extensive use of orthochromatised emulsions coated on
celluloid films ; a few notes, therefore, concerning the practical details
connected with their use may be of value. It may be stated in
advance that the deductions given in this paper are based upon some
eleven hundred exposures made in Southern Germany, Switzerland,,
and Italy, during the summer of 1890, and in Norway during the
summer of 1891. These were made under the most varying con-
ditions of light, and embraced every variety of landscape usually
attempted by the average photographer. No " snap-work " or instan-
taneous exposures were made on orthochromatic films.
Obthocheomatism.
It is hardly necessary at this late day for me to go into any lengthy-
dissertation upon the subject of othochromatitm, or to attempt to
explain at length what is meant by the term, for the value of plates
prepared in this manner is now well recognised, and the whole theory
has been repeatedly and in detail described at different times in
numerous photographic publications. Suffice it to say that a plate or
film coated with an orthochromatised emulsion displays certaitt
peculiar characteristics in regard to light and to the various component
coloured rays of the apoctrum. An ordinary photographic emulsion
is always actively affected by the blue rays of the spectrum, while it
is almost equally indifferent and insensitive to the action of th»
yellow, orange, red, and green rays. The consequence is, that in
photographing a landscape blue appears as white, while the greens,
reds, and yellows, although to the eye markedly different in colour-
tone or gradation, produce practically the same effect upon the pho-
tographic emulsion, and are all represented in the finished positive
as blacks of about the same colour gradation. The orthochromatic
emulsion, on the contrary, while less sensitive to blue as the plain
emulsion, is more sensitive to the yellows, greens, and reds, and in
much more correct relation to their colour intensity. Colour values
are, therefore, more correctly rendered, and this rendition is made
even more perfect by the interposition of a yellow screen between,
before, or behind the lens combination used. This acts as a light
strainer or filter, so to speak, filtering out and holding back the blue
and violet rays of the spectrum, and allowing the yellows, greens,
and reds, in which the luminous vibrations are slower and of less
intensity, an opportunity to act fully upon the emulsion. It may
also be noted that with an ordinary emulsion the colours blue and
white afiect it equally, so that, for example, in photographing a lady
dressed in blue and white, the finished positive would represent her
as in white entirely. In landscape photography this is a great draw-
back, for when, for instance, making an exposure upon a snow-capped
mountain standing out against a blue sky, the two act so equally
upon the emulsion that in the positive it is often almost impossible to
note where the line of demarcation exists between the two, the whole
being rendered as an unmeaning mass of white, instead of showing
the brilliant and clear contrast between the two that there is in
nature. With an orthochromatised emulsion, however, the result ia
quite different — ^blue appears darker than white, as, in fact, it does
naturally to the eye ; and this effect is brought out even more promi-
nently by the employment of the yellow colour-screen. This holds
back the action of the blue rays, and also gives the darker tints in
the nearer foreground the opportunity to properly impress the plate.
Why Orthocheomatic Pistes abe Usbfcl.
Now, with the above points clearly understood, we can appreciate
why the orthochromatic plate or film should be so useful in landscape-
photography.
First. The different shades of green in grass and foliage, ranging
often from a light yellowish green to a shade so dark as to be almost
Aii«ra*t 5, 1803]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL, OF PHOTOaRAPHX
607
black, all hare their proper effect upon the plate, and the resulting
positiTe (hows them with their proper colour values as expressed in
black and white. There is h«aee moch brilliancy and gradation of
tone obtained.
Second. At the orthochiomadc emulsion differentiates between
bine and white, delicate cloud effect* are obtained which would be
otterlj lost witJi an ordinary emulsion. I have often been asked how
I obtained the realistic cloud effects which I have shown in some of
my Swiss photographs and lantern slides, and, in fact, have some-
tiinea bean aikad if toer were not " printed in ; " but, thanks to ortho-
ffi»»rwi.«rii» films, no sudi procedne has been necessary, for the clouds
•re " right there " in the original negative.
Third. In large and extended landscapes inrolring considerable
distaweea, an ortnochromatie emolsion used with a colour screen is
almost an absolute necessity. Otherwise the blue rays from the
mora distant portions of the landscape would utterly "bom out"
thmr particnlar part of the plate before the foreground had been fully
ezjoaed. All sorts of davices have baeo suggested to overcome this
dinculty— sky shades, shatters expoaa^ from the bottom upward,
Ac, &c, but none have met with sufficient success to warrant their
adcftioo. With a good orthochromatic plate of moderate rapidity,
or an orthochromatK celluloid film, whicn is even better, owing to
absence of halation, and a yellow colour screen of moderate depth of
colour, all these difficulties are avctded, and a satisfactory result can
nearly always be obtained. I hare ^wn to depend upon this
m.'li >.l of proesdore so much that I think nothing of attempting a
I V here a diiitanoe of some forty of fifty miles is involved,
I: .ally obtain in my picture as much, if not more, than I can
:iy ere. I can obtain^ too, a pietore with harmonious
\ fnOy exposed and satistectory foteffround, full of light
plenty of detail, whik the middle distance and
ihow both detail, atmospheric effect, and good tone
ifitdaXiua. Ir'urtbamiore, if there are clouds, I am lure to get them,
aod, excepting there be saffident wind to cause their outlines to be
Uamd bjr morsawat dnrtag a loag exposure, the result leaTos
nothing to be derind. I bare on* nytiTe, a riew taken (roaa the
top of the Foxea PaM,in Switaarland, m which, while the foreground
is well exposed, and satiafaetory, the Alns of the Monte Koaa and
Mont BUne gxoaps are clearly Tisibia, althoagfa nearly a hnndnd
milaa distant. It would be wholly impossible to obtain such a reaolt
with an ordinary emulsion.
Fourth. BInela of sky and water, ntaetioM of eloada in the
water, ■ioir.«BMod panks and gladen itiiiiWnB o«it aninat a bine
sky. Automa cningea of foliMe, ftc, ke^ wita an orthochromatic
ecsalsioo, ara naimd with a idality {■poadhls to obtain with the
ordinary plate.
OmiauLBMon^nc Fiuu.
I have thw far used the term plat* in a geaeial •son, meaning
<>ittier glaai or eslhiloid. While thm is no doaht that for perfection
ttte and freedom from defect the glass (upport is as yet the best,
is no doubt, too, that then is a certain amount of haUtiou
panying the use of giMS, which u often a aariona obiectiosi to
pn'rticularly In hmfaipi work. Tha oeliiloid film, bo^
thinncas, k afaaoat free horn tfaia d^et&m, and, could it
: a* free from defect* a* is tha gks* now in oae by oar best
'Akers, nnthiaf batter for phcSographic purpoae* could be
iu small Height J when eomparsd with glaa*, giTes it an
I
u usignt, waea eomparsa wita gtaas, gi
' *ge, sapsaally whan oa a lengthen^ tour. Unfor-
■T, the eallnJoid of t»4ay is not yet as perfect as
' -'in room for wniidursMa iomorements in the
irs, ahhoo^ tha chaiaftw of the celluloid 81m
p-nor to UMCa of a few years hack, when the
made OB thaai war* a* full of apota a* a
ave maajr faty good negatiras made oa
rahia iWKantaaa whare tha defects of
iude the naganr* ftom htiaf need for
However, from mmpla* whidi I have
-, I feel satiafied that the manufacture of
■'urpoees is rapidly progressing
'ik we shall have to wait Tery
^ lU b-: aa ciieap and as perfect as glass. Moat
! films in rat sheets furnished nithin the past
A-ith a matt anrfae* on one aide and a Hnooth
the sninlwon being ooatad on oae or tha othar
— '"lanee of the manufactttrer. Thoae wfaidl
1 tb* MMOth side. The matt-surface back
•mntrnt of haktion, and ako afforded a
rstoaeUag. Then k, and haa baas
.11 my miao, however, as to whether
the malt or gioawifk** aarf aoe doe* not to a eertain extent iatotfen
with the free transmission of light through the negative ■when print-
ing, and so tend to diminish the brilliancy of the print, and therefore
whether light would not pass more rapidly and actively through the
clear glass of the shadows in a glass negative, and hence produce
more dense and brilliant blacks. This applies more especially to
plain silver and platlnotype prints, where the tendency of the process
IS always to reduce contrast I have heretofore used the matt -surface
celluloid film exclusively. I think that with my next photographic
expedition I shall make extended trial of celluloid without the matt
surface, and which, being quite clear, is more of the character of a
glass plats. I have made several experiments lately in comparing a
smooth, clear celluloid film with one having a matt surface, the test
being an exposure in an ordiuari- room, the lens being pointed directly
at a well-lighted window, and the amount of halation resulting on
each pkte carefully compared. While my experiments have not been
extended enough to warrant positive conclusions being drawn, the
result has so far been quite sufficient to satisfy me there is no material
advantage in the use of the matt-surface film, and in other respects it
U not as perfect as the smooth-surface film, owing to its greater
liability to show scratchee.
EXPOSUBX.
And now for a few words regarding films and exposures. Up to
this time I have used mainly the orthochromatic celluloid films pre-
pared by John Carbutt, and hu emulsions have always given me such
satisfactory results that I can unhesitatingly recommend them. For
landscape work I prefer a rather slow emulsion — not slower than
twenty-three or faster than twenty-five (Carbutt sensitometer). But
therrt is one vital principle never to be forgotten in the exposure of
a// orthochromatic emulsions. They must anrays be fully timed. An
under-exposed orthochromatic plate or film k much more harsh and
lacking in detail than an ordinary plate of the same speed would be
when exposed under predsely similar circumstances. On the other
hand, the orthochromatic pUte, and even more so the film, will bear
an amount of overtiming which would be simply ruinous to the
ordinary pkte. The matter of timing an exposure k one involving so
many factors, all of which oonstantlyrary, tnat it k almost imposstbk
to ky down any positive dictum. But my own experience has been
that with a film of twenty-three senutomer (Oarbutt's) and a good,
rapid rectilinear lens at f-S2, the exposure of five seconds on an
ordinary sun-lighted landscape, with no special distance or deep
shadows, would generally give me satUfactory results. Wliere a
colour screen is used thk exposure should be increased from five to
twelve times, depending largely upon the depth of shadows in the
subject.
Thx CoLotra Sckkek and its PaspAaAnox.
The ookur screen for kndscape work should be of a slight canary-
j«Uow, and special care should be token not to have it of too deep a
tint, otherwise it will cut out too much of the blue ray»>, and a harsh,
negative, lacking in tone gradation, will result, while it will be neoe»'
sary eren then to nuke a mnoh longer exposure than mentioned above.
I have always prepared my own colour screens, using the following
method. It is first neoeasaiy to procure rkss perfect^ flat and free
from all striso or bubhlea, or, whan placed before or behind the lens, its
unequal density will refract the rays of light and tlius distort the
image. This is a sum juii mm. Thin pkte glass that is used for the
purpose of making cokiur oelk, and animucuks tanks, for demon-
stration with the n* microeoope, is the best article for the purpoae.
After being cut in aauares of the size desired, a square should be
flowed on one side witn a solution of a yellow aniline dve in celluloid
vamuh, using from five to eight grains of the dye to the fluid ounce
of vanush, according to the depth of colour desired. I am in the
habit of using a dye called " golden yellow," which k freely soluble
in alcohol. The celluloid varnish is known in trade by a number of
different fictitious name*, such as " enameline," &c., &c It is simply
a solution of celluloid in mixtures of amyl acetate, petroleum
bentine, alcohol and ether, mixed in varying proportions. It con be
easily prepared on a small seek by ckaiung off the emulsion from a
•polled celluloid film, cutting the film up in small strips, and
(UaaolviM^ these in a bottk in a mixture of one part (by measure) of
amy! aeatata, onepart petrokum benzine, three parts alcohol and three
parts of ether. The cellulaid swelk up and dissolves rather slowly,
benoe the bottk containing the mixture should be wi'll shaken at
intervak for aevermi days. When the celluloid is all dissolved the
liquid should be filtered through a little absorbent cotton to remove
any looae fleck* of dirt. This varnish gives a tough film, ckar and
free from transvene stria), and is an excellent material for varnishing
gka* negative* or poaitive*, being perfectly waterproof. To resume :
The gla** *quare, after having been flowed with the coloured varnish,
in the aame i»«"'m»' a* when coating a plate with collodion, k
allowed to " aet * for a few momenta, and then placed osde on a flat
508
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[August .5, 1892
surface until the varnish is perfectly hard and dry. Care must be
taken to keep it covered while drying, so as to avoid dirt and dust
settling on it. The coated plate is now placed on a level surface, film
upward, and sufficient pure Canada balsam (white and free from dirt)
poured on the plate to make a pool in the middle of the plate about
one-fourth of its area. A fresh, clean glass square of the same size is
next taken and gently lowered on the balsam and plate in the same
manner that a cover glass is placed over a microscopic object, and
then a gentle and even pressure exerted until all air is forced out, and
the two glass surfaces are cemented together with the balsam and
are in uniform contact. The cemented plates are now laid aside on a
level surface and allowed to remain several weeks undisturbed until
the balsam has thoroughly hardened. Then the edges are cleaned off,
the exuded balsam being removed with a little benzine or benzole, and
the edges bound with some strips of lantern-slide paper. This colour
screen can be placed either before or behind the lens. If before, a
special hood must be made to hold it. I therefore prefer to use it
l)ehind the lens, on the inside of the lens board, where it can be placed
or removed in a few seconds. This can easily be arranged by having
two small brass or wooden cleats made of this shape.
The ed^e is fastened down on the inside face of the lens board by
means of "a few small screws, and the colour screen will then slide
easily up and down between the cleats.
A small sprig nail placed at the bottom acts as a stop, and prevents
the colour screen from slipping down and out.
Oethochbomattc Plates in Dull Wbathkb.
One more point may be noted in regard to exposure. The data
previously given were all based upon a clear, bright, sunshiny day
being taken. But suppose the day to be overcast and cloudy.
Under such circumstances the exposure on orthochromatic plates
must be greatly lengthened, much more so than for ordinary plates
under the same drcumstances. For instance, if I gave twice or three
times as much exposure on an overcast day (using an ordinary plate)
as I would on a clear day, for an orthochromatic plate I should give
from four to eight times as long, and if I did not do so I should have
an undertimed plate. Most of my failures with orthochromatic films
have been from this cause — undertiming on cloudy days. _ There
seems, under these circumstances, to be an absence of certain light
rays which affect quickly the orthochromatic emulsion. A very much
longer exposure must be made to secure good results. I have fre-
uently, after I discovered this, after making an exposure, made a
[uplicate in which I doubled the exposure, and almost invariably the
longer-timed negative came out the best.
And now a few words in conclusion regarding development. Pyro,
elkonogen, hydroquinone all give good results, depending upon the
predilection and skill of the operator. I am inclined to favour the
mixed developer of hydroquinone and eikonogen. With it I can
secure fine detail and get also plenty of density when desired, and
I think the combination particularly suited to orthochromatic
emulsions. Charles L. Mitchell, M.D.
%
©ur filittetial JTatle.
the principles of a lens's action, the standards of the Photographic
Society of Great Britain for screw fittings and the preservation of
lenses. We need scarcely add that it contains a full account of the
lenses and other articles manufactured by the firm.
Mntimsi of *oc(etie)8»
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK.
The Amatkue Photogbaphee's Annual foe 1892.
Hazell, WatBon, & Viney, Limited.
To say that this volume is in every way an advance upon that of the
previous j-ear would be saying but little, for there is really no com-
parison between them. It does not bear any name as that of
editor, although we may guess who he is. lie has given an excellent
summary of " Progress in Photographic Science in 1891," culled from
various sources, all of which are acknowledged. In addition to this,
we have two exhaustive essays, respectively, on " Architectural Photo-
graphy," by Rev. T. Perkins, M.A., and " The Form and Composition
of Landscape Photography," by Kev. F. C. Lambert, M.A., both of
which are illustrated from negatives by their authors. It also con-
tains a " Holiday Guide for Photographers," with a list of the dark
rooms and dealers, where any, in the places mentioned, a feature that
wiU prove attractive to many. The article on " Apparatus " is ob-
viously a reproduction of the price-lists of certain dealers. The
illustrations are numerous, and embrace one bromide print, one silver
print, five collotypes, and several from process blocks. It is well got
up. Price 2t.
Photographic Lenses and Sundries.
By Taylor, Taylob, & Hobson, Leicester.
This elegant booklet is something more than a mere catalogue of the
firm's productions, for it also contains useful information relating to
Data ol Martini.
8
"
8
**
9
9
9
JO
10
10
10
10
11
11
11
11
11
11 ...
11
12
12
12
12
12
12
Kama o( Boelaty.
DarlinsrtoQ
Dundee Amatear
North Middlesex
Derby
Manchester Amateur
Stockton ._
Leicester and Leicestershire
Munster
Photographic Club
Reading
Stockport
Birkenhead Photo. Association
Bradford Photo. Society ....
Hackney
London and Provincial
Manchester Photo. Society .
North Kent
PlaeaolMeaUng.
Cardiff
Holbom
Ireland
Maidstone
Richmond
West London..
Tierelyan Hotel, Darlington.
Abso. Studio, Nothergate, Dundee
Jubilee Hall, Homsey-road, N,
Smith's Rcstinraut, Victoria-st.
Lecture Hall, Athenieum.
Masonic Court, High-street.
Mayor's Parlour, Old Town Hall.
School of Art, Nelson-place, Cork.
Anderton's Hotel, FleeMtreet.E.C.
Mechanics* Institute, Stockport.
Association Rooms, Price-street.
50, Godwin -street, Bradford.
Morley Hall, Triangle, Hackney.
Ciiampion Hotel, 15, Aldersgate-rt.
36, George-street, Manchester.
Gravesend.
The Lyceum, Union>st., Oldham.
Booms, 15, DawBon-Btreet, Dublin.
** The P.T.lace," Maidstone.
Greyhound Hotel.
Ohiswick School of Art, Chiswick.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
July 28, — Mr. H. Snowden Ward in the chair.
Mr. G. Ruthven wa.s elected a member.
It was announced that Miss Catharine Weed Barnes and Dr. Charles L.
Mitchell had promised to read papers before the Association.
Questions.
A question from the box asked, "What is the meaning of 'cutting the
shadows' in a plate?" It appeared that the question referred to an editorial
notice of the Barnet plates by a contemporary, in the course of which pyro soda
was said to "cut the shadows."
Another question was: "In making gelatine emulsion, what is the best
method of adding silver nitrate in order to secure uniformity of the precipitated
particles ? "
Mr. W. E. Debknham would have gelatine in both solutions.
Mr. G. W. Atkins asked if the silver nitrate would not injure the gelatine ?
Mr. Dkbenham replied that emulsions made that way were very good —
Captain Abney recommended it.
Reducing Pbints.
Question No. 3 : " Please state the best formula for reducing silver prints,
both albumen and gelatino-chloride."
Mr. Debenham suggested fresh hypo for albumen prints.
Mr. F. A. Bbidqe stated that Mr. Dunmore recommended mercury bi-
chloride.
Mr. R. P. Drage mentioned that he had had gelatino-chloride prints drj- a
rusty black, and that he found a weak solution of mercury bichloride con-
verted them into a mauvish tint. The prints had kept nine months without
alteration.
Mr. T. BoLAS suggested the use of a weak solution of iodine and hypo.
Mr. Debenham had tried cyanide, and got graininess and a nasty colour.
Mr. E. W. Pakkitt had reduced silver chloride prints with Farmer's solution.
It had a tendency to attack the half-tones first.
Mr. Dbage found that ferridcyanide and hypo would not injure any kind of
print.
Flashlight Portrait of Miss Barnes.
Tlie Chairman exhibited a rtashlight portrait of Miss Catharine Weed
Barnes taken by Mr. Roliert Slingsby, of Lincoln. The exposure, with eight
lamps, would be about one and a half seconds. All the lamps were placed at
the same distance from the sitter, and had reflectors.
Mr. B. Foolkes- Winks exhibited a patent album for holding unmounted
prints, which appeared to resemble an ordinary portrait album.
The meeting subsequently adjourned.
Amateur Photographic Association.— A Council Meeting to award the
prizes was held on Wednesday, July 27, at 58, Pall Mall, His Highness the
Duke of Teck in the chair. Tlie following members were elected :— The
Viscount Maitland, Mrs. E. G. Wrigley, Messrs. T. K. Mellor, E. F. Scougal,
M.D., A. H. D. Steele,— Craigie, E. Kennard, W. J. Harrison, and Miss E. A.
Sykes. Mr. Melhuish, the Hon. Secretary, then laid before the meeting the
pictures for the current year, which had been arranged and classified by Mr.
Glaisher. There are 152 pictures in Class 1, being more " first class " pictures
than had been contributed in any previous year. They are as follows : — C
Stephens, 6 ; Lord de Ros, 2 ; R. Murray, 9 ; F. E. Currey, 2 ; W. S. Hobson,
18 ; Major Board, 1 ; General Sladen, 1 ; R. 0. Milne, 18 ; R. Leventhorpe,
12 ; M. de DOchy, 6 ; W. Gaddum, 3 ; J. C. Cohen, 6 ; Colonel Foster, 3 ;
F. G. Smart, 7 ; the Vicomte de Coudeixa, 9 ; H. 0. Hutchinson, 5 ; F.
Augurt .1, 1803]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
60»
wngleT, :£; mhi mmnxm, oi a, x%. urvmer. !> ', o. nmimim, o ; n, r. oooogmj,
M.D., I ; tk* Vtecoont MaitUad, 8; and W. Jwome Hairuon, 18. The rwt
of ths i<iilw «<n compriMil hi ClaaM 3, S, utd 4. Tbe following prizes
wen amnied : — Pint prue to the Tioomto da Condeixa, a large silver Koblet,
R. a Milii^ a tilver goblet, for No*.
1 baDOi
for No*. :; 3, S, 10, and 13 ; K. U Uilaa. a tuver gouet, tor Koa. 7, I&, 25,
Jd, and 31 ; C. Stepbeu, an albmn, handmnielT boond, for Nos. 67, 69, and
70 ; M. de IXcbr, a large dlTer medal, for No*. I, 3, 5, and 6 ; A. R. Drener,
un album, hanbomeiy booad, for No*. 1, 5, S3, and 79 ; the Viscoant Hait-
Uad, a madal. for Noa. 2, 8, and 10 ; W. S. Hobwn, a filTer goblet, far Noa.
■Yli, 971. aail S78 ; R. hmiiiurvt, saietan in bame. for Noa. 2S3, 224, and
iX; W. J. HarriKn, a lais* dtrcr SMdd. far Nol IS, 31, S9, 43. aad 44 :
P. Q. Smart, an album, handioBahr boaad, far Noa. 38, 39, and 45 ; Oolanel
Porter, a picture in fnune, for Na 3 ; J. CL Coben, a mrdal, for Noa. 5, 7, and
S ; H. 0. Hntchiuon, an albam, baadfomaljr boaa<l, for Kon. 2 and 5 ; W.
UaddoB, a medal, for No. 178 ; H. Kmmniia, a nxdal, for Noa. 3 and 4 ; R.
Umnj, a madal, far Noa. 278 and 284. A vote of thanka waa paaed to Mr.
GUaber far the time and can he had baatowad co tbe arrangement and daasi-
fieatioB of tbe ptetnea. Tbe pictnm an nov on riew at the offieea of the
Society, 58, Pul Mall, oppodta Mariboroogb HogaeL
Urarpool iatlwi Pbelagxmpkle iMMatiM.— What may be termed the
priraia Tiew of tba aewly aoqoind preniHi of thii Amodstfaa in Eberie-
took plaea oa Joly 91 The old i|aaitan of the Aaaoeiatioa in Lonl-
itiaal, althoagh jplaaaaat ooogh wbea raaebad, vera far too email far tba
grwiiiH aaada of^tba Amndation, and it waa ^daeidad loaia time ago to cut
aboat far Mon eewaaiaat laoma, hMyf^aai^
taaUr flxed apoa, aad tk* baildiaK It MW
Aitfata* Clab aad tba Pboteoaplik Ammklim Tka OmwifaMiai ta to be
OMit heartily eo•^T>tnlated alike apon tbe aitaat. tba ooafart, aad tba artiatie
faeaaty of their a** abodik The rooou, ia wUca ipacial armmmnrtitioB baa
ba« Braridad far lady meiaheri, an a|)|iioaebed ftaa t«o aatiaacaa, aad hare
baM daeontod ttsoii^kaat with tba ntaort taaia aad dalfaM^. Cpon tbe
walk, aad auwiltM tmrj iqaan ioA of qiaoe, an to be aav aeoie of tbe
aaMtipanh»«MoftIaphotognpMeait«wrj»tatad. Dowaetaii^ erenrthiac
baa beta doaa to piaaaa tba eye ; apatdn aoftivg haa baee left aadoaa to |jTa
tba mambaa of Ika AaMdatiaa afwr oyportaatty to BBBreaek paifaetka ia tba
- • n^ tba iiilall^ tba laUUH. — > fta hadnjotb* praetfaal daUlla
IB to make tka iMdm pkotPiiafk ta beaatiAU a work of art. Tbe
to tba laeeefatfaa wwa narirad by tba Pleaidaat, Mr. W.
TnwHaana, Mr. Ital lanfi, Ms, Woelfan (who haa doaa yaoaun lenrice in
tba Sttiaf ap aad deeoratiaa of tba aew ptmbee). aad otbar proaiiaeat nMia-
b«s«fthaaiaeaU*«. b aay ba afaly add that, with tba axoaptka of tba
1 Loadoa, ao pbotepifkfa body in tba United ltiiifde»» baa
laadaacsHtiitieaanaaadi^aatbaUTapoal PbonBaphk
. At tba mnattly ■irthc — Thgaday. Jnly itllr. aXSayea
jirmldad, aad than wia a hifi tUmflmm tl — bi. Mr. a J. Sayea bt*
a report of tba aiwiwfaa to Baial aad MMrtoek, which took plaeaoa July
24, at whkh thbrtraiz mwahi aad M«ifa wen pnaent. AT ' —
mnirea WW* aM^a^ agaa of tba work, wUdl waa rwy baantiftil, 1
Aboat 190
il, baiMdMWB
<lunni( tba liaaa» Mr. P. BebWagtoa. af 19, Oorabrook Fwkroad, Cheater-
roeii, Meaiihwtir, atleaJad. aad laplalBad bl> aorel -'Ttairort" taawra. Mr.
Paal Lame Aawed Ue aew Aaafaa i X 4 cawra. aad Mr. Suideri, of Moont
Pleaaaat. eibitHad Ua aonl aad laipileiia ap«ra-(iaaa caman. eapahia of
makbag tawlj-fcar npoaana, aa will ta btkH aaatal ai a Itltacoft. The
Btttaaai OaaiMj't WW priallarort aav« HaBla pacfcal, aad tka Ptfrt PriJt
Pkla ftwpMj'a —Ida paek* of pbCwiwgwUted aawig Ika laiiabinL
Mr. Laaaa (i«« a anctleal aad eaieyahia dtaoaatntioa of tba Flatiootype
Coapaaya aaw eeU-batb iiriiiittt, wilb tba aea of giyetriaa aad braib Banhm-
laiioa. Attbaelota,tbeCbalnaaaaaba«ftka^ao«w«riidoMbyMr. J.
Wooifan bi ainagi^ tba aaw jnmima, wMok woald pmra af tetdodahla
valae to tba BtMb)
mea«b. Mr. Joha
foadnrtad tba pwwwadiaf^ wyeb wen Ugkly e^)oyed.
ftomtmOmmmCbtk^MMT U, tba IVtiijMt (Mr. O. «!■ ii) fai tbe
chair.— Thaminilat if tka lial ■iiMaa wen wad by tbe Haa. gtentiry. Mr.
Meaeariai, aad eeafcawd. Mr. »MhAwada|iaperoa rUilrti/Orweyuy.
aadaaid: "la a plaea Uka rooekaw, wbaa we ban eo fcw aaMtaar IMI*.
grasbm, it h lOMwbat dWeab ta faid a aalfaet which iban be iatane^ta
an tba ■Mtiii af tka OaK la kiiilli wad to «ad loatthlnc taltah%
Mr. Manital aad ■ylf t>wi>« Ikat lattj i a fawwaadtaaOapoAwaf
Ufatobainiittad tbtiaanaafaw
lag taa aaw pNadM^ wMcb woau amra af ■tHouaUe
n. TW aMiahinlbla Ii aaw lOIX aad b laanMiag enry
H. WAk. bi tbe iliiMii ft Mr. OiMwartb, tba eeeretary,
MdiaariAkb wen hkbhr eaioTedr^
pbatognphen la tbe plaet, tim we aU tt tlata faid otoedna
^ - - Milka^aer
p ■ aiam a aa oaa laagaaoi
tba M»btn if a imv tkaStSka a lot of taflan^ daMriaa;
' >a,a]Iart
■aabi of agnap, aad of frnlimlnaal kab aa ngania tba poaiag than fa
atTsiTtbftisirif^'s^js^
kew ha PiMiUT eoaU poM It. aad at far Ika Oklaeai
iatUaet b aaaaUr te abeeal ftWB the CUaM eteaeter
Mdtralk; eo, tben baba ao leiiftadiintl help far aa, tbe beat tUi«w«
4abtaeadeataartobalp oanelna, iad tqr tM fa b oar atai* tbe .. .
atalal nlt^ by ao ttataa dMeaM la naMMb«. ta to bow a groap
Ibaiiligil After a fawwonboalhta lahfaet,! will, wttkyvorper-
lekaneter aa tbe idea of
■brii^ tnian yoa at a groap aa badly ai poeeible, aad afterwirda correctly,
■• «A ai I eaa. aad Mr. Maeeeriai win take a fctUbbt pietan of both,
wUtk ki win praeaid to darelop with tbe wry bat of eenB^rllabieii
Tba tat tkl^i to eoaaid* b tba bad^^oaad. Tkaai,tabra8
•koald ba anUad ; tba Udtt faUM aa tka bBTat caaaee wbMe ■
ehoaU be portnttk. Tbe ■embi of the map tbonld
aeeeaattabikklgkwtkHtkatopaf tka OMen, aad tkoae oa tba r^ aad
fall abaald loak at II aet wllk tba ey«a oaly, hat by tUgbUy taral^ tba bead.
Aa far ae It eaa paalUy be aealdad, do aot ban two beada aait to oea aaotbar
aa tbe aiaa lefd, aad do aot ban two bdba ta Ugbt-eoioand dRM one baaida
Ikaotktr eepaiatatbeaibyeeaticaitatbadarkdotbet. Anufi tbe (poap
so that tall persons are in the middle, and short persons at each end, and in
the case of ladies wearing white drefoes, or colours which are white to the
photographic eye, place them in the front row. The professional photographer
frequently says, ' Please put on the beginning of a smile ; ' but as this usually
results in a complete grin, and, in some cases, even a grimace, it seems to me
far better to tell people to lightly close the lips, for nothing looks worse than
to see a lot of people with their mouths half open in a semi -slobbering condi-
tion. It is impossible in a short paper like the present to enter into the
deeper portion of the subject regarding the balance of the picture, and so on ;
bnt, if the foregoing rules an remembered, there may be some hope that the
arenge gronp taken in Foochow will be somewhat improred. The preceding
rulea ma^ be aununarised as follows : — No trees in the background. No
looking higher than the top of the camera. No two adjoiningneada on the
same level. And no months open."
RECENT PATENTS.
APPU0ATION3 rOR PATENTS.
Apparatus on the Pinhole Air>
Na 13,632: — " Improvementa in
Leas Principle. " A. C. PoKTOy.—lMUni
No. 13,777. — " Improvementa ia Ltaan.
1892.
Wy 26; 1892.
M. J. Qum.— Dated July 28,
No. 13,844.— "An Improved Washing Bath for Use in FhotoffraphT."
P. A»TOm.—UaUd Julf 29, 1892. -<»• r j
No. 13,857.—" Improvementa in Springs for Use in Photographio Changing
Boxes." A 8. NiWMAX and J. Guakou.— J9a<«f July 30, 1892.
PATENTS CXIMPLETED.
IiinK)vsiiEri% IS PHOtooBATHio Lnsii OB Obiktivbs and is AimuTUS
OOSSacTIO TBBaSWITB.
N& 10,748L ASDBSW JoRS SrUAKT, Bretlaada, Rnsthall, Tnnbtidge Wells.
July 9, 1892.
Tarn iaveation ooBtbta ta obstraeting or cutting off the light by any maana
wbatavcr from tba eaatrtl portion of the surface of photographic lenses or
ob|ieeUT% dB|}a or compoaad.
Ia obstraetiag br aaymeaaa whatever the rays of light which fall on the
otetral porttoa of toe sorfaea of snch photographic lenaee or objectives, so that
tbe image will be formed by the nys which fall upon that portion of the lens
which is outside the part eo obstructed or covered up. llie shape of such
ohslnetioo may be oireular or oval, or of any other form.
Sadi ohstructioa may be eaasad by any mechanical means whatever ; for
instaaea, br a dise of metal or of any other snbstanoe fa fh>nt of the lens, or
by a dlae of tinfoil, or a disc or spot of paint orof any other substance adhering
to tba laaa, or by entttag tba leas in such a manner as to obstruct the rays.
In the case of oompooad leasee or objectives, such obstruction may be
appUed to any or all tba Itaaas of whieb the compound lens is constructed,
or to the wbote as a eoapoaad laaa.
Pataat protaetloa b sooght for the abora-mantlon^. aa well as for aU
other potribb waya of caasiBg the ofastnwtioa datcrilbd above.
Tba BMaaa of obatmetioa may be of sneb oonstmction as to admit of the
ant ohttraetad being varied at plaaanre by the use of tbe principle of the
•• irit dk^bngm," or by a rotaUag oairier bearing discs of different sizes.
Prataetiea b aoa|^t far Ika tpplbatfcm of theee or of any other mechanical
maaaa far eetargtag or ralaeiag tba arta obatructed at pleasure.
Tbe maaas by whiob saek obatruetioB of light is obtained mar, for the sake
of eoavaabaea, be called "a central dbphragm," and will hereinafter be
refamd to by that phrtaa.
b "etanal diaphraca," ta whatever manner ooostmctad, may be com-
wilb tba odiaaiT dbpbngm as now ta geaaral use, so as to enlarge or
eoatnet tbe ana of tba baa inrlkca expoeed, and by which the picture ia
fonoed, so also as to Itadt tbe nys falling upon the enter portions of the plate
to tboae ooming tnm oaa portba only of the lena, or of so much of it as ia
"IttTtb.
ttb tba eetaMaatfaB of tkbnae of the ordinary dUphragm, which U a part
of tba ordtaary eoeainetloB of photognphic lenses, with the obetruction fa
tbe ecatre of the aperture by the "central diaphragm," which is the most
important and novel feature In the preeent improvement.
It b baliwrad that by tbb tavaation a betttr iltamtaatii
will be ol-tafaed,
eapecbUy ta tba ootsr parts of the Held or pUte, a man even illumination
reealUag ta aion erte darelopaient, and fa more equal density in the i>icture
wbea labbed, better daaaMea. fa tbe outer portions of the field especially,
man npfaUty ta tka laai| witk lata distortion and more flatness of field.
Havta^aow partieulariy deaeribed aad ascertained the nature of my said
laastlanaad in what manntr the tanfa b to be performed, I declare that what
Tebtaib:- 1. Pratectioo far tbe use of the "central diaphragm" as above
ilaecribed fa the uuustnictba or use of photognphic lenses or combinations
of bases or obiectivea aa taek an now constructol or used. 2. For the
use of tba saiJ "oentnl dbphngm' either by itself or in combination
with diapbngma of tbe oidlnary kind now ta use, fa the manufacture or use of
photognpbk lenssi or objeetivee, wbatber sfagle or compound. 8. The
applieaUOB of tbe principle of the iris diaphragm, or of a rotating carrier
baartag dbet of dinenet siass, or of any otiier mechanical contrivance for
vaiytag at pleaaun the area ohatracted by the "central diaphragm."
[If Um pa tan tea will call at our ofSoa by wpomtment, we will show
him tavtral artieUa, in tbu and other joonuua, soma <A them written
eonnderably over a qaarter of a oentoiy since, in which the use of tbe
'^o«nt»l diaphiagm" ia adrocatad and it* oonstrootion detoribed.— Ed.]
510
THE BttlTISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[August 5, 1892
CottejBSponiiencr«
TmO-CAEBAMIDE KEYERSALS— YELLOW SCREENS.
To the Editor.
Sib,— With reference to the note on page 37i of The British Jocbnal
or PHOToaRAPHY for June 10th, regarding Mons. Fourtier's failure to work
the reversed process with thio-sinamine, I very much regret that I am
nuftble to give him any further information than that given in The
Bbitibh Journal of Photogbapiit for September, 1890, pages 002 and
«18, and in 1891, page 201 ; also in last year's Almanac, as well as in
-other journals, English and French.
I should, however, advisa him to try with Professor Emerson Reynolds
compound salt of thiocarbamide and ammonium bromide, referred to in
The British Jodbnal of Photoqbaphy, 1890, page G73, which has con-
sistently given me better results than any other of the thio-carbamides
tried. It can be obtained from Messrs. Hopkin & Williams, and is con-
veniently soluble in the proportion of 1 to 100 in alcohol. A few drops of
this solution may be added to a developer made of —
Eikonogen 1 P*'^'-
Lithia Carbonate 1 "
Soda sulphite .„! " ,
Water „ 100 parts.
:Each kind of dry plate and subject requires its own special treatment,
^and as a rule some preliminary oxidation of the film is necessary, but I
have no further definite information to give.
I hoped to have resumed this work on my return here, in order to find
out a reliable and certain method of using the thio-carbamides for
reversals, but have hitherto been unable to do so. Trials made with
•collodio-bromide emulsion have given prospect of success, and I shall
probably turn my attention in this direction in connexion with other
•work with collodio-bromide emulsions. In the meantime, if I can render
Mons. Fourtier any assistance in the matter I shall be very glad to do so
if he will communicate with me, and let me know his special difficulties.
I observe in the same number of The British Journal of Photo-
oraphy an article on " Yellow Screens for Orthochromatic Work," in
which compound screens of gelatine and collodion are described. I have
not a very large experience in this question, but what I have leads me
strongly to recommend good glass screens in preference to any film,
though film screens may be useful for obtaining special tints that could
te obtained in no other way. I find that with collodion or gelatine
flcreens there is always more or less loss of definition. The best screens
of this kind I have used were made of clear thin talc or mica coated with
a cold dryinn crystal varnish made of benzole and sandarac or dammar
coloured with annatto, turmeric, or other colouring matters soluble in
benzole, which, unfortunately, most of the yellow " coal tar " dyes are
not. A good spirit varnish or lacquer would probably answer as well, but
all spirit varnishes are difficult to use in the] moist Bengal climate.
Varnish is far more structureless than collodion. The formula used for
the varnish was —
Turmeric varnish 2 parts.
Annatto 1 part.
Kamala 1 „
The turmeric varnish has a greenish tinge, the annatto a reddish tinge,
and the kamala (made from a powder obtained from Rattler ia tinctoria)
a neutral yellow. By varying the proportions different tints can be
obtained. Other yellow dye stuffs soluble in benzole could also be used.
This varnish applied to worked glass gave very good results for copying
work, when placed behind the lens. The coated linen can be used in
double diaphragms.
Suitable yellow glasses are now so easily obtained, and are so effective
and uniform in use that I would certainly recommend them in preference
to any varnished screen, which, even if it does not damage the definition
of the image, is always liable to injury, and to change of colour by fading
of the dyes. — I am, yours, &c., J. W.ateehouse.
Survey of India Office, Calcutta, July 12, 1892.
[In the current number of the Photo-Gazette (Paris), M. Fourtier
details some successful reversal experiments with a diflEerent sample of
thio-Mnamine to that which he employed on the former occasion. — Ed.]
friends and acquaintances knew about as much of the subject as I did
myself, which was absolutely nothing at all. My knowledge therefore
had to be gained chiefly by the greatest of all teachers — experience. I
certainly gained a certain amount of information from the manuals pub-
lished on photography, but my knowledge of " exposure " was all got by
practical experience. I quite agree with Mr. Bedding when he saya,
" that a man who takes up photography will surmount the difficulties of
exposure by the aid of his own brains, or not at all." I have never used
an actinograph, or anything of the kind, and never mean to, as I place
more reliance on my own judgment of what exposure is necessary by the
appearance of the picture as presented to me on the focussing screen of
my camera. During my comparatively short experience I have come
across many amateurs who always, when making an exposure, use one
or other of these " so-called aids," and who, for the life of them could not
correctly expose a plate without it, and in many cases when they have
used it, find their negatives improperly exposed. Exposure-meters always
put me in mind of "ready reckoners" in a counting house, which the
clerks invariably fly to if there is a small calculation to make instead of
using their own brains.
My advice to all brother amateurs is, use your own brains, cultivate
your memory of pictures you have taken before, compare mentally the
aspect of the one with the other, and form your own judgment of what
exposure should be given, and the experience thus gained will stand you
in better stead than all the actinometers put together.
In conclusion, I should like to contribute my small mead of praise for
the able manner in which Mr. Bedding treated the subject, and have no
doubt but that the paper will be read with great pleasure, both by pro-
fessionals and amateurs alike. — I am, yours, &c., W. A. Cole.
BerUn House, Moseley, Birmingham, July 30, 1892.
THE FOCUSSING SCREEN THE BEST ACTINOGRAPH.
To the Editor.
Sir, — Permit me through the medium of your valuable paper to
endorse the opinions of Mr. Bedding in his paper to the North Middlesex
Photographic Society, on the above subject.
I commenced photography some seven or eight years ago, and all my
LOSS OF DENSITY IN FIXING.
To the Editor.
Sib, — ^Your apology for putting account instead of atone has been noted
by the wliole French press, and war, with all of its modern improvements,
has once more been averted.
Your notice in regard to losing of intensity in negatives in the fixing
bath may be correct ; yet, call it as you like, the fact remains that seem-
ingly or not some makers' dry plates have to be pushed much further
than others, and this fact ought to be recorded on the package, I think.
Light in the dark room may be taken as an excuse with some, but
probably with very few. If a candle is used, it is pretty much always the
same, and, when a lamp or gas flame, this is pretty much always regu-
lated at the same height by any half careful operator, and made to suit
his lantern ; and, as to this last one, I do not think that the red glasses
are replaced more than when absolutely necessary, and that is usually
(here in France) when broken. I use gaslight, and that is even enough.
But where you are wrong altogether is when you say that a wet
negative appears denser than a dry one. The reverse is an absolute fact
with us at least, and I do not think that I am an exception. This can,
however, be very easily understood and explained. In a wet negative
the gelatine is largely swollen, the particles of reduced silver very much
apart, and light passes very freely, so much so that in shadows some
details will not show at all when wet, while when dry they will be most
apparent. I do not think I will be contradicted on that point. — I am,
yours, &c., A- Levy.
Asnieres, July 23, 1892.
To the Editor.
Sir,— Having noticed that an old acid fixing bath dissolved the whole
of the silver from a plate in the course of a few days, the following trials
were made to ascertain to what extent reduction would be Ukely to take
place during the short time requured for fixing negatives. Pieces of a
plate having upon it the following densities : 1-46, 1 -00, and -58, were
placed in new and old acid fixing baths. After sixty hours in the
new bath the densities were reduced to 1-35, -9, and -49, and after forty-
eight hours in the old bath to -54, -30, and -10. Evidently the loss of
density in half an hour must be very sUght indeed.— I am, yours, &c..
Bed mil, August 1, 1892. 3ous Stebby.
♦- ■
SPEED OF PLATES.
To the Editor.
Sir,— At the end of his letter in your last issue, Mr. Watkins asks,
" What is the meaning of development factor ? "
On page 10 of Messrs. Hurter & Driffield's paper, second column, line
ten, it is described as a " constant depending upon the time of develop-
ment," and it is afterwards represented by y in the various formulie.
The necessity for its consideration and its value are found on pages 11
and 13, and its most important practical bearing s mentioned on the
last page.
Perhaps Mr. Watkins will understand its meanmg best by my statmg
that the development factor includes that which he asserts Messrs.
Hurter A Driffield have omitted, where he says, " This method leaves
entirely out of the question, whether this correct scale of gradation has
sufficient opacity in the highest terms of its scale to provide practical
Angwt 6. 18W]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
611
fiiiliiHilli>J in a oegatiTe." It U, in {act. lor practical porpoias, the
■wwin of the pnnting Talne of a negative at any paiticnUr stage of
ihirinnwrnt or, in othar woria, it indicates the difference in resnlt
«liidi is obtainad with difhisat plates, developed for the same time, or,
if deaiied, the tame plate for different times.
lbs objoet ol ov letter (July 8) was to show that ^r. Watkins'
lanthfffl of developing for a dsfinito tints woald tail to give the
anlli, beeaiias eqn^Maaitias would not neossiarily be obtained
with piatas a< eqnal spaad, aa shown bv platas i and 4, the lattaz re-
qniriag a lo^ar nme o< daveknoMnt to obtain aqnal densities.
With regard k> plate >, had Mr. Watkins imatntaod the meaning of
tba ihifsiopMaBt factor, and had also notified tba following iq>on page 13
9t liaasHL Hnitsr Jc Driflleld's p^ier. " Hiysiinients whiah we have made
ladiaala that for the prodnelion ol artialia sfiaala on oidinaiy aiher
•UoiUa paper, it is ■leiwsty to pralaag tha ^ovalopaant, v ia yater
than 1, and nearly rrarhns tha vahie 9," be wmdd have seen tnat none Ot
the pbttea 1 to 4 had received rafBoiant development to be snitable for
r ailver or pi«ti"ntn paper printingi and ha would not have so hastily
13m loacsst development of that pbta ol which I have any reeord
ghraa nanha aa oader, and, thoajrii ij no maaoa tha higbeat densities,
iHiidi eonld aaaiW be ebtaiasd. ft shows tha daBBl7 1-73 (opaeity 54)
nearly reaehad wittdo tha eotieet period of the plate.
CM. 8.
n
S
10
20
40
»— Hy
OftUj
. 1 6-46
1-n
16-«
l-flS
41-7
1-W
91-1
9-S
IM
bMrtia^ «. Actfaopaph spssd. SSL DtvdopmMt betor, 1-4.
Tba opaaitisa aia addad baaaoaa Mr. Watkiaa aaanis to think most
MB ba laamt from thaa. U so, it ia ■aeaaaary to point oat that in the
iaUa ha givaa all tha daositiea omr S-O h*va bsea inaanaatty translated
•* OnrtA niaaiii ol amvUena," Mr. Watkins mj*, whan tasted by
Kaasra. Hnrtsr « DiMsld'a saathed. show a " swia<ttiaussa not snb-
■tatttialad vhMi tha plata ia axpoaed in the oamara," None soeh have
■ana ■ads* ay notiae dndag twalva monlhi' trials : and. as to tha old
lod-label Illard piatsa ha msntioMS. Mshh. HartaA Drifisld said, ■■ we
foond it vary diAeutt to aaeaitaia thstr tma spssd in the camera on
t ol the difflenlty in sseniag aimila dsniity," from which it is
thai they overcama Iha IWillllliil which Mr. Watkins foond
I aannet agree with the wmmtmi Hal ••there ia vssy Httle that is
afeaolata aboot tba seienaa of jlinlngwflty.* lev alrsndy aoch has been
jKon^ — I aas, yuuiSf Ae>, Jon Bmar.
aidBm, A»0m* I, UHl
OOmSBKINO PETITIONS PEBTAIHOO TO THE FHOTO-
OBAPmC PBIVILEOES AT TBB ' WOBLD'8 CULCMBIAK
XZPOSinON.
ToOsKMnik
ilonelatha
I of tha Aotoffii^UaOoBvantiooof tSa United Khtgdom
b pMlHliag aphiit tha castriaMoB «l tha paivllaie, aa has basn pnipaaad
ky Iha Waya and Maaaa rninwlUss This vola. lOMthMt with ibe many
palitiaaa whiah aia baia« raeaiwd Imb other BiigiA ioristisa. wiU have
. . *^- ''iIJhim thu—ii ill a« DhonSnTphsta wiU ba
Sb,— ttittsfymiiityfaiClolhoaa aapMsd hi tha MiMtoi
Iba ^H—1 iJckt of pbetomphii^ al thaOhiaago BnoaMoa
naaoMHMtianocthaniotoffiuUaOoBvantioaof tna Unit4
faSBaata^
Having I
aving laanad, Ihroo^ aa ovani^t oa the part of my elaric, that
many of the petitiena wara nailad short of postags to tba English
waiatisa. I woold ask tor a short spaea ia yoor valoabia Jocbxal to asy
to any wIm ware obliged to pay doaUa rataa that the aame will ba ralonded
to them by Mies C. W. Banaa. if sdrtrssaiJ to ears ol tha Jooexal.
Iha mora biaign seeiatiaa «• aaa hear ban, Iha grsalar wiU ba the
waWit el tha patitioD.
ThaM k a priaeipla involved that baa aavar bean Ihoogfat el baCora.
and ia aigiag grsatsr trsadom ia thaasenisao<thaphotogmpliie privilsgs
at pabUa plaess we shall ondoaMadly, shoold wo soeesad, bsnafU not only
tha iiaaliiin. bat all pbotogcaphsa and aiannfaataiara. Any nhoto-
Vripban MV iHd aM Ibsir names to ba afBzad to tha patitioB, wbaihar or
aol dM baloBg la a alob or aoaiaty. All are wsleeai to partio^ala In
ritog Bila ■eiaaisat.— I am. yoors. Ac, F. C. Bbacb.
399, tyik-^mnm, S*m York, July M, 1893.
PEBMAXKNCT OF OEI^TINO-CHLOBIPE PBINTS.
To tkt EbRos.
Sa,— Tba lailoiiJ print Is a prool that Ilford P.O.P. is lil
ladar oronary acnditions The print <
'. aad alasad. with oaa half eovorsd up, in a south window ; it
M basB lahM Mwa sovaral tiaaa, soaked in water, and replaoed i
The fdal ia • poor eoa, (ma a thia aogativs ; just the kind oi
ikalvto be
maoe last
wet
print
one might expect to fade and tarn yellow. Von will see there is noTisihle
change between the half that has been kept covered and the other, and-
the whites are as pore as when first made. The print was toned in &
borax bath, which in my hands gives good results with this paper.— I am^
yours, iS:c., H. G. M. CoiriBEAitE.
Tht Ilut, IngaUttoru, July 31, 1893.
EASTMAN PELUCLE.
To the Editob.
Sib, — ^Yon noticed, not long ago, some negatives of Eastman pellicle
on a film two years in the roll holder and three years in stock ; and I
send you to-day some made on the old American negative paper, coated
in April, 188o. I exposed four tilms, and send you the whole. — I am,.
yonra, iJto., W. J. Stillmih.
Some, July 29, 1893.
[Tlie quality of the negatives ia excellent, and decidedly attests the
remarkable keeping properties of the Eastman negative paper. — Ed.]
THE COLLECTION OF KESIDUES.
To the EsrroB.
Sin,— Balarring to yoor leader in the last issue of Tnx British
JocBXiL or PBOTooBArHT about collecting photographic residues, it will
be found that gelatine exercises oonaiderable influence in delaying the
praoipitation of dilate solutions ot silver chloride, whether the precipitant
has been salt or hydrochloric acid. It is a most difficult matter to pre-
cipitate thoroughly, to say nothing o( rapidly, any very dilute solution
of silver salt in the presanos of nndeoomposed gelatine. Gelatine may be
introdnsed by waahings of vaaaela ussd in the preparation of emulsions or
in other manners, ^le waste solations of pfaiotographio laboratoriee are
generally of a very raisoellanaous character, and it will save trouble to
bear in mind that any oootaining gelatine should have that oollaid
thoroughly decompoaed befoie adding it to the bulk of waste, aa when
diffnssit in a burgs quantity ot water it ia not so easily decomposed aa
when it is in a more ooocantrated form.
I am unprepared to say it the addition ot Isad acetate would get over
tba difDculty, not having triad it ; but, as the action is purely jSiysioal,
it ia manly a qoeation will the extra weight and eoarsenesa of the pre-
cipitate BiiiiiUius tha viaeoaity of the gelatine. I merely mention Uiis,
as gatatiaa ka* to be rackoned for in the collection ol residuM in ordinary
pioeedare I am, yoon, te,, Ecwjiito DD>nioBS.
Augutt 3, waa.
♦
ESTIMATION OF SILVEB MITSATE.
To the ^orroB.
Sta, — Thinking that perhaps the results of an Mtimation by weight of
a sample of cheap silver nitrate in the market might be of interest, I
ventare to sand tba nomsrioal details of one undertaken by myseU some
months ago in oooaeqnanea of an account of the then market value of
silver, as ooatained in an article, I think, in your vtfnable Joubnu,.
The priea paid for thia nartienlar sample was 3<. 5M. or it. 6d. fur the
HugU omtee, and was labelled as pure recrystallisad nitrate of silver, and,
as tbs raanlts obtained in actual practice, whan ussd as a sensitising bath
for wot platea, are in the higbeat degree satialaetacy, argues, I think,
farther pcool <^ tha laaalta of tha estimation being fairly aoonrate.
EsmiATios or Ag ct Ag NO^.
Weighing bottle + Ag MO, = a-894 grammas,
7-143 „
Weight of Ag WO, taken .-. - 1-2.S8 „
Weight after precipitating as chloride, washing, drying, and fasing : —
Weight of poroelaio cmeible-t-Ag Cl=18'664 grammes,
= 13-699 ..
Laa ah of Sltar paper
1-066
•00866
Weight of Ag CI found 1-06184
,-. Ag CI Ag CI Ag
m-5 : 1-05134 : : 100 : x =-7913 of silvsr.
7L3:i» : 100 : : -7913 : « '/. ol sUvar in the weight of silver nitrate
6819 7. of sUvar.
Silver calculated tbeoretieally 63-.>3 grammes,
„ found axparimaataUy 63-19 „
Diffaiii
•S4
It you should oonsider (his of any valne, please note that it is only
the resnlt of one, allhoog^ very carefully made, esttmation. — I am, .
youn, dec, E. Sxhiob,
Hoaoan iledallUl, and late Student Polytechnk
Hehool of Photography.
319, Cambtncttl Ken Road, London, SJi., Augutt 3, 1893.
512
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OP PHOTOGRAPHY.
[August 5, 1892
flnstDets to GorresponUnitjS.
AU matttn for Vu text portion of ihii JorowiX, includvig fuemt for
"Anaweri" and "Exchanges" mual be addreesed to "THB Editor,
2, Torhetrtet, Covent Garden, London. Inattention to this emura delay.
JTo notice taken of communications unless name and address of vmter are
given.
•»* Commvnications relating to Advertisements and general business ajjairs
must be addressed to "Hknrt Obbskwood & Co.,'"^ 2, York-street, Covent
Oarden, London.
Professor K Stebbinq. — Many thanks.
A. Campbell.— Make the sulphite solution decidedly acid.
A. L. W. — A solution of " ordinary sulphite of soda " should be neutral to test
paper.
S. Andrews.— In using matt varnish, the plate should not be warmed, either
before or after its application.
Harbt Vinckst. — Precipitate the silver in the solution with potassium
sulphide. You will then obtain the silver as sulphide.
Pbrro. — No: iron development is by no means extinct. It is extensively
employed * the Continent for both negative and positive work.
S. A. B. — If the instrument is in good condition, it is very cheap at the price
asked. Have an undertaking that it is by the maker whose name it bears.
H. T.— Possibly the lead is the primary cause of the fugitiveness of your
prints. We should recommend you to revert to the use of porcelain dishes.
Simplex (Penshurst) . — An over-printed silver print may be sensibly reduced
by treating it with a weak solution of bichloride of mercury. Fixation is
unnecessary.
J. W. says : " Can you give me the address of a manufacturer of dry ferrotype
plates '?" — Mr. L. Nievsky supplies such plates. Address him, care of Mr.
Fallowfield, Charing Cross-road, W.C.
C. J. T. — We should think that the print with the blue spots had been exposed
to light during toning, and that the toning solution had not been kept in
motion. Both prints appear to be over-toned.
E. E. H. asks if the patent for stannotype process has expired, or whether it
is still in farce. — We have an idea that it lapsed a year or so ago, but we are
not sure. The information can be obtained at the Patent Office.
H. CoLEBROOK. — Coloured screens for orthochromatic work may be obtained
of Mr. J. R. Gotz, 19, Buckingham-street, Strand, W.C. We believe they
are to be had in various tints. They are comparatively inexpensive,
H. A. C. — If the colour on the mount comes off as soon as it is damped, the
boards are not suitable for photographs. Better obtain mounts made for
the purpose. They may cost a little more, but will prove cheaper in the
end.
Tourist. — There are no means, when purchasing views of local scenery, of
knowing if they will fade quickly or not. Of course, if they are produced
by a mechanical process, sucn as collotype, as some are, there is no fear of
their fading.
Hadjb. — ^The best advice we can give you is to procure a manual of photo-
graphy that treats practically of the wet collodion process. It is elementary
instruction you require. An early edition of Jabez Hughes, or any other
manual, will answer your requirements.
W. McArthur. The staining of the negatives does not arise from any defect
in the plates, but is caused by the manipulations ; i.e., the fault is yours.
The negatives were insufficiently washed between the different operations.
Greater care in future will avoid the stains.
J. A. (York). — The fixing solution from dry plates is certainly worth saving,
even in a not very large business, and it involves little or no extra trouble.
All that is necessary Is to pour the old solution into that used for fixing
prints. One receptacle will then do for both solutions.
Artist. — Bromide, carbon, and platinotype pictures are finished with ordinary
water colours ; no special medium is required beyond occasionally a littlegum
water. As you fail to get the effect you desire, why not take a few lessons
fixjm a professional ?— it might possibly save you much trouble.
E. BiDHOOD says : " I have an old document on parchment to copy, which is
very yellow, and I cannot get a brillian laegative. Do you think that a
better result could be got by using plates orthochromatised as described on
p. 774 of the Almanac ? "—Yes ; we have no doubt on the subject.
P. YouNO. — 1. In using a portrait lens for enlarging from small negatives the
back combination should be next the negative. 2. If the lens is what is
known as a cabinet lens, no stops ought to be required when enlarging from
a carte-Bize negative. 3. The suggested arrangement will do quite well.
Alpha. — There is no novelty in a studio that can be revolved on a centre. A
patent for a revolving studio would not be valid. It is quite possible that a
patent might be good for any special method of mounting it or means of
rotating it. If an invention be old, although it can be patented, the patent
will not be valid.
Dubious.— Gelatino-chloride prints, toned with the combined toning and
fixing bath (which differs materially from the combined bath formerly
employed with albumen prints) appear to us to have as reasonable a chance of
permanency as other prints. The old combined bath was superseded by
alkaline gold toning.
Inquirer. — Without a chemical investigation — which we have not time to
make ; indeed, we do not undertake such work — it is impossible to say
whether the mount contains deleterious matters or not. Your best way will
be to send some of the suspected mounts to an analytical chemist, and get
him to report upon them.
PnniTER.— You are probably correct in stating that Mr. J. W. Swan was the
first to employ a gelatino-bromide emulsion for developable prints, but you
are wrong m concluding that he was the first to u.se gelatine as a vehicle for
any printing process whatever. In 1865 a patent was obtained by Messrs.
Smith & Co. for the application of printing-out gelatino-chloride emulsion to
paper, wood, and other supports.
Stafford. — ^The best method of cleaning the films of spoilt negatives off th
glass is to soak them for a day or so in cold water, and then to immerse them
in hot. The gelatine will then be dissolved. This treatment will also
answer with negatives that have been varnished. We strongly suspect
however, that you will have all your trouble for nothing, as we doubt very
much if any plate-maker will allow you anything for the glass.
R. C. E. says : " I have frequently seen permanganate of potash recommended
for intensifying carbon transparencies, would it not answer also for the
intensification of lantern slides made on the ordinary plates ? " — It would
not answer. With the permanganate it is the gelatine that is acted upon,
and that is a uniform film on a bromide plate. In a carbon picture it is of
varying thickness. In the highest lights there is no gelatine at all.
W. W^. says: "The toning bath I made up the other day has become quite
brown, although it was made in the same way as usual. The only difference
was that it was a fresh lot of distilled water obtained from a local druggist.
Can you suggest any reason for its behaviour except the water?" — Supposing
the vessel in which the bath was prepared was clean, there is small doubt
the water was at fault. A local druggist's is not the most reliable place to
obtain pure distilled water.
J. P. MiLNES writes : " Can you kindly inform me as to the best method for
placing another person in a group ? I took a group the other day, and, to
complete the picture, the party wish a photograph of a brother now in
Australia put in the picture. Can you inform me as to the best and neatest
way to proceed ? I have left a small space behind just to get his head and
shoulders in."— In reply : Take a negative of the portrait to the scale of the
others in the picture, and of the same density. When finished, immerse in
water containing a few drops of hydrofluoric acid per ounce. In a few
minutes the film will leave the glass and may be floated on a sheet of hard
paper face downward. When dry it can be cut, paper and all, to fit a place
scraped out of the negative to receive it. A little gum will serve to attach
it, when the paper must be removed.
West London Photographic Society,— August 6, West Drayton, to
meet the Ealing Photographic Society.
London and Provincial Photographic Association.— August 11, Develop-
ment of Instantaruous Exposures. 18, Stereoscopic Photography, with
Specimens.
Photographic Cma — August 10, Opal Pictures. 17, Photographing In-
teriors. Outing, Saturday, August 6, High Bamet ; train from Broad-street,
eight minutes past two ; Finsbury Park, twenty-five minutes past two.
The Developan is aportable dish for the development of negatives in an
ordinary apartment. The apparatus consists of a tray and cover. Each tray
is provided with a pane of non-actinic glass, the whole forming a transparent
box, which, being held up before the flame of a candle or lamp, eiiables the
operator to perceive the progress of development. The negative having been
transferred to the " Developan," the developing solution is poured into it by
means of the nozzle, a perforated screen inside preventing the passage of any
light. The "Developan" is neatly constructed, and should prove effective.
It is patented by M. A. Desboutin, and sold by the Developan Manufacturing
Company, of 130, Charing Cross-road, W.C.
Hand Camera Pictures at the Contention.— Mr. W. D. Welford informs
us that he is desirous of arranging a meeting in London, on or about the
10th inst. , of those who had hand cameras at the Convention. He proposes that
they should attend a non-formal gathering, and those who cannot should send
their prints. All the hand-camera men at the Convention, and any others
interested, are invited to send a postcard to Mr. Welford (47, Hagley-road,
Birmingham), and he will, in return, state the exact date, place, and time of
the meeting. A portfolio or album of all the shots secured by hand cameras
at the Convention would prove of interest, as they are so completely different
to ordinary camera work, and the variety of subject much greater. Mr. Wel-
ford will make a suggestion on this point.
*,* With the Journal of Friday fijat will he presented a collotype repro-
duction of the group of the inemiers of the Photographic Convention of the
United Kingdom assembled at Edinburgh on Jxdy 15. The picture was taken
by Mr. Alexander Ayton, jun., and comprises about 130 members, probably the
largest number ever inclnded in a Convention group.
OONTXNTB,
THE DECAT op professional PHO-
TOGRAPHY 497
CLEARING SOLUTIONS 197
CONVENTION JOTTINGS.— II 600
ON THE SELECTION OF VIEWS.— I.
Bj EDWARU DUNMORE 600
DISRUPTION OF THE SILVER
HALOID MOLECULE BY MECHA-
NICAL FORCE. By M. CAREY LEA.. Ml
ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHIC WORK
FOR AMATEURS.— V. By T. N.
ARMSTRONG SOS
"INDIVIDUALITY IN PHOTOGRAPHY"
—A REPLY TO MR. H. P. ROBINSON.
By }. K. TULLOCH, M.B SOS
THE PREVENTION OP HALATION. By
J. PIKE cot
HINTS ON MOUNTING PHOTOGRAPHS 60<
NOTES ON STAR PHOTOGRAPHY. By
ROMYN HITCHCOCK (05
LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY WITH
ORTHOCHKOMATiC FILMS. By
CHARLES L. MITCHELL, M.D 50
OUR EDITORLU. TABLE 608
HEETINQB OF SOOIETIES 60S
RECENT PATENTS 609
OOBREBPONDENCE 610
ABSWEBS 10 OOBBSBfONDBaiB , 6U
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THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1684. Vol. XXXIX.— AUGUST 12, 1892.
EQUALISINr. THE ILLUMINATION OF XEGATIVES.
It u nevir but with the greatest reluctance that we append to
the patent specification of a worthy invention any remark as to
its beiii:,' licking in novelty, and oonaequently being invalid.
This we felt comj^Ued to do last week when publishing the
details of the invention, by Mr. Andrew John Stuart, of what
he dengnates a " Central Diaphragm " for n photographic lens.
Tlie leading feature in the invention of this gentleman consists
in obstructing or cutting off the light from the central portion
of the lens, so titat the image shall be formed by the rays
which fall upon that portioa of the lens outside the part so
obstructed or oorered up.
Although thfl patentee does not describe or explain by what
mffiif snch an opaque diaphragm conduces to the production
of a photograph more evenly lighted than ran be secured with-
out such an expedient, yet «e hope here to supply the hiatus,
' -n doing so it will, we fear, only stamp in more
rm the brand of weakness of Mr. Stuart's invention
that,
ninrii;
of ■...
eiu.il
:iing the matter goncnny, we may observe
lly, the centre of a picture is always I>ette>
1 ; -M side, n!rS- ",'h, when only a narrow angle
i! 11 ! ^ - ; I t«d, the difference as regards
1 ruination is so alight as not tn be observed. It
Li vkh-'ti v>-ry wide angles ars ponrtraye<l that the falling off
towards the margins becomfls i^iparent. This \h an invariable
conoomitant of the employment of a wide-angle lens when
oasd to pp^uce a picture of wide aaffle.
No lens has yet been mad< i-e made, which, with an
ordinary camera, can give ill i at the margin of the
sans intensity as at the centre ; and this, for two reasons.
First, the aperture of the stop, greatest when the light passes
through it when plsced parallel to the plate or at a right angle
to the axis of the lens, is seen to become man and more ova),
or lessened in its area, in proportioo to the obliquity it presents
to the sides of the plate ; in short, less light is transmitted
otiliquely than eentrally. And farther, the sides of a plate
being at a greater distance tnm the lens than the centre of
the plate, this smaller and more attenuated beam has also
farther to travel than the asial one ere it reaches its focal
;>lane. Hence the diminution of the lighting.
This wsa well recognised in former tiroes, and various
trhemea were suggested for equalising the lighting all over the
plate ^ long ago as 1)^63 an eminent writer on optics, the
late Mr. Tbos. Grubb, of the Bank of Ireland, suggested a
mseae of doing so by the employment ><f an opaque diaphragm,
ao plaeed in relation to the stop of the lens as to allow fall
trnnsmissioa of light to the margins while cutting much of it
otr from the centre of the picture, which is precisely what is
•ought to be done by the new patent No one need to be told
that, if an o|)aque circle be placed either outside or inside of the
stop, and at a suitable distance from it, the effect will be to
suppress much of the central or asial rays, whUe allowing free
transmission to the more marginal ones. This supplies the
condition for ensuring equality of illumination all over the
plate.
In 1866, three years after the date previously given, this
subject was bruuglit prominently before the notice of the
Edinburgh Photographic Society by Mr. George Slight, a
skilful mechanical engineer, who found that all the require-
ments for ensuring equal horizontal lighting over the plate
could be provided for by a vertical bar "at such a distance from
the ordinary round stop that al>out one-half to two-thirds of
the opening is uncovereil for illuminating the extreme end of
the plate, and of such a breadth as to cover from one-half to
two-thirds of the opening for the centre, illuminating the
centre by two equal segments of the circle, while the inter-
mediate portions are illuminated by two varying segments, the
sum of which gradually increases with the angle of incliniition,
until, at a point near the extremity, only one segment is em-
ployed." This subject also fonne»l the theme for elaborate cal-
culations by Messrs. K. H. Bow, M. Carey Lea, and others.
A method analogi^us to that described was published eleven
yean ago in the /*/(■' Tiinm of New, York, and subse-
quently in a treatise <:: ,'UC8 of photog^phy. It consists
of a small V-«bapd bit of metal mounted at a short distance
in fh)nt or behind the stop. \a we have used this fur over
fifteen years, we can attest its efficiency.
We cannot imagine that the patentee of the system alluded
to could have been aware of all that has been puiilisiied and
freely given to the public so many yean since, else would he
have hesitated before placing himself in an invidious position
by taking a patent for it— a i)atent which, in the light of what
we have here written, will, doubtless, not be attempted to be
maintained.
THE FERROUS OXAL.\TE DEVELOPER.
I
Wk are constantly in receipt of inquiries as to the best means
'oCr^tffanng the action of spent ferrous oxalate developing
aSKtiSa as well as of recovering the valuable constituents, if
any, of the solution, which, though it may have ceased to be
practically useful, is still far from being exhausted of its active
constituents. Although the question of renovation and recovery
of residues has )>ceu dealt with in our columns, it is some years
ago, and since tliat time not only have many new recruits
joined the ranks of photography, l<ut the vast spread of
enlarging and other applications of gelatino-broiuide paper has
caused the ferrous oxalate developer to be employed by
514
THE BRITISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[August 12, 1892
many more, both amateur and professional, who had not pre-
viously adopted it for negative work. There is, consequently,
a large class of modem photographers to whom the repetition
and extension of the information previously given may prove
useful.
The ferrous oxalate developer is withoutdoubt a comparatively
expensive one unless employed under the most favourable con-
ditions, and unfortunately those conditions are not such as
prevail in the majority of cases whether amateur or professional.
We assume that in this country, at least, this developer is now
but little employed for negative work ; hence it only comes into
use when enlarging, or contact bromide prints are being
worked, and this probably does not occur every day in a very
large number of professional laboratories, while, so far as the
amateur is concerned, the task is very likely only taken up at
wide and irregular intervals.
Now, it is well known that, though the unused solution will
keep fairly well, and retain its developing action if carefully
stored, yet, after once using, be it only for a single develop-
ment, it rapidly loses its energy, in spite of all the care that
may be exercised in avoiding oxidation. This is, of course, a
very annoying circumstance in cases where the work is of a
fitful nature even when only small contact prints are concerned,
for it practically limits the extent to which the emj^loyment
over and over again can be carried, and may mean that a fresh
quantity of solution has to be used for each print. If enlarge-
ments of considerable dimensions are in question, say 24 x 18,
or perhaps larger, the amateur at any rate, even though he
work such sizes, cannot be constantly at it, nor is it likely that
the ordinary professional who does his own enlarging can be
much more favourably placed ; tlien, indeed, the costliness of
this developer makes itself heavily felt, and then, if it be
possible, a method of renovation, or even of recovery, of the
potassic oxalate will be found valuable.
As regards renovation, we are afraid there is no really trust-
worthy method to be recomiuended, although several have
been put forward, but unfortunately they are none of them to
be invariably depended on. In the case of a solution that has
been but little used, perhaps only for a print or two, the oldest
and most theoretically correct plan in principle, heating with a
little clean iron wire, will be found to answer fairly well ; or the
addition of a little precipitated oxalate of iron, as proposed by
some, may prove of benefit, but we have not found it of much
practical use. Another plan differs from these in principle,
since it aims at restoring the altered or oxidised constituents
of the developer instead of, as in the other cases, replenishing
the active matter that has been removed. This consists in
adding to the developer a solution of sulphite of soda, or, better
still, of potash, which, by reducing any ferric oxalate that may
have been formed by oxidation to the ferrous state, will often
give a fillip to a solution that has partially or wholly lost its
power. Perhaps in a combination of the two systems— re-
plenishing as well as restoring — will be found the best result
to be obtained by the process of renovation.
But these methods, or this process, unfortunately overlooks
<he important fact that other changes occur besides the ex-
haustion and the oxidation of the active developing salt, the
ferrous oxalate. They have for result in the first-named
methods the replacement of the iron converted into oxide by
the action of development, though this is done in a more
perfect manner by the iron-wire treatment than by the other.
In the first the oxalic acid set free, which goes to form a double
salt that will be mentioned later, attacks the metal and forms
ferrous oxalate, which in turn is taken up by the oxalate of
potash that has been relieved of its duty by the previous pre-
cipitation, and, so far at least as the oxalic acid and iron are
concerned, matters are restored to much their original state.
But the direct addition of oxalate of iron, while it restores the
original activity, leaves the oxalic acid free to act as a
restrainer. The treatment with a sulphite acts by removing
the restraining action of the ferric salt, by reducing it to the
lower state of oxidation, in which condition it again becomes
active ; but it does nothing to replenish the active iron actually
used. From this explanation it will be seen why we urge the
combination of the two systems.
But where this plan altogether fails is in overlooking the
other substances that are introduced into the solution by the
action of development, notably the hj-drobromic acid liberated
from tlie reduced silver in the film. The powerful restraining
action of this acid, or, we should more correctly say, its
destructive action on the image, is sufficient to account for the
practical impossibility of restoring the energy of mucli-used
solutions, since they then contain in themselves sufficient
material to destroy the image formed, and so render develop-
ment impossible.
Similar in its action to free hydrobromic acid, ferric oxalate
behaves in a precisely like manner, destroying the image and
arresting development. Hence an old developer, that has not
been much used but has been allowed to become oxidised, will
be found as inoperative as one that has been much used. But
in this case it may be found possible to, at least partially,
restore it by deoxidation. It is important to recognise the two
difTerent states of uselessness. One developer is vjorlced out ;
the other may truly be said to have rusted out.
In considering the recovery of the more valuable constituents
of the spent developer, wc shall have to study first its chemical
composition, both before and after use ; but we may say a pre-
liminary word on the advisability of this course, or rather on
the question as to whether it is worth while. We may state at
once our opinion that, thougli it may be a pretty operation on
an experimental scale, it will certainly not prove a remunera-
tive one, and that, even on a very considerable scale, it will
remain to be decided whether the "game is re.ally worth the
candle." Our view is, that only by the exercise of the greatest
care and the most perfect system will any pecuniary benefit be
found to accrue. We shall leave our readers to judge from a
perusal of the following plan, which we have found the most
perfect in an experimental way.
The ferrous oxalate developer prepared in the way just recom-
mended by Mr. M. Carey Lea and Mr. W. Willis, by dissolving
precipitated ferrous oxalate in a hot saturated solution of
potassic oxalate, may be looked upon practically as a solution
of potassio ferrous oxalalate, a double salt represented by the
formula Kj Fe (Cj O4)-. It may be precipitated from the
solution in conjunction with two atoms of water by the addition
of alcohol, forming first a deep red oily liquid, which subse-
quently forms into minute granular crystals of the same colour.
This compound salt we may call the active developer, since,
though ferrous oxalate is the actual reducer, it is 2)er se insoluble,
and therefore inert.
The developer, as ordinarily employed nowadays, is, however,
made by mixing solutions of ferrous sulphate and potassic
oxalate, the latter being in excess ; this, by double decompo-
sition, forms ferrous oxalate and potassic sulphate, the former
being held in solution by the excess of potassic oxalate. This
solution differs from the other by the presence of the potassic
Angtut 12, 1868]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOltXJRAPHY.
516
sulphate, which acts as a restr&iner. In our succeeding re~
marks we shall deal simply with the pure solution.
The deep red solution of potassio-ferroiis oxalate is very
unstable, and easily passes to a higher state of oxidation, a fact
to which it mainly owes its developing power. The final
change that occurs iu the solution, whether by exhaustion in
development or mere oxidation by keeping, is the same, except
that in the former case there is the contamination of hydro-
bromic acid derived from the sensitive film. On this difference
we sfaaU have to remark preaently. The actual change that
ooonra results in the precipitation of oxide of iron and the
formation of another double salt, the potassio-ferric oxalate, as
shown in the following equation —
3 K, Fe (C, 0^ + 0=2 K, Fe (C, 0J'+ Fe 0.
S ■*■■■. l*t<Ht. tttomm. IktOB.
The oxide of iron, of couiaa, aarames the form of hydrate
and very rapidly passes to the stage of ferric oxide. The latter
forms the rusty brown-red precipitate always seen more or less
in old iron-developing solutions, but especially in those that
have, as we described it, " rusted " out in contradistinction to
being worked out by derelopment. Probably the presence of the
hydrobmnio add, derived from the sensitive film in the course
of development, is the cause of the nDeUer precipitate of oxide
in that ease.
The potassio- ferric oxalate differs very considerably from the
salt of lower oxidation, having the form of handsome flat
crystals of a brilliant emerald green colour, and of a much
lower degree of eotnbility than the fentma salt, in oooaequenoe
of which they crystallise out of the old developers, and form
the well-known green crystals that form, with the oxide of
iron, the deposit in such solationa. Of these crystals we shall
have more to say, in dealing with the process of recovery, in
another article.
PHOTOGRAVURE.
Tbe paper on the above snbjeet that was read at a meeting of
the Pbotographio Society of Great Britain a short time back
has now been published, and will be foond on page 523.
At tbe meeting at which it was read disappointment was felt
by some that the author, who is a practical photographic
angraTer, did not give any working details of the different
peoeessee to which reCsrenoe was made. However, the paper
is one that will be perused with interest by many of our
readeii who are mterested in the subject. At the conclusion
of the paper, however, upon the suggestion of the chairman,
allusion was made, in outline, to some of the methods in daily
nse.
Photogravure may be claasedjunder two heads: One, the
etching method, by which the intaglio image is obtained by
biting into the metal, usually copper, with an agent that is
capable of diasolring that metal ; the other, by forming the
plate by depoaiting ctqiper, by electrolysis, on an image in
relief in gektiae. Bo<h systems are capable of producing
eueOsBt reeolts, and neither of them is complex in its
maaipohUioosi It is to remarks on the latter method that wc
shall here confine ourselves.
If a piece of carbon tissue be expoeed behind sn ordinary
negative, and is then developed on a ripd support, such as a
tclass or a metal ptate, we obuin a i^elntine image in relief.
Tbe relief will be highest in the deepest shadows, and lowest
in the high lights. Witli the proper exposure and development
there will be no gelatine at all on the extreme high lights, and
the gradation between them and the deepest shadows will be
perfect. Now, if an electrotype be made of this relief, we get
an intaglio image in copper ; but, if we attempt to print from
it, after the manner of copper-plate printing, we shall fail, as
the ink will wipe out during the operation, owing to the smooth
surface of the image having no ink -holding properties. A good
printing plate, it may at once be explained, must not only have
the image in intaglio, but it must also possess granularity, and
the sharper that is the better will be the plate. Not only must
the image be grained, but it must possess a stronger and a more
pronounced grain in the deepest shadows than it does iu the
middle tints, while the extreme high lights must be repre-
sented by perfectly smooth metal, with no grain whatever. In
fact, the finished photogravure plate may be considered as
analogous to a mezzotint plate.
It may be well to explain here, for the benefit of those who
are not familiar with the work, what a mezzotint plate is.
Mezzotint engraving is done as follows : A plain plate of
copper has its surface evenly roughened all over, except the
margins, by working over in every direction with a steel tool
having a sharp serrated surface called a " rocker " or " rocking
tooL" This treatment not only indents the surface of the
copper, bi\t at the same time raises a " burr." If the plate, at
this stage, be inked iu and printed from, as is done in copper-
plate printing, it will yield an impression of intense blackness,
and, if the work has been skilfully performed, perfectly uniform
all over. On this rough surface the engraver forms his pictiure
by scraping and burnishing away more or less of the burr and
granularity fnim certain portions and leaving it on others. In
the finished mezzotint plate the deepest shadows are represented
by the work as left by the rocker, while the half-tones and
lights are modifications by the scraper and burnisher. Tiie
closer a photogravure plate can be niadc to resemble a mezzo-
tint one, the better will be the prints it will yield.
There are two systems by which a grain may be imparted
to the gelatine relief. They may practioallv be classed as the
chemical metbo<l and the mechanical method. The former, of
which the Pretsch process may be taken as a type, consists in
producing a reticulation of the gelatine film similar to that iu
the collotype process. By this means a discriminating grain is
obtained which is ooarseet in the shadows, is finer in the middle
tones, and is absent, or nearly so, in the lights. The working
of this process is, to a great extent, dependent upon the
character of the gelatine used and the temperature at which
the film is prepared. Some years ago Colonel Waterhouse
published a method of producing a reticulated grain similar to
that of Pretsch, but by an after-treatment. A carbon print,
after it had been developed on a copper plate, was treated with
an alcoholic solution of tannin. But here temperature, as well
as the gelatine used for tbe carbon tissue, were in practice,
found to be important factors in the process. Although the
grain obtained by reticulation is a discriminating one, it is
^StXttjj such an ink-holding one as is desiraViIe, inasmuch as
iSedges are somewhat rounded and quite unlike the sharp
grain or bnrr of a mezzotint.
Mechanical grain may be obtained in several ways. Goupil's
method is asserted to be by using a "carbon" tissue containing
a gritty matter. This gritty matter is said by some to be
soluble, by others insoluble. But the details of their process,
whatever it may be, like many others that are worked com-
mercially, are preserved as a secret ; therefore this statement
m*T well be received with doubt Printing through a grained
516
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF rflOTOGRAPHY.
[August 12, 1892
screen has been adopted ; but it is seldom used for intaglio
work, though it is largely so for relief.
Perhaps one of the best methods of producing a mechanical
gi-ain that hixs yet been published is that of Colonel Water-
house. It is what is generally known as the Waterhouse
process. This grain has the advantage of being a discriminating
one, inasmuch as it is deepest in the deepest shadows, more or
less shallow in the lighter tones, and absent in the highest
light. The process also possesses the advantage of being
simple in its manipulations, as the following brief description
will show : A carbon print from a negative, after it has been
developed on a copper plate, while still wet, is dusted over with
fine sand or powdered glass. This sinks into the tender
"jellied " film in proportion to its thickness, and, as the film
dries and contracts, it seems to draw the sand still deeper into
the film, and thus makes the trrain sharper and more pro-
nounced. When dry, the sand is brushed out or otherwise
removed. Of course, if ordinary sand were used, it would
adhere permanently to the film. But, in order to avoid this.
Colonel Waterhouse adopted the happy expedient of previously
treating the sand with stearine 'or wax ; it could then be
removed with comparative ease.
A modified method of working the Waterhouse process was
introduced by Mr. E. W. Foxlee. Instead of using waxed sand
or glass, powdered resins are substituted. Then, instead of
removing the particles by mechanical means, they are simply
dissolved out by a solvent of the particular resin employed.
The advantage claimed for this modification is that, as the
granulating substance is removed by solution, there is no
danger of injuring the grain by friction, which is liable to be
the case if the saud has been but slightly waxed. Again, when
the sand has been sufiiciently waxed to permit of its easy
removal, the sharpness of its facets is in a measure destroyed.
It can readily be conceived that by this method a crisper and
better ink-holding grain may be obtained than with the waxed
Siiud.
When once a gelatine relief with a discriminating grain of
the right character is obtained, the production of a printing-
plate from it becomes an easy matter by the electrotype process.
Tele-photography. — We are informed that the firm of Carl
Zeiss, of Jena, are about to construct s simple combination to use
along with their anastigmatic lenses for tele-photographic purposes,
and they expect to furnish them in a few weeks.
The New Honorary Secretary of the Photo-
graphers' Benevolent Association. — We learn that
Mr. H. Snowden Ward has undertaken the office of Honorary
Secretary to the Benevolent Association. The fact of Mr. Ward
feeing in constant touch with all classes of those connected with photo-
graphy should be of great value to the Association.
Colour Sensitisers. — Those of our readers who would wish
lo possess such a knowledfre of the various coal-tar colours manu-
factured in the past and the present as will enable them to master the
intricacies of the eosine question, and become acquainted with the
names of all the dyes that might be used in connexion with processes
for making colour-sensitive plates, will find a mine of information in
a new work recently published in Oermnny, TaMlariache Uebersicht
der Kilntslichen OrganiKchen Farbstoffe, by Von Gustav Schultz and
Paul JuUus, writers well known to fame in this particular depart-
ment. The work is, in effect, a tabulated catalogue of all past and
present coal-tar colours, with complete references to existing litera-
ture on the subject.
Hand Cameras. — -A correspondent inquires if we can give him
any idea of tlie cause appearing to operate in reducing the number of
detective cameras to be seen this year at seaside resorts. As to the fact
that this decadence of the use of the instruments really exists, he states
(hat he entertains no doubt. We can only say that it can scarcely be
possible for us to give an explanation, if even the state of the case be
correctly reported ; but it is quite possible his may be simply a parti-
cular experience, conditioned by locaUty, weather, or chance coinci-
dence. But, at the same time, we may be permitted to say that the
sooner the name " detective camera " is given up the better for the
status of photography. Numberless workers, who are gentlemen and
ladies in the true sense of the term, use the instrument for pictorial
purposes alone, but no terms can well be too strong to characterise the
conduct of those whose aim is mainly not the production of pictorial
records or pretty spontaneous grouping of figures with outdoor acces-
sories and surroundings, but simply to minister to a low form of
curiosity and to intrude upon privacy in a manner which is properly
characterised as impertinent. We have heard of more than one case
wliere the offending " cameraist ' has met witli his deserts with an
argument straight from the shoulder of an indignant friend, while the
offending instrument has been put ruthlessly out of court in a manner
as effectual as violent.
Action of Water upon Glass. — Messrs. F. Mylius and F.
Foerster have recently been making some researches into the action
of water upon glass, from which they have drawn the following pro-
positions, which they consider proved by their own observations and
those of other experimentalists : — The solution of glass in water
depends on a decomposition in which, in the first place, free alkali
appears. The silica of tlie glass is secondarily dissolved by the free
alkali. The constituents of the solution vary according to the con-
ditions of digestion. The quantity of alkali which passes into
solution from a given surface under given conditions is a measure for
the attackability of the glass under these conditions. The attacka-
biHty of surfaces of glass by cold water decreases at first very rapidly
with tlie duration of digestion, and subsequently approach constant
viilues. Different sorts of glass display a different persistence of the
solution. The attackability of glass increases very rapidly with a>
rising temperature. The relation of the attackabilities of different
kinds of glass depends on temperature. From glasses of equal!
attackability unequal weights may pass into solution. Tlie attacka-
bility of good glass is decidedly decreased by a previous treatment
with water. The worse a glass, the less its attackabihty is diminishecE
by treatment with water. The attackability of glass surfaces is
modified by " weathering." After treatment with water, surfaces of
glass have the property of taking up alkaU from the solutions which
have been formed, and of giving it up again on renewed treatment
with water. Potash glasses are much more soluble than soda glasses,
but the differences disappear in proportion as the glass is richer
in lime. In the substance of glass vessels, which are not readily
attacked by cold and hot water, the Ume, alkalies, and silica must
bear a certain proportion to each other. Among the best know»
glasses plumbiferous flint glass is least soluble in water, but it is
corroded at its surface and easily decomposed by acids.
The British Association. — Tlie great event in the world
of popular science at present is, as scarcely need be said, the meeting
of the British Association, who meet in tlie same city that so
hospitably entertained photographers in conference a sliort time
tefore. In the address to tlie Chemical Section by its President,
Professor Herbert McLeod, there occurs a portion which, in its pos-
sible application to the elucidation of photographic questions, may
well be here quoted. Speaking of so-called catalysis, instances of
which are so rapidly being explained away that he thinks the time
may not be far distant when the term will be banished, he writes
upon the influence of a small quantity of one subslance upon inter-
actions of large quantities of other substances, in which its action is-
explained as being catalytic, and says : " A\"e hare now many instances
of the influence which small quantities of substances have upon
chemical reactions. These influences may be more common than is
crenernlly supposed. The presence of a third body is frequently help-
A^aMl3,1883]
THE BRITISH JOURNAi. OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
517
fal in the eombination of tbe elements with one another : thus, dry
chlorine will not attack mdted tedium or finely divided copper ; an
electric (park will not cause • dry mixture of carbonic oxide and
OTjgwi to explode ; carbon, pho^orua, and sulphur will not unite
with dry oxygen ; and, as ebemioal science progresaee, we may find
that many well-known actions ttn conditioned by the preoence of
■note traees of other matter which have hitherto escaped detection.
We all know the profound alterations in the property of substances
by minote traces of imparities .- len than one-tenth per cent, of phos-
phorus win render steel unfit for certain purposes. The sapphire
and ruby only differ from ooloarlees alamina by the pteaence of traces
of impuritiee hardly reeognisable by chemical analysis. During this
meeting we hope to hare a contribution to the section on the influence
of what may be called imparities in the properties of different eub-
staneea and their influence on chemical manufacture." Now, we do
not beaitate to My that photographic processes and the production of
photographic materials, as all old wet-plate workers can better than
any expound, offer examples far more critical, and inrolring quantities
of far minuter proportions, than those indicated in the portion of Pro-
fessor McLeod's addieas we hare jost quoted, and it is poMible that
light thrown upon this dark place of science may also illuminate
equally obscure places in our particular branch of sdenoe.
I
Idf Mntar ybotographs. — In the current number of
Kntncledffe there is a r'pr'luction of a photograph of liirhtning, taken
by Mr. F. 11. Glew, of C'lapham, by which the Utter gentleman claims
to have maasured the doratioo of the flash. Mr. Ofew has favoured
US with a print from the negatiTe, which delineates the ribbons of the
main flash with remarkable distinetaets. Mr. Glew supplies our con-
temporary with the following intensttng details: — "The photo-
graph was taken about 9JiO pjn., on Tueeday, June 28, 189-2. Tbe
cuncn WM pointed S.E. from ths door, at I-» CUpham-road. The
1mm was secured to the hammer at an electric bell, giving nine com-
plete Tibnticos per second, tbe amplitodp beii^ about i o( an inch.
It is eridsnt that the main flash and its Ma forin all took place in
le«!i than the half of one Tibmtiao, and the notion of the 1«m
separated the three cowponsnt flaakaa, which to the aye would bare
mfftuni to be supetpuaed. I omayato from laanreiBaBti that the
whob dkehaqte oeeiipied abont tka ona-twentieth part of a second,
'tmi the iBtetrai betwera the eompoMOli about one-fortieth of a second.
ft wfll ha sa«a that the right-baod ride of each spaifc is fainter than
the left, ahowing that the dormtioa of each oonpanant wm eonider-
•ble, and not of the aaiM intandty throogbout ita existence. The
original negatire shows tUa a Httb clearer than the print. Thomas's
'Sandall' plates were used, wUdi, biu« thickly coated, in *epatmte
layer*, prevented halattan defects. Boom of the abadowa of chimney-
pots are doe to sheet Eghtning prtrioos to the grand flash. The
vibrations of the lens were in the ame plane a* the plate, and in
tbe diieetiaa of ita bogth. It will ha seen that one portion of the
flash is eonvertad into ehaia lightning, this hmag doe to the notion
of the lent being absort in the dirsetioB of the length of thb part of
the flsAb. and in wrwiiaqimnja of thie the diffe'vat enrres have been
more or leas supetposad m araetaoa of le^^i. in the fom of a ehain.
I think this throws soan light on the so-eaDsd chain lightning as seen
by tha ^a, for, if Iha dnration of a couipwmd spark ia so much a*
vmt laaiilielh of a stemd, it is posMbie for the eye (oomsponding to
the Isoa of tlie camera) to nore thrrjugh a certain (fistaaee, and, if this
nOTWMBt of the eye opens to be in the direction of tbe length of tbe
compound spark, then its compooento wiU be drawn out into a chain-
like rtractnra or complex ripple. Perhaps the dnration mar be even
greater than one-twentieth of a seeood b some eases, and the eye
may be sat in notion by the first component of the flash. As the
tendency of the eye would be to move in order to bring the object
into the best pmhion for distinct vision, lo I think tlia efhet of chain
lightning might be foriunl in this way, or by^aoddeotal notion of the
eye of tha observer daring the display."
AMIDOL-A NEW DEVELOPER.
Trinirr noaths tiuce We directed attention to the announoenant of
tnj of a saw sabatanoe— amidol— which was said to possess
. viisAabla ptopty, when simply dissolved ia aqaaoaa sodium
sulphite, of acting as a developer of the latent photographic image
without the addition of an alkali. Messrs. Fuerst Bros., of 17,
rhilpot-lane, the London agents, have now placed at our disposal for
trial s sample of the new reagent, which has been favourably reported
on by Eder, Vogel, Stolze, Just, and other able experimentalists.
Chemically regarded, amidol is expressed by the formula
^ " { N IP) 2.
In appearance it is a grey, finely powdered body, not unlike powdered
magneeium, freely soluble in water, and apparently unaltered by two
or three hours'i exposure to the air. The following are tbe recom-
mended proportions of the stock solution which we made up :
Amidol 20 parts.
Sodium sulphite , 200 „
Water •• looo ,',
This forms a solution at a convenient degree of concentration, and,
moreover, one that is colourless. In using the developer we diluted
one part with five times its volume of water ; but so rapid was its
action, even with the addition of a grain of potassium bromide to the
ounce, that we were compelled to still further dilute it down to 1 : 8.
It is evidently a most energetic developer, particularly, as we practi-
cally observed, in cases of under-exposure, and yields negatives having
all the neceesary density and detail in a surprisingly short time. A
further point in its favour ia that it works cleanly, develops several
plates successively with apparently undiminished rapidity of action,
and does not appreciably change colour while in use. Its freedom
from staining points to ita utility for glass and paper positive work.
Amidol is decidedly a novelty in developers, and we hope to take a
further opportunity of experimentally examining its properties and of
stating them to our readers.
♦
CONVENTION JOTTINGS.— lU.
At WewbATen. — To lengthen the days that wore all too
short, some of us went down to the quaint old fishing village. New-
haven, in the mornings, where many picturesque studies were to be
found, and not the least enjoyaUe feature of the visit, the fish
breakfast supplied at the hotel, which is famed for its service in
this way, some seven or eight courses of fish being served, and all
most delicious and appetising, a most enjoyable finish to our moniing's
work. The Newhsven fishwife was rather a piuzler to some of our
southern friends. ( >ne of them, wishing to hav^some fun with one of
these sturdy maidens of tbe sea in the midst of his chaff, did not get
the best of it, when, with s broad laugh, the fi.'<hwife exclaimed,
' Wha cau'd ye partin face, my lamb ? ' and, in answer to some other
pleasantry of the youth's, she said, " Na, na, my man ! y'er no gaun
tai get a groat haddie for fourpence here '. ** Our friend gave it up in
despair, he thought the woman was speaking in a foreign tongue.
One of our party, who was going round with his camera catching up
little bits here and there, was advised by an old fisherman not to be
bkwing up the harbour with his infernal machine.
The Ziand of Soott.— Unable, as we said, to form one of the
Malroee excursion party, and enquiring of a friend who attended that
exennion, be says :— " Tbe day at .Melrose was very dull, and, after
taking one or two picturee, we thonght we would like to go over
and see Abbotsford, which did not happen to be in tbe day's pro-
gramme. So we drove over, only to find that we were not allowed
to photograph there ; and, to get a picture of the house, with the
"dXar ia front, we would have to travel round some five miles. We,
however got a pitch outside the grounds which gave us a fair view of
the house, and we managed to get a negative. On the way we took
up two American ladies who were out touring. They told us confi-
dentially that they had struck up a wrong day for Melrose, as tbey
really could not see anything for photographers — swarming in every
comer all over the place with their cameras — and that they hai
left the Abbey in disgust. At Melrose many of our company
stuek dose to the conductor, Mr. Ilippolyte Blanc, who covered tbe
ground, staying at interesting points, learnedly discoursing on the
k
61
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[August 12, 1892
architecture and history of Melrose and Dryburgh Abbeys; so
that many who did not find the weather bright enough to continue
taking pictures on plates found pleasure in listening to his sermons
from stones."
Hoslln.— We thought it rather strange when the announcement
was made regarding the Iloslin Chapel trip, to be informed, " But you
are not to be allowed to photograph in the chapel." It seemed slightly
out of place for the Convention to make a trip to a place where they
were debarred from photographing the chief point of interest, but it
seems the right has been sold to some large photographer, hence the
reason. But, at such a time and for such a purpose, we think the right
might have been waived for one day.
Tbere moBt be a Mistake somewliere. — ^We overheard
the following conversation : " Oh, Mr. Cembrano, you might sing us
a song." " Oh, dear no, I never sing." " That's not so, you know.
When at St. Andrews I heard you singing to yourself." " At St-
Andrews," the youth replied, thoughtfully, " Surely never, I was not
so bad as that ! Oh, no, it couldn't be ! that was the day I was drinking
water." " Drinking water ! what do you mean ? " " Well, you see,
Warnerke was telling me that he could photograph for a whole day
and drink nothing stronger than water. I wanted to show him I
could do it also. So I drank nothing that day but water. I could
not sing on water, you know ; there must be a mistake somewhere."
Does the Cap Pit ?— When at St. Andrews we overheard a
conversation that led us to consider that our worthy president posed
as an impressionist of the first water. He was telling how, in the
hurry, he had left part of his apparatus at home, and so was unable
to photograph. We were wondering what part of his kit it could be
that had been forgotten that rendered the impossibility to make
pictures ; but, seeing that the only part of his set that he had brought
was the cap of the lens, we quite understood why he could not take
even a pinhole picture. But the impression he left upon us was, that
under the circumstances he looked himself a very pleasant picture.
By Boad and Zlall. — We were rather astonished to see one of
our members (Anckorn) careering through the streets of St. Andrews
on a bicycle, and more astonished when he told us that he had come
all the way from Edinburgh on it, and further, that he was going
right on to Arbroath (we think he said) that night. He was quite
fresh and lively, and looked as it he enjoyed it. The train was good
enough for the rest of us.
They didn't see the Point. — " What's the use of telling
you a good thing ? " said a humourist, at a post-Convention meeting,
after giving a story that fell flat. " You never see the point ! "
" Never see the point !" exclaimed Mr. Bothamley, " and here have I
been leading off the laugh at everything you've said to-day ; you are
ungrateful, sir. 1 must go work for other chestnuts."
On tbe " Columba." — It seemed as if many of the members
of the Convention had found Scotland a pleasant country, as we found
them in detachments for days after wandering up and down all over
the place. Some days after Convention we found a contingent of them
on board the Columba, and it would have done Mr. Hastings' heart
good just to have got one good snap-shot at Mr. Kidd and Mr.
Cembrano as they stood at the stern of the vessel, inducing the sea
gulls to hover near by filling the foaming main with broken biscuits.
We wonder how these bird pictures turned out. Mr. Seaman was
on board the same day, and, getting on the right side of the captain,
he was allowed on the bridge to photograph ; he was so excited over
his success in this matter, that he made, he said, four exposures with-
out drawing his shutter once. Of course, that was a waste of time
more than a waste of plates.
The Cramond Trip. — We got rather mixed at the Cramond
excursion, although it turned out one of the most enjoyable of days.
We undertook rather too much for one day, and the party got broken-
up, which did not help things. Some were taken to the village of
Cramond, and some to the bridge ; and by the time they met each
other and had lunch the day was too far gone to get to Dalmeny and
the Forth Bridge. We came quietly home, but a few of the party
voted for the Forth Bridge and others for Dalmeny, which feat they
accomplished ;|but it pressed them rather hard to be back in time for
the Convention dinner. The open-air lunch at this outing was very
enjoyable.
Snap-shots. — We have always been of opinion that snap-shot
pictures, to be successful, require some little education, and that
pressing the button is not a guarantee for a picture in all cases. We
have had word from one or two of our friends, who promised to send
us on pictures (if right) in which we took some interest, and in most
cases failures from short exposures, too much stopped down, &c., &c.,
proving to us that the matter in hand has not had study enough.
One of the best hand-camera workers we know was saying at the
Convention that at the beginning of each season he works out his
distances, say, six, eight, ten, or twelve feet, and practises on them till
he is quite sure that he can judge correctly, and then he feels right
for the season ; and we feel that, if this is necessary for distance, so is
it necessary for " time " and " stop " before the operator can fire away
successfully.
♦
EEPOBT OF THE DELEGATES OF THE LONDON AND PRO-
VINCIAL PHOTOGBAPHIC ASSOCIATION TO THE EDINBURGH
CONVENTION OF 1892.
" Bio Ben " was booming twelve when the tender conveying one of your
delegates left the Westminster pier en route to the good ship Seamew,
picking up on the way delegates from other societies. Your other dele-
gate was found already on the Seamew, completing various arrangements
made for the comfort of our party, which numbered ten, ladies and
gentlemen. Off Greenwich we discerned friend Haddon quietly taking
a shot at our passing vessel. We gave him a hearty cheer, regretting at
the same time that he was not with us.
Time on shipboard passed pleasantly ; what with deck quoits, cards,
and discussions as to developers, especially the new one, " Bodinal," the
spirited representative of which popular combination was one of our
party. Indeed, so deeply were its merits discussed, that the very engines-
we fancied, seemed to say "Bod-i-nal, Bod-i-nal, Bod-i-nal," in theis
revolutions.
Many groups on board were taken ; the captain himself, seeming to be
rather fond of the operation, was posed several times. He also kindly
" slowed down " when passing the " Bass Bock," and sounded the steam
whfttle, causing the gulls in thousands to fly oft the rock, making a very
fine picture.
At all times a gay and beautiful city, Edinburgh was certainly looking
its best as your delegates approached its ancient port, and continued to
do so, without a break, during the continuance of their stay.
At seven o'clock on Monday evening we assembled in large numbers to
be welcomed by the Lord Provost, who, in the course of his remarks to
us, referred in a most able manner to the great strides photography has
made in recent years. He was followed by Mr. C. H. Bothamley, who,
in the absence through illness of our retiring President, Mr. W. Bedford,
introduced our new President, Mr. George Davison, whose exhaustive
address, coupled with his genial manner, was much appreciated by every
one present.
Our first excursion, which was to Melrose and Dryburgh on Tuesday,
under the leadership of Mr. Blanc, was most successful, particularly for
the stand cameras, subjects being mostly of an architectural nature, and
the light not being particularly good, it was not so favourable for the
large contingent of hand-camera men, and so (and here let a mild protest
be put in) they accordingly amused themselves by taking shots at un-
offending groups of their fellow-pilgrims.
The drive from Melrose to Dryburgh, through the charming Lowland
scenery, was most enjoyable, and a thing to be remaoabered. Onr leader,
Mr. Blanc, was most assiduous in pointing out the various beauties of
the architecture, and coaching us well up as to the historical associations
of both Melrose and Drjburgh. The post- Convention meetings on Mon-
day and Tuesday evening were held in a large room in the Royal Hotel,
kindly placed at our disposal by your popular member, Mr. H. M. Smith.
Here toast and song, interspersed with anecdote, prevailed till the small
hours, then came changing plates, and many and amusing experiences
Aagiut 13, 1893]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
619
ooold b« nlaiad, partietiUrly aboat the member who always backed his
pUtM in b>« bedroom, in a ybtj dim light, and foand in the morning, on
waking, that hi« night shirt, (ace and neck, to say nothing of the sheets
and piilow-eaiea, had all been libeTalty treated with the same excellent
miitare. " Whisk; " wai saggwied as a possible eanse, bat the effect
was not generally admired. After two or three performances of that
natnre, added to which, in some instances (when Tery bad), was the
Uboar of washing the stains oat, before laaring the bedroom, that mem-
ber omitted to back any more plate*.
On Wednesday morning a large party of band-camera men, beaded by
*' Poor little Mr. Brown," started off very early for Newhaven, to take
"Fish Wires," and partake of "Fish Breakfasts ;" both objects were
■Oisfaetorily attained, on* gentlaman owning to baring exposed 24 plates
within an boor on the iotiMr ehaiastacistic sobjeets ; indeed, in soch a
purauit. it is iiopnaing what early riaan photographic entbosiasta can be,
BOtwithstaodiog tb« special lioanea granted by the Lord Provost and
■nfistiales lor the prolongatiaa of our poat-Conrention eonririality at
DaUi's, and doabtkas many efaanetariatie pietorss of Scottish fisher folk
bare enriobed the eoDeetlops of the nnmber of hand-camera men who
were " op in the morwing early."
At the aannal meeting at ten, it ms decided to hold the next Conren-
tion at Plymonth, in ISO:). The Coaadl was duly elected, and then all
adjommad to Prinesa Oardens, where Mr. Aieiander Ayton bad selected
m spyr^*" baekgronnd of the Castle Rocks ; with the aaaialance in groop-
log of our mambar, Mr. F. A. Bridge, a rary fine picture resulted. A
lugi batiaiT of other cameras waa also dirwtad at the groap, and we
may hope to aae rasolta of all thoaa other asposiirs* in dna time.
In the afternoon, a paper by Mr. H. P. Bofainaos, aatitlad " Indi-
ridoality m Photography," was read by Mr. Hepworth. Another paper
on '• Photography in Relation to Paint^," by Mr. Arthur Barchett, was
read by Mr. C. H. Bothaml«y, in riiieiiA)n on which Dr. Mitehell, of
Philadelphia, alluded to quick atpwiuea rapreaenting objeets as the eye
4td ikH see tham, the image on the ntina nerer being shorter than one-
tenth o( a aaecad. in proof of whieh h* eitml Profeasor Maybridga's
pieiaraa, aa being so onlika what the ay* laally catches.
Tha rtwHit irfsnii to Mr. Boitbalt'a naa of eoloorad glass with the
ICaa Oatharina Weed Bamss than read her paper on "Amatear
Fbetoginiihy >B Ameriea;" she aHniUd to the fact that far too many
workara thare, aa bar*, begin and and with deteetire cameras, they pro-
«srs one aspaeting thai it will do araiy Uad of work, and vary natonlly
aoon flrt diagastad ; no ooa eoold appiashla photognphy at iU (oil ralna
tai thsy b»d taaBaad an tha pnaaiMlitiai a< ti«M ipaiiaa. MiaaBamaa
dw aOarM to Aaariau warhasa not glriag ano«gh eonaidanUoa in
ibiiiMti^ ■ ntj"* '-' " thaporat^ollMraaantiyinhialaticalobjaatSi
dia did not tOBaWar tha dmu aHaoaphaw of Amatiaa waa so waO adapted
Urn gaoatal landaeapa work aa tha atw^y* biaoad Eaffitk aNspla, and
alaiaad that Amariaan mxla aaatraa vaia lar bom wrilnlia than those
of BitfiA mnka far oaa in bar aoutey; Ibay wan Ugktar. had more
iBpnfHMOta, Iba plala hald— alao wm mora eonpaal and Ughlar.
AnaitaM ilaaa in both na^liva and lantara piataa war* tha kaak Sha
alsoalladad to a riolat eolo— d laaa tor Iha traar landaringaC baU-tooaa
to ba wad in piaea tt tha bnak eomblnntiBB at a rapid fintilfawir lans,
giring. wittiportiaila a^padally, a remarkably improrad effaot
In ihadiseiMaiaa wliiah taO«wad.Mr. H. Stonaayaaid no doubt AiMrica
waa tar ahead of Bnglaad in tha naa el photography in aertain sladiaa,
and (or book iUaatntiaaa. bat ha eoold not agree with Misa Banaa aa to
Iba aopariority of Amariaan eameraa. and the Amariean slidas might be
Bgblar, but they ware qoits aa bolky.
Mr. Howard Farmer's paper on the •• Dateianaias in tha TMning of
Fholoi^nsbm " «m read by Mr. Camfarano. It treated tha artjaat vary
elarady txoa nearly araiy standpoint, and eaosed a large aoMont of
Mr. Oaorgt Maaon stated that, as to the limile<l sopply ol good
aarifll-- tha matter rsalad with th« assistanU tbcmiairaa: ao few
triad to maha thamaalraa aO-ronnd men, eontenting themaalrae with
parhnpa ooa fenneh. and oren tha naa of ooa maker's lansaa.
Mr. Betbnmley than, by deaiia. opanad a diaenaaion on davilapmaal.
Ha alalsd that lia had not found mooh diffaranee in rasolu batM« fjn
and hjirinqatnoae, and bad not yat Inan able to find o«t aay great
siipwiMiO of pyto and aoda over pyro and ammonia, or rice versd. He
qoMiaaad wfaslbar tha grsatar softnsaa in nagatirea claimed by Hie naars
ol "■■-"'« wonld not ba dna to gsnaval fog. He eoold not agree
altngrtlw with Mmsw. Bnctar « DrifBald'a thaoriaa, as ha thonght that
the aiparianeaa ol dialiagniifead workers ahoold be taken into aaeonnt ; if
Maaart. Boitar * DrifBeld vcratight, than nearly ererybody el<a was wrong.
On Thursday evening. Dr. Mitchell, of Philadelphia, gave as a most
interesting paper on the " Colour Screen in Landscape Photography,"
which he considered indispensable for its power of materially lessening
the difficolty of obtaining even and harmonious exposures ; for both fore-
groond and extreme distance he described a very simple way in which he
prepared his own screens, and spoke highly of the great comfort in using
celluloid films when on a tour, also remarked on the necessity of giving
full exposures when using " ortho " films, stating that they would bear an
amount of over-exposure which >oald be ruinous to ordinary plates.
In the discussion that followed Mr. Bothamley stated that he agreed
with Dr. Mitchell that it was possible to overdo the yellow screen, and so
yet a worse result than an ordinary plate would show ; but he did not
agree as to the necessity (or such lengthened exposures. He had used
"ortho" plates (or shatter work with great suooess, using from /-8 to
/-16.
Mr. Weir Brown said that pictores taken late in the day with ortho
plates showed great advantages over ordinary plates. He found that,
using them then, without the screen, they were one-half quicker than
ordinary plates.
The Preaident wondered why they were not more used than they were,
for it was a (act that they were, comparatively speaking, very little used.
He accounted for it, to some extent, by the different conditions under
which they had to be worked, both in the field and dark room.
On Thursday morning the greater number of us went to St. Andrew's,
and an enormous number of plates were expoeed on the cathedral ruins,
the old castle, and the beach and harbour, and the fine golf links. We
were blessed with splendid weather, and it was acknowledged that the
Edinburgh Committee, in seleeting such interesting phMes for the outings,
deserved the most nnqoalified praise. Some complained of the long dis-
taneea that Had to be traversed by^rafl ; bot the hesteil political discussion
that generally aroae, owing to the great victories the Gladstonians were
gaining every day, seemed to make the train journeys less irksome, if
sometimes they were rather noisy.
On Friday your delagatea went to Cramond Bridge, securing some fins
views there and along the river Almond, and in the evening the annual
dinner was held at the Waterloo Hotel. It was attended by a very large
number, the praeenoe of ladies, for the first Ume, giving the banquet a most
enjoyable appearanee, Many were the toasts, and deep waa the regret
expreaaad that some of oor most popular members bad been unable to
attend the Edinburgh masting. The mnsioal arrangements were under
the management of Mr. George Mason, who eolipeed himself, and in-
dnced a nomber of ladiea and gentlemen to entertain as by song and
recitation.
On 8atard«y monUng, at ten, the Council Meeting was held. Mr.
Gaorge Mason, of Glasgow, was elected President of the next Conven-
tion, to be held at Plymouth ; the accounts wire passed, showing a
balanee to the good; and so ended the most pleasant and successful
Convention meeting np to date.
It was very gratifying to yoar delegates to observe that at all the
ootings, and meatinga, and dinner there were more members of the
London and Provincial preaant than of any other Society, not even
excepting the local (Edinbargh) Society), whom we must take this oppor-
timityot thanking for the great trouble they had been pat to in arranging
all the aseoraiaaa, Inneheons, J:e. To Mr. Blanc, the President, and
Mr. Barclay, tha Hon. Saerstary, great praise is due, and also to many
other Edinburgh gentlemen, who laid themselves out to amass and en-
tertain us ; indeed, nothing was wanting on the part o( the Local Com.
mittee to make the meeting what it has bean—" a thorough saooess."
" Aold Reekie " has seldom been seen to better sdvantage, and the
Clerk of tha Weather waa decidedly on his good bebavioar.
On Saturday morning we all dispersed, many going north, amongst
othen yoor delegates, who went, via Callender, to spend a pleasant time
at the Troeaaehs, then throogh Loch Katrine and Loch Lomond ta
Helenaborgb, on tha Clyde, and sailing down the estuary of the Clyde to
the Isle of Arran, where more plates .wsre exposed, and your delegatee
pirtt*! pne eoming home by the weat coast, and making a pleasant little
jaUBi into Tipperary, thence home vii Soathampton and Dover, having
had a very enjoyable time on the water ; the other delegate returning
shortly after by the east-ooast steamer. R- P- Dbaos.
J. WiiB Baown.
JOTTINGS.
Ir Mr. Timothy Healy, M.P., and his friends have their way in th<»
Parliament just opened, it may be necessary for the PhotOjjrapUic
ConvBotiuD of the United Kingdom to somewhat modify its title befuro
250
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[August 12, 1893
the Dublin meetiiig of 1894, since, in the event of the passage
of a Home Rule Bill, the Kingdom will no longer he " United."
Writing of the Convention, I am glad the Editor is to give us a
reproduction of Mr. Ayton's group. If the print is up to the quality
of last year's, everybody will be satisfied. In a picture of the
group which one of your contemporaries gave its readers a few
weeks ago, " Cosmos " comes out so badly that neither he nor his wife
can trace any resemblance to himself in tlie figure which is meant for
him. Please therefore, Mr. Editor, let that part of the picture in
which I have a place be nicely printed, so that the partner of my joys
and sorrows will be able to recognise me, and thus liave to withdraw
her furtive hints as to my having gone to Paris instead of to Edin-
burgh !
Although the term " detective camera " as applied to what is now
generally called |the hand camera, has fallen into almost complete
desuetude, there was a degree of fitness and applicability about the
original title which, in my opinion, so forcibly indicated the uses, or
rather the abuses, to which it is too frequently put, that on the
grounds of correctness of description I am sorry for the change. An
unchartered private detective, such as Divorce Court and other cases
limn for the public gaze, is a low, despicable being, and I have no
higher opinion of the photographer who employs his " detective " or
" hand " camera for a parallel purpose— that is, for securing records
of the doings of persons in strange, unusual, and, perhaps, apparently
compromidng situations. I am glad to perceive that the editor
rebukes a hand-camera correspondent for having photographed a
group of men in a condition of semi-inebriety. Such a proceeding is,
to say the least of it, uncharitable and impertinent, it is because I
frequently see hand-camera pictures, which are imdoubted outrages
upon the privacy and freedom of movement of the individual, that I
venture to protest against the impudent, thoughtless, and indis-
criminate purposes for which the hand camera is so often employed.
As a matter of strict right, I consider one person absolutely dis-
entitled to photograph another without the latter's permission ; but,
when it comes to " snap-shotting " him under ludicrous, uncommon,
or equivocal conditions, the hand camera is simply converted into an
instrument of backbiting and scandal-mongeiing proclivities. So order,
gentlemen, please !
What a lot of prizes that mysterious body the Amateur Photo-
graphic Association gives for competition among its members! I
think I shall join it — for, to judge by the report published in your
last number nearly, if not every, competing member secures a prize. I
observe that Mr. W. Jerome Harrison was elected a member on July
27, and awarded a prize the same evening. How nice ! I wonder
what " Talbot Archer'' will have to say of the Amateur Photographic
Association, presided over by his Serene Highness of Teck, in the
next number of Anthony ? Something pretty, I'll be bound.
That negatives actually, as well as apparently, lose density in fixing
is a contention both unsound in theory and not borne out in practice.
The eyes of individuals are, doubtless, occasionally deceived over the
matter, and so the conclusion is come to that some makers' plates
"lose" more in the fixing than others (vide Mr. Albert Levy).
Possibly ; but to generalise that loss of density in fixing is therefore a
common phenomenon is a fallacy. Mr. John Sterry's proposed method
of ascertaining to what extent reduction would be likely to take place
during the short time required for fixing negatives, by immersing
plates of known densities in hypo for a given time, and then measuring
the densities after immersion, is an admirable one; but why did Mr.
Sterry keep his plates in the baths sixty and forty-eight liours re-
spectively, and from the results conclude that the loss of density in
half an hour must be slight; why not try the experiment for the
average length of time fixation occupies, say a quarter of an hour P
Nobody in his senses leaves a negative for sixty or forty-eight hours
in hypo.
I see that, at a meeting of the Brixton and Camera Club the other
night, the following question was asked : " For sea pictures, is it ad-
visable to use a quick plate and a small stop, or a slow plats and a
large stop;"" and that "the meeting 'teemed' to favour the latter
Mew." I should like to know on what grounds, and whv the
comparison was confined to sea pictures. Those gentlemen who
preferred the slow plate and the large stop must have forgotten to
bear in mind that, if the rapidity in both cases were equalised by the
enlargement of the lens aperture employed with the slow plate, a
quite diflerent kind of image as regards definition would be ob-
tained. I assume /-11'3 and/45-2 as being the large and small stops
respectively, whicli would mean that the rapid plate would require to
be sixteen times quicker than the slow plate. Cosmos.
THE INACCURACY OF DESCRIl*TION OF PHOTOGRAPHIC
OBJECTIVES BY MANUFACTURERS AND EDITORS.
[American Journal of Photography.]
Baheino the last two words, the above is the title of a paper by Mr.
W. A. Cheyney that particularly attracted my notice in your issue
for April. The paper is to the point, and is on a subject that ought
to be thoroughly ventilated.
Opticians at Facxt.
Put briefly, the matter is this. A number of opticians make lenses
especially for photographic use. Many of these lenses are, considering
the conflicting requirements of a photographic lens, so good that they
are a standing wonder. The opticians charge a pretty stiff price for
them, but of that we, the buying pubUc, do not complain. We ask,
however, if it is not unreasonable to demand, that the descriptions of
these lenses, in catalogues and advertisements, be at least fairly accu-
rate, that they be not disfigured by a lack of intelligence that would
bring ridicule on the advertisement of a tailor or shoemaker.
It is probable that the catalogues and advertisements of most
manufacturers of photographic lenses are a relic of the time when the
greater number of photographers were ignorant of the most rudi-
mentary facts, not only of optics, but even of the properties of the
lenses they used ; when anything about ttie ratio of aperture to focal
length was a mystery profound, when it was commonly supposed
that there was some fetish in a "portrait lens," apart from the
angular aperture, making it particularly suitable for portraiture ;
when, particularly, there were wonderful delusions about depth of
focus, when, in fact, it would have been useless to afford the in-
formation now so generally demanded.
There are exceptions to every rule, and there are some (English, at
any rate) opticians who issue catalogues giving all the information
wanted. I think of one in particular who sends out a large sheet
giving the equivalent focus and the maximum working apertures of
all the different sizes of the different classes of lenses that he makes.
I know, too, that with this optician the actual equivalent focus is
always very nearly that stated in the sheet, that the apertures are
actually those stated, and I believe that, if a lens of precisely the focus
mentioned is wanted, the fact has only to be stated.
How different it is with many opticians was forcibly brought to
my attention a little time ago. My advice was asked about buying
lenses for a particular kind of work. I soon decided on the class of
lens wanted, but it was necessary to determine from whom the lenses
should be ordered, and hence a great rummaging through catalogues.
It was quite essential to know the equivalent focus and also the
maximum working aperlure before ordering the lenses. Now, in the
catalogues of three English opticians of high repute, there were found
the following anomalies. One gave, throughout, the equivalent focus
of the lenses, but nowhere stated the working aperture. Another
gave the equivalent focus of the lenses and their diameters, accom-
panied by diagrams showing that the working aperture was in most
cases much less than the diameters of the actual combinations. In
the catalogue of still a third optician, there were given, for some
lenses, both the equivalent and the back focus (almost a work of
supererogation), for others the equivalent focus only (just what was
wanted), for still others, merely the focus. In this last case, it was
only actual experience of the lenses that enabled me to know that it
was the back focus tliat was stated. It is some slight consolation to
think that these opticians lost all chance of at least one order, simply
from the idiotic way in which their catalogues were put together.
There are other offences committed by manufacturers of lenses.
Why, for example, should the intelligence of the photographic public
be insulted by advertisements of wide-angle lenses headed, " These
lenses include an angle of more than 100°," whilst below there is a
table of the sizes of plaies that the lenses will cover with " large,
medium, and small stop," which table shows that the lenses will not
include an angle approaching 100° even with the small stop, and
taking the diagonal of the plate into consideration ?
As for lenses not having tlie apertures advertised, I think that
perhaps English opticians are a little more conscientious in this
Aiigwll2.,1693]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
621
matter than Americans, although I can be by no means sure. Very
often, where " aperture " is mentioned, or is inferred by stating that
1 3e angohr aperture i^ so-and-ao, and ^ving the equivalent f ocas of
the leoa, h is found that the diameter u actually that of the glasses
of th« fens, and that the cell cuts it down very appreciablr, or that a
tiled stop contractji the working aperture. In judaing o? the latter
mktte^ howerer, it ahould always M borne in mind that, in the case
d doiuie combination leiMee, the fixed aperture may be a Uttle less
in dtameter than the front combinatioo without cutting off any light,
faeeauae this light is somewhat oonoeotrated by the front lens before
it reaches the stop.
There has been a great improTement amongst English opticians
within tin last few jean in tbe matter of the accuracy of cutting
stops. It b not ao long ago that they were cut at pure random.
Byen for some time after certain opticians professed to nave adopted
the Cnirersal Standard, the stops were leldom even approximately in
accordanct? with it.
" EdITOBS AXD LK.fSBS.''
Now tot the editora and otJiers who write in the periodical press
about Iwisss, To the like of myself, Kving thouaaods of miles from
the neanst plaee where photopapbie lenses are made, it is of the first
impotteae* tliat the deseriptMOS of mw lenses giren in the photo-
gi^hie psriodJCTh should lie iataOgibfe. Sometimes they are; but,
aka, how often they are not ! Br tte same mail that brought the
iMue of the Ameriemt Joumal of Pkatographif above mentioned, there
was brought a copy of an American eoatemporary — a joumal that I
value moeh, because it i^ Hited by two people of talent, and the
readitw matter isnn>" "Meat.
Indar the head of 1 CnwmsHt," I came on a paragraph
begiuniji^, "An improveU lem. ' This at once attracted my attention.
The moie partieularlj as, after a fsw preBminary remarks on the
" wonderful disooTense made in opties and dMnustry," it was stated
that the leaa ia made of the new Jean gbas. Now, I particularly
want to know something definite aboat tM results of the use of the
new Jena glass for pbotographie Isaaaa. The nest sUtement, how-
erer, is, to say the least of it, eonfMinK. It raid that " it ia made
.... single, rapid, reetiKnewr, and wid»«n||)e, and doea, as the
makers claim, work with full aperture, sharp to the edgea of the
plate." This rsmarhahle statamaBt wants a deal of eonaideration. Is
t here aetnaOy one lena that oombinaa aO the qualitiea hne mentioned —
that ia, at the same time, "angle, rapid, leettinesir, and wide-angle.*''
.Mthoogh there is nothiag in the "OoHmieBt * to dearlr indicate it,
I am Camad to mmm* that there are three differrat kinds of leiwes,
because, for one Oing, I Imagine it is impoarible, even with the Jena
glaas, to make a lens haring all the qualities indicated above. What
on ea«th uee it is to kaow that "it ... . does .... work, with full
apsftafu, ahurp to the edgus of the ptate," without any statement of
foeil IsHgth, iiiiilm—i npstam, or rise of pUte, is jl thing that I
laarelo
ire 10 TOUT rsadens.
A Itib lower w« ham that "those of loog focus are something Bbe
tba vmw leoa of DaUmeyer, which ia makiagsueh a sensatJon abroad."
< >n.' i' inclined to iatstpolate, "tioaMlUag US a whale.*
Hu' at this Stage eooiss the aMst iatemlliia part of the wbole'de-
«cnptio«. Ws Isara that " the ^leat Tahw of IJie leas Ees . . . . in
an attachment which can be put m phwe of the rrar oombiaation, and
ptodneaa actinically modified rays of light, thus redudng harsh con-
trasts, and obviatiiig in portrait work the neccexity of retouching.
The reeuha aa desRribed ai« remaAable, and give much the same
•ffsct aa ortbochromatic pktea.'' ifiMaikalilii ! I should think so,
with a iwigBaaest A leas ohmttag the necessity of retouching, and
giving the aaaa sOsK aa orthoaiuoaMtie plates !
Lsaviag on ooa ride the extraordinary property of a "rear eom-
faiaatiaa that can " produee " rays of Uvht— whether in liie vulgar
eMSB tt originating, or in the MOOMtrieai nf r.xteodiag in the same
Hiaighl Kne— what in the worid caa this attachment he.* At firot it
■eaaadtoaM that it might be a dilFosiaa of focus arrsijumasm.although
It is dMbalt to see bow that could give " tbe same eflect aa ortbo-
■-hfnmalfa pla»sa,* and I hailedtbe information with pleasBre,for«Iand-
rcape lens with a diffoaion-af-foaoa anangement is still a ttitUentum.
What caoMs farther on seems, however, to eootradict this idea.
It psweatly traaapiras that " we have onlv tried the ordinary rapid
TcetiBasar, but have ordered the violet liirdt attachment." Angvis
and minialais of graee defend us ! What does this mean '^ I thought
that all tbe leaasa, if there were really thrre of thnu, were not ordi-
nary, but enaauiiliiiaiy, particakriy coandmng thnt ■' thow of lonir
fofiasaMWhiB|' like the new lens of Dallmeyrr." Thrn, if «nly
"the ovfiaary rapid n— ;i— . — ■• was tried, how' about the iinp)ir>d
«videBesthst it, tht« - •<• l<^s, in all its fomu wa^ found to
work with full aprt.... ;. ;... rdttes of the nUtc"as its makers
claimf But the " vioirt lijfht nttaclim'-nt" Ijcst) all.
For the nearest approach to definite information that we have in
the " Comment " is that " Miss Barneii' will pi-obablj- use the lens in
her European tour the coming summer."'
Surely we may demand with reason that the manufacturers of
lenses shall describe their goods a little more intelligently than they
do, and that commenting editors, unless they can tell us something
more definite about lenses that they have tested than do these referred
to, should hold their peace.
Over the editors we have no control. Over the opticians we have
to'a certain extent, and I suggest that all photographers should do
what they can, by promptly returning lenses that are not in accord-
ance with catalogue description, demanding either a return of their
money or a lens that is in accordance with the description. Farther,
that, where other things are equal, they give their custom to those
opticians who issue intelligible catalogues, and whose goods are found
to be in accordance with tneir advertisements.
W. K. BiniTOH.
ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHIC WORK FOR AMATEURS.
VI.
Is a former article I referred to platinotype printing on cloth,
materials for which are readily procurable from the Platinotype
Company, and no sooner will on enthusiastic worker have entered
fully into and enjoyed the satisfaction of what may justly be termed
an uncommon phase of photography than most prolmbly he will fly
at higher game and long to produce his own printing material. In so
far, however, as the production of sensitised nainsook, or other similar
material, in platinotype is concerned, I fear there is but little prospect
for any one m>t thoroughly eonveisant with the intricacies of the pro-
cess ever being able to suocessfully prepare this in an amateur
manner.
There are, however, other methods of printing on textile fabrics
which an enthusiast may with eaee undertake in the knowledge that
perfect rusuitM can he obtained. These are sensitising the fabric hy
silver, or pri<' it is termed the blue process. Most exquisite
results can I' i with the latter, and the entire operation may
be conducted without any great outlay or acquisition of any special
apparatus. \a I have Hud preriously, the first necessity is a suitable
negative, without such no siicceM can possibly attend any iitteiupts nt
printing on cloth. Having, therefore, a bold, vigorous negative which
posseeses dear glaas in the shadows and strong density for the high
lights, an amateur maj, however, set about the work with the utmost
confidence. In selecting a suitable fabric, there are quite a number of
materials at hand in any lady or gentleman's wardrobe \\'ith which a
start may be made, to wit, a good linen pocket-handkerchief ; let it,
however, be a good thick one. This '\* first wash*!), ami nil sonp and
other matters carofuUy rinsed out ; it is then well ironed without
being folded. The nest operation is the preparing of the surface of
the handkerchief with a partially insoluble solution of gelatine,
whatebv the senaitising solution, wliich is afterwards to be applied,
is so held m titu as to yield a good print when exp<fc«d in the ordinary
manner in a printing frame. This gelatine solution is prepared by
di-solving fifty grains of gvlatine in twenty ounces of liot water ;
wliea dissolved take into the dark room and add to it thirty grains
of faiehromat« of ammonium dissolved in an ounce of water, stirring
vigorottaly. Keep this in a iitane bottle.
Let it now be supposed that it is desired to print a portrait on the
comer, eratre, or any other porti<m of the handkerchief. Whatever
part be ehoesn is oarefully mark«l oS with the aid of a soft lead
pencil (let us suppose it to be the centre). The handkerchief, previous
to the application of the gelatine s<ilution, is carefully laid down on a
els an aheet of glass or other suitable »unport, and titen, by means of
an oval, round dome, or any other suitable shape, the exact spot is
marked with the pencil («Tery convenient round shape may be had
by using a saucer or wineglass). The handkerchief, after being
pencit-marked, is stretched drum-tight over a common school slate
tif lCT"'>tB not a good bond with the needle yoiir>elf. get a ladv
f fiend to do it for you) ; now,witha tuft of cotton-wool or clean Hannel,
in the dark room, swab well the part marked with tbe pencil with
the gelatine solntion, and -set aside to drv in the dark. Now get n
laige sheet of black needle-paper, or, what is better still, stiff, blue
wmpls paper (the latter «nt8 better, not lieing to fibrous), place tli-'
same flat on a si.- * ' .la"*, and with a narrow-pointed penknife,
using the same r"i: I'Ut out in the centre (or wherever it \t
i*<jiiir«'d) a nice, c- ....-»^.||i.ril mask ; trv ami get the edges free fro'"
jsgK (the blue sample paper, being nice and hard and ciisp. will
peimit of thix being done, provided a very ^harp knife is used). Tlii>
cut-jut centre, with ito large margin (tbe entire theet of p*per>, U
522
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHS.
[August 12, 1892
pasted carefully on a 15 x 12 sheet of glass, or sometimes smaller
sizes may be employed, but a large frame is more convenient.
When the handkerchief which has been swabbed with the pelatine
solution is perfectly dry it is folded so aa to be capable of being placed
in a 15 X 12 printing frame ; the circular pencil mark will now corre-
spond with the cut-out portion of the mask, which is a fixture on the
glass of the printing frame, and in a room lighted by ordinary gaslight
the prepared portion of the handkerchief is so adjusted that the pencil
lines correspond with the edges of the mask. The back of the
printing frame is then placed over the handkerchief, the springs
tightened, and the handkerchief exposed to sunlight for several minutes,
say about five. The next step is the preparation of the blue sensi-
tising solution.
Get two stone gingerbeer or stout bottles, and in 8 ounces of water
dissolve 830 grains citrate of iron and ammonia. (LabelfNo. 1.)
In 8 ounces water dissolve 600 grains ferridcyanide 6t potassium.
(Label, No. 2.)
These solutions are not to be mixed until immediately before sen-
sitising. The handkerchief and the solution must be kept from the
light
The opration of coating the linen fabric had better be delayed till
nightfall. The handkerchief is then stretched out flat by any con-
venient method, and the portion marked with the pencil is then well
swabbed over, using a piece of flannel, with the sensitising solution
mixed in equal parts of No. 1 and No. 2.
The handkerchief is then set aside to dry in a dark room. This is
conveniently done in a warm kitchen just before going to bed, but
care must be exercised that it is removed before daylight.
The handkerchief is now ready to be printed. Let us suppose it is
a suitable half -plate negative that is about to be used. I have always
found in practice that when such large articles as handkerchiefs, or in
cases where the sensitised portion of the fabric has not been cut off in
suitable sizes to fit small-sized negatives, that it is advisable to use as
large a frame as possible for the purpose of printing, therefore a
15 X 12 size at least ought to be employed. I have known a pupil of
mine bring into requisition an oak picture frame having a good thick
glass set in it, but a good printing frame is the correct thing to employ.
The 15 X 12 sheet of glass upon which has been pasted a cut-out black
mask, of the same shape, but slightly smaller than the negative, is in-
serted, and then the negative is carefully laid over the cut-out portion,
and fixed in position by binding the edges to the glass with strips of
gummed paper. Pieces of cardboard of the same thickness as the
glass of the negative are tlien placed on the large sheet of glass so as
to pack the negative as it were. This is done to prevent any liability
of the glass to break when the springs of the printing frame are
tightened up.
As a rule, this class of printing is best done with the aid of suitable
masks laid over the face of the negative, but such can be vignetted
if desired. When amateurs are merely printing small-sized negatives,
say not over whole-plate in size, any photographic dealer will supply
, cut-out masks from lantern up to 8^ x 6J sizes, and these in all
shapes, including ovals, domes, squares, &c., &c. When the negative
has been fixed on the printing glass a suitable cut-out mask is placed
over the face of it, and fixed by means of slight appUcation of gum
to the corners. All is then ready for the printing operation, and the
handkerchief is then placed so that the sensitised part occupies its
correct place on the negative. As a rule, very full printing is desir-
able, and now will be seen the need of using only such negatives as
are bold and strong in contrast. When fully printed, the handker-
chief is taken and washed in clear cold water ; this will remove the
unaffected gelatine, and develop out the picture. Don't be afraid to
wash well if you have properly prepared the gelatine solution and
exposed same to sunlight, the image will stand good washing, and be
all the brighter and cleaner for it.
In reality, there is no difficulty in this class of work, and I have
known ladies and gentlemen who have derived more genuine pleasure
from producing one good print on linen than fiftv on paper.
T. N. Ahmstbong.
MARINE PHOTOGRAPHY.
Too little attention is, we think, says Anthony's Bulletin, given to
marine photography. True, we have seen many dismal failures-
black hulls sailing on a mingled sky and ocean of such dazzling
brightness that sails, masts, and ropes "were but theoretical and paltry
accessories, faintly sug-gested by certain dim and ghost-like outlines.
■On the otlier hand, views of such entrancing beauty and clearness
have been submitted to us, showing the results of prop'er care in com-
po?ition *nd lighting as to make it a matter of wonder how such
dismal failures as those first referred to could have been produced
when all necessary materials for such perfect pictures were at hand.
It is with the view of giving some fundamental principles necessary
to success in^this direction that this article has been written.
A hand camera is, of course, well-nigh indispensable for this sort
of work, both for the sake of portability and by reason of the fact
that instantaneous exposures are here the almost invariable rule.
As to lens, nothing, to our mind, can exceed an ordinary single-view
lens, focussed for a distance of, say, fifty feet. In this way an ex-
tended sea view, even while including a generous foreground, will
notbe lost in mistiness on the horizon, and an effect similar to the
indistinctness of a portrait background will be avoided.
For yacht views pure and simple, a wide-angle lens is preferred by
many, depth of focus being in this case secondary to crispness of
definition in the centre of the field. A rather large stop, with exces-
sive speed of shutter, will be found to give, perhaps, the best results,
as, in a brisk breeze running free, the velocity attained by one of the
crack yachts is by no means something to be despised or overlooked.
Couple this with the fact that, in many cases, the standpoint of the
operator — often a naphtha launch — is violently pitching, as well as
moving ahead at the rate of ten miles an hour, and it will readily be
seen that quickness of exposure is everything.
By all means use a shutter with a pneumatic release. It is almost
always necessary to make the exposure on the instant, or the chance
is lost. A quick, sudden pressure on the button is almost certain to
seriously jar the camera, while a vigorous and impulsive squeeze on
the bulb is free from any disastrous effect. Brace yourself securely
against the gunwale of the boat (if it is high enough), and you will
often avoid an ignominious tumble, broken camera, and a magnificent
expanse of cloudless sky on the plate, where you vainly hoped to see
bulging canvas, straining ropes, and prow half buried in foam from
that big billow which was the cause of your own downfall.
The objection may be made, that an enthusiast is needed for this
kind of work, together -n-ith a camera endowed with qualities nearly
approaching those of mackintosh. Even granting tliis, we say that
such a combination is easily to be found, and, when working in
unison, it will produce a collection of views in which gracefulness
and vigour of action are combined in a manner impossible with any
other class of subject.
The lens should, if possible, be shielded completely by the shutter ;
this will prevent the spray from injuring, for the time being, its
picture-making qualities. Avoid bright metal-work on your camera,
lens, or shutter. Have all blackened, and as little of it as possible, to
avoid the con-osive action of the sea water. A hard-rubber shutter is
best, as it is less liable to stick when wet than any other kind. Of
course, we have chiefly depicted a rough-weather experience, knowing
that the trouble and wetting will be amply compensated for by the
results, these, to our mind, being far in advance of any mirror effects,
so far as yachts are concerned. Not that we wish to be understood
as decrying the merits of the beautiful reflection work so often seen ;
but something full of vigour and snap, showing Neptune in his wilder
moods, is preferable to a tranquillity, which, while beautiful and sug-
gestive of the fabled lands of the lotos-eaters, is more suitable to a
landscape than a sea view. A roll of film is preferable to anything
else in this case. Often yon will pass a yacht and then another in
quick succession, too quick to change your plate-holders, which
perhaps are wet, and the slides stick. Or you want two views — one
approaching, and the other receding. With plate-holders you can,
of course, get the first, but by the time you are ready for the second
it is just tantalisingly out of reach. Besides, the illumination is
almost always intense, and many a fogged plate will result from a
hurried and careless withdrawal or replacement of the shde.
The lighting in a marine view is all-important. Remember that
the sky in your picture will be a dazzling white background, unless
filled with clouds, and a white sunlit sail will not show up against it
with anything like the distinctness apparent in looking at it in nature.
Again, the water is a powerful reflector, and, though apparently dark
in colour, wOl, under a noontide glare, come up in a developed nega-
tive almost, if not quite, as dense as the sky above it. Have your
camera so pointed that the sun is to your right or left at an angle
of about 45°. By so doins, ropes, sails, and hull will be thrown
in partial shadow, and ensure a contrast in your finished print which
would otherwise be woefully lacking in this respect. Make your
exposures in the morning or afternoon rather than at noontime.
Never take a beam view of a vessel with her sails trimmed flat as
boards ; there will be neither hfe nor action in it, and the mass of
white, if brightly illuminated, will be scarcely distinguishable against
tlie high lights of the sky and water background. Even with a
cloudy sky, and but little direct sunlight, there will be enough reflec-
tion for a quic!£ exposure, and a full light on sails and hull will then
Angiwt 12, 1892]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
62a
give both cootnst kod dcUiL Under anv other conditions, it is better
to bare the sails in shadow, or, at moat, 'but partly lighted.
Almost any good dereloper will serve for manne exposures, but it
should not be «Md faD itrei^th, as with snap-shots on land ; othei^
wise plentT of detail, but insofficient deoaity, will result. Develop
slowijr, aaa with rather dilute solution to (tart with. Hydroauinone
is espedally adapted for use here, as the image comes up slowly, and
with pWnty of densitr.
Beware of orer ratner than under-expoaure, as it is hardly ponible
to fully realise the immense amount of added light, dtie to reflec-
tion, in a seascape. It is usually poaaiUe to make a satisfactory
instantaneoua exposure, even on an overcast day, on the water, and
many prefer for oevelopment the iron and oxalate solutions so largely
Died' on the continent Of Europe.
Pretty moonlight effectaean beobtained by baring the light shining
directly in the camera, making a short exposure, and deTeloping for
density. In this case a film is again preferable to a plate, owing to
the freedom from halation in the negative produced.
We have made no mention of aorf or combined shore and sea
photography up to the present, but, properir bandied, these subjects
are capable' of producing grand rasiiha. Bold masw of rock in the
foreground, over whidi huge awella are breaking, can be made moat
effective use of. Have tM rocki, if poaaible, in ahadow, and the sun
at a right angle or rather nion to the direction in which the camera
points. The creet of the wave* will Umd reflect the light, while the
refltction from the main body of the water will be avoided, and the
true effect of the dark billow breaking into white foam along its treat
will be obtained.
The eiUwe daoipaeM and eonOHTe properties of the atmoaphere
at the seashnin moat be taken into earafnl oooaideratioa. Tbe metal
paita of the ounerm will mat and rtkk if not carefully watched. If
plates are naed, nimmial care must be taken not to touch tbe senative
surface, as finger narka will sorely reanlt. This aralies to films a*^ell.
Have hard-mbber elides to vour plate-boUera, a you would avoid
sticking and jamming, and tne conMmaat kias of many a picture.
Yow woodwork is Cable to stick, aad tifbt flu beeoaae impoaeible
ooea when ezpoeed to looMOBtaaMd daaspnesa.
Bat, with all this ninBlin iat of diawbaeks, the enjoyment of
one good yacht race, and tte eoDectton of negativee that care to
tbe Ostails of lightii^ and expoenie will give you, will far more
than make np for the mcideatal wetting* aal miahapa that may fall
to your abare.
♦
PHOTOGRAVURE.
FkatsfHfkto tsaMr af Oesst ■rtWa.'l
This subject |f«MBti itself to the mind in a ebanging aspect aa time
pif» on. Indeed, OKiet thinge do. The early stage has a different
air from that of piug'iesa or matnriiy. A r>maoce and a feeling of
xMtaBCjr mdtwlhr changes into a eritiral and judicial attitude.
That which moel tadneee this thought is the immenae thing that
photography itwif baa heeome. In nothing has the expectant aim
and that anticipatory joy of the adnd in the future achievements of
ir sriencse bean so marked as in photafraphy and its artistic aims.
' is loo great a divenioa to even name the leading branches of the
irt-sdeoce aad their relation to cur aims and derirea. But it is worth
while U> give a detnitioB o( the aim of all photomphic art as " that
which can antogTnphiealFf place on reeotd all that can be seen with
th>' eye, or that might be wen if we bad powers as great as our
methods or chemicals," aa these go so far beyond tbe optical power of
tbe tImmI ornuH. 'Wha a photoftaph not larger than a halfpenny
tti.vwi r/l.noo stara, one, of eoorse, is umnd to wonder greatly at tbe
years ago it would never have been dreamed of. The
- n'at we Mould ever be bhseed with such an all-potent
thing wuoJd simply beggar the mind of any one living one hundred
years ago.
Tlu* it ia which pnta each of the branehce of phntogmphic art into
line. Photogravure ia oidy one of the very many and growing
methoda of making a photomphic picture. And the nperator of one
method swh *• eoDotrpe, for instance — is as far removed from tbe
on<- who takae a portrait as poerible. The many details that belong
r<> each aad every hnmch quite separate them, and so separating
'iiii*e the whole to spread out in one eiK>rmou» field of work that few
'' us ever eoaasder aa a whnlr. It tt^rn* to me impossible for one
' AD to graay aU the multitodinoiu details of evt-rv branch of the
liotograpUe art. Tboaa detail* eonatantly expand : from year to
\ -M new detail* are intinduerf and discovered, and it is quite im-
possihle for one mind >o mantrr all of them.
Of general remarks I will only nsme one more ; it i* that coDoem-
One ran never try, or l^ni, or practise too many de-
tails and methods in the particular branch that you study. The
steady worliing of a formula is very well, but the vast accumulation
of trials and failures recorded in the mind, or in some more tangible
form, go steadily to make progress, because one or another long'
diluted method, combined witn netr materialt and in a neic way, pro-
duces a new discovery of great value. The very wrecks of the
past are sorted over, and morsels picked out to find out an im-
portant place in some grand new method. I apologise for this long
mtroduction, but a great respect for the workers of the past, and also
of the present, compels this form of acknowledgment. To how many
workers living and dead is the photogravure operatar a debtor ; and
how many apparently insufficient things are brought forward to pro-
duce better results now. This is the leading idea which I would em-
phasise, for it is the golden thread of future victories in this and
every brancl^. We appreciate, of course, the charm of an old ruin —
there is nothing like it. An old ruined abbey adds a quite peculiar
grace to an English landscape ; but it could never have existed had
there not been a most expensive building to ruin, and the charm would
never have been there had there not been an enormous expenditure
of time and labour in producing the delicate tracery. You must view
the work of those men before us very much in that light. Dr. Hunt,
of Redruth, Cornwall, was such a worker. His knowledge and
patient care in studying the physical phenomena of light met with
but little reward, you might say, in his time; but he lived long-
enough to see a great many results, and he was one of the noblest
workers of his time. Our results at the preeent time largely follow
from the work of men who have been a good deal less fortunate in
seeing those results than Dr. Hunt '
Thb " Main Aspects " of Photogravcre.
Photogravure presents itself to my own mind in three main
aspects: — .
1. Its economic aspect as regards "cost," "outfit," "speed," and
their bearing on the different classes of published matter.
2. Practiod aspect, methods of production and relation to the class
of work in hand, together with all technical details.
3. Suggestions for the future, and particularly as to new openings.
Tbe economic or the practical aspect would, either of them, furnish
enough points for a kog essay ; but I will run quickly through the
principal one* in each case. In the paper which I had the honour
to rsad before the Society of Arts some years ago the economic aspect
was onlr touched upon. This time we will look into it more fully.
Tbe Drst and moat important item on the economic side is that of
printing cost. The limitations of printing cost sre almost .as well
fixed as those of getting ooals, or any such service that you can think
of. For printing we employ a class that we find ready to our hands ;
the copper-plate printer of many vears' standing is our printer, and
thus we are in front of a standard cost in production which cannot
vary very moch ; and the chief point that one eper notices is the
greater or leas ease with which one or another plate can be printed,
thus getting more prints in a day from an easy-printing plate than a
difficult one. One plate must cost sometimes twice as much to print
as another, and yet to tbe public and the customer is apparently no-
different, and thev say. " Oh, why should you charge twice as much
for this a« for the other?" But, if you do not, you will lose; you
cannot help it. Mezzotint engraving is very slow to print, and photo-
gravure, if it is of that fall nature, is also slower to print ; but a
alight, sketchy effect, however catching, is quicker to print. The
mezzotint is the slowest of all methods to print. The little im-
pressiona in the old mezxotint are something like V- Big and little,big
and little, all of a certain shape. Now, a V-*haped impression does not
hold so much ink as Ui the cavity is not so capacious; if the points
go off a very little bit, the cavity has still less capacity. Yet there ia-
one charm of tbe old mezzotint which we never can get ; when it ia
scraped away to prodooe a light tint, you retain those Uttle punctures.
Now, processing, in so far as I have seen, is unable to produce that
detached pancture for the light tint. That little puncture, producing
comparatively widely separated dots, gives a huge area of perfectly
ckan paper ; thus the lights of a mezzotint are more beautiful than
tbe UghW^ our process plate. The process plate has a tendency to
be IDETww^'^rf-^'^'N'-w^^^^^N^N^N^wN^. in the light — it does not matter by
what method the plate is made — and the consequence is there is not
much clean paper between thi-m. The colour In ea-'ily got out by the-
prp«<, but it is not clean work. Then, if you rrrape it out witn the
scraper, it ia a very clesn white; but with the former it goes in »
sweet way, leaving a little bit almo-.t to the last. The necessity with
retard to tbe mezzotint plate is that V, not holding so much ink as
(J. requires very stiff ink. The man has to grind that ink till it is as
stiff as putty ; and, when ink is ns stiff as putty, it ukee a good deal
of patience to clean it off, leaving a nice layer all throu|^h the plate
■0 that it mnv print full rd nicely, becnii8e,'if it is not stiff, it comes-
524
THE BRITISH JOORNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[August 12, 1892
out of the cavities and will not print a dark tint. Now, we have
irood de«p cavities, and with a comparatively thin ink we can leave
enough to print a dark tint. Consequently, the photogravure print is
economical to make. You have to remember that the old plate is
more expensive to print than any chemical plate that we can make,
80 that on that ground you can talk to the old printers and say, " Yes,
they are expensive ; but they are not so dear as mezzotint plates."
Having now shown the mezzotint plate to be a hard plate to print,
■we go off to another point. The cost of printing and paper seldom
gets much below one penny per impression for ordinary sizes.^ (We
pay 8s. tor the portfolio size, which is about AH Journal size, ten
inches lon<r. That costs a penny per impression for labour only in
printing. You have to remember that engravings would cost five or
six times as much ; they must print 7000 to 10,000 to make it down
to a penny per impression, to pay for the plate — in fact, I could have
shown you a plate which cost 100/. to make. I suppose there would
be 3000 or 4(XX) printed from it : but, of course, that does not pay
1001., except at several pence. When you go piling on the pence,
then comes tlie difficulty with the public ; they do not see it.) And
when for a penny paid out you have, according to the modern
economic situation of the bookseller, to charge the public twopence,
it is easily seen what a charge this becomes. This is the greatest
drawback, economically, to photogravure. Many a job is done by the
collotype method because it has a low cost for the first print made,
while photogravure is high ; but, for a record, collotype depends on
its negative, which is more frail than the costly copperplate, and
therefore unsuited to a standard edition of a book. Of course, you
could with collotype go back to one impression and say, " That is a
record." But I dare say you all know how " process on process"
degrades the result. Y'ou "take a photograph from a photograph — it
is so much— behind it. It is better if you can go back to a standard
that you can depend upon.
Methods op Economising.
For a book of small or moderate size the old method of grouping
four subjects on one plate is good ; for one pull of the press, and just
a little more time at inking, produces a lot more prints, and the
printing cost can be brought down to, say, half of the former figures.
The cost of making the plate with four pictures on it is, however, no
less per subject — probably more.
Another method is by "printing several subjects quite close together
on thin China or Japan paper, and then cutting up the sheet by hand
and inserting where required. This, though not economical to the
extent one would wish, opens up methods of accommodation of great
value. Thus prints may be made long before the book is ready, and
they can be used for any purpose or book by simply pasting them down.
You can put the prints by for years, and when the list is complete
you can print the book. The book is printed with the blanks, and
that work is cheap ; but, if you try to print in these blanks from
the press, you would find it extremely expensive. We have tried it
for a Scotch publisher ; but it was no use, it could not be done. The
best way is to print on very thin paper — China paper preferably — and
then paste them in. Y''ou cannot put a thin paper through the press
and expect it to print. You have to put a piece of thick paper at the
back, and then it will take the ink.
The printer has to use a backing of thick paper to get a proper
impression on the thin, so that economy is not apparent unless five or
six are on a plate ; and, if thej' are neatly brought together, they can
be cut up for a trifle. Then comes inserting or mounting, for which
no great skill is required, so that you can get very cheap labour — girls,
for instance — for it. Drying the sheets flat is yet another expense, and
it seems either to want redamping to do this, or to have them already
damp when the pictures are inserted. This all costs something, yet
with a willing staff and a good shop it is inexpensive and certain.
The large work by W'. J. Linton, a copy of which is here, is got up
in this manner, the subjects being grouped on the plates and then
printed on thin China paper, and so cut up and mounted. The same
method may be used for the many little elegancies which are now so
much in vogue — memorandum cards, birthday cards, &c., subjects
being stocked in a cut state ready for mounting on cards or leaflets, of
any aze, or shape, or kind. Collotype, of course, gives some idea of
copper-plate work: but, unless it can be printed on the thin paper
and without any gloss, it cannot have the rich, velvety character of
an intaglio print.
The great point is that, however thin the paper, you can get the
rich effect of the print upon it ; there is no inferiority. (The pictures
in the Life of Samuel Palmer were quoted as an instance.)
I have dwelt rather long on this branch, because of its true
importance, it being charged in every phase with questions of economy
and the balancing element of quality, how much quaUty to how much
money ? That i? thf i|uestion for to-day in every business.
Speaking before photographers, I may record my surprise that
photogravure portraits are not more commonly made use of as
presentations where a large firm employing numbers of persons desire
to remember an honoured employer by executing a plate of his portrait,
and using the copies as the presentation. Many similar purposes sug-
gest themselves, the favourite secretary or chairman of some associa-
tion, not to speak of ladies of similar eminence, head masters and
principals of schools and colleges, officers, captains of ships, &c. At
present we have heard of Members of Parliament doing something of
this kind, but it might go further with great advantage.
Abt Aspects.
The failure of so much of the old copper and steel-plate engraving
follows rather from the business demand than from the artistic, or, at
least, it is equally divided. Cheapness was called for, and photo-
gravure plates of a fair quality can be made cheaply, but they cannot
be printed cheaper because the process is identical. Lihe engravings
in steel are printed very cheaply, because a clean sm-face is all that is
desired and steel easily j-ields it, but steel engravings are slow and
hard to produce. Copper etchings are not so hard to produce, but
even when steel-faced they generally give trouble through being
finished with very fine work. Mezzotint costs a deal to print, but
here is the closest rival of photogravure, and it costs, say, twice as
much to print as the photographic rival. The artist's own particular
feeling is far different, and merits chief attention, because, sooner or
later, it is what the artist feels that the public will also feel, and it is
right that the creative mind should lead the receptive mind. This
being granted, it follows that the artist's idea of a perfect rendering
in printing ink should be consulted. When we cannot consult it, it
w^ill be needful, on our own responsibility, to render it not with a
mean and niggard neatness, nor with a rough, blundering ruggedness.
If I might define the ideal photogravure, I would say that the touct
should be clearly perceived, but so also should the transparenc)* or
opacity of the original be rendered. This is a hard thing, but let it
be remembered that the old mezzotint engraver would, in his best
work, give two or more distinct tints, one fine, another coarse on top
of it, and the result was increased transparency.
When they rock a plate there is one tint all of one size — that is,
when they first prepare a plate. When they scrape that, it is con-
verted into a gradation of one degree. They find it does not hold ink
enough. They now take a bigger rocker and go over all that work,,
and the peculiarity of it is — the rocker that they pass over it having
a larger arc — that it goes lightly on the hollows, and the hollows are
the lights. In the mezzotint method these (hollows) are the lights,
having the little digs in them ; these (hills) are the darks, having the
deep digs in them. So that, when the rocker goes over it, it opens
the hollows a good deal, so that re-rocking does not destroy detau to
the extent that one would think ; and a very light scraping over all
these parts is easily done, and the result is that you have two tints,
a bigger tint and a smaller tint. Now, if you go over the road to
that institution (British Museum), you can see in the Print Room all
sorts of mezzotint engravings, and you will find that the best are
those which are twice rocked ; some are even three times rocked, and
three times scraped out, and sometimes they rock and scrape out
portions only. The consequence is that the old plates were extremely
rich — I cannot see my way to do that in processing.
Thus I do not like a hard equal tint in photogravure if it is to
render the best result. Katlier let one granulation cover another,
and one procedure be seen through another. I am very particular
about this, becau.se now we approach a very big subject — half-tone in
relief. Let one texture be seen through another texture. It is a
better thing than graduating the texture according to the colour.
That is very good, I will allow ; but every part of the plate should
have more than one texture upon it, and then you get transparency.
Then, I find the great difficulty in meeting art requirements lies in the
narrowness of the photographic scale as compared with that of the
painter. Our modern dry plates certainly, when well handled, give
a nice range of tone, but the negative is not the end of the work, and
in all the physical wor/c which follows I have found the scale much
cramped at both ends. I have to make my lights and also my darks
to a large extent artificially. We cannot help it. Bichromate, to
satisfy an artist, ought to bite into the blacks deeper and deeper as it
goes, but it does not— it stops. Where the gradation of light is in a
steady ratio, the gradation of printing starts with a fair effort, and.
then it gradually gets more flat ; and where we want the tones to
grow and grow they do not grow, the reason being generally that it
is full of pigment. It is only when there is no pigment in it that
you get a re^y good scale. I steadily refuse to see in work turned,
straight off at one operation any good result if from a full-toned subject.
A. Dawson.
{To be concluded.)
Aujrnft 1-2. isaa:
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
525
RAVMEXrs IMPROVED CAMERA.
Is the evlj put of the year this instrument came under our notice for
review, when we had to record sereral very important improvementa
which had than been applied to it. Now a still more elaborately perfect
injlrusiest U presented to our attention. Throngboat the camera and
dark ilita are boond with aluminium.
A Tttkt-hBai ihntter is now eneloaed within the very thin front or lens
board of the camera. The lens projects inwards towards the focussing
-orcen — both the shatter and lena are entirely hidden from view, and
neither reqairea to be altered when the camera is set np for exposures, as
the same qaoe and portion ia oeei^iad by them whether the instrument
be opened or eloaed — thereby aaving eontiderable time over the old mode
where the tedioos neeesdty m§ta tat the lens to be first screwed to the
front of the eameta, and then the thaUm to be eonnacted with the lens.
The " Optfanns " lens flange is now anpleyed, w that, should a number
of lenses be carried, one can be instantaneomly substituted for another.
A farther handy arrangement now exists which, when short-fooos lenses
are used, enables the operator to tuk ths tetseeopie portion of the base-
board baelrwaids towards the f ooosnag serssn. The sereen being made
to slid* towaids the troot or lens boaid aoakas it eoaTanient for lenses of
the ahortest-known foens to be nscd.
CoupUag these eoaranisoess with those already enumerated in onr
sftrtier notiee, we have do hesitotioB in lanking this as one of the mo«t
eoBH— hensire and perfect cameras which have jst eoma imder oar
obssrrstion, while the superiority of workmanship and general taste dis-
played in the get-up of the whole appaiatos are probably nnsnipasaed.
iHrettnsj} of IboctettejB.
MBKTINOS or 80CIITII8 FOB HKXT WKBK.
OAL raOTOGRAPHIC ASBOCUTIOJ*.
m the chair.
Ttts (oUttKUig butlMBM w«« Jiiitil iisibsn of the Aaodatioo. Ut
:. Blaek/X. A. LifalsiK, J. T. Skew, J. Ooaidla, sad W. D. Wetfijrd.
It wni dscidsd to ssespl ths fanttsttea «r ttienMlaflBpUe Soeitty of Oi«U
imiri« to^eaaWhrts a sodsetlea af Intw* sUda lar displqr daiiag the
'>aaos read ti» *|V<tt af tiM lass<rtlw'«^ jiliptii (llwiiKand
() to the UfabwjA MssliH ef the rhatar^M* OMveatiaa
iflea (sss|k.Siq. A nla of thsaks was psssad to ths
^ RTKanvaa Wrboct a Snmto.
.-*«• a Wtf dtaesanM oa this sa^fsst, roaaridag that,
"*•• the Best tmmUt tCKta, on aceoaat ofth*
' dUarrat AssUoa*, whidi btoagbt oat the
' wltboat a slodio eewd be sMMle to spprozi-
-noa lo he BkatOBaabsd wen piswd on
• M«ht fai iM dlWlfliM, bM get a Hat
'•newsak. the tap Hght pndaaiaatiBg,
n (hat of H. the koas* weald kssp
the ten Ugbt woold be smiivs.
.-ingtbc dttar nssr ths hMML ths
>!' > w>ll St the side woaMiUtt
' ("'rtrAitit iM!an-e]r (]i«ti]ml«lulila
work .
■a day* wh,
~ * •ererai vzampie*.
tiu ths
An nxsniJ pnrtrmitJi inaoom, iigntinK Dj rr-
of wfaMMwa. Rsabtaadt rflbets eooM be ob-
r a window, smI U^tfaw the disdow side by
The Rflcctor, howersr, sboold not be ptseed
the manner suggested by Mr. Debenham, and it had been imiiossible to tell
whether they were stuillo pictures or not,
Mr. Deb£nii,im remarked that portraiture out of doors was practised before
studio portraiture.
Mr. Bkckktt said out-of-door portraiture was easier for amateurs than
studio work.
Mr. OKBmHAM said the side rellections shoold not be carried too far l>ack.
In regard to the use of magnesium and daylight, he thought the flash would
cause a second high light in the eye. fie did not think a silvered mirror as
good as a sheet, as the latter had a larger surface.
Mr. J. S. TXAFE had used a small Sash on the dark side, and found it a
great improvement He had not found the two lights in the eyes. The
ilaylight overpowered the small flash.
After a vote of thanks to Mr. Debenham, the meeting adjourned.
North Middlesex Photographic Society.— August 8, the President, Mr.
J. ^: **"'^^'} "' *^ chair.— Thirty members were present, and four new
memboi were elected The Secretary was called upon to open a discussion
upon the various methods of obtaining harmonious prints from harsh nwitives.
During the evening Hessn. llther. Cherry. Cox, Forbes, GUI, and the Chair-
man spoke on the sobjeot The method of harmonising harsh negatives by
rehalo^nisation and redevelopment was chiefly dealt with, and prints from
negatives before and altar treatment by this method were shown, and a
demonstration of the process was given. Prints from negatives taken at the
oubngs to West Drayton and Boxmoor were entered for competition. The
TOto of merit was accorded to Mr. Wall for West Drayton, and to Mr. Cherr\- for
Boxmoor. A vote of thanks to the chairman conrlu<le<I the business. The
next meeting wiU be held on August iind, when Mr. Wall will take the cliair,
and Mr. Debenham will address the Society upon "Carbon Transparencies."
VisttOTB weloomc.
BaddMj Fhotographlc Society.- August 2, Mr. W. P. Dando in the
chair.— Members' work was shown by Messrs. Cajiel, Nunn, & Uej-nolds. Mr.
Dando showed a series of views taken whilst with the Convention. Question
asked : Why does the P. O. P. print sometimes purple and sometimes red ;
and which gives the »)est toning 1 Keply ; when IVesh, it gives the purple tint
With absoiption of moisture the paper prints the red tone, which is preferable,
a.« it tones to a richer shade. On Bank Holiday the Society had a whola.day
eicunion to Dorking and Gomshall.
and wmaadan Photographic loeletiy.— Augost 7.— Mr. Clapton
pve a lecture upon thesnbject of l.ns,,. The Secretary, Mr. Woodbury, of 23
PairUgbt-avenae, Harlesden, is particularly dasirous tliat the existence of this
Sodsty be made known to the numerous amateur photographers residing in
this and neigbbaarfaig districts, and will be happy to give all information to
those likely to join.
'■i^m raitiatts net of doer* of tb« Khedive of ^pt. in
London Photographic Society.- August 4, the President, Mr. F.
W. EdwanU, m the eliair.- The evening was devoted to the explanation and
demonstntion of various " printing processes." Mr. 0. H. Moss described at
length the method of preparing and eoatiag of paper by the collodio-chloride
printiog'OUl proeaaB,_aBd showed specioMns of work on paper of bis own
tmparation. The Fry MaDafscturing Company exhibited some piotoras
printed on their Soltyp* paper. Ths manipulation of this paper appeared to
be very simple, and the tones of the anished prints were much admired by the
mambtn pnssut The Honorary Secretary suggested, ss an aid to focussing,
the Sxhig of mlcTOMopIc oovsr glasses to the focussing screen with Canada
bahsm, whidi enabled a foeossing eyepiece to be used with great facility. It
was snnonnoed that the President offerBd a prize for the beat picture produced
— **~ miile nost pistes, a large number of which were diiitribute<l at the
g ; the nanlt to be judged on the 5th September, 1898.
Bath PhotoffntpUe Seeloty.— Jnlv 29, excursion to Cartle Combe and
district— The party, including several ladies, left the city by brake, and,
pinrasdlst throagh Box, Oonham, and Pickwick, reached Castle Combe
aboattwoarelDsk. Hsn thsy were received by Dr. Sudlow, who -Irove with
them ts OfiltlataB Hoosa^ soms two miles distant, the seat of Sir Algernon
Neeld, Bart. The honse is of very beautifol proiMrtions and design, with
richly onumental grounds. Having viewed tbeea outside attractions and
MMtotiraphed them, the doctor, armed with the necessary permission, con-
dDctsd ths Society through the two spacious picture mllerte. fiUed with verv
vahiabls patatiags and statuary. Retoming again to Castle Combe, and after
a brief rest, the doctor piloted the So<icty through Mr. Lownde's beautiful
park, where more photographs of the Manor Ilnune snd adjacent attractions
were obtained. At seven odock the party r. ' " ' the Dower House, Dr.
Swilew's rasHsnce, where taa was awaitin;.' two hours later the
departsre from this dslightfnl valley was tak' ^ the return journey a
hearty vote of thanks was passed to Dr. and Mro. SudJow for the arrangements
and tbeir hospitaUty. *
Phetographlal loelaty.— Aninst 2,«Dr. Baldwin (President)
in the chair.— Petition against proposeii rastricttons on photographers at the
World j pUcago Columbian Exposition, was agreed to. Hon. Sees, exhibited
*" ofciorain ■
--.^_ ^-, Unary silver prints, made twenty-eight years ago by a local
wotkec 'Althoogfa mounted, and no B]iecial pains had U-en taken with regard
to thSM, they had andergone very little, if anv, change. Prints on Kastman's
CSlaMnc^eldaiUe paper were also shown, and were very fnvoumbly criticised.
It was Sgieed that the third excursion of the sesson should take place on Saturday,
Angnat 13. The place chosen was the Rivelin Vallev, near Sheflield. Mr.
A. T. Cocking, mining surveyor, and one of the staff' of the Frith College,
SheiBeld, then gave an address on photographic chemistry, conflning his
atteatioa principally to change which salts of silver undergo in printing, and
aftrr-ptoceBiMB. Hii remarks were illustnte<i by several expenmeut". On
Fri<lay, the 5th inst, the council of the society made arrangements for the
anniiil meinlier*' competition. There will be live classes, viz.. A, six untonche<l
ni-sitivf-i. ; B. three uiitniiclied nrgttives and prints therefrom (ISM excursion
526
THE BKITISH JOURNAL, OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[August 12, 1892
work) ; C, four negatives and prints, open only to those who have not hitherto
gained an award ; D, six prints ; and B, six lantern slides. At an Art and
Industrial Exhibition, held in connexion with the Rotherham School of Science
and Art. on July 28, 29, 30, and August 1, several of the Society's members
sent specimens of work done. Certificates of merit were awarded to Mr.
Rtdtstraw and Mr. Hcmmingway.
RECENT PATENTS.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS.
No. 13,926.—" Improvements in Photographic Cameras, and in Films for use
therein." J. F. Parsons. — Dated, August 2, 1892.
No. 13,977.—" Improvements in or relating to Photographic Processes."
N. B. KtSEALT.— Dated Auyiai 2, 1892.
No. 14,108.—" An Improvement relating to Photographic Cameras." J. T.
Gra\.— Dated Atigust 4, 1892.
SPECIFICATION PUBLISHED.
1886.
No. 12,972.—" Holders for Photographic Films.'
BOULT.
Communicated by Eastman.
PATENT COMPLETED.
Improvements in Photographic Dark Slides.
No. 3698. WiLUAM MiDDLEMiss, Alice-street, Bradford.— J'u/y 9, 1892.
Mt invention relates more especially to solid slides, and is intended to take
the place of the small buttons or other fasteners usually used to keep the
sensitive plates in position. At one end of the slide, on one or both sides, I
fix a plate of brass or other metal. This plate is pivoted at o»e end, and the
other end is made to move about a quarter of an inch. When it is required to
fill the slide with the sensitive plates, this brass plate is moved back, and the
plates dropped in ; then the brass plate (having a spring behind it) moves for-
ward, and projects slightly over the sensitive plate, and keeps it in its place.
One end of this plate is made to project through the side of the sUde, so that
it may easily be moved from the outside.
OETHOCHEOMATIC PHOTOGRAPHY.
To the Editor.
Sir, — Returning from travelling, I find Mr. Edwards's letter in your
issue of July 15. If Mr. Edwards is still of opinion that he succ- ssfuUij
opposed my patent, I must leave him to the enjoyment of that view, in
face of the facts put before him and your readers by Messrs. Allison.
I can duly appreciate counsels' opinion, but, as pointed out before, it
rests on " the evidence adduced," and, that evidence being biassed before-
hand, such " opinion " must necessarily be one-sided.
Let us, on the other hand, bring it against the uncontestable facts of
scientific evidence, such as we have in this case — evidence attested bv
the highest authorities in such matters, and based upon facts known, and
about which there can be little doubt of its correctness.
Such evidence, both Enghsh and Continental, we have, showing that,
for instance, eoside of silver does not form when eosine is introduced with
" ammonia as a vehicle " into the emulsion. Hence we have a right to
conclude, with Dr. Acworth and others, that it is Mr. Edwards who uses
Dr. Vogel's process, and not Dr. Vogel who infringes on the Tailfer
patent.
I have snfiiciently dealt with the question of keeping qualities, and if
plates by my process do not keep, why should Mr. Edwards go out of his
way to use it, as he evidently does. Have his plates never gone wrong ?
We know for a fact that they have. — I am, yours, &c.,
Berlin, August 3, 1892. Dr. H. W. Vogel.
^
THE NEW EASTMAN GELATINO-CHLORIDE PAPER.
To the EDrroB.
Sir, — I am a busy photographer, and am seriously inconvenienced by
the slowness of the printing paper I have hitherto used. In my despair
I turned to Eastman's gelatino-chloride, as it certainly seemed to have
some advantages over the best albumenised paper, but I am rather dis-
appointed with it. It certainly prints quickly, but, as far as I have gone,
the advantages seem, in my hands, to end there. The prints tone
unevenly, while the film is so delicate in manipulation that, if you mount
the prints in the usual way, they stick together, and it is impossible to
get them apart ; as for burnishing after you have mounted them separately
(a great waste of time), your work is all undone. Are there no means of
easily working this paper, in order to get good and uniform results ? —
I am, yours, &c., C. D. V.
London, S.W., August 8, 1892.
[In our experience of the new Eastman paper, we have not met
with the difficulties detailed by our correspondent ; but having placed
his communication before a professional photographer who, we are
aware, is extensively and successfully working the new paper, we have
received the following reply, which may assist " C. D. V." and
others. — Ed. ]
" The great advantage of the chloride paper is, first, its quick printing
qualities ; second, the brilliant results obtained, the delicacy of tone, and
fineness of definition, and, above all, permanency of image. Then there'
is the saving of time in manipulation ; there is no need to wash before
toning ; the paper, not being soaked, does not take up so much hypo, and
therefore the final washing is curtailed ; and I have found that washing
all night in running water, so long as alum has been used, does not soften
the film nor make the paper pulpy.
" With Eastman's gelatino-chloride paper I find that I can get every
shade of tone, from a brick red, through chocolate brown, purple, to
almost black and white. It all depends on the length of time the
prints are allowed to remain in the bath. A brilliant glad or a matt
surface can be obtained with the same paper.
" In the first place, the prints are squeegeed on to a ferrotype plate,
which has been previously polished with a solution of three drachms of
spermaceti wax dissolved in twenty ounces of benzine. This should be
rubbed in, and then polished off with a dry duster. For matt surface I
treat fine ground glass in the same way, and allow the prints to dry. I
do not use talc or powdered French chsilk, as it sometimes refuses to act.
When mounting the highly glazed surface or the matt surface, I find it is
best to use fine Scotch glue of a thin consistency. This, however, to the
busy photographer would be a tedious process ; but.if the following hints
are acted on, there is no reason why any one should go back to albnmeD
paper when chloride has the above advantages.
" Toning. — I do not insist that only one bath should be used ; but photo-
graphers must please to remember that, whatever formula they make up,
potash alum most be used. The neglect of this will throw all their care-
ful work out, and failures will be the result. It is, however, only fair to
say that, if a paper or a plate is to be given a proper and just trial, the
formula issued by the makers should be used. Therefore I strongly
recommend the following, which I have tried successfully : —
No. 1.
Hyposulphite of^soda 20 onnces.
Alum potash...." 5 „
Potassium sulphate 2 ,,
Sodium sulphate (Glauber salts) 10 „
Water (distilled) 160 „
" First dissolve the hypo and alum in the water, then add the potassium
sulphate and sodium sulphate. Allow to stand for two or three hours
before using.
No. 2.
Gold chloride 15 grains.
Acetate of lead (sugar of lead) 64 ,,
Water (distilled) 8 onnces.
" For use : No. 1, 8 ounces ;lNo. 2, 1 ounce. Shake No. 2 well, and add
to No. I.
" Washing. — I omit the washing before toning, and find that two hours
is sufficient afterwards.
" Drying and Mounting. — I proceed as indicated formerly, or lay prints
face to back and drain the water out. This is where the non-use of alum
will frustrate one's efforts. It is possible, however, to mount the prints
damp, and for a mountant I use Field & Tuer's Stickphast. Sub down
with a fluffless, chemically pure paper, or a soft sponge. I do not use a
highly glazed paper or blotting paper to a gelatino-chloride print. The
prints may be allowed to dry naturally, and mounted in the usual way.
"Burnishing. — -The prints must not be burnished (hot burnisher) until
they are thoroughly dry, and should be passed through straight and
quickly, and not corner-way nor slowly. It is not necessary to have the
burnisher quite so hot as formerly used for albumen. Gelatino-chloride
prints do not require lubricating.
"A few general observations may here be made. The prints do not go
back much in the toning, so time is saved because they need not be
printed so deep as for albumen.
" The combined toning and fixing bath has been attacked, and the
chemical question can be left for chemists to fight out. All I know is, that
the results are perfect in practice, whatever the theory may be. It is,
however, quite competent for your correspondent to be assured that the
prints are absolutely fixed after two minutes' immersion in the bath.
With Eastman's paper I find that blisters are unknown. It has been a
generally expressed opinion that gelatino-chloride paper is the paper of
the future, but so many hang back because they fancy it is not so easy to
use, and will require a change in the routine of work."
A NEW DEVELOPER.
To the Editor.
Sir, — I have been told by a friend lately returned from Germany, that
a new reducing agent has been discovered by a foreign chemist, which
Augtud 1* 1802]
THJS BRITISH JOORNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
527
will develop pUte* witboot the n««d of an alkaline accelerator beini;
empioTcd. Ai saeh a deraloper would be a boon to amatear*. may I
aak joa to be kind eooogh to tell me where it can be obteined, also price,
Ac, and mnob oblige ? — I am, yoon, <jtc., Detzlopist.
Auf^t 9, 1893.
(We are unable to g\re the particulars asked for in thn last
aeatence of our correspondent's letter, but if he will turn to another
part of the JoimNAi. (p. 517), he will find that his information as to
the new dereloper is correct. — Ed.]
THE DECAT OF PROFESSIONAL PHOTOOBAPHY.
To the EprroB.
Sim,— I read your editorial in last week's Jotraxu. on the above with
dismay, and surprise that yoor Jocasu., mnning oatensibly in support of
photosi^ihy as a trade ioomal, sboold go oat of its way to run a tilt at
lU ebial snpporteia, and slate the profsiwion generally. This is, to say
tlM iMit «t it, ■• bad fonn," and is not CMily nnderstood. Yoor remarks
abont the eaosee eommonly assigned far depzession in boaiiMss being
bad trade, severe eot^tition, Ac, are not wise. These are usually the
eanae o( any depresaion. Photography being practically a luxury, is bound
to suffer more or leas in a time of dspteeiinn. as the neeeaaaries of life
make lint and dten last demands opoB the poise when money is tight,
thantoce pbotogiapby has to stand aisida and wait the advent of a more
ptoepeiwie aiesnii The remarks aboat the ooea-deepiaed bat not potent
amalenr sm, lo my thinking, (at-tetebed. In what u the aoateoi all-
potentT la plate spoiling, I afaoald mj, and hcinging them to the
photagiaptMr with elaborate suggeatiamas to how Otn sboald be printed.
uda nflMB yean of age, clerks in baaka. and othen having leisore time,
and dated with having sacored sosne sort of an image on a plate,
imwsdiatety bacia to iaatniot the yiulseai 1, thus proving that " a
littta lBMnM(i ia a daagarooa thiaf.'* Tour leaiarks abont a boy fifteen
or aixte^ yean of age leainlng tbaboiaeaaia a year are moat abeard.
Then, what have the twenty-five yean' worken beni doing, eepeaially
as they are stQI laamiag? They oinst ailbar be complete diiflen, or else
yoor remarks won't bold water.
Too s^. What ia to be learnt ia the ttadio beaide lighting, posing,
ezpoaore. and develepment T I reply. MotUag mon then these tour ;
hot they take laarwing. and bcya of fifttM 4tm1 kaow tbem, Mr. Editor.
Tbea yoa go on to aur that all. or niariy all. the work is ** pat oat "—
pfiatinc. tatonchtan, cnlHiiBg, and cmb taking the aegativa. This is
not the caae with amalf. Mid I eaa hardly Otiak lbs pietan trne of the
aa a whole: I have bad iwaab-five jeara' practioe, and been
leiaala
aU tbioagh the wet-nlata p>eaaas, beias b lad swfaig with that before
dry plat« wan bntigiit fai eoauMreiaUy at all. I spsak diaintarestedly
on thla aaMv of MNBtiota, act faaviag aa appteatice in the ph^e at
all, all my aaMaali Mn( paid woikan ai eamnt ratea aad have beea
with me soom jraan; atiU. I tbiak I ahoaU be a fit and proper peiaaa to
teach aa appnatiea bia bnainaaa. if I bad cae. Whv aboold a photo-
graph* BOt be a fit parsoB to teaeb a lad his boaneas? Too pat
than down aa a lot of (ootpadal oader-tbe-waather sett of ehap«!
aeekiag wfaom aad what Ibcy maf danwr ia the shape of apprantiosa
and ptemiana. aad thea, baviag iiiiuid them, not able or wUliag to
■<!aab aavthlag ia ratom t I deaH lUak this ia a troe aaliaMla d the
rsatbo^of phdognpbm. aad I ri|iiiilili tbia view of than oa their
'«balf. Tbea yoa Hj that, fartoaalsly, Iba (oton of pbotognpby doea
lot depeod oa the ptnlaaaloBal. Who does it depend oa, then, may I
.'k? They an the ppatiaal expoeeate of the art, aad the moat in-
'Ipeopleiait Doea it dapmd oa cbeeeesnoagers, or the all-potent
.r? 8peakiag far nnaelf. I kaow I have laboarsd coaaeientionsly
"--•-[y to master abotoffaphy in ite varioos braadtea, and. when
with it. ahaO have U batter llMa I fooad ik If aU of na
get a Uvia«, boi oat o( a sheer love for the art seianee we
ave taken op. I say that is jaat what the faton of photography doe*
l«pend on— the art, edneation. ability, and aolboaiaBlie aodaavoar of ita
profeeaon and workers. — I aa, yoon, Ac.
ia^iuf m. lH9t. A PaorasaioirAL PaoTooamKa.
[We coofratalate our ooireapoodeat upon bis aoB-ioereeaaiy devo-
loa to photomphy, a sentiment which, were it mora gaaeral, woold
tiare obviated tbe pubKcation of the article that haa ao unaccountably
-itimd " A Piofeaaional Photogranher's " ire. The object of that
article was, a^tadaed, oor object alwaya is, to point out opportunitiea
1"T oor iiiiJMiiiMl Mends to promote their own advancement.
I'
■ •«se*p!
L^aia*
r
{flrariably ao well op in their art as " \ Profesaional
r" elaima to be, and just as competent to teach it to
Ami (tadenta aa he also wiahea oa to infer be ia, we
° tiaea, not have bad anch innumerable pleaa for the
!"rtinjcal institntea, and it would not have beat our
.w attention to the frequent diaqualificatioiia of
i'-n and instructors. Of course, there ateoMUiy
• ruie ; whila there is oaa important qualification for
in which we are i>app7 to find photocraphers (with
'"Woaal Fnotiwrapher ") seldom deficient,
politf-nw.— F.D^
EIKONOGEK FOB BBOJUDE PAPER
To the Editor.
Sib, — In using eikonogen for bromide paper, I find that I can seldom
get the shadows other than of a blackish-brown colour, which (jives an
appearance of rustiness to the print. The formula I use is as follows : —
Eikonogen 4 grains J
Soda sulphite 20 „ ftoeaoh ounce
Potassium bromide 1 grain i of water.
Soda carbonate 10 grains )
I notice that at a meeting of the Photographic Society, Mr. Clifton
spoke very highly of an eikonogen formula by Mr. Cowan, with lithium
carbonate. Would either of those gentlemen kindly give your readers the
benefit of the formula, and say what advantage the lithium has over the
other carbonates ? — I am, yours, i<t;o., G. d. Dbdce.
West Keniington, Augutt 5, 1893.
LOSS OF DENSITY IN FIXING.
To the Editob.
Sib, — Mr. Benham and Mr. Albert Levy disagree with yon in your
proposition that a negative appears rather denser when wet than when
dry. I was always nnder the impression that such was really the case, so
that yoor correspondents' denial took me by surprise. Upon putting the
matter to the test, in the only practicable way. that is by comparing the
portion of a negative still wet with one that had dried, my impression
and yoor statement wen decidedly and unmistakably confirmed.
Perhapa my eyas an different in power to those o( Mr. Benham and
Mr. Levy ; bat, singular to relate, my wife and several friends (among
them two amateur photographers) agreed with me on inspection that the
wet parte of the negative wen denser than the dry. Will Messrs.
Benham and iMvy obUge me by casting theoiy to the winds, and putting
my experiment to the proof?—! am, yonrs, Ac, A. C. Maxxebs.
LcmdOH, Auffutt 8, 1893.
"CUTTING THE SHADOWS."
To the EnrroB.
Sib,— My attention has been called to a paragraph in your report of the
proeeedinga of the London and Provincial Association dealing with the
queation, " What is the meaning of ' cutting the shadows ' in a plate? "
The paragraph I partiealar^ refer to is as follows :— " It appeared that
the qoaetion refarred to an editorial notice of the * Bamet ' plates by a
contemporary, in the coorae of which pyro $oda was said to ■ cut the
shadows.' "
Now, Sir, what your contemporary stated was, that I had said that
pyro and ammonia cut the shadows (your raport says pyro and soda) ; but,
nnfortonately, neither of yoo are correct What I actually said was, that
any good formnla worked weU with the " Bamet" plates, but I did not
like sodiam sulphite in cooibination with pyro and aAmonia, as it tended
to out out the shadows (U., leave tbem too bare). The " it " referred to
waa snlpbite of aoda (which voor contemporary omitted), as in my ex-
perience a good, eleaa emulMon, anch as the Bamet plate, does not re-
quin the awlttnr— of snlphite of soda to dear the shadows (although it
may be aeeeaaary with aome makes of plates), and such a developer
taods, with tbeae platea, to leave the shadows too bare, or, in other words,
euta oat the ddicate detail in the shadows. Apologising for trespassing
CB your space,— I am, yoon, Ac. Uibt Acbes.
Clocetly Cottage, Barnet, S., Augutt 9, 1893.
£ici)ange Column.
•.* No tkargt if mods for inmtimg Maehemfm ^ Aprnmatiu *» (Ait oolumn ;
AutaeiM wiUtsiitMr<«i«ail*SBM«ar(id<«saii<«dif<MiM(«iy«(atai. Tkote
»l,iipiat/^tMrnfmirtwtmUai"am^imgiu^UftMlhtrtfoniiini»r$tand
M«raaa)aV<*«H'i
Wurt^ r>od labfaMt poctnUt Isas ia •aehaom tor wfaoU-plau portrait leaa.—
Aililim, A. WiLXivtos, Pbolaeraph«r, Bnubcd Road. Dembary.
Wut«l thrM-inob oompooad tilde rut (or Uinwuter't Bfty •hilUnK qnarter-pUta
euMik^ Uathar ous.— Addraw. " MiusBLt," <l, Ntwiiiu.<trMt, W.
' trinok for batttij of qnartn-pUU! ImMS. haU-pUto Ut. or Aptu
SMn.— Addrws. W. P. Wihhah, PaiiuwiDlt, OlouoartanUn.
Win ssn^njs Marlea't EtHmetut Btok (b.) and IV* Vannal for tba Jndi'ptnuM*
BtnMttktftkt O/Uml JUatna.— Addmi. I<8aaA». Photi>rnp>>«>'> ^o^-
U X 10 rfMl* ■•■■, t7 Boh, elghtoa-laeh loou i uotuuin for toar-lnoh portable tfrn-
msSrisaror DUtanerer'a tow-lnoh wIdMuicU rMtUinwr.— AddrMi, T. Haddock,
Z7, fkainl itrttl. utigh, Lanouhin.
Will iiiilMim Tas Barnsa Jocuil or FBOTOosiniT 188« to 1891. ICluinr
Doabcn sr* thr** anabus In Jaaiur/, ous in April, ihrM in May for 1886, month
o( rcbramry ia U87, two anmbsn in DwMmber, 1801. Exchange tor material! tor
oarboa pcooaat.— AddraM. W. C. Bax, Mordaa-itnet, Bochaster, Kent.
Xiebaam »\*»i Kfotn bellowi ftadio caaMra. tonr (iagle ilidas and oarrian, abo
hal/.pUU I«aoB«Ur'i lB«taato(rapb, three Tjlar*! metal doable elide*, and
I^araatar'! wide-aaale laadeeapa leni, tor good whole-plate modern camora and
thrM or four duuble Ijaokt.— Addreu, J. T. PiciLia. Boyd Worka, Hebdca
6S8
THE BRITISH JODRNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[August 12, 1892
flns(Don;0 to (ETottesponDente.
All vuUiert for the text portion of this Journal, including qwmtt for
"Aisnoera" and "Exchanges" mutt be addressed to "Thb Editor,
2, TorlMtreet, Covent Garden, London. Inattention to this ensures delay.
No notice taken of communications unless name and address of virxter are
gintn.
•,* Commmtieationi relating to Advertisements and general business affairs
must be addressed to "Hknrt Gbkknwood & Co.," 2, York-street, Covent
Oarden, London.
PHOTOORAPHS RKaiSTKRKD :
Egmont Anjrurtna IjBlierwood, Norwich.— PdotogrnyJi of lYedericfc WtlliamB, Jate
raiUcay guard.
William Hairiitoti, Leeds.— Photographs of the Hunalel Footboll Club, and of the
jrotloirinj immbers: A. GoldfhoTM; W. Oolthorpe.J. Bathmell, and A. QMOmye,
in a grouy.
T)R. L. GlOPPi (Milan). — The book has not reached us.
A. J.— Spot the prints in just the same way as you would if they were on
albumenised paper.
A. James.— Probably your celluloid films "buckled" in the carriers, hence
the inequality of the definition.
R. Nichols. — If the photographs are copyrighted, you can proceed for the re-
covery of penalties for the infringement.
E. Martin. — We should recommend you to apply to a picture dealer. The
photograph is, we should say, an excellent one.
E. LiESEOANO (Diisseldorf).— Xylonite suitable for the purpose may be obtained
of the British Xylonite Company, Homerton, London, E.
E. B. — Possibly the granularity would not appear with pyro soda. We have
never experienced the trouble complained of with the plates you name.
"H. Wn-Kixs.— If lightness is such a great desideratum, why not have the stand
made of bamboo ? It is very rigid, and much lighter than either oak or ash.
W. A.— Quite right. Hydrofluoric acid cannot be kept in glass or porcelain
vessels. For its storage, bottles of lead or gutta percha have to be em-
ployed.
D. J. W.— Pine will do quite well for an enlarging camera, but it will not
prove so durable as one made of mahogany, particularly if it be subjected to
rough usage.
A. Nichols. — Brilliant prints twenty years old, and still showing no signs of
fading, are by no means " great curiosities." There are many nearly double
that age which show little or no change.
GEL.-CHLOE. — You may be able to derive some assistance in your difficulties
with the new gelatino-chloride paper by perusing the letters on the subject
which appear in our correspondence colunms this week.
M. D. (Birmingham). — If the dealer puts his name on an apparatus of foreign
make, without an intimation that it was made abroad, so as to represent it
being of his own manufacture, he certainly infringes the Trade Marks Act.
S. Dawson. — About the best material for rendering paper photographs trans-
parent, for colouring from the back, is paraffin. It is not so liable to
discolour as varnish or resins. Beeswax is also gootl, but not so good as
the paraffin.
'C. W. — Orthochromatic plates ought to be better for photographing flowers
than others not so treated. The greater part of the flower studies of Mr.
H. Stevens were t.aken on ordinary plates. All Mr. and Mrs. Payne's were
by the wet-collodion process.
T. Elliot. — 1. Wliat is known as "four-pound" lead will be quite thick
enough to line a small water-cistern with. 2. Xylonite dishes should not be
used for spirit, as that is a solvent of the material. .$. Probably only a
rumour that has no foundation in fact.
"Bowman says : " Will you give me a hint as to the use of mercuric chloride to
obtain warm tones on bromide paper, or refer me to any source of informa-
tion on the subject?" — See an article by Mr. Thomas Bedding on page .')49
of the volume of the Journal for last year.
SiLENDO. — The picture was produced by an adaptation of the carbon process
called chromotype, full particulars of which you will find in Hardwich &
Taylor's P/wtoi/mphic (.'/temistr;/. The process is practically obsolete,
although at one time it was extensively worked.
Leeds.— The rain water caught from house pipes in lai^e towns is usually far
more impure than the ordinary tap supply. It certainly should not be used
for any pnrpose for which distilled water is necessary. We believe you may
attribute much of the trouble to the water employed in compounding the
solutions.
Arc says he has a single landscape lens of twenty-five inches focus, and four
and a half inches in diameter. The smallest stop is about three-quarters of an
inch. He asks what size picture this ought to take. — With that size stop
the lens, if a good one, should cover well an 18 x l!> plate, or, perhaps, one a
little larger.
"W. Mats. — The converging perpendiculars are not due to any fault of the lens,
but are caused by the camera being tilted and the swing back not being
brought into use, or not sufficiently so. That form of lens will give perfectly
straight lines when used in its entirety, but not, of course, when its com-
ponents are employed as single lenses.
A.— If a photographer, or any one else, uses the Itoyal Arms, and styles him-
self " By appointment to Her Majesty," unless he holds the royal warrant,
he renders himself liable to a heavy penalty. The mere fact that he has
taken the Queen's portrait, when attending a ceremony with a number of
other persons, does not entitle him to use the terms quoted.
A. McAndrew a.sks if indianibber paper is now used for double transfer
carbon printing, as on making inquiry he is told that its iise has been dis-
continued for many years. That is .so in this country, but we believe it is
still use<l at some places on the Continent. In England the method with
rublx^red paper has been quite superseded by the " He.\ible support."
LiTHO.— It may be relied upon that the want of density in the negative is not
due to the collodion. The brand mentioned is one of the best for the
purpose. In all probability the bath is not in good condition, or the
development is not carried far enough in the first instance. If there is not
a good body of silver in the image to begin with, it will be impossible to get
an intense negative.
W. Gobs a.sks, if a silver print be fully coloured in water colour, and the silver
image after a time fades, the picture will be deteriorated — that is, will the
fading show through the colour ? — Yes, the fading will show : indeed, the
picture would be spoilt. Tlie fading mil even show through oil colour. If
the pictures are to be expensively finished, they ought to be printed either
in carbon or platinum.
Q. E. M. S, — If the apparatus has been kept long enough in the damp to cause
the glue to exiide from the joints of the camera and dark slides, it will, we
fear, be a job for a camera-maker. Tlie best treatment we can suggest is to
put the apparatus into a dry room, fully exposed to the atmosphere, so that
it may dry slowly. In no case should it be subjected to heat, which would
certainly cause the wood to w.arp.
R. CooKSON. — Yours is not an exceptional exiierience. When sliellac is dis-
solved in spirit, it does not form a clear solution, but a muddy one, as
described. If, however, the solution be allowed to stand undisturbed for a
week or two, the thick portion will subside, when the clear may be decanted.
Keeping it in a warm place will materially hasten the subsidence. It may
be still further hastened by heating the solution.
E. R. C. asks how those elaborate gilt picture-frames which are frequently
sold for gold ones are made. We believe they are moulded in the same
manner as the gold ones, but, instead of being gilded with gold-leaf, Dutch
metal is employed. They are then varnished with a colourless varnish. The
cheaper kind of German bead is first coated with silver-leaf, and then
lacquered. Both these frames discolour rapidly when the varnish perishes.
Some, however, wear well for some few years.
R. Fortune asks : "1. What is the sensitometer speed of the ' Excelsior ' and
' Nameless ' plates ? 2. Where can I obtain half and whole-plates to work from
the one-hundredth of a second up to the two-hundredth with the ' Newman '
shutter ; if possible, give sensitometer number and price. 3. What is the
price of oxgall, which is mixed with alcohol and used for enamelling ? I do
not see it in any of the catalogues I have at hand. 4. In the Year-book
there is a formula for delicate transparencies — pyro, citric acid, and w.ater.
Is this for chloride or bromide, and have you to add any other chemicals f —
1. The plates are unknown to us. 2. Most, if not all, rapid i>lates would
work at those speeds under favourable circumstances. 3. Any artists'
colourman's catalogue contains the information. 4. Pyro, citric acid, and
water will require the addition of an alkali for either chloride or bromide
plates.
Photographic Club. — August 17, Photographiiir/ Interiors. 24. Kallitype.
Saturday Outing, August 13, Waterlow Park. Meet at principal entrance at
half-past two.
The success which .ittended the lectures in connexion with the last Photo-
graphic Exhibition has decided the council of the Fine Arts Institute, Glasgow
(where the exhibition was held) to give nightly, during September and the first
week of October, a series of lectures illustrated by lime-light views. Arrangements
have already been entered into with several popular lecturers, including
Professor Young, Messrs. A. Rennie, G. G. Napier, G. Thompson, F. Clibbom,
G. Patin, G. Mason, T. N. Armstrong, Rev. 'Thomas Somen'ille and others,
and, probably, Mr. A. Pringle. Mr. Armstrong is assisting the Secretary
of the Institute in arranging the scheme.
THE CONVENTION GROUP.
With this week's Journal we give a collotype reproduction, by Messrs. Thevoz
<t Co., of Geneva, of the group of members of the Photographic Convention, of
the United Kingdom, assembled at Edinburgh, Jidy 11-16 last. The negative
was taken by Mr. Alexander Ayton,jun., of Edinburgh, and, as our readers
7nay judge by the reduced print, is a very fine one.
Owing to the difficulty of identifying the large number of persons in the
group, and in order to make it as complete as possible, we are obliged to defer
the presentation of the Key until next week.
CONTENTS,
EQUAUSINO THE ILLUMINATION OF
negatives 518
THE FEKKOtlS OXALATE DEVELOPER 51»
PHOTOGKAVUUE 515
AMIDOL— A NEW DEVELOPER 617
CONVENTION JOTTINOS— III 517
REPORT OF THE DELE<iATES OF
THE LONDON AND I'HOVINCIAL
PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION TO
THE EDl.MJUBOH CONVENTION OF
18!<3. By U, P. DRAGE ASU J. WEIR
BUOWN 618
JOTTINGS. By C09U0S 51tf
the INACCURACY OF DESCRIPTION
OK PHOTOallAPHIC OBJECTIVES BY
MANCFACTI.l'.EKS ASH EDITORS.
Bv PKOF. W. K. Bt'BTON 5K)
ADVANCED PHnTOGKAPHIC WORK
FOR AMATEURS. —VI. By T. N.
ARMSTRONG 6>l
MARINE PHlirOGRAPHY !/ti
PHOT(>rtH\Vl"RE. Bv A. DAWSON .... 648
BAVMENTS IMI'ltDVED CAMERA 5M
MKETING8 OK nouiEIlKS 6SS
RECENT PATENTS 6SII
CORltKSPONDKNCE 52«
EXCHANGR COLUMN 527
A.\Bwl!.tta i'U uutkiinSFUNLi^Ms '.t'if*
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
It
No. 1^85. Vol. XXXIX.— AUGUST 19, 1892.
PURCHASIXG OII^FREE METHYLATED SPIRIT.
TTe are now, by the kindneaof a provincial correspondent, able
1 put onr readen in poneanon of the routine to be obeerved
in obtaining the old kind of methylated spirit, that is to say,
without admixture with petroleum oil, in which way alone is it
now purchasable in small quantities. It may be well to re-
capitalate the ordinary conditions of storage and sale. To obtain
spirit of wine duty free, the Board of Inland Revenue permitted
its sale when its potable condition was destroyed by the ad-
mixtore of ten per cent, of impure wood naphtha. Retailers
could sell it without a licence if they added shellac or other
resin to it in a certain proportion, the resulting mixture being
known aa " finish." Last year, owing, it is stated, to these
coaditioos being insofBcient to prsrent iu V<eing used as a
bevenge^ it was fnrther decreed tbat a further addition of
mineral nai>htba must be made to the spirit before selling it
For varnishes any of then fonss of spirit are not unsuiUble,
it " finish " is inapplioable when my purpose involving the
addition of water ia intended. WliQe for all other ordinary
reqairamenta it has been oooaiderad tiiat the mineral oU would
render the spirit quite uselen, aa a matter of fact we have
received few conqtlaints aa to iD effects occurring in actual
raetiee; but, at the same time, there is no doubt that a
'roog denie to be able to procnre the old-fashioned sort exists
looog photograi^ien generally.
Onr correspondent's fiivt step was to send a meawnger to the
local Inland Revenoe Office to obtain the iiiiuiiassiji documents.
The measege was sent that it would be lietter to make a
• n application to that office. The letter waa written, and
^ or so afterwards the head of the office personally osDed
riter of the letter, and, in a most courteous manner,
.. J, considerable amonnt of information: How much
year was likely to be wanted ? what purposes it would be
nere it would be kept t was there any communication
-tablishment for the sale of spiriu \ was there a still
I and a variety of other iineries were put nnd
: a while no farther action was taken, hut a
ttle over a month from the date of the first letter an official
roounnnicatioo from Somerset House was received. It con-
veyed the Board's authority for onr correspondent to " receive
innoany twenty gallooa of onlinaij methylated spirit for use
n photogn^ihic porpoaes."
iThia letter was followed by another a few days afterwarda
from the local ofllee, conveying the same infbrmation. Shortly
after iU receipt another urbane official made a personal call,
iBd bmm^ fbr signature a printed form called an entry paper,
i doenaient to give the authorities power to enter the premises
it was stored. There had to be described the place of
residence, the " rooms, places, vessels, or utensils intended to
be used, the marks or munbers by which they ore distinguished,
and the purposes for which they are to be used." There waa
then handed to the would-be purchaser a book of blank forms
for Reqcisitioxs for Meth^tjited Spirit, and this book
" must be produced when required for the inspection of any
officer of Inland Revenue." It was further expressly pointed
out that, " before a requisition is separated from its counter-
foil, both must be properly filled up. Should a form be
accidentally spoiled, it must not be separated, but preserved
for the officer's inspection."
.\fter the first issuing of the decree about the new spirit, it
was aeoessary for the would-be purchaser of the old kind to find
a security to be Ijound in a penalty for the duo performance of
the conditions by the purchaser, but this is now unnecessary.
It will thus bo seen that, though there is a certain necessary
amount of red-tapism to be got through before the old kind of
spirit can be purchased, it is after all very simple, and where
five gallons of spirit can bo taken at once there can be no
doubt that the old form of spirit will be far preferable to the
new. It can be used for all purposes that the latter is avail-
able for, and for many that it is not.
We must, however, in conclusion, give a few needful warn-
ings. The purchaser, under such permissions as we have de-
scribed, must not on any account, if any business friend requires
any, sell any portion of his spirit. He must be careful not to
have a still without permission, and on no account to try ex-
periments in purifying the sinrit ; he must only store it in the
prescribed room or rooms ; and, above all, he must take care of
all the papers in connexion with its purchase and receipt
EXHIBITIONS— OLD AND NEW.
The tongue of rumour is busy with aa alleged scheme for the
promotion of a photographic exhibition to be held in London
next spring or summer, and designed, it is hinted, to open an
avyairfer the peculiar aspirations of those who fail to find
suiSeSeat scope for them at the "old-fashioned" exhibi-
tion of the Photographic Society of Great Britain. If rumour
speaks truly, and we have every reason in this case to believe
that she does, we shall hail the projected venture with great
pleasure, for the simple reason that, while photography itself
will not improbably derive some appreciable if indirect gain
therefix)m, the exhibition which it will be set to rival is not
in the least likely to sustain the smallest damage, but, on the
other hand, stands, to our thinking, every chance of surviving
530
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[August 19, 1892
tho rivalry, and of emerging from the friendly competition with
a public esteem and reputation highly enhanced and confirmed.
We shall not seek on this occasion to look below tho surface
for the primary reasons which are said to be at the foundation
of the new venture, since they are of far too personal and
particular a nature to admit of discussion in these columns,
but we shall risk tho assumption that the guiding spirits of the
affair are a nmnber of esteemed and undoubtedly clever photo-
graphers, who differ from the vast majority of their fellow-
artists in the focal treatment of their pictorial studies. We
are aware that among a limited section of the outside critical
public that treatment receives higher commendation than the
old-fashioned and conventional but thoroughly logical supe-
riority of definition, upon which, on the whole, photography
has thus far contrived to sustain a creditable existence ; but
as we have before pointed out, it is difiicult to estimate what
degree of favour the " out-of- focus " school of photogi-aphy will
attract from the intelligent general public, who have hitherto
derived their impressions and knowledge of the progressive
capabilities of photography from, among others, the annual
exhibitions of the Photographic Society of Great Britain. Con-
sidered from this point of view, the projected rival exhibition
will be a most interesting experiment, the result of which will
be highly instructive. If, however, the assumption upon which
we are basing these remarks is incorrect, the rauon-detre of the
scheme is difficult to discover.
In the art world, revolt against what is contemptuously but
unreflectively styled conventionality is constantly breaking out.
The Grosvenor Gallery was, if we remember aright, a species
of protest against the policy of the Eoyal Academy, which
displeased the rump of the pre-Raphaelite brotherhood and
some of its impressionistic imitators and hangers-on. But
the Grosvenor Gallery has had to close its doors, while the
" conventional " establishment in Piccadilly still lives, a
prosperous institution. We shall resist the temptation to
draw any analogy, merely relying upon^its obviousness to point a
moral for those to whom it is of more immediate concern
than ourselves.
Wc should be among the first to rejoice if the new exhi-
bition, should it ever take practical shape, were an artistic,
and — shall we add^ — financial, success. Most photographic
exhibitions suffer, we think, more or less from the facility
with which they create a sensation of monotony in the minds
of many who are not interested except as ordinary visitors.
Be the walls never so well covered with clever photographs,
among which are representative examples of the great variety
of modem printing processes, we ask why in most cases little,
or no attempt is made to widen the scope of the exhibition ?
Surely, for instance, touched and untouched negatives of the
prints on the walla would be instructive to many. Again, why
are opal pictures, enamels, pictures on silk and other fabrics,
and examples of the numerous decorative uses to which photo-
graphy may be placed, so frequently absent from exhibitions %
How few, as a rule, are the examples of photo-mechanical
work, and how is it that to-day, when photography is employed
by science to a hundred times the extent of a dozen years ago,
the examples of scientific photography generally shown are not
more numerous now than then %
It appears to us that any new exhibition which proposes to
depend for success merely upon a display of " wall " pictures,
does not stand the rosiest chance of securing a remunera-
tive share of public favour. Indeed, we may be permitted
to complain that several of the old exhibitions are too
prone to restrict their attractions to so few classes of
work. We do not suppose that any such suggestions as
these will be entertained by the promoters of the new ex-
hibition, as their adoption would, of course, frighten away the
critical gentlemen upon whose good opinions such high store is
placed ; but they are, we think, worthy of the attention of
the managers of those exhibitionsin London and elsewhere which
have, up to the present, not imsatisfactorily filled the oflSce of
showing the world what photography is and can do. In fine,
not enough encouragement is given by exhibition committees
to many branches of photography which are capable of supply-
ing most attractive and instructive exhibits.
THE FERROUS OXALATE DEVELOPER.
IL
The green double salt, mentioned in our previous article, forms
an important item in the process of recovery of the more
valuable constituents of the spent developer. Starting with a
solution made on the principle of Messrs. Carey Lea and Willis,
we need only refer to the equation given in last week's
number to show that the result of the complete oxidation of
the developer, whether by use or by age, is the production of
this salt together with the precipitation of a portion of the iron
in the form of oxide ; and that practically the whole of the
constituents that are worth the trouble may be recovered by
carefully collecting and suitably treating the crystalline residue
after freeing it from the adherent ferric hydrate.
In the case, then, of a spent developer, or one that is so far
exhausted as to bejpractically useless except as a restrainer — a
purpose which it serves very well — the first thing to be done is
to collect the green crystals of potassio-ferric oxalate already
formed, and then to expose freely the remaining solution to the
atmosphere in order to ensure its complete oxidation, the
second crop of crystals being then collected and added to the
others. For this purpose the solution should be poured out
into a glass or porcelain dish, and left in a warm, dark place,
under a light covering of paper or similar material, to protect it
from dust without interfering with the free circulation of the
air about its surface. It is probable that the end might be
gained in a more rapid manner by the use of oxidising agents,
but we consider it in every way preferable to avoid the intro-
duction of foreign substances which would prove difficult to
eliminate afterwards.
Before proceeding farther we may say a few words on the
composition and properties of the crystals. If the equation
given last week be analysed, it will be noticed that the ferrous
and ferric double salts differ only in the proportion of iron
contained in them, the*latter consequently, if the elements be
rearranged, being found to contain an atom of free oxalate acid,
while the proportion of oxalate of potash to ferrous oxalate is
fifty per cent, greater. In order to reconvert the solution of
the crystals into an active developer, it is therefore necessary
to add an atom of iron, which, being first converted by the free
acid into oxalate of iron, is then taken into solution by the
excess of potassic oxalate.
The simplest plan of restoration would therefore seem to be
that just recommended by the I. W. Swan, of boiling the spent
solution, or the solution of the green crystals, with metallic
iron, though in practice some uncertainty of result arises,
possibly from the great tendency to oxidation of the hot
solution. Still, the process is a practical one, and we may
Aupi»t 19, ISM]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
631
I
therefore describe it Let the o^stals be separated from the
precipitated ferric hydrate, and if necessary washed in a small
quantity of cold water. They may then be further purified by
redystallisation from the smallest possible quantity of boiling
water, the great difference between their solubility in cold and
hot water respectively rendering this an easy matter. The
washing water and mother liquors are to be added to the
original solution, which still contains more or less potassic
oxdate, the only ingredient worth saving.
The purified crystals are then dissolved in a volume of hot
water, equal to about three-fourths of the original solution, in a
glass-boiling flask into which a coQ of bright iron wire has been
introduced, and a gentle heat kept up. Gradually the almost
colourless solution assumes a mddy tint from the formation of
the potassio-ferroos oxalate, and eventually, if the quantity of
water used is not too great, it will acquire the deep ruby
colour ot the freshly mixed developer. If an excessive quantity
of water be employed, the colour will be lighter, and it will be
DBBB—sry to reinforce it with additions of potassium and ferrous
oxalates. If, on the other hand, too little water be used, a
portion of the compound iron salt will be thrown down and
probaUjr deoomposed ; but if this should occur — as the decom-
position only ooMtsts in the precipitation of ferric hydrate and
re-formation of the potaasio-ferric oxalate — a continuation of
the procew with a larger rolume of water will set matters right-
There is almost invariably a certain amount of muddiness in
the solution produced by the slight oxidation of the ferrous
■alt under the influence of heat ; ituleed, this occurs even in
fbnniog a new dereloper, and disa|>pean if the oxide is aUowe<l
to nbaide. The oonveiaioo may be allowed to take place in
the cold, but the prooesi is then a very slow one.
The operation of reduction should be conducted by gasligh*.
or in a subdued diffused daylight, owing to the fact that the
■ohition is sensitiTe to light, and complications might be iutro-
doeed if a strong light were allowed to act upon it This
brings as to a 'second method of restoration, which for various
TKsnns we prefer to the one just described.
The aduticii of potaasio-ferrio oxalate, like that of plain
ferric oxalate and other otpuiie ferric salts, is, as we have said,
sensitive to light, nifhring reduction to the ferrous state with
liberation of oxalic acid, which splits up into carbonic an-
hydride and eacapes, while ferrous oxalate is precipitated.
lite reaction is shown in the following e<|uation : —
2 K.Fe (C,0^ - 2 Fe CA + 3 K,C,0. -(-2 00,
laMM. tttamtL. Satoo*. SUoa*.
riiUMJii firrln oal«l*-r«TO«« enlkU-*- PeUole enlala-t-Carboaia aakT^rU*.
This is the result if the solution at normal temperature be ex-
posed to a strong light, and the fact has been utilised in the
attempt to construct actinometers which should measure the
value of the light by the quantity of carbonic acid gas given off.
None of them, however, have proved practically useful, as the
evolution of the gas continues for some time after the action of
t he light has ceased. Ferric and uranic oxalates are the salts that
have been chiefly employed, and their ready solubility in water
enaUea them to form very sensitive solution. The solution of
potassio-ferric oxalate In cold water is, however, so compara-
tively dilute that the process of reduction is very slow, and the
potassic oxalate formed is too weak to exert any solvent action
on the ferrous oxalate formed, which is consequently precipi-
tated, leaving the solution clear and colourless.
But, if a hot concentrated solution of the green crystals be
exposed to sunlight or strong diffused light, the action is very
n4>id, and the original yellow tint of the liquid gradually
deepens imtil it reaches a pure ruby. In this case, as in the
last, the proportion of water employed should be regulated
according to the quantity of the original solution, otherwise a
portion of the iron will be precipitated in a partially oxidised
state.
When the solution has become perfectly colourless, and no
further precipitate of yellow ferrous oxalate occurs in the case
of the cold solution, or when the colour ceases to deepen in the
case of the hot, the action is complete. The cold treatment is
of no practical value, as the volume of liquid is too great for
any useful purpose, and, as already stated, the small proportion
of ferrous oxalate is throw-n down instead of being taken into
solution. In the other case, an active developer is formed,
though it is not at its full strength, since it contains an excess
of potassic oiali^te, or, more correctly speaking, there is a
deficiency of ferrous oxalate. Before allowing the solution to
cool, therefore, some ferrous oxalate should be added, and time
allowed for the free potassic oxalate to become saturated ; or,
if preferred, a solution of ferrous sulphate may be cautiously
added, until a precipitate just begins to form, though this will
produce a less energetic solution than the other.
Thus far the economically inclined photographer will find
all tolerably plain sailing, the manipulations easy, and the
result pei;Jiaps worth the trouble if the system of saving the
solutions be carefully followed out ; but, if he is desirous of
proceeding any farther to recover the potassium salts from the
muddy solution whence came the crystals, his troubles will
begin, and he must be prepared to perform a series of opera
tions requiring a great deal of care and skill in chemical
manipulation, for which he will secure but a poor return. Wo
may just sketch the course to be followed, though we doubt
whether it can be made remunerative, even on the most extensive
scale.
The first operation in this case must be to filter the liquid
clear of the sediment which, in the case of an imused developer,
will consist almost, if not wholly, of ferric oxide or hydrate.
In the case of a developer that has been in use, there will be
present in the sediment also a certain' amount of ferric
oxybromide, dependent upon the amount of use to which
it has been subjected and the length of time kept The
sediment, however composed, may be at once thrown away as
valueless.
The remaining solution, which will vary in colour from a
dirty brownish red to a decided yellow, according to circum-
stances, will now contain chiefly potassio-ferric oxalate, with,
perhaps, a little unoxidised ferrous salt, together with, in the
case of a used solution, some ferrous or ferric bromide. Both
the latter salts are most probably formed by the hydro bromic
acid derived from the sensitive films, the first being gradually
oxidised and converted into oxybromide, while, in the form
of ferrous bromide, it communicates a yellow tinge to the
solution, the ferric salt contributing a brown colour. In the
case of a developer made by mixing solutions of ferrous sulphate
-and j^taasic oxalate, there will also be present the ferrous
Kilphate produced by doable decomposition.
The next operation is the elimination of the remainder of the
iron which is totally useless. This is effected by the cautious
addition of solution of potassium hydrate, by means of which
the iron is thrown down in the form of ferric hydrate,
potassium oxalate being left in solution. At the same time,
any bromide of iron present is converted into potassium
bromide with separation of ferrous hydrate, and the solution
becomes colourless or nearly so. «
r,-6->
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[August 1892
Next we have to deal with the soluble bromide present,
which, if allowed to remain, would play the part of restrainer
whether wanted or not. This can be eliminated by shaking up
the solution with excess of silver oxalate when the bromine goes
to the silver to form silver bromide, and oxalate of potash is
again formed. As oxalate of silver is very slightly soluble in
cold water, a minute trace may remain in solution, but tliis
will be instantly reduced on the addition of the ferrous salt in
the process of preparing the developer.
Lastly, we have to eliminate the sulphuric acid present in
the form of sidphate of potash, which, though but a mild re-
strainer, cannot be allowed to accumulate indefinitely, as would
be the case after repeated rejuvenations of the solution. This
is got rid of by means of barium oxalate, employed in the same
manner as the silver oxalate, barium sulphate and potassic
oxalate being formed by double decomposition.
If these various operations have been well and carefully
performed, we shall now have a solution containing only potas-
sium oxalate and accidental impurities from which the salt
may be separated by crystallisation, when, if the result satisfy
the operator, it will be satisfactory, though, as already said,
we do not expect it.
On a large scale and systematically worked, the first part of
the process — the reduction of the green crystals — may, no
doubt, be profitably carried out ; but, so far as we can see,
except as an interesting experiment, tlie latter operations are
useless and pecuniarily unprofitable.
The Price of Silver. — A few -weeks back reference was made
to the extraordinary low price of metallic silver. Since then its value
has further dechned, again " beating the record." It was quoted on
Friday last at ST^d. per ounce. Some years ago the metal was worth
over 60i. per ounce, and at that time eighty and ninety-grain baths
were in vogue tor sensitising paper upon. From this it will be seen the
production of photographs was more costly then than now. But, then,
(■artes-de-visiie were not done at half-a-crown a dozen.
Science and Art Report. — In the annual report just issued,
on the subject of chemistry, the examiners complain that only com-
paratively few candidates possess any real knowledge of chemical
principles, or show accurate observation of facts. The conclusion
aiTived at by the examiners is that the students are left very much to
themselves by the teachers, and therefore have to work at their text-
books without assistance, and in many instances without properly
understanding them. Reform is certainly needed, if this be the case,
in teaching practical chemistry, and the department should see to it,
as it is liberally supplied with funds. In some instances we fear that
the teachers have only a superficial knowledge of the subject them-
selves. If this be so, how can it be expected that they can impart
sound tuition to others ? Many of the certificates now obtained are the
1 esult of cramming and coaching, rather than that of well-grounded
knowledge.
manufacturers' Reputation. — In advertisements, when
•■iny tiling is to be disposed of, the name of the maker is generally
quoted as a guarantee of its quality— that is, if the maker happens to
b« one of renown. This is done (luite regardless as to the treatment
it may have endured since it left his hands. Every one knows that
cameras, and suchlike apparatus, suffer deterioration by use ; but all
may not be aware that lenses may do the same. A lens, by a first-
class optician, may, after a few years' use in some hands, be no better
as a photographic tool than one by a second or third-rate maker.
Therefore too much reliance must not be placed on makers' names.
Indeed, with some second-hand appar.itus, their reputation may suffer.
The most amusing instance of trading on a manufacturer's reputation
that has come under our notice was when, in reply to an offer in our
" Exchange Column," a number of lantern slides were offered, and, as
a guarantee of their excellence, it was stated that they were all made
on Blank's plates.
Foreigrn Reproductions.— Reference has more than once re-
cently been made to the fact that a very large proportion of the photo-
gravure reproductions of EngUsh pictures are made on the Continent,
and asking the reason why. It is rumoured that, at the closing of
the Royal Academy Exhibition, several of the best works were
dispatched abroad to be reproduced by photogravure or other pro-
cesses. Should the rumour prove correct, it would certaiidy seem to be
a reproach on British photographic engravers. One thing seems
pretty certain, which is that the photographic reproduction of works
of art is made more a speciality of abroad than it is here. One
seldom sees in the shop windows photographs, silver prints of the
scrap type, of English paintings, though they are full of copies of
foreign ones. Although these copies are sold at a very low rate,
every one who examines them critically must be forcibly impressed
with their technical excellence, and the way in which the different
colours of the original are translated into monochrome. Indeed, it
is almost difficult to conceive that many of them are copies of
paintings. Of course, the more perfect the negative the better will
be the photogravure made from it.
Collotype Views. — For somu years past it has been a matter
of surprise to many, ourselves amongst the number, that the collotype
process has not been more extensively employed than it has in the
production of views of seaside places and other holiday resorts. We
are fully aware that the process has been utilised for this kind of
work, but usually under its most unfavourable aspects — that is, as
regards quality. A high-class collotype is in every way equal, if
indeed it is not superior, to the finest silver print. At the same
time, it has the undoubted advantage of permanence — no mean ad-
vantage to those publishers who supply the trade " on sale or return."
Collotypes, such as will compare w-ith the best silver prints, cannot
be produced at a low rate, but they need not cost more than the silver.
The usual run of collotype for this class of subject is generally of a
very low type, and the process is not shown to its best advantage.
There are to be seen at the present time, in the shop windows, views
of London mounted in optical contact with glass with bevelled edges
— "opalines," as they are termed — made by this method. Xow, if
there is a way by which a collotype can be shown to a disadvantage,,
it is when it is treated in this fashion. If the print be of a mediocre
character, by this treatment its ingour is reduced, while its granu-
larity is apparently exaggerated. These remarks suggested themselves
when looking at some of the London views alluded to, bearing the
initials of a well-known publishing firm, which we can only assume
are piracies of their work, as we feel assured they woidd not issue
pictures of such quality.
Practice v. Theory. — Much has been said of late in the pages
of this and other photographic journals on the subject of technical
education. Now, there is no question that the man who has a good
theoretical knowledge of the work he is engaged upon possesses, or
ought to do, material advantages over the one who only works, so to
speak, by rule of thumb. It has been said, with regard to appren-
tices, that there are very few masters who are themselves competent
to teach the business for which they have received a premium. That
this is the fact with some who take apprentices, or, to use the modern
term, " articled pupils," cannot be denied for a moment — that is, if we
take photography even in only a few of its many phases. On some
parts of the Continent there are schools where the photographer may
acquire a theoretical knowledge of his art. But do those who avail
themselves of them turn out better workmen than those who do not Y
They should do, though some Continental employers say that they di
not, until they have unlearnt a great deal of what they have been taught.
The principal of a large photo-mechanical establishment on the Coa-
Angnrt 19, 1892]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
633
tinent lenwrked to u$, some Uttle time ago, anent this subject, TN^ere
is the teacher in any of the technical schools who can himself produce
collotypea, or engraved plates, or eren negatives, equal to the erperi-
enoed operators to be found is every estaUiahment ? adding that the
majority of these know eomparatirely very little of theory, though
they are sure of their work in practice. Still, as we have said before,
a theoretical knowledge should be of value when combined with
practical experience. But, if the teachers themselves cannot produce
the best of work in practice, how, it may be asked, can they instruct
others to do so ?
CELLl-LOU) FILMS.
k
YoCB answer to a correspondent as to the " buckling " of cut ceUuloid
films, and the consequent loss of definition of the image, would, I
should say, serve as a reply to a question which I myself might put
befoK you with r«:f erence to the mysterious manner in which, despite
the most careful focussing, some parts of my negatives on cut films often
unaccountably approximate to aa unwelcome fuuineas, while, on the
contrary, other oegatives Mpowd ander similar drcomstances, and
during the same day or outing, are all that can be desired as regards
general definition. Two years ago, when, on taking up cut
ceOnloid films in place of glass plates, I met with this trouble, I was
inclined to ascribe it to an optical cause ; but the simple e.xpcriment
of equalising the conditions at working as regards aperture and focus
showed me that my conclusion was wrong.
This dUBcolty of ^tting imilaBadty of good definition with cut
ceDnknd fihns is such a fraqaset ona, not only with myself, but, as I
am aware, with very many othen who are working them, that 1 am
induced to draw attention to what I consider their principal and
almost fatal defect, in the hope thst aseaiM will ultimately be found
to remedy it, and thus prevent than (aa aaeau to me probable) being
abandoned by good workers. The eeoBoimeal and extrinsic advantages
of cot oellnloid films over glass platas axe so well known and have so
often basa pointed out and admitted that it is quite unnecessary to
mentiaa tkem ; but, in view o< those advantages, it is all the more to
be ngrcttad that they are likely to baontweif^^ by one diaadraBlaga
which is a Bttle difficult to remove.
I have, I think, u^ed moat, if not all, the film-carriets in present
u.ie, and the conclusion I have ooaa to is that, for unvarying efficiency,
they leave something to be daaind. I have snooeaded admirably with
them at times, but my observatkm goaa to abow that success hinges
to a graat extent mora upon the iMar-nlatioa of the film vritb U>a
carrier than of the capacity of tba lattar to stand a variety of demands
which are likdy to be made upon U. An ordinary dark slide, made
fun in itt ineasiiienients, will take a great number cf glass platesof vary-
ing' thicknaaaea and acenraey of eat. The fault of most film-carriers
is, I find, that they are too aeenrately cut ; and thus, if the fihn itself
is also cut full, it is impossible to fit it in without considerable pres-
snie, which is faUl to iu " planolarity." The knife or the scissors
hare tban to be used, which is a aoisance.
Again, tba tendency of all film.'*, thick or thin, m to " carl in " with
the coating, a property peculiarly liable to be influcsioed by tampara-
tme and other confitions. I fad that this taodeney is often not
destroyad by the film-earrier, so that the ilfan b not beU in a
perfectly plane position, henca it pwaunts a concave surface to the
lens. Tbaoretically I sappoae, with 'an objective having curvature of
the field, this would not be a disadvantage; practically, I find that
the concavity is so considerable that it is impos«ble, no matter to
what extent I st»p down, to get mivwisally good and even definition.
Of coarse I am here speaking of occasional experieneea only. These
are, howersr, so frequent at to serionsly reduce the advantages of the
ose of cut celluloid fiku. Sometimes these are convex towards the kn*,
and then, in addition to thp centre of the picture being out of focus,
seratehea frooi the shutter of the dark slide make their appearance on
the film. I Ibal nare that any oootrivanoe tat holding these films,
thick or thin, alwaya plaaa nirfsr any droamataaees, would be a great
siiceass. My exparianca of eoamncial flluMarriers is that they
ganemlly faO in that regard, and a farther drawback to their use is
that they thamselTaa usually buckle and bend on the smallest
proToeatfaa. Jamm K. Hopwooo, Ph.D.
CON\'ENTIOX JOTTINGS.— IV.
A Sun throug-h Some of the Scotch Studios.
M. & T. Scott (West Saville-terrace, Edinburgh).
Whbn in Edinburgh, we paid a visit to the new photographic works
of Messrs. M. & T. Scatt. At the beginning of this year we made a
notice of this place as a novelty when it was opened. Since then it
has been completed, and we found it in full working order. We use
the term photographic works advisedly, as the premises at AVest
Saville-terrace are specially constructed for turning out large
quantities of work, and that for the trade only.
Mr. Scott informed us that they had got their arrangements so
complete, that they could turn out a plain enlargement and send it on
to their customer on the same day that they received the negative—
when such haste is demanded of Uiem — but in ordinary circumstances
four days are about the usual time to make, mount, spot, and send ofi
an ordinary enlargement, from the time at which the negative is
received.
AMien high-class work is required, however — and that is a special
feature in their business — it takes fourteen days to ffnish and supply
pictures of this class. One of the departments just introduced into
the business is to undertake the ficdshing of photographers' own
work, so that any photographer can send on his plain enlargements,
and the Messrs. Scott will work them up at any price stipulated.
The arrangements and staff are so complete — this we doubt not —
that engagements will be kept and orders sent out up to time in any
department.
To convey some idea of the extent of the place and its appomtments,
we made the following jottings : — ^The ground occupied is about a
third of an acre. The buildings on it cover oOO square yards. The
enlaiging and dark rooms are large, airy, and well appointed. The
enlarging room is thirty feet by twenty feet. The enlarging camera
is the usiud — travelling on rails — pattern, with reflectors outside.
For carbon work they have swing-covered dipping baths, large enough
to take in a 60-inch ph»te. These baths and camera — and general
apparatus in this well-appointed room — looked like a gathering of old
familiar friends, belonging to the time when carbon, and nothing but
carbon, was all the rage, before bromide and platinotype had come to
the front.
An the sinks throughout are made of teak wood, and some of them
large enough for the development of the extra-sized plates. In one
section of the sinks we observed a very good arrangement, there being
two outlets, one for the saving of the residue, and the other to carry
away the waste water. All the pipes are glasj^coated. The doors of
the dark and enlarging rooms run on rails, and move along tlm
sorfaoe of the wall ; a heavy curtain is hung inside each to exclude
all light. In one of these rooms they have a hot-water tank fitted,
and, to utilise the space into which^it is built, they have squared it
up, thus forming a press, in which negatives, &c., can be quickly
dried. The hot-wator apparatus for supplying the establishment with
hot water possesses the united advantages of doing a great deal well,
and that at a very small cost. The boiler is a Cook's Star Boiler, witli
a circulating tank for sixty gallons. It produces hot water in twenty
minutes, and continues all day at a constant, steady heat. Yen
can have the water boiling if you so desire it, snd Mr. Scott told us
that, for an outlay of some twelve pounds, the whole thing was
supplied and set up.
The studio, which is constructed and used principally for copying,
has a double-ridged roof, so that it may be used as one, or divided
into two studios, when necessary ; the use of room is thirty by
twenty-eight feet. The blinds-for arranging the light are framed and
run in grooves ; there is a set of three grooves, and each fitted with
bihiifi, so that any light, and any quantity of light, can be obtained
at will. The arrangement works well, and seemed to tis very
complete.
The artists rooma, printing rooms, and offices are all constructed for
the meeting of any reasonable extension or requirements, and, in cose
of having to extend in any given way, the partitions are all composed
of lath and plaster, so that at any time they can be removed without
difficulty.
The Messrs. Scott's work, both artistic and pkin, is so well known
to the trade, that a passing comment is alt that is necessary on that
634
THE BKinSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[August 19, 1892
point. The finished pktinotypes in their place were many, and
bearing the stamp of artistic feeling and careful handling. The
demand for carbons seems large, both in engraving black and brown.
Bromide work seems also to be gaining ground with them. We saw
an etched negative and proofs from its very clever production turned
out on the premises. We have seen the same class of work from
America ; and this sample we considered quite up to the American
work.
We were shown some untouched enlargement views and groups,
twenty-four inch, made from carbon negatives, as fine in finish as
small work ; and samples of opals as large as thirty-six inches ; also
pictures in carbon on ivory.
The professional who requires it can have all kinds of enlarging
work produced here, and, as the proprietors hold, in the shortest
possible time, whether plain, in black or white, water colour or
monochrome.
Messrs. Tunny & Co. (13, Maitland-street and 19, Salisbury-
place, Edinburgh).
We visited J. G. Tunny and Co.'s places, situated at 13, Maitland-
street, at the west end of the city, and 19, Salisbury-place, Newington.
These businesses are now carried on under the proprietorship and
management of Mr. J. H. Balmain, who for some years previous to Mr
Tunny's death held the active management of the entire business, Mr.
Tunny being laid aside from active work by lingering illness for a
considerable time previous to his death in 1887.
In Maitland-street, which is the principal studio of the two, the
entrance-hall and show-rooms are well and profusely decorated by all
the various classes of work produced by the newest processes up to
date. We found Mr. Balmain standing out far beyond the usual
position of the ordinary artistic photographer, having embraced, and
now working, some of the more complicated processes commercially.
In this business vitrified enamels are now a department of some
considerable importance, and one that continues to grow. This is a
natural consequence, seeing one of the first and best enamellers has
retired from business, viz., Mr. A. L. Henderson, and the enamels pro-
duced by Mr. Balmain being of such a fine quality that the demand
for these pictures will naturally come his way. His exhibits in this
class of work have taken many awards, and the profession who visit
our ejchibitions have had many opportunities of seeing the tine quality
of these enamel productions. Mr. Balmain is also an adept in photo-
gravure work, which he undertakes and produces commercially for the
trade. We have, on previous occasions, commented on the high state
of proficiency Mr. Balmain has attained in this by no means easy
branch of photography; but, as most of the profession has handled his
work at one time or other, it is familiar to most.
In photo-lithography he also takes a part, and that one of the
most important. He does not go to the length of producing the
photo-lithographs, but from the originals he supplies the transfer to
the printer ready to lay on the stone. With all these irons in the fire,
so to speak, you can quite understand that Mr. Balmain is a very
busy man.
In a talk which we had about printLng-out paper, with which for
some months back Mr. Balmain has been making a series of experi-
ments, " For permanency the collodio-chloride coated paper is the
best." Why so ? we asked. "Well, you know, I find it much easier
washed than gelatine, and I believe ever so much easier freed from
hypo."
He brought some samples of collodio-chloride paper prints which
he put into the frames in April to test their permanency, covering up
one part of the print and leaving the other exposed in the usual way.
When bringing them, he told us that he had not looked at them since
the beginning of July, and at that time they had not changed a bit,
keeping the full rich purple tone all over ; but on opening the frames
before us— alas !— all the purples had gone out of the exposed parts,
leaving the pictures half purple, half brown. The brown, of course,
was quite vigorous, looking more like a change in tone than fading.
" We will have to do a little more experimenting," said Mr.
Balmain, as he laid the frame aside.
Pictures on opals are one of the prominent features in this I
business. Both Maitland-street and Salisbury-place studios are weE
known for the artistic class of work produced.
Mr. Tunny's was a name familiar as the art-science itself since the
early days of photography. That the late Mr. Tunny stood during
his valued career in the first rank of workers and investigators is a.
fact well known to all the practical photographic world, and that Mr.
Balmain follows in the footsteps of his predecessor and keeps
steadily moving ahead we feel assured, and we doubt not but the
result of his labours will be profitable.
PHOTOGRAVURE.*
Relief.
PHOToaBAvuKE has now strangely invaded the letterpress department.
It is one of the most curious and also most attractive marks of pro-
gress to see this thing — for the many blocks in half-tone now made
are really photogravure plates in negative form — giving smooth places
for black, and rough for light, instead of the reverse ; but physically
the difference is slight. (Mr. Dawson here exhibited four prints on
one sheet, two being on a copperplate, and two on letterpress, remark-
ing that the Uttle plates in the various art brochures now so popular
were all identical with photogravure plates, even to a large degree
physically. There were differences, but they were slight.) It still
remains to be noted that all the previous rules as to detail and trans-
parency must apply, there can be no hard, flinty uniformity in the
tint if it is to be approved by careful judges. Of course, some print-
ing by machine is much rougher than others, and always must be ;
but it will not alter the proposition. It thus follows that the hard,
square, crossed tint, however neat and regular, must be superseded
sooner or later ; indeed, regular mechanical work must give place to
sympathetic rendering. Of course, this lies in the future, but it
presses already, and has pressed ; all artists say, " I hate that square
grain," and a publisher will say, " I hate it too,'but, if it must be there,
let it be too fine for me to see it."
_ It should thus be borne in mind that when worked with that special
view various methods hitherto employed for making an intaglio plate
are suitable for the making of a relief photogravure. The vast bulk
of this work is done by the old process of Niepce without and
variation, by printing into a thin layer of bitumen, developing, any
biting out with several stoppings. In France intaglio plates are
constantly produced in this way. There is a large republished series
of Albert Diirer, and they are all done in that way ; they are bitten
through a thin film of bitumen, and to make them deeper a man goes
over them with a graver. The Pretsch process is a simple swelled
gelatine surface. It has the advantage of not having pigment in the
gelatine. These (shown) are Pretsch plates. Pretsch himself died
long ago, and, so far as I am aware, no one has ever worked the
process but myself. They can be printed in relief as well as in
mtaglio. Another way is by the Klic process, which renders most of
the tints sweetly and consecutively, but is rather fine in the grain,
and wants very careful rebiting to produce a printing block. And
the worst part of rebiting, however skilful, is the necessary stopping
out, which will always show itself. It is the want of a real, true,
good method of photogravure in relief which keeps back its employ-
ment for scientific work where it is not lawful to touch with the hand
to help out any matter of detail. If a man brings a scientific subject,
he wants it correct, he does not want a sight of handwork on it, it
would destroy its value. In anatomical plates it is impossible to have
a method that demands the help of the hand. Of course, there is a
difference in demanding the help of the hand, and having a little now
and then occasionally ; but I do not despair of arriving at this point
of perfect reproduction in relief where management and skill can be
made to supersede any mere hand work.
COLOUB.
Printing in colour shall conclude my rather vagrant paper, but
there is a strong affection in the English mind for colour in prints,
and from tlae earliest days of printing this has been observable. The
missals which the monks were given to illuminating were followed by
early printed books with the printed illuminations coloured by hand.
By the plate method colour is most suited to the lighter class of
subjects. As the tint gets darker, the colour is found to be unable to
give the required depth and power unless the plate is correspondingly
deep. It, however, remains that the photogravure intaglio plate is
the sweetest method yet known for printing in colours. Sometime*
a water-colour drawing comes out so perfectly that you really cannot
tell the copy by the side of it, and, when it is known that this coloured
* Concluded from page 524.
Aaguit 18, 1803]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH 7.
535
copy is a prodactioa of the prew opaUe of multiplication, the result
is ul the more maynmsg. This wsj of colour printing lends itself
to Tery subtle blendmgs of tint, gach as are quite unknown to other
modes; but, although producible in number, they are not very easy to
do euellentljT well, and it is rery usual to haye to go over them
aftenraids with water cobur. CouMquently thej are valuable, and,
as prints go, rather scarce ; but thej are well worth producing, for
the simple reason that the photogramre ^res us the artist's touch,
and this adds the charm of colour, thus bringing as rerj near to the
artist. And, as I began, so I conclude, with the keynote that nearness
to the artist is the most worthy aim of all reproductive methods.
When water colour in its llv'ht toudiea is produced, it still remains to
produce oil colour in its power, and rtaj lorely I feel it will be to see
this happy reaoh.
It may be asked of me if I see any way of printing naturally
repn^uced plataa with nature's selected tints. There was a method
yean ago for doing parcel plate* in three or more colours by es'
tracting them from an already prepared plate engraved in the
oidinaiT way. There would be a mexiotint plate, and the areas of
green and blue, and so on, were mapped out. 'Then you would electro
copies, and scrape out from one what was not wanted for blue, from
another what was not wanted for red, from a third what was not
wanted for ydlow. The eonwiiaeiiee was, that by printing in careful
register joa got a very decent ooloor result, and one of my copper*
rilate pnntem ooM used to print them, ney were rary moe at tune*,
bat, of coone, entail three or four printing*, and register in copper-
plate is a rery difficult buanesi. Tie proce» waspatented, and
sooie old printers still liring baTa printed them. The paper was
good and strong, so as to print three or four times in the copperplate
piea* for the rarioos colour* without nnanding and destroying
register. Xow, the nature-selected tint* will depnid on their results
upon the limitation of this old, old procem. I oo not sea how there
is any way of inking a piale by an automatic method, and of course
it must be by the mediam of printing ink that the thinfr must be
done. I do not see any way of inking a plate in nature's colours.
And, on the whole, I incUne towards BMking a nature monochrome
plate and inking it in to taste. It mast be remembered that by parcel
or regiMer printing on the copperplate prsa* the delightful plate mark
and broad margin are impossible, bat by colour printing as above
deeeribed theae an anaerred.
I most here ooaeuide, but would In doing so throw out a hint that
a fair history of the whole of tha pbotograrure pfoeaaaes would form
an attractive subject for sodi a Sodaty as this, especially if small
anmplas eoold be given from each. I think ttamjAtt from the
aariiaar dqra ought a* soon aa posaible to be got to^ber in a proper
form, either a* a angle album dapoaitad at Uie British Museum, or
mohipliad and diitribntad in the nsoal way.
~ th*«aaekiriaB at the leetoe. Mr. Dawson handed round ez-
o( Tatiaaa pnetasaa of photogravure, and the Chairman
[ liiat th* laetonr waa so (aatiliar with the different methods
that h* had niMNd to them umffy a* " the so-and-so srooasa," bat
probably than ««n many gaaliimsB fnsent who would be gbd of
Mr. Dawson thawupcn nmaiksd, titat all photogravure methods
wate based man the autotype proesaa, the Pretseh process being an
eaeaptjai. Tht Waterhooae method oonMsted in covering the tissue,
when in a state of soft Jelly, with sand or ground glass, which pro-
daead Kttl* aotehss o««r the entire suf ae*. When dry, the business
was to get the sand off again, and that was a bnsinssa, for, of eosrse,
it was paed on^ bat the method he had adopted was very simple.
He put the sand or glam into a ladle, together with a little knob of
staarine or spermaeeti, and heated the whole, by which means each
particle of sand or glam became oo«tod with the stearins or sperma-
«rti, and, when pot on the tlwiii and dried, could be eaaily rubbed off.
Bnmstimss it would stick ; bat, aa a rale, it all eame away, leaving
giamdation on the aorfaoe. The fault was, of course, that it went up
and down too maeh, and held as much ink in one plsice as in another.
Then, there waa the perforated method— his own. Before the tissue
waa plaead under the negative, be rolled a mixture of tallow and stiff
oil •B over it, and then powdered it all over with brooxe powder. In
g, the light onlr got ihrotwh in the little cavities (shown by
b), and It developed in little knob*— big knobs and httle knoM
■odncing what he called a perforated mould. The great difficulty
I that tM pietnrc eoald not be ver;^ wall asan on the plate, the
little bright rsmaindsn wan so gUttaniw. The great charm of the
Klc mettod was that the detail* war* clearly viable upon the plate.
It waa moat important that thsra ahooU be a healthy frrnin in the
riau,and that tnedetailsshouhi be dsMTJy visible for worlrin>f up. The
latir* fiet«OT«Khihit«d were all done by what was called the Ooupil
mMhod, ihhoagh it was invented by llr. Woodbury— an FnglithnnTi
[f»
—and waa an English method. He hoped that would not be forgotten.
The process was kept strictly secret, but he believed it consisted in
the preparation of a pigmented gelatine tissue over-saturated with
soluble lumps of some hard salt. After printing, these lumps were
dissolved out, leaving the picture like a sponge on the plate. It was
undoubtedly the finest method known, and he was sorry it went
abroad and that it was concealed. He also drew diagrams on the
blackboard to explain the working of the Klic process.]
A. Dawson.
♦
ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHIC WORK FOR AMATEURS.
VU.
Pbshafs, within the whole rang^ of photographic practice, there is
no more attractive style of printing to those intimately associated
with, or who are outside the pale of, photographic knowledge than
that of vignetting.
An operator who knows well his business will, at the outset— es-
pecially in the case of portraiture — select only such backgrounds as
will lend themselves more particularly to this especial style of print-
ing (and, as a rule, those of a light tint are best suited for such). But
there are, unfortunately too often, cases where copies have to be made
from prints, or where portraits have to be abstracted from groups in
negatives under circumstances where the original background are not
in any way suitable for vignetting, and therefore it frequently de-
volves upon a worker to make the necessary alterations upon such
prints or nesratives as will permit of their throwing off pleasing results
in vignette i^orm.
A very common case is when some figure forms part of a group,
and which it is desired should be abstracted, either with the view of
printing sinftly such portrait in carte-de-vitite, cabinet, or other ^milar,
or of uighUy enlaiged size. Very seldom indeed will such cases be
found to have suitable backgrounds, and in nine cases out of ten, on
the contrary, they will most likely be almost certain to offer just
about the most unsuitable conditions for being printed singly in any
form, and hence many even clever operators are frequently puzzled
how to treat a case cd this kind. In such cases, when the original
negative is forthcoming, it is always preferable, in my opinion, to deal
with it, and not from any print from such, and therefore every exer-
tion ought to be made to obtain the negative with such in any one's
possession, no matter how unsuitable ttie baclwround or surround-
ings may be, much may be done towards puUing off, either in an
enlarged or similar mze to the original, a vignetted print from such.
To do this, the first step to be taken is a careful block out on the
original negative of all the surroundings ; and there is one right, and
many wrong, ways of doing this blockin)^ out. To many the opera-
tion may aeem extremely difficult, but in reality, when thoroughly
understood, the work ia one of much simplicity apd ease, provided it be
gone about in a hnsinsaslike manner. And, first of all, a good re-
tooehing desk is neoeaaarv ; then a good camel's-hair brush, with a
long point. (I say camel's-hair, because experience has taught me
that, no matter how othen may advocate sable, I have always found
suitable camel's-hair brushes lietter than sable for blocldn^ut pur-
poses^, but they must be well selected, and only those that nave nne,
tapenng points used. When such are obtained, they ought to be
most carefully guarded from injury, for a good brush is a great
acquisition, ^e next item of importance is a good stock of Indian
ink, and here a few words of advice to a novice is necessary. For a
modest penny a stick of Indian ink can be purchased from any stationer,
and it does seem such a simple matter to those not accustomed
to water.colour or bb)cking-out work, such as we are considering,
that with such, and a good brush, all that is nece.«sry is to wet
the brush, very likely by placing same in the mouth, and then by
rubbing on the Indian ink to obtain bulfident colour as will block
out the portions required. Now, 1 know this is a very common
practice, but it is a very slovenly and wrong one to acquire, for it
will, before long, ruin the best brush that was ever produced;
therefore never attempt filling a brush in such a way. When a
tym^^Miatick of Indian ink is acquired, get a common egg-cup and
p*e**aa to rub the entire stick down, or melt it in a small quantity
of water — say, about as much ss will half fill the cup. To do
this some little time will have to ba taken, and also a fair stock
of patienoe, but this will be amply repaid when the entire stick is
mattad and the work of bk>cking but has begun; and, should it in
future time become somewhat dry or too thick, all that is necess&ry
is to apply more water till it is of'the proper consistency.
With such prepared, a worker is now ready to proceed to block
out the mo*t wtncate class of work. To those whose eyesight is
all that is desired nothing further i« necessary than to lay the
536
THE BRITISH JOUKwal, OF PHOTOGRA.PHY.
[August 19, 1892
negative on the retouching desk, and -proceed carefully to go
round the outline of the figure on the film side of the negative
(which should have been previously varnished) ; but, alas ! how often
does it happen that, before any one sufliciently advanced in photo-
graphy is called upon to do such work, their eyesight is not what
It was, and mostly likely such will require the aid of a magnifying-
glass of some kind to enable them to trace closely the finest lines in
the work before them. Now, when such is the case, I have no hesi-
tation in recommending a worker to simply employ a pair of strong
spectacles in preference to any magnifying-glass. When such are used
tney permit of both hands being free, and far better and finer work
can be accomplished than by the use of a magnifying-glass held in
one hand whilst the other wields the brush. To any retouchers, or
those who have never tried the comfort of spectacles versus magni-
fying-glasses, I say, not only on grounds of economy, but for solid
comfort of w^orking, use strong spectacles, if it is only for a very
few minutes when the utmost fine work has to be done, such as
touching out very fine spots, or by taking out dark portions with a
needle point; then spectacles will be found a friend indeed, and
they need not be constantly used.
Having gone carefully round the outline of the face and the figure
well over the breast only, proceed to completely block out for some
distance the rest of the surroundings with the Indian ink, it is not
necessary to fill in the entire negative ; this may be done by pasting
on paper on the glass side. The parts, most likely, that will give
anxiety and trouble are the outline of the face; but this never
bothers one who has experience in the work, and all that is neces-
sary is for even a beginner to exercise the smallest amount of care
in following, as nearly as he can, the exact outline even in profile
work. Should it be found that, from nervousness in a first
attempt at blocking out a profiled face, the colour has been
allowed to impinge beyond the true line of the face, do not, as
one is very liable to be tempted to do, proceed to attempt with the
finger, or any other means, to remove the ink ; rather let it remain
(like weeds sown with good seed) until the whole is finished, then set
aside to dry, and, when such is accomplished, get the missus to give
you a coarse darning-needle, and with the point of this lightly touch
off the colour from the parts the ink encroached upon. Provided the
blocking out has been allowed to dry lyell, there is no risk or trouble
in what I may term mere trimming up the work with the aid of a
darning-needle, there is danger in using such, although I know
many of my pupils at first stand aghast at my suggesting the use of
a needle; but they soon get to be quite adepts in its use, and
the real difficulty lies in keeping them within reasonable bounds in
using it.
When such a figure has been carefully blocked out, take an ordinary
piece of albumenised paper and place in contact with the negative in a
printing frame, and print to necessary printing depth. We have now
a print with a pure white background, and the next step is to
vignette the print. This is also a matter of great simplicity when
once understood. Of course, it would never do to place the printed
image in printing frame without some protection to the face, &c.,
therefore recourse must be had to some method of shielding the face
and figure whilst the white background is being tinted by exposure in
a printing frame to dayhght.
Now, some workers advocate the use of a cut-out mask, carefully
adjusted over the face of the print; but, after a somewhat lengthened
practice, I have come to a very decided opinion that a much better
method is riot to use any mask or cut-out shield, but to subject the
print itself to a further blocking-out process, and this is easily done
with the Indian ink and brush previously referred to. Take the
print into a darkened room and, with the aid of good candle or gas-
light, lay it flat down on a suitable support, and, with the aid of the
spectacles (if such be necessary), proceed to cover over the entire image
with Indian ink.
Taking care not to block out beyond, or to go into, the white back-
ground, it is by no means a difficult job, and really resolves itself
into a tracing operation, which any schoolboy can and does often
practise at school. This done, set aside to dry" Don't be afraid that
your operation will hurt the surface of the paper— that won't take
any harm. When dry, your picture will have the appearance of
a silouhette of olden times. I'lace same on a printing frame carrying
a sheet of glass, and proceed to adjust a vignette cover over the frame;
this done, expose to daylight— a few minutes will suffice to tint down
the background round the face and figure, and, when dark enough
remove from the frame, and proceed to tone and fix the print. The
first washing water will, with the aid of the fingers lightly rubbed
•verthe surface of the print, remove the Indian ink, then toning
and fixing goes on just as usual. One or two trials will enable any
worker to easily accompUsh what was considered a most difficult feat
in photogi'aphy. This is one way, and a very reliable method of
removing an undesirable background.
There is another very common trouble of a similar kind met with,
more especially when printing lantern sUdes from negatives that are
thin, or in cases where the faces are not relieved with Ught or
suitable backgrounds. I refer to such cases where it is desired to
print a sUde in vignetted form, the negative of which has a dark
background. I have known this operation puzzle many workers also,
and yet it is very easy when properly gone about.
Take the negative, no matter what size it be, and place it on a
retouching desk. Then, with the aid of some oil paint on the glass
side, with a brush draw a suitable vignette shape round the head and
bust. Crimson lake, or Prussian blue, or any other transparent colour,
should be used, and, having drawn a suitable shape, witn the pad of
the finger proceed to dab down the inner edge of the circle of paint.
Set aside to dry, and to assist such it will be found the addition of a
little pale drying oil to the colour will tend to facilitate matters in
this respect. Next take a colour of a non-transparent nature, such as
black, and go round the outer edge of the transparent ring. If the
first attempt does not sufficiently blend or soften the inner edges, go
over it again with the colour and finger until the negative itself has
been virtually turned into a vignetting glass, then go ahead and print
with an absolute certainty of success. This is a very useful dodge to
follow in many cases, and I have known instances where the outside
edges of the negatives ran close into the image where it was the only
possible way of vignetting such. T. N. Abmstkonq.
ON DEVELOPMENT OF "INSTANTANEOUS EXPOSURES."
[London and Provincial Photographic Association.]
When our Secretary unfortunately (for me) asked me to open the
discussion to-night on the development of instantaneous exposures, I
asked to be excused, as I do not think that I can add any new facts
to the already voluminous instructions, formulse, and treatises on the
subject ; all that I can do is to state a few of my own experiences
and methods of working. I must premise my statement by assumins
that what is meant by development of instantaneous exposures 1
E resume to interpret as the obtaining the best results from plates that
ave had a bare or insufficient exposure, because, although full
exposure is often attained and even over-exposure occasionally met
with, I take it that the difficulty lies in obtaining the maximum of
detail — with other good qualities — with the minimum of exposure.
Bearing this in mind, I will now state the different developers that I
have used and the advantages and disadvantages that I have found
with them.
I started with pyro and ammonia, and quickly found that, if used
beyond a certain strength (the ammonia, I mean), chemical fog
invariably ensued ; the same effect was caused b}' longer development
with a weaker solution, and in both cases iridescent surface markings
were produced, while the smell of ammonia is very objectionable to
me. Of course, if bromide is used, the fog can be prevented, but only
by the sacrifice of shadow detail and good gradation.
When hydroquinone was introduced I hailed it with dehght, as I
thought that the above defects would be cured ; and so the}' were, but
other disadvantages cropped up. With carbonate ofsoda, the time taken
to develop a plate was abnormall}- long — with potassium carbonate it
somewhat shortened, but frilling was much in evidence — but the
most serious objection in both cases was that the scale of gradation
obtained was bad, the high hghts completely blocked up, the half-tones
weak, and the fine detail in the shadows worth nothing when printed ;
in fact, the negatives were very hard. Then the caustic alkalies were
tried ; and with caustic soda I worked for some time. More detail
was obtained, and at the same time the high lights were less like
lumps of coal, the gradation better (apparently), and the negatives
nicer to look at; but their prettiness was deceptive when you came to
print. Although they looked sparkling and strong, the prints were
very much the reverse. I also fancied that the grain of the deposit
was much coarser, owing, perhaps, to the rapidity of development,
which was extraordinary compared with the carbonates in warm
weather, but temperature played havoc with the time taken, and
also witli the results. In the winter half an hour would sometimes
pass before the image began to appear, and when development was
finished the plate had all the defects common to those done with
carbonate.
In hot weather, the deveveloper was quite unmanageable ; bromides
certainly made it usable ; but the resulting negatives were again
hard, so this was given up. Caustic potash gave the same character-
istics, with the addition of causing frilling " in excelsis."
Eikonogen I tried, but not extensively. I could not get sufficient
Aognat 19, 1883]
TJtfc; BRITISH JOORNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY,
587
vigour, altbougb detail was abundant, and the grain of the deposit very
one indeed.
i Dov onme to a derelopei that I think fulfils all the requirements
Lhat one caa deaiie, that is to say, all the detail in the shadows that is
poHiUe, Ti^Tous high lights, without the undue blocking up
chaneteristie of hydroquinone ; no chemical fo^' with even prolongea
devakfment, the half-tooea well rendered, and the printing capacity
all that can he wished, the grain of the deposit is tine, and the colour
f the deposit a greenish black, which I, and I think many others,
prefer to the bluish and greyish bladu produced by hydroquinone,
ikonogm, &c. The dereloper I refer to is pyro and soda 'compounded
■n the loOowing proportiiwt : —
Pyro 480 grains.
Soda sulphite 4 ounoes.
Citric acid 30 graina.
Water to 10 ounces.
Anhydrous carbonate soda ^0 grains.
Sodasulphite 1«0 „
Water to 10 oonoea.
Take of pyro tolation ... :3<') minims.
„ „ soda „ . -40 „
Water op to 1 ounce.
I haTe said, Take of soda aolution J40 minims, this is the quantity I
.'i-nerally limit myself to per oance; but 1 of course do not add it
m at once, in tire cases out of ten not more than half the quantity
will be required. Bromides I never om excepting I fear much over-
'Xnaenre, I prefer to increase the qnaatitj of pyro.
Voa will notice that the qnantitj of soda sulphite added to the
arboaate solution is in the proportioa of 1 to 3 of the carbonate, this
I have found to be the best adrastniMit of the quantities in order to
btain the eoloor of the iaage I h«Te previously menticmed, namely,
. reenish black. If oion k naed, a pars black image is the resnlt. If
:' is absant entirely the negadvea are liable to get stained, I lay stress
n the use of pure anhydimu carbonata of soda. In my idpa'it does
ot stain the gelatine so mach, it is a diSaite compound, is not subject
u^ deterioration, and is stranger. I imst ask yon. i^-ntleraen, to nnder-
-tand that what I have said only rrfen to mr own individual expe-
rieaee, I bare no tight to ssaii that others, naving more knowleogie
and egperienee than mysrif , are not eqnaUy and mors sueeessfiJ with
the Jefekipais that I hare tnaliirnml. Other redneing amnts I have
not triad bacanss I am quite «tiiii<<d with the one msatiuiitd, and I
«ry wnA dspraeat* ccwtantty ehangng and enttlinenttag with
{•rfriopsn end piatoa, £. W. Pakvitt.
»
THB PBOTOOBAPmC MAP OP THE H£AV£KS.*
Tbb first miMber of the aseead Toluae of papsn pnbUahed nnder the
aospiass «f the Pwansnt CiwstMss slmrgsit wUh the eaaentioa o( tbs
pbolapafUe «ap ef tha shy baa anda Ms •ppaaianes, s«ya XatMrv, at a sad
rnoBil In the Uatear el Iba udafeUng. ior, sivnHanaoaaly with iu
appatoaaa. is anaonaaad Ibe daalb flf Um who. oMta than any other man,
has eonMbntad to its soeaaas and broocfat it within thsraacsot practical
tcianas. Admfaal Voodiat has known how to seesrs. not only the active
co-opsratkn of mmy aalioiiniiisis. bat also bow to maka than ssaloos in
the (Tsat work, the anangwifit ot the dstails o( whieh baa oeenpied the
last year* of bis tils. Ha haa awahansd eothnsisnn tor the sneesssof his
sabaaa, and smoothed mavy iHlllanhisa whieh might bavs hiadarsd its
pragiaas. sad probaMy Is* andsrtaUais ol eqnal T'»«~«* and sqnal
aportaoee, breaking new grDaad in nia«y diiactiona, iiave besa got
.□dsr way with laas triatiea and fswar disaffoiniaanla. We say wdl
hope that the same saavity and diptooM^ wliieh has ehacaalarisad tlis
ooodoet o< the late Diieetor of the Paris Obeervatory wHl be famad in the
coaaaslsodiiaaaeasasar.aadthata workbagoa ia so much tiope will be
carried to a sneesasfol issoe.
Tbs papen in tlw voinoa bsfdre na eaa be broaglit roagbly nnder two
.oads. both, notwithalaading tba lapse of timetraatha ineeption of the
•ehaaak balakaaiag an initial stags in tba prsparation. One of the topics
under dkaaaiaa iMa kr ita aim the seleelion of a method wliieh shsll
-etna on te photagrapble plates, lisstiniil oltimately to fumiih a cata-
(pia. 0m JTressian of stars of the ekvanth magnitude with certainty
id oaitoiBity ; ttie other, a means of dsriviag the oo-ordiaatas of the
-. ir imagsa w liupisassil with the gnalaM facility and tufflcieat accuracy.
To dsal with the sseond of thass propoaals first, ws may remind our
readers that* wtiatavsr matliod ot msaaoiiag the positions of stars on a
lata way ba adopted, the wanltiagco-ordinatas mast be portly diflersa.
• mtkUrn 4a OtmM luUnttittal Ftrmamtml, leas U.,
tial, and probably referred to the axes of the reteau impressed upon the
plate as a latent image, and developed under the same conditions as the
stars themselves. To pass to the determination of B.A. and declination,
a great deal of information, entirely independent of photography, will
have to be made available. The readiest means of effecting this last step
in the reduction, as it appeared to a committee of experts appointed to
consider the question, was to determine, by meridian instruments, the
actual co-ordinates of six stars on each plate. It is needless to conmient
upon the magnitude of the labour thus undertalcen, or, at least, contem-
plated. This preliminary work would demiuid a catalogue of some sixty
or seventy thousand stars, most of them below the ninth magnitude, and
not found in existing catalogues. In order to give to each determination
the necessary accuracy, it is desirable that each star should be observed
twice in both elements, and at two observatories. When we remember
the length of time that the re-obserrstion of Argelander'a zones has
consumed, tmd is still incomplete, we can form some estimate of the time
that mnst inevitably elapse before the results of the photographic cata-
logue can be made available for astronomical purposes.
In presence of these difficulties, and many more which occur to the
practical astronomer, we mnst be very grateful to M. Loewy for elaborat-
ing a scheme which, if it be found practicable, will materially shorten
the time necessary for the production of the catalogue. M. Loewy pro-
poses to avail himself of the fact that the plates are taben in two series,
in such a marmer that each comer of a plate in one series will form the
centre of four other plates in the seooad series. When, therefore, the
astronomer has determined the rectilinear co-ordinates of the stars on
one plate relative to the central lines of the ri»eau, each of these stars
will belong in common to the plate considered, and to one of the fomr
plates in the second series, putially covering the first. M. Loewy's
scheme eonsisCs in making the stars on the four plates thus connected
available for the reduction ot the first. And, on paper at least, it is not
difficult to extend the scheme still further, and to make the plates con-
tiguous to these four contribute to the reduction of tlie original plate by
means ot an extended triaugulation. In this way a plate would not be
considered as an isolated tact, bnt a considerable area, of 3C, G4, 100, or
more square degrees could be woven into an harmonious scheme of reduc-
UoB. And such a pUn possssses this very obvious advantage, that on
area a lasssr arsa, as ot 36 square degrees, we may well expect to meet a
snffieiant number of bright stars whose places are already ~o well deter-
mined that the reduction of the plates could go on immediately without
waiting for the observations ot the stars on the meridiar.. And, inde-
pendently of this evident advantage, it seems highly probable that two
ot the elements ot reduction— viz.. the orientation of the plate and the
value ot the scale— will be determined more accurately if the stars which
are used tor the derivation ot these corrections are separated by a con-
sidenble distance— that is, greater than a single nec^tive would permit.
H. Loewy considers the various sources of errors and their necessary
oorreetioo with all the detail required to submit the plan to practical
appUealioa, aad this is precisely the test that is needed. This api>ears to
be also the opinion ot Dr. Oill, expressed in a very cautious approval of
U . Loewy's scheme, and he fnrther quotes a remark of Professor Auwers.
which contains a very salutary caution. That astronomer points out
that the radnctica ot the eatalogna plates will be most accurately effected
from to poaitMo of faint stars, rather than from bright onee. In that
case, sines our pteseat most accurate catalogues do not give the position
of the taiater stars, those catalogues will still need to be supplemented by
many meridian observations. Dr. Sands Bakhnyzen, however, expresses
the opinion tliat the innss of tbs Aitronomitche GcttlUclwft will, when
completed, furnish the neceesary data tor all reductions, or, at most,
require additional obesrvatioas in some portions ot the sky. which he is
aitle to point oat from a eaieful examination of the ntmiber of the stars
eontainsd ia tliese tones.
The second topic which has received much consideration in this
volnaie is, as before meatioaed. the adoptioa ot a method to secure the
registra^toa ot stars ot the eleveath magnitude. It will be remembered
«v^T-fK^atgi mtiinnl Ooagisss of 1691 proposed to place in front of the
objest-^jtss of ths telescope screens of fine metallic gauze, identical in
maantacturs, and of such coostmction that the amount of light impeded
shoold be equivalent to two magnitudes, the coefilcient 2'ol2 being em-
ployed as the ratio to express ths relative brilliancy betweeu two consecutive
magnitodss. A Committee was appointed to carry this plan into execution,
bnt the report which this Committee has issued is unfavourable to the
adoption of the method. The signatures of the Astronomer Royal, Pro-
tsasor Pritchard, and the brothers Henry are attached to this report ;
but M. Vogel, tlie remaining member ot the Committee, has not fotmd
tlie rsssons assigned l>y his coUesgues suiBoieat to warrant the rejection
of tba I'hf^i and ocossqnently his name does not appear. The Presidea
638
THE BRITISH JOUKNAi, OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[August 19, 1802
o( the Permanent Committee thus sums up the case against the pro-
I>oaaI. Light, in traversing a metallic screen of bright threads and very
narrow mesh, seems to experience, besides the ordinary effects of diffrac-
tion, certain modifications, whose cause is not yet explained, and which the
Congress could not foresee when they framed the recommendation. This
peculiar behaviour of the light demands further study, and renders the
application of this means very difficult, if not useless, for the purpose for
vrhioh it was proposed, since the discrepancies of the results obtained are
greater than the error which an experienced astronomer would make in
estimating stars of the eleventh magnitude.
The experiments on which this conclusion is founded are set out in
considerable detail, and a careful study of these experiments ought to
convince an unprejudiced critic that the Committee was justified in
advising the rejection of the screens as an adequate and efficient means
of deciding upon stars of the eleventh magnitude. It should be stated
that the gauze screens, identical in character, were furnished by Professor
Vogel, and, though there is no mention of the experiments or processes
which induced the Potsdam astronomers to select a screen of this par-
ticular obstructive power, it is to be presumed that in his photographic
telescope they stopped the amount of Ught proposed by the Congress. It
a not the least curious feature in the discussion (controversy would be far
too strong a word to describe the courteous paragraphs in which the
various astronomers set forth their reasons for dissent from the able
physicist) that Professor Vogel takes no part in it nor vouchsafes any
information as to the principles by which he was guided in the selection,
but leaves the onus of rejection entirely to his colleagues, who are thus
placed at a disadvantage.
Professor Pritchard, whose photometric researches permit him to speak
with authority, has stated concisely the result of his experience. He
found that on the ordinary astronomical telescope, achromatised pre-
sumably for D, the amount of light obstructed was equivalent to
2-4 mag., and on the photographic telescope, with a minimum focal
length for G, the amount of light lost was not less than 2-8 mag.
The Astronomer Eoyal reports that the action of the screen on the
Greenwich telescope is to stop 2-5 mag. This result was deduced by
comparing the seventh and ninth magnitude stars of Argelander. Some
further comparisons of the obstructed and unobstructed light of stars of
the ninth and eleventh magnitude, photometrically examined by Pro-
fessor Pritchard with the wedge photometer, confirmed this result, and
further proved that the scale of Pritchard and Argelander was in very
satisfactory and close agreement. It will be necessary to return to this
point. M. Henry, at Paris, ofiers results in close accordance with those
of the two English astronomers just quoted. He finds that the screen
proposed by M. Vogel as effective in his instrument stops between 2-5 and
27 mag. on the Paris telescope, and this effect is still further confirmed
by some observations by M. Trc^pied, whUe M. Eayet, at Bordeaux, finds
2-7 mag. represents the effective action of the screen. Very different is
the experience of M. Donner, of Helsingfors. His method of estimating
the loss of light is different from that employed in the other cases, and is
perhaps not without objection ; but the result which he derives from his
observations is that the Ught of a star, in passing through the screen,
loses only 1-6 mag.
It is now necessary to describe very briefly the methods employed in
the various observatories which have led to these discordant results, the
more so as one eminent authority. Dr. Duner, of Lund, who apparently
holds a brief for Professor Vogel, has taken exception to the results
deduced. Leaving on one side the experiments conducted by MM. Henry
and Tripled on artificial stars, and against which Dr. Duner urges no
objection further than that they are founded on artificial stars, we find
that one principle pervades the examination conducted at Greenwich,
Paris, Bordeaux, and Algiers. The several astronomers have determined
what length of time is necessary to produce a blackened star disc of the
same diameter from the same star with and without the screen. In this
way it has been found necessary to expose for ten or eleven times as long
with the screen before the object-glass as without, and from this fact it
has been mferred that the loss of light occasioned by the screen amounts
to 2-5 or 2-6 mag. It is urged that, if only two magnitudes were lost by
obstruction, the necessary exposure would have been (2 -512)- = 6 3 that
required by the unobstructed object-glass. Dr. Duner remarks on this
that those who have condemned the employment of the screens on these
grounds have argued in a vicious circle, and to be logically correct it
would be necessary to show that the intensity varies as the time of
exposure or —
»t = const.
Against the accuracy of this law Dr. Dun^r urges that reports of the
observers themselves show three distinct proofs. In the first place (1(
Dr. Donner states that only 0-58 mag. is gained by successively multiply-
ing the length of exposure by 2'3 ; (2) that the Astronomer Boyal proves
that a gain of 1-7 or 1'85 mag. is secured by multiplying the length of
exposure by 6-25 ; and (3) that MM. Henry have found that to obtain
similar discs from stars of the 9-3 and 11-3 mag. the exposure has to be
increased from 28 sec. to 240 sec. (1 : 8-6). These three experiments give
instead of 2-512 respectively,
3-28, 2-69, 2 -gS,
results apparently incompatible with the formula-
it sconst.
MM. Trepied and Henry reply at length and effectively to these strictures.
They do not regard 2-69 and 2-93 as differing so greatly from 2-512 but
that the discrepancy may be fully explained by inaccuracy and paucity
of observations. The Helsingfors result (3-28) they refuse to accept as
imequivocal evidence in the face of established facts. The method of Dr.
Donner consisted in comparing photographs of the Pleiades, taken with
and without the screen, with the map of M. Wolf, and marking the number
and magnitude of the stars which have black or grey images. This method,
as already hinted, does not seem to be entirely free from objection. Ad-
mitting that the comparison of the images was made, as we are sure it
was, with all the care possible, there is still room for the varying exercise
of individual judgment as to what constitutes a black and what a grey
image, and the final result is likely to be less exact than a process based
upon rigorous measurement.
The method employed by Professor Pritchard is, perhaps, as free as
any from objection or misinterpretation. He exposed the plate for equal
times with and without the screen, and then measured the diameters of
the resulting star discs. If two discs, produced one with, and one with-
out, the screen were found equal in diameter, then the effect of the screen
is equivalent in photographic action to the original difference of magni-
tude between the two stars. This difference of magnitude was determined
by the wedge photometer, and the only exception that can be taken to
this determination is that the scale of the wedge photometer may not be
accurately applicable. But here we have the distinct assertion of the
Astronomer Eoyal, reiterated again by M. Tripled, that the Pritchard
Argelander scales are in very satisfactory accord. This circumstance is
the more gratifying for two reasons. First, because it is distinctly
stipulated in resolution 19 (1889), " Chaque observateur devra s'attacher
4 obtenir sur ses cliches destines au catalogue la grandeur 11 -0 d^termince
aussi exactement que possible au moyen de I'gchelle d' Argelander." The
maintenance, therefore, of the scale of Argelander becomes of paramount
importance, and this one could scarcely hope to effect by means of the
gauze screens. The second satisfactory point is, that Professor Pritchard
is endeavouring to secure uniformity in the photographed stars by dis-
tributing among the participating observatories small charts of particular
regions of the sky on which are marked stars of the ninth and eleventh
magnitudes approximately. Naturally, in the determination of the
magnitudes of the stars on these charts, the scale of Argelander will be
perpetuated ; and, inasmuch as the testimony of several astronomers is
distinctly in favour of making use of these typical areas, it seems very
probable that Argelander magnitudes will be prolonged in the catalogue
work down to the faintest stars impressed.
HARMONISING HARSH NEGATIVES.
[North Middlesex Photographic Sooietj.]
The subject of my paper is one for which, if dealt with by a com-
petent person, probably no apology would be necessary. I am fully
impressed with a sense of my unfitness for the task, and the only ex-
cuse I can offer for touching it is that when, in the course of my duty,
I have requested some of our members to take up the corner of one of
the large subjects as the theme for a paper or demonstration, I have
been met with the rejoinder, " Why not try it yourself ? " I am con-
sequently in the unenviable position of a man who attempts to put
his own precepts into practice.
Probably the most scathing and unanswerable criticism upon
pictorial photography is that our prints are too black and white,
too violent in contrast, that when viewed at arm's length they appear
to be masses of black and white without relief in the shadow or grada-
tion in what should be the lighter half-tone, or, if both are to some
extent secured, the general effect is poor and flat. This criticism,
though not applicable to the pictures produced by our better workers,
is, unfortunately, too true when applied to the prints made by the
majority of our rank and file, among whom I may claim to have a
place.
The cause is not far to seek. A moment's reflection will serve to
show that no process can reproduce nature's black — tlie total absence
Aogost 19, ISSU]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
639
of light M in the CMe where our darkett shadow is some spot where
light eumot penetrate ; nor can it reproduce nature's highest light —
light itnlf, or light reflected from water or other hn^^ht surface.
Our deepect blade and whitest paper fall far short of these extremes ;
and, even if it were possible to secure in a negative the full scale of
Ught and shade aa seen in nature, it is certam that no printing pro-
etm on paper can give the gradation found in a strong negative.
If we expoae a plate rich in silver, and preferably isocnromatic, on
me weU-ut subject, showin^^ deep shadow in the foreground, and
having strongly defined clouds in the skr, and develop in the ordinary
manner, we will have a negative in which the shadows are nearly
clear glass, and the cloud-forms, though extremely dense, will yet he
clearly perceptible. On making a print, we will find that, long before
the faint shadow markings in the clouds are impressed upon the paper,
possibly even before the distant portions of the landscape are vuiole,
the darker half-tone will be one mass of black. Our printing process
is only capable of rendering one end of the long scale ofligtit and
•hade in ute negative. Some compromise must be attempted, .\rtistx
have their own methods of overecming the difficulty, and vary them
to suit their snbiecta. In some case* they ma^ use up the longer
portion of the seals at their command in translating the lighter half-
tone and compre« the ahadowa into tiMiemaining portion. In another
case they may emplor the opposite method, the ahadowa and darker
half-tone may be foDy rendered, and the lights compressed. In a
third case the whole scale mav be uniformly compressed within the
limits of the medium of expreaaoo ; bat the favourite method appears
to be to introduce two or more sealea into the compodtion, witn the
result that, while the lighter hatf-tone may be much darker than in
nature, yet, the local contraata being preanved, the painting or draw-
ing conveja to the eye mnch the mm* impieasion it would receive
from the sosoe in nature.
It ia for na to consider to what aztMt we can make use at these
methods in photography.
When we mask tne hndaeape portion of a negative to allow the
clouds to print out, or when we cowbine in the prints clouds from
another negative, we are iotiodneiiw two scale* of light and shade
into oar eompositioi. Masking and ooaUe printing, or sunning down
parts of the print, are the reaiusat methods of obtaining harmony in
what would otherwise be hanh prints. But, when tne lights ard
shades tn intimately mingled, masking is difficult, and sometime*
pradicaOy imposaible, and the icanlta of running down are sometime*
far fron pleaamg.
If now we attempt in making the negative to eompresa the fall
scale of lights and soadows within the Umita of oar printing process
(and this ia quit* poaribU br the method recommended by Captain
Aboey, i*., b^ dawakfiif tat with foil quantity of ammonia, and
just a trace of pTfoandfeoMiimiog the development of the ghost image
so obtained with fall quantity ofpyio and little ammonia), we ara met
with another difficulty, that of flitaws.and here I would Iika to quote
from an article in the J%etofnpAie Quarterly tot April in this year,
entitled " Nature's Light Scale* a* Bendered bv Photography," by Mr.
H. IVnni* Taylor. .Mr. Tayhir says (page* 1K>, 1-1, 181') :—
" thatTc'i apprteiatiea of father high eootrasl* and graat variations
in them is clumsy and indissriminadDi ; ««»■— ■■t aeotiaats of 1 to 10,
or, better still, 1 to 30 in a phala(i^tiie print yi*Ming to the sy* moofa
the same aact tt Iiiilssmjuii aa aitmM «iMtrasU of 1 to 50 or mora in
nainn, wmU yisU. •apMially wban th* print U not dirsetly coopared
to the original aaane. Bat it wm ate shown that, altbooch lo the sy*
on* Ugli aoMroM ia BMliIlM na* at Metbar Ugh aaatnat, navwthe-
1«** th* ay* I* *xtr*B*|y laeitiva lalaUisly le vaifatjen* in Ihoe*
moderate contiasts which sziet b*f **» ecaticooas fsatoraa and details of
natural riswi, and which give them tlieir rltaHni lues* and ralief.
" Hanaa it toUows tluM, while soab estran* eoatiasu a* 1 to 15
or 30. wfaish ar* available ia a piwiognipMe print, will do very good
iWTfars fnrgiring an liisa nf Tsrymnnhhiiihif snwiiaalssilaliiig lu imIuis.
slill tliaa* Bodant* and daliaat* eootaan oMtaw b*tw*Mih* aaMntial
of tiM aatoial view eanaot be lo««*d in valae (by that com-
and oaavaidabl* in the
rtn» reality.
' whieh doe* not
eiietingin i
tWOMlh***
l«*(^
fssalusi fl< the Ug^ stale wfaiah ia nseisiaiy and oaavoii
print) wittuot tli* ayebeiac at oneestraak fe7 tn* div*rg*nce I
and bring Miypniiiliil by a flatn*** and want of vigour wh
do isitta to lb* cririnal. "
.\nd again :
" As a still Bor* iriling illustration or proof of tli* above statement,
let a long ssrias of small reetasgnlar spais** b* imagined in immediate
eoolaet, aadk bsing tzaetly 1|>| (or 3 per cent.) brighter than iu
neighbof Mi Iba Ian. If tb«r* ar* 8S6 of th*** strip*, th* pbotomctrie
•ooMMt kaMmn lb* darkaat osi th* •xtren* left and lb* fari^l**t on the
■ifa**n* rigbt wta b* aa 1 to 100. Kow. a differtsee of two par esnt. in
hrigbtnsas hst**au two strip* in imm*dial* eoolaet is easily perceptible
to ordinaiT ay** t lli*f«tar* all th* strip* would b* eleatlj dislingnishable
Iron aaotbar. and weald •oastitaU ih* detaU* of the series. Now let a
I of lb* asrii* b* produced in soeh a manner that the contrasts
between the two extreme strips is reduced from 1 to 100 down to 1 to 5
(a trifle over). The light scale is thus very strongly compressed, and it
then follows that the contrast between any two contiguous strips will now
^ as 1 to ^A, or a difference of J per cent, instead of 2 per cent, as
before. Now it has been proved by careful experiments with the experi-
mental top that such a small contrast as this is absolutely imperceptible
to ordinary eyes. Therefore it follows that the rectangular strips will no
longer be ditcemihU, and that the whole effect would be that of a gradual
and unbroken shading from one extreme of the series to the other. In
other words, the details of the original have been altogether obliterated
by the compression of the light scale, although a passable degree of con-
trast between the extremes is still preserved. The pith of the matter may
be summed up thus :
" While photography enables one to compress a very extensive natural
light scale into the much narrower limits at the command of the printer,
still it performs the operation in a strictly mechanical and accurate way
by modifying all contrasts, great and small, according to photometric laws,
whereas human vision does not estimate or appreciate natural and
artificial contrasts in a manner directly related to their photometric values,
but is far more sensitive to modifications in the smaller contrasts than it
is to modifications in the greater contrasts."
It follows that only in a few exceptional cases the compression
of the whole scale within the limits of our process will yield satis-
factory results. A practical difficulty will also be found "in gauging
in the dark room, during the process of development, the exact amount
of compression necessary. The introduction of two scales into the
compoeition, or the eompreasion of one end of the scale, will be found
more generally useful and pleasing. Reduction or intensification will
effect the latter result.
The intensification of a flat negative showing too compressed a
scale will show a result somewhat as if a darkish print had been
made from tie negative in its original state, and the lights put in
with white crayon ; or, when the negative happens to be dense as well
as flat, relief may be obtained by clearing out the shadows with a
reducing agent. If this be crisply done, the result will be as if a
light print had been takoi from the negative in its origbal state, and
the shadows strengthened with bhuik crayon. If these methods be
appUed kicaUy, two scale* are shown in the print ; if applied gene-
rally, the effect is that of oomMessing one end of the scale and
rendering the other more fully. For some daases of subjects these
methods will yield pleasing results.
In the case of harsh negatives, where the shadow detail is already
too thin, and the lights too dense, neither of these methods is quite
satisfactory. In attempting to reduce the high lights which pene-
trate through the film to the support, it will only be by the exercise
of an amount of manual dexterity not usually possessed by an amateur,
and then, at the expense of a vast amount of time and patience that,
we can avoid clearing away the shadow detail lying on the surface of
the film when the light and shadow an intimatel* mingled.
When the light* and shadows are in masses, and soften into each
other, the lights may be satisfactorily reduced by means of Mr.
Howard Farmer's reducer (hypo and ferricyanide of potastium),
appUedby a sponge. A member of our Society (Mr. Beadle) is very
skilful in the use of this agent, and ha* kindly lent me some prints
from negatives, before and after reduction, which I pans round for
inspection. In the prints of the chapel interior you will note the
great improvement in the columns, font, and the wall, upon which
the light falls so strongly. In the Undsnpe you will note how
charmingly the distance print* out from the reduced negative.
The difficulty in using this method is to avoid reducing the shadow
detail adjacent to the %hta, and to avoid a patchy appearance, due
to uneqaal reduction. "The same remark will apply ftill more strongly
to the use of spirit applied with wash-leather, as some pressure has to
be applied, and, if the portions to be reduced are at all large, the diffi-
culties become very great. I have never seen an instance of a large
portion of a negative reduced with spirit without patchiness appearing, .
generally accompanied by a smeary effect.
It is not necessary for me to give here formulae for the many
intensifiers and reducers extant, each of which has its own advantages
f cii H*f^ purposes. A full list of these, with useful comments and
sifplniutons, will be found in the admirable paper read before our
Society hut year by .Mr. lioland Whiting. I may, however, call !
_v.)ur attention to one which has Ijeen referred to lately at some of the
.'<<-<cieties. The formula as given by Mr. Teape at the London and
Provincial is
Bichromate of potassium saturated solution . . 1 drachm.
.Sulphuric acid 1 „
Water 8 ounces.
This is a stock solution to be diluted for ute according to the purpose
fur which it is reonired. For instance, if it is (/nly necessary to clear
away a slight turiace fog before intensificatioa, it should be diluted to •
MO
THE BRITISH JOUENAL OF PHOTOGRAPH f.
[August 19, 1802
a pale lemon tint. When dense negatives have to be reduced, a
stronger solution may be used. I have found it speedy, and, when
applied to the whole surface of the negative in a bath, regular in its
action. The effect is visible during the operation, and as hypo, is not
used, a lesser amount of washing is necessary than when that useful
but troublesome chemical is employed. J. McIntosh.
{To be coniinued.)
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY'S STANDARDS.
[Tlic following is reprinted from the Societj's Journal.]
The Standards adopted by the Society in 1881 have been carefully
reconsidered to see what additions or modifications were desirable.
The following statement is complete so far as the subjects it deals
with are concerned : —
Lens Diaphbagms.
It is recommended : —
Ist. That the aperture of the standard-unit diaphragm have a
diameter equal to one-fourth the equivalent focal length of the lens.
2nd. That diaphragms with smaller openings have apertures
diminishing in ai-ea to the extent of one-half from the unit standard
downwards.
3rd. That every diaphragm be marked with its intensity ratio, and
also with the relation that the diameter of its aperture bears to the
equivalent focal length of the lens, thus : —
^4' .5-6'
4-^- 8 -^ ■
*8' ^1T3'
16
/.
16'
32
22'6'
64
32'
^-"45-2'
256^; &c.
Should a lens not admit of a diaphragm with an aperture as large
in diameter as one-fourth its focal length, nor exactly any one of the
above-mentioned sizes, it is still recommended that all the apertures
be made in uniformity with the above scale, with the exception of the
largest, which should be marked with the number its area requires in
relation to the unit diaphragm. In the case of a lens having a work-
ing aperture exceeding in diameter one-fourth its focal length, the
diaphragms should be marked according to the sizes of their relative
apertures, for example : —
0-5 /g;
0-2o{,
&c.
And diaphragms which require to be made with apertures inter-
mediate to the standard sizes should be marked in a corresponding
manner.
Lens MorNTS and Fittings.
It is recommended : —
Ist. That the equivalent focal length of each lens be engraved upon
its mount.
2nd. That the following series of screws for photographic lens
flange fittings be adopted : —
Diameter in Inches.
No. of
Threads per Inch.
Core Diameter
in Inches.
1
24
■9466
125
24
1-1966
1-5
24
1-4466
1-75
24
1-6966
2
24
1-9466
2-25
24
2-1966
2-6
24
2-4466
3
24 .
2-9466
3-5
12
3-3933
4
12
3-8933
o
12
4-8933
And upwards.
advancing
bv
12
inches.
The form of thread is that known as Whitworth's Angular Thread,
and is designed as follows : — Two parallel lines, at a distance apart
equal to 0-90 of the screw pitch, are intersected by lines inclined to
each other at o^". One-sixth of the vertical height of the triangular
spaces so obtained is rounded off both at the top and bottom. The
depth of this thread is 064 of the screw pitch.
3rd. That every flange and adapter have a mark upon its front to
indicate the position of the diaphragm slot or index of any lens when
screwed home. The mark on any adapter should coincide with the
mark upon any flange into which it is screwed. This mark should be
placed at the point at which the thread becomes complete at the
shoulder of the flange or adapter.
Cameba Schbws.
It is recommended : —
That all screws fitted to cameras, either for attachment to the
stand, for fixing rising fronts, or for other movable parts, be either
1 5, i, TO) or I of an inch in external diameter, and in pitch of thread
and other details in accordance with the generally recognised Whit-
worth standards for these sizes.
©ur Etiitorial 'Cable.
Convention Prints.
Two bromide prints received from Messrs. Morgan & Kidd, Richmond,
attest at once the skill of Mr. R. L. Kidd, of the firm mentioned, as the
user of the camera, and of his firm as enlargers and printers in bromide.
One is a wliole-plate direct group of a party of friends who, in the
West Highlands, kept up the sociable character of the Convention for
several days after the scientific proceedings had terminated in Edin-
burgh. As a memento of the happy time, containing, as it does, the
portraits of more than a score of friends taken alfresco, it will be
esteemed quite as much as for its technical excellence. The other is
an enlargment (22^ x 16) from a small negative of the Convention
group taken by Mr. Kidd, the tone and brilliance of which speak
much for the skill displayed in the process of enlarging.
iHeettns^ of Sboctette^.
MEETINGS OP SOCIETIES FOB NEXT WEEK.
Date of MeeUng.
Name of Society.
Dundee Amateur .,
Gloucestershire .
North Middlesex .
Place of Meeting.
Asso. Studio, Nethergate, Dundee.
wioucesiersnire
23 North Middlesex Jubilee Hall, Homsev-road.
23 1 Great Britain (Technical) 50, Great KusseU-st.,"Bloom8bury.
24 i Photographic Club Anderton's Hotel, Fleet-street, E.C.
25 1 Birmingham ] Lecture Room, Midland Institute.
25 ' Hackney Morley Hall, Triansjle, Hackney.
25 1 Halifax Photo. Club ' Mechanics' Hall, Halifax.
25 \ Hnll : Royal Institution, Hull.
25 ■ Ireland \ Rooms, 15. Dawson-street, Dublin.
25 Liverpool Amateur I Crescent Chambers, 3, Lord-street.
25 ; Loudon and Provincial i Champion Hotel, 15, Aldersarate-st.
Oldham
Cardiff
Holbom ....
Maidstone ,
Richmond .
Swansea .
The Lyceum, Uniou-street.Oldham.-
** The Falaoe." Maidstone.
Greyhound Hotel, Hichmond.
Tenby Hotel, Swansea.
West London I Chiswick School of Art, Ghiswick.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL'PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
August 11, Mr. T. E. Freshwater in the chair.
Packets of Ilford printing-out paper were distributed amongst the members.
Mr. W. D. Welford showed results of his hand-camera work during the
Convention at Edinburgh ; he also gave the formula for a successful batli for
the Eastman chloride paper, which he had arrived at after many experiments,
viz.,
Gold , 4 grains.
Water 6 ounces.
Bicarbonate of soda IJ drachms.
This would tone 108 quarter-plates, after toning was slightly, and fix in bath
strength 1 to 6. Toning was very rapid.
Mr. Everitt had found the same paper tone well with a borax bath.
Mr. Dando used an old acetate bath which took a long time to tone, but any
tone could be got by it.
Mr. BiRT Acres made a personal statement, condemning the report of a
former meeting which appeared in one of the photographic journals. Some-
discussion ensued, and it was generally agreed that, as to a certain portion of
it, the report was inaccurate. It was decided to withdraw that portion. Mr.
BiUT Acres expressed himself as being satisfied.
Mr. F. A. Bridge showed a splendid enlargement, 30 x 20, from a quarter-
plate negative of Melrose Abbey, taken during the recent Convention meeting.
He presented it to the Association, and was warmly thanked.
iir. E. W. Parpitt then opened the discussion of the evening by reading a
paper on the Development of Instantaneous Exposures. (See page 536).
In the discussion which followed, Mr. BiRT Acres stated that pyro and
Anpwt 19, 1802]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL, OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
641
.T^mynmiM Mad xvf wttk, without bioaidtL would bring out as much as any
Wbowb dii»lflp«r. Ha would lua ii ilfttith of a grain of pj-ro, and an aqnal
luanti^ of ammonia, to tbs ooncc^
Ur. W. K DabenhaB would UM tka ama itnngtb of pyro, a little more
inunonia, and h» found that by naiag a mail quantity of^bromide detail was
not haldWk, but kept dearer.
Mr. WSLFOBO allnded to the aeoeanty of trying everything in this age of
I iiMiam. both in derdopen and plataa. He had tried eTerything, and came
MOE to pyro. Rodinal was good, bat bo dtnaity sewned to w obtainable, but
by the ahcr-application of hydroqainn— araat Tigoitr resulted, but too much
iatandflcatioa. He prribned loakiBf tta plate first in soda, thai adding pyro,
astd rwoHBCBdad tka ntotd teaaki«llh am soda added to start wiO.
Mr. nnardin nsad taa par cant lulaMoaa at pyio and aoda, beginning weak,
md addng aa required.
Mr. Siadair would be^ with a small quantity of pyro, adding by degrees,
to oUaia dosity, nrr little fafsoidaw
Mr. Ban Acua did aot mnm of soaUng the plate tirst in alkali ; he
•aid Biore date* wera spoilt u teciac tlMUi in any other wav. He adrised
-tarting with weak solnnrais, and finisBag up with stronger mlations.
MrTrnpc had bean u^big a plate latdy with which a beautifnl mauTe-
.-olBnid fo( becama aeidaBtlf be aaad the aoalleet quantity of bromide.
Tha OUflOUX, to afcilBC tba dlaeMriaa, aid the prepondemioe of opinion
aaaaad to be on tba aids of pvro aad nda, aad, on bafaalf of the members,
thaakad tkeee gitlmm who had nlatol tlMh' azparianoa.
Mr. K. Bella showed anew dardoptocdiah, eaOad the" Davatopan." The
iiiiawtton claimed tkat the plal^ aftar Mtaleptasot and riaaiag with water in
tte aaaa dish, eoold be raaond th>m tka dish in aa ordinal room without
d^^nr af few.
Ob iWiiiMalnii it -it jti-*^— ' "•^-""- r-^-*r'' *>• aot new, and that it
iraa aot aft to rsaoi* tha pbta b«a thadfak in dayli^t area aftar rinsing.
Mr. Bar Ackc^ atfaaliag to tka uou a«>toif glasses used in constmctins the
" Dnakpaa.' renarkad that otaage glas was safer than a great ded of the
ruby glaa that waa aaad dow.
9, Mr. Arthur Barker in the
of the Piget platee aad Oford
Mr. Hwwira said he aoticed
red aad ■~-'*<-^ violet He
Mr. Bacxnr said soom nagatires
Biae pqMr kat the most in
Dainm said K waa very
byCUpp*. Mr.
nacaix pbta wUdi be
■• afthe
chair.— Hm Hen. I
P. a paper. A dlaeaaaiaB i
a iWsnnoa ia tba aolaw, which \
pta**iad the bttsr. Mr. 5>aa dia^vsd.
were aereaottobla far one eoloarthaa mH
hath. Mr. Deaa baadad fooad a fgread plata. Mr.
maebtavad. Mr. Badaea shewed aaa '
Kan Aavad etna aaaqda M work
had biia iwj imna^l wttb. Mr.
rapid plala. Mr. PMluaK aked tba Cbabaaa'a opiaiaa af tha fashnan
nhtta^hkrida papas. TbeCBABitaaaMbabadneadaqBaatitr, aad was
maeh aiwad wfik flto naolu Mr. W, O. Roberts of LeytoMtooa. then
'bowed bis bead aiaan. which ceobl be aaad on a stand aa<l focutied as an
nliaarT caoian, allhaagk baiof of a mHeriwe kind. Changing could be done
iudMUttbycarntogata mmU aaMin Mr. D&rao tbaa read aaaper
aMtnmpmi Akfmftf. Ha iSltaM tke dieeoeeiy to Sir CMa
NVheatlay. A balfStoeaaaa had baaa Mad by Mr. Daado for bis wort,
\nd be said be bad Mad H aa adraataga, a eitra brisbt wu aUowad. Two
'Uhraat pletaras eaaU be takaa if dastrad. Aaother adTaBti«e to the aias
■eiHiaaedwaathathaWphiISi coald alaaya ba obUia«L Ha pvstaiad the
<h«M»Jwt batoaaAaphta^aadlaaaafftaa tra tosa*M4aahfceL Oae
fthayitdiMaalHaaaitegHthaaaeaMldypaiwd. Ha did not like the
itiadjaahwam: saaatJawa awttawa — aaategnaL (Hraplaty of exposure,
id daeaiapntbwtUaly, aad astplaate of detail. Mr. HEnuok aske<l how
' > tall when aceantaly paired. Mr. Daireo taid : Taka laaa out. vase thin
■ leca of wood tbroa^ oaa of tba siopa a that tha wood la aakad all round,
'\«a repeat oa tha other. Fiirther dlsfasina wa |»ust|iuiiad oatU aext
laerting.
taralftf notOfnpbio ■eetatr.— At a aMetlng of the Council of this
. batd oo tba lOU last., whaa Mr. Jobs Bnttarwortb. J.P., predded,
.latad diiimssieii look plaee la aaaeet to the pcopoeal to bold aa aaaaal
' — tad a CBaaUta wm appoiatad to lareetifUa the matter aad
itar* MiiMBg Mr. hJiII> (the Hon. Seorstary) pronisad to
' r.f photaorapbic aaaaala to we libiary, aad a aumfaer of im-
HBaasiTtotheOai<dy%iaaaa.
iphte lodMar.— The tUh ealdoor aiiHag af the isaan waa
' ' Weston-oo-Treat, a bma aaabar of aMBbeta faaiiu
r beiat all that eoold be daaiiad, a larae aambar of
.. Ur. w: L. Mi^idaa wa a>eet«l a msmW. It wu
lixth outloor waatftw at Saptoa oa Satoiday, Aognst 37.
-I CMk— Aanst IS, tha Prsatdaat fai tha chair.— The
UMilhawit saapis packeto of |4ata eat by the
ttag.o«t paper aaal bgr the BritoaaU Coapaay, than
-V la atrlppiag «datia»«bladda ptiais that had
1 syloofia slaha aaawer batter t Mr. OimlsBao
'"'■Tre ia eqaeagaaiag whaa aaiag tha Dlotd
>tiar a oomMaad laaiag aad txiagbath.
V a eapttd MbalitatofortbaftiaaaBiag
'IrHi^aadtfBMmamt Mr. Dana
mioa.etoae to fsl rid of tha aaaa
.«nin<r the lUeuadiiii oa I>ieafiaJaj
'in old malhod of first soaJdag
(ooiiag this oir aad applying
.v,.rv.i wriiwbaathapfartawakaowBto
-r of spoiling tha aifdlTs if tha aapuaaia
. „i. |>rer«n«d dilatiag the derdoper with
f >'>r t!iB« n* buik of water; tiwn, whea the image was well out, be would
use a &esh developer containing little bromide. Mr. Hunter woijd begin with
a developer containing less pyro, ammonia, and bromide, and when all the
possible detail was out he would strengthen it bjr adding plenty of pyro ami
more ammonia. Mr. Cembrano thought that, if the plate was really under-
timed, no good could be done with it. It was in under-exposure that defects in
the manufacture of the plate would become very apparent. He believed that
in practice there was no real advantage of any one developing agent over
another. When having a good snWect, the best and safest plan would be to
expose two or more plates on it. Su. Ford had not succeeded in real cases of
under-exposure, not even after developing for two hours. To gauge correctly
the exposure for subjects under trees was a difficult matter. Mr. Ennis found
the soda developer recommended by the President to wash well for hand-
camera exposures. It was mode as follows : Sulpho-pyrogallol (ten per cent. ),
20 minims ; Washing soda (ten per cent ), 240 minims ; Bromide of potassium
(ten per cent), 2 minims. Made up with sulphite of soda (ten per cent ) to
one ounce instead of plain water. Mr. Davis found it was essential to use
bromide with the pyio-potash soda developer. Mr. Exxis asked for the best
way of mounting glazed geUtino-chloride prints. Mr. Davis said Houghton's
Excelsior moantant was good. Mr. Ford added that indiarubber solution
answered, but it caused the prints to fade. Mr. Ennis had had a similar
experience with this mountant when mounting prints on albumenised paper.
■hafflald Photographic Society.— August 9, Mr. B. J. Taylor in the chair.
Arrangements were made for an excursion to Whitby. The Secretary dis-
tributed lamplepaskata of tha Paget prize plates for members to report thereon
at the next nMistliiu Bovatal members also gave in their report in reference to
batman's printing'«nt paper, which was considered highly satisfactory. It was
also arranged to send the annual competition pictures to Loudon for judgment
Span Tallay Fbotograpblc Soctoty.— August 9, Dr. Farrow, President, in
the chair. — The ad)udication in the monthly competition, the subject of which
wu Caught, wu proceeded with, the prize being awarded to Mr. J. Bumhill
for a lira rat in a caoa trap. This wu also the tune appointed to judge prinb
aent in to tba Bntkeriaad oompetition, and u it wu the first competition of
the kind, and in which any prize of value had been competed for, there was
considarable intamt taken in it The subject wu Lower Biacup Farm from a
given a^aot There ware taa exhibits, all of which were very creditable to
the eomiiatHoa, the pria being awarded to Mr. H. Jackson. A discussion
then toofc place u to the beat means of judging photographs at future exhibi-
tions of tha Society.
♦
RECENT PATENTS.
APPIiOATIOKS rOB PATENTS.
No. 14,271— "An ImproTenent in Hand Cameru." Complete specification.
J. UAiaB.—lMUdAiigiutS, 1892.
No. 14,275.— "laiptovaaiaats in or relating to Pliotographic Cameras, and
Slides or Appurteoaaea thsMto." J. D. yfuxuua.— Dated Augutt 8, 1892.
No. 14,^13.- "Improvamaata in Folding Stands and Supports for Photo-
graphs, Canls, and otbar artieks to be simuariy displayed. " G. C. J. Jelpkk.
—iMtfd Auffutt 9, IWl
No. 14,642.-" Improved Combined Subataaoa for the Development of
Photagraphio Inures. Complete specification. J. tUiVrv.—Dateil Atuputll,
1891
No. 14.559.— "Irapforaaienia in Photographic Supports and in Sensitive
Et <for." J. H. P. OiujUU).- /)rtMf .4ii7ia<12, I8i>2.
-" Improvamenta in Blagueaium Fluh Lamps. " J. C. Ouvkb.
—Oaled Almost 12, 1892.
8PECTPICATI0N POBLISHED.
1S92.
No. 11,015.—" Photographs." kc. Dtwi.
PATENTS COMPLETED.
iMraomfm* n axd Rxlatiko to Camera Trii-ods.
No. 10,809. LloiraMO K, BumrT, City of HcHenry, County of HcHenn-,
State of Illinois, United Sutes of America.— 7Wy 9, 1892.
[Thb iarention hu relation to photographic cameru, and more particnUrly to
that daa tharsof wharalu a tripod is employed for supporting the camera, said
tripod being adapted to ba connected with, and disconnected fVom, the camera,
aaa tha prmry obiact of tha tavantion is to provide simple means whereby a
tripod Bay ba nadUv wwmactad with, and diaconnected from, the camera,
aaid aeiiiiifin aitans being provided with locking devices, whereby ttie parts
miyiba laakad ia position after having been connected together.]
iMraoimmia » HoLDiBa roB Ouicr GLaasaa axd Lkxs TubI'IS.
No. 10,971. Jaxib Swirr, 81, Tottenham Court-road, London.— /ufy 16,
1892.
Tn ohiaet of this iavaatioa ia to proiida simple and efficient means for
aaearing object glasea aad leas tuba to microscopes, cameras, or other
sdaatiM instruments, and the invention consists in forming the lens socket
with a fine thread round oue half of itt interior surface, and adapting to the
other portion a threaded block, which is thrust forward to grip the lens tube
by means of a cam action.
(In accompanying drawings sererd moda of carrying out this invention are
shown and aeecribed.)
643
THE BRITISH JOCRNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[August 19, 1892
Improvements in Magic Lantbrs Sudks.
No. 13,765. Okobob Fredkrick LtrmcKE, 23, Farquhar-road, Norwood, S.E.
July 18, 1892.
I PROVIDE a frame of suitable shape, construction, and material, having one or
more grooves, holes, slots, or the like, serving as guides for suitable slides.
My invention, firstly, refers to novel mean.<< for operating in such manner as
not to be perceptible on the screen-jointed figxires, or objects of suitable
material, or part or parts of same, such figures or objects being conveniently
mounted or arranged on glass slides or suitable projections from some part or
parts of the frame. . ,.,
The novel means I employ for the said purpose are pms or the lilce con-
veniently fixed to the part or parts, or to cranks in connexion with part or
parts which it is intended to move, such pins or the like passing through holes
or slots in or being connected with a glass slide or disc in an equivalent
manner, such glass slide or disc being capable of movement in any desired
direction or directions, and being preferably of such size and shape as not to
show any edges when operated.
In the case of circular motion, the operating slide or disc either has a slot,
small enough to be covered by the figure or object, or part of the figure or
object, to be moved, or sufficient play is allowed in the depths of the grooves
or size of slots in which the opening slide or disc travels. Or both slides may
be made capable of motion.
I may reverse the arrangement by suitably fixing pins or the like to a glass
slide, and pass same through holes, slots, or the liie, in the said figures or
objects, providing, where necessary, caps, or the like, to prevent light showing
through.
I may use three slides, the centre one being stationary, tind the two outside
slides moving one or more figures or objects in the manner described either
directly or indirectly by means of cranks or the like, working spindles or the
like.
It may be useful to provide the pins or the like, which serve to operate the
figures or objects, or parts thereof, with one or two plates or rings, one on
each side of the operating slide or disc, so as to prevent the pin from shifting,
thus obviating irregular motion in the figures or objects, or parts thereof.
I reserve to myself to arrange the said figures or objects in any other suitable
way without departing from the gist of my invention.
I may also use suitable stops, rollers (to admit of easy sliding), springs, or
weights in connexion with the glass slides or discs, and the operating of the
same.
Secondly, in order to carry motion from one limb or part of a jointed figure or
object to another, I may employ a lever convenientlp pivoted to the said figure
or object, and operating by means of slots, pins, or the like, conveniently lixed
to the limbs or parts, or vice versd.
1 may also provide a plate, or plates, or the like, suitably mounted to a slide
or projection from the frame in a stationary position, provided with a pin oi
pins, or the like, acting by means of levers, rods, or the like, on a part or parts
of a figure or object revolving on a common spindle.
Thirdly, I claim the following means for producing novel illusory effects,
viz. , I provide a plate, table, cupboard, or the like, pivoted or otherwise con-
veniently fixed to a glass slide or part of the frame, such plate, or the like,
concealing a roller, or the like, in bearings worked by a suitable spring in one
direction.
To such roller, or the like, I attach one end of a figure, animal, or any object
made of suitable flexible material, so as to be capable of being wound round
the said roller, or the like.
The free end of such figure, animal, or object is conveniently attached to a
convenient part of a glass slide so that the latter may be capable, through
being moved, of unrolling the said figure, animal, or object ; or I may use a
concealed rod or any other suitable invisible means for causing the said figure,
&c, to be unwound. Or I may .arrange a figure or the like in sections, hinged
to one another, one end being conveniently attached to the said plate, table, or
the like, the other end being moved by the means described, or by any other
suitable means. Or, again, I may form the said figure or the like in sections
so shaped as to be capable of sliding one within the other, and operated in the
manner set forth.
Improvements in connexion with Photographs and Other Pictures, and
Apparatus for Exhibiting the same.
No. 11,015. John Dewe, Hotel M(-tiopole, Northumberland Avenue,
London, W.—July 23, 1892.
My invention relates, firstly, to an improved apparatus for the exhibition of
photographs and other pictures, the object of which is to impart thereto a
series of natural and realistic effects, capable of being changed or varied in-
definitely at the will of the operator ; secondly, of a manner of treating or pre-
paring the photograph or other picture to be exhibited therein.
[So far as we can see from a pernsal of the specification, this apparatus
is the same as we described on page 491 as the " Photo-Chromoscope,"
which is placed on the market by Messrs. G. Houghton & Son. — Ed.]
CorteK)ionDrencr«
Mt Ootrmptnimtt thould n«i«r virite m both ti4a of tlu paiMr.
DECLINE (AND FALL) OF PEOFESSIONAL PHOTOGEAPHT.
To the Editor.
Sib, — I think the subject yon have once more set a-going is well worth
being looked at from many points of view, and it would be well that no
offence should be given or taken because of different ideas on the subject.
My experience goes further back than " ProfesBional Photographer," and
it teaches me that Mr. Farmer is right advocating technical, practical,,
and artistic teaching for a photographer. But the past history shows me
that the professional is mostly drawn from the ranks of the amateurs.
The present and the future is likely to continue the same ; and it is no
use in trying to raise any objection, for any one may enter the ranks who
chooses. But all ought to consider the (faft of matters connected with
the hobby or trade from which we derive pleasure or profit. Let me give
you one or two guesses that are pretty near the truth.
The city that I belong to has, I believe, less than one hundred pro-
fessionals and operators ; it has more than one thousand amateurs ; it
has about a score of dealers in photographic material, who give hints,
lessons, Ac, to any one who buys goods from them. Any person can get
the catalogues, compare, and buy from the cheapest ; get printing,
enlarging, &o., done at as low a price as the man who waits on in his
glass-house. Then, the so-called amateurs belong to every trade, and
they do all that is wanted in these trades. Formerly they used to come
to such a one. I could fill a sheet with the names of these trades and
professions who used to bring orders to me ; now there is scarcely one in
a year. " Our young man does it," or " We have a staff of our own."
I don't want to grumble as long as I get just a little ; but I would like
something better for my family, and I would like to see the profession I
have been so long connected with in as good a position as any other pro-
fession I see around. What should be done to prevent the decline of
professional photography. — I am, yours, &a., Ou) Pro.
GlatgoiD, August 16, 1892.
To the Editor.
Sir,— It think that " A Professional Photographer" must have written
his letter at, " to put it mildly," " high pressure." Now he has seen it
in print, I am sure he will feel that there was much that " might have
been expressed differently," and much more that would have better left
unsaid. At first sight I must admit that the title of the article com-
plained of, viz., "The Decay of Professional Photography," read rather
ominous ; but, when read without bias, it dissolved itself into what is
commonly called "hitting straight" and not "below the belt," as a
" Professional Photographer" has evidently read it. It is just as well to
have a candid friend sometimes, or we are apt to get somewhat conceited,
and I think, Mr. Editor, that I am right when I say that this was the
vein in which the article was written. To class amateurs " en vuitse " as
"plate-spoilers" is palpably unfair, for "photography," and "photo-
graphers generally," owe much to those gentlemen who have, and do,
give time and talents to the working out of photographic problems, and
to the discovering of new processes, &c., which are, in nine cases out of
ten, cheerfully given to the photographic community, thus at once ad-
vancing the science of photography and benefiting their fellow-workers.
There are, of course, amateurs and amateurs ; I may also add pro-
fessionals and professionsal. Kegarding the higher education of photo-
graphers, 1 personally sincerely hope that the time is not far distant
when, in every large centre throughout the kingdom, there will be
established institutes in which any one wishing to advance with the
ever-flowing tide of photographic progress, may have thorough instruction
in, say, the photo-mechanical processes, and the higher branches of
photography generally ; and when the certificates issued from such scbool&
will be the "open sesame's" to good appointments. On whom or what
the future of photography depends, time alone will show. But this I
can safely predict, i.e., if my brethren of the camera do not advance with
photography, they will, as our American cousins would express it, " just-
git left ! ' — I am, yours, &o., F. J. A.
CENTRAL STOPS.
To the Editor.
Sir, — In the leading article upon " Equalising the Illumination of
Negatives" in your last issue, you mention a suggestion, made in 1863,.
that benefit would be derived from an opaque central stop, suitably-
placed with respect to a photographic lens. This reminded me of a mucb
earlier instance, where the same device, though under slightly different
circumstances, came under my notice, which, with one or two attendant
incidents, may interest, and perhaps surprise, some of our younger photo-
graphers.
Nearly fifty years ago I spoke to the late able optician Mr. Ross (the
first of that name) about making for me a rapid portrait lens. It was, of
course, one of the first made, and involved a little consideration, espe-
cially as, being young at the time, I was the more concerned about the
cost. Ultimately, Mr. Ross told me that, if I would waive objection to-
some small veins in the flint component of the lenses, he conld supply
the objective much more cheaply ; and that, if I never wanted to magni^
the image more than three or four diameters, the veins would be of no
consequence whatever. On this understanding, the portrait lens was
made. The equivalent focus is somewhere about 6 inches, and the
front lens is 2g inches in clear diameter. The largest stop is li inches ;
and, if a smaller one were desired, it would be needful to unscrew the back
lens, and then to icrew the smaller stop into its place. A Daguerreotype,
taken by me soon after the lens came into my hands, proves that over a
$mall area (it was intended chiefly for portraits on plates 2J x 2 inches),
the apparent sharpness of the picture could not be exceeded by any
August 19, 1899]
THE BKinSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
543
modern lena, and the price charged to me was, I believe, only 31. 10<. (I
am Kue that it was not more than 41. lOt.), ao that the optician dealt
well with me ; bnt for a piaoe ol iqelj giejrad glau, 9x7 uudiea, sap-
plied at the same time, muBomitad, te a foeoaaing screen, I was charged
lit. It was just soeh ^aaa aa is generally oied now for the pnrpose in
good cameras. When copying an engraving, I was often troubled with a
" flare-not " in the midiUe of the picture, a defect which troubled others
•leo. Mr. Boas told me that some coe waa proposing to take out a patent
for an opaque central stop to obriate tids debet, but that Mr. Fox Talbot
(Uia inventor of the ealotyne ptoeaaa), for whom al.so, I think, he made
{diotagraphic objaetivas, bad inatraoM him to enter a careat against
It — I am, yoors, Ac, Cbables J. Tatlob.
BantUad, Smrtjf, Awput 15, 1893.
LOSS OF DENSITY IN FIXING.
To the EnrroB.
Bn,— Tour very interesting Ko. ( 1(M ), Bamaa Jocbsai. or Pbotoobapbt,
emme to band, and I consider the group quite a snoeees. On p. 537, the
Mtar beaded " Loes ol densi^ in Fixing," should read, " Difference of
Intniaity oo a Wet and Dry Plate " I think.
I am Sony, ezeeedingly aony indsed, not to be able to oblige IXr. A.
C. Ifannen in his eoatta&tiaa to nj amsitinn (that a neoatiTe is more
intense when dry than while wet) and east my experience df some twelve
vears, and development of thousands of negatives, to the winds, simply
beeauae Mr. A (X M. has made a trial. I beg to differ, even if he has
his opinkn auppuited by his wife and several friends (among tbem two
amatettr pbotoKci^heta), to which be may have added hu statara, ooosins,
andaimta.
I would further say that I have not advanead any tbeoy ; I only
submitted a iaet and tried to explain it plainly. Binee then I have not
made any iiiinscaaaary trials, as I know the (act since years, but have
asked several ^lotographers, and tbey expreaaad tbe same opinion as I
did.
If Mr. A. C. M. likes to make trials, let him try the following one more
nonelusive :— Take a stereo nentive, and, when developed, print one half
of it when dry and tbe other bait wbik wet, and then see tbe results in
tbe details particularly. Ko mawluMleo of a drawing, but a view with
details and shadows.
As to my ayes, they are all right ; baiag aMe to jodgs of the Uu or
mart intensity of a negative, tliere is no rsasnii why I should not be able
to judge tlie iiore or l*u. It may, bowaver, depend upon whose opinion
I sbaia aa to tlie value of mj ajmif^t. Hoping you will kindly admit
ibiaaDawisrtolIr. AO. lIaanan,lMS.yoars<Vc., A. Lett.
AmOra. Paru. Au^uMt IStk, 1893.
KEW OEYELOPEBS— A 8C0OESTI0N.
To tht Bfinoa.
Bib, — ^I observe bom the Jocnxai. ol last week that another new
devafepsr baa been plaoad in the bands ol pbotograpbera. It appears to
ma that lbs experimentaHata too steady eonflna tbeir endeavours to the
pstirisicst of new deraiopsBg snbalBMaB iMeb wctk dMoly and rapidly
■I a bigh dagiaa ol dinaea wMi aoae iwl or iHiaiad tsparioritr in tbe
control of detail, widwol. bowswsr, laligfataaing na in regard to the
extent, if any, that tbe new eUmanta for bvoor are anpsnor to older
icaoenta in tbe matter at swaWing na te abotten tbe exposore.
If I iMoamber ari^t, when bydroqainone was inttodoead a doaen years
■go, it waa aiaimsd that, in eombinatiea with ammonium earfaooate, it
aswblad ooa to radnea tbe aomal aaposura bj one-half. Was tbia claim
ewwaobstantiatadr Foe stodio awA, Ibis power of abortaning tbe ex-
Mora by tbe nae of a particular dawlopai would at timaa be moat naefnl
wO poaaaaa.
my present object is to inquire wbetbsr anv comparatiTs experiments
have liaen made with tbe various developara In aettul oee with a view to
'lelarmiaing wttieb has the advantaaeotauowtngol the shortest expoeore,
eatpariaaaBta bava basB
and, if no aaab eatpariaaaBta bava baaa made, to soggsst tbay be 'under-
taken by soma iwmpilant Inwatlttaliw. If any developer baa that advan-
tage, tba inlonMtioa migbt be of some practical nee, whereas at preaent
I submit tliat tbe rivalry of new davalopeta ia dlen simply a ease of
twaadledee vtnu* tweedledum ; that ia, tbeir advantages are mora fanciful
tbsn real.— I am, yours, Ac, W. A Wbiobt.
Ifirlek, Auf—t 19, 1899.
BOKAX.rjEfiSrs BLISTEBS.
To the Eorroa.
Sia, — I think it but rigbt that I sbotild inform you. and also my fellow-
yhotographera, bow I prevent tbe formation o( blisters on albumen print«.
Bsaning up a certain process one day, I noticed that borax was used in
tbe fixing bath, and I thoogbt. Why not use it for pnnu on albumenised
.paper? I triad it, and ercriiaM tbtn I hAT* aerar aaan anothar bliatar.
My mode of working is as follows : — After toning, the prints ore placed in
salt water to prevent farther toning and then washed under the tap. In
the meanwhile a capful of water is set over the spirit lamp, and when
warm enough I dissolve in it an egg-cnpfal of powdered borax (say, little
more than an ounce). This I add to the fixing bath (one pound of hypo
to a gallon of water) and stir ; then fix for 20 minutes, moving the prints
about all the while. Try it. — I am, yours, ice, James Gbibblb.
Art Studio, Pearl, Cape Colony, July 27, 1892.
PEBMANENCT OF OELATINO-CHLOEIDE PBINTS.
To the Editob.
Sib, — At the risk of flattering your correspondent, Mr. H. G. M. Cony-
beare, I should say that the fact of his gelatine-chloride print baring
remained unehanged after nine months' exposure to light is rather a
tribute to his own careful system of working than to any intrinsic change-
resisting quality of the paper. Macb severer tests have been applied to
albumen paper prints from which they have emerged successfuUy, and
yet nowadays poor old albumen is in receipt of almost universal con-
demnation.
I like gclatino-chloride prints, but certainly not better than albumen
prints, save in certain details of manipulation, and I fail to see where the
claimed superiority as regards the properties of the image lies. Would
some workers of gelatino-chloride kindly tell me ? I don't wish to be told
anything about the surface effects, i.e., the enamellike gloss, or the
" mattiness." Doee gelatino-chloride, for instance, give finer detail or
tnier gradations than albumen ? Is it superior to the latter in printing
from thin or dense negatives ? Above all, are regularity and uniformity
of tone more easily obtunable ? My 'experience negatives those points,
but I should be glad to hare that of others. — I am, yours, <l-c.,
Balham, August 14, 1893. B. Wnsox.
BESTOBING SPENT DEVELOPING SOLU'HONS.
To the Editob.
Sib, — Your interesting leader on the restoration of spent (errous-oxalate
developing solutions induces me to ask ^u or any of your readers whether
a method is available tor reoonverting mto usable condition an exhausted
pyro solution. Chemically considered, it does not appear to me a diilicult
matter, while from an eoonomical standpoint a simple and efficient plan
of procedure might be appreciated by many workers. — I am, yours, il-c,
yaienham, Aug. 13, 1893. PYKorHiL.
r We are not aware that any such method lias been found of practical
utility — indeed, lookiilg at the somewhat complex interactions -n-bich
take place in development, we are doubtful if any " restoration " process
could be successfully applied without considerable difficulty. — Ed.]
I3xri)an({c iCoIumiu
*,* So ekarg* it madi for uuertiny Ezchangu of Appiratut t» this column ;
hml wmt will be intaitd im/sn the article wanted U definiteljf stated. Thote
wlkOMpoei/iftkeirrtjmrtm4*tiaM"aHi/tMn<f useful" wlU ther^ore undsrttand
the reaion of their noiKtppttmince.
WUl •xeluat* dlaaMmd ring, cost 8L, lor l«u bj r<>ol laaksr.— UdrMS, E. Spilus
107, Lkks-mad. FarSnumth.
WUl •xohaar* Bin tonxl s«isu.«triinr liuijo In osm tor haU-plats oaaien or dry
platM, te, vslas.— AddrsM. H. Futt, 34, Kinr'i-mad. St. Lsonard*.
I wDl saskanc* food hnll-plnta portnit lam (or whole-plate wide-anfle rectilinear.—
iililisM. Josara Batra, StrmerMrry Bank, Blnckbarn.
Five qaattcr.phte Tjlar'e doable lierk elide, with (oeoeiinr eoraen, for three Sx4.
I rlilieei. J. B. CABDWsLarTt, Ccampton-raad, Psnfe, S.B.
Weated, whole-plUi camera and lUdet, reotiUnear lent and stand
BMton Kamber 8a(et j, aoUd, epl
will exohangd a
condition.— Addreei, P., 3, Hinokler-road,
WiU give two betatifol haekrronndii, interior and exterior, alio wall baokrroond and
boi for jame, alawft neir, and a little ca<h, in exchange (or DiMm ajer'a ic.— Addreu,
WoMiirxix, Qae*n'e.raad, Blackbnn.
Wanted whoU-plata ranid reetiUnear lent (10x8), gronp ditto, qoarter-plate rapid
leiiininier qaartar-plate hand oaaetm; will exchange rook aooeaeorr, pedestal,
nosing ehair, gnee mat, baad-rast, Bembrandt riitnetta baokgroand (flatted oil),
biMriar ditto (dlstmaper).— Addrne, Baixxr, Oordon • terrace, CloTelly - road,
Bideford.
Bow Xo. 1 carta kne, haU-pkte inpid rectilinear 12 x 10 bellowe camera, two double
baski, haU-plate ditto, qnite new, three donhla baoki and interior background
lighted from left ; wanted baei^rTonnd lighted from right, head and body reit.
tttndio oamera stand and i-back peeing chair,— Addren, lUxAOXs, London Photo-
graphic Company, U BtntieB^treac, Sittingbonme.
k
544
THE BKITISM JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[August 19, 1892
anstoetiS to CToiregpontients.
"Aruviers" and " Exchatujes," mmt U addressed to TVLV. EDITOR,
2, Yorh^trtet, Vucent Gardeo., London. ImMention lothts ensures (kh^.
% notice takin of commmicaliotis unless >ui„ie and address of imter «>e
given. , , . ^ ■
%• Cemimnnications relating to AdvcHisenm^U and fff^^^}J.^'"^jf '^\
must be addressed to "HiWBY Grkbswood &'Co.. 2, } ork-street, Covent
Garden, Lvndcn.
R. H.— Not so far as we are aware of. Why not write direct to the author of
the work mentioned !
Alpha.— Fuse tlie nitrate of sUver at a high temperature, then dissolve in
water, filter, and crystallise.
Sigma.— A develojied eelatine negative may be "fixed in gasUght" without
setting up any injurious effects on the resulting cliclit.
OSE IN Doubt.— A matt surface may be imparted to gelatino-chloride prints
by squeegeeing them on to ground glass and stripping before quite dry.
P B W —If the albumcnised paper has been kept long in a damp place, the
chances are that it has deteriorated, and that would account lor the spots.
B. Bailey. If the negatives be spotted with ordinary water colours, .woiding
gBmboge, which is soluble in spirit, the spotting wUl not be disturbed by the
varnishing.
W Rix -There is absolutely no advantage in the use of a yellow screen with
ordinary plates. It materially lengthens the e.\-posure, but m no way
improves the quality of the negatives.
Df.vos.- If the apprentice's indentures are not stamped, they are of no value.
The youth can leave at any time he chooses. Onjthe other hand, his master
can discharge him the same as any other servant.
S. T. F.— The quickest way to dry a gelatine negative is to, after draining it,
immerse it for a few minutes in strong methylated spmt. It can then be
dried at a gentle heat, without fear of the gelatine running.
Qu:s.— 1 .ind 2. Take the solids by weight and the liquids by measure, unless
the formula directs otherwise. 3. Hardwich's Photographic Chennsiry,
Churchill & Co. i. Optics of Photograjihg, Vfhitta,UT & Co.
N. B.— Ifthe sandarjic is good, it should make a transparent solution when
dissolved in alcohol. There are always some insoluble particles, owing to
mechanical impurities adherining to the resin, but they are readily hltered
out.
J. Ln.-KLATEB.—We are quite unable to give you any information relative to
the qualities of the plates named, not having personally tried them. Vou
should apply to the makers. " Cricklewood, London," will be a sutticient
address.
H. BOWKRS.— Evidently the magnesium was flashed at too great a distance
from the sitter. With the quantity of powder burnt, the plate used, and a
lens mth an aperture of J-6, the negative should be fully, if not, indeed,
over-exposed.
Ignoramus asks : " Can anyone register and use for a trade mark a photograph,
the negatives of same still being in the possession of thephotographer ! —No,
providing the copyright in the photograph has been registered by the
photographer.
Albert Fraser (Chichester).— The double chloride of silver and mercury is
unalterable in light so that in improving the tone of a silver print with a
solution of mercuric chloride, as suggested by Mr. Drage, you need not
apprehend loss of permanency.
Wood Xaphtha.— The new (mineralised) methyl.ated spirit has been employed
in the preparation of collodion emulsion with, on the whole, such success as
to seriously discount the original belief that it would be useless for that
purpose. Hence our advice to you is to try it.
Assistant.- An attempt was made, a year or two back, to form a trades
union among photographers' .assistants, but we believe it came to nothing.
The Photographers' Benevolent .\ssociation is in no way Associated with
trades nnionism. It is purely a benevolent institution.
M. J. E. — Full details of photo-zincography will be found in the back volumes
of the JouRXAL. The process is .ilso described in Hardwich's Photographic
Chemistry, last edition, and in Burton's work on Pliotographic Printing
Processes, There is no separate work specially devoted to the subject.
A. W. Williams.— The so.called "invisible backgrounds" in Daguerreotypes
were obtained by having a background of blanket-like material, placed
somewhat out of focus and kept in motion during the exposure. But the
same effect cannot be produced on any plate other than a daguerreotype
one.
Halogbn. — In all probability the yellow appearance of the film is due to the
presence of silver iodide in the emulsion, but it is better to ascertain the
fact by experiment before venturing a positive opinion, inasmuch as bromide
of silver atone sometimes assumes a yellow colour not distinguishable from
that of silver iodide.
A. S. K. — Carbon tissue is not sensitive enough for producing enlargements
direct by ordinary daylight. It may, however, be used for direct enlarging
if the solar camera be employed. Carbon enlargements are printed from
enlarged negatives ; hence they cannot be produced for .inytning like the
price of bromide ones.
Operator inquires : " Will you kindly give me a formula for toning bath that
will produce a nice reddish tone, much similar to the red chalk carbon
process ; if you will assist me in this, I shall feel grateful." — The acetate of
soda bath produces good reddish tones, but no toning bath will give tones on
albumen paper at all resembling red chalk "carbon ' pictures.
A. West (Hartlepool). — Suljihite of soda will not onl^ prevent pjTOgallol in
solution from becoming oxidised, but if added to a plain solution, discoloured
to the depth of a sherry tint, will materially decolourise it. In so doing it
is probable that it restores the i>artly lost developable properties of the pyro-
gallol by deoxidation. The hint may be of practical service to you;
W. Woods. — If the lens will not take a half-plate negative, sharp to th
comers, it is not suitable for enlarging from that size, though it will answer
very well for smaller sizes. A lens for enharging purposes should be capable
of taking a perfect negative of the size of the one to be enlarged. 'The most
successful workers generally use one equal to taking a picture one or two
sizes larger.
R. H. Day says he had the misfortune to spill some silver solution on a
ilamask tablecloth, which, he says, "produced unpleasant remarks from my
better half every time the cloth is used." He asks if there is anj- means of
getting the stains out ? — Make a strong solution of iodide of potassium in
water ; in this dissolve iodine enough to make it of a dark port wine colour.
Treat the stams with this, and afterwards with a solution of cyanide of
potassium.
Scotia says : ' ' We retouch our negatives before varnishing, and are troubled
by the retouching coming off wTien they are subsequently varnishefl. As
we often send three, four, and five proofs, it is not necessary to varnish
those we receive no orders for. I should be glad if you could inform me of
any means to modify, if not entirely stop, the removal of the retouching. " —
Some retouching mediums are more affected by the varnish than others,
therefore one should be selected that is least influenced by varnish. The
trouble may, however, be mitigated by not m,aldng the negative hotter than
is really necessary in varnishing.
G. B., JUM., ^vrites : "I have had a tliffieulty lately, and tl'.ought that you
might be able to help me towards solving it. It is in tV.e v.irnishing of
wet plates. They .are first class immediately before varnishing, but as soon
,is the varnish touches them they vanish, and almost leave clear glass. I
intensify them with mercury. Has this any effect on it ? I use Mawson's
coUadion ; also Mawson's varnish." — This is not an exceptiou-il experience.
In nearly all cases in which negatives are intensified by mercury, they are
rendered more transparent by an alcoholic varnish. It may lie well to try
the effect of giving them a coating of gum water or albumen, wl-U beaten up,
previous to varnishing.
Printer writes as follows: "We are often troubled with irasharp jirints
through the paper not being in close contact with the negatives in jjlaoes.
The springs of the frames are strong, and the paper seems flat enough when
first put on the negative, but it seems to cockle afterwards. If the prints,
partially printed, are left in the frames in the printing room all night, they are
almost always spoilt from want of contact. Can you give any opinion as to
the cause ? " — The trouble, no doubt, is due to damp causing the jjaper to ex-
pand. If dry paper be placed upon the negative, and then backed with
pads that contain moisture, it will be absorbed, and consequently the paper
will become distended and buckle. Printing rooms are generally more or
less damp in wet weather, and frames and pads left in them all night get
moist. See that the pads and backs of the frames are equally as dry as the
paper and the trouble will cease.
Tyneside Camera Ci.ub.— August 22, General Meeting. 27, Excursion.
29, Council Meeting for winter session programme.
Photographic Society ok Great Britain. — August 23, Technical Meeting.
Subject for discussion, Portraiture other than in the Slvxlic.
London and Pbovinciai. Photographic Association.— August 25, Me
bers' Open Xight. September 1, Control of Gradation, W. E. Debenham.
Photographic Club. — August 24, Kidlityj/e. 31, Optical OU/ss. Saturday
outing, August 20, Twickenham and Richmond. Meet at T\vicl;enham Station
at three to quarter past three.
New Collotype Works. — From a circular received from Messrs. Morgan &
Kidd, Kew Foot-road, Richmond, we find thr.t they h-ave erected a splendid
building, and fitted it up with the most modern machinery for collotype
printing.
Great Celluloid Explosion. — A serious explosion of celluloid, lacquer and
varnish, and cognate substances took place on the 2Sth ult. on the premises of
the Frederick Crane Chemical Company, Springfield, New Jersey, L'.S.A.
Not a house within a radius of a mile and a half escaped injury, several build-
ings being totally destroyed. The jiresumption is that there were about 600
pounds of gun-cotton in the drying-room ; and, owingto the heat of the weather,
special precautions had been taken to prevent its heating.
*»* ^''^ f^'S teeek give the key to the Convention O'roup which we issued mth
last numlfcr. Where blanks occur, or in the event of mimes being mis-spelt,
will any friends able to supply or correct these kindly apprise tlie Editor and,
oblige i
CONTENTS,
PURCHASING OIL ■ FREE METHY-
LATED spirit I
EXHIBITIONS— OLD AND NEW t
THE KERKOUS 0X.1LATE DEVELOPER
-II.
. 530
CELLULOID FILMS. By JAMES B.
HOPWOOD. Ph.D 683
CONVENTION .TOITINGS.— IV S.1S
PHOTOGRAVUKE. Bv A. IIAWSON .... 684
ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHIC WORK
FOB AMATEURS.-VII. By T. N.
ARMSTRONG 5*5
ON DEVELOPMENT OF " INSTAN.
TANEOUS EXPOSURES." By E. W.
PAKFIII 63«
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC MAP OF THE
HEAVENS 53"
HARMONISING HARSH NEGATIVES.
Bv J. McINTOSH 588
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY'S
STANDARDS 5*0
CUB EDITORIAL TABLE 5<0
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES 5<0
RECENT PATENTS 5il
OORBESPONDENCE 6)2
EXCHANGE COLUMN 6«
ANSWERS 10 00RBE8P0NDEIII8,
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. IGSO. Vol. XXXIX.— AUGUST 26, 1892.
INDOOR PORTRAITIRK.
t is necwwarily one of inteix>st to all except pro-
rtraitista, who arc the ponwsora of studios expressly
littctl fur [jortnuture. It has fanned the theme of discuuioii
at two metropolitan Societies qnite lately, and on another page
will lie found a report of the diaouasion ou the subject which
took pkoe on Toeaday at the Technical Meeting of the Photo-
j|:nq)hic Society of Great Britain, an<l iu coarw of which Tarioua
piMMs of BoiMtadio portraiture will be found to have been
discuiaed.
Thut special phaae to which we deaira to direct attention at
I>re0ent ia one which many yeata ago, an<l occasionally since,
we hare practised with miTaiying sooo^ih. It is a system by
which any one who haa accoaa to an ordinaty bedroom or other
window may be enabled to prodooe a boat portrait which, in
respect of roundness, chiaroaoora^ and other necessary pru-
- '^rtics, shall not be in any way inferior to one taken in the
j«t elalwratcly appointed studio. The wimlow referred to
Mhould, t>y preference, haTc a northern aspect, iilthou(,'h wc
have foun<l others to aerrc the purpose quite well so long iis
■! direct nys oftlie sun do not fiiul ailmission.
The reader is now supposed to seat himself in firont of such
window, and to scan biinaelf iu a mftror phice<l ou a narrow
U\e as near to the window as poniblc. Let him study the
:'ort of the lighting on his &e«, and then <Io the same after
.' his chair n few inches to the ri^^ht or left, noting; the
;i cffecta proiluoed. In some [wsitiotis the moat perfect
ing will lie perccired, and he will conclude that, if a
f huuself could be obtainol just as he b sitting, it
cd be jierfect
:ii^ cstiiblishcd the fact that perfect liirhting con lie
.. .i, the subject to be photographed now takes the cliair,
ud a suitable Iwickgroitnd is placed behind him (or her). Its
' iir, and distance from the sitter must lie left to
[ihotograpbcr. The cainvr.i is novr'iiitroduce<I,
• I at one side of the subject and facin:.' the'mirror
, low, which must now be turned so much to oue side
s to permit •>( iU seeing the reflected image of the sitter, who
ill no longer see himself, but the camera.
In ths dnimtkm of the expostira to be giren the operator
.'i»t be t^ided by experience; but we venture to say that,
^ he will fail to recognise the Tolume of light falling on the
rter, and the reiy small amount of loss by the reflection in
iie mirror, he will at first err in the direction of over-exposure.
:i the last trial we made we found that IVn exposure of three
"'-oti'ls, the sky 'beinu' overcast with bright clouds, gave a
"gative which was fully ex[K>sed, althouj^'h the lens, a
emented doublet, was not working at its full aperture. Of
course, as everj- one knows, the rapidity of exposure is deter-
mined by the quantity of light by which the sitter is illumin-
ated, and this may be largely influenced by the distance
between the subject and the window. We may here observe
that the window at which most of our experiments were made
meastires seven feet in height by three feet eight inches in
width, and, if one who seats himself near to and facing even
such a small window will meastu* the vertical and horizontal
angle of the light admitted, he wfll find that it is iu excess of
that commonly admitted in photograpliic studios. As we have
said on a previous occasion, it is not the size of the studio or
its window that determines the force of the illumination, but
the angular relation of the window to the sitter. Hence a
window which is twelve feet square may in reality admit a far
less degree of light, so far as a special sitter is concerued, than
one of six feet square, the area of which is only one- fourth that
of the previous size. So from this it will be seen that, if a
person sits suHiciently near to a window, much more light will
fidl upon him than would be the case in many studios, and for
the same reason it will be seen that, in proportion as he removes
his seat from the window, the light diminishes according to the
square of the distance.
But what of the <louble image, the reversion of the image,
and the absorption of light produced by a mi^r 1
Regarding the first — the double image — while there is
really a reflection from the front or outer surface of the glass,
it is so Infinitesimally small as compared with that from the
silvered surface behind as to be altogether unworthy of notice.
If the glass were jiresented to the sitter at an angle of^eat
obliquity, then would the front surface of the glass act as a
reflector, and a double image would be produced ; but we
appeal to any one who views himself in a mirror whether such
duplication is at all observable. The image from the back or
metallised surface is so brilliant as altogether to eclipse the
exceedingly feeble one from the front, and as in ordinary
practice it cannot l^e seen, although theoretically there, it may
safely be dismissed as an objection.
The image is certainly reversed. This is not a very serious
matter in the case of single portraits, while it is a positive
H^ggttffi if the portrait is Ui be printed by the carbon or
co11SSy|i^>roces8. But, if instead of a glass plate a celluloid
film be employed as the supporter of the sensitive surface, then
is it altogether immaterial, seeing that a celluloid film may be
printed through, producing either a reversed or non-reversed
print at will, and these with practically equal sharpness.
.\8 the light has to pass twice through the thickness of the
glass of wliich the mirror is com[>osed, there will of necessity be
some loss by absorption. But what of that? It is only when
the mirror is constructed of thick plate glass of a yellow or
646
THE BRinSH JOURNAL OF PaOTOaRAPHY.
[August 26, 1892
brownish yellow colour that influences hostile to the rapidity of
exposure may be anticipated, and even then the exposure will
only be required to be lengthened to, say, ten or fifteen per
cent., an inappreciable quantity when the totality of exposure
is under five or six seconds. But with the mirror, with which
our experiments have mainly been conducted, and which is
known as French plate, the absorption is so little, owing,
perhaps, to the thinness and colourless nature of the glass,
that we scarcely ever think of estimating it as a controlling
factor in the exposure at all.
Without going into further details, we believe we have said
sufficient to show that the system of indoor portrait photography
here described is worthy of the attention of those who aspire to
this class of work without having other means of carrying their
aspirations into effect.
MOUNTING STEREOSCOPIC PICTURES.
Ox perusing two papers on the stereoscope, respectively by
Messrs. A. L. Henderson and W. P. Dando, which appear in
the current issue of this Journal, we observe that both stop
short at a point which is replete with interest, and one which
we make bold to say exercised no mean power in causing bin-
ocular photography to fall into the desuetude from which it
is only now being slowly rescued. The point to which we
allude is the mounting of the pictures.
We fortunately possess a large number of stereoscopic views,
the production of which represents nearly all the best-known
makers in the world, and, on taking vip a few dozen at random,
we cannot fail being struck by the great carelessness and utter
want of system that prevail in their trimming and mounting.
For facilitating the coalescence of binocular prints in a
stereoscope, it has often been shown by ourselves and other
writers that the distance apart of similar objects in the stereo-
scopic pair of pictures should be, by preference, two and three-
quarter inches, while never exceeding three inches. But in
many slides this distance is exceeded, and, upon accurate mea-
surement, we find it to be in some instances three and three-
quarter inches, a considerable number ranging from three and
a quarter to three and a half inches apart. The consequence
of this is, that many of those slides cannot be brought into
coalescence at all, or, if so, it is only at the expense of some
pain to the eyes. This is altogether avoided by confining the
amouiit of separation to the measurement we have given.
While the width apart of the pictures is of such vital im-
portance, it is not so with regard to their height, as in this
case the eyes may have full play in a vertical direction.
Where carelessness is very often apparent, even when the
correct distance between the pair of pictures is preserved, is in
the manner in which the sides of the prints are trimmed. It is
first of all imperative that the base line be identical in both
halves. This is easily ensured by selecting a point in the fore-
ground of one print, and laying a straight edge down so as to
cut this and the corresponding point in the companion print,
and then trimming them to that line.
Next take one of the halves of the binocular pair, say that
which is to be mounted at the left-hand end of the card, and
cut it 80 as to include so much of the subject as is required to
make a pictorial whole. Where skill is required is in the
trimming of the second element of the pair. Trim first the
right-hand side of the print, taking care that any object at
that margin of the foreground shall be shown slightly fuller
than the corresponding object in the previously trimmed half,
that is, that rather less of it shall be shown in the right
picture than in the left, and then cvit them both of the same
width. It follows that there will be tlightly less subject
(measured from foreground — this is essential) visible at the
extreme ends of both prints than where they join in the centre
of the mount. The effect produced by this is that the subject
appears in the stereoscope as if projected beyond the mount,
and this is the way in which all such pictures should be mounted.
Out of fifty pictures exhibited at a photographic meeting lately,
including works by all the leading professional makers of
Europe and America, it is worthy of notice that none but those
of Mr. W. I. Chadwick were correctly mounted. This speaks
volumes for his care and attention to details.
PHOTOGRAVURE AND AQUATINT ENGR.WING.
In an article a fortnight back we treated on one method of
producing photograves by which the intaglio plate is formed by
the deposition of copper by eleotrotyping on a grained gelatine
relief. Now, although that method is extensively employed by
some firms, it has, to a considerable extent, been superseded by
another, which is known as the etching process. The advan-
tage of the latter over the electrotyping system is mainly
that of expedition. To produce a plate of sufficient thickness
for printing from, by electrotyping, will occupy something like
a fortnight ; whereas, by the etching process, it is a question
of minutes rather than of days. It is to this system of work-
ing and its principles that we shall here direct attention.
The modern method of photo-etching is founded upon that
first invented by Fox Talbot now some five-and-thirty years
ago, and by which that gentleman produced results that -rt^ould
not suffer in comparison with many of the untouched ones of
the present day ; indeed, the process differs by little from the
original one. Talbot's method consisted in coating a copper
plate with a thin film of bichromated gelatine, then exposing it
to light behind a transparent positive. When the image was
sufficiently printed, the plate was treated with a solution of bi-
chloride of platinum, or with one of perchloride of iron. The
solution penetrated the film in proportion as it had been pro-
tected from the light's action, and attacked the metal, and so
etched or " bit " into it. The present system is conducted
somewhat differently, inasmuch as, instead of etching through
the film just as it leaves the printing frame, the unacted-
upon-by-light portions are dissolved away by warm water, so
that there is no gelatine at all on the deepest shadows.
If we take a carbon print, made from a transparency, and
develop it on a copper plate, and, after drying it, immerse it in
a solution of perchloride of iron, the copper will commence to
dissolve at once where it is not protected by the gelatine, and
gradually in the other portions as the solution permeates the
different thicknesses of the film of which the image is formed.
Hence, iu the end, we obtain an intaglio image in the copper
with perfect gradation from the deepest shadows to the highest
lights. But, if a plate so produced be printed from, as an
engraved plate would be, only an exceedingly poor print would
be obtained, because, notwithstanding that the image is in
intaglio, it has no ink-holding properties. Indeed, it would be
very similar to an electrotype from a plain gelatine relief, as
referred to in the previous article. It is necessary that the
image not only is in intaglio, but that it also possesses a grain
or " tooth," otherwise it will not retain the ink when applied,
as in copper-plate printing.
Photographic etching, as carried out in practice, is very
Augoit 98, 1802]
THJi BRITISH JOORNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
647
analogous to aquatint engraving, except that the Tarying
thicknenes of gelatine of which the image is composed take
the place of the different stoppings off and re-etching processes.
The process of aquatint engraving, it may be explained to
those who are not familiar with it, is this : On a copper plate
is laid what is called an aquatint ground. There are two
methods of doing this. One is to flow over the plate a solution
of common resin, sometimes with the addition of Burgundy
pitch or other resins, in alcohol, in the same manner as
collodion is applied to glass. As the film dries it " chills," as
matt varnish does. If this coating be examined witli a
magnifier, it will be found to contain numberless minute cracks
or fiaaores which expose the bare metal. The more general
way, however, is to dust the plate over with a powdered resin
or bitumen, and then heat it until the material is just melted,
and thus becomes fixed to the metal as fine particles. This
latter, by the way, is the plan generally adopted by photo-
etchers. If a plate thus prepared were put into a mordant in
which the metal is soluble, it would be dissolved or etched out
in the minute spaces where it is not protected by the resinous
matter. Of course, if such a plate were inked up and printed
from, it would yield a perfectly Uack impression, just as would
the mezzotint - grounded plate referred to a fortnight ago.
When a perfect ground has been laid, the engraver paints in
the high lights with an acid-rcaisting varnish, and then treats
the phite with dilute nitric acid for a short time. Then, after
washing and drying it, the delicate portions are painted in and
the plate etched again. These operations are repeated again
and again until the deepest ahadowa are reached. These, of
coarse, will have been exposed to each of the many etchings.
Now, it will be seen that photo-etching, except that it is
worked, so to speak, antomatically, is analogo<is to aquatint
engraving. An aquatint ground is laid, either with powdered
bitumen or resin, on a copper plate as just described. In
Talbot's original prooeas the groond was laid on the surface of
the gelatine film after the image was printed. A carbon print
is then developed upon it. ^^'hen dry, and after its margins and
hack have been protecte<l with an impervions varnish, the plnte
is immenwd in a solution of perchloride of iron. Nitric acid, as
oaed by engraveis, could not be need, as it woold act on the
gelatine. The peroUoride at oooe begins to etch the deepest
ahadowa. It then slowly penetntea tike gelatine in the thinner
parts, and etcbea there. Afterwards it reaches the half-tones,
and finally the high lighta, when the action is stopped.
From the above it will be seen how very similar is photo-
etching allied to aquatint engravine. The highest lights which
the aqnatinter forms with his first application of varnish is
npnwnted in the photograph by the greateat thickneaa of
. gdatine. The middle tints, which may, perhaps, be reached
{hj the fifth or sixth stopping oat, is in the photograph
reprsMOted by a medium thickiaeas of gelatine, and so on.
AqoatiBt engraving is a somewhat tadiona operation, owing to
the many atoppinga out and re-etchinga. But, as we have
said, with photo-etehing the work proceeds almost automati-
cally, by reason of the vsrying thickneaa of the gelatine film of
which the image ia oompoaed.
In the fctegoing remarka, a solution of perchloride of iron
has baao spoken of ; it may be mentioned, however, that, in
praetioe. aolntiona of several strengths are employed for the
same pUte. A strong ooe is naed first for the deepest shadows,
a lesa concentrated ooe for the lighter ones, and more dilute
onea for the delicate tints. It nuiy also be explained that a
strong aolutioo of the perchloride of iron will take a long time
to permeate even the thinnest portions of the gelatine, while a
dilute one will penetrate through the thickest parts, and attack
the metal rapidly. A concentrated solution of perchloride of
iron has a hardening or tanning action on the gelatine, while
a weak one has not.
Arttatic Photographa. — Our contemporary, La A'ature, re-
produced the other day a set of photographs exquisitely graceful and
artistic by means of a wood engraving from phototype prints in the
Journal of the Photo-Club of Paris. The editor very justly and perti-
nently remarks that formerly it was a reproach to photography that
it was in no sense artistic, that it presented to the painter nothing
but a purely chemical process and mechanical reproductions — a re-
proach that was just in a certain measure when referring to the work
of imskilful operators devoid of taste. But, when the worker pos-
sessed artistic sentiment, he produced works of art that would do credit
to the most cai«ful painter. The illustration, four studies of a child
blowing bubbles, by M. Boissooas, of Geneva, a name well known
where art and photography are allied, bears out in every way this
thesis.
Decolouriaingr Shellac Varnlsb.— For more years than
we can remember, the plan of shaking the varnish with animal char-
coal and placing in the sun has found a place in almost every receipt-
book and text-book on the subject. Vt'e have tried it more than
once with just as much decolourisation as would be produced by
reading aloyd to it Campbell's Plratures uf Hupe. No, the attempt is
hopeless,! and we recommend our readers to have none of it. If they
require a pale (not a colourless) varnish, let them use bleached shellac.
But there is no reason why for varnishing negatives a pale varnish
should be used. Ordinary unbleached shellac gives a tougher and
stronger body, and, as to the colour it imparts to the negative, it is far
leas than the normal excess beyond what is unavoidable that charac-
terises ninety per cent of the average dry-plate negatives.
Shallao Vamlah. —In making this indispensable requisite for
the photographer an amount of waste takes place that is almost sad
to contemplate. The solution is made, the vessel is allowed to stand,
my, for a month, without agitation, and the varnish is decanted. But
how much varnish P Very little more than one-half of the whole
quantity. The rest is hopeless mud, from which but a comparatively
small proportion of clear solution can be remov^ by filtration. The
drysalter can use this up for " French polish ; ** but what resource has
the photographer but to throw it away, with a feeling of regret at
the absolute waste P He can utilise a portion by thickening it with
a further addition of shellac for a strong varnish for woodwork ; but
be is not likely to use much in this way as the waste continues. All
kinds of methods for depositing this insoluble matter have been pro-
posed— the addition of all sorts of insoluble powders, to cause it to
settle, for example^bat with little practical advantage so far. A
suggestion recently made to us seems very feasible, and if any of our
readers in possession of the required apparatus can, and will, attempt
it, we should be pleased to bear the result. The suggestion is that
the varnish should be deaned by placing in a centrifugal separator.
Methylated Spirit.— Last week we concluded onr ritumi of
the method of procedure to be followed in obtaining the old kind of
spirit by the warning, inter aim, that the purchaser should, " above
all, take caie of dl papers in connexion with its purchase and
receipt." We may particularise still further with advantage upon
?R»-4cn item. We have explained bow, to order the spirit from an
authorised methylstor, it is necessary to fill in s form and counterfoil
and send the former on to the maker. The latter also has his sharn
of formality to go through. He has to obtain a " permit " to deliver
this duty-free spirit, and it is in the form of a small slip of paper.
This slip, or " permit," is always attached to the vessel in which the
spirit is sent ont (usually tied to the label), and should be preserved
BO as to be open for the surveyor's inspection when he pays one of his
periodical visits. A special warning circular is Ubually sent to holders
of a permission to purchase oil-free spirit, and contains the following
548
THE BRITISH J0I3KNAL OF PHOTOGUAPHY.
[August 26, 1892
clause : " The purchasing of spirits of wine frmn others than licensed
dealers and retailers, or the receiving thereof unaccompanied by the
permits and certificates required by law, subjects chemists and
druggets to heavy penalties, and renders them liable to detection from
various sources." Our readers should substitute the word "photo-
graphers '■ for " chemists and druggists." Verbum sat tapienti.
Cul Bono T— It baa been suggested to us that, as an answer to
those who preach "practice before theory," and are always putting the
trite question that heads this paragraph when purely experimental
work is in question, we should give some of the concluding sentences
of the opening address of the President of the Chemical Section of the
British Association, a portion of his remarks referring to catalysis
having already been quoted by us. Premising that the coal-tar dyes,
mauve and magenta, were the outcome of purely theoretical investiga-
tions, and that their manufacture in the early days of the industry
brought, by repute, a fortune of over a quarter of a million of money
to the fortunate workers of the patent taken out for the production
of these dyes, we give Professor McLeod's own words (photo-
graphers might read " emulsion plates " for " mauve and magenta,"
and the lesson would be complete) : — " Need I say more ? The moral
of mauve and magenta is transparent enough ; I read it in your eyes.
We understand each other. Whenever in future one of your chemical
friends, fidl of enthusiasm, exhibits and explains to you his newly
discovered compounds, you will not cool his noble ardour by asking
him that most terrible of all questions, ' What is its use ? WUl your
compound bleach or dye ? Will it shave ? May it be used as a sub-
stitute for leather ? ' Let him quietly go on with his work. The
dye, the lather, the leather will make their appearance in due time.
Let him, I repeat, perform his task. Let him indulge in the pursuit
of truth— of trutli pure and simple — of truth, not for the sake of
mauve, not for the sake of magenta ; let him pursue truth for the sake
of truth."
CONVENTION JOTTINGS.— V.
A Run throug-li Some of the Scotcli Studios.
Albx Attox, Jux. (Brunstfield-place, Edinburgh).
Mn. Alex Atton's studio at Brunstfield-place, Edinbugh, is a com-
plete establishment, which proves how, with method and manage-
ment, a large trade can be done in a limited space, for the space
in this case is Umited when the large amount of business done in
it is taken into consideration.
Having acquired all the open ground available on the tite that,
as a favoured position, has proved such a remarkable success, 3Ir.
Ayton can get no farther, and so has to content himself with the
extent of premises at his command.
One advantage he possesses, and that is the whole of the busi-
ness premises and studio being on the ground floor, which, in a city
like Edinburgh, counts for a great deal, so many people having an
aversion to stairs.
The frontage of Mr. Ayton's place is all that could be desired,
possessing as it does two large windows to the street, where the
.show of work is prominent and pleasing, and, as a means of ad-
vertising, invaluable. The doorway, artistically fitted with stained
glass, is situated between the windows forming the entrance to the
showroom, wliich, on entering, we find crowded with examples of
the various kinds of photographic work produced in the establish-
ment. Amongst these specimens the group photographs stand ont
prominently, Mr. Ayton having made a specialty of this class of
work, and, with his constant practice, has attained considerable
perfection, both in technical excellence and general artistic arrange-
ment, which is quite marked.
The Convention Group being one of many in a collection where
groups are on view of many hundreds on one plate, all seeminglv
steady, artistically arranged, and i\A\y exposed.
Platinotype forms a considerable part of Mr. Ayton's business.
It will be remembered that at the Edinburgh International Photo-
graphic Exhibition a medal was awarded to him for this class of
work, and his exhibits of large platinum work, shown at the Glasgow
International Photographic Exhibition, gained considerable praise
and attention.
Going from the showroom to the studio, the dark rooms are
arranged along the one side, and the dressing rooms along the other
side, of the corridor, the studio itself being profuse in furniture and
fittings.
For the purpose of gaining distance when required, here we found
a novel arrangement employed, whereby the end of the studio can
be removed, and by this means any convenient distance obtained.
The electric light for portrait work has been a study of Mr. Ayton
for a long time past, and his many engagements at fancy balls and
bazaars during the winter, where the electric light was the only
iUuminant used, has given him considerable experience and practice.
A reflector used by Mr. Ayton, and which he considers gives him
better results than the bell pattern, is an upright reflector of card-
board or white cloth, concave shape : by this style of reflector he
feels that he gets a more diffused light, giving softer pictures, and
with less pronounced shadows. When it was suggested that consider-
able light was lost by this style of open reflector, he felt that it was
so, but that it did not interfere with the obtaining good results in a
reasonable time.
He has also got the bell arrangement fitted in his studio, which hr
works along with an open light, so arranged as to hghten the
shadows.
The engine-room is built alongside the studio on a lower level. A
seven horse-power engine is what he uses.
The whole of this establishment is compact and complete, and the-
work turned out cannot but command approval and success.
Mb. Moffat (125, Princes-street, Edinburgh).
When visiting Mr. Moffat's studio, our memories went back to the
time when, in the "positive" days, at a photographer's in the east end
of Princes-street, a single picture was shown in a showcase all alone.
It was about whole-plate size, as far as our memory serves us, and
the subject was a scene from Tom Taylor's " Still Waters Run lleep,"
the characters being represented by Tom Mead and Charles Moor-
house. And what a sensation that single positive picture created at
the time ! That was Mr. Moffat's production, and hundreds of
people flocked to see it. Doubtless it proved a profitable advertise-
ment, but these were other days. The charm of tlie '' positive " was
upon us then : it has passed, and many are the processes that have to
be tackled now if we wish to keep abreast of our fellows. Yet still
we do not believe that any one picture by any of the processes of the
present day would produce the universal admiration that the good
old " positive " did in its time.
Now, at 12.J, Princes-street, on our visit, we find that, with the
same energy as of yore, all branches of photography being worked
and produced in Mr. Moffat's premises, the sons, following in the
father's footsteps, undertaking the more active parts of an ever-
increasing trade.
This business has so outgrown the premises at 125 that all the
upper floors over the shops in 120 have had to be added to it, thus
pretty well doubling their working accommodation. On the first
floor there are three reception rooms adjoining each other ; in these
rooms an endless aeries of pictures are shown, illustrative of any kind
of photographic work.
As a special feature, portraits in oils, from small up to life size,
form the examples of one of the reception rooms.
Drawing on canvas from the negative is the method they use
mostly, and wliich they consider best : but this means getting rid
of any photographic basis, which is so liable to go wrong.
Specimens of flashlight pictures by the Slingsby arrangement were
on view : also the latest group of the season — that of the Lord High
Commissioner and party. Enlargements up to five feet, and direct
pictures up to thirty inches, are here shown.
There are two studios in constant use, and the rooms, from the
reception flat to the top of the building, are all utilised in developing
some branch of the photographic art. In one of these departments
we saw platinum pictures in dozens being de^■eloped by the hot-bath
process, Mr. Moffat preferring it to the new cold-bath paper. Going
up flat after flat till we reach the little balcony over the house-top.
Xngaat -26. 1893]
THE mailSII JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
549
we fjet eonfuwd and mixed, the only idea that keeps prominently
before ua biiaf that here a great trade miut be done, if only to coTer
the working expenses of the establiahment.
AU along the line Mr. MofiEat keeps sp to the times, and now, with
two xona in the busine«s — one essentially deroting his attention to the
artistic department, and the other, with his many years' experience,
in all the higher grades of the art-ecience — makes us feel that pro-
gression moat be th« natural result.
Mx. Crookx C103, Princ8»«tTeet, Edinburgh).
Ur. CnxJu's studio bears the impress of the man from the entrance
way, of a cream and gold, right through the whole of the premises.
The decorations, furniture, and fittings are original, and peculiarly
his own. The " Judge " pictures, and many others of varied subject,
from their original conception are familiar to us all. We felt the
same with regard to his surroundings, they poMeaaed an indinduality
as pronounced as are his well-known pictures.
In his studio there is not a door, a window, a fireplace, or a panel in
the wall that is not turned to phutographic utility, and becomes in his
hands an accessory used in the productioa of artistic effects in pictures.
Even the stairway to the studio is utilised upon occasions for groups
and other aitiatie effects.
The stndio it io anmnged that pietaiM can be taken in any part of
it, and the hackgroond can be mored to the sitter if a part of the
"fdinary fitting of the room does not answer the purpoae required.
The upright light <<t the studio is a casing of glass, which runs
along all the length of the apartment, and plants are growing between
the front and back glaia frames. Th« gbas is fitted in panels of
rarions pattens, and curtains are amaged in front of these, so that,
n the composing of picturea, many charming electa of light are
' btainable.
The doorways to the rooms that lead from the atodio an all
carred on the patterns, with elaborate dangv at top, so cooatructed
that they may form part of a picture at any time.
There ara two flreplaoea in the studio, the mantels and sarrounding*
of which are also arranged with an eye to {MCture-making.
The walls all round the studio are fittad with old oak panels, and
carred in baantifol deaigns. These alao play a cooaideraUa part in
the production of picture*.
In fact, eretything in the place se««« to havejbeen thought out and
arranged to answer the double parpoaa of being in itself a thing of
beaaty and a useful appliance in the proeecutiua of picture-making.
The class of work produced by Mr. Craoke is so well known for its
artistic OTnallaiir* that coounent upoo the aama is nnnaranssiy
Mr. Crooha was one of tlM first to posh forward the claims of
platinotype aa bang a proewa that was capable of producing the
most artistie nanha, and by tha beaaty of the ezanpiea which he is
constant^ isaolng be has caitaialy piored that his ooefideaca was
wril plaead.
Tba medals that hare fallen to his share in the places where he
has axhibitad ahow that bit pictnres are appreciated far and wide,
and that tba name of Crooke on any exhibits is syaoaymons with an
aitiiitie production.
♦
JOTTINOe.
Ix ia a iiagnlar and perhapa falidtoua coincidenoe. that concurrently
with the pnblication of your leading attiala on " Exhibitions, OU and
Kaw," is which yon gire expiaasion to the ganaral rumour eoaearai^
tba projactsd swagger photographic eiUbition in Piccadilly that ia to
take tlia artiatic world by storm and oappUnt that nt th« poor old
Ptovnt Sodaty in public estimation, Mr. II. P. Uobinsoa, in a
cmlauipoiary, shoaU take up a poaition bafore the walls of Jericho
and blow his penny trumpet, with the ezpecUtioD, «t at least the
h .p», that tboae walls (i.e., the Iliotographic Society of Great Britain)
will f'trthwith tumbledown. Rumour, tlian, is, aa yon aormiae, correct,
Iac-l th« rival axhibitioa is to taha ahapaw Naturally the photographic
worl<l wiU ba enriooa, and poasibly aaidoas, to hare the muom-iTHre of
the a«tflition ; and, aa Mr. Robinson haa evidently bern put up (or has
pot Uaaair ap) to supply it, it will brhiteresting'to find out whether
that reason or reasons are of a natuie to merit the applause of any
Mr. Robinson's effusion is a bitter attack on the Photographic
Society of Great Britain and all its works, with one exception, and
that a remarkable one, the President, to wit, who is " an earnest
student," " a master in science," and so forth. The President (who
is also, by the way. President of the Camera Club, Mr. Robinson's
new-found refuge) occasionally gives " real science,"' which Mr.
Robinson confesses he does not understand. How, then, does he
presume to distinguish between " real " science and the other thing ?
Not only is "scientific pedantry rampant" among the Society, but the
meetings are " distinguished by dulness " (sic) ; the " platitudes of
rudimentary science are discussed by the usual half-dozen members,"
while " art has for years been scarcely mentioned." Granted ; but I
should like to put to Mr. Robinson a question of a similar kind to
that which I put to his companion in attack, Mr. W. Jerome
Harrison, a few weeks ago, and this is : Did Mr. Robinson only dis-
cover these things when the officials of the Society refused to allow
him to hang his pictures where he liked ? If so, ho was blind and
deaf for several years ; if not, how very strange that he was content
to enjoy membership of such a Society so long ! Was it because he
always had things pretty much his own way at exhibition times
that he was content to keep silence while this "merest trifling"
went on ?
Our critic graciously allows that the Society's exhibition was of
use in former years. Clearly, for did it not provide Mr. Robinson
with a trayful of medals? But the exhibition only exists now
" because it pays "—the Society, of course. Did it only exist formerly
because it paid— Mr. H. P. Robinson ? The distinction between Mr.
H. P. Robinton and the Society by Mr. H. P. Robinson is a very
pretty and instructive conceit — instructive, because it is the key to the
situation. The exhibition now " consists principally of pictures, or
lo-caUtd pictures " (my italics), and, as no experts have been appointed
to judge these pictures (or so-called pictures), some of those exhibitors
who care for and respect their art will not exhibit this year. Besides
Mr. Robinson himself, only Mr. Davison, so far as anybody knows,
will be absentees. Are these gentlemen the " some ? " Again, the
system of judging in vogae this year will bo practically identical with
that under which Mr. Robinson obtained a large percentage of his
medaU, and what I want to know is why, as he ridicules that system,
he accepted thoae medals over a period of thirty years ?
The proportion between picture-makers and others on the Council of
the Society comes in for analysis at Mr. Robinson's hands, and as there
are only one or two picture-makers and a picture-copier of the first class
upon it, and few^ho have exhibited at all, Mr. Robinson exclaims
derisively, " From these are selected the judges of art I " But where
on earth did Mr. Robinson imbibe the eccentric doctrine that a judge
of art should himtelf be an artist? Competency to judge the qualities
of, say, a beefsteak does not imply that the judge should necessarily
be a butcher. Is Mr. Rnskin an artist ? If the Society's judges, or
some of them, in former years were not artists — and therefore not
competent, according to the Robinsonian theory, to act— we must
take it that some extra<:>rdinary blunders in the awards have been
made, and that medals werv given to the wrong people. Admitting
the truth of Mr. Robinson's arguments, to how many of his Society^
medals wax Mr. Robinson justly entitled ?
Mr. Robinson ingeniously tails off his article by pleading that tb»
line should be drawn between the scientific and artistic branches of
photography, and thence, with eqiul ingenuity, glides into a favour-
able word in advance for the " new exhibition." Exhibitions worthy
ofltBfik*'* what he wants; for it is preposterous of the I'hoto-
BTapUrSociety of Great Britain, which snubs art (in the person of
Mr. H. P. Robinson), to ask artists (that is, Mr. H. P. Robinsoa and
Co.) to supply it with pictures for an annual show. Let the artista
have an exhibition of their own. Hooray! They will have it next
spring in Piccadilly, where Mr. H. P. Robinson will be able to place his
own and his friends' pictures in the best positions, and get good big
gold medals ; the band will play, the policeman will be conspicuous
by his absence, and the millennium of photographic art will be reached
at last. So I say again, Hooray !
560
THE BRITISH JOCBNAL OF PBOTOGRAPHY.
[August 26, 1892
By the way, is it not an extraordinary circumstance that the
helow-the-belt attacks to which the Photographic Society of Great
Britain has lately been subjected, should have emanated from two
men who found to their cost that the Society was not disposed to
consent to playing the rofe of stepping-stone to their personal aggran-
disement and self-glorification -Mr. H. P. Robinson and "Talbot
Archer ^" A little bird whispers to me that my ejposi of the latter
individual has taught him a salutary lesson, the moral of which,!
hope, will not be lost upon the former. So long as the Society s
enemies are of the class of Messrs. H. P. Robinson and " Talbot
Archer," it has nothing to fear. They only advertise it effectively,
while at the same time they injure nobody but themselves.
Poor Mr. H. M. Hastings ! What have you done to induce the
Editor, in the key to the Convention group, to miscall you
" Bickersteth ? " I do not know who " Bickersteth " is, but to be
mistaken for one whom I have heard called "the King of Hand
Cameri8ts"i8 an honour of which he may be proud. Nevermind,
Mr. Hastings ; nobody will be misled by the error of nomenclature,
for "everybody knows Mr. H. M. Hastings in a picture, no matter how
he is named. Cosmos.
•
THE STEREOSCOPE AND STEREOSCOPIC
PHOTOGRAPHY.
[Lewisham Camera Clnb.]
Sterkoscopic photography, which for several years after its intro-
duction was an absorbing passion, afterwards, for some unaccountable
reason, got under a cloud ; but I am glad to observe that it is now
again being presented, for it has very much to recommend it.
A stereoscopic picture differs from an ordinary one in the same
degree and to the same extent as does any scene or object in nature
when viewed with two eyes or with only one. In the former case we
have the power of discriminating the relative distance of one object
from another by the axis of the eyes having to converge to a greater
or less degree, according to the varying distances at which objects are
from the camera or point of sight from which they were taken. The
two halves of a stereoscopic picture are the same, yet different. If
you stretch out your arm and hold up one finger, you will find that on
viewing the scene before you, first with the right eye and then with
the left eye, the finger cuts a different part of the background with
each, and that when looking with both eyes at the distance you are
conscious of the finger being duplicated, whereas, when by converging
the eyes you look at the finger, the distant objects are duplicated.
This applies to every object, from that in the nearest foreground to
extreme distance.
A binocular camera reproduces what the eyes see, and a stereoscope
permits of these two similar, yet dissimilar, pictures being combined
in the brain with all their different distances made apparent. This is
the general principle of stereoscopic photography and the stereoscope,
a term composed from two Greek words signifying, " I see solid."
The first stereoscope was one invented by Professor— afterwards Sir
Charles— Wheatstone in 1838, who then explained its theory to the
Royal Society. It was described as being intended for exhibiting
two plane perspective views of an object taken from different stations,
as one having the appearance of solidity. In this instrument two
small mirrors placed V-shape form what is now the eyepiece, and the
right and left-hand pictures are placed respectively at ten or twelve
inches on either side, so that, when each eye is directed upon a slope
of the mirror, it sees the picture which is reflected, and which may be
one of dimensions very greatly exceeding those necessitated by the
use of the modem stereoscope. It was imperative that pictures for
the Wheatstone instrument had to be mounted singly.
The modem stereoscope was invented in 1849 by Sir David
Brewster, who, in seeking to devise a means for superseding the bulky
and cumbersome apparatus of Wheatstone, devised the lenticular
stereoscope so well known by every one at the present day. In it the
pictures are mounted aide by side on one card, and are viewed by
lenses of similar power, so arranged that the eye is directed to a
portion situated between the centre and tfce edge.
The first stereoscopes of Brewster had eyepieces formed of a single
lens of about six inches focus divided into two by being cut across
with a diamond, and each half then trimmed into a round shape.
The thinnest sides must be mounted to be next each other. When a
pair of pictures are viewed through such an eyepiece, both are brought
together, and form one image which is composed of the two.
Some idea may be formed of the importance of the stereoscopic busi-
ness several years ago when I say that, in looking over an old book of
photographic patents, I find that between the years 1860 and 1866
something like thirty-four new inventions in connexion witli this
instrument are recorded as having been introduced. These had
reference mainly to mechanical improvements in the construction of
the case, or the means of adjusting the lenses without affecting the
principle of construction. One of them, however, deserves special
mention. It was a pedestal stereoscope, containing several dozens of
transparencies, the peculiarity being that, after a sufficient time had
been allowed the spectator to examine the picture, it began slowly
to fade away, another view gradually taking its place and increasing
in brightness in proportion as the former one grew dim, precisely as
the dissolving views are shown by a pair of well-managed lanterns.
This stereoscope worked automatically by means of clockwork.
Undoubtedly the American hand stereoscope, invented by Oliver
Wendell Holmes, the well-known author, is the simplest and best
that has yet been introduced, at any rate for viewing slides printed
on paper, although it is not so well adapted for transparencies as some
others. The light is admitted to the slides from all sides, which obviates
the necessity for the irksome dodging of the head required in the illumin-
ation of the picture in those with solid closed doors, as in Brewster's.
Stereoscopes of the American type, provided with achromatic
eyepieces, and having all required adjustments, are now being made
by enterprising speciahsts, and by the agency of such instruments-
stereoscopic pictures may be examined quite free from such imper-
fections as prevail with imperfect instruments fitted with imperfect
lenses. Some examples are here submitted for your examination..
Mr. J. Traill Taylor has shown, in articles on the Stereoscope
published some years since, how that, by means of achromatic eye-
pieces of short focus, stereoscopic slides of the usual small size may
be shown in the same apparent dimensions as the large pictures,,
which could only be exhibited in the extinct Wheatstone reflecting
stereoscope.
Concerning the camera for taking stereoscopic pictures, little need
be said. In former days, when so many confined themselves to this
class of picture alone, the camera was made of the exact size of the
slide, but photographers now prefer the option of taking either a pair
of pictures by a movable partition, and a binocular front, or a single
view covering the entire plate. For this reason the ordinary half-
plate camera is much employed, although some prefer the original
half-plate, formed by cutting a whole-plate exactly in two, or, as it is
termed, the double quarter-plate. This latter size is advocated by
Chadwick, who has devised a curtain roller division, capable of being
extended to suit lenses of any focus, and of being quickly detached
when a single view is wanted to cover the entire plate. An inci-
dental advantage of this size lies in the fact of quarter-plates being
more readily procurable than larger ones from dealers in small towns
when one is away from home and happens to have exhausted his
stock of plates.
As with cameras, each must please himself with regard to the
lenses he uses ; if they are to be five inches and upwards in focus,
single lenses will answer quite well, even if the subject be an archi-
tectural one. A much shorter lens than this may be used for land-
scapes ; but, if tall buildings of wide angles are wanted, then is it
desirable that a non-distorting or rectilinear one be preferred, for^
although the eyepieces of a stereoscope correct much, and, in some
cases, all — distortion, yet as so many now use the half of a stereoscopic
negative for making lantern transparencies by contact printing, it is as
well to have them as perfect as possible. This must be held as apply-
ing not to landscapes, but only to buildings when using lenses of short
focus.
Care must be taken that the stops of the lenses he of exactly equal
size. As in every other kind of camera work, a quick-acting shutter
should be fitted to the lenses, having an arrangement for keeping them
open for a long exposure, such as is required in interiors, church
interiors in particular.
Various methods have from time to time been advocated for pro-
ducing stereoscopic effect upon a screen with the aid of a lantern.
An ingenious device has been invented by Mr. Field, and described by
Mr. J. Hay Taylor in the current number of the Optical Mayic
Lantern Journal, from which I will quote : —
" One of the two slides prepared from pictures taken by a stereoscopic
camera is placed in one lantern, and the other slide in a second lantern.
Into the optical system of each lantern is introduced a Nicols prism. A
number of glass plates are placed at the requisite angle for producing
polarisation by refraction, and enclosed ia a convenient case or frame.
These plates are so arranged in each lantern that the light from one will
emerge polarised in a plane at right angles to that emerging from the
other. The images of the two slides or pictures so polarised are projected
and superposed on a screen, and are viewed by the observer through a
pair of analysers of any construction capable of effecting the requisite
Angwt^, 18l»]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
6.51
«moant of uulysation, and these an sai with their plane* of polarisation
«t ri«bt angles to each other. One analTser will permit the image of one
ol the pictons — the one polarised in the same plane to pass throogh to
the tj*, whilst the second pietnre, polarised in a pUne at right angles to
it, will not pass. With the seeood analyser this order is reversed, the
image of the pictare stopped by the first analyser passing throogh it,
whilst the other is stopped. Therefere apon each eye of the observer the
imaf* of a different pictare falls, and, as the two pictures are as nearly as
possible ssperposed on the soreen. an image of one steieoseopic pictare
LdlsapoD tne retina of one eye, and an image of the seoond stereoscopic
picture upon a ocnesponding portioo d the retina of the other eye. The
conditions being fulfilled under whieh steteoecopie Tision c( two pictures
is poeaibl<i. tiie one pietnie seen appears in relief.
" The analysers designed for thu pnrpoM are made of a number of thin
cVm« plalsa, and tbs neeessary pohrisation is efleeted by refraction.
TbsM glaM plates are set at a praper aag^ in a mount reaembling a very
small opera glass or any other form more eaoTeniant
" The plates are anaagsd at slightly rarying ang^ to each other in
the same plane, for, if a number of plates be placed flat one apon
another, around the principal imsgB a number of fainter images are
formed, and thereby the clefinition or deameas of the principal one is
impaired. By arranging the plates as deacribed a well-defined pictare is
obtained."
On the table yon will see a large eoDection of stereoscopes, kindly
lent (or the occawoo by Mr. W. I. Chadwick, of Manchester.
A. L. IlB2n>XB80X.
»
ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHIC WORK FOR AMATEURS.
vm.
Ix a former article I referred to the Uoekiuf^ out of printed images
on paper oieTioas to toning and fixing, with the view of enabling the
removal of nndwrable backffioandf and the substitution of others ;
and, domVtlaas, no aooner wtU • kMB woriwr have succeeded in pro*
dnciiiff such aoiplo txaMformatkiaa thtn his mind will at once be
struck with the very wide rtug* of opantions that becone poaaibie
hj means of such manipaUtioiii. I pfopow just to notice a few of
these.
We are almost daily meeting with easas where amateurs deaire
to name their prints. In this idspact thare is a distinct desire shown
to copy profeasional bnthrea, or U bmt be to merely impress a print
vnth one's initials ; for, donbtlesa, wmb turning over an album a
well-arnuiged system of adding the imiimis to the prints, whereby even
• stranger may K*th«r a knowladgw of what the view represents, is
DMSt deairahle. Banea oTeiy dow m4 than we find writer* describing
mathnds c< addiag saA Baaaa, and utMariyaneiy instance the inatnio-
tioaa j^TSB am, to aabjeet fhe ttagatim to soma traatoMnt, such as by
pffatiag baekwaida on tho film, wbanby the opaque letters will
print whita on the ssnsitiaed paper. More lecently, speciat reversed
types have bean introduced by an eatarprisiog firm for this purpose ;
Mt all such methods involve the preparatino of the negative, and not
one in a thoosand is clever enough to cut, write, or print backhanded,
whilst not a few fastidioas gentlswsa send their nantivea to expert
lithographers to have such titlaa printed on taam. Now, all
this means trouble, and expense, and, farther, doe* not tend to im-
prove a negative. I have often smiled at the ignorance displayed by
amateur* wbvn talking o rer bow beautif ally Armstrong writes back-
wards on his negativea ; for, if the truth must be told, I could no mors
write beautifully backward* (or forward*, somatiffl**, either for that
matter) than I could jump over Ban Lomciid.
Othm, again, reooaunand adding aooh title* to negative* by a
mtam of tranaferring from tha anfaca of othar paper* or (uitable
film*, ao that the aegativ«a raoeive aa inipT*a* from ordinary writing,
hut in rerene forai.
Now, for amateur* merely, or in cms* where an odd print now and
again has only to be thrown off, there is raallv no ne«d for aiiv such
trouble or bother. There is a far easier and better way whereby
tfMtf <m* may throir off a print bearing the impress of any name or
title that may be desired, and, ooee a worker experiencee bow simple
and easy it is to name bis prints io this manner, he will narar dream
of snbjaeting his negatives to any treatment.
This is the way to 71 about it : Take the pen you are accustomed
to write with, and, h&vin;: {m'pared a solution of Indian ink not just
•o tbick as that providcil for bkjcaing-oat purpoeee as ^vioosly de-
scribed \ij me, and in a dall light, take tha piaoe of seiMitised albumen
paper it is intended to print, and proceed to write on ite surface on
the exact spot yoa wish the naming to appear in the finished print.
This is beat done 00 the shadow |wrtion of the picture, because the
white lettering will thaa *taMl o«t in bold contrast. Having written
(h« naming, or vhatevar else is desired, such a* a special number or
one's initials, place the sheet of paper carefully aside for a few minutes
to dry. Do not attempt to blot it off, but let it dry of its own accord,
and when thoroughly iry place the paper in contact with the negative,
and print and tone as usual, rubbing off gently the black lettering in
the hrst washing water.
Thi3 method ia the one practised by most Continental photo-
graphers, and has the advantage of not tampering with the negative,
and therefore permits of any alteration of title, or number, or initials
that may be desired from time to time.
Once a worker enters fvilly into the advantages of blocking-out and
working by opaque means on the surface of the print, he will have his
eyes opened to much that previously puzzled him in many things
photographic, such as lantern elides where transparent lights are
relieved by opaque grounds on the screen, and many other similar un-
common results. But perhaps there is no more interesting application
of this kind of working than to what is known as combination
printing. A great many workers have an idea that a combination
picture is necessarily a work of great diiBculty, and one that requires
the utmost skill in the preparation of a special negative or negatives
for its production, and very likely will have formed some extra-
ordinary ideas about the necessity of being able to work the collodion
process, and further, to be an adept in the use of iodine, &c., and the
floating off of one film so as to place it over that of another, before
there be any possibility of producing a combination picture ; and
therefore they never attempt such wont. Now, combination pictures
can be produced with much ease by any one who enters fully into
the spirit of this kind of working without resorting to collodion or
floating of one or more films on to another.
The one means a combination negative, which is very rarely
attempted ; the other means combination printing from one or more
negative* on separate supports.
Br all means let any one who feeb disposed to try his hand at
oomoination printing begin with some modeit attempt, don't start
with a difficult subject. There are very many suitable ones to be
found in every amateur collection of negatives. Just as an illustration,
let me describe a very common example of combination work.
First, procure a negative of some river scene or artificial pond, or
such aa will permit of a swan being introduced into the picture ; then
get a good negative of a swan, one that is not too dense. I have
even known instances where such a negative was made from a book
illustration that had been well worked up. Of course, in producing
these, some attention must be given to size of the figures or whatever
else it is that is being printed in or combined with the main picture.
Proceed, first, to block out on the swan negative the entire surround-
ings, so that the figure of the swan has no background. This done,
proeeed and print a copy from such. When printed, take into the
dark room, and with the Indian ink block out carefully, after the
manner described by me in a previous article, the tigure of the swan
on the surface of the paper, and set aside to th(m>ugfaly dn,-. When
this i« accomplished, take the print and place it in contact with the
landscape or pond negative, seeing that the black image on the paper
occupies a suitable puce on the nver or pond portion of the landacape
negative ; then print as usual Even from a first attempt success is
almost sure to follow : or, should there be some slight errors, these will
onlv be from carelesanesa in blocking out, and are easily remedied.
There is really no end to combination printing, and advanced
workers will find such pleasure in undertaking it that they will,
before long, be found printing from quite a number of negatives.
Like everything else, it is very Msy when you once know how to do
it. Even with the swan subject referred to, the effect may be
heightened by the introduction of some figure i ito the picture, such
as a little girl standing on thu brink of the river ir pond, holding out
her hand in the act of feeding the bird. Interi >rs are also another
fruitful source of good subjects for combinati in printing— in fact,
there is no end to this fascinating branch of phc lography. The main
thing i.i suitable negatives.
It frequently happens, however, to even the b» *t workers that much
chagrin is felt at the bad luck attending mary an exposure when
some object has moved just when the cap has been removed. I had
-r^S"* ''''' ""^ 1"'^ recently, where a fine 16 x,12 negative and
pictnrt was spoiled by a cluster of ducks showing a movement on the
part of two prominent ones, otherwise all the rest were fii . ind
steady. Now, with many a fastidious worker, this would have been
ca*t a^da, but I sat quietly down and turned the two ducks into a
good-*iied swan, and this is how it was accomplished: Placing the
negative on a retnuching desk, I got hold hf a nursery book in which
I knew there were some good pictures of- swans to be seen, and,
taking one of these as my model, with the aid of a sable brush and oil
colour, Prussian blue, I proceeded to draw in, on the film side, a jiictura
of a swan, with its ueck gracefully arched, just as it appeared in thaj
552
THE BKITISH JOURjSAL, OF PHOTOGRA.PHY.
[August 26, 1892
nursery book. This done, I set aside the oil colour to dry. This
took some three days to do ; but, when printed from, the surprise was
complete, the two ducks were converted into a fine, graceful swan, and
it would take a very close observer indeed to detect that any dodging
had been resorted "to. I am safe in saying not one in a hundred
looking at this picture could detect, or even suspect, that such a
manipulatian had been made. Now, there may be an idea on the
part of some of my readers that such work as this is only capable of
being performed by one who is an expert with the brush or colour
work, but such is quite an erroneous idea. There is no difficulty
about it when the proper materials are uSed to accomplish it. It
will be observed that I have Stated I Used Prussian blue. Had I
used Indian ink, the result would, in this case, have been not nearly
so good. Prussian blue, being a transparent colour, permits of.'middle
tints being introduced as well as denser high lights, according to the
thickness of the colour laid on when drawing in the image. Indian
ink would have been useless in this case, because no middle tints
would have been printed, and just the white flat splash of an image
the result ; but when transparent colours ai-e used, and placed on in
varying depths, we get a corresponding relief in the print that does
not appear out of keeping with the rest of the pictui'e.
T. N. Abmstuonq.
THE STEilEOSCOPE.
[London and Provincial Photographic Association."}
In my humble opinion, there is no more beautiful or artistic branch
of photography than is produced by the aid of the stereoscope. Some
men (and women too, no doubt) see nothing in nature but materiality.
That man is no more an artist tlian lie is a musician who, in one of
Beethoven's symphonies, hears only noise. Nor do I rank the man
who persistently closes one eye when looking through the stereoscope,
and tells you he sees two pictures if he uses both his optics, worthy of
any consideration. That same man, no doubt, would not see anything
whatever on the ground glass of a camera if he were allowed to place
his head under the focussing cloth. Thut the stereoscope is an optical
instrument capable of reproducing in apparent relief or solidity all
natural objects, by uniting into one image two representations of these
objects as seen by each eye separately, is well known. The stereo-
scope, no doubt, owes its origin to that great inventor, Sir Charles
Wheatstone, and the following passage from Mayo's Outlines of
Human Physiijhxjy, p. 288, published 1833, is the, as far as I can find,
first clear enunciation of the principle on which it is constructed.
" A solid object, being so placed as to be regarded by both eyes, pro-
jects a different perspective figure on each retina. Now, if these two
perspectives be actusdly copied on paper and presented one to each
•eye, so as to fall on corresponding parts, the oririnal solid figure will
be apparently reproduced in such a manner that no effort of the
imagmation can make it appear as a representation of a plain surface."
That the two eyes form different images of any objects that are near
?nough to have dissimilar perspective projection has long been known,
■and may readily be tested by any one. Thus : I close one eye, and
liold a book before the other, so that its back edge obscures the
covers ; when 1 open the other eye, I shall be able to see the cover
with its printed title. There is no doubt that a certaia amount of
common sense gives its aid equally to both eyes, to form the union of
the two unlike pictures into one clear image. This common sense is
especially e.xerted when the object is placed much nearer to one eye
than to the other, so that the sizes as well as the forms of the two
retinal pictures are sensibly different. By parallax, on account of
the distance betwixt our eyes, we can distinguish, besides the front
part, the two sides of a near object, and this gives a visible relievo to
such objects, and helps greatly to raise or detach them from the plain
in which they lie. Thus, the nose on a face is the more remarkably
raised by our seeing both sides of it at once.
Not so very many years ago the stereoscope was to be seen in
nearly every drawing-room, and was, no doubt, one of the most
popular scientific instruments. Why it has of late years gone out of
fashion I cannot understand. Is it that the advent of the amateur
taking up photography from nearly every standpoint has had any
effect ? Certainly very few amateurs take up the stereoscopic side of
photography, and I feel certain that a great number of them do not
do so from the fact of their believing there are certain ycmi ditti-
culties in the art of producing good stereoscopic slides. When the
difference between monocular and binocular vision is understood, and
the theory that the mind completely fuses the two dissimilar pictures
into one is grasped, I see no difficulty that should prevent an artistic
and painstaking amateur from producing as good stereoscopic slides as
fcintern slides ; in fact, there is less technical excellence wanted in a
stereoscopic slide than in a lantern slide, for the former does not have
its faults magnified to so great a degree ; and, if the subject is rightly
chosen, I am sure the little extra trouble it takes to produce stereo-
'scqpic is well recompensed by the beautiful result.
I will not occupy your titne by describing the various methods of
taking stereoscopic negatives with a single camera and one lens, but
will refer you to the very graphic description given by Mr. Traill
Taylor in The British Phoiogbaphic Joubxal Alsianac for
1887, page 53. He is a past-master in the art and science of the
stereoscope, and was taking stereoscopic pictures at the last Conven-
tion. I must at once say I do not care for the single camera and lens
for stereoscopic work. No doubt, for " still-life " pictures and land-
scapes where there is no life or movement, it is possible to get a good
negative ; but the variations of light occurring even between a first
and second exposure, and the great difficulty of gi-tting both halves
of a negative equally exposed, induced me to commence my experience
in this branch of photography with a double camera and twin lenses.
I will therefore give you my experience, and show you results from
the taking of the negative to the making of the transparency.
In the first place, I find a half-plate camera the most useful size
for taking the stereoscopic negative, because it has the advantage of
being a universal size, and plates of all brands can always be readily
obtained. Secondly, the extra height in the picture given on the half
of the half-plate allows a certain amount of latitude in the choice of
foregi-ound and sky. The ordinary half-plate camera of square form
is easily convertible into a double camera by having an expanding
partition that divides the camera into two compartments. A cross
front of simple form, with the flanges for two lenses, can be used, in
which case they should be fixed about two and three-quarter inches
apart from centre to centre.
I prefer, however, a dividing front, by which I get a varying dis-
tance between the lenses from about two and a quarter to three and
three-quarter inches. I have found it absolutely necessary with sub-
jects with near foreground and others with distant foreground to have
the means at command for altering the distances between the lenses,
and that the fixed separation did not give the best results for all
subjects.
The greater the distance of the nearest object in the picture, the
wider the lenses have to be apart, and vice versa. This can be carried
to such extremes that, in taking very distant views of the seashore
from the deck of a ship, one picture may be taken by uncapping the
lens, and, when the vessel has travelled a hundred yards or so, the
other half of the picture may be taken. I do not find, however, that
very distant views give an adequate idea of the beauties of the stereo-
scope. I always endeavour to have an interesting piece of foreground,
and, if that is "not possible, put a figure in, and the difference in the
effect is surprising.
Now, as regards the shutter most suitable. I found some little dif-
ficulty in getting quite what I wanted for lenses with a varying dis-
tance between their centres, unless I went in for some elaborate
arrangement, working directly in from off the plate, and fixed inside
the camera. I therefore devised the simple attachment here shown,
which consist of two flaps, one of which infixed to a steel spindle, and
the other is movable along same, so that, when the desired width
between the two lenses is fixed upon, the movable flap is fixed by
the small set screw. The two flaps can then be worked simul-
taneously by the aid of a spiral wire, which prevents any vibration of
the camera, and allows of " time " or rapid exposures enough for
almost any suitable stereoscopic work, and I have taken many " in-
stantaneous " pictures with it.
As regards lenses, I give my preference to single landscape lenses of
from five inches to seven inches focus for all general work, as giving
the most brilliant pictures. For architectural work I always carry a
pair of E.R. lenses of five and a half inches focus, and I find Voight-
lander's orthoscopic lenses very fine lenses indeed, and giving grand
definition. I would advise gentlemen, when ordering a pair of lenses,
to see that they get them. The appearance upon the focussing screen
of two equally sharp images is no guide as to the exact coincidence
of the focus of the two lenses. Do not use iris diaphragms for stereo-
scopic lenses, for, no matter what the makers may tell you about the
great care their individual firm use in marking out the different
apertures for the " iris," between these calculations and the engraver's
markings on the lens mount, a difference creeps in, and you will find
on development, no matter what care you use in setting the '' iris,"
that one half of the stereoscopic picture will develop up much sharper
than the other.
I will just make one remark about exposure, which will save a
beginner manv a pang. Give a generous exposure when taking
stereoscopic negatives, or you will have " snowy " pictures. Nothing
is more galling than to be a-ked by one's friend, when showing him
Aupu»t M, 1»2]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL, OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
553
k
one ot your best tlides, if it wm snowing' when you took the picture ;
although, by the leftves on the tree*, he ought to have been able to
lee it was im(bummei when the picture was taken. In a monocular
photograph, a bit of white may be allowed upon the trees, and roofs,
and pavement : but with a 8tereo!<copic t^lide, otlierwi«e specially pood,
the snotry appearance will entirely ruin its arti-tic beauty. Give,
thenfore, a generous exposure, develop up carefully with weak solu-
tion, and aim at a somewhat thin negaDre with full detail.
W. P. Dasdo.
BOYAL CORXAVALL POLYTECHNIC SOCIETY, FAL-
MOITH EXHIBITION.
Photogbapbic Sbctios.
Judgt$ Awarit.
FirtI SUvtr MedaU.—'R. H. Lord, W. M. Wamenke.
SftOHd «i7rrr.— W. J. Bvme, H. Tonkin, F. H. Peckford.
Firtt Dr>/nse. — W. II. HarriMn, W. Scorer, J. Milman Brown,
Plotheroe.C. A. Roe, Major J. D. Lysaght.A. Nicholson, H. D.
tUnott.
fsetoHd Broitzt.—Vi. J. Anckom, A. AV. Gottlieb.
M'jm. Menttctu. — A. Gaye, A. G. Tagiiofeno.
NEW TONING BATH FOB GELATINO-CBLORIDE PAPER.
I.f eoosexioii with hi* new tomoK bath for gelatin r><hloride paper
which b« introduced to the mating of the London and I*ronnciAl
llwlogxaphic Aaaoeatioii on Aognit IL, Mr. W. D. Welford hna
faroured oa with the foUawinfr fartbar particulars :—
llioae who have worked yean ago with prints from wet-plate
rtives will remember the simple bicarboMte of soda toning bath,
the aomewhat washy nature of the reaolta which made it useful
for very bsilliant prints, faiut not suitabla for othai*. A aligfat bleaching
action takes place, which was in turn an advantage and a nmaaaoe.
BrnmemhrniBf this, i tried the old formulas upon the new Eastman
paper, hot found »• gain in any way until the strength of the bath
was incnaaed. I claim nothing for the use of bicarbonate of soda in
the tomng, but I do claim to have introdneed a hath for chloride
print* that poaaasaea aeTeral raloaUe painta which are aa follows : —
1. The bath is made at time of use.
2. It is wnplidty itself.
3. It tone* the pants aaicker than aor other.
4. The vmnwmm «C toning, wfatea i* nsoaOy the bugbear of
chbride prtatii, ahaolvlrfy awihiiatej.
n. It gtv«a apltaiing mjr black tone, resembling platiaotype.
n. OnMoBiag inpoaisUa.
The printa aie eumykitd} tosied is one and a half to two nunutes.
The tray need not be moved at aD, and if six printa are immersed
It takes all tbe operator'* tiase to heap them going. As fast as he
can get them out of the tray he can iatett a fresh print. Uneven or
partial toning is leally one of the straogsst points, because, as a
matter of fact, unless tM print* show some trace of this, I get sas-
].icious. I can completely tone half a print flnt, then tbe ottier half,
i-A ri'> dividing line i» apparent. A dusen air bubblea or streaks can
'.-it '-in the print, witn the reanlt o( a doteo bright and red spots
therwise finished print ; and yet. if these be covered orer
ning cotitinDed, there is no trace whaterer when finiaiied.
> iid hers lies the merit o( the whole thintr, a deflnita tone
loamountof inunarrioBin thesolutiou(wttLin reason,
liter that tone, so that, in the ease of red spots, they
to tbe other part. This is rerv apparent if a print
. four sections, as it is impoasi&le to show the four
>nd one toning to tbe level of the 6nt before the
.A ftart. .\s regards orer-toning, I have left the prints
an hour without any dSffersnee between them and those taken out in
two minute*.
I claim that this bath makes the chloride paper easier and quicker
TO finish than any other silver paper, and it will even bear a favour-
■bVi comparison with any method of printing and finiihing at present
in uw.
The bath i* a* follows :—
Gold chloride 4 rrains.
Bicarboiiate soda 1| drachma.
Water 0 ounces.
I It nin be noticed thst. compared with the utiisl tiath», it is ex-
ceedingly strong. I claim that, in conjunction with the u»e of biear^
Innate uf soda, aa the featnr* of it. I see, in an American paper.
i
that bicarbonate of soda is recommended, and in England borax is
mentioned. But neither of these use such a strong bath. As a point
of comparison, let me place the two baths together.
Usual Carbonate Bath,
Gold 4 grains.
Bicarbonate of soda 16 „
Water 32 ounces.
My Bath.
Gold 4 grains.
Bicarbonate of soda 90 „
Water 6 ounces.
It is evident, therefore, that I have done more than merely recom-
mend the usual and old bicarbonate bath.
The prints need washing before toning, a slight rinse afterwards,
and final fixing in a weak solution of hypo (sav, one to six) for about
ten minutes. Over-printing is necessary to allow for the bleaching
and reducing action, but the actual toning of the print does not change
at any period of the fixing. The print must be judged by looking
through, to a strong light. As soon as the last trace of red or brown
has gone it is finished.
For those who prefer a wanner tone and slower action, it is only
necessary to double the quantity of water and rock the tray.
My own opinion — doubtless an egotistical one — is that this bath
will do much to popularise the use of gelatino-chloride papers ; be-
cause, although tne manufaetorers declare that a child can tone their
paper, and that if a photographer cannot be is a muff, yet I am certain
that many have found ditticulties in toning, which all those who have
worked with the above bath declare to have completely vanished.
. #
B.\.RMONISING H.VPtSIl NEGATHES.'
.\. MKTHOD of intensifying the shadow detail without increasing the
density of the high 'lights to a greaU'r extent by bleaching the
surface of the net.'ati\-e with mercury, stopping the action before the
whole Thickness of the hi;.'h light's is affected, washing well and
blackening with any of the usual agents, was demonstrated before us
by Mr. Roland Whiting, and will be found useful.
' A similar method has been repeatedly advocated by Mr. Chapman
Jone4, tbe sgent being the uranium intensifier.
.\s this intensifier (wrforms its work at one operation, it is claimed
thst the action can be stopped as soon as tbe 8had<:>w detail has been
sufficiently strengthened, and before the lights hav.' been intensified
right through. 1 tried this on several occasions about a year ago,
but was never successful in stopping the action at the right moment,
the red colour of the ' ' parts differing so much from the
nonnal appearance of ve makes the f rocess a little con-
fiuing, and it is not eaiv t'> ••^tinmte the value of the added strength.
.\t the same time I accidentally found out that niumonia would
••ntipely remove the red deposit, and hoped that by intensifying the
netntti've fully, ami afterwards painting out the hkI stains from the
lights with ammonia, I miffht obtain the desired results. I found,
however, that it was difficult to control the action of the ammonia
when dealing with fine lines, sprays of leaves, &c.. and gave up the
use of it. I see that Mr. J. Hodges has an article in tlie number of
the QuarteHy pn-viously refern-d to in which he odvocates this
metliod. He shows prints from a negative before and after treatment
to which I call your attention.
You will see from these that Mr. Hidtres works his method with
complete sucoeM. His admowledged skill in all branches of phot<v
grapnic work entitle* hi* method to con.sidei ' ' trial by those
who have time to acqtdre the manual dex; -ary to work it
sucoeasfuUy. I think the rorthod will be i.,„u.i ... st useful when
broad masses of Ught half-tone, raerginsr into the fhadows, are to be
treated. It must ^- ■■••"—"■tjend that both Mr. Cliapmnn Jones's and
Mr. KoUnd Wliii .1 of inten«ifyin)r the slir.'low detail also
strenicUien the hi_ ,. ' Neither of these metiioils nor that of
1|qS%M will be found satisfactory- when the negative is already
lull <h»i in the high lights. Even if we were by any of these
methods able to strengthen the sha<low detail to such an extent that
the light hiJf-tone would print out U'fore tiie shadows were blocked
up, the negative would be so dense that printing would be enormously
prolonged, to the deterioration of the printing paper.
Wliat we require in such cases is thst the reducer should act upon
the hiifh liglits at the back of the piste, and leave the shndow detail
unaltered. Should the Utter be then to-j thin, we can intensify the
whole n-gative without the brilliancy becoming too pronounced.
• Continaed from page 5*).
564
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[Aug:u8t 26, 1892
I deure to call your attention to a method of working which will
yield such a result.
Shortly after riving up the use of the uranium intensifier in con-
nexion with hard negatives, I oheerved this formula, and instructions
iin the editorial column of the Amateur Photoffrapher (October 3,
1891): —
" The only way to reduce the dense portions of a very hard negative
without reducing the shadows is to wash free from hypo, and then
limmerse in : —
Hydrochloric acid (pure) 9 drops,
Bichromate of potash _ 30 grains,
Alum 10 „
Water 1 ounce,
till thoroughly bleached, then wash well for an hour or more, and re-
develop with a weak and well-restrained ferrous oxalate developer, and
stop the development as soon as the shadows have developed, and before
the high lights are reduced right through, then refix."
This appeared to promise well, and I tried it. For redevelopment
I used the ferrous oxalate I had prepared for alpha paper, as it met
- the requirements if weak and well restrained.
Repeated trials gave me nothing more than a ghost image after
prolonged development, when viewed after fixation.
On making inquiries, I was told by a worker whom I considered an
authority on the subject that the chloride of silver image produced
'hy rehalogenisation was so insensitive that a prolonged exposure to
daylight would be necessary. This necessitated previous drying to
prevent irregular action, and of course added to the trouble of the
. process. I found after exposure to daylight that the image developed
readily enough ; but a new difficulty arose, it was impossible to tell
when the action of the light had penetrated to a sufficient depth into
the film, and if it went too far the hypo was unable to dissolve out
the orange-coloured light product, with the result that, while the
. shadow detail was by development of a black tone, the undeveloped
high lights, if solarisation had taken place, were of a strong non-
actinic orange tint, and for printing purposes just as strong as at first.
The process seemed too uncertain to be of much practical use, and I
- abandoned it.
Some time after this Mr. Chapman Jones referred to a similar
process, in which chloride of iron was the rehalogenising agent, the
result, of course, being again chloride of silver.
I felt that such a process, if it could be worked with certainty,
would be most useful, and it occurred to me that, if bromide of silver
could be substituted for chloride of silver as the haloid salt, it would
be much more sensitive to artificial light, and the whole operation
could be carried out in the evening. I was acquainted with and had
used Captain Abney's formula for resensitising light-struck but un-
developed plates, viz., bichromate of potassium, and bromide of
potassium. This is inert upon the metallic silver image produced by
development ; but, knowing the power of bichromate of potassium as
an oxidiser to assist the acids in combining with the metals, I
believed that the addition of nitric acid would accomplish my pur-
pose. Clearly, it was necessary that the bromide of potassium should
be present from the first to change the nitrate of silver as it was
formed into an insoluble salt, or the image would be washed away.
A few trials led me to adopt the following formula and method of
- working : —
Bichromate of potassium 10 grains.
Bromide of potassium 5 „
Water 1 ounce.
Bath the plate, and allow the solution to permeate the film. Pour
the solution off, and add to it five drops of nitric acid. Again flood
the plate, and the image will be converted into bromide of silver.
Allow the action to proceed through the film. Bath in three changes
-of alum to remove the bichromate and harden the film, and wash
thoroughly in water. As the operations are carried out in white
light, such as that of gas or a lamp, the plate is amply exposed by
the time the washing is complete.
For development I abandoned iron as being troublesome to make up
when a single negative had to be treated and had to be followed by a
clearing bath before fixation. I tried hydroquinone as being something
of the same character, but found that it frilled the film off the plate
whether the caustic alkalies or the carbonates were used. The pre-
vious long soaking would account for this. I then tried pyro, and
found it quite suitable. Any preservative may be used (my favourite
vis nitric acid), but, as there is nothing on the plate but the image to be
affected by the developer there is no necessity to use a bromide. A
small trace may be useful to control development, but, if any bichro-
.mate of potas-^ium remains in the film, it will unite with the bromide,
and convert the image back into bromide of silver as fast as it is de-
veloped. The formula I generally use is: —
Pyro 2 gruDS.
Ammonia 3 minims.
Bromide of potassium (if used at all) ^ grain.
As the shadow detail lies upon the surface, it will first be developed,
the half-tone will follow, and the high lights will remain white when
viewed from the back of the plate for some time. As the surface of
the film will veil over as soon a.s the developer begins to act, the pro-
gress must be judged entirely from the bacK of the plate. The only
judgment required in the process is in stopping the development at the
right time. If stopped too soon, the negative will be flat ; if carried
too far, the negative will still be hard. It will be well to have ready
for reference a print from the negative in which the shadows have ,
been printed to their proper depth. When the lightest half-tone which
shows in the print is nearly, but not quite, blackened through by the
developer on viewing the plate from the back, the action should be
stopped, the plate washed, and transferred to the hypo, which will
speedily dissolve out the undeveloped silver in the high lights, leaving
the negative much thinner in the high lights than it originally was.
A little practice with waste negatives will give the required power of
judgment.
A negative which is hard from under-exposure, and one which has
been fully exposed but is hard from over-development, will not
present the same appearance during redevelopment after rehalogeni-
sation. If the former be redeveloped right through, the high lights
will appear black at the back of the plate. The high lights in the
fully exposed negative will never appear black however far the re-
development may be pushed, and, as the layers of white-coloured
silver present in this case will not be dissolved out by the hypo, an
allowance for this must be made in redevelopment, or the negative
will still be too dense. There is no theoretical objection to the
negative being again treated by the process to obtain the required
reduction, but in practice there is an additional risk of stains appearing
the second time. It is better to err on the side of under-development
and intensify if necessary.
I found tlie method so successful that I should probably never have
tried the chloride method again, and would have supposed it to be too
uncertain for practical work ; when, however, I was asked to make this
process the subject of a paper, it b«came necessary to investigate the
matter a little more closely lest I should lead some one astray. By
the experience I had acquired I suspected the " weak and well-re-
strained ferrous-oxalate developer" to have been the cause of my
early troubles. On rehalogenising a negative by the chloride process I
found that the exposure to lamp light was quite sufficient if developed
with pyro, and the image all that was required. I would, however,
in future omit the alum from the solution and reduce the bichromate
of potassium to 10 or 12 grains per ounce, and the hydrochloric acid
to 5 drops. We have, then, two methods to work with, and, though
I think the bromide is a little more under control, this probably arises
from my having had more e.vperience with it. J. McIntosh.
{To he concluded.)
©ur iBtiltortal %at\t.
Sunshine.
By Amt JOH>'aoy, LL.A. London : Macmillan & Co.
What Mrs. Barbauld, in her Evenings at Home, and the Author of
Saridford and Merton, together with like popular educational writers
did for children of former times. Miss Amy Johnson is endeavouring
to do in her book Sunshine, in which science-teaching is brought up
to date. It will be readily admitted that the imparting of scientific
knowledge, more especially the science of the sunbeam, to children
more or less young, is a task of very considerable difficulty, and one
which comparatively few would have the courage to undertake. Yet
here we find an evidently talented and well-read lady filling a volume
of over 500 pages with discourses to young folks — a real or imaginary
class — on such topics as the nature of sunshine, reflection, refraction,
the formation of images by pinholes and lenses, the camera and the
stereoscope, shadow pantomimes, and even sundials. We can strongly
commend Miss Johnson's book as one replete with useful information,
given in a taking style. But we might, without seeking to detract
from the work, hint to our authoress that, while she is quite correct
in surmising that the photograpliers' lenses (in stereoscopic photo-
graphy) must be exactly alike, she is wrong in saying that " as it is
AngTut 36, 1809]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHS.
665
impcsiible to make two lensM »Uke, eren oat of the rame class, one
lens U cut exactly in two, and the halves are placed at a distance of
two and a half iochus, which is about the distance between our eyes."
Thij, we are aware, was taught in some measure hj Sir David
Brewster, but it does not apply to binocukr photographic practice of
thejmaent daj.
Tae work is profusely illustrated, and is well printed. Price 0<.
Ilfobd PBxxTisG-ocr Papbb.
It it sar »ly neeevary we should anin say that this paper is not
surfaced with albumen, but with selatine. Paper of this sort has
much to commend it, not the least being the getting rid of sulphur,
which is recognised as a powerful element in albumen. The Hford
printingKtut paper has a beautiful surface, and prints rapidly to a fine
purple tone. In our trials we employed a toning and fixing bath in
line, and obtained erery kind of tone we desired, from a red, passing
through purple, on to one of platinom blackness. No special over-
printing was required to obtain eren this last effect, as by the system
of toning and fixing we adopted tha« was bat little redaction of the
image.
Photooraphic Coxvx.<rrio:« PicTTRsa.
(toKubatM with FkllowMd'* Miall Hud C»m«n.)
Ms. F. W. Hi.NDLBT is an expert soap-shottist, if we judge by a
sertea ofpictares of this class taken by him during the recent oonven-
tioB at EdiBbaigh. Here we hare a ffoup waiting to enter a railway
carriage, and there we hare Misa Bamee in the act of uacapping her
lens, with a winning smile on her coaBtMwnce, doubtless tnducM by
pleasant ooaveriatiuo with some o( those in her proximity. Other
views le wnwt aeeoee in the flshiog Tillage of Newharen, at Abbots-
ford, Mdmae, and other places in Scotland. All are excellent
Ms. H. M. Hactthm sends as a characteristic group of gentlemen,
more or Ism weD known in the photographic world, taken during one
of the CoavMtiaii oatii^ at Cramood. As Mr. Hastings is a master
in hand-MMBia work, it is scarcely aseeesary for as to say that this
one is technically perfect.
A CoxTsxTtoii Gaorp.
9j Jon >Tc*sif.<nann».
Tsu beantifol groap was taken by a 2Seiss lens, of '{-inch focus,
working at/-13'6. The siie is whol*4)Ute; the definition i* excellent.
It is Well printed oo gelatino-ohUwioe paper, of which process Mr.
Staait ie • highly soeceasfol exponeat.
PHOTOOBAPHY AND ABCH.EOLOOT.
"twM Beportef the Commiitee of th« British Association, eoosisting of Mr.
E. Scwaid (Saerctary), the Uaniult of Bale. Maasn. O. T. Clark, R. W.
Alkinaon, Fraaklen O. Evant, C. TanfleU Vaeben. Jaoiss Bell, T. H.
Thomas, and Dr. J. O. Oanoo. appointed to report oo the Prahiitorie and
Aaaiant Bemaias of Olamorganshirc, stated that the Cardiff Amateur
Photogi^hie Soeiaty, by msaas o( prlsea oOared to thstr aembars, have
ftoimti some handrsds of valiiable otigiaal photographs of ptehistoric
•ad aaelsat objsets in the eoonly. most el such objects withm the eonnty
hariag IhsMby beea Ohistralsd. This eoUeetion. which is beliersd to be
the meal esteaaiTe yet formed in any district, is stored at the Cardiff Free
Likmy. The Corporation have given good aid to the work by impottaat
yaale to the prise laad.
RECENT PATENTS.
APPLICATI0K8 FOR PATBTR.
Na 14,70ft.—" Iaiv*o*«nMats in BeDsitWd FUna, and in SeasitiTt Emaltiou
tbersCor.* J.H. f.aiUjkMO.—DaUd Augtufli,\t»i.
Xo. I«.74». — "Imsjiiiaaials ia FVioRntpbie Camsna" Z. H. P.
HcarassTs sad W. rsnn-OaBSSB.— i»B««rf Augutt It, 18K.
So. 14,7S3.— "laiproTsoMBt* in u<i niatiog to PbotograpUe CaaMras."
W. Ostmraa— /Msrf Aitftui 14, 1992.
Ko. I4.tS6.— "laiptOTemcBt* in PhotMrKiUe CanMras nscd for Astro-
aemkat aarrayiag er Onliaary Pnrposss. B.8caucBm.— //o/sJ /<h;iu(17,
189X
N'o. 14,952.— "Improvements in Photographic Cameras and in Shutters con-
nected therewith. J. Sbtk.— Dated August 19, 1892.
SPECTFICATION PUBLISHED.
Rkphst.
1890.
No. 10,871. — "Aatomstic Photographic Machines." Todfpkbvii.lk
PATENTS COMPLETED.
As Improved PBOTOoRAraic DEVKLoriNG Apparatus.
No. 6013. Arthur Bbis, 1, Charlton-villas, Paik-road, Twickenham.—
July 30, 1892.
Mt invention relates to a photographic developing box, whereby negatives or
positives may be developed in the open without recourse to the ordinary dark
room or tsnt.
It consists of a narrow, upright, liquid-tight box, provided with non-actinic
transparent sides to enable tlie development to be watched, and combined
with means whereby the developing and washing liquids may be quickly
introduced and withdrawn in succession, each liquid being for this purpose
contained in a separate elastic pneumatic bulb or pump barrel, connected by
a flexible or other tube with the lower part of the box, a clip, or other means
of interrupting the flow through the pipe being provided to enable the solution
to be held in reserve or kept in action as long as may be required.
The inlet of the box at which the negative or positive is introduced is
snrmoanted by a chamber, with which the dark back of the camera is adapted
to make a light-ti^ht Joint, the interior of the cliamber being of such shape a»
to guide the negative or positive through the inlet of the developing box, in
whatever position it be delivered froiu the dark slide.
A lifter of clear transparent celluloid is provide<l, in which the negative or
positive is held during development and consequent operations, and by which
It may be readily withdrawn when complete<l.
The dark back is provided with a door or slide, opening into the said
chamber, at which the negative or positive may be dropped or slid on to the
incline guide/ leading to the developing box, and means are provided for
ensaring correct register of the said door or slide with the box-inlet.
By the employment of the pneumatic bulbs, the liquids are not run to
waste, but are automatically withdrawn from the. box and returned to their
proper rmu I oirs for re-nsc as often as may be reouired,' thus avoiding the
necessity of replenishing alter each development, ana of carrying a supply for
that purpose.
A New OR liiPROvso ArPARATrs FOB OBTAntcta BiRD's-ETi Photo-
CRAPmc Vixwa.
(A communication ftt>m Lndwig Rohrmann, Krauschwitz, Germany.)
Na 12,989. EoiiuaD Edwards, 35, Southampton-buildings, Chancery-Une.
Middlesex.-yu;y30, 1892.
The present invention is applicable mora especially to military operations by
taking photographic bitd's-eye views of fortltications, or other positions occn-
pie<l by an enemy, from a distant position where they are not visible.
It may be also applied to other operations not of a military nature, such as
taking bird's-eye views of buildings, estates, or Und.
The improvwi arrangement consists of a paraehnte, having hang to it below
an instaotaneoos photographic apparatus, the paraehnte inits closed condition.
baiac eoBlained m a space i>repared for it in a snitable projectile. The pro-
jeetils is fired high in the air, in the direction of the object to be photographed,
a charge of explodre being than ignited, and the parachute apparatus being
thereby set l^ee from the proiaetUe. The parachute then operates automati-
cally, falling br itself, the photographic api>aratus hanging perpendicularly
below it, and by a suitable arrangement taking one or more instantaneous
photographs of the positions on the earth below, the parachute being then
broaght back to the point from which it was projected by a line, one end of
which is att«chc<l to it, the other being retained at the starting point
In one method of putting the invention in operation, a rocket is used, a space
in the fri>ut end or cap of which contains the parachute apparatus. This
rocket is ignited and fired from a stand of the usual kind, or any other suitable
support During the flight of the rocket the ignited composition in the latter
reaches a fuse, and fires an exploaive charge in the front end. This explosion
bursU open the rocket-cap, which is made of earthenware or sheet iron, the
parachute apparatus beina prevented bom injury by the fire by means of a
plate or pad of asbestos. In wder that the rocket-cap may free the parachute
apparatus with certainty, it may be made with groove* or notches, so ss to
weaken the material, and allow a small explosion to bust open the cap. Or it
may be so arranged that if sheet iron is used, the latter is unrolled or flattened
out The parachute apparatus is perfectly independent after this, as slready
explained.
The attaching cord is fastened where the apparatus is attached to the para-
rhate, tt^i IS led through a bole in the rocket-cap, or beneath the Utter, to a
wiflQig drum at the firing point, which may. lie worked by a small steam-
engine or by hand. Insulated electrical wires may be carried by, or form part
of, the connecting cable, and in this esse the mechanism of the photographic
atiparatns may be worked by their means (Tom the starting p<iint. About
three metres of the line, when it adjoins the parachute, are made ol wire to
prevent the risk of its being bnmed.
In onler that the improvad apparatus described for taking bird's-eye views
may be projected to greater distances, the parachute may be fired from an
ordinary gun, instead of a rocket being used. In this case the folded para-
chute and the photognphic apparatus are contained in a cylindrical shell
havicg a pointed end in fri>nt into which a time-fuse is screwed, which is
fired in the usoal way by the explosion, and exactly at the determined time
o56
THE BRITISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[August 26, 1892
ignites the bursting charge, so that the parachute and photographing apparatus
are set free. , , i. t t
In this case also the parachute is separated from the bursting charge by a
pad of asbestos, so that it is prevented from bein? injured by the fire.
The gun used is a muzzle-loading mortar of sufficient length, which is carried
by, and adjustable in, a suitable frame. In the barrel parallel air grooves are
midi;, which are not rifled as in ordinary guns, as the revolution of the shell
would break the connecting line, which is laid in one of the longitudinal
grooves in the barrel. „ , ^, , ^ ,
Between the shell and the cartridge, which latter is fired through a touch-
hole, an arched disc or plate of iron is Inserted to prevent the possible breaking
of the shell and the ptirachute apparatus when the gun is fired. The jilate is
shot out of the gun, and then falls to the ground. The parachute, which is of
the ordinary well-known construction, opens out as soon as it is freed, and the
photographic apparatus hangs perpendicularly below it. By a suitable
arrangement the parachute is prevented from collapsing.
The photographic apparatus is of the kind used for taking instantaneous
pictures. With it is combined spring clockwork, which is wound up before
the gun is fired, and must be arranged according to the calculated time of
flight. It then comes into operation and effects the instantineoiis exposure of
a plate, when is then moved sideways from its position, leaving another plate
in position for a fresh exposure, and so on. In this way, by a single shot, six
to eight exposures may be made.
It is evident that, by means of a series of exposures, a^oomplete circle of
views round the firing point may be obtained.
For this purpose, as many shots as are necessary are fired in succession from
the firing point as a centre, so that, when the several pictures are put together,
a complete map of the country may be obtained.
The following is one of the forms of photographic apparatus which may be
used with advantage : — The apparatus hangs below the parachute, with its lens
pointed down, and consists of an ordinary chamber or camera, containing the
plates for exposure, and another adjoining chamber, into which they are re-
moved after exposure. The plates, each fitted in a wooden slide, are arranged
one above the other in the first chamber. Above the pile!of plates is arranged
a pressure plate, which presses the plates downwards by means of springs.
The lower edges of each plate-slide are fitted with two parallel toothed racks,
and the racks upon the lowest slide gear with corresponding toothed wheels,
driven by the clockwork contained in a chamber at the lower part of the
apparatus. This clockwork also serves to open and close the lens in order to
e.xpose the plates and obtain the pictures. When this has been done, the
lowest slide is removed by the toothed racks and wheels, together with the
exposed plate which it contains, into the adjoining chamber. The bevelled
edge of the next slide, after the plate in it has been exposed, is passed under
the edge of the first one, which it lifts as it is removed from the first chamber
into the second, and this operation is repeated for as many plates as are con-
tained in the apparatus. A space for single plates may be left above the
second chamber.
In the construction of the parachute, the ribs of the latter are preferably
jointed to a central cap, and to these ribs are jointed radial stays, as in
ordinary umbrellas. The inner ends of these stays are jointed to a central
])late, which is connected to the upper cap by a spring, which draws them
together, so that the parachute is at once aiitomatically opened as soon as it is
set free from the shell, as already described.
The photographic apparatus is hung by lines from the ribs of the parachute,
the lower ends of these lines being connected to a universal joint, from which
the photographic apparatus is suspended, so that the latter is not affected by
the oscillations of the parachute. To this universal joint the connecting line
to the firing point is also attached.
Impbovements in Photographic Cameras.
No. 16,708. Adolf Hesekiel, 32, Landsbergerstrasse, Berlin, N.O. IS,
Germany.— /K?y 30, 1892.
The object of the invention is, firstly, to economise space in the storage of the
sensitive plates within the camera, and it consists in arranging side to side, or
one above the other, two chambers, each intended to be filled with the holders,
in which the sensitive plates are separately placed, so that as each plate is ex-
posed it may be moved from the one chamber to the other, the remaining plates
in each chamber being shifted, the one set forward, the other backward, to
provide space for the plate so moved, and to replace the vacant space at the
back of the first chamber with a plate from the second chamber. This is
effected by two slides joined together by a bridge, so that they must be moved
simultaneously ; the one slide is adapted to catch under the recently exposed
plate, so that, when the slides are lifted or drawn out, this plate is conveyed to
the other chamber and left there ; the other slide is adapted to catch over the
plate at the other end of the said chamber, so that, when the slides are moved
in again, this plate is carried from the second to the first chamber. Springs
press the plates along in the chambers.
The number of plates moved — that is, of exposures made — is indicated by the
following contrivance : — A numbered disc is pivoted so that" a number on the
circumference may show before a small window in the back of the camera.
This disc carries an interiorly toothed wheel with inclined teeth. On one of
the slides is a pin, so that, when the slide is moved into its outermost position,
this pin comes in contact with the side of one of the teeth, and moves this
tooth with the wheel and disc ; on the return of the slide the same pin strikes
on the opposite side of the wheel and moves the wheel by arriving against the
inclined face of a tooth on this side thus with both movements, changing the
position of the disc sufficiently to bring the next succeeding number before the
window.
A further improvement relates to the focussing and finding of the view when
the plates remain in position in the camera. The rays from the lens are
deflected by an inclined mirror on to a ground glass at right angles to the
sensitive plate in the known manner ; but this ground-"lass plate is enclosed in
a space provided with a door, so that darkness prevailing in this space even
with the door open the view is much more clearly seen than when the ground
glass is in the outside of the camera, no focussing cloth being required. As
the ground glass is a part of the wall of the actual camera or photographing
chamber itself, the mirror is hinged so that it may be closed over the ground
glass anil thus prevent access of light tlirough the latter ; when the mirror is
in position for focussing or view-finding, it lies upon a screen preventing
passage of light to the plate hidden behind the mirror, the latter covering the
hole in the screen through which the light would otherwise pass from the lens
to the plate.
It is preferable that the door aforesaid should only be opened when the
min'or is actually in position for focussing. This is effected by providing a
spring for closing the door and a rod for thrusting the latter open, this rod
being moved by a rotary arm or tappet on a spindle turned by the operator.
The spindle carries a second arm with a pin engaging in a slot in the side of
the frame of the mirror, so that by turning the spindle the mirror may be
moved into or out of position for focussing ; the tappet does not strike the rod
until after the mirror is in position for focussing, and it leaves the rod before
the mirror is moved on the reverse motion of the spindle.
Improvements in on relating to Photographic Cameras.
No. 20,007.
Xavier Gustave Edouard de Faucompr]5, 33, Boulevard
Haussmann, Paris, France. — July 30, 1892.
This invention relates to that class of photographic cameras in which the
sensitive film is formed by or upon a continuous web carried by rollers and
adapted for taking a number of negatives in succession, and the improvements
which are applied to the mechanism for actuating the rollers carrying the
web are designed mainly to ensure by automatic action of the various
parts that it may not be possible for the operator to make any mistake in
bringing a fresh portion of the web into proper position after taking each
negative.
The apparatus is enclosed in a box, which only presents externally a push
button, an eyepiece, two orifices to receive keys, whereby the rollers are
turned, and a movable slide or screen. Between the sides of a wooden frame
are placed a number of rollers ; one of them, the supply roller, carries the
web of sensitive material unacted on, and another serves as the roller upon
which the web is wound as the negatives are taken upon the sensitive film,
which is stretched vertically between guide rollers. The supply and receiving
rollers are alike, and are interchangeable, .and they may l)e removed and
replaced. These rollers are made of wood or other material, having disc ends
furnished with metal caps. The caps are slotted to receive pins, by which
they are connected to gearing discs, and a screw serves to secure each cap to
the end of the roller. A slot is provided, into which the end of the web is
inserted, and thereby secured on the roller. Tlie receiving roller is turned in
one direction to wind on the web by a key fitted to the end of its spindle, a
pawl and ratchet serving to prevent its rotation in the opposite direction. .\.
disc, having a notch in it with which engages a catch upon a lever, serves to
stop the movement of the rollers and other parts of the apparatus when a
length of the web has been drawn off equal to the length of negative exposed.
To prevent the catch engaging the notch in the disc when the apparatus is
prepared for action, a lever is provided, having at its end a catch arranged to
cause the disengagement of the first lever at a given moment. The lever first
referred to has a notch wherewith engages a hook forming the opposite end of
the second lever.
A counter is placed at the centre of the apparatus, and serves to register
the number of negatives exposed and drawn on to the receiving roller. This
number, which is indicated on a dial, is seen through a glazed opening in the
cover of the box.
A ratchet for actuating the counter is operated by a rod and pawl. The
several parts are operated by a push button or knob.
The supply roller is kept stationary by a jointed catch engaging a ratchet
on it, and is operated by a rod or lever. A brake is fitted to bear on the
supply roller and control the speed at which the web is unwound, regulation
of the pressure of the brake being effected by a screw.
At the end of the lever first referred to is fixed a needle, which pricks the
sensitive web to mark off the negative after each exposure.
The operation of the apparatus is as follows : — In order to wind on to the
roller tliat portion of the sensitive web that has been exposed, the operator
presses the knob, whereupon the lever .turning on its pivot is moved a short
distance, and is held by a hook. The operator may then turn the receiving
roller, aud thus bring into position for exposure a fresh portion of the web
equal to the length of negative exposed. During this operation the lever, acted
on by the knob, is automatically disengaged from the hook by the oscillation
of the second lever, which is acted on at its end by a wyper. A projecting
catch enters a notch in a disc, and stops the operator when the supply roller
is stopped. By this time the web has traversed the entire length of the
frame. The levers have then returned to their norm,il positions, and the
operator has only to press the knob a second time and turn the roller to
obtain a second negative, and so on until the supply of sensitive web on. the
roller gives out. The supply roUer may then be replaced by one containing a
fresh supply of the sensitive web, and the filled roller replaced by the empty
one.
The construction of the interchangeable rollers permits of the replacing
of the supply roller without having recourse to the use of a dark room.
At the end of each web length is fitted a black or darkened strip, which, when
the supply roller is put in place, covers the sensitive web and prevents the
action of light upon it, and a like strip at the other end serves to cover the
exposed web.
To prevent access of light at the edges of the sensitive web a narrow
darkened border is fonned on each side.
[As some of the items in the special claims attached to the complete
specification were long previously published, a disclaimer w U be njcea-
sary in order that this patent may be maintained.— Ed.]
August 20, 189-2]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
687
fHtttinqsi of SbocittUji^
HBITINGS or BOCIITIKS POB NEXT WKEK.
IXteilMlilfct
KuMolSaeMT.
nan of Kwtiiif.
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DoadM AoMtov
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nony laMitBta. iMoutar.
Uumm, IMd-ttnet, Warrinirton.
Ba7l>it. & 8c Iiut.,T*m<»-iraUu.
Buk Chuiben, HugnanMtiwt.
Aadvtoa-t Hotd. nMUtrwl.K.0.
OTMkui Han. Brixton.
HMhaaio- iBititiito. LMd*.
TkBLjr«aB.CakMM*iwt,01d]Mus.
Xtduies- lait.. Timbridfe W*I1<.
BoooH, IS. B«rkck7.M|. BriitoL
Trinity Chnrch Boom, Mart<».«t.
•"nM>>i;>eii."lUiiMaM.
Gnrhoaad Hstal. Biohwind.
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Briiten ud CUpham.
U«b Phota 800M7
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ToMdpi W.IU „
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Cmdoa MianMeopeal
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PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCUTV; OP GREAT BRITAIN.
Aroov Bv— Tc^niod IfeetiiiK— Mr. i. tMIl Taylor in the chair.
SmitIh tt amkiel (lh« ntw d«r*k»Nrl ud of Richanlt' i«tait ooram far
•««<■( ffcotaffipha to tlie oomos of albom* wm placed on tlM toble.
FOBnAirm ontn tbax is tri 9rcoia
In intiododac tU* anlrfwt, Mr. J. Kmwt olMrrcd that, in taking portraits
oot of doota. Um art of th* raCooAar waa Moanry. He had fbrnuT tlut in
g*^ ?*g ''—I*'*'' '"C'^^y"— **»"—'" ■^■»g> detail aadrarr
*«»P.»i>it"|ii B««dMtlikaiBkihi«A|ikata«iu>haaBlMathadaanitioD
«Mdw. Hataokphg(iiaB|>haaab«aOTtkamwithhha7aa,andiK>tin th«
■>«Rr aaav aov pnralaat. B« thoagbt it a miataka in photacnpha of
wholaplrta aiaa or Icaa to bar* th«D at aU blorrwl. Ha cooU not
mt the nlM of hlniiluaafc Mr. J. Kaahit th«a i«wd itmnd a lariaa
of ooldeor portrait* of tha ChakiMa, Mr. C. Ray W00.U, Mr. Cowan,
and otbar fotlanan. dnwiu apadil attaatiaa to two portraiu of
Mr. K. Duaaen, om aatoncbad. Iba ether Mo<Mbad. la iifciiiuee to
the lattv, which Mr. B. CUftoo had kiadlr printed ia platinB Ibr
him at Terr abort aeticah Mr. KaaUt ofaaarwl that liM
ba<i hero •UUUlr acaeatad hf Ux. Biiwn i Barrett in a iwy
Mr. Barrett bad Bade hia aaaia aot ooljraa a writer bat a> a
retooebcr. In the aaioacihad poitralt of Mr. DaaoMre the cocmntioa* ware
l«infBl to act, wWnw tb* — * — "--^ — *- - ^
- V •••^ «fc« Wabort/A Tbi iXSofraphi ha exUhil«I wm taken
in tbraneUoftkewaUiortbebackliUtafllk buoee.
''Vna Baowx bad laeaatlr allMBptad iadeor partnitaraL u^
OH rpcdaaaa lakaa ia aa - *^ ~ •
■um w^sMmmma vmmmm Mm aa orwaary roott. laaattMT ^
r •'waolawteiow.halfofwUebwai aartljratoMiadoatbf the
J •SS^*????.'^ '^ wiadBW ai u uSITaf fef^Ava
to bbtk Mm aaad oa tba iba<low ehU a* a niaetar. Ia n
Thaaitlarwaa placed
1 oat bf tha bliad, tba
Cbatraiaa, be
ofUgfat
Mr. CKanu> Jona
raplr to the
arotdad tba Ii(ht apot ia the ejre by ooatraOiag tba aafla
that ha
fooadlba
^lightapot
^iTw. R. DnoHM tariheil the awat fhroarabla eetUMeea for oouloor
i wall at the
for ttndio
, _ __„,»__, w, the
raplditr ohtaiac<L For pattaaltmr la neiML '
wftb tba wiadew. or a US» haUad iLfS a
ttaMtUMertbabaadwaaldhaloBt Par Ranhrao'lt clfecU. be would place
^JT'TS ^"^ ^ . ?•'• D»^™fc«> •iklMle.i a aamber of indoor poT
tnlto, chiefly of laralide. taken la tba waiiaw ha had daaeribad.
^^jbJT. Smvum aakad whether tba wfcmi abcold UiadiaaJ or pa«paa-
Mr. Km in i li replied that be casiaallv nlaMd M i>vnM<U«>l«r. Uaing
Mtialtai^ Iba attlar baiac pbeed wHh hia hack to a booaa. with a
>M^ taekaa arnapwat ^ee naalu which mifht ha taken
?!!!5l?" v^ 1 . S**" «^fc«» porttaita that war on aecovnt of tba jnatcr
. W phead tba aMarMMfy laMi
' r oa tba abadowafcie.
%?*"**_n^ ^ ^ *"""> P"""* «» perpaadlealar.
a ijaia whito material, tba
CnAtMU*^ dcecribad Solooiaa'i ajiateB of indoor portraitoia ia a tent,
•Wfiam M the UlamiBaat. aad «aid that in trriu H ha oUaine<l lUt
«*?■?*• ^•J52|5r* **• •»*«« Vr the aid of the bUckhoud. A metho.1
iwMfcjpw ajtohahU waaltowia tojiace the aittar in <>oot of a window, an.l
pMVlVb hta Cman tba ootaide. The Chainaancooclna<d by referring to tli.-
■TMK oCiwptoyin* a minor to reflect the image of the sitter, and photo-
gWihiaf tbat, daacribing the effects of Ugbtiagobuiaabls as vary beantifnl
xJt^inki' ^^'•Hf*^."" «»«**'• DrtuBbam. ia ttatiag that the alun
that waa hia actt*.
After (arthar
oa thia poiat tha iHaMog adjooraed.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCUTION.
AcocsT 18,— Mr. F. A. Bridge in the cliair.
Mr. Percy E Marshall, of 3(5, VictorU-street, S.W., was elected a member
of the Association.
Mr. Beckett passed round a negative, one half of which was badly forated
tie other half quite clear ; the result was considered remarkable, and he
promised to bring the exact formula to the next meeting.
A question was asked as to whether a reply to a question in one of the
phot<mptuc journals was correct. The reply was to the effect that eikonoeen
"""u "^ D **'' " *°^ """"^ successfully develop a wet-plate negative.
Mr. T. Solas said the reply was quite wrong ; such a developer used for wet
plates would precipitate the silver right away.
Mr. W. P. Dasix) then opened the discussion of the erening on Stereoscopic
fMography. He read a paper [see page 552], and passed round many prints
and transparencies.
and **^t8^" ^' ■*'^''" *°'* '''• ^ Freshwater also passed round stereoscopes
In the discussion which followed, Mr. Da.vdo said he could not agree with
Mr. Chadwick that stereoscopic pictures should be no higher than the regula-
UOQ S12C
The CHAIRMA.N, with regard to the distance between the lenses, stated that
Mr.jsesbit, a great authority on such questions, had adrised two and three-
"•"Ji r.'"*^ between the lenses as a good average distance.
Mr BiKT ACBBS thought that the separation of the lenses to exaggeration
had been the means ol bringing stereoscopic photography into disrepute.
> ij i?r25. °?f ?"='»««. '"ci' as flowers, &c., he tliought that the lenses
should be brought closer together, and he thought also that the lenses used
shouW m^, in the distance between, the lenses used in the stereoscope. He
s^weda (tereoscope of his own invention, which, however, he had not quite
Mr. W. K. DnccBAU referred to an instrument he had " re-invented "—the
tole-atereoacope. He thought there would be great advantage in examining
mstaace rtareoecopicaUy, and also for use in military operaUons. He thought
also that tlie distance betwtr» the two eyepieces couW be altered at will
v."*^„*^,'**\rVf J^toe^PlUc Society.-August 22. In the absence of
• *^^.,r ■ "''"'*'■ 'o*'' t''" •''»"■•— Forty-6ve members and friends were
preeont. The Chairman introduced Mr. Dkbicihaii, who addressed the Society
upon the subject of TmntparmcU* by the Carton Process. He recommended
that the tiasue should be bought unsensitiaed, and sensitised as required by
this formnia : Bichromate of potassium, 1 ounce ; ammonia, 1 dncbm ; water
30 onncaa. Or, if the tissue had to be kept for some time, it wouU be well to
Ineraaaatha watar to 40 onncaa. About three minutea' soaking would be sufficient
It ihonld ^ be Maeeaeed on to a pUte of gUis (into the pores of which talc
badbean tboronghir rubbed), dned, and stored for use. It would strii. with
a bright surface, which would lie in close contact with the negative. He re-
oommaaded, as an actinometer, that a negative of medimu density should be
takaa.aad. while the carbon print waa being made, that a print on silver paper
ahonU be made through a small opening in a mask. He emphasised the
neceaaity of a safe edge to the carbon print, aad that the cut-out mask for
that purpoee should be pUcad outside the negaUve instead of between the
negative and the tissue. By thia means the safe edge would be vignetted oil'
instead of showing a hard line, and there wouhl be leaa rtiik of iriUing in
devtlopiog the print It waa naceaaary that the print, when j.laced in the cold.
water prior to development, should be squeegeed on to a sheet of glass before
it had absorbed aU the waUr it was capable of holding otherwise it would U
unable to take up the Him of water on the ehua, and clke and pennanent con-
tact would not be made. Mr. Debenham iQustnted hlslectui« by diagrams on
the Uackboard and by paaaing round trensparenciea, 4c, in various stages o£
progrva. He then procaeilad to develop se>'oral prints, calling attention to the
ptecantiooa nacaaaary to aaenra good reanlta. Many questions were asked ami
aaawarad, aad a roto of thanka waa moved by Mr. Mahcha.st, who said the
Society was indebted to Mr. Debenham, and to the Affiliation Committee of
the Pbolograpbic Society of Great Britain, who ha<l nia/le the arrangemenU for
the iatereating and practical demonstration just delivered. Mr. Co.x secondol
the motion, which waa carried with acclamation. The usual competition of
views Ukeu at Ueld-days was held, the vote of merit beingsecured by Mr. A. G.
Hewvn, for West Hampatead. A large number of plates, kindly sent by the
Paget Company, ware dlBtribiited, each member present receiving a packet.
Attention was called to the Hill Norris dry-collodion tiUte, particulars of
which bad been received. The next meeting will be held on September 12,
when Mr. H. Smith will take the chair, and Mr. Beadle will demonstrate the
making of lantern slides on various pUte*. Visiton welcome.
Backaay Photographic Socioty.— August 16, Mr. Beckett in the chair.—
Me«'<rs. SalmoD, Dando,>nil .Nunn showedprints on the Ilford P.O.P., samples
of which had been sent In every case aatislactory resulta bad been obtained,
Mr. DaSDO sUtisg that the bath he had uaed for toning was: Hyno,
1 ounce ; alam, 6 drachms ; water, 8 ounces. Let stand until properly dis-
aolvad, shake up, then add, in small quantities at a time, a solution of three
drachmi of carbonate of soda (crystjds) in one ounce of water. Filler, let
e»aB«lmj,.day, then add 1 grain of chloride of gold and 2 grains of acetate
ol lad (previously dissolved in 1 ounce of water). Printing must be carried
on to a rather deep colour. Mr. Kobebts said he had obtaine<l a brick-red
colour in print by printing in sunlight. The Cbaibman said that Mr. Welford
had given a gonl formula for toning bath, consisting of ti ouucen of water,
4 gnOns of gold, IJ drachms of bicarl>onaU of soda. This would tone
fart or slow, according to quantity of water added. Mr. Debenham had
stated that th* 'i""-- '■■'■! used in toning the greater chance there was of per-
manence. M: showed reKuTt'< on Paget's plates. He had been
troablad with>, ;Uem. The Chairman said it looked as if hypo had
been the cause. Mr. Hudson presented the Society with several old journals.
Mr. Poviaag asked : WobU inlpho-pyrogallol be fit to use after two years '(
The Hm. tocBatABT «id he had used some which he had had about that
658
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH £.
[August 26, laea
period, and which had given good results. Mr. Bynoe then showed Messrs.
Beck's new hand camera, the " Freda," Cut films were used, and forty could
be used in the camera without holders. Mr. Fitch had made films for them
which would keep as flat as glass. The camera was small and compact, and
was much appreciated. Mr. Bynoe then showed his own invention of printing
frames. Tnere was no shadow in printing, and, in answer to the Hon. Secre-
tary, said prints could not possibly shift. The discussion on the stereoscope
then was resumed, and, on the question of pairing lenses, Mr. Btnoe said an
expert was refjuired to do it. The Chairman had found colours blend very
well by one picture being printed differently to the other.
Boutb London Fhotog^apliic Society. — August 15, the President (Mr. F.
W. Edwards) in the chair. — After the announcement of additions to the
library, a N. and G. aluminium blind-shutter, now being placed on the
market, was shown by the Hon. Secretary, the working of which was much
admired, exposures of one-fiftieth to the second being obtained by setting an
index finger. Time exposures can also be obtained. A celluloid focussing
screen, of the thickness of ordinary glass, which Messrs. Newman k Guardia
are now fitting to cameras, was .also exhibited. Mr. H. G. Banks, one of the
Vice-Presidents, then read a paper on Tlie Optical Lantern, its Constriictinn
and Use, during the course of w^hich he gave a practical demonstration of the
working of the lantern. In order to show the great heat generated wlien using
the oxyhydroeen limelight, a penny was placed in the flame, and in less than
a minute a hole was made through the coin. Attendance thirty-two.
Hancbester Photographic Society.— -August 11, Mr. J. Schofield (Vice
President) in the chair. The leaders of the outdoor meetings presented
reports of their several excursions ; but, with the exception of Mr. Pogson's to
Alderley, they had not been very well attended, owing, no doubt, to the bad
photographic weather. Mr. Cobley opened a discussion on the Oelaiino-
Chloride Prin ting-out Paper. He said he had been well satisfied with the
paper when first introduced, but latterly had found a diflSculty in obtaining
good tones. He asked if others had met with similar results, as he feared it
was some defect in the manufacture. Other members had been troubled in the
same way, and it was considered rather unfortunate that these defects should
occur in a paper which othenvise gave good results, and no doubt the makers
would endeavour to avoid the faults complained of in future batches. Mr. H.
V. Lawes exhibited a twin-lens hand camera which he had altered to suit his
own ideas of what a hand camera should be, namely, easily focussed, visibility
of the subject when the exposure was being made, and certainty of the shutter
"going off" when required. A number of prints showed his successful
manipulation. He incidently remarked that for developing the Paget plates
he used the following formulae : — Solution A : Eikonogen, i ounce ; sodium
sulphite, \\ ounces ; hydroquinone, 60 grains ; potassium bromide, 8 grains ;
water,' 30 ounces. Solution B : Carbonate of potassium, 1 ounce ; water,
10 ounces. For use, 1 ounce of A to 3 ounces of B. Mr. Evans also
showed and explained his hand camera, made by himself to suit his own
requirements. The construction was ingenious, each plate being contained in
a separate groove ninning from the reservoir at the top of camera to the
exposing chamber. A slide between the reservoir and chamber permitted any
one plate to fall in position, the front part of camera being adjustable so as to
always retain the same relative distance between lens and plate. By having a
focussing glass in the end groove the focus could be obtained before admitting
the sensitive plate. Mr. H. Woollet gave a hint as to packing exposed plates
when away for any length of time. He had found that labels on the envelopes
containing his exposed plates had imprinted themselves on the negatives,
owing, he had little doubt, to pressure Saving been applied to the packets of
plates, the sensitive film being affected on the part subjected to the greater
pressure where the labels intervened between the plates. Tlie Paget Prize
Plate Company sent a number of samples for distribution to the members for
trial.
Ccirre<E()ianivencr»
OorrMpondrntt •hvuld nntr wriU on b«tk fM« of tht fupf.
A LETTER FROM MISS CATHARINE :, WEED BARNES.
To tlie Editor.
Sib, — Will you kindly allow me the use of your'pages for an open letter
to my editorial confreres and photographic friends in Great Britain, both
professional and amateur ? It is impossible for me to express individually
my keen appreciation of the consideration and courtesy shown at the
Edinburgh Convention and elsewhere. Let me, therefore, publicly thank
each and all ; and I assure my fellow-workers who may favour us with a
visit next year of a warm welcome and a fitting recognition of their high
position in the art-science of photography. I cannot with a clear con-
science delay longer this pleasant duty of returning thanks, trusting all
will be able to read between the lines that which I find it difficult to put
into words. Let me also acknowledge the valuable advice and practical
assistance received, which has done so much to smooth my photographic
pathway. Thanks are due, in addition, for cordial hospitality, which
cannot he forgotten. To yourself, and to each and all who have been
thus kind, let me again tender my sincere thanks. — I am, yours, &o.,
August, 1892. Catharine Weed Barnes.
[We are happy to be the means of conveying Miss Barnes' graceful
thanks to the photographic public, among whom she is, and has been,
a most welcome guest, — Eb.J t
ADJUSTMENT OF HAND CAMERAS.
To the Editor.
Sir, — As Hon. Secrfetary of a Photographic Society, it has been my duty
from time to time to examine and report upon various hand cameras.
As my experience with some of these may be useful to both mann-
facturers and users, perhaps you may consider the following notes worthy
of insertion in your valuable Journal.
Quite recently I had a somewhat high-price camera sent me by an
eminent firm of manufacturers, with a reqaest that I would show it before
the Society, test it, and report on it. Alter having made myself
acquainted with its design and method of working, which were admirable
both as regards compactness, simplicity, and efficiency, I charged the
magazine and sallied forth to fire off the necessary shots.
So far all went most satisfactorily, and my favourable opinion of the
camera was fully maintained.
On developing, however, troubles began, each one of the negatives being
hopelessly blurred in foreground, middle, and distance, showing that no
part of the picture had been in focus. There was no appearance of
shaking, and when looking into the matter I soon discovered that the lens
was about a quarter of an inch out of focus. The camera had adjustable
focus ; however, instead of the lens being in focus for distant objects
when brought light back, and having movement outuards only for near
objects, in this case there was also a totally unnecessary inward move-
ment of the lens, which latter caused the blurring, the lens having been
pushed right back on the assumption that that was its proper place for
distant objects, there being no indication to the contrary.
As this experience of hand cameras is by no means new to me, and, I
believe, of altogether not uncommon occurrence, I venture to suggest
that makers should have each camera carefully examined by a competent
and conscientious man to ascertain : —
1st, That the lens of the fixed focus camera really gives a sharp imago
on the exposed surface.
2nd, That the lens of adjustable focus camera is properly in focus for
distant objects when pushed right back as far as it will go, and that the
focussing scale for nearer objects be accurately marked, and the pointer
correctly placed.
3rd, That the finders should accurately represent the view given by the-
lens on the exposed plate, and that truly vertical and horizontal lines
should he drawn on the ground glass of each finder to assist when photo-
graphing buildings and other subjects having vertical or horizontal lines.
4th, In the design of all magazine cameras I think provision should be-
made to prevent the possibility of continuing the changing after all the
plates have been exposed ; the last plate should, after exposure, he
properly protected so as to prevent its being exposed twice.
These points would appear to be almost too obvious to require empha-
sising, hut the fact remains that errors do occur, and probably under the
most aggravating circumstances. I believe, therefore, that too much
care cannot be bestowed in the first instance on these essential points,
and, if carefully attended to, much discontent with hand cameras, in
every other way admirable, would entirely disappear.
I do not, of course, claim that my remarks apply to every manu-
facturer, or to every camera ; but I do assert that even the name of a
firm of repute is not always a guarantee against errors of the kind men-
tioned. My advice, therefore, to every photographer who buys a hand
camera to take with him on his holidays is, that he should on no account
leave home without having first by actual test ascertained that the
camera is in every respect correct and capable of taking sharply on the
plate the views shown in the finders. By taking this precaution he may
save himself much disappointment and annoyance when the day of
development comes. — I am, yours, <Src., L. S. F..
August 19, 1892.
THE COMBINED TONING AND FIXING BATH.
To the Editor.
Sir, — I made up to-day a combined toning and fixing bath for chloride
prints as under : —
Tnngstate of soda 190 grains.
Sulphocyanide of ammonia 250 ,,
Hyposulphite of soda 2400 ,,
Acetate of lead TJ ,,
Distilled water 20 ounces.
Chloride of gold 15 grains.
I added ingredients in order given, and all went well till I added the
gold, when a dark, red-brown deposit was thrown down. What is this ?
I have filtered the bath and got rid of this deposit. Is the bath affected
in any way ? I have made up this bath hitherto by adding the gald first,
and have never found any deposit. — I am, yours, <tc.,
Horsham, August 22, 1892. Bernard Lintoll.
[The deposit is, doubtless, gold. Add the hypo before the gold,
and, on the appearance of the red precipitate, shake the solution well
when the deposit will, in all probability, be redissolved. — Ed.]
Au|?u«t 26, 1S9-2]
THE BRmSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
5.59
PEBMAXEXCY OF GELATINOCHLORIDE PBIXTS.
To the Edrob.
Sik,— In reply to Mr. B. WOmo, with eqiul cue, I think geUtino-
chloride quite eqoij to albumen in tH the points he mentions, and that
m Rieater variety of lone is obtainable than with the ordinary ready-
Miiiillinil albumen papers. As to permanency, I do not know any method
of werking albumen paper by which I can obtain a print that will bear
the twt to which I put the gelatino-ohloride print. With equal care in
«orkiB(i I shoald expect the gelatioo^loride to stand the test every
time.— I am, yonrs, <kc., H. G. M. Coktbsake.
The Hut, Ingatettone, Augiut 33, 1891.
HAND CAMERAS.
TolJksBMTOB.
giB,_My BmrnsB JoraxAL or PBorooBArHT only reached me yesterday.
My ids* for the decline in use of hand cameras is, unless you hare perfect
smuhine. with snap shots nearly all an failures. I have to my Kodak
a shutter of my own make, whidi wiBwork at any cpeed. I purchased of
Park, the stand-maker at Haggerston, a self-adjusting tripod stand which
is always at dead level. Upoo this I place the camera, and ezpon to
subject. There Is nothing to regulate ; we whole thing is done in less
than a minnte, and yon are awaj before being noticed, I can now
•wore nearly ereTTpietare, where baton most of them were under-exposed.
What Dsed to be disheartening ia now a pleasure.— I am, yours, Ac,
SMIoh, Surrtg, Aafiut 19, 1893. WtLLUK OooDS.
THE DECAY OP PBOFESSIOSAL PHOTOOBAPHT.
Totht'Banom.
~ Sib, I b^ to thank yoo lor inMrtbic the Wttar of " A Profeiaional
niotognplMr " fai your iasoe of Aa(Mt 11. I am sure it expresaea the
opinion of a largo nmnbcr of pbotociaahora. I think the time has folly
come when satncthing should bo dono to fcotoet the profeMion
generally.
My own opinion is that the daalen bavo done mceo than any one,
perhapa, to injoio Iha pfofawion. Jmn aco, when the amateon in each
latga town aould be eoonled npon Ibo flnftn of oea hand, those gentle-
men were almost entirely nippartod by the pwfeesion.
When will photograpbisn anita ana atart Mpply aiores of th«br|own r
This eould be done, and I Tenture to baliatt it will be done in tha near
fotore. — I am, yooia, dte. . A
Jufust 19, liMtt.
To tftrXDRoa.
8i»,— I begin to objeol aeeiog always the amateur thrown into erery
diMOHioB, iM with the aAMtion of tlst moat oamplimeDtaiyadieetiTes as
it bowinc lotha "almifMy," awn whila wphtwim of hit anowohmif
■ witlMol mUbtK that neat
Mfter an addition, boistei small, ia
made towarda tha naoaitloa of any impnrramant arar made by a pro-
leeelonal. rinfsmlonali as a rate get vary littte credit for an invention,
wbila. whan one amatsor finds anything, the wboU erowd of amataor*
gat Ui« eradit for it, and it may ba safely said that among tha amateurs
tt lUs iua not oos oat of 10,000 wonU bs aUs to add a singk item to
•stating tUngL
Lst as gies tall eradit and gloty to tho obs that makes an imptoremanl
of any kind, bot another oams ahoold bs given him that does it than to
tha 9999 wiw merely pat a few poonda in a hand eamara, and go about
j at svsrytbing and aimidag in son. ram. or fog.
I givs OS a rast (srsa if not oonset English), always raising the
I to aansoal iiaights. Lat an amateor be what be is. The one
that is aUs to improvs on anylUag, to say, ptiotograptiiaal)y, on the
iiistiiiments. is mors tliaa an amataor, aai preibaUy an artist maehanie ;
and, whan Ilia aiismlssl Una of photagraphr is Improved, that party is
esrtalnly mora than an •mataw, and probably a stndeni and ehsmist,
wldali most amatsora ai« not.
Pwfsasionali, be prnlissinnsis, and raise your bearta wittioot always
kasrtag to the amataor. Give doe credit and saspset to ttia invsator, but
•• Wa only, sad don't spriokte with tha aams ^orr 9999 plato-spoUars,
mmm U aaoag them yoa find an oeeaaieoal tew making by ehaaea aome
fnd nagall'— Qnality remaina tlia sisaptioc.
This HI aascsr to soms remarks of " F. J. A.," page 543.— I am. yours,
a«^ AliivT.
Jtmltrm, PmrU, Aufuet 30. 1893.
DISCOLOCBATIOS OF PHOTOUBAPHa
To the EotTOB.
short space above mentioned, which unfortunately renders the negatives
next to useless. I may add, that I have from twenty to a hundred
negatives to develop each day ; so it is to me a serious matter, as I have
never had it before when working a different method ; but this way is
certainly very simple and quick when there is such a quantity to get
through in a day, having to develop them in batches. I use a well-known
brand of plates, and develop them with pyro and ammonia only, adding
bromide.
Having developed a plate, it is rinsed under the tap, and then placed
in the alum bath for about fifteen minutes, then rinsed under the tap
and placed in the hypo bath for about fifteen minutes. It is then
perfectly cleared of all opalescence, and is apparently fixed. It is then
put in the washing tank, and washed for one to two hours in fast running
water.
Then there is a yellowing of the film. To remove that, I pnt it in a
clearing bath of hydrochloric acid solution ; alum, one to twenty. Then
from the clearing bath it is " rinsed " (not washed), and placed on the
rack for drying, and is everything that can be desired until a few months
have elapsed. Then the demon shows himself. It takes its course usually
from the end of the plate where it is drained in the coating of the
emulsion, as it is generally where the emulsion is thicker, gradually
get as deep sherry colour, and goes all over the plate. Is there any way
of restoring the negatives so spoilt ? The same clearing won't touch it.
— I am, yours, <frc, Filu Fiend,
Auffuet 32, 1893.
NEW DEVEL0PEE3.
To the Editor.
Sib, — In reply to Mr. W. A. Wright, in your last issue, I may say that
I have made a number of trials in the direction which he indicates, using
for that purpose Measn. Barter (t Driffield's photometric method. Not
having yet receiTed either amidol or metol, the investigation has been
kept to ferrous oxalate, pyrogallol, hydroquinone, eikonogen, and para-
amidophenol. So far the following points seem clear : — 1st, The expo-
sure reqnireif varies to some extent with the developer used; 2nd, That
minute qnantities of bromide in the developer often have a very consider-
able effect, whilst larger amounts mainly lUfeet the time of development ;
3rd, Having ascertained the differences in the action of various developers
upon one batch of plates, it by no means follows that with another batch,
or make, the reaulta will be similar. This last point shows clearly the
cause of the diversity of opinion with regard to developers generally, and
also that no table of relative values can be given, except for the particular
batch of plates npon which the trials have been made. — I am, yours, &c.,
Red U\U, AmguMt 33, 1892. J. Stebby.
»
CAMEBA BACK TUBN BUTTONS.
To the Editob.
Sn, — Sometimes the invention of a very little thing may prove the
giaatMt assistance. I dars say my experience has often been that of
brother pbotograpbars^how difficult it is sometimes in the dark room to
tarn the little bottons that saenre the plate and blackened piece of tin in
the camera back. Often the buttons get so jamibed against the wood-
work of the back that it is impossible to move them with the nail of one's
finger, and I have had to get out my penknife, which all means loss of
time and is disagrseaUe, especially in a small, hot dark room. My
snggestion is that all these little buttons should be made with an indenta-
tion in them, something like the slit in the blade of a pocket knife, just
deep enough for the finger nail to take a secure hold of the button.
Tliare woald then ba no difBcnlty at any time at once to move the button
into ito proper position. Will oar cameim-makers give my snggestion
their eonsideration 1 I am sore its adoption would be a boon and a
sneesss. — I am, yoors, Ac, (Rev.) £. Husbakd.
St. ilieheuV* Vicarage, Folkeitone.
Bn.-I ahoold
liavebadths
six totsa
issi oblicad with advies on tha following Uoables I
iitano to nave revaalsd to me attar the lapee of about
that is, tlM diaeoiooring of tha negative filiu alter the
i2xct)augc Oxolumn.
*,* yo tharg* u mad* for iturrting Exchangee of Apparatm in Mi* column ;
htit Mm* mil be interitd unleee the artiete wanted it dettnitety ilaled. Thote
whotpeei/y their re^iremenlt at "anything uffitl" urill therffare understand
the recmin of their non-appearance.
Ttaaeek h«ad mnm " iijr Wataoa " mntod to raohui(« for flnt-oUw •Urer.plated
laajSi lilliin W. Walker. Soatkolnw, Xoitinirliuii.
mik«a^hs* Kariea't PnuM«el r\atMiiU Pk«lafrapkv for two toIodim of Hnm-
ffettMr htnten Uteiinf.—kMtmt, T. 1. Lsshos, Pbotofrsphar, Mold.
WaBt*<, M«. 3 Kodkk "plaioo," In p«Tf«el order. In nchuiK* (<>r esntUnuui's irold
\mj\mm l«rr watch.— Addrws, Joscra Sack, 19, Bi(>>-«treat, Mold, North Wale*.
Waatad, DMmi-jT't cabinat portrait I«u, or Ux 10 oamtm, in etcbtnf* for nfatr
Wajek, •ilrer-pUtwl puts. taalU throoflioat, toUd tjrM.-Addreu, A. J. Bailst,
SSa, Hiaaoa.<tr««t, Pimiloo.
Mahogur wboU-pUt* bailows ouans, UirM doulila illdM, l«ni, and folding tripod ;
Ko. S koM' wid»«ack sraawirioal, band cam«n, or bu>/cl<.— AddrMi, F. T. Oki,
wanted. PbetofnpMr, Baaden, N.W.
0«m oaaura, takM twatv* pictnrM on a qoarter.plato, lookot or po(tag».itiunp lizc,
(oar liiiiiii. repesHne back, wtll •zobaan for qnarUr-pUt< instantovrapb, witbou
Un« «r shatter.— Address, Dr. Fisst, Norbitou.
560
THE BRITISH JODRNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[August 26, 1892
anstocrst to OTortcspontients.
All mailers for the text portion of this Joubsal, incUulm q»^<fs M
"Ansioers" and "Exchanges," must he addressed to 'The Editor,
2, York-street, Covent Garden, London. Inattention to this en^es delay.
Jfo notice taken of communicatioiis unless name and address of tenter are
ffiven. .
■*,* Communications relating to Advertisements and general husiness affairs
must he addressed to "Henby Greenwood & Co.," 2, York-street, Covent
Garden, Londoti.
Pbotografhs Registered :
Junes Jarrett, Keynnham.— Portrait* of T. C. Wamtr, Jf.P., Ed. Straclwy, M.P.,
and J. E. Barlow, M.P.
W. SaSDEBS says : "Would you say if the word ' phptoscope ' has been used
before i" — Yes ; often.
John McAllum.— No doubt Messrs. Hopkin & Williams will be' able to supply
you with chinoline red.
W. Bracewell.— There is nothing novel in the tones' Ht the prints or in the
method by which they are produced.
Collodion.— If the emulsion is, as you say, perfect, no doubt varnishing the
negatives will get rid of what you complain.
M. C— Probably the solvents of the collodion had not thoroughly evaporated
before the gelatine was brought in contact with them.
Tbigstoub.— The subject is very fully dealt with in the Almanac for 1888;
we have not space enough to repeat the information in this column.
Pbintkr.— So far as we are aware, there is no rose-tinted albumenised paper
in the market that will bear a prolonged exposure to light without fading.
E. S.— Write to Mr. J. B. Spiu-ge, care of Mr. Clarkson, optician, Bartlett's-
buildings, E.C., and he wjl supply you with particulars of his sensitometer.
Sheffield.— Until the complete specification is accepted, it is impossible to
ascertain in what the invention consists, except what the inventor may
chose to tell.
"One of Them."— You do not authenticate your letter in the usual way;
hence its non-appearance. We do not take cognisance of anonymous com-
munications.
Horatio Yeates (Melbourne). — The division screen you describe is in actual
use at the present time, being made by Mr. W. I. Chadwick, of Manchester.
Thanks all the same.
W. Webber (Bristol).— The sample of paper sent seemed right, but there was
too little of it to enable us to subject it to such a trial as would warrant us
in reporting thereon.
J. W. R. — The platinum will not deposit, and hence it must be precipitated
from the solution. By all means keep the platinum cuttings, and treat them
with the solutions for recovery.
H. Teo. — Full information regarding the forthcoming Exhibition of the Photo-
graphic Society of Great Britain may be obtained of the Assistant-Secretary
of the Society, 50, Great Russell-street, Bloomsbury, W.C.
G. B. Bravery. — The cheapest process for such a great number would be
collotype, but as to actual cost of production we cannot give you any
idea. Better get an estimate from a firm of photo-mechanical printers.
Hvpo s.ays : " Can you inform me where I can obtain glass etching plates, so
that when the etching is completed it can be printed from, like an ordinary
negative?" Messrs. Sharp & Hitchmough, of Liverpool, supply such plates,
we believe.
Peiiplexed. — In copyrighting the' portraits, the person referred to lays himself
open to prosecution ; but you have no remedy agtiinst him, not having
registered the picture anterior to the piracy. This, however, will not prevent
you from now selling copies of the picture
W. Bray. — The nitro-cellulose compound, usually paper, employed in the
manufacture of xylonite, or celluloid, is not at all suitable for the manufac-
ture of collodion for photographic purposes. The material is not what is
known as gun-cotton or as pyroxyline, but xyloidine.
R. Ridley.— Two thicknesses of canary medium will be quite sufficient in a
lantern with a good size fish-tail burner — that is, with ordinary plates ; but
if they be orthochromatised with eosine or erythrosine, the medium should
be supplemented with a thickness of ruby glass or fabric.
H. W. B. — If the purchaser of the business repudiates you as his servant, and
the seller did not give you notice to terminate the engagement, you will, we
suspect, have to look to the latter for your salary. Your engagement was
with him, and you say you have made none with the new man.
Philip New.man.— Your better plan, we think, would be to submit the
negatives to some such firm as Messrs. Valentine, of Dundee ; Messrs. Frith,
Reigate; Messrs. G. W. Wilson & Co., Aberdeen; or Mr. Spooner, Strand,
London, who all engage in the publication of photographic views. Thanks
for the enclosure.
Silver. — Both the formula; referred to will give excellent results if the
solutions are carefully prepared. Pure material must be used. The potash
is that known as pure by alcohol, and does not explode if dissolved in water.
You are probably thinking of metallic potassium. No boiler or battery is,
of course, necessary. The streaks yoii complain of arise from the glass not
being chemically clean.
T. Watson says : "I am going to do some oil-colour paintings, .and I should
like to do them on some etching like ivory, if there is such a thing, as I
think ivory would be too expensive, as I shall sell them cheap. Confd you
inform me if there is anything sindlar to ivory, and where I could get it ? "
The British Xylonite Company, of Homerton, may possibly be able to
supply the desired material.
A. Mallett (Christchurch). — To call a collotype a photograph is perhaps
somewhat of a misnomer, the more correct name being possibly ' ' photo-
type," a term much used abroad. We do not think, however, that tliere
is anything seriously misleading in the words "permanent photographs"
applied to collotypes, since the production of the latter depends upon the
employment of photography, while their permanency is at least as much
assureil as that of pictures produced by any other printine process. ' ' Photo-
type," or " photo-coUogroph," however, would be a decidedly better name,
to use in distinguishing them.
Newcastle-on-Tyne and Northern Counties' Photoobaphic Associa-
tion.— Thur.sday, September 1, Outdoor meeting, Gilsland and Naworth.
Leader, M. Auty.
Photogbaphic Club. — Club outing for Saturday next, Snaresbrook ; train
leaves Fenchurch-street at thirteen minutes past two. Subjects for discus-
sion :— August 31, 02>iical Glass. September 7, Eidarging.
London and Provincial Ppotogeaphic Association. — September 1,
Memljers' Open Ni^ht. 8, Is there any Adequate Theory of Meversals i 10,
Outing to Greenwich ; leader, Mr. A. Haddon. 15, Various Printing Pro-
cesses, Mr. B. Foulkes Winks. 22, Photographic Limits, paper by Miss
Catharine Weed Barnes, of New York.
The results of the examination in photography by the City and Guilds
Institute have been made known, and we note that the Polytechnic School of
Photography again sends up the recipient of the highest honour. Mr. S. J.
Beckett, a student at the course held by Mr. W. E. Debenham at the Poly-
technic Institute last wintei-, has gained the silver medal and first prize in the
Honours department, and three students from the People's Palace, under the
tuition of Mr. C. W. Gamble, so long associated with the Polytechnic, have
gained the silver and two bronze medals in the ordinary division.
Hackney Photogbaphic Society. — The arrangements for September are
as follows : — 6, Ordinary meeting. 10, Excursion tp Sewardstone ; meet at
Chingford Station at half- past two. 13, Discussion on Exhibition. 20,
Ordinary meeting. 24, Excursion to Hampstead. 27, A Haliday in the Isk
of Man, W. Fenton Jones. The Society purposes holding the Annual Exliibi-
tion at the Morley Hall, Hackney, about the first week in November, on the
same extensive scale as last year. The classes will be : — A, Members' work
since last Exhibition. B, Members' work before last Exhibition. C, Mem-
bers'Excursions. D, Portraiture and Genre (members). E, Members' Lantern
(six). F, (Open) Lantern Slides (six). G, (Members) Stereoscopic. H, (Open)
Stereoscopic. I, (Open) Portraiture and Genre. J, (Open) Landscape and Sea-
scape, &c. Prints may be by any process, direct or enlarged, opals and trans-
parencies excluded. Forms will be ready at the end of September.
On Thursday last the staff of assistants employed by Mr. W. Barry, photo-
grapher, of Hiill, held their annual picnic. Leaving the studio in two brakes,
about half-past nine, after a very pleasant drive through about the only bit of
picturesque scenery and villages the district can boast of, to wit, Westella and
Swaneland, the destination, Welton, was reached by noon. Substantial viands
and luxuries were provided by the Welton caterer, Mr. Giddy, aud then
rounders were indulged in amid the verdure and beauty of the dale. Then
came the event of the day, the long-looked-for cricket match lietween the sides
"Palette and Brush" versus "Hammer and Saw," the former winning easily.
This humorous and exciting match put every one into the best of spirits, and
the day was deemed to be much too short, as the interval to its anniversary
next year is now felt to be much too long. Justice was done by sharpened
appetites to the host's ample t.able a second time, and eventually the setting-out
place of the morning was safely regained by half-past nine in the evening, all
voting it a capital twelve hours.
A CoMPETiTn'E Exhibition of photographic work, in connexion with the
Beilford and District Amateur Photographic Society, will be held in the Large
Hall of the Bedford Modern School (by the kind permission of the Rev. Dr.
Poole, Headmaster) on Tuesday, Wednesd.iy, and Thursday, October 11, 12,
and 13. The officials are :— President : Rev. H. Victor Macclona, M..\., Hilbre
Grange, Bedford. Hon. Secretary and Treasurer : W. E. Ison, Hugheuden,
P.iver Crescent, Bedford. Committee: Rev. H. Victor Macdona, M.A., (Pre-
sident), ex-otficio, Deputy Surgeon-General A. H. Beaman, Mr. H. W. Steward-
son, Mr. Alexander Kirby, Mr. P. Hill, Mr. Montague Troup, Mr. W. E.
Ison (Hon. Secretary), e-c-oj/icio. The Exhibition will be open to all amateurs,
and it is also intended to make arrangements for a special class of photographic
work for the members of the Bedford Schools. A series of awards will be
granted, which will chierty be of an honorary character, to the successful com-
petitors. Mr. Andrew Pringle will be one of the judges. 1'he Council will
also arrange for a series of popular lectures, illustrated with the oxyhydrogeu
limelight lantern, during the three evenings of the days on which it is appointed
the Exhibition shall be open.
The Convention Group Key. — Xo. 107 represents Mr. X. Alker ; while,
instead of " Bidxrsieth," Xo. 21, read "Mr. H. M. Hastings."
OONTBNTS,
INDOOR portraiture r.ii
mounting stereoscopic pictures 5*6
PHOTOttBWrKE AND AQUATINT
ENGRAVINQ UC,
CONVENTION JOTTINGS.— V 548
JOTTINGS. Bv COSMOS 6J9
THE STEREOSCOPE AND STEREO-
SCOPIC PHOTOOKAPHY. By A. L.
HENDERSON 500
ADV.INCED PHOTOGRAPHIC WORK
FOR AMATEURS.— VIII. By T. N.
ARMSTRONG 651
THE STEREOSCOPE. By W. P. DANDO 552
R0Y4L CORNWALL POLYTECHNIC
SOCIETY. FALMOUTH EXHIBITION 558
NEW TONING BATH FOR GELATINO-
CHLORIDE PAPER 553
H-4RM0XIS1NG HAP.SH NEG.ATIVES.
Ev .T. Mi INTOSH 558
OUR EDITORIAL TABLE 554
PHi'TOGK.APHV .\ND AKCH.EOLOSY .. 555
RECENT PATENTH 5.55
MEETINGS OF SOOIETIES 557
00EBE8P0N11ENCE 6.58
EXCHANGE COLUMN 5.59
ANSWERS TO COBBE8PONDENI8 5S:)
THE BEITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1687. Vol. XXXIX.— SEPTEMBER 2, 1892.
^^ EQUATORUL.
We weU recognise the neoeuity for an e<|Uatorial when a time
exposure i« to be giren to a oelotial body, as this, in virtae of the
diurnal rotation of the earth, puni acroas the field of the tele-
scope with a rapidity determined by the focal length and power
of the instrument ; and it haa beeo pointed out in this Journal
that, In order to depict some atars which are altogether in-
risible to the eye, even with the aid of a telescope, an exposure
of an hour has been found neoesHiy.
And yet, in the case of some of the more luminous celestial
bodies, the amount of light radiated is such as to render
quite poesible the employment of a drop shutter, by which
the muewilj for an equatorial is abrogated. We have before
us aa admirable example bearing out this Cut in the form
;' a telescopic photogn^h of the moon taken by Profeasor
^V. C. Gurley, M.A., Director of the Obserratory of HarietU
College, Ohio, U.S. A. It measures sliglitly orer three inches
n diameter, and is a direct photags^>h— that is to aay, it ia
lireot in the sense of the rmgniitrl image haTing been pn>-
luoed by the eyepiece of the telasoops, and not by after-
fulaigement of the image.
There ore two features of interest in connexion with this
photograph ; the fint to which refnence has been made, that
of ita having been taken without an equatorial stand ; the
second being tbv sharpness of the picture, notwithstanding
I that the object-glass was that of a properly corrected astro-
1 nomical teleeeope.
I We hare on seranl oecaaioiis pointed out that when a lens
I is properly corrected for Tisnal puiposcM— <.7., as in an object-
1 glass for a telescope this oonectioo will not serve for photo-
OTi«|>hy. In this sense achromatism, or freedom from colour,
t'erent from actinism, which latter temi implies the coin-
cidence of the chemiol and the Tisual foci.
There are two methods by which the objective of a telescoi^
may aerre the requirements of the photographer. The fint is
to aaoertain by trial the distance at which the sharpest visual
focus is situated from the sharpest photographic focus. The
objeetive being of necessity over<orrected, this places the
latter, or pbotogn^Uo feeoa, somewhat behind that for visual
rays. We need scarcely say that when once this difference is
rioted it is a constant one for all distant objects. The second
mcthorl consists in interposing a ring tt^tween the crown and
the flint etements forminf^ the object-glass, so as to effect a
sliglit separation of them. This will undoubtedly weaken the
power of the concwve flint, and make the ol>ject-i.'lass actinically
concct. As in the former case, it has to Ije done by trial, for
we know of no rule that can be applied that will apply to any
or every objective indiscriminately. We are aware that in a
few of the more important refractors of the world- -the Lick
telescope for example — a special crown glass has been provided
for photography which is interchangeable with the crown em-
ployed for visual examination of the objects in the heavens.
A point of interest here intrudes. Assuming that there is a
loss, no mittter how small, in the definition obtained in
a telescopic image when the photographic plate is placed in
the best ascertained position for ensuring sharpness, and which
mar, as recorded of the Sheepshanks telescope, be an inch
beyond the visual point of sharpness, the question arises
in the event of the elements of the object-glass being brought,
by a ring separation, into actinic correction, what would be
the result as regards definition between the photographs pro-
duced by these two systems t
We now return to Professor Gurley's photograph of the
moon. Although printed on paper, its sharpness is sufficient
to bear examination through a magnifying-glass, which is
rather surprising when we state that the exposure was not
instantaneous (as we recognise the term), bu^ lasted for three-
quarters of a second, during which time the moon must havo
made a sensible angular progression. The object-glass of the
telescope is six and and a quarter inches in diameter, and is of
great visual excellence. The amount of separation of the com-
ponents to effect actinic correction was found to be j"^ of an
inch. A Huyghenian eyepiece of a magnifying power of si.xty-
five diameters was employed, as Professor Gurley finds it pre-
ferable to produce the enlargement in this way rather than by
an after-process of enlarging the negative. Of course an ex-
tremely rapid plate was used. A 5 x 4 camera was aflixed to
the eyepiece end of the telescope, and on a partition just
l^yond the eyepiece was fixed the exposing shutter, actuated
by a pneumatic baU. The plate was developed with pyro-soda,
the pyro being reduced to one-half the quantity recommended
for a normal exposure.
On the subject of photographing by a telescope (and we now
t.. application to tsrrestial subjects) it would be inter-
esting, in on historical point of view, if we could obtain from Mr.
B. J. Sayce, or .Mr. George Thomas, some details, other than
were published at the time, of a telescopic view of iome subject
situated three miles from the camera. This was in 18.')4 (we
<]uote from memory), and we think it was shown bj Mr.
Sayce. This goes far, e8i)ecially in conjunction with Hartnup's
telescopic photographs of the moon, taken about the same
period, to assign the place of honour to Liverpool as the scene
of the first application of the telescope to photographic purposes.
662
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September 2, 18W
PHOTO-DYEING.
Pkocesses for the production of coloured positives on paper,
silk, and other fabrics, by means of the application of a species
of dye to the silver image, have long been familiar to photo-
graphers, although it is true they have never at any time been
extensively employed. Citing, in this connexion, the -well-
known ferro-prussiate process, which, nevertheless, differs
essentially from those methods we have in mind, as probably
the simplest way of producing paper or linen positives in
colour, we may also note that, by the carbon process, in which
a considerable variety of differently coloured pigmented gela-
tines are used, a great number of pleasing colours are obtain-
able. Those methods, however, do not fall under the description
of dyeing ])rocesses, with which we now propose to deal, in the
hope and belief that they may open up the possibilities of an
occasional departure from ordinary methods of positive printing
ill general use.
As typical of the means formerly adopted for colouring the
silver image on fi^brics, we will select for outline the follow-
ing plan, which was in vogue about thirty years ago. Silk was
first treated with a solution of gelatine, ammonium chloride,
powdered alum, and distilled water, and after being dried was
rolled, an operation which was repeated after the surface had
been dried and sensitised. The picture was then printed,
toned, fixed, washed, and dried in the ordinary manner, when it
was immersed in a ten per cent, solution of acetic acid, to
which a small quantity of the desired colouring matter was
added — for red, eosine, for blue, bleu de nil, being employed,
and so on for other colours as required.
Possibly it is not quite accurate to include even the fore-
going plan among dyeing methods ^jer se, inasmuch as the
silver deposit simply undergoes a change of colour — is, in fact,
" toned " — the term, perhaps, being more strictly applicable to
certain adaptations of the bichromated gelatine process with
which the employment of a dye is conjoined. In relation to
this department, therefore, of the subject, it is of interest to
note that M. H. Fourtier, in a recently published work on
Glass Positives, has exhumed an old process of M. Charles Cros
for the preparation of coloured positives on glass, which has
the merit of simplicity in its favour, and the further advantao-e
that, for the preparation of tlie bichromated surface, a spoiled
or light-struck gelatino-bromide plate, or even an old developed
negative, may he utilised. In the former case, the silver bromide
must be dissolved out of the film, and the gelatinised glass
thereafter plentifully washed ; while, in the latter, the picture
must be removed by a solution of potassium ferridcyanide and
hypo, equal care being, of course, observed in the after-washings
to leave the gelatine as chemically clean and stainless as possible,
plates being selected that have not been passed through an alum
bath. The dried film of gelatine is next sensitised on a three
per cent, bath of ammonium bichromate for from three to five
minutes, and, after the excess of bichromate has been removed,
is dried and printed in the frame behind a positive. The plate
is then well washed, again dried, when it is treated with a
solution of the colouring matter which attacks those portions
of the gelatine which swell. Those parts of the gelatine
image absorb the colouring matter proportionately to the
intensity of the light exerted on them, thus giving a positive
from a positive. The excess of dye is next removed by
washing, and the picture finally dried. For red, M. Charles
Cros recommended carmine, fuchsine, or eosine ; for yellow,
picric acid or alkaline picrates ; for blue, Prussian blue or
aniline blue.
More recently, Mons. A. Villain, of Paris, has worked out a
photo -dyeing process, somewhat on the lines laid down by
M. Charles Cros, and applicable only to textile supports;
and it may be remembered that we briefly drew attention
to it in our issue of July 1 last. Since then, M. Villain
has considerably amplified the practical details of the pro-
cess ; and as, from an inspection of some specimen pictures
on linen produced by its aid, we conceive it to be Of great
possible value as a practicable photo-dyeing process, we shall
now place a more complete description of it before our
readers, gathered from a communication which M. Villain has
just addressed to our esteemed French contemporary the Paris
Pkotoffraplie.
M. Villain claims for the process under notice that results in
a great variety of tints may be obtained, and that the images
are unaffected by light, acids, and alkalies. He sensitises
paper or other fabric in a solution of 1000 c.c. of water in
which .'JO grammes of ammonium bichromate are dissolved, and
to which, as a mordant, 5 grammes of ammonium metavanadate
are added. The paper is dried at a temperature not higher
than 25° to 30° C, the whites being discoloured at anything
much greater. The sensitised paper or fabric is exposed under a
negative until the details arc well out and after the unfixed
chromium salt has been removed by repeated washings, is
then immersed in a solution of the colouring matter, which is
maintained at boiling heat for fifteen or twenty minutes. If,
after the dyeing, the whites are impure, either a warm bath of
soap and carbonate of soda is used, or a cold solution of lime
chloride acidified with hydrochloric acid. The print is com-
pleted by washing in (if the lime has been used) a slightly
alkaline solution.
The colouring matters which M. Villain employs are chiefly
anthracene derivatives, several of which we specified when
formerly referring to the process, among them being alizarine
red, alizarine violet, blue, and black, each of which affords a
variety of tones according to the particular mordant employed,
whether in the paper or in the colouring solution. In addition
to these, other colouring matters are available, such as gallo-
flavine, a product of the oxidation of gallic acid, alizarine
yellow, green, and several more, affording an enormous range
of tones.
It is obvious that the possibilities of such a process of photo-
dyeing to which M. Villain has devoted his attention are very
great, while the application and extension of the principle de-
serve attention. It will be noticed that the intervention of a
gelatine film is unnecessary, and that it also differs from the
process of M. Charles Cros in not being a direct method of re-
production, i.e., one yielding a negative from a negative or a
positive from a positive. As easy means for the production of
coloured positives by dyeing, both methods are equally worthy
of regard — the one for glass, the other for fabrics.
ONE LENS FOR ALL ANGLES.
We have had an opportunity of looking through an album con-
taining a series of charming photographs — portraits and land-
scapes, dainty vignetted " bits," broad expanses of champaign
embracing a narrow angle of view, and, again, street scenes
including a wide angle. The pictures were mounted with taste
and judgment, and though all were small — some were even not
more than three inches across — yet the whole collection was a
veritable set of pictorial gems. From it many lessons could be
learnt, first among them the great desirability of cutting a
September 2, 188-2]
THE BRrnSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH i'.
56
print down to the exact extent that would satisfy the most
exacting critic aa to composition and desi;^. It cannot be
denied that the practice, encouraged by so many exhibition
committees, of fixing the particolar size of photographs to be
displayed, or, rather, entered for competition, has materially
cramped the artistic effect capable of being obtained from a
particular nef;:ative. We appeal to all who have been judges
it photographic exhibitions whether there have not come before
iiem, in the exercise of their judicial functions, very many
photographs utterly ruined by the inclusion of portions of
subject that offend against artistic propriety, and that ought to
have been ruthlessly cnt out, even though the view were
reduced to one-half the size. Bat then, if this hail been done,
the collection would have been diaqualifietl, so that, right or
^sTong Ksthetically, the full tale must be given, the exact
.imoont of square inches reached, if not over passed. It may be
said that the skill of the photographer is shown by the way he
rilaces his camera so as just to include what should be included
lod to leave out what would injure the picture. To a certain
extent this is true ; but, on the other hand, the powible stand-
points are often restricted to a Jtrj small area, and, again, no
power can expand a view that, for example, cuts up beautifully
to a size of, say, ten inches by three to a ten by eight pro-
portion. Hence it is evident that offering a medal, for
example, for a set of six 10x8 views must cause either the
exclusion of many a beautiful pictum or the inclusion of many
an onbeauteous acceMory or component. It must not be
supposed from these remaria that we suggest the abandonment
'f classes governed by size ; neither do we suggest their reten-
tion. Our present purpose is to show one of the evil effects
brought about by the system, and thus, at any rate, render
it open to discussion, and ■oggwtioii for means of increasing
the elasticity of the mlea gomning the boundaries of
picture*.
These remarks have a further olgect. Once granted that in
the taking of views the principle d having a collection a given
number of inches long, and anotliar fixed number broad, is by
no means neoeasary to effeot, and is often detrimental to
beauty, and the ground is dMnd f<->r our main object.
Amateurs who take photogn^ilM for the mere love of the
work, and to produce a photognph which they hope will prove
that " a thini? of beauty is a joy for ever," form the large
majority of users of the camera, and they need not be tram-
melled by any rules as to iiize. Those of them who cannot
spend much money over their hobby, and who often lose a
picture through not having a suitable lens, may value the sug-
gestion that it is i|nite possible to work vrith one lens only, and
jet obtain views of any practicable an;:le whatever, from the
shot required in street work to the diminished range desirable
in many landscape effects. The only condition requisite is,
that the actual size of the view is not to be fixed. Two
r'?<iiiisites are involved — the use of a reversing' back and of a
plate of maximum size. Given a camera of the selected size
Mid a suitable lens, all that is requisite is to sec that the view
to be taken is centrally placed on the plate, and often to make
the actual selection of view from the negative itself.
It will scarcely need poinUng out that the lens will need to
be choaen from the wide-angle class. What will embrace a
wide angle will necessarily include a narrow angle. The only
objection of importance that can be raise«l to the scheme is
that the general average of size must be small, imlesa inner
frames be nsad — a plan fraught with inconvenience, and unless
plates of mefa laif* aae be chosen that the cost of plates alone
would be a serious item. It is true that to use a 12 x 10 plate
to take, say, an 8 x 6 view would be wasteful ; yet would it not
be far better to waste that value of plate rather thau risk the
inclusion of objectionable features in the endeavour not to
" waste " a plate ?
The subject is a very large one, and is capable of being
argued on many grounds and seen from many standpoints.
In an article like the present, brief suggestions only can be
made, and we will conclude by giving one or two practical
details. If a lens (one of the wide-angle class) be chosen with
a focus about two-thirds the length of plate, there will then be
an average size of picture taken of length equal to tlie focus,
i.e., two-tliiriis the length of the plate will be "wasted." A
view embracing a very wide angle will need the whole-plate,
one including a small angle only (unless one component only
of the lens be employed) will only use one-half the length of
the plate. Take the commonest size of all — half-plate. If a
lens of four and a half inches focus be chosen, the majority of
views taken will average about four or five inches; a street
view may need all the plate, a landscape might possibly be
best cut down to three inchoi. But what a gain there would
be ! Far better than a uniform longitudinal space would be
the wise, careful, and artistic appropriation of just, and only
jiist, wliat Is neede<1 to comjwse a picture. Apart from the
one-lens question, let some of our readers act upon and report
upon our suggestion.
ACCURATE E.\POSURES.
k
How frequently is the remark heard, in speaking of a negative-
or photograph, "Oh, that had a second and a half, but a
second would have been quite suflScientj" or, again, "I gave
that eight seconds in a very bad light, but it would have done
with ten." Perhaps, in the case of an " instantaneous " ex
jH)6ure, the statement may be varied to "The exposure was
one-tenth of a second, b<it you see it is overdjpne ; one-twentieth
would have been ample." We venture to assert that no such
ideas of extreme accuracy prevailed amongst the workers of ten
years ago, and, to go back still another decade, such remarks
would have been considered absurd, even when due allowance
had been made for the different sensitiveness of the plates of
that day. The soK^led " latitude of exposure " of the dry
plates of twenty years ago was far too great to render such
trifling variations in exposure of any importance whatever,
while even wet plates, which did require a close observance of
accuracy, would scarcely, we think, have been seriously
affected by similar departures from the exact time, in skilful
hands at any rate.
It is very certain that the latitude of exposure of gelatine
plates of to-day is not less than it was ten years ago ; on the
contrary, the change, if any, is rather in the opposite direction,
and any of the good commercial brands are more easy to
ii\aaag«, we believe, in the matter of exp<«ure, than was the
case at the period we mention. For one thing, some modern
plates are, as a rule, if not invariably, more thickly coated with
emulsion than formerly, and it stands to reason that a film
rich in silver must give an image possessing proper printing
gradation more easily than one in which the silver present only
just suffices to give printing density imder the most favourable
circumstances. With a film rich in silver, over-exposure, of a.
far more serious character than is involved in the remarks »■••
have quoted, only necessitates a longer application of tl.c
664
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September 2, 1892
developer, with or without the use of an additional quantity of
restrainer, wliereas the poor, thin film, under such circum-
stances, produces the flat, unsatisfactory result that gave rise
to the term " burnt up." In case of under-exposure, the thickly
coated film, by the use of a suitably modified developer, enables
the details to be " coaxed out " without rendering the liglits
too dense; but the poor film, under such treatment, yields
nothing but an equally poor image, in which, whatever may be
the condition of the high lights, the shadow details possess no
printing value.
It was not, however, all the plates of ten years ago that
were of the unsatisfactory character wc have spoken of, for
some of them, although giving apparently much more trans-
parent images, contained fully as much silver as the average
modem plate. This transparency of image was due to the
nature of the deposit, the bromide of silver being in an ex-
tremely fine state of division, in which condition the colour
of the negative had much to do with its printing density.
On the other hand, when newer methods of emulsification
came into vogue — notably the "ammonia process" — the de-
posited bromide became much coarser, and it was then that
poverty of film began to be felt. We do not refer to the
ammonia process as being the only one that gave coarse and
poor films, for the same result occurred from over-boiling, as
well as in the different precipitation methods that were tried,
but none of which ever came into general use. It was the
struggle after extreme sensitiveness combined with the attempt
to economise that gave rise to the class of plate that was
deficient in " latitude," for such films when tried in the
laboratory with the sensitometer, a standard-camera exposure,
or under a negative at a fixed distance from a gas flame of
tolerable uniformity, might give a satisfactory result, the,
exposure being a " correct " one, and yet altogether fail in the
studio or field from the inherent want of latitude.
But with ordinarily good plates we have made equally good
negatives from very varying exposures. On one occasion half
a dozen plates came into our hands for development, all having
been exposed upon the same subject, which was required for a
special purpose, and, in order to secure at least one negative,
each plate had received a different exposure, these varying in
value from one to about six ; but, unfortunately, the memo-
randum of exposures was lost, and we had no information what-
ever upon that subject ; nevertheless, each plate produced a
good negative, and it was impossible to say with certainty
which had received the longest and which the shortest ex-
posure. A similar result occurred on another occasion, when,
with a view of giving a lesson in development, we exposed a
series of plates for periods varying from one to ten ; but in
development we instinctively treated each plate in the best
manner to produce a negative with a precisely similar result,
and, although our lesson may have been useful, so far as it
showed the possibilities of "latitude," it signally failed in
demonstrating, as we intended to do, the peculiarities of over
and under-exposure.
One more example will show the practical utility of latitude
of exposm-e. Dealing with plates of such different degrees of
rapidity as 's " Instantaneous," and the same maker's
" Ordinary," we on one occasion went out with some of each
kind in our slides, and carelessly exposed the " instantaneous "
for the slower ones, giving the more rapid exposure to the
latter. Thanks, however, to their elasticity in exposure and
development, aided, no doubt, by our invariable practice of not
cutting the exposure, every plate that day produced a good
negative ; it is needless to say we discovered the mistake on
arriving home, and treated each plate accordingly.
As we have already remarked, there is not the slightest
reason to believe that our modem plates are' in any way
inferior to those of earlier years in their capacity for meeting
wide variations in exposure. Whyj' then, 'this Supposed
necessity for such extreme accuracy? ^he differenc6' between
one second and one and a half is an increase of fifty per cent.,
but this in comparison with oiie to teii is a mere nothing^ yet
many operators at the present day profess to 'find, it ptoduce an
appreciable effect on their results. , We have little hesitation in
ascribing the cause to the introduction of " one-solution " de
velopers and exposure meters, bp^h of which,' though useful in
their way, are calculated to reduce deyelopmeni -r- scientific
development- — to the positioii of a lost art. .'
The one-solution developer, incapable' of any modification
beyond mere dilution, necessarily requires a clpser adherence to
some limits between which the exposijTes' are nialde, or, in other
words, entails greater accuracy. This iii' its turn entails in
inexperienced hands the adoption of some instrument or method
by which the exposure can be correctly, estimated, and, when
this is available, " one-solution " developers tecome thoroughly
practical, though photography tten becomes a nierely
mechanical jirocess, and automatic development a fact. But,'
since the perfect " exposure meter!' readily available for out-
door use. has still to be invented, the fxict .that so many good
results are obtained with fixed' developing solutions argues
rather in favour of the latitude of the' plates than of the
power of such a developer ^o m§et all. requirements. Where
the " one solution " is employed, however good the plates,
some little care must be exhibited in timing the exposure ; but
even then it is somewhat ridiculous to make a parade of a non-
existent necessity for extreme accuracy. When it is alleged
that a single second would have produced a better result than
a second and a half, if the negative really show signs of over-
e.xposure, it is more than " likely, even with a single-solution
developer, that a quarter of ^ second would have been nearer
the abiiolutely correct mark.,.
These single - solution - developers are undoubtedly useful
under certain circumstances — -ihut is to say, when the exposure
has been within measurable distance of the " correct," ^hat-
ever that may mean ; but they are seldom of much avail when,
from accident or necessity,, more than usually wide departures
are made from the norinal, as in cases of accidental over-
exposure in an excessive degree, or in photographing very
rapidly moving objects. Then — and, indeed, for all classes of
work— nothing has yet ijippeared in the shape of a developer
than can compare with ,pyro and ammonia intelligently used ,;
others of the newer developing agents, when used with varying
proportions of alkali and restrainer, give a certain amount of
power in varj'ing the. result ; but none as yet come up to pyro,
with which it would be utterly absurd to talk about a variation
of fifty, or even a hundred, per cent, in exposure producing,
such an efl'ect as is claimed by some.
In conclusion, we would strongly urge those who would
thoroughly understand ,the theory as well as practice of
development, and. at the same time secure the largest propor-
tion of successful exposures, to eschew single solutions, and to
adopt, if not the ten per cent, system, at least one that will
permit of the modification of the developer according to
circumstances. Otherwise, the fancied necessity for extreme
accuracy in exposure will undoubtedly become real, and one of
the greatest powers of development absolutely lost.
September 2. 1892]
THE BRITISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
665
f>li0 Bastmaii '' Sollo '* Paper. — We understand that
the Eastman Company intend for the future to call their gelatjno-
chlorida paper by the name of the Eastman " Solio " Paper.
Beat and Photo-znechanloal Work. — The intense heat
of the paat month, both at home and abroad, eaosed many incon-
renienoes in the practice of photography. Studios, particularly those
L'f the old " giiM hnmn " type, hare been almoat unbearable, alike to
fitters and cpentois. Qieat a« was the heat here, it was still greater
on the Continent, where, we are wiarmed, some of the largest photo-
mechanical establishments, whose work is dependent upon bicbro-
mated gelatine, were compelled to suspend operations entirely for a
great portion of the month. With the thermometer at or about
100* Fahr., the sncoeasfnl dealing with bichrooiated gektine in any
form becomes next to an imposnbility.
I
Definition In Portraiture.— Mr. J. KeeUt's defence of good
definition in portraiture, deliferwi the other nipht in the course of
soma nmarks on outdoor portraits tafere the Photographic Society
of Great Britain, was supported by tb» eogant argument that he took
such portraits as he saw them— that is, deariy defined — and not in
the blomd manner now prevalent. No simpler, and at the same
time mure powerful, defence of sharp, or, at least, good definition in
portrait photographs could, fai oar opinion, be adduced. It is only
rational to suppose that such picturef should in the prints appear not
leM aharp «l««»« the eyas see the original, to that, if all modem photo-
graphers take portraits in the maBnar of Mr. Neebit, it dearly follows
that blorrfaMas is, after aD, a dafeet «f the Tisioe, and not due to any
inherent objection to good de&iiliai ftr te. Some experiments on
the ejesighu of photographers who fkroor out of fbcos wonld be rery
iaterating.
The Valae of Ketoaolilnf.— At the same meeting Mr.
Nesfait paid a duauiiui tribute to the ralue of retouching under
certain dicaastaaeea. He exhibited two portraits by himself of Mr.
E. DanMoae tabso with a baa of the ajad symmstrical type, tha un-
tnfliai! am showing tke coRagstaoBftcl the face in a painful degree.
In the o^er one thsaa eomgatkiia bad been rapidly and tkilf ully
remorad by Mr. Redmaad Benett, Ms. Nasbit mnarking that the
nselt WM noat plsMJi^ and oth«s taatifyiag to the exoallant
naaaar in wUeh the Kkansw bed baan pteserrcd. Endently, with
ootdoor portraltnre, the ser^eas of a retoucher are aot only nssf oi,
but, more often than not, are of poaitfre necMaity.
on Saturday evening, September 24. Medals will be placed at the
disposal of the Judges for the artistic, scientific, and technical excel-
lence of photographs, lantern shdes, and transparencies, and for
apparatus. The Judges are Messrs. F. P. Cembrano, jun., W. E.
Debenham, W. Edgland, F. HoUyer, and J. Traill Taylor, with, as
scientific experts, Captain Abney and Mr. Andrew Pringle.
Entry forms, which may be obtained of the Assistant Secretary,
Photographic Society of Great Britain, 50, Great Russell-street,
Bloomsbury, W.C., should be sent to him by post on or before
Tuesday, the 13th inst., or delivered with the exhibit on the following
day at the Exhibition Gallery, 5a, Pall Mall East. These particulars
may serve to answer numerous inquirers who have written us in
reference to the latest date for sending in exhibit'*, ample time, it will
be observed, remainingr for that purpose.
We anticipate an Exhibition in no degree, as regards excellence
and number of exhibits, inferior to any of its predecessors, and are
confident that it will attract the support of all who are sincerely
desirous for the advancement of photography. The American exhibits
are alPeadv more numerous than hitherto.
I..I ♦
Xnteneliyinr "Bine" Prints. — Captaiti WaAf'rttator
mor.'l«, f'r irnpsrrin.' /rv^ater intimity and brilliance to Mue prints,
an immeniaa in a •olntioo of a ferric salt — perchloride of iron, for
example— of a straagtb of fire par eeiit., the prints afterwards being
well washed.
Batlonal 4Moel«tloa at ProfoMlonal Plioto-
irraphers.— CoottMMMH aSorts are heintr mad* by ib* Hxecative
' : this AMociation to indiiee piolawiuiisl pbotegmphevs to take up
:i. "mbenhip m order to fortbet tboae objeoti inwbioh the prafee-
«i n as a whole is TitaOy intansted, eeeb, for esenple, aa the reriaon
. f the law of eopyrigbt, rsktioMwitb veanfeetnreM, the right to the
' .o forth. We an eontaotljr pabUsUng lettsss res-
: >nal photographers' griefaaeee, wbidi, we may point
> be tbs sooner redressed if nnited action were
-nggestion to tbaea and others to join the National
r«jtary, Mr. D. J. O'Neill, of 47, Charlotte
. be happy to forward full information and
ted on a former occasion, the nest annual
ion will probably be held in Loodoa some
iie Exhibition of the Photographic Society of Great
THE PHOTfXJRAPHK' «'" METrS EXHIBITION.
Ae alreedj aanonnccd, the I 'if the Photographic Society
of Great Britain win op^n mi >i : ^y, September 26, and remain
open onto Noranber 10, being innugurated by the usual emvtnaaone
COJfVfch'ION' JpTTmG$.— VI,
A Btin throuerh Some of tbe Sootob Studios.
MABsn.vLL Wa-ne (Edinburgh and Ayr).
Obi "next visit was to Mr. Marshall Wane's studio iti George-street,
Edinburgh. Before cbmii^ to Edinburgh Mr. Wane' held a world-
wide fame' as a first-elass photographer in Douglas^ Isle of Man; Bt
that time for large, direct pictures he pretty well took medals at
every exhibition that he entered for competition, and, to our know-
ledge, from' his studios have emanated artists -that now broadcast
fill firsr positions in the highest-class businesses in the profession.
Seeking a larger and more extended centre for the prosecution of
his business, Mr. Wane selected Edinburgh as a likely venttire, and
selling out a business 'that had increased to considerable dimensions
for the size of the place — viz., Douglas— he came and settled in the
capital of tbe North.
Within the kst three years he^ has farther extended and opened a
charming studio at Ayr, a favourite summer resort.
The I'idinbuTgh place, as can be well understood, is one of the
best of its kind, the etrtrance-way and showrooms being hung with
specimens of hU vstaal fi^e work ; prominent amongst these are
pictures hiphlv finished in water colour, which is a large and profit-
able part of his business, large portraits in oil also being conaderably
in demand, whilst platinum, bromide, and carbon works come in for
their full share of attention.
Those who visited the Edinburgh International Photographic Ex-
hibition will remember the scries of large platinum pictures exhibited
by -Mr. Wane— a collection of pictures that showed great excellence
of workmatjship, both artistically and technically. As we have said,
Mr. Wane was one of the first and most sacceasful photographers that
entered the field with large direct portraits — that is now many years
ago — but there is no lagging behind even now, for he is ever amongst
the first to introduce the latest novelties to his numerous customers.
His showrooms are artistically arranged, the decorations being soft
and lobdued in tone, and his studio is furnished with backgrounds and
acoesaories of tbe latest type. On visiting Mr. Wane's Ayr studio, we
found it a marvel of completeness, and thousands of pounds must
have been expended before such an establishment was so fitted and
furnished ready to receive those clients foJ' whose comfort it was
enriched and decorated.
■ JXIiuw business premises are in a largo self-contained house situated
in one of the finest terraces in Ayr, one of those select spots where no
business is supposed to be conducted, and consequently no specimen
caaea or advertisement pictures of any kind are on view. In such a
place the connexion must be made without the aid of such. All sitters
who come to be photographed come with intent, as no indications are
made whereby chance customers might be induced to drop in.
The .studio and workrooms are built in the garden at the haek of
the main building, and joined by corridors to the front premises.
The first rooin on etitering is the busness-room, which partakes
much of the feeling of a country house, and looks business. The
bm
Tfifi iiRifiSH JOUKNAJL. OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September 2, 189;?
following rooms are showrooms, and we found these fitted in rather a
novel way. Broad panel screens running on castors, so that they
could be moved to any point or light, are ranged round these apart-
ments, and each of these movable screen panels is tastefully hung
with pictures— no crowd or excess of work, but beautiful things
tastefully arranged. Behind these rooms is the studio, which has
been faultlessly arranged as regards lighting, decorating, and
accessories.
From the quantity and quality of the work here turned out, it
seemed to us that the quiet of the exterior did not seem to retard the
progress of considerable working operations within.
Mb. Ykbbub^'s Studio (3, Hanover-street, Edinburgh).
When in Edinburgh, we had occa5ion to visit Mr. Yerbury's studio
at 3, Hanover-street. Wishing to change some Eastman films, and
his place being quite close to our hotel, we, knowing his genial dis-
position, went up for the use of his dark room. Not having been in
his place before, however, we were quite charmed with the appearance
of the compact little place, containing as it did the necessary room
and appliances for a considerable trade in a compass that needed
everything to fit in nicely if the work had to be got through expedi-
tiously, for besides the usual portrait and group work, of which we
saw many fine specimens, we found Mr. Y'erbury producing opalines,
— fishwife photographs and other popular subjects — which are sold as
souvenirs, and which he supplies to the shops in the city. In a
favoured place like Edinburgh there must be a large demand for such
mementoes by the tourist and stranger, and Mr. Yerbury seems to
have struck the groove.
His place is composed of two flats, the show and business rooms
being immediately below the studio and workrooms flat. All the
work is under the personal supervision of Mr. and Mrs. Yerbury.
We were received with great kindness by both, and their extreme
courtesy and eagerness to help us will always be a pleasure to
think of.
Mb. Waeneuke's Studio (Sauchiehall-street, Glasgow).
Being in the north, we made it our business to go further afield
than Edinburgh, that queen of cities : so next we betook ourselves to
Glasgow, the commercial capital of Scotland, to see what was being
done in that metropolis of the west, and here we found, what we
have always found on former occasions, everything spinning along
with an energy and "go" peculiar to the people and the place — no
leisure ahout them when at their work; they mean business, and
look it.
Our first visit was to Mr. W. M. Wameuke, who has now two
places running, the one at 127, Sauchiehall-street, this one being the
business premises in which he has been located from his start until
May, when he acquired another place at 153, Sauchiehall-street, a
few doors further up on the same side of the street. He is now going
to run both places, the one at 127 under the title of " The West-end
Photographic Studio," and the new place as " Warneuke's Studio."
The old studio was constructed and conducted on old and familiar
lines, but with the 1.5.3Jpremis€s Mr. Warneuke has made quite a new-
departure. At the time of our visit the finishing touches were just
being put upon it, and very shortly it was to be opened to the
public.
The place when he took it had a front shop, with large window
and doorway. These he has had cleared away, making an entrance-
way equal to the width of both, and in length right in to the stair
that leads up to the showrooms. From the street all along this
passage-way the roof and uprights are constructed of woodwork, all
wrought in the fancy checked Alhambra patterns and style, looking
remarkably sohd, yet light and graceful. Both sides of the entrance-
way, and reaching as far as the stair, the walls are fitted with plate-
glass cases, large and free as windows, where the largest pictures can
be exhibited with ease and grace, the uprights between the panes of
glass being of the same style and finish as the other Alhambra work,
the space between the cases, right and left, being so great as to
allow of any Ukely number of people viewing the contents with ease
and comfort, the whole effect of this unique arrangement being
" catching " and pleasing to the eye, and arrests attention at once. '
The door at the foot of the stairway is also very chaste in design
fitted with stained glass, with a large bevelled oval of patent plate-
fitted in the centres.
On the first landing we reach a large picture gallery, lighted from
the top, which has been furnished and decorated as principal show-
room. In the way of wall decorations we here came upon what, to
us, was quite new. To all appearances, the walls were covered with
what seemed to us a brocaded silk damask of a dark greenish-blue
colour ; but, on closer inspection, we found the surface was oil paints.
The effect, which is very pleasing, is, however, produced by first
covering the walls with a special kind of white lace curtain in the
same manner as you would paper them, and then the oil paint is
applied to the surface of the fabric, thus producing the rich, silky-
effect that arrests the eye.
The pictures hung are artistic, appropriate, and not too crowded.
The seats are Turkish ottomans, and the carpet is velvet pile. The
woodwork is all of the Alhambra pattern thai we have previously-
noted — in fact, this style of woodwork is carried right through the
whole place, including business rooms and studio, and, wherever par-
titions intervene, these are all fitted with stained-glass windows.
The business and dressing rooms are on tha same flat as the show-
rooms. With special attention to the ladies' comforts, cheval mirrors
are to be found in all the dressing-rooms.
Going up another flight of stairs we come to the studio, which is
built in an |_-shape, the long limb forming the principal studio, which
is arranged to be worked at both ends, the short limb of the L forming
a small studio with a slanting top front light.
The walls of the studio are covered with the lace oil-painted — same
as the showroom — in this case the colour is a greenish old-gold tone.
The shutters run in three grooves, as we previously described as being
fitted in Mr. Scott's studio, but in Mr. Warneuke's case they are made
ornamental by each of them having a pattern and forming a panel.
The top blinds are arranged and fitted on metal rollers— guide cordS-
are dispensed with — and by a simple draw ai ten-foot bUnd can be
arranged with great ease.
The new American background stands are fitted, one at each end of
the studio. Alongside is the Morgan's new vignetting ground
and stand; here and there in the studio stand old antique oak
cabinets, filled with bric-a-brac ornaments. The other general
furnishings and fittings having been carefully thought out and
arranged has resulted in so perfect a room, that Mr. Warneuke might
be well proud of it.
The apparatus for electric lighting has been conducted into the-
studio, and stands ready for connexion. He has arranged to get his
supply from the Corporation main — it will be some little time before
they supply — but, when ready, he has contracted for light equal to
30,000 candle power ; quite irrespective of taking pictures, his whole
place is to be lighted by electricity.
The printing premises are at the back of the building, and entered,
from Wellington-street. Collodio-chloride pictures are what Mr.
Warneuke favours most, and the tone he prefers and produces is a>
rich, reddy-brown, very charming to look upon, and which have
caught on to the public taste ; a taste that is often slow to catch even
with the most artistic productions. The large platinum pictures that
Mr. Warneuke has been sending out to most exhibitions have made
way for him, and extended his popularity and name far beyond local
limits. Being no stay-at-home-worker, medals come from all parts,,
both home awards and from across the seas.
SOMETHING ABOUT SHUTTEKS.
The introduction of the new Jena glass lenses, with their flat field of
definition at large apertures, changes certain conditions of exposure
where it is of brief duration or so-called " instantaneous."' Hitherto
we have been satisfied with the central shutter in the case of com-
pound lenses, because what was lost in the time required to open and
shut was compensated for by the better definition caused by the ex-
posure beginning with a point and ending with the same.
But a radical and insuperable difficulty in this form of shutter is-
that, during the entire duration of the open and shut action, any
movement in the subject affects the impression ; and, as this action
is a double one, and the exposure is less than the half of that which
iBepMrnlMT 2, 1893]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
567
would be giTen bj the same lena with the full aperture, being, in fact,
only that of an aperture which has the quarter (approiimatively) of
the fuU area of the aperture employed, any approach to a minimum
exposure is out of the question.
A (hutter which operate* in the mid-lens position, and does not
open in the centre and cloae there, interferes with the perfect focus-
tpy of the image, as any one may see by focussing with the aperture
of a rotary diaphragm partially, i^,, eccentrically, placed, half way
TCTolred into its proper position. There is a certain correction in the
leaalt, as the opening m the paaaage from one aide to the other
commits the same error in both directions, and the eSect is only a
alight confusion of the image, not enough to be noticed under ordinary
cjrcnmitaneee.
The action of a shutter which presents an aperture pasdc^ from
nde to «de when placed between tae lenses is, therefore, objectionable
in theory, and of do adrantage in piaotioe That of the form which
we may call the gnillotine,.i.«., in which a slot passes from top to
bottom, or the reverse, or from side to side, is not correct, therefore,
in the central pooition. But, if we anply the same action in the cafe
of an exterior shutter, whether plaeea behind or before the combina-
tion, there is an entirely different effect. We do not diminish the
illumination of any part of the field, but give the full power of the
lens to each part of it, passing rapidly from side to side, with no
return, so that we get all the kght that is given, which permit* each
part of the senatlTe film to be given a minimum expoanre in as rapid
suooeasion as may be deared, and no interfatenoe with the definition
is caused, either for the better or the worse ; w« simply uncover and
cover again, by a .progressive movement, the field of view, as it would
be seenfiom the position of the sensitive plate. This is the action of the
adminble, and once famous, pantaaeopio camera of Mr. J. R. Johnson.
With the old form of rapid lenses, whether symmetrical, rectilinear,
anti-aplanatk, or other, in which the field of definition was curved,
such a shatter gives no cumpeneition for the interfetenee with the
equality of iUmiiiaation by the pnportianal sharpening of the ray
during tbe«n«t«r part of tbMspaaim,aiideaBtamiiit batter daflnition.
The introdwtiaM of the leoaea with a plane field ef daflnitiaa leave*
nothing to be gained on that side ; for the whole field ia in focus on
any given 'plane, and the loes of foots from plane to plane is at n
minimum. What ia wantsd with thsee lense* is, then, a shatter
which roe* before or behind the oombinatioa, with an opeidng passing
from SIM to itde. The drop ahnttar is correct in principle, so far as
tJie naton of the expoenre ia conevned ; but it errs in giving the
euooMsion from bottiom to top, or the revene, because the motion,
whidi possibiy interferr* with peifset definition, take* place from
side to*ida(«ioaptintlMeaa*of fdBaigobj*cU),and the bead of a
figure jiiBJag tuonA the field wooU therefore be taken before its
feat, and, bowerer wght the interval, the figure would be, pro tanto,
^tatorted.
Wkeia the tisM of expoenre is krgelv in exoeM of that of the
action c< the ibattar— m,, whai* the shutter woilca rapidly and
remaina open for an appredabla ttme, as in most landaoape work— the
central-opening ibntter, whether before the combination or between
its parts, jwssenta no material objection ; but in the former case, in
what is caOed inataataneoiia action, it aouggeratee the eentral illumi-
oation, and in both eases it <<'"■"«'«''«* tlM effective exposure as in-
dicated by the time of the action of the abutter.
W. J. Stiluiax.
AMERICAN WORK AND WORKERS.
I
riHtainvW* BscMy.]
Ix spealriiy on a aimilar subject beCon the recent Edinburvh Conren-
tioo,! eeoM only TWtor* oa a vwy general tieatnMnt of it, ao that
whca Toor kind invitation to iddrsas yon was received I decided to
rpnrir farther on what camera worken are doing in the United States.
We draw the Unee quite as sharply as in Europe, and have as various
apeeie* of the genna " crank " ; bat, after all, little really pmgrsseive
wort is ever aoeoBplisbed in the world without the woncers being
I as mentally nnbalansed, to state it mildly, by those not
of a like entbiuiasm. Tlie devoteee of the camera must
their share of this experience, for, in spite of all proof to the
flootrary, the uninitiated are still unwilling to believe that the results
of nkotompby are not doe to luck or, at best, a cleverly managed
vAA. We can well afford to smile at this view, however, realising,
worker does, the higher position it is constantly
: the world's activclr bsoefioent forces.
Haxs Cajubab tuuus Staxd Cahxras.
With us, aa aore than once atatedj the camera is too often oon-
sidind only aa a mean* to kOI time, aal the tact is then lost sight of
tliat the lo-calkd saap-ahotter* possess in their erer-ready instrument
a wonderful, though too-often abused, power. But they should not
claim for it perfect equality with tripod work. My own preference
for the latter is mainly that, as more care is usually given to it, the
results are better than hand work, but it seems also as if the former
admitted of greater latitude in composition, to say nothing of subse-
quent treatment of the negative (which when well done is perfectly
legitimate, from an artistic standpoint), and — I say it advisedly — the
greater choice as to selection of subject it places in the worker's hands.
This is without detracting from the use of hand cameras, which form
a department of their own, covering an important field, and which
should not necessarily conflict with tnpod work. In the hands of any
one who has gained large experience with the tripod, the hand camera
is a valuable power, but with us the latter is usually considered as being
easier to manage than the former, is therefore preferred by beginners,
and its results cannot justly be compared with stand-exposures.
There is a very amusing amount of ignorance in the land on the
subject of shutter^xposures, and the idea seems prevalent that instan-
taneous work (I disluce the term) is the result of some occult power
residing in, and solely due to, the instrument, having nothing what-
ever to do with the operator. I was asked lately, on the shore of
Loch Katrine, where my 8 x 10 tripod camera was being used. " Does
your camera take instantaneous pictures ? " " That depends on how
vou use it," was my reply, which seemed to puzzle my interlocutor.
\Vith us, as well as here, the camera army is divided into what might
be termed "tripods" and " anti-tripods;'' hut we seldom use one to
the exclusion of the other, except among those who do little, if any,
really serious work. As long as the average user of a camera is satisfied
with playing at photography, he will never consider it is worthy
special respect. It should oe stated in strict justice that, as a whole,
American clubs offer finer working facilities than those of any other
country, and are imbued with a progressive spirit which readily em-
braces every new improvement. Americans are — and I claim it
without undue self-praise — not only able, but willing to leam where
they make up their minds the game is worth the candle, and a really
good idea is certain sooner or later to find general support. We do
not hold on to anr method or opinion because of proper respect for
age, or welcome it because it is young.
One point which to my knowledge has never been considered is that
canserists have widely differing gifts in the photographic field. Some
do best in the stuciio, some with architectural subjects, such as
interiors, and others with liand cameras. Very few can or should
undertake to do all these with hope of equal success. I think one
fault with us is that we are apt to attempt this all but impossible
task.
Akxbican Appakatus.
Let me emphasise one po'mt in favour of American methods, or,
rather, instruments, which is to some extent, being introduced in
England — the question of lighter plate-holderi. Englishmen claim
that with them Dulk is as great a consideration as weight, but to me
the point does not aeem to ne well taken. Our holders may not be as
ornamental in appearance as the smoothly polished ones so general
here, but they serve the purpose of keeping out light just as well, and
the sDdes are not nearly so inconvenient as the permanent ones which
project beyond the camera, and at any moment are liable to cause vi-
bration or to be brtdmn off by a sadden movement of the operator. I must
also endorse having the word " exposed " printed on one side of the
slide, which, if the operator takes care to replace correctly, positively
prevents double exposure. Their use, like most of tne other
mechanical appliances, requires a certain amount of brains, otherwise
common sense. The tripod I am now using, and have for several
years, is easily and quickly adjusted, and packs into a small compass,
as does the camera, which closes in on itself, thus protecting the lens
if a wide angle one, and the hinged ground glaas is discarded in favour
of one which permits being held back so as to let the piste-holder
take its place, and when the holder is withdrawn the glass sUps back
into poeition. The tendency is growing to have as few projecting
screws or other parts as poanble, and those recently made are particu-
Jac^noticeable in this respect. Opinions differ as to the advantages
of-HofR or back focus, being slightly in favour of the former except
in the studio and with enlarging or reducing work. Few, if any, of
our cameras are made to have the tripod top permanent in the instru-
ment, but it doe* save room, and the idea is therefore good. We are
in serious danger of making our instruments, especially the cheaper
irrades, altogether too light ; but the demand is for portability com-
bined with cheapness, and this leads to an enormous sale of small-size
instruments. I have one camera in my large collection which cost
hardly twelve dollars— camera, tripod, plate-holder, lens, and carrying
case complete, and it does very tolerable work. For some inscrutable
rrtson the small prints in our' exhibitions are called the English size,
though I noticed in the various excursions at Edinburgh very few
C68
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September 2, 1892
eveflwKole-pIate cameras. With you, as witl us, the reason is
, usually friven that enlargements are yvra^s ttvailabld;bu6 my prefer- !
eBce.i8 ^ways-foit'CUiiBct prints. ■ ■ •■• • "'' ' h ■ i •! ifi n.. ••i [
• ■ '. - ' ' ,' ^,- ■ . . ; ...•'• -.'I' . " '! ' '! 1
/ TtWQuJd seem to be* fitting mattM forinternaitional an-augemeat,t
the ooming.; to some^agreement- for •uniform! sizes of plates. ■ Our
,f»vovu:ite awe, notably. for handcameras,! is 4x5; 5x7 has super-
seded^>!8 aagiving *, better proportionedipictii<e,iand from thence ■
yW|;o through 8x10, llxl^ up to as haghi a» 18 x 'i2; but ■even i
,the 'Riost ambitious seldom venture beyond Sx JO. • Before we inaxie i
such pXicelleat, cameras -roe. were .dependent on foreign- 'makers, and:
those: of uswlio were not natural mathematiciaiiM were often annoyed :
^y.what, ■we considered:. inconvanient Jiumbers, tfadae with fractional
additions. The reason given us for retaining thfese latter has been •
tha^the ^lass.thus cuts to better advantage, butJ fail to see wliy it is ■
not po^jble ia th^ first place to malie the sheet of glass- of such (
dimensions as , to cut evenly into any' size platei desired. I have
fojint^ it.^fficuk to get5 X.7 plates in England, .though notiSx 10,^-
"l ' ' LANTKBlf EXHIJJITIONS. , (
We are taking great iptereat in lantern exhibitions, and. it is an
encoiiraging sign of co^iradeship that so many.sets ate being exchanged i
between English and American workers. If each, however, will
insist on retaining a different size plate, the carriers, at least, should i
"be international, so aei tp hold either size conveniently. We are, to |
some extent, using the arc light at these exhibitions, as well as for
enlarging, and making, slides, but it is so much more powerful than
the oxyhydrogen, that the slides should be made with that point
understood, or they will show weak on the screen. Our manufac-
turers make excellent negative and lantern plates, and I' have been !
taken to task more thaii once this summer for saying oure are moue
rapid than the 5ngUsh, often a very questionable advantage, but
actual experiment has proved to me that, with two representative
makes of lantern plates, I had, under precisely similar circumstances, .
to give the English three times the.exposur© of the American to gain
the same result. We are giving increasing attention to the nature of
the subject in matting and mounting our slides^ and the old circular,
or even uniformly round-cornered matts, are now seldom seen. I must
mention that in one of the New York societies' theislides are thrown
from behind on the screen, which, is transpaient, giving a charming
groimd-glass effect. One amateur, having a private lantern, projects
his slides on a heavy ground glass, placed between two: parlours, and
framed by curtains. The effect is excellent. With my own oxy-
hydrogen apparatus, I use a heavy linen screeUj buttoned on a frame-
work, like an old-fashioned quilting frame, set on rollers. This is
thoroughly wet, and then stretched taut. The light |is powerful, and
every slide I send out is thus tested before mounting. My matts are
all cut from special designs, and sometimes a dozen will be tried on
one slide, and the same slipped into Iny lantemoscope for examination
before a choice is made. We have What are called test nights in
two of the New York societies; when One Or more of the Lantern
Committee attends to give a final decision before the slide is con-
sidered suitable for a general audience, though the meeting is very
informal, and members feel perfectly free to express individual t
opinions to the pleasure or otherwise of the respective slide-makers.
In one society, if desired by any member, the meetihg-room is at his
or her disposal for an entertainment, and one of the Lantern Com-
mittee will attend to manage the slides.' Films, in place of glass,
seem tD'make theii* way slowly amoA^' tis, in Spite of their undeniable
merit of lightness, and I can speak feelingly on the subject, consider-
ing the quantity of 8 x 10 plates' I have to carry home in October.
Films have certain defects which taake me, aS yet, prefer glass, but
demand always creates supply, and I expect to see them eventually
almost supersede the latter. One of Our leading ffrrtis making photo-
gravures urges me to copy all my valuable negatives on celluloid, as a
precaution in case of injury to the originals.
The idea is good one, as experience showed, when one of my 14 x 17
negatives was smashed on its way back to me from the reproducers
through careless packing. He made me a neg'itive, original size,
from the small transparency he used, btit the qualities of the ori^nal
would have been far better preserved by the method above mentioned.
, - -."..:, , Development.
Coming to the question of development, there is much divergence
among ourselves, and what little developing I have done in England
has sjbiown me ^^hat this- -is especially marked Vhen compared with
En^U.sh methods. We are not given to using' ten per cent, solutions,
Jis is much done liere, for many of our workers are skilful chemists,'
and have a great liking for experimental work both in development
and printing, studying the scientific 'theory as well as practice, some
workers having fitted up laboratory attachments to their -developing
-rooms: I must say, thotigh,' that it is not alii^-ays those who,"5iaVe
' the greatest nttmbei:'bf well flHed sheWgi''and' shining weights who
actually accomplish the best scientific rfeult^. ' ■ "■' "■ >' >
The use of acid-sulphite is quite -geiierrfl, and; though iriclub-tiark
rooms' thb hypo solution is ordinai-ily kept in stock, home workers
'prefer to tiiake ifup fresh, graduating its strength a.s desired. .My
ciwn eustom'-is to partly fill my fixing dish" with water, and" tlieil pAt
in a handful 0r'moTe,-a3 judf?ment dictates, of hypo- crystals-" and^'a
little acid sulphite to keep the batli cl6ar. Even then 1 do like "to
dip tha negatives or lantern Slides in a bath of saturated alum ''and
sulphtffieafcid either before or after flxati6n".' ' When- pjpro, which is
still first with a large majority of our workers, is used with ammonia
or soda, it has for a long time been mycJustom, iiatly times suggested
to others, to make up solutions of ' sillphlte and carbonate of soda ifa
large quantities by hydrometer ineasurement instead of weight', 'tBe
pyib being alwaj^s made np fresh <ine to twelve, and old developer
never being kept under'a:hy bireumstances: " '■'
■' Then, with klittleyverylittfe; -saturated bromide of potassium, not
ammonium, and -plenty 6i -wiater, the 6perator usually has only himself
to blame toi failure. It' seems" a little strange that English workers
prefer ammonia'tfoSpdfl'asaji alkali, and Mr. Bothamley, in his Edin-
burgh paper, gave a- ve^y dear- idea of the action of each, which, to
my min<i, seemed rather in favour of Soda. I was asked in London,
by a scientific expert, which side of photography was my "particular
wanity," as Sam Waller wduld say, and on my describing the advan-
tages Of my developing room," was triumphantly told that such was
practically acknowledging photography science, hot art, a dictum to
which I promptly and positively demurred, claiming that each has its
OVn special 'standing, alike worthy; thereby proving the length and
■breidth of the ■phdti!%raphle field.
,ir. rta MW i.K^mui-. !:> ^ !■; "^ ' ,^ ■
r,- 1,1 ri- .•■" ?JT r-;jr EiiifraaNG Sub?ac?:^. , ..,
We are turning more and more towards matt surface prints, largely
platinum and kindred, processes such as kallitype No. 2., and plain
salted paper; but we make a -great number of bromides, especially in
sepia, tones,: which are <;ou8idered a refreshing change.
The Manhattan paper admits of several tones, according to develop-
inent, and Iota prints, also made on celluloid as transparencies, are
likewise very effective. i
These latter processes are quite slow. The paper sent out by the
Eastman Company seems to fulfil the promises made for it, and can
be utilised for either glossy or, matt-surface" prints. It is to be hoped
that our workers will, after a while, give carbon printmg the place it
should occupy: among us. We admit its beauty, but only a few use
it, though an effort is being made now to encourage amateurs to try
it. Two or three of our leading manufactuiiers are making the tissue,
but the heat of our summers renders its use mostly confined to the
winters, when the light is poor.
We trust that every year we, the two English-speaking nations,
■will grow into closer accord, and each learn from the other of its
best cliaracteristics. There should be only a healthy spirit of rivalry,
enough to bring out the latent energies of each nation, and thus con-
tinually advance the work in which we are mutually interested. It
is growing rapidly among us, constant improvements are being made,
new apparatus and methods of work new invented, societies formed
and, besides the regular photographic journals, the daily press gives
space to aU especially interesting meetings, and our purely literary
magazines more and more are utHising the art-science in their pSges,
for illustration and in the shape'of articles. Photography has a great
future among us, and he -would be indeed a prophet who could reveal
it; but we never will make lasting and steady progress without
keeping thoroughly informed on the work being done this side of the
ocean. We should mutually take part in each others exhibitions,
and can in no better way realise' our deficiencies and gain courage
from our evidences of progress.
There is plenty of room in the world for good work, and such -will
surely meet with recognition in the end. We, in common with our
English co--wt)rkers, should steadily hold tliat fact in view, and give
our best energies to its accomplishment. Thus, and only tlius, do we
deserve to reap the fruit of our labours in the many-sided harvest of
photography. Cathabinb Weed Bahnks.
t -, ..■:-,:BOYAL COBN"WALL POLYTECHNIC EXHIBITION.—
PHOTOGBAJPHIC DEPAKTMENT.
Beport of the Judges. — Professional Section.
The Judges have the pleasure to; report that this department is well
sustained both in the professional and a^iateur sections, and they were
pleased to AotiCe that upon no previous occasion was there less work of an
i erior character The fiist name *hioh appears in the catalogue is that
S«ptembep 2. 1892]
THIS BRITISH JOUJiNAL UF PHOTOGRAPHY.
569
o{ Mr. W. H. Harrison, a loe«l photographer, w6o shows in several
clasaM, and a first bronze medal is 'awarded to him tit an enlargement of
P«myn ttrtet. Mr. XSTialey. of Doncaiter, is represented by a picture of the
9cm order. Mr. fiobert FroM, oi'Imigfaberoagh, two frames, one of
wl^ea Bontoins an amnsiwg pietoMot Mum*' A't^ Sonnet. Mr. W.
Soof^, of HaTant, has three -nrj large jnetaaaa taken on 30 >: 24 plates,
twQ of which would have been much improved by the. addition of clouds.
To his liu-ge vjcw of Portsmouth Town Hall has b«en awarded a first
oroaze medal. Mr. W. J. Byrne, of Bichmond, Stir^y, takes a second
silver medal for Portrait Study of <i Udy. and he, also shows several other
works, ioclnding The Alphabet Ittuitrated, Messrs. CHaffin A Sons, of
Teoril, exhibit eeveral fraiaee df Iafg» portraits. Mr. Lyd Sawyer, of
Neweaatle-on-iynerUiiB year has Mkea a new line with his tienre pletuns.
Mr. B. H. Lord, of Cambridgci, taiea~fit«t silver medal in the genre class
for Ina toe picture named How** That^ Us. J. Edison has one frsaie Af
indooc studies. Mr. It. feo, of Plymouth, is well represented. Mr. A.
Crttye sends a frame; of fine eoamels which have seofired hoa. mention.
Mr. J. Milman Brown, of the Itle of Wight, reoeires a first bronze medal
for Landseiift itftk Sheef, and he shows several other very creditable
prodnetiong. Mr. E. ATigo, o( Chelsea, had scant sevei^' enlargements,
which are somewhat hard and cold in tone. Mr. f. tjkvn% shows a
frame of little gems. Seaside Studiei, hand-cvnera work. Mr. Thomas
Protheroe, of Bath, lua taken firsfrbroue medal for a portrait enlargement.
Mr. W. J. Anckoni, of AAroath, has be^ »w»rd».l a second bronze med4l
for flower study, Lilium : -. - - ^^ giiows a weU-p(»ed
gtoajf eaiied Jt the Pantoir lan ethihits'soine good .
mtenor work of GtoncesU:! c.i.vui;... .... ... Terras has itome genre
pictures which eT^nce careful stntly. Mr. Ernest Speaoer ibows four
portrait studies, ptioted in platinum, ^hich are very effeetinL Mr.'
Adam Diston has several picture- .re order In his well known
style. Mr. B. S. Wef^ter. of ! . sends an raliirgpment of a
landscape showing cu Whculei exhibits a [ '^ - 'icture,
printed in seetions'. South UUnd of Se: First
direr medal (or portra ;.-.»>. .u» been a^uded to Mr. WnuHm >Vameake,
<i OlMfow. His work il of a yttj U[|h mdsr; and bis landscapes aeserro
tpaelal oonunendatton. lixi.' k. JB. 'Blaka eomrihute* tbme portraits
flniabed in colours by th« aii^bruth pvoeecs. Mr. Korman 0lake. sends
three studies of flower*. '
AiuncB Sacnoa.
Bev. A. H. Malan ahows a (rams of enrioM pictures- of the instaa-
taDsoos order rsptssoiting lbs last ol Iks broad gM«e. Mr. A. L. Spiller
shows a tmam of ■!■• tpsrimsn* o( aaeicnt aamam
; which are full of
aeuU. Mr. J. V. UmI, c< Lhrsrpool. stwrnftmr traaes of dbod. manas,
•ad r«ral etodics. which show very sanfal w«rk. h»^ liB. Hsmion
la isrie* of pistmss o( Veaies of pmx hitsifest.- Mr. A. W. Ootflieb
~ ' I a «Dod nnabsk of vorfca, Ihs ml ^ikli^ mt which is a stady of
I of grape*— it is almost stsraossMia; it reetives a aeoond broaas
Mr. i. CaaipbeU shows four -*-rr piotores. Bar. B. B. Hars,
of Trome, is rsDcessntsd by thras pietons ki his wsU-known style. Mt.
B. Tookia, of Peaaaaes, leeeiTas « seeaaif silver medal for hu ehlarf*.
■sot. A UnA End FiskeTWiam, which Is aadsobtadly waU merited ; be
*" ' "" ■ Mr. A. a DrsssBr.of Bs»lsy
A. sahAils sahHiMMaltHMtd satoa^ drawia^-paper. Mr. O.
baa bssa awardad liM taeoa* aadat tot Us ■ietors, The
pfatua, The Sedft
OMhtrtn, and his other pnodoolians aia fwrj artisiie.
Msssn. Brif^tman. Stabb. Hardia(.aad Major i. D. Lytacht eompele
ia lbs Hand-Caaiara daaa. tbs lattsr twttlsMsn sssariM int fccoose
■adal for his wriUistalad aaimplss. Mr. F. H. PiAlord sMids a
BiBlBW of a i«lb« asMaliaaal orlar. of Miiura at Lunch, laksn 1190 (est
balowlhasartesa la a aoatnias, ■•Talk.o'-tbs-Hill," Bart's flash-lamps
bs<acaMd,aHMaa«QdhiMtodatswyean siaee. Mr. J. E. Aastsa asads
sooselsvarUttlspietares. Mr. K. E. Traseou shows several misoellaasons
•lampias. Mr. H. l>Ddl^ raosiras flnt NMm atadal for An OU PonK
vUlb is weU rendend. Miss Ai«y V. Miss seads three views near
MBMaea. Mr. A. J. Lsason has two aditioDS of A TUnty Creie. Mr.
C B. Moor*, of FbiladstaUa, seads asfrnl pretty studies. Mr. W. L.
ObOs eaotaibat** fas pMnw, Us rinr atoOss bdag my artistic. Mr.
XW. Kvaasssods tfacMfbotograpbsafaMart drafts. M- ' '-•-holson
r««tivas Srst bnota aMdal fcrinOaBlinsiiis work o thing
•irmmdt; be has also some ftne InOriont of Haddon h ■ K. O.
TsflialsRO has Ihrae pietaraa ef the feitre order of aa ""'^irg character,
to which bcBoarabls asa|i(*^HU haen awarded.
Paoiooasraic Ar*usaaa Stmon.
Mr. W> NewwOi ef Fleet rtiHl, IioMpn, seads two portable tnpod
•bMia, MM with Bha«r-« alfail WiiOag haad. made in pUtinum.
wUsb is a Tscy eiavar artaafc<toeut,'a»ia' eomntenda itself to travellers;
be also MBdsa tslsMopa tripod stand, in the same atstal. which is very
lisbt aadpntaUa. fir. Hawlrinii. of Bloomsbury, Loadon. asads a
maoaxiae haad eamara. whiefa pntstwsiis many novel point* ; it is well
roiule and vary aiBq>le in its eottstrheiidn a^d easy to work : the shutter
. - a very daw vraagsiaeBt Mr. H. acnitb sends' an adjustable printing
: rame for tigoattss, wUeb is vrry effective.
During the BzUbitioa week Mr. W. Brooks gave two lantern entertaia>
i«nu to iarga aad appradatira audieoees, Mr. t.r. Peasgood being (he
rcturer.
I»OTOGKAPHie INDUSTRIES.
Mfiss^s. EijjoTT ASos's WORSS .11 Babket.
Since last,, we bad occa^on to inspect Messrs. Elliott's "Works at High
Bamet, considerable changes, not. only in the scope but in the personnel
of the house, have taken plae©. Wiiareas formerly the style of the firm
was Elliott dtp"ry, wlucb indicated that the establishment at Bamet was
devoted. to the production of the printing and enlarging for the famous
Baker-street Portrait Studio, it .will have been observed that the name
has recently .been. ch*nged. to. rthat of £Iliott & Son. This alteration
emphasises the fact that Jthe house of Elliott A- Son has been entirely dis-
sociated from the firm oiEUiott Ji Fry, is-ith which, indeed, at the pre-
sent moment its relations Are simply those of any other business' house,
the ^wo firm* being entirely ilistinct in all respects. The erection of the
house of ElliotLit Son into a separate couoera has led to some additions
to its field of operations, the chief of its new undertakings being, as our
readers are of course aware, the manufacture of the now well-known
brand of " Bamet " dry plates.
Within thellast few days we were given the opportunity of visiting the
works at Bamet in-order that we might observe the degree of expansion
they had undergone since the date of our previous visit. On this occa-
sion our conductors were Mr. Hubert J. Elliott, the son of the principal,
and Mr. Birt Acres, the manager, the former gentleman exercising, we
gathered, personal superintendence over the department devoted to the
preparation of the dry plates. It should be here remarked that, for the
innumerable photographio purposes to which these works are devoted,
seiaraely a better situation oonld be desired, their position at the summit
of a lofty hill, and comiaanding a north-eastern aspect over open country,
being aa eminently agreeaUe and suitable one.
Possibly in few similar cstabliahments to Messrs. Elliott's are there
Bo|many departments in simultaBeous qperafion, andso large a number of
rooms set aside for their due and proper conduct. Indeed; when we were
there, the rooms we passed through were so numerous that we found it
difficult to keep count of them, while their description, or even their mere
enooieratiaa here, would occupy a more considerable portion of space than
coold be well spared. Nattirally, the dry-^ilate department first claimed
our lUtenlion, and*after passing'through the glasB-cleaning room, where
we observed that the gUss was being cleaned by the homely device of
scrubbing, we came to the coating room, which is partly situated uflder-
^und, and the temperature of which is controlled i^ithout the use of
ice. ' Ca^ett's highly .ingenious coating u^achine is used, its rapidity ot
.working allowing of thirty-three. half-pla(es per minute being coated.
Here we note that at Bamet, ia contradistinction to several other dry-plate
factories, the single, instead of the double, half-pUte is coated, Messrs.
Elliott making it a feature to^at as few of the coated plates themselves as
possible. The coating room Is Qumined by orang^-yUlow light, though the
pistes, aa tb^y leave the machine, are examined by ruby light, wliich, Mr.
Acres informed us, is eswntial for the detection of defects. The washing,
cooking, and drying rooms, all fitted with the most recent appliances,
were in turn passed through, and incidentally we learned from Mr. Acres
that the Bamet plates are tested stereoscopically— that is, a newly made
plate, and a standard plate of known quality receive e<inalised exposure
and development, in order that comparisoa may be the more readily and
assuredly obtained. The stores departments of this section of the es-
tablishment amply attest the large output of plates.
It only for the extanaiva amount of silver printing which is executed
there, it would be quite worth Messrs. Elliott's while to sensitise their
own paper, but, when to this home consumption is added a large sale, it
will be understood that this department, through which we were shovrn,
is an important one. Pausing for a moment in the room where the fixing
and washing are conducted (the latter being performed by the passage of
the print through several successive baths), Mr. Acres stated that, during
the recent epidemic of blisters, these scourges of the silver printer were
unknown at the Bamet Works. CSarbon printing and enlargements are a
mmiiM^ of Messrs. Elliott, aad at Bamet the carbon process is, as we
saidrWoAd ab initio, even the tissue, treated with something like twenty
varieties ot differently coloured pigments, being prepared there. We were
shown a aomber of fine oarboa salargements Kcently executed. Two of
these (one from a negative of a dog by Mr. Fall, the other a sea-piece of
Mr. Birt Acres) war* on view at tha£dinburgh Convention, and attracted
much attention. Besidea one devoted to bromide enlarging, a separate
departmeet is occapied by pisiinotype printing, wluch is here largely em-
ployed. A great de^ of the printing is done oat of doors on shaded
benches readily movable to any posltioa, and at Hie time of our visit
some hundreds of frames of various sizes were in re'iuisition.
To a large ext^nta trade printer's o«> enlarger's partakes of the nature of a
photographic hospital, for hither come all sorts hi cripples in the way of
670
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September 2, 1892
' negatives, from which good enlargements or prints mast be got by hook or
by crook. We were struck with the skill of Messrs. Elliott's staff in the art
of doctoring poor negatives, and of making excellent enlargements from
I. indifferent originals. Mention of enlargements reminds us that for en-
larged negatives the wet-plate process is employed at Bamet, and we were
highly delighted with the extensive and, at the same time, extremely
• able manner in which the process was being worked while we were there.
The wet-plate room appeared to ns a model of neatness and good order.
■ Daylight and artificial light are employed as occasion allows, the maximum
■ size of negative made being S3 x 38. The silver bath for this and smaller
sizes is swung on its centre, thus assuring an even flow to the solution.
An adjacent room is devoted to the glass-cleaning.
An immense number of the small carbon opals with which the public
<*re familiar are produced at the Barnet VVorkt, quite a staff of young
ladies being exclusively occupied in touching out defects, a huge pile
•awaiting their good offices as we passed through this department to that
■in which other young ladies were engaged in like attentions to silver
prints, and thence to the domain of the artists whose duty it is to work
• -op affld finish off bromide enlargements, &c. Other rooms contained
• ctores ol negatives, mounted prints, and cards, a separate room being
occuiHed for mounting. Needless to say, that in the course of our pere-
.grinations the heating, ventilating, andjmaohinery-driving arrangements
• ■were duly shown and explained to us, and, like everything else at the
• Barnet Works, appeared to be of the newest and most effective type.
'The foregoing brief outline may convey some idea to our readers of
ihs' ramifications of Messrs. Elliott's business, although, as a mere
• effort <cf> description, its inadequacy must be apparent when we mention
. that lit 'took ns several hours, in company with our courteous ciceroni, to
traverse the innumerable rooms of the establishment. This very inade-
« quacy can but, however, serve to indicate the extent and importance of
-Messrs. Elliott's Barnet Works, to which we have no hesitation in
A&Bsigning« high place among modem photographic enterprises.
©ur iBtiitorial %atlt.
The Yoar-Book of the Fotografiik Tidskrift (our Stockholm con-
temporary) has a number of able articles and serviceable formulae.
'The illustrations, of which numerous examples of the chief processes
are given, are some of the finest we have seen in a photographic
, publication.
Thb Dallastypb Shakespeabb. Part II.
Dancan 0. Dallas, B, Fumival-gtreet.
Thb second number of this reproduction of the First Folio (1623)
■ edition is before us. It gives the chief part of the play of The
Tempest in "Dallastype," which compares most favourably with
• other reproduction processes previously employed on the famous
• edition.
From Messrs. York & Son we have received their twenty-third
- annual supplemental catalogue of lantern slides and lecture sets for
-1892--3— which gives particulars of many recent and attractive
additions to their lecture sets, topographical, fictional, and otherwise
—one being devoted to the life and works of the late Mr. 0. H.
:-Spurgeon. We note that the firm has removed to larger premises
at 07, Lancaster-road, Netting Hill, W.
•TMessks. G. "W. Wilson & Co.'s list also contains particulars of
many new sets from negatives by G. E. Thompson (Norman, Italian,
. Dutch, &c.), Lyddel Sawyer (genre studies), and other clever photo-
graphers. With few exceptions, the whole of these new sets are
. from direct negatives.
Pictorial Selectiont in Photoobaphy. By W. D. G.
Photographic Section of the Crojdon Microscopical Sociotj-.
This admirable paper on composition as applied to picture-making bv
.-photography has now been reprinted, together with the excellent
■ explanatory illustrations, in pamphlet form. As an enunciation of
the rules of art which should govern the selection of photographs,
it is distinguished by such clearness and accuracy as to be easily
comprehended by^ students of photographic art. Copies of the
pamphlet, which is tastefully printed, may be obtained, price 7d.,
-^f Mr. H. D. Gower, 10, Wandle-road, Croydon.
Standard Le.vs Flanges and Adapters.
By Tatlob, Tatlob, k Eobsos, Leicester.
We have very often commented on that serious absurdity and draw-
back in our lens system, the infinite variety of diameters and screw-
threads adopted in the lenses and flanges of the various makers, both
at home and abroad, similar lenses of one manufacturer not screwing
into the flanges of those of anotlier producer. The Photographic
Society of Great Britain did a great work in recommending a defmite
standard for adoption, and it is much to be regretted that this is not
yet generally adopted, although it has been so in some instances.
We have often cited the case of the microscope, in which uniformity
prevails throughout, as the .lystem which ought to be adopted with
photographic lenses. We hail with pleasure every effort made to
bring about this state of aSairs ; and as a very lucid exposition of
certain improvements in this direction made by Messrs. Taylor,
Taylor, & Hobson, we make no apology for printing the following
which we have received from them : —
"We have much pleasure in sending you, by post, a 2-inch standard
lens flange, and a 2 to 1-5-inch standard adapter, as examples of our recent
improvements in lens fittings.
The well-known difficulty of starting the usual form of screw has two
elements— that of knowing at what point in the revolution the threads
first engage, and the difficulty of holding the screws in correct relation
axially. Our invention surmounts these two elements of difficulty.
In order to describe it fully, it is necessary to refer to the system we
designed for providing that all lenses fitting the same flange are held with
their diaphragm indexes or other fittings in one uniform convenient
position. The present invention is a supplement of that system.
By arranging that the threads of male flange screws upon lens mounts
should terminate at their shoulders in one uniform position in relation to
the diaphragm indexes, it \vas provided that they might all screw home
with their diaphragm indexes in one convenient position. In the present
invention, by arranging that the threads commence abruptly in a similar
uniform position in both male and female screws, it is provided that any
lens, when presented to its flange with its diaphragm index uppermost,
or as it is arranged to be used, is in position, on being turned, to at once
engage with the screw of the flange.
The illustrations show a
standard flange and an adapter in
the position of rotation at which
the screws would immediately en-
gage on being turned. This posi-
tion is shown by the zero marks,
which would again coincide when
the flange and adapter have been
screwed together. In the same
way, any properly constructed lens
would screw into the flange or
adapter, its diaphragm index being
at zero at the commencement and
completion of the engagement.
So far it has been shown how
this invention decides at what part
of their revolution the screws shall
first engage. The enlarged portion
of a standard adapter seen in the
illustration exhibits the manner of forming the male screw thread to
commence abruptly near the zero, and it will be understood that both the
internal and external screws are formed similarly in this respect.
The common practice of merely cham-
fering or bevelling the ends of screws, which
leaves the threads to terminate not abruptly,
but to die away gradually in the course of
revolution, not only makes it difficult to find
the position for first engagement of the
screws, but by forming the chamfers into a
kind of ball and socket, makes it hard to de-
termine their correct position axially.
It will be seen that our method of re-
moving this usually incomplete portion of a
thread, and forming a cylinder at its root,
provides a clear shoulder and bearing which
determine the true axial relation of screws
when placed together for engagement.
For convenience and uniformity the zero
of a screw and its abrupt commencement are
at that part of the revolution at which the
point of a tool cutting the female screw would
lie in the plane of its face or shoulder.
It must be borne in mind, however, that
this applies only to a screw of absolutely cor-
rect size and form, for any error in the dimensions of a screw would
cause corresponding displacement of its true zero.
For some time past, in view of the importance of accuracy in these
matters, we have given attention toward the improvement of appliances
September 2, 18D2]
THE British joiJttifAL Of photogkaphy.
571
for "««»"»«» and mcMoriiig «erews, with the result that we now preputi
all MrawaS lUtSatft vUhin a ttmit of ettor of one-thoossndth part of an
inch on tiMir ttunater, and eonfina tbs error on that side of the nortnal
which aoMraa perfect and bee iatefcbanaeability.
The flttinp wa hare pleaanre to lend 70a as examples of oar im-
proTemanta m terevs have bean prepared to this degree o( aecnraoy, and,
with allowanee tor ecme very sUght alteration daring the processes of
finishing, we are confidant that all work learing oar factory is thas acca-
rate|7 toniad."
We have nothin^r to add to this further than to eay that the
specimen flanj^e and adapter received attest the great accuracy
acbiered in the fitting.
Spomxo Am Counrame Mkdu.
J. R. GoTX, ID, BaeBntlw itlwil. 8tna4.
Mb. J. R. GoTZ has submitted to us specimens of a new kind of
moist ooloora for colouring photographs, which are applicable either to
albumen or gelatine-euTfaced prints. A special feature of the cok>ur8
(of which there is a great rariety) is that they dry with the same
degree of gloaa as the surface of the print. Mr. Uotz also has a
senea of moist "spotting" colours naeful for either touching out
defects on negatires or positires without pterinns preparation of the
surfaces. Both sets should be extremely useful to profeasioDal aad
amateur alike.
iHtttinQ^ of ;Sorirttcsi.
MXBTIHOS or B0CIBTIK8 fOB HKZT WUK.
> StadiD, 5<lh«|itl«. Doadn.
■unMiaJi:
I Hoan, Btnteii.
Uknn, HMm*.. Lsww.
loa BaU. b&atsa. V.
■e<iM7'> Swiw, IM, HIch-rtTHt.
., .. West BV^MV ...*>. -
« . BlrkMkari Pbsta. Ai*-
>* Bradford PlM*S> fcsMT
0 Hmckmty
«.. L<Mdaa «ad PivTtBrial
1 JtuMbMUr Photo. a«rfatr .
• : sorthr -
HaII.B«m]r.ol>«*t.
VMola BalL Tork.
l^iiiin^iiiiininiii I^^■l-'r■
fSIc.a.- "
riss.
■ilMillll
» liark'a
fckeota.
:: . I«T Ban, TlkwK BaskasT-
m, 0»MH« »U»»t, MsaiifcMtar.
Qmnwail.
tW LjeMB, Uaknrti. CUhaa.
•OUowtek SskMl e( Alt, Chljwtek.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOOBAPHIC AS80CUTION.
gVOT aSi— Mr. J. J. Briglashaw «B the chair.
JIcBabactJ. BUott was alaslsd a mambsr e( the AssodsUeo.
k Co. seat a saaipl* of saosiliM pap*' (lAaat qaartar-plala
•in) tot nhiMl
Matdreolan of Ihsir
tba memben ; whOa
K.'aad O. "-abattcn.
. Nawmao k Onaidia
Btnaoaconc PnorookarBT.
lathseaane ef the adiearaad diseaiaioa oa thta satiisel. • l>fi*f eonvme-
o an pas«d»«aaffc aCtet teok vUet, sabssgnoat to which Mr. T. Bolas
idsd in samlbBsnlarjr t«ai* to Or. Deooadca's nemtly pebliahsd book on
Mr. J. a Tian aM he ptafcmd to lock at pictarai wtthoat a •tcrwMcope,
a past mamf al«ea«aapk pktorts (aasaa bim mocb nort pain than
-ann. wkkk was Iks ease wtth ssvanl pietoras Mhlbttad bafosa ths Ask>-
itionaMttsUttaan MMthSMoby Mr.A. L. Htndanoa Ssrsnl «r thasa
>aU aot asaMM^ aad aaaaad Ua sacb pais that it was impossible fbr him
'xmtiBBs laohtac at a aombsr ef pietvcs. He tudad that the priadpal
laa of this was tta taeanaet mnanttaf
Mr. W. S. n—BBiii iMwfcsd thai, by SMfii« the leases, Ua pietmas
Tm* coMpUBad ef woaU (robably ceaMasL
Mr. TBars leaallBBtitt atlalad to a mnsntlsa of stsiansrnnir ilMss bn hail
•4^ wtth UB,aada^ that thay axhiUt*! two Uod* of distortioa— in on*
i>« ma pietaia baiag nouatsd hJ^or than the other. The tlidta wcra
'.wesa tUrtyawl itarty ysan oU, aad bad basa plaesd for siiht yean in a
damp cupboard, where some of them had gol Stuck together and mildewed.
Only a few, however, had deteriorated. In one slide both pictures were ex-
actly alike, so that no stereoscopic effect could be obtainei
Mr. J. Weir Bbows said that one feult with stereoscopic slides was that
they sometimes showed more stereoscopic effect than was agreeable to the eye.
They were, in fact, something like the set scenes in a theatre — one part stand-
ing out very much like side pieces.
Mr. Debexhau asked whether the slides to which Mr. Weir Brown referred!
were from nature ? If the lenses were separated more than the natural distance .
of the eyes, the effect of a model would 1m obtained. No photograph from. .
nature would give that effect An object looking like a set scene at a theatre
would have greater rotundity, and would, in fact, be like a miniature model .
with everything in its own proper relief. He thought they were justified in
using instrumental aid for obtainmg more relief than with the natural eye.
Mr. BOLAS spoke of a photograph of the Vmiu qf Milo, which, owing to a
wide separation of the lenses, showed an exaggerated relief when viewed in the.
stereoscope.
Eoo AisuMEii vemu Blood Albumen*.
The following Question (from the box was read : " How can photographers
tall whether blood or egg albumen has been used in the preparation of sensitive
albumen paper >. "
Mr. B0LA8 said he had had submitted to him samples of blood albumen which-
showed signs of putrefaction, while others did not. He thought it was rather
a Question as to how the albomaa was treated than the origin of it
The question was not otharwiaa aaawered.
Flowsr PHOroaBAPHT.
Mr. WUB Browx asked what was the best background to photograph a
white flower against, at the same time passing round a photograph of a white
flower backed up with black velvet, agamst which some gieen leaves were in-
distinctly rendered.
Mr. BiCKRT recommended brown paper placed out of focus.
Mr. C H. OOOKX would nse a grey backgronnd with a plate dipped in
erythrosine.
AMnWL.
Mr. J. A. Sinclair exhibited a number of lantern slides developed with
amidol according to the following formula :—
Amidol 80 grains.
Sodium sulphite 800 „
Water 8 ounces.
For nse, one ounce of the aolation diluted with three ounces of water, with
one anil a half grains of potassinm bromide to the ounce of developer.
The tones of the lantern slide* were much admired, and Mr. Sinclair stated .
that he had used the dsvelopcr for negatives saooesafuily.
Backney Photographic Society.— August 23, Mr, Mr. Hensler presiding.—
Members' work shown from Messrs. A. Barker, Dean, Hensler, and Sodeau.
Borax racommanded to be added to toning bath for printing-out paper. Mr.
B. Bicunr nad a useful paper on The Suitable Printing Pneiufor a Oiven
XtgaXirt, recommending the following : Bromide rapid paper, at great dis-
tance fhim the light for thin negatives ; bromide slow paper, longer exposure,
and thieksr aagativM. Bromides generally require a thin negative with a
eunprssssil scala of padatlon. Sir enlarging, avoid Ifard or yellow nega-
tivaa. na greater the distance the more latitude. Always make a test
exposurs. Contact printing — exposure most always be exact Ferrous-oxalate
derdoper — best half old, half fresh. Alpha paper — half tones must not be too
heavy. Over or well expose, should develop red colour ; can then tone all
shades from red, brown, black, to blue. Developer recommended, hydro-
Soinone and eOumogen mixed, can be used over and over again. To mount
Ipba paper with the polished surface, paste waterproof paper on back (black .
side outwards) after squeegeeing. Use glue and treacle, or glue and glycerine,
work up to a fh>th on a board, hold print in band, dab on and on several
times in the same way that boxmakers do, till sufficiently glued, and place on
card moont Gelatino-cblorida papen, same treatment Platinotype, high
lights most be heavy ; use the new cold-bath process. With this paper the
delicate tone* do not fix out much. Carbon tissue, best for all work above
whole-plate. Thick pigment for thin negatives, and rice venA.
Lsytonstone Camera Club.— Angnst 24, Special Oeaeral Meeting, Dr. W.
Pickett Tumrr in the chair. — A |)ropo«al wa* brongbt forward from the Photo-
graphic Society of Oreat Britain, setting forth the advantages of sIBliation '
with them. After a discussion, it was decided to become affiliated. The
Exhibition wa* deddad to be held on November 10, 11, and 12, at the Masonic
Hall, Leytonstona.
ElBlniwnd Oaaan aubL— At an informal meeting held at the "Grey-
honnd UoUl " on the 26th Instant, the President in the chair, -Mr. G. W.
Bamsay^ougbt some Bne studies of sea and cloud taken from liis yacht, and
muie litTOte^on rough drawing-paper. Mr. Cembrano, junior, showed a copy
of flwetlhraBtion Oroup taken on a whole-plate by Mr. J. Stuart of Glasgow, .
whieirsMWed remarkable definition and good detail, although taken with a
drop shatter ami lens of/-12'5 ; the lens and was one of Zeiss's, of seven and
three-quarter inches focus. Mr. Ennis had a aeries of experiments on toning
Ilfonl printing-out paper, showing a great variety of colour, from red-brown •
to black, the lirst colour being obtained by one minute's toning in a combined
bath, and the black by a quarter of an hour's immersion in the same bath.
He fnrthrr exhibited a print on the same paper, which had been exposed to .
sunlight during the last six weeks, one-half of which bad been covered
with Uaek paper; no deterioration or signs of fading were apparent One of
the member* having asked which wai the best way of stopping out pinholes in
a negative, Mr. ClitBRaitO said that he use<l smoke-black and a very tinely
roiated sable brush No. 0 ; instead of water, he preferred wetting the brush in ,
is month : only the smallest amount of pigment was necessary, and, in order
to Butch the colour of the negative, be would first try painting on the clear
672
THE BRITISH JOURNAL. OF. PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September 2, 1892
rebate of it. Mr. C. H. Davis showed Ross's divided camera with swing-back
attachment. Messrs. R. & J. Beck sent for inspection the Bynoe printing
fhime, which has the advantage of being small, ca.sting no shadow on the
print, and enabling the operator to have a full view of same. Mr. J. B. Huddy
was elected a member.
Blrmlngluun Photograplilc Society.— Augu.st 23.— The members assembled
to welcome Miss C. W. Barnes, of New York. During the evening about fifty
slides, comprising views of Birmingham, Warwick, Kanilworth, Stratford-on-
Avon, Wooton-Wowan, Broom, &c., were exhibited by Mr. E. H. Jaques.
Mr E. C. Middleton described the different views as they appeared on the
screen. Ordinary meeting held on August 25, Mr. G. F. Lyndon in the chair.
—Three new members were elected. Reports were read of excursions to
Berkswell, Wixford, Warwick, Aston, Cantlow, and Kenilworth. Miss Barnes
accompanied the members on the latter excursion. Messrs. Marion & Co.
sent a sample box of dry plates for the purpose of illustrating their new system
of packing, the object of which is to secure a packing perfectly .noninjurious
to the film. The system met with the unanimous approval of the members
present. The Chairman announced that the judge had awarded the prize
offered in connexion with the Development Competition, held in July, to Mr.
Geo. Wilkes. The enlargements offered by the Society for the best prints from
negatives taken on the Berkswell and Wixford excursions were awarded to Mr.
E. Underwood and Mr. Sears respectively. It was moved. by Mr. E. H.
Jaques and seconded by Mr. E. C. Middleton : " That the hearty congratula-
tions of the Society be oflered to the President (Sir J, B. Stone) on the occa-
sion of his receiving the honour of knighthood from the hands of Her Majesty
the Queen." A discussion on Hand Cameras atid their IKor/; was opened by
Mr. Jaques. Messrs. Grikhths, Middleton, Shkaff, T. Taylor, Thomason,
Underwood, and the Chairman took part in the discussion, which was of an
extremely interesting and instructive character. Several hand cameras were
exhibited and described. Miss C. W. Barnes then delivered her paper on
American W'nrk a.nd IKoriers (see page 567).
Liverpool Amateur Photographic Association.— August 25, the Presi-
dent, Mr. W. Tomkiiison, in the chair..— Messrs. E..T. Cockerham, A. S. Clare;
A. A. Vos, and H. Anderson were elected members of the Association. Mr.
Marriott showed some specimens of home-made ground glass, which, he ex-
plained, were produced by simply taking two spoiled negatives, placing a little
fine sand and water between, and grinding them together for a short time.
Mr. F. H. Elsby gave a demonstration on the use of the Society's enlarging
and reducing camera. The President then demonstrated the development of
under-exposed and over-exposed plates. Under the same conditions as to
light, stop, and subject, he had exposed two plates, one for about one-twentieth
of a second and the other about five seconds, and from each he now developed
a very good negative. The Secretary exhibited Beck's new printing frame,
which enables the whole of the print to be examined at once without fear of
movement. ....
Northern Tasmanlan Camera Club.— Third Annual Meeting. The Presi'
dent (Mr. R. L. Parker) occupied the chair.— The Secretary read his report,
in which he stated that during the year the progress of the Club had been most
satisfactory ; the number of members on the roll had increased from thirty -six
to forty -two. The monthly meetings had been fairly attended, especially those
during the latter part of the year, and those at which the optical lantern
formed an important feature. At some of the latter meetings a number of
visitors, including ladies, had attended. The optical lantern had been in good
demand during the year, the loaning of it to members being much appreciated
by them. The journals subscrilied to by the Club had been in good demand,
many of the members being very reguLir in their application for them as a
means of information and instruction. The returns of income and expenditure
were given in the Treasurer's statement, and a credit balance was. sho^vn. At
the conclusion of the reading of the Secretary's and Treasurer's report, office
bearers for the ensuing year were balloted for. Competition for the three
vacancies on the committee was very keen, there being eight candidates. Four
were equal in the first ballot ; a second was taken, and the following result
was arrived at : — President : Mr. William Gibson, of Scone. — Vice-Presidents :
Rev. A. H. Champion, Messrs. R. C. Kermode, and B. L. P.arker. — Committee:
Messrs. A. C. Bonner, F. Stewart, and J. Sparrow. — Hon. Secretari/ and
Treasurer : Mr. F. Styant-Browne. Hearty votes of thanks were accorded to
the retiring President (Mr. R. L. Parker) and to the Secretary (Mr. F. Styant-
Browne) for their services during the jiast year. The members of the Camera
Club have reason to be well satisfied with the growing prosperity of the Club,
and it is expected that during the coming year this prosperity will still
continue to grow and do good work in fostering artistic instincts and the love
for the scientific and beautiful among its members, and still more spread the
knowledge of the charming art science of photography.
RECENT PATENTS.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS.
No. 15,098. — " Improvements in and connected with Magazine or Hand Photo-
graphic Cameras." F. M.i\u.—J>ated Auffiist 22, 1892.
No. 15,278. — "Improvements in Racks, Boxes, Frames, and Receptacles for
Storing and Holding Photographic Plates." H, ^, .Mabson.— Z)(?<ed Atigust
25, 1892.
No. 15,292. — "Improvements in or in connexion with Changing Boxes for
Photograohic Cameras." A. L. Adams and J. W. Jetks. — Dated August 25,
1892.
No. 15,407. — "An Improvement in Camera Fronts for Photographic Pur-
poses." W.Page. — Dated Anffiisl 27, 1892.
No. 15,447. — " Improvements in and relating to Changing Boxes for Photo-
graphic Cameras." Complete specification. A. Steqemann. — Dated August
27, 1892.
SPECIFICATION PUBLISHED.
■ - •■;,■ '■ • ' ; 1S91. ■ . ■'. ■ ; ■ ; -
No. 17^298.— "AniiydrongCixide of Barium, &c;" BwKS Oxyoen Cbjt- "
PANT (LiMITEB) k MURRAT.
PATENTS COMPLETED.
Ijipkovements IN Maoic Lanterns.
No. 12,244. Herbert'CBables Newton, 3, Fleet-street, London, E.C.
August 6, 1892.
This invention relates to biuniil and triple lanterns, the discs of which are
made to coincide on the screen.
In such lanterns, the fix)nt plates carrying the lenses are hinged so as to be
capable of tilting to converge the rays upon the same spot of the screen, from
whichever division of the biunial or triple lantern they are projected.
This tilting of the lenses has the effect of diverting the optical axis from the
horizontal to an inclined plane, and a difficulty is thus introduced in con-
nexion with the luminant, which is the object of my invention to obviate.
The tray carrying the luminant usually slides in grooves on the base of the
lantern, so that the luminant can be mpved backwards and forwards towards
and away from the condenser along the line of the optical axis. But when the ;
front carrying the lenses is titled, as above described, the motion is no longer
in the line of the optical axis, and the value of the adjustment is thereby con-
siderably diminished.
It is desirable, to obtain the best' results, that the luminant should be mam^
tained on the line of the optical axis, and be capable of travelling to and from
the condenser without moving out of the optical axis, and to this end I carry
the lamp on supports rigidly secured to the lantern front, which alsft carries-
the lenses, so that the lamp follows the tiltin» movement of the front plate, to
maintain the luminant in the optical axis of the lenses.
The claim is :— In biunial and triple lantems^the emijIojmBut of supports
fCr the luminant, rigidly coifnected with the hinged' c/r moVaWe front plates
which carry the lenses, substantially as described, and for the purpose set
forth.
' A Hand or Detective Photographic Camera.
No. 13,448. George Frederick Fraas, 18, Portland-street, Stepney, London.
, Aui/uste, 1892. -
Mt invention relates to improvements in photographic hand or detective .
cameras, by which a number of sensitive plates or .films may be successively
exposed in a simple manner, r • i . ■
In carrying out my. inventifin, I provide a suitable box, to carry two stages
provided with springs orcatches to hold the ends of the plate or film-holders-
when drawn into them by the changing rod, ' Which will be hereinafter
described. For convenience,,! store a number of suitable .holders to contain
the sensitive plates or films— say eighteen,,ior example — and when the plates-
or films are so stored they lay in a horizontal po.sition near the top of the box.
To remove or change a plate or film into position for exposure, I provide a
rod, composed of any suitable material and made in such a form that it will
\tithdraw the Irottom holder, containing the sensitive plates or films, every
time it is operated upon; and by its movement it draws or slides the ends of
the plate or film-holder into the stages, as above described, and finally places
it in a vertical position ready for to be exposed.
' The holders containing the sensitive plates or films are held firmly by thr-ee
or more springs or catches, and remain in the vertical position until the
required nimiber is exposed.
What is claimed is : — 1. A .photographic camera, by wliich a number of plate
holders may be changed in the manner substantially as hereinbefore described.
2. The stages by which the plate-holders are held by the springs or catches, as
herein and for the purpose described. 3. The form of changing rod by which
the bottom plate- holders in the horizontal position are withdrawn and changed
in the vertical position, substantially and for the purpose described. 4. The
manufacture and use of the improved canier^ Jjereinbefore, described and illus-
trated in the accompanying drawings. ■
An Improvement in Magic Lanterns.
No. 18,620. Herbert Charles Newtox, 3, Fleet-street, London, E.C.
A ugitst 6, 1892.
In optical or magic lanterns, where large condensers are used to cone the light
down through the picture of smaller diameter than the condenser on to the
fbcu-ssing lens, it is obvions that it is advis.able to place the picture at such a
distance from the condenser that the whole of the cone of light passes through-
it, so thatthe utmost illumination may be obtained on the screen.
This object is sometimes attained by moving the slide forward till it reaches
the required position, and sometimes by moving both picture and front lens
forward together.
These methods, however, while providing adjustment for properly coning-
down the light through the slide, introduce disadvantages, inasmuch as there
is a disturbance of the picture on the screen, owing to the positions of the slide
and front lens in relation to the screen being changed durmg their adjustment
with respect to the condenser.
This makes it very difijcult to ascertain whether the alteration in position
has really increased the illumination, and hence these methods are not gene-
rally used.
According to my invention there is no disturbance of the slide and front
lens with regard to the screen, but I fix my condenser to a movable base on
which the jet .also adjusts, so that, leaving the picture and front lens in posi-
tion, I can rack the condenser and jet (without disturbing their relative adjust-
ment) away from the picture, thus obtaining the same advantage as by the
other methods without their disadvantages, as I can rack the condenser and jet
backwards and forwards to find the best position without affecting the picture
on the screen in any way, except by iucreasing its brilliancy.
Septemlier 3, 1802]
THE BRITISH JOUBNAL. OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
673
Th« Duin featon* of the Untam are the same u those to be found in lanterns
already in the market, bat the ooudenaias lens, instead of being mounted as
haretofcn, i* carried in a pair of bnelceti anpported in the moraUe base.
This base aho carries the lominant, and is eapaUe of ai^nstment longitudinall)'
by BMaas o( a pair d racks engaging with rack wheels npou the transreraely
moonted spindML
Tbos the condeDsar and the Inminant, without distorbing their relative posi-
tions, can be readily retired from the slide is order to bring down the cone of
light to the diameter best snited for thepictnre to be shown, while the slide
aiH the ftmt lens remain undiataibad with leord to the screen.
Tha elaim is :— Monnttng the luuilwiwt and ulnniiaating jet of magic lanterns
on a morablc baas capable of a^jnataaitto and tttaa the slide, substantially
as explained, for the porpoae set (oitb.
CortejEtponOencr.
OtrrifmimU Aa>ai \
■ WfOs ea Mk miu tf Uu prnptr.
PHOTOGRAPHY BT BULE.
To the EsnoB.
St«,— HaTing read the paper rabmlttad by Mr. Bedding to the North
MiddlitMz Pbotogn^bie Society, I tfioald wish to enter my protest
•gainat tba wiiol* tmor ot his eom«nwlMHiin.
jUnoct at «f '**"g ha i^i, " The w—ffatwra and particnlar speed of
sensitire prepaiationa have baen mada 'the objects of close invaatigation
and raloabla ezparimants ; and meflhaiileal aids to expoania bare eallad
an apparently UMxhanatibla lopnly et invantiTa genio* into exiatanca,
the main, and, iodaad, tha tola oqaet mdarlying all tbcaa aflodrts being
not meraly tha afaBpHftration Ol eapcwia and darelopmant, Inrt theU
lahfanea to pan role and iryataagb* Ta* hia whole argament is an
attempt to ibow that tbare ia no talaa ia theaa lalnable ezperimenu
eomparablc with tha method o( iiliaOiag (ha ioenaiiag aereen, and tbiUr
by trial and error, nltimatdy aeqpirfiic iadgmast ioaelant to prodaee >
tecbnieallT Ugh-elaaa reanlta. EUa «vrabl (or tbia eonclaaioa is hia
own belief, uainst whieh may be eMad Boraamaa beliefl to the eoertrarj
hM by good man and tnie ; uuulaqaawUy aoiae mote valid argnmeat
tbaa pmonalbeUarahaaldbalaftlMaBfav to i«sti(y tha principle (if it be
a pciaeipla) whieh he adroeatea.
Tummg again to my qnotatioa, «• laad, " Tha aimpUfleation ot tt-
peaore and dsralopaiaot. What "hiwuUia ganios," I wbold ask, haa
aodaaToiiiad to aimpttfy, and refer to nim et §fiieaD, the queatioa ot
daralapaMntf Beyond a well-tooaded iaawtlaw that many complleatiDiMi
of daTCiopniat, loRBerty aappoeed to eotiMl anon tt expoaore, have not
the polMW onea eteimad lor than, I know of no aoeh altampi in the
qnaatioa et devdepaMBL Whti ia IMa " appanntlT IneThawiWble awpply
ct inrantha saaiaa" dorotad to expeaowT A few eatds of expoann
notes and two raaUy Taloable liieliiiwils I If Mr. Bedding deeriaa
eapusBia notaa made by othavpeoala, ha most alao ewidamit ejpuewe
noMa made by the student ! The laaraer most ignon the obeerratian,
made tor him h7 otben, that, on dla«iiillim aoaJialf ot a symsaatrioal
kaa, b« moat qnadnaia the mifamt. Be most look at the tftnnaaing
aanea, and gnaaa onttl be eaa Jtdta. I hold that it ia well to learn t^'
anon, when they oeeor, bat It is baiter to get rid of as many soorees of
error aa poaaiMe bafon calling the ladgmant into raqoisition.
Whib ftsariwg the giotmd of all dameats of knowledge ia order to
dieplay the pea swiiiwee ol jodgmaot, Mr. Badding cuts away the groond
(ran oader tha laat of joApMnt ilacif, for be allows no mode of the
fmiiiaHoii of Jadgaat bal Iba nathuJ ol trial and amr, aii<w •• rule of
thamb," wUeh ha aiao diaowna. And ha lolan to the nanlU of " jadg-
inent " in the matter of formula as " moat bewfldering. " Merer ure I
seen an artida so nalanlatad to disheaHan and rapel a Mvlnner ia photo-
graphy as thia one in qoeation : aad, aaUndest eat of aid, if a bs^nner,
reeolalely discarding all aide to expeeon, ptodaoe worse rasnlts tban hia
ion with aneh aid, he mast aat attiibato the other'e saeoeaa to hia
, bat depion Ua asm wMt tl taaiaa oad gin tha thing np.
1h*y who wiah to meaopoliaa tahaiaal axaaOenee may be axpeeted to
auggante the difWwihiee in tlM wmr of a bei^nar ; hot I am son that
thiala not Mr. Beddinc 'a object. I thenlon am somewliat in doobt
whether be intende his doctrine to be so titarally interpreted as I have
dooe ; bat, II he eoneedee anything, it is bard to aee when he can stop.
He ia argiaf, ha aan, the priadple of baying photognpliic wiedom by
piMiteyaphie eipeiience.
If ooae ha admita tiearioaa atparieace lie abandoDs the whole poeitioa.
For what an theaa aide to aipueun bat the foeaa ot other people's
I r Seieatifle meriiilag, from the mnltlplieation tabla aad the
law of innm sqoarae, is tested if cxparimaot before It is aoeepted ; and,
in osing aa axtraaeoas aid to expoenn, we are taking on trust the jndg-
ment of olhen aa far as they ean help as in the matter.
If it be Irae. as Mr. Howard Farmer contends, that distance and colonr
are not snlieiently taken lato aawinna, that docs not iaralidate the claim
that the apaed, ^'tt^— g— . tad light an mon cometly dealt with than
by nan aluiiiallai of the loaaaamK oareea. Moeeonr. it ia impoaaible
that tha leaner aboold, whOi «iii« tha mbm elaae of plates, ealenlato
his eiuceuiaa aad obecm tha HlnaihialinH witlioat leaniins the Inson
Mr. Bedding wishes to teach ; he will soon detect an error in hia calca-
latioD by the appearance of the ground glass.
Will anybody guarantee to obtain a good negative on an unknown
plate '? . , Surely not ; and, the more one knows of the speed of his plate
in rela^qn to the light falling on it, the less will be left to judgment,
gnees.work, rule of thumb, and the better will be the results.
The " retrospect " is, I think, altogether unfair; from the days of
Jabez Hughes downward definiteness in weights and measures has always
been advocated, but from Mr. Bedding's account one wo\ild conclude that
the balance and the ounce measure were inventions of the present depade.
It cannot be shown that pinches and handfuls were more or Less common
then than now, but we for once iind pinches and handfuls of light advo-
cated in preference to calculated quantities.
An Annual exhibition of the best productions of photography can give
DO olue to the rise or fall in average quality of work, and, granting that
the average may be lower than formerly, this would only prove that a
large- number of mediocrities have been called into existence by the
modem facilities of photography. It cannot be shown that Mr. Bedding's
work is worse than formerly ; he can, on the contrary, obtain good results .
where in old times he could have got none; tiis facilities for picture-
making have increased immensely, and no modem innovation tends to
the deterioration of his results.
I have observed curators of long experience and judgment, and tind
that a new sample of collodion, a new bath, a new brand of ivy plates
almost invariably leads to error ; a trial pjate is always demanded ; ai)^
the man of jodgment rectifies his error on the second qr third trial,
(while the novice requires a dozen or more.
I TboDgb Mr. Bedding states Ibat he is about to exai^lne some of the prin'
ciples upon which adtinometHcal or aotinographical systems are bases',
not a word of any such examination, appears in any part ot his paper.
The paragraph headed " N'o e^tposnre (actors constant " is not an ex- '
•mination of tliese principles, but merely a reminder that the list of con-
ditions may . require augmenting. The epithets, " mere empiricism,"
" falsely inspired formuln'," dc.. with which his discourse abounds,'
would lead one to suppose that he was combating dishonest fictions,
palmed off on the public for gain. As I understand the question, this is
not the case ; the empiricism is on the other side. The factors of ex-
poeore oaloolators are correct as tar as they go, and their combined
effect is rationally, not empirically, deduced ; and, Mr. Bedding notwith-
standing, the beginner irill extract from from them more reliable know-
ledge with a dozen plates than tlie unaided student with a great gross.
I strongly suspect that the grcyheads also might learn something to
their advantage, bo« to keep pace with the boys. In oonolnsion, Sir, I
cannot help looking on tliii paper, from first to last, as a mistake.— 'I am,
yours, Ac, R. C. PniiiLiPs.
Th« ArU Club, MimehattT.
P.S. — I see that eome gentleman writes bi high glee, assuring all and
sundry that hoagima with Mr. Bedding. It turns out, however, that he
baa nenr made oae'of the much-abused "aids to exposar&" -So I
should have conjaetoied, '
ing hariog been ha&dej|[tp litr, Bed^ing^ tbe fpU(iwiii|g|'p
h; . ^ _. . - " " . '.'.'"
"Mr. Phillips' conolading estimate ot my paper as a 'mistake' is
perfketly admissible in one who is not indueetl^ interested in the
popularisation of Messrs. Hurter it Driffield's actinograpli, which, of
coarse, he inelndea amobg tbe two really valuable instruments to which
he msikes retersocei Upon like grounds, also, I can aanlr understand
why Mr. PtailUpe regam (he paper as caUulated to dishearton and
rapel a beginner. Mobile, therefore, I recognise the ability and am
flattered by tha length of Mr. Phillips' criticism, I aak bis leave to subject
bis caantar-argnments to a reasonable mte of diaoount calculated in the
exact ratio of bia partiality.
" With the praetiaed aklu of an old debater, Mr. Phillips prefers rather
to dissect and examine fragments of the paper than to meet it aa a whole,
a coarse which renden it a little difficult tor me, except at a length to
which I am not agreeable to go, to reply to all the points he has raised.
I will, however, briefly deal with the principal ones, and at (be outset I
shall be glad to wain my own belief in the practical value of the method
of trial and error, as applied to exposun, if he is content to place the
contrary beliefs of his good men and true in the scale against the work
done by the vast majority of profesaionaU and amateurs who do not
employ aids to exposure.
. _'.'Ib his third paragraph, Mr. Phillips overlooks my reference to
mishanWII aids to exposure, i.t., shutters, and seems to be unaware of all
tha^-haa been written and said on the subject of scientific and rational
development, and equally oblivious of the fact that ready-made one-
BOtotiMv dsvelopeis are articles of oommeroe. If all tliese, in oonjunction .
with Mr. Phillips' ' tew cards of exposure notes, and two really valuable
instraments,' have not for object the simplification of exposure and
development, Mr. PbilUps will, perhaps, indicate their uses. I aigree
' with Mr. Phillips aa to the wisdom of getting rid of as many sources of
error as possible beloM calling tbe judgment into requisition ; but it is at
least as important that we should be assured that those sources of error
are really removed, instead ol merely disgaised. Does Mr. Phillips under-
take to maintain that in either or both of the two valuable Instruments
he (peaks of no ' sources of error ' exist ?
D^4
THE BRITISH JOURISAii Ot PitOT6GRAJ>llY,
[Septein6er2;i892'
" m. PhUlips' next paragraph 5s^<j:everly but unfairly cast. I did not
re/ertotheresnlts of judgment it the matter of formuho as most be-
wildering. I never used the Vov'd judgment in that connexion at all. but
the phrase ' differences of opinion.' Agam, I did not convey that if
a beginner, resolutely discarding all aids to e^'PO'^'^e- P^^'^f ,.Y°J,'^
resnltefliai his companion with such aid, he must not attribute the
other's success to his Wethod. but deplore his o'^.^'^"' "//'"^'fXr
give the thing up.' May I be pardoned for regarding these and other
examples of itr. PWIlips' style of controversy as scarcely worthy of him?
'• Mr Phillips' is, 1 think, unfortunate, and at the same time slightly
rash, in looking upon aids to exposure as the focus of other people sex-
perienoe, and foigets the fact that, in photography as in everything else, a
UtUe of one's own experience conveys much more instruction than a
great deal of another's. I have failed to discover that even the authors of
Mr I^hiliips few cards of exposure notes are really practical photographers,
and that any exposure table extant has been compiled from actual
ex,t)erience. 'l rather fear that a knowledge of mathematics is at the
bottom of most of them. I have no objection to take the judgment of
others in photography on trust, but I demur to having it thrust upon me
as infallible. . ■, ^- ,
" I hope that Mr. PhilUps' challenge for a good negative from an
unknown plate will be taken up. I have myself successfully used
unknown plates (that is, plates with which I had never previously worked,
which, I suppose, is what Mr. Phillips means), and if my latter suppo-
sition is correct, I should think that even \vith such a slight guide as a
trade description of the plates, any photographer of experience would easily
accomplish what Mr. Phillips evidently regards as a great feat. But I do
not see the utility of this and several other of my entic's remarks, notably
that in which t am accused of advocating 'pinches and handfuls of
light,' whatever they may be. The phrase is both a misnomer and an
exaggeration. Mr. Phillips' final paragraph is word-splitting and nothing
more. If my impeachment of the constancy of the factors taken into
account in the systems he speaks of was not the result of an examination
of principles, what, pray, was it?"
THE NEW DEVELOPEB.
To the Editor.
Sib, — Having seen in your last week's issue an inquiry with regard to
amidol, I think that, as a resident in Germany, I may be able to give
some information with regard to it. A few months ago a new developer,
called " metol," was brought out by a firm at Feuerbach, near Stuttgardt,
which was much approved of by Dr. Eder and other experts, and which,
in my hands, has proved in every way excellent. This is a two-solution
developer, requiring the addition of sulphite of soda to the solution of
metol as a preservative, and when required for use, the addition in
various proportions of a solution of carbonate of potash or of soda,
according to the negative required — vigorous or soft. The same chemist
has now produced " amidol," which is said to be a similar preparation,
but containing in itself the accelerator, and thus forming a one-solution
developer. It is, however, not yet on the market, and I have been given
to understand that its publication will be withheld until the manufacturer
has obtained a marked success, and consequently a large pecuniary
return from the sale of the first-named substance. When the " metol"
is firmly established, then amidol will be offered for sale, so that it is
useless to endeavour to obtain it at present. I would strongly advocate
the use of " metol." which is beautifully clear in its action, requiring no
alum bath, and developing plates of all brands, films, and Eastman's
films with equal excellence.^! am, yours, (fee,
August 26, 1892. Ethel Constance Mat.
[Our correspondent is evidently unaware that amidol is already an
article of commerce in this country, and, as she will see from other
parts of this week's Joubnal, in actual and successful use. — Ed.]
PHOTOGBAPHY IN NOBTH QUEENSLAND.
To the Editob.
Sib, — I sent you in 1890 a few prints of life and scenery in North Queens-
land, which you criticised very favourably in your issue of July 25, 1890.
I have since been working an 8 x 10 Watson's Acme camera, and am now
sending you a few prints taken with same, accompanied by a few notes
on amateur photography at this end of the world. It is said there is
nothing new under the sun. However, a few of my experiences may
prove interesting, if not instructive.
Having been over seven years on North Queensland sugar plantations,
1 left here on February 5, 1891, to visit the scenes of my childhood in
Victoria. On the night of the 4th we registered four inches cf rain, so I
had seven miles of mud and water to drive through to the landing-place
on B mangrove creek. On arrival there I found two feet of water round
the wharf, and the little tub of a steamer was high among the mangrove
branches Anaei 'with the Acme and a speed of forty-eight exposures in-
roll-holder, I was soon aboard and bound for Towns^ille, to catch the
intercolonial steamer. When about two hours' sail from our destination,
at eight p.m., a squall caught us between the lighthouse and a bad patch
of rock. The night was black as pitch, the seas swept the decks, the
rain came down as only tropical rain can, and the Wind pnt out the lights
in the compass box. To make matters worse, the lighthouse was obscured,
and for four hours we were tossed about at the mercy of the waves. I
began to fear that neither myself nor the Acme would reach dry land again.
However, we did, and in two weeks more I was in my native land.
I was most unfortunate with the Eastman roll-holder and film, but
owing to no fault of either. To begin with, part of the holder got loose,
no doubt owing to my wet trip affecting the glue. I took it to a photo-
graphic dealer's in Melbourne for repairs, and on getting it back did not
observe the position of the indicator, which they must have wound on
several turns, as the first three exposures I cut in half.
I took train for the river Murray, where I embarked on a river steamer
bound for the far-famed irrigation colonies of Chaffey Bros. , called Mildura.
Light and scenery were all one could wish for to make a set of first.class
8 X 10 pictures. During the five pleasant days I spent on the water, and
one day at Mildura, I made some two dozen exposures.
I next made a trip, in a few hours by rail, to the district I had spent
my childhood in. When I left there to earn my own living, eleven years
ago, it was a long, rough, drive or ride of about ten or twelve hours.
Now, the iron horse glides smoothly up the valley of the Goulbum River,
but apart frota that there seemed to be little change, and little increase of
population. Only here and there had the monotonous gum forests given
place to cultivated fields. This is due to the extent to which protection
is carried in Victoria. The great bulk of the population are in, and close .
to, Melbourne.
Arrived at the little township near which my home used to be, I found
it more slow-going and sleepy than ever. No bell was rung in the hotel
1 went to (the leading one), and, after hanging round the breakfast-room
for a long time, the only other man who wis in it remarked to me that, if
I wanted breakfast, I would need to go to the kitchen and order it— and so
I did. Even North Queensland is a peg ahead of that. I exposed a lot
more film here, and then went to a sheep station, twenty miles from the
township. The night was the coldest I had felt for eight years, and in
my bedroom I removed the roll of exposed film in the dark, and then
began to struggle with a new roll I had bought in Melbourne. To my
dismay, I found it was a roll of cut sheets, and, for the first time, I dis-
covered that I should have asked for a " spool," and not a, rail. . This
ended my photography, tkough I could have got another forty-eight
splendid views. Now comes the worst part of it. On arrival here again,
I began to develop, and after cutting three in half, owing to the roll being
wound on a few tarns by the man who repaired it, I developed the re-
mainder, and found them all hopelessly fogged, owing, no dcubt, to the
same man letting iight into the roll-holder. Such is my experience with
Eastman film.
Before ie«viug Melbourne I purchased two film-carriers to -use the cut
sheets witis-. I made one exposure there. Before I got it developed here,
I was taken ill and laid up for three months. On recovery, the hot
weather had begun, so I did no more photography till May last. I then
developed this film, which had been exposed twelve months ago, and got
a very good negative.
I store my plates and paper as follows :— I cut the tops out of two
4-gallon kerosene tins, paint them with red lead, then put them back into
the case they came out of, which I also paint. I then make a lid with a
pad of leather on the under side, which, when shut down, .and a weight
placed on it, makes tho two tins quite air-tight. On a very dry day I
pack away plates, paper, &c., in the tins, and find that goods so stored
are just as good at the end of our rainy season as they were when bought
fresh. All the vessels I use to store and carry water in and to wash
plates are made by myself of tins painted with three coats of red lead. I
have two kerosene tins on a high shelf and a. small piece of rubber tube
loading from them to the table I work at. I have a big wash-up dish,
also painted, over which the tube hangs, and is very handy for washing
plates when changing from one solution to another. My shelves are
kerosene cases one above the other, laid long, ways for small bottles, .
and end up for long bottles.
Negatives, SJ x GJ, I keep in " Pain Killer " boxes, and I fold a sheet of
foolscap once, and place the negative between, with the number and sub-
ject written outside ; 8 x 10, I have to make boxes for, and use a double
sheet of foolscap cut to size.
I stick to the old-fashioned pyro- ammonia developer. I do not put my
prints into an album or mount, them on cards, but bind them in a novel
way of my own, a description of which may be of interest. Whole-plate .
views, for example, I print on paper out to give a margin on the top,
which is masked while printing. Into a wooden frame, which I made for
the purpose, I place, first, a sheet of strong but thin paper, exactly the
same as I am writing on, but not ruled, of course ; then a print with
masked margin exactly over the edge of the first sheet of paper ; and so
on, a print and a sheet of paper alternately, till a book of twenty-four or
forty-eight is complete. I then punch holes along the upper edge through
both print and paper, and bind all together with fine copper wire. For
the cover, I salt, and sensitise, and expose to light, and tone to a warm
brown, two sheets of some strong paper, and finish off bound edge with a
September 2. lS9->]
THE BRraSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
575
I
strip ol the same. Now jnst a toach of starch pa«te to each loose comer
of print, and the book U finished.
Soch a waj of keening prints has man; adrantages. Several hnnJred
oceapy a Ttiy small space ; they will stand any amount of handling
withoDt being damaged or the eoTer showinfi finger-marks ; the prints
being boand into the book, no moontant is a§ed. except at the two lower
oomers, hence (hey are not so likely to lade. I carried all my collection
o( prints ererywhere when I was away in the south, and they were
handled by seotes of people : bat they are in as good order to-day as when
flnt printed. A description o( each can be written on the page opposite
the Tiew.
In an ont-of-the-way place like this one has none of the luxuries and
advantages of a town, snch as gas and water laid on and the like, hot has
to make all kinda of contriTaneea for himself.
I also go in for lantern slides, and rednce moat of my Tiews to lantern
slides in the camera in a dark room, with hole in window for negative,
and sheet of white paper ontaide. We have a Watson's lantern and a
13 X 10 sheet sized and whitewashed, wfaieh we erect in the stable yard on
dark Saturday nights, and display to the astonished South Sea Islanders
pictures of themselves larger than life size. They come from another
plantation, sixteen miles away, to see it, and are never tired. They
woold stay all night ii we kept it np^ — I am, yours, &c.
D. MACrxKLXSE.
Pionur E$taU, Lower DurdtUit, vii TmenirilU, S. Quttiulamd,
[Onrcorreapondent's letter was accompanied by several photo$^pb's
of the natires of the New Hebridea, news in North Queensland, Ac,
which, cooudeiing the difficahiea under which he Las to work, an*
«zcelk-nt in all reapects. — Ed.]
UB. C. W. HASTINGS.— DI880LCTI0S OF PABTNEBSHIP.
To tht Eorroa.
Sta.— Wm you allow me to inform your readers that the partnership
whieb estsIM batwMS m^aalf and Xaaara. Uasall. Wataon, A Vuicy,
Limited, in eonnaiicn with tlMir pholo^iaphic pablieatioos, haa been
determined, and that I have no diiwl or indirect interest in the photo-
graphic pubbeatioos issnad from the oOeas d the AwmUut Pkotographer,
Messrs. Hazell, Watson, dc Viney, Limited, having acquired all my
interest by parehass this d«y. — I am, yours, Ji*.,
Cnxai ss W. Hismio*.
JUmtor-road, 8Ueuf, Kent, Atigiut 37, Wii.
DECOLOCBISINO SHELLAC VABNISH.
TotkfEMio*.
8n, — Ton are pcrfsetly eorrset in saying it is nseleas to attempt to
ijaaoknirisa ibeilae Tamiab bj shakiin it up with animal eharooaJ and
I ia tba •■n. Than an two or tiiras poinu to ba attended to in
r to saoai* snaeaas. Vliitly, Ibaaaimal enareoal siiwtbeqnite traah,
and fMSBtly earbonisad: and, saeondly, the vamUh mutt be boiled with
tta nhaiiwt', and imA mer^ ahakan op with it. Now, although this will
BOt akaofatfafjr daeolooriae toa solatiao, it will effect a great improvement ;
t)m itewmf peUoir cotatr wiU in rtmored, and the re'>alting varnish will be
a Mad, workaUa raraiab, in which the eoloor that remains will ba of
Vm» Bc— aqnanna ia tha thin film on a vaniabad plate.
I have fooad the following plan aaawar very well :— Pneura a glaas
flask of, say, tour ooaaaa* aapamy, prt in half a pound of freshly burnt
animal charcoal, than flll It aboot three parts full of the varnish to be
daaoloarisad ; boQ hard foe a qiautar of an hour or twenty minutes, oool
mad Altar ; sometimes half an boor's boiling will be required. The
■aiHiaiissa ol the naek of the flaak will prevent moeh waale. If this will
■Ol NBioea aagaiaat eoloor, boil it witli a fretk lot of ohareoaL The
lianllli^ Taiaiib appear* aonawbat dark ia bidk, bat ia aot ao in reality,
aa tha bri(ht oraag* eoloor win bo dartwjad — I am, yours, <te,
Aufutt 39, 1893. Et>in>. DcxMoas.
To tht Eorroa.
Bia, — I have noticed from time to time what diCcuIties there seem to
be la obtaining a clear solution of sbellae without great waste. I have
alwaya soeeeadcd by filtering through silver sand.
Have an ocdiaary tin funnel made in two parte, the upper part should
have a pieea of Imn tied round at the bottom to keep in the silver sand,
which should ba alaaa aad iUlsd about half way ; allow a little methy-
lated spirit to raa throui^ bafor* putting in the varnish, tha deposit
will aoeumulata on tb« top of the sand, and as it does so it can eaaily be
raaiovad bv a spoon, and which will eaoaa tha varnish to ran through
quiakar. the laault will be a clear aolatiaa without waste.— I am,
yours, Ac, Asraca Bcoo.
Tht Sttidio, FMnntjh ro«d, Stormarket, Augutt 39, 1893.
THE DECAY OF PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY.
To the Ed:tob.
Sib,— It is the decay of the apprenticeship system that will rain pro-
fessional photography, as it is ruining many other businesses which require
long and patient practice to produce experts.
These technical schools, where lads for a few shillings a quarter learn
to cackle a garbled miscellaneous collection of chemical formulae, flood
the profession with a host of young fellows in their own estimation first
cIbb's in everything, but, as I have found to my cost, really clever in no
single branch of the business. Unfortunately some of the teachers in
these technical schools are blind guides, who, having failed in business
as photographers or chemists, eke out a precarious income by professing
to teaoh what they know very little about.
You deplore the fact that a professional photographer does not person-
all; execute his own operating, retouching, printing, enlarging, &c. A
photographer's place is in his studio, and therefore, if he has anything
like a business, it is impossible for him to do more than engage _ clever
assistants to manage these departments, and see that the work is well
and ilioronghly done.
Notwithstanding yoar dictum, I maintain that most respectable photo-
graphers execute their own retonching, finishing, mounting, &c. , on the
premises, and do not give it oat. A very large number also do their own
enlargements. I have had a large experience of the pupils of these
technicsl and polytechnic schools daring my twenty-five years of pro-
fessional photography, and I remember I foolishly engaged one assistant
on the strength of the credentials he had from one of these institutions.
He asserted that he was (amongst other things) k first-class operator, but
I found he had about as much idea of making a graceful portrait as an
imbecile Hottentot I was ve^ gentle when I gave him his month's
notice. be< ause I thought, " It is not the fault of this poor youth, but it is
through the folly of hu parents, who did not apprentice him to a good
photo^raplicj, when be would (if he had possessed ordinary intelligence)
hav,! been taught to be of some use."
Portraitore and photography are two totally different professions, only
long and patient study in a professional studio can make a good
poruaitisL The tongue of the operator is as potent as the chemicals in
making a sneeeaalol portrait, and no technical teacher can impart to a
papil the taot a portraitist most aoquire. Then, again, can the technical
teacher take hia papil to picture galleries and exhibitions, and teach him
what to copy and what to avoid ? Can he set his pupil by the side of an
expert retoucher and show him the negative the lad has assisted to take
skilfully retouched ? Can he send him into the printing-room and let a
competent printer sliow him how to make the best possible prints from
the negative ? No, sir. It require* from three to five years to teach him
all this, and ha must be a clever lad to stait with, into the bargain.
It is a significant fact that if I want a really useful assistant I have to
train one myself, or else employ a young gentleman from the continent
who has been apprantioed for a term of years with some good firm, and
eoasaquently is an expert at what he professes to do for his money.
And now, til, lat m* point out the harm yoar article will do the pro-
fessioB. The amateurs whose name is legion all road the photographic
Uterature ; they will very naturally quote this article as an authority
when consulted by non-photograpluo friends as to the best means of
having their offspring* taught photography. The result will be that the
tender suckling will mias the instruction he will need most, will ulti-
mately start in businaaa vrith a smattering of chemical knowledge only,
will tail as a matter of course, will struggle on by working at starvation
price*, and the prtmiam which the photographer would have given good
valoa for goes into other channels.— I am, yoars, Ac.
ACOCSTCS W. 'WlLBOS.
13/, DalttoH-tant, Kingtland, Auguit 80, 1893.
Eicl)angc Column.
*,• Jto eharje ii madt for itutrting Exchange* of Apparatui in thit column ;
but none <'■•■ ■■•t unUf tht artielt laantid u MhtUelif ttaled. Thote
mho 'pec\fv intnU a* ' ' anything nt^ul " wUl therefore understand
the rtatoi, <-j :■.•.., ,. „.-appe<tranee.
8gmttltl0 Patent baad aam«m, two lodcri, ludds twclv* pUt«s, perfect condition ;
— "RgWn for 1U>.I4 <>T lixlO ractUinsar Isos.— AddnM, I., 7, Abercom.tairace,
rppet lloUoir«y. S.
tnif •>! Iuii«a Luicut«r'< IHl BpscUl Initaatornpb, two tlidM, lana, (hntter,
•|iutter-plat« cam*r, uh (taBd with sdjojttnf tajf. romplate in good condition, lor
Mfttj biejrtte.— Adanw, UowuiD Aarua, »1, Potton-hiU, Ajton, BinninKham.
PhotooraphicCli-b— September 7, £n/nr7«»ij. H, Transparency Printing.
Outiug, September U, Fiocbley and DoUls Brook. 10, Greenwich.
Miaaiia. OxuituE Hui'uHtuS A Sons have recently demtched to America
a Moaaaard'i pattern paaoraiiiic camera to Uke pictures 48 x 15, which is said
to be Uis Urgeat of lU kiuJ made, having taken sevsral months to construct
The detallit of the iKitruinrnt luve been well thought out.
570
THE BRinSn JOURNAL. OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September 8, 1892
anstoerss to aTotregpontjents,
All matUra for the text portion of this Jovbhal, including queries for
■ . " Ansjoera'^ and " Exxhangea," muat he addressed to '"rHF. Editob,":
" -'% York-atreet, Covenl Oarden, toiidon. Inattention to thii ensures delmj.
jfPb notice taketi of cotnmunicatimia unless name and address of writer are
given.
*,* Communications relatiuff to Advertisements and'genfM hisiness ciffaira
must be addressed to "Hesby Gree>t\'OOD & Co.," 2,' Tork-atreet, Covent
Harden, London, ." - , ' ' .
Photooeaphs Registered: •,, - . , '• .
Williaia Vas3 Morris, Cork.— Photojroph 0/ lu9((«r j/tfcW "• TTind/all."
Edmund Smith Baker, jun., Birmingham. — P?iotDjrn]i?i of Five ^sca'pe,
Eichard Cobden Philipi*, Manchester. — Photo^rofh <if Mr«, Alexander Iitelontl au'l
Annit EUsað Ireland,
Frank Weils — The Autotype Company, of 74, NewOxfqrd'Street, W., iinder-
take chromotypes. ■'■"'" '
Jas. B. Ross. — You are precluded hy the patent 'from' either' mating the paper
for use or from selling it. ' . ■
T. 'Walus. — All materials for working photo-lithograpli^, or zinc etching,
may now be obtained from most large houses that supply printing material.
'Mechanic. — Apply to the Aluniinium Company, Canno'^street. If they do
not supply tlie castings, they will, doubtles's,^tell you where they may be
obtained. "
A. Z. — Your description of the defects is far, too vague for us to form anything
like a definite conclusion as to the source, of t}ie trouble. Send one or two
examples.
Exhibit. — The Exhibition of the Photographic SoMety of Great Britain opens
at the Gallery of the Institute of Painters in "Water Colours on Monday,
September 26 next.
D. C. Morgan. — Pure zinc is several shillings a pound, but the ordinary
metal, such as is used commercially for building and similar purposes, will
answer quite well for reducing silver from residues.
C. Brown. — If you do not succeed in getting satisfactory casts with paraiRn
wax, try plaster of Paris, using the finest- kind., Tliis may be obtained from
those who make modelling in plaster a speciality, such as Brucianni's.
Rex. — The drawing of the finder you submit is quite .correct. When standing
behind it, the slcy of the landscape Ayill' be farthest away from you. A
double convex lens of two and a half to three inches focus will answer quite
well. /',/,'
C. Solomons. — If the business was sold under a misrepresentation, of course
the purchaser is perfectly right if he^rep'iidiatfes.the transaction or institutes
proceedings for the return of the purchase-moliey. If he proves his case, he
will certainly succeed. - ■ . ', ' ■
iF. Sims. — There is no possible objection tbusing the 5x4 " rapid " lens for
half-plate pictures, provided it will do the w'ork. It will, however, embrace
a wider angle than a lens specially constructed for half-plates, and thereby
give a more violent perspective. . . , ' '
H. S. — It seems that the agreements are informally drawn, or rather not as a
solicitor would word them, but that is hot of much moment. It is usual to
have one or more witnesses to attest the signatures. However, as the docu-
ments are not stamped, they are of no val.ue.'. ,
J. C. Davis. — Within reasonable limits, the proportion of gold to sulpho-
cyanide is iiot Tery material. You might safely replenish the exhausted
bath with fresh gold for three or four timeswithout the addition of sulpho-
cyanide, when a fresli proportion of the latter would be advisable.
W. W. — Unless the, colour of the paper upon which the engraving is printed is
of a more or less yellow shade, ther.e will be no advantage gained by ortho-
chromatising the plates. The best plates for the purpose are those supplied
for photo-mechanical purposes, or such as give great .transparency in the
blacks.
Beginner (Croydon).— A studio ten feet long and six feet wide will be of very
little iise, even for a beginusr. If .your means at present will not admit of
building a larger one, it may be well to defer its erection for the present,
and in the meantime, with the ajd of a few curtains, utilise a shaded portion
of the }-ard.
■C. HuRTMAN. — Stereoscopic transparencies backed with ground glass, are not
suitable for use in the lantern, unless that be removed. Even then they are
rarely so good'hs'tpinsparencies specially made ibr lantern purposes, as they
are usually too da'rlt. •. A transparency that is of the right density for the
lantern will be too thin as a stereoscopic slide.
Process. — If your only difficulty lies in obtaining electrotypes from the
moulds, we should advise you, in the preliniinarj- experiments, to take
, them to a practical electrotyper who is experienced in that particular class
. of work. When you have proved that the method is thoroughly practicable,
and that it will yield good results, tljen give attention to the electrotyping
part of the process. "■' ' ■;';■-■
.R. McCoxcHiE. — 1, AH the troubles' seem to point to impurities in the ma-
terials used, or unclean vessels. If the former, the water particularly might
be suspected first. Try making the toning bath with the ordinary tap
water, that has been boiled for an hour or two and allowed to cool. The
small amount of light the toning bath is exirosed to would not account for
the trouble. 2. Better use an emulsion paper if a surface with a fine gloss
is desired. This is not to be obtained on drawing-paper when squeegeed on
glass. One of the photographic papers, Saxe or Rives, should be employed
if a surface giving the finest detail is desired. When an emulsion is pre-
pared, it should be used within a short time of preparation, and not kept in
Siock.
F. E. G.— 1. To copy an object so that the photograph shall he the same size as
the original, it is absolutely necessarj' that the camera shall be extended to
twice the solar focus of the lens. It m.ay be neces.sary for you to add a
small piece to the camera front so as to get the lens farther from the ground
glass. 2. Probably air bubbles or impurities in the hypo. Try a difi'erent
sample of the latter, or u.se a pledget of cotton-wool \vith that which you
are using.
Reflector. — 1. The image thrown on the horizontally placed ground glass
will be of the same dimensions and sharpness as if it were received at the
end of the camera. 2. In taking portraits by the aid of a mirror, as described,
while it would be theoretically better that the silver should be deposited ou
the front of the glass, in practice it is advisable that it should be protected
by the glass, as the double reflection causes no inconvenience, o\ving to the
feebleness of that from the front surface. 3. By bringing the lenses of a
rapid rectilinear nearer together, whether it is done by rackwork or other-
wise, a larger field of illumination will be obtained, at the cxiiense, however,
of roundness of field. We would strongly advise you not to eifect such an
alteration of the mount, especially if the lens be a good one.
A Country Photographer writes : " I have a series of copyright photo-
graphs, and last year gave permission to the editor of a leadmg monthly
publication to reproduce certain of them to illustrate an article in that pub-
lication, under the conditions that my name appeared under each as the
photographer. This was done. I find that this year, in another publication
by tlie same publisher and on a similar subject, these photographs have
again been used, entirely without my knowledge and sanction, and without
my name appearing in any way. Will you advise me as to the best course I
■ can take in the matter '" — It appears to us that you, although having given
permission to use the photographs for a certain purpose, under certain con-
ditions, does not entitle the same or any other person to use them for any
other purpose whatever, except with your permission. Your remedy is to
proceed again.st the parties for infringement of copyright. But, before doing
so, we advise you to consult your solicitor. You can, however, do no harm
'• in writing a formal letter to the offending parties for an explanation.
T. W. Edwards says : " During the past week I have experienced great
trouble with my silver bath, and appeal to you to help me out of the
difficulty. My silver bath has worked well for a considerable time now, and
my batches of prints would tone within twenty minutes, but now I cannot
get them to tone beyond a reddy-brown, bleached-out colour, although I
have tried a new toning bath. Silver bath does not seem to be acid. I
have put carbonate of soda in it, and have filtered also. The solution, after
standing, is quite clear, and I am at a loss to know what can be the matter
with it. My toning bath is the ordinary acetate b,ath, which I have worked
for years wth success. Silver bath I keep up to sixty grains, with kuloin
in it, and add a little carbonate of soda twice a week." — Supposing no
change has been made in the kind of paper used, there is little doubt that
the silver bath is too weak. The argeutometer is not .always a reliable test
with baths that have long been in use. Make up a small quantity of new
bath, sixty grains to the ounce, and sensitise a little paper on that, and see
the result.
S. W. B. writes as follows : ' ' Would you give me an answer to the following
difficulty ? I have three bromide prints, which I value highly, and, as the
negatives have been hopelessly spoilt, I cannot produce copies of them. They
are all of small size (quarter-plate), and, though I nave tried copying them
in the camen-, T can get no satisfactory resujt. Is there any process by
which I can free the film from the paper, and then transfer it to glass ? I
have not dared to try hydrofluoric acid, as I was afraid it might not act on
paper positives." — There ought to be no difficulty in copying the pictures in
the camera. It would be very risky to attempt to strip the gelatine film
from the paper, and, if it could be successfully accomplished, the operation
would be troublesome and to little purpose. Hydrofluoric acid would not
assist. If the prints are unmounted, they might be used, perhaps, for print-
ing on to a dry plate, with a view to making a fresh negative that way. But
the best result will be obtained — and this ought to be nearly eqiial to the
original — by copying the prints in the camera. Try slow plates, and do not
over-expose.
Lettonstone Camera Club.-
3, 10, 17, and 24.
-There will be informal meetings on September
North London Photographic Society.— Next Meeting, Tuesday, Sep-
tember 6. Subject, Comparison of Holiday Work,
The Photographic Society's Exhibition. — Mr. Chapman Jones, the Hon.
Sec, writes: — "Will you kindly remind your readers that Wednesday,
September 14, is the only day for receiving exhibits at the gallery for the
exhibition of the Photographic Society of Great Britain, and that exhibits may
be sent at any time up to September 13 to our agents ? Full details can be
obtained by .application to the Assistant Secretary, 50, Great Kussell-street,
Bloomsburj-, W.C."
OONTBNTS,
Page
celestial photography without
AN EQU.\T0UI.4L 5B1
PHOTO-DYEING 562
ONE LENS FOR ALL ANGLES 562
ACCUK.VTF. exposures 563
THE PHOTOGK.^PHIC SOCIETY'S EX-
HIBITION 665
CONVENTION JOTTINGS.— VI 666
SOMETHING ABOUT SHUTTERS. By
\V. .1, STILLMAN 566
A5IEUICAN WORK AND WORKERS.
Bv CATH.4.R1NE WEED B.U!NEb .... 657
Paox
ROYAL CORNWALL POLYTECHNIC
EXHIBITION.— PHOTOGR.IPHIC DE-
PARTMENT 068
P H O T <) G I! A P H 1 0 I N II U S T R I E S :
Jl E S S K S. ELLIOTTS WORKS,
BAKNET 5f»
OUR EDITORIAL TABLE 570
MEETINGS OK BOCIETIKS 571
RECENT PATENTS 672
COBBKBPONDENCE 67ft
EXCHANGE COLUMN 675
ANSWERS TO OOKBESPONDENIb 67C
THE BEITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1688. Vol. XXXIX.— SEPTEMBER 9, 1892.
AMIDOL.
New developers not infrequently suffer in pnblio estimation
from a failure on the part of their introdncers to indicate with
sufficient exactitude not only the precise nature and the pro-
portions of the developing solutions of which the new substance
is to be a constituent, but also in respect of the great and far-
reaching daisu which are urged on their behalf, without any-
thing more than the results of a few private ex]>eriment8 to
justify or attest them. Naturally inventors are prone to look
upon the efforts of their skill with a favourable eye, a view
which experience has over and over again shown that an im-
partial public has failed to ratify ; and thus perhaps we can
nndentsnd how it is that, m the ease of new developers, the
Tivah ifiaA were confidently expseted to drive pyrogaUol from
the field have ao tu failed to effbet that purpose. This, how-
ever, is no denial of the valuable properties which, under certain
conditions, hydroqnioone, eikonogen, and para-amidophenol un-
doubtedly poassM.
Amirtnl, SO fsT as ws are awan, has not been heralded by
any coMJdwibto flomiih of trurapeU implying that it is to
revolutiaiute df^loptnent ; and thns, whatever the final place
it has to occupy in the photographic formtilary, it will be safe
to coojeetore that it will neither create nor perpetuate a sense
of dinppointiMiit. Early as it it, howevar, we are inclined,
both from onr own and the «xp«ti«oosa of others, to forecast
something more than a traaahorr popolarity for amidol. As
onr readers have already been apprised, it is a developer per $e
— that is, the use of an alkali with it is imnecessary, although
it is only in the pieMUoe of soditmi sulphite, which practically
parfbtma tha oAoe of an aooalenUor, that its full developing
prupertiea find aufficiant loope to be practically utilised. In
onr brief allusion to it of August 12 we indicated the chemical
composition of the new reagent, althoogit possibly that is
BMiely ita theoretical formula, so that, under analysis, it might
give a somewhat different reading of the equation. This,
lM>weT«r, is merely conjecture.
Thote rcspoosible for the introduction of amidol as a com-
■Mreial article in this country are to be congratulated upon
iKviag provided a formula for its employment which, both in
■onr own and others' hands, requires little or no modification in
order that the principal properties of the new develc^ier may
be dednood from esparimeotal osa. It is, in fact, on that
_^ aoeonnt easier to ioatitata comparisons of tlie new substance
H with, for example, pyrogallol, than it was to sccurately oom-
^ft pare hydroqainooe or eikonogen witli that developer. We
^L^ have not fciaid it nsBewary to vary the proportions of the
^B 'Stock Mention of 30 parts amidol, 200 parta sodium sulphite,
I
I
in 1000 parts of water, with which our first trial of the
developer was made, and can therefore recommend tlioae of
our readers to adhere to these proportions.
The first question which arises in considering the properties
of a new developer is, what are its advaiitages or disadvantages
as compared with pyrogallol — still, in all probability, the
standard developer for negative work, and probably the most
effective 1 We may at once state that amidol, practically con-
sidered, has no discoverable disadvantage compared with pyro-
gallol, while as to its positive properties we are disposed to
consider it as perhaps the most dangerous rival which pyro-
gallol has thus far had to encounter. Used in a strength of
three parts of water to one of the stock solution above de-
scribed, its rapidity of action upon a correctly exposed plate is
remarkable, weakening by dilution appearing neither to retard
its rapidity nor decrease its energy of attack in anything like
the same degree as with other developers. Used without
bromide, however, it appears to us to have a tendency to set
up a surface veil, even with correctly timed negatives and
development retarded by dilution, and thus we find the in-
variable employment of a small quantity of bromide — about
one-eighth of a grain to the ounce — as decidedly advisable
of course increasing the qnsmtity as development progresses
in accordance with requirements.
With that small addition of bromide, the image has all the
best characteristics of one developed with pyrogallol in col-
laboratiou with an alkaline carbonate, the finer details being
perfectly rendered, while the control of density is so thorough
j that, given proper exposure, with a developing solution such as
we have specified, practically any degree of intensity is obtain-
able with little prolongation of development beyond the normal
1 period. Dried negatives very closely resemble pyro-developed
, elickiit in colour, but are much clearer and freer fix>m stains,
inasmuch as the solution undergoes little, if any, discolouration
\ during use. Indeed, we have le!^ some in an open graduate
for several hours without observing any change in its appear-
{ ance, although at the end of a day a rapid degradation of colour
supervened, with, at the same time, an almost total loss of
developing power. On the other hand, amidol's conservation
of developing energy in a solution in actual use is exceptional,
for, in submitting ten plates to the action of one developing
solution, we found that the differfnce in time occupied by the
first and tenth plates was so small as to be neglected. In
brief, amidol appears to render vigorous, yet liarmonious and
soft, negatives of a pyro-like character, with the advantiges
that it is quicker, cleaner, more energetic, and more economical
than the older reagent.
578
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September 9, 1892
Without goiug 80 far as to class amidol as a universal
deyeloper, we are persuaded that it has great possibilities for
paper positives, inasmuch as on bromide paper it j-ielded us
results quite the equal of those given by eikonogen,.that is,
the colour of the image was of a warm black, with the shadows
free from clogginess, and it did not discolour the whites. For
lantern slides it scarcely appears so well suited, since, while the
colour of the deposit is not so rich as is generally desired, it
seems a little difficult to escape a certniu veil which detracts
somewhat from the brilliancy of this class of picture. j^^We do
not doubt, however, that further experience will obviate these
slight defects.
On the whole, we lean to the opinion that amidol is a valuable
addition to modem developers, with certain advantages of its
own, which place it at least on an equality with each or any of its
rivals at their best. A point greatly in its favour is its easy
solubility in water, and it should, in conclusion, be pointed
out, that not only is the addition of alkalies needless, but that
the latter practically destroy the developing properties of the
amidol-sulphite solution, while as restrainers thejorganic acids
sometimes used for that purpose have no advantage over plain
potassium bromide.
FINISHING GELATINE PRINTS.
Few of those who regularly employ gelatino-bromide or chloride
papers have become so completely diverted from the old style
of albumen print, with its glassy surface, as to be satisfied with
the comparatively rough surface of the modem gelatine print,
for small work at least, when it is not glazed or finished by
transfer from a glass or other polished surface. At the same
time, many complain of a difiiculty in securing the necessary
finish, and speak in unkind terms, consequently, of an other-
wise satisfactory style of print.
And yet the process of enamelling or glazing the prints is
one of the simplest and easiest it is possible to have to perform
if only a few plain rules and precautions are observed, for
which reason we are inclined to think that at least the greater
part of the trouble complained of is due to some carelessness
on the part of those concerned, or possibly to a want of know-
ledge of the details of the process. In the latter belief, there-
fore, we propose to give simple details of the manipulations in
the most practical methods of procedure.
The old style of enamelling silver prints consisted in cementing
the prints in contact with a collodicnised sheet of plate glass,
from which, when dry, it was stripped, bringing with it the
£lm of collodion, and presenting a surface equal in brilliancy to
.that of the glass itself. In the more modern methods the
preliminary film of collodion has been dispensed with, and, the
poUshed surface of glass or other material having been suitably
prepared, the print is squeegeed directly into contact with it
and left to dry, when it can be stripped with the greatest ease
and cai-rits a surface little, if at all, inferior to that obtained
w'.ieu collodioii is employed. !;
It need sc:u niy be said that the older and more elaborate
taethod is the superior so far as stability of result is concerned,
or that the cuJl-uJion film adds materially to the permanence of
the photoyra;,h itself by forming a transparent protective layer
on its ex],jse4 surface. Where the extra trouble is of no conse-
quence, therefore, that method will, no doubk, be adopted, but
for ordina-j purposes the simpler plan will usually answer
every reqii rement.
Brieflj, the method
as employed with albumen prints con-
sisted in bringing the two surfaces of albumen and collodion
into intimate contact, each having first received a coating of
colourless and clarified gelatine to cause perfect adherence.
With gelatine prints the procedure is identical, except that in
many instances the adhesive may be omitted. This is more
especially the case with " printing-out " papers whose gelatine
surfaces, being mostly unhardened by either alum or the action
of development, prove sufficiently adhesive in themselves with-
out any extraneous acid. With developed prints, and in some
cases witli the undeveloped, where alum has been used in the
manufacture of the films, it will be found safer to employ the
adhesive, in order to be certain that the surfaces shall adhere
in every part, a thin solution of gelatine answering the
purpose.
The first step in the process consists in thoroughly cleaning
the glass, which should be perfectly free from scratches or flaws,
each of which would be faithfully reproduced on the surfaces of
the print. The cleaning is done with alkali, followed by copious
washing in clean water, after which the glass is dried and
polished with a soft linen rag. In place of glass it is now the
practice frequently to substitute sheets of polished ebonite or
ferrotype plates, which have the advantage, partly owing to
their flexibility, that they allow the prints to strip more easily.
These must be as scrupulously cleaned as the glass.
The final treatment of the temporary support, previous to
collodionising, is to polish with a solution of wax in benzole,
chloroform, or ether, or, as many, including ourselves, prefer,
with powdered talc or French chalk. The wax solution is
made by dissolving a small quantity of pure beeswax in one or
other of the solvents named, which must be perfectly free
from grease. A little of this solution is poured on to the glass
or other support, and rubbed well into the surface, and then
polished off with an old silk handkerchief, If French chalk be
used, it must be dusted pretty freely over the surface, and then
polished off until no traces of it are visible.
The collodion to be next applied is made by dissoiviug frorn
six to eight grains of good soluble gun-cotton in an ounce of
a mixture of equal parts of alcohol and ether. A suitable
sample of gun-cotton can be obtained for net more than a
shilling the ounce ; methylated ether of s. g. •720 is the correct
thing to use, and we have found no detriment to arise from the
employment of the new " mineralised " methylated spirit, pro-
vided its strength is not lower than •825. The collodion is
poured on to the glass or other support in the ordinarj- manner,
allowed to set, and then immersed in water until the latter
flows freely and erenly over the surface without apparent
greasiness ; it i» then ready to receive the print.
In the case of the softer kinds of printing-out paper, no
preparation of the surface of the print is necessary, all that is
required being to bring print and collodionised glass into
contact while both are under water, so that no air bubbles are
enclosed between the two surfaces. On drawing them out
of the water bath, simple pressure beneath several 'folds of
blotting-paper will ensure perfect adhesion, or, if preferred, the
isqueegee may be used. If the gelatine surfiice of the print has
been hardened by alum, or by development, it will be advisable
to apply an adhesive, which may consist of a ten-grain solution
of gelatine, of course used warm. The print having been
floated on this solution, and a plentiful supply of the latter
having been poured on to the collodionised glass, the two sur-
faces must be brought together in such a manner as to avoid
air bubbles, and the surplus gelatine squeezed out by means of
the squeegee, and the whole then left to dry.
September 9, 1892]
THJ:; BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
579
When the simpler plan is oaed, and the collodion film dis-
pensed with, success depends principally upon the proper
preparation of the surface of the print. The support, and in
this case ebonite or ferrotype plate is preferable to glass, is
prepared in the same manner as before, up to and including
the polishing with wax or talc. The print is prepared by a
thorough " aluming," that is to say, it must be immersed for
some minutes in a saturated solution of alum, followed by a
good washing, after which it is brought into contact with the
prepared support, under water as before, and otherwise treated
as already directed. Should the gelatine surface exhibit any
tendency to adhesiveness, the two surfaces may be brought
together in a mixture of equal parts of alcohol and water,
which, by further hardoning the gelatine, will destroy its
tendency to stick.
The prints, when quite dry, will strip easily from the support
if a narrow strip be cut ofiF each edge with a sharp knife,
which is then inserted under one comer of the picture, and
then stripped off by means of a firm and steady pull.
As the glaze is lost if the print be damped after stripping,
it is necessary to mount it while still in contact with the
support, or to make arrangements for its mounting without
loss of gloss. In the first case the flexible support proves
extremely convenient. The print is trimmed to size in tttu
and carefully covered with monntant, the mount itself being
then placed in position, and the whole put under gentle
pressure until dry, when mount and temporary support are
eaafly separated. If the mounting is to be performed after
stripping, it will be necessary to apply to the back of the print
by means of gelatine, while still on the support, one or two
thidcaesses of even white paper. This will convert the print
when stripped into a sort of thin oardboanl, which will admit
of the edges bemg tipped with gelatine, and the print mounted
without cockling or kas of gloss.
A very neat method of roountiag we saw in practice some
time sgo is worth desoribing. A number of ferrotype plates,
having been cut to the esaet size of the i>rint when mounted,
were cleaned and prepared by polishing with ordinary vaseline.
The prints, having been squeegeed in contact, were trimmed
down to the size of the supports by means of scissors, and
while still damp the mountant was applied, and the prints
with their supports placed in position on the mounts, and
pnasnre applied until dry. The flexible ferrotype plate was
then eaaily removed, leaving the print with a beautifully
• 11 imelled surface. The ose of vaseline appeared to us to be a
valuable improvement upon either wax solution or powdere<l
talc.
♦
PHOTO-ZIXCOGR.\PHY.
From remarks we from time to time hear, and from queries
received of late, with reference to photo-nnoography, it is clear
that not a few are under quite a misconception as to what is
photo^ineography. The queries, ss put, more often than not
refer to another process in which zinc forms the printing
matrix. What is so often confVised with photo-zincography is
the zinc etching, or, as it is more frequently termed in the
trade, the "sinco" process. The two processes are totally
diflhnnt both in principle and in practice. The one is for
the pmdoetioQ of Uooks in relief for printing in the typo-
graphic prtm, whereas the other is a mrface-printing metho<I
by which the impressioiu are obtained after the manner of
lithography. With a view to clearing away this confusion, we
shall give a brief description of the photo-zincographic process
proper, when it will be seen how widely separated it is from
the process with which it is so often confounded, even by some
who work it or ai-e experimenting with it, while, at tlie same
time, it will also be st*u how very closely photo-zincography is
iUlied to photo-lithography.
It may be explained at once that the practice of photo-
zincography, like that of photo-lithography, is principally con-
fined to line subjects. The former process, it may also be
mentioned, is not worked commercially, or ever has been, to
the same extent as the latter. Why this is the case it is
somewhat difficult to surmise, unless it be that this class of
work has principally gone into the hands of lithographers who
were more ftuniliar with the mauipulatiou of stone than zinc.
It is quite conceivable, however, tliat haJ the commercial
working of the process iu the first instance been taken up, as
it really ought to have been, by photographers, as the essential
parts of it are purely photographic, the metal would have
been preferred to stone. The process is, however, extensively
employed for the production of maps, and for other purposes
where fineness and delicacy of detail are necessary. All our
ordnance maps, for instance, in which, of course, extreme fine •
ness is an essential, are produced by this process, and so are
those of some foreign and colonial governments.
Zincography, like lithography, as most are aware, is based
upon the antagonism of grease and water, and that the
first thing to do is to obtain the photographic imiige, whatever
it may be, in a greasy material. For this purpose advantage
is taken of chromated colloid substances, which it is tolerably
well known to all our readers become insoluble, or non-
absorbent of water, on exposure to light. In the early days of
this class of work the sensitive body was applied to the metal
or stone, and that exposed direct behind the negative. This
system obviously was attended with great disadvantages.
Pressure frames containing large metal plates or stones were,
it is needless to say, very inconvenient to handle, and, more-
over, a difficulty was found in getting perfect contact with all
portions of the image. After a time this, system wns aban-
doned for the transfer method — the one now universally
employed.
There are several different ways of producing the transfers,
each of which has its advocates, though all are based upon the
same principle. One method is to coat a tine surface paper
with albumen, gam arable, or other similar substance, or a
mixture of two or more of them, containing bichromate of
potash or ammonia. When this coating is dry, the paper is
exposed behind the negative until a strong image is obtained
on the pale yellow ground. The paper is then coated
unifonnly with a fatty ink. Specially prepared photo transfer
ink is now supplied by all large dealers in printing materials, and
this thinned with turpentine answers very well, though some
workers still prefer to make their own transfer ink. After
inking, the paper is floated on cold water, which dissolves the
coating where the light has not acted, bringing the ink away
with i» and leaving the design perfect in ink on the hardened
colloid material.
In place of employing gtmi or substances soluble in cold
water, gelatine is more generally used. It always is at the
Ordnance Survey Office, Southampton. When the imago is
printed and the paper inked up, it is floated on tepid water
until the unacted-upon-by-light portions swell up, then
the coating is treated with hot water to dissolve them with the
ink away. Hence the same end is arrived at as when albumen
580
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September 9, 1892
or its analogues are used — namely, the lines in greasy ink on
a hardened colloid body with bare paper for a ground.
Instead of treating the inked-up print, after soaking in cold
water, with hot water, the ink is by some workers removed
from the unexposed portions by gently rubbing with a soft
sponge or brush and copiously washing with water. When the
unacted-upon gelatine becomes saturated with water, it has
no longer any affinity for the greasy matter, while those
portions that have been exposed to light still hold it
tenaciously. Hei-e is another method. In place of inking up
the print direct as it is taken from the negative, it is soaked
in cold water and then blotted as dry as possible. Then
the ink is applied, when it adheres only where the light acted.
It will be seen that in the two latter methods the colloid film
remains intact on the paper, while in the former ones it exists
only where it has been modified by light.
With regard to the application of the ink to the exposed
film, there are several ways of doing this. Some prefer to use
a dabber, some a soft roller, such as the velvet roller, while
others apply an even layer of the ink, in the first instance, to a
zinc plate or a lithographic stone, and then pass the un-
developed print several times through the litho press in contact
with it. By whatever means the fatty image is obtained, the
after-operations of transferring and printing are the same.
After the transfer has been dried it is placed between sheets
of damp blotting-paper until it has become quite moist. A
zinc plate, that has been planished and finely ground, and
made perfectly clean, is placed on the bed of a lithographic
press. The moistened transfer is then laid upon it with a few
sheets of paper as a backing. The whole is then passed several
times through the press, the pressure being increased each
time. Next the back of the transfer is wetted with water and
the paper taken ofi^, leaving the ink forming the image firmly
adherent to the plate. After washing with water, to remove
any adherent fibres of paper, the surface of the zinc is treated
with dilute phosphoric acid, gum arabic, and nut galls in water.
After remaining on for a few seconds this is washed off, and the
plate is ready for inking up and printing from, either in a hand
or a power press, just as if it were a lithographic stone.
•• From the above brief description it will be seen how widely
different is photo-zincography proper from what is commonly
known as the " zinco process," and also how closely it is allied
throughout all its manipulations to photo-lithography, so much
so, that it becomes practically identical with it, except that
metal is employed in place of stone.
Mention was made in an early part of this article that
zincogi-aphy is less extensively employed in commercial work
than lithography. This may possibly, to an extent, be ac-
counted for by the fact that less skill is required in printing
from stone than from zinc ; though it is claimed for the metal
that in skilled hands it yields finer and more delicate results
than can be obtained from the stone.
Camera Club. — The winter indoor meetings of the Camera
Club will recommence early in October, when a new E.\Mbition of
photographs will be opened. It is intended to gather two or three
examples from each of a number of prominent photographers, to be
selected as far as possible by the exhibitors themselves from recent work.
The ■premises of the Club are at present in course of redecoration.
The Admiralty and Scientific Expeditions.— We are
sorry to hear a rumour that the Admiralty have refused to render any
assistance in carrying the observers and instruments for which the
Royal Society made application some time ago to further the observ-
ations of the total solar eclipse in Senegambia nest April. W&
presume, if the rumour be correct, there will be no expedition.
A Strong- Solution of Ammonia. — The common aqueous
solutions of ammonia are suificient for all ordinary purposes, but
cases arise where an alcoholic solution is needed. The drawback to this
latter is the fact that it contains so much less ammonia than the
aqueous solutions. Thus, at 58° F.,an alcoholic solution of eighty per
cent, (and that is weaker than ordinary rectified spirit) will only hold
nineteen per cent., while the familiar solution contains, when of full
strength, over thirty-two per cent. Methyl alcohol, however, dissolves
an enormous quantity. According to M. J. Delepine, he states in a
technical journal tliat a purified commercial alcohol containing less than
three per cent, of acetone dissolves forty per cent, of its weight.
Photographs of Sees.— Mr. T. E. Freshwater recently
showed us several of his excellent photographs of bees, which, while
undoubtedly of peculiar interest to bee-keepers, are of scarcely less
account from a purely photographic standpoint. The photographs, of
wliich there are several, illustrate various phases of bee culture as
conducted by Mr. Broughton Carr, a well-known apiarian, such as
hiving, catching the queen, and many other operations involving the
manipulation of a swarm of bees, numbering probably many thou-
sands. A set of lantern slides has also been prepared, which, judging
by the well-defined appeaiance of the masses of bees under the mag-
nifier, should be highly successful on the screen. We understand
that the photographs have aroused much interest among the members
of the British Bee-keepers' Association. One of them shows a number
of bees crawling over Mr. Carr's hand.
Cyanide of Potassium.— Dr. Kayser, of Nuernberg, recently
read a paper on this substance before a meeting of the Free Associa-
tion of "Bavarian Representatives of Applied Chemistry," which,
though not specially photographic in substance, is yet interesting as
increasing our knowledge of a well-known chemical. He states that
the so-caUed potassium cyanide of commerce usually contains a very
large proportion of sodium cyanide. He points out that this impurity
is of technical importance in preparing galvanic gold baths, the-
potassium auro-cyanide being very soluble, while the sodium salt is
sparingly so. The query presents itself, what would be the effect of
a greatly over-printed silver print strongly toned with gold, and then
submitted to the action of cyanide of sodium alone ? lu the new
edition of Watt's Chemistry, the auro-potassium cyanide is described,,
but the sodium salt is merelv referred to.
Wire Glass. — Under this name a new material has been put
upon the market, and there seems no reason why it should not be used
for many photographic purposes if it can be turned out of the required
substance and clearness. The process of manufacture consists in
f lurnishlng glass in a hot, plastic state with a flexible metalHc layer — ■
iron wire netting, for instance — which is completely enclosed by the
vitreous substance, and effectively protected against exterior influences,
as rust, &c. The new glass is very strong and tough: it may be
heated to a high degree, and then sprinkled with cold water without
being materially damaged. The glass has been successfully applied to
the manufacture of hollow glassware, it being particularly suitable
for maldng vessels which liave to be subjected to rough usage. Such
vessels, if not too costly, should be most suitable for dark-room use,,
where the usual glass measure meets so often with disaster.
Stellar BXagrnitudes. — The question of star magnitudes is
one of paramount importance in the great work of the universal star
map, of which we have heard so much, and the method of ascertain-
ing these magnitudes has given rise to much discussion, not to say
controversy. In the Asironomicrd Journal, No. 200, the results of
Mr. J. M. Schaeberle's work is given, and ho has adopted a method
differing considerably from those used by former observers. In his-
Sapmber 9, 1S9-2]
THE HRmSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
681
plan tb« photographic magnitude of a aUr for any exposure time is
expreaed " aa a fraction of the theoretioal aperture which a standard
ate (BoUait in this eaaa) tronld require to make the same impression
on tha plate in the same time.*' The particular form which the ex-
pressioo, as obtained from thia inreatigatioD, assumes enables the
obserrer, after having aoc« adofrted the photof^phic magnitude of
the standard star, to determine the tbaoi«tical pbotopraphic nia^^tude
of any other star without any reference at all to the visuaL
magnitude.
Dark-room Ueasores. — In the direction of measores for
dark-cooai work, there have, for aome time past, been before the
pubfie theaa articles, oonstmeted of white glass, with a slip of clear
glass for noting the oontants. Oar own expeneGoa of them is not
feTomrabk. They oaitainly an not readDy loat or lost tight of in the
dim li^t of the rooB; bat, iinlaaa the Hgfat be strong, it ia not easy to
iiMiMiiio the oontenta whaa pouiiiig any Kqnid into them. The wire-
^aaa reaaeb jnst maaiioBad woold be very aaefnl made jug shape
ami with ooane gradnatioiia. Clear white ghaa jnga graduated to
half-pints are now purchaaahle, and are Terr useful for mixing
batches al Uqoid, but in the Kvwnga dark room are difficult to see
when lying about, and are thus apt to get ksoeked and Imoken. A
plan for treating measures, before daauibad in thaae pages, consisting
of painting a rim of white paint aroand them, might with advantage
be earned oat with these laigtr jagas We woold aoggaat a white
rim roond the outer margin or month, one ronnd the middle of the
jug, a complete coating o( paint eovering the whole bottom ol the jog
— all outaide, of coone. One photographer of our aeqauatanee nsea
the aartheBwara medicine meaiona tot email qnantitiea, aa being
man nodily teen. It haa been a^n^eeled by a waD-known paolae
aional that white anrtheanran jn^ broad-oMothed, and marked
innde like the emaO madid na glaaaea bat only with half or quarter-
pints, woold be rery Taloahle, and tn an incline to think with him,
aa, when pinta and quarta al wdhtlam an dealt with, the graduation
would soiSee, and the comnmimm mi ready TiaiUlity ^ a white
Teaeel with a handle need not be dhti
b
CHLORroE PRCrnXG-OlT PAPERS-COLLODION AND
GELATINE.*
n.
AxOMOar the ^fhwt mnkaa at eoanneraal gelatino-chloride paper
than b (oond a oauidaeahle diflaranoe in keeping qoalities ; indeed,
the same branda an oftaa foond to rary prettf materially in this
napaet, ahhoo^ not to the aano extent. This naok may be, and
moat Bkaly ia, doe to Tariationa in fonanla; bat not wholly so, for the
amoont al moiaton in the paper, or iU slate of drynees when first
padted, ftaima parimpa the moat faaportant element in deciding iu
■teeiping fonlitiaai
In the matter cf petaHMOoa or capacity for rwtoiiiiiig ila quaUty
unchanged, galatino-dikiMe printing-oat paper dilbn vary materially
from plataa or, indeed, from any fibaa on whatvrw aapport — glass,
paper, or caUuktid— that an intaoded for derolopment The latter
contain only insofaiUe ailvat ealta, being, if properly prepared, freed
aa peifeetly as poaaibia boon all other mattere of a soluble nature, in-
obdBag, of eooiaa, the dceompoaition salu formed in the proceas of
amwMWfation. In the printii^^Mit papers, however, then exist, in
■AfitioB to the sOver <^k>ride and poasibfy other haloid, Tatyiog pro-
portioaa of soluble aaha of aQTer, (ne add, aa well as the whole of
the aolahle nitntee and dtratae formed in the emnUon ; and it is
worthy of BOla that moat of thaae, aapoeially the dtratae, an of a
highly hypoaeopie naton, and oonseqoMtly extremely prone to cause
the aaadtnre paper to abaorb mdcture, if the chance arises.
The naesaaity for thoroughly drying the paper in the firat place,
1 of pggking it in such a way as to aecun it from damp afterwards,
'be patent ; but, such precantions having been taken, there
■aena no laaaoo why the gelatino-cbbiride paper* aboold not keep their
paity of tint naehanged for an indefinite period. I am led to this
caachidan fiom hariif aotiead frequently durintr the past few years
that a gtlatiao-ehlattda emnldon, although containing a cooaidmUe
excess of silver nitrate, never seems to^discolour with keeping so long
as it remains at a normal temperature, or, at least, is not frequently
heated to much above 100° Fahr. It may become permanently fluid
from decomposition of the gelatine, though even in this respect it is
not so liable to change as an ordinary negative emulsion, but it will
continue to exhibit for months the delicate bluish-white tint of the
pure citro-chloride emulsion, or the more creamy-white conferred by
some of the other organic silver salts, without the slightest degrada-
tion. I make the reservation I have done with regard to temperature
because some of the organic silver salts, as well as the carbonate, are
subject to spontaneous discolouration if the temperature be raised
very few degrees above the melting point of the emulsion ; indeed, it
is almost impossible to keep an emulsion containing carbonate of
fcilver liquid for any length of time without causing discolouration.
The fact of the keeping capacity of the emulsion itself is, of course,
evidence in favour of the permanence of the paper, though it does not
follow as a matter of necessity that the coated paper will keep as
well as the emulsion itself. The latter, however it may be preserved
in bulk, is, as a matter of course, protected and kept free from im-
purities and foul air, except perhaps on its surface. The body of the
emulsion has only the action of its constituents upon one another
to reckon upon, whereas, when it is spread upon paper, there are
the possible impurities of the paper as weU as atmospheric influences
to he taken into account ; and, looking at the hygroscopic character
of the emulsion itself, the chances are greatly in favour of such
accidental ii>fluences asserting themselves to their utmost power.
In preparing the emulsion, then, with a view to the keeping qualities
of the coat^ p>per, every care should be taken to avoid as far as
poasiUe thoee conditions that tend to give it a hygroscopic character.
The requirements^of the printing-out film make it impossible to alto-
gether avoid the tendency ; indeed, a certain amount of dampness, or
rather a slight departmre from a condition of absolute desiccation,
appears to be a neoeadty in this as in some other printing processes.
Hut, at least, the hygroaoopic tendencies may be kept down as low as
may be compatible with proper printing quality ; and, in speaking of
those, I refer also to other conditions, such as free silver, which, com-
bined \iith the presence of moisture, lead to the deterioration of the
aeodtive film.
The gelatino-chloride emuldon for " printing out," as usually com-
pounded, contdns besides chloride of silver a certain proportion of
citrate, free nitrate of silver, free dtric add, together with the pro-
ducts of the decomposition that goes on in emulsification, namely,
alkaline nitiatea, and, in many cases, alkaline citrates, the latter being
used in too large a proportion. Now, of these,^ree at least possess
decidedly hygrosooiac tendendes, namely, the citric add and alkaline
citrates, as well as the soluble alkaline nitrates — at least, those usually
present, those of ammonium and sodium. The nitrate of silver, by its
presence and ready solubility, is always a danger to the keeping of the
paper, while the citric add exercises a very dmilar action to that
already mentioned in treating of coUodio-chlorido, in causing the
emulsion to become thick and ropy, and eventually to altogether lose
its fluent properties. It should therefore be the endeavour to reduce
the proportions of each of these to the lowest limit possible.
The ideal printing-out emulsion is usually supposed to consist of
chloride of silver as tho baais, with just such a proportion of silver
dtrate and nitrate as will confer rigour and colour, and dtric add to
make it keep. The remaining soluble 'constituents are " necessary
evils ' which in thelreally " ideal '' emulsion might be dispensed with
if it were poaeible. Such an emulsion might poeubly be formed by
emulsifying predpitated dtrate of silver and adding hydrochloric acid,
to convert the neceaeary proportion of diver into chloride, citric acid
fann? ^t the same time liberated, while it would only remain to add
tlTe' requidte quantity of free nitrate of silver to complete the emulsion.
I have, in fact, made such an emuldon, but unfortunately it possesses
none of the qualities of colour that are required, hence we may steer
dear of the theoretical idea.
Citrate of silver, we are told in the text books, is thrown down as a
white predpitate on mudng solution of nitrate of silver and an alkaline
dtrate, from which it is assumed that citrate of silver is insoluble in
wat«r. How far this suppodtion is correct may be proved by mixing
moderately strong solutions of nitrate of silver and citrate of potash,
when it will be found that, though a dense white predpitate is formed
582
THE BRITISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY,
[September 9, 1892-
at first, it is quickly dissolved on agitating the mixture, either partially
or whoUy, according to the degree of concentration. As a matter of
fact, citrate of silver is freely soluble in -water, especially when warm,
and this partly accounts for the extreme translucency of citro-chloride
emulsions, even when they contain a large proportion of silver. To
prepare and collect citrate of silver by precipitation from aqueous
solution is therefore practically out of the question. It may be
obtained, though with much trouble, by precipitating alcoholic solu-
tions ; but the best plan consists in dissolving freshly precipitated
oxide of silver by boiling in alcoholic solution of citric acid until the
brown colour is entirely removed, decanting the clear liquid and
washing the white precipitate with fresh alcohol. Citrate of silver, it
may be said, is not discoloured by heat, for which reason I prefer it to
any of the other organic salts of silver.
If any reader should desire to try the ideal plan of compounding the
emulsion, that is to say, of starting with an emulsion containing only
chloride and citrate of silver, the following will, I think, be the best
way of doing it. First of all, prepare two separate emulsions, one of
pure chloride, the other of pure citrate of silver. The first is easily
made by Monckhoven's process, with carbonate of silver and hydro-
chloric acid ; the second by emulsifying or dissolving citrate of silver,
prepared as directed above, definite quantities of silver being used in
each case. In this manner it will be possible to prepare, by mixing
suitable proportions of each of the separate emulsions, one of citro-
chloride, in which the quantities of the two silver salts bear any
desired relation to one another, and it will thus be perfectly easy to
study the efEects produced by varying the proportions, while keeping
clear of any complications brought about by the presence of any of the
other salts usually existing in an emulsion prepared in the ordinary way.
Such an emulsion, in its simplicity, would be of little practical use
for picture-making, but, as a means of studying the relative efifects
upon sensitiveness and vigour of image produced by increasing the
proportions of one or other of the ingredients, it proves invaluable ;
and, by the subsequent addition of other of the materials already
mentioned as necessary in the finished emulsion, the requisite pro-
portions of the different salts for an emulsion of any kind could soon
be arrived at with accuracy. Thus we know that gelatino-chloride
paper can be prepared to suit either dense or thin negatives as may be
required, to give dense, vigorous images, or the reverse ; in fact, to
smt any particular class of circumstances or any. kind of work. These
variations are mainly produced by modifying the proportions of the
sensitive salts and the free silver to one another, and to the gelatine
in which they are suspended, while the colour of the image, and its
susceptibility to toning agents, depend more particularly on the soluble
silver salt, and the presence of a certain proportion of moisture and
acid. The keeping qualities of the emulsion and film are supposed to
be dependent on the presence of free acid, and to some extent this
may be the case ; but on that point I shall have more to say later on.
With regard to free silver, it is usually supposed that an excess of
nitrate of silver is a sine qua non, but, heterodox though it may seem
to say so, I am strongly of opinion that this is not the case. The
function of the free or soluble silver is to form an organic compound
with the gelatinous basis of the emulsion, a compound which plays
the double part of giving vigour and colour to the image while tlie
inorganic element gives sensitiveness. Bearing this in view, and also
the fact of the solubility of citrate of silver in water or in solution of
gelatine, it is not unreasonable to believe that the latter salt can be
made to perform all the functions of free nitrate, while it is not so
liable, by reason of its lower degree of solubility, to enter into
dangerous combination, either in the emulsion itself or with any im-
purities in the paper or other support. True, we may expect the relative
actions of the nitrate and citrate to differ at least in degree, and
perhaps also somewhat in character, but in the main we may expect
somewhat similar behaviour from them. In proof of this it is possible
to make an emulsion in wliich there is not a particle of unconverted
nitrate of silver, and which still yet prints in every way as well as
any of the commercial papers now procurable.
The lower degree of solubility of the citrate of silver, which renders
it less susceptible to the influence of accidental moisture, cannot fail
to react on the uniformity and keeping qualities of the dried film, and
on that account, if no other, it may be put forward as a recommendation
to eschew the use of free silver altogether.
Turning to the question of free acid, here again I am constrained to
express the opinion that for the purpose of increasing the keeping
qualities of the film it is entirely unnecessary if the film be properly
dried and protected from damp. I am not prepared to deny that, in
case these conditions be neglected, a trace of free acid may be an im-
provement, my contention simply being that it is not a necessary ii
improvement ; while, as in another direction it exercises a deleterious
action, it is as well to dispense with it if possible. I have never
managed to make a sufficiently accurate and extended trial of the
relative keeping quaUties of acid and neutral papers, but I have in my
possession at the present time emulsions that have never contained
free acid, and one which is actually alkaline, and, though several
months old — probably eight or nine— not one of them has shown the
least sign of discolouration. This is surely evidence in favour of my
contention that under proper conditions acid is necessary.
Many people are under the impression that, by adding citric acid
to an emulsion containing free nitrate of silver, citrate of silver is
formed ; but such is not the case. It is difficult to say what is the
precise state of affairs ; but, though an effect is produced which
slightly resembles that of actual citrate of silver, it is very certain
that citrate is not formed. One result, however, of the addition of
the citric acid is to cause the emulsion to be very thick and to set at
a very low temperature, or at least to become so thick, unless a high
temperature is maintained, as to render it impossible to spread it
evenly upon either paper or glass. If, however, a few drops of dilute
ammonia be added to such an emulsion, it at once becomes thinner or
more fluent, while the film produced by it is proportionately denser
or richer in colour. This is owing to the fact that the ammonia
brings about the actual combination of the citric acid and silver,
together with nitrate of ammonia as a by-product ; the effect is, in fact,
tantamount to the substitution of citrate of ammonia for citric acid
in sensitising.
If an excess of ammonia be added, the emulsion not only becomes
very fluid, but also almost transparent, owing to the silver chloride-
and citrate being dissolved by the ammonia, a very small quantitv of
which is necessary. Such an emulsion, though it gives a thin and
perfectly transparent film on glass, renders rich, vigorous, and nice-
coloured images on paper, and, as already stated, possesses good
keeping qualities.
The hygroscopic matter forms an item of minor interest, since it is
possible to give the desired or requisite degree of moisture to any
kind of printing paper by means of a few minutes' exposure to our
moist atmosphere. If, however, it be decided to make provision for
the necessary moisture, it is far the better plan to let it take the form
of one of the alkaline nitrates, which, while performing the duty
under discussion, also acts favourably on the colour and printing
quality of the emulsion, and has a less tendency to discolour the
paper than have the alkaline citrates, or glycerine, sugar, and similar
additions that have been proposed.
I am far from recommending the " ideal " plan of concocting ther
emidsion for practical purposes, for a satisfactory printing emulsion is
far more easily prepared with nitrate of silver and a soluble chloride
and citrate in the ordinary way when the precise proportions are
arrived at. But what I particularly desire to point out is the fact
that free silver, in the form of nitrate, and excess of acid, especially
citric, are entirely unneeded. If an acid must be used in the free
state, I should substitute acetic or nitric for the generally employed
citric.
CONVENTION JOTTINGS.— VII.
A Run throug-h Some of tbe Scotch Studios.
John Stuart (Buchanan-street, Glasgow).
OuE next visit was to our old friend, Mr. John Stuart, 120, Buchanan-
street, Glasgow. The beginning of his career in the field of the art-
science dates back to the days when photographers were fewer, and the
demand for pictures was greater, because the producers were limited.
Collodion was then in the ascendant. And in those days really one
had to earn his bread by the sweat of his brow, when compared'
with the easy manipulations of to-day; but most of the early en-
thusiasts and workers have died out — only here and there we come
upon one who holds his own, and works on in the photography of to-day
J
September 9, 1892J
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOl'OGRAPHY.
683
irith as mucii teat as they did in that of former times. Mr. Stuart is
one of thoM, aad he stands in the position of having within himself
the aeeanialated experience of all the changes from that time right on
till now.
In the moat fashionable street of the city Mr. Stuart's place is
aitliste«l, and his showrooms are fumbhed and adapted for a high-
cbMS ehentile. Large pictures, highlv finished, on draped easels;
pMwl pictares, fitted in Mora stands, from small panel up to the
laigeat size : platinum work, from cabinet up to life size, and every
Twriety of modem picture will be found amongst the showroom
decoratioos. Prominent amoiif^ a vast variety of excellent work are
the flashlight pictures from IS x llMown to cabinet size. We have had
otettion to note tfaia claaa d picture before, it having been a speciality
of Hi. Stuart's for some time. After inapeeting a much larger variety of
■objects on this virit, we cam but repeat what we have formerly stated,
tliat tit. Stuart's flaahBght pictoias, taking them all round, are
■mongst the very best we have ever teen. "The " at-home " pictures,
where the families, grouped in their drawing or dining-rooms, are
Arranged and preed with telling effect, and the exposure, which is
inatantaDeooa, with/-12 stop, is quite fully exposed and well lighted,
without any of the black shadows that are so oiften to be seen in flash-
light prodoctions. The silver prints in the 13 x 10 flashlight pictures
are of a warm brown tone, with an enamel surface, which tends to
Impart to them a liquid fine effect. Maay of those we inspected were
figMied in platinum, and certainly w« consider them the most artistic
fiaiah ; at the tame time we have no hesitation in saying that the
enamel prints will still be the more popular with the general
public.
But Mr. Stuart was aaying that platinum-finished work in large
heads and busts has talKn tb* plaoa, to a great extent, of the oil-painted
portraits that have been so nany year* in favour, and that a quieter
style of finish is rapidly gaining grooad.
In his bnainata carbon opab are much more in demand than the
bromide opal, and be encoungea this, as he feels that the carbon is
really the moeh more permaaeBt of the two.
He has been working all nakaa of the gelatine chloride paper, and
for a eoMidaraUe time be favooiad the pink-tint«d in preference to
white. The pink be found very good and uniform for some time
ffter its introduction, but latterly he ha* found it rather uneven in
oolour.
Ealai^emenU of machinery of all kinds is one of the special
departaaeaU of this btuiaeas. We saw when there enlargemenu of
aoi^aes, looonotives and others, beautiful, untouched, six feet in
length : they were leally astonishing pictuivs for deameas, sharpoeas,
and p«-o<-ral evenness of lightiag all over. The objective nsed for en-
larging these 6 feet rietnres was a Zeiss Anastigtnat of Ift-inches foeus-
We also saw aooM very pnfeet groaps taken with the same maker's
laaasa, wUdi show a remarkable depth of focu«, extreme sharpness,
and absolute rendetinz "t deixiL Many will have seen the Convention
gioap Mr. Suart mwle at Edioburgb, which, with all the disadvan-
t^as ha tBeoanteKd when takiog ir, still shows prominently these
fMlitiaa we dbsarrsd in the general wtvk. We i«ferred to this
agBMOaatgiQOpiBoar "EditerialTaUe* three weeks ago, and gave our
«piiiioa of it* merits.
la kia studio Mr. Stuart has Seavey backgrounds twenty feet long,
epedally painted for large-group pictuiv*. Cameras, from cabinet up
to S4 inch, are constantly in use for direct work.
We saw an American camera base for outdoor work, which taken a
«kirty-inch platp, with a revolving back. We believe that Mr.
Stoart was the first X-i introduce the revolving bnck camera into thL->
«oaatry, for, hing after h? had it in woe, the Kngliith roakent— one or
two of them — took out patents for it as quite original, and utill th>>.r
did iwt nuke it as perfect as the American patt>?m, it possessing the
advantages of taking a picture at any angle, the whole back being
fitted in, aad excluding light; whilst, with the English makes, the
moment the back was turned from the horizontal or perpendicular,
m the eoneta of caaaera showed right, so that it could not be worked at
K «B aagtef ^ oo'y upright or oblong. He baa also a portrait studio
F down at Hataaabwi^, and in snitabte premises erected for the purpose
B^ all his prfatiag and Snishing is doos there. It is a very complete
^K aatabllalimiDt, where, from the making of the dry plate to the finish-
Mbssbs. Tubkbull & Sons (Jamaica-street, Glasgow).
Since we last visited this place, Mr. Robert Turnbull has passed
away, in the very prime of life and usefulness. He was one of those
genial souls that [it was a pleasure to know, and many of those who
went to the first Conventions were familiar with his bright and
cheery face, and ever-helpful nature, for he took a great interest in
the Conventions from the very first. He was one of the victims to
the influenza epidemic at the beginning of this year, and the news of
his death came upon us with quite a shock, for, wherf we saw him a
short time before, he looked hale and hearty, and good for another
twenty years.
The businesses are now under the proprietorship and management
of Mr. Charles Turnbull, who, previous to Robert's death, conducted
the Belfast business.
Now they have studios in Glasgow, Belfast, and Greenock.
The Glasgow studio is a very imposing structure, forming, as it
does, the west comer of Jamaica-street and Argyle-street, having
a run of 50 feet of frontage to Jamaica-street and 40 feet to Argyle-
street. It is situated over the shops in the street. They have three
flats, with an ornamental clock-tower at the junction of the streets at
the top, which gives the whole place a bold and attractive finish.
The entrance way is at 10, Jamaica-street and is exclufflve — no
other parties entering by it to their business premises. The passage
is fitted with an appropriate show of cases that always commands
a crowd of sightseers. The stairway is broad, and the walls all
the way up are made light, and bright, and airy-looking by being
fitted with white enamel tiles. It is rather an exceptionally fine
entrance" way for such a [crowded part of the city, where space means
so much money.
On entering this place from the door on the landing, the air of
business being done all round takes possession of us.
Opposite the doorway on entering is a polished counter, to which
a young lady attends, seeing all who enter, and looking to the filling
of the viators' wants.
If to see Mr. C. Tumbull, you are shown to his private room. If
a sitter, you are shown into one |of the showrooms, and if for finished
work — pictures that are to be supplied — the party is ushered into the
delivery-room, which is a department by itself ; as Mr. Turnbull
says, " You know we find it a great convenience, for, ' if there are any
complaints,' it is at the time of delivery they are made." Now you can
understand how much easier and better to receive complaints and
smooth matters out in a private apartment like this, rather than
in an open place, such as any of the showrooms, where sitters or
otliers are about, and where any little unpleasantness is going
on, are so apt to catch up wrong impressions.
In Mr. C. Tumbull's private room telephones are fitted all round
the walls. He has communication with the printing establishment
at Toll Croa) ; he has also wires connected with every room in the
studio. By this means he can have communication with auy of his
hand« without leaving his room. Mr. Tumbull finds this arrangement
invaluable, not only as a saver of time, but also a considerable saving
uf lab<')ur ; there is no continual running up and down stairs, as there
used to be, and the promptitude with which orders can be given and
dispatched is very marked.
'There are three studios worked on these premises, and the dark
room in connexion with these is a special feature of the establishment.
They are large and specially ventilated with Boyle's ventilators.
They are well lighted by a combination of ruby and cathedral-green
glass. The cathedral green was adopted by them when it was so
much talked and written about, and from that time till now it has
given them every salisfaction.
-_^nfl|her improvement we noted in these dark rooms is a gutter
fixed under one large water tap, from which other small taps are
fitted— ten or twelve of them— and set at equal distances, the gutter
with these fittings running along the whole length of the tink. There is
a square block fitted under each of these small taps, on which the
negative is placed to wash. By this means they can have twelve
negatives washing in running water at one time, and all supplied
from the large tap, which flows into the gutter, and thence into the
lesser Ups. It doea the work well and saves a considerable quantity
of water.
.\nother new thing to us was observable at the entrance to the
684
THE BRITISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September 9, 1892
dark room. The door of the dark room itself is set in a little square
chamber, ■with doors opening at each side and in front, so that, in
going into the dark room, one enters by one of these outer doors and
shuts it, being then perfectly in the dark ; the dark-room door can
then be opened with impunity, no matter what delicate operations
are being performed inside, without the cautions and callings that
are usually resorted to in such a case, this arrangement rendering the
operations inside free from any chance of extraneous light.
Large groups and cabinet pictures are what Mr. Turnbull makes
the leading lines in his business. All this class of work goes out with
enamel surfaces. The enamelling department is well worth seeing,
the system and speed with which the pictures are turned out being
marvellous. The waxed collodion-coated plates, 12 by 10 in size, are
made, and then fitted into racks to dry, ready for use ; these racks are
built from the floor to the ceiling, and we saw them filled with
hundreds of plates. In ordinary weather the plates keep well for two
days ; but, if it is very warm, there is a tendency for the collodion to
peel off.
Mr. John Moran, the general manager at Messrs. Turnbull &
Sons, was the gentleman who introduced and carried through the
weekly half-holiday for the Glasgow studio hands — a movement that
resulted in a great benefit to the employees, and one for which he
deserves the best thanks of the employed. One thing must be said,
both for the firm and its manager, that at all times the hands receive
the most liberal consideration from them, and with the result that a
change of hands in the place is rare.
In all kinds of artificial lighting, from a photographic point of view,
Messrs. Turnbull have been ever to the front. The luxograph, mag-
nesium ribbon and powder, and lastly, electricity, each have filled
their day with them, and they are ever amongst the first to intro-
duce anything new in the photographic world.
OPTICAL GLASS.
[Photographic Club.)
A MORE exact title for the paper would have been " Glass for
Optical Purposes," although that is not a sufficiently precise definition,
as all glass which we apply in order to see through it is, in a sense,
" optical." But I should have to use a pretty longish term to define
exactly what is meant by glass for optical purposes, and we may pro-
ceed to the more concrete part of our subject without leaving any
doubt in our minds as to what we are talking about.
Antiquity of Optical Glass.
We know for a fact that optical glass was in existence before
the Christian era; I do not mean to say that it was equal to
Chance's dense flint, but, being used " optically," it was optical glass
— at least, in its application. Claudius Ptolemy, the Alexandrian
astronomer, living about the second century B.C., wrote a treatise on
optics, refraction and reflection, and on lenses and mirrors. Copies of
his works are said to exist in the Bodleian Library at Oxford, and in
the Royal Library at Paris. We are, therefore, not talking about a
new thing, either as regards lenses or with regard to " optical glass."
Other works of a similar kind exist, one of the best known being that
of Roger Bacon, who, in the thirteenth century, wrote his Opus
Majus. He has, in fact, been looked upon by many as the inventor
of the microscope, and the telescope too. We are not told where his
" optical glass " came from.
You are all familiar with the story of how Galileo came upon the
form of telescope which hears bis name, but he does not possess the
laurels alone, for we have it recorded that telescopes were made in
the year 1600 by a Dutchman named James Metius, at Alkmaar, in
HoUand.
During all this time optical glass must have been procurable from
somewhere. It is, however, very evident that the make of what we
vww understand by optical glass must be a modern thing, for it is
evident that before Newton showed the different refrangibility of
different parts of light, there could have been little room for such an
establishment as the one now in existence at Jeua, where glass can be
had to order with a given index of refraction calculated beforehand to
the third and fourth decimal for any part of the spectrum.
What is Optical Glass ?
Glass was made, we know, something like 1000 years before the
Christian era in Egypt, and, as it was soon ground into lenses,
it must have been "optical." When glass becomes so pure that
we can speak of its refractive indices, and of its spreading or dispers-
ing the light in regular or even measurable ratio, we look upon it as
optical. The crown and flint glasses so called, are those we use for
optical purposes. Crown glass is a plate glass, or vice versa ; flint is a
glass charged -with lead. That for optical glass the finest and purest
of materials must be used goes without saying. White sand is used,
pearl ashes, borax, cobalt, manganese, and other ingredients, and as a
matter of fact, hardly any glass is made without the addition of some
pieces of broken glass of the same kind. Flint glass is also made of
fine white sand, red lead, fine pearl ashes, nitre, arsenic, and manganese.
Many of the modem optical glasses contain other additional substances,
which I shall refer to later on. Flint glass was formerly made from
flint ground up ; but I understand it is not used now.
In England, Chance Brothers, of Birmingham, have for years pro-
duced some fine specimens of optical glass — notably, their heavy
flints ; and in France, Feill, of Paris, has made glasses in many in-
stances exactly of the same character. In Germany nothing was pro-
duced on any large scale since the death of the great Frauenhofer in
18^6 — who made his own glass — until lately, when, after some ex-
periments, carried on during a number of years, the scientific world
was taken by storm with a series of glasses such as we had never had
before, opening up new means of improved construction for all sorts
of optical instruments, notably also the ones that will interest you
most — the photographic objective.
It is very evident that, as far as the manufacture of optical glass
on a truly scieiitific basis is concerned, there was much left to be
desired by the state of things up to 188.5 or 1886, and there was no
means of eliminating certain errors of a cliromatism entirely even form
the finest instruments of the most renowned makers.
Several attempts had been made, notably in England, to bring
about a more satisfactory state of things, and after the work of
Frauenhofer had been cut short an Englishman, Harcourt, made
experiments between 18-34 and 1860, in all about 160 different pots,
but he had not the technical assistance necessary ; and, apart from
some attempts which seemed to point in the right direction, he wasted
much time in making glass containing titanium. This glass,
which he principally made with a view of eliminating the secondary
spectrum, did not answer, but it showed the possibility of getting rid
of this secondary spectrum once the right material was found and
applied in the right way.
Ansi AND Schott's Expkbiments.
Professor Abbe is said to have come to the conclusion that the then
existing state of things with regard to optical glass specially for
microscopes could only be remedied by the creation of entirely new
materials, and he gained this conviction after a visit to the exhibition
of scientific apparatus in London in 1876. He communicated with
Dr. Schott, who then lived in Hanover, and the idea of creating a
new establishment for the production of improved optical glasses was
accepted by both.
The principal object was to produce such glasses that would allow
the elimination of the so-called secondary spectrum from the objec-
tives, especially from the microscope, the instrument which suffered
more than any other from this defect. Experiments were begun in
1881 and conducted on a small scale until 188.3. From that date
experiments on a large scale were undertaken, and with the help of
some 60,000 marks contributed by the Prussian Government from
the fund set apart for scientific research, many new kinds of glass
were experimentally produced which, in combination with others of
the known or of new kinds, would allow of combinations in which
the chromatic or spherical aberration could, to a greater degree, be
corrected, and the secondary spectrum be almost eliminated.
This is accomplished by improved crown and flint glass mostly with
mixtures of boracic or phosphoric acids, while greater variety in the
refractive and dispersing powers of the glass, was obtained by applying
baryta, magnesia, and zinc oxides. Thus, up to now, something like
eighty different kinds of glass have been put on the market, and
experiments have extended to more than 1000 kinds of glass or
compositions of glass.
The materials that have finally been adopted are several series
of new glass, as the phosphate crowns, barium phosphate crowns,
boro-silicate crown, barium silicate crown, &c. ; borate flint, boro-
siHcate flint, a special silicate flint, and a light baryta flint.
Advantages of thk New Glasses.
The great advantage which the constructing optician lias gained by
the establishment of this furnace is, that he can obtain any of the
glasses enumerated in the catalogue always alike, and with in-
creased precision for the measurements of the refractive indices.
Nay, more, he may require a glass slightly different in refraction at
one or the other part of the spectrum, and he can obtain it ; but the
Septemlier 9, 1693]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OP PHOTOGRAPHY.
585
Tariety is in itwlf so frrekt that for almost any special purpose a glass
•will be foond that will answer. Moreover, formerly, every batcn of
glass turned out bad tu be examined in the spectrometer, and its i«-
fractire indicea ascertained, while now they are precisely given for
every pot, aa well aa the amount of dispersion for the principal parts
of toe spectmm, and the specific weight. Xg most of you know, the
usual mode of specifying glass is by giving the refractive indices of
the sodium line D (diouble line), and of the three hydrogen lines, C, F,
and G. The measurements at Jena are, however, aim made on the
line A, the p<itas9ium double line, so that their measurements are
made on five lines of the spectmm, A, C, D, F, G.
Their cat«li>ffue indicates for every kind of glass — the refractive
index for D, the brightest part of the ^ectrum, the mean dispersion
_fiom C to F, following which is givfln the proportional or relative
on. The passes are enumerated in order of this last factor,
_ rluch allows at a gknoe a comparison of the refractive and dispersing
Talree of glasMS intended to be combined.
I found, some years back, that in some heavy flints made by Chance
these indices agreed exactly with some glass of the same kind made
by Feill, of Paris, so closely aa to show the same figuiea up to the
third decimaL If you had asked any of these makers to make two
pots of glass exactly alike to that degrce they codd not have done it,
or, at least, could not have guaranteed it to come out absolutelv the
-ame. Hence a new batch of glass had to beatodiedapectrometricallv
before much else ooold be done with it, and much of that labour is
saved to tbeooaitmetiii^ optician now by the precision in which the
Jena people speelfy their productions.
~^ I'b a profusion of n>-w material is a jfreat boon to the constructing
;<' <-i»n who has been hampered br Um insufficieBey of the material
at band fonnerly because of the uapoasibility to fully achromatise
with flints and crown frlassas, or eren with two flints combined,
'because of the disproportionate dispenion of most, if not of all, the
heavy flints, as compared with that of crowns or of light flints.
MaoT of tbe new gliiwM combine much better, and ue result
is taat iMMea can be eoMtmetad giving much flatter fields with
the SUM angnlnaMrtaiM and better achromatism into the bargain.
WImb tha ccimbiiiea g^MMt alkrw the aehromatiaing in three different
futa (eoloore) of the spectmm, the so-called secondary spectrum is
«aid to be sBniinafed, and the oometion is for most purposes com-
plete. This ia of great imnortanw in mierosoopic lenses, but for
photographic lanaaa it ia of lesa eoaadaratioo.
Idkxtitt or Jb.<«a axd Eaeun GLaana.
We find that at Jena tber now mnimm esaetly the same glass as
'.he former glasa made by Ckaaee Broa,, as, for instance, their No. 6,
vUdi we IcMn to be a " ealdam m&eatt erown.' There is another,
Vo. IS, ako cnneepoiidinr - '"^inaa'e "soft crown.' It is a
' barioairiKMl* erown.* 1 -* again ooneeponds to Chance's
ttra deaaa fiat. They cai. .. „^«vy silicate flint." And, finallv,
No. 40, another bear^ suieate fliat, eoneeponding to Chance's double
^tra dense flint. Yon will sm that all these flinU have a high
nlex of refraeti I > rcgioo of the spectmm, such aa 17174
: >r the least and i a>> former.
You will see, by a perusal of the AbW-Sehott eatalogne, that for
photographic parpoeee mostly the silieata crowns or flinU are useful,
and aUo some of the barrU flints, most of which are colourless, or
nearfy so, while the ioraffjiintt are not to be empkyed for pboto-
.rapUe porpo*^ OB aecoant of tkeir being affected by the atmo-
phers. They will, bowerer, be nJaable for the microscope, where
ney can be ptotaeted by another Uiid of glass forming the outer
"OB or lenaaa.
Som PBopBBTin <xr ibb Jixa GLAaaaa.
The gbusee which bare proved to be of grvat value to the photo-
graphir 'rptidan and photographic poipaaaa generaliv, are the barvta
Ught t1int<, oa aeeooat of their prapnrtioaal high refraction, that is, a
rafiactkmof aeonaidermhlean^. This permiu of lenwii being ground
with aaeh flatter earvea, inner and outer, and the result is a much
ttMu flald obtained at the focal plane. As an instance I can mention
Sater's new rapid aptanat D, which is made of such glass, and wax,
in fact, one of the flnt lenses maonfaetured out of this material, the
currw of which are much leas deep than any lena previously made of
such iateasity, viz., /-//.'>. No. 2 n.s.
Voigtkadsfr had made a lens of nearly the same anguUr aperture
previoasly, bat I do not believe they were kept going for any length
of tine, and the (fries have disappeared from their catalogue or are
replaced by lenp»» of a newer construction. Snt»r had, in fact, made
a (etta prsviooely of tbe nanie aperture (/-"•".. No. 2 u.s.), of which
thaia «•!• iasoed some few ; but they were dropped in favour of the
n.. /s.n-f.,„Hia„ «|,i(j, the Jena glass permitted, and a great gain in
stina, rapidity, and flatneiw of field was the result, hesidns
ro-nple concetioa of ebromatic aberration. D^Umever
had also once produced a lens said to have had almost double the
aperture of a rapid rectilinear, but it was not, I understand, issued
on the market. I am, of course, speaking of cemented double com-
binations, not of triplets or lenses with separated back glasses.
These attempts of opticians to construct lenses with greater aper-
tures, and 80 few faces only, were frustrated simply on account of the
want of a suitable material. Now that the material is at hand, no
difficulty exists, and in the hands of our able opticians plenty of these
instruments, of excellent quality, are produced. The usual objection
which was made as to using the new material, the one that it did not
keep, has now pretty well been silenced, and Enfrlish opticians, after
some hesitation, have begun to use the material freely, and will no
doubt produce excellent instruments from it.
The values of the several series of new glasses have been ably brought
to the practical test by the Zeiss annstigmats, which are now largely
manufactured and for which licence has been granted to a number of
leading opticians, such as Voigtlander, Suter, and, in England, to
I10.13 & Co. These lenses accomplish successfully what was, with the
material previously at hand, tried repeatedly, but not with good re-
sults, vii., a lens of the rapid type, tnat is, with an aperture ol/S
and larger, which at the same time can be used as a wide-angle lens,
and which, with the full aperture, alreadv embraces a covering angle
of about 00°, as is the case in the Series Hi.
Maxufactubk of thb Glass.
With regard to the manufacture of the glass, it would be a vain
attempt to write a description without a good set of illustrations ; but
some idea may be gained of the nature of the operations when we are
told for instance, that the making of silicate glass will take close
upon three weeks. The pot, or crucible, in which the glass is to be
" cooked " is, after being well dried, heated during four or five days
until it attains a red heat; it is then put into the oven where, as soon
OS it has reached the temperature of melting glass, a few pieces of
glass of the kind to be made are put into it, and as they melt the
in>ide of it U well glazed out with the molten glass.
The crucible is now filled with the sand and chemical substances
that are to make the pot of glass to be produced. When this is
thoroughly melted and worked into a homogeneous mass the crucible is
brought to a greater heat still, which is supposed to thoroughly digest
the pot of glass and drive all the air out of it, this lasts six to eight
hours. The glass is now tried after being thoroughly stirred with a
rod, and found homogeneous and free from air bubbles and clear. It
U then tried on the blow-pipe. If the pot proves to be in ^ood con-
dition it is taken out of the oven by a crane, it may weigh some
fifteen to twenty cwt., or about a ton. It ia then left to stand and
''gently simmer" so as to cool down a little, is then brought into
another oven, in which a second crucible has undergone the pre-
liminary warming process, and which is intended/or the next pot of
glass of the same or a slightly different composition. In this oven the
gla«« is left a))out three days to cool ; the oontenu harden up— dry
up— as tbe melters say, and on " drying," or hardening, break up
into a number of fragments.
Tbe crucible is now broken up and the contents cleaned of any im-
purities. The clear transparent pieces are next subjected to the
"setting" process, liy this thev are heated to about melting point,
having l)een laid into moulds, where they adopt the desired forms of
discs or slabs as required. This is done in a special oven, to which a
cooling oven is attached. The cooling takes ten to twelve days, and
the pieces are finally taken out, and two edges or faces are cut, so that
through the polished surfaces — which, as you see in the samples, are
always opposite to one another — the glass can be examined. Tlie
net result of usable glass amounts to about twenty per cent, of the
quantity melted in a pot, and that is considered a good percentage.
Tbis'is the ordinary procedure for the bulk of glass intended for
ordinary purposes. For special glass, such as large telewope object-
glaaaes, a special process of cooling is employed, of which I con give
you no specific information : but a circular of the firm of Sbott sets
out some points of examining discs of sizes up to, say, fourteen inches,
and f<Tr which they have adopted what they call tine annealing, which
ci)n.*TSTS in storing the glass in a vessel, the temperaturf of which can
be accurately measured, and which is made to cool down at a very
slow and uniform rate, and can be regulated according to require-
ments.
Tkstino tkb Glass.
Most of you may be acouainted with the mode of testing such discs
or Ixnaes by use of the Nicol prism. It consists of placing a lens or
disc of glsss, or a plate, between two polarising prisms, rotating the
one until the light is polarised, and then observing the more or less
regular figure of a cross on the disc ; the regularity of the crocs prvoes
th« liomogeneousneas of the glass. An irregular cross will be proof
..f t..f,-;„n in some parts of the disc.
!
686
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September 9, 1892
It now remains only to put before you some of the samples that I
have here to show, most of aU of which are suited for photographic
obiectiyes, and all of which, I am told, may be looked upon as un-
affected by the atmospheric influences. Most of these glasses are
almost free from colour, and you will see that a number of them are
liifht flints, which now take the pkce, in a great degree, of the former
heavy flints, by which alone the high index of refraction necessary for
some instruments could be obtained. This is, as I have shown, a
great gfun. J- ^ ^otz.
HARMONISING HARSH NEGATIVES.*
In this process, as in all others, great cleanliness is required, and
the plate must have been thoroughly freed from hypo before pro-
ceeding to i-ehalogenise. If hypo or other chemicals be present, thin
patches and dark spots will show ; if there are grease spots or finger
marks on the plate, irregular action will take place. It is best to take
but one trial print from the negative, and exercise great care in doing
so if rehalogenisation be thought needful. When operating on old
negatives, I swab them gently with dilute ammonia to get rid of
possible grease spots before beginning the process.
I will now pass around some prints from negatives before and after
rehalogenisation, calling your attention to variations in and additions
to the process necessary to secure different effects. I have, with one
or two exceptions, printed in platinotype, as being less suited to harsh
negatives than print out silver paper, and, in order to show what the
process is capable of, most of the prints are from what would be con-
sidered hopelessly harsh negatives previous to treatment. I need
scarcely say that I would not recommend that time should be spent,
except for practice, upon any but negatives that are likely to give
gooi results.
The prints marked A are from a portrait negative taken under very
unfavourable circumstances. In the first print the deepest shadows
are reversed, and the letterpress on the book is barely visible. The
second print is from the negative after rehalogenisation. You will
note that detail is visible in the darkest shadows, and that the light
half-tone is just as discernible, the whole print being fairly soft. The
third was printed after the book, and hands had been locally reduced.
A little more detail is visible in them, but the reduction has not been
evenly performed.
B is another portrait. You will see how dark it has been neces-
sary to print the shadows before the detail in the face was strong
enougli. The second print is rather too dark, but you will note the
absence of the aggressive brilliancy noticeable in the first.
C is from the negative of a waterfall lent to me by a member of
our Society. In the first print the rocks are a mass of black, with
one or two white leaves showing ; the water is a mass of white broken
only by a few dark streaks of shadow. The print, after rehalogenisa-
tion is, I think, quite a passable picture. It was, of course,
impossible to obtain detail in the seething water, as the exposure
given had been too long to secure that.
D and E are attempts to obtain passable prints from much-under-
exposed negatives. Both seemed to be void of detail in the shadows,
the onlv deposit of silver seemed to be in the sky, and its reflections
through the trees from the water. Tlie other jwrtions of the negatives
were badly fogged in forcing the development. D was cleared with
hypo .ind ferricyanide, rehalogenised to si.ften extreme contrast
sufficiently to permit of intensification intensified with pyro and
silver, and badly obtained in the process. In attempting to clear
this away the film frilled, and farther manipulation was impossible.
A slight improvement is noticeable in the second print. The sur-
face fog was cleared away from E with bichromate and sulphuric
acid before the first print was taken. It was then rehalogenised,
the sky being reduced to a mere yellow stain. When laid on a sheet
of white paper, faint signs of detail were discernible in other parts of
the plate. It was then five times intensified with mercury, followed
by ferrous oxalate (Mr. Chapman Jones's method). The traces of
halation round the tree tops visible in the first print, though apparently
removed bv rehalogenisation, were strengthened by intensification,
but the shadow detail was much improved.
If the subject were worth the trouble, I believe it would be possible
to remove the halation and slight traces of fog still remaining, and
to obtain a soft clear print showing sufficient detail in the shadows.
F is a print of a pine-tree avenue from a negative lent to me. The
topmost branches are invisible from halation, and the foliage in places
has the appearance of being powdered with snow. The negative was
rehalogenised, and I think you will admit that the second print shows
these faults entirely removed.
G is a portrait group by one of our members. He performed the
* Concluded from page 55i.
process of rehalogenisation from the formula I gave him. Although
the first print is a warm-toned gelatino-chloride-of-silver one, which
favours the harsh negative, I think the second print is platinotype
shows the negative to have been much improved.
H is from a negative lent to me. It is a drawing-room seen through
folding doors, taken to test a wide-angle lens. The lace curtains over
the window opposite the lens are badly halated. I hoped that after
rehalogenisation some detail would have been seen in the halated
parts. Unfortunately the plate was poor in silver, and unable to
register the extreme contrasts of light and i-hade. In the second
pnnt the window is a path of light grey, void of detail, although the
other parts of the print are much improved. I thought I saw slight
signs of detail in the window part of the negative, and carefully
reduced it with bichromate and sulphuric acid in the hope of accen-
tuating the shadows there, but the third print shows no improve-
ment in that respect.
I is a view on the Brent, an attempt to show what might be done
with a fairly good negative. The first print shows a blank sky. The
landscape is, perhaps, a trifle wanting in brilliancy. As there were
clouds showing in the negative, it was rehalogenised. In the second
print the sky and clouds print out, but the whole prhit is poor and
flat, the result of too compressed a scale. The negative was then_ in-
tensified with pyro and silver, and the third print shows sufficient
brilliancy more certainly than the first, and yet the sky, with its fleecy
clouds, prints out. This is an instance of two scales being introduced
into the composition, each of them being compressed slightly in the
shadows, and the light half-tone rendered a little more fully.
In order to judge of what the process is capable of doing, it may be
well to consider the action that takes place. If we were to strip the
gelatine film forming the negative from the glass support, and reverse
it so as to have what was originally the back of the plate outwards,
and were able to remove the gelatine, leaving the silver image intact,
we would find that image in the form of a low relief, the shadows
being extremely thin and the high lights the thickness of the film.
If now it were possible to take a shaving off the top of the image,
removing only a portion of the lights and light half-tone, that light
half-tone would be reduced in density, but would print as a flat grey
tone without gi-adation. This is approximately what takes place
when the development after rehalogenisation is stopped before the
high lights are developed right through to the plate.
Fortunately, the simile does not hold good to the full extent. The
developer in soaking downward does not act in rigid planes ; before
the shadow detail is fully developed the action has proceeded a little
farther in the half-tone, and by the time the half-tone is thoroughly
developed the highest lights are beginning to show traces of action at
their points of greatest density. The result is that, if the development
be then stopped in fixation, a thin film of silver is removed from the
back of the negative thickest from the high lights, thinner from the
half-tone, and not at all from the shadow detail. Some gradation of
tone is therefore preserved in the light half-tone, but it must be borne
in mind that this will not show the brilliancy it had in the original
state of the negative. I believe that the composition of the developer
will modify tlie action to a slight extent. By using a little bromide
or reducing the quantity of ammonia the action will be retarded, and
the developer will act more evenly through the thickness of the filni.
This is the method to be employed when the contrasts are great and
the shadow detail fairly strong. ' When the negative is thin but stil!
strong in contrast, the opposite method should be followed. The
developer should act speedily, or, by the time the shadow detail is
thoroughly developed, the high lights will also have been developed so
far, that little or no improvement will have been effected.
You will see that, in asking you to give this process a trial, I do not
recommend it as a panacea for all the ills that photographic negatives
are heir to, nor do I sugcrest that, in all cases where it may pr'jve use-
ful, it will effect the whole of the cure. It must be used with judg-
ment, and in many cases must be proceeded or followed by other
treatment. I recommend it as probably the best way of low-ering
the liglit in a broad and even manner without affecting the shadows,
thus introducing a second scale of light and shade into the negative.
Should the negative be too flat after treatment, it may be intensified
either n-enerally or locally to give the desired brilliancy. Or, if the .
negative, though flat, be still fairly dense all over, it may be rendered
generally or locally. _
The effect of intensification and reduction wdl be very ditterent,
though au unobservant eye might not distinguish between them, but
the worker who desires to achieve certain results will discriminate in
their use. , , , i n a
Intensification affects the shadows but slightly, the half-tone antt
lio-hts being greatly strengthened, the result being analogous to the
artist's method of rendering the lights in an approximation to the
natural scale and compressing the shadows.
September 9, 1863]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
687
Reduction will affect the %hta to a trifling extent, while greatly
altering tiie ihadows. In the print the shadows will approacn more
nearly to nature, and the lights will remain flat.
The art side of the question forms no part of my subject The
application of these methods to our work in accordance with the
cuiaas of art will, I hope, be treated by a member of oar Society,
more capable than myself at no distant date.
I may, however, to illustrate my point, call your attention to a col-
lodion negatiTe (which has been lent to me) made from a steel-plate
engraving. If we disregard the fact that it is composed of lines, and
oonaider only the relative values of the light and shade, we will be
struck, first, with the shortness of the register, the general flatness, if
I may ose the term; and, iMondly, by the brilliancy of the local
contrasts.
Were we to expose a thickly coated isochromatic nlate upon such a
Kene, using a yellow screen, we would find upon oevdopment that,
while the landscape portion of the negative would resemble to some
extent the negative Mfore you, the sky and its reflections in the wat«r
would, while showing strong local contrasts, he so opaque that it
would be impossible to print them oat; yet by rehalogenisation,
followed by partial or general intensification or redaction, or by a
ludicioos use of both, something approaching the desired remit might
be obtained.
As evidence of this, I will ask roa to examine the negative from
which the prints marked I were t&ken.
AVithoat piesuming to compare that negative to the collodion
negative, either in artistic compoaiticni or tMhnical excellence, yet I
think that the relative values of the bmms of fight and ahade and
the kcol contrasts will be foand to be aomewhat similar.
In conclusion, I desire to exprese my opinion that our beet negatives
from a tedinical point of view an thoae which most require, and will
Veet repay, the tiaae qiaot in trying br the Tarioos means in our
power to miake the tonea and leUave ralnea of lights and shadows
more nearly approach the results obtained by the draoghtaman and
the painter. J. McImoaH.
THE FUENA HAKD CAMERA
SoK* we notiead a (ew months ago the intndoetioo of the film.oan7ing
Frana Pawa. Msaaii. Beck have perlastad osrtaio improvaoienU hy
which the cOefeney d the instmmeot ia still (urthei ineraased. As
SDpplementafy to the notica la qnastion, in which we showed a drawing
of tbs exterior of the Fkeaa, we are now caaUed to give sone details of
its wutUiig and cuiistimhia. mota'espadaQy as we have had an oppor-
timily c( iritamitaf im maaipolalioo in the hands of Mr. Conrad Beck,
who is aa expert in ita oss. By the reaipwMag action d the lever on its
side, Mr. B«ck. in a singular brief period, Imiafs 1 the forty films with
which the Frena was ehainad tnm ibe vertical p^ttt^' in which they
are sipeead to the bwiscotal poaitiaa ia which, after exposure, they
rtmaia ia Ibe boUcm cf the CMMcn ready lor removaL
The fitaaa an aotahed ca two ed|n. ac riwwa in the subjoined cut.
r
y
aad tnlsi posed bstwsen each film Is an opaqoe card, also aotdied. This
b alao showa ly a eat. But it will be obsored that the notches an so
arta^sd aa to be aataganistic, tbcee in the film coiiespouding with the
piulesUoBS ia the card. Foor piaa projed oa each side at the focal
plane, aad on tbaee testa the first film of the pack. By grasping the
lever H oa the aide, and rotating it a certain length to a projecting check
at M, the IcUowiaB adiaaa lake place :— The foor pins on the focal
pkae at each lids an oiovad aside opposite the notches In the film,
whidi Ininiadlalaly drops, aad on retarning the lavar to ita former
poeition, aa ia the cat, and in which it is ntained by the spring E, the
opaque card ia also liberated aad dropa, leaving the second film of the
•eriea ready for • poson ; and this goes oa antQ the supply has all been
"Tpcaed, which shown by a ragisteriag index at N. A spirit level, L,
on the top of the lever, shows when the frena is held accurately. Bat, as
this lever influences the position of the film, the latter may be incline d
in either direction, and it thus fulfils the condition of a swiug-back. The
shatter is set by the milled-headed screw B on the front, and tbe-
expoeore is made by pressing a button at F. A draw-bolt, O, has
reference to the regulating'of the duration of the exposure.
We have received an advance copy of the Frena Handbook, containing, in
course of 160 pagea and tonrteen sections, full directions for working tke-
eamera, and many useful hints in photographic practice connected
therewith. •
The films are of a thicknaas sufficient to ensure their remaining
quite fiat when being exposed, aad, the edges being notched by machinery,
they an all neeeoaarily identical in this respect.
ON THE SELECTION OF VIEWS.
IL
Most people, when examining a landscape picture, involuntarily
desira to ascertain what exists beyond the foreground, scanning every
little bit of distance or sug^tion of it to satisfy themselves. The
mon sogKeative a picture is, the greater interest it has for most
people. The quality of attractivenesa depends but little on the size
of the ncture, but ia almost wholly dependent on the manner in
which the subject is treated. Some of the most charming and artistic
photographs produced have been small in size. It not unf requently
happens that a subject may show to better advanta^ in one size than
another, or one shape than another. If a subject is intended for
enlargement by the optical lantern or otherwise, it should be judg[ed
rather of itself than on the focussing screen, as the reduction in sizo
is sometimes apt to mislead. One important point in landscane work,
is not to have it too crowded, and another to have the lignts and
sbadowa well massed. A number of lights distributed pretty equally
over a pictan eaoses a apotty effect, which always interferes with
ita pictorial value, by distracting the eye and inaucinir an unrest-
fuhiess that is spt to be fatiguing. The study of Mr. H. V. Robinson's
writings on picture-making cannut fail to be of assistance to the
beginner, showing bim the why and the wberefora of certain forms of
composition. In selecting the view, objects should be so arranged,
that the linear and aerial perspective aasist each other, carrying the
eye continuously from foreground to distance. One or two special.
points of interest are preferable to a great number, and the lines of
the subject should be so arranged as to lead up to these special
points. The beginner may ask, How an they to lead up to it P The
reply is, by studying the forms of the objects and the disposition of
the Ught and shade, so that the eye nngea from one to another, finally
resting on the point it is desired to make of importance. For instance,
simpeae a ])^thway over fields, hidden here and there by undulations
in Ar^jVound, trees, or what-not, with a cottage in the distance, or
perhaps nothing more than a chimney-stack above the trees, the eye
involuntarily follows the track to the distant object, which at once
becomea the point of interest, and the hidden portions of the path are
imagined; but that is quite suflicient to supply the mind with tka
idea of its continuity, aided by the disposition of_ lines of hedges,
fencing, or whatever it may be, towards uie same point. So it may be
said of the windings of a river, appearing and disappearing amongst
the trees and banka. We ace it at hand, maybe a rushing, impetuous
torrent, to be traced as a broken silver line in the hazy distance,
till it tinally disappears. The linear and aerial perspective assist each,
other in giving a true impression of apace.
688
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September 9, 1892
In the examination of a Tiew as to its suitability for photography,
I find it a good plan to nearly close the eyes until no object is
particularly distinct, which permits a better judgment being exercised
as to the value of the light and shade alone, irrespective of detail. One
may also more easily estimate the effect of the proportion of fore-
ground to distance and middle distance in this manner. The Thames
side in summer time ; it is an animated pretty scene, but, unless
particular care is taken to secure a proner foreground, the river's
opposite banks and landscape beyond -will be little more than unim-
portant-looking strips in the photograph. In such a view we must
get some fairly large object near the foreground ; a boat with sails set
M one of the best, or a well-an-anged group on the bank fairly near
the camera, with the water for a background, is also satisfactory.
Trees, in this case, are only available now and then, unless from a
bend in the pathway, as lenses of only very moderate angle are
suitable. In almost all cases where the landscape forms parallel
strips, the camera should be so adjusted that some object partially
hides or breaks them up. In nature colour will, in most cases, prevent
the monotony of form being particularly noticeable ; but when, as in
the photograph, this is done away with, the arrangement becomes
unpleasant.
The greatest number of landscapes are better for having some
large or important mass of material on one side or other of the fore-
ground, and the general form more or less repeated in the middle
distance. With respect to the introduction of figures, the view, in
the first place, should be selected and examined on the focussing
screen. It will then be seen where figures will help out the compo-
sition, it is a mistake to merely put in a figure for the sake of a
figure unless it improve the picture ; in fact, many photographs
would be considerably improved if the figures were left out altogether ;
at the same time, there is no denying that a suitable figure, or group,
well placed, is a great addition to almost any landscape. However,
they must not be placed too near, or in too great a number, or the
landscape becomes a figure subject, with a landscape background,
■which parts with most of its interest in consequence. In searching
for subjects, valleys are more prolific in suitable bits than higher
ground ; the side of a stream is frequently the best part of a district.
It is always a good plan to look about in near proximity to water, for
often, when other parts have been drawn blank, the water side will
provide pictures.
Water itself is eminently|suited for photography, either for itself
or as an accessory. It possesses the inestimable quality of variety ;
the glassy pool, the foaming torrent, or the breaking wave have all
their lovers. In this connexion it may be remarked that a perfectly
still surface, reflecting everything like a mirror, is never satisfactory
in any but stereoscopic work, where we get apparent solidity and
depth ; it is therefore advisable to disturb the water just prior to
making an exposure. A very slight movement will break up the
reflections, and that is all that is required.
Bridges, ruins, green lanes, and marshy districts will, in a flat
country, usually supply plenty of subject. With respect to flat,
marshy districts, good cloud effects may frequently have conjunction
with them ; the marshy ground, with irregular patches of water,
lends itself exceedingly well to cloud effect, as well, or better, than
the seaside. In photographing ruined buildings or other architectural
subjects, one of the most important matters is to choose a proper time
of day, so that the shadows are as effective as possible. "With the sun
shining directly beliind the camera no good results need be expected ;
the image may look fairly well on the focussing screen, and the
negative be technically perfect, but in the finished picture the im-
proper lighting will be glaringly manifest, and such that no dodging
m the printing or in the negative will remedy. All architectural
subjects depend very much on proper lighting for effect, as much so
as portraits ; neglect, consequently, in this particular results in un-
satisfactory work. Hilly and mountainous places, as Wales, Devon-
shire, and some of the midlands, are probably as prolific in suitable
bits as most counties ; the difficulty is not where to choose, but what
to choose. The best plan is to thoroughly prospect the place, making
notes of any particular view, and seeing it at different times of the
day, so that the best light may be selected, or some accessory or
other introduced that is not always present, if it will help the effect.
For instance, a lane scene beautiful in itself might be vastly improved
if a rustic cart and horse, or something of the kind that would
harmonise with the scene, could be introduced. It is generally
possible to manage matters of this sort without much trouble, but
generally necessitates a previous acquaintance with the spot, so that
you may know exactly what you require, for it is rather tedious wait-
ing for that particular something to turn up in out-of-the-way places,
like scores in Devonshire and Wales. The more unfrequented, the
better it is for photography; and this applies to places other than
Devon and Wales. Age, neglect, and decay, rough, home-made
contrivances, such as are frequently found in outlying rural
districts, are the things that have charms for the picture-maker, if not
for others.
Boats and shipping are always picturesque, and on that account
will continue to be favourites with photographers. Vessels left on
the beach by the receding tide and discharging their cargo often
supply very good subjects. Anchors and rusty chains are useful in the
foreground. There are few pictures more attractive than a good
maritime or river subject well treated. There are few places in this
country where pictures cannot be had, providing they are sought for
by trained eyesight ; and my advice to all photographers is to look
well about their own neighbourhoods, if they have not already done
so, and they will probably be surprised at the number of pictures they
will discover hitherto passed by unnoticed. Edwabd Ddnmobe.
©ut IStiitorial '2i:ai)le.
Lanteen Objectives.
By Jas. Swift & Son.
In anticipation of the lantern season, now close upon us, Messrs.
Swift & Son, Tottenham Court-road, have introduced a series of
objectives, all alike in principle, but of different focal powers, those
submitted to us being respectively of four, five and six inches equi-
valent focus, although the series extends to ten inches, each in.
succession being one inch longer than the other. They have a large
angular aperture, and hence project a slide under circumstances of
great illumination, which is aided by the fact of their Ijeing con-
structed of colourless .lena glass. One of five inches equivalent focus,
which we critically examined, has an aperture of /-2'85.
Lantern objectives, especially those of foreign make, have often
very long tubes, doubtless with a view to covering sharply, which
they do not usually do ; but in those before us the tubes or mounts
are comparatively short, one result of this being that there is great
equality in the illumination of the disc, owing to the large volume of
light that that is transmitted obliquely.
*Finding, upon trial with a test slide made from an engraving that
the field was flat, we set about discovering the means employed for
effecting this with a mount which, as stated, was somewhat short.
We found, what we have elsewhere described as an essential con-
dition, that there was an excess of negative spherical aberration in
the back combination, which balanced the positive aberration of the
front combination, one of great power in proportion to its diameter.
It may here be stated that the diameter of the back combination
exceeds that of the front.
In the mounting we observe that the teeth in the focussing rack
are cut obliquely to its length, a feature now present in many of our
best microscopes. This ensures smooth worMng by the pinion, and
prevents " back-lash," or what microscopists term " loss of time "
when focussing. Lantemists will readily grasp the fact that with the
shorter of the objectives under notice, that of four inches equivalent
focus, a large disc is obtained when there is no great distance between,
the lantern and the screen. This often proves of great advantage,
especially in parlour entertainments or otherwise confined positions.
CONVKNTION PiCTUBBS.
Mb. a. Weeneb (Werner & Son, Dublin), who had left for
the nonce the studio portrait camera, in the use of which he is
such a proficient, in favour of the landscape camera, proves that he
is qiute as much at home in the use of the one as of the other by
sending some charming pictorial mementoes of his activity during the
outings now so pleasantly associated with the Convention in Edinburgh.
The views received embrace scenes in St. Andrews, Almond Dell,
Cramond, and on the banks of Loch Katrine. They are printed ia
platinum, and are prized as reminiscences of a good time during
a happy week.
Studies. By F. M. Stjtcuffe,
G. W. Wilson & Co., Aberdeen.
Many of the admirable studies by Mr. F. M. Sutcliffe, -nith which
exhibition visitors have in late years become familiar, are now
being reproduced and issued by Messrs. G. W. Wilson & Co., the
prints being made by the carbon process. The firm has recently
submitted two specimen prints of the series to us (the subject of one
being the widely known " Water Rats ") which, alike as examples of
the process and of Mr. Sutcliffe s art, are technically and artis-
tically admirable.
September 0, 1893]
THE BRITISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
689
RECENT PATENTS.
APPUCATION lOR PATENT.
So. Ul7S7.— " PhotoKnphk ViciMttiaf Fnme for Vignetting Albnmenised
Priati in Diraet Smiljgfat, or for VnattiBK Bromidt Prints by Artificial
Light' A.l>AMVx».—D(UtdSepUaitr2,lSK>.
SPEaFICATIOXS PUBLISHED.
Amesbko SpscmctTiox.
1801.
Ko. ie,OM.*— " Fbotognphie PfetBTCs." Uatbocc
Rmtorts (with altaBtiaH).
1891.
No. 9M2.— " Photogimphie AppantoL" Natuhl
Na 15.615. — " Photogn4>hic App«ntaiL" Communkatad br Moiae.
TBOJtrMX.
PAmiTB COMPLETED.
A SwiumD Powi or Utoxmi-M Lutp.
Na 17,C8&. PncT luu, Tba Maaor Uoom, W>Uii«taB. Sarrar.
AuftM 18, U»2.
Mr hmrtkw rritfai to • liiBpl* iiihiulimi of ■ Ump for bnmiog munMhDB
ribboa or winL or otkor ibniUr Hatarlil, wbonbjr tho iftboa anbe kept
bnaiaf by b«fa( pothsd ibnnvd by th* thnmb ud flnt Smv of the band
holding the laap, oBlinlr withoat tba bh of lolhn or —rrlttnifan
It csaaiiti of a mall ipiiit or othar Mdtabia laap rtBttag on a itaiid, *o that
tba flame will ioita tba ribboo aa it ia naked thro<*gh a maU bole or dit in
tbenAattorbAidtbebiBp. na rafcrter la baM aaeina fa porfUaa babind
tba leap, aad a kMila ia to ^
aad of (oeb a Aa|Mtbatit
boiew, aad the tkam and int Amt aba<
Tka ribboa wUeh ia to be bmiia held hatwan tba tkwDb and ant finger,
Md horn IbaaeapMawaadtr aa ladlBnbbar baad tkroagh the slit is tba re-
flaetor, and then into tba Bama of tba huap, the aaniiy of ribboa babe iMpt
np by ■hiftiag tba win forwanls with the Ihambaad uat fl^er.
Tba claim li :— ▲ leap lor baniaK WHMriaai or olbar aattabla ribboD or
aVoOan
I toed tstbe wbola^ at a laitabla aMje^
't eaa be maBj P—V»i with ooa hod, thne
■ it% tbeh "
rebate the beadlei
, leap
. lleaa *
aetke of fte thnab aad i
daaeribad.
I tewaid the ribboa fai the i
(We are iateraeted in knowing whether, it one poahea tbe
ribt>on through the flaae of tba ipirit lamp bjr " Anger and thnmb
inatead of by tbe eloekwort cmplorad in tbe Solomon A Orant lamp,
oUierwiae aiailar to the above, will Mr. XUia eooaidcr it aa inlrinnmeDt
0<hiBi»leDt7— £».]
Ivraom) Mbin nm Ovtadoso PaorooBArmc PMmum.
Nob 17,M7. OaoMOt BMjiatl. BiAiMUW, B*Kh Homie, 45l Oiftord-road,
Altriachaa, CbeaUra,— itiyiut 13, 18SS.
TAXB a aattMn |iMt of rtet—ii aad ifaee it on aBT ooeTtaiaot itaad
beta* alba or eaeandbeekpoaa^a^vlnattatb* beed trom tbe body,
leavtefatanMhaedteapeiriUe. IrtgnHe a> tbe beed ftwa tbe body fa tbe
^ewfcc we— a \j wttagaa atatmrj rln»«ll^ "wea betae tbe l«w or fa
itbe
■■■i ■■■■ IB poMaoe. I TigBena ea ue asea ma um ooay a t
mam^taUg ea arMaaiy rfaaelMeg leea betaa tbe law or
by rnAnaee fa tbe oaaaa if Ike haduiraad fa a black oae, ai
hae aad the oMeat te be vinalled If tke beaknaaii fa wkiu
**r
fln M UM wBt pracvtaf
of tbe
By imlaiuiii I aae eHiaery pbotegnpUc dry pbtaaTaDd taka tbe
lea fa tbe aaaal aiaair. I aaka a snU of acgaUra t
-' agiHf a tnm itatoarr.
ba*ta,_thn»^aailar aad lUl li^b. fa aay pMitian I nay think
liiijwaaiia
Mb baata, tieaqaatM aaa nui Magib, fa aay poaiUan I oar tb
■dTiaabla. SfteoU ay «ter wkb a yMampb of their bad pbeed _
aither bw*. tbree^iaaitar or fUl.la«lb rtalaary, I plaea ay litter beta* a
Meek or aaa tialed beekgroaad m tbe atalaary waa pbotemked ap^iat,
aad Uka a pketermhle lapraiHa ef the Ud, rtpStSg^Km^Vbi
*»«■ by arfif aa OMHaary rtaalttaK aaea eMber fa tbe eaaan or betweaa
.« leae aad •iltar m beftora iMed. I taka tba iapnaka oa an aaattite
, lialaaajiklu flfca. I see caOalaid fllaa, and rtgaette tbe bead ftea tbe
iio4f >■( a UMa hdear the ekia, ae that it win ncMw oa tbeneekertbe
MawT nigiitwt eMA eaa be doM by placi^ the BOffOiTe of itatnary
-fadMloB thafceaatat araa ofoaaan. ead mmiiwMat tbe eaaara'that
• aeckoliittaraadtbtoftbeitetaaiyaiCrtlTa akaD be exaettytbe aae
^or tkatcba eea be aadafhia the ita&ery aeptivee oa aay ooavaaleat
iaatad «r the aeBUva ta tkepupeeeof
orriliafaf«|faler. m— I kafeeS^aed ay pketempbte
had I wlAle plaae oa elaiaarr, I taka tbe trawpeteat Ua,
erikel
a^jateltOD tbe rtaiaaiTMnii
proeeea ia ptiat, tbiuugk eotk i
Eneatifea,
lalao aaak er ev
alataary, I taka tbe tWMpeieat Ua,
litire, and raCoaebiag oat all iapar-
I neaitifea, by aay of tba orlfaary
by aay of tba onUaary
tbaaeeofaay '
;, or drawiag; ■• aa Ikla part will appeer
I tMa
_ . ^ I Bake fa tbe aaoal
< Cm I wlAl^ilace oa tbe atoaaaid
' opajaa luiaiiMl. by
« taipnerfea oa i
-Ttoutyitalad; I
>rt that ii '
ph
behind
cut an
take
the head fa' tbe
e4««lB( tbe face over tbe
- . lag oot eU laperfKtioaa,
xeed toprfat, UUUagk both aagativc*, ia tbe aeoel maanar.
I abo adte aeaallTM of ladies gentleaMO, aad obOdicn, fa aay poaitioa
Id neptire by placing my Htter Ix
black rdret. in wbidi than ia ei
M mack of the faee aa I nqniie ; I
aay tnaeparaft flfaa. nglilarfaa U "
I pfaee tktoflla OB tke aegrilviL e^fi
( ban fbaa, aad after iHeaeaiiw
I may think advisable, and place other heads on their jbodies by aforesaid
process.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that
what I claim is : — 1. Th.it this is the only true method of placing the head of
one subject upon the body of another, and printing from same without showing
any join. 2. And of placing any face on any photograph of picture, statuary,
or life subject, and of making same, when printed, appear as if the photograph
was a direct picture and not a combination. 3. And that by this process ladies
and gentlemen can be saved the trouble of dressing for their pictures, as all
we will require will be a photc^fraph of then- heads and necks, and sitters can
select the position or dress they would like to appear in on tbe finished picture
bom our stock of negatives or prints.
[Bnt how aboat the " statuary " photographs of this natnre that were
common several years ago ? Will Mr. Bradshaw kindly point out in what
respect liis method differs from that formerly employed ? — Ed.]
MtttuxQ^ of SoctettejS.
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK.
DtUttJUltlllt.
RuMOtSocMjr.
PUce of Meeting.
Bmtmdieria ...
Darlington
Trardraa Hotel, Darlington.
Asm. Studio, Nathaigate, Dundee.
JnbUee HaU, Honuar^nid, N.
Smith's Baataniuit, Tlototia4t.
Lcatnre Ball, Athemensu
Maaonio Court, Hi|rh.«treet.
Major's Parlour, Old Town HaU.
School of Art, Nelson-place, Ooric
Aadnton'i Hotel. neet«tr«et, B.a
Meetaaios' IB•titat^ Stockport.
Oradiam Hall, Brixton.
Unsenm Com. Boom, Kelly^treet.
The I^nm, Union.«t., Oldham.
^T^U...
Doadae Anatenr
:: S:::
13 ...
13 ...
North MiddVaez
D«rbT
Stockton
U ...
Mnstar
M ...
Fhoto«iapUe OInb
U ...
M ...
RMdins _
Stookport ™
15 ...
15 .
Brixton and CUph&m....^
" 15 .
1-5 ..
Oldhwn
" 16 ...
16 ..
OudiS
Holboni
16 ...
16 ...
16 ...
hmaiatUm
Maiaslaaa .„
gtoh«>ff-^ _
Trinitr Chnroh Boom, Horton-st.
" The Palwse," Maidstone.
QrejhooBd Hotel. Richmond.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
SiiTiMiiKR 1,— Mr. p. Everitt in the chair.
Mr. 8. Ashby waa elected a member.
Axwou
Mr. A. CowAX fa rsfaeooe to amidol confirmed Mr. J. A. Sinclair's ex-
Derience with it fa bavins developed twelve negi^vesin the same solution.
He (Mr. Cowan) considarsd amidol a very good developff indeed. His twelve
negativa each oocnpied tbe same time in development and were of equal
density. The two onncee of developer which be had brought with him were
quite dear. He had tried it with paper, and it did not stain.
Quaarions.
The Ibllowing question trom the box was read:— "The edition of Photo-
gmpky to-day (September 1) threatens retaliation, with compound interest,
upon tbe London and Provtedal Photographic Association for havint; been the
means of comcting some of the misleading directions published in that journal.
On^t tbe Society to take any action fa the matter !"
The Caanmas uked whether it was worth while to take any notice of the
matter?
It was understood that the question would be brought before the members-
at a fntore meeting.
Qneetion No. 2 : "Why must absolute aad not methyUted alcohol be used
to dissolve cyanine for preparing the bath when orthochromatising \"
Mr. R, Bkckcit said the Britannia Works Company had recommended
abaolnta alcohol 3e had got cyanfae to dissolve in Ue ordinar}- methylated
aloohoL
Mr. T. BoLAS said there would be no harm in the employment of the ordinary
metbyfated nririt if "finish " were not preeenL
Qnathm No. 3 : " Is there a process ror copying tracings which gives a green
podtive image npon a lirbt green gronnd !"
Mr. O. W. ATKnra said a good many copies of tracings paased through his
hamle w^I^ware evidently w a photographic character, and wished to know
bow VOSy ware prodaoed.
Mr. EfoLaa said that grsan positives ooold be produced by the primuline
process, which was deecnbed fa Tas BatnaH Jocbhal or Photographt (see
pue 067 of the volnme for 1890).
tint meeting conchided after deciding npon competitions for copying and
enlarging.
Hackney Pbotogiapblo Soolety.— August 30, IS92, Mr. R. Beckett pre-
siding;.—Questions: — Does the carbonate of soda reduce the P.O.P. in fixing
more than snlpho-cyanide F Rm>ly : slight! v. — How long will anlphate of iron
keep f Reply : Almost indefinitely if bottle be full and well stoppered, and.
acidifted with sulphuric ai-id. When the solution is clear and green it is ferro«»,
aad aids the image-malung, bat when brown it is hydrated oxide of iron or feme
690
THE BRITISH JOURNAL, OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September 9, 1892
and destroys the image. Discussion on the best mountant for the P.O.P. when,
polished was then continued. Mr. Reynolds advised gelatine, quite boil it,
then allow to get nearly cold, though liquid, and nse. If it be applied hot it
will skin over. Mr. Harvcrson uses ■ ' aristotype paste " with good result.
It was suggested that thin cartridge was as effective m keeping on the gloss as
the ordinary waterproof blacking. Mr. Hudson showed a magazine containing
twenty-four plates— one shutter. Place in changing bag, and take out plate
from one side and put away in other. Members' work shown from Messrs.
Dean, Gosling, Parhtt, Pollanl, and Sodeau. A Daguerreotype was shown ;
method of producing it explained by the Chairman. Mr. Sodeau then gave a
paper on Lark-room lUuminalion. Explaining the theory of light and dis-
persion, showed the nse of the spectroscope. In its absence an efficient test
u by using a piece of blue glass. If wliite light seen through these combined
is affected by other tints, it shows the colour to be more or less faulty. Ex-
posures of J, 1, 2, and 5 minutes were uniformly made under the same condi-
tions, viz., light about 1 candle power at 1 foot. Developer same, (a) Argand
gas lamp, red chimney— result, transmits red orange, little yellow. Plate (1)
Paget's 50, 1 minute. Image just visible. (2) Edwards' isochroniatic medium,
i minute, visible. More fog with isochromatic at J minute than Paget's
50 at 5 minutes, (i) Red glass, transmits red orange, and just a trace
of yellow. (1) Paget's 50, 5 minutes. No effect. (2) Edwards' isochromatic
medium, 1 minute, just Visible — same as red chimney on Paget's. Altered
burner to a Bray's, Paget's just showed at 1 minute, (c) Aurine (30 grains to
1 ounce of collodion), original burner, transmits red orange and a fair amount
of yellow. Paget's 50, just visible in J minute. More fog than red chimney,
but is counterbalanced by being more comfortable to work with, and can see
vfith much less light than red.
Putney Photographic Society. — By the courtesy of the Director, members
of this Society visited the Royal Gardens at Kew on Saturday last, and photo-
graphed in the various houses which are only open for the purpose until twelve
o'clock, when the general public are admitted. After twelve the time was
spent in photographing out of doors, and, as these beautiful gardens abound
with objects of scientific and artistic interest, time went only too rapidly.
The weather was favourable for photography, being generally fine, with a good
difl'used light, giving plenty of time for tlie shadows without destroying the
high lights. 'SVhile we were busy in the houses the weather was dull, with
occasional showers of rain. This, in conjunction with the use of isochromatic
flates, no doubt accounts for the entire absence of halation from the negatives.
n the houses a wide-angle lens, say, of focal length less than or ecjual to length
of plate, will be found very useful. The houses lend themselves particularly
to effective stereoscopic photography, of which advantage was duly taken by
one of the members. As a hint to intending visitors, it may be mentioned that,
working with /■20 and Edwards' instantaneous isochromatic plates, an ex-
posure of twenty seconds was found to be about correct in the houses, the result-
ing negatives being full of detail in lights and shadows and with fine gradation.
Round the lower lake plenty of good views may be found, including snap-shots
at the water-fowl of various kinds. These are readily brought into position by
the judicious distribution of crumbs of bread ; the wise photographer will pro-
vide himself accordingly.
South Manchester Photographic Society. — August 29, Mr. J. Wilkin-
son in the chair. — Several of the members, in response to the request on the
circular, had brought exhibits of holiday work, consisting of negatives, prints,
&c. Mr. Reid showed several lantern slides taken from negatives exposed in a
Miller's hand camera. The Chairman brought two Sandell plates, one exjiosed
for two seconds, the other twenty seconds with/-16, and developed with pyro,
bromide, and ammonia. In the discussion that followed it was the opinion of
the meeting that the longer-exposed one was the best, although very slight dif-
ference could be perceived between the two.
CorresponDencf^
OorrBwpondentB KhouldJMver \eriU on both sides of th» yap*r.
PHOTOGEAPHY BY RULE.
To the Editor.
Sib,— I much regret if anything in my letter published in last week's
Journal betrays a style ot controversy in any way unworthy of me, as Mr.
Bedding opines ; nothing is further from my intention than to say that
which may reasonably offend or misrepresent. To set the example of for-
bearance, I admit that it is natursl to suspect that commercial bias enters
into ray estimate of the paper I have criticised. I hope and believe, how-
eTer, that such is not the case.
Mr. Bedding is content, he says, to waive his belief in the value of trial
and error, as applied to exposure, if I will place the contrary beliefs in the
scale against the work done by the vast majority of professionals and
amateurs who do not employ aids to exposure.
If I attempt to meet Mr. Bedding on these lines, my reply must be that
it is impossible accurately to gauge the work of this vast majority, as I
am not ubiquitous, nor will they show me their failures. On the other
hand, his paper would disappear bodily.
Whenever an attempt is made to raise a science from the qualitative
stage to the quantitative, the same objection may be made ; and, when in
photography somebody initiates the quantitative element, it is injudicious
to say that this has not been needed hitlierto, and to decry the attempt.
I have not overlooked the reference to shutters, nor am I unaware of
the ex stence of one-solution developers. I confined my attention to the
" apparently inexhaustible supply of inventive genius," having for sole
object the reduction of exposure and development to pure rule and system.
These epithets are not, as far as I can see, applicable to shutters and one-
solution developers; nay, according to Mr. Bedding, it is "mechanical
aids to exposure" {i.e., time and instantaneous shutters) which have
called forth this " inexhaustible supply " of genius which he considers
misplaced. Again, vide Jabez Hughes and Hardwich, one-solution
developers were more numerous in olden times than they are now, so they
are barred out from the category to which I have alluded ; they are merely
proposed as alternative methods ot development.
I am asked if I maintain that no sources of error exist in the instru-
ments of which I have spoken favourably. I reply, they are correct in
principle as far as they go, and Mr. Bedding's " impeachment of the con-
stancy of the factors taken into account in the systems" is no examina-
tion of the principles of these instruments. The principles of the
instruments assume the variability of the factors with which they deal,
not the constancy of them. An attempt is made, from a tolerably
accurate knowledge of the present value of these factors, to deduce a
proximately correct exposure, and this they succeed in doing. Further
considerations with which the instruments do not deal often render the
result still more exact. The point in dispute seems to be that, although
exhaustive knowledge of all the factors is unattainable, I hold that we can
extract a large amount of help from such approximate knowledge as we
have, while Mr. Bedding considers this approximate knowledge quite
inadequate to be of real assistance. I am surely correct in considering
the formulfe issued with a plate as the result of the maker's judgment, in
which case the " differences of opinion " to which Mr. Bedding refers are
conflicting judgments whenever they involve error. (Word-splitting ia
not confined to my side ot the discussion.)
Mr. Bedding says that, if a man cannot master the dlfficolties of
exposure by the aid ot his own brains, he will not do it at all, yet con-
siders an inference which I have drawn, viz., that a youth who does not
succeed as well as a companion who uses such aids must deplore his own
want of brains and give the thing up, as unfair. Having Mr. Bedding's
assurance that this seemingly obvious conclusion is unwarranted, I
willingly withdraw it, and ask what the youth must do? Blunder on, or
adopt the other's method ?
I fear Mr. Bedding will have to take up my challenge for a good nega-
tive on an unknown plate himself, or it will remain unaccepted. By
unknown I mean one of whose speed he has no idea. In such case as he
names, he evidently would rather have the trade description than nothing.
I would prefer something more definite than the row of xx . . . . x, un-
known quantities, which figure as the only clue to the speed of the plates,
or the vague direction, " Average exposure, one second."
I have recently handled two plates, one requiring about thirty times
the exposure of the other. Is it not advisable to know which is which ;
and, it so, better still to know the actual speed of each ? No. Look atr
the focussing screen, and find out by trial and error, unless I misunder-
stand Mr. Bedding's doctrine.
1 am told I am unfortunate and rash in looking upon aids to exposure
as the focus of others' experience, but no hint is given why that is so.
Remembering what has been said about " mere empiricism " and " false-
lying inspired formulffi," I think the matter should not be handled so-
guardedly, in terms so equivocal.
What i mean by " pinches and handtuls of light, advocated in prefer-
ence to calculated quantities," can hardly be a matter ot doubt to any
one ; the phrase carries its own interpretation.
As I have asserted that Mr. Bedding's paper does not touch any single
principle of the instrumen£ which I have defended, I will shortly state
what these principles are. They are that the time of exposure varies (1)
inversely as the actinic power ot the light ; (2) inversely as the speed of
the plate ; (3) inversely as the area ot aperture ot the diaphragm ; (4)
directly as the focal length of the lens.
Not one of these principles can be called in question, nor the combined
result of all four. No individual judgment can modify, without intro-
ducing error, the verdict of the instrument as far as these principles are
concerned.
But judgment is ot value in dealing with extraneous conditions with
which the instrument does not directly deal, such as the question of
securing the representation ot one ot two violently contrasting terms to
the sacrifice of truth ot the other; c.i;., the securing of clouds at the
expense of shadow details, or the reverse. Such considerations are noted
by the issuers of the instruments, and the list is open to extension, pro-
viding ample scope tor experience to assert its value. But, by limiting
itself to its own proper sphere, judgment grows apace, though I leave
open the question whether error will be eUminated to such an extent that
the knowledge of how to correct it in development will become lost as a
thing ot the past. The mere hint of such a contingency following the
use of the instruments in question speaks much in their favour. For my
part, would that the art of doctoring photographic plates and human
bodies alike fell into desuetude through the absence of need.
I cannot rightly gauge the photographer who prefers to make bad.
exposures now and then for the excuse it affords him of dodging the
development afterwards. It such there be, they can still ride their
peculiar hobby as often as they feel inclined.
My attention has just been called to a paper, signed W. K. Burton, ia
the Journal for September 15, 1882 entitled "A Table of Exposures.'"
S«pt«iiliar », 189-J]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
o91
He wji : " It U aiiul, in tpeaJdng of the expoeore of plates, to say that
the eonditioiu are ao very varioiu that it is impossible to give any elae to
the time which i; is neeeaaaiy to allow light to act, and that a knowledge
ot it OMI only ba gkinad by experieoee. This, I believe, is not the case.
It U tnM that fome experianoe mast be gained at the first start, bat this
«xp«i<nee may with advaiitaga ba npplamanted by that which has been
gleaned by others The table proved so osefol to many triends on
their first taking np the art-sdenee, that it has appeared to me that at
least a few of yoor Traders might derive benefit bom the pablicaiion
of it."
Can Profeaaor Burton's table be fairly described as the "falsely inspired
formula " of " mere empiifeism ? " Nobody dare say so, and I submit
that it is onjnst and ineorrset to despise the authors of exposure tables
and instmmenta beeanse Mr. Bedding does not knoic them to be practical
pbotograpben ! Has he tried to diaeovar whether they are? Can he
tell Ds of one who is not?
I would once more assure the student that there are better times in
store for him than his pradaeeaMia have had, if be will but make intelli-
gent use of their experianee and iialin>i>lnfl reaeareh.— I am, yours. Sec,
Jru Club, Jtmehetter, Septtmher 3, 1899. B. 0. Phillifs.
" THE DECAY OF PBOFESSIOKAL PHOTOGBAPHT."
To thd BOROB.
Bib,— The sensible letter writiea by ao dsvar and experienced a photo-
grapher as Mr, A. Wilaon ia known to be cannot fail to secure the
nnqnaUflad apptoval of every profswfamil photographer of repute. It
was time, indeed, that the voioa d a pwfaaainnsl d standing should be
heard on the qneation. In endoniag every item ot Mr. Wilson's letter,
whoas ffiprk^"* is precisely similar to my own, and, I think, that ot a
boat of ouer psvlasstonals, I should Uka to enpbaaiaa the paasage of Mr.
Wilaon's lallar where ba says, " Itl want • raa£^ naatnl assistant, I have
to tnUn on* myaeU, or proeora ona fimn the Ckmtinant." The appren-
tieaahip in vogue there is really reapensihle tor the aeknowiodged
anperiority M asaiatanu who, in moat eaaaa, have a good praetieal know-
la^ of tba whole boaiMaa, whilst tbs7 are gsnerally axparta in one or
man branehaa e( the same. Monover, aa a nJa, they are not the spoiled
yovBg gantlanisa who aosr oltaa aonaaBt to ba apnantieed.
B fa all v«7 wdl ter ehsralrta and otbar seiaDtuta. who vary laudably
bav* tomad thair attsntkm to pbetogiapby, to talk wiselv about what
Iha pinlaaatnii is, or ooght to be, but are not proteasionsis more fit to
jodgaf Lai tbaae be beard, and I think it will ba found, whilst all agree
that tba poaassslcw ot a good chemical and sdantific knowledge is essen-
lial. lAal akm is quite inadaqnata witbont a (ew years' apprentieeahip.
If it wan not so^ bow to it that ao vaty Um ot ihoae gentlaman ot setonee
have boat op rapotationa aa pwi^iarinnal fhotographers? Asa matter ot
fa«t, a tnt-elasa artist is navar foond to ba an equal expert at seienee.
.•ad, 1*"'^^ ttian is no rsaaon why a pbotognphsr should not be a
elevar aeiaBtiat also, tha artiatie elsmMt moat pndominate. but the
mmrrcial part claims no leaa attention. At any rate, to ashiev* snooess,
;::e aspirant, in my opinion, aboold be a good artist, with a sound know-
ledge ot tba bnslnaaa poitiaa. Tba Mtan ot tha photographie art
damanda that tba nally good pbotognphar should ba aatBdently well
acquainted with tba saianea utdai|ytm| it, fcr which reason it neeeasanly
ii inaodsd in tba appnntieeabip loitHB. How ii it possible, then, tliat
k.. I it art. eomaarcial aapeet, seisnoe, Ac can be learnt away from the
udiu? By all meant let the tiro nippleroent In* knowledge by giving
ae protesoon of the Polylaehnie, Ttchoieal In'tituM, and others a turn,
;it he U in a bttter eondilioa to profit hf their Jiscouree when he has
tved bis appreoiieeehip. He will certainly ba leu likelv to tnm op his
■ It (he Utter, siioold he not strictly adhere to tLe highly toieatifio
tgo at tba leataxa-raan.— I am, yours, Ac J- Hcbcbt.
, r<siA«r 6, 1893.
To IAsEmtok.
gia,— In tha midst ot mnab jtaasuiu on my lime, I cannot retrain
from endorsing the eowmna asnn remarks written in your last week's
issue by Mr. A W. Wilson.
Teehnieal class edocation is exeallsnt, so far as it goes, but that is not
-rety tar in these latter da/s. Art ednoation becomes of mon and more
neeaasity CoUatenl with his setoneaatndlce, the student should be eon-
neeted wsih an art sehool, and obtain a solidly ground-in knowled^ ot
ijialODy, modellinir. and lighting, and shading generally, and frr».hand
Jiawing. This u ol evcr-iocreasing importanee, and no single minute so
fpent will fsil to be aft*r»arda remunerative.
When the pupil has attained a sound proAeien^ In tbeaa diicoaons, if
ba will raaomiM that be ia not yet an experienced photographar, as he
may tod^wagias. but just in a position to eonmance his real edoea-
tioD hf aatvfag sosDa yean in a good praetieal studio, then we might be
easy about tba future tupply of photographers worthy of their name, and
also both the artiatie and financial proepceis of our profe:iiion.
f >.,r> I • no decay ot prolsaetooal photography among men who are equal
to . 1)1 ^ingtbasatfataetoiydamaad far. and appracUtion of, better work
eagendrnd hr tba lionally advanced art tastes at present maniresi, but
iLiia Ii an iBWiialTiiw nf flyblown intruders, wbo intuit the profession
by |trffl'"'"B Itmt tbay liave it ■■ at their finger ends " because they have
been glamoured by their few months' results with a cheap camera and a
convenient back yard, where, by the potent aid of a blanket background
and materials generally on the button-pressing principle, they have
created abortions of their suffering friends.
Photography has, doubtless, some nasty lessons in store for snch people
as seek to enter her ranks in this left-handed manner, and think they
have discovered " a royal road to fame.' They, in conjunction with the
solely theoretically accomplished pupil, will, I question, not find room to
look longingly at stone-breaking as a more comfortable and withal
profitable employment.
But who will bemoan that photography can thus assert her right to
respect and legitimate devotion ? Not I, (or one. If it were only the
puny, sickly process, some of the dabblers in it would lead ns to
conceive, judging by their results, then, indeed, might we expect its
ultimate downfall.
There is no question, too, that the old conservative photographer
nowadays finds his possibly technically good, but artistically doubtful,
work received with increasing coldness as lestbetic taste advances. But
here also the short-coming must be recognised as his own. It all points
to the same end. Let photography cease to be regarded as a superficial
plaything, to be less or more accidentally acquired; let its students,
having suitable natural tastes, be educated up to its scientific, artistic,
and practical possibilities, and I will warrant we need have no feelings of
alarm for the process. — I am, yours, d-c, Ltddell Sawteb.
Septfmber 5, 1892.
UNIFOBM SIZE OF PLATES.
To the Editob.
Sib, — Miss Barnes, in her paper read before the Birmingham Photo-
graphic Society, touches upon the question of " uniform sizes of plates "
— " Our (American) size, notably for hand cameras, is o x i."
I have always held that 5x4 should be the basis ot our system ; that is
to say, it should be our quarter-plate, or 10 x 8 our whole-plate. Hand
cameras ot 5x4 are as readily earned and operated with as our present
quarter-plates, and may serve tor all the purposes of the quarter-plate as
well, if not better, while an additional and exclusive lantern-slide camera
of three and a quarter would be more to the purpose for that particular
branch of work.
The question, however, arises, what vronld be the best " half-plate "
between tha sixes of 10 x 8 or 6 x 4 ? In America, the 8x5 size is used,
being tba exact halt ot 10 x 8, but it entails carrying a camera nearly aa
large as the present whole-plaw, while the surface of plate is barely three-
quarters ot it. But it we take half an inch off its length, making it seven
and a half, and add half an inch to its width, bringing it to five and a
half, we have a plate of handy and pleasing dimensions, slightly over
the half area of our (10 x 8) whole-plate, big enough to satisfy the angle
of our vision as a picture, and entailing a weight of apparatus light enough
to be carried by almost any one. Moreover, it may form the basis of a
further international size, as it is the only one in inches which agrees
with an aoeqptabia siae in centimetres, viz., 14 x 19.-U am, yours. &c.,
19, BuekinghawMtrttt, Strand. London, W.C, 3- B. Ootz.
Septembtr 5, 1892.
PBOPOSED SOCIETY FOR STBATFOBD.
To the ErnoB.
Sib,— I know of no photographic club in the districU of StraltorJ and
Forest Gate, and if any ot your readers who reside near this way would
like to liave one and join it, I should be glad if they will communicate
with me on the subject.— I am, yours, ic, 8. L. Wiltos.
Longmort Villa, Bom/ord-road, Stratford, E., SepUmber 5, 1892.
THE ACID SIL^•EB BATH.
To the EnrroB.
Snt,— From yoor eorrespondent's— T. W. Edwards's— letter, I think
there can be no doubt his trouble ia caused by sensitising albumc-oised
paper on a very acid silver bath. Some samplea of paper turn a neutral
solution of silver ucid very (juickly, and the addition of kaolin, with a
Utile carbonate of soda, ia iiuita 'inadequate to correct tbii< teniency.
Test the lilver solution witli blue litmus paper, aud add stroug liq.
•MBMlltfejintil blue litmus paper ceases to torn red. Kei^«at ihia when-
evirin6«alary, aud be careful to /.<<•/> the bath neutral, as, unless this is
done, any change of toning bath will be of no avail.— I am, yours, Ac,
September 3, 1892. A M. B.
^
i=ict)angf aToluinn.
WUl nelunn two tuckgromidj, tlmoit ottr, loterior and exterior, (or good wide-tnxla
lau.— AddraM. W. C'Mi!iitT,C*rdi(ma.<tr«M, Ipiwich.
ExcLtnn < 0 to lOi f ooJ nrlttine Uutmn •lld«. Tarloat •nbjeett, for quarter cunart.
—AMnm, W. Bawis, 41. GUcomttoB.park, Aberdeen.
Will «iebaBS« two Oatwd oU btokfroimdi, Marion • Interior and exterior, (or two
otlwn, pbotoiiaplu «iclia»g»d.-AJdto'., Mas Waoe, 9, Xewton-strect, Hyde.
592
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September 9, 1892
EnstoersJ to (fforrcsponlients.
AU matters for the text portion of ttw Jootsal, ;«f''«?/«S' 2"£,"f' {'^
"Atmoers" and "Exchanges," must he addressed to THE i!.DiTOR,
2, Torkstreet, Cm;ent Garden, London. Inattention to this enmres delay.
No notice taken of communications unless name and address of writer are
given.
•.* Commmiiealions relating to AdveHisemenis and general tusmess of airs
must be addressed to "Henky Greenwood & Co.," 2, lork-street, Covent
Oarden, London. .
PHOTOQRAPH RsaiSTEKKD :
James Grey, East StonehouBe, Devon.— P/iotojirapfc ofNmal Barrocks, Detioiiport.
T. E. B., A. F. M., T. E. G., W. Mobris, ami others.— Received ; in our next.
Jas. a. Forrest.— Many thanks ; we will reserve your interesting letter and
enclosure.
A. G. R.— The prints, judging by the very small strips you send us, are by
the gelatine-chloride process.
Printer.- See article in the present issue. You, like many others, confound
one process with another which is quite different.
" Accurate Exposures."— The correspondent who writes iis on this subject
has neither completed his letter nor furnished his name and address.
N A Foo.— So far as we know there is no other reliable method of ascer-
taining whether your plates have been light-stnick except by exposure and
development.
Panel.— 1. Yes, there are "panel lenses " on the market, which will work at
a speed of one second in the studio, provided the light and other conditions
be suitable. 2. It increases detail.
J. Davis.— When the bichloride of mercury is applied it always darkens
the film at first, but when its action is continued the image is whitened.
You have been in too much of a hurry for the result.
Patent.— If the invention is patented you have no right to infringe it, even if
you make the apparatus yourself, and for your own exclusive use. You
have no right to another person's property, and this the patented inven-
ion is.
R. Hill. — Large carbon prints, on thick paper, are best mounted with starch
paste, and we are surprised that you have failed with it. Make the starch
very thick, and apply it with a good-size piece of sponge, breaking up the
lumps as it is rubbed on.
A. CoRNWELL. — About the cheapest background you can have, and it will
answer your requirements quite well, is a large piece of brown paper. This
material may be had four feet six, or five feet wide, and in any .length. It is
sold under the name of carpet paper.
A. B. says : " I am an assistant, living in the house. My agreement was to
be paid weekly. I have, however, let it run on eight or nine weeks. If my
employer were to become insolvent, can I legally claim the full amount ? " —
Yes. in case of insolvency your arrears of salary would rank as a preferential
claim against the estate.
Amateur (Strood) says : " I am about to erect a temporary studio in the
garden. Will thick Willesden paper do for the roof where glass is not re-
quired ? As I am shortly removing, I do not wish to go to mnch expense in
the matter." — Willesden paper will answer quite well. Zinc is cheap just
now, and that would be equally suitable and not expensive.
A. W. says : "When coating glass plates with gelatine for enamelling prints,
a number of small holes or ' pits ' form. I am told they are caused by fatty
matter in the gelatine. Is this correct ?"— The "pitting" of gelatine is
generally ascribed to grease, but some m.aintain that it is not the cause.
However, no more generally satisfactory explanation has yet been given.
S. L. — We are surprised that any manufacturer, even a foreign one, who had
executed your order wrongly should dispose of tlie mounts, with your name
upon them, to any other photographer. No respectable English house would
have done so. The only remedy we can see that you have is against the
purchaser, under the Trade Maries Act, for supplying pictures purporting to
be of your production.
L. E. Clark. — There is no reason why the report should not be correct. We
have known more than one instance of an accident happening through the
condenser of a solar camera being exposed when out of use. On one occasion
considerable damage was done to the apparatus and the fittings of the en-
larging room, and, but for the timely arrival of the fire brigade, the entire
building would have been destroyed.
'F. C. (GIos.) — 1. If the photograph is not copyright, it may be copied for sale.
2. It will depend much upon circumstances. In this matter a solicitor
versed in copyright law will be able to give a more reliable opinion than we
can. 3. If the owner of the negative has a copyright in it he can certainly
stop the sale of pirated copies and recover costs from the vendor. No doubt
the owner of the negative will permit you to reproduce the portrait in the
paper for a consideration. As it is his property, he is entitled to remunera-
tion.
(F. K. writes : " Can you, through your paper, give me some idea as to the
oause of marks on enclosed photograph ? It is mounted with starch, and the
marks do not show till after the prints are burnished. A little lielp will
oblige." — The marks are due to the mounts. The material with which the
cards are surfaced is soluble in water : consequently, when the starched
print is applied, the colour is partially dissolved. If one of the mounts be
moistened with the tongue, the colour can be easily rubbed off with the
■finger.
R. DlMBERLlNE. — You do not say what aspect the studio has, or whether you
wish to work from both ends. Presuming you only desire to work from one
end, fifteen or sixteen feet of glass will be sufficient for that width of studio,
commencing, say, four feet six or five feet from the background end.
G. Fentom says :— " In the dark room I have great difficulty in finding the
right side of matt-surface bromide paper, and have lost many prints from
putting the wrong side on the negative. Is there any way of judging the
right side with certainty !" — If the point of tlie thumb and finger be slightly
moistened with saliva, and an extreme comer of the paper be pressed between
them, the coated side will be found slightly adherent. It will also be noted
that the edges of the paper have a slight tendency to curl inwards. This is
always on the coated side.
James Bkntley writes : ' ' Would you kindly Inform me what mountant is suit-
able for gelatino-chloride prints tliat have a glazed surface. I have used
several, including shellac dissolved in spirit, but I get distinct marks and loss
of glaze where the mountant has been applied." — There will be a certain loss
of gloss whenever an aqueous mountant is used, if it be applied after the print
is taken from the glass. If the mount be attached while the print is on the
glass, and still moist, and then allowed to dry, the full gloss will be retained.
A waterproof paper is sold by many of the dealers for attaching to the back
of the print when it is squeegeed on the glass ; then, .after stripping off, the
picture can be mounted witli starch or anything else, still retaining the
glaze.
Reapi:r says : "I wish to build a studio for business purposes in the garden
in front of my house. On mentioning this to one of my neigbours he said
it would not be allowed, as the town surveyor had power to prevent. I have
bought a long lease of the premises, and the studio would not stop off any
one's light. Will you tell me if any one can prevent me doing what I like
on ray own property, provided I injure no one else's !" — Without knowmg
all the conditions it would be impossible to give an opinion. The local
authorities in every town have their bye-laws, and these, in the case of
buildings, are usually stringent. As a rule, they have the right to reject or
modify any plans submitted to them, and this they would certainly do'.c
they considered the proposed erection would deteriorate the surrounding
property. Better consult the town surveyor in the first instance.
Old Scotty. — 1. We have not tried the hand camera alluded to, but it is said
to be good. 2. A lens working at /-8 is quick enough for street subjects
with moderately rapid plates. 3. In saying that the " chromotype process "
was practically obsolete, we were referring to the original process of Lambert.
This formed the subject of a patent which has long since expired. For the
process a special tissue was supplied, but only to licensees. Eventually it
was found that the pigments of which it was compounded, or some of them,
were fugitive with exposure to light. Its manufacture has now, we believe,
been discontinued, or it is only made to order. The process itself (that is,
with ordinary tissues), whicli consists in developing the carbon image on
coUodionised glass, and afterwards transferring to paper, is still practised
somewhat extensively. You cannot do better than give the process a trial.
The tissue is now supplied in small quantities, ready sensitised, which much
simplifies the working. If you require variety you might try the gelatino-
chloride printing-out paper.
Erratum.— In the second paragraph of Mr. Dunmore's letter on "De-
colourising Shellac Varnish " in the Journal of last week, " a glass flask of
four ounces " should read " a glass rtask of forty ounces."
Photographic Club.— September 14, Transparency Printing. 21, Photo-
graphic Fallacies. Outing, Saturd.ay next, September 10, Greenwich, under
the leadership of Mr. A. Haddon. Boat from Old Swan Pier at two o'clock.
Newcastle-on-Tyne and Northern Counties' Photographic Associa-
tion.—September 15, Out-door Meeting to Gilsland, Nawarth, and Lanercast.
Train leaves Central Station, Newcastle, at a quarter past eight a.m. for Gilsland
Station. M. Auty, leader.
The Weather and Photographic Societies' Outings.- We received the
following report of the outing of a photographic society last Saturday :—
" Seventeen present ; a soaking wet day ; plates exposed, 0. Programme :—
Drinks, smokes, nap, dinner, return."
NEW MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT.
Important Notice.— IHtt the Journal of Friday, October 7 next, and on the
first Friday of each succeeding month from October to March inclusive, weshall
issue a special gratis supplement, devoted to the interests of the makers and
uses of the optical lantern, in lehich every phase of the subject -will be treated
by tlie ab'cst authorities. This step, which has been in contemplation for a
considerable period, is necessitated by the increasing popularity of the lantern
in its numerous applications, scientific and domestic.
OONTENTS,
Page
AMIDOL 677
FINISHING GELATINE PRINTS 678
PHOTO-ZISCOGRAPHY 679
CHLORIDF. PRINTING-OUT PAPERS-
COLLODION AND GELATINE.— II.
By W. B. BOLTON 581
convention JOTTINGS.— VII 682
OPTICAL GLASS. By J. R. GOTZ 684
HARMONISING HARSH NEGATIVES.
By J. Mcintosh sso
Faok
the FBENA hand camera 687
ON THE SELECTION OF VIEWS.— IL
By EDWARD DVNMOEE 687
CUB EDITORIAL T.\BLE 6«S
RECENT PATENTS 689
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES 689
CORRESPONDENCE 690
exchange COLUMN 691
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS
THE BEITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1689. Vol. XXXIX.— SEPTEMBER 16, 1892.
0^^ DRY MOUNTING.
I5T01.TED in the novelty and excitement of experiment, or the
reduction of experiment to practice — new developers, new
modes of development, new papers, new cameras — the claims
of old processes and methods, whatever their value, have little
chance of l)eing heard a seoond time when once their ad-
vantagea and methods have been dearly set forth and adopted,
or allowed to fall into oblivion, aa the case may be. The
adoption of the almost imiveraal snlphite of soda might be
looked upon aa an exception to this dictum ; but it really is
not : for, though its advantages were plainly set forth by its
Lunented inventor, the Ute Mr. H. B. Berkeley, and it was lefl
abaolately imnoticed for a time, ita ultimate popularisation
was only due to repeated and entirely disinterested efforts on
his part to foroe it into notice. Among other valuable methods
of work hitherto fated to eemi-oblivion is that known as " dry
mounting." It is not said for a moment that this mode of
mounting; has no followen ; there are many photographers in
the country who adopt it, and have nothing but praise to say
of it. We unhesitatingly state that if once it be gi%-cn a fair
trial (naing a little of Opie's " medium '*) there is little chance
>f any other mode of mounting bifatg again ma<ie use of for
iny except the larger sisee of work. There are, of course,
'Ufficulties attendant upon the inceptive operations, but in this
Iry mounting is no exception to a general rule. If the query
u> r.,,f " Vfh%t are the advantages of drj' mounting t" it can
ly replied to. By its aid prints can be finished off
ready to deliver far more quickly than by the older plan.
When finished, they are better done, and the mounts do not
)>uckle or curve. A doien cabinet or larger prints so treated
—^ will lie in a heap as flat aa a pack of cards, and will preserve
^^ their flatness though left exposed singly to the air. Even with
^BgfM OMet aecormte and oanful mounting by the M method,
^Hjhe earl — alight ■ometjinee, oftener, perhaps, considerable — will
^^bike its appearanoe even with a heap of mounted pictures,
^MiUle single once almeet invariably assume a twisted or bent
aspect, the contrast in the general appeamnce of finish between
the two being most marked. Then, af^n, when, as oocaaion
soBetimee oeoeantatee, a print has to be removed from its
mooBtt it is done with far gnaXm ease with one dry than
wet numnted.
It may be asked, " What are the disadvantages of the method I "
sttI tr> this we may reply that they are two in number and
_^ • ' :\nt. Firstly, to dry mount with greatest ease two
people have to be at the work Uncethcr, thouirh it can readily
be done by one. Secondly, it is very diificuh to dry mount
neatly upon enamelled cards. When a mount of this kind is
once damped a portion of the surface gloss is removed, and a
smeared appearance given to the mount through the uneven
surface so produced. Further, it occasionally happens that,
either from the damping sponge or a setting off from the
surface of tlie rolling press plate, a little enamel is transferred
to the face of the print, and is very dii&cult of removal. These
are all the disadvantages likely to be encountered.
As to how to set about dry mounting, the process, though
it has been described often enough in these pages, will bear
repetition in connexion with this attempted quasi-resuscitation.
The prints are first coated with mountant in the usual way,
and when the latter is dry they are ready to place on the card
as follows : The card itself is damped by a moist sponge being
passed over it The print is then laid in its place, and being
kept there with the fingers, the thumb being under the card, it
is laid upon the plate of the ordinary rolling press, and at
once passed through, when tlie mounting is complete, and the
mounted picture ready to send out on the spot.
This is the bare outline of the method ; ^ few details may
be filled in. There is no need to dry the prfnts before pasting ;
they may be taken in a heap '"from the washing water and
pasted after draining the water away. It is, however, better
to lay them evenly on one another before pasting. Any of the
ordinary mounting materials may bo used — starch, gelatine,
gum, kc. It must be laid on as evenly as possible, as, otherwise,
streaks may appear. Some photographers paste before cutting,
I while others who trim their prints previous to toning necessarily
I paste after cutting. The advantage of the former metliod is
that there is no fear of any smear from the mountant appear-
I ing at the edge of the print, and also no danger of the print
I being imperfectly pasted at the extreme edge, that being the
I place where there is greatest possibility of an insufiicient appli-
, cation of mountant.
The advantages of rapidity of mounting will be seen at a
glance. A print may be taken ati*ight from the washing water,
i~CGeIjtu>face water blotted off, the print pasted, dried by the
' Are, cut, and mounted, and be ready for delivery in less than a
quarter of an hour. It will, however, be found in practice that
spontaneous drying in a warm atmosphere is better than drying
before a fire or over gaa, as it is our experience that the
latter way tends to produce cockled prints, which are much
more difficult to place in position and send through the press.
We have only to repeat that, given a fair trial, the process will
commend itself to every one who endeavours when attempting
it to make it succeed.
694
THE BHiriSH JODRNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September 10, 189S
ACCURACY OF PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS.
Although it is customary to regard the path of the modem
amateur photographer as infinitely smooth compared with
that along which his predecessor of fifteen or twenty years
ago had to travel, there are occasional small obstacles he
has to encounter, which perhaps are all the more diflScult to
bear with an equanimity of mind since they are not of his own
creation. For example, it is the occasional worker who more
than his professional confrere is perturbed and inconvenienced
by the inaccurate manner in which commercial glass plates are
cut, since in all probability he is not the possessor of a diamond,
which would enable him to readily remove the offending pro-
tuberances, and hence the plates have to be wasted. As a rule,
we know that in all commercial dry-plate factories such care is
observed in the examination of the coated plates for general
and particular defects that we are surprised more attention is
not bestowed on accuracy of cut.
Many occasional photographers will sympathise with a
correspondent of a few weeks back, in his suggestion that the
small turn back pins, which in the majority of dark slides are
used to hold the opaque division between the plate3 in situ,
should be made so that they could be more easily moved. Too
often each pin is so affixed to the sides of the slides that a
knife, or some other sharp implement, has to be requisitioned to
move it, the finger tips being quite inadequate for the purpose.
This is one of those small details which, if carefully attended
to, save an amateur considerable trouble, and possibly labour,
in substituting something more effective.
We have spoken of the inaccuracy of cut of many glass plates,
and it may therefore read rather paradoxical if we now venture
to complain of a too great exactitude on the part of many
makere of photographic cameras ; but it is nevertheless true
that for practical purposes it is possible to have too great an
accui'acy in those respects, particularly in the dimensions
of the slide rebates. Very often we have observed that
these measurements are so precise, that if an accurately cut
plate be inserted in the slide after exposure it is only to be
removed by the friendly aid of the penknife, or even in some
instances the application of pressure to the film side of the
plate, a by no means pleasant resort if one is developing, and
the fingers are wet or damp with the solutions. Here we
have indicated two common sources of what we shall term
dark-room annoyances, which a little forethought on the part
of the makers would obviate.
Makers of the highest class of apparatus are, we believe, in
the habit of subjecting their productions to a practical examin-
ation with a view to ascertaining whether they are in such a
state of efficiency in details as to warrant their being placed in
the purchaser's hands for immediate use. This is as it should
be. Of late years, however, the long-sustained demand for
cheaper articles has led to the dissemination of a great deal of
photographic apparatus in which, by the necessities of com-
me' ce, the manufacturers are unable to afford the time to practi-
cally test it, or to bestow so much care upon those and other
details we have referred to, the onus of so doing being therefore
c^st on the purchaser, for whom it cannot be agreeable to have
1 he ordinary ditficulties of photography supplemented by others
J'jr which nothing but a slenderuess of purse makes him
responsible.
Another and a most frequent source of annoyance in the use
of the camera out of doors is the singular habit of many makers
fitting the ('ark slide to the back of the camera with apparently
as much precision as possible, so that, as we have noticed with
very many cameras that have passed through our hands, the
slide (where it partly or wholly slides instead of fitting in) can
only be pushed home with difficulty. For such ideal precision
there is not the slightest necessity, and the consequence of it is,
as we have frequently noticed, that when the view is focussed,
and the slide is being pushed into the camera, it is only by the
gi-eatest adroitness that the camera, stand, and all are not dis-
placed from their position. A tolerably free movement is not
only desirable but necessary for comfortable outdoor work. In
the case of the camera and slides having got damp, the evil
of a too accurate fit is, of course, intensely aggravated.
These are some of the many extraneous difficulties which the
aspirant has often to encounter in the pursuit of his new-found
hobby, which it should surely be prudent of the manufacturers
to remove ; but there are others to which we may advert an-
other time. It is annoying and troublesome enough for old
and experienced photographers to have to cope with these and
similar obstacles to successful work ; to the occasional worker
it is often the cause of failure.
^.■. ^^PP^i^'in's Colour Method.— Mr. Hermann Kroue
in Wiedemann's Annalcn, gives an account of some further e.xperi-
ments connected with the photography of spectra in their natural
colours by Lippmann's method. He finds that the correct rendering
of the various colours depends upon a high degree of accuracy in the
proportions of the finely divided silver haloid and the colour sensi-
tiser, as also upon the temperature of drying, the exposure, and the
.development. If the essential conditions are not fulfilled, it may
happen that yellow appears in the place of red, or that green exhibits
a direct transition into violet, the blue being unrepresented. The
result also depends upon the amount of water contained in the film,
as influencing its thickness, and in the case of the solar spectrum upon
the altitude of the sun. With a very long exposure the infra-red
appears as a dark purple, and the ultra-violet as a yellowish-pink
lavender colour. Mr. Krone has also succeeded in producing coloured
photographs without Lippmann's mercury mirror. He .simply covers
the film with black velvet, exposing, as Lippmann did, through the
glass. In this case, the reflection from the inner surfaces of the glass
takes the place of that from the mercury. The exposure has to be
considerably prolonged, and the colours towards the red end are less
pure ; but the blue, violet, and ultra-violet are quite as brilliant and
well defined as in the mercury process.
Reversed X7eg-atives on Gelatine Plates.— According
to our report, it was stated at a meeting of the London and Provincial
Photographic Association the other night, that reversed negatives for
photo-mechanical purposes are produced, by one process- worker by
taking advantage of the circumstance that an ordinary gelatine plate
in contact with a negative will, if exposed long enough, yield on de-
velopment a negative instead of a positive. We were not previously
aware that this phenomenon was put to any practical use. It appears,
however, that success is only assured with certdn makers' plates.
The Growth of New Societies.— We always welcome the
advent of new societies as evidence that photography is stUl in a state
of expansion, but that feeling is subject to the qualification that in the
district selected there is legitimate scope and demand for the establish-
ment of such an association. This, however, we have regretted to
notice during the last year or so, has not invariably been the case,
several societies having been started, or attempted to be started,
almost next door to ground already occupied. As one good big
society, in our opinion, stands a better chance of doing serviceable
photographic work than two small ones, we hope that unattached
photographers will, where possible, join existing organizations in pre-
ference to starting societies which are not imperatively called for.
September 16, ISK]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
595
Tugitive Pitrments.— It U rerv clear that, although some
photognpben conaider the permanence of their pictures as a matter of
importeaoe, thej pAy little or no attention to the stability of the
colours with which they are finiahed. We were forcibly reminded
of this a few days back when se«ng at a suburban railway station
a csrbon picture — an enlargement — that had evidently been exponed
there for some time. From its appearance we judge that the print
had changed somewhat, though very Httle, from the fading of the
pigment employed to give warmth to the colour. The picture had
been finished in monochrome, and the artist, in matching the tint, had
Uied a fugitive colour — probably a cochineal lake or crimson. By
tha Mtioii of light this colour had been quite discharged, so that
ereiy ttroke of the brush, or stipple, showed as a decided black line
or dot in itroog eontraat with the delicate tones of the picture. We
hare frequently referred to the f ugitireneas of the pigments now in use
tor general printing purposes, particnlarly in photo-mechanical
procaaea, notably in collotype. At ooe of the stations on the same
line of railway as the above picture ii to be seen an advertiaement,
the capitali in which were printed in scarlet ink, the rest in black.
The scarlet haa been dischaiged, and what was once Uracechurch
Street now reada " raoechurch treet " at a distance of a yard. The
reading of some of the other parts ia equally as ludicrous.
Serioos Ztxplodon. — An accident, by which four persons lost
their Urea, occurred in Paria on Satofday last. \a a similar accident
is liable to oocor to any one employing collodion, the circumstance
requires a passing oomment. It appsan that the wife of an enameller
of photographs, in handling a lanre rasael containing collodion, acci-
dentally let it fall. The rapour from it mixed with the atmosphere,
and leadiiog a Eght exploded, shattering the boose and also setting it
OB in. It may not be known to all the naers of ooDodion that the
vapoor (ran ether, and alcohol also, when mixed with a certain pro-
portioa of air forms an explosire eonponnd like a mixture of coal gas
and air. Tbenfore, whenever a bottle of collodion ia broken, all
fi^ta, eren those at a distance, shoahl at once be eztingniahed, and
the apartment freely rentikted. As the Taponr of ether is much
)>eaTi«r than the atmoaphere, the lights below the level of the spilt
collodion should reoeire attention birfion those shore. If we mistake
D<>t, Mr. Valentine Bhnchard, many ysars ago, met with a similar
aeeidant to that in Paris, in which he was seriously hart and his
pwmises destn7«d, bat, pioridentiaUr. no lives wen lost.
>jru*jUn>. — Collodion is ttill laigrly u<ed in photography, and,
as most persons are aware, its "t'^rtftiiT is mainly dependent upon the
pjrNOcyliiie osed. Sooe samples, for example, will yield as viscid a
■olalion with two grains to the oanee of solvents as others will with
six or eight. Xow, it is manifest that, where a film of a given thick-
nssa ia nqmnd, the mote pyroxyllne that can be got into a workable
soiation the better it will be. The film wiD 1m quicker dried, and, as
lass solrents are used, there will be considenble saving of cost. The
•psdfication of a patent for improTemsnts in the manufacture of
pyrmyiine has jast been pablisbed. By this improvement the
patantae states tliat a ooDodiao can be mado containing from twenty
to twenty-flra per cent, of pyroxyline. The method is this : The
esUukae is subjected to a temperature of from 110* to 170* for from
foar to eight boors. It is then immersed in the acid while still hot.
By this treatment the inventor says the esUalose is modified by the
beat attacking the foreign and incrusting matters so as to prepare for
thair ilsstiiitlion in the scid. As the photographic properties of
" '° ire largely infloenced by the character of the pyroxyline,
: riteresting to see how this particular kind will behave in
the colkidio-bromide and the eoUodio-ehloride processes, also in the
w«t<ollodiaB, process whidi is still extensiraly ussd for some porposee.
Sorraptltlotis FbotogTsphs. — Accoiding to the report in
a daily eontemporarr, two .\mericans have been detected at Qnebee
takiqf slwtdisa and photographs of the engines and guns of one of the
Bkiliik tnimn lyiag in that port. The report adds that the sketches
as wan as the photogiaphs were ssited and destroyed, and that the
two alleged spiss hare Aappeaied. Now that detective cameras are
disguised in so many different ways, and concealed in waistcoats, hats,
neckscarres, &c., and tele-photo lenses practically ignore distance, the
authorities will have to be exceedingly vigilant if they wish to pre-
vent their armaments and fortifications being photographed surrep-
titiously.
Professor Hale's Sun Photogrrapbs. — At the late
meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of
Sdence, Mr. George E. Hale, of Chicago, read a paper on Tfie
Spectroheliograph of the Kenwood Astro-phy»ic<tl Observatory, Chicaijo,
and RetultB Obtained in the Study of the Sun. He described the
apparatus he had invented and perfected for photographing the
feculie and protuberances of the sun. This apparatus is the first
which has successfully photographed the bright spots, showing feculse
which the eye cannot detect. Means were devised for taking on the
same plate at one exposure Ixjth the feculte and the protuberances,
and Professor Hale exhibited the first complete picture of the sun
ever taken. Comparison with the best plates made at the Lick
Observatory showed the great superiority of the work at Chicago.
An observation of unusual interest was made on July 15, 1892. A
photograph of the sun showed a large spot. A few minutes later
another photograph was taken, which, when developed, showed that
the blight band had appeared since the last exposure. Twenty-
seven minutes thereafter another photograph showed that almost
the entire spot was covered with brilliant feculse, which, by the
end of an hour, had entirely disappeared, leaving the spot as at
the first exposure. This indicates an eruption proceeding with inde-
scribable and inconceivable velocity. This disturbance seems to be
connected with magnetic disturbances and the brilliant aurora noted
the next day.
»
A STANDARD DEVELOPER.
Thk necessity for afstandard developer has been a want long felt,
but one that so far h^s never been satisfactorily fulfilled. By this
term we do not mean a developer for landscape or studio purposes,
but rather for use on the scientific or technical side of photography,
more especially for sensitometric and similar purposes. For such
work two chief conditions are necessary, a standard Ught and a
standard developer, and clearly the former is of little practical use if
a developing solution of n uniform character is not available.
It is not our purpose here to discuss the question of a standard
light beyond expressing the opinion that, thougV such in its strictest
sense has yet to be found, there already exist several methods by
which'a sufficiently near approach to conformity of illumination can
be secured for photographic testing purposes where the highest
degree of scientific accuracy is not required. We cannot, however,
claim as much for the developer, the conditions surrounding which
have hitherto been so variable as to baffle all efforts to produce a
solution of unvarying energy and universal applicability.
So far as the standard Ught is concerned we are able, as already
remarked, to satisfy the requirements of photography at least to the
extent of comparing the practical sensitiveness of different plates or
batches of plates, though there are one or two other points upon
which there may be some difference of opinion as to whether the
results are trustworthy. In fact, it has been doubted whether any
one light or any one developer is of any value in the comparison of
plates or films in which the sensitive salts are different or which hare
been prepared in a different manner.
That plain'bromide films differ in their relative sensitiveness to
difftsrent coloured rays from those in which there is an appreciable
pEajMrtasnl of iodide is a scientific fact beyond di'^pute, and therefore,
in employing as the standard light one that is comparatively poor in
blue and violet rays, such as gas or candle-light, a fictitious superiority
will be given to plain bromide over bromo-iodide films by the sensito-
meter, although the latter may be fully as sensitive, or even more so,
when exposed in the camera. This, however, is a fault of the light
employed, and haa nothing to do with the question of a standard
developer.
Then, again, films differing in composition behave differently under
the same developer, some developing rapidly to full printing vigour,
while others require a much longer time to produce the same density
696
THE BRITISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September 16, 1892
of deposit and also the same amount of detail. This has caused the
question to be raised, in making sensitometor trials, whetlier a fixed
period of development should he adopted in conjunction with the
standard light and developer, or whether the latter should be allowed
to act so as to " get out as much as possible " from the exposure.
It has always been our opinion — and this is strengthened by tlie
recent researches of Messrs. Hurter & Driffield — that the latter is
the proper plan, for, after all, it is the exposure, and not the develop-
ment, that chiefly rules the result. If one film with a given exposure
will produce a certain result in, say, five minutes' development, and
no more can be got out of it by prolonging the action, while another
gives precisely the same result in ten minutes, it is clearly unfair to
stop the development of the second at five minutes, and dub it less
sensitive than the other. It is equally sensitive, though slower to
develop ; and, if the conclusions arrived at by Messrs. Ilurter &
Driffield are correct, the gradations in both cases will be alike,
provided the full time be allowed in each case. This point may there-
fore be put on one side, and we can proceed to consider the developing
solution itself, with a view of seeing whether it can be reduced to a
standard.
Briefly, the requirements in such a solution are, first of all,
uniformity of composition, and strength, and also of temperature,
or rather non-Uability to vary in energy from slight variations in the
latter respect. The first condition involves the power, not only of
mixing the solution invariably of one imiform strength, but also of
keeping it at that strength without deterioration ; and if we take into
consideration the practical impossibility of mixing small quantities
fresh just when required, and the difficultj' of accurately measuring
minute quantities of stock solution, it will be seen that the uncer-
tainty likely to arise from purely mechanical causes is not inconsider-
able. We may now proceed to inquire how the different forms of
developer are likely to answer these conditions.
Let us commence with ferrous oxalate, as differing in composition
from the remaining developers of the alkaline class. This, as usually
made by the mixture of solutions of ferrous oxalate and oxalate of
potash, provides an apparently easy means of forming a developer of
constant strength ; but, upon closer inquiry, we shall find that the
desired uniformity is not so readily attained. In the first place, the
use of " saturated solutions " has been so frequently condemned on
account of their indefinite composition, that we need not say more
than that this plan is entirely out of the question, owing to the very
great variations in strength that would result from changes of tem-
perature. Even when the solutions are reduced in strength consider-
ably below the saturation point at the normal temperature of 60° Fahr.j
they are far from being of a permanent composition, unless the tem-
perature of the laboratory is kept constantly at that point. If a
chance depression of several degrees occur, some of the salts will be
precipitated, and, though the normal temperature may be restored, the
crystals deposited will remain at the bottom of their respective bottles
until heat and agitation are applied to effect their re-solution. The
constant necesdty for such treatment whenever a small quantity is
required for use would alone suffice to deter a busy photographer
from adopting this developer.
But one at least of the two solutions is far from being a permanent
one. Ferrous sulphate in solution, as is well known, is subject to
rapid oxidation, and, when this occurs, not only is the solution itself
weakened, but a powerful retarder is formed m ferric sulphate, which
becomes ferric oxalate in the mi.xed developer. Even when acidified
with sulphuric acid, this change goes on, though more slowly ; so here,
again, the difficulty of keeping a solution of standard strength is
evident. The mixed developer is spontaneously far too readily oxi-
dised to allow of its being kept for use in that state, so that it is not
difficult to recognise the thorough unsuitability of ferrous oxalate as a
standard.
We come next to pyrogallol, which, as a developer for negatives, is
still regarded by most photographers as the most reliable. But as a
standard it presents several disadvantages. Its rapid oxidation and
loss of energy in solution is the first obstacle to its use, necessitating
ts preparation fresh each time it is required for an experiment, and
we need only point to the irregularities likely to occur in weighing
out quantities of a few grains at a time to prove the impracticability
of this plan. When kept in stock solution again, not only does the
difficulty of accurately measuring small quantities arise to cause un-
certainty, but the sodium sulphite employed as a preservative supplies
material which by oxidation introduces a gradually increasing pro-
portion of restrainer. Thus, without enumerating any other objec-
tions, we can estimate how small are the chances of secm-ing a standard
pyro developer.
Hydroquinone possesses better keeping qualities in solution than
pyro, but it suffers from the awkward failing of varying greatly in its
action Jfrom very slight changes of temperature, and, owing to its
comparatively low degree of solubility, its stock solution is, from the
same cause, extremely liable to variations in strength from precipita-
tion. An additional objection to this developer when employed with
films of varying composition is the very different manner in which it be-
haves with the several haloids of silver, so that it becomes impossible
to secure any reliable comparison between any but plates known to
be of the same character. For these reasons, then, we are compelled
to discard hydroquinone, although it forms an admirable developer
for negative work generally.
Eikonogen, the next on the list, affords perhaps a better chance of
supplying what we want; but here, again, the difficulties in connexion
with stock solutions and its want of solubihty militate against its
ready adoption. While the objection caused by the oxidation of the-
sodium sulphite remains, the difficulty arising from the measurement
of small quantities of stock solution, as well as the risk of precipita-
tion, are avoided by diluting the solution to the actual strength for
use ; but then we are met by the new objection that the weaker
solution.^, whether of eikonogen, hydroquinone, or pyro, are deficient
in keeping'properties, and so placed out of court.
Para-amidophenol and itshydrochlorate, two of the newer introduc-
tions, present a better chance of success since, although so very feebly
soluble in water, the solution of the streiigth for use keeps tolerably
well for a day or two at least, and being a one-solution developer the
difficulties attending the mi.xing of small quantities of liquid are
avoided ; but for a practical standard solution we require one with
considerably greater keeping properties.
AVith regard to one-solution developers generally the same remarks
apply. It is practically impossible to secure accuracy and uniformity
in measuring out small quantities of the stock solutions for the
development of, perhaps, a single test plate, and when diluted in
quantity they lose their keeping power, and become subject to rapid
oxidation.
The nearest approach to a fairly accurate standard appears to be
the most recent addition to our list of developers — amidol — which,
from the slight tendency to change presented when exposed to the
atmosphere in dilute solution, seems to offer a way out of the difficul-
ties mentioned in connexion with its older rivals. It is true the
objection to the presence of sodium sulphite remains ; but, looking at
the comparatively small effect exercised on its action by restrainers,
it is possible no ill, or comparatively little, may result from this cause.
At least, it is worth a trial as a standard, and, if further experience
with it prove that it behaves in a fairly uniform manner with the
different haloids, it is not improbable that at any rate an approxima-
tion to a standard may be attained.
Not every photographer is in a position to test his plates by Hurter
& Driffield's method, nor is the consumption of plates confined to
those of makers who have adopted that plan of marking their rapidi-
ties. Until the practice of so marking them becomes general, the
want of a standard or absolutely uniform developer will be felt.
COX VENTIOX J OTTINGS.— ATII.
A Run throug'h Some of the Scotch Studios.
E. M. & 11. W. Shabp (Hamilton).
In our many visits to Scotland we have observed that the photo-
graphers in the small towns there show more enterprise and pluck
than are to be found in places of like population in England and
Ireland, and also that there is not a place with any pretensions to a
population at all in this country that does not boast of a photographer,
and, as a rule, of no mean hand.
When in Glasgow we made a run out to Hamilton to inspect the
premises of E. M. & K. W. Sharp, who have for many yeais held
September 16, 1892]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
597
i
swhj u the pkotognpbeis of HamiltoB and district. Mr. R. Sharp
and his Mter are the active partaen in the buaineag, and it has their
daily pemiMal attention. Years ago tltis busQeas waa started, as
sueh basinaaaM usnallj are, by having a glaas-hooae bnilt behind the
ceMage bome, and here thejr irorked on til the place became too
anall for their increasing trade, and they resoh-ed to build in the
oentre d the town, and the place eneted is certainly an ornament to
the street in which it has been placed. The whole design is of old
English pattern, two stones high, and pleasingly attractive ; but Mr.
Sharp had considerable trouble before he could get his plans carried
out. The Town Council had decided that the only form of building
to be pat up in the street w«e the seTerv^ sandstone, plain-front
edifice, and as his pUns were far too onuaent*] and qnite unsuitable
they were thrown out ; but Mr. Sharp was not to be beaten, so he
api^ed again and again, till they thought better of it and gaTe in,
and now we fancy that the obstructionists win be pleased that they
bare let him hare hJs way, as the building is quite pretty and
attractire.
A broad flight of steps goes straight ap from the street to the first
landing. Tbe steps are composed of stone and wUte marble. On the
landing facing you as you ascend is a draped mirror reaching from
floor to eeifing, with a broad setting of flowers and plants all round
the foot, which gives quite an aiiy, outdoor feeling to the surroundings.
Around this flight of steps is a square-pillared balcony, from which
the vari'ius rooms are entned.
The walla are finisbed in paaallsd wood of a light colour, Tarnished,
with a dado of daik oak reaching np to about thne (eat from the floor.
Tbe showTooma and dieadnf^ooaa aw funiahed with eonaidsMbb
taMe and eomf on.
TlMstodio is fifty feet long by tw«BtgH>ne feet wide, and ^'o^m^lle(e^
on the ridge-roof plan, beingf airly weB fiDsd with glass from end to end,
bat it does not reach within three (eat of the floor. AVe thought
that this muM intarfsre with the bottom lighting, hot he has so
much li^ and an moeh apace in hia atadio that there ia no inters
f ermea iriiatwet. He can take [liatnwa in any pwt ol tb plwie,
woridng be«fa andi and also acKW tha eantre, having the pIsc* so
wsaMHsdWAatheeangetanyl^l^t^kadeairM. His " boat ' and
other fancy pietniea, where set soeosa are necesmiy, he works across
the stodio, and the fittings always stand ready for use, never in-
taetering with his otdinary work.
.\ balcony runs round the outside of tho stii£o oonnsoliiy the
printing pls«a, which is situated at tha hack of the stndio.
Ill- dark rooms are large, wall aimd, and fitted with aH modem
appliaaoM. In tha bomishing worn wa saw an operation that was
quite new, and whidi commwdad iliaif to us as a very good thing.
Mr. Sharp goes in for the highest ananelfing bnmisber, and eon-
leqib-ntly is working Ok>be bomiihet* ap to twenty-inch roller.
One thing that is insisted on by tha awkers of higfa-glaxe machines
4 that the pictmas and tha mounts that they are affixed to most be
damp all thro«agh if tha beat rssolta are to be obtained from tha
machine. Now this damping proeasa has alwaya prsasBtad oonader-
aUe diflanity, for aufaea damymt doaa not meat tha raqninsment,
and tha feOowing UMthod ia how Mr. Sharp has aofmoanted the
difficulty. Mr. Sharp has a sink about four feet by three feet, to the
bottom of which he has fixed uprights aboat six inchsa high. On theee
:prigfau he has a metal wire netwoik nailed all over tha sink;
'>a this network ha plaesa hia moonlad pietoras of evscy kind, then
ha nma hot watar into the spaea balow the netting, whsa tha steam
fraoi tha water rsndais both mooat and picture perfectly moist all
through in a short space of time. Another apparatus for the same
purpose, which we also saw in nse, was a square metal box, standing
pretty high, fitted with trelli»^ork shelves, on which the pictnrea
are placed ; the water in tha bottom being heated, and the steam
passing op throogh tha optniag in the shalvea, prodnoea tha desired
resnttSL
Mr. Sharp says that the damper the pictures are the better — not to
be aetnaOy wet, and, on inspseting his bnnushed work, we fait that
he knew all about it. for it waa (anltlaas.
It this not be the rsason of so many faihtrsa with Ihsae
for wa know of many failarsa, eepedally when opaiatots
ar^ aboat to w» than flnt — this sorftwe dampiiig, inatead of having
miunt and fieivtaoiitthiongh and through P llr. EBuvp has made
quite a feature of the midget picture in his place, nor does he sell
them at the usual 2s. Od. a dozen, but he touches them up and sends
proofs, and supplies at 4s. a dozen. And he says, " Though a small
thing, it has so grown upon us, that it makes quite an appreciable
difference on our year's return." Group, cabinet, and carte work is
their staple trade, and, like all successful photographers, they must
stretch out, so they have had a branch establishment built at Coat-
bridge.
This Coatbridgre branch is arranged on much the same lines as
the Hamilton place, and is run by Mr. Sharp's brother-in-law.
To fill up his time in the winter season he has introduced ma^c-
lantem entertainments, which have proved a considerable source of
profit, his apparatus being of first-class manufacture. His entertain-
ments are of the best ; and also, in imitation of larger towns, he has
had a sheet fitted on the top of his studio between the flag-posts,
where he gives nightly shows — a combination of pictures and adver-
tisemoits. This seems to us to be a very good meUiod of popularising
and extending the knowledge of a place.
T. & R. Annan <Sc Sons (Sauchiehall-street, Glasgow).
T. & R. Annan & Sons, photographers and photo-engravers to Her
Majesty the Queen by special appointment, have just opened their
new studios and fine art galleries at 230 to 234, Sauchiehall-street.
Their previous place of business was at 163, Sauchiehall-street, but
they have obtained more advantageous and commodious premises at
No. 230 for their special business.
Tha whole premises have been planned and worked out on
seathetk: Hues. The entrance-way is fitted with bevelled glass cases,
forming windows, with an antique filled-in door between, the arch of
tiie entrance-way being surmounted with the royal arms, a combinar
tion that makes a very imposing front. The stairway is fitted with a
pillared rail of a light construction, which is very graceful. The steps
of the stairs themselves are set in with a black and white diamond
pattern, which gives a lightness and effect to the surroundings. The
walls are hung with a drab-colonred rough cartridge paper, quite
plain, but pleasing. The showrooms and studio are worked out with
the same artistic ideas, which we felt rather severe, although charm-
ingly simple.
In the showrooms the wsU paper is a neutral drab tint, and the
arrangements for hanging the pictures were to us new, and the method
very effective. A wooden moulding — same style as a cornice round
the room — is fixed on the walls about three feet from the roof, and
on a projection in this moulded pattern the bta#e hooks for hanging
the pictures are fixed. The floor is covered with a bordered carpet in
the oentre, and all around the wood floor, finished in green paint, is
left uncovered. The pictures on the walls are not many, but well
chosen.
Tbe studio is got up on the same lines ; it is large and commodious,
and capable of any amount of work. It is forty-five feet long by twenty-
five feet wide ; the side is fitted with rolled glass, which should give a
good diffused light.
Quite irrespective of their portrait trade, which is considerable,
the Messrs. Annan stand in the front rank for outdoor work of all
kinds.
And in-these new premiaas they hare fitted ap the plant, and are
working their photogravure process, which is now so well known and
ao highly appreciated, as a mechanical process, whereby the most
artistic renderings of pictures are produced. We visited the various
rooms set aside for this manufacture, the first of these being tbe one
in which the plates are prepared and made. We anticipated that it
would have required a darker room for this work, but it does not
~II!|]||je^his. As far as light is concerned, the work goes on with
great eomfort. The printing-room follows next ; it is fitted with the
usual copper-plate presses which are used in the production of the
picture. Photogravures on mounts thirty by twenty inches can be
worked by the presses we saw in operation. The next was the drying-
room, which is kept at a high temperature. Here the photogravuie
work only is finished.
At thsir works at Lenzie the carbon, bromide, platinum, and silver
printing papers are all manufactured. Here we saw a picture of the
Fairy Ilaul in carbon on an opal pbte 44 x 30 inches, which for finish
was as fine a thing of the kind we hare ever seen.
598
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September IC, 1892
Mr. James Annan and Mr. D. Y. Cameron, the artist, have just
returned from a tour, the product of which is a very fine series of
pictures that ai» now being prepared for exhibition in these galleries.
" Notes from the Netherlands " is the intended title for the show, and
it is expected to be opened in October. From the spedmens of
pictures that were shown us, many of which were finished in carbon,
brown and red, and other examples etched, and embracing as they
do most taking and popular subjects in water scenes, rustic scenes,
landscapes, groups of children, &c., they are sure to make a
successful exhibition, and be the means of drawing many visitors to
the new premises.
ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHIC WORK FOR AMATEURS.
IX.
In a previous article I referred to the production of combination prints
from two or more negatives, and instanced how by a simple method of
blocking-out such may be produced.
It frequently happens, however, that combination pictures have to
be produced from two or more pictures or photographs in cases where
the original negatives are not forthcoming. A very common case in
point is where it is desired, say, to combine a group of six or more
heads into one negative, so as to print by one operation a photograph
of the entire lot nicely grouped together. In undertaking such an
operation much of the ease in manipulation will depend on the nature
of the various heads as they happen to present themselves. In cases
where a decided similarity of style and size present themselves, the
work wUl be greatly simplified; but it seldom happens when a
number of heads have to be grouped together from photographs
gathered from various sources that such are of similar sizes, or so
posed as will just at once permit of their being grouped so as to make
a pleasant combination as a whole. It therefore becomes necessary
to fix upon a uniform size, and proceed to copy each individually.
This is m itself by no means a diificult operation, the best method
being to place each photograph in a printing frame caiTying a sheet
of glass, and pressing the back of the frame tightly up ; the picture
will show no grain when copied through the glass. A novice who
first attempts to copy a picture having a sheet of glass in front of it,
may find some trouble in getting over the difficulty of avoiding
reflections from the front of the camera and other objects in front of
the frame ; these are reflected from the glass, which acts much as a
mirror would do. Practice, however, will enable even the most
trying cases to be overcome. I have often been sorely tried to avoid
these troublesome reflections, but I have never yet met in with a case
that did not yield to a downright hard fight to overcome them.
On my copying camera I have a large cardboard front, in dimen-
sions about thirty-six inches by fifteen inches. In this I have an
aperture cut that permits the lens just to peep through. The front of
this cardboard is lined with an absolutely dull, black paper. Some
thought must be exercised in getting the proper black paper; the
glossy surface kind is not the proper sample. The best paper I ever
saw for the purpose I got from Mr. Falconer, a jewel-case maker in
Glasgow. It is absolutely matt, and can by no means throw back
any reflections. It is far and away better than black velvet, and is
easily attached to cardboard or any other suitable material that is
used as a shield. When pictures have to be copied that do not
require the camera (provided a short-focus lens is being used), being
situated at any great distance from the copying frame, this cardboard
shield will generally be found sufficient ; but in cases where the lens
is, say, three feet from the glass of the frame, then it often becomes
necessary to also interpose a further preventive agiunst the reflec-
tions from the table or copying board that is being employed to carry
the camera. A sheet of good black paper laid flat on a cardboard
will entirely prevent reflections being thrown upwards, and sometimes
in very obstinate cases, a few sheets of black paper pasted together so
as to form a curtain and hung up behind the camera will work
wonders in preventing ghosts, which in nine cases out of ten are
nothing but reflections. In speaking of ghosts I do not here refer to
those double images caused by the use of inferior or unsuitable lenses.
The difficulty of overcoming these reflections when copying is
sometimes great, but they are preventable, and no amount of labour
should be spared to banish them. Their presence is easily observed
by merely looking at the surface of the glass in the printing frame
from a direction almost on a line with that of the lens, but when
such precautions as I have mentioned are taken they will be over-
come.
With a well-arranged system, therefore, of copying so as to over-
come reflections, the copying of one or more photographs by daylight
is a matter of great ease, for no matter what size the prints are they
can easily be reproduced of a similar size.
Having, therefore, made good negatives from each, let them be
varnished and retouched. Some amateurs stand aghast at the
thought of retouching : it is so difficult, such fine work, so much
beyond an amateur, and all that sort of thing ! but, kind reader, it is
nothing of the kind. Don't let anything you may have read or heard
deter or frighten you from undertaking retouching. It is the pro-
fessional's sheet anchor; without a retoucher he is nothing; and the
sooner an amateur learns to retouch his negatives of all kinds the
better for himself.
Later on I may have something to say on retouching, but meantime
I wish to state that it is not a difficult operation, or one outside the
capabilities of any intelligent worker.
Having, therefore, got all the negatives of a suitable size, throw off
from each a print of as nearly as possible the same depth and tone.
The next step is to make a suitable mask to contain the entire lot
in one group. This is also an easy operation, when the proper method
is adopted for carrying it out. Still, I have known it puzzle many
an old worker how to set about it.
A good sheet of writing-paper is not a very uncommon article to be
foimd in most households, neither is a finely pointed penknife, and
most, and, indeed, nearly every amateur is possessed' of a set of
diaphragm stops — at least, they used to be in the days before th&
" Iris " fad came into operation. Take, therefore, the largest stop you
have, and if you have not got one yourself borrow one from some
chum that has, or, better still, get an optician to turn you out of a
piece of brass a circular aperture of suitable size. Lay this flat on
the sheet of writing-paper, and proceed with the penknife to cut
neatly out the circle inside the diaphragm, then carefully, by means
of ruled lines and equal distances, lay the diaphragm down and cut
out the desired number of apertures. These may assume the shape
or form of diamonds, or squares, or any other desired shape. Having
cut out this mask, damp it and paste it on to a sheet of clean glass>
and when dry you are all ready to mount the photographs over the
apertures. In this some little taste should be exercised so as to
have the various heads looking in the proper directions : those to the
left ought to face to the right, those to the right facing to the left.
In some cases, where it is desired that extra prominence be shown
to some especial individual, a larger aperture may be made in the
centre, and, of course, a corresponding allowance for the size of the
head that is to occupy such a position.
Having tastefully arranged the various heads over these apertures,
the entire group is then again placed in a printing frame, and the
whole photographed together on one plate. The negative thus
obtained is then retouched or modelled up, so as to throw off a
uniform print. Such is one of the best means of combining in one
picture faces that can only be gathered from varying sources.
I have referred to the advantages an amateur will derive from a
knowledge of retouching. There is also another very necessary
manipulation, frequently of great service in the byeways of photo-
graphy. I refer to blocking out. Such enters largely into the every-
day practice of all-round photography, and a proper understanding
how to get about it will materially assist a keen worker.
First and foremost, a good retouching desk and a powerful pair of
spectacles are a necessity. Then a good camel's-hair brush and a
supply of moist Indian ink, prepared as I stated in a previous article.
There are many phases in photography in which blocking out
becomes an absolute necessity, such as machinery, and other similar
work ; the copying of the hundred-and-one articles to be found in
commerce in which it is desired to remove some objectionable back-
ground or eyesore.
In the case of machinery, we are face to face with straight lines,
sometimes of long dimensions, in combination with curves and other
varying shapes or outlines. The blocking out of such requires an
unlimited amount of patience, and no one should sit down to attempt
such work in a hurry. It is just about the most trying of all work
that falls to an operator or retoucher's lot.
Some clever workers advocate the use of a pen and ruler to goround
the lines, but I have never done such good work with a pen as I have
with the brush. I do not say, however, that others cannot. I merely say
howl have obtained the best results, and it has been as follows: — I in-
variable use along-pointed camel's-hair brush of large size; one that will
carry a good body of colour. With this I carefully go along the straight
lines, keeping as nearly as possible to the outline. Should I, however,
slijjhtly overlap, I don't fret or worry about it : I just let the tares
and the wheat grow together till the whole is done, then I set aside
to dry, and, when thoroughly so, I place the negative on the desk
again, and with the aid of a flat ruler and a blunt needle (a large
darning-needle, set in a wooden handle) I lightly go over the parts
September 1«. 1893]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
that KK OTerlapped. The needle will be observed to trim up in a
jnarreOoiM manner the entire woric, and everything ■will appear true
•nd aharp to outline. Small carrea are dressed up hy the needle by
the hand, and all interstices, no matter bow small, come in for a touch
op of the needle, which invatiablv improves them.
I always use Indian ink on tne film side, and, of course, varnish
previously to applying the ink.
Pinholes, if small, are best touched out with a hard pencil, but this
eooMS nnder the hesid of retonchiag. T. X. Ahmbtrgno.
JOTTINGS.
I AM glad to observe that Mr. W. E. Debenham in defending the
Photographic Society of Great Britain from the ungrateful attacks of
Hi. H. p. Robinson, has plainly and unmistAkably indicated the
MHe of the latter's present hostility to the best friend (except
e) Iw ever bad. The case is in a natshell. Mr. Robinaon's long-
threatened reign of privilege was terminated for ever last September,
and now he ia giving way to the vulgar passion of revenge. Mr.
Robinson say« I am hoaxing yxmt raadars in lifting the comer of the
curtain which hide* the details of the projected new Exhibition from
the vulgar gaxe,bat be and I know better, unless the idea of such an
Exhibition has been abandoned from laekof promised support. Another
and a final qoeetion. If Mr. H. P. Robinson holds the Photo-
graphic Society of Great Britain and its exhibition in such supreme
contempt as he wiahee us to believe, why has he lately been to so
much pain and labour in the endeavour, personally and by circular, to
diMoada people from sending in pietMrea to the Exhibition just about
to open ? I (and otbeia) pause for • nply.
I observe that one of the advantages d the new platinotype paper
is stated to be that the delicate tones — ^ptMumably the half-looea — do
not " fix out ** moch. Why should they fix out at all, since metallic
platinum ia insoluble in water or in the highly diluted bath of hydro-
chloric add employed tot clearing pnrposes? The loas must be
imsginary and not real, as in the caaa of the auumed loaa of den<iity
in the fixation of negatives. By the way, I find the mottling
iifraiinnany aaet with in the new p«p«r can be obviated by slightly
warming the oxalate solution, wUA also prevents the shadow*
acquiring • sEght iwtinaa* oeeaaonaOf aeen.
li a dearing bath necessary for Mrmal pyro-ammonia develop-
ment? I think not, as nnder sneh cooditioiM the slight yellowing
which aupervene* i« not worth Botiee. The correspondent " Film
Fiend,* who in the Jocbsai. dt Angnst 90 eoaplams of yellow-
neaa aeaBM to me to have a neeiileesly eonpUeatad •jatam of avoiding
^aoolomration which not improbably eaosee it. He first rinses
the developed plate under the tap (a few minute*' soaking is much
more efficacsons) ; next alanis it (which with most modem plates is
not at all requirad), than fixe*, washea, clears the yellowing in alum
and hydrochferie acid, and finally rinse*. The disoolooiation appear*
in the eoar*e of a (ew months. I think, if he woold omit the first
ahiffl bath and aabctitate a soaking or washing for the final rinsing,
the yeDowing would not trouble him.
I demar to Mr. William Goode'a piopoMtion in the same number,
that " perfect sunshine " is essential to aaeeess with snap-shot work.
SoiUae is probably the oae thing more than another which induces
taitt'KCfimm in this kind of work. I think your correspondent will
find that the most harmonious effects are more easily produced in a
softer light than perfect sunshine is nsndly understood to be, with as
mneh expoanr* a* ooa can afford to give. In perfect sunshine it re-
quire* a very carefol exposure to avoid hard negatives.
Coavoa.
THE ALL-BOUND HAND,
thing at the pseaent time to hear almost awe.stmck
of photography and photo*
t, it cannot be
worker* i* equal
It ia • wa
0onnaBti vpos the enomons progna*
grapher* ; aM ytt, grantiag that laa progress be
claimed that tlti* percMrtag* of good imk aad
to that of the times -when photofrraphers were few and their difficulties
many. Considering the enormous increase in their numbers, the
greater perfection of scientific instruments, the increased facilities for
■working, and the smoothing away of innumerable difficulties, it
cannot be claimed that in the aggregate photograpliers have advanced
proportionately ■with their art. The middle and lower-class ranks are
filled almost to overflowing, arid yearly approach more nearly to
suffocation, -while it is only " on the top" that room, fresh air, aid a
generally healthy situation can be obtained. The starting-point for
success now is " on the top," for the climber, lost in the struggle of
ride issues, rarely reaches that point of advantage. Having sur-
mounted the chief obstacles of science and art, he is confronted by a
range of mountains called commerce, upon the highest summit of
which sit a select few, basking in golden sunlight.
Without, however, inquiring minutely into the cause of the failure
of the manv and success only of the few, it may be said that the aU-
round hand, or handy man, is the natural product evolved by these
circunastances. In the struggle for existence, these chameleon-like
qualities of his were invaluable in tiding over a crisis in any depart-
ment. He sprang up, a host in himself, to administer to a blind
economy, and the way his order has grown, and continues to grow,
may be taken as a sure sim of the times. " Wanted, an all-round
hand," " Wanted, a man to be generally useful," " Wanted, one who
can do anything and everything," " Wanted, an impossibility," — these
phrases are synonymous, and yet are still wants, attempts being still
made, presumably, to '•upply them. It may be that photographers
with wants, knowing the hopeful earnestness with which the average
assistant views his own capabilities, advertise for much that they may
at least ensure a little : and, generallv speaking, the latter in its most
meagre sense is what thev secure, flow, upoii the face of it, can the
result be otherwise ? Dilettantism and dabbling never reach beyond
mediocrity, though, in exceptional cases, an assistant may do many
things fairly, or even well. To do a thing well and be content may
be the summit of a modest ambition, but lacks the true elements of
success — real earnestness to excel. Versatility was the demand by
writer* of a few years back, and right gallantly has their cry been
answered. It is to be hoped that a louder crj- 'for concentration will
be raised when the extent of the evil becomes apparent.
" Prevention is better than cure," and therefore to aim to check
the growth of an evil would be a surer means of eradicating it than by
experimenting with the evil itself. Tlie coming assistant represents
the coming photographer; will an alteration in the system of his
training have a beneficial result ? Mr. Howard Farmer, in his paper
read at the Convention, advocates this course, and suggests a remedy
in the supplementary and intermediate training of scientific an^
technical schools. It cannot be denied that the present system of
training by apprenticeship is an essential one, as much that is learnt
thereby could never be taught in the schools. F<^ instance, how else
than by the old system of apprenticeship should an assistant learn the
necesaarj- tact and utiUsation of circumstance in the treatment of the
aitter ? How else should he learn to produce work surrounded by
restrictions and limitations as to time and material? Needless to
say, without this knowledge, and that of many similar circumstances,
he would be useless in a business. A photographer and his business
are governed by circumstances, surrounded and bound down by cir-
cumstance, and no amount of scientific theory will train a man to
cope with this fact ; so many points are clear upon paper to the
theorist that would not be recognised by him, or would have no
application in the daily practical life. Given teachers whose life had
been passed in a photographic business, there would still be lacking
the practical demonstration upon all points — nay, more, there would
be the impoasibility of training him with, and according to, the period;
for a man to go witfi the times must be of the times, as teacher and
as student. No, the commercial training is emphaticallv essential,
and the schools would therefore present an additional training only,
the result, in effect, being a deeper and wider theoretical knowledge —
or, in other words, a better-educated assistant.
It has been said quite recently that many practical assistants,
ejl^QmgBin particular branches i>f work, are too illiterate to be
placed in positions of trust. This means, then, that the main choice
rests between the practical boor, the educated duffer, or the mediocre
all-round man, for these represent the bulk. Will the principle of
technical education affect the bulk ? Well, the illiterate man will
become a thing of the past, certainly : but, then, the Board schools
have already ensured thut in part. The educated duffer may become
a Uttle less of the duffer; but surely, if a man be a duffer in spite of
education, it were better to allow' him be unmistakably so than t>
give him a false ring by technical training, and set him loose upon a
pnjfeseion in which Drains are essential. As for the all-round man,
why give him more of the quality from which he is suffering!' His
600
l-HE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September 16, 1892
knowledi;e is too wide already, for no detail escapes the grasp of his
powerful mind. He is gorfred to repletion with a photographic know-
ledge that would he found useful should there be any great need of
teachers in the technical schools. His training has not been at the
expense of physique, but has helped to produce a kind of gymnastic
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. One moment you see him printmg in the
back yard, and in the next you find him effecting a sale or securing
an order for an enlargement in the reception room. Upon ascending
to the studio, you disturb his genial efforts to petrify a baby into the
correct photographic expression ; and upon retiring to the work room
he is discovered exercising his artistic skill in retouching or producing
an enlargement in oils. He pervades the premises bodily, and the
subtle influence of his skill and mental attainments is observable
throughout the work. He carries a m^ician's wand that cheapens
everything it touches, cheapens with the touch of mediocrity. Let
him loose in a business of deservedly good name and standing, give
him plenty of scope for his energy, and in a few years you shall
wonder why Messrs. So-and-So have reduced their prices, and are
Beeking premises at a lower rental.
Will you give the all-round hand (who rank in numbers now above
any other class of assistants), will you give him the advantage of a
better general education ? He does not need it. He recognises what
it is to work well, and he tries to do it. He has ability enough, but
the ability that should be devoted to one or two branches at the most
is divided amongst many. From the all-round ranks come excellent
managers, employers, and business men ; but the position and excel-
lence of photography depends upon the oft-sneered-at specialist. It
is he who carries his work to the highest pitch of excellence, and it is
to him that we look for advancement artistically, scientifically, and
socially.
" Small profits and quick returns " — a maxim that never was and
never will be suitable to photography — was the cry that summoned
the all-round hand. An employer in a commercial crisis thought he
should gain by reducing prices, and thereby securing more custom.
The harm lay not so much in the reduction of prices, but in the con-
tinuation of the quality of work after the reduction. Men of the
same status became frightened, and followed suit, bringing after them
the natural train of events — reduced staff, reduced pay, and, in the
end, poor work. A snowball does not become an avalanche without
assistance. Who was to blame ? The public, of course. The public
demanded cheapness, and the public would take no denial. Much
language has been used at the expense of a blockhead public ; but,
strange to say, the public have acquired an instinct quite opposed to
blockheadedness, an instinct that easily determines between good and
bad work. Employers, in their blindness, secured a transitory ex-
istence by cutting prices, and, when the inevitable reflection came
upon them, and failure stared them in the face, rushed to their papers
and periodicals, and wrote down the public. Are you an employer of
labour ? If so, you should know that the public will have the best
you can give them at the lowest price you idll consent to state. Good
work never goes a-begging, but carries the approval of the public
with it. If photographers had emulated their brethren in their work,
instead of in the lowness of their prices, many would be in a better
position at the present time. There is a manhole above that admits
you to light, air, comfort, and success, for " there is always room on
the top." The way is through excellence, which is irreconcilable
with cheapness, through higher, not lower, prices, through specialism,
not dilettantism and mediocrity. The upper road to greater excellence
takes the public with it, merits a blessmg, and is the surest way to
secure it ; while the opposite course generally meets with its deserts
— not exactly a blessing.
The commercial question in photography seems to be too little
studied. It is studied by the individnal, of course, but only in the
form of self-interest. One would think that, in looking backward
to the greater prosperity of former years, photographers would re-
cognise that the best way to study self-interest lies in the trade
interest. Unity in a trade is the keynote to success, in ruling, and
not in being ruled by, the buyer. To study the interest of a trade
that finds one daily bread is but fair, and it to be hoped that, when
photographers have recognised this, they will start an ardent crusade
in favour of specialism, and lay the bogey they themselves have raised
in the form of the all-round hand. H. Colebbook.
PHOTOGEAPHT AND METEOROLOGY.
At the meeting of the British Association at Edinburgh, the Mathsmatieal
Section received the second report of the Committee, consisting of Mr. G.
J. Symons (Chairman), Professor B. Meldola, Mr. J. Hopkinson, and
Mr. A. W, Clayden (Secretary), appointed to consider the application of
'photography to the elucidation of meteorological phenomena, drawn np
by the Secretary, The following are passages from the report : —
Tour Committee report tliat the work has been continued during the
past year along the lines laid down in the report for 1801,
0(»iBiderable additions have been made to the number of observers
from whom assistance may be expected, in spite of the removal of several
names from last year's list.
The total number of photographs received up to July 23 was 361,
representing a variety of phenomena, but chiefly illustrating the results
obtainable in cloud photography by various methods. This number, how-
ever, does not adequately represent the progress made, for many other
photographs have been promised, and will in all probability be received
in a few weeks.
Tlie adoption by the majority of the International Meteorological
Congress at Munich of the classification of clouds, proposed by Messrs.
Hildebrandson and Abercromby, suggested to your Committee that it
would be well to adopt it also, at least provisionally. They cordially
agree with the action of the English delegates at the Congress in opposing
the acceptance of a system \*hioh is entirely empirical ; but, since the
great majority of foreign meteorologists have determined to employ it,
your Committee consider that they should adopt it provisionally. They
consider it will be well to follow the example set by other countries until
the further study of cloud forms, and their relation to one another,
renders it possible to make a more scientific code.
Arrangements have therefore been made for the cataloguing of the
coUectiona of meteorological photographs in the possession of the Royal
Meteorological Society, and of the Chairman of your Committee.
PhOTOORAPHS of LlGHTNlNO.
Very few new photographs have been sent in as yet, but from Mr.
J. H. Bateman two of great interest have been received. Following the
suggestions in the instructions issued last year, two cameras were em-
ployed, the first being stationary, and the second moved rapidly from
side to side. The plate exposed in the fixed camera shows four flashes,
while the one which was moved shows six. A flash which is single on
the fixed plate is resolved into three on the moving plate, showing that
the flash did consist of a series of discharges along much the same path.
The absence of reduplication in the others points to the conclusion that
they were single. Two of these single flashes occupy exactly the same
relative positions on the two plates, showing that they must have been
simultaneous.
Your Committee regret that there should have been no opportunity of
carrying out any further experiments upon the phenomena presented by
lightning photographs. However, recent discoveries concerning high-
tension discharges ought to elucidate the subject. Thus it seems highly
probable that the hazy continuous luminosity shown by many photo-
graphs may be due to the flame of burning nitrogen.
Before leaving the subject of lightning, it may be pointed out that in
Mr. Bateman's photographs the narrow-ribbon structure in each flash is
no more pronounced in the moving photograph than in the one which
was stationary.
The Royal Meteorological Society has 'received several new photo-
graphs of lightning. They all show the narrow-ribbon structure ; one
shows reduphcation of the images of some chimneys, as well as the flash,
while another shows a bright flash and several dark ones. Of this last,
Mr. Robert Law, who took the negative at Melbourne, remarks that there
were two flashes, the second reversing the image of the first.
Methods of Cloud Photography.
The information at the disposal of your Committee does not, as yet,
seem sufiicient to enable them to pronounce definitely in favour of any
one method as the best. They have made some progress in ascertaining
the methods adopted abroad, and also in experimental work at home.
The subject divides itself naturally into two sections, dealing respectively
with cumulus or heavy clouds, and cirrus or other light clouds.
Cumulus. — With all heavy clouds it is certain that admirable resiuts
may be obtained with a little practice in adjusting the stop and length of
exposure. So far as the quality of the results obtainable is concerned;
there does not seem to be any manifest advantage in the use of a coloured
screen, of a black mirror, of specially slow, or of orthoohromatic plates.
Nevertheless, it is quite certain that results of a given excellence are
more easily obtained on a slow plate with a strong developer considerably
restrained. It is equally certain that the use of the coloured screen or
of the black mirror renders the process easier still.
With correct exposure and careful development, it should not be
necessary to resort to intensification of the image. If some such treat-
ment should be required, inexperienced observers should be warned that
September 16, ISW
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
601
in the nw of meienml fonnnlie it is well to keep the pUite in constant
norement while in the mercniy bath, in order to avoid ondoe gianolation
•f the ima^.
Ct'inw.— Thoee who hsTe made fttpMial lindyof the photography of
Itiin eionds appear to be agned thai, in order to bring oat all the details
d thair ilnietine, stnne special deriea moat be adopted.
By CKtMmely niee adjustment of the ezporaie and snbseqaent intensi-
featioa of the ima^, very fair resnlti can be sometimes obtained ; but
(be prBi.—s ia diSeolt and only praetieable in experienced hands.
Dr. Bizgenbaeh, who first described the black-mirror derice, reeom-
nenda that eipoauie ahonld be so arranged that the sky leaves practically
CO iiu{aasaion on the plate, while the thin Image of the cload mnst be
brooght oat by means of SeUippe's salt (solphantimoniate of soda).
M. Angot, in a report presented to the Meteorological Society of
France, remarks that a block mirror is only advantageoos when the
doad ia aboat W from the snn. In thaoty this is of course correct, bat
Aa secretary to yoor Committee has toand that there is a manifest
praotieal advantage in its ase for all paita of the sky, inclading even the
immediate n«i|{hboarhood of the son itaelf. H. Angot then goes on to
si^ : Tha bart naoUa are obtained bj aetomed screens, yet the ordinary
setMna an inanMriwit, The fbUowiag focmnla, doe to M. hioa Vidal,
givaawysatisfacMon. In a small giMa trough with parallal faoaa there
ia plaead a.aoiotiim made with the pwportioni
Snlphate of copper „ 175 grammes.
Bichromate of polaah 17 ,,
Solpbnrie add „ ice.
Thai* an diaadvod in 100 to 500 enWe e«itiinalma of watar, aeeotding to
the thinhiaaa d the trough and the raaalta to be obtained. The snlphate
of copper anaaia tha red ntyt. and tfaa faiefaromate the bine and violet.
Tba platea oaad wan Lomiirs's oitboefarainatie, and the ezpoanre from
-5 to "S second.
Toor Committee regnt that they bare not y«t received any ilhutrations
d-tbe reenlu obtaioaUa t^ tha abova hmmu, bat it is hoped that an ex-
hiMtiva trial of the aalbod wmj ba earned oat in the oooiae of the
enaiag year.
Tba Saeretary to your Committee haa cootinaad the comparative trial
of ilasr and oidinary pktea with or withoot a black mirror. He reporU
that otSaarj platea and diraet eipanM may often give satisfactory
raanlu when tha badvoond of sky ia» dear daap bine. If, however, it
is at all baxy, tba eenaet •sposore baeaoHa astrssDely difficult With
I aa Ibwsoa A fwan's traospareney plate* or
U ia teirly.Miy to obtain raaolta of high
Wiiii Iha blaek mirror ordfaiaiy piatsf giva exeallant raaolta ; bat ben
a^ia, nlaaa tha aleoda an aaoviag «|||i Minsaal i^ridlty, or nnleas the
UcUla««y bad, iben is a graM ailvMil^a In the ose of alow pUtes. It
is, iadsad. aa^ to obUin a bdrfy teaa image cl any doad, however
huaiMMB aad bowaw this, by the aoaiUaad oia et mirror and slow
plate. Soah meana ^v« abwidaat detail and fnll gradation of light and
shade, even whan tha aon i* aetnally ia the field of visw. Exposan
woald vary from aboot -i to aboat -8 aaeond with aa apertnre fll.
The developer oaad ia aD thaaa csptitaaata ia the familiar formnU
with pyrogdM aad ao^to <4 soda aontUmMj rsatralned.
Spadal atlentiaa ahoold be drawn to the admirabk aeries of cload
stodiea prManied to the CommiHea, which wen takan by Signor
Xaaaaad at tha Vatiean Obeervatoiy ander the direction of Padre
Oanxa. 6.3. Theae show what eaa b* done by diraet exposan. Signer
Xaaaaaai rawniiiniaiiillim a slew plato for tha mon difBeolt sabjects.
The pietaraa taken by the Secretary to yoor Coaimittee in a similar
manner show the value of the slow plate and blaek atirron.
MtscmiXAaiotra PaoiooBAraa.
With regard to mlseaUaaeoaa photoyapha o( aataarotogieal interest,
yoor Committaa regard with soaie aattatartton tha anmber of pictar«i
they have b*H able to asenn wbleh shew tha vlolaae* and severity with
whish tba pmt Uinard of March, 1891, visited the aooth-west of
Eaglurf. Thay UOtw it i* of great importance that fkirly eompleto
pielorlal raaerda ahoold b« kept of all soeh abnomal eveata.
They an also pleased to be able to report that several of the photo-
graphie psrin<leala have raeaatly naaUMad eonsidanble intareet in the
work, ooa payer having JasI eOstad aaatiaa of prixsa for the beet meteoro-
logieal atndiei, Iha editor having offeiad to present aaj eompeting pietnraa
to yoor CoaMalMaa. Bavsral pbotogr^ide soeieties an alao taUag the
matter np, aad yoor Ceomittee hope that the effect of each powerfnl
aid may rapidly make iiaatf felt, both by tneraasing their collection and
by add^ to tba nambar of eontribatort.
In order to show the widespread interest already taken in the subject,
the catalogues of the three principal collections are appended.
In conclusion, your Committee ask to be reappointed with a grant of
152. , in order to follow np properly what they regard as a satiatactory
start.
THE FIRST APPLICATION OF BEOMINE.
The saccesefol demonstration of Daguerre's process by Joseph Saxton,
says Mr. Julias F. Sachse in the Armrican Journal of Photography.
together with the subsequent experiments by Bobert Cornelius, has excited
a widespread interest in the scientific circles of Philadelphia. Among
the Boientists who thus became Interested in the new process was Dr.
Paal Beck Goddard, assistant to the professor of chemistry in the
University of Pennsylvania, who then resided or had an office on the
east side of Ninth-street, opposite the University.
Dr. Goddard at once opened communication with Mr. Cornelius,
examining the apparatus, and investigating carefully the manipulations
as practised thus far by the latter. These visits ended by a [duplicate
^paratos being made for the ose of Dr. Goddard, who entered into a
series of chemical experiments, in which it is stated that he had the
aasistsnce of the celebrated chemist. Professor Bobert Hare.
It will be noted that thus far all the results shown by Saxton and
Oomelios had been obtained by the ose of dry iodine as a coating for the
In the previous chapter it has been stated that the first two portraits
ever made by the daguerreotype process were made by Cornelius — the
first of himself, the other of Us children, which is also still in existence.
The honour 6t making the third portrait belongs to Dr. Goddard. This
was also made in the open air in the rear of his residence on Kintb-
street, by the ose of dry iodine. The subject or sitter was a student in
tha madical dq[)artment of the University — Aaron D. ChiUoner. An
intonating aeoonnt of this sitting was given the writer by an old physician
still living, who was present on this occasion, fifty-three years ago, while
a stodent at the University of Pennsylvania.
The eubject, Chaloner, was seated upon a chair in the bright sunlight,
with the injunction not to move, but he became restless before even the
preliminary operations, soch aa focussing, were completed. Dr. Goddard,
fearing that the attempt might reatdt in failure, obtained from Dr.
Han's laboratory in the University opposite a blue reflector of some
kind, and after the focaaaing was completed, a blue reflection was thrown
upon Chaloner by an assistant, in such a manner as to neutralise the
direct rays of the son. The exposure, it is stated, was prolonged to
about three minutes, and raaolted in a fair pietora.
Tmt Fbst brexjutTAN-Eocs Picttwm.
Tba investigations and chemical experiments of Dr. Ooddard were
mamly confined to chlorine, bromine, and iodine, and ho was not long
in discovering that bromine, combined with iodine on the plate, would
reduce the time of expoeun from one-third to onc-iialf within doors*
while in his yard, in the open air, the impression was almost instan-
taneoos. Theae experiments resulted in the production of a perfect
specimen by the ose of bromine in December, 1839, wliich was subse-
qoently shown at the American Philosophical Society {Proc., vol. iii.,
p. 180).
This is the first record of the employment of bromine in the photo-
graphic process. It waa daring this series of experiments with bromine
that I>r. Ooddard succeeded in obtaining severid good views and portraits
instantaneously in the open air, which were the.^r<( inttaHtaTuoiu pieturet
mitde by iiny htlioyrnpkic proce$$ in the world.
The application and use of bromine as an accelerator was kept a close
aeerst by Goddard and Cornelius for about two years. It was this use of
bromine, together with Cornelius's saperior skill in polishing his plates,
which account for the great beauty of his early daguerreotype miniatures.
Than is still in existence a 'plate,-)- unfortanately in a very dilapidated
CDoditioa, vhich it is claimed was one of Goddard's earliest bromide
efforts. It represents two male figures in a n/riHg: attitude, one leaning
back in a chair, the other against] a fence. The picture was, without a
doubt, made in the open air.
It has been stated to the writer by several old persons who knew Dr.
Ooddard well at that time, that for a short time he also made for pay
Dagaerreotype miniatures at his residence in Ninth-street. His appoint-
ment as demonstrator of anatomy in the University of Pennsylvania, in
Um year 1841, diverted his attention from professional portraiture. He,
however, did not nlax his interest in the new art.
• Tba Uboratery of Dr. Ooddard was U(bt^ b7 a ikyliffbt.
t Sow ia ponaisioa of tbe writer.
602
THE BRITISH J0I3RNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September IG, 1892
In the latter part of the year 1841, a young man, an assistant to
Cornelias, was approached and tampered with by parties from New York,
who had opened a Daguerreotype gallery there. This individual
succumbed to the temptation of the offers made to him, and secretly left
■CorneUus and worked for two weeks in New York, divulging the whole
secret of the use of bromine as an accelerator. As soon as this fact
became known, Dr. Goddard at once pnbUshed the discovery, and the
process became public property, and soon came into general use. At a
subsequent stated meeting of the American Philosophical Society, held
January 21, 1842, Dr. Goddard presented specunens of photographic
portraits made by the diffused light of a room, and by the peculiar
process in which bibromide of iodine is used. This process he described,
and stated that he had ascertained, only on that day, that a similar
method had been presented to the French Academy, which, however, in
some particulars, was inferior to his own. {Proc. Philo. Soc, vol. ii.
p. 144). On the 4th of March following, Dr. Goddard exhibited, before the
same society, specimens of daguerreotypes on a surface of gilded silver,
and stated that the surface of iodide of gold was more susceptible to the
Daguerreotype action of light than that of the iodide of silver, that the
surface of the plate might be polished without injury before the action of
the iodine, and that the lights came out better than on the silver surface
(Proc. A. P. S., vol. ii. p. 150).
In English and Continental text-books upon photography, the claim for
priority in the use of bromine as an accelerating agent is usually
accorded to one John Goddard, a London optician. That this is clearly
an error is apparent from the above indisputable record. The honour
for the first use of bromine as a sure and valuable accelerator
and the subsequent application to Daguerreotype and photography,
without a shadow of doubt belongs to Dr. Paul Beck Goddard, of
Philadelphia.
Paul Beck Goddard, a native of Philadelphia, was bom in the year
1809, graduated in the medical department of the University of Penn-
sylvania in 1832, appointed Demonstrator of Anatomy for the same
•institution in 1841, a position which he resigned in 1847, when called to
the chair of Anatomy of Franklin Medical College, which he filled until
1852. In 1847 he was appointed Surgeon to the First City Troop-
Philadelphia's crack military organization. From 1859 to '63, Dr.
"Goddard was connected with the Philadelphia Board of Health, from 1863
to 1865 he served as surgeon in the U. S. Volunteer Service. He died
July 5, 1866.
It is further a noteworthy fact that, while Philadelphia scientists
laboured to shorten the time of exposure by chemical means, confining
themselves exclusively to the Daguerrean apparatus, which time has
proven to be the only practical method, experimenters in New York
attempted to achieve the same object by the use of mechanical inventions
and such chimerical apparatus as a reflecting camera, and other equally
impracticable devices, which were all abandoned as soon as Goddard's
Philadelphia process had been surreptitiously obtained.
The First Snap-shot.
Among early experimenters in heliography whose names should not be
forgotten, is that of Dr. Joseph E. Parker, who lived No. 61, North 7th-
street, then a fashionable quarter of the city. Dr. Parker was a dentist
"by profession, an active member of the Franklin Institute, and one of the
first experimenters to use the Daguerre process for outdoor views, street
scenes, &c. He was also one of the pioneers in micro-photography. It
as more than probable that Dr. Parker was let into the secret of the use '
of bromine at an early day, as it would have been impossible to obtain
the instantaneous views by the use of dry iodine.
A heliograph (daguerreotype) upon a silvered plate 6x5 inches, made
hj Dr. Parker in the month of March, 1840, is now in possession of the
THistorieal Society of Pennsylvania. It represents Race - street Wharf
at the Delaware, and, after the lapse of more than half a century, is
still (except where mechanically injured) in a perfect condition, and
in definition equal to many of the amateur efforts of the present
day.
A series of these views by Dr. Parker were exhibited in the " Depart-
Tients of Fine Arts" at the Franklin Institution Exhibition held during
■October 1840. These specimens naturally attracted much attention, and
were greatly admired for Uieir beauty and fidelity to nature. The only
question which arose to their detriment was the as yet unknown factor of
permanency. The committee on premiums awarded Dr. Parker a
■certificate of honourable mention for his exhibit.
How long Dr. Parker remained a disciple of the daguerrean art the
writer has been unable to determine, nor does there seem to be any record
of any specimens from him at any subsequent exhibitions.
DOES VERSATILITY PAY?
Feom the tone of the discussion which has followed Mr. Howaid
Farmer's paper read at the Convention, it is plain to see that photo-
graphers are not quite satisfied with the present acquirements of their
assistants ; in short, there is a demand we are told for " all-rourd
men." On the whole, the demand is a reasonable one. The editor
has been called to account for suggesting that many branches of
photography are to be learned in a comparatively short space of time ;
but the editor was well within the mark, for, given a young man of
average intelligence, he should be able in two years or less to operate,
retouch a little, print in various methods, enlarge, and copy. Much
more than this is to be learned of photography in two years by older
persons ; but for the youth enough is as good as a feast, and " suffi-
cient unto the day is the photography thereof."
Salaries do not run very high in the trade nowadays, and why ?
On account of the numbers engaged in and conversant with photo-
graphy— the ease with which certain primary knowledge is attained.
A retoucher who, five years ago, would ask and receive a salary of 3/.
weekly could now be had for two-thirds of that sum, and would not
expect to be called on to do more than retouch, and operate occasion-
ally. This is where an error has crept in ; specialism has been too
rampant. On the other hand, men may be none the better off for
knowing the Alpha and Omega of photography. As an instance, I
mention the case of a gentleman I am acquainted \^dth — a chemist,
qualified, and receiving pay from 150/. to 180/. yearly. He took up,
as the expression is, as a hobby, the fascinating art. He became, in
two years, an expert photographer — wet-plate and dry, all the known
printing processes, enlarging, photo-mechanical and micrographic
work. The certificates of the City and Guilds Institute were evi-
dence to his theoretical knowledge, and a frame of medals bore testi-
mony to a general excellence of manipulation. As is often the way
in such cases, my friend was the recipient of much advice ; all his drug
friends advised ' him to go in for photography entirely, and all
his photographic friends recommended him to stay where he was.
However, receiving an offer from a good firm, from pure love of the
art the plunge was made ; but it proved to be an error — it was the
other extreme. My friend was the all-round man ; he could operate
anywhere and everywhere, retouch, print, enlarge, copy, make slides,
instruct the pupils, keep the books, and look after the residues. He
was " at home " in all departments. As might have been expected,
he got much " kudos," but little coin— never quite so much as the
gentleman styled " the head retoucher," and who could (and would
not if he could) do little else. This seemed hardly fair, and my
versatile friend drifted once more, and now earns more than ever
before at an entirely different profession, studied in spare moments.
Talking over this and other matters, he said, and I thought it of im-
portance, that he always missed something, difficult to define, in his
photographic education, but which was apparent in others who had
served their time (an apprenticeship, in fact) to the profession.
Photographers cannot, I am sorry to say, be accused of excessive
liberality (and perhaps it is not altogether their own fault) in the
matter "of salaries, which may account for much. These salaries,
to my mind, want, like those in the Church, more equalising ; the
printer, the man who probably is very often the all-round man of the
studio, must not be allowed to starve at the expense of the retoucher.
There is a medium between the specialist and the versatile individual
who is always a student, and sometimes a professor— the man, in fact,
who knows too much for the nineteenth-century studio. The one will
get, «ro rata, well paid, the other never value for his services.
J. Pike.
©ur IBtiltorial 'Eatle.
The Idler for September displays a continued advance in respect of its
pictorial contributions upon former numbers. The article on " Boxing
with Four Fists," by Mr. Robert Barr, which is partly illustrated from
photographs, is a clever exposition of the French system of boxing.
The other contents of the magazine are excellent, the pictures being
notably well reproduced.
Fitch's Films.
Some recent experiences with these films have very favourably im-
pressed us with their good qualities. Photography with cut films
IS rendered most agreeable by means of Mr. Fitch's productions. The
celluloid supports possess remarkable flatness and purity, and are thus
Septemlwr 16, 1893]
THE BRITISH JOURXAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
603-
dmirablr adapted for the purpose, and the quality of the sensitiTe
citing M uniformlT exoelleat. In the preparation of Fitch's fihns,
l^reat technical •kiU'is evidentlj displayed.
Richasd's Patknt ComnoB.
nimmed, triangular peoeaof p«per for attaching
They should prove
nta, albums, and aa^books
Ldelui ciihaz temporarily or permaDcntly.
Tsm"Cadxtt' Plxtks.
Cisnr k SiiiiJtJitil, But*;.
Mb. Jx8. Cadstt'b long experience in tbe nice art of dir-plate making
i* a guarantee that any aenaitive product wnanatiiy from the house
of Cadatt & NeaD ia (ore to reach the highest level of ezoellenoe. We
h«T0Jaitsabmitt«daiample of tbe firm'f "Lightning" platea to a
practical teat, with the mo«t favourable resolta. Their speed, accord-
ing to Meesn. Hurter k Driffield's aystem of measuring the rapdity
of pUtes, is 59*. which, translated into actual results, proved to be a
degree of rapiditjr not excelled by any other plate with which we are
aajoaiBted. This high sensitiveneM k aoeorapanied by an ease and
rapidity of devekaawtt with a noraaal solution not ahvavs associated
with very rapid ptUea, especially taldng into account toe fact that
the "Liffhtning* p^toa yield dewity with the utmost readiness.
Regardea from the point of view of tedinieal properties , the " Light-
ning " platea are irrepwiachabla.
' Thx PHOiooaAPHXB:"
A MOXTHLT RiCOBD OP PhOTOOBAPHIC
Pbooi
This is a small four-page pampUal ^viag, initr aUa, interesting
reading oMttar on mrreot photogmphie topiea. It is unfortunate
that inian Musais. HBott issoed it thsy wws seenunglv unaware that
a monthly pahlieation hearing the suae title (publisMd by MassiB. O.
.Maaoo k Co.), and a copy of which m bsCon na, had afaready been in
I (or seranl yeaia.
SrcDiBs i.x
Bj Joaa A«s««w*, B.A.
PBOVOOBArHT.
WktxwCB Th»j4[lwlili
Ix tbeaa AiMiist Mr. Andrawa dcrotas • few chapter* to th* ooBiUer-
atioo of tbe claim* ef photography to rank a* an original art
Natonliitie sbotognphy 1m floaaiden an attempt to reprodDce the
mystery and Maoty of n*ft«r* niidsr poetical aspects, and in accord-
ance with the role* obaetrad b^ th« aastar* of the art. " A glance
at the wall* of the pbotogmphie aiUlMons shows that art ideas and
motivw are sliriiiig the photopapUe world ; and though no raaaoo-
abl* pafsoo iaaniMa that photognphy will ever equal or supeiaede
brash wotLstin Umn i* • iUa, and a wide one, it may profitably
occupy.'' The author la a ehsptar on " The Artistic Use of a Hand
CaBsra" eooaideia that a haad easaara shoold b* aaed strictly as a
if the b«at naaha are to be obtaiaad. But we Know
'Ho do not, aseept oo rwrasinB, oaa haad eaaeras except as
' ha ordinary kmd nooiitad apea a stand, and claim that in
nlr can the bmt rtsalta ba obtained. There are chapters on
of Nature, the Stndr of Art, on Portraits and on Atmo-
n\f book (202 pa^) win prove good sogxestiva reading.
un a eoBMtaoa of artwlta eontribnteii to the Fhoto-
rijir and other reriawa. It is well printed aad eoatains
w««ral iilostiatiana. Prioa, 8*.
BrBTOjr'a PHorooBAnnc Pbistibo.
UMloai VariMft Co.
Tuu is a sscond edition, revised aad snlarged, of Profeaior W. K.
Bortoa'a Prmetiml Owdt to Pkotamnfkiie mid Pkoto^mtdumical
TrmHimj Pnttmtt. Soma oiattar wUeh appeaiad in the first edition
ha* b**a awind, and naw matter introdooed inatead. The history,
theory, aad jnaetiea of moat, if not all, printing prowams in actual
OS* aia hmy daalt with, the informatiaa aa regards photo-
marbanieal pMBtiag being a^edaOy eomalata and practical The
book, iriddi eoBlain* 414 PP- m^ i* '*'dl pnated, i* po*sibly the most
>e guide to ad trranche* of photographic printing extant.
FALUTwratLD's I%etofrwpkie Riwttmtnmeer for Angnst-Sentember
inmwrism and r*^ *"*•"•" the lat**t noretti** down to toe most
lawtJata. Mr. ft1bwa*ld ia anaiaalM in *Bt*>prise.
RECENT PATENTS.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS.
Na 15,901. — "An Improved Process for the Transfer of Photographic Images."'
W. H. Slaseb and L. Sixdlz.— Dated September 5, 1892.
No. 15,956. — " New or Improved Process and Apparatus for the Tentative
Exposure and Development of Pictures obtained Dy Photography." E. H.
Habdt.— />atei September 6, 1892.
No. 15,971. — " An Improved Combined Carrier and Dissolver for the Optical
Untem." a J. Levi & Co.— Z>a/«i &pton4«r6, 1892.
No. 16,012. — " Improvements in and in connexion with Optical Lantern
Slides." W. C. 'Bx-awt&.—DaUd September 7, 1892.
Na 18,026. — " Improvements in or connected with Jet Apparatus for lame
and other Lights." A. Kxbsbaw.— Dotoi September 7, 1892.
No. 16,074. — "ilmproTements in Racks Used for Soaking or Drying Photo-
graphic Plates." J. PUMPHRBT.— ZtatetJ September 8, 1892.
Na 16,196. — " Improvements in Mounts for Photographs and the like,
applicable also for Albums." F. M. BRisawATER. — Dnted September 10, 1892.
No. 16,264. — " An Improvement in the Manufacture of Photograph Albums."
Complete Specification. G. Albert. — Datetl September 10, 1892.
PATENTS COMPLETED.
laniOTSD Apparatus for Pnismja Lastsrs Slides from a Photoqraphio
OB UKS NsGATrVK.
Na 17,098. Jamis Dorb, 27, Hish^treet, Ssndown, Isle of Wight
AuguUli, 1892.
A PRAm of wood or other suitable nutarial containing a panel with opening
in the centre rather smaller than the transparencv plate to be used. In use a
iisnlliii (pbotogiaphic or other) ia placed at the back of panel, and is kept in
yoslUwi by a dimmnm of wood or other snitaUe materiid hinged to the inside
of ftams and futaDed~br a spring catch, allowing any part of the negative to
be aiUBstcd to the opening is panel. In this diaphragm ia an opening exactly
oppodta that d( the panel to receive the sensitised plate. A back or cover of
wood or otharmatoial, also Uaged to and iiuida fkama, fits over the diaphragm,
aad bstaiu by tam-battooa of brass or other material. On the inside centre of
back is bstSDad a llszible pad, which keeps the aendtiied plate in contact
with the nei^ve when the cover is dosed.
There are no loose parts, and any nomber of dnpUcstes can be made from
the saaM negative without readjustment.
iMPaOVXMBBTB Dt CaURA OBSCITRAS.
No. 19,597. JoHK Richard Fulodio, Roach Hoose, 2, Orosvenor-road,
Dongas, lale of }l»u.—AvgHtl 18, 1892.
HrTHRXTO it has been customary to have only one reflector, lens, and table, on
to which tabl* the picture is ahown in camera ohscnraa, but I propose to have
a Swiss of raflei^oi% Isnsas, and tables roond the room (I prefer about twelve
of each, bat' mot* or less may be used). By this means the view of the
oovntry all round the esfflera oncura can be shown on the tables at one and
ths same Urns. Thsss tablea I propose to nae on an incline to give a sharpness
ia the picture for long and short focus, but may be horizontal If required, and
each rellector, lens, and table is divided tnm the otlyrs by screens or parti-
Uraa if reqnired.
ns claims are :— 1. Havinc a series of reflectors and lenses which will reflect
pletara on a table or tables in the camera obscara. 2. Dividing the pictures
oa the tsUe or tables tnm eaoh other by aereens or partitions.
IxraovRxxan oi ass coRxicno with Pbotooraphio Affaratub for
SUaVBIUO AXD FlBLD SKBTCBDIO PCRrOBBB.
Na 14,231. Hbrbxbt Wbu>-Blc:<dbll, Wellington Club, Groavenor-place,
London.— ^u^ 20, 1892.
This invention has for its object to adapt a photographic camera to falfll the
isgniiemeDts of surveying and field-sketching operations for military and
otaer puipueas, and it relates principally to the combination with a hand or
other portable camera of maans or appliances whereby a reoord may be easily
obtaiaed of the true relative bearing of the station and sighting points, that is
to say, of Qie place at which the camera is situated whan a photograph is taken
and Of any distant object forming a prominent feature in the picture.
For this purpose, tne screen upon which the picture is focuued or viewed, is
divided ana graduated ia the maonsr of a protractor, aithar by lines upon the
or wire protiaetor so applied ss to be visible ui>on or
Upe^ or beneath, or otherwise in proximity to the
a msoMtie compass having a transparent card is mounted
above tlis optical axisofthe camera, whereby orientation of tbe picture reflected
>, and, eoossilttantly, of the landscape or image photographed, is
tafoaca loe a
roaudng sen
tbe camera a flne index wire is mounted perpendicular to the base of
the picture, and parallsl to the sensitive plate, another wire moving with the
first Dsiag io arranged with ngard to the view-finder or focussing screen as to
caoss its shsdow to be projected thereon, so that, npon thhi index being made
to ooinelde with the positiott with regard to the vertical centre line of the
ptetars of the imsge of say sighting object therein, there will be produced
upon the icsulting nepUiva a flne verticu line corresponding to the image of
the sli^tiiv otjea to ssrve ss a datum line from which to construct the result-
ing chsrL
VTithin the camera saothsr faidex, parallel and close to the plane of thenc^
tive, so as to canse its shadow to be projected thereon, is so mounted as to oe
adjustable to any angle through an entire circle, and is operated by gearing
connected with an external index, which is set by reference to the magnetic
604
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGKAPHY.
[September 16, 1892
Na 15,282.
compass, and works over a correspondingly i^aduated disc in order to produce
upon the negative a graphic record of the orientation or bearing of the camera
when the photograph was taken.
Upon the side of the hood of the focussing or view-iinder screen a clinometer
may be mounted to enable the elevation or depression of the camera at the
moment when the photograph was taken to be ascertained. This instrument
may be detachable, and marked with ratiii, foniiula, measurements, and other
indications used in working out calculations.
For accurate observations with a prismatic compass provision may be made
for mounting this instrument upon the camera directly above the optical axis
tbereof.
IJIPBOVKMKNTS IN APPARATUS FOB PRODUCING ENLABGKD COPIES OP
Photographs.
Edgab Cuftos, 108, Regent-street, London, Middlesex.
August 20, 1802.
As improved photographic enlarging apparatus, consisting of a baseboard of
sufBcient length, which may be of wood, metal, or other suitable material, and
divided into two or more sections, attached to each other by means of hinges,
pivots, or other suitable contrivance, so as to permit of its being easily folded.
Upon the centre division I erect a stage or frame, for the puriiose of carrying
the condensing lenses as generally used ; in this frame, in front of the con-
densing lens, is an aperture or recess to carry the negative to be enlarged, which
may be placed in without any other fitting, or, preferably, in the ."pecial frame
or carrier hereinafter described. In front of this, again, I attach a camera body
of the ordinary form, and of suitable dimensions ; this may be constructed
either of wooden boxes sliding in each other, or may be made of wooden
frames at each end, attached to each other by means of a folding bellows of
leather, indianibber, cloth, paper, or other suitable material, the front portion
of this camera body being made to slide out upon the front section of the base-
board when in use. Focussing may be efl'ected by a rack and pinion, screw,
lever, slide, or any method in common use by photographers. To the back
part of the frame, carrying the condenser, 1 attach a sliding body, which may
be made of metal, a.sbestos, millboard, or other suitable material, so arranged
as to allow the posterior portion to be approached to, or withdrawn from, the
back surface of the condensing lens by sliding upon the rear section of the base-
board without permitting the egress or admission of light, except through an
aperture in the end. For greater security I prefer to furnish the front portion
with an inner lining, between which and the outer cover the back portion is
allowed to slide.
To the aperture at the back of the sliding box I attach a lamp, gas burner,
or other suitable source of light, such lamp being protected and covered by a
metal chimney or sheath, so that no light can escape except in one place,
which is placed opposite the aperture in the back of the lantern body while
the apparatus is iu use. When not in use the lamp and its chimney or sheath
are to packed inside the sliding body of the lantern, which is made of such
form and dimensions as will permit of containing it when closed, such body
being fitted with suitable springs or fastenings so as to hold the lamp and ite
sheath, chimney, or cover firmly in position, thereby preventing injury when
travelling. Another part of my invention relates to an improved frame or
carrier for holding photographic plates in the aforesaid or other photographic
enlarging apparatus.
I make two frames of wood, metal, papier m&chS, or other suitable material,
having an opening in each of the size of the plate or portion of plate from
which it is desired to enlarge. These two frames are hinged together along
one edge, and are provided with a suitable clasp or fastening, so that they shut
and clasp in the same way as a book. The inner surface of one of the frames
may, if desired, be faced with cloth, and the inner surface of the other is
fitted with a number of cushions, pads, or suckers of indiarubber, leather, or
other elastic material, arranged round the opening so that the photographic
plate may be held firmly in any position when laid thereon, and the frames
closed and clamped. Or I may substitute a continuous strip of rubber or
leather, placed round the aperture in the carrier in the place of the separate
pads or suckers aforesaid. The carrier or frame is preferably made larger than
the plate for which it is designed, to allow of adjustment in a lateral or vertical
direction.
iHeetittsg of aocieti>]S»
— *
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK.
D*t« of MeatljK.
Name of Society.
September 19 .
19 .
19 .
19 .
20 .
20 .
20.
21 .
21 .
21 .
21 .
21 .
21 .
21 .
21 .
22 .
22 ,
22 ,
„ 22
22
„ 2.3
„ 23
„ 23
23
23 ,
I Dundee Amateur
t Hastings and St. Leonards .
] Leeds (Technical)
South London
North London
Oxford Photo. Society
Boathport
Brechin (Annnal)
Bury
Hyde
Manchester Camera Olnb ...
Photographic Club
Portsmouth
Southsea
West Surrey
Birmingham
Hackney
Ireland
London and Provincial
Oldham
Cardiff
Holbom
Maidstone
Richmond
West London..
Place of Meeting.
AsBO. Studio, Nethergate, Dnndee.
Mechanics* Institute, Leeds.
Hanover Hall, Hanover-park, S.E.
Wellington Hall, Islington, N.
Society's Rooms, 136, High-street.
Shafte8bury-buildings,Eastbauk-st.
14, St. Mary-street, Brechin.
Temperance Hall, Bury.
Victoria Hotel, Manchester,
Anderton's Hotel, Fleet-Btreet,E.C.
Y.M.C.A-buildiugs, Landport.
St. Mark's Schools, Battersea-rise.
Lecture Room, Midland Institute.
Morley Hall, Triangle, Hackney.
Booms, 15, Dawson-street, Dublin.
Champion Hotel, 15, Alder-sgate-st.
The Lyceum, Union-street,Oldham.
"The Palace." Maidstone.
Greyhound Hotel, Richmond.
Ohisnick School of Art, Chiswick.
LONDON AND PROVINCUL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
Seftkmbkb 8. — Mr. A. Haddon in the chair.
The CHAIR.MAN presented a copy of the Argentic OelfUino- Bromide Workers'
Guide, by J. Burgess, published l)y Morgan & Kidd, about the year 1880, and
drew attention to the fact that it contained the germ of the " Developan "
which was recently introduced.
Mr. C. G. NoBTON exhibited his non-photographic lens tester for testing the
flatness of field of a lantern objective. This consists of a piece of muslin
mounted between plain glasses. For use, the tester is placed in the lantern
stage and focussed on the screen, when the centre and sides of the image may
be compared for flatness. He also showed his registering templates, for secur-
ing exact coincidence of discs when using a biunial or triple lantern, which can
also be used to ascertain whether two or more lenses are of the same focus, and
to test whether a lens is rectilinear. They are made by a mech.anical process
which ensures two or more being alxsolutely identical, the glass being fixed in
its place previous to the lines being drawn upon it. He also showed an
adjustable runner for lantern stages, to raise or lower the slide at one or both
ends to the extent of three-sixteenths of an inch, which is ample for the-
purpose.
Mr. E. W. Pabutt exhibited Messrs. Newman & Guardia's new shutter;
made in aluminium, which admitted of pneumatic reguhation of the exposure
from the fiftieth of a second down to one second ; and .also the same firm's
changing back, applicable to an onlinary camera, which permitted of any
particular plate from a number being used.
Mr. B. FouLKES Winks, in reference to the new developer, amidol, exhibited
a negative developed therewith, and said he found a difiiculty in getting
density, although prolonging development for ten minutes, and using five flrops
of a ten per cent, solution of bromide of potassium.
Mr. T. E. Freshwateb observed that he had recently set his little boy to
develop two or three plates with amidol, and the negatives turned out nice and
dense.
"The Stop k a Single Lens."
The following question from the box was read : " How is the proper position'
of the stop in a single lens ascertained ? "
Mr. W. E. Debenham said it was impossible to say if there was a proper
position. When Grubb issued his single lens many years ago, he arranged
for an adjustable stop, so that as the stop was nearer the lens it would cover a
wider field, while further off the field would be flatter. It was wrong if the
stop was in such a position so that one got flare. Generally speaking, the-
further from the lens the flatter the field. In architectural work, the further
the stop was from the lens, the more one got the particular distortion which
belonged to single lenses. It was better to use a very small stop near the lens.
The Chairman said it was recommended in certain books to fix the stop at a
distance of one-fifth of the focal length of the lens.
"Development when Travelling."
Another question was: "What is the best method of treating developed
plates when travelling, so that fixing may be postponed until after the return
home ? "
The Chairman thought it best to wash and dry the plate. If it were then
exposed to light, it would be very little injured. He did not think light would
affect its printing qnalitie.".
Mr. Debenham doubted whether the plates coiUd be washed enough to pre-
vent light affecting them. Some plates showed red in the shadows on being
exposed to light, while others remained unaffected.
Mr. A. Cowan would always prefer to fix where possible.
Mr. W. H. Harrison observed that Mr. England's plan was to wash a little
of the hypo out, and to well wash the plate when he came home.
Mr. Debenham said that this might do for photographers who were well up
in it, but for those who were not the negative might be ruined by turning
yellow.
Mr. FouLKES Winks found that on washing negatives which had already-
been dried and washed, there was a tendency of the film to flow off the glass.
" Is there ant Adequate Theobt of Reversal?"
Mr. T. Boiu\s said that in the collodion days there was a notion that the red'
rays retarded the action of light on the plate, one wet-plate operator saying
that there was so much red light in his room that it neutralised any white light
which gained admission. He suggested that the experiment as to whether red
light prevented white light acting on a sensitive surface might be tried with a.
biunial lantern at a future meeting.
Mr. J. S. Teape detailed his experiments as given at prerious meetings,
proving by a series of graduated exjiosures that no re-reversal took place.
Mr. Debenham said that in his experiments he could not change the point
of reversal by any variation of the developer. He found that the time
necessary to reverse was about 4,000,000 times necessary to produce the merest
trace of a developable image.
The Chairman, in reference to the time of development of reversed images,
suggested that possibly the liberation of bromine tanned the film in parts, and
that if the developer were given long enough to act on those parts it might
produce an image. Mr. Wellington had tried to get reversal on a coUodio-
bromide plate and could not. By passing a solution of chlorine gas throngh a
solution of gelatine, the latter was made insoluble in water, and something of
the sort was most probably the case with bromine.
Mr. Harrison said it was a curious thing that negatives might be produced
by reversal on some plates and not on others. A photo-mechanical printer in
the south of London always used this method for obtaining reversed negatives.
After further discussion on this subject the meeting adjourned.
North London Photographic Society.— September 6, 1892, Rev. E. Healy
in the chair,— This meeting, the first after the summer vacation, was devoted
to reports of holiday work, and a good number of specimens of hand-camera
work, as well as of larger sizes, occupied the attention of the members. It
was noticeable that a considerable proportion had been taken on isochromatio
plates, the results fairly showing the advantages of the colour correction.
September 16, 1892]
THJi BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY,
605
1 jmicM, and o|i«l platw, ;
t-laruilMtina. Tm OOlOQIB
V617 flna^ aad, the
A!iuoit vttkoot netptkm Um prints wan on Hford or lt.rtm.ii pnuting-ont
] '.;'«r, toa«d«ad«T>Tioaa eooditiooi of bath, bat in all case* with satisfactory
■•'".' Maan. Beck's Bjmo* printiag ftams waa ahown, and attracted a
.'- of intcfart, and the new derdapar, amidol, waa mentioned as to
-1 on very sb<»tl7. Next meaMng SeritaDber 30, when a practical
.ion of retonching will be giren by Mr. Redmond Banett.
Middlaatx PhotOKimpllle Kiela^.— September 12, Mr. H. Smith in
e members and a naBbet of risiton were present. Mr.
~'>ciet7 OD LamtenntUk MaUmg. Ha showed a ftvne
iting by eootaet from any part of a half-plate negatire,
:e printing fhma. TIm orainaiy back was remoTad, and
: titeil : the innsr aidas wen ooroed with a soft material,
".t in the centre of each. The negatire was sand-
-iig the leieetad part risible throogh the opening,
.' clamped togalher with the preasnre springs. The
< ^rupiKil into tas opaniai; orer the negatire, and secured in
fttifxl with one pnasua ^rii^ Mr. Beadle referred to the
' ■ -< on the markat, tbair pacoliaritiea, and the tonea to be
" had long wished for a print-oat plate, and had tried,
:-)w}ng formnla, whi^ he bad recently seen :— Na 1,
■ add, aO graiaa : water. 1 ounce. No. 2, Nelson's
'er, 8 oanoea. No. 3, Alum, 20 grains ; Rocbelle
><'"n'le, 10 graina ; water, one oanoa, Na 2 was
Xa 1 was than added, drop by drw, with
'Trees, and Sltand threagh two tUeknaaaee
ring a pool in the caatoa, and flowing
c with was that it ramained slightly
.•mtires. Lantern aUdaa, large trans-
method, wen paaaed round for
^' with the borax and cyanide
)«en repeatedly rempred during
I imagea were risible, aa in re-
iito dose eootaet with the aama
i^r than dealt with the minutia
inada by gaslight, and ended by
V hearty rote of thaaln waa ae-
lie bail giren. Tha eompatitioa
•^Id, Mr. AUpraas bsing ^dand
:.i Will U ttsU on Monday, Septambar 28, Mr.
Mr. E. J. Wan wiU lacton oa tha l^e qf a Dry
-Sartaaber 8, Mr. A. Barker in tha chair.
o inaeearate manner in which minrtiiy had
' on. sscrMary, and in oonaaqnenoa the
oHnad to be rewrittaa. Mr. 8. J.
itad tnr mambawhlR Mouoaad
r. DooatioMs-AeaMaaipaiw
■ albam, and sis Una giaasaa for
Work was shown by Mmts.
~^odaaa. Mr. Nunn showed tha
: label plate ; it waa pnaooaoed
rn slids daralo|ied with amidid.
xati had daraknad eight plataa
Mr. Beckett did not Udnk that
razposan, bat thoo^t that it
:ir«, and lor laatan slides, ke.
■la, which had baaa axpaaed to
! nnt prerentataiBtothaaaaa
- u dae to ita baring
IphiUof soda and
- —ted that they
1 baaddiAetl.
r soda only;
whether
11 dill
L . T,.l..r-
T e:
rlsto
•he
nig "ut.
in the chair.— Ra-
^rx. Mr. Capell asked what aflaet atiate
Mt«l that it was rery oaefal la eaaa of '
- -ala ia daaiity, whOa (nraaU^ drt
1 OhMOt Obkr-Sngtanbw 9, U.
-~U daralMar aMafieMd iatlMD>
lsofp^ta^tkaaaoa«*rao.i 1. FtettM
adriaabia to bacia wltt cran noaat Kr.
, iirtr.| which waa tha lit method, toobuia dwwity ttrat aad ^tail
wl Men lately iwwmiaaadaJ, «r SMr arratf. He prafsnad gettiag
' f all; with radiaal, ha had baan aoabU to obtain iteoroaa
imaaT had had ao troafaia ea that seenL Mr. Eaaia aoold
with pyf».aoda thaa with rodiaaL Mr. Darb wiahadto
't aiticK earbonata of soda waa rceomaiaadad aa tha
laalaad of the osaalhjrdnte. Mr. Fanlkaar said that,
— n -^««r. a fiaar ciaio aad a better aegatira woold be the
[".l^i- J iw iliwMmiuu harlag tamed oil Ixhig, Mr. Onabiaao axpnaaad the
UlWf that MiBf of aOrar prinU was often dae to inaoffldent tzatioa. Tor
ne^ra werfe, a dbty hrpo bath wis oftaa tha eaaaa of atalaad or yellow
'<V^««. Mr. J. D. Offasoa Mid that alhaatb aoMUtiaaa alao atMad tha
■rwaaaau af albaaw prints, Pbotaaapha whiok ba h«l made in Madna,
benthaaUamtowaadiyaadbat, laid Ihdad, whiU othan, doaa at tha suae
me aad aadar tha Mate coaditiou, which he hail sent to Eadaad, had stood
ns teat af ttaa waO. Hk czpviaooa of tha cUaata in Ceylon, which waa
Uapaadkat,«aathat ttabacaaaaaarialitofada. Ha added that want of
i^waa daa aa math to naantlahh awoata aad mountants as to in-
^*^)g «rt^ the hy^ A mnabar baring asked whether prints on
'" ' " ■ as albumen |>riDt5, Mr.
I papar baiaf tliiekar aad
The discaaalaalaad-for tha
rtfeebypo.
lanirad aa
■ •latiao-akMda npw lanirad aa much washing 1
i« hypo
aMra tato tha (datlaai
eveniD" on Impranns Faulty y^gath-es was opened by the Chairman, who said
that there were a number of ways of improring faulty negatives but that
whenever possible, he recommenjed taking another one. Covering the back of
the plate with collodion, containing some aniline dye, such as aurine wa.s an
excellent plan, whose parts covering the over-dense spoU of the negative could
bo scraped away. Mmeral, or tissue paper was also often used in a similar
manner ; by means of a stump and blacklead used on them, the light could be
retarded on some parts of the plate. Sometimes a negative could be greatlv
improved, especially if a very Hat and thin one, bv making a transparency
ftomit, and trom this a negative ; by suitoble exposure an.l .ievelopment the
contrast could be very much increased. Intensifying the negative was often
resorted to by some workers, while others preferred getting great density by
development and then using a reducing agent. For platinotvpe, Mr. Willis
Had found that, printing under signal-green glass, the quality 'oi tha resulting
prmt was much altered ; it was eminently suitable for hard negatives, as print-
ing under ins glass gave much softer images. He (he Chainnan), had obtained
a piece of signal-green glass, but the colour appeared to him to bo a peacock
blue by .iaylight. Mr. Ardaseer said that was so, but by gas or oil light the
colour would show as green ; if examined in the spectroscope, it will be found
to taansmit nearly no other rays but the green. The Chairman then announced
that the winter session of the Club woiUd Iwgin on October 10, and that the
mglite of the meetings would be altered to Mondays, at eight o'clock, the chair
beuig Uken at h.ilf-past eight p.m. This change had been found necessary in
order to secure the use of a larger room, the present one being iaadeqiite,
owing to the mcreaaed number of members.
iv'^SL*^'?' ."w>,*«8»Phlo Society.— September 3, Mr. Maurice Howell
(Vice-Fresident), in the chair.— The President (Mr. F. W. Rlwanls) read a
•"^ °"n, L^'-^^ f"^ "'<"■** "^ '^'°<V* TiHWorth, the famous terracotta
senlptor, iUastrtted by a fine collection of forty lantern slides, which was much
apprMiated by the membeta and friends (150) present. Many requests for the
repeUUon of the lecture hare already been received by the President, who has
consented to do ao, and to increase the number of illustrations to sixty. It wa»
annoonced that the judging of the prints from negatives on Paget idates wa»
oeiemu until the next meeting.
TwUngr Cuiera Club. -September 8, Lantern night— Slides of EnglUh,.
HootU^, and Contmental views were exhibited by means of the President's new
Umeli^t lantetn to a Urge number of members and friends. The Paget Prize
Hate Company kindly seat a framed enlargement of Instantaneous pictures,.
taken on their pUtes. for the Oub-room ; abo sample packeU of their plates.
which were distributed to the members for trial. r "i
Croydon Mlcroacopioal and Natural Hiatoiy Club (Photographic Sec-
tion)— Scptenil^r y, Mr. Carter in the chair.- In addressing the meeting, the
CHAiBMAJt said they wen brootrht together that evening to discuss and receive
the opiniOQs and ideas tnm the members aa to the arranging of the coming
winter seaaion. Mr. E. Lovett, the President of the Club, wbo was present
bat unable to take the chair owing to other business calling him away, inti-
niatsd to the memben that the Institution Committee had made them an offer
or tbair oommittoe-room, to be converted into a dark room and meeting-room,
tn ua place of the daric room they now had, and wbioh could not be used on
Bcoooat of bdng ao damp. The idea was well received by those present, and
.V ,£°?"* fTS*!?^ ""I ^- Wallir seconded : " That it was the opinion of
the Photographie Section of tha aub that it would be a great boon if the com-
"Ti . "J™ """^ ** '"*"* *'"' "" pntpo^ of a dark room, to be always avail-
able for the use of nMmben." Tha Cbaibiuh then said that that proposition
would be placed beibra tha General Committee of the Club on W^esday
next, to recetre thair consideration. Mr. Carter then called attention to a new
qaeatioii box which tha Qnb now had, and hoped tul members would avail
tbaaadrea of it. SoggeatioBS wen then received ftom the members present
for the oomiiut winter aiaatiaaB, and will be considered and arrangedTin due
conne by tbe Photognphio BaE-Committee.
Ctaotlay P^ytadliBle noteBimphlc Boeiaty.- In connexion with the Poly-
i*:*^ 'w»»tlT caUbliahad in this town, a camera club has been formed, and
Sr ^^ l.*^ "'°* "* *^ Choriey Polytechnic Photographic Society.
1 'Tf'"'!"' *?«='' "• at praaaat oadaigDing extensire altantiona, are con-
*!?z!z7 ?"^ *" Fellery-street. almoat in the centre of the town, and it is
'a*?"?*^ that the dark room wiU be ready liar aaa in the course of a few days.
At tba meeting held on Wednesday, September 7, the following gentlemen
wen appointed o(Be«n:—/ViB»<to.<. Mr. J. T. Brierley.— Ii«-/'to«/«i(« .-
S*?^ ■ I\.««™<ti R. Beiry, and W. Doman.— rrwuMro- .• Mr. K. GiU.—
UKrt^na: Measra Jaa. O. Welch and Wm.' Wareing. Judging from the
attendance, and the number of memben who have enrolled themsdves at the
rariona prslfantoary meetiaga, we hare little heaiUUoa in saying that there is
"WTproapect of this becoming a moat succaaafU organiiation. Any one
^tarested. and daairooa of baooming a member, ia inritad to send hU name to
either of the Secrataiiea, from whom all partienian may be obuined.
Darby Fhotogiaplile ■odaty.— The abore Society had ouo of their very
enjoyable outings 00 Saturday last, September 10, going to Mellwume, which,
with lU quaint old church and pictunsoue lake, offered good opportunities for
camera work. Through tbe courtesy of Mr. Fane, Us extensive grounds, laid
.°°V '.■' ¥»P"'c^ *^p»< with ancient yew-tree hedges, were opened to the
"oewj^ ^e light being excellent, some good riews were obtained, and the
Zi^tJ^^^^" "'•^ '" """ *"'y evening. The Society had as a guest
M lea Catharine Weed Bamaa, of New York, who has aUo been enUrtained by
iL.1v'* ?!5I" "■?. Scotton, who accompanied her to Haddon Hall, Matlock
Batb, aad Wiagfidd Manor, and a number of exposores were made. These
excnrjions have been much enjoyed, and it is to be regretted that they are so
nearly at an end.
^f^ ''''<"*B'*Phlc Bodaty.— Tbe annual meeting of this Society was held
at th- t it/ro_v Library on Tnesday evening, .September 6, under the presidency
° Tk ■ ^"'''^ Mr. Bxpronn, the Hon. Secretary, read the following report ;—
There are at preaent forty memben on the books ; nine new ones have been
elected daring the year, and aeren have resigned. Ten ordinary meetings have
been held dnrins the year, and have been fsiriy well attended. The excursions
have baaa so badly attended that it ia contemplated to discontinue them unless
60«
THE BRITISH JOUiUSAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September 16, 1892
they receive better support. The Treasurer's report shows a balance in hand of
11. as. id. It is with much regret that the Council have to mention the loss
the Society has suffered by the resignation of Mr. J. G. Braden, who has held
the position of President since the formation of the Society, he having left the
town ; aJso their regret at the loss of so energetic and useful a member as Mr.
Percy Morris, who has likewise left the town, but they are please<l to know
that Both these gentlemen will continue as members of the Society. Finally,
the Council wish to thank the Press, local and otherwise, for their kind notices
of meetings, excursions, 4o., and for kindly sending copies of their papers. "
The report was aiiopted, and Mr. Timks was unanimously elected President.
Mr. Wightman was appointed Vice-President. Mr. Constable was elected Hon.
Secretary in the place of Mr. Bedford, who resigned the office, having found it
impossible to give the amount of time required to carry out the duties ; and
Messrs. Funnell, Young, Carpenter, Bedford, and Curtis were elected on the
Council. A vote of thanks was passed to the Paget Prize Plate Company for
a framed enlargement of snap-shot pictures taken on their plates, ami for
sample packets of plates sent by them for trial, which were distributed to the
members present, who promised to report on them at a subsequent meeting.
A new style of printing frame, the Bynoe, sent by R. & J. Beck, was shown,
and generally considered to be a decided advance in printing frames. All
communications for the Society should now be addressed to the Secretary, Mr.
H. B. Constable, 5, East-street, Lewes.
Hancheater FhotOiri^pblc Society. — September 8, Mr. A. Brothers
occupied the chair. — Mr. W. H. Farrow (Hon. Secretary) showed Beck's
Bynoe printing frame ; a very compact and apparently efficient improve-
ment on the old wood frame. Mr. Alan Gamett introduced a novelty he had
obtained recently in Paris. This was a substitute for the lime cylinder, to be
used for the oxyhydrogen light. It was composed of a preparation of mag-
nesium, in the form of a small disc (about the size of a sixpence) ; a platinum
pin in the edge enabled it to be fixed in a suitable holder on the ordinary lime
pin. Mr. Gamett stated he used it with a blow-through jet ; with a mixed jet
it did not give as good a light, the reason of which he could not explain.
When the light was once adjusted, no further attention was required, and the
disc was unaffected by the ordinary atmospheric moisture when not in use,
qualities which were of great advantage over limes. As far as Mr. Gamett
could at present tell, the substitute was fairly durable, and each disc would
last a considerable time. A rough trial was made in the lantern with the new
disc against lime, a blow-through jet being used, and, as well as could be
judged, the lights were equal, some being inclined to award the new light
superiority in purity. Mr. Gamett had with him one of Steward's latest jets,
fitted with every requisite adjustment by screws or racks, and also with a bye-
pass cut off tap to the blow-through jet — a very valuable addition, especially
when used in conjunction with the lime substitutes for enlarging, or when the
full light was only required at intervals. Messrs. Blakeley and Evans were
elected Auditors of the past year's accounts. The Hon. Secretary announced
that the Photographic Society of Great Britain had reserved the evening of
October 19, during their annual exhibition, for a display of lantern slides by the
members of the Manchester Society, and requested members to send in slides,
so that a good selection could be made for that purpose, Mr. Smith, of the
Eastman Company, was present during the evening in a private capacity, and
he contributed much to the interest of the meeting by showing a collection
of holiday snap-shots.
Rotherham Fhotog^apliic Society. — Tuesday, September 6, Dr. F, B. J.
Baldwin (President) in the chair. — Oile new member was elected. The Bynoe
printing frame was introduced. The arrangement for holding the paper was
much approved, but the question was asked as to the risk of the print moving
in the larger sizes. Information had been received relative to the Hill-Norris
collodion plate, which had made its appearance during the month. Particulars
cf several photographic specialities were laid before the members. The fourth
excursion of the season was arranged to take place on Friday, September 16.
The destination is Wingfield Manor, Derbyshire. The remainder of the evening
was taken up in a profitable consideration of "questions," of which there were
a considerable number. One member desired information as to the yellowing
of one of the chloride of silver emulsion papers, and it was thought that, in the
process of toning, the addition of fresh gold to an almost exhausted bath might
have brought about the degradation.
ShefQeld Photog^raphio Society.— September 6, Mr. E. J. Chesterman in
the chair. — The new rules of the Photographic Exchange were brought forward
and thoroughly discussed, and satisfactorily arranged, when fifteen members
gave in their names to join. The Secretary laid upon the table for inspection
a new printing frame by Beck & Co., and Mr. Crowder showed a neat con-
trivance to act as printing frame in case of emergency. Several members gave
very good reports of the Paget Prize Plates handed round at the last meeting,
showmg negatives and prints from same. The date for the receipt of pictures
for the annual competitions was postponed until November 14. Mr. E. Beck
opened the discussion on Instantaneous Photography, which induced a deal of
valuable information.
jr CorrMpandntts ihonM n»vm vriit on loth aides o/ t)w popw.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RULE.
To the Ediiok.
Sir, — In my letter published in your issue of the 9th inst., I inadver-
tently stated that the exposure varied as the focal length of the lens.
Obviously I should have said as the square of the length.
The word " false-lying " is a printer's error for falsely ; and likewise
the word " instrument " occurs where I have used the plural, instruments.
Hoping you will allow these corrections to appear, — I am, yours, &c.,
The Arts Club, Manchester, September, 14, ia92. B. C. Phillips.
To the Editor.
Sib, — Mi. Bedding, in his reply to Mr. Phillips on September 2nd, says
" that in photography, a little of one's own experience conveys much
more instruction than a great deal of another's." But do not all
photographic students of necessity have to rely more or less upon others'
experience before being able to adventure their own ? As Mr. Bedding,
in condemning exposure tables and actinometers, etc., advises the be-
ginner in photography to ignore other peoples' experience, should he not
logically extend the same advice to them as regards the composition of
developers, developing, printing and toning, &e. ? — I am, yours, &c.,
London, September 8, 1892. W. Mobbis.
Mr. Bedding's reply to the above, and to Mr. Phillips's letter
appearing in the Joubnal of last week, is as follows : —
"Apparently Mr. Phillips is not content to place the beliefs of his
good men and tme (whoever they may be) as to the value of aids to
exposure in the scale against the work of the majority of photographers
who do not use such aids, as he somewhat lamely says that he cannot
gauge the work of this majority because he is not ubiquitous, and they
will not show him their failures. This is pretty fencing; but Mr.
Phillips should know perfectly well that it is no rejoinder. Trial and
error is the system upon which, so far, most of the world's photographs
— successes and failures — have been made. What, then? Does Mr.
Phillips guarantee an immunity from failure under his ' quantitative
element ' system ? Where are the successes of that ' quantitative
element ' system ? and why is it that, although several weeks have
elapsed since the publication of the paper on ' Photography by Rule ' in
three photographic journals, not one unprejudiced person in the whole of
the photographic world has taken the trouble to criticise my contentions ?
Mr. PhUlips says he is unbiassed, and I will accept his assurance ; but I
believe he was taking photographs for many years before the advent of
Messrs. Hurter & Driffield. Now that he has found salvation at Widnes,
I should like to know if he is agreeable to inform his brethren through
these pages that he has only just recently found out how to properly
expose a plate ?
" I perceive that, in attacking the constancy of the factors considered
in exposure calculations, I have failed to convey my precise meaning to
Mr. Phillips, the fault of which I admit is chiefly my own. Let it, how-
ever, be true that the principles of the instruments assume the variability
of the factors with which they deal, will Mr. Phillips tell us what kind
of result we are to expect from varying a series of uncertainties ? Do
gelatine plates increase or decrease in sensitiveness by keeping ? Or are
they unaffected in that respect ? Under what system of exposure
calculatione is the actinic power of the light accurately expressed ?
Again, as to Nos. three and four of the principles of the instrument Mr.
Phillips defended (and which, by the way, I have not yet attacked), is the
area of aperture of the diaphragm in relation to focus always correctly
rendered ? and, moreover, are all lenses of equal aperture and equal foci
on an equality of rapidity ? In short, are the values of these factors so
accurately known at the time of exposure as to assure a proximately
correct exposure ? and if the knowledge to be gained by correctly rendered
factors is only of approximate value, of what use is it when all or any of
the factors are erroneously estimated? Surely, under the latter con-
ditions, I am justified in doubting if the knowledge is likely to be of real
assistance, while as under the most favourable circumstances Mr.
Phillips admits it to be only an approximation, the quantitative element
would not appear to take one any nearer the attainment of correct
exposure than the method of trial and error.
" Until there is some ground for alleging that a man who fails to master
exposure by trial and error will find his difliculties removed by adopting
aids to exposure, I consider Mr. Phillips's inference as going too far.
What would be the use of the youth who had failed with his own brains
adopting aids which Mr. Phillips concedes only give approximate results ?
I always thought that in exposure accuracy was a desideratum, but
according to Mr. Phillips's method it is not obtainable. Why then
advise one who is incapable of succeeding with trial and error to take up
a method which still leaves the door open to error? As to Mr. Phillips's
challenge, may I ask him to define the circumstances under which a.
photographer is likely to be working with plates ' of whose speed he has
no idea.' Personally, I am quite content with trade speed descriptions
of plates as a guide, and so are most, if not all, photographers, I believe.
In his first letter Mr. Phillips says that he has observed an operator of
long experience and judgment demand trial plates and rectify his error
on the second or third trial, while the novice requires a dozen or more.
Quite so ; but, when the novice has emerged from his novitiate a trial plate
will suffice. Mf. Phillips makes me say that it is not advisable to know
the speed of the plate one is working with, but to look at the focussing
screen and find out by trial and error. It is a pity that Mr. Phillips's
admiration for Messrs. Hurter & Driffield's work should be responsible
for such distortions of an opponent's views as this, I said nothing of the
sort.
" Mr. W. K. Burton's article as to the value of exposure tables, from
which Mr. Phillips quotes, was, it seems, written ten years ago, and yet
in all that time we have only got so far as ' approximate ' results. This-
is hardly comforting for the students ' who,' Mr. Phillips says, ' have-
better times in store than their predecessors have had, if they will but
make intelligent use of their experience.' They do not appear to have
September 16, 189-2]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
607
profited macb by the exposoie tables ol the Ust ten years oi so, otherwise
why were Mr. Phillipe'i letters written 7 That gentleman asks me if I
hare tried to diaeom whether the aathort of exposure tables and instm-
menta are praetjeal ^Mitographen ? On Mr. Plullips's assumption that
th«7 an, what is raU more extraordinary to find is, that any advocate
o( thast taUea and instniments shoold be a practical professional
pbotograpbar.
•' I think Mr. Morris will find his letter answered in the eonne ol the
shore reply to Mr. Phillips."
THE DECAY OF PBOFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY.
To the EnrroB.
Sis, I have read all the correspondenee m yonr Joi^BiiAL on yoor
leader of Angast 5 on the " snpposad " decay of professional photo-
graphy, and. seeing that yen hare published some letters from pro-
fsss'lnnili in the dnes, I thought yoa would like to know what some of as
smaller men— oonntry professiaoala — think of yonr artiele.
Well, Sir, we think yonr statementi an rery moeh exaggerated. Yoa
■ay that the prnlnssicisl " pots oat " naaily all his work, bat I reply that
we eoontary pboiognpbers doo't do oor boainess in that way. For
myself, I have been in bosiDess for twanty-two years in the same town,
and my boaiaeM is growing larger stsit Tear. I have worked the
collodion proeesa (or years, a^ whan diy plates came in I made my own,
and did not boy any for six or seven years. I also worked the Lambei-
type, chromo^pe, platinotype, and other methods of printing; have
made some m my own enlugamenta ; this is the only prooess in my
tiniinsii that has bean partisily "pot oot." I have bad apprentices
•erre lor tn at six years each, and can name some of them that are
tnniiV eat photographs, to put it miU, not inferior to most of yonr city
photograpiiars. Now, Sir, I am not saying this to boast, but we do think
yonr article is a libel on the pcofasBoaal pliota^nq>hers, and that has
made it necessary to oontradiet yoor itatements m order to defend onr-
selTes. As far asalargennmberofeoantiypbotognmhersareeonoemed,
and I have made a great many aaqoaintaaeea dnnng my twenty-two
yean amongst tbem, I eoold not think of on* whan yoor artiele woald
qqiiy. Mo. Mr. Editor, voa SMff resMl
Again, how is it that all tha ooed pholognpliy is not foond in London
and other huge cities, where all the advantages of seientifte training ean
be taken advantage of ? I don't think. Sir, yoa woald be boU enoogh to
■ay that the average of flrst-dasa photngr^phsw is grsater in London
than elsewlMn. 11 that is the eass, I most bava bean onfortanate in
I a Roodly anmbsr of saeood-nta ones wfasB I visited the
•i^. Bat, St, pisaas doa't thiak tfa*t «• depredate any oppor-
lia d iBtptovemant We wish wa had some of them to help, bat
certainty not to npiaee the vean of ap^Mttiecship.
One mow gnestlon : 1
amateon an making sodi headway and
photomphy laaint whhoat aiipi siithiMp, bow is it we do not sea mora
of thav work that woald be At to pot on the market for sals? I see a
good deal, bat very seldom any that woald stand the test of being offered
to the pabBe ia the ordinary w«y. Vateps then may be one in the
10,000, as ia A. Lrlvy's letter of Aogost W.— I am, yoon, Ac,
Stpttmhtr 10, U93. A Cocvtbt PaorBssioxu.
THE NEW DETELOPEB.
To tkt EoRoa.
SiB,— Coon reading yoor remarks open my last letter 1 eommanieated
with Mr. Haoff at Fsoerbaeh, the maanfaetnrcr of amidol and metol,
and find from his reply that, whereas matol is to be had everywhere in
Geimaay, amidol alooa has basa planed on the English market, bat for
trada wasoas is aot sold hsrs — the revtne being tha ease with mstoL
He has, howevar, sappUsd me with some amidol, aad on tryingit I have
(' ,od yoor remarks on it in yoor leading article fuUy jastified. It de-
\.:t,p» clean and thoroaghly all the different brands of plates which I
). iv<! hitherto had time to tiy, ineladiag Eastman's Alms — bat, bsyood
) .OK* s siDgle-soIution davalopsr, has no advantage over metol, if indeed
that be an advantage.
It haa, however, one drawback— aqpseiaUy for a Udy— that it stains
the flafMS dark brown, maeh tbs same as pyro silver in developing a
I glata— aad I eonfeu I like keeping my hands tidy if possible.
WbanwHrltiag wet aoUodion I wear white Ud glovea that have been need
at evening parties, and which Itava beeoms saay from wear, with, of
coone, the long arm parts eat off ; bat I think at best they an awkward,
aad I stwold pnlsr a dfveloper sack aa melol, wliieh does not stain.
Tha wafcai o< amidol, in writing to ma, aspenJally lawwnmanda it to be
ossd M loUom, partiealarly lor tavallsta :—
Water Soonees.
Bolphitasoda 48gtains.
This solalkM eaa be made op in aaaatity anywhen, and keeps perfectly.
When waaiwj far dsvalopiag add to the above qaantity of solation five
to ail gnoaa «f naidnl. wbieb. to save weighing, ean be sufficiently acen-
ratsjy msasawd by mmaa of a smaD hora spoon. It will diseolrs readily,
aad develop five or six phUas in qoiek snoosssion, which, otter being
slightly rinsed in clean water, are fixed in the acid fixer— four parts hypo
to one part bisulphite.
No alum bath is necessary ; I generally use the fixing cartridges, con-
sisting of the two salts mixed, and sold at a cheap rate. Two of these
dissolved in twelve ounces of water give an acid fixing bath which will
last a long time, and remain limpid till quite exhausted.
Darvutadt, September 10, 1892. Ethel Cosstanc* May.
CYANIDE OF POTASSIUM.
To the Editob.
Sib, — In your issue of September 9 you refer to a paper read by Dr.
Eayser upon the above substance, in which be states that the " so-called
potassium cyanide ol commerce usually contains a very large proportion
of sodium cyanide." We have been manufacturers of cyanide of
potassium for thirty years, and are, we believe, by far the largest makers
in this country, but our product is, and always has been, quite free from
cyanide of sodium. We only supply cyanide of sodium, and cyanide of
potassium and sodium, when specially asked for. — We are, yours, &e.,
JoHNSOti & SoKS.
23, Crott-ttreet, Finibury, London, E.G., September 13, 1892.
THE " FRENA " HAND CAMERA.
To the Editor.
Six, — ^We shall deem ourselves greatly favoured it yon will kindly
anixmnce in yoor next issue that we have been appointed by Messrs.
Beck, special West End agents tor the sale of their new " Frena" camera
and films, and that we hold a very large stock of both ready for immediate
delivery. It may also interest yoor amateur readers to know that we give
praoti(^ demonstrations to porohasers, which naturally tends to ensure
tlieir success. — We an, yoon, &c..
Pro Thi LbsnoK Stekeoscopic xxd Photoobitbic Company, LotnED,
Loadofi, September 9, 1892. Butleb Hujcphbets.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND THE ILLUSTRATED PRESS.
To the EoiTon.
Sib, — ^Yon have several times used strong terms respecting those who
pass off otiier penon's work as their own.
In the nixutrated Netct of August 27 is a fall-page reproduction of a
photograph entitled Coot Wattr$, described as being by Morgan &
Co., Boamemoath. The original negative was taken by myself in 1836,
and an mlargement, 24 x 18, was, as some of your readers may remember,
in the Photognphio Society's Exhibition in Pall Mall in that year, and
it was also shown at Dundee, when it took the silver medal (highest
award).
Morgan A- Co. , as saeoessors of the firm of which in 1886 I was a
partner, have a right to publish the photograph, but not to describe it aa
being by themselves.— I am, yours, <l-c., Bexbt WBrrriELD.
1, BtlUvue, Cliflm, September 12, 1892.
A SOCIETY FOR FOREST GATE.
To the EcrroB.
Sib,— In nply to the qaerr appearing in yoor last issue as to a Society
for Forest Gate and Stntfora, we an quite close to this district, and have
a good nomber of memben reeiding then. Our roll of members counts
ninety, which speaks well for the success of the Society. Our subscription
is five shillings per annum. Our winter season commences in October.
Informal meetings an held every Saturday evening this month at eight
o'clock, and we shall be pleased to see Mr. Wilton or any other gentleman
wishing to join a good society.— I am, yours, <tc.,
Albebt E. Bailbt, Joint Hon. Sec.
Iio4tbank, Southtcett-road, Leytonttone.
l£ic|)angr (Column.
WUI
ItxIO bomiiber, ospjllstlin bar, for good portrait lens of ten-inch
-tevOL o^pora.— Addnsi, J. Hobtox, Cntnl Studio, Canillue-itraet, Cardiff.
ITJImgIhuisv fticplsa sfmnrt (br B*mnr), in rood condition, (or good amall
neaiHolar tebk. mafanbly donble-oidsd.— Adihw. J. T. Oiittket, 6, South-
»w»d*. Baddsnidi.
,. alenMopsJeost tH.) tor Mrew-eettiBs Istha to rmlaa o( abont IN. ; alao
a, 4 rtfalar Kodak, (or gantlaiaa'i Rold lover watch and chain.— Addreu,
A. Valutiss, 30, Daabar74tn*t, London, N.
Enlaffiae laatem. with aightJaoh condoDMr^and portnit I«n< oil lamp, all oomplete,
iimtlBi ISLi viU •xobaof* (or on* of WatMo'i new Premier portrait leoMt,
eoetlacK. Iddraa, ttisss * Co., Middlaibroarh.
Esebaas* for a hand oamara or a qnartor-pUie rapid reetUinear leni, Tas British
JocsVAL or PaotooBAPav from Jalr, 1883. to Deoember, 183$ ; the year 1888 : 1890
(ran Febiwr i IMI eoaptete ; and 18M np to Angost ; alio the first fifteen
Bombar* ol the V««<c LaMem Jmtmal, nuept Ho*. 3 and 7.— Addren, J. aaia-
•SAW, M, Dal»atre«t, HaaUnfden.
608
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September IG, 1892
attslDew to (fforrespotttients.
All maUers for the text portion of this Jouk:jal, ■including queries for
"Answers" and "Exchanges," must lie addressed to ''THE EDITOR,
2, Tork-street, Corent Garden, London, Inattention to this enmires delay.
No notice taken of communicationa unless name and address of writer are
given.
•*,* Communications relating to Advertisements and general business affairs
must be addressed to "Henrt Gbeexwood & Co.," 2, Tork-street, Covent
■ Garden, London.
Photoobaphs Reoistebkd :
H. J. Davis, Penrith.— CTiurcJi Parnie of the Boyal Westmoreland and Cnmherland
reomoitrj Cavalry, 1892. Ed«ti Hall troop of Boiial Weitmoreland ond Cumber-
land Yeomanry Cavalry at Qrestolte Caitle, May, 1892.
G. Dainoeb.— We should he happy to consider the matter if you will send us
the articles. You did not enclose your address.
C. EoEBTON.— The work you name can prohably be seen in the Free Library of
the Patent Office, Southampton-buildings, W.C.
A. HORTON. — Having arranged the lens to its beat advantage, take it to a com-
petent optical brass-turner and state your requirements.
W. A. C— 1. Caramel, if used as a backing, will obviate halation. 2. The
plates you name may be obtained already orthochromatised.
S. H. — The spots appear as if due to either floating particles of matter on the
surface of the bath, or settling on the paper while the surface was still moist.
D. T. C. — The whole of the specimens sent are fairly good as photographs, but
not as pictures. In every case the camera was placed far too near the sitter ;
hence the unpleasant appearance.
C White. — 1. The first-named lens stopped down is perhaps preferable. 2.
Yes, undoubtedly. 3. Yes. 4. The print is probably overtoned. 5. The
lighting is all that could be desired.
A. Levy (Paris). — 1. We should be pleased to have your experiences.^ _ 2. The
appearance of the paper is a sufBcient guide. If you have the requisite light
surface, it matters but little whether it is obtained by a single or a double
operation.
Experimentalist. — Gum, dextrine, albumen, and all colloid substances of that
character, when treated with bichromate of potash and exposed to light,
become insoluble, or non-absorbent of water, in the same manner that
gelatine does.
C. Malcolm. — If by " porcelains " you mean pictures on opal glass, the best
and most general way of producing them is by the carbon process, single
transfer. Take reversed negatives, and develop the carbon prints direct
upon the glass, which, of course, has been perfectly cleaned. No substratum
is necessary.
Louis (Paris). — The print forwarded is not a photogravure, but a collotype.
It is an exceedingly fine specimen of that process. Prints of this kind can
be produced at a much lower rate than photogravures, but to produce them
of the quality of this one would necessarily cost considerably more than the
general nin of collotype work.
E. W. Warren. — Wake's work on Colouring was the best published, but is
now out of print. It is possible that you may obtain a copy of it by adver-
tising for it, or the v»lume of The British Journal of PnoTOGRArHT in
which it appeared several years ago. Failing that, we should advise you to
get a few lessons from a skilful colourist.
Silver. — Probably if you had procured the sample of potash we recommended,
which may be had at any operative chemist's, you would have succeeded
better ; but when you speak of edging the plate with putty, we quite per-
ceive that you have no idea of the cleanliness and niceties of the process. If
with the right kind of potash you do not succeed, yon will find it cheaper to
send the glass to a professional silverer.
A. C. (Edinburgh) wishes to know how to produce " negatives on dry plates so
that they cannot be distinguished from wet collodion," — We do not know.
The plates supplied specially for photo-mechanical work, and slow plates
developed with hydroquinone, have very much the character of those by wet
collodion. But the best of them would not for a moment be mistaken by
any one at all familiar with the collodion process as being produced by that
method.
W. Malony.. — There are several difTerent forms of presses employed in collo-
type printing besides the power machines. Tlie ordinary typographic press
is used considerably in this country. So also is the litho press. Special
presses are made for collotype work, in some of which the pressure is applied
by a roller ; in others by means of a scraper, as in the lithographic press.
It matters very little how the pressure is obtained so long as it is applied
evenly and is under control.
"W. Hill says : " Would you let me know, if I took the view of a church or, in
fact, any photograph of a personage, and had the print copyrighted, could
any other photographer take the church or person without infringing the
copyright, or does the copyright just protect the print only?" — In reply:
The copjTight protects the particular print only that is copyrighted. Any-
body else is perfectly at liberty to take the church or the personage from
exactly the same stamdpoint as you did.
T. E. B.. — All retouching mediums, the formula; for which have been published,
are more or less afl'ected when the negatives are varnished. Tliis remark
applies, though less perhaps, also to commercial ones. The better the
medium suits the requirements of the retoucher in his work, the more liable
it is to be acted upon after varnishing. As a shilling bottle of the best
recognised medium is sufficient for several hundreds of negatives, you will
find it more economical to purchase it than experiment in m,aking it for
yourself. However, Canada balsam, thinned with turpentine, forms an
excellent retouching medium. Other formula; will be found in back volumes
•of the Journals and of the Almanacs.
A. F. M. writes : "I am anxions to take a photograph of a golf club swinging,
as I wish to get the true curves. I have tried attaching a flaming fusee to the
head of the club, but the flame blows out, owing to the rapidity of the swing.
Of course, I do it in the dark, and what I wish is a curve of light on a black
background. It has been suggested that I should fasten a globe of polished
metal to the club head, .and take the photograph in siudight ; but, Iwsides
other objections, I think leaving the lens open so long would entail hopeless
fog, and I write to ask if you could put me up to any plan by which I could
attach a brightly burning or glowing light to the club head without its blow-
ing out. Would luminous paint impress the plate at the speed a club travels,
which is very great ? " — Luminous paint would be useless; a small electric
lamp might serve, but the motion of the club would have to be regidated
accordingly.
F. E. G. says: "I thank you for your reply through the Journal with
reference to the copying difficulty. However, your remarks do not assist
me ; I am afr.aid I did not explain to you clearly where I am in fault. If I
wish to make a copy, not necessarily of same size, but approximately, and I
plant my camera about six or seven feet from object, in focussing this is
what happens : If I adjust the ground glass by moving it forward, I can get
the object clearly defined on the ground glass ; but if, instead of moving the
screen forward, I move the lens l)ack, the object will not become clear. As
I move it back it certainly grows a little more into focus, but after passing a
certain point it then works out of focus again. If this is so, then I am
afraid the same defect will (in a smaller degree) arise in taking groups with
such a camera ; in fact, I have, before I attempted any copying with it,
thought there was not very good definition, and was inclined to blame the
lens. I feel sure many of your readers will have experienced the same diffi-
culty, and I would like to know what is the best thing to do, as I cannot
afford to throw away the camera and get a new one !" — Your difficulty will
vanish if you will realise that in focussing inwards with the lens the object
should also be moved.
South London Photographic Society. — October 17, A Cliat ahout the
Eastman Products, led of by Mr. Arthur C. Bald\vin.
The meetings of the Hackney Photographic Society are now held at 206,
Mare-street, Hackney, and not at Morley Hall, as before.
Croydon Camera Club. — Special whole-day excursion, Saturday, 17th inst.,
conducted by the Vice-President, Mr. B. Gay- Wilkinson, to Limpsfield, Pains'
Hill, and Hurst Green.
Miss Catherine Weed Barnes, of New York, is to address the members of
the London and Provincial Photographic Association on September 22 on
Photographic Limits. Visitors will be welcome.
Photographic Club. — September 21, Photographic Fallacies ; at 9, Special
General Meeting, 28. TA-cOi;'ec<o/P7joto7r«pAi/(Miss Catherine WeedBames).
Outing Saturday next, September 17, Kew and Strand-on-the-Green. Meet
at Kew Station at half-past two.
THE BEITISH JOUENAI, PHOTOGKAPHIC ALMANAC, 1893.
Edited by J. Tkaill Taylor.
The Almanac /or 1893 is already in course of prei>aration, and we shall he
happy to receive contributions from those who in former years have
enriched its pages with the results of their experienee and practice in the
photographic art. Not less cordially, also, do we invite the neicer sup-
porters of The British Journal of Photography and its Almanac to
include themselves among the contributors to the Annual which for many
years past has been highly esteemed for the valuable writings of so many
able photographic workers.
As we were compelled last year to omit several interesting articles from
the Almanac on account of the late dates at which they were received, ice
should he glad if intending contributors would endeavour to send us their
articles as early as possible.
NEW MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT.
Important Notice. — With the Journal of Friday, October i tie.xi, and on the
first Friday of each succeeding month from October to March inclusive, we shall
issue a special gratis supplement, devoted to the interests of the makers and
users of the optical lantern, in which every phase of the subject viill be treated
by tlie ablest authorities. This step, which has been in contemplation for a
considerable period, is necessitated by the increasing popularity of the lantern
in its numerous applications, scientific and domestic.
OONTBNTS,
Page
on dry MOUNTINO 593
accuracy of photographic appa-
ratus 691
A STANDARD DEVELOPER 695
convention .TOTTINGS.— VIII S90
ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHIC WORK
FOR AMATEURS.— IX. By T. N.
ARMSTRONG 698
.TOTTINGS. Bv COSMOS 699
THE ALL - ROUND HAND. By H.
COLEBROOK 099
Page
PHOTOGRAPHY AND METEOROLOGY . 600
THE FIRST APPLICATION OF BRO-
MINE 601
DOES VERSATILITY PAY ? By J. PIEIE 602
OUB EDITORIAL TABLE 60a
RECENT PATENTS 60S
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES 604
CORRESPONDENCK, «»
EXCHANGE COLUMN 607
ANSWERS TO COEKESPOSDEXTS 608
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1690. Vol. XXXIX.— SEPTEMBER 23, 1892.
Aa preTioiuly announced, we propose, <laring the months of
(October, November, December, January, February, and
March, issuing with The British Jourxai. ok Photo-
oRAPHY a gratia supplement, devoted to the interests of
the makers and users of the optical lantern and its
numerotu applications. Th« first supplement will appear
with the JouBX.M, of Friday, Octolier "th next.
The growth in utility and popahuity of the optioil lantern,
its increasing importance m an adjunct to amateur
photogrmphy, its mmiifold advantages to the photo-
grmpher, the scientific investigator, the lecturer, and
many others, more than justify the institution of a
special department of Tiu BRXTiitii Journal op PnoTO-
oiurHr in which the topic in all its phases cm be ex-
ctosively treated, besides randering the interests of the
many commercial firms now «igaged in the manufacture
of lanterns and their many aeeassories so considerable as
aqnally to dmnsnd increased fiKtlities for their separate
repRSMitatioa.
"We shall be happy to reeeiT* cocnmanications of interest
relating to the lantern aod its cognates for the pages of
the supplement, in which we shaD also be glad to notice
noveltiM and improTeniaitB in apparatus. In short, it
will be our endeavoor to dwl with the lonteru from every
standpoint in the most oompcehensive manner possible.
ABNORMAL EFFECTS IN LIGHTING.
"Whiui writing this, we have on onr table a photograph, which
■ '>« termed a spedea of " mystery picture," taken by Lady
:e E. Molynetu, of Croxteth. The subject is 7%e Alp$
/rom .it. Gervait, and from memoranda on the back we find
that it was taken " by moonlight," with an exposure of nine
seconds, the lens, a rapid rectilinear, working at /S, its fiill
aperture. Tlie date on which it was taken was Jvify 3, and
the hour was nine o'clock p.m. We h»v« here all the dain
requisite for the investigation of this pbencnnenal photograph,
m which we see the moon itself in the heavens, about two degrees
above the mountain ridge in front.
The first notioeable feature on soamuog the picture is that
several portioDS, which ooold not 'by any possibility have been
illuminated by the moon, are shown fairly well lightcl, and
with some detail, sod this at once might be held aa disposing
of the id«a m to any direct lanar influence having been
exercised open the illumination of the subject, for a view
taken by «toonligfat, and showing detail, implies that the moon
is elsewhere than directly in front of the camera. Besides, we,
and every one who has attempted photography by lunar light
alone, know full well the absolute impossibility of obtaining a
photograph of a terrestrial scene by an exposui'e of nine seconds,
or, for that matter, of nine minutes, even with a quicker acting
lens than that employed on this occasion.
Where, 4:hen, is to be found a solution of what some of our
good friends in the Midland provinces have been disposed to
regard as a mysterious photograph t In our estimation there
is no mystery in the matter at all, or difHculty in the solution.
It was taken on July 3, at nine o'clock in the evening. Now,
moon or no moon, the obtaining of a photograph so very soon
after sunset would prove a feat not beset with any difficulty in
this country, and still less, we think, would it be so in the high
. .\lpine region, which may be assumed to be 44' north latitude.
At nine o'clock in an almost midsummer evening, we have
obtained presentable photographs in the latitude of London,
where, during a series of several days, and omitting seconds,
the sun does not set until nineteen minutes past eight o'clock,
the date of the taking of Lady Molyneux's photograph (July 3)
represents a difference of little over one minute from this.
Hence it is very easy to conceive of the atmosphere being so
well illuminated for this brief period after sunset, especially
in the vicinity of lofly, snow-clail mountains, as to render
photography i|uite practicable for a time, even after the dis-
appearance of the orb of day.
It may be that in a case such as that just described the mere
visual power of the moon, especially when it is a full moon
sailing in a clear atmosphere, will, in a measure, cheat the senses
into the belief that its luminousness far transcends in actinic
energy that of a seemingly feebly lighted sky.
Bearing in mind that the lunar light does not exceed that
which would be radiated from a cloud the same angular dimen-
sions of the Queen of the Night, it is also a fact that, under
some conditions, the actinic power of the sun itself, even when
its rays are thrown direct upon an object, is so feeble as to be
Tjj^e averpowered by the grey sky.
One of the finest examples of this occurred in our own ex-
perience some years ago. It happened, when on a visit to a
group of islands situated in 59" north latitude (just beyond
the most northerly point of Scotland), that we took occasion to
obtain a portrait just before sunset, and when the sun, then in
the north-west, was sinking with an mtimnige of crimson clouds.
By this, as a dominant light, one side of the sitter was bright! 7
, illuminated. The process was wet collodion, the proportion of'
iodide to bromide in the collodion being about three and a half
010
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF I'HOTOGRAPHY.
[September 23, 1892
to one. On developing the image it was found that the shadow
side of the face, that which was liglited from a grey easterly
sky, showed a denser deposit than that obtained from the
direct solar rays. This was quite easily accounted for by the
fact of the setting sun having been shorn of its actinic power
in a degree far transcending that of its luminousness.
On mentioning this incident to two friends, one of whom was
the late O. G. Rejlander, the latter stated that he had had ii
precisely similar experience on one occasion, the lights and
shadows being reversed.
We have lately carried a cognate of this idea a little further,
and applied it to the taking of portraits in a private room,
when, as is so frequently the case, the sitter has to be placed
at the side of a window, a concomitant of which position is
that one side of the face is lighted, the other being deep
shadow, except in so far as it is illuminated by the light radiated
from the walls of the apartment. On lighting up the dark side
by the light obtained by burning a few inches of magnesium
ribbon, we found no difficulty in so subordinating the daylight
illumination as to effect a reversal, causing the outer, or
naturally lighted, side to be the shadow side, the inner side
being that from which the dominant light proceeded. The
hint here thrown out may be profitably utilised by those who
have the leisure and inclination to follow it up.
THE POSITION AND PROSPECTS OF PROFESSIONAL
PHOTOGRAPHY.
It is so often the fate of those who, with the best of intentions
venture to pass in review the actions, tendencies, or short-
comings of a section of their fellow-men, to be misunderstood,
that we shall not complain of not having carried with us the
entire number of our professional friends who recently took
advantage of the opportunity afforded them by our correspond-
ence columns to discuss the conclusions of our article of
August 5, on " The Decay of Professional Photography." In
terminating the correspondence, however, we are glad to note
that several of them appreciated the motives by which we were
inspired on that occasion, and the remainder, we are convinced,
would have done so had they, as one correspondent suggested,
read what we wrote without bias ; for, although our strictures
may on first acquaintance have read rather unpleasantly, it is
needless, we are sure, to remind our friends that our remarks
were conceived in the same spirit which has always animated
this Journal in its relations with the profession — that is, one
of the warmest solicitude for its well-being.
In describing the system under which very many modern
photographers conduct their businesses — that of " putting out "
a great deal of their work — we were guided by our own know-
ledge and experience, which we are hardly disposed, either as
regards length of time or of area, to place below that of any of
our correspondents ; and, of course, we allowed that there were
numerous exceptions to the rule. The extent to which re-
touching, printing, and enlarging, and other departments of
practical photography are delegated by the photographer to
trade houses who make a speciality of these classes of work,
clearly indicates that in such studios the opportunities of a
youth for acquiring any knowledge beyond the production of
the negative are retarded ; but where it is otherwise, and the
work is done in the photographer's own establishment, we
should be the last to assert tliat a youth could desire a better
field for the study of portrait photography, from the exposure of
the plate to the production of the finished 2)rint.
Our doubt as to the majority of photographers' studios being
conducted on the latter plan is, after all, the chief point at
issue between ourselves and one or two of our friends, and we
fear that, notwithstanding their individual beliefs and impres-
sions to the contrary, we must adhere to our original propo-
sition, derived, as we have hinted, from no inconsiderable
observation and experience. Nobody would be more pleased
than ourselves could we have reliable evidence that we were
mistaken, inasmuch as it would in a large measure disprove the
theory that professional photography is in the depressed con-
dition it is generally supposed to be. One argument more than
another seems to us to support our view of the matter, and
that is, that if, contrary to our belief, the numerous depart-
ments of photography are as a rule executed on a photographer's
own jjremises, the magnitude of the average business far
exceeds what it is commonly supposed to be.
The studio photographer is, we believe, more often bom than
made, and the artistic feeling, the tact, and the other mental
qualities necessary to success are, if also ingrained, only cul-
tivated to perfection in the studio, and are neither to be
acquired nor developed in the technical schools which so many
have recently been advocating. It has, however, never, to our
knowledge, Ijeen suggested in any proposed scheme of technical
instruction that the experience to be gained in a studio could
so far be supplied elsewhere ; and hence we are agreed with a
correspondent as to the importance of a separate study of botli.
The object of technical instruction is, as we understand it, to
impart to the young photographer a knowledge of ancient and
modern photographic processes, as to which, in comparison with
his Continental confrere, most people consider him behindhand.
This knowledge cannot be gained in many photographic studios.
One of our con-espoudents states that, if he wants a really use-
ful assistant, he has to train one himself, or procure one from
the Continent, which, while conveying a compliment to the
foreigner, rather tells against our correspondent's fellow-photo-
graphers in this country, and indirectly supports several of our
original contentions.
On the whole, while regretting that several of our corre-
spondents should have hastily misinterpreted some of our re-
marks, we are happy to have elicited a series of useful and
instructive letters upon a subject which appears, as we surmised,
to be of vital interest to professional photographers. It is a
happy augury that those who have taken the strongest objec-
tion to our remarks have no reason to be dissatisfied with their
share of success, and are, we are pleased to observe, in little
need of our advice. Behind them, however, is a far larger class
of photographers, for whom our remarks had special reference,
for who.se behoof and warning the}- were written, and to whom
we commend a study of them, in the hope and belief that they,
and professional photography generally, will be thereby ulti-
mately benefited.
THE STANNOTYPE PROCESS FOR LANTERN SLIDES.
The stannotype process, when it was first introduced, was
generally looked upon as a formidable rival to Woodburytype,
though, as time proved, it did not commercially meet with the
success that was anticipated for it. The process formed the
subject of a patent, and that was said in some quarters to be
the reason why it was received with so little favour. But this
is a question we shall not discuss here. The process i.s really a
good one, and for it the inventor, the late Mr. W. B. Wood-
bury, was awarded the progress medal of the Photographic
September 33, lS9-i]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
811
Society of Great Brit&in. Like the Woodburytype, it is equally
■is applicable for the production of transparencies as it is for
paper prints ; indeed, all that can be done by one process can
be equally as well accomplished with the other, and all are
familiar with the great excellence of Woodburytype lantern
slides.
Both processes are by the same inventor, and are the same in
principle, though they differ somewhat in practice. The Wood-
bnrytype may be termed a profeasional, while the Stannotype
may be classed more as an amateur process, inasmuch as the
former requires a somewhat costly plant for its working, while
for the other nothing more is requisite, particularly for liiutem
slides than is to be found in the " den " of every amateur. In
some respects stannotype has an advantage over Woodbury-
type, because for the latter process a vigorous negative is
essential. With stannotype a tolanbly weak negative may be
utilised.
In the Woodburytype prooass the gelatine relief is pro-
duced direct from the negative, and, in order to obtain the
necessary relief, that mtist possess a certain degree of vigour.
From this relief the printing matrix is made by forcing it into
the surface of a thick sheet vt lead by hydraulic pressure,
the pressure required being firam four to iive tons per square
inch of surface. The prints are obtained by pouring on this
moald warm ink which consisto of pigmented gelatine, then
pladng on that a piece of faftr or a glass plate, and applying
sufficient pressure to distribata and force out the superfluous
ink. As soon as the gelatine has set, the impression, which is
in reality a cast, is taken off, and, after being dried, is finished.
In the stannotype prooes* a gelatine relief forms the actual
printing plate, thns dispensing with the hydraulic press, the
printing operation being condnotad, whether on paper or gl.^ss,
in precisely the same manner at in the process just referred to.
Here is a brief description of the stannotype proeeas in
practice.
.\s the gelatine plate forms the actual printing plate or
mould, a little ocnsidenUion will show that it mn«t be made
frrtm n transparency instead of a negative ; also that the trans-
must be leTewed aa regards left and right. It matters
„-,^i this transparency ia produced, so long as it is of a
V .'< irotu character. In the eaae of a reduction from a larger
-, it must, of oootie, be made in the camera. When it
■< the same site aa the negative, it may be made by
contact printing. If, however, a dry pUte be used, the picture
will have to be stripped firam the glass to get the necessary
revenal. The more general method is — and it was the one
adopted by Mr. Woodbury — to produce the trana-
. by the carbon process, developing it on a glass plate,
i afterwards intensifying it with permanganate of potash if
.'.^uisite. In making the transparency, which on the whole
is best done by the carbon process, it must be made with a
clear margin or " safe edge," by masking, and the extreme
high lights must be reprsscnted by absolute transparency as
dear as the safe edge. In fact, this transparency, whether
good or bad, is a counterpart of what the finished print will
be.
The tiame for the relief is not, we believe, an article of com-
merce, tlHwgh, if a demand were created for it, no doubt it
woold sooo beeoma one. However, its mannfacture on a small
scale inrdlTea no diiBoalty whatever. There are several
methods of tniAiiig it Here is one of the most simple : — A
glass plata, after being treated with French chalk, is coated
with a latber thin enamel collodion, and allowed to dry. It is
then placed on a levelling stand, and coated with warm bichro-
mated gelatine. The following is a good formula : —
Nelson's amber gelatine 5 ounces.
Loafsugar IJ „
Glycerine J „
Ammonia 2 drams.
Water 1 pint.
With sufficient Indian ink to confer a slightly brown tint.
When the gelatine is dissolved, and shortly before using, from
three-quarters to one ounce, according to the temperature, of
powdered bichiomate of potash, is added. Sufficient of this
mixture is poured on the levelled plate to form a film, when
dry, the thickness of a stout visiting card. This, for a 12 x 10
plate, will take about five ounces. The gelatine quickly sets,
when the plate can be removed for drying. As, owing to its
thickness, the film in the ordinary way would take a long time
to dry, during which period the tissue would be getting more
or less insoluble, the plate is placed over a tray of chloride of
calcium, which considerably hastens the operation. When dry,
the tissue is stripped off, and it is ready for printing.
Before printing, a second safe edge mask, narrower than
the first, is fixed on the transpjirency so that a strip of
clear glass is left between that and the picture. The tissue is
placed on the transi>arency, collodion side dowiwards, and ex-
posed to the light in an ordinary pressure frame. The exj)Osuro
should be about three times that required for an ordinary
carbon print, with tissue of eiiual sensitiveness. The develop-
ment is conducted as follows : — Some glass plates arc coated
with a substratum of gelatine. One ounce of gelatine to a pint
of water, with sufficient chrome alum added to render the film
insoluble when dry ; or, better still, a little bichromate of
potash, enough to give it a pale yellow tint, the plates in this
case being dried in full daylight. The exposed print is im-
mersed, with one of the plates, in cold water, and when it
it becomes slightly flaccid it is Bqueegee<l on to the prepared
glass. After resting' for twenty minutes or so, the image is
developed precisely as if it were a carbon jfrint, except that a
much longer time must be allowed for the operation, and con-
siderably hotter water used. The development may extend
from a couple of hours to twenty-four or longer. The
usual ]>lan is, after a good portion of the unaltered gelatine
has been dissolved away, to put the plate in a grooved vessel
of water, such as a tin washing trough, over a small gas flame
or spirit lamp, and let it take care of itself, with occa.sional
examinations. In the end an image will be obtained with a
sufficiently high relief for the purpose.
When the developed relief has drained, until it has become
surface dry, it is placed in methylated spirit for an hour or so,
then taken out, and allowed to dry six)ntaneously. It is next
coated with a thin solution of indiarubber in benzol — two or
three grains to the ounce — drained, and dried. Then a thin
and perfectly smooth sheet of tinfoil is laid upon it, and the
wh(^0 jMtssed several times between a pair of elastic rollers,
wiuoh wUl caose the foil to adhere and take all the detail of
the gelatine image. The domestic wringing machine will do
perfectly well ; but for small sizes, such as lantern slides, a
soft rubber roller squeegee will answer perfectly. The relief is
now ready for printing from. For traii.sparencies on glass no
press is necessary. All that has to be done is, after rubbing
the surface of the tinfoil with a soft rag moistened with olive
oil, to pour on the warmed gelatinous ink, press on the glass
with a gentle pressure to squeeze out the superfluous ink, and
612
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September 28, 1892
allow it to remain until the gelatine has set. It is then
removed and allowed to dry spontaneously, when it is finished.
Tinfoil is to be had coated with iron. Its surface is then as
hard as the " steel facing " on an engraved copperplate ; but, if
only a few scores of impressions are wanted, the ordinary tinfoil
of commerce will prove sufficiently durable. The printing, or
rather moulding, ink is simply a strong solution of gelatine— say,
sixty grains to the ounce of water— to which has been added
any colouring matter that may be desired. Any colour can be
employed, and the quantity of pigment added determines the
density of the image ; hence it can be regulated to suit the
light of any lantern.
From the above brief description it will be seen that the
stanuotype process — and there is now no patent for it — offers
no difficulties whatever to those who are familiar with carbon
printing, which a large number of amateurs now are. A very
comprehensive series of articles, giving full working details of
the process, were given in our volume for 1884, which will be
found of great service to those who may be inclined to essay
the process, either for lantern slides or for paper prints.
The Photographic Society's Exhibition.— We under-
stand that the number of pictures recently sent in to the Exhibition
showed a considerable increase on those submitted last year. Having
TBo-ard to certain events which have occurred in the history of the
Society during the past few months, such a circumstance must be very
o-ratifying to all those who are interested in its welfare. The Ex-
hibition, which is to be inaugurated by the usual conversazione to-
morrow (Saturday) evening, will be opened to the public on Monday
next.
Hot Water and " Curled " Ariatotypes.- In the course
of a chatty discourse on American plates and printing processes before
the London and Provincial Photographic Association, on Thursday
week. Dr. Charles L. Mitchell, of Philadelphia, alluded to the fact
that American workers of Aristotype paper — that is, coUodio-chloride
as distinct from the gelatine surface — remedy the tendency of the
paper to curl in the solutions by treating it with boiling water. The
hint should be of value to those experiencing a similar difficulty
this side, always assuming, of course, that a collodion paper is in
question. "With gelatine paper such a remedy would be — well, un-
suitable. By the way. Dr. Mitchell returned to America a week ago
with, from what we gathered from him, the happiest impressions of
his visit.
Cut Films in Professional Practice. — Although the
value of cut films has long been established, more especially those of
the smaller sizes, yet it is well that the endorsement of such a well-
known practical man as Mr. William England should be put upon
record. This veteran photographer, who has just returned from
Switzerland, informs us that when he went abroad he took with him
twenty-four dozen whole-plate and half-plate films, and, having
developed them all, is in a position to say that he has not expe-
rienced a single failure directly or indirectly traceable to his having
used films instead of glass, as formerly. His film holders are made
with a slight curve, causing the films to assume a cylindrical bend
towards the lens, and this enabled him to get marginal sharpness
when employing a stop larger in size than would suffice if the film
were impressed when in a flat position.
A Sig: Telescope. — Most of our readers will have come across
one of the many accounts of the great telescope which is to be built
for the projected Paris Exposition of 1900, and they have probably
wondered what photographic results woiJd probably be obtained from
it. It is positively stated that the glass-works of St. Gobain have
accepted the commission to make the objective, and that they will
have it ready before 1900. So wonderful is the promised instrument
that it is to bring the moon as near as a yard, or, at most, a metre t
Now, to any one at all cognisant of optical matters, all this is simply
nonsense, and even if we look upon the yard as a slip of the pen for
mile the thing is practically impossible. With the great Lick tele-
scope the moon may be brought within, apparently, about a hundred
miles ; under the most favourable conditions we could scarcely hope for
an instrument ever to be made more than twice as powerful. Above
all, the larger the instrument the more difficult to find an evening with
suitable atmospheric conditions. A three-inch objective might be
used almost any night, a three-foot but occasionally. Such a one as
is now promised perhaps might be used once in a few years !
Daytime Seeing' at the Xiick Observatory. — Under
the above heading a letter from the Lick Observatory, over the
signature of Henrj- Crew, is printed in last week's JS'atuie, giving the
results of some very interesting experiments in the use of the
telescope in daytime. Using the thirty-six-inch instrument, with a
Rowland grating, he found it impossible to get any definition from
the solar prominences. Then, working in the early morning, he tried
the twelve and the six-inch equatorials. Result : — After half a dozen
mornings' observations, nil with the thirty-six inch ; general features
considerably more distinct with the twelve-inch ; but the fine, delicate
tracings of the various parts of the prominence could only be seen
with the six-inch. £>i pnssmit, it may be noted that Mr. Crew finds
the definition of the objective interfered with during daytime by the
heated currents of air produced by the intensely hot sides of the
canons brought about by the sun's rays. By the way, there seems to
be something very much amiss in the management of that institution,
for within twelve months three eminent workers have seceded from
its staff.
CONVENTION JOTTINGS.— IX.*
A Run through Some of the Scotch Studios.
John Fergus, Blackdales, Lai-gs.
We took train for Wemyss Bay, where Mr. John Fergus met us, aniJ
drove us down to his place at Largs— a charming drive along the
fringe of the sea, with the Cumbrae Islands lying out to the right ,
and Fairlie away in the distance beyond Largs, with the yachts and
boats dancing about in a silvery sea, bringing to mind that day we
spent at the Glasgow Convention, when in these very waters so many
of us went yacht shooting — a day to he remembered — when hundreds-
of plates were exposed, and many beautiful pictures were taken. We
reached Largs, that village in a quiet corner of the Clyde, where Mr.
Fergus has for years drawn thousands of people that have visited the
place only for his pictures, his clientele embracing all sorts and con-
ditions of men, and women too, and from all parts of the world.
As we drove along, Mr. Fergus pointed out the little place where
he made his first venture, and also the little well where in those early
days he used to wash his prints.
And then we were shown the next studio that he occupied, one of
larger growth, and more pretentious, bespeaking the steady growth of
business in the little town, and from the front street we drive away
up past the railway station, and on to the Fairlie road. At the foot
of the hill, and surrounded with trees, we came upon Blackdales, tlie
name of the estate on which the present studio is built. No need for
Mr. Fergus to be in a public place now for business, for the visitors to
his studio come with intent, as there is no such thing as chance
business here.
The showroom is built along the edge of the roadway, being
specially built for the purpose ; it takes the form of a long picture
gallery, and it is lighted from the roof. On entering this room,
we find it furnished with settees and other easy lounging-chairs,
a turkey carpet on the centre of the floor, the polished wood floor all
round being left micovered. This room is filled with the best
examples of Mr. Fergus's work from carte up to life size, large
work in platinum, bromides, and carbon being very promiuent. The-
* Conclndad.
SeptMBber ». IWd]
THE BRITISH JOURXAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
613
room u tnitaUy uraaged with standt and etadt for the better dis-
play of tliese artistic prodnctions.
Leariofr thit room, we pass through a corridor that leads us up some
steps on the ri)?ht to the main corridor, which stretches from end to
end of the building : all along either side is arranged with draperies,
(tataw, plants, and paintings, producing the mo«t artistic of effects,
•a the needing objects lessen in the distance and the green leaves
^aten in the mnshine outode.
The drnsaing monM enter from this galleir, the same rooms on the
oppodte ade being in eommunicatiun with the glass-house in which
the sitter is to be taken.
The stndio (or rather studios) is a long range of glase-houses, lofty
and built dome shape, and so sobdirided inside that it forms five or
six complete studios, having partitioni between the partitions them-
■elres forming bedigToands and other effects for picture-making.
The first of these stndios is famished and arranged for taking those
large " at home " pietoies, of which Mr. Fetgvs has made a special
feature, aadfwhidb, in his hands, have pro««d eaek asoMess. All the
fumitare and flttioge in tUe stadio hsTe been carefnlly thoogfat out
and anai^ted so as to imauenat tiM home drawing-room. Family
groups can be, Vy this means, taksa with all the sembknce of being
at home, giving ^^ ***> "^ po** ""^ variety of position, which is a
great advantage, pietotially, over the omal stereotyped stndio group.
The otlMT sta^oa are each tat eeftain classes of work. Mr. Fergus
i» a great liaiaiii in reflected light, and many of the finest effects
that aie to be sten in hie pictane ate prodoeed by hand and other
feDectttn>
There are dark rooms in eoanezion with the stndios, bat the
principal dark room is under the stadio, with a convenient stair down.
This is a large cool apartment, and most be pleasant to work in, being
fitted with every appliance.
Here we saw a very ingeniooi eontrivanee in the way of developing
rockers, the invention of Mr. Abnnder, Mr. FeignsTs manager.
This table is morsd by an eenBtrie arm joined to a small water
wheel, and has a bakaefaig vnrigkt MfHigcd at the other end of this
table to the arm ; ten or twelve timya can be arranged upon it, and
when the water wheel is set a-goiag the liquid in the trmys is kept in
coosUnt motion till the neiratives are fully developed.
Mr. .Vlrzan<l>-r has had this mafhiia in nse f or loog before any of
the advertised " roeksn" were on the market.
Being pN«ed for roMB, Mr. Feigw has just had two new studios
ereeted ; they an also doow top ; they enter f ntn the snail corridor
that leads oat of the ahowroomi. Thew two ctodioa wen soaroely
finished wbmi we wen then, bat have every chance of being in foil
swing DOW.
Bom yean 'ago Mr. Fsrgns opeaed a business in cameras, and as
the saaeon then waa the qaiet tiase at Large he saw his way to work
both, aad ha did a eoasidatable trade, and was gathering aronnd him
a conasxioa of the Ughwt order. The proaeeatica of this profitable
•peculaiino had to be abaadoosd last season, owing to Mr. Feigns
tiimins seriously ill jost when about to start, and the place bad to
remsin cloaed. He may op^n it again next season.
We wen glad to see, however, that Mr. Fergus had regained hi*
osaalgoodheahh. After spending a vary pleasant and enjoyable day, in
the meet charming cl places, under the charg«> of the most kindly and
eoarteoos d hosts, we left well pleased with our visit.
A. SwA.<( Watcox (View Part Sta^os, Ediabargh).
On our return to Edinbargfa on our way sooth, we paid a viMt to
tbe\'iew Park .\rt Stndios, which* wen built oat at BmntsAeld
links by Mr. A. 8wan Watsoa, from Manhall Wane's. Mr.
Watseo, pn*h)iia to going into business for himself, bad made his
marie in the pirrftmiiiii in the prodnedon of cloud pictures and trans-
paiiswiss. The circular stand of transparencies that was on view at
the Ediabngh International Photographic EzhiUtioa, which created
so much attsstioa, was the work of Mr. Watsun ; and the two
frame* of portmits with new aad anu^ual lighting shown at the
Glasgow E^bitioa— that w>re so moeh commented on and admire<l
by maay— wen also his work.
Mew Parit Stafioa is all built on one floor, and, having eighteen
apartments, in all, eovars a considsnble piece oif ground.
The reception-room is at the entrance-way, and is in the form of
a gallery, forty feet long by twenty-four feet wide. It is lighted
from the top, the light being well diffused through fine ground glass,
giving a soft and subdued light to the whole room, freeing the pictures
from glare and direct sunshine, which is so objectionable in rooms too
brightly illuminated. All classes of work are here shown, from
cabinets up to forty inches, in silver, carbon, and platinotype, the dis-
play showing considerable artistic arrangement.
Leaving the reception-room, we enter s corridor, wide and well
lighted, ninety feet long, and decorated with plants. There are some
twelve windows in this passage-way, and each of these is fitted with
Mr. Watson's beautiful transparencies of cloud pictures, landscapes,
seascapes, and portraits, which renders it quite an attractive spot to
linger in a while. On the left-hand side of this corridor are situated
the dressing-rooms and studios.
The first studio is forty feet long by twenty wide, with a steep
ground-glass roof. Mr. Watson says that it is easily worked, as, having
the light imder control and very rapid, the largest pictures, under
ordinary circumstances, do not take more than from five to six seconds'
exposure. The fact that there are no houses or other obstructions, and
nothing but clear sky all around, is the reason Mr. Watson asagns
for the quick action in his studio. He uses the quickest plates manu-
factured.
The second stadio is divided from this by a dark room, but so con-
structed as to make one l.^rge studio when required — which is pretty
often — for his group pictures, a class of work that Mr. Watson makes
a special feature of. The first studio is used for the usual portrait
work, and tCe second one for all kinds of exterior effects.
There is still another studio behind, which, we remumber well,
Mr. Shaw had fitted up for boat pictures — with boat, and sail, and
real water, and imitation rocks, &c. ; but in Mr. Watson's business
the space was too valuable to be set aside for this one purpose ; besides,
he can get the same class of ptctun in his exterior studio when
desired.
The next room we come to is specially for the production of
platinum pictures, and close to this is the silver-printing department.
Then come we to the rolling, burnishing, and finishing.
Outside then is garden ground, where horses and other equestrian
pictures ara taken, backgrounds and other accessories being arranged
for th'is cUss of work.
A very complete place, in a district as quiet and open as if away in
the country, and that within a two-mile oar ride from the centre of
the city, malus it a business place to be envied.
A STANDARD DEVELOPER.
As you have nferred to our researches in your article upon a
staaoard developer, we should like, with your permission, to make a
few remarks upon the subject.
We are entirvlr in accord with you that it is the exposure, and not
the development, which rules the result due to the action of light on
the aeuMtive plate. We also agn-e with you that one film may take
five, while another may require ten, minutes' development in order to
reach the same ultimate density. We, however, take exception to
rour view that similar isolated dendties, resulting from similar _ex-
p<4»ures, would be a proof of equality of sensitiveness. This view
woukl truly apply in tne case of a series of gradations, but not in the
case of single denxities. We hope, as we proceed, to make this clear.
You say that the question has been raised whether, in making
sensitometer trial', a nzed period of development should be adopted,
or whether development should be allowed to actr so as " to get
out as much as possible " from the exposure. You then state
ihlT,' in your opinion, the latter is the better plan _; and you are
apparently under the impression that we participate in this opinion.
"Thw is not, by any means, the case, for it is a most important feature
in our method of speed determination that the influence of time of
development is altogether eliminattnl.
We nave shown that while, with time of development, the densities
do actually alter, their ratios remain constant ; and as it is the rela-
tionship existing between a aeries of densities, and not the densities
themselves, which determine the speed, time of development plays no
part in the determination. Practically, it is well, on the one hand, to
avoid very short, and, on the other hand, very long development.
On account of inegular action, probably duo to the physical resist-
614
THE BKITISH JOUiUSAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY,
[September 23, 1892
ance of gelatine to penetration by the developer, very short derelop-
ment is undesirable, and very long development is liable to produce
extreme densities, which present great difficulty in measuring. Hence
we find it best, in practice, to reach a development factor of from
I'O to 1'5 ; but the time required to do this varies, of course, with the
plate, with the developer, and with the temperature. From a purely
theoretical point of view, time of development has no influence what-
ever upon tne result.
It would not be at all a safe conclusion to arrive at that if two
films vielded the same ultimate density with the same exposure, even
though different times of development might be required in the two
esses to reach this density, the two films would be equally sensitive.
The comparison of single densities can never be any criterion as to
speed, nor would it be safe to conclude that a series of gradations
produced by similar exposures on two different films would be alike,
because one particular exposure led to similar isolated densities in the
two cases.
A striking illustration of what we say has just occurred in the case
of two speed determinations which we made a few days ago. The
following table gives the density readings : —
Exposures
•
C.M.8.
Plate A.
Plate B.
0-625
0-180
0-080
1-2.5
0-330
0-28.5
2'5
0-600
0-600
5
0-940
0-945
10
1-190
1-220
20
1-39.5
1-465
40
l-.5?0
1-620
80
1-605
1-750
The two plates were simultaneously exposed for eight different
periods, varying from 0-025 C.M.S. to 80 C.M.S. The development
factor is the same in both cases, so that the development was con-
tinued up to and stopped at precisely the same point in each plate.
It will be seen from these figures that no estimate of the relative
speed of these plates could possibly be arrived at by comparing any
corresponding pair of densities resulting from the same exposure.
Take the two densities due to exposure 0-625 C.M.S. ; A is greater
than B, and hence the inference would be that A would be the
quicker plate, because the light did more work with the same ex-
posure. Next, take the two densities due to exposure 80 C.M.S.; B
is greater than A, and B would now, for the same reason, appear to
be the quicker plate. Lastly, take the densities due to exposure
2-6 C.M.S. ; in this case they are equal, and the inference would be
that the plates are of equal sensitiveness. So that, from this illus-
tration, it will be seen that, from a mere comparison of corresponding
single densities, either of these plates might be considered quicker
than the other, or they might be considered as of equal speed.
As a matter of fact, the two plates are of almost equal rapidity,
but this fact is ascertained by the relationship existing between the
densities of each plate, individually considered, and has nothing to do
•with the relative values of the corresponding densities of the two
Slates. The difference in the gradations of the two plates is simply
ue to a difference in the amount of silver salt present on the plates,
B being the more richly coated plate and having, in consequence, the
greater capacity for truthful representation. Had the time of develop-
ment been curtailed or prolonged in the case of either or both plates,
it would have made no difference to the determination of the speed ;
the densities would, in these cases, have been generally increased or
diminished, but tlieir ratios would have remained unaltered.
The time of development required to reach a given development
factor varies so widely in the case of different plates that no method
of speed determination can ever be satisfactory in which the time of
development has any influence upon the result.
With respect to your remarks upon the choice of a standard
developer, we should like to say a few words. We are as fully con-
vinced as we were when we wrote our original paper that, for the
purpose of speed determination, and for scientific investigation
generally, there is no developer comparable with ferrous oxalate.
Ttat developer must be the best, in our opinion, which has the least
tendency to reduce silver salts which have not been submitted to the
action of light, and, as far as our experience goes, ferrous oxalate
bears the palm in this respect. We therefore strenuously urge its
use for the purpose of speed determination by our method. You
point out, as an objection to this developer, the difficulty of securing
solutions of a uniform degree of saturation, but we have not found
that any variation which takes place in practice has any appreciable
influence upon the result. Any variation in this strength, within, at
any rate, extremely wide limits, would merely hasten or retard the
time of development ; and this, as we have shown, would have no
influence upon the speed, as determined by our method. The fact
that time or development may be disregarded as a factor in the con-
sideration of speed determination, renders fluctuations in the strength
of the developer of much less importance than your article would
indicate, and, in consequence, greatly facilitates the choice of a
standard developer.
For ordinary photography, we are quite prepared to admit the
claims of pyrogallol, and frequently resort to its use ourselves. It
has, however, in common with all alkaline developers, a disagreeable
tendency to attack silver salts which have not been exposed to the
light, and this renders it inferior to ferrous oxalate for strictly
scientiflc work. Otherwise, it is cleanly in use, economical, and con-
venient. Our objections to pyrogallol for scientific work apply, of
course, most strongly when used in conjunction with ammonia.
With respect to those developers more recently introduced, we do
not think they vrill ever become formidable rivals to ferrous oxalate
and pyrogallol for general work. When we first published our
investigations we had only had experience of hydroquinone and
eikonogen, neither of which did we find up to them, to materially
affect the speed of plates as determined by ferrous oxalate or pyro-
gallol. We pointed out, however, that there was a theoretical
possibility of a plate being fast to one developer and slow to another.
We have recently made some investigations on development with
rodinal, and the results so far indicate that this developer has the
property of increasing the speed of some plates in a very marked
degree. We say " some" plates advisedly, for, unfortunately, it does
not apply to all ; the speed of some plates is not increased at all under
the influence of rodinal, while, in the case of others, it is materially
augmented. As an illustration of this, we tested a plate recently, the
speed of which, as determined by pyrogallol, was forty-seven, and, by
rodinal, 155. To rodinal the plate was about three and a half times
as fast as to pyrogallol, and this was fully confirmed by camera tests
made afterwards. It appears to us that rodinal may "prove of great
value for " instantaneous " work, but plates would have to be selected
for the purpose which are amenable to development by rodinal in this
enhanced degree. As it is, it is impossible to state any general rela-
tion between the speed of a plate as developed by ferrous oxalate and
by rodinal ; the speed would require to be determined for each. The
fact that rodinal, compared vrith ferrous oxalate or pyrogallol, affects
different plates in different degrees can only be accounted for on the
ground that plates are differently constituted with regard to the
gelatine and halogen salts they contain, and this opens up a wide
field for future inquiry. F. Hurteb.
V. C. Driffield*
DECOR.\TIOXS AND FITTINGS.
Perhaps nothing impresses prospective customers favourably or
otherwise during a visit to the photographer's more than the appearance
of the reception-rooms and studio. It is therefore to the interest of the
business man to exercise everj' care that such impressions are pleasant
ones. In this matter there is unlimited scope for the exercise of
individual taste, very widely divergent schemes producing equally
satisfactory effects. Where there is the advantage of a lobby opening
directly into a thoroughfare it should be filled, but without crowding,
with good and effective pictures, displaying to advantage the different
kinds of work undertaken, all perfect copies, artistically arranged,
and frequently changed. Something new will always attract the
public, and to arrest the attention is the first step to securing the
customer. The less ornament about this lobby the better : plain and
good fittings are always to be preferred. There is a certain section of
the public particularly active in damaging and defacing anything that
at all lends itself to be maltreated, and light ornamental work within
reach of mischievous fingers is sure to suffer, therefore the plainer
and more solid the fittings the better, even at the sacrifice of pretti
ness. Next comes the staircase. For my own part I do not think it
is a good plan to hang pictures on staircases, but the walls should be-
nicely decorated. Any special notices may be placed there perhaps
with advantage, in such a position that they can be easily read as the
customer enters or departs, at the same time avoiding anything of an
attractive nature calculated to induce prolonged examination. The^
covering of the stairs depends very much on the class of customers,,
and beauty in this instance may give place to utility without in-
fringing on good taste. The reception room is really the first apart-
ment that requires special attention to its adornment, and no pain».
September 23, 1892]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH Y.
61
bhoald be sp«red to make it m attractive as poesible. In this room
castomen bare to wait until the operator is at liberty to attend to
them, umI darinr this time ther should be kept interested and in a
trood temper. Here, und.>ul)tedly, is the beet opportunity for the
displaT of specimens, and shows of what stuff the reception-room lady
is made by the ezeiciae of her abili^ in securing good orders. A
iadicious selection of work is, therefore, a moet important matter.
The more varied and attractive it l« the better is the chance of
profitable busine»s. If a fairly brisk trade is done, the specimens
tbenuelves or their position should be daily altered, but on no account
should inferior work be exhibited. The pubUc is insatiable in its
desire for novelty, and, as in most booaes the number of re«lly good
and attractive spedmens is limited, the mere alteration of their posi-
tion wiU in some degree supply the want. AVe must not Iook to
quantity ak>ne to secure customers, for a great crowd of fairly good
portraits will have less beneficial eAsct on trade than a much less
number chosen with jndicioiu rsfenooe to their interest and quality.
There are but few clients who wiU struggle through frame after frame
containing hundreds of carf <i*-<fe-tiucto or cabinets. There is too much
monotony about the proceeding, howvrer good they may be, and their
examination only evolves a sort of meatal confusion instead of fixing
in the mind some artistic and pretty pose that will induce a desire to
poaseas a sumlar picture.
The usual eflect of crowded frames of small works is that of obtain-
ing a rapid survey in order to ascertain if there is any one amongst
them known to the examiners, and if no one is discovered there is no
further interest in the matter, when if a few of the same pictures
were mors isolated, would each command a more careful and critical
examination, and probably have a modi better business effect. Some
of every kind of work undertaken by the firm should he represented,
plainly but richjy mounted and fnuned ; in fact, the mounting and
framing is most' important if pietUM are to be shown to the best
advantage.
With respect to eartet-df-vimte and similar small pictures, they are
better enclosed in albums or folding esses where only one or two can
be seen at a time, than arranged row above row in large frames like
tailor's patterns, a plan to universally adopted. When the accommo-
dation IS sufficient, coloure<I work is best kept together, and not
indiicrimiaately mixed with plain photographt, whicli invariably lose
by the contrast. Enlargements shoold be hung or placed on easels
so that they can be viewed at a tufldent dutancr. they nrr<>r look to
advantage from a near point of sight. A portfolio or a stand con-
taining eboioa moonted platinotypes is an acquisition. Carbon and
bromids prints are soob (pMled hj friction when shown in this
T, hat pUtiDotypes wiU stand » food deal of hard wear before
' 7 dMsetire. Any prints oa gehtine sorfsoss ai« easily
J vna albmiea or suTer niata get dull and scratched, and
ahhoogh toletmhir hard sooo lose uab pristine freshness by rubbing
moch together, it is an •xoaUsBt pian to protect each print with a
piece of tissue paper fsstened to one edge of the mount liad covering
the print.
It is usually found that when a picture, or aoything else for that
mttt-r, IS treated with special care, as is a raloable work, it will be
bai><ll<'<l moch more carvfully than if it was exhibited as only one of
a large nnnber deserving only ordinary attention. Its wortb is un-
doubtedly enhanced in Um eyes of others if the owner exhibits marked
interest in its p»sawfaiiou indepandsot of its intrinsic valoe.
(To 6« coaeMsrf.)
OX THINGS Df GEXEKAL.
Txar. 'V>0 of this Jovrsav contains two letters bearing on very im-
portant practical matters, the first being that over the signature of
** Film Fiend," a writer who raises a question of the very highest
importance with regard to the permanency or otherwise of gela-
tine dry-plate Dev'ttives treated with alum. Nineteen out of every
twenty ^otograpliers who employ this ehemicsl appear to be wholly
ignorant of its true function or its possible after-effects. Most of
them would say " No " to this statement ; they know its use and pro-
p»Tties quite weD— " hypo is injurioiu left in print or negative, alum
-destroys the last trace of it ; what more can be desired ? " A half
truth, of a very misleailing nature ! It is true alum does decompose
hypo, but it doss not " dotroy " it ; that would be an absurd suppo-
sition. It BMIB^ changwt it into otlier chemical compounds, pre-
sumably leas injMiuus than " hypo," — a presumption not proved —
but it does not gti rid of the silver dissolved in the hypo, and the
caaas of mneh that la defective and fugacious in photographic prints
is to be sought in the metamorphosis of that argentous residuum. As
to the use of alum with negatives, it is commotJy suggested that it
removes the yellowness from pyro-developed plates, a function which
is far better performed by a weak acid, and equally -well, and far more
safely, by acidifying the fixing solution with an acid sulphite, to
which has been added, preferably, a little neutral sulphite. (By the
bye, it is not generally known that the late Mr. H. Berkeley — who
gave to an unheeding photographic community, and without charge ,
the knowledge of the use of sulphite — took out a patent for the use of
acid sulphite in the fixing bath. As to the validity of the patent, if it
had been continued, I offer no opinion). The only use, therefore, that
alum can possess is as a hardener of the gelatine, and a frill preventer.
It is useless to add it after fixing and complete washing ; for, if the
evil was to become manifest, it would have worked its fell way by
this time. To use it soon after fixing constitutes the grave error I
am lifting up my literary voice against. To use it before fixing will
entail equal ill effects, unless a very thorough washing be given. We
can now arrive at the point, and at Mr. "Film Fiend's" trouble.
Alum or hypo is used first, a " linse " is given, and then the other salt
of the twain is put into use. I should like to remind every one who
carries out such a course of treatment that a rinse is an absurdity, as
applied to a gelatine film : a very thorough washing, extending over a
considerable period of time, is necessary for the removal of any
chemical from the substance of even a very thin layer of gelatine ;
the stream of water does not dash through the gelatine and reach the
glass it lies upon ; all that the stream of water does is to supply a
continuous <^ntity of liquid, into which the salts pass by diffusion
out of the gelatine. Hence, if any one give a slight time only, even
in a strong current of water, to the removal of a chemical from the
gelatine film, he will not succeed ; his plate, when dry, will contain
a residue of that chemical to work what eril it may. A plate rinsed
from alum and placed in hypo will contain within itself the germs of
future danger, and it will be remarkable it there bo not found some
amount of yellowing, if not worse, in any and every negative so
treated after, say, a year's storage.
The second letter I allude to refers to the exceedingly simple piece
of apparatus, the camera-back turn-button — those terribly unnoying
neceesities with regard to which one feels that it is diflicult to know
whether they are more detrimental to tho nails and digital extremi-
ties or to the mentsl equilibrium of a good man. Who is there that
has not experienced the dead-lock — literally "lock"— that they
present, always when most haste is needed, so Ahat nothing but a
hammer or pair of strong pincers will apparently shift them, and just
when it is impossible to take the slide out of the dark room ? Who
that has not had the mortifying experience of seeing a button, that
has worked itself loose without being detected, give way, ond allow
the plate to slip out just when an unusually successful exposure has
been made P An amount of ingenuity, sulficient to build a score of
Eiffel Towers, has been expended over every part of a camera, except
this insignificant little adjunct. Surely, now this grievance baa been
aired coram poyul'i, a little'mental sleight will be expended in pro-
yising a remsdy. l.iet us hope it may.
Miss Catharine Weed Barnes has given us some valuable practical
nmarks on American photographers and their apparatus. She
may be right about the pull-out, instead of fixed, shutters to
the dark slides ; but I must say the only time I ever used such
backs (true they were English-made, but of excellent quality) they
played me a scurvy trick, and spoiled several plates, through the light
gaining entrance when I inserted the shutter. It was a windy day, I
fHiffifj^iKJ the " black cloth " did not cover the camera as I should
iZSjuA; but, then, one ought not to be dependent upon a dark cloth
to piuWtt one's slides against light. Possibly they— the apparatus-
makers — manage these things better in America.
Every one who reads the correspondence columns of the JotmNAL
will have been deeply interested in the discussion about assistants and
their all-roundness. Mr. Wilson puU the matter in the proper light.
Mr. J. Pike proves too much. He says an " older person," in two
years' time, can learn much more than " to operate, retouch a little,
print in various methods, enlarge, and copy." Most true ; but what
would be the value of his services in any one of those departments
after the above varied experience ? Just about what a pirter could
get, certainly not more. .\ny practical photographer knows that it
616
THE BRITISH JOUENAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September 23, 1892
is absurd to Buppoee that a man, with so brief an experience, could do
reallj' good work in any one department. A first-class printer alone
could not be made in two years, nor a retoucher who could earn thirty
shillings a week ; and as to operatinsr, well, the thought of the possi-
bility raises a smile. As to Mr. Pike's friend who, in two years' time,
became expert in operating, printing in all known printing processes,
enlarging, photo-mechanical and microscopic work, able to retouch and
make slides, yet who found he could not obtain a salary approaching the
hundred and fifty pounds a year he had previously obtained, I ask, is
it possible, if Mr. Pike's letter is not a huge joke, that the reason of
his failure is not seen ? All I can say is that, if such a photograpliic
Admirable Crichton applied to me, in the event of my wanting a
capable operator or printer in any one known process, or retoucher, I
would not take the trouble to read his testimonials ! Free Lance.
DR. H. W. VOGEL ON THE DECAY OF PROFESSIONAL
PHOTOGRAPHY.
Is The British Jouknal op Photoghaphy of August 5 I find an
article entitled, " The Decay of Professional Photography," says Dr.
Vogel, in Anthoni/s Bulletin. The contents of this article are almost
synonymous with a letter received by me from Ilerr Paar. The evil
seems, therefore, to be a general one, and deserves the greatest atten-
tion. Ilerr Paar writes : —
" The relation of any class of society to the book trade is the surest
educational test." This is the expression of a man of celebrity. Edu-
cation is, indeed, transposed knowledge, and knowledge has to be
acquired, must be learned. The book trade now is the mediator
between the majority needing instruction and the single members of
society having instructive capacity, whose liberated products of
intellect are offered to the former. Teaching and learning were in
former times the privilege of a few ; to-day they are the common
property of everybody, and still how few make use of the latter !
Without the book trade, no education, no progressive culture. The
conclusion is, that the more intimate the intercourse of a certain class
of people is with the book trade, the higher must be the degree of
education. The contrary conclusion would consequently be that, the
more deficient the intercourse of another class is with the book trade,
the more deficient must be the educational degree of this same class,
and that it is high time for this part of society to remove the evil.
What class of society is in this condition .'' One of the most
prominent merchants in the book trade gives us the necessary
information. Listen !
" The professional photographic circles are not very generous
buyers of photographic literature, and if it was not for the amateur
photographers it would be impossible to do business in that line."
This is a judgment, just as annihilating as short, which has been
passed by that gentleman during a correspondence with me, and his
professional standing is sufficient guarantee for the con-ectness of his
■assertion. Unfortunately, it is not very flattering to belong to a class
of society about which sentence is pronounced in such a way. The
■deficient demand for photo-literary products is by no means a final
proof of the deficiency of a requirement for intellectual products.
Well, there is hope, then ; let us stick to it like the drowning person
to a straw : may it never prove to be treacherous. I, for my part,
will not put my foot in the bottom of such a frail craft.
What, now, is the cause of this evil ? That it exists, this prime
defect of our elementary education, we cannot help. But that it
remains in evidence and will never make way, even in later years,
that is our fault, and the reason is to be found in everything. Pr<>
fessional papers and institutions, unions of employers and employes,
rival in the endeavour to finish the roof of a building whose founda-
tion is wanting, and some even take pains to carry away some of the
"building stone, collected without selfishness by the more meritorious.
Therefore, you gentlemen of the pen, look for the good where you
can find it, and help to distribute it ; the bad may pass away without
your help. Try your best to induce people to read and learn, but do
not attempt to extinguish it. Knowledge of the situation will he a
natural result of reading and learning. An energetic perseverance is,
of course, a necessary requirement. Take, for instance, the province
of Silesia, and here is an inevitable fact, that eighty per cent, of the
subscribers of a photographic paper lay tlie same aside unread, while
of the other twenty per cent, one-half read nothing but the advertise-
ments. The proportion would probably be a more favourable one if
I had found better opportunity for collecting information in amateur
■circles. I was restricted mostly to professional photographers.
Again I ask, What is the reason ? Simply because our photo-
■graphers do not care about learning anything to increase their
knowledge. They abuse the amateurs, whose number increases daily,
and do not consider that, if they gain superiority, the reason is only
in their greater education and intelligence. Only with education and
intelligence can they meet the increasing competition of the amateurs.
At a meeting held some time ago about photography and printing
processes, there was only one photographer in an audience of oOO, and
he said, " Yes ! yes 1 my colleagues know ah'eady too much." The
same has taken place at meetings in other cities. Only in the United
States I had in that respect good success, and had always a full house,
in spite of my bad ]>'nglish ; and I may pronounce with safety that
the acquisition of intelligence and learning is there more popular than
in the old world.
♦
COXTINEXTAL NOTES AND NEWS.
The Brussels Congress, 1891. — We have received the re-
port of t!ie International Congress of Photography which was held at
Brussels in the month of August last year. The volume extends to
150 pages, and gives a detailed account of the proceedings of the
Congress, with the chief points of which our readers have already been
made acquainted.
A. ZCon-alcohoIic Varnish. — According to the Archiv, the
following varnish without alcohol answers well for prints, negatives,
&c.: —
Water 320 parts.
White gum lac 32 „
Borax 8 „
Carbonate of soda 2 „
Glycerine .2 „
The borax and the soda are dissolved in 160 parts of the water, the gum
then being added. After filtration, the glycerine in the remaining 160
parts of water are added. The deposit which forms after a time is
removed by filtration, and the varnish is ready for use.
Kodlnal. — In examining the properties of this developer. Dr.
Andresen recommends that development should be commenced with a
weak solution, l'30,and, if necessary, followed by a solution composed
as follows : —
Rodinal 30 c.c.
Potassium bromide 10 grammes.
Water 30 c.c.
Rodinal is not affected by fluctuations of temperature. The negatives
are said to appear to lose density in the fixing bath, so that develop-
ment is recommended to be carried to a greater length than usual.
Blackening' Film - carriers.— The following formula is
recommended for blackening those parts of film-carriers which are
made of zinc, and require to be so treated : —
Nitrate of zinc 2 parts by weight.
Chloride of copper 3 „
Hydrochloric acid 8 „
Distilled water 64 „
The hydrochloric acid is added after the salts have been dissolved, and
the zinc is plunged into the solution after it has been cleaned with
sand.
A Kodified Platinum Process. — M. Ganichot, in Science
e7i Famille, claims to have secured excellent results with a paper pre-
pared in this manner : To 1000 parts of distilled water he adds 12.j
grammes of perchloride of iron, and, after filtration, adds liquor
ammoniiB until precipitation of the hydrated ferric oxide ceases, to
which, after it has been washed, is added a hot solution consisting of
50 grammes of oxalic acid in 1.50 c.c. of water. In order to assure the
neutrality of this solution, a little of the ferric o.xide is left undis-
solved. After filtration, 2-oO grammes of chloro-platinite of soda are
added, and the solution made up to a volume of 2.50 c.c. with distilled
water. The paper is coated, dried, and printed in the usual way, and
the image developed in a bath of —
O.valic acid 25 grammes.
Chloro-platinite of soda 2'50 „
Water 250 c.c.
Se|ilaaib«ra3,1802]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOl'OGRAPHY.
617
The pi««enoe at the pUtinum in tb* developer as well as in the paper
is explaiaed by tlie liiiiiiiMl—in thst tlte latter b insul&cient to form
an imafe. Th» pneeM is mid to give extwllent detail and freedom
fiom ecuamiy* omtraala, and, by the em^doyment of chloro-platinite
of aoda, the paper ia atated to be imperrioaa to the efieets of damp.
Toning' after Flzinr* — Captain Pizzighelli is responsible for
the following,' formula for toning after fixing. The solution is said to
give bhi»4iladk tones, aad to keep indcfinitelj.
Anaaonium solpho-cranide SO grammes.
Gold chloride .....' 3
CaattiepotMh 3 „
Wetar 100 grammes.
MOartrldg««* ■■« 9^f«Iep«r " Pastils."— At
the Vleaos Society a few we^ 1a^ Miirpks of hypo cartridfres were
shown, eadi containing sofficient fisiag agent to make 200 ex. of
ralntion at a strength of 1 : 4. A re&ement of the same idea has
)j^n invented by 3(. Loebiein, of Cailarahe — compressed developer
pastils to wit. Sugar paste is the rehide, and at one side it holds
the alkali and at the other the redodOK agent. What next ?
Honours for Sr. Bder.— By an Impxrial decree, Dr. J. M.
Eder, the famous director of the \'iennslligb School of Photography,
has been Dominated IVofe^sor Extraordinary of Photo-chemistry at
the Polytechnie School of the same town.
Bnsmellinr Without Collodion or Oelatino. — The
PT'igrii Plkitafraflu, : >r this porpose, equal parts of
oagall and alcohol ih< ' : ! f -t three dayf, when it should
be iUand ft>r IMS. A gla i eosted with the sohiliaaf
and the feist UlsposH II. After drying, which takes
aboat an hoar, a sheet o( paper is peeled as the back of the print, the
paper btiag then eosted with a siiztais ct gsn^ dextrine, aad a little
gl^aseas. 1h« whole heisg dry is iwnored from the plate, and
eppBsd with preasore to a mount neriooaly wetted, in order to
bswe the prist sMsMed with a foil gloB.
ASTRONOMICAL PHOTOOBArHT.
IBlMalka
Ts> Usleij oC
Whss Iks
to Ihs
he eospM villi hie
pietafae e( the
with tbet o(
19, ISM,
ivMsties ol
It pfopoaala io nss the new
asd ol the solar spectrum. Arago
iia
hii
J.W.
the isveotioa as "a new instrument lor the stodyot natnra,"
oeee el wliMi mosl bsfle, asd would seemedly surpass,
In ssab msMars as this," said lia, ** we msel eosnt most
And. Inilssd. the esluieeiisu has some to pass,
aa Us sillls«Bsas to allow issehnisbls poesifaiUties, woald.
hses bees staaiated by a toeaaaat of the week sow actually
I. The tarn UlimHi, heseesi, si aelsetisi photography peored
tagkflsfas At Aiegeflismemes, DagseiTe sipessil cne of
plalae to Ae lays of the moes, bat wMh so reenlt. InlfMO,
Draper, of New York, obuiaed a DagosReo^ypa of the moon,
, but propoette ef lulsie ssoesm with proper
Be also, within a few yasi^ ^trised the first pietare of ths
TsB FnsT Stab PBoronaAra.
Is Mn, the fliat star pho(o(rapfa, and also the first good photographs
of the SHOS, were made by Professor Q. P. Bond at Harrard College
Obaerrstay. The exhihitioo of ooe of these lunar photographs at the
IxndosExhibilioB, is IML, sssited moA intsfaat, and waa the msana o(
■limnlafin Mr. Wasraa da Is Roe, o( Losdon, to take up the study of
tbie ssbjest. Be eesst meted (or himssif a thirt«en-incb refleeting
tatseeepe, asd. asisg the wet-eollodion proesss, which bad just then been
dieeorered. obtoissd msch better pictures of the moon than those by
Bead.
In 1860 the first saocessful attempt was made to photograph the solar
prominences or coloured flames aronnd the edge of the sun at the time of
a total eclipse, by Mr. De la Rue and Father Secchi. These photographs
settled the (juestion whether the prominences were appendages of the sun
or of the moon, by showing the advance of the moon over them.
BUTHEBFCBC'S ReFSACIISO TEliESCOPE.
In 186-4 a great step in advance was made by Mr. RntUerftird, of New
York, who constructed a refracting telescope with an object-glass of 11 in.
aperture, designed expressly for photographic work. Let me say, in
explanation here, that the rays of light which make the impression npon
the sensitive plate are not the same as those which impress the retina of
the eye. They are, in fact, most of them invisible to the eye. In the
construction of the ordinary visual telescope the object-glass is so made as
to bring to the same focus all the rays which are conspicuous to the eye,
allowing all the others to go wild. The chemical rays of light, which are
moelly invisible, do not come to focus at any one point, so that a perfect
teleaeope for visual pnrposes will be a very poor photographic one ; and
vict vertii, if the chemical rays are brought to a single focus, the visual
rays must go wild, so that a photographic telescope is worthless for visual
porpoaes. Mr. Botherford set the example of deliberately constructing a
teleeoopa totally nnaerrioeafale to the eye. With this telescope he obtained
photogn^hs of the sun, moon, and star clusters, some of which have not
bees surpassed until within the last two or three years. The reflecting
telescope is not subject to the same difliculties in respect to focus as the
retiaetor ; all rays of light are brought to the same focus in the reflector.
But then are other drswiwoka to the use of this kind of telescope which
have led moet aafaonomers to prefer refractors. These difficulties have
laigety been oreroome in the Ust few years, so that some of the best
photographie <rark is now being done with large reflectors. The largest
now in use is one with a 6 ft. mirror, recently completed by Mr. Common
in England, and with which he is said to have obtained some excellent
photographs of the planet Jupiter enlarged to one inch in diameter. Mr.
Bntharfnrd's work with bis photographic refractor, and that of Dr. Henry
Draper, of New York, with a 16 in. silver-on-glass reflector, at about the
same tisM, maybe regarded as the culmination of the art of celestial pho.
Icgmphy in its second or wet-collodion stage. The pictures, though
excellent, did not oompsre with the views to be bad throuKh an ordinary
4 in. or 6 in. taleeeope. The plates were not sensitive enough for the very
short exposuraa neoeesary to give sharp pictures of the moon and planets ;
on the other band, the necessity of their being " wet " precluded the pos-
sibility of the long exposures necessary to impress upon the plate the
images of very faint stars and nebnlic.
Little more was done on these lines for ths next twenty years. The
ans hss, lwe»sr, bees photographed regularly at three or four different
ilstinns on the earth, so that we have an almost daily photographic
record of the appearance of the sun since 1870.
Oeurm Puns axd Asraoxoincu. Photoobaprt.
The introduction of ths dry-plats pioeess in 1671, and the subsequent
rapid increase in the senaitivaDesa of the plates produced, have led to a
woadsHnl development of the art of photography as applied to all
of physieal science, and espeeislly to astronomy. The increased
of the plates permits the exposures on bright objects to be
sbottaasd to such an extant that atmospheric disturbances produce but
little eflset in blnrriag ths images — a difficulty which could not be
avoided before. Photographs of the moon can be taken in less than one-
half aeoond, and the brighter planets in an almost equally short time.
It is passible to photograph the sun in l-100,000th of a second. Indeed,
with the plates now on the market, it is diflioult to make the exposure
•bott enough. On the other hand, with dry plates the exposure on faint
objeeto eaa be piolosgad isdefisitely with ever-increasing effect. Im-
pcemieas on ths ssiislllie plate are cumulative as well as permanent ;
thoas upon ths living retina are neither. Impressions upon the human
eye last but a small fraction of a second ; after that length of time there
ia.jBBlisBal efbteement and renewal. If this were not so, we could not
satprieU^nm our view from one object to another. Continual gazing
at a fkint star makae it no brighter to the sight. If we could lengthen
the impression to one second, the sky would l>e almost ten ten times as
bright as it is— ».«., like the Milky Way, dimly luminous witli minute
stars. On the sensitive plate, however, the impression once made is
permanent. The tiny ray of light from a distant star, which would
make no impression on the eye, by its continued pulsations against
the gelatine films, shakes apart one by one the molecules of the silver
salu, until finally a pereeptible image of the star is engraved. Thus it
is tliat ws are able to si^ we can photograph that which is invisible.
It is possible um that Utare may be sUrs pbotograpliioally bright which
emit none of the visual rays, but whose light is wholly composed of the
618
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September 23, 1892
invisible rays at the nltra-violet end of the spectrum. We have no
evidence of snoh as yet ; certainly no conspicuous ones have been found
on the photographs.
Dr. Huggins, in England, was the first to perceive the singular adapta-
tion of the dry plates to celestial research, and to use them in his experi-
ments on photographing stellar spectra. His advice and example were
followed a few years later by Draper and Gould in America and by
Common and Jannsen in Europe. Other astronomers held aloof from
the new methods, distrusting photography as a means of obtaining either
perfect pictures or accurate measurements of the heavenly bodies.
Db. Gill's Wobk.
In 1874 the transit of Venus was photographed at many places on the
earth by expeditions sent out by the various Governments. The total
failure of most of these photographs to give accurate measurements of the
solar parallax added to the distrust in which photography was then held.
The Americans, however, tried it again in 1882, and the results recently
published of the measures of about 1600 photographs prove conclusively
that photography can be relied upon as a means of accurate measurement.
The decisive impulse toward the great astronomical undertaking of to-day
came from the Cape of Good Hope. Dr. Gill, the Royal Astronomer, wag
one of the old school, devoted to accurate measurements with the meridian
circle and the heliometer, little suspecting that in the camera an instru-
ment was at hand more rapidly effective for the purposes of practical
astronomy than the transit and heliometer. But in 1882 the splendid
appearance of a great comet in the southern heavens challenged portrayal.
Dr. Gill was not slow to make use of the means at hand, which were the
two and a half inch camera and the experience of a local photographer,
Mr. Aldis. Attaching the camera to the great equatorial, and using the
latter as a guide to keep the image of the comet upon the same part of
the sensitive plate, exposures of from half an hour to two hours and
twenty minutes were made. The result was a series of pictures re-
markable not only for the fidelity with which the comet was represented,
but also for the accessory wealth of stars they displayed. The entire
background was thickly strewn with them. Forty or fifty, down to the
ninth magnitude, shone across the interposed film of the comet's tail.
The exhibition of these photographs stirred up a great deal of interest in
the subject of star-charting. They emphasised the advantages to be
derived from the use of lenses of short focus and wide field, giving small
bright images of tolerably extensive portions of sky. Experiments were
begun in many quarters. Dr. Gill began at once a photographic survey
of the southern heavens to supplement the work already done in the
north by the old methods of Argelander. Professor Pickering, at Harvard
College, and Espin and Eoberts, of England, took up lines of photographic
research, in which they have achieved eminent success.
The Bbothebs Henrt at the Paeis Obsertatobt.
At the Paris Observatory at this time were two brothers, Paul and
Trosper Henry by name, working together, charting by the old methods
the faint stars along the ecliptic, with the purpose of discovering asteroids,
or small planets. In ten yeors they had constructed sixteen maps of the
seventy-two required. At the place where the ecliptic crosses the Milky
Way an almost insuperable difficulty met them. The stars were so
numerous that it was almost impossible to chart them by eye and hand.
A glance at Dr. Gill's comet picture, with its starry background, suggested
the way out of their difhculty ; and at once they determined to give up
the old method of charting by the eye and hand, and have recourse to
photography. They set about the construction of a telescope on a novel
plan — a twin telescope having two objectives, one adapted for chemical
the other for visual rays, enclosed in a single rectangular tube. The
photographic objective is of thirteen inches aperture and 'eleven feet
•focus, its curves being computed so as to enable it to take in a wide area
of the sky without sensible deformation of the images. The observer
looks through the visual portion of the telescope at one of the brighter
stars in the field of view, and keeps it constantly at the intersection of a
'pair of cross-threads, correcting by means of adjusting screws any
irregularity of the movement of the driving clock. With this apparatus,
■during 1885 and 1886, many photographs were taken, surpassing in
■excellence anything ever seen before. Stars and nebula; never seen were
depicted on the plates. On one of them, covering an areaof about four square
degrees in the constellation of Cygnus, where 170 stars had previously been
identified, some 5000 were clearly imprinted. In the familiar group of
the Pleiades, where the best map before made, the result of many years'
labour, contained 071 stars, photographs taken by the Henrys supply the
material for charting 1421 stars, with a precision never reached by visual
-observations.
The Photogbaphic Chabt or the Heavens.
The significance of these results could not be mistaken. They pointed
to a great task, no less than a complete photographic chart of the whole
heavens. Dr. Gill proposed, in 1886, an international congress of
astronomers to consider the question. The congress met in Paris in
April, 1887, fifty-five delegates of fifteen different nationalities. They
agreed to undertake the task, and appointed committees to consider best
methods of work and of preservation of plates, &o., while the instruments
were being constructed.
At a meeting of the permanent committee last year it was reported that
seventeen observatories were ready to co-operate in the work ; all the
instruments ^had been finished, and most of them had already taken
experimental photographs. The sky had been divided into zones, and
these zones apportioned to the different observatories in such a manner as
to make the conditions of observing as nearly alike as possible. The
telescopes are all essentially alike, the plates are to be of the same size,
made by the same formula, and developed in the same manner.
We have thus already begun the stupendous task of photographing on
a large scale, and in a short time, the whole heavens. It will require over
10,000 plates to cover the sky, and each is to be done in duplicate.
Allowing for failures, something over 25,000 plates will have to be exposed.
The exposure is to be one hour for each. A second set of plates is to be
made, with an exposure of only ten or fifteen minutes, for measurement
of the places of the brighter stars and the construction of a catalogue.
It is estimated that this catalogue will contain 2,000,000 stars, while the
chart will show not less than 20,000,000, and possibly 50,000,000 or
60,000,000. The whole work of taking the plates ought to be finished
within about five years.
While the preparations for this great chart have been going on, Pro-
fessor Pickering, of Harvard College Observatory, has been making one
of his own with an eight-inch telescope of different construction, and
bids fair to have it all done before the others have fairly begun. At
present a party of Harvard observers is in Peru, making a survey of the
southern heavens to join on with that already finished in the north. Mr.
Isaac Eoberts, in England, has, witliin the last three years, obtained
some marvellously perfect pictures of the nebulaj and star-clusters with
his twenty-inch reflector. Messrs. Barnard at Lick Observatory, Eussell
at Sydney (Australia), and Wolf at Heidelberg, have been doing some
wonderful work with large portrait lenses and long exposures of from two
to five hours. The last-named has even exposed one plate thirteen
hours, bringing to light unsuspected details as to the structure of the
stellar universe.
Lastly, I must mention the achievements of a young astronomer in
Chicago, Mr. George E. Hale, director of jthe Kenwood Physical Observa-
tory, who has, during the past year, discovered a method of photographing
the coloured prominences of the edge of the sun without an eclipse, of
photographing them all around the edge of the sun at one exposure, and
of photographing the white spots, called faculiE, on all parts of the solar
disc, whereas they have hitherto been visible only near the edge. The
science is advancing so rapidly that it is difficult to keep pace with it.
Each year, each month even, brings forth that which was unforeseen.
That there are yet rich treasures in store for those who diligently search
we can have no doubt. H. C. Wilson.
DETECTIVE, HAND, AND MAGAZINE CAMERAS.
[Journal of the Photographic Society of India.!
Thk variety of the above-named class of cameras, with which the
market is now stocked, is so great as to cause selection to be difficult.
I have therefore put together a few observations which may assist
an intending user in deciding what kind of camera he will buv of make.
I will deal first with the exposing shutter, with which all cameras
of this class are provided. All are made to give very rapid and also
time-exposures.
If the shutter, when set for a time-exposure, flies up with a jerk,
remains open for such time as an elastic ball or a button be held
pressed, and flies hack with a jerk when the pressure is released, it
will almost invariably shake the camera more or less, and the effect
of the shake will he distinctly noticeable when a short exposure
of less than two seconds is given. It is well, therefore, to have the
power of exposing by hand — that is to say, by capping and uncapping
the lens or aperture through which the lens looks.
If the exposure has to be made by pressing a button or pulling a
string, the action is very hkely to cause shake, whether the exposure
be long or short, and whether the camera is held in the hand or
attached to a stand. An exposure actuated by a pneumatic ball and
tube is therefore preferable.
A hand camera may be of any size and any shape which it is pos-
Stptember 33, 1803]
THJi BRITlSfl JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
61»
sible for the operator to Uft, point at the object, and fire off a shutter
whilst (0 pointed, but it is lively to be an inconTenieut companion of
Ursvr tlwii half-pUte size.
Any amall camera with good light-tight slides or backs, and a quick
sfauttar, will do as a hand camera. Some people like to have a tinder,
whkh can be eaailr attached; many prefer to work without any
finder. 1 consider tne finder exceedin^y uaefuL Hand cameras may
be firided into two risssfw — automatic and manual, both these classes
indading ""g^""^ In the automatic class, a button or something
is palled or poshed, and a freah plate from the magazine or reserve
tahea the place of the plate last expend. In the manual class the
plates may be carried in backs, and insetted or fitted to the camera in
the osoal way, or the exposed plate mar be raised by a lever grasped
by the hand and placed at the back of the reserre of plates, or the
\Mik plate of the reserre may be raised and placed in front of the last-
exposed plate.
-'-This latter plan is that adopted in one camera which has
the following defects : — L'nleas themaguine is fully charged with the
dozen plates or dommiee, it will not work at all ; and, if yon want to
expose only two plates, you most carry the weight of ten extra ones,
for, if even one sneath is empty, the ^paratns will not work.
Again, if yoa l»Te twelve seoMtive plates in the magazine, and,
baring exposed only one, wish to derelop it at once, yoa must remove
eleven ^tes to get at the one you want.
In another eamera of this form this but defect does not exist, as it
is the exposed plate which is removed and plaeed in rear of the un-
exposed lot.
In all cameras of this class, as well as in most of the automatic
eksa, the plates are held in metal sheaths, and these sheaths, whether
o( tine at mm, are liable to rast or oxidise, and the oxide comes oS
and makes spots on the pl^tei.
Varnishing the sheatns is fatal, but the metal sheaths may be
dipped in healing paraffin wax, the surplus wax rubbed off, and this
wU^ to a great extent, prevent the evil.
A oonvenient kind of band camera which may be made by the
•mstenr (with the exoeptim of the earrien or dark slides) is a
bos cameia with an overset shutter (such as the Automatiqti*) fixed
inade opposite the bole of the lens momt. The lens should screw on
oataida, as in anv ordinary camera, and ahould have a rack and pinion
or ft dnw tube for focussing, for, the camera being a mere box, no
Utnmmg can be daw with it.
The length of theeaaaraahoald be uaiwed so that, when the lens
is mcked or poshed li^t home, the fkt» wall be ia focus for distant
oMeets; and for aaaw objects the mm <u> be extended, the focnseing
beuif dime on a fnimssiiy soaen as mmI, or prefanUy by marks on
the bns tabs pseviooaly airaoged for nnoos distames, The plates
arv carrinl in dark badu, which slide or clamp into poMtion. A
leather handle on the top of the box faeilitatvs carriage, and a screw-
hole sbonid be placed in the bottom and aide of the Iwx for use when
it is desired to use a stand. The camem, if cunningly made, will
carry a eonple of extra dark baeka Inside, and can be fitted with
finders insinn or out. I consider thb camera preferable to the kiml in
whicli an ordinary bellows camera is contained m a box with a hole
in front for the lena to look out.
The beet kind of dark back for a cameim, such as I have described,
is that in which the shutter of the back draws entirely out. Chadwick,
of Mancbeeter, makes a very superior camera of this class. It has,
however, a beOows-body, ana has to be " set us ' each t ime it is required
for use, su that it is not so ooostantlv ready as the box I have de-
ncribed, but it has many qualities which render it superior to the box.
It will take stereo pictures on a half-plate or on two quarter-plates,
and it win take pietarea the full size of the half- plate, and is, besidea, a
tbocoogUy eood working camera for all sorts of work. Theboxformis
soperior oniy in soliditv, Mmplidty, ehespnesi, and ever-readiness.
Agsin, any ounera may m fitted with a roU-holder, to carry a roll of
ssaMve film. No magazine camera yet devised can compare in con-
rwanes with this mMhod, as the cnoeoree can be maae one after
aaolWr with eonsdarahle rapidity, ana the use of the film reduces
tto wMt to a minianm.
Of tUs form of enoMra I have seen none to excel the Kodsk. ( )f
the automatic class, I know of none better than the Ideal. Of the
msi"<l dam, I Eke Chadvriek's, and a magasine camera made by
iitin on the prinaple of the Eureka. To sum no, in adecting a hand
camera the foDowiag points should be considerea :—
1 . Is the anaagmant for changing plates (whether automatic or
manual) simple sad entain in action F
2. Is them ■sine of altering the focus?
a. Ia them mium to alter the aperture of lens ?
4. Can the caaaia be used for ordinary work, such as enlarging,
reducing, Xc f
5. Can the apparatus be carried about without inconvenience, and.
constantly ready for immediate use ?
6. Is the instantaneous shutter of a type which is ever set ready for
actio*' which will not shake the camera in discharge, and which will
admit of time exposures being given without shake r
7. Can the lens be easily removed for cleaning ?
8. Is the instantaneous shutter totally devoid of indiarubl>er blinds
or bands which will not stand a tropical climate ?
According to the number of these questions which the camera will
answer satiifactorily will, in my opinion, depend its utility.
J. C. Hannyngton.
♦
THE ALLEGED FADING OF SILVEB PRINTS.
BsADEBS of the Beacon (says that journal) know that we have no great
favour for silver prints, or, at least, the ordinary albumenised-paper
variety, and believe that sooner or later — and think the sooner the better
—they will, like many other once-popolar things, be relegated to the
limbo of forgetfulnass.
But, although it has man>- faults, and no virtues equal to many, or
least several, of its more modern competitors, that is no reason why it
should be blamed for those it does not possess, or get a worse name than
it deserves.
That some silver prints do fade, no one can doubt who looks into an
ordinary photographic album, and we shall not be far from the mark if we
say that a large majority of all those that have been made during th&
past fifteen or twenty years have faded more or less, or have within them
the elements that lead to fading. Still, although ninety-nine out of a
hundred may have given way, if the remaining one has stood the test of
twenty years without deterioration, further than the natural yellowing of
the p^per on which it was printed, we are entitled to claim for silver
prints a degree of permanency far beyond what is being generally
ascribed to them.
That silver prints have been made that are practically permanent, we
have abundant evidence both in our own and other collections. L;ing
before us while we write are some U x 11 prints from wax-paper negatives,.
made by ourselves at least thirty years ago, some from collodion nega-
tives of a alightly more recent date, and some printed by the once well-
known McOlashan, of Edinburgh, from negatives by Hill & Adamson,
and they all seem as perfect as on the day they were produced,,
except for a slight mellowing or yellowing of the paper. Some are on
plain paper, asnsitised on an ammonio-nitrate bath, and some on home-
albumenised paper, and all toned in one solution, the old fixing and
toning bath.
Those were the days of dark tones, when the nearer to the appearance
of an ordinary engraving the better we were pleased, «nd the negatives
were dense and brilliant enough to admit of deep printing on paper
strong salted and sensitised on strong solutions. Some of the prints in
our possession are in portfolios and some in frames, and several have
crossed the Atlantic tbor tfanas.
Our attention has been turned to this subject by the reading of a paper
recently read by Mr. H. P. Bobinson before the members of the Loodoa
Camera Club, in which the cause of fading is laid on the shoulders of the
chemists. He says, "The whole mischief has arisen from the interference
and exeeeding cleverness of [our chemists, and the progress of photo-
graphy has been much retarded by the inventions of science," a statement
which we are sure he will be inclined to modify on calm consideration.
As a proof of his contention that photographs made before the alleged,
unfavourable .interference of the chemists were practically permanent,.
Mr. Bobinson showed a copy of his well-known jucture, Fading Away,
which be declared to be as perfect as when prinwd, nearly thirty-five
years ago. That it is so we do not doubt, bat we are equally persuaded
that such fading as may{arise from the more recent methods devised by
the ehemistsTand scientists is not due to the use but to the abuse of
those methods — to their ignorant or careless application.
~iv4|^^( of much adverse criticism we have alway sthought well and
ipal^^j^Tof the old combined toning and fixing solution, and conse-
quently are glad to see that Mr. Bobinson's Fading Jtcay, that has not^
faded, was so toned and fixed. The formula he gives is :—
Water 60 ounces.
Sodium hyposulphite 1<> >•
Chloride of gold 15 grains.
Nitrate of silver 15 „
which sometimes took the form of " a jug of water, a tube ol gold, and.
a bit of nitrate of silver."
We do not suppose that photographers generally work thus by rule of
thumb, but the most earefally compounded formula is just so much
6S0
THE BRITISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September 23, 1892
labour in vain where it» application is gone about in an ignorant or
perfunctory way.
During the early days of photography, and especially with such prints
as we have mentioned, the whole work was carried on with greater care and
less haste than now. The prints were fewer in number and larger in size
than is the present average, and each was specially and lovingly treated,
generally by the photographer himself, who, as the prices were good and
the orders confined to but a few copies, could afford to give to the work
an amount of attentive care that would be out of the question under
present circumstances.
To competition and its consequent low prices, then, we must, to a large
extent, attribute the'fading incident to faulty manipulation. To facihtate
rapid printing, negatives are made so thin that only a slight surface re-
duction of silver is required to give the popular warm browns, and con-
sequently the amount of gold which formerly was sufficient to protect the
silver is reduced to the infinitesimal.
Then, instead of only a few prints, as in former times, they are now
produced in large numbers, and fixed, probably several hundreds at a
time, in one tray, and not unfrequently in a hypo solution that has been
employed probably more than once before, and contains silver hypo-
sulphite, and in consequence of the foolish addition of alum, free sulphur,
which, when in a nascent state, may readily enter into combinations that
lead to fading. With several hundreds of prints in one tray it is nearly
impossible to prevent adhesion, or secure equal and thorough fixing, so
that many are transferred to the washing machine still charged with
silver hyposulphite, which, being insoluble, remains there ready to
exercise its destructive action after many days.
There are no doubt other causes of fading that are beyond the control
of even the most careful and intelligent photographer, but we must leave
them for a future article, and conclude this by a strong plea for the more
general employment of the " old fixing and toning bath." It has been
thoughtlessly condemned as a method of sulphur toning, but is only so
when used longer than it should be — used long after the gold is exhausted,
and the hypo converted into the double salt of hypo and silver. It is not
a difficult matter to ascertain how many sheets of any particular depth
of printing may be toned by a fifteen-grain tube of gold ; and if the
photographer will make his negatives sufficiently dense to admit of deep
printing, not on the surface merely, but right through the albumen, and
tone them in a new combined bath, or one that has not been exhausted
by too frequent use, he may rely on his pictures being practically per-
manent, so far as he and his work are concerned.
We have said nothing about washing, because we do not believe that
many cases of fading occur from insufficiency of that operation. A pro-
perly fixed print may be sufficiently washed by eight or ten changes of
water, with ten or fifteen minutes' soaking between each change. No
amount of washing will remove silver hyposulphite from an insufficiently
fixed print, and a too protracted soaking will do harm. Mr. Robinson
says the good old way was to apply a drop of the washing water to the
tongue, and if it did not taste sweet, washing was complete, and we are
not sure that after all this if not satisfactory. The tongue is a dehcate
test, and would certainly detect any trace of the salt that could injure a
print.
©ur ISlJitorial 2rai)Ir.
AVe have received the new catalogue of Jlr. William Tylar, of
Birmingham. In the course of about a hundred pag-es it gives illus-
trated particulars of his numerous and clever specialities, together
with many other articles of photographic utility. Mr. Tylar's cata-
logue affords an excellent idea of how luxurious the pursuit of modem
photography has been rendered by. commercial enterprise. It is full
of " good things."
An " Outing GBorp."
Fob a year or two past the joint outing to the old-fashioned riverside
suburb of Greenwich of those two admirable Societies, the Photo-
graphic Club and the London and Provincial Photographic Associa-
tion, has been very popular with the members, our genial friend, Mr.
A. Haddon, acting the part of the host in the domain of the Royal
Naval College, and thus assuring the success of the gathering. On
the occasion of the recent outing a 12 x 10 group of the members was
taken under the direction of Mr. Iladdon, which, considering the dull
weather prevailing, is excellent. It includes, besides that of Mr.
Haddon himself, portraits of several gentlemen whose names are
familiar to readers of this Joubnal.
The " Kangaboo " Changing Box and Bag.
J. B. OOTz, 19, Buckingham-street, Strand.
This device for changing in the field possesses several highly novel
points. It is intended for cut films, of which it will carry from two
to three dozen in carriers, all or any number of which may be exposed
and changed with remarkable facility. A single back of very slight
width is employed, and this being placed in titu on the front of the
box, at the rear of which are stacked the films, the method of filling
the slide is as follows : — The hands being introduced into the bag on
the top of the box, a trapdoor thereon is opened, the reeded shutter in
front of the box is wound oS, the shutter of the slide is released,
being thrown back by springs as shovni in the cut, and the first
carrier containing a film being lifted up from the back is dropped
wS
'P if ''
:s|,;
^1
9
^
•
into its position in the slide, which, being closed, the reeded shutter is-
unwound, and the slide may then be withdrawn and used to expose
the film in the camera in the ordinary way. To change the exposed
film and substitute another, all that is necessary is to place the slide
on the front of the box as before, draw off the reeded shutter, open
the slide, withdraw the film, and place it at the back of the un-
exposed films, refill, and proceed as at first. A division at the back of
the unexposed films separates them from those which have been ex-
posed, so that no mistake is possible in distinguishing between exposed
and unexposed. A whole-plate box and bag containing three dozen films
weighs scarcely more than four slides containing eight glass plates,
and measuring only about 10x8x4^ is easily carried. The Kangaroo
is one of the simplest and most effective changing arrangements we
have seen, and having recently had an opportunity of witnessing Mr.
Gotz putting it to practical and successful service in the field, we are
disposed to think that it will be found of very great use to those who
desire to easily carry material for a large number of exposures with
simple and reliable means for changing in the open.
Eecbpte tjnd Tabrllen run Photogbaphie und
Kepboductionstbchnik.
By Dr. J. M. Eder. Halle-a-S. : William Knapp.
In this volume Dr. Eder has gathered together a collection of chemical
and optical formula which completely traverse the entire field of
practical photography. It should prove a most useful compilation to
the busy photographer.
RECENT PATENTS.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS.
No. 16,377.— "A Walking-stick Camera Stand." E. C. Ovx^t .—Dated
September 13, 1892.
No. 16,441. — " Improvements in Show CarJs, Calendars, Mounts for Photo-
s^aphs, and the like." J. Brkwis, K. A. BaowN, and A. B. Lknnox.— Z>a(erf
September 14, 1892.
No. 16,477.— "The Amateur's own Washer, with Automatic Syphon."
F. KhiTos.— Dated September 15, 1892.
No. 16,481,— "An Improved Appliance for Printmg Vignette Photographs."
J. C. ROWBOTHAM. — Dated September 15, 1892.
SPECIFICATION PUBLISHED.
1892.
No. 13,597.—" Stage Illusions, &c." MoEBlIT.
Septeml)er 3S, \»>i]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
621
PATENTS COMPLETED.
IMTBOVIMMIS a SBDTmB FOB PBOTOGRAPBir Cj
No 17,514. JoR> Ebwasi) TRomaros nd Eboab Pickard, 8L Huys-stnet,
DMMRita, JboehcstCT, LocHkin.— .4«yiu< 27, 1892.
This inrcBtioa Tthtm to what an known m " instantaneoiu shutters," nod is
dateatd with the ehjeet of pcoridiM sneh • shatter of simple eonstriKtion,
■ho of nniTidll^ raeh diaton with an itHMnnil auxiliary or safety blind
which wfll prarwl Hght pMsiag throng wMkt being set for exposnre.
A box or bnoM, with an apeitnre or a p«fentad back and front of ordinary
coMtrectioo, eaniea both tho axpodag and th* mMt ^Uad^ tl>e former beins
BMvatad to run orar one or two miair roUen, ena at each and of the box, and
the ktter attached to a spring roller at one end thanoC
The axpoaing blind is a sqaaie or raetaagnlar pi«« of suitable opaque
iiialwhil. endi a* nnekintaah, aoth, laatbei; or Ote lOce, of a size to corer either
tha twk or ftoat apartona. tV> eoa and of this opaque exposittg blind two
cofda, daiaa, or (fatina an attached, whUk paaa orar the top roller and down
through the bottom of the box, terminating in a ring, tasael, or knob ; to tbe
other cad of this blind are attached or cooaaelM a aprbg or springs, preferably
two aaa atael spiral mriap. whkh paas ndtr the faattoai raUar and are carried
npwatdatothetopafthebox. Inrtead of theaast«et-wire springs, indiambbvr
springs may be oaad : or tka lilted m^r *>• ■W«<'k«d. far mnaa of conli or
springs, to the banal ofacoilad or Tolrtaapriail or to a spring roller. Where
the fin« npiisl Kpriags an oaad, they may M hstenad to the top of the box, or
they may be connected to a cord or rtef which oan be drawn op and hoolied
OTcrpiMin TaiioaaMii&>os to vary fMlanrioB of the springs for the purpoaa
uf iijuitlut tliB nwart ofthii iTinttiT
In the box betwaaa th« top and boMem raOfn we place a block or bar of
wood or metal, ettbar elaar of the iiiiiiiiImi or with an apertnn therein which
ewnmoada th—with. On thabackofttb Maak or bar is pbewIaheTeUed
proje^tai ot«r whieh tbe blind alipa, nd aatchaa on the mtdemaath edge
whaa dmwa down to oorer tbe apartaHa or doae tbe shatter. A morabia
itilptabiMadofpiratad batwat* tba Hack ami tba blind, br raiaing wfaieb
tbabUndfi UAad daar of tba pn^aatiaK entdi and wlaaaad far exponm
Tha atrip may ba Ufted or morsd by a cerl, poab, or pwenmatir derioa of
ordinary eonatraation.
To tlta s[«i^ lollar at the bottoo of tba box we attach one end of the safety
bUnd, wUeh ia alio of opaoaa mttarial and of aoflaiant length when nnwonnd
- ■ '^ ' Ttt tba other ad of tba aaftty bUod wa
• paaaad orar tbe top raOar or tbroogh
of tbe box. when they connect with
toeorar tbe opmdag in tba box.
attach eetda, daiaa, or aiilaa whl
sTaleU aad down tbnarii the bottom
thoaa atlaebad to tba other bHad.
TUaaafttrhitedaBvalaofaaaaadwitbtbabUadsof iaataatanaooa or time
itaMHiL«HkwMiilifMaatiawa,aaditwillalao ba oMooa that the ax-
pM^UtedbNaia daMfbad aMTba asad witboat tba mMy bUnd. but at
p««aeat wa prafB' to oaa tba twotontiier.
In oparauoa, helign axpoaon tba rxfOitaa Mind com the front opening
of tba sbnttar, aad tba safctr blind b voaad apoa the sprii« roller. To set
the Matter, or^jast the blind for exposal^ tba two seu of corrls an polled
taptbar by tba laaaL The two bUada na tkaa dnwa forwaid at the aame
tImaL tba aad of aae esetlauplag tbe awl of l>a atbar, fcnriag, aa it wan, one
iiualiaaai hltad. Tbe emSTaia palled Ifltba wprahg^BBd baa pasaed
ftam Ike hack, onr tba too rallar, to tba b^m, wbataapaa H tatnbai imilir tba
pr>ieetioD.aadlabald^lBatthaatNaaoftka4ii*tacepriav, Ittban coran
the boat apartan. ao m to edbafatty ixflati tU Ujbt ftaw P— Nr thioagb,
andthaMMTUiad,hariii«samd ita paqw la eoTtriaf tha iy«lan antil
the expOiteg Hiad waa in poaitiaa, iara«Ualaly, when the lamat ia lalmiiii, re-
wiada apeo tba sprlag roller. To make tba axposara, tba axpoaiBg bUad is
Oadelsaroflhaiaqlaeliaobytaiaim tho Mi^wl strip, aad Immadlately the
ipoatag hUad Um hack to ita aoiBMl posftlna, aacoTrrlag and reoorsrlng the
arartan to Hi OMaagak
A abatlar, wttidMy hHad aadi as daneHbad, wfll ba fonad aapaeiany
saitobia tar head caaMtaa, thoogh it wOl ha anfU ibr ordinary oamaraa.
Tba eUma are :— 1. A shutter for photagia^k eararraa coaatnclad with
twa dailhle tnTcUlng hliad^ oae an expoalag bliad to open aad doaa tba
leas ar fin aa axpoaan whaa lalmaad, aad tka other aa aaxiBatir aaibty bliad
totrae^with aad eoear tka adpar ■■■tail af tka axpaalBghUad whaa it ia
HIil
i<«iiwsat topnnatUi^aaiaitag, aadtbaantamtoitoaonaal poaitioa. S.
V shatlar lor pholo^sphie eaamu constnctad with a BexiUe opaque ex-
«an hHad, wUA tnnia fkaa tba ftoet to the back of the shatter orer a
'oaO nllar, to tba uoi aaa of wbkb an attaehod at one edge afcmgatad aprlngi.
Mid aad drawn haek. aad at tba olbsr adga eonki, by wUeh it
^ aabataatially aa daaaiibad. 3. A shanar ibr photogiubie
J aa anoai^ Hiad, wbMl Uaiab from back to fhmt of the
haitar. aetaalad by atpagatad ipriMi ■Ua*M to the arma at one edge, and
bald isaosltioa whaa aat by a pa^aeUat oalA, with vlikh oae edge of tba
hUad «p«M, aad aa aaxlliarT mittr hiitol moaatod on a (ntiag raOar,
whhfc bSwn larwaid acreaa the laaa witb tbe axpoafaw blin^ and whan
laiaaaad ntarna to Ito aeraal position, aabataatially aa and for the porpoee
dlWTltad.
PaoroaunDC Bortarr or Gmut BarrAnr.— The Technical Meatiag, on
aaatatobw t7. wiU ba held in the Oallary, Sa, PaU MaU Eaat, at eight p.m.
Sal^aal, Affmmku em Vinr m Utt JUMMtim.
Laiiuaaiwnt Caxnu CUCK—Tht tnt aaanal uempatltloa aad exlifldtion
WiU taka flan al tka MaaMie Ball. BIgh-nad, UyioartMa, «■ Nonmher
10. 11, aad U^ 1801 Opaa to anataon oaly ; profaasioaala eaa axblhit, bat
noteompatoftrpiiMiL Hxlaaa madab wfll be awardad, dgkt sOnr and elriit
bronsa^ Tba dmam an -.— Jfsilere ew/y ; A. Landseapa^ Naaeapa^aad Aichi-
Rgan Study. C blaigamaaU u. Lantern
E. Uadanpa^ BoMcape, aad AnhHactan. P. Por-
Tba
tectarsk BL
sikiaa(aetofstx). Oft*
tratu aad FIgan atady. O. ,
BaMy torn* Md all «Aar paHienlan ■
4aelkWM«-nad,
eapa, aad at
BBlargsmMta. HrLantam SUdas (set of six).
■my ha oblaii
aab bUUtioa OoHaittae, Roee Bank,
rho oblaiaadaf Mr. AE. Bafler,
■♦ —
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK.
DMa ol Miwtlsg.
September 26 .
» ■
27 .
27 ,
27 ,
27 ,
28 ,
28 ..
20 .
W.
30 .
SO .
W .
30 .
SO .
Nune of Socletr.
Dundee Amateur
Glonoestetshire
North Middlesex
Rossasdale (AmiiuJ)
Oreat Britain (Technical)
Lancaster
Leith Amateur ...»
Warrington
Bath
Boraley
Photographic Club
Halifu Photo. Clnb
HnU
Liverpool Amateur
London and Prorincial ...
Oldham
OardiS
Holbom ...„.....„„
Maidstona _.
Ricbmond ...._
Swansea
Place of Meeting.
Asso. studio, Netherfrate, Dundee,
Jubilee Hall, Homsey-road.
Townsend^rhambers, Ran-teiiittall.
50, Great Knsaell-st., Bloomsbury.
Storey InBtitute, Lancaster.
Husenm, Bold.street, Warrington.
Roy.Lit. & Sc. Inst.,Terrace-walk8,
Bank Chambers,' HargreareB-street.
Anderton's Hotel, Fleet.street,S.C.
Mechanics' Hall, Halifax.
Royal Injititutiou, Hull.
Creflcent Chambers, 3, Lord-street.
Champion Hotel, 15, Aldersmte-st-
The Lyoenm, Union.8treet, Oldham.
"The Palace," Maidstone.
Greyhonnd Hotel, Richmond.
Tenby Hotel, Swansea.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCLATION.
SIPTBMBER 15, — Mr. E. J. Wall in the obair.
The (Chairman made a latse presentation of photographic literature to tbe
Association, and was cordially thanked by the membms.
Tbe following queation bom the box was read:— "Tbe following toning
formula has been published in one or two American journals. One recom-
mends it, and says it giras aa permanent prints as gold toning ; another says
that prints toned with it will be quite fugitive. The formula consisU of
Hypo ....? i ounces.
Lead nitrate 30 grains.
Alum A ounce.
Sodinm phoaphato 10 grains.
Water 10 ounces.
The prints an not washed befon toning, and are removed so soon as the desired
colour is obtained."
Mr. A. Haodox did not think such prints would last very long.
The ChajkmaM said that Valenta had referred to it, and said that sulphur
toning was set np, and that the prints wen not permanent
Mr. Haddon paaaol round the negative, and prints therefrom, of the group
of members of the London and Provincial Photo^phio Association and the
niotognphic Club on the occasion of the recent joint outing to Greenwich.
In reference to the outing Mr. T. R Freshwater described the occasion aa au
enjoyable one, and thought the thanks of those present were due to Mr.
Haildon for his kindness Tn entertaining them. A cordial vote of thanks was
tbetefora passed to Mr. Haddon.
Ahxricas Platss ahd PanrnMo Pboccssis.
Dr. C^AKUn L. MrroRXU, of PhiUdelphia, who was present at the meeting,
addreaaad the mamben on this subject, and mentioned Mie brands ofplatea
moatly naed in Amolea, which he said wen coinpantively few. The 36 X of
the Bead Company about corraspoadad in rapidity with most of the English
diop^nttar |^at«s ; the 2S wan about fifteen per cent slower, and the 23 were
of madiam apaad. Cnmar, of 8t Louis, used to make an immense variety of
rida, tba flHtaat being almoat impossible to uae^ When naed properly, however,
naolto wan good. He had siuoa modified hia aensitometer, and jnade three
gndaa, A B, and C, C being thoae naed for extremely fast work. Mr. C^bntt
made tbiaa kiada, KclipaaTqieoia], and a The B were slow, the Eclipse very
hat, and the Special half-way between. Then were other makes, such as the
Siuky, the Harvard, and the Eagle, the Utter becoming quite popular with
laiifMihiiisU In film*, Carbntt was perhaps the most successful. As regards
printing methods, the moat popular method waa still albumen-silver, being
Wely oaad by profwsionals and amatanrs. Within the last two years
eoUMio aad gatatiao-chloride papers had, however, made very strong assaults
oa albBBMn paper, and had strongly diminiahed its i)o»ularity, a great many
iiinfm^mall naing the two first named. The method of treating collodion
paper with hot water had obviated iU tendency to curi, the prinU being just
coveted with the water, and allowed to remain in it for a few minutes, when
tbe cnri was removed. He (Dr. Mitchell) liad found that curl decidedly
olfiaettonable. Bromide paper was much used for enlarging. Dr. Mitchell
iiM liViMlallj remarked thara l< x 20 cnyon enlantement and one dozen cabineta
wen supplied by many photographers through tne agency of canvassers for as
little aa 16«., an<l in reference to the fiee crayon frauds, steted that the busi-
n«aa in tlMn had been, throngh legal agency, almost broken up. Platinum
papfTwas Md for fine work, althoo^ to a oompantively limited extent on
accounta/ the patent itatrictiona. There was no doubt, however, that for
artistic and exhiUtkm work it waa saperior to anything else in the way of
printing snrfuaa. Aa regards methods of working, there was no difierence
between the two coontrias. The EogUah photographic journals were very
cloaely scanned by enterprising editon on the other side. He would like to
see man oniformity in the size of plates, and woul<I be glad if American and
Engliah photographen united on the point, so that there would be no difficulty
in gottiMOOa^sbe of pUtea away twm home. He preferred the Amencan
lanternSn (4x3J) on account of the extra room which it gave for titles and
comprehensive labels. In conclnfiion, he expressed the conviction that next
year visitors to the Chicago Exhibition would not find the New York Chistom
House as hwl as hitherto : it wa.« nothing like so bad as it was represented.
Mr. K. P. DaAOK asked Dr. Mitchell if celluloid films were much used in.
tbe United Stotcs .'
622
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September 23, 1892
Dr. Mitchell said that for amateur work they were displacing glass. Of
course the perfection of the film depended upon the perfection of the celluloid,
the preparation of which he describe<l. . ^v .
Mr. Alexakbkr Cowan asked if Dr. Slitchell could sav why the Americans
did not, could not, or would not use ammonia in the developer.
Dr MrrcHBLL replied that he had been told that Amencan plates would
not stand ammonia; American photographers did not like the deep yellow
tinite KOt by using pyro and ammonia. In reply to another question, he said
that llydroquinone and eikonogen were used a great deal by amateurs, but
that professionals preferred pyro-soda. .„,.,,., 4.v , »
Mr H Snowden Ward stated that when in New York he had seen the hot
water toning method for collodio-chloride paper in operation at Messrs.
Anthony's establishment. There was no trouble with curling or buckling,
and the prints toned very quickly to a warm purple, although it was stated
that practically any tone could be got. There was a richness and beauty
about the paper that did not exist here in any paper with enamelled surface.
After further discussion, the Chaibmav, in moving a vote of thanks to Dr.
Mitchell, which was carried, referred to the specimen gelatine and collotype
prints given in the American magazines, which were quite equal to anything
T)ro<luced in England. The photogravures were perhaps not quite so good.
Referring to the combined toning and fixing bath containing lead but not
gold, he quoted Valenta as saying that the lead kept the whites clear, and
caused sulphur toning. Gold and lead toned prints had been exposed to
ozonised air, and the latter did not stand very well. In conclusion, the Chair-
man reminded the meeting of what the Brussels Congress and the Photographic
Society of Great Britain had done as to the proposed standard size of plates.
Amidol.
Mr. E. \V. Parfitt exhibited a small bottle containing some stock solution
of amidol, made according to the usual formula. When prepared a fortnight
previous, the solution was quite colourless, but it had since turned brown, and
considerably slowed in action. The water was not boiled.
Mr. Cowan produced the bottle of solution which he had used for developing
twelve plates three weeks ago, and that had not discoloured at all.
Mr. P. EvERiTT had prepared some amidol solution with boiling water, and
it had not discoloured.
Mr. Haddon had had some of the developer in an open developing glass for
two days, and it had not changed its colour.
Mr. T. E. Freshwater had prepared some solution by means of distilled
water, and it had not discoloured.
The Chairman, on the other hand, had found a three weeks' old solution
had discoloured, although he had used distilled water.
On the invitation of Mr. DRAGE(the Hon. Secretary), Dr. Mitchell described
the method of conducting American photographic societies, saying that they
were, as a rule, more formal than the English societies. For his part he preferred
the way in which the English societies were conducted — there was more freedom.
The meeting shortly afterwards terminated.
Hackney Photographic Society.— September 13, Mr. W. P. Dando in the
chair, — Mr. Sodeau explained the use of blue glass in the testing of safety of
the dark-room light. Messrs. Pollard, Grant, Dean, and Roberts showed work.
Mr. Roberts showed some Ilford paper toned with Mr. Welford's bath, and good
results were obtained. A lengthy discussion on the exhibition took place, and
it was finally resolved that no member should be allowed to compete who has not
attended meetings at least four times during the last twelve months. Members
were advised to send in a list of proposed exhibits in order as they thought best,
so that the hanging committee could be guided in selection. Dr. Colquohoun
then gave a short demonstration with amidol. He has used it regularly since
August, and was much pleased with it. In cases of under-exposure it was
very valuable. Mr. Sodeau exhibited a plate he had developed with it. The
exposure was one-twenty-fifth of a second, on a London street, at/-ll onaduU
day, but it had come out very satisfactorily. Dr. Colquohoun then developed
some films, usuig on the last done a solution of chloride of aluminium, which
he said hardened the film to such an extent that it could be washed in hot water.
Putney Photographic Society. — Members of this Society met on Wimble-
•lon Common on Saturday last, and were favoured with lovely weather.
Successful negatives were taken of the firing parties at the various ranges, as
well as of the golfers who frequent this common in large numbers, and whose
characteristic attitudes form good subjects for snapshots. At the invitation of
Mr. Faulkner, member of the Council, the party proceeded to his house at
Roehampton, where they were entertained. The remainder of the afternoon
was spent in photographing in the grounds and palm houses. This was the
last of the summer outings of the present season and a worthy finish to the
series. The winter season opens on Monday, October 10, when a social meeting
will be held in the rooms of the Society in the Charlwood Road, at eight p.m.
Newcastle-on-Tyne and Northern Counties' Photographic Association.
— September 15, the last outdoor meeting of the season was held. The party,
driving in brakes from Gilsland, visited Birdoswald, Coom Craig, Lanercast
Priory, and Naworth Castle. The weather was favourable, and a %'ery enjoy-
able day resulted. Mr. M. Auty acted as leader in his usual thorough
manner.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RULE.
To the Editor.
Sib, — Mr. Bedding accepts my assurance that I am "unbiassed,"
although seemingly not " unprejudiced."
I fail to see the difference, and as he again and again makes such
assertions, instead of arguing the matter fairly, I should like to make a
personal explanation.
In the spring before last my attention was called to the researches of
Messrs. Hurter & Driffield, published about a year previously. I gave
their work my close study, and was astonished that it bad not been
brought under the notice of photographers in general. I prepared an
abstract of their paper, which you did me the honour to publish.
I found that their theory gave a new light to many photographic
problems, and I caused instruments to be made for my own use and for
further verification and investigation. This, I submit, was not the action o£
bias or prejudice ; it was prompted solely by the wish to examine, and profit
by, the highest scientific researches which had fallen under my notice.
Later on, I found that the public were wishful to know the speed of their
plates, and, having the necessary instruments at hand, I responded to
the demand. I am imwilling to intrude these matters on your readers^
but the whole history of my connexion with quantitative photography
shows not prejudice, but the reverse, when examined step by step. Had
I been prejudiced I should have despised every other attempt to construct
an actinometer or exposure table ; but I have always approved any
sensible effort to guide the young or the occasional worker in the matter
of exposure.
Mr. Bedding's central contention is as follows : — " Your measurements
of intensity of light, area of diaphragm, speed of plate, absorption of lens,
are all subject to error ; then why measure at all?" He might as well
ask his tailor the same question, and 1 would give him his tailor's reply.
Ko measurements whatever are free from error, and I have been careful
to admit that they are but approximate; but the "judgment" must be
"mellow" indeed that can give greater accuracy. "Oh," says Mr.
Bedding, " but I can modify my development to suit the case of over or
under-exposure; this, too, requires learning, but experience will make-
you perfect." His argument cuts its own throat. We all know of the
elerk whose expertness in " scratching out" prevented his obtaining the-
situation ; so this aptitude in dodging development condemns the " judg-
ment " theory of exposure.
There is, indeed, a seeming paradox, which is a real difficulty to many,
the reconciliation of "correct exposure" and "latitude." I can here
only touch on the subject as far as it is pertinent to the discussion in.
hand, as the full exposition would trespass too much on your space.
Here is a slow plate, and here is an object of small degree of contrast. Any
exposure, in a definite light, between, say, two and/or(i/ seconds gives an
eqiially correct negative. With an object of greater contrast, by adding
lighter tints, any exposure between two and twenty seconds is equally
admissible. With greater contrast of subject, the limits of correct expo-
sure are narrowed, until at last two seconds is the only correct exposure.
With still greater contrasts the plate refuses to give a correct representa-
tion of all the tints of the subject.
As far as I know, from this law there is no escape, and it shows why,
and to what extent, an experienced guess may serve the practical require-
ments of the photographer. The anomalies and contradictions which
are thus explained are too numerous for me to refer to ; they will readily
suggest themselves to any thoughtful reader of the Jocrsal. And this
result, of such deep importance, could never have been reached but for
the quantitative researches with which I am proud to be, even remotely,
associated.
The reason will now be seen why the combined errors of a calculatei
exposure so seldom throw the result beyond the limits of latitude of the
plate, placing the beginner or the occasional worker on a par if not in<
advance of the constant operator, especially when using different types of
plates for various requisites.
It is asserted that some plates become faster by keeping ; others slower ;
that a yellow lens absorbs twenty-five per cent, of the light through
colour alone. How are these things known, if true ? By the exposure
proving erroneous. Judgment has been found at fault. The experienced
worker has made a mistake.
But by calculated exposures such en'ors are much more easily traced
to their origin, and allowed for in future. Indeed, unless the exposures
are calculated, it is rash to say that the speed of the plates has varied, or
how much per cent, the lens absorbs.
Mr. Bedding's original paper makes no mention of makers' descriptions
of plates. He says it was, in short, " by comparing the exposure about
to be given with that previously given under similar or different con-
ditions, as the case may be, that experience was gained," leaving un-
touched the determination of the exposure about to he given. Otherwise,
by trial and error in exposure, experience is gained ; by experience,
judgment in exposure is acquired. Therefore, correct exposure is founded
on trial and error. Moreover, the conditions of which he speaks are
the varying appearance of the focussing screen. Surely, sir, I may
conclude with the old adage, "Who will toCupar maun to Cupar." — I am,
yotu:s, &c., K. C. Phillips.
The Arts Club, Manchester, September 19, 1892.
[This matter has now been fully dealt with, and here terminates.—
Ed,]
> —
"COOL WATERS."
To the Editob.
Sir,— In your last issue you publish a letter from Mr. Henry Whitfield
re " Photography and the Illustrated Press," wherein we are accused ot
describing a picture (published in the Illustrated London News o
Septemljer -33, 1892]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
623
August 7 iMt) " m by oanelT«s," wbenw be olaims to have prodaced
the iMmitin
This is the fint intinuUion wa hsTe erar had that Mr. Wbittield had
anything to do with it, but niiiuiDniIwi we entirely deny ever having
deaeribed it as being by oonelTes, or in any way niggened or implied
the MUM at any time, notwithstanding ou legal poiehaaed right to have
done io bad we been so disposed.
The tact* of the ease are as tdlows : — Same few months since we par-
chased bom Mr. J. Vanghan the bnaiaeas, negatives, and all appertaining
thereto, knowing nothing of Mr. Whitfield. _ Exhibited in the window
Xwbete it bad been for some years) was the pietore Cool Ji'atm, with the
eaekeed printed ticket attached : " Photographed from natnre and en-
laiged by y. Yanghan." A member of the firm of " Ross's " Electrotype
Agency, FUet-straet, E.G., inqoired whether we had any pictures of a
similar nature that they could make oae of. We explained that, baring
only jnst purchased, we scarcely knew, bat would commnnioate. We
sabmitted sereraL Cool n'ateT$ was sdeeted, and a sum offered tor the
toU eop^ght. We replied that we eoold not undertake to grant sole
right, as we were not aware as to what had been done by our predecessor,
who made the negattre, but would aeaept the snm named for whatever
ri^t we had in the pietme lor any pmpOM they might require.
Ws beard notlitaf mon of the mattar miD na pietara Mpeared in the
lUmtraUd LomdanJfem, when we ware Bash svpriaad and not altogether
gratified.
We bag to piotest against the manner in which Mr. Whitfield has
brought the enarge against as without first making soma attempt to
aseotain the facts.— We are. yoars, Ac., Momak d; Co.
119, Old Ckriit CImrchroad, Bournemoutlt, September 17, 1893.
To the EniToa.
Sia, — Beferring to the letter which appeared in your last week's issue
from Mr. Whttfittd. may wa asjr that, as we were instrumental in the
pablieatioa of the pictua in qtMstioa in the Idiutrated Ixmdcm Hem;
and as we knaw nothing of Ifr. WUtMd in the matter, wa laquastad the
paper to aeloiowladge Ifeasn. Mcrgaa ft Co., of Boamamoath, as the
photographers tron whom wa obtained tbs original, sinaa they ware the
owners of the picture, and tha ooly panoos whose namas we knew in
cooneuon with it ? This aafcnawladgiMBt ol Meerrs. Morgan <1 Co. was
not made at their reaoMt, nor with UMir knowledge, but siinply out c(
eoortaay, in oar usual tonn.— Wa are, jmbs, ifcc., Nors & TAaBAar.
19. Luinate Hni. Seottmber 20, IWS.
HOW TO GET A OOLD MEDAL.
To the Bdro*.
Sn,— On my latum from the ssatiJs I found the endoaed from the
iaademie PaiMs— das Intaiilaois. I Aoold vary much like to sign
my BHte with a good long tail to it. but Ml at my own expanse ; there-
f ors, should yoo issl Indinad to make ma a nioe Christmas-box, tob can
do so bf loUonrtag Z. Borttehar's iastruAtiaML Use the analeaed as yoo
may thtak psopv.— I am, yooia, Aau. Joatra Oioaoi Honsox.
4, JtMdb^A-pwlnu, Haidti VaU. S^imhtr 10. 18M.
[The feUowiag U an extract from tha invitation which was sent to
/KIT correapondant, — Ed.]
" Puaux Ixvcnoas ActncitT.
i " Parit, September 6, 1899.
" J. a. Hudaoa. Baq.
" Sn. — Wa beg to infcnn you that tha Academy has conferred upon
you the title at Uooontj Mambar (Ifambta dHoaaonr), with award of
(ha flrst-elass diploma and tha gnat goid medal (gOdad).
" This boooatahia titia will ba ol ao axpaaaa to you. bat if yon ara
daaboos to rsaaiva tha medal and diploaw yoa would hava to sand lu a
poat mooay ocdsr, to ba paid in Paris, o( U. (or bank-notsa per lagistarad
ietlsr) to eorar admfaaton taxes, (raUkt, ««., and we shall ssnd both wall
paAad and tiaa «f ebaigs to yoor aadiMa,"
The foDowiag aia the objaeU ot tha .\eademy :—
" 1. To eontiibnte to tha piogiaae ol all which eoaearas poblic
' 3. To dieouas the value of the latest iaventioos and disooveiias, and
to aasisi iavaators by its infioanes, its relations, Ac, to find the proper
ways aad mssns to draw benefit from tbeir inventions and innovations.
" >. To sBtartaio lalatiaaa to ba toUawed up by a brotherly spirit
between aU ito
ACOUBACT OF PHOTOOBAPHIC APPARATUS.
To the EDrroa.
Sis,— I read with interest yonr article on " Aoeuraey of Photographic
Apparatw," aa I have lalalv bean snSaring from tha want of it. I nave
jost latuinaJ bom tha iiil||ibiiiiiliiiiiil ol wa Mattarhom, an oat.of-tha.
way part of Bwllxettaad. in a pbotogTaphie senee. as there were no shops
to replaee tmtltf apparatus, or bay anything connected with photography.
I had taken witt ma savaral packets of cut films, with which I had great
troaUa, aa somm al Ikmm were cut one-eighth of an inch too small, with
<ba rasalt that Ibsj sHhsr would net remain in the holder, or else, when
the slide was drawn, it was impossible to push it back, and the film either
fell into the body of the camera or was crumpled up. I wonder if any of
your readers have suffered in the same way. The trouble with the turn-
back pin is one from which I have suffered for a long time, and it has
always been a wonder to me that the makers do not put a slight depres-
sion with a file, or finish off with a swallow-tail instead of a point, in
either of which the nail would easily catch. I enclose my card, and am,
yours, A-c, M.
September 16, 1892.
»
AFFILIATION OF SOCIETIES' SCHEME.
To the Editoe.
Sir, — It has appeared to me for some time past that, with the powerful
assistance of the photographic Press (which seems to be seldom invoked
in vain), the practical usefulness of the host of Societies throughout the
United Kingdom might be greatly extended, if some system of reciprocity
ooald be introduced with regard to the use of dark rooms by visitors, and
their admittance to meetings, excursions, &c.
Enclosed is a copy of the prospectus and rules ot the Cheltenham
Amateur Photographic Society, giving particulars of what this Society is
willing to offer to the members of any other Society who will give in
return such conveniences as they may possess for the use of our members.
Visitors should bo armed with a card of introduction from their Secre-
taries, sach as I enclose herewith.
To put the scheme into practice, I propose that the Secretaries of such
Societies as are willing to throw their premises open to all other Societies
who reciprocate, should write to me, giring particulars ot the con-
veniencies which visitors may expect to find there. These Societies
would then be elassified, and I vrould send a full list to the photographic
journals. All the Secretaries interested would then be put in possession
of the falleat partienlars of the resources of each Society affiliated. A
system of freemMonry would thus be initiated, which could not fail to
make the pradtiee of amateur photography still more pleasant and
fascinating. Most ot ns, when visiting a strange town, will appreciate
the advantage of being able to change plates, and possibly develop,
without toss or favour, to say nothing of the introductions to local
amateurs, in a position to give much asefal local information and
assistance.
I cannot but think that, if this idea be carried out, and, perhaps, en-
larged upon later, it must prove of general benefit, and, perhaps, do some-
thing towards preventing the disappearance ot some ot those Societies
which are misssd from our midst from time to time.
I sea no reason why such affiliation shoold be restricted to British
Boeiatiss only; lor instanoe, will Chicago Societies reciprocate? Per-
il^ members of Societies will draw the attention of their Secretaries to
this letter, and urge action? Thanking yoa in anticipation, I am,
yours. Sec, Phiup Thomas,
Secretary, Cheltenliam Amateur Photographic Society.
Batk-rcad, Cheltenhawi, September 17, 1893.
EXETEB AMATEUB PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETTS EXHIBITION
To the EnrroB.
Sia,— We aia arranging an exhibition for the last week in November,
fall details ot which will appear later on. It will be open to all, amatears
and professionals, bat the former only will be eligiDle for the competi-
tions. It you will kindly give publicity to this, we shall esteem it a great
favour. — I am, yours, iVc, John Spabhhatt, Hon. Secretary.
Fairfield Hauee, Alphington-road, Exeter, September 18, 1893.
HACKNEY PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY EXHIBITION.
To the EnrroK.
StB,— This Exhibition will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and
Thursday, November 1.5th, 16th, and 17ih, 1893, at Morley Hall, Hackney.
The jadges will be, in all probability. Captain Abney, F.Ii.S., ilc, and
Messrs. Ralph W. Robinson and J. Gale. The open classes will be :
I. Staraoeoopie ', 3, Portraiture and Genre; 3, Lantern slides ; and, 4,
Landscape. Entry forma will be ready by next week. Application tor
space for apparatas, itc, is required as earlyas possible.— I am. yours, Ac.
Siptember 19, 1893. W. Femto.n Jones, Hon. Sec.
BiBXixcHAM Photographic Societt.— September 27, Social Meeting.
October 4, Manipulation of Uelatinn-Chloride Paper, by Mr. E. Underwood.
11, Self -help f'tr .Amateurt. by Mr. W. R Osbom. I8,PriM Slides. 25, Lantern
SluiU ifaiiiij, )>y ilr.E. H. Jaques. At some subsequent date it is proposed to
bare a lanteru display of labject* taken on excuraions during the last season.
The Thomton-Pickard Manabctaring Company announce that they hare
cooiplettil the erection of th«rlr new factory and offices at Altrincham, near
Mancbnter, and that the wliole of their litxiness will be transferred to the
Dsw premiMS from September 'J4. after which all coniniunioationa should be
Mut to the new addreas. Tbe factory- has been ilesigued and built expressly
for tbe maniifactuA! of the Thomton-rickonl specialities.
624
THE BlUriSH JODKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September 23, 1892
4
EtiatoersJ to OTovrfspontients.
Aa maUers for the tfxt portion of this JoCTNAL, ttidiultng queries for^
"Atuviers" and "Exchanges," must be addressed to ■•TwR Editor,
2, Torh^reet, Covent Ganlen, London. Inattention tx> this ensures delay.
No notice taken, of communications unless name ami address of tmter are
* • Cmnmunications relating to AdveHUements and general business ^airs
must he addressed to "Henry Gbke-nwood & Co.," 2, York-street, Covent
Oarden, Lotulcn.
Photooeaphs Reoisterkd :
Gooawin Thorlev, Lou(? Eaton Photojl-aph 0/ Long Eaton WaterxnorVs, with group
in front o/iuiUiiu;.
J BeJI, Ftome.—Photnoraph nf the interior 0/ St. John's Parish Church, Fronu:,
Somerset, and (if the Wjh allor of St. John's Porish Church, FrorM.
W. Griffiths. —Tlianks ; the date named will do perfectly well.
•Captain J. Hors. — Tlie scratches may be removed from the surface of ebonite
by poli.shing.
\V. S. Veddie.— Abney's Instruction in Photography would probably suit
your purpose.
J. D. Tringrove (Petei^orough).— By reproducing or selling the picture you
render yourself liable to prosecution.
mcBTXtv.—lJry Plates, edited bv Cadett & Neall; Tlie Hand Camera, and
How to Use it, by Walter D. Welford. These and others in our next.
Two Years' Subscriber, — If you ivrite to Messrs. Newman & Guardia,
_Farringdon-road, E.C., they would give you the information required.
F. W. BOCKEN.— We should think that the light from either a coal or coke fire,
if it gained access to either sensitive plates or papers, would fog the pictures,
Sebgeant-Major.— We presume there would be no objection to your taking
photographs in Kew Gardens while wearing your uniform, provided you have
the ordinary permit to photograph in the gardens and houses.
C. Brewer.— It is tolerably well known that the xylonite dishes are not
adapted for holding methylated spirit, inasmuch as that material is soluble
in it. You now see the reason why your tray has " come to grief."
Stella.— The minute transparent specks on the negatives arise from dust on
the plates. Before putting them in the sheaths, carefully dust them with a
broad camel's-hair brush. Also, well dust the inside of the apparatus.
R. A, J.— If the enlargement has turned yellow in less than three months, we
should say that you would be perfectly justified in returning it to the maker
for replacement, in the same manner as your customer has done to you.
A. E. B,ULEy (Hon. Secretary, Leytonstone Camera Club).— The notice of your
exhibition was crowded out last week. We are sorry we cannot undertake
to distribute the entry forms. Terms for advertising have been sent you.
Rbv. Dr. R. 0. Davies.— 1. At p. 783 of the Almanac for 1892 the formulas
of several hypo eliminators are given. 2. Hot water would obviously not
answer for a printing-out paper in which gelatine is employed as a vehicle.
:B. a. S.— a lens with an aperture of /-6 will be quite quick enough for out-
door work with a drop shutter, in an average light, with plates of extra rapid
kind. With a little practice, a whole-plate camera can be used successfully
as a hand camera.
T. Bloom.— If your query was not replied to it was because you did not append
^your name and address : consequently the letter was consigned to the waste-
"paper basket. Repeat your question. The answer can appear under initials
or a nom-de-plmne
W. A.— From your description we think that if the negatives were placed in
a clearing solution, say a saturated solution of alum with an ounce of hydro-
chloric acid to the pint, for an hour or two, they might become printable.
Try with one or two.
H. W. Keast.— Your employer will have to pay your full salary up to the
time that the notice expires. Unless there was an agreement to that effect,
he is not bound to pay your fare back. If you summon him, and gain your
case, the Court mil allow yon costs.
H. C. — Without an analysis it is impossible to say what is the cause of the
spots which appear after mounting. There are many other causes of spots
than bronze powder. Better place some of the prints and some of the
mounts in tlie hands of an analj^tical chemist for examination and report.
S. S. — It by no means follows that because albumenised paper has an offensive
smell it is prepared with blood albumen, though such is, to a certain
extent, a popular fallacy. Notwithstanding that the paper you are employing
" stinks abominably," it may be prepared with nothing but whites of eggs.
D. Such. — The blurred effect on the windows is halation. If the plates had
been backed, as all plates should be that are used on interiors, the trouble
would be avoided. As the negatives have to be taken again of a different
size, back them by any of the well-known methods, and good results will be
obtained.
T. Worlet. — The best way we know of cleaning the gelatine films from old
negatives is to soak them in cold water for a day or so, and then immerse
them in hot water. Hydrofluoric acid may be employed, bnt it is very
unpleasant stuff to use. We should recommend the purely hydropathic
treatment.
A. H. DE Ath. — The markings are clearly due to the manipulations. "They
are entirely on the surface of the print, and some of them are decided
finger-marks. By treating the print with a sponge and cold water the
whole of the marks were removed, and the surface left perfectly clear and
bright. The picture apparently has been over-toned.
A. Simmons. — The mere registration of a picture at Stationers' Hall does not
thereby confer copyright, unless the Act has in other respects been comjilied
with. In the first place, did you receive pay, and were you authorised in
writing by the sitters to copjTight their portraits .' If you have complied
with these conditions', you have a clear case against the pirates.
Mr. Wilson Noble, M.P., writes: "Can you tell me where the hyjx) and
meta-bisulphite cartridges mentioned by Miss Ethel Constance May are to bo
obtained; Anything that gets rid of the nuisance of weighing hyjio must
be a boon." — So fai' as we are aware, the cartridges are not articles of com-
merce in this country. They are, we believe, used in Austria and Germany.
Bella. — Immersing albumen prints in a strong solution of alum after they are
taken from the fixing bath will not prevent blisters. The treatment tlie
print has been subjected to will fully account for its stained aud yellow
appearance. Blisters may be avoided by immersing the prints when they
are taken from the frame, prior to washing, in methylated spirit. This
preventive has never failed in our hands.
Expand says : " I have mounteil a number of platinotype specimens on good
platinotype mounts, gold bevel edge, and exposed them in my window un-
covered. The files have spitted over them nicely, and unless something will
remove these spots, prints and mounts will be useless. Have tried cold
water and sponge. Can you tell me what will remove this trouble without
spoiling surface of mounts or prints ?"— If a sponge and cold water will not
remove the trouble, we know of nothing that will. Prints of tliis kind sliould
always be protected by glass, particularly at this time of year.
Othello writes as follows : " I have found a great difficulty occur in my use
of the new gelatine printing pajiers. It is the spotting. In the rush of
business I cannot afi'ord to take them from the washing water and dry l)efore
spotting. This might answer, but I always prefer to squeegee tliem direct
on collodionised glass. (I invariably use collodion on the surface to protect
from future moist aud dirty fingers.) I have spent several shillings in
mediums, &c., that are supposed to dry bright, but in my hands they have all
failed, leaving unmistakable evidence of their application on the collodion
surface. I fancy I have heard or read of a formula for a spotting mediimi
that contains gum senega], which could be used on the collodion surface
without disfiguring it. If you or your readers could give me any information
on this subject, I should be greatly obliged."— Perhaps some of our readers
will assist " Othello " in his difficulty.
The new address of the Liverpool Amateur Photographic Association is
Percy-buildings, Eberle-street, Liverpool.
North London Photographic Society.- October 4, Lantern Night, 18,
Technical Evening. Nominations for Council and officers for ensuing year for
election at Annual Meeting. November 1, Annual General Meeting.
The London agency of Messrs. Walter Griffiths & Co., of Birmingham, has
been placed in the hands of Mr. L. E. Morgan (late of the Fry .Manufacturing
Company), to whom communications should be addressed at 5, Agar-street,
Charing-cross, W.C.
The Leigh Photographic Society are to have a lecture room and dark room in
the new Technical School at Leigh, the foundation-stone of which was laid on
the 10th inst. by the Hon. L. Powys. The first annual meeting of the Society
will be held on the 29th inst.
London and Provincial Photographic Association.— September 29, A
Xew aelatlne Emulsion for Lantern Slides, by Mr. G, T. Hams, with
specimens. 24, Outing, Hadley Wood. October 6, Various Printing Pro-
cesses, by Mr. B. Foulkes Winks.
Mb. W. D. Welkord informs us that he has received from the Secretary of
the Queen of the Belgians a kind letter, in which he is instructed to express
Her Majesty's great admiration of Mr. Welford's Belgian street scenes, taken
with a hand camera, in the use of which Mr. WeUord is known to be
proficient
In connexion with the evening classes of the City of London Young Men's
Christian Association, Mr. B. Foulkes Winks is to give, commencing with the
evening of Thursday, September 29, a coarse of instruction lu Photography,
and will be happy to forward tickets of admission for the introductory lecture
on the above date.
The Photographic Club,— September 28, The Object of Photography, by
Miss Catharine Weed Barnes. October 5 first Lantern Night of the season ;
slides from negatives taken during the Edinburgh Convention meeting. Outing,
Saturday next, September 24, Hadley Woods ; meet at High Bamet Station
between two and fifteen minutes past two.
We have received the calendar and syllabus of the evening classes in con-
nexion with the People's Palace Technical Schools. The elementary and ad-
vanced courses of Technical Photography are under the direction of air,
Charles W. Gamble, the instructor in Retouching being Mr. Wolfgang ArnOt.
The syllabus of these two courses is set forth in such detad as to leave no doubt
that the subject is fully dealt with in all its many departments.
OONT
Paox
abnormal effects in LIOHTINO .. 609
thr position and pbospkcts of
professional PHOTOOKAPHY .... 610
the stasnotypf. process for
lantern slides 610
convention jottings.— IX 618
A STANDARD DEVELOPER. By F.
HUBTER asd V. C. DRIFFIELD .... CIS
DECORATIONS AND FITTINGS. By
EDWARD DUNMORE 6U
ON things in OENERAL. By FREE
LANCE 615
iKT8,
FaOI
DR. H. W. VOGEL ON THE DECAY OF
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY .... 616
CONTINENTAL NOTES AND NEWS .... 61«
ASTRONOMICAL PHOTOGRAPHY. By
H. C. WILSON ..,.■ 617
DETECTIVE, HAND. AND MAGAZINl.
CVMERAS. By .1 C. HANNYSOTON .. 618
THE ALLEGED FADING OF 8U.\ ER
PRINTS ««
OUR EDITORIAL TABLE 2"
RECENT PATENTS gj
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES *^
CORRESPONDENCE •»
ANSWERS lO CORRESPONDENTS «»1
THE BKITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1691. Vol. XXXIX.— SEPTEMBER 30, 1892.
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION.
The Exhibition of the Photognphio Society of Great Britain
serves as a watch-tower from whicl^ year after year, we auiy note
the ad ranees that have been nuule. It was on this, as on former
occasions, formally opened by a soir^ which was numerously
attended by members and friends, Mine of whom had travelled
gnat distMices to be present. Thay were received by Captain
Abney, F.&S., President of the Society, and Mrs. Abney,
together with some of the members of Council.
The crush, not usually accounted uni^easant, was as great
aa ever, and the accustomed query, " Is the show up to the
average t" received an emphatic affirmative response, one
member's inquiiy as to what his interlocutor thought of the
" Shipwreck " being received with the smile of confidence which
the irony demanded. Indeed, so great was the number of
pictures sent in, that about one-third of the whole was of
oeceasity rejectetL We think we are correct in saying that the
verdict of the Judges has on the whole met with general
approval, though in one or two particular instances it was
snggeeted that a bestowal of awards in nnuther direction might
have been justified on the merits of the case.
The first thing notioeeUe in the Exhibition is the variety of
tones which the pictures present While ordinary platinum tones
still hold their own, there are a greater number of sepia prints
than on any previous occasion. We have several times spoken
of bow well this colour lends itself to the production of photo-
graphs on tough-suiftoe paper. Carbon printing, which during
the last and preceding year seemed to be lugging behind, is, we
are glad to see, here to the front in considerable Ibroe.
Technical merit had some yean since taken such a high
pboe as to leave but little room for any great advance being
made ; but it is gratifying to find that photoi^raphen have
gone with a steady aim at improving the art qualities of their
exhibits ; indeed, it may fairly be said that in this respect the
present Elxbibition shows an advance on all previous ones. We
observe, as conspicuous by absence, very few illustrations of
■nap-shots taken by hand cameras. We have beard that
sevenl wen sent in, but that, possibly from want of wall-space
or from intrinsic demerits, the Selecting Committee had to
leave them oat. Let us hope that in another year, by which
time it is expected that the present Exhibition room will not be
at the ssrvice of the Photographic Society of Great Britain,
another both larger and better-appointed gallery will be
second, and also in virtue of greater art experience, it will
not then be aeeesMry to say, as on the present occasion,
that such a large percentage of all the pictures sent in were re-
luctantly unhung.
The new8j)aper press has, with perhaps a solitary exception,
spoken of the Exhibition in highly favourable terms. That
exception is the Times, a perusal of its article instantly esta-
blishing the fact of the absence of its quoudam skilful and,
scholarly crific (Sir Henry Trueman Wood), whose able de-
scriptive and critical remarks in former years stand out
in all the brighter and bolder relief on account of his
absence.
The lantern transparencies this year, both in tone, gradation
and composition, are of a high order of merit ; but it is to be
regretted that the exhibition of lanterns themselves and other
lantern appliances is so aparse. This regret extends to all the
mechanic^ section. The quality, however, in this department
is so good as to somewhat make amends for the paucity of
exhibits.
With the few exceptions above enumerate<l, we are happy to
recognise in the present Elxhibition qualities which compel us
to regard its future with unalloyed contidencar The critic we
have already noticed is pleased to decry the art merits of
the Exhibition, but the refutation of such an interested dis-
paragement will be apparent to all who will give an intelligent
inspection to the pictures on the walls ; for we take leave to
say that the progress of art photography is not dependent
upon the productions or good countenance of two or three
workers having not generally recognised views on the focal
treatment of subjects ; and, as for the foot of their abstention
from such an Exhibition as that tuder review having anything
but the smallest influence in any respect, the idea is too absurd
to be entertained.
To sum up, the current Exhibition of the Photographic
Society must be set down as an unqualified success. Por-
traiture ranks as highly as ever in its two dominant schools of
touched and untouched work, while the treatment of landscape
work,, is its different varieties of focal and tune renderings,
pr««id«e« diversified display which, while it may give rise to
animated discussion, above all attests the marvellous and
constantly expanding powers of photography in transcribing
nature in all its illimitable phases. Architectural photography,
, V^teriors, the scientific applications of photography, photo-
' mechanical work, humour, composition, and a laudable degree
' of technical skill, find the highest fonns of treatment in the
I Exhibition, the uniform success of which we are sure will
constitute a landmark, both in the history of photography and
of the Society which has gathered it together.
626
THE BKinSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[Septem'ber 30, 1892
RESTORING FADED ALBUMEN PRINTS.
There are few of our readers, we imagine, who have not in
their collection of photographs some which have passed or are
passing into the " sere and yellow " stage, and in a great many
instances, no doubt, the means of restoring a valued portrait
to its pristine condition, or of saving it from getting worse,
would be welcomed, if such were available. It is quite true
such methods do exist, but they are only to be relied upon in the
most skilful hands, and at best give but an unsatisfactory result.
The most famlMar of the old-fashioned methodg consists in
treating the print with bicUoiide of mercury, and afterwards
■with one or other of a variety of substances familiar to the
worker of dry plates in connexion with mercurial intensification,
the process of restoration being, in fact, almost identical with
the latter. By treatment with the mercurial salt, the faded or
yellowed image becomes further bleached, and apparently
almost destroyed, owing to the conversion of the silver, of
wltich it is chiefly formed, into a white or nearly white
chloride ; but the application of a second solution, say, of very
weak hypo, again darkens it by conversion into a sulphide in
which silver and mercury exist together, and which form a
vigorous and not altogether unpleasing image.
The colour of such converted images is, however, invariably
of a brown tone, though it is not easy to secure with certainty
any particular tint that may be desired, and the result is as
likely to be unsatisfactory as not, more especially in these days,
when brown tones are not universally admired. Besides which,
a strong prejudice exists against the use of mercury in this
manner on account of an imaginary want of permanency of the
restored image. This suspicion is, however, so far as we
know, entirely ungrounded ; for if the print be properly
treated, that is to say, carefully washed between the various
operations, the resulting image may be relied upon as con-
sisting of an almost unchangeable compound, while the whites
of the picture are at least in no worse condition as regards
liability to discolouration than they were before the treatment.
A similar process, and one which possesses advantages over
the mercurial method, though it has not, we believe, been
generally applied to this purpose, consists in the substitution
of perchloride of copper for the chloride of mercury in the
primary bleaching of the image. This acts in a precisely
similar manner, converting the silver image into one of com-
pound chloride of silver and copper, which is amenable to the
same modes of after-treatment as the one composed of mercury.
But the preferential plan of reduction, when the cupric chloride
is used, is to apply one of the ordinary developers used for dry
plates, only taking care that it is considerably diluted and
restrained, and of such a nature as not to stain the paper. In
this manner a very considerable variety of tone may be ob-
tained, both by changing the developer and by varying its
strength, and the process is free from the unfortunate suspicion
of want of permanency that attaches to the method just men-
tioned.
A serious drawback to the use of the copper salt is found,
however, in the persistency with which it clings to the print,
not only in the soluble condition in which it exists in the solu-
tion, but also, it is to be feared, in an insoluble state, or nearly
so, as cuprous chloride, which, though colourless, or nearly so,
in itself, is subject to reduction on the subsequent application
of the developer, and so causing discolouration of the whites
of the print. This danger is minimised by slightly acidifying
the bleaching solution with hydrochloric acid, which prevents
the formation of the subchloride, and by copious and carefuF
washing of the print after treatment, imder which conditions
no discolouration of the whites will occur.
When the details of the copper process are carefully and
intelligently carried out, it is possible, as already stated, to-
secure a great variety of tones, from warm to neutral black,
though, perhaps, dt would be inaccurate to claim that any
individual colour ean be secured or repeated with absolute cer-
tainty. We were at one time of opinion that the colour might
be varied by giving the bleached print a more or less prolonged
exposure to light before reduction, so as to produce the same
effect as fe obtained by varying the exposure of chloride prints ;.
but a more careful scrutiny of the results obtained have con-
vinced us that the presence of copper in the bleached and
nearly invisible image altogether upsets the reliability of any
such expectations.
What is really required, then, would seem to be a method by
which the image can be converted into pure silver chloride, or,
at least, silver chloride, without the presence of any other
reducible metal. Fortunately, this is a very easy matter, for
we have only to substitute for the bleaching solution already
mentioned one containing a soluble chloride and a little free
chromic acid, or, what amounts to the same thing, a solution
of bichromate of potash to which is added some common salt
and a few drops of hydrochloric acid. When such a solution
is used, the silver composing the image is converted into
chloride, and beyond a deep yellow stain which pervades both
the albumen film and the pores of the paper, caused by the
bichromate, no other impurity remains. This stain is,
however, easily and quickly removed by simple soaking in^
water if the print be kept from exposure to strong light, and
the image may then be supposed to consist solely of chloride
of silver, with the slight exception that will be referred to
presently.
In speaking of the image, we have treated it as consisting
solely of metallic silver, or some organic compound completely
acted upon by the various 1)leaching solutions ; but theoreti-
cally, in the case of a faded image, it should be composed, at
least partially, of a sulphur compound of silver, to which it
owes its yellowness. That the compound cannot be ordinary
silver sulphide, or, if it is, that its quantity must be extremely
minute, is evident from the behaviour of the bleaching
solutions, for, while sulphide of silver is one of the most
difficult substances to act upon, the yellow faded image is-
almost entirely removed by all of the solutions named above.
The precise appearance of the print after bleaching will vary
very materially with its condition before that operation,
slightly in proportion to the degree of fading, but very con-
siderably according to the original tone, that is to say, to
the quantity of gold present. A vigorous purple-black toned
print will leave, after conversion into chloride, an image
of a greyish or slate colour which, after a very prolonged
immersion in the chromic solution, almost disappears ; the
more fashionable red and brown-purple tones, carrying less
gold, the image after bleaching is scarcely visible as a faint
dirty yellow. That the substance forming the faded portion
of the image is acted upon by the bleaching solution is
shown by the fact that the very worst cases of fading exhibit
scarcely, if any, difference iu appearance after treatment from
perfectly fresh prints of similar vigour. Therefore, we repeat,,
the image left by the chromic solution may be considered a*
practically pure chloride of silver, plus the very small quantity
of gold added in toning.
Septamber 90,9993]
THE BRmSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
e2r
But " faded " prints, in addition to the change of colour of
the material forming the image, are usually marked by a
distinct yellowing of the whites, which are frequently merged
into the finer half-tonea. The colouration of the whites, where,
indeed, it is not mere yellowing of the pcper from age, must
aiite from the resnlta of cardeasDeM in allowing traces of the
fixing solution to romain in the pnnts, and such, as has over
and OTer again bean dtowu in theea colmnna, contain sulphur
flomponnds of silver. It woiild seem, therefore, that in treating
in this way a print the whites of which are badly yellowed the
only result of the " restoration " would be to convert the
j^Dow oolour into a decided deposit of silver of the same colour
and charaetar aa tha actual image, and oonaequently to oon-
sidarably degrade the lights. Suah an effect is often obtained
when employing the mercurial or copper bleaching solution,
bat we have not found it oeeor wImb ehromic acid is employed,
from which ws infer that that sohrtkn in some way removes or
renders soluble the matter causing the colouration. Certain it
ia that mere discolouration of the paper, if not of too pro-
nounced a character, is oompletaly removed by the bleaching
aatioaof the fiae acid.
In hat, fimn a &dad albomeB phstogiaph of the wont type
tW flkronio sohttioa, of which wa shall giv« a formula, will
remore erery Tsstige of oolooiBftioa except the scarcely visible
traces of the image already spoken of, if the print be carefully
and copiously waabed after treatment. In this condition it
only remaina to select the moat anitable reducing agent to re-
pcoduee the tone deaired, and in aaiking thia selection it is well
to bear in view the extent to which aoqxiann tn light ia to be
aUowed to play its patt.
By npid development with a coaspaiutivefy strong de-
veloper the same claaa of neutnl black tones is obtained as
with gelatino-btomida and ehlorida papers, wiule, by greatly
diluting the ledneing sohitico and eqMaing the bleached print
to light more or leaa, an image ia produced of tlw Uwny-brown
colour familiar with the old "Alpha" paper, and which is
capable of beii^ tuned with goU to almost any oolour.
It most be borne in mind that nothing but injury can accrue
from exposing the print to strong light until the whole of the
Mchromate has been removed, because, while tlie chromio salt
is liable to reduction, rendering the stain permanent, its
pfMSDoe entirely deatit^a the ssasitirsncss of the silver salt as
snefa. Tbeiefcn, in Uking advantaga of the light's action, the
expoeurc diottld only be made aftar the eompleta nmoval of
the bichromate from the print
Fhoto-meohaniol Work.— In fh- Trinting Trades Exhi-
bition, which baa been open for trnnv Iittl» time, and doses to-
munow, at laiington, it is noteworthy that no special appliances
in connexion with photo-medianieal printing are ihown. There ia
not a mof^ example of a hand cnllotype piesa, or a power machine,
or a Woodbury pieas shown, althoufrh nvaral Continental fimu
an nprsMStsd. Neither are ssvend other appliances which are
made specialities of abroad shown, althoagb tbey would have been in-
ttn^ag to Eagfish worinis, sad mi^t ^ve led to baainesi. With
the sateeptkn of a few ooQotypes and Woodborytypes, by one firm
only, we tUnk pboCo-mecfaanical work even ia not reprewnted.
Posnbly Oontinentsl manufacturers of the necessary appliancee do
not think the British trade in them worth cultivation, and few, if any,
Fjiglijh aakais have taken the matter in haod.
Con»#lo oMarlda Vnper. — tEaraUon papers for direct
printim; DOW seem to be becoming the oidsr of the day. Both collodio-
chloride land getstiao-chferide papers were for a long time made
on the Continent and imported into this country, but for some years
their use was very restricted in England. It was not until one or two
enterprising firms here took up the manufacture of gektino-chlorida
paper that its employment became extended to its present proportioaSi.
Now collodio-chloride paper under different names is still being maAt^
abroad, and imported into this country ; but, so far as we are aware,
it is not made commercially here. It is quite probable that, if its
manufacture were established here with the same enterprise — and for
that matter by the same Arms — as was the gelatino-chloride paper, it
would be in considerable demand. The coltodio-chloride process is a
mnch older one than its irvsl, but its results are by no means inferior.
We are in possession ol some excdlent prints that were made over
tweety years ago. If w« mistake not, the process has been in constant
use by a weU.inown professional photographer in Scotland for abeat
that period.
Vamlab for CeUnlold Vegratlvea.— We are often asked
for a formula for a varnish for negatives on celluloid films that will
not attack the celluloid. Here is one that answers well in our hands :—
White lac, or pale orange lac, four ounces; methylated spirit, eight
ounces. When dissolved, add liquor ammonin, six ounces, and boiBng
water half a pint, and afterwards a drachm and a half of glycerine
This solution may be filtered, or it may be allowed to stand and settle
and the dearer portion decanted. It will generally have s somewhat
opalescent or turbid appearance, but that may be disregarded, as K'
win not affect the nega^ve. The mode of using is this : — After the
negative has been fixed and washed, it is thorooghly drained, file'
varnish is then poured into a dish and the negative immersed and
allowed to soak for a few minutes. It is then taken out and pinned^'
by one comer to the edge of a shelf or other convenient article to dry.
This varnish will also answer for negatives on glass, and it may b»
applied while the film is still moist ; but, on thejwhole, for glass nega^
tivea a good spirit vamisb is to be preferred.
Tbe Compotmd Ftxln^ and Toning' Bath. — In oar
issue of butt week appears an article from the Beacon with the some"
what startling heading, " The Alleged Fading of Silver Prints." lu
the article the writer makes • Strang plea for the more general use-
of the old fixing and toning bath, as employed a few deeadescagsy-
which fa* says has unnecessarily been oondemned as a system of
sulphur toning. In doing so, however, he overlooks the fact that a
reeuneace to the okl method is impraetieable, at least under the
present condition of things. To work imder that sj-stem, we should
have to entirely alter the character of our negatives, and make them
IBte the intense ones of old. The paper most also be much more
heavily salted, and have a far Ices albumenised snrfMe than that now in
vogue. Then, again, it would have to be sensitised on a both of
nearly double the strength of those in general use. Unless these
conditions be fulfilled, the rich black and porple tones so frequentlJi'
spoken of in eonnagrion with old pfaotographis are impossible. Let
any one try the old system of toning with the modem bij^i^
albumenised, and weakly sensitised, pi^>er, on prints from the preseHti
standard negative, and see the result. If we we were to go baok'tor'
the old conditions, then we should doubtless find that the modmr
system of toning and fixing would still give the most permanent
resnlta
Keprodnotlon of Photogmvnre Plates.— It is pretty
gBDemlly known that many negatives, from which large numbers of
copies-' aA required for publication, are not printed from at all. A
trsnspaieney is taken, and from it several other negatives are made.
By tUs qrstem printing is fseilitated, and no risk is run with the'
original negative. A eimilar system is now being followed in some
Continental establishments with photogravnre plates. Although
" steel fadng " enables a large number of impressions all of eqind'
quality to be obtained from a plate, nnd, when the steel facing wears'
throogh it can be easily removed and a new one substituted, so that,
theoretically, the plate win last for ever, yet, when it is of a popidar
subject and a large nomber of impreaaons are known to be required,
or tbey are wanted quickly, it is often reproduced. When the plate
has been worked up by the engraver, and is finished ready for printing
C28
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY,
[Septemlwr 30, 1892
from, an electrotype is taken from it, and from that any number of
duplicate plates, all in every way equal to the original, can be made.
Except tor electrotj-pe such a thing would be impossible. In con-
nexion with this subject, it may be mentioned that the engraved
plates of maps made at Southampton are never printed from except
to make transfers for zincographic printing.
EXHIBITION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF
GREAT BRITAIN.
Thb Exhibition of the Photographic Society of Great Britain was
inaugurated on Saturday evening last, September 24, by a conversazione,
at which the President (Captain W. de W. Abney, C.B., F.R.S.) and
Mrs. Abney, assisted by the members of Council, received the invited
guests. The attendance, which was thoroughly representative of all
sections of photography, included Mr. J. Spiller (Vice-President) and
the following members of Council: — Messrs. "W. Ackland, G. L.
Addenbrooke, W. Bedford, W. S. Bird, F. P. Cembrano, jun., W. E.
Debenham, W. England, Colonel J. Gale, Dr. G. Lindsay Johnson,
A. Mackie, J. Traill Taylor, Leon Wamerke, H. Chapman Jones, &c.
Among the general company we noticed Miss Catharine Weed Barnes,
Miss Carey, Miss Taylor, Mr. G. Mason (President elect of the Photo-
graphic Convention of the United Kingdom), Mrs. Mason, Mr. G. W.
Webster, Mr. F. C. L. Wratten, Mr. Perigal, Mr. F. A. Bridge, Dr.
J, J. Acworth, Mr. F. W. Hindley, Mr. T. P. Watson, Mr. W. H.
Prestwich, Mr. VV. J. Byrne, Mr. E. Clifton, Mr. H. E. Davis, Mr.
Redmond Barrett, Mr. E. W. Foxlee, Mr. E. Ferrero, Mr. J. W.
Marchant, Mr. H. Bedford Lemere, Mr. A. L. Adams, Mr. H. Smart,
Mr. E. W. Parfitt, Mr. and Mrs. J. Hay Taylor, Mr. A. I. Taylor,
Mr. T. Charters White, Mr. C. W . Gamble, Mr. A. W. Dollond, Mr.
G. Houghton, Mr. T. E. Freshwater, Mr. R. P. Drage, Mr. P. Everitt,
Mr. S. W. Rouch, Mr. S. T. Chang, Mr. E. J . Wall and Mrs. AVall, Mr.
W. D. Welford, Mr. C. W. Hastings, Mr. T. C. Hepworth, Mr. T.
Bolas, Mr. H. Snowden Ward, Mr. C. G. Norton, Mr. H. H. Griffin,
Mr. Conrad Beck, Mr. H. R. Hume, Mr. J. A. Sinclair, Mr. G. W.
Atkins, Mr. Frank Haes, Mr. N. A. Monnickendam, Mr. P. H. New-
man, Mr. R. Child Bayly (the Assistant Secretary), and many others.
During the evening considerably over four hundred guests responded
to the Council's invitations, a number which is nearly a hundred in
excess of last year's attendance.
The total number of exhibits is C93, being a decrease as compared
■with last year of fifteen. The falling off, however, is not in the
pictures, but in the apparatus section. It may be of interest here to
note that the GOO or so pictures actually hung represent only two-
thirds of the number submitted, the gross total being, we believe, one
of the largest ever sent in to the Society. The number of exhibitors
is 202 (as against 185 last year) of which 64 are members of the
Sodety. This calculation excludes several exhibits in the names of
firms, the principals of which are in many cases members. Roughly
speaking, the proportion of members to non-members among the exhi-
bitors is about 1 to 3. Last year between seventy and eighty members
were exhibitors. The Society, we believe, has a membership of over
400. For the exhibition of 1891 the Judges distributed eight medals,
■which, it was generally allowed at the time, were most wisely bestowed.
Tliis year, in a mysterious outburst of juridical generosity, no less than
seventeen awards have been made.
Regarding the Exhibition as a whole, this somewhat lavish distribu-
tion of medals points directly to the inference, on the judges' part at
any rate, that the average of quality, as compared with former years,
is very high. In this view, we ourselves are inclined to participate,
while we congratulate the Hanging Committee, who have placed little
or nothing on the walls that the most fastidious critic could carp at.
The Exhibition strikes us as particularly strong in landscape work,
notwithstanding the absence of such men as J. P. Gibson, Horsley
Hinton, Wellington, Ralph Robinson, and others. In portraiture we
have seen few better displays. Genre and composition pictures are few
and effective ; the photo-mechanical exhibits are remarkably fine ;
the scientific subjects, though not numerous, are deeply interesting ;
but undoubtedly the strength of the Exhibition lies in its landscape
work. It is not a one-picture Exhibition ; so that " the picture of
the year " — " the gem of the Exhibition "—is not obvious. Perhaps
this fact, more than any other, ■will serve to emphasise the high
average"of excellence displayed. For the rest, the dominant tone of
the pictures is a decidedly, and most agreeable, warm one, the reds
and sepias giving more colour to the walls than we remember to have
noticed before at a purely photographic exhibition.
Thk Medal Pictueks.
Mb. Karl Gbeoeb deservedly receives a medal for a series of five
pastoral subjects, and a Thamet Sunset (No. 6). The former are
charming studies of sheep life ; bright, crisp, perfectly lighted and
exposed, and most carefully printed. In Homeward the flock is seen
proceeding along a country road, and the realism of the picture is
heightened by the cloud of dust above the sheep.
Mr. B. Gay Wilkinson also gains a medal for a series, of which
Westminster (No. /50) is a silhouette-like view of the Houses of Parlia-
ment, taken from St. Thomas's Hospital, with the bridge just visible.
He also sends (No. 48) The Estuary of the Blyth, (No. 49) A Sunset
Calm, (No. 61) The Peaceful Evening Hour, (No. 52) Where Tempests
Beat and Billows Hoar, and (No. 53) The Silver Strand. In his twilight
and sunset effects Mr. Wilkinson is very successful. No. 51 being most
idyllic and poetical. Westminster, however, to our thinking, would
have done with a little more detail. At present it is far too sombre
in general effect. The series is printed on sepia-toned platinum paper.
It is a pity that Mr. W. Bedford should have chosen such unsuitable
frames for his fine Norfolk series, Nos. 65-72, the contrast between
the bro^wn colour of the frames and the sepia tones of the carbon
pictures being almost fatally narrow. >Ir. Bedford is peculiarly
happy in the management of his lights and reflections, the view of
Salhouse Dpke (No. 67), the medal picture, being most successful in
those respects. Alike in selection and treatment the series is a
masterly one.
Colonel J. Gale's medal for a series is most justly earned. The
rising mists of the Incoming Tide (No. 79) and Towards Sundoivn
(No. 82) are very cleverly rendered, while a Cottage Doorway (No. 80),
with a view of the interior, is a good example of a well-exposed
picture. No. 85, The Cornfield, is one of those rustic subjects which
this artist has for years made his o^wn. An East Country Quay
(No. 83), a delightful nverside study, in which the clouds are ably
caught. In No. 81, Flatford Bridge, the handling of the water and
the reflections are very clever. Colonel Gale has seldom sent better
work to any exhibition,
Mr. A. R. Dresser receives a medal for (140), a softly printed
view of Aylesford; but this is as well as Mr. Dresser's [other two
uranium-toned bromide pictures (No. 139), the Meeting of the Conway
and Lledr Rivers, the turbulent waters of which are well suggested ;
and (No. 141), a stormy-looking Evening, are not free from
several technical defects which surely should not have escaped the
attention of the Judges.
As an example of successful child portraiture, in which the facial
expressions of the small sitter are capitally expressed, Mr. H. Y'eo's
deMcately printed series in platinum of Blotcing Bubbles (No.
143) and A Portrait (No. 144) deserve the recognitiou they have
gained. They are clever, unaffected, unforced little studies.
Mr. F. Muller's "Portrait'' (No. 146) is a magisterial work, the
wrinkles and locks of age, the bent head, the expression of venerable
dignity on the face, being worthy of Herkomer at his best.
Worn Out (No. 184), by J. E. Austin, is a rich, warm-toned
picture of an old fellow examining the works of a clock with critical
interest. This and its companion picture (No. 185), the same subject
surveying with consternation an Account Rendered, were both taken
direct with a spectacle lens.
Mr. H. Stevens receives a medal for (No. 201) Meadow Sweet, a
tenderly treated study. The same gentleman exhibits (No. 109)
a forcible Pack of Beagles, and (No. 200) Foxgloves., (No. 202) Coleas
and Begonia (a fine subject finely photographed) and (No. '20'i) Addle-
stone Lodge in Winter. The flower studies are in Mr. Stevens's best style.
Mrs. Main, in (No. 212) a series of six transcripts of Alpine Frost
and Sunshine, repeats her success of last year. The gradations of
the frost and snow in the clear Alpine light are well preserved,
and, as examples of careful platinum printing, the series is very good.
We must not omit to compliment this exhibitor upon her quiet but
lefined taste in mounting and framing.
September 90, 1893]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
230
Mr. J. Hftfold Roller U • prolific exhibitor this rear, but shows
nothing better or more clever than his frame of four Direct
Portrmtt takmt in a Ro«m, for one of which a medal has been f^iven
him. This one — a ladv seated in a large chair a little way back from a
window — ia perfect in Hj^hting, modelling, and pose, while the re-
maining three, also similar stodiea, are remarkably fine. Mr. Roller
gives eridenee of being a moat painstaking worker.
The carboD enlargMnent (No. 260) — Br&aJc, brrak, break, at the
Foot if thif Grog*, O Sea — for whidi Messrs. Elliott & Son receive
a medal — is in many respects the moat noticeable picture in the Exhi-
bitkn. Ita sixe ia seven feet hj five feet, and it is from a whole-plate
negative by Mr. Birt Acres. It is, withoat doubt, a majestic work.
From a placid sea the white crested waves tumble in upon ridgea of
ngly jagged rocks in the foreground, the seething, surging waters
afanost sottnding in one's ears. The particular pigment employed
■ddi to the fine effect of the study, which, in addition to its artistic
valne, it a splendid specimen of carbon work. It should, however,
have been hong higher.
Mr. F. Boiaaonnas sends a large view of Mont Blanc at a distance
of fifty-six miles, " taken with a Dalkneyer t«lepboto lens, with an
extension of eamon of 60 inchea, 7 ouantea' exposure, at 0.15 on the
27th of Angnat, in windy weather, with an orthochromatic plate, and
a yallow screen." Even aUowing far the most favourable circum-
ataaoM, this ia a wonderfully fine pictan, the definition and grailation
being nnazosptioaally good. Aeeonpaaying the pictures are three
very small views, giving the same view with an ordinary letM ; another
from Geneva with an ordinary lane (diatant furty-four miles), and
what the exhibitor calls a " conventiaBal " print, with the mountain
ahowing, audi aa is sold to " strangers " in Geneva.
The Antotype Company receive a OMdal for an antogravure repro-
duction of a painting of Femnf Jkytowrf, by Mr. Edwin Douglas,
exhibited at the Royal Aeadaasy aaiVar In the year. This is a study
of mares and foals, and those who saw the <iriginal at Burlington
House will appreciate the excellence of the reproduction.
Taming bow to the other exhibit*, we nutiee that Mr. O. Lambert
ssnds (So. 1) a good frame of three heads, taken direct with a single
landscape leoa. Mr. W. B. Smith's gold assaying (No. i) is a crediUble
stndy, bat the exhibitor shoold not have allowed the print to be
stained. Mr. T. E. Fieshwater's fraae of lire Culture (So. 3) con-
tains a sstiee of technieaUy good photographs of direct interest to all
those eooaeetsd with bei»-kseping. Mr. 11. H. Cameron's portrait of
Mr. O. F. Watu in his stadio (No. 4) is perhaps rather hard in the
ligfating, while it is not difficult to tiaoe in Mr. P. Ennis's pictures (No.
Hi S^hj rtiiM,(Na 9) TAt PmtkaenM the CommoH,(So. 10) A Seedy
Mrrr, and (No. 11)7%* JSoMs* iy M* ftmi, distinet tracea of the in-
fluence of Mr. F. P. Cembraw/s method. In No. 0, however, an
attempt at imprsesionlstie effect by means of fuasineas is not soc-
oearfal, but the other pietorse at* eseeUently composed and defined,
and all are well ptiatsd on gebtino-chJoride paper. OtrUik
Cmthtdral (No. 12) on ooDodio-chloride paper, by Mr. J. B. Soott, is
an accurately expoaed interior, and Mr. C. Knight's Hurdle Race*
ami SUfHeekntt (No. 1.3> are paasnhle examples of a style of photo-
Ttapbr to which this exhibitor has for some time paid special
■\. The Msnaa photographer, Mr. J. S. Bergheim, sends
ire stodksand portraits (Noa. 18-24), which betray considerable
i'jn. The study of ahead (No. 17) em on the side of soft-
•■ portrait of a lady (No. 31) proceeds to the other extreme.
In th»ir portrait of a lady (No. 2ft) Mesen. J. Chaffin ft Son show a
well-lighted, carefully posed study, and in Hi* Last Departure (No. 2S)
Mr. It. Murray Lawes (whom we are glad to note among the ex-
hibitars) a loiftily placed but pathetic representation of the
A'artimmierlaml flying the flag of Sir W. Hewitt, V.C. (who died a
week after the ship's arrival at Spitbead), and the Sultan (Captain
JOet) Isnviiv Vigo, March, 18^. Mr. F. Biois«<moas givrs in a Suntet
v- J, '\0, 30^^ ^ ookMr correct translation of the subject. This brings
' to a ssries of twdve smtU portraits of well-known artists and
?Ie by Hr. F. Hollyer (one of the Judges) which are
^lappyia the poses selected. In (No. 47)
** Licks at tbb Zoolooicai. Ojlrdkhs,"
)>v Mr .\. U. Bsnham, the highest praise we can give is that they
/it illy recall Mr. T. J. Uixon's Limt, shown so far bade as 1679.
The blue undertone of A Deeoruhire Meadoic (Xo. I'S). bv ^Ir. -T. G.
Sinclair, is a characteristic drawback of many pelatino-chlori.'.e prints ;
and as for Mr. \. i. Quldinjf's Eventide (Xo. W), on the same
description of surface, it errs on the ade of a yellow colour. Mr.
J. B. Scott will forgive us for pointing out that the charmingly posed
lady in a Severie (No. 59), is not in a reverie at all, but is looking
straight out of the picture in the blandest possible manner. Mr.
F. Thurston's outdoor portrait studies (Nos. 6()-62) of the Earl and
Countess of Albemarle and the Ladies Keppel are most praiseworthy
in their unconventionality. In A Calm Evening (Nos. 86 and 87),
Mr. G. W. Ramsay shows the difference produced by printing from
the same negative on gelatino-chloride and on rough drawing paper,
and an instructive object lesson in the relative amount of detail so
obtained is the result. Mr. C. E. Corke's frame of six interiors
(No. 90) are irreproachable, but Mr. E. H. Humphry's enlarged
(bromide) view of the tort at Funchal (No. 94) is flat and un-
picturesque, while the lurid tone of Mr. J. E. Austin's landscape.
Pathways of IJght (No. 9.5), taken direct with a spectacle lens, some-
what transcends, we fear, a really natural effect. In
" .\ ROCKKT TO THE RxSCtJB " (No. 96),
the picture of a rocket in its flight towards a doomed ship, with
figures on the beach and a lowering sky, Mr. E. H. Godbold has
accomplished a photographic tour de force, but little else. Mr. J.
Carpenter's vase of Cypripediunu (No. 98) is very correctly and cleverly
translated. Crouing the Brook (No. 99), by Mr. H. Young, bears
symptoms of halation. Mr. A. J. West's Groitp of Children (No. 101)
is a pretty and reposef al study of young people ; but in A Hanen of
Rett (No. 106), a platinum-toned Mirer print of fishing vessels in
harbour, Mr. J. A. Hodges is scartiely so successful as heretofore.
W'e have known this exhibitor treat similar subjects with far more
poetic effect. A similar remark applies to the four exhibits of Mr.
F. P. Cembrano, whose work is not by any means equal to that
which he showed last year. Mr. W. D. Howard in (No. 115) A Suntet
on the Upper Shine and (No. 128) The Uoden Sea is successful in
reproducing clouds, sea, and sunset effects of a more subdued kind
than those which largely prevail in the present Exhibition, and Mr.
W. lUingworth's large direct portrait of A Merry Belle (No. 116)
ii capital in its natural and unforced charm. Good if not abnormally
atartling worit is hereabouts shown by the Rev. E. S. Palmer
(No. 118), Skittlei: W. H. Banks (No. 121), Skating; A. W.
Qottkib (No. 122), a thoughtful Evening on the Secern (on .4.1pha
paper); and Mr. W. R. Caasel's two (Nos. 126 and 181) aspirations
after Land where the OHoe Ciroic*. We like very much the small
Cat Pictukks
of Mr. E. S. Dashwood, a frame of really humorous minute studies of
the subterfuges of a knowing Uttle cat to arrive at the contents of a
milk-jug, in which the final picture shows him (or her) to be successful.
These tiny pictures inentably suggest Mr. C. Burton Barber. Mr. G.
W. Ramsay's On the TAamet (No. 133), The After-Olow (No. 134),
' Springtime (No. 135), and Sunset (No. 136), are good in intention,
but their nebulosity proves that photography, by means of diffused
treatment, cannot always be attempted with a certainty of arriving
at the effects sought afte.\
In Subbith Bumert (No. ll-j), Mr. L. C. Bennett has well caught
the effect of the smoke, but in the red-toned print (No. XSH) of ships
In the Pool the same exhibitor has represented the hulls of the shipa
too heavily, otherwiae the picture is excellent. While little fault can
be found with Mr. Harry Tolley's exhibits (No. 14) Limestone
Rocks in Derbyshire, (No. 179) Out of the Marsh a Fir-tree Grew,
(No. 377) Christmas Time, 1891, and (No. 379) Co/rfer ^66ey, they
iim.jloV«s imaginative as his work generally is. Out of the Marsh a
Fir-tree OreK is, peibaps, the but of the series. Uranium toning
is very popular this year, but it shows somewhat unequally in (No.
149) Out into the West as the Sun went Down, by Mr. A. V. Lloyd
Jones, a picture which also strikes us as having an excess of fore-
ground. Mr. Birt Acres' frame of Sand-Camera Studies at Bamet
Fair (.\a 152) are fair examples of this class of work; but the earn
gentleman's
"St bt of a ' LOUB
(No. 162), a series of five carbon prints, traciii.' the growth and
changes of a bank of c m 'lus dou^is, are distinctly dever as photo-
630
THE BRITISH JOURNAL. OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[September 30, 1892
graphs, and interesting as scientific studies. Mr. A. W. Clayden
should certainly see them. Mr. Acres also shows (No. 249) an en-
larged study of Scotch Cattle, in carbon, and another frame of Clouds
(No. 389).
Mr. W. J. Byrne is, as usnal, a lairgw emhibitor. A direct Study
(No. 89), J. G. FUet,E»q. (No. 151), A Grecian Girl (No. 174), A Be-
hearsal (No. »43), and Little B^Peep (No. 3.56), are quite equal in
merit to the best of the large work he has preyiously shown, and his
Cabinet and Panel Studies of Children (Xos. 278 and 314), show that
he is successful as ever in juvenile portraiture. Mr. Byrne's little
sitters always look as if they were quite at home under the ordeal of
being photographed. In A Trained Nurse (No. 150), 5Ir. Henry
iStevens depicts his well-known t«rrier nursing a sick cat, and in No.
173 the same two animals are comfortably asleep together. Mr.
Henry Little's enlarged bromide interiors of (No. 1-55) The Vatican
Library, (No. 344) St. Peters at Pome, and (No. 307) St. Mark's at
Venice, are capital in technique, although the latter would have done
with a little more contrast. Messrs. AVemer's skill in large portraiture
is well exemplified in (No. 156) Herr Snellen, and (No. 232) The Hon.
Mies Wokeley, but (No. 166) Ladi/ Henry Fitzgerald is slightly hard.
In addition to the one already noticed, Mr. J. B. Scott, of Carlisle,
has several other frames of very good large portraits, of which we
like the very soft and pleasing Maiden with the Meek Brown JEyes
(No. 380).
Instantanbous Photogwaphy
is chiefly in the hands of Mr. Francis Blake. Years ago his pictures
would have caused great comment ; to-day, we fear, they wUl excite
little interest. Nevertheless, they are undoubtedly clever. He shows
(No. 158) Pigeons in Flight, A Boy on a Bicycle, Engine of Netv York
Express; (No. 168) Cow Pony (in three positions) at sharp canter,
and a series of tennis players (Nos. 424, 430, and 438) in various
positions. Mr. R. Slingsby's examples of continuous magnesium light
photography (Nos. 169, 291, 293) show the excellent adaptability
of this illuminant to portraiture. Messrs. MowU & Morrison (Liver-
pool), C. F. Treble (Clapham), Messrs. Window & Grove, GabeU &
Co., E. Spencer, are all well represented in large portrait work, the
task of separating them in point of merit being a difficult, if not im-
possible, one ; while, in addition to the pictures for which they have
taken medals, Mr. H. Yeo and Mr. F. Muller are also numerously
represented by other frames of portrait studies printed in various
styles. Mr. F. MuUer's work is full of character.
We shall probably not be going wide of the mark in conjecturing
that with (No. 170) Hole's That ? Mr. It. H. Lord only just missed a
medal. It is a large, sepia-coloured, platinum picture of two old gentle-
men exchanging confidences over a pinch of snuff, freely handled and
skilfully treated. In (No. 175) An Idle Moment and (No. 176) The
Pipened Grain it is no drawback to Mrs. Tillyer to say that her work
is decidedly suggestive of Mr. Gale's method ; and the same remark
applies to Mr. E. 11. Hazell's Old Stager (No. 177). In (No. 186)
Gentle Janet, the portrait of a small child by a window, Mr. P. B.
Broomhall has not lighted the shadow side so well as he might have
done. Miss Egerton's portraits of the Archbishop of York (No. 3.38)
*nd (No. 364) the late Sir F. H. Doyle have a pleasing, engraving-like
character, and are otnerwise commendable. Her print of Padereicski
(No. 188) is not a good one. Mr. A. R. Dresser's uranium-toned
Watching the Waves (No. 189), "Skylark" Landing (No. 190), and
Storm at Hastings are equal to his medalled work, but the toning
process appears to be at fault. Mr. Adam Diston's small, carefully
printed interior of
" The Rkhkabsal"
(No. 194) is quietly humorous. An old lady has fallen asleep, while
the musician (possibly her son) is laboriously puffing at his in-
strument. Mr. G. Renwick has four frames of frost studies of
undoubted excellence, but their position, so near to Mr. Stevens's and
Mrs. Main's work of a similar nature, rather kills them. Mr. J. E.
Austin's spectacle-lens picture of A Son of the Soil is too spruce a
young agriculturalist to be picturesque, and Miss F. Browne's large por-
trait of Mrs. Jack Johnson (No. 211) suffers, we think, from not enough
light being on the letters (the lady is supposed to be writing). Why is
there more light on the face than on the writing-table ? The lady in
Mr. A. Burchett's refiued picture (No. 200) of The Lote Letter, who ia
smilingly holding that interesting document, has a ring aa her third
finger, which in our experience unmarried single ladies who receive
love-letters do not wear. Perhaps, however, Mr. Burchett knows
better. The picture is in this gentleman's best style.
In No. 217, Mr. E. Lambert has five other studies of heads taken with
a single landscape lens. Mr. Kemp's First Love (No. 222) ia a venerable
and wrinkled old dame. Mr. D. Pym's large direct portrait of Mr.
Herbert Sims Peeves is faultless, save in re3i)ect of being too sharply
vignetted off. Mr. Seymour Conway's work in (No. 221) Silver Birches,
Borroivdale, and (No. 2.30) Evening Denoentwater, is full of his former
charm and delicacy of treatment, but we fear the new-fangled fads
of the impressionist in photography overshadow this and many more
examples of good pure photography. Mr. W. Wainwright's Alpine
Views are also excellent ; and another old supporter of the Society,
Mr. T. 31. Brownrigg, is to the fore with Portinscale Bridge, Keswick
(No. 234), in which, however, while the water and the reflections are
ably treated, the distance appears to us to be too flat and uniform. Mr.
G. Lamley's Sluggish River (No. 231)) is a well-chosen bit neatly photo-
graphed, and the same gentleman is also represented elsewhere by
various other clever little landscape studies. By the way, has not
one of these. Blowing up for Rain (No. 470), been " exhibited in
London " before ?
The cattle in Mr. J. Kidson Taylor's pleasing little Enening (No.
246) are well disposed, and Mr. W. A. Rouch's Snap-shots (No. 253)
are clever of their kind. We certainly anticipated a far greater
number of hand camera pictures than are here. The tones of the Rev.
J. A. Rivington's three pictures are novel but not agreeable ; never-
theless, (No. 258) the figure of a lady Outside my Window, is
A GOOD Specimen of Outdoob PoBiEAiTunB,
both in posing and lighting. Mr. E. D. Stern's Eastern Scraps
(No. 255) are interesting from a topographical point of view,
and, in Nos. 261-5, Mr. H. VV. Bennett has a series of marine
studies which show considerable skill in this class of work. In
(No. 269) Sunset over Bergen Harbour, Mr. E. H. Fitch, from a
negative by Mr. Paul Lange, has introduced a fine cloud effect, and
the last-named gentleman's Street Scene, Molde (No.447),tliough small,
is perhaps as perfect an example of crisp definition as the Exhibition
contains. Such definition should have been present in Mr. G. A\'. Tyser's
Venetian Views (No. 270), for whicli the printing process selected is not
quite suitable. Mr. T. M. Browriggs Studies on the Wey and at Der-
wentwater (Nos. 274-5 & 282-4) are excessively soft. As an example
of realisticphotographyMr.A. W.Gottleib's Study of Grapes (No. 279)
deserves notice, and Mr. H. Bedford Lemere's views in the mansion
and grounds of Mr. A. de Rothschild are equally worthy of mention.
In Nos. 289 and 290, Mr. E. II. Hazel shows that he has acquired great
skill in animal photography, the dog and cat being very good. We
should have been better pleased with Mr. W. Scorer's otherwise fine
large views of Netley (No. 285) and Portsmouth Town Hall (No. 303) if
they had formed the subjects of more vigorous prints. Mr. E. F. im
Thurn, of British Guiana, sends a collection of ethnological studies of
that region, and Mr. E. D. Stern's Scenes in North Africa, like the
foregoing, if of little photogr^^phic account, make the same appeal to
notice. Mr. W. Thomas sends three frames containing eighteen
small quarter-plate pictures chiefly of ssaside work, which contain
much in little, and that of a really clever description. There was a
time when small work was much despised; but these and other pictures in
the present Exhibition show how most effective photographs may be
made on a small scale as well as on a large one.
Herr Bergheim's Miriam (No. 324), a study of an Eastern beauty,
is a fine, bold work which we much prefer to the somewhat too highly
diffused portrait by the same photographer to which we have already
adverted. Most of the successful portrait work in the present Exhi-
bition is,'on the whole, thoroughly well defined — a fact which in no
sense detracts from its artistic value. There are some finely modelled
cattle in Mr. H. Sandland's large carbon picture of The Homestead,
but otherwise it is commonplace, if photographically irreproachable.
Some Inteeioes.
In Nos. 345 and 358, Mr. F. H. Evans shows several " interiors "
of Ely Cathedral, excellently selected and exposed, and charmingly
printed on sepia platinum paper, and Mr, Evans' work is, without
September 30. 1803]
TITE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
631
dente, tmexcelM in this particular department. Other examples
of eatb^ral work are shown by Mr. J. H. Avery (Canterburv
and St. .Mban«): .Mr. J. H. Gear, C. Court Cole (Eietei); T.
n. Morton ; and Mr. Richard Keeoe (Dunfermline), all of which ate
without exception, excellent. LieatMMiit Cottin^bam'g Urge picture
of the VaeU Dmmmd (So. aO)), talaa, Hke many other pictures in
the pnaent Exbifcition, frooi the mim thing having been, aa it were,
done to 4e«th toaM time af^ ; this, however, does not detract froni
its excellenee. Of Worn Out (So. 870), by Mr. F. Whaley, the
labour inrobred in its production almoet precludes us from saying that
it is disappointing in effect. .\ father has fallen asleep by the bedside
of a preMnnably sick boy; but the lad appears to be in excellent
health, and the father aeems to be tiled of reading the paper. There
ia nothing except a belatad iMdiciaa bottle on the taUe to indicate
that the boy is ill, and the whole fietve utterly fails in effect. Mr.
Whaley mMt try again.
PlCTTBIS ox TBX SCUUCXS.
On the KvecMs we note eiamplaa o( J. B. Obemetter's landscape
work (Nos. 440-5), which do the paper of that name every justice ; and
further smaD portrait work of Mr. F. Muller. A Summei^$ Day (No.
4V)is a deSjslllfal study of cattle in water; while the clouds of
On tie Vfftr 8t. J6kn'$, by Mr. C. B. Moors, are highly effective.
Comf hert, you rataU (No. 486), ao old lady beckoning a nude child
in a comer who has escaped her rintrhra ia amusing enough to provoke
■OM thaa a passing smile. Mr. Oe» might cultivate thi.4 vein to
W«aiitag». In Noe. 4754; Mr. WUtwotth Wallis haa some w»ve
■tndiea fallof ife and moremait; wd Mr. A. D. Halfonl some well-
MBdeied eattle in DtMam Bridf* (No. 490). The picture would,
borwever, have been improved by a cloud. Mr. J. E. Uumont is
reprceented by eight pietarae, ' eooM of which are highly divert-
ing stndiae cf moaka. Dim «f then (No. 409), To-vwrntm trUl he
Friday, is famiEar to the public. Some of Mr. E. D-tmold's cattle
|ictuiea are clever, one of them in aa enkcged state bangs in another
■■ft tl tlw Mom. Mr. ▲. O. Tai^erro ia An UtmnUtd Oumt
Qtm. Va^ tmk Bm kaffy etmU I ti witA tithtr (No. SSd), haM
move thaa eqMlled all Us foimereffoMa, and is to be commiserated on
kiTingbacB so badly b«Bg. In the fomer picture an impudent bird is
boldly walking off with a portion <t s ^ner to the concern of the
diner, wbils in the latter two attneliw young girls aie smilii^ and
wUapsring aade, as a JoDy old fellow asneys them oat of the oomen
of his cyee with aa aspneaon of feep such ■• ia iaiplied ia the
picture. Ia cumpuaiiMm Md tMatenft the piUaiee if% iwiiepteWy
the work of aa ahie ifcctogniph v.
In poTtfoBee there are nafranicd pietates by Meaata. J. C. Douglas,
J. B. Oberaetter, J. H. TaabeB, John Catto, R. E. M. Bain, B.
Kimball, the Prince of Travaneoi* and others, many of which are
excellent ; and amoog the other exhibiton are Memrs. C. P. Casstias,
A. L. Spiller, E. C. Fiacham, J. 0. Sinclair, Rev. E S. Pafaner, J. C.
Douglas M. J. Harding (who sluiws richly toned work in .Soltype),
Harold Baker (capital portrait stndiaa). F. Downer, W. Street, E.
Spencer, S. Bourne (a mort iaduatriooeand soccesafut veteran worker),
Rev. H. B. Hare, Edgar Seamell (with « series of Street Crie$), H. L.
Sworder, WTT. Goodhew, L. Setty, J. B. Hilditch, S. R. Brewerton
(whoee Sktep Sktaring is very dever). Underwood French, G. A.
Kelsoa, H.O. Moberiey ; aad many othara.
PROTOnCRAXtCAt. PlCTtTRM.
Okrbon work, as we have elsewhere mnarked, occupies a gratifying
promiaeiiee in the present display among the general exhibiton, and
both the Aototype Onnpeay aad the Woodbmy Compaay show
larialy ia thia aad the photo miehiidfil olaaem napectitely. The
foemer Gomfaay, ia addition to the medal lepndaelioa of Tmmg
Ei^fmwi, tkim eniotypa eatergemeate, stadiee fai >«d ehelk, portrait
•taAae oa Baed et^iag V*V* : *>> eutotype lepiud action of W. L.
Wyllie's forcible drawing of the White Star liner, The Maje$He : an
aatogravare Nfiodnction of Lance's Chritt in the Carpenter $ .Shop .-
aad a sepia yovtiait atndy on opaL It need scaroriy be said that
these vaned aaUhito indicate the remarkable eirwIlwnnB of this
Company'a week aa faUy aa ever.
Tbs Weedbaty Compaay an lepiatnted by nameroaa weU-
exn-iiti>d eariNB aalMpMaaala, ae wril as by a fnme of charming
exampiee of Wuolluiyfiaiiiie ; Memis. Tberoz Jc Co. (Nos. 98S,
427, 433), J. R. Gotz by examples of phototypes of the delicate
quality for which the firm is renowned ; Messrs. Boussod, Valadon,
k Co. (Nos. 888, 39.5, 400, 405, 410-13, 425, 428) have a varied
coUeclion of Goupilgravures, photogravures printed in colours,
of well-known paintings, exhibiting the world-famous productions of
this house to perfection. Mr. J. B. Obemetter's photogravures (Nos.
422, 423, 431) are charmingly soft and dreamy in quality. Mr. R.
Frosts photographs of macliinery (Xos. 393, 406-8) are specimens
well illustrating the utilitarian adaptations of photography ; and
Mr. E. S. Shepherd's photoaravure.s (Xos. 390, .391) bear comparison
with the best of the fine work among whidi his is placed. Other
exhibitors in the department of reproduction are Mr. J. H. Roller,
Mr. C. E. Coiks (with a good copy of a water-colour painting), Mr.
X. Guye, jun., shows (No. ;i98) some admirable enamel work, and
Messrs. Forrest (Xo. 40.3) a large portrait of Mr. J. Hauff, the
negative and bromide enlargement being developed with amidol.
Mr. C. Coles' windows (Xos. 414-17) on Solio paper are examples of
weU-expoeed pictures.
In the department of scientific photography, Mr. C. W. Gamble is
represented by a history of Dentition (Xo. 426), showing the develop-
ment of temporary and permanent teeth ; Mr. T. Charters White by
(No. 429) photo-microgntphs of anatomical subjects ; and Sir H. E.
Roecoe and Mr. J. Lunt by (Xo. 4.32) photo-micrographs of pure
cultivation of bacteria from sewage.
Thk Appauatcs.
The diaplay of apparatus ia not particularly large, although it con-
tains sevwal novelties, most of which, however, have recently been
noticed in our columns. The apparatus was explained at the Technical
Meeting of the Society in the Gallery on Tuesday night, and such
descriptions of novelties as we have not already given appear in our
report. The exhibits include specimens of Carlotype printing-out
paper, carda being sensitised, and requiring neither mounting nor
toniogr the results much resembling kallitype ; excellent film nega-
tives, and negatives on photo-mechanical plates, shown by Mr. J. D.
England, as well aa the same firm's neat and effective film-carriers
with aluminium ends. Measrs. W. Watson & Sons new studio
camera stand and other examples of this firm's excellent photographic
cabinet work, including the " .\cme " camera, all the metal work of
which ia in aluminium, thus considerably reducing the weight ; " Nameit "
for producing titles on prints : Mr. W. Sanders' opera, marine, and
field-glaas camera, with metal rtjller slide ; the Dresser hand camera
(H. Crouch); an adjustable vignetting attachment for printing frames
(J. H. Smith); a beautiful "wide-angle" camera by Morley &
Cooper ; Measii. Smith & Sona' new plate washer ; a self-adjusting
tripod bead (Mr. W. Goods); stands fitted with Elmers' patent level-
ling head (Newton ft Co.); varied exhibits by Messrs. J. R. Gotz ;
Houghton iV Son ; .\dams ft Co. ; Messrs. R. & J. Beck ; the Ideal
optical lantern (Archer ft Sons) ; a case of lenses by Messrs. Swift &
Siona ; and the standard system of fittings for the attachment of lenses
to eametaa, for which Measra. Taylor, Taylor, ft Hobson have received
a medal. Thia syctam was folly described in a ireoent number of the
JotraxAL; while, as already said, those novelties in apparatus not
notiq^d in this brief aurvey of the exhibits will be foiud treated of in
our report (aee p. 696).
Tint Lamthbn' Sijdss.
Only ten seta of lantern sliiles were sent an for competition, Mr.
E. G. Lee, of Newcastle, taking a medal for a clever aeries taken by
means of a hand camera. Mr. T. E. Freshwater shows slides of Bee
Culture; Mr. G. Hankins a miscellaneous collection with ajgreat
variety of tone, while, in Mr. J. Dore's three sets of landscapes and
•aisaahi, lifeboat practice, and clouds and sea, not only are the tones
m^n^ adiniTably managed and varied, but the slides are beautifully
bright and clear. Mr. Dresser's slides of the Wild West Show are
brilliant and animated studies ; Mr. Carpenter's flower subjects are
as carefully rendered aa ius prints of similar subjects; Mr. A. J.
West is entirely successful with his yachts and ships both artistically
and technically. Messrs. J. D. England, II. Sandland (animals), and
A. Brooks also show excellent exhibits in this section.
In taking leave, for the present, of the Exhibition, we must not
omit to acknowledge our indebtedness to the courtesy of Mr. R. Child
Bayley, the assistant secretary, who has been most assiduous in
affording information to the leprescntativee of the press.
632
l-HE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY,
rSeptember 30, 1892
PHOTOGRAPHIC LIMITS.
[London Mid ProTincial Photographic Ajsoci»tion.]
Whbn 80 much is being said as to the true status of photography,
what it can and cannot do, what it ou^ht and ought not to do, I feel
that a survey of the subject and the criticisms upon it might be made
with profit. Save me from ray friends, to say nothing of my enemies,
might Photography well cry ; for it is blamed, on the one hand, for
its extreme accuracy, and, on the other, for not being accurate enough.
The fact that such a question can be asked as, " Can photography
He?" and a serious answer be expected, shows the exceedingly great
misapprehension existing as to photographic limits. "VN hy not ask,
" Can a painter's brush lie ?"' It does that same thing many a time
and oft. While journeying this summer, I saw a painter busy on a
certain view, and, though his draiving was reasonably good, his colour-
ing almost blinded me. A well-taken photograph would have been
vastly preferable. In this connexion I cannot but fear that, when
those earnest workers who are trying to solve the photography-in-
colours problem attain their end, they are going to be somewhat dis-
appointed. Colour may be obtained, but not atmosphere ; and to an
artist that means a great deal. The most ardent camera devotee
must own tliat the scope of his beloved instrument is limited ; but he
has a right to d(7mand those limits shall not be arbitrarily circumscribed,
or that photography shall l>e looked upon only as the poor relation of
painting. Photography si; tiers because it is ordered to confine itself,
outside of pure portraiture, to scientific work mainly, and is told it
should not trench on the artistic preserves. The camerist is fully
justified, and the claim cannot be too often or too strongly made, in
drawing on all the resources of both science and art to realise his
mental conceptions. As painters use different brushes for different
kinds of work, so the camerist uses different lenses. What may be
a positive defect in a lens when used for one branch of camera work
proves often a virtue for another, and the artist is shown when the
worker has skill and taste enough to reconcile the lens to the object
sought. This means endless experiments, disappointments, exercising
the most patient judgment, and, in short, attempting to adjust thu too-
often conflicting claims of art and science in the photographic field.
Although this is a broad and somewhat well-worn subject, there are
*till some things which can be said, and plainly said, upon it. Mr.
Hinton's recent article, referring to work at exhibitions, should be
widely and thoughtfully read, and its temperate tone gives it added
importance. Exhibitions for the art side, pure and simple, have been
held ; but it should be suggested to the wise and good who preside at
such exhibitions, or fiU the post of judges, that art is sometimes con-
founded with Uberality, and they are by no means one and the sams
thing.
Science and Photography.
Scientists labour to secure as nearly perfect instruments as possible,
and then, if they do not possess the art instinct, are apt to quarrel vrith
those who believe not alone in elucidating some great scientific fact,
but in turning the keen eye of the lens on the beautiful as well as the
useful, studying its possibilities with a loving reverence until the
senseless instrument seems to enshrine a living soul. I do not see any
need for perpetually erecting this barrier, nor why those who keenly
enjoy every new discovery in the pure science of photography should
not also realise what great power it gives in developing the art side.
The wonderful achievements of photographic science in the constantly
expanding fields of human thought have, to some extent, bewildered
people's eyes, and affected their judgment. In its vastly increased
facilities for work, photography is in danger of growing very much
to one side, and that the scientific, unless the art fanatics, as some
critics consider them, bring on such a thunderstorm occasionally as
shall clear the controversial air, and allow photography to show what
is possible in the way of broad, healthy growth. Why is it that, if
we are so willing to acknowledge the tremendous strides made in
strictly scientific knowledge, thanks to the lens, we are reluctant to
acknowledge its power in the art world? Partly because photo-
graphers themselves as a body are not yet able to realise that the
work is more than a pastime or a means of wage-earning, that, if
they expect people to respect photography, they must prove its in-
dubitable right to respect and give it constant and faithful study.
Hundreds of photographers are not fit for their business, and very
few, I am afraid, follow the custom of a distinguished Frenchman,
«nd, out of working hours, study daily the effect of varied lighting
on two figures, one draped in white, and one in black. How many
understand the importance of the quality and thickness of thin sky-
light glass as affecting the limits of photography ? Artificial lights,
such as electricity or flash light, are good in their way, but are worse
than useless in unskilful hands, justifying the reproach that photo-
graphy is attempting too much. There is great room for extending
photographic limits in the studio if operators would be liberal-
minded enough to open their eyes and cultivate their understandings.
This means educating the public, as well as the profession, and might
rule out a large proportion of the latter ; but that would be no loss,
and the profession, as a whole, would gain immensely in the respect
of men. Of course a pint pot is not to be blamed for being such, but
it should not attempt to hold the ocean.
A story told of Douglas Jerrold may illustrate this point. Once an
utterly incompetent author attempted to justify some of his poor work
to the witty critic by the plea, " A man must live, you know ! " "I
don't see any necessity for it," said Jerrold. Many advanced photo-
graphers are, it should be said, ready to welcome new ideas, but are
held back by the consideration that great changes involve at first
increased expense, and sitters fail to appreciate that fact. Perhaps in
no one branch of human knowledge have as great and varied improve-
ments been made the past few years as in photography ; but in some
ways, while its limits have been extended, the work has suffered
thereby. People are apt to imagine not that real progress has been
made, but that the trick has been more cleverly managed, so that in
one sense the work was more honoured when it cost more time and
labour than now, when a vast world of appliances have made it easier.
We do appreciate a thing more when we have to work for it.
The Value of Pebvious Training in Drawing and Painting.
While in England, nothing has impressed me more than the care
given, on the whole, to making an exposure, guarding the plates
from unsafe light, and, in fact, taking pains to do all the work well.
It has been my privilege to work ■«'ith some of the best-known
English photographers, and to learn many lessons thereby. I think
in this connexion that previous training in drawing and painting
should be valuable as giving freedom from the usual cut-and-dried
recognised methods in camera work. Neither microscopic definition
nor indiscriminate f uzziness, neither hand cameras nor tripods, is the
only true and to be accepted doctrine for camerists, but each subject
should be studied as a painter studies his subject, and treated as
will show it to the best advantage. If this means obliterating any
part of the negative or print, it should be done without the slightest
apology. In short, from the moment of taking the plate from the
box t'o mounting the finished print, consider, and only consider, the
effect you wish to obtain. There is a certain class of critics who saj
photographers have no call to attempt purely illustrative work, it is
beyond their province, and lliey wax eloquent on those unfortunates
who essay the role of original designers and translators of poetic ideas
into visible pictures. There are, to be sure, poems utterly unfitted
for photographic reproduction ; but there are many, very many, others
which could well be illnstrated by the lens, and the results utilised in
some of the beautiful processes now possible, so that the reproductions
would deceive the very elect as to their origin. The fact that it is in
our power in these days to use lenses of such widely differing power is
vastly more than adding to a painter's stock of brushes, and he who
seeks to do reallv artistic work must have a battery of them, take
the time to consider which one will be best for the view desired. Many
workers use a lens altogether too large for the plate, which is almost
as bad as straining a lens beyond its capacity. The difficulty of using
different lenses in one front board seems likely to be met by the ad-
justable flanges now on the market. Like every other part of the
apparatus, the lenses should be easily and quickly adjusted, and every
one have a cap for one end as well as the other.
Landscape Work and Development.
Regarding landscape work, the matter of limits is simple, to define
interiors far more so, and figures most difficult of all. But it seems
to me, that if a figure study tells without explanation the story it is in-
tended to tell, the designer can well afford to be utterly indifferent to all
derogatory remarks as to whether his picture is or is not what certain
grumblers would call " just a photograph." One of the leading art
critics of New York was showing me some photographs a while ago
which I said were poor, but which he intended to reproduce m a
well-known magazine. " You look at them," he said, finally in a very
positive tone, "merelr as a photographer. I look at them as an
artist." " Pardon me," was my reply, " I have been a photographer a
very few years and up to that time worked in painters' studios.'
\Vhen the camerist comes to the developing stage, the Scriptural
injunction should be adopted of proving all things, and holding fast to
that which is good. The danger, however, is that the more expert a
worker becomes tbe farther he is tempted to stray from the path of
true art, simplicity, studying not merely the most fitting medium for
showing his work, but making it a means of exhibiting his purely
technical proficiency. There should be far more attention paid to
development, and no one but the operator should by rights develop
the exposed plate. Then, too, comes up the question of what is hand-
camera work. At a recent Society meeting it was agreed that, if a
September 30, 189f]
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
688
homdJUe hAnd camen wm placed on a tripod, its resulta were not
reallj hand work. Considerable discussion took place, but it would
■«ein as if we mis* tbe real value of tbe work itself by raising such
nice distinctiona.
RsuinoNS BKTWxicN Pkofmbionau an-d Amatbubs.
And now there is one more point which suggests itself, and that is,
the tme lelatioiu between profeaaionala and amat^^urs. Tliere should
be DO jealooey between the two detachments of the camera army, as
both seek a common end, and can beet attain it by united actiou. I
do not believe in drawing a sharp Ene of demarcation, remembering
what I personally owe a« an amateur to professional advice and
critician. It haa been my fortune to be thrown into close relations
with the profeaaion at several conventions and exhibitions in America,
and hare, despite occasional illiberaHty, received from the best part
of the members only cordial kindneas and reepect. We can help each
other and frankly own that fact.
In dosing, let me say that this qoeetion of photographic limits is,
after all, Urgelj a matter of each worker's taste and skill. From the
most careful scientific analysis to the most artistic coaceptions, the
lens obeys the will of the brain, using it far more broadly than some
are willing to believe. The subject u one which could be followed
into many bypaths and is too great for one evening's discussion. Let
me put in a plea for fair judgment, a welcome for everything which
will aid photographic progress in any and every field of human en-
deavour, and a reminder that such progress will be best attained by
ignoring the point whether this or that branch of the work will lie
Bost bwiaflfawl by each new diaoovery, remembering that advance-
ment in one means advancement in '*SL Woriting im broad lines,
keepii^ brain, eves, and ear* receptive and liberal, we will in time
place pbotograpny in her true poeition before the worid. Let her
limits continually expand, and each and all lend a hand in the good
work. Cathari.nb Wud Bajuow.
DECOR.\TIONS AND FITTINQS.*
Thx decorations of the room itself should be delicate, chaste, and
neutral in tint, relieved with gold or pale c<jlours, which act as a foil
to an^ pictnra that may be exhibited. The idea is to have sur-
roundings that, without being sad or ataertive, should set off the
CMitents of the room to the best advaatage. A very light and pretty
style ia the Moorish scheme ol iiinimiitsliiiii. with pale green for
tlM nredoainatiag tint, and fretwoA punted of the same odour, all
brignt, proBoanced colours being avoided except in very minute
qoantitica. Any small window, tlia light from which is not im-
portant, may be glased with stained giaas often with a very pretty
«ff<ct.
The f urnitura, plain and good, with chairs and kmagsa, comfortable
and luxurious, works of art of variooa kinds, intenpmed with hand-
some foliage plants, may be placed here and there with good effect.
A moderately dark carpet is to be preferred, as it affords rest to the
eyes, with a few richlv coloured rugs kid here and there, and at least
one larg« mirror fixed where lady visitors can see themselves from
head to foot without trouble. Tbe dominant idea in fitting the
reception-room is to induce in the sitter* a pleasant and satisfied frame
of mind, and to remove as much as possibfe anv feelinf of impatience
or (fiasatisfaetioii in having to wait soma time before their turn comes
to place themselves in the hands of tbe operator. A person irritated
and impatient ia in the worst posribk condition for hannp a pleasing
portrait taken, so it follows that evasy means shoukl be adopted to
intvrest sod amnse. Soma oopiea of good periodioab and illustrated
literature, with a daily newspaper or two, wiD help to wile away the
time.
Tbe illomination of the reception-room should be fairly strong ; if
too subdued, tbe stroog Bgbt of the studio is apt to cause a con-
traction of the popQ* or the eyes, and make them look smaller than
tiiey really are. 'To persons with very sensitive or wnk eyesight tbe
stnag studio light will often, under any circumstancea, induce a
frown that is tfifficult, if not impossible, to get quite rid of during the
short time they remain in it. to the disadvantaffe of the portrait. Of
course, this is intensified by havinir just beforehand stayed in a room
in which tbe ligkt is vary subdu<^i. The small panes of glass with
which tMKf stiMios an giaxed. and the forest of sash bars necessitated ,
militate meb against good eipiasaloB, unlesa the light is filtered
through WBSsd paper or its equivalent. Tbe opinion of tbe late
O. O. llejiaadar was that tbe light on the sitter should fall with the
least posribia obstruction, and not a bar more than absolutely
neossaary should be used. The studio in which his most successfiU
* Coadadsd fton page <]i.
pictures were taken was lighted by two windows, each glazed with
one pane of plate glass. A better authority it would be difficult to
find.
With regard to the colour of the glass room, consensus of opinion
is in favour of pale blue or grey, with little or no ornamentation. Of
course, something: depends on the space to be covered, but in a studio
of the ordinary kind nothing is better than this. Sometimes dark
chocolate or brown is used, but has the disadvantage of making the
shadows too heavy, unless a very complete system of reflectors is
used to counterbalance it ; it has, besides, no compensating advantages
whatever. The idea of it being- restful to the eyes has, I believe, been
proved fallacious; and, in addition, the exposures are considerably
lengthened, especially if the studio is lighted only from one side and
part of top.
With regard to the floor, few things are better than irood linoleum
to cover it with in the first place, on which may be laid small carpets
or rugs that may be easily pulled aside as occasion requires. Hand-
some skin rugs are very useful as accessories, besides improving the
appearance of the place. Foliage plants and ferns are both decorative
and useful, and should find a place in every glass room. Well-grown
plants afford unending variety as accessories, and almost supersede
the use of furniture in picture compositions ; at any rate, by their aid
very much furniture can be dispensed with, and very indififerent
upholstery work made to look well.
Backgrounds are important fittings, and, with the exception of
larp; ones heavily mounted at the end of the studio, should be light
and portable as possible, for in these days of fancy lightin<r they have
to be continually moved about from place to place according to the
effect desired. Unwieldy heavy backgrounds I look upon as un-
mitigated nuisances if they have to be shifted about much ; there ia
always danger of upsetting them or something else, besides occupying
a good deal of time that might be better spent. I think any operator
working single-handed will bear me out in this opinion. Blinds can
scarcely be looked upon from a decorative point of view, although
they considerably influence the appearance of the place. The most
useful are thick, soft, dark blue and ordinary white blinds, which
shoiUd be kept clean and in order. Ifagged, weatlier-stained blinds
always give a disreputable look to a gallery. An additional large,
blue gauze curtain is exceedingly useful in moderating the effects of
a strong light without perceptibly slowing the exposure. Footstools
of different heights are always in request, and are better than extem-
porising boxes, books, or anything that may come handy.
The dressing-room devoted to ladies should have bright, cheerful
fittings, and tne usual toilet appendages, not omitting a large clieval
glass, which is always appreciated, i'resh-cut flowers set about in
suitable receptacles give a homely, pleasant effect, and are always an
improvement to any scheme of decoration. It foes without saying
that the whole establishment should be kept as free from dust and
dirt as possible. Slovenliness as an eccentricity has had its day, and
the bett«r order a place ia kept in the more attractive it is.
Edwabd Dunmobb.
EXTBACT3 FROM THE DAILT PKESS OS THE PHOTOGRAPHIC
EXHIBITION.
[Daily ChronieU.]
A PBOTOoaAPBic Exhibition has better reason for its being than most
exhibitions can boast. The few people who have gained distinction by
not becoming amateurs in tbe art will most likely visit it out of curiosity ;
the others wiU go as a matter of course, as critics. And both classes will
have their reward at the annual Exhibition of the Photographic Society
of Great Britain. The cognoscenti who are learned in tones and
lights and distsnces will there find all that is best in these things,
and even the most hardened photographic Philistine will have cause
to wonder and admire. To the latter, whose education in matters
photographic has been got from the pictures of professional beauties in
shop windows, and " views of Margate," the most startling thing
will ^ the decadence of the silver-print. He will be surrounded by
~ptBtOftJfme in " bromide," " platinum toned, Obemetter paper,
"UORonT' " Gelatino-chloride," "Soltypc toned with platinum,"
" oranTum-toned bromide," and in many more bewildering ways, but
bia old familiar friend of the family portrait album will meet his glance
but seldom, and even then will be in a K'oritied, refined condition. The
silver-print, indeed, seems as much doomed to extinction as the primeval
Daguerreotype, and it is cause for no regret, for tbe platinum or bromide
process— besides being permanent — ia susceptible of far more artistic
treatment, and is certainly mora restful to the eye than the best work
done in silver.
Of the Exhibition itself it may be said that it is of greater merit than
that of any prerions year. The pictures shown are all of a high standard
of excelleuoe, and the task of tbe judges in awarding medals must have
been one of no little difficulty. The work which will command most
«84
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOT0GRA.PHY.
(ff^tember 50, 1892
attention, no lees for its beauty than its size, is a carbon enlargement,
exhibited by Messrs. Elliott and Son, from a negative by Mr. Birt Acres.
The picture, which measures 7ft. by 5ft., is a fine study of the surf
breaking upon a rockbound coast. A greenish tint has been given_ to it,
■which heightens the realism, and there is none of that blur which so
Often obtrudes itself upon photographic seascapes. Of landscape work
there is an infinite variety. Mr. B. Gay Wilkinson gets a medal for a
Miies of sii studies, all of which are gems in their way ; but the best of
them, and perhaps the very best thing in the exhibition, is The Peaceful
Evening Hour — a triumph of photography, which shows better than
anything else can show of what the art is capable. Mr. Karl Greger
exhibits some really beautiful studies in the same department, his In the
Wehh Mountaim — in very low tones — being a delicions bit of work. A
singular fatuity in the matter of framing is shown by not a few of the
exhibitors. For example, Mr. W. Bedford, who is awarded a medal for
some splendid work in carbon, has altogether spoiled the general effect of
his pictures by putting them in frames of the same colour as the prints
— without even the relief of a white mounting ; and again and again one
comes across good things crammed into frames that are utterly unsuit-
able. Mrs. Main seems to have quite solved the diiBculty of presenting
snow in a photograph as snow, and not as a blank white heap of some-
thing which might be flour, or cotton wool, or anything but snow. Her
snow is crisp and cold and natural, and she certainly deserves the medal
that has been awarded to her. A remarkable and most interesting photo-
graph is that of M. F. Boissonnas, representing Mont Blanc at a distance
of fifty-six miles. It was taken with Dallmeyer's tele-photographic lens,
and was the result of seven minutes' exposure on an August evening
during windy weather. The detail is wonderful. The pictures of the
mountain taken by an ordinary lens which are exhibited by its side con-
clusively show the advantages of Dallmeyer's lens for distant work. In
the way of portraits there is nothing better in the exhibition than the
head of an old man by Mr. F. MuUer. It is the nearest approach to a
fine old steel engraving that photography has yet produced, and is
admirable in texture and colour alike. To an instrument that can make
a picture of a flash of lightning and take the portrait of a bullet in full
flight everything is possible, and the examples of instantaneous photo-
graphy which the exhibition contains are not its least attractive part.
The most charming, because the most spontaneous and happy, is Where
there's a will there's a way, by Mr. E. S. Dashwood. These are four small
views which tell the tale of a cat straying from the path of rectitude and
stealing milk from a jug. The first shows Pussy making a bee line for
the jug, the last exhibits her standing stiffly on three legs, while she licks
the paw which has just been dipped into the milk. Blowing Bubbles, for
which Mr. H. Teo gets a medal, also tells a tale in a way in which only
instantaneous photography could tell it. All the latest things in apparatus
are here to be seen, and for any one who meditates entering upon a career
of photography they would form a singularly complete outfit.
[Daily News.]
The annual Exhibition of the Photographic Society of Great Britain,
is of considerable and vsiried interest, especially with regard to the
landscape work, in which field there is every year a closer affinity between
the photographer and the painter of pictures. There are not many special
discoveries to record this time, but the level of artistic attainment is well
maintained, and it is evident that the judges of the 871 productions
submitted have taken time and trouble in their selection. More than
600 contributions have found wall space, and, as usual, several medals
have been awarded. The most successful exhibitors include amongst
the landscapists Mr. Karl Greger, with a series of pastoral and other
rural subjects, platinum-toned prints, in which atmosphere and distance
have come out very successfully ; Mr. W. Bedford, who has several
picturesque views in Norfolk, richly brown in tint ; Colonel 3. Gale, who
combines rustic and marine scenery with figure groups very tastefully ;
Mr. B. Gay Wilkinson, with some dreamy twilight effects, two cir three of
which suggest brusfa-work and individuality rather than the exigencies of
the camera ; Mr. A. E. Dresser, whose contributions include a fine view
Of the meeting of Conway and Lledr rivers ; and in marine photography
Messrs. Elliot & Son, with a carbon enlargement seven feet by five feet in
size, from a whole-plate negative by Birt Acres, representing sea waves
breaking on rocks, and prmted, to assist the^ illusion, in a decided green
tone. Specially by itself must be noted a remarkable view of Mont
Blanc, taken at a distance of fifty-six miles, with Dallmeyer's tele-
photographic lens, by the late Mr. F. Boissonnas. In comparing this
with a smaller view of the same by an ordinary lens one realises the
remarkable character of this curious experiment, and to the practical
photographer, be he amateur or professional, it should be of much
interest. In portraiture Mr. F. Muller gains recognition for a man's
head, in which the modelling and the expression of character in the face
are forcibly represented ; while, amongst numerous children's portraits,
a medal is taken by Mr. W. M. Warneuke for a nearly life-size half-
length of a little girl. Other medallists are Mr. Harold EoUer, for direct
I)ortraits taken in a room, notably an excellent one of Miss Alma-Tadema ;
Mr. J. E. Austin for a couple of figure studies, excellent as to the pose
and expression of the old man, who is mending a clock in one instance
and perusing the contents of a bill in the otlier, both taken direct with
spectacle lens ; Mr. H. Yeo, for several photographs in different positions
of a child blowing bubbles ; Mr. Henry Stevens, whose flower pictures
are nnrivalled as reproductions of floral form and beanty of detail ; and
Mrs. Main, one of the best students of the pictorial attractions of frost
and the shadows on snow. In a different branch of skill, that of photo-
graphic reproduction of pictures, the Autotype Company take a medal for
their trancript of Mr. Edwin Douglas's Academy picture of horse and
foals, entitled Young England. There are many contributions to the
collection that are not far behind those mentioned in merit and value
from various standpoints, and many well-known exhibitors who have
taken so many of the Society's medals at different times that they should
scarcely covet any more are prominently and well represented. From
the Cameron studio we have Mr. Watts at work on his equestrian statue,
and other contributions ; Mr. Fred. HoUyer sends a dozen of his portraits
of artistic, literary, and other " celebrities," for instance, Mr. Bume-
Jones, Mr. Walter Crane, Mr. Andrew Lang, Mr. J. M. Barrie, Mrs.
Ewing, and the Bev. Stopford Brooke ; Mr. Birt Acres tells The Story of
a Cloud in a set of photographs showing the change of form of a bank <k
cumulus clouds ; Mr. Francis Blake, in his Cow Pony at sharp canter
renders some mysteries of equine motion ; Mr. .1. B. Scott has some
graceful full-length portraits of ladies; and Mr. W. J. Byrne some
charming presentments of childhood. We may note also the luminous
views in the Lake Country by Mr. E. Benson, Mr. H. W. Bennett's sea
and boat photographs, a pair of frost studies by Mr. G. Eenwick. sundry
well-selected views of land and sea on a small scale by Mr. W. Thomas,
and on one of the screens in the scientific branch may be studied the
history of dentition, of various anatomical subjects, the cultivation of
bacteria, and other matters helpful in the knowledge of ourselves andi
our enemies.
[Morning Advertiser.]
The annual Exhibition of Photographs by the members of the Photo*
graphic Society of Great Britain opens to-day, the introductory soir^
having been held on Saturday evening. There have not been any great
strides in the art since the Exhibition of last year, but there is a general
improvement to be noticed in the majority of the pictures now hung in
the gallery of the Eoyal Society of Painters in Water Colours. One of
the great changes is the more extended use of very rough surface papers,
which in pictures of a fairly large size is very effective ; but unfortunately
the desire to use the new paper has led to some of the exhibitors using it
for pictures far too small from the artistic point of view for its use
advantageously. There are also more prints on gelatino-chloride papers,
and uranium has been more frequently used for toning, and carbon
printing is more in evidence. If possible, the show is more popular than
ever among photographers, though it is to be regretted that several of the
best workers have not sent anything this year, probably in consequenee
of a little unpleasant incident which occurred at the last Exhibition.
Notwithstanding that fact, however, there were more frames sent to go
before the hanging committee than ever before. No less than 871 frames
were sent, of which 633 are hung and 238 rejected. With regard to the
rejected frames it is only fair to the hanging committee to say that, if the
pictures were worse than some of those which were accepted, they must
have been very bad indeed. These pictures are, of course, very few, and
the general average of the work shown is high — so much so that from the
point of view of artistic merit it is impossible to pick out one picture as
the work of the year. This is explained by the fact that, as the merit of
a photograph almost entirely depends on the subject chosen, and not on
the 8ubse(iuent manipulations, the higher the average of artistic merit the
less the chance of any photographer producing a picture strikingly more
artistic than that of the other exhibitors. Dealing now with the pictures,
the one which will first strike the eye of the visitor will be a large sea
piece (No. 250), probably the largest that has yet been hung at a photo-
graphic exhibition. It measures seven feet by five, and is a carbon
enlargement, in a green tone, by Messrs. Elliott and Son, from a photo-
graph by Birt Acres. It is a wonderful piece of work, and the sea is
beautifully transparent, but one feels that it is too large, it is difficult to
comprehend it from one point of view. As an enlargement it takes a
medal. Karl Greger secures a medal for six pretty little pictures (No. 5) of
rural scenes, mostly containing sheep, the choicest being Homeward. B.
Gay Wilkinson gets a medal tor a series of six pictures (Nos. 50-3), all of
which are charming, but the best is that of the Palaces of Parliament,
witli the sun setting behind the Victoria Tower. W. Bedford takes a
medal for a carbon print, Sallwuxe Dyke, Norfolk (No. 67), in a warm
brown tone, of a winding stream with trees on the further bank, and
beside which the fisherman has left his rod hanging over the water.
Colonel J. Gale is awarded a medal for The Incoming Tide (No. 79),
another effective carbon print. A. E. Dresser takes a medal for a picture
of Aylesford (No. 140), a uranium-toned print on rough paper, the effect
being a warm brown, and the view is looking across the stream to the
town. It is an effective enlargement from a hand-camera negative. H.
Yeo deservedly gets a medal lor a series of fine pictures (141-144) of a
little girl blowing bubbles, and for three portrait studies in a red tone,
very soft and pleasing. F. Muller secures a medal for a fine portrait
(No. 146) in a brown tone on rough paper. J. E. Austin gains a medal by
Worn Out (No. 184), a picture of an old man examining a clock of some-
what ancient manufacture; the picture is excellent, and is taken with
an ordinary spectacle lens. Henry Stevens' flower study of Meadow
Sweet (No. 201) is very fine, and fully deserves the medal awarded to it.
Mrs. Main is awarded a medal for six pictures, entitled Frost and Snow
(No. 212), which are certainly the finest snow pictures that have been
S«ptMUr3i^l«Ml
THJE BRITISH JOUBNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
635
nhiltitiwl Snow is xmij diffiaoU to pbotograpb racoenfnUy , a fact which
can be MBfiad hj imwiraring thaM pietona with jome others hung eloca
by, whieh an alao the work of elwMr photographen. J. Harold Boiler
aenda four pietmw (Ko. 339) *-*■— in an ordinary room, (or one of which
a madbkl ia awarded. The nortiaita are admirable, and afford a good
example of what a determined worker can do without a stadio. W. M.
Wanteake takea a medal for a beaatifnl portrait of a little girl (No. 243) in
a iriiite tan-baaiwt, whieh ia one of the prettieat and most saocessfol
itodiea oo the waUa. F. nnitninai takaa a medal for a very clever piece
of week. IteaDaataola*iawa<lIaotBlaDo(No. 404), taken at a distance
of filty-(ix mflea, with an (vdinary lena, aboat 5 inehei square, and a
portion of the lama view taken bom the lame qiot with Dallmeyer's new
tele-pbotogramhie lena — a pictara abont 34 inchaa iqaare, in which erery
detail is perfectly distinct and dear. The Aato^pe Company take a
medal for an antograTure (So. 418) of Edwin Dooglas'i pictnre Young
Englamd — two maraa and foals in a field. In lantern slides E. O. I^ee
takea the medal lee A a«ieac< twelve (No. 687) from negativaa taken with
a bene-mada ~-««»« Thejslides are pietnres, and speak well (or the
eileetbeneM of the home-made camera, .\mong the pictoree not
Tnnfcned there are two at least whidi will strike the obserrer as
ileeei ttiig of snch recognition — one. Tkt Lore LttUr (Ko. 206), by
A. Borebett, a charming stody of a ^1 standing in a day dream beside a
spioaiag-wfaeel, with an open letter in her hand, and the other a portrait
stody in red ehalk (So. 196), an antotype leprodnetiaa by the Aototype
Company of a large head taken by Domej A Co. F. Bolseonnas sends
a fine pietmw, A Ansel Study (Xo. SO), betiig a view o( a hayfield, with
three weoiea in the foragroond. Another pecoliar print is H. J. God-
hold's Rocket to tke Reteue (So. %), a photograph of a stiaiidad ship
with a roeket jost fired to carry a liis-liBe to it. The roeket ia abown
very distiactly. B. 8. Daehwood* WMtr» Iktnfi • wili thtn't a wag (Na
133), (our pirtiuea gtving the history of a eat getting cream oat of a jog
on iia paw and than liekiiig it, will bs a lavoarite, aa will also be Henry
Sterens'i cat and dof itadiaa, A Tminid Swne (No. ISO) and Timf Out (No.
173). Birt Aerss' St* bloa pietoras (No. IM), showing the formation of a
eomafau dead, will attraot atteotion. ae wiU alao FmoeiB Blake's four
instaataaeoaa photoe of Caw and Potm (Ma 168) at a sharp canter.
Many visiton will think W. J. Byroad ia» Gneian Girl (So. 174) to be
yery moeh like ICaiy Aadsnoa. E. Tiemhwt. ahows a fine setiae of girls'
beads (No. 317), takai with a single landwiie lena, whieh ate clear proof
that as good poitraita, if not better, ean tie taken with soeh a lena as
with any eaapoandonea. Window aindOfOfeaend three stodiea (No. 318)
of Mies Ellen Terry aa Qttun KalMatimt, whieh are good, aa is also
OabeU « Ca's Head of a Bof (Xo. »4). Prtftmor Herkomer (So. 338),
bytheaasaefinn. UoarilMl. Senus fa XertA ^/rva (No. 804), and a
■afies of tnpieia fitiMM (HoiL Sa»-aO>), k* K F. im Thorm. a M. O., are
veiy fait«aMing. Worm Out (Ma 870), by P. Whaley, is rather a pathetic
pi^B*. It ifcnwi an tevaJid boy aalaao in feed, with the lather; who haa
been aMtas OB with him and readincaapner, haTing alao fallen aaieep,
the paper hafinf diuppej (nan hia hand. Tbm ia a lighted candle on
the table, and the dawn ean be pereelTed Ihnogh the window.
Tha siMW of ^paiataa ia TCcy meagre, tt» meet stnUi^ pieee being a
-camera, by Wafaoa * Bciu to take pigtOM > feet sqoate, attadiad to a
very Ingewbaa etaad, all the ■oremaola in whieh are ragttlated by one
bandia eloee to the operator. Aa alnmhiiimi tripod by Hewton A Oo. is
▼cry Bcht, but father eooepisaeai far naa. The " Fiena" hand camera
by R. * J. Beek ia cstrsBaely fa«aaioaa aad eMmpaet, and wiU carry forty
cntfifan*. It ia alee -ntj nnwipaal. Ito«a. Crooefa show the "Draaser"
band canMn, another wy oaatal farm of inatnuaenL The only medal
in tUi mmtkm ia taken bv ItUmn. Tkylor, Taylor, * Hobaon for a new
systM of attiag lansea, by which the flao((i of one leoe fits into that of
the SIM laiger, eo that a largt nombar of laona ean be convwieBtly oaed
in the same eamaca, and the aerwwa ate ae aeastnieted that there is no
dinanlty whatever in fitting the thread and screwing them into each
other.
[5taiulan(.]
Taoea who nraetise photography an nsnally aitiata. It ia natural, there>
fAe, that the intereet in the anatial BzUMtion of the Fbotogia|4iie
Kodetr o' Onat Britain should be aitMe lather than — Hitifln.
FroM tUa pietorial point of view, the worit la of a higher standard
than that flf any prerioas Tear. The nombar ef pietana aabmitied to the
haa#ig ewmnitlae baa bean greater, and mere eaia baa been taken
in ealMliM. Kor kM the arianKfie iateraat been alioftthar wfiaaled.
The aieaawa made in this direetioa datiag the last tweire montha have
not hasB naaikable, exeept in a single jnatawnfi of which an example ia
«lw ha K*. MM. TUa ia a photograph of Mont Blane, takaa at a
diataMa e( iOr-ab mBae. Dallmeyer's tele photognphie lena waa oaed,
rton, eateaaion of eamera 60 inehea, with sofen miniiteaP
■tijf pA. Angnat 27, in windy weather. The soeeesa of
•TMsticnabK
view of Mont ________
ipaiiaiM to otead with aai^lar plH)tegrMha
lena at similar aad doeer rangea. Another
aaientifle. thoogh little or no aitistio, attraction.
1 to be aatooiahed at the lightning
OT eight boars' eipoeuw
opportnnity of
tak.-
Ewn ina □
tefttaa
■aaanT aipailiiisiit with the tsleseopie eamera to im-
■■A opna Vf many iataraatiag poasihilitiae. A perteet
BliMofaa at Wa peat firtvaa haa ba« second, and
necessary to procure a copy of a landscape that may be obtained now in
an infinitesimal fraction of a second. Notwithstanding this familiarity
with speed, it is worth noting the saooess with which Mr. H. J. Godbold
has caught a rocket in its flight from the shore to a siiip in distress. The
colonr is bad, but this is an unavoidable effect of short exposure and of
the conditions under which it was presumably made. One or two
mechanical improvements may be observed in passing. A new system of
lens flangee and adapters has beeu introduced during the year. The
screws are made to engage at one turn, and without the possibility of
crossing threads, while the diaphragm indexes fall into a uniform and
convenient position. It is hoped that the popularity of this system will
facilitate the efforts of the Society to introduce a standard uniformity o(
lens flanges and adapters, an arrangement that will commend itself to
amateur photographers.
Turning again to the pictures, it will be seen that by far the greater
number are platinnm and albumen silver prints. There is abundant
evidenoe alao of the prevailing disposition to cultivate low tones, and to
take advantage of the effect of rough paper. How charmingly delicate
and varied these effects may be is seen especially in the landscapes.
This is a department in whidi the Exhibition is strong. Many of the
prints will compare favoarably with the finest engravings or etchings for
refinement of line and softnees of tone. For example, it would be difficult
to diseover anything more perfect tlian Mr. Gay Wilkinson's The Peaceful
Evem»g Hour (No. 51). It is a small landscape, into which a pleasant
atmoepneric effect has been imported with remarkable skill. Colonel
Oale, a well-known amateor, has also been very successful with a series
of views (Noe. 79-75), of which the lines are sharply defined without
being hard. Eqnal commendation is given to Mr. Bedford for his scenes
on toe Norfolk Broads. In common with many other exhibitors, Mr.
Bedford has adopted carbon printing, the artistic possibilities of which on
a large acale may be seen in a 7 ft. x 5 ft. enlargement of a sea view by
Meeara. Elliott A Son (No. 250). The print is from a whole-plate
negative, and, althoogb in fonr pieces, is pot together so skilfully that only
the eloeeat inepfction can detect the joints. It is a remarkable work,
even less on aeeonnt of its size than of its artistic merits as a representa-
tion of the broken waters and lights of the sea. Amateurs, and even
profeeeional photographers, who have taken snow views, will appreciate
the saeeese with which Mrs. Main has overcome the difficulties in her
series of prints fNo. 212). In portraiture there are many interesting
studies. Several of the moot artistic are, however, hybrid, having
been touched with the bnuh or crayon. Of the purely photographic
ezamnlee, the most saoeessfnl is Mr. F. Muller's (No. 146), the head of
an old man. The line and colour are excellent, and remind one of the
work of Velaaqiiea. Mr. J. E. Austin's two pictures, Worn Out (No. 184)
and To Aecmmt Rtmdend (No. 185), are a little "plumy" in colour,
tboogb they an very pleasant studies, and notable «b having been taken
direet with a spectade lens. Upon tlie walls may be seen not a few
examples of the ase to which the camera may be put in multiplying
pictorea. The raprodoction (No. 418) of a picture exhibited at the Boyal
Academy, by Mr. Edwin Douglas, has second for the Autotype Company
a medal. It is a dose imitation of an etching, in which not only the
brnah work, bat the atmoapbarie efflscta of the originai are reproduced
with aatonishing fidelity. The screens and portfolios contain many
prints that deeerve attention. There an instantaneous photographs that
may intereet tennis-players and physiologists, photo-micrographs that
will charm anatomists utd students of bacteria, lantern slides of educa-
tional and artistic value, and oellaloid film negatives that prove what
great advances have been made with this substitute (or gUss. Altogether
the Bxhibition to of high ledintcal and artistic interest, and its popu-
larity niay in some measun be predicted from the crowds of visitors
vrtio aeeepted Captain Abnay's invitation to the ioir€e on Saturday
eveaing.
[PaU Mall Oatttte.]
The annual exhibition of the Photographic Society of Great Britain,
opens today in Pall MalL There waa a loirfe on Saturday, when
visiton who were mere Uunnen wen astounded by the inspection of a
photo^ph of Kent Blanc taken at a distance of fifty-six miles. Dall-
m^yers tele-photographic lana waa used, smallest stop, extension of
eamera sixty mches, with seven minutes exposure, at 6.15 p.m., August
37, in windy weather. The soecess of Mr. F. Boissonnas's experiment
with the teleeeopic camera to nnquastionable, and opens up many
Intereatiag poaaibilitiea. A perfect view of Mont Blanc even at this
ir*fll jjPlMy haa been secured, and opportunity of instructive com-
parlaaii la iiftHini with smaller photographs taken with an ordinary lens
Kl similar aad eloaer ranges. Another exhibit has some scientific, though
littk or no artistic attraotion. Even the uninitiated have ceased to be
astonwhed at tlie lightning records of the camera. Oagneire found
seven or eight homrs' exposure neoeesaiy to proonre a copy of a landscape
that may be obtained now in an infinitesimal fraction of a second. Not-
withsUnding this familiarity with speed, it is worth noting that Mr. H.
J. Godbold has very soccesafolly caught a rocket in its flight from the
shore to a ship in distress. The colour u not all that it should be, but
this is an unavoidable effect o( short exposure, and of the conditions
ander which the picture was doubtless maife. As a whole, the excellence
of the Exhibition is very striking, and Captain Abney may be congratulated
apon the result of hto efforts in getting it together.
C30
THE BKITISR JOURMAL OF PH0T0GRA.PH1.
[September 30, 1802
[Daily Ttlegraph.]
Telk-photoobapbt will apparently create a new field of activity for the
lovers of the camera. At the annual Exhibition of the Photographic
Society of Great Britain, which is open in the Gallery of the Eoyal
Society of Painters in Water Colours, Pall Mall East, Mr. F. Boissonnas
has a truthful picture of Mont Blanc, the negative of which was obtained
by T. K. Dallmeyer's new lens, with an exposure of seven minutes, on
August 27 last, in windy weather, at a distance of ninety kilometers
(fifty-six miles). The photograph was taken direct, and is untouched.
Messrs. Elliott * Son have been awarded a medal for their realistic
enlargement, seven feet by five feet, of a sea piece— a breadth of broken
waters. The print is in four parts, neatly jointed together. Artistic
photoRraphy is making rapid strides, the use of rough paper being as
helpful to the printing as it is in water colour. Sepia tints and broad
wash effects are popular ; bnt there are examples also of the school
which delights in detail and definition. Amongst the most taking
subjects are those shown by Mr. Gay Wilkinson and Colonel Gale. In
portrait studies, Mr. F. MiUler and Mr. J. E. Austin excel.
[rt7n««.]
The leading points of interest in the F.xhibition lose, no doubt, con-
siderably from the abstentions to which we have already alluded — abs-
tentions which, among other things, leave almost unrepresented a class
of work which has of late years come to the front — we mean that in
which the higher forms of art are applied to photography. Under such
circumstances it is difficult to award unqualified praise. Still, there can
be no grounds of complaint that one of the Society's medals has been
awarded to Mr. Karl Greger for his very charming little set of pictures
(No. 5). Mr. H. H. Cameron's studio, which continues the traditions of
his late mother, Mrs. Julia Cameron — a name which will long continue to
hold a foremost place in figure work — contributes an excellent portrait of
Mr. G. F. Watts (No. 4). The best work in the Exhibition is. undoubtedly,
that of J. S. Bergheim, of Vienna. His two heads (Nos. 18 and 23) are
of excellence which deserves more recognition than they have obtained at
the hands of the judges. Most noteworthy, too, is Burohett's The Love
Letter. Close by hangs a small piece (No. 9) by J. P. Ennis. There is
poetry in the solitary bent figure wending his way in the evening sunlight
across the common — poetry which we miss so frequently in photographic
work. Colonel Gale's little saynites are characteristic of a well-known
photographer, perfect in execution, faultless of their kind. Mr. Gay
Wilkinson's set illustrates the power which photography gives us of re-
producing the beautiful effects of cloudland. The pictures are very good.
F. P. Cembrano contributes a few pieces, hors cnncnura. He inclines to
the misty effects of Thames scenery, and his work is always remarkable.
Mr. Dresser has been for years a prominent exhibitor, but he fails this
year in attaining his usual standard. If not exactly pictures, Mr. H.
Stevens's groups of dogs and cats (No. 17.S) are remarkable instances of
the power which photography gives us of producing minute detail. It is
impossible to pass by the head of an old man by F. MuUer, of Munich
(No. 146). What a model! And it is well treated; it will grow upon
those who examine it. J. E. Austin's figure pieces (Nos. 184 and 185)
are taken with a spectacle lens. To the uninitiated it may be necessary
to explain that this means such a glass as we are accustomed to use for
an eye-glass. The results, technically, are surprising. The subjects,
however, are trivial, though no doubt of a character which will be popular.
Eemark the portrait of Professor Herkomer, by Gabell & Co. It has
many points of excellence. The professional studio work is of the usual
character. The stereotyped mechanical retouching, done, as a rule,
without any knowledge of the sitter, cannot be too often denounced. Yet
the public accept it — indeed, insist upon it.
Our survey of the pictures is necessarily brief. The Exhibition is
not up to the standard which it might, under other circumstances, have
attained. At the same time there is less absolutely bad work than usual.
The committee have shown a laudable desire to profit by many reason-
able complaints which have lately been made, and, contrary to the usual
practice of the Society, they have rejected a large number of contributions
sent in. But there remains much more to be done, and it is in the
interests of the Society itself that we have mentioned questions which it
wiU have to face.
©ur iEtJitorial STatlr.
■which must necessarily have taken place in the original during the
340 years that have elapsed since it was printed. The work contains
numerous drawings in addition to the text, which, it is scarcelv
necessary to say, is in German. The Society is to be congratulated
upon the enterprise displayed in reproducing such scarce works.
A VOLUMB BY THE HoLBBIN SoCIKTY.
Mamchester : A. Brothers, 1-4, St. Ann's-square.
This interesting work is a reproduction \n facsimile of the edition of
Dr. Martin Luther's Catechism for the People, Pastor, and Preacher,
which was printed in Frankfort-on-Main in Iflo.l. We have more
than once had occasion to speak of the masterly way in which Mr.
Brothers, by his process of photo-lithography, has reproduced in/ao
timile the L)avce of Death and other works issued by the Holbein
Society. It is enough here to say that, as regards distinctness and
perfection of typographic outline, it is scarcely possible to conceive
of the Frankfort edition being in any particular better than this, or
ven so good, when we take into consideration the fading of the ink
" Dry Platbs."
Edited hj Oadktt & Neill, Ashtead.
To those who employ the e.xcellent plates of this firm, the information
given in this, the first number of a monthly pamphlet they are issuing,
should prove serviceable. Mr. Cadett himself contributes a most in-
structive article on " Ammonia in Development," in which he dis-
cusses the best way of keeping and using that alkali.
Thb Hand Camera, and How to Use It.
By Waiter D. Wilfoed. London : Ilifte jc Son, 3, St. Bride-streBt.
First of all, discussing the hand camera in its different forms, together
with the uses of its parts in their numerous variations, Mr. Welford
proceeds, in the same exhaustive fashion, to deal with its manipula-
tions, in the cour.-e of which he supplies a complete vade-mecum to
its employment. Mr. Welford has devoted a great deal of time to
practical hand camera work, of which he is a successful exponent,
and this volume is, doubtless, the result of his own experiences. We
can confidently recommend a perusal of it to all those who are con-
templating hand camera work, who are thinking of taking it up, or
who, having failed, are desirous of knowing the causes of their
failures with a view to remedying them. Price Is.
The Photographic Lens.
By T. E. Dallmetee, F.R.A.S., M.R.I., tc.
An elegant illustrated pamphlet of thirty pages, giving such a full
description of the tele-photjgraphic lens of Mr. Dallmeyer as suffices
to answer every question that can be put relative to either the con-
struction, use, or mode of working the lens. It contains a synopsis
of what has appeared in the various journals in regard to it, and is
embellished with six plates and several cuts.
♦
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK.
Date o( Meeting.
October 3 ..
3 ..
„ 3 ..
3 ..
3..
4..
„ 4..
» 4..
4..
„ 4..
4..
^ 4..
4 ..
4 ..
4 ..
,. 5 .,
„ 5 .
,, 5 .
« 5 .,
„ 5.
,* 5.
«.
6.
6 .
6 .
>. 6.
tt.
** 6 .
1. 6 .
7,
» 7 .
,. 7.
7.
.. 7.
7.
7.
Name of Society.
Place of Meeting.
Dundee Amateur
Halifax Camera Club
Peterboroug^h
South London
Stereoscopic Club
Exeter
Glossop Dale
Herefordshire (Annual)
Keighley and District
Lewes
North London
Oxford Photo. Society (Annual)
Rotherham (Anmuil) ,
Shefiold Photo. Society (An.)...
York
Edinburfrh Photo. Society .
Photographic Club
Portsmouth
South&ea
Wallasey
West Surrey
Bolton Photo. Society (Annual)
Brixton and Clapham
Camera Club
Dundee and East of Scotland .,
Leeds Photo. Society
London and Provincial
Oldham
Tunbridge Wells
Hrifltol and West of England ..
Cardiff
Crcivdou Microscopical
Holborn
Leamin^on
Maidstone
Richmond
Aaso. Studio, Nethergate, Dundee.
Museum, Minster Precincts.
Hanover Hall, Hanover-park, S.E,
Brookland.s Hotel, Brooklanda.
College Hall, South-street, Exeter.
Rooms, Howard-chambers, GIosBop.
Mansion House, Hereford.
Mechanics' Institute, North-street.
Fitzroy Library, High-st., Lewes.
Wellini^ton Hall, IsliuGton, N.
Society's Rooms, 136, High-street.
Masonic Hall, Surrey-street,
Victoria Hall, York.
Professional Hall, 20, George-street.
Anfierton'a Hotel, Fleet-street, E.C.
Y.M.C. A. -buildings, Laudi>ort.
Egremont Institute, Egremont.
St. Mark's Schools. Battersea-rise.
Baths, Bridgman-streot.
Gresham Hall, Brixton.
Clinriug-cross-rnad, W.C.
Lamb's Hotel, Dimdee.
Mechanics' Institute, Leeds.
Champion Hotel, 15, Aldersgate-st.
The Lvcenm, TJnion-st.. Oldham.
Mechanics' lust., Tnubridgc Wells.
Rooms, 28, Berkeley-sq, BristoL
Public Hall, George-street, Croydoa
Trinity Church Room, Morton st.
** The Palace," Maidstone.
Greyhound Hotel.
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN.
September 27,— Technical Meeting,— Mr. W. England iu the chair.
The meetin.L,' was held in the gallery of the Exhibition, and the apparatus oa
Tiew was explained. ,
Among; the few novelties shown and explained was Mr. W. Sander-i' opera,
field, or marine glass, which can be converted into a photagriphic ca mn and
lens without altering its outward appearance. It then contains a tideioope,
twin photographic lenses, lime and iLstantaneous shutter, metal roll holder
September 90, 1892]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
637
with tweDtr-fooT eipMores), gronnd (ba Kncn, and magnifier for fociusing,
all mcloorl. th* only projection being tkc iltnttar trifiger, which doea not pro-
tnda a quarter of an inch The inatnuDent ia foeaiaed in the manner of all
KJTi/viil.r fliiara. and. when the pictnn ii acen to the best advantage, it U
second wfilaitiU Tiaible through the (dasa. The time of ezpoenie is regulated
at will while Tiewiag the pjotaie, the sbatter being always ready for either the
shorteet or loiUMt expoaure required. It ia eztnmely portable, and may be
directed towards a scene or object withont arousing the alightest suspicion as
to the object the poaaeaaor has in view. The laigest-siie picture capable of
li«hi» taken by the instnmcat ia 2 x 2 ; bat, owing to the system of focussing,
wUeL nmj be ehaaged th)B tekeeopic to photographic without |nmoTing the
^Imms bom the eyo, they en be prodnoea with microacopic iharpneaa, which
vQl bear calaiging.
ICMan. SiUTBthen explained thab patent plate washer, the adTantagea of
lAkh are thoroui^ drcmstaoo <rf the water in the tank, films face downwards,
and the fimtrltit anptyinc of the tank oooe in every five minutes, causing
eoopleto el^^Ukn ofue soluble salta in very little time. The sloping
bottom and the washing-down action of the water inlet prevents the usuu
iaemtation of hypo on the bottom, all daeosit being q'eeted each time the
lane sTpbon acts, so that the plataa are waaned in saeeesaive quantities of pure
vMar mataad of in the naoalmon or leas dilated hypo, and great saving effected
is the Qttantity of water vsqnired.
Amoag MaaM*. O. Hoagbtea ft Boat aiUbita, Mr. W. G. Tottem showed the
iaUowiag nordliea : — ^A lenJiiiig Sae tar vigsettiog, which, when wound np,
eaiTiea a BOfflbar of ftnaaa, tkoa wesealht any hard linsai It would carry
imam to a weight of lOO Iba. Mr. TottiB alao akowed an ordinary pen-knife
with a diamond (or eatttog giaaa, aDd an Irtiaihainaalile album in which the
sheaU are detachable by£awtng out a aaaU catch.
Mr. J. A. Siaelair showed Haaan. AOtam k Oe>.'a Ughtainc canMn atand,
weigUMaboat Sitae., which ia very rapidly opened and Mdad Bp,thelaa
baadiM Miland of d»Bg ; also the aaoe Srm's Vesta pocket eamani and the
new Adaaa^ ehaagiag-back for ordinair eaaaraa, canyfaig twelve platea in a
iBill iiiiiii, iiil tiilat iif Ihi Mill mwlM I I I "tit Inrt "•
la enlliite MoMm yfitatm't aikMtt the flrm'a leuieaeutatlre drew
atltiBB to mmr ■■w ii i iiMli hi tke Aom eaaeta, oae Mng the hinging
nader each olbar of Jdala of the abvttan ef the dark altdaa ; and the deeteaae of
wtUbt oa aeeeaat of the nae of alaaiaaiB, which, ha atated, had been fooad
eaay to work (a lOx 8 waigUac 4| Iba.).
The other cxkihtta were atpUaed by Mr. Howabo, who said that the prin-
cipal featare of the Draaar hand caaan (H. Croach) was that it had a rising
boat, and eoold be wad m aa ladlMii aa^Ba with a screen in the nanal way.
Mr. OoUs, Umn. Morlay * CbenKa, Maasn. Newton'a, Beck's (in-
eladiw a woodea aMdal of the ayataai oTNlnaiag the fllma and cards employed
iatbe naMcaMTB), AnherftBoa'a laBtafB(wUb improved ventflatiaf amage-
■aat tar vhiek HOiilan la the eoadmwr ii obviated), exl otbar ezknita, w«o
alao lenned to.
LOXDOX AND PROnsaAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOaATION.
32,-Mr. J. Tram Taylor ia Ike chair. There was afarge attend-
naee, aadaevenl ladlaa wen Heesat.
Mr. E. H. nick WM abrtad a aMabcr «nka Aasodation.
ne fcllawiag aaaaUaa froai the bea waa
dao, wkrt aw tfea alialegii, or diaeda
proMrtiaa of aaliMae tt wjallaa to the aa
' In gelatiao-broaide eanl-
of Bii^ a laifa a* aaall
proMrtiaa oTjalatlai kt wlaHoii to the atoMwTof brooide of afleer f
Mr. W. E. PWOTtM said a laivi ti»0|WtMw» ■»*<>• 't ••■'*' to obtain a fine
amnUiea ; bat it aade the devaleiiaeat aad tzation noeh alowar and the film
'^. W. P. Oaadeakowad the wegmM laoTidad hyflb' Aagoitae Harris
wbae the Oaaiaa Mmpmvr TiaMad the ItaUaa Opon laat yetr, oa wUeh occ»-
sioa (aid Mr. Daado) eartaia of the Pieoeh artiaia at the bet mooiaat refoaed
to stac, *o that the progfameM bed to be aaddenly altered, aad a portion of It
oataadi«iiiaead>r«tk«Battar. Mr. Daado wished to kaow what the
itaMi* eaeTaflke aHaMttaa eboold ba^ He beHered the nrograome
toaa«fl|*aeadetTpa>tal«naaaak)waedoae abroad at aa ori^naTcoat of
MK7«Ua, with the anmitoM, bad be* btooght up to 6001., an amount Sir
Bania reftaed topay.
T. Botaa said aadi wart woold be prodnoed from two negativaa in the
oedlaa^ eoaiee of trails
Ko ether aaawer waa girea to Mr. Daadoni oaastion.
flaaiplie of tmUai ware diatribatad aaMag the memben.
Tu tutm ow pHORKnuniT.
MlM CATHABOn Woo Banna read a pafar ea the LimiU qf PhotegTaf^g
(see pege C3S), at the eoadaaiee of which,
Mr.P. Brann said that twelve er ' "
eaewk to draw the attaatlea of Mabaia of the Society to Dr. bMnooS
aarh, aad liaee tbasa litsraaaloai they had had tiaa to think over how the
bhUm stood, he hiaaidf had heea atnek hr tka tiarilarity batweca the
laailiaaiiat of paiaUag aad photography at eonand with OMh ether, la
aatoHiglkaMhadbeaaagmdaaldapafteraftaaaAiatodetBa Thepraeenta-
Uaa ef what was aaea or what waa imaglBed ia all ita detail waa the rule in the
BMt ; bat a i^aitirlsltr (cetuv of modeia work was aa eleocnt of myatrry
aad a ladl of Jidallliia wUeb naaeiii stably esdted the imafiaation. Then
waaarftoikrfNvatolaplMtomBhy. He thoogbt that ia the paet tbqr had
gieaa taa aaefc aRaalha to detail, aad they looked bow to biosd eAol aad
Sana wast of -It^tiUV-t so sa to aid a atotr sad excite the imagination.
Having lelarTed to the adrantagw which the painter had in being able to snp-
prsaa or roidsr delafl at wiB ia such a way aa best to tell the story be wished
to, Mr. BrsrHt paiatad eat that the pbotogia|ihar had little or no ooatrol in
thaaenepacUofwaartieaUr parts of bia pietorsa, the power only being Uttle
aad aot HaajaitiMiii aa In the case of the painter. Tbercia, he thought, Uy
OM ef the Urito af pkotegnphy. A> regards reprodaetiona of picturea in
■II ■» wuj la aiicu m w»j ■■ ■««■• w# »««. .WW ■
Mad eat that the pbotagra|ihar had Uttle (
partieaUr parts of hia pietorsa, the power o
ri*B aa In the case of the pointer. Thercia, 1
a af pkotegnphy. A> regards reprodaetiona
mB •• the eopytog of aay aatijact or objeet for sdentilkc pui
poaaa, be Ihea^ |>atomphT eseclled aay other of the gnphic arts. Tor
atMple, la the pw «l leadaiag '
[ laee ao ottM eoold equal a photogrq>her.
He hoped that in twenty or thirty years' time photography would stand on a
much higher footing thui at present
The Chairmak said, with regard to improvements in leases (as suggested by
Mr. Ereritt) designed to enable one to select portions of a subject, that he
feared that it was almost impossible. The photographer must have his subject
before him, while .xa artist was able to carry it away in scrap.".
Mr. EvKuiTT said his rerereuce was as to what portions of a subject should be
sharp ; aoid there a Jitliculty presented itself, that of how to accentuate a
subject on widely different planes.
Miss Babnes referred to one of her negatives wherein the sky was defective,
and in making a bromide print of which she developed up from the bottom of
the picture, and so made the hills look about twenty miles away, whereas in a
silver print they bad only looked about five.
Mr. Debesuam said it was a fallacy to suppose atmosphere was to be
got sometimes by the bad definition of a lens, as though ordinary photography
did not render it. Photc«raphy did thoroughly represent it, as in the case of
HcLeish's picture of A Ititty Morning on Oie }Year. As regards the differen-
tiation of pUnes, photography was capable of rendering it, and did render it,
sufficiently, but if a photograph was much nnder-exposed, or made too inten.se,
or printed too dark, they might lose the effect. Atmosphere is and could be
rendered bjr photography independent of any blurring or out-of-focus effects
with defective lenses.
The CHaimtaw said that one ot the finest examples of true atmospheric effect
he bad seen was an enlamemeut of a small picture of Durham Cathedral by
Mr. K L. Kidd (Heasrs. Hotxan & Kidd). 'The trees in the immediate fore-
gronnd were sharp and bright, and the cathedral itself, across the river, was
alao sharp, bat misty. Such an effect could never be obtained by simply
potting the distance- out of focus.
Mr. Dbbbxbaii (continuing) said that artists said fine definition destroyed
atmos^eric effect
Mr. Evaarrr said what was said was that one couhl not get atmospheric
effect with sharp definition, but that with sharp definition one got sharp atmo-
rm, A certain amount of haze was always present in the air, by which the
of diatonoe was obtained.
Mr. DsaairRAX said if atmosphere was present it would prevent definition,
and they had to be content with the beet focus Uie lens would give. In refer-
ence to another port of Miss Bamea's paper, Mr. Debenham deprecated jealousy
between amatenra aad professionals, and thought that the bringing of pressure
on to dealers, ice, in onler to get favourable terms was unworthy of professional
photography.
Mr. H. K. :Datis did not aee where was the difficulty mentioned by Mr.
Ereritt as regards obtaining atrial perspective, and thought that with a
ahaip negative snbeeqnent manipulations in printing would produce the desired
eflma. Of oourse, it required great care, but the effects of aerial perspctive
had been produced that way, and would, he thought, be continued to be pro-
dneed in a aimilar manner.
Mr. BoLAs aaid that vrith reference to Mr. Everitt's idea of being able to
control local definition with a lens, the only contrivance that would produce
the effect would be an ideally perfect lens in ih>nt of the camera. He could
not assume the poeaibility of such a contrivance, but be thought that some
kind of screen in Ikoot of the pbUe might be used for the purpose.
Mr. J. 8. TlAni aaid, in connexion with the art education of a photographer,
he could aay iVom experience titers was nothing of greater value to him — even if
he had only studied in the most elementary stagea he would find it a most
valuable power, particnlariy in respect to composition. It could always be
seen wheuer a pbotographrr bad studied art or not, aa he was certain to show
it ia the selection of his piatgree.
The Cbaumaii mentioned the nnsuitability of the horizon line in many
photogranha, mistokea which a little artistic knowledge of the most elementary
kind woudaaTa.
Mr. K. Clamu aaid he must plead guilty to having ordered backgrounds
with the hofiioa line much below where it should be. He thought it gave
dignity aad maieaty to a Hgoie. The method was adopted by Reynolds and
other artiata. In regard to a snsgestion of the Chairman as to sunning down
wUto parts of a picture by Jadwions expoaure to light, be thought such a
methodgave flatness, He woold prefer to rub down a negative with spirit
Mr. W. H. HAKBUOa aaid that, at a recent meeting of the British Associo-
tion. Colonel Tanner had stated that he had triad to find out if ))hotography
eoold rtplaoe the theodolito in snrveying work, and there were differences of
opialoa oa the sottjeet Some aaid they ooold meesnre distance to within five
or aix seeoada of arc The French bad come to the conclusion that a pinhole
lens waa the beet for the purpose, but the distances did not come out in the
right proportion. It was a pity Colonel Tanner's paper was brought before
the wrong aection of the Aaaodation.
AfUr f^utber discaaaioa, a oordial roto of thanka waa peaaed to Miss Barnes
for her paper.
A NOTSL MiTBoD or Packixo Platm.
Mr. K. Cow AS showed praotically a new method of packing plates, which
had been in oae for twelve months, which did away with the use of paper,
nothing being placed between the platee themselves. It consisted of cutting
throDgh the glass of the plates, and leaving the film uncut, the plates being
l^imjmpu^ face to face in point of equal size, and easily detached when
requtRif ior use. There was sutficient hinge in the gelatine to stop any
piaaiun or abraaion. It bad been found an advantage to have the plates thus
packed.
In reply to a qnaation, Mr. Cowav ahowed that there was no fear of tear
in the filou.
The meeting then terminated.
Horth London Photographic toctotr.— September 20, Mr. K. Mackie in
the chair.— After the naoal preliminar}- business, the Secretary reporte<I that,
baring tried the new dardoper "amidol," he had found it to work viry satis-
factorily. In some eeaea, acconling to exi>osure, be bad found it dithcult to
obtain printing density, but, from the character of the image and the clearness
of the shadows, after intensification gave no trouble, and worked well. Aa a
638
THE BRITISH JOUKWAL OF PH0T06HAPHY.
|[September 30, 1802
one-solution developer it appeared to fill tb* eUims made for it. The Secre-
tary farther reported that he had received tlck«t» for the annual exhibition of
•the Photographic Society of Great Britain, which, under the alfiliation rules,
were to be obtaineil by members at half price. Mr. Redmond Barrett then
gave a practical demonstration of Retouching, showing, with regard to nega-
tives brought by himself and by members, v»hat should not be attempted, what
ought to be done, and how to do it. Scratches, pinholes, and other defects
were also dealt with, and the best mode of dealing with sucli explained and
illustrated. With regard to the use of retouching medium, Mr. Barrett advised
•the use, not of the linger tip, but of a tuft of cotton wool, with which a very
small quantity of medium should be well worked, not merely on but into the
film. Should any of the work come away in the subsequent varnishing it
would have to be made good when the varnish was dry ; in fact, it was generally
desirable to make any finishing touches at this stage. The subject was found
exceedingly interesting, and a cordial vote of thanks to Mr. Barrett concluded
the proceeiUngs. Next meeting October 4, Optical Lantern Night.
North HUddlesez Pbotograplilc Society.— Mr. J. C. S. Mummery in the
chair. — One new member was elected, and about forty members were present.
The Chairman introduced Mr. E. J. Wall, who discoursed on the Life of a
Dry Plate. He started with the making of gelatine and the properties of
bromine, the making of an emulsion, the necessity of bromide being in excess,
the advantage of an iodide, and the method of increasing rapidity by adding
ammonia and by cooking. The qualities of a good plate were discussed, and
the advantages of colour-sensitive plates. He then gave a recapitulation of the
theories which had been advanced to account for the action of light upon a
plate, and followed on with a consideration of the qualities of the numerous
developers in use. He strongly advised beginners to leave hydroquinone alone,
and to trust to pyro and ammonia. In looking over prints sent in to the
Amateur Photographer competition, he had selected 300 prints as showing the
faults usually given by the use of hydroquinone, and, on reference to the
details given by the competitors, had found that in over 1000 instances his
judgment was correct. Wlien hydroquinone was used, he advocated the
abmition of sulphite of soda, and advised the use of ammonia or carbonate of
potash, with ordinary table salt as the restrainer when one was necessary in
place of bromide of potassium. He considered that sulphite of soda was used
in excessive quantities even with pyro. If negatives free from stain were re-
quired, they could be had by the use of the acid fixing bath. He referred to
the theories of development advanced by Messrs. Hurter & Driffield, and men-
tioned the misunderstanding that had arisen in consequence of these gentlemen
using the word density in a sense different from that in which photographers
applied it. Having given a caution on the subject of thorough fixing, Mr.
Wall boldlv attacked the question of which intensifier to use according to the
nature of tte negative and the subject In the conversation which followed
many other questions were raised which Mr. Wall fully answered, and, on the
motion of Mr. Marchant, seconded by Mr. Beadle, received a hearty vote of
thanks. The competitions of views taken at the last two outings of the season
to Higham Park, and the Rat's Haunt, Palmers Green, were held. Mr. A. J.
Hewson was declared the winner in the former. The "Bynoe " printing frame
was shown and price-lists of the Hill Norris Dry Collodion Plate, lists of new
lenses, lists of chemicals from local dealers, &c., for which the Secretary tenders
his thanks, were distributed. The ne.\t meeting will be held on October 10,
when Colonel J. Gale will address the Society on technical points on picture-
making, illustrated by the optical lantern. Visitors welcome.
Holbom Camera Club. — September 17, Mr. J. Stevens in the chair. — Mr.
F. C. D. Beacham demonstrated the use of his patented pigments for .spotting
and retouching, and his liijuid water colours for tinting photographs. With
iregard to the former, the pigments are put up in various forms — in crayons,
•cakes, or liquid. Any of them answer well for retouching purposes, and can
be used upon the bare negative without either varnish or medium. For
spotting prints the cake or liquid is used, and can be applied either before or
-after enamelling or burnishing. It can also be used dry for spotting platino-
types or bromides, and any other papers with a matt surface. Mr, Beacham
lUso tinted some silver prints with his liquid water colours and a very satisfac-
tory result was obtained. It seemed to be a very simple process indeed, and,
df we cannot get photography in natural colours, we can tint our photographs
afterwards and get something very nearly approaching it. On Friday, Sept-
ember 24, quite a large number of members' slides were thrown on the screen.
The first were by Mr. F. J. Cobb, and among them were some of the Southern
Counties Cyclists' Camp at Dorking this year, followed by some of Amershara
and Chenies. Some by Mr. T. 0. Dear followed, mostly studies of the Cyclists'
Camp, and then a large number by Mr. J. H. Avery. Some of these were ex-
cellent slides, and included some of the upper Thames scenery, inland
scenery, with a few animal studies. A small set by Mr. A. T. Ebsworth, all of
the Cyclists' Camp, concluded a very pleasant evening.
Hackney Photographic Society.— September 20, Mr. F. Houghton in the
chair. — Mr. B. Wire was nominated. The particulars of the last excursion of
the season (to Hampstead) were given. A tea and smoking concert at the
"Bull and Bush" was decided on. Mr. A. Barker showed prints he had
executed with amidol on bromide paper. Mr. Carpenter showed some lantern
plates he had made with it, also a print which, very thin, had obtained good
platinum print with it. Other work was shown by Messrs. Pollard, Gosling,
Dean, &c. The Developan Company then showed their speciality. Mr.
Dando was afraid the top glass (light) was not safe, but was informed that, as
it was not directly exposed to the light, there was little danger of fog. In
answer to a question from the Hon. Secretary respecting the suction of plate,
it was said to be an advantage. Mr. Nnnn then had the Developan handed to
him for trial and report at next meeting. Mr. Carpenter showed a brown-
paper "dark back." Some discussion ensued respecting the limit of attend-
ances for competing in the exhibition, in which Messrs. Gosling, Beckett,
Dean, Wesson, Barton, Dando, and others took part. Meetings are held every
Tuesday at 206, Mare-street, not Morley Hall as heretofore, and the Hon.
Secretary's address is now 12, King Edward-road, N.E.
South London Pbotograpblc Society.— September 19, the President (Mr.
F. W. Edwards) in the chair. — A large number of prints from negatives made
on samples of Paget plates were handed in for competition for the President's
award for the best picture. The President, who was assisted in the judging by
Mr. Walter Woodbury, of the Paget Prize Plate Company, awarded the prize!
a fine 12 x 10 platinum print of Slianklin Chine, to Mr. C. H. Oakden, and
stated that Messrs. Buckle and Kelly followed close behind him in merit.
Owing to illness at home, Mr. W. Groves was unable to read his paper ou
Photography in Natural Colours, and his place was filled by Mr. Mark Boxall,
who, in tne course of his remarks, dealt with all the Recent Discoveries, which
by some were calculated to attain the desired end. In the end, the lecturer,
in his usual characteristic style, declared that all the inventors were on the
wrong tack, and stated that, if photography in natural colours was attained at
all, in his opinion it would be through the agency of some of the tar com-
pounds. Mr. Boxall's remarks were strongly criticised by several of the
members present. By the courtesy of the importers, .samples of "amidol"
were distributed among the members, who were to report their experiences of
its properties to the next meeting. Attendance, thirty-three.
Brixton and Clapham Camera Club.— September 20, Dr. Reynolds (Presi-
dent) in the chair. — The subject for the evening was Exposure and Development,
the discussion on which was to have been opened by Mr. W. Bevins. In the
unavoidable absence of this gentleman, Mr. J. A. Butler undertook to do so,
and read a short paper, .iddressed principally to beginners, for whose benefit
the meeting was chiefly intendecL Referring to exposure, Mr. Butler said that
this necessarily depended largely upon the !aperture of the diaphragm used
with the lens, and explained that, iu order to form any correct idea upon the
subject, it was necessary to ascertain the ratio of the aperture to the solar focus
of the lens. In order to avoid complications, he advised the use of two stops
only, /-16 and/-32, the former to be used when a short exposure was necessary,
and the latter when time was no object. If this plan was adopted, and one
kind of plate only used, he said a sufficiently correct judgment of exposure was
rapidly and easily acquired. Besides the aperture of the diaphragm used,
exposure was influenced by the distance, colour, and degree of illumination of
the subject it was desired to photograph and the sensitiveness of the plate.
The degree of illumination could be estimated by observing the height of the
sun above the horizon and the state of the atmosphere. He advised that a
full exposure should be given whenever possible, as it was only when this was
the case that any control whatever could be maintained over the character of
the negative during development, and said that the amount of latitude in
exposure possible with plates of good quality was very great indeed, assuming
careful development. For the developer Mr. Butler recommended the use of
pyrogallol, potassium bromide, and ammonia in ten per cent, solutions, and
said that the pyro could be preserved in solution for an indefinite period by the
use of either potassium metabisulphite (half ounce to one ounce pyro) or
sodium sulphite (four ounces to one ounce pyro), acidified with strong sul-
phurous acid. 'The character of the negative varied as development was
allowed to proceed quickly or slowly. Rapid development gave a soft or even
flat negative, slow development a vigorous or even hard one. Mr. Butler re-
commended the acid fixing bath, which could be made by adding a small
quantity of bisulphite of sodium or metabisulphite of potassium to the ordinary
solution of hypo. Some discussion followed, in which many points of interest
in development were touched upon, and, on the motion of the Chairman, the
usual vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Butler. It was announced that the
winter session would commence on Tuesday, October 4, and that meetings
would be held on the first and third Tuesdays in each month. The dates for
the annual exhibition of the Club were fixed for November 17, 18, and 19.
Croydon Camera Club. — One of the most successful of this season's field
excursions was held on September 17, not because of the weather — which was,
however, gloriously perfect for such an outing — but because of the conductor,
Mr, B. Gay-Wilkinson. The morning was remuneratively spent near Limps-
field, where Mr. Wilkinson, with his characteristic energy, improvised a number
of subjects for his followers to portray. These included such scenes as "Thum-
bit Lunch," and "Plough-land Work," In the afternoon Pains Hill was
visited, and scenes illustrating " Gathering " and "Cottage Life" attempted.
Mr. Wilkinson proved, as was to be expected, very unlike the ordi-
nary conductor, who merely trots round with a party of perspiring picture-
seekers, and whose ambition seems to be to break a record in distance covered,
for he fulfilled the legitimate functions of a leader by not merely visiting
interesting places, but by explaining, and to a large extent showing, by ocular
demonstration, how the prosaic beauties of nature may be turned into poeticad
ones, or, at any rate, receive a palpable impress of artistic sentiment. The
usual fortnightly Monday evening meetings begin on October 3. We under-
stand an unusually interesting series of demonstrations and papers will be
given during the winter, further particulars of which will be shortly announced.
Birmingham FhotograpUc Society.— September 22, Mr. W. B. Osbom in
the chair, — The Cliairman announced that the Society was greatly indebted to
Messrs. Morgan & Kidd who had generously presented a magnificent bromide
enlargement of a portrait of the President (Sir J. B. Stone). The enlargement,
which was made from a negative taken by Mr. Harold Baker, forms a con-
spicuous feature on the walls of the club-room. Mr. George A. Thomason then
delivered a paper on Stereoscopic Photography. (See a future number,) A
di.icussion followed, in which the Chairman, and Messrs, Grifliths, lliff. A, J.
Leeson, Owen, T. Taylor, E. Underwood, Watson, .ind G. Wilkes took part.
Brechin Photographic Association.— September 21, Annual Meeting, Mr.
A. R, McLean Murray in the chair, — The usual reports of the Secretary,
Treasurer, and Curator were submitted and appproved of. The Treasurer
showed a balance in favour of the Society, and intimated that the debt incurred
by the fitting up of the rooms had now been wiped off. The Curator showed
that the lantern had been well taken advantage of during last winter, being
borrowed by members on twenty-two different occasions. The following office-
bearers were elected for the coming year : — President: Mr. W. Shaw Adamson,
jun., of Careston. — Vice-Presidents : Messrs. H. Braid and Bailie Lawrence.—
Committee: Messrs. G, F. Robertson, B.Sc, J. Buchanan, A. Bro\vn. — Curator:
Mr. J. C. Middleton,— Treasurer : Mr. A. Innes. — Secrttary ; Mr. James D.
Ross, 6, High-street, Brechin, N. B. The Association having been engaged
during the past year iu preparing slides to illustrate the manufacture of linen,
S^ttemlM 30, ISOS]
TBE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
689
thmOUmnmij
taxhaiitodtoa*]
■ban. Iti
intimated tbat at the
idTW
■Bt awitiif tM SteniaiT would gm a ilMinnlntiiiii of Eniaryiag m» Jhut-
tha fgnaal opaiiag of the
Hom" ghao hf Om ri^MMt. Mr.
Whttitf^ntUc JnMAittBB. — On Tltonday evening
e beantifm new dnlMxiom was oelefarated by an " At
Tomldneon, who »vi
|.ffiitti^l efftuioD, epedaHy witttea br Mr. Clarence E. Dyall
most
. The
t'oTthe Aitiiti' C9nK whoaa naat a^joia thoae of the Photographic
iaoektioa. verr Idadly lent the nae of tlMiriaonw hr the occaeion, thus en.<ibling
the President to inTita the whole of the memben (apward^ of 300) and their
laAr Meads. An exealleot maakal ptogrannne wai contributed by Hiss
AwroB aad Mann. Chaver. Tata^ BUn BBn, Tklbot Kelly, Anyon, Umatedj,
ani^ and W. NanMB-TtMaaa. Mr. Yotke eoDTnlaad the andience with Us
homofims ledtatiaBi. Mr. Oaocge E. Thompeoa gare hk intereitfaig new
laetoeon Tke Soman Cfcwiinian. iPnamtad by elidee from uenallsea taken
faw Urn in the iviiBK of ftb year. Tha lectnre waa listened to with neat
nHnrtfm. ftaqooit finntB oT a|inlaaaa taM^fiag to the anpraoiation of the
erawdad room. After an intemi for ntaiteaBla, Totaa of thanks ware ae-
eatdad to all wlio had ao kindly oana futnaid to aasiit, aod to the Presidant
ar Us aatartidaaMDL An lia|»uuip>a dance, which was antetsd into with
9«tapbit.bnNl^aBloata^}09able aMBlac to a doee.
RECENT PATEKTa
APPLICATI0K3 FOR PATENTS.
No. 16,778.—" An Improred Prooea of Oalonring Ptctana espedally appli-
caUa to Pholocnpha.'' D. McKal— l><K«tf Biptimier », imi
No. 16,983.— "ImproTamanti in AotiMatic Photociaphie Apparatus. "
OoBuaaBiated by E: Charoo and U M. Mtndoo. S. Bmown.— baud Sip-
fisilw n, IMS.
ira.17.0gSL— "AVewKiiidorFbfbsaaa Pbotoonphie Pk|iar tot laataa-
> Printe." P. UsBogm.- Xttiiai a^tembtr H, ISBS.
CorrrdponDencr.
Ofrrmifmtmm *MsB MBV •••§ aa tstt aijji tf Urn papv.
"THE 1IALC0STENT8 ■■ AHD THE PHOTOOBAFHIO
EXHIBITUni.
To iheZuamL
Btx,— I haw rand Um wamaiita In tt* Thut on the PbotognipUe
SoeiMy, which I foal eoBTiaead eoold not hnTt baen writtan ^ oae of ill
itnt. I am traly aitcwiihad that a p>>« d su<h Handing ahanld Itmd
Ha Mhona to air tta iaaaiad griiTani o( a law diMpfota*^ ■■■•
flrfeiwi in pnlilnda for ttia tavtj banaanwaaifad in paat liaM bom a
Soiia^ thar ■«* ■imliii Tb* atataMOta sal Ibrtli aas nMHiy falat,
aadaaoa iBwwtkatbitMrtlMBtlia writw. The Boeialy baa nerar baan
man ptuapatuoa or tanijraatabUaliad tiiaa at pnaaiit,aBd tha ExhibitioD
Doar opan haa baan proooonaad bry nnw||ilaiil jodflaa and Iha poUie praaa
tobalhabaatararhaidfaTlha Beaia»; and, altfaoo^ a law o( tka
loaaiar a^ihiton hn?e abateiwad (Mm eaokfbotiag, tbair piaaa haa baan
umptj iiUad by othon, wbo iiiiiiaaa in aooia taapacts tlia afaaantaaa. I am
Dot alosa in thia opiaioo.
Tha Tiaso aays : " It ia nunooiad that Captain Abney intends to
laaign at tha and of hia tann." ICay I alao add it is ramoared that the
artiala ia tnm Ifaa pan o( a feallaaaaB wboaa identity and aannaaion with
tha aalaontanU It i* net UOotdt to laeognije ? With regard to thia
iihhmimI fwignatinn, a raaaoar axiating emij in the mind of the wiitar,
tha FMaidant Im* alwaiys ahom anah (nat intaraat in tha waltaia, and
wfcad eo lealoaaly far tha Oeilal|y, that h» iwold aaana|y raaign at tha
WMhig <d a aman band of MaaoiilaBla. Hia adMltfle dotiea lalBng
iMBTily on him may perhaps iaflaaaea Ills ao doing, bat ha la moeh too
ralieent a man to inform all tlia world what hia jntaaHnns may be.— I
am, yoofs, *•., W. Baaiaas.
7, St. Jaaui'f-efMK. HoUlmg-IMl, W.,Stytembrr M. IBM.
[Some of the Timti eomments and statements on msttera cumaauinK
tba Photograpbio Society of Great Britain and its Exhibition were ao
ohiioiMlj of the mttgtatw JMn aa wall aa of the tuppretmo veri kind,
tbat wa fo«nd it impoaaible to iseloda them amon^ our extracts of
" Ofiaiaaa ot tha praaa " on the Photographic Exhibition.— Ed.]
REVERSED NEOATnTS.
To tArEocML
Bia,— I myarffwH, I batiara, the first pcaiaaaioml osing a Degative tram a
■anllfa far ravanai images. The eneloaad remarks I came across to-day,
■■iaaadlhamfartebawfitofanyaoereqiiinngtiicm. Finding I obtained
a negative instead of a positive by contact, I set myself the task of finding
ont bow it occurred. In making a few experiments to find at what stage
of the eiposore the reversal occorred, I exposed several plates behind a
negative to the light of a paraffin lamp, three-quarter inch wick, with tho
following results : — No.l, one minute exposure, very over-exposed positive ;
No. 2, three minutes exposure, gave a good negative ; No. 3, two minutes
exposure, developed as a positive, and just aa I thought to discontinue
the development it turned negative, and was very inferior to the one
exposed tliree minutes. No. 4, four minutes expoenre. This developed
negative from the beginning, but the result not so good as No. 2. Plates
used. Bench's ; developer, ferrous oxalate. I am now making them on
Ilford plates, with an exposure of six seconds to bright sunlight, ferrous
oxalate developer. I have found it a very simple matter, and can
thoroughly recommend it. Mr. Howard Farmer has some X made some
years ago, 1887, when a student at the Polytechnic, which were as good
as the original, and sometimes they look better. E. Frewiko.
26, Eden-itTtet, Kimjtton-on-Thamet, September 22, 1892.
FRENCH INVENTORS.
To the EnrroB.
Sib, — Yoa are perfaetly right in ridiculing, in your last number of The
BamsB Jomuui. or PHOTo<uui>HV, the idea of showing ns the moon at
one metre's distance, and that, too, by a Frenchman ! If it were an
Englishman, tliere would be some show of sense ; bnt a Frenchman —
pshaw ! the idea I
What did your grandfather say when steamships and locomotives were
nwmtiooed to him '.' What did your father say about gas for lighting, and
telegraphs ? What did you say some thirty yeare ago about teleplionea
and phonogr^iha 7 And to-dajr yoa fall into the same trap, all ridiculing
aa idea, perhaps a little exaggented— bat don't say impossible. It is
troe it oomes.from Fcanoe. and not England. Even Il«gnerre, if not
an Rnaliahman, waa of g-MgiMK deaoent, a.s his olianged name condn-
' T shows, it iieing originally Dagger — the English dagger.
ytra ahoold not advance yourself <!o imprudently. The maker of
si«<aly I
, it iieing originally Dagger — the English dagger,
m ahoold not advance yourself <!o imprudently. T
the instrument may be one of thoee famous phntogruphic amateurs, and
thara ia no telling what inoh a man may produce.
Mot aMra tlian a few months ago yon were ridiculing Lippman — another
EngUah nana, if any — and now some one improves on his idea in repro-
daeiag tha spectnmi. — I am, yours, Ac, A. Lew.
4, Avenue Pinel, Anutru {Seine), September 24, 1892.
[Nay, good friend, joking apart^ we have never been slow in
awarding credit to your countrymen for their invaluable inventions
and diaeoveriea in aU that n>late.i to photography ; but (and we say it
with bated breath) some of the inventions of La Belle France, not
oooeaaarily photographic ones, have not been such as to divest them
entirely of tne charge of having been impracticable, while, per contra,
we have a hazy idea that certain emanations from Englisli inventors
and manufacturers have not quite proved failures, as nn appeal to
vour own good memory and knowledge of what ia being used in
France will testify. — Ed.]
HTPOC.UITRIDGES.
To the EnrroB.
Sib, — I iae that a correspondent wishea to know where the bypo-
eattddgea aia to ha proenred. I got mine from Meaaia. Haacke V Albera, in
Franefort.on-Main. They are sold in boxes containing ten, at 1j. M. per
Imx. The ten cartridges are snfBcient for sixty ounces, or two litres of
fixing Bolation. Thay eoittain four parts of hypo and one part of acid
bisalphite of aoda — not mataliisalphite as your correspondent supposes.
Tliey render the naa ot an alimi bath after developing quite superdnoos,
aod the aolntioo remaina bright and limpid until exhausted, which may
ha known by tlie vary alow daaappaarance of bromide of silver from the
negative. They ara aioat eonvanient, and I am never without them. — I
am, yonn, Ac. Etbzl C. Mat.
Darmtladt, S*ftemb*r S6, 1893.
iaxcbangc OTolumn.
Waatail, haekrrenad, bomliber, or «b«ni<i(r baf, \n eifihsnge (or eartt portrait leai,
—IMma, J. a. BsiDam, Hamlair^, Rornoaaue,
Kiobaaa* Sx* (!(o. 4) lt«)pil»r Eodkk tbr genllaiiian's gold Isrer wstoh and chain.—
Aililiei, A. TAursnits, (0, Daabary-elnat, London, K.
I wUl aahanffc 13 x lOoimr* with tbiw doable dark ilidM for a oaUnet leiu.— Ad-
draah H. L. UoutL, Aiic«l.«ow, Market-plsnn, Mottiarbam.
Vaatsd, eakiiiat portrait lau e( foel aaka b> ezdiuge for wholo-pUte portrait lens
iLbdoabs, r —.-.._.
bj lostboar.— i ddra^, jAaaaliBDaABS, Csmm-luM, Mirileld, Torkx.
Will aidaaaa lAaaaftar'a I(aItam-tai.parTo eniarrinr iippamtiu, IS x 18 size, (or wme
rood rmekwork •lid«.— Addrsse, P. J. LiiKAn, PbotofTspher, Mold.
Wutod, It half.plste raotiliaaar Inu in cxohuffa for MarloD's larreat liis registersd
wHkkBC appuatiu.— Addnai, H. A. M., 1«, Watarloo-pkae, Snnderlaad.
WUl ^ahaiva 10x8 portrait laDi lor stthar 9x7 EtirTicope or 10x8 rapid rectUinear
Optimu; spadmens nUnaitted.— Addrasa, BoiEX V'- Diws, Lock Tiew, Bingliijr.
640
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[S«ptem>)er 30, 1802
anstoergf to arorrespontients.
All matters for the text portion of this Jouknal, including queries for
"Antwen'* and "Exchanges," must he addressed to "The Editor,"
2, Tork-street, Covent Garden, London. Inattention to this ensures delay.
Jfo notice taken of cmnmunications vnless name and address of lorUer are
• • Communieatims relating to Advertisements and general business affairs
"must he addressed to "Henbv Gbkenwood & Co.," 2, York-street, Covent
Garden, London.
Photoobaphs Rkqistkbbd :
Echrin James Hopgood, Xorthampton.— Portrait of Amos Jitikt,
James Downey i Sons, South Shields.— Portrait 0/ Mr. Eminant«l LasVer.
John Ellis, Nottingham. — Portroit of William TJiompsOTi, alios Bcndijo, with
trophies.
Isaac Slater, Llandudno.— P)io(ojrap)i 0/0 group 0/ (he BigM Hon. W. E. Gladstone
ond party taJten at the Chitlet, Beddjclert. Afr. Gl^dnlone aildrciisinj the mass
mtetinn at Cumllan, Snou'don, on Sepfcmber 13, 1892. Mr. Gladstone and porty at
the Chilet, Jfrddsclsrt. Jlfr. W. J. Williams conducting Welsh Choir at the mass
m«rf>Ji9, Cumllon, Snoicdon, on fh« occasion 0/ Mr. Olodstone's Kisit.
A. Jackson.— Study Photoymphic Chemistry, by Hardwich & Taylor.
A. J. — Yes ; a ten -grain solution means ten grains of gelatine to one ounce of
water.
P. Hamiltok. — Mr. Kedmond Barrett's work has not been reproduced in book
form.
R. Watkins. — If the pyroxyline yields a crapy film when dissolved in strong
ether and alcohol, it is not at all adapted for bromide emulsion, or, indeed,
any photographic purpose.
F. 6. Packer.— 1. We do not know the address of any other makers of dry
collodion plates than that of the firm named. 2. Yes. 3. Mr. H. P.
Kobinson's work on The Studio, and what to do in it.
Nestor. — Unless the paper is more highly salted than most albumenised
papers now are, no advantage will be gained by increasing the strength of the
sensitising beyond that you are now using. The increased cost would not be
met by a compensating advantage.
R. W. (Yorks). — Too late now. The Exhibition opened on Monday last-
Examples of the new process will prove interesting, if shown at the ordinary
meeting of the different societies. It mil by this means gain a certain
amount of publicity, which we presume is your chief object.
W. D. B. asks : "Can enlargements be made by the electric arc light on carbon,
platinum, or the new printing-out chloride paper? If so, what candle power
would be required ?" — The thing is quite possible, but a very powerful light
and a long exposure would be required which would make the method im-
practicable, on account of the cost, for commercial purposes. If enlarge-
ments by the processes are required, the best way is to make enlarged nega-
tives antl print from them in the ordinary way.
Alf. Dowries. — It must not be assumed, at the present time, because
methylated spirit becomes "milky" on the addition of water, that it con-
tains resins, or is what is known as " finish." Under a recent regulation all
methylated spirit sold in small quantities mu.«t contain a certain proportion
of mineral naphtha, and this in itself, on the addition of water, will cause
turbidity. If the article was obtained from one who is licensed to sell
methylated spirit, the probability is that it is free from resins.
E. E. Cole writes : " In working with the hand camera I always use the
quickest plates I can get, and have tried all the best brands. My complaint
is that with all of them the image is so coarse and granular. When I use
ordinary plates, even of the same brands, it is always very different, being
fine and delicate. Must one always have a coarse image if highly sensitive
plates are used ? " — Highly sensitive plates, as a rule, give a much coarser
image than slow ones, though some makes, with equal rapidity, give a finer
deposit than others.
W. Sayer says : "I have put up a small studio in my garden for figure
studies, b\it while at work I am greatly annoyed by the children next door
staring in and laughing at the models. I have painted over the glass so
that they cannot see tlirough, but that seems to .«top out too much light.
Is there any medium, other than ground glass, that will admit all the light,
and yet cannot be seen through ?" — If the studio, or such portions of it as
are exposed to the annoyance, be glazed with transparent fluted glass, there
will be no loss of light, and nothing can be distinguished through it from
the outside.
D. Du.MERY write : " Herewith part of 12 x 10 print which, .ifter examination,
you will find full of spots, trusting to your superior knowledge to find out
the cause, for I have never met with such in all my fifteen years' experience.
The paper we have been using these last three weeks is Saxe of the finest
make. Tlie toning bath is the ordinary chloride and acetate, and the sensi-
tising bath is fifty grains, fixing and washing the same as we have done these
seven years. On returning from my holid.ay, the printer called my attention
to these spots, and told me that they had made their appearance gradually.
I at once had dishes, trays, tanks, and washing machine well cleaned, and we
have been free from them for five days, when they made their appearance
again this morning, .".poiling fifty or more prints, all sizes. You will find a
piece of the paper ready-sensitised and the part of the finislied print." — The
spots appear to be due to jiarticles of foreign matter coming in cont.act with
the surface of the paper jit the time of sensitising or while it is drying, and
reducing the silver to the metallic state. They are not in the paper itself or
they would show on the back, which is not the case. Particles of foreign
matter, in the form of dust, are constantly present in all work-rooms which
.ire not kept scrupulously clean, that would cause spots similar to the ones
complained of.
S. A. E. — The fiat appearance of the portraits is duo to the models being
illuminated with a direct front light, so that there are no shadows to give
rotundity to the pictures. Stop off the direct front light, and illuminate
the sitters from one side, softening the cast shadows, if necessary, with
refiectors.
Lantern Society.— First Meeting of the season, Monday, October 10 The
slides, Going to America, will be shown.
Hackney Photographic Society.— The arrangements for October are : —
October 4, Open Night. Bring apparatus and work. 11, Members' Lantern
Niglit. 18, I'holmj raphy without Siiullo, Mr. S. H. Barton. 25, Flashlight
I'huloyraphy, Mr. R. Beckett.
In the course of his able practical discourse on Retouching before the North
London Photographic Society, on Tuesday week, Mr. Redmond Barrett drew
attention to the qualities of Messrs. L. & C. Hardtmuth's retouching pencils, of
which he spoke highly for the purpose.
*„* GIVING to pressure of Exhibition matter this week, we are obliged to
hold over "Stereoscopic Photography " (G. A. Thomason), "A Reminiscence"
(Valentine Blanchiird), and other articles, together with several answers to
correspondents, &c. "These in our next.
London and Provincial Photographic Association. — October 1, " Wind-
ing up" Outing to Hampstead, "Bull and Bush," half-past three. 6, Various
Printing Processes, by Mr. B. Foulkes Winks. 13, Practical Demonstration
on Retouching, by Mr. Redmond Barrett. 29, Fii-st Lantern Night, and Com-
petition Slides.
Photographic Cldb. — October 5, Exhibition of Slides from Negatives taken
at the Edinburgh Convention, and report of the delegates. 12, Members'
Open Night. Saturday next, October 1, Last Outing of the season, Hampstead
Heath. Meet at the Flagstaff at two, group at " Bull and Bush " at four, tea
at half-past five.
We have had submitted for our inspection some ivory miniatures, together
with other portraits, painted by Miss Miriam Twyman, of 3, North-villas,
N. W., both from photographs and life, one — an exhibition picture of the late
Duke of Clarence — being a most pleasing likeness of the young Prince. All
the pictures are of remarkable elegance and finish.
Statuary Photographs. — A few weeks ago we published the specification
of a patent obtained by Messrs. Bradshaw & Co., of Altrincham, for combining
the head of a li\ing subject with a statuary bust. Several examples of
Messrs. Bradshaw's work have since been submitted to us. Tlie junction of
the head with the bust, of the living with the dead, is effected in a most
admirable manner, and some excellent effects have been produced.
We alluded some weeks ago to the opening of a series of limelight lectures,
inaugurated by the Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts. These were instituted
in response to a very general demand last year for such entertainments, and
we are glad to say that they have been very successful. On Thursday,
September 22, Mr. George Mason gave his lecture in this series on Mary Queen
of Scolts — her Palaces and Prisons, which was well received by a large and
enthusiastic audience. The subject was well handled, and peculiarly suited to
a Scotch audience. The larger proportion of the pictures were taken by Mr.
Mason at the various places represented, which gave them an enhanced value.
In last week's Journal, in our Ruti Through some of the Scotch Studios, a
rather strange printer's error, in the description of Mr. John Fergus's place,
occurred. We are made to say that he opened a business " in cameras," when
it should have been in Cannes. Can anything be funnier than to suppose Mr.
Fergus had turned cabinet-maker ] We hasten, however, to put the matter
right, although we have no doubt that the cause of error, and what was really
meant, would be seen at once by the general reader, who is familiar with the
facts that all tlie world knows. And in the Swan Watson article we say he
built the studios. Now, we find this is a mistake on our part. The studios
were built by Mr. Shaw, and, on his retirement, bought by Mr. Watson.
As previously annomued, we propose, during the months of October, November,
December, January, February, and March, issuing loith The British
Journal op Photography a gratis supplement, devoted to the interests
of the makers and users of the opticcd lantern and its numerous applications.
The first supplement will appear with the Journal of Friday, October 7 next.
The grmeth m utility and popularity of the optical lantern, its increasiitg
importance as an adjunct to amateur photography, its manifold advantages
to the photographer, the scientijic investigator, the lecturer, and many others,
more than justify the institution nf a special department of "Vwi British
Journal of Photography in which the topic in oil its phases can be
exclusively treated, besides rendering the interests of tlie many .commercnil
firms now engaged in the manufacture of lanterns and tlieir many accessories
so considerable as equcdly to demand increased facilities for their separate
representation.
OONTENT8,
the PHOTOGR.^PHIC exhibition.... ci2»
RESTORINO faded albumen prints 620
exhibition of the photographic
SOCIETY of OREAT BRITAIN 6S8
photographic LIMITS. By CATHA-
IIINE WEED BARKES 032
decorations AND FITTINGS. By
EDWARD DUNilOBE KiS
Paoi
EXTRACTS FROM THE DAILY PRESS
ON THE PHOTOGRAPHIC F.XHIBI-
TION «**
OUR EDITORIAL T.\ELE 686
MEETINGS OF SOCIF.TIES 686
RECENT PATENTS 0.1(1
CORRKSPOXDENCE 089
EXCHANGE COLUMN 639
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS 640
" THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1692. Vol. XXXIX— OCTOBER 7, 1892.
Tbs Auulxac for 1893 is already in course of prcparatiou, and
ve shall be happy to reoeive short contributions on practical
subjects from those who in fbcmer jears have enriched its
pages with the results of their experience and practice in
the photographic art. Not less cordially also do we invite
the newer supporters of Thx BRmsii Journal op Pboto-
GRAPHT and its Almanac to include themaelTeB among the
contributors to the Annual which for many years past has
been highly esteemed for the Taluable writings of numerous
able photogn^>hic worken.
As wo were compelled last jmr to omit several interesting
articles from the Alvanac on account of the late dates at
which they were received, we should be glad if intending
contributors would endeavour to send us their articles as
tetrty a$ pouUilt.
Secretaries of Societies, and partieularij of those established since
the appearance of the last Alhaxac, would, if they have
not already done so, oblige xm by forwarding lists of officers
and othar details tot inclusioB in the Directory of Photo-
graphie Soeietiaa in order that the list may be made as
complete aa poaibla.
The Publishers desire us to inform intending advertisers that
the announcement pagea of the Almanac ore rapidly filling
up, and that in order to avoid disappointment it is essential
that copy and ordara tn adrertisements be transmitted to
them without dday.
REVERSED NEGATIVES.
Tbx phenomanoa of rerenal forma the theme of many spccula-
tkns, and is even understood to soch an extent as to be pro-
dodble at will. Yet so far, althoogh the latter circumstance
distinctly raises the inference that it is capable of practical
application in the prodnction of reversed negatives, but little
advantage appears to have been taken of it This is all the
more remarkable when we consider the many occasions on
which negatives reveised as regards left and right are required
for photo-mechanical printing purposes. Again, for the dupli-
cation of negatives and positives there are possibly features in
the method which entitle it to consideration.
By a oooununication from a correspondent in our lost
ntunber, nevertheless, we gather that at least in one instance
leremed negatives at one operation are successfully obtained
by the solarisation method, and from the particulars which
that gentlsman, Mr. E. Frewing, gives of his mode of pro-
cedore, we conceive that we are justified in once more drawing
attention to its practical possibilities.
As in every other contact reproduction process when first
submitted to trial, the uncertainties attendant upon the ex-
posure, which varies with the character of the negative, the
rapidity and other qualities of the plate, and the actinic force
of the light, inter{>ose difficulties which only some experience
and consideration enables one to surmount. Tliat experience,
however, is not, as we haVe said, difficult to acquire with a
little care and assiduity in paying regard to the conditions above
described. ,
The real difficulty of this method — at least, in our experi-
ence— has been that of the development of the pictures. So far
as we can recollect, in all published accounts of experiments,
and certainly in our own attempts, the developer employed has
usually been alkaline pyrogallol or hydroquinone. But these
developers, we have more than once satisfied ourselves, are far
too powerful for the development of solarised negatives or
poaitives, the half-tones of the picture being thereby shrouded
in fog, as well as the whole surface of the plates becoming
degraded with veiL This can easily be accounted for by the
known liability of alkaline pyrogallol at normal strength hav-
ing probably the greatest reducing power over both exposed
and unexposed silver haloids, and at the same time explains
its tendency to fog a solarised image.
The d<Ua for exposure which Mr. Frewing supplies should
enable one to arrive at a correct time after a few trials ; but,
to our thinking, the kernel of his communication lies in the
circumstance that he emplo\-8 ferrous oxalate as a developer.
Now, ferrous oxalate, it is hardly necessary for us to point out,
of all developers in actual use, is at the bottom of the scale
on several heads. In cases of under-exposure, its powers are
much circumscribed ; its density-giving qualities are not so easily
brought out, as those of other developers ; in over-exposure, it
is correspondingly i^ert, while it attacks the unexposed film
with infinitely less energy than other developing reagents. In
fact, its very drawbacks in ordinary negative work are those
which in the case under notice are likely to be most efficacious.
Herein probably lies the secret of Mr. Frewing's success,
to the particulars of which we draw attention in the hope that
• ••■ 'U repeat his experiments. For, as we have before
. . \. it is obvious that the plan is available for other
purposes besides the production of reversed negatives.
CARBON PRINTING.
As a feather cast upon the waters shows the direction of the
tide, 80 the annual Exhibition of the Photographic Society of
Great Britain may be taken as an indication of the advance-
ment or otherwise of different photographic processes. Allusion
642
THE BRITISH JODKNAL OF PHOTOGRA.PHY.
[October 7, 1892
was made last week to the fact that the carbon process is
better represented in Pall Mall this year than it has hitherto
been. Therefore it may well be assumed, with other knowledge
we are in possession of, that the process is now beini^ more
extensively worked than at any previous period, not only for
large sizes by the profession, but also amongst amateurs for
small work. It is not at all surprising that this should be the
case when it is considered that, apart from the undoubted
permanence of the prints, a greater variety of effects — now so
much in demand — are to be obtained by it than by any other
process, or, indeed, by all the other processes combined.
There is not a process that will yield effects that cannot be
got equally as well by the carbon method, while by it many
othera can be secured that would otherwise be impossible.
When all these advantages are enumerated, some of our
younger readers may — and not unnaturally — inquire why a
process combining so many qualifications was not more gene-
rally taken up by photographers in the past. For their in-
formation on this point a few words may not be out of place,
as it will explain the different conditions of working then and
now.
When the carbon pi-ocess was first introduced, now some
thirty years ago, it was the subject of a patent, and heavy
charges were made for licences, while, at the same time, the
process was troublesome to work. For example, the exposed
tissue had to be cemented to paper with indiarubber for
development, and afterwards transferred to its permanent
support by treatment with benzol. At that time the only real
advantage that could be claimed for the process over those in
general use was permanence, while the quality of the results,
for small work at least, was inferior to what could be obtained
in silver. Simplifications followed, indiarubber was dispensed
with, the single transfer method was introduced, and was
generally adopted for large sizes.
Some sixteen or seventeen years ago considerable impetus
was given to the process by an ingenious Frenchman, M. Lam-
bert, who demonstrated that by his modified method of working
small prints could be produced which were quite as good as, if
not really better than, those on albumen papei'. This modifi-
cation was vigorously exploited by him, and at the time some
were sanguine enough to predict that the knell of silver
printing was sounded. Progi'ess was, however, considerably
impeded again by patent rights, and the way in which they
were dispensed. Exclusive licences were granted for certain
towns and districts, the purchasers of which could not, or would
not, take the trouble to learn how to master a, to them, new
process, while others were precluded from working it by these
exclusive rights. In some instances licences were taken with-
out any intention of adopting the system, but simply to prevent
more enterprising rivals from taking it up. With regard to
amateurs, at this time licences were also requisite, but they
were eventually granted at a merely nominal fee.
All patents in connexion with carbon printing have lono-
since expired, so that now the process is open to all. It is only
within the past two or three years that the simplicity of the
carbon process has been fully realised. Indeed, by some, it is
even now considered to be a troublesome one. This is clearly
proved by the remarks often heard during the several demon-
strations that have been given before some of the newer
societies, which are chiefly composed of amateurs and younc
beginners, ilost persons seem surprised, when they see the
method worked for the first time, at its exceeding simplicitv.
At the present time, amateurs and workers on a small scale
are relieved of one of what used to be the most troublesome
and uncertain of the operations, namely, the sensitising and
drying of the tissue. Some little time ago the Autotype Com-
pany— and the example set by them has been followed by other
firms — commenced to supply the tissue in small quantities,
ready-sensitised, cut to the standard sizes, and in the proper
condition for use. This has conduced more than anything else
to popularise carbon printing amongst small workers. Sensi-
tising tissue is a somewhat messy operation, and those familiar
with the subject know quite well that the drying of it, so as to
obtain it uniformly in its best working condition, is a somewhat
ticklisli operation without suitable arrangements. It used to
be said, and not without reason, that more skill was required
in sensitising and drying of the tissue than in any other portion
of the work. It will now be seen why the practice of carbon
printing has of late become so much more popular, and promises
to become still more so amongst amateurs and others aiming at
variety of effects.
By the carbon process pictures can be obtained in every con-
ceivable colour, with any surface — -from the highest enamel
surface to that of the roughest of drawing papers — ^and, indeed,
on almost any material. If the single-transfer system be
adopted, it becomes one of the most, if not the most, simple
printing process to work. The exposed tissue is merely
squeegeed on to the paper, then treated with warm water until
the image is sufficiently developed. A short immersion in a
solution of alum and a final rinse in water complete the work,
while an absolutely permanent picture is secured. Where is a
simpler process than this"? True, for single transfer, a reversed,
as regards left and right, negative is necessary, but negatives
on celluloid fulfil this condition, if they be printed through the
celluloid. With the thicker films there will be, practically, no
loss of sharpness if the exposure be made to a tolerably direct
light, and with the thinner ones any light will suffice to secure
sharp impressions. Objections to carbon printing have been
raised hj some who have in times past decried the process,
because the image cannot be seen while printing ; therefore the
coiTect exposure cannot be judged. In doing so, however, they
quite overlooked the fact that the same remark would apply
equally well to the taking of negatives, the use of bromide
papers, and other photographic operations.
In the carbon process the latitude in exposure is so great
that an error of fifty to a hundred per cent, either way does
not really mean the loss of the print, it is merely a question of
time and temperature in the development. Furthermore, in
this process the print, when wrongly exposed and made right
in the development, is of the same colour and tone as that of
those which have been correctly timed, a condition that does
not obtain in any of the silver processes.
A NOTE ON STANNOTYPE FOR TRANSPARENCIES.
Ix our editorial article a fortnight ago on Stannotype, although
mention is made of the necessity for the double safe edge and
also of the high lights of the transparency being as clear glass
as the safe edge, it has been suggested to us that scarcely
sufficient empasis was laid on this, for lantern slides especially,
all-important point.
We are too prone to consider that a negative or a trans-
parency, if in correct gradation, may be copied perfectly,
although a veil or slight fog may exist in the original, and
such may, indeed, be the case in ordinary copying, but not so
October 7, 1802
THE BRrnSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGKAPHi'.
643
with StAimotjpe. The high lights miut be absolutely clear
glass, for this very cogent reason.
The clear glass " safe edge " of the transparency, from which
the gelatine relief is made, represents the greatest possible
action of the light, and, consequently, it forms the thickest
or highest portion of the relief; and, extending as it does
round all four sides, it regulates, not only the depth of the
relief, but also its evenness of thickness. Upon the wall or
ridge formed by the safe edge the platen of the printing press
rests when screwed down, and the print is formed by the
gelatinous ink solidifying in the hollows lying below its
leveL
It requires but a moment's thought to convince one that, if
the high lights of the transparency are veiled, the light, in
printing the relief, does not act so powerfully as through the
clear glass " safe edge," and, oonseqnently, the highest lights
in the printing would stand at a lower level than it is possible
to screw the press down to. It follows as a nmtter of course
that no variation in the density of the ink and no alteration
in the pressure will avail to prevent a layer of coloured gela-
tine between the high lights and the paper or glass support
of the picture and the consequent tinting or degradation of the
whole image.
It is easy to realise the extreme importance of this matter
when it is put in this way, and the late Mr. Woodbury used
to demonstrate how slight a veil in the transparency served to
ruin the relief. When we remember that for decorative, and
even for ordinary, copying poipoees some people claim that a
slight veil in a transparency i> *n advantage, we think it
is important for this purpose to point out the difference.
For amateurs' use, the method of making tissue preferred
liy )lr. Woodbury will be found more convenient than the one
^iveii in our previous article. It differs only in that the pig-
mented gelatine, without bichrooiAte, is poure<l on to paper,
previously damped squeegeed on to levelled glass, instead of
OQ to collodionised glass. Thie enables the "tissue," when
" set," to be stripped from the ^aas support, so as to have the
great advantage of drying from botA sides. In order to prevent
its ** cockling " iu drying, Mr. Woodbury used to fis the edges
between light frames, hinged in p*izs like a double slide, which,
while keeping it straight, allowed free access of air. A slight
advantage is also probably gained if there should be any dust
ur other |«rticlee in the gelatine, as these will settle down in
contact with the paper, which is the portion of the gelatine
film that is washed away in development. On the other hand,
there is the risk of dust particles attaching to the other or
■ r.?-forming surftoe. Tlie bichromate may or may not be
to the coloured g^elatine, but, from our own experience,
■ 0 think the method of separate sensitising will be found most
' ^^nvcnient for amateurs.
employed is simply that of cutting through the backs of the plates
without separating the films. This allows of two plates — say, two
quarter-plates from a 6i x 4| — being folded face to face and packed
in that state. Mr. Cowan has practically demonstrated that, given
accuracy of cut, there is no abrasion of the films to be apprehended,
while they may be easily separated as wanted without the slightest
fear of tearing. Obviously, for smaller sizes, no better system of
packing could be devised.
A Vaw Onrwe MeaauF— §ur IttoM^m.—The accurate
■sesaiBuient of the corvstare of a lens is a natter of great importance
to (be practical optician, and an intrument termed a ipheromeUfr i«
assd for the purpote. Certain disadvantages attend the use of existent
iastnuDents, but recently the Zeiss Compsay have made a new sppa-
latw, after a design by Profeseor .Vbbe, which is of such delicacy m
to be able to meaaore to the twenty-five- thousandth of an inch. Tlie
aeeaney and dslicsey of the instrument i» «uch as should render it of
veiy inat value.
A Mew Method of Packing' Platea. — Mr. A. Cowan has
lately shown a metliod of plate-packing, which we believe ha* been
sueesssfolly in ass for some tioae by Mesm. Marion. The device
Photo^aphy in Ziunatlc Asylums.— It is stated that
occasionally difficulties arise about the identity of persons committed
to public asylums should death take place while they are retained as
patients. In consequence of this, the .\sylums Committee of the
London County Council have now given directions that each patient
shall be photographed on arrival at the asylum. This has necessitated
the provifflon of the necessary apparatus, and at Colney Hatch a studio
is being built, and one of the officials has been appointed photographer.
The cured patients on leaving will, it is further mentioned, also be
photographed, and it is possible that a comparison of the two photo-
graphs will be of interest to scientists. We trust, however, that sucli
photographs will be strictly confined to scientific scrutiny. It would
add a new terror to the existence of the poor if it were known that
their counterfeit presentments, taken while they were in a condition
of temporary insanity, were afterwards to fall into any but responsible
hands.
A Practical Method of Timing: an Instantaneous
Shutter. — Under this heading a letter was recently published in
the columns of the Em/IM Merhnnic which contains much useful
matter to those interested in this subject. Discus-^ing unfavourably
to its merits another project, the writer, Mr. J. B. Bent, of Oldham,
suggests the use of a long pendulum, say a bob of lead at the end of a
light wire twelve feet long (using wire to prevent any rotation of the
bob) : — " Attach a mlvered bulb to the centre of the weight. It can then
be shown that, if the bob of the pendulum be pulled .sideways until it
is two feet five and a half inches from the line of wire when at rest,
the velocity of the bob st the lowest point will be four feet per second.
This will vary very slowly about the lowest point of the swing, so
tbst it will not matter if the shutter is not opened at e,iactty the
lowest point." It is obvious that a little careful measurement of the
plate exposed under these conditions would give with n very fair
amount of accuracy the time of exposure. '
Stills and the Szcise.— Many photographers are in possession
■if fmall stills with usually l.iebig's condensers, for the production of
distilled water of ascertained purity, and a good proportion of this
number are unaware of the probable existence of any Excise regula-
tions that render such stills illegal. The Council of the Institute of
Chemistry have taken this matter under their consideration, and have
written to the Inland Revenue authorities in regard tu the matter.
They have received s reply which we think may advantageously be
brought before our readers : — " 1 laving laid before the Board of Inland
Revenue your letter of the 27th July, I am directed in reply to
acquaint you, for the information of the Council of the Institute of
Chemistry, that the Board hsve no desire to extend the obligation to
take out a licence to analytical chemists using stills solely for the
purpose of distilling water. If an analytical chemist called upon to
take out a licence by one of the Board's officers will submit his cause
to the Bosrd, they will be prepared to give the matter careful con-
.fidefllion." It will be seen by this that the necessity to take out
soeh a licence by any one holding a still of a certain size is by no
means looked upon ss a dead letter. It would be, therefore, no iU-
advised step if the Council of the Photographic Society of Great
BriUin would foltow in the footsteps of the Institute of Chemistry.
Solubility of Silver Salts in Alkaline Haloids.—
Herr C. Schierholz, in an article in a foreign teclinical journal, re-
garding the separation of the halogens, describes how, incidentally, he
has investigated the solubility of the halogen salts of silver in the
644
THE BlUriSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[October 7, 1892
halogen salts of the alkaline metals. Photo^aphers have long been
aware of the solubility of silver iodide in solutions of either silver
nitrate or iodide of potassium. It has also been common knowledge
that sodium chloride solutions -would take up an uncertain amount of
silver chloride, but the governing conditions were little understood.
Herr Schierholz has thrown some light on the matter. He finds that
the solutions referred to dissolve four or five times as much of the
silver salts at their boiling point as they do at the ordinary temper-
ature of the atmosphere. Further — a fact familiar to old wet-plate
workers — in one direction at least, the concentration of the solutions
has a marked eflfect on this " insoluble " silver salt ; for example, a
ten per cent, solution of sodium chloride and a one per cent, of potas-
sium iodide dissolving scarcely any of the corresponding silver com-
pounds. The very great difference between chlorine and iodine is
shown both in the relative solubility of silver chloride and silver
iodide, and in the different solvent powers of the halogen alkali salts
on silver nitrate, chloride, &c., the powers of bromide lying between
the two. He gives us instances : — A twenty per cent, solution of
sodium or potassium chloride which dissolves hardly a trace of silver
iodide, whilst potassium iodide in concentrated solution dissolves ninety
per cent, of its own weight of silver iodide, which is increased four or
Hv» times when the potassic solution is raised to boiling point. One
peculiarly interesting point he elucidates is that mixtures of these
alkaline halogen salts in particular proportions are unable to dissolve
as much of the silver salt as each can before admixture. To a certain
extent the above investigation would appear to show that tlie old
theory about the relative value of sodium chloride and hydrochloric
acid for throwing dbwn the silver from waste solutions will have to
be reconsidered. But, whether or no in practice salt solution does or
does not dissolve any of the silver precipitate, it is certain that quite
apart from any of the improvements recently suggested, the use of the
acid facilitates the deposition of the precipitate.
ESTIMATION AND DEHYDRATION OF SILVER OXIDE.
[American Jonmal of Science.]
In some analytical determinations it became necessary to estimate
silver oside, and the question arose at what temperature the moist
oxide could be most perfectly dried, and also at what temperature it
began to lose oxygen ? As no such data are to be found, they had to
be determined, and the results obtained may possibly be of use to
others.
Moist oxide precipitated by perfectly pure sodium hydrate obtained
from metallic sodium, and "thoroughly washed, was dried at 100°
C. for twenty hours. Of this material l'oo28 gramme were taken
and heated again to 100° for twenty more hours, after which heating
it weighed r.3oL'4, a loss of 0'0004 gramme. It was next heated
to lti0°-16.5° C. for five hours, and was then found to weigh
l'o38 fgramme, a loss of 0-01 .S.5 gramme. It was then replaced in
the oven, and heated five more hours. No loss whatever of weight
could be detected resulting from this third heating. The oxide was
then ignited, and gave r43o8 gramme of silver.
Taking the atomic weight of silver at 107-66 and 0 = 16, argentic
oxide should contain 6-92 per cent, of oxygen (more exactly 6-917).
From the foregoing it follows that moist silver oxide
dried for forty hours at 100° lost by ignition 7*ol per cent.
The same oxide with ten hours' drying at 100°-16.5° C.
lost by ignition 6-70 „
Calculation for Ag, O gives for 0 6-92 „
It follows that after forty hours' di-ying at 100" theoside had reached
a constant weight and still retained 0-.39 per cent, of moisture.
When heated to 160'-16o° till constant in weight, it had lost the
0-22 per cent, of o.^ygen.
It was next attempted by a shorter second heating and a lower
temperature to expel the water alone. Silver oxide was dried for twenty
hours at 100° and was then heated for two hours to 130M3o° C. Of
this oxide 1-8043 gramme was ignited and left 1-6701 gramme of
silver, indicating a loss by ignition of 7-44 per cent. This was only
•07 less than when the heat was not raised above 100° C, showing
that the oxide is not dehydrated by exposure to a temperature of
130°-135° C.
The conclusion to be drawn would apparently be that the point at
which the last portions of water were dnven off was very close to that
at which oxygen began to be disengaged. It can be shown, however, f
that this is not so, and that oxygen is lost long before the last portions
of water escape. This can be proved by the delicate photo-chloride-
reaction, which I described some years ago. If the silver oxide dried
as above described at 100° C, till it reaches a constant weight, is
moistened -with dilute hydrochloric acid, a chloride is obtained, of a
deep Ulac colour. This colour always denotes the presence of hemi-
chloride, due to the fact that a certain portion of the oxide had been
reduced to hemioxide. The hemichloride combining with the whitt
chloride forms a photo-chloride characterised by the colouration just
mentioned.
A really accurate estimation of silver oxide is therefore imposable,
as it loses oxygen too easily.
Silver oxide is not supposed to form a hydrate ; nevertheless, some
portion of moisture remains united with it more strongly than some
part of the oxygen, with which it combines to form a strong base.
But it also appears that the loss of oxygen is very small and soon
ceases, even at l60°-165° C, for, after five hours' exposure to that
temperature, the weight became constant., M. Caeks Lea.
AMERICAN NOTES AND NEWS.
Betoucbers' Associations. — Several of these are being
formed in the United States, and that at St. Louis, Mo., is said to
have a good membership. The object of the Association, according
to Mr. R. ^■. Drew, Secretary of the Order, is " to elevate the photo-
graphic business, to secure help for those who need it, and to find
positions for tlie members who are out of employment." An excellent
programme.
A Bureau for Testing- lienses.— The American Journal nf
Fhutuf/raphy enters a plea for the establishment in America of a bureau
" to which one can send a lens to be examined as regards its definition,
distortion, focal length," &c., and hints that such a bureau may
shortly be opened in the near future if there is a sufficient demand for
it. No doubt such an establishment would be modelled upon the
lines of that recently instituted at Kew.
" Disusing- " Plates.— The half-tone screen-plates used by
photo-engravers are being applied to photographic portraiture in
America. The screen is placed before the plate which is to be ex-
posed, the result being, upon development, a negative broken up, which,
when printed, produces a portrait resembling a half-tone photo-engrav-
ing. Specimen prints by this method recently appeared in one of the
Canadian photographic journals. The idea is tolerably old, but the
effects are pleasing variations in portrait photography.
A Star Camera. — The star camera in use by Professor Russell,
Government Astronomer at Sydney, is said to be in some respects
unique. It has two combinations of lenses for use in the enlarging
camera, one having a magnifying power equivalent to a focal length
of 47 and the other of 180 feet. Very satisfactory pictures of the
moon, says Anthony's Bulletin, as large as five and a half metres in
diameter can be made with the former in from three to four seconds,,
though it has proved more advantageous to reduce the aperture and
increase the time to about twenty seconds. The enlarging lens is
constructed of two lenses of equal focus, mounted convex sides
together, and separated five-eighths of the sum of the foci of the-
two.
Kag-neslum as a Source of lilght.— Mr. Frederick J.
Rogers, in the American Journal of Science, after pointing out that the
spectrum of burning magnesium approaches more nearly to that of
sunlight than does the spectrum of any other artificial iUuminant,
says that the temperature of the flame, about 1340 deg. C, lies be-
tween that of the Bunsen burner and the air blast lamp. The
" radiant " eificiency (the ratio of luminous energy to total radiant
energy) is higher than that for any other artificial iUuminant, with
the exception of the electric discharge in vacuo; while the total
efficiency of the magnesium light is about 10 per cent, as compared
with a quarter of one per cent, for illuminating gas. He concludes
that it is certain that per unit of energy expended, the light-giving;
OetoiMr 7, ISfti]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL "OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
645
power of baming magneaium U from fifty to aizty tines greater than
that of gaa.
Svswliic Fboto-mlcroffrsithlo Objects.— According to
AntioH^t BuiUtin, Dr. H. G. Piffard has done much to simplify .the
diawuff of photo-miarographic objects, by means of his application of
the prism to the microacope. His method is to insert a right angle
prism by meana of a short tube in the |daee of the eye piece of the
aucroacope, and on one of the square faces of the prism another short
tube to hold the ocolar. The object then having been placed upon
the stage and focnssed, a piece of plain drawing-paper ia placed under
the ocular and the room darkened, when a brilliant image will be ap-
parent on the drawing-paper. It is erident that in this way the
artist has the adrantage of perfect freedom both of his eyes and
hands in his work, and can trace the minuteat detail with ease and
aocuraey.
l^ants to b« a Photograpbar. — The following letter was
lately receired by our exmfrtrtt of the Amtriem Journal of Pkoto-
grapkg : — " Mister Editer, Sir. Please unt let me a know wat a com-
plead fotegraf outfida will coat me, oiabe camera, cbememicals, unt all
complead to make pioters wid from S| x 3J, 4 x 5, -t| x ^, 6} x S^ i
woold fikea to atard in de hianeas as I never bad no ezpeieanoe, Tould
Ukea yoa to girea ne some infomatioM i got I of your Journals unt
looks dm de pak for were to pay ooa eaaera'a and oder dinks. Now
piaaa ml daDs me vieh of dem eamana can I takea pictnrea in a room
wiehost akye Ute, teUa me can I take a hhiUings pietne ekar on
doody waathen, pleaa nnt kin i takes gema & tintypes wichone
cameraa I void likea to take tintypes not outher pictnrea pleace unt
fine the price all oomplte how mu^ Boner i want to start in do dink
you can tel me all abood id to I can makes a complead pietuies ot
my own ezpsmaaees i am a mittls sge man unt got a gute seknl edeu-
catiooa give me tuB informatioo ant I rill starta rite in."
A SERIOUS BLOW-LP: A KE-MIXISCEXCE.
Thb recent disastmos oollodion etpbsion in Paris so riridly recalls
a terrfltie experience of my own that I Mnnot help writing about it.
The erent referied to in your ]>*8e* df Bsptember 16 took place more
xhma twaaty yeais ago, uid yet it is as Tiridlr before my eyes at this
uioMeut as tboogh it had ucc'uired oahr yesterday.
As eoDoAoa la still targelr nasd vj soameUsm and others, and
there ia a eoDodio-broraide ory elate peocees looming in the dim
future, a narrative of the dram* or the diief actor left to tell the
tal>< may serve a good purpoae in showing m<^ern workers that thU
useful coBwmnd, thoogn a good aarvaat, is a terrible maater.
Many or the old nadeis of this Joi-s.xal will remember that,
twentv yean mo, I mannfaetnred collodion b cmsiderable quantities
for tale, aad that it was larnly used by the photographers of that
jmiod. The operatkma invMved in the' manufacture of eoUodion in
taige qaantttiee are anything bnt agreeable. First, there is the
maaofaetnre of the vyrosyliae, which for modem readers may Im
called a mild form of gunootton— though its mildness wiU soon di*>
appear if it be ignited wnen conBned in any earthenware jar, and I hope,
- . my readers wiU take mv word for it, and not make
• riment — and b made by acting upon cotton with a oombina-
ti. -a of nitric and sulphuric adds. When separate, the latter add
gives off no fumes, and those from the nitric acid are only noxious
when very near to them ; but when these acids are combined, heavy
fumes of^the meet deadly character are given off, and with every
possihle precaation to convey them into a floe, some will ^ down
the threat aad into the longa, and to this day I have an irritating
affectloo of the muoona lining of the nostrils and throat which ia
chrinic, and ia no doubt due to the aetaoa of these combined acids all
these yean ago. It will be seen, therefore, that the manufacture of
this Bseessarr YagnSmA fai the compound called oollodion is not at
sU a dearabie oeenpatioD. So much, therefore, for the pyroxyline ;
vow for the aujiiare.
OntaiB araMftkws of alcohol and snlpburic ether are combined,
aad iatotaia is introdneed the ^yroxvline. which, if properiy made,
win be parfsetly aolabie b it. In aawll quantities this is a very simple
o^erstioB, aad givee no troable; batwheie many gallona are made at a
time asatteis aie eoasidersbls changed. The decanting of the alcohol
into the miziag veesel is bad enovpi, for it produces the saais affect
on the wits as a vacy small quantity, disguised by fisvour and called
brandy, would do if token internally, diluted with hot water and
further made palatable by the aid of a lump of sugar. The decanting
of the ether b, nowever, a far more serious matter. This spirit is always
sent out by the manufacturer in bottles called Winchester quarts, and it
would gladden the heart of the toper of to-day if this old-fashioned
measure were used in the taverns haunted by him, for each quart is
half a gallon. The emptying of these bottles is necessarily a slow
operation, and by the time uie contents of a sufficient number of
them have reached the alcohol, the fumes, in spite of every precaution,
have produced all the effect of a heavy bout of drinking on the brain
of the operator, and he would find it absolutely impossible to keep
his toes on a straight chalk mark. Fortunately for him, however, the
effect soon goes off, and after staggering about in the open air for a
short time, he is soon himself again.
It will be seen, from the above, that collodion making is by no
means a pleasant occupation, and it can easily be imagined, therefore,
that the maker is glad to prepare it in considerable batches and let
them settle and fine down until they are ready for bottling off. This
will explain why, on a never-to-be-forgotten day in 1869, I had a
large quant ity bf collodion in stock, all ready for decanting. It was the
last day of November, and the weather had been unusually cold for
the time of vear. In fact, it had been freezing for several days and
there was slsating in the fens. The collodion was stored in some
splendidly made glass barrels, each one with a capacity of six gallons.
Ihey were oonadered triumphs of glass casting, and came from the
German department of the Great Exhibition of 1862. Each barrel
had a large glass stopper at the top, and a glass tap in the end. I
found Uiese oarrels extremely useful for my purpose, for the sediment
settled don'n in the belly, and the clear liquid was easily drawn off
by the tap. They had Men in use for years and had become well
tried old friends. The cold weather was really the cause of the
accident, as will shortly bo seen. These barrels had been filled on one
of the cold days, and tney stood, — four of them all of a row, making
twenty-four gallons in all — in a room parted off from my studio,
which, fortunately for me, was on the ground, and at the bottom of
a fairly long garden, and had no fireplace in it. No light was ever
taken Into it, for well knowing the dangerous character of the mate-
rials, all the operations were conducted dv daylight.
On the memorable day in question I haid been very busy with sitters
in the studio, and, in consequence of the ^reat cold, a good fire had
been kept up all day. The door leading mto the room in which the
collodion was stored had been left open, and the heated air had
travelled into the storehouse. In filling the barrels I had overlooked
the intenae cold, and had not allowed a sufficient margin for expan-
sion. The day was waning, the last sitter had gone, and the fire was
neariv out, but the studio was still comfortably warm. I had been
called up to the house on business, and had been there onlj a short
time when the boy who assisted in printing came rushing in with staring
eyes, and exdumed that one of the barrels had gone crack ! I rushed
down the garden, and info the studio. There was an overpowering
smell of collodion, but there were only a few dull red embers in the
grate, and I knew that flame was needed to ignite collodion, so I felt
the fear of an explosion was at an end, and peeped through the open
door to gauge the amount of mischief done. Part of the end of one
of the barrda was out, and a pool of oollodion was slowly trailing its
way along the floor. The stopper had evidently got fixed, and the
heated air had so expande<l the collodion in all the other barrels that
they were each fuU up to the stopner. In the ill-fated one something
haa to yield ; the stopper would not, and so the end gave way.
It only 'took a second to see all this, and I rtished to one of the
windows, which fortunately^ opened outwards, and was in the act of
failing it as far open as poasible so as to let out the fumes when ?
cannot find a word to describe the sound. It was not like the sharp
crack of near artillery, nor the roar of thunder ; it was a hoarse boom,
and instantly I was carried out with a force mightier than a gigantic
wave of the sea, and deposited on a grass plot some twenty feet from
the building. Immediately followed a series of thunder charges
of artiUerr (probably from the exftlosion of the other barrels),
jtai, Ae sharp rattle" of musketry, which was the roof of the studio
iiMil <1y<iin skyward, and then descended a hailstorm of finely splintered
?'Usa. It was a great mercy for me that they were very fine splinters,
or several entered the exposed parts of my body, and I carry to this
day several scars as mMvenxn of that fateful day. I was not quite
stunned by my fall, for I was carried— fortunately for me — outward^
not upward.
In a second or two I was on my feet, and mechanically put my
hands over various parts of my anatomy to see the extent of the
damage. I (uclnd out a few pieces of glass sticking variously in my
head and hands. The blood I did not heed. With a thankful heart
I found I was comparatively whole, and all the rest seemed as nothrig
against this great fact. The first impression that reached my brain
640
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGKAPHY,
[October 7, 1892
on regaining my feet was a group near the house, afraid to approach
nearer, ana distinct among them the maid-8er\-ant, with brightly
illumined face, distorted by terror. She was frantically wringing her
hands, but otherwise seemed paralysed by fear. To see all this was
the work of an instant. I was thrown out face foremost, and there-
fore for a few seconds did not see the extent of the mischief. I had
now time to turn round and face the scene — and what a scene ! The
whole place was a raging furnace. There was no smoke ; in-
tensely white flames soared forty feet into the air, and through the
openings in the wall, formerly occupied by windows, I could see
chairs, tables, cameras, stands, in fact, everything burnable, roaring
away, each adding its contribution to the mighty blaze. In a very
short space of time there were seven engines on the scene ; but, prac-
tically, there was nothing to be done. They played upon the charred
remains, but everything of value had been totally destroyed long
before the firemen could commence action. Of course, the garden
was speedily filled by London roughs of the too-well-known type,
who seemed to spring out of the bowels of the earth, ready armed
for mischief. They proceeded to smash and wreck a glass shed
used for printing, and which was in no danger from the fire. For-
tunately for me, two or three policemen appeared on the scene, and
cut short their ruffianly efforts at wholesale destruction.
A stream of gas from the place where the meter once stood still
blazed away, and explained the cause of the catastrophe. I had
formerly tried heating the studio by a gas stove, but found it too ex-
pensive ; I, however, carried a pipe into the dark room, and connected
it with a very small home-made gas stove, to keep the nitrate of silver
bath warm in winter. I had altogether forgotten this gas arrange-
ment. Out of sight out of mind. I was right in my surmise that
the dull-red embers of the expiring fire were harmless, but the in-
rush of air from the open window drove the etherial fumes from
the collodion in the direction of the dark room, and the moment they
touched the gas flame away they went to mingle with the ether of the
sky, they were free for further action for the weal or woe of mankind.
The collodion was no more ; but I was left a sadder and a wiser man.
Next day I found I had something left from the wreck. There were
a number of brass tubes with a semi-transparent treacly substance
running out at the ends. A close inspection revealed the name of
" Dallmeyer " on most of them. In happier days they had been lenses.
Valentine Blanchabd.
EXPERIMENTS IN COMBINED TONING AND FIXING.
[Phoioghaphic Times.]
Op the one hundred and twenty articles contributed to " The
American Annual of Photography for 1892," no one has probably
led to so many inquiries for special information and to so extensive
discussion as that on the combined toning and fixing bath described
on page 87. Of the many statements made as to its efficacy, about
thirty per cent, have spoken in terms of high satisfaction, while the
rest confessed an inability to procure with it anything like the
desired results. But the fact that a few of the many who have
worked the bath have had the same results I have enjoyed is some-
thing in its favour. To discuss its chemical composition, therefore,
would be needless, were it not that the bath has proved not to work
equally well under different circumstances.
While conducting the practising class of the Chautauqua School of
Photography during the present extremely hot summer, it was found
the bath as originally prepared worked with much greater energy, and,
whereas during last winter it took from fifteen to twenty minutes to
tone and fix thoroughly chloride of silver gelatine paper prints, toning
was completed within four or five minutes, evidently too short a time
to secure a perfectly fixed proof. To prolong toning, the chloride of
silver of the original formula was left out ; toning proceeded much
slower in the beginning, without, however, rendering the tone as
agreeable as with silver, and without the whites being as brilliant and
pure as formerly. E. Valeuta's fonnula for a reliable combined toning
Isath (see the Photographic Timet, Vol. XXII. page 343) appeared
quite apropos, and it was concluded to give it a trial. The author's
opinion, that when, alongside of the formation of sulphide of silver,
gold is also substituted for a portion of the metallic silver of the print,
the result is permanent for all practical purposes, appeared reasonable
and convincing enough to give the bath a trial. The formula is as
follows : —
Water 600 cm.
Hyposulphite of sodium 200 Qxa.
Sulphocyanide of ammonium 25 gm.
Nitrate of lead 10 gm.
Alum 20 gm.
The bath is diluted with an equal volume of water, and to each
200 cm. added from 7 to 8 cm. of a 1 per cent, solution of chloride of
gold. With all that has been said in favour of the bath, it has not
worked satisfactorily in my hands. In the first place, there is far too
much lead in it. Bradflsch & I'ierce's improved chloride of silver
gelatine paper of decided acid reaction tones in it bo a bluish-grey
colour within less than four minutes. After subjecting from fifteen.
to twenty o x 8 prints to 24 ounces of the bath, it became frothy and
thickish, toning proceeded still more rapidly, the gelatine film appeared
to be in a state of dissolution, and after the washed print had been
squeegeed upon glass, ebonite or tintype plate, it adhered tenaciously
and refused to strip off under any circumstances. Reducing the
quantity of lead to one-fourth, one-sixth, and one-eighth proloneed
the process of toning, but all other effects remained the same. Ex-
planation of a part of the difficulties encountered was found in a
recent number of Photoyraphisches Archir, where it is stated that
nitrate of lead, and still more so sulpho-cvanide of ammonium, is a
powerful solvent of srelatine when at a temperature of 20 deo-. C
(68 deg. F.). "
Experiments have proved Herr Liesegang's assertions to be per-
fectly correct, with the exception, perhaps, that with the presence of
lead nitrate and sulpho-cyanide of ammonium gelatine dissolves at
a still lower temperature than stated.
W^ith these several experiments the practicability and reliability of
the Valenta bath had become more than doubtf ulj and a reconstruc-
tion or modification of our old bath was resolved upon. Keepin" in
view what Valenta had said of toning with lead and simultaneously
with gold, and that slow toning onlv can secure perfect fixine, I com-
pounded a hath that has so far" answered all possible demands. The
tones produced are agreeably warm, the whites pure, not tinged
yellow, fixing appeared to have been perfect, and a reasonable per-
manency of the print is hoped for.
Dissolve one pound of hypo in«82 ounces of water and 3 ounces of
alum in 32 ounces of water. Allow to settle, heat to 120 de"'., filter
and add 22 grains of nitrate of lead. To 20 ounces of this solution
add o grains of terchloride of gold dissolved in 2 ounces of water.
With 20 ounces of this solution fifty 5 x 8 Bradfisch & Pierce's emul-
sion paper, or an equivalent of larger or smaller dimensions, can be
toned and fixed to perfection. After toning this number of prints
the gold is exhausted, and the bath should not be used any longer.
A well-prmted-out picture tones in from twelve to fifteen minutes,
sufficiently long to secure a thoroughly fixed print. When the tone
of the picture begins to look purplish by transmitted light, no matter
how the colour may be in reflected, remove it at once to runniru/
water and continue to wash for about one hour, when the print may
be dried or squeegeed. There is alum enough in the solution to harden
the film without resorting to an extra tanner, and carbonate of sodium
before or after toning and fixing is not at all necessary. The finished
prints have a beautiful deep purple colour and the whites are perfectly
pure.
The many inquiries made about toning and fixing gelatine prints in
a combined bath, the repeated reports on total failures, and the very
miserable prints sent for inspection from many sources have induced
me to writedown these my latest experiences, for the readers of the
Photographic Times. There is only one question to be decided, Are
gelatine prints toned in a combined bath reasonably permanent ? An
argument in favour of an affirmative answer to the question is an
exhibit of albumen prints displayed at the Chautauqua School-rooms.
They were toned and fixed in a combined bath similar to the one above
described as early as in the summer of 1852, and after a lapse of forty
years have preserved a generally good tone, with the whites but
shghtly tinged. Chablks Ehumann.
♦
STEREOSCOPIC PHOXOGBAPHY.
[Birmingham Photographic Society.]
It is with a feeling of diffidence that I address myself to this subject this
evening. In the first place, the last time it was discussed before the
Society I found myself totally opposed to it, and it is a somewhat
anomalous position to place one's self in to be found advocating at a
meeting of this sort the very thing one had opposed previously. In the
next place, there are gentlemen in the room who know far more about
the subject than I do, and who are better qualified to speak upon it than
I am. The difficulty the Council had, however, when I was selected to
read the paper was this, that no matter how diffident I might be, they
were still more so, and that must be my apology for any shortcomings
which may appear in my treatment of the subject.
Stereoscopic Photographt sot Dead.
Some of our members have obtained a great deal of amusement out of
this subject by chaffing those who advocate its popularity. One gentle-
October 7, 1893J
THE BRITISH JOURXAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
647
man, (or iutaoce, aren that it U m daad as Queen Anne. He, however,
b eantel not to say to which Qaeen Anne he allades, beeanse it is very
eridsBt that itareoseopic photography is not dead. On the contrary, its
-elaima ate being urged more erery season, and I venture to predict that it
will yet beeosM Uie most popular form of amateur photography.
Another joke made at its erpwiiB is that in instantaneous pictures made
by its aid moving figniM are so tantalising, that a man in the act ot
walking presents sach a realistic appearance, that one feels a desire to
drop a penny in the slot to make him move, or even to take more drastic
measures sUll. Well, gentlemen, I elaim that that is an additional
charm to the stereoeeopio worker, viz., to depict Nature as it really is, or,
ahall I say, as wa reaUy see it I bope to prove to you before I finish my
fcper that it is impossible to see an ordinary photograph adequately
represent any subject. A friend who is preaent remarked a short time
ago in the club room that we got oar taaolts by means of a trick, and
that it was not a genuine representation. Well, it is for me to prove
that it is not a triek, but the most correct and the only truthful way of
dfliimati"E a view or picture upon a plana surface. If yon wish to
ptoduee in a natural manner sevetml ptanaa, there ia, so far as I know, no
otbar way ot obtaining the result thu by atareoeeopie photography. If
I hold a botdc in my band at arm's length edgwiae, and close one eye, I
see the edge of the book only ; but il I open the other eye, still holding
tb« book in the same position, I see not only the edge, but also a portion
of tha iida of the book, which provea that with two eyes two distinct
pictures are fonned which, howevor, eoalssee either by a mental act,
which ia the most likely theory, or tram some eonnexion between the
narres of the retina whieh at ptssinl has not been diseovered. Many
thaorias «dft, but aa they all difte, it is no part ot my duty to trouble
yoa by dlscnssing them.
Bnocctaa Visios.
II sasms to bs upon the vAola —aiilsrsil most probable that the
power of teming a siagla i&a et •■ ebiaet from a double impression
couveyad by it to th« ayes ia the result of a mental act. If yon bold op
one ol yonr iadsz fingers close to ths eys, and one farther off, you will
tea that by IooUbs at tha osm (arthsal aw«y with both eyea, you really
ass three ffa^sca. In tba sama wj. by looking at the nearest one, yon stil
can see thtas fhmwa, i^., by bringing tba optie axes to baar upon the near
flagsr, ths obs lartbast away i* bioaght.lo a different part of the retina in
aaeh sya, aad two fingan are seen bsliin4 the one which is really in focus.
Tbaaa «spstiBMBla might b« rspaatad In imBMroas ways; but I think I have
tftaWhVt^ tba taet, that biaoealar tWob ptodnoea two diflarant imprea-
•ioaa, wbidibjraniaDlalopstmtioo^tadas teonlyonaianaaUon. Now,
if we look with both ayss at an ordinaiy photograph, i.e., taken with one
lens, it is evidsnl sooMlhiag most ba wanting to adequately represent
the subject to as, aad all will agres thai thsre is in every photograph, so
, an appearanne at flatness whieh ean only be overcome by aerial
tiva. and so whan ths distaaasb almoat obUtanted by atmosphere,
and jost a dim ssnstieii of tha mountains, or trass, or whatever may
be at the background ot the pistva pwssnU itaelf , it is seized upon as a
triumph ot photographic art ; oftas by the very men who have done all
th^ ean by tha osa of isoehranatie plates, and yellow screens to over-
eone what they know psrfsetly wall b not a repreaentation ot Nature in
lU bast aspect : bat whieh b tha bast lasult they can accomplish. The
tact, also, that to look at the pbotoffaph with one eye only, and than
pralsrabty siihar throogb a tube or shaded by the band, will give a par-
tially stsfsasopie aflset, all goes to piovs that for atther the most eotrse'
liiasswtatina. or to aSord tha giaatesi pleaeora to oar ftboda or our*
artraa, tha osa of tha itarsoaeopa b not only not a triek, bat tha only
Isgitimala way of showiBg or looUaf at oar pletoias whan doos.
Wbt nn STxaioscora wnrr ocr or FAsnos.
Tou may ask if, than, all you say is true, how is it tha instnment is
gone so much oot of tashioo ; or, as I put it m oommanoing, " been
;?" That b eaaily answered. There b no doabt that giaat care te
in Boanting tha pictures, whieh, to an amataor, U only in-
[ hb pUasoia ia tha work, and an incentive to excel ; but wbichi
to Iha tradsBBaa, who gsta the work done in the cheapeet manner pos'
sibU, aad which he sceomplishee by employing, probably, young persons,
who think bat little, and care still lass, as to bow the slides will look when
plaesd la position, it u not fair to the art to judge ot it by iu past history.
Vet yaan I eoald nsver look with any pleasure through a stereoeoope,
bseaass. ia ordar to make tha pictnras ovsrlap or combine, I had to strain
my eyas almost oat ot my head, and tha eoossquenoe was that, after look-
ing at aboot half a dossa views, I bad such a headache that I was eom-
paUsd to ghra op loekiag at any more. A few months ago an American
oaDad upon ma with a aew form ot atefeosoope, and I found that it was a
woodarfal improvement on any I had seen before, but still there was a
alight strain, and I found at last that it occurred more with some pictures
than others, and, in tact, with some there was no strain at all, and upon
measuring the distances they were mounted apart, I soon found out the
reason. More strain was occasioned by those mounted three inches apart,
and some were even over this, wliich made it worse. I found that those
at two and three-quarters of an inch were quite normal and easy to look
at. I believe that two and a half inches is better for many people, but aa
I can see two and three-quarter inch views quite easily, I prefer that
width, as, of course, I can get, by means of the quarter inch, a larger
picture and more subject.
The Optics or the Stxbxoscofe.
Perhaps at this stage it would be well for me to illustrate by a diagram
what the action of the lenses in the stereoscope is. I should say that
the form of instrument as now used was invented by Professor Brewster.
A double convex lens is divided across the middle, and the two
helves are set with their thin edges in juxtaposition. In the Stereotcopic
ilanual by Chadwick, which is very interesting and useful to all workers
in this branch, he points out that it is possible to construct a stereoscope
without lenses at all. He says, in considering the size of the pictures
and the dimensions of the box, " When we look at a tree in Nature a mile
away, we view it with so little convergence of the optic axes as to be
termed practically parallel vision ; and as it is by greater or less con-
vergence that we judge distance, we must view the photograph of the
tree with practically parallel vision, for it mast be remembered that, if
we observed the tree with a greater convergence of the optic axes, we
should not estimate it at its true distance, but at a nearer distance ; and
as our eyes are only two and a half inches apart, it is clear that the image
of the tree in the two photographs must not be more than two and a half
inches apart. This dimension, then, settles the size of the photographs
at not more than two and a half inches in width. With normal vision,
we cannot conveniently observe anything distinctly at a nearer distance
from the eye than eight inches, and the box must be at least eight inches
long in order to accomplish this." It was pointed out the last time the
subject was discussed in this room, I think, by Mr. Griffiths, that
even this simple form of stereoscope was unnecessary, and that with
practice it was possible to get the effect by holding the pictures in the
hand and by diverging the eyej until parallel vision was obtained. This
I tried at for a long time, and at last succeeded in getting the effect ; but
I thought there was too much strain upon the eyes, and no doubt there
was, and tor this reason. If we wish to obtain the best result from a
photograph, as to the natural size and perspective, whether large or
small, we should view it at a distance from the eye equal to the focus
of the lens we have used in taking the view, and it is for that reason that
moat people prefer whole-plate size, as the lens usually employed
pb about ten inches focus, which may be considered the normal focus of
the eye. Now, as it is necessary to use a lens ot ibout live inches focus
for Btaraoacopic work in order to get in the usual angle of view, and by
that I mean about the same amount ot subject as that obtained with an
ordinary quarter, half, or whole-plate lens, it becomes necessary to get
the assutanoe of a lens in order to procure the correct proportion,
because it is evident (bat, if the picture is produced by a five-inch focus
lens, and we observe the print at ten inches from the eye, it would
appear only one-halt its true diameter.
yo far as I can see, the object in placing the lenses in this position is
to give parallel vision, as well as to magnify the print to its proper size.
Yon will see by the diagram which I have prepared that the ray of light
i« caused to slightly diverge, and thus place the optic axes in the same
position as when looking at the view itself. For this reason the lenses
should be motinted not more than two and a half inches apart from centre
to centre, as the normal distance between our eyea is approximately two
and a half inches, and, consequently, il the lenses are farther apart, as U
tha ease with many stereoscopes, only the thin edges of the glasses are
used, and tha diverging lines are proportionately more acute, and conse-
quently the true distance is not appreciated, and objects in the picture
OOMTCy the impression of something much smaller than is really the case.
Whilv^is objection may also be urged, I think that the more the lenses
converge, or, as they are used in the stereoscope, diverge, the greater the
strain will lie upon the eyes. We may now leave the theoretical for the
more practical part ot the subject, and I would first call your attention
to the convenience ot this work over ordinary photography.
Stzxs :x Stereoscopic Wobk.
Most of you will, I think, agree with me that quarter-plate work ia too
small for any purpose except lantem-slide making, snap shots in the
hand camera, or carte de visite portraiu. Half-plate work is very little
better. The views are too small to frame for pictures, and too large to
mount in a scrap album, and in consequence the majority of the prints
648
THE BRITISH JOCJRNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[October 7, 1892
are left to tumble abont until they are spoilt. With whole plate work
it is different. Yon may with this size view decorate yonr walls with
pictures worth looking at, but at what a cost ! Plates, paper, chemicals,
mounts, and frames, besides the hard labour entailed ; and then, after
carrying the apparatus five or six miles, finding nothing worth ex-
posing upon ! That is one of the pleasures of whole-plate work. Now
take the stereoscopic camera. Tou can use a small and lightly-made
camera, a light stand. Tou can use only one lens if desired, and take a
quarter-plate picture for a lantern slide, or if you wish to get a half-
plate picture you have only to adapt one lens and remove the dividing
screen, and you have with your five inch lens a wide angle picture, or you
can carry a seven and a half inch lens, and place in your camera front
for an ordinary view. But why take all that trouble ? Suppose you see
a nice bit, and yon want to get a lantern slide, or quarter-plate size
for a pocket album, or a stereoscopic view for the drawing-room table,
you have it all at once in the one negative ; but I can carry you still
further. Suppose you think you would like a half-plate picture framed
for the breakfast-room or nursery walls, or a whole plate or 12 x 10 for
the drawing-room, all you have to do la to enlarge the subject on
bromide paper, and you have it.
Now, I ask you, can any other camera give you all these advan-
tages, and I am sure you will agree that it is impossible to get the
same results in any other way. There is nothing for you to relearn
or to forget before you can produce satisfactory stereoscopic slides.
The negatives require a full exposure to prevent chalkiness and in
mounting the slides you have to transpose the pictures from left to
right, in order that, when looking at the view, you may place the right-
hand side picture as taken before the right eye, which it will easily be
seen wonld not be the case unless transposed, from the fact of the pictures
being taken inverted. As I mentioned before, I take some object at the
middle distance, and measure 2j in. from centre to centre, carefully cut
the two pictures top and bottom before dividing them, and with ordinary
care in mounting, a perfect result is obtained. I place a straight line
across the mount as a guide, both for the centre and also to keep the
prints upright. I have not thought it necessary to demonstrate at any
length before you, because, as I said before, there are no new dodges to
learn in order to assist you to success. I hope I have succeeded in
removing any prejudices which may have existed in your minds against
the subject under discussion, and also in setting forth a few of the
pleasures which we who follow it enjoy, I have only to say in conclusion
that I do not think any one who has followed it has ever grown tired and
given it up entirely, while I think all will agree that a stereoscopic
picture properly taken, mounted, and viewed, is indeed a thing of beauty
and a joy for ever. Geo. A. Thomason.
FOCUSSING AND THE USE OF DIAPHRAGMS.
[Canadian Photographic Jonrnal.]
In cross-heading this article I have followed the order adopted by the
publishers in their invitation to competitors; but, as correct focussing
depends to a large extent on the proper use of diaphragms or stops, I
shall reverse the order and deal with them first.
The photographic lenses in general use are of two classes, single and
compound, and with both stops are employed, although for very diiiferent
purposes ; in the first they are absolutely necessary, while in the second
they are only used as a means of improvement.
A single lens, often spoken of as a landscape lens, whether plano-
convex or meniscus, cannot be corrected for spherical aberration, the
rays from toward the margin coming to a focus nearer the lens than
those from towards the centre. The only [remedy" for this, unless the
image were to be received on a concave plate, is the placing of a stop at
some distance in front of the lens, so as to cut off the objectionable
marginal rays, and let the picture be formed onlyjof such central pencils
as come practically to a focus on one plane.
In the case of a compound lens, spherical aberration has to a large
extent been eliminated, so that with a full working aperture, as fixed by
the maker, it will, if of a good quality, produce a sharp image, but a
sharp image of only such objects as are on one plane ; an object at, say,
twelve feet being perfectly sharp, while those at ten and fourteen are
out of focus. This applies most particularly to portrait lenses, but in a
less degree to most compound varieties, is generally spoken of as want of
depth of focus, and remedied more or less in proportion to the size of the
stop employed. This will be easily understood from a consideration of
the fact that the rays from the upper and lower margins of, say, a lens
of three inches diameter, cross or come to a focus at, say, a distance of
eight inches, at a much wider angle than those from the upper and lower
edges of, say, a half-inch stop, something, in fact, like as twenty to three.
To secure a sharp image of the rays crossing at a wider angle, the focus-
sing screen must be placed exactly at the crossing point, while on those
at the much smaller angle it may be moved for a certain distance to and
fro without visibly affecting the sharpness. In other words, objects both
in front and behind that which had been specially focussed appear suffi-
ciently sharp, and thus " depth of focus " is obtained.
Although the securing of depth of focus be the main object of the stop
in a compound lens, it also tends to flatten the field. Except in the case
of the new " Anastigmat," it has been hitherto impossible to altogether
eliminate spherical aberration from even the best type of compound
lens, and although the depth of focus is not needed there, the small stop
is absolutely essential to secure perfect marginal definition.
Of course, it goes without saying that the smaller the stop the less will
be the light that is transmitted to the plate, and consequently the longer
will be the exposure ; but the amateur, and the professional also, as he
is not infrequently in blissful ignorance of the nature and properties of
his lens, should remember that the size of the stop per se has no mean-
ing, and only becomes intelUgible when its relation to the focal length of
the lens is known.
Stops, therefore, should always be thought of and spoken of in that
relation, viz., as/-x, x being the proportion the aperture bears to the
focus of the lens. Until a few years ago each maker made the apparatus
of his stops according to his own fancy, although there was a kind of
understanding that each smaller stop required twice the exposure of its
next largest neighbour, but modern opticians generally adopt what is
known as the U. S., or universal system.
The largest working aperture of the average portrait lens is one-fourth
of its focal length, and the stop, consequently, is marked f-i. The
U. S. takes that as the unit, and also marks it No. 1. A little calculation
shows that if the aperture be reduced to IJ-fifths of the focal length, it
will admit just half the light admitted by the one-fourth, and it is
marked /-5-G, with the U. S. No. 2, and so on through as many stops as
can possibly be required. Thus:— /-8, No. 4; /-11-3, No. 8; /-16, No.
16 ; /-22-6, No. 32 ; ^-32, No. 64 ; /-43-2, No. 128.
In this way not only is the relation which each stop bears to the focal
length of the lens shown, but also the exposure required with any one
stop on any particular plate being known, the time of any of the others
is seen at a glance. For example, if it is known that ,r"-22 needs two
seconds, /-32 will need four, and /-16 only one ; or if f-i requires one
second, then the U. S. numbers behind each stop give the respective
number of seconds needed.
Amateurs whose lenses are not so marked could hardly take the trouble
to alter the openings of their stops, but they should certainly ascertain
the / value of each of them, so as to be able to communicate intelligibly
with their brethren. The first step is, of course, to ascertain the equiva-
lent focus of the lens. If a single one, all that is required is to focus
carefully some distant object, and measure the distance between the back
of the lens and the focussing screen. With a compound lens the opera-
tion is more complicated. There are various methods by which it can be
accurately accomplished, some of which may be printed in the future;
but, in the meantime, it may be managed with sufficient accuracy in a
simple way. Focus, as in the case of a single lens, on a distant object,
and measure the distance between the diaphragm slot and the focussing
screen, which generally will be near enough for most practical purposes.
Suppose the focus is found to be ten inches ; bring that to tenths = 100,
and ascertain the number of tenths in each of the stops. Suppose one
should be four-tenths ; divide the 100 by 4, which will give 25, and shows
that stop should be marked /-25, and so on with all the rest. A smaller
fraction than a tenth, a sixteenth, or, better still, a millimeter, for the
reduction of the focus and measurement of the stop, will admit of more
refined measurements, but tenths will do very well.
Having thus laid the foundation, as focussing and the proper use of the
stops go hand in hand, I now proceed to that important operation.
The first essential is a very fine ground glass. If the camera has not
that it may be improved by oiling, or, better still, by rubbing in a solu-
tion of wax in turpentine, and rubbing off as much as possible. For very
fine work a good plan is to cement with Canada balsam a microscopic
glass cover in the centre of the focussing screen, and employ a focussing
glass or Bamsden's eyepiece adjusted so that its focus falls exactly on the
front of the focussing screen.
If the object in view be such as the copying of a map, whose sharpness
to the edge is a sine qua non, the adjustments as to size, positions, &c.,
may be made with full aperture or a large stop, and then stops smaller
and smaller must be put in, and the image examined until the desired
result is obtained.
For portraiture, sharpness all over the plate is not necessary, and
sharp backgrounds not desirable. Therefore, f-i or /-8 should be used.
(
October 7, 1892]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
649
•nd in tli* om* e( nt&ag figoies, where the projecting knees m^y be oat
o{ bwu viien tba head if in, the swing back ahoold be employed as a
It is in hndieape woric, hnwarcr, that locatsing assnmes almost the
dignity of a leienee, and ia wbieh, (ram an art point of view, the nse or
aboae of the atop may make or mar a pietare. Those wjiose only aim is
to prodnee what are aometimes called topographical landsoapes have only
simple daties to perform — to ascertain the point from which the moet
pleasing eompoeilicm can be obtained, focus sharply any prominent
olqeet, slip in stop /-32 or Rialler, and gire the necessary eiposore. Bat
piukuiia, or, rather, photographs, ao pR)dneed are destitute of that which
giraa the greatest charm to a landseape — atrnoqiheie; and as the Tarioas
JliUuiees are all almost eqnally sharp, the nmiatisfted eye wanders, like
Noah's dore, from point to point without finding a place on which to rest.
The pietare-maker, or troe photagnphie artist, has a different end in
view. He wants to make a picture in which the eye shall be led to that
which is its moOf and made to rest than, eorraled in from wandering, as
it were, by the lesa sharply defined •obordinatc parts, while a kind of
halo of mystery is soggested by the almost imperceptible atmospheric
haze, rather felt than seen in the distance. He, too, like his topo-
craphical friend, places his camera en the well-stndied point of view,
and kaowiog that the ef set of a piataa.'vban wmflned within the limits
of the foenaaing screen, is oflaa ywfXMmnmt tram that prodooed by
lotddng at it in the open, earafally exuntoss it with a large stop, or fall
•pertare. Composition and light and liiade satiafaetory, and the motif
elaarly deSnad in his mind, the geoanl sffeet is earefoUy stadied, and,
onto lis bseomas Indeed an esperieneal hand, tried with stops of varions
aires, and enen by patting the prindpal points of the wMif itsdf more or
less out of foens. Far be it firoin me to laeommend the prioeiplas of the
" fnssy adMai." bat there are sabjeota that are improrad by the remora
ot raaor'^dgsd sharpness.
Working on thsss lines, the photograpUe artist will find that the great
majority of snbjeets will be moat snassasfoUy and artistically photo-
gia|tsd with Btojps varying from f-lt to/-93, and I may add that I have
aMMlad pietana OmU wars both admirad and medaUed, and that the
ealy stop I aany b thraa inefaaa of hwd robber having at one end an
apsrtnn/-16, aadoaa/-l8at Ibeothar. Jons Cuax.
FCBTHEB EXTBACTB FROM """ •""T.Y AND WEEKLY PRESS
ON THB PHOTO' EXHIBITION.
Mrcn that is vary intareating may be isan at the annoal Exhibition of
this Soeiaty. It eemprlssa a large aamb« of photographie ^etoras, whose
tisatanysa from the modsst "qaarterplirte"iosnch dimansions aa ssvan
feet by in fsat. Thar aia marked by grsat diTcrsity of sabjaet. and the
diftannt ■sisrials and msthods by wMsli the prinU have been obtained
from Iba nepHrss add to their vairisty of affect Several seU of lantern
<!ides are also oo view, togatbar wi^ Bany eamaraa of new patterns,
>me " ehromoaeopaa " lor iMlMrtiag tba inapeetioa of glan trans-
I«ranaisa, lisiaand tdpoda. and ottMrMnBhanMUia appertaining to tba
I iBlassiaB. TIUaHTf s<4i01eiid aaarisa«<ftvaearbo«p«lMta— isthara-
^ oh o( aa inganioa aiparimant by Mr. BM Aens, whaiaby ha has seearsd
tba nhsngss in iba mm of a bank of enmnlas eloads, from the time
whsB it appeared abora the horixon, eomparatively insignificant, throagh
its laiaf epochs of growth, to the moment when its aoqnired volama is
■boat to drift away again into " thin air." Mr. Acres also exhibits
•DOthsr exeallent sky.photograph, aa wall as aona asaall hand-camera
stadias at Bamat Fair, mctm aommoBplaea in ehataetai, bat vsry good
indsadoftbairlcind. It ia not often that draaMrtia iaaidanta oeeor whan
tba n aiy apparatus is at hand tor their rceord; and Mr. H. J.
Oadbald to tbarafora to be congratulated oo having obtained such a
•osb a sabjaet aa to prsaantsil in A Bcektt to tht RucMt, whereia to de-
ptolad tlie timaly sssistanra oflan randerad by eoastgoardman's Ufa-saving
gear to iha eisws of distrssssd vaassls. The figures on the beach are over
'laikand blorrad in detail ; but thto was. doubtless, owing to no inefficiency
on Xr. Oodbold's part, bat rather to the dull light which evidently nre-
Tsilcd, and to the DaceasUy for a vary quick esposare. sinee tba rocket,
icitb its attaelisd line, to visible in mid-air, flying swiftly over Um foaming
•orga to tba stranded ship, which lies with ita broadside at the merer of
the wavea. A wild sea u nictured ia the great pbatogra|di aavsa feet
long by MaaaK. EllioU A Son, whtoh to a earboa anlarsement from a
wholaplata usgaliis by Mr. Birt Aarcs. Another exoellent work of a
similar Had to HmrvttUuf, hjf tba Weodbory Company. It to not equal
in size to that of Meaars. Blbot, but ito length must measure something
t'«tweea four aod flva last, and it portrays in a very sueesssful manner a
cornfield with a aombar of labooraia buily engaged. Tht Rehfartal. by
Mr. Adam Distea, to a hanwruualy anaagad eomposition of two figures,
one a man pnasMsteg moo a hogs trumpet, whose portentous magnitude
imply wamali Iha fiqrar's gravity of exprasaion ; the other his better
iislf, a dama ia aamtnmi aaaaatrto attire, who elosas her eyes, perhaps
in ecstatic appreciation, or haply slumbers so soundly that she is fortu-
nately spared an infliction " most tolerable and not to be endured." In
this and in Mr. Diston's Hvihland Smugglers the grouping is good and
the surroondingE are appropriate and well arranged. Mr. E. H. Lord's
"HoK it that*" wherein a village worthy tests his crony's snuff, is
a capital study of rustic character. Mr. J. A. Dumont and Mr. A. G.
Tagliaferro contribute some amusing photographs in the same vein, but
these essays at picture-making are not uniformly successful. Cleopatra,
by the Kev. J. A. Bivington, for instance, is good as a photograph, being
well manipulated, but, although the accessories are Egyptian in point of
decoration, they have a cheap, artificial appearance, and his sitter,
although she is dressed appropriately enough, has neither the form nor
the featares which one connects with the " Serpent of Old Nile. " And
though the delicacy of the tones of the elastic white drapery worn by the
young lady in Mr. J. B. Scott's An Old Garden commands admiration,
its folds might have been more tastefully arranged. The background,
too, on which the title is founded, consists too obviously of a painted
screen, displaying a very conventional wall and balustrade. Mr. W. J.
Byrne has achieved a well-won reputation for his likenesses of children,
and those which he now exhibits are worthy examples of his judgment
and skill. Some admirable portraits are sent by Mr. H. H. Cameron,
Mr. F. Hollyer, and Messrs. Mowll and Morrison ; and there are numerous
beaotiful landscape stadies. Mr. Karl Greger's series of six pastorals,
where sheep graze in the meadows or are driven homewards ; Mr. B.
Gay Wilkinson's Westmimter, The Peaceful Kvening Hour, and The
Eituary of the Blyth ; Colonel J. Gale's Totcard» Sundown and The In-
coming Tide, and Mrs. Main's Frort and Sunshine, a set of six varied
effects of sunlight on snow, have deservedly obtained the Society's
medals ; while many more of these transcripts from Nature are equally
ciuuming. In the Fool, a view of the river and shipping towards even-
ing, by Mr. L, C. Bennett, is especially worthy of mention. Among the
best things in the Galleries should also be classed Mr. E. D. Stem's
Scenes in Sorth Africa and Mr. A. D. Halford's Italian views. Some
excellent reproductions of attractive pictures are exhibited by Messrs.
Boussod, Valodon & Co., Mr. J. Harold Boiler, Mr. H. H. Cameron, and
the Woodbury and Antotype Companies. The Exhibition will remain
open until November 10, and on three evenings of the week — Mondays,
Wednesdays, and Saturdays — it is proposed to have displays with the
optical lantern.
iOlobe.]
Ix eonseqnenoe of reoent dissensions, into which it is unnecessary to
enter, as they are now happily over, some familiar names are missing
from the list of exhibitors at the annual exhibition of the Photographic
Society. The new management has, however, been well supported,
and the exhibition will be found to have many interesting features.
The greatest change that has taken place has been the increase
of the number of medals to seventeen, in place of the varying number of
five to ten whieh has hitherto ruled. The increase in the number is not
to be depreealad, and no fault is to be found with the manner in which
they have baoo bestowed— a point anon which the members of the new
Coanoil are aspaeially to be congratulated. In each ease the medalled
exhibit has special merit, and the medals cover the various sections into
which the art is now divided, without any undue bias being displayed
towards the prevailing craze among a few, such aa in former years has
given offence to the general body of the exhibitors. Without attempting
to deal with the soeoessfal piotarea in their order of merit— if they could
ba bald to bava any — it may be remarked with pleasure that Mr. Gale,
tba Maissonier among photographer*, oocapies a distinguished position ;
for, though he still praters to work {on a small scale, his pictures are
always seen with pleasure and profit, being models of excellence in
point of choice of subject, teehmeal skill, and artUtic merit. The place
of honour is held by an enlargement in carbon, by Messrs. Elliott it Son,
of a sea-pieoe, whieh is an admirable advertisement for that well-known
firm. Then we have medals for prints on rough drawing paper,
deservedly given tor a series of prints by Mr. B. Gay Wilkinson and Mr.
W. Bedford. Another medal is given to Mr. F. Boissonnas for a view of
Mont BUnc, taken with one of Dallmeyer's new tele- photographic lenses,
wbieh illustrates the latest discovery in photography and points to the
great value of Dallmeyer's discovery. In this connexion. t»o, may be
mentioned the medal given to Messrs. Taylor, Taylor, & Hobson, of
Leicester. It will be remembered that some time ago the Society took op
the vexed question of interchangeable flanges, with a view to remedying a
dTSreoliy ^B^ially felt by the possessors of a limited number of lenses.
The ouwome of the discussion of the question was the arrangement of a
number of standard flanges ; and Messrs. Taylor, Taylor, <1- Hobson,
having adopted the Society's standard, are exhibiting the series, and are
rewarded by a medal, whicli has the additional value of being the only
one given for apparatus. Had the judges had another at their disposal,
they would doubtless have given it to Beck's new band camera — the
" Frena " — in which the difficulty of the magazine is solved in a very
simple and satisfactory manner ; likely to create ({uite a revolution in the
" press-the-button " system. There is nothing in the exhibition at all
relating to colonr-photography— no one is likely to have expected that
there wonld be— but, whether in the matter of amateur or professional
work, much will be found to interest and amuse. Daring the continuance
of the Exhibition, there will be the usoal lantern nights.
eso
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[October 7, 1892
[Lloyd'i.]
Ija annual Exhibition of the Photographic Society, Pall Mall East, had
preliminary inspection yesterday. An average of excellence ahead of
previous collections owes itself in no small degree to a more rigorous
-itandard of selection, necessitating the rejection of a large number of
•works forwarded. A striking feature is the abandonment of the mere
mechanical processes of old, and the importation of a genuine artistic
spirit, which can assert itself as potently with a camera as in the art of
the engraver and painter. As might be expected, the medallists exhibit
•ome fine work. The work assigned the post of honour, the Tennysonian
illustration, Break, break, break, at the foot of thy crags, 0 Sea!—&
carbon enlargement from a whole-plate negative by Birt Acres, contributed
Ifcy Elliott & Son— is a singularly powerful work, the wave breaking near
the foreground having peculiar energy of expression, while the light on
the horizon suffuses the tremulous sea with singular beauty. Most
noticeable is Mr. Henry Stevens's Meadow Su-eet, for the softness of its
tone ; and Mr. Yeo's Blouing Bubbles, a child's dream of joy ending in
disappointment, has very happy treatment, as likewise Mr. J. E. Austin's
Worn Out, a workman inspecting a clock, and To Account Rendered,
respectively full of dramatic pose and life. Amongst other medallists are
Xarl Greger, B. Gay Wilkinson, W. Bedford, J. Gale, A. B. Dresser, F.
Muller, J. Harold Boiler, W. M. Warneuke, and Mrs. Main. There is a
portrait of Professor Herkomer, sent by Gabell's, full of vitality and
character, and their Head of a Boy has been manipulated with great
artistic feeling. One of the interesting examples is the Story of a Cloud,
'five phases of the phenomenon, thirty seconds only intervening between
each — an attestation of Mr. Birt Acres' dexterity and close observation.
Another contribution fascinating to the scientist will be found in the
eighteen photo-micrographs of pure cultivation of bacteria from sewage,
by Sir H. E. Boscoe and Mr. Joseph Lunt. Portraiture is well illustrated
in Mr. Fred. HoUyer's presentments of Mr. J. M. Barrie, Mr. W. B.
Bichmond, and Mr. Walter Crane.
[The People.]
A New Photoobaphic Terror. — Soiree in Paix Mall. — The toirie of the
Photographic Society was of unusual interest. The elements of dis-
turbance, which have made things unpleasant for the last year or two,
iave been got rid of, and, under new management, the Sooiety may be
said to have embarked on a fresh career of prosperity. As though to
inaugurate the new departure, there was a large attendance. Captain
Abney, the President, receiving the guests, in company with Mrs. Abney,
other well-known members of the Society doing the honours of the
evening. One of the principal items on the programme was, of course,
to inspect the show of photographs. This year these are of a very
attractive character, the offer of seventeen medals, instead of about half
the number, as in previous years, having drawn an excellent collection
of photographs. One of the principal exhibits, in point of novelty and
interest, was a print of Mont Blanc photographed at a distance of fifty-
six miles. This is the first photograph of the kind ever exhibited, and is
quite a curiosity. Mr. Dallmeyer, the lens maker, has succeeded, after
many failures, in making a photographic lens which screws on to the
eyepiece of an ordinary telescope, and enables a photograph to be taken
of whatever can be seen by aid of the telescope, with the same finish and
detail as though taken in an ordinary camera. The new discovery, thus
placed before the public for the first time, opens up new realms of possi-
bilities for the amateur photographer. The detective camera has already
played havoc among the proprieties ; but the possibilities of the detective
camera are as nothing compared with the photographic telescope, inas-
much as the owner of the detective camera could always be seen, whereas
the photo-telescopist may be miles away, or, at any rate, concealed at a
distance. Seaside " spoonies " and bathing ladies will have to be mind-
ful of probable pictures taken from the houses on the front.
[Graphic]
The Exhibition of the Photographic Society of Great Britain, now on
view at the Gallery in Pall Mall East, is quite as comprehensive and
interesting as any of its predecessors. It does not appear that any scien.
tific discovery likely to lead to fresh developments of the art has been
made during the last year ; but most of the works show complete mastery
of the methods employed in their production, and a fair proportion bear
evidence of artistic taste in selection of subject and arrangement. Land-
scapes, as usual, form the largest and most satisfactory portion of the
display. A series of eight wooded river scenes by Mr. W. Bedford, together
with fulness of tone and delicacy of detail, have pictorial beauty of com-
position, a point of view from which the materials of the subject har-
moniously combine having been in each case chosen. The same distin-
guishing merits are to be seen in Colonel J. Gale's luminous little study,
The Incoming Tide ; in Mr. B. Gay Wilkinson's The Silver Strand, and
in Mr. W. Wainwright's spacious views of The Matterhorn and Zermatt
Valley. There are some capital examples of instantaneous photography,
particularly a well-defined group of flying pigeons, by Mr. F. Blake, and
five photographs showing the changes of form of a bank of cumulus cloud
in less than half a minute, by Mr. Birt Acres. In a sea-coast view, seven
feet long, enlarged from a negative of Mr. Acres, by Messrs. Elliott it
Son, the momentary aspect of the breaking waves and moving sky ia
recorded with convincing fidelity, but the unrelieved blackness of the
shadowed rocks in the foreground detracts something from its value.
Among the most artistic things in the collection are a series of portraits
of well-known men, by Mr. F. Hollyer. The half-lengths of Mr. Bume
Jones, Mj. Andrew Lang, and Mr. G. F. Watts are especially good works,
they are all naturally posed, and admirably fulfil the requirements of
pictorial art as regards balance of light and shade, and harmony of line.
Other good examples of photographic portraiture are Mr. F. Downer's
gracefully composed group of Lady Mary Lloyd and Child ; a charac-
teristic half-length of Professor Herkomer, by Gabell & Co., and several
lifelike heads of children by Mr. H. Teo. Good reproductions of many
well-known pictures are contributed by the Woodbury Company, the
Autotype Company, Mr. H. H. Cameron, and MM. Boussod & Valadon ;
and the valuable service that photography can render to science is shown
in several anatomical studies by Mr. T. Charters- White, and in a series
of eighteen photo-micrographs of Bacteria from Sewage, by Sir H. E.
Boscoe, F,E.S., and Mr. Joseph Lunt.
» ♦ I
<©ur Btiitorial Eatle.
DiB Photoqbaphischk Cameba und die Mombntapparate.
By Dr. J. M. Edie. Halle a. S.: Wilhelm Knapp.
This, the second volume of the Ausfiihrliches Handhuch der Photo-
graphic treats in detail of probably every known variety of shutter,
camera, stand, used in time and instantaneous photography, apparatus
for photogrammetry, solar and other kinds of enlarging, telephoto-
graphy, &c. Its descriptions are full and exhaustive, and, it need
hardly be said, are marked by accuracy and clearness. The volume,
which consists of over 400 pages, has nearly 700 explanatory illustra-
tions, -which alone constitute a feature of great value in a work of
this kind.
Brun's Colours.
Messbs. Schwarz & Co., Dashwood House, E.C., have submitted a
box of Brun'a glossy transparent colours, which we have tried on
photographs both on paper and glass, this latter embracing opals and
lantern transparencies. These colours are semi-fluid or viscous, and
are transparent ; therefore they lend themselves admirably to their
application to photographs, which they colour without destroying the
details, thus ensuring in the case of portraits the preservation of the
likeness and drawing. They are easily applied, dry quickly, and may
be applied a second and third time to any part needing strengthening
up. They are put in small bottles, each bearing its appropriate label,
and in boxes containing twelve and twenty-four colours respec-
tively. In the hands of any person of taste very pretty effects can
easily be obtained with them.
" Imperial " Opal Plates and Lantern Plates.
The Imperial Dry Plate Company, Limited, Cricklewood, are now
issuing opal bromide plates for development by ferrous oxalate and
cognate developers. Having tried them, we find that they are highly
sensitive, develop clearly, and give good tones. The material is pot
opal, finely ground on one side.
We developed some of the lantern plates with iron, amidol, pyro-
o-allol, and hydroquinone respectively, and found them give good
results with each of them. The tones, of course, differed with all
these.
Undeb the designation of the Practical Photographers' Label Book,
Messrs. Percy Lund & Co. have issued a nice and comprehensive
collection of useful labels alphabetically arranged, gummed, and
perforated. They embrace the names of everything reqmred in
photography.
RECENT PATENTS.
APPLICATION FOR PATENT.
No 17 175 — " Improvements iu the Methods of Regulating the Flow of
Liquids over Photographic Plates." G. V. FoRBERY.— Dated Sej>temier 2i,
1892.
SPECIFICATIONS PUBLISHED.
1892.
No. 5132.— "Hand Camera." Smith, A. C. & A. A.
No. 5597.— "Coloured Photographs." McDoxocoH.
No. 10,023.— "Photogr.ipb Developing Tray." DbsboctiN.
October 7, 18831
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
C6I
PATENTS OOMPLETKD.
TBK PaSTAKATtOit ASB SatFtOTUMBT OF ABOXATtC AJODO COMPOUHDS AS
DsviLorcia Msaiib oi Pbotogbatht.
Xow 15,434. Jcuca HAUrr, Fenerlacb, near Stuttgut, Gtnmaj.
SepUmt>tr3,lBK.
Thb amido pbwaU, such >■ p.ami<lo phanol aad tha two p^umdo-cregols,
which haT* Mtn to hUiljr pniaed of lata i« dereloping meaiu for photographic
piuuuaaa, hara tha daMct tLat thav ara ao alight]; aolabla a* to necaantate for
than aaa a raeoana to eanitic alkaiiiw, which ar« in many waya nnraitable in
thajnetiea of pkotofmphr.
The naa of caaitie afliaUea ia UkawiM
for the derelopment of the
photographie imaga with p-phaii7lan»dlBBinaa, the om of which it protects)
hj Oannan Lattns Patent, Na 40,915. dated Angrut 1, 18S8, bat has now
haan traely giran up, at great iaeoDTaniaBca reaoltad ftom the ue of caustic
I hara ramadiad thaaa daCteta brjillfaliatog tha aaido ntmp, through which
I obtain in tba ii aiiiHn|ih»nl aooh a aolabilitj' aa will allow the exclnsiTe use
at earboaataa o/ tha aUaUaa, wUle in tka Bhanylana-dianiiDa I not only obtain
a tiaatar aolnbOitT, bat incraaae the derefoiing power in such a manner aa to
allow of tha nae of carfaaaataa of the alkaUaa.
For the darelopment of pkotogn[diic iawgea the following componnds are
a»«<I : —
— OH
L AlkaUaadamidopbaooboftha eo^MitioB ,\^-^ j^amongat which are
tha nxMO- wd dl^Mlfa^albyi-) dariiativaa of
1.
Z o-aiBid»-aMnaaL
3. m-«iaVfcM>-ataaol,
4. m-amido.(T-)m-zylenol,
5. m^amido-p-zylcDoI,
«. o-ami<lo^T-)o-xylaiu>l,
7. o«mido-(*-)m-xyleiioL
Tha alhaliaail aaido-tibaoab hafa a aotetflity of 3 per 100 and, hare more-
o*ar, aa uoaifatad wtta tha oidinatx aaido-pbcnou, mnch mora auanetk
pfopcftiaak
The following aolntioiia ara tjcepaiad aa balag moat niitabl^
Matol (aMtbyl-p^aido-n-oanl ^...^ 1 giamma.
8ah>hita of ioda ^^ ^ lOgrammaa.
Walaa _„ 100 „
MmlimB.
Potaah. „ _.„ 10 gramma*.
Water „ _ 100 „
For aa& two or thraa parta of tha tointiaB A tr« mixed with one part of the
It Uobrtona that aada,a« well a* ealpUla of potaah, may be lihawiaa aaad.
Tha faUowiqg la tha beat coaeaatntad diiilu|<at afiBt nady far aaa.
Matol _ »-6
SalpbHa of aoda „ .«„„ 45
PotMh U-6 ,,
Walar „ „ _.... 100 „
For oaa It b dilatad to (kom Ave to eight Uaai tu rolama.
It Alkallaod dianiMh Umt-. di-. and Mnmatbyl- (ethyl-) daHTatiiraa of
1. p-phoaylaaa diaalM
'i. n tnliiilaiiiill— laa.
3L p-iJljVaillaMia^
4. ••^MplhylaaadlMfaM^
i. a-a-aiythylanaiHamtaw.
The aOullaad pbenTlaaadiaaiaaa an dkUa
TM ilrailaart pbenyiaaadlaauaaa an dMugaialialda by tMir axtraonunarr
MtahUity, aad bva tha praaatty of daralop&g tha pbotoa^hk image with
artMMtaacfthailkaliaa. Tha doiahiUty of the aolatioaa b vary gnat.
For damieptac parpoaaa tha (oUowlBg aristan ia oiad :—
I graama dtaaathylpbaBylaaadhmiaa,
5 gnaaaa tolpfaita of aoda,
6 namaaa potaah, *
100 paanwa water.
It ia a pbaooawaoa worthy of aotica that the alkallMd ppheByleae-diaminaa
daralop with anlphita of tha alkaliaa withont the om of potuh.
Havtag aow partiealariy daacrlbad aad aaoartaiaad the aatnn of thia inyen-
tka, aad ia what aMaaar tha waa to to ha parfonnad, I daelan that what 1
claim ia :— Tba aaa of tha toUowing itlraHaad aaido-aoinpanDdt for tha danlop-
OMBt of photographic bnagae la layan caataiaiag halogena ailTcr.
L >1taHaail iiiililn [ihanfila nfthe i nnipnaltinn I \d d amongit which tba
Booo- aad di-»athyl- (ethyl ) dariTatirea of
L
i. o-amMo-m. ctaaol.
I. maaiIJa o inanl.
4. aa^iaido-iT-la-aylaiiol,
5. ■ tmUn p-«ylaae>,
& n awHo |T->o-iylaaol.
7. n awMa {ft-)m-xyUao\.
It. AlkaUaad ^*tHTtt* Tba mono- and di-mtthrl- (atbjtl-) deriratircs of
1. p-phaaykMdiamioe,
Z p-lolaylaMdiaatia*,
S. p^xylylaiidlaataat .
t. n-g-aapthylwaWaailar.
iMPROVaMENTS IS PHOTOGRAPHIC CAMERAS.
Na 15,657. Fox Shew, 88, Newman-street, Oxford-street, Middlesex, and
LOBKNZO CsciL Vaughan Hkjjry, Kylemore Castle, Couuty Galway,
Ireland.— SfptoitVr 3, 1892.
The invention has for its object improvements in photographic cameras,
whereby lenses of shorter focus than that used with the camera in its
normal or extended eondition can be used and accurately focussed, and
whereby the front of the camera can be tilted and swung within certain
limits, thereby obtaining, amongst other advantages, that of a rising front or
swing back.
The invention relates to that class of camera in which the back and front
are connected by bellows, and in which the front is adjusted and fixed between
hinee-boond side wings hinged to the back of the camera, thus obtaining
rigidity in the camera when in use, and at the same time enabling it to be
folded readily into a small compass.
According to the present invention, the hinge-bound wings are slotted
longitudinally, and the slots are carried past the holes fitting over the lens
when the camera is folded. One method by which this is effected is by the use
of metal or other guides or rods, mounted with capability of being slidden
acroes the holes, in order to continue the slots, but which, when the camera is
folded, are pushed back, so as to leave the holes clear for the passage of the
lens therethrough. Other methods of continuing the slots across the holes can,
however, be employed.
In some cases we dispense with the lens holes in the wings, and carry tha
slot* from one end to the other thereof, in which case the lens is removed from
its fixing before folding the camera.
Thai the front of the camera can be adjusted in distance in relation to the
back, so as to enable Tarious lenses to be used therewith and accurately
focossed and fixed by means of clamping-nuts or screws attached to the front
of the camera, and passing throngh the said slots. By this arrangement the
front of the camera can be tilted and swung within certain limits, and securely
fixed in taeh poaition by the damping-nnts or screws, thereby obtaining similar
reaalta to those of a doable iwing^back camera.
The inraotion also relates to a new method of raising the front of the camera,
which is applicable to the description of camera abo^-e referred to, as also to
other kinds of oameraic
For this parpoae the front of the camera is formed with a frame or false
front, which is provided with guides to receive a sliding lens board carrying
the lent and the fh>nt of the bellows, a screw and nut or other suitable means
boing employed to taiae and lower the said lens board.
In aome easea we proride the sliding lens bmrd above described with an
additional board sliding in horizontal guides mounted on the said lens board,
Wbaa employing this particalar form of front, the lens is mounted in the
additiooal sliding board. This will enable the lens to be moved in a horizontal
a* well aa in a vertical direction.
Tba elalma an : — L la camerat of the character herein referred to, the slotted
hinge.boand aide *i>>gi, and the combination therewith of means for guiding
the camera froat in laid slots, and for fixing said front at difTerent distances
from the hack, aabatantlally as herein shown and described, and for the pur-
poae atated. 2. Ia cameras of the character herein referred to, the longitudi-
nally slotted side wings, and the combination therewith of means for guiding
tba caman front in said slots, and for fixing said front at different distances
from the back and at variont angles therewith, nibstantially as herein shown
aad daacribad. 3. In camarat of the character herein referred to, when em-
ployiag perforated aide wings to fit over the lens, tba combination with such
perforated side wings of longitudinal slots on each side okthe perforation, and
of movable means for continuing said slots acrosi the pcrnration, substantially
at herein shown and deacribed, and for the putpoae atated. 4. The combina-
tion with camerat of a sliding front whereby the lens it capable of being raised
and loweretl, anbatantially at herein shown and described. 5. The combina-
tion with cameras of a front provided with frames so guided as to be capable
of being moved at right anglea to each other, one of such (times carrying the
leaa, so that the latter can be moved either in a vertical or horizontal direction,
or in both directions, aabatantlally at herein shown and described. 6. In
camaiat in which the front and back are connected by a bellows body and held*
in poaition by hiose-bounil side wings, the construction of such side wings
witn longitudinal ilott, and the combmation therewith of means for fixing the
mon^ila part* of tha camera at any desired position in such slots, substantially
at barain shown and deacribed.
I>ll'R0%-KliKXT8 W THE ART Of PBODfCWG COLOfRKD PHOTOGRAPHS.
No. 5597. Jambs WiLUAM McDoxocgh, 1124, Monailnock-buildings, Chicago,
United SUtaa of America.— ^A7>«micr 10, 1892.
Mr invention relatea to tha production of colonred photographs, and may be
carried oat in several diffnant wavs, one or two of which I will now set forth :
1 take a plain data plate and flow or cover it with a coat of varnish, or
similar mattoial which inll dry tacky. 1 then dust the plate with a mixture
of coloon composed of fine or powdered particles containing the colours desired ,
and thus 1 obtain a eolonrad iorface compoaad of particles l>-ing side by side
which itm the propeitiaa of stippled coloon inttaad of the properties of a true
<nSKrepfjMe™<°t*.
Iti of-Ier to get tbeae colonred particles I may ute powdered glass, transparent
'.itine, reain, or shellac, stained by anUine dyes, &c. The glass
laving been dostad npon the stuftce of the dry pUte, may be
. .^:. LLe plate, by fin, if detued.
In the preparation of a glass negative with shellac stained in colour^ the
plate may be flowed or corned with a plain collodion, to which is added a
small quantity of glycerine, to that when the collclion Ls dry it will remain
tacky enough to retain colonred shellac dnst in a single layer. I then take a
sufficient quantity of dean white tbollac, dissolved in alcohol, to which I add
aniline colours, soy. for one lot, red and yellow colours in such pro|K)rtion«
that the rnalt will be a red which, when viewed by transmitted light in thin
lavers, will cut off or abaorb as much green, blue, and violet aa possible, or
which, in other words, will transmit as for as possible a pure red. Another
lot it colonred with at pure a green as may be formed by mixtures, adding
652
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[October 7, 1892
yellow to absorb bine. Another lot is coloured blue. As the mixtures of
colours formed iu this way by red and green do not form a bright yellow, I
may use, in addition, anotlier lot coloured as near the yellow of the spectrum
as possible. These lots, after being thus coloured, are allowed to dry, forming
coloured masses, which are then reduced to powder by grinding, sifting, &c.
If, now, proper proportions of red and green are mixed, a nearly black mass
will be formed, and, if proper proportions of red, green, yellow, and blue are
mixed, a mass will be formed that is nearly black ; but if this same mixture is
dusted, or thinly spread, upon the prepared surface, it will reflect or transmit
a mixture of all these colours, which will be white in proportion to the purity
of the colour, cleanliness of the mixture, and the quantity of light transmitted
or reflected. The glycerine may be washed out, so that only the coloured par-
ticles in the masses in which they are arranged remain. When viewed under the
microscope, the white surface is seen to be composed of a multitude of different
coloured particles lying side by side, and separated by small distances.
By subjecting the plate thus prepared to just sufticient heat to melt the
shellac, two results are obtained ; first, the powdered particles melt, and fill the
gaps, forming a surface which, when viewed in the microscope, resembles a
window formed of a mosaic of small coloured pieces, each adjoining the other,
while, if the heat be carried further, the edges melt into each other, and further
mixtures of colours are obtained ; second, the surface of the plate which, before
heating, reflects all the colours, and resembles the surface of ground glass, or
glass covered with a white powder, in what is termed a matt surface, becomes,
under the influence of heat, transparent by the flattening of the particles. This
result may also be obtained in a measure by covering the surface with vami.sh,
so as to make it smooth.
A plate formed in this way upon any suitable material may be flowed or
covered with such sensitive compounds as are used in taking photographs.
Instead of treating the glass jilate with a coat of varnish or similar material
which will drj- tacky, and then dusting such plate with a mixture of colours,
as above described, I may take a support of plain glass, celluloid, paper, or
other suitable substance, upon the surface of which is a sensitive photographic
coating, preferably forming what is known as an orthochromatic dry plate.
This may be rendered tacky by immersing in water or diluted glycerine. If
preferred, however, the plate may be used before it gets quite dry in the course
of its manufacture. I dust the plate either while it is somewhat moist in the
coiirse of its manufacture, or after it has become tacky, as above explained,
with a mixture of colours composed of fine or powdered particles containing
the colours desired. The particles, however, may, if preferred, be applied in
other ways so long as the same result is secured. I thus obtain a coloured
surface composed of particles lying side by side which have the properties of
stippled colours, as above explained. In the latter of the methods of forming
the plate above described, after the colours are applied, the surface may be
flowed with a thin coat of gelatine, which will penetrate the spaces between
the coloured particles, or the ground and coloured particles maybe coated with
gelatine before applying them to the tacky surface by mixing them with a
small quantity of dissolved gelatine and regrinding them, according as a matt
or smooth surface is required.
The process of producing the effect called colour above described is by
absorption of light; but, inasmuch as colour effects may be produced by refrac-
tion, dispersion, or difi'raction of light, I do not mean to limit myself to
absorption only as the means of producing them.
The photographic plate thus obtained, consisting of coloured particles applied
to its sensitive surface, may be exposed to the action of the light from the
object to be photographed, through a camera, in such manner that this light
will pass through the coloured particles and affect the sensitive film, thus
producing a latent image of the object.
The plate may then be developed by the use of the so-called alkaline
developer, so that the coloured particles will adhere to the surface, which is
penetrated by the same coloured light as the particles themselves, because
gelatine is rendered insoluble in proximity to the silver bromide particles in
the sensitive compound where acted upon by liglit. Thus particles which do
not allow the passage of coloured rays, on account of absorption, may be washed
off, because as to such particles the gelatine remains soluble. Thus blue rays will
cause blue particles to remain as an image ; white light, all the coloured particles
in that space acted upon by white light ; and all will be removed where black
occurs, which does not act upon the photographic film. After the develop-
ment, the picture may be treated with thio-sulphate of soda to remove the
sensitive compound not acted on by the light and developer. By thus
developing the plate, a picture composed of the particles of silver and the
coloured particles remaining on the plate after the development is produced.
The use of orthochromatic dry plates and coloured screens before the camera
for the purpose of sifting light and regulating the action of different colours
upon the film is too well known to require explanation. I will merely add
that the particles are dusted, spread or placed upon the plate iu such propor-
tions as to produce a white or transparent surface.
It is obvious that many variations may be made in the details of my inven-
tion without departing from the spu-it thereof.
The claims are : — 1. The process of preparing photographic plates, which
consists in covering them with coloured iiarticles. and then applying a sen-
sitive compound to them, .substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
2. The process of preparing pliotographic plates, which consists in covering
them with coloured particles, then subjecting them to heat, and then applying
a sensitive compound to them, substantially as described. 3. A plate for
photographic purposes having upon its surface a layer of different coloured
particles lying side by side, and in such proportions as to produce a white or
light-coloured transparent surface, to which may be applied a sensitive com-
pound, substantially as descrilwd. 4. A plate for photographic puqioses
formed of glass or other suitable material of any colour, a layer of different
coloured particles spread thereon, and a film of sensitive photographic com-
pound spread over the particles, substantially as described. 5. The process of
preparing photographic plates, which consists in applying a sensitive compound
to them and then covering them with coloured particles, substantially as
described. 6. The process of preparing photographic plates, which consists in
applying to their sensitive surface particles of glass or other substances which
show colours by absorption, refraction, dispersion, or diffraction, substantially
as described. 7. The process of preparing photographic plates and pictures,
which consists in applying a sensitive compound to them, covering them w ith
coloured particles lying side by side in such proportions as to produce a wh ite
or light-coloured transparent surface, and then washing out such particles as
are not acted upon by light, substantially as described. 8. A plate for photo-
graphic purposes, having a sensitive surface to which is applied a layer of differe nt
coloured particles lying side by side and in such proportion as to produce a
white or light-coloured transparent surface, substantially as describei
— ♦
MEETINGS OP SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK.
!Date o( MeeUng.
Name of Society.
October 10
.. 10
10
.. 10
>• 10
.. 11
.. 11
.. 11
.. 11
11
12
.. 12
.. 12
12
" Ji
» 12
13
„ 13
„ 13
„ 13
13
» 13
13
„ 13
13
13
" }*
.. W
., 14
.. 14
14
Place of Meeting.
Darlington
Dundee Amateur
Lantern Society
Norfolk and Norwich
North Middlesex
Derbj (Annnal)
Manchester Amateur
Newcastle-on-Tyne & N.Coonties
Paisley
Stockton
Ipswich
Ijeicester and Leicestershire ...
Munster (Annual)
Photographic Club
Putney
Reading
Stockport
Birkenhead Photo. Association
Birmingham
Bradford Photo. Society
Camera Club
Cheltenham
Hackney
London and Provincial
Manchester Photo. Society (An.)
North Kent
Oldham
Cardiff
Holbom ,
Ireland
Maidstone
Richmond
West London
Trovelyan Hotel, Darlington.
Asso. Studio. Nethergate, Dundee.
20, Hanover-square.
Bell Hotel, Noniich.
Jubilee Hall, Homsey-road, N.
Smith's Restaurant, Victoria-sl-
Lectnre Hall, Athenseum.
Mo.sloy-st.Caf^, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
Committee Rm. ,Free Lib.&Musenm
Masonic Court, High-street.
Art Gallery, Ipswich.
Mayor's Parlour, Old Town Hall.
School of Art, Nelson-place, Cork.
Anderton's Hotel, Fleet-street, E.C
High-street, Putney.
Mechanics' Institute, Stockport.
Association Rooms, Price-street.
Lecture Room, Midland Institute.
50, Godwin-street, Bradford.
Charing-croBS-road, W.C.
206, Mare-street, Hackney.
Champion Hotel, 15, Aldcrsgate-st.
36, George-street, Manchester.
Gravesend.
The Lyceum, Union-st., Oldham.
Booms, 15, Dawson-street, Dnblin.
** The Palace," Maidstone.
Greyhound Hotel, Richmond.
CliiBwiok School of Art, Chiswick.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
September 29,— Mr. J. Barker in the chair.
Miss Catharine Weed Barnks elected an Honobart Member.
Mr. A. Haddon said that he had no doubt the proposal he had to make
would meet with the approval of the meeting ; this was, that Miss Catharine
Weed Barnes be elected an Honorary Member of the Association. Miss Barnes,
had given a certain amount of time to the preparation of the paper she had
recently brought before them, and he thought it would be some reward to her
to elect her an honorary member.
Mr. F. A. Bridge seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.
The following question from the box, "Will some one please give a formula
for a really rapid gelatine emulsion, and the best method of breaking it ujjj
washing and filtering it in large bulks ?" was postponed till tlie next meeting.
The Expansion of Ammonia Solution.
Mr. Haddos observed that he considered it the duty of every member to
correct errors provided they were supposed to be based on scientific data.
In many books of science there were errors which it was unfortunate should be
copied and become current knowledge. There was an article by Mr. J. Cadett
in the first number of his firm's monthly magazine, Dry Plates, which gave a
certain amount of information with regard to ammonia, and especially as-
regarded its dilution. Now, most people knew that, if one took a pint of
alcohol «nd mixed it with a pint of water, one did not obtain two pints by
measure but something less. It was the same with sulphuric acid. The pas-
sage in Mr. Cadett's article to which he took exception was as follows : —
" Ammonia has the remarkable property of having the same bulk, ^jcc se, in all
solutions of various quantities of water — that is to say, it neither expands nor
condenses in consequence of combining with, or being diluted by, water, iu
which it differs essentially from the fixed alkalies and the liquid acids." That
(said Mr. Haddon) was a mistake. Most probably Mr. Cadett himself was not
responsible for the statement, but had copied it, and not being able to verify
the quotation had given it to the world as a fact. According to Watts' Dic-
tionary of Chemistry, one volume of water, by absorbing 505 volumes of am-
monia, occupies 1 '5 volume of the sp. gr. "9 : and this, when mixed with an equal
bulk of water, yields a liquid of sp. gr. -9455. Whence it appears clear that '
ammonia expands on dilution, although it does not actually seem to have been
proved by experiment. Therefore he thought it might be worth while to make
the experiment and satisfy himself as to whether ammonia when diluted was
really of the same bulk, or whether there were any changes in one direction or
in another. On a large glass tube he accordingly blew two bulbs ; the measuro .1
of capacity of the lower part of the tube was 97 c.c, which he indicated by a I
scratch, another scratch being made to indicate a capacity of 116'5 c.c. Having- J
filled up to the first scratch with distilled water by means of a funnel, he then I
po\ired into it the strongest ammonia — most probably the ordinary ammonia ,|
•880. In order to make sure that the temperature was uniform, the tube was-J
immersed for a quarter of an hour in water at 19° C, and was adjusted so 1
that the meniscus exactly corresponded with the upper scratch on the glass
October 7. 1893]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
653-
•Dm wwtm tml -**— ^— *- Imii^ mixed, th* aolotion was tested for iocram of
ntamt, nd, ia arte to omIc* nm that tanpentan had Dothiog to do with
it. tk* tab* «M tf/ia <~n.«..«.l in water at 19^ C. To aacertain the pereentaee
of iaaMta ia votm* h* poand into the amall tnbe, before icaling it on to the
Uinr, Sec ef water, andtoand that th^ oocopied exactly 24 cc. in length
of the tabe, the iaoeaee ia le^tth thaa oeenpring 3-8 cc., which oomee to
aboot '37 per eeal Iiiiiimii iaruaaMk lir. Oioett had founded certain oon-
darisM ea Ike Mia«i|i< liai that there wae no change when ammonia was
ttaled ; m it would aatmallj be that tboee calcolatioai were not tme. For
{ailaaeet m to Mr. Qadett'e statamaat that aerenteen giaini of actnal ammonia
weM dliilieil ia a tenth of a Rallon of water for a change of -001 in the
•Mcite craTitT of the aolotiaB, Mr. Haddon qaoted two examples from Watti'a
Aittummf «r Ckmiitrt to prova that the Utter and Mr. Oidett dilfend.
*— — u fi^ Watti), eootaiaiKSfl per cwt. of real ammmiia, has a specific
pwrttj of -flM. Sabtraeling tlSs namber from 1-000, and ne^ecting the
dedmal point we get Mr. Oadetfs stieagth namber, 1-000 - -884 = 116.
118 X 17 = the total nambv of grains of ammoaia in a tenth of a gallon of
watir = 1V73 niaa. Bat tarag — "— ^ adiatian. epedflc graTity -Kl,
wU^ aeeotdint to the aame aathoritr (Watts), eoataiaa 18 per cent of real
a^ioda. aadMlowiBg the aune nit, 1-000 - -981 = -069, 0» x 17 = 1173
graiw per tenth of gallon of water. TUa namber, according to Mr. Otdett,
oo^t to be t66 gniai, a diHareaoe of about 18 par eat of real ammonia.
Boa* tiaw hack, whaa <a<yi^ th* beat aelhad of obtaining ammwiia of a
I initail *ag^ b* vnaned a earre oa aqaarad paner, abowtng the relation
If iiMiwtiJ|iTl»Mlh biiiiinlli pi-irr -^ '-^'!^i^'~-^f - -^-iffi.* '■--
it was a daSaed enrre, showing that ia an eeeee tk* nedSe aaTit7 of a dilnted
solatioawMlaa than it ooght to be if there wae no change biTolnnie. Itwaa
becaaae he thowht eaA a aiistake oogkt aok to be qwHkd anoag phatoaapben
as a fMt that h* aadteok the aboeo aiylweiit He waa of opinion that
bw^n (rraa«efaatlrti)ka«wof the expaaf^ea of ammonia en dBatioa.
Paotooaaraa bt Ma. 8uiom N. Bbkowab.
Mr. namiiB Ward easeiJ loaad Ava 1*^ platinna plictagraphs showing
the «-«M-M*-t of Mr. Bhedwar's son aa a Ftueee priest It was a saljtct that
had aatw beea p4etariall7 treated op to the preeaat time. Two Penee priesU
w«n th* ■nlale. Md the *eaaaU shown la tkt pietorss were the actaal Teaeals
esed ia th* tmtit, so that there waa afceolatelr nothiag of a "sladio
character " ahoat &* pbtaree exeept th* backgrooads. Mr. Ward statad that
th*7SMs(ra<ad £«Mlim Xtitm weold lapfodae* th* aietat** la an early anmbw,
and woBid alae give a deecrlpdon ef the ttt* «r iaidatioa.
OiLATm Platb ra« laarBoi Slum Wobs.
In the abeeaoe of the anther, Mr. G«s(|a T. Hairist a paper oa the abore
subject was nad by the Box. SacnTAKT (Mr. R. R Diage) [see page 5 of
the Larmur gcmnoorrl At it* naailualnB.
Mr. W. E. Vumnux said h* eoold s** ao advantage ia the use of two
Uada or ariottn, awl thoMl* th* aae «f a hard Bad a eeft_kiBd
I Malata^ ftaaitte m^rSmitmmm* pl*t«M
BMde Iha (Mtea* *«aWaa* with bonl aelatla* thnogbont
Mr. J. & Tura imiiIiI ttet lb. HaRle stat«l that he had obtained
aodMiareilgarwith the rfher iateaatt«: bat h* (Mr. Tsapethadfoaad
tha^uUi «k* li^li WM black to start wItt, k* anrer naanbared iatearifr-
tag wttkoot a «h*M* of ooioor. Tbaa. a* nfade Sxiiv, h* aarer oeed tk*
comUaed >xii^ batL Flatw after drelniMWl were not niiaiirily yellow.
He always kapt a clear hypo bath lar laatara wvfc.
n* GkatnMB *ow«l teaM atkoMB D*(ritf«i ahoot tUfty yean old wkieh
he tkiwdH aUht lafa* aaaM oT Ik* iMMr ■■aki who had a***r
Hea eaekOmHadiaw iWiatliia to tk* qSta af laaaaas and daaiasee.
Ia reply to a i|a«*UuB, he said the axpeaaia laqatrsd was faorto tn timee that
of wet eollodina. Doat was a very paat dMeatty-rin fact, it was ooe of the
mm tt tk* iimnsea,
n*
Hatteeeif t
M&W.H.B4anaaaidtb*a«rti*** showed Ues grain than tho** othai^
wiaa |ndae«l ; bat, *U the mm, he dU not tkiak It a praetieal prooeia.
Ssvoral ■s^bi hariag deaeribed the bosee tb*T ha>l ■leTieedaad aeed for
to Mr. (>. Hants fcr hi* paper.
Saowden Ward were aiaiiUrly
ariar
diTiag panjuiea. a rate or thoaka was i
Dorl^ the *«*ai« Mr. Hi "
thanked fcr their intwwtlBt «
Backaay Photographic lodaty.— aepteoiber t7, Mr. Walter Potter
naeUliV.— The Hon. a«ntary aaaooaesd tkit the Jodges ia the fortheqateg
i»eaii*MflBa wooM b* Ckptda Aba^r. CMaail J. bale, aad Mr. Ral^^
Rekbaoa. Worka wen akowa by Meeat*. MM, Kann. Daaa. aad the Boa.
Hiaetary. Proa the qaoMoa box : " Doe* broeaide paper loee rapidity with
*g*r Mr. EMta bal and (oae two yaan *id with BttU loaa of rapidity.
Mr. & J. nukatt kad and nn* iaar jmn M. Aaaik* qa*rtioa wn :
• QnlneaaiH*lallki1kiftliLaadnaIemd**Jn wtk Itt" The
UdLlBeBauaTsrid kotelnaal & witkaat braaide, aadkid faaad H werk
salMMtOffly. Mr. Somuc said it was possible to orer-derclop with amidol.
AthMoaatioawn: "Sboold chloride of gold be kept alkaline in aolotion I'
Mr.agnaonU Itakoold be iligUlyadd.batitwaaiBnlyeT«doae. The
Hoa. liMliqr Ihea (aire a laatera Mm aa Ui kofiday la the 1*1* of Man
(ia aa^lMsllaa with Mr. Daado) daring wUek onr eighty slida war* akowa.
LaylaHtOB* OklliBi* Ctab —The opaalac akht of the winter eewoa was
h«ld oa the l«t last, with an »ldrea by the Pnelilmt Dr. W. Pickett Tamer,
who oBsasd by «aaptta*attag tk* Ctaio on tk* position it had aadsL aad th*
•tieagOtt kal Ulilail. th* aaMer bat^ aiaety-eix aeabere. H* ant
waat oa to tkoainn aad art af photonaahy, daliac witk th* cheodatiT,
Snt giviag, wtth tke Bid of tke blad boaid. the Ttrioo* rormol* of the Tarhms
salta and eoapaaad* nsed la pkotofiaphy. axpUaiagthat the rattooal ehaane
wen not cksaltal bat awtaialar, adrMag be^nan to atady orthoifaiz
cbeaMry, trrttaklag lta**M«r Vona* M IhsirBlhl*. H* aast west oa to
lb* eeieaco ofapUn, a»d th« toaded oa tka art aid* ef pbotognphr, aad
ciflBtMd ttal Bnatpalatlii dexterity eaa be aoialrad by praetiee, aad how
bIgMIr iapartaat (Br lawaa it was that the beet appantos that eoald be
afforded should always be had, particularly the lens, which was a sine qud.
lum to good work, explaining that they were the cheapest in the long run, a»
they were always worth their money. The collodion process was ne-rt touched
upon, and he was of opinion that, notwithstanding the many advantages of the
dry plate, collodion still held its own for transparency and lantern slides.
There was, he said, a branch of photography which had .almost died out, but
was now coming to the fore again, he alluded to stereoscopic photography ; he
thought it one of the highest branches, and gave the most charming results,
and strongly advocated it being taken up by the members. In his closing
remarks, the coming exhibition was alluded to, and he particularly urged the
importance of all members exhibiting, and to dispel that feeling of " It's no use,
So-and-So does much better work than I," explaining that it was jnst as likely
for a good half-plate to take a medal as a 12x10. Sample packets of the
Ilford Printing-out Paper were next distributed, and the evening closed with a
hearty vote of thanks to the President for his highly interesting and
instructive address, which bad been attentively listened to by about forty-
members.
Aldeaham Inatttnte Camera dab.— From the very constitution of our
club, limited as it is to members of the Institute, a large annual increase in its
numbers cannot be expected, but during the past year four gentlemen have
joined our ranks, which mafcw a preesnt membership of fourteen. Though the
aorabers have been email, the loyalty and enthusiasm have been great, as
the following particulars will demonstrate. Duriiw the year twenty meetings
have been held, with an average attendance of 12-5. Six of these meetings,
which were thought to be of general interest, were thrown open to the
Institute, the result being an average attendance of 24-3. At the competition
held in January, fifty-four prints and twenty-four lantern slides were sub-
mitted for oooaidention, the Judge's award being as follows :— Architecture,
Mr. O. K Harris ; landsoipe, Mr. H. J. Redfem ; seascape, Mr. G. E. Harris ;
lantera alidea, Mr. O. K Hairia. Onr Secretjury also gained the medal kindly
prtaentad by Mr. Jama Robertson, our {^resident, for the best print entered
for oompetiUoo. On April 30 an exhibition of the Club's work was held ; 105-
piotnrae ware on »iew. biclndiag a few kindly lent by Messrs. Nesbitt & Co.
■Hie experiment waa ftallyjnetiaed by the amount of interest evinced. We hope
daring the preeent seaeon to otgania a larger exhibition. Monthly excursions
were arranged by the club durinr the sammer, the plaoaa visited being Leigh
and Southend, Kimham-on-Croucn, Haya Common, Keston and Down, and
Broxboome. Althoogh bod wather aimoet invaiiably aeoompanied us, the
ontiaa alwaya prored highly enjoyable. At the lato Photographic Convention
held In Ediaboi^ oar Clnb wu npreeented by HeesiB. Redfem and
W. Pringle, from whom we hope to receive era long a narration of their
adventorea.
HBrlaadan and wmaad«B Photograplilo Sodaty.— October 4, Mr. J. N'aylor
in the chair. — A lengthy disensaion took place upon printing processes for
varioas negativea. lie PaaaiDBirT commented upon their high sensitivenew
in doll weather. An exeorsioii to Windsor was arranged.
PataMrPhatographle loelaty.-October 8, Dr. J. R. Farrar in the chair.—
The following five gentlemen were nnanimoualy elected members, viz., Messrs.
BeaUe, Blake, Noble, Ward, aad Woolaoarii. Mr. Gorin ahoired negatives
on the Sandell plate, taken nnder very vai^g drcumstances with uniformly
good reealts ; he also abowed the elTeet ansed by interlaving ex!>osed plates
with the paper oaaally soU for this purpose, the unages of the ahwts were im-
priated on the neaatlTee, of coarse with disaatrona conseqoences. It was
geMtaUy agrad tbat tt wn best to pack expoeed pUta fflm to film direct,
and to jemb thea tigfatlr in the boxa, so u to prevent play In any direction.
Mr. Pools aaid that in hie hands spirits of turpentine apified with a soft rag
ITJ
of printa illastn^g a aria of experiments carried out by him to ascertain
the eSeota of vaiytnc trsatnaat of gelatino-chloride papers. The prints
showed the diflbniMe between tborongti washing and merely rinsing, between
a strong and a weak Sxlag baO, between acid and alkaline fixing Datbs, &c.
Three brands ofpaper wen eaeb toned in flre'diOerent toning baths. The raulto
of altogathar UO wibrent experiments were shown : the characteristics of each
iper, eatk. aad detail of maaipalation wen pointed out and summarised.
e aleo de*oib*d aooie experiments nulertaken to find a suiUble developer
for snap-shots taken on a recent tour in Norway, and which all suffered, to
some extent, from under-expoenre. After the pyro formula sent out with the
plates, he tried rodinal, aikonenn, bTdroqulnone, and amidol, singly or com-
bined, u adToeoled by th* OampUm* of each ; all, however, with more
or lea anathftrtoiT rseolt*. He then raveited to pyro and ammonia, but
made np in the following proportions, viz., pyro, four grains ; bromide of
potaaslam, one irain ; ammonia (-860), three minims to the ounce of developer;
to which wen added two mfaiim* when the image wu fairly np. This developer
woriud very aatisibetorily, and wu finally adopted, the results being above
expeetatioBS. This wu confirmed by the experience of Mr. Oorin, who had
naed it for nap-ehots, taken on Edwards' instantaneous isocbromatic plates, on
bis recent tonr in Morocco. Mr. Zachariasen's negatives were taken on Pwet
50;{ia|Uptatc*, the (anmnble opinion of which wu confinne<l by Mr. Blake.
Msan Illilih " Bynoe" printing tnmm were exhibited in various sizes, and
woe ttvoaiably commented upon by members who have had them in use for
ame tGne.
Khikliwinil Camera Club.— Report and Balance Sheet for the year ended
Aognst 31, 1892 :— In preanting their second Annual Report the Committee
an glad to be able to eonntnlMe the numbeti on the continued and increased
enecea of the Biehmond Camera Club. Tbongh not strong in point of
numbers compared with some other Pbotograpbie Societia, the membership
shows a steatW inoraaae, twenty new members having ban enrolled during the-
pest year, while only fonr hare reeigjiad. Amongst the recruits are some
of the beet-known local amatonrs. Wwldy mwtings have been held
througbont the year, and tboa during the winter months were very
Well attended. The experiment of kwping up the meetings during the
sammer wu scarcely JustiBed by its raut, the meetings, which were
654
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[October 7, 1892'
for the most part informal, having been but thinly attendeJ. The demon-
strations given and papers read at the meetings were of a very varied and
interesting character, and the practical utility of the Club is traceable in
the marked improvement in the general quality of members' work, especially,
perhaps, in their lantern slides. Two important steps were taken during the
year in the establishment of a library and the acquisition of an optical lantern.
Several members have presented books to the library, which already contains
most of the works in ceneral use on photographic subjects. The cost of the
Club lanteni, an excellent single instrument by Otway, with the necessary
accessories, was almost wlioUy defrayed by the contributions of members. Tlie
Club is now affiliated to the Photographic Society of Great Britain, under the
scheme lately established by the latter Society. Two delegates have been
appointed to represent the Clnb at atfiliation meetings. The cordial thanks of
the Club are due to all those who have contributed to make the past year's
working so satisfactory and so pleasant to review, and especially to the
various timis and gentlemen who have given demonstrations, and to the
photographic and local press for so freely extending the hospitality of their
columns to the reports of the proceedings of the Club.
Liverpool Amateur Photograpiiic Association. — The President (Mr. W.
Tomkin.son) occupied the chair, and there was a very large attendance,
attracted, no doubt, by the announcement that Mr. George E. Thompson
would deliver his new lecture, entitled Bill-top Cities of Etrturia, illustrated
by lantern slides from negatives taken by the lecturer during the spring of this
year. Mr. Thompson holds such a high position in the estimation of the
members, both as a lecturer and as a photographer, that he is always sure of a
crowded audience. After the election of seven new members, Mr. Thompson
commenced his lecture, of which the following is a synopsis. Orvieto : Its
famous cathedral ; its old gates, and precipices. Viterbo : Ancient wallsd
town ; fountains, buildings, and monastery of La Querela ; grand old garden.
Excursion to Caprarola. Montefiascone, and down to Lake Bolsena ; basaltic
columns ; old town. Orte, on the Tiber. Nami : Ruined bridge ; quaint
streets. Segni : On its crags. The monastery of Monte Cassino. Cometo :
Etruscan tombs 2400 years old ; museum ; sarcophagi ; Etruscan potteiy.
Carrara : Marble (marries ; grand scenery of the Marble Mountains ; a marble
Venus come to light. The lecture was most interesting throughout, and the
slides were of the highest quality. This was particularly noticeable when the
pictures of the Carrara marble mines were being shown. The enormous extent
of these considerably surprised most of the members, and the beauty of the
Marble Mountains was expressed in the photographs with wonderful realism.
At the close of the lecture, Mr. B. J. Sayce proposed a hearty vote of thanks
to Mr. Thompson, and this was carried with acclamation. On the motion of
the lecturer, a cordial vote of thanks was then given to Mr. F. Anyon for the
admirable way in which he had worked the Society's new lantern. It is a
matter for congratulation, and was much commented on, that, although the
large room was crowded for about two hours, the temperature and atmosphere
were most comfortable and agreeable throughout, thanks to the efficient venti-
lation and the electric light.
Liverpool Camera Club.— September 28, Mr. W. Hayward in the chair.—
The paper for the evening was furnished by Mr. T. Edwards, who had for his
subject Hints on the Manipulation of the Lantern. Mr. Edwards had kindly
brought his own lantern, which he described iuUy, and showed many improve-
ments which his large experience had suggested. Mr. Edwards then proceeded
to explain the working of the lantern, describing every particular and convey-
ing many useful hints to the members. The lecturer afterwards passed a
number of slides through the lantern, thus bringing to a close an interesting
and instructive paper. The first smoking concert of the Winter Session is to
be h«ld in the club rooms on Wednesday, October 12.
South Manchester PhotograpMo Society.— September 26, annual meeting,
Mr. W. I. Chadwick in the chair. — Messrs. Holmes, Hunt, and Norris were
elected members. The Hon. Secretary then read his report for the present
session, which was as follows : — " The officers have to congratulate the
members on the progress made by the Society since its formation in February
of the present year, the number of members now enrolled being thirty-three.
The financial position of tlie Society was very satisfactory, there being a sub-
stantial b.alance to its credit." The report then went on to describe the
meetings and the v.-irious papers read, among them being Phoioijraphy bij
Artificial Light : this was followed by a practical demonstration, Platimim
Printinrj, by the Hon. Secretary (JI. W. Thompstone) ; Magic Lantern
Matters, by the Chairman (W. I. Chadwick), &c. A good deal of attention
had been devoted to stereoscopic work, and some very beautiful transparencies
were shown at several of the meetings. Discussions had also arisen from
questions as regards developing, printing, toning, &c. At the popular meeting
held in March, a paper was given on Holiday Hcminiscences, including a Trip
to the Isle of Wight, by Mr. W. I. Chadwick, which was very well attended
by members and their friends. The outdoor rambles had been fairly success-
ful, those which have been held being well attended. The Hon. Treasurer's
balance-sheet was then presented and passed. The election of officers for the
ensuing year followed, and after a short discussion was decided as follows : —
Chairman: Mr. W. I. Cliadwick.— F/ce-C'Aam/ifm .- Mr. W. Linnell.— i/on.
Treasurer : Mr. E. N. Bowden.— /fon. Secretary: Mr. M. W. Thompstone.
The meeting then adjourned to the large Lecture Hall, where the Hon.
Secretary gave a short paper on I'icturesque England, illustrated with some
eighty slides specially selected for the paper. The places visited included the
English lake district, the old abbeys of Yorkshire, the River Thames, Devon-
shire, Cornwall, Derbyshire, concluding with Shakespeare's country. At one
part of the lecture some miscellaneous slides and cloud^and water effects, snow
effects, &c. , were introduced.
Port Elizabeth Amateur Photographic Society.— The first annual exhibi-
tion and entertainment in connexion with this Society was recently held. The
first photographic item on the programme created great interest. It consisted
of taking a photograph on the stage by means of a magnesium flash; the
develoi)ment of the negative, the making of a lantern slide, which was then
placed in the lantern, and the whole of the wonderful process of development
of the latent image was visible to the audience on the sheet in fpont of the
lantern. It should be noted here that this experiment has never been attempted'
before in this colony ; in fact, it has been performed in England but a few-
times ; and when we inform our readers that it was a complete success, it says
much for the proficiency of the members of the Society. Mr. D. M. Brown
was chosen as the subject to be operated upon in this experiment, and ha\ing
been placed in position on the platfonn, his photograph was taken with the aid
of a single magnesium flash. After development, Mr. Alcock made the lantern-
slide in view of the audience, and having placed the .slide with its developing
solution in the lantern, the well-known features of Mr. Brown became gradually
visible on the sheet. The successful experiment was greeted with well-deserved
applau.se. During the time occupied in the first instance by the development
of the negative, the audience had an opportunity of inspecting the large number
of perfectly finished photographs which were exhibited in the hall. These
were without exception very good, and were all the work of amateurs, and
would have done credit to any London studio. After the completion of the
lantern-slide development, a display of local views, &c. , contributed by
members of the Society, took place, and, as lantern slides, would take a lot o*
beating.
1 ♦ I
GiirrejE(»ciniience*
MT OorrtrfmAeaU thmUL iwvar urita on both (idtc of t)u popor^
" COOL WATERS."
To^ the Editor.
Sir, — I have been away from home or would have replied sooner to the
letter of Messrs. Morgan & Co. in your issue of September 23.
I cannot reconcile their statement that they ' ' never suggested or in
any way implied that the photograph was by themselves " with the fact
that they withheld information as to the authorship, and thereby misled
Messrs. Nops & Tarrant (whose letter is in the same number of the
JoDRNAL), there having been, by their own admission, a ticket attached
to the picture when in their window which stated that it was " photo-
graphed from nature, and enlarged by J. Vaughan." The ticket itself
told only half the truth, for the enlargement merely was Mr. Vaughan's
part, the negative, as stated in my previous letter, having been taken by
myself, which I am able to subtantiate.
Messrs. Morgan & Co. are quite mistaken in supposing that they have
a " legal purchased right," to quote their own words, to put their names
on prints from negatives which they have purchased. The Copyright
Act relating to photographs, of which there is a clear summary by Mr.
Le Heve Foster, Barrister-at-Law, in your Almanac for 1869, says : " The-
absolute property and copyright belong to the person taking the negative
on his own account (not so in the case of portraits taken on commission),,
and even if the author has disposed of his copyright and negative tho
purchaser, in issuing prints from any of his purchased negatives, must
iu)t place his name, initials, or monogram on them, or the name, &e., of
any one who did not execute the work." The Act also makes it " penal
in any one doing this so as to make it appear that the prints are frona
the work of some one who in reality did not execute the negative."
I am sorry to trouble your columns -with this matter, but do not think
it right that such credit as is due for the photograph should be appro-
priated by persons who had no part whatever in its production. It is not
yet too late for Messrs. Morgan A- Co. to express some regret for their
procedure. — I am, yours, &c., Hesrt WniTFiELD.
Clifton, October 3.
"THE PHOTOGRAPHEE'S RECORD."
To the Editor.
Sib, — Since issuing the first number of our little paper we find that we
have adopted a title that was already in use by Messrs. George Mason &
Co., the well-known dealers in photographic material, of Sauciehall-street,
Glasgow. We therefore tender Messrs. Mason our apologies, and beg to
inform your readers that we have modified the title of our paper, which
will henceforth be known as " The Photographer's Record," and will,
as before stated, be sent post free to professional photographers on
receipt of business card, and supplies forwarded, carriage paid, to
secretaries of: Societies and dealers in photographic goods for distribu-
tion.— We are, yours, &c., Elliott & Son.
Photographic Printing, Enlarging, and Dry Plate Works-,
Park-road, Barnet, Htrts, October 3, 1892.
ME. BERGHEXM NOT A " VIENNA PHOTOGRAPHER."
To the Editor.
-In the article on " The Photographic Exhibition " in your last
am twice mentioned as " J. S. Bergheim, the Vienna photo-
SlR,-
issue I
grapher." I beg to state that I am simply an amateur of little over three
years' standing, and without a studio, and that I happen now to reside
the greater part of the year in Vienna.
It may interest some of your readers to know that the " too soft "
Study of a Head (No. 18) is from an untouched negative, and was taken
with an uncorrected single lens, and shows what can be done with such
simple means. Hence the title Sttidy of a Head. — I am, yours, &a.
October, 3,H8!t2. J. S. Beroheim.
October 7, 180q
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
655
LETrOSSTONE CAMEBA CLUB EXHTBITION.
To the Ebitob.
Sii, — In reply to the qnery of the nnmeroas appUeaats for tntry forms
for oar tortheoming exhibition on November 10, 11, and 12 next, aa to
who an the jadtiw, will joa kindly announce that A. Horsley Hinton,
Eaq., B«T. F. C. Lambert, and E. J. Wall, Eaq. , have to offidata consented
on that occasion.
Intaodiiig •xtaibitors of apparatos, i!^c, and those wishing space (or
■talla, an tcqoMlad to Mnd in their applications as soon as possible.
Thsakiiig yoa fai anticipation, and ^xdogiaing for taking up so mnch
■pace in yonr Talnable Joubxai., I am, yoora, Ac, Albebt E. Bailet,
Hon. Secretary Exhibition Committee.
Soie Bank, Soutk-Kett-nad, Lq/Umttttne.
MB. HTBEBT AND "UNFOBTUNATE."
To the EntTOB.
Sib, — Seme time ago Mr. Habert, I beliere, promised to report re
ptogieaa of ■* Unfortmiate " printer. That report han not yet appeared,
altboogb I think I am correct in stating that the three months have
•lapsed.— I am, ytmrs, Ac. H. J. WnxuMs.
3, FoH-ttrut, DougUu, hie of 3la£
» * »
lixr!)angc Column.
I BaMr btefils f or Taterr haad «
, v. X. Pbuss, 16. T»niw> rtissl. I
.wilkl
■ad cub, or half -platt camera, te.
W.C.
e( Ihm, is uehaof* f or c
UmaA
ulaMiaiaeani
MVkMr mmmtmmr ivm mil mn a^niw^^
J. Bosioa, FhsSognphsr, Csrnllas strut.
t nwlnM Ism, sbsal algM iaek beat, bj loss or IMtaunr, or
■BT inoa TCssfaasi aakir, is aaksom tor tnl-aiaa ormor ttte«eU,niitaU* for
huly or gesSI— a. witfc Itn i« oarriir — < iMSM0r1««. Coot CD. JOae two fUas
«m» ol Hmtet Mwh, o— ■oiiiswu hloMaad oao Wnorn j for food iatsitor or
tUm >i«>ainiisili —tMnm, B. POaroo, Maofcyalloth.
Wn linlSBi I m»mm tm AriieUe fn«li«».tTft W. Hoafa. A tUiMml ^ PUttimkl.
tj Bofcart Bast, PJtS., and Taa Bamsa J«oaa*>. or PavnaaArBT, Ho*. U»
to KM (oao or two bImIh), oootaiaiac tto arlMsi " Oobmrod Pko«o(raplu " and
" Tfa* Art of lalaachiwrT^ by Hodaowl BmtbM. (or itadio olaad. tHpod, or aooo^
wriofc— lillisi, 8, L. LsBC. II, ClanaMSMomsib Oro«« Orom ro>^ L*7toa.
Hnaturrs to (CorrespontJcnta.
AU matUn ftr OU tat fOrtitn ^ (Mr Aicwxal. inrludini/ jmriet for
"Amutn' oimI "Krehtrngm," wrnlt U aitdr^xwd tn "TBI EBfroB,"
S, Ttirk-ttrmt, Cottmt Onr^Un, London, /natumiu-n to Mu entmree dtUtf.
JTo Mffat lakm ^ ttmwamitmtiant nnltm bmm ami addnu pf writer are
On
iamHmt rdaltaf to Admetimmmtf emd tmtrmt hntfnem afmire
' to " Hanr Owmmmwduu k Oa," S, rork^reet, Caeent
Omdtn, Lendtm.
PSOTOQBafVt RSOBTSUD
Joka Isas Jobs*, XaiMoML— OoUwi ykoto ^ Bo. Dr. aodfwM.
Dartd Wliiilli, Cmakraok, K*at«— n< in* iMioip tra<a <m Ike Pmdittk We*d
■■4 Craatrak mtUmui Uktm ml Bop, MM jtotfao.
'. ' !j«f«al answen to oomapeadaais are onavoidably held orsr.
F. C. BUCHAN. — Tbo medinm appears to saswtr.
r. I. C. wishes to know tha sddnas of maBotoetorsn of " wire glass."
C F. Tbbbu.— W* shall probaUy not sgaia nfsr to the matter.
E. YcosiAir.— Tow soggsstioB is aa sxeaOMl «m, and we wUl adopt it
R. IL XcBbak— Ov camapaadsnea ealuHH are opan for the raatilation of
thorabJKt.
J. J. P. BowuHL— Spoogs the snrfsoss of the pletarss orsr with beer, and
eiaploy ortbeebromatie plates.
R. PBAjrcLUi. — Yoor qoarr in no way relatss to mattors photographic.
Belter coasolt such a work as Spnm't rTi.rkehop Rt<t>i>Ui.
r Pvm.— OMda Bvtaa's book on Phatofrapkie Proeeeeee, pnUishcl by
— — Iwi* 0>. Bafcn laaiii. In this eolomn space is too limitsd to gire
wevUng 4slal]B of psoeasMS.
AtszASBn Baomasw— Than is an article on "Solar Eolai^meDU" in the
Auuxac tm 1070. The rolaoe is out of print, bat may no doobt be
oMaiaed by adrtni«iag far it
R PBircSABB.— MorrcU, of Ortat St Aadraw-ntreet W.C, and serersl other
BrsM wkosa sMrasse* yon will tad ia our adrartiscmant pages, will sopply
r>« witk MMiM«p fbr ftames.
Oxas.—ViatMm «< mdn tn tba ebsaysst Taeaptadea that can bsowd for the
(ollsetiaa of sfltar laUaaa. The smell of^tbe oil will be of no moment
Hcaee your Imn an aifsaded.
G. S. D. — Mr. Valentine Blancbard's address is the Rectory Farm, Uarston,
near Cambridge.
J. B. — We cannot undertake to recommend one maker's lenses in preference to
those of another.
G. B. Rodger. — 1. Messrs. Tunny, of Edinburgh, would probably produce
the enamels of the desired tone for you. 2. The carbon process is that
generally employed for "red prints."
Push. — Any of the coal-tar colours that are soluble in alcohol, and the majority
of them are, will do to add to matt varnish to give it a tint. Aurine, for
example, is very soluble in spirit, and would answer the purpose.
R. C. E. — It is quite possible that you may obtain some sharp hand-camera
pictures of the steeplechase next month ; but rapid plates must be employed,
and also a lens that will define with a large aperture, say/-6. All, however,
will depend upon the weather at the time. By all means be ready to make
the attempt.
8. Gbdgk. — Several attempts have been made to induce the different railway
companies to treat photographers, as regards reduced fares, on the same
terms as they do membm of angling societies, but without avail. The
West London Society quite recently took the matter in hand with vigour,
but the companies proved obdurate.
A Reaoir (Kilbum).— Any manual of photography will give the desired in-
formation. An elaborate article on the subject will be found in the
AuiANAC for 1S8S. and plenty of articles in the other Almanacs and back
numbers of the Joursai. Sf«ce in this column is too valuable to permit of
rei>eating what is to be found in recent issues.
A. COLLTBR. — Any of the published formula" for toning baths will yield rich
tones, of a more or less pnrple shade, with good paper— that is, if the nega-
tives are of the right character. The tones of a print, when rich purple ones
are in question, as we hare frequently explained before, are dependent upon
the nepitive. The toning-bath formab is quite a secondary matter.
N. A. W.— Plate glass must be used for collotype work, but not necessarily so
thick as that mentioned. For the smallest sixes three-eighths of an inch will
be ample. For the largest sixes half an inch to five-eighths is quite sufficient.
Anything thicker than that very materially increases the cost of the glass,
and is not really necessary, unless the bed of the press is not perfectly true.
B. CoBDWBix, — Eoaine, erythrosine, cyanlne, and other substances recom-
mended for orthochromatiaiiig plates, can be obtained from most, if not
all, photogrophic chemists. They are also, we believe, supplied by many
dealers in photographic goods, or they will procure them to order. The
materials, with the exception of the last-mentioned, are not at all expensive.
Chab. E Last says : " Can you tell me the best means of obtaining the fol-
lowing information ? I want to find the address of a good photographer at
Pau, and also at Peune or Villeneuve-sur-Lot, France, whom I could apply
to for photographs of one or two places in the neighbourhood. I thought
you perhaps might know the means of finding any addresses in the profession,
or could tell me how to find them."
B. Bbhsox, jc^i. — If the gentleman aat at yonr solicitation, and accepted a
doien prints for doing so, you were perfectly justified in making the portrait
oopyright The genUeinan, it seems to us, has no right to give another
photographer pomission to copy the picture, as you hold the copyright in it.
There is nothing, however, to prevent him fit>m giving the man a sitting in
the same way as he did to you.
Cblt. — If the bath be made according to the formula mven, it will certainly
yield good tones with gelatino-ebloride paper. But tut stability of the print
is somewhat doubtful, as the colour is produced by sulphur toning. Sulphur
toning; as some of the oldest prints prove, does not of necessity prmluce
fggitiva results, although, while other methods which promise greater
stability are available, its use should be eschewed.
OBLAinxk. — ^Thare is always a certain amount of risk in printing from gelatine
nepitiTos bafora tkey ars varnished ; but if the hyposulphite is thoroughly
removed, and the film perfectly dry, and the paper quite dry also, the risk
is redoosd to a minlmnm. Aa a matter of fact, a very large proportion of
the negatives taken, particuUrly by amateurs, are printed from before they
are vambbed, if, indeed, they get vamishe<l at all.
C. E S. — Unless the sellsr is a duly qualified pharmaceutical chemist, it is
illegal for him to sumdy cyanide of potassium or bichloride of mercury for
photographic or any other purpose. We are quite aware that some dealers
In photographic materials do sell them, but in doing so they contravene the
PouoDS Act, thereby rendering themselves liable to a penalty. Hence you
will sea that yon are not misinformed, and the risk you incur.
w»ii »M — It is quite possible that some London houses are lax in the way in
which they execute orders. But their customers have a veiy simple remedy
Id their handx, namely, to transfer their orders elsewhere. What good would
arise from the publication of your letter! It would be of little, if any,
interest to the readers, and would not remedy what ynu term a "growing
evil." .inonymoue letters on such subjects are not reputable.
£aUVK. — The electric light in the stuilio is equally as applicable to copying
as_tarpaMraits. As a matter of fact, by far the larger proportion of the
negatives for typogrsphic blocks are maile by artilicul light during the
winter months, the electric light being the illuminant employed. If you
have the electric light in your town, you will tind it more economical to
obtain the current from the mains, for whichever purpose you require it, than
to instal plant for its gSIieration.
S. B. A.— In this column it is impossible to give the working details of the
collodion process. We must refer you to some of the old manuals of photo-
graphy, as well as to the innumerable deUiIed articles ou the iiubject which
have appeared in Tub BarnsH Jochnal ot PuoTOoRAPHr.and its Almaxac.
We may mention, however, that you are under a mL^apprehension in sur-
mising tbat, as you ars so well verse<l in the use of dry plates, you have not
much to learn for wet The knowledge gained in the use of the former will
avail but little in learning the wet-coUodion process.
666
THE BRITISH J0I3RNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHS.
[October 7, 1892
A. W. J.— 1. Each of the formnlre given in the current Almanac for ortho-
chromatising plates answers well. Some brands of plates, with them, answer
better for some subjects than others. A few experiments with two or three
different brands will soon show which will answer the purpose best. The
dass of subject you propose to deal with is an exceedingly difficult one, and,
to ensure success, a few tentative experiments may well be expended.
A. T. says : " I have been trj-ing the ferrous-oxalate developer for plates, as I
am told it is used almost exclusively on the Continent But all my negatives
■with it have a faint whitewashed or milky appearance when dry. Is this the
general appearance of negatives developed with iron, or is it something in niy
manipulations ? " — The ojmlesccnce is caused by lime in the water forming
oxalate of lime. It can be removed by treating the negatives with very dilute
hydrochloric acid. A few drops to the ounce of water will suffice.
■PlCKWiCK. — Some wall-papers form a very good background, but of course the
patterns must be very unobtrusive and subdued, or, at least, show as such in
the photograph. Plain papers known as " grounds " — that is, paper with
the ground upon it before the pattern is printed — if of a suitable, tint and
neatly hung, forms an excellent plain background. In this case the paper
should be hung horizontally instead of vertically, beginning at the upper
part first. Any paperhanger will do the work in this way if so instructed.
C Mathesons says, "I have several old silver spoons that are worn out ; can
I convert them into nitrate of silver ? " — Nitrate of silver is made by dissolv-
ing the metal in diluted nitric acid, and then crystallising. But, as standard
silver is alloyed with copper, nitrate of copper is also formed, so that from
the spoons a mixture of nitrate of silver and nitrate of copper would be
obtained. The copper can be got rid of; but, in the case of one having no
chemical knowledge or appliances, the best way will be to sell the old metal
to a refiner, and purchase nitrate of silver, or take it in exchange for the
metal
J. H. Martim writes as follows: "I have in my possession a negative of a
fiart of the town taken twenty-five years ago, and my father (now deceased)
ent it to a friend conditionally that he kept it to himself and made no show
of it. He has an enlargement of it in his shop, and I hear he has also made
some lantern plates from it. If I have the negative registered, can I stop
him from exhibiting the enlargement ? He promised at the time that he
would not exhibit it, and it is my desire to prevent him doing so, as T, having
the original, think I am justified in doing." — If the negative was lent under
the conditions stated, it is a mean action of the borrower to make use of it
contrary to them, tinder the circumstances, we fear you have no legal
remedy.
PEErLEXED writes : " I enclose a print, round the edge of the rignette of
which you will discern some small white spots, that have come out on it
after mounting. It was toned in a tungstate of soda bath, fixed in a one-to-
five solution of hypo for fifteen minutes, put through a salt solution to pre-
vent blistering, washed sixteen hours in running water, and mounted with
Glenfield starch, at which time they did not show on the print, but in a day
or two afterwards two or three prints out of each batch were similarly
spotted, and I have not been able as yet to trace any on prints of the same
batch which were unmounted. I shall be verj" pleased if you will kindly
gi%-e me your idea as to what you think would cause such spots." — As only a
few prints out of each batch became spotty, the cause would seem to be some-
thing in the manipulation. If all became equally effected, then the mounts
or mountant might be suspected. Of course it would be impossible to
hazard an opinion as to what, in the working, is the origin of the spots, on
the data given.
"Water " says : "We should esteem it a favour if you could let us know how
to get out of a muddle we are in with washing our prints. We will explain
matters. This last two days the water has become very milky, although
after standing a short time it clears and settles on the edges of the washer
in minute_ air-bells, the milkiness really being due to the air-bells. We are
using a Wood's 12 x 10 washer, and as "soon as the prints start washing the
air-bells settle all over the faces of the prints like scum, and they will not
go round in the washer in the usual way, but stop where the water comes in,
the con.sequence being that they blister frightfully, and, of course, get very
much injured. Could you tell us of anything that would do away with the
air-bells in the water, as that is really the cause of the muddle, the water
being so full of air-bells that the prints are not heavy enough to sink in the
water? We may add that we are supplied direct from the main."— Water
supplied at high pressure is often charged with air, and this is clearly the
case in the present instance. The remedy is not to use Uie water direct from
the main, but to receive it in a receptacle where it can Test for a few hours,
so that the air can have time to escape. Have a cistern put up to receive
the water, and draw from that.
F. H. asks : "Can you kindly inform rne the reason of my toning bath turning
brown after it has been used about three times ? There is also a difficulty
in getting it to tone after it turns brown, as if there were no more gold
remaining. The bath I use is chloride of gold, thirty grains ; acetate of
soda, one ounce ; and four drojis of saturated solution of carbonate of soda ;
water, sixty ounces. I never had any trouble with the bath until I used
ready-sensitised paper. Will you kindly give me a formula for blue tones
on albumenised paper?" — The reason why" the toning solution turned brown
is that something has been introduced into it that has caused a reduction of
the_ gold. When the gold is reduced, of course there is none left to tone
with. Some papers seem to introduce foreign matters into the toning bath ;
when this is the case, only sufficient solution sho'uld be prepared at a time
to tone the number of prints to be dealt with. We do not approve
of_ the system of making a strong solution a.": iu the formula quoted, and
using it direct for toning time after time. A better way is to make up the
solution with, say, half the quantity of water, and keep it as a stock
■solution ; then, when any is required for use, take sufficient of it to tone the
prints in hand, allowing, say, a grain of gold to a sheet of paper, and dilute
with water. After use, this may be kept, and more of the stock solution
«dded when more prints have to be toned. A formula for bine tones is
4;iven in the Ailmanac.
Lens. — The lens being a doublet of somewhat ancient construction, and not by
a first-class maker, we question much if any advantage will be gained by
enlarging the opening in the fixed diaphragm, unless you will be satisfied
with impaired definition.
Photockaphic Cr.ra — October 12, Members' Open Night. 19, Demon-
s ration with the Platinotj-pe Company's Magnesium Lamp.
Liverpool Camera Club. — October 26, llford PritUing-oiU Paper, aiui the
Methods in Use to Obtain the Jiesl Risidts, by Mr. W. A. Brown.
The Salon Club, which has now been in existence twenty-six years, will
commence its monthly dinners for the season at the Cafe Royal, Regent-street,
on Monday next, October 10.
In the Knglish Illustrated Magazine for October, there is an illustrated
article on " A Summer Among the Dovecots." Mr. Alfred Watkins, of Here-
ford, is the author, and the illustrations are from his photographs.
London and Provincial Photographic Association. — October 13, Pmi>
tiatl nemonstration of Retouchiny, Mr. Redmond Barrett. 20, First Lantern
Night of the season, and Judgment of Competition Slides. 27, Members'
Open Night
Messrs. Gilmer Bros., the sole representatives of Messrs. Clement &
Gilmer, of Paris, have removed from Victoria-buildings, Temple-row, Birming-
ham, to more .spacious premises at Manchester -buildings, Cannon - street,
Birmingham.
Leytonstone Camera Clur — October 15, Lecturette, Hand Cameras, by
Mr. D. G. Riddick. 22, Lecturette. Stereoscopic Phntography with a Single
Camera, by Mr. A. P. Wire. 29, Members' Lantern Evening. To commence
at eight o'clock.
South London Photographic Society. — October 17, A Chat about Kast-
man I'rodtwts, led off' by Mr. Baldwin. November 7, testing of competition
slides. 21, T/ie Pleasures of Photography in the Sttidy and the Field, by
Mr. C. Eldridge.
The following gentlemen have kindly consented to act as Judge? at the
South London Photoeraphic Society's Exhibition, to be held on November
24-26, 1892, at the Peckham Public Hall, Messrs. F. P. Cembrano, jun.,
A. Pringle, and L. Wamerke.
Miss Catherine Weed Barnes informs us that in future the business of the
American Amateur Photographer and Outing will be conducted under the
style of the American Photographic Publishing Company. Dr. J. H. Worman
is President, Miss Barnes Vice-President, and Mr. F. C. Beacli Secretary.
North Surrey Photographic Society. — The following are the officers of
this Society: — President: Mr. .1. Morrish. — Vice-President: Mr. Lewis
Vfoie.— Committee : Messrs. F. Chambers, J. G. Dalzell, T. J. Bright, J.
Larcombe, H. Senier, F. Fitzpane. — Hon. Secretary and Treasurer : Mr. R. W.
Wilson, 42, Norwood-road, S.E. Meetings first and third Tuesdays in each
month at 369, Norwood-road, S.E.
The Hackney Photographic Society will hold its Annual Exhibition and
Competition at the Morley Hall, Triangle, Hackney, N.E., Tuesday, Wednes-
day, and Thursday, November 15, 16, and 17, 1892. Apparatus by all the
leading photographic firms will lie shown, together with novelties and im-
provements, and demonstrations of the working of the various processes. The
judges in the competition will be Captain W. deW. Abney, C.B., R.E., F.R.S.,
F.C.S., &c.. Colonel J. Gale, and Mr. Ralph W. Robinson. Captain Abney
will present the prizes.
"The Life and Work of Professor Hubert Herkomer, R.A.," will this
year form the subject of the Art Annual or Christmas Number of the -Irf
Journal. The artist, in addition to placing a large quantity of material and
illustrations at the publishers' disposal, has himself contributed a full-page
original etching. In addition to a photogravure plate of The Last Mu.^trr,
there will be illustrations of the artist's principal pictures, Pressina to the
West, Chapel of the Charterhouse, Found, Our Village, On Strike, he, also
of his well-known portraits of Miss Grant, The Lady in Black (Entranced),
Archibald Forbes, Dean Liddell, &c., together with views of the new house
and specimens of the architecture and decoration, which are all being carried
out from Professor Herkomer's own plans and designs, and executed under his
personal superintendence.
FORTHCOMING EXHIBITIONS.
October 11-13 Bedford and District Amateur Photographic Society.
,, 17 Camera Club.
November 10-12... *Leytonstone Camera Club.
,, 15-17... *Hackney Pliotographic Society.
(Date not fixed) Exeter Amateur Photographic Society.
November 17-19... Brixton and Clapham Camera Club.
North Middlesex Photographic Society.
„ 24-26... South London Photographic Society.
* Signifies that there are open classes.
OONTENTS,
Paoe
reversed pictures and NEG.\-
TIVKS «1
carbon printing Ml
A NOTE ON STANNOTYPE FOR
transparencies 642
ESTIMATION AND DEHYDRATION OF
SILVER OXIDE. Dv M. CAREY LEA . 614
AMERICAN NOTES AND NEWS 614
A SERIOUS DI.OW.UP: A REMINIS-
CENCE. BvVALKNTIXEBLANCHARD 616
EXPERIMENTS IN COMBINED TONING
AND FIXING. By CHAS. EHRMASN . 646
PiOB
STEREOSCOPIC PHOTOGRAPHY. Bj-
GEO. A. THOMASON 646
FOCUSSING AND THE USE OF DIA-
PHRAGMS. Ev .lOHN CLARK 64S
FrUTHKR EXTRACTS FRO.M THE
DAILY AND WEEKLY PRESS ON
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION . 649
OUR EDITOHUL TABLE 650
RECENT PATENTS 6S0
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES 6f»
CORRESPONDENCE 654
EXCHANGE COLUMN f«5
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS 6»
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1693. Vol. XXXIX.— OCTOBER 14, 1892.
ARCHITECTURAL DISTORTION BY THE HAND
CAMERA.
WicEX, a few days iigo, a friend called aod sabmitted a large
collection of views, mostly taken in Antwerp and Bruges with a
hand camera, he aaid that he desired to pnxluce lantern slides
from them, but encountered a difficulty, arising from the fact
of the ounera not always having been held quite level. This,
as ereiy intelligent photographer ia now well aware, produces
a want of pazallelism in the llnea of a building, a topic we
have treated on more than one oooaaion.
To aee the perpendicular lines of a building converge is even
mot* offnMTe than when such lines are cunred. Rut there are
<iinaaMtaaflaa under which, as in the instance cited above, it
is not eaay to avoid such a fault Who that has in front of
him a tall edifice, which he is deairoua of obtaining, but must
wish to have it complete tnm top of spire to basement t But,
unfortunately, hand eameraa — w inr of which poMCSS either
rinng fronU or swing bMks— 4o BOt lend themselvea to ob-
taining a building in this way ; heneetbe pointing of them up-
wards becomes a qieoics of nicwHj, notwithstanding the
certainty of oonvergmee of the perpendiculan.
In one of oar AiJiAirAai of a few years ago the method of
obviating this was pointed out It is not by any means difficult
to prodoee a qaite undiatorted negative from an original that
is replete with distortion of every kind ; but it is a still easier
(>rocedure to print correct lantern slido« from such a negative,
and, as the lantern season is now on, a few hints relative to this
will probably prove osefiil to many.
We must preaappoie that, when lantern transparencies are
to be prodnced firom distorted negatives, it is indispensable
that they be made by a camera. Superprisition will not do in
this ease, as it only serves to perpetuate the defect It is also
of importance that the lens to be employed for this purpose be
otM of short foeus. One that we have employed in this way has a
•dar foena of three and a half inebes, which repreaenta an
efltatiTa wociung focus of seven inchea when copying a thing
the ria* of the original.
A very pron<>unoed degree of converging distortion, such as
we found in a negative of the Antwerp Cathedral of Notre
Dame, oannot so easily be cured when a lens of long focus is
employed, becanae with a swing back in the copying camera
the MMMik ol the swing is frequently insufficient. It is now
■only neeemary that, when the negative is erected at one end or
in front of the camera, the back has to be swun^; to such an
extent as to canae the convergent lines of the original to apitear
quite parallel
To prevent any blurrineas which would arise from the top
plane of the plate being profwrtioitttely farther away from the
negative than the bottom, a very small stop must be employed
during the exposure.
When once the camera is adjusted for one of a series of
quarter-plates, or whatever other size those of the hand camera
may be, there is no occiision to disturb such adjustment until
the whole series has been printed. .\11 that is needed is to
look upon the focussing screen 'after each operation to make
sure that just the right amount of tilting the screen has been
given, for some negatives may be very much less distorted than
others.
PRINTS VERSUS PROCESSES.
Thx present Exhibition at Pall Mall is pregnant with examples
of the varieties of effect that may be produced by the selection
of different printing pixtcesses. The prints of to-day, as there dis-
played, for variety of e6fect and artistic feeling, offer a conspicuous
contrast to those of only a decade ago. The art side of pho-
tography has been the gainer, but who shall say what will be
the verdict ten or twenty years hence 1 If the Council of the
Society had the power of compulsory purchase of all pictures
gaining medals, especially with new modes of working; and
would act upon it regularly, hanging or preserving the prints
in a suitable way for ascertaining the exteAt of their power
to withstand the effects of time under ordinary conditions of
storage, an exceedingly valuable collection of data for forming
a judgment on the merits of the varieties of processes, as they
become popular or otherwise, would be always available. As
thinpt now stand, the ((uestion of fogacity never arises with
regard to medalling pictures at the Exhibition ; and the photo-
graphic public generally give no particular heed to it. The
researches of Messrs. Davanne and Girard, of more than a
quarter of a century ago, dealing with the causes of fading of
prints by then-known processes, are still the most complete and
scientific elucidation yet published of the chemical changes
undergone by a print during the chemical operations it passes
through, subsequent to the production of the image in the
printing frame. No new linea of investigation have been in-
dicated, and, more important still, the plain lessons to be taught
bjLthaie able investigators^ experiments are frequently ignored,
aud a udhner of working in direct opposition to them is by no
means seldom adopted. Not by any means should experi-
ments in novel directions be discountenanced ; but, at the least,
they should be guided by judgment and directed by knowledge
of ascertained facts. Some of the effects to be obtained do not
necessarily touch the question of permanency ; thus we have
prints matt and prints glazed ; prints very smooth and prints
very rough ; prints on white, prints on coloured paper, none of
which varieties of appearance have any necessary connexion
CSS
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAJ'HY.
[October 14, 1892
with the permanency or otherwise of a print. Nevertheless,
some of these particular effects are bounded by the lines of
processes where a very important question of permanency or
fugacity arises.
We are led to pen these remarks by a suggestion recently
made to us by Miss Weed Barnes in the course of a conversa-
tion upon exhibitions. It was to the effect that a very
desirable feature would be a collection of a variety of prints by
as many different processes as possible, from one and the same
negative. ■ Both photographers and the public generally miglit
be taught an interesting lesson from such a set of photographs.
We are aware that before now prints executed in different styles
from a single plate have been exhibited ; but the suggestion
under consideration is that the set should be a representative
one, including not merely two or tliree pleasing varieties, but
as large a number as possible. Mechanical processes might be
excluded, seeing that few photographers possess a knowledge
and working skill with "process work" as well as ordinary
chemical methods ; but, apart from these, such a collection
should be exhaustive, and include silver, carbon, iron, uranium,
&c., developed prints and so on, and each in all its manifold
varieties of colour, texture, and surface. AVe were quite in
sympathy with the idea, but felt strongly that it should
be enlarged upon. Thus all practical workers know that a
certain class of negative is far better adapted than another
for producing the best results of a particular process ; one
style of printing will suit almost any negative, another will
be best exemplified when the prints are brought to a special hue
or "tone." Some modes of printing can be best carried out
from a weak and others from a strong negative ; there are few
in which the character of a negative is matter of indifference.
The suggestion, elaborated as above, therefore would assume
the form of a series of pictures by as many known processes as
possible from each negative of a set of at least three negatives
— dense, thin, average as to depth.
Our opinion is that, if the Photographic Society of Great
Britain would offer as a subject for a medal a class embracing
the best set of prints from three or more negatives of different
depths of density, the prints to be done by as many different
processes as possible — the size might be kept down to avoid
burdening the wall-space — there would be many competitors,
and the result, as encouraging more especially the scientific
side of photography, would be equally interesting and popular,
and to the careful observer in the highest degree instructive.
In close relation to this subject, and since penning the
foregoing remarks, we understand that the Photographic
Society has decided to purchase a selection of the pliotographs
shown at its various Exhibitions, commencing with that
now open. Not only should this collection form, in future
years, a clear reference guide to technical and artistic progress
in photography, but it should constitute an instructive, and, at
tlie same time, officially provided, object-lesson in the com-
parative stability of the different methods of printing employed
from time to time.
RESTOPJNG FADED ALBUMEN PRINTS.*
fiEFORE resorting to further treatment of the print, it will be
well to prepare it for the uniform absorption of the solutions,
and also to remove any mechanical dirt that may have become
* Concluded from page 627.
attached to its surface in the course of time. For the latter
purpose the best plan will be to sponge it gently with warm
soap and water, and, if the operation be performed before
removing the print from its mount, there will be less danger
of injuring the surface or laying the foundation for future
irregularity of action. A copious washing should, of course,
follow the soap treatment.
The process of unmounting is frequently a tedious one,
especially with prints of any considerable age, and more par-
ticularly still if the mountant has been of a gelatinous
character. The tendency on the part of the print to adher&
tenaciously in some parts, while others leave the mount with
perfect ease, is very remarkable, and seems to point to soma
chemical change in the mountant in the direction of insolubility.
In all cases, then, we recommend a preliminary soaking of the
picture for some hours in cold water before attempting to
separate the print from the mount. This will have the effect
of softening the latter, which may then he strijjped away in
layers, leaving only the final one in immediate contact with
the photograph, to be removed by a final treatment with hot
water. But, even if this amount of care be exercised, the
separation is still often a matter of some difficulty, and great
care has to be exercised to avoid tearing one or other of the-
surfaces.
Though, of course, damage to the surface layer of the mount?
is of comparatively little importance, it is better to avoid even
that, if possible, for, in addition to the difficulty there is in
deciding with certainty which of the surfaces i.s tearing, any
small fragments of the mount that may remain attached to
the photograph will require removal by scraping or friction of
some sort, which alone presents a chance of damaging the
print, so far as its paper support is concerned, and it is in-
every way desirable that this should remain intact. The only
safe course is to allow plenty of time, and to use water at a
high — even boiling — ^tcmperature. There need be no scruplea-
in doing this on the score of spoiling the tone of the photo-
graph or otherwise injuring it, beyond a slight chance perhaps,
with highly albumeuised papers, of blistering or separation of
the albumen surface ; this, however, is a somewhat rare occur-
rence, and one that will cause little inconvenience if the blisters-
are not broken.
If the mount should prove still refractory, the print may
be soaked for a short time in very dilute hydrochloric acid — •
about one part to twenty of water — at the ordinary tempera-
ture ; this treatment we have never found to fail, and, if it
exercises any effect beyond the softening of the mountant, it
is of a beneficial character rather than otherwise, for, by also
softening the size of the print, it tends to promote uniformity
in the subsequent action of the solutions, while it may also help
to remove any discolouration due simply to deterioration of the
paper. On no account should alkaline solutions be employed,
on account of their injurious action upon the albumen surface,,
and even in applying soap, as first recommended, it should be-
of the best and mildest quality.
Having successfully removed the print from its mount, if
such treatment has not been already resorted to, it is desirable-
to immerse it for a few minutes in very hot water, after which
it should be laid albumen side downwards upon a sheet ofj
glass, and the back gently sponged to remove every trace of
the old mountant and any minute particles of the mount that-
may have escaped previous notice. These precautions may be
deemed exaggerated, but their neglect may be the means of
causing spots, " mealiness,'' or othes iiTegultirities in the subse-
October 14, 186(2]
TBE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
659
<]uent chemical processes ; and, as their adoption adds little to
the trouble involved, it is worth while to do the thing properly.
The acid bath may be used also if thought proper, either by
itself or in conjunction with the sponging, hut the free acid in
the bleaching solution will perform all that is necessary if the
print be otherwise carefully prepared.
We may just add, that the complete success of the restoring
procees depends rather upon the proper performance of these
"" minor " operations than upon the chemical reactions that
follow, and this is one reason for laying' sucli stress upon them,
and upon thorough washing between bleaching, redevelopment,
and toning. By thorough washing we do not mean necessarily
prolonged soaking, for the intelligent use of a roller st^ueegee
or similar appliance will prove more effective than the most
protracted soaking can possibly do.
The bleaching solution which we recommend above all
others is one composed of bichromate of jKitash, common salt,
and a mere trace of hydrochloric acid. The latter addition is
not absolutely necessary, but it materially hastens the work,
and appears to otherwise act beneficially. The precise formula
is immaterial, but the following answers well, and may act as a
guide: —
Bichrooiate of potash 1 ounc&
Chloride of sodium 1 „
Hydrochloric acid 2 drachms.
Water .10 ounces.
The energy of the solution depends chiefly upon the free acid
•od salt, and, when its action beoooaea slow after treating a
namber of prints, frcah additiona of these ingredients will
restore it to its former vigour.
The prints to be restored are immersed bodily in this solu-
tion, when the image will be seen to rapidly fade or disappear.
'^t is seldom that the most protracted immersion of a gold-toned
piiut will render the image completely invisible owing to the
gold that is present in it, and the appearance of the print
before trsatnient must serve as the chief guide as to when it is
antficiently bleached, the stronger and blacker the tone the
deeper will be the colour of the image that remains in the
bichromate solution, while with some of the faint brown and
purple-toned prints there may b« scarcely any trace left. Tlie
length at immersion is not, however, a matter of very great
importanoe if only all signs of " fkding ' from sulphuration and
all resemblance to an ordinary silver print be lost So &r ss
we have been able to ascertain, bj treatment extending over
some boon, the original image is not apparently nfTccted by
possible over-action of the bichromate ; so it is, perhaps, the
best way to give full time.
On removal from the bleaching solution the print will bo
foond to be stained a bright yellow colour by the bichromate,
but this is (juickly dischaiged on immersion iu water, disap-
pearing from the back of the print, or the paper, first, and more
slowly from the albumen film. Alternate immersions in warm
water and treatment with a roller squeegee will remove every
trace of bichromate in a few minutes, and nothing then remains
but to redevelop. We may repeat here what was said in the
■first part of this article as to the necessity for performing this
part of the work in a subdued light, as, if a strong light be
permitted to act on the paper while it contains the chromic
Halt, the latter may be reduced, and so cause permanent dis-
colouration, or, at least, a stain that will necessitate the use of
sulphurous acid or similar bleaching agent
restoration of the image there is a choice of variety
' rs and methods of treatment, «U, however, oonaiat-
ing in the conversion or reduction of the invisible chloride of
silver that still forms the image. The selection must be made
according to the character or tone required in the final image.
If the neutral black, or cool, grey tones of platinum, gelatino-
bromide, or printing-out chloride papers be preferred, nothing
answers better than the ordinary development of a bromide
positive with ferrous oxalate, though, in view of the trouble of
removing the last traces of iron from the paper, many will
prefer one or other of the various alkaline forma. We have
ourselves obtained the best results of this class with amidol,
using the standard formula issued by the manufacturer diluted
with ten or twelve times its volume of water. If more or less
warm tones are required, a much weaker solution is to be used,
and the print exposed &eely to light first. Under these cir-
cumstances, the development is almost identical as regards
colour with that of Alpha paper, and the image so obtained
may be toned with gold in the usual way, using, for preference,
the gold and sulpho-cyanide bath, which, as in the case of
gelatino-developed images, seems to answer better than the
gold bath ordinarily used with albumen paper.
With very strongly toned prints — that is, those that have
been made from dense negatives and toned to a rich black —
we have succeeded in reproducing by development alone a
great variety of so-called " photographic " tones in brown and
purple, the original gold retaining at least a portion of its
infltience over the final tone ; but obviously, in such cases,
the development must be of the character to give a warm
colour to the silver portion of the image, and we may add, that
it is even then not an easy matter to get the desired tone with
certainty.
The prints may be finished off in any desired style as regards
surface by the different devices of drying and enamelling.
Simply dried and motmted, they present the ordinary appear-
ance of albumen prints with the surface slightly reduced by
the treatment. Matt eflects may be attained by squeegeeing
on to ground glass, and any degree of glaze can be imparted
by the usual methods of rolling, burnishing, or enamelling.
When finished, we have no hesitation in saying that the result
is qnitc equal to the original print, except, perhaps, in the case
of those that have a tendency in the direction of weakness or
" delicacy " to start with, for these undoubtedly become further
impoverished. We have submitted portions of imfaded prints
to the treatment, and the result has in some oases been in-
distinguishable from the untreated portions, while, in many
cases, it is possible to actually improve the tone and character
of an unsatisfactory image.
This is particularly the case with over-printed and heavy
ailbumen prints, while we may remark, though it does not come
strictly within the scope of this article, that, as a means of im-
proving gelatino-bromide or chloride prints that have been
spoilt in development, the process is of the greatest value, as
these, from the greater quantity of silver they contain, afford
far greater scope for the manipulator than albumen prints do.
-^nrftj^o delicate grey and fiat image may be redeveloped up
to Tigorous strength, and, per contra, a heavy print may be
reduced and modified in its gradation.
A Photoirraphlc Society for Oreenwlcb.— On Wed-
nesday next, « )ctober lil, a mei'tins:, under tlie presidency of Mr. E.
W. Maunder, F.R..\..S., wiU be held at the Lecture Hall, Royal-hill,
Oreenwich, to consider the advisability of forming a photographic
aodety tat Oreenwich. Wo understand that Mr. Haddon and several
gentlMnen eoonected with the Royal Observatory will support the
660
THE BRITISH JOURNAJj OF PHOTOGRAJ'HY,
[October U, 1892
society if it is fonned, which, lookinjf at the admirable opening it haa
in such a scientifically inclined neighbourhood, we have no doubt will
be the case. ^___^_ .
Hubj Xiamps at tbe Custom Bouse.— By a new order
of the Customs Board the officers are in future to be provided with
electric search lamps of a special pattern when " rummaging " for
contraband goods on board tank and other vessels carrying petroleum
or explosives. The object of this is to avoid the possibility of an
explosion while engaged in the work. The order also directs that
ruby-coloured lights for the examination of imported cases of " photo-
graphic negatives " in a dark chamber are to be supplied. By " photo-
grapliic negatives " we may surmise that undeveloped plates are meant.
One would have thought that the Custom authorities would nowa-
days have sufficient knowledge of photography to know the difference
between a negative and a sensitive plate. Be that as it may, it is to
be hoped that some one with a better knowledge of the subject than
the Board appear to have will be deputed to see that the ruby glass is
of the proper non-actinic character, and that the dark chamber does
not admit light.
Carbon Printings Abroad. — Last week reference was made
to the fact that, in the earliest days of carbon printing, the exposed
tissue was cemented to indiarubbered paper for development, and
was afterwards transferred to its final support by the aid of benzol.
Although this system has long since been superseded in this country
by the use of the commercial temporary support, or, where a large
number of copies are required for publication purposes, by making
reversed negatives, and printing by single transfer, the old plan is
still largely followed on the Continent. Some of the largest publish-
ing houses there of the reproductions of works of fine art still adhere
to the old method with indiarubber, notwithstanding the additional
trouble and expense incurred. It is difficult to see why this should
be the case, seeing that the same end can be obtained by so much
simpler and less costly means. Those who still use the original
system, we are told, aver that by it they can obtain better results
than by any other. It must be admitted that most of the reproduc-
tions in carbon of paintings in the foreign galleries are very fine, but
are they any better than those produced here by less complicated
means — supposing, of course, that the negatives are equal in quality ?
Pbotogrrapby as a Witness. — It has more than once been
suggested in these columns that in the case of accidents a photo-
graph of the surroundings, if taken immediately after the occurrence,
■would often serve to show the cause better than any other kind of evi-
dence. The value and practicability of this was well exemplified at
an inquest recently held. A servant while cleaning a window fell.
No one saw the accident ; but her employer, who happened to be an
amateur photographer, before anything was disturbed, took a photo-
graph of the window. This photograph showed the position of the
sashes, the washleather, dusters, &c., on the sill, and satisfied the
coroner that the girl was sitting outside at the time she fell, and was
not leaning out from the inside. If the services of the local photo-
grapher were invoked by the police in the case of railway and other
accidents or catastrophes, the photograph would generally prove the
most reliable evidence. It is difficult for the most conscientious wit-
ness, some time afterwards, to describe the precise conditions existing
at a time of intense excitement and consternation. The time wUl, no
doubt, come when a photographer will be officially attached to every
division of police. The subject should receive the consideration of the
Home Office without delay.
Tbe Neur Patent Taxes.— The new regulations with
regard to patent fees came into operation on the 1st of this
month, and they will prove a convenience to many holders of photo-
graphic patents. The advantages of not a few inventions are not
fully recognised, or their value fully established, before the inventor
has had at the end of the fourth year to pay a 10/. renewal
fee or to lose his patent. These renewal fees, varying from 10/. to
20/., unless a lump sum, in two instidments of 50/. or 100/., was paid
down, had to be pwd ; so that the cost of a patent for the full term
of fourteen years was 154/. By the new regulation made under tbe
late Government, the renewal fees are commencing at the end of the
fourth year — 5/., increasing 1/. annually till the fourteenth year.
Thus, instead of a patent costing, for Government fees, 1.54/., it will
now only cost 99/., with the further advantage of smaller payments
at the earlier periods. The costs of patents are being slowly reduced
in this country, yet the revenue of the Patent Office is increasing.
Trior to 1852 a patent for the United Kingdom cost about 40O/.
One had to be taken for England and Wales (150/.), one for Scotland
(150/.), and one for Ireland (85/.). Afterwards the law was altered,
and one patent sufficed for the wliole of the United Kingdom, and the
cost for the full term then came to 175/. In 1884, the fees were
again reduced, and the opportunity afforded of paying them by
yearly instalments, as just referred to, until they amounted to a total
of 154/. Now they only amount to 99/. Considerable as is this
reduction, the cost of an English patent is much greater than for
most other countries, Germany excepted. The cost of an American
patent, for example, for seventeen years is equivalent to only about
8/. 10«. However, English photographic patentees will be thankful
even for small mercies.
THE CAMERA CLUB.
Thk Camera Club Invitation Exhibition will be formally opened by
the President (Captain Abney) on the evening of Monday next,
October 17, and it will remain open to Thursday, December 8. The
Hanging Committee were Colonel Gale, Mr. H. P. Robinson, and
Mr. George Davison, and the preparation of the catalogue has been
entrusted to Mr. Maskell. During the autumn the premises of th&
Club have been redecorated.
Captain Abney, Messrs. Pringle and Burchett, Commander Glad-
stone, Rev. F. C. Lambert, and Messrs. W. Jerome Harrison and
H. E. Armstrong, F.R.S., are to read papers in the course of the
ensuing months, and a retouching class, under Mr. Redmond Barrett,,
is being organized.
AVe gather from the Club Journal that the entrance fee will Ij.<j
raised from one to five guineas on and after January 1, 1893. J
JOTTINGS.
It is with deep sorrow that I find myself compelled to confirm the?
rumour of the death of Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Anne.
Consols remain steady. A second historical event of recent occurrence,,
and of perhaps hardly less moment than the melancholy demisejof that
sovereign, and of which an inscrutable Fate has ordained that I should
be the means of communication to your many readers is that, after a
sanguinary and protracted struggle, in which there was enormous
loss in killed and wounded on both sides, the fair land of Holland has
at length fallen into the hands of the Dutch. The peace of Europe is
therefore assured. Item of historical information No. -j on my list
is that the Exhibition of the Photographic Society of Great Britain
is as successful as its best friends could wish. All's well that ends
well ; but I do not hesitate to say that the powerful support which
this Journal has given to the old Society during its recent crises has
had not a little to do with assuring the undoubted Mat with whicli
the present Exhibition has gone off. However, long life to you,.
" aged P.," as Mr. Wemwick would say.
In a bright and chatty little serio-comic pubhcation emanating
from Manchester, and called Sp;/, I find an editorial article with the
heading " A Local Photographer and his Lady Clients." This appears
upon perusal to be nothing more nor less than a charge of grossly
outrageous behaviour on the part of the photographer towards his-
lady sitters, conduct for which it is also hinted the precious rascal
has more than once been soundly thrashed by irate husbands. Sjnf-
calls the man a "foreign gentleman (?)," and says that he is one of
the best known photographers in Manchester, while at the same time
a partial threat is given to print his name. For the credit of an.
honourable profession, I hope that Spy will not stop at half-measuree,.
October 14, 1892]
THE BRITISH JODKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
661
but, in the interaata of photography and the public generally, will do
it« obriouj duty in aasistiiig to drive thia man out of the good city of
Mancheiter. Profesidonal photography is, at the best, a calling of
such a precarious nature, that it can ill afford to be further disad-
rantagt^ by the doings of such a being as he whom Spy describes as
guilty of conduct which unfits him for any society but that of gaol-
bird*.
Among rf^rent applications for patMita, I obaerre one for a walking-
stick camera stand. I cannot, of eoorae, tell what the particular
fcMtana of this invention are, but it ia obvious that the scope for
variety in such an idea is very mnch restricted ; hence, while 1
hope that tlie woaU-be patentee has hit on a really novel and money-
making form o( camera st*od, I caaot help wondering to myself
how many year* it is since I first handled a walking-stick stand
(the name of whoae maker or originator I have forgotten), which con-
•iated of a number of ribe with angled surfaces, all fitting doaely
together, and when not in photographic use being secured at the top
with an iron ring, thus forming a serviceable, if somewhat long and
poDderoos,* w»]ki^g-«tick .
I moat take exception to some vt the chemiitrr of sulphite of soda
a* enunciated at a recent meeting of the Hackney Photographic
Society. To begin with, it was stated that some sulphite of soda
had been ezpoeed to air, did not diesolve in water, and did not " pre-
vent the stain " to the same dagrae a* the freah substance. I agree
with the gentleman who Mid that the latter effect was doe to the
oxidation of the sulphite ; but, as to the inference that " oxidised
sulphite " doe* not dissolve in water as weD a* unaltered sulphite, 1
should like to point oat that sulphate of soda, which the oxidised
product is supposed to be, instead of being I*** aoluble than the un-
changed siilphite, i* really just aboat twie* •• easily soluble as the
last-named body. Again, ** a member had developed a lantern plate
with pyro and solphite only," and " it wa* remarked that sulphite uf
soda is alkaline." Not neeemarily, and not always ; otherwise, bow
is it that pyro may be preaerv*-d with a plain solution of sulphite ?
It would Dot if it were alkaline. The sulphite I employ for this
purpose i* neutral, and that is the variety usually sold by the dealers,
I fancy, fly the way, has the particular variety of sulphite em-
ployed with amidol anything to do with the contradictory experience*
which •ooM worker* with the new developer seem to be having as
regard* its keeping free from diaeoioaralion for a week or twoP
Poanhly, if the sulphite w«r« isTariahly acidified, the browning of
the amidol •olntion of iriiidi '"'pi'iym"* is made would not occur.
Tk* tMiwfuuimk who laqnired whether the light from a coal or
eoka If* woold ha loatleiU to fog eithar ■anaitiTe plate* or paper,
Bke so many otbeia " who wrhe to the papen," might have spared
himaalf the tionble of putting each a queetioa bad he but reflected a
little beforehand. The flame of a eoal firv is practically identical in
nature with either gas, candle, or oil-lamp flames, and as he could
not, of coarse, be in any doubt a* to the «ilee(* of these three flame*
upon sensitive sorfaees, it ia a littk» snrpriaiDg that ha ahouU have
— ppuesd (a* be evidently dki) that a flame from homing coal could
he ineilective. All the same, a red, flamelea* Are, either coal or coke,
might poasibly have no harmful effect* in the devdoping room, since
I amnma that in that condition it would give off very little actinic
light.
Thara ia no galnsayiog the eoonBoo* popolarity wbieh gehttino-
dilorida printing papen have achieved, especially among amateurs, in
a ramarkabiy short space of time ; but the pfocem is stiU open to
eoMidsraUe improvem<>nt in one important respect, that is, in eecoring
regohltty and uniformity of tone. At present the tones aimed at are
not ohtaoied with anything like the certainty of albumen print*. One
ebaractaiktic of thas* papers^the bine mume* so eommonly seen in
the hatf-tOM* of the print* — i* possibly due to *ome inherent pro-
perty of the aupport, the enamel paper for the various commercial
g«iatiii»«hlarida paper* now in o*e all coming, I am told, from one
CoeMos.
THE OBJECT OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[Photopmphic Clnb.]
Having been asked to open the discussion to-night, the above subject
has been selected as bein^ important, and as permitting considerable
difference of opinion. Let me indicate at once the broad, liberal
lines on which it seems to me the discussion should be pursued. As
long as human beings are not created free and equal, although a
certain well-known document says so, they will diner materially in
their objects and their pursuit of them. Especially is this true of
mental processes, among which, I claim, photography holds no mean
Slttce. The object which each worker has in view may, and often
oes, differ widely from that which he should pursue in order to
obtain the greatest possible benefit, and in thus striking the keynote
of my paper I hope to point out in some degree the ideal all eamerists
should keep in sight. We all know the great moral axiom that we
best help ourselves by helping others ; indeed, it cannot be otherwise,
and this help can be given in many ways, only seen by those whose
minds are trained to receptivity of all progressive movements. The
human mind is an organ, a function, an intangible, incomprehensible
force — what you will ; but it U great or small, not only according^ to
the impulse behind it, but the use we make of it. We may look at
photography through a narrow or wide-angle lens, through the tele-
scope or ordinary view ; there is plenty of choice, all depends on the
will of the individual worker. Those who are able to learn by every-
thing teachable in the realms of mind and matter will find that in
photography these two forces join hands with greater or less energy
according to the object of each worker. Those will gain the most
whose ideal is the highest, and, as in union there is strength, so
photographic workers accomplish most when organized into societies,
provided the standard ia held high over men's heads and never lowered
from fear of criticism, for any purely personal or selfish motive. What
if any individual worker should come more prominently than another
into the brilliant electric light of public opmion or approbation. Is
that a reason for discouragement or lowering one's own flag ? Rather
should it be an impetus forward on the principle of the fairy in one
of Jean Ingelow's stories. "Don't you know," she said, "that in
Fairyland what you can do you may do P" The trouble is, we carry
on the fight somewhat on the free-lance principle, and " each one for
himself does not advance the genera' standard of progress. If
individual preferetice be on the high plane of real altruism, well and
good: but, usually, Uie ordinary numan being is more exercised in
raising his own special average than the general one of humanity.
" What can Photoobapht do to Elkvate the Obnkkal
AvkkaobP"
Let tu consider then what photography can do to elevate this
oenatal average. If nothing, it is worthless, bui it can do much and
It is worthy of thoughtful considaration.
The adage that " beauty is it* own excuse for being " does not entirely
cover photography. The latter adds to the cultivation of the beauti-
ful, that of the useful. Thousands of feet below the earth's surface,
as regards land and sea, has the keen eye of the lens revealed to us
once nidden mysteries, and beyond the systems of worlds heretofore
unknown has it opened limitless possibilities. What other art or
science can claim so muchP In the astronomical equipment of
Harvard University, near Boston, is being set up the largest photo-
graphic lens ever made, to be electrically controlled in correspondence
to the motion of the earth. The lens has a twenty-four inch aperture,
and will be used on a fourteen by seventeen plate. The time is fast
approaching when photography will be utilised in all the countless
ramification* of human knowledge, and there is no use in artists or
seientieta denying what will m^on be an undeniable fact. Even on the
loweat plane of merely personal help to each individual worker,
photography ia a pursuit embodying in itself broad scope for culti-
vating the powers of the keenest brain. Much more is this increased
when we take into conaderation our fellow-workers. Every thought
which finds effect in word or act is a stone dropped into the stream of
hnmai^ life whose widening circles touch and influence countless
olBfrs.
Thk Object of the Ijimvidcai. Wobkbu.
Speaking of the individual worker, what is and what should be his
object in this work ? We know they are not always the same thing.
He begins, we will say, because it is suggested to him as an amuse-
ment, and many never get any further. They can be left out of the
question ; but to those who once begin to make a study of the work and
find it broaden into one field after another, filling one's utmost limit
of mental effort, the interest grows more absorbing ' as they realise
that however great may be their progress, they will never know all
there is to be known. The object which at first is pleasure only in
the sense of recreation, becomes then something far nobler as a
662
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGKAPHY.
LOctober 14, 1892
powerful factor in training, what we «peak of so often, and com-
prehend 80 incompletely, the human intellect.
If we accept the object of photography as being a mental education,
how can it best benefit us ? In every study those gain most who
come equipped for work by natural or acquired gifts. Perhaps no
one faculty m photography is more quickly called into exercise, or
more rapidly improves, than that of observation. As this grows
keener, the eyes stimulate the brain to act, and in landscape work
alone, a fuller, richer appreciation is daily given us of the world of
nature. The shortest journey shows us what we might otherwise
pass by unheeding, and extended travel sends us home benefited by a
wealtli of experiences which many of our fellow-travellers lose. We
do not need to go on land and sea for such ; often near our own doors
we learn to see a constantly varying panorama of change. I do not
believe that in any more efficient way can we be helped than by aiding
this very faculty of observation, especially in the young, when it can
be made a fixed habit.
PORTIIAITCBB AND ITS OBJECTS.
Passing from the world of nature to that of man, we find that,
although we are usually gifted with the same physical organs and
general appearance, that such are capable of iufinite variety when
looked at from different standpoints. In portraiture, the object
should be to truthfully and kindly represent the sitter's best aspect.
We have in this to struggle against preconceived prejudices, as people
always think they know for themselves what the old woman called
her " congregation side," and it is well occasionally to see ourselves
with others' eyes. Once in a portrait gallery I heard a lady say,
looking at her proof, " I don't like it at all, but it looks just like me."
Another time, the photographer said to me, " There's Mr. A. has been
here four times this week to sit, and yet is not satisfied." Do we all
know our best side ? Every portrait photographer who properly
knows his business, understands that tlie first grand requisite of
success is to make the sitter feel at ease under far different circum-
stances from his usual ones. It would bo well if this was more
carefully considered and made a more striking feature in our studios,
but it draws heavily on one's nerve force, and necessitates more of a
strain than most operators are willing to endure, unles.s really in love
with their work, which the majority are not. I have had occasion to
see a good deal of the inside of a professional studio, and a day's
observation of the different sitters gives an entertaining study of
human nature. I have often thought it would pay to have a regular
adviser or art director in the studio to advise sitters, men and women,
for one is no wiser than the other, what to wear and how to wear
it to obtain an effective picture. If tlie operator attempts this, he
too often meets a sharp rebuff. The amateur, if he be willing to use
time and patience, has often a great advantage over the professional in
respect to this question of being at ease, as Ms work is done usually
amid familiar surroundings. I undertook once to photograph an old
artist friend, who would not assume any but the stiffest possible pose
of the shoulders, imtil I placed a palette and brushes in his hand,
when his whole attitude became at once perfectly easy, because
natural. Figure studies, tojone who has a taste for them, are the
most fascinating and, at the same time, most trying and diflicult
branch of photography. There is always something to learn in it, and
its difficulty is, to me, its greatest charm. What is easy presents no
attractions.
The Uses of Photogbaphic Societibs,
Every worker is more or less influenced by others, therefore he
best utilises his own efforts, and in his turn exerts influence, by
joining, as before suggested, a photographic society. The ideal one
has yet to be invented or evolved as the tribes of men increase in
not merely technical knowledge, but common sense. As at present
constituted, they form, in the main, excellent schools as regards
practice for those workers already somewhat proficient, but should do
more for the beginner than is the case. As managed here and in
America, they vary greatly, and each might gain by adopting some
of the others' methods. I differ from my compatriot. Dr. Mitchell,
in his advocacy of the club system, believing in the work as a mental
education, not as a mental recreation. One point generally lost sight
of in such organizations, as soon as they become prosperous, is the
great law of majorities — the greatest good of the greatest number.
Few human beings are capable of self-abnegation under such circum-
stances, and when they are, it is often to meet criticism, if not oppo-
sition, on the part of those less disinterested than themselves. The
true worker should, however, like the Alpine climber on the glacier, be
80 busy in cutting steps for his feet, that he cannot watch the pro-
gress of others, but must attend to his own. When comparative
success is gained, then comes the danger common to success, believing
the summit has been reached, than which there is no more fatal de-
lusion. It is possible, in tracing out the various by-paths of photo-
graphy, to make the pursuit in large measure a liberal education, and
the widest culture can be used advantageously. 1 believe in a sound
technical training in optics, chemistry, and mechanics, an elementary,
if no more, art training, and a wide reading of the best general
literature. Here is where so many photographers — more profes-
sionals, perhaps, than amateurs — fail to realise the importance of cul-
tivated intelligence in what claims, and rightly so, to be ranked
among the fine arts. One should also make a point of keeping in
touch with all that is being said and done through the various photo-
graphic journals in different countries, not worK on blindly in one's
own little special pathway.
PHOTOQHArHT AN ADJUNCT TO MkNTAL StHDIBS.
If the object of photography is to educate, that means liberalise,
and for this a thousand ways are opened through literature, science,
and art. Decrying the increase of illustrations by photography as
injuring wood-engraving, for instance, is like the rebellion of hand-
work as against machinery. The world does move if people will act
as did some Indians once on the American prairies who attempted to
stop a train by holding a long leather lariat across the track. The
Indians suffered, not the train. Photography is a most important
adjunct in nearly all mental studies, and will become more so as its
facilities for work increase. Let each one, therefore, follow out his or
her own salvation, grateful for criticism or praise, whichever best
aids in keeping high the standard already indicated. Lenses, cameras,
instruments of all kinds are only means to an end, discussions upon
them and upon methods of work are only valuable as they conduce to
the further elevation of photography itself.
I feel strongly on this subject, beUeving firmly that photography
can be of such incalculable benefit to all who pursue it with single-
ness of purpose, or with a desire to help others. In this connexion
let me heartily endorse and offer hearty co-operation to the affiliation
scheme recently proposed by the Cheltenham Society. It is a move
in the right direction, and deserves the endorsement of similar organi-
zations, wherever located. While not criticising those who look at
the object of photography from a different standpoint than my own,
I merely place myself on record as regarding photography in the light
of a vital, educational force ; a responsibility, and not a plaything ; a
power which can be used in so many ways when seriously considered
that I cannot but feel it a privilege to be numl)ered among its ad-
herents. Time and conscience prevent my wearying you with a longer
paper, and yet I feel the subject has been very inadequately treated,
my only consolation being that, in presenting it to you, I am enabled
to emphasise my strong interest in the work to which my time and
energies are devoted. Cathaiiine Weed Barnes.
AMIDOL.
This new developer has come to stay. Such is, I venture to say, the
opinion of all who have tried it, or, better still, used it for many
negatives, and on various occasions, because the ability to pronounce
upon the merits of an article simply by trying it, instead of using it,
is given to few of us.
The writer has now, for several weeks, used amidol, and has
developed over fifty half-plates in the same solution, but additions of
amidol, sulphite of soda, and bromide have been made. It will now
be explained how and why these additions were made, and it will also
show how plastic the material is in the photographer's hands.
ll pon writing Messrs. Fuerst Brothers at the earliest stage of all,
the writer was informed they could not supply less than twenty-five
one-ounce bottles of amidol. (It may be mentioned here that they will
now either supply one ounce, or else give away a sample.) AVell, after
a good hunt round town, three-quarters of an ounce were obtained
from a photographic dealer, in a bottle without any label or instruc-
tions, accompanied with the remark, " I don't think we shall keep it,
as there is nothing like good old pyro." Upon further examination at
home, the crystals looked very like hydroquinol, or a preparation of
hydroquinone. Being anxious to try the material at once, a plate
was exposed in the camera, short, normal, and full exposure being
given on one half-plate, by the simple dodge of raising the shutter
one-third, two-thirds, and full. Some of the amidol in the meantime
was dissolving in three ounces of water ; within twenty minutes this
was dissolved, poured into a developing dish, and the plate placed in
the same. Witliin a few seconds the three exposures became visible, and
eventually the one that had received the shortest exposure was the
most satisfactory negative, the fully exposed part being flat and greyed
all over, and the normally exposed one being in a similar condition
ottowivunq
THB BBITISH JOURNAX, OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
6^
upon looking at it, Init Vytranmittecl light it wm seen that the fog or
MWijnMi in tbe shadows wm yerj sUgfat, and would not detrast from
It aa a good dense printer. It may be well to sar that the words
slaw, normal, and full, referred to the exposure needful to have pro-
duced a aagative of good or full dense printing quality by a hydro-
animHM dereloper. The lesaon learnt was, Give shorter exposures :
which, balls' translated, aMaat, This is the dereloper for the winter
days now rapidly apmoaiefaing, and indicated that it was a most
suitable devvlupar for anUran's portraita and groups and other work
in which a minimoni of •noaaie bad or has to be given. It may be
inteieetiag to mentiaa bore taat (1) the exposures were made in a studio,
(2) the lens was a rapid rectilinear, n.*ing the largest stop supplied by
the maker. fS, and that on that particular day five seconds was the
~»iii«l exposure. Tbe "short" pottions had two and a half sectmds,
•■A the " full" portioN seven and a baV seconds. That is, half the
annnrf «xpaaars m one caee, and half as much sgain as tbe normal in
tiieotliarcaee.
Now to retnni to the dereloper. It soon changvd colour, so a little
•ulphhe of soda was added, and by the aMiming it bad considt- rsbly
eieaied, and it is now pale sherry eoloar. Tbe next day another plate
itaied, aad after tJao^ it waa iaeo to be oorered with a ginid
Kita: upon eiamiiiing the (Bab, it was observed that the rides
ivarad with fine sand-like er3FStals, Filter the developer
imaaediatalT flashed through oas'a hnan. This waa done, and tbe
next mx half-platea devekiped came up clean, dense, and just right
pciatiag density.
The next day a sample bottle anivad, and with it instructions and
proportions : sis these will be with the amidol mv readers may use I
will not repeat the formok, beyaad»yiag amidol is a complete deve-
loper by itself: bat the addnkw of salphite of soda 8ap|diaa the
Jtti nmadad if many pkte* are to be developed in one solution, and
alee piesw las the solution from the actioa of oxygen. The makers
adviaa the a^ition of a bromide, if thought necessary, and it is
■ctoniahiiv what a quantity of hroBide of potaarinm oan be used with-
oot My pastosfitible sfewing takiag pboe, or even any apparent
To rmaam again. Tea mneaa otdevaloper waa made up according
|[i fiiawila. anil it worked neither hatter nor wofse than the old de-
Taloper made up by rale of tbomb, aa stated in the commencement,
more of each chemical betng added in the advised proportions, and the
aofartioa filteiad tmdk time aftar naiag. Tkis u t*ry imporimil, sa the
crratala do not saaa to dcpa«t oa taahottle, but nmain in suspension.
Two experinieata made naalted in fHlure.
To a hydroquinone developer amidol was added, and a plate de-
valopsd— rasnlt, faint imagv, onivaml grey deposit, with a few spots.
Mast wna triad starting tM ilaiiiluyaiil m amidul, and transferring
tfaa plata U a hydroaoiaaw defdopar— rMolt, fair image, thin, but
avh ft ilwlifnl Mippiy of Uadc apots, evidaatly the etystals above
■wtinawl. praaipitatad upon tha pkta, aad Unu cawag greater
danaity.
To thoaa who have attd iihaiggan and hydroquiaone together, or in
aspanto hatha aa a darvdopar, the laaaoo will be apparent why the laat
two asperincnta w«re maae.
Is conclasioo, amidol in sdatioo should be on the shelvea of every
woikar, even if not naed lagularly. It will be found moat useful on
thoae negatives that have rsoeived a short exposure, or those sitters
who phc^ograph with extraaMS of light and shade, as aome nigged
faoea do, and theae ao often ooae on bad days, or after the beat light
haagooe.
The solntion now meaamea ten oonees, and although over 6ftT
half-platea have been developed in it its power b still unexhausted.
It mav b« amidol will tarn out to be similar to a good acetate soda
tvniag bath. Just add gold each time you tone, and it will, like
Ibmjiauu'a brook, " go on for evar." Aacinw Cl^rkb.
TOXIXO PLATINUM PRINTS WITH URANIUM.
I BAva recently been worldng with the new cold-bath platinotype
paper, aad I find, aa no doaU others have done, that many prints,
aluoagh. aa f ar aa one coold judge on taking them fn.m t),.- printing
fraaM, taa dataib were apparent, yet, on develoi •'d out to
be onderftiMed. This, in passing, I may remsr ^ :ily draw-
back I hare discovered in tbe use of the new papt-r. The tones in
prints rigfatly printed are admirable, and when brush development is
' the Boraal davrioper being mixed with an equal quantity of
Maefdeve'
the undei^printed prints could be improved by uraniuoi toning, and I
made up the following solutions : —
A.
Uranium nitrate 10 grains.
Glacial acetic acid 1 drachm.
Water to 5 ounces.
B.
Ferridcyanide of potasuum 10 grains.
Glacial acetic acia 1 drachm.
Water to o ounces.
For use, mix equal quantities of A and B. These solutions, unmixed
will keep for an indefinite time, but, after mixing, very soon de-
teriorate.
The prints are developed and fixed in the usual way, and after tliey
have been dried should be inserted, one by one, in the toning solutioa,
and will then, if nil the irun has been properly fixed out, tone to any
colour, from a nice brown to a Bartolozzi red, according to the time
they are left in the solution. In onler to make sure of the absence of
iron from the paper, it is desirable, when it is proposed to tone prints,
to give them an extra bath of double-strength hydrochloric acid ; the
presence of iron is shown in the toning process by blue stains.
The colour in the prints, when obtained, appears to me to be per-
manent, but, as I have only recently commenced experiments, it is, of
coarse, difficult at present to be certain as to this. It seems to me
that this process could be applied to produce sepia prints, and thus
avoid having to use the special paper supplied by the Platinotype
Company. F. FitzPaynk.
I » »
THE MANIPULATION OF CHLORIDE OF SILVER
GELATINE PAPER.
[Birmiagham Photogisphio Soeietr.]
I.v laying before you my method of manipulating chloride of silver
gelatine paper, I make no pretentions to exhaustivenese or complete-
ness, either as to the varioos ways in whicii the paper mar be treated
or of the various makes obtainable. Besides some that I made my-
self some years ago, the only brands I have used much are the Ilfonl,
the Eastman, and the Birmingham i'hotographic Company's " Criterion,''
most of my prints being on the llford and the Hrmingham paper.
Although the general treatment of them is the same, they nil hav«
variou" characteristics, which require to be known. They differ from
each other in tbe colour they assume in the printing, and they behave
ditferently in the after-operations of toning and fixing. You will see
tliat they are over-printed, certainly not more, if so much, as albumen
prints, and in this particnlar they compare favourably with .some of
the older gelatine papere, which ivquirea such a depth of over-printing
as to render it difncult and uncertain to print to a nicety on them.
The loss of depth with these papers occurs mostly in the wsishiug
before toninc and they low but little in tlie fixing. They lose less
with the C'lmbined toninif and fixing than with toning and fixing done
separately. Gelatine chloride paper must be kept dry, as it is more
susceptible to damp than albumen paper ; if not kept dry, it wi^l
give patchy and uneven prints. If the printing is done out of door«,
it win be advisaUe to have an indiarubber pad in the frame at the
back of the paper, otherwise it is not necei«sary. After the prmting
comes the toning, and the formulae for toning these papers are ytrty
numerous.
Toxi.vo AND Fixi.no with tub ConniNBD Bath.
Tbe toning and fixing operations may be conducted separately, or a
combined toning and fixing bath may be used. The simple toning
bath varies from tbe ainsle sulphocysnide of ammonium and chloride
of gold one to one of hi& a dozen chemicals, and some of tbe oomi^
bined baths are atapendons mixtures, contaiuing alum and lead salt
abominations. Why they are out of place is because they decompose
frtyesriaa, tba proeata of devefepoent is very much under control
Aa platiaolypa paper ia rather expaoa««» I tiioaght I wouU try if
image,
causing what is known as sulphuration, or sulphur toning; and
prints so toned are liable to fade and discolour. I have here a series
of eight prints toned and fixed in the combined bath. Four of them
are on the Eastman paper, and four on the liirrainghom Photographic
Company's " Criterion " psper. Two of each s-jrt of paper mmi
treated in a bath containing — ' > ^
Hypostilphito sodium 4 ounces.
Suphocyanide ammonium 100 grains.
Phosphate sodium 00 „ ,
Chloride gold 2 „
Water 16 ounces.
664
l-HE BIUTISa JOURNAL OF PHOTOGUAPHY.
[October 14, 1892
The other four were treated in a bath in -which one hundred grains
of borax replaced the phosphate of sodium, and you will see on
inspection that there is no perceptible difference in tone.
AH combined baths require an unfixed print or some scraps of
silvered paper soaliing in some hours before use. The one great
recommendation of the combined bath is, of course, that it is much
less trouble ihan toning and fixing separately, there is much less swill-
ing and wasliing. The danger attending its u.se is that, when it has
been in use some time,, the fixation of the prints may be imperfect, and,
although the gold may be exhausted, it will go on toning. Now,
these condilicns, imperfect fixation and sulphur toning, are precisely
the conditions under which the print may be certain of a short life,
and will result in the unmerited condemnation of paper and bath.
I know of no reason why, if the bath be used fresh and with
sufficiency of gold, the toning and fixing should not be complete and
the prints be as permanent as if tieated in any other way ; but, if the
bath is used too much, you get yellow-stained prints with the half-
tones, a most unpleasant colour.
I have here some prints made on the Ilford paper more than twelve
months ago, and treated in the combined bath. You will see that
they are warm in tone, and the combined bath has in my hands given
better results in this particular than separate toning. When using
the combination bath, the colour is judged from the surface, not by
looking throDgh, and the prints dry perceptibly darker.
Toning Pubk and Simple.
Coming now to toning pure and simple, the bath I have used
mostly is the Ilford formula, viz. : —
Sulphocyanide ammonium J50 grains.
Chloride gold 2^ „
Water 16 „
When a tube of chloride of gold is broken it has to be made up into
a solution of definite strength, and will usually be found to be
decidedly acid. A small scraping of ordinary chalk, not French chalk,
should be shaken up in it to counteract this acidity. The prints
require washing in several changes of water before toning, and they
should not be left soaking in the first two changes. On immersion in
the toning bath the prints change more or less with various papers to
a yellow colour. This soon passes away, being succeeded by a purplish
brown, and the progress of the operation is judged by holding the
print up against the light. At first the print appears of a reddish
colour all over. The next stage the lighter half-tones become dark or
black, followed by the middle tones, and when the red has almost dis-
appeared from the deep shadows the toning is complete, the surface
colour being of a peculiar bluish purple. A washing in two or three
changes of water follows, and fixing in hyposulphite of sodium three or
four ounces to the pint of water, a small bit of washing soda being
dropped in to counteract possible acidity. The prints require a final
washing of about two hours under the tap or in a pan of water
changed many times. This toning bath, as you will see from these
prints, gives dark tones, being what I might perhaps call a warm
black. With this bath I have been unable to obtain the lighter or
brown tones on any of these papers.
If the print is taken out while there is any considerable portion of
led left in it, you have the shadows of a brown colour, but the lighter
parts have toned completely to the warm black, and the result is an
unevenly toned print, as in two 1 wiU pass round. With this bath,
therefore, you have to tone completely, and it has the advantage that
you can depend upon getting a very fair uniformity of colour in the <
prints. The bath will keep, and can be used for some time, but I
prefer to use it not more than two or three times, adding, of course,
more gold as required. It is recommended to use the old bath as
part basis for a new one, but I prefer to make up a fresh one, having
a weakness for new and clean baths. Most of the toning troubles
with this paper will be found to arise from an insufficiency of gold,
and we should be generous with the gold, remembering that the more
fold the prints will take up the better it will be for their permanence,
have used the borax toning with the Ilford paper, and have obtained
pleasing, warm tones with it, as seen from these prints. The propor-
tion is ninety grains borax to sixteen ounces water ; gold, two grains,
more or less. Gelatine papers require careful handling, as the gelatine,
when wet, is very soft and soluble. Advantage is taken of this soft-
ness, when wet, to squeegee it, as it is called, on to a surface of glass,
or other suitable non-absorbent material. When dry, it is stripped
off, and retains the impression, whether glazed or matt, of the surface
on which it dried. All mine are, as you see, matt-surfaced, and are
done on ground glass, and as there is sometimes a difficulty ex-
perienced in separating the print, or some portions of it, from the
glass, I have thought it best to go into details. ' .
How TO Obtain Matt Surfaces.
In the first place, you must have the right sort of ground glass; the
ordinary window description is of no use at all for the purpose, it is
altogether too rough and coarse, and the prints will not separate
readily, neither will it give the surface required. The sort to employ
is such as is used for focussing screens in cameras. The first thing to
be done is to make the glass thoroughly clean, and this I do with
soap, soda, hot water, and a .scrubbiug- brush. I do not find acids
ammonia, or suchlike, at all necessary. Give the glass a good,
scrubbing on both side«, and then wash thoroughly under the lap,
rubbing it all over both sides and edges so as not to leave any trace
of soap or dirty water. Then dry off with a perfectly clean cloth.
This done, it has to be rubbed over with French chalk on a piece of
soft rag. Use plenty of the chalk and rub it well all over, but not
hard enough to bruise the talc. If the chalk sticks on to any parti-
cular part and wUl not rub off, it is a patch of dirt, and is insuffi-
ciently washed. It is not necessary to wash the glaas every time it is
used ; if it is kept clean and not finger-marked on the surface used, it
only requires rubbing lightly over with the chalk. Another point,
too, worth noting is that after tlie glass has been stripped from a few
times the adhesiveness of the print is veryjmuch reduced. The first time
of stripping, the hold on to the glass is so great that you feel sure some-
thing will happen, but after a few limes the print comei away quite
easily and altogether. The print may be squeegeed on to the glass
direct from the washing water, or it may be dried first. I usually let
mine dry, and lay them down on the gla«s some other convenient time.
Taking a dry print, then, it is immersed in clean water till quite limp,
which will be in a minute or two, but do not leave it soaking for a
length of time. Having then lightly dus^ted off the French chalk with
a clean, dry cloth, we brush over the surface of the print while under
water with a camel's-hair brush to remove air-bubbles and any dirt
there may be there, and lift out the print by two corners, bringing
with it as much water as we can. Then we lay it down on the glass
in such a manner as to cause the water to drive out the air from
between, and finish with a few light strokes with a roller squeegee.
When it is thoroughly dry, but not before, the point of a knife is
inserted under a corner, and the print lifted from the glass.
Edwin Undebwood.
PHOTOGRAPHIC INDUSTEIES.
Messes. Newman & Guabdia.
Fob several years past the name of " Newman " has been associated with
the invention and production of several excellent shutters, sheaths, hand
cameras, &a., which have enjoyed a large measure of popularity. Quite
recently a reconstitution of the firm of which Mr. Newman is the
accomplished chief has taken place, that gentleman having associated him.
self with Mr. J. Guardia, who, we believe, is hardly less expert in photo-
mechanics than his partner. As is but natural in modern business
enterprises, this new arrangement has led to increased activity in the
production of the firm's specialities, and it is doubtless safe to prophecy
that Messrs. Newman & Guardia will in the future not fail to occupy and
maintain a position second to none in prominence in their own especial
line of business.
On the occasion of a recent visit to the firm's business premises, we
were pleased to note unmistakable signs of activity, something like
forty hands, Mr. Guardia told us, being employed. Hand cameras and
the firm's new patent changing backs in various stages of preparation
met our gaze, and we were particularly interested at observing the ex-
cellence and conscientiousness of the work put into the wooden bodies of
the cameras — a point, of course, which in the finished article would
escape the attention of the purchaser. In the way of hand cameras,
indeed, many movements of great combined simplicity and effectiveness
were shown us, many of which are adapted to existing cameras of the
firm's make, while others are doubtless to appear in future productions.
These included a neat and effective self-capping arrangement, small
rapid spring doors for disclosing the lens when one is ready to expose,
and other convenient devices. The changing back for either films or
plates (which are held in sheaths), both in the action of the lifter and in
the removal of the plate to be exposed from the back to the front, ready
for exposure, is remarkably simple and reliable.
In the production and fitting of the various parts of the firm's shutters,
hand cameras, changing backs, &c., a considerable quantity of ingenious
machinery is, of course, employed, and all this, we believe, has either
been adapted by Mr. Newman himself or laid down under his personal
superintendence ; that gentleman also exerting a like degree of super-
vision over the practical part of the business. Altogether, among
Otiohet 14. URS]
THE BWTISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
665
modem photogimptiie bmineaaM, Utmts. Newman i: Oaanlia's fills
an fTMttV'* pontiao with tha b«it •ntieipationg of considerable
cxpanrinn
On* of the firm's moat recent introdoctioas ii the " N. ft G." ala-
mmimn blind ihutter, whieh is fitted with pneamatie regnlation release
and ttopinng gear. Besides witnessing the fitting together of the
shutters' rarioas parts, Sir. Gaardia showed as a collection of the latter,
and it was as surprising as it wa^ agreeable to as to note with what
aeeorae7, finish, and delieacy those puts had been made. A farther
licint deeerring of notice is that the parts are interchangeable, so that the
zeplaeement of any one of them is eSeeted with the almost ease.
TU* IfafrlmnsaWity applies to IIm bUad, whieh is of a ipeeiallr
pttpared mktarial ; whik BMt of the pMto of the shatter are of ala-
miaiom, bsMS ooly htbog used to a snMll extant and that alone where
imperatire. Tha littitnsas of the alamiaiom inner rollers and other
parts is remarkable.
In action, tha lerer, as shown in tha act, is polled ap, and the index
hand set to tba sxpoaore reqoired, as markad on the dial at the side,
tha rclaMa baing nada in tha ordinary war. In working, the abeenoe of
)ar or vihntlioa ia trary notiesabia— this being doe, of coarse, to the air
•oahioB at tba boMon ol the eylindar. It ia eUaad that this gives the
woiktaig parte aa iaunonity from wear aa4 tear, and «a ahonld think
that pnedea would wall jnatify aoeh a elaim. TIm shottar may also be
osed for time expoauaa, tba flgnraa oa the dial marking axposares tat
(rom oaia aaeood down to a Attiath. It may be fitted at the back ol the
laaa. on tba hood or ikont, or between the lenses. Mr. Newman informed
OS that tha ijslaui o( taating tba rapidity of the shatter ensnree great
aeeoraey.
light, wan nmda, neat, rimpla, aad aeianUfleaUy thought oat, the
•• N. * a." shottar ia a varitaMa photcpaphh laxvry and, at tha same
, —doahtadly a osafnl oo*. Wa pndlat grea^ popularity for it
MB. P. HOLLTEB'S EXHIBITION OF PLATINOTTPE
BEPBODUCTIOSa
Ax tha Dodlay Oallary, Piecadilly, Mr. F. HoUyer has gathered together
MMManUy 0>««r 100 ol bis platinotype reproduetions ol pietures by
•Daiaat aad mudata maslars, and a few ptaewt-day artists who aspire to
•tlBia the lattar nak. Both as examples of tba alaatidty of power which
|ilintignp^ baa ia rapfodaeiag in moaochioma tha relatiTe tone Talues,
tha fmtamlaami aCteta of lifting , atmoaphara, aad d eooiaa the subtle-
tiea in aaaiyaritto d a paiatsr'a wgck, aa well as an attaatation o( the
remarkabia tailaWWty of tba ^atiaam-printing proeaaa for the purpose,
Mr. BoOyaf ■ ■sbOHfaa ia aapaefaUy latareatiag to photograpbera.
Of tUa •• fialMa aopisr o( tha first elaaa " as Mr. H. P. Bobinson, with
aana<Aat waalj jaatiaa, thought fit to call Ur. HoUyer, Mr. Horace
Townaaad baa tha loOowiog remarks in tha aatalogoa to the pictures : —
" In theea daya ol osanbandaat art slang and stndio jargon it is difii-
colt to define simply, aliifMtadly, aad yat aaavineingly, aa artistic posi -
tion ; but it seems at least plausible to advance the thesis that the
elevation of picture-copyinK from a mechanical process to an artistic
method necessitates the bestowal apon the reproduction of a portion of
the reproducer's personality.
Here it is, I thinli, that Mr. Hollyer's work is in especial heedworthy,
if not absolutely epoch-making as regards the history of photography.
To me at least, in the interesting series of reproductions he has for
the first time brought together, there is abundant evidence that, apart
from all questions of technical excellence, there is here to be found in
each example, however widely differing may be the methods of the original
creators, the strenuous note of his own individuality. In each case, how-
ever, this harmonises and makes no discord with the exemplar.
How this personal element can assert itself in defiance of the rigid
bonds of whatiwould appear to be so purely scientific or mechanical a pro-
cess as copying a picture by photographic methods, is an inquiry perhaps
as bootless as it would be involved and curious. Those, however, who are
in a measure acquainted with the practical procedure of photography,
and nowadays these are no few, may be reminded that there are three
points at least in that procedure at which the artistic individuality of the
operator may over -ride his mechanical limitations — namely, the focussing,
the developing, and the manipulation of the printing from the negative.
The charge has, and not without foundation, been brought against
Mr. Hollyer's reproductions that there is in them not only the original
artist bat a suggestion of Mr. HoUyer himseU, and this in spite of the
fact that there is absolutely no retouching of the negative. So far from
looking upon this as a defect it seems to me to be the differentiating
touch which elevates his work from a process into an art."
Of the pictures in which, to our thinking, Mr. HoUyer is most suc-
eeasful in reproducing, Moreland's Stable, Hohhema's Avenue, and the
small eoUection from the recent Exhibition of the new English Art Club
in the same room, deserve particular notice. The portrait Stadij of
Prince Trouvetski is an espeoiaUy happy example of the way in which
Mr. Hollyer has preserved the lights and tones of the original. Among
the miscellaneous collection are copies of works by Dawson, Rubens,
Etty, Boaa Bonbeur, Reynolds, Corot, da Vinci, Raphael, Velasquez, &o.
There are eighteen copies of Rossetti's pictures, many of which are
fmniliar to the Students of the contents of printsellers' windows ; sixty of
Borne Jones's ; forty-five miscellaneous subjects by O. F. Watts, together
with thirty-eight of the latter artist's well-known portraits, and many
other subjects. In few if any of these reproductions has Mr. Hollyer
failed to prove that, as a master of photographic technique, applied to
oopying'.pnrposee, he is fadlt prineept, while it is just as obvious that he
is animate by the soundest artistic judgment. Mr. HoUyer's Exhibition
should do much to popularise platino^pe reproductions, in preference
to the almost too-pievalent cheap photogravures '.nd etchings of well-
known pictures.
EXTRACT FBOM THE DAn.T PRESS ON THE
PHOTOGRAPHIC E.XHIBITION.
[St. JametU GatetU.\
Omz photographic exhibition varies but little from its fellows, and as
each soooessive one comes round the same expectations are aroused, and
disappointments ensue ; expectations aroused by the continuous energy
displayed by manufacturers of apparatoa, and by the pubhc m making use
of the same ; disappointments caused by the slow advances apparent i n the
standard of production, and the still more tardy march of the profi'ssionals
towards an artistic sense. At the Exhibition of the Photographic Society
of Great Britain, now open in PaU Mall East, one would hope to find, if
anywhere, imptovements apparent in both of these. But this is not to
any extent the eaaai There are, undoubtedly, many examples of me-
flhaniiTal aabievamaats — enlargements which cover such areas that no
single pieoe of paper is large enough to carry them, as ill-disguised joints
testify ; visions of the growth of snob evanescent creations as clouds, of
interest, beauty, and use ; photographs printed on paper so as to convey
tha daeiption of being works painted by band. But alongside of this
tfasiWiri^uch that is terrible to the artistic eye, and which, conceived
with the idea that it is artistic, can only warimnt its reception here to
maateiy over mfohsnl<^l difficnltics. Such are the unnatural tableaux
vivanU, the stagy interiors with ill-assorted figures, the portraits of
nymphs, shepberdesses, and children mast-headed, which we may expect
to find held np for admiration by the tout outside the shilling photo-
graphers' in the Euston-road, but not by the premier Society in England.
In landscape and architecture, which admit of little posing, and which
are, we imagine, principally the work of amateurs, the results are better.
Attention in this departure may be directed to the works of Karl Greger ;
Colonel Gala; H. J. Godbold, whose Roelut to the Beieue is most
interesting ; B. Gay Wilkinson, who received a medal, but whose work
appears to be lacking in detail (vide, pattim, JVeitmintter) ; W. R. Cassels,
who portrays a delightful reminiscence of a Mentone valley ; Henry
6C6
THE BRITISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[Octole.-14, 1802
Little, with a remarkable bromide enlargement of the Vatican Library ;
U. French ; Mrs. Main ; and W. Thomas. Nor must the interesting
and instructive series of lantern slides, iUustrating Bees and Bee-culture,
by T. E. Freshwater, be overlooked. It ia said that the Society is at
present disturbed by the action of a certain section of its members who
are not satisfied with the quality of some of the work admitted to its
EzhibitiooB. We are not surprised to hear this.
®ur iSliitorial JTatle.
Photogbaphic Chemicals.
By Messrs. Hareihgtok Bkothees, Cork.
This well-known firm of chemical manufactures have sent us
samples of pure chemicals specially prepared by them for the use
of pliotographers. Among these are sulphite of soda, oxalate of
potash, acetate and carbonate of soda, and similar productions in
every-day use. We have found them quite pure and good.
Mbssbs. Pebcy Lund & Co., of Bradford, have submitted to us a
panoramic album for photographs, its distinctive feature being that
the photographs do not require mounting, but may bs placed in
small slits made at the comers. It should prove useful for holding a
series of small prints for carrying in the pocket, &c.
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK.
DstooIMwUng.
Name of Society.
Place of Meeting.
October 17
17
:: 1? ::::::
" \l
Asso. Studio, Nethergate, Dundee.
180, West Kegent-Btreet. Glasgow.
Glasgow & West of Scotland Am.
Hastings and St. Leonards
Greyhound Hotel, Richmond.
Hanover Hall, Hanover-park, S.E.
College Hall, South-street, Exeter.
18
18
'. 18
Society's Rooms, 136, High-street.
18 r
19
14, St. Mary-street, Brechin.
19
Temperance Hall, Bury.
' i9
" il
Victoria Hotel, Manchester.
19 :::;;:
19
PhotograpMc Club
Anderton's Hotel, rieet-street,E.C.
Y.M.C.A.-buildings, Landport.
.. 19 ■■■:.:
„ 19
„ 20
„ 20
Weet Surrey „
Birmingham »..
St. Mark's Schools, Battersea-rise.
Lecture Boom, Midland Institute.
Gresham Hall, Brixton.
„ 20
Camera Club
Charing -cross- road, W.C.
20 .
Museum Com. Room, Kelly-street.
:. 20 :; ;
Champion Hotel, 15, Aldersgate-at.
The Lyceum, Union-street.Oldham,
„ 20
„ 21
Cardiff
„ 21
Holbom
.. 21
i> 21 ...
Leamington ...„...,
Trinity Church Room, Morton-st.
**The Palace," Maidstone.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
October 6, — Mr. Thomas Bedding in the chair.
Mr. E. J. Wall presented Eder's book on emulsion-making to the library.
A letter from Miss C. W. Bamjs was read, in which she expressed gratification
at her recent election as au honorary member of the Assoaiation. It was
stated that the display of members' slides at the Photographic Society's
Exhibition would take place on the evening of Wednesday, November 7.
Old Wet-plate Negatives.
Mr. C. Goodwin Norton exhibited a collection of wet-collodion negatives taken
in Portugal in the years 1858-63 with an ordinary achromatic meniscus lens
of 12 inches focus, the stop used being a quarter of an inch in diameter. The
apparatus was carried on the backs of two mules, water having to be fetched
from a distance of four or five miles from where the exposures were made.
The exposures averaged two minutes in bright sunshine, and the negatives
were the work of a chief engineer on a railway, who chose photography as a
means of sending home his weekly reports of the progress of the works.
Mr. Norton said he would endeavour on a future occasion to bring up for
comparison prints from the negatives made at the time, as well as others more
recently made.
Prints from negatives taken of groups of the members assembled at Hampstead
on October I, by Messrs. Bridge and Weir Brown, were shown.
Mr. T. K Freshwater passed round a collection of photographs illustrative
of bee-culture, and describeil the circumstances under which they were
taken.
QOESTIONS,
The following que.stion from the box was read : "Does a gel.-itino-bromide
plate improve during the fii-st few days or weeks after manufacture ' "
Mr. A. CowAN said that tlie keeping might harden the film, but he did not
know of any other way in whicli the plates would improve. Platf s, which ,
were known to have a tendency to frill, when kept for six months had lost the
property of frilling.
Mr. P. EvERiTT asked whether slow plates gave less gradation than rapid
plate.s. Captain Abney stated that slow plates gave less range of gradation
than rapid, out in his (Mr. Everitt's) expertenca it was rather tlie other way.
Question No. 2 : " Does glycerine in gelatino-bromide plates interfere with
their keeping or other good qualities? "
Mr. W. E. Debenham thought it would maks plates hygroscopic.
Relative Rapidity of Devblopmest.Pkintixg Papers.
Mr. B. Foulkes-Winks exhibited a number of prints from an average
negative (which he also showed) made to ascertain the relative rapidity of the
commercial bromide and other development printing papers in use. A duplex
oil lamp of sixteen candle power was the illuminant, the range of exposure
given being from ten to sixty seconds at a distance of two feet. An iron
developer was used in some cases. In other cases amidol (the results given by
which were considered very successful), hydroquinone, and rodinal were used.
These developers gave considerable variety of colour. Magnesium and gas were
also used as illuminants. In reply to Mr. Teape, he said that ferrous oxalate
gave him the best results, but the colour given by amidol was very pleasing.
Mr. Cowan and Mr. Everitt had noticed that amidol had a slight tendency
to discolour the whites of a picture, and Mr. Cowan suggested that Mr.
Foulkes-Winks should repeat the experiments with clean white margins to the
prints, so as to show the staining or non-staiuing properties of the various-
developers used.
Mr. E. J. Wall, in reference to the rapidities of the various papers as
arrived at by Mr. Foulkes-Winks, said that he had made some experiments
with the same object, but with different results, using a graduated screen of a
Wamerke's sensitometer, which lie thought was better than using an ordinary
negative and an oil lamp, at a distance of three feet. All the papers were-
exposed for a certain time, and the bromide papers were developed with fresh
ferrous oxalate for each print. He developed up to the very last number he-
could get out, and by that means calculated the speeds.
The meeting subsequently adjourned.
North London Photographic Society.— October 4, 1892, Mr. R. Tanner in
the chair. — This being tlie first Optical Lantern Night of the season, slides were-
exhibited by various members, some especially being of a very high order or
merit. Among the slides shown were some exceedingly rapid hand-camera
shots, taken by the "Frena" camera. Being so early in the season, the
quantity of work was not large, many members having hardly begun slide
printing yd. Next meeting, October 18. Technical Night and nomination of
Council and Officers for the Annual Meeting on November 1.
North Middlesex Photographic Society.— October 10. The Presiden
(Mr. J. W. Marshall) was in the chair, and between sixty and seventy
members were present.— Col. J. Gale addressed the Society and illustrated his-
remarks with a selection of beautiful lantern slides. The views were drawn
from all parts of the country, and illustrated many different phases of rustic
life and employment, and varied atmospheric effect. — sunrise, sunset, raist>
snow, lioartrost, rain, and sunshine. Among the slides were included, by
special request, a number which Col. Gale had .sho^vn on a previous occasion,
noticeably Abandoned, Tlvroiujh the l>riftwn,\j to the Fold, and a number of"
atmospheric effects on the Sussex downs. He then exhibited a fine selection
of slides by his friends Mr. Bright and B. Gay Wilkinson. Mr. Wilkinson's-
slides were chiefly beautiful studies of rustic scenery, and Mr. Bright's were
partly marine studies and partly humorous studies of children and animals.
One, of a child sitting on the sands and glowering at the camerist, caused
repeated peals of laughter. A most enjoyable evening was spent, and a vote
of thanks was moved in suitable terms by Mr. F. Cherry, and seconded by Mr.
H. Walker, who related how, when recently on a photographic tour in the
Lake district, he came across a cottager who showed him, with evident pride,
a photograph of her cottage which had been presented to her by Col. Gale.
The next meeting will be held on the 24th in.st., when an exhibition of
members' slides will .be given. Ladies are invited, and visitors will be
welcome.
Hackney Photographic Society.— The weekly meeting held last Tuesday
was an open night. Mr. Beckett presided. It was announced that Sir Albert
Rollit, who is an amateur photographer, had consented to open the Exhftitioa
on November 15 nex-t at Morley Hall. A discussion on hand cameras was
taken up. The Chairman thought more care should be used in the selection of '
a picture. The Secretary said that dust was more prevented -when dark
slides were used, and preferred their use to magazine kind. Mr. Goslinu pre-
ferred magazme if it worked. The risible faculties of the members were
tickled at this, many of whom doubtless had tried a magazine camera. Mr.-
Gosling went on to say he thought dust could be prevented causing damage to-
a great extent by painting the inside of the camera with glycerine. 'I'he
Chairman said that sky printing was more neglected than it should be. Mr.
Barker said he used a solution of bromide of potassium, applying it to the
sky to prevent the action of developer there. Mr. Hudson then showed some
prints on cellodine, a new printing-out paper not yet on the market. It was
claimed that a print could be toned, fixed, and washed in hot water, and
mounted (with permanence) in ten minutes. Mr. Pollard asked if solution of
chloro-platinite would keep. Mr. Sodeau said it would. The Chairman
thought a good way to use amidol would be dry, as it is easy soluble.
Holbom Camera Club —October 7, Mr. E. H. Bayston in the chair.— Mr.
J. H. Avery demonstrated the working of the Platinotype Company's new cold-
bath process. He hoped to show that platinum printuig by this method was
one of the simplest of printing processes, and that the- ordinary worker with
October 14, 1802]
THJi BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
667
bat liUla tfin time, and Umitad ipaca lad •pplUnces at his oommand, could
work thi* ptooaM with adTaiitagc In his opinion, while the resnlts were far
away ia adniiee of moat other printing procniM, it was at the same time
mack mot* easy aiid pleasant to work. After Auther comparing platinum
paper with other papers, he went on to speak of the working of the new paper,
which hechanctenaed as simplicity itself; no hypo baths re<|aired, no tedious
washing, and they eoold develop the prints in tneir ordinary room by either
weak daylight or gMlig^t. Mr. Avery thought the price had stopped the use
of platinotype paixr amoiurt some amatean. Many thought it excessive,
bot, if they took Into consiMration the soperior results and the small quantity
of waste prints they had, he thooght they woold find it Just as cheap as any
other paper. Ml. Krtrj then went on to give Tarioua points in favour of the
new odd^bskth praeaM over the hot- bath proeoeaw He developed a number of
printa by this new process and the nae and simplicity with which the paper
could be worked eommended itself to all neaent On Saturday last, the nnal
oating of the year took place at Weatminiter Abbey and the Houses of
Carlianwot, iUiiahing the evening with a tea and smoking coocert at the club's
beadooaiteni.
UMli^tnii uid Bi^nr«t«r Pbot«gi»phlc Boelaty.— October 10, Mr.
J. X. Bodd pnaUad.— The following gsotlaiuen were elected officers for the
comiag year :— /V«(m(«ii( ; Hon. L. x. Sinclair.— ''nn/nra.- Meaan. Bursnell,
Pngfarook, Hannafoid, J. E. and R. A Hodd, and Mote.— //ok. Tnaturer :
Mr. F. K. Hahn.— //on. StenUoTf: Mr. C. W. Brumwell 7, Lower-terrace,
.N'ott^ Hill, W. The Ainds of the .Society were ihown to be in a very
aatiiAMtory condition.
UUtmmA OUMn CtaH.— October 7. Anoal 0«Deral Meeting.— The foUow-
imr oSeen fbr tka twolag year were alacisd -.—PrtntUiU : Mr. K. I*. Cembrano,
jSL-CnmiUm: Umtn. J. H. XUhmUm, A. Atdaaeer. <:. H. IMvis, A.
'H^tm,V.timSam,Q.yf.ftaMam3.—Bom.Sn:ntan: Mr. F. i-;nnis. Thei'rmi-
lent tmaimnna that tka Anmal DiaMrvmdd be
dent mfyw^ that tka AnaiMl DtaMr «odd be on NoTsmber 38, at tlie
Ureybaoad Holal. aad that tka tiimriiiiiil «o«ld be held at the Theatre
Royal, OB JoinaiT 9, 18M. Tha aaMial tufttt aad balaace-ahaet ware ao-
ceptod. "«#— if t*"^ Oalober 10 tte ■ifHii^ will be bald on Hoadaya
instead of Ml^B.
Tn tilt aeM^ of the Wiatar SaadM task pUee on the 10th iast. it
being also tha int laeattif aad* tka aaw taadmbas. that U to say, held on
Moaday aeaata* laHwil of FMday. aad ia the laiiier iwan, to aecnrs the uae
of vhiab hM baM tha obieet of tka dMge «< da^. Tha advaatiMa of the
aaa laoei ««a ■■■l>tt, ivt», taallblloa, Ugkttng. and gaienil eocnfort
laariw boIUh to be Mnd. Mr. Ikite nMd the paper by Mr. Oawaoo on
"siSimntt,- iairt by tha Pbmiigi|iMij Badaty of Oreat Britain, aad
tka saUaet wm IDaslMtad by a Ian aaab* of eboiea prints laat by Mr.
Bamsay, te additiaa to thoae sappUad attk the Uctvra. The paper me
iiilBMllM- bat tka ahiMea of the blaehband Ulastntioaa, to which freqnaat
lina Mda, leadeiad aoiaa parttaa «f It less iaIeiUcibie than might
I hat* basB the ease.
ipUc taila^.— October S, the Prarident (Mr.
r. W. mwaids) ia the chair.— It waa ■■iwawd that the Prarident intaadad
to oOir a prias ftir the bast pietore tafcaa «a BMaat piataa, sampie« of «Meb,
by the eoortaay of tha aHkan, wen dlidrihatail, the raenlts to be judged
oa Noraabir 7. Hooa aniiriwaas of davtMlf with amidol wera ciTen. It
ttet tha davd^v baeaM faMrt airoalaarieaa If nata-bistdphite
of neda. Oaa ■awliir ftmad that nscd with
Tba
meeting.
R inodaead tot, •kOa awlhg wmnhir had mized pyro with
tathar dtwaMlna of tha aab[|aK 'wai deftmd nntil the next
ofl
tU^-,OMm 4. ant Opea UatMa Night
k— Tho'iah^ wUek Ml ia tomato darii« tha oTCalafc aoMVbat
•poOad the attaadaaca. oaly sereataia lawntii bsiM pnaaat Thosa, how-
«ver, who had braesd the elemaota were nwaided by aaaiag soom nrr fioe
■Udaa takaa oa a toar in tha SaiUy Isles aad tha Uad's End by Measra. H. aod
T Bartrop aad J. A Botler, ssraraU>r tka tea pktans evoking great ^plaosa.
.Slides wo* ak« showB by Maaia. T. r. Bookk aad A Howari.
B, the Plaeldent (Meatenant
J which,
between
asarsir
of thedaiawnMde tor boohs in
■It eoold ba aslaadsd to photo-
giip^ TboMbfaetafthaaeaaiaKaaiaBaddmsbyMr. DariaoBtonehittg
npoa a kw pweMMl paMa b lUMg » phetogiapMe amarataa ated with an
ailMiaaanaatL TMiid^aM iwiad a twat, tka n\ wjaaea of each a iwrtcer
mMt. DavtMapravtBglavalaatlala varioas way* to thosa pnaaat Snbae-
pIlT a fcw aoeahlw fai appailas wan Aowa iad dsMrlbad to the ■tasting.
thM bdadad a aMT hand
Waat tmtrn WutmmiMl 1Mll).-0«labar B, the Pneldent (Met
< oloael J. r^ic) hi the dNfrz-Tha Pumanr pn a short addnaa, in
alloding to *a walk of tha Boala^, ba Am* aa laliallag panllel I
thaiaSaweaofikalomelqr aad Mha. BatMHag to a laeart addni
JohaLabhock.
Ite
eanan aboot to botebodaead by Ma
back of Ma
A Obl. tka alBBlBlaa bUod-shatter, aad tha
k noaidia, aad a now band eanen made by Mr.
Waal Km» Atoktasr
, the flaatdsal
Hinton
Newman
r notagniphle loalaty.— October 7, Ananal Oeneral
(Mr. Aainm PtU^lo) ia the chair.— Tbe officer* for the
siod aa fcBowa t^ #V»' dsii
RMfaal.- Mr. A Piinglo— Ik;-
Mr. A R. Draaar— CoMwii .- Maani. Joeas, Coort. Taylor, Nash,
Clark, WtMBaa, araat, and PickalL— ffoa. SeenUny and Tmuurer .- Mr. E.
Hawkfatt. Tba accooat* for tba laat nar, aaditad by Massn. Clark and Wiae-
^n, waa thea pceacntod to tka PraaUaat and showed a •nbetaatial balance.
A dhcatolaa thaa arooa aa to what dwaid he done with the latter, m It was
aot IkniM aaeasaary that AM Maty Aoold go oa aceomnlatiag fnads of
this laaaaar It wm pronoaad that a asMr aad azbibitioa of membefs' work
with hartan show sheaUba gina, aad eairiad nnanimooaly. It was also pro-
tkat it dkoald be bdd ia Hidaqt PabUc HaU ia the flnt week of
A "*—'"— was tkaa appoiated of Mean. Pringie, Hawkins,
inaad thai
Daoeaifaar. _
Pickea, Taylor, aal €Me, to carrr eat aiiiiaairji crraMaaaata aad report at
atrt TTTninf PitMi fcr MtojaHMca to ba aaat to the Hoa. Hacretary not
lalar thai tha day bafcn tka»MbHloa tumti, aad aooaftaaiad prints will be
• day
IBIdto ta ba dalifad oa ar baftn ai wtlng pwvioaa to swrfa.
Croydon Microscopical and Natural History Club (PhotograplUc
Sootion). — Octoljer 7, Mr. Jno. Weir Brown in the cliair, the subject being
hand cameras and any apparatus which they (the members) may have useil,
and report on the merits and defects as shovvn in practice. — The Chairman called
attention to the club soirle being held, as usual, November 23, and, being the
twenty-third annual soirte. It was hoped that members would get forward their
work so that the Committee would be able to display and hang it to the liest
advantage. Mr. W. Low Sarjeant was imdcrtaking the management of the
photographic section of the soir^€, so that any information required could be
obtained from him. Mr. Bynoe, Messrs. R. & J. Beck's representative, then
kindly exhibited and demonstrated the use of their new ' ' Frena " hand
camera for films, taking 3ix3], weighing complete three pounds. Mr.
Tottem, Messrs. G. Houghton 8 representative, also kinilly showed the working
and uses of the " Shuttle " hand camera, which was adapted for plates and
films, the quarter-plate weighing four and a quarter pounds with plates and
three pounds with films. Mr. Low Sarjeant also exhibited two hand cameras.
Messrs. Walker and Carter and several other members showed hand cameras.
Birmingham Photographic Society. — Mr. A. .T. Leeson in the chair.— The
Assistant Secretary read a letter he had received from the President (Sir J. B.
Stone) and which was a reply to the congratulatory resolution adapted at the
meeting of the Society held August 23. Two new members were elected,
and one nominated fbr election. Mr. E. Underwood then delivered his paper
on the The ManipuUUioK qf Oelatino ■ e/Uoridt- Papfr, [see p. 663.] Mr.
Underwood, in addition to his paper, gave a demonstration which was of a
thoroughly practical nature. The squeegeeing of the prints on to ground
glasa, stripping them off, kc., was illustrated and explained in such a remark-
ably explicit manner as to call forth the admiration and thanks of the
members present. In the discussion which followed, in addition to the chair-
man (Mr. A. .). Leeson), Hesan, A .tones, J. T. Mousley, J. U. Pickard, I.
Simpkin, E. Winn, and others took part. This being the first meeting held
in the new club room, the chairman announced " tmit the meetings at the
Midland Institute would be discontinued. In future the whole of the meetings
(with the exception, perhaps, of one or two large lantern displays) w^ould be
held in the new room. 'The old club-room, which is far too small for the
requirements of the Society, will be used as a library and reading-room. The
fast of all the meetings being held in one place would, he was sure, still further
increase the attendance of the membws, and add to the success of the
Society."
Solum Photographic Society.— In connexion with the Bolton Photographic
Society, an exhibition of slides was given tn the Spinners' Hall, St. Geoiige's-
road, on Tues<l>y evening, October 5, by Mr. W. Banks, Corporation-street, the
oceasioii marking the commencement of Society's gatherings to be held during
the eomlag winter at their rooms in Rnshton-street. "rhe slides exhibited
wen the present season's by some of the largest firms of photographers in the
oooatry, such as York, Viuentine, Wilson, «c, and also by members of the
Society, and as each in turn was thrown on the canvas by tbe means of a
powerful oxy-hydrogen light thejr proved to be a very artistic collection.
Some Tiew»in Iceland were exceptionally good, as also were those of the Rocky
Mountains. Other excellent views, taken on a yachting cruise round the coast
of Scotland, came in for much admiration, whilst, for tbe edification of the
younger portion of the audience, some diverting pictures were exhibited. Dr.
Barr and Mr. J. H. Roscoe, memben of the Soaety, lent a number of slides,
dealing principally with local riews.
Ohorlay Polyteotaalc Photographic Soolety.— October 6, the President
(Mr. J. T. Brierley) in tbe chair.— It was decided to ha|e, during the winter
months, a series of demonstrations, lantern exbibitiolVs, ku. It was also
dasidad to have a Society album, and that each member of the Society will be
aspaetad to oontribute bis shan of prints v^th a note as to plate exposure,
devalopoiaat paper used, ko. Also Wednesday erening in each week was
fixed upon as tne special time when memben woold be expected to meet
together for exchange of ideas, social chat, kc
Lawea Photographle Boeiaty.— At the Monthly Meeting, Octo1>er 4, Mr. J.
Tunks (the President) gave a demonstration in making lantern slides, developing
with amidol, which was followed by a discussion. It was announced that the
qoarteriy certificate was taken by Mr. O. .t. Wightman, with a landscape in
platinotype.
Midland Camera CInb.— Annual General Meeting, October 7, the President
(Dr. liall-t'xlwanls) in the chair. The annual report showed that during the
year toaxtam general meatiiigB had been halil, with an average attendance of
tw«Bty'«igbt. The ailnr mMal for the best excursion picture wax awanled by
the Judge, Mr. F. P. Oembnno, Jan., to the late Hon. Secretary, Waiter D.
Welford, for a shot in the " Frena " hand camera. The present strength of the
club is aeventy-eif^t. The Council regretted that, owing to pressure of work,
.Mr. Welford would be naable to continue as Hon. Secretary. The Hon.
Treaaanr'a atatament showed a small balance to the good. Commenting upon
thaae reports, the Pneident eonsiderad that, thongfa they might perhaps have
ilone more, yet the work of tbe first year was eminently satisfactory. There
were idways difficulties in working a new club, members not knowing each
iillM» a link of intanat, Ac, but he considered they ha<l gone along very well.
Tbajuafvetteadaiiea of twenty -eight out of seventv mcmbeni was good, and
be *-***^— * a msatbig of a medicj society the night before, and an annual
meeting, too, 300 strong in membership, with an attendance of only ten.
Iteferring to the new rooms, he thought the members would agree that tlieir
dab-room npetain was extremely comfortable and convenient of access, whilst
the library in which ther were then seated, and which would be used for all
large meetiiigs, lantern shows, kc, was one of the most comfortable rooms in
Birmingham. Considaring the loes occasioned by the removal of the club
room, and the preHiai— ry axpaaaes of the club, the Treasurer's balance-sheet
was quite as good aa ooofd be poaribly exjwcted. The following officers were
thaa elaotad for 190-9 y-Pntidenl ■ Dr. Hall-Bawards.— l'ic«-Pr«trf«ir-
Ror. J. Bmrj.—CimneU : Mrs. Welford, Messrs. R J. Bailey, Frederick
Ilea, H. R. Leeefa, M.R.C.S., H. Roland White.— iitmrion .• R. J. Bailey.
//on. TVeonnvr.- Mr. Bam G. Miwon.— ^oti. Sterttaries : .Messn. C. Jervis,
Kowler, and FMnk U. Mason.
668
THE BKinSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[Octoter 14, 1892
Ozftord Photographic Sodatjr.— October 4, Annual (reneral Meeting. Mr.
Ryman Hall (l^esidcnt) in the chair. — The report, read by Mr. Bellamy,
showeil that sixteen memlwrs had been elected during the year, one member,
Mr. H. C. Hull, had die<l, and there had been four resignations. Nineteen
ordinary meetings had Iieen arranged, including Mr. Paul Lange's lecture on
"Norway," the proceeds of which, amounting to 15/. 10*.. were handed over
to the Rilcliffe Infirmary. Excursions had been made to places near Oxford,
and conversational meetings had been held. The average attendance showed
a decrease on the two preceding years. Two competitions liad been arranged,
but were not decided. A commencement liad been made in the formation of
library set of slides for loan to members, and atwut sixty had already been
presented. At the beginning of the year the Society was affiliated with the
Photographic Society of Great Britjin ; under this scheme many privileges
were secured to members. Tlie report acknowledged liberal donations towards
the furnishing of the rooms, and concluded by reminding meml>ers that, by a
mutual agreement, the rooms of the Photographic Society of Great Britain, and
of the Bimiingliam and Cheltenham Societies, were available for use by
members of this Society. The President remarlied that the present state of
affairs was not satisfactory, and, unless they had a considerable increase of
members, tliey could only improve their current account by increasing the
subscription from 7.«. 6d. to 10*. 6rf. Mr. Ryman Hall was elected President,
and Messrs. A. F. Kerry, M. A., and J. H. Salter and C. C. Cole, Vice-Presidents,
the name of Mr. W. W. Fisher being added in place of that of Mr. A. F.
Stanley Kent, who had removed to London. Mr. R. A. R. Bennett was elected
Hon. Treasurer vice Mr. Minn, resigned ; the Hon. Secretaries were re-elected,
and Messrs. W. J. King, G. W. Norton, A. Robinson and G. Smith, were re-
elected on the Committee, Mr. Jenkins being added in place of Mr. H. M.
Phillips (Ch. Ch.), who had left Oxfonl, and Mr. Fortt m place of the Rev.
W. H. Price, M.A., Trinity, resigned, and Dr. M. D. Stark.
Botherbam Fboto^phlc Society.— October 4, Annual Meeting, Dr. J. B.
Baldwin (President) in the chair. — The Hon. Secretary (Mr. Hemmingway)
presented the third annual report of the Council, which expressed the
opinion that the Society had shown unmistakable signs of progress. The
membership had increased, the class of work done had improved in quality,
and there had been a better attendance at the monthly meetnigs. The average
number of members present each evening was fifteen. Particulars of the
business of the twelve months were given. The excursions had been four in
number, viz., Comsborongh and Sprotlrorough, Haddon Hall, Wyming Brook
and Rivelin, and Wingtield Manor. The event of the year had been the
exhibition in St. George's Hall on February 23 and 24, and a most gratifying
success rewarded the efforts put forth. Tlie very friendly relations witli the
Sheffield Photographic Society had been maintained, and several of its members
sent pictures for exhibition. The Council realised the help its near neighbour
could render, and considered that a general scheme of federation at no very
date might prove of mutual benefit. Members were urged to manifest an
increased interest in the Society, the Council believing that with a little
energy it was possible to attain to much higher things than had yet Ijeen
accomplished, and to make the organization in every way representative of tlie
district, which has a population of about 60,000 inhabitants. The report,
together with the financial statement, which sliows a small balance in hand,
was approved. Officers were elected as under ■.—President : Dr. J. B.
Baldwin. — Vice-Presidents : Messrs. E. Isle Hubbard, W. H. Hay ward, and
G. T. M. Rackstraw.— CoiMiciV ; Messrs. I Wright, W. H. Shepherd, W.
Mason, J. W. Whittington, and A. B. Clarke (Rawmarsh). — Treasurer : Mr.
J. Leadbeater. — Hon. Secretary: Mr. H. C. Hemmingway. The programme
for the coming season was discussed, the principal item being the holding of
an exhibition early in the new year. The optical lantern was afterwards
brought into use, and a profitable hour was spent in criticising slides made by
the President, Messrs. E. Isle Hubbard, G. T. M. Rackstraw, J. Leadbeater,
W. Mason, J. Clarke, and H. C. Hemmingway.
Sheffield Photographic Society.— October 4, Annual Meeting, Mr. B. J.
Taylor in the chair. — The Treasurer presented his report, which showed a
substantial balance in hand, and was considered very satisfactory, and duly
passed, after which the Secretary gave his general report of the proceedings
for the year, sho\ving that there had been four resignations and eight new
members, that the Society had more members on its books than ever before,
that it vtf altogether In a prosperous condition, and that the proceedings
tliroughout the year had been characterised by each member being anxious to
promote the general good of the Society. The excursions had received con-
siderable attention and support, and had produced some splendid work. The
officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows : — PreMdent : Mr. B. J.
Taylor (elected for the fourth time).— Vice-Presidents : Messrs. G. Bromley,
T. Firth, and E. J. Chesterman.— t'owMca.- Messrs. W. T. Furniss, J. Smith,
T. G. Hibbert, W. M. Toplis, .and E. Sampsoo.— Reporter : Mr. E. H. Pearce.
—Treasurer: Mr. Bradley NowilL— .Secretary ; Mr. E. Beck. After votes of
thanks to the retiring officers, the members taking part in the photographic
exchange produced their pictures, making in all nearly 300 prints.
Edinburgh Photographic Society.- October 5, Mr. H. J. Blanc, A.R.S.A.,
&c., in the chair. — The principal business was a discourse by Mr. A. Mann,
M.A., on Telescopic Photography, in the course of which he stated tliat this
was a subject to which he had turned his attention about eight years ago, and
one which had acquired more prominence during recent months through the
introduction by Mr. T. R. Dallmeyer of a special new lens for this purpose. The
speaker disclaimed any intention of discussing the merits of that instrument,
which would doubtless find many useful applications ; his desire was rather to
show how satisfactory photographs of distant objects could be produced by
means of lenses possessed by most photographers, amateur and professional.
He expressed astonishment that the subject had not received attention much
sooner ; for, although the expensive appliances for celestial pliotography might
be quite out of reach of the ordinary workers, yet no obstacle stood in the way
of dealing.with objects on the earth's surface. The instrument by whicli most
of his experiments in this direction had been made was a small pocket telescope
by Dallmeyer, his method of u.se being to dispense with the ordinary objective
and attach the telescope itself to the front of the camera, fitting it into a new
portable front he had made — of course, at right angles to the focussing glass.
The telescope is fa,stened — light-tight — at a point distant about onethira of its
length from the eyepiece. Before fastening it, he found tliat, although the
instrument could lie used of the full length, and as it was, yet it was a great im-
provement to remove the two inside lenses placed in such instruments a little
m front of the eyepiece for the purpose of reversing the image. 'This, he showed,
could be very easily done without injuring the instrument, those two lenses being
fixed to one tube, and removable in a moment. The eyepiece is then pushed
forward into the place previously occupied by them, which shortens the
instrument by about one-tnird of its length. Three important advantages are
thus gained. The telescope being much shorter, the leverage on the front ot
the camera is reduce<l, four reflecting surfaces are got rid of, and the width of
angle embraced by the instrument is doubled, while the magnifying power is
still quite sufficient. One thing requiring special attention is the prersntion,
as far as possible, of all superfiuous light from passing through the camera.
When the object-glass of the telescope, which is about twelve inches focus is
unscrewed from it and placed in front of the camera, the image on the focussing
screen is seen to be a circle of about ten inches in diameter, and it behaves
exactly in the same way when placed in the telescope tube. The reversing
lens or eyepiece which has to receive the image is only Lilf an inch in diameter,
and can only deal with a circle of that area ; and, as the area of the one circle
is just four hundred times that of the others, it follows that only one-four-
hundredth part of the light entering the telescope is utilised in forming the
image, the other three hundre<l and ninety-nine parts tend only to do mischief.
This great cone of light strikes against the sides of the tube, and a portion of
it is reflected through the eyepiece into the camera, and tends to fog and en-
feeble the image on the plate. The most effectual way of dealing with this
evil — an evil which applies to all kinds of telescopic arrangements — is to place
a blackened board tube of sufficient length in front of the telescope, to cut oft"
all light save that which comes from the object which is being photographed.
Snch a tube is easily extemporised. For focussing the telescope, the method
he preferred was to take it to his eye and focus accurately upon the distant
object wished to be photographed, and then draw back the eyepiece a short
distance, say a quarter of an inch, before inserting it in its place in the camera.
If this is not done, the focus will be much too long for any ordinary one. The
camera is then moved out or in until the image is in sharp focus ; the nearer
the eyepiece is to the object-glass, the lai'ger will the image be on the focussing
screen, and vice versd. Another mode of getting the focus is to rack the
camera to a suitable length, and varying the distance between the eye and
object-glasses of the telescope. A telescopic arrangement for photographic
pnrj OSes consists e-ssentially of two parts, viz., an object-glass (which may
either be a single lens or a combination of lenses similar to those used for
ordinary purposes) to form an image of the distant object, and a smaller lens
of very short focus placed a little behind that image for the purpose of repro-
ducing it. This arrangement combines the action both of the ordinary photo-
graphic camera and that of the magic lantern, so that it can do the work of a
whole battery of lenses of different focal lengths, enabling the operator to
photograph a distant object to any scale from the same position. .\s an
illustration of the capabilities of this arrangement, the lecturer stated that
some time ago he had photographed the gilded figure on the top of the
University buildings from a distant window by means of the small telescope
already alluded to attached to a whole-plate camera of the ordinary dimensions,
and that he had thereby obtained an image six inches in height, while the
ordinary lens of the camera, a rectilinear of eight inches focus, gave an image
of only a quarter of an inch in height from the same position ; so that, to have
produced a negative in the ordinary way of the same size, a lens and camera
would have been required twenty-four times that of the rectilinear lens, which
would have amounted to one hundred and ninety-two inches, or sixteen feet,
of a camera from lens to plate. Mr. Mann showed a portrait taken by him
with the same apparatus seven years ago, which he said showed fairly sharp
definition on the lantern screen, even when enlarged to several times life size ;
also a telescopic combination suitable for more rapid work, which he had
extemporised out of a rapid French portrait lens worliing at /-3 and the eye-
piece of a small telescope fitted inside the camera for delineating the image
formed by the portrait combination. A short cylindrical tube was fixed to the
inside of the camera front of sufficient diameter to admit of the portrait lens
being racked in and out, and into the end of this tube was fixed the eyepiece ;
the focussing was performed by tlie rack arrangement of the portrait lens, which
enabled tlie image produced (in air) to be placed at any desired distance from
the eyepiece. Reference was also made to some of the uses to whicli sucli a
contrivance could be put, inasmuch as interesting studies of wild animals, sharp
photographs of oniaments or designs in the upper parts of buildings and other
inaccessible places could be securSl from a distance at which they are quite in-
visible to the naked eye. At places of public resort any one posted on some
coign of vantage could command the surrounding district and photograpli
what and whomsoever they pleased, while in military operations an enemy's
position could be surveyed and photographed from a point beyond the range
of his guns. A short discussion followed, and Mr. Mann received a cordial
vote of thanks for his communication.
CotreiSponlTencf*
THE LANTERN POLAKISCOPE.
To the Editor.
Sir, — I beg to olfer you a few remarks upon the 'article by Mr. G.
Baker, which appears in your last issue, October 7th (see page 2, Lan-
tern Supplement). For many years I have been experimenting on projec-
tions and made numerous lanterns here for trial, before placing the work
out to be made in a final and presentable form.
I have also had in my bands the counterpart polariscope (by Abrens).
October 14, 1893]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOQRAPHy.
6C9
of Mr. Spottiswoode, whieh U the property of Mr. Cri^. The reanlts
arTived at are tbeae. Mr. SpoUiiwoode'g form of polaruoope ia now qnit
'■ oat of the ninning.'* Mj own will not omiy show nomerooa results aod
phesomena not poesible with the older apparatus, bat also on a far larger
■Okie. A SO ft. disc of great brightness U attainable by means of the
electric light, and suitable lens.
I have been able to show that rery fair results may be obtained with
limelight ; indeed, for experimental research and exiiibition the electrio
light is fitimntial for the poUrisQope, hence apparatus and means can be
•mployad wheretn much light ia lost without any inconTenience. Con-
■eqvently I hare used polarising NiooU do larger than jj in. in diameter
(having a dear way of only ^ in.), giving lesnlts not inferior to polarising
primu ol 8 or 3 in. diameter. The method is to draw down the large
luudiiiw beam, then parallelise it forming a small beam of k in.
diMMtar after passing the polarizer, this beam is again expanded and
paiallellaed to form a beson of 8 in. diameter, or more if needed. The
whole polarising apparatna may be mads for 5/., and working may be
direct, with all the adTanlages of a large Niool, no longer to be obtained
for love or money. Begarding ineandaseent 100 candle power (and less
power) focns lamps, I would advise no one to nae these. With the 100
eandle power lamp, nearly half-bona power Is oaoTcrtad into heat, and
ilidea will be btokcn one after the olbar ; the lantern hecomee so hot as
III Iwi ilemwiiM hi a irirj shnrt tine.
I hem tried ewy poarihie expedient to OTcroome the difBcnlty. Of
eoaxae nothing will pcevent the beet of the lamp being generated, but
«at«-eenens nttj be employed to ihaHcr the slides, and lanterns may
be enlarned andbetter ventilated. After maUng lanteni after lantern,
and many water-screens, I reached a point where the lantern became a
aantry box, into which I could hide myself, and the watar-sereen a volume
of water sofBeisnt to cook an Irish-stew for a small family. Finding that
IIm end in view had not even then arrived, I gave this matter up. How-
ew, the lai^KB was used for some time as a drying cupboard, and for
nre^MiBg wmim water. I also was lent a Untem made by Messrs.
Htewaid uaisUuuted espseiaUy for these focus lamps. But I failed to
find tiM diffleolty eliminated, and retamed them the lantern as useless
ia my nstlmstinn In saying this I do not wish to do an injustice to tliis
flxm. The lanten wm nuyie to the pattern of a customer, so that th«y
were not responsible for the rssnlt Messrs. Steward's lanterns are so
well known that it is not likely that I should attempt to disparage their
wofk. My own triple, built t^ them, is pssfsetlon Usslf.
Tbsre is no doabt whatever that the are light is the right thing ia the
rigiit nUse wbso inside a laatem, and. after all, the additional expense
is not large. The eame, or even mote, horse power is utilised in forming
the are than ia inwendssrinu the lllewit o( a 100 eandle power fooos
lamp, yet it most be noMaWed that Hgbl giving reys are prodnoed in
tho far larger, qoantitjr thaa the ileal gMag rays, i.t. more yellow and
bins imvs ; in tlM otiier eaae the red rajs predominate. To pot the matter
generally and briefly ; lor a mall are laaf naing the same ennent as a
fosos lamp. afao«t tm timee more light to prodneed, benee, in roond
ttombers, the (aena kaos giva Iw tiia« aore beat. Thaee flgoree are
not aeeoiate, eoly snflsMM^ efiirnil— li to give a gsnsral idea. It is
evidsBt, therefore, that all baag eqaal kr the same earraot, a foeos lamp
gives tea timee lees U^ and Imb tiiMi more hsat than the are lamp,
rosn'bly thaee remarks may latanst ioaM ol your readers.— I am, years,
Aft, David 8ai«itmn.
greseiXtl. TuitbrUgt WttU, Ocfahtr 8, 18ML
THl BXPAMSIOX OF AMMONIA SOLUTION.
To lis EorroB.
Sis, — My attention has been eallad to Mr. Haddon's criticism of my
artiele on ammonia in f>rv Plau$, the monthly magazine of the firm of
Cadett A Neall. Let me begin by saying I am quite ready to leara from
tboae wiio know better than myself, and, if Mr. Haddon is right, I can
only oAer him my best thanks for his correction. I would, however, firtt
point oat the diecilaimer in my pwer where I mentioned that the state-
menu are not origiaal with me. I hate simply done wliat Mr. Haddon
himself has done, and qootsd from tablee ij ohemists of repute, and
■seeptid their itatamenle as oorraet, without any personal proof.
I am at a disadvantage in taking Mr. lladdoo's criticism from the
abridgsd reports of the joomals, as I was not at the meeting ;* he must
tharetee nnd^y make allowance in what I am going to say in case I
■m nnilsr any wrong impcsssinn.
My aothsrity tor the statemenU in my paper is the Ute Mr. John
Joseph OlifBn, F.C.S., in his work. The Chrmittry of the Non-UetnlUc
/^ioMats, (k( ttitiA sdilioe. Of eonme, the work is rather oat of date ;
but, eeaaidering that many of the latest books quote from tables much
oUer, I need not apoloccue on this saore. Mr. OrifBn was (and the firm
itill is) the maker of the " .\mmoaiometer.'' Thoasands of these have
been sold aadsfaia oas all over the world. Mr.Oril&n gave oonaiderabia
to the tssllim sad analysis of ammonia ia a large
MreM wtf, aad he givee direetians in his book tor : Determination
d the eheaUaal itiaagth of liqoid ammonia; determination of the strength
of smmoaia by the anaioaia-meter (hydrometer) ; preparation of liquid
ammonia of partisalar dagisss of strength lor testing and other purposes.
* Tbe raport givM in tUe JovtaAL was an itiiabridged one.— Ko.
Now, no human being is infallible, I know that personally very well
but I may, I think, be forgiven for taking an authority, who perhaps had
the greatest experience in the commercial testing of alkalies and acids in
the United Kingdom, and I must confess, that until I have tested, per»
sonally, Mr. Griffin's tables, or have had further evidence that his
statements are wrong, I shall not lightly surrender him as an authority.
Though, until now, I have never doubted Mr. Griffin's statement,
" ammonia has the remarkable property of possessing the same bulk in
all its combinations with water," I have always been aware of the great dis-
crepancy between various authorities in s.g. tables of all kinds, and I
have often wondered at it, but doctors will never agree, even in matters
one would suppose to be simple facts. I have not Watts' Dictionary, but
I presume that the statement, that liquid ammonia of a s.g. of -SSi con-
tains 36 per cent, of real ammonia, is from Carius. It must not be
forgotten that Carius was at variance with Boscoe and Dittnutr on the
important question of the amouut of absorption of NH' at various
pressures, and therefore his s.g. tables may be open to question.
Mr. Haddon has very kindly (and I am sure we all thank him) taken the
trouble to put the expansion question to practical test ; but he has left
one important part undone, he did not verify or question the s.g. table
in Watts', neither did I question Griffin's tables, so we may both shake
hands on that point.
Let us now turn to the practical side of the matter. An expansion
O-STper oent. (as per the journals) is, for all practical purposes, a very
small matter indeed, and, if Mr. Haddon makes his curve on the data of
his experiments, he will be close enough to a straight line to satisfy any
photographer's faith in the ammoniometer. The so-called 20 per oent.
error in reading strength is purely one of variance in s.g. tables, and,
whether right or wrong, does not in any way affect the relative testing
with the ammoniometer to an appreciable degree. If the dilution to the
extent carried out by Mr. Haddon only gives 0-37 per cent, expansion,
how much less must be the expansion between samples of ammonia
high in strength !
It becomes mere itraining at a gnat. 1 do not say that Mr. Haddon i»
wrong ; but, as he makes the expansion so UtUe, it would be well for him
to test the question again nnder most careful conditions as to the tem-
perature. Surely a curve made on tbe results of his experiments would
scarcely agree with the s.g. tables in Watts' Dictionary.
I will, when not so busy, put the matter to a practical test. Griffin's
B.g. Ubie gives for s.g. 884 a peroentage of 31 D at 62' F. against
Watts' 36 per cent. ; some one please say who is right ; there surely
should be some table up to date ; however, from a practical point of view,
I do not find sufficient reason for Mr. Haddon's experiments to prevent
photograpliers from testing their ammonia, as recommended in my
paper. They will not, in any case, be more than a small fraction per
cent, in error, one that they would hardly notice in measuring.
An artiole by Mr. Haddon on ammonia would be much appreciated by
us all, and not the least by, yours faithfully, James Caoett.
Cadttt and Neall Laboratory, AihUad, Surrey,
PHOTOOBAPHEBS' BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION.
To the EcrroB.
Sia, — There are varioos reports as to the state of business amongst
photographers during the pest season, but those who are in the best
position for knowing tell us that the winter outlook for assistants, at any
rate, ia a bad one. This being so, may I say a word about the " Bene ,
volent," and the claim it has upon photographers?
In various reospt cases of distress lonl efforts have been made and
special subscriptions raised, without any appeal being made to the
Benevolent Assooiatian, the committee of which has usually heard of the
ease when too late to be of use. As the Association is always prepared
to grant prompt and practical relief, not only in money, but also in that
help which is often better than money, no man who knows of a deserv-
ing ease need be afraid to make application. In every case the Association
makea tbe most eareful inquiries, but treats the particulars in strict oon-
fldanoe. Where a loan will afford the necessary relief, the grant is always
made in that form, and it is satisfactory to subscribers to know that in
some eases men who have been entirely broken, financially, have been so
firmly set on their feet by the Benevolent as to be able to pay back every
penny advaoeed, so that an excellent work has been done without any
real ezpeaditure of the funds.
In eonnexion with the work of the Association there is an Employment
Boreau, q^n which we have at present the names of a large number of
assinSnta of almost all classes, and some of them very good men, who
are seeking situations. Employers who want assistants will greatly help
the work of the Benevolent if they will make application to— yours, d-c,
Ths Secrstabt, Photographer!' Benevolent Astoeiatioii.
Memorial Hall, E.C. October 10.
NEGATIVES FBOM NEGATIVES.
To the EuiTOB.
Sib, — Beferring to your article in this week's Jocrnal, October 7,
1893, in reference to reversed negatives, or rather a negative from a
negative, as the proeies ia more generally called, I, being in some doubt.
C70
ITEffi BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[October 14, 1«92
•as to the snoeess being due to ferrons-oxalate development, I expoaed two
plates, one lUord, one Britannia, and developed them with a pyro soda
developer. I herewith enclose you the result, with the original negative
for comparison. I may say that these negatives are a fair sample
of the results obtained. The exposure was eight seconds to fairly good
daylight through the studio window. My opinion is the success is in the
•exposure, for this reason : If yon begin with a short exposure, you obtain
a transparency ; continue the exposure, yon get a negative ; further
^expose, and yon again find you have a positive; and these changes un-
doubtedly occur many times over. The chemical action being the same,
It must be caused by some reversing action of light on the silver salt.
Avery good plan to observe these changes is to cut up a few plates — say a
'dozen pieces, two quarter-plates, six out of each — and make one dozen ex-
posures, beginning at one second, and each time increase as, say,
1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and so on ; then develop them and see the result. It is very
«{mple, and the time spent in developing will not be thrown away. The
developing is longer than for an ordinary negative. If carefully done,
the experience gained will teach a great deal that is useful. The same
thing can be done with gelatino-bromide paper, and the change from
positive to negative will occur.— I am, yours, &e., E. Fbewino.
26, Eden-street, Kingiton-on-Thames, October 10, 1892.
[The examples of the proces-s our "correspondent sends are ex-
ceedingly good, it being difficult to differentiate between the original
and the copies. — Ed.]
PEOPOSED PHOTOGEAPHIC SOCIETY FOE GEEENWICH.
To the Editor.
Sir, — I beg to inform you that a meeting will be held at the Lecture
Hall, Boyal Hill, on Wednesday, October 19, at eight p.m., at which
Mr. E. W. Maunder, F.B.A.S., will preside, to consider the advisability
of forming a Photographic Society for Greenwich, and to arrange the
necessary business details.
It is hoped that yon will find it convenient to attend and support the
scheme. — I am, yours, *c., Lkok. I. Atkinson,
193, Greenwich-road, S.E. Hon. Secretary {pro tern.).
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC EXH3ITI0N.
To the Editor.
Sib, — I am instructed by the Council to inform you that they have
determined to endeavour to obtain yearly a selection from the pictures in
the Exhibition such as shall show the progress of the art from year to
jear. — I am, yours, &c., R. Child Batley, Assistant Secretary.
Photographic Society of Great Britain, 50, Great Rus.iell-street,
Bloomsbury, London, W.C, October 12, 1892.
ME. hubeet akd " unfortunate. "
To the Editor.
Sil?, — It would have given me great pleasure to reply to your corre-
spondent, but for the simple reason that " Unfortunate " preferred to
hide his lights from my expectant gaze. It may be that so many em-
ployers, jealous of my opportunity to possess anch a boon, offered him
work, that forthwith he went to the highest bidder.
However, it seems to me only right to mention that the printer I
engaged in his place on the whole turned out very satisfactory, and is
■with me now. He was one of those not above being taught, and after I
explained the different processes scientifically, which previously he per-
formed in a hap-ha28rd way, he has now managed to reconcile me to the
loss of the other, whose conscience may perhaps be awakened by the
renewed correspondence. If he will name his employer, 1 will forgive ; but
•woe to the latter if I meet him. — Yours, Ac, J. Hubert.
238, Mare-street, Hackney, Oct. 2, 1892.
SMELL OF THE OIL LANTERN.
To tlie Editor.
Sib, — In your new "Lantern Record," which I hope will be much appre-
ciated, you allude to the old grievance of the smell from the oil lantern
(pagel, Lantern Snpn.EMENT).
If you remember, I some months ago sent you my method of avoiding
this trouble.
From a continued experience and some dozens of trials, I am quite
convinced that all unpleasantness may be avoided by following out this
plan, viz., never leave in the reservoir or the wicks any oil ; to do this
after your entertainment is over, and the lamp turned out, immediately
empty the reservoir, then relight the wicks, and let them burn quite out,
by which means all oil is removed from the wicks and lamp.
Do not recharge the reservoir until you are ready to show your slides.
The wicks will simply want a rub with a cork or soft pad.
I should not trouble you with this if I were not so satisfied with the
result of my discovery.
What was a constant course of annoyanee «id a deterrent to using the
lantern has quite disappeared.
I constantly show to my friends, in a small room, slides with the
greatest ease and pleasure. So badly was I annoyed with the murky
smell before making this alteration, in working the lantern for parlour
showing, that I was contemplating abandoning the use of it. No careful-
ness in cleaning, wiping, putting in new wicks, or anything else will be
so efficacious as this method I have described. Of course, use the best
crystal oil, and don't turn up your wicks too high. — I am, yours, Ac,
Camera Club, October 8, 1892. Frank Howard.
DISCOLOUR.VTION OF AMIDDL SOLUTION,
To the Editor.
Sib, — I shall be much obliged if you can give me some advice as to
mixing amidol so as to get it to keep.
I have tried the developer with both under and over-exposed negatives,
as well as some I believed to be correctly timed, and like it very much.
I find, however, that it discolours in a very few days. I have mixed it
in the proportions of amidol, soda sulphite and water, as recommended.
The first time I used tap water (the water is rather hard with a good
deal of lime in it), boiled for about an hour, and the time allowed to settle,
and poured off clear. The bottle was well stoppered and kept in a dark
cupboard. On looking at it after a fortnight I found it almost black.
It, however, developed all right, though not so rapidly as at first.
I then mixed some more in the same proportions, but with distilled
water (got from a local chemist) ; and now, after ten days, it is a rich
purply brown with some dark coloured sediment in the bottom of the
bottle.
This is hardly what one would expect when one is told " the solution
keeps well." I should, therefore, be obliged if you can give me any
advice on the subject so that I may find out whether the discolouration is
my fault. — I am, yours, <t-c., J. H.
October 10, 1892.
[The discolouration of which our correspondent complains may
possibly be avoided by acidifying the sodium sulphite in solution
before adding it to the amidol solution. — Ed,]
THE DANGERS OF OXYGEN MAKING.
To the Editob.
SiK, — Our unfortunate friend Mr. T. B. Walshe (see page 8, Lantebn
Supplement) has had a terrible experience, but a little caution would
have saved him a lot of suffering. If he had placed about a saltspoonful
of the mixture on a shovel, and placed it on the fire, he would have been
warned of its true character. This should always be done with a fresh
batch of oxygen mixture. Again, it is not necessary to use black oxide of
manganese for its catalytic action, as fine sand does just as well, and the
risk of having black antimony supplied for black oxide of manganese is
avoided. This same mistake has been made before, with fatal results,
and, if my memory serves me, it happened in Ireland. — I am, yours, &c.,
Liverpool, October 10, 1892. James Wood.
' COOL WATERS " (SHOULD NOW BE
To the Editor.
HOT WATERS ").
Sir, — Mr. Whitfield's letter in your last issue clearly shows that he is
determined not to be convinced that we did not endeavour to pass the
picture off as our own production, either by suggestion or otherwise.
To continue harping upon the same false string with such blind
pertinacity is, to say the least, irritating after the overwhelming evidence
brought forth disproving the entire accusations.
The sweet benevolence in reminding us that it is not yet too late to
apologise — for something we had not done— is almost sublime.
Reading between the lines of the whole of this affair, it appears to us
very like a little game we believe the Yankees call "spoof." — We are,
yours, &c., Mobgan & Co.
Old Christchurch-road, Bournemouth, October 9, 1892.
West London Photographic Societt. — Annual Meeting, 14th inst., at
headquarters,
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Anckobn received a gold medal at the late Paris Photo-
graphic Exhibition.
PHOTOGBArmc Club. — October 19, Demonstration of thePlatinotype Com]
pany's " Magnesium Lamp." 26, Smoking Concert.
Croydon Camera Club.— October 17, Tlte Pictures a' Pall Mall, by Mr.
Maclean : and Intensification and Reduction, by Mr. A. E. Isaac. 31, Lantern
Night.
OetoWr 14, 180S]
Uamm asd PaornrciAL PBOTOom&pnc AasocuTiow.— October 20 Fas
UrtmiNi^t of tb* muod, JBdny of Ojmpetition SlidM. 27, MOTbera'
ZlStur.K7^%^r' '^ ""^ '^"""^ ''"^ <«»-
TmiBta^toi PhoiompUe ud SMdUdng Compnj inform us that they
we bei tftiaUd wl» Loadoa yrt» for Mem WiUter (Jriffiths & Co.s
~ * * " ■••• Tb« Company will also this
IB general than thejr have done
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
671
have
-, mka^af, and 1«»liiin Au
ate mora for the laotan tnda
UUMrto,
ImiTATioa ExHnrnox at tm CajmA CLtm.— An Eriiihjtion of Kctorial
FMa(n^id«!tcd frm mMbatfam mada by the leading artist pboto-
nildMn at kooa and atvoad, win ri—iiiicii at tba Omen Clnb Char>n<r
S^Spa^- Tnaaday, SJSr m a«i wfll b, open ftTT:, .'^S^^
!L13:«^, H,"-"^ "^3 f-"- *• iP-*?- •'*' y- °"'" December 8. on
PJiMOt^n of cardi, whttb may be obtained from Exhibitor., ftom
Itohw^arfrna the Honoraiy Secrttary. The EihibiUon wiU consist of
'"*"'" ptcrawe produced direct by naau of photography during tba past
"■con, photo-
•, Ridleyplace,
■ rean of age,
tba an
0« Maodv, OoMmt 3,
giapbar, Naianmb(t)aBd-c-
aa Ignitioa of gnsoottoti took
who waa aiag the eoMoD, wi
tha baek IdtAia VM alkkUr
v,___- --_--. — — ^_. .„e anna, and
*■•"'«'»• woodwork canght fire,
— Tj-v — 1~ ~TL , ' ' *~-'»7»<« to nMDoealiael Police^tation, fh>m
Sfg?-!^- - P*^^ • °y ^ "» of ■««b«a' work obUine<l
nainiitiillia Pnmimg amd Tmimf Oilutn* cJUoridtPaptr. by Mr. J S
^:^'Sss^Jr*7!zj^ssssL.'^- ""^ ^3ra\ Abh;tt
^oew Awfa oMdJ'kolomtfhaMtal TVmAV AwU : Demonrtration.
Dwj««g^«^««rj«22«c IVaiivMKiM, tysTr. t fc Dalton ; Ananiie.
Hinton k Co., Badfoid-atnet,
rtaad, camera beariog the abore
not BMWufaie. bat work* wtth dark
■hjWi ta poeitioiL TUi Kieen is
' dom, wUdi eloaa talBeiantly
__ doth. By aa IngaBieai ■4|B*t-
JiN brhiad the groaiid daia, and
» "7 deaired poiUoo of tha tcreen.
baa t«« tadma, and ifSmimtaKUf^mmimStL lA^^Smta
ItaiafyanaUMttTvaofwJr «'•■•■".''»*•■«»• to
Tu Hnrrai Haw CAinDu.-Jw
Staaad, bar* broodkt oat a new band. •
■*-'— *taL Ith^^pkt, abi, uidii
n haa a fiiiiiJiii iiium whkk to
w^ '"'■y*'.y*'?yV°^-'^»> Dmbma. Ibfatg-aaian. photognpber.
tjoawji. ,>■>., the lau ofSSttTSESi J?r:irof'^^
2!?J .T*»^«". lad toUmltitktmm of twelve ahaUBa (or ikatOBaBtu
*** '"?*■"■'*■'. '■■»«■ wtilillibwuia la Hkb-alwat. OMdan Towa. Helaft
I *^— U"^ that he tad
i!I^. » WW -^ET " "» '."'■JL"' '™* •» "^ for it, and •TSumlil
trtS!?. "•~ft»»d»'«a»r,*»<lee»ta»oit«itaionttrhard
ijj^ W ^I£^'^ »1 "325? °L*^-'^-"—>'"' Bociaty of Ott«t fiStun.
JiL^ yW ^J^i**^: ?W aaawtoiy wpcrtad tfat. riaaa the last
STm? WttottaTESSttaT^Srita^jA.^'''*^ *** ' "^^ »'
■OM fin. twD^dbi^i.- l-«. ^**t?* •? **~ "-^ ~~ >»'«« the
[4 •* ha bad bean for tweaty yean a
t«pl^« bad baa obliged to discharge a
, __-j™t h«faefj, and that be (the applicant)
. . , -jj 7--" ; *'*'*• f". '^'' '''» '"nUy was on the Targe of
KUTJiJi' **~ JK!!.!^''^ l»«I..lhigbb last iiployer, and c^ng
i!2f?5 '"" •»t««tlo«. He asked for assistance In ftnding a sttoaUm
Z'L'^t^JT'ZllmHF'^?^^ ThaSeewtaryhadinllcinqairta
ir?^ 'JSi^f!^ to Had for him a aitaation aa a prinUr, r
^ J? l?'^l'%». •*' •'»»•««». whieh be obtained. On A»
«.rf Mr. II W. W«tS Iteijiocj Bonah : Mis. Cathariiia Weed BMMa,N^
V", , "" .!f!SL*fti^ "^ •'■ <^"'"''- '■<>»»> o' BInnhSS? wire
«Urt„l on the pnpaad af Mr. a Snowdan Want The arrangaaStaltr the
■L Tbc arrtan of suStcilptloas wwe ooBaidered seriatim ; Taiiooa
S^^H ""'^*f*°?'' t° ^personally wait upon certain snbscribeR, and the
.Secretary was mstrncted to write to the remainder.
M^^^i °ZJ'^^\,^°^°^^ * ^""'^ EMPLOTts.-The annual outins of
^„!!S^- ^ * ^^^' mi-toj/e* took place last Saturday, when the rartv
th^^f^f '^°^ upon one hundred, proceeded by rail to Portsmouth, and
D^^t fT„'™" '° S""',''^ O^i'-g to the growth of the business, the ninber
^W. t^ year was larger than at any previous outing. Upon arriving at
w»^ L^J^^P<.'^VT'*^^*^4° '"fP^' ">« '■'^°'" P'»«^ of interest. DiSner
tuJ!^t ^a3^ t^Planade, Hotel, where full justfce was done to the ^od
f^?SinT '1"*^ ^-i,"'. '•?* "fl"'"^' of the dinner-table w.a,s a unique
rhllV^i^LT -T"" '^' d?»'g»ef by Mr. Durham (Messrs. Morgan & Kidd's
nrnl^^i ■ "I."!?"!*'* '°, ™Hotype % Mf- Berghoff, the plant for this
?!^J^ T^^'i'^^i'y 'T"- I*"* '^°*° "' " P'^t outlay. The tealth of Mr.
Jf„ .,^,^ /*?. ■?^T",'' P^t enthusiasm, and a hearty vote of thanks
7^. fT"^*«' to *'/v'^'?.'^ for his kindness in providing the day's pleasure,
2^iLT-f,! ^' 'v? ^^ '"'.!r*' *^''- K'^''' »'™y^ took in his emplovis, no-
matter bow hnmble the position they might hold in his establishment Mr.
^'1^"^!^^^ respond, was greeted with rounds of applause, and must
i^^ln^ ^ iv^ ^tJ^^H?^ ^^"^ '^'""'y showed his popularity aa an,
^/^L • ?* """''"} ^?""? »" f" '•"* '''°'l *»y '■■ "hich hiHanie h.ad been,
321I™'„?^,^P™^"'^''°P^.,"'•■'*''^,*"'^ ""• 1^"'^' might long have tlie
Ptaunraof meeting them at simUar gatherings. "Success to the Collotype
DepMteient, a^ the lat^t addition to the establishment, was proMsed by
Jl!;- 1 ^ '"^ seconded in an able manner by Mr. Durham, who spoke at
some length upon the great future which he believed was before this^epart-
fj, i!im;?l ?°^^^ were more inclined for sightseeing than making speeSies,
Madjoununent was ma<le to the beach and pier, and at seven o'cfock the
i^f n "• '^ MderUken. Richmond was reached shortly after ten
«7^l „^i„**T,X>''"' »n>ost enjoyable day had been spent and that the
annual outing of 1®2 would long be remembered.
« » I
BBCENT PATENTS.
APPUCATIONS FOR PATENTS.
W. I. Chadwick.— Ooterf"
No. 17,637.— "Improvements In Magic Lanterns.
tJctatrr i. 18»2.
No. 17,642.--" An ImproTe.1 Instrument for CalcnUting the Dnration of
Photographic Exposures." Complete 8i«ciflcaUon. J. A. Scott and J.
Howaos.— Z)<iie«fOBto4sr 4, 18W.
No. 17,723.— "Improrements in Print-washers used by Photographers."
A^ADcuj^a and the Sew Camkba Comtaiit, Limited.— /te<«i October 5,
N'o. 17,766.—" ImproTcmentsin Pbotographic Developing Solutions." R. G.
WujjAMS.— /)olof Ortober 5, 18J»i
No. 17,767.— " Improved Metho<i of. and Api)aratus for, Developing Ex-
poaed Photographic PUtae in Daylight." It. O. VfiuAxus.— Dated October 5,
1802.
No. 17,76a—" Improved Solutions for Toning Phot<Araphic Prints." R. 0.
WiuxAMS.— Ai/eii Utotoisre, 1891!.
No. 17,789.-" The Llaton Permanent Focnssing Attachment." F. Pabsoss.
—lXUe,l Octoier 6, 1892.
.No. 17,880. — " Improremeata in the Means for, and Mode of. Lifting Photo-
graphic Platea." J. Vvtamat.— Dated Oclobrr 7, 1892.
Na 17.999.— "An Impcored Magaiine Hand Camera." H. V. Bicos.—
Daieit Octubtr 8, 1692.
ISicbangc (ffolumn.
*,* A« rnanir m made JOT tnierting JljcAtmgm <tf AppanUiu in Ihi* column;
Imt Hont taiU b* inmriti imjess the artieU laamltd it dq/tnUelif ttated. Those
v-kc*peeifjftAe>rreyuiremtna<u''aHi/t}tiitgiu^fid'' imUther^oreundtrelaiid
thtnatOKoftkiirntm afptmnmci.
Wm eichanr> a dianoDd frain* Bsfetr MeyFla for whole-plate camera and lens, or a
VOdlSBtsrn.— AildnMS, H. KowAao, a, Tkitoria-road, Aston, Birmingham.
. camcm, Dcrer tued, cost 7'. lOn., wiJI eicbaOTe for hand
eamen.— Address, Bbwku, BnAnr, PorUmonth-road, Lnug Ditton, Harrey.
Rxehantre Uateni. Klidefl, and fpas begs worth 251. for landrmiw camera, aUdes. and
rectilinear leu 12x 10 or 10x8 ii«.— A<l<b«as, T. B. Paica, Photo, Dnnlsy, Olos.
Waatad, flrst-elasa hand eaneim, Sx4 preferred ; exchange pair disiolTing lanterns,
mabotaar bodies, foor-wlek laapa. tripod slaod, oomplete in two cases, slides.—
Addnsa, H. Cocca, II, Waterloo4»«aaeBt, Dover.
WUlaehanfeSx4"0ptisae" impid restilhisar lens, Waterhonis diapbngm fltted
wtth iweamatle (phuite) ahattar, tor time aad tsstantaaeoos, for 5x4 "Optimiu"
rapid auTseope with Iris dlapha«as.-.Address, J. K. 8nTa, Little London. Baw-
doe, near Leeds, Yorka.
Wanted. Ween gialu tabse eUsride of gold or whole-plate monnti, in exchange for
nllar-bUad shutter tat hood oae ana one^ixteentli inch diameter, Watson's drop
ibatter for hood one and serra-sixtesnth inch diameter, and Lancaster's c/oUst's
cUp.-Address, BaaaAao Oaass, Oookemonth.
ffI-2
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[October 14, 1892
ErtjJtocw to (fforrespontients.
AU matUrs for the text portion of Uiit Jocbnal, including guenes /or
"Amtoers" and "Exchanges," must fie addressed to "Thk Editob,'
2, York-street, Covent Oarden, London. Inattention to this ensures deUiy.
Jfo notice UUeen of communications unless name and address of loriCer are
• * Commtmieations relating to Advertisements and general business affairs
must be addressed to"HEjrBT Grkeswood k Co.," 2, York-street, Covent
Oarden, London.
Photoobaph Rboistbbkd :
Johu Hosbnrjh t Sons, EdiiiburKh.— Pord-ait 0/ Dr. KusseU, lord ProBOrf 0/ JBdin-
burflh, in roirn o/ojftcc.
M. ft M.— .See answer to T. Sobne.
C. H. Oakden.— We shall be Rlad to have the promised particulars.
J. W. Moore. — We know nothing more of the method than that given by the
author. No doubt oil of cloves is meant.
H. a. Ellkrbkck (Kronstad, Orange Free State).— We have duly received the
notes and will utilise at an early date. Many thanks.
R. (J. asks : ' ' Are thirty grains of citric acid too much for a ten per cent.
solution of pyro?" — No. You might even increase the quantity to sixty
grains.
A. Z. (Leeds).— In photographing the vault the magnesium light will be best.
It will be advisable to have two or three lights fired simultaneously from
different points.
Wm. McC— If iron protosulphate fails to precipitate the gold from your phos-
phate toning solution, try the effect of strongly acidifying the iron solution
with sulphuric acid.
>'ERROTYPK Photographer. — 1. Forraulic for iodised collodion are to be found
at p. 776 of the Almanac for 1892. 2. Saxe paper may be ordered of any
photographic dealer.
C. Sach.— Any optician will supply lenses accurately paired for stereoscopic
purposes. Two lenses of the rectilinear type, taken haphazard from stock,
are not necessarily identical in focus.
DOMO D'OssoLA. — To obtain a greyer print on bromide paper than the sample
sent, expose longer and develop less. Bromide docs affect the colour, and
for the result you aim at had better be omitted.
Bishop says : "Would you tell how to make a collodion transfer, and oblige ? "
— The required information would occupy too much space in this column.
Better refer to past volumes of the Journal.
Rosebud writes: "Could you inform me of a good work on miniature painting,
and are they (miniatures) in demand much?"— We know of no such work.
Miniatures are only in slight demand we believe.
Belfast. — The enlargement in question is not a single print made from one
negative. It is composed of several prints — four or live — from separate
negatives. But great skill is displayed in the joining.
W. R. W.— 1. For portraiture, one light (with suitable reflectors) of from five
to six thousand candle power will suffice. 2. So that the light falls on the
sitter at an angle of about forty-five degrees. 3. Any of the commercial arc
K. A. S. — Carbon lantern slides do not require varnishing, though there is no
objection to its being done. Some workers say that varnish rather tends to
give greater transparency to the picture. In this case varnishing is an
advantage.
, R. Cohen.— The process may be practicable, but the public will, we imagine,
be very chary of investing] in any Company formed to work a method of
producing "photographs in natural colours." We trust that from past
experiences and exposures investors will be more cautious in the future.
S. Rose.— Unless your business is very extensive in enlarging, it will scarcely
be necessary to supplement your present arrangements with .artificial light
for the winter, considering that your work is confined entirely to bromide
paper. If you were situated in London or some other large town, the case
would be different.
Thk National and Provincial Photographic and Portrait Painters
Association ask for any information as to whether there is a book published
that deals with the artificial or electric light for photographic studios. —
There is no separate work devoted to the subject that we are aware of.
Past volumes of this Journal contain all the informatiou published in
reference to it.
Anolioan. — If the premises were taken on a repairing lease, we do not see
how the landlord can be held responsible for any damage that may arise
from the wind or storms. We expect that you, as the tenant, will have to
do the repairs. By leaving the building as it is, further damage may accrue
in the event of another storm. We are not surprised that the landlord does
not move in the matter.
T. SOHNE. — The spots on the paper are due to air bubbles at the time of
floating between the paper and the solution. They are not noticeable, as
you say, until the paper begins to discolour, but they are there all the same.
If the paper be printed, or be exposed to light so as to give it a tint, they
will then become manifest, lintil the paper becomes discoloured the
insensitive patches are not seen.
■&"!. MUNGO asks : " 1. Would you favour me with some information regarding
the ' Albo-Carbon Light ' for retouching by at night ? 2. Also, could you
explain why the white round the edge of vignettes in chloride prints (aristo-
types) so frequently turns yellow ? " — 1. The albo-carbou light will answer
very well for retouching by. The light from the burner had better be
r^^cted on to the negative, otherwise it may prove too trying to the
eyes. 2. Imperfect fixation
C. A. S. sends us two negatives that are badly fogged, except for a band of
about three inches across, which corresponds with the hinge of the shutter.
The plates, our correspondent says, were allowed to remain in the slides
about a week after exposure. Tlie hinges of the shutters, he says, are of some
bliick material, coated, he surmises, with indiarubber. Fogging of the plate
opposite the hinge of the shutter used to be no uncommon circumstance ;
but in this case it is clear that the evil arises from some emanation from the
wood itself — unless, indeed, the wood allowed light to pass through it.
This is quite possible if the shutter was thin and the slide was exposed to
sunlight for long.
W. Pottkr asks : " Is there any work published on the process of anastatic
printing, or where am I likely to gain some information ? I have some
very old engravings, and want to reproduce by that process some copies for
friends. Is it true that the matter must have been recently printed '', " —
Tlie anastatic process is referred to in most works on printing, but we are
not aware that any work sjiecially devoted to the subject has been published.
The process is described in liichmotuTs Orammar of Photography. With
oM prints considerable difliculty is experienced in getting the ink to " set
off." The anastatic method hjis been almost, or entirely, superseded by
photo-lithography and photo-zincography.
Fairplat asks : " 1. Is an employer entitled to pay all expenses, board,
lodging, and railway fares when he sends an employ^ out of town to do a
job for him. and thereby deprives him of the use of his own home ? 2. Pro-
viding this has not been done, what is the best way to recover tlie money laid
out by me." — lu reply : 1. Unless there is some agreement to the contrary,
we should certainly say that the employer should pay all reasonable out-of-
pocket expenses. Indeed, we are surprised that any one should demur to do
so. 2. The County Court, we expect, would be the only means of recovery.
Perhaps some of our correspondents will kindly inform "Fairplay," and
possibly others, what is the custom in such matters.
A. Bbownfield asks how to recover the silver from gelatine emulsions. —
Several methods have been from time to time recommended, but probably
the best, and at the same time most simple, is this : Liquefy the emulsion
by heat, and then stir in gradually sulphuric acid in the proportion of about
one pound to the gallon. Tlie mixture should be made in a large vessel, and
after the acid has been added it should be filled up with hot water. The
acid destroys the viscosity of the gelatine, and the bromide of silver settles
to the liottom. After decanting the supernatant liquid, and washing the
bromide with one or two changes of water, it may be collected and dried
ready for reducing in the furnace, or sending to the refiner.
H. D. Mason, of 46 Annerley-street, Earl-road, Liverpool, says : " Could you,
or any of your readers, tell me how I can get my specimens back from
Messrs. Neil & Co., Melbourne? I answered their advertisement in August
1890, and sent specimen, &e. , as desired, and have never heard from them or
seen the specimens since. I have applied to their agents (Gordon & (Jotch,
St. Bride-street). I sent stamps to pay postage back, so they have not that
excuse. The specimens were chiefly 13 x 8, and 24 x 18 direct. Being the
only specimens I had of those sizes, it has lost me more than one engage-
ment."— Our correspondent's case appears an extremely hard one, and we
trust that the publication of his complaint will lead to the recovery of his
■pecimens,
■ ■ 1 ♦ I
The Leytonstone Camera Club are holding their first annual exhibition and
competition on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the 10th, 11th, and 12th of
November, at the Masonic Hall, High-road, Leytonstone. There are eight
classes, four members' and four open. Sixteen medals are offered for com-
petition. Lady Brooke has consented to open the exhibition of Thurstlay,
the 10th, at six o'clock p.m., and will in all probability be acconipanierl by
Lord Brooke, who, by the way, are both amateur photographers. The Judges
are Messrs. A. Horsley Hinton, Rev. F. C. Lambert, and Mr. E. J. Wall. The
exhibition will consist of photographic productions of the leading amateur and
professional photographers in the United Kingdom. Apparatus, &c., will be
exhibited, together with some of the latest novelties and appliances. Lantern
displays will be given twice during each evening. A fresh feature every half
hour throughout each evening. High-class musical selections by the Veronese
Orchestra, under the direction of Signor Constantine Baga. Entry forms and
particulars of the open classes .and spaces for exhibits can be had on applica-
tion to the Hon. Secretary, Albert E. Bailey, Rose Bank, South- West-road,
Leytonstone.
FORTHCOMING EXHIBITIONS.
October 17 Camera Club.
November 10-12 *Leytonstone Camera Club.
,, 15-17 *Hackney Photographic Society.
„ 17-19 Brixton and Clapham Camera Club.
North Middlesex Photographic Society.
,, 24-26 *Exeter Amateur Photographic Society.
•South London Photographic Society.
* Signifies that there are open classes.
OOMT
Paox
abchitectukal distortion by
THE HAND CAHEBA 6i7
prints VBBSUS processes 667
RESTORING FADED ALBUMEN PRINTS »68
THK CAMERA CLUB 660
JOTTINGS. By COSMOS 660
THE OBJECT OF PHOTOGRAPHY. By
CATH.tRINE WEED BARNES 661
AMIDOL. By ARCHER CLARKE 66J
TONING PLATINUM PRINTS WITH
URANIUM. By F. FITZPAINE 603
THK MANIPULATION OF CHLORIDE
OF SILVER GELATINE PAPER. By
EDWIN UNDERWOOD 6«»
ENTS,
Paob
PHOTOGRAPHIC INDUSTRIES:
MESSRS. NEWMAN 4 ODARDIA .... 661
MR. F. HOLLYEBS EXHIBITION OF
PLATINOTYPE REPRODUCTIONS .... 605
EXTRACT FROM THE DAILY PRESS
ON THE PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBI-
TION S65
OUB EDITORIAL TABLE 666
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES 66«
CORRESPONDENCE 608
RECENT PATENTS 671
EXCHANGE COLUMN ....; fflt
ANSWERS 10 CORRESPONDBNTS 6W
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1694. Vol. XXXIX.— OCTOBER 21, 1892.
MYSTERIOUS MARKINGS ON NKOATIVES.
It is bj no means on infrei|aent thing for some photographers
to meet irith atrange markinga, or fog on negativee, for which,
experienced though thej be, they cannot at onue account and
sometimea entirelj foil to discover the origin. Several instances
of this have been brought under our notice during the last two
or three months. The kinds of markings under consideration
may be, more or less, classified as fog, and have evidently more
than one orii,'in. Some appear onlj in irre^lar jiatches, while
in others the plates are marked or fogged almost all over.
The fog is not, however, homogeoeooa, like ordinary fog. Often
the defects, firom their appearance, if occurring on a wet-
oolladion plate, would at oooe baye been put down to dirty glass,
exce|>t that nothing is to be seen on the glasa side of the film,
and that it is more or leas granular in nature.
Some negatives of the whole-plato size were recently sent us
in which the ruarkings were in patches of various sizes, some
▼cry proDoacoed, and others so faint aa scarcely to bo noticed
at afl. A careful examination with a lens showed that in this
ease the granularity took the form of the grain in some kinds
of thin paper. The plates in question, it turned out, had been
[uu-ked with paper between them by the makers. From this
it was c'>n<'1uded that the plates bad been packed either before
tht-y wcro tliurougbly dry, or that the jiacketa had been kept in
the damp after they had been issued fr<jm the m.anufactory.
There Is yet another way in which (lie nioisture might have
found its way to the film.
It la no unnsoal thing, with piatos of larger sizes than those
in genenl om, to open a packet, take out what ia reciuired for
immediate nae, and repack the remainder, which may not lie
wanted for some time. Now, the atmosphere of the dark ntom
nanally contama a c<jf)siderable amount of moisture, and, if the
plates have been kept in a cooler place than thia apartment,
moisture will at once condense upon them, and consequently
be absorbed by the film. Then, if paper, however pure, were
preaed against it for perhaps some weeks. Its effeots would
certainly become manifest. We mention this, as it is scarcely
oofioeiTable that plate-makers would send out plates unless
they were perfectly dry at the time. It may be asked, if
danpiMSs be the ciiuse, why the markings are not uniform all
over the plate t It must, however, be borne in mind that, the
cl<'«er the film is preased in contact with the paper, the more
pronounced will be the effect, and that much of the gloss used
ia by no means tlat.
It waa DO nncommon thing, at one time, for plates that had
been kept in terk slides for a lon^ period to show on develoji-
mi^nt I band of fog across them corresponding with the position
of the hin^n of the shatter. This waa obviously due to some
deleterious emanations from the material of which it was
composed. This may, however, be considered a thing of the
past, aa cameni-makers now only employ such material for the
hing^ as they know to be inert.
Among some of the negatives lately submitted to us, that
portion of the plate which had been opposite the hinge of the
shuttor of the slide in which it was kept has been ' perfect,
while the whole of the other part has been fogged. In these
cases it is clear that the hinge has acted as a protection, and
that the evil is due to the shutter itself; and in this instance
the fog appeared to be marked indistinctly with the grain of
the wood. As in all wooden shutters mahogany is employed,
it can scarcely be imagined that it would exhale anything that
would act injuriously on the bromide film. Hence, if the evil
arises from pernicious fumes, they must be sought for in the
material with which the inside of the shutter is blacked. In
one case, in which we had the opportunity of seeing the slide,
it had been blacked with a size colour, which had 'become
removed in places by constant dusting, leaving the naked wood
exposed. Now, it is quite conceivable that, if decomposed size
waa used, and the slides were stored in a slightly damp place,
and afterwards exposed to the heat of the sun, something
might be given off that would act deleteriousjjr on the sensitive
film. The vapours of some resinous matters also have a
peniicioiu effect on sensitive films. It was long since found
that dry-collodion plates suffered by being stored in grooved
deal boxes.
It must not be taken as conclusive, however, that because
fogging appears only on such portions of the negatives as are
opposed to the wood, and not where it is covered by the
material forming the hinge of the shutter, the evil is duo
to exhalation, because it may arise from quite a different cause.
Wood, when sufficiently thin, is tranaparent, it is also porous ;
and some of the inferior sorts of mahogany, such as is used for
some cameras, particularly so. Many shutters of dark slides
are not more than the eighth of an inch thick, some even lesa
Now, it is easy to see that a highly sensitive plate, protected
only by such a shutter, would become affected if the slide were
exposed for a time in strong sunlight ; and thia is often the
cBse-with some workers, who seem to consider that, so teng as
the joints are good, the slide is perfectly safe. That is a
mistake.
When plates are fogged, and the fog appears on those por-
tions that were opposite the wood of the shutter, and is absent
opposite the hinge, it is more likely to be caused by light
passing through the wood thim from any exhalations from it.
In cither caie we should recommend, as a preventive of the
trouble, that the inside of the shutter be treated in the follow-
ing manner:— First remove the old black ; if size colour, wit"
074
l-HE BRITISa JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[OctoW 21, 1892
sponge «nd warm water ; if varnish colour, with spirit. Then
mix some "vegetable black" with thinned spirit varnish —
ordinary negative varnish will answer — and coat the wood with
it, well working it into the pores. After the coating has
become ^uite dry and hard it should be rubbed down with fine
glass paper. This will remove some of the black from the
surface, but will leave it in the pores of the wood, which will
still appear as hollows. This treatment should be repeated,
and a third time if necessaiy. The final coating must be left
intact. Unless the coating were smoothed down with the glass
paper, the successive layers might make the shutter too thick
and uneven to work freely. The object of this treatment is to
entirely fill up the jwres of the wood and render it impervious
to light, and, at the same time, obtain a coating of varnish that
will prevent the exhalation of injurious matters.
THE STORAGE AND TREATMENT OF SENSITISED
PAPERS.
It is difficult to realise that we have already nearly arrived
at the end of autumn, and that we shall soon be sur-
rounded by the innumerable troubles that arise during the
colder months of the year from damp and attendant causes.
It has been customary, in years past, to briefly allude to such
matters as they are likely to arise, and to suggest the necessary
precautions for their avoidance, but we believe that hitherto
no place has been found amongst these seasonable warnings for
any mention of the necessity for special winter treatment of our
modem sensitised papers.
This is chiefly owing to the fact that several of the newer
kinds of printing paper can scarcely yet be said to have taken
a firm hold on the popular fancy, although, perhaps, in some
hands they are beyond the trial stage. Platinotype has, in-
deed, been in use for so many years, and is employed by so
large a proportion of both amateur and professional photo-
graphers, that it may be removed from the category of " new "
processes, though even it, in some of its more modern forms,
can hardly yet be deemed to have passed its trial. We need
not, however, stay to discuss the precautions against damp
necessary in working platinotype, since these form amongst the
most important of the instructions issued by the manufacturers
of the prepared paper for the guidance of the consumer.
The printing surfaces to which we desire more especially to
allude are those having gelatine as a basis, but more especially
those in which the sensitive film is composed of that substance
in conjunction with a soluble salt of silver, or of other soluble
and hygroscopic matter in the absence of active silver com-
pounds. ' Gelatine itself, we all know, is readily acted upon by
damp, which it freely absorbs if the opportunity present itself;
but the danger thus arising is comparatively small, for the
carelessness must, indeed, be great that would submit sensitive
films, whether plates or paper, or even finished negatives, to
such a degree of moisture, or to such conditions, as would cause
their destruction without other aid.
Dry gelatine plates, or films on paper that are prepared for
development, may be considered comparatively safe from damp
if stored in an ordinarily common-sense way, though, of course,
even these require the exercise of some additional care iu
•winter. But the difiereut " printing-out " papers which possibly
contain soluble and more or less hygroscopic matters that,
though inert while perfectly dry, are brought into a state of
activity in the presence of moisture, must be considered
from an entirely different standpoint.
Going back to the old days of albumenised paper^before the
advent of the ready-sensitised article — it will be borne in mind
how diiBcult it was to preserve the whiteness of the paper after
sensitising, especially in summer. Here we seem, at first sight,
to have the reverse conditions ; but such is really not the case,
for it was only the high temperature that assisted the moisture
in the albumen film to cause the rapid discolouration in hot
weather. The soluble and hygroscopic nitrates formed during
sensitising acted, in the first place, by keeping the paper
slightly damp, and then the heat completed the mischief; but,
if such paper were perfectly desiccated after sensitising, and
then hermetically sealed in a dry atmosphere, the discoloura-
tion was prevented for a very considerable time. In the winter
months the difficulty took another form, for, though the dis-
colouration failed to make its appearance with the same
rapidity as in simimer, the protracted period in the printing
frame — sometimes extending to days — and the increased pro-
portion of moisture in the atmosphere often rendered it scarcely
less troublesome.
The conditions that prevail with our modem papers are not
one whit more favourable to keeping, while the additional
trouble is added of the decomposition of the gelatine film itself,
or what is equally as bad, its softening and subsequent adhesion
to anything with which it may be in contact. The coagulated
albumen film had the advantage of insolubility, though even it
would stick to the negative if allowed to get damp. But
nowadays, with gelatine negatives and gelatine paper, the
danger is immensely intensified under all circumstances where
moisture has a chance of obtaining access, whether in the
storeroom or in the printing frame.
As an instance of this, we some time ago purchased a packet
of cut gelatine paper at a suburban dealer's, where possiWy,
though a good business was done, that particular article did
not " move " very rapidly. At any rate, the particular batch of
paper we refer to was found, upon being opened, to have been
converted into a solid block by the damp of the previous
winter and subsequent drying. Being a development paper,
we managed to make some experimental use of it by soaking
the sheets apart and redrying, a course that would have
been hopeless with the ordinary run of " printing-out " paper.
What we would recommend our readers, especially the
younger ones, to do is to always, if possible, open their gelatine
films in a warm room, and to see that they are perfectly dry ;
if not, to render them so by the application of gentle heat. In
the case of printing-out paper, there need not be the least
difficulty in doing this, as the sensitiveness is such as to allow
of the packet being opened in the ordinary sitting-room, and, if
necessary, dried at the open fire. It is seldom, however, the
paper would be issued from the maker's so carelessly packed as
to require the latter treatment ; but a very few minutes'
exposure in a cold room at this period of the year will suffice
to set up such conditions as not only to require drying at the
fire, but to utterly ruin the paper in a very short time if that
precaution be neglected.
It is this point we wish especially to emphasise, namely, that,
though the paper may be in perfect condition when opened, it
will in a very short time, especially in a cold room, such as
most amateiurs' dark rooms are, absorb sufficient moisture to
set up a chemical change if the film contain soluble matter,
and most likely to stick the whole into a solid block if repacked
in that condition. Hence we say, First of all open the packet
in a warm room and see that it is di-y.
In repacking it also observe that it is still dry, and add the
October 21. 18^]
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
676
additional precaution of wrapping it in tinfoil outside the first
paper. This, if properly done, will prove a perfect protection
against damp, and will remove all danger from that cause.
Then, again, in using tlie paper, before placing it in the
printing frame make sure that not only the paper itself but
alBO the negative film are perfectly free from moisture, otherwise
there will be every probability of the two adheribg. Even if
this do not occur, the negative is pretty certain to absorb some
silver from the paper, with the result that in a short time
it becomes hopelessly stained.
Finally, see that the pad of the printing frame is perfectly
dzy. This is, at the present season, perhaps, the most im-
portant point of all, fur it is really remarkable what an
immense quantity of moisture is absorbed and persistently
retained by a pad of felt, or even of bibulous paper. In our
own practice we use felt, and, after i day's use, we find ' it
neceaMury to place the pads for a oon.siderable time in a hot
oven until they cease to show aigna of dampness. A pad that
has lain in the printing frame for a week will, upon holding it
to the fire, give ofi steam, aa if it had just been wrung out of
water.
It is scarcely necessary to point oat how injurions would be
the action of such a pad upon a sheet of gelatino-chloride paper
placed in contact with it for a whole day, or even longer, with
perhaps the chance of a stray gleam of sunshine occasionally to
help draw out the moisture. In order to avoid this risk, we
again recommend the resort to tinfoil as a final safeguard, a
piece of it being placed between pad and print to isolate any
chance damp that may be left in the former.
After printing, if an airtight case be not in use, the prints
siiould be wrapped in tinfoil until required for toning. If this
precaution were invariably observed, there would be fewer com-
plaints of difficulty in toning.
Volcanic Photorraptas>— A pap«r, illiutrated by a Urge
i>'4mber < \ph* printt-d from prooeM btockii, ippeari in a
r*<^'nt niiri.... . ..:furr, and ihowi plainly th# fjTMt value of photo-
.'vajhT in recording tbe fact* o( natural ph«n<>mena. A few years
%;:■, ..r.i^ these photographs would have been traanlated by the ^raver'a
^ ol iTi'.n ve^ pretty woodcut*, the teientific value of which would
T.tirt- ly ilrpeod upon what could only be (••rtD<>d the enfrrmver's intcr-
p' iiiti^n of (ba photoipvphic print*. The*e pboto-engravingii, largu
and imall, an eight in nnmber, and give a moat excellent idea of the
▼arions localities at'fliilsrsBt tiiaas sad conditions of the volcanic
Sfl'ect of tbe Vltra-wlolet Saya on Plant Xiife.—
A r.rr int'ro^tirif memoir on tlii« Mibje<-t w«< r'^'^ntlv pr*.-*nt«;<l
iuiemy of Science*. Thn nhbl*- paper was replete with
, I remarkable expsriiaeiit*: t>ut,a« they are foreifrn to our
•eicnce, we may merely «ay that it wa* found that the particular rsys
wbirli ar^* ao opecially active in photography were powerfully lo on
plaata. While the rest of tbe npectmm rays had an acceleratinir effect
on the frrowtb and developroeot of the plant, it wa» found that even
at a diatanoe of three or four yards the ultra-violet ray* were prejudi-
cial to tbe normal development of tho planta, and to rorrvct this glass
idiadcs were employed a* interceptors.
^'A Black Sheep.** — ICexpcctabI)- .Mancbe«ter photographen
are to b>' 'ml upon the thorough trpotf, by a local paper,
of the ei.. .. ..... '<\ a pbntngrspher for some time pant domiciled in
that town. For yean, it wem#, thi* man'* dinfrraceful behaviour
towaid* hi* lady ntters ha* been notoriom, and we are glad that the
oOmSgODUii rsvdations of several of tbeni have •■ .-',. m of
ens Wing -oar eoatemporary, Aijfiy, to deoounee him
manner as to, we hope, leave him little chance of carrying on his
loathsome doings in future. His real name is said to be, not Sauvy,
but Zilkind, and, instead of beinff French, he is a Polish Jew. His
address is (or was, we trust) 22a, King-street, Manchester. The
thanks of photographers throughout the country are due to Bpy for
its forcible and vigorous action. For our part, we are happy to know
that Zalkind is a conspicuous exception to the general rule that
photographers are a body of men as honourable and well conducted
as any other in the community.
Setouchlng by Electricity "Some time ago," says
Anthmy's BuUftin, " we published a series of articles on retouching
by Mr. Redmond Barrett. Taking these articles as a guide, retouching
may be made simple and rapid by the use of an instrument now en exhi-
bition in the store of our publishers. This is a small metal pencil-
holder, at one end of which is a little electric motor worked by two
bichromate cells. The other end carries the pencil, which is carefully
sharpened with fine emery cloth. The holder is supported by a brass
spring, the hand, therefore, simply serving as a guide. The cells
being connected, the pencil rapidly revolves with a slight wobbling
motion. The negative is rubbed over with "Venice turpentine, fixed
upon the desk, and all that is necessary is for the operator to guide
tbe pencil. The instrument cannot certainly supply the worker with
the requisite knowledge of anatomy, but it gives him the mechanical
part, and supplies him with the means to rapidly and delicately carry
out his ideas (o the desired end. A cabinet bust portrait may easily
be completely retouched in fifteen minutes, entailing but Utile fatigue
to the operator.''
Stllla and tbe Ezclae.— That we were not in error in
alluding to a widespread ignorance in tbe matter of excise require-
ments in regard to stills has further proof, if it were needed, in" a
letter to the editor of the Ckrmical Neict last week. Tbe writer,
Sir. P. Gerald Sanford, F.C.S., states that one of the reeuhs of his
application for permission to purchase in quantity the oW form of
methylated spirit has been the visits of four Oorernmeut officials,
who, discovering, as was natural in a chemist's laboratory, a variety
of stills and retorU, informed Mr. Sanford that he had no right to use
them without a licence, which would cost \0s. (W. Having made
inquiries, and findinj^ that few, if any, chemists paid such a licence, he
refused to pay ; and, after a correspondence extending over several
months, he at last obtained— chiefly; he believed, through the efforts
of the Secretary of tbe Institute of Chemistry — the necessary per-
mission to use stills and retorts " for the purposes of his profession."
This fresh evidence does but give fresh force to our sui^geetion that
the Photographic Society of Great Britain should place themselves ei»
rapjtort, similarly, with the Inland Revenue officials.
Wanted, a Donor of a Big: Teleaoope. — Not content
with iheir own existinif posst'ssion". Professor l'icki:rin(r, the Director
of the Observatory of Harrard College, has issued a circular inviting
the wealthy to (tonnider the opportunity offered for a donor of two
hundred thousand dollars "to have his name permaneiuly attached
to a reflecting telescope, which, besides being the largest in the
world, would be more favourably situated than almost any other,
and would have a field of work comparatively new." The telescope
in question would be placed in the station established by tbe Harvard
(loilen Observatory, near Arequipa in Peru, at an altitude of more
tjaate^ thousand feet. The great drawback to tbe use of -these
laigSJBitniments, and rspsdally when photographic purposes are in
view, is the difficulty of obtainini^ a clear ami still atmosphere ; but
in the proposed regions the sky is nearly cloudless, and a small tele-
scope already established there has shown that the atmosphere is
also remarkably s'eady. Tbe circilar concludes by saying : " Even
under the most favoura'h cir.uustanc s startfing discoveries — re-
latinr, for exampl', t> tile ex'st -nee of i habitants in the planets —
are not to be expe ted '. .• ;'' ' It is disappointing to learn this, for a
syndicate of 'photographers ing t otherioise be started to phOtof^raph
• !...». Thut tlie r --I'Voiili t en b- a (onmoreial success cannot
076
THE BRITlSri JOCRVAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[October 21, 1892
Zmprovements In Fhotograpblc Zienses. — One is
frequently seeing improvements in photoji^raphic lenses announced,
usually through the I'atent Office, and often by amateur opticians,
who have but little knowledge of optics, and no cognisance of what
has been done before. Here is a case in point. The specification of
a patent has just been pubUshed for an improvement in the adjust-
ment of the optical and visual foci of photographic lenses. The im-
provement consists in fixing to the sliding tube, in which the lenses
are mounted, a pin, which works in a slot in the jacket of the mount,
corresponding with the distance between the optical and chemical
foci of thej combination, so that, after the visual focus has been
obtained, the tube is moved the distance permitted by the fixed pin
and slot. Now, most persons are aware that the difference in the
optical and chemical foci of under or over-corrected lenses varies
according to circumstances. As the conjugate focus is increased, so
is the difference between the two foci increased also — a condition not
allowed for by the patentee. No opticians now turn out photographic
lenses in which the two foci do not coincide. The patentee dates
from the Optlsch-occultisches Institute, Munich. But for the fact
that the world-wide-known firm of Steinhiel are at Munich, one
would, in the face of this specification, have surmised that the
Bavarian capital was fully a quarter^of a century behind the age in
photographic optics. But the same may, perhaps, be said of some
patented lenses initiated in London.
THE CAMEEA CLUB EXHIBITION.
In this admirable Exhibition, held in the large room of the Club
(which has been newly redecorated), there is a fine collection of photo-
graphs, excellent alike in execution and intention, in many of which,
however, technical excellence has been placed on one side in favour
of pictorial merit. It is a tribute to the catholicity of selective taste
felt by the Club Committee that among the two hundred or more
pictures hung several are the work of professional men, while many
of them are duplicates of some of the most successful photographs
now on view at the neighbouring Exhibition of the Photographic
Society of Great Britain. The raison-d'eti-e of the Camera Club
Exhibition is given in the following brief preface to the catalogue: —
"The intention of the promoters of this Exhibition has been to gather
together, by careful invitation and selection, the best photographic pic-
tures of the year. Such a system, it may be said, of invitation and selec-
tion is now,for the first time in the history ^of photographic exhibitions,
initiated in England, although Vienna and Brussels have already adopted
such an obviously rational course. The invitations have been Umited,
and addressed to those photographers only who are known to produce
artistic results. So enthusiastic has been the response, and so large
the number of contributions sent in, not only from this but also from
foreign countries, that the exigencies of space in our gallery have
rendered the question of hanging the exhibits a somewhat embarrass-
ing one. The space at our disposal has, of course, necessitated the
exclusion of some contributions ; but it is believed that such a neces-
sity was anticipated by the exhibitors, and will meet with cheerful
acquiescence. There can be little question that the title, 'Photo-
graphic I'ictures of the Year,' "is one which is justified by the condi-
tions under which the Exhibition has been organized."
Although perhaps not the most excellent from a purely pictorial
point of view, there is nothing in the Exhibition that surpasses in
general interest a series of five photographs by Shapoor N. Bhedwar,
of Bombay, depicting the consecration of a Parsee priest. The first
picture shows the Zoroastrian head priest invoking a blessing upon
the initiate, the expression of whose face must touch the spectator.
In five progressive stages is shown the whole progress of the initiation,
until the young candidate for " holy orders " is duly qualified as a
priest.
Among several pictures exhibited by Baron N. de Rothschild, that
of NacA tier Arbeit (After the day's work) will be inspected with
admiration. In it we have a peasant enjoying himself outside a wine
Louse, a common enough subject, but well treated.
Although the Caller Ilerrin of Mr. A Burchett is one of the most
ia;7X)sing photographs in the rpoip, and is undoubtedly well com-
posvd, yet is the lighting not natural. Here we have a girl in the
open with a basket of fish beside her. In the rather d ill surroundings
we have no strong light or sliade apparent, and yet in the girl's face
there are shadows so heavy as to suggest that the figure has been
taken in a studio specially adapted to give such strong contrasts as to
leave portions altogether dark. In nature one does not find such dis-
crepancies as are]here presented.
Ralph Robinson's picture, A New Pel, is probably the best of all
bis exhibits. A certain "something " has just arrived in a farm out-
house, but whether it be a calf, a foal, a kid, or something of like
nature, is left to the imagination of the spectator, who is less fortu-
nate in this respect than the three rustics who are outside and peering
into the interior. A second picture by the same artist, Makin;/
Friends— a. peasant woman engaged in getting into the good graces of
a young calf — is highly meritorious, while his two other exhibits are
also good.
A noticeable feature of the E.xhibition is the large number of
small pictures — quarter-plates and smaller. Of these we like Mr.
H. M. Hastings' Coming in with the Tide, a delicate little yacht
study ; and the same exhibitor's Tyne, Drawing Timber, and
Ploughing — these last three, however, to our fancy, would have had
the finer details better rendered on a surface paper. Mr. T. J.
Bright, with two placid studies of Home to the Midday Meal and
The Barley Harvest; Mr. J. Guardia with A Normandy Smithy, Mr.
H. E. Davis with A Break in the Storm (the cloud effects of the
latter being forcibly treated), Far from the Madding Crowd, a
solitary reaper at work, and the Hon. Sec, Mr. Davison, with ten
small landscapes, are among those who shine in this particular class,
most of the pictures being printed on rough sepia toned paper.
Mr. Karl Greger is represented by several pictures in his Pall
Mall vein, of which we like the crisp and brightly lighted June tn the
Fens ; Mr. Bergheim by several of his fine head studies, while Colonel
Gale also has half-a-dozen pictures, than which nothing is better
than The Incoming Tide, full of poetry and clever treatment of
atmosphere. Lieutenant Gladstone's interior, Mont St. Michael, is
technically excellent, and in the department of architecture, Mr. F.H.
Evans also excels with his Canterbury and Gloucester series. Mr.
H. P. Robinson's two pictures scarcely do him justice, the lighting of
the women Gossiping on the Beach being rather faulty. The Rising
Lark, a large study of two women looking upwards, is the better of
the two ; while his Midsummer, which is so placed as to elude
general observation, is one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the
room. Mr. Sutcliffe has a series of six not up to his usual mark. In
one, the Orthographer and his Fond Father, a child spelling the name
of a boat in the presence of a small crowd of salts, it is difficult to
pitch on the man who has the honour of paternity of the phenomenon.
Mr. W. L. Colls' series are admirable in technique and composition,
and we like the effect of Mr. Keighley's Gathering Clouds. Mr.
Clarence Moore's study of Two Little Niggers, a boy and a girl
smiling together, is a clever and natural bit. Mr. Henry Stevens's
Orchids and Ferns is quite in his usual admirable style, while the
picture of his inevitable fox terriers in Patters, is a capable ex-
ample of animal photography. Mr. W. Crooke sends a large well-
executed portrait of Paderewski, and Mr. Maskell three portraits of a
lady, Mr. Davison, and Mr. Corbould ; the one of Mr. Davison is not
a good likeness. Mr. Paul Lange's Off Aalesund is noticeable for
the cloud effects, which are vigorous and full of animated contrast.
Mr. S. Bourne's landscapes are sound, conscientious photographs,
and in The Old, Old Story Mr. W. R. Cassels very ably depicts the
fateful moment when a lover is presumably putting the question of
questions to the object of his affections. Mr. Lord's Hotv's That,
Mr. Durrant's Monk studies, and Mr. Diston's Highland Smugglers
are duplicates of those gentlemen's Pall Mall exhibits, which it is
unnecessary to criticise. The iady in Mr. Lyddell Sawj-er's Study is
most naturally and elegantly posed, and Mr. D. Alexandre's A Bivouac
and A Modern Lesson in Anatomy (the latter a group of students
round a patient) are successful examples of subjects difficult owing to
their lighting.
Tennysoniana is the theme of the exhibits of Mr. H. H. flay
Cameron and the late Mrs. Cameron, the portraits shown being in
the well-known style of both artists. Other exhibitors include
Richard Keene (with good architectural subjects), B. Alfieri (whose
Grey Dawn shows a capital effect of mistiness), R. Terras, M. Auty,
October 21, 1802]
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
677
I. ( ;. L^ (wboae mail work U of the Mme quality u hia lantern
-Ul*!!, R. Briant (the extreme fiuzioeai of whose Hffd Fringed Mere
u, we beliere, due to the picture having; heen taken br means of a
•lit). B. Gay Wilkinson (with a beautifully defined Maipool), A.
Hor»ley Hinton (whoae Reed Harrfting has hi« uinial "broad''
treatment), P. Ennia, A. R. Dresaer, G. Loppe, A. Kapteyn, Rev-
F. C. Lambert, S. Cinway, H. ToDey, A. J. Leeson, Captain Abney
(with three excellantly eipowd and defined views of Folkeitow Har-
b^.ur), D. Stmkoach, Lyonel CUrk, F. Hollyer, E. Callnnd. and others.
The one thing of special interest from a semi-scientific point of
view U a group of exhibits by H. Van der Weyde. It is a means of
reducing the dimensions of any particular part of a photograph. For
example, we all know that ladies aometimea complain of the undue
diiMnaions given to their hands or feet by the photographer; or the
bead may be too large for the figure of the sitter. By the discovery
of Mr. Van der W'eyde this spedes of imaginarv discrepancy may be
entirely rectified. The deUils of hia method for effecting this have
not yet been made public, although it will be so eventually, as he has
promised a demoMtration at as eariy date. It is understood, how-
ever, that the mtenMwition of a lem hMweon the negative and the
offending and too large member, baa to do with the method of cure.
Be the yntate moAu openm'K what it mar, the reeulu thus obtain-
a^'» will appeal to a large mass of the community as an improvement.
,' parts of a figure are in the photograph aometimea conai-
lanred, and if by optical meaaa these can be reduced in
dim- : the better, at any rate from th- art point of Tiew.
Tr. . i.jn, which is to be open for several weeks, is one in
which the Camera Club mar take legitimate pride, and is highly
crediuWe to its ozganizera. The principle oT only hanging invitation
exhibits doabtlaM ensarM a high avenge of excellence, but it has the
drawback of esdading works by unknown men which might con-
ceivably be not leM worthy of Mich a dirtinction than the productions
of thoee known to fame. In this leepect the Photographic Society's
and other similar Exhibition* still All aa ofiee the ntilitv of which is
beyond qnMtioB.
CONTINENTAL NOTES AND XEWa
&«Btorliiar rsd«tf Prints — Aprtftt our leoent article* on
tills .ubj-ct, we observe that a ContiatMal journal sammariaea the
following method. Immerse the print is a solution consisting o(
Saturated solution of merraric chloride
addiBed with HH 20 drop*.
I>wt»lW water 1000 ex.
When the print baa attained the neeaaaary depth, it ahonld be waahed
and dried, and may then be carried to a warmer tone in a toning bath
of chloride of gold and potasMua.
An Bzlitbltlon of PhotofrapUe Journals.— At Brxiweb.
c- \t MiT, an intoniatinnal exi»j?iti)a devoted to the Pr«as,andeat aad
modem, is to be held in the Moa^ dc* Beaux Arto, and our Belgian
contemporary, Ueliot, haa been given dMiga of the section embndofr
photographic jonnuliBm. and will endtaTour to gather together a
cooiplete eoOeetion of the pub lications derottd to photography throogh-
out the world.
OelltUotd Varnish — The Jtundtcknu mentions a fact, several
time, refrm-d to in these cJumn.*, but still apparently not generally
known, that oelhiloid dissolved in amyl acetate forma an excellent
vatnish for a variety of photographic pupoaea.
TIM "BnUstln Balce."— M. Hector Colard haa resigned
the Editorahip «« the ButletiH ot the Aasoeiation Beige de Photo-
grsf'n. , wUdb, aa we hare frequently had occasion to rem irk, forms
»r. «.l.^.ir»ble Nmmt not only of the" proceedioga of this important
IV. • inaphic Aasoeiation, but al#<> of the current hteratore of photo-
s:r.i...y.
Toning with Cobalt.— M. Redaies has communicatad to the
. t- dt* Amateur* Pbotogripbei of Pari* a note relating to the em-
ployment of cobalt for toning, in place of chloride of gold. He has
tried different salts and has selected the chloride, the others only
acting very slowly. The cobalt, he observes, instead of being de-
posited on the albumen -silver image in the metallic state, ia
thrown down as a brown oxide. The following is the formula he
employs : —
A.— Water , looo c.c.
Chloride of cobalt 10 gr.
B.— Water 1000 c.c.
Acetate of lime 40 gr.
100 c.c. of A and 120 c.c. of B are mixed and allowed to stand for three
or four days, the solution filtered, tested with litmus paper, and, if
found to be acid, a few drops of a ten per cent, solution of bicar-
bonate of lime are added, or, if alkaline, hydrochloric acid 1 : 10
U added, it being necessary that the bath should beneutral, otherwise
it will not tone. Toning, however, takes two or three days, but
fixing Is accomplished as usual in hypo. The author says the results
leave much to be desired, but he hopes to improve them. He also states
that he toned with a aimiUr bath in two hours, but he does not give
the formula.
Potaaaiom Chloride in the Oxalate Developer.-
.V< a means of imparling sepia tones to bromide prints developed
with ferrous oxalate, M. Hector Colard advocates the addition
of chloride of'potassiam to the developer. The following is the
formula : —
A.— Water KXW c.c.
Oxalate of potash 330 gr.
B.— Water 1000 c.c.
Chloride of potassium 130 g^r.
C— Water 500 c.c.
Ferrous sulphate 24 c.c.
Citric add 2 grammes.
Potassium bromide 2 „
VoT use twenty parts of A, five of B, and five of C. The more of
B that is used the more decided will be the brown tones obtained.
e
AMIDOL.
TuwRT appears to be much interest taken at the present time in a'J
the photographic journals in the above new developing agent. 1
therefore venture to offer the following description of some of my
experiences with the above developer, thinking it may be of interest
to many of the readers of The British JocnxAL ok Photography
who may not ret have tried the above valuable developer.
To all who hare not tried it, I say do so as quickly as possible, as
the tune of year is now coming on when all the help it is possible to
get from developers will be of the greatest service. It is one of those
things that, when it has been once fairly tried, it will be always
used, for all rapid, or other particular, or important work.
On Saturdav, October 8 last, I had to take three cabinet negatives
in a very had light (heavjr black clouds, no sun), just before it rained,
between 11.30 and 12 midday. One was of a rectless pony, another
of the same pony in a trap containing a lady, little bov, and a dog,
and tlie other was the lady, little boy, and a dog. A rapid rectilinear
len* of 12 in. equiv. focus was used ; the first had /-32 stop, and the
two last/-24 stop. The exposure given was cap on and off as quickly
as possible, time probably between a quarter and half a second, ce tainly
notowM than the latter. I commenced to develop with one part
anurtnl ItoA solution, to three parts of water, which developsd a
great part of the image. I then added some crystals (several grains,
number unknowii) of amidol and sulphite of soda to the developing
solution from time to time during the hour or thereabouts the deve-
lopment was taking place.
These additions, of course. Increased the developing power of the
solution wonderfully, and saved all the negatives. In fact, they were
much better than could have been expectM under the circumstances,
and I firmly believe no other developer known to me would have
produced anything like the amount of detail in the deepest shadows
as these negatives show. Ofc«ur$e, thfy icere nil more or less itnder-
fpoied, but not so much as to be useless, as, after being inten.'Hfied
with bichloride^ of mercury and ammonia, they vielded good, clear,
ao 1 quick printing negatives. .Vfter developing tfie above negativee,
078
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[October 21, 1802
I came to tbe conclusion that two seeoDcU each would have been the
proper exposure to, have given with the stops employed and the
I'ght present, but the nature of subjects rendered this length of
exposure imposrtble. Under similar conditions 1 shall use/- 20 or
/-lO stops for the future, and advise any one else to do the same.
But the foregoing experience showii the capabilities of both the
developer and the plates employed. I find bromide of potassium has
a very powerful effect as a restrainer with this developer, and tends
to produce thin images; therefore, for normal exposures and ireneral
work, onf-eiyhth cf a grain to each oimce of developing solution is
ample. For instantaneous or under-exposures, no bromide should be
used. I may also add that the gentleman for whom tbe above were
taken was very pleased with them all. All were developed wfth the
tame solution. J. T. IIackett.
CLOUDS,
[Mancheiter Am&teur Photographic Society.]
To print a photograph of landscape or seascape with a purely whits
sky is 80 untrue to nature and so inartistic that nowadays it is a rarity
except in the productions of the variest tyro, and we seldom see it perpe-
trated. That clouds are an improvement to most pictures is univer-
sally admitted, but we must not rush to the other extreme and u?e
this power iguorantly or rashly ; rather let us quietly consider how,
by its means, we can convert our mere photographs into things of
beauty.
Sunning thk Print.
Most certainly the method of obtaining clouds on the same negative
as the landscape is to be given the preference over all others ; but if
there is a clear blue sky you may ask, " How is this to be accom-
plished ? " Well, unless you are using isochromatic plates your sky
will most likely print white, and this, as I said before, is untrue to
nature. You will have noticed the blue of the sky 'u darker towards
the zenith and lighter when it approaches the horizon ; therefore we
must try and imitate this by what is technically termed "sunning the
print," and is performed as follows: — Cover up the lower portion of
the print, place it in the sunlight for a few seconds, shading it with a
piece of cardboard, kept in movement so as to give a graduated tint
on the skv — a very slight tint, indeed, is necessary, which can be
gauged by keeping one corner covered by the thumb-nail.
UsB or THB Lrns Cap.
Should well-marked clouds appear in the sky at the time of expo-
sure, we should by all means try to obtain them on our negatives by
giving the sky a shorter exposure than the landscape. Many ingenious
mechanical means have been devised, but a simple method of taking
off the cap is almost as effectual. The cdp should be taken off by an
upward motion and raised and lowered slowly; that is the whole
procedure. There is one class of cloud subject which should invariably
be taken with the landscape, or, better still, seascape. I refer to sun-
sets and sunrisings ; the former will, perhaps, be more often attempted
than the latter. There is nothing very difficult about it, although I
am sorry to say it is rarely that we can secure a true impression of
the scene. The principal points to be observed are to wait until tbe
sun retires behind a suitable cloud, and to use a small proportion of
pyro in the development.
How TO Obtain Cloud Negatives.
It is, however, not often that we can obtain clouds of a suitable
quality on the same plate as the landscape, therefore we must have
recourse to double printing, but before we do this we must get a
number of cloud negatives — mind, I do not say one or two, for we
should at least have over a dozen ; if not, we shall most likely fall into
that popular error of printing and perhaps exhibiting side by side two
landscapes with the same cloud, an event that could scarcely happen
in nature. It may be atked what kind of clouds we are to photograph,
and I answer any kind and every kind we can get hold of — cumulus,
stratified, wind-blown, mackerel sky, quiet sleepy-looking clouds; they
will all come in useful at some time. Those clouds with the sun just
off the angles of view are the easiest to obtain and, of course, the best
illuminated. Use a plate of medium vapidity, by about/-22 stop and
a slow shutter ; use a normal developer, and, so as to get a clear,
quick-printing negative, say pyro and soda.
Our friend, Mr. Shirley, advises iso. plates, which, he says, give
greater detail, but personally I have found little advantage to be
gained, though I may not have carried my experiments far enough.
"When photographing clouds the camera should be level or naaily
80, with a little of the landscape showing on the negative ; it goes
without saying that we must have a fairly clear view of the horizon,
no poplars or factory chimneys reaching half way up the plate. To
steer clear of this difficulty, some people point their cameras at an
angle of say 45°, but the results are so obviously wrong that I will
not stay now to point out the why and the wherefore. These people
may be classed wi'h those who gravely advise you to use your cloud
negative upside down for a change.
It is necessary that every-one attempting cloud photography should
be slightly inoculated with the Emersonian doctrine, for bis clouds
must not be quite sharp. For this reason, in a landscape we generally
have the foreground and middle distance sharp, but the distance is
out of focus, therefore it stands to reason that the more distant clouds
should partake also of a fuzzy nature. I have some pictures bv a
well-known artist which show this defect very clearly. The fore-
ground is sharp and the rest of the picture out of focus excepting tbe
clouds, which are as sharp as the foreground.
Printing in CLorDS.
Having now got our stock of cloud negatives, we loust consider
next how to use them. Tliere are several kinds of negatives to deal
with, which for the purpose of this paper may be roughly divided
into two classes : those giving a perfectly white sky, and those show-
ing a decided tint. The former is the easiest to deal with, so we will
take that first. Our initiatory proceeding is to take a print ready for
toning in the usual way, then, choosing a suitable cloud negative, place
the said print in contact in the printing frame ; but, if We made no
further preparation, the clouds would print on the landscape as well
as the sky. To obviate this, we must take a piece of brown paper and
roughly tear it to tlie shape of the sky-outline of the landscape, taking
no notice of trees and suchlike dark objects that project into the skv.
If the general objects in the distance are dark, then the clouds can
overlap, but, if liglit,'more care must be taken in the printing, and one
or two thicknesses of tissue paper must project past the edge of the
brown paper; this will soften the lower portion of the clouds; or
another way is to keep the brown paper moving during printing.
Should the sky in our landscape negative be rather thin, we must
resort to a little dodging, thus : place the back of the cloud negative
we intend to use in contact with the film of the landscape, and, taking
some Indian ink on the end of the finger, dab it over the high lisrhts
of the clouds, softening them off where necessary, then print as before
described, but under tissue paper or in shade.
Another method is to keep the whole of the sky white by covering
it while the landscape is printing, but this requires great care. It
should also be remembered that on a hazy day, when we have an
undefined horizon, clouds are not often seen in the lower portion of
the sky, tlierefore should be lightly printed. Indeed, in any case do
not be tempted to print the clouds too dark. Many a picture is over-
balanced by this fault, and though dramatic in its effects, an 1 s> tikes
with the superficial observer, is ofttimes untrue to nature.
I have already mentioned that we must choose a suitable cloud
negative, aud much depends upon our judgment in making this
choice.
Lighting, Balance, and Refleci'ions .
One of tlie first things we must consider is whether the lighting of
tbe clouds is in the same direction as the landscape. Cloud negatives
on films have here a distinct adviintage, for they can be printed from
either side. The next thing in importance is the artistic balancing of
the picture, and in this we have in our hands a power for good or evil.
Some few years ago I attempted to put before you as clearly as I could
as to what was implied by a true balance of light and shade in a pic-
ture, and then went on to mention how clouds could be made to assi-t
that important phase known as breadth in picture-making. To make
tills better \mderstood, I will instanca a photograph of a landscape
taken on a bright summer's day. In the middle distance is a lake,
and on the margin a little nearer at hand to the left is a cottage and
a tree. Far away is a range of mountains clearly cut in the sunshine ;
but, unfortunately, the sky line is too uniform, and stretches across
the landscape in a jagged line, cutting the picture almost in two, thus
violating all canons of art. We now, by shading a portion of the
landscipe, print the mountains above the cottage somewhat darker,
thus enlarging our mass of shade. We now take a cloud negative,
which prints rather darker to the left than to the right, utilising it as
before described, and it is now obvious that the scheme of light and
shade we have beeu aiming for is accompliihed, and will repay us for
the trouble expended.
If our picture includes a sheet of still water with perfect reflections,
it must be obvious that clouds wind-torn and jagged are unsuitable,
but some well-rounded, quiet- looking clouds must be chosen and lightly
printed for such a subject. If a portion of the sky is reflected in the .
water, we must then turn the cloud negative over and print also orl .
the water, and whilst doing so covering up the sky. The film being
separated by the thickness of the glass from the print just gives the
right amount of fuzziness, but in carrying this out we must be careful
k
Oetober 31, ISM]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
era
to hafe the true angle of reflection or tbe critics will be mercilesa to
our faults.
It ia aearcelT within the scope of this paper (but mij^ht with adran-
tag» be individually considered) to do little more than mention the
vetaarolo((ical aspect of clouiis. For our purpose the mere rudiments
would be sufficient, thoufrh it would be rather trvin;^ to the temper
if we were to send one of i^mr pictures to an exhibition and call it an
" Karly Homing," the Judges awarding it the ^old medal, and with
a glow of pride and admiration we stand before it and listen to the
adulation of others. Soon a rustj old savant oomes along and gives
a grant of disgust, blurting oat, " Why ! the idiot has printed mid-
day clouds into a morning picture," and we go home slowly and sadly,
hoping tliat no one else has discovered the fault. But we can con-
sole ourselves with the fact that unless we have some scores of clo'jd
negative* with notes as to tbe time of dar and year, aspect of land-
scape, kc, it would be impossible to ose tnem correctly. This being
simnst impracticable, we most do Um best we can under the circum-
stances.
DirrKBBXT Foiois op CLoms.
It might, perhaps, be advisable to mention the different forms of
ctnods, aad for this purpose they may be classed under three heads,
vii., the cnaakH, this stratus, and the drma. The first is easily dis-
tinguished. It is often in grand rolling msisee somewhat like moun-
tains and is oesentially a day cloud, fatmiBf after sunrise, and attains
its maiimum at noon. Tbe word ttratiu indicates at once this form
of doad. It j^iomUy lies in low horisontal strata, forming in the
wiwtiam and dMpemng with the noming sun, therefore should only
be iMH in momiDg and evening effeeta.
. Tbe drma cloud is of a fibrous nature and takes manv forms : it is
often calM the mare's tail cloud, and is dependent on tbe state of the
wind. Tbew notes, perhaps, are safieieBt to indicate the importance
of studying tbe subject from a meteorologieal point of view.
J. W. Wad».
PHOTOGBAPHT IN SOUTH AFRICA.
PaoTooBiraT is decidedly overdone in South Africa; the large towns
teem wiili aladfaw, and priees are iiiiasiBnlj low. Yet, in spite of this,
it is estwiMifng ham lew amateur* thsn are. and bow little enthusiasm
esista amoaget those few. This may pcobably b« accounted (or, however-
by the (act that there is very little faeantifal seenery here, that travelling
is very aipsaaiva, aad that evei^ one is confoundedly lazy. Detective
eametaa m Berar seen, althaagfa tlMM is a magnificent scope in that
direction. Tbe balf-nnde. piebnseqna EaAr, the quaintly-clad Coolie,
the childlike but wily Cbiaaman, aD «f whom, having a strong objee-
tion to eooiting death by eamiag ander the evil eye of the eamera (on
the tripod), eoold easily be snapped off by a " detective." And tbe on-
sophistiealed Dotehmaa can only be iibtaiasd io his pietnreeqoe state
unawares ; otherwise bis great ambitioo, whan pbotogi^ihy ta mantioned,
is to fo and wash himself, graase his hair, pat on his store clothes, and
stand Uks a Boman sswtinsl (with bell-bottomed unmentionables on),
ealm and cool, ia facot e( a baekgroond representing a volcano in a
partienlariy violent atala «t snptioa ; or sit in an easy attitude, with his
hat on one aids, and a hand spriad out graoefully on each knee, in tbe
best drawing-fooa of a palaea, with all the studio aceeasories piled round.
Tbe Dntehman in his Soaday beet is raibar like a eoetermonger dieesed
lor a bank holiday, the Dntebman al hows. i.t., on hia waggon, with his
sloosii bat and long boUoek-Ude iriiip, ie an iaicreeting individual—
pbetograpUaaQy ifiaMng Walking by tbe aide of his waggon, be can
with the saM whip piek out any one of his team — generally consisting of
from (ixtsen to twenty oien — wbiefa happens to be lagginft. He has a
aaoM for saeh beast, and it is a signifleant fact that that one which is
Ifaa moal obetrepesoas, and eonaeqnapMy teeeive* the largeet number of
Uafaee, nearly alwaya goee under tbe naaM ol " Booineck "—an endearing
term, signitying " EngKsbman.'
Tbst* ean be no donbt that the Dutoh element is largely responsible
Ik flw vary seeood-rate work which if turned out of most studios. Tbs
aomber ol real artist portrait-photographers In South Africa could be
aonatad •■ tbs Bagaw of one band. Tbe average photographer is quite
eoBlant wUI» be ean keep bis negatives pretty black and white, retouch
up to an appallag dsgrss, and give as much gloss on tbe finished photo-
graph as poaaUa. The following letter, which went the rounds of all the
ilodios ol a certain town, will show the tastes of the people : —
" Ihua Sia> — I am coming to town shortly to have my portrait taken.
IbaeabsaeddHlmiaMagoadpbolognpber. Please send with bearer
a saaspia af tta pe&ih yoa as*. Iowa tnly,— J. Vix Dtk>."
Take a three-qnartar face, and yoor etatoiner will torn the card round
to look (or his other ear ; a tliree-quarter length, and he will inquire after
the (ate of bis (eet ; let his (ace be anything but a chalky white, and he
asks indignantly whether you take him (or a half-cast. On the other
hand, an elegant pose at a card-table, with one foot on an expensive (oot-
stool, and surroundings o( flower pots and posing chairs, with a back-
ground depicting a shipwreck or a wild scene in Mashonaland, will bring
joy to bis heart.
Wages are (airly good. On the coast they run slightly higher than in
England. In Kimberley and Johannesburg, and generally " up North," a
good retoacher and operator can command from 31. lOi. to 51. per week ;
printers (rom 2/. 10». to 31. 10». Expenses are in proportion. And the
risk of being killed by the fine dust — which in Johannesburg carries off
scores of new-comers — is also moderately high.
One year ago the lowest price in Johannesburg (or one dozen cabinets
was two guineas, and in moat stadios the charge was much higher. Now.
one oan be taken cabinet size — and not in the old-fashioned, common,
ordinary, every-day manner — but by the " new patent, instantaneous pro-
cess," for twenty shillings, and have a " beautifully finished life-size
enlargement thrown in ! "
To those thinking of emigrating from England to South Africa, it is
most ditficalt to give advioe. For good all-round men— a printer, opera-
tor, or retoucher, who understands onh- his own branch, mast by all
means stay at home — with a little capital, there are openings in many of
tbe smaller towns which have no resident photographers ; but it must be
remembered that life out here is very different to what it is at home. Tbe
cold winter days — and very few of the houses contain fire grates — when
one does not see a cloud for three or four months together, when the
prints and negatives have consequently to go content with two changes o(
water ; and when one's customers bring back the " permanent photo-
graphs," and demand an explanation as to " those yellow spots;" and
the still more awfnl summer days, when the thermometer stands at 100''
in the shade, and the airy mosquito and the vivacious flea become quite
friendly, and tropical thunderstorms stroll round about twice a day ;
when the paper blisters as paper never blistered be(ore, and the plates
frill until one imagines that they are discontented with their condition,
and have suddenly decided to become stripping films ; when one learns
that the coloured servants have aci)aired a taste for methylated spirits,
and are executing a war dance in the reception-room, or that a cyclone
has carried off the roof of the studio and several of the best backgrounds
—when snch details as these happen, tbe English photographer is apt to
seek out the coolest spot in the bouse, ponder profoundly, and whistle
"Home, Sweet Home." H. S. Ellsbbeck.
«
ACCIDENT AND INTENTION.
[Holborn Oamerm Clnb.]
Tbebe is probably that in tbe experience of every picture-maker which
will enable him to at once anticipate the general drift of my remarks to-
night My remarks — call it a paper if you will— shall be very brief
because it they he worth anything they will then be easier remembered
and because it will give us the more time to air any pet ideas which may
arise, and talk over our individual good intentions (of course, none
ever have any bad onee), and further discuss our accidents and failures.
Thb BoaesTT or PnorooBirnio Workers.
As my experience of photograpliic work and workers increases, I am
bound to admit that my opinion as to their honesty (I refer to the workt,
not the workers) is not improved, and I don't think the workers o(ten err
on the side of excessive candour.
If every siuiosssfiil photograph wsre oonscientioosly accredited to
happy chance — that is, to accident— or, on the other hand, to deliberate
and premeditated intention, I wonder which list would be the longer !
And, vice rerin, bow rarely is a bad picture attributed to the real cause of
iM (aflnre ? How often the nnreproachful instrument, the weather, the
Ug1lt,-or ■• those wretched plates " bear the blame ! Our own judgment,
impatience, or skill, never '. Oh dear, no I " Just like my luck, don't
you know." Or, if it may be pointed out that the picture would be much
better composed if such-and-such a feature were not quite so central, or
ought to have been otherwise arranged, we get the answer, " Quite so.
I know that ; but, yon see, I only wanted it as a memento of the place,
and didn't trouble about the picture." "Didn't you? Well, then, you
ought." And, oh, the deceit of it ! (or, if the truth were known, the
camera was carefully set up, and on the ground-glass screen the subject
was thought perfect and delightful, and not until the print was shown to
some knowing one vras the error noticed. And then there's the charming
little bit of landscspe, which somehow comes oat all indistinct and fuzzy,
no one knows why ; and the critic's approval of the treatment is silently
680
THE BKiriSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[October 21, 1892
receiTed, as though it were dne to one's artistic motive, instead ol clnmsi-
nesB in shaking the lens or stumbling over the camera-legs dnnng ex-
posure. We all know the sort of thing, from your President to the last
newly elected member; an accident gives us a prize, and we unhesitat-
ingly take the credit, and keep silence about the faUures, and shirk the
responsibility of them.
The Hand Camera in the Hands or a Turner or Constable.
But all this is by way ol mtroduction. I am not here to preach a
sermon on morals, it is hardly my mission, for I fear I am so unorthodox
as to believe that out of evil good may come, and hence I am seeking to
show how, in the absence of good intention, or with the lack of ability to
do the right thing, much good may arise if we only have the judgment
and adroitness to turn it to account.
Now, I do not hesitate to say that if a Turner or a Constable were to
arise from the grave and a hand camera placed in their hands, a brief
half hours instruction as to its use, and an open order on the nearest
material dealer given them, that medals, awards, and general applause
would be theu-s within a few weeks. And why ? Certainly not from
their expert use of camera and apparatus, but from their ability (being
artists) to judge when chance had given them a good result, and when a
bad one, discrimination between what was worth preserving and what
shonld be consigned to the waste heap.
In this idea ol mine may be found an explanation of how some photo-
graphic workers so often score a success when, perhaps, a far more
careful competitor fails. One has only to expose a sufficient number of
plates to inevitably secure some successes, due, of course, to lucky acci-
dent. It is a question of percentage.
I remember a very well-known hand camera devotee telling me that he
rarely got more than three or four good plates out of a dozen exposures,
and whilst I could not help thinking that he must be as atrociously bad
a photographer as he must be good customer to the plate makers, yet I
could sUently commend his discretion and strength of mind shown in
sacrificing the bad, and only saving those children of accident, his good
negatives.
Mere Chance.
Now, the question at issue is that if it be granted that most excellent
things in photography are obtainable through mere chance— and whereas
the results of chance cannot be admitted as art, what evidence is there
on the other side which shall support the claims ol photography as a
deliberate means of artistic expression ? And, further, what lesson may
be drawn from the foregoing ?
The occasional triumph ol fortuitous circumstances in pictorial photo-
graphy is undeniable, but I should not hesitate to assert that the instances
of accidental success, which would not have been even greater if to the
same circumstances artistic knowledge, ability, and judgment had been
added, are so rare, so very rare, that they cannot be in any way accepted
in the calculation. The measure of success may be so great that we are
satisfied into leniency, and forbade to criticise too closely, and yet, as
we study the work longer and think about it, somehow there is a some-
thing akin to soullessness which comes to the surface, and we gradually
weary of it ; we grow accustomed to it, and find, when the first impres-
sion has worn off, that it is wanting in that very power of endurance
which is the best quality in a carefully thought out and satisfactorily
produced picture. This may sound a little like dogmatism, claiming too
much without ^definite proof. Well, I am not prepared to-night with
any practical examples, but I would ask you to think this over, and
apply it whenever opportunity offers. If you are content to get a
moderate number of pictures which will win for you the admiration of
your friends, set yourself the task of exposing a few gross of plates
under fairly favourable circumstances, and you need have no fear of
missing your desired end. But if you aspire higher, if your object is
to attain to the best possible, then do not trust to the capriciousness
of fortune and to chance ; besides, what fearful disappointments will
always await the photographer who depends on accident — for who has
not learnt that if there be a bad negative in the batch it is sure to be
that particularly favourite and much prized subject, whilst the thing we
didn't care anything about turns out tramps ?
Opportunity plus Accident.
I am convinced that opportunity plus accident, whilst it may furnish
many successes, yet the same opportunity phis deliberate intention will,
if the intention be the outcome of knowledge, yield a higher average of
merit, even if the successes be fewer, and, moreover, we shall have
failures which, because we know what we intended, and therefore know in
what we have failed we should be able to turn to account and derive
some useful lesson thereby.
In this direction two lines of thought suggest themselves to me whic^V
for the sake ol being definite, I will call "discrimination," or the knowing
a good thing when we have it, and " application," by which I mean the
faculty of turning the good to the best account.
In both of these cases a certain amount of art knowledge, instinctive or
acquired, is necessary, and, important as is the selection of the subject, it
is hardly more so than the exercise of the two above-named faculties,
both of which, it may be noted, come into operation after the negative is
made, and in a great measure irrespective of its qualities.
In the discrimination and recognition of the good, and in the method of
making the most of it, the artistic abiUty of the photographer is, perhaps.
first discernible, and his individuality most displayed.
At one time and another it has been my lot, I might almost say my
misfortune, to have passed through my hands parcels of photographs
made by the most absolute tyros ; photographs taken, perhaps, during a
summer holiday, of every description of subject from every conceivable
situation, from the shore, from shipboard, mountain summit, or river
bank, and from amongst a collection of less than ordinary merit, there now
and again appears a gem which, from the rough and imperfect manner
of its printing or some such character, has evidently not been appreciated
by its author.
Has it not occurred within our own experience that, on looking through
a batch of old prints which we had long ago thrust on one side as of
little importance, we have been surprised to find some picture which, in
the light of greater experience and knowledge, seems wholly satisfactory.
Have we not at some time found that some friend of culture or artistic
tendency has discovered, from amongst a bundle of discarded photo-
graphs, some one which he points out as a desirable and satisfactory
picture. We had never noticed it before, but now that our attention is
drawn thus to its merits, we are astonished that we could have over-
looked it.
An " Inawlity to Eecoonise the Good."
How can we account for this singular inability to recognise the good?
Is it because, when we first made the print and then cast it aside, we were
not in a mood or frame of mind responsive to its particular sentiment ?
or is it because we are deficient in a knowledge of Nature, and the eye is
not fully educated to perceive when a poetic aspect of Nature is trans-
ferred or reproduced in the picture ? In either case we have an accidental
success, and if we can decide the cause of our failing to recognise it, and
then cultivate our senses and faculties accordingly, our accident will
have become a source of education to us, and will enable us, not only to
do, but to surpass by intention, what before was effected through chance.
This would be one phase ol application, but what I had in mind was
rather the preservation of an unsatisfactory print by one process in order
that we may ascertain what better can be done with the subject by a
different method. Let the unsatisfactory print be an object of careful
study, and endeavour to draw from it an explanation of its failure. Is it
the characteristic of the paper used ? is it that the clouds included are
not in harmony with the sentiment of the scene ? is it printed too dark
to suggest sunshine, or too light, or too flat, for twilight? Are the
relative tones of foreground and distance incorrect, or some detail too
strong or too weak, one false note in the chord producing a discord. By
dodging, by shading, by cutting down, try to correct the evil, reluctant to
the last to abandon it. Thus out of our failure, also an accident, we
may, by deliberation and intention, come to a successful issue.
I know not if my remarks have been at .ill suggestive, but the recol-
lection of certain instances in my own brief experience, when premeditated
results being built upon a foundation of accidents have, in the end,
proved very satisfactory, prompted the hope that these notes might not
be without some indirect use. Before resuming my seat, however, I
should like you to remember the following few sentences (in reality the
skeleton of this paper) : — Conscientious admission to oneself ; submit
results to experts, and endeavour to find the good in every picture ;
chance pictures not as enduring as premeditated ones ; that, where luck
has done much, knowledge would have done more ; take a hint from an
imperfect picture and improve upon it ; do not discard a picture because
at once it appears undeserving, put it by and study it another time, there
may be something in it you had not suspected. A painter's pariiUel : the
painter gets a suggestion, a hint, from an almost unintentional stroke of
his brush, a passing shade, or what not ; it is an accident, but he pushes
it further, he builds upon it, and oxit of accident that was kind grows a
perfect work which is not the result of blind chance, but of definite aim.
A. HoRSLEY HiNTON.
.,JU3EKDEEN PHOTOGEAPHIC EXHIBITION.
(In connexion with the " Scottish Homes Industries Association.")
This was, we believe, the first amateur photographic exhibition that
has been held in Aberdeen, and, taking into consideration the short time
October 21, 1893]
THE BRITISH JODKNAi, OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
681
that they ha.rt been advertising and getting the ptetores together, it tamed
oat highly snecessfal.
The time and place were propitioaa (or & photograpbio show — (or the
Exhibition, o( which thii was a section, waa opened by the Princesses
Bcatxie* and Louise, and the streets were gay wHb decorations in hononr
of the Bojal visit to the city, and visitors came to the city in thousands.
Great credit is doe to Dr. McEenzie Davidjon and Miss Perrie, for the
very able manner by which they overoame &o many difficulties in con-
■■- vith this photographic section, and on the day before the opening
1 poeition to present to the press, Ac. , one o( the most nniqoe
ana cnanning of exhibitions, thoogh small.
Prizes were giren in amatenr clswtr only, bat in the non -competitive
:! many high dan and beaatifal production* were sent in by pro-
1 p.- judges were Mr. George Maaon, Glasgow ; and Mr. James Ewing
Crown-tireet, Aberdeen. The following is the list of awards :—
Class L— landscape— Whole Plate and over— Medal, Mr. John Milne,
4, Deranha-terraee, Aberdeen ; highly commended, Mr. W. F. Wilson,
HoDolnln : commended, Mr. James Bowman, Jan., The Square, Huntly.
Claae II.— Laadaeape — Half Plate or under— Medal, Mrs. Greig,
Cobairdy, Hnntly ; highly commended, HIm Emily C. Pirie, Waterton-
honse, Aoehmill ; commended, Mr. V. C. Baird, 3, Camperdown-plaoe,
EboQghty Ferry.
Class IIL— Portndtore and Figure Study— Medal. Mn. Gordon, Ellon
Cactle, Aberdeenshire ; highly commended. Mrs. Greig, Cobairdy, Huntly ;
oommendad, Mr. George Muirhead, Maias of Haddo, Aberdeenshire.
Cla« IV.— MarfaM Cloods Medal. Mr*. Norrie. Cross-street, Fraser-
bmgh ; highly commended, Mr. John Milne. 4. Deranha-terraee, Aber-
deen ; commoided, Mr. Jamee Bowman. Jan., The S<ioare, Huntly.
Class v.— Hand Camera— No award*.
Claaa VL— Enlargemenu— C. W. Moflatt. 7, Qneen's-garden*.
CISM VII.— Lantern Slide*— Medal, Professor rmlay. Aberdeen ; highly
oaainended, Mr Wm. F. Borthwidc. 'i5, View-terraoe, Aberdeen ; com-
Bt^mt^. Mr. U. Brodia, i, Powia-tsBMe, Aberdeen.
Claas Vni.— Steraosoopie SlidM Medal. Hi. R. Murray, North of
Seoilaad Bank, Dtmdae.
In the non-oompetitiTe classes Messrs. O. W. Wilson •!- Co.'s show of
lantern slidsa and tianapaieDdea te the Mereoseop* waa highly repre-
esotativ* at their work, shewing, ae it iom, the best claf* of work at its
beet
They also showed in largv photograph* —in carbon and platinotype —
iimij lyeflmsn*, and all a( a high order o( merit, notable amongst these,
PiafU and OoU, Ammf tht Bnaitn, and SxHtkim and Shotrrr.
Maaara. Valentine, of Dnadee, showed large platincm pietorc* of
Korway sesaay which attraeied oairwial attention.
Mr. Jamee Swing's earboa siilsrgw*Bl, lUs-azsd bust of Captain Reid,
is an artistically finiahed piaae o( weik, Md his ease o( 13 -v 10 platinum
group* show eaireftil manipolation and artistic peeing.
Msesii Morgan make a large show, enxbraeing. as it does, work (rom
lifri sited boat* down to eabiaet sis*, a wcU-arraaged aetoetion of piotare*
that wfmia highly tor tb* i— ripnl*liTe skill nf thaazhibitors.
Mr. McMabon. Mr. Oeeiing, and Mr. MUdleton are represented on the
walls by exacOeat work.
The Exhibitkm *a* viaitad bj lb* Priaatasee Beatriea and Louise, and
Lo^T .Kberdeea, who iipts— ill th«ws*he* highly pteeaed with the photo-
graphic display.
©ur £l)itorinl iTablf.
Th» " Ilkohd YKjin-BO^K" fo« 1903. •
An elejMitlitUe pieket-book, in 1 c«i> eoTcn and gilt edgee
Tke wiadoaa of tae Britannia \\ V^nj >• *bowB br tlrair
glfiM a chief place In their Ymr^mk tn a duuy, for wbicn there
■re t&ce days to a pefte. There is a judicious review of the doings
of tk* past year by Mr. John Howsoa, in which he takes a rapid
and wptabsiMive sorvey of mo*t of what iias transpired during
tiM** twalve MMtha. There ia also a vatietr of other usefal in-
f orsMtion in tU* bandaome diary.
Trads Cataiaocis.— Those before n* incltde, first, that of Mr. John
Banner, LittlabaaptoD, wboee list is der^ ; <I mainly to enlargements,
in earboo and otWrwise. Mr. HamierV .•peciality is the preparation
of ncgBtive* for csy of tb* prooeser* by which >-nlar>rements are
printed; and, ••eoadly, that of the Thornton - Pickard Company,
wbost prodoMioaa an now too well W wn to need specify io?. We
perceive that the firm has opened a new factory and offices at
Altrincham, near Manchester.
AFFILI.\TION OF PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETlEa
Thb fourth meeting of the delegates held on October 11, at the rooms of
the Photographic Society of Great Britain, Mr. Mackie (North London
Photographic Society) in the chair. — The Chaibman announced the business
of the evening to be the arrangement of a winter programme, hut there
was also upon the agenda "the appointment of a working committee."
Mr. P. EvKgrrr (London and Provincial Pliotographic Association) inquired
if that had not been arrange<i at the last meeting, and the extract fhim
the minutes was read, recording that it was deferred. After some remarks
by the Chairman, Mr. Marchant (North Middlesex Photographic Society),
and Mr. Golding (Holborn Camera Club), it was decided that the matter
be deferred. The Assistant Secretary announced that a set of slides
for circulation had been received from the Leeds Photographic Society, and
sets promised from the Hull, Lancaster, and Madras Societies. The North
.Middlesex Society had also offered for circulation papers on Gelalino-chloride-
of-Mver Faper and its Manipulution, by Mr. ,1. C. S. Mummery, and Notts
on Landtcape, by Mr. Pither. Major Bbuxd (Southsea Photographic Society)
stated that he was authorised on behalf of his Society to offer a set of slides ; and
the offen of slides were accepted with thanks. Mr. Everitt suggested a course
of lectures on photo- mechanical processes, and, after some remarks by the Chair-
man, Messrs. Clifton (Photographic Club) and Marchant, it was resolved that
■irangement* be made for a series of technical lectures to be held, if possible,
at 50, Great Russell-street, on some branch of photo-mechanical printing, and
that a committee of three members be appointed to make inquiries as to the
beat means of carrying it out The constitution of the Committee was then
ditcussed, and^e meeting adjoumetl until Friday, the 14th inst.
AOJOUKSSD meeting of delegates held at fiO, Great Russell-street, Friday,
October 14, Mr. W. Bedford (Photographic Society of Great Britain) in tlie
chair. — Mr. Marchant called attention to the fact that there were no rules as
to the calling of meetings of delegates, and thought the scheme ought to be
put on a business footing, and suggested the appointment of a Chairman with
power to call meetings and to be respooaible for the agenda. It was proposed
by Mr. Everitt, seconded by Mr. BIarchaxt, and carried unanimously, that
.Mr. Bedford be appointed Chairman, with power to call meetings and arrange
the business. The Cbairman thanked the meeting for such an expression of
confidence, and called on the delegates to resume the discussion left unsettled
at the previous meeting, viz., the appointment of the committee to carry out
the proposition as to technical lectures. Mr. Wamerke (Photograpliic Society
of Great Britain) stated that he felt sure the parent Society would regard this
proposition in a sympathetic manner, and after some remarks by the Chairman,
Messrs. Everitt, Mackie, Cox (North Middlesex Photographic Society), and
CUfton, it was decided that the committee consist of the Chairman [ex-oficio],
Messrs. Wamerke, Marchant, and Everitt The Cbairhan referred to a
cireolar that ha/1 been received ttam the International Union of Photography,
the object and present position of whic)i Mr. Wamerke explained. A question
was raised as to whether an AtUUation of Societies could join such a union, and,
after some remarks by the Chairman and .Mr. Cox, Mr. Wamerke promised to
obtain (tarther particulars. The Chairmax asked if it were possible to obtain
for circulation the lantern slides sent in to the Pall Mall Exhibition, and the
Assistant Secretary was inatmcted to see what could be done. Mr. Zacharia-
sBic (Putney Photographic Society) proi>osed that tickets should be printed to
be issued to sll members of affiliated Societies, to act as proof to the fact that
the bolden were members of an afliliated Society, but, after a discussion in
which Messrs. Mackie, Clifton, and the Cbairman joined, it was determined to
obtain a stamp, and that the Secretaries of the Societies should be invited to
send their oniioary members' tickets to the Assistant Secretary to be stamped.
The AasisTAirr 8tcB«TARY announced that at the present moment the papers,
Ac, at the dispoaal of the Societies were as follows : — 1. Photogravure, by Mr.
A, Dawson, with examples by various firms. 2. A Prnpotal fur a National
PKotografKie Rtcord and Sttmy, by Mr. W. .lerome Harrison, F.G.S., with
examples by the Birmingham Photographic Society. 3. Pholoyraphy applied
to tk* iMUction of Crime, by Dr. Paul Jeaerich, illustrated by lantern slides.
4. Set of sixty Indian and Colonial lantern slides. 5. .Set of seventy-one
lantern slides of Yorkshire scenery by the Leeds Photographic Society, 8. .Set
slides by the Hull Photographic Society. 7. Oelatino-c/ilondt-nf-
r oiuf Us Manipulation, by Mr. J. C. S. Mummery. 8. Notes on
^ _ by Mr. F. L. Pither. 9. There was also an offer, of which several
Sodsties have availed themselves, by Mr. W. E. Debenham, to demonstrate
either Tmupareneie* bg Uu Carbon Proc*u or Cotlodio-bromide, and the meeting
sdjonmed. ^
RECENT PATENTS.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS.
Xn. 18,211.— "Improvements in Optical Lanterns." A. C. Jacksox.— Ztote</
Orl<Aer U, 1892.
No 18,230.—" Improved Mode of Fixings I'hotogtaphic Camera to Stand.
H. U Vl&itim.— Dated October 12, 1892.
682
THE BRITISH JOimNAL. OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[October t>l, 1892
No. 18,264. — "Improvements in Photographic Cameras." R. Hartland.—
DaUd October 12, 1892.
No. 18,265.— "An Improved Photographic Shutter." R. Habtlasd.—
DaUd October 12, 1892.
No. 18,815. — " Improvements in Magic or Optical Lantern Slide Carriers."
C. C. y%\t.Ka.— Dated October 13, 1892.
No. 18,382.—" Improvements in Photographic Apparatus." W. A.
Edwards.- /)a<«rf Oeteber 13, 1892.
No. 18,468. — " Improvements in Photographic Cameras and Mechanism for
thesame." W. Sxii-ohove and F. C.wxtm.— Dated October 15, 183 2.
PATENTS COMPLETED.
An Improved Hand Camera.
Na 6132. Arthur Charles Smith and Albert Arthur Smith, both of
258, Albert-road, Veckhtim.—Septemlier 10, 1892.
A camera made according to this invention consists of an outer case of wood
or metal, in one end of which is the lens, and in this case a reservoir to contain
the sensitised plates is formed, consisting of an upper and a lower chamber,
grooved or otherwise.
The unexposed plates are fitted with suitable sheaths, and stored vertically
in the upper part of the magazine, in the space between the plane containing
the focus of the leua and the front of the camera. Exposure taltes place in the
lower part ot the camera, and the plates are dropped, one by one, through a
narrow opening, into the required position.
When the top half of the magazine is full of plates, the back of the lower
half is in a line with the opening or slot through which the plates fall. As
the plates pass into the lower half of the magazine, the whole reservoir is
caused to move backwards, and the lower chamber increases in depth while the
upper chamber decreases, until all the plates are in the lower part, when the
end of the upper part of the magazine nearest the front of the camera takes its
place over the slot.
The plates are supported in the upper Chamber by a loose floor which, when
a plate is required, is slid back so as to form a narrow opening large enough
for a plate to drop through into the lower part of the camera.
After the plate has fallen, the opening is closed by replacing the sliding
floor, and the plate is pushe<l against the back of the lower chamber ; the
pressure is continued, and the magazine, containing the whole of the plates,
recedes from the lens a distance equal to the thickness ot the plate.
An efficient method of releasing the unexposed plate, pushing it against the
back of the lower chamber, and giving motion to the magazine, is provided by
the use of a frame which slides in the lower part of the camera. This frame is
really a small trunk open at both ends, and is so placed that the light may
pass through it from the lens, and act upon the sensitised plate.
The top of this frame serves as the loose floor to the upper chamber, and one
end is utilised to press against the plate opposite the lens. The use of the
frame renders the changing of the plates a very simple operation. By means
of an attachment on the outside of the camera, the slidiug frame is moved
forward, and the opening is made for the plate to drop through : and by
bringing the frame back to its normal position the plate is pressed into the
correct position for exposing, and the magazine travels backwards.
To ensure each unexposed plate falling in front of the exposed ones, the
bottom edges of the plates in the upper chamber are arranged a little below
the top edges of those in the lower half of the magazine.
Instead of storing the plates vertically as described, they may be placed
horizontally in the upper chamber, and the opening arranged so that the
plates may swing into the vertical plane opposite the lens. In this case the
sheaths containing the plates have trunnions attached to the upper comers, and
these trunnions aie placed in vertical grooves formed in the sides of one end of
the chamber. The magazine is made to travel in a manner similar to that
adopted when all the plates are disposed vertically, namely, by pushing it
along the thickness of a plate at a time.
To indicate the number of the plate about to be exposed, a series of numerals
is placed on the side of the magazine, and these figures can be seen through a
small aperture in the side of the camera.
A shutter, which works behind the lens, is provided con.sisting of a piece of
metal, or wood, containing the necessary aperture, fixed at right angles to the
outer edge of a sector of a circular plate so centred that, by means of a rod or
rods, the aperture may be moved across the lens from side to side.
Ak Improved Developing Tray or Dish for Photographic Purposes.
No. 10,023. ANDRfi Desboutin, 70, Thurlow-hill, West Dulwich, London —
, September 10, 1892.
This invention relates to the novel construction of a tray or dish for develop-
ing photographic plates or films, whereby I am enabled to dispense with the
use of a special dark room.
In carrying out the said invention I provide a dish proper of papier inAche
or other suitable material, and having a spout. This dish proper is provided
with a closely fitting lid having in it a sheet of glass of a non-actinic colour —
say yellow— and in the bottom of the dish proper another sheet of glass, also
of non-actinic colour— say red— is inserted. Across the part of the dish having
the spout I form a screen, which serves to prevent any fight from entering the
dish or tray through the aperture between the spout and the dish.
Improved Combined Sobstances for the Development of Photographic
1.MAGES.
No. 14,542. Julius Hauff, Feuerbach, near Stuttgart, Germany.—
September 17, 1892.
In completing experiments with the series of the diamido compounds of phenol
and cresols, for the purpose of testing their utility in the development of
photographs on halogen-gelatino silver plates and on halogen-gelatino silver
paper, it has been found that, Ijesides the o-p-diamido-phenol, the o-p-diamido-
o-cresol, and o-p-diainido-metacresol, can be u.sed as m developing means in
the same manner as Die first-mentioned compound. Likewise can these two
n»w developing substances bring out the latent image in combination with
sulphites of the alkalies, or sulphite of ammonium, without the presence of
free alkalies, or of carbon.ates of the alkalies, while, in the same manner as for
diamido-pheuol, their developing power exceed? that of the other develoninz
means. ' °
As an example, I may use —
100 cub. cent, of water.
0-5 gramlSe of diamido-cresol.
5 grammes of the crystallised sulphite of an alkali.
It may be remarked that, by increasing the addition of the sulphite, the
reducing power is likewise increased, while this power can be decreased by the
addition of acids (preferably of sulphurous acid), or of bromides or chlorides of
the alkalies, so that the manner of using the developing substance for more or
less exposed plates becomes obvious. Instead of neutral sulphites, acid
sulphites may be used when, at the same time, all or only a portion of the
free acid is neutralised by means of carbonates or bicarbonates, the recipe
being thus capable of generalisation.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of this inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:— The employment of o-p-diamido-o-cresol and of o-p-diamido-m-
cresol, in combination with soluble sulphites (such as sulphite of soda, sulphite
of potash, sulphite of ammonium, sulphite of lithium), for developing photo-
graphic images on layers containing halogen silver.
Improvements in Apparatus for Washing Photographic Prints and
Negatives.
No. 19,706. Harold Holcroft, Ettingshall Foundrj-, Wolverhampton,
Hta.fSon\%hiTe.— September 17, 1892.
This invention has for its object improvements in apparatus for washing photo-
graphic prints and negatives, more especially for the purpose of ensuring an
equal flow of water in a given direction only over the surfaces of the different
prints or negatives, and ensuring a thorough constant change of the water in
such manner that no portion of it passes twice along the surface of a print or
negative, and of securely preventing in a convenient manner prints from coming
in contact with one another or being doubled up or otherwise creased or injured
by the flow.
Apparatus constructed according to this invention comprises, as an impor-
tant feature, a carrier or vessel into which the prints or negatives (or prints
and negatives) are placed, and through which a constant stream of water passes
in one direction only, and consists,' in its preferred form, primarily, of such
carrier and of a rectangular water cistern or washing vessel, which may be
open-topped, within which the carrier, formed as a box or shell open at each
end, may be inserted. The carrier is of a width which allows of it fitting easily
down between the sides of the cistern, and of a depth somewhat less than the
cistern, so that when placed therein it is covered with water ; and the carrier
is shorter than the cistern, so that when placed therein a space may be left at
each end between itsolf and the end of the cistern. The sides of the carrier are
provided with narrow ledges, or with corrug:ations or other guides, to receive
horizontal trays or slides upon which the prints or negatives to be washed are
placed. These trays are each formed of a frame strung across in both directions
for the purpose of carrying the prints or negatives, or having netting stretched
across for such purpose ; and it is preferred that the stringing or netting shall
be of such material, or be so coated or othenvise prepared, that it will resist
the action of moisture and of chemicals used in the photographic process.
Each print or negative to be washed is laid upon a separate tray, and the trays
are pushed endways horizontally into the carrier, each upon a pair of ledges or
guides. Water is allowed to drip or run from a tap into one end of the cistern,
and flows through the carrier and consequently along the surfaces of the prints
or negatives therein, and out therefrom into the other end of the cistern, from
whence it passes oil by an overflow. It is preferred to fix a transverse wall
.across the top of the carrier to prevent any flow of water over the top thereof.
As the flow of water through the carrier might tend to wash the prints out of
the trays, a number of vertical bars of wire, sheet metal fixed edgeways to the
line of flow, or other substince, pass across the outflow end of the carrier ; and,
to prevent any risk of the edges of the prints getting between such bars and
the edges of the trays, holes, corresponding in position with the bars, are
notched in the edges of the trays, and the trays are pushed up to cause the
bars to be within the notches, which securely prevents the edges of the prints
from getting over the edges of the trays. The bars may be set somewhat in-
wards from the end of the carrier, so that when the trays are pushed up in the
manner described their edges will not come beyond the end thereof.
As the water flows entirely in one direction, and cannot, after having
passed through the carrier, return into it but must pass away by the overflow,
there is a constant and thorough change of the water passing through the
carrier, no portion of it passing twice along the surface of a print or negative.
If desired, in order to more completely ensure an equal flow of water over
the surface of each print or negative, the water may pass into the carrier
through a division having holes pierced therethrough at heights corresponding
to the spaces divided off by the ledges or other guides, and the water may pass
out from the carrier through a similarly perforated division.
Instead of forming ledges or other guides to receive the trays, the trays
themselves may be formed, each with tumed-up edges, to carry the next tray
above it.
The following are the claims : — 1. Apparatus for washing photographic
prints and negatives (or prints or negatives) in which trays which carry the
prints and negatives (or prints or negatives) are carried in position one above
another within a washing cistern (having a space at each end unoccupied by
the trays) in such a manner that, with a proper depth of water (which may l)e
controlled as desired at the outflow end), a constant supply to one end of
such cistern will all, or substantially all, pass in a continuous stream once
only through the portion of the cistern occupied by the trays, and thence into
the other end of the cistern and away through an overflow, substantially as
described. 2. In apparatus for washing photographic prints and negatives (ov
Octobtf 21, 1893]
THiS BRITISH JOUKN^L OF PHOTOGRAPHY,
683
prints or nagstires). the oombisation of a carrier with a cistern, within which
.t u a ftirljr gtKxl ht widthways, in onler that, with a proper depth of water
m tha cistern (which may be controlled as desired at the overflow end), a
coostaat sapfty of water to one end thereof will all, or snbstantially all, pass
in a flimttniirar itrMm once only through the carrier into the other end of the
cistan, <Dd thraec away throngh an orertlow, i>ut»tantially as described. 3.
In apparatus for washing photographic prints and negatives (or prints or
negatiTeo), the combination of a horuontal carrier with a horizontal cistern
nrorided with a suitable overflow at one end, said carrier being a fairly good
Ct widthways within the dstcm, but shorter than it. v> as to leave a space at
•adi end between itself and the end of the dstem, and l>eing fitted with trays
<DMr« esMdally for prints, bat usable also for negative'.) or with ledges or
ipooeea tat the negatives, or with both trayi anil leilge~ or grooves, substantially
as daaeribad for the purpose set forth. 4. In a[<paratus for washing photo-
snphie |)riots and negativea (or prints or negativ(y,) in which a number of
boraontal trays are carried within a cairier, fortiung such trays each with
portioDS pnqeetiag outwards tima the plaa* th'reof so that they ma^ rest one
apon anothar, snhataDtially as described, fi. In appaiatos for washing photo-
graphic prtnta, in which the prints ate carried upwi trays placed within a
(urier, torough which a stream of water is caused to Row, the employment,
at the notllow en<l of soch carrier, of bar» which prevent the pnnts being
waabcd oat thereof, snbstantially as dascxibed. S. In apparatos for washing
pbotocraphie priota, in which the prints are carried n|ioo trays placed within
a eamer, thioa^ which a stream of water is cauM>d to flow, the employment
at Um outflow end of roch carrier of bars, which preveat the prints 1>eing
wuhed oat thereof, in combination with notches in the edges of tne trays, so
that when the trays are placail in positioa tb* bars are within the notches, and
tha adges of tb* prints are saeuralT pww Iwl from getting over between the
ban and the edges of the trays, satistaitiilly as dewribed. 7. Apparatus for
TihtH photographic prints and negative*, substantially as described with
iifciMuu to the drawinn herewith, and this modifle<l airangements thereof,
subrtaatially a* described.
jMrmomnm MLaTWO to thc Awranarr m I'liorooaaPBic Lnran*.
Na IM'IS. tiaaHABD Roo«ir*iauK,Opti*ch-occ<UUaduslMtitut,
Monicb, limatay.—a^ltmbf 17. 1801
' Tbis inv«Btioo relates to tb* adJnstwMt of rbotograpUe \nmm, and its
yarpot is to allow tb* lens to be adisitod (or the actinic or chemical focus
a* wall a* for the visual or optical fiica*,
Tha IcM tab* or tab* earryiaf tb* taaa at eomMaaUoa of lea*** is mo^ww
tack aad forth ia a socket, wbleb nay b* txad wh*a th« kw do** not laqMit
iUnateent, or novabi* wbaa tb* focal poaltioo mi** auxMWft
■ad tbr :;ronnd glass or sens)tlT*
optical focal aiUnataent, or novabi* wbaa 0
to tb* dtstaae* of tb* ohi«:t photognpb*d, w
•orfoe* ia aot norabi* to an^i tnm tb* baa.
Tha in I— sill of tb* 1«b* tab* is to aoekat aforesaid Is limited by any suit-
abl* darkly aaeb as apta aad dot, tb* latt*i plaia or provided with a right-
aMl*d r*ee« or wessss*, or a spriag; or wring dip or clips, or detsat-or
daUBK, *r-siapl]r witb marks, *o that tha Isn* tu)» nuy be easily sbMled'
tnm it* watttoa far optical foco* to that for act-aic focos, or wi«e e»rsd,~th*
oUaet b«bc to aaabU tb* l*as to b* adjaalad to itt" a sharp optical dcHnition
«■ lb* laMirfaw sm*a, aad aftsnranis b* •ktfled tbr eiart amount to bring
It iaio feed ft^a^aaat far a tbaip actinic •rehec.i'-sl image.
Tb* claim Is :— A Ua* tab* haviaf a ItaMtfd or m*a*ar*d free movement
loMltadtBally aqoivalwit to tb* dlatasc* batwm tbr optfaal and actinic foci
f^lts adJastaMBt ia the maaarr daaerifaad.
Ta« Dm or Abomatic Axreo OoMtoan* asu or DtarranvM or
PMEMtroaTM DcTiLunim o» Pii> t rai-hic Imaok*.
So. 90,MO. Jvtmu Hacrrr, P*Bsr>»fti sear >^tuttgart, Germany.—
fifpUmttr 17, ItKL
Tn* iamtloa bas for iU ohject tb* as* for dev«lot>iiu lataat photozraphie
iOHMaa or ricw* of sahatllatad aadd^-pbaaol* whicli have the property of
dMnhiof raMlilr in earboaaia* of th* alkaUn. Thew coopoonds belong to
tb* "^rda*" cla»s aad are nfodaead by riplacinx an atoM of hydrogen in
tb* graap N a, of tb* waido-ph*Boi by an aceUc acid icMdunm. The typical
forpnk (or tba** cooipeaad* Is ■—
Thee* compoands are t:
')H.
i ainido-pbenols : —
2. o
Tb*** coBponnds are u-
alkalis* for the porpo** r.
for laataacc. I dlw.:
(giaata** of erystalllssil «
m4 two Ml a half graoii
OMna pntfealariy •"!(*'
work aad th« like. ■
iMTlolh* tMDporn-
l»Ha*hHao*---
tiaa,aMla »
elaiai li>-T
■.I i..
.lusg-f* m l.iy*T
phenol,
:u.<-resol,
o-cresol,
(v) mxylenol,
tf. lu-aiiiitlo-p-xyleaot,
d o-smi<l«>-(v-) o-xylenol,
7. »«mldo-(>-) m-xylenoL
<■ aad earlioaates of th*
\c imaga* or views.
Iter, roar aad a half
f gramma of glycine,
foniiing a developing
1 <c*pe*. Kor j>ortr*it
' irther dilnteil, accorl-
.<• nature of this ioren-
I. I declare that what I
ido-pbenols for the de-
-'intainiiig balogm ailrar
.\S,IllPROVEUENT IX Ha>T) CaHEHAS.
No. 14,274. .IoskphHaioh, 77a, Dale-street, and 95, Lord-street, Liverpool.
—Septtmber 24, 1892.
A METHOD of carrj'ing for exposure a number of sensitised photographic plates
or films, by means of a frame working on an axle or pivots.
The axle is pivoted at each end. and revolves by means of a handle attached
to one.of the pivots, the handle being outside the camera.
Fixed to the axle at right angles to each other are four carriers, having
catches top and bottom of each side for the purpose of holding plates or films
to be exposed in rotation 01* otherwise at the will of the operator. The slides
or plates when in a horizontal position are protected from light by sheets of a
flexible material impervious" to light, fastened to axle between each carrier.
Improvemekts is Portable Photographic Cameras.
No. 20,177. John Hknrv Skinner, Eart Dereham, Norfolk. —
September 24, 1892.
This invention has for its object to produce a photographic camera whecein
space is ecituomised, and which is more easily and quickly manipulated than
those hitherto in use.
According to this invention I make the camera with a fixed box front, having
two wings hinged to the sides of the front, which fold down over the back when
the camera is closed. These wings are provided with grooves or channels,
which serve as guides, in which work pins or pegs secured to or carried by the
camera end. Tl^e extremities of the said grooves or channels are recessed,
and when the inner or bellows body is drawn out the pins or pegs are caused
to enter these recesses. This may be effected by making the pegs or pins
spring-actuated, or the wings may lie hinge-ljound to the sides of the camera
front — that is to say, set on their hinges in such a manner as to open rather
leAi than ninety degrees, so that when fully opened the wings are not quite
parallel, but are slightly inclined towards each other. By this construction,
wBen the inner or bellows body is drawn out, the pins or pegs on the end of
th* camera ride upthe grooves, anil entering the tenninal recesses automatically
secure the camera in its "opened out" position. The same result may be
aiTactol by the use of springs, catches, or their eiinivalents, in substitution for
the pins or peg< hereinbefi>re referred to.
Another feature of my invention is to provide the camera with a double
■wing back. This is effected bjr proviiling the camera end with one central
pin or peg at each side, riding in a corresponding .'-lot in each wing, so that
%^aa tba camera is opoied out the end thereof turns ou these pins or pegs as
on axis, the axial line being always in focus, no matter in what position the
ca^hera bock may he placed. When the desired position is obtained, the end
of thf ,caqiera can be Dz*d in this position by a set screw passing through one
of the vriags, or by equivalent means.
I economise space ia the construction of my cameras by making the camera
back, or ilouble dark sliile, to slide over the end of the camera, instead of
sliding it Into the end, as at present made. 1 am thu enal>leil to produce a
camera of small size which will give as good practicel results as one consider-
ably larger wheu made by the ordinary method of construction. In cameras
of the kind known as portable photographic cameras economy of space is of
great ini{>ortaoc*. In carrying out this part of my invention 1 secure a metal
plate on the edge of each aid* of the double dark slide and turned inwards
towanls the caatr* to form grooves. On the edges of the camera end 1 cut
away the wood, and secure a metal plate on each edga^ so as to form a rabbet,
which enters the corresponding groove in the camen back or double dark
slide when the same is passed endways over the camera end.
Tha glass fnuna is, of course, made in the same manner as the double dark
slide, so as to fit on to the camera end.
iiitrettngjEi of iboctetie/^ie
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES FOR NE.XT WEEK.
D«l« It MhUss
MsaMOlgcicMr.
nseaolXwUni.
OotoberSt „....
i 5tr
Duads* Aawt*ar_.„ -
Oloneestenhlr* -....
Asao. Stadio, Kethergate, Dundee.
20, Haoover-iqiure.
Jubilee HkII, Homsey-road.
" M
forth WMdhisni
.. M =:":
Oreyhound Hotel.
.W, Orrat Kuswll-st., Bloonnbury.
gtorej Institute, Lancaster.
UBseum, Bold iitrect, Warrington.
Roy.Lit. k Sc. lMt.,Terraoe-walk».
Rank Chambers, Hargreaves-street.
Anderton's Hotel. Fleet.«treet.K.r.
Lecture Boom, HidUnd Institute.
Charing-orOM-road, W.C.
206, Mansstrcvt, Hackney.
Ileobanios' Hall, Halifax.
:: S:::::
Grest Britain (Technical)
Laocaster
L-ith Amatsor - ...
Warrington .„ -
Bath '.
^' i ::::
„ 37
„ 27
g7
Hnmlej
Pbota^raphla Olob
Birmingham
CamvrsClnb __
Hackney
Hatitas Photo. Clab
HnU
Ireland -
Liverpool Amateur
LondoD and Prnvindal
Oldham (Annual)
Cardiff
Eoyal Institution, Hull.
Booms, 15. Dawom-stroet, Dublm,
Oraeoent Chambers, 3, Lord-street.
Champion Hotel, 15, Aldersimts-st.
The Lyceum, Cnian-itreet,01dham.
„ » ......
Holbom «....»
Maid<tone
Hwanaea ( Annoal) .:....«.........
West IrfNidon
"The Pataoe," Maidstone.
Tenby Hotel, Swansea.
Chiswick School of Art, Chunick.
K » —
Putney
High-street, Putney.
684
THE BRITISH JOOKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[October 21, 1892
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
October 13,— Mr. W. E. Debenham in the chair.
Mr. Ripley wa.s elected a member.
Mr. WAR.NEKKK, ill reply to a question as to the best means of working and
breaking up large bulks of emulsions, ga%'e a sketch of the arrangement he
employed, which consisted'of a cylinder with a mesh (five to one inch) through
which the set emulsion was forced into another vessel. Mr. Wamerke
introduced to the meeting M. F. M. Richard of Paris.
The " Photo-Joiellk" Field or Opera Glass Camera.
M. Richard exhibited a small camera which looked like an ordinary opera
glass. Twelve plates or thirty films in sheaths were available for exposure.
In focussing the Image, the latter could be seen on a giound glass projecting
from the side. Negatives, transparencies, and prints produced by the aid of
the "JumeUe" were shown. The size of the plate or film was 2^x1 J. For
enlarging purposes M. Richard showed an enlarging camera in which the
negative was placed in a tube open to the source of light, a sheath being
provided for holding the paper or plate to form the enlarged picture, the
camera being of the solid body variety. An exposure of two minutes to day-
light, using Eastman paper, was necessary. A special jirinting frame, a
changing back, a frame for affixing the opera-glass camera to a stand, and
other items were included in the exhibit, price of which was said to be 175
francs.
The "Flying" Lantern Slide Carrier.
Mr. T. E. Freshwater exhibited the "Flying" Carrier or Lantern Slide
Holder. In use, having pliiced a slide in one end of the camera, it is pushed
forward into the lantern as usual, and when the image is on the screen the
second slide is inserted into the other end and pushed in the opposite direction ;
the first is then automatically removed, and, the second being shown on the
screen, the third is inserted, and so on. A movable block which passes across
the screen between the two slides acts as a dissolver. The Carrier is self-
centreing, and no light can penetrate through either sides of the frame.
These rapid movements are principally effected by means of a roller inside
the Carrier, which aids the slides in travelling from one side to the other.
RETOnCHINO.
Mr. Redmond Barrett, in discoursing on this subject, said he would not
discuss the worthiness or unworthiness of retouching, but he might point out
that, from the earliest times, it had managed to hold a position among
photographers which seemed unshaken at the present day. Overworking,
however, had been introduced, and this had gradually injured the better class
of work among retouching. He thought that retouching, judiciously carried
out, might be considered to benefit portraiture. For example, ladies'
portraits were seldom satisfactory in the natural state, consequently a little
retouching was always more or less advisable ; and even many gentlemen did
not care to present to friends their portraits which had not received the aid of
the retoucher. As regards retouching itself, he did not advocate any special
touch. For himself, all he could say was, that if he saw a blemish on a
negative he took it out. A great number of people preferred cross hatching,
but in many negatives it was absolutely impossible to render faithfully the
likeness. He had many negatives through his hands in which the likeness
could not be presen'ed by cross hatching. If the negative were delicately
lighted, cross hatching must undo the work of the operator. The retoucher,
he thought, should be as free as the artist when painting a picture who foi-ms
an idea in his own mind as to the effect he wishes to produce. So in like
manner the retoucher should go for effects, and get them with as small an
amount of work as possible. The more lead one put on a negative the more
likely to be the loss of likeness. The retoucher, however, had to work
according to the ideas of the photographer. Referring to a number of untouched
and touched specimens he had brought with him, Mr. Barrett said that the
latter, were ordinary work such as were acceptable to the general public,
and drew attention to one (a square head) in which the facilities for spoiling
by the retoucher were, he thought, very great. In retouching this, he claimed
to have removed defects without destroying the likeness or unnecessarily
rounding the head. He appreciated thoroughly those photographers who
insisted upon the limitations of retouching. Alluding to the alterations which
the retoucher sometimes has to make on a negative, he said that, now and then,
by cutting away portions of the *aists of ladies of uncertain age, unsuccessful
pictures may be made quite successful. Once a negative of a certain
aged Baroness was put into his hands with strict orders to make her as
youthful as possible. He did, and the lady liked the picture exceedingly. As
regards alterations of the features, he said that, compared with the nose, the
alteration of the jaw was very easy. He quite agreed that retouching should
be limited to the bettering of the negative sent. The negative of a first-class
operator having a fully developed image should only require a slight amount
of retouching. The retoucher, in fact, should help the operator, and the re-
touching should be kept subservient to the likeness. He had often been asked
to describe his method of working. The only peculiarity of his method, if he
had one, was perhaps a certain amount of taste, a small amount of knowledge,
and a little common sense mixed up with it. He simply took out defects
with whatever stroke was necessary, always keeping the main object of the
preservation of the likene-ss in view. He could not see how cross hatching
could be accepted as the ideal of retouching, while S's all over the negative,
unless produced with gi'eat precision, would not conduce to a good effect. He
considered a quarter of an hour a fair time to spend over a caliinet vignette
head ; but one of the most successful retouchers wonld spend as much as
three hours, which was quite needless. People m.ide a mistake in wishing the
retouched negative to look bright ; to make it so one had to overwork it. The
retoucher .should be able to judge of the printing iiualities of the negative. If a
portion of a negative printed white, why should the retoucher cover it with more
work, and so perhaps take away a delicate half-tone? Negatives upon which a
greatdeal of workhad been put might look ten times betterthan those upon which
less work had been placed, but the former would come out as shadows in the prints.
He advocated the treatment of negatives in a broad and open style. Scrapingwas
simply done by cutting down — he preferred a clean cut on the film, backing it
up with transparent paper and " drawing in." In this oonncxion he mentioned
a group in which the Princess of Wales figured, and in which the head of one of
the gentlemen rested against Her Royal Highness's bustle. Of course, the Prince
of Wales objected to the proof, and a negative was sent to him (Mr. Barrett)
to cut out the figure of the gentleman. In such aca.se he advocated printing
one or two copies before getting the background correct ; it was wise not to
try and get the result at once, as they would be likely to overdo it. One of
the best ways to work on the film was when one had done with pencil and
colour was to varnish, and then follow up with pencil again. In the cutting of
ladies' waists, they should be careful not to disturb the balance of the body.
It was a pity, he thought, that oi)erators ilid not' as a rule retouch, it was so
easy. .\n operator should certainly speak to the retoucher on the subject of
the negative to be retouched, and thus give him the chance of making alter-
ations which would be beneficial to the picture. For instance, in the matter
of altering ladies' waists, this could be helped out by the operator in the
positions of the arms. Mr. Barrett concluded by pointing out that the
photographer often took credit for what was to the credit of the retoucher.
Mr. J. 8. Teape asked if Jlr. Barrett could say anything of the quality of
the medium in relation to the pencil. Many retouchers used H. B. ; others
four or five H. 's. He supposed a different medium was used in each case ?
Mr. Barrett said he used any pencil with any medium, but he did not
believe in hard pencils. Of the soft grades. No. 3 was a good and safe pencil.
Hardmuth's ordinary No. 3 would l.e somewhere about B., and was very soft.
The softer the pencil, the greater the deposit. For a four-inch head he would
use a very soft pencil. He recommended a light touch and a broad point,
objecting to fine jioints on the grounds that scratching effects resulted. With
a soft pencil more continuous eft'ects were obtained.
Mr. Teape said that with some of the mediums in the market he found it
impossible to produce a delicate touch with H.B., the medium having such a
tooth that it would not take a small quantity of lead, but received it in the
form of powder, although he only used a small quantity of the medium.
Mr. Barrett said the medinni lie used for many years was the Autotype
Company's. Fi\ibbing on with the finger was unsafe, as, if there was the least
particle of moisture upon it, the negative was likely to be injured. He generally
applie<l the medium with a little cotton wool.
After further discussion,
The Chair.man in movinga vote of thanks to Mr. Barrett, which was carried,
said that Mr. Barrett stated tliat retouching was generally bad. He (the
Chairman) quite agreed with tliat. What was bettering the negative* He
thought it was where they made up for faults in the photographic process, and
then retouching was strictly legitimate and desirable. The difficulty of
rendering the gradations as they should be in the deeper tones made the
shadows of flesh too dark, and if they lightened those, and did nothing more
than that, and corrected the defects of colour, they were certainly trying to do
what photography would do if it was perfect. He thought, on the whole, that
retouching had been a great atllictioii to photography, and that it was the
cause of the great depression in photographic portraiture. People had got used
to retouching, and that certain amount of prettiness that went with it, aud
were not satisfied without it. At tlie same time these portraits did not afford
the same satisfaction that portr.aits did before retouching came in. It was
that want of thorough feeling of satisfaction that had made people inditt'erent.
He agreed with Mr. Barrett in denouncing cross hatching, but quite thought he
(Mr. Barrett) was mistaken in saying he had no method. There was a great
deal in method, and Mr. Barrett doubtless used a great deal of method himself,
although he might not recognise it. There was a great deal of method in
drawing iind cross hatching in ordinary artistic work in black and white,
crayon or pencil, or anything of the kind. Mr. Barrett's method would have
been of use to the members. He was glad to hear him say that it was not
necessary to spend a long time over s. negative. A great deal more work was
often put on a negative than v;as necessarj-, which tended to remove the
likeness. They constantly saw p}iotographs with the faces fattened out,
which the retoucher said was maliing the sitters look younger. Was that im-
proving the negative > If the negative were brought back to the proper point,
it was an improvement ; but going beyond that a mixture of the present face
with the face of twenty years before was a great mistake.
Amidol and HTDROQLnNONE.
Mr. Archer Clarke showed several negatives, covered more or less with
opaque spots, caused by commencing development with amidol, and then, to
obtain ciensity, using a hydroquiuone developer, the result being, as he
described it, an utter failure.
The meeting then terminated.
Holbom Camera Club.— October 14, Mr. A. J. CJolding in the chair. — The
Secretakv announced that the annual supper of the Club would take place_ at
Anderton's Hotel on Saturday, December 3, and that the annual exhibition
had been fixed to be held in February next year. Mr. A. Horsley Hinton
read a paper on Accident and InteiUlon (see page 679). A discussion followed.
Aldenliain Institute Camera Club.— October 11, Mr. W. Vere Mihgard in
the chair.— The Chairman called on Mr. H. J. Redfern to give his demonstra-
tion on Eidiii-'jing. Having fully explained the method of focussing, and the^
uses of vignetting cards. Sir. Redfern exposed two enlargements of a view of
the Forth Bridge, which he subsequently developed in the presence of the
members, also showing them the various dodges resorted to in development, &c
Kensington and Bayswater PiiOtogxaphic Society.— October 17, Mr. E.
Frogbrook presided.— It was resolved that a lantern should be purchased as
soon as the funds should permit. The following donations had already been
offered, namely, N. each from Messrs. Robinson, Hahm, and Brumwell. On
ascertaining the total cost of lantern and accessories, Mr. Robinson^ kindly
offered to increase his donation to the amount required, which is 9/. 16.<., thus
making his generous gift amount to 11. I6s. A hearty vote of thanks was pre-
sented to .Mr. Robinson for his great kindness. Mr. G. BursneU was elected
Honorary I.anternist, and Mr. Brumwell Honorary Librarian. Upwards of
eighty slides were shown by Mr. G. BursneU in the lantern lent by Mr. Short.
The members who exhibited were Messrs. BursneU, Davidson, Frogbrook,.
Hahm, Hannaford, Hodd, Jones, Parratt, Seales, Sutherland, and Brumw«U.
October 21, 1802]
THE BRrriSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHS.
685
It were ioridions to lelrct for icnurk from w nnmerotu a ooUectinn. The hand
camen fnniubed the balk of the pictorei, and the siap-iliota were as varied as
the tone* in which tbef wen printad. The Lantarniit ahowed some excellent
reaolti on printing-oat slide* of hii own mannfactnu.
Wwt lOBdoa Fhotocnpliie Boetotgr.— October 14, Annual General Meeting,
the Pnatdent in the chair.— The rciMtt waa adopted, and the following officers
•ItcUd far tha eaaaiac year -.—PraUlaU : Mr. J. A. Hodge*— I'ice-I'raUienU :
Utmn. W. A. Brown, C. BOton, W. L. OolU, and C. Whiting.— Co«>icii .•
Menra. J. J. Adam, J. D. England, R. Horton. G. LamleT, H. Selbr,
A. W. Hcanlan, G. E. Vardeo, R. W. Watson, J. Wilson, C. Winter ; Mon.
LUrmian . J. WQaon.- ffva. Lantenitt : R. Horton.— iron. Auditon : J.
8IA aadT. TorMr.— i7<»i. Tmuitrfr: W. H. Whitear.— JSTon. Secr^ttfy .- L.
C Wwnwtt, —Afulatit Hon. Sttrrtaiy : W. S. Rosera. The terma of amalga-
matioB of the Chiawick Camera < 1ab with the West London Society were
fonaally amed to, and it was felt that the example thus set bjr the West
Idadoa aard tha Chiawick Soektias might ha followed with advantage in thooe
diatrieta «b«n two or mora aoeiatiaa wtn ttTinp to do the work which might
b« arnak battar dooa bj ooa atraog eaatnl society. The Chairman stated,
owing to naw arranscmaBta haTiag ben made at the School of Arta, it was
fooaa impoaaible to bold the meatinga on Fridays as heretofore, and after some
diarBMimi it was anaond that Role 7 s&eold be altered by inserting the word
"Tnaaday " in place of " Friday." The ehanfa of evening will, however, not
eooM iato effect for a few weeks, and mambva an notifled that the next four
■aaliiy will b* bald on tba nsoal Fridays— October -JI, Technical Social ;
Oelobar 38, PNaideBtial addnaa and lantam ; November 4, Technical Social ;
and Wveaaber 11, Mr. E. J. Wall'a pMiar. After that date, however, the
altantioai wQl coma into effect. Happsalag at the last mooient, when it was
totally nsexpaolad, this baa aacaaaitatcd aopi* altaratiooa in the syllabus, and
will laad to a siigM delay in getting it fcintad, bat tnty aOort will be made
to make tke dday as abort aa poasibb.
Ol«jd«B OUMA ClBb.— October 17, Mr. B. Madcaa, P.C.8., taking aa bis
text the Pall Mall Exhibition, gave a eoApiahensiv* exposition of h& views
and tmpriaainas of the chief worlcs shown. In his introdnctory remarka ha
dwelt ODOB the valna of an nntnanMlad olticiam, especially when, being
deliveraa riai toe* at a Society iniitiM an obaervationa which wen either
oadaly kvoBfabbortbctvwaavwaMvfMI ts revision in the eootaaof the
•vaninf dtoimaahin On* aawagrt otkar rH«It* of th* diaconne was aa ex-
pnarioa oa tba part of a laifa pcopcrtion c< those priasnt to lose no time in
pay<H tka callaetiaa a riait Hraea daaa sal allev aa to gl*« a detailed report
orwhatpiwad to ba aaaddrsaaiaflala with MrislBal matter. Following the
aboiv, Mr. A K laaac nad a p^ar oa radactioQ and faitanaiScation of
anatlras, in tba coana^oC which h* van dsariy explained how, in certain eaaaa,
tk* anylfraMnn of aa iataaaiftar ooold h* aaida to radsoa ooatrasta and ooe-
vanafy > ladaear aada to iacwaaa aaalfiat Tba advantage of redaction,
fcll— adbyfataiMratlnnwitb*«itahl*a<pUta,waa alao act forth. In the
tetaalpn wbleb Mlowad. tba PNaidMl, aad alao Mr. Baiseant and Mr.
ftckbaa, advoeatod wbara an olberwisa atiatkctory negative reqnind to be
baeeaiaaaft>* ii—fciaa naalilaat |— ai
tttmy"' mntfclvmtiimlK tba bast prMMkaa
kbaaaad Mr. ^wtabowadaawraT laiuM^iil
PackbaM aad Mr. Hint abowad aavand saMHrtil enlarnaaata. aad Mi
nlaililaa aad Skaakaa a laif* odlaetloB o< lalate taken oariy tbair holidays.
It was BBBoaaead that a apaeialbatan abov will be hddoa Friday, November
4, at tba EtaitbwaiU HalL Th* laetaia wfll be for th* beaaSt of the Club
faada, aad tidtaU any b* oMaiaal of mtmban, price \i. aaeh.
_ . II.— Being a Laatem Evening
I qasatloaa wen eartailad, aad Mr. a J. Baccnr proeaadad to give
aa acooaat of Us tbrsa joamaya to Korway. About ISO did** war* abowa,
aad apoa aaeb Mr. Badtett coatrivad to obtaia some marrimeaL Ttiars waa,
parbapa, a little too mneh panning, oaa of wbIA waa a little too mach for
eeaa the aadaU Baeknar MB. ••Tbi*,'' ba aaU, "ia a gorg* ootaid* tb*
bolal.b«ttoaathtactetbani|atalte|B|aaaiMdd*.'' Tba laetaia, however,
waa nay aadk i|i|aarilalid i» a i—a <wf aaiUMWi, aftar arbieb alidas by the
foiknriac msathswi— Msasn.OM|iMiai (flaaar atadiea), BNwn, Hodaon, Grant,
Daaa. aad Haakins— wen sbowa.
lawtMNtoM Camaim Clabi— October IS, Mr. J. Watson Brown, M.A, la
the chair.— Mr. P. O. Riddick dalivtrad hia lactantte upon Hand Cameras.
He asbibitad aad daaeiibed tba "Sbnttlc," which was admired for iu simple
abaagiag aetiea ; tba " Prana," tba good paial* of which an lu simple changing
a«lM aad aai^ bask; Maasn. Wataaai"VaMaek.-'wbfeh ia Ittad imb a
lalav alaMtt aa Ian* aa tba plata, aad baa aMay other ImprovaoMata. He
alao abowad Mr. RoMrts' band caaian, wbkb ia provided with a swing back,
aad UMy b* na*d opoa a slaad. Mr. Symaaeaa tken showed bis " Eureka,"
aad tka Pfaridaat akowad kia Roberto' " Mydae " camera. Mr. CVicks, a
■watw af tba Ctab, troagbt so a naw baad aaaais of bk owa iavantioo,
whtak aat wllk gnat ai^rovaL aad ka* advaatago* ia raapeot of okaaging
aMNMMt aad akaltar over any ta tk* markat Tk* laetanr azkibitad aa well
aaaana* laaaha of kla owa la tkia daaa of work, and eon* •nlarfanMnt* from
kaad-aaaMa asaatlv**. Ia Ik* dlaeniaina that followad, the PRBmHor said
k* pnAaiad pMas to ftlB*. Ha waaalaoin bvoarof bliadshnttar*. Hethan
poMtad oat *w»al advaatagH of a haad camera— ita portability, always nady
tor oaa, biteg abia lo work witkoot gatting a crowd roand, aad not likely to
kava laavrika faand and attract attaatioa ; h* tboaght that no photographar's
oattt waa aanfpl*!* witkoot oa*. Mr. Watip advocated oomplete simplicity
of actioa, aad waa glad to sa* tk* introdurtlon of a swing Wk aa in the
"frena aad "Bakarto," aak* tboaght that the want of one in aome of the
kaad eaaara* of tka daiy ««• tkair peat (aolt Mr. T. STinnm (oUowad,
aad enailteal tbal br wmp^katt aid tor tiatilUaf kaadcaauna wan all
tkat eeaid ba AMkad, fd Hioaaly advocated tbair bdng as aaull a* poadble,
eoaaisUat wttfc iHctanBir ; b* also preferred a fixed focoi lens, and pointed oat
Ike aiaay advaala^H^ bat etUl tho<:^ht that, wticn you once come to time
•xpoaaraa, tkaia «m aotking like our old friend oa tke tripod with which
we can take our time with focussing, and have our swirg back, side swing,
rising front, level, &c.
Biimlngham Photographic Society.— October 11, Mr. G. A. Thomason in
the chair.— Mr. W. B. Osboux read a pajwr on Forgotten Processes, and Selt'-
Belji fur Amateurs. During the course of his paper, he described and
illustrated some simple methods of making focussing cloths, various kind of
shutters, single and double dark slides, dark-room and travelling lamps, a
method of printing stereoscopic pictures, which avoids the necessity of cutting
and transposing the prints before mounting, and also many other things of
interest to the amateur photographer. A simple carbou printing process,.
invented about forty years ago by the late Mr. Pouncey, was very fully
described. Several prints made by the inventor of the process and by Mr.
Osbom were exhibited. A plate-washer by Messrs. Smith, of Leamington, was
shown.
Brighton and Inasez Katnral Hlatory and PhUosopMcal Society (Photo-
graphic Section).— The winter session was inaugurated on Friday last, in the
Librarian's Room, Royal Pavilion. Tlie Chairman, Mr. J. P. Slingsby
lioberts, delivered his opening address as foUovra : — " You have done me the
honour of placing me in the chair of this section, and I beg to return you my
sincere thanks for having elected me in my absence to so honourable and
responsible a position. I am privileged to succeed Mr. Caush, who has been
deservedly called to a higher sphere, and 1 can only wish that it were possible
for me in any degree to approach him, and to fit myself, as he eminently is tit,
to take the lead among you. .Wy nualitications for the post of your chair are
very small. As a photoeraphcr, I am an amateur of amateurs, a learner
among learners ; but I yield to no one in my love for the art ; indeed, I cannot
imagine any one who once has taken up a camera feeling anything but an in-
creaaing interest in his work. A» time goes on, and he gains experience and
technical knowledge, so much is opened to his mind, the pleasures of the
objects around him become so greatly enhanced, that the man must be dull
indeed who is not im|>ressed by what he gains. Whether we look to the scien-
tific or the artistic side of photography, we see its great utility as a means of
education, and it truly has been called a handmaid to the sciences and arts.
Oar old Society ha.s gone. Peace be to its ashes ! But we must all admit that
in casting in our lot with this Society we have done wisely, if for no other
reason than that we are antronbled by financial considerations. The "res
angusta domi " haunta us no longer. We are now inaugurating a session in
our new home, and it becomes ns to think how we can b^t ju.stify our exist-
ence a* a aeetion of so old and well-established a Society as that of which we
are now memban. The Sodety has kindly met ns with readiness, and has
altered its rules for the purpose of enabling us to join it, while keeping our
aepaimte identity. How can we as photographers contribute to the general
objaets of the Society and promote ita good work ! After some thought and a
great deal of hesitation I have dedded to recommend to the members of this
section that it shoold undertake a photographic survey of the county of
Soaaaz. That certain districts shonld be Plotted to such members as express^
thamaelves willing to join in the work, the objects of which would be to illus-
trate the beaati** of the natural and artistic features of the county, and by
aooh reoorda to pnaerve memorials of those objects nnon which time — the
eonmunar of tking— is fast laying his hands on. Similar undertakings have
baaa eairiad oat in other coanUea oy the local photocraphic societies, and even
in Bnsaai, laaa rich though it ia in beauties, bistoriou and otherwise, the work
woold oonunend itself to ns ; but when we know what she has been in the
past, how her history is, from the time of the Conquest, inseparably inter-
woven with that of the nation at large, and what pre<aou8 relics illustrating
that history are still ours — ours perhapa but for a season, for in these utili-
tarian days many agaadea are at work before which the past, with all its tradi-
tions, moat give way— when we think what Sussex is now, and realise how
prioalaaa to as would have been such a record had onr ancestors been able to-
nrm it, we soraly cannot hedtote to make this our first work, and attempt to
do onr duty to those who come after us. If this idea is approved and well
eairiad oat, I ventare to think that the Photographic Section of the Brighton.
and Bnsasi Natural History anil Phllosophicd Society will have done some-
tkiag by which it may b* remembered. I have reason to believe that the-
Pl*ad*nt.*leet of the Society will concur in my vievrs as to this, and perhaps
aoaM OD* who agrees with roe will move a resolution approving the scheme and
nfaning the matter to the Committee to settle the deteils. In the meantime I
can do no harm in saying that any suggestions from the member* of the Society,
or of this section, an wdl as any offer of working hdp, will be gratefully
received. Before I sit down I shonld like to call yonr attention to the Prize
Pond. Tkia ia on* which ooncem* this section alone, and, as we have no funds,
we most d*p*nd on voluntary subscriptions. It is felt by the Committee that
prixaa of aoma aort an neceaaary to encourage rivalry, and the fund has, as yon
will aae by th* liste befon you, been started. It is hoped that the reqnisite
amount, which is not large, will be soon got together, and perhaps, through cast-
ing tbair brand upon the waters, will find it again after a short time in the shape
of medata or cerufleatea, either of which, I can testify, is worth possessing, not
only for tka aake of the honour, but as a work of art, they having been beanti-
fuUjr dallied by Mr. Hunter (iraham, an artist whom we have the good
fiffMie to MUmon among us. Allow me, in conclusion, to thank you again
for inirnstiog m« with the duties of this chair— duties which are the more
raapomnia as, by a receut vote of this society. Chairmen of Committees are
memban of the General Council of the Society." Tliis was followed by a
paper, by Mr. E. J. BloroBD, on Perspective at Applial to Pnotography, the
Cse and Abuse of Wide-aDgte Lenses. The lecture was profusely illustrated
by careftilly prepared diagrams, and handled in a very able and practical
manner. A discussion followed, llie Committee recommend that a competi-
tion for hand-camen work should be instituted, which waa carried.
Darby Photographic Society.— October 11.— The first business was the
eleition of otiicen (or IMW. which resulted ss follows :—/V«id«»< .■ Captain
\V. le W. Abuey, H.H, F.L.S., kc — Vice President : Mr. Richard Keene. —
'••mmitltf: Messrs. O. Walker, T. Scotton, C. R Keene, A. H. Bennett,
It. Woods, C. Bourdin.— rnnwurrr ; Mr. A. B. Hamilton.- ffOH. Secretary :
Mr. T. A. Scotton, !•, Chnrch-ttreet, Derby. It was decided to hold an
THE BKITISH J0UP:NAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[October 21, 18S3
exhibition of members' work in January, 1893, and the medals which will be
awarded in the outdoor-meeting competition to be presented on this occasion.
An exhibition of lantern slides made by the members was also held, about 120
pictures being jiassed through the lantern. Votes of thanks to Mr. Keene for
presiding, and to Mr. A. Scotton for managing the lantern, were passed, this
concluding a very interesting evening.
Hinneapolls Camera Club.— This Club was organized la-st May, and was
incorporated .lune 4 following. A committee was put at work at once, looking
«p suitable rooms. They succeeded in securin;; very satisfactory quarters at
No. 26, South Sixth-street, between Nicollet and Hennopin-avenues, the two
principal streets in the city. The location is a convenient one ; one street car
fine passes the door, and nearly all the others within half a block, and only
half a block from the business centre— NicoUet-aventie. The Club was for-
tunate in findiug such a location, and also fortunate in the fact that the rooms
were formerly occupied by a professional photographer as a gallery, and are
well adapted for the purposes of a Camera Club. The first, as you enter, is the
reception-room and library, 12 x 14 feet in size, and is neatly furnished in
antique oak. A larsre Smyrna rug covers the floor, which adds a bit of comfort
to the general homelike air of the room. Over in one comer stands a book-
case, well filled with photographic literature. This is one of the instructive as
well as ornamental features of the room. A reading table, covered with all the
current photographic magazines, stands in the centre of the room. The next
room is used as a general work-room, and contains twenty lockers. It is here
that the members of the Club keep their apparatus and various other pieces of
personal property, and it is here where all work of a "tinkering" nature is
done. Passing from the work-room, through double doors, one enters the large
and commodious dark room, which is fitted with three sinks and all the usual
paraphernalia of a modern developing-room. There is a gas stove for heating
water and for platinotype developing. Incandescent electriclight is used ex-
clusively in this room, as well as in all the others, for lighting. Orange-coloured
paper is used as a medium for obtaining non-actinic light. The lamps are in-
genious contrivances, whereby any number of thicknesses of paper or glass may
be used and changed at will, or the whole arrangement may be detached
instantly, leaving the ordinary white light. There is space left in this room
for three more sinks, should it be found necessary to put them in. Going back
through the finishing-room, one enters the studio and exhibition-room. It is
15x36 feet in size, making it sufficiently large for all purposes for which it is
intended. It can also be used as a hall for public exliibitions, as has already
been done, .seating 100 persons. In this room is one of the best skylights in
the city. The top light is 12 x 12 feet in size, and is at an angle of about 45°.
The side light is 5 x 12 feet, and reaches within two feet of the Hoor. It is well
provided with shades and curtains, so any desired effect in lighting may be
produced. The room is well equipped with backgrounds and accessories, and
the Club is now negotiating for the purchase of a portrait camera and lens,
which will be added in a short time. One background is 10 x 10 feet in size,
and has a lantern screen on the back, so that by simply turning the frame
around, and placing the other backgrounds behind it, and out of the way, the
room is ready for a lantern entertainment. The Club is fortunate in having the
use of a 200 dollar dissolving stereopticon, the property of the President,
which is always available for such entertainments. One more room is an ex-
tension of the dark room, and can be reached from the studio or from the
finishing-room. It is a convenient place to change plates while using the
studio, but it has been reserved for the enlarging apparatus, which will soon
be in place. The rooms have all been newly decorated, the floors polished, and
the woodwork refinished. The printing-room is on the next floor above, and
has a capacity of about fifty frames. It is well provided with sinks and wash-
ing tanks. This gives the members .all of '.he advantages of a well-equipped
photographic studio, in addition to the many social features of the Club. The
regular meetings of tlie Club are held on the second Wednesday of each month,
and arrangements have been made for a series of lectures on various subjects
of interest to photographers, which will extend nearly through the winter.
There will also be a series of special meetings on the fourth Wednesday of
each month, when some member will be selected to provide such entertainment
as he is fitted for. The membership of the Club is divided into three classes —
active, associate, and lionorary. It is necessary that active members should be
residents of Minneapolis, and over eighteen years of age. Associate members
include ladies, non-residents, and stock dealers. The active membership is
limited to fifty, the associate to twenty-five, an<l the honorary to ten. The
initiation fee for active members is ten dollars, and the annual dues are also
ten dollars. The associate members are required to pay one-half the aljove
amounts. The Ciub extends to the members of other photographic clubs
throughout the country invitation to make use of the rooms and all their
privileges while in the city. A reception was tendered bv the Club, Wednes-
day evening, September U, to its many friends, in honour of the opening of
the new rooms. The invitations were generously responded to, and a large
number were present, when Ralph D. Cleveland gave an informal talk on
Pictorial Ejjecl in Photography, illustrated by about one hundred lantern
slides. An admirable feature of the entertainment was the woik of the mem-
bers exhibited about the rooms. The walls of the rooms are hung with framed
pictures taken by the members, .all of which adds to the artistic effect. The
membership is at present twenty-four active, and two associate, with an
average of two new applicants each week. If the increase continues at this
rate, it will not be long ere the limit to membership is reached. The officers
31^:— President : Mr. William M. TeriTi^y.— Vice-President : Mr. William
Channing \f\\iioey.— Treasurer : Mr. W. C. Porter.— ,S>creto'/-.y.- Mr. A. L.
EideraUler. All the business of the Club is transacted by a board of ten
directors, which include the above officers, and the following members : —
Messrs. William T. Rolph, J. M. Greaves, E. H. Houlton, F. E. Haynes,
Russell M. Bennett, Wayland B. Augir.
CorredHonDence*
GELATINK PAPERS.
To the Editor.
Sir, — May we point out one or two errors into whieh " Cosmos " has
fallen in your issue of yesterday ?
First, we would say, that the "blue nuance " is not inherent to gela-
tine papers, but is due, in all cases, to the method of toning employed.
With the Ilford formula for P.O. P. this nuance is absolutely wanting,
and evenness of tone is quite as readily obtainable as with albumenisM
paper, without any previous experience.
In proof of this we forward you a batch of fifty prints received this
morning from a professional photographer ; these are not picked prints,
but the result of every-day printing-room work, such as we could obtain
from fifty or a hundred professional studios today. We challenge the
most experienced professional printer on albumen to equal these prints '
under similar condititions.
We would also point out that " Cosmos " is wrong in saying that all
the paper which is Used for coating comes from one source. We know at
least five firms who supply such raw material, and have tried all their
productions.
Possibly a little more experience of his subject will show " Cosmos "
how much he is in error. — I am, yours, &a..
For the Britannia Works Company, Limited,
Ilford, October 15, 1892. John Howson.
[The large cullection of prints submitted entirely bear out Mr.
Howson's statement relative to their absolute uniformity of tone. —
Ed.]
»
ENLARGING SMALL PICTURES FOE STEREOSCOPIC EFPJICT.
To the Editor.
Sib, — An idea has occurred to me of having a quarter or 5 x 4 camera
fitted, preferably with a roll holder and a blind shutter working close to
the film, for use for single or stereoscopic pictures. The stereoscopic
pictures would, I presume, be too small for viewing through the stereo-
scope ; but could I not enlarge them either on paper or tran.sparency
plate, and by so doing transpose them at one operation to the proper
position for the stereoscope without any intermediate copying?
I should use the camera for both hand and stand exposures, and by
working with lenses at/-4, be able, I apprehend, to tike snap shots in
bright weather, without the brilliant glaring sunlight so necessary for
most hand cameras. A horizontal level would be used for stereo snap-
shots.
Would you be so kind as to say whether in the above idea there is any-
thing optically, or mechanically wrong or impossib e, and if not, could you
suggest any improvement for the purpose I have in view, bearing in mind
that I expressly wish for a small camera. At the same time, kindly say
if you consider there is really any ground for the stitement frequently
made, that enlargement? from transparent films are coarse and grainy
compared with those from glass negatives. With thanks in anticipation,
I am, yours Ac, I.vte.nsiiy.
October 15, 1892.
[No amount of subsequent enlargement of the smhU pictures would
give the necessary btereoscopic effect. A stereo -co(ic angle, the base
of which is less than the distance of the eyes apart, is unsatisfactory.
Enlargements made from transparent lilms are not nesessarily coarser
than those made from glass negatives. — Ed.]
AN AMALGAMATION OF SOCIETIES.
To the Editor.
Sib, — Will you kindly note that the amalgamition of the Chifwick
Camera Club with the West London Photographic Society, has been
accomplished, and that the official title of the Society, for the space of
one year from the present time, will be " The West London Photographic
Society, with which is amalgamated the Chiswick Camera Club." — We
are, yours, &c., Lionel Chiules Bexsett,
Jlon. Sec. West Lo-idon Pliotiuraphic Society. :
H. Hardixu Miller,
Hon. Sec, Chistcick Camera Club.
October 15, 1892.
London and Puovinxhl Phdtoor.xphio Association. — October 27,
Members' Open Night. November 3, Rapidities of furious Printiny Processes
(continuation), Mr. B. Foalkes- Winks.
" COOL WATERS."
To the Editor.
Sir, — Messrs. Morgan & Co. may dismiss their anxiety ; I do not want
their money. I have attained my object, which was to make it known
that they had no right whatever to be described as producers of the
photograph from whish the reproduction in the Illiustrated Neics was
taken, to which reproduction their name was appended. — I am,
yours, Ac, Hekri Wbitfieid,
Oc-uber 17, 18:2.
I
October 21, 1892]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
6^7
To tht Ebrob.
Six, — I lukTe long nnce eeaaed to take an; active interest in photography,
and it was only by what I may term a moat extraordinary incident that
m; attention wai drawn to the ooneapondenoe respecting the picture
Cool WattTi, and, as mj name has been used in connexion with the said
pietnre, perhaps too will kindly allow me a hearing in the matter, i.e., if
yoD and your reeners are not already tired of the subject.
Memory is proverbially treacherous, but 1 think I can safely say that
the ticket in aneetiaa does not beu the description wbidi Messrs.
Mocsmn say it does. What it does say, and what it was oarefoUy and
deliberately meant to say, was : Co<U Wattn, Photographed from Nature.
Enlarged by J. Vaughan. The omiseion of the conjunction " and "
makee all the difference in the meaning intended to be conveyed, so that
Mr. Whitfield's contention that the ticket only ■■ told half the truth " at
ooee tails to the ground.
But, tnzther, Mr. Whitfield says that " the enlargement merely was
Mr. Vaoghan's part." The rtal history of the picture in question is as
fallows :— Mr. Whitfield was fortunate enough to secure a negative of the
eattle in the water ; a print or two was struck off from it, and the nega-
tiTe stored away. One day, in looking throogh Uie negativee, I came
upon this one, and I thought it would make a good pietnre if enlarged.
I therefore took it in hand, leUeUd « ntttoMt clood negatire to go with it,
and then made a eombinatica earbon tnm^areney. Only uoae who
bate bad to make soeb combined tranapanaeMS ean realise the oare and
difficulties involved ; at least a doMB were made before one at all aatis-
faetory was secured. It was then pnt in the enlarging camera and en-
larged $0 ai to leart out oii< of thd am'suZt, whsah, being somewhat
separated from the rest, spoilt the balance of the oooipoeition. My
partner, Mr. Whitfield, was then eonraMed, and he approved, the enlarged
negative was then made, and copies printed, and / afterwards dubbed the
picture Cool Wat en.
By this you will see that not only was the enlargement my work, but
also the eombination transparency from which it was made, and iJso the
title was my selection. I tnerefoia leave it with you and your readers to
judge who was OMMt responsible lor any merit the picture may have ; but
does not thia redaee the pMriooa UMUMyiliidsiiM] to the reductto ad ab-
1111*1111
Apolnglaing tor troobUng yon witt m loag a latter en such a personal
sabjeel — I am, yonrs, Ae., Jomi Vauorah.
EiOibmrtk, Oetobtr IS, 1893.
-Ed.]
,^L
THK LETTONSTONB EXHIBITXON.
To the EorroB.
Sm.— Will yo« pleaas give notice to rsasind yoor readers that October 25
is the last d^y for reesMiig antry fame in our tortheomfaig Exhibitian
I am, your*. Ae., k. E. Baiut.
Rot AsnJk, 8<mlhvt*t-nad, LtpomUmt, Oetebtr 17, 1891.
THE SOLUBILrrT OF SULPHATE OF SODA
To tht EnnoB.
So,— My attention has been eaOed to a paragraph in last week's
Barnaa Jocbiial or PnoroaaAmr, in which "Cosmos" criticises a
italaniuiit which I made rt niiilleed sniphite of soda, at a meeting of the
Hackney Photographic Society, held Septenber 6, and states that sodium
sulphate is about twice aa soloble as the solphile.
He Is eorreet if be ret«a to the soioMlitjr of ordinary crystallised iodinm
sulphate in cold or warm water, bat tour farms are known— <1) •D'vdroas ;
(S) with I moleeola of water of etyetenieatfcm ; (S) with seven moleeoles
of water ; (4) with 10 molaealaa ; the last is the ordinary eonmeroial
form, bat I referred to the first (anhydroos) form, and its rasistanee to
the action of hot water. According to Fourcroy, sodium sulphite dis-
aolvea readily In an equal weight of water at the boiling temperature,
whereas anhydroos sodiom ialphate reqoires about two and a half times
ita weight of water at the same t— pwatuis (Gay Lussae), and then dis-
solvea very slowly.
8e4hm aolpfaata ia BMxa sotobk in water at 88* C. than at any other
Um/mutan. When a aofaitiaa, aatnrated at this tsmperatore, is oooled,
it depoaits orAnary erystallisad sodiom eolphate (providing a nucleus is
piessnt) ; bat when the lampsf atore is raised, it deposits the mon-
nydraled sulphate Na^4H'^. If ordinary crystallised sodium sulphate
be boilad with water, a fotioo of it soon beoomea converted into white
epame maaeaa, vrhieh are very difflcolt to dissolve. The member had
naed hot waiar (boiUac. it I lemimlsi lightly) ; from his remarks, I con-
etadad that the satatanee eonaistad ehiefly of the sulphate, and, as
aodiam snlphate is ooapietely efflcreeeent, there was probably a con-
sidswMs foantity ol the leee hydiated forms ; I therefore thought that
the laiijus, aa wd as the tailor* to prevent stain, would probably be
"do* to Ha hBftaf been oxidised to solpliate."
Baporta «< maafiaga el aodetiae are (ganaraOy) necessarily brief, and
toll aql— aHoM *Maol wall be givon. - Cosmos " would do well to
I *^ in mon than oae form, and that
different forms often have different propert'er, ah} that the temperature
often inflnencea the result. — I am, yours, &j., W. H. Sodeac.
October 18, 1892.
FBEE LANTERN ENTERTAINMENTS.
To the Editor.
Sib,— A society ia being formed for the purpose of giving free lantern
entertainments at the various London hospitals and charities. The first
meeting is fixed for Thursday next, the 27th inst., at the above address,
in room XL, for 8 p.m. sharp, when all gentlemen wishing to help in this
effort to brighten the lives of our less fortunate fellow- creatures are
asked to attend the meeting.
All who wish to join thia society and cannot attend are desired to oom«
municate with the undersigned. — We are, yours, Ac,
Y. if. C. A., 182, AldengaU- B. Foulkes Winks, \
ttreet, B.C. F. Simmons, J
Secretaries,
"NEGATIVES FBOM NEGATIVES."
To the EoTTOB.
Sib, — My attention has been directed to a communication on the
subject of reversal, or " Negatives from Negatives," by E. Frewing, in
last week's issue.
The following statement is the part which most interests me. He
says : " If you begin with a abort exposure, you obtain a transparency ;
continue the exposure, you get a negative ; further expose, and you again
find you have a positive ; and these changes undoubtedly occur many
times over." This statement does not in tSie least agree with the result
of m^ experiments in the subject. I have not been able to obtain a
positive after the first reversal. My experiments were carried out in the
following! way : — An opa(|ne matenal was used to cover half-plate; ten
diamond-shaped openings of halt-inch side were cut in thia screen, and
put in front of an Ilford ordinary. Tlie exposures were 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16
seconds to clear sky, and so on until 8 hours 59 minutes and four seconds
were reached. They were developed with hydroquinone. I may juat
say that at the end of each exposure a piece of opaque material was
gummed over the opening.
Now, all these diamond shapes are clear, the first one not quite so clear
as the rest ; but even this is as clear as the majority of negatives. Not
being satisfied with this, I went further. With a plate behind opaque
screen, I exposed openings from one hour to eight hours to the strongest
sunlight in August, developed with hydroquinone, and still there is no
change in the ezpoeed openings. But, judging from the halos which
awear roond aome of the openings, I think it is plain that even the
protected part of the plate is becoming reversed by the spreading
or scattering of the light. It is this scattered light which forma the
image in obtaining a negative from a negative. To guard against any
mistake, I have made the experiment described by Mr. E. Frewing, with
result as I expected— no poeitive after the first reversal I am, youra,
*o., J. S. Tkapb.
54, Pearion-$trett, Kingtlartd-road, October 18, 1892.
LANTEBN POLABISCOPE AND ELECTRIC LIGHT.
To the Editor.
Sib,— In reply to Sir David Salomon's letter in last week's Journai., I
am ve^ glad to learn sneh satisfactory results can be obtained with the
polarising apparatus having small prisms, and that lecturers who have
access to elecuie-aro lanterns irill beable to avail themselves of moderate-
priced polariaoopes for projection work.
This subject is of so moieh interest that I propose later to refer to it in
a Separate article, also to the use of the incandescent electric light in
ordinary optical lanterns. My own experience at first was, like Sir David's,
somewhat adverse to the "toons " lamp ; but, with modified apparatus, it
answers capitally, and performs useful work in the drawing-room for pro-
jecting photographs, Ae., and for lectures to small classes, without
injuring the slides I am, yours, iftc., G. B. Bakeb.
London, October 18, ISSS.
PHOTOOBArRIo SocnRT or Gbsat BBrrAiic.— Technical Meeting, Ortober 25
Subject: ArcAiUeimtU Ptiotvgnphy. This meeting will be held at the
Hocisty's rooms, 60, Great Rossell- street, and not at Ot* OalUry, as previously
trmounced.
At the sixteenth annual Stanley Show of bicycles, tricycles, their accessories,
eyide'flakiiig macbisarT and tools, and photographic Apparatus by the leading
beosss ia the trade, to be bald at the Royal Agricultural Hall, Mington, N.,
tnm November 184e 26 inelnsira, there will be a photographic section. Fif-
teen iiiedAli (BvB gold) are olTertd for competition. The Judges ar :e— Mr. J.
TrmUl Taylor, Mr. H. Stnrmay, Mr. Andrew Pringle ; and the Hon. Secretary
if Mr. Herbert .Smith, 29, Ftnabury-pavement, F;.C'., of whom entry forms and
all fkirthsr particulsra may be obtained. The following are the classes : —
A. Instantaneous Cycling Subjects, sets of four. B. Instantaneous General,
•et* of foar. C. Landscape or Seacape, with or without figures. D. Lantern
Slide*, set* of six. K. Picture* by Platino^pe Proceas, any labject. Of these
clAMe* A and E are open : while B, C, and D, are open to amateurs only. Id C
and K, th* mcdUs being for single pictures, they should, if poaaible, be framed
separately.
THE BlUTISII JOUR^AL OF PHOTOGRA.PHY.
[OctoW 21, 1892
an«\uer0 to (fforreapontietttB.
Photograph Reoisterbd :
John Ander»on, Dairy, Ayrsliire.— Pkotojropk oftlu Rev. J. L. Fufe.
W, H. Frter.— No work is published on the subject.
R. N.— Employ thick starch paste. There is nothing better.
C. G. B.— The cause of the spots on the prints is being investigated.
F. Bkomhe.\d requires the address of Messrs. Mason &. Payne, the makers of
the Crvstal Palace lantern screen. , , . .
W. W. JI. Supposing the wide angle and the rapid doublet be worked with
the same ratio of aperture to their focal length, there will be no difference in
their rapidity.
A. B. inquires : " Will some one kindly instruct me in the best way of enamel-
. ling photographs with collodion ? I have tried squeegeeing them on glass,
but find it is not a permanent enamel. Is the spotting done before or after
enamelling ! "
J. D. TWXGROE <Whittle8ea). — By copying and selling the.picturcs you render
yourself liable to prosecution. We gave you this answer on September 23.
Why do yon not read your Jochnal? We do not undertake to answer
letters through the post.
R. Wade.— A suitable gas engine for generating electric, light for studio work
would be a six or eight-horse power " Otto." It would be more economical
to obtain the current from some local installation if possible. Surely the
electric light is in your town.
A. Walters asks if there is any way by which sensitised paper that has
become discoloured by keeping can be utilised ?~The only way we are aware
of is to add it to the residues, and thus obtain the silver from it. There is
no way of using it for printing.
Wiltshire. — If the engraving is copyright, and there is very little question in
the matter, it will be illegal to copy any particular figure in it for any
purpose whatever. It matters not that the artist and engraver both reside
abroad if the copyright is registered here.
IxQUiHER (Liverpool). — The only suggestion we can make is to advertise for
employment. You might also apply to the Photographere' Benevolent
Association. The Secretary might have a vacancy on the register. Unfor-
tunately, there are a large number of assistants out of employment just now.
A. W. J.— There will be no difficulty in enlarging on bromide paper from
quarter-plates in a lantern with a four-wick lamp. Enlargements are made
in this way by many amateurs during the winter evenings. One or two trials
on small pieces of paper will give an idea of the exposure required. Experi-
ence in this direction is quickly ganied.
E. H. D.— It is impossible to say the cost of sensitising a quire of paper with-
out knowing the amount of chloride with which it is salted, and the time it
is floated on the silver bath. The only way by which the cost can be arrived
at with accuracy i.<! to prepare a batli of a given strength, sensitise a quire of
paper upon it, then assay what bath is left, and see how much silver has
been consumed.
Quiz says : " How do you think, with regard to photographs taken while you
wait, the ordinary dry plate would do developed up thin, and after
washing immersed in a solution of chloride of mercury, wliich brings it
up very near the glass positive in resemblance. As to its permanency I
cannot speak ?" — The idea might answer if the picture were backed up with
a black substance ; such an image would be permanent enough as things go.
S. W. says : " While intensifying a negative with mercury and ammonia I have
unfortunately, through careless washing, stained it badly. If my memory
serves me right, there was a bath of some kind mentioned in one of the
Almanacs for removing such stains, but I have looked through eight of tlie
Almanacs without coming across it. Can you help me?" — Probably by
converting the image into pure silver chloride and dissolving off in hypo the
stain will vanish. You will then need to reintensify the image.
Puz7,LED writes : "Enclosed you will find a photograph, which you will notice
has a yellow cast in one corner ; it will spread all over the print in time.
It has been finished about six months. I have been puzzled a great deal
lately with my prints turning out like this. Of course, only some of a batch
turn out like this. I would be glad of your advice as to the cause." — The
yellowness complained of arises from the print being imperfectly fixed —
time in the bath too short, bath too weak, or prints allowed to stick
together while in the solution.
S. WiLKiNS says he has been making experiments in carbon printing by the
single transfer method, and, intending to try the double, obtained some
flexible support for the purpose. Being told to treat that I'ke the single
transfer paper, he finds, upon putting it in the cold water, that the surface
behaves just as if it were greasy. He asks if this is as it should be ?— Y'es, the
prepared surface has been treated with wax to prevent permanent adhesion of
the picture. As our correspondent appears to require a little elementary
instruction, we advise him to obtain a cheap work on the subject.
Bhoolighan says : " I should esteem it a favour if you would state, in the
'Answers to Correspondents' column of The Briti.sh .Jodrsal op Photo-
graphy, whether silver prints toned but very slightly (just enough to make
them of a red brown tint) are likely to fade or otherwise deteriorate more
quickly than if the toning process is carried farther towards the purple stage.
I like the red brown colour best, but have doubts about the permanence of
such prints which I should like, resolved one way or the other." — Theoreti-
cally, the more the ipiage is composed of gold the more permanent it should
prove.
Photogiiai'hic Clcb. — October 26, Smoking Concert. November 2, Anni:al
General Meeting (members only).
Hackney Photoorai'HIC Society. — The last day for receiving entries for the
Competition will be the 29th of the present month. Forms, &c., will be sent
on application to W. Kenton Jones, Hon. Secretary. Among the apparatus
section will be the following : — Marion's, Paget, Park, Platinotype, Wray,
Photography, Piatt, Wormald, Watson, Doublet, Grant & Cocks (electric
lighting for dark rooms). Messrs. Elliott & Son will show their big 7x5
feet picture.
The Tunbridge Wells Amateur Photographic Association holds its sixth
annual Exhibition at the Great Hall, Tunbridge Wells, on Wecinesday, Thurs-
day, and Friday, November 23, 24, and 25, 1892. The following are the
classes, for members only : — 1. Architecture, exterior or interior. 2. Interiors,
other than architectural. 3. Landscape and Seascape. 4. Genre. 5. Lantern
Slides, best series of six, any subject. 6. Transparencies and Stereoscopic.
7. Scientific, or any subject not included in the above. 8. Four prints from
negatives taken with a hand camera. 9. Four Lantern Slides. The following
are open to members of any pliotographic society in Kent and Sussex, best set
of four prints -.—10. Figure Studies. 11. Landscape, Seascape and Architec-
ture. And the open classes are : — 12. Landscape or Seascape, amateurs. 13.
Genre, amateurs. 14. Lantern Slides, best series of six, amateurs. 15. Archi-
tecture, exterior or interior, amateurs. 16. Landscape or Seascape, profes-
sional. 17. Genre, professional. IS. Lantern Slides, best series of six, pro-
fessional. 19. Portraits, professional. 20. Enlargements. One silver medal
will be given for the best exhibit of apparatus. A fee of 10». 6rf. will he
charged for a space of twenty square feet. There will be lantern, musical, and
other entertainments each evening. Further particulars may be obtained of
Mr. Joseph Chamberlain, Hon. Secretary, 14, Calverley Park-gardens, Tun-
bridge Wells.
Lantern Pi.ate Variations. — We have not for some time seen a small
collection of lantern transparencies of more educational value than some shown
118 by Messrs. Mawson & Swan, Soho-.square. They e.ifhibit very plainly the
difference of result obtained by sliglit modifications of the developer. The
plates were all taken from the same packet of the " Mawson Lantern Plate,"
and were printed in the camera, being reduced from a 12 x 10 negative of
Melrose Abbey. They each received an exposure of three seconds. The one
which was immediately seen to be the finest of all was developed by hydro-
quinone, two grains, and potassium bromide two grains. This slide is as near
perfection as one can hope to attain. The next best was developed by amidol
and bromide, of each two grains. This scarcely equalled the former as regards
tone, but still is of a quality that will satisfy the fastidious. In the next, the
amount of bromide was reduced to one grain, which produces a sky slightly
obscured. The obscuration of the lights is further increased when two grains
of potassium ferro cyanide took the place of the bromide, the amount of
amidol remaining the same. This veiling is still more pronounced when the
amidol was used without either bromide or ferrocyanide. The conclusion we
deduce is, that equal parts of hydroquinone and bromide, or amidol and
bromide, give, at any rate, with the plates mentioned, singularly fine results,
although the blacks obtained with the former of these are rather more delicate
and warm.
The Lastkbn Soctbtt.— Ne^t Meeting, October 24. . A new-form of lantern
in aluminium shown and worked.
FORTHCOJIING EXHIBITIONS.
November 10-12 *Leytonstone Camera Club. Hon. Secretary, A. E.
Bailey, South West-road, Leytonstone.
,, 15-17 "Hackney Photographic Society. Hon. Secretary, W.
Fenton Jones, 12, King Edward-road, Hackney.
„ 17-19 Brixton and Clapham Camera Club. Hon. Secretary,
F. W. Levett, 74, Geneva-road, Brixton, S.W.
North Middlesex Photographic Society.
„ 18-26 ^Stanley Show (Photographic Section). Hon. Secretary,
Herbert Smith, 29, Finsbury-pavement.
,, 23-25 *Tunbridge Wells Amateur Photographic Association.
Hon. Secretary, Joseph Chamberlain, 14, Calverly
Paik-gardens, Tunbridge Wells.
„ 24-26 *Exeter Amateur Photographic Society. Hon. Secretary,
J. Sparshatt, Fairfield House, Alphington-road, Exeter.
*South London Photographic Society. Hon. Secretary,
C. H. Oakden, 51, Melbourne-grove, East Dnlwich, S.E.
'* Signifies that there are open classes.
THE ALMANAC— NOTICE.
Inieiidhvj contributors to The British Journal Photoghaphio Almanac
for i%^Z v'o^ild favour us by takinfj notice that their articles should reach «■;
not Utter titan Monday, October 31.
Tlie 2nMisliers desire us to inform advertisers that it has been found necessary
to fix Tuesday, October 25, as tlie last day for receiving cuXvertisetnents.
OONTBMTS,
Page
IITSTERIOUS MARKINGS OS NEGA-
TIVES 673
THE STORAGE AND TREATMENT OF
SENSITISED PAPERS (174
THE CAMERA CLUB EXHIBITION .... «78
CONTINENTAL NOTES AND NEWS .... (577
AMIDOL. By J. T. HACKETT H77
CLOUDS. By .7. W. WADE 678
PHOTOGRAPHY IN SOUTH AFRICA.
By H. S. ELLEEBECK ; 079
Fi
ACCIDENT AND INTENTION. By. A.
HOKSLET HINTON C79'
ABERDEEN :PH0T0GRAPHIC EXHIBI-
TION fgn
OUR EDITORIAL TABLE IS81
AFFILIATION OF PHOTOGRAPHIC
SOCIETIES SSI
RECENT PATENTS O-I
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES efa
CORRESPONDENCE »Wi
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS 688
"4
THE BEITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1695. Vol. XXXIX.— OCTOBER 28. 1892.
IMPROVING THE TONE OF BROMIDE PRINTS.
At the close of « recent leading article on the subject of The
Rfttiyrati'tn of Faded Albitm«M PrinU we mentioned the treat-
ment therein described as a poatible means of remedying
defects in the colour of dereloped gelatine prints. Since those
line* were written an uniisuallj faTOurable opportunity has
preaented itself of putting the procen to a practical test in
that direction.
In turning over a number of old prints we came across a
parcel of pictnrea printed upon gelatino-bromide paper some
four years ago, and representing the resulta of some experiments
in obtaining " sepia " tones. So fiu- aa we can recollect without
refer«noe to an old note-book, the prints after derelopment
were treated with mercury or chloride of copper, and the
bleached image then darkened by meaiiM of various agents, but
so far aa we remember sodium sulphite was the salt that pro-
duced the best results, and was that, in all probability, used in
the case of all the prints found. The bleaclung agents may
hare been varied ; indeed, from the difference in their behaviour
at the present time, it seems pretty clear that such actually
was the case.
Whatever may have been the quality of the tones obtained
at the time, either from change or fh>m more recent improve-
ments in methods, they did not now strike us as being anything
to boast of; and some of them wan stained and spotted as if
from eoDtact with moisture, though we know that to have been
impossible. At any rate they seemed to offer a good chance of
putting to the test the reatontion method wc recently published
for albumen prints. The only doabt tluu presented itself was
whether, after having been oooe submitted to the bleaching
process by means of snch snbstaaoaa as mercuric or cupric
chlcride, they would still be amenable to the newer treatment.
One of the worst prints of the batch was therefore selected
for preliminary ezperimen^ and was divided into scvernl pieces
for separate treatment. These were all bleached in the same
solution of bichromate (as formulated in the article referred to),
and after oareful washing redeveloped with different solutions.
The rsmha varied slightly according to the developer used, but
in erery case the image obtained was of a most satisfactory
chaimeter and an immeasurable improvement uprm the original.
Farther, not only was that the case, but the irrc^^lar markings
which had derdoped themselves sinoe the fonner treatment
entirely disappeared under the process of renovation, and so
roinpletely that it was impossible to detect the slightest trace
of them ^ler the prints had been dried.
The preliminary trial proving so satisfactory, the remainder
of the pictures were bleachol in the same manner, and, after
washing, redeveloped with a solution containing half a grain of
amidol and five grains of sodium sulphite in each ounce. The
majority of them turned out perfectly satisfiictory prints of the
favourite cool grey tone, the exceptions^ — having evidently
imdergonc different treatment previously — acquiring an in-
cre.ised density that rendered them too heavy in the shadows,
though the general tone was a rich neutral liliick.
This experiment is interesting as showing that the previous
treatment of the prints does not unfit them for restoration by
Jhe process ve have described ; and it is quite possible that by
varying the redevelopment the darker prints might have been
made to render a better result.
Another experiment shows the elasticity of the process. A
developed gelatino-bromide print — the portrait of Princess May,
published in our Alm.vnac of 1889 — was selected for treatment,
the desire being to convert it to a laarm tone. The result was
attained, a light brown image being the result ; but, as this
proved to be eminently unsuited to such a delicate print, the
treatment was repeated with the final result that the print is
indistinguishable from others that have not been touched.
MYSTERIOUS MARKINGS ON NEjeATlVES.
SI^'CC the publication of our article last week, and apropos
Mr. Bennett's comm\»nication on auotlier page, we have had
brought before us a number of cases of markings that may well
l>e classed under that heading ; some of them remain mysterious
still, while in others the enigma has been solved. Let us
narrate the former instance first, and leave the solution to such
of our readers as are able to accomplish it. A worker, whose
ability, carefulness of manipulation, and experience none would
be inclined to doubt, had in use a large batch of plates (half-
plate size) which were admirable in every respect save for the
appearance of a certain class of mark, which marred the appear-
ance, and occasionally destroyed the value of sundry negatives.
These markings took the appearance of arcs of a circle cut by
the edge of the plate, and were almost transparent. It seemed
fairly certain that they were drying marks in the manufacture
of tha plate, for they appeared nearly always on the narrow
side-ef tfte plate, whichever might be the direction the finished
negatives were racked for drying. Further, in some instances,
plates of the same batch were noted, where two were evidently
cut from one larger piece, an4 on them the markings were con-
tinuous when the two plates were pLvjed together, as they were
when in one piece before being cut into two. At least, three
or four out of every dozen exhibited these marks, and ultimately
a complaint was made to the maimfacturcr. At his request a
dozen plates were initialled by the photographer, sent on to the
maker, and by the latter exposed and developed. Result — not
690
TOE BKITISII JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRA.PII\.
[Octoljer 28, 1892
a mark ! a mere faint trace in one plate ! Not satisfied, the
photographer exposed a second dozen himself, and initialled and
despatched them as the first. The result was identical — no
stain or mark, or, if any, the faintest trace ! The mystery to
be solved is, " What variations in the modes of development
could have resulted in these drying marks being developed
up by one person and not by another f The only feasible sug-
gestion 80 far received is, that sulphite was used in one but not
in the otlier case, and that its presence interfered with the pene-
tration of the solutions, and so permitted irregular conditions of
the film to more readily influence the development. We must
confess, knowing as we do the bona fides and the skill of the
photographer who had this experience, that we are quite at a
loss to understand why the markings should appear under his
hands and not under those of the manufacturer. ]
The next case is I'ather singular, and as it only last week
met with an explanation, we at once put our readei's en rapport
with all the circumstances, as the experience is one that might
happen in any studio and fail to meet with an explanation, and
again a plate-maker be unjustly blamed.
In this instance it was a professional photographer, who uses
a large number of plates, who underwent the annoying troubles
we w^ill narrate. He had been working with one make of plate
for nearly two years without any fault to find, until, upon the
receipt of a new batch, he found a great number of the plates
were almost useless through the presence of a number of small
semi-transparent spots, mostly uniform in size, though some
few were larger and others smaller than this average size. He
is not given to complaining of his plates when anything goes
wrong, as, he tells us, a long experience has taught him that it
is not often that the plate-maker is at fault, though he may
appear to be. However, the defect continuing, he sent the
plates back, and received in exchange a fresh batch. The first
few plates seeming all right, he at once proceeded to work in
the usual manner. It must here be noted that these spots
were too small to be visible in the dim light of the dark room,
and could only be discerned after fixing the negative. His
alarm may be imagined when, out of a large batch of negatives,
a considerable proportion were defective again, just as those
first described. In sending an exchange batch, the maker had
sent word he did not see much the matter with the plates, and,
knowing his trustworthiness, our informant investigated the
matter still further. He discovered on one plate a few minute
brown translucent particles, which, at first glance, suggested
the splashing of some chemical or varnish. This he was certain
could not have occurred. A rigid scrutiny caused a suspicion
to arise that these specks consisted of something of the nature
of asphalt. Here was the solution of the mystery. The de-
velopment of this gentleman's plates was performed in wood
dishes lined with black japanned papier macM, which had been
in use about two years. A close examination revealed the fact
that on two of these dishes the japan had apparently blistered
off, and in exceedingly small blisters, which, each time they
were subjected to slight friction, sometimes even the pouring
on and off of water, broke away in small, almost invisible,
fragments. During development, although the film was always
brushed with a camel's-hair brush at the commencement of the
operation, these particles attached themselves to the film
and partially arrested the action of the solution around
them.
This is one of the strangest tricks of development ever
brought under our notice. It will be observed that the sinning
particles were not visible before development, they were washed
away before fixing, and nothing but chance led to their being
discovered at all.
If a moral were to be drawn from this account, it would be
that plate-users should be more careful than ever before com
plaining to the manufacturer of any defect in the plates tl.
latter has supplied.
THE COMPAR.\TIVE HARDENING EFFECTS OF
COMMON AND CHROME ALUM.
A CORRESPONDENT, Writing with reference to our leading article
of August 5 last, on "Clearing Solutions," asks us to give him
a rough idea of the strength of chrome solution that will harden
gelatine films as much as a five per cent, solution of potasli
alum. The ([uestion is not an easy one to answer in a definite
manner, since it would involve a careful examination of the
precise effect produced by the respective salts under similar as
well as under varying conditions, though, for all practical pur-
poses, we may be able to give such information as may be
useful to others as well as our corresijondent.
We may premise, however, that our reason for recommendiiiL
chrome alum in preference to ordinary or potash alum in the
clearing solution for negatives or prints was that it seems to
offer less chance offsetting up injurious reactions that may lead
on the one hand to immediate staining, or, on the ether, to
ultimate fading or destruction of the image. We have fre-
quently directed attention in these pages to the decomposition
that occurs when solutions of potash alum and sodium hypo-
sulphite are mixed together, and have pointed out the danger
that may arise from applying an alum solution — with or with-
out the addition of acid — to a film containing unremoved hypo.
But in addition to this, the presence of small traces of ammonia,
or of alkaline carbonates, left in the film by imperfect washing
after development, will suffice to cause a precipitate which is
afterwards very difficult to remove from the gelatine. '
Chrome alum, despite its name, contains no alumina, and is
therefore free from these dangers, and though, under some con-
ditions, its solution may be made to throw down a precipitate
of insoluble chromium compounds, these conditions are not
likely to arise in actual practice, and this, in conjunction with
the fact that a weaker solution is equally effective, renders it,
in our opinion, a more desirable agent than potash alum for
most purposes where the latter is employed.
So far as the two salts have hitherto been used in con-
nexion with gelatine for photographic purposes, chrome alum
has been usually employed as an addition to solutions of that
substance when a hardening action was necessary, while
ordinary alum has generally been used as an application to
films already formed, whether on paper or glass, to effect the
same purpose. Thus chrome alum is added to gelatine emul-
sion to confer toughness on the resulting films, and prevent
their softening during development, and it is also employed
in the manufacture of the " single-transfer " paper used in
carbon printing, and for a variety of similar purposes where
an insoluble film of gelatine is required. Potash alum finds
employment, on the other hand, for hardening and rendering
insoluble Woodburytype and similar prints, as well as the dif-
ferent varieties of gelatino-bromide and chloride films of more
recent introduction. This diff'erence in their uses is justified
in what we have already said, by the fact that common alum
is more liable to produce insoluble compounds with gelatine than
the chromium salt.
Octol)ep28.]802j
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOSRAPHY.
601
And now, with regard to their relative solubility. That of
potash alum, as given in our list of solubilities in the Almanac,
is, perhaps, rather below the mark. One part of alum is there
stated to be soluble in I0-.5 parts of cold water, which is a
somewhat indefinite term ; as a matter of fact, that is the
degree of solubility at 50° Fahr., whereas a temperature of ten
or twelve degrees higher is usually that accepted as the
" ordinary " temperature in chemical matters. At 60° Fahr.
it is soluble in, as nearly as possible, eight jmrts by weight of
water, or one himdred parts of water will take up twelve and
a half parti of potash alum : while soda and ammonia alums,
which are occasionally met with in commerce, are much more
soluble, especially the former. A saturated solution of potash
alum, then, at the ordinary laboratory temperature, will
contain about sixty grains to the ounce, though in the
majority of photographic dark rooms the contents of a saturated
solution will seldom be more than fifty grains to the ounce,
and at the present season, in all probability, very much
leiS. We have often spoken of the uncertainty that may
arise from the employment of " saturated " solutions, and
this is only one more instance of the unwisdom of the
practice.
Ctirome alum, which does not figure in our list of solu-
bilities, rcquireti a little OTer seven times its weight of water
at ordinary temperatures to efleet its solution, and for all
practical purposes may be said to be of the same solubility as
potash alum. But it diSera from the latter in being for less
%'ariable in its strength with the temperature. A hot concen-
trated solution on cooling shows very little tendency to deposit
any ciTStals, and a considerable time may elapse before any
such an thrown down, while a solution saturated at sixty
degrees would probably remain unchanged if the temperature
were reduced nearly to freezing point ; so that it becomes very
neccMary to consider the queetioo of temperature in making
any comparisons between the action of the two salts in satu-
rated solutioa
This, however, is scarcely neeeasary ; for, though we have
never made any attempt to gauge their relative strengths with
any accxiracy, we believe we may say with perfect safety that
the chromium salt is very much the more powerful of the two.
'nary alum clearing solution, as given in the text-lxwka,
f a saturated solution of the salt with an addition of
cither hydrochloric or citric acid ; but, if a saturated solution of
chrome alum were employed, the action would be so powerful
that the gelatine film would be rendered almost, if not quite,
impervious to any *nl«equcnt treatment that might be neces-
sary. In other words, it would be rendered so hard and so
c >mpletely waterproof that any fixing or intensifying solution
afterwards applied would be unable to penetrate it. Such was
our experience some years bad( when experimenting with con-
r :if rated aolutions of chrome alum, besides which mechanical
i :;.cultica arc introduced in employing this salt in too strong
•olution.
Roughly speaking we should say chrome alum is at least five .
or six times more powerful in its bar Jening action when applied
ia solution to a gelatine film than ordinary alum, and that a
one per cent, aolution will satisfy all the ordinary requirements
r platci or jMipcr. When used in conjunction with an
\.n acid salt, as in the clearing solution mentioned in our
article o( August 5, its action may be to some extent modi-
.... I r. A jj jj^^y po^iblj be desirable to slightly increase the
, the actual proportion of the constituents of thrt
: .tioii as we use it, being : —
Chrome alum 2 to 4 drachms.
Metabisulphite of potash 2 ounces.
Water 20 ounces.
the quantity of the first named being increased according to the
hardening effect required or the " softness " of the film in use.
If the metabisulphite be not at hand, four ounces of sulphite of
soda may be substituted for it, and sufficient hydrochloric or
citric acid added from time to time to make the solutiou smell
distinctly of sulphurous acid.
•
Tennyson's Portraits.— There was but one Tennyson; but,
to judge from the portraits of him that have appeared in the various
illustrated periodicals, he must have had many faces, so wonderfully
unlike one another are some of the pictures. This, we suppose, will
ever be the case while draughtsmen and hand engravers have to be
relied upon. Unfortunately, " process blocks " in half-tone at present
do not fulfil the conditions necessary for rapid machine printing.
Disused Methods.— Forfjotten processes formed the subject
of a paper at the last meeting of the Birmingham Photographic
Society, and an interesting one it is. The officers of most societies
find a difficulty in providing subjects for their meetings. Now there
are many processes in connexion with photography that hare become
obsolete yid forgotten, though they possess real merit. Papers or dis-
cussions upon many of them would prove exceedingly interesting, and
often useful — useful if only in saving the time of some enthusiasts in
reinventing them, as is frequently being done nowadays. There is
little doubt that several processes become obsolete simply because they
were introduced at the wrong time. Some of the photo-mechanical
processes might be quoted as an example, also .'Vristotype paper.
Transformation of Gallic Acid into Pyrog'aUoI,
Ilf elting' Point of Pyrograllol.— Al. P. Cazeneuve says that, if
we add to gallic acid double Ha weight of aniline, the mixture, which
is at first liquid, solidifies abruptly with a rise of temperature. There
ia formed, doubtless, aniline gallste. If the mass is heated, we
observe at about 120° a regtdar development of carbonic acid with-
out appreciable rise of temperature. At this temperature the whole
of the gallic acid m<iy be decomposed. Qh heating to ldU° and
cooling, aniline pyro-gallatc is obtained ia long crystalUne needles
very instable. Most of the liquid aromatic amines form an equally
favourable medium for the transformation of gallic acid. Tlie
melting point of pyiogallol is 132* (not corrected), and not 115°, as
asserted in the text-booki.
A Sugrg-estion.— The appeal of the Secretary of the Photo-
graphers' Itenevolent Association for subscriptions — and it is to be
feared that, from the present outlook, they will be sadly needed —
comes opportunely at the time when the different photographic
societies are arranging their winter programmes. Now, the sug-
gestion we would make, and we hav«i made it before, is that ea:;h
society should devote an evening to an entertainment amongst its
members and their friends for the benefit of this deserving institution.
There are something like two hundred and fifty photographic societies
in the Uuited Kingdom, and, if each were the means of raising only a
poond, the income of the Association would be more than doubled.
-K« apology is neceaeary for once more directing attention to the
■object, we hope with better result than hitherto.
9o Plates Deteriorate by XCeepingr 7 —" Prevention "
writes to Nature: " I have found great difficulty in obtaining fresh
pbotog^phic dry plates of whatever maker from dealers, who fre-
([ucntly pos-s off upon the purchasers packets of plates which have
l)een in stock for a long time, and consequently unfit for use. It has
therefore occurred to me that this trouble might be avoided by thi
692
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY,
[October 28, 1892
makers dating every packet as issued by them, thus following the
custom of the Platinotype Company with their tins of paper. By
such a system the purchaser would be able to protect himself, and
many makers' plates would be found much more satisfactory."
Underlying "Prevention's" idea, which most business men will be
inclined, for obvious reasons, to regard as impracticable, is the oft-
exploded fallacy that fresh plates are preferable to old plates for no
other reason tlian that they are fresh. Provided the method of
packing employed is unobjectionable, it romains to hi proved that
plates (as " Prevention " allege.") " which have been in stock for a
long time " are " consequently unfit for use."
Setouching' and Bad Trade. — .\t a recent meeting of one
of the metropolitan societies, where Mr. Redmond Barrett discoursed
on retouching, one of the speakers in the discu-ssion said that he
thought that, on the whole, retouching had been a great allUction to
photography, and was the cause of the great depression in photo-
graphic portraiture. This statement will take many by surprise.
Where is the photographer who would think of submitting a portrait
if the negative had not been more or less dealt with at the hands of
the retoucher, and what would be the result, from a business point of
view, if he did? It is quite true that retouching has tended to the
deterioration of the technics of photography, as now many negatives
are passed which would be worthless but for the retoucher. The
question is, however, one of demand and supply. The public demand
highly retouched portraits, and the enterprising professional supplies
them. In most instances it is simply a matter of £ s. d. versus rough
truth. Attempting to educate the public, a well-known portraitist
recently remarked to us, is not remunerative. It likes to be flattered,
and is accommodated, adding, " We are not like the Chinese artist,
who, when called upon to paint the miniature of an English lady, put
the following query : 'Ladee, likee likee, or likee beautiful ? '" We
take the latter for granted. We fear that the cause of the depressed
state of portrait photography must be sought for in another direction
than retouching.
CONTACT PRINTING.
How simple, and yet how little underst'^oi bv the great bulk of those
who are daily to be found resorting to this method of producing
lantern slides from their negatives.
Contact printing is generally understood by a great many who are
not only beginners, but also by old and e.xperienced workers, to mean
the more placing of a sensitive plate in contact with (or portion of) a
negative for the purpose of printing a positive picture, and, doubtless,
owing to the extreme ease of such procedure, the entire operation has
come to be looked upon as one requiring little thought or skill on
the part of those who are conducting the operation. It generally
resolves itself into placing the two plates in contact in a printing frame,
turning up a naked gas-flame at an ordinarj' gas-jet, holding the
frame at an uncertain distance from the light (the proper distance
generally being considered to be about twelve or fifteen inches from
the flame), then to develop, and in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred
trusting to luck for the results being up to the mark.
Such is, no doubt, the modus operandi followed by hundreds, if not,
indeed, thousands of amateurs who take no small amount of pride in
showing off their handiwork. True, some little thought on tlie
surface of the operation seems to be bestowed on the question of how
many seconds exposure ought such and such a negative to get, but
otherwise the operations are very much as I have mentioned.
Now, this is not contact printing as it ought to be conducted, and
is just about as careless or thoughtless a way of conducting tlie
operation as it is possible to conceive ; but, nevertheless, it is just a
point where those who have not had the benefit of learning a trade or
profession begin at the wrong end of the stick, or, in other words,
attempt to learn an occupation by working downwards, instead of
beginning at the bottom and working upwards.
Contact printing, properly understood, is not the simple matter that
many suppose it to be, and I sometimes think that more thought and
consideration is required in practising it than in very many other
branches of photography. Doubtless, in many respects, such printing
closely resembles numerous points that have to be observed in ordinary
daylight printing, such as when albumenised paper is being employed
in an ordinary printing-room of the studio (and perhaps the printing-
room, all being considered, is the most important corner of any studio).
and not, as many suppose, merely a secondary consideration in a
photographic business. I look upon the head printer in an establish-
ment as king over all others employed.
Now, what is the very first act of a printer who has sent up to him
a batch of negatives to print ? Certainly not hurrying such off
into the printing frames, placing in contact with the paper, and
without giving any heed or consideration to this or that particular
feature in a negative, placing them all out to print in exactly the
same light and under exactly the same conditions. Such is not the
way an experienced printer sets about his work. He knows better
than to follow such a happy-go-lucky style. With him each negative
is taken singly and minutely examined, first for the merest flaw
possibly overlooked by the retoucher. Then these are assorted into
different classes ; such-and-such must receive quite different treatment
to those others — in fact, they are all subjected to a clo-ie scrutiny, and
very possibly some may be printed upon paper of varying qualities
depending upon their densities. Others, again, require thoughtful
consideration in the way of being printed through varying depths of
shields, sometinles ground glass or tissue paper j others, again, have
to receive very careful attention in printing by being judiciously dodged
— in fact, a printer's occupation is no sinecure, and, if such is necessary
in the practice of slow or daylight printing, how much more so is it
when such rapid work as contact printing by after development i»
being followed ?
Here we are face to face with negatives of ever-varying density
and colour, not two of which print alike, yet still, as we have seen,
the common practice is to expose all such twelve inches from a naked
flame ; some, perhaps, a few seconds less or more than others, accord-
ing to their appearance of density. Now, if the best results are to b&
obtained by contact printing, it certainly is not by following such a-
slip-shod method of working.
First in importance comes the nature of the light to be employed.
Gas is perhaps, all being considered, the best light to employ, but
certainly such should never (or very rarely indeed, if ever) be used as a
naked flame. Let a beginner who cares to enter fully into the
pleasures of contact printing begin by carrying out a few simple
experiments on the following lines: —
First, let him provide an ordinary bat's-wing burner fitted to some
suitable gas-bracket or stand, that will enable such to be placed on an
ordinary kitchen-table, the centre of the flame when placed in a fixed
position being about six inches from the bottom. Let the light be
turned up at its best. Next, let him take the thinnest negative that
ha can obtain, and proceed to make an exposure after the method
described, viz., by holding the frame in his hand for a certMn number
of seconds, judged to be about the correct exposure ; then let the plate
be developed, and it is just about a hundred to one the result will be
declared not good, bad, or very likely useless. Why ? Because a
very thin negative has been employed, and the light used has not
been suitable for such, neither have other necessary conditions been
followed (conditions which I hope to allude to later on).
It is interesting to follow what would have been the procedure with
such a negative were it placed in the hands of an experienced printer
for daylight prints. Certainly such a negative would never have been
placed out to print in the full blaze of sunlight, or diffused light either
for that matter, without having received some shielding from tissue
paper or ground glass. And why such treatment ? Simply because
an over-powerful light would completely drown, in this case, the
meagre gradations of the negative, or, in other words, the denser and
thinnest portions of the negative would go on printing in equal pro-
portions simultaneously. To prevent this, the common practice of
shielding, or of employing a weaker light to print does much in the
way of permitting only just the correct amount of light being used as
will permit of the denser portions of the negative being much more
slowly printed than the thinner portions. When such is the method
employed, a fair amount of contrast will be obtained — a result quite
impossible to get when too much light is employed.
This is the first and most important principle to grasp in contact
printing, and, once it is understood and acted upon, a marked im-
provement will be noticeable in the results turned out.
I veritably believe that every negative has a special light of its
own, that is best suited for its peculiarities.
Bearing this in mind, next let the beginner take the same nega-
tive and proceed to print it under different conditions. Let him
try the result of placing in front of the naked gas flame, at a distance
of, say, six inches, a sheet of ground glass ; then let the printing
frame containing the negative and a similar plate in contact ae was
previously employed be reared on end at a distance of, say, two feet
from the flame, and let the same exposure be given as previously. Now
let the plate be developed by any formula the working of which is
best known to the operator, and judge of the difference in the results.
Very possibly a decided improvement in contrast will be the outcome
October 28, 1892]
TBK BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOORAPHY.
693
of even this the first experiment. If the plate develops up somewhat
rapidly, it is but safe to conclude that still better results can yet be ob-
tallied ; therefore proceed a^ain, but thi.'< time turn down sligrhtly the
li^ht, giviiur the same ezposare and at the same distance, and further,
when deTelopimr, add a grain or two more pyro (I am a firm be-
lieTer in pyro for developing lantern slides), and a drop or two of
bromide ; watch closely on deTelopment. This time the picture will
very likely come alcmg more bminew like, and an amount of contrast
or building up of gradation obtained^ far and away in advance of
anything ever dreamt of as being poanble of attainment from such a
negative. Doubtless, also, much power for good lies in the manner
in which such an expomre be developed. Here we have a great
P'->wer at hand.
Thin negative*, as a rule, require extra pyro and bromide, and
when such are made to dovetail with exposure to juat the correct
amount of light, and only a very slow plate is employed, it is quite
woixlerf ul what results are obtained from negatives from which many
are unable to obtain even pMMUe lefolts.
So much for the treatment of a thin negative. Xow let us take
the case of a very denre one. Here we have almost exactly opposite
factors to work with. In the former case the biirh lights (dense
portions of the netr>tive) printed up too rapidly : now it will be the
reverse. Provided the same conditioos of liglitinir and distance be
employed, the high lights will not print up in anytbin? like the same
tim>> as the leas opaqoe portion* of the nt^zative: in fact, it is just
poasiUe to employ snch a weak fight that would never penetrate
throogii even some of the middle tints of a negative. Therefore, a
more powerful light must be brought into plnv in -uch a case, and in
very extreme eaaea of density a very rapid hrrvmide plate will be
found to yield even better reaults tlian a slow lantern plate, for in
this case the chief aim is to keep down contrasts. I notice that rapid
UntTn plate* are now on the market ; doobtlete these will be very
iiv^ful in many waya. esperiiilly when negatives have to be reduced
tlir'uigh the camera by artificial light.
In cases, therefore, of extreme contrast in negative*, the full flame
of the gai^jet may be employed, always UMng the ground-^lass inter-
me>liate screen, and frequently ths hsme containin? the negative or
plat>- may, with advantage, be brought much near<>r to the light, and
a weaker devsktper employed ; by sacfa means extreme contrasts will
be avoided.
Contact printing, when properly naderttooil and conducted, will
often yield very good results, but at do time, in my opinion, ought
taeh to be employed if the work is capable of beinz produced through
the camera. I have repeatedly had eases uf want of sharpness brought
under my aotiee that were clearly attributable to unerm glasses, and
soostiaea, also, from faulty manipulation, br tin- prinlinir-frAme not
being held steady during exposure. When »uch vri-r^ printed through
the camera, it was surprising to witness tbx great difference in sharp-
ness of the slide*.
Anotlier overright in the pri ntart printing in the non-
employiiMilt of a suitable frani" ^ ng in, and, in many cases,
the ni-tn-preparation at a nsfpative for a p,irticular cla<s of printing.
T. X. Abmstbomg.
AMEIUCAN NOTES ANI> SEWS.
A K«sl *• 1>et«ctlve ** Camer*.— An nllezed pickpocket,
w« read, recently arrestetl in Hartford, C>nn., made it so diflicnlt for
a photographer to take his picture, that the officers bit upon the
happy espsifisot of having a snap-shot taken, unknown to him, while
waQdng through the street. The amateur who performed the opera-
tion sucereded in gsttrng an excellent picture of the prisoner and of
tbr officer who was with him. Needless to say, this happy rssnlt was
not plafd oa sxhibition in the rogues' gallery.
Starch »• a Xoantant. — " .\fter many years' practice in
photography,* says Dr. Ellenlie Wanao- in the Anvrifan Journal nf
Pkalagr^kf, " and dose watching of the behaviour of prints mounted
whh diffeivnt sabstsDcee, I feel perfectly safe in recommending
simply starch wtrll boilsd in prefsience to anything »lse. I have been
greatly disappointed in the permanency of pints mounted with
gelatine in any manner, either upon card* or upon glass. Solution* of
(.-vlatine with alcohol are elegant preparations for mounting, and work
T,-:y tmoothly under the brush : the otily drawback is the very serious
' n>- 'f affectiag the permanency of the print. Mountants containing
^.-ijc'-rine an «?■> man to be feared, from the fsct that glycerine
always attracts water, and is sure to retain any dampness present in
the print, even if the latter is seemingly quite dry."'
The Bardening' Effects of Chrome Alum.— According
to Wilson's I'hijtoyraphic Magazine, Dr. .1. J. Hio'g^ns, of Phila-
delphia, renders gelatine negatives absolutely insoluble with chrome
alum " in proper combination." Immediately after fixing, it is said
the plate can be freely flushed with boiling hot water without the
least danger of its slipping or removal from the glass support, or
affecting the image in any way. This remarkable phenomenon all
hinges, we suppose, upon the use of alum in " proper combination."
whatever that may be.
Departure of Miss Catharine Weed Bamea.— Midj
Catharine Weed B)\rnes sails for New York on Saturday next by the
Inman liner, Citi/ of Xew I'ork. In tsking leave of her a few days
since, we were glad to hear that, although during her stay in this
country she had accomplished an immense amount of photographic
work, her visit had proved most enjoyable to her.
The Canadian Photographic Exhibition. — The first
meeting of the Annual Convention of the Photographic Association of
Canada was held on September 8, in Toronto. Over $495 in gold,
besides trophies, &c., were offered for competition. Many of the
principal .■American firms "donated prizes," and we read that the
exhibits afforded an interesting proof of the rapid progress, in nearlj
all branches of photography, which has been made in comparatively
recent years. Before the business meeting closed, Mr. Knowlton
informed the members that the Stanley Dry Plate Company,
Montreal, which he represented, would raise their donation from
gl(X) to $2")0 for next year. Mr. Anderson, for the Eagle and Star
I'late Company, caused some amusement by saying that he would go
Mr. Knowlton ten cents better. American manufacturers are enter-
prising men of business !
A OUBouIt Sitter.—" Perhaps," says Anthony. <> liuUelin, "one
of the most unusual itubjects to be photographed, of which we have
read, is a large South African crocodile, which was surprised by a
party from one of the missions there while out on a sporting tour,
and photographed by Mr. F. Moir. We may say that Mr. Moir was
ably seconded by four native blacks, who assisted tlie subject to sit, a.'<
without their services he would have run off th • plate before he could
have been ' taken.' "
A Betouchins: Kodlnm for Albumen Prints.— On the
authority of tlic Ph ,t'>graphii' Tim'», a very good retouching medium
for albumen prints is made by macerating half an ounce of soap bark
(QuiV/ai}<i M/Kmari'a) for two hours in boiling water. After filtering
the infusion, add four oanoes of alcohol and a quarter of an ounce of
salycilic acid. When applied to albumen prints, Indian ink and water
colouts take well to the glossy surface.
The Photog'raphlc " Olobe Trotter.'*— Our old friend,
W. K. Burton, lias a word or two to say on this subject in the page;<
of an American contemporary, to which he contributes a gossiping
collection of " Notes from Japan." " Of the globe-trotting amateur,"
he says, " we hare enough and too much at various times of the year.
He is often an unmitigated nuisance ; he knows little or nothing of
photography, but has some hand camera or other with which he goes
'^ftHT'T' sbout indiscriminately ; he comes with a note of introduc-
tion or without : he has made 40 or 400 shots—' quite interesting, you
know,' and ' would like to see what they are like.' ' Would you mind
developing them for him ':'.... This is one kind of the species.
There is compensation for the multitude of him in the occasional
arrival of an old fri-nd, of one known by reputation, or of one whose
fondness for knowledge of photography makes it a pleasure to talk
with him. Especially delightful is it to us if a man comes from any
of the far-away countries with all the gossip — nay, the slander — of
the societies and clubs, the things that do not get into any of the
photographic periodicab." Now, now, Professor !
604
THE BlUriSH JOURNAL OF PSOTOGHAPHY.
[October 24, 1892
YELLOW FOG.
Thb cause of yellow fog, says the Photographic Tttrus, is now well
ascertained. It is a dyeing action which occurs with pyrogallol,
hydroquinone, and eikonojren, by using old oxidised solution, or by
long development, the renpent being then in a state of oxidation. There
are also other causes which influence the defect in question, but they
•re not known with certainty.
Sodium sulphite counteracts this phenomenon.
Washing in a solution of tartaric, citric, or oxalic acid, &c., before
fixing, prevents the fog from occurring in the sodium thiosulphate
(hyposulphite) solution.
Yellow fog can be removed before or after fixation. It can also be
removed during the fixing process by the use of the so-called acid
bath, one compounded with acid sodium sulphite.
To remove it before fixing, prepare the following solution : —
Sodium sulphite 1 ounce.
Alum 1 „
Hydrochloric acid 160 minims.
Water 8 ounces.
In this the plate, developed and washed, is immersed for a period
of three or four minutes, then fixed in a bath of sodium thiosulphate
at 1:4.
To clear the negative after fixing is often a difficult operation. Of
all the processes which were published, pne of the best is that recom-
mended by Mr. E. Garbe. According to the author, it is based on
the action of nascent sulphur dioxide generated by the influence of
air and moisture on sodium thiosulphate. We think, however, that
the decolouration is due to another cause, for the sodium salt, in the
circumstances in question, is decomposed thus: —
NajS.Oj + H^O = Na.,SO, + H,S.*
* This we give on the authority of Wurtz. If sulphurous acid is formed,
then the action should be represented as thus : —
Na2Sj03 + 03 + H,0 =
:Na,SO< + H.SO,.
Whatever it may be, here is the process of Mr. Garbe, described by
himself in the Photographic Gazette: —
We prepare the mixture following : —
Glycerine and water, equal parts, in which is dissolved in the cold
sodium hyposulphite to saturation (from forty to fifty per cent.).
This mixture is spread with a brush on the yellow negative, then
the plate is set aside on a level surface, sheltered from the heat and
dust. According to the intensity of the colouration, the yellow tint
infallibly disappears in a more or less long period, which may vary
from one to twenty-four hours. Here again, it is the nascent sul-
phurous acid which acts in consequence of the oxidation of the hypo-
sulphite in contact with the air. This is so much more evident that
the same negative is not discoloured if immersed in a bath of hypo-
sulphite, because the action of the air does not exist on the surface of
the negative.
The means which we speak of have already been indicated, but with
a solution of hyposulphite in water only, and it happened that from
the evaporisation of the water incrustations were formed on the sur-
face of the gelatine film. The object of glycerine is to increase the
proportion of hyposulphite dissolved, and to prevent the crystallisation
even after a very long period.
By this process we have decoloured negatives which were so yellow
that one could hardly see the image, and which were dry for more
than two years.
SIMPLE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS.
[Holbom Camera Club.]
The subject on which I am going to speak this evening is one, I think,
which should be of interest to all working photographers. The knowledge
of chemical analysis to a photographer is a powerful weapon to fight the
many difficulties in which the path of photography runs. And, again,
this knowledge will give him the means to enable him to test his tools by
which his work is produced. (In reference to tools here, I mean such
solutions as may be used to produce certain results.) It is, I think, need-
less for me to dwell upon the many advantages which will arise to those
who have the power of being able to detect any of the substances which
they may use in their work. It will therefore be my endeavour to show
you that this subject is not one which is beset with any great difficulties,
but is one which is quite capable of being manipulated by any one who
possesses an average amount of intelligence.
Hints to Tybos.
I will now proceed with a few short notes, which will be found of use
to those who have not done any of this work before :^
(1) When adding a reagent to a solution and a I'P* is formed, be sure
to add sulBcient of the reagent to insure that the whole of that particular
substance is thrown down.
(2) Do not hurry therefore if a certain effect is not produced imme-
diately. Do not imagine that the particular substance you are testing for
is not there. Some reactions are at once apparent, and others take some
little time.
(3) In commencing analysis, always analyse some substance, the com-
position of which you are aware, and note the effect produced by this of
certain defined reagents.
(4) Always test an unknown substance for the base or metal first, and
then for the acid which has combined with it. For example, in sodium
chloride, the sodium is the base, and the chlorine is the acid which has
combined with it. When you have detected the base of an unknown
substance, this will give you some idea as to what acid it belongs.
(5) Always confirm the result given by one reagent by testing with
another reagent for the same substance. For example, in adding a
solution of BaCIo to an unknown solution, you may get a PP soluble in
HCl, and yet it may not be a sulphite ; therefore you must confirm the
fact of its being a sulphite by the granulated zinc test.
(6) To test with borax beads, place a little borax on the loop of your
platinum wire, and hold same in the Bunsen flame ; it will boil up, and
then fuse to clear glass. Now place a little of the substance to be tested
on the bead ; heat same, and allow to cool ; then notice the colour of the
bead. If the colour of the bead is too dark to make out the exact colour,
add more borax and heat again ; this will lighten the colour of the bead.
Chromium is about the only element in every-day use in photography
which gives a characteristic colour to the borax bead.
(7) The following is the method of using the platinum wire for flame
tests : Hold the wire in the Bunsen flame until it ceases to give the
intense yellow colour, then place a little of the substance to be tested on
the wire, and hold it at the lower edge of the flame. Sodium gives a very
strong yellow colour to the flame ; potassium gives a pale lavender
colour.
To make a platinum test- wire, take about two inches of platinum wire
and double the same in half, then twist together, so as to leave a small
loop at one end. Mount this in a small piece of glass tube, so as to form
a handle. Taking a test-tube of about half an inch diameter, you fit a cork
to it, and make a hole in the cork large enough to take the glass-tube
handle. Push the handle through the hole in the cork, partly fill test-
tube with weak hydrochloric acid, and, by putting the cork in the test-
tube, you have yoiu platinum wire always clean and ready tor use.
APPAEATUS.
The following are the apparatus required for practice of analytical
work : test-tube stand, test-tube brush, twelve test tubes, 5 x i, six test-
tubes on feet, one test-tube holder, spirit lamp or Bunsen burner, wash
bottle, two small evaporating dishes, two small glass funnels, one packet
of filter paper, three inches of platinum wire, two watch glasses, one nest
of small beakers, retort stand, one piece of wire gauze, one piece of char-
coal, and a blow-pipe. This may seem rather a long list ; but, as the
whole of the apparatus can be purchased for something like ten shillings,
the list is rather more lengthy than expensive.
Eeagents.
We will now pass on to the various reagents that we shall require : —
Acetic acid, 1 oz. to 1 oz. of water ; ammonia, 880 s.g. diluted with
about twice its bulk'of water ; hydrochloric acid, strong ; hydrochloric acid,
dilute i an oz. of acid with IJ ozs. of water ; sulphuric acid, strong ; sul-
phuric acid, dilute, J of an oz., is made up to 2 ozs. with water ; nitric
acid, strong ; nitric acid dilute, J an oz. to IJ ozs. of water ; ferric
chloride, 20 grs. to 2 ozs. of water ; lead acetate, 20 grs. to 2 ozs. of
water, and a little acetic acid ; barium chloride, 60 grs. to 2 ozs. of wate^;
silver nitrate, 20 grs. to 2 ozs. of water ; potassium ferricyanide, 20 grs. to
2 ozs. of water (this solution should be made up as required, as it does
not keep) ; potassium ferrocyanide, 20 grs. to 2 ozs. of water ; potassium
iodide, 20 grs. to 2 ozs. of water ; caustic soda, 40 grs. to 2 ozs. of
water ; J oz. of platinum chloride ; lime water ; a piece of lime about the
size of a walnut should be well shaken up in about 10 ozs. of water, allow
to settle, and decant the clear liquid off. With the following dry
reagents in wide-mouthed bottles : —ferrous .sulphate, sodium carbonate,
black oxide of manganese, granulated zinc, together with some red and
blue litmus papers, starch and lead papers, and a little borax.
' For explanation of abbreviations sec end of paijer.
October 28. 1892]
THK BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
C95
Tbs Ornccnox or Bisss.
1. Silver and L<ai SatU.—M\ gire a white PP when treated with
UCl. Add >mmonia, if silver PP will dissolve. If the PP is lead, on
boiling the aolation the PP will be diMoIved. Sodiam hjdrate also dis-
aolru the lead P P.
a. ileri-uric Salts.— (a) Sodiam hydrate, when adJeJ in excess, gives a
7«Uow PP, Bolable in HCI. (j>) Pot iodide Rives a jrellow PP, which
ehangee to a bright red. This PP is soloble in excess of pot. iodide or
menorie Mklta. (These merenrk salts mast not be confoanded with the
raereorions salt, which Rives a white PP with H CI, which is blackened
on the addition of ammonit.)
3. From Ferric SalU.—{ii) Pot. /rrricyanide give a dark-blae PP, {b)
sodiam hydrat** and ammonia a brown PP.
4. From Ferrotu Salt*.— (a) Ammonia hjdrate gives a light coloor
green PP, which tarns a dirty gieen and afterwards a reddish brown.
(l) Pot. /rrrooyanide gives a bine-green PP. which af terward? tarns to a
dark blue. (e) BoQ a terroas eolation with a few drops of strong HNO,.
The liquid beeoroea black, efferreeeet, and, taming yellow, beoomes
changed into the ferric condition.
6. Sodium SalU give no PP with platinum chloride, bnt give the
Diuueu flame a very intense yellow eolonr, which is quite characteristic of
aodtnm.
6. PoloMtium Salt:— (a) Plaee a wateh-glau on a piece of white paper,
and plaee a little of the liquid to be tested on it ; then add a few drops of
platinie chloride and a tew drops of alaohol. After a few minntes a
yellow PP will tall it the solotioo ie not too dilate. If no PP falls,
allow it to rest for half an hoor, giving the solution a stir now and then.
(b\ Potassiom salts also impart a lavender colour to the Bonsen flame.
This eolonr is not very intense, as the sodiam in the air always gives the
flame a little yellow eolonr, which tends to uverpower the light colour of
pot— rinm, A pieea of cobalt colour gliM is sometimes used to cot off
the sodiam fUme.
7. Chromium SalU :— (a) Treated wHh lead acetate give a yellow PP.
(fi) With silver nitrate a deep red PP is given which ts soluble in HCI.
c) Chromimn salts also give an «>eiald green borax bead when heated
n the ontar or inner flame.
The Drrccnos or Acim.
8. Ae«tie mad Aeelattt.—(a) Ferrie chloride in neutral solutions pro-
dnees a dep red eolonr, which, on th* additum of HCI, toms yellow.
(' ) On boilfaig the red aolntioo tho ins b PP as a basic acetate, and the
li<iaUl beeooM* eoloarian.
9. Citric ami Cilralu.—{a) A fairly etrontf lolution, if mixed with
H^t and heated, will blaeken, and. U evaporated down, will leave a
black syrupy laaidae. (6) Will also PP lead aeetate soluble in HNO,.
10. (izali* and Otaitt.—{a) Barina ehlorida give* a white P P soluble
in Ha and HMOj. (6) Silver nitimia ghee a white PP soluble in HNO,
and ammimia
n. KydrorMorir md CMoridM.— (a) When treated with silver nitrate
it gives a PP whieh is soluble in ammonia. The P P tnms violet i(
txposad to light. The PP U iaMlnUt in HKO,. (6) See teat (1) tor
Icftd.
IX Sitric and Nitratet.—Ttk» a weak solution ot a nitrate, and add
equal bulk ot a eolation ot ferrous snlphaU in a test-tube. Hold the
tnbe at an angle ol aboat forty-five degcces, and earefolly pour down the
•id* o( Um tobe a tew drope of •tnag H,SO«. After a few seconds a
btown ring is formed at the junetfoa ot the two liquids. After it has
began to form, a little gentle ahaUag assists the formation ot same.
This is a very deliesta teat.
13. Smtfimrtom* AeU md Sulrkittt.—{a) Batiam chloride prodooea a
white PP aolabia ia Ha. (6) Pot into a test tube some granulated zloe,
add BCl, let It afIe«T«eoe, then poor Moe of the liquid to be teeted into
the tube. The gas H^ will be given oft. whieh may be detected by the
mall and by its power ot turning lead paper black.
14. Sulpkmrie Acidt and Sutphattt.—{ai Barium chloride gives a white
PP inaolnble in HCL (t) Powder a little of a saspeeted mlphate and
mix with eqoal partt ot powdered oharooal, stir into a paste with a little
water, aadpiaesthemixtareonapieeeotcharooal. Heat in the reducing
<!■■> lor a tew moments and take a little of the residne. powder it, and
plaee on • bright silver coin. Add a drop ot water, and, if the substance
teatod «M a salphate. a brown-black stain on the coin will be the result.
1.'. Carbaide Acid and Carbonattt (CO,).— Carbonates, when treated
with Ha arolre CO, (earbon dioxide). If this gas U led into a veesel
aiwtahthig dear lima water, and allowed to babble through, the lime
water wOl beoona milky, and a P P o( ealcinm carbonate will be formed.
16. fltlTlsnafei (BCO,).— The biearbonates or hydric carbonates give
oC eaiboB AoaUe on boiliag solntioaa ol theee aeids. The lolidi dissolve
in boiling water with effervescence. The carbon dioxide may be detecteJ
as in the last test.
17. Thiosulphntei. — {a) On adding HCI to a solution and gently
warming, a PP of sulphur will fall, with a smell of anlphar dioxide, ((i)
Silver nitrate gives a white P P soluble in HSO.,. This P P is blackened
on heating.
18. Bromides. — (<i) On heating with H^SOj and black oxide of
manganese evolve bromine, which may be detected by its red colour and
its power of turning starch paper yellow, (l) Will also P P silver nitrate,
insoluble in weak HNO3 and soluble in ammonia.
19. lodidtf. — (a) Heat as with last test a mixture of R.SO^ and
manganese, and hold a piece of wet starch paper in the tube. The paper
will be coloured purple if iodine is there. (6) Iodine will also P P silver
nitrate almost insoluble in ammonia.
20. Ammonium. — (a) All ammonia salts can be volatilised. For ex-
ample, place a little of some ammonia compound in the end of a long
test-tube, heat it, and a sublimate of ammonia will be formed at the other
end of the tube, (i) To test a solution for ammonia, add caustic soda,
heat gently, and ammonia is given off, which may also be detected by its
action of turning wet red litmus blue. White fumes will also be given
off if an open bottle of HCI is brought near.
31. Ferrocyanide*. — (a) Silver nitrate gives a white PP insoluble in
HNO, and ammonia, (b) Ferrous sulphate gives a P P of blue green.
22. Ferricyanide: — (a) Silver nitrate gives a PP of orange red, soluble
in ammonia. (6) Ferrous sulphate gives a deep blue PP, soluble m
sodiam hydrate.
23. Cyanides.— {a) Silver nitrate gives a white P P, insoluble in HNO3,
soluble in ammonia, (b) Silver cyanide, when heated to red heat, is
reduced t% metallic silver.
I will now conclude witli a brief review of the manner to go to work to
detect any of the ordmary chemicals that may be found on a photo-
grapher's work-room shelf.
If the substance is a solid which you wish to test, dissolve about
twenty grains of it in a test tube with about one ounce of distilled water.
This solution is called the original ^^jlution. We will now proceed to
test for the base. Before, however, proceeding to test the solution of the
chemical, place a little of crystal on the platinum wire and heat in the
Bonsen flame. Kote the eolonr it imparts to the flame. Now we will
proceed to test the solution. Take about one drachm of the original
solution, poor into a test tube, and add a little dilute HCI. If you
get a PP it may be lead or silver (1). If yoo do not get any PP,
add to another portion of the original solution some ammonia sulphite.
A PP in this ease indicates iron (3 and 4). If no PP forms, take a
few drops of the original solution, and use test for potassium (6).
Then test for chromium and mercury (2 and 7). After having found
the base, yoo must then test for the acid which is united with it. The
knowledge of the base will give you some idea as to wtiat acid yon may
expect. It is as well to always use fresh portions of original solution for
every separate test yon make.
In conclusion, I would ask every photographer who likes a little
experimental work to give chemical analysis a trial, and I am sure that
he will not only find the same very valuable in his ordinary photographic
work, but also a source of pleasure independent of photography. I think
an apology is doe to you for the rather curious way this paper and tests
are arranged. I will ask you to excuse me on the giounds that my aim
in the paper has been to make it as simple as passible, and to avoid
introducing those chemicals which are very seldom, if ever, used by the
ordinary run ot photographers. To those who wish to go into this subject
deeper and in a thorough chemical manner, I can recommend the
following woriis: — .tnalyiit of a Simple Salt (price 2s.), published by
Clive * Co. ; Practical Chemistry, by Tilden (price U. 6ii.), published by
Longman Green, Sc Co.; Qualitative Chemical .inalyii; by Thorpe and
Mnir (price 3t. &J.), published by Longmans ; and a far more elaborate
and difficult work, Valeniine't Analytical Chemintry (price It. 6d.), pub.
liahad by Churchill. The following abbreviations have been made use of
uxJhsi^per.
PP tor Precipitate HCI tor Hydrochloric Acid
HNOj Nitric Acid H.SO, Snlphnric Acid.
Ebnest Beneet.
MYSTERIOUS MARKINGS ON NEGATIVES.
In toot leading article under this heading last week, when speaking
of tnoae cases where fogging was traceable to the dark slide, you say :
" As in all wooden shutters mahogany is employed, it can scarcely be
imagined that it would exhale anything that would act injuriously
69C
THE liRITISH JOURNAL OF I'HOTOGRAPHY.
[October 28, 189:J ^
on the bromide film. Hence, if the evil arises from pernicious fumes
they must be sought for in the material with which the inside of the
shutter is blacked;" and in the two following paragraphs, that
when fog only appears on those parts of a negative opposite the wood
of the shutter, and the hinge nas formed a protection, it is more
probable that it is due to the shutters affording insufficient protection
to a highly sensitive plate against a prolonged exposure of the slide to
a strong light than to exhalation.
Having been occasionally troubled with mysteriously fogged plates
for a considerable time after commencing to use a new whole-plate
camera, I venture to submit the following facts to you, as they justify
the conclusion that fog may be caused by the wood of which the
shutter is made, although this may be well-seasoned mahogan)'.
The camera being frequently used under conditions that severely
tested its safety, giving negatives perfectly free from fog, rendered it
somewhat difficult to trace the cause, as the real origin of the trouble
was not suspected until a plate showed a decided line corresponding to
the hinge of the shutter, that part of the negative that had been against
the wood being badly fogged, while that that had been opposite the
hinge remained perfect. A series of tests were made, with the
following results : —
The slides were perfectlj' light-tight under all reasonable conditions.
They were filled with plates, and left out of doors for three hours in
the brightest light possible, without allowing the sun to shine directly
on them, on a clear day in August. Although the plates were sub-
jected to a prolonged and strong development, they showed no trace
of fog.
The plates were fogged if left for any length of time in the slides,
though they were k»pt in the dark. The slides were filled, wrapped
in several thicknesses of black material, and put away in a wooden
box for three days. On development the plates were decidedly fogged.
Others left for seven or eight days under identical conditions were
very badly fogged.
The blacking, which consisted of a mixture of French polish and
lampblack, was not the cause of the fog, as only one shutter was
blacked, the other five having been left with the plain surface of the
wood inside, simply smoothed with gla^s paper, and nil fogged ahout
etjually. All the six shutters were made from one piece of wood, and,
though the plates were fogged over their entire surface, they were
worst at the part corresponding to one side of the plank, as traced by
comparing the grain or '' figure " in the shutters. The plates of one
maker were more affected than those of another, though they were of
equal rapidity.
It having been found that an ordinary coating of polish and lamp-
black afforded scarcely any protection whatever, it was considered
necessary to adopt a far stronger remedy. After each shutter was
made slightly thinner, a sheet of tested non-actinic paper (that used
by Messrs. Wratten & Wainwright for packing their plates) was
affixed with very thin glue, and three or four liberal applications of
French polish were made with a small sponge at intervals of several
days, the shutters being kept well exposed to the air in a warm, dry
room. By this method the polish soaked well into the porous paper
and wood, and dried with a very hard and fairly dull surface. There
is not the necessity for a perfectly dead surface in a slide shutter as
in the body of the camera.
Although this remedy sounds clumsy, it is not really so. The
surface of the paper is so thoroughly protected by the polish, that
twelve months' frequent use has not produced the slightest abrasion.
As a cure it is perfect ; plates have been kept in the slides for three
weeks, then under-exposed and forced in development, without the
slightest trace of fog.
Unfortunately, there seems to be a new source of imperfect nega^
tives to be added to those generally suspected and guarded against.
Hexry \V. Bennett.
ON THE METHOD OF EXAMINATION OF PHOTOGEAPHIC
LENSES AT THE KEW OBSEEVATOET.
[A Commnnication to the Royal Society.]
The Kew Committee of the Boyal Society decided, about a year ago, to
undertake the examination of photographic lenses, thus adding one more
to the already numerous list of tests and certificates issued by the Kew
Observatory. Captain Abney was the member of the Committee who
originated the idea, and he was requested to organize the system in
detail. This he undertook to do, but unfortunately it proved that
official duties and his work in connexion with colour vision, &e., made
it impossible for him to give the necessary time to the inquiry. In
consequence of tbie, I was asked by the Kew Committee, with the full
acquiescence of Captain Abney, to give my assistance in the matter^
which I gladly consented to do ; eventually the afrangements develop44
almost entirely upon myself, acting in co-operation with Mr. Whipple^
the Superintendent of the Observatory, and aided by consultations with
Captain Abney; but I should add that as to the arguments and dis-
cussion in this paper I alone am responsible. A very considerable
amount of time and energy was expended by Mr. Whipple and myself
before the final recommendations conld be made, but now, since the
whole of the proposals have received the provisional approval of the Kew
Committee, it is open to any one to get a photographic lens examined at
Kew on payment of a small fee.
It is important first to state clearly the general Idea which the Kew
Committee had in view when they undertook this new work, for, if the
methods adopted are judged from any other standpoint, they will, no
doubt, be found open to criticism. The object of the Committee was to
organize a system by which any one could obtain, on payment, an
impartial and authoritative statement of the quality of a lens to be used
for ordinary photographic purposes, and that the fee, which had to cover'
the cost of the examination, should be moderate. This latter considera-
tion acted as a serious restriction, and it was consequently necessary
that all the tests should give results of undoubted practical value to the"
practical photographer ; the certificate of examination must be recorded
in the way most generally useful, and in language which coUkl not fail
to be understood. A complete scientific investigation of a lens from
every point of view would occupy so long a time as to make the necessary
fee quite prohibitive, and, moreover, the results would contain much
information which would be quite useless to the ordinary user of the
lens.
There are undoubted advantages in testing a lens by the examination
of negatives made by it, but it may be here stated, once for all, that the
question of expense rendered it impossible, for the present, to adopt any
photographic method ; eye observations alone have to be relied on.
The form of entry is made to state for what special purposes the lens
's intended, whether for portrait work, for landscape views, or for copying
plans, <Sc. Every lens for photographic purposes is more or less of a
compromise. Great rapidity, great perfection in definition, and power of
covering very wide angles are incompatible qualities, and one or other
of them must be sacrificed. It is therefore evidently unfair to expect
different types of lenses to give equally good results under the same test ;
for, if we select a lens excelling greatly in one of these qualifications, we
must deliberately abandon the expectation of its attaining the highest
standards in the others. For example, in a portrait lens great rapidity
is required ; but, on the other hand, a less high standard of definition
near the edges of the plate can be tolerated than with a landscape lens.
No opinion could possibly be expressed at Kew as to the wisdom of
demanding extra perfection or powers in any respect, and it is therefore
necessary that the lenses should be, to a certain extent, classified by the
parties sending them in for examination.
The smaller the aperture of a lens, the larger will be the field of sharp
definition covered by it, and a complete study of a lens would tell us the
size of the plate which is properly covered when each of the different
stops is used. Considering the restrictions necessarily imposed on the
work, such a lengthy examination could not possibly be thought of.
Hence, when discussing the programme of tests to be applied at Kew, it
was soon evident that the time devoted to the examination of each lens
had to be limited by making the person entering it state either the
number of the largest stop by which it should be judged, or the size of
the plate for which it would be used ; on the first supposition, the Kew
certificate would have given the size of the plate which the lens covered
satisfactorily with the named stop ; and, on the second supposition, it
would have indicated the size of the largest stop that could be used to
give results np to a certain standard, or the rapidity of the lens in normal
cases when used for the plate of the named size. The latter of these
two alternatives has been adopted, because it is considered that the owner
or intending purchaser of the lens will, in most cases, have already
decided on the size of the plate he intends to use, and that what he
wants to know is whether it is suitable for that plate or not. When
further information is desired, the lens may be entered for examination
for two or more sizes of plates.
The following is an example of the Certificate of Examination, the
part in italics representing the result of tlie testing of the lens.
Kkw Observatory, Kichmond, Subrey.
Certificate of Examination of a Photographic Lens.
1. Number on lens, 3876. Eegistered No., 95.
2. Description, landscape lens. Diameter, 1-5 inches.
3. Maker's name, A, B.
<.>ctober i», 180-.'j
THE BRITISH JOCJRXAL OF PHOl'OGRAPHY.
697 ^
4. Sue of plate for vhiefa the leal is to be examine!, 6-5 inches by S-5
inehei.
5. Number of reflecting surfaces, 4.
0. Centerins in meant, good.
7. Visible defects — laeh as striie, reiiu, feathen, Ao., nil,
>^. Flare spot, nil,
'.''. Effective aperture of stops.
ODI'
BSaetin avartan.
//aamber.
C.I. So.'
Na 7-6
No. 10
No. 15
No. 2.5
Na SO
No.
No.
i-sa
119
0-»7
0-75
0-49
fflSl
Jits
1/1-38
1/112
1-35
2-26
S-8
10. Angle of cone of illamination with largest stop — C8% giring a cir-
cular image on the plate of T 13-2 inches diameter.
Angle of cone ODtside which the apertar* begins to be eclipsed, with
stop C.I. No. 1/1'88, = aO', giving a circular image on the plate of
4-0 inches diameter.
Diagonal of the plate -10-7 iaebai, nqaidBg a fleld of 51".
Stop C.I. No. 5-S is the largest stop of wliich the whole opening can be
soen from the whi^ of the plat*.
11. Principal focal length, t - 11-24 inehsa. Back foens, or length from
th« priiMipal foena to the nearest point on the surface of the lenses, = 10-4
inrnsi
12. Cnnature of the tield, or of the principal focus surface. After focus-
sing t the plate at its centre, morement nseessary to bring it into focus
lor as image 1-5 inches from its centre =ii\ti mches.
Ditto (or an object 3 inebes from ths oectre - O-Ol inches.
4-5 ,. -0 10 „
• M « . .. =0-15 „
18. DeAnitiM at the centra with tb* Urgsst stop, actllent. C.I. stop
No. 1-36 gires good deOnition over the wbola of a 6'5-ioch by 8-5-inch
plate.
14. DistOTtioo. DefUdion orsat; in the image of a straight line which,
if thsre wtra no distortion, woold ran from eomer to comer along the
lonsMt M» d • •■&-iadi by 8-5-inch plate ^0 01 inch.t
1«. Aahn— artam Aflar bcosaUigt in the cntre of the Geld in white
lUhi, tke ■iiiiiiiuul nisiswiy to bring the pUu into focus in blue light
(dominant war* length, 4430). ~ O.ot ineh.| Ditto in red light (domi-
nant waT».|«nglb. euO) = - OOl ioch-it
16. Astigmatism. . Approximate diametv of disc of diffosioot ia the
im.>«e of a point, with C.I. stop So. at inches from the centre
of tbaptel* 3 0- iaeh.
17. lllwhiaHnB tt the field. The fl«niM Indioato the relatire intensity
a- ilifferart parts of the pbite.t
With C.I. step No. 1/1-38. With stop No. 6-3.
Attheesntre 100 : Mto 100
AtSinehcsfnimtheeentre 07 : Ditto 83
AtS-M „ „ 38 : Ditto 6«
(imenl Rnanrk — Ao cxeellaat m«4iam anrle rapid objsetire, practi-
cally Irae baa distartian.— W. H
Data U iSMM O. M inUndint.
Xatmaat i'lawrx, ii,ij,T, lalt Rofml EHffiiutn.
{To U e»mt4mittd.)
*
THE GLASGOW AND WEST OF SCOTLAND AMATEUB
I'HOTOOBAPHIC EXHIBITION.
Tm nMmbars of thia floorishiog .Association hs-.n again brought together
in tbsirown rooms at 180, Wast Beg' . large and interesting
collaetioB d photegrapha. tha wark bei.. - 1 to members only.
Tho BifaAWoa eompriaea both non-com patttive and oompetitira olasaes.
Tb* hMsr wa all wall fillad, and in tba dasaas lor landsoima, trans-
paiandai, and srianamants, th* work shown is of a high order, the
wsalasi ciaaa, aa mmml with moat amateor exhibitions, being pottraitars.
Tb* arteooB dntie* of jod^ag the collection was intrusted to Ifaasrs.
Bobb, Toaag, and Annan, and with the exception of their deeistons in
th* T anHiaips Ctaaa, abonl which th«r« seems to be a pretty widespread
I Ooaswe fcslea.
■ ea a "TT a'StsMt safsst*
> tan c*w is ssaiMwi* pasMie if tW earre Is seam tewawls
ttaaai* the leas. aentlTS if away tr«c It.
!■•• la atkar IMMCM.
I c< tanas assd^: axoaOeat, food, lair, ladursreat.
}r*«fc-Tke MbwMg is lbs sail*
aa«.
— — ^ ^^il
opinion that a decided error has been committed, their deciaions ax«^i :
satisfactory, ' \! '.■
In tlie Landscape Class Mr. John Morison, jun., stands out pre-
eminently with an exceedingly fine exhibit of six 13 x 10 pictures in sepia
platinotypc.
This year Mr. Mori.son has -visited that charming spot, the Trossachs,
and has succeeded in bringing home some exquisite results. He takes :
the silver medal for frame No. 20, which include three views, Loch' , j
Achray and lien Ventu, Loch Katrine and Ben Venue, Achray Church and
Ben \'eniu. The centre picture is a gem, and ia generally considered to
be far and away the best picture in the Exhibition.
Other prominent exhibits of great merit in this Class are those of Mr.
J. C. Oliver, Mr. Stuart Smith, and Mr. Hugh Keid. In the opinion 'of
most members, the bronze medal ought to have gone to one of the above
three, and not, as the Judges have seen fit to ticket. No. 5, a collection of
three half-plate landscapes,from the camera of Mr. Adam G. Brown.
Turning from the Landscape Class to the Instantaneous, Mr. Snell
Anderson again takes the silver medal with a charming coDection of
marine views printed in platinotype. Mr. Anderson's individuality is in
evidence in the three little gems which are to be seen in frame No. 31,
The bronze medal goes to Mr. A. Lindsay Miller.
Perhaps the most.interesting class in the Exhibition ia the lantern slide
exhibit, in which we notice there are about twelve exhibitors, all being of
great merit, and the Judges must have had some trouble to distinguish
among so much that is excellent. The first medal goes to Mr. Arch '
Watson, and Mr. A. Lindsay Miller secures the bronze medal. In this
class Mr. Snell Anderson shows a very charming collection of mariae
views.
In the Enlal^ement Class Mr. Arch Watson secures the silver medal
tor the same set of pictures that he exhibits in the Lantern Slide Class.
The Portraiture is the worst class in the Exhibition, and, although
numerous, does not contain a single exhibit of special merit.
The space of the entire walls and pillars of the large room o{ the
Association is completely filled, and, on the whole, the work shows a dis-
tmet advance on previous years.
Profiting by the success which attended the recent International
Photographic Exhibition in Glasgow, the funds of the .\8sociation were
largely augmented by the substantial surplus. The Council have been
enabled to provide increased facilities in the way of comfort and utility in
the fitting up of these rooms, which are now, perhaps, unapproacbed by
any other Association in the kingdom.
At the first meeting of the members for the ensuing season no less than
twenty-six new members were added to the roll, and the council are acting
in a Uberal spirit towards the large number of members who now make up
the .Association.
Quite recently the dark room has been entirely refurnished, and now it
offers facilities to the members, which we question if any other society
can offer, lly an arrangement of the Houae Committee members are not
only supplied with every necessary utensil for the development of the
tiny quarter-plate up to an enormous enlargement, but they have like-
wise always at their command a supply of the ordinary chemicals required
in development -, the duty of the House Committee beiag to see that such
are always kept in stock for the use of the members.
We noticed an enormous overhead development lamp that must be of
great us* when working on large subjects — a lamp that any professional
must envy.
We uodaratand th* judges could not agree aa to the best picture in the
room, and so they awarded two silver medals in the Landscape Class, the
second going to Mr. John W. Eadie. Altogether, the Glasgow and West
of Scotland Amateur Association is flourishing.
"NORTH HOLLAND IN GLASGOW."
Mssslir^AKXjut have very fitly inaugurated the opening of their new
premises in Saucbieliall-street, by an exhibition which is somewhat out
of the ordinary run of exhibitions, and one which, in many respects, may
be considered imiquc. The results of a joint holiday ramble in North
Holland ar« here gathered together, one artist giving bis impressions of
that quaint country by a series of etchings, while the other gives his
through the medium of the camera. Mr. I). V. Cameron, the well-known
etcher, is responsible for the former, while the photographs are the work
of Mr. J. Craig Annan. The collectim contains some seventy-five
examples, etchings and photographs being grouped alongside of each
oth«r. Mr. Annan worked chiefly with the hand camera, quarter-plate
size, and the pictures thus obtained have been reproduced (enlarged) in
698
THE BRII'ISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[October 28, 1392
autotype. It may safely be said that this is the first occasion on which
photographs and etchings have been brought into such close relationship,
and a very good opportunity is thus aflorded how far photography can
compete, if sucli a term can bo applied.
Alter a careful inspection of the collection, the conclusion is forced
upon one that photography, at all events, can hold its own. It goes
without saying that artistic work in photography can only be produced by
one having that innate feeling which suggests how and when a genuine
picture is to be secured. The works shown by Mr. Annan abundantly
testify to the fact that he possesses this; faculty, and that in no ordinary
degree.
Where all are so good it is difficult to single out specimens, but A
Utrecht Pa»toral (38), a truly characteristic Dutch landscape, is particu-
larly fine. The high trees on one side of the picture, the sheep trotting
along the road, the canal, and the grand masses of cloud all go to form a
most pleasing whole, free from that hardness which is so often seen in
photography. Fishers and Wives (40), an animated shore scene, where
the disposition of the various baskets has helped the artist to no small
extent. Another picture well worthy of notice is Labour- Monday (42).
Here we have a phase of peasant life treated after the manner of Millet-
three labourers hoeing in a field. On the Nord Holland Kanaal (12),
the effect of swirling water in the foreground has been most happily
rendered. Another curious effect of broken or rather disturbed water is
to be found in the picture, Rcjlections on the Rohin Gracht (17). Dutch
dogcarts, groups of peasants, scenes in the various markets, all the dif-
ferent phases of outdoor Dutch life have been faithfully and artistically
portrayed by Mr. Annan.
A word remains to be said regarding the framing. Several of the
pictures square in size have been surrounded by a square, flat, broad
frame, the whole carrying out the idea of a Dutch tile. If the picture is
printed in Bartolozzi red, a frame of material resembling ivory surrounds
it. The variety of the tones employed in the reproduction of the pictures
lends additional interest to this most interesting cabinet collection ;
greens, browns, reds, are all intermingled, so that there is a complete
freedom from anything like monotony. Near Ijmiiiden (54), a view
on the beach has been printed in autotype, and the grey-green tint em-
ployed is particularly well adapted to the subject depicted. In addition
to the pictures on the walls, a large series of photographs printed in
platinotype are to be found lying in an album on one of the tables. The
exhibition reflects great credit on the originators, and is well worthy of a
visit from all interested either in photography or in art. A neat and
artistic catalogue has been compiled for the benefit of the visitor.
TWO CONVENTIONS.
Tei British Convention, or, as its organizers prefer to call it, " The
Photographic Convention of the United Kingdom," meeting in Edin-
burgh, has been, says " Watchman " in the Beacon, according to the
unanimous opinion of the British press, not only the most successful of
the seven, but a thorough success in every way. Comparisons, according
to Mrs. Partington, are odorous, but duty will not let us overlook one
question. Why is it that the great success of what should be the great
American gathering, the Photographers' Association of America Con-
vention, is generally confined to preliminary boasting of what will be,
while that of its British sister, or more correctly, daughter, is realised as
an actual fact ? The British has been a great success in everything that
goes to make a successful Convention at an expenditure of less than
$200, while the Photographers' Association of America, at a cost of about
twice thai number of thousands, has been — well, not a great success.
Is it not just possible that the difference arises from the different ways
in which the Executive of each goes to work ? In the British there are
no paid officers, and as all the work is a labour of love, every member
puts his shoulder to'the wheel as if its motion depended on his efforts.
The authorities in the cities in which the meetings are held, recognising
the non-commercial nature of the Convention, and appreciating the
influence of photography as an educational agent, give the free use of the
most suitable buildings under their charge ; there are no medals or
awards to produce heartburnings and disappointments, and while the
professional and amateur meet on equal terms, or rather the distinction
is altogether ignored, there is absolutely no flavour of the " shop " in all
the proceedings.
-♦
Monday, October 31, is the last day for receiving exhibits (which must
be accompanied by entry forms, if not previously sent) for the Exhibition
of the Leytoustoue Camera Club at the Masonic Hall, Leytonstone, November
10, 11, and 12. Lady Brooke will open the Exhibition at six o'clock on
Thursday, the 10th inst.
RECENT PATENTS.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS.
No. 18,647. — "An Improved Photographic Camer.!." Communicated by .J.
Felter. H. H. i^AKB.— Dated Octo'ier 18, 1892.
No. 18,733.— "Improvements in or relating to the Mechanism useil iu
Grinding Machines for Producing Paral)oUc Conoidal Surfaces." Comnnini-
cated by Messrs. Schuckert & Co. J. S. Fairfax. — Dated October 19, 1892.
No. 18,734. — "Improvements in Machines for Grinding Surfaces to a Para-
bolic Form." C'ommnnicate'l by Messrs. Schuckert & Co. J. S. Fairfax. —
Dated October 19, 1892.
No. 18,769. — "Apparatus for Use in Developing, Fixing, Washing, and
Printing from Flexible Photographic Films." W. G. Tv,-Kt.D\.— Dated October
20, 1892.
No. 18,838. — "Improvements in Optical Lanterns." W. BicK.— Dated
October 20, 1892.
No. 18,899.— "Improvements in and relating to Photographic Cameras."
R. Kniw,Y.yrM.— Dated Octolxr 21, 1892.
No. 18,919. — " Improvements in Lenses for Telescopes, Photographic Cameras,
and Magic Lanterns." Complete specification. M.J. Gv'ss.— Dated October '2.\,
1892.
No. 18,938. — "An Improved Sliding Curtain for Optical Lanterns." H. I..
Toms.— />afcrf October 22, 1892.
SPECIFICATIONS PUBLISHED.
1891.
No. 17,744. — " Reproducing Drawings." Stubbs.
No. 20,346.— "Artistic Printing Surfaces." Herkoher ^ Cox.
1892.
No. 5922.— "Printing Surfaces." Clahemont.
i^etttngS of Soctettejef.
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK.
PatootUeeting.
October 31
31
November 1..
1..
» I--
1 ■
1..
1 •
1-
1..
1
.. 1-
2..
2..
31 Rossendale..
Same ot Society.
Dundee Amateur..
Kichmond .
Exeter ,
GIossop Dale
Herefordshire
Keighley and District
Lewes
North London (Annual)
Oxford Photo. Society
Rotberham
Sheffield Photo. Society
York
Edinburgh Photo. Society ...
Photographic Club (Annual)
Portsmouth
Sonthfiea
2 1 Wallasey..
2.. -" ~
3..
3..
3.
3
3.
3..
3..
3..
3 .
4..
4..
4.,
4..
4..
4..
4..
West Surrey
Bolton Photo. Society
Brixton and Glapham
Camera Club
Dundee and Ea^t of Scotland .
Glasgow Photo. Association....
Leeds Photo. Society
London and Provincial
Oldham
Tnnbridge Wells
Brighton and SuB.«er
Bristol and West of England .
Cardiff
Croydon Microscopical
Holbom
Leamington
Maidstone
Place of Meeting.
Asso. Studio, Nethergate, Di-jidee.
Greyhound Hotel, Richmond.
Townseiul-chambers, Rawtaustall.
College Hall, South-street, Eieter.
Rooms, Howard -chamhers.Glossop.
Mansion House, Hereford.
Meclianics' Institute, North-street.
Fitzroy Library, Higli-st., Lewes.
Wellington Hall, IsUngton, N.
Society's Rooms, 13ti, High-street.
Masonic Hall, Surrey-street.
Victoria Hall, York.
Prof essional Hall, 20, Goorge-stn
Anderton's Hotel.Fleet-street.B.^
Y.M.C.A.-buildings, Landport.
Kgremont Institute, Egremont.
St. Mark's Schools, Battersea-i*
Baths, Bridgman-street.
Grcsham Hall, Brixton.
Chariug-cross-road, W.C.
Lamb's Hotel, Dundee.
Philoso. Soe. Rooms, 207, 6ath-3t
Mechanics' Institute, Leeds.
Champion Hotel, 15, Aldersgate-st.
The Lyceum, Union-st., Oldham.
Mechanics' Inst., Tunbridge WelU.
Rooms, 28, Berkeley.sq, BristoL
Public Hall, George-street, Croydou
Trinity Church Room, Morton-st.
"The Palace," Maidston«.
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN.
OCTOBBR 25,— Mr. Thomas P.. Dallmeyer in the chair.
M. BOISSONAS' TELE-PHOTOGliAPHIC PICTURE OF MoXT BLANC.
The Chairman referred to a tele-photograph of Mont Blanc by M. Boissonas,
which he had brought with him, and which he asked members to compare with
that in the Photographic Society's Exhibition, .and they would find in the
second picture (which was Liken at a distance of forty-four miles) muoli lint-:
definition. The weather was windy when the Exhibition picture was taker.
In all tele-photography it was preferable to have calm weather, and in thi
respect the second photograph was taken under much more favourable circun
stances than the first and was much more clearly defined. When using thi
tele-photographic lens any slight tremor made the nodal point move a good
deal more than it would under ordinary circumstances, when using a lens in
which the nodal j)oint was within the lens system itself.
The Hon. Secretary exhibited and explained Messrs. Watson's new .\Iplii
hand camera for use with double backs. The front let down, being supporte ■
October £8. 1802]
THE BRrnSH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH y.
690
by a strut |ii«mii1 into a notdi— it was thtn drawn oat and clamped. The
paru wen intercbaogtable.
ARCHITECTI-B-\L PH0TOCE.VCHV.
In opeoiog tbii »nbject, Mr. F. P. CeJIBBAXr., jvs., saH it might be snb-
dirided into three parts— Apparatns, fcocan, and subject. Dealing with the
rir»t, be thoacht the tri{)0if shonld be one with diding legs, and rigid.
He did not think it wa» a good policy to take thp picture from a very high
point of view. Pbotoenpbs taken from a height of ten or twelve feet did not
give oiM a repnaeotmtwa of the mbject ■■ one wv us«<l tn see it The best
point of Ti«w WM th* same height is one's eyes. The tripod was liable to slip
abont, and rarions devices bM been sng)teste<l— sm-h n* i-orks — to prevent
that. He tboaght Mr. A. L. Henderson's idea of strut.* tiled to the tripod a
great convenience for this purpoee. The best cimera for use was one with a
square bellows ; the ordinary conical bellows was ditlicult to manage when
naed with sbort-foeos lenses. Another point with r«ganl to the camera wa^ to
bave the bok per'^-tlv sanare, so that one couM te able to draw the shutter
tma either the right, the top, the left, or th* l-ittr.r.;. A« to the swing front,
be did not know how ur u was essential or v..-fu!, but he himself selilom
ionnd any use for it. He preferre<l to tilt the .-amera and swing the back.
For dark interiors, it was nsefnl to oil the scrsni of the camera, which helped
one a good desl in foenssing. Some of his Spani>h interiors were so dark that
be cmSd not focns even in that way, so that be bail to ask somebody to hold
op a light for him. As to lenaea, lie bad osed both Oallmeyer'a and Ross'
nmmetricals with satixfsctory rtsnHs, and no doubt the nesrer lenses such as
lUaa, tbe Concentric, fcc, would do ja<t as well. A level to place on the top
of the camera so that one could see the spirit tiorizontally, was essential in
'hotoaanhing interiors, eapecially when tbs buildings were not upright.
;iad(M plates were admirable for uitciion, aUhtragb for ordinary work a pUte
:hat was rapid and that bad plenty of enollion on it woull help one a good
.•al against halation.
.\ nnmber of slides, illustrating points in Mr. < embrano'i address, were
ibes pnjaeted on tbe screen. In rrfereaoc to the 6nx nf these — a church
istaior at Bath be mU that liaving glvea about half the exposure reanired —
t«eatT.«igbt misntes with /-t6— he wm told that the church wonla be re-
qniivd for a service ; be then sltered the diaphngm ta/-16, and gave another
nftren minutcsw Contrary to what migU Mvc been expected, there was no
tloDbliM o( the image CoBttoalag, h» mid archite<-taral photography might
b« dlvidtd iato sevrral bnachea— sir iartner. photography for architecU in
the nmimb^ of small dataila, of vhkhthej saw ficoty of illostrationa and
eat*. Be wooU potet out that, where poaaible, objects near the camera
should be afoidad, apcdallv with regard to Interior* of prirata bouse*. Venr
olb* (odt pietmt* voald o* Imnrovad by moving a chair or a table wbicn
was quite eMMkOoaapieaoaf Ui£«p^ iated, should be avoided whea ustng
short-feen* lin*w,
On* oAsai
tis£
«iU
got strong coBtii*t«> sspedany when pliotocraphing In the south.
f peintT*! white wen so tbaadanL Heodes the importance of
II MpawMu, ane had to be very «MiM In thederelopment. He found
ahea ph«(ogn|>hiag in the sdalk of !<Mia, that the only wa^''.'^
I a gnod rssalt is tbe deepest sbado«% as well aa to get {irinting densitv
I hwMst Ugbts, was to develop with a l-ruab, starting with a weak
ipw to get the Imsg* out, ami, whea once it •howp'l. washing tbe plate
hUv. ■tmMlh*alac the d*vclot«r. and «i'.)i tl:i' I^UNb lievdopiog up
oMaia
in the
ilef^limef .,
than^Uy, rtrsnglhanlng the d*vclo|«r. and «i'.)i tl:i' )Tn>b lierdopio'g up
nmk Bart* •• the dark part* of a osUlng, an'I. ; nfnilly, the detail in ths
ihailiias la tha am of a MtHUn wbar* all th* light the subjlect received
came ftna th* hoat, devilopaiant in th* ordiuiry way would be useleas : in
the way ha had meattoaed, ao detaU la the hi.;h llfrbta woaM be lost For
such a Bfatai% with aa azterior vWw, oae s*con.|. viih /'32. would suffice for
tbe *z(i*i«r«aiy ; th* iaterior, with th* azterior showing, bxl half an hour.
Whoa tha Ught cmaa la through two dooti^ b« had ***a aa arebitact cover
up oa* of thMi with black velvet, «iM*a Itar th* iattrior, tak* dowa th* vdvet,
sod thea aspo** fSor a Itw *«eaad* Um tbs exterior vi*«. In taking latnlars.
Mr. ''embmo contianad,
'«tt«r penpactiva, or beUcr
tun faetag th*
Ofthl*««Mth«sh0Md
it gav*
tr U*a*
lE*Bi
«ftcii
la«xt*rteti^ wh«wpn**ftl*.
-iptbashadowsk nipn«*,ij|
that what would otherwlM E
to aivhH**t* or nahmalagMa, might
al*D DlBitialMt. aad, gplag oa to tuai >
b* topioted by th* aldWoa of doad-
la noof thsneC la eoaelasiaa, he
laaUra fbr skoviag •tchlleetaial phot
slid** tob*tt*r advaalag* than a soul
asa a qa*ft*r plat* fiw*t
laataiB hr ahowlag them
Mr. (tunua J<
to the picture, aad gave
mana^ to take tbe pic-
' '^v end of the pictor*.
inisb Alhambra aerie*.
t r>rtbe sun to break
photography ; so
■fvraph, except
This point n*
' idles might also
Mr.rj Cathedral
ibe optical
' lag off tbe
.... ,.. ...... . .luld alsrays
and gst th* bast malts, trasung to the optiol
on a large scaleu
**d aaHapia* of distoittoa by tUtiag the pUte,
by tUtii
toM^t
*ad th* partial ear* by aopyl^th*a««itl«a«rth*plaUbdafth«ilacliB*d
H* had photographsd a salts* «f aqaara* on * >lor.iiur niste. ami pointed out
that ea* aot oalrgot euB»*tghig psepeadknl lUer scale
er^adaatiaa. lWeaav«B*Be* orp*rp*Dtl. by sloping
th*BlM*ia thaaaman, bMoaaaiMoi th*nuior;!on wdtim siiii be left, due
ladaall*niloalath***at*«ritaaqa«M,th*lmi^b*iaglaatth*aed in the
<Urntlia«fth*tnt. irthedl*lMt*da(fitlv*alaa*wtr* toted, aad th* plate in the
ramaia kept vsrticat, the oppoMl* eibct vroold rssalt, the imam beias ihortcned
vertlcaOy. Mr. Jobs* observed that It bad a*v*r been stated exactly how one
coaU M mwr the dlflkalty.
Xr.^ iMaanaa Davia aaid, with tagard to Mr. Cembrano's method of
<l«viln|Wiit.thsw «M a potat of uaivsn^niprli ability. In taking ordinary
!aad*c^ *alt*«t» or rather tbe m^ority, to wl. ■•;■> referred
they oMabad a eaaaUeraMe portion of tbe part iwfarongbt
'i\it to tha hail advaatag* by anlform darclopu.^..;, ortions of
tha pfatara h**Nii^ too latens* bcfor* Ouj coubl brit; . details in
th* shadowy BMsa •specially foltsg* aod other dark )«. '.are. He
himself had suggested Mr. Cembrano's method of development, in the first
instance, for bringing oat, as far as possible, the whole of the details of the
picture before intensifying the other portions. They obtained a far wider
range by washing away the developer, and then redeveloping those portions
which are the darkests parts by the application of the developer with a soft
brush to those particular portions.
Mr. Cembkano siid he applied the method to landscape photography,
especially where he wanted to secure the sky — developing the .-.ky first, before
anything else on the plate, and bringing out the rest with normal development.
.\s to gauging what was going on during development (a point referred to by
Mr. Davis), a thickly coated plate took a long time before the image got
through, and was obliterated in brush development He had never developed
a plate altogether black. For architectural subjects and interiors, he advised
a developer giving blue images as far preferable to one with which hardness
might be got. He used pyro-ammonia, with plenty of sulphite. In some
cases he washed as many as ten or twelve time.", his object being to avoid
markings. He would like to ask the Chairman whether there was any means
of obviating the distortion which was inevitable in taking most architectural
subjects — a higli building, or an interior, where one had to tilt the camera
and svring the back, and in doing so shortened the image and started dis-
tortion.
The Ch.mkii,vx, in reference to Mr. Cembrano's suggestion that the camera
should not be raised above the level of the eye, would have thought that in
architectural work it would not have mattered how high the camera was placed.
It was certainly impossible to obviate exaggerated perspective which comes in
tilting the camera, and having near foregrounds and distance, ll depended
ujion true monocular perspective, which was an absolute science, certam laws
being obeyed which could not be got away from. As regards architectural
lantern slides, he thought such slides on a big screen were mucli more satis-
factory than pictures of the same subject from a near point of view. By the
employment of lon^-focns lenses such as are used in tele-photography, they
were able to maintain the sensuous impression of the perspective, whereas the
same picture if taken from a near point of view, would produce strained
appearances. Host lantern slides seemed to lose a good deal of this forced
appearance in projection.
After a vote of thanks to Hr. Cembrano the meeting adjonmed.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
OcTOBBB 20,— Mr. C. H. Cooke in the chair.
Mr. C. G. Norton passed round several old and recent prints from the wet-
plate negatives he showed at a previous meeting, and among them a print made
in 1851 from a paper negative.
Amidol.
In the coarse of a short discussion on this subject, Mr. J. A. Sinclair
oboerved that smidol might be used with rodinal without disastrous effects.
Mr. P. EvBMlTr found that carbonate of soda accelerated the action of
amidol.
Mr. E. W. PARrnr observed that he got more detail in a negative by develop-
ing with pyro-soda, rinsing it off, and then continuing development with
amidol.
The " Fhkxa " Haxu Camsiia.
Mr. Btxok exbibitetl and explained tbe principles of Messrs. Beck's " Frena "
hand camera, exhibiting enlargements from negatives ma<le therewith. He
also •howe<i the " Bynor " printing frame, which ne incidentally observed had
been lntroiluce<l for priutin.; the " Krena " film uegatii^a.
Mr. J. WuB Bhiiwx thought it a disadvantage that the lens of the " Krena
only worked at /-I I, and suggeated that other stops should be provided.
The decision of a lantem-alide competition and a miscellaneous display
slides concluded tbe meeting.
m
North London Photograpblc Society.- October IS, 1S92, Mr. J. Traill
Tsylor in the chair. — Copies of Messix Cailett k Neall's new monthly pn|)er,
I*rf J'lalfM, wer« distributed. Mr. Msckie showed an advance copy of the
llford Vear Boik, which was much appreciated. Nominations were received
for election of Council at the Annual Meeting to be heki on November 1. The
CilAlKMA.t then bronght before tbe members a series of notes on the reproduc-
tion of photographs Dy msaas of printing ink, in which he dealt with tlie
various pboto-mechanical prooeeses from the time of Nicenbore Ht Niepce to
the ptcsent, the processes being not only described, but illuKtrate<l by
specimens. A cordial vote of thanks to Mr. Tuylor concluded the meeting.
Horth Middlesex Photograpbic Society.- ()ctober 2-i.— The first Members'
Lantern Kvcning of the »eaiion w-a-s held. The President (Mr. J. W. Marchant)
was in the chair, and about 120 members and friends were present. Mes.w».
Ainsley, lirsiUe. (tiang, Kox, Gregory, .Tones, .Marchant, Mummery, Plunkett,
Smith, Taylor, Littenoor, Wall, and Wynne contributed slides, and Mr. R.
F. Wynne manipulated tbe lantern. The slides were of the usual varied
character, soms of the sets being of great beauty, and, ns a whole, showed a
i«arlMI improvement over last year's work, lu nearly all instances much
-attaatioMiad beoi given to aecaring atmospheric elfects, and in the majority
with caasiderabic anocae*. Tbe glittering black and white <lides, with points
of light spotted all over them, of early days, were conspicuous by their
ahMuce. The next meeting will be held on Novemlwr H, when Mr. J. Traill
Tavlor will addreas the Society on Photographic Optics. Visitors will be
welcome.
Hotbom Oaaan OInb.— October 21, Mr. .1. Havery in the chair.— Mr. E.
BncisT gave a lecture and demonstration on SimpU Cli/:m.ical A nalysit for
I'hotoffraphtrM (see page 6P4). He ex|>erimented-with various chemicals he
had brought with bim, and gsve to the iiiemhers present quite an instructive
and unique ilemonrtration. On Satunlny last the Club entertained the mem-
bers of the Holbom Cycling Oub by giving a lantern show of slides raaile
from nentives ttken at the Southern IJyclistV camp, held at Dorking in August
this year.
700
THE BRITISH JOUUNAL OF PHOTOGKAPHY.
[October 28, 18f>2
LantemBoclety.— October 24.— Mr. Taylor exhibited an improved form of
Lawson's s.itiirator, which gave a very brilliant light. Mr. 'Askew exhibited
his portable lantern and stand, of ingenious constniction, and capable of being
aiTied on s bicycle. It is made by Mes.sra. Newton . Tlie Hon. becretary then
Hhowed a lanti'm of a novel description, which he had designed for his own use.
In it.-! construction aluminium was used wherever practicable. Instead of the
metal-lined mahogany bo.ly, there was a cloth curtain lined with asbestos ; the
condenser mounted in aluminium was held between two thm plates of the .wme
metal : and the slide carrier was held rigidly in position by means of an
aluminium plate and two screws. The lens was mounted in a plain ahimimiim
tube and was carried by a small saddle, moving along the front board by
means of « rack and pinion, and connected to the lanlem body by a small
camera bellows. For packing away the whole thing folded up, and together
with all the necessary fittings and two regulators stoweil away in a box
18 X 12 X 5J in. The total weight, including the box and regulators, was about
twenty -one pounds, the corresponding weight of the lantern which it has super-
seded being thirty-eight pounds. The space for the jet was practically the
same as in an ordinary lanteni, so that any jet, or an oil lamp, conld be used
with it
Hackney PhotogTaphlo Society. — October 18, Mr. W. P. Dando in the
chair. — Messrs. Cross, Green, and Dr. Vere-Nichol were nominated for
membership. Work was shown by Messrs. Gosling, Puttick, and Beckett
(portraits of the E.\hibition Committee), S. .J. Beckett, Fiinstough. Mr. S. H.
Bautos then gave a short paper with illustrations on Pvrlraiture. mthont a
Studio. He had been fairly successful outdoors in taking portraits, and his
method was to take them between two walls. He said it was advisable to not
have too much top light. Portraits .ihould be soft, and a formula he recom-
mended to obtain softness was an eikonogen one, given by Mr. Chapman-.Jones.
The Society's blackboard was then requisitioned, and the Hon. Secretary pro-
ceeded to draw a design he had made for taking portraits in the open. It con-
sisted of four uprights, after the fashion of an ordinary clothes-horse, and the
lighting was subdued as required at top and sides by various kinds of calicoes,
4c Mr. Gosling had used a roll of Lancaster window-blind as a background
and shield from the top light. The Chairman had found the ordinary brown
paper used for putting under carpets of service. The Hox. Secuktaky said he
had obtained good results with this. Mr. Bkckett, in answer to various
questions put to him, said he would have a fair amount of top light and a high
shield at the back and side. As far as retouching was concenied, he advised
it in a general way, but the likeness ought never to be sacrificed to the retouch-
ing. Mr. Go.sLiNO asked how to reduce a small dense part of a negative. The
Chaibm.vn said he would use methylated spirit one part, and water two parts,
gently rubbing in solution with cotton-wool. Mr. Beckett said he would use
a knife, but with great care. The Hon. Secketauy announced that the next
meeting (Tuesday) would be a Flashlight Evening.
People's Palace Photographic Club.— October 19, Annual General Meet-
ing.—The following are the officers for the ensuing year -.—President : The
Chairman of the Drapers' Company Institute. — Vice-Presidents: Messrs. C.
W. Gamble, .1. Osborn, and G. Hatton.— Cnnsmi'Mes.- Messrs. R. Beckett, W.
Barrett, G. Bolton, G. Clarke, G. Kendall, T. Lawday, G. Patten, and W. K.
Walker.— //oM. Secretary and Treasurer: Mr. S. J. Beckett, The Grove,
Hackney, N.E. Photographers (amateur and professional) desirous of be-
coming members are asked to write the Hon. Secretary for particulars.
Leytonstone Camera Club.— October 22, Dr. \V. P. Turner (President) in
the chair.— Mr. A. P. WiRi! gave a lecturette on Stereoscopic Photography
unth a Single Camera. Mr. Wire explained, very lucidly, the principles
involved in the constniction of the stereoscope, its lenses and pictures. A
stereoscope was exhibited that was made by the lecturer, and made in such a
way that the lenses could be taken out for examination. In explaining on
what principles the pictures were made, Mr. Wire showed some line drawings
made by hand, in which the stereoscopic principle was adopted, and which
in the stereoscope showed the well-known solidity. Next were shown some
photographs of still life — shells and vases of flowers — which had been made by
the lecturer. The camera was fixed, and the object to be taken placed on a
small turntable. Taking one view, and then moving the object and table
slightly round, a second view was taken. In this way, by using ordinary
quarter-plates, the two necessary views w^ere taken, and capital stereo-photo-
graphs made. Mr. Wire having shown that his plan was only adapted to still
life. Dr. Turner " took up the parable," showing a handsome little stereo-
camera for outdoor work, with single lens and case-board so arranged that the
two pictures can be taken on a stereoscopic plate by moving the camera along
the case. A discussion followed, in which Messrs. Watson Brown, M.A.,
F. Wates, W. G. Roberts, and others took part.
Putney Fbotographlc Society.— October 17, Rev. L. Macdona in the chair,
the subject being, How to Make a Lantern Slide, by Mr. S. Herbert Fry. —
Mr. Fry commenced by pointing out what qualities were necessary in good
lantern plates, and in what particulars their treatment and the result desired
differed from negative jdates. The essential requirements of a good slide were
that in some part of it there should be absolutely clear glass, and that the
darkest shadows should be transparent. In order to secure these results a
fairly correct exposure was necessary, and forcing of development .should on no
account be attempted ; he therefore recommended a standard developer which,
by experience, had been found to work well with the particular brand of plates
in use, and that no modification of this should be tried in order to compensate for
over or under-exposure. The use of such a standard developer naturally required
a more correct exposure, relatively, than that necessary for a negative plate,
where a modification of the developer was permissible ; but, as the exposure of
the lantern plate was under more perfect control, there would in practice be
found little difficulty in giving the right time. The slides could be made in
two ways, viz., by contact, or in the camera. Contact printing was, on the
whole, best done by artificial light, and in the camera by daylight. Mr. Fry
showed a printing frame in which a slide could Ije made by contact from any
suitable part of a larger negative ; he claimed no special advantage for the
particular form of frame, but it was obvious that a contrivance of the kind was
a convenience, not to say necessity, in successful working, as it was of im-
portance that the edges of the lantern plate, i.e., the thickness of the glass,
should be protected against stray light ; the omission of such protection was a
frequent source of fog near the edges. With regard to the illummant used
during exposure, it was no doubt possilile as Atour dcfcrrcc to use a wax vesta,
but Mr. Fry said he would assume that the members generally worked with a
paraffin lamp or gas-burner, and these would perhaps be fouml the most
convenient in ordinary work. We.ak negatives were best printed from by s.
weak light, or at a considerable distance from a powerful one, whereas plucky
or dense degatives wonhl give the best results when printed clo.xe to a good
light. The time of exposure wo-,iId, of course, vary with the character ot
the negative, but the correct exposure could be readily deletraineil in the
following manner :— Divide the plate appioximately into, say five strips, then
shield four-fifths, and expose the onenfih 10 seconds, tlie shield being then
moved so as to screen only tlirei-fifths, and kept in this position another
10 seconds, and so on until the whole of the plateTias been exposed ; one-fifth
will then have been exposed 10, the next 20. 30, 40, and £0 seconds respec-
tivelv. On developing this trial plate in the standard developer, it would at
ence'be apparent which part of it had received the correct exposure. Wheu
the correct exposure has been once ascertained, it should be noted on the
negative, together with the nature of the light and the distance from it for
future reference ; the negative envelopes now commonly m use le_na them-
selves convenientlv for notes of this kind as well as for storage. the expo-
sure being correct,the development in the standard developer would present no
difficulties, it being only necessary to watch progress, and to take the plate
out when of sufficient density. On the subject of expo.sure in the camera,
Mr. Fry said this could be done either in daylight or by artificial light. When
daylight was used, the negative cojld conveniently be placed against tne
window, and the camera pointed .it it, and focussed to the desired -">«, ewe
being taken that no buildings, chira-aeys, trees, &c., should appear behind the
negative, as they would, of course, be reproduced on the Ian' ern plate. It
would not be necessary to exclude daylight from the room, but direct rays ot
light must be prevented from entering the lens, and thi.s couM be efliciently
dSne by placing a piece of brown paper, with a hole cut in the centre for the
negative, against the window, the paper being of such a size as to cover the
cone of light entering the lens ; no f.irther covering between the negative and
lens is necessarv. Daylight being very variable, no rule .as to the length ot
exposure could be laid down ; generally a small stop should, by preference, be
used in a fair light, so that the exposure might be well under control. As
regards artificial light, the chief difficulty was to obtain even illumination of
thi negative. Mr. Fry said he had used, with satisfactorj- results, the follow-
ing arFangement :— The negative is placed at the end of a suitable box or
frame opposite the lens, which may be mounted m the usual way on an
ordinarv camera, and the lantern plate exposed in a double slide, exactly as
when taking a negative ; special apparatus for making lantern slides by reduc-
tion is frequently used, but, as will be seen, is no necessity. The illumination
of the negative is obtained as follows :— A piece of white opal, white paper, or
a whitewashed board, is placed at some little distance behind the negative and
parallel with it. On each side, between the negative and reflector, is placed a
^mp, or gaslight, or other convenient illuminant ; the two lights should be
placed near the negative, and as close together as possible, but without allowing
any part of their images to enter tiie field of the lens. It has been found that by
this system of using reflected light about forty per cent, of the total is utilised,
and that the illumination is very even. In order to obtain the best results as
large a stop as possible, consistent with the covering power of the lens, shonld
be used. As an example, it may be stated that with a good light and an
average negative, working the lens at/-16, an exposure of four minutes will be-
about right. One of the advantages of the reduction method in the camera 18
that, by the careful use of the swing back, divergent and convergent lines in
the negative may be rectified on th.e slide. On the subject of printing in
clouds, Mr. Fry said that the easiest method was to pnnt them on a separate-
plate and use this as a cover plate, due note being taken that when so placed,
the direction of the light would be reversed, and that, therefore, it was neces- ,
sary to print from a cloud negative with the light coming from the right ittj
order to suit a view which is lighted from the left, and vice mrsa^ The clouil-
print should be given a comparatively short exposure, and should not to-
developed far, otherwise there was dan>:er of loss of transparency. Dunngth
lecture Mr. Fry illustrated his points by practical demonstration, exposingJ
developing, and fixing prints of views and clouds. I
South London Photograph'c Society.- October 17. the President (Mr. FJ
W Edwards) in the chair.— Mr. Arthur C. Baldwin opened A Chat on tM
Eastman Products, and dealt with the various methods for producing th«
stripping films formeriy sold by the Eastman Company, which ultimately leM
to the manufacture of the roUa'ble film, as now manufactured. The method of •
using the roll-holders was now explained, and specimens shown. The ' Solo
paper was then dealt with, and explanation was given as to the means to be-
adopted for producing a v,iriety of tones. The formula for the borax bath
(blue tones), and the combined toning and fixing bath (w.arm tones) were given
with the paper when purchased. For rich velvety black tones the following
was recommended :— Phosphate of soda, 100 grains ; chloride of gold, o grain? ;
water, 40 ounces. The addition of a pinch of aluminium chloride to the
ordinary alum bath materially assisted in the hardening of the gelatine film.
Potash alum must alwavs be used, as ammonia alum does not form in this .
case a good substitute. The combined bath was so simple "that a child caaT
make and use it, is delightfully certain in its action, and is practically perj
manent." The proceedings terminated with the toning of several prints by th#
different baths, to show the tones obtainable. Attendance, forty.
West Surrey Photograph'c Society.— Usual fortnightly meeting at beai
quarters, the Public Library, Lavender-hill, Clapham .Junction. Mr. Winsfon
in the chair.— The subject of the evening was a demonstration, by Mr. Geobq*_
H. James, of the Cariion Printinif Process. Mr. James went fully into all the
details of both the single and double transfer proces.ses, illustrating his remarks
by prints from some of his very fine snap-shot negatives. Mr. James, after
havin<' described the safe-edge necessary in carbon printing, and various fom.
of actinometer to gauge the depth of printing by, went mi to describe th.
development of the image. He said that one of the p*uliarities of thr
October 28, lS8d]
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
701
procMi U that the derelopmeot UkM place from the back, this being due to
the bet that tike parta of the seositlTe, bichroiuate<l gelatine acted apon by the
light, are leoderad iniolable in water, and, as the light never did penetrate right
throogfa to the anrface of the paper, then wai alwa^ between the insoluble
gelattM ^id tha paper a lajer of solable gelatine, which was dissolved ont in
clevalafiiiK ; henea the oeoenity of flxing the print npon the temporary or per-
maDsat sapport before dardopment. A lar^ number of prints, made by the
Woodbury Company, were pawed round for mspectioo.
Mzton and OUpham Camera CUb. — October 18, Mr. .lames W. Coade
(Vi«-i>mident) in Che chair.— The C'haIBMa!! first refcmid to the Club Exhi-
bWon to be held on the ITtb, I8tb, and 19th of next month, and begged
nanban to pat their shoulders to the whed, and to make the Exhibition a
gnat iiiiiliai ; be lemindeii them that the last day for receiving exhibits was
the 8th proxima 8ab<ie<|uently Hr. F. W. Kext gave a few interesting
fonarica on Bromide Paper and Lantern Stul-^, and, by making Mverat
priata, ahowed the different results which ooulil lie obtaine<l by varying the
expoaan, dMaaea from the light, and the developer. The paper nsedwas
lUotd Slow, aad the developer ferrooa oxaiatai Mr. Kent also made some
lantern sUdaa bom half-plate Degativea ia a tadncing camera of his own con-
struction.
■Wth tanay Photograplile lOMliy. October 18.— Mr. Fitzpatxb read
a paper and gave a demoastratioo of 7a« Mdkod of DeveloMent of the Ifete
CoU-iaih pEuinol^pe Paper. He fomi— nrad by stating that the paper was
OMra eoovaaisat to maaipnlate thaa tba hot-hath pa|>rr: that the results
aehiarad ware aaperior ; that the film was aot susceptible to abrasion ; and
that the liabflity to scald the fingers wM^ of eovrse, aatiraly abaent ; and then
Sroeeeded to praetieally prove his iaiiilliiiia by deretopiac several prinU,
miaf which operation the remarkabb eoatial which coiud be exercised over
the aetiOD of the <levelo|icr was very apparent. He explainal the necasaity
for priatiag the paper until the wbue of the ilrtaiN were out, in {set, that
prttiag alwiH b* carried aa br aa poaribia without solarisstion, bat stated
&at,l&9ald tUa mrngt be mdud, it waa pomlble to print out with the ^per,
and tkaa, of eooiaa, ao dsvaiapmeat was aeoasaary, the print only reqoinng to
ha fixed in the hydrocUorie-add bath. He dnw attention to the neoes-ity
of aai^ a mocb weaker davalopcr than was nquireil for the hot-bath paper,
aad nrn' iiiit-'H tba ass of tae Platiaotypa Company's " D" salts in the
irwfwtlim of a qnarlar of a pdaad to fosty -eight oaocaa of water, and showed
he*, whaa adxad with aa aqaal quanUty of glycerine, tba operation ofdeve-
lopaaat was anat dmptr panonned with s briah, the print being stretched
ooa glass slab or oa tha wntom of a dish. Altar developing a print, with the
moat azcallaat raaolti, Hr. PHxpayna axpJaiaad the proceas of toning or, to
daaeriba it aon aoearataiy, of paintiag the platianm image srith nraninm, for
tka tomala of wbieb b* rafemd tba ■ambata la bla BMOioraadum on the sub-
ject ia tba Oisura CSat J<mrmmt for October. Noroerooa prinU that had
raealvad tbla tftmsat wsra baadad loaad tat iaapactioe, some showing the
diOHaat abadia that eoold ba ofataiaad— Aam light brown to a very deep red,
I tba bad eSset of not eatfaahr dbaiaating the iron from the print
ni^ In raply to a BMahar, Vr. VHapayna explained why "paint-
«w aa aptar daaariplioa of bia proaaH thaa " toeing, " as the whole
Hag ealoar eoaU ba aarily laaiorad bj iaimaiBiag tba print In a weak
solatioa of ammoaia.
^..wK^.t. Camera ClakL— October 4, int Annual Geaaml Msatiag, Dr.
ftasat Uarka, M.D., KHc- bi tba chair.— The nScera for tba Baaiinn of
I8n«wara3aeladaa bXian ^-PrtrndaU : Mr. W. H. M. Chrialie, M.A.,
r.Ra, r.It.A& (AstnmaaMr Royal).- Kfe-./V'^dnUs; l)r. Eraast Clarke,
M.D., R»c, and Mr. J. T. fleid. LMua., I.r L — CVimctf ■ Keva. W. P.
McOoBald, M. A., an.! W. K. Hoamea, M.A., K.K. VS. ; Maaani Edmand Dash-
wood, M.R.CK.; W. Claada Jobasoa, M.l.i .hi. P.R.Aa.; Hamnel E.
PUmpa; Oaotia Vaapar, aad E. J. C Wlaaman.-//"*. Oirator : Mr. W.
Fantaigtoa.— ifois. TVaesam.- Mr. A. W. Yoaag.— //ox. Seerttariet Messrs.
T. a Esrle, Tba Oottana, Baadaa-road, Lea, S.E., and C W. Piper,
M, JOtootars^ HiUroad, Hadrhaitb. S.E. The report for the last Session,
wbieb waa aaaaimoaaly adopted, aoowa a good raconl of work done in the
way of lectarw, deawaabnttoaa, aad aamaw aseniioas, while the >>alance-
abaat sbowa that tba Clab ia ia a varr aatidbetory financuU posiUoo, con-
s4darlH that it ia oaly Jeat aalariag tba saeoMl yser of iU axistanca. The
OaaaeO bopa to be able in a abort tlma le prorida a dark room for tba aia of
laim^in. to many of whom it will daabUasa be of great service. Tba fint
ordhnrr iiiistlas of the praaaat Biwioa waa bald at the Art Club, BIsckheath,
oa Octebar ISTtba Rev. J. H. 9L Tkylor, & A., being in the chair. Dr. Ernest
CIvfce (Vie».Pl«aidaat) ga*a a laetan oa n* iTy* as a Vamera, Ulaatratad by
laaiara alldaa aaaataUy ptapand iar tka niwilna, aad alae by modala. Tba
laataiii deaciihail ia dstall tba eaMfUartad stractara of tba hnman eye,
polatiag oat the maancr ia which Iks various parts are repmluceii in the
caatan. He aiplaiiisd that the lena of the aye can be M|iarat«<l into three
diaHaat liaiia tun divaqaat maaiad with a doable convex between— thus
baariM a aliikii« aaalegy to a pketogra^ie Itaa. The iris comapoods to
tka oaakma or atopa, bat aatanaOealfar aclasis itself, fhe apcitora be-
eemW amaflar as tba ligbt Jarraaaas, aad bner as the light diminiabea ; it
ef tbe taoa, aad both are protaetad by the cornea, which is simply
at oosar to pravaat dost, kc, ikom intarfaring with the delicate
oftbaMsaad laait Tbe ntiaa eomapoods to tbe aeadtive plate,
ud oMMlrtsof Ike iatartor eoatiag of tbe hack of the eye, which, onder the
la iaaa to be ef a rary complicated atroeture. From this Mosi-
tbe aeaiatioan of U^t aad colour are camail by tbe optic nerve
Tba ratiiw diSm Ikom tba aansitive plate in having a curved
<t an parta la cquidistaat (Mm the Iaaa, whereas the pboto-
' u, of aaeaaatty, a plaae laribes, tbe eaatn bdng nearer the
portion, and the edges bdng at a creater dMaaea ; this
ia kaowa aa corvatoie of the field— a dalMt which, of
' •" tba eye. Tbe moat raewrkabla dlSnaace between
toil
a
ia the maaaar of Ibeassing : this in the camera is
h« la^ dthar ftelker bom or nearer to the plate,
but in the eye the lens itself is altered by a series of muscles, arranged so as
to act upon it from all sides, which make it more or less convex, as required.
In the normal eye, focussing is only necessary for objects within a distance of
abont twenty feet, for anything beyond that distance the eye is practically a
tixed-focus camera. The whole interior of the eye is filled with a semifluid,
transparent matter, and the retina is impregnated with a black pigment to
prevent the reflection of light within the eye ; the interior of a camera is, of
course, blacked for the same reason.
Bonrnemoutli Society of Natural Science (FbotogTaphic Section). —
October 19. Inaugural Meeting of the winter session of this Section. The
I'resident (Hev. J. R. Husl>an<i, M..\.) took the cliair. — A. sliort address was
delivered by the Prksidkst, who referred to the work accomplished during the
summer, also urging the members to renewed exertions in the direction of
srtistic photography as well as to excel in the working of the various processes.
The President also gave some notes on the Xew Cold Bath Platbiotype PritU-
ing Paper, during the reading of which the chair was occupied by Dr. H.
Nankivell, one of the Vice-Presidents. Two prints were developed and fixed
by the new process, and the simplicity with which the paper was worked
recommended itself to all present. An album of interesting views on this
paper was shown, and the President also announced his intention to give a
prize to be competed for by tbe members of the Society who were beginners.
some notes on Dford Printing-out Paper were also given by Mr. P. H. Price.
The various results to be obtained by different toning baths, also the dilHcul-
ties that could be overcome in numerous ways during the operation of printing
and toning, &c., were well illustrated by some nicely finished views which were
handed round for inspection.
Brechin Fbotographic Association.— October 19, Mr. H. Braiil (Vice-
President) in the chair.— The Skcrkhkv, as delegate to the Photographic
Convention, gave a short report of the proceetlings and exhibits, and exhibiteil
the " Devdopan " and Beck's new metal printing frame. The developan
having only come to hand that morning, it ha<l not been possible to get a
plate developed to show how it would work. Mr. J. D. Kos.s thereafter read
a short paper on Bnlttnfim/, linishing up with a demonstration on Eastman's
bromide paper. The subjects were a statue of Hamlet and a view of Brechin
CathedraL Beth turned out very successful, and, on the motion of the C'H aib-
MAic, Mr. Ross was thanked for his paper and demonstration. Messrs. Gregor
Camming and Alexander McLeod were admitted members. The lecture and
exhibition of .slides illustrating linen manufacture was fixed for December 14.
Manchester Fhotograpliic Society. — October IS, Annnal Business Meeting,
marking the thirty-seventh year of the Sodety's existence. — Mr. Qeorge Hartley
and Mr. O. H. Webb were elected members. The report of the retiring Council
was read and adopted, and the Treasurer's balance.sheet presented. Tliese
recorded a aacceasful year, and showed the position of the Society to be satis-
iaetatj. Daring the counting of the votes for new Council, a large number of
members' didea were shown on the screen. The result of the election of ofiicers
was annonncad as follows : — PreeideiU : Mr. Abel Heywoo<l, jun. — Vice-Presi-
dntM- Messrs. Alfml Brothers. F.R.A.S., T. Chilton, T. K. Cobley, H. M.
Whitefield, and .7. Wood.— CWnci/ . Mes«r«. A. H. Beckett, W. Blakdey, F.
W. Burt, C. H. Coote, F. Edwards, J. T. Hughes, G. J. Johnson, H. V. Lswes,
W, Tomlinson, and E. 0. Wrigley.— //(/h. Tretuurrr : Mr. W. G. Coote. —
Hon. Librarians : Messrs. C. H. Coote snd H. V. Lawes. — /Ion. Curator: Mr.
K. O. Wrigley, — if<m. Seertlary : Mr. W. H. Farrow. Abstract of rejKirt :
The Council have to record that the interest in the Society has been steadily
mdntdned amongst the members, tbe attendance at (he onlinary meetings
having been equd to tbe average of the past few years, dthough there are a
number whose more frequent presence would be greatly apprecisted. There
had been no dearth of nutter at the meetings, rather, on the other hand, have
the subjects broached been both numerous and varied, and proilnctive of both
iostmclive and intereaUng diseoadons. The lantern meetings have been all of
a popular character, aad ware well attended by members and friends. The
oatdoor meetings have not been very successful as a whole, although several
pleasant rambles took place. A sub.committee appointeil to cousider the
advisability of formulating recommemlationx on to the supply of compressed
gas under Government regulations, had decided that very little action conld be
taken until after ttw Parliamentary elections. The Council recommended that
an exhibition should be held next March. The <'ouncil tendered their thanks
to the many Srros and publishers who ha<l contributol apinratus and matter
during the past year, in retiring, the Council expreasetl tbe hope that tbe
members would aeeord the same hearty support to their successors that bad
l>een given them, and which was ample thanks for the time they had devoted
to the interests of the Society.
Saadarland Pbotograpbic Aaaociation.— The annnal meeting of the above
Association was hdd on the 19th insL, Mr. J. Lynn in the chair.— The report
which was presented shows tbe .Society to be in a flourishing condition, there
bdng sixty-four members on the roIL The oRicers for the coming year were
deeted as follows :—/*r»u/m< .• Mr. W. Milbum.- ri<:<-yVe»i(i<'n^j . Messrs.
.r 1 vni. and W. Pratt— CounnV.- Messrs. W. Bertram, J. W. Bioderick,
■ n, E. R. Kirkley, Dr. Logat. W. J. Pope, A. Peddle, R. Stafford.
■ urer: T. Walton.— //««. Secrelarji : C. E. Cowper, Thomhill-
gamens, Sunderland.
Aldkxham I:«ijnTOTi! Camkka Club.— The following is a provisiond pro-
gramme for the coming winter :— bevetopin'j (Demonstration). Httnuching
(IVmonstration). The Human Ei/e at a Camera Obscura (Continuation of
I.*rture by Mr. .K. Hair). Plalivniype Printing (Demonstration). C/eln/ino-
Ckiorule I'nper (Demonstration). H'i<A the Convention at Edinburgh
(Untern Evening). Lecture on Optie: A Jaunt through Belgium (Lantern
evening). Other demonstrations, competitions, and excursions will be
arranged, due notioe of which will be posted on the notice-board.
702
THE BRITISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAl'HY.
[October tii, 1892
Correitponiirnce*
«r (X>rrM)><m<Un(< lAould twiitr writ< m M\ liiu tf tht y«»«r.
A BLACK SHEEP.
To the Editob.
Sra,— Under the heading, " A Black Sheep," you mention in yonr
issue of last week the exposure of a professional photographer who seems
to have certainly very much misbehaved himself, and deserves probably
more punishment than he is likely to get.
My reason for referring to the paragraph is to emphasise your action
in stating clearly the religion of the culprit. It must be of considerable
interest to the public to ascertain this, and I think yon might further add
to your information a detailed list of the religions professed by Neill
Cream, Deeming, the late lamented W. Palmer, and other offenders.
You will then show clearly, what you were no doubt eager to do by your
previous publication, what an extraordinary thing it is for a Jew to
indulge in moral and legal turpitude !— I am, yours, &o.
Henby E. Davis.
Camtra Club, Charing Crosi-road, W.C., October 24,1892.
[Good friend, in stating that Sauvy was a Polish Jew, our intention
■was simply that of most persons who use that, or any similar phrase,
namely, to indicate his nationality, not his religion. As a matter of
fact, we gathered the information from Spt/. The circumstance tliat
some of the most esteemed friends of ourselves and of this Journal
are, as Mr. Davis himself is perfectly well aware, of the Jewish religion,
ahould surely show that we are guiltless of any intentional impropriety
in the matter. — Ed.]
»
EXPANSION OF AMMONIA ON DILUTION.
To the Editor.
Sir, — In reply to Mr. Cadett's letter in The British Journal of
Photography of the 14th inst. , allow me to draw his attention to what is
said in Watts' Dictionary of Chemistry on the authority of the late Dr.
Ure : " One volume of water by absorbing 505 volumes of ammonia
forms a solution occupying 1-5 volumes, and having a specific gravity of
0'9. This, when mixed with an equal bulk of water, yields a liquid of
speci6c gravity 0'9455, whence it appears that aqueous ammonia expands
on dilution." Such a mixture ought, 'according to Griffin, to occupy a
volume 2 ; but, if we calculate from the above data, we find that it
occupies 2-0084 volumes, giving an increase of volume corresponding to
0-42 per cent. The number I obtained from the rough experiment I
made lately gave an increase of 0'37 per cent., showing that I was not
very far from the truth.
If Mr. Griffin's tables were calculated on the assumption that there is
no increase in volume when ammonia is diluted with water, they must be
wrong.
The whole matter can be easily settled by obtaining the reply to the
following question : Does ammonia on dilution expand, or is the volume
of the diluted ammonia the sum of the volumes of the constituents ? I
have given my answer above, and I hope Mr. Cadett will repeat that
simple experiment I referred to at the London and Provincial Photographic
Association, with all the necessary precautions, and report the result. I
am convinced that, when he has done so, his faith in the particular tables
will not be as great as it is at present.
The most recent researches on the connexion between specific gravity
and percentage of ammonia in different solutions do not agree with the
tables given by Griffin.
I never made any allusion to the expansion affecting results practically.
All that I wished to draw attention to was the statement that ammonia
differed from all other liquids in neither expanding nor contracting on
being diluted with water, and that calculations based on that assumption
must be erroneous ; but this departure from the straight line may not
introduce serious errors in practice. — I am, yours, <tc., A. Haddon.
R. N. College, Greenwich, S.E., October 22, 1892.
" THE PHOTOGRAPHERS' BENEVOLENT."
To the Editor
Sir, — I thank you for the space you gave for my letter of last week, re
the Benevolent. It may interest you to know that it has caused one case
of apparently critical distress, which can be relieved by a temporary loan,
to be brought before us. We have given temporary assistance in one or
two other cases, and have several cases in our hands of assistants wanting
places. One typical case is of an operator and retoucher, who has nearly
twenty years' excellent testimonial from one of the best firms of photo-
graphers in the country. Over a year ago he emigrated on an engage-
ment, and found, to his deep disappointment, that the firm to whom he
had gone was " no good." He picked up a month's work as a temporary
hand, was out of work for a week or two, and then, robbed of everything,
'nclnding his specimens, worked a passage back to England, and has
Spent nearly a year answering advertisements and looking for work. No
specimens, no good. Is now broken in fortune, and almost broken-
spirited, but hoping against hope, and unwilling to take money from us,
or to lay his case before the Committee at all. In seeking work, he has
tramped as much as seventy miles, sheltering at night in coach-housea to
husband his last shilling or two, which is rather hard on a man who has
mixed with the best of photographic society.
This is one of the cases that ought not to occur if more general interest
were taken in the Benevolent, and if photographers wanting assistants
would apply to us. Is there any good house near London that will give
this gentleman a week's trial even, or a temporary berth ? His references
are excellent.
We have another case, almost as bad, of a really good man who is
working, and has been doing so all the summer, at a mere pittance — one
of those places with a small salary and large commission (in theory), but
with little or no commission in practice. We have almost all classes of
assistants on the books I am, yours, (fee, H. S.nowden Ward,
Memorial Hall, E.C., October 25, 1892. Hon. Secretary.
THE IMPERIAL PORTRAIT ASSOCIATION.
To the Editor.
Sir, — Every one knows that the final cause of hawks is pigeons ; but,
thanks to your pages, " The Imperial Portrait Association," with its
respectably named and self-accredited President, hailing from Folkestone,
and its generous offer of "an exquisite Fusaiu portrait, free of charge,"
will not find its prey in yours, Ac, W.m. C. Ledokk.
Lisnatkea, Iralund, October 24, 1892.
[Our correspondent encloses one of Mr. " Charles Beresford's" usual
circulars. — Ed.]
^
TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND EXETER ASSOCIATIONS.
To the Editor.
Sir, — Will you please announce that the following gentlemen have
kindly consented to act as Judges at our forthcoming Exhibition, viz.,
Colonel Gale, Mr. George Davison, and Mr. William Mayland ? — I am,
yours, &e., Joseph Chambeiilain, Hon. Sec.
Tunbridge Wells Amateur Photographic Association, October 24, 1892.
To the Editor.
Sir, — Will you kindly allow me, through the medium of your columnj
to inform the numerous applicants for entry forms for our Exhibitio
that the latter part of rule 2, prohibiting marks on the face of exhibits,
not intended to exclude the titles of pictures. — I am, yours, <S:c.,
JoHT Sparshatt, Hon. Secretary.
Fairfield House, Alphington-road, Exeter, October 24, 1892.
HARDENING BY CHROME ALUM.
To the Editor.
Sir, — Referring to your second leader of August 5, can you give me a
rough idea of the strength of chrome alum solution, which will harden
gelatine films as, say, a live per cent, solution of potash alum ?
The table of solubilities in The British Journal Puotogbaphic Almanac
does not give the figures for chrome alum. Can you supply the omission ?
Would the solution of chrome alum and meta-bisulphite of potash,
which you recommend as a combined clearing and hardening bath, be a
stable solution, and what quantities of the two salts should it contain ? —
I am, yours, itc, S. A. M.
[See leading article elsewhere. — Ed.]
AN ELECTRIC RETOUCHER.
To tlie Editor.
Sir, Referring to yonr article in last week's Journal, taken from
Anthony's Bulletin, about " Retouching by Electricity," it presents a
significant announcement in what direction the photography of the day is
really travelling. Retouching is practised bad enough nowadays by girls
and boys, bare of any knowledge of drawing ifec, without wanting electri-
city. Anthony's Bulletin says: "A cabinet bust portrait may easily
be completely retouched in fifteen minutes, entailing but little fatigue
to the operator." Indeed? After this remark we may guess what sort
of work here is referred to.— I am, yours, <feo., *" "
October 25, 1892.
F. B.
MANUFACTURERS AND EXHIBITIONS.
To the Editor.
Sir, — The season has now approached when many exhibitions are
taking place throughout the country, and manufacturers of ppeoialities
are requested to exhibit some of their latest goods. A great deal is usually
October 28, 1893]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
703
promiTCd hf the penon ippljing as to the care thai will b« exercised in
ahowiog the articles ana returning lame ; bat mj experience is a aorry
one, for, if the goods have been fairly handled (I say nothing of soiling),
the repacking is simply vile — poeaibly left to some person who never
packed a box in their Uves. Polished goods sent in tissne-paper will be
retamed bare, a burnisher tnmbBng about with mahogany cameras, and
suchlike idiotcy. Perhaps others have experienced the same kind of
thing, and, like myself, almost vow not to fexhibit [again. If secre-
taries of aoeieties and others desire to show the goods of manufactnrers,
and them is constantly an incentive on both sides to be np to date, the
least that can be done in common jnstice to the exhibitor is to see per-
sonally that goods are properly and sensibly packed, so that no loss or
quibble arises in a mutaal arrangement. — I am. yonrs. Ac,
57, lli<jh-ttrett, Alton, Birmingham, October 20, 1892. Wm. Ttlae.
Crrliaiigc (Column.
*.* y» cAarft ii made for imerttng MtdkanfU of Apparatus in Ihit column ;
but nent wiB tt inmrltd mZcn tkt mtkU wmnted is deHnitelf italtd. Tkote
trMotptcjfyUuirit^iimtHti a» "amttUng ua^/ui" mlltker^on underttand
UU rmmn qflitirnom apptaranee.
Aa ABMrieaa haaliat km' watdi, eoat 41. U. latalT; will exehiafs tor whole or baU-
plau HC— Addrws. H. L. Jsrvmiss. Ktaf^lnnt, Mslilwh— d.
Win sariauc* I^Ms^sr's Oiilgiaph dstssMve mmm* br Thoratoa-Piek«td •hntter,
»*a aad a ksU iMha dtaMlv.— iLMroa K, I. OhwHda. Bolton.
kot aad ooU roller, oabiaat liae,
Arau, Majrfair, W.
Woalsd, dsfoloptaw aad priatiar nto for kalf-plMo esiMra : eiebu(e, RapainciU'i
aO>. oO hot-wUM' tto**.— Addrui. A. B. Rujwa, t». tX. BvUhia's-laa*, &0.
W>at*d.(x7 Roai't rapid aTBaotrial. will askaafo lor lint iIms doable esaoa,
' " "' BpMe.-AddrM. H. Moaai, M«r»«>.pl«o». Hotd^haa.
IwfB
wiM la •sekaas* lor
Utnm. 8. Vhimaoa, Old f
vtoHa aad bow la •beedssd aaas Isr a hd».pM* aasMra with all I
B. Ifaaaan, PholSBnfhar, RaatWolmt, Straod, Oloaotstor-
fsr haraiib« or pnotlac fnao SOx IS ;
' •dJaataMot. la air >oii|<i for
LlWMMaa PaoioaBamc Socnrr. — November 4, Lantern BUdm bj/
Wasr LosDO* PMMOOaArBM BoacTT.— October 23, Prasidential Address
aad Idatam.
PmroaKaraic CLra.— Norsnber 3, Aaaaal Meeting (membets only). 9,
MsMbstiT Open N'igkt
PtmcT PaoToiuurwo gocwrr.— Oalobsr SI. I>r. Jeaerkb on Pkotofrapky
Applud to tJkt jMtetiam c/Orim*. Novaabsr 7 : .Mr. Bachaoan WoUaaton on
Platimmm PrimUt^ JVanswai.
HACKnnr PaomMunne Sacntrr.— Navaaibsr I, Lnniem .Vide Making, by
J. Oansatsr (tower-stadr hmsk 8, Manbara' Lantern NigbL 15, I«, and
17, SiUMIlM at MorUy Man. a3,0psaMlgkL
Mnnsi Unix k Ridlbt, 8, VMaria-balMloga, Old ChrisUhorehroad
Boomsaoalh, have nnwhsasil the whole of the Mfativsa and goodwill of the
haaiaeas, for the past sight yaan earrlad aa by Mr. J. Vsni^ua. at Firs Olaa
Laar weak, la criiiaMBf Mr. R P. Rabtoon's eharmiog landacape. Mid-
SMaaasar, aaw oa view at Ik* Qmmm CInb BxhlMtloa, the priatani ouids as
apply to It the epithet •• aittasiiilasiji.' Tkaword, however, to not misplaesd In
... lOtmisDlaead
repad to the sacrileaee of the ptstm^ wbkk was ths qaality we, of eoan
bad la adad aad iataaded to ezpraas.
Wl aadststaad that Herr Anachvt^ of Bcrlia, the hiveator of the band
I aaisia baariag his aame, aad whaseelavarphotogisphaof animiN haveexcitol
sack gsaaial adssirstioD, is oa a vMt to Uds eomtry en routf for the I'nitnl
fllatasi Opportaaity was nosatly takca of his piaseace hers to inrite several
psfaoaa, well known In the worid ol pbotogrspliy, aaeh aa Mias Catherine Weed
Banes, Mr. L. Wsraarke, aad othcn, toaoaompaay Uatr Ansebati oa a photo-
ffaphk ontlog np the Thanes, wbeo ea sgissaliis time, pleaaaatly divvsificd
by esiaara work un river secaary, Ac, wss pssssd.
tot ths Qassa's Bsask DIvWoa, ea Wsdassday, aa appeal was bsaid sgainat
aadasMsa of ths liiaiiaafc inlilislii ia the action of the Corpoiation of
Ulasslsr SMiast Oeoraa Iboara, photographer, of I^ndon-roed. It will be
teasaihsnlthat ia May last Mr. Brown was nder tbe Public
Health BsiUhn aad atreeU Act of 1888 for hav t the cooaent of
tha Urtaa Bsauarj Aathority, erected a wooden uuiwiiug with a glass front
la 1 na<sa roaJ bamad the aaia froat wall of the boose or baildina on either
aide tbsnMf la laa aaaae street," A second somnoas cbaigsd Mr. Brown
nadwthaSMM Act with having, without tbe consent of the authority, Imilt a
" * ' aUMoa to a certain boose ' occupied by bim on Ixio'lonrnad. After
a toaghsMtaa tks Bsaeh tasd dslsndaat 10*. and coaU. but. on the applies-
tioB M tha dsHadaal, aiaalsd a eass oa a point of law. In the hearing of the
aapsal Mr. A. TsOsr (fistnrtsd by thsTowa Cletit) appeared for the t'orpora-
ttoia, aad Mr. BawUaaaa (testmeted by Measrs. Parsons, Wykes, & DavU) wss
far ilsfsndsat. AAsrs two honn' argument Justices Pollock and Hawkins
npbeld the ilinliiga aTthe siHlrtntss
GHKBirwicH Photographic Sociktt. — A meeting was held on Wednesday,
October 19, at the Lecture Hall, Greenwich, at which Mr. K W. Maundei i
F.R..\.S., presided, "to consider the advisability of forming a Photographic
Society for Greenwich." After introductory reraarlis by the Chairman, Mr.
Haddon gave a short account of method of procedure in such societies as lie
was acquainted with. The Chairman, resuming, pointed out that the project
was warmly supported by the officials of the koyal Observatory and Royal
Naval College, and by several local amateurs. A series of propositions having
been put and carried unanimously, the meeting resulted in the formation of
the "Greenwich Photographic Society." The Executive will consist of the
following gentlemen: — President: Rev. Brooks Lambert, M.A., B.C.L. —
Vice-Presidents: Messrs. A. Haddon and H. H.Turner, M.A. — Committee :
Messrs. K W. Maunder, F.R. A. S.; .A.rthur Martin ; T. Lewis, F. R. A S.; Dr. Wag-
horn ; J. Q. Braid wood ; J. H. Kingdon ; G. S. Criswick, F. R. A. S. ; R. Lewis, and
W. Balis, F.R..\.S.— ffon. Treasurer: Mr. Charles C. Churchill, 5, Annandale-
road, Greenwich. — Hon. Secretary : Mr. Leon .T. Atkinson, 193, Greenwich-road,
S.E. Applications for membership may be made to Secretary or Treasurer.
Subscriptions 5»., payable to Treasurer. The first meeting of the new Society
will take place at the earliest possible date. Upwards of forty ladies and gen-
tlemen have already signified their intention to join the Society.
A Fire n» Perth. — On October 10 the studio and the whole of the contents,
besides the stock, fittings, and many valuable prints on the walls, belonging to
Mr. John Henderson, pootographer, Hospital-street, Perth, were destroyed by
fire. The scene of the fire, a large tenement of three stories and attics, fronts
Hospital-street. One of the shops is connected with the studio by a covered-in
pasuge. About eight o'clock Mr. John Henderson, jun., who resides iti
Hospital-street, noticed flames issuing from the studio, and at once gave the
slarm, while word was sent to the Police-office for the fire brigade. As the
studio was composed entirely of wood, and contained a quantity of chemical
matter, the flunes maile rapid progress, and by the time the fire brigade
arrived, nnder Captain Masterton, large volumes of flames were shooting uj)
from it. It was some time before tbe water could be turned on, and then all
that could be done was to prevent the flames extending to tbe front premises.
In this the firemen were only partially successful, for the passage leading to the
shop gave r^y ingress to the flames ; but, as soon as the fire was discovered to
have penetrated into the shop, water was turned on to it. The large plate-
glaaa window was entirely shivered by the force of the water, and Iwfore the
Hre was got out in the shop many valuable prints on the walls were burnt In
the studio were many negatives of considerable value, but, despite everything
that could be done to save them, these could not be got out ; and, although
tbe water was kept pouring on the flames, it was seen that the task of subduing
them was a hopeless one, and that the fire must bum itself out. Luckily, the
wind was not very high, but tbe heat was very oppressive, and the firemen had
great difficulty ia approaching tbe fire. The door of Mr. Henderson's house,
which stands detached from the studio a distance of about a dozen yanls, was
scorched. The fire brigade from the Queen's Barracks arrived when the fire
was nearly over, and their services were not required. All that Mr. Henderson
ancceeded iu aaving was one or two cameras. In the studio were a1>out 30,000
negatives, the gathering of a lifetime, for Mr. Henderson's business was one of
the oldest-estabUsbed in the city, and they were all destroyed. Also on the
walls of the atndio were a large number of prints, and they were burnt After
blazing for aboot an hour the fire burnt itself out. Nothing was left stamling.
The damage to tbe atock is estimated at nearly 1000/., although many of the
aagativea were ao valuable that a much higher valuation might Iw put upon
thaoL Tbe studio and the contents were uninsured, bpt the tenement in front
was fauored. The origin of Uie fire is unknown.
HndtDCTd to OTorrejctpontirntEi.
AU wuUlen for Ou text vortion of this JocbsaL, including queries for
"Answers" and " Exehangts;' must he addressed to "The Editor,"
2, i'orh^tml, Covent Omrden, London. Inattention to this ensures delay.
Xo notice taken <tf oommmueations unleu name and address of loriter are
fiten. .
•,• OrmmymieaHons relating to Advertisements and general business affairs
mnel U addneeed to "Hkcbt Obbrxwood k Ca," 2, rorkslreet, Covent
Oarden, London.
PHOioonaraa RMonaBD:
MscUntosh * Co., Kelao.— P«r(rat( ^ Jamta H«<ry Batart Intus-Ktr, uemth Duks
of Baxkarf ka.
Baary Battnu^ Btony Stratford.— N*r(k Buekt Cvmermtixs Auociation. Xttting
of iV( ComuU at Oaykarat Hotu< en iSrplamtar JB, tSSi.
♦,• Vtffon* faiteresting oommnnications, " Our Blitorial Table," and several
anawpM to correspondents are held over on account of the great press ot
matter this wejk. We hope to overtake the arrears next week.
A. Chablis.— Communicate with the local superintendent of police.
OmciAif.— For soldering aluminiom, try chloride of silver as a flux.
A. O. H.— 1 and 2. All the lenses we have seen by the maker yon name have
proved exoelleot.
a V. W.— The Information Is a little difficult to obtahi, but we wUl endeavour
to obtain it for you next week.
W. Oi-is.— Thanks for portrait We are always glad to have the " counterfeit
presentments " of friends in our album.
704
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[Octolwr 28, 1882
Richard Scrivers.— Many thanks, but we scarcely think a description of the
clock can be of any interest to our readers.
A. B. says : " Can any one please give me a formula for bath that will give red
tones to the Ilford ' priuting-out ' paper, or the ' coUodio-chloride ' emulsion
paper ! "
A. Neville.— Albnmen transparencies do not require varnishing. Indeed,
they are better without. In this respect they are totally different from
coUodio-bromide transparencies.
J. P. J. — Domestic animals may sometimes be photographed more easily by
the flashlight than they can be by daylight. But usually the picture must be
secured at the first shot, as they are generally too frightened to be tried
again, for some time at lea-'t.
F. Johnson. — Sandarac alone makes a somewhat brittle varnish for negatives.
Shellac is better, but a mixture of the two resins is better still. The "new
methylated spirit," or rather that methylated under the new regulations,
will do quite well as a solvent.
ToMPO says : — " 1. How would you test a gas bag in order to find out whether
it is free from leakage (oxygen) ? 2. Would you consider whole-plate
rectilinear suitable for lantern, long distance, with limelight?" — 1. Simply
with water. 2. No ; better use a portrait lens.
W. L. Cl'mmins.— By consulting pp. 856,857 of the Almanac for 1892, you
will find tables that will enable you to convert the French into English
weights and measures. The solution referred to is for development, the
potassium chloride being used to influence the tone.
B. L.\BES says : "In your last issue I find an article about Retouching by
Electricity. Being desirous of obtaining a pencil of that kind, I should be
pleased if you would forward particulars, price, &c. " — You had better apply
to Messrs. E. & H. P. Anthony k Co., of New York.
E. \V. — No special treatment or precautions are necessary in taking frost
pictures beyond the adojition of the same care in the development that
is always required to secure a good negative. Give a full exposure, but do
not over-expose. If opportunity will permit, use the camera on a stand in
preference to holding it in the hand.
Olu Subscriber says: '• Will you say which of the mechanical processes you
would consider best for a photographer to introduce, i.e., for reproducing
groups, photographs, or views in quantities from original negatives, both
cheaply and expeditiously, consistent with best results?" — Undoubtedly th
collotype process would be the most suitable for your purpose.
0. P. T. — Only duly qualified pharmaceutical chemists are allowed to sell the
poisons mentioned in your list, and then only when certain conditions are
complied with. The chemicals being employed for photographic purposes
makes no difference whatever. Others certainly sell them, as some of them
may be had at the oilshops, but the vendor does it at his own risk — a heavy
penalty.
D. Barnicott says : "I notice in your issue of The British Journal ok
PHOTOGRArnY for September 16, 1892, No. 1689, you have a leader on a
mountant, in which you mention Opie's Medium. Will you kindly inform
me where I can obtain this ? " — The " medium " in question is not, so far as
we are aware, an article of commerce. It is ^known in the vulgate as
"brains."
Beoinner says : "Being interested in and desirous of obtaining a knowledge
of the art of photography, I should feel much obliged if you would tell me
where I could get a book on the subject — one that would give good informa-
tion to a beginner, and that would be not too expensive." — Read the
elementary chapters addressed to a beginner in the last volnme of the
Almanac.
H. Simmons. — We are not aware of any sponge lamps burning benzoline that
are preferable to the ordinary ones consuming paraffin oil, or indeed that are
at all suitable for the purpose. We have seen large lamps on the sponge-lamp
principle with a multiplicity of wicks that give excellent illumination in a
room. The light, however, was not nearly so well adapted for the lantern
purposes as the usual ones with which it is usually fitted.
J. R. G.— It is somewhat difficult to say the exact cause of failure from the
data given. It would seem, however, to be due to an unsuitable pyroxy-
line and an insufficiency of bromide of silver in the emulsion. The latter
would be the case if the whole of the bromide salts did not dissolve. As
you fail with the double salt, and succeed with the zinc bromide, we should
advise you to keep to that, and try two or three fresh samples of pyroxyline.
T. HiNE.— Plates that have been exposed to light can be treated so that they
are again made tit for negatives ; but, as plates are now so cheap, no one
cares to go to the trouble of restoring spoilt plates. If it is not worth the
while of makers, who have all appliances ready to hand, to do so, it may be
taken for granted that it is not worth a photographer's while to fit up the
necessary drying and other arrangements to deal with a few dozen injured
plates ? ^
Pyro sends a number of prints, several of which show large yellow patches on
the surface, while others out of the same batch do not. He asks the reason.
—The yellowness is clearly due to imperfect fixation. Most of the prints
that our correspondent considers free from the evil are not really so, as they
show decided yellow in places when examined by transmitted light. Either
the time of immersion in the hyposulphite bath was too brief, or the solution
was not strong enough. The remedy is obvious.
A. Flint says : "Would you assist me by giving me the particulars, or let
me know where I can obtain a good flashlight for studio work at a fairly
moderate price, not to exceed ten pounds, or thereabouts. My studio is
only about eight feet six inches wide by seventeen feet long, so I have not
much width for reflectors. What I want is a lamp that will give first-class
results.— There are several such on the market, but it is not our rule to give
preference to any single one. Call at two or three dealer's, and you will no
doubt be able to suit yourself.
B. M. (Auglet, France).—" May I ask your atlvice in a dilemma ? I am
greatly annoyed of late to find pinholes, and even large ones, on the surface
of my plates after developing and fixing. I do not remark them until the
plate has been fixed. I use the utmost caution both in developing and
washing, and cannot see where these pinholes come from. In some cases
the spots are as large as a pea." — The trouble arises from dust on the plates,
or air-bubbles adhering to the film during development. Probably the two
combined— the large spots from the latter, and the small pinholes from
the former.
Ij. A. S. — It is perfectly true, as you have been told, that carbon pictures
may, if kept against a damp wall, become mildewed; but the chances of
their doing so are somewhat remote. Engravings kept under similar condi-
tions may also become mouldy. Mildewed engravings are by no means un-
common. Under the conditions of moisture, assisted by warmth — the con-
ilitions nf an ordinary dwelling-room that is damp — carbon pictures will
suffer infinitely less than will silver prints, whether on albumen or gelatine
paper. So far as permanency is concerned, there is no difference between
engravings and photogravures.
H. Singleton complains that the oil lamp of his lantern gives off a very un-
pleasant odour when alight, and asks if this is common to all lamps burning
paraffin oil. — It is, unless they are kept scrupulously clean. In most cases
the smell proceeds from oil on the outside of the lamp and its fittings. In
all cases every part of the lamp should be carefully wiped with a clean cloth
.just before it is lighted, and the wicks carefully trimmed. When the lamp
is tini.shed with, all oil should be drained out, to be refilled only when again
required for use. If these points l)e attended to and good oil used, there
will be but little, if any, offensive fumes given off.
A. C. says he cannot succeed in making a solution of indiarubber in benzole,
although he has tried several kinds (not vulcanised) of rubber. The rubber,
he adds, swells up something like gelatine does in water, but it does not
dissolve. — All kinds of rubber do not dissolve readily in beuzole ; but, if
what is known as "masticated rubber" be used, there will be no difficulty
with ordinary benzole. The most convenient way to obtain a solution of
indiarubber is to purcha.se a tin of the ordinary "solution," such as that
sold by Hancocks and others for repairing macintoshes and suchlike things,
and dilute it with benzole to the consistence required. This will sometimes
save a deal of trouble.
Rp..\ says : " I purchased a lens (front) for magic lantern. Back lens is two
inches diameter. It is one of the ordinary kind, with flap shutter. "The
focus is four inches. I am dissatisfied with its performance, as the picture,
when projected on the screen, is not sharp at the edges or margin of the
screen. When the centre is sharp the sides are blunt, and vice rers/l. How
can I remedy this defect, as the lens is new and cost about a guinea ? If one
of the lenses of the combination requires a new one, please say which, and
the probable cost, and if a longer focus than the four-inch would be
desirable." — No advice that we could give you would improve the lens.'
Return it to the vendor and endeavour to let him have one with a flatter
field.
E, H. W. says: "I h.ad in two reams of albumenised paper, from which I
have been using for some time past. I now find that water from a leaky
pipe has been trickling on to the bench where the paper has laid. The con-
sequence is, that the wet has penetrated about half way up the lot, and
stuck the sheets together, so that they can only be separated with difficulty,
and then the surface looks dull in places when the paper is dried. What
can be done, as, unless I can make the paper usable, the loss will be serious
to me, as I am only in a small way of business ? " — The circumstance is un-
fortunate, and we fear there is no remedy. Our impression is, that it will
be cheaper in the end to discard the paper altogether than to sensitise it, as
much of it will afterwards have to be wasted. When once albumen ba be-
come damp, it is of very little use.
♦— •
FORTHCOMING EXHIBITIONS.
November 10-12 *Leytonstone Camera Club. Hon. Secretary, A. E.
Bailey, South West-road, Leytonstone.
,, 15-17 *Hackney Photographic Society. Hon. Secretary, W.
Fenton Jones, 12, King Edward-road, Hackney.
„ 17-19 Brixton and Clapham Camera Club. Hon. Secretary,
F. W. Levett, 74, Geneva-road, Brixton, S.W.
North Middlesex Photographic Society.
„ 18-26 '"Stanley Show (P'notographic Section), Hon. Secretary,
Herbert Smith, 29, Finsbury-pavement.
„ 23-25 *Tunbridge Wells Amateur Photographic Association.
Hon. Secretary, Joseph Chamberlain, 14, Calvsrly
Paik-gardcns, Tunbridge Wells.
„ 24-26 *Exeter Amateur Photographic Society. Hon. Secretary,
J. Sparshatt, Fairfield House, Alphington-road, Exeter.
•South London Photographic Society. Hon. Secretary,
C. H. Oakden, 51, Melbourne-grove, EastDulwich, S.E.
■• Signifies that there are open classes.
OONT
Piax
IMPROVING THE TONE OF BROMIDE
PRINTS 6S0
MYSTERIOUS MARKINGS ON NEGA-
TIVES 689
THE COMPARATIVE HARDENING
EFFECTS OF COMMON AND
CHROME ALUM 680
CONTACT PRINTING. By T. N. ARM-
STRONG 6M
AMERICAN NOTES AND NEWS 693
YELLOW FOG 6U<
SIMPLE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS, By
KllNEST BENEST 691
MYSTERIOUS MARKINGS ON NEGA.
IIVKS. By HENRY W. BENNETT.... 695
BNT8.
Pass
ON THE METHOD OF EXAMINATION
OF PHOTOGRAPHIC LENSES AT
THE KEW OBSERVATORY. By
LEONARD DARWIN 69«
THE GLASGOW AND WEST OF SCOT-
LAND AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHIC
EXHIBITION 697
NORTH HOLLAND IN GLASGOW 697
TWO CONVENTIONS 698
RECENT PATENTS 69S
MEETINOS OF SOCIETIES 688
CORRESPONDENCE 7I»
BXCHANQE COLUMN TOS
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS 703
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1696. Vol. XXXIX.— NOVEMBER 4, 1892.
GELATINE VERSUS STARCH AS A MOUNTANT.
Th£ nujority of photographers employ starch paste for mount-
ing pietures, while profeaaional print-mounters, as a rule, use
f^alBtiiie, or, more often perhaps, common glue. Several have
ut times remarked to ua that they would prefer gelatine as a
motmtant if it were not so diffionlt to mana^. In practice,
however, when the proper conditiona are understood, the difti-
culties prove more imaginary than real. It has frequently
been state<l that prints mounted with gelatine last longer than
those mounted with starch. This is probably the case when
the mounts contain injurious matters, as the layer of inter-
vening gelatine is a better iiuulator than one of starch. This
better insulating property is also a groat advantage with some
of the deeply coloured mounts in which the colouring matter is
partially soluble in water. If with such mounts starch be
used, there is a danger of the whites in vignetted prints
beeoming stained, whereas, if gdattne be employed, the trouble
will, aiee|it in Tcry bad cases, be avoided, because before the
pigmented ooattng on the moont has become Curly wetted the
i^elatine baa set, and, so to speak, ftnned a protecting layer.
Many who have tried gelatine aa a mountant have failed to
itae it socoessfully. The failure, however, can generally be
traoed to one or other of two causes, or, perhaps, the two com-
bined. The first is the employment of an unsuitable gelatine ;
the second, naing too thick a solution. Some would consider
that for the prvaent purpose the highest class of gelatine should
be employed. This is a mistake, for the very lowest is by far
the best for the work. If a aolntioa of one of the highest
loalitiea of gelatines, such, for example, as thoee naed for dry
plates, be made and applied to the back of a print, it will bo
foond that before the whole can be evenly coated, even when
its dimenaioas are small, that which waa first applied has set,
and when onoe it has set it has lost the greater part of its
adhesiveneaa, and can then only be made to adhere, if at all,
by heavy pressure or hard mbbing. Thin trouble may to a
certain extent, it is true, bo mitigated by diluting the solution,
bat it docs not overcome it.
If, instead of using a gelatine of the character just referred
to, we take oommoo glue, as sold in the shops at a few pence a
pound, and make a solution of that of the same strength as
the gelatiiie, and nse it at a similar temperatnrv, we shall find
no difleulty in coating even large prints before any portions
begin to gelatinise. For this reason common glue, in practice,
proves acre adhesive than the finest quality of gelatine.
Reference has just been made to failures arising from the
employment of too strongs solution. The stronger it is the
quicker it will set, while very dilute solutionH will require a
comparatively long time before they will assume a jellied
condition. So adhesive is this material, that those who have
not tried it will be surprised how weak a solution of common
glue will serve for sticking papers together.
Reference has been made to common glue ; but, be it under-
stood, only as an example of its properties as compared with
those of the best gelatines. It will be manifest to all who
know anything of the subject that its employment for mount-
ing silver prints should be eschewed if their permanence is a
consideration, owing to the impurities with which it is always
contaminated. It is, also, almost invariably acid, as, indeed,
are the highest qualities of foreign gelatine, which, quite apart
from their quick-setting properties, render them unfit for
mounting photographs. It will now be seen that what is
required for the purpose is a pure kind of gelatine with the
mechanical properties of the common glue. This we can
obtain in some of the gelatines of British manufacture. They
are known commercially under the name of " soup gelatine "
or "soup strengthener." Nelson's, Cox's, and other firms
supply such gelatines, and they can be relied upon, while, at
the same time, they are very inexpensive. The first-named
firm also supply a gelatine known as " No. 2 soluble." This
is an excellent gelatine for the purpose, as it combines purity
with slow-setting properties. It may alriiost be taken for
granted that English gelatines of fair (juality are always
neutral, while foreign onea are invariably acid.
It is impossible to give a definite formula for making a
solution, as different samples of gelatine vary so much ; but
the weaker it is, so long as it will stick, the more convenient it
will be to use, and the less heat will be required to retain it in
a fluid state. As a rough guide, it may be mentioned that
such a proportion as will form a weak, tliough not too
tremulous, jelly after standing in a cool place all night, will
be found most convenient in every way. It may also ba
mentioned in connexion with the strength of the solution thad
the more dilute it is the shorter will be the time it will keep
without decomposition. Hence it is desirable, when preparing
several days' supply, to add an antiseptic, such as a few drops
of oil of cloves, or, better still, a little methylated alcohol.
_V)cifllMtl can not only be used as an antiseptic, but it can be
laitit' l*gely to take the place of water in the solution. An
adhesive, so prepared, is extensively used for mounting prints
on boards with a clear margin so as to avoid the cockling of
the mount ; but, lis this ptortion of the subject has been so
frequently dealt with, it need not be referred to on this
occasion.
One other matter may, however, l>e alluded to in connexion
with the use of gelatine — namely, mounting photographs in op-
tical contact with glass. Some have employed the higher classes
1 of foreign gelatines on account of their whiteness and trans-
70(5
THE BRITISa JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[Noremlwr 4, 1892
parency. To this fact may be attributed the difficulties many
have experienced in the work, and also the existence of so many
fading pictures. These gelatines, as we have just said, are
difficult of application, and, by reason of their acidity, con-
ducive to fading. However, by employing the class just recom-
mended these inconveniences are avoided, while the purity of
the whites of the prints will in no way suffer from the apparent
slight opacity and trifling tint of the gelatine.
DAMP AND GELATINO-CHLORIDE PAPER.
Since writing a fortnight ago on Tlie Storage and Treatment
of Sensitised Paper, the weather has been in every way
favourable for experimenting on the effects of damp, and we
have consequently been endeavouring to demonstrate graphi-
cally the deleterious influence of moisture in the atmosphere
upon our more modern sensitised papers.
Selecting a number of felt pads of half-plate size, these were
placed in the kitchen oven for several hours until thoroughly
dry, and were then found to average very slightly over two
hundred grains each when weighed. They were then hung up
for a couple of days in a room without a fire in order that they
might absorb as much moisture as possible, or acquire as
nearly as might be the characteristics of carelessly kept pads.
When again weighed they were found to have increased in
weight to the extent of close upon thirty grains each, or nearly
one-sixth of the total weight of the pad had been absorbed in
the form of moisture.
To the touch there was no feeling of dampness nor any
appearance to lead to the suspicion that the pads were anything
but "bone dry" and yet when held to the fire, steam or vapour
was given off freely and continued to be evolved for upwards
of half aa hour, showing how difficult it is to thoroughly
eliminate the moisture from such thick material.
In order to practically test the effect of such damp backing
upon various kinds of paper, samples of ordinary " ready-sensi-
tised " as well as freshly sensitised albumen paper, two com-
mercial brands of gelatino-chloride " printing-out " paper, and
one of collodio-chloride paper were selected for trial, and as
a contrast a piece of gelatino-bromide paper intended for
development was put through the same treatment in order to
demonstrate the influence exercised by the soluble matter
contained in the various films.
Pieces of the respective papers were placed in printing frames
backed up with the damp felt pads, but with a strip of tinfoil
placed across the centre of each in order to isolate a portion of
thp surface from the possible action of moisture. The com-
mercial papers were used in the state in which they came from
the package, and those of home preparation were just thoroughly
dried and then submitted to the atmosphere for a quarter of
an hour in order to allow them to absorb the amount of
moisture necessary for satisfactory printing.
With the exception of the gelatino-bromide paper, the other
samples were printed in the ordinary manner, and under pre-
cisely similar conditions, and when the printing was finished
the frames were set on one side for a week without removing
the prints. The gelatino-bromide paper received an exposure
to artificial light and was then placed with the rest, receiving
precisely similar treatment.
At the end of the week the last-named paper was developed,
and, beyond the fact that it was sensibly more " limp " than a
fresh piece taken directly from the original packet, it differed
in no way from the latter in its behaviour, showing that at
least during the period of a week no ill effect accrued from
the action of damp. This, it must be observed, is in the
entire absence of soluble matter.
Turning to the printing-out paper, the two samples of
albumenised were first examined. The ready - sensitised
exhibited at this stage no visible traces of the effect of
moisture, the preservative material employed in the manu-
facture sufficing to keep the colour of tJic paper intact ; but
the home-sensitised sample showed a very palpable band of
purer colour where the tinfoil had protected it. Looking at
the back of the paper, a very decided yellow colom- pervaded
the whole of the unprotected portions, while even under the
tinfoil a slight yellowing had taken place.
In the case of the two samples of gelatino-chloride paper, the
effect was somewhat different and rather curious. No dis-
colouration in the sense of yellowing was noticeable either on
the print itself or on the reverse side of the paper ; but, o»
examining the gelatine surface, there was distinct evidence of
a sort of "bronzing" or metallic iridescence on the unpro-
tected portions, and showing clearly by a distinct line against
the portion where the tinfoil had been. The effect was more
marked in one case than the other, but was sufficiently plain
in both to leave no doubt as to the protective influence of the
tinfoil.
To show that the effect of moisture does not show itself only
with such highly organic compounds as those of silver with
albumen or gelatine, it may be recorded that the collodio-
chloride paper was at this stage more strongly discoloured thaa
any of the others ; and not only so, but the injury produced
proved to be more permanent, that is to say, the yellowing
produced upon the albumenised paper disappeared in the sub-
sequent toning, which was not the case with collodio-chloride,
nor was the " bronzing" effect in the latter instance reduced to
the same extent as with gelatino-chloride.
The whole of the prints were then toned and fixed, and the-
results were similar in character throughout. Where the pro-
tective tinfoil had been, the toning was not only more rapid,
but a better colour was produced, and the protected portions
were entirely free from a slight metallic surface lustre that
pervaded the whole of the remaining portions. This was not
so noticeable as the difference in tone produced by the damp,
the latter being, of course, emphasised by the sharp line of
demarcation ; but both effects were sufficiently pronounced to
spoil the quality of an otherwise perfect print.
We commend these experiments to the attention of our
readers who may still be engaged in printing operations, and
would strongly urge them to look carefully to the condition of
their printing frames and pads.
The XTatlonal Association of Professional Photo-
graphers.— We are informed by the Secretary that the Council of
the National Association of Professional Photographers will meet on
Wednesday, November 9, 1892, at Anderton's Hotel, Fleet-street,
London, 7 p.m., for general business, and that the presence of all
members of the jrrofession, whether belonging to the Association or
not, is earnestly desired and invited. The chair will be taken by Mr.
Thomas Fall (London), the President, and the Secretary, D. J.
McNeill, 47, Charlotte-road, Birmingham, will be pleased to receive
communications and to reply to inquiries.
Glass-lined Tubes. — We recently chronicled a new variety
of glass-ware in the shape of vessels of that material in which
woven wire was embedded. The latest application of glass is in the
manufacture of tubes, in which it forms the lining material. Messrs,
Noremljer 4. 1803]
THE BRITISH JOURJJAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
707
Dan Rylmnda Sc Co., Limited, are now mokiog^ these tubes in a large
rarlecy of siies. The tubes are made bent and T-sbape as well as
straight, and the company recommend them for household service, as
bv their use no daof^er of lead-poiaoning can arise. They are stated to
be safe from cracking by frost or any reasonable amount of hard wear.
The joints between the lengths of tube when fitted are made bv
washers of guttapercha or other suitable material. It is evident
that such tubea might be put to a rariety of services of great value
in ybotograpbj.
A SisooTer y.— The Paris correspondent of the Dmlif Telegraph
says : " Experiments in photography made by the Due de Morny in
bi» amateur studio at Levallois-Perret have led to a useful discovery.
He has been able to photographically impress paper of any size or
thidaieis. By this means a likeneaaean be fixed like a monogram on
note-paper and on railway or other tickets. I^ghty difiFerent
tUhfiuette* can he taken in a minute, and at small cost. The Due de
Momy has communicated his diaeoTery to the Minister of War, who
intends to titilise it in the ' book* ' carried by soldiers, and in which
their descriptions, records of service, and so on are inscribed. The
Roseian Grand Dukes now in Paria have also decided to adopt the
invention in the army of the Cur, aiid have aaked the inventor to
send one of his ' colhiborators ' to St. Petersburg." We await par-
ticulars of this " useful discovery," which, however, we conjecture is
nut new.
BUcoverlea in Astronomj \»j PhotocrrapUo Means.
— Then is, however, no doubt that photography has recently played
• very important part in scientific tUi detection, M. Charloisjof Nice,
having diieovcred two more small pkneU, and Dr. Max Wolf, of
lleidelbarif, two other*. Both ofaserren made their diacoveriea on the
same day, the Silh ct September last. The aid of photography has
been lecom mended to be called in with ngard to the alleged newly
diceoTHwd fifth aatellila of Jupiter. It hat been positively alleged
that an additiooal MtelUte has been i^impsed in the telescope, but
with regard to it, Mr. Plnmmer, the director of the Liverpool
Obserratory, says there are not wanting circumstances to make one
beaitete before accepting iu ezistenee as a fact. Fortunately,' he
fwitinnw, ' there leouina one means of settling any ambiguity. It will
oiler • problem ol no great difficulty to .Mr. Isaac Roberts to take
a few photogrspha of the district throagh which Jupiter has passed,
and see what thirteen-magnitude stars Ue sufficiently near the pUce
of tha pbuMt to be wiisfhm for snteffites on the night in question.
The Zrftrrent Teleaoope In the World.— There have
»x?*n to many rumours about a new telescope, not to speak of the
official notification recently deserihed by us under the heading of
" Wanted, a Big Telsecope Donor," that there will be a certain
amount of satisfaction in leamiagthat it is an actual fact that the
order k given for the " Largest Telescope in the World." It is
for the University of Chicago, and is the gift of Mr. Charles T.
Yerkaa of that city, who aaU, " Oet the best glaM in the world, and
send in the bill." It is estimated that this "bill" will amount to
half a million of dollars, if not more. A very modest estimate, we
shmld be inclined to say, when all tha conditions and sumimdinga
are taken into consideration. Mr. Burnham, Ptofeasor O. £. Hale,
of the Kenwood Oheervatory, and I>r. Harper have consalted with
Mr. .\.lvan Q. Clark, and it has been decided to have a telescope
with an object-glass of forty-live inches aperture, which, it will be
'•^n, leprtssnts a light-collecting area about half as large again as
ii>' arrrat IJck Telescope.
Xoah'a Ark. — Mr. (Ireen, whose name is rather a suspicious
_ ■ . write* to know if he can buy photographs of the original
Noah's Ark. I>est our readers may not be aware what the reference
amoaaia to we may say that the reverend gentleman named has
writtaa thatoa April 2'* last he climbed Mount Ararat, discovered
the Aril, walked rcpun.l it with six companions, and contemplated it
from varioii f view. He was almost overcome, and was
filled with ,._.. M. H. Cadoux ascended the mountain six
weeks later, but found no trace of humau work except what the
Russian explorers had left, and he was further told that it was in-
accessible in April. We really do not think we could give a better
reply than a transcript of the words of the well-known scientific
expert who writes to the English Mechanic under the pen name of
" A Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society." He thus says : " It
seems to me a slight chronoloijical mistake has crept into the account
of -Vrehdeacon J. J. Norris'a discovery of the Ark .... Un-
doubtedly the discovery was made on the First of April, and not the
twenty-fifth .... By a strange coincidence a gentleman named
.\nnanias Okes on the very same day, after a gale of wind, picked
up .1 dozen or two of the linch-pins out of Pharoah's chariots on the
shore of the Red Sea; and by an even more curious coincidence
a highly respectable tradesman in Wardour-street succeeded in
securing the very sword that Balaam wished for." Verbum sap.
HAS ALBUMEN RECEIVED ITS DEATH-BLOW?
It will be remembered that three weeks ago, and as an append to a
letter from the Britannia Works Co., relative to the uniformity of the
tones obtainable on the Ilford Printing-out Paper (the 'P.O.P.' as it
is usually termed), we spoke in terms endorsing their statement of
this quality. This we did after a careful examination of from four to
five dozen cabinet portraits which bore the name of W. H. Midwinter
& Co., Bristol
There was something so exquisitely beautiful and delicate, and
vigorous wrthal about these pictures that we felt impelled to address
a request to Mr. Midwinter for detailed information concerning his
modu* operandi for publication either in the Journai, or Aucanac, or
both, as we saw occasion. To this a courteous response was made,
with an offer, should we find it convenient to visit his establishment,
to afford us every facility for witnessing the whole of his operations
from beginning to end, an offer of which we promptly availed our-
selves.
From the high padtion Mr. Midwinter occupies in the profession
;uid his long experience in photography we consider him, more than
many others, entitled to apeak with authority, a feeling that has been
strengthened since we spent a forenoon in his admirably fitted-up
ateliers in 4S, Park-street, Bristol.
Conversing on the subject generally of our viat, we were informed
that for a considerable time albumen had been entirely banished from
his place, his printing now being confined to.-gelatine ' P.O.P.' and
platinum. Information of this nature coming from such a repre-
sentative man augured ill, we thought, for the long-continued tenure
of the sway that albumen has had without any rival worthy of the
name for these forty years past. Good old albumen ! It has served us
well during its reign ; and, in the prospect of its being sooner or later
deposed, we must endeavour to overlook demerits inseparable from its
nature, and cherish its memory as that of an old friend who has rendered
us good service. It is perhaps premature to cry, ' The king is dead 1
Long live the king ! ' but, remembering our forecast many years ago
concerning the chances of collodion retreating in favour of gelatine as
a factor in making negatives, we imagine that in course of time, and
that too at a not distant period, albumen as an agent in printing will
have to retire from the prominent position it has so long occupied.
Like so many other establishments, the printing room of Mr. .Mid-
winter is covered in with gloss, and it has the usual facilities for
changing and filling the printing frames. It was, however, the sub-
sequent treatment of the prints in which we were now more peculiarly
inten^sted.
~ jSy,atning a few dozen prints as taken from the frames, we found
that, contrary to the custom of some who use gelatino-chloride paper,
these were slightly over-printed, not very much so, but to rather a
less extent than adopted by experienced albumen printers. In the
toning room, which is large and roomy, the utmost cleanliness and
method prevail. Along one wall, that in which the windows are,
there are ranged six slate tanks side by side. Above each there are
water-taps, and in the bottom are two outlets, one to permit of rele-
gating valuable waste to its suitable receptacle, the other communi-
cating with the sewers. We observed that no sooner had a tank
been done with than it was thoroughly washed, sides and bottom,
with a Urge sponge; and we further observed that separate sets of
7o8
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[November 4, 1892
sponges and brushes are employed for the various tanka ; thus, the
brush for the hypo tank could not possibly be used in any but its own,
unless one were wilfully to igfnore the lettering on its back. This
cleanliness and method are perhaps due to the fact of Mr. Midwinter
having in early life graduated in a chemist's establishment, where,
above all places, cleanliness and method must reign supreme.
The first operation was to immerse the prints one by one in a water
bath, from which, after a good soaking, they were^transfen-ed to the
alum bath. This consists of —
Alum 4 ounces.
Water 80 „
The chief printer — a most intelligent man — told us that he had at first
adhered to tha directions issued with the paper, which recommended
eig?U ounces of alum to this quantity of water, but that ho had re-
duced the strength to four ounces without any discoverable dis-
advantage. After remaining in the alum solution for ten minutes,
the prints were then subjected to a wash in a succession of
three changes of water. This washing was not done in a per-
functory, but in a thorough, manner. At this stage the prints
had lost the purple tone they had when taken from the print-
ing frame, and had acquired a red colour similar to that whicli
albumen prints have at the stage after being immersed in a solution
of chloride of sodium or acetic acid previous to being toned — a custom
adopted by some.
The toning bath consists of —
Sulphocyanide of ammonium 30 grains.
Water 16 ounces.
Chloride of gold 2 grains.
Of this a quantity sufficient is poured into the toning dish to give
the prints plenty of room in which to float about without danger of
one sticking to the other. Mr. Midwinter strongly urged this as an
important point both in convenience of working and as ensuring
uniformity of tone. We noticed that in measuring out the toning
solution two-thirds of the bath used the day previous were taken and
refreshed with one-third of a new bath. This we think is an excel-
lent system, viewed either economically or from the point of conveni-
ence, for in our estimation some of tlie toning baths employed with
gelatino-chloride paper act too energetically to enable the requisite care
to be taken in seeing that, when a considerable number of prints are being
manipulated by one person, due care is talien in ensuring uniformity.
How otherwise could it be when contrasted with the helter-skelter
turning over of prints, accompanied by a fear to devote more than a
very few seconds to the examination of 'any one print in case the
others are in the meantime getting spoilt by over-toning ? No occa-
sion for such hurry when the toning solution is prepared as described.
The printer here had time both to keep the prints in motion and to
carefully and critically examine each one, which he did by trans-
mitted light, holding it up against a gas-flame before him. The
average time for a print to acquire a purple black tone is about from
eight to ten minutes. During these various operations the prints
were kept almost invariably face down in the various solutions.
The fixing bath consists of three ounces of hyposulphite of soda to
the pint of water. The best quality of soda procurable, although
costing somewhat more than that of average quality, is alone
employed, as it is found cheapest in the long run, and Mr. Midwinter
has been taught by experience that ten minutes in a solution of the
above strengtfe is suifieient to ensure the prints being thoroughly fixed.
They are then washed for two hours in running water.
Let us pause for a moment to speak of the influence exerted by a
bad sample of hypo upon the future of a print. Only a short time
ago there was a perfect epidemic of spots on albumenised prints.
Complaints respecting this reached us almost daily and from sources
widely apart. No matter what care was taken or what brand of
albumenised paper was employed, the plague prevailed. An observant
professional friend in the North found that the prevalence of the
spots in his case was concurrent with his using a certain kind of
hypo which he had recently purchased. Acting on a surmise, he
made two fixing baths, one with an old and the other with the new
purchase. A brief period sutticed to establish the fact that the spots
were attributable exclusively to the soda moat recently procured. Hmv
it acted he could not tell ; but that, in his case at any rate, it was the-
cause of the spotted prints he felt well assured. The subsequent
employment of another sample ensured freedom from all farther
annoyance. We have written this apropos of Mr. Midwinter's care
in using anything but the best quality of hypo.
With regard to the toning bath, forty-eight grains of gold for
toning forty-two sheets of paper, and toning them well, cannot be
considered otherwise than as being strictly economical. This, we-
were informed, is the proportion indicated by experience. There
■was no mealiness or defects of like nature apparent in any of the-
work done under the conditions described; indeed, we wore told
that such is altogether unknown.
The mounting is performed in the manner in common practice-
by many, that is, the prints are taken from the water and piled,
face down, one on the top of the other. The surplus water is re-
moved by gentle pressure on the top, but not to such an extent as
to cause adhesion between them ; starch is applied to the top one,,
which is then attached to the mount, and so on to the end. After
spotting, they are placed in a grooved box, to remain for burnish-
ing, which is done the next morning. The grooved box has a
perforated zinc bottom, and a drawer below in which two or more-
wet sponges are contained, the object being to prevent the prints
becoming quite desiccated, which is inimical to their ultimately
taking on the highest finish.
The burnisher, which acts the part rather of a hot roller than a
burnisher pure and simple, is one of that form known as the-
Quadruplex Enameller, made by a Chicago firm. Having been
passed through this a few times, the prints acquire a high glaze
and finish ; and to prevent any curling they are laid, face do-n-n, on
a wooden table until cold ; when taken up, they are quite flat. No-
lubricant is employed.
In the foregoing remarks we have given, in as brief a manner
as possible, an account of the way in which we saw many gems of
pictorial art produced. It is, however, proper that we should say-
that the negatives are pictorially and technically of great excellence^
The former is doubtless owing to the fact that Mr. Midwinter,
previous to becoming a photographer, had, on his return from the-
Crimean War, through which he had passed, gone in for an art
education, and graduated as a painter; the latter is a consequence^
of care, method, and a knowledge of what a photograph should be.
Before leaving, we had a look over the studio and adjoining rooms,
the studio has a " lean-to " roof, fitted with double— nay, with qua-
druple spring roller blinds, one pair of white and blue overlapping each,
other, and either of them capable of being raised or let down. There-
is also a side vertical light, looking on a garden the wall of which,
with its trailing plants and boulders, seems well adapted for the
posing of large groups against.
Mr. Harvey, the operator, a near relative of the proprietor, who has
been since youth with the firm, seems to have the art of lighting and
posing the sitter at hia fingers' ends, for, in an incredibly short period,
he manipulated the screens so as to produce any effect desired. The
reception and adjoining rooms are decorated with the choicest ex-
amples of Mr. Midwinter's work, and forms quite an exhibition in.
itself.
The prices at this establishment are : 11. a dozen for cabinets ; 30s.
for boudoirs ; 21. 2s. for imperials ; and 3/. 12s. for panels.
In connexion with the finishing of gelatino-chloride prints, we have
been shown some examples of a method adopted by Mr. W. Crooke,
of Edinburgh, which imparts to the surface a delicate matt that for
many purposes has a charming effect. We have not been apprised of
the method employed in producing this matt, although the paper is of
the same brand as that used by Mr. Midwinter. From some experi-
ments of our own, however, since made, by interposing a film of matt
celluloid between the burnisher and the photograph, which imparts
the effect in question, we may suppose Mr. Crooke's method must ^
bear some resemblance to this.
THE NEW DEVELOPER.
A FEW -weeks' experience with " amidol " effectually convinces me- j
that we have at hand still one more powerful and valuable addition I
to our list of photographic chemicals. Personally, I have never had j
Norember 4, 1833]
THE BRrnSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRA-PHV.
700
much respect for these " one-horse ** devel ^per*. and hnTing very
rirelv to complain of our old friend "pyro," they hare not been
favourite developers with me. Obnouslv, when working much
with •'shutters,'' (iomethin;r el* i" requirt'.l at times — a developer,
in fact, which may be allowejl to remain on the plate, quietly
dotn^ it« work, without unduly veiling the same.
The formula supplied by the makers is, I think, the best for the
purpose, thooith, for thoae who hare a fondness for the metabi-
>ulphite of potassium, may he aaed. if tbt-y wbh, a small quantity
I f this salt, in place of th-- soda sulphite. A little experience
h^re may not be out of placp. The pitas* metabi-tulphite (80
cvains in place of 800, of soda sulphit-i was dissolved in eight
t 'tnce$ of water; eij<htj f^rains of amidol then added, the proper
':'■;•■ ". followed, and a plnte immersed — it remained submer)^
tiie ujtual rockinj; for some fifteen minutes, when, no ima^
appearing, the plate was removed, wash-'d, and a sulpho-pyro
ammonia developer muted and applied. The result was satisfac-
tory, but on ^ettioir into daylight I found my fingers badly stiuned
- a metallic-looking black stain, rather troublesome to remove.
The amidol solution was neutralised afterwards with carbonate of
fndm, and has sinee developed asreral plate* without trouble.
H^wov— . I d<>n't recommend nMtabitulphite in conjunction with
': i : :- in.'.' !i; but, if /rrsi and strong, it most be estimated
: i~' :w-!itv times the strens^ of sulphite of soda at least.
With the sulphite the developer is, in every wav, as described by
tb-:- makers, givinjr dear shadows a suffi^^iency of density, with a
pleasing tone, oondudve to quick printing, and is, without doubt,
superior to pyro for certain esposuns and ."ubjecta. As an instance,
two plates. e.xp<Med on an interior, and reoMving rather less exposure
thrtn would ordinarily be given, wer* developed, one with pyro and
tlv .^ther with amidol; the (i lued m the way aatcgMted by
ik'tim- years' experience, but ; liition and a want of detail in
the shadows; the amidol-deveioped pimte shows much less halation
and more detail, but the developoMnt occupied perhaps twice the
time. I find " rocking " still nsneary as ever ; it is not safe to leave
th^ plate resting; calmly iu the aolntioB; hence, unless one has a
" rocker," it is tiring work : but all dbrelopers are much the same in
this raspret
°~ Finally, if any prematurely irrey reader wants a good and cheap
iLiir dye, let Um tiy an amidol-meta-btsiilphite-cum-pyrogsllol-et-
iimmnia developer. J. Piks.
CWl'D XEOATIVES, AN1> HOW TO RECORD THEIR
LIGHTING.
(OfWMek Ommb Cteb.i
EviiaY ooe ha< obaerred tbe imBniilied appearance of an ordinary
phntographie print, hacanse of the boi« or leM flat white sky which
MUMHiauts it. This b, periiap*, all the mor-- apparent when th? sub-
jset-oatter of tb<- lanteape Km been welt L-ompoo-d and lit. As the
artUtic sen»< increase*, aai w« become OMre familiar with the camera,
and acquire some knowledge of tbe rarioos proeessee involved in the
making of a good negative, we also become more and more convinced
that thepictnm we bare made rmreaeat little more than half the
pi'-ture prefer. • ' < eye at the tim>' of erpoiare; in fact, we
heain to »*»• - nhotographers, who are art critics as well,
that, however u-.tuiini the landsieape may otherwise be, it wants
that eonplinieBt— these beautiful clouds which stretch above the
1,,. ,,..,„ .„.) m«ke tbe picture a complete whole.
' 'lere are times when the sky is rloadlma, and when it
' 'n»r to show clouds, but the revene is generally the
country of ours. Therefore whf-n we strive to
•rue to nature, we shoold n<>t forget the dond
eta with all thnir delicate tints nt>d tracery. The combination is
imiog, as all who h^ve examined such photographs will admit.
\\ ben the doods are well balanced and whII wlected for tbe landscape,
a picture, which !• o(Ii«rwis.< n9t technically .so good, will be more
floning than anntber which is better in this respect, but which it
sunaooBted by a white patch of sky. Hence the aim and ambition
of taoM good photographers fbr some years baek ha* been to introduce
clouda lilo their pieiare*. thus repraduoing aeenes ftom nature in
th'-ir best nd na*t pleasing aspects.
('nfortanataly there Is considerable difficulty experienced when
we try to lepiewnt cln'i'- '•■ ■■■' nii..f.v'r.ir,i,. This is not quite
appelant at first sight, will show that it
mast be so. In develop 'lie sky is alwavs
the first to appear, an>l. ite clouds will be
•een to make their app<-i i r.>cee<l!«. Were we
t I WTi'h a»l lis the negative At tint stajfi-, we would doubtless have
a fair representation of the clouds, but unfortunately the rc't of the
picture would be hopelessly under-exposed. On the other hand, when
we carry development to its final stage, so as to brinfr out all detail in
the landscape, we get the sky black without any detail ; or, perhaps,
as is often the case, somewhat flat and thin. This is due to over-
eipo.-iure, and cannot well be avoided, except perhaps in strongly lit
instantaneous subjects. The fact is that so mucn more light is
reflected from the sky compared with that reflected from an ordinary
landscape, that when the latter is properly exposed the former is
over-exposed, and nW vend : when the sky is properly exposed, the
landscape is under-exposed.
Numerous attempts have b?en made to overcome this difliculty.
Doubtless the best method which has been suggested is to take two
negatives of the subject — one exposed for the landscape, and the other
for the sky or clouds. The sky is then blocked out from one negative
and the land.scape from the other; and the print made by exposing
twice, once with each negative, due care being taken to ensure that
the join of the sky-line will not be obssrved in the finished print. It
sometimes hnppens, as I have aiud, that there are no clouds when the
negative is taken ; more often, that the clouds are wanting in round-
ness, or sharpness, or variety ; or perhaps there are too many, or they
may b" too dense, or too Cfintinuous to form a pleasing combination ;
and we feel that, if the clouds were just otherwise than they are, w«
might be tempted to expose two plates.
But another consideration comes in here. The power and endur-
ance of even the enthusiastic amateur is limited, and he objects to
carry more than six plates (if the camera be larger than quarter-plate),
even if he has more slides to put them in ; and so he likes to carry
home six landscape* instead of three, as he would do were he to ex-
pose two oa each view. I know that many photographers would
rebd at this dictum, because their motto is to produce a few pictures
and do them icell, rather than a great number only half done. And
I am n^t going to ouarrel with these gentlemen; in' fact, I sympathise
with tliem thorougnly. At the same time, the amateur whose only
opportunity for practising photography is an occasional Saturda;
afternoon, and a few holidays, must be excused if he objects to expose
his plaies in this fashion; because, with his limited opportunities —
even with the aid of exposure tables and meters — he generally finds
that out of six plates he seldom gets more than three or four passable
negatives, which would be reduced to one or two were he to devote
half his plates to the clouds. The case may be different when one
has a roll-holder capable of carrying twenty or thirty films. Then, I
would say, make two exposures on each subject when necessarv.
But we do not all possess roll-holders, and we are at present only
considering negatives taken on ordinary glass plates, although what
is said with regard to the one is equally applicable to the other.
It has been said that with proper exposure aAd careful develop-
ment it i> possible to obtain douds and landscape on one plate, but
the dilBcultie* are so many that I fear even the " old hands " would
shrink from the necessary labour and manipulation. The method
which has found most favoor, and now generally practised, is that in
which negatives of cloud* are taken on »vourable days independently
of the landscape. These negatives are carefully developed and stored
away, to be combined with any landscape with which they will
harmomse by the masking system and double printing. Of course th«
negatives of clouds must oe lit from the same side as the landscape
with which it is to be combined, consequently we must have a stock
of such negatives photographed with relation to the lighting in as
many ways as we can photograph a landscape. Our stock must also
he considerable to enable us to make a selection, and we will require
to proceed in a methodical and systematic manner in order to secure
it. Some have suj^ested that this may be done by pointing the
camera out of an attic window, and photographing the douds over-
head. Such procedure might be excusable in the case of one con-
fined to a large and smoky dty, but most amateurs will prefer to go
out into the country in search of dond subjects. Zenith clouds, even
although they ma^ be good as landscape^!, are quite unsuitable for
combinutipn printmg, as they cannot exhibit the same atmospheric
and lIDfizon effect to be got from clouds taken in the position which
they should occupy in an ordinary landscape photograph.
A good plan is to photograph a beautiful or striking mass of douds
in the open country when one sees it, just as one would a landscape,
noting carefully the cardinal direction of the clouds and the sun with
relation to tbe camera at the time of exposure. Or one may set up
his camera on a day when the douds are suitable, and expose several
plates, whilst the camera stands in the same position, allowing a cer-
tain interval of time to elapse between each exposure, so that there
may be a marked difTerence between each cloudscape. Tet another
m>-thod is to erect the camera on an elevated position, sufficiently re-
moved from other high ground, and expose one plate in a northerly
directioD> slewing the camera round, and exposing another in an
710
THE BKinSH JOURNAL OF PnOTOGKAPHi:.
[November 4, 1892
easterly direction, and so ou round all the points of the compass. Of
course it will be necessary, when doing- this, to see that only those
points are chosen where suitable clouds exist, and that the position of
the sun and cloudscape, with relation to the camera, is duly noted for
future use.
It is best in taking cloud photographs to make certain that the
camera is truly level, and the swing-back standing plumb, to insure
that they combine easilv with an oi-dinary landscape. And it is well
to take them from an elevated position, so that the horizon line comes
down to the middle of the plate, or even lower. The combined print
will then show rather less of that dense bank of cloud which over-
hangs the horizon of many landscapes, an effect which will be
enhanced by reason of the horizon line of the landscape coming above
the centre of the plate.
With these precautions there is no great difficulty photographing
cloudscapes. A small stop must be used with a quick exposure on
n slow plate. The development is the same as for an ordinary land-
scape, taking care not to make the negative too dense. The negatives
on the table were taken in the way I have described, some from a
window in my house, where the camera remained pointed in one
direction, allowing a sufficient interval of time between each exposure
to introduce new forms as the clouds rolled past. Others were taken
from the top of the Lyle Road by levelling the camera and slewing
it round several degrees of arc for each exposure. I cannot say that 1
have been very successful in securing good effects, but the negatives
serve to illustrate my remarks.
If cloud negatives are not difficult to |manipulate, the case is
different when we try to combine them with a landscape in one print.
This is where the difficulties begin. One writer says regarding it
^BRITISfi Journal Almanac, 1888, p. .366, G. Smith), that " the
number of prints which are spoiled before a satisfactory print is
obtained is only known to those who have had their tempers tried by
repeated failures." " One of the greatest difficulties in the printing in
of clouds is," he says, " to prevent a sort of halo, or border of light,
showing at the junction of the landscape with the sky, or round any
object which may project into the sky; " and he goes on to show
how this may be avoided by blocking out with opaque water colours,
&c., the horizon line and such objects as rise above it. I have not
tried this process of combination printing, and cannot speak as to its
meiits ; but I have made several efforts with another process, the
results of which fully confirm the remarks just quoted, for my prints
were more or less failures. But I must not forget that my remarks
to-night are confined to the making of cloud negatives, so I will refer
those who wish to prosecute this branch of the subject further to the
various excellent articles to be found in the photographic journals and
almanacs, assuring them that perseverance in this direction, as in so
many others, will doubtless lead to ultimate success.
Meantime we will proceed to consider another factor in taking cloud
negatives, at which I have merely hinted, viz., the angular position
of the cloudscape with relation to the sun, for cloud negatives would
be of little use for combination printing without a proper method of
recording the lighting. Photographic authorities and critics have laid
down the rule — and with great reason I think — that the clouds to be
printed into a landscape must be lit from the same side as the land-
scape itself. Unless therefore a record is kept of the comnass position
of the sun and clouds, our negatives will get so mixed that we will
not know which to select in order to make a proper combination. In
all probability the wrong negative will be chosen, and one of those
combinations produced, in which the clouds are lit from the east when
the landscape is lit from the west, so offensive to the eye of an artist.
All that has been »aid with regard to the cloudscape is equally
important with regard to the landscape when it is intended to print
in clouds. Its relation to the sun must also be noted. Now it may
be thought from this that I advocate the necessity for the photographer
adding a compass to his already numerously stocked kit of accessories,
to measure the angle subtended by clouds or landscape and sun. But
this is not so. I wish rather to direct attention to a method by which
an instrument we all carry in our pockets may be used for this pur-
pose, with almost as much accuracy as a compass. I refer to an
ordinary watch. The only condition necessary is that the watch shall
be going, and keeping fairly good time. A newspaper paragraph
which I read some time ago, was the means of directmg my attention
to the method of determining the compass points by a watch ; and it
is so simple that one is surprised it is not more generally known.
At noon the sun is in the meridian, which is due south from Green-
wich, and therefore very nearly due south from any place in the
British Isles. In the same way midnight is due north, as the sun
travels twelve hours while the earth makes half a revolution. There
are therefore twenty-four hours in the day. The sun travels one
hour of the watch circumference for every two hours of time. Hence,
to find the true north by the watch, it is only necessary to note the
time in hours counting from midnight and divide by two. If now a
line drawn from the centre of the watch through the hour indicated
by the quotient be pointed towards the sun — or the sun's position
when it is not visible — at the time of observation, twelve on the
watch indicates the true north. Thus, suppose we wish to know the
north at ten a.m., we divide ten by two and get five. If, now, the
watch be placed horizontal, in such a position that an imaginary line
projected from the centre through five o'clock points to the sun, twelve
o'clock on the watch is due north, and the sun would be in the south-
east by south nearly.
Suppose, agfun, that it is six p.m., counting from midnight we have
eighteen hours, the half of which is nine. Again, placing the watch
horizontal, and in such a position that a line radiating from the centre
through nine o'clock points to the sun, the hour twelve points to true
north, and the sun will be due west. Of course, when one has got
the true north, all the other compass points are easily read on the
watch face, and we can note at once the cardinal position of sun and
cloudscape or landscape, as the case may be.
I hope I have made this plain ; it is much more simple to perform
than to describe the manipulation, one or two trials will make one
quite familiar with it.
We have seen that it is the horizontal angle, subtended by view
and sun, which is required, and the finding of the compass points by
the watch is only a means to this end. Instead, therefore, of reading
the angle in degrees, as might be the case were we working with a
compass, and were it necessary to be very accurate in our measure-
ments, it will be found much easier, and sufficiently accurate for all
photographic purposes, to rend the angle in hours of the watch, thus
reducing the measm-ement to its simplest form.
It is best to note the position of sun and cloudscape with the watch
at the time the cloud negative is taken, and afterward.?, when the
negative is developed and dried, to attach a label with all the data
recorded thereon for future use. But one should also draw a small
diagram on the label, showing the angular position of sun and view
in hourt of arc. This graphic method of recording the lighting makes
it particularly easy to select a suitably lit cloudscape for combination
with a landscape view, especially when a graphic diagram is also
made of the angle subtended by sun and vieic. It is not necessary
that the sun and view, and sun and cloudscape should occupy the
same absolute positions with regard to the horizon. As long as they
have the same relative positions, the lighting will be right in the
finished print. Suppose, for instance, the sun was in the south-west
when we photographed the clouds in the south-east, the angular dis-
tance would be three hours. Such a cloudscape might be combined
with any landscape taken in the east when the sun was in the south,
or with one taken in the south when the sun was in the west, because
the angular distance between all three is just three hours, and all are
lit from the same side. It is necessary to emphasise the last remark,
for, unless the lighting of the landscape is from the same side as the
lighting of the clouds, erroneous combinations will be obtained. For
instance, we have seen that, with the sun in the south when a view
is taken in the east, the angular distance is just three hours. But
it is also three hours when the view is in the west with the sun
in the south. And two such landscapes would not both combine
with the same cloudscape whose arc was three hours, because,
whilst one would be properly lit, the other would have clouds and
landscape lit from opposite sides, and produce a combination quite
unlike anything to be found in Natui-e. There are, then, right and
left-lit cloudscapes for every arc, as there are right and left-lit
landscapes, and we must be careful in making our selection that the
lighting of both is on the same side.
We have now, I think, gone over most of the ground covered by
my subject. I hope I have been able to make myself understood.
The operations are all very simple, and any one with a shght
knowledge of photography, bestowing a little time and consideration
to the details, will soon master them. Let me conclude by referring
to the diagram on the blackboard, which will enable me to supplement
what I have said regarding angular dis-
tances as found by the watch and the
graphic method of recording the lighting
of clouds and views.
The following are two examples of
the method of labelling the negative : —
No. 1. — Cloud negative. Thomas T.C.
land plate. 3.40, p.m.; 14 May, 1892.
Sun, about S.W. ; view, N. by W.
No. 2. — Cloud negative. Paget XXX.
plate. 4.5 p.m. ; 14 May, 1892. Sun,
about S.W. by W. : view, S.
T. L. Pattbkson, F.I.C, F.C.S.
I
Snn
Sua
View
NoTember'4, lg9-i]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
711
SMALL LANTERN'S AND DISSOLVING VIEWS.
[Steraoaoopie Chib.)
Trk pnctieability of reducing iha sue «nd diminishing the weight of
magic Untems oocapied mj attention many yean ago. In The Bbitish
JocBsii. or PaoTooB^BT oi Mi^, 1878, 1 pabliihed a description, with
iDaatiatioiu, of two small lanterns which I had oonstmcted. They were
Teiy litUa larger than cigar boxes. The fronts for carrying the objectives
were made to disconnect and to pack np inside the bodies when not in
nse ; chimneT* were dispensed with in taToor o( flat tops ; they could be
used separately as single lanterns, or together side by side or one over
tbe other. The iUostrations and descriptions were repablished in the
Magie Lantern Manual ol the same year. Thn-t it will be seen that con-
tiMtiag the sise, dispenaing with chimneys, and pscking the front inside
tbe body, is not tbe new idea many paop.'« rappose it to be. With those
little lanterns I have girao doMM tt snoeessfal exhibitions at the
Manchester Photographic Society and elsewhere, showing the pictures to
twenty bet sqnare.
Bat for a long time, and down to a tew years ago, the binnial lantern
—i.t.. two lanterns in one body, one orer tbe other— was the prerailing
design for so-ealled high-class lanterns, tbe object of two lanterns being,
as eieiybudy knows, for the prodaetioo of " diiiolnng views ; " and, in
these days of lenses of Tarioos tod or kang-foeos objectives, the bionial
lantern has grown into a very heavy, ekborate, and expensive instrument.
Tbe triple taalsni is a higher devalopaMBt ol the bionial, and, by reason
of nMBeessMiy eUbocatiao and iaeonvwiaaee, both triple and biunial
laataraa have fallen into disfavour of kOa years.
There are, however, other usee tor a doable lantern, or two lanterns.
indapsodsntof diaaolving views, aa, (or iaatanee, one lantern mtky be used
for the pfajeetion of ordinary slides, whilst the other may he employed
for the fnqeetJoD of scientiBo expcrinents, the lantern raierosoope,
polariseope, Ac
Bat to rstom to dissolving views, tt hae been said that this way of
exhibiting improvae poor slides, and also helps oat a weak lecture, and
that it is a veiy pratty effect ; so, ii people want dissolving views, they
most have them.
What is BMaat by dissolving views is that one pictore fades away, or
"diasoivw'' aiaaHanaoaaly with aaotb* pietore being made visible—
irntoftnf on the sersea.
To praduaa this eOset two lantern* an tadispensable ; with a single
Untera we may have qoWl-ebaaging Mniars, panoramic carriers, or
otiMts to pradao* aa oat^-toeas efleet, or an eclipse, or semi-ecUpee,
dmiag the ehange tram oaa pietore to the other. Bnt the trae dissolving
effect is only posaibis by two Untems, a* ka* already been said.
Now, it matten not what form theee two lanterns take. Thsy may be
piaeod side by M» djagnwally. as in Oaneer's lantern, or one over the
other, aa a bionial lantern. Tha Idea that a bionial lantern is more oon-
veniMtly manipohUed by one opentor may be entirely dispelled. The
prap« plaee far a lantsrniat to stand ia at the back of bis instroment,
and with a properly eoaatnMted pair of lanterns everything is within
reaeh, and the opening and akaiag ol side doors and constant adjasting
ol tbe otjeathrsa lor Iniwiidtig the aUte it iwidered absolotely anneoes-
sary.
Tha eenlrivanee lor diawlving one pietore simoltaneonsly with the
derelcying ti the next was onginally a " oomb " or serrated " fan,"
worked in boat ol tbe objoetivee by a meahaninsi arrangemen t for gradu-
ally aotiiagatf tbe rays bom one laatsmvitb tbe gradnal opening of the
other lantern.
The late M. Notoo, of Manehester, oatd an irii diaphragm in front of
■Mb lens, and by a law eommnnication one was dosed as the other
opened. By tbaee aansementa it waa naeeasary to maintain the foil
l^it b ea«b lantam dorfag tbe exhibition.
Mr. Daaesr, of Msiiahim, eooeeived the idea of toming down the
tight o( one laatan simnltaneooaly with taming it np in tbe other
lantern, and euusliusted a aeriea of Ups actuated by one lever, and
immadiaMy after tbia M. Noton combined the ose of these several taps in
CMftagaadbody.
Biaae tbsa the dieenlsint tap hae been slightly modiSed in design, bnt
it haa new been Impsoted ; on Iba eootraiy, dorability and eSeetivenee*
' ■•n saaftflaad lor Sne appearaaees, in some of theee fancy-looking
ways an opaaad aad aloeed in line, on the eireiunfereoce of a
pug \aim niiaiteis of aa Ineb in diamater, the object being to get a short
ping lor wnmpautusm, and tbe very thing that oaght not to be. Every
meebaaie knows that a long plog like a loig bearing works better and
holds the lohrieant. With six ways in so small a circumference there is
too Ultla Mom lor ky to kaep tight, tbe slightast dost or grit caU the
plag. aad Mm it baaoBita itiff and jamba, or parmita the passage of gas
from one side to the other, and as a result little explosions, by the mixing
of the gas in the tap, are not unfrequent. A well-made dissolving tap
ought to be provided with a long plug with the oxygen openings separated
from those of the hydrogen by at least an inch in the length of the plug,
and between these there ought to be a groove turned in the plug, say
one-eighth inch wide and deep, with a hole to correspond in the body of
the tap. BO that, in case the plug did not fit tight, the gases could not mix,
but would escape by the hole in the body ; and in this arrangement there
are only three openings in the circumference of the plug, therefore more
tap and more surface to hold a lubricant. In some of these elaborate-
looking taps two bye-passes are provided, one on the oxygen side and an-
other on the coal-gas side ; the latter is necessary to maintain a light, bnt
the former serves no purpose whatever, unless it be to increase the expense.
Another method of changing the pictures, and which is a pleasant
change from dissolving, is that of one picture rolling up from the bottom
displaying another nndemeath ; this is called the roller- curtain effect.
In a biunial Untem it is produced by a thin metal shutter passing
between the face of the condenser and the picture. The length of this
shatter is just in excess of the distance between the optical systems, so
that, where the light from one lantern is shut off, the other is open ; thus,
where the shatter is half way, the sky of the top picture is covered and
the sky of the bottom picture is showing on the screen. Of course, where
this is used, the light in both lanterns must be at full.
Now it will be seen that when dissolving from one picture to another
this curtain shutter must be entirely removed from the lantern, and
when we desire to introduce the curtain effect the shutter must be intro-
duced when the top light is tamed down ; but as soon as the shutter
covers the top condenser the light must be turned up, and as the shutter
is lowered the picture in the bottom lantern has the appearance of rolling
np from the bottom, displaying another onder it (shown by the top
lantern). At this stage we have tlie bottom lantern shut off, and the
only way to open it is to draw it up again after the picture has been
changed. Thos the effect of rolling must always be done twice together
every time it is used, owing to tlie fact that the shutter can be removed
only from the top.
In a pair of lanterns woriking side by side a similar effect can be pro-
daeed ; bat, instead of rolling up and down, the pictures are introduced
sidewiO'*t and have the appearance of an unfurling panorama ; and, as the
shatter may be introduced or withdrawn from either side, the effect may
be prodooed at any time, and for once only and done with, as, for instance,
when we wish to skip from one sabjeot to another, or from one part of
the country to another.
Bat tbe finaet effects in changing may be described as a cross betneen
dissolving and the roller curtain. This method was adopted by Mr.
Kimon, the skilful operator to Mr. Rajan, the American lecturer, who
visited this eoontry in the early part of the present year.
In the Oreat Free Trade Hall, Manchester, these lectures had a run
of some weeks, and, so far as lantern manipulation, I have never seen
that excelled if ever equalled. The screen was thirty-six feet square, and
the pictures shown to thirty-three feet square, brilliantly illuminated by
limelight.
As seen by the audience, whilst one picture was on the screen another
began gradually to develop, and when this was full out the departing
picture was not dissolved in the usual way, but, as a friend of mine
expressed, it seemed to " fly away," or to be " blown away." Sometimes
its departure commenced from the bottom an 1 finished at the top, some-
times It flew away from one oomer and then from another, and in a
variety of ways it mysteriously vanished ; at other times they were quietly
and steadily dissolved to the end, and at other times by an instantaneous
flash from one to another.
By the kindnem ol Mr. Rajan and his clever operator I was permitted
to see the whole manipulation of these effeota.
Is* lanterns were used placed side by side, the space between the
oeniensef and the objectives was entirely open, whilst a picture from
No. 1 lantern was showing the dissolving tap was turned until the next
picture was fully developed ; then by a gentle sweep an ordinary lens
cap was applied to the back of the objective of No. 1 lantern, and, depend-
ing upon the way io which this c^i was applied first from one side and
then the other, so Hie picture vanished ; the dissolving tap was then
turned farther to shut off the light of No. 1 lantern, a new slide intro-
duced, and BO the whole goes on with variations at the discretion of the
operator.
Now, it will be seen that capping the lens from the back of the objective
is very different to the rapid or abrupt cut off by capping in front of the
objective. I shall now have pleasure in exhibiting a few effective changes
such as I have described. W. L Ceidwick.
712
THE BKITISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHS.
[Xovember 4, 1893
LIGHT IN DARKNESS: INTRODUCING THE STUDY OF
PHOTOGliArillC METASTASIS.
In 1886, 1 think, certainly not later, for my own satisfactioo, and in
order to make sure of my ground in the future, I verified the accuracy
•jf Professor Janssen's sequence of the phases of negative half-tone,
positive half-tone, and negative " images " of the sun. Early in the
year 1887 I set myself to discover the relation between the times
required (= exposures) and the phases produced (= densities 0 f + D.
O5( + 0-5),l( + 0),()-5( + 0-5)and0(+l)). "
In this I succeeded, but only after making a vast number of experi-
ments, and on January 13, and again on November 10, 1888, in The
British Jouhnai, of Photography, I published, in addition to
my general deductions, a typical series of figures {ex (jrege gregum)
showing the connexion between the period employed and the phase pro-
duced that is between exposure and density. The substance of this article
was translated into more than one foreign photographic periodical.
inAth^ Journal of the Photograpkic Society of India, \n a historical
review of the progress of research on solarisation, took special notice
of my labcnrs in this field. Later (after May, 1890), I was now and
again surprised at coming across, in the Atnateur I'hotoi/rapher and
elaewhere, what I took to be laudatory commentaries, explanatory
extensions, and mathematical dissertations on my work. A closer
perusal of the articles, however, showed me that while really dealing
with my law, they referred to solely the supposed discoveries of investi-
gators other than myself.
Now, although experienced photographers are well acquainted with
the more salient charact«ristics of halation and solarisation, yet are
there very few indeed, professional or amateur, who are familiar with
the momentary changing details which mark the stages by which,
Tinder varied, but for the time being constant, conditions, a neo-ative
passes first into a neutral (= no " image " at all), then into a positive,
after that into a neutral again, and then once more into a negative.
Fewer, still fewer, are they who have timed by the second many
thousand prolonged exposures, and photometrically measured the
various densities produced in a number of chips of the same plate
simultaneously developed by an equal immersion in the same chemical
solution.
It is not, then, difficult to see that those who do not read much, or
who Ignore voluntarily or involuntarily what they have read, form
when they come in contact with a few specimens of halation or
solarisation, whether by accident or design, yeiy crude and frequently
erroneous impressions.
It is by no means my intention, however, to combat any impression
on this subject, either hastily or laboriously deduced, but simply to
describe some of tiie less-known appearances presented by developing
Tplates submitted to different sources of illumination and under various
forms of image or screen when abnormally exposed ; to expand my
original di^overies ; and lay special stress upon one or two important
facts, which, if observed, have hitherto escaped comment, to suggest
a workmg hypothesis by which much that has remained obscure
even to this day may ultimately be theoretically made clear
Halation and Solabisation in General.
As the present article Ls primarily put forward for the consideration
of experts, it is unnecessary t» define either the fuzzy darkening known
by the name of "halation," or the clearing of what would naturally be
expected to be always the densest portion of the image, to indicate
which the terms "solarisation » and "reversal" have in turn been
assigned. At the same time, as the ground has been but little
trodden, it may be as well to try to guard against obscurity or liability
to misapprehension by a preliminary recapitulation of the circum-
stances under which the salient and best-known features occur before
touching upon the modified conditions which render certain details
prominently manifest, details probably always present.
In this attempt I will begin with one of the first stages of solarisa-
tion, although not yet recognised as such, viz., " halation "
As every one knows, then, halation is most commonly noticed when
photographmg great or abrupt contrasts of light and shade, and it is
nabitually assumed that, when present, p.art of the subject has been
over-exposed, or, which comes to the same thing, disproportionately
developed. Figures and groups, in which white and black fabrics b.k
brought together, machinery with strong reflected lights, ^vindows
and skies, ere solarisation proper is recognisable, afford the most
familiar examples of this " pest," as the practical man calls it. For
reiwons which will shortly appear, we will not consider self-luminous
bodies at present.
Now generally speaking, halation ordinarily takes the form of a
softly fading dai'k halo surrounding the whole, or extending alon-
one or more of the edges of the image of the brightest part of I
natural oontraet or series of contrasts. Tliis halo i^, as I have just
said, dense, but in every-day work is invariably, or almost in-
variably, less dense than the portion of the image with which its
darkest " edge " is in contact. It is in this respect, or in this aspect
more particularly that it has been considered by those who have
attempted to trace the course of the effect, propound a theoretical ex-
planation, or propose a cure. To the best of ray knowledge, only two
causes have as yet been advanced. One of these— to wit, refiection
from the back surface of the glass support— is that which most obtains •
and, while I grant that this is frequently a potent factor, I hold
that It is an insufficient explanation in so far as halation, and even
reversal, occurs in films exposed and developed on white and even
red paper. The other hypothesis— offered first, I believe, by Captain
Abney— IS that the effect is due to the scattering of the light by re-
flection from the individual agglomerated particles of silver haloid
constituting, together with the suspending vehicle, a translucent film.
1 devised and carried out, however, an experiment which proves that
this action, if existing at all, has an almost imperceptible effect.
Beyond these two formulated hypotheses regarding the nature of
halation 1 known of none. It is true, however, that the trained
scientist who dabbles more or less in photography talks equally
learnediy and vaguely of "a molecular action which precedes the
chemical one," and I for long held— and I am not sure that I do not
still hold— that the alternate power to attract and repel the metal
supplied from the solution of silver salt thrown down by the de-
positor was due to an electrical action and to a form of electrical
polarisation. Suffice it to say here, however, that as yet halation
has been treated as something distinct from solarisation.
Solarisation is still more seldom encountered, still less understood
if that is possible, than halation. I have read, here and there, at
rare intervals, summaries of all we are supposed to know about it,
and for all the information imparted, either historically or scienti-
fically, they might as well have never been written.
In 1839 Fyfe, Lassaigne, Talbot, Herschel, and Hunt observed, in
the words of the last named, '• a singular property in the hydriodate
of postash of again whitening the paper darkened by exposure, and
also that the bleaching process was very much accelerated by the
action of light." . ..." The most extraordinary character of the
hydnodic salts is, that a very slight difference in the strength of
the solutions, in the composition of the photographic paper, ot'm the
character of the incident light, produces totally opposite effects : in
the one case the paper is rapidly whitened, in the other a deep black-
ness is produced almost as rapidly. Sometimes these opposing actions
are in equilibrium, and then the paper continues for a long time per-
fectly insensible."
Now, although this property forms the basis of the production of
positive images in silver-salt photography, it has only an indirect
bearing on solarisation, although, much later, Abney employed the
same principle, namely, that of dosing a darkened silver salt, insolating
it, and obtaining a positive by this means, argued therefrom as to the
nature of true solarisation proper.
Although the term solarisation was at first simply confined to
actions analogous to the partial darkening of skies in Daguerreotype
landscape, and in no wise implied complete reversal, yet one o'f a
series of experiments, made by Shaw and Percy with the object of
seeing whether the sensitiveness of an exposed Daguerreotype was re-
stored by the action of mixed vapours of iodine and bromine, abundantly
proves that complete reversal was obtainable by the development with
mercurial vapour under circumstances entirely in accord with the
phenomena of to-day, in which the period of exposure is only variable.
1 copy the paragraph in extenso from Hunt's Photography, second
edition, pp. 194, 195. '
" A prepared plate was exposed to light and afterwards to the mixed
vapour ; mercurial vapour was found to have no effect upon it ; the plate
was then partly covered with a metallic screen, fixed close to, but not in
contact with it, and the whole was exposed to light. On placing the
plate in the mercury box, a broad white band, nearly corresponding to t!ie
edge of the defended part, made its appearance; the whole of the
defended part (excepting the band in question) was unaffected, and the
exposed part exhibited very little change. By a careful examination of
the plate after it was removed from the mercury box, the white band in
the middle appeared to be produced by the feeble light which had passed
under the edge of the metal plate which had screened the light from part
of the prepared surface ; and the very dark, and apparently umiUercd
appearance of the exposed part, was occasioned by an excess of action, for
mercury was found to have condensed on that part in large quantities, and
to have produced the dark lead colour which is commonly called solarisation ;
hut which effect, in the case in question, was no excessive, that the colour of
the part on which mercury had condensed differed but very slightly from
that on which no light had fallen. It was now evident that the apparent
absence of effect in the last experiment was in reality occasioned by an
excess of action; and by repeating that experiment and making the time
of the second exposure to light much shorter than before, the plate
November 4, ISS:}]
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
713
assumed, ander the action of mercmr.ui intema and beautiful whiteness."
I The italics here are mine.]
For the next fifteen yean the subject seems to have attracted but
little attention, hut l>^'>^-6-7-8 were fertile in observations on the
•• Altematiuft Action of Light" (Hardwich, Journal of Photographic
S-x-iety, vol. ii. p. 211); the "Reversed Action of Light" (Jackson,
Ihid., ToL iv. p. 76); the "lieversed .Action of Li^ht"" (Hardwich,
Ihid., p. 82) ; " Reversed .\ction of Li^ht " (Craddock, Ibid., p. 1 .4) ;
" Reversed .Action of Light " ( Photographic Xotet, vol. iii.
p. 92) ; after which, to leave my note-book and quote from memory,
the papers of uutstandioj^ impurtance have been, first, that of
i'rof. Janaten, who, as I have already more than once stated, was
the first to give the true order in which the phases followed each
dtber, and who was also the first to e*t«bli»h the fact, that in addition
to tlie neutrals other phases occurred and recurred : and second, that
published by myself in 1686, in which, after .-ihowing in the first,
second, and third paragraphs that the superlicial de^adation first
formed by light, either on ordinary silver paper or on a gelatine dry-
plate, formf an obstacle to the penetratioa of the light which falls
upon the film afterwards, a degradation palpable aiter fixing: in
parugrapb D. 1 said : " If the normal be produced with an expooure x,
and the first neutral (inyi^ible) with an exposure nx, then the tirst
reversal w3I be obtained with an expoauie n'x. the second neut ral
with an exposure n'x, the second normal with an exposure n'x, and)
presumably, so on, ey. : —
Normal 5 seconds
Neutral 90 „
Rereraal LOiH) „
Second Neutral S-MOO „
Second Normal oLM.SdO „
which is, I think, equivalent to statins—
That the numerical expraaaion of • lenaity (l-O,0-.5,O-0,U-5,
1*0) correepondf in a eertam man number expressing the
ezpoMue.
ThU, / a^/atJi think, i» equivalent to saying that " the logarithm of
>. number is the index or exponent of the power, to which a given
c >n»tant base or root must be involved, to be e<{ual to that number."
Ami •ither exprv«.i.iii ' ' ; ' ,(rm vtnlurr to think, i.i pre-
.^> It till- •a:n' TMn. .'■• (leiuities are proportional to
the tofpmliimi) uf tb>' • tp- - .- iMt quotation is taken from
Meaare. Hnrter k I>nt!i>'ll- \w-:. ['jblisbed in the Journal oj
Ckmieal InAutry, .Mity -'U, IMni
1 would Imi* remark that, aa I arlcDnwIedired at the time, the
aumbera I employed to ezpr«aa the expo^nr.-, . ,,rn-»!>oiHjini' t.. ilie
givwi denthiaa dependant upon them w<' i-
periment, bat were dadnoed from a maa* .:ig
teatimony.
My figmea were, I acknowledge, d^ltipHj, not found for me,
meehaniodly by a machine, and w - - '' purely and
limply to ennTwy ray impiession a- relationship
'"ture and d'm*'ity <;f (ioposit aUouId be, bearing in
out. that there wa* always a slight excess of
ractive or repulsive power a* e«timated by
rinted-out degradation i>f the film, for whicn
..I -w.-iiio' rini :ti\vav^ t'l twj made.
While this 'letemination of the aeqnence, and the periodicity of
•he sequenc, mu»t of necessity be r-"' '—■■■.:"•■•.•!'• f ..^iH ai* of
•pecial practical or theontical Vali: - -n thai
much more light was cast un-m tl .„- which
maybedtied aspre'emiT approximaiiou to the
aaqneace, bb erperiment< - an explanation rif the
pheaomeoa of halation, defined ar om solarisntioii — with
mieituiea of diffeient shapes, his ex| ■ n and the evidence led
by the •pcetroacope aa to tJie refFai%-iUiUty of the rays producing
fenmal.
Neither must I omit ID V vperiments verifying or
dvnytng the tnith of Capt a\ nor those in which I
(lenHMlnted that fAio-suipnat-' 01 -d in excess ti a ferrous
oxalili developer produced reversal ~ .al or under expoaures.
Colooel Waterhoiise's diaeo*ery thai /. / -uiinmine tended to pro-
dnoe rerersala with espoaorea of similar liuration, and his far more
croeial riaaaiielirs on the eridenoe, led by the galvanometer on re-
versed aleetio-magtietic cnrxenta, induced by reversing expoaoies,
moat not be fotgottan.
Thia latter form of experiment, I may >5y, I have over and over
•gain repeated, and have invariably confirmed the reliability of
Colonel Watanooae^a raaolts. At the same time, 1 confess that my
weeawhee ia thia diieetian have been only partially published, and
that my reaalu mnain tntdaarifled. HroH Bbkbisbb.
OX THE METHOD OF EXAMINATION OF PHOTOGBA.PHIC
LENSES AT THE KEW OBSEEVATOEY.*
In considering and in recording the results of examinations, it has
been found convenient to give more exact meanings to certain expressions
than have as yet been assigned to them. The following definitions have
therefore been adopted at Kew : —
A narrow-angle Uni means one covering effectively not more than 35°.
A medium-angle lent means one covering between 35° and 55°.
A wide-angle lent means one covering between 55° and 75°.
An extra vide-amjle leiu means one covering more than 75°.
With regard to the wording of the " General Eemarks " in the certifi-
cate, it should be remembered that the lens is judged entirely with re-
ference to a plate of named sized ; the lens is therefore classed as above
by the angle of field which is given as the last item but one in test No. 10.
If the same lens is examined for plates of different sizes, the certificates
would be worded differently in each case.
The C.I. So. of a ttop means the nnmber which indicates the intensity
of illumination produced by it on the plate according to the system pro-
posed at the International Photographic Congress of 1889
The largett normal ttop means the largest stop that can be used with
the lens so as to produce definition up to a selected standard of excellence
all over a plate of given size, the objects whose images are seen being all
equally distant.
A tlov lew means one of which the largest normal stop has a less
diameter than has C.I. No. 6.
A moderately rapid Unt is one of which the largest normal stop is C.I
No. 6, or larger than that size and less than C.I. No. 2.
A rapid lent is one of which the largest narmal stop is C.I. No. 2, or
larger than that size and less than C.I. 2,3.
An extra rapid lent is one of which the largest normal stop is C.I.
No. 2/3, or larger than that size.
For convenience of reference, these definitions will in future accompany
the certificate, probably in the form of additional notes.
No doubt most lenses are supplied with stops larger than the ones here
called the largest normal stops, even if it is not intended to use smaller
plates than those under consideration ; this is, of course, very right, for
in many eases the photographer will be willing to sacrifice the definition
near the edge of the plate for the sake of increased rapidity.
It now remains to be shown in what way the above certificate of exam-
ination would be useful to the practical photographer, who has sent his
lens to Kew for the pnrpoaa of being tested. It may, we think, be
assumed that he wants answers to the three following questions : — 1st,
Is the lens a good one ? 2ndly, Does it properly cover the pUte of the
named size? And 3rdly, What exposure must be g ven when using the
different stops.
With regard to the two first questions, the result of the examination is
recorded in such a way that he may either rely on the " tieneral Eemarks,"
or be may form an independent judgment from the results of the tests.
In order to decide himself, from the records in the certificate, whether
the lens is, generally speaking, a good one, he should first look to test
No. 13 to see if the definition in the centre of the plate with the largest
slop ia " excellent," as should always be the case ; he should then con-
sider test No, 15, by which he will see what are the faults introduced by
the lens not being properly corrected for chromatic aberration. With
regard to the second qneatkm — that is to say, when considering whether
the plate he intends to use is properly covered or not, he should chietly
look to the results recorded imder test No. 13, where is given the size of
stop or the rapidity of the lens tor a given standard of definition up to
the edge of the plate. If the definition at the centre is " excellent," then
any want of definition at the margin will be chiefly due to curvature of
the focal surface or to astigmatism, and therefore the results of tests
Nos. 12 and 16 should be considered at the same time as test No. 13.
He must also look carefully to the result of test No. 14, which shows the
maximum distortion produced in the image. It will depend for what
cla.is of work the lens is to be used whether he should consider the
amount of curvature In the image of a straight line near the edge of the
pUte, which will be there indicated, is objectionable or not.
The " General Eemarks " are recorded as the result of exactly similar
considerations to those diaonssed above, the experience gained by the
examination of lenses of undoubted quality giving an idea of what
standard of excellence should be required.
With regard to the third question, as to the exposure to be given with
the different stops, it may be hoped belore long that the C.I. numbering
will be generally adopted by all practical photographers, in which case
the results of test No. 9 will give the information required.
* Coitiniwd from peg* W7.
714
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[November 4, 1892
In many works on photography, the view is expressed that the practical
photographer also wishes to know from what point on his lens he should
measure or adjust the distance of any object so that, by reference to
tables, he can obtain definite enlargements or reductions ; this is, in fact,
urging that the position of the principal planes should be marked on the
mounting of all lenses. According to our experience, this is a want in
reality very seldom felt in practice. The tables are, no doubt, sometimes
used to get approximate results, the fine adjustment of scale being after-
wards done by measurements on the ground glass ; but if the slot between
the two lenses of a doublet is used as the point from which the measure-
ments of distance are made, the results will be quite near enough to the
truth to serve as a first adjustment, and for this purpose nothing will be
gained by marking the exact position of the principal planes ; it should,
however, be stated that the omission to mark them is merely made in
consequence of the necessity felt of minimising, in every possible direction,
the time spent in the examination.
Each test to which the lens is subjected will now be described in detail,
together with such discussion as to the reason for its adoption as may
appear necessary.
The first four headings of the certificate deal with the numbering of
the lens, the maker's name, the size of plate for which the lens is to be
examined, &o., and as these do not form part of the results of the ex-
amination, no remarks are necessary with regard to them,
5. Number of Reflecting Surfaces.
In most cases the number of reflecting surfaces of glass is known at
once from the type of lens, but, if in doubt, a simple experiment will
settle the point ; the room is darkened, and the reflection of a lamp is
observed in the lenses ; each of the surfaces of the lenses will give one
direct reflected image, and the number can thus easily be counted.
The amount of light which reaches the photographic plate decreases
with an increased number of lenses, because of this reflection, and
this circumstance should not be forgotten in estimating the suitability of
a lens for any special purpose. Surfaces merely separated by Canada
balsam reflect little light, and need not be considered from this point of
view.
6. Centering in Mount.
Two diSerent errors might be described under this heading : either
(1) the optical axis of a perfect lens may not coincide with the axis of
the mounting, or (2) the axes of the different lenses of a doublet or triplet
may not all be in the same straight line. As to the first of these errors,
we believe it would never be sufficient to have any appreciable effect on
the practical value of a lens, and therefore no test for it is considered
necessary. With regard to the second error, WoUaston's test is the only
one applied ; this consists of looking at the flame of a lamp or candle
through a compound lens, and noting if all the different images of the
light as seen by successive reflections from the surfaces of the glass can
be brought into line by a suitable movement of the whole lens, which
should be the case if the component lenses are arranged about a common
axis.
It may be remarked that the nodal points may be shifted away from
the mechanical axis of the lens in consequence of either of the above-
mentioned errors, and also, on the other hand, that the second error
may exist— that the axes of the component lenses of a doublet may
not be coincident — and yet one or both of the nodal points may conceiv-
ably be found on the mechanical axis of the mounting ; it follows, there-
fore, that to estimate the distance between the nodal points and the
mechanical axis, which has been suggested as a means of detecting any
want of centering, does not answer that purpose very well.
7. Viiible Defects, tuck as Stria, Veins, Feathers, dc.
Under this heading any faults detected by a careful inspection are
given. Lkonabd Dabwik, Major B.E.
[To he continued.]
A PHOTOGRAPHIC GUIDE BOOK.
A BECEKT journey amongst a few of the central Italian cities has
given me some experiences which I feel disposed to turn to the profit
of the craft, professional or amateur, and the practical nursing of
which to maturity I would recommend to the Camera Club, which
has the best appliances for its actuation. It is the editing of a guide
to photographers who wish to profit by the short and sometimes
hurried visits they may make to the picturesque cities all over the
world. There will always be a great pleasure in the hunting out
picturesque bits for the sake merely of their picturesqueness, and the
taste of men, and women, will differ as to point of view and
attractiveness of subject, hut there are certain points on which the
agreement will practically be complete. These are on the value of
historical monuments, celebrated buildings and localities, &c., &c.,
and these are in most cases to be best seen under aspects which do not
depend so much on the taste of the photographer as on the points of
the compass.
My plan is this, Let every tourist-photographer who has made a
stay in any attractive city, likely to be much visited by his confreres
make a careful and exhaustive study of the monuments and subjects
in it, and note the point of view and hour of the daj' which show
them to the best advantage, if possible to he accompanied by a small
map of the city with the monuments indicated, the hour of the day
at which the light gives it the best effect, and shows best the
character of the architecture. Let the Camera Club appoint an
editing committee whose business it shall be to collect and examine
these reports and amending one by another if feasible, make a
thoroughly practical guide to the tourist which shall save him the
trouble of examining the cities included at all times of the day and at
more or less varied seasons of the year, and in case of hurried and
necessarily limited visits, enable him to use his time witli the greatest
economy. Like Baedeker or Murray, this should be overhauled and
added to as occasion offers and contributions permit, from time to
time, and new editions issued as may be needed.
I offer an example, not as a specimen of what the plan ought to be
80 much as to show the direction of the instructions, because the city
which I use as illustration is one I have not been long enough in to do
all that it needed, neither having been in it at the best season. In
fact, I was too late in the year to get some of the most important
monuments, and these I indicate by general knowledge of what the
situation demands. It is a sketch of a section of the book.
Pekuqia.
On the railway between Florence and Rome via Terontola. Hotels
recommended, Grande Bretagne, Albergo di Belle Arti, Grand Hotel
di Perouse, dearer and much resorted to by season visitors. Objects
of photographic interest : The great gate, locally known as the Etruscan
gate, one of the ancient gates of the city, and the only one in a
state approaching that of the Etruscan epoch. It is only to be taken
with any effect of sunlight in the early morning of the long days of
June and July, as it faces the north and the surrounding buildings
interfere with the morning light. In the month of .September the
light only falls on it from 7 a.m. to 7.30, but too red to give any
effect of light and shade even with orthochromatic plates. Palazzo
Communale, the ancient town-hall on the principal square of the
city ; two views, one from the north-east, only to be got in the
morning light and not later than August, when it is available about 7-S
a.m., and the other of the principal fa9ade on the main street of the
city, comes into the best light about 10-12 a.m. The fountain of
Fra Benvegnati in the main square is best at about 2 p.m. The
Church of St. Angelo (an ancient temple turned into a church) is most
available at 8-10 at any season, and the gate of St. Angelo, close by,
a fine example of the military architecture of the 12th-13th centuries,
is to be taken in the afternoon of any month, 3 to 4. The church of St.
Bernardino, one of the most important works of Agostino di Duccio,
should be taken in the hours between 10 a.m. and noon. There is a
most interesting view of a part of the city to be taken from the
viaduct which crosses the vaUey between the University and St.
Agostino, looking toward the south-west, with the ancient gate of
the city (restored in the middle ages and with a Gothic arch) up a long
flight of steps ; at the right is seen a long piece of the Etruscan walls
of the city. The Porta Eburnea offers a picturesque as well as
archaeological interesting subject in the morning, about ten o'clock,
from the street below the terrace in front of the Grand Hotel di
Perouse. The Porta Marcia, a gate removed from its ancient position
by San Gallo to make room for the citadel (now demolished) comes
into light in the afternoon, 2 to 4.
To the east of the city, from various points beyond the walls there
is an interesting view of the great plain of the upper Tiber with
Assisi in the distance, to be taken in the late afternoon of very clear
days. The upper Tiber presents some most picturesque points lower
dovra, in the vicinity of the first station towards Assisi, Ponte S. j
Giovanni and from the villages of Ceppi, Bicocca, Fratta, &c., and k ,H
beautiful view of the valley of the Tiber is seen from Sta. Petronilla, ^
two miles beyond Perugia on the road to Urabertide.
This is not intended to exhaust the example I have taken, as there
are many things of interest to the photographer in Perugia, but it will
serve to illustrate my idea. With such a guide in hand the tourist
goes at once to the points which he may be most interested in, at the
proper hours of the day, and studies his point of view and effect to
suit his own taste. He knows when the sun illuminates the subject
he wants, and, it by chance he has but limited time to give to the place.
XovembeT 4, 1803]
THE BKiTISH JOURNAL OF rHOTOGEAPHY.
715
be maJcM the moet of it. In short, it would do for him what Baedeker
does for the hurried tourist, saves him the trtiuble of exploring the
locality without a previous idea of what he may find of interest, and,
if he most hurry, enables him to do *o with the least loss of his
oppirtunifies. ' W. J. Stillman.
Jt(me, October 27, 1892.
©ur IBtitorial Cablf.
VABiors Printiso Papibs.
Mr. Otto Scholzio, 31, Bin6ekl-road, S.W., sends samples of a new
puer he is about to bring into the market under the name of Schol-
tig» enamel paper. It is a salted, hardened, |^Iatini.'>ed paper, to be
•ensitised by toe photof^^pher himself, and toned and nzed in the
usual manner. The shaet is 20 x ^ inches. The samples sent are
tint«d, one sheet a mauve and the other rose, both very delicate.
A SPXCIMKX of double albumenissd, sensitise paper, received from
Mi. W. Webber, Bristol, printed with a fair de<p«e of rapidity, and
took a good tone in the acetate tomng batli.
Cklloidix paper, a Continental prodnction, has been introduced into
this country bv Messm. A. J: M. ZimnMnnan,Croa»-laoe, St. Mary-at-
Hill, E.C. The printing process is the same as that for albumenised
paper. The toning and fixing are Mcommended to proceed simul-
taneously, a formula for the eombiiied bath being given.
Habtlkt's CBt,Lni)iD Df AD Black.
Tbb Anglo-.\m«rican Varnish Company, Birmingham, has submitted
a sanpfe of the above black vamiui, which may be applied cold to
wood, leather, or metal. It dries dead, and adheres well.
Mbtal La](tbbs-Sui>b T.
• TBIPS.
Wb have leosived from the Photograpi prise Companv, Bir-
TliT11g*T*VT"^ *■*■■* of their " Knterpri.— " lantern-slide binding
stripe. TlMy WMist of a strip of tin, having the edges turned over,
and capable of bending and holding taigetheT the slide, the matt, and
the eorerisg glass. They will be WMol in the extemporising of
flMWBtk
NOXISOL AXO TH1rTO!«B.
piepaiations are introdnoed bv G. Wriaht 3c Co., Ilopwood,
hire. By the addition of a little of the Kirmer to the develop-
ing iolntkm, it aannw a non-actinic coloor of such a quality as to
pietiDt fieedom from eneb fagging aa might result frjm developing
platea is tanta, or other place* wbara it ispoasible there may be such
a degree of light as would eanse fog. Toiotone (for which a patent
has been applied) is a toning solution for producing rich, w-arm tones
on galatin»«hktid* prir- 'papers.
TBI POtTTBCHlH'-
sVewaosr 9 ' ^- Ai '
Mr
fv«-riT.~nnx.— The feDoving lecturw eommsaee on
/■> to Ptketyr^f, vntii Rtamflm. Six
:luichard. rirteiy— and Pnetlet ^StrnHo,
AnAtltclural fkU^n^kf, with Mamfh* owfOwiwiihu-
H0VIM FinBsr.
Mr. HoMM fiihasi. Jti—w aarf Ttekuint «/
Pk»ki\ i^*y (Qty ObM-s pwyaMwT Vr A. W. DoUoad. TWPnetical
OaaNS nnwmmr« oa XonssMr 8, an ' -'tadio Posiag sad Ligbting,
gtadio FMbaeaad Lkhtlag (Beetrk I hiss BalaigaiMato in Black
MlWUts^ Wst Oauiodlaa Uot Photo- .liccnanicai Propsssw. Copytog. he.),
!%■!> OiaiBie, lhlaf|lBft UatatB SUte aad iMtan Work, Collotype,
Zlae
■Ml PkliMtyps PriiMBS, RateMUag. Pkoto-Uthogtapby
ork. Pmnetas aad lyDabiu of cTthsr of above cIbmh
Work.
M to Mr. Robnt Mttcbsll, Bsentary, at the [wititatioa, 307. Ragent-
Ike itogiaaaae, it will be sssa, tnvaats ptseUeall v ths wh^ flald
■d to aay OM ia ssanb of iBstmettiw pteividM all the oppor-
n* Poljrtachaie has besa so tar very ntcoessftil ia tsasBlag
pkotoDfifky, nd doabll<u will «mUnae sa
Tbb PhalampUe enrirXj of Cnat Biitaia had 1213 visiton to the Exhibition
lilt -iilr. ■snag s tntil if'ir" In - tt ijt't' — "■-;■-'-"- The Unicrn
Evolaa MBiriilty bate taawsil la popgliHity thi* year, an<i, with the tioKle
■xcepttMi of the llM KsMWtina, ap to ths pNoent this year'i heads the list.
KECENT PATENTS.
APPUCATIONS FOR PATENTS.
No. 19,237.— "An Improved Photographic Stand, which may also be used
as a Lady's Companion." W. B. Grifftths and J. Woom.sn.—Daied
October 26, 1892. ^^
No. 19.251.— "Improvements in and in connexion with Photographic
Cameras." E. 'O.KiiCK.lxviooD.— Dated October 26, 1892.
PATENTS COMPLETED.
Imfroveme};ts ix Clamps ok Clii<s kok Use in Photoqraphio Coptino
Prockssks.
(A Commnnication by Alois Delug, Munich, Bavaria. )
No. 865. William Phillits Thompsox, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., 6, Lord-street,
Liverpool, and 6, Bank-street, Manchester, Lancashire, and 323, High Hol-
bom, Middlesex.— OctoJer 8. 1892.
The clamps or clips employed in copying processes in photography have the
drawback of hindering the passage of the light at the points where tliey grip or
touch the plate to which they are applied. The consequences resulting there-
from have been long known to every practical man.
This invention has for its object to provide a clamp or clip which, when
used in photographic copying processes, will prmiuce as little injurious a
shadow as possible. This is atuined by constructing the upper arm of the
clamp or cbp in a peculiar manner, and more particularly by causing the same
to come in contact with the plate at one point only.
The invention may be carried out in various ways. For instance, the clamp
or clip may consist of a stirmp springing outwards, which is formed either of
a sheet spring or a wire. The lower jaw of the clarap or clip is attached to
the upper arm of the stirmp, and is bent off at right angles downwards, whilst
the upper jaw is attached to the lower arm of the stirrup, and is beut up-
wards. The upper jaw is, aa already previously mentioned, constructed iu
such a way that it stands as little as possible in the way of the action of the
light, and only grips the plate above at one point. It is, therefore, prefer-
ably coDstracted of wire, which stands vertically on the plate, bends round
further abo«, and extendi downwards, where it is attached to the lower arm
of the stirmp. The lower jaw may have a correspondingly broader surface, or
may come in contact with the undtr part of the plate at only two points. The
stirmp with its two arms may be ronstracted ont of one piece of wire, on which
suitable finger plates, for convenience of handling the clamp or clip, are
soldered or otherwise suitably fastened.
In another pattern of clamp or clip two plates may be connected by a spiral
spring, and acting with a spring pressure against each other, something after
the fashion of a clothes peg, the upper one of which receives the clamp or clip
jaw, hereinbefore described.
As this latter stands as aprigbt as possible on the plate, and only bends
further upwards, it becomes possible that the rays of light will fall during the
entire duration of the exposure on all points of the plate with the exception of
the points of contact of the npper clamp jaw.
Apparaits tob DrriLoriNO, Fixnco, aso Wabbino Photoobaphs.
No. 19,471. JiTLll^s W,vnxER anil (iKonoe Brkdiq, b<^h of Zeitzerstrasse, 27,
Leipzig, German Empire.— OeioVr 8, '1892.
Orn invention has for its object to provide a box or tray which serves not
only to receive the developing or fixing liquid, but which is constructed in
snch a manner that the negative may be securely held in the box and easily
examined or ob»er\'ed from both sides, without pouring out the liiiuid and
without admitting the full daylight.
For this purpose we form the developing box of two principal parts, namely
the lower part, serving to receive the developing liquid, and the upper part,
serving to receive the negative, the two parts being separated from each other
by a grate or other suitable means, and the whole having preferably the shape
of a shallow rectangular trough or box place<l upright, that is, on one of its
narrow stdes. an<l closed on allsides except at the top, which is provided with
a bennetically closing cover.
The front and back of the npper pnrt of the box are made of red glass or
provideil with red glass windows, through which the negative can be observed
when it is not surrounded by the developing liquid. Tlie liquid is admitted
throngh a funnel placed at the top of the box and communicating with the
lower part of the box throngh a vertical pipe situated along one of its narrow
iides. A draw-off cock and short pipe placed at the bottom of the box serve
to discharge the spent liquid.
To develop a negative by means of this apparatus, we proceed as follows : —
After removal of the cover, the negative is introduced into the box so that it
rests with the lower edge upon the gnte mentioued above, while the top is
bddbv the cover (which is now closed) and a narrow guide slot
^ fW*aeffloping liquid is now poured into the funnel, the feeil--pipe leading
Auea flAL the funnel is closed by a stopcock, and the liiiuid is brought in
ooataet with the negative by holding the box upside down, horizontally or in
any other suitable position. In onfci to observe how far the image has been
developed, the box is placed upright, so that the liquid runs into the lower
{lart, while the negative remains iu the upper part, so that it can be easily
examined through the windows.
To many of those who are conversant with the early annals of gelatine dry
plates, it will tw interesting to know that Mr. Peter Maudsley is to revisit this
country early in \"v.....i...r. Ho has long been resident in Rochester, New
York, and has i iklng dry plates for several years, although, as a
landscape and fc' . ^rapher, be has been a user of them.
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF THOTOGKAPHY.
[November 4, 1892
MtttiMQ^ of Ssotittit^.
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK.
Date ct Utiting.
Name of Society.
Place of Meeting.
NoTembsr 7
7
Ajso. Studio, Nethergate, Dundee.
Hiilifax Camera Club
" 7
Greyhound Hotel. Richmond.
Hanover Hall, Hanover-park, S.E,
" 7
" 8.
50, Great Russell-.st. Bloomsbury.
8
:: i::::::
Ne wcastle-on-Ty ne & N.Countiep
MoBley-st.CaW, Nfwc!istle-on-Tyne.
8
Stockton
, 9....
Art Gallery, Ipswich.
Mayor's Parlour, Old Town Hall.
School of Art, Nelson-place, Cork.
Anderton's Hotel. Fleet-street, K.U.
High- street. Putney.
„ 9
9...
Leicester and Leicestershire ..
:: 9;;;:
„ 9
9 . ..
Readiugf
: 9:::.:
Mechanif^s' Institute, Stockport.
Association Rooms, Price-street.
„ 10
„ 10
Birkenhead Photo. Asso. (An.) .
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
Bradforrl Photo. Society
Camera Club
Cheltenham
Hackney
London and Provincial
Manchester Photo. Society
North Kent
50. Godwin-street, Bradford.
Charing-cross-road, W.C.
206, Mare-street, Hackney.
Champion Hotel, 15» Alderseate-st.
36, George-street, Manchester.
10 ....
Oldham
11
;; li:::;..
11
11
Maidstone
" u::::::
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
October 27, Mr. R. Beckett in the chair.— Messrs. R. Bartlett and H.
Bremner were elected members of the Association.
Questions.
The following question from the box was read : " A lantern is fitted with
twelve-inch Petzval objective and four and a quarter inch condensers, meniscus
(near the light), and piano-convex. A flat field cannot be obtained. Either
there is a ragged edge on the disc, or a dark ring round the centre. Making
the meniscus more concave has been tried, but does not improve it to an
appreciable extent. What is the remedy ?"
It was suggested that the condenser was unsuitable, and that another had
better be obtained. No other " remedy " was given.
Question No. 2 inquired for a means of getting rid of the yellow stain re-
maining on gelatino-chloride paper after the combined toning and fixing bath
and alum solution had been used, and was deferred to another meeting.
Temperature and Development.
Mr. A. Cowan stated that, the rapidity of a certain plate having been called
into question, he had exposed two pieces of one of the plates side by side behind
a series of tints, and had developed them in the same solution, but at different
temperatures— 58° in one case, 70° in the other. The former then only ap-
peared to be a fifth or sixth of the rapidity it ought to be, development
occupying exactly the same time in both cases. Three pieces had also been
identically exposed and developed, one for ten minutes at 58°, one for two and a
half minutes at the same temperature, and one for two and a half minutes at 70°.
The first and third were practically identical in regard to the number of tints
brought out. Mr. Cowan had confirmed the effects of temperature on de-
velopment by exposing several plates and developing the first one, which had
the appearance of being under-exposed. Upon testing the water, he found it
to be .54° ; on warming it up to the proper temperature— 70° (which, he said,
was conveniently obtained in either summer or winter) — the remaining three
plates came up all right.
Do Plates Lose Sensitiveness in Volcanic Regions ?
Mr. J. Weib Brown presented a communication from a friend who had
been travelling in Co.sta Rica. At an altitude of 4000 feet above the sea level
he had used films of 18° and 24° (Warnerke) sensitiveness respectively, in a
good light at/-ll, with an instantaneous exposure, found that he was under-ex-
posing. A professional photographer there told him that he had to give longer
exposures after plates had been in the country three weeks, which he attri-
buted to the sulphur in the air, sufticient of this being present to at times
blacken plates. Mr. Weir Brown quoted Mr. Howard Farmer's experience in
Egypt (as given at a previous meeting of the Association) of having found his
pictures under-e.xposed in the shadows, notwithstanding the bright light. It
tad also been suggested that, at a high altitude, a pure blue sky was non-
actinic.
Mr. T. BOLAS observed that the presence of carbon dioxide would weaken
the actinic power of the light.
Mr. W. E. Debenham thought the particulars given might be the result of
"mistaken observation."
Mr. A. Haddon said the matter could be tested in the laboratory, a film
being exposed to the action of sulphuretted hydrogen, and then developed
side by side with one that had not been treated with H„S. He thought
iridescence due to sulphur in the air.
The Chairman said iridescence oa the negative could l>e removed by means-
of a tuft of cotton-wool and a little methylated spirit.
A passage from a work by ih'i late Robert Hunt having been quoted at a-
previous meeting to the effect that, in the presence of a relatively large amount
of red light, a small .amount of white light wa.s inactive on a sensitive surface, the
following experiment was undert.iken : — A sensitive plate, secured to the black-
board, was, in ilarkness, subje :t( il to the action of three kinds of dark-room
glass — red, deep orange, and orlir.ary ruby — projected from the upper lantern
of a biunial, the white light, cut down by means of a diaphragm, proceeding
from the lower lantern. Three difl'erent exposures were made, and on de
velopment it was found that the 1\Tst plate was much over-exposed, but in the
other two it was seen by the devclojied images that in no case did cither of the
varieties of the " red lights " diminish the ert'ect of the white on the plate.
After further discussion the n)eeting closed.
Haclcney Photograpliic Society.— October 25, Mr. F. Honghton presidiBg-
— Mr. Gosling asked for experieiice of gelatino-chloride paper. The Chairman
was rather in favour of over-jirinting and long toning. Mr. Beckett said
plenty of gold should be used. A discussion then ensufiil on the new platinum
paper. >Ir. Grant found it reijuired more printing than the hot bath. Mr.
Gosling asked for a better moimtant than starch for printing out paper prints.
Mr. Barker advised Houghton's " Excelsior," as being always ready for use.
Mr. R. Beckett then proceeded to <;ive a demonstration on Hashlight photo-
graphy. He did not recommend si-.oh explosives as chlorate jiotash. as it kolu
apt to cause the sitter to start. Portraiture w,as not eminently adapted for
fiashlight ; it did not come near electric light. For interiors, such as churches,
it was <iuite at home, so to spe.-.k, .iiid for caves and subten-anean matters In-
valuable. Its defects were that it was apt to cause people to blink their eyes ;
another was getting rid of the sni-ilie ; and, again, there were generally unburnt
particles flying about, which wjuld grind into carpets, &c. Demonstrations
were then given, and the lecturer showed the way of placing lamps, using two
pairs of steps, reflector, &c. The lights must be placed so that there was soft-
ness in the shadows, and reflections in the eyes avoided. Mr. Dando had seen
good pictures obtained by using platinotype lamps. Mr. Hudson showed his
flash-lamp (continuous). He used magnesium powder, which was blown,
through the centre of a spirit lamp, and gave a continuous and powerful light.
Aldenham Institute Camera Club.— October 25, Mr. W. Vere Mingard
presiding. — Mr. Allan Hair gavu tlie second of a series of lectures on The Eye
as a Camera Obscnra. The lecturer briefly recapitulated the substance of hi.>>
former address, and then proceeled to compare the receptive power of the
retina with that of the sensitive plate in the camera. A very interesting
account of the " visual purple " theory, tracing optical impression on the retina
to the chemical decomposition of this substance by light, seemed to show a
still closer likeness to the photographic process ; but, when the lecturer stated
that the eyes of the dove and the b.it possessed no "visual purple," and that
the yellow spot of the human eye was without it, the theory fell hopelessly.
The subjects of distinctness and pL-rsistence of vision were next iliscussed, ami
the lecturer finished with a theory respecting the ability of the eye to appre-
ciate colour, and its bearing on colour photography.
Harlesden (Wllleaden) PhotogxapMc Society.— October 25, Mr. .J. Naylor
in the chair. — Mr. Woodbury g.-.ve a demonstration on Gelatino-chl-oride
Printing Processes. The Secretary h.anded round some samples of the new
Paget prize Lantern plates, kindly sent by the Company, and instructed the
members in the methods of making lantern slides by contact and reduction.
The next meeting, on the '22nd inst., will be a Lantern Evening.
West London PbotograpMc Society (with -whicli is amalg:aniated the
Chiswlck Camera Club).— October •J7, Mr. W. A. Brown in tlie chair. — The
Chairman introduced to the meeting the new President, Mr. J. A. Hodge.s,
who then proceeded to deliver his inaugural address. After referring to the
valuable services of the late President, and having given a word of welcome to
the Chiswick Camera Club (now amalgamated with this Society), Mr. Hodoks
suggested that more useful results would ensue if members more generally
joined in the discussions on technical papers. He then suggested that the
Society might undertake a photographic survey of western London, and, after
some advice to beginners to strike out a line of work for themselves and not
to dabble in many processes, Mr. Hodges enumerated some of the most im-
portant photographic inventions of the year — viz., the photo-telescopic and
concentric lenses. Van der Wcyde's'device for correcting exaggerations in por-
traiture, Willis's improvements in the platinum process, the Sandell plate, and
improvements in celluloid films.
Richmond Camera Cluh.— October 24, the President iu the chair.— Mr. Ir.
Ardascer showed C!owan's lantern-slide printing frame, a most convenient
piece of apparatus for making slides by contact, and very suitable forcollodio-
bromide plates, as with it there is little risk of damaging the film by abrasion.
Mr. F. P. Cembrano, juu., gave a demonstration of Transparency-makl mj
without a Dark Room. He said that it was his aim that evening to demon-
strate that no dark room, nor even a developing lamp, or the useof non-actinic
media, were at all necessary for the pursuit of that fascinating branch of
photography, transparency-making. The reproach that amateurs were selfish
because, no sooner they returned tome from work, they .shut themselves up in
their dark rooms, could no longer be cast upon them. Long winter evenings
could be sociably spent at home without giving up lantern-slide work, and,
provided a little care was used when developing .and the table was covered
with a piece of oil-cloth, no damage need be feared for the furniture or carpets.
Mr. Cembrano followed his remarks by developing several plates by the light
and within three feet of an ordinary Argand gas burner, several of the gas jets
in the room remaining alight. An ordinary dish was used, and the plates.
while in the developer, were not screened from the light. The resulting
transparencies showed absolutely clear glas.« in the part.s that had been pro-
tected by a mask during the exposure. The exposure (contact) was one inch
of magnesium at distances from three to t«n inches. The first slide was made
on a CowaK chloride plate, and was developed with pyro and carbonate
XoTember 4, 1893]
THJfi BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH!.
717
ammonia, and bromide tod acetate of soda. The lecond one, also a Cowan's
chloride plate, was deTrIoi>e<l with hydroqainone, caostic potash, and carbonate
of ymmnnia, the resulting colour beiDK a nice browo. A coUodio-bromide
plate gare alao equally good results. The demonstration was brought to an
end by azp<Milig two of Marion's Bartolozzi opals, one of which was developed
with amiool and the other with bydroqninone. The former gave a black
image, while the colour obtained with the second developer was light sepia.
MrTtxxis askwl which would be the best way to obtain warm tones on slides.
Mr. ClJlTOASO replierl that, with zelatine as well as with collodion, plate.s
any ooloor, fnnn bbck to red, conid be obtaineiL He had not been able to
get warm tones with eikonogeo, bnt with pyro or hydro<ininone a good rich
colour could he got by girini; a prolonged expoaure and using a well-restrained
developer containing carbonate of ammonia. Mr. Aroaskbb added that he
had obtained a wann tone with eikoBOgwi by n>ing carbonate of ammonia.
Th« Mtdaet far diacoasion at the next maetiBg will be on Prtparing Workfvr
CngrdOB Cninnnt Ontx — OetolMr SI, Mr. Maclean in the chair. — Measrs.
Dtaaoad and J. R Hartland wen daetad aMabeta. In consequence of gas
■apply failing, the showing of membcn' ilidaa was postponed to Wednesday,
November 'J. Mr. C. C Whiuker exhibited a large nomber of views of good
quality (noubly some toned by the Weit^ Brown procasa), afad Mr. Bray a
strikingly original example of "pictnre-makiug," entitled Tkt Bay yttt.
On Friday, the 4th, the Itobinson slides will be shown at Braithwaite Hall.
Monday, 7th, Mr. Charles Huseey leetotaa on .Stertoteopic Photography at the
Club Rooms.
AataB natagimfibio loeiaty.— At a maating of photognr' — ' M on
FViday Ust at Bnriiagtoo Hall, High-ftreet, Aston, it wax deci i.b
a Pboteciaphie Society for Aston and district. Mr. t'ounrillor - iki:
nreaidaa, and speka of the desirability of Ibtmiog a means of social and mutual
- ' . ■ »lu.aA ^tWm n*a..ti>A tliA **i1atlr art '* Th,.r* «r*n. slsn ni.*.
•ant M««n. Tylar, Oaeroft. Wollaatna. Priddin. Casson, Cole, Wimwood,
DmI, and oikar gtatlamcn. Amoof wolrtons passed were the following :—
"Tkat a FlMlagraphie Sodety ba maad.** "That it admit amateurs and
iimf— Iniisls " "nat it maat faitaichlly.'' "That it meet at Burlington
HalL" "That we approach tha Aatoa Nataral Ui<lory and Microscopical
Sodsty with a view to -iiiatitu the Fbolagrai>hic Society with theirs, but
takisf altaraate Thondays for our separate meetinifa. " The meeting was then
K^joomcd UDtil Tbonday, the lOth last., to deci<lir uiion future business then,
aBd, aflar a vote of thanks bad beao pasiad to the Chairman, the company dis-
panad. Twenty meabeti actually jotoad. Fee : 5«. per annum, or 2«. itl.
bair-rtaty, payabU in advance Ogoainieations to Fred. W. PUditch,
Acth«8scnlarT|wo <e>i., 138, WOlMtnal, Aston.
UvHpoal Aiuatoui RMtogimpihk) AlMaiMUaa. —October 28, the President
(Mr. W. Tomkinson) ia the chair.— MeaBra. A. Bradbury and E. V. Swinden
•ware appointed to audit the annual aecounta. Mr. R J. Sayce exhlbite<l two
Sae piatinotypa pic«ana of Th* Otrid aad Ma MttUitg of tht Vaten, Bolton
Woo^ ham aaaMrca takaa dins* m MtlSplatM by Mr. Wm. Brown, of
" C 1l Radar hfoackkfaifam tie Maating aa invention by himself
nathod of artiUcial lighting, specially
Taklaf e>|ua] ijuantitlea of mafneaium
Mr.
aMi Mr. PoUar. rinaliHM of a ■•« Method of artiUcial lighting, specially
' (BlBigiBC aaa ndndac. Taklaf e>|ua] ijuantitiea of mafneaium
powdtr and ehlonta of potash, Mr RkAon explained that, by means of a
adapted far ^
powder and
piaes of pcrfantcd line, ha diatribatad it aqnally over a sheet of pyroxylins
papar, aad nnoa tUa he pasted aaothar shaat of the same paper. A piece of
tUi uiwjniatfci*, abont ten hiehaa iqaaie^ produced, when Ignitad, a llash
aiillli fanlli hrfldtt aad laatiaf to maka a laatam slide by tadnetlon fhmi half-
plate Mr. Raadar ihowwl a alida nuida ia this way, whidt was equal in all
rc*p«;to to thoaa aada by dayliKht
timmtnt^ CtA—OMbtr 28, Mr. Jaau Whiulcgg (Preaidant) in the
chair.— Mr. W. LaaCH nad a papar as Tkt I'mjniiHg I'ciaritemn, with
practical deaoattratloaa ia^its naa, ahMrtag that Nicol prisms o(_ large siie
harlag ooa inch or one and a quarter
~ ■ * to exhibit the
■ oMaati via., aaa aad thn^^iMrtv laches — d alw that, when
J aaadd aok ba obtainad <tor at tha prasaat day they were some-
what prsdoos artidaa), a bawllc of thin glaaa plates naing traasmittad light
evaa this sixa (
iatha
I a splaadid sohatitnte, aad capable of ptododng
I that «aM oaly W UcatiAad by aiiNito la the sdeaoa. and ikr aatnua-
t^ tha iiiwdWIttM af tha albow or wBiiillat poiariaeopaa, evaa wbsa of the
laialaUa, Pmrinf tha daaMaatiatioa Haytfaas doahla lawga appamtna was
tTHHtrl and explamad, aa waa also tha haatiag aad uiaiaaaalMg of varioai
slairiT crystallisattoa, aalaaita, quartx, aad adea objects, Wuiiwulwtg oomfaiaa-
tt0M,«c. Pariagtha dtMnaioa which follg»ad tha lecture a member expensed
kfanif deeply laUraitsd ia the baantiral phaaoowna that had been shown
aaa« the scrsen, bat ha uaaftaaul to not nadcrstaadlar " what it was all
llmt " la the fast plaoa, ha avoid tike to kaew what waa mcwitlnrpalarfsad
Haht? Mr. W. I. Cnamncxaaid the term "polariasd" wasnotahupyooa,
aad thoi^t tbO, if tha ahaaonaca had to be radhitataaad a faaltw tatai
■ight ba found. It waa dlOcult to coavay a dear nadaalaadiaf of tha mean-
ly or aakrtaad VAl ia a fnr worda, aspadaUy to thoaa arho had aot atadisd
tha Mfaoa of otdtaary light If a rope wars strstchad aenaa a nam and
vflaaltoa bs given to oaa cn<l fi it- 'av, in an up-and-down motion, the vihra-
tloa would prMod to t! 1 as waves or ' if now
vfhfatians *«n given to the y». say, from rigl- *e would
nroeaad M wavn* or aadaiations ai right anglaa to the bnt ••.tu-h of waves ;
aarl. If a airtiliada of aatk rma tnr* ouda to vtbnoa ia every possible pUni
traanaMlr to tha lai^ of tta topaib tharwoaid represent the vibrations of a
ray of aoaaMa light, light baiag tha vffiratioB of an elastic medium which
asL aa aoaad ia tha vibratioB of ail
an
t air. But, when these ropea are
rsasad to vfkiato all ia tha saaM plana, they woold reoresent polarised U^t
all its viltratioos in svery possibia plane
traaawaaiy telha falh of t&e rav
rwlaced to oat plaaaL A hearty «
his paper aad denoartntion. M ■
r>«w« [see paga Till aad gave a lio.*
bi;t in polarised light the vibrations are all
•ks waa pas" : -ach for
I WICK read ^ ^itrini;
bitioa of rax;.. :itions of
what is generally understood as dissolving views. Some charming picture*
were shown, and the apparatus much admired for its simplicity and efficiency.
Laith Amateur Fhotographic Association. — October 25.°— The President
(Mr. Dougall) introduced the lecturer lor the evening. Dr. Hugh Marshall,
who had taken as his subject Luntern H'ori-. The Doctor, in his opening re-
marks, stated that the general consensus of opinion was in favour of wet plates,.
as producing in skilled bands the highest class of work of this kind, and with
that he was in full agreement, but at present gelatino-broniide plates were in
the ascendant, and in careful hands they ahtwst eqitalted those of wet plates.
Taking the popular gelatine plate as the key, he went fully into the chemical
constituents and conditions of the lantern plates of that class as supplied to the
amateur and profe.'Jsionals, and proved the possibility of having a perfect gelatine
plate. Printing by contact for this purpose ("lantern slides") he explained and
demonstrate*!, as well as copying from larger sizes by the camera. A simple but
efficient apparatus of the kind, of his own construction, was shown, explained,
and demonstrated. Another moile, he stated, of making either enlargements
or reductions was by the optical lantern, a very simple form of which of his own
make, recently devised, being shown, and by it he demonstrated his methods
of nuking enlargements from quarter-plates or portions of larger plates. The
making of slides from beginning to end was also skilfully shown, the Doctor
showing himself to be a skilled mechanic as well as a high scientist in this
department. In treating of the production of transparencies for other
uses than the lantern, ne was decidedly in favour of the use of matt
varnish on the Sim side of the plate rather than the ordinary method of
using ground glass, the latter being so variable in its character, the tinest
being very expensive, and the examples shown, were certainly good proof of
the Doctor's skill in the nse of his favourite medium. Thereafter he treated
fully on the various develo|)ers for transparency purposes, explaining the
aualities each had for ^ving tone, colour, delicacy of shade, and other ([ualities,
emonstrating these without a hitch, using the ordinary gas for the light and
bis own apparatus for the other parts of the demonstration. At the close
of this most successful meeting, and after lucid answers to many questions,
the thanks of the body were tendered in most grateful fashion by the President
for the delightful evening they had enjoyed, especially from its educational
point of view. Before dosing, the Secret aby stated that he had been supplied
with samples vf the new developer, amidol, and related his ex|>criences with it,
and distributed them to those desirous of trying it. The next meeting is to be
occupied with the annual exhibition of members' work for the jmst season, and
in this connexion would it not be well for this and other Councils to consider
the desirability of altering the annual meeting for the appointment of office-
bearers to such a date as would allow the names of the newly appointed body
to be printed in the current year's Alilv.s'ac, instead of bang a year behind
date, aa some of them are at present 1
CorrejSpoitDencr*
' Otrrmpondtntt aheald never wnCs or both Mm qf tht paptr.
THE MEASURES OF DRY PLATES.
To tht Editob.
Sib, — I do not know of any small matter that makes so much trouble
to a man on a joumey aa the irregularities in the sizes of dry plates. I
do not allude to the anpardonably careless catting, by which the angles
of the plates are not always right angles, or of an occasional neglect to
cat in the right place, ao moeh as to the want of a general understanding
as to the measore. I have recently had some trouble with discrepancies
between the ideas of the camera maker and the dry-plate manufacturer,
due to the amiable mntoal disposition to make way, each for the other,
the lormer making a litJe allowance for the plate being not exact in its
dimensions, and the latter calculating that the holder would be exact in
iU aocommodation, and ao cutting his plate a little short in measure, tlie
oonseqnenoe of which was that my plates went through the holder in
soma eaaea, and generally left one edge nncovered. With glass plates
this ia not so mnoh matter, but when one uses celluloid films, as I am
largely doing now, the edge that is not held in the frame of the holder
geta out of the toons as well as out of the plane. Why should the
societies not take up the matter and try to establish a general rule that
theplatea shall be in all eases cut to the exitct nominal measure, and the
eamera makers make the slight sllowanoo needed for the occasional,
perhaps unavoidable, errors in catting? For the carelessly cut plates
(hen i% no exctise, and the seller of them ought to be denounced and
WBWeBj Jgr, with tha mechanical appliancee now at hand, the cutting
ofpfllw toeiaot measure, barring variations in the fracture of the glass,
is aa ea<y as to cat carelessly and inexactly, but I have had celluloid
films of an excellent and well-known make recently which were all cut
the sixteenth of an inch short in both dimensions. The holders gave a
sixteenth of an inch play, and the consequence is that there is the
eighth of an inch to spare on both dimensions. The sight-measure of
the holder is correct, bnt the play in the holder becomes too much, and
the film sometimes misses its hold. If tlie plate makers will use the
prrirticable appliances for cutting their plates with precision, and the
camera-makers will leave play to the amount of one-sixteenth of an
inch, it would be a great convenience for at least one experimenter who
has not much time or patience to waste. — I am, yours, Ac,
.Vol-. 1, 1*»2. A WOBRISB AUATECB.
718
THE BRITISH JOUllNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[November 4, 1893
SILVER STAINS ON UNVARNISHED GELATINE NEGATIVES.
To the Editor.
Sib, — Gelatine negatives may be printed from without being varnished.
This has been so written in many works on Photography. Quite right,
they can ; but in nine cases out of ten it means ruin to the negative later
on. There must be many thousands of negatives apparently spoilt and
useless for printing in the hands of professionals and amateurs, suffering
from what I may best describe as silver measles, and put aside as
■worthless.
Several formulae have been published to remove the same. Some will
do 80, but they have one little drawback, they generally remove the
subject also. I recently had a charming series of negatives by a deceased
amateur ; many of them were very badly stained. Not liking to destroy
them, I made a very exhaustive series of experiments, and at last was
awarded for my pains by finding that by the aid of a very old and valu-
able chemical I can in a few minutes remove the silver stains without
injury to the negative in any way. No previous soaking or after-washing
is necessary ; tlie solution is perfectly harmless to the negative, and does
not contain any cyanide, acid, hypo, or anything that I have ever seen
mentioned.
Now, as the proof of the pudding they say is in the eating, I make the
following oiler. I invite any and every professional or amateur photo-
grapher to send me during this next fortnight a negative such as
mentioned by parcel post, and enclosing a properly directed card, with
the necessary stamps for the return postage (without which I must
respectfully decline to forward the same), and I will without charge send
the negative back, and I think there wiJl be no sign of silver measles.
After that, if satisfactory business, I will call and show you some very
bad samples with stains partly removed, and I will remove the other
portion in a few minutes ; but you will, I am sure, excuse me not showing
" how it's done." I look upon it as a very valuable discovery, and in this
instance I think I must keep it a secret, and try, while helping others, to
help myself. — I am, yours &c., Horatio Nelson Kino.
4, Avenue-road, Goldhaick-road, Nov. 1, 1892.
[We may say that our friend, whom photographers generally will
recognise as one of the few remaining clever veterans to whom the
art owes so much, practically demonstrated the method at the Editorial
offices, and we can testify to its efficacy and success. It should prove
an idea of great value in actual practice, — Ed.]
THE IMPERIAL PORTRAIT ASSOCIATION.
To the Editob.
Sib, — I was pleased to see the letter from your correspondent, William
C. Ledger, referiing to the Imperial Portrait Association. Some few
months since they issued circulars to the public offering to take enlarge-
ments of cabinets free of cost, as they thought by advertising in this way
they would ultimately get a good business, &a. I sent my picture ; they
have the enlargement, and want me to pay for it. I won't from principle.
They won't return my picture. What steps would you take, Mr. Editor,
to get from them my picture sent to them at their solicitation ? — I am,
yours, Ac, Ed. Biekhbad.
Lewes-street, Manchester, Oct. 31, 1892.
THE ARK.
To the Editor.
Sib, — I have been greatly interested in the published account of the
finding of the Ark of the Bible by Archdeacon J. J. Norris, and I should
be much obliged if you would let me know if the reverend explorer took
a snapshot of the marvellous object ; and in that event, if and where
copies can be purchased? — I am, yours, &c., John Geeen.
[This subject is referred to in our leaderettes. — Ed.]
MYSTERIOUS MARKINGS ON NEGATIVES.
To the Editor.
Sib, — May I be permitted, as an old amateur plate-maker, to relate my
experience of markings such as those spoken of in your issue of the 28th ?
Foi several years after tlie introduction of the gelatine process, I fol-
lowed the general practice of drying plates in a box, through which a
current of air was made to circulate by means of a gas flame. Plates of
excellent quality, and free from these markings, may be obtained by this
method of drying, if the current be maintained with unvarying steadiness,
and the plates are not packed too closely. But if no mechanical arrange-
ment is provided for regulating the supply of gas, sharply-defined lines,
corresponding with each alteration in the pressure may be expected. It
does not always follow, except in extreme cases, that these markings will
be visible in the finished negative ; but evidence of their presence may be
obtained by holding a negative, when just surface dry, at the angle of re-
flection between the eye and a source of light, when, if the plate suffers
from this fault, a line, or lines, may be perceived similar to, but not so
deep, as those which divide the wet from the dry portions of partially
dried negatives. Your correspondent may rely on this as a certain indi-
cation of faulty drying.
My plates being all required, either for stereoscopic negatives or trans-
parencies, the necessity for spotless results caused me to abandon this
method in favour of the slower, but more cleanly, plan of drying in a
closed box, by the aid of calcium chloride. I soon discovered, however,
that if any marked difference in the temperature of the room was allowed
between the night when the plates were coated and the succeeding day,
that markings of a somewhat different character appeared, development
proceeding normally in the centre, but leaving the margin, perhaps for
half an inch all round, pale and lagging. Now, my experience of these
markings is that, if development is pushed on rapidly, there will be a
distinctive band round the plate of less density than the centre portion ;
but it reasonable time be allowed, and the ammonia added progressively,
and more especially if a somewhat stronger solution be applied round the
edges with a brush, no marking will be visible. Is it likely that we have
here an explanation of the difference experienced between manufacturer
and user in the case cited?
Again, if plates are dried on heavy racks, which obstruct the free access
of air to given portions, faint lines, or comet-like streaks, followmg the
direction of the leaning-post, may be expected. For this reason I have
found it necessary to use racks of the slenderest character, and to cut
away the contact portions to a knife-edge. I think there are very few
users of commercial plates who have not met with this defect at one time
or another.
Insufficiently washed emulsion also gives rise to bauds of a pecuUar
description, the margin and centre developing normally, but leaving a
midway band of less density, some half inch wide. In extreme cases, the
band is visible before development, and may be tacky or crystalline, in
accordance with the soluble bromide which has been used. Tliis defect
is, however, out of the question as regards commercial plates.
I think it will be allowed, on reflection, that these markings — except
the last named — may all be traced to one cause, namely, the varying
rapidity at which given portions of the film are dried. In the first ex-
ample, only a slow circulation would be induced by the midnight pressure
of gas, therefore the centre of the plate, having the advantage of greater
pressure, would oe dried in less time, area for area. In the second
example we have practically the same conditions ; the plates being boxed
late at night merely having the advantage of a sluggish current, due to
the difference in density between moist air from the plates and dry air
from the calcium chloride ; wliilst, during the succeeding day a better
circulation would result from the gradual elevation in temperature. The
difference between the two cases being that, in the latter, the two
portions of the film merge quietly one into the other ; and in the former —
which are difficult to manage in development — there are one or more
sharp dividing lines. The third case, relating to faint streaks or comets,
manifestly arises from the same cause.
This result of quick or slow drying would seem to relate only to the
gelatine, and not to the silver bromide, those parts dried slowly being
least permeable to the developing solution. In support of this view, it is
only necessary to examine a surface-dry negative in the manner suggested
above, when it will be seen that the margin of such defective plates, or
band of least density, is less elevated than the remainder. — I am,
yours, &c., J. Mellalied.
6, Long-street, Middleton, near Manchester.
REMINISCENCES OF AN OLD FOGEY.
To the Editor.
Sir, — I saw to-day in one of yonr recent numbers an article on the
"Preservation of Sensitised Paper." I was an enthusiastic amateur in
" tlie fifties," and used to preserve my sensitised paper in a tin canister
lined with paper, having a false bottom under which was a tray of fused
chloride of calcium. A broad indiarubber ring round the junction of the
canister and lid rendered it air-tight, and in the dry atmosphere sensitised
paper would keep indefinitely, and now, while my pen is in my hand,
pardon an old fogey if he twaddles a bit about the troubles of thurty-five
years ago.
At that time I used to belong to the North London Photographic Asso-
ciation, the President being your then editor, Mr. Shadbolt. I think we
used to exercise more care in the selection of our views then, when our plates
c»st us so much trouble to prepare. Of course I excej't the marten of photo-
graphic art nt the present day. A short time ago I was in the Channel
Islands, and on one of the cars which make daily excursions was an amateur
photographer. When the car stopped and we all rambled about on a
beautiful bit of coast scenery, I was amused at the "a. p." and his
eagerness to pitch his camera ; he selected a place (or rather put his camera
down without selection) when he had the chimneys of a cottage in the
foreground, and little else but sea beyond. Only one hundred yards
along the path he might have got the cottage with a background of trees
leading up to the path where he had stood ; on the right a grand semi-
circle of rocks, and trees beyond stretching round across the picture in
front and beyond the headland, the sea on the left. I introduced myself
as an old "a. p.," and gently suggested a little more thought, but got
November 4, 1893]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
719
nther • mat answer. I rapposa he had got hii pUtrs where, they mj,
" all 70a have to do ia to press a batton, we do all the rest ! " In the
fifties we had something more to do than press a batton ! A week's
eating meant many hoars' hard work, mach anxious and careful cleaning
and coating of plates, washing, preparation and filtration of " preserra-
tiTea " — I oaed lomethnea albamen, aometimea Unseed emolsion, some-
timmi gelatine, sometimes gnm arable — mneh patient submission to
semi-BOilo^ion and irritation of the eyes from the ether fames, and then
the tnmUe M drying the plates without a cheek, which caused a line
aeroas the plate, and the care to avoid dost which caused pinholes. Kow,
after all this troable, we did not waste oar plates. My pUui was to walk
over the ground without my camera, notioe the b^t point of view for
every bit which attracted me, and the points of the compass, so that, if I
found the best point to stand the camera was facing sonth, I knew it was
no nae being there at twelve o'clock. I then used to go again with my
camera, timing my walk so as to arrive at the vations selected points as
near aa possible at the best time.
And then the hard work I I worked 10 x 8, and cameras were not made
so light as now, nor the stands, aa we often had to give fifteen minates',
not lecondi' (think of that, ye bntton-preaaers !). expoaoie, and after each
expoanre had to go down on my kneea with my head and shoolders in a
blaek bag, with a square of yellow tammy and change the plate — jolly
on a hot day !
Then the excitement of developing with add pyro, and the delight of
seeing a aooeaasfol negative. That waa the best part of the whole
hniiniiai Bat, alaa ! when plate after plata tomed out bad either from
ovar or iindar.«zpaaare, or from some aaeideotal defect in preparation,
than wama awaar words, I am afraid.
About 1800 I vaiy nearly atombled npoB the emulsion system which
has dona ao mneh for phatiDgr^>hy. Aboot that time appeared in yoor
JocaxAi. a method M farming a film by diaaolving cotton in a aolation
of copper in ammonia. As edlodion waa expensive and I waa not rich, I
took some pains with this idea. Of eoarss, patting into it a plate coated
with something containing copper and ammonia soon played the very
dickens with the nitrate bath, and so I triad dissolving bromide and
iodide in water and precipitating with nitata o( ailver and adding the
precipitate to tha enprie aolation of eottoo. I now aapyuaa that my dark
room as then aoosnoetad waa not anffleiantly non-actinio, and that I had
Doideaof tbaaanaitiTanaaaofthepteeipitate. Any way I tailed. Althongh,
owing to an accident which left ma laiaa tor life, I had to give op photo-
graphy in 1H61, I still like to read the joonials and see what is going on,
and if I can get an amateur to aoeompany me tor a day in my trap I can
taka Um to aoma ehoiea bita and anjoj Ua aompaoy.— I am, yoars, Ao.,
Octabtr 98k IWl Ou> Foon.
POLARISED UOHT.
To the Edrob.
Sn, — I am not aware that the part plv*d by polarised light in land-
seapa pbotottraphy has been fully pointed out. It in well known that the
light from all parts of the blae sky ia partly polarind, and that the
amount polarised reaebas a maximam in airsetions at right aogiaa to tha
aim's rays. By naing an anatyaar (a Niool'a prism, for tnataiMa) in eon-
jnnetioa with tha lana of tlia eamara, tha polarised light eaa ba entirely
eot off, while tha ordinary light, such aa that from eloods, Ac, is only
partly extingnished. This oae of an analyser appears to fornish a means
ot obtaining contrast between Une slqr and eloods, Ac, on tha aawaitlaad
plate, and may alao ba tonnd d aerriea in obtaining natoral eloods on
wndaeapa nagativaa. Tha light raflaetad tram the sortaea ot almoatevery
iakataaaa to aemplately or partly pdariaaJ aeoording to tha angle of
fadaatioa, and this is tha eaaa with Iba whila lailaetad light or glare from
the anrfaee ot ^aaa and landaifpa objaeta. By the oae ot an analyaar
with tha lens this anrteoa glai* aan, tharafora, be partly eat oat, leaving
the light redaetad tram balow tha asrtaea, whica givaa the object its
aoloor, to readi tba sanaitisad plata more or lasa nnadnltarated. — I am,
yoors, Ac, W. Oaovaa.
Mtl/ordroad, 8Jl., Sootmher 1, 1893.
[The " part which polarised %ht plays in landscape photographr **
kaa been fully wt forth and treated of in former Tolumea of this
Jocvjiai..— Ed.]
KEEPING QCALITIEB OF DBT PLATES.
To tkt EotTOB.
J raad with intaraat the eorreapondanee in your paper con-
fcaapiiiQ qoalitiaa a< galaliaa dry plataa, perliaps I may be
to givs a taoant asparianea, wUeh proraa that plataa do not
r aatasluiala throajh pmlnwgad kaapuig. OoniingaeraaaaeTetal
I wldah had baaa atond away tor flva or sbt years, I made
with tha*. Sana ot tha dotan nagativaa produced
I tUn, and otbara daaaa, bot in no oaaa ware any markings
tiaiUa ailhar at tha adgsa or elsawbare. Tha plataa develoiMd elearly
lafidly, p7fo.amniaaia being tha agant employed, and in avaiy
•at tha raaiula wan similar to thoaa obtained on new plataa. Tha
ia fear*, taee to taoa, with folded card at tha edgea,
of tba tUma, eaieh tour plataa being wrai^ad
in orange paper, and the whole box wrapped and sealed in thick brown
paper.
Stored in the same cupboard were some boxes of the same and other
brands which had been opened and carelessly repacked, and these showed
before exposure a discoloured band of nearly an inch in width all round
the edge.
The plates were, of course, in a dry place, and I think their condition,
after the length of time mentioned, goes to prove that, kept from the
atmosphere by careful packing, an average brand of plate will remain for
a considerable length of tmie in good condition. — I am, yours, &c.,
Obt Piate.
To the EnnoB.
Sib, — In reply to the query, " Do Plates Deteriorate by Keeping? " I
have expoeed and developed a 12 x 10 plate which has been in stock over
three years. Althoni^h something like twice the normal quantity of
ammonia was required to bring out detail (owing to plate being under-
exposed), the negative developed as free from fog and stain as a freshly
prepared plate. I would, however, mention that I have bad a whole
batch of plates of the same make completely ruined in less than a year,
stored under precisely the same conditions — in fact, side by side with
the above. This I put down to the tissue paper used in paclung, as the
plates developed to full density where paper had not touched them, the
portions in contact being insensitive. — I am, yours, &c.,
Whitby, November 1. J. Aston Bbiqqs.
^
THE EYE AS A CAMERA
To the EotTOB.
Sn, — The reproduction of one's original ideas must, of course, be
taken as complimentary ; some acknowledgment is, however, generally
considered fair and ooarteoar.
I read, in your last impression, that a lecture on " The eye as a
Camera " was given on the 4th ult. at Blackheath. At pages 18 to 25 of
the second edition of my book,* Photngraphic ilouipulations, will be
found, Ulnstratad with woodcuts, the first comparison made on this
subject. Now my position is this, I am preparing for press the third
edition of my work ; if I remain silent now, when my book appears I, and
not the lecturer, shall by my future readers be considered the plagiarist.
—I am, yours, Ac., Lake Pbise.
Levieham, Sovember 1.
»
PHOTOGBAPHEES' BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION.
To the EotTOB.
Sia, — On behalf of the Benevolent Association I beg to thank you for
your soggestion on page 691 ot yoiur current issue. If the different
Bodetiaa would aot upon it, and devote the proceeds of one evening to
tha Banarolent, there is no doubt that a very great and good work could
be done. It is oarious that the same idea often ^ikes two or three
people at aboat the same time, for only two or three days before your
saggeation appeared I received a letter from Mr. Frederick HoUyer,
offering to give to the Benevolent the proceeds of the last day of his
Exhibition, now open at the Dudley Gallery, Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly.
Mr. HoUyer writes: "I offer this, firstly, beminse I know that the money
will be useful to the Benevolent, and, secondly, because I hope that the
example may be followed by many other promoters of photographic exhi-
bitions, and by the committees of the photographic societies throughout
tba Ungdom." We have already appealed to the secretaries of the'photo-
Cipblc societies in London to assist us by the sale of tickets for the
Dtem Exhibition in aid of the Benevolent, which is given by the
Pbotographio Sodaty of Great Britain at their exhibition rooms to-night
(Friday, November 4). Wa tmst that everyone who is interested will do
what he can to make this a suooeas, and also to give the Benevolent a
good benefit on Mr. HoUyer's Benevolent day, wiiich will be Saturday,
Morambar 13. — I am, yours, Ac, H. Bmowdem Wabd,
Ifmorial Hall, E.G. Hon. Secretary P. B. A.
PBOrroMAFBic Club.— WedDcsday, November 9, Open Night Demonstra-
tion ot CVesco Fylma. IS, Annnal Dinner.
LoiTDOl avD Pbovikcui. PHOToaRArHtc Association. — November 10, paper
uu OmtMr nork, by Mr. Ernest MiUer. 17, Monthly Lantern Night
34, MMuh«n<^)psn Night
CMTDOV CaMUU CU7& — Fixtorei : November 4, Piciure-nuiking by Photo-
jraj^y, at Bnithwaite Hall. 7, Sttreotcopie Pholoaraphy, byHr. (J. Hassey,
at Clab Rooms, 68, Oeorge-strest 21, Lantern Night ; Members' Slides.
Photoorapbio Socnrrr or Orkat Brttaik. — November 8, Ordinary Meeting
at the Oallery, 6a, Pall Mall East ; Address by the President ; Presentation ol'
the Medals ; paper by Mr. Howard Farmer on Some Remarkable Properliet qf
Silver and Oelatitu.
Niwc*ntl»-on-Tthb and Northebk CoDJrmia' Photographic Associa-
tion.—November 11, opening of the Association's new rooms at the Art
Oallery, Newcastle ; Cmttnatioiu at a qnsrter to eight, and Exhibition of
Photographs, Stereoooopic Slides, and Lantern Demonstrations.
* John Oboichill k 80 •, London.
720
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGUAl'HY.
[November 4, 18fl8
Ensxtocw to GTorrespontjents.
AU maltert for the text portion of thit JOURNAL, including querUs for
"Anaioers" and " Excltanges," must be addressed to ''Thk Editor,"
2, York-street, Covenl Oarden, London. Inattention to this ensures delay.
No notice taken of cmnmunications unless ■)iame and address of tcriler are
given.
"*,* Commwnications relating to Ad^xrtisements and r/eneral business affairs
must be addressed to "Hesrt Grkeswood & Co.," 2, York-street, Covent
Garden, London.
Photographs Reoistered :
H.'C. Pettitt, Kewict, — P?(Oto^'aj)/i t^ CTiUrrotdered pall used ai Lord Tennyion's
funeral.
Willmm Curroy, Horeoambe. — Photograph <i/S»roihyi>i'au> and the Rinht Hon. W.E,
GladtUmt, M.P. _______
Anciest. — Received. Thanks.
Albert Levy.— Thanks ; we reciprocate your friendly sentiments.
Dkbbnham & Co. (Weston-super-Mare).— Sichel & Co., 52, Bunhill-row, E.C.,
is the address.
T. Bii.MN. — Use the sulphocyanide toning bath as recommended by the Com-
pany, and your trouble will, no doubt, cease.
CvMKO Bach. — We are not acquainted with any English work on retouching
containing illustrations showing the different details of the art.
S. PORTEK. — .\ny mixture of water colours that will match the tone of the
print, strengthening the shadows with the addition of ordinary gum.
<!. R. Truejian, Albany Studio, Shrewsbury, wishes to communicate with Mr.
A. Flint, who wrote us in regard to a flashlight arrangement. We have not
kept the latter gentleman's address.
T. 0. Morgan. — One or more articles on the subject will appear In the forth-
coming Almaxac. They will supply far more information than it is possible
to give in the limited space of the column.
L. M. says : " Can any of your readers give me the date of the number of the
.Journal in which there appeared a table showing the oompar.itive cost of
lighting by gas, electricity, and oil?" — See page 140 of the Journal for
February 26.
SEPTI.MU.S.— The query about the regulations as to exhibits at the Chicago
Exhibition should be referred to the Executive. A letter addressed to Sir
H. T. Wood, Society of Arts, John-street, Adelphi, W.C, will secure the
desired information.
A. W. R. complains that some pyro developer he mixed a week ago has gone
to a deep .sherry colour. On trying it, he says it works all right, but asks if
there is any danger of the negatives developed with it turning yellow in
time ? — No ; or, if they do, it will not be due to the developer.
T. T.— If the mounts are not of the kind ordered and the name is wrongly
spelt, you are not bound to accept them. With regard to their being sold
1 cany other person at a future time, we can say nothing, except that we
should e.xpect that no respectable house would do sucli a thing.
A. S. says: "In last week's Journal appears an extract from Anthony's
Bulletin in reference to .an electric retouching pencil. Can you furnish me
with any details of same t It not, where can I get information concerning
same?"- A]iply to Messrs. E. & H. T. Anthony <fe Co., of New York.
Background says : " Can you inform me where I can obtain information about
painting backgrounds ? I wish a few hints on mixing distemper, and al.so
advice as to what material to work on, and where to obtain it." — Such
information is to be obtainable in the volumes of the Journal for 1888,
1889, 1890.
Guard. — The Welsbach light is not so good for enlarging purposes as the lime-
light. For enlarging on bromide paper a blow-through jet will answer
every purpose. The exposure may be a little longer than with a mixed jet,
but you will do well to put up with that at the expense of safety, as you are
a novice with the light.
W.— "Vour query is one more particularly for a solicitor, as so much would
depend upon the wording of the agreement. It seems to us that the restric-
tion of a radius of twenty miles is ultra vires, but it is quite possible the
agreement would prevent you from sotting up in business in the same town,
as it is but a small one.
-<;eoroe Bankart.— We are afraid we cannot assist you. The composition of
the Platinotype Company's intensifier being a secret, it would be mere guess-
work on our part to attempt to indicate a solvent of the image. Have you
tried the effect of bleaching it with fen-ic oxalate, and redeveloping after
a thorough washing ? This might change the colour.
J. Moses.— There would be little novelty in the camera if it depended only
upon the material of which it was constructed. Cameras of small sizes
have long ago been made of ebonite, and similar material. There may,
however, be such novelty in its d«sign as to entitle it to a patent. But the
application of the material alone to cameras would not.
A. L. asks which is the hardest and, at the same time, purest gelatine in the
market '!— This is a difficult question to answer. On the whole, we should
be inclined to give the preference to Nelson's X opaque. Some of the
foreign gelatines are equally as hard, and perhaps more sightly in appear-
ance, but they have the disadvantage of being more or less acid.
S. R. W. asks how to boil a solution that contains a consideriible proportion of
sulphuric acid, as an ordinary tin or iron vessel will not answer, and the
enamel of the enamelled ware is seldom perfect. The best thing for the
purpose is a Florence Uask. They are supplied of all sizes by every dealer
of chemical apparatus. For working on a large scale platinum vases are
used, but we presume our correspcn lent wants something for an experi-
ment only.
J. A. Kay.— 1. Bromide paper usually curls " inwards" on the sensitiseil side,
and the application of the tongue to a corner indicates to you the gelatine ;
thus there arc two means whereby you may know which is the right side.
2. There are several photographic journals published in America. Messrs
Percy Lund & Co., Memorial-buildings, E.C., will give you all particuhirs.
Inquirer (Dublin) writes : " Is it practicable to enlarge direct on carbon tissue
by the limelight ? I should like to use the process for enlarging, but to first
make a transparency and tlien an enlarged negative makes the thing im-
practicable to me."— For actual work the limelight will not do. It is not
strong enough. The exposure would be so long, and the cost for gas so
great, that the thing miglit be classed as impracticable.
B. W. J. — By a faded DagneiTeotype we presume one that has become
tarnished is meant. If so, the picture can be restored to its original state by
treatment with a solution of cyanide of potassium. The details for doing it
have often been published in these columns ; but, if the picture is a valu-
able one, our advice is. Place it in the hand of some one who is familiar with
the Daguerreotype process, or else get some other one of no value to expert-
ment upon before treating the one.
R. ThomI'son. — If the negative is so extremely feeble, and resists all methods
of intensification that you have tried — and you have named the best — the
only way to m,ake it serviceable is to repro<luce it. First print a trans-
parency on a plate giving good density, modifying the development so as to
increase the contrasts. Then from that make a new negative, again
proceeding for increased contrasts. By this means from the most feeble
negatives a good printing one may be obtained.
C. W. says : " Can you please tell me if it is possible to copy any photographs
up to half-plate, the same size, in my half-plate camera, which has a 7 x 5
rapid rectilinear lens optlmus, and when the camera is racked out full it is
sixteen inches from diaphragm slot to focussing glass ? Can you please give
me any rule for ascertaining the distances between photograph and lens, and
lens and dry plate? The lens is advertised as eight and seven-eighths
focus." — Consult the Almanac for 1892, in which a table for computing
enlargements is given at page 858.
C. Bl.\ke sends two print enlargements on bromide paper. In one he com-
plains of the inky black ami chalky lights, and in the other of the grey
even tone all over. He says he has made several enlargements from the
same negatives, and they always seem the same. He asks if the negatives
are at fault ! — So far as we can judge they are all right, but the one is dense
and the other is the reverse. The one print is as much over-exposed as the
other is nnder-exposed. A shorter exposure In the one case, and a longer one
in the other, will produce equally as good results.
S. DoRNFORD. — If you have no experience in plate-making, we should certainly
advise you to have your plates from England as you require them. Plate-
making, under the most favourable conditions, particularly when the utmost
sensitiveness is essential (as it must be in your case) requires considerable
experience. In a climate like that of India during the hot season that
would be still more necessary. If ynu received the plates in small tin-lined
cases, and only opened them as the plates were required, there would be
little risk of the hot, damp atmosphere injuring them.
S. J. writes : " Would you kindly inform me what solution is used to prevent
the collo<lion film of a wet plate from washing off during development and
washing ? I know about fiooding the glass with an egg albumen, but
there is a kind of rubber solution used, painted round the edge of the plate
vjitli a wall brush, forming a safe edge." — With perfectly clean glass, and a
good collodion, nothing is required. In order to save the trouble of cleaning
the glass, a coating of dilute albumen is sometimes used. An edging of
dilute solution of indlarubber in pure benzol may be applied to the edges of
the plate if the collodion is of a very contractile kind, but the glass must be
perfectly clean.
FORTHCOMING EXHIBITIONS.
November 10-12 *Leytonstone Camera Club. Hon. Secretary, A. E.
Bailey, South West-road, Leytonstone.
,, 15-17 *Hackney Photographic Society. Hon. Secretary, W.
Fenton Jones, 12, King Edward-road, Hackney.
,, 17-19 Brixton and Clapham Camera Club. Hon. Secretary,
F. W. Levett, 74, Geneva-road, Brixton, S.W.
North Middlesex Photographic Society.
„ 18-26 'Stanley Show (Photographic Section). Hon. Secretary,
Herbert Smith, 29, Finsbiu-y-pavement.
,, 23-25 *Tunbrldge Wells Amateur Photographic Association.
Hon. Secretary, Joseph Chamberlain, 14, Calverly
Paik-gardcns, Tunbridge Wells.
„ 24-26 *Exeter Amateur Photographic Society. Hon. Secretary,
J. Sparshatt, Fairfield House, Alphington-road, Exeter.
*South London Photographic Society. Hon. Secretary,
C. H. Oakden, 51, Melbourne-grove, East Dulwich, S.E.
* Signifies that there are open classes.
OONT
Page
gelatine TEItSUS STARCH AS A
M0UNT.\NT 705
DAMP AND GELATINO - CHLORIDE
PAPER 706
HAS ALBUMEN RECEIVED ITS
DEATH-BLOW? 707
THE NEW DEVELOPER. By J. PIKE.. 70S
CLOUD NEGATIVES, AND HOW TO
RECOnn THEIR LIGHTING. By
T. L. PATTERSON, F.LC, F.C.S 7C9
SMALL LANTERNS AND DISSOLVING
VIEWS. By W. I. CHADWICK 711
:nts,
LIGHT IN DARKNESS, INTRODUCING
THE STUDY OF PHOTOGRAPHIC
METASTASIS. By HUGH BREBNER . 714
ON THE METHOD OF EXAMINATION
OF PHOTOOIUPHIC LENSES AT
THE KEW OBSERVATORY. By
LEONUtD DARWIN 71.1
A PHOTOGRAPHIC GUIDE-BOOK. By
W. J. STILLMAN 714
OI'R EDITORIAL TABLE.. 715
RECENT PATENTS 7IS
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES 716
CORRESPONDENCE 717
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS 730
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1697. Vol. XXXIX.— |^0VEMBER 11, 1892.
METHODS OF AltTIFICIAL ILMMINATION FOR
ENLARGING OR REDL'CING.
Now that we are well into the lantern season and the period
of home ernplojment, ia contradistinction to outdoor work
with the ctinera, the question of artificial light for porpoees of
enlar^^ement or the production of lantern slides will, no doubt,
assume an increased importance with many of our readers.
For contact printing, whether on glass or paper, the matter of
liL'ht^n^ is one of comparatitely minor moment, since almost
uuy f.irm of artificial illuiuinant — even down to a was vesta
— will answer everj purpose with oar modem Blms.
But tlio case is altered when the camera has to be used, as
must necessarilj be the case when a reproduction on a dif-
ferent scale from the original negative is required, for the diffi-
culty then arises with artificial light uf securing an equal
i! II of every portion of tb« negative. With duylight
II lity is not experienced, tinoe the parallel rays — or
practically so — coming from a tolerably clear sky give a
uniformity of illumination that it quite perfect. Not so with
the divergent rays proceeding from the flame of ordinary arti-
ficial illuminanta, which, while stron;;ly lighting the centre
portion of the negative, fall uff so rapidly in power lowanls
the etlges as to produce the effect of a vignette.
To remedy this defect the correct plan i« to employ a con-
denser—a system of lenses which, gathering up as many as
poesible of the divergent rays transmits them in a slightly
convergent cone of uniform illumination on the negative to be
reproduced. Now it must be plain that, in order to perform
this duty in a proper manner, the condenser should be slightly
larger in diameter than ths diagonil of the plate to be illu-
minated, and that therefure, on the ac-n of expense, tl>e con-
deoaar can only be used in coDJuiictii>ii with small negatives.
As a cooMqaence, from the earliest days attempts have been
made to meet the difficulty of nniform illumination in other
and simpler ways, chiefly by the use of a number of separate
lighta either stationary or in motion, and aided by reflection
•ad screeos of varioos kinda in order to increase the c<)uality
ef the difTasion obtained. Many suoh plans have been de-
■eribed in these pages from time to time, and only in our last
issue a novel method is mentioaed ns having been brought
before the Liverpool Society by two of its memlicrs. The pUn
is sufficiently ingenious in conception to be worth noticing.
It ia baaed upon the adoption of the magnesium flash system,
but tha novelty consiata iu the method of securing uniformity
of illnmination over a considerable area, the limits of which arc,
tlieorctieally, unbounded, though practically certain mechanical
considerations mast receive attention. A ijiixture of magnesium
powder with finely divided chlorate of potash is spread evenly
over a sheet of papyroxyline or gun-cotton paper, and a second
sheet is then superimposed and made to a space so as to
enclose the flash powder. As is well known, magnesium when
burnt in the presence of oxygen, or any oxygen-giving sub-
stance like chlorate of potash, produces an extremely actinic
light, and in the combination referred to the gun cotton
supplier the means not only of securing perfect combustion, but
also the necessary imifonuity of diffusion.
In use, it is only necescary to fix, or suspend, a sheet of the
flash papef the size of, or preferably a little larger, than the
negative, at a short distance from the latter, and upon igniting
it a flash or flame of great intensity and evenness will occur
over the whole area of the plate. The uniformity of action
produced by such an arrangement would, it is not difficult to
imagine, be sufficient to satisfy all requirements, even when
used in close proximity to the negative ; but, when a moderate
distance intervenes between the plate and the source of light,
the efiiect should be almost {)erfect, though, of course, a larger
area of flash paper would have to be used. And here comes
one of the possible objections to the method, namely, the in-
convenience of igniting or explinling large sheets of papyroxy-
line, rendered additionally ilangerous by the combination with
chlorate of potash. Another difficulty that* can easily be fore-
seen is the danger in handling the compound paper, esjiecially
in cutting it to size, as a very slight amount of friction would,
we imagine, suffice to ignite it, with possibly not very pleasant
effect.
The generally safer plan will b^ to, adopt one of the many
systems of multiple lights that have been described in our
oolamns. The flash system with magnesium powder lends
itself readily to the production of uniformity of illumination
owing to the comparativel}- large surface of flame produce<l ;
but it is liable to the objection already mentioned, the danger
and inconvenience of igniting large quantities of the powder at
once and of making successive exposures with the accompanying
clouds of smoke. The ignition of a single strand of magnesium
wire or ribbon, except at a considerable distance from the
negative, can certainly not be recommended on the score of
eveuaess of lighting, and with the increase of distance comes a
loiia^f<«Uuminating power that seriously militates against its
praetical efficiency, so that the multiple system of lights is the
one to be preferred.
The first arrangement of this kind that comes to our
recollection is one that was shown at a meeting of the South
Ix>ndon Photographic Society in 1 879 by -Mr. Brittlebank, and,
though specially intended for portraiture, it seems to commend
itself equally for the piirposcs we have under consideration.
i It consisted of a screcu or sconce of bright tin providel
722
THE BlillTdll JOUIiNAL OF PHOTOGKAPHV:.
[November 11, 1892
with a number of tubes at regular intervals over its surface,
through which strands of magnesium wire could be propelled
by means of a simple mechanical arrangement. Beneath these
tubes were, if we remember rightly, rows of small gas jets for
the purpose of igniting the magnesium. When an exposure
Wiis to be made the gas jets were lighted, and could be kept
burning during the whole evening at a slight expense. The
separate strands of magnesium passed over or between rollers,
all of which were ivctuated by the motion of a single winch
handle, upon tumiug which the several strands of ribbon were
pushed into their respective gus jets and simultaneously
ignited.
For the purpose of securing complete equality of illumination
over the surface of a negative of ordinary dimensions, say
lialf-plate, it would probably be desirable to replace the bright
metal screen or reflector with one having a dead surface, and
of course it would not need to be of such large dimensions as
for portraiture, some half-dozen strands of ribbon placed three
or four inches apart being sufficient. It would in any case be
desirable to allow the light to fall upon a sheet of ground glass
placed a few inclies from the negative, which, without inter-
cepting an inconvenient amount of light, would conduce to
greater uniformity in its diffusion.
Another method consists in the adoption of a reflector of
roughly parabolic form, which may be used with a single light
produced from ribbon or wire, or preferably by means of
magnesium powder falling into a gas or spirit flame, placed on
the focus of the reflector. The production of a reflector having
truly parabolic curves is not an easy matter, but sufficient
accuracy for our present purpose may easily be attained. A
simple method of plotting out the necessary curve with e.xtreme
accuracy was exhibited at one of the " Brittlebank " meetings
in 1871), and described in a leading article in our columns, but
the mechanical difficulties surrounding the actual construction
of such a reflector are considerable. A very effective, and,
for all practical purposes accurate, instrument, may be con-
structed as follows : —
The object is to collect the rays proceeding from a point of
light in a given position — known as the focus of the reflector —
and to throw them out in a parallel or very slightly converging
beam, the parallelism or otherwise depending upon the accurate
position of the light. In the case of a large flame, and
especially of a flash of magnesium powder, this becomes of less
importance. Having plotted out the curve of the required
reflector by the method alluded to, proceed to cut a piece of
inch pine to the shape and dimensions required, and use this
as a mould or pattern on which to bend a number of stout
wires. Next prepare a circular piece of wood the size of the
opening or mouth of the reflector, and bore at equal distances
round its edge a number of holes, into which the curved wires
are inserted, with their other ends meeting at a common centre,
so as to form a sort of cage. In fact, if the mould or shape be
placed in the hands of a birdcage-maker, with instructions to
make a cage to that pattern, it will be the easiest way of
securing a basis for the reflector. Of course, the more
numerous and close the wires the better will be the ultimate
effect.
Having obtained the frame or foundation, proceed to apply
it in the following manner : — Cut a number of strips of paper
wide enough to extend over two or three of the spaces between
the wires, and it will make a better job of it if these strips
arc roughly shaped to correspond with the spaces. Having
thoroughly moistened these, proceed to lay them as smoothly
as possible over the wire foundation, joining the edge only
with paste. When the frame has been entirely covered,
similar strips are pasted over the first in repeated layers
until a sufficiently strong shell has been formed, in the case
of these last strips the whole surface, and not the edges
only, being covered with the adhesive. The first layer of
paper may be white, but brown paper afterwards will give
greater solidity.
When, say, five or six layers have been built up, the whole
arrangement must be put away in a moderately warm place to
become thoroughly dry, and when this occurs the stiff" shell is
carefully removed from the wire foundation. The necessary
apertures are then cut for the introduction of the illuminant
and the escape of smoke, and the whole thing finished off in
the best manner that suggests itself.
A loss perfect reflector, but still an efficient one, may be con-
structed by nailing together four triangular pieces of wood so
as to form a s(iuare pyramid, the shape of the sides and their
consequent slope being so calculated as to throw out the rays
proceeding from any agreed point in a nearly parallel direction.
Such a reflector is within the capacity of any one who can uso
a saw ever so little, and in practice answers very nearly as well
as the more perfect form.
The arrangements for inserting the light, be it gas or spirit,
must be such that the magnesium is ignited at the focus of the
reflector as calculated. If the whole can be made adjustable
after the manner of the jets of an ordinary lantern so much the
better, for then the position can be altered until the greatest,
evenness of illumination is obtained.
EXPEDITING WORK FOR CHRISTMAS.
The cry of tlio afflicted photographer is already being heard —
"Christmas is close onus, and we can't get good prints in bad
weather, neither can we huiTy or expedite it ; the light cannot
be compelled," and so on. To a great extent his plaint is true;
but, at the same time, he has in hand, if he cares to make use
of them, many n^oie expedients than was formerly the case.
" The good old albumen print " is a sheet anchor ; but even
with it he need not lose the time he often, to our knowledge,
does. Keeping, for the moment, to that style of printing, it is
permissible to remind him that the loss of prints — good prints,
that is — brought about by yellowing of the paper when bad
light and exceptionally deuse negatives cause the print after
toning to be lacking in brilliancy and colour, need never occur
if he use carbonate of soda imoregnated pads in his printing-
frames. This plan is no secret, we have often referred to it ;.
but how many utilise its benefits. It has positively no dis-
advantages beyond the possibility of injuring the surface of the-
varnish if a negative be left in contact with the backing. But
to name this is to' suggest a remedy. It may further be
remarked that not only do these pads prevent the yellowing,
but they permit the toning to proceed, with say a three days'
old print, just as with fresh paper.
Then, again, we need not emphasise the merits of one or other
of the brands of ready-sensitised paper now so freely offered. It
goes without saying that following their use no yellowness or diffi-
culty of toning, through long keeping in the printing frame, is
experienced; but beyond this it is unquestionable that most of
such brands in the market print distinctly more (juickly than^
the usual home-prepared papers. We are aware that some
photographers object to their use, though their number is
rapidly diminishing, owing to the difficulty they experience iox
NoTMBlwrll.ISOt'j
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOaRAPay.
getting their accostomed "tones." This, however, is mere
matter of practice. Naturally the treatment required is
different from that given to ordinary prints, and if the two be
toned together uneven reeiilts often occur. A few experiments
with variations of treatment will soon place the two on a level
at the very least ; and if a separate toning bath be kept for ready
sensitised paper there need be no fear of its putting the toning
bath out of order as some imagine it does.
But now, for winter work, there can be no question that
albumenised paper is gradually being edged out by the gelatine
papers that of late have been brought forward in profusion of
brands. They are cheap — a very decided advantage — and,
more important than all, their quick printing power is mi-
questionable, some holding them to be fifty per cent, quicker ;
but we have been credibly informed by those who have put
them to the actual test that such a proportion decidedly under-
gtatea the case, and that half the time required for albumenised
paper more fairly represents what ready sensitised can do in this
direction. To some workers, aoxKHU for a reputition for perma-
nency in their prints, the " combined toning and fixing bath," re-
commended for such papers, offers insuperable obstacles, owing
to their belief that all probabilities are in favour of the resulting
prints succtimbing quickly to the hand of time. It is impossible
to say with certainty, for there arc prints in existence toned by
Ihat method, before the advent of alkaline gold toning, which
appear as bright and fresh as the day they were printed, though
it is well known that such examples of permanency are in a de-
)>lorable minority. But a few experiments will prove to any
one that prints of the highest excellence may be toned without
rocootse to this old system (for, however new formolie may
modify old ones, the underlying principle is the same). Gela-
tino chloride |iapcr can be toned, and toned well, to a variety
of colours by one or other modification of the old alkaline
toning baths. Cartionate, tungstate, biborate, and other soda
salts, are now utilised with greater fro-dom than hitherto, and
are capable of producing great variety of effects. Even the
standard " acetate bath," used with judgment — though experts
aver that it is not the best — is capable of toning these papers
to Tery beautiful tones.
We have, further, papers of the aristotype brand or its many
imitators. These are very qoiek printers, and possess many
advantages that we cannot here pause to enumerate. It is
•enoogh to say that, by their aid, tieautiful prints may be
obtained from otherwise worthless negatives.
Lastly, we come to develoi>ed prints. It cannot be denied
that many of the prints on bromide paper, ais sent out from
average studios, are wanting in tnmsparency in the shadows ;
but here, again, practice is needed. Let any one turn to the
pages of our Ai.navacs of a few yean back, and note what
liromide prints are capable of. Bven where beauty of results
is the first consideration, we do not hesitate to say that some
of the examples we refer to may, for richness and delicacy of
colour, and good quality in the shadows, challenge comparison
with any print ever produced by any process. "What maiL
has done man may do " is a good photographic motto. And,
looking on the rapid-printing side of tlie question, we can only
say that with bromide prints it is a mere question of labour. A
day wfll suffice to get from a large number of negatives a far
greater amount of work than is^ever likely to be needed in the
bnaiest of studius. In concliuion, we can only say that a few
judicious exp)eriment8, carried out with judgment and patience,
will enable any photographer tojsettle, in the most satisfactory
way, the question of how to expedite work for Christmas.
Fbotographs of Jewellery.— In most sensational law suits
photofp-aphy figures conspicuously in one form or another, but in the
recent " Brooch Case " this was not so, though lef erence was made to
drawings of the trinket in dispute. Had photographs of the two
brooches been in existence, tho trial would doubtless have been
shortened, or, possibly, might not have been necessary. Many ladies
are vain of their jewellery, and proud of showing it to their "friends.
Why should it not be tastefully grouped and photographed, and
prints given to their friends? If that were done, in case of loss
the photographs would frequently aid in its recovery. Photographs
of some " family jewels '' would be well appreciated by many in the
upper circles. Here is a hint to enterprising photographers.
The Benevolent Association " Benefit " at the Fho-
tog-raphlc Society of Croat Britain The " Benevolent "
night at the Photographic Society of Great Britain Exhibition, on
Friday last, was adversely affected by the heavy rfun, and, as a
result, the attendance was eighty-five less than last year. The
number who paid at the turnstiles, however, was only two below last
year's record, and it is not yet known how many tickets were sold
and not used, so that the '.Committee of the Benevolent cannot tell
how the monetary result will work ont. Mr. J. Spiller, the Treasurer
of the Benevolent, opened and closed the proceedings, and the lantern
entertainment was arranged by Mr. T. E. Freshwater, the lantern
itself being under the able management of Mr. R. R. Beard.
A Lesson of the Bxhlbitlon — The 1892 Exhibition of the
Photographic Society of Great BritAin is now a thing of the past, and
the unanimous 'opinion of art critics is that it was the most successful
ever held. In it the artistic element was infinitely more pronounced
than on any former occasion. Notably was this the case with the
majority of the prints of a sepLi tint on rough-surface paper. As
with painters, so with photographers ; when success is attained and
praise awarded there is often a tendency to overdo the thing. Now,
it would be regrettable if this were done in the direction just n>f erred
to. For years past we have advocated the use of matt and rough-
eurface paper for the higher class of work ; but there is a limit to its
application, and there may be a question whether that limit has not
now been reached, if in one or two instances it has not been over-
stepped. It must be borne in mind that a surface which is admirable
for a picture say fifteen by twelve, may be lar too coarse for one
of the quarter-plate site. In determining on the stuf ace of the paper,
the size of the picture and its character should be taken into con-
sideration.
A Maaenxn Wanted. — Last week the remaining stock of Mr.
J. Wt-rge, who has retired from business, was disposed of by auction.
As Mr. Weige was not only one of the oldest photographic dealers,
but is one of the oldest of living photographers, it may be surmised that
amongst the collection was some of the earliest of apparatus of the pur-
pose of which the majority of those who saw it were entirely ignorant.
It was rather amusing to overhear the conjectures of two or three
evidently modem amateurs as to what the sensitising box, mercury
box, and buffs of a Daguerreotype apparatus were for, or how they
were used. Apparatus and appliances of the earliest period is year
by year becoming rarer and rarer. Therefore, when such a collection
as this is put upon the market it should be secured and deposited in
some place where it could be seen by photographers. Such a
collprtion would not only prove interesting to future generations, but
llllltftrf'"' present, as evidenced last we?k. Wo are quite aware that
them is a small collection of ancient photographic apparatus in the
Science and Art Department, South Kensington, but it is stowed
away in a remote top gallery, and we doubt if one per cent, of those
interested in such mattaia know of its existence.
Blood Albumen. — When albumenised paper has an offensive
odour it is imagined erroDeously by some that it must necessarily be
prepared with blood albumen. A case was tried in one of the Law
Courts recently, which was interesting as showing the scale upon
•L>4
THE BRITISH JOURNAL, OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[November 11,1882
which this albumen is made, and some of the purposes to which it is
applied ; alfo the price at which it is sold. The .iction was brought
by the manufacturer to recover the value of four tons of the albumen
at threepence per pound. The defence was that the bulk was not
equal to the sample. Experts were called on both sides, with the
usual conflicting results. It was admitted by the manufacturer that
the albumen was of inferior quality, and that the smell was not good,
hence the low price at which it was sold. He said the price usually
paid for good albumen was 7^rf. or 8d. a pound. Two samples were
handed to the learned judge, who at i5rst could detect no difference
between them in the smell, but afterwards he said he " thougbt some-
times one smelt worse, and sometimes the other." In the end he
decided in favour of the plaintiff. The albumen was to be used in
this caae in calico printing, for which large quantities are required.
Blood albumen is also largely used in the clarifying of sugar. It was
stated that it required the blood of about 2500 bullocks to make one
ton of blood albumen. If this be correct, but little over a pound of
albumen can be obtained from the blood of a single beast.
PhotogrraphinK' an Xmagre by aeflection.— Mr. F. J
Smith, of Oxford, writes to Nature: "The great utility of spark
photography for obtaining time records of quickly moving objects must
be apparent to all who know the experiments of Mr. C. Bell, Professor
Boys, and Lord Rayleigh. By means of spark photography the shadow
of any object, such as a jet of water, a flying bullet, or a broken
soap film, can be produced with perfect definition. The shadow of
the moving object illuminated by an electric spark is thrown on to a
sensitive plate in a dark room, and the plate is developed in the usual
manner. The process of spark-shadow photography will be found, I
believe, of great service in physiological research. AN'ith a view to
try this, I attached a long sensitive plate to the traversing carriage of
a chronograph ; the moving carriage closed and opened the primary
circuit of an induction coil at prearranged equal intervals of time
In front of the moving plate a frog's heart was placed in a slit on a
screen ; at each break a shadow of the heart was thrown on to the
plate by means of the induced spark. By this means thirty positions
of the heart were registered ; the pictures were all sharp and clear.
I have also used the same method for photographing the movements
of insects. Since these experiments, which I showed during the
University Extension Meeting in Oxford this year, I have made
several attempts to get spark photographs of the front view of objects
(not their shadows). In my first experiments the objects were illu-
minated by an electric spark, the image being received on a plate in
an ordinary camera. I found that so much useful light was shut off
by the lenses, that only a dim picture could be produced. A quartz
lens was next tried, and the results were rather better. I then deter-
mined to use no lens, but in its place a silvered mirror. A concave
reflector, made by silvering a concave lens of about 10 cm. diameter,
was so placed that it reflected the image of a white-paper star 7 cm.
diameter, revolving about sixty times in a second, on to an ordinary
photographic plate, the total length traversed by the light being
80 cm. The star was illuminated with a spark exactly similar to
that used in the previous experiment ; on development, a good picture
of the star came out. The reflector was neither well made nor well
silvered. The idea was suggested by observing some spark photo-
graphs I obtained of waves on the surface of mercury reflecting light.
When a steady light is used, a photograph of any object is readily
obtained by reflection from a suitable mirror. Probably a steel
surface would be best. The mirror and plate were placed in a long
box provided with a hole at one end, through which the light reflected
from the object passed. A few experiments made on living objects to
test the time of exposure in reflection photography showed that, in
order to avoid over-exposure, a very rapid shutter must be used."
HOW SOLIO PAPER IS MADE.
Acceding to our request to witness the preparation and packing of
the Solio paper of the Eastman Photographic Materials Company,
Limited, we were permitted to visit the Company's large factory at
Wealdstone, Harrow.
We very well remember the first visit we paid, not so Icng ago,
to the works, at that time in an inchoate state, for the builders had
not got much over the first story. The roads in the immediate
vicinity were in such a state as to prove almost impassable, convey-
ances being sunk half-way up to the hub. Now, asphalte pavements
and the hardest and smoothest of roads attest the influence of the
Kodak factory (as it is locally called) upon the local authorities,
who recognise that there is an important industry in their midst, and
one which it is worth their while to encourage as far as lies in
their power.
There are, in reality, two factories, end to end, separated only by
the engine-houses, and each three stories in height. As an immense
quantity of water is a daily necessity, the Company some time since
rendered themselves independent of the usual sources of siipply by
sinking an artesian well on their own premises, which amounts to
seven acres or thereabouts. One of the two factories mentioned is
mainly devoted to the manufacture, output, and printing of .sensitised
or Solio paper, the other exclusively to that of films. In the former
are located the negative, developing, and printing departments, in
addition to the offices and stock-rooms.
In the Solio coating-rooms are to be found huge rolls of paper,
specially manufactured for this purpose. One of these rolls is lifted
up to its suitable support, and, having been unrolled to a sufficient
extent, its end is brought under the domination of silver-coated rollers,
and caused to pass across the surface of the gelatine emulsion with
which it is to be coated. Tlie machinery is then started, and the
paper is coated, equalised, festooned for drying, dried, and finally
brought out at the other end of the drying-room in a state of per-
fect dryness, without having once been touched by the hand.
The mechanism by which all this is effected is of the most remark-
able kind, seeming as if, when once started, it did all the thinking
that was necessary from the immersion in the emulsion up to the stage
at which an attendant, with hands encased in white gloves, supplied
it to another machine, by which, and with the aid of automatic
guillotines, it eventually was presented as flat, cut-up sheets of various
sizes, ready for transference to another department.
The Solio paper which we saw coated was twenty-four inches wide,
and it was coated at the rate of about fifteen feet per minute, a inile
and a half being the present output per day. It is all dried, cut up,
and packed the same day as made, and is shipped off.
In the examining and packing-room we saw a whole regiment of
young ladies, deftly submitting each sheet, small and great, to an
electric-light lantern, faced with yellow glass, by which the shghtei-t
spec or imperfection, if such existed, could be at once seen. During
our visit to this department no sheet was observed to come imder the
ban, but we were told that all such, when discovered, are summarily
rejected and subjected to a further retrimming, in which the portion
containing even the tiniest of spots is relegated to the waste room.
Mr. J. B. B. Wellington, the chief of the factory, who acted as our
guide, informed us that they insisted from first to last on the sen-
sitised paper or films never being touched by the ungloved fingers, as
it was a well-known fact that the exudation from even the cleanest
hands set up an action on the sensitive surfaces which, sooner or
later, proved detrimental, and hence the insistance upon the employ-
ment of gloves in all departments involving contact with such delicate
surfaces. The result of this was all that could be desired, as they
never experienced any stain from this source.
The same care was taken in the encasing of the cut sheets into the
envelopes in which they are sent out. These envelopes, for the retail
consumer, contain, as is well known, a certain number of sheet-',
which, no matter how large or small the size, is sold at a similar
price per packet, based upon the area of the paper contained therein,
so that a packet containing only a few sheets equals with a wonderful
degree of precision another containing a large number of those of
smaller dimensions. These envelopes are all made on the premises,
being cut out by machinery and closed by hand labour. In an ad-
joining room were being made the boxes in which the sensitive films
for roller-slides are packed. The great care taken in ensuring uni-
formity and perfect equality throughout, coupled with that scrupulous
cleanliness which was apparent at every stage, appeared to us to be a
healthy outlook for the users of the productions.
Before leaving, we were privileged to examine the adjacent factory
devoted to films, and in passing through some of the storage and
Novembw 11. 180-2]
THJK BRITISH JOUIiNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
725
chemical rootM we witneMed the whole operation of dusolving gela-
tine from » stock of three tons, which was on the premises at the
time. The emulsion ia mixed fifty gallon.'! at a time in a tank, from
which it \» drawn by mean* of a four-way tap into reservoirs placed
below. Concerning the way in which the emulsion is washed by
engines working automatically, it would prove of interest to such a
limited portion of our readers that we shall make no attempt to de-
•crihe it, more especially aa to do so would involve the necessity of
making drawings, which, in the dim light prevaiUng there, it would
have been impossible to make. We saw, however, a huge centrifugal
separator in this room, and through this all the emulsion has to piss.
A batch of emulsion having been made and tested by the Hurler &
Driffield system, to which Mr. Wellington gives preference over all
others, it is conveyed to the cold storage-room, where, by suitable
refrigerating apparatus, the temperature is kept several degrees below
tha freetiog point summer and winter, thus rendering atmospheric
influence* altogether inert upon the precious productions stored
therein.
What iatarssted as probably more than all the rest was the pre-
paration of the flexible films with which the firm's nnme is now so
intimately associated. Twelve plate-gUss tables, each eighty feet
long by three feet six inches wide, and occupying two floors of the
factory, form the basis on which the celluloid is made. Kight men
wrv in attendance in the conducting of thi<. First of all, each table
was closely examined to see that it was abtolutely clean ; but, as if
to rsader aasaraoce doubly sure as regards this, a long plush brush,
the width of the table, was placed in rapports immediately in front,
and forming part of the coating machine, a reservoir in which was
then filled with an oily-looking flai<I by the attendants. This being
done, and everything now being ready, a lever wa« pressed, and the
Stwim miginn did the rest, for the coating apparatus at once coir.
meneed to more with a miform pace towards the far end of the table,
leaving • beaatifally even, but still fluid, film behind it. Arrived at
the far sod of its eighty feet of travel, the " button " was again
pressed, and the engine was stopped for a few moments nntil the
attendants bad lift«d the coating machine to the next table, where
the lusBi I iiif was one* OMJie charged from vessels like those by which
milk is sent to town par railway, after which all went on as before
until the twelfth of the eighty-feet tables had been coated. When
quite dry, and withoat any great deky, the celluloid was coated with
•aaWon in aomewhat like manner, but in darknees so dense as to be
almost painful, ahhoogh relieved by a feeble glimmer of red light.
By special means, a difficulty oocasionally encountered by some
amateurs has here been entirely got rid nf ; we allude to the liability
■ if a celluloid film when being stripped from gUm giving an electric
spark, and thos damaging the delicate bromide superstratum. The
means adopted bjr the Company for tlie prevention nf this have proved
quite effectnaL
.\t the time of our viMt there were 1:20 people employed in this
industry.
absolute alcohol, and when dry the film is perfectly flat, and can
then be attached to a collodion or gelatine support, aa may be
desired.
The International Congress.— The next meeting of the
International Congre.-is on Photography will take place in 1893 at
Geneva, when the work of the Congress assembled last year at
Brussels will be resumed.
CONTIXENT.\L NOTES .VXD NEWS.
The irorld'm Fbotorraphlo Pr«*n. — According to a
German contemporary, there are eigbty-twn photographic journals in
sodstenea thtooghnut the world: France having 10, Germany l-*>,
America 1.3, England 12, Italy .',, Holland ."J, Spain 3, Belgium 2,
RoMia 2, and Sweden, India, .\ustra1is, Finland, Portugal, Switzer-
land, and Japan I each.
Sctaohlnr 0«l«tina Sferatlvas from Olaas.— Heir
Liaasgang't method of detaching f.^.-Iatine tilm^ from the glas.*
siiypmta without employing the hydrofluoric acid plan is to introduce
between the gelatine and the glass carbonic acid gas, which will
effect the separation. The negative or positive, after development,
Ac, iji plonged into n bath made feebly acid with either citric,
hydrochloric, nr sulphuric acid, and then, without washing, is placed
in a concentrated solution {2-j to .10 per wnt.) of carbonate or bicar-
bonate of soda,* The carlionic acid gas thus formed puffs up the
gelatine, wbiefa can then be easily removed. The film undergoes
■OB* iinlsniiMiit. which could probably be obtiaie<J by a bath of
Tlie Sansrers of Developer PastUIes In reference to
the KTOwing popularity of developer pastilles in Austria and Germany,
M. H. Fourtier, in the PhotoyrajMc Gazette, endorses a former pro-
test of M. Davanne against the eminently dangerous forms given
to these photographic products. Developer and other pastilles in
these engaging shapes are likely to be mistaken by children for sweets,
and thus possibly cause them irreparable damage. Perhaps this
may act as a note of warning to amateurs using these pa.stilles to keep
them out of infantile reach.
BK. Xilppmann's Sxperiments. — At the List meeting of the
Paris .\cademy of .Sciences some coloured photographs of the spectrum
on albumen aud bichromated gelatine, by M. G. Lippmann, were ex-
hibited. It was stated that albumenised and gelatinised plates soaked
in bichromate of potash may be employed for photonraphina; in
colours. They are used like tilver-salt plates, being placed so that
the mercury is in contact with the film. The colours will appear
immediately after immersion in water, which develops and also fixes
the image.' It disappears on dtying, but reappears as soon asi|^e
plate is soaked. The colours are very brilliant, and visible at all
angles. Those of gelatine plates are brought out by simple breathing.
The theory is analogous to that of silver plates, the maxima and
minima of interference producing hygroscopic and non-hygroscopic
layers with varying refractive indices.
Oelatino - chloride Papers and their Keeping'
Qualities. — M. Ducom, who has devoted a great deal of labotir
in the investigation of the properties of commercial gelatino-chloride
papers, says that, in order to make a paper which will keep in stock
for a period of two or three months, it is necessary that the emulsion
should be strongly add. Paper coated with neutral emulsions, how-
ever, tones mors readily, while acid emulsions have a tendency to give
greenish-black tones. M. Ducom quotes M. Maurice as recommending
the following method of toning. The prints, without washing, are
immersed in a solution consisting of —
Alum 20 grammes.
Common salt 10 „
Chloride of gold (a one per cent eolation) . . 10 „
Water 1000 „
The prints tone in this in five or six minutes, and, after washing, are
placed in the following :—
Hyposulphite of soda 250 grammes.
Nitric acid ^ »
Alum 20 „
Ammonium sulphocyanide 20 „
Lead acetate ■'( >f
Water : 1000 „
The piedpiUte redissolves in a day or two, or the solution may be
filtered after ten or twelve hours. The nitric add is said to keep the
whites clear.
-Aluminium Chloride in Oelatino-chloride Toning
Baths and with Amidol.— Herr StoUe recommends alumiuiam
chl.iride as a g<K)d substitute for common alum or chrome alum. The
tame gentleman also employs it with amidol for developing gelatiuo-
bromide prinU in order to harden the geUtine, adding a volume of
aluminium chloride, I : 100, equal to the volume of the developing
solution. Development is thereby slowed, but more detail is said ti>
be obtained, and the prints, after development, wUl stand a compara-
tively high temperature of the wash water— higher, in fact, than if
aluminium had not been employed. '
796
THE BRITISH JODKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[November 11, 1892
Para-amldophenol Citrate. — A solution of dtric acid is,
according to Liesegang, an excellent solvent of para-amidophenol —
ninety-seven grammes of the latter being soluble in two hundred
grammes of the citric acid solution of equal parts, the para-amidophenol
being added little by little at a temperature of 18° to 20° C. The
citrate of para-amidophenol so formed is employed as a developer in the
following proportions : —
Para-amidophenol citrate (concentrated solution) 1 c.c.
Sodium sulphite (concentrated) 4 „
Sodium carbonate 5 „
Caustic potash (ten per cent, solution) 2 „
Water .50 „
This gives dense blue black images full of detail, the image, with
normal exposure, appearing in about ten seconds. Brown tones are
obtained if the para-amidophenol citrate is rendered alkaline with
caustic potash. The citrate and sulphite are also applicable in
aqueous solution as a developer for partly printed images on gelatino-
cbloride.
IHCatt i&luniiniuxn. — In order to impart the appearance of matt
silver to metallic aluminium, the object is plunged, for from fifteen to
twenty seconds, in a ten per cent, warm solution of caustic soda sar
turated with common salt. It is then washed and brushed, reimmersed
in the same bath for half a minute, and finally washed and dried in
sawdust.
AN INDIAN STUDIO.
A conHESPONDENT forwards us the following particulars of Mr.
Shapoor N. Bhedwar's studio : — The name of Mr. Shapoor N.
Bhedwar must have been deeply impressed upon the minds of all
those who have taken an interest in the exhibitions of photographs in
England during the last three and a half years, and as we happened to
be recently in Bombay for a few days, we felt we could not lose the
opportunity of calling upon him and seeing for ourselves not only his
earlier work, but also what further pictures he had in hand for future
exhibitions ; we further were sure that Mr. Bhedwar's many friends
in England would be glad to hear what he was doing in his own home.
We have taken the greatest interest in all that appertains to photo-
jraphy for very many years, but having been resident in India for the
past twenty years (with the exception of 1887), we have not had the
chance of seeing those pictures for which Mr. IBhedwar was awarded
80 many valuable prizes — valuable not perhaps so much from their
intrinsic value, but from the fact that they represented well-earned
victories over the leading English photographers.
The studio is situated in the fashionable quarter of Bombay, on
Gumballa Hill, whence a magnificent view of the town and harbour
is obtainable on clear days, which, by the way, are much more
numerous in India than in England.
The reception room has its walls covered by the best productions
of Mr. Bhedwar, prominent among them being the series Feast of
£t>ses, which alone secured some six prizes, including two champion-
ship gold medals and a silver cup. The room has more the appear-
ance of an art gallery than an ordinary photographer's reception
room ; small work being conspicuous by its entire absence, and
photography being represented by pictures 15 x 12 and thereabouts,
all on plain paper, and some magnificent enlargements on bromide
paper and opals, some of these being beautif nlly finished in colours.
The next room contains a collection of pictiires taken by the well-
known H. P. and R. W. Robinson, the former being represented by
such photographs as A Merry Tale and When the JMy's Work is
Bone, and the latter by a selection of his Artists at Home.
The studio is a fine room very handsomely furnished and contains
very httle photographic apparatus, one or two backgrounds and a
few accessories being all there is to show its use. The dark room is
large and suitable to the climate, being open at each end.
After we had been conducted over the whole establishment, Mr.
Bhedwar was good enough to show us some of the work recently
finished and some still in course of production ; of those completed the
leading series was The Consecration of a Parsee Priest, which we
believe is now on exhibition at the annual show of the Photographic
Society of Great Britain, in London.* In this series Mr. Bhedwar
sivows much artistic feeling, the posing being well marked in intention
and his manipulation of light and shade very delicate and correct.
* If these pictures were intended for the Society's Exhibition, It would be
Bteresting to know why they were not there. — Ed.
A series of pictures of a Hindu lady was simply delightful, but
being made for a private patron, they are unfortunately not available
for public exhibition. Sliould Mr. Bhedwar succeed in getting
permission to show them, they would, we are sure, be hailed with
acclamation ; they show what an artistic photographer can make of
ordinary portrait work.
Mr. Bhedwar is now engaged upon some pictures for next year ;
they are to be entitled The Amir's Baughter, and when finished will
be found quite up to the general high average of his work. In this
series he is making his first trial of combination printing, and we had
the opportunity of seeing one in progress.
So far as the ordinary work of a photographic studio is concerned
in the production of carte-di-visite and cabinet portraits, there seems
little at present, Mr. Bhedwar apparently laying himself out for a
higher class of work ; but assuredly as the fact becomes known to the
residents and visitors of Bombay that an artist of Mr. Bhedwar's
powers is living in their midst, the amount of work that will fall to
his share will rapidly increase.
AVe do not think that the ordinary run of photographers will be
injured by Mr. Bhedwar's advent in iiombay, as there is not a very
great demand at present for such works of art as he produces; but
we think there can be little doubt that it will very soon become the
fashion for the beauty, rank, and wealth of Bombay to be immortalised
by Mr. Bhedwar's camera, his portraits being not merely likenesses but
also " pictures."
Mr. Bhedwar apparently used no glazed surfaced paper, but con-
fines himself solely to prints on plain paper toned with platinum,
whicli process gives his productions every chance of permanence, even
in such damp heat as Bombay enjovs.
In conclusion, we may state that even without any wish to be
photographed oneself, one is amply repaid for a visit to Mr.
Bhedwar's studio by a sight of the lovely pictures.
THE AMATEUR QUESTION.
[Dundee and East of ScoHaiid Photopraphic AMOcfcvtion.]
The feeling may not be universal, but there can be no doubt that, in some
quarters at least, a certain amount of animosity is springing up between
the professional and the amateur. Those who study periodical photo-
grapliic literature cannot have failed to have come to the conclusion that
the relations between the professional and the amateur are strained.
This is a new and unwelcome condition of things, and, as this Society has
in a great measure lost bold of the professional element, it might be pro-
fitable to inquire whether this is in any way due to the same causes that
have led to the general estrangement of professional and amateur.
I am fortunate in a large circle of friends, amongst both professionals
and amateurs, and have heard both sides of the question debated, with
great freedom sometimes. Like most debated points, there is a good deal
to be said on both sides.
The question hangs more or less on statements which are themselves
either uncertain, or, at best, matters of opinion. In such cases the de-
cision should rest with the preponderance of opinion, since there is no
higher tribunal to which to appeal.
Under these cu-cumstances, while I shall certainly give my own views
on the matter, it is to be understood that I make no claim beyond intro-
ducing the subject. I have heard it said. Why discuss the point at all ?
The amateur is entirely independent of the professional, and cannot be
injured by him ; let him rave.
This is, to say the least of it, not a generous attitude ; and, since the
professional makes a distinct charge against the amateur, it surely is
right that he should look after his character.
The allegations are, firstly, that professional photography is on the
decUne ; and, secondly, that amateurs are in great measure to blame for
this. Should the first allegation fall to the ground, the case against the
amateur necessarily breaks down, and there is an end of the matter. On
the other hand, should the first allegation be sustained, it then becomes
necessary to determine if the amateur is to blame for this ; and, if so, how
far he is justified in ruining the professional for his own sport.
Is Peofessional Photogbaphy on the Decline?
The first question, then, is, Is professional photography on the decline ?
At the very outset we are met with a difficulty here. How are we to
determine this ?
A very little consideration will show that individual evidence is of no
use here. Brown, Jones, and Robinson may complain loudly that they
do not have the same business by half that they once had, but this may
only mean that the business has gone elsewhere. Take a further case
NoToaber 11. 1S9-J]
TRR HHniSn JOURNAL OF PHOTOGPwXPHY.
727
b
SoppoM, tor ugament's sake, that the whole of the bosinesies in a locality
have tatttnd ; is it not possible that this is dae to cansea acting on the
geatnl prosperity of that indiridaal locality, and not on the photo-
graphers only ? We have really had no evidence whatever that profes-
sional photography is on the decline.
If we oonld determine the amoant of capital invested in profess'onal
photography (the only sure test), I am very strongly of opinion that we
woald find that professional photography was never in a more flonrishing
condition. My personal obaenration leads me to believe that perhaps
there may be feieer bosinesses in a floarisbing way ; but, on the other
hand, look at the palatial premiaaa reared on the most valaable sites by
the favoured few !
I know it to be a fact that some of our modem stadios turn over more
money in a month than half a dozen average budinessea of a dozen years
ago woold have done in a year.
In point of fact, photography, like every other business nowadays, re-
(|airea capabilities not foand in the herd. The day has been when the
shatters could be pat on and the door locked while the proprietor enjoyed
a oomlottaUa dinner at his own firwide ; bat it is so no longer. There
are toctnoea making yet, even in photography, by those who have the
reqnirad capabilities, and the race ia generally, if not always, to the swift,
more so than ever in oar day.
In not a law instance* the falling o0 ot trade is apparent, not real.
Dry platea. ready- sensitised paper, nloaehing given oat, enlargements
gjvan to pnrfeaaional snlargers, redaee the bands in an establishment,
and the boitle, perhaps also the proflta, even where the trade is as good
aa ever. While I am ready to admit that boainen ia not, as it once was,
traaly distribated over the many, bnt rather eonaerved to the favoured
tew, I am decidedly of opinion that lb* total amoant done is as great as
•rer, and the capital employed In praportioa.
It this is io, it follows that the ea** against the amateor breaks down,
at least so tar as be has been sopposed to injure protesaioDals in general.
Bot may there not be many inJhidtial instances in which amatcars
have injured the ba>ina*a of the pnCtaslonal? If this occor* to any
extant, the question deserves diicniaioB ; and, in order to open it, let u*
admit, (or argnnMnt's sake, that it doaa.
Do AniTccBs huvtm Paomanaujt?
to tb* leeoad qaatien prepoead lot diaeoaiion, to
joatiflad te OMTTing on bb sport to the bnrt
Tfaii brinfi ns
wbattstant ia ai
oltbaproitHianalT
An amatwr maj ba lUflnad aa •*«■• who doaa tor sport what an-
ollMr doaa aa a meana of ItvaUbood." If tbia daflnition be tairly oonact,
U toOemt born this that tba momanl TCBonenUion baeomea tba motive
tba individnal baa lost his amateur statna. Whatever be becomes, be
ceaaea to be an amateor.
The question, so tar, is easily arttbd. Unfortanately, vary few care
what preeiaa appellation they go undar. If it were a mere matter of
name nobody would be a whit tba batter or worse whether a man was
entitled to eall himself an awataor or do ; bat It is more than a mere
matter of name. In whatever ptolsaaton or trade, an amateor has cer-
tain privileges, and a prolsarional eartain reepoosibilitiea. It is mani-
featly nafair that any one posing as an amateor shoold enjoy all the
privilatM, together with a proportion o( tba emolaments, of the profea-
rional, however small, witboot ihariog in tba responsibilities.
I know there are many who think that they are entitled to make their
I spaaea* oat of the thing, if notUing more. For my part, I don't see what
right any ona baa to take up a pastime tba azpanaaa at which ba eannot
oiaet, and ba eertainly has no bosioeaa to poae aa one who ean afford to
spend bia meoay Ibis way when, in (aet, it ia not costing him a penny.
I am impotiag molivsa to no one ; thia is only my way of thinking.
Datwaan tba ondonbtad amateor, who pays for everything and gets
ia rstatn only the sport, and the poor straggling labouring man who
akaa oat a scanty livelihood by pbotograpbing Um eoalmao's horse or the
r's van of a Sataiday afternoon, there ar* nnmberless degrees. The
I to settle ia not the amoant of moral delinqoency, hot the essence
olit la eaob ease.
PititaaifansI pbotogtaphais have done nothing for photography ; it is
not on tUa aeeoonl that w« would say, " Hands off '. " The whole qnes-
tion u rarroaoded with difflcnltiea.
It m^y ba aaked. " Because A and B determine to earn theb bread
eaMrefy by photography, is that any reason why C should be debarred
from ^rtiaUy earning bis bread in this way?" II the amateor were
ftaaling a march upon the proleaaional by appropriating hi* inventions,
tbsn atlgbl ba some reason for eiying " oat " on him, bat it is a well-
I iaat that aracf tavaotlaa and diaeovMy in photography baa been
Much has been said abont the generosity of the profesaional to the
amateur. I have gotten maeh kindness from them, but I have never
found them very free to communicate any of these little tit-bits of in-
formation discovered by thamaelvea, nor do I blame them ; it is not sport
they are after, but bread, and in these days of competition one can't afford
to burn the midnight oil and then make his discoveries common property.
It is easy for the amateur to hurry his little inventions off to the journals ;
it will take no bite out of his mouth.
As you will see, I am taking up no hard-and-fast position, bnt rather
saying what can be said on both sides. I sometimes feel inclined to ask
why should professional photographers cry out so much against the
amateur. Does every trade and profession not suffer just in the same
way ? In my own profession we every day see people put their lives into
the hands of amateurs, generally with the very best results so far as the
legitimate practitioner is concerned, for it means more work for Mm ia
the near future.
PbOFESSIOXAL PnOTOORlFHT SOT ON THK DecLIXE.
But the professial photographer himself is not over-particular. Does
he not sometimes encroach on the picture-framer quite frequently?
And it is just this class of man who ia cryinn out against amateurs.
Having so far opened up the subject, I would make way for the discofl-
sion by giving the following opinions : —
Professional photography is not on the decline ; there is more capita
invested in it than ever.
To succeed nowadays money mast ba invested freely, the very beat
talent secared,and the very best business principles practised. All of the
professionals engaged in the business now have not these requirements ;
therefore some ot them are feeling the pincb.
The idea that amateurs are seriously affecting the professionals is laugh-
able. Is there one in oar large Society who knows any amateur doing
work enough to damage any profeesional f
Admit that, at rare intervals, some poor devil picks np a job of a
Saturday afternoon, and gets a shilling or two for it (and, personally, I
know of not one such ease), do any of yon believe that tliis happens to
any serious extent? Do yoa not rather think, witli me, that the large
bnsinesses of the day are swamping the small, and that this is the
trreat factor against them, not the amateurs?
So far as I am personally concerned, I hope I would do as I would he
done by, bnt it is not always easy to determine whether or no any one is to
be injured by certain aotions. Professionals are apt to think that every-
thing done by the amateor is lost to them, but they forget that much of
the work done by the amateur, even where he degrades himself and sella
his productions, would never otherwite te done at all.
Where an amateur takes a commission, where he knows the job muH
be done by the professional if he himself refuse, I,<aappo8e we are are at
one in saying he act* meanly, " Live and let live " ought to be the
motto with every one.
" WnFN IS AX AVATEt-B HOT AK AaATKl'S?"
Doring the summer that has passed I spent a fortnight in an obscnre
oomer of the West Highlands. Receiving much kindness, I had a family
group taken at the cottage door, and have since sent them one smajl
eopy in a frame. The gratitude of the simple country folks found ex-
prnasinn in a gift to me of far greater value than the little picture I made
them. Although I have not received money, I have received something
which i* ita equivalent. Have I lost my amateur status ? I certaiiilv
did not take the picture for my own sport, but deliberately for their
benefit. Was thia pure amateurism ? Then, while I got no money, I
certainly reoeived remuneration in country produce. Am I still au
amateur? I defrauded no professional.
The little claoban is thirty miles from a studio, and my host and
hostess would have lived and died in all human probability, but for my
visit, without having been photographed.
Those gentlemen who decry tlie amateur so strenuously have generally
• oone or two for the quality of his work also. Thia, to my minJ, is
their M^vation it it exists, for who would give the amateur good money
far hi* vile producUons when they can get so much better from the prs-
teeaional? Does the argument not seem to say that, bad as the amateor
work is, it is at least aa good a* what we get from the professional, thoro-
fore we will go to him?
Let the professional torn eot work snob as he should do, and surely
the amateor " trash " will have no charms for any one. I don't kno » if
every amateur has the same experience as I have, but I knw that lirj
portraits which I do of my friends always seem the work of a iiinini'ii ti
them ; this, mind you, when I have succeeded, in some measure, in doiti ;
something which aeems to me original and good.
Iha work at tba amatimr and the work of the professional .oaglUvto bo
728
THE BliniSII JOURNAL OF rnOTOGRA.PHY.
LNorember 11, 1892
on entirely diCTerent lines, with different aims and aspirations. There is
not now, and never will be, competition between the amateur and the
professional, let them say what they like. No one who takes to photo-
graphy with presumably artistic tendencies in him will ever continue to sink
his artistic perceptions by working to please the public taste unless he
has to earn his bread by it, when, of course, one must produce what he
can sell.
Those benighted individuals who are clamouring for a price for the
amateur and another for the professional will succeed in demonstrating
their ignorance of John Stuart MUl, but nothing more. A demand such as
the amateur of our day can raise will be met, and that at prices current,
neither more nor less. Those firms declining to supply the wants of the
amateur at market prices just because he is an aumteur will cause a re-
arrangement of business in which they will be out of it, nothing more. I
Bhonld advise its being tried on a small scale to begin with. I deplore the
want of business whicli many are complaining of, but, being an amateur,
I do not take kindly to the remarks wliich appear from time to time in
the photographic journals over the names of certain of the profession.
The amateur has a just cause, or I have been particularly fortunate in
my amateur photographic friends. J. K. Tdlloch, M.B.
COPYING OLI> PORTRAITS.
[Anthony's Bulletin,]
Thb copying of portraits, particularly portraits of deceased persons,
is a lucrative branch of regular photographic business. Aside from
the money consideration, it is also well worthy of attention from the
humanitarian and historical standpoints. I believe the latter to be
sufficiently ■well understood and admitted to require no further
mention.
The expression " copying portraits" may be made to include the
photographic treatment of vast varieties of pictorial matter. Sup-
posing that the photographer was commissioned to copy a quantity of
originals in the form of engravings, etchings, drawings or the like, the
tasJk would present no great difficulties from the photographic side.
The chief thing to be seen to would be the condition in which the
originals were. If the engravings had been kept flat, as in portfolios
or frames, and were free from the yellow marks of mildew appearing
in patches over the paper, everything would be as simple as possible.
But when the plate paper on which the older-fashioned engi uvings
were made shows these yellow spots, or, worse yet, the brown stam
from cheap hackboards in the frames, which are saturated with
resinous material, there will be trouble. As a matter of course,
the brown portions will appear much lighter in tint on the negative,
and will have to be laboriously retouched so as to harmonise with the
rest, if a presentable result is desired. If work of this kind is to be
done by contract, a generous allowance should always be made for the
retouching.
It will sometimes happen that a lot of engravings have become
soiled by their faces coming into contact with one another without
any tissue paper between. In this case the ink spreads or is trans-
ferred over from the one to the other, and the lighter portions become
tawny and dirty looking. Now, nothing is easier than to clean such
soiled engravings, and it should be done as follows : Take a quarter of
a loaf of stale bread, and having cut off the hard crust with a sharp
knife, wash the hands perfectly clean, make a ball of the crumb with
a few drops of water, and work it about between the palms until it
is perfectly smooth and has a consistence like stiff putty. Now, pull
off a portion, and, having laid the engraving flat on a table in a good
light, gently pass the bread-ball over it as nearly as possible in the
direction of the lines of the drawing. The dirt and ink will all come
off_ without in the least affecting the engraving, even in its most
delicate portions, and the soiled high lights will again appear as pure
and clean as when the picture first left the press. No grease of any
sort must have touched the bread. Plain bread made without milk
or shortening, and free from even a trace of butter, is what is
wanted, and the ball must not he made too wet so as to cockle the en-
graving. If there are marks, however, that resist this mild treat-
ment, recourse may be had to the indiarubber eraser. This, it must
he borne in mind, is not free from danger, from the fact that the
rubber actually removes a portion of the surface of the paper, so that
very fine lines might easily be rubbed away if much pressure was laid
on. Bread crumb is merely an absorbent of the superficial dirt and
dust on the picture, and is not firm enough to remove any of the
surface, even when hard rubbed. If indiarubber is employed, select
the finest and softest obtainable, and cut it away to a blunt point.
Also have a piece of clean, fine sand paper ready, and, after every
few strokes of the rubber, work off the blackened portion on the tip
by a few passes on the sand paper, which will leave ft fresh surface fc:
the ne.\t application.
Portraits on ordinary albumen paper vary in quality, and sometimes
will do fairly well when copied. Supposing that the original is not
too much faded, and has been kept clean, it will yield a tolerable
negative if exposed upon in diffused light : and care should be taken
tli.it the negative be not forced to too great density, but left soft, so
as to give a h vrmonious print. If the original has been much handled
or carried about, the surface of the paper will be soiled and perhaps
roughened. Such a print may be advantageously rubbed over with
the lubricator used before burnishing, or with the so-called encaustic
pasty of wax and turpentine, which will clean the surface and brighten
it up, A few pis-ei through a rolling-press will be a good thing;
but we do not advise that the ordinary burnisher be employed, as it
gives too glossy a surface, and creates an inconvenient amount of
reflected light when the print is set up before the copying camera.
If permission can hi obtained from the owners, the following plan is
a very good one to follow, though entailing some trouble : — Throw
the print into luke-warm water until it leaves the card. Have a clean
sheet of thin plate glass in readiness, and pass it under the print.
Then bring the two out together, and, having seen that there are no
air-bubbles present, wipe off the face of the glass, and make the copy
imm-diately before the print has time to dry. The brilliancy of the
wet print, and the fact of the surface of the picture being in optical
contact with the glass, will do much toward making the copying easy
and successful. It may be well to say, though, that very old prints,
or those made on very thin paper, should not be subjected to this
rather heroic proceeding.
. A really good Daguerreotype gives an excellent copy, all that
is necessary being to get it in the right light. The fineness of
definiiinn and chemical perfection of a good Daguerreotype image
are unrivalled by any of the achievememts of modern photography,
and we may remind our readers that these qualities are so prized
by certain scientists that they use the D.iguerreotype for astro-
nomical photography, to the exclusion of all other processes. But
the average Daguerreotype portrait, which will be brought into the
gallery to copy, is no such piece of perfection. As it would
hardly do to attempt the negative through the covering glass, the
operator must go through the rather ticklish operation of un-
mounting the portrait, and, if the surface be covered with the
peculiar deposit that is apt to form on it, this may be removed
as follows :^After a preliminary rinse under the tap, and draining,
hold it as near the mouth as possible without scratching the picture
with the beard, and cover the surface well with saliva. After
allowing this to remain on a short time, rinse it off, and apply a
very weak solution of cyanide of potassium (say, two or three
grains to the ounce) for a moment, then wash again, and dry.
It is the custom of some operators to apply the saliva directly to
the picture as soon as it is unmounted. Singular to say, tobacco
in the mouth has no bad effect. It is possible, though, to omit
this unpleasant operation. In drying, the picture should he held
by one corner with a pair of pliers, and very gently heated over
a spirit lamp. When it begins to dry at the upper corner, take a
full hreath, and gently blow on the surface until the drying is
complete. Any check in the drying will create an ineffaceable
mark on the picture. The final wash should always be of dis-
tilled water.
None of this trouble will be had when handling ferrotypes, or old-
fashioned ambrotypes. This latter form of picture — being in fact
nothing more or less than a weak negative — may often be used as a
negative, and thus made to yield a very fair positive or opalotype. It
might be possible, by judicious working, to make a reproduced nega-
tive with rather more vigour than the original, and obtain passable
paper prints from it. As we write, we remember a case where a very
successful opalotype was thus made from the original ambrotype, to
the unbounded satisfaction of the owner, who was not aware that such
a thing could be accomplished by photography.
The difficulties of copying paintings in oil or water colours, formerly
80 great, have heen materially lessened by the introduction of ortho-
chromatic plates. But I can only regard this matter as being in an
undeveloped state. If a number of paintings had to be photographed,
there would be certain predominating colours in each, and it could
not be expected that plates prepared from one and the same emulsion
would yield equally perfect results on all. For those who can afford
the time and not grudge a little labour, I should advise a trial with
collodion emulsion, the plate bi'ing steeped in a solution of the ortho-
chromatic dye purposely selected for the particular colour to be dealt
with. The coloured screen might be used or not, as circumstances
dictated. Any length of exposure could be given, and a few carefully
conducted experiments of the kind would serve as a useful guidj for
future work. It is hardly necessary for me to remind practical photo-
NoTemberII.1882]
THE BUITISII JOURNAL OF PHOTOQRAPHl.
7i9
>rTaph«n th«t portraits in oil piB«8llt the most extreme rsrieties of
tone and colour, and that, in order to Mcure the full benefit of the
orthoehromatie prioeiple, some aelectioa of the dye to corre^nd with
the work in hand should be made.
Those whose buanees justifies the f(etting up of apparatus without
special legaid to the expense iaTolred, will, of course, possess all
aeoasaarj appliances for holding the original in position, and getting it
to centre accurately on the ground ^ass ; but to those who work in a
small way, I should like to recommend a simple thing that has proved
itself wonderfully useful to me. Having accurately measured the
height of the window-eiU in the workroom, I procured a board six feet
in length, and wide enough to hold the camera, and adapted to one etid
of it two light cross legs, of a height jost sufficient to make the board
level when its other end was supported on the window-sill. Having
taken care to set the legs on at a perfect right angle, I could turn the
whole thing upside down, and by resting a board holding the en-
graving to be copied against the upriebt leg«, and setting the camera
in position, perfect rectilinearity of line in the copy followed a.'^ a
matter of conrse. The whole affair, when used in this way, was
supported on a firm table. When standing in its original position,
with the free end on the window-sill, 1 used it for holding the cameras
when making huitem sGdea by daylight, and, when printing, to hold
the framea before and after exposure. Being perfectly rigid and
steady, it answered very well for trimmin;: prints upon, if the other
tables in the workroom happened to be crowded. Finally, when not
in use, it could be stowed away in an odd comer, with its six-foot
long opright against the waD, occupying almost no space at all. To
any anataiua who may be compelled to work in smsil apartments, I
can recommend this simple article as being very handy and verr cheap.
The photographic work in copying is sitnpHcity itself, the lens
oogbt always to be foeossed with a iMge opening so that everytliing
is distinctly aeen, and then a small stop put in to distribute the
definitioa evenly. The exposure shoold be rather full, so as to secure
all the detail in the shsdows, and the development must be stopped
before the ights are oveidone. even if the n^ative comes out thin
and flat in consequence. If this happens, the pkte must be
stjcogtbeiied after fixing by anv of the well-known mean*. Two
qualities should always be soogbt for in ne^tive copies — the one,
freedom from gnnuhtrity, caused by light striking the original at a
vrrong angle ; and the other, softness and detail in the nesauve rntlier
than strength and hawhnw Ellkbsub Wallacic
01) THE METHOD OP EXAMIKATION OF PHOTOOBAPHIC
LENSES AT THE KEW OBSERTATOBY.*
8. Flare apat.
Tarn dafaet known as Jlan $fot aoMlili of a bright spot or patch of
light being tanned in tha eentn of Iha field. To detect it, the lent u
placed in an ordinary eaaeni, which iboald be pointsd at the sky ; if
the ground glass is brooght to the prind^ toeas, the flare spot is then
readily visible.
For tests Nos. 9 to IIS an apparatus ihsifnail by myself, and which I
have eallad the " testing camera." is naad. It Is neither an expensive
nor aa alabante eontrivance, and then can be no donbt that if more
money had been expanded a mors pstfset maehine eoold have been
made. Until a system of this sort has been in tsgular use lor some time,
and nntil it has stood tha firs ot eritieiBm, experience shows, we think,
that the appaintna snqtlogred is apt to bs little mora than a good working
model of wliiat it will bseoms by tntoie 4sv«lopmsnts ; but improvementu
would in thia hlitsnss prababty land to Inarsased rapidity rather than
to ioeraaaad aeemaey, tor the rsaolta obtained are now qoits aeonrate
SBOOgh for all practical purposes. Evan now altantkos are imder eoo-
aldaratiaa, such as tlis snbstitntioo ot a sliding syepieee on a gradnated
bar far the la^ihast of ground glass. For ths above-mentioned reasons, I
aodbaaaaas modi expaaditore ooold not be jostified nntil it was eertain
that knaas would be sent tor examination in eoosidarable numbers, ths '
Kaw Committae raised no objeetion to the somewhat make-shift appear-
aaes at lbs apparatus.
Tba gaasnl idea of the testing camera is extremely simple, but the
nam* perhaps is hardly a happy one, as there is no " camera " or
fhambar aboot it. Except tor the absence of bellows, it may be said to
eooalslof tba SMaotials of an ordinary camera, whioh is capable of being
rsToived hnriwitally aboat a vertical axis passing through the lena ;
thoo^ it moat be ooaf«ased that thia description gives no idea of its
appeaianes. The Ihiss laguiid stool or bench, seen in fig. 1, represents
the lags ot the camera, and fig. S shows the apparatus that takea the
ptaes of tba body ; O. is the iena-holder. and LM the ground glass, both
«f which are eapabis of independent movement backward and forwards
• Osatlaasd tnm ff HS.
on the hollow wooden beam DE, called the " swinging beam." There is
a conical brass cap or pivot, not shown in the sketch, under the upper
plank of the swinging beam, underneath where tha lens-holder G is shown
in the sketch. The whole of tha apparatus shown in fig. 2 is placed on
Fios. 1 Am 3.
the top o( the three-legged stool, the round-headed iron pin (A) passing
loosely through a hols In the lower plank of the swinging beam, and
fitting into the oonical brass cap or pivot. The swinging beam, being
thus supported by the pin A and by the long arm BC of the stool, is
capable o! being revolved around A as a centre. On the ground glass is
SOgfuni a horizontal line, which is accurately divided into fiftieths of an
iosluJbislios passes through the centre of the ground glass (or through
the point where the perpendionlar from the lens-holder cuts the glass),
and is also parallel to BC, the top of the stool on which the swinging
beam slides, when the camera is in position ; thus the image of an object
will appear to run along the scale as the swinging bar is moved from side
to side. The ground glass can be brought approximately into focus by
means of the alreidy-mentioned movement to and fro on the swinging
beam, but for accurate adjustment a alow motion arrangement is attached
to the movable part itself. The handle H gives the required motion, and
there is a scale S, called the " focus scale," by means of which these
small movements can be accurately measured. On the lens-holder there
is a movement, correiponding to the swing-badk of an ordinary camera
730
THE BRI'I'ISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[November 11, 18fl2
by which the lens can be made to revolve vertically round a horizontal
axis, without, of course, any corresponding movement of the ground
glass. There is a vertical arc, V, by means of which we can read off the
vertical angles through which the lens is rotated. An ai-rangement is
also supplied by means of which the lens can be moved backwards and
forwards on the movable stand, thus allowing the position of the lens to
be so adjusted that the horizontal axis can be made to pass through any
point in its axis.
9. Effective Aperture of Stops.
Nnmbar
engr&Tod on
■top.
Effective
aperture.
Inobos.
/■nnmber.
C.I. No.
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
The effective aperture of one or more of the various stops supplied
with the lens is found by a well-known method. The image of a very
distant object is first brought into focus on the ground glass of the
testing camera ; a collimator, which has itself been previously focussed
on a distant object, may be used instead of the distant object ; the
ground glass is then taken out and exactly replaced by a tin plate with a
Small hole at the centre ; this hole, which should be very small, will,
therefore, be at the principal focus of the lens. The room being
darkened, a gas burner is placed behind the small hole, and thus
parallel rays, in the form of a cylinder, are made to issue from the
lens towards the front. A piece of ground glass, with a graduated scale
engraved on it, is now held in front of the lens, and the diameter of
the illuminated disc, or section of the cylinder as seen on the glass
is directly measured off as any stop is inserted in its place. Thus is
found the effective aperture of the largest stop, as recorded in the Kew
Certificate of Examination. The ratio of the effective aperture to
the diameter is the same for all stops of the same lens, and the
effective aperture of the other stops is cither measured as above, or
calculated from the ratio thus found. As the rays are parallel when
emerging from the lens, it is evident that, if the stop is in front of all the,
lenses, the effective aperture will be the same as the diameter of the stop
itsel
By imagining the path of the rays in the above experiment as being
reversed, in which case the rays forming the cylinder are all brought to a
focus on the plate, it is evident that the intensity of illumination of the
plate at the centre, when focussed for distant objects, varies directly as
the sectional area of the cylinder, and therefore as the square of the effec-
tive aperture as above measured. The intensity of illumination of the
plate also varies inversely as the square of the distance from the point in
the lens from which all the light may be sopposed to emanate, that is
from the nodal point of emergence. If we adopt as our definition of the
principal focal length {/) of the lens the length between the principal
eocus and the nodal point of emergence, it is then evident that the square
of the effective aperture divided by /= will be a measure of the illumina-
tion of the plate. In consequence of this fact, it has for a long time been
customary to speak of the diameter of stops in terms of the ratios of their
effective apertures to the focal length of the lens ; for example, a lens
having a stop with an effective aperture equal to one-tenth of its principal
focal length is commonly spoken of as working with an intensity of /-lO.
But it has recently been found by photographers that it is practically
useful to adopt a definite standard or unit of intensity of illumination in
order that the different stops may be numbered in such a way as to
readily indicate the different exposures required with each. Many systems
of this kind have been considered— /-1 00, /-lO, /-4, and /- ^/lO, each
having been at various times proposed as the basis of enumeration, the
numbering of the stops sometimes increasmg and sometimes diminishing
as the necessary exposure increases. Each of these systems has met with
considerable opposition from different quarters ; but this is not the place
to discuss their relative merits, more especially as in selecting one of
them for the Kew certificates, we have been chiefly influenced by con-
sidering which has received the sanction of the most authoritative body,
and which, therefore, stands the best chance of universal adoption.
Judged by this standard, there can be no doubt that the vecommenda
tiong of the International Photographic Congress of Paris o» 1889, as
endorsed by the Congress at Brussels, should be adhered to as far as
possible.
The following system, which we have called the C.I. system, has there-
fore been adopted at Kew. The stop/-10, the effective aperture of which
is one-tenth of the principal local length of the lens, is called stop No. 1,
and the exposure necessary for any subject with that stop is the unit of
exposure for that subject. The other stops are numbered in the inverse
ratio of the area of their effective apertures to the area of the effective
aperture of stop No. 1. Thus stop No. 2 gives half the intensity of illu-
mination of stop No. 1 ; and, in any case, to find the time of exposure
necessary to produce the same result as with the unit of exposure with
stop No. 1, we multiply that unit by the number of the stop in use. The
practical rule to find the C.I. number of a stop is to divide the square of
the principal focal length by 100 times the square of the diameter of the
effective aperture of the stop. The principal focal length, which we re-
quire to know in order to ciilculate the numbering of the stops, is found
by test No. 11.
The difficulty of introducing the C.I. numbering of stops will perhaps
be greater in England than on the Continent, partly because, previous to
the Paris Congress, the Photographic Society of Great Britain had given
provisional support to anotlier system based on /-4 as a unit. The
Photographic Society has been waiting for the recently published reports
of the Brussels Congress to reconsider this matter, and it may be hoped
that they will join in the effort to get the C.I. system imiversally adopted,
notwithstanding the inconvenience that must be severely felt at first by
those who are therefore obliged to change their methods.
Leon.«I) Dabwin, Major R.E.
[To Ve continued.]
MtttixtQ^ of SocietieiS.
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK.
Date ot Meeting.
November H ..
14 ..
14 ..
14 ..
14 ..
14 ..
15 ..
15
15 ..
15 ..
15 .,
15 ..
16 ..
16 ..
16 ..
16 ..
16 ..
16 ..
„ 16 ..
16 ..
17 ..
17 ..
17 ..
17 ..
17 ...
18 ...
18 ..
18 ...
18 ...
Name of Society.
Darlington
Dundee Amateur
Lantern Society (Annual)
Norfollc and Nonvich
North Middlesex
Rielimond
Brixton and Glapham
Kxeter ,
Keigliley and District ,
North London ,
Oxford Photo. Society
Southport
Brechin ,
Bury
Hyde
Manchester Camera Club ...
Photographic Club ,
Portsmouth ,
Southaea
West Surrey
Birmingham
Camera Club
Greenoclc
London and Provincial
Oldham
Canliil
Holbom
Leamington
Maidstone
Place of Meeting.
Trevelyan Hotel, Darlington.
Asso, Studio, Nethergate, Dnndoe.
20, Ifanovor-sqnare.
Bell Hotel, Nornich.
Jubilee Hall, Hornsey-raid, N,
Greyhound Hotel, Richmond.
376, Coldharbonr-liino, Brixton.
College Hall, South-.^treet, Exeter,
Mechanics' Institute, North-street,-
Wellington Hall, Islington, N.
Society's Room.ft, 136, High-street.
8hafte.->bury -buildings, East bank-st..
1-4, St. Mary-atreet, Brechin.
Temperance Hall, Bury.
Victoria Hotel, Manchester.
Anderton's Hotel, Fleet-etreet,E.C,*.
Y.M.C.A.-bmlding3, Landport.
St. M.trk's School.^!, Battersea-rise.-
Lecturo Room, Midland Institute.
Charing-cross-road, W.C.
Museum Com. Room, Kelly-street,
Champion Hotel, 15, Aldersgate-st,
'The Lyceum, Uuion-street,01dham.
Trinity Church Room, Morton-st.
*• The Palace," Maiilstone.
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN.
NovRMBEn 8,— The President (Captain W. de W. Abney, C.B., F.R.S.) In the
chair.
Mes.srs. Carpenter. Chaplin, Clulow, C. W. Gamble, Griflith.<i, and Dr. (frey
were elected members of the Society, and a largo number of nominations were
read. Several presentation.s to the library were announced, .as well as the
purchase of a copyof .S'«« Pictures in Scvtland, by the late Fox Talbot.
The H(ix. Sec'REt.vuy stated that the Lyonsdown Photographic Association
(Bamet) had that day been admitted to aftiliatioii of the Society.
ADD11E.-5.S BY THE PKK.STDEXT.
The PitE.siDENT, in delivering an address, said tliat it was an innovation, or,
rather, an experiment, inasmuch as it had not been done before, but it was the
wish of the Council, and he thought that it had better be given then than at
the annual meeting. The office he held was no mean one, and lie could but
recall that in the existence of the Society there were only four Presidents before
him— Sir Charles Eastlake, 1854-5 ; Lord Chief Biaon Pollock, 1S55-1S69 ;
Mr. James Glaisher, who presided down to 1892, with the exception of a small
break when volcanic eruptions were .about, the chair being then tilled by Mr.
John Spiller. No small part of his (the President's) scientific life had been
spent in the Society, to which he was elected in 1871. He had been editor of the
Society's Journal for sixteen years, and had seen its laws twice revised. Those
laws were again under revision, and when completed he thought the Society
ought to be allowed to exist in peace for some time to come. They might
NoT«mbi>r 11, l^ti]
THE BRITISH JOURXAL OF PH0T03R.VPHY.
731
-dapead opoatt that a worUBg Society had little time for tinkering ita laws. The
&>cietT cMw ita own Coancil, an<l he wonld lajr to the members, Trust the
CMmaL Tha Praudcnt remarked that it micht be interesting to them if he
nad th« nanMi of thoa* who formed the tint and second coancils, and said that
the laboan of thoM men still spoke to as. His wish was that in twenty-seven
year* to oooM, when some future Prasideiit delirered his address, the work
doM by th* |iment numbers of tha Conacil woold be as good as that of the
mcatowhom ha bad refened. The Sodatyeoold aspire to nothing higher
than to bdp fersranl photogisphy. Thay often heard that art owed nothing
to sdeaee. The ratort disooarteooi would be that scieooe owed nothing to
art. tt wai eaaiar to pose as an artist than as a man of science before being
foond oat. On* of the main objects of their Society was to encourage the
acieatifte aspects of pboto^phy, and he thoa(ht they could look back nearly
thirty years with satisfaetion fh>m that poiatw rkm. It was a long road that
had DO turning or milestone*. If then nad bean no turning, the n>ad wonld
hare been a weary oee, bat the milestones made it less long. There had been
ao important adranca in photagra^y wUeh had not been diacnsaed by that
Sodaty. and, altboagh it mbriit be IDOObUIm to perftetion. one mile leas made it
Mft. Tbay, of coarse, woold never laaeh that pwl; but there were others that
woold aocceed. Tbera waa no nobler aspiration than the search alter truth,
and plMtography was helping to an anemoaa extent in many problems,
Renarkinf that oaa of the avrels of icliaaa was the action of light on senai-
tiTe soifacso, the President went on to hiliir iadieata the pcaiible influence
which raceot phyrieal, chamkal, and iBathwnrtinl sdance had on photography
{this part of toe address will appear in a future nombcrl and ooododed by
remarking that ao great ad*aaee would be made in pbotograpay unless theory was
a little ahead of IL Ha tbooght the Sodetr should take nn theoretical subject*.
HeeaapstnlatedthaSoeiatyon thcexUfaraoB. Same old names were mbsing
fhMD the catalogn*^ bat ha hoped to see them there on a future occasion. The
KxhtMUoB had baaa bfoanUy notiead bgr the pnas with ooe exception. A
critiehad ii fka* paa, and no cue conM Baa fhnlt with the impenonality of a
pepertf hanasditao. When an art critic was sent to critidae art, his opinion
in sneh matten was supposed to be Taluabb: but one critic had ezprcMnd his
«niaioo to a small extent on the pictures, and to a large extent on toe Society.
iWr asMptod tha cxiticism on the pletaraa with pleosnra ; and the other Uiey
eooM dee aeeifrt hacsnsa H had dooa ae dwoapi exoqit to tha gentleman who
pad paaasQ ilk
Tit Prastdaat tabeequeMIy distribated the medals to the snecassf^il ex-
kibtton at tha rsesot Bdrffaitfan. Messrs. Kari Oreger, K Gay Wilkinson, W.
Bedtatd, Obkoel Oak, H. Yen, 9awyar (AotDtypa Company), Hobaon (Tkylor,
T^ylar. k Hahson), betrv prsaeat to rsedrc their awards, the PreiUent
obaarrnc that he thooAt the Bodaty eeaJd conrntalate itadfboth on the
BchlUliaa and the exeeUent way in which the Judges bad executed their
ftoettoasL
" aoxi RmAniUBLc Paorosnt or Sitrn axd OtULTanu'
In the abaeaes of Mr. Howard ParnMr, his brief oomaaaieatioa on this
aubieet was nad by Mr. Cuajiiaii JtWM, tha Hon. Beenlary. The first pn>-
pariy dmm attaattoa to was tha eatatylk aetion of Inely divided aflirer in
the BtswB n e<aalati»a aad hfchraasala of patMh, the altaratioa of tha Mchro-
toatad mH in Hikt r*dadl« tha falttiaa ta Iha iaaolabb ehronatad tern,
whib the sa«w ttarif tea aol nads^go aaj ahaage. Tha aimplaat maaaar
<f ebeerring. tha isaillen wga hy plisiaa soaa dhar tn a solnttoa af aounoaiam
bichraaate ; if tha latter be of a atn^th of taaaty per cent., tha reactioo was
psaotteally iMtaataacooa. flilTsr hnobda pliiaB, if detvioped with lacToas
oxalate aad nlniMrt tato a tw«t7 pw eaat. aototioa of aaiiamiloi faiehro-
naU laataad tka tdotiaa la eaatnat with tka rsdaeal sil*«' iMolabla, aad
the liiiH" 'ft* WMihiag, praaaalad tha saoM relief as carbon priata iananed
ia water. The filma coold be sgatetsert oa to ao iD<olnble surface, and de-
Teloped with hot water.
By heating tha Shas^ similarly reticulated surfaces
I to aold «al«r. Thas they had the aaaas of obtoia-
' t-breaddaiaaoj^asUaa with
■aafgiiirtin-
i fJalTaa. In
T»fnm obaarvad that, whea many salta — notably the
diasolead ia fslatiaa, and the griatine dried, the lalU did not
iag tha htfi dona
thesAsetsorHZoa
perty rstond to, Mr.
Uehraoatea
cryetoIUM oat, bat iiwiliil ia the fslatiaa. Dry f^tlatioe leUiaad sUtaaa
per eent of water at aidiaaiy taamiatansL ao<l it may be heated and tha
water drirea off. Thla Mlroat aetton of celatiac was qoita diatiaet boat
the solveat aetioo of walar. Maoy other soUiaooes wsre readily token ap by
dried gelatiaa barium aalphate for inataaea^ which eoold be ewalaJBea ia
gelotlae, aai whea the emalajna was dry rMaalned in nupcnaioa, the film
bioiBfaf parfcetly tiaa^anat, like ^aaa. molecalar contact appearing
Batoiialqr to altar tha phy«cal propertiee of taa film. With barium sulphate
aad oOw tHolaUa aobalMen the effect of reticolstion was most marked.
BUmooM gdttbm giTH totienlation of a man or leas greasy nature, but
vilh batioB, whoa the siullMia wo* plaagad iato eold water, the sarfaoe waa
■qaHe tree ftoaa greaaliisaa.
Mr. T. BoLaa aaid the paper opened up tooM aew flelda, and he wool<l
niiaal III! iiyliaaala
)feT. SBaaanav Dana, la nord to tha tnaapomey of the film eon-
talainf halfam, sold tha idea was almoat asaoalMtd with tha traaapanoey seen
In the aaalogoas aaaa of silieote of potash in the ordinary manufacture of
glooa.
Mr. Ounun Josn asked whether it was a bet that aowadajna in
aaOatraa yriatiM aothiag was added to tha galatiaa: teasarljr ha aader-
atoed that aOvar broorida waa aotaetiaMa praaaat.
Mr. J- TaaiLL Tatumi, apeakiac of oaa Amarieaa ooUotyper who produced
TCanlta of great cxcclleaoe, said that ia hi* ease nothii^ was added to the
Hm PaaBDOT ebaarrad that Mr. Waraarke aareral yean ago took oat a
potoDt ea Iha hwlt of fslatia* beeowlag iaaolnble when the plate was
diiealof ad wWh pyrn. TbanwenagoodaMaypoasibiUtiesbi the nseof cellu-
loid flat*, aad iiabUsae good work coold be dOBe with bichromated potssh
in ooalaaette with a silnr salt At Chatham last year he w*« able to show
bloaka aaold ha produced oa the same prindple. He waa quite
I thatlf the fJaUa* lUa was mnn azparimeated with than wen no eat
of possibilities wliich would open in photographic printing. The paper was not
altogether new to him, as he had experimented on the same lines, though he
was not certain about the solubility of barium sulphate. He recollected in the
old days that they had a process — the Ebemeum — iu which gelatine and oxide
of zinc gave a matt opal-Iike surface, which w,is very pleasing to look throng')
He had tried the same thing with sulphate of barium, and got the same result as
recorded by Mr. Farmer.
The meeting then adjourned.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
NoVEMBKK 3,— Mr. G. W. .\tkins in the chair.
Messrs. Grundy and Lorrimer were elected members.
Action ok the Red Rats on Exposed Sensitive Surfaces.
Mr. A. Haddox, to drawing attention to Messrs. Bolas and Debenham's ex-
periments with regard to the effect of red light upon a plate of haloid salt of
silver that had already been exposed to light, said that an objection had been
raised to the experiment in that the filtering media were not such as to allow
the pure red rays only to fall on the plate. He therefore thought it worth
while to make a few experiments, using instead of glass the spectrum with an
electric light and a bisulphide of carbon prism. He exposed a piece of gelatine
bromide paper to the light of a paraffin lamp for tlu«e seconds, another for
five, and a uiird for ten, the three pieces being then exposed in succession to
the action of the spectrum. During the expoanre the light was turned on and
off, the spectrum at the upper part only being allowed to act for a second.
In the second ca-se paper was exposed for six, eighteen, and thirty seconds to
the p«raffin light, and, on development, no difference could be discovered
between the portions thiat had amply received exposure to the white light and
those that had been exposed to red plus white. Red light, in fact, had neither
undone nor increased the density of the deposit where it had acted. A similar
experiment on plates yielded the same result. He had also exposed gelatino-
chloride paper to the pure electric light, when It discoloured over the whole
surface. lie then exposed it to the action of the spectrum for ten minutes, at
the end of which time there was a distinct difference in colour where the red
light had fallen. Waa this a chemical or physical change! In order to put
this to the teat he fixed one half and fixed and toned the other, and it was then
impo«M{ble to see any difference between that portion where the red light had
fallen and altered the colour and where it had not A second piece of gelatino-
ctdoride paper was next taken, and before being exposed to the action of the
apectrum one-half only was exposed to the light of the arc lamp. The spectrum
was then allowed to act on a considenble portion of the paper, and the otlier
half to the ban light Where the red light acted there was a marked change
in the colour of the paper itself, which showed that there might be a physical
change. He, however, doubted if any chemical change took place, as, when
fixed, it oould be aeen that the maivin of the paper appeared exactly the same
where tha red end of the apectrum fell.
Mr. W. P. Dakdo atated that he had been much mystified by obtaining
different ooloon in lantern slides made by reduction, a light from a lantern
through coloured glaas being allowed to traverse that passing through the
negatire.
Mr. W. Bkoptikd inquired whether, ifCaptaiuAbney'a view that the action of
the red nya ia an oxidising one waa oorrect, that would effect Mr. Uaddon'a
theoryr
Mr. Haoonx repliol that, on fixation, the same effect waa obtained.
Th« RtnTivK IUpiditv or DirmiKin PBi»TiNO-<yT Papehs.
A commonication from Mr. B. Foci.ks-Winks, treating of this subject, was
read tnr the Hononry Secretarr. It described experiments (the results being
ahown) of exposing alips of the various commercial printing papers iimler a
negative to good diffused daylight, each atrip having twelve different exposures,
rangbg Ihim two to twenty-four rainntea. The results of the experiments,
aeeoid&g to the author, showed that platinotype was quickest, albumen next,
nlatino^loride next, and tha ferro-prussiate slowest. Incidentally. Mr.
roulks- Winks mentioned the following toning bath for gelatino-chloride papers
which ha had arrived at altar some experiments :—
Potaasinm sulphooyanide 1 drachm.
Common salt * 6 drachms.
Distilled water (warm) 60 ounces.
Whan used add eight to ten grains of gold chloride. The bath is rea<ly for
use at once, the printa being put into it without previoua washing.
Mr. W. E. DrancHAlt pouitad out that identical expoaurea mstead of ex-
posurea proportionate to the speeds of the papen had been givea He sug-
geated the use of scales involving the use of varying thicknesses of paper so
that a ganmatrical increaae coulil be obtained. The experiments did not
justify Mr. '" " 'Vinka's conclnaiona aa to '' " -■ ' tinns obtauieil.
Mr. E. . inwl to aome experim iwn which lie had
underUk" .ilar object as Mr. Foulk- iui he had not had
time ■ lie, however, did not agree witli thu latter that albumen
wa* ^Utino-chloriile.
Ma. ^. ty. I > w Ii asked if aa regular reaults could be obtained with geUtino-
(hliiiiils ii wWi albumen ! He could not get that regularity.
Mr. A. UaCKJB had got reguUrity of reaults with gelatino-chloride, but only
one tone.
After further discussion the meeting closed.
Hackaay Fhotogmpblo Bodaty. — November I, Mr. J. 0. Grant in the
chair.— A queation was asked aa to whether Ilfonl lantern plate (block tones)
wax a chloride or bromide plate. Mr. Beckett aaid it was a bromide. Mr.
Wilka was nominated. Mr. Wiae asked which was the best way to use amidol
Mr. K. Beckett advised using it dry. Mr. Cabpextkh then read a paper and
gave a demonatntion on LanUm Slide Making. lie said a very great poln
was to get purity in the whites. He covered about one-eighth of an inch o_^
rebate with block paper »o as to detect fog. His own formula was :— Eikonogpn
r32
TilE BRITISH JOUUXAL OF rilOTOIJUPHV.
[Xovember 11,1892
on« quarti-r of «n ounce ; carbonate of potash, one quarter of an ounce ; bro-
mide of potassium, fivB grains ; uHlphite of soUa, one ounce ; boiling water, to
ten ounces. Allow to cool. He generally diluted it with equal weight of
water For warm tones he preferred pyro, ami mentioned the ten per cent,
formula given by Thomas. He advised plenty of good yellow light, and objected
to Intensilication. Some lantern plates of Thomas's were then developed. Mr.
(Josuxo asked whether chloride plates could be satisfactorily developed with
pyro. The Hox. Sbcrktahv said he had done some.
Kensington and Bayswater Pbotograpliic Society.— November 7, Mr.
Seale.s pn'sidi-d. — Mr. G. Bi;b.sniii.l gave a demonstration or Tite Platinum
Tuniny of .Silver /'rials. He clearly explained the ditference between a print
on platinotype paper and silver paper toned with platinum, the former con-
sisting of platinum only, and the latter, however well the toning may have
been etfected, of an alloy of silver and platinum. He claimed that a platinum-
toned print will keep longer than a gold-toned one, that in toning more of the
silver is replaced than in toning with gold, and that the platinum bath will
keep almost indefinitely. The bath he has fonnd to work best is one composed
of chloroplatinite of potassium, one grain ; citric acid, ten grains ; water, four
ounces. This is an improvement over the old bath, which contained nitric
acid ; this last, even when diluted, having a more or less injurious effect on
the gelatine. It is necessary that all toning baths of platinum should be acid.
If a warm tone is desireil add ten more grains of citric acid, and dilute to eight
ounces of water. In printing for warm tones it is necessary to over-print more
than for black tones. The fixing bath should be made slightly alk Jine with
ammonia. Mr. Bnrsnell proceeded to give his formulas and metliod of pre-
paring a paper specially suited to platinum toning. Plain Saxe paper should
be obtained and first salted with the following solution •.—Nelson's No. 1
gelatine, twelve grains ; water, one ounce. When dissolved, add four grains of
chloride of ammonium and two drachms of negative varnish. The paper
should be hung ui> to dry, and then sensitised with the following solution :—
Citric acid, fifty grains ; nitrate of silver, two drachms ; water, two ounces.
Putney Photographic Society.— October 24, Special Meeting. Dr. Shep-
pard in the chair.— Dr. Jeserich's paper on Pholoyraphy .implied to the Detec-
tion of Crime y/ns read by Dr. Farrar, and was illustrated by a series of lantern
slides. A series of lantern slides from Australia, South Africa, and India was
then shown. In addition to a high standard of technical excellence the slides
had the advantage of representing views of scenery and life quite new to many
of those present. The paper and slides were lent by the Central Committee of
the Affiliated Societies of Great Britain, and are part of a programme provided
for the use of those who have joined the Affiliation. The jirogramme, which is
of a varied character, will be found an invaluable help to Secretaries in filling
np their cards of fixtures, and will be a practical inducement to other Societies
to join the Afliliatiou.
Richmond Camera Club.— October 31, the President in the chair.— Mr.
Ramsay showed Middlemisss frame for printing slides by contact from part of
any sized negative— a very simple and useful adjunct to the dark room. Mr.
J. D. Gibson brought some slides which he had made on chloride plates,
following the formula, Ike, as demonstrated at the previous meeting. The
.slides were very patchy, and many of them too red in colour. He wanted to
know the cause of the patchiness. Mr. CKMBBAJfo thought that the magnesium
must have been held too close to the negative, and not moved about during
exposure, thus causing uneven illumination. The subject for discussion, Pre-
paring Work for ExhibUio7i , was opened by Mr. P. Exxi.s, who said that,
foremost of all, the quality of the work must be the very best, and he empha-
sised the necessity of being original in one's style. Most workers left the
printing and mounting of their exhibition work' for the last moment, which
was certainly not always conducive of the best results. He therefore recom-
mended that one should start early preparing one's exhibits. A great deal of
care was necesfsary in suitably mounting and framing, as quite a number of
prints were often spoilt by unsuitable framing. Mr. Willi.vm.s thought the
whole question lay in a nutshell— first get a good negative, and then a good
print. Mr. Ramsay added that exhibits were often too much prepared ; in
other words, that too much hand work was put on them. Mr. St. John Hunt
inquired which would be the best kind of frame to have. Mr. Cembuano
replied that the frame should be simple, and that it should harmonise with the
print The object of the frame was to separate the picture from the surround-
ings, indeed, it might be called the boundary line of the picture. It was a
great mistake to have much gold in a frame for a photograph. It was fatal to
use a mouUing which, by its richness or colour, should attract the eyes before
the picture was seen or thought of. Mr. Alabaster showed a frame he had
fent to an exhibition. He thought that the mounts should be made to suit
the prints. He preferrerl toned mounts. Mr. Gibson remarked that it was a
diflicult thing to find suitably toned mounts. Mr. Such suggested that the
size and shape of the frames should be considered. He believed that some
sizes had a better chance of being hung because they fitted better. He further
remarked that "hangers" should endeavour to harmonise the colours of the
frames as well as the tones of the prints on the walls of an exhibition. The
I'uEsrDENT read a question which had been put by one of the members : " A
negative having been imperfectly washed aud put away, a mouldy deposit
appears on the film after a few months. This deposit seems insoluble in water,
the plate having been soaked for three days without result. How can it be
cleared ?" Mr. Wii.lia.ms advised soaking in hot water. Mr. St. Joh.v Hunt
suggested rubbing the film with cotton wool. Mr. Hahhls doubted the
efficiency of this treatment, as he had been unable to remove the deposit with a
sponge. Mr. Cembhano thought that resoaking in hypo and then washiag
thoroughly might answer.
■West Surrey Photographic Society.— November 2, Mr. J. L. Lyell in the
chair.— Tlie subject of the evening was a paper by Mr. A. R. Dresser, entitled
Hints on Hand Cameras. Mr. Dresser intimated that, in his opinion, a wide-
angle lens was the one to use for hand-camera work, and the camera should be
one with dark slides, and not one of a magazine i)att3rn. In concluding his
remarks. Mr. Dresser said that he hoped that his hearers would not at any
time bring discredit upon hand-camera work by "snap-shotting" persons
under conditions which might cause unpleasantness, as many were very apt to
do. An exhibition of lantern slides by Mr. Dresser was then given, some very
fine sea studies, and his popular Wild West series being shown. A discussion
followed.
North Surrey Photographic Society.-The Exhibition of the wrrk of
members and the competition for the Whitby Prize of a guinea each for the
two best sets of six prints, and the Society's cert;ificate for the set next in order
of merit, were held at the last meeting on Tuesday, the 1st inst There were
sixteen entries for the competition, and the prints sent in with those for ex-
hibition only made quite an imposing show. Tlie competition was very keen
the result ol the .ludging showing only a difference of five marks between the
first and third best sets. Mr. Lewis Wolff, under the nom-de-plmiu of
Achromatic, was awarded the first prize ; Mr. H. Senier (" Columbia") the
second •.an;! Mr. W. Rouch (" Pyro ") the certificate. The six prints shown
by Mr. Wolff were bromide enlargements of church interiors and village scenes -
those by Mr. Senier, 5x4 prints on bromide and Eastman's Solio paper land-'
scapes and interiors, the best being the Banqmtin'j Huimi, lladdnn Hall- and
those by Mr. Rouch, bromide enlargements and marine and forest scenes,
laking the exhibits as a whole, they refiected the greatest credit upon the
members, and proved that the idea to hold the combined Competition and
hxhibition was fully warranted. It may be remarked that ordinary albumen
prints were conspicuous by their absence, eight-tenths of the exhibits bein<'
either platinotype or bromide. Among the pictures sent in for exhibition only
those by Mr. T. .1. Bright were universally admired, his Vi^w from. Lmdon
Bridge, and -t Pastoral S:eiie in Essex being of rare merit. By the courtesy
of the Committee of the West Norwood Constitutional Club, in whose rooms
th» Society holds its meetings, the exhibits were allowed to remain on view for a
week, and many friends of the members and others interested in the art of
photography have availed themselves of the opportunity thus afforded.
Blackheath Camera Club. —November 1, Mr. J. T. Field in the chair —
A lecture and demonstration on the The Eastmtm Company's Products was
given by Mr. A. C. Baldwin. The lecturer described the roll-holder and the
various kinds of Kodaks, and then gave a description of the method of manu-
facturing celluloid films. The factory is fitted with twe've gla-s-topped tables,
each eighty feet long and forty-one inches wide. These arc coated with liquid
celluloid by means of a machine, which travels the whole length of the tables,
running on steel rails at the sides, each being drawn along by endless chains
worked by an electric motor.* The coat of celluloid is next dried by means of
fans, and then coated with the sensitive emulsion, which is spread in the same
manner as the celluloid, but at a slower rate. When the emulsion is dry the
film is stripped from the tables, and, at the same time, wound upon a large
spool, from which it is rewound on to another similar one, passing in the mean
time over a table of ruby glass, lighted from the under side by an electric lamp.
During its progress it is carefully examined, any defective portions being cut
out or marked. After this it is rewound on to a series of small spools, being
.sht by knives during the process. Each of these small spools, of cour.se,
contains eighty feet of film of the width of the spool, and this is again re-
wound, in the proper lengths required for certain numbers of exposures, on to
the spools that are used in the roll-holders. After mentioning bromide paper,
Mr. Baldwin spoke of the gelatino-chloride paper made by this firm, and
called Solio i)aper. He toned two batches of prints, one in the combined
toning and fixing bath, and the other in the sulphocyaniile bath, giving some
valuable hints while doing so. With regard to the depth of printing, if the
prints are to be toned in a sulphocyanide bath, they should not be printed so
deeply as for the combined bath, while for the latter they should be rather less
deeply printed than lor any other bath, such as borax. When toned and fixed
in separate baths, an alum bath is necessary between. If prints are to be glazed
they should be printed deeper than for a matt surface. Squeegeeing on mat,
surface celluloid is recommended for matt finish, and on glass or ferrotypt
plate for glazed surface. In the combined toning and fixing bath the fixing
takes place first, and is complete in about two minutes ; therefore, by the time
the required tone is obtained, the prints are sure to be properly fixed. They
should be toned face downwards in this bath. The sulphocyanide bath must
be freshly made from pure chemicals, and with this very fine purple tones can
be obtained, the combined bath only giving warm tones. The prints must be
thoroughly and quickly washed ; excessive washing destroys the gelatine. The
printing frames should l)e filled in subdued light or in the dark room, and
should be backed with waterproof paper. To mount prints that have been
squeegeed on to a support of any kind, apply a thin solution of Scotch glue to
the back with a piece of rtanuel when print is nearly dry. When quite dry,
strip off print, damp mount, and lay print down. When waterproof backing
of any description is applied to a print, it must not be done until print is nearly
dry, as otherwise the moisture will be unable to evaporate.
Croydon Camera Club.— November 7, the President in the chair.— Mr.
Charles Hussey gave a finished and comprehensive paper on Stereoscopic
Phutoijraphy, in the course of which he dwelt on the charms and pleasures of
this form of view making. The lecture, which was illustrated by a number of
cameras, shutters, slides, and, of course, a stereoscope, was an admirable
expose of the subject, and, relieved by certain humorous allusions to the fail-
ings of photographic extremists, proved highly enjoyable. Tlie lecturer also
explained how, by means of a newly devised printing frame of his own inven-
tion, stereoscopic transparency positives could be printed by contact without
necessitating any cutting of the glass and subsequent rejoining.
Croydon ailcroscopical and Natural History Club (Photographic Sec
tlon). — November 4, Mr. Sparrow in the chair. — The attemion of tliose present |
was drawn to the annual soirie of the Club to be held on the 23rtl inst. The
evening was devoted to a discussion on Hand Cameras, the Practical Advan-
tages and Defects of Various Systems. For purely hand-camera work, such as j
street scenes, the type known as the " Magazine," with a lens of short focus, J
four and a quarter to five inches, was considered the most convenient, whilst]
for general work a camera with plateholdcrs and a loug.'r-focus lens was pre- 1
ferred. The Chairman, in the course of his remarks, descril>ed a novel formj
of plateholder he had used for several seasons constructed from the design i
Mr. Sargeant. The shutter, instead of sliding out, was liiuged and laid dow
on the bottom of the camera, the opening and shutting being effected by (.
small lever outside. The advantages claimed were : that it could be made]
NoTember 11,1809]
THK BRITISH JOUKNAL. OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
7-V,
d BMn eampaet than the onlinaiy form of ilark sliile, that it couM
ha BaaipBlalad qqi««r, that no light eoold teach the pbto when in the
imera, ai the form of cooatrnctioa allowed it to be entirely closed in. It was,
..ovfTer, not po^oible to nae a ten* of ehort foca«, as the lena front could not
be faroKfkt op saStcieuUy near.
?hoMcnphie lodaty. -October 2S, Mr. Attatln J. King (President)
in the chair, when a paper wa» read br Mr. Gtonoi NouiAir, entitled, The
Cmmera at a» A ii to ArtMauloM.—na laetnrar aaid his special object that
•viBiac was to show the oaa of the camera in making permanent record of the
fama of andent buildingB, many of which were fast dliappearing from the
land. For this para«aeucre were exhibited upon the screen pictores of Irish
otkltKtart fttm tM aariiaat to madicral thnea, mostlr irom tlie lectnTeKa
tmrn |iliii<ini ■!>>■. takes at iiiiitliiai of tba Roral Society of Antiquaries o(
Irdtaad, iinwwiiiirinf with the fsimUre lake dweOfBCi and nndergronnd cares,
■Ml [lawli^. on to the beebire cells and otmtories. He then described the
mloaa torn* of the early Christian diurehaa, which reached their bigheat
meat im Oormae's Chapel at Ckakcl, with iU barrel raolt and high-
1 TOof of atooe, aad concluded witk a laries of illustrations of medinra]
abbaya aad cathadralsk The following waa eommnnicated to the Society : —
" I^eock Abbey, Cbippaabaa, October IS. I think it may be of interest to
yoato know tliat,abo«t a Baatli ago, I fonnd two lio/erf specimens of rery early
photography. The tnt Is a vary minata eaaerm picture of aa oiiel window in
the soath gallery of liaeock Abbey, wUob ii glaiitd with diamond panes. It
is eridantlr taken from tha inaide, lookiaff oatwaids towards tba south. This
pbotonaph is of a pala riolat eoionr, aad It ■amsted on a piece of black paper
to satlt oC, ami that ^aia ia aonBtad M • siaea of whita writing-paper, on
whieh ia the foltowiag aemoniidmB fai By btber'a handwriting :— ■ Latticed
window, with tha canara obaenra, Asgwt, 1835. When Hist made, the
sgoarss of glaaa.aboat aOOia nnab«r,coiitdbacounted with the help of a lens.
ita paaea are 1 ~ . — ^-,^. v .^
diOMlty.
tMm a dri«l . . ,.
■a anst hare hern fixed witk salt. I have many other speci-
I be of aboat the aama period, bat these are the only dsted
oaas that I hare yet found. Higned, C U. Taumit, Lacock Abb^. To
W. M. Ashman Hon. Secretary, Bath Fbotograpliie Sodaty."
t nMIMeiiylllli ■oetoly.— Ngwaaber X— A wcIUtteDdad meeting
r plwlaVWM* «M bald bawoaTharsday night, when thoaa preaaat
ily naoma thaasdTea into a Hocirty, hereafter to be known aa tha
Ooaport Fbotoinphic Sodety. /Vtsirfmt ■• tha Rer. - Matthew.— Tice-
PmidtmU. Maara. It. E. rroadc. T. K. Wflliama, and Oaotga Oiureher.—
ClmimeU: Mtaan. H. flaba. & Morrtik, B, TMker, It. E. Green, Moaa, and
MlaWitvok.— IVnwmr.- Mr. W. R flailk.— ffoa. .Smvtory. Mr. Cbaria
H. WiMrt. 47, Higk-abaat, Ooapoil TW Bodetr wiU bold iU maetiBgB in
tkaaoMMttowsMdioofHr. JamaaBtl(i^aa,M,Higb.«ta««,aa tha Srst
», tocM praa
fiasa. a«on( juum Duaoar, ctwiwi iietvuutcu mnu wue uviy ui ■ icua.
ira atOI qotta dMaet, aad eMld|Mbabiy be counted without much
Tba othtr apaeiaae a • okatampk of a plant, taken, no doubt,
id spadBMi by appUeat&a. ItMdated PehniaryS, 183& Both
■adIkifdTaaadaysoftlMaaath uatU
tteeriettha
notka.
prniica baring
^ as tha SoeMy's haadoaariani OoDTanicatly anaogad raading
aad tek naaa an at tha Hapoml at Ihsaaaban. On Tneaday. the I5tb
" ~ ■" ~ ... to be followed by an
Claaaes for
anaoonead. The
of thoee wiahl^ to joio. The
iwl, Iha rraManl vffl daliva tha tangml addnaL to be fo
MhibMeai of maaban' laaina sUdas by the lid of tba limelight.
baglaaaa an ia eoorae of oooatractioa, aad will be duly ana<
Oauatay will ba pliaaJ to
sabaoipboa la ai M. par qi
■Odatv.— n* Ibarth Annual Oaaanl Meeting
1 on IhMMaiat, Norember 3. Surgeon-Major
f tha abora Seskty waa
r .«lsr irtmUmta la tha chair,
ihaal, laa lalla aaiiali^ a bale
oa tha olhwdda hat year. Mr. CL.kiuM thaa pTOMaad tha'aaslganwHon'of
•h* Soclaty wHb that of the VstarslMs' Soeialy, which, aila sona diaeosaioa.
t) la the chair. Tha SacaaTABT r«a<l the report and balanca-
akewiiW a baiaaeo in hand af U <«. SK •• otai"^ I'- >7«. 7K
Fhotocmphle foctaty.— Ni
ia tha chair.- ' lie laatara saaioa
tatira coUacti ■■* of maabaw, ■
Daeaaabar aaauog.
pfCBbcr I, Dr. BaMwia (PraUaat)
it was daefdad to fom rrpraaaa-
id to aaka tha salaetloe at tha
■uartWIUfc rkOtoglMUe loeMv.— AahotograpUe aodatr baa recently
baaaftaaadataaarbniOBAwHhthaBaT. W.T. Reader aa Prsaident, aad Mr.
Todd as Hatntair, Mr. J. H. Rowatiaa aa Tieasnrar, and tha coaaittaa
ware Aeaaa aa nOowa: — Mia )
I AagnaU WoodaU, Mia MeOaUnm, Dr. Monk,
Mr. J. WbitMd, Mr. Noctharp, aad Mr. H. HuL Tha boa. Sacntary, Mr. N.
Todd, reatdaa at 18, Vietoris-nad. aad ba will be gUd to glra aar information
dairad, aad to noeiea appUeatloaa far aaabanhip ftoa both ladies and
who may b« aakioaa to help torwtrd this nociety.
f.— Noraabar Ut, Mr. B J. Taylor ia tha
ehatr.-Tha naatliin of a Dark Rooa waa brooght before tha mamban, when
altar a ray haatart diacoaakn it wa« reMlrad.to postpoaatba oatta oatil aaxt
-mhl aad daeUa by ballot. After whiak a aala of laatem aUda was
JMMdlhRMgh tba iM^aa Iv Mcaam niaai. HIbhart, Camp, aad Bnoley,
Aowiiv tha efisets gaiaad by tha di&nat wralopaa now la nw r '
photaffiBphcr^. Mr. J. W. Cnarlcsworth operated the Isntern.
■mU Maaebaator netofrmplde teeloto.— October 31, Mr. W.
nrw^tJH Ml iir MnttoD, Macbeth, and wade were elected mamben. Mr.
Liwaoa, nf NrKtnn 1.- Willows, exhibited a new Mtnrator inrented by himself.
..i.,...! jnaUathebody of the laoters,
itontor. It is intended to
. ug away with bydrogen, an
loug the o'lnntsgca claimed for It are
ita'partat adMy la aw, and that a mora ta^niant light can be obtaineil than
erith aay olhr IMIght ai
The iaaraaant in lU present form can >-
m tho aipple and lima-hohlCT form p '
bvra thaatdtaarr commercial bcsiolii
oxygoa botUi hang alon* required.
a panr oa tha Bittarjf
method of aakha than.
sklU, Cat,
tn> with eitherone or two jets. Mr. W.»ti« read
/yanUr:. StuU, in which he gave an account of bis
He Mi.! a UnUm tranji(Mreu<-T reqaiml the greateat
le<haieal skill. Sat, whra obtataad, tba baaaty of the picture was much
aakaaetd, aad whaa thnma oa tha seraaa anally called forth expresaiona at
the wannest ailmiration. Tlie luturer proceedeil to give an account of the
various ways by which a lantem transparency could be produced, the best
negative for this work being one " full of detail, rather thin, and clear." He
considered the gelstino-bromide plates the best for general use, as capable of
C' ' Dg a great range of tones, from black to red, transparent shadows, delicate
■tones, and as being very free from technical defects. A very thin negative
is better printed on a gelatiuo-chloride plate. With regard to the diversity of
opinion as to the best developers, he thought all developers were good if yoii
only knew how to use them — that was the chief point The lecture concluded
with a practical Jenioostration, several slides being exposed and developed by
Mr. Wade.
Bordar Amatanr Pbotogniplilc Association.— This newly formed Society
held its iirst meeting at its head-quarters, Galashiels, on Friday evening,
November 4. The Rev. W. Burnet Thomson, M. A., who has been apjwinted
President, occupied the chair, and, as a formal opening of the new body,
delivered an address on Thf Jiise aiul Progress o/i'lu'lutjraphy, in which he
dwelt strongly upon the vast extension of its nses in all departments of life,
showing there were few sections of active thought and work, both in science
and art, which were not much indebted to its power of accurate recordation, m,
addition to its ministering to the pleasures of those who only pursued it as a.
pleasant bobby, or the accompaniment of a holiday ramble. At the close he
WM thanked for his address.
Bdisbnrgb Photographic Sodaty.— Xovember 4, Mr. H. L. Blanc, A.R.S.A.
(President), in the cbair. — Mr. J. M. Turnbull brought before the meeting
bis experiences with "amidol "as a developer, specimens of which had been
distribntad previously. He stated, after a prolonged and exhaustive trial, he
did not find it come up to the high degree of merit claimed for it. The result-
ing negatives were of a thin character, and wanting in the best qualities of a
good plate. The keeping nuality also of the new claimant was not, or rather
bad not in his hands proveil, a success. A few negatives and prints from them
were exhibited in proof that the raulta scarcely equalled those obtained from
other well-known developers. Eleven new members were elected. The reports
of the Secretary and Treasurer were submitteil, the former drawing attention
to the steady onward progress of the Society and its increaiing popularity.
The number of members at the dose of the session was stated as 392. Refer-
ence was made to the events of the past year, notably the aquisition of the
handsome new apartments with dark room specially fitted, also to the very
succenful meetings of the Photographic Convention. The finances of the
Society showed no falling ofl^, a good balance remaining after meeting all
ganerail chaiga as wall u the apedal chaiga incident to the new rooms. The
election for new ofBoe-bearera to succeed those retiring by demission and
rotation was next proceeded with. Mr. AxosRaoK expre^ed his own and the
merahera' regret that Mr. Blanc, their present President, had found it necessary
tu ileiuit the oflice owing to prosore of engagements in his profession, and he
hoped that even yet Mr. Blane would consent to remain in the office in which
he had been able to do so much in forwarding the Sodety's interest, and he
moved accordingly. The ratiring Prksidknt stated that he was much touched
and highly gratiHed by the warm display of good feeling and by the flattering
complutents of his feUow-members, for which he tendered his warmest thanks,
but be craved to be allowed to adhere to his resolution, and desired to propose
as his socoeaaor Hr. John Moffatt, who, being duly seconded, was unanimously
appointed. The following ^ntlemen were then appointed -.— yice-J'retiiUiUt:
Haaani Alaxaader Ayton, jnn., and J. C Olipbant — Lihrarinn : Mr. Charles
Plaaw. — TVaasMrer: Mr. Jama McGIashan. — SecnUary: Mr. .1. farclsy ; and,
to fill the vacant memberahips of Council, Messrs, BashfonI, Hawks, and
Blanc. f
Valaon Camera Clnb (Melson, N.Z.) — Jane 22, Annual Meeting. — The report
showed that the financea were in a satisfactory conilition, and that the member-
ship had incrassad to eight honorary and thirty-six ordinary members. The
Prcaidaat raiarrad to the loa the Club had sustained by the removal of its
Isds Saeralanr, Mr. P. W. MacLean, fkt>m tha district, and urged members to
liiiiaawl eflorta. Daring the saaion 1891-92, the usual monthly meetings
bare been well attendee^ and Oie work put in for the monthly competitions
has shown that the interest In the Club has in no way abated. The annual
exbibitioo waa held on September 3, 4, and 5, 1891, and was an entire success.
Betwaae flOO aad 700 pictores were on view, and were much admired. On
former oeeaaions admission had been free, but this time it was decided to make
a small charge, notwithstanding whieh the hall waa well filled each afternoon,
and crowded during the evenings. On the first evening the President gave
ilemonstrations of platinotype printingand of flashlight photography, which
were attended to with much interest. The second and tbini evenings, lantern
exhibitions of members' slides were given. This being a new departure, and
the slidw being prindpally of local interest, much appreciation was expressed
by tbe large aadieaaaa. Mr. F. W. Holland was the exhibitor. In December,
1891, a oontribatioB of fifty frania of photographs was sent to the corobino<l
exhibition of the Otago Art Society and the DunedJn Photographic Society, and
net with much commendation from the local press, and from tbe visitors to
the exhibition.
RECENT PATENTS.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS.
No. 19,631. — " Improvements in or connected with the Production of Sepia or
like colonnd Photographic Picturea, ami Sensitised Paper Films and other
media therefor." H. J. Shawckims.— /yn/c/f Oclober 31, 1892.
So. 19,681.— "ImprovemeDti in or relating to the Regulation of Photographic
Shntteis." J. T. Clahkb.— i)o/^ Xomn'tcr 1, 1892.
No. 19.593.— "The I'niversal Lantemslide Printing Frame." J. Ashfobd
and W. TfLAK.—Dalril Xotxiiiber 1, 1892.
.No. 1I',629.— " Improvements in Apparatus for exposing Photographic
Films." Communicated by G. D. Milbuin. K. J. BoKVl.— Dated November \
1S92L
784
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF THOTOGRAPHY.
[November 11, 1892
No. 19,636. — " Improvements in or relating to RoU-hoIders for Photographic
Films." W. H. Walker.— Dated Xuvember 1, 1892.
No. 19,863.— "The 'Tidy' Negative and Plate Rack." K Debe:jham.—
Datftl November 4, 1892.
SPECIFICATIONS PUBLISHED.
1891.
No. 17,860.—" Photographic Dry Plates." Niev.sky.
1892.
No. 716.— "Photographic Cameras." Pride.
No. 15,447.—" Photographic Cameras." Stegbm.vnn.
No. 16,264.— "Photograph Albums." Albert.
Cotre<ES)ionirence*
' Oorretpondmts should never write on both etdes of ih§ paper.
MATT P.O.P. PRINTS.
To the Editor.
Sir, — May we say in reference to your article of last week that Mr. Crooke
lias been good enough to explain his method of producing the admirable
prints we sent you ? He squeegees them ilownon glass in the usual way,
and after mounting passes them through a rolling press.
We have tried the method you suggested, and whilst it produces capital
results, It is not commercial, for the celluloid sheets are spoilt after once
or twice using.
We thank you, Sir, for your impartial summing up of the question of
" Gelatine v. Albumen," and feel we are not too sanguine in prophesying
that gelatine will replace albumen in the nineties as it replaced coUodion
in the seventies. Such a consummation is devoutly to be wished, not
only in the interests of English trade, but on account of the superiority of
results. — We are, yours, Ac,
The Britannia Works CoMPAuy, Limited.
photogeaphy at the woelu's fair.
To the Editor.
Sir, — I enclose a copy of an official letter received from Chicago
relative to the photographic privilege at the Columbian World's Exposi-
tion, which I think will interest many of your readers. In accomplishing
"this much I wish to convey to our many friends on your side of the ocean,
through your JounsAt, my sincere thanks for the aid they so kindly give
ns. Probably further restrictions which now appear may be removed by
the time the Exhibition opens. — I am, yours, cfec, F. C. Beach.
bOl, Broadway, New York, October 28, 1892.
The Wo'rld's Columbian Exposition, C. D. A mold, Official Photographer.
Office of D. H. Bubnham, Director op Works, World's Colu.mbian
ExrosiTioN, Jackson-park, Chicago, Ills.
Odoljer 25, 1892.
American Amateur Photographer, 239, Fifth-avenue.
Gentlemen, — Hand cameras using plates up to and including 4x5 inches,
without tripods, will be allowed ivithin the grounds of the World's Columbian
Exposition on and after this date, on payment of a fee of two dollars in addi-
"tion to the regular price of admission for each day.
Cameras using stereoscopic lenses will not be admitted however small the
j)late may be. — Very sincerely, C. D. Arnold, Official Photographer.
DETEEIOEATION of OXYGEN.
To the Editor.
Snt, — There are one or two questions in the current Lanterji Supple-
ment which seem to call for some notice.
The first is, the deterioration of oxygen when kept in cylinders. I
have used cylinders almost ever since the introduction of the high-
pressure system, and have never found the deterioration spoken of by
your correspondent, F. Bailey. A few years ago there was some reason
for complaint as to the apparently diluted quality of oxygen being sup-
plied, but that has for some time now been remedied, and I do not think
there is now any need to find fault on that score. As for deterioration
after two months, my experience has been this : — A few days ago, be-
ginning the season, I used some oxygen for a public " show " that had
been filled into the cylinder last April, the cylinder then being about
half emptied, and the oxygen was, after nearly seven months, quite as
good as when freshly charged, and was what I expected from past working.
I think most London workers who go to the " Brins' Oxygen Company"
will bear me out in this experience. As you know, Sir, I have no interest
in any oxygen suppliers, and only speak of them as I find them.
A question asked by " Operator " as to recessing the oxygen jet three-
eighths of an inch in his blow-through jet, deserves just a word. Three-
eighths of an inch is rather a long way in, and the result of the combi-
nation of gases so far in the tube will probably be, as I have myself found,
to melt ofif the nose of the burner until it is of a safe length, to its
detriment, of course. One-eighth or tliree-sixteenths at most is, I think,
quite as far as he may safely go, and in this position the light will be
much better than in the form of blow-through jet usually sold. But il
he uses the jet for dissolving, and does not keep just a little oxygen
always " on tap," he must look out for pops which may make his tubes
jump about in a rather startling fashion. — I am, yours, &c.,
November 7, 1892. Lime-BcrK^e.
^
THE DETENTION OF SPECIMENS.
To the Editob.
Sir, — Allow me space in your Journal to make a few remarks with
regard to photographic assistants and their specimens. The practice of
sending specimens when applying for a situation is an old one, but one
which causes much unpleasantness to both employer and employe, and
serves no good purpose ; for how often after carefully wading through a
pile of prints and the sender of the best engaged, who only fills the
vacant situation a few weeks, whereas if the holder of a good testimonial
had been engaged tliorough satisfaction would most probably have
followed. But the great evil of sending specimens is they get into the
hands of unprincipled men, who often simply advertise for assistants in
order to get prints for their own show cases. I noticed a few weeks back
a correspondent complaining of not being able to get his specimens back
from a firm in Australia, who I remember distinctly promised in their
advertisement the return of all prints, &c., submitted to them, but they
failed to keep their promise in more than one instance. — Thanking you
in anticipation of inserting, I am, yours, &c., Pybo.
Biriuinghum, November 7, 1892.
[Why do not assistants take our oft-tendered advics (When sending
specimens) to write their names and addresses on the pictures ? This
vfould prevent any misuse of them. — Ed.]
charitable lantern ENTERTAINMENT SOCIETT.
To the Editor.
Sir, — I am pleased to see, by the notice in your issue of last week, that
a society has been formed having such a grand object as the entertaining
of the inmates of our hospitals, &c. Those who have had the misfortune
to be placed in a hospital will know how long and dull the time appears
to them, and how anything done to break the monotony is appreciated.
I have applied for membership, and intend to do what lies within my
power to promote the objects of the Society, and I have myself already
been promised help from others.
I should think that there are many who can spend an hour or two once
a week or fortnight to assist in this good work. — I am, yours, &c.,
40, Palatine-road, Stoke Newington, N. E. Drew Bartleit.
THE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION.
To the Editor.
Sib, — I am pleased to say that my letter in the last week's paper has
brought one or two offers from employers, which have enabled us to fit
good men into situations. I have one offer which is rather peculiar. A
gentleman who has a good, portable saloon studio, which he has worked
profitably both winter and summer up to the present, but which he is
now working in the summer time only, and settling in a small town
during the winter, offers to let it to a good reliable man on condition that
he will retouch a few negatives for the owner, and hand him as rent all
money taken over 30.<. per week. As I have a very great number of
assistants on my books, any one of whom might be willing to entertain
this offer, I ask you to let me make it public through your medium, which
will save me an immense amount of correspondence. One employer says
that he supposes we have only " lame ducks " on our books, and others
seem to have this notion. This is quite a mistake, for we have the
addresses of operators and retouchers, managers, and others, who are
only just out of best berths, for the men whose names are on the
Employment Bureau are in no way connected with those who apply to
the Benevolent for monetary assistance. We have almost all classes.
I notice in your " Lantern Notes and News," in the current issue, that
you comment upon the fact that far more tickets are printed for the
Benevolent Night than the capacity of the Parent Society's exhibition
room seems to warrant. This criticism has been advanced by several
people this year, and the fact of the high number of tickets has deterred
some from purchasing. Unfortunately, the conditions of the case prevent
us doing otherwise than printing far more tickets than can be used, for
we are obliged to send numbers of the tickets on approval to people who
kindly sell them for us, and it is only by using a disproportionately large
number that we can ensure sending some to all the people who may sell
a few. Even with the utmost care in sending out, we find that very
great numbers are returned, and yet there are some cases where more
could be sold if more were sent. For instance, the London Stereoscopic
Company sold twenty-five tickets at their West End house, and said they
XoTwntMr 11, 1003]
THE BRrriSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRA.PHY.
736
coalil lwT« lold tirantj-flTe more if tbey hi4 had them on the lost day,
while aeranl other hoiu«s, from whom we expected good saleo, have
relarned the whole of their twenty-fiTe : others who received ten have
only flold one or two. We are extremely gratefol to the Parent Hociety
(or the ue o( the exhibition room tor one evening. Of conrse, if they
were wiUng to allow as the sale of a given number of tickets for ase for
three or four etaningi, we should be very pleased to work it on that basis.
I am. yoois, Aa., H- Ssowdeji Wahi),
ilemarial HaU, London, E.C. Hon. Secretary P.D.A.
AMIDOL.
To the EnrtoB.
StB,— Can yon tall me why I cannot get a negative the right density
with the above developer? I have exposed ever so many plates, giving
short, long, and eorreet exposnres ; tried it with and withont bromide,
made it nr«^"g to instructions, in fact have done all I can, and yet all
nsKativea are aa thin aa poasible.
I read and hear of tiiai azccUeot reaalla with it that I cannot nndar-
stand bow it is I tail.
When developing a plate, it seems to darken all over before the pictm«
appears, and after, say, fifteen minutes, so very thin as to be useless, yet
with another dav^mr I got a good printing negative.
The staff keeps daar voagh ; in (aet, praetkally oolonrleas.— I am,
Yoora, .to., W. 8. P.
Li9*Tr»ol, Sotembtr I, 1898.
To the EDnom.
Sim,— I should like to inform yon ol an experience I have had with
amidol whieh does not seem to have ooma to Ugnt before. Abont twelve
d^ya ago I mixed two oonoes of stook soiutioa ot amidoL I diluted what
I leqmred tor nae with three parts at water, and added two drope of
tea-per-MDt. solatian of bromide ot potaafaun. It developed some land-
seaasa splendidly, and I formed a high opinion of it. The next day I
oaai the Mune anlntico, with a tew drop* of stock solntion added, to
develop some rather under-timed bal^ portraits. They also toroed out
veiT well. I then pot it aside nntil to-^y, when I thooght to develop some
weu-expoeed portraita. The solotion waa a pale yellow eolonr, Mt, to
may surprise, no image appeared in three or fonr minutes. I threw this
a«ay, and mixed a frMh lot from the stoek solution, which bad turned a
deep brown tint. This, loo, failed to prodoea any image in five miaates.
Having thrown this off, and washed the plate, I applied pyro developer,
whioh lapidly brought oat the image to good density. Having heard
that amidol wouM wiviaB ataoat inditeiMy. I thought this would be
int««aliag. My itoek enmioD waa narii aa dirsoted by the vendors,
via.:—
Aaddol .^ 80grains.
Sod. Dulp. .,.......»•••«..•».... •••»«• wo „
Water „..,. 8 ounoes.
—I am, yooia, Aa., OrBaiio.
oelobtr 81, 1899.
[We shall shortly be having another article oa tho subject of
aiuidoL — Et>.]
EASnCAirS TILMS-A HINT.
To th4 EDrroB.
bn, — Aa 1 bare found DiartotraUar Urns troubled with the curling
propeaait* ol Iheae eoBTwlaBt thiags, wImb printing and when neoes-
tary to dodjii dto., I oaD teoMnwand thm to try putting the films on
glMS whfla aUgUly damp, and faataniag down the edges with binding
strtpooaad tor kntem slides; then, whoa they are dry, they can be used in
aay way dsaiied wi- ''!«.— I am, yours, ,Ve., J. H. Dtcsn.
S3, l[oiifht»n-*trf rt, (ietober 98, 18V3.
Wwr Lo5ron!i PHrrTOoaaniic aoRRT. — November IS, Technical Hodal
Xesdac
Itami itCRBav PBOTooaarHic ancim.— Hovambsr 15, Mr. Lrwis WoUt oa
Oiwtbptmul.
PanvrnMumic <Xvm. — November 18, Aaaaal DiSBer. 23, FUuUigkt
Rnm Axanva PmroaajirTT- - " "^-ituiday, November 1% is the
last day Ibr asadiag entry tesKi :
PrrxcT pMorooKAPHic 9oex%...— .-^.-.t..^, zl, Br»»ii$ Bntargtmml, by
the fasttneB CMapaay. Daosmher i. Work mth a Hand Camrra, A. It.
Dresser.
MCMUS. UAmatt tatona as that tbey bars rseentiv m»le a batch nf Instaa-
taaeou plalM peifMIjr fee trnn fog, AcUoograph Nn. 96. Tbey believe this
to be the highest spsed yst mcbed.
Tb* Haehaejr Society's ExhiUtion will be openolst Vi o'clock mi<Uay on
Tbanday Ike ITUi last, Iha elhar two days at^CMr. Mr Chaiise BaMiUhas
'- ihefMaMtrtthot
LoxDox .VXD Provinci.vl Photoqhaphic Asshci.vtidn. — November 17,
Monthly Lantern Night 24, Members' Open Night and Crea:o Fylrna, by
Messrs. Hill. December 1, Scenes from Ireland, Mr. F. W. Hindley.
Every competitor gaining a medal in the Stanley Photographic Competition
is also to be pre.sented with a diploma of merit. "The diploma itself is quite a
work of art and has been produced from a special design by a well-known firm
of fine-art lithographers.
Thk improvement in the attendance at the E.thibition continued to the end.
The number of visitors in the past week was 1812, making a total of 8799
since the opening day. On Wwlnesday week, in spite of the heavy downpour
of rain, there were 190 in the Gallery to see the .slides lent by the Amateur Pho-
tographic Field Club.
Brixton .vnd Clapham Camkra Club.— The third Annual E.xhibition of
Photographs and Lantern Slides, comprising landscape, mariue, architectural,
animal, and figure studies, will be held at the Clarence Rooms, 376, Cold-
harhonr-lane, Brixton, on Thursday, November 17, 1892 (7.30 to 10 p.m.);
Friday. November 18 (3 to 10 p.m.) ; and Saturday, November 19 (3 to 10 p.m.).
The Judges are Messra. W. Bedfonl, F. P. Cembrano, and Andrew Pringle.
Bi-vcKHE-vTH Camera Clcb.— Syllabus, 1892-1893. 1892 : November 15,
Lantern Slide JJevtIopment, Mr. J. T. Field. 29, Enlarging, Mr. A. R.
Dresser. December 8, The Optical Lantern and how lo nee it (illustrated),
Kev. W. EL K. Sowpes, M.A. 1893: Jannary 3, Platinotyj/e Processes, Mr.
S. G. Buchanan Wollaston. 17, A trip to Xortoay (Ulustrated by lantern
slides), Mr. W. C. Chafley. February 1, .\n evening with Mr. K J. Wall.
15, Lantern Night
Nbwcastlk-»x-T\'nr and Northern Counties Photooraphic Associa-
tion.— November 15, Lecture by .J. P. Gibson, of Hexham, on Bamburgh, the
Fame Itlande, ami flmee iKtrling, ihr Northumbrian Heroine, illustrated by
100 lantern slides from Mr. Gibson's own negatives, in the Concert Hall of the
Art OsUery, Newcastle, on Noremlwr 15, at 7.30 p.m. Lantern exhibition of
150 sliiles by eminent photographers at the Concert Hall of the Art Gallery,
Newcastle, on November 14, at 7.3>i p.m.
Amono the exhibitors of npparntus in the Photographic Section of the
StAoley Show are Messrs. R. & .1, Reck, B. J. Edwards Ic, Co., Sands, Hunter,
k CV>., Dallmeyer & Co., Lonsdale Brothers, City Sale and Exchange Rooms,
Elliott fc 8on,'w.,Wr«y. Platte ft Witt, Morleyic Cooper, Autotype Company,
A. J. Smith k Co., H. Park, and others. The Agricultural Hall is so
convenient of access from all parts of London that this new Photographic Ex-
hibition should be visited by all who are interested in photography. In addi-
tion to the exhibition of apparatus and the picture competition, a very large
number of entertainments are advertise>L
Photoobapheks" Benevolent Aa.vmATioN, — A meeting of the Committeo
was held on Thnrsilay, November 3nL Mr. W, Bedfonl in the chair.— The Hon.
Secretary stated that Mr. Krelerick HoUyer had generously offered to devote
the proceeiU of the last day of his exhibition at the Duilley Galler)-, Piccadilly,
to ue AiniU of the Benevolent Since the last meeting the Secretary had
received applications from many assistants wanting situations, and in three
cases bait been able to secora satisfoctory positions, bat there were still many ap-
fdicants for work on the liooks. Messrs. Reilmond Barrett (London), A. O. Tag-
iaferro (London), and H. Thompern (Sunderland) were electe<l members of
the AssodsUoa, and the Secretary stated that in aililition to subscriptions
from these gsatlemen, subecription'. donations, or other moneys hail been
r«oeive<l ft«m Messrs. Jonathan ^ '.. <Tscar Schol/.ig, W. F. Rogers,
the Eastman Company, Limiteil, i 'lute, W, Kenton Jones, Wratten
ii.Wainwright, and A. M. Levy. 1 , , .. -itions for relief were considered
and dealt with as follows :— 1. An applicant who had just aecnred a situation
through the mt<Unm of the Association hail only applied for a loan at the
snggcstlon of the Secretsrr. The CVimmittre granted a small loan to cover
immeiUate expense, and to be repaid ont of salary. 2. Application for loan of
'il.. to eiMble sppli.»at to clear a small pressing claim, and to redeem the
api>aratns rei|uir«<l for work which was olTereir to him. Loan granted,
3. Application for loan of 5^, under circumstances similar to above. Loan
granteit 4. Application for assistance to oommence business. The Com-
mittee cunsldereil the application, and as the applicant was st present in a
•itaation and not in indigent <'ir> iini<tnnces, it was decided that toe cose was
not one to be dealt with by ' '-nt In the coses where assistance waa
grutcfl, very carefnl invest . been mode, and two of the applicants
wers personally interviewed i,, i.,^ • <>iumittee.
l^ndUicrd to (ITortettponDentss.
\* Cmnmmiieatione relating to Adverlitemente and general butinea affair$ ■
swst is odittntd to " Hmr Orkbswood ft Ca," 9, York-slreet, Covent
Oarden, London.
J. BiixcUKr.— Thanks for the iaformation.
Crkdtt.— Take oat a summons in the local county conrt.
Thomas Evans.— We shall proliebly hsve an article on the subject
Coi.UiDiii. — We ore unable to supplement the information you have obtained.
A. TVi!tAl.l>.-^ossibty the two systems srs dissimilar. Can you give ns
l«rticnnfs 01 yours r
HE«ninrr.ron»8TONE.— An east top and side light will answer, provldeil you
have suitable blinds.
T. Honnis.— Try some of the coal-tar colours, say .Tudson's dyes, of the tint
you wish to stain the wood.
N. Cduiitnay.— We have hail no opportunity of comparing the lenses named,
hence we can olfer no opinion.
Ikii.n.— Protosulphato of iron is a {ntscipitant of the gold. You had better
ilecaot the solution containing the iron, and not boil it
E. J. Austin asks "if wooden dishvi will answer for developing bromide
prioto, or if glass-bottom diaitie ore better > I fiiul porcelain dishes too heavy
for '24 X 18. "-Other wtn saiiiii qnito well
730
THR BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[November 11, 1892
G. FixDLAV. — We do not recommend special patent agents. If you choose,
you can prepare the specification yourself by applying at your post-office for
the requisite forms, which will be provided free of cost
C. 6.-— There will be an article on the subject in the next Ai.m.vnac. We
should advise you to write to one or two firms commercially engaged in zinc
etching. We do not know any teacher we could recommend.
J. L.— If the emulsion fofre, the best way is to discard it and prepare fresh. It
is not worth the trouble to attempt to restore small quantities of spoilt
emulsion, more particularly as the attempt usually ends in failure.
A. R C. — Wet-collodion slides, if tlie bath and collodion are in good condition,
rarely require toning. However, flowing them over with a solution of one
or two groins of chloride of gold ia an ounce of water will, in some cases, be
an improvement.
W. JosES writes : " I want to cover the glass of my studio with waxed paper
to soften the light. Could you please tell me where I can get the paper '! " —
You had better prepare the paper yourself, by applying, with a soft brush,
a solution of wax in spirits of turpentine.
0. L. W. — Tlie mere fact of putting wheels on the studio will not exempt it
from the Building Act. Such an idea exists, we believe, but it is a fallacy
nevertheless. If yo>i act upon the idea in defiance of the District Suneyor,
you will place yourself in an unpleasant position.
Intensity. — The distance of the two subjects apart has nothing whatever to do
with their coalescence in the stereoscope. The only difference will be that
there will be a greater amount of relief in the one in which the lenses of the
camera are separated to three or four inches than when they are closer to-
gether.
D. Maloney. — Your failure is not to be wondered at. The temperature given
was according to the Centigrade scale, and you tried worlcing to the scale of
Fahrenheit. Forty-five degrees on the former scale corresponds to 11.3° on
the latter. No wonder you failed to make a highly sensitive emulsion. In
French works the Centigrade scale is the one universally quoted.
Operator.— The work is fairly good, but is much marred by the retouching.
However, it is not up to the standard, either from a technical or an artistic
point of view, of high-class London work. If you co.ild obtain an engage-
ment in a first-class house as assi.stant, you would there have the opportunity
of improving yourself. That is the best suggestion we can make.
C C. C. — The want of sharpness is caused by the camera being moved during
the exposure, notwithstanding your assertion to the contrary. The image,
even the brick wall, is doubled throughout. Had the plate dropped in the
rabbet of the slide as sometimes happens with thin plates and a weak spring
on the partition of the dark slide, the doubling would have beeu vertically
instead of laterally.
Stephkn Harris. — The unequal toning in the prints is caused by the surface
of the paper being contaminated with finger marks. The markings of the
skin on the albumen are very palpable. The trouble is easily avoided with
more care in the working. We are assuming tliat the paper was all right
when you received it, but it is sometimes very carelessly handled by in-
experienced packers.
M. HuBST. — Tlie engravings named would make excellent lantern slides, and
they would be very popular, no doubt ; but it should be borne in mind they
are copyright, and it is piracy to copy them in any form. The proprietors
of the copyright, we feel sure, would take proceedings against any one in-
frineing their rights. This is scarcely to be wondered at when the high price
paid for the copyright is considered.
S. C. R.— Photographic paper, suitable for ordinary silver (albumen) printing,
is not made in the United Kingdom. The only reason to be assigned for it
is that British paper-makers have not enterprise enough to take the matter
in hand. Those we have spoken to on the subject say the consumption is
"too small " (?) to make it worth while to experiment, and then lay down
the requisite plant for its manufacture.
J. S. Dawson says: "In your article on 'Has Albumen received its Death
Blow ? " on p. 708, in the instructions for mounting you omit to say how the
prints are pressed in contact with the mounts. I usually use blotting-paper
m silver printing ; it does not answer with gelatine. This item is usually
omitted in instructions for this paper, which I think is its greatest draw-
back."—We should be glad to receive the experiences of others on this
point.
Studio. — We have not the book to which you refer, so cannot say if the studio
there recommended is the best or not, and for the same reason we are
unable to advise vou as to the quantity of glass that is necessary for the top
and side light. If you send us a sketch of the design, and the aspect in
which you propose to build, we shall be pleased to advise you. Your pro-
posed proportions, thirty feet by fourteen feet, are very good indeed for all-
round work.
T, Owen says : "An artist has just finished a picture, and has allowed me to
I)hotograph and sell copies of it. At the time I made my negatives copy-
right, and now I hear that another photoerapher is applying for permission
to copy the painting, and is not unlikely to obtain it. Can I, if he does,
prevent him from publishing his photographs because mine are made copy-
right ?"— Certainly not, unless you hold the copyright in the painting itself.
Your copyright extends no further than your photographs. The owner of
the copyright of the painting can give permission to as many as he likes to
make photographic or other reproductions of it.
D. McAndhew says : "I am terribly troubled with spots on my prints ; they
can be seen when the paper is dried after sensitising if it be closely ex-
amined, and they appear larger after printing and toning. The spots
always, of course, come in the most conspicuous parts of the picture.
What can I do?" — If the spots appear directly the paper is sensitised, the
fault lies with the paper. It is a pity to waste time in printing paper that
has spots upon it, unless care is taken that where a spot exists the paper is
so placed on the negative that the defect comes on some unimportant part.
As we have already intimated, such paper should be discarded.
Paco asks : " 1. Which is the best size of condenser for an optic.il lantern ?
2 Is there in practice any actual less of light when using a fourand-a-half-
inch condenser, as compared to a four-inch one ? 3. Does the diameter of
the condenser tiear any relation to the focus of the objective .' In other
words, will a four-inch condenser illuminate a slide (with cushion square
mask) equally^iis well and as evenly with a five, six, or ten-inch objective ?
4. What percentage of increase will there be in the light on the screen when
using a triple condenser (two plano-convex lenses plus a sm.all meniscus) as
compared to an ordinary plano-convex condenser?" — 1. Not under four
inches, but four and a half inches by preference. 2. Not if the slide be
placed properly in the cone. 3. The back lens of the object glass must be so
situated as to embrace all the light projected by the condenser. 4. It would
be difficult to determine.
J. K. G. says : " 1. I want to know when a good pyroxiline could be obtained
which would give good density in collodio-bromide emulsion ? I have tried
Hopkins & Williams', Thomas's, and Pvouch's. The last-named I yiurchased,
and dissolved I ounce in 20 ounces of ether (717 sp. gr. ) and methylated alcohol,
(the old methylated), Hopkins & Williams, and, after well shaking up, a dense
deposit was thrown or settled down about two inches thick at the bottom of
a forty-ounce bottle; nor would any more of it dissolve. I have lu.ade three
batches of emulsion from it, but I cannot obtain density ; it works beautifully
clean otherwise. My experience has been the same with the otlier two makes,
viz., a beautiful creamy emulsion which worked very clean, but no density.
2. Double bromides. The ammonium bromide and cadmium bromide I
obtained from Hopkins & Williams, and used 98 grains of the former and
172 grains of the latter, making it exactly according to Mr. W. B. Bolton's
method ; but, when I add it to the collodion, I cannot get all of it to dissolve,
no matter how much I ahake it. A fine white crystallised deposit falls to
the bottom of the bottle, which seems to me to be part of the bromides un-
dissolved, and to filter it out would leave it uncertain as to the amount of
soluble haloid in the emulsion. I may say that I have made several lots of
emulsion with zinc bromide, and can get any amount of density with this
salt ; but I find it very liable to cause small transparent spots in the films,
although I dissolve the zinc bromide in pure alcohol, and have let it settle
for months before using. I always wash the emulsion with pure distilled
water, and dry on a hot-water bath, and am considered a very careful worker.
I use up to 22 grains per ounce of silver nitrate in emulsifying, and have
used as low as 15 grains per ounce, but it does not seem to make much
difference in the density. The colour of the emulsion when made is a deep
ruby orange. I should like to be able to make an emulsion which would
give good density and warm tones without having to intensify." — Working
under such conditions as our correspondent describes, successful results
should be obtained. Perhaps, however, some of our readers who have
experience of collodion emulsion can be of assistance in the matter.
AN ACROSTIC.
D'ye want to make a photographic work of art ?
A thing of beauty and a joy for ever ?
Very easy is the photographing part ;
Indeed, one need not be the least bit clever.
See that the image is a shapeless splodge
On screen. Expose, the fraction of a minute.
N.B. — Your work of art is made. The dodge
Is artful, but tliere is no nature ia it.
FORTHCOMING EXHIBITIONS.
November 11-12 *Leytonstone Camera Club. Hon. Secretary, A. E.
Bailey, South West-road, Leytonstone.
,, 15-17 *Hackney Photographic Society. Hon. Secretary, W.
Fenton Jones, 12, King Edward-road, Hackney.
„ 17-19 Brixton and Clapham Camera Club. Hon. Secretary
F. W. Levett, 74, Geneva-road, Brixton, S.W.
„ 18-26 'Stanley Show (PhotoL'raphic Section). Hon. Secretary,
Herbert Smith, 29, Finsbury-pavement.
„ 23-25 *Tunbridge Wells Amateur "Photographic Association.
Hon. Secretary, Joseph Chamberlain, 14, Calverly
Paik-gardens, Tunbridge Wells.
,, 24-26 *Exeter Amateur Photographic Society. Hon. Secretary,
J. Sparshatt, Fau-field House, Alphington-road, Exeter.
♦South London Photographic Society. Hon. Secretary,
C. H. Oakden, 61, Melbourne-grove, East Dulwich, S.E.
„ 28 North Middlesex Photographic Society.
1893.
February 18 Holborn Camera Club. Hon. Secretary, . F. J. Cobb,
100 High Holborn, E.C.
* Signifies that there are open classes.
OONTSKTS,
Page
METHODS OF ARTIFICIAL ILLU-
MINATION FOR ENL.IROINO OR
HEDUCINU 7-21
EXPEDITING WORK FOR CHRISTMAS. 722
HOW SOLID PAPER IS M.^DE 724
CONTINENTAL NOTES AND NEWS .... 725
AN INDIAN STUDIO 720
THE AMATEUR QUESTION. By J. K.
TULLOCH, M.B 726
Paos
COPYING OLD PORTRAITS. By
ELLERSLIF, WALLACE 728
ON THE METHOD OF EXAMINATION
OF PHOTOOKAPHIC LENSES AT
THE KEW OBSERVATORY. By
LEONARD DARWIN 729
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES 730
RECENT PATENTS 785
CORRESPONDENCE 7S1
ANSWBB3 TO CORRESPONDENTS 785
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY,
No. 1698. Vol. XXXIX.— NOVEMBER 18, 1892.
A NEGLECTED PROPEKT\- OF GELATINO-BROMIDE
OF SILVER.
At the meeting of the Photographic Society of Great Britain,
last week, in the remarks on Mr. Howurd Farmer's paper,
entitled " Some Uemarkable Properties of Silver and Gelatine,"
the Prandent, Captain .\bney, laid that if the gelatine film
were mote experimented with there were many possibilities that
would open out in photographic printing. This no one can
deny, when it ia considered how closely a gelatino-bromide of
silver 61m is, in its properties, allied to one of bichromated
gaUtine, when modified by the action of light. In the
begimiiog of this year we deroted an article to the subject in
which this similarity was pointed ont. We again refer to the
matter, as there in no question that films possessing the
properties of those of bichromated gelatine, with the sensitive-
ness ' ' 'nary dry plate, hara immense advantages from a
comi lit of view, more eqwcially at a season like that
now apoo m. In working the i^to-mechanical processes,
xnch for eumple as collotTpe, Woodbtuytype, and other processes
based upon gelatine in oonjonotioa with bichromates, much
iBoontmienoe and \om are experianeed dnrin? the winter months
by tlM kngthened expocore neoMnry.
In his paper, Mr. Fanner saji, that a silver bromide plate
developed with ferrons oxalate, and then placed in a solution of
ammonium bichromate, behaves, when treated with cold or hot
water, iu the same way as exfjoaed biciiromated films — as
oart>on prints in fact There ia no necessity, however, to treat
the silver imsge with the biohroDftte at all if it be developed
with pyrogallic acid, aiul this het was established many years
ai;o. The property was first noticed, we believe, by Mr. J. W.
Swan, who found that a developed bromide film was in many
respects analogous to an exposed film of bichromated gelatine.
It absorbs water and swells up in proportion as it has been
protected by the negative from the light's action, just as does
tixe film of a collotype plate, or ona prepared for the " swelled
gelatine procesai" It was also noticed that, as in the processes
just allude*! to, the swelling is augmented by Uie application
of a slight heat. Recognising the oomraeroial application of
thia property, he in 1879 took out a patent for producing
printhig plates baaed upon it The process is this : —
A nsgative is taken on a dty plate in the camera in the
'ordinary way, and if a half-tone typographic block is wanted
the exposure is made with the usual line screens. After the
image is developed the plate is placed in tepid water, or, while
^till moiat, subjected to slight heat Under this treatment
the fllm behaves like one of gelatine sensitised with a
bichromate. The image iiwells up and acc|uire8 suffident
relief to admit of a satisfactory printing block being obtained.
Mr. Swan in his specification also mentions another method of
making reliefs, based upon the similarity of the bromide to the
bichromated film — namely, by dissolving away the gelatine
with acetic acid. He also refers to the effect of different sub-
stances in modifying the grain of the bromide image, which
produce similar results with the bichromated one.
In 1881 Mr. Warnerke recognised a further analogy between
the exposed bromide film and one of bichromated gelatine. This
formed the subject of another patent. The bromide emulsion
in this case 'is spread upon paper, and after exposure is
developed with pyrogallic acid. It may then be fixed or not
with hyposulphite of so<la, as it makes little or no difference in
the end. After drying, the i)icture is treated exactly as if it
were an exposed carbon print. It is placed in cold water and
squeegeed on to a glass plate or other support, allowed to rest
for several minutes, and then put into warm water. The
original paper support now comes off, and the gelatine,
unaffected by light, dissolved away, leaving the image in relief,
just as in the case of the carl)on print Indeed, Mr. Warnerke
proposed to add pigments to the silver cmulsiou, aud thus
secure a carbon tissue having all the sensitiveness of gelatine
plates.
Mr. Warnerke, in a paper read before t|^e Pliotographic
Society of Great Britain (see page 268 of our Volume for 1881),
recognises the value of this method iu pro<lucing Woodbury
relieft, and he mentions that for this purpose the emulsiou
must be in a thicker layer and be less opaque, so that the light
may penetrate deeper into the film, and thus give a high relief.
Now, these conditions are precisely analogous to tlioso existing
between ordinary carbon tissue and the usual Woodbury film.
The latter is simjdy a thicker film of gelatine, and contains
less pigment ; hence the light in printing enters deeper into
the film, aud thus renders a greater thickness uf the gelatine
insoluble. Mr. Warnerke also refers to other applications of
this, at that time novel, property of gelatino-bromide of silver
in connexion with other mechanical processes.
Reference was made the other night to the use of silver
salts in the collotype process. Some twenty years ago it was
customary to add a very small proportion of iodide and bromide
ofiiiyffc^^ui weU as chloride of gold, and several other sub-
stanoea, to the gelatine, though no one seemed to know why.
One by one the employment of these things was abandoned,
and now only gelatine is used. It may, however, be mentioned
in connexion with this point that the use of silver salts, as em-
ployed at the time referred to, liears no relation whatever to
the property now under consideration. They were used only in
infinitesimal quantities, and took no part at all in modifying
the gelatine.
g738
THE BRITISa JOORNAL OF PHOTOGUAPHY.
[November 18, 1892
As we have said before, this neglected property of gclatino-
brotnide of silver may be turned to great advantage com-
mercially. It would be superfluous for us to extol the value of
collotype plates, Woodburytype, and other films for mechanical
work, which would have the sensitiveness of dry plates whore
rapidity of production is a consideration and the light is bad.
We may probably recur to this subject when Mr. Farmer's
paper is published in full.
methods of artificial illumination for
enla:;ging or reducing.
We may supplement our article of last week by a brief account
of the simplest way of utilising the reflector therein described-
Starting with the built-up shell of cardboard, we have to decide
upon the best means of introducing the apparatus by whicli
tiie light is produced. This will depend in great measure upon
whether the magnesium is to be used in the form of wire or
powder, though we may say at once that the reflector is far
better suited for the former than the latter ; indeed, from the
point of view of convenience, when using the powder a "re-
flector " of much larger dimensions and simpler construction,
an ordinary square box, in fact, will suffice for all purposes of
reproduction.
Assuming, then, that wire, or rather ribbon, is to be used,
WG have to provide means by which the supply of magnesium
is fed into the reflector, so as to become ignited at a spirit or
other flame placed at or near its focus. In the magnesium
lamps of commerce, several of which have been before the
public for many years, clockwork is utilised for the purpose of
regulating the supply of magnesium ; liut, though this arrange-
ment is perfect in action, it is necessarily expensive, wliile for
our purpose no great nicety is necessary, and the object is to
adhere to the most simple means. A little hand lamp, placed
on the market some three or four years ago at a cost of two or
three shillings, will supply the principle upon which we
have to work ; indeed, if these lamps are still obtainable, it
will save trouble if one of them be adapted to the reflector
almost withoiit modification.
The essential parts of the lamp consist of a spindle, upon
which the coil or roll of ribbon is cairied, and from which it
passes between two little rollers covered with indiarubber
tubing, and pressing tightly together, into a thin bent tube,
which conducts it to the igniting flame. One of the rubber-
covered rollers is provided with a winch handle, in rotating
which the ribbon is drawn off the store coil and passed on
towards the flame, and it requires very little skill to keep
up a tolerably regular speed, and, consequently, a uniform
illumination.
In a portable lamp, such as the one we have alluded to, the
igniting flame is almost necessarily a spirit flame, since it
would be manifestly inconvenient to be constantly attaching
and detaching an indiarubber tube to connect it with the gas
supply, even where such might be available. Even in the case
of a fixed apparatus, as our reflector might be made, there are
many arguments in favour of spirit ; but, as in the majority of
instances in which it is used it will not be in a fixed position,
we may safely decide to rely upon spirit.
Before commencing on the actual arrangements, the reflector
.should be first attached by its back portion to a solid block of
wood roughly hollowed to fit its external shape, glue or screws,
or both, being used for the purpose. This will form a solid
basis for fixing the various attachments, and will also enable
the reflector itself to be more firmly hold upon any suitable
support. The most convenient supi)ort we have found is au.
upright iron rod with heavy foot, such as is used for retort
stands and similar purposes, upon which the reflector may be
made to move in precisely the same manner.
Proceeding to the fixture of the lighting arrangement, we
will take the spirit flame first. The easiest way of managing
this is to insert firmly into the wood block, from the inside, a
piece of stout wire bent into a circular loop at one end like a
retort ring, the position of the loop when fixed being a short
distance below the calculated focus of the reflector. This will
serve to hold a jilug of cotton, or asbestos, or a disc of felt, to
be saturated with spirit, or, better still, a small metal capsule
into which spirit may be poured. The filling of the capsule
and the ignition of the spirit may be effected by means of one
or other of the ventilating apertures in the upper and under
sides of the reflector; or a special opening may be made at the
side, wliich will also answer, when covered with a movable
coloured glass screen, for watching and regulating the supply
of ribbon when the appai-atus is in use. Of course these
apertures should be as few and as small as possible, in order
not to interfere any more than needful with the regularity of
the illumination.
For the introduction of the ribbon, a thin tube wide enough
to let it pass easily and smoothly must be passed right through,
the wood block to a point within the reflector, so far above or
behind its focus that when ignition takes place it is exactly at
tlie focal point. The exact point may not be arrived' at at
once, but if tlie tube be made to slide stifily in the wood block,
and a similar slight movement bo possible with the spirit
holder, then the arrangement will be capable of any adjustment
that may prove necessary. The fine tubing necessary for this
purpose may be obtained at any of the model shops, or at many
of the dealers in clocksnakers' materials in Clerkenwell. If
obtained of a size a little less in diameter than the width of the
ribbon and then slightly flattened, it will be better than if used
round.
The details of fixing the feeding rollers need scarcely be
entered into here as they will suggest themselves to the
individual mechanic, but if any trouble presents itself the better
plan will be to procure one of the " lamps " we have spoken
of, and to thi-ust its tube into the desired position. A side
aperture mentioned above, if placed opposite the igniting point,
will enable the operator to watch exactly how much ribbon he
is winding off while it is burning.
A couple of tubes of brass or tin pushed into the ventilating
holes will improve the working of the apparatus by inducing a
more vigorous current to carry off the magnesium fumes. The
lower one need not be more than two or three inches long, but
the upper or chimney may with advantage be a foot or more in
length, so that it does not render the affair top heavy. They
do not require careful fixing, but may be arranged to push in
and out of position when required for use. As short a portion
as }X)ssible of each should protrude into the interior.
Two or three coats of white paint — preferably " flatted " — •
for the interior, and a sheet of ground glass for the front will
complete the apparatus, which will then form a very efficient
radiant for the purposes intended.
A Ifew Photographic Institution. — We are informed,
that steps are being taken to discuss the advisability of forming in
London a central photographic club, to which professional and
amateur photographeis> the trade, and, indeed, all sections of photo-
?7oTeml)erl8,ia93]
THE BRITISH JOURNAt, OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
739
^^piMn would be eligible for election. The club would be open
d«ria^ i«eof;:iuaed club houn. and many facilities not enjoyed by
«iriftiii^ institutionfl — which it is intended rather to supplement than
to riral— would be afforded. The idea is receiving influential support.
A Ve'w Comet. — Photograpbers with astroaomical predilections
will be iaterectted to learn that a new comet has mude its appearance.
It i* to be found io the constellation Andromeda. Mr. E<lwin Holmes,
who fint noted it, writes that, althoa|{fa the night was hazy, he was
able to diatingoish it with an opera glaar
Sapidity of PlatOB.— It is only • yew or two since it
mppenred that the iWiiii for plated of phenotBual rapidity was abat-
vag : bat to jndga by leoent indications, there baa been a revival of
feeling in their favour, the maker* vying «ith each other in pro-
dttctng senmtive filing which are aOaged to poesets higher rapidity
than that hitherto attained. Whether the most rapid plates of the
pnaent day arp, after all, really quidnr in practice than those of live
or six years back is a theme for speealation. One thing remaina
certain, and that is that, except in comparatively few brancbee,
photographic plate* of extreme rapidity are not desiderata.
Cost of Electricity.— The ktest aathoritative statement as
to the aetoal coat of electricity wa* made at the recent seeiian of the
Jnaiar Ensineering Society. The coat, to what may be termed the
makers, will be not much lew than elevea pounds per annum for every
hilowatt, and aftfTwardi to give the Mqrply will not c<ist much lees
than ane-thiid of a penny per unit. It is hopeless, it is said, for
ebctrieity to compete with gaa in this eonntry all along th<> line, if
-price is the only eoneid«ation ; bat, with selected cnstomera,
electricity is cheaper than aras.
Vkotosrapky hj Speeial Wlr«.— There aeema to bo a
-determined effort to assert, or to prove by realisation, the poanbility
of •ending, by the medium of the eleeliia telegraph, actual views and
portraits. What is now neaf d k, Alt a syndicate is propoeed in
(Thioago which will undertake to send photographs by telegraph, and
repndnee the« on the Mfeea in diataot dtiee by mean* of a system
of tek-pbotagraphy. The exact iiyHwi ia said to have been de-
eerihad in the Figaro •one thi«e jreer* age, in connexion with experi-
maata fagr M. H. Coartoime, a French ehaalat. PoaaiUy the method
-mey here act thing in eooimon with that of Amalata which we briefly
deeoibad in the early part of the year.
Kloroacoplo Cover dlsuMes and their Pimmiwg. -
llerr l^ Weber lus been investigating the cauae of the clouding that
ocean on the inner sinf ace of the thin mieroaeopic covering ^as*
which would render than eatiialy webe* for photography. He
find* it due to the nwpcrilioa of the glaaa. Tboee glaase* whicli
coDtaoi •■ eaee**iv« aaioaat of aBodi aooa loee their lostra and
become dim when expoeed to moiatwa. Paaring by a* not naoesaary
for oar leadera an account of the analyM* ha made of varioua glaaaea,
we may pve hi* practical CMKlawaa, wUeh ahoold be well borne in
bgr thoea who praetiaa photoaafawgiaphy. He finds the glaaa
■toUe ia air i* that which ia d^ihtly green in colour ; hence
-the pare white flaa*, *o moeh aSaetad bjr aome moonter*, ahoold be
1 when their a*e ia photography ia in view.
Xemarkable Kadlatlona.— The old idea of resolving light
iolo thiae caaatitaeats, " actinic, calorific, and luminous," hoa lontr
be*B exploded, and radiations only are spoken of, the varioos effects
named being functions not of a particular radiation but of what might
be taraad the tranilating medium — that ia, the medium which renders
them amsihle to oar human facultiea. M. Piclet, famous for his
socesai in oondenring the " permanent gasea," ha* found that the
radialiaa* fhna bodies of extreoie coldnee* poaseaa a power of pene-
tration almoat passing bdief. Hitherto the surrounding a body with
a wall of cotton wool ha* been considered salBcient to protect it from
a| raAatioB% iagnaa or egrsM ; but M. Piclet find* that when the
(empeMtna U redaeed to, say, 110*, the loag ether wave* will pass
readily through almost all bodies, a thickness of over half a yard of
cotton-wool being no protection to bodies at that temperature. When
they are expoeed to a lower temperature they cool with equal rapidity
" whether the layer of wool be two, ten, or fifty centimetres thick,
i.e., an inch, four inches, or over half a yard."
DENSITY IN COLLODIOX EMULSION PLATES.
Thb troubles alluded to by your correspondent "J. R. G." in last
week's JoimNAL in connexion with the want of density in collodion
emulsions are perhaps not new or confined to hia own practice, for
the difliculty of obtaininjjf sufficient viajour combined with sensitive-
ness has been known since the earliest days of emulsion photography.
Still I am inclined to think that the trouble is greater at the present
day than it was ten or twelve years a;fo or when collodion emulsions
were more in vogue for landscape and general work.
The fault is due undoubtedly to the fact, that nowadays it is next
to impossible to obtain pyroxyline of exactly the right kind for
washed emulsion of the most rapid type, though it is comparatively
eaay to satisfy the requirements of the slower forms of emulsion,
especially unwashed. So limited is now the demand for pyroxyline of
that particukr kind, that it Is not worth the while of any of the
manufacturers to make a special article of it, particularly as it is the
most difficult of any sort to produce of uniform quality. Whereas in
former days every dealer of repute kept in stock " high-temperature "
cotton specially adapted for emulsion work, I question whether
there is, to-d<ty, more than one place in London where it can be
obtained.
Of the the three samples mentioned by your correspondent, 1 only
know the first and hwt, both of which in my hands work well, though
the latter is the one more suited to washed emulsion work. The
sediment complained of is no detriment to the workinj^ of the pyroxy-
line, bat rather a necessity of its manufacture, for it is very rarely
that a really " high-temperature " cotton, or one that gives a " powdery "
and organic film, will dinolve completely in ether and alcohol. In
the old days it used to be considered almost a tine qua non, even for
wet collodion, that the cotton should leave some sediment, and some
of the more powdery kinds that gave the best results when used dry
were remarkable for the quantity that remained undissolved. .\t the
same time it is by no means an unusual occurrence to find a sample
that gives a perfectly clear collodion that will also answer for
emulaioa work. '
The want of density complained of is most likely traceable to one,
or perhaps both, of two causes in your correspondent's case, namely,
using the collodion too soon after bromising and washing the emulsion
U'fore it ha* thoroughly set. There is one other cause that may work
with many samples of pyroxyline, though not with others, namely,
the presence of excess of bromide during the whole period of sensi-
tising.
With regard to the fint cause, though it is by no means impossible
to get any required density with an emulsion that has been sensitised
immediately after bromiaing, as is frequently the more convenient
plan, still it is beyond doubt that density comes far more readily,
under ordinary treatment, when the collodion has been allowed to
" ripen '' for at least a few weeks after the bromides have been dis-
solved. This is more especially the case when bromide of cadmium
is employed, either alone or in combination with another salt; if
ammonium or zinc bromide, alone or iu conjunction, be used, to the
entire exclasion of cadmium, the collodion may he used a very short
time altar bromising without any apparent loss of the power of
li' ttiiiu jds—itji But for several reasons I . have never greatly
liked the sine salt, and greatly prefer the double salt of ammonium
and cadmium to all others. I should prefer ammonium alone were it
not for it* low degree of solubility in alcohol, and the necessity it
involves of adding more water to the collodion if an emulsion rich in
silver is required.
The loss of density arising from washing the emulsion before it
has properly set occurs with every kind of bromising salt, but it is
less likely to happen, other things being equal, with cadmium than in
other cases, owing to the peculiar action of that salt in increasing the
viscidity or " body " of the collodion. Bromide of ammonium tends
740
THE BlUTISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHS.
[NovemW 18, 1892
to produce a precisely opposite result, rendering the collodion thinner
and more fluent, while the zinc salt seems to set up a sort of process
of disintegration, -which brings about a still greater fludidity, and thus
reduces to a still greater extent the resistent power of the emulsion in
washing. In any ca.se the tendency of the washing process is so
greatly in the direction of removing valuable density-giving consti-
tuents of the emulsion, especially when any considerable proportion of
the solvents Is left behind, that it is always desirable to let it get as
dry as possible before commencing to wash.
Although I am strongly averse to washing the emulsion when it
contwns free silver, except under very special conditions, I fully
recognise the advantage that accrues from the action of free silver
during at least a portion of the period of emulsitication. In the tirst
place, with most samples of pyroxyline it greatly expedites the forma-
tion of a rich and " creamy " emulsion, and this is particularly the
case with one of the samples mentioned by " J. R. G." — Ilouch's. In
the presence of excess of bromide, no matter how heavily silvered the
emulsion may be, a beautifully fine but almost transparent film is pro-
duced, and this state of affairs will continue after a very long period
of " ripening." The density given by such an emulsion under ordinary
development is out of all proportion to the appearance of the film, but
at the same time it is far inferior to that obtained when free silver has
been allowed to act for ever so short a period.
If, in sensitising, a portion of the collodion be kept back, say, one-
fourth, and the remainder sensitised with the full quantity of silver,
the latter will be considerably in excess, and the result will be that
in an hour or so a rich dense film wiU be given that differs entirely
in appearance from that produced with excess of bromide after a
week's keeping. The remainder of the bromised collodion may then
be added without destroying the physical good qualities of the
emulsion, but, what is of greater importance, the film will be much
more sensitive, and will develop to any densitj' without the slightest
trouble.
In advising your correspondent how to get out of his difficulties,
I would therefore suggest, first of all, that he should prepare a stock
of bromi.sed collodion, and allow it to ripen before use. In doing
this there need not be the least uncertainty or ambiguity as to the
precise proportion of bromide present in a given bulk after filtration
or clearing. If a certain quantity of bromide be dissolved in a
known volume of collodion, it matters nothing how much of that
volume remains at the bottom of the bottle as sediment ; the re-
maining clear portions contain exactly the same proportion of salt
as the whole bulk, and may be measured off for use as required.
Next, I would say, in washing the emulsion, eschew all " fancy "
methods of precipitation and suchlike, and follow the good old-
fashioned plan of thorough evaporation, using heat if necessary — of
course after the emidsion has well " set " — to thoroughly dry it.
There need be no fear of the salts not washing out, for, as a matter of
fact, they come out more easily from the dry " pellicle " than from
that which is saturated with dilute spirit, the effect of which is to
resist or prevent the penetration of the washing water. From the
dry emulsion the soluble salts dissolve almost at once, leaving it not
only quite as free from soluble matter but in a better condition to
dry quickly before redissolving.
Thirdly, I strongly recommend the method of allowing for an hour
or so the action of free silver by sensitising, as I have mentioned, a
portion of the collodion with the whole of the silver, and afterwards
adding the rest of the collodion. Even if time be an object, it will be
gained by this method, for the simple reason that, though the
remainder of the collodion be added immediately after sensitising.', a
better result will be gained, both as regards sensitiveness and density,
than with two or three days' ripening in the presence of excess of
bromide. But it is absolutely necessary to remove the excess of silver
before washing.
With regard to the second difficulty mentioned by your corre-
spondent, the partial insolubility of the double salt of cadmium and
ammonium, I can only say it is quite contrary to my experience, and
I have used it for a great many years now. Mixed in the proportions
named of the two constituents, the compound dissolves easily to
almost any extent in ordinary methylated spirit. I always dissolve it
in spirit Ijefore adding it to the collodion, and, judging from its
ready solubihty in that menstruum, I should think there is quite
margin enough to permit of any reasonable quantity being dissolved
in the collodion itself. I have so used it frequently, and have never
experienced the difficulty mentioned. I can scarcely see how the
result could be produced by improper treatment in the prejiaratiou of
the double salt, for, if excessive heat were employed in fusing ii, the
first result would be to volatilise a portion of the bromide of ammo-
nium, and, by thus increasing the proportion of the cadmium salt,
render the compound more soluble. At any rate, I can only suggest
dissolving in alcohol first.
I hope shortly to give an account of some experiments carried out
some months ago, but stopped by illness, which had for their object,
first, the production of density, regardless of the quality of the pyroxy-
line ; and, secondly, the restoration of density — or the power of render-
ing it — to emulsions from which it has been removed by improper
washing. So far as the first part of the task is concerned, I may say
I think I have achieved what I sought ; and, as to the second, h.ive
obtained most promising results, so far. W. 13. Bolton.
ON THINGS IX GENERAL.
While " Free Lance " has been rusticating, the victim of some of the
ills that flesh is heir to, there has been some fine tilting by other
doughty champions. I have been attracted by the friendly "passage
of arms between Messrs. Cadett and Haddon, and all for the good of
photography. We all know the tendency of photographers to work
by rule of thumb, and to leave exactitude of statement to professors
and others, a tendency much to be deprecated. I believe I have done
my share in expelling the " pinch of pyro " style of formula from the
pages of photographic literature, and it may be fairly hoped that
accuracy of statement may continuously increase in the communication
of all practical or theoretical contributors to the store of knowledge.
Hence I am with Mr. Haddon in his desire to see the behaviour of
solutions of ammonia properly understood. But why have the dis-
putants been content to refer to authorities who once held tlie field,
but whose results have been fairly supplemented by recent and still
more exact workers ? The subject of the strengths of ammonia solu-
tions of various specific gravities is important, and has been well
worked out by modern investigators. Still, there is by no means
uniformity of result in the data they set before us. Thus, taking the
table by Carius in the new Watt's Dictionary, we find, for example,
that when the solution is of specific gravity ■9001 its ammonia per-
centage is 29-0 (at 14° C), and at -9498, 12-6 per cent. The results
of G. Lunge and T. Wiernik at 15° 0. (see Zeit. Aurj. Chem., 1889,
181-183) give, at -050, 12'74, and at -9, 28'.33 per cent! At -834 and
8844 respectively, we have 34'10 and 36 per cent. But, leaving dis-
crepancies aside, a little calculation will show any one that, according
to either of these tables, if we mix equal weights of strong ammonia,
say, 884, and water, the calculated result will show an error of over
three per cent, when compared with the indications of the table.
The slight difference in the temperatures may be ignored, seeing that
for a plus or minus difference of one degree the correction is only
about -0006.
I have, on a previous occasion, drawn attention to what may fairly
be considered a scandal in regard to the sale of chemicals, chloride of
gold being advertised for sale at a price not very much over one-half
of the value of the metallic gold it would contain if the old style of
salt were sold. As a matter of fact, chloride of this stamp contains
only just as much gold as the conscience of the dealer permits. The
above statement gives a mild idea of the elasticity of that function in
some dealers. I am, however, pleased to see the advertisement of a
well-known dealer, who now states that he will sell none but the
product of a maker whose name is above suspicion, and who guaran-
tees that his fifteen-grain tubes shall hold seven grains of metallic
gold. Any one who sells any other sort deserves hooting out of the
trade.
I see some correspondent has amusingly been inquiring where a
particular sort of medium, "Opie's," can be obtained. One would
have thought that every one had heard the old story of that eminent
painter who, when asked what medium he mixed his colours with t )
make them so brilliant, r;plied, "Briins, sir." But the P. D. has
been at work with the Editor's reply, and converted what no doub: ■
NoTember 18, 1S>3]
THE BRrnSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
741
in hU *' copy " WAS " rulgw tonfnw " into " vnlgate." He would hare
to look ■ long way into that book before coming across the word
"brains!"
Another correspondent, AV. Potter, asks for informntion on the
anastatic prooeaa of printing. There is no doubt that with old works
the utmost difficulty will be experienced in gettinj the ink to set off :
but I may suggest to him to try the effect of submitting the old print
for some time preTioo^ly to the vapour of benzol or chloroform, or,
perhaps, if long continued, to that <if turpentine.
What a neatly arranged hoax that seems to have been^the dis-
covery of Noah's Ark by Archdeacon Xorris. Mr. F. R. A. S. has
treated it capitally. "We may, howsrer, even yet be treated to a
continuation of it, and see snap-shots sold at a shilling a copy. I
doabt though if the lyoch-pins of Pharaoh's chariots would meet with
approval.
I am interested in aU accoants of new developers, but when Mr.
nke tells ns bow an amidoi-derekiped plate gave less halation than
a similarly exposed one treated with " pyro," I mu.it say that, though
feeling boond to accept that gentleman's b<nia /tdn, one cannot but
feel that he has made an error somewhere. 1 should be verr glad to
be peraoaded into a belief that one developer will give less halation
than aaottor, bat at present I feel a verdict of " not proven " must be
given.
The E<Utor is to be ooogratuUted on bis new Lantern SujipUment.
It will " supply a long-felt want," and, as a matter of course, have a
crowd of imitators. A sharp look-oat will have to be kept on doubt-
ful soggMtiona from oorrespondents, siicb, for example, as that com-
pwed ozygea deteriorates with keepiag, its final state being nothing
bat atoo^iierie air, thongh there was plenty of pressuif. This, of
coone, is an impossibility altogether. Not so, however, Mr. Barker's
valuable eaotion that compressed hydrogen should be tested. When
ordinary eoal gas is compressed it is quite to be expected that there
wiU be detnimtiaa, some of the lass volatile hydrocarbons are sure
to be depoMtad. TImi» are times whea it is difficult enough to keep
the gas from depositing in the ordinary main supply pipe of premises
where it is ased nader ordinary coDditk>nt, far more likely then is it
that when Bnwpifiinn takes place a deposit should form, and, again,
a further deposit when the inevitable eooling takes place daring the
use of the cylinder for an exhibition. These factors are not suffi-
ciently bone in mind, and it is by no masns difficnlt to see that an
accident might be bnogbt aboat by particles of deposit under some
untoward oonjunctnn of ciicnmstancwa. Futi Laxcb.
THE PLAOLE OF MEDALS.
In view of tke appdiag datopa of gold, silver, and bronze raining
upon the photogTsphic worid m tlM shaiie of medals, which in too
many eaass npiasMit pnouoas of coosidsrably Isss intrinsic value
than tb* coat of th* vatmal from which they are made, a few
remarks opon the pnsMt want of system in bestowing " metallic
honour " upon candiaates for fame are not unealled for.
The nKticaUr unEmited multiplication of worthless, or com-
pazmtinly worthlMS, tokaas, is not oolv undesirable in itself, but is ,
moreorer, s very grave injustice t* tnose who have in past times
nobly earned their rewards by work well done ; for it is in most
quarten admitted that in oar degeneratn days to be merely the
winner of a medal, is to receive no mora distinction than is a peerage
in that all honourisd community song of by W. S. Gilbert, where
" Dokss wan three a peninr."
The qnaatioa is, How soaD we rastoi* to this shonld be precions
anbkm of soeesss its pristiDs vahie f No doubt tbeie are more ways
than OB* in which this mar be effected. In the pressot eommunication
I do not tBtand to try ana wihaiist the alternatives ; let me however,
IB paaiiag, say that it wonld be well if at its next gathering the
FlwtamiaUe Convention shonld, patting on otte side some of the
haa^y dimsd topics in which it seems to find a calm delight, bring
this qaastaoa to Uie forefront, and seek by some authoritative
vmtwuiimtnto to stay the cruel kindness of those who are in truth
buryiag photography beneath a heap of metal discs.
Ilet than be U" mistake, I am not protesting against tangible
rewards. I can even bear with that somewhat mali^ed individual,
th' pot hunter ; for, If one man can by .superior ability sweep the
boar-l, why sboulil ha not do so, providing, of course, that this be
not efledad by means of a plucky production, but by sustained
and upsatid excePsnee? .iVlI I urge is that a medal shall be an
honest certificate that the winner has done something notably praise-
worthy.
The first step to take in bringing about the much-needed reform is,
I venture to think, to consider whether any improvements are
possible in the system of awarding medals adopted by the Parent
Society. Clearly it is a case with the aforesaid of noblesse oblige ; and,
besides, the value of example is considerable. As an individual who
belongs neither to the above nor to the Charing Cross-road Club, I
may perhaps be credited with approaching this somewhat delicate
phase of the subject without possessing any undue bias ; if 1 have
any predilection at all it is in favour of renovating, rather than
wrecking, an institution which can point to such a useful and
distinguished past as can the Photographic Society of Great Britain.
Although, as above explained, I am to some extent " out on the
terrace," yet, as the working president of an unusually active provincial
society, and also in other capacities which need not be particularised,
a considerable volume of genuine and uncoloured opinion has come to
my ears regarding the Pall Mall medals, which for reasons that are
both good and politic do not see light in the press ; none the less
these vocet p'puli, because they are free as air, are when found to be
in substantial accord deserving of more than passing attention. With-
out of necessity endorsing the opinions I have found to prevail, I give
them below for what they are considered worth. They come imder
three main heads : —
1. Too manv medals.
2. Medals given for poor work.
3. Favouritism.
Respecting the first point, there certainly seems an absolute
consensus, to which I also subscribe, that the Judges have woefully
'• cheapened Paradise." .\3 to grumble the second, less unanimity
prevails. Of>course as long as there exists a critical faculty, and it
does not seem to be dying out just yet, so long will there be found
criticasters to impugn the decisions of those who have to give the
palm.
.Still, it would almost seem that an improvement on the present
methods of judging is not impossible, of which perhaps more on a
future occasion. Coming to that ill-flavoured suggestion of
favouritism, personally I think there is but small foundation for any
such accusation. It is of course inevitable that a given man will
have greater sympathy for, keener appreciation of, some particular
form of photographic expression than for another form which may
perchance be at least equal, and, in some folk's estimation, vastly
superior.
But to see pink where another sees blue is not to be guilty of
conacioas partiality ; and, if a man prefer portraits seemingly taken in
twilight, should we wax wrath at his admiring landscapes, which
represent smiling nature as being in a perpetual condition of dismal
dumps f
Of coarse, over and above individual predilections and aversions,
there are such disturbing things as friendships, clubs, commercial
connderations, and coteries as " rings," which, having as a rule their
headquarters in London, are certainly not favourably thought of by
provincials, nor by others who are without the pale.
Allowing, for the sake of argument, that such closed circles use
their influences unworthilT, it is to be remembered that the Photo-
graphic Sodety of Great Britain is in no wise responsible for their
existence.
Bat the contention which has been put forward is, that knowing
such " oommunities of interest " exist, the Parent Society should see
that the present system of judging at the Pall Mall Exhibition is
drastically rvmodelled.
Of course ardent reformers always shoot for a complete upheaval
rather than a revision, but to me and most others it would appear that,
without on the one hand taking too seriously these mutterings, which
though at present not particularly loud are decidedly deep, the
executive might well, by the timely Introduction of a few remedial
T>- /reatly reduce the cames of dissatisfaction. Upon this
p 11 be my pleasure to submit some remarks in a future
article, wnich, being prompted by a spirit of friendly advice, may
possiti^jr^A be unhelpful to the powers tnat be.
ILectob Maclban, F.G.S.
LEYTONSTONE CAMEEA CLUB EXfflBITION.
The first annual exhibition of this, one of the most vigorous of the
younger photographic societies, was held on Thursdoor, Friday, and
Saturday of last week, being opened on the first-named day by Lady
Brooke in the presence of a large gathering. For the delectation of
visitors, the Club put forward, in addition to the display of pictures, a
varied programme of music, lectures on photographic topics, demonstra-
742
THE BRITISH JODRNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[November 18, 1892
tionB, lantern exhibitions, and other attractions. Variety, it has been
said, is charming ; but as one of the declared motives of the Club in
holding the exhibition was to afford to neighbours and friends " enter-
tainment blended with instruction," in the first half of whicli it
appeared on the occasion of our visit to be succeeding admirably, the
brevity, and maybe the inadequacy, of this notice will easily be understood
from the notorious difficulty of criticising a collection of pictures in the
presence of a numerous body of perambnlatory visitors, the mnsic of
" the Veronese band," and other distractions.
Naturally, being a first attempt, the Club effectively established the
fact that it has much to learn in arranging an exhibition of photographs.
We were Informed that the large hall, in which the pictures were dis-
played, was only available a few hours before the opening time, a
circumstance which more than excuses an indifferent hanging, and may
perhaps account for the scarcely successful manner in which the judges
tlje Bev. F. C. Lambert, and Messrs. A. Horsley Hinton and E. J.
yfuXl discharged their office. The exhibition contained many photo-
graphs of high artistic and executive skill, copiously diluted with a large
number of commonplace, if praiseworthy, efforts. If the Club under-
takes a second public exhibition, it may be weU advised to eliminate such
pictures as tend to depress the average of quality.
In Class A (landscape, seascape, and architecture ; members), Mr. H,
H. Summer's charming tree study. Near Home, rightly gained a bronze
medal ; and Mr. D. G. Eiddick's highly commendable wave picture.
Where Grace Darling Won her Fame, was a clever seascape full of motion.
The class, on the whole, was a good one ; better relatively, in fact, than
B (portraits and figure study), in which, as might have been expected,
merit was less conspicuous, a remark that also applies to Class C
(enlargements). Here Mr. A E. Bailey, with When the Tide has Gone—
Ilfracombe Hariour, showed, probably, the best work, the picture being
plucky, well exposed, and carefully printed. In Class D (lantern slides)
we are inclined to think the last-named gentleman should have had a
higher reward than " commended," his work being very crisp and
artistic. In Class H (lantern slides— open) great excellence was displayed,
Messrs. Hankin, Farmer, and Carpenter (flower studies) showing remark-
ably fine work, and, with Mr. T. E. Freshwater (photo-micrographs),
securing awards.
Of the open classes, E (landscape, seascape, and architecture) was the
most noticeable, Mr. W. Thomas, with his numerous small cattle and
eheep and marine studies, again earning the high opinion we formed of
his work at Pall Mall. Mr. Francis W. Grant's snap-shots were among
the cleverest in the Exhibition. Mr. G. W. Eamsey's Sumet (highly
commended), a mmute but highly realistic study ; Mr. C. H. Oakden's
really fine series of interiors of Ely, Canterbury, and St. Saviour's,
tJouthwark ; Mr. C. Court Cole's Oxford interiors stood out prominently
in this class. But, as regards On the Marshes, Hackney, by Mr. F. J.
Clements, to which the Judges, in their wisdom, awarded a silver medal,
we must confess that, despite its pleasing red tone and good selection, it
struck us as having been well beaten several times over in its class.
Mrs. S. F. Clarke in Class F (portraits and figure studies) with Aha,
two charming ladies descending the steps of a terrace, gained a bronze
medal for a very delicate and refined picture. There was nothing
superior to it in its class, which, however, was not a strong one. In Class
G (enlargements, open) we Uked the technique and the humour of " Come
here, you rascal ! " by Mr. J. H. Gear, which if we mistake not we saw
at Pall Mall, and Mr. J. Carpenter's excellent study of Corn Flowers. Mr.
A. Champion's "Scene in my Garden" was an excellent enlargement as
one could judge from the small original which accompanied it. Among
the pictures sent for exhibition there were many with which we and most ^
of otur readers are familiar.
In congratulating the Leytonstone Camera Club on its first exhibition
we may bear testimony to the energy displayed by the executive, who
deserved and we hope gained success. We shall watch future exhibitions
of the club with interest. As a conclusion we may note that the catalogue
was embellished with a capital collotype frontispiece of the old house on
the site of which the exhibition hall stands, executed by a local firm,
Messrs. Webber & Sons.
HACKNEY PHOTOGBAPHIC SOCIETY'S EXHIBITION.
This exhibition was opened on Tuesday afternoon last, November 15, by
Sir Albert K. Bollit, M.P., who, in performing the ceremony, made a
capital little speech, which, as a rapid survey of the principal aspects of
modern photography, left little, if anything, to be desired even from a
photographic as distinct from a popular point of view. It is not every
member ,of the Legislature, or, indeed, any other distinguished person
who opens a Photographic Exhibition, that can string half a dozen
sentences together without exposing a lamentable knowledge of the sub-
ject, and, if Sir Albert only knows as much about politics as he appears to
do of photography, then is his constituency and his country blessed.
Admirably hung and arranged, and comprising, in addition to a remark-
ably excellent display of work by the Society's own members, a selection
of pictures from the principal photographers of the day, such as in
quaUty we must own to have seen barely excelled either at Pall Mall,
the Camera Club, or any recent exhibition, the Hackney Photographic
Society's Exhibition may at once be pronounced an unmistakable
success. The hall in which it was held is well adapted for the purpose,
a by no means common occurrence with photographic exhibitions ; and
both in ememble and details its stage management, so to speak, does the
executive of the Society very great credit.
At the time of writing, the awards of the Judges— Captain Abney, Col.
Gale, and Mr. Ealph Robinson — has not been issued, but we should be
surprised if in Class A (members : pictures taken since the last exhibi-
tion) Mr. S. J. Beckett does not take a medal for his Norwegian series, of
which Sunrise on the Fjordx, in composition, lighting, and richness of
tone, is undoubtedly a fine work ; with its companion pictures, it is an
enlargement from a hand-camera negative. The same exhibitor's Valley
of Odde is a panoi-ama-Uke subject, well executed, both as a photograph
and an enlargement. In the same class Messrs. J. Carpenter, Cornflowers
and Cypripediums ; Arthur Dean, Iford Bridge — a soft and pleasing bit ;
W. Fenton Jones, Douglas Harbour ; F. W. Gosling, An old Doorway
Aruruiel, and others, contribute good examples.
In Class B, for pictures taken during membership. Dr. Eoland Smith's
forcible St. Albans views ; Mr. A. Dean's clever and delicate small work;
Mr. Walter Wesson's breezy pictures of Yachting on the Bure, catch the
eye, and in C (pictures taken at club outings), the pictures throughout are
so uniformly excellent that it is hard to separate them. Mr. J. O. Grant's
enlargement of the Zoo Adjutant is easy, natural, and effective in its
treatment of a diflScult sitter.
In Class D (portraiture and genre), Mr. Bobert Beckett, has a aeries of
portraits of which we should give the palm to Captain de W. Abney
and A Bethlehem Lady, the latter especially striking, us as happy in
subject and treatment. Mr. G. B. Cleare's portrait of The Rev. J. de
Kewer Williams, reminds one of Mr. F. MuUer's untouched heads, and
bears comparison with them, which is high praise. The class is poor in
genre. There were several classes for lantern sUdes, in which competi-
tion was very keen, and in that for hand-camera pictures Mr. W. P.
Dando's exhibits appeared to us as clever as any in a good class.
For such a small class, K (pictures not portraiture and genre, open)
was of unusual merit, Mr. F. Seyton-Scott's soft dreamy Kew Gardens,
full of poetry, allied with faultless technique, bearing the stamp of un-
questionable skill. In this picture Mr. Scott has happily hit the mean
between the two opposing schools of modern landscape photography.
There is imagination in the lonely figure pacing Across the Floughland
in Mr. Mummery's picture, albeit Dr. Emerson's Poacher is irresistibly
recalled. Mr. J. A. Hodges, always a good and careful worker, has a
charming series, of which the Shades of Slight, with its well-managed
lights and shadows, is conspicuous as an example of his skill. The best of
Mr. Dresser's exhibits is an animated picture of Amsterdam, and Mr. A. H.
Horsley Hinton shows five of his characteristic landscapes, quite equal to
his usual level.
Besides examples of good work shown at Pall Mall and elsewhere by
Messrs. Adam Diston, Lyddell Sawyer, S. N. Bhedwar, &o., Class L
(portraiture and senre), contains many other noticeable exhibits, includ-
ing Thoughts over a Pipe by Eobert Terras, a capital head ; Election Time
by J. E. Austin, the subject being the old fellow of the artist's Pall Mall
pictures ; and two good examples of W. M. Warneuke's large portraiture —
J. L. Toole, Esq., and Miss Alice Kingley. Mr. W. W. Winter is
also largely represented, his best being probably a large portrait of a
lady, Kathleen Mavoumeen, pose, lighting, and expression all alike being
very refined. The mauve-like tone of three of Mr. Winter's pictures
is novel, but not pleasing. In addition to the now famous series of the
Consecration of a Parsee Priest, Mr. S. N. Bhedwar shows a fine collec-
tion of portraits ; and, of the numerous exhibits of Mr. and Mrs. E. B.
Lodge, the smaller portrait work is extremely good. Mr. G. Eidsdale
Cleare's Portrait of a Lady, a nearly, it not quite, life-size picture, is
artistically and technically a masterly production. Mr. Byrne also shows
several of his exquisite studies of ladies and children.
Messrs. Elliott show their large carbon enlargement of waves, and
there is a useful display of apparatus, &c. Among the novelties we
noticed were some lantern slides and opals produced by a new print-out
process of the Paget Company. On the whole, the Hackney Exhibition
deserves to be esteemed as a signal success in all respects.
Norember 18, 1803]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PnOTOGRAJHY.
"43
ON THE METHOD OF EXAMTNATION OF PHOTOGRAPHIC
LENSES AT THE KEW OBSERVATORY.*
la AngU of Cone of lUumination mUk Largett Stop = •, girnng a
CiTCutar Image m the PlaU of tneict diametfr. Angle of Cone out-
tide which the Aperture be:iiiu to be Eclifted with Stop C.I. Xo. =
*, finite II Circle on the Plate of inches diameter.
Diagonal of PlaU - inehet, rtfuirinii « Field of ° ( := o*).
Step C.I. So it the Largett St»p the wholt vf the Opening in which
nm 6^ seen frvm tht whole of the Piatt.
If » stop or tfaJB Bttel di^ihngin with % drcnlar mperture is reTolyed
nrand anj azia fMriag tkrangh ita plmne, and if it is regarded from a
littla diatuM, tba whole •pertare, (orashortened of course, can be seeo
exeept in one porilieB in cMh haU rerohitioo ; if in a similar way a piece
ol tobiog ia rerotvad abont an azu at tight angles to its own axis, there
U only one positieB in which the whole o( the aperture can be seen, and
any moTement tan this one position win cMse the opening to begin to
be eclipsed, thna giring it a IaMi«*-ahaped appearance ; as the move-
ment goes on, thia opening will net MMOler and smaUer tiU it is quite
obliterated. In looking through a laas aa it is rerolred about an axU
perpendicular to iu own axis, it wiU ba aa«i that, aa a rule, something
between these two eiUemes occurs ; nnminwuiug boot a position when
we are looking dirwitly along the axis,iM««liar iwolt than foreshortening
the opening is at flntpradMad by the ravohrfioa of the lens; then comes
an angle at whi«* the «pettare in the atop begins to be eclipsed, either
by the momiting of the lenaea. or Vy «ud diaphragms, ic. • lastly we
come to an an^ at whidi the loaeoTMiMpod opening appears to vanish,
and DO light ia aeea to eome from the lens. It is obvious that the
hitenaity of illomiaation of different puto of the photographic plate
varies with the size of the aperture viaiUa fmm each point ; and, neglect-
ing other considerations for the ptwaM, there is thus an inner cone
forming a dia« where it eats the plate, in which the Ulumination
deereaaaa legokriy ten the centre ontwards aceording to a known law :
and there b an outer cone, forming an annnlua between when it and the
inner cone cut the plate, in which the illoniination decreaaea more rapidly
t^aeenrding to the abovementioaed law; very rapidly, ther^ore.
>'°*;»My lw^nl*rly, on account of the apvtnre of the stop being sue-
glaring aeiipaed by difTcrcnt parte of the moonting, and certainly
aiwoijlin to no law that can be readily stated or aacerUined. The tert
oov Oder eeoaideration gjvaa the aaglw of theae two cooea.
The ootar eoM, wUeh wo have aalW the " cone of Ulumination "
^*«a the extreme angle of the fteU e( the lens withoot regard to defini-
liM. ud U what is kaewB to French wtbon as the champ it Tiribilitt.
T» iad the angle of tba com of OlnriDiUion, the lens is placed in the
testinc Mmera. and the obearm look* ttraogh the small hole in a sheet
of tin plate, with which the gnmnd giMa hM ben replaced, as m the last
tarst ; the lens holder U made to leroh* about iU horizontal axis, and as
the azu of the Una moraa away from aero, «rtt in one direction and then
in the ether, lb* poaitfens at which all light appears to be cut off are
noted: the angle between Iheae two poaitions as itad on the vertical arc
V, givaa tba angle ol lb* eoM of iltaafaMtion.
Inordertaenaweconeetrcaiilta. ft Is oeoaaaMy that the axis of rota-
tion should pAse throogh the nodal point of '-"^rrm. If, in f)g 3
Fi'i. S.
AN^^ and BS^,» leprasent the extreme rays forming the cone. N. and
Hi bafag Ibe nodal poinia, it is ~
) is evident that, in order to meaanre the angle
^i« of Om aooe, the lens moat be revolved about N,. the nodal point of
, M a centre. The necessary adjustment is made in the foUow-
atalal Mia,
"•"S— Ik* fanage of a distant object having been thrown on the
^MB, Iba laM ia toned thnagh a small angle about the bori-
uda, tba glaa rsaainiag stalkmary. If the movement of the
* Cantlnoed bmn page 730.
lens gives rise to any movement in the image, then the axis does not pass
through the nodal point of emergence, and an adjustment is necessary.
This is done by moving the lens-hoUler in or out, thus making the axis of
rotation pass through different parts of the axis of the lens, until the
image ceases to show any movement ; and this can only be the case when
the axis of rotation does pass throogh the nodal point of emergence. As
far as the above considerations are concerned, it is immaterial how far off
the small hole in the tin plate is from the lens, but if the horizontal axis has
not been made to pass' accurately through the nodal point of emergence
this want of adjustment will have much the same effect as a small vertical
movement between the two readings of the vertical arc. It is evident
that the angular error thus produced will diminish as the distance of the
point of observation increases ; moreover, any distortion at the edge of
the plate will make the above theoretical considerations no longer strictly
applicable, and will have the same effect as the axis of rotation not
accurately passing through the nodal point. In order, therefore, to
minimise these sources of error, the tin plate with the hole in it is re-
moved as far as practicable from the lens before the observation is made.
The angle of the inner cone, that is, of the cone outside which the
opening of the stop is partially eclipsed by the moanting of the lens.
Sec., is measured in the same way as above described for the outer
cone, and with the same precautions. When looking through the small
hole, the positions on each side of zero at which the aperture begins to be
shut off, and beyond which it no longer appears as a perfect eclipse, are
easily seen, and the angle between these two positions as measured on
the vertical arc gives the angle required. The angles of these two cones
are generally given when the observation is made with the largest stop
supplied with the lens.
The results of these measurements should be considered in connexion
with test N6. 17, under which heading the general (juestion of the
illumination of the field will be discussed. In order to facilitate the
consideration of the covering power of the lens, the diameters of the
circles which these cones make by cutting the photographic plate, when
the focus is adjusted for distant objects, are given in the Certificate of
Ezamination. Having found the principal focal length in the manner to
be described immediately, the size of these circles can readily be ascer-
tained by a simple graphical method, which is hardly worth describing
in detail.
In connezion with this test it may be convenient to adopt the use of
the term angle ofjield under examination (denoted in this paper by 2^) to
signify the angle subtended at the nodal point of emergence by a diagonal
of the plate, or the greatest angular distance which could be included in
the photograph, supposing the focus to be taken on a distant object. This
angle is found by the graphical method mentioned above for determining
the diameter of the circles on the plate, and the result is entered on the
certificate of examination.
If the illumination of the field is not to fall off rapidly towards the
eilgea of the plate, for the normal use of tlie lens we should employ a stop
which covers (or nearly covers) the plate of the given size with its inner
cone ; tliat is to say, we should use a stop not larger tlian the largest stop
the whole of the opening in which can be seen from the whole of the
plate. In order to find the largest stop which fulfils the above condi-
tions, the lens is revolved about the horizontal axis until the vertical arc
reads half the angle of field under examination, and then the different
atopa are put in one by one until the largest one is found which is seen
not to be eclipsed when the observation is made through the hole in the
tin plate. The number of this stop ia recorded in the certificate.
The readings taken when measuring the angles of these cones are also
utilised for the purpose of adjusting the position of the lens in a manner
neeeaaary to ensure aoeoraey-in several of the following tests:— The
veitiesl arc is so arranged that it reads zero when the axis of the lens is
horizontal, that is to say, when the axis passes tlirough the small hole
in the tin plate from which the observation is made; hence the two
readings on the arc when the lens is revolved about the vertical axis,
first one way and then the other, so as just to cut off all the transmitted
flght, 8ly>uld be exactly the same ; if they are not identical, the lens-
hoISti is placed in such a position that the reading on the vertical arc is
aqnal to half the difference between them ; then it is evident that the
mechanical axis of the objective passes through the small hole, or, at all
events, cuts the tin plate on the same level as the hole. Now, this small
bole in the tin plate is in the same position as the centre of the engraved
line when the ground glass is in position. Hence, this adjustment being
made, in future tests we may consider that the mechanical axis of the
lens cuts the line on the ground glass near its centre.
11. Principal focal length - int. liackfocut, or length from the
principal facut to the nenrett point on the turface of the lenset = int.
The following is the method of finding the principal focal length with
744
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[November 18, 1892
the t*Bting camera :-By means of the mark 0 (eee fig. 1) on tte three-
lesged stool, the swinging beam can be brought approximate y to a
central position; there are also two iron stops, T and T', removable when
not wanted, which, when in position, prevent the swinging beam from
passing beyond these points. These stops (or, more accurately, the iron
plates on the swinging beam with which they come in contact) are capable
of adjustment, and thus a means is obtained of allowing the beam to be
revolved about A as a centre, through a known angle, with great ease and
accuracy. After the focus has been very carefully adjusted for a distant
object, and after the beam has been brought approximately to the central
position by means of the mark 0 on the stool, the image either of some
well-defined object seen through a hole in the window shutters, or of a
mark in the collimating telescope, is made to appear on the centre of the
engraved line on the ground glass ; this can be done by raising or
lowering one or more of the legs of the stool, or by moving it laterally ;
this adjustment being accurately made, the line joining. F, the centre of
the ground glass, and the centre of the lens, if prolonged, will pass
through the distant mark. When once made, this adjustment will hod
good, with sufficient accuracy, for all lenses which may subsequently
be placed in the testing camera. Now, when the swinging beam is moved
from side to side, the image appears to run along the engraved line on
the ground glass ; the position of the image is first noted when the beam
is in contact with the stop T, and afterwards when in contact with the
stop T' ; twice the distance, as measured on the scale, between these two
points gives the principal focal length of the lens under examination.
In order to ensure accuracy, certain precautions must be taken. The
object must be so far off that the distance between its focus and the focus
of a point in the same direction at an infinite distance is considerably
less than the probable error of observation. The chief difficulty of find-
ing the principal focal length in the Kew method, and, indeed, in all
methods, consists in obtaining an accurate adjustment for focus ; and
since, for a given error in focus, the greater the aperture the more
diffusion there is in the image, the largest stop should always be used
when focussing ; but there is no objection to slipping in a smaller stop
after the focus is taken so as to obtain as sharp an image as possible,
and thus make it easier to read the position on the scale with accuracy.
Before proving that the result above obtained is, in fact, the principal
focal length of the lens, it may be as well to give a rigid definition of
what is here meant by that expression, as it has often been used in
somewhat different significations. The definition here adopted of the
principal focal length is the distance between the principal focus for
visual rays (or the image as seen by the eye of an infinitely distant point
on the axis of the lens) and the nodal point of emergence. The use of
the term rwdal point is, perhaps, open to criticism ; under the ordinary
circumstances of a photographic lens, the nodal points and the principal
points occupy the same positions, and, therefore, either of these ex-
pressions might have been used in the definition ; but if we take into
consideration any imaginary circumstances when these two points would
not be identical, as, for instance, if one end of the lens was immersed in
water, it will be observed that the Kew method of determining the
principal focal length would find the distance between the nodal points
and the ground glass, and not that from the principal point ; moreover,
under these imaginary conditions, it would be the distance of the nodal
point from the plate which would chiefly be of value to the aquatic
photographer, for the intensity of illumination of his plate would vary as
the square of that distance, and not of the distance from the principal
point. But it must be confessed that the term was, in reality, adopted
because it is that best known in the photographic world, and not on
account of such hair-splitting reasons as these.
It now remains to be seen if the Kew method does give the true prin-
cipal focal length according to the above definition. In fig. 4, let B, A,
and C be three very distant points, A being on the axis of the lens, and B
and C being at equal angular distances on either side of it ; let N, and
N, be the nodal points ; let C, F, and B' be the images of these three
points on the ground glass, when, if the distance NjA is great enough,
F will not be further from the principal focus than the error of observa-
tion, and may, therefore, be confounded with it. The angle, BNjC, sub-
tended by the points B and C at the lens, can easily be measured, and,
since the incident and emergent rays passing through the nodal points
are parallel to each other, the tmgle C'NiB' is thus obtained ; the distance,
C'B', that is, the distance between the images of the two outside points,
can be also measured on the ground glass : C'B' and CNjE' being given,
FN, can therefore be found; for since, by supposition, the line AN
bisects the angle BN„C, FN, is equal to C'B';2 cot C'NiB',2. This, there-
fore, is a method by which the principal focal length, as defined above,
can be measured. But if, instead of having objects at known angles,
only one object is observed, and the camera is revolved round the point
N,, through the angle C'N,B' between the observations, exactly the same
result can be obtained ; this is the method adopted at Kew. The move-
ment in parallax of the point N, is so small that it may be neglected.
The advantage of this method is that a collimating telescope can be used
as the object, and thus, during dull weather, the work can be carried .on
indoors. In working with the testing camera, the angle C'N,B' represents
the angle through which the swinging beam is revolved about the vertical
Fio. 4.
pivot; the stops are arranged so that C'N,F = tan"' J, that is, so that
C'B' = 2 FN,; and, therefore, twice the distance C'B' measured on the
ground glass gives FN,, the principal focal length of the lens. The Kew
method, therefore, gives the result required.
It might at first sight appear that a considerable error would be due to
the fact that the adjustment to the central position is merely made by
a rough mark, and that it is only the total angle C'N,B' (that is, the angle
moved by the swinging beam between the iron stops) which is accurately
known. It is true that it can only be said that C'NjF' is approximately
equal to FN,B' ; but it C'N,B' is less than !)0% and if the line N,F does
not differ in direction from the true central position by more than 1",
then the principal focal length obtained in this manner does not differ
from the truth, for this reason, by more than l/17th per cent. As it is
considered that this would represent an extreme case, it is therefore
evident that this is a negligible source of error.
In order that the Kew method of finding the principal focal length
should not be open to any criticism on theoretical grounds, three condi-
tions must be fulfilled : it is obvious that these conditions need not hold
good further from the axis of the lens than the points at which the
observations were made. 1st. The principal focal surface, or the locus
of the focus for very distant objects, must be a plane. 2nd. The image
must not be distorted. 3rd. The nodal point of emergence for visual rays
should be the same as the nodal point for actinic rays.
In no lens are these conditions perfectly fulfilled; but, before discussing
the nature of the errors thus introduced, it may be as well to consider
shortly for what purposes and with what degree of accuracy the practical
photographer wants to know the focal length of his lens. Two uses to
which tills knowledge would or could be put have already been mentioned,
and we know of no others. In the first place, it has been shown how the
numbering of the stops depends on the focal length, and how advan-
tageous is the knowledge of the intensity of the illumination of the plate
which may thus be gained. But as, on account of the difference in the
amount of reflection and absorption of the lenses, two lenses with the
same C.I. number of stop may differ more than ten per cent, in the
intensity of illumination in the centre of the field, as in the same objec-
tive the difference of illumination of different parts of the field is generally
more than twenty per cent., and, as the photographer is seldom able to
estimate his unit of exposure within this latter percentage, it can hardly
be seriously contended that the focal length must be known with very
great accuracy for this purpose. The second object for which the photo-
grapher may require to know the focal length is for the use of the tables
in which the distance is given at which the object has to be placed to
obtain a given enlargement or reduction ; it has already been stated that
this is not, we believe, a want often felt, except for getting approximate
results ; but, if the focal length is used for final adjustments in this
manner, it should be known with very considerable accuracy.
With regard to the first condition, as to the focal surface being a plane,
it should first be stated that it is found convenient at Kew to bring the
ground glass into focus when the swinging beam is in contact with one of
the stops, thus ensuring the greatest sharpness of image at the points of
observation ; that is to say, in Fig. 4, the principal focal surface is made
NoTember 18, 1893]
THK BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
745
to put thioogh the pointi B' and C, and, i( it is not a pUne, it may be
npiMwilwl by the dotted carve CF-B'. Under these circamstsnces,
thanfofe, the prindpttl fociu will be at F^.., and \,F~ will represent the
principal focal length according to oar definition ; bnt it has been shown
that die obserration givee N|F as the focal length, thus introducing an
•nor equal to FF; in the resnlt. It is to be obeer^-ed. however, that with
a leni giving a markedly curved focal sarlaee, the photographer, in order
to gat a ganexal minimam amount of diffusion, would adjust his focus by
locking at tba image at a point somewhat more than half way from the
centre to the margin of his plate : for example, with a lens covering '>0°
or 60*. be would tocns at a point some 15° from the centre, or at about
the poaition where the Kew obaervatiaa for the focal length is taken ;
thus, with such a lens, C'B', in Fig. 4, would repraaent the position of the
photographic plate ; and it is evident that, for all qneations of illomination
or enlaigement, N|F, or the diitanee from the plate to the point from
which an the light may be supposed to emanate, should be introduced into
the calculations, and will give the tme reralts, or, at all events, more
nearly the truth than if N,F., the tme principal focal length, had been
oaed in its place. Thni, 1^ recording the length N,F in the Certificate
ol Examinatioo, we alwaya give more nearly what the photographer
practically wants than if the length N,F., or the tme principal focal
length, had been ascertained. Bat, in any case, the point raised in this
paiagnph could, if tbooght desirable, be met by focussing the plate in
the centre of the field when the obaeralioa for focal length is made.
The second point raised, as to the theoretical correctness of the
prioeipal focal length as found at Kew, is with regard to the distortion
of the image, wbieh may be daeBribed as the results due to the theory
of tte nodal poiats being not strictly applicable except near the centre
Fio. 5.
of the fiaU. In fig. .5, let N, and N, be the nodal points, F the principal
foew, and B" and C" the images of the iafinitely distant poinu B and C ;
if Omt ie dislOftiaB, the Unea BB" sad BC". drawn parallel to the
loeidaBlnVi^donatent the asia at X „ the nodal point of emargMioe:
let theae tinee eat each other at 8, wfaiab may be called the principal
point of «*«"'Hhwl« with ngard to the images B" and C". This constme-
tion mil ■■Is the Kew method of obserration, and therefore SF is the
JMaaae tend m the principal focal length, thus introducing an error
•qoal to SN, In the leeolt ; the local length given is, in tact, the distance
from the principal (oeos to the principal erntre of similitnde for the part
of the plate where the obesnation is made. Bnt here again, since BN,C,
lh« eooe of InfHflrt rays, is spread over ft disc on the plate of which
dfC la the diameter (and not B'C), the mean intensity of illamination
M the plat* between theae points wUI vary inversely as (SP)' ; and, if the
plais eaima mt ai^^ie laiflsr than BN,C, the C.I. numbering of the stope
'in gif* a batter iwiHimt*— ' of the ralativa •spoenre on the assumption
that BF is Ike ptineipal toeal length than M the tme valne N,F is intro-
luesd tnlo the ralffit1atf~'T Thna, what has been given in the Certificate
•f Exaafamtloa wiD again be nearer what is practically required by the
pbotoflnfftar tfaM if the tme principal ioeal length has been recorded.
1(. however, the leaa is intended to be osed for enlargemenU or redne-
tions, and tlM final a^jostmcnt of the iHttaTr*- of the object is to be made
rj fslenMe to taMea, then, no donbt, the true principal focal length
most bs aaaoattty gifen ; bat no photognvher woald ever nse a lens
I within 15* of the axis, for such pnipoees, lor,
if he did, the ratio of the enlargement or reduction would vary sensibly
in difierent parts of his plate ; and, if there is no distortion within this
distance from the axis, S and N, will be coincident, and the Kew method
will give accurately and truly N,F as the principal focal length. Thus,
in the only circumstances under which the principal focal length is
practically wanted with theoretical truth and great accuracy, it is seen
that the results given in the Eew certificate do answer these require-
ments. Lkon.uo) Darwin, Major E.E.
[To he ewfUinued.]
©ur iatJitorial JITatle.
Thb " Lectctikk'' Candle Lamp for Lantern Keadings.
This lamp, which is manufactured by Benham & Froud, Limited,
forms a useful companion to the lantern. It is constructed on the
same principle as their now well-known " Perfection " and " Holiday "
lamps, that is to any, the light from a special candle, which is kept
in n/u by a propellinf^ ■P't'^i ^i^Us upon a parabolic reflector which,
directs the ra\ 4 dnn iiwardt as shown by the cut, instead of in a bori-
lontal direction as in the others.
As candlrs only are emploted, the disadvantages of oil are absent.
There is a red signal flaah provided for by touchini^ a milled-head
button to let the exhibitor know when the "lecturer deare-s a plate to
he changed. Xo liirht escapes into the exhibition-room. The lamp
p:ioks up for traveliinff into the space shown in the second illustration.
We have tried the " Lecturer," and find it to be a really useful addi-
tion to the impedimenta of the lantern exhibitor.
PhOTO-M I C ROOBAFHY.
B/ Edwabo C. Boi'KritLv. London -. J.Si k. Cbnrehill.
This forms a second edition of a work by which the author acquired
a -high reputation as a sound writer on a subject possessing both
intmeet *lW educational value. It has been rewritten, greatly en-
larged, imd brought up quite to date. In the chapter devoted to
plates and development, Mr. llousefield considers it a mistake to use
verv rapid plates, as with slow oae-t the latitude of exposure is greater
ani the risk of fogging less. Photo-micrographic cameras are shown
and their characteristics described, wliile of stands there are not a
few. Object glasses, oculars, and condensers are nil discussed with
due fuhiese, although he considers that a condenser a* free from
spherical and chromatic aberration as an objective of good quality is
still a desideratum. The nearest approach to it is probably to be
found in using as a condenser an objective of somewhat lower power
than the one attached to the microscopic tube.
746
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF rflOTOQRAPHY.
[November 18, 1892
There is so much that is good and practical in this worlj (which
contains many illustrations) that it can be strongly recommended to
all who purpose devoting themselves to this department of photo-
giaphj'. 174 pages.
Thk Optimus Lantern Objectivf-.
This new lens, by Messrs. Perken. Son, & liayment, has a singularly
flat field combined with great brilliance of the image. The corrections
by which the.w properties have been secured have not been obtained
at the cost of its utility as a carte portrait lens, for the coincidence of
the chemical and visual foci, not always found in some lantern ob-
jectives, is here perfectly achieved. The form of the combination is
essentially that of Professor Petzval's, subject to slight alterations
consequent upon the improvements recently effected in optical glass.
Although for lantern purposes it works with full aperture, yet it is
provided with a case of stops to serve the purposes of copying or
ordinary photographic portraiture. The lenses are two inches in
diameter, with an equivalent focus of six inches.
Tbade Catalogues, &c.. Received.
E. G. Wood's (74, Cheapside) catalogues of slides, optical lanterns,
and dissolving-view apparatus (144 pages) contains no fewer than 122
pages devoted to lists of slides duly classified, the remaining portion
containing descriptions of apparatus.
In the catalogue of J. H. Steward (406, Strand), while there is a
considerable portion devoted to slides, yet does the apparatus section
preponderate. It includes several specialities of Mr. Steward,
The ability of W. C. Hughes (82, Mortimt^r-road, X.) to compile a
wondrously large catalogue of lanterns and appliances is not growing
less. His new one is vei-y large and comprehensive. It contains, as
a supplement, a clearance sale list of lanterns, slides (coloured and
plain), jets, and other apparatus, at considerable reductions from the
original prices.
A CATALOGUE just received from C. C. Vevers (Leeds) is, like those
iust previously mentioned, devoted exclusively to "magic and optical"
lanterns, slides, and accessories, although a supplement consisting of
new apparatus to his photographic eatalogue accompanies it.
In this month's number of Fallowfield's i?cH!e»i5rancer, as might be ex-
pected from the season, is catalogued much that relates to the optical
lantern and to flash-lamps, as well as to albums, scrap-books, and job
lines.
The Provisional Catalogue of Newman & Guardia's (71, Favringdon-
road, E.C.) hand cameras and shutters contains a description of their
changing box and carriers, together with their aluminium blind shutter
with Newman's automatic pneumatic regulation.
Outlines of Obganic Chbmistby.
By Clement J. Leapeb, F.C.S.
This work, which is professedly written for schools and classes con-
nected with the Science and Art Department, is, we gather from the
preface, laid down on such a plan as to take up about fifty hours, viz.,
twenty lectures of an hour's duration, and twenty laboratory practices,
each lasting an hour and a half. In each of" the twenty chapters
experiments are described, terminating with a few questions arising
out of each. We have on a previous occasion expressed our sense of
the ability and talent of the author as a writer of works cognate to
the present, and have now merely to add that for students of organic
chemistry this small volume will prove eminently useful. It is pub-
lished by Iliffe & Son, St. Bride-street, E.C. 120 pp. I'rice 2s.
Field-path Rambles bound Beomley.
By Walker Mills. R. E. T.ayIor & Bon, 19, Old-street, E.C.
This little pamphlet, descriptive of possible rambles in the charming
Kent country near London should not only prove useful to pedestrians,
but also to photographers in search of the picturesque. It is, we
.gather, to be followed by others.
Mbssbs. Shabp & Hitchmouqh, Liverpool, send us a sample piece
of their *'Aptus" opaque lantern screen, prepared with a special
flexible material on strong canvas. This will prove a serviceable
screen, being white, durable, and not likely to get creased. Other
screens issued hy this firm, e.g., their washable cloth, one which is
made in one piece up to eight feet and mounted on rollers top and
feottom, will ilso prove oisef ul.
THE MADDOX TESTIMONIAL FUND.
Aftkr a good deal of accidental but unavoidable delay the Testimonial
expressing the sentiments of the subscribers to the above Fund has been
Bent to Dr. Maddox, the cheque alluded to having been handed over to
him many months ago. The actual sum is somewhat in excess of 4002.,
as a few subscriptions came in after the Fund was closed ; but these
amounts have been passed on to the solicitors of Dr. Maddox, and have
been added to the subscription list, which was not circulated among
photographers of Great Britain and the United States, but covered the
Continent of Europe, India, etc. When the latter list is closed we hope
to intimate to the photographic public the result of the appeal to countries
other than those included in this present notice.
The Committee thank the subscribers heartily for their handsome-
response to the appeal, and it must be a pleasure to all to know that the
gift was of much use to Dr. Maddox, and is accepted by him with great-
gratitude.
The followng is a copy of the document, which is on parchment, and-
neatly illuminated. Andrew Pringle, Hon. Secretary.
Thi.s Testimonial is presented to Dr. Richard Leach Maddox with a cheque
value 400/. — four hundred pound.s — raised by voluntary subscription.^ in Great
Britain and the United States of America, in recognition of his services to-
photography, and especially of hi.s investigations in connexion with gelatine
emulsion. Signed on behalf of the subscribers by the Committee : —
James Glaisher, Chairman. A. Cufkobd Meeceb.
W. DE W. Abney. Henry Stuumey.
W. S. Bird, p.p. the Autotype Co. J. Traill Taylor.
W. H. Walker.
H. T. Wood.
Frederick V'duk.
Thomas Bedding.
Francis Cobb, Hon. Treasurer.
Andrew Pbinglk, Mon. Secretary.
6. Davison.
A. Haddon.
A. H. Harman (for the Britannia
Works Co).
Charles W. Hastings.
T. C. Hepworth.
Mtttixi^^ of SoctettejS,
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK.
Date of Meeting.
'fovemb
er 21 ...
^^
21 ...
,^
21 ...
21 ...
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21 ..
^^
21 ...
^^
22 ...
^j
23 ..
,j
24 ...
^j
2t ...
24 ...
^^
24 ...
24 ...
^^
24 ...
24 ...
24 ...
„
25 ...
25 ...
25 ..
^^
25 ...
,,
25 ..
•■
20 ...
Name of Society.
Dundee Amateur
Glasgow &West of Scotland Am.
Hasting-saud St. Leonards
Leeds (Technical)
Richmond
South London ,
Great Britain (Technical)
Photographic Clab
Camera Club
Hackney
Halifax Photo. Club
Hull
Ireland
Liverpool Amateur (Annual) ..,
London and Provincial ,
Oldham
Cardiff
Holbom
Maidstone ,
Swansea
West London
Putney
Place of Meeting!
Apso. Studio, Nethergate, Dundee.
180, West Regent-street, Glasgow,
Mechanics' Institute, Leeds.
Greyhound Hotel, Richmond.
Hanover Hall, Hanover-park, S.E,
50, Great Russell-st., Bloomsbury.
Anderton's Hotel, Fleet-8treet,B.O.
Cbariag-cross-road, W.C.
206,. Mare-street, Hackney.
Mechanics* Hall, Halifax.
Royal Institution, Hull.
Rooms, 15. Dawson-street, Dublin.
Crescent Chambers, 3, Lord-street.
Champion Hotel, 15, Aldersgate-st.
The Lyceum, Union-street, Oldham.
"The Palace," Maidstone.
Tenby Hotel, Swansea.
Chiswick School of Art, Chiswick.
High-street, Putney,.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGKAPHIC ASSOCIATION,.
No\'EMBEU 10, — Mr. E. W, Parfitt in the chair. •
Questions.
The following question from the box was read : ** I developed two under*
exposed plates, and intensified them by bleaching them with a solution of
luercuric chloride, 100 grains ; potassium bromide, 100 gi'ains ; water, 10
ounces ; then washed for several minuter and immersed in a solution of silver
nitrate, 100 grains ; water, 10 ounces ; with ^*ufficient cyanide of potassium to
dissolve the precipitate. One negative i.'* of a reddish colour, while the other
is black and white by reflected light, and slightly red by transmitted light.
Can any one account for this ? Is it due to insufficient washing previous to
intensification ?"
Mr. W. E. Debenham could not see why one colour more than another
should make any ditfereuce in the printing so long as the shadows were clear,
neither did he iind it so.
It was understood that the question should be deferred for the production of
the negatives.
Question No. 2 : " Could wash-leather be employed to make the valve of a
gas cylinder gas-tight V
Mr. T. E. FiiESHWATEU observed that, if the-cylinder was not property valved,,
no wash-leather would stop the gus.
Question No. 3 ; " What is the be.-jt developer for photomicrography?"
XovemlwT 18, 1892]
THE BRITISH JOCJRNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
747
Mr. FusHWATKR always naed pyro-ammonia, and said that the plate should
tw thickly coated.
Ltthicx TosnHG Bath fob Gbultixochloridk.
Mr. C H. Cooui exhibited wreral print* oo Eaxtiuan Solio paper toned
with a bath eoiwuitiiig of—
Gold ehkKidt! „ 3 grains.
Uthimn carbonate „ 1 amchm.
Water 8 onnces.
The bath wan reuly for ose as mmb a» made. He vnubeil the free silrer out
«f tha Pfint* befoie toning.
The CHarenaM mid the printx had a nice tone.
UaiwiBMirT or RmcLT with Gn-vTcto^nuiRiDS P.vniit.
In reference to a brief diiunuiiion on thin subject at the previons meeting.
Mr. J<mx HowBOS xaid that oniformity of r«iult on geUtino^hloride paper
conld be mm nadilr obtained aa with albnnjen, given tlie «uiie amount of know-
laflOe of tha eatjaet. He would dhow mbm remdta a.1 obtainol by a pro-
fiwinne! photegrapber, cooelxting of fonr or ttrt >loten printi which were
" orert " in the studio work — that in, a man mar have onlervd two or three
'doxen copie«, and the pbotoetspher had printed t«t> or three dozen over. Re
tlMudM we printi nkowed that nnifonnitr of tone could be aa readily obtained
aa wfik allMnnaa. Of esaiae, gelatino.«bIarida was lomewhat new. aiid there
WW ■■imtMt to bam ; bat with the aaenaarx ezperienoe it wax ju!<t as
f^MJblti to get OBifgnnity of tone with griatiae an with albomen.
na print! abown wov the work of Mr. Midwinter, of Bristol, to whose
melhoa of worUag gelatiso-chloride, aa dalailed in a recent number of thin
JotmSAL, Mr. Hovmo made Tcferenee:
Mr. J. B. GoTS noarked that he had aaai many allmmen prints blue in the
li^ta.
Mr. C B. COOKK aakeil if the eoioar of tha pktnrex could not be alterol ?
Mr. BO«so!i said this ui^t be doae by tniag for a ihorter time. They
could ha«e a laage of tone ftran warm brown tn pori>le black.
Mr. DaanraAM said many ezpetiencad a dilncnlty of this kind — that the
pfiate woold appear nddiah-brown nd thai go into the blac stage.
Mr. Ho«M»wldthiawaaldlMngpMifltotoBiagbathweratoor^>id. The
bath to be ia peopar weridag oraar abaald be two-thirds oU and ooo-third
new, an<I the toning conld then be stopped at any stage.
Mr. J. R. (iou exhibited and described his Kaavooo ehangtng box. (This
was folly deacribad in a recent number.)
Amumc
na CauiBMAX all 1m iMd bean BaUag soaa eiperimeata to aeeertain if
■llulmi I nialii ni— rt -• y-" or tooeaasd the seasitHaaees of pUtee
OMNtlaaatedaettepn. Ha paMd loaad aaeaa platas wliidi had each
had Mteee seeoadif aCTcaaia to a »mimami»tr aoaaB at a dlitoaea e< six Cast
a Bbt^ N& 7 baraar. TIm plataa kad beaa developed with diflkiant
, Mb iioMlasloa MngOat tkan was no mofe to be obtaiaed by
Ife Howaoa tmXSStf fcaad t>at tar efdia work amidol was preCnble ia
itoaayatWdaeJepet hahadeoaw aeress. It seemed to giro
HsriwaMa la detail Sthaihiliaawlthoot tha hidi Ikhto baiag
Oaa defcet. sspariatly hr laaHwiwoTk. was that IT dtdaot yMd
fkasity aaaxW so rndily aa pyro-eoda withoat aroloagsd derdepaent: there-
foia ha woM aot aee it axeept far aomal laeiloBiiiBit and expoama, beeaaaa
iafasioMid lanlijiiat afaudM iniiiaan—awaald beap> to gsttog. It
wa^ baAik ahaalataly aaeewry la wa • MaU aaiaaat of fanarida aa a
nalsaiaar.«nLlMlfaaatetooaaaaMa«raalBtlMLO(kenrin ana woold be
boaad to gat Mg with Ue stock aolntioBWUkBMistplatas ha had triad. If he
had plataa to daealop of which he was in doabt, he woold eertaialy nae pyn>-
aoda ia piefaiama to aaiidoL For hnaida p^iar and far laatsra piatea it
certainly had aJtat^w osar hjitiiiiiataaiil «r Mar vAm davaknar he had met
with. Ha waaia aot raiwmiBMil It & laitBiaui to faiwaa oialirte^ bat it waa
batter thaa hTdnqaiBoaak a it did not dog the ihadowB, aad tha dqMait of
the laafi had aa axeeediaiiy ana rnla.
Tha (mummam kartaf aMattoBad tha diflaoUy of keying a atoek aolntion
of amidol wUhoat dbedoHaliaa,
Mr. P. BTTf iiiaiamthat a stock sotBtiaa of the snlphito of soda be
kept and the aaidal «acl»ed ia it a rasairad for nw.
FuMHUOirr PB<nooHxrB\.
Mr.
his
llhaliiwlai,
■of a iiialiaBBaa tab lamp ct hia awa InssalMii a»d a aoaen. It wa a
flaafaapi Ha had tacanUy axpaead a platowlth It at the Adelphi Theatia
farltew aeeoB^ witktkelaaaai/4% aad jst a trecy waU-ezpoaad piaare
Meed. Tha ptotars at Laytoaatoaa OkaMim Oak had ha apoeiua thaa thia.
Tha lamp woud eoaaaaa thra or fonr drachma of magnesinm ia thrm
aeeoak, aa ooaee not laatiag aiare thaa tUrty-flra seooMa. He had triad
ala^alML bat aaaU set bora it With hia lamp tha aagnariam aaaU either
h«kantarfridraral>wly. Tha flame waahont two iaetaix iaAak%h sal
aMMda^tfiUaaoaiL
Aa
Bolbora Camatm Ctabi,— Xorcmber 11, Mr. G. H. Bayitoa In the chair.—
L' filnaheai ^*a a leetare aad praetiGal Jaauaetiatluu on Tnuu-
,1k,- ■ -
M]
addr^
jiTln.
of pi.
4Uftr«L
■oda^.— NoTcmbar 14, Mr. F. W. Oox ia
fafty-Ora membsn were present Mr. J. Traill Taylor
•ty oa rkotognphie Optica. He aaid that in preference to
'<]Id haraa goesip with tha mamban OB tharaiioas trpa
Tha "gaaip" took tte form of aa aeeooBt of the
. c9«hiah had Ihmi time to time been enrircd. Beginning
with the simple bi-K:onvex lens used in the camera obscura, he exhibited
examples of the various lenses iu the chronological order in which they have
been produced, the earlier examples having been ground, the crown from
window bull's-eyes, and the flint from bottoms of tumblers. He explained, by
aid of the examples and by the blackboard, the effect of the different curves
and combinations, and showed tbat in the earliest examples some of the latest
inventions had been forestalled. He showed the tele-photographic lens, and the
lenses from an opera-glass, with which he had made his experiments in 1868,
and the results of which were given in the .Almanac for 1869, and gave valu-
able information to those who desired to modify their lenses for emergencies.
He pointed out that, in constructing a tele-photographic lens, it was necessary
that, when the image-forming lens and the lens of negative focus were laid one on
the other, the combination should make a diminishing glass. Prints of breaking
waves, taken with a siwctacle lens by Mr. Henry Sutton, were shown. Much
interest was taken in the types of lenses exhibited, and particularly in the
spectacle lens used by Mr. Taylor when he first began photography. Several
qnestions were asked and fully answered, and a vote of thanks to the lecturer
carried with acclamation. The remainder of the evening was devoted to
making arrangements for the annual Exhibition, to be held on Monday, the
28th inst.
Hackney PbotogTapUe Society.— Xovember 8, Mr. A. Barker in the chair.
— Mr. William .Smith showed Tylar's new form of lantern slide carrier (which
was afterwards successfully worked in the lantern) and lantern slide printing
frame. A question was asked as to why a reduced slide showed unevenly and
dark in centre. The Hon*. Skcrbtarv said if nrtiticial light was used probably
it was cansetl through the light being held too near to the negative. Mr.
Smith asked whether opal was better than ground glass for this work. Mr.
BacKKTT ofaeerved that it stopped the light somewhat more, but the illumina-
tion wa better. The Hon. Secretary announced that the next ordinary meet-
ing woold be on the 22ad, when the Autotype Company had promised a
demonstration.
Pntaay Pbotograpblc Society.— November 7, Dr. Sheppard in the chair. —
Mr. Buchanan Wolladton gave a lectnre and demonstration on Platinum
I'rintimg Proeatet. The lectaier stated that the " hot bath " was now practi-
cally a thing of the past l>eing snpemedad by the new cold-bath process. He
claimed (or the latter eeveral advantages, among which were superior keeping
nnalitiesj greater simplicity of manipulation, and more control over the results.
Unlike the hot-bath prooeM a good print could be made from practically any
negative, in bet he bad fonmlthat, by modifying the method of printing, the
dereloper, and its application, an excellent result could be obtiiined from a
nagatiTa that wonld not give a passable print by any other process. Mr.
WoUaaton laid special strea on the absolute necessity of keeping the paper
bone dry before, unring, and after printing, if full advantage were to be taken
of ito apabilities to give brilliant results. For this purpose the paper must
until development M stored in special boxes containing calcium, care being
taken that u soon u the calciniu becomw softened [>y the absoqition of
moistare, it sboold be taken out and thoroughly dried. In order to keep the
paper dry daring printing, it is alao absolutely neceasary to use a vulcanised
rubber pad placed in contact with it in the fkame. Besnlts depend very
largely on thea piecantions being carefiilly obsenred, for, should the paper
have abeorbed moistare, there will be a corresponding tendency to mealiness,
appearaace of grain in the shadows, and a genml lack of vigour and brilliancy
but a the new p^ier may be printed until full detail is fiftrly visible, no g
dimenl^ ahoold be expoienced in this direction. Mr. Wollaston said that
very thm aegatiTw ought with advantage be printed under blue, and hanl
ona nnder s&ul-green glass, and that printing generally be done in a bright
dilhsed light or preference. The i>rinu can be develoi>ed by immersion, float-
ing, or Iqr bmsL The two former require no explanation, but it should be
noted that Uiey nsoally give cold tonea. The lecturer evidently prefers to
darelap by the bmah, a by this method he hu more command over the
davalonaeat and therebv obtains a fuller scope for the artistic treatment of
the sB^iect The normal developer consists of oxalate of potash, one pound
dissolved in fifty-fonr oances of hot water. For on thia should be diluted by
adding an equal quantity of water. For bmsh development the addition of
glyoenae in the proportion of one port normal oxalate devrioper (one pound to
ttfty.fbnr oances), one part of glycerine, and two parte of water, was recom-
mr^-^ Mr. WoUaton then proceeded to develop prinU by the brush
rrrtK"* In order to kap the paper flat it wa temporarily mounted on a slab
thinly ooatad with plain glycoUie. The developer wa then applied by means
of a eamel's-hair brush, which wu wetted with ft«sb developer lietween each
stroke, care being taken that each sncceeding stroke shouhl overlap the
previoai one. .Should any part of the print nowlw seen to require strengthen-
U^, a developer withont ^ycerine should be used for the purpose. Should it
be antidpatod frT>m the nature of the negative that any part has been over-
printed, detail and transparency in the shadows can lie retained by first
covering thoa parts of the print with a thin layer of pUin glycerine nibbed on
asaaly wWi the linger, the development being afterwards proceeded with in the
uanal way. 4till further control can be obtained by covering the whole of the
paper with plain glyoerine previons to development It will be nnderstood
that the ((lyoerine acte a a retarder, much the same a bromide acts in an
ordinary developer, and it shonid also be noted that length of development
tends to prodna warmth of tone. Shoald it be desired to vi|nette the picture,
it can be done to any shape in an artistic manner and with preat ease by
simply omitting to apply the developer to the parte that are desired to remain
white, the softening of the edgw being done gradually, or by cross hatching in
the manner of a crayon drawing. The vignetting may be done after the picture
ha been printed to the edges. When development ha been completed, the
printe, withoiitl previous wuhing, are immersed face downwanls in a bath of
dilute pHn hydrochloric aid (one part to sixty parte of water), and allowed to
remain for Ave ininntes, then removed to a second acid bath for about ten
niinutea, afterwanls to a thinl for about fifteen minutes. The printe must be
finally wabed in at least three changee of water for about a quarter of an hour.
748
THE BRITISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[Xovember 18,1892
A pinch of washing soda should be added to the second water. The prints are
then dried in the usual manner.
West London Photographic Society.— Noven.ber 11, the President (Mr.
•lohn A. Hodges) in the chair.— Five new members were elected. Mr. E. J.
Wall read a paper on - 1 < 'oinparisoti oj Printing Procesaca,
Bolton Photographic Society.— Kovember 9, Mr. William Banks in tlie
chair.— Mr. S. O. Buch.vnax Wollaston gave a lecture on The Powers uf the.
Platinolype Comjiaiiy's new Paper for Cold Derelopment, illustrated witli a
practical demonstration of the various methoiis of modifying the developer,
aud showing how c07npletely the image could be held in control.
Leicester emd Leicestershire Photographic Society.- November 9, the
President (Mr. F. G. Pierpoint) in the cliair.— Mr. Thomas Scotton, of the
Derby Society, tlien gave a demonstration of the Cold Bath Platinctype Process,
prefacing his demon.stration with a luciil description of tlie various processes.
Tile demonstration was ]>erfectly successful, and exceeilingly interesting and
useful, the principle of retarding iIevelo]>ment locally by the use of glycerine
ajiplied to the jiart desire<I to be retarded was very markedly demon.strated.
Alter the demonstration the PitEsiDENT (Mr. Pierpoint) read a jiajier entitlccl,
.1 Tour through the Ihikeries. illustrated with some well-executed slides.
Liverpool Amateur Photographic ABSociatlon-November 10.— Mr. C. F.
BUDENBERG, of the firm of Scliaetler & Biideulierg, Manchester, gave a lecture
before this Society ujion tlie subject of ffig/i- Pressure Gas Gauges, illustrated
by exi>erinients with ap|>aratu,s, which the lecturer brought for the iniriwse.
Mr. Budenljerg explained that there was no occasion for the least risk of
ilanger in the use of a gauge so long as tlie user took care to ascertain that he
got a well-made article. He stated that, while inferior gauge-tubes were made
out of ordinary drawn steel tubing roughly finished, the reliable instruments
were made from i>ressed octagonal .steel bars bored, and afterwards carefully
turneil, and jiolished inside and outside. By fixing one of each kind of instru"-
ment U]X>n a iiressure-pumj., he showed that the first was strained and rendered
unreliable by being submitted to the ordinary i>ressure, and would easilv have
burst if the jiressure hail been slightly increased ; but the second, lifter a
pressure of several tons, returned to its original jiositiou without .showing a
fraction of ilisjilacement. Mr. Budenberg then referred to chemical ex-
jdosions which had been caused by turning tlie full force of oxygen into a
gauge in which traces of oil remained. The intense heat generateil by the
suilden rush of gas rajudly consumed the oil, and an explosion was the result.
This action was shown by placing a piece of wood in a brass tube, whicli was
attached to a cylinder charged with air. When the valve was snildenly openeil
the rush of air ignited the wood. The be.st gauges, the lecturer exjilained, were
now made with a check, to prevent this sudden inrush of gas, so that, even if
they were charged with inflammable oil, an explosion could not result. His
firm, however, did not allow oil to touch their gas-gauges. Mr. Budenberg
strongly deprecated complicated connexions with cylinders, his opinion being
tliat the connexion between the cylinder and the reguktor should be as short
and as simple as jiossible.
Manchester Photographic Society.- November 10, the President (Mr.
Aliel Heywnod) in tlie chair. — Mr. W. N. Sherburn was elected a member.
The President showed a very siiiijile contrivance for holding sheets of paper
during drying. It was an .article introduced to the jirinting trade, Imt Mr.
Heywootl considered it a very good arrangement in place of the American clijis
usually used to suspend prints. The appliance consisted of a rail of wood about
"24 X j inche-s, having on one edge a series of oval-shaped fret cuts, in each of
which were retained loosely by tinned crossed wires common marbles or, as
schoolboys term them, "alleys." A sheet of paper pushed nj) into one of the
.slots or cuts is held securely liy the marble pressing against the edge thereof,
and cannot lie removed by "a downward pull, wliich only tends to tighten the
grip of the marble, but a slight side pull easily removes the sheet. Tlie same
arrangement is made in single squares of wood, having one paper-holiler and a
spiral fret to enable the square to be slung on a line. The remainder of the
evening, was devoted to a discussion on lantern slide making, Mr. J. Wood
.and Mr. Whitefield giving a very full account of their luetliods, %vhich were
directly opposite, Mr. Wood's plan being to give a full exposure and rely on
mollifications of his developer, wliilst Mr. Whitefield relied on varviug tlie
exjiosure and using a normal developer. A number of the members contri-
buted to the discussion, the majority being in favour of eikoiiogen oreikonogen
modified with hydroquinone for developing. The result of the discussion
showed that care in the maniiiulation was the main factor, as the exhibition of
examples showed good results by very varied methods. Mr Whitefield gave
the following formula! for (levelo]iing for line work when good black lines on a
clear ground were required, though not quite equal to wet collodion. The
results were very good, and better than the usual method of treatment:—
Hydroquinone, 4 grains ; jiotassium liromide, 2 grains ; sulphate of soda, 12
gi-ains ; sodium hydrate, 4 grains ; sodium carliouate, 12 grains ; made up to
1 fluid ounce with water. Use good plates, develop fully, and clear with the
alum and acid bath.
National Association of Professional Photogrraphers.— A meeting of the
Council of the National Association of Professional Photographers was held at
Anderton's Hotel, Fleet-street, E.t'., on November 9, ilr. Thomas Fall in the
chair.— The Phesident said that it was most diflicult to fix a time and place
for meeting that should suit the convenience of all members, and that, though
there was such a representative gathering from all parts of the country, he
regretted the unavoidable absence of many. Several of those who were unable
to attend had written most hopefully aud encouragingly. He then dealt with
the case of a firm of enlargers who had refused to agree to the Association's
terms re prices " for the trade only. " .Several members strongly expressed
their opinions on the subject, and, while regretting that the Association did not
include jiraetically the whole of the profession, which would enable it to bring
such a house to reason, pointed out that there was only one course for members
to adopt, and that even a coui)le of hundred of the principal men could exert
some apprecialile influence. Mr. J. Crosby (Kotherham), followed by Jlr. J.
HlBEKT (Hackney), .strongly urged the necessity of increasing tlie uiimerical
strength of the Association. .Mr. Crosby said that Leeds, Sheffield, and Hull
had formed local ceuti-e.s, but that, until they had the substantial support of
London, solid progress was impossible. TTie SBCBET.Mtv read his report of
work done since February last, in which time fifty new members had been
added to the Association. He reported on the visit [laiil by the President, Mr.
Whitlock, and himself to the Convention, which had resulted in the acquisition
of a few members. He had personally canvassed Birmingham, Wolverhamp-
ton, Newcastle-on-Tyne, Sunderland, and other towns, and had three times
met the executive in London without any expense falling upon the .\ssociation.
Mr. W, Gill (Colchester) said that one volunteer was worth two pressed men,
and that it w.as possible to do too much in the way of canvassing folks who
were unwilling to join. Ha thought more attention shouhl be turned to making
the Association of greater practical value, and to making its value more
apparent, so that outsiders would not need pressing to come in. Mr. M.vrtin
(London) said that the idea of esiyrit de corps should be pressed forward more
than mere money or business advantage. Mr. .J. Hubert (Hackney) said that,
though a previous speaker had disparaged jier^onal canvass, he thought that a
personal application would show the value of the Association to liiany men
who had simply not troubled to consider about it. For his own part, he would
canvass his own district, and report results to the next mseting. He urged
other members, especially those in London, to do the same, and added that he
was sure .ill the London men worth having would be solid in favour of the
Association if its objects were personally explained to them. If no other
London men would undertake the work, he would devote all his spare time to
it, aud, if necessary, continue his lalx)urs in evenings and other odd times,
until he had worked the whole of London. (Applause. ) Mr. H. .J. Godbold
(Hastings), Mr. Spink (Brighton), and other members promised to canvass their
own districts. The President said that, so far as he had been able to call upon
the men in the West End, his success had been Ijeyond his anticipation. Per-
haps the bill of fare presented by the Association had not been so attractive as
it might have been. They had thought it well to simply .attempt the gathering
of a strong body of photographers who should decide the channel in which to
direct their practical efibrts, rather than to attempt to redress abuses before
they knew what strength they had to rely upon. They had done some work
in the past, which had been reported from time to time, but now, perh.aps,
they might oH'er further advantages. .\s Mr. Gill had said, they must look to
the young men, and to these he would point out that membership of the Asso-
ciation, which enabled them to seek and to obtain the advice of many of the
leading men in the profession. w,a3 in itself valuable. He (the President),
would have liked to see professionals more generally eager to join the Associa-
tion, but he was very well satisfied when he considered the character of the
membership. They were not a lieterogeneous mass, but representative men
from all parts of the kingdom, and formed an excellent nucleus for a strong
and vigorous organization. A suggestion had been received from Mr. H.
Snowden Ward, who was not a member of the Association, that the Com-
missioners of the World's Fair Congress on Photography woidd appreciate the-
appointment of one or more delegates from the National Association of Pro-
fessional Photographers. It was proposed, seconded, and unanimously carried
that the President, and Messrs. Charles H . Evans, W. Gill, and W. Battersby
be delegates to represent the Association, and to report on the proceedings of
the Congress. It was proposed by Mr. W. Gill, seconded by Mr. Bromwich,
that the thanks of the Association be tendered to the Miinchester Spy for its
exposures of the doings of Mr. S,auvy, a Manchester photographer. The
subject was commented on by several members, including the President, who
said that, though photographers were no better than other men, he thought that
the photograpliers of London would not have suffered such a man .as Sam-y to
remain amongst them so long as their Manchester brethren had. If the rumour
that Sauvy had returned from his flight were tnie, he hoped that Manchester
photographers would not rest until they had made it impossible for such a man
to continue in business. The vote was unanimously carried. It was proposed
by Mr. J. Crosby, seconded by Mr. Glaisby, that the next annuivl meeting be
held in Manchester.
Aberdeenshire Amateur Photographic Society.— Tlie progress made by
tlie Aberdeenshire Amateur Photograiihic Society, which has been but a little
over a year in existence, is evidenced both by the variety and the -merit of
the Society's first competitive exhil:iition which ojiened on November 12. The
majority of the photographs were shown in handsome frames, and in some
cases the mounting was very artistically carried out. The prints re]iresented
all the different methods of photograjihic reproduction — silver, bromide,
jplatinotype, iirintiug-out jiajier, and carbon ; and a number of the figure
studies and scenes and ]iortraits were of exceptional interest, both as regards
artistic treatment aud technical exei-ution. The prints were judged by Messrs,
Ewing and Morgan, whose awards were as follows :— Class 1, half-plate land-
sca])es, silver medal, L. M. Gibb, Victoria-street ; bronze medal, E. L. Brown,
2, Esslemont-avenue ; highly commended, E. L. Brown, 2, Esslemont-avenue y
commended, L. M. Gibb, Victoria-street. Class 2, whole-jdate landscapes,
silver medal, J. Milne, Devaiiha-terrace ; bronze medal, W. Gibson, London ;
highly commended, W. Gibson, London ; commended, J. Milne, Devanha-
terrace. Class 3, iiortraiture and figure study, silver medal, J. Milne ; bronze
medal, W. Gibson, London ; higlily commended, J. Milne ; commended, E. L.
Brown, 2, Esslemont-avenue. Class 4, seascape and river scenery, silver medal,
J. Milne: bronze medal, W. A. Hawes, Gilcom.ston-]iark ; highly commendeil,
W. A. Hawes, Gilcomston-park ; commended, W. T. Moffatt, BeaconsHeld-
])lace. Class 6. enlargements, silver medal, W. Moffatt, 7, Queen's-gardens ;
bronze medal, W. Ramsay, Dyce ; highly commended, J. Milne, Devanha-
terrace : commended, J. Anderson, CiJts. Cl.ass 7, hand camera work, bronze
medal, E. T. Smith.
Edinburgh Photographic Society. — This Society opened its annual exhibi-
tion of members' work, combined witli a series ofthebest attainable loan work,
on Thursday, November 10. They are to remain, for a fortnight, freely open
to members and the public. The meeting was opened in the somewhat novel
way of holding a smoking concert, at the commencement of which Mr.
Alexander Ayton (Vice-President) said that this meeting was somewhat of a
new departure, and as tliis was his flrst appearance in the chair, he took the
opjiortunity of thanking them for jilacing him in the jiosition. He stated
that it wa.s tlie first social evening the Society ,is a body had helil, and he
thought the movement was one which should be euciuraged and repeateil.
Xoreraber 18. 1892']
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
749
cttcBPt WM to be made by th« OanncU to inervHw th« ntility and extend
■aeOihiaB of their meetiiiga ami thdr work a" a body ; they intended
An attcB]
Ikb to be a vorkius aOMioii, and had amMiiited a eoiiimitte« to' organize a
hntmi Mction. whicb woaU hold a niontolv meeting lor lantern work onlv.
TluT- ■ l« a >^rie» of !■ exi«iTiiu<fUtal mt«tinga for tfie
b«-u. r :ii^cr meni>>ers •■■ \, t.iit wliii-h would not inter-
' '- I »-ii witli the o^linJlt> iu"uiui< merting>. They were now in
~iti"ii of having a meniber«hil>— over 40(>— liv far tlie largest in
K::.."I-m, and they bad abio an V anionnt of "talent in the bo.lj-,
led to make full one of to l.rin? it ont — in fact. With
lr».l got, they tbongfat they might faee the question of
an annual " "■' 'liere wa« no reason whv thev
t would ri ;e parent Society in Pall Mali.
■ veijiug a n •IT' and r»'itation.s were given
iiwlcn. Gar .1 others. Tlie exhil>it.<
usse- : — I- 1 I'lr exbihition only, and
- ■'■ ''i' iire»t high awards cIm;-
wiier.-. 11 I- Ii5ii2 Saturday nuuble.->. III.
Kitrire -t' venil-er. 1891. IV. Land.<i(-a|>es
fpim i:fg-'--.\- - • Tbebext picture of ea.h of
the thrn.. l.itt.-r aided. Tlie pictures in these
Ihrer ola^-e* nuni 'liod of awaT>1ing judgment is
hjr the member AUiuk f which are lying in the rooms
and mo»t be 611«I up '. 'ffi It takes this form, which
m%ht with adTaatafe be isij.ied uy otarr int'ietMa.
/■ my ofimiom. AeimtpietmrmmnatmmJir: —
CUmU.
St..
cbuim.
Clam IT.
-Vo..
.Vo..
Tl" :. follow men. ■
<;•' r)>;ui»he.| by
■ >'•■ "le m^:... ..
lit oil. Noiliing coal-l
"*^ mefnN-r» wlj^ vi^it ■
to the rlhlbltecl wuHu ot tbt :
title, a« well a* to th* artht
a McD-lly ciitidam of the m«i
Olairow PkAMgnphtcAu'
F.< .s. (PraridH«^lBth'
were electld ■■■>■% an
Mr. J. CKAN AMWAM r-
/■fMlVy. A diMOMtOB f
'emaelroi aiv only
1 i<«j>{inie, aothat,
'-• ~-"nalltT of the
.ret the tnie
eir judgnient
t, f. <_'• :i. ran • lia- sent four l.and-
ugh |>a|«r, wliieh bare taken tlr^t-
' ' V York, Amsterdam, and Brussels.
iCKt. Mr. W. Bedfonl has sent
rted in the Pall Mall ExhIUtion of
carboD, of aepia tint, and on
of the work of aa old Dutch
e FliotngTaphie Conrention of
u>iiilxv|ie yielBnr of the Ememnian ichonl.
three laige pktn«* — hw<ls<-apes with flgnreii —
'•■bara aa miUfm in ooapoHtion. Mr. Lyildrll
ra eamveillUm m^tt», »hich Uliutrate the
•tnead>jr**tMlIaatoUtfttll«; Mr. F. Hutclilfr,
- riilanMiiint* : ;ti).l Mr. Ailam Diaton, a
•ubjecta. uf th' Work of the memben,
' 'lie Pt><>t<>iraphic Conrentinu, which
iiba^lh, by Mr. Ajrtou. the chair-
tte gronp, caeli b a gooil {lortrait.
'.>'.— The anaoal bmiiwi aiatt-
et, which bar* been morated
.. itndentand, haa eooaiderately
i<e aa intcrart in photography.
: reaiited. He called attention
d cloae attentian to the iciaa-
'inatiiic •tndj, than which no
: ' . lead to iteadjr im-
'er appointnaBt of
rer'a rapoita, with
Nfr. William Lamr, Jan.,
lamea McOlaahan
'3 were appointed.
:■'■■— A iYilieal
RECENT PATENTS.
APPUCATI0R8 FOR PATK5TS.
JTOl SOillA. — " Magne*iniii-lubt Ortridgr tor Ptiotngtai4iic Par]>oaei, and
Praeii of Pradncitv «wiw. ConpleU neeiieatloD. E. HaCKH.— Aita/
yttmt»r»,Uaii.
No. V.IMl— " Aa iDiprovanaal In the Prodnction of Nanien, Titles, and
o(fa«r iMertptton* on PhotoBnaphk Print*, Traasparencirs, and L«ntem
Slide*.- A.'---- '-■-' \%ttmttrt,im.
So. nXA 1 PholMdkphic Dark-alide Recorder." J. E.
Tkok-vtos t , rtaUd Jltnmttr 10, 18PS.
N' X) r-l Lamp for Pbotocraphic Pur|ioee*." H. Bown
»'|U. Mat 'M^rlO. 1893:
N !'■*'■ uMiU la Photogniibie llachtnea." W. J. Bakr.—
CortejSiionirencfe
' ObrrMfxmdmts ihould nnir writt on both nd« of the paper.
AJIIDOL.
To the Editor.
Sib, — From two letters which appear in your last issue, on p. 735,
" W. S. P." and " Othello " are in ditficalties with the alxjve (to me)
valuable developer. I therefore send the following hints, which may be
of service to the above as well as other interested readers.
The stock solution should be mixed thus: — The sulphite of soda is
dissolved in half the water used, and the amidol is dissolved in the
other half. The two solutions are then mixed together, and are ready
for immediate use.
I have used the above developer for the last two montlis or so with
complete success, and, except in cases of great under-exposure, have
foand it quite unnecessary to intensify.
I,have used both the stock solution recommended by the vendors, and one
mixed according to my own ideas, with equal success on Marion's Ordinary,
Ilford Ordinary, XIatchless, Paget XXXXX, Fry's sixty times Rround-glass
plate, and the Upton. I think a very impure sample of sulphite of soda
must have been used, or sulphate of soda or some other chemical was
.supplied by mistake, or impure water may be the cause. Use only pure
distilled, or fresh rain water filtered, for mixing either this or any other
solution for photographic purposes. The very fact of your stock solution
being nearly colourless seems to indicate that you have used some other
chemical and not pure sulphite of soda. My stock solution discoloured
in about twenty-four hours, and has got deeper and deeper in tint up to
a certain point as time went on, more than a montli, but seemed to work
aa well and as jlean as ever, although perhaps somewhat slower in action.
I develop for from abont four to thirty or more minutes, according to the
density required and the exposare given. The shorter the latter the
longer the former usually takes with this developer, as with every other I
know of, altliough it is much quicker in action than most developers.
Rock the dish well during the development, and pour the developer off
for a minute or two, say every two to live minutes or so (during long
development), still moving the dish as if the developing solution was in
it. This is to prevent possible markings on the negative, caused by more
solution sticking to some parts of it than to others. It is surprising how
much detail and density makes its appearance by adopting this simple
plan.
With about four onnoes of solution (the exact strength of which I do
not know, but, judging by its action when compared with another
solution of a certain known strength, I believe it to contain about eight
grains of " amidol " to each otmce of water), I have developed quite two
dozen haU-platoa during the time stated above, most of which had
reeaiTad ezporans of one-sixth to one-tenth of a second on some prize
doga at rather eloee quarters, out of doors, rapid rectilinear lens,.
twalra inch equivalent foeas, /■12 to f-lti stops, at midday the latter
end of October and the first few days in November. The solution is a
rather deep mby ookmr, and the plates used were of ordinary speed,
probably aooat 30 on Hnrter •& Drifheld's aetinograpb.
The solution above mentioned is only used in cases of very quick
exposures, aa mentioned above, on subjects taken in a very bad light, or
on plates found to be under-exposed.
I And it a good plan to filter the developer through clean cotton wool
plaeed in a gUsa funnel kept for this purpose only, after developing every
plate or two, as all marks or spots are thus avoided. — I am, yours, <feo.,
fUtt, UanU, .SovemUr U, 18'J2. J. T. Hackktt.
To the EcrroR.
Sir, — Amidol or not amidol ? that is the question.
It oomss to OS boomed by men in the first rank of photographers.
Side by side in the photographic journals are letters, some crying, " This
is the £1 Dorado of developers ; " others saying, " It is ' stuff,' which it
is only waste of lime imd money to mess about with."
Strange as it may seem, I quite believe that the writers of these widely
ditTering reports have written in all fairness and sincerity, and tliat they
do but report their own exi>criences. My own experiments compel me to
regard it as far and away the best-known developer for snap-shot work.
I aai ()i>ile «Bre that it will give a printable negative from an exposure
which no other known developer can do. I make this assertion from
careful and sufficient tests.
At the same time, I have used it with the most deplorable results.
Here is, I think, the key to the riddle. It suits some makes of plates and
is oseless for other brands. This explains why some experimentalists
praise it and others condemn it.
I have suggested this to Messrs. Fuerst Brothers (the London agents),
and recommended them to issue with their " instructions for use," a Ust
of the makers whose plates are suited to this developer.
I do not think it a good all-round developer (this may be because I do
not fully know its capabilities). I should not use it for studio or tripol
work, but I should use no other for snap-shot work.
760
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAJ'HY.
[November 18, 1892
This 18 saying more in its faTour than appears on the surface, because,
I think, the hand is ousting the tripod, and the enlarging apparatus sup-
planting gigantic cameras, lenses, and plates, together with the gigantic
cost of purchase and working them. If the hand camera be not the
only one used, in the open, in a not distant future, I believe it will be
the principal one, and the only really necessary one — with quick plates
and amidol. — I am, yours, &o., Babt. lious.
Nov. 15, 1892.
To the Editor.
Sir, — ^Ton spoke bo highly lately of amidol as the moat likely to snper-
•aede pyro that I concluded to try it, and now I am more conservative than
ever.
I found in the first trial that the picture was rather flat when developed
with amidol, but thought it was due to my exposure. I have since found
~that this was not the reason. The developed image is too transparent in
the high lights to give su£ficient contrasts, which means that the result-
ing colour of the film in the negative is not intense enough. Yet I
-thought I might be able to overcome this trouble with a little experience,
the ready-made and long-keeping, non-staining solution always ready for
use being unmistakably a great convenience.
Bad weather made me stop my trials for about two weeks, when
I received your No. 1697 of The British Jodrnal of Photography, and
read therein " W. S. P's " and " Othello's " troubles. I at once made a
new trial with my two weeks' old solution. Made a positive by contact
and developed with old amidol, and got no trace of an image ; washed
the plate thoroughly and developed same with pyro, and got a fine
positive. No more amidol for me, so far, at least, until it gives all what
it has promised. — I am, yours, &c., A. Levy.
4, Avenue Pinel, Asnieres {Seine), November 11, 1802.
P.S.— Referring to Mr. J. K. TuUoch, M.B.'s paper in same number,
you can see what amateurs have come to by reading all the laudatory notes
published about them. Their head is continuously swelling, and if there
is no stop the doctors will have to he called. In this letter you will find
that it is a well-known fact that every invention and discovery in photo-
^graphy has been from the unselfish and enthusiastic amateur. This little
sentence is unfortunately followed by : It is easy for the amateur to hurry
Ms little inventions off to the journals ; it will take no bite out of his mouth.
Now, there is one small item which has never been well cleared up.
Who is it that fills up your column of " Recent Patents," amateurs or
professionals ? Which ? If amateurs, their hurrying to the journals is
sometimes checked midways by the Patent Office. If the much-despised
professional, then every invention, ilc. (see above), is not from amateurs
only. Let us have some fairness, please.
MR. BHEDWAR'S PICTURES.
To the Editor.
Sir, — In a contemporary, of whose existence you are perhaps unaware,
I, as Mr. Bhedwar's exhibition agent, explained a few weeks ago why his
interesting " Naver " pictures did not appear at Pall Mall ; but, since yon
express some anxiety to know how it happened, I will explain again.
Mr. Bhedwar, a month or two back, resigned his membership of the
Photographic Society of Great Britain, although, being a foreign member,
he had nothing to pay for the privilege. He also, when forwarding his
pictures, instructed me not to send them to Pall Mall. From these facts,
Mr. Bhedwar being an inveterate exhibitor, the only possible conclusion
appears that he, in common with some other artist photographers, lacks
-confidence in the management of the Photographic Society of Great
Britain's show. It is possible you may have noted that a feeling of
reluctance to submit their works to the judgment of " scientific experts "
Ihas grown among those latter day photographers who are striving to gain
higher recognition for the " black art " as a means of artistic expression.
—I am, yours, &o., Ralph W. Robinson.
Redhill, November 14, 1802.
[It is not a little singular that although, according to Mr. R. W.
Robinson, Mr. Bhedwar, when forwarding his pictures (we suppose
€arly in September), gave instructions that they were not to be sent
to Pall Mall, our correspondent, the author of the article " An Indian
Studio," in an interview with Mr. Bhedwar earl^ in October, should
lave gathered the information which led him to believe that the
pictures were at the Exhibition. As Mr. Ralph Robinson appears,
from his amusing statement that Mr. Bhedwar, at a distance of many
thousands of miles, lacks confidence in the management of the Society,
to be the keeper of that gentleman's conscience, perhaps he will make
a still further contribution to this discussion by giving us a theory
accounting for the fact that our Indian correspondent's information
•conflicts with Mr. Robinson's. The concluding sneer as to the " judg-
ment of scientific experts" reminds us of the story of the animal that
hit the hand which had succoured it in pain. — Ed.]
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY.
To the Editor.
Sir, — There are times in the eventful life of a professional photo-
grapher when his tranquil soul is stirred to the deepest depths. It may
be that it is caused by the advent of a baby entering his sanctuary, or a
Scotch collie panting for breath, or similar such emotional occurrences ;
but the photographer of to-day could certainly not remain callous if he
had witnessed the group of about thirty earnest and, as the chairman
justly remarked, representative men meeting in solemn conclave to dis-
cuss the present status of the photographic profession. Never before in
the annals of photography was it more necessary that this should be
done, or the need for strong union, more apparent than at the present
time. What wonder can it be, then, that one feels interested in, nay,
sanguine about, the eventual success of the body meeting on Lord
Mayor's Day at Anderton's Hotel ? But, also, where were those who
should form additional and important links in the chain of strength
about to be formed then ? Only five London members were present. It
was evident, however, that the others had not remained away from
apathy. Photographers, owing to the quick, if not easy, production their
art is capable of, wanted, perhaps, to see some tangible result of the new
Society's doings. Oh, that they could have been present, and have seen
the lierculean task that the little band of determined men had before
them I If they could but perceive that, by their absence, they delay the
dawn of a brighter future for the profession generally, they would come
in numbers to counsel and help. Now, sir, I firmly believe that it was
principally owing to the difficulty of conveying in writing an adequate
idea of the useful work the Association is doing that more were not pre-
sent. I am also aware, Mr. Editor, that I can fully rely on the intense
interest you have always manifested in the profession ; therefore I beg to
be allowed to offer a few remarks on the subject, which I make in the
hope that it may induce an increased membership for the Association.
I will, in virtue of a resolution passed at that meeting, do myself the
honour of calling upon such of the principal members of the profession
as the limited time at my disposal will permit.
It must necessarily be premature to expect the immediate carrying out
of all those schemes which are known to be needed, however they are
constantly held in view, out I can assure you there exists the nucleus of
a society which only requires a sufficient number of additional members
to make it similarly powerful with the Pharmaceutical Society, Mr.
Martin, a member of which, being present, treated the National Union
of, &a., to an explanation of their methods in an able speech. He de-
scribed their gigantic success as being due to brotherly co-operation and
casting aside those differences which are the result of great competition.
Well, we must join hand in hand. Such names as grace the Council —
some of the best professional men — are a sure guarantee that nothing
will be left undone to uphold the dignity of a profession which is none
the less elevated for being surrounded in their own rank by elements
which threaten its very existence.
Can anything be more inspiring than the thought of belonging to a
union — the National Union of Professional Photographers — the member-
ship of which alone vrill be a guarantee of respectability and standing,
for it is essentially constituted by some of the foremost men of the pro-
fession to combat all that is derogatory to the well-being of the craft ?
Will your professional readers who are concerned hold aloof any
longer ?
Will they not avail themselves of the splendid chance of proclaiming
to a suspicious world that they do not stoop to underselling their neigh-
bour, that they do not sell bromide prints for platinotype, &o. ?
It may be said that in spite of the initial difficulty of the undertaking,
in spite of some discouraging facts, it stands there as the early evolution
of a rock, to which, some day, the profession of the future will have to
cling for its existence perhaps. Already the signs are not wanting that
its diplomas, when it feels strong enough to issue them will be prized by
friends and feared by enemies. I imagine the unjustly treated plaintiff or
defendant in a photographic law suit, aided in word and deed by their
own legal representative. I see the employer and apprentice protected,
and witness in spirit the triumph of the system of apprenticeship over
the technical schools which, however, may become valuable in their co-
operation. In fine the profession will be purified, although the cheap
article will always be in demand, and the supply forthcoming. The art
production will be valued. Honest labour is worthy of its pay, but skill
requires additional reward, which should never depend upon the caprices
of the money market. Having come thus far with my remarks, your
valuable Journal arrived, and in glancing over it I alighted upon an
aiticle by Mr. Tulloch, M.A., which, bearing on the same question
certainly requires an answer, for which reason I pray yon, Mr. Editor, to
to bear with me a little longer.
The introductory affirmation by this gentleman, that he counts many
professional friends, I doubt not, but the tone of the letter gives anotlier
illustration of the truth of the remark, " Save me from my friends I " I
must say candidly, that I do not quite admire the style of Mr. TuUoch's
article, and think that his arguments are decidedly weak in many parts.
Without going deeply into the matter I will traverse a few; that there are
grievances to be remedied is simply proved by the existence of the
National Union of Professional Photographers, that that body, the
mouthpiece of the profession so to speak, has no animosity against any
bona tide amateur, was evident to all who had the privilege of listening to
the excellent address by the Chairman, Mr. Fall, of Baker-street ; more-
over, I am convinced that most professional photographers worthy of the
name would hold out a helping hand to any considerate amateur. The
abolition of the strained relations alluded to by him is the aim of the
Norembn Id, 18i>3]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHl.
751
sotfety baton mentioned. Their eune, however, U narrowed to the
tmiit* of tba questionable amatenr on the one hand, and the anscmpalons
jxilimiinnil on the other. Ijet me mentioo one irrefntable fact, showing
that prnfcminnal photography, contrary to Mr. Talloch's opinion, must be
iMB«what CO the decline. The fiifilitieB of the pastime of photography
■TC napoaable for attracting one or another member of most respectable
pHtkf well or svan modacately well to do families. These, generally the
most lively and energetic ■pecimeas of humanity (excepting perhaps the
BalTatioa Army), peaetiae on their own relatives, and on those remaining
buoiUea with wban tb^y are acquainted, and who have not the good
foftnne to eonnt an aaatear amoogat their number, to soch an extent,
that they generally manage to gal at leaat one good negative. This
naturally eools the ardour of b^ig photographed ; they are often satisfied
with their productions, and thus the professional either loses them
altogether or sees very little of them.
An all-wiaa Providence has oertainly left ns a good many of the aged
and inArm, the tiny little iqiiaUar bsyood the amateor's reach or
patianee,Ae.; bata goodly portion o( tha oot-of-door trade ia i4>propriated
by the amateur, and I know many photographecs besides myself (in faot,
I do not think I am tar wrong in assarting most profassionals) who have
alien met with the threat held out by saiaie secretary or delegate of a
clnb, that if the i>iiifiiasiiiiiil did not oonaaBt to a lower rate, one of their
ntmiber woold do tlbe work— in fact, had offered it. Need I go further ?
It is amostng to find it continually laeorring by speakers and writers
(Mr. Tnlloeh in present instance) that they seem to feast on the fact that
aU iavantioas or improvsoanta in photography were effected by the
Orantia^ lor the saks of argnment that this is the ease, it must be
ebrioos that H is rather childish to try to profit hy that, considering the
estramdy small number of those who have patience, parssvsranee, and
bsain puaai enough to invent anything. Bot we know n has been shown
again and again tliat pnfssaioaaU have a fair share in the work. As far
as ptaatiaal faMnriadgs is eoaa«aad. it lias in the nstnre of things that
tlM balk of flrat-daaa ptolsadnnal photographen are bound to have a
batter knowladgs of fdiolegiaphy than Ilia amateur. At our societies,
sspecially tlia yoong anas, nrofssaiowil photographer* are often principal
spotnamen ; and are not taa rsat of thoaa mo arsr tay much that is
wlnaMa, with hweiawtioM. isssnUllly lanfsasliaisli of a kindred nature,
snah aa aoatas, ehamisla, cmtiaiaiia. pwlissnfs. Ac ?
Mr. TnUoah maksa aDotner obssiviliow which is especially weak in
■ Doea ha (lbs ptoiisslnnsl) not soaastlmas sneraaeh on the pietnre
tramar?"ata. " And it Is jnat this daaa o( man who cry oat against the
amateur.**
Oraat Seott! (axeose the exprearioB Mr. Editor. I think I have
botrofwad it Cron a diatingnishad smatat. Mr. Pringia). What pro-
fssaiaaal pbotognaliar wlU maka liis own frames r If hs does so, lie is
more likan to *>niioT a Brofeasional frame maker as aasistaaL
Smntj mt. Tnuoeh does not, it appsan to ae, know much about the
imrfssairaisl end. I really cannot retrain iram making use of bis own
weapon, and say, " And it i« just this alaas of man who talk* nonsense
about tba prefssaion. Mr. Tnlloeh evidsatly means well, but ha shoold
be mors aaratnl In making stalamania oa ■attsrs with which ha appear*
to be only partially inktmsd.
I tml sore tliat all firit tlaw pbotognifhsta indknantly rapndiato the
idea that Ihara is Ilia tllgMrrt asiaas sgsinst tba bonifiie amateur,
nnlaas it be assMsd by tboa* wiw faal that they an so far above the poor
|iiirfia*inMl In tba soaial saala, that they kwk upon him in the light of a
iiiiif«iriwaHif«r llakii. nri rr^ lilri f sm. jmi" " J. Hubsbt.
Sovtmbif 14, IMS.
aberM,#hdH»>< PMogmpSf. 30, Monthly
aber 33, A Diteomtf <m Art,
Paofooaaraio cum— Ki
Lwitera Martiag.
Wnr Utnorm PanToananno Bocnrr.— !(«
•t-C by Mr. J. V. DnllaMa
Ptrmr rmnoo**ftaa Bocirt.— Nannbar 31 , BnmUU tmHrfimnU, by
the riiliMS rsmynf Dacaaiber S, Work wUK a Bii4 Cmmma, by Mr.
A. R. Driiig.
AtmoiHAJi i5<rnTtm CaWRa Clci.— Kext aMStIng, Tuesday. November
33. aal^sct : eoatiaastian oftsetare by Mr. Allaa Hair oa Tht BmmoH But
Wa an aztrcnMly kanpy to Isara that Mr. BoUyer'n tieueftt day, on Satur-
day laal, nalhad the ksailinaiji Mm of 13/. ISt. id. for the fundu of the Phnto-
-Tn-hnii-al msetiag, Tnesday,
trret, at 8 am. SaMect—
VIS *a>l .1 /taaenjfrafMit a/
PHonoumc Socnrr f^ Okl\t
Xeisaihsrg^to b* h*M at fiO, Or
TU PnmmmUmi •/ PkUttr^iu J-
Pm nt na •naaosooncOo'*.— A Irs, wUeh isoOdany aM^ibed to the
overheatiagaf an sisairk win^ oeeamd eariy oa Wednesday laoralag at IM
and loa. ffigsal *i«H, ma Oa fsmlim of the London StereoMsopie aad
Pbataniyfela CMHaay. The sbap window was iaflsoMswhse the InaMafhim
Onal HiritanMalNst wen eaOad
tonhdnatbaiiiBlissk. Thai
Vr - that and Iks hawe of thirteen
(Uiuaged.
«lNst wen eaOad ap, aad a bydiaat had to be est to work
isak. The ftrawa pniaatsd lbs dsslnetioB of ths abop,
bawe of thirtcsn rooms sad the coateats wen ssriooaly
The Annual Dinner of the Photographic Club was held on Wednesday even-
ing last, under the presidency of Mr. William Bedford. The toast of the
Club was acknowle-iged by Mr. F. K. Bridge : other toasts being " Kimlred
Societies;" " The Chairman ; " and "The Photographic Press," acknowledged
by Mr. Thomas Bedding (The British Journal iif Photogbaphv) and Mr. H.
Snowden Ward; and the "Visitors" (spoken to by Mr. H. .Smart and Mr. W.
J. Belton). A pleasant evening was passed, although the attendance was
somewhat smaller than usual on account of the unfavourable weather.
The Exhibition iu Pall Mall, which closed last week, may be con-
sidered a-s the mo.st successful the Society has ever held. Tlie number of
visitors to the Gallery, from September '2-1 to Thursday Nov. 10. reached a
total of 10.361, the lantern evenings e.s])ecially showing a very decided increase.
On Nov. 9, the last lanteni disjilay, brought over 300 visitors together, and
the slides sliown by Captain Abney. Mr. F. P. Cembrano, jun., and Mr. B. G.
Wilkinson, jun.. were much appreciated, .\mongst others, the President ex-
hibiteil a slide of a Hyin? bullet, by Profes,sor Mach, the different features of
which he jwinted out. One by Mr. Cembrano, showing a very extraordinary
combination, brought about by the same plate- having accidentally received
two exi>osurv.s, and Mr. Wilkinson's Siuiset Calm, were received with great
applause.
Th« South lionilnn Photographic Society will hold their annual exhibition
and comjietitiou on the 24-28 November, at the Peckhaui Public Hall, Peck-
haiu, S. E. There are eight chesses, si.t members' and two open to members of
South Metro|H)litan pbotogra|>hic societies. Silver and bronze medals are offered
in each of the Utter. Messrs. F. P. Cembrano, jun., A. Pringle, ami A. H.
Hinton liave consented to act as judges. A large number of entries are
expecte«l. The latest novelties and appliances in pliotograpliic apparatus will
be exhibited by Me-isrs. Atlams, Burr, Hy. Crouch, Ltil., Dolloud, Powell &
Son.", Percy Lund t Co., Moody & Cattams. Noakes, Photognipliic Artists*
Sni'ply Store>, Powell, Rice, Siater, Wormald, and others. Demonstrations
will be given at intenals of the working of photographic processes by the
Platinotyjie Corai»any and others. Litntern displays and instrumental mu.sic
each evening. On Saturtlay. at eight p.m., a concert by tjilenteil artistes will
he given, followwl bv Mr. H. G. Banks's jiopiilar lantern entertainment, A
Tour in the Channel Idandt, anil a series of dioraiuic effects by the triple
lantern by Mr. Leonard Greaves. Particulars of space for exhibits can be had
on amdication to the Hon. Secretjiry, Cha.s. H. Oakden, 51, Melbourne-grove,
East Dalwich, S.E.
Hackskv Photoorafhic Sociktv'r Award List. — Members' Work : Clas.?
.K. for any picture taken tinee last exhibition, except animals, portraiture, and
ijenre. — Mr. Houghton** prixe, Mr. C.iqienter, Nos. land 2; Mr. Potter's prize,
Mr. W. L. liarker, No. 66: silver medal, Mr. Samuel J. Beckett, No. 16;
bronze medal, no award. Class B, for any picture taken since membership,
hot prior to last exhibition, except animals, portraiture, and genre. — .Silver
medal, Mr. S. H. Barton, No. 97 ; bronze medal, Mr. W. Wesson, No. 106.
Clai* C, for any picture taken at a clnb outing rittce the last exhibition. —
Silver medal, Mr. Heosler, Na 113 ; bronze medal, Mr. J. 0. Grant, No. 136.
Clan D, for portreitnra and ^enir. — .Silver medal, Mr. G. Hankins, No. 193;
broaxe medal, Mr. Samuel J. Beckett. No 13. Class K, for set of four lantern •
slidee takaa Mace last exhibition (still life excluded). Given by Proprietors of
Hand Caaura attd Lantern lieviete. — Silver medal, Mr. W. P. Dando, No. 205;
brooie medal, Mr. Samuel J. Beckett, No. '203. Class F, for set of six ItanO-
camera pietorea. Given by Proprietors of Photography, — Silver medal, Mr.
W. P. I)aodo, No. 220 ; bronze medal, .Mr. G. HanUns, No. '230. Class G, .
for bat picture of animal life. Given by Proprietors of Plwtography. — Silver
medal, Mr. J. 0. Otant, No. 238 ; bronze medal, Mr. S, M. Barton, No. 239.
ClaasB, for set of six stereoscopic slides taken since last exhibition. — Silver
medal, Mr. T. Home Redwood, N'o. 217 ; bronze medal, Mr. W. L. Barker,
No. 249. Open Classes. Class f, for Mt of six^antem slides. — .Silver medal,
Mr. J. E. Austin, Na 2S6; bronze medal, Mr. A. Brooker, No. '262; also an
extra hronis medal to Mr. Carpenter, for .No. 250. Class .1, for set of six
•teteoacopic slides. Tlis silver m«<t«l given by .Mr. Houghton wiihlielil ; bron7.e
medal, Mr. J. H. H|iencer, No. 265. < lass K, for any picture except portraiture
and jntrr. —"Three lilver nuxlals of i-qual value, .Mr. F. .S. Scott, No. 276 ; Mr.
C, B, Lewis, No. 336 ; Mr. J. K. Austin, No. 291. Class L, for portraiture and
e«ra — Silver medal withheld, and three btonn medals awarded, Mr. Lyddell i
wyar. No. 314 ; Mr. .S. N. Bliedwar, No. 361 ; Mr. R. Terras, Na 311.
En£(U)cr0 to OTorrcspon^cnts.
PcjkTT AXD WHrra.— Price list reeeiveiL
Alsx. Dosalu.— Thanks for the information.
BsuucXER.— The markings on the prints are due to imperfect Hxation.
PsivrsR.— We most decline to offer an opinion unless we heard both sides.
>\ HB"***' — ^"" '-'*" procun' the alho-carl>on attachment by ordering it
fropi a Uiiaa^lHiler.
E. D. (York).— We imagine that you wonlfl get the articles better made in
Lreils than anywhere else.
Ijitii'iRKR.— We are ending your letter to the firm iu question, and shall leant
what they think of the matter.
Cbablu HoaKK.— The a|iedme8s (which have been returned to you) an
excellent in posing, lighting, and retouching,
OiTiCAl. (Paignton). — Of the two luntem .screeTis, one being opa(pie and the
other tnu»i«n!nt, the former will give a much more brilliant image tliau
the other.
W. B. HlTCBixso!*. — Some articles on the subject of lens-grinding hare lieen
rv<'eut]y publi>he<l In the J^iiA ifecAaiMA. These, .we imagiue, will give
tlie information reipiirKL
762
THE BRITISH JOURNAL. OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[November 18, 1892
Flobenck says : " Will you give me some idea how photographic magic-
lantern slides are coloured, or what book 1 can get on the subject ? —bee an
article on the subject by Mr. E. Dunmore at p. 10 of the Laotkrn Supple-
MKNT for November. .
H G M CosTBEABK.— 1. One combination of the lantern objective (the frou'
one reversed) mav be used with a fair measure of success to get a long focus-
2. The ten-feet ilisc with the single combination will not be so well illu-
minated as when the complete combination is emjiloyed.
T C W —It is rather n sweeping assertion to make, "that all bromide en'
'largen'ients faile." Those vou have were evidently cirelessly produced, or
they would not liave beooiu'e vellow in three months. There is no question
as to the stability of carbon pictures under ordinary conditions.
J T ROBIXSON says : " If I were to adopt the name of planotype to all
"photographs, do vou think it would be considered an inl'ringement upon
platinoty pe ? "—Whether it would lie an infringement or not, we should think
it wouhl be better not to employ a title likely to be inisleading.
F S. Green asks : " Can you tell me where to find information on the methods
of testing the sensitiveness of dry plates : the methods of Hurler & Driffield
and others?"— Messrs. Hnrter & Driffield's method is published m a
pamphlet which may be obtained of the Society of Chemical Industry,
London.
D. SoiJVAS. — If the jiliotographev named has only obtained a photograph of
Her Majesty, as she was driving through the country, with a hand camera,
he is certainly not entitled to style himself photographer to the Queen and
put up the royal arms on his shop-front. Not only is he not entitled to do
this, but he renders himself liable to a heavy penalty for his act.
AiiCHD. Stevexsox.— The two halves of the condensers described, each four
inches and five incites respectively, will make a combination quite suited for
your ])uriiose. Let the mount be so constructed as to enable you by one or
two trials to determine the best distance for the separation of the lenses,
adhering to the general system shown, in your drawing, which is substantially
correct.
X. \V. S.— The only way to deal with the damaged negative is to make a
transparency from it, and then touch out the damage as well as you can ;
then, from that, make a fresh negative, and rep.air carefully what could not
be made good in the traiis]iareney. By this means, in Kkilfnl hands, a nega-
tive can be reproduced that will yield prints which will require little or no
touching np.
John Worsnop says : " Would you give me the addresses of one or two of the
best Continental collotype printing firms? Also state if this class of work
can be done as well and as cheaply in England."— Messrs. Waterlow,
Messrs. Morgan & Kidd, The London Stereoscopic Company, all undertake
collotype work, and e.tecute it quite as well and probably as cheaply as
Continental firms.
S. Topping says : "Tliere are so many formula;' published for collotype, will
you jjlease tell me which is best ? "—All the formuh-e, though often materi-
ally ditferent, that have appeared in our columns, are good. In collotype more
.depends upon conditions than mere formuhi". It is better to adaot condi-
tions to formnlfe than formulie to conditions ; or, better still, adapt the one to
the other. This is what practical workers do.
John G-vscoine.— " Will you kindly tell me how to make ink for drawing over
a photograph, and also" the preparation to dip it into to take away the
appearance of a photograph ami leave the ink drawing ?"— Take an nntoned
silver print, made the drawing upon it, and then immerse the picture in a
solution of bichloride of mercury until the image disappears. The ink must
be one that is unaffected by water. Brunswick black thinned with turpentine
or " litlio chalk " will answer.
A. Z. writes : " A traveller called on me some time back soliciting orders for
prints, which he said he would supply on sale or return. I ordered some on
these terms, at his earnest solicitation. They came, and were invoiced to
me. Now the people have sent an account for the whole of the prints, and
demand payment, although I have not sold half a dozen. How should I
act ? "—If the prints were supplied on the terms named, return those unsold,
■with the money for those disposed of.
TunNSTiLE writes : " I had to copy a bas-relief, and my customer has rejected
the picture I have made, saying that it is not good, as it does not fairly show
the amount of relief there is in the original. The picture is perfectly sharp
all over, and shows all the m.arks— even of the chisel. What more can I
do ?" — Mere sharpness is not all that is necessary in such a case : there must
be sufficient chiaroscuro to give a correct representation of the original.
Try the effect of lighting the work with a strong side-light, and give such an
exposure as ^vill avoid black Sadows.
Studio. — The sketch shows a very good studio, but it is one better suited for
single figures than for tlie general run of jirofessional work, which often
includes large groujis. We should prefer ourselves a studio with the ordi-
nary side or to]) light. For tlie propoitions proposed to be adopted twelve
feet of glass, side and top, will be ample. Five feet at the top (background
end) should be opaque ; but it will be convenient to have the side glazed
to about three feet at that end for certain effects when required. About
forty-five degrees is a good angle for the roof.
Injured writes : " Some little time lj.ick I took the jiortrait of a very popular
local clergyman. The newspaper jiublished in the town, since his death,
has given as an illustration his portrait roughly sketched from my )ncture,
which I made copyright when it was first taken. The paper says the cut
was made from my picture, but they did not ask my permission to use it.
Can I proceed against them for damages ? "—Yes ; certainly you can proceed,
but we doubt very nuich, under tlie circunist.ances, if you will recover any-
thing beyond mere nominal damages, inasmuch as, we imagine, you will have
a difficulty in proving that you have sustained any. We should think the
picture appearing witli your name appended was a good ailvertisement lor
you, and increased the sale of your jihotograpli rather than otherwise.
Arthur Bijvkb.morb writes : ' ' Would you kindly tell me how to mix the dis-
tem]ier for painting backgrounds, and what colours to use ? Also, can you
refer me to any firm where collodio-chloride paper is obtainable ? " — Dis-
temper is made by mixing dry colours with water, and then adding sufficient
melted " double size" to cause the mixture to form a thin tremulous jelly
when cold. In this state it is to be applied. Any colour can be used,
according to taste. Whiting and lamp black will do very well for a grey
background. A little Venetian red may be added to give a warm tone.
Collodio-chloride paper may be obtaiiSed through most dealers in photo-
graphic materials.
C. K. A. writes as follows : " Will you kindly answer the following questions ?
Can any one copy a view in England that is copyrighted and manufactured
only in the United States *< To protect, must the subject be registered here
on the same date that it is copyrighted in America ? Can we register views
here which are manufactured in America, but which are not copyrighted
there ? According to American copyright law, negatives must be copyrighted
before one print is offered for sale to the public. Is the law the same in
England ? If not, can an American manufacturers have subjects which are
not copyrighted or protected in his own country registered by himself or his
agent in this country, and so receive protection in Gre.tt Britain ? To
explain, copies of .an American artist's views are now being manufactured in
America. This cannot be stopped according to American law, as they have
been sold for some time without being copyrighted. Now, if these copied
views are shipped into this country, can the original photographer's agent,
by getting original subjects registered here, stop the sale of these copies ?
Another question. We notice the publication of the registration of certain
photographs in The British Journal of Photoguaphy. Does your
Journal publish each week every photograph of any description which has
been registered during the previous week ! Can you also give us the address
of the firm who had control of the photographic privilege in the Paris
Exposition ?"— We are not sutficicutly versed in the International Copy-
right law as regards America, which differs from that of other countries, to
give an authoritative opinion. We should advise that a solicitor, who makes
a speciality of conyright law, be consulted. The list of pictures made copy-
right which appear in our columns are only those our publishers have
registered for our correspondents. We cannot supply the information with
regard to the Paris Exhibition. Perhaps some of our readers may be
sufficiently conversant with Anglo-American copyright to reply to onr
correspondent.
REPLY TO f|.
A THING of beauty is a joy for ever—
So Kelts has said, and so we all agree —
But I should think, F^. that I could never
Decide what's beautiful for you, or you for mc.
Nature looks not the same to every creature,
And those new jiictures trutlifuily convey
In each soft line and gentle, hazy feature.
The dreamy .stillness of a summer's day.
We might comnire the rival styles to music —
'Tis very much the same, it seems to me ;
The majorr long liasreigned — then let us welcome
Those charming studies in the mimrr key.
Pray, look again ! Tliey are not shapeless masses ;
Your condemnation's scarcely just, though smart :
Your hand — come, ere the fitting moment passes —
Three cheers for onr good President — and Art.
FORTHCOMING EXHIBITIONS.
November lS-19 Brixton and Clapham Camera Club. Hon. Secretary,
F. W. Levett, 74, Geneva-road, Brixton, S.W.
„ 18-23 *Stanley Show (Photographic Section). Hon. Secretary,
Herbert Smith, 29, Finsbury-pavement.
„ 23-25 *Tanbridge Wells Amateur Photogr.aphio Association.
Hon. Secretary, Joseph Chamberlain, 14, Calverly
Park-gardens, Tunbridge Wells.
,, 24-26 *E.xeter Amateur Photographic Society. Hon. Secretary,
J. Sparshatt, Fairfield House, Alphington-road, Exeter.
„ 24-26 *South London Photographic Society. Hon. Secretary,
C. H. Oakden, 51, Melbourne-grove, East Dulwich, S.E.
,, 28 North Middlesex Photographic Society.
1893.
February 18 Holborn Camera Club. Hon. Secret-ary, F. J. Cobb,
100 High Holborn, E.C.
* Signifies that there are open classes.
OONTBNTS.
Page
A NEGLFXTED PKOPFRTT OP GELA-
TINO-BKOMIDE OF SILVER 7,17
METHODS OF .UlTIFICIAL ILLU-
MINATION FOR EXLAHOING OR
REDUCING 7S«
DENSITY IN COLLODION EMULSION
PLATES. Bv W. B BOLTON 739
ON THINGS In general. By FREE
LANCE 710
THE PLAGUE OF MEDALS. By
HECTOR MACLEAN. F.G.S 741
LKVTONSIONE CAMERA CLUE EXHI-
BITION 741
Pao>
HACKNEY PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY'S
EXH lEITIOX »*•
ON THE METHOD OF EXAMIN.ATION
OF PHOTOGRAPHIC LENSES AT
THE KEW OBSERVATORY. By
LEONARD DARWIN 74J
our. EDITORIAL T.4ELE 74.'
THE MADDOX TESTIMONIAL FUND .. 74'
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES '!*'
RECENT PATENTS '•''
CORRESPONDENCE Jj-
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS 7i'
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY
No. 1699. Vol. XXXIX.— NOVEMBER 25, 1892.
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC BLUNDER AT THE WORLD'S
FAIR.
Pbobabi.t those who framed the legulation regarding the
admianoa of ounerM to the Clueago Exhibition and the
cxchision of stereosoopie cameras had some good reason for the
latter element in their decision, but they could scarcely hare
realised thUt the obtaining of piotores of the excluded class is
not by any means confined to opatating with a properly con-
■tatated sterooaoopic or binocular Mmera.
When it is considered that a photograph of this kind is
nothing else than a (hiplication of any subject, each taken from
a point of Tiew a few inches to the side of the other, it will be
apparent with what facility this may be done with a single
oamera, by taking first one Tiew and then another, previously
ditftiag ths OMnefs a little to one side l>efore exposing for the
aseood pietnrK This, we may ohaer^-e, was the method
adopted for obtaining many of the early stereoscopic scenes of
still life. Nay, as we hare many times proved, the same end
may be seeured by the mere rotation of the camera on the
stand between the exposures, the only condition for obtaining
Xhm neosHary dissimilarity being to have the nut in which the
screw of the camera stand engagw as near as possible to the
rear of the oamsca. A very alight degree of rotation suffices to
displaee the position of the lens when this system is adopted.
Tras^ the amount of the subject on the plate will differ, owing
to the eeatiml object in one being a little to one side in the
'>{her, )>ut this is made right in the trimming (if the prints.
Although moving figures or aetive life cannot be taken by
any of the methods just described, yet can this be obtained by
two persons having hand cameraa and acting in concert The
oon^tioBB for taking inctantaaeooa stereoscopic pictures are by
no means difficult of attainment First of all, their cameras
must be similar as regards focus of lens, aperture in stop, and
rapidity of shutter. They must stand very closely together, side
by side. If one possesses the ability to hold his camera under
bis left arm, while the otiier holds hit under his right, an
approximation of the initrunents will be seeured sufficient to
give excellent stfrcoeeopie relief in a binocular picture composed
of the two photographs thus obtained. A precaution must be
to avoid having any figures or objects too close to the
1 in this easp, else may the relief be exaggerated. It is
necessary that some definite object be fixed upon to be
in the centre of the finder, and that both exposures be made
simnkaasoosly. For this latter purpose the old-fashioned
" ones — twiee thrice " will suffice.
We are quite unaware of the reasons by which the directors
of the World's Fair have been acttiated in making what seems
to OS at pnaent an unwias inhibition of the practice of photo-
graphy in a direction altogether contrary to the spirit of th
age. But, seeing that they have done so, and that the restrairn.
is, as we understand it, confined to stereoscopic cameras, while
single or monocular cameras do not fall under the ban, we
cannot perceive that violence is done to any principle of ethics
by those artists who, while adhering literally and strictly to
the conditions of entry imposed upon photographers and pay
the sum per diem which they are charged, may prefer to use
their in8trun\pnts as they choose, or in some such way as we
have here indicated.
Had it been hand cameras that were debarred admission, one
might, in view of the displeasing, if not aggressive and offensive,
uses to which they are frequently put, readily be inclined to
acquiesce, nay, give cordial assent to the interdiction ; but upon
what principle binocular cameras have been singled out for
exclusion we quite fail to understand.
BACKGROUNDS.
A coxxuKiCATiON recently received from a professional photo-
grapher as to a method of storing backgrounds seems to us of
■so practical a nature as to be worthy of especial note. En
pauant it may be said that, for the last decade or longer, the
art of painting backgrounds for photographic use has been
bn)ught to a high state of perfection, and there is nothing in-
vidious in stating that it is to Seavey, of New York, that what
is in effect a revolution is due. Every one remembers the
mechanical style of painting fur this purpose that was contem-
poraneous with the introduction of the carU-de-visiU. The
artistic instincts of many good men so rebelled against it that
a reaction set in, and in many studios this particular accessory
was conspicuous by its absence. Then the new and really
artistic style was introduced, and copied in detail, and finally a
new class of painters took up the work, till it became possible
to procure every variety of subject with every style of lighting,
executed in a banner that would, in most cases, commend itself
to the most captiotu of critics. When, however, a photo-
j^f her became possessed of a number of these paintings, the
questi0n«f bow to utilise them in the readiest manner became
a prsssing consideration. One or two could be hung in the
usual fashion of theatrical drop-scenes, but with a dozen or so
some method had to be devised to enable any particular one to
be brought into use with the least loss of time and expenditure
of labour. To have a row of them one in front of the other
was quickly seen to be open to the objection of producing
shadows on the upper portions, a matter, perhaps, uf little
moment with interiors, but productive of very grotesque effects
I when an outdoor scene was required. A line of shadow on the
764
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOORAHHY.
[Novemlwr 25, 1892
clouds, for instance, was utterly unpermissible with the least
exacting photographer. To avoid this, two separate modes of
arrangement were adopted.
In one a special background frame was invented, which
allowed any special scene required to be brought to the upper
portion of the framework and run into position, free from
shadow from top to bottom.
The other method consisted in stretching the painting upon
a suitably strengthened framework, and keeping a store of these
framed backgrounds in the most convenient manner possible.
The fortunate possessors of studios of large dimensions had no
trouble in the matter, as a considerable number could be placed
up and down the studio without being in the way. An ex-
cellent manner of working these mounted pictures consisted in
stretching them one on each side of the framework, and then
supporting them on projecting feet, with struts to give them
rigidity, and rolling castors fastened below the feet to render
them easily shifted as occasion required. It is with regard to
this particular arrangement that the correspondent we refer
to sends us information. He has a number of such frames,
made in sets of gradually increasing widths between the feet,
so that they fit within one another like nests of boxes. But
even then, taking the projection of each foot to be, say, eighteen
inches, it is evident that half a dozen such frameworks must
occupy a space nine or ten feet from back to front, and so fay
that extent must the available length of the studio be reduced.
In some studios, of course, this reduction of space would be
a matter of indifference ; but it may be safely asserted that the
majority of studios would be seriously inconvenienced by being
thus shorn of their longitudinal dimensions. The suggested
method, then, is for the benefit of those who liave adopted this
plan of movable screens, and find a growing inconvenience
from their multiplication.
The improved way of working is twofold. First, frameworks
of rather lighter build are used for additional background
pictures, and these are suspended by suitable supports from the
upper part of the original frame. Each of such frames may
then be made to bear a stretcher or frame, with its two paint-
ings on each face, and thus one set of castors would carry six
paintings in three pairs. Any one of them could immediately
be utilised either by this temporary removal of the loose frame,
which would thus uncover the picture it hid, or be set up on
either of its two sides selected, and then rehung.
The other method is to alter the arrangement of the support-
ing feet. One face of the framework is to bo made free of pro-
jection from top to bottom, and the castors removed so as just
to project, and only so, beyond the level of the face. The
stability of the whole would then be considerably lessened.
There would be danger of the whole falling over at some un-
toward moment by the slightest disturbance of its equilibrium.
This is to be remedied, first, by so packing the last-named
castors as to give the whole frame a permanent tilt in the
direction of the feet which are not removed, and the tendency
to equipoise is to be still further augmented by the attachment
of a weight to the foremost portion of the feet, which would
thus act as a lever to ai-rest any tendency of the framework to
topple over. The plan commends itself by its simplicity and
evident practicability. If our description be understood, it will
be seen that the possessor of half a dozen such frameworks,
instead of reducing the length of his room by the three yards
or more, can, if they are of " nested " shapes, store them close
against one another, and readily store that number in a space
of about half a yard. We had intended to make some refer-
ence to the use of the scenes, but must defer that branch of
our subject to a future occasion.
AMIDOL.
The published experiences of those who have tried this new
developer are of a curiously contradictory nature. Some
workers hail it in terms which imply that for negatives it
possesses all the elasticity of power of pyro with the added
advantages of greater rapidity and cleanliness of action ;
while, at the same time, for positives on paper or glass some
find that it is a worthy rival to ferrous oxalate on the on&
hand, and the various developers w^hich are used for lantern
slides and transparencies on the other. Contrasted with these
favourable estimates, however, we find several complaints
which go far to dispute its value for negative purposes,
although it is true little, if any, objection has so far been
taken to it for transparency and paper pictures.
It will be remembered that some months ago wo were the
first to discuss the properties of the new developer, from an
experience derived from several trials of it. Subsequent
experiments with it have not materially altered the opinion we
then gave, and this notwithstanding the various drawbacks-
whioh others have found in using it. Summarising these latter,
they appear to be chiefly that the solution used according to
the original formula, and in great dilution even down to 1 : 10,.
has a strong tendency to produce surface fog ; that its command.
over detail is inferior to that of pyro ; that it yields density with
difficulty ; that either in plain solution or with sulphite it
quickly loses developing strength, a feature which seems tO'
expand in the ratio as it were of a concurrent discolouration.
In our own experiments which we have recently confirmed,,
we have found that the invariable employment of a grain of
bromide to the ounce of developer has the effect of counter-
acting the veil in properly exposed plates, and herein we are
inclined to think lies one secret of the successful employment
of amidol. Bromide, in foot, is indispensable in nonnal ex-
posures, and should be increased or decreased in accoi-dance-
with the disposition to over or under-expose. Naturally this
slows development, the too rapid action of which we have also
clearly proved to our own satisfaction is responsible for the-
frequent lack of density complained of. The use of bromide-
both obviates veil, and ensures density with amidol.
As regards detail, we are yet unable to ascertain that it has-
any superiority to pyro; but, on the other liand, it is not
appreciably, inferior. We at present hesitate to definitively
assign amidol its true place, inasmuch as it is still very little
understood for negative work. For transparencies it works
clearly and brightly, and the tones on glass it yields with full
exposure, are characterised by an almost wet collodion-lik&
quality. This brings us to another important objection to it^
namely, its lack of keeping properties in solution.
As a matter of fact, we have found amidol in solution most
puzzling in its keeping qualities. With boiled, distilled, and
ordinary tap water, curiously enough, and with the same'
sample of sulphite, it has, in the course of a few days, exhibited
in our hands different degrees of discolouration and developing
power. But difficulties on this score need not be tolerated ii
one takes advantage of its ready solubility and uses it dry, as
pyro was wont to be used formerly. All then there would be
necessary to provide would be the stock solution of sulpliite, in
which the amidol might be dissolved as required. This, indeed,
is the plan we have ourselves adopted.
NoTember 26, 1893]
THE BRITISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
755
From our own experience, we suggest that the key to the
«ErectiTe emplojrment of amidol lies in the invariable presence
of bromide with it according to circumstances, and its use in the
dry state — that is, dissolved as required. We await further
results and experiments with much interest.
The Kaddox Fond. — It will he seen, from a commanicstion
in our last t:!3ue from Mr. Andrew Pringle, that the illuminated
testimonial to Dr. Maddox baa at length been presented to him, a
cheque for about 400/. having been banded to him several months ago.
This week we publish a communication from Mr. Sharp, the Hon.
Secretary to the Foreign Fund, by which it will be seen that over
100/. was collected abroad, making a total in round numbers of 500/.
which was nused for Dr. Maddox, whoss letter of thanks we also
publish this week. Thus ends an incident agreeable and creditable to
all concerned in it.
Perfect Xerattwe*. — The subject of the evening at one of the
provincial societies was, recently, " What is s perfect negative ? "
Now, if there is one thing more than another npon which the o{nnions
of photogTsphets differ — and they diffsr on many — it is on what con-
stitutes a perfect negative, and from what standard it should be
jodged. At one time the wet-ooUodion type of negative used to be
qnotad as the one to be umed at in the dry plate. That is not the
case now, except for special purposes. When this theme is started
•nongst praetieal workers, particniBily if one or two theorists are
psesent, a pretty smart discussion can generally be relied up9n. Here
is a hint for many societies.
Photorraphjr and the Xanaen Polar Sxpedltlon. —
We undentand that Dr. Nansen, who shortly starts on an expedition
towards the North Pole, takes the inevitable Kodak with him, pre-
sumably with the object ot securing, where practicable, a photographic
neord of his adventoipu JoomeyingiL To that end he is also under^
gotof ptaetioal iaslnietian in devalopnant, Ac., and, with the con-
ildsws that saeass oiM of his main traits, reckons upon success in
photography as well as In Polar exploration. Some years ago, if we
remember aright, Mr. W. J. A. Grant, of CoUumpton, Devon, accom-
panied a private Polar expeditk>n on board the WQhtlm Uarmtz, and
socoeeded in obtaining photographs of scenes comparatively near the
mystsaioos Pole. A narrative of photographic experiences in such
latitodas would doubtlem prove instructive as well as entertaining.
PhotOV^phlc Keetlncs.— What a marked change there is
in the meetings of photographic societies now and in times gone by.
The stiff, formal meeting u now a thbg of the past, except, perhaps,
in one or two societiea. The more social character of meetings was,
in the firat instance, inaugurated by the old South London Photo-
graphic Society, and was largely ampU6ed by the Photographic Club.
Experience shows that, the more soda! and le<« formal the character
of the meetings of all photographic societies, the better is the attend-
ance. The tolerance cf the " fragrant weed " also, in many instances,
coDdnees to the same and. Smoking eonoerts are now made a feature
of in many soeietiss. Such a thing would, at one period, have been
eoiMiderad infra dig. by most, but now they are looked upon by some
a* tbe most popular and enjoyable meetings <A the year. It is the
itttrodoctioo of the more " lise and easy " or less formsl nature of the
meetings that has tended to aeeon the good attendance at so many
cC the new societies.
P%«f giaphle TrsUle Vnlonlsin.— Judging from the report
of the iBBaal meeting of the National .\saociation of Professional
Phatcgraplten, that body is not so strong as it would wish to be.
That the objects of the Society, if they couU be carried out, would
beoeflt the praCasrion geoHally, there can be little question : therefore
it is not a IHtb aarpfUng that it receives such scant support from it,
iseiag that Hs maaagaoMBt is in capable hands. Is not the Associa-
tini, as we hart saigalsd before, aiming at accomplishing too much ?
It would certiunly be desirable to regulate prices, but -we fear this is
not to be done. Members of the Association may agree amongst
themselves as to a minimum charge, but they cannot govern those
who are not members, and the public will go where it suits them
best. In a measure it has succeeded in causing a revision of the
tariff, to the public, of some enlargers, but not all, it appears. If the
Association received universal support, it mijfht do a great deal to the
advantage of the profession in many ways, but while its numbers are
so restricted its powers are necessarily very circumscribed. At present
it is not strong enough to successfully boycott offending wholesale
houses, who work alike for amateurs and professionals on similar
terms.
Contraction of Oelatine. — At a recent meeting of the
Photographic Society of Philadelphia, one of the members said that
the strong contractile power of the gelatine employed for some dry
plates was so great that it tore away the surface of the glass at the
margins of the plates. This experience, we should say, is somewhat
exceptional in the States — it certainly would be here — with regard to
dry plates. That gelatine has the power to tear away the surface of
glass if it be over-dried, every collotype worker is aware. But here
the conditions are different from what they are with dry plates
With collotype plates the surface of the glass is often ground so that
the gelatine has a rough surface to hold to instead of a smooth one.
Then, if the film be over-dried, it, in its contraction, tears up the glass
in a very curious maimer, usiudly resembling fern leaves. It is on
this principle'that the decorative glass, known as " crystalline glass,"
is produced. Different characters of gelatine seem to give different
patterns. It may be possible that the strong holding power of the
gelatine spoken of in America may be caused by the plates being pre-
pared with a substratum containing a silicate that would give a certain
amount of tooth.
DENSITY IN COLLODION EMULSION.
SiscB the earliest dsys of the washed-coUodion emulsion process more
or less difficulty has existed in securing density in the finished pro-
duct, and numerous have been the expedients put forward to supply
the deficiency. These have mostly consisted in the introduction into
the emulsion of some kind of organic matter capable of combining
with the (Qt .-r in sensitising to form a more highly organic compound
than occurs with the collodion itself. .•
Lsctic and maUc acids, as well as lactates and malates, glycocine,
and similar substances were amongst those used. Impregnating the
collodion with gelatine before converting it into pyroxyline was
another method by which it was sought to introduce more highly
organic elements, and indeed the changes were rung so com-
pletely that scarcely any form of saccharine or gummy matter, or
of the organic acids and their salts, escaped trial. Another plan con-
sisted in allowing the collodion or emulsion to remain for some time
under the action of free silver in the presence of a considerable excess
of mineral acid, usually nitric, though sulphuric acid was also recom-
mended by the late Colonel Stuart Wortley, the function of the acid
being to render the action of the silver more caustic and penetrating.
In the case of sulphuric >cid perhaps another effect was produced, of
which notice will be taken further on.
But unfortunately, although many of these plans answered the pur-
pose intended well enough in the case of an unwashed emulsion — that
is to say, one that was used for coating the plates before its soluble
salts had been removed — it was too frequently found that, in washing
the e^iUfi"n in bulk to remove the salts, the organic element also
disappeared, leaving in most instances a product which, while it might
be extremely sensitive and work free from fog, was incapable of
yielding printing density. This, apparently, forms a portion of the
complaint of " J. li. G.," alluded to in last week's issue.
Some fifteen years ago I hit upon a formula, which I published at
the time, by which, combined with the highest degree of sensi-
tiveness, I was able to attain a far greater density than was ob-
tainable even with much slower emulsions ; indeed, the trouble now
was to avoid over-density. The formula consisted of an emulsion con-
taining an excess of silver as large as five grains to the ounce, held in
check as regards its fog-giving propensities by the addition of a
.766
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[November 25, 1892
suitable quantity of citric acid. At first sight it might be supposed
that such an emulsion owed its properties to the presence of citrate of
silver, though I very much doubt whether, even in the emulsion itself,
that salt was formed, while it is pretty certain that none could be
present after perfect washing.
It has been often pointed out that, although citrate of silver is
usually supposed to be insoluble in water, or very slightly so, such
is far from being the case, and that on the contrary it is pretty
freely soluble. At any rate, if silver nitrate and an alkaline citrate
in equivalent proportions be dissolved and mixed, the precipitate just
formed is quickly redissolved, while no precipitate at all occurs on the
addition of citric acid to nitrate of silver; but, if the latter salt be
dissolved in plain collodion, and citric acid added thereto, a dense
white emulsion is formed, owing to the insolubility in alcohol and
ether of the compound salt formed, whatever it may be. But,
curiously enough, if the emulsion be poured on to glass in the
ordinary way, it will set and dry perfectly transparent, except,
perhaps, for some signsof crystallisation. All trace of citrate of silver
is absent ; indeed, if it be formed at all, it is redissolved by the nitric
acid displaced from the nitrate, and most probably the compound is
a citro-nitrate of silver partly soluble in collodion.
It must be perfectly evident that, though this salt may exist in a
state of partial solution in the emulsion, it is bound to be removed
entirely when the emulsion or film is washed, and that therefore the
extra density obtained cannot be due to any citrate of silver left be-
hind. This indeed, if present, would, by reason of its solubility in
water, suffer instant reduction, and cause fog the moment a developer
was applied, in precisely the same manner as would be the case if
excess of silver nitrate were present.
A somewhat similar result occurs if sulphuric acid is added to the
emulsion in the presence of excess of silver, as recommended by
Colonel Wortley. Although the addition of sulphuric acid to an
aqueous solution of the salt causes no precipitate of sulphate of silver,
yet, when added to collodion containing silver nitrate, the precipitate
does occur, and it was at first supposed to be an organic compound of
sulphate of silver and pyroxyline ; but I think it is tolerably certain
that it is a purely inorganic salt, thrown down by reason of its low
degree of solubility in the vehicle. The nitrate is soluble to a con-
siderable extent in collodion, and forms a clear and colourless solution ;
but, if more than a certain quantity be present, then an emulsion will
be formed in the same way by the precipitation of the excess in ex-
tremely minute crystals which remain in suspension.
The result as regards density produced by Colonel Wortley 's
metliod is similar in character— though less in degree— to that obtained
with citric acid and excess of silver, though, as in that case, there can
bo no sulphate of silver left in the emulsion or film after washing,
since that salt is perfectly soluble in water. How, then, do such
additions act in modifying the character of the emulsion ?
It has struck me that the action is twofold. In the first place we
have the organic reaction set up by the soluble silver salt in excess and
a further action, of another kind, of the free acid. The latter, as is
well Imown to collodion workers, exercises a tendency in the direction
of rendering the collodion thicker or more viscous, and the resulting
films more " horny" and tough, as well as impervious to water. This
is more particularly the case with citric acid, a comparatively small
quantity of which will render an otherwise fluent collodion too thick
to spread over the glass. The toughening action is least noticeable
with nitric acid, but is very marked with sulphuric.
Now, it seems to me that it is to this last-mentioned action that we
mainly owe the increased density obtained, or rather the retention
of the density after it has been produced by the organic matter.
For it is easy to conceive that by rendering the emulsion tougher
and less pervious to water we avoid the serious washing away of
the important organic element that goes to cause the want of
density vmder ordinary circumstances. In other words, the emulsion
enjoys the advantage of excess of silver, while the acid prevents fog,
and also arrests the tendency of the emulsion itself to dissolve in
washing. The effect is much less marked when the acid used is
nitric for the reason I have already mentioned, that the hardening
action of the latter acid is much less than either citric or sulphuric.
With these ideas in view, I was led in the early part of the present
year to test the matter in connexion with a number of samples of
pyroxyline that were utterly unsuited for washed emulsion under
ordinary circumstances, and with perfect success so far as density was
concerned— this being the great stumbling-block— although I met
some curious variations in sensitiveness with different samples of
cotton.
My first experiments were made with the old formula containing-
excess of silver and citric acid, which, in my own way of working, I
have almost always found perfectly successful, though I have been
told by others that they have failed to work it. There is, perhaps, a
liability in the direction of fogginess if too long a period be allowed
between sensitising and washing, but otherwise I have never had any
trouble with it.
To obviate this slight difficulty, I substituted for the citric acid a
soluble citrate, so as to form in the emulsion an undoubted citrate of
silver which changes the conditions rather materially. So long as the
emulsion remains unwashed the citrate of silver seems to be practically
as inert as the bromide, on account of its insolubility in the vehicle in
which it remains suspended, but the in.9tant water touches either
the emulsion or the film the citrate is started into activity, with the
result that the emulsion gets the benefit of the action of free silver
during the period of washing, which, as I pointed out in a previous
article, is an important point in securing density.
As a variation from this, I added a small quantity of citric acid as
well as the alkaline citrate, in order to secure the beneficial action
during washing, and this appeared to still further aid density, though
not to a very marked degree, the citrate alone proving amply sufii-
cient. The proportions of the citrate employed varied from two to
four grains of silver nitrate converted, and, where the acid was em-
ployed, I used one grain to the ounce.
It follows, as a matter of course, upon the solubility of the citrate,
that the emulsion must be very thoroughly washed to remove it,
otherwise the first contact of the developer will cause fog. This point
having been attended to, I think " J. R. G.," and such as have any
difficulty in getting density, will find their way out of their troubles
in the direction I have suggested. "W. B. Bolton.
JOTTINGS.
Mn. Geobqk B. Sims, a journalist whose comments on passing events
invariably possess the merits of common sense, writes thus in the
columns of his paper: "My compliments to the Editor of the Daify
Graphic, and if he could drop those corpses on the seashore I should
be very much obliged. A corpse now and then is all very well, but a
cold corpse with your breakfast every morning for a week is exceed-
ingly trying to the digestion under the present atmospheric conditions."
I have seen some of the sketches " Dagonet " refers to, and very grim
and gruesome they are. They represent the bodies flung up by the
sea from the wreck of the jRoumariia, and are reproduced by the
artist from photographs. I do not know whether the photographs
of the bodies were taken under the direction of the Portuguese
authorities; but, if they were, it is an outrage on the living and the
dead that they have been allowed to pass into the hands of the editor
of the Daily Graphic. On the other hand, if the photographs were
taken by the ubiquitous amateur, and by him passed in to the editor,
the sooner public opinion rises to stamp out this debasement of our
art to the level of the doings of Burke and Hare, the better it will be
for photography, and for public and private decency.
Mn. Ralph Robinson and his friends' revolt against the judgment
of "scientific experts" at photographic exhibitions either means that
the men who were capable of adjudicating upon the artistic merits of
photographs produced before differentiation of focus became popular,
are incompetent to exercise a similar discrimination when the latter
method of artistic photographic expression is employed, or that in
neither case is that judgment to be accepted as rehable. If the latter,
will Mr. Robinson and his friends prove the faith that is in them by
throwing away or returning all the medals they have received at the
hands of scientific experts ? Again, supposing the former meaning is
intended, why does Mr. Ralph Robinson send Mr. Bhedwar's pictures
to Hackney, where the Judges (in addition to himself) were that un-
XoTeml)er35,1892]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH!.
757
qvMtioned " scientific expert," Captain Abney, and Colonel Gale, an
artist if roii like, but above all the most prominent exponent of the
highest technique in photof^phy we have ? Of course Mr. Robinson
did not adjudicate upon pictures of whose exhibitor he was agent ; and
I therefore a«k him if, in the face of his own pronouncement against
" scientific experts," he feels justified, on Mr. Rhedwar's behalf, in
accepting the medal?
Whilb the photofrraphers are neetiog to$^ther to divcnss their
grievances, and to devise temediea fop them, the Editor, in a brief
append to the letter of a correspondent, pves a piece of advice which
ihoold be of (jreat service to a class which I fear is in need of all the
assistance that good counsel can afford — a cla.«s, moreover, of such a
scattered and heterogeneous nature that combination for defensive
and ameliorative purposes is practically impossible. I allude to photo-
graphers' assistants. The writer of the letter I refer to recounts an
eid grievaooe of hi* class in drawing attention to the reprehensible
pmetiee among aome photographen of stealin;?— that is the only term
applicable— the specimens submitted to them by aaiistants seeking
employment for them. The Editor says to the asristants, "Write
your names and addressee acroM the pictures." And I would venture
to add, say, " This is the work of " So-and-So, and put a date. Such an
iiMeri{rtian might prevent theft, and certainly would take it out of the
photographer's power to use the spedmen* for the purposes of deceiv-
ing bis clients.
So " Talbot Archer " has recommenced his contributions to your con-
Umponry, AnI/u/itif'i BullHin.' Well, well; some journalistic hides
are tolerably thick ! It is to the laating credit of British journalism
that the only one American photographic publication which joined
me in my cru*ade agMnst " Talbot Archer " is edited by a north
oonntryman, John Nicol, a former contributor to this Jocbnal, a fact
which e'en dispoaes me to forgive him for having politely styled me
an " optical ignoramos" in the eoRMpondence columns of the Btaoon.
EjOHf photographic exhibitions in tk* month of November— «x of
tbera being held either in London or adjacent thereto — is really too
moeh of a good thing for pices and pablic, although, no doubt, the
pot-bonten are in thair eknient. The chief offenders in the flu'-iifg
are ths Lcndoo pltotographie societies, to whom I rentore to eaggeet
that, in future, an effort be made to avoid overlapping nr clashing,
neither of which are calcolated to benefit their exhibitions either in
th"- estimation of the trade, the general body of exhibitors, or thoae
whose duty it u to attend tbera. Wherv thow exhibitions rely for
fiinaaeial aaeoesa npon local support, it cannot in the leatt matter the
precjae data at which they are held, hence there need in future be no
<\''A}\rn\\t in arranging "clear datci,* ao aa to obviate the uncom-
('>rul>le jiimblo of the last few weaka. Cosmos.
A KBW PHOTO-INTAOLIO PBOCESS.
(Jaornal of th* maklia laatitat*.)
Wrrn the tusptioD. p«haps, of the doaiain of electricity, there is no
oUier special flaU wherein the recent admaeea of science have opened so
many avaanaa o( pragnas and eifaeted meh noUble changes as in the
range of the papUe art*. Fnmi the tfane when, fifty ysara ago, the
eariier rcasarebsa tt Sehaele and Seebeek on light-sensitive eompoands
wan flnl wraoght into praetkal shape bjr Miepee, Dagnerre, and Talbot,
theaiiplieationa of pboto-cbaoiistry have inereasad fai nnmber and extent
to aoah a degree that to-day the variooa proeeaaes of pbotogiaphie repro-
AmUom would reqoire a long eatalogoe to merely name them. Many of
tbaaa ynit^ioB*, thoogh marked, are nnseaential ; others have pioren of
***'<iiM» iniarast only, while quite a long list of praetieal pboto-repro-
doaUv* pfoeaaaea have from time to time been superseded by simpler and
more aaUiaat aeihods.
The new pbolograpbic pncaaa which I have the pleasure of announcing
to the Inatitiita this evening is, as I trust will appear in practice, an
effsetive and greatly simplified method of produeiog a photographic re-
prodocUoa in the form of an Intaglio engraving. Such engravings,
technically known by the French term " photogravnre " have been pro-
duced for some year* pMt by a variety of photo-dMnieal proeeaaes, the
most notable of which are those wherein the result is attained by means
of a chrome-gelatine film. The fact that a film of chrome-gelatine
becomes insoluble when exposed to light, and remains more or less
soluble according to the degree to which light is permitted to act upon it,
has been maile the basis of a variety of processes for the production of
photo-engravings. The gelatine film long served as the most effective
means for the production of photo-engravings in relief, and still furnishes
the basis for the production of photo-engravings in intaglio. For both
purposes the sensitised gelatine film is exposed under a transparent
negative or positive, as may be requisite in the subsequent procedure ;
the unaffected portions and unreduced quantities of the exposed film are
either sweUed by absorption of a liquid or are dissolved and washed out,
and the film then dried. In this condition it may be printed from direct, or
it may be used as a mould to produce a reverse in a fusible metal ; or it
may be covered with an electrolytic surface to receive an electrotype
deposit, or it may be moulded in plaster, wax, gutta percha, or other
suitable substance, from which, in turn, a reverse can be made by casting
or electrotyping. IntagUo photo-engravings have also been produced by
a process wherein the varying amounts of reduced silver left in the
developed gelatino-bromide plate are made to serve as a corrosive or
etching agency on a plate of copper on which the bromide plate is
unposed, but in general praoUce the washed-out gelatine film has thus
far proven the most practical means to the desired end.
In all photo-intaglio processes hitherto known or practised, the nature of
the platcproduced and tlie end sought to be attained ia akin to that which
is technically known as a mezzotint or aquatint engraving. The essential
feature of such engravings consists of the varying depths to which the
design is sunken in the plate, the graduations of depth in the plate
corresponding to the gradations of light and shade in the printed im-
pression. The ink being rubbed into the depressions of the design and
rubbed off from the surface of the plate, the highest parts of the
engraving represent the highest lights of the design, the deepest de-
pressions render the darkest shadows, and the intermediate depths pro-
duce the half-tone gradations of the picture.
The difficulties attending the production of photogravure plates with
the particular degree of graduation of depth which is requisite for an
artistic effect in the printed impression are such that the process is
practised only by a few, the skill and experience needed for the work
being attained only after a long practice and then in a full measure only
by such individuals as possess artistic capacity and training. In only
one establishment, and that in Paris, has the work been brought to a high
degree of quality, and there, as well as in other workshops, the hand of
the skilful retoucher is frequently to be credited with the largest share in
the final result.
To free this result as far as possible from the limitations of human
handiwork, and to bring it forth under the more uniform and definite
control of scientific prooedore, has been my aim in the experiments which
have resulted in the present method. Tliis method I have named
" photo- mezzotint," not beoaose that is the most exact term by which to
denote it, but because all the other good names have already beeo pre-
empted and made to do service in other directions.
The essential feature of the new method lies in the fact that the
picture, instead of being obtained from a graduated depth of the engraving,
is prodooed from a sunken surface of uniform depth, the gradations of
light, half-tone and shade being effected by minute lines and stipples of
varying thicknesses, but of uniform distance apart from centre to centre.
In this respect the photo-mezzotint may ho regarded as a development of
the so-oalled half-tone relief process, the true mezzotint or photogravure
effect being attained by reducing the thickness of lines and stipples, smd
multiplying their ratio to the surface to such a degree as to render them
invisible to the naked eye. In that way all the finest gradations from
pure white to deep black are obtainable, with the result shown by the
specimens before us. In these the picture is made up of equidistant
sUppla^ varying from a microscopic point up to a size where they coalesce
"H^AJP''^''''^''' '^^ half-tones consisting of stipples of about one four-
hundredth of an inch in diameter, and about 44,000 to the square inch.
If a ooarser stipple is used, the effect varies from that of a mezzotint and
approaches more nearly that of a line engraving, the lights and shades
being made up of perceptible lines and stipples, like the effects of a steel
or copper plate engraving of equal texture.
The processes at present in vogue for the production of photo-intaglio
plates require not only long experience and a high degree of manipulative
skill, but also take up quite a length of time— frequently a week or more —
for their completion, and the plate, after passing the stages of the photo-
chemical process, has then still to be extensively helped by the work of
the retoucher. The retouching of photogravure plates inevitably intro-
duces a degree of uncertainty as to the accuracy of the reproduction, the
757
THE BRITISH JODRNAL OF PHOTOGRA.PHY
[November 25, 1892
resultjas left by the retoucher being frequently very different from the
original in its disposition of lights and shades. By this new process all
these undesirable factors are eliminated ; its manipulations are far more
facile, the length of time for the entire work is reduced to a few hours,
and the result is complete without the supplementary aid of the skilful
engraver, except, possibly, in cases of local blemishes or accidental
defects. It is therefore reasonably to be assumed that this new method
of intaglio engraving, which has been made the subject of an application
for letters patent, may be regarded as a desirable addition to the category
of the graphic arts,
Louis E. Levy.
DEVELOPMENT.
[Holborn Camera Clnb.]
The subject of development is one from which we may all learn some-
thing and cannot learn too much, and it is one which the worker m
photography must thoroughly master if he ever hopes to take a pro-
minent place in the photographic world. How many of us here to-night
know how to develop a plate properly ? It is the stumbUng-block over
which we all fail ; it is the blow that shatters all our hopes. Everything
was right up till then ; the day was fine, the wind still ; the exposures
were thought right, notes carefully made ; but in the development all
our hopes were shattered. „, , , , • l i
Now, why did we fail in development? The developer was made right,
and carefully measured out according to the instructions, and yet it all
went wrong. The plate is perhaps full of detail, but " Oh, so hard ! " or
else it is flat and foggy; that cherished little bit of distance, or those
charming reflections in the water ai-e all blocked up, and certainly will
not print out. What is the consequence of this? Either the plates or
the developer were wrong. But this need not be if we would only (to use
a well-known writer's words) mix our developer with a little brains,
instead of always going by the instructions on the box, which are, to my
idea, greatly misleading in most cases.
Now, I must assume, for the time, that we all know something regard-
ing exposure, as the two things are so closely linked one with the other
that it is almost impossible to separate them.
My idea this evening is not to give you a list of the various developers,
and formulie, and the results from each which we have had so often
brought before our notice, nor to advance one developer or style of de-
velopment as right and all others wrong. I may mention here that the
developer I use, and shall use to-night, is the plain pyro and ammonia
with a little sulphite of soda, but I do not for one moment say that this
is the best, or better than a pyro-potash or pyro-soda developer. They
are all good developers, and equally good results can, in my mind, be
obtained from either.
Wliat I rather want to say is that in development, treated rationally
and in a business-like manner, we have at our disposal the means of
producing in the negative something like the image we saw on the
focussing screen. And it, when we expose our plates, we were only to
give some consideration as to how we should develop them, we should not
give such fearful exposures, nor work the shutter at such a tremendous
speed. The consequence would be that the average of our results would
be considerably higher, and our plates would not find their way into the
dust-box so often.
The Developer.
Now, a lew words as to the developer and how to make it up.
The iiyro, the real developing power, I use dry. _ In my mind, it is
much more convenient to use, and it is more energetic, than when made
up in solution with anything else. The ammonia I keep diluted to half
strength, although, perhaps, a ten per cent, solution would answer better.
Bromide of amvwnium I have made up in a solution of a grain to a
drachm of water, which is very simple, and from which I can get any
formula. Sulphite of soda, which is useful in keeping the plate clean, I
make up in a ten per cent, solution. Altogether, my developer consists
of four bottles ; but it is far better than having the bromide mixed with
the ammonia, the same as is so often recommended.
EXPOSUBE AND DEVELOPMENT.
Going on, now, to the exposure of the plate, it must be borne in mind
that different workers have different ideas of exposure, according to how
they intend to develop. One man advocates an exceedingly short
exposure, coupled with a rapid and strong development, while the other
worker will very much over-expose, and develop with a developer weak in
all parts and well watered. They may both be right, but, myself, I am
rather inclined to over-exposure and slow development, as I think by
that means the lights and shades are rendered in much better proportion,
although, no doubt, slight under-exposure and quick development has
its good qualities, especially in rather foggy or misty weather, when it is
possible by this means to pierce the fog to a certain extent, and get much
more brilliant results than could be got by any other method.
Over-exposure, on the other hand, has its good qualities, especially in
weak light, such as you get early in the morning or late in the evening,
when, by judicious over-exposing, developing for a thin negative, and
then intensifying, very good and clear results can be obtained.
I will now briefly go over the different classes of subjects met with in
erery-day work, and the best proportion to mix the developer ; but I must
say that these are only hints, as we can lay down no hard-and-fast rule
in developing. Every plate requires its different developer and different
method in working.
Portraiture. — For portraits we require soft, delicate negatives full of
gradation. For such subjects rapid plates are best, as they give softer
images ; the developer should be kept weak, and the exposure should be
very full. A good developer for portraits is —
Pyro 1 grain.
Ammonium bromide 1 ,,
Ammonia 2 minims.
Water 1 ounce.
The negative should not be too dense, but it should be borne in mind
that if the lighting is flat, you must use a stronger developer so as to get
contrast.
For general Landscape work it is as well to use a well-restrained and
weak developer, especially if there is much distance ; the foreground can
generally be brought up by a little stronger developer worked round the
plate later on.
Sea, sky, and Clouds. — In these subjects we generally have but little
contrast, so all should be done to create contrast by slightly under-
exposing and using a developer strong in pyro and bromide. If these
subjects are at all inclined to be flat, the best way is to fix the plates as
soon as all the detail is out, and then intensify.
In Interior Work and Architectural Work there are two methods open :
to expose slightly under, and use a developer very weak in everything, and
well watered, or to considerably over-expose, and use a developer very
strong in pyro, and weak in bromide and alkali. Both methods give
very fine results. I can hardly say which I consider the best, but my own
work is done by the first method.
In copying, which is by most amateurs considered the most diflicnlt
branch of photgraphy, the great thing is to gain pluck and vigour. This
can be got, to a certain extent, by using a slow plate, a sliort exposure,
and slow development ; but in all copying, especially albumen prints, if
you are not careful in placing the print to be copied so that any reflec-
tions are not seen, you will find it almost impossible to get a good plucky
negative. In copying line drawings you require a quick developer, and
and one giving good density, as, if you are not careful, the fine lines will
clog before you get sufficient density.
In subjects which are known to be very much under-exposed, although
first-class negatives can never be got from them, still very fair results can
sometimes be got by first soaking the plates in a weak solution of am- j
monia — say two drops to the ounce — for six or seven minutes, then using I
a developer strong in pyro and ammonia.
Before concluding, I should point out one thing more in development,
and that is to tell if the plates are under or over-exposed when the image
first appears.
It is the generally accepted rule that an over-exposed plate shows signs
of development very quickly, and under-exposed very slowly, but this
rule cannot always be relied on. Take, for instance, a plate which has
been very much over-exposed on a dull or foggy subject, and in a dull or
weak light, such a plate will sometimes be a considerable time in the
developer before there are any signs of an image forming, but when it
does come it generally comes all at once. Again, on the other hand,
take an interior which has been slightly under-exposed and developed
with a weak and well-watered developer. Such a subject will develop
very quickly. That has been my experience, so you will see that it is as
well to study the first appearance of the image, or else you are very often
liable to treat an over-exposed plate for under-exposure, and consequent
failure.
In conclusion, I may say that I have given no definite method of de-
velopment, as practically there is none. Every plate requires its separate
development, according to what it is, under what conditions of light and
exposure it was taken, and what you require in the resulting negative,
but can only hope that members of this Club will give themselves to
spending more time in the development of their plates, remembering it is
the chief point towards successful photography. John H. Aveet.
THE HELIOCHROMOSCOPE.
fPhotograpWc Society of Philadelphia.]
It was in 1888 that I first described and demonstrated, at the Franklin
Institute, a method of reproducing the natural colours by photography,
which differed in certain vitally important particulars from somewhat
similar processes which had already been carried out by Cros and
Du Hauron in Paris, Albert in Munich, Bierstadt in New York, and
others. I succeeded in reproducing the natural colours in landscapes
and various objects with a degree of aocui-acy which I have good reasons
to believe had never before been approached by any method without
the intervention of the artist's brush. The procedure was, however, too
complicated and difficult for profitable commercial application, and
comparatively few specimens were made.
NoTember 2fi, 1S92]
THE BKn'ISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
769
I no« present to joni notice devices which go greatly simplify the
operatian of the process as to make it quite possible to place it in the
baads of eren the " preas-the-batton " class of amateur photographers,
and yet yield lesolts that are no more defeetiTe in colonr-rendering than
the ordinaiy photograph is in the rendering of monochrome light and
shade.
The first of these deneas is • eaimra attachment by means of which
the three pictarss representiiigthe efbet opon the three tondamental coloor-
sensations an made by a single exposme on a single sensitive plate, and
from a single point of Tiew. The deriee as now perfected is surprisingly
simple, being comprised in a small booc which may be attached to the
front board of an ordinary camera. The diriaion of the light-ray is
effected by transparent mirrors, as in some of my earlier cameras,
but in sneh manner as to dispose the images symmetrically on a
single plane, withont altering the position o( the camera in relation to
the object.
The second deTiee, which I call a belioehromoaeope, contains the same
arrangement at mirrors, toraad about so as to serve to recombine the
tbies photographs in snch manner that the photographic colour-record
is translated into colour sgain as readily as the sound-record in the
pbonogram is translated into sound in the phonograph.
The most important advantage o( this devioe is that it may be used
•t any time, at a minute's iMrtiee, lika the stereoscope ; and, as almost
•vtrybody may possess one, it is eompeteot to make the realisation of
eoloar-pbolagraphy a household affair. It also more completely fulfils
the thaorttieal eonditions of soeesas tiiaa either the production of colour-
prints or lantern projections, and pradoeas an iUnsion of nature mora
petfset than woald be poasiUe with attn an absolntely perfect colour-
print on paper, beeaose the pietera is saan withont snrfaee reflections or
distracting sorroondings.
I claim for this system of eoloor-pliotography that it is perfectly
rational and scientific, and a true soluticD of the problem of reproducing
the natural colours in a photographic pietore. This claim meets with a
good dsal of opposition in the minds al soma people, whoee mental atti-
tude is a aooree of wonder to ma, baeanse the same sort of objections
that ars made to the triple photograph wonld apply to the stereogram
and tba pbonogram. One is an aatocnatic record of colour, another of
Wnnrnlar Tiaioa, and another of sooad ; each must be placed in a special
dasiea in order to reptodoca that wbdeh it has recorded — the triple
pbotogn^ or ehrotnogram into tba baUoehromoaoope, the stereogram
into tha ataraoaeopa, and the phonognm into the phonograph. I do
not ramambar srar to have beard tba alsuwmntii danoonoed baoansa it
ia not a single print with ambossad Mliat, or tba phonogram bseaosa it
has BO lungs.
Bona arengo so tar as to deny tliat this eui properly be termed colour-
photography at all, aithoogb tha sama individuals are in the habit of
calling pieturaa that eaanot ba made to show colours " orthochromatic "
or corraet-eoloar ptiologn^hi^ Bat tha most cztrama illastratioa of this
peeoliar attitude of tlM mind that I have seen is tba assertion of one
who, if I am not mistaken, has asjiicd to ba the historian of photo-
graphy, that this Is manly " looking at ordinary pltctographs throogh
bits of eotoorsd glaas ! " To ba consistent, tliis writer should describe
tha stsrsogram aa *' two ordinaiy piiotographs, moonted on the same
card," and the pbooogrmm as a "wax cylinder having a roughened
sorfaea lika an ordinary file." I believe lie did recently write a history
of photography, with " an introdoetioa to its latest dsvelopments," with-
ont ooea naatioaiBg eolaar-aaaaitisa plataa.
I speak of this kind of critioism basansa it eomaa fhMn men whoee
writings ore in danand, and proraa Iha arlstaiwa of a daap-seatsd pre.
jodicc, which I have eneoontarad in tha davalopoant of other applica-
tions of photography, and which must bs eombaiad in order to orareoma
it. I will give an illustration. Wlien, in 1880, 1 aoeeaadad in realising
a maehaaiealiy aaeorau and praaiiaaUa method of halftone block-
iwaMng, I eoold find only one engraver wlio believed tlicn was a future
lor ptoaasasi tltat landerad tha shading in equally rpaead graduated lines
aad aroaa linea. Engraven, printers, publishen, and photographers
van agreed that if a block be made np of linea, thoea lines most follow
tha ensloan of the objset depicted, as in the conventional vrood-engraring.
Bfaiea that eoold not be done, a grain, similar to the well-known litbo-
papfaie grain, must be subetitnted for the line tint. I declared that
tha otjsstioo to a ragolarty Uned tint was a pnjndice, stuck to it, and
abaady, within twelve yean, pUUas having that same lined tint have
eome into sneh eitensire nsa as to replace millions of dollars' worth of
wood-engravingk They an osed in illustrating books and periodicals of
Iha higheal rlaas, and the advantagea of the mechanical lined lint an
nafa Ifart it Ihnalana arsn to invade tha domain of photogravure. Mr.
Loais Levy iililWHJ noh results at tha last monthly meeting of tlie
Franklin Institute, and I myself applied for a patent oh a printing-plate
of this character more than a year ago, having first experimentally
demonstrated certain important advantages which they can be made to
possess.
We did not make half-tone printing plates of the kind that engravers,
and printers, and publishers thought they mast have ; but they con-
cluded to take what we did make, and are taking them more and more
every year.
We have not made photographs in the natural colours of exactly the
kind that people have been looking for, and there is good reason to doubt
if such a result will ever be accomplished ; but we have actually realised,
by a process almost as simple as stereoscopic photography, results better
than can even be hoped for in colour-prints, and so perfect that they
must ev3r represent the standard which results by any other method
must be made to approach in order to be acceptable. A good many
people seem to think that this is not what they want ; but I have quite
as much faith in the future of the heliocbromoscope as I ever had in the
future of half-tone block-making in line. It has been a revelation
to me, and I believe it will be to the whole world.
I met a professional artist in London, a clever painter of both portraits
and landscapes, who spent what seemed to me a very long time study-
ing a bouquet of flowers reproduced in the heliochromosoope, and left it
only to return to it again and again, as if it fascinated him. At last a
friend asked him for an expression of opinion upon the merits of the
device. After some hesitation, he said that he had attended one of my
lectures at the Royal Institution, hoping and expecting to go away and
report the failure of another attempt to reproduce the natural colours by
photography.* He had not been able to do so, but was forced to confess
that colour-photography is a fact. The demonstration was conclusive to
him. The heliocbromoscope will have no better friends than the artists,
for whom it will not only reproduce nature, but the masterpieces of art
as well, in snch manner that they can be studied in far-distant lands
almost as well as in the galleries where they repose.
In the far West I met the representative of a large Kcw York firm of
importers of Oriental rugs. He assured me that he was ready to pay a
hundred dollars out of his own pocket for a duplicate of the heliochro-
moecope that I showed I im, with a set of photographs of the rugs that
he carried about with him only to show their colours. It would save
his firm a good deal of money that went in expensive sample rugs, and
in cost of extra baggage, and it would save him a good deal of trouble.
A professional honse-deoorator spoke much to the same effect. Evi-
dently, the hcliochromoscope will have many fields of usefulness, so
many, perhaps, that its function aa a source of drawing-room entertain-
ment, for which alone many have supposed it to te adapted, will prove
of secondary importance. But I shall be greatly surprised if, even for
the latter purpose, it does not become more popular than the stereoscope
ever was, although it is necessarily a much more expensive instrument.
F. E. IvBs.
8CIENTIFI0 BESEABCH IN PHOTOGBAPHY.'
Tdku lias been of late a wholesome spirit of emulation in the different
claisea of work, and a happy tendency among our members to abandon
the old albumenised paper printing, and to tnrn attention to the superior
results obtainable by the platinum (hot and cold bath), the carbon, the
bromide, the gelatino-chloride, and plain salted paper processes, specimens
of each of wliich can be inspected to-night. The desire is to gradually
raise this Club out of the narrow groove of ordinary photography, and in
the near fatnre to eneomrage scientific inquiry into the causes of the
varioos phenomena connected with the subject by independent original
rsaearoh. More men are wanted— earnest workers in all branches which
the amateur can, with the aid of a little perseverance, master, viz., photo-
micrography, meteorological photography, photographic ceramics, and also
asoa of the simpler photo-mechanical operations. Then, others are
WUIrt iAd will experiment in the direction indicated by the Diazotype,
tha prodnetion of photographic impressions by means of the aniline dyes.
And lastly, some men with a certain amount of training in chemistry and
physics, who will devote some of their efforts to the solution of that very
diflioalt problem, photography in natural colours.
A short account of what had been done in this direction from the time'
of Dr. Seebell, in tlia year 1810, downwards to the researches of Edmund
Beoqnerel, with dates and names of chief workers were given in a paper
by the Vice-President (Mr. W. H. Harrison) in the Plwtographic Netn
Veiir-ttook for 1890, and any one contemplating experiments in this
direction, cannot do iMttar than refer to the article.
* Kxtre-^ from tha ProUeiitial A'idnw at the openio; of the Brixton Osmer*
Clab KxbiUUon. Novenbw 17, ISM.
760
THE BRITISH JOORNAL OF PaOTOGKAPRy.
[November 25, 1892
It appears that the first person to obtain coloured impressions upon
paper prepared with chloride of silver was Dr. Seebeck, in 1810. Next,
Sir John Herschel, in 1839 and 1840, in a commnnication to the Royal
Society, stated that he had obtained a coloured impression of the solar
Bpectrum on paper prepared with chloride of silver. Afterwards Hunt, in
1844, stated that fluoride of silver is very sensitive to the coloured rays,
and that the yellow was well marked. That particular colour could
hardly be detected in the images by Seebeck and Sir John Herschel.
Taen followed the splendid experiments and researches of Edmund
Becqnerel, an investigator who did more than almost any one to develop
colour photography, and his best results were obtained by taking a highly
polished silver plate and depositing thereon, by means of the voltaic
current a thin film from a solution of the perchloride of copper in an
aqueous solution of chlorine gas, and subsequently drying the plate by
means of a gentle heat, and on plates prepared in this way he is said to
have obtained all the colours in a picture. More recently — in fact, down
to the present moment — M. Lippmann has not only produced photographs
in natural colours, but has shown us that the result is brought about by
the interference of light, and that to get a vivid impression it is necessary
to have a brilhant, reflecting surface in optical contact with the sensitive
film, and that, no doubt, is why the coloured images wliich were
occasionally produced on the old Daguerreotype silvered plates were
produced — viz., because the actual surface of the plate was iodised, so
that there was necessarily absolute contact between the sensitive and
the reflecting surfaces. Lippmann's plan is to coat a glass plate with
collodion or some other transparent medium containing bromide or
other salt of silver, and then to make the prepared plate one side of a
cell or trough with the sensitive film turned inwards, and the cell so
produced is then filled up with pure mercury. In this way a brilliant
surface is in optical contact with the sensitive film, and after due
exposure the plate is developed with pyrogallic acid, and fixed with the
usual hyposulphite of soda solution, when a faintly coloured image
results. I have tried the effect of exposing a bichromatised gelatine
plate under a number of strips of different coloured glass to bright sun-
light, but obtained no pronounced result, no doubt because I omitted
the indispensable reflecting surface, as I find Lippmann has tried the same
experiment with the addition of a reflecting surface, and has thus
obtained his best and latest results.
Considering the large number of persona who, from various causes,
practice what has been facetiously called the " black art," it seems
almost impossible but that there must be a goodly number present who
have had a certain amount of scientific training in chemistry and physics,
and a knowledge of these subjects is an immense help, no less to the
beginner than to the advanced worker. 1 cordially invite all who have
had that ^training and who happen to be present to attach yourselves to the
Club, and thus not only give the members the benefit of your superior
knowledge, but to contribute your mite to the further development and
ultimate success of our scheme for the establishment of the Society on a
sound scientific basis. Let not beginners be frightened away by the pro-
jected programme. All must have a beginning, and failures frequently
teach us more than our successes. I trust that this Exhibition will be
the means of causing a large accession of members, for it is not to be
forgotten that photography is not only one of the most fascinating and
absorbing hobbies that it is possible to take up, but that it requires for its
successful accomplishment patience, care, neatness, cleanliness, precision,
and close observation, combined with thoughtfulness, and so directly
tends to develop those qualities which are absolutely necessary if we
would make lite a success. J. Keyxolds, M.D., F.E.G.S.
ON THE METHOD OF EXAMINATION OF PHOTOGRAPHIC
LENSES AT THE KEW OBSERVATORY.*
The third condition that has been laid down as being necessary before
the Kew method gives theoretically correct results is that the nodal point
should be the same for white light as for photographically actinic rays.
This may be liypercritical, but if, in fig. 5, C" and B" represent the
unages as seen on the photographic plate, C and B' those seen by the eye
on the ground glass, Nj the mean position of the nodal point of emer-
gence for visible rays, and S the mean position for actinic rays, then it is
evident that FN, wiU be the principal focal length found by the obser-
vation, whereas SF will be the quantity required in calculations with
regard to enlargements or illumination. If the lens give any distortion,
N, would represent the centre of similitude for visible rays and S that for
photographically actinic rays ; the condition might, therefore, have been
Continued from page 745,
more rigidly defined by stating that the point of similitude for visible rays
and that for actinic rays must occupy identical positions for parts of the
field between the points of observation. As far as can be judged, this is
a negligible source of error in all cases.
A fairly large angular movement of the swinging beam, about 14J° on
each side of the axis, has been adopted at Kew in order that any error in
the measurements on the ground glass may produce a small proportional
error in the results. But it should be observed that the smaller this
angle, the less will be the errors just discussed, and by lessening the
angular movement these errors can be reduced to any extent, but only
with a proportional loss in the general accuracy of the results obtained.
This is not the place to enter into a general discussion on focometry,
but a few words to justify the choice of the Kew method may perhaps be
permitted. Many of the known means of finding the principal focal
length depend in principle on measuring the relative size of the object
and the image, and the foregoing remarks on the errors involved are
more or less applicable to them, thus showing that they are open to the
same criticisms on theoretical grounds as the work at Kew. Many
methods of [focometry have to be rejected because they do not measure
the distance from the nodal point, and others are unsuitable because the
calculations or successive adjustments involved render the operation too
lengthy. There are, no doubt, many instruments— as, for instance, that
devised by Professor Silvanus Thompson— which do give the true focal
length as measured on the axis with theoretical accuracy, but these have
not, as a rule, been specially designed for photographic lenses. One
method, which is hardly open to criticism on theoretical grounds, may be
mentioned in a little greater detail as being that specially recommended
by the International Congress of Paris ; this is the elegant plan which
Commandant Moessard proposes to carry out by means of his instrument,
called the Tourniquet, which is described in WaUon's Traite eUmentaire
de I'Ohjectif Pholographique and elsewhere. Advantage is taken of the
principle that if a lens is revolved about an axis passing through the
nodal point of emergence, the image of a distant point will not appear to
move if seen through a fixed eyepiece ; thus, by successive adjustments
and trials, the lens can be so placed that an axis does pass through the
nodal point ; and, by measuring the distance between this axis and the
focus of the eyepiece, the true focal length can therefore be obtained.
Since a movement can be detected before it can be measured, a smaller
angular movement is required with this method than with the Kew
testing camera, and therefore, as far as distortion is concerned, greater,
but not absolute, theoretical accuracy is obtained. As for the coin-
cidence of the visual and actinic centres of similitude, better theoretical
results are only obtained by this method on the assumption, which is
probably a true one, that these points approach each other as the point
of observation gets nearer the axis.
By taking observations some fourteen degrees away from the axis of the
lens, we conclude, therefore, that we obtain the most rajiid and accurate
method of focometry ; and, in the case of the image within this limit
being distorted, that the focal length thus obtained, even though it is not
identical with the principal focal length measured on the axis, is what
the photographer in reality wants to ascertain. The Kew method is there-
fore, we believe, open to no criticism on theoretical grounds as far as the
value of the results is concerned.
Under the same heading as the principal focal length is also recorded
the " back focus," or the length, from the ground-glass surface to the
nearest summit of the lenses, when the focus is adjusted on a distant
object. The difference between the principal focal length and the back
focus therefore gives the distance of the nodal point of emergence from
the inner summit of the lenses, thus enabling any one to mark the place
where the principal plane outs the mounting. In symmetrical lenses,
wliich are generally used for plan work, the position of the principal plane
of incidence, or the point from which tlie distance of the object must be
measured when regulating enlargements, can also be marked ; for it then
occupies the same relative position with regard to the furthest summit of
the lenses — that is, to the outside end of the lens — as the nodal point of
emergence does to the inner summit of the lenses.
12. Curvature of the Field, or of the Principal Focal Surface. After
focussing the plate as its centre, movement lucessary to bring it into focus
for an image inches from its centre = inches.
Ditto for an ohject inclies from its centre = inches.
The following is the method of finding the curvature of the principal
focal surface. The image of a distant object (or of the coUimating tele-
scope) is thrown on that point on the ground glass where the axis of the
lens cuts it, the focus is accurately adjusted, and the focus scale is read
off. The swinging beam is then moved so that the image comes succes-
November M, 18B3]
THiS BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
761
«hel7 to poMtioa* at eonTenient intemla from] the centre of the plate,
and on aaah eeoMion the toctu is adjasted afresh, and the focas scale
lead off. By (abliactmg the cantial reading from these ooter readings,
the lesolta reeotded in the Certifieate of Examination are obtained.
But a mere obaerration of the earratiiie of the focal surface does not
at onee indicate how ■erioox is the evil efleet of this defect in the lens.
Further consideration is neeenisry to settle this point. If the results
fmniahed by this test are plotted in the form of a carve, they will repre-
aeot a lectioa throagh the principal focal surface ; let A F in fig. G be
Via. «.
laeorta, and lete4(=ft)b« the moMneBt Beeeeary to bring the
plate into foeos at ila margin : let K, F be the principal focal length, and
B O ^>) the efteetiTe apertnte o( the less. The effcet of this earratore
is to make the itnage of a point apptar on the plate as a disc, except on
the eiiele or at the point when the priooipal focal snrfaee either eats or
loqebes the plate. If tlie pbotopapUe ylme is in the poaition H'F',
toeh that it bisects e d, then the discs of dUtosion will be greatest at the
eentie and at the margin ct the plate ; and any moremcnt of the plate
from this poaitfain will iaaraase the aixe ol the diae at one or other of
these plaaas ; it the photographer adjoati his focai lo as to prodaee the
beat fSDeral foeos, eg l = f) will thertrfora be the diainrter of the laiReet
dtae of diftaaioB on his plate. Atinmiint that this position of the plate
bn been adopted, and that the lena glraa no distortion, then, by similar
triaoilM. it can be seen that—
.(1).
But the C.L Ho. of stop- A.,; tnd Qttatan
100 «
IftOt^iCJ. Ho. of stop)
.(2).
ThaMMatyayiag Table ghres the valM of ; for the diffennt valoe of ft
and ier slopa ot dilfersat nnmlMrs ; and tbna the size of the greateat dies
o( diffmioa can at onee be seen from the reeolts of the examination aa
reoovded in the oeitifleate.
Wh«i indffa^t the qoality ol a lens bjr imam of the resnlts given fai
this teat, the abora liMe maj aln be aaad la the following manner : —
Oesida ca the valoe ol I (the di>me««r of th» greatest dise that wiU be
totaaled in theiinace of a point), and find, fn^ the resnlts recorded in
tha OwtiAtate ol Kiaminatioo, the difference of foeos. /t, between the
•antie and the extieine eomcr of plate ; then, knowing theee two quan-
titiMt the tabta at one* shows what is the CX number of the stop that
MB b* aaptoyad ondar theae eonditions, on h> other words, with what
rtfidity the Ism wiU work.
It umf aleo be remarked that this table givea for any part of the plate,
and for stopa M gifcn sias, tha radius (.*) of the image of a point after the
plate lias beta tamuTod a distanes, ^, from its proper foeos in either
direction, the morewant being mea wired in a direction perpendicular to
the plane of the plate.
Aeeordlag lo tha reeowoendatioBS of the International ' Congress,
lensee shoold gsntsally be snpptied with stops, numbered according to
the pfopoaad vetea, in the following seriea : 1, 3, 4. 8, 16, 32, Ct, <te
I shoold hava thOB^ that tha series, 1, 3. 3, 6, 10. 20, 80, 60, .fcc.'
would have been more convenient for the purposes of mental arithmetic ;
for example, with the two last stops in this series, the exposure would
be the same multiple of the half minute or minute that the unit of expo-
sure is of the second. Both series have therefore been included in the
above table.
The results recorded in the certificate under this heading may possibly
also be useful to the photographer in another way, by enabling him to
decide approximately what part of the ground glass he should use when
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foooasio^ In 6g. 6, let i be the point where the plate H'F' cuts the
prinQpalJo<aJ surface when in the position which lias been proved to
give theMst general focus; hence the image will be perfectly sharp at k,
and eoaversely, if the focus is adjasted by looking at the point A; on the
groond glass, the plate will be brought to the position M'F' required ; but,
since kl is half ed, there is no difficulty by interpolation or plotting to
find the approximate pa«ition of k for any givea distance of the point c
fromtheaxis. Look in the Certificate of Examination for cif, the difference
of focus between the centre of the plate and its margin, find in the above
iBBiyimr the position of k, where the difference of focus from tlie centre is
only half ed, and we get the point on the ground gloes which should
always be need when focussing with all stops, if it is desired to get the
best general focus. Leosabd Dabwik, Major B.£l.
(T* U waMiHud.)
762
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OP PHOTOGRAPHS.
[November 25, 1892
PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION AT THE " STANLEY SHOW."
Without in any way decrying the popularity, utility, or success of the
Stanley Show of bicycles, Ac, it may be doubted whether the addition of
a photographic exhibition to the list of attractions can serve any useful
object but the provision of another opportunity for those photographers
whose aim it ia, cotUe que coute, to increase their stock of medals. In
justice to photography itself, we feel bound to point out that it has long
since established its right and capacity to appeal per se to the sympathies
of every cultivated section of the community, and therefore can afford to
stand alone without outside assistance. We are the more confirmed in
these reflections from having noticed that the " Stanley " Exhibition of
Photographs, held as it was in a comparatively out-of-the-way room,
appeared to be neglected by the vast majority of the visitors to the
" Show " — a fact to be explained on several grounds, notably the one
that those who went to the Agricultural Hall were almost entirely
interested in the main attractions. Briefly, the photographic exhibition
seemed a little out of place.
These remarks, however, in no way discount either the energy of the
promoting Society, which we hops will meet with the reward sought, or
diminish the artistic success of the photographic display, wliioh we hasten
to own was unmistakable. The Judges — Messrs. Andrew Pringle, Henry
Stnrmey, and J. Traill Taylor — have been congratulated on the happiness
of their awards, with which no one appears to find serious fault.
For those visitors who could spare an hour away from the bustle of the
microcosm of the great cycling industry outside, the collection, small
as it was, w is well calculated to convey a very good idea of latter-day
photography in some of its best phases.
It is not a little singular that the class which more than any other
would seem to have given this photographic! exhibition its raisoii tViitre,
namely, that tor instantaneous cycling subjects, should have only had three
sets of pictures sent in. Mr. W. H. Kitchen received the bronze medal
for his snap-shots of racing cyclists, neither the gold nor the silver being
awarded, Mr. A. C. Edwards taking a diploma for his series. In B
(instantaneous general subjects) much creditable work was shown,
Mr. J. H. Gear (a clever worker) taking the gold medal for his series, of
which the yaoht picture Running into Harbour was full of life and
sparkle, and his sheep subject Repose — Morninij Light — most artistic in the
lighting and groupings. Mr. A. C. Edwards' silver medal for his hand
camera shots at Niagara Falls was thoroughly well deserved, their selection
and technique being irreproachable. Mr. E. M. Stone took the bronze
medal for four views at Filey. Mr. Dresser's diploma pictures, notably
the Hoat coming Ashore, were good ; but Mr. Dresser sliould guard against
spotty prints. Mr. A. S. Statham also received a diploma for four small
pictures, of which we preferred his nicely-finished Ramsgate Harbour;
and Mr. E. Hawkins for Ploughing (an excellent study), 0//' to thi Rescue
(boatmen shoving off), Grazing, and Becalmed, the first-named irresistibly
reminding us of Mr. Dresser when Mr. Dresser is at his best. Mr. F. W.
Grants' seaside snap-shots were chiefly remarkable for their bilious tone ;
and Viscount Maitland's Evening, a wild piece of nature, well printed on
bromide paper, arrested attention by its uuconventionality.
. Mr. H. Dudley Arnott received a gold medal for a study of fishing
boats, and the same gentleman showed several other sea pictures, all of
high merit, Stalham Dyke, Norfolk, also justly securing him the bronze
medal. Mr. Dresser took a silver medal for an enlargement fi-om a hand
camera negative, the vessel ploughing through the waves being very well
caught. Off to Plough, for which Mr. J. E. Austen gained a diploma,
was a charmingly soft study of horses and landscape. The tones of Mr.
S. Francis Clarke's series of landscapes were most agreeable, being of a
delicate degree of warmth which falls short of obtrusiveuess. In An
Introduction Mr. E. H. Bayston very ably suggested Jan Van Beers' My
Friend Mr. White, and those who remember that picture will appreciate
our admission that Mr. Bayston succeeded in producing a very humorous
imitation of it. Mr. J. A. Hodges' A Welsh Port, In Conway Vale,
Shallow Waters, Departing Day, were prominent, so to speak, by their
lack of striving after effect. They were poetical landscapes, faultless in
selection, lighting, and printing. In the same class Mr. T. Earp, Mr.
T. M. Brownrigg, and Mr. H. R. Leach showed meritorious work ;
and in Winter, by Mr. J. 0. Grant, one had a picture of distinct
excellence.
Class E, "pictures by the platinotype process, any subject," was
especially rich in good things, although Mr. F. M. Whaley was rather
fortunate in seourmg the gold medal for his Worn Out, which, when
hung at Pall Mall, was passed over. It is a clever picture, but photo-
graphy is a poor suggester of pathos, as so, for that matter, are most
other graphic arts. Mr. Harold Baker's silver medal picture, Strensham
Church, as well as his two of Tewkesbury Abbey, were probably the finest
examples of architectural and interior work in the Exhibition, while his
portraits by electric light showed that this artist has a complete mastery
of this light in portraiture.
Mr. C. F. Treble's exhibition work continues to show improving excel-
lence, and he rightly took a medal for The Wretched Criminal, a small
child in a corner with a look of horror on its face at having been bowled
out in some petty delinquency. The realism of this clever picture waa
remarkable. In Who's Oo ? another baby subject, for which he took a
diploma, a little child on its knees is questioning tiny doll. Three
Studies of Ladies' Heads, and other subjects Mr. Treble proved the
possession of versatile powers. The highest position in artistic and
genre work is already at Mr. Treble's command. Mr. F. W. Edwards
received a diploma for a fine reproduction of a Tinworth panel, and
also showed several large reproductions of pictures and direct pictures of
Westminster Abbey, Canterbury Cathedral, and the Tower, which were
all excellent. Mr. W. J. Anchom received a diploma for a cicotcb
interior, Spinning and Reeling. Mr. Douglas Pym's portrait study.
Sweet Seventeen, was a very delightful picture of a delightful sitter — soft,
artistically posed, and carefully executed. Mr. E. Benson had two capital
Westmoreland views, and Mr. Ernest Spencer a fine untouched head
study, looking remarkably like General Booth. Mr. Robert Terras showed
an artist painting a young lady. As an interior and as a piece of compo-
sition the picture was undeniably an able one, but the sketch on the
canvas did not correspond with the sitter. Tlaere were several pictures,
not for competition, and of these Dr. Roland Smith's Interior of St.
Albans struck us as being exceptionally good.
The awards in the Lantern Slide Class were as follows : — Gold medal,
Mr. J. Carpenter ; silver medal (two medals), Mr. E. G. Lee and Mr. J. E.
Austin ; bronze medal, Mr. Austin 0. Edwards. Diplomas of merit —
Messrs. A. R. Dresser, J. 0. Grant, J. H. Gear, and W. Taylor.
Messrs. B. J. Edwards, of Hackney, showed work done with their iso-
chromatic plates ; the Autotype Company, carbon reproductions ; the
City Sale and Exchange, a large exhibit of novelties of various manu-
facture ; W. Wray, of Highgate, a case of lenses. And among other
exhibitors were A. F. Smith & Co., of Islington; Londale Brotliers, of
Leeds ; Davenport, of Camberwell ; H. Park, of Kingsland ; Elliot Son^
of Barnet (the Great Wave Picture, &c.) ; G. W. Secretan ; Sands,
Hunter, & Co. , of Cranbourne-street ; Nameit ; R. & J. Beck, with their
new "Frena" camera and enormous enlargements from negatives takeQ
with it.
♦
BRIXTON AND CL.1PHAM CAMERA CLUB EXHIBITION.
Confined exclusively to the work of members, the annual Exhibition of
the Brixton and Clapham Camera Club was held on November 17, 18, and
19. In the only two classes — direct prints and enlargments — into which it
was divided, less then 300 pictures were included, and as the pictures were
judiciously hung, a compact unostentatious little display was the result-
On the occasion of our visit, the exhibition room was filled by appreciative
visitors, whom we left sitting under Mr. C. W. Hastings' lantern lecture
on " Mr. H. P. Robinson," of whom, sooth to say, non-photographic
Brixtonites and Claphamites present looked as if they had never heard
before.
We have not space, for any detailed criticism, and, indeed, as the Exhi-
bition was not an open one, the occasion scarcely requires it, but we may
pass a word of commendation to Mr. C. F. Archer for his portrait studies ;
to Mr. H. Willoughby for his Exeter Cathedral interiors, to Mr. J. H.
Edwards for his soft and charming views at Bexley and on the Cray,
"Cloud" picture and evening view, "When the sun sinks to rest,"
a hackneyed subject it is true, but skilfully handled. The same gentle-
man's Zulu Wedding groups lent diversity to the exhibition. Mr. W.
Thomas was a prolific exhibitor, arid his small platinotype work
admirable, both artistically and technically, was certainly the finest
shown. Messrs. Buck {Ely Cathedral— Interior), F. W. Grant (A Misty
Sunset), F. Goldby [Via Mala, Sioitzerland), E. Dockree [On the Colne),
each had capital examples of their powers.
An excellent and convenient feature of the catalogue was its indioatioa
of the printing processes by which the photographs were produced. It may
be of interest to note that out of the 290 or so pictures shown, only eight
were on albumen-silver paper. In conclusion, we congratulate the Club
on its Exhibition, which proved that among its members are many
capable of achieving the best results in photography.
EDINBURGH PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY'S ANNUAL
EXHIBITION.
Is noticing the other works exhibited here, those by Mr. Keene, of Derby,
should not be overlooked, comprising, as they do, examples of the best.
NoTember 35, 1892J
THE BK1TI8H JOCKXAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
763
ft
in the aerenJ departmento of Uadscape proper and architectnral work
Artistically treated. Tboee of Biohmond Church, exterior and interior,
an ^tij good-
It ii almost a new experience to have soch a number of fine works by
Messrs. G. W. Wilson Ji Co., of Aberdeen, and those of a class and im-
portanee in point of size and snbject out of their osasl, sach as Baic
Gatktren on the Beach, and the many pictures of the fisher-folk of Footdu
(Fitdf ) with the spoils of the deep (in one instance in a elothei-huket), to
the stodiea of the older people depicted in Peaee and Retired from Sea,
and all giren in the nearest approach to the effect of sepia drawings with
the added tmth which photography alone ean give, together with selection
of sobjeet, whether accidental or groaped, and that keen appreciation of
telling character which shows the artistia mind, no matter throogh which
mudinm it chooses to express itself.
Aa aprigbt view, looking np a wooded river bed, by Boisonnais, of
Qenera, ahoold be an object lesson to many of the members who, with
qtiita as pictoreaqne subjects of a rimilar kind, fail to hit, or feel, or see
the artistie side of thdr repressotation. The figure in white gives the
key to the whole picture, which, with it* wealth of .detail, has no ob-
trnsive point, and this one speck gives valoe to the whole treatment of
the subject.
It would be invidious to aitieise those pictures of the members which
have been takes during Ibe Saturday rambles, as they must, upon the
whole, be indebted for eseellence more to accident than choice. Never-
theless, many o( these show a fine sense of what goes to the making of a
pieton in the trae sslection of standpoint. One general fault there is,
however, a prevaiUagteDdeney to too great a depth of printing. This takes
away from the feeling of open-air, daylight work, wbi :h is more pronounced
when the pietnn has been vded b7 sonahine, which should represent
brillianey and farightnees, bat is, among many of the examples, more like
twilight or ad approaching Ihnndantorm. BeedM at Raith, otherwise
good pictnrss, an mneh spoiled hj this tnatment " Impressio " should
note this fanpreesion.
The flgura pictures in Class III. an not so much in eridanee as usual,
perhaps the most notable is a Breton Holiday, by Breton. A very small
Fithgr Oirl, by Oem, is a gem in its way, but it also proves that for
esUbitioo purposes larger piotoras attnet the eye in many cases by
nissnn ct Omt sise, wfaiefa might or om^ to ba a les^n in the hanging
and pfawiag td the saaOerldass of pictmas. An Interior, by " Combined,"
ahowlag aa old woman lit by windows ia strong light and shade, is very
efisctite.
la Class IT. then an sereral landicapM o( a high class, such as those
by Forward. Mist, Ondo, and Combined. The loterlaken Ouy f'nwket is
s capitally treated pieton, and Agricols's Gh-'m>j Winter ia a most care-
oHy lintahed bit of phoiographie work o( a kioJ difficult to give effect to,
but which ia ben treated in the tntast arttstie method, in form, in tone,
la ehiaiqeewro, the tatter being woodaifally helped by the broadly treated
stacmy sky eoatraated with the daUoate nndering of the snow-eovered
bcaaehes of the tree groap in the eantnl part of the composition. The
wms artist's At tke Foot of tht PtntUmdt gives further proof of the feel-
ing whieh can be made to invest the most eommon incident of every-day
•oontry lite. The long sweep of the hills with their delicate atmospheric
•fleet is a perfeet study. This pieton would be much improved by less
of the immediate futegroond being shown, which would make it finer in
UwitM^pa abape as well. Tbsn an many other good works. The best
of aMh dsM will, no doubt, be eaiaetad by the vox populi method of
t by the CooneiL
A MODIHED MAr,NE.«!ir.\I LlOnt FOR LANTERN'
SLIDES BY REDUCTION.
[LiTsrpoel Amatear Photojnv^ Soalatr.']
Thbui an difieulties attending the nduction to lantern sixe bv
wmm of artifldal li^bt which noder the f^me banily worth the
candle, and still it u abeoiutely nccaawy frequently, even from
qoaiter-plata, to reduce in order to prodooe the beat effects. .\t this
time ol the year, that erratic and variable quantity "daylight" is
onavtilable in the majority of eases, and to become entirely indepun-
4mt of it with respect to ndodn^ and enlarginir, we reqmre a li|rht
which win illuminate a large area with perfect evenness, and still
give sofBei—t tataasity to bring the neoeesar^ ez^Kwun within a
raasonaMy skoit time. While azperimMiting in this direction, the
mmflU (act that tha portioa evenly lit comsponded, mora or less, with
the sisa of At flams naed, led oa to conclude that, when we could
prodoee a saflMaafly lat)[p» flame, our object would be attained. A
gnat many ways In which this might he done have been carefully
con^dered and tested, and fuund wanting ; in the best cases the
enormous heat evolved was against them. But, notwithstanding, Mr.
I'otter and myself claim that, by a simple moditieation, we can induce
an old friend to serve our purpose.
We claim to have constructed a means of illumination which is
perfectly even over a practically unlimited area, is economical and
easy of manufacture, and one which will give good and satisfactory
results ; and though we claim this, we respectfully submit the idea as
a crude one. To put the matter briefly, this light is simply our old
friend the magnesium flash-light — but in sheet form. Equal quanti-
ties by weight of magnesium powder and chlorate of potash are
placed between sheets of tissue paper, and this fired while suspended
parallel with the negative.
In practice, the following difficulties have been met with .-—The
carbonised portions of the paper have obstructed the light somewhat,
the uneven sprinkling of the light-giving powder has been found
detrimental to the best results, and the smoke evolved has been a
source of annoyance and discomfort. These difficulties have been
overcome, firstly, by using pyroxiline instead of ordinarv paper;
secondly, by adopting a " pellet " system of spreading the'powder
and thirdly, by enclosing the luminant in a smote-trap or bo.\.
_ Demonstration (half-^late size). — A piece of one-siiteeuth inch
rinc about P x 6 inches is perforated with holes three-sixteenths inch
in diameter every half inch (actual number 117); this, laid on a
sheet of the paper, has twenty grains of the mixture spread over it
and swept into the perforations ; the zinc being removed, it leaves
"pelleU containiufj about one-sixth of a gram each; a slightly
starched or pasted similar sheet placed on top completes the opera-
tion, drying under slight pressure being all that is required.
0. B. Readeb.
AN ALBUM FOB TTNMOUNTED PHOTOGEAPHS.
Th« Blackfriars Photographic Company have submitted to us a speci-
men of their albums for unmounted photographs. These can be easily
and quickly placed in position in the albums on account of the division
between the spaces being detached from the mount). It is, wo know, the
habit of many amateur photographers seldom to mount their prints, and
a convenient album of this kind should enable them to preserve them
against all the ills to which unmounted photographs are heir.
©ur IBtiitorial STafjIr.
Around the Roman Campaoxa.
)BOi E. TsOKPSOX. London : Simpkin. Mkfsball, A Co.
This worlc, by one of tlie most accomplished photographers and
writen, may lie considered as a species of companion to his Spring at
the Italian Laket, which we noticed about a year since. During bis
visit to the Continent Mr. Thompson has made good use both of his
camera and notebook. In the present work |the author takes us
pleasantly through and around tLe Imperial citv, and affords us a
good insight into the manners and customs of those with whom he
comes in contact, and all the time never forgets the rich scenery.
This attractive work is illustrated by six selections from Mr. Thomp-
son's photographs, beautifully printed by the Photopbane Company.
The price of the book h 4«.
764
THE BRITISH JODRNAL, OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[November 25, 1892
Chkistmas Annual or The Pbacticai. Photogbaphkb.
London : Percy, Lnnd, 4; Co. Price la.
Tnis Annual consists of eifiht studies, selected from the works of
various photographers, and which have from time to time appeared
in the pages of the Prnclical Photographer. They are accompanied
by two pajTHS of descriptive letterpress, in which a brief outline sketch
of each is given.
Photoqbaphs op the Ybak, 1892.
London : Harcll, Wataon, & Vinoy, Limited, 1, Creed-lane.
This handsome work comprises twelve reproductions of photographs
shown at the I'lJl JIall Exhibition, together with a critical survey of
the entire collection. Both selection and critique have been entrusted
to Mr. Ilorsley Ilinton. Tlie photographs he has selected for repro-
duction include Mr. F. MuUer's Portrait, Mr. B. G. Wilkinson's Silver
Strand, Mr. Burcliett's Love Letter, Mr. Austin's Woni Out, Mr.
Lord's Hole's thatf and pictures by Messrs. J. K. Taylor, Brownrigg,
and others. The reproductions are artistically charming and faithful
to the originals, notably in the cases of the first two we have named,
where the printing process is imitated wonderfully well. Mr. Hinton,
who is always clear and intelligible, is distinctly impartial in his
critique. Photographs of the Year is an elegant work, and all con-
cerned in its preparation are to be congratulated.
Mn. Jonathan Fallowfield has shown us specimens of his floral
opaline tablets for window or studio, inscribed with Teiini cash and
similar necessary reminders, together with floral borders with Christ-
massy aspirations printed on them, and spaces left in which carte-de-
visite photographs can be mounted. Both novelties should be useful,
particularly the latter, at this time of year.
LiANTERM Slide Manual.
By John A. Hodqes. London : Hazell, Watson, & Vincy, 1 Croed-Iano, E.C.
Mn. Hodges' manual appears at a seasonable time. In the course of
five sections it treats successfully of slide making by reduction and
contact, by tlie collodion, gelatine, and albumen processes. The infor-
mation, if (as the author frankly admits) not new, is at least tolerably
exhaustive and clearly presented. In speaking of the gelatino-
bromide process, Jlr. Ilodges very truly ob.'^erves that '■ success in
making lantern slides depends largely upon the amount of attention
that is paid to little matters of detail.'' The book is full of those
details, and is freely illustrated, and should prove a serviceable guide
to the amateur undertaking lantern slide work.
iHeetmsd of Soctett>jES«
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK.
Iiato of MeetiiiB.
Name of Society.
Place of Meeting.
November 28 ...
Dundee Amateur
Asso. Studio, Nethergate, Dundee.
28 ..
„ 28 ...
20, Hanovor-square.
Jubilee Hall, Hornsey-road.
Greyhound Hotel,
28 ..
28 ...
28 ...
29 ...
29 ...
29 ...
„ 30 ...
Rossendale
Storey Institute, Lancaster.
Warrington
Museum, Bold-street, Warrington.
Roy. Lit. & Sc. Inst., Terrace -walks.
Bank Chambers, Hargreaves-street.
Anderton's Hotel, Fleet-street^E.C.
Baths, Br idgman -street.
Charing-cross-road, W.C.
Lamb's Hotel, Dundee.
Philoso. Soc. Rooms, 207, Bath-st.
Bath
30 ...
Burnley
30 ...
Photographic Club
December 1
Bolton Photo. Society
»» 1
Camera Club
" J
Dundee and Kast of Scotland ...
Glasgow Photo. Association
Leeds Photo. Society
\\ 2 Z.\.
2
2
2
2
2
2
The Lyceum, Union-st., Oldham.
Mechanics' Inst., Tnnbridge Wells.
Oldbam
Bristol and West of England ...
Cardiff
Rooms, 28, Berkeley-sq, Bristol.
Crovdott Mioroscopical
Public Hall, George-street, Croydon
Holborn
Leamington
Maidstone
Trinity Church Room, Morton-st.
•'The Palace," Maidstone.
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN.
November 22,— Technical Meeting,— Mr. A Cowan in the chair.
PRErAKlNO PhOTOOB.VPHS FOlt EXIIIBITIOX.
In the course of a short discussion on this sabiect, Mr. W. Bedford thought
it would be well to have it understood that pictnres in unusual frames wera
not calciJated to Iiarmonise with the others, and that therefore they might
have to be placed in nndesirable positions.
Mr. \V. !■;. Dkuexiia.m, as regards the frames, thought that exhibitors should
be left to exercise their own tastes, as possibly what one might con.sider artistic-
would be voted by another vnlg.ir and offensive.
Mr. Cn.M".MAN Jones said that when he had anything to do with exhibitions-
he had found the diUicnlty of liauging together those pictures whicli were sur-
rounded by a large margin with those which were framed close up.
The Cha[kman' had never seen pictures to more advantage than at the
Crystal Palace. In one bay there were pictures with large margins, and in
another jiictures framed close up, and so on. There was no reason why
pictures should \x packed close together. Mr. Bedford's exhibition pictures,
lor example, should have a little margin round them.
Mr. A. Mackie referred to the case of a set of photographs printed on deep
pink paper, the mounts being bright blue with golil lines.
Mr. l)EBENH,iJ[ instanced a celebrated picture which was passed by the
Judges on account ot the frame. He did not think .fudges were iuHuencod by
the mounts of pliotographs as seemed to be thought, and remarked that tlie
Chairman and probably every one present were quite capable of judging
photograplis whatever their mounts might be.
Mr. Chap.man Joves said that when prints on the walls of an exhibition
actually faded in six weeks it was time to say tliat prints must be done by
some permanent process. Of course it was difficult to draw the line, and
something ought to be done in that direction.
Mr. Debenham said the objection raised by some exhibitors to state the
jiroccs-ses by which their pictures were jiroduced wa.s unreasonable, and thought
that for educational purposes they .should be stated where they were not eviilent.
Mr. Bedford thought, in judging photographs as works of art, it should not
be stated as a merit that they were jiroducedby any particular method.
Ferrotype Photography by Flashlight.
Mr. L. NiKVSKY gave a demonstration of flashlight photography with dry
ferrotype plates. The plates are contained in a receptacle placed on top of the-
camera, and after focussing one is placed in position, and the exposure Ijeing
made it passes into a chamber where it is submitted to the succes.-sive action of
the develojiing, fixing, .ind wasliing baths. Mr. Nievsky took the portriiits
of several of the gentlemen present. He observed that the first few plates
were generally fogged, but as soon aa a little of the hypo got mixed with the
developer clearer pictures resulte*!.
Mr. J. A. Harrison exhibited a camera-stand attachment for enabling the
camera to be tilted at a considerable angle. It consisted of a double frame,
the lower one being fixed to the tripod, the upper one, to which the camera is-
attached, apparently moving by means of a lazy-tongs attachment.
The meeting then concluded.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
November 17, Mr. Lewis Medlaud in the chair.
Messrs. Williams (of Rhyl), F. Scott, W. Packham, and L. J. Atkinson-
were elected members.
Mr. H. Rapson produced the negatives referred to at last meeting. The-
reason assigned for the stain was insufficient washing before intensification.
Removing Silver Stains from Negatives.
Question: "Is there any reliable formula for removing silver stains from
gelatine negatives ?"
Mr. J. S. Teape said he could .always remove such stains with alcohol, and
stated that, when applying it, it was advisable to work on as large a surface of
the negative as possible.
Mr. W. Debenham considered that rubbing with alcohol reduced the
density of the negative, which was not always desirable.
Mr. P. EvEHiTT referred to a statement in one of the journals that Mr.
Horatio Nelson King had discovered a process for removing silver stains, but
it was not yet published.
Mr. Snowdex Ward had heard from a professional friend of his that
prolonged soaking in hypo, say, for as much as twenty-four hours, would
remove the stain satisfactorily.
Mr. Debenham said that sUver reduced by development is in a very different
condition to that reduced by light, therefore it might be expected that strong
hypo might afi'ect the silver when in the brown state, while it would not
affect it in the black form.
Mr. Snowden Ward, as to the prevention of the stains, would recommend
the use of two difl'erent kinds of varuish on the negative, one on top of the
other.
The New Methylated Spiuit.
The Chairman asked what course to pursue to obtain pure methylated
spirit ? In using the spirit as sold now, he had found a great difficulty in
removing the greasiness from the films.
Mr. A. Cowan stated that it was necessary to ap^ly to Somerset House for
a permit to obtain the pure spirit from a methylator.
Mr. J. S. Teape, with reference to the use of ordinary as against chrome
.alum, produced some prints on "Hutinet" paper, which he said, before
development was finished, were covered with large blisters. He tried soaking
before development in ordinary alum, which he found greatly reduced the size
of the blisters, but they were still all over the print ; but, treating other prints-
with a preliminary bath of chrome alum, four grains to the ounce, he found,
on development, no trace of blisters.
This being the Monthly Lantern Night, slides were shown by the Chairman
(Mr. Medland) of various animals and rare birds at the " Zoo," and views at
Yarmouth and elsewhere, and by Mr. .1. A. Sinclair of views in Belgium, and
also by Messrs. Everitt, Dando, and Debenham.
It was announced that December 1 would be a special lantern night, Mr.
F. W. Hindley h.aving promised to show his large collection of slides entitled
Scenes from Ireland.
November 25, 1892]
THE BRrnSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHy.
766
Honwm CamerA atah. — NoTgraber 18, Ur. H. Thompson in the chair.—
Mr. J. >l. .\v.iKV read a paper on DadopmeiU (wa page 7i>S.) He dereloped
a Duiiilcr '>(n«gatmsaAerraadiag Us papor, and also a lai^ge transparency
on an onhnary plaU.
nnateook AUmunmi (Tlurtograp&io Secttoa). — Norember 21.— Pre-
Uminary arraDsemmta were made lor tlie Exhibition on March I ami 2, 1893.
T>i>u»iniii {oUowed on Um sabiteta of tnuuparent markings oo gelatine lantern
pIllM («hk-h it was sngfestad migfat be caoseil by imperfect mi.'cing of the
emnbioD) and the new amidol deruoper. With rrgaril to the latter, Mr.
II. W. B£2miT showed six oegatives taken with a riew of testing the relative
developing powen of amidol and pyro. Three flfotd Ordinary plates were
•■iBuaed for fMir minute* each, a Uawson, an Ilford Special Rapid, and an
Ilfocd OrdiBBry for two minatas earh, ike snbjoct beinis: a light vase. One of
the lUbcd'a that had laoeiTed four minates, the Ilfotil Special Rapid, and the
MawaoB were developed with pyro and ammonia, proving, as intended, some-
wliat onder^xpoeed, the Special Rapid very much so, the negative being very
poor and badly stained from forced development. Tlie Ilfonl Ordinary and
tha Itawaon gave very fair negatives. Anauer four minute.s IlfonI Ordinary
waa developed with pyro, potash, and soda, thu requiring very prolonged
da*do|iaMat to give the sane vigoar aad detail as in liiat treated with pyro
and ammnnii The third flfotd Ontiaaiy that had four minutes' ezposote was
•laidopad with amidol, the stock aotalian mixed according to the maker's
iartmmoBS, being dilntol with three times its volume of water, and also
raalniasd with a half grain of bromide of potassiom to each ounce of solution.
Tha AnalopaMBt via eoomletcd in about two and a half miantes, the deepest
t tailing, the apiiiaaw of the pUta being that of one
Mad. The lUoTdOadiaaiy that had reeeived two minotes'
with amidnl, the composition of the developer
cUt the same aa in the ptaeediag. Rewilt, fall detail and good
thoagh too thin to be eoBaid««d a good printing n^ative ; no
atafai or tog of aay kind. This nialt waa obtained with an axposnre tiiat had
biled to pfodnoe a piesmtable negative at all on an Ilford Special Rapid,
which is said to he twice aa fut as an OnUaary. In this case Ilfoid Ordinary,
developed with amidoL waa daddedly fular than a Special Rapid developed
with fnrro aad aaaioala, Mr. Baaaatt pranised to make fnrther experiments
biigia the aaxt ■caliag, and spedally to tnr to olitain greater density with
aaridol, iipiiiin tha opiaioB that this developer sbouM lie of great ndne for
-hatter work, where it wa* Itaqaaatly aeeMMry to irive (ar less azpoaore tiian
'sa daababla, svsa if tha na^aivea tad to ba sobaeiiuently intaosidad.
_ . loelaty.- November 21, the
t (tha Boo. L. M- ^ Clairjjwaldri.— A lantern lectun was given by
Mr. C Dlxo» OB ffoUmmd Boam,
I were taken fkom negatives made
bj the leetaiar niasteea Tears ago by tha wet-plate process. Their brilliancy
tamftnA tar bvonnbly with the m«fa modem gelatlae negatives. Mr.
TMioB fBve a dsacription and history not oaly of the place iteelf, bat also of
: '.» noaotieas of ianabitaata
Wart Wmwy notocnpUe loaMsr.— Kowmber 1«, Lantern Evening.—
A ooUeetioa of traospanaeies was paaaed through thp lantern, explauDoas
baiag givaa by Mr. DATiacni. Tha aUdai were contrit,uted by Commander
OlaMMM, KN.. MaasiN. T. W. Bt^bt, B. U Andrew Mutin, Qtaham,
A. B. Bmy, P. W. Berry, J. & Boad, ami ethers. Ttii" provcl to be the
meet saeceaafal pabUe afaaJag that tha Saataty has ever held, aad tha Com-
■Uttea litcl so mach aaeow^td that they iaund to continue tba acriee of
"fyaspoblic" evealaa at iatarrals during the winter months. Thelantemwas
leat aad worked by fir. P. W. Barry.
■ktoMMd Vtmmn Clab. — Xorvmbv U, Mr. P. P. Oimfarano, Jan., in the
chair. Mr. Parucxn showed two ntets oa platinotype new paper which
had been espoeed to damn. One had beM developed with glyoeruie in the
developer ; it tataad partly ted on defalefiant. bat this ledneae, as well as
eoow parts of the iaagik had dtaa|>pearsd oa tzation. Tba other print, in the
developmeat of which the ifiymrima had beea omitted, waa of good quality, the
dacpeMahad«wa being of a food ilek black. Both piaeca of paper, before ex-
paaaia aad davetopaeat, had had the «aa opportonity of getting spoUt by
atoiatni% aad ha aonld thwitoi aot aseoaat tor the graat diflereuce in the
laaalta. Mr. AaHAans WMiitlil that tha piece that had become bad most
have beaa oaWda tha laO, aad hadthaaAM ftatected the second piece inside.
Mr. Oanot waated to know tha iimplMl way of rediftiBg whole plates to
loatan sixe. Mr. Wiluaih said he ottlehad his camera to a baseboard, at
re in it to carry the ansHiii
aad tha namsta be oavared
ladaateg should be dooa by
dcyll^l. Mr. DATS had triad Mr. K a Btshndseo'esyetem of nsing various
sliaaii of aiapwsiam. and, althoogh he had burnt as much as ei»ht pieces,
each ooe efe^ taehe* long, the tianepanaciaa ware mach iiudtr-exposed. The
aaimint of^Baaka ntodnced waa ao gnat that ha ha>l to clear out of his
dark room aflsr each expcaoia. Mr. CCimaao said that, with all iu nn-
ecrtaiaty, dayUcht waa the bast, aa with artUcial light it was difficolt to
obtain irinawila tha Wghtlag. Par thoia that had ao Ume doting tha day,
ha woold raceouaaad oilag aaiUar piatea, aad making slides therefrom by
fUTty PbatosrapUe lodaty. —November 15.— Mr. Lswis Wour
per on beidopmttU (one of s aeries of Uetores tor beginners), in which
■a «Mt aalT with the pyio-aouooaia devaloper as Iwing the one moetly in
urn, sad which ha balievea to ba still narivalled. After giviag a deecription
of OaiMaef tha eoapoaaata of tha davalopar, aad explaining how, by vatying
"' "^ * ' d to Beet the raqniremean (3
two phUea, the first being a
laoHni sue. ssr. n iluams san ae *"— »*" au
tha cad of which he placed a box with aa apartore
to ba ledacad. The ipaee batwaea tha MlMlTe i
with a black cloth. •*^^' ■ -] •, t liiini.
■qrha
aad ralijeela, ho
Pfx^xrly ezpoecd one, «hi<-h vieMed a gooil negative with a normal developer ;
the se »nd, a idate which hail receiveil exactly four times the exposure of the
other, bat by giaalty iauisaiiag tiM pyro aad deraiopiag veiy slowly, nsiag no
attaliat thealaM,« aqnUy nod malt «w obiiiaad, aad it ahew^ao
liaee ef its hariaa rearitwl ao libetal aa asfotm. To give the bcgiaaeri
ptaant a diatiaat Baa of the fonetioas of tha ehemieala used, he compared
pyro taa hone bnnlda to tha rrias, aad aaiMaia to the whip.
Croydon Camera Clnb.-November21, Lantern Night, the Prosiilent (Mr.
a. i.laelean, 1'.&..S.) m the chair.— The attendance was good. Amone the
members present the following showed slides :— Messrs. B. Gav Wilkinson
C. Bray, H. Griffiths, H. E. Neeves, H. Maclean, A. Uirst, G. Conlen, S
A. t.. Isaac (the last named also working the lantern).
tooydon JUcroscopioal ajid Natural History Club (Photographic
SocUon).— November 18, Lantern Night.— A lange audience assembled to
hear .Mr. JoHX \\ eib Bbown give an account of the Photographic Convention
01 last July, which he attended as a delegate, and large coUectioiis of views
taken by himself and other members of the Convention during the v.irious
excursions were shown on the screen. Particularly noticeable were some fine
architectural slides of Meh«se Abbey, Abbotsford, and St. Andrews, and a
series of hand-camera shots of fisher life in the little village of Newhaven.
Blackheath Camera Club.— November 15, Mr. G. S. Criswich in the
chair.— A ilemoustration on Lantern-slide Devdvpimnt was given by Mr. J. T.
tlKLD (\ ice-l'resident). The demonstrator commenced by remarking that, in
order to make a good lantern slide, you must first obtain a good negative, as it
IS useless eipectmg to get good slides from bad negatives. He printed and
develope<l a few slides, using various brands of plates and the following
developer :— A. Hydroquine, 180 grains ; meta-bisulphite soda, 90 grains •
potassium bromide, 20 grains; waUr, 20 ounces. B. Soda hydrate, 160
grams ; water, 20 ounces. C. Soda carbonate, 2 ounces ; potassium carbonate,
^ ounces ; water. 20 ounces. Equal parts of A and B to produce slides with
black tones, and equal parU of A and C for warm tones, with prolonged
exposiuv, the proportions being modified according to time of exposure of
slide, density or colour of negative, &c He exposed by opening door of dark
lamp and holding frame at a distance of one foot from gaa flame. He pointed
out that by exposing in this manner you can dispense with the back of printing
frame, as no light can fall on the back of slide, and this is a great advantage
when It is necessary to screen the light from any portion of the negative, as by
looking through the back of the slide you can see exactly where the sh-idow of
the screen falls. The fixing bath used contained fov.r ounces of hypo and one
ounce of soda bisulphite to twenty-five ounces of water, and was perfectly
clear, thoagh it had been in use for some weeks. He recommended the use of
a clearing bath for lantern slides, especially when hard water had to be used
for the other operations, the one he used himself Ijeing Edwanls". At a previous
meeting of the Club. Mr. Hill had said that he was in the habit of developing
iaochromatio plates by yellow light, and to prove this he brought an cxpose<l
instantaneous Uochromatic plate to the meeting, and developed it by the light
of the Club dark lantern. This is a large gas lantern, with front and two-
sides formed with two thicknesses of yellow medium, the front having a light
area of about two feet by one foot six inches, and sloping forward so as to
throw the light down on to the developing dish, which wa.s placed directly in
tnmi of the Ump and within a distance of three feet, thus forming a very
severe test The plate was developed, and proved to be a perfect negative
withont a trace of fog, though it had been once or twice held close up to the^
Ump for examination. This seems to prove that a deep ruby light, which is
T«»y nnpleasant to work by, is not necessary for these plates ; but, of course,
care most be taken to prevent an andue amount of light from falling ujion the
plate Iwfore it is covered with the developer. There is mnch more danger of
fagging ttie pUte while transferring it from the slide to the dish and pouring
on the developer than there is afterwards when the image has made its appear-
ance. In this case the developer nsed was hydroquinone, which, when fresh,
hod only a very slightly non-actinic tint ; with pyro and ammonia the plate
would natnrally be much more effectually protecte<I. TJlie next meeting of
the Club will lie helil on November 29, when Mr. A. R. Dresser will give a
demonstration on enlarging.
Alton Katural Blxtory aad Pbotographic Society.- November 17, Lantern
Exhibition by Mr. Towoseud, of the .Society, who gave his experiences of a
photographic trip in the Chanuil l>.le5. —The slides were exceedingly good, and
well menteil the rannds of applause that greeteil many of them. Mr. l"ylar
also showed some of liis Swim views while other exhibitors were the President,
Mr. J. W. Neville (who showed some magnificent hand-paiuted natural-history
slides of his own production), Mr. Casson, ion., and Mr. Priddins.
Jke^ Photographic Sooiaty.— Mr. a & Watkhison read a paper on
Amateur Photography. The author disclaimed any intention to stand nefore
the meeting as an authority on photography. The awkwanlness of his position
that evening was intensified by the fsct that he bad to speak before gentlemen
who were reoognised masters of the art. and, if photographic stature were taken
into account, he waa afhiid they, would require a powerful lens to discover hira.
The claims of pbotographjrv from an artistic point of view, were then considered.
Some artists considered the death knell of fine art was sounded when the first
photograph was produced, and that it was impossible to get true artistic
re*uiti by means of such a mechanical science. In answer to this, tliu lecturer
said that an ounce of proof was worth a ton of assertion, for the holders of
palette aad bmsli who otactised the art of photography acknowledged their
indebtadness to it, slso that artiats were ollen to be seen buying photographs
"T filTHWr' studies and broken pieces of foreground which are to be seen in
snop windou It was hardly fair to comporo photography with painting ; thfr
lsttl> -Wrf tnbusands of years old, while photography was still in knicker-
bodura, aad photographers have every reason to believe— for there are many
indications of it— that photography was on the eve of n greater development in
the solving of the problem pbotognipby in natural colours. The lecture, which
was much apprecuted, led to a oonslderable amount of discussion at its close.
Mr. Watklnson also paased round a number of pictures printed by various
processes, those in platinotype being admired as giving the most artistic
results. The Secbetarv announced tliat at the next meeting Mr. S. G. B.
Wollastoo, of London, would give a demonstration on the platinotype proces.s.
November 30, Csptain Abney, U.K.. F.H.S., would give a lecture on /f<«irf
Camem* and Shullers, illustrated with the lautern.
Vaweaatla and Northern Counties Fbotograpbio Association.- November
14,— exhibition of aboit two hundred lantern slides by local photographers
sad some of the best workers. There was a very large attendance, and the exhi-
766
THE BRITISH JOUKNAL OP PHOTOGRAPHY.
[November 25, 1892
^ition was a great success. Altogether the slides formed a very fine series.
There was a great number of local views, and these were all recognised and
applauded. The exhibition is intended to be the first of a series, the next
being announced for about a fortnight hence.
PhotographlcSociety Of Philadelphia. — October 12,the President (Mr. Joseph
H. Burroughii) in the cliair.— Mr. Kukdbbio E. Ives read a paper on theHelwchm-
motcope (see page 758), exhibiting the apparatus, and also the special camera in
which the negatives, with the necessary triple image taken through a single
lens, were made. The wonderful results shown excited the highest admiration
and favourable comment from the members present. Mr. Frank S. Lewis
mentioned that, in developing film negatives lately, he had noticed that on
lifting them out of the tray for examination, at the points where the bacli of the
film rested on the lingers, the heat of his hand seemed to be communicated
through the film so as to accelerate the development at those points. This
was particularly noticeable in the skies of the negatives. He had also noticed
that with some plates the strong contracting and adhesive power of the
gelatine had caused it to pull off part of the outer surface of the glass around
the edges of the plate. This seemed to be due to the glue-like character of
the gelatine used, and illustrated the process largely used for producing a
peculiar rough-surfaced glass for decorative purposes. A member asked why,
jn the case of an interior view, which had an hour and a half exposure, a streak
of sunlight, which could be assumed to be greatly over-exposed, had developed
intensely black instead of giving the thin image generally resulting from over-
exposure. Dr. Mitchell thought it came from a second reversal of the image
at that point, the usual thin image of over-exposure being again reversed and
showing black. Mr. C. W. Millkb said that, if an over-exposed negative were
developed long enough, it would become black all through, as with the stre,ak of
sunlight. But, usually with such negatives, they were soon found to be
over-exposed, and tlie developer modified accordingly, the development being
stopped before intense blackness was reached. A member stated that in
photographing in Florida, the Yellowstone Park, and other places where the
sky was intensely bright, the skies were almost always over-timed and thin,
and asked for a remedy. Dr. Mitchell suggested holding the sky back with
a colour screen and orthochromatic plates. Mr. Cahbutt recommended
washing the plate off when the sky had reached the proper intensity in de-
veloping, and then, with a tuft of cotton or soft bnish, continuing to apply
the developer to the foreground until a harmonious result was obtained.
Mr. Ives practised another method, which was to reduce the over-developed
portion of the negative with Farmer's solution, applied in a similar manuer to
that recommended by Mr. Carbutt. This he did after fixing, and in daylight,
which was quite an advantage. Dr. Mitchell spoke in high terms of some
interior views in the Alhambra, taken by Mr. Cembrano, Secretary of the late
Photograi>hic Convention, held in Edinburgh. These pictures had the strongest
possible contrasts of light and shade, and he understood they had been
developed on tlie plan described by Mr. Carbutt.
FhotograpMc Society of Japan.— October 7, Mr. Edmond B. Holmes in
the chair. — The new concentric lens of Messrs. Ross & Co. was shown by Mr.
W. K. Burton, along with work done by it, and by other wide-angle lenses of
the same focal length. The new lens did not give absolute definition with the
maximum aperture of /-16, but it gave exactly the same definition at the edge
as at the centre of a fairly large-sized plate. With an aperture of /-22 it gave
absolute sharpness very nearly to the edge of a plate 22 x 12, the lens being
twelve inches focus, and a fiat object at right angles to the axis of the lens
being focussed. In fact, the field was truly fiat, and this was the first lens of
which such a statement could be made. A universal lens by the same firm
was also shown. This was of the type of the rapid symmetrical, but was twice
as rapid. It was an outcome of the new Jena optical glass. Mr. K. Ogawa,
as well as Mr. Burton spoke of its high qualities as a portrait lens. The
Foreign Secretary had been asked to report on a sample of Mr. J. B. Ober-
netter's plates. He had found them very rapid, although not quite up to the
rapidity of the most sensitive plates in the market in Japan, and of excep-
tionally good quality. A very ingenious portable metal tripod stand, each leg
going into a small tin box less than tliree inches long, was presented to the
Society by Mr. R. Mitomo. A S3t of small prints on bromide pajjer was sliown
l)y Mr. K. Arito, and were much admired.
KECENT PATENTS.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS.
No. 20,620.— "Tlie Rotary Hand Camera." W. H. J xcKSoy.— Dated No-
vember 15, 1892.
No. 20,649. — "Improvements in Apparatus for Regulating the Speed of
Photographic Shutters or the like." A. S. Newman and J. G0akdi\. —
DatM Xovember 15, 1892.
No. 20,679. — " Improvements in Frames for Printing Magic Lantern Slides.''
C. S. iicon.— Dated Nmember 15, 1892.
No. 20,795. — "An Improved Photographic Printing Process." J.Gray. —
Dated iVmember 17, 1892.
No. 20,835. — "Improvements in or relating to Photographic Hand Cameras."
L. A. Franks. — Dated Novanber 17, 1892.
No. 20,848. — "A Now or Improved Photograph Apparatus." W. P.iTER-
so^.— Dated Nmember 17, 1892.
No. 20,922. — " Improvements in Protectors for Glass Plates for Photographic
and like Purposes." E. Martin. — Dated November 18, 1892.
No. 20,986. — "Improvements in and relating to Photographic Cameras."
Communicated by F. B. Hill. D. Yocxo.— jDatei November 18, 189Z
PHOTOGRAPHIC PRIVILEGES AT THE PARIS EXHIBITION.
To the Editor.
Sib, — I see that a correspondent inquires for the address " of the firm
who had control of the photographic privileges in the Paris Exhibition."
The " photographic privileges ' were not under the control of any firm.
The Executive kept the managements in their own hands, and made a
certain charge — I forget the amount — to anybody who desired to take
photographs in the Exhibition. The permission thus granted did not
include the right to photograph exhibitors' stands. — I am, yours, <feo.,
H. T. ■Wood.
Society of Arts, John-ttreet, Adelphi, London, W .C ., November 20, 1892.
THE MADDOX TESTIMONIAL FUND.
To the Editob.
Sir, — Having very lately received the promised and highly-valued
Testimonial from the Hon. Secretary to the London Committee (Mr.
Andrew Pringle), may I solicit the favour to offer through your pages to
each of the signatories the expression of my highest and deepest obliga-
tion, at the same time that I present my sincerest thanks to the members
of the Foreign Committee and their Hon. Secretary, Mr. C. J. Sharp.
I also beg to tender my fullest acknowledgments to the Editors of the
foreign journals who have so kindly given their assistance, and likewise
to express to the members of those Societies, who have so graciously
affiliated me as an honorary member, my highest esteem for such dis-
tinguished honour.
To the contributors to the Funds, both at home and abroad, I beg to
offer every expression of gratitude on the part of myself and family, and
to state that the amounts have been duly invested for our mutual benefit.
The foregoing will, I trust, be accepted as a faint testimony to my in-
debtedness, and the sincerity of my expressions. — I am, yours, &a.,
November 18, 1892. R. L. Maddox.
To the Editor.
Sir, — Will yon kindly do me the favour to insert in your next issue
the enclosed list of the amounts received in connexion with the Maddox
Foreign Fund, which is now closed, and, through your columns, permit
me to express the thanks of the members of the Foreign Committee for
the kind support given to their appeal.
The amounts have been duly handed to Dr. Maddox for investment,
and, I am sure, have been highly appreciated by him. Please accept the
thanks in advance of — Yours, etc., Charles J. Sharp, Hon. Sec.
71, French-street, Southamjiton, November 19, 1892.
1892. £ 8. d
January 12 By Credit Lyonnais Geneva, per editor La Revue
Suisse 45 11 5
ij 22 ,, ,, ,, „ ,, ,, 110
I, I, „ The editor ot Les Annales Micrographiques ... 3 19 4
„ „ „ Edmund Sharp 2 2 0
„ „ P.O.O., Belgium 0 10 0
,, „ „ Miss Catharine Weed Barnes, New York 10 0
,, „ „ Madras Society 2 2 0
„ ,, „ Duseldorf 10 0
,> I. „ H. Hintze, Treasurer FotografoAmatorklubben
I Helsingfors 3 13 6
„ 2G ,, La Societe Photographique a Yienne 10 0 0
March 1 „ A. Nachet, Paris 2 0 0
„ 12 „ Dr. E. A. Just 5 0 0
„ 19 „ Gustav Blume, Secretary of Photographisoher
Verein of Hanover 2 16 0
April 9 „ Virein Photographisoher Mitarbeiter, per Herr
Obman 0 19 6
„ 23 „ Club der Amateur-photographen in Wien und
der Photographischen GeseHschaft in Halle,
per Herr Chas. Scolik 9 2 1
May 27 „ DeutscherPhotographen-VereinperHerrenH.
Sohiver 14 G 11
October 6 ,, Further amount, per Herr Chas. Scolik 0 15 10
27 „ "Buffalo Camera Club," per A. Pringle 2 0 0
Total £107 19 7
Hackney Photographic Society's Exhibition.— The medal in the land-
scape class of this Exhibition, awarded to Mr. Austin, was a bronze, not
silver.
MR. BHEDWAR'S PICTURES.
To the Editor.
Sir, — I really cannot enter into a discussion in this matter. I believe
the editor of a paper is generally considered responsible for the accuracy
of contributions accepted from anonymous correspondentcies. It is for you
to propound a theory to account for the erroneous suppositions printed
in your paper about Mr. Bhedwar'fl intentions. Having told you Mr.
Bhedwar's instructions to me were not to send his pictures to Fall Mall,
November 35, 1802]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
767
I
it leemed anneeessai? to add the fact that entries closed for the exhibition
in question before the pietorea arrived in England. Mr. Bhedwar has
■ent a letter to ^onr contemporary in which this qnestion was first
bnmgbt np, explabiing his intentions, a copy of which I have received
daea writing the above. I find it leaden any explanation from me quite
oooaoeHarv. — I am, voon, Ac, Ruj-h W. Bobcoon.
Jiedhill, November 17, 1898.
To the Enno«.
Bib, — Ai Ur. Balph Robinson's ptatement that Mr. Bhedwar has re-
ligiMd his membership of this Soeie^, "altboagh, being a foreign
■wiiitim ■ be had nothing to pay for the privilege," is not quite correct,
and is IDiely to lead to nnnacesaary eoixaspondence, I shall be glad of the
oppoctonity of saying that foreign memMrs pay exactly the same sub-
scription to this Sodety as other ordinary members. A member can, if
be ehooses. when going abroad, have his name transferred to the " non-
naidant^ list and eease his sobseriptions, but he then forfeits all the
privilsgea of mambstihip. The only advantage remaining to him is that
he aan resoma theae privileges at any ttna by resuming his subsoriptions,
withoat the payment of another entianee fee. Mr. Bhedwar's resignation
has nothing to do with anything whatever except his leaving this country.
—I am. Tonra, *&, Cbapmas Jo!(SS,
11, y'lii.n-rite, Kalino, W., Bcm. See., Photographic Society of
.Voivmi. r 19, 1892. Great Britain.
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF PHILADELPHIA.
To the Edros.
Sib,— Wm yea kindly aoaonncc to your readers that the sixth annnal
ExbibitioD of Photographs, open to all photographers of the world, under
■aaeoMnt between the Photographic Society of Philadelpliia, the Society
M Amataar Photographers <A New York, and the Boston Camera Clnb,
will be held by the FbotographiA Society of Ptiiladelphia, April 17 to
39. 18'J3.
It is hoped that with this early amioaBeement we may be favoured
with liberal exhibits from foreign pbotognphers, to whom special indace-
ments and tacjlities will be offered, urculars. with nles and fnll
partienlara will be issued aariy in Deesmber, and may be obtained on
application to the nmhisigned.— Veiy truly yours.
BoBKBT S. BsDnaui, CJkairsun Exhibition Committee.
ICOl CallowhUl-etrtet, yhiladelpkU.
Pemurfhama, U.S.A.. Sooember lltk, UOS.
P.S. — Exhibits shonld be made raa4y to forward at earliest possible
v.^ta, as eooaidarable time will necessarily be oonimned m transit, iScc.
They will be required to arrive in Philailalphia probably abont March
15.
THE LETTONSTOXE BXHIBmOS.
To the EorroB.
Sib, — May I venture to ask you to kindly allow me, tbroogb vour
onjomns and oa behalf ot the Leytaeatoae Camera Clnb, to thank thoao
numerous ladiaa and gentleman who sent pictures to our exhibition, and
we assure them that tbair gaoenJ woallanee was duly appreciated by the
hnodreds of speetatort who thnmgtd the halls. The vast number of
exhibitors nnaer it impoesiMe to tunk eaeh person individually ; more-
over, its mpreeedented and aaezpoelad laeeess has given ma so much
extra work that any little failing oa my part as to prompt aacwering of
the numaroos latter* that I hBva rseeived, and other shortcomings, wiU, I
trust, be eiwiaad. Once mora aioesrely thankini; one and all who con-
tributed to one of the moet sneeesafol local exhibitions that has yet been
held, — I am, yours, ^ke., Ai.BBBr B. Bauxt, lion. See. Ex. Com,
Rote Bank, South Wet-road, Leflmutomt.
ABTU'ICIAL ILLUHIKATIOS'.
To the Eomm.
8iB.~Inyoiirartiela on this subject, you refer to a method brought by
myself and another bafof* the members of the Liverpool Amateur Photo-
■aufaie Associatimi, and yon remark as to the danger in handling the
ll|W alliiH sheets, eqMcially when cutting to sise, oa account of the
a*i»lualw BOtore ti the compound ot magnesitui and chlorate of potash,
and also, m to the difBcoltice when covering large areaa.
I shau eetism it a favour if you will allow ma to say a few words on
thasspciaU.
In Uia first plaes, in dividing the larger sheets care would be taken to
avoid the ** psUeta " of magnesinm, Ac; and as these, in actual practice,
are senftia br nearly tialf an inch, in each and every direetioo, little
difBeiuty weala be experiencsd. In ttie second place, I am somewhat
doubtful of the aqrioaivc nopertiea of the oompoaod as alleged, having
tailed after nnmscooa trials and ssperiments in producing aa explosion
hj/rietiom ot any jMUiBUaa, aad emboldaaed by my non-success in this
dirsetioa, haviag sakaMad it to testa of the sevecset daeoription with
the object of producing, but withoat experiencing any sign of an explo-
sion.
The anticipated difficulties attending the lighting of large surfaces will
be found to exist only in anticipation, as the sheet can be ignited when
in actual contact with a supporting piece of wood, and is in fact at its
best when so used.
The method will be found in practice to be economical, the preparation
of the pjToxyline paper being the most troublesome part of the whole
process, but doubtless it can be purchased, ready made, at a reasonable
rate.
Thanking you, in anticipation, for the space afforded.^I am, yours &c.,,
C. B. Eeadeh.
Jlountside, New Brighton, Liverpool, November 16, 1S92.
Photographic Cllb.— November 39, Monthly Lantern Meeting. Decem-
ber 7, Jietouching, by Mr. Redmond Barrett
L05D0S AND PBo\ixciAr, PHOToaBATHic ASSOCIATION!. — December 1,
Sjiecial Lantern Exhibition of .Scfnes from Ireland, by Mr. F. \V. Hiudley.
\ isitors welcome. 8, Members' Open Night
Apbopos of " B ^'s " verses, a correspondent writes : —
Whea " Welcoma " is written to rhyme with **3f««ic,"
The rhymo is enonfrh to moke me and jou sick.
Mb. David Ramsay, of the Heliotype Printing Worts, Boston, has, we
hear, ilied at Liverpool while on liis w»y to Glasgow, his native city, for a
visit He was a well-known Scots-American of considerable ability in his/
bnsineu of collotype printing.
A SMABT bit of work was performed at the Hackney Photographic Exhi-
bition on Tharsday week. Among the exhibits of apparatus, Ac, were the
Platinotype Comjiany's new lamp lor printing at night, and the Paget Prize
Plate Company's new printing-out lantern plate. A negative of the Secretary
was obtained, asd with the above-mentioned articles a lantern slide was.
printed and thrown n|)on the screen, the wlwle operation not requiring more
than 120 eeconde.
anstoersJ to CTorrcsponticnts.
All maOenfor the lot portion of thie Joubsal, incliuUnrf querlen for
"Antteen'' and "Exchanges," mutt he addreeaed to ''Thk Kditor,"
2, IToi^ntrmt, Cotent Garden, London, JnattaUion to this ensures delay.
A'o notice taken of commMiaieationt unless name and address of writer arer
ffvpen,
•,* Communications relating to Adrertitements arid general business affairs
mutt be addretaed to " HsilBT Greeswood k Ca,'' 2, Yorh-street, Coveitt
Garden, London, '
PaoTOOBAPas RaoiaTiBBD:
n. W. W«hst«r, Chester.— P»»>»gt»p> of a hwiuh tftrtn. m
MuUntosh k Co., 1Ji\to.—fcirtr»ilefths DiulUu tfBmimTihIi
Jobs BolMrlaoD, DdimIm. — Tim pkotofropks n/tlU Xt: Jamu Aitken,
I.<(QriRF.B.—Tlierramn given is that if the films were is!iae<l in larger sizes,
they wodM not He quite flat.
G. W. Ramsxt.— Your local epufitter will be the better able to assist you in
regard to the practical details.
H. L— Write to the two makers named for their catalogno<i, which will give
yoa all the informatioa required.
W. BCTCRKB k Son (Blackbeatb) send us their catalogne of hintem requisites,.
flash-lamps, cameras, dry plates, kc
Ri.-\-. 0e<>. Roluxsox.— You will find in the present issue an article on amidol
which quite answers year various queries. It will be nseful to amateurs.
C. Lex.— From the description of the behaviour of the light, we surmise that
the orifice of the oxygen jet has been injured in trantit. Better return it
to the maker for examination.
Carbox.— The best waxing solution for glass plates in the carbon process is
nude by dissolving five grains of beeswax in each ounce of benzol. It is im-
]ietative that both materials be pure.
Flasulicut. — The oxyhydrogen light could be used for portraiture, but a
qniek-acting lens and very rapid plates would have to be used, otherwise the
aiDttMS^woald be a very prolonged one.
J. FiKTKiL-^Jes ordinary cabinet )iortrait lens will best serve your i>urposo,.
fnr liy it eillier a earle or a cabinet may be taken. You might write to some
maker or dealer, and obtain one on trial.
A. H. H.— There may be several^reasons ; but, if the name materials be used,
the difference must be due in some way or other to the manipulations. In
what way, it is, of course, impossible for us to say.
Lexds. — Without knowing the amonnt of chloride with which the albumen ij
salteil, and other conditions, it is impossible to say the amount of silver that:
each sheet will contain. The value of residues cannot be estimated from any
such data as that.
T. RiTSOLDS. — The iridescent markings round the edges of the negatives show
that the plates were old stock or, at leojit, had been mode some time. As the
plates were not hod direct from the makers, better communicate with those
who supplied them.
768
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PflOTOGRAPHY.
[November 25, 1892
TbipOD. — We think your charges are exceedingly moJerate. Most photo-
graphers would have charged both a higher fee and also travelling expenses.
S. L. — The loss of brilliancy in the lights of the prints is ciused not by the
time they were in toning, but by their being exposed to too strong a light
dnring the operation. One hour, in even feeble daylight, will have its effect,
as the result proves.
•J. Kersiiaw. — We should prefer the arrangement of blinds shown in sketch
No. 2 to that of No. 1. Place the sitter in such a position that the side
light is utilised as much as possible. If the side light can be enlarged, or,
better still, extended to the top light, you will then have an excellent
studio.
A. W. J. — As the man is dead, you must look to his executors for payment of
your account. As the last order was ready for delivery at the time of death,
the account for that must be included with the other. The goods, however,
should have been delivered as soon as they were ready. Tlie executors may
now refu.se to receive them.
iDabk Slide says: " I am making a set of slides to go abroad ; these are on gelatine
plates. Would you recommend varnishing or not, and if to be varnished
mention a suitable one .' Climate is hot, and at certain times of year very
damp." — Warnish the slides with celluloid in solution of amyl-acetate.
Varnishes of this nature are on the market.
Bbighton. — 1. Zinc or tin cans are quite unsuitable for keeping a stock of
hyposulphite of soda solution in. For such a purpose metal vessels should
never be employed. 2. See] answer to "Printer." 3. From forty-flve to
sixty grains of nitrate of silver to the ounce of water is a good strength for
the general nm of papers. Some papers work better with a weak bath than
others.
H. Price. — We fear the steps you are taking to increase the permanence of the
prints will liave just the contrary efl'ect. Tweuty-four hours' washing will
certainly act injuriously. The shorter the time of washing, so long as tlie
hyposulphites are removed, the better it is for the permanence of the picture.
"With perfect fixing, prints, with attention, can be perfectly washed in two
or three hours.
H. C. (M.D.) — 1. There is no patent in themereuse of changing-b.igs, althongh
there may be in methods of using them. Tlie idea of the Imgs themselves
was made a present of to the public by G. V. .T. Poirin, through our Almanac
for 1885, page 140. 2. Numerous sliutters work on the curtain form pro-
pelled by a rubber spring. Are you not mistaken in supposing this to have
been patented ?
M. A. — If the pictures sent are a fair sample of the lot, we fear there is very
little prospect of selling tlie negatives to any of the publishing houses. The
photographs are good, and the subjects well chosen, but they are of no
interest. Country lanes in one part of the country are very much like those
in another. Publishers value negatives according'to the interest attached to
the subject and locality.
'Tyro. — 1. There is such a degree of similarity among the productions of the
various makers mentioned that you need have no hesitation in taking any of
them, irres])ective of price. 2. Iris diaphragms are certainly convenient, but
are by no means necessities. Had you mentioned the focus of the single lens,
which covers your half-plate shaqdy with /-16, we could possibly have
deduced its value better.
H. B. C— We should say that a whole-plate camera with three double
slides with the usual etceteras is more than a lady can conveniently can'y
without assistance, unless she is blessed with greater physique than are
most of the fair sex. By dispensing with glass and taking films the weight
would be considerably reduced. Even then, we fancy, the kit would prove
very fatiguing on a hot day.
•S. A. R. says : " I have read that gold can be recovered from old toning baths
by precipitating it with a solution of sulphate of iron. I have tried this
■with two exhausted acetate baths, and I find nothing is precipitated. Can
you ex]ilain the reason?"— If no precipitate is thrown down by the iron, it
is clear that there is no gold in the solution. If the whole of the gold is used
up in toning jirints, none remains to be recovered.
W. Rat writes: "The lead sink of my dark room which has been in use for
several years is now worn out and has to be replaced. Do you think there
is any sdver in it ? The lead at the bottom has a thick coating upon it which
I think must contain some silver. It was used in the old wet-plate days,
when more silver was used than now."— It is very unlikely that there is any
silver present, or, if there is, not in sulHcient quantity to p.iy for separating
from the lead.
R. Winch asks how he can produce a very intense degree of cold by the ad-
mixture of any chemicals which are easily procurable.— It he examines our
Almanac for 1893, which will be published in a fortnight, he will sec much
that may interest him on this topic. But in the meantime, he may try the
following mixture :— Crushed ice, 12 parts ; chloride of sodium, 5 parts ;
nitrate of ammonia, 5 parts. This is said to produce an intensity of cold
eqtialling twenty-five degrees below zero.
Thos. Bates sends a photograph, a group of several persons taken bv flash-
light, and asks why the majority of tlie faces are so black, while a'few are
very much better. The reason is that the picture is under-exposed generally.
The few figures in the foreground, .and nearest to the source of illumination,
are better exposed than those further behind. Had the group been better
arranged so that the illumination would have been more even, and more
magnesium used, the result would have been widely dill'erent.
Ptro.— It is not usual for jilatemakers to replace plates broken in transit.
Nor could they reasonably be expected to do so under the circumstances
detailed. As the ]iacking-case was a strong one, and duly labelled " Glass,"
it should not have l)een accepted from the railway company, aud signed for,
if it were "completely smashed." The company would then have made
compensation. The only thing now is to proceed against the railway com-
pany in the County Court, but the result will be very doubtful.
Vadze.— Apply to Hughes & Kimber, Fetter-lane, or Winstone, Shoe-lane.
Either firm supply material for process work. See answer to J. Gascoine.
We do not know of such a work .as that mentioned.
B. R. writes : " What plates and what lenses are used for taking pictures by
moonlight, such as are sometimes shown in the shop windows f Some time
ago I exposed two extra rapid plates with a rapid rectilinear lens, full
opening, one for twenty minutes and the other for half an hour, and did not
get an image although the moon was at its full."— The so-called moonlight
pictures are in reality taken in sunlight, the negative being much imiei-
exposeil. Tlie best effects are obtained by taking the picture when the sun
is near the horizon.
MiRROUasks ; "Mirror to be fixed outside for enlarging. Will the common
thin kind do, not plate ? It will probably answer as well for refiecting, but
the plate glass may be better j/repared for standing wear. What is the' best
way of attaching to frame ? Should it have something soft between the
glass and wood, or not be in contact all over, and should back of mirror be
painted over with anything ? The wooden frame must be shut up when not
in use I too many boys throwing stones about to leave permanently at an
angle."— A ]iiece of silvered glass, common or plain, will answer ; the latter
for choice. It will not require " backing." Place it in an ordinary wooden
frame.
Printer writes : " Conld you kindly tell me the cause of the spots on the few
proofs I have enclosed ? I have never seen such things before. I may say
it is a fresh lot of paper just started ; the old paper worked very well on a fifty-
five grain bath, and this paper went well the first day on the .same bath, but
the second day these spots appeared. I thought first the bath was a bit
strong; and reduced it, but the spots were the same. I concluded something
had got into the bath. I made a forty grain fresh bath ; the spots are gone,
but I fail to find the cause of the spots. Can you give any opinion as to the
cause in the column of 'Answers to Correspondents ?' "—The cause of the
spots, or rather mealiness, is that the first bath was too weak. If it was
originally fifty-five grains to the ounce, it had clearly become much weaker
by use. Make it up to its original strength and it will again work all right.
F I SHAKES HANDS WITH B ^.
"Three cheers for our good President— and Art,"
And three times three for Secretary D ;
There lives no man could play the Hon. See's p.irt
So well as he has done for you aud me.
Your hand I grip, B nat. , whoe'er you are.
Vou love the pathos of the minor key.
And so do I. I'll even go as far
To say, I like some works of our G. D.
It is not we, the " majors," who have said
All work is bad except the work we do ;
It is the " minors " only who have laid
That unjust veto on the good and true.
B natural, be fair, he honest, and be kind !
Confess there are no "rival styles." Apart
From what you think, you'll one day find
The True alone is beautiful in Art.
FORTHCOMING EXHIBITIONS.
November 25 '•Tunbridge Wells Amateur Photographic Association.
Hon. Secretary, Joseph Chamberlain, 14, Calverly
Park-gardens, Tunbridge Wells.
,, 25,26 ... *Exeter Amateur Photographic Society. Hon. Secretary,
J. Sparshatt, Fairfield House, Alphington-road, Exeter.
„ 25, 26 ... *South London Photographic Society. Hon. Secretarj-,
C. H. Oakden, 51, Melbourne-grove, East Dulwich, S.fe.
„ 25, 26 ... *Stanley Show (Photographic Section). Hon. Secretary,
Herbert Smith, 29, Finsbury-pavement.
,, 28 North Middlesex Photographic Society.
1893. '
February 18 Holborn Camera Club. Hon. Secretary, F. J. Cobb,
100 High Holborn, E.G.
March 1, 2 Photographic Section of the Fillebrook Athemeum.
April 17-29 *Photographic Society of Philadelphia. Hon. Secretarj-,
R. S. Redfield, 1601, Callowhill-street, Philadelphia.
U.S.A.
* Signifies that there are open classes.
CONTENTS.
Paob
THE PHOTOOHAPHIC BLUNDER AT
THE WORLDS FAIR 7S3
BACKGROU.NDS 76S
AMIDOL 754
DUNSITY IN COLLODION EMULSION.
By W. n. BOLTON 766
JOTTINGS. Bv COSMOS 766
A NEW PHOTO-INTAGLIO PROCESS.
Bv LOl'IS E. LEVY 7.-;7
DEyELOI'MEXT. I!v JOHN H. AVARY. 758
THE HELIOCIIROMOSCOPE. By E. E.
IVES '. 758
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN PHOTO-
GRAPHY. By J. REYNOLDS, M.D.,
F.U.O.S 769
ON THE METHOD OF EXAMINATION
OF PHOTOGRAPHIC LENSES AT
THE KEW OBSERVATORY. By
LEONARD DARWIN 700
Paob
PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION AT THE
"STANLEY SHOW" 70S
BRIXTON AND CLAPHAM CAMERA
CLUB EXHIBITION 7CS
EDINBURGH PHOTOGRAPHIC SO-
CIETY'S ANNUAL EXHIBITION 76S
A MODIFIED MAGNESIUM LIGHT
FOR LANTERN SLIDES RY REDUC-
TION. By C. B. READER 7«S
AN ALBUM FOR UNMOUNTED PHOTO-
GRAPHS 70S
OUR EDITORIAL TABLE 703
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES 76J
RECENT PATENTS 706
CORRESPONDENCE 7«0
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS 767
THE BEITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1700. Vol. XXXIX.— DECEMBER 2, 1892.
COLD AS A CAUSE OF STAINED PRINTS.
Not unfreqnently, when winter has set in, do we have com-
plaints, more or leu numerooa, of stains appearing on prints
even when a strict adhesion to formoIsD suoceesfollj worked all
the summer is maintained. These complaints do not emanate
exclusively from photographers whose experience may be
aasomed to be limited, but occasionally are made by some of
long standing, and the exceDenoe of whose work otherwise has
oerar been challenged.
The stains in question sometimeB appear immediately after
the prints are finished, while, on the other hand, one or more
weeks may elapse ere they are perceptible, merging from a
fiunt yellow into one of very pronounced colour, with a con-
siderable degree of rapidity.
There is a well-known axiom to the effect that all chemical
iMtion is aided by heat, and it appliea to the case before us.
We have many times found by aotnal experiment that a solu-
tion of hyposulphite of soda of a strength quite sufficient to
diaolve out of the print the hyposulphite of silver which is
pndnoed as the firet action of the fixmg bath ou the chloride,
when the solution is between 50* or 60" Fahr., fails to do so
when cooled down to the temperature of the atmosphere during
a cold winter day.
From this it follows that temperature forms a powerful factor
in the fixing of a print, Mid points to the reason why a fixing
and toning formula that works well in the summer may
not do so in winter, nnlesa, of coune, the precantion|is taken to
have the fixing eolation made warm or brought up to summer
temperature. We may here repeat what we have formerly
written, that when crystals of hypoenlphite of soda are added to
water to be dianlved, no matter what the temperature of the
Ttquid is at the time, the mere addition of the crystals will
cause it to fall to a considerable extent This is easily shown
by placing a thermometer in a veMel, such as a glass tumbler,
of water, and, having first noted the temperature, throwing in a
few crushed lumps of the sfida and watching the rapid descent
of the mercury in the tube. Then are many frigorific salts
that lower the tempermtore to a much greater extent than
hyposulphite of soda, for example, nitrate of ammonia ; but
hypo does it to an extent sufficient to interfere with its property
(rf being a fixing agent
TW obriuue Bond to be dedoeed from this is not to employ
tnMy inade fixing bath nntil either by standing for a little
time or by the addition of a little hot water, or by any other
means whatever, its tempermtore shall have been raised to a point
wBuently hi^ toenaore its not lUlhig to do the work that is
iWjjiillrf of it. Wboi a s(4«itloa is kept ready made up, its
teaperatnra trill not deneod bekm that of the room in which
it is kept ; but under no circumstances ought it to be very cold
when being used, otherwise may the prints suffer from
imperfect fixation.
♦
EXPOSURE AND DENSITY.
At a recent meeting of the Photographic Society of Philadel-
phia, reported iu our last issue, two questions were discussed,
which, although they appear to have cropped up independently
of one another, bear a strong resemblance. In the first case a
member asked why, in a negative of an interior which had
received a very long exposure, a streak of sunlight, which
might be presumed to be much over-exposed, appeared per-
fectly opaque in the negative instead of giving the thin image
usually resulting from over-exposure.
One of the replies suggeste<l that the result was due to a
second reversal of the image, while another member pointed out
that an over-exposed image, if developed long enough, would
usually assume the dense appearance of the streak of sun-
light.
The second 'question was as to a remedy for the thinness in
the skies of negatives exposed in certain localities where the
sky was intensely bright, the thinness being set down to over-
exposure ; in fact, a diametrically opposite effect from that
complained of from the same cause in the previous question.
In this instance, if the proceedings are correctly reported, with
the exception of a reference to the use of orthochromatic plates
and the colour screen, the remedies proposed seem to be more
calculated to meet the difficulty of over-dense skies than of
thin ones. However, the apparent anomaly between the two
cases is worthy of a moment's discussion.
First, with regard to the suggestion of a second reversal of
the image in the case of the dense sun-streak, we may say at
once that we consider it directly against all experience that
the image of second reversal should be stronger than the
original, or what the original one might be supposed to be if iu
dae gradation to the rest of the picture. In all the experi-
ments we remember to have seen reported, in each successive
reversal the image became weaker ; in fact, after the first re-
reml the results have been of such a nature as to leave it
dodbtffil whether repeated reversals really occur or not.
Further, it may be urged against this solution of the ques-
tion that, in order to produce a second reversal, a much more
powerful light would be required than that reflected from a
streak of sunshine striking an interior wall. In the case of
sunshine, or even strong difrii8e<l light, falling directly upon
the lens from an open window, the case would be widely dif-
ferent, and then we might expect, if not a second reversal, at
any rate a partial first reversal, which would produce the same
770
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[December 2, 1892
effect, namely, an image of the window thinner than it
should be.
We had a negative taken in the early days of gelatine
plates which clearly demonstrated the difference between the
effects of over-exposure in the case of direct and reflected light.
It was a church interior, and included a window through which
the sun was shining, though not directly into the camera,
though two or three streaks or " splashes " fell upon one side
of the chancel wall. The window was — to use the expressive
term then in vogue — " burnt up," being thin and transparent,
with every detail of the tracery entirely lost in " halation ;" the
splashes and streaks of sunlight were dense almost to opacity,
while the remaining details of the picture were of the average
vigour of such subjects, perhaps rather thin than otherwise.
This bears out the second explanation — or partly so, we
think — that the extra density was due to the long continuance
of development, so far, at least, as the sun streak was con-
cerned ; but the same argument would not hold good, perhaps,
with regard to the window. In other words, the statement
that "if an over-exposed negative were developed long enough
it would become black all through " may be true enough of a
comparatively slight over-exposure, but not so where the excess
of exposure has been very great. Besides this, we may add
that much will depend upon the character of the plate in use,
as we shall endeavour to show.
Let us go to ordinary every-day development to help us to
explain. Take the case of ordinary over-exposure first ; be it
in portrait or landscape work, we get a thin delicate image
varying in its thinness and general flatness with the degree of
over-exposure. We get this result simply because — restrainers
failing to keep the shadows clear — we are obliged to arrest
development before a sufficient reduction has taken place to
produce density ; but, if we leave that plate in the developer
for a few minutes longer regardless of shadows, the result will
be an equally flat image, dense in the lights and filled up in
the shadows, and equally devoid of contrast with its earlier
stage, only requiring a much longer time to print. Turn to
an iindor-exposed plate and we find that the high lights develop
up with, perhaps, ordinary rapidity, but we have to force
development to get out the details. By careful coaxing we
may probably succeed at last ; but while we have been giving
strength to the more feebly illuminated portions of the image
the same process has been going on in the high lights, until
these have become dense beyond all printing utility.
Here we have the true explanation, we think, of the dense
sun streak alluded to in the question, but when it comes to the
matter of reversal the circumstances are quite dift'erent. In a
case of real reversal, that is to say, the production of a positive
image where a negative should have been, the first effect
is a very faint fogging or reduction, where the excess of light
has acted, and then other portions of the image which
have received less light begin to appear, and rapidly leave the
over exposed portion behind in the matter of density. Indeed
it seems impossible by any prolongation of the time of develop-
ment, or any modification of the solution, to add anything to
the slight reduction first produced.
Where the reversal is only partial, or, we may say, where it is
only commencing, the reduction takes place rapidly at first, as in
all cases of over-exposure, but is suddenly arrested when a certain
density is attained, and beyond this point it steadfastly refuses
to go. This seems to be the proper explanation of the thin skies
referred to in the second question, and to the transparent
patternless windows so frequently found in negatives of interiors.
We have said that much will depend upon the character of
the plate employed. For instance, a dense, thickly coated
plate will lend itself more readily to the production of opaque
images from over-exposure than one that is thinly coated or on
which the particles of silver bromide are coarse and the trans-
mitted colour blue. In the first place, the thickly coated plate
has more material upon which the developer can work to pro-
duce density, while its inherent opacity tends to restrict the
action of the light to its surface, or at least to partially arrest
its penetration. In the thin, transparent film there is, perhaps,
not silver enough to give great density under any circum-
stances, while what there is is subjected to a far more searching
action of the light, and so placed in a far more favourable con-
dition for reversal.
Some years ago we made duplicate exposures in one of our
English cathedrals with two different brands of plates we had
with us. As regards rapidity there was little if anything to
choose between them but in physical characteristics one ; was
robust and opaque, while the other was of the blue and granular
type. The first gave us almost complete opacity in the win-
dows, with a total loss of the muUions and tracery from
halation, while in the second a plain semi-transparent blank
was all that told where the windows should have been. So far
as the remainder of the pictures was concerned, the one plate
behaved as well as the other.
Another instance recalls itself of difference of behaviour under
precisely similar circumstances. In looking over a large num-
ber of negatives taken by the late Colonel Stuart Wortley in
Tahiti, many of which were exposed directly in the face of the
sun, we noticed that, while in some the sun's disc was repre-
sented as a sharply defined opaque circle, in others it showed a
transparent circle with a softened edge. On remarking on this
circumstance to Colonel Wortley, he stated that it was simply
a difference in the brand of plates, and pointed out two which
had been exposed within a few minutes of one another under
exactly fsimilar conditions and in one of which the sun was
transparent and the other opaque.
It may be interesting to some of our readers to note, in
conclusion, that where over-density follows excessive exposure
there are^ several ways in which it can be reduced so as to
bring the defective part into harmony with the rest of the
picture. And further, where the over-dense portion is a church
window, or similar object, although all detail of the tracery
may be apparently lost, careful reduction will usually restore
it. We have frequently, and with perfect success, treated such
subjects by carefully rubbing down the defective portions with
a tuft of cotton wool impregnated with alcohol, and so restored
the most delicate details; while other operators use finely
powdered pumice in the same manner. No doubt the usual
reducing solutions would answer as well, though we have not
tried them.
The image that suffers from incipient reversal is, however,
beyond all treatment.
PHOTOGRAVURE IN AMERICA.
In the last issue of the Journal of the Franklin Institute is a
paper on "A New Intaglio Process," that was read at a recent
meeting of the Institute (see page 757 of our last issue). We
should not have reprinted the paper were it not that it con-
tained several misapprehensions as to the later phases of photo-
gravure, which it is desirable to correct. In the paper the author
embraces the opportunity to decry the processes now in vogue,
December 2, 180-2]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
771
and their alleged shortcomings, in enhancement of his own, of
which, by the way, he gives no details, and, in doing so, he dis-
plays a considerable degree of ignorance of what is going on in
the matter of photographic engraving on this side of the Atlantic.
The new process is named pboto-meizotint, as the inventor says,
not because it is the meet exact term to denote it by, " but
becanae all the other good names have already been pre-empted,
and made to do service in other directions." If we mistake
not, this name, too, has long since been in use in connexion
with mechanical photoRraphy in this country.
It ia only in one short paragraph that the new process is
alluded to, and there it is mentioned that the principal feature
of it lies in the picture, instead of being obtained from a
graduated depth of engraving, aa in the case of the ordinary
photo^ngraved intaglio plates ; it is produced from a sunken
surface of uniform depth, the graduations from light to shade
being secured by minute lines and stipples of varying thick-
nem, but of a uniform distance from centre to centre. So far,
•ooording to what the inventor says, the new method would
appear to resemble the system adopted for obtaining half-tone
relief " process blocks." We are told that the half-tones of the
new method consist of stipples of about 44,000 to the square
inch. Beyond this no further details are given, but many
claims are made for the superiority of the new method over all
otben. Indeed, the paper, except that it appears in the journal
of a scientific society, reads very much like an advertisement,
particularly whan th« final sentence is reached, in which it is
intimated by the inventor, Mr. Louis £. Levy, that the process
has been mada the subject of an application for letters patent.
It is mentioDed above that the author of the paper exhibits
a great want of knowledge of what is being done out of
America ; h« also shows an equal want of knowledge of the
technics of the different proeaases to which he refers. This
will be particularly noted in the seoood paragraph of the article,
in which it is stated, referring to the usual methods of work-
ing, that the unaffected and unredooed portions of the exposed
biohromated gelatine film are dissolved and washed out, and
the film then dried. " In this condition it may be printed from
direct, or it may be used as a mould t<> produce a reverse —
several well-known methods of moulding being given — from
which, in turn, a reverse can be made by casting or electro-
typing." It is certainly a novelty to be told that a dried
gelatine film can be printed from as an intaglio copper plate.
There is another portion of the paper to which we must take
exception. After alluding to the difiiculties in, and the great
skill required in working, the present methods of producing
intaglio plates, and that on this account the work is practised
bat by few, and then only by such as possess artistic oqiacity
and training, the following statement is made : — " In only one
establishment, and that in Paris, has the work been brought
to a high degree of quality, and there, as well as in other
workshops, the hand of the skilful retoucher is frequently to be
credited with the largest share in the final result" It may be
oonect to any that America — although well to the fore in
pnesa blocks — is behind Europe in the matter of intaglio
work of the highest order, such as the large photogravure
repffodoetioas of works of fine art ; but it is certainly not the
case that in only one establishment, and that in Paris, the
work baa been brought to a high state of perfection, or that
the greater part of that perfection is due to hand work on the
plate. Aa a matter of facr, quite as good, if not better, work
of this class is now being trodoced in Berlin, Munich, Vienna,
and other Continental cities, and also in London, aa in Paris,
and, in the case of Germany and Austria, with, as a rule, less
hand work upon it. Furthermore, high-class photogravure is
practised by more than one firm, eveu in Paris.
It is alleged also that the present methods of photographic
engraving are exceedingly difficult, and require great skill to
work them. They, like all other work, require a certain
amount of practice before proficiency is attained ; yet not
more than is requisite in almost every other process, whether
connected with the arts or manufactures ; but with the new
process it is implied that this will be unnecessary. Again,
with regard to hand work upon the plates, at one time, it must
be admitted, the high quality of many plates was, to a con-
siderable extent, due to the work of skilled engravers ; for
some time, this has not been the case. Many of the best
Continental photogravures are very little indebted to the
engraver for their excellence ; indeed, it is surprising how very
little hand work there is upon them at the present time. Thib
is in a great measure due to the recent photographic improve-
ment in translating the colours of the original painting
into monochrome. Formerly this had to be done by skilled
engravers on the copper plate, but this has not been the case
of late years.
As previously [implied, the reason we have alluded to this
portion of the* paper is that many who are not familiar with
modem intaglio work might be misled as to the present state of
the art on this side of the Atlantic. However, we look forward
with interest to the new process so freely extolled by its inventor.
Tbe Proposed Wow Photogrraphlc Znatltratlon.—
Much curioeity has been excited as to the progress of the movement
for the establishment of a new photogpraphic society or institution on
somewhat original and comprehenRive lines, to which we referred a
fortnight af^. So far as we have been able to gather, while nothing
of a definitive nature has been decided upon, considerable preliminary
discaasion and consideration of the principal outlines of the scLeme
have taken place among the promoters of the idea (which includes
some of the foremost men in London photographic circles), and we
have the best reason to expect that an announcement on the subject
will shortly be made. For the rest, we may bs permitted to express
the beUef that, when the scheme is put before the photographic
public, it will be found to be conceived upon a thoroughly catholic
and repreeentative basis.
The New Comet. — There does not appear to be much pro-
habiUty of Holmes' comet being of great photographic interest, for
already, though its size has increased, its brightness has decreased.
tloft obwrvers describe the new planet as having no tail, though one
gentleman, writing to the Engiith Mechanic, states that it possessed,
when he saw it, a tail several times longer than the comet itself.
Shootlnff Stars and Photograpby.— In connexion with
this and other comets there have been several recommendations to
observers to keep a brisk look-out for shooting stats, November, under
ordinary conditions, generally afiFording a plentiful crop. Our present
purpose in writing is to suggest that photographers possessed of only
an ordinary camera and lens — say, for ten-inch plates — could do very
usefuLjEprk- on the occasion of an expected star shower. Pointing
the camera at the region indicated, and changing the plates — say,
every five, ten, or fifteen minutes, accurately recording the time —
the errant stars would record themselves, and such plates taken by a
number of observers throughout the country would give a mass of
information of most useful character, that would enable a very fair
parallax to be obtained and serve to give the actual distance of these
b'xlies from the earth within narrow limits.
The 1893 Convention. — It will be seen by the society news
in the current number of the Jou&nai. that the Devon and Cornwall
k
772
THE BRITISH JOURNAli OF PHOTOQKAPHY.
[December 2, 1892
Camera Club, of Plymouth, the issuera to the Photographic Conven-
tion of the United Kingdom of the invitation to meet at the town
named next year, propose at their next meeting to exhibit a series of
slides of places to bo visited by the Convention in 1893. The elides
are afterwards to be loaned to other societies. We are happy to
find, from this and other evidences, that the Club is taking so keen an
nterest in the success of the Convention, which will be assured if the
same enlightened course of giving it publicity be pursued during the
coming months. ^^^
To Keep Iron and Steel from austingr. — The
number of articles in pliotographic use constructed from iron and steel,
from rolling presses and head rests downwards, will render serviceable
a couple of recipes, adapted for the purpose in other directions, which
we append. One of the simplest, and which has been in use for many
years, consists in coating the article with a solution of india rubber
in benzol made of about the consistency of cream. It may be applied
with a brush, is easily rubbed off when needed, and effectually pre-
vents rust. A coating of more use where the " tooth " imparted by
rubber would be disadvantageous, is prepared in the following way :
Dissolve two parts of crystals of chloride of iron, two of antimony
chloride, and one of tannin in four of water. Apply with a sponge or
rag and allow to dry. A second or third coating, or more, is given in
the same way that adark colour is produced. "When dry, it is washed
with water, again allowed to dry, and polished with Unseed oil. The
antimony solution should be as nearly neutral as possible.
Photogrrapby and the Dead. — The remarks of our con-
tributor " Cosmos " in last week's Journal, referring to the publ i
cation of sketches from photographs of the bodies of some of those-
drowned in the Roumania, draws attention to an occasional abuse of
photography. There can be no possible objection to the photographing
of persons who have died from accident provided that it be done
under official surveillance, and the negatives and prints retained in
official custody, but when they are passed from hand to hand and
published they are calculated to shock one's susceptibilities, and to
give pain to the friends of the deceased. At the time of the White-
chapel murders we were aware that photographs of the remains of
one of the victims were being handed about as curiosities. Such pro-
ceedings should be impossible with proper official precautions. It is
bad enough for the hand camera to bring photography into disrepute
by its often impertinent use, without pictures of the dead being taken
and published, in defiance of all right feelings for the departed, to
cast still further disrepute upon it.
An Ezbibition in Japan. — Messrs. George Davison and
Andrew Pringle have received through Professor W. K. Burton an
invitation to English photographers to contribute to an exhibition
to be organized by the Photographic Society of Japan at Tokio early
next year. In a letter to the two gentlemen named, Professor Burton
says : — " I should think the exhibitors would be curious to see what
is the standard of taste over here. I presume you know that it is
much higher and more refined than in Europe. I could readily get,
say three, of the best artists to act. They would know nothing of
the names of the exliibitors, or of their previous record, so that the
judging would, at least, be absolutely without bias of any kind."
The following are the instructions which Messrs. Davison and Pringle
deem necessary for intending exhibitors : — The photographs need not
all be of recent date. They will be new in Japan. Please send the
best you have at liberty. They should be sent, with a separate list
of the exhibits, addressed to G. Davison, Camera Club, Charing Cross-
road, W.C., and should arrive on or before Monday, December 12.
They should be mounted, but not framed. They will be transmitted
from, and returned to, London free of charge, and will be sent back
as soon as they reach London after the exhibition. We trust a good
response will be given to this invitation, and shall await with consider-
able interest the verdict of the Japanese judges upon what we hope
will be a representative collection of all schools of current photographic
art. i
CONTACT PRINTING.
II.
In a previous article I referred to the necessity of employing only
such an amount of light in contact printing as was best suited to th«
peculiarities of the negative being printed, and referred to the benefit*
to be derived by varying the distances that such should occupy from
the light, with the interposition of a ground glass-screen, and now
proceed to notice other matters of considerable importance in contact
printing.
In cases where negatives of dissimilar size to that of the plat*
being used to print the positive picture upon are being used, it
frequently occurs that only a portion of such negatives are required
to form the picture, and when such portion permits of its being
printed by contact such unquestionably is more easily accomplished
m such a manner than would be the case were the negative placed in
a copying box and reduced through the camera. In such cases, how-
ever, unless proper precautions be taken, there is considerable risk of
the negative being damaged by unequal pressure, and also from the
edges of the sensitive plate scratching the surface of the negative.
Hence, whenever valuable negatives are being used, it is much better
to resort to camera printing. With small sizes, however, such as
quarter-plate negatives, contact printing may be conducted with a
tolerable degree of certainty of immunity from danger.
To guard against scratches and other surface markings to the nega-
tives and sensitive plate, special printing frames have been devised
for contact printing, and when such are employed they reduce the
chance of danger to the negative considerably. These frames are so
constructed as not only to afford a support to the entire surface of
the negative, with the view of preventing such being damaged by
fracture, often caused by the unequal pressure of the sensitive plate
on its unsupported centre or other part, but likewise provide a sort of
box or aperture into which the lantern plate is dropped in such a
manner as to prevent any slipping or sliding over the surface of the
negative ; by means of such an arrangement all abrasions of the two
surfaces brought in contact are entirely prevented.
These frames are ver}' handy, and should be employed whenever
possible. In cases where such are not at hand, however, a very
good makeshift can be readily made by any one working on the
following plan.
Let it be supposed that the central portion of a whole-plate nega-
tive contains some subject of interest that it is desired to print a.
lantern slide from by contact. Were such to be placed in an ordinary
printing frame, and the lantern plate placed over the desired portion,
and the back of the frame applied and sprung up, there would un-
doubtedly be great risk of damage from the pressure being so excessive
in the centre of the plate, and, further, a liability of the edges of the
plate scratching the surface of the negative when being adjusted to
its position in the dark room. These dangers are nearly entirely
avoided by employing a stout sheet of glass as a front to the negative
in the printing frame. Such will strengthen the negative, whilst the
scratching may be avoided by employing a cut-out mask of the same
size as the lantern plate. Such is easily acquired by taking a suitably
sized stout mounting board, and with the aid of a cover glass and a
sharp penknife cut round the edges so as to yield a clear-cut aperture
of fully 3j X Sj. This opening is then adjusted in broad daylight, or in
good gaslight, exactly over the portion of the negative it is desired
to print, and any suitable method employed of holding it firmly fixed
in this position until it is removed into the dark room, when the
sensitive plate is easily and quickly dropped into the cut-out aperture,
the back applied and sprung up, with entire confidence that not only
will the exact portion desired be found on the plate, but also an entire
freedom from damage to the negative.
The advantage derived from the use of these cut-out masks is yery
great, and especially will this be felt by those who for the first time
experience the comfort of being able in the dark room to place the
plate in its exact position, without any of the previous bother and
trouble of slipping and sliding such over the face of the nagative in the
light of a dark room, until it occupies its desired position.
Another great benefit from their employment lies in the protection
they afford the edge of the sensitive plate from passing rays of light,
and so causing fog round the edges of the picture. Such fogging is a
very common trouble with beginners who do not understand the
necessity of guarding against such. Some workers, who on the other
hand appreciate the benefit of such, do not hesitate to declare the
necessity of further guarding against such fogging by even going
round the edges of the plate with a solution of Indian ink, so as to
prevent entirely all rays of light striking the plate other than those
passing direct through the negative. In practice, however, I think it
will be found that, provided good thick masks are employed, and
Deeember 2, 18B9]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL, OF PHOTOGRAPH-X .
773
irhen such fit properly, they will afford sufficient protection without
the further prvcsution of edging the j>Ute«.
Within reo-nt years, and etpecially rinoe the introduction of the
justlv popular Untem dry plate, there has been a growing disposition
on tie part of amateurs to strive after the production of red or warm
tone* in their lantern slidee, a result generally acquired by the giving
of uDdoIr long ezpoMie*, followed by a witable formula in develnp-
— — ■ '^'- ^- ' — - exposures, howefer, as a rule, tend to a distinct
Ai lights of the picture, and further lead to a
, . ,.,>...; and therefore, whenever such tones are desired, a
!ict improvement will be found by subjecting the plate to a back-
. . f any of the well-known preventives a((ainst halation.
There is no doubt such hacking helps in a wonderful degree to
!^ i.ntain that sparkle so desirous in a good lantern slide. I have
known a decided gain to be obtained by using a backing of red sheet
rubber firmly applied as a pad in th* printing frame. Theoretically,
it may be aigoed that to prevent halation such backing should be
applied ia o^leal contact with the beskof the sensitive plate ; but red
•heet rubber, whso nice and pliable, takes kindly to a good pressure,
and when such is pressed in close contact there is a dMuded gain in
the wav of pt«?«lltiljf hahtion. The oomfort of using sheet rubber
•a apiMt tk« •pfOMtioB of a mtmj eompound, that has to be
remoTed prerioiis to devvlopnient, npoa soeh scrupulously clean plates
as an icquiied in this daas of work, will be found to be very great,
and oaea naed will nartr ba diaeardad is CMes where long expoaures
arenwa.
wa no>w ooiBe to the ooosidaratiaa of aoaM important mattaia asoie
intimately associated with the actual expoaure or printing of the
plate.
In my previous article I referred to what was, all considered,
perhaps aa good a method as any to employ, viz.. mslight, and when
soch ia contained in a suitable lamp, having a folding-door carryinjr a
good sheet of mby glats to enable its being utilised as a developing
kmp as wen, no Mtter aeans can be found to conduct with ease and
oomiort a hrg» amouat of contact printing.
In dwaHwg whh aagativM of oneijaal danaitii«— a fault frequently
eanaad hjr the ■■•««■ mnAig of th« iMMtiTe plate upon which the
sentiTe is talnn— it fMonently beeomea nee saw it to so iwuhite the
hJkt Ikat fmkmft nwahalf of the negatiw be only exposed a portion
of the tiiM mtrtamtj to aire tba othw denser parts ; and this in-
equality, •• » niia, ia fooad to gradiMlljr merge trota one side of the
pikto to the oIlMr, or, is ether words, tMta aie do hard-and-fast lines
of inequality, bat jwt • nuining gndwDy from thick to thin sides
of th«|datas.
^Vhm mtek have to be worited npoa, there is no better means
-aploy than the foUing-door of the developing lamp for ex-
'ire.
Xheu exposing the frame, let the thidt portion of the negative be
well ascertained, and then let such poctica he placed ia positioo so as
to get the light flrat thiowa upon it by the opening of the door of
the laaip; then, by a jodicwaawaTtaK backwards and forwarda of the
door, alasoat any amount of expoaure any be given to any portion of
the negmtlTC. and wbea audi ia placed at, say, a distan'- ■■' •'-Atb
or eightMO laehaa troa the door of the Ump, with aii ^te
groond'friBM sereea a ftwinchea in advance between it a: ^lit,
the wafting of the door of the kmp hackwards and forward^i will act
just like a blander, and work iraodert ia the way of yielding hanno-
niooa rasiiha ia eacM of great ineqaality.
At oUmt liaaa it mar be niriwaiy to subject a negative to a
ctinaidiiinhla amooat of oodgfag, soch aa the ap(Jication of irmand-
glaM varaiali or other aoa actiaie awjfcun : but, as such treiitment
doae aot wu|Mfly eooM aader the oategcry of contact printing, I need
not at tUa time cater iato aay details of what is known as ilnilging.
It is a very wide mbject in naelf , aad parhapa at some future time
I may pen a few remarks for the haaefit of tka rudsts of the
JomuiAi. upon thia subject Veantiiaa, what I bare written about
eootact ptiating will bo found to yield imaaeaBarmblr superior results
to taeh whea conducted by the happy-g»4acky mttitod of holding a
aagatira anataadily in the hand at erw-vaiyiag diataacaa to the flame
of aa oai&nary naked gaafigfat. T. N. AanaraoMO.
PTBOGAUJC ACID, OB FYBOGALLOL.
Omuo add aaa on hand at the birth of photography, says " W. N." in
the ilMasa, aad it, at ita darivattra, pyrogallio acid, has played an
I past in its Jevalupuisut in more senses than one ever
. tb«t« aaa a pretty long break daring
Ive, whca a mJt e( iron took ils plaee ;
I say aisMO aoatJBtwnaly.
the rtign of thavMt collodion
bnt the introduction of the dry plate, and especially the gelatino-bromide
variety, soon restored it to its former position.
Talbot's discovery of how to produce an invisible bnt developable nega-
tive image was the foundation on which the wonderful and beantiful
superstructure was reared, and gallic acid was the agent employed in the
development, not discovered by accident, as is generally believed to have
been the case with Daguerre and mercurial vapour, but by reasoning
from a knowledge of the nature of the work required, and an acquaintanoe
with the properties of the acid.
Gallic acid is found only to a very limited extent in certain vegetable
productions, and its main source is the gall-nut, Aleppo galls yielding it
to the extent of abont fifty per cent. Gall-nuts, however, do not really
contain more than three per cent, of gallic acid, and probably, unless
under certain conditions, none at all. But they contain generally over
forty per cent, of tannin or tannic acid, which, during the process of
manufacture, is converted into gallic acid. Powdered galls are mixed with
water to the consistency of a thin paste, and exposed to the air for several
months, water being added from time to time to make up lor loss by
evaporation. The mouldy mass so obtained is boiled in a large quantity
of water, filtered, and the liquid set aside, when a large quantity of gallic
acid will crystallise out. This, alter purification by recrystallisation, is
the gallic acid of commerce, and is soluble in 100 parts of cold, and three
parts of boiling, water.
Gallic acid is indebted for its early application as a developing agent to
its power to reduce the salts of silver to the metallic state ; the photo-
graphic image in the Talbotype as well as the wet-collodion process, being
formed of metallic silver thrown down from a solution of the nitrate, and
attaching itself only to those portions of the film or paper as had been
acted on by light,'especially when the action of redaction was suitably
controlled by cither acetic or citric acid.
One drawback to the employment of gallic acid was its low solubility —
only a little over four grains to the ounce— and this gradually led to the
employment of its derivative, pyrogallio acid, or more correctly, pyro-
gallol, which is not only more aotive, grain for grain, but soluble to the
extent of one in two and a qnarter, or ha a little over twice its weight of
water.
When gallio add is heated to 420° Fahr. it is split up in pyrogallol and
carbonic acid tins:
C,H,0, = C,H,0,-hCO,
OalUeadd. FTiatnkUol. Carbonio aeld.
It is generally produced by heating a dried aqueous extract of galls in a
suitable wide -mouthed pot or vessel, covered by a paper cap. When
decomposition takes place, the pyrogallol sublimes and is condensed on
the inside of the cap in light feathery crystals, the lighter the better, in
the olden times, it was sappoaed to be. On relerring to my note-book
of those d«yBi I fi°d I paid for pyro at the rate of fifteen shillings ($3.60),
and a following entry shows the hypo cost twenty-four cents a pound.
My stock dealer then was the chemist included in " The Lights of Other
Days," of the last year's volume of the Beacon, and, as he made the hypo
himself, I doobt whether, at that long price, it paid him as well as at a
later p«iiod when it was rednoed to five cents a pound.
Pyrogallol, like gallio acid, readily redooes salts of silver to the metallic
state, and soon almost, it not altogether, displaced the less soluble and
less active acid ; bnt only to be displaced, as I have already said, by the
salts ol iron. With the introdaction of dry plates, however, a new
method of development became necessary, as the image, instead of being
formed by redaction of added silver nitrate, was produced by decomposi-
tion of the silver bromide itself. And for this purpose the pyro, although
acting in a different way and indirectly, was found to be the right thing
in the right place.
As to the exact nature of the latent image doctors still agree to differ,
bnt the balance of evidence is in favour of the sub-bromide theory, which
is that light liberates one-half of the bromine of a molecule of the silver
bromide, leaving that molecule in a state of readiness to give up the other
hoQ to anvthuigfor which it has an afBnity. Nascent hydrogen, that is,
hydrogen at ue moment of separation from a body with which it was io
oomUaation, fills the bill, and pyro, in consequence of its greed for oxygen,
gives the hydrogen a chance.
When a plain solution of pyro is ponred over a plate, only a very slight
action takes place ; partly because pyro only acts vigorously in the pre-
sence of an alkaU, and partly owing to the fact that the union of an atom
of hydrogen with an atom of bromine forms a molecule of hydrobromic
acid, which possesses restraining power to stop further action. The
addition of an alkali serves the double purpose of vastly increasing the
oxidising power of the pyro and, at the same time, uniting with the
hydiobromic acid, forming the much less restraining substance, sodiuim...^
potassium, or ammonium bromide, as the case may be.
774
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[December 2, 1892
It •will thug be Been that the modern dry-plate developer is essentially
an ozidiser, that is, a body having a strong affinity for oxygen, strong
enongh, under favourable conditions, to decompose water ; but it must be
something more. It must be one the oxidation product of which is either
insoluble in water, or, if soluble, have no injurious effect on the haloid
salts or the gelatinous body in which they are retained. This to a con-
siderable extent limits the sources from which developing material may
be drawn, although recent investigation has given us several new bodies i
each possessing some peculiarity that is likely to make it available.
Eikonogen, hydroquinone, para-amidophenol are a few of them, and
while it is possible that for certain purposes they, or one or other of them,
may be better than the good old pyro, they must, in the mean time at
teast, take a back seat when all-round work is in question. It may be
that the average photographer has in pyro the confidence begotten of
long acquaintance, but the fact is clear as noonday that, however much
he may experiment with those newer candidates, he turns to his old love
when he wants to feel certain of being at his best.
WINTER WORK WITH GELA.TINO-CHLORIDE PAPER.
In the leader on page 722, which treats the question of how to ex-
pedite work for Christmas, one expedient, which very likely will
prove to he a very useful one, has not been mentioned — namely, the
printing process with aristotype paper with development. Since it
has been found that perfect prints may be obtained on faintly exposed
gelatino or coUodio- chloride paper by subsequent development, the
printing process with bromide paper has found a rival which cannot
be over-estimated, even with regard to the rapid-printing side of the
question, an exposure of a few minutes being generally sufficient to
p oduce by development a print on aristotype paper which cannot be
d stiaguished from a printed-out picture. Considering, on the other
hand, that the aristotype process offers some great advantages over
the printing process with bromide paper as regards simplicity, range
of tones, cheapness, &c., it will be evident that this new process will
become a very useful one in expediting winter work.
For one special brand of aristotype paper, namely, for that manu-
factured by the firm of E. Liesegang, of Diisseldorf, a ready-prepared
concentrated developing solution has been introduced by the same
firm, under the name of " aristogen." It needs only to be diluted
with twelve parts of water before use, the subsequent treatment of
the prints being equal to that in the well-known printing-out process
•with aristotype paper. The print, which, as mentioned above, may
be a very faint one, is placed in this solution without being washed
previously. The image begins to appear in about half a minute, and
*fter about three minutes the development will be completed. It is
well to develop it a little deeper than the finished print is desired
to be, since in the subsequent fixing bath the intensity of the print
will be reduced to some degree. After being well rinsed, the print
should be placed in the usual combined toning and fixing bath, and
after the desired tone has been obtained it is thoroughly washed in
several changes of clean water. Much depends on the perfect clean-
liness of the developing dishes, which should be cleaned previously
with nitric acid. It is a good plan to make a few trials with prints
of small dimensions, which are printed to various degrees in the
printing frame. Generally, the tone obtained will be a beautiful rich
dait brown.
A singular behaviour of the aristogen developer has been observed
by Herr R. E. Liesegang, it giving soft prints from hard negatives, if
the developing solution is allowed to act on the print for a sufficient
long time. This may be attained either by diluting the concentrated
stock solution to a greater extent, say with from thirty to forty parts
of water, or by exposing the paper only a very short time, and using
the normally diluted developer. It will be seen that this property is
opposite to that shown by developers for gelatino-bromide paper,
which in the case of short exposure will give a harsh print.
The above-mentioned " aristogen " developer is so far as I know a
concentrated hydroquinone developer containing sodium acetate. It
keeps well for a long time if kept in weU-stoppered bottles.
Many other developers have been recommended for the same
purpose. A good one is the following, given by S. Corel in the
Bitlletino della Soc. Fotogr. Italiana : —
Water 100 c.c.
Sodium sulphite (concentrated solution) 10 „
Acetate of soda (20 per cent, solution) 5 „
Citric acid (20 per cent, solution) 5 „
After the ingredients have completely dissolved, a teaspoonful of
pulverised pyrogallic acid should be added. The latter may, however,
be replaced by ten c.c. of a ten per cent, aqueous solution of para-
amidophenol, or of an alcoholic solution of hydroquinone. After
development the print is placed in water slightly acidulated with citric
acid, and, after well washing, it is treated in the usual way with the
combined toning and fixing bath. It will, however, be necessary to
modify the developer to some degree, according to the brand of aristo-
type paper employed.
According to Ilerr R. Ed. Liesegang, a faintly exposed print on
aristotype paper may be developed in a concentrated aqueous solution
of tannin in about twenty minutes. The tone acquired is reddish-
brown, similar to that obtained with " aristogen." A slight yellowish-
brown muddiness of the liquid will be produced, which, nowever, does
not adhere to the film. The ground of the picture remains purely
white. If some silver nitrate be added to the tannin solution, the
latter will give prints full of contrasts. Sigma.
ON THE METHOD OF EXAMINATION OP PHOTOGBAPHIC
LENSES AT THE KEW OBSEBVATORY.'
13. Definition at the Centre with the Largest Stop, C. I. Stop,
No. gives definition uver the whole of a ijicA by inch
plate.
The system by which the defining power is measured consists in
ascertaining what is the thinnest black line of which the image is just
visible, the test being conducted in the following manner. The test-
object consists of a thin straight strip of steel, about 0-1 inch wide, and
about an inch long ; it is capable of being rotated about an axis in the
direction of its greatest length, thus, if seen against a bright background,
making it appear as a black line of varying width ; when presented edge-
wise to the objective, it is so thin that the image becomes invisible ; and
there is an arc so graduated that the angle subtended by the two edges of
the strip at the lens can be at once read off, thus giving a measure of the
apparent thickness of the line. The test-object is placed as far as
possible from the lens in a darkened room (at Kew the accommodation in
this respect leaves much to be desired), and beyond it is a ground-glass
screen illuminated by a lamp.
In order to test the defining power of a lens in the centre of its field, the
focus is first very carefully adjusted on the ground glass, and the test-
object is then slowly revolved from the edgewise position, where its image
is invisible, until the first appearance of a dark line can be seen against
the bright background; the angular width of the line is read off, and
is noted as a measure of the defining power of the lens in the centre of
its field. The light of the lamp is regulated so that the image of the line
can be seen as soon as possible.
Besides measuring the defining power where the axis of the lens outs
the focal surface, an observation is also made at a point representing the
extreme corner of the plate of the size for which the lens is being
examined, that is, at a distance from the centre equal to half the diagonal
of the plate. As the object of this second test is to measure the general
definition over the whole plate, the focus is taken at a position half way
between the point of observation and the axis o£ the lens, this being the
method generally adopted by practical photographers when desirous of
getting the best general focus. It is necessary, moreover, that the test-
object should be so arranged that the steel strip makes an angle of 45°
with the horizon ; for, since the dift"usiou of the image near the margin
may be due to astigmatism, a false impression of the defining power will
be obtained if the image of the dark line coincides in direction with
either of the focal lines ; whereas, if it bisects, the angle between them,
as will then be the case, there is no error in the result from this cause.
The test is not, however, conducted in quite the same way as in the first
instance ; the test-object is set at a known angle, and the stops are slipped
in one after another, beginning with the largest and going on to smaller
ones, until the image of the black line on the bright ground is first just
visible ; the C. I. No. of the stop with which the lens gives definition up
to a known standard at the extreme corner of the plate is thus ascertained,
and, as it may fairly be assumed that the definition will be no worse than
this at any other part of the plate, it follows that the defining power over
the whole plate comes up to or exceeds the standard selected.
It cannot be denied that the defining power is the most important
quality of a photographic lens for almost every purpose, and yet the best
method of testing definition has never been satisfactorily discussed or
considered. If a thoroughly good test could be devised, it would be hardly
necessary to examine at Kew for curvature of field or for astigmatism,
for these defects are only hurtful in so far as they affect definition. But
it must be confessed that the method above described is open to some
* Continued from page 761.
December 2, 189'iJ
THE BKITISH JUDKNAL UF PHOTOGRAPHY.
776
objeetioiu, and the following diKnssion is merely intended to show tha
it i« the beat th«t could at present be devised.
In considering this qaestion, it was natnial that attention sbonid first
be tamed to the excellent airangements odi^ted at Eew for testing the
definition of taleaeopes. The method generally ased, especially when
darling with instruments sapplied tor the pnblie service, is to compare
each one separately with a standard telescope by an observation on a
distant object; telescopes sent for examination can by this means be
ptuitd or rejecttd, bat hardly classified. Bat in examining photographic
Untes, where there is a macb greater variety of form and pattern, it
woold be qaite ont of the question to keep a sufficient number of
standard lenses to be of any practical nae. Thus little assistance was
obtained from the experiences gained in the examination of telescopes.
It was nnwiMiry therefore to seek some method which did not depend
on eompariaooi with standards, and, in devising sach a test, the object
most to be kept In view waa evidently to diminish as far as possible the
errors doe to the variations either in the transparency of the atmosphere
or in the personal qoalities of the observer.
With regard to the first point, that is, the effect of fog, mist, and dnst
in the air, the only way to avoid errors tram these cansea appeared to be
to eondaet this test in a room. This waa eonsidered especially necessary
in a climate like that of London. It is no doubt theoretically right to
examine portrait lenses, or lensex for copying plans, by observations on a
tot^Jaet not too tar away ; but for landscape lenses a distant test-object
wo«td, tiom other poiala of view, be preferable, and the adoption of the
•xamtaatiao in a room waa only the eboiee of the lesser of two evils.
Witt regard to variations dae to the personality of the observer, the
CM* IS more diAcnlt. Probably the most important consideration is that
Ih* test should not be based on a mere jodgment, the reason for which
one person esmnot readily csmmnnieate to another. In many works on
photography the extent of field over wbteh the lens produces a ■' sharp ";
image is diseataed, aa if by raet« uapeetion this could be determined .
wbereaa no two people would exactly agree as to where the diffusion o
lb* ima^s waa ■ofB'jienl to be rlsssad aa want of sharpneas, and no two
ebjaeta woald sarre equally wall for sndi a test. It is esaantial, at such
aa eatoMishment as the Kew Observatory, that the observer abonld obtain
BOO* daflidte Dimerieal result from hia examination, even thoagh it may
b« aonaidsrad advisable to merely employ general expressions in the
wriiag of the eartifioate ; nader any other system it would be impossible
lor any length ot lime to prarant tha ataodards from varying.
Still mors diflSenlt is it to avoid erron from aotaal variations in eye-
•ieht, whether between diflareot individnals or at different times in the.
lie individoal. Soma general eonditioas may. however, be laid down
■ ben the illamioalioo o( an objeet is very fe«ble, the subjective light of
tha ^e, as it has been called by Helmholtz, plays an important part in
determining the leaat intensity of illumination which is visible, and this
sobjaative light is a vary variable quantity ; the eye increaaea in aeoaitive-
naaa for a long time whan light is exelodad from it, the inorsase at first.
being very impid, whieh may be another way of exprasaing the same fact
Banea. any feebly illnminated object unt ba a bad test-object, for its
appaaranea will vary very materially aeeordiag to tha state ot the aye.
On tba other hand, if the illumination is loo blight, the eye will be mooh
inflBaoead by imdiatioa. and the subjective effect on tha eye will be a
bad indinitioo of tha traa condition of the object ; moreover, as irradia-
tioa ia tha aOsot on the appaaraaoe of an objeet prodneed by brightar
anmoaffiaf objects, and. as this aOeet diminishea aa tba differeneea of
shad* fit laM, tha taat-objaet ahoald ibow no marked eontrasta in ilia-
miaatiaa. Bat. in applying thaaa gaaaiml remarks to the case under
nsidaratioB. it must ba raatambacad tbat it is not the teat-object whieh
aaan by the eye ; it is the image of the laat-objeet aa prodneed by the
leoa aadar ataminatioo. Banea, it mgfun that tba tast-object should
pradaea aa imaga of madinm intensity of Ulumination. and one in which
Aaia an no gtaat diOeranaaa in ahada. Tha taai^bjeot oaad at Kew, it will
ba ramaaabarad, eooaiata of a pacfaetly black oVjaot aaan against a bright
bsakgiwind. and it might therafore ^paar aa il it were not a good selec-
tia«. In Older to prove that, aa a rala, the diflerenoea ot shade in tha
imagi •!• iBiail, and tbat no objections can be raised to tba Kaw taat on
tbansHaal groonda. it ia naeaaaary to show what is tba cffaot on the imaga
predaead by a want ot defining power in the lena.
Tha raaolt of bad daAnWaB in the lana is to make the image of a point
oecnpy a aanaibla ana o* Ika fhotogiaphio pUte. and conaeqoantly to
pravaat tba iaiaga of tba adga of % anifaea from baiog sharply indicated.
Tha gaoanl aflnl aaa ba baat Uhiatratad by naans of figs. 7 and 8.
whaca iha ahadns an aalaigad dlmanriwis measnred on the plate, and
tba ordtaalaa iwdiaata tba intensity of illomination at each point. In
fig. 7 lat d, (, i repreaant a seetioo tbroogb the image of a small spot of
Ugbt In fig. 8 lat tba earva/, k, k repreaant the aotaal imaga ot the
edge of a bright surface, which would be represented by/, rf, c', k if the
defining power of the lens were perfect ; it is evident that a b' in fig. 9
is equal to the limiting valne of « b in fig. 7, as the spot of light becomes
infinitely small. In fig. 10 is shown the effect of bringing two bright
surfaces near together ; that is to say, of a dark lin > as seen against a
Fig.
Fio. 9.
Fiua. 10 sad U.
bright background ; /, g,/' will represent a sec lion through the image of the
line, g x being equal to z c. If this curve is turned upside down, as in
fig. 9, it can be shown that it repreients the image of a brig)it line on a
dark ground.
In this latter case — that of the bright line on the dark ground — it can
be readily seen that the effect of narrowing the slit of light will be to de-
ereaae the illumination gdhX the centre of the line until it becomes zero
as the slit closes. The worse the definition of the lens, tlie sooner will
the centre of the line reach the limit of visibility ; but, by ascertaining
what is the width ot the finest bright line just visible, a good test for
defining power will not be obtained for the following reasons : in the
first place, the illumination of the image will be feeble, which has already
been shown to be objectionable ; and in the second place, since with feeble
illuminations the ocular sensation varies as a first approximation as the
intenai^ of the Ulumination, considerable errors would ariue through the
dimettlty of^btaining a constant illumination through lenses of different
typis.
Thaae objections do not apply, however, to testing definition by finding
the width of the finest dark line that can bo seen against a bright back-
ground. In this case, as the line becomes thinner, the illumination at
its centre increases, imtil it reaches that intensity of illumiaation which
can no longer be distinguished by the eye from the illummation of the
field. If the illumination eg in fig. 10 can be distinguished from cd by
the eye, it is evident that a blurred image of the dark line is visible, and,
if any illumination greater than eg is indistingaishable from cd by the
eye, it is evident that the figure represents the image ot the thinnest
black line which is visible. Fig. 11 represents generally the same con-
dition ot things as that shown in fig. 10, except that the defining power
770
THE BRITISH JOURiNAL OF PHOTOGRA.PHr.
LUecember a, 1892
of lens is much better ; and it will be seen how much finer the line must
be in this case to produce the same proportional illumination at its
centre ; that is to say, before the limit of visibility is used. Now, there
is a certain intensity of illumination at which and about which the eye is
at its maximum offsensitiveness to differences of shade, and this is when
the object is what would be described as not briglit and not dark;
between these wide limits the minimum difference of shade visible is a
fixed proportional part of the total illumination. This proportion differs
with different observers, but not to a very great extent. Hence, if a plan
is adopted by which a dark line on a bright ground can be made to vary
in thickness, and if the illumination is arranged so that the eye is at its
maximum sensitiveness (that is therefore so that the line remains longest
visible as it diminishes in width), then the moment at which it disappears
will occur when the difference of intensity of illumination of the centre
of the Une and the field is the minimum difference of shade discernible
by the eye, and this will be independent of the actual intensity of the
field and will not vary much with different observers. But it has been
shown that the thickness of the lino does vary with the defining power of
the lens, and it may therefore be concluded that the test adopted at Kew
is not open to serious objections on theoretical grounds.
In the foregoing discussion it has, however, been assumed that the
curve representing the image of the edge of a surface is such as that
which Helmholtz has shown to be produced as an ocular effect by the
circles of diffusion being due to want of accommodation of the eye
itself'* it will be observed that no part of the curve is tangential to
the vertical. If, however, the curve is similar to that given by the same
Fio. 12.
Fio. 13.
lanthor as being due to dispersion in the eye, and illustrated in fig. 12,
"twill be seen that the result of gradually diminishing the thickness of
a line will not be exactly as above described ; for, however thin the
dark Une on the bright ground becomes, the intensity of illumination
at its centre can never be more than twice ch ; and, if the ratio of twice
ch to cd is, less than a given ratio, the image of the black line will
remain visible until it is so thin that the eye cannot perceive it. There-
fore it might come about that two lenses giving images of the edges of
surfaces as different as /;;)/' and nlhn', as shown in fig. 13, might give
equally good results under the Kew test for definition, because in both
cases the limit of visibility would be due to the minimum size of the
line visible by the eye, and would have nothing to do with the
definition of the lens. Helmholtz remarks on the very little evil effect
of a diffusion represented by the curve shown in fig. 12, since the true
edge is always visible. Hence we may assume that the Kew method
still gives in such cases a good practical test for definition, though it
does not test the amount of dispersed light over the image of fine lines,
or, as the photographer would say, the brilliancy of small objects. In
fact, since the definition of an objective could only be rigorously expressed
by a curve (or, more accurately, a surface) with dimensions, it is
impossible for any one result to give all the information on this head
which might be desirable.
As the eye is capable of detecting a difference of shade of about one
per cent, of a moderately illuminated field, it will be only necessary for
the curve shown in fig. 12 to be tangential to the vertical for one per
cent, of its height to render the image of an infinitely thin line visible in
so far as that visibility depends upon difference of shade. But take the
case of a line not absolutely black, and seen against a bright background ;
then, in fig. 10, the illumination of the centre of the image will be repre-
sented by gc, plus some proportional part of gd; in comparison with the
case of the absolutely black line, it can be shown that the curve must be
tangential to the vertical for a proportionately greater distance before the
shade of the centre of the image of the infinitely thin dark line will be
gnfficiently deep to form a visible contrast. For instance, if the line is
illuminated to nine-tenths of the intensity of illumination of the field,
the curve must be tangential to one-tenth of dc (see fig. 10) before this
* Oftique Pliyaiologique, Helmholtz, Paris, 1867, p. 185.
condition of things occurs. A test depending on the thickness of a Une
which is darkened to a definite proportional intensity of the field would
therefore present this disadvantage, that there would be fewer occasions
on which different degrees of imperfection of definition of lenses would
show the same result in testing ; such a test may therefore in future be
adopted at Kew.
It should, however, be remarked that in the whole of the above rea-
soning it has been assumed that the minimum proportional difference of
shade visible is the same in a thin lino as in a thick one, which can
hardly be the case. But this false assumption wUl not, it is thought,
vitiate the general conclusions arrived at.
It is, of course, conceivable that the actinic rays will be brought to
either a better or to a worse focus than the visible rays ; it is believed,
however, that no serious error is likely to result from the test being done
by the eye, and not by photographic methods ; it is almost certain that
the curve representing the edge of a surface will have the same general
character in the two cases, and, therefore, that the results obtained with
the eye will be a good indication of those which would be obtained by
photography. Leokard Dakwin, Major E.E.
(To he continued.)
CKESCO-FYLMA.
Messrs. Hill Bbothebs, of Surbiton, last week gave a demonstration of
this method of enlarging negatives and transparencies before the London
and Provincial Photographic Association, and since then they have
afforded us an opportunity of testing the properties of the solution.
The process is simplicity itself. The negative or transparency (prefer-
ably not one developed by the aid of pyro and ammonia, or a fixed alkali)
is immersed in a solution consisting of three parts of the cresco-fylma to
one of water. After a few minutes the film frills, and becomes detached
from the support, and is, after another minute or two, transferred with
its own support to a dish of plain water, in which is placed a plate the
approximate size of the degree of enlargement sought. The original
glass plate is then withdrawn, the film carefully guided on to the new
support, and smoothed out upon it. The expansion proceeds in the plain
water, attaining its maximum in the course of a quarter of an hour or so,
when the enlarged picture is removed from the solution and dried on a
level surface.
Following the instructions, we successfully enlarged some J-plate amidol-
developed negatives to about half-plate size, the solution stripping the
films with engaging facility and evenness. The temperature of the
solution was between 60° and 70' Fahr., and the maximum enlargement
to aboUit fij X 4J was complete in less than a quarter of an hour. |
The enlarged pictures, when dry, require washing. The loss o)
density with this degree of enlargement is inappreciable, and, after drying,
intensification may be resorted to. We note that the solution, diluted in
the proportion 1 : 4, may be used for stripping purposes pure and simple.
The uses to which cresco-fylma may be put are so varied that there
are few amateurs, and probably not many professionals, who could not
turn it to profitable account. It is, in brief, a capital plan of enlarging
without the necessity of using an optical system. Enlarged negatives
and positives, stripping, transfers of enlarged pictures to various supports
for ornamental purposes, enlarged opal pictures, reversing negatives for
carbon and process work, are among its obvious uses.
The process is a simple and apparently reliable one, and on these
grounds deserves to be known. A six-ounce bottle of the solution will, it is
said, enlarge twenty-four half-plates into as many whole-plates. Hence
the process is commendably inexpensive.
SOUTH LONDON PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY'S EXHIBITION.
The fourth annual Exhibition of this Society was held at the Peckham
Public Hall on November 24, 25, and 26. About 600 photographs were
on view, rather less than forty of the number being not for competition.
In those same few pictures, however, resided perhaps the chief artistic
and technical excellence of the Exhibition, since they included Mr. S. N.
Bhedwar's " Naver " series and some fine examples of the President's (Mr.
F. W. Edwards) treatment of Tinworth panels and architectural subjects.
The Exhibition, it vriU be seen, was a tolerably large one numerically,
and doubtless on that ground gave pleasure to its supporters and visitors ;
but, regarded from the standpoint of art photography, or even of mere
technique, the exclusion of a considerable percentage of the photographs
hung would have been a wise step.
The Judges were Messrs. F. P. Cembrano, jun., A. Horsley Hinton, and
Andrew Pringle, and their awards were as follows : —
Class A, silver medal for the best general exhibit, Mr. C. H. Oakden.
Class B, silver medal for the best picture exhibited, irrespective of size,
Daeember2.18B3]
THE BRITlsa JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAl'HY.
777
Mr. TbamM H. Powell. Claa C, sUvor medal for the best set of six
lantem ilidea, Mr. W. Bio* ; braoM med«I for the second best set of six
luiteni slides, Mr. H. Esler. Class D, silver medal for the best series of
six Ti«ws taken within a radios of five miles from Hanover Hall, soath
of the Thames, withheld. Class E, silver medal, portraiture, best set of
six. wilhltsM, Oast F, bronze medal for the best pictnre taken on any
of tha Boat»g'» ateanionii, irrespective of size, Mr. William Howell.
opta (or the members of the Sonth Metropolitan Photographic
Class G, silver medal (or the beat pictnre shown, irrespective
«( aze, Mr. C. H. Oakden ; bnnie medal (or second best ditto, Mr. H.
Kirbjr. Claas H, aQver medal (or best set of six lantern slides, Mr. F.
Oeldiqr (of Briztoo and Clapham Camera Clnb) ; bronze medal for the
•eeoDd best ditto, Mr. a H. Oakden.
Mr. Oakden's geoeral sxhibit eompriaed, if we mistake not, sevoal of
the excellent interiors apon which we favonrably commented when they
««re at the Lvytonstone Eihibitioa. His view of .-Icroi* the Octagon,
Ely Cathedral, was one of his general exhibits, and also enabled him to
take a silver medal in the classes open to Soath Metropolitan societies.
Mi. T. H. Powell's medal for the best picture exhibited was taken for the
ChemUt, a small study of a child playing with a pestle and
Mr. W. Howell's hronasnedal (or The South Entrance, Canter-
tmrjf Cathedral, was honestly earned. This exhibitor's other work, in-
*'~*'"t sooM ««0.etMsen views of Amndel, carefully printed and judi-
•ioaaly framed, was vety good. Mr. T. C. Kirby showed numerous
portiaH studies, (or one of which be took a bronae medal. It will be
ohsened that two medals were withheld, for what reason we did not
flBlbar. Tba Jodges' reasons sboold, we think, always be made pablic
Of the lenaining exhlbita, Mr. H. E. Farmer's were conspicuous by
■arit, some of his cathedral interiors being so good as, in our opinion, to
have Jsssiitd an a*vaid. Mr. W. ffiefs barge pietsrss on the Thames off
Paul's Wharf were capitally treated studies, being clearly defined and
well exposed, and in a frame of Isiiilssapes (some of which, by the way,
ware ssasaapes) the Hme geatlsmaa showed other soeeeesfol examples of
pare photography, that is, photography mions Impressionism. Mr. J. F.
Kelly had sooie ably randsfad Seoteh views, and Mr. H. Sandland a fine
study of a tiger at the Zoo.
The apparatus aaetiai appeared to ba popniar with visitors, eepedally
tba eibibiU of the Platinatype Cotufrnvj. Vi. W. F. Slater (who had an
appropriate diap^yof variooa dsasiiptiaus of pietara frames on view),
Msesii. D. Hoabaa A Bon (a capital UMb exhibit o( lanterns, aeeessorias,
An.), MassrsL Adams, Hy. Croocfa (UaHsd). Dollond * Co., OiU <> Son,
J. R. Oots, HowaU * Son, Persy Lnd A Co., Moody A Oattsns. Mr. H.
Park, Mssm Oeorge Philip St Sons. Mr. T. H. PoweU, Massa. W. B.
Whittiatbam « Co., Msam. A. B. Wocaald <ft Co., <ka.
NOBTH MIDDLESEX FHOTOOBAPmC SOCIETrS BXHIBITION.
It Is a pity that so sndleBt a display of photographs as that collected at
the Vooitb Annnal Exhibition of Ibia Baila>y on Monday laat ooold only be
on view lor one evening, as it was ewMnljr ihasulim of the inspection of
a laifsr aombar ^ visitors than eoold possibly have gained access to them
in the ritott apMs of tbraa bova. This is aqnally a loaa to the general
public and to tba Duiaslj. Ob hmsr oaaasiiins we have expressed satis,
faction at tba Iwinlna aad olhar AHaBm at this annnal EahiUtion, and,
after tmmi iiifiiiiwiMa wpsriMsaa elsewhere, it Is sgain oar pisaaorsto
■oti aol ■siily the mmt&mt mai §»oi order of the nuemhle, botalso the
high insBl atasage of the worb abown. The JndgM were, as osoal,
CoL Qala and Mr. B. W. BoWasoa, aad, altboo^ Ihsty did not award the
' r of asHiAaaiaa placed at diair disposal, we ondsntand tba* the
waa tba diflcalty at knowing where to withheld them
atlar a ceilaia point
Mr. C. O. Oregory in Tktr^t m Slorm Bmrinit. showed a crisp wave
sf<y whisb Might bate basniaapsoTaAkf tba atiianicf the flgnie. Begret
mmtt kOam Mr. Malalaah ia Ua iittfiiiil from pboteyapby, m in
A OUmmcf Light On OfaasMf /sUow /at, a iaal|f pneHeal stodr of a
awa« bibiad a baabdtnsa with Valeria tba (acsgnmad. dsspite pos
itUf to* ansh haifia— ia the shaAows, a reaoH waa aahiavad wbi^
ImMmtti tba higbssf ptcBiisua. '^ Tfr Marihsal'i iiililliMa iis pialsiiiiil
a soft dslicate platinom stndy ot limrnham neerhet, and A Woodland Baad
haisblg a pleasing warm tonaw Mr. Mummery took a certificate tor Low
TUa «a am Kuts lliirr, a bwMlila stody of the seashore with flgores,
•a<&i MNta^jref a loudyBguwIailgrww the Plmtif' T-<"id henamistahaUy
bedayed ^wwarwiisn inHaeocsb The varioas attitndes of the littie dog
is A Ptnfmiimal Bnutf, by Mr: B. R. Wynne, were cleverly portrajed ;
andMr. JL a PhnhMt shaaad a bright bat soft visw of Old ShaiMin.
tb. ■atchaafs SUU Watan (the water being very naturally rendered,)
Shipping at Cowes (crisply defined), and Lilies (a charming flower stndy),
bore testimony to the President's versatility ; and as a relief to the now
fashionable fuzziness, Mr. C. 0. Gregory's Sprinii Views in Epping
Forest and Regent's Park were distinctly refreshing in their excellence of
definition, exposure, and printing. The techniejue of these little pictures
was admirable.
Mr. S. T. Chang's pictures showed a commendable advance, while Mr.
F. Cherry's Sercdos, St. Albnn-i, was perhaps the best interior shown. We
liked the pose and general treatment of Mr. C. Beadle's head study
EUie (a very young lady), albeit the shadows were rather sombre ; and of
Dr. Mason's Devonshire coast views, perhaps Lxjnmuiith Harhuiir, breezy
and animated pictorially and good photographically, was the best. Mr.
A. J. Golding was awarded a certificate for Towards Ereniiiii on the Yare,
the composition of which was materially assisted by the smoke of a
steamer ; there was, however, possibly too much foreground in the shape
of water. Mr. Golding's other exhibits (especially Outward Hound),
though striking us as familiar, were exceedingly good, and he is an
aojuisition to the Society.
Mr. T. C. Lathbridge showed good architectural subjects at Arundel,
and Mr. W. Taylor took an award for a crisp and delicate stndy, Tlie
Lynher, in which the relative values of the gradations were well ex-
pressed. A Copij of tin Engraving, by T. C. Lathbridge, was a perfect
example of this class of work. Mr. Walker's Lake Views deserved
notice by their excellence of exposure and clearness. Mr. Staveley's
Trees at Chin gfnrd ; The Nave a^ Bath Abbey by Mr. W. Taylor ; Mr.
F. Gandon's enlarged picture of Mr. J. Mcintosh ; Mr. Lathbridge "s
Sussex Cottages ; Mr. A. J. Johnson's clever, unaffected study of ^ ( a
Truant School (the latter a capital rendering of the small figures)
merited notie^ In A Much Prized Picture, a woman and boy at a rural
doorway looking at a pictnre, while an old fellow is sitting by enjoying a
quiet pipe with a smile, Mr. H. Walker showed a delightful view not
unworthy of Colonel Gale. It was a really admirable picture from all
points. Mr. S. E. Wall also took an award for Going an Errand— ahoy
and girl gossiping by the way ; and Mr. Golding one for his series of
lantern slides. Mr. Wall's exhibits, particularly Loitering Home from
School and fVhen fihadoirs Lengthen, Little Stanmore, were remarkably
good.
We congratolate the Society on its charming little Exhibition ; but we
can only with difficulty forgive them the introduction into the catalogue
of the word " rehalogenisation " as applied, we suppose, to reduction of
negatives by the bleaching method.
TCrXBBIDGE WELLS AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION
EXHIBITION.
Toa sixth annual Exhibition of this Association wa/t' held on November
33, 24, and 2.'i. There were twenty-eight exhibits in architecture, fifteen
interiors, levsnty-aeven landscapes and seascapes, ten genre, and a large
number of lantern slides in the classes confined to members. The total
number of competitive exhibits amounted to 768. In the unavoidable
absence of Sir D. L Salomons, the Exhibition was opened by the Bev.
A. T. Soott, The Judges were Colonel J. Gale, Mr. G. Davison, and Mr.
William Mayland. Beaidea the exhibits (or competition there were in
addition some fine photographs sent by Mr. H. P, Robinson. Among
others. Colonel T. Dawes exhibited a number of interesting pictures,
which were said to have been taken during the last occupation of
Kandahar try the British, in 1880 and 1881, by Sir Benjamin Simpson.
An interesting exhibit was a triple lantern and stand, belonging to Sir
D. L. Salomons.
In Class I., architecture exterior or interior, Mr. E. R. Ashton, who
sent a collection of Algerian views, gained mention for Entrance to Great
Xoeque, in each case the native figures being most artistically grouped.
In Class n., interiors, some interesting views of the drawing-room at
Broomhill and Sir David Salomon's workshop came from Mr. J. D.
Moigaa.
In C]m8 riL, landscape and seascape, Mr. O. Lewis secured honorable
mention. The Bev. A. T. Scott sent a frame of half-plato pictures, in
which the effects were very pioturesque. Mr. J. Chamberlain, the
Secretary, sent two pictures taken by a pinhole instead of a lens.
In no less than thirteen classes (in some of which there were
numerous entries) the Judges withheld the medals on tlie self-provided
" ground of insufficient merit." A Judge's duty is to judge, and, if these
three gentlemen were incapable of making the awards in the various
classes in accordance with what they conceived to be the relative merits
of the pictures shown, they had no right to undertake the office. Under
what canon of judicial privilege do they claim to fix thair own standard
of excellence, high or low, at their own sweet will? The wholesale
778
THE BM'l'ISH JODKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[December 2, 1892
manaer in which these medals were withheld at Tunbridge Wells consti-
tntee a piece of arrogance to which we hope neither this nor any other
Society will in future submit. We hope to hear more of this matter.
In the Open Classes Mr. B. Alfieri took a silver medal with the Grey
Dawn, which was recently shown at the Camera Club, and Mr. A.
Horsley Hinton was similarly honoured for his Fentnnd, he also showing
Winter'i Bequiem and Lowland Solitudes, the latter of which was on view
at Hndmey, and, to our thinking, deserved recognition there. Mr. A. E.
Dresser had a selection of works, including the Pall Mall Aylenford, and
Mr. J. E. Austin showed Worn Out, a picture that was also distinguished
there. Mrs. S. Francis Clarke repeated her Ley ton stone success with
A ha ! A bronze medal was awarded to Mr. A. G. Tagliaferro for AW^
Fair in Love atid War, and silver medals to Messrs. E. G. Lee and T. M
Brownrigg for lantern slides. Wo congratulnto the latter veteran worker,
who has been none too fortunate of late with his exhibits. Mr. Ralph
Bobinson was represented by A Mussel-gatherer, Young Vagiibondi, and
A New Pet (silver medal), the very clever and suggestive picture which
we singled out for commendation at the Camera Club Exhibition. Mr.
Bhedwar's series secured honourable mention, and in displays of por-
traiture prominent exhibitors were Mr. H. Yeo, Mr. W. J. Byrne, and
Mr. Bhedwar, Mr. Ralph Robinson being the recipient of another silver
medal for a really fine portrait of Sir F. Leighton, a similar award going
to Mr. F. Seyton Scott for his delightful view in Kew Gardens. In the Pro-
fessional Class Mr. Robinson was also mentioned for his Washing Day —
Normandy. *
In addition to several examples of Mr. H. P. Robinson's work, the non-
competitive section comprised pictures by Mr. H. Sandland and others,
as well as a large collection of apparatus. Messrs. Elliott & Son showed
a capital carbon enlargement of a dog and the Wave picture. It will be
seen, from the above brief notice of the principal features, that the Tun-
bridge Wells Exhibition had all the elements of success, no small credit
for this being due to the Honorary Secretary, Mr. Joseph Chamberlain.
EXETER PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY EXHIBITION.
The first annual open Exhibition in connexion with the Exeter Photo-
graphic Society was held last week, being opened by Lord Poltimore,
himself greatly interested in photographic art and an experienced
amateur.
In Class I. the silver medal was awarded to Mr. Edgar Dudley for a
series of interiors of Haddon Hall, &c. Mr. A. Norman secured the
bronze for a landscape, one of the three shown by him, ^-1 Somersetshire
I'ccp.
In Class II. the Rev. J. Sparshatt, the Hon. Secretary of the Society,
was the recipient of the silver medal for a domestic study. Family Cares,
the bronze going to Colonel Hutchinson for three Moorish figure studies
in platinotype. The honourable-mention card was also appended to a
pretty little picture by tlie Rev. J. Sparshatt.
In Class III., enlargements, the exhibits were not deemed of sufficient
merit for the highest prize. Miss Truscott, however, was successful in
getting the bronze award for a bromide enlargement, entitled On the
Kxe.
Classes V. to VIII. were open. In the first Class the Judge gave the
silver medal to a series of three land and seascape studies in platinotype
by Mr. A. Horsley Hinton. Mr. Court Cole was awarded the bronze for
three Oxford interiors, and Mr. Hemmons was honourably mentioned for
a couple of pretty exhibits.
In Class VI. the Judge was best pleased with No. 219, Chaff, a sea-
beach study of fisher life by Mr. J. E. Austin, who also showed The Love
Letter, which was also much admired. The bronze medal went to How's
That ? by Mr. R. H. Lord. Mr. J. E. Austin received honourable mention
for his Worn Out, and Mr. C. B. Moore's picture, A Veteran's Tale (No-
267), was similarly honoured.
In Class VII., enlargements, the silver medal was withheld, but a
bronze was awarded to Mr. A. Drysdale's On the Coquet, one of two sent
in, and I'unchinello, contributed by the Woodburytype Company.
For lantern slides, Class IV., No. 406, Mr. C. Cole, and No. 413, Mr.
J. W. Huggins, were placed equal for the bronze medal.
In Class VIII. Mr. J. E. Austin carried off the silver medal, the bronze
going to Mr. E. G. Lee, while Mr. A. Pringle and Mr. Taverner were
honourably mentioned, the former for Spanish architecture and the latter
for flowers.
The Judge, Mr. W. D. Welford, while being unable to compliment the
members upon having displayed any great advance upon the work of last
year, yet spoke encouragingly, and urged the members to give increased
study to pictorial effect rather to mere reproductions of objects in front
of the camera. Effort in this direction was, he said, apparent in the
present Exhibition, and the great majority of the frames contained work
of fairly good technical merit, but lacking in artistic merit.
AWARDS AT THE EDINBURGH PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY'S
EXHIBITION.
At the close of the stipulated period for the expression of judgment by
the members (November 22) of the best pictures exhibited by members,
the Council opened the closed box in which these billets were deposited,
and on examination found that the majorities had expressed their
opinions to be as follows, carrying the awards stated : —
Class II. Best picture taken during the 1892 Saturday rambles.—
Bronze medal, Mr. John C. Whyte.
Class in. Best figure study taken since November, 1891. — Bronze
medal, Mr. Jas. C. H. Balmain.
Class IV. Best landscape taken since November, 1891. — Silver medal,
Mr. Jas. Patrick ; Bronze madal, second best, Mr. W. Lamond Howie.
In the lantern slides competition, the Committee awarded the first
prize to Mr. Charles Reid (silver medal), and the second to Mr. Jamta
Patrick (bronze medal).
The Exhibition has been fairly well attended, and expression has been
given to the wish that it should be kept open a little longer, it not having
been probably sufficiently advertised; but, there being no admission
money, that would have been expensive.
©ur Bliltoiial STaftle.
W. & D. Downey's Abt Studies.
Published by Marion & Co.
At a price so low as to be entirely within the means of every one who
loves to he the possessor of a collection of fine photograplis, Me-ssrs.
Marion are issuing a series of admirable " art studies " from the .•■tudio
of Messrs. Downey. They are from the life, and depict such feelings
and emotions as liesii/nation or Meditation, or such character subjects J
as The Fioicer Girl, Cecilia, Asjmtia, &c. The posing and ligliting are J
just what one would expect from artists of the Messrs. Downev's
standing — soft and well defined, without the semblance of want of
detail in any part. Things of beauty, they will, being printed in
collotype, prove "'joys for ever." We urge upon photographers the
propriety of possessing pictures of this high class as stiidies. The ink
selected is a warm engraving black, suggestive of platinotype. That
there will be a great demand for such charming photographs goes
without saying. We have not been informed how many the series
consists or will cons-ist of, but this can be learned from the publishers,
who are to be congratulated upon putting really admirable artistic
pictures within the reach of all, even of the poorest of photographers.
TODD-FOEBET MAGNESIUM LaMP SPECIMENS.
Mb, a. H. Baied, Lothian-street, Edinburgh, who is the maker of
the Todd-Forret lamp, of whicii we spoke in terms of commendation
early in the year, sends a parcel of Meisenbach specimen prints from
negatives obtained by its agency, and which show its capabilities. A
feature in the lamp is the possibility of giving both instantaneous and
time exposures. We are glad to learn that it has a steady and
increasing sale.
Chbistmas Annuals.
Detroit Free Press. — This contains two illustrated stories, one of
which, " The Heralds of Fame," by Luke Sharp, is probably the best
that this versatile author has ever written. It gives the adventures
of a sparkling young American lady and two poets when crossing the
Atlantic to New York. The other is " The Tale of the Haven Inn,'
a haunt of highwaymen in Epping Forest in former times. Both are
finely illustrated.
Fir/aro Illusir^. — The illustrations and whole-get up is French
throughout, and are printed in bright colours. Ihe text is in the
English language, although another edition is in French. It is issued
in Boussod, Valadon, & Uo.'s best style.
Yuletide — Cassell's Christmas number — contains several comic
political and other cartoons, and a good deal of funny reading under
the title of " The New Babylon ; or, the Dream, the Demolition, and
the Democracy."
December 2, lS0dj
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
779
CONVKJJTION StKBKOSCOPIC SlIDKS.
B7 A. SuxAX, Obarttrfold.
Amoxo those who brought stereoeoopic camenu with them to the
Edinburgh meeting of the Photographic Conreotion waa Mr. Seaman,
who is well known h a photograpber of ripe experience. He has
■ent OB aome of the reeolts of hia work on that occasion, embracing
mainlr groum taken during the outings of the Convention, and which
Tividiy recall pleasant times and scenes in congenial company at
Melrose, St. .Andrew*, and Callander. They are alike valuable
technically and from their associations.
iilcettngd of ^octttteij.
MBETINOS OF SOCIETIKS FOR NEXT WEEK.
Dondw Aaatmr .«
rUtobrook AthMMUB
Oab...
dab
K«i(Uar ud DirtiioC
Korth Umk» (Aaanl)
' ' "" Social ...
kmo. Studio, Xetli«rK>te, Dnndee.
FUtebrook Leetan HbU.
Wilhy (Annaal) „.
Wwft ftvnr ..»«
Biiknknd Pkoto. Aim. .
Ctab
B>eka«7 ,
lioadai mad PrartaeUl
lUnckMtor Fkoto. SooMt .
XorlkEMt - .ZZ7...
Wm»
ItanoiD, Miiutcr
Grarbonnd Botel, RfehmoDd.
Hanerer HalU HaiioTer.|iark, B.E.
BnokluHb Hotel, BrooUauuU.
OT, Ooldk&rtxmr-Uiic. Brixton.
Celiac* Hall, 8oatk4*reet, SzMer.
leoa*, Boirard.etaanibcn,aioiiop.
Ilanicn Houa*. Hereford.
M«nli«iilr«' loititats, !(ortta.<trMt.
ntirox LihtBTT, Hi(b.«t, Lmna.
W«Ul9«ton Hall, lalmctoB, H.
Bedatr** Boodm, 138. HiglHtnat.
Maaoole Han, SiinaT.ati«al.
Victoria Halt. Torlc
ProfMdonal HaU.aO.Gaorga atiaat.
Aadartoa'a Hotal.Flaat ■liiat,».0.
T.JI.<XA.-I -"■ - - -
brawot:
M.Matfc'a
Laolua Beoou Wdkad laatitirtai
W. a<idwia.«lr«ak, Bi»Uoid.
■ • •, W.O.
MM. Wai ■ ilnit, Hadmay.
- - IfcAldainalaat
,«>adaa«ar.
na Ljeana.'UnkMMt., Oldkam.
DabUa.
OhiMriek flakeol a( Art. Ohiawiek.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
VoTSMBBB 3t,-Mr. W. a Uairiaan ia tha chair.
MawiL W. C. Hay, W. V. Joaaa. aad J. A. Botlar wars akdal member*.
RaPAnuM Obxcuhd Tbati.
Mr. A. lUovas aaid that tt might ba iatamtiiic to tboaa poaaeaaiBg celloloUl
tjan to know how to i«|iair than if Ibay got laokaa. All that waa neeaaaary
to do araa to oioistan the cfack with a Uttla SMtoaa, then prcaa on it a place of
tallaMd while atlU dampL It would be baMsr parhapa to naa a aolntion of
caOakM ia asaCon. CsUakU Haaif iiWMsd at tha t«aparatare of boUing
wat«. m4 l^ht bs bat. Mr. Haddiw «illbit«d Joined and bent piso^^
eaBrisU ti ffiatMUoa of hfa atataMirtiL
lb* CMamiua obaanad that aoaCoaa was to be obtained oommercially ab-
aolalcly pars at a clMsp isto tluae to Ste shillings par poaod.
Mr. J. kTlara oaed hot watar to rsatora ■ds.ahapaa eallalold diahea to their
proper ahapaa.
RBmaaia.
A abort dhuasilf took ptass aa to who waa the Snt to diaeonr that a
of
Mr. T. Botas shaatrsd that it waa not altoitthar an onknowa thing fai the
oBaMiia days to aeanra a poaitlva in tha caaoa with pyio deralopment.
Mr. r. A. Bmdoc aaid Mr. Boba bimaalfwaa the flnt to pnUiah the nMtho<l
in tha camera
Misa took plass
IT* tram a tpHts eoold ba oblainsd by meant of the
ttith lahttai rhtn
Mr. Bouu believed that Mr. Foslee bad obtained poaitivae
ryMnago.
partias i
B««aa
Caaco-rruu.
„ H01 Bkotlian gave a pnetical dsmonatration of the working pro-
of CMMO-fylna, la tUnatntisa of which a print, another print taken
' IhMi tha ciigiiial ne^tirs, and a tnnaparency
•' ~ Hill, in tekioga5x4
mgid Dsfrti** «« akown. Mr. Pbavk
ttMsaaswej to aibst tha aalamnMBt, aaU the prooeaa waa aa foUowa : Aftar
the piata has baaa aona miaotae to the aqnaotta eolation of cnaeo-fylma, the
•la woald iHH aad Iaa«« its aapport. Tba amonnt of enUigemeat depeiidad
ma tha tatpwalais of tha watar, the atfcet of naing warm watar being that
tha aalarfaiMat paatly laoissiil. Tbs fllm haring become detached from the
glass, Mr. Hill transferred it to a dish of water containing a sheet of glass,
upon which it was then stretched out, the enlargement being to 7 x 5^. The
water in which a film had been stripped could be used for stripping a negative
from the glass support which might have got broken. In reference to the siiig-
gestion that there was loss of detail on account of the enlargement, Mr. Hill
pointed out that in the case of the print from an enlarged negative (which he
showed) as against a print from the original negative (which he also showed)
there was a distinct gain in the enlargement, some lettering on a book not being
Wsible in the original, but seen in the enlargement. In reply to Mr. Mackie,
Mr. Hill said the film could be reduced to its original size, but it would lose
its adhesiveness. Pyro-developed negatives were not suitable for enlargement,
but would strip all right Answering Mr. Teape, Mr. Hill stated that, in the
case of a yellow negative, cresco-fylma acted as a clearing solution. Dense
pj'TO-ammonia developed negatives were the least applicable for the process of
enlargement.
Mr. BoLAS described Plener's method of stripping and enlarging with hydro-
fluoric acid. That acid, he said, had an irritating effect on the hands. A
mixture of fluori<ie of sodium and sulphuric acid, for the same imrposi-, might
be kept in a glass bottle.
Mr. W. E. Debenham said that in lanteni plates one often had more than
one wanted ; by this method of stripping and enlargement one might be able
to select ohly just so much as one wanted.
Mr. Haddon asked what was the effect of the solution on the fingers.
Mr. Hill replied that there was not saflicient hydrofluoric acid to injure
the fingers. In reply to another question, he said that a six-ounce bottle of
the soTntion would enlarge twenty-four half-plate negatives to whole-plate
Bi«. The enlarging action did not depend in any way upon the hydrofluoric
acid in the solution, but upon the other ingredients. Films which were en-
larged by hydrofluoric acid alone were very rotten.
Messrs. iiiW were thanked for the demonstration of what the Chairman
deacribed as a "very interesting process," and, after some further discussion,
the meeting terminated.
Hackney FbotograpUc Society.— November 22.— Mr. Hudson presented
the Society witlr a new arrangement for using gas from any taj) with the
lantern. Mr. Ponlson showe<l some new kind of ordinarj' silver i>aiH>r, which
waa ^oesy without having been bumishecL It was not on tlie market at pre-
sent. A demonKtration was then given by the Autotype Company's representa-
tive. The lecturer proceeded to say that in 1839 it was discovered ttiat pajier
with bichromate potash ilarkenetl by exposure to light, which discovery subse-
auently led to finding that sized paper darkened more rapidly, and that the
darkened gelatine is insoluble. Mr. Swan jiatented a process with ])igmenteil
gelatine. Tlie lecturer then gave a descrijitiou nf single and double process of
transfer. The advantages, he said, were peniiaueiicy and variety of colours.
Ready-aensitimd paper would kee)! from a fortuigli't to a month if kept dry.
To aave the trouble of donble tran.sfer a mirror at an angle of forty-five ilegrees
was used. Several ezpoeure meters vetv handed round, enabling people to see
how the ezpoanre was detenuined upon. Demonstration was then given
showing the action, single and double transfer l>eing shown. Various ques-
tions were asked incidentally by Messrs. Avent, Gosling, Barker, Beckett, and
otben, and the lecture was one full of interest. The ease of manipulatiog the
(laper waa snrprising.
Aldanliam Institute Camera Club.- November 22.— Mr. W. Vkke
MixOABD gave A Chat im Lujht. Having shown how diflicnlt it is to properly
define light, the lecturer showed the fallacies of Newton's f emission " theory,
and then briefly pointed out the essentials of Huyghen's " unduUtory " theor)\
He sboweil t^e i' ' ' ty of light travelling in any but straight lines, and
explained the pn ■• " pinhole " camera. Having made it plain that
light is a tent'i! ^ itsilf invisible. Mr. Mignanl ilealt with the
subject of refmcti.ju, alter» ir.!- riil.ining it with dispersion. Newton's
famous prism ex|>eriment witii !''.>- nsullant spectrum was described, and
the'"' ' ■•'■•■•■■ '■ •!. Null! rally special interest was evinced in the
ultri I explanation of the theory of colour, andacom-
|«ri~ ' pitch in sound, brought the demonstration to a
concl'j-iiii..
Haxlesden and Wlllesden Fbotographlc Society.- This Society held its
first lantern evening at the Court House, Uarleaden, on Tneeday last. A large
nnmber of alidea were shown, being records of members' excursions, snap-shots,
Ac. A public lantern and musical entertainment was decided upon, the
arrangements being left in the hands of the Council.
Pntnsy Ftaotograpblc Society.— November 21, Dr. W. J. Sheppard in the
chair. — Mr. Kiuu, of Measia. Morgan k Kidd, ^ve a demonstration on Bromide
SnlargemenU. He said that bromide printing possessed advantages which
practieally made it indispensable to amateurs, especially during the winter,
when every one engaged unring tbe day must bars found the extreme diOicnlty
of obtaining printa by any proceaa requiring our often-absent friend, the sun.
Here, then, was an easy way out of the trouble, for bromides could bo worked
comfortably at onr own firesides at night, with light and exposure entirely
under controL Aa regards resnlts, he paused round some prints which certainly
would ha faflud their own with the best of any other process. Proceeding
with tha •■hieot ef tbe evening, he stated that the moat suitable negative from
which (o enlarge waa one that was soft and full of detail, but that he had
pnrpoaely brought one which waa a trifle hard, so that members might see how
best to get over that difficulty. Having thrown from a three-and-a-quarter-
inch portrait negative a 23 x 17 enlargement on the screen, he explained the
best method of obtaining a good vignette. In this case he made a pear-shapeil
hole — about 2 x 1} inches — m the centre of a piece of thin cardboard, remarking
that the mistake waa often made of using a vignetting aperture far too large.
Moving this backwarda and forwards net ween the lens and the easel, he
obtained a remarkably even and delicate vignette. When pinning up the
paper, the great advantage of using a yellow glass cap for the iens was clearly
shown, as the image was plainly visible, and the operator could therefore see
at the Very last moment that it was properly thrown on to the paper. He
780
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[December 2, 1899
strongly recommended the ferrous-oxalate developer, the stock solntioss for
which were made up in accordance with the foUowiug formula : — 1. Oxalate
Solution : Potash, neutral oxalate, 16 ounces ; acid, citric, 1 drachm ; hot
water, 50 ounces. 2. Irun Solutitm : Iron sulphate (pure), 15 ounces ; acid,
citric, 1 drachm ; hot water, 30 ounces. 3. Jlromide SvliUiun : Bromide of
potassium, 1 ounce ; water, 20 ounces. For use take 6 ounces of No. 1 and
1 ounce of No. 2 ami a few drops of No. 3 ; mix in the onler given imme-
diately before development. In his opinion this ileveloper gave the purest
blacks and whites, and consequently brilliant results. Only such a quantity
of bromide of potassium should be used as might be absolutely necessary to
bring the develojicr under control, as an excess would tend to produce greeni.sh
tones. The solutions must not be alkaline, and when mixing it is necessary
to add the iron to the potash, otherwise a deposit will form and make the
developer muddy. With an oxyhydrogen light lie gave an exposure of four
seconds, ami having prepared a develojier of one part of iron to six of potash,
he proceeded to develop, having first soaked the paper in clean water, and
taken care that no air hubbies were on it. A glass bottomed dish was used,
as density can better be judged by transmitte<l than by reHected light. Tlie
result was a print that was slightly chalky, and, in order to show how this could
be improved, he exposed the same negative for eight seconds, and made up a
developer of one part of iron to twelve of oxalate, with bromide as before.
The development was now, of course, slower, but the print was decidedly
superior to the first, being more harmonious and pleasing. The prints, without
being washed, were transferred from the developer direct into a dilute acid
bath, made up of one ounce of acetic acid to six pints of water, where they
were allowed to remain a few minutes, and being then thoroughly washed in
clean water, were placed in a ten per cent, hypo fixing bath for at least fifteen
minutes. To obtain the best results, .all operations should be carried through
as expeditiously as possible, with clean hands and in dishes which should be
specially reserved for this process, development being completed before the
hypo bath is even mixed. To get rid of the hypo, Mr. Kidil recommended
that the print should be taken out from the washing bath and occasionally
squeegeed on the back. If this is done, two hours' immersion in running, and
about five hours in several changes of still, water will be sufficient. Mr. Kidd
now proceeded to make an enlargement of a landscape, witli a view to showing
how to print in clouds. Throwing the image on the paper, he screened the
sky during exposure, taking care to avoid a hard line by moving the shade gently
up and down. After soaking, the paper was developed to about two- thirds of the
desired density ; he then waslied the developer well out in clean water, replaced
the print on the easel, and printed in tlie sky from a second negative, now
screening the parVially developed landscape. Tlie paper being wet, it was less
sensitive, and the exposure was therefore proportionately lengthened. The
development was then proceeded with until full density was obtained, local
treatment being resorted to whei'e necessary. The usual acid bath, wasliing,
and fixing of course followed. Mr. Kidd advised using the lens with as large
a stop as was consistent with the covering power, as small stops tend to ])ro-
duce flatness. If properly exposed, the image should be seen in about thirty
seconds. The development should be proceeded with until the required density
is nearly reached, when the developer should be poured off. It wUl be found
that the print can then be better seen, and development stopped immediately
by pouring on the acid solution. After making a few contact prints from
negatives brought by members, Mr. Kidd exhibited some fine examples of
collotype jirinting, showing results obtained by his firm's improved collotype
method of producing machine-printed ink photographs. He gave an outline
of the process, and explained its suitability for producing large numbers of
photographic prints at a small cost for all kinds of artistic and commercial
purposes. He stated that his firm had one of tlie largest and be.st equipjied
works in this country for carrying on this interesting process. A cordial vote
of thanks was given to Mr. Kidd for his lucid and interesting lecture and
demonstration.
Rldunond Camera Club. — November 21, Mr. F. P. Cembrano, jun., in the
chair. — Mr. Andrew Pkingle delivered his address on Different Lantern-slide
Processes. He said he would neither particularise nor demonstrate any of the
known processes, but he would simply discuss the theory and the salient points
of each one. At the outset he protested against the idea held in certain circles
that no artistic result could be obt.ained in a lantern slide. We all know that
some people — princip.ally the followers, not disciples, of a defunct worker —
despised and condemned this mode of pictorial representation. He maintained
that a slide, projierly maile and properly shown, was capable of as much
artistic feeling as any print. We should not lose sight of the different condi-
tions under which each is seen. One is viewed directly in our hand by reHected ,
light ; the other is indirectly transmitted to the eyes by the light of the lantern
on the screen. The gradation must be the same in one case as in the other; in
other words, it must be equally long in the prints as in the slide as seen on the
screen. This meant that the scale must actually be higher in the slide itself,
because it was viewed by transmitted light, and because tlie image was en-
larged very considerably when projected on the screen. The loss of light being
extremely great, the scale of tones must therefore be considerably higlier.
Judging from his own experience, lie had no doubt that most photographers
had missed the principal point in this branch of photography. They were
under the wrong impression that absolutely clear high lights were an importjint
factor, but such was not the case. The highest lights on the slide should be
absolutely clear glass, but they wouW not show as absolutely white on the screen.
The very highest lights, such as re])resented in the slide by clear glass, should
be very sparingly used. It was the enormous expanses of clear skies and
superabundance of high lights that had brouglit discredit on lantern slides.
Next in importance were what he would call secondary lights, which are the
highest, though not the very highest lights in a slide ; for instance, a white-
washed building, which should not be represented by bare glass, but should
show detail. The half-tones were extremely essential in all pictures, whether
slides or prints ; the detail should be plentiful, and the light moderate, neither
too high nor too low. If there was too much light, the tout-ensemble would be
hard, while, if the half-tones were two low, the picture would be flat. Special
attention shoidd be paid to the shadows, as they formed a most important part
of the slide. They should be so transparent that all the detail in them should
be visible on the screen to 8 very considerable extent If an absolutely clear
light on the screen was dangerous, great opacity in the shaclows was much
more so. It was a fact that not sufficient attention was generally given to the
general tone of a lantern slide. For his own part, he believed that warm tones
were the most desirable ; in fact, a jierfect slide sho\dd, besides the ix)ints above
referred to, be of a warm, a decidedly warm colour. The tone obtained on a
wet-collodion slide toned with platinum was pleasing, but it became wearisome.
Cold tones, such iis those produced by the ferrous-oxalate developer, were goo(i
for siieutiftc subjects, but for artistic work they were very undesirable. He
really believed that a large number of cold-toned slides in a lecture produced a
cold and fatigued effect on the spectators. Barring toning processes, there was
a great danger of over-exposure and fog when attempting to obtain warm tones
by development, and increase<l exposure. This was esiiecially the case with
gelatine. Mr. Pringle said that there were two kin<ls of slides which he
would qualify as intolerable ; one of them was of the black-and-white sort, such
as a snow scene in midsummer, a variety often met with ; and the other, which
was quite as painful to see, was the result of over-exposure. The lecturer then
mentioned the leading characteristics of the various proces.ses most in vogue
for lantern-slide work. Beginning with the wet-collodion jirocess, he said that
the high lights and the half-tones were very good, and the shadows fairly
transparent, though liable to too much opacity. If developed rajiidly and
thin, the results could be modified to a great extent by subsec|uent intensifica-
tion. It also possessed the advantage of toning. Some Scotch ])hotographers
toned their wet-colloiUon slides with gold, and, though it was said that slides
so toned woidd not be iiermanent, he knew that jiernuiiiency was quite jiossible
if the toning was properly carried out. With regard to the dry collodion or
mllodio-bromide process, he was of opinion that it would almost equal wet
collodion in the matter of producing transparent shadows and clear high lights.
Warm tones could be produced with great ease, and, the exposure being a
short one for contact work, and not too long for reiluction, he considered this
the second best process. "The very finest results were obtained by the alliumen
process, but, being exceedingly .slow, it was only suitable for contact work.
He thought a brief outline might ]irove interesting to the members. The glass
plate was cleaned thoroughly well, and carefully coated witli iodised collodion.
It was then coated with albumen. The albumen should not be whipjjed up,
and it miist be iodised. When in a limpid condition, its hoidd be poured over
the collodion film for about a minute or so. It was then allowed to dry, and
here was one of the difficulties of the process, for it was absolutely essential to
avoid dust while the plates were drying. The plate is then sensitised in a
strongly acid silver bath. The average exposure would be, by contact, about
thirty seconds to diffused daylight. The acid jiyro developer was the best,
and it was preferable to use and to keep it hot during development. The jdate
was toned and fixed simultaneously in the sel d'or bath. 'Toning was a great
advantage, as any desired tone could be obtained. The gelatino-cUoride pro-
cess, although it had produced some remarkably fine slides in the hands of
Mr. Cowan, he believed was not the best process for lantern slides. He re-
feiTed principally to rapid chloride emulsions, in which his own experience was
tliat there was a danger of introducing serious defects in the results. For all-
round work, and provided the projier brand of plate was chosen, the fjelatino-
bi-umide process was the best of all processes. 'The results were almost, if not
quite, equal to those obtained by the other processes, warm tones could be
easily got without necessity of fogging, and there was no difficulty in getting
good half-tones. He recommended a slow emulsion, and he deprecated one
containing a mixture of bromide and chloride or an organic salt of silver.
Workers of gelatine plates seldom used a clearing bath, but the lecturer con-
sidered that this was a great mistake ; in fact, he strongly advocated its use,
not only on account of the jilate itself, but also on account of the water used
in develojunent, which generally left a deposit on the plate. A saturated
solution of alum acidified with hydrochloric acid was the bath he would re-
commend. Although varnishing the slide was not an absolute necessity, still
he thought it was an advantage not to be overlooked ; the shadows were ren-
dered more transparent, as by altering the molecul.ar surface of the gelatine
the varnish allowed the light to go through better. The more nearly the image
approaches the apjieariince of a stain, the nearer will the slide be getting to per-
fection. Mr. Henderson's argentic stain — which was an emulsion containing
an organic salt of silver — had this quality. It printed right out, and could be
toned to any desired colour, but sometimes it was difficult to obtain density by
this process. As to light for contact work, Mr. Pringle said that magnesium was
better than daylight, especially for cliloride plates. Tlie lecturer then handed
round some specimen slides on albumen and collodion showing some of the
points he had alluded to. A member asked the formula for the acid clearing
b,ath. Mr. Pringle replied that he used the following one : Saturated solution
of alum, 20 ounces ; hydrochloric acid, 2 drachms. The Chairman said that
Mr. Pringle had so thoroughly discussed the matter that he had left him little
to say. He agreed with all of Mr. Pringle's remarks, but he thought that, to
an experienced eye, a collodio-bromide possessed a quality and a sparkle th.at
were seldom met with in a gelatine plate. Taking it all round, he inclined to
think that collodio-bromide was the easiest and the best proce-ss for Lantern work.
Gelatine plates had the great drawback that the colour of the slide very often
changed on drying, and he htid even noticed a change take place some months
after the slide had been made. With regard to the clearing bath, be warned
the members that, though very useful, it was liable to spoil a good slide if it
was not U3ed with great care. An acid bath containing iron was very gootl
for some slides, as it not only cleared the plate, but would improve the colour
of the image. If the plate were left in it for too long, the image would be too
much reduced, and the tone too cold. A very hearty vote of thanks to Mr,
Pringle terminated the proceedings.
West Kent Amateur Photographic Society.— November '>(>, Mr. A. R.
I)resser in the chair. — It was proposed and carried that the fortnightly
meetings be held on Thursday instead of Friday. Mr. C. H. Hastings
placed a silver and bronze medal at the disposal of the Judges for competition
at the annual Exhibition, January 12, 1892. Mr. Gkkoor Grant read a paper
on Multiple Coated Plates : their History, Use, and Tieatvicnt, in which he
followed the various experiments which led up to the invention of the Saudoll
plate, and those which have been maile to test it, showing specimens of the
December 3, ISOsi
THJi BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
781
malta of Twious czposnna and the action of the double film in remlering
liMTT eoBtnats of ligBt anal thade and preventing halation ; also some showing
the plate'aneat cmpeeity for (tanding abnomal o*er-«xpo«n>e. Mr. Unint held
that, thDOKli for ordinary work, ahae tka eorraet expoeore i<i known, and in
rial I ef enat coatnat aiid for interior work, where halation is to be feared,
the Saalcll plate cairieB ont all that ii daimad for it by makers, viz.,
abolitioo of halation, capability of rendering great contrasts, and capacity for
standing an almost indefinite expoxnn. Mr. Grant concluded his paper by
toaeUag on a modiBcatian of tke Sandell plate for spectnim photography.
i aad Oonivan Oament ObaSt. — November 2S, thr Presidint (Colonel
I Baker) in the chair.— The Indian and Colonial svt of UnUrn Klides,
I nnder the P}Jo;l^.•rat'hic Society of Great Britains niKliation sclieme,
wa* exhibited. In a'' ';o above set, several mejiibers exhibited, and
some very gooil woi ii on the umul At the next meeting the
safejeet will be Itetnupimj ami Devdtftn, and (lemonstrations are being
arrufid to exhibit the piopetties of yftt, kydroqninone, rilconogen, nxlinal,
and aaidol. It is also nopad that the seme of Kliilex entitlul. Placet to be
ruiltd tf tht Pktlmn^Aic dmtmliom ^1888" will then be ready, and be
cihiMlaa piior to bung aent on its traveli apiflM thr •o'-ieties. As is probably
van known, Plyawotb has been selected aa tM locality fur next year's Con-
vctttiaB, and the Devoi and Oorswall Camera Club, as the i*»uera of the in-
vitatiOB, hope to aao«n the co.aperatioD of the townspeople, and of all the
eluba in the locality, to the extant at least of a large accession of members to
the Convention.
UfMOal Amaimr nuymttnUu >M»tllt1w — Kovemher 24, the Pre-
sideat (Mr. W. Tpinkinaao) in the ^air.— He lefenvl in faeling terms to the
loaa the 8»cicty hail aiiAtainr<I in the death of Mr. J. Xoekn, one of the well-
known worker- .ul a xbort [lapercon-
tribaled by M ' ITrinients with com-
ptnaaed flaaea for untt-m ]n:rj>n.'-.i. i lu' ]«jier LTjuuiii...i most uMsful iufonua-
tioa, wU^ was highly appreciate<l by those pnaent Mr. J. StRBTT Bbow>-
tben gave a lectne, eootlal A Olimjm of Home in 1802, illustrated by
apwBids of ISO alidea made ftnn nagativw takan by him in the spring of thu
year.
Oaagow High School Phetocnvlde ledatr.— November 28, Mr. .MnCall
(Ptwidcnt) in tlw otiair.— The ni^iaet of the aeening wa» a lantern exhibition
by Mr. W. Woir, .Secretary. He shoved • i«ies of »li<le*, all taken by Sbew.s'
hand camara. They embncad Clyde staamsa, sascapea, animals, Ac.
■It fnitnto) ffculun^Me. M«m, and Art AHoeUttm.— The
i4fta aertiluc of thia Aaaodatiaa look place at the Mnaanm on October
r. tUmmrtUWXUl delivered • leetue ou the Old CoIUhHoh Itayt of
Pkalo/riflkf. ne laotanr gave nnetienl iaaatratioos in working the "wet-
plate ttoeaw," aad exhibited all the afTMtWMcrasary for pndnciag pictures
rrv
be eoiUd
aad exhibited all tto appHatWMccasary for ^ndu
3Mm Qjmi ■*■ Of ei s el am no AmM^J tt^jtir ut*iaA lkl*4-W «i
fccU^glj
the'old way. Mr. Bearr's experioMe dated tack some thirty yean, ao that
anak very fccUngly of the ofai
In pictnrv^making by photngtrapbr in those early days of th
owoe entirsiy by ihe leetnrer
glr~ of the ofastactrx which were constantly
g by photngtraphv in those early days of the art
AiiiOMi Ike apnintiw axUhtted, a eamen owoe entirsiy by ike Metnrer was a
I nilw pleeeefvwtk, ead a hwlllkDy iwitmlul ehaagiag box, fomerly the
plaee er ««k. and a hw^tUUlT eowtraetod ehaagiag box,
^afBUkopWbea, Imed aa Mem fer ooosideraUe eoaimi
O^a Town Pbotorravkle CUk— Annaal Meeting. —The re|>ort was as
foOowa -.—The nani^a-r of manbera at the eoouiiencemrnt "f the present year
win M. Tkc awaber of new aenb** a4lmMld during - ' 20, leaving
a jirwiBt total aMaibatahip of 64. The eMb-bra>k • - showa aa
fodoaa -.— Klaaee bnoght brwaid tnmt hat year, 3L K eeipl* for
the y«ir, m Ss. W. ; total. JtU. Ik. V. |xpen.litttn. JU. Is. U., fearing
caak te huki, 18s. M. ne uoatbly maeHage have been of a most enjoyable
and hav» been wall atlellaj, Tbe number of the nemhan and
■ to sot, giviug an aveng* atteadenre
Captaia Hayca gare aa axhiUtion of
eting Mrv Hayeii wn elected the
■2i lent Dr. Ulix, the President,
our accnuui of noent advances in stellar photo-
vidton jnaeat at tboea waatlage
of 17 paeons. On December l5.
lantern Kllden
Snt koooi
1801.
gave a
■tmciivr anil
nrr l .
■tlaati ^ ^
giaMUaaacavfaaHa wna naM^
cliftwYlaB— Oaiiagtlwjaat
the Clab :— SiaMe'a Town, natt'
I popaiar accnuui of noent advances In stellar pooio-
ttailiM Ttowa at Ike Tonag Men-e OhrieUaa Aaao-
" rear the IblLiwtng plates hate beenvisitetl l^
.: . . -A . ■ . CMC
of Table Mooatain. M ilitary Roe i • ng
•^ecta have been introdnceil aixl .i«.iu-«.T.i ». m. ..■iiii».j ■i,.c.i.,k. .— .~i<r»-
iftois, intrndnc.! by Mr. Wright : Xigatim Ay Diftmt Dtvtlofi»g
'•<a,byMi. Martfai: ireiM«iiv<^i4aiaMiieN// Bnmidt Primit. by Mr.
<naO ; Stditetiom, tar Mr. C. Bay Woods : K»lari<mi on BromuU Paper,
Mr. K, Steer: ImAnmatie Platm, by Mr.
fJtg, bjr Mr. Wi^aa At aearl
lea of viewB takca tar the mem
R. IVlt ; FltuhligKt Photo-
T of ■
wing great mait The following wen decteii as offlcert for the cnxiing
riv cvary aaatiag a laige number of lantern
noai hiave been exhibited, many of thciu
(Cape). —CimmMet :
ay Wooda, O. van Hon" " "
W. CUraoDaa, D.' C Aadnir, and Y. Ayrek— tfoa. Sfrnbny
ir :— /Vesirfeaf
IL J.
Dr. David Oill, Aetmnoaar Royal
J. B. Vngaall, C. Ray Wooda, O. van 1
[i^otle,
K. T. Pett,
Mr. A. J.
PoOar. A role olthanka was paaaol to the latiiing Secretary, Mr. O. C. van
B(«4i, fcr kia aaretaaa dntav the i«st year.
RECENT PATENTS.
APPLICATIOHS rOR PATBim.
KoL 21,1S7.— " An Improved Mount for Pbotognpha, Pictures, and the likft"
fi. C. J. Jbltu.- Oatef Stmrntrr Zl, ISM,
No. 3I,18X— " A New Perm of Photognphic Camera." A. R. Wobmald.
/<oftJ Jf«ivei*srB.l«W.
N<x tl.24SL— " ImarovnowaU ia Pictare and Pkotognnih Honnta."
imam, jmrn—XkUtd .Vmmtir a, im.
No. 21,442. — " Improvements in Toning Photographic Prints and Negatives
F. iLES."— Dated Novemher 24, 1892.
No. 21,446. — " Improvements in Sliding Carriers for Magic Lanterns or the
like." F. L. Perken, E. T. Pebkex, and A. Rayment. —Z>a<erf Nmeiriber
24,1892-
No. 21,481. — "Improvements in Binders or in Combined Binders and
Ma-sks for Lantern Slides." G. J. Sershall.— flawed Xavemher 25, 1892.
No. 21,571. — "Improvements in Photographic Cameras and Stands.'
H. Van Dek Wkyde.— />«<e<i Xovenxher 25, 1892.
No. 21,622. — " A New or Improved Paste for the Prevention of Disoolonni-
tion of Photographs Mounted upon Bristol-board." H. W. VouEL and
J. Wkisbbrg.— flafed yoreniber 26, 1892.
PATENTS COMPLETED.
Improvements is Photographic Cameras.
Na 716. John Tainton Pride, 179, Markhouse-villas, Markhouse-road,
Walthamstow, Essex.— Octoier 15, 1892.
Mr invention relates mainly to photographic hand cameras, and has for its
object, first, to provide a bellows body which is capable of being readily
extended or collapsed, and which is entirely self-supporting when in the
extended position. To this end the invention consists in making the body to
fold but nnce in its k'n>^)i, and so arranging the lines upon which it is folded
that the four sides fold inwards towards the centre and meet, or nearly so,
when in the folded position. For this purpose two opposite sides (say the top
and bottom) fold inwardly upon a transverse crease at the middle of their
length, whilst the other two sides fold inwardly along diagonal creases
extending from each corner to, or nearly to, a common centre. These sidex
also have transverse creases corresponding to, ami folding with, those of the
first-mentioned sides. Instead, however, of all these creases converging to a
common centre, it is prefenwl, to avoid fatigue of the material at this point,
that they should connect with a crease surrounding a central uncieased portion
of <u|aai« or other form.
When the liellows iKxly is extcndcil, its fo<ir sides are flat and sufficiently-
rigid to maintain the boily in its eitendeil position. In order to collapse it,
it is only necessary to slightly press inwards at the folds the transversely folded
siiles, wbereu|»n the itiagonally folded sidu.s coiiiinence to assume a concave
pyramidal fonu at same time that by the continued folding of the other two
kiilea tlie whole body is collapsed and folded upon itself. To permit of this
being reaiiily done, tlii- leather body is stiffened with paper or other material
in the usual way with lines of weakness where the creases arc to come, and a
small light-tight air valve or door ia provided in the camera front to permit the
ready ingress or esoepe of tlie air.
The invention relates secondly to the means whereby anumberof plates brought
in saccesaion to focal poaition for exposure may lie removed therefrom after
expoanie, and it oonaists in tlie combination with two lioxes or comiiaiiiiants
placed side by side, and ile8tine<l to contain the plates respectively before and
after exposure, of means whereby the plate which has been exposed may be
sliil through an aperture connecting the two boxes into the other box, thus
making way for the next succeeding plate to \k brought forward to focal
poaition by a spring behiwi, whilst the jjlatv so transferred is, by a combination
of springs in the secoml box, cauiwl to assume such a pasitiou as to ailmit of
the next plate to be traiisferrol coming in front of it. .'
The plates are encaseil in metal sheaths, so that their sensitised surfaces are
protected, and the means by which the ]iUtes are trauferred from one box to
anothar ooasiat of a bar fitted to slide across the exposure aperture and to bear
agaiaat the edge of the plate to be transferred, said bar being attached to a
longitudinally sliding bar working light-tight in a slot in the frame and pro-
vided with an eternal fiuger-piece for working it by.
The proviiiion whereby the plates are permitted to come in front of one
another in the second or receiving box consists of convexly bowed springs,
against which the rime of the sheath bear, and by which the plate is forced
backWBida in the box at same time that it ' ipon the bowed surface of
the springs by the unlutlauoed pressure ii ling at the back of the
plate, so as to reailily give admission to 1 1 t.- to be transfcrrcil.
A sliding shatter is provided at front, ami the back of the double box is
eloaed by a rebated Ud locked by suitable clamps to give access to the
chamber* for inaerting and nmoving the plates.
lHPBo\-aKa>TS IK AMD RiLATixo Tn CBAXonta Boxsa von PhotiigbaphiO
Cameras.
No. 15,447. AnoPHT SrionuNS, 151 Oranienitraase, Berlin, S., Germany.—
October 15, 1892.
niatea to a changing box for photographic cameras, which is
in xi^hination with a case designed for depositing the exposed
tery photographic expoenre, this depositing case is fixed to one
jging box. In the atyolning walls are two slots ordinarily
close<1 by slides, so thst the exposed pUte, when the two slides are in the
proper position, can slide from the changins box to the depositing case. The
alide may be actuate<l either by hand through the medium of a special
mechanism or automatically. In order that the sliding of the plate may take
place after uncovering the slots, the mechanisms provided on the two recep-
tacles, when the latter are put together, set free the foremost exposed plate and
separate it ttam the others, so that it can drop into the depositing cose. The
two receptacles are in this instance so close together that, during the sliding
movement, no rays of light can fall upon the plates. If, then, the depositing
cjise is removed from the box, alter the sloU have been closed again by the
slides, the next plate is automatically put in the proper position in the box for
the freah expoaure.
783
THE BRITISH JODKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH y.
[December 2, 1892
CiitrejS)ionirencf«
Oorrwptmdtntt BhtnUd nsvtr wrifi on both siden of Ch« pofw.
THE SENSITIVENESS OF PLATES.
To the Editok.
Sib, — May we ask you to be good enough to insert in your next issue
tlio cnolosed correspondence regarding an advertisement which has
appeared in your JouRNAii ? The correspondence speaks for itself. — We
are, yours, <feo., F. Hurteb & V. C. Dbiffield.
Appkton, IVidnet, November 26,'.1892.
[Copy.]
Appleton, Widnes, Nov. 15, 1892.
Dear Sirs, — Our attention has been called to your advertisement in last
week's photographic journals, in which you state that your plates have a speed
of 100 upon our scale.
We must a.sk you to kindly inform us upon what ground this statement is
based. Yours truly,
(Signed) F. Hurter & V. C. Driffield.
To Messrs. The Imperial Dry Plate Company, Limited.
Cricklewood, London, A". W., Nov. 17, 1892.
Dear Sirs, — Referring to your letter of the 15th inst., we shall esteem it a
favour if you will kindly let us know if we are wrong in estimating the ratio
between the " Watkius " scale and yours as •? is to 2, a ratio we believe to be
generally accepted as correct.
We are, Dear Sirs,
Yours faithfully,
The Imperial Dry Plate Company, Limited,
(Signed) T. E. H. B^jujiTS,' Secretary.
To Messrs. Hurler <t Driffield.
AppUton, Widnes, Nov. 18, 1892.
Dear Sirs, — We are obliged for yours of the 17th inst., which confirms the
conclusion to which we had arrived, that the speed 100 yon quoted as the
speed of your plates upon our scale was a pure inference based upon Mr.
Watkins' estimation.
Whatever connexion Mr. Watkins may have stated to exist between his
speed and our own has never in any way been acknowledged by us, nor have
we ever given a thought to the subject, for tlie simple reason that Mr. Watkins
has no system of speed determination beyond that open to every photographer,
namely, camera test. We cannot, therefore, for one moment admit his speed as
a basis upon which to estimate ours. Our own method of speed determination
is the outcome of years of laborious investigation, especially undertaken with a
view of superseding camera tests. It is based upon actual measurements of
the work done by the light, and is provided with a scientific nomenclature
and system of units.
From what we have said, we think you will allojv that we are justified in
objecting to plate-makers using our names at all, unless they actually adopt
our system. Such a course is clearly calculated to mislead the public, who
naturally infer, when the speed quoted is associated with our names, that it
has been ascertained by our methods. ^
Should you at any time care to adopt our method yourselves, you may count
upon our cordial assistance, and we trust you will regard what we have said
in the friendly spirit in whicli it is offered. We do not for a moment imjily
that your plates may not reach a speed of 100 upon our scale, but it is in the
highest degree improbable that this figure accurately represents their speed.
We shoulil like, with your permission, to publisli this corresiiondence,
including any reply to tliis letter you may care to favour us witli, as we think
it may prevent misunderstanding in the future, and that it is only fair to those
makers wlio have adopted our system to take tliis course.
Yours truly,
(Signed) F. Hurter & V. C. Driffield.
To Messrs. The Imperial Dry Plate Company, Limited.
Cricklewood, London, N. W., Nov. 21, 1892.
Dear Sirs,— In reply to your letter of the 18th inst., we have somewhat
■•anticipated your reply, having withdrawn your names from our advertisements,
it being far from our desire to have a controversy with you or prejudice you in
any way.
You are, however, doubtless aware that plates are now in the market
"branded with a certain number on your scale, and "equal to on
Watkins"." Statements to the same effect can be found in photographic
literature every week, counmrisons being made, as one would between
Fahrenheit and Reaumur or Celsius.
We cannot, therefore, see that the publication of the correspondence that
has passed between us would help to solve the question whether 150 Watkins
is equal to 100 Hurter & Driffield.
Should you decide to publish our letters, we should probably let the manu-
(facturers, who are pledged to one or both systems, discuss the matter.
We are, Dear Sirs,
Yours faithfully.
The Imperial Dry Plate Company, Limited,
(Signed) T. K H. Bullen, Secretary.
To Messrs. Hurler <t Driffield.
Appleton, Widnes, Nov. 24, 1892.
Dkab Sirs,— From your letter of the 21st inst., we gather that you have
failed to understand the position we have taken up.
We have no objection whatever to plate-makers who have adopted our
system deducing the Watkins' speed from ours, but we |do object to our
speed being inferred from Mr. Watkins'.
Our object in publishing this correspondence has nothing whatever to do
with deciding what relationship exists between Mr. Watkins' plate numljerand
our speed, but simply arises from a desire to do justice to those plate-makers
wlio have taken up our method, and wlio are earnestly striving to carry it out
impartially and thoroughly.
Furthermore, in the interests of the photographic public, we consider that
any quotation of our speed .should be based ujion an actual determiuation,
and not upon an inference.
In conclusion, we again ask you to accept the assurance of our goodwill, and
we remain. Yours truly,
(Signed) F. Hurter & V. C. Driffield.
To Messrs. The Imperial Dz-y Plate Company, Limited.
MESSRS. HURTER cS: DRIFFIELD'S PAMPHLET.
To the Editor.
Sir, — In cousequenoe of an alleged paragraph in your Journal stating
that this Society supplies copies of Messrs. Hurter & Driffield's pamphlet
on the testing of the sensitiveness of dry plates, I am receiving applica-
tions for the pamphlet from several quarters.
It will save disappointment if you will inform your readers that the
above statement was made under a misapprehension, and that the
Society of Chemical Industry possesses no copies whatever of Messrs.
Hurter A Driffield's papers save those inserted in its own journal, which
is not on sale to the public, but is reserved for its own members and
yearly subscribers. — I am, yours, Ac, Charles G. Chesswell.
Society of Chemical Industry, Palace Chambers, 9. Bridue-street,
\^ Westminster, S.W., London, November 26, 1892.
RE MOUNTING AND BURNISHING GELATINO-CHLORIDE
PRINTS.
To the Editor.
Sir, — As your correspondent pointed out a fortnight ago, little or nothing
has been said about the means to be adopted for pressing wet gelatino-
chloride prints into contact with the mounts. Ordinary blotting-paper is
unsuitable as it leaves the fluff behind, hut there is a blotting-paper,
manufactured, I believe, in Manchester, that is "just the thing;" as you
will see from the piece enclosed, it is a hard, close-grained paper, without
fluff, and quite smooth on one side.
For professional use, gelatino-chloride paper should be treated in pre-
cisely the same way as albumenised paper. The separate toning and
fixing baths should be used, no matter what the brand of paper, and an
alum bath should be used after toning and before fixing, the prints, of
course, getting a short washing between the different baths ; final washing
should be confined to two hours.
Prints on this paper burnish far better than albumenised ; they take a
beautiful gloss, but, instructions to the contrary notwithstanding, they
should be lubricated by rubbing them with a little Castile soap dissolved in
methylated spirit, especially ich^n using a bar burnisher. If enamelled
prints are required do not squeegee them on to bare glass, except you
want to become prematurely grey ; if the plates are coUodionised, every-
thing goes on castors, and the prints are protected from damp or dirty
fingers, &c. — I am, yours, &c., T. Fitzqibbon Fobdb.
Fallowjield, Manchester, November 18, 1892.
P.S. — When mounting have a piece of damp sponge at hand to remove
dust, starch, &c. Tongues oil, please.
DENSITY IN COLLODION EMULSION PLATES.
To the Editor.
Sib, — Allow me to thank Mr. W. B. Bolton for his kind and ex-
haustive reply to my queries respecting the above ; it is most interesting,
and I am sure will be appreciated by many other readers of your in-
valuable Journal besides myself.
The point certainly opens up, to me, a new light on collodio-bromide
emulsion making, that referring to withholding part of the bromised
collodion, and sensitising the remainder with the full quantity of silver.
There are one or two other remarks in Mr. Bolton's reply I should like to
refer to with your kind permission. First, with regard to bromising, I
may say that I have kept the bromised collodion three weeks before
sensitising, but I have always maintained an excess of bromide up to the
period of washing, allowing sometimes two or three weeks to ripen before
washing ; in all cases I have dried the pellicle bone dry, on account of
the danger Mr. Bolton refers to. With regard to the bromide, I usually
add the dry double salt to the collodion, but do not get all to dissolve ;
this is caused, I believe, by crystals of the salts becoming encased, as it
were, in a skin of collodion, but I find, as Mr. Bolton says, it is easily
dissolved in alcohol alone. And this plan I shall adopt in future, to-
gether with the hint to sensitise half of the bromised collodion first, and
then to add the remainder. I have not hitherto adopted this plan, as I
was always under the impression that, for emulsion of the highest
PMvmber 3, 1893]
THE BRrnSH .TDURNAI^ OF PHOTOGRAPHy.
783
qoality for transparencies, the silver shoold never, at any time, he the
alii^htcat in ezseas. — I am, your*, <tc., J. R. G.
.UyUon HaU, Skrembury.
THE PHOTOGBAPHEBS' BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION.
To the EorroB.
Sn, — At th« preaent time we have on the books of the Employment
Bniaaa eonneetad with the Benevolent, the names of many assistants for
whom we see little probability of finding; work this winter. We have one
or two wet-plate men who do well in the summer time, who are bard
working and economical, bat who cannot tide over the whole of the
winter. These, and some other men who are priuters, would be glad to
oeeefit almost any situation in which they eonid earn a living. Some of
them WDold take places as packers, light porters, &c. At present there
MMiia to be Tery few vacaneiae for assistants, though we could find a
flnt nlain poeitioii ior a tbonMwhly good wet-plate lantern slide maker.
On the books we have a eooaiderable variety of almost all classes of
general aadatanta. In one or two eaaes of men for whom we have found
ootdoor employment, where we coold not obtain them indoor work at
their proper branche*, the poor fellows arc in need of good boots and
weaiber-proof overcoats, which their reduced circumstances and small
salaries in their temporary positions hardly enable them to purchase.
U any of your readers have " cast ofFs " in these two lines I should be
ffi»A to have a post-card oflsring them. I wonld rather not have the
tluagB sent oo at once, beeaase, in some soch cases, the contributions come
to hand in greater quantities than the need requires, and it would be a pity
far OS to accnmnlatw clothing which is needed for other charities.— I am,
vooTS. Ac., H. SnmDKS Wabd, i/oa. Secretary.
JItmonal HaU, E.C.
i3icl)iingc (Column.
,* So charge u wuide far intertimg Sxthmmfm of ApparatuM in thii column ;
htU moHt mli U iuttrUd unlet* the artieU wanted it deAnUel^ ttaied. Thote
tektfte^fji their rmimntmnit at "angtUng tuejul' teili ther^ore mdereland
0«afs
VTi
\m
I
RilHac ■
J. D*T.
riar, cost 7L> (or a leas b/ g««d makar.— AiMrcts 107 lAks-road,
, saMast lias ; will SMbaiit* baraisksr, alaa-Iadi roUar.—
9 <(7 ffwt •xtaffisr ^aokyrowai. aa rolUn, for foor-ineh doable coo-
^AiidrM«, O. Mooaa. BaAfMSlsisbTPawB.
wiB sakaaft a lahlast basalshsr, aew, for a slariio rnrtaia or a ntoaohiof desk.—
Mdna, Joa OotaAaa, tktttfnttmr. Hink— ailiritt.
I will aaalisats a lisiJass asaaaery aadM-plata \n<Atr%f Im for latarior or fnda-
rasBi. O. D. Bess. HlMptoo MaUatt.
I wfl
'. I» OMa. tor ■■tiimlaa psass. tsMiwu sad frt— tor saaaielUag.
—AMnm, U B. UmAWt, t, amwUtT-euiit, Okytoo park. Loadoa. X.B.
Lnaboa'a faU-plaSo ud Daraar''
laaa by rood aakar.— Addnaa, X Aarava.
■•alsu Iraaaa, la •sehaof* for cmbiast
m, Dii>l»«traa«, Batlcjr Oarr, Torkahir*.
rasrtal. Boas or Dkllasjar'a 3 a portcait laaa ; «U1 auhaa** iaiai'a taakgnaads
aa4 assaaaailaa to valaa.— Addiaw. Baaaaar Wttara, Oiaa4 Mamo, Seareerooich.
ID -" I tt»»i laaU IMtUiaaar by Saada A Haatar lor UxU widMapl* or
■Id aMh tMfl raeMSsar.-Addf. /. -^ ■ <
TawOrTw.
■ A Haatar lor
. Avaav, ti. Priaea of
WaWroad. KoatUb
Waalad. fni OptlBa* aaijauapa laaa, with Iria dlapbrarm, la axohaar* for 5x4
' k-aetta« portrut loaa by Boaa.— Addraaa. WiixtAsaoa Kaatsr, WbitaUndi,
WtB atakaasa qaarlar.sUta partrtit Uat. with raek aa4 ptaioa, or Orinuton ibattar
Ml ilBa. far roar otBaaaatt'a dark rildaa,whala-plataaiaa. Addraaa. H. jAcxaoa,
ao* UL ia>., far whela-alaM ia«
ioka-s-UB. Wiafciiilk. loadsa. S.W.
■all* mMttr, balla all ovar, ooadlUan aa a«v,
aad (MlL-Addraoa, B. O. Dobbbtt, IM, at.
laay.
kaad aad body ml aad hakoar hi faar piaoes for
dala«M»a aaaiata (PbaOa pialaiiiil). or wbalaphta saaura, Ihraa
dbfaa.— Addraaaw T. B. Auassos, laplaaada Madk)^ BrldUaftoa
h aas^aita far aay ol tbo foOowlat —
,«tUi an doable aUdas, aad a pair o( DaUiaayar lanaaa ; Arebi.
i ar a (orty'tat kydrofaa ayUaaw.— Addi aii, L. Dizoa, Markat-
wiB •schaaea sow UxU Vam'a baraiahar, Boaa'a 10x10 mabogaay eaiaara.
Bartoa'a >y wboal cmrU da »«»<la aoiboaaar.tor poataa-abalr with ■ovahlaAaeka aad
aatvaraal talaaSnda, or towar-ataad.— I ddraai, J. Boarov, Oaatial ttadio,
OaroUao-atnat. OsrdiS.
BebOaa'a Trabla Patant Caawn,axH, thraa doaUs alUaa, tonitabla
phiimia^i appaiaua ap
, <aartsr plili or ^ »»1. rapid laeHHaaar gaarter-plata lana. or
asadaaaar tar aakfsiaa, alaa or tea lankaa dhuaalar i aiahaaga for a qwutsr-pUta
mmtn aad thiaa doaWa baato, tamf hdf-alala wida aarta iisMlliiiai'. Orahbkalf-
|IMs tlss IsM miiM^ t. Maatra, laalkwold, BaML
aasd, aoat MI., for coBplata iliiuaianula oaMt, laif* bamlahar,
to valao, about kM,— Addraaa, J, Picxlu,
Wnrr Lonoa PBotooaannc Sochtt.— Derembtr 9, Technical Social
MaeUif.
Photogkaphic Club. — December 7, Retouching, by Mr. Redmond Barrett.
14, Members' Oiwn NighL
Woolwich Photographic Society (St. John's School, Wellington-street). —
December 8, Printing-out Paper, Mr. J. Howson.
London and Provincial Photographic A.ssociation. — December S,
Members' Open Night. 15, Montlily Lanteni Night.
Putney Photographic Society.— December 5, Mr. A. K. Dre.sser ou Work
with a Uand Camera. Lecture illustrated by lantern slides.
Aldenham Institl'tb Camera CLUa — Tuesday, December 6, continuation
of lecture by Mr. A. Hair, The Human Eye aa a Camera Obscura.
Cbo^'Don Camera Club. — Decembers, The Olyceri'e-oxalate Develnmnient
of PUUinotypes, atid Platiiiotype Printiny by Artificial Light, Mr. W. H.
Smith. 19, Lantern Night (members' slides).
Rack-work Lenses for Hand Ca.meras. — Of course, the application of rack
work to a lens is coeval with lenses themselves ; but Messrs. Taylor, Taylor, &.
Hobson are about to make, il they are not now actually making, a speciality
of such lenses for hand-camera work. These contain in themselves the focussing
gear, the focus.sing scale, and the iris diaphragm. "This will, doubtless, prove
Very convenient in many cases.
On Tliursday evening last, the 24th inst, the workpeople employed at Mr.
Eddison's various branches, viz., I.«e''s, Sheffield, Barnsley, and Castleford,
held their fourth annual dinner and social evening at the Co-operative HaU,
Bomsley. Mr. Eddisou presided, and over fifty of the employis, with several
of their friends, were present. At the close of the dinner the usual toasts weru
proposed to the host and hostess, &c.
The Benevolent. —A meeting of the Committee of the Photographers'
Benevolent Association was held on Novemlier 24, Mr. A. Mackie in the chair.
Four applications for relief were ou the agenda. 'The thanks of the Association
were unanimously acconled to the Photographic Society of Great Britain and
Mr. Frederick Hollyer for their generous contributions to the funds. The
Secretarj- rei»rt«l that an application for advice and legal assistance had been
received in a case of alleged illegal discharge. He had put the matter in the
hands of Mr. Tabntm, who had promised to advise and to take such other
steps as sbouM seem neces.sary. Dr. Lindsay Johnson and Mr. Frederick
Hollyer were elacted Life Governors of the Association, as some snuiU acknow-
ledgment of the as&istance they bad recently rendered to it.
Photooiuphy in Australia. — A correspondent writes: "I had hoped to
have been able to give a good account of the progress photography had made
since I left the colony some six years ago. Unfortunately, however, a most re-
markable depre«-sion has fallen ou the entire .Australasian group, brought about
by a reaction alter the collapse of the great laud boom ami violent speculations
into which everybody seems to have been more or le.ss drawn. The result is that
the greatest distrust now exists, business is paralysed, and ruin is everywhere.
When I tell yon that seventeen millions nf money, savings of the people, are
locked up in financial institutions tliat may take teii or twelve yearn to liquidate,
you can easily imagine the want -of go apparent everywhere. It is quite ini-
jiossible to aay how long this state of things will continue, but we all hope that
with a big harvest, and good wool season, things will soon take a turn. Ou
return, I found our photographic society all but dead. Its funds were in an
institotion tliat hail closed its doon, and it was next to impossible to collect
anbacriptious. After some twelve months, during which time scarcely a
maetiiig was held, a few of us are endeavouring to resuscitate it, and, by
loweri^ the aubsoiption from one |>ounil to live shillings, we hope to meet
the times, aud again have a goo<I membership roll. Since 1 lolt I tlnd nmch
coni|>etition baa gone on in trade, prices are lower, and aUiost every novelty is
DOW obtainable ; in fact, it is unnecesaary to brmg atocn of plates, films, &c.
Photo-mechanical processes are well forward, many new8|>apers using various
prnnwaa in illustratiog. A Hrm of printers in ba.siness at Ballarat (a large
soldBeld town) turn out some splendid work for advertising media, book
uloatration, and the like. The professional portrait .saloons, although turuing
out, if anything, better work than usual, are very dull of business, and prices,
have consequently soiTend."
aujJlDcw to ^fforresponTientsf.
R. D. — See editorial article in this jiresent number,
Bella. — The albumen paper has been tinted with an unsuitable dye.
Herbert. — Some of the Edinburgh lam|M fulfil the conditions required.
C. C. W. — We have forwarded your query on to the writer of the article.
W. K. BOBTos (Tokio).— Rsoeired. Many thanks. The matter will now be
closed.
W. Vice.— The details of Mr. Van der Weyde's photo-corrector have not be^
pabllshed.
0. £_HauwbT. — Yon will find the subject of photogravure spoken of at soma
length in our forthcoming Almanac.
E HiIIBERT. — One light of from 5000 to 6000 candle-power would suffice, with
a couple of reflectors, one of them being utilised to soften the shadows.
T. B. CLl>"roN. — One of the l>est preventives of blisters on albumen prints we
have trie<l is that of Hr. Richmond, namely, to immerse the prints after
printing, l>efor« they ore wetted, in methylated spirit, then wash, tone, and
fix in the ordinary way.
Ttbo, — Judging by the definition of the three s[>ecimens, you have evidently
obtained on excellent lens. The focus is quite suitable for a half-plate.
The abutter may be placed either in front of or behind the leus. It is
partly a matter of conveDienoa,
784
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOORAPHTf.
[December 2, 1892
E. G. M. asks: "Woulcl you kindly inform me what gnm is used with the
black or Indian ink for finishing bromide enlargements, that is, for glazing
and deewuing the shadows, and stippling the background?" — A xolution of
gum araoic is what is used for the purpose.
T. Walden. — We are always willing to oblige our readers, but must draw the
line somewhere. We camiot undertake to analyse mounts to see if they
contain matters that might act pernicionsly on silver jirints. To do this
completely is a matter of hours, sometiines even days.
Studio. — With that width of studio, we should recommend fourteen feet of
glass at the top and sides, as it will then be more convenient for taking large
groups when required. The glass might also be continued one foot lower at
the sides with advantage — that is, if we understand the .sketch rightly.
B.A. (Canibs.).— If a portrait lens of the Petzval form will not give a sharp
image on the screen at any part, unless it is stopped down to /-16, it must
be a very defective instrument It should give perfect definition over a
good portion of the field with its full aperture. Are the glasses properly
arranged ?
G. P. S. — It is not to be wondered at that the inspection of the group pains the
eyes of tliosc who examine it in the stereoscope. If you look at it again
(it is returned as requesteil), you will find, .■vlthough it is mounteil so
squarely, the two halves are so trimmed as to cause the figures on the left-
hand picture to occupy a level higher than the right-hand side Ijy nearly a
quarter of an inch. By retrimming them all will be right.
K. W. (Newcastle) puts the following query : " I have some photographs wliicli
have been stained with salt water (sea water), which ha.s caused red markings
upon them. Can you tell me how I can remove the stains without injuring
the prints ?" — It is doubtful if the stains are removable without injury to the
prints, or without knowing what has caused the stain in addition to the sea
water, as we suspect that alone has not done the mischief.
C Shl'ltz (Frankfort). — We can scarcely advise you in the matter. We can,
however, tell you that there are a very large number of skilled operators, as
well as retouchers, out of employment in this country at the present time,
and doubtless they, unfortunately, will be for some months to come. Pro-
fessional portraitists here attach very little importance to technical class
diplomas ; they prefer practical proof of competency in the studio.
■Collodion. — 1. Edge the plates with a solution of indiarubber. 2. We are a'
a loss to account for your failure in getting sufficient density with the acid
pyro an<l silver intensitier. V/e have never such a failure ourselves. 3. Give
a full exposure, and use a well-restrained developer. Probably the veil of
which you complain would disappear if the picture were varnished with an
ordinary spirit varnish. 4. Such an emulsion should keep well for several
months.
S. V. W. says : "I shall be obliged by your telling me how I can make some
ozone bleach, which is not now a tr<ade article. It is, I believe, a hypo-
chloiite, but I am no chemist, .ind do not know of what, nor how to proceed
to make it, although I have understood that it is easy to make." — It was
probably a sodium hypochlorite, of the preparation of which we have been
unable to obtain details. Perhaps some reader may be able to supply the
desired information.
F. C. Green, of Chihuahua, Mexico, writes : " Will some of the readers
of your Correspondence Column better versed in chemistry than I am
kindly explain, if the theory of Captain Abney and of other authorities,
that the action of light on Ag Br is to reduce it to a lower order, setting
bromine free, is correct, why, on Tolumetrically testing the purity of a
bromiile by means of Ag NO3, the result is not higher when the operation is
conducted by daylight than in a dark room ? Can the nascent bromine not
decompose the Ag NO3 ? "
Amateur writes : " I have built a studio in my garden thirteen feet long.
Will you please tell me of a cheap lens that will take full-length cabinet
portraits in it that will be free from distortion ? The only lens that I have
th.at will take a full-length picture in the studio is a wide-angle one, and
with it the perspective is far too violent." — No lens will do what is required
in that length of studio. The best plan will be either to lengthen the studio
or make such alteration as will permit of the camera being placed outside
the room when full-length pictures are desiretl.
S. A. S. says : " Nearly two years ago I was compelled to pledge a valuable
lens. A short time ago I went to redeem it, and I was told that it was sold
by auction in the ordinary course, and probably it was sold, under these
conditions, under its value. Have I any redress 1" — No, except that you
can demand to see the pawnbroker's books, and, if the instrument realised
more than the amount it was pledged for, with the interest and expenses of
sale, the excess will be your property. If, on the other hand, it did not
realise that amount, you are indebted to the pawnbroker for the deficit.
A. W. says: "I had a Daguerreotype brought to me to copy, but it was
covered with a brown stain which rendered it impossible to get a good copy
from it. Having read that Daguerreotypes could be cleaned, I immersed it
^ in diluted nitric acid, and it has removed the brown stain, but the image is
gone too. Can it be restored ? and, if nitric acid is not the right thing to
use, what is ?" — The Daguerreotype is now past restoration. If, instead of
treating the i)icture with nitric acid, a dilute solution of cyanide of potassium
had been employed, it might h,%ve been restored to its pristine condition.
Ikquiber writes : " Can you tell me wliether the stiiins on the enclosed photo-
graph are owing to imperfect washing of the print or to impurity of the
mount ? Tlic photograpli Wiis mounted with freshly made starch. I have had
a large number go like this, and cannot fathom the reason." — The prints
show unmistakable evidence of fading, but whether this is due to imperfect
washing, insufGcient fixing, or faulty mounts, it is impassible to say by a
mere ocular inspection. To ascertain if the mounts were at fault, a chemical
examination of them would have to be made, and this our time will not
permit us to make. The mounts had better be sent to an analytical chemist
for examination and report. If that .lays the mounts are pure, the canie of
the fading must be due to the manipulations.
G. MooBE writes : " I am often now puzzled to know why my print washings
won't precipitate. I keep a large, wide-mouth j.ar that holds about two
gallons, and when full, add hydrochloric acid. This time, however, it won't
settle, although I have used both acid and salt (sod. chl.). Could you
suggest anything ? I fancy I have oliserved a greater reluctance in the
settlement of the silver cliloride since I began tlie use of gehatino-chloride
p.iper, as, if I recollect rightly, the albumen paper washings settled readily. "
— With the treatment mentioned, the chloride ought to .settle down. We
know that sometimes it does not do so readily with ready-sensitised paper.
Often, if the whole is stirred up violently two or three times during a day,
it will quickly subside. Exposure to light .also favours subsidence.
An'XIETT. — Both technically and artistically the photograph is excellent.
Respecting the spots, the mount seems all right, and we would not hastily
feel inclined to blame it until .after a prolonged comparison between some
that were mounted and othci-s left unmounted. We know of a similar
instance in which the photographer ran such spots to earth, and eventually
found that they were directly traceable to the employment of a particular
sample of hyposulphite of soda, upon changing which the spots never ag;uii
troubled him. Should this not prove a remedy in your hands, then test tlie
mounts by pressing a moist print, face down, upon a drj- mount, previously
interposing a slip of pure white paper to isolate a portion of the figure from
the mount. After a few days strip them asunder and note what change, if
any, has taken place.
Ei.ECTKic ivrites : " Can you give me any information as to the probable cost
of introducing electric light into my studio for taking portraits ? I don't
mean to make the electricity myself, I can get that from the electric lighting
company. Will you tell me what appliances are required and the probable
cost ? and .also are the apjiliances cumbersome, or will they l)e in the way
when using ordinary daylight ? My studio is small, and I have not much room
to spare. I enclose a plan of my studio, so you will see wliat room I have
to spare." — By applying to the electric lighting company they will give an
estimate for what is requiretl. All that is necessarj- is an arc light of from five
to six thousand candle power, andareflectorsuch ashas so often been described.
The whole affair is by no means cumbersome, and can well be fitted in a studio
of the form and dimensions shown in the sketch.
Affiliation of Photographic Socif.tie.s. — Meeting of delegates, November
26, Mr. W. Bedford in the chair.— Tlie report of the Committee on Technical
Lectures was read, to the effect that Photogravure seemed the most suitable
subject. The members of the Committee stated that they had approached the
Photographic Society of Great Britain, who had given them a favourable reply,
and that they were in communication with a probable lectui-er. The report
was adopted. To carr\- the proposed lectures into effect it was proposed by
Mr. Cox (North Middle.sex Photographic Society), seconded by Mr. Clifton
(Photographic Club), and carried, that a committee, to consist of Messrs.
Everitt, HodsoU, and Marohant, be appointed to elect a lecturer and to report
upon the best method of carrying out the scheme. A letter from the Southsea
Photographic Society was read suggesting, 1, a means of circulating for fixed
jieriods the more expensive works of reference on photograpliy amongst the
Societies ; 2, That albums should be collected and circulated illustrative of the
best work of the various Societies ; 3, That .sets of slides should invariably be
accompanied by readings. Willi reference to the first proposal, which was
that the Committee should subscribe to some library where the works were to
be found, it was jiointed out that no such lending lilirary existed that the
delegates present were aware of, and that the formation of a circulating library
would be impossible in the present state of the funds at their disposal. The
second suggestion, on the proiwsal of the Chairman (Photographic Society of
Great Britain), was adopted in the form of an invitation to the various Societies
to form albums illustrative of various printing methods, &c., which it was
thought would prove of considerable interest. The Secretary was instructed to
communicate in the above matters to the Societies affiliated, and to draw their
attention to the desirability of reading matter being supiilied with the slides
for circulation.
FORTHCOMING EXHIBITIONS.
1893.
February 18 Holbom Camera Club. Hon. Secretarj-, F. J. Cobb,
100 High Holbom, E.C.
March 1, 2 *rillebrook Athenaium Photographic Society. Hon.
Secretary, Joseph W. Spurgeon, 1 Drayton Villas,
Leytonstone, Essex.
April 17-29 *Photograpliic Society of Philadelphia. Hon. Secretary,
R. S. Redfield, 1601, Callowhill-street, Philadelphia,
U.S. A.
* Signifies that there are open classes.
OONT
Paae
COLD AS A CAUSE OF STAINED
PRINTS 76J)
EXPOSURE A.\D UENSITY 769
PHOTOGRAVURE IN AMERICA T70
CONTACT PKINTINa.— II. By T. N.
ARMSTRONG 772
PYROOALLIC ACID, OR PTROGALLOL 778
WINTER WORK WITH GELATINO-
CHLORIDE PAPER. Bv SIGMA 774
ON THE METHOD OF EXAMINATION
OF PHOTOGRAPHIC LENSES AT
THE KEW OBSEKTATORY. By
LEONARD DARWIN 774
CKESCO-FYLMA 7*
SOUTH LONDON PHOTOOBAPHIC
SOCIETY'S E3CHIBITI0N 7H
ENTB,
Paob
NORTH MIDDLESEX PHOTOGRAPHIC
SOCIETY'S EXHIBITION 777
TUNBRIDGE WELLS AMATEUR PHO-
TOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION EXHIBI-
TION Tn
EXETER PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
EXHIBI'nON TtS
AWARDS AT THE EDINBURGH PHO-
TOGRAPHIC SOCIETY'S EXHIBITION 778
OUR EDITORIAL TABLE 778
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES 779
RECENT PATENTS 781
CORRESPONDENCE 7g
EXCHANGE COLUMH W
AN8WEB3 10 CORBSSPONDENW. »»
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY
No. 1701. Vol. XXXIX.— DECEMBER 9, 1892.
MAGNIFYING GLASSES FOR RETOUCHERS.
Ketoithers who are shortsighted in even the slightest degree
ire able to practise their art without having to iuvoke any
ienticnlar aid. Bat men of this clan aie in a minority, most
retoaohers preferring to make use of a magnifying glass for
Bimbling them to work effectively upon the fine details in a
portrait photograph.
One retoucher informed us that he always nmde use of a
•3 magnifying lens of four inches diameter, which was
•iuiched to his retouching desk by an adjustable arm. The
focus was eight inches, and the lena waH thick, heavy, and
ctunbroiis. We tried to convince him thjit precisely the same
magnifying effect could bo obtained by employing a pair of
iq>ectaclca, the lenses in which were of the same focus as his
»'"«■ reading glass. This he promised to try, as the convoni-
would be great in oompariaon with the heavy lens
spoken ot
After some time he reported that he had tried the glasses
imended, and had failed with them. When looking
^i^ any one of them he said he could not perceive any
enco in magnifying power between it and the four-inch
ng glass, but when both eyea were employed a great
•■noe waa immediately appreoiatod. With the large
ii.i.-n' I, the eyes rested inaensibly npon the part of the
itiv lesired to b« aiamined, and this was altogether un-
ipanied by any straining, wbfle with the two smaller
the ooaleacence of Tiaion on one part was only obtain-
bf a ooncidarmble oeolar effSsrt aoeompanied by a slight
iadooed by inch effort The canae of, and remedy for,
dffleaky we shall now point out.
When both eyea are directed each through the centres of
-- lar leoaea, if the foci of these be long, then will an object
reaaooable diatanoe, tay, from twelve inches upwards, be
yuii!>lo without any mnaonlw effort ; but, in proportion as the
fori of the pair of lensea become shortened, so does the dif-
'y of seeing increase, until, at a very short focus, one
«.M.»t see an object with both eyes at all Tn\e, by either
ere it will be seen quite distinctly, and magnified to a more or
fcoo■lsiderab1e extent, bnt by no nmacular effort can b<jth
ba used simultaneously. This is the case when the centres
k>f the leoaea are directly opposite the centres of the eyes.
Let the lenaea now be deoentred, by any mechanical means,
so aa to bring their centres a little closer together than the
width of the tym, and all straining in order to see distinctly is
abriated, Tiaion becomes distinct with both eyes, and throtigh
tlic speotadea beoomea identical with that through the largo
aagnifisr — so Ikr, at any rate, aa concerns its application to the
raqoirements of the rstoncher.
For here is what takes place. In the large lens, and by
virtue of its dimensions, neither of the eyes can be directed
through its centre, but must necessarily be opposite a portion
near the margin, and which forms a prism that bends the rays
from the eyes towards the axis at the other side. Hence the
facility with which a central object can be examined by a large
lens. Now, when the glasses of the spectacles are decentred in
the manner spoken of, they are placed in a positiou precisely
analogous to tha single large magnifier — that is to say, the
eyes are directed nut through their axes or centres, but through
a portion much nearer their margins, and hence forming prisms
by which the rays are deflected. It is indeed precisely the
converse position of eyepieces for the stereoscope, in which the
conditions to be fulfilled are of an entirely opposite nature.
The adoption of the system here suggested will, we believe,
prove convenient and useful to retouchers, especially those who
from necessity or choice make use of magnifiers having a con-
siderable degree of power.
HKCENT EXHIBITIONS -AND THEIR LESSONS.
The last three months have been a glorious time for the photo-
graphic pot-hunter, no less than nine exhibitions with open
classes having provided him with the means of indulging in a
variation of the pastime associated with the name of the
metaphorical and mjrsterious individual, Tom Tiddler. There
has, of course, been the usual up-and-down element in the
distinctions conferred in various places and by various Judges
upon peregrinatory exhibits; the customary flood of disgust
and disappointment of dissatisfied competitors has also broken
loose, while in some cases it is feared features of a decidedly
objectionable nature have been associated with more than one of
the exhibitions. It is, in short, useless to afiiect ignorance of the
fact that widespread discontent prevails among exhibiting
photographers and the photographic public with the manage-
ment of exhibitions, the curious contrariety of opinions
expressed by different Judges, the uncertainties of Judges
powers, the absurdities and injustices they are the means of
imposing; and with what is called the "medal system" and
exhibitian.jn»kters generally.
If the high-handed proceeding of the Judges at the Tunbridge
Wells Exhibition, in withholding awards wholesale, has done
nothing else, it has at least compelled an attention to the
subject of photographic exhibitions, which should not be
relaxed until some common agreement has been arrived at on
many points of critical interest.
The desire on the part of the individual for a permanent
expression of his success in competition with his fellows is such
a deeply rooted trait of human nature that it is as idle to dis-
7 88
THE BttlTISH JOUfUNAL OF PHOTOGRA.PHY.
[December 9, 1892
cuss the question of abolishing medals at photographic exhibi-
tions as it is to cast ridicule on the Prix de Home, the Royal
Society medals, or even military medals. Honour, in nineteen
oases out of twenty, is valueless unless symbolised in the con-
crete, and a bare recognition of this unmistakable truth is
sufiBcient to put to silence any objection to medals and other
awards at photographic exhibitions. For we take leave to say
that, without such public competition, exhibitions of photo-
graphs would be difficult, if not impossible, to maintain ; and,
since it is highly probable that progress in technical and artistic
photography largely relies for recognition and encouragement
upon the opportunities for expression and publicity which
those exhibitions afford, it not unnaturally follows that photo-
graphy itself would not inconceivably suffer by the suppression
of the competitive element in exhibitions.
Admitting this much, several questions of vital interest
inevitably thrust themselves into notice. The first one is, Who
shall be the judges of relative merit at photographic exhibitions?
The answer, according to most of those who promote these
exhibitions, would appears to be. Those who have themselves
been successful exhibitors. An obvious fallacy, if modern
thought and practice be accepted as a guide, underlies the
theory here implied. Art critics are not usually painters ;
dramatic critics are seldom, if ever, playwrights or actors ;
reviewers do not habitually write books ; the occupants of the
bench are not advocates. By what train'of reasoning, therefore,
do photographic society committees so habitually reach the
conclusion that successful exhibitors at photographic exhibi-
tions are the most competent to decide upon the merits of the
pictures of those against whom they have themselves, and may
again, compete ? Again, it were vain to pass over the important
circumstance, that artistic lahotography of the present day is in
process of evolution into two or more schools, with whom focal
treatment, methods of printing, selection and composition are
matters of interesting disagreement and controversy. Shall,
then, the adherents of the one school be the Judges of the
works of the other in competition with those of its own 1
If the Judges of photographic exhibitions were dravra from
the ranks of those who were not themselves exhibitors, there
would be less chance, we submit, of individual idiosyncrasy
controlling the disposition of the awards. To what extent,
moreover, should Judges have power to fix a standard of merit,
or to withhold medals ? In our opinion the one should not be
placed within their province, while the other should not be
permitted them so long as the conditions laid down by the
promoting society have been complied with. To place such
powers as these without limitations in the hands of Judges who
are themselves occasionally competitors is to pave the way for
all sorts of grotesque proceedings and equally invidious com-
ments upon them. Where an exhibition is organized under
promises to the competitors of the award of a certain number
of honours, and the latter are withheld by the Judges on grounds
which they themselves set up, the competitors are cheated, the
society itself is insulted, and the whole business is covered with
ridicule. It is, in fact, promoting an exhibition on very like
false pretences.
We have referred to pot-hunting. Merit, wherever it ap-
pears, should be recognised ; but is it not permissible to utter
the sentiment that a man who shows surpassing excellence
should not thereby be permitted to sweep the board of all
the prizes on offer, but that he should be subjected to certain
limitations as to the number of medals he can grasp 1 Why
are champion classes not more generally held 1 Is it, again,
strictly honest on the part of exhibitors to change the titli
of their " touring " pictures now and again ? Are Judgi
always given sufficient time and opportunity for arriving i
their awards'! Should technical faults be overlooked, at
artistic excellence alone considered 1 What powers is it advi
able to confer on Judges as to the bestowal or withholding
awards 1 lu the latter case, should their reasons not always 1
stated 1 Should they be expected to enact the roles of criti
as well as Judges ?
These are only a few among tlie questions which have be<
suggested to us by a study of recent exhibitions, and we j>la(
them here in the desire to afford an opportunity for discussic
by those interested. The whole subject of the conduct
photographic exhibitions is ripe for thrashing out and setti
ment on a basis of common agreement, and we trust that son
authoritative action will be taken in providing a standard si
of rules for societies, exhibitors, and Judges alilie. Could nc
some member of the Photographic Society of Great Britai
move that body to appoint a Committee to deal with it?
BACKGROUNDS.*
In reference to the plan of making the feet of supported frame
backgrounds to project on one side only, it has been suggeste
to us that, where only two or three are in use, it would I
better to have two feet on one side and one on the other, an
thus the maximum of stability would be retained, withoi
there being any danger of the whole falling over in consequenc
of some untoward push. A couple of grounds would " nest
equally well, and one extra framework would not seriousl
interfere with the length of the studio. We repeat the hir
for what it is worth, appearing, as it does to us, a simple an
practical plan.
Treating now upon the actual use of these almost necessar
adjuncts, several points arise which have not hitherto bee
publicly discussed. First, we have the question of architei
tural scenes, interior or exterior. It must have offended th
artistic instinct of many photographers to see, as is often th
case, sloping perpendiculars — columns emulating Pisa's cell
brated Tower, side windows made by errant carpenters, an
buildings whose appearance would shock an architect, an
many similar eyesores. It need scarcely be said that thi
is owing to the inevitable tilt given to the portrait camera i
bringing the figure centrally upon the plate. To correct b
using the swing-back is to bring the feet of the sitter out c
focus, and thus render necessary so small a diaphragm as t
seriously interfere with the sitter's comfort. With hangin;
backgrounds there is no other remedy ; but, when these ar
stretched on frames, the difficulty is surmounted in th
simplest manner. All that is necessary is to tilt the frame
work backwards until it is parallel with the camera back ; thi
parallelism of the verticals will then be retained, and there wil
be least disturbance of focus.
We have said that this cannot be done with hanging back
grounds, and this is true in the strict sense of the words ; bui
there is here also a remedy, and one which carries certaii
advantages in its track. Whetlier the rolling scenes be usee
singly, or in one of the frameworks we have alluded to, i1
would be quite possible to interpose a permanent stiffened
framework covered with canvas, rendered taut with a coating
or two of wall paper, behind the background. This frameworli
could then be tilted, and the scene would take the same angle.
* Concluded from page 7&1
BeeemlMTt), 18D8J
THE BRITISH JOOkNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
787
The very great advantage that would attend the use of this
tnovable " wall " would be the possibility, where the object
represented was an interior or exterior wall or any solid object,
of greatly extending the possible range of poses by permitting
the sitter to lounge or rest against the protected background-
)(any extremely natural positions can be attained in this
iiuumcr which are quite impossible with a loose hanging canvas.
No one, we imagine, would be content to take a portrait when
the sitter's elbow, for instance, caoaed an apparent break in the
wulL The slightest disarrangemmit of the perfect flatness of
the background would at once destroy all pictorial illusion ;
the fikTure would be backed with painted canvas, and not with
a sketchy, snggeative scene. It will be scarcely necessary to
interpose the remark that this leaning against a stiffened back-
ground could only be permissible in the case of solid objects,
though it must be admitted that it has not infrequently hap-
(lened that portraits have been sent out where the figure has
c:«t a shadow en the sky, for instance !
This point leads to another little-understood matter — the
position of the baokgixmnd in relation to the light Many
{•botcgraphers have purchased backgrounds from seeing the
dealer's photographs of them, but have been greatly disap-
pointe^l in not being able to obtain the same effect ; however
used, the soeae comes up darker or lighter than the original
refireaentod it This is entirely owing to combined canses of
the augleat which they are placed with regard to the illumination,
and the amount of light admitted through the studio windows
upon the background itael£ A sitter is taken with one of
these viewa behind, and all goes well ; another sitter imme-
diately following ia photographed with the same surroundings,
but when the print is scrutinised the ground is dark, heavji
and unnatural. The reaiion is simply that the blinds have been
altered to suit tha requirements of the features of the second
sitter, and the light received by the ground has been entirely
changed in quantity.
A moat T«liiri>le quality of the movable frame, whether of
nq>id fraoMa or sets of hanging views, is the power of placing it
•t any angle to the light. Especially is the value seen in plain
«r shaded backgrounds. A sitter is posed; the harmony is
coiiq>late between the light he receives and that thrown
bshiiid. A blind or two is altered to improve the illumination
of the faaturea, at once the background becomes too dark or
too light If, however, a framework on castors is in use, all
that is necessary to restore the original harmony of rhiaroteuro
is to place it at an angle to the light, move it to face the light
a little more, or turn it away from the light, and at once
increased lightness or darkness of effect is obtained. It would
appear that a theoretically perfect way of lighting the ground
would be to have a special walled illuminating slit which would
permit its light to fall on the ground and nowhere else, then
the exaet affaot required would be prodoced ; whatever the
node adopted far illuminating the sitter, no shadows would be
thrown on the clouds, and complete harmony would result.
♦
yiMttocTaplLlo Bvldence. — We are informed that a case will
shortly b* before the Law Courts in which photography, sa s witness,
win b« m evidenee'on a moch larger scale than on any previous occasioD.
Mojml Portraits.— Home little ezeitenient has been created on
the Cootiiieat by the mdden ^sappearsnoe from bis home for several
days of a yoong Oerman prince. Ia England every one is now so
familiar with the portrmits of the ssembers at our Royal Family, that
nae is inclined to wonder how say member of a foreign one would
not be St once rscognised wbeiever he went— «t least, in hit own
country. On the Continent, particularly in Germany, we are in-
formed, photof^phs of royal personacres are not so common as they
are here. Evidently sittings from them are not so easily obtained, or
photoirraphers are not so enterprisinpf as they are in this country.
There may yet be another reason— royal portraits are not in such
great demand abroad as they are in Enirland.
National Photogrraphio Gallery The First Commis-
sioner of Works has anuounced that the Milbank Prison is forth-
with to be demolished, and a portion of tha space offered for the
picture gallery Mr. Tate has so ffenerously offered to build. This
offer, it is stated, has been accepted. The announcement has also
been made that another portion of the site will be exchanged with
the War Office for some land belongin;? to thera behind the National
Gallery for the still further extension of that building. Hence a
considerably increased space will soon be availal)le for pictures. The
present would be an opportune time to brinor before the proper
authorities the subject we have befure mooted, namely, a national
collection of photographs — for example, portraits of men, who have
distinguished themselves in art, science, literature, or in other con-
nexions during the present age. The collection need not be confined
to portraits, as it might well include photographs of ancient buildings
in London and other large cities which are continually being de-
molished to make way for modem improvements. A collection of
thene and of buildings that have been removed during- the last few
decades — if negatives are in existence — would not only be of interest
to the archseologist of the future hut also the present period. If the
Photographic Society of Great Britain, in c injunction with other
scientiOc and learned societies, were to take the matter in baud, the
thing could now, doubtless, be accompliibed. Uf the desirability of
such a gallery there can be little question.
Carbon Printing'. — A considerable pr<>portion of amateurs
who have not seen the process worked imaLrine that a large number
of appliances, not found in the den of the ordinary amateur, are
necessary for its practice. This idea, in great measure, has been
formed from the manuals of the process, in which a long list of
articles, with pric«e of " sets," are given. Very possibly this has had
the effect of retarding the progress of carbon printing amongst
amateurs. As a matter of fact, the carbon can be worked with less
special *apparatn8 than any other process in photography. This
subject was particularly dwelt upon at a recent demoiistration before
one of the suburban societies. We remember being at a demonstration
of the carbon process at the Photographic Club some time ago, when
the only appliances, beyond the exposed tissue and its final
support, were a squeegee and a wash-hand basin borrowed from a
neighbouring bedroom. Mr. Cowan and warm water did the rest.
All that is necessary in the initial stages f >r the amateur is a large
meat dish, to be requisitioned from the scullery, and a tin or
enamelled iron baking dish from the same source : the former for
holding the water for mounting the exposed tis.sue on its support, and
for the sensitising bath, if the sensitising be done by the experimentalist,
and for the alum bath ; the latter for the warm water for developing.
In addition to these, a squeegee is required, and, for the beginner,
a thermometer is de^rable. As extreme accuracy — a degree or two
— is not essential, one of the cheapest form will suffice. One more
item ia necessary, namely, an actinometer. The one preferred by
Lambert for bis demonstrations consisted of a scries of progresdve
thicknesses of thin hank post paper in a quarter-plate pressure frame,
with a piece of sensitive silver paper behind, which any one can
make for himself in a few minutes. Hence it will be seen that the
most prfinitlve arrangements will suffice to prove the process. That
being done, the amateur can then elaborate them to suit his re-
quirements. The progress of processes is often retarded by their
exploiters introducing a niuuber of accessories which they supply^
and some think necessary, for the work.
A VISIT TO A FAMOUS AMATEUR— IIOW MR. HENRY
STEVENS WORKS.
In photography, as in other departments of art or applied science, it
is the one who devotes himself to one branch who has the highest
788
THE BRiriSH JOIDKNAL OP PHOTOQEAPHY.
[Dacembor 9, 1892
chances of success in makirif; for himself a name and fame in a
specialistie branch. This is what Mr. 11. Stevens has done in the by
no means easy one of floral photography. But for his photographs of
flowers we would say that lie is a good all-round artist in nearly
eTery department. Without claiming to be a landscapist or group
photographer, yet have some of these with figure subjects been
selected for full-page engravings for the leading illustrated papers;
and, while he largely ignores the distinction of being considered a por-
traitist, yet do many of his portraits possess a very high degree of
merit, both in a pictorial and technical sense.
But, as we have hinted, it is in the portrayal of flowers that he is
universally acknowledged to stand facile prince j)s. There are some of
Flora's treasures much more easy to photograph effectively than
others, but those who have in recent exhibitions been privileged to
examine Mr. Stevens' productions will at once acquiesce in our state-
ment, that he flies at only the highest game — at things avowedly the
most diflicult of execution. A white lily, in the hands of most photo-
graphers, would have its petals represented in flat chalkiness, without
detail ; but in those now under notice, while, like the original, pure
and white as a whole, there is a waxy, transparent delicacy which
reveals the veins and structure of every part of the flower, even to
the extent of permitting such structural detail to be examined by a
powerful magnifier. As with lilies, so with orchids, even those of
the most fanta.stic shapes and colours, for in these Nature seems to
excel herself in regard to both qualities. A singular property is that
while photographing these flowers life size or nearly so, and repro-
ducing their tints with such delicacy, Mr. Stevens has not yet made
use of colour-corrected plates, but trusts exclusively to obtaining his
effects by lighting, supplemented, of course, by correct exposure and
judgmatical development.
The studio, which measures probably about eighteen by nine feet.
and stands in the garden, ha« a ridge roof, one of the sides and half of
the roof being closely screened — at least it was so at the time of our
visit. The huge camera employed occupies much of the floor space.
The lens is a large and somewhat old portrait combination of long
focus, and has a stop in front of the anterior combination, although
he possesses a large collection of lenses of modern construction. The
exposure is made by a pnoumatic shutter.
It is in the lighting where the long experience of the artist shows
to advantage. His subjects are placed on a table on a raised plat-
form at one end, and, the siJe lighting having been arranged, there is
a further modification of the lighting by the use of an opaque movable
screen, which rests upon the eaves and the ridge. The developer pre-
ferred for the special brand of plates employed is pyro and soda, and
he con-iders it wise to carry the development considerably farther
than would others of less experience. We may adduce as an instance
of one of the lovely transparencies which adorn one of the windows of
the Camera Club, and which was printed from a negative so dense as
to require an exposure of thirty minutes to a good daylight sky, not
by superposition, of cour.se, but in a transparency copying camera.
In course of our visit we saw several hundreds of negatives and
transparencies — for Mr. Stevens is an indefatigable worker — including
those in the late Exhibition in Pall Mall, for which a medal was
awarded, and came to the conclusion that the large majority of them
possessed merit not inferior to those which excited such admiration in
the Exhibition just mentioned.
The developing room is a separate building from the studio, and is
erected at some little distance from it. It is of larger extent than the
studio, for Mr. Stevens likes to have plenty of room in which to work.
This is indeed necessary, for, as we have said, the plates used by him
are of large dimensions, and he prefers a very feeble light. He holds
the plate in an ebonite dish in his hands during development, and
usually rocks it on the edge of a trough just below the gas lantern,
which is well covered by paper of a canary medium species. Plenty
of time is given so as to coax out every detail. In the course of the
development the fluid is poured once or twice, as occasion requires,
into a large graduate, to which is then added soda, pyro, or bromide
so as to modify its action when returned to the plate.
Outside of the developing room is ranged a row of several washing
tanks, with water taps just above each, and all this portion is covered
in by a glass roof. A workshop adjoining is also to some considerable
extent impressed into the service of photography ; but perhaps the
most interesting department is an observatory, Miginally constructed
for sidereal observation, and having a rotating dome as a roof. This
has now been relegated to enlarging. The telescope has been deposed,
and its place given to a camera, which can be directed to any part of
the sky. The idea of being enabled to enlarge a large negative by an
apparatus which is practically equatorial is calculated to till one with
envy.
It is, however, in the billiard room where the rich store of nega-
tives, prints, and transparencies are hoarded. The billiard table has
a strong and readily removable wooden cover, on which the sorting,
mounting, and framing are done. How a gentleman so actively
engaged in his business avocations in London, as Mr. Stevens is so
well known to be, gets through his amateur photographic work
unaided (for he does everything with his own hands, and without
any assistant) is truly surprising. It can only be accounted for by
his being quite an enthusiast, and straining after perfection— -the
unattainable.
In this connexion we may record an incident. Having gone to
Eastbourne with his family for a few weeks' holiday in the summer,
he was one night struck with an idea relative to the obtaining a new
effect in lighting. Early next morning he took train back to London
— or, rather, to Addlestone, his place of residence — and immediately
proceeded to test the value of his idea before returning to the seaside.
We consider that much of his success is due to this dogged perseverance
in straining after perfection, added, of course, to a naturally fine taste
and good manipulation.
His large portrait work is marked by softness, not so much obtained
by placing the sitter out of focus as by modifying his lighting. We
cannot say with precision how large are the heads of such direcb
portraits, but we may state that, roughly speaking, the faces of
several portraits of some young ladies we saw could barely be covered
by the partially closed hand of a strongly built man. Neither in his
flowers nor in his portraits does he permit of the smallest touch upon
the negative to improve it ; if it does not come out all right with the
developer, it is destroyed without hesitation.
Two conservatories, well stocked with flowers and plants, furnish
floral subjects for his camera, while in another part of his ground*
stands a closed photographic waggon, replete with everything neces-
sary for storing, changing, and even developing negatives on such
occasions in prospect of obtaining skating scenes on lakes at a distance
from home, for harvesting, picking up a gipsy encampment, or other
scenes not obtainable at home. To secure these, his horse is
harnessed, and off he goes to bag the game.
Before terminating our visit, we made the acquaintance of his
famous^photographic dog and cat, which have fiirured in many of his
pictures. The former, a fox terrier, is trained to throw his arms
around his Persian confrere, who quietly submits to the caress of the
canine until as many exposures as are required have been made.
AMEMCAN NOTES AND NEWS.
The Hand Camera and its Abuse.— In a sensible article
dealing with the tendency of modern amateurs to produce inferior
results by means of the hand camera Anthony's Bulletin remarks:
" There can be no doubt that tlie number of users of the hand camera
is increasing at an enormous rate. The portability, compactness, and
general simplicity of action of the instrument commend it to all.
But, of all photographic instruments, it is the one calling for the
exercise of judicious self-restraint and careful handling. The user
must remember that an instantaneous picture is usuallv an under-
exposed one, and that it is practically useless to attempt to photo-
graph a poorly lighted object unless an exposure of one half to one
second can be given. The users of tripod cameras seldom expose
with the shutter unless forced to do so, and the percentage of results
ranks consider.ably higher than that of those of the hand camera.
The users of the latter instrument rarely, indeed, use the time attach-
ments, and therefore must depend on the extreme rapidity of their
plates or films, and on the choosing of well-lighted subjects. In
most of the cheaper hand cameras the lenses are perforce diapbragmed
down so as to give good depth of focus, for the focussing is done
chiefly by a graduated scale. The lens will work usually about right
Ikeember9,1803]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH!.
789:
if the light is resllj i^ood. Under aay other drcumstances the n^;s-
tire will be poor sad weak.
aacllah Temns American Ont Films.— Dr. Charies L.
Mitchell contribute* to the American Am/iteur Photographer an
Mcoant of hia recent photographic ezperiencee in this coontry, in the
coaneof which he t».yt: "My photnfiTaphic material consisted of
ent eellaloid films for the two larirer eamonis, and glass plates for
the hand cmm«ra. The films were from a manufacturer whose pro-
dnet* had Mrred me fairly well in the trips of the two preceding years.
. . . Alas, however, the films were soon found to be exceedingly bad,
especially the quick emulsion, hut not before much valuable work had
heim loM. They were scratched, spotty, and full of pinholes, and
miisimd to lose their ima^ unlan dereloped immediately after
exposure. A change was therefore made to English films." Dr.
BlitcbeD soon became oonvinoed, from th« change, of the advantages
of English over American films, which he attributes to superior skill
and care in coating.
''Wilson's Magazine." — Our contemporary will in future
appear as a monthly, thus reverting to its former coarse. Consider-
ahle altenUioas and improvements are promised.
Z» tbe Top ZdrlU Sftseatlal la Portrait Work!— Mr.
A. Tixld, lit San Francisco, raises this question in a communication
to WiUm't Magazine, and asks that, if a top light can be dispensed
irith and a side light aloiie take its place, would not photographers
he snabM to oecopy a easy, eonTWUsntlv accessible grotind-floor
suite of rooms, put io a large side Kght in one of the end rooms, and
do moce boabiam in eoosequenoe of the more oonTeaient locatioD f
Fhotograplilc Prtntlnc by Koonlig'lit. — Dr. John Van-
aant, of Mobile, Alabama, describes in the HI. LuuU and Canadian
Pkatogrm^ltt some experiments proriag that the light of the moon is
e^sUe in a short time of prodociiig a derelopable io^resaion upon a
sensitive siWsr hraside film. The exyosmes on eommarcial films of
TBiyiog detrrees of rapidity ranged from thi<»e minotes down to five
The latter exposure to the rays uf the full unclouded moon
I nssr the meridian being sniScieat to produce a good devekipable
opoo an uocoTered extremely sensitive film, it appeared
that the same kind of film when exposed beneath a weak negative re-
qnired a minate's exposure, Dr. Vansant thus calculating that about
niiMty-two per eeat. of the actinic rays of the moon were intercepted
\ff tha glass and gelatiiie.
Arctic PhotogTaptaT'. — Aprtfot of our reosnt remarks eon-
wmitfig Dr. Nansen's intention of takinir n camera with him on his
Pglar v.iirn-v. if 'n int.r-.tlti- to lesm that Lieutenant Peary, the
Arctic . r«5 has Just returned from the north,
had a L, — -^ , urneyiogs. Eighty-two degrees was
the sMMt Dorthem point raacbt'd by Lieutenant and Mrs. Pearey, and
is said to mark the f~->"-' '^-njt to which the camera has ss yet
psautialeil. Lientsns! usdeorer ISOOexpoames. Tbeflms
wen developed by a l'iiun'j''i|itiiitn photf^rrapher. The Secretary of
the American Navy, it is state<l, has granted Lieutenant Pearey a
further leave of ahMoee to make a second attempt to reach the North
I'ole.
" Improvement In Pboto-xincography.** — For transfer-
ring ph<'!'>-lith<> c'ipii'4 to ziDC plates Herr August Albert details,
ia the l'h,,t „jrnyhir Time*, the following method: — The copy is
prialad, developed with fatty ink, and dried as osual. The drawing
isafltorwsnis dusted in with a finely pulverised mixture of ten parts
of ta^altum and one part of pore beeswax, and aU superfluous
■•ph^tnm removed by means of a fine camelVhair brush and a tuft
of eotton, and sEghtly heated over an alcohol lamp to melt the
aaphahum together with the fatty ink. The copy is then passed
thntegk the sstnatsd alum bath to keep it uniformly moist, laid
hetwaaa ahsela of moistened biotting-|iaper, and finally transferred
WMsiiseplMa
FLASH-LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY.
[Toronto Oamcra Clab.]
Thb making of pictures by the aid of the magnesium flash-light has
been undergoing a process of evolution for the past five or six years.
The journaJs have contained many papers upon the subject ; chapters
discussing it are to be found in a large number of manuals ; and at
least two book.s dealing entirely with it have already been published.
It is no part of my present purpose to sift this extensive literature for
you. Instead, I shall content myself with demonstrating certain
methods which, having tested, I have found to be at once simple and
satisfactory. For the needs of a surgeon these procedures are parti-
cularly well suited, and it is to one of my own craft. Dr. Piffard, of
New York, that we are all indebted for the introduction here of
photography by artificial illumination. In this connexion it is worthy
of remark that, for the production of the most accurate and life-like
pictures of skin diseases and other morbid conditions, Dr. Piffard prefers
artificial to sunlight. He has recently brought out a work illustrated
by such phot<^fraphy, and surpassing in many particulars, any pre-
vious publication on the subject.
It is within my knowledge that many amateurs who do creditable
work out of doors have with magnesium failed to obtain any results
which they cared to exhibit to their friends. Deep shadows, hard,
chalky high lights, staring eyeballs, burns, dirt, and disappointment
have been their reward, instead of the artistic results they had hoped
for.
At the risk of going over what is perfectly well known to many, if
not most, of those present, let me mention some of the essentials for
success in this line of work. The lens, preferably one of the rapid
rectilinear type, must not be stopped down below /-ll ; the plates
used must be f»st ones, such as tne Cramer " C " or the Seed 26x ;
the background must not be too near the sitter or it will show direct
shadows, and its tint should be lighter than for use with daylight.
The correct focus is most easily and rapidly obtained by the use of a
lamp, a newspaper, and a focussing glass. Let the light of the lamp
fall upon the newspaper, held upside down, and raised, lowered, or
carried out to the sides, in order to determine just what will and what
will not come upon the plate. As a general rule, the gas or lamp
lights should be turned up, so long as they do nut shine into the lens,
and they should light up that side of the face which will not be
lighted by the flash. In this way its shadows are softened, and hard
fines avoided. It is a good plan to have the sitter look directly at
one of the gas jets or lamps. He will thus not be so much disturbed
by the sudden mcrease of light when the flash is made, and will not
be so apt to have a startled or staring look, or to dose his eyes
suddenly.
1 thiiuc the advice often given to place the flash apparatus over the
camera, is an error. It is better to have it placed^ higher than the
lens, and to one side or the other of it. An excepnon to this is seen
where a fireside or camp-fire group is to be taken, and the object is to
make it appear as though their faces were lighted up only by the fire
around which thev are placed. Even in photographing a cavity like
the back part of tlie throat, I have found the detail brought out best
when the light came from a poution slightly to one side of the lens.
For diffu>ing the light, and so obtaining soft instead of hard negatives,
a sheet of irround glass is excellent, and a sheet of bright tin makes as
good a reflector as need be desired. I have used for more than two
years a convenient arrangement, consisting of a piece of board fifteen
to twentv inches long by one foot wide, with a plate fixed to the
middle of its under surface, so that it may be secured upon any tripod
stand. At each end of its upper surface a pair of parallel wooden
strips are nailed so as to form slots ta support, in upright positions,
the tin reflector and the gjound-glass diffuser. Between these two
the flash-lsnjp is placed.
After trying a number of the patented articles, 1 have reached the
conclusion that the simple one which I devised, and described in the
Beaeon, gives as good results as any other, and has the advantage of
being easily made by any one with skill enough to press a button. A
flopwt-pot saucer has a hole bored through its rim to allow of the
paasaff»«Mbe stem of a clay tobacco pipe. The bowl of the pipe is
to be fixed upright in the middle of the saucer by means of plaster of
Paris. A rubber tube, ending on a mouthpiece, is fitted over the
stem of the pipe. Next s wire ring, supported at a height of three or
four inches, is placed so as tc surround the pipe bowl, and upon this
ring asbestos wicking is twisted.
wTien it is desired to make a flash, from five to twenty grains of
pure msgnesinm powder is to be placed in the bowl, and the wicking
IS to be saturated with alcohol. Lighting the alcohol, and then
blowing through the tube, forces the powder into the long axis of the
flame, and perfect combustion takes phice. By a number of experi-
ments, I have demonstrated that a sudden strong blast which lifts the
790
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[December 9, 1892
powder in a mass out of the pipe does not give as good result as a
gentle one promptly followed oy a forcible blowing. This latter method
loosens up the powder, and then sends it through the_ flame in balloon
form, giving a maximum of illumination with a minimum of mag-
nesium oxide, falling as a dust cloud after the flash has been made.
Asbestos is much better than candle-wick, as it does not bum, gives
oS no smell, and the flame on it can be easily blown out
In some particulars the diffusing apparatus above described re-
sembles a patented article sold in the United States ; but mine was in
use before that came out, and the cost of the entire outfit need not
exceed a dollar. Any one can make it, it comes apart for packiiifr,
and the results obtained by its use in the hands of my friends, as well
as in my own, are not discouraging. Db. N. A. Powell.
DIPPING-BATH DEVELOPMENT.
[Photo^raphisohe Bandsohaa.]
DiPPlNO-BATH development {Standentwicklung), has been in use for three
years at the establishment conducted by the writer, where large numbers
of negatives have to be produced after methods certain to give good
results, for " interiors," having had an exposure of as much as
four hours, as well as for plates having had only four seconds, such as
"exterior architectural subjects."
The principle of dipping-bath development is found in the prolonged
action of a very diluted developer contained in a dipping-bath, which,
being provided with grooves, admits the simultaneous treatment of
several plates.
The advantages of employing pyrogallic acid for this kind of develop-
ment are so numerous that all trials with more modern developing agents
were abandoned, they not permitting such a high state of dilution and
such a certainty of success at such a small cost.
Negatives produced by this method show a very fine grain and a
range of gradation, even in the highest lights, which no other method
ever will give, making them especially suitable for enlarging on bromide
of silver paper.
For ordinary work the formula is as follows : —
1 : 10 solution of soda sulphite 100 parts.
1 : 5 solution of potassium carbonate 100 „
Water 10,000
Dry pyrogallic acid 2 „
For instantaneous work —
1 : 10 solution of soda sulphite 100 parts.
1 : 5 solution of potassium carbonate 100 „
Water 3,000
Dry pyrogallic acid li „
In this state of dilution pyro also loses its most obnoxious property —
staining the fingers and plates — entirely, and gives negatives of a
harmony beautiful to behold.
To obtain the very best results, thickly coated plates of a medium
rapidity and with no tendency to frill should be employed.
Db. a. Meydenbaueb.
♦
THE ARBITERS OF HONOUR.
Apabt from those inevitable exceptions, whose apparent office is to
accentuate a truth by demonstrating the small number of dissentients
thereto, " the world thinks, and I think so too," that the most precious
signet of success is the medal bestowed at what is still, and still likely
to be, the most keenly inspected annual Exhibition of the year, viz.,
that held under the auspices of the Photographic Society of Great
Britain, for which reason I doubt not that all who have the present
welfare and future advancement of photography at heart will bear
with me while, supplementing my former article on p. 741, entitled,
" The Plague of Medals," I offer some suggestions specially directed to
ensuring that there shall be no depreciation in the value of the
aforesaid premium, but that, as time goes by, it may become even
more highly valued than at present.
I do not claim that the following proposals are alike perfectly novel
Kid. completely perfect, these two qualities being usually incompatible ;
Wit I do claim to have pven the subject considerable thought, and to
have brought to its examination a mind open to consider any altera-
tion calculated to raise the status of the Pall Mall medal.
The first reform which in my estimation seems advisable is the
adoption of a far more riffid system of recognising and remarking that
which is tn excdd* meritorious on the Exhibition walls. This of
necessity implies some modification in the constitution of the arbiters
of honour. I will, therefore, shortly, state what in my judgment are
^e lines upon which the bench of Judges should be constituted, leaving
it to those in authority to apply that which, being lacking, they never-
theless approve.
The three following points should chsracterise the Judging
Committee:
(1) It should be widely representative and distinctly capable.
(2) It should not include a majority believed to represent any
known " community of interest.
(3) It shall include one or more individuals (as may be in due
course defined) who are definitely representative of
(n) Artistic culture.
{b) Photographic craft.
(c) Optical, cnemical, and general sdence.
{d) Provincialism.
Respecting the above, little comment is called for, except perhaps
as regards section .3, concerning which, it is to be observed, that while
the Judges described under 6 and c are most unlikely to be unconsciously
(or otherwise) partial, having, as hereafter provided, only to deal with
points of excellence which are essentially unemotional in their appeals
to the critical faculty, the same can by no means be said of those
coming under either category a or d, where the personal element is apt
to be decidedly intrusive, and nolens volens influence the Judges'
decision. For this reason I would advocate that those chosen as
representatives of "provincialism," (Z, should be selected from amongst
men of recent standing, risinir men ; of such the big, and many of the
little, towns collectively contain many a score. As for the representa-
tives of "artistic culture," although no man can be hoped for who does
not prefer one form of expression rather than any other, yet a
judicious admixture of individuals of different artistic inclinations is
not impossible, in any case one or more painter-artists should be
included who is neither a member of the society nor known aa a
photographic practitioner.
From the foregoing it will be readily inferred that the present
manner of appointing Judges, which is by a species of general election
on the part of members, must be revised. At any time, ruling by
quantity instead of by quality is obviously bad ; that it is ever
resorted to at all is in order that the interests of the multitude may
be safeguarded. But of a certitude the intrusion of the vote by ballot
into the administration of a society formed for the stimulation of
applied science and art is largely anomalous and emphatically
undesirable. Even political governments of advanced radical types
do not provide a means whereby the electorate regularly meddles
with executive functions.
The delicate and complex task of wisely blending the jury of ex-
perts should, without doubt, be undertaken by those who are in
authority, and should be the outcome of leisurely deliberation and
nice discrimination, strictly applied upon such lines as may be laid
down. That this be properly and carefully done by the Council, the
President for the time being should be held personally responsible,
and upon him should rest the ultimate blame if any one manifestly
unsuitable be appointed.
And now I come to a detail which may possibly arouse some dif-
ference of opinion, but which I think should not, on that account, be
passed over. I have gradually formed an opinion that, in the case of
a society such as the one we are considering, it should be a sine qua
non that on this appointment all Judges shall, as a matter of course,
be handed a fixed honorarium for services to be rendered — a kind of
retaining fee — in exchange for which they should sign a printed form
of acknowledgment, undertaking to attend at the time fixed, and
carry out, in accordance with the instructions furnished to them, the
duties thereby cast upon them.
It is beyond question that men of sterling worth find few things so
valuable to them as their time. Now, although I do not in the first
instance advocate any remuneration which is likely to be an equivalent
for the hours and energies taken from a busy career (and even amateur
photographers have business occupations of one kind or another), I do
think that some recompense should be made which wiU, in the majority
of cases at least, ensure that the out-of-pocket and personal expenses
of the adjudicators are fully covered.
That penury waits on pre-eminent abUity is too notorious to need
enlarging upon, and the lack of a few paltry shillings may ofttimes
prevent a gifted individual from placing his natural or acquired
abilities at the society's disposal. With a powerful and ambitious
organization such as is the one in question, the maxim should be,
Do ut des, and not, " Take all and give nothing," which is nearly all
that the Judges get, except, sometimes, the dubious honour of being
eventually held up to ridicule for the way in which they have done
their work.
Having delivered myself of my suggestions upon getting the right
sort of Judges, I should like to add my ideas as to how they are best
set to work ; circumstances of time and space, however, oblige me to
December 9. 1S92J
THK BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
791
dafer domg to until a fnture occaaon, when I trust to brinff forward
woe proDOtab on thia moat vital point which, I venture to hope, may
in part, if not altogether, commend themselves to the serious attention
of those whom I will term the progressive conservatives of the parent
«*»**y- Hbctok Maclean, F.aS.
RECENT SCIENCE AND PHOTOGRAPHY.
{Abitraet of the Preadential Addrat be/ore the Photographic Socittv of
Great Britain.)
_Wh«x a truly wonderful things becomes common it ceases to attract
interest except to the few. Thus one marvel in science in the action
of lufht on sentttiTa inrfaces. The keen intfre*t which all can take
in the development of a plate is notUog to the keener interest which
Remind shouU feel in trrinff to trace the reason of the phenomenon.
ScoM few yews aco we had to familiari(^> ourselves mentally with
atoms and iiMdeciilee oarillating in an incomprps.-ible ether, and in
this case " faith was a predoos grace,'' for it was hard to conceive it
poMble ; and now we have to slightly alter our m'-ntal picture and
OOoeiSTe that the ether of space is compn-syible ; for comparatively
raSHC oonsideratioiis have shown that the original mathematical
ittTMttgatiou of the motion in the ether which we put as light and
which explain all the pheoomena mat with, no k>nger require us to
eoosider inoompreasihilitj as a neceasitj. This has freed the way
for a* to cogitate over pcasibilitiea, and to amend our theoriee of the
formation o* a photographic imag*— or rather, peritaps, I should
sar to prevent them being seriooaly objected to owing to the non-
incIa«ion of what uaed to be eoDHdend a neeeaeity. So far then
mathematical sdenee is opening instead of barrii^ the way for a truer
concipti.jn of what takes place. Chemistry, too, I need scarcely say,
ia also helping as forward in the matk of molecular physics. Those
web-like graphic formuln which we see pictured in chemical journals
hare more meaning than at first sight appears ; and they would have
even still greater meaning if, instead of chains of affinities represented
<»•?•■«•• aurface they were repreaented in space of three dimensions.
Tlw law of, what for simplicity I will call molecular attraction, baa
been ezpmaed mathematically, and pata before us the possibility of
telliw what w limit of space in prodaebif photographic action, and I
woold point out that up to the preaant time it has been held that if
tma and intanit^ of Iglit give a certain chemical change in a body,
than the aama will be produced if tha two multiplied together give
ua aame eooetant. I think that we most put this law on the same
Msisaa tliat of gravity, which ia that bodies attract one another
jaramrfy aa the square of the disUnce between them until we come
mto distaaeaa between tba bodiea which are to be compared with the
oamatera of the awlawilaa, when another law must be applied. In
tlM aama way when wa get intenaitiaa of light which are ahnoet
iaflmtaly faabkr tliaB those vrith whkh we are acenatomed to deal,
tha " tima-intototaiiaity " law win be found to break down. This
foOowa abaort from phvaico-mathawatical considerations. Quite
raeanily, too, we have haa a chemist investigating the action of light
oochkmde of diver in a more perfect way than has hitherto been
■ttamplud ; and, if I rtad aright, we come to the conclusion that the
aama eooditiaas aie aeeeasary in it that are neceasary to prodnce
electrical action. FoUowing up in these lines we may get to know
more certainly the chemical action which takea place in a photo-
graphic pkte than we do at praaaat. There haa often been one
objection made to any chemical Uwoir of photographic action which
I have often bad to combat, and I can bat repeat my argument
against the objection, as I conceive that if removed it ia one of the
atumbling-bloclu which prevents progTess.
The objection is this : that such a large part of the apeetmm ia
active on a photographic plate. Onr comxptions of photographic
action are that the wave of light shall beat time with the oscillation
of the atom in the molecule of tba sensitive salt, and increase the
awing of tba atom, erentuaUv causing it to quit its parent molecule
•nd join itaalf to aoma adjaoeot on& If this be the caae, it haa been
Mnad thM tba aak of Arm ahoold only be aeoaitiTe to one ray of
upt, Aioatbat oaeiUatioa of only one aet of wavea should be'abia to
aOMt it. Hat* wachanica h^ aa. A pendolom will be increaaed in
awing even though tba intarrsJa of time of the outside impalsea given
to it do not exactly eoindda with the time of oscillation of the
pendakm. The swing of the pendulum will be increaaed by every
set of impulsaa to a certain degree, and will then diminish the swing,
jbnng the pandnlam to rsat, and start it once more on its travels.
That is to say, at one period the amplitude wiU be increased hj once
ita ordinal^ awinv. So with the atom in the moiecnle, any seriaa of
wmvca wiuch wiOiaeraaaa the diatanoa of the atom from the centra of
attraction, em by tba ■naUaH qnaatity, may increase it ao moch
that the attraction to that centre is less than to another, and the
atom may thus swing off, and the stoppa^ of the swinfr by the further
Ul-timed vibrations of the ether wiU be effective. If we took the
doctrine of averages, which is so useful in molecular physics, this
could not be the case, since the average amplitude of the atom would
approach to that of the normal swin^, except where the wave motion
and the atom motion were in actual harmony. The same reasoning
apphes to the absorption by the sensitive salt, which, if it alone could
be effected by a ray of a single colour or wave length, would only
show that absorption. I may remark tliat the same line of argu-
ment applies to the three-colour sensations in the eve. That the
latter are due to the same cause may be shown by'comparing the
curves of sensitiveness of a sensitive salt and those of the colour
sensat ions. They will be found to be essentially the same in character
and general shape.
There can be but Uttle doubt that the sensations of colour are as
truly photographic as the effect on a sensitive plate, and 1 would here
remind you that a photographic action is as truly present when the
e^xposure given is short as when so prolonged as to become visible.
A photograph on the retina may be invisible if it be examined for
any change ; but the chemical action may be equally well transmitted
to sensatory nerves. Colour fatigue is probably due to a printing-out
action, whilst a negative image in the e\ e, after fatigue, may be attri-
buted to the same causes which give a reversal to the photographic
image on a plate. The difference between a sensitive plate and the
sensitive retina may alone consist in the fact that in the one the re-
ceiving sensitive ©impound is a motionless solid, in the other that it
is a moving liquid, constantly dianging and being renewed. In
pstablisbinff any theory, due regard must be paid to temperature.
Heating a body means increasing the motion of the component mole-
cules, whilst chemical action means increasing the motion of the
atoms. The molecule will not necessarily suffer any change by heat
except that of increased motion, and will revert to its original state
when the heat is withdrawn, whilst the atom's motion may .so in-
crease as to cause a chemical change, which is likely to be a per-
manent change of state. When the molcules are further apart it is
evident that the atoms have most scope for movement, whilst when
the molecules are very close together their motion must be decreased.
The last is exemplified in extreme cold, and Professor Dewar has
shown that even at the temperature of liquid oxygen (-200° C),
bromide of rilver is sensitive to light. From this fact he has con-
cluded that the change in the salt is more physical than chemical.
For my part, I do not see it in that sense, and the sensitiveness of
the salt at normal temperature and at this extreme cold will have to
be n^easured before any real conclusion can be drawn.
Little by little science is enlightening us as to the dimensions and
di»*anee apart of molecules, experiments are explained by mathe-
matical investigation, and, in almost shapeless outlines of ideas, de-
tails are gradually being filled in, and the picture to the mind begins
to assume beauties in design which at first could not be dreamt of.
Photographv is essentially a branch of molecular physics, and thus
we an gradually able to approach a knowledge which is not alto-
gether vague. Ideas get simplified aa the mind gets enlarged, and
analo^es in nature help us in thinking out our theories. A theory
conceived and proved, after all, is but removing a cause a step further
back; it is leaving another milestone on the way behind us. How
many more there are to pass we know not. Theories are but the
silken threads which may guide us through a labyrinth, and when
we extract ourselves from it we find the maze we fiave left but the
entry_ into another. Yet this need not cause disappointment or
despair. Each difficulty conquered leads us nearer to the prime cause,
and let us remember that the infinite is only reached by the finite,
and it ia bat a few months ago that Lord Kelvin, who has long been
a peer in science, demonstrated a fallacy in a mathematical law.
Captaln W. dk VV. Abnbv, F.R.S., CJR,
EXHIB1TI0.N8 AND JUDGES.
The paragraph in the Joubnal rt the Judges' awards at Tunbridge
Wells is well timed, and likely to revive the perennial discussion on
the matter of judginc^ and exhibitions generally. It is a pity we
cannot once and for all settle this vexed question by the estabhshment
of a central controlling body, formulate a set of rules which would
meet the views of the majority of exhibitors, and put a stop to such
fiascos as that at the town named.
Looking at the mighty strides made by photography during the last
ten yeara — advances not merely commercial but artistic — we must
give the lion's share of the credit for this result to the numerous
exhibitions which have been held. Some of the competitions have
been open to much criticism, but on the whole the rivalry haa been-
7M
THE BRITISH JODRNAL, OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[December 9, 1892
healthy and devoid of bittemeaB. ■ Much comment has been made r*
the superfluity of awards in certain quarters, but this error— whicli i^
rendered of lees direful effect bv the ridicule of the Press — is small in
comparii^on with the effect likely to result from action such as that of
the Judges at Tunbridge Wells. It will be a thousand pities if such
action be allowed to curtail in any way either the nUmber of exhibi-
tions or exhibitors. Every one connected with photography (with the
sole exception of the unfortunate Secretary) benefits by these exhibi-
tions, and personally I think it would be better to lot the silver and
bronze tokens be scattered abroad even more liberally than hitherto
than to les.sen by one print (and this is a large order) the numbers at
our exhibitions.
The award, after all, of medals and applause does little harm ; it is
kindly intended, it is often a great incentive, and has but one occasional
and regrettable effect, when, given not wisely but too well, it induces
the recipient to imagine henceforth that photography is his Heaven-
sent gift, and, in short, impels him to join the ranks of an already
overcrowded profesaon — a profession, by the way, for which he is, as
a rule, by no means well fitted. This is the one ill effect, I think, of
indiscriminate awards, but, so far as it concerns the Judges, the fault
is but a pleasant one. In the selection of Judges, the committees
appear to all adopt one course — they glance through a list of names,
gentlemen of good repute, all of them ; the majority have received
scores of' medals for a certain class of work, others have identified
themselves with various fads, and become apostles and high priests of
sundry accidental creeds, all of which unfits them for judicial func-
tions. Sometimes, indeed, we shall find, but rarely, the man with
this accumulation of awards becomingly modest — doubtful of him-
self. At times he may say, " Yes, I've been rather lucky ; they seem
to like my work, though I'm not tpiite satisfied with it myself." But
as a rule he doesn't ; he is quite prepared to uphold his own work as
the alpha and omega of all photography, and to sit upon all comers.
The faddist, of course, because he is a faddist, should never be chosen ;
such men can see no beauty — nothing to applaud beyond their own
narrow circle.
I have a plan to propose which would necessitate some concerted
action on the part of societies ; but, as some of the latter are affiliated
to the Photographic Society of Great Britain, this preliminary would
be overcome. It is, for the societies to select and appoint a Judge ;
this gentleman to be a photographer of known ability, conversant
with all recognised processes, of liberal, not to say broad, mind, as
regards opinions; one who, admiring the man of "studies," could still
appreciate pure landscape or a bit of architecture; who could
sympathise with, and encourage the aspiring locals, and generally
give an unbiassed opinion. Such a man could be met with, un-
doubtedly. He should be paid a fee over and above expenses, and
would be expected to provide a report to be published and issued to
the competitors, setting out his opinions of the pictures shown, giving
praise and blame in due proportion, pointing out the beauties of
certain work, and the defects in others. This, in many local ex-
hibitions, would be invaluable. Such a Judge, being au courant with
most of the work already shown, would be able to spot at once the
over-exhibited work, and might be relied on not to be "bluffed."
Criticism is what exhibitors appreciate ; not to be told in as many
words that " we have fixed a very high standard of excellence, and
anything short of this will not be considered."
The Society to which I had for some years the pleasure and honour
of acting as Secretary used to have, and, I think, does so still, occa-
sional shows confined to members' work. I would advocate annual
functions of this kind. Initiate the younger members into the
mysteries of exhibition work amongst themselves, and then, in course
of time, they are better prepared to compete in the open classes. They
come to see gradually that a standard of excellence is necessary to
deserve a place on the walls, and the rest is then better understood.
I doubt whether " presentation prints" are popularised so much as
they might be. A capital method of educating our younger members
and others who have seldom the opportunity of visiting the chief
exhibitions would be for the Central Controlling Body to make a
collection of such good examples of photography as they could get the
permission of the owners to utihse, have them reproduced in collotype
or some such process, supplying them to the Societies at a reasonable
rate for distribution to the members. I remember the Society to
which I have referred in one year paid for a presentation print— one
print, by the way— a sum of about two shillings. I believe it was
about that sum. It must be obvious that the combined members of
some one hundred and fifty societies could receive a very handsome
collection of views for that amount each. The educational value
would undoubtedly be enormous.
But all this means concerted action, and that is a state of things
likely to be reached, if it ever is reached, very slowly. So far as I
can see the Photographic Society of Great Britain is the only body
at present in the condition, on account of years and standing, to take
fully into consideration the question. J. Pikb.
ON THE METHOD OF EXAMINATION OF PHOTOGBAPHIC
LENSES AT THE KEW OBSERVATORY.*
14. Distortion. Deflection or sag in the image of a straight line which,
if there were no distortion, would run from comer to comer along the longest
side of a liy plute = 0- — inch.
The following is the method adopted at Kew of measuring the distor-
tion produced in the image by the lens under examination. Let fig, 14
be a vertical section through the testing camera ; GG representing the
ground glass ; F the principal focus ; and N, the horizontal axis, which
passes through the nodal point of emergence, the adjustment for that
purpose having already been made for test No. 10. The lens-holder
carrying the lens is first turned in cither direction through an angle /J,
Such thatPF, or FNi tan, /3, or/ tan. ji is equal to half the shortest side of
the plate for which the lens is being tested. (The horizontal movement
of the swinging beam in the testing camera gives an easy means of
determining the angle /3 ; a distant object is first brought to focus at the
centre of the ground glass, and then the swmging beam is revolved about
Fig. 14.
the axis A (see fig. No. 1) until the image has moved along the graduated
scale a distance equal to half the shortest side of the plate ; the beam is
thus made to move through the angle fi, which can be read oft with
sufficient accuracy on BC, the top of the wooden stool, which is graduated
for that purpose). After this adjustment has been made, the ground
glass is brought into focus by ob.serving the image of a distant object at a
point P, a little below C, the line engraved on the glass ; under these
circumstances, if the principal focal surface is a plane, and if the lens
were being used in the ordinary manner, PP' would be the position
occupied by the photographic plate, the section shown being taken across
the centre of the plate parallel to its shortest side. The i<mall distance
PC is carefully measured ; this letjgth is then multiplied by secant /3,
thus obtaining C'P, which we will call o. The swinging benm is now
revolved about the pivot in eithese direction, so that the image moves
along the- scale on the gi"ound glass a distance equal to half the longest
side of the plate for which the lens is being examined ; the sketch in fig.
7 is still more or less applicable, IP' still representing a section across
where the photographic plate onglit to be, but this time at the end of
the plate, not at its centre (F, therefore, no longer r^pn sents the
principal focus); in fact, what has been done is to make the image
describe what, neglecting distortion, would be a straight lin« from the
centre to the earner along the longest edge of the plate : after this
moventent ha& been m^e, the length of C'P is again obtained by
* Contioncvl Tom page 176.
Di>cemb«r9, 1892]
THK BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
7B3
ent and ealenlation, and this time let the rasolt be called b
(ha operation ia repeated when the swinging beam is reTolved to an
•■toal angle on the other ride of zero, and a third length, o, is thus ob-
tahied. In fig. 15, let BA.0 be equal in length to the longest side o(
tin plate, and Veia.b, and e be the lengths just obtained ; then the carve
bae will eridently represent the image of a straight line thrown by the
Fio. 1£.
lena onder examination along the edge of the longest aide of the plate.
Since the image traTels along a line rery nearly parallel to the engraved
line on the grooad (^aaa, BAG wiU be nearly parallel to the chord of the
mre, and „ a, which ia the length rworded in the Kew certificate,
win be • TBty eloie approximation to th* aagitta or lag of the carve.
The image o( a rectangle neat the Uaita of a photographic plate will
appear, when any distoctioa U viaibla, like one or other at the forms
indieate.1 in fig. 10. The lagitta ia oonventiooally considered positive if
it is Beaaored towards the centre of the pUte from the chord, tbns giving
the BUM of positive and negative distortion in the two eases.
The distortion for distant oiqeets is not necessarily exactly the same
M for nearer ooes, and tharefore the nsoa lor which the lens is intended
•hooU not be forgottan ; for example, with portrait lenses an object some
riu. is.
Ian to twenty tMt away ahoold be oasd to throw the image la the abofvc
ftotaMy U win not at once be admitted that this is the best means of
naaMning distortion ; for no doabt it might bo done in many other ways,
■bd • iMtbol might sMily hav* bem sslaeted which woold have been
iMi cfMa to critidHB on pardy seiwtife trotuds. We believe, howerer,
the Kaw cartificala gives the hifonnation raafly reqafaed in praetiee. In
order to dstarmias if a lens is saitable (or any partioolar porpoee, all that
ia laqvind to be known ia whalbar the image of a straight line near the
•dge of lb* fteta will show too mneh corraloM, the amoont of tolerance
itfrntSiag greatly on the work for which ttvttta is to be nsed. There is
■o maaaa of wiabling the photographer to torpa a jadgment on this pomt
OMt* wadily than by giving him the saghu or sag in the image of a
stnigbt line along the adga of his plate. That it woold be difBcolt to find
a bcMw BMlhod m^, perhapa, be mads more evident with the aid of
flfi. IT aad 18, the ioraar ripraasntlna a section through a lens and the
photcgnpfaie plate, and the latter showing part of the plate in plan, with
the ewnd image of a straight line jast inside its margin. In fig. 17 let
If , be th* aodal point of emergence ; 8 3 the centre of similitude for rays
awnaHmg troa a distant object and making an angle /} with the axis ;
•nd 8^} Ifaa aaaa (or on object at an angle 9 ; e and g will, therefore, be
tt* iOMCM ot Ikma two objects aa saen on the plate, whereas, if there had
kMB ao diatartiai, th«y woold hate appeared at / and h respDctirely ;
#/Badfk will, ttMNlora, be tba total distortion hi each case, fa fig. 18,
M iha i^ya ooalag ttesa the objaaia, o( wbioh the linages are seen at e
and g, make the angles /i and 9 with the axis of the lens at the nodal
point ; if ef and eg are equal in length to the lines similarly denoted in
fig. 17, it ia evident that the curve ege represents the image of a straight
line, which, if there had been no distortion, would have appeared as the
Fig. 17.
Fi«. 18.
line /A/. Now, it would not havc>aen diffiealt to have devised means of
measuring the total distortion at any part of the pUte ; for instance, to
have measured the distortion c/for the point e at the corner of the plate
—but tho following considerations show, it is thought, that that would
not be a suitable way of testing the lens ; let the <^Tve efe in fig. 18
represent the greatest curvature that would be tolerated for the class of
work for which the lens is intended ; compare the lens producing this
curve with another in which 8 /J occupies the same position, but in which
8 /J is nearer the nodal point N, : f/wonld be the sumein the two eases,.
hxAgh would be less in the second case, and the curvature would there-
fore exceed the tolerated limit ; ^ith two lenses giving an equal total dis-
tortion at the margin, one should be passed and the other rejected. The
total distortion at any one point will noVjtherefore give a measure by
which the lens should be judged, the greatest rate of change in the dis-
tortion more nearly representing what is reqaired to be known ; and, as
tlie rate of change is certain to be greatest at the margin, the Kew
certificate supplies the information reqaired.
The tourniquet bos already been mentioned as an apparatus which has
been specially recommended for the purpose of testing photographic
lenses ; by means of this invention. Commandant Moe'<8ard obtains an
excellent means of detecting distortion, but hardly of measuriug it in a
way to indicate the curvature pradnced in an im ige. It will be remem-
bered that the lenses can be revolved about an axis whicli passes through
the nodal point N,, whilst the eyepiece remains sutionary ; the effect of
thts movement can be seen in fig. 17 by imagining the lens to be
statJOBiky', <#Hilst the object and the eyepiece revolve abont the nodal
point, lbs arc abedP being the path traversed by the eypiece. Let a be
the image of the object after tlie lens has been revolved through an angle
ji, and e the position where the image would be seen on the photographic
plate; for there is no reason to believe that th.> line e.i will coincide
exactly with the line «S /) ; if there were no distortion, 6 would be the
image aa seen in the toumiquet, and the distance moved by the image
from &'to a is what is measured by that apparatus. It will be noted that
the image a will be much ont of focus if the Icni his a fairly fiat field,
and that, after re-focnssing, a' will represent the im.'vge. nn 1 b' the point
from which the measarement is token; this re- focussing will tend to
reduce aay error which may be due to ae not bein^ coincident with eS/j,
794
THE BRITISH JOUIiNAL OF PHOTUGKAPHY.
[December 9, 1802
but SDoh a movement in the middle of an operation is rather objection
able on mechanical groands. Putting this objection aside, it will be seen
that we do not get a ready means of finding the curvature produced in
the image as seen in plan in fig. 18 ; for, if c'lH is the length measured by
the tourniquet when the lens is revolved through an angle 0, then the
sagitta of the curve is equal to
. a'b' sec. (3 ooa. a — c'd' sec. 0.
15. Achromatism. After Focussing in the Centre of the Field in Wliite
Light, tlie Movement necessary to bring the Plate into Focus in Blue Light
{dominant wave-length 4420), = 0- inch. Ditto in Red Light (domi-
nant jcave-length 6250), = 0- inch.
The photographer may be said always to adjust his focus in daylight,
and if the actinic rays are not brought to the same focus as the dominant
rays for white light, the definition obtained in the photograph itself can-
not be perfect. In fig. 19, let u'wit' be the position of the photographic
plate, the focus of which has just been adjusted in daylight ; if the lens
has not been properly corrected for achromatism, the different coloured
ray.s will form different cones, and those coming to a focus at w will have
a wave-length of about 5570, for that, I am informed by Captain Abney,
is generally speaking, the dominant wave-length for white light. Let h'bh'
be the cone of rays of 4420 wave-length, which is not far from the position
of the maximum actinic effect for dry ordinary bromide plates, and let
v'lin' be the cone for rays of 4000 wave-length ; since the actinic effect
with silver salts begins to fall off rapidly at about 4000 wave-length, the
cones outside the cone u'uu' may be neglected, and it may be taken that
the image of a point covers a disc on the photographic plate of which jf'ic
is the radius. It is evident that what the photographer wants to know,
with regard to the achromatism of his lens, is the amount of diffusion
caused in the image by any errors in its construction, that is to say, what
Fio. 19.
is the actual size of the disc of diameter u'w.
The examination for achromatism is, therefore, made in the following
manner :— First the focus is carefully adjust in daylight on a suit-
able object placed as far away as possible in the room, and then the
focus scale is read off. After this, a sheet of blue glass, the colour of
which has a dominant wave-length of 4420, is placed behind the object
and close in front of a small opening in the shutter, through which all
the light enters the room ; the focus is readjusted, the focus scale read
off again, and the difference in reading to that observed in white light is
noted ; the length hw in fig. 19 is thus obtained. Now let fbe the prin-
cipal focal length of the lens; and let/' be the focal distance when the
observation was made, which can be obtained with sufficient accuracy by
a direct measurement from the ground glass to the nodal point of
emergence, or to the pivot which has been made to pass through that
point. The difference of focus hw, noted between the blue and white
light, is then multipUed by ///', and the result thus obtained is that
finally recorded in the Certificate of Examination as if it were the direct
result of an observation made on a distant object. Exactly the same
process is then repeated with a sheet of red glass, the colour of which has
a dominant wave-length of 6250.
The reason for multiplying the result of the observations by/// is, that
it would evidently be unfair to test objectives of different focal lengths on
a near fixed object, for in some oases the ground glass would be close to
the principal focus, and in others, far removed fjom it. It seems, there-
fore, advisable to reduce all results, so as to make them equivalent to
observations taken on infinitely distant objects, and this is done by
applying this correction. An assumption is here made that the difference
of focus between different coloured rays in the same lens varies directly
as the focal distance, and this, in all probability, though not strictly
accurate, introduces an exceedingly small error in the results.
The blue and red glasses, which were selected and measured for colour
by Captain Abney, form a perfect contrast, as may readily be seen by
placing them together, and observing how very nearly completely all light
is excluded.
By simply noting the difference of focus recorded in the certificate
between observations made in red and white light, or between observa-
tions made in blue and white light (the latter being of far more practical
importance), it can at once be told if the lens is, or is not, well cor-
rected for achromatism. But it would seem desirable, as already re-
marked, to form an estimate of the actual amount of diffusion produced
in the image as a result of any error that may be detected in the chro-
matic adjustment of the lens. Now, there can be no difficulty in
determining the size of the disc of radius h'w, for bw has been directly
determined by experiment, and, since the cone b'bb' represents the cone
of rays of maximum actinic effect, on this disc wiU be concentrated the
bulk of the rays which produce the effect on the photographic plate. But
what we want in reality to find is the radius u'lo, since that has been
shown to represent more accurately the radius of the disc of diffusion ; it
may, however, be remarked tliat no fault can be found on this head with
the method of testing, because the probabilities of error are lessened by
taking the observation with rays of the maximum actmic effect. With a
lens not at all corrected for achromatism, the length between the dif-
ferent foci for different coloured rays varies approximately as the differ-
ence of the squares of the wave-lengths of the colours in question ; and,
taking the wave-lengths as above given, uw will be found to be to bw as o
to 4. But it must be confessed that this rule may have little or no
relation to the truth with a corrected lens, and it is merely adopted as
the only approximation obtainable. It is assumed, therefore, that uw =
5/4 bio. Let bw, the result obtained by the examination for achromatism
= a ; let the diameter of the disc of confusion, or twice u'w, = J ; let the
principal focal length of the lens = /; and let the effective aperture
= t. Then it can be seen, by reference to fig. 6, that—
._./«'_
8cV(C.I.No.of stop).
The table elsewhere, which gives the values of 20 <i\/(C.I. No. of stop),
affords a ready means of obtaining the required results in the following
manner : —
Knowing} the C.I. No. of the stop, decide on c', the diameter of the
maximum disc of diffusion that will be tolerated ; then, under the
columns thus ascertained, look out /t in the table, multiply the figure
there given by |, and the maximum difference of focus, a that can be
tolerated between white and blue rays is thus obtained.
Or, in the line opposite the stop of the size under consideration, find a
number equal to a, the observed difference of focus for white and blue
rays ; then o', the diameter of the disc of diffusion, will 5/2 times o, the
figure given at the top of the column in which a has been found.
It may be observed that either the principal focal length or the posi-
tion of the nodal point of emergence may vary as different coloured lights
pass through a lens. It would not be difficult to investigate these two
sources of error seperately, but the results would be of little or no
practical value.
16. Astigmatism. Approximate Diameter of flie Disc of Diffusion in
the Image of a Point, with stop C.L No. at inches from the
Centre of Plate = 0- incJi.
The following is the method of examination for astigmatism :— The
room is darkened, and in front of the lens is placed a thermometer bulb,
thus obtaining, by means of the refiection of the Ught of a small lamp, a,
fine point of light. The lens holder of the testing camera is revolved
upwards or downwards about the horizontal axis so that the axis of the
lens makes an angle, <p, with the path of the rays coming from the
thermometer bulb ; the angle ^ is such that the point of observation re-
presents the extreme corner of the plate of the size of which the lens is-
being examined ; that is to say, if, in fig. 20, GG represents the position
of the ground glass, then CP is equal to half the diagonal of the plate ;
this angle has already been found for previous tests. If the lens shows
any astigmatism, the image of the point of hght can be made to appear,
first as a fine vertical line, and then, as the focus is lengthened, as a
fine horizontal hue. The focal scale is read off at each of these posi-
tions, and the difference, y, between the two readings gives a measure
of the astigmatism. But, in order to judge of the amount of astig-
matism that can be tolerated, the diameter, a, of the disc of diffusion
December 9, 1892]
THE BRITISH JOURXAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
795
thenby ihoald be oeleaUted. Thu U done by moltiplTing y,
the diflerenoe o( tocaX dietenee of the focal lines, either bv - ' °°^^
f 2
"' ^ (?) ao^(Cj'No*of.top)' ''^ ' " *■" '^^"'^ «Pertnre,/the
princip*! focal length of the lens, and/' the focal distance when the ob-
■erratioa waa made. As the thermometer bulb is placed at the same
Fiu. 30.
dlrtence from the testing camera aa waa the object in the examination
to* Mhiomatiam, the ratio///' is exactly the same as in that case. The
■am* reeolt may be obtained by the ose ol the table in the following
Banner:— Find the ralne of I, the dtametor of the disc of diffasion,
OD the soppoeition that the /< of the tables has the valoe jost obtained for
y ; multiply the ralae thos obtained for J by ( ^\ eos f, and we get tr,
the required valne of the diae of ditTasion dae to astigmatism. This is
the iiaantlty reeorded in the Certificate of Examination.
fio.2l.
That thia is the aaM ean readily be wen by rslereoee to fig. 31
Here AB nptaMnt* the aOeetire aperture, F, and F, the positions of the
toeal Usee, and FH the podtion that the photographic plate would
oeenpy. At F, the imMgt a|ipeara a* a fine line perpendicular to the
plane at the paper, and at F, it is repreeeated by the line ah ; half way
b«tw«M tbeee two points the rays eat the plate in the form of a diae, of
which a'b' is a diameter. Any movement of the plate from this position
Most lengthen oat the dies of diffasion in one direction or the other,
and this, tbarafore, ia tb* poeition that the photographer natorally adopts
as his loMM. By etmilar Maa^ee—
o'V/AB = F,C/P^, and F,C/CK,=F,H/N,P.
Tbertfon, sin** CK, aad F,N, are approximately eqaal,
anr = AB
F^/N,P.= ,y,eoefF.F,.
Now F,F,
the
y, the morement of the groand glass, which waa
I raaorded. In the case o( the examination for achroma-
tism, It was shown that it was nnfair to oondnct the test on a near
object without applying a correction, so as to make the result equivalent
to an observation on a distant object, and that this correction could be
made by multiplving the measurement recorded by f (' . For the same
reason, a'i' must be multipUed by///' in this instance to obtain the true
value of a. Thus—
/ « cos ^
41
cos iji
20 V (C. I. No. of stop) ^'
In considering the combined effect of astigmatism and curvature of the
field, it should be remembered that it has been assumed that the photo-
grapher would focus his plate in the position PH, as shown in fig 21, and
that the principal focal surface, PH, was a plane ; this is, however, never
the case. If the local surface is curved, it is evident that the best general
focus is obtained by observing the image of an object at a position about
half way between P and C on fig. 21. In fig. 22, which is part of fig. 21
enlarged, let KL be the position of the plate when fooussed in this
manner, the distance between KL and PH being, therefore, due to the
curvature of the field. Through h' draw b'g parallel to F.,a' ; then, by
comparing this figure with fig. 6, it wUl be seen that ei) in both cases
represenU the diameter of the disc of diffusion due to the curvature of
field. Since, in fig. 22, ^V represents the longest diameter of the ellipse
of diffusion due to the combined effects of curvature and astigmatism,
and since it is equal to the sum of a'b' and ge, the diameters of discs
of diffusion due to these two causes taken separately, it will not be
unfair to look upon the evil effect of astigmatism as a simple addition to
the evil effects of curvatnte. In using the table already given in the
manner described, it would therefore be better if we substracted
the diameter of t^e disc of diffusion due to astigmatism from the diameter
of the maximum disc of diffusion which is to be tolerated, and use the
difference as the 6 in the table ; we should thus get a more correct notion
of the size of the stop that could be used to obtain any required standard
of definition. The objection to this use of the table is that the astigma-
tism, that ia, the distance FjF,, varies to a certam extent with the size of
Ihe stop used during the observation.
In the above discussion it has been assmned that the focal lines are
sharply defined If this is not the case, the reasoning here given ia
deleetiTe, beeanse the distance separating the focal lines is then no indica-
tion of the amoimt of diffusion. An exaggerated idea of the amount of
diffasion dae to astigmatism may thus be obtained by the above method of
ealealation, tor the diso may have only half the diameter thus found.
Tbanfare, onleas the focal lines are sharp — that is, unless the image of a
point appears as a very thin line, first in one direction and then in another
— no entiy is made in the certificate.
Objections have been raised to the use here made of the term astig-
ptatitm, when it is intended to mean the effect of spherical aberration
on obliqne rays, it has been proposed to limit the use of the word so as
merely to signify cylindricity in the lenses, such as might be produced by
taming them in a lathe with elliptical motion. Whatever may be the
thaivetical value of this objection, we fear that the use of the term has
been so thoroughly incorporated into the photographic vocabulary, both
in England and abroad, that it would now be impossible to substitnte
another expression in its pUoe.
LsoxABD Dabwik, Major B.E.
[To be contintud.)
798
THE BRITISH JODRNAL OP PHOTOGRAPHY.
r Decern Der 9 'i*<
DETECTION OF GOLD IN DILUTE SOLUTIONS.
It is well known (sayB Mr. T. K. Bose, B.So., in the Chemical News) that, if
large quantities of boiling water are ponred into a solution of stannous
chloride, a yellowish-white gelatinous precipitate of tin hydrate is obtained.
If the water contains a little chloride of gold, the precipitate is coloured
red (purple of Cassius). A solution of one part of gold per million parts
of water treated in this way gives a bright rose-coloured precipitate almost
instantaneously in a small test-tube. One in four millions gives a paler
colour easily detected in a test-tube if comparison is made with the
precipitate caused by distilled water. For more dilute solutions a greater
bulk of liquid is required, and the precipitation is best effected in beakers.
If 000(10311 grm. gold (one-millionth of an ounce Troy) is dissolved in
3-11 litres of water, and the solution, containing one part per hundred
millions, is raised to boiling and poured suddenly into a large beaker
containing 10 c.c. of a saturated solution of SnCl„ in water acidulated by
HCl so as to mix the two liquids as rapidly as possible, a bluish-purple
precipitate is obtained. This precipitate, when collected in a test-tube,
differs markedly in colour from a precipitate obtained by pure water in
the same way. There seems no reason why a still more dilute solution
of gold should not yield a colour if precautions are taken to ensure the
complete mixture of prooipitaut and solution.
Quantitative results based on comparison may also be obtained with
Oare, as the precipitates are quite stable in water. The presence of NaCl
(8 per cent.), CaSOj, KCl, KBr, NH^Cl, a little free HCl, Ac, or all of
these, do not interfere with the reaction. The precipitate is soluble in
ammonia an(i is re-precipi ate-1, showing its original colour, on neutralising
witli HCl. Synthetically prepared sea water containing gold to the
amount of one in twenty millions (three-quarters grain per ton) is equally
sensitive, but the colour is in this ease a blackish rather than a purple
violet. I am proceeding to test real sea water in the same way, though
quantitative results cannot be expected, since Sonstadt states (Chemical
News, x.-.vi. p. 159) that only a small portion of the gold present is
precipitated by stannous chloride.
This modiiication of a very well-known teat appears', likely to be useful
in cblorination mills, where it is often, desirable ta detect the presence of
gold in liquids containing as little as 1 in 5,000,000. The most dilute
solution that reacts it treated in the ordinary way by SnCl., is one per
million {viile text-books, ^inssiwi), and then only after a lapse of some
hours.
RECENT PATENTS.
PATENTS COMPLETED.
TMrrO\ EMENTO is OR REFLATING TO HAND CAMERAS.
No. 21,553. Hamuel White Rodch, 180, Strand, London, W.C.—
November 0, 1892.
This invention relates to certain details in the construction of hand camera
fitted with my pl.ate changing appliances, working in separate reservoirs o,-
magazines detachable from the camera, as patented Miircli 17, 1888, No. 4145.
My imjiroved hand camera may be described as follows : — I provide it with
two or more lenses adapted to fit the same Uange^n the usual way, one of them
being of short focus and capable of including a wi<le angle of view, the other
having a longer focus. Tliis permits of any desired amount of the subject that
is to be photographed being included in the picture.
The camera, which, when in its nonnaS state for wide-angle views is very
small, may be distended to any desired length so as to suit the lens or lenses of
longer focus ; this being effected by means of a bellows or gusset boily attached
to the front jiortion to which the lens is fixed, and to the rear portion in
which the sen.sitive plate or film is carried. The extending of the camera for
adjusting the focus, is etfected by a suitable rack and pinion. A ground-glass
screen is not uecessajy for sharp focussing, as this can be equally well done Ijy
means of snitable scales graduated and engraved to suit the various distances at
which either of the lenses is in focus.
My improved hand camera has a swing back of .any suitable construction,
and the front to which the lens is attached has a suitable sliding motion, as to
permit of its being moved in either a vertical or horizont.al direction.
The exprisure of the plate is made by means of the band-shutter described in
Specification No. 6613, 1887, placed behind the lens, and having an orifice
which passes across the lens with any required degree of rapiility.
In the detachable m.agazine I provide an index of any snitable construction,
which automatically registers the number of plates that have been exposed
from the magazine. This index is moved by the action of the lever, which
must be pressed each time a plate is exposed. When, by the indication of the
register, the full number of plates contained in the macazine is found to have
been exposed, the light-tight shutter of the changing back is closed, the
magazine is detached, and another, containing a fresh supply of plates, can be
inserted in its place.
The rajiidity of the exposing shutter is determined by a spring which, when
much braced up, gives the greatest degree of rapidity ; but the tension may be
remove<l from the spring by releasing the pawl of a ratchet, as usually'em-
ployed in such shutters, and in this state the shutter moves with a slow action
— caused by the relaxation of the spring. By adjusting the bracing-up of the
spring, any intermediate degree of rapidity is obtainable, and when once set,
the action is always afterwards uiuform.
What I claim is the n.se in connexion with the camera described in my
Specification No. 6613, 1887 :—l. The employment of more lense* than one,
these being of wide and ordinary angle. 2. Adjusting the focus ol' Ici.s. s by "
rack and pinion attached to the body of the camera. 3. Placiu'^ the sliutter
behind the lens and adjusting the power of the proi)elling spring in the m inner
described. 4. The graduated scale for sliowing when the lens is locusseil for
any particular distance of object. 5. llie application of a swint'-back. 6. The
automatic registration of the number of plates exposed. 7, An arrangement
for moving the lens front in either a vertical or horizontal direction.
^lieetinsd of Societtess.
MEETINGS OP SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK.
Date of Mfieting.
December 12
12
12
12
12
12
13
i:J
„ 13
13
„ 13
13
,. U
» 14
14
14
14
14
„ 15
15
15
IS
15
IS
16
16
16
16
Nume of Socifity.
Place of Meeting.
Darlinfrton
Dundee Amateur
Lantern Society
Norfolk and Norwich
North Middleeex
Putney
Itichmoud
Derby
Great Britain
Manchester Amateur
Newcastleon-Tyne & N.Connties
Paisley
Stockton (Annual) '
Ipswich I
Leicester and Leicestershire ...|
Munstor j
Photographic Club I
Beading 1
Stocktiort
Birmingham Photo. Society
Camera Club '
Greenock
Lundou and Provincial
Oldham
Oxford Photo. Society
Cardiff
Holborn
Leamington
Maidstone
Travelyan Hotel, Darlingtou.
Asso. Studio, Netherua .■, Dundee.
20, Hanover-square
Bell Hotel, Xorwich.
Jubilee Hall, Hornsey-ro:,-!. N.
Boys' Gymuasium.Charlwoocl-road.
Greyhound Hotel.
Smith's ttest<aurant, Victori;t-st.
50, Great Russell-st. Hloomsbury.
Lecture Hall, Athonosum.
Mosley-st.Ciife, Neweaatl(r-ou-Tyne.
Committee Km., Fi-.-eLi'i.&Museum
Masonic Court, Hii^h-atreet.
Art Gallery, I[i.sw ch.
Mayor's Parlonr, Old Town HalL
School of Art, Nelson-place, Cork.
Anderton's Hotel, Fleet-street, K.C.
Mechanics' Institute, Stockport.
Club Room, Colonuade Hotel
Charinar-cro?s-i-oad, W.C
Museum, Kelly-street, Greenock.
Champion Hotel, 15, Al<lersjato.at.
Tlfe Lyceum, 'Union-street. Ol'lham.
Society's Rooms, 136, High-street.
Trinity Church Room, Morton-at.
" The Palace," Maidstou,-.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
December 1,— Mr. A. Haddon in the chair.
A letter was read from the Photographic Society of Great Britain inviting
the Association, as an afliliateil body, to contribute examples of various
printing processes to a series of .albums which the Society have in contem-
plation. Consideration of the letter was deferred.
The Old Methylated Spirit.
Mr. L. Medland said that recently, in reply to inquiry he had made at
Somerset House, one of the ofticials waited upon him, anil stated that per-
ndssion would be given to him to obtain one gallon at a time of the old kind
of methylated spirit direct from the methylator.
Lantern Slides or Ireland.
Mr. F. W. HiNDLEY gave a description of his experiences in the west of
Ireland, illustrating his remarivs by a large number of lautcin slides made
from negatives he had taken in the vicinity of the Connemara Mountains,
Clare, Wicklow, Galway, and other places. Mr. Hindley, in allusion to the
climate, said that between the .showers the light was excellent, the greater
brilliancy being due, he supposed, to the moisture in the atmosphere. H- had
used a hand camera throughout, most of his negatives being taken on films.
The slides shown embraced views of mountains, seascapes, studies of the '
peasantry, some ot the liotels, the primitive coaches, beggars, jiricsts, cattle,
Irish shiinties, castles ancient ami modern,- views at Kilkee, and many other
"objects of interest." Tlie series of pictures illustrated both the sixnery of
a large tract of Western Irelan<l as well .as the principal characteristics of its
poorer inhabitants, .and was accompanied throughout by a running commentary
and description of a humorous nature.
At its conclusion Mr. Hindley was thanked by the meeting, wliich was a
large one.
Leeds PhotogxapMc Society.— December 1. Annual Meetingv— The report
showed the jTeseut niember.'ihip to be 105; the property of the Society, in
appliances, furniture, and books, is now considerable ; iu photographic pub-
lications there is almost all the best books published, liesides the current
literature, annuals, &c., which are lent out to the members. Tlie following
gentlemen were elected Committee for next year : — Messrs. E. H. Jacob, .M. A,,
M.D. ; B. A. Burrell, F.I.C. ; Godfrey Bingley ; S. A. Warburlon ; Herbert
Denison ; Robert Steele; J. H.Walker; J. W. "Thornton; H. 1'. Atkinson;
T. Butterworth. Mr. Godfrey Bincley afterwards g.avc a lecture, entitled
Waiiderinrjs witli a Camera in 1892, illustrated by lantern slides.
Holborn Camera Club. — December 2, Mr. Fred. Brocas in the chair. — Mf.
F. J. Cobb gave a demonstration on the use of the optical lantern. Last
Saturday the annual supper of the Holborn Camera Club took place at
Anderton's Hotel, Fleet-street, Mr. Horsley Hinton in the chair.
St. Bartholomew's Hospital Photograpliic Society.— November 30, Dr.
Russell presiding. — Mr. W. J. Arniytage read a paper on Daylijht Enlarge-
December 0, m»3]
THE BRTflSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRA.PHY.
797
menU, in which be rantoBy riphdned the details of the makinf of enUrge-
Bwnti hjr th» me of an ordinary caiiieA. ' Alter the paper uieie was an
ahlbHioD of printa and Untem ilidea by membon.
Mat^atf PlM»togTai>lilc 8ocl»ty.— N ■ —. '— 29. Mr. W. A. Barker in the
chair. — It *a» (Itci'lol til hold a sni' on Januarys at the Club
piciDises. Mr. l'i>ile »howel a P. ' . which had been in the
Dame three weeks, Imt was not staineil in iiny way. Mr. Beckett showeil
two printa, ono m ptatiootype paper and the other on silver paper. Both had
baoa kaft ia a vcnr damp place. The platiuotype print, however, was
mriM, »hil>« the diver priaL had bded coMidentbly. Mr. Wise and Mr.
BoodUan both allowed flaahliglit pictorea. Mr. Croes showed some
imtJtm, owl aaked what wa« the matter with tht-m. Mr. a Beckett was of
tha afiBioB they were imder«zpaied ami out of focus. Other work was shown
hf HeMia. Xumi, Mooie, Soacao, fte. Mr. .Inbn KeynolJs exhibited an
Anschii'.^ tacbyscope, which was on the same princi|ili; as a wheel of life. Mr.
Tr5»TiiN x<k«l how prrmaojtaiiate of p&tash is u.sed as an intensifier, as jier
W<Uti IHnetury. Mr. Beckett thonght It stained the negative, and thus ^ve
mora printiox ijiiality. Mr. K<ii>r..\i', however, said thoe was a distinct
ihlilial action. Prom the qnesti<m )k>\ : 'What constitntea a hand-camera
pietnnT" Uonaidenblediaeiiwion en question, in which nearly
an took part. TIm Bod. 8eeivtary gav if the Judges at the recent
Exhibition, which was, " Anf eamaia beiu m uie iiand is a hand camera." K
rota taken on the qaeatiMi roMUtad ik tka following being the accepted
answar : — "A hand oansa wnut be hdd la the hand only, anil niil on any
kind of miM^t, iastaataneity is not oMential, the natnral limit being a
qaertioo oThov long it can be held aa nwntioDed. If placed on a tUmd or
any -• -■-* '•'. \m mo hngcr a kaiul eautern. Hia it immaterial. Mr.
K. ! 'Tsa of opinion that the comjiosition should al.so' be done
OIK'; : le Hon. Secretary stated that next meeting would be a
laoten. :.,'..
LaytoDstone Camom Ctab.— December 9^ Mr. Tom Snnmon* in the chair.
—A r.n l'kiilojTau>>ic Ixxlging was opened by Messrs. H. H.
Snii y. W. Watea, Mr. 5!T-M)ntBa eommenced his paper on the bng-
btar // in.t uftrr ilMiri'iini^the various canses, went on to the remediea,
ld*Dcatm){ >.i with Vandyke )imwn in a creamy paste
with watrr .1:. . :oe ; he also found, if only present in a
■mQ <U(T«e, It couKi oiien be iwimJ tttm the negativa with methylate<l
wfMt an>Uid with a piaee of rhaanti iMther. The great cam that the
" of tha batlaws nhould be da^ blaak was next gone into, he explain-
that that was fr
lag a lens of gn-
neatfained the a>iv.i
near Iros, which wc
and how nftrn t!. 1
•ring it : ami •
braMtabiaf n
MaatioD. M>
i^ that that was fr ' !■ eaase of hwi negatives, particolarly when
ndag a lens of gn- .- power than the plate exposed. He also
;iig the front or hock cnmbin.i!:~' • ' tili-
ibodt doable the fiiol length t,
•he bellows ill 1 n t lermit thi- y of
be overear ■ uIit by having a piece of
I the barrr! . when using the front com-
.. fa took op tiir (w., ".' . «ud went on to thennestion
of iapimriaf or datlgiac a«|Dstina hy mcaa* of intensification and reanction,
dsoMMUatlM h7 ibmbs of Or. Moaekbova's formula. He next dtacribed
tha acaaa A Mcsrtalatiig that the plata |ra« in correct regiater with (he
foensaiag eenaB, and tha mraas of iletecttaM IIk prrwuce of actinic light iu
tha <lark moai. How ''■ '— • •>- '--i 1. " -Ih of »ny lens and th.- vilni- nf any
atop* was aext expl "^ a very simple n >nd
went into the diOei' iiA, ailt nesting tra. . .lue
with Ussoa paper, cuttiiig out the >hai>>- on oanl, ^rrating the eiigr, lasienmg
on the priatulf ftinar, and packing naiarasalh with cotton wooL Palling
tha WTVil oat \Sio Una •brads esrs a very son vignette, and also gave a ready
meaaa of al CQoa slightly a»efiag the <ha|<e. ii necessary, when printing.
BlocUi..' skica and other priBtia|(t(i»lnaw«« neit ile»:tibad. Fire gentlemen
wan eiectad, adking ap tha BBMar nli to 138. The Brat annual dinner takes
plaeaoatlHlOlhlnsl.
xaariaiMB aad Tt — r— ti'-t netegnptr'
8. C. Mote pnaldiaF «tiaBa ttaoi
Tha Ihwt waa in xxi- ■■ ex|ioiiar<
second s* to whether it wb {..MiMe tr- '
partial reranaloTllMiaaacafi ancsii
of ae^veagivlaf th'- --'• — ' '
way. aa he was coav
Pre»i'f<Ti* «t.^lc.1^^T
Mr.
h
urea ; the
wloiier shuuM proiluce a
the membam had a batch
• '"r •' i" •"»■ "Iher
The
I<r
nl.irging
lit in the
..^.. i-;'.'[ited the
lo of pbin giaiBi. It was
films not bdag perfectly
it «
fr
enl .
plan
■oirv -'
dry.
West torray FhotoKraphle Sedaty.— November SO, Mr. James in the
chair. Tlic '•iil.;e. '. nl the eientag was a denonatration of the naea of Oeseo-
/Wssa. i.y M<~r>. Hill Bratkcii^ of Sarfalloa, The Boda of procadare ia as
follows —The oi^titi- is imtaervsd in aditatod aolution of the mlxtare (three
CfU of coMsatntfad aalatioo to one of water) ; in a vary sh" nlni
vaa the glMa lappoft. After this take* i>Uce it sUouU )w : ila-
tioa far aboat two ainataa, and then, support '■ ' - •> " g:lass 1. .,...,..,: lift,
tha ftae Ob ia ttaaafrmd to another dish I'll ply water. Then the
mlarrtMlwaiaam snd In sTimit flflrtin ni < reachol its uiazimiuu
ffVtA of aboot twiM iU original lias. The Ulu ^ then Ooated on to its
sopcMrt, whether glisr. pororina, or paper, it matters not, tha air bells blown
ftoai aador tha film, and then allowail to dry. After dryingit is neceanry to
waab tha aha as in aa aidioary aagatire or tnaspanncy. The enlarged film
ahoaa aa s^Ms whaterer af dkdorUna, aar loss of sharpatas. In cases whoa
tha pjmalaBaati daaaloper had been need, enlargement took idace leas readOy
uiidtM imiod so teT It w« alaopoMad oat br Mam. HiU that, if the
ssbject to hadlT plased npoo the plata, it nv >* sUgMly aalatgad aad shifted
no the >au.r )>u:<.. tu '.ha discoseion It was poiotol out that the patenteea
feeiad to Li.c aUcii Car attention only to the enlarging i>ropertiea of their
solution, and had neglected the fact that they could procure a perfectly unin-
jured free film, which fact alone should make their article invaluable. Again,
workers of the carbon process will tind this solution a great boon, inasmuch as ■
the tedious and uncertain double-transfer process can be m.ade as .simple and'
as certain as the single transfer. All that is needed is to float tlie lilni of the
negative in a very dilute solution of " cresco " to avoid enlarging, and then
reverse the film on to another gla.ss. When printed, the result would, of course,
be tlie same as if finished by the double-trausfer process.
West Kent Amatetir Fbotographlc Society. —December 3.^Mr. A. R.
DBE.s.-iKK gave a lecture on Amidol and Its C'ses. The lecturer said that he
found this develoi>er very gooti for negative work, bnimide paper, and lantern
slides, it behaving exceedinglv well with bromide pajier printing and enlarging
from very dense negatives. *rhe developing formula sent out by makers he
soon gave up, it very soon tnmiug colour, and after making several experi-
ments he struck upon the following formula, which worked well : — Amidol, 1
ounce ; meta-bisulphite of potassium, 1 ounce ; water, 10 ounces. To use
with this Mr. Dresser makes up a saturated solution of washing soda, a
saturated solution of carlx)nate of potiiss, and a ten iier cent, solution of
bromide of i>ota»sium. He recommended a start v.ith develojier as follows for
plates, normal exposure : — Amidol, 1 drachm ; saturated solution of washiug
soda, 1 drachm ; water, 1 ounce ; and 2 drops of ten per cent, solutiou of
bromide. This will also answer well for lantern plates. For extra density
add a few drops of carbonate of potass solution as required. Formula for
l)romiile jiapers: — Amidol solution, 6 <lrachms ; carbonate of potass solution,
6 drachms ; water, 10 ounces ; ten per cent, solution of bromide, 30 drops.
The lecturer recommended a trial of this developer, and handed round some
prints and elides he had obtained, which showed good results.
Cray don Camera Club. — December 5, the President (Mr. H.Maclean, F.G.S.)
in the chair. — Mr. W. H. Smith demonstrated, to a good attendance of mem-
bers, who appeared keenly interested, the various ways in which glycerine may
be used in conjunction, with the oxalate develoi>er in pliitinotyjie printing.
The working of the ory-magBJsium I Ko shown. Inasmuch as it is
available for printing in suveras ^^ . ity|iB, the President remarked
it was a matter for wonder that tl; . 11 liid not make more use of it.
Mr. Smith statoii^he ha<i snccessfiiUy used the lamp for portraiture, exposure
being tiireerseoonfls, marking at/-6.
Croydon Microscopical and Natural History Club (Photographic
Section,!. --Dei'cmlwr t, Mr. \V. liudgcn in the cliair.— Subject, lUm^k-iiij vuL
aiul I'riHtiitf ill. The Chairman, after iulroilucing the subject, passed round
a -et of iirints illustrating the various difficulties encountered when printing in
clouds, Ac Varioi;s methods were then described, showing how they might
be overcome by ' us nse of tissue pajier and masks, nr by printing
with oil colours !; of the negative. The additiuu of figures to a
laridscaiw on all. ,,.,... did not present any special difficulty if the figures .
were Hnit ii.n'. i ..ni then, after they had been carefully painted over wi^,
Indian ink, il.i I.i;, U a|ie printed. When gehttine paper was used, a mixture •
of gamboge with turpentine or other medium which did not atl'cct the gelatine
was suggested in place of Indutu ink.
Bath Photographic Society.— Xovcmbei 30, Mr. Austin J. King (President) .
in the chair —He drew attention to the examples of work sent for exhibition
that evening, which included many beautiful specimens, ami which would be
exawine<l with interest Some time was then (iroJitably sjient in viewing the
various exhibits of the memhers' work during the sninmer. The remainder of
the evening was devoted tt) displaying lantern slides. Mr. Braham .showed
two photographs he had taken from a balloon : one ascerfliug, altitude 4200
feet ; the other deacending, altitude (5000 feet. And he save a l>riof account
of his aerial jotimey, pointing out that for map work by balloon photography
above OOOO leet from the earth a peculiar fogging or obscuration was miinifest.
Bonilay Photographic Bodetv ' -. Mr. John Bntterworth
(Presid.ntl in the chair. — .Mr. I : 'U, of the Platinotype
Company, gave au adilr.-^ ill. 7" , , I'UUinutiipe Prints. He
•b^wcd by means of ex { i uuly liuw wi luus tiuu up to sepia mig)it
be. obtained, but how t: . iit might !« retarded by glycerine.
Dartiy Photographic Soc.. ibcr 30, Mr. Kichard Kecne in the
chair.— CWpUin VV. de W. \ . itS..read a paper on Hand Cameitts
anil SktUlen, uikI prefaced li •' * 1 resident of the Society, ho
lu^ great pleasure in comint; '-m to the kind invitation
whiii they had given bim.-\ fonucrly bound him to
Derby was almost broken, still he 1 ,1 Derby man
and owed a very great <leal to Dei .Mmcy then
1. I 1. 1... u.,1 t r. ,,, I, ^ , ....1 he known
. en such a lan;i' sprinkling nt ladies in the
red to imyiart into his jiaper more matter
whith would have mterested ■ ' :. When one went to London,
one was apt to look at the »<; ,,'s more than the .irtistic sid^/y
but in the pajier which I.h v. : , them he had eiideavoureii to-
lilend the two sides to^- 1 aptain then went on to siienk ol the use
of 4ha earners and how !» it to »« to got the best i)ossit)le results in
various uo«>tiW' Hi .Vc it understood that a small ,.
ordinary camera might than a mere t<>v, and sUoiUd ■ ,
be made to do some verj ,, pier the form of the camera, the, ,
better it was likely to lie. One luiporlanl question which often came to thff -^
ears of photographers of exiwrience was as to whether movement was detri-
mental to the prr ' •'■ • a clear, sharp picture. Some jieople 8.iid it was,
but he was ahail • who said so argued without knowing the facts.
If motion waa api whole camera and equally distrilmteil, it was just
as possible to obUiu a good sharp photograph as though the camera hail
remained quite still ; but, if the motion were unequal, one end of the camera
moving without the other, then the jiicture was robbed of it.s sharp outlines.
CapUin Abuey went on to say that some of his best pictures ha<l lieen obtained
on a dull day, and in describing the use of the hand camera, the importance of
gauging distance, and the use of the bubble, he said that he had fre<picntly
used his umbrella as a camera «Und, or even his walking stick. The lecture,
708
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[December 9, 1892
which was most interesting to all lovers of photography, was illustrated hy
means of the oxyhydrogcn lantern, and some very good (fiagrams, illustrative
of the remarlcs made, were passi>d round amongst the audience. At the con-
clusion of the paper a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Captain Abney
for his kiniiness in being present and giving such valuable information to the
members of the Societv.
Maidstone Amateur Photographic Society.— December 1.— Mr. Andrew
Prinoi.e Rave an address on iMntem Slide-making. It embraced a thoughtful
rUumf of the artistic aspect of the subject, later on turning to the scientific
side of tonality and gradation. The various processes of slide-making were
then discussed, and information given on the practical working of many points
in reply to questions. Mr. Pringle concluded by specially emphasising the
qualities of a good lantern slide, and spoke in favour of a medium tone neither
too cold nor warm, and the necessity for all the details of the shadows being
clear and visible on the screen.
Lelth Amateur Photographic Association.— November 29, the President
(Mr. Wm. Macdougall) in the chair.— The Secretary displayed one of the latest
■spirants for public favour the " Developer," in demonstrating which he stated
that this idea of developing an exposed plate in ordinary protected light was
one which had taxed the abilities of many men, and this one, if carefully used,
would do all that it claimed to do. The arrangements were neat, and the
whole thing was well made, and might suit many who had not the usual dark-
room appliances. Being the annual exhibition meeting night, the members
occupied themselves with examining and criticising each other'.s work. Our
correspondent says : " One of the things to be noted and objected to in this
body's work is the apparent contentment to copy engravings of well-known
pictures, such as Maclise's Origin of the Harp, Sir Noel Paton's Oberon and
Titania, as well as Thos. Faed's Tarn O'Shanter. Were those subjects taken
from the original pictures, with the many difficulties attending such reproduc-
tions, there might be less need to notice such work ; but copied as they are
from ordinary black and white engravings, and well executed as they are, they
should only be a stepping-stone to the much higher efforts of attackin? the
original pictures There is one example of such a kind by the late David
Scutt in the Trinity House of Leith which I do not recollect of being repro-
duced in any but the most ephemeral form, The Rounding of the Cape of Qood
Hope by Vasco de Oama. Let some of the enthusiasts of this Society try that,
and, if they succeed, they will have achieved a new honour to themselves and
the Association they represent. The more noticeable exhibits were those of
Mr, Guthrie, whose enlargement, Nev)kaven Fisherman blowing his Haccy, was
•fine, the President's clever groups, and Ewart's studies of children. Some fine
examples of work were exhibited by E. A. Davies, Campbell, Hendric, and
Goodall, and the entire show betrayed no falling oljf from the previous high
standard of this Society's work. Again, may I draw this Association's notice
to the desirability of their meetings coinciding with the issue of the yearly
Almanacs, which are the notifiers and recorders of the current office-bearers
and meeting dates of tlie principal societies throughout the world ? It would
fee welcome to all concerned. "
Corre^ponirencr*
' Oarreapondmti iTumId tuner tcrtte on both ndea of tht pofwr.
SOUTH LONDON PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY'S EXHIBITION.
To f Ae Editok.
Bib, — Aa a reader of your valuable paper, I have noticed your general
remarks tend to help on photography, whether practised by individuals —
amateur or professional, or societies and clubs — and, in the same spirit,
aa a comparatively recent recruit in the ranks of amateur photographers,
1 have been somewhat crushed by the thought that possibly merit is not
the only requirement for success, and such being the case, I am afraid to
prepare work for the Exhibition of next year, having no hope of success.
I have been led to this conclusion by the reault of the Exhibition of the
South London Photographic Society, held juat recently. I was not an
exhibitor, therefore my opinion is perfectly unbiassed, and I do not give
it altogether as an opinion, but am rather seeking information by asking
the following queationa : — Was it right to expect the Judges (gentlemen of
good stature and fine phyaique) to grope about on the floor to find work
— pronounced "good" by many members, but which they could not
poaaibly judge well under such peculiar arrangements as these? Is it
usual for the Judges to have in their hands catalogues which give the
number and name of exhibitor clearly set forth, when the conditions dis-
tinctly stated : " Names of competitors will be covered during judging ? "
The lantern slides were splendidly shown ; but why, Mr. Editor, were
some of them hurried through, and others kept on for a few momenta to
wait for the applause, and why were some omitted altogether without a
reason being given ? As an amateur of about two years' experience, my
pictures were not anym'here near good enough to be classed with numbers
of those which had no opportunity of being appreciated by reason of their
separation from each other — some on the ground, some hung where they
could not be seen, here and there, on the " find-them-who-can " principle ;
and my contention, expressed by many others also, is that tactics like
these tend to keep such as myself from attempting to join the army of
conscientious artists, who desire to make their profession an art, and who
look to (he expression of the honest judgment of the many (rather than
the opinion of acquaintances) as a means to their attaining that end.
This cannot be done, nor our Societies make real progress, unless all have
the opportunity to receive either compliments or criticism, and, surely
sir, this was not the case in the Exhibition under notice. I have pur-
posely avoided writing anything that might have caused pain to indi-
viduals, but I believe a little wholesome criticism from abler pens than
mine may conduce to true " progresaiveness " in the Society, which I
hope will strive to encourage others who, like myself, could sign them-
selves as persevering and ambitious, in its highest sense. — I am,
yours, &c., Young Membeb.
December 3, 1892.
"THE SPEED OP PLATES."
To the EniTOH.
SiK, — In justice to ourselves, we should like to refer more fully to the
correspondence that you published last week under the above heading.
The plates of which we advertised the rapidity were tested, not by us,
but by a competent independent gentleman, Mr. Alfred Watkina.
The sensitiveness reported to us was 150 on " Watkina' scale," and we
considered we were quoting an accepted published ratio in stating that
150 " Watkins' scale'' equalled 100 on Hurter & Driffield's.
So soon as Messrs. Hurter & Driffield raised any doubt as to the
accuracy of the figures on their scale, we immediately withdrew their
name from our advertisements, being quite content to accept the reading
of the "Watkins' scale" alone, especially when given by such a, practical
expert as Mr. Watkina. We do not care to adopt the Hurter & Driffield
actinograph until it is recognised as a standard instrument, by the Photo-
graphic Society of Great Britain, or by a suitable body of scientific men
capable of deciding its merits. The mere fact of its being adopted b.y one
or two plate-makers haa no influence with us whatever. Meanwhile we
are satisfied to have our plates tried by the "Watkina"' method, being
the only one based on an actual camera test, we estimating that 999
plates out of 1000 are used in the camera. The whole question of
branding the sensitiveness of plates on each packet is a most serious one,
both to the manufacturer and to the trade.
As manufacturers we have nothing to fear in the future in respect to
rapidity it we branded otu: plates, but the interests of the trade must be
considered.
The system of branding plates adopted by manufacturers using Hurter
& Drifiield's actinograph may be fair to the purchasers, but are most
unjust to the trade (both wholesale and retail), that stock their plates.
Our plates, if branded this week 100 Hurter & Driffield, would be at a
heavy discount (practically dead stock) if we were to issue 125 next
week. Who ought to bear such a loss ? Surely not the trade who stocked
our goods, on our representations of only a week since.
Our company will not adopt any system of branding plates that is
detrimental to the trade's interests. When it can be clearly shown us
that the branding of plates would be advantageous to the trade, we shall
be only too pleased to adopt their views. — We are, yours, &c. ,
The Impebial Dry Plate Co., Lijiited,
T. E. H. BuLLEN, Secretary.
Cricldewood, London, N.W., December 5, 1892.
LANTERN SLIDES OF LIFE AND CHARACTER.
To the Editob.
Sib, — I am desirous of obtaining studies of life and character in aU
parts of the world, and, although I know it is a tall order, yet venture to
utilise your columns (with your kind permission) to make known my
yearning desire. First, however, I don't want something for nothing,
but for every slide sent me an equivalent wiU be given. My offer is to
give slide for side. Any of your readers who may be in possession of
hand-camera studies of street life, native characters, or scenes which will
illustrate the life of that particular country, I should be glad to hear from.
I will exchange any number (not exceeding eighteen) slides of English
street life and character for a corresponding number from a foreign or
colonial fellow-worker.
Although hand-camera shots would be preferred, as giving better
renderings of life, yet I by no means wiah the aeries thus limited. My
object is to form a set of slides of a.n interesting and instructive nature,
which will be ready for use by next season. I should be glad to hear from
any one in this country as welljwho may possess suitable slides taken by
them on a holiday trip abroad. — I am, yours, &c.,
47, Hagley-road, Birmingham. Walter D. Welfobd.
MESSRS. HURTER & DRIFFIELDS' PAMPHLETS.
To the Ediiob.
Sib,— We are sorry that Mr. Creaswell has had the trouble of making
'he explanation which appeared in your issue of last week, and we beg to
nform those who have made inquiries from him, and others interested.
Dec«;m))er9,l8S^]
THE BRITISH JODKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
799
tfamt we have » limited namber at nprintB of oar papers on "Photo-
efaemical InTestiTationB and a New Method of Determination of the Sen-
Mmatm of Photographic Platen," and on the " Relation between Photo-
gnphie MegatiTea and their PositJ^es." These reprints we shall be
pleaand to forward to applicants on receipt of names and addresses. — We
are, yours, Jte., F. Hurtkb.
A^lftOH, iVidna, December 6, 1893. V, C. Dbiffteld.
EAU DE JAVELLE OR OZONE BLEACH.
To the EorroB.
Sn, — Toor eornqmident. " S. V. W.," will find, in The Bbitish
JocaxAL or Pbotoobipht for 1885, page 124, instractions for making
this. As he may possibly not hava the volame, I give the particulars.
Take toor pounds of washing soda, aod poor on it one gallon of boiling
water ; continue boiling till all is diaaolred. Remove from the fire, and
add slowly, with oontiniied stirring, one pound of fresh chloride of lime,
bee from lamjM. Allow to cool, and stmin off- the white, insoluble
iHidae. The floid should be kept in stoppered bottles. If this is to be
naad (or prists after fixing, one dtschm should be added to eighteen
oonees ot water. — I am joors, &e., Curroan E. F. Nasb.
[The aV>re particulars appear in an article by Dr. EHerslie Wallace
on the " FMimination nt Ilrpnsulphites." At page 7*^ of the last
Alhanac appear two formulae for the preparation of Eau de Jarelle
and Labarraque's solution. Whether either of these is identical with
Holmes' Ozone Bleach we cannot aaj, but they answer the same
porpoee. — Eo.]
PPRITY OF OXYGEN,
To (V Eorroa.
Sn, — ^ni* wnplaTinent of oajgea for the limelight and other purpooes
hM inrreaaad enormously siiiee the aommercial introduction of the Brin
aietbod, by wUeh the gaa ia aepanted from atmospheric air by a now
«^-knowa ebemical proessa. n* bm bo obtained is practically pure,
ancJyaia ahowinc that, as now aoppUaa by the Brin companies, it contains
OD aa anwgi w-O per eaat. ct osTgn, the remaining 5 per cent, consist-
hig of inert nltvoitao.
The sneeese Ol this compaimtiTaty new indnttry has been so marked,
that, aa a natural resolt, eoopetUort with riTal proeewes have come
forward. Soaie of these met with faDore at an earlystage of their career,
bat otiien 'are sapplring oxygen <0 the public This is by no means a
tteu ol thing! to be deplored faon the consomer'a point of view, if the
prodnet from the one aootee is aa good as the other, for benefit generally
■rieee fron healthy ewuueUtion. Bat when the rival product turns out
to be, not oiygen, bat a baUaod-li^ mixture of oxygen and air with a
alight exeais of the latter, tbe uunipiUtion is of a decidedly unhealthy
character, and is eonespondingly Md (or the consnmer. I recently
obtained a sample of gaa from a Maler, which on testing (with a Hempel
•baorptiaa fipaMa ehwgad with nei^Ue eopper and ammonia) I found to
be * mixtan ■wifihiiiin only M>6 o( osyiaa. I next tested the illumi-
nating TafaM of ttiia highly dilated osygw with a limelight jet, and, for
aake of eompariaoa, plaoad by its aide a precisely similar jet supplied with
Brin's oxyaan. and. aa might hate bean expected, the light giren by the
(omer was little more than one half as Intense as that afforded by the
latter. With the good oxygen the lime was qoiekly pitted, whilst the
otheg ilweil no tjmaptem cf daaliuuUuu. It ia also to be remarked that
the wmwwBiiMiw « ilia dBoiad im ia, for a giTen period, about one-thbd
awia itohlin with both Jela to get tbe beat posaible light— than that of
flood og^fan. On the aame prineiple, a moontaineer at a hi«;h altitude
win pass note (rmrsAsd) air thraogh his longs in a given time than be
will when be is in tbe valley breathing that which contains the normal
quantity of oxygen.
As tliis matter is of gnat importaaes to many workers, I trust yon may
be able to find room in your vahMd pnbliMtion for these words of
naeaaaaiy eaotion.— I am, yonrs, te., T. C. Htpwoa-m,
Author of the " Hook of thr iMntern." ite.
45, St. Auguttim't-road, Camdntfuare, K.W., December C, 1693.
-*-•-
IHirtiange (Tolttmn.
,* jr» dtmrf it made for inmtiing JUdlurngt* of Apparatus in lAis column ;
ta( tume will is iataUid anUm Vu arUeU ttamtod it de/imitelf ttaled. note
wkatfte^fflMeirrtjuinattaitai "anjfUkiiit at^/al" will IMer^ort lauiertiand
Ikt reason oflMtir iiua ufpamwam.
a DaOasrar tains far a DansHjsr «D| dUkraassadJostsd.— IddrMS,
U<U hmeslll^ 11 1 Ills I br Bar Brathers for Taaasek hand
, W. WAUsa. IM, VoaUtnH, Mttafkaa.
-jMrfaln* b)r8qalT«,la food eoadttioa. tor lOxSor wbole-DUta
fertoMe tesMllMar l>w, sdJMtsiMt lij essh.— Addna^ KraaAao Cctaaa, VhiU
■eAMadle^ Bsslftaes.
I lOicS MrtraH hM la eood oODdttlOB lor tx7 OptiaiM carjvMiM
-' - tesa sl^wetfc Mat— Addrw, J. K. Barra, Uttis
Wanted, photogrrapher*B show-case, brass scales on stand, also posinp chair. Will
flive in exchansre superior cabinet rolling maohine and scenery background, also
mechaaical ne^ro and harp. — Address, iL D. Clarke, phoLograpliic artist, &c,,
Pailton, Bngby.
Photographic Club. — December 14, Members' Open Night. Demonstra-
tion of Paget Printing-out Opals and iMntem Slides. 21, Amidol and Other
jVeio Developers.
CROYDnN MiCROSCOPiCAi. AKD NAT0BAL HisTOBT Cldb.— December 14,
Mr. T. Charters White, M.R.C.S., will give a demonstration on A Simple
Method of Plmto-Micrography, with lantern illustrations.
Photographic Socibtt op Great Britain. — Ordinary Meeting, Tuesd-ay,
December 13, at 50. Great Russell-street. Major Darwin, R.E., M.P., will read
a paper on Le}is Testing at Kew. There will be no Technical Meeting in
December.
Is the Gazette of 25 ult., containing the names of Volunteer officers who
have receiveil the decoration for long service, appears the name of Major J.
Pattison Gibson, ISth V.B. Northnraterland Fusiliers, who this month com-
pletes his thirty-third year of Volunteer service.
Tbe Benevolent. — A committee meeting was held on Monday, December
5, in the rooms of the Photographic Society of Great Britain, Mr. W. Bedford
in the chair. There were two applications for assistance, both in money and
in finding situations. Both cases had been investigated by the Secretary and by
a member of the committee, and the applicants attended and were interviewed
by the full committee. In both cases the desired loans were granted. The
Secretary reported on the disbursements of the moneys granted at the last
meeting, ana was able to report favourably on the progress of one or two men
who have during the past few months been rescued from desperate straits by
the Association. The Secretary was instructed to write to all subscribers of
the Association who ilid not subscribe for the present year, asking them to
continue their support, as the pressure of the season is being keenly felt by
many photographers. The Secretary also reported tliat certain overcoats and '
boots which nad come to hand had been highly appreciated by men who were
in great difficulties, and asked the members present to supply certain other
articles of ddtbiog, which amongst them they were able to promise.
A HEW "shortened telescope, "constmcted by Dr. R. Steinheil, is (says Nature,
described In the Zeittchr. pi.r Instr. for November. The principle resembles
that odopeed by Dallmeyer and Dr. A. Steinheil in their tcle-photographio
objectives. A negative system is introtluced 1>etween the olijectglass and the
eyepiece, thus increasing its equivalent focal length. If a be the focal length
of the objective by itsel^r its distance from the negative lens, and the m.ignifi-
catiOD OT times that produced without the negative lens, the total length of the
tube ia given by Z=r-H»(o-r). In a telescope actually constructed on this
system, the object-glass has a focal length of 16-2 cm. Its distance from the
nearest surface of the negative lens was 12 cm., the eipiivalent focal length
BO'S cm., and the total length 27'8 cm. Hence the magnifictition was S'/S
times that obtained by using the objective alone. In this case, then, a m.tg-
nitication of 22 diameters was obtained with an effective aperture of 4 cm., a
total length of 27 '8 cm., and a one-inch eyepiece. If the same magnification
and iUnmination had to be obtained by a long-focus objective, the length would
have to be 60-8 cm. Thus the length is reduced by more than one-half with-
out the usual disadvantages of short telescopes and eyepieces of high power.
ABaoBBixo PowBBS OF DiFFBBKST CoMPOONDS. — Of one heat ray of a
burning lamp it is stMed that there will be absorbed \>f passing through : —
Rock salt (colourless) 8 per cent.
Fluorspar 28 „
Flint gUis 83
Olasa used in the manufacture of mirrors 61 ,,
Calcareous spar 61 „
Rock crystal 82 „
Citric add 89 „
Alum 91 „
Sugar candy 92 „
Ice 94 „
The dilTennce in the behaviour of heat and lieht rays is strikingly shown in the
case of common copperas, which absorbs all heat rays, but allows the easy
passsge of the blue rays. A watery solution of album will absorb nearly all
heat, "but to a very small degrees only the actinic rays, whereas an alcohoHe
aolation of iodine absorbs the greater parts of actinic rays, permitting the
passage of the beat rays. The loss of the actinic power of light in its passage
through different kinds of gisss is said to be as follows : —
German window glass
Crystal
Oornan plate glass
Englishi
Ifatt^ass
Orange yellow
Green window glass .
Deep ruby
Opal
Porcelain
TUckneu in
Oenthnatrw.
0-ie
0-8
0-3
08
016
Ground glass.
0-12
015
0-25
0-16to0'3
015
Lou per cent.
4-2
8-6
13-0
13-0
60 to 60
12-6 to 17
61
82
90
60 to 70
97
The loss of actinic power varies with the quality of glass employed. Greenish
glass, if ever so slightly tinged, will absorb from two to four times as much
light as glass of the colour of pure water. Tbe loss of actinic power amounts,
as a rule, from three to ten per cent for each millimetre of thickness, the raya
of light striking the glass perpendicutarly.
BOO
THE BRITISH JODKNA'L OF PHOTOGRAPH F,
.December 9, 1882
attfitocw to OTorresponTients.
All matters for the text portion of this Journal, including queries Jor
"Aniivers and "Exchanges," must be addressed to "The Editor,"
2, Torl^street, Covent Garden, London. Inattention to this ensures delay,
jffo notice taken of communications unless name and address of writer are
given.
*,* Communications relating to Advertisements and general business affairs
must be addressed to "Henry Gbebuwood & Co.," 2, York-street, Co>)ent
Garden, London.
*,* Editorial table and several other communications in our next.
J. A. Forrest. — Received. Thanks.
W. S. Lilly (Lincoln).— The example of collotype work sent is excellent.
F. J. G.vHRisoN.— Mr. H. N. King's address is i, Avenue-road, Goldhawk-
road, W.
T. Br.\mwkll (Alston). — No doubt the lens would answer for the purpose.
The heat of the lantern would, in all probability, not affect it.
S. Tallon. — You will find a reference to the sulphurising of asphalt, by Herr
E. Valenta, at p. 614 of the volume of this Journal for last year.
J. Pike. — A copy of Liesegang's JI/a»iMaZ q/'CaW»»/'n,'«<(nsr might possibly be
o'btained by advertising for it We can suggest no otlier course.
W. Bleasdale, of St. Helen's, asks : "Would you please inform me where I
could oet good carbon transfer paper?" — Of the Autotype Comimny, 74,
New O.xford-street, W.
Hants. — If you can prove there is no novelty in the inveotion, and that it was
in use prior to the date of the patent, you can make the apparatus, as the
patent is not a valid one.
T. WiLCOCKS. — The manual on the carbon process, published by the Autotype
Company, will give every particular. If any difficulties are experienced in
working it, we shall always be pleased to advise.
Hengist. — If you send in pictures for competition, representing them to be
what tliey are not, and a prize is awarded for them, the prize is obtained by
misrepresentation, which may be construed into a fraud, and might subject
you to a prosecution.
G. B. AsTOR. — The work to which you refer is by Mr. Chapman .Tones, and is
published by Iliffe & Son. Mr. Chapman Jones is a sound writer, and any
statements made by him can be relied on. The title of the book is hitro-
duction to the Science and Practice of Photography.
N. M. M. asks : " Can you tell me where I can get a book on sunk mount
cutting ?" — A work on this subject was published by Kent & Co. some
, years ago, but whether it is in print now we cannot say. Its title, if we
remember rightly, was Tlie Carver and Gilder's Guide.
T. Offer. — The cause of the fading is very likely indeed to be due to the
hyposulphite of .soda. For four .shillings per cwt. hyposulphite of soda fit
for photographic purposes must not be expected. It may answer very well
as an anti-ohlor in paper-making, for which it was very probably sold
originally.
^RPLEXED. — The print is by the Meisenbaeh process. That and cognate
methods of book illustration are referred to in the editorial article of the
forthcoming Almanac. Tlie screens are not, we believe, obtainable in
England. Wolfe, of Dayton, Ohio, U.S.A., and some Continental firms,
supply them.
C. Schmidt (Dresden) asks if there is any varnish for negatives known in
England that can tie applied without the negative being warmed ; and, if
so, how it is made. — Sucli a varnish is well known here, and it is simply a
solution of Dammar resin in benzol. The better the quality of the resin and the
solvent, the more satisfactory will be the varnish. '
W. GiELrN-o.— White blinds will be best for the north side of the studio. For
the south side, dark ones, such as dark blue or green, and of a thicker
material, will be preferable. As the south side is already glazed, we should
not advise its being blocked up if good-fitting blinds are provided, as for
certain efiects the light may at times prove useful.
S. Tabrum complains that, in making collodion for enamelling prints, the
collodion is much too thick to flow over the plate, although only half the
quantity of pyroxyline generally recommended was used, and the addition
of more ether and alcohol does not make it much better. — The pyroxyline is
of an unsuitable kind or the juirpose, and the remedy is obvious.
S. A.— The albumen process has so often been described, and full working
details given, in these columns that they cannot be repeated, at least for the
present. The reason why the process is not worked more generally is that it
involves more trouble and requires more experience than most other pro-
cesses. Even if the plates could he purchased ready for exposure, like gela-
tine plates, the method of development and toning would have to be learnt,
as it difl'ers entirely from the treatment of gelatine plates.
Fading writes as follows: "I enclose two silver photographs which have faded
badly in a few days. I have many prints like this recently, and cannot
understand it. They are fixed and washed in the ordinary manner, as I
have done for years. I should blame the paper did it occur in all ; the paper
is home-sensitised. Hypo soda from Marion's ; silver bath, fifty grains ;
fixed from ten to fifteen minutes. I should be glad if you can suggest cause.
During past season I must have sent out dozens, none probably as bad as
these., These now sent were printed last week only."— Tliis is one of the worst
cases of spottiness we have seen to occur in so short a time. Possibly the
evil may be due to the mountant or the mounts, which are printed in bronze.
Our correspondent should test the latter, or, if he is not capable of doing it
himself, send them to an expert for analysis. Bronze powder is a very
prolific source of spots, and should always be avoided.
DEV0N!3fiiBE says : " About two years since I saw in the Journal a capita^
mountant ; it was rice flour, with instructions how to make it for keeping
for Use. I cut the paragraph out, and carefully put it away for future use,
. but now cannot put my hand upon it. Can you give me particulars?" — We
don't remember the article for the moment ; but, if a paste be made in the
same way with rice flour as with wheaten fiour, it will answer quite well.
A few drops of oil of cloves may be added as an antiseptic.
J. E. C. says : " A quarter-plate camera of mine has extra long extension.
The leather bellows have at the smaller end, iust behind the lens, developed
a crease where there .should not be one, the result being sagging of the
bellows, and cutting ofi' part of the picture when using wide-angle lens.
Could I stiflen the bellows by a coat of glue, isinglass, &c., applied
internally ? If so, what do you think would be the best thing to apply ? " —
Possibly the best means of stiffening the bellows would be by the insertion
of a piece of cardboard.
Undecided. — For taking such a group as a football club, while it is always
best to employ a lens specially constructed for the purpose, yet are good
pictures produced by lenses of the cemented rapid type. Some photo-
graphers, whose means are rather limited, make use of landscape lenses for
the purpose, but thene necessitate a longer exposure than would be necessary
with the former class. Of course, if botli of the classes of lens, a group and
a landscape, are worked with stops of the same relative apertures, the expo-
sure will be practically equal. For such a subject as that mentioned a more
pleasing picture will be obtained by placing the camera at a distance from
the ligures, using a lens of moderate angle, than when employing a wide-
angle lens nearer at hand.
R. T. says : "A little while ago I liad a sitter to take cabinet size, and, she
being a fine subject, I took a 1.5 x 12 negative on my own account that turned
out a fine picture. I offered the portrait to the lady's friends for half my
usual price, but they declined to purchase ; so I have used it as a specimen
in the window, and also have a print in a show-case. Now the father of the
lady thi-eatens me with legal proceedings if I do not stop showing the
picture. Will you please tell me if he can do so, as I made no charge for
taking the portrait?" — This is a point tliat, so far .as we are aw.'ire, has
not been contested. But we think tliere is very little doubt that, if proceed-
ings were taken, an injunction would at once be obtained, and the defendant
would find himself involved in heavy costs.
W. R writes : "I shall be glad if you can give me a little help. I have been
making wet-collodion transparencies in the camera, and have succeeded very
well, except for one defect, which more or less impairs the qu.ility of nearly
all the slides, viz. , crapy lines running diagonally across the pkates. I rock
the plates and let them set well liefore sensitising. I am iising 's
negative collodion, with iron development and a substratum of dilute
albumen. I never used to meet with this trouble in the old wet-collodion
days, so that I cannot account for it." — Crapiness is usually due ro an un-
suitable pyroxyline in the collodion, or its being made with too weak
solvents. But this is scarcely likely to be the case with the collodion
n.imed, more particularly as some of the pictures are free i'rom the defect.
Try the effect of coating the plates more slowly — that i.'*, allowing longer
time before the plate is brought to the vertical po.sition — and do not rock so
quickly.
West London Photographic Society. — December 13, General Discussion
on Photographic Subjects.
Maddox Fund. — A sum of il. 17s. 5d. has been received towards the above
fund from the Photographic Society of India.
London and Provincial hotographio A.ssociiTiON. — December 15
Monthly Lantern Night. 22, Ordinary Meeting.
Messrs. Fuerst Brothers are now issuing amidol in cartridges. One tuba
contains sufficient of the reagent to develop ten half-plates.
FORTHCOMING EXHIBITIONS.
1893.
February 18 Holborn Camera Club. Hon. Secretary, F. J. Cobb,
100 High Holborn, E.G.
March 1,2 ....'. *Fillebrook Athenaium Photographic Society. Hon.
Secretary, Joseph W. Spurgeon, 1 Drayton Villas,
Leytonstone, Essex.
April 17-29 *Photographic Society of Philadelphia. Hon. Secretary,
R. S. Redfield, 1601, CaUowhill-street, Philadelphia,
U.S. A.
* Signifies that there are open classes.
OONTBNTS,
Page
magnifying glasses for re-
touchers 785
recent exhibitions and their
LESSONS 785
backgrounds ^m
A VISIT TO A famous AMATEUB-
HOW MR, HENRY STEVENS WORKS 787
AMERICAN NOTES AND NEWS 788
FLASHLIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY. By
DR. N. A. POWELL 789
DIPPING -BATH DEVELOPMENT. By
DK. A. MEYDENBAUER 790
"THE ARBITERS OF HONOUR." By
hector MACLEAN, F.G.S 790
Paoi
RECENT SCIENCE AND PHOTO-
GRAPHY. By CAPTAIN W. DE W.
ABNEY. F.R.S., C.B 791
EXHIBITIONS AND JUDGES. By J.'
PIKE ...■ : 791
ON THE METHOD OF EXAMINATION
OF PHOTOGIUPHIO LENSES AX
THE KEW OBSERVATORY. By
LEONARD DARWIN 79-2
PETECTION or GOLD IN DILUTE
SOLUTION.S 79fi
RECENT PATENTS 796
-MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES 796
CORRESPONDENCE 798
EXCHANGE COLUMN 799
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS 800
THE BEITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1702. Vol. XXXIX.— DECEMBER 16, 1892.
OUR 1893 ALMANAC.
Thi Britimb JocB.VAt. Photooraphic Ai.ma.vac for 189.1 is now
in course of publication. It contains a larger number of pages,
devote<l respectively to the text and to commercial announce-
ments, than any previous volume, the exact number of })age8
being 1236, an increase of sixty-eight on last year.
The editorial article is devoted to "Some Photographic
Methods of Book Illustratiou," and includes practical details
of the principal photo-mechanical processes in mo<lem use.
Among the contributors to the volume are Captain Abney,
ProfeMtr W. K. Burton, Mr. R. H. Ik>w, C.E., Mr. Andrew
Pringle, Mr. Thomas Bolaa, Mr. Chapman Jones, Mr. George
Davison, Mr. C. H. Bothamley, Mr. Thomas Bedding, Mr.
W. E. Debenham, Mr. G. Watmough Webster, Sir H. Truemau
Wood, Mr. W. R Bolton, Dr. R. L. Maddox, Mr. R J. Sayce,
Mr. E. W. Foxlee, Canon Beechey, and about 150 other well-
known writers and photographic axperimenulists. The in-
formation containod in the section devoted to formula) has
be«n leviaed and broogfat up to data.
The volume is enriched with an example of collotype printing
by Measrs. Morgan k Kidd, a specimen <>r .Mr. Henry Sutton's
half-tone procen, one of Measrs. Waterlow's process, and three
Meiaanbach reprodootions of negatives by Messrs. H. M.
Hastings, J. B. & Wellington, and E. Woodward.
A TELESCOPIC FOCCSSIN<; FINDEIL
.^i.scE the system of focussing the image in the camera by
means of a pocket telescope was brought before the [)iiblic at
the first, or Derby, meeting of the Photographic Convention in
1886, nothing has been said about it in these pages ; but, ax
qoeriea have of late been coming to us concerning it, wc think
it well to revert once more to the topic. For the benefit of
the numerous bo<ly who hav opted, as amateurs, the practice
of photography since the date mentioned, it may be welt that
we commence what we have to say by recapitulating tlie general
nature of the system and its special advantages over the
ordinary means of focuasing, at least under special circum-
stances.
These circnmatanoea an those which when employing a small
or hand camera find their analogue in one of the duplex or twin
typa^ that in which there are actually two cameras conjoined,
the lenaen of both being similar and the bodies being so
arranged that both are amenable to one rack and pinion, the
one wwitaiiring the groond-glass focussing screen, while in the
other there ia the aeoaitive plate exposed to the view, all save
the protecting shutter, which, when the subject is found to be
properly ananged and in focus on the ground glass, instantly
flies open and closes again upou " pressing the button," or
squeezing the pneumatic ball. This system, however admirable
it may be when applied to small or hand cameras, is quite
impracticable for those of larger dimensions, say from whole-
plate to 12x10 and upwards.
In the system now under notice the camera has affixed to
it, either at the top or along one side, a pocket telescope, the
object-glass of which is of the same focus as the lens of the
camera, and it is so adjusted, by means to be presently de-
scribed, that when taken from the pocket and put in position
on the camera it shall, upon racking the camera in or out
until a sharp image is seen in the telescope, ensure most
infallibly the absolute sharjiness of the scene on the sensitive
plate in the camera, and the equal certainty of the object
visible in the little telescope eventually being found in the
centre of the plate when, after exposure, the developer has been
applied. The foregoing, in general terms, is the nature of the
system ; its advantages consist in keeping the object to be
taken under constant surveillance from the moment of inserting
the dark slide and withdrawing its shutter to the final squeezing
of the pneumatic ball.
The object-glass of the telescopic focussing finder should be
identical in focus with that of the photographiolens employed.
Those whose means are limited will be glad to know that a
really high-class telescope is not by any means necessary, as
for this purpose we have found one of the cheap foreign ones
serve ijuite well. What is of importance is the identity of its
focus with that of the photographic lens. Once this is secured,
the rest is easy enough. All that is then required is to attach
the end in which the object-glass is contained to tlie front of
the camera and the eyepiece end to the back, having previously
taken care to open out one of the jackets in which <tny of thu
telescope tubes run, in order that, when operating the rack of
the camera, the other may slide easily and smoothly without
any drag. The details of fixing the telescope are these : — Place
the outer end on the camera front at any convenient place,
and fix it by any suitable mean<>. It may project beyond the
photographic lens or not, this being of no consequence so long
as, when fixed, it cannot afterwards be sli'iden backwards or
forwaads. "We do so by a pin, driven into the woodwork, which
projects about a quarter of au inch, and tit-< into a hole drilled
into the main or largest tube of the telescope body. Now
focus on the centre of the screen, with the greatest care any
object situated within a moderate distance, not one so far away
that " everything is in focus." This is done on the ground
glass of the camers, and by the camera lens. Next direct the
focussing telescope to the same object that was focussed, and,
by sUding in or out the still free or eyepiece end, see that this
002
THE BKITISH JODKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
.December 16, 180?
object is also sUarji, and then fix the eye tube to the camera-
After this the focussing screen of the camera may be practically
discarded, for no further adjustment will again be necessary.
For those who practise photographing of yachts or that of
military manosuvres — or, in short, of any of those numerous
subjects in which there are objects in motion, and which are
constantly changing places, and getting out of focus when a
lens with a large working aperture is employed — this system
is one that can be very strongly recommended ; for, with a
plate ill situ, the eye at the telescope, the right hand at the
focussing rack, and the left hand grasping the pressure ball,
the subject can be watched and followed until the fitting
moment, when a squeeze by the left hand gives the instan-
taneous exposure.
But it may be said, " This is well enough for a camera having
only one lens ; how will it apply when one desires to supplant
for some special subject the, say, eighteen or twenty-inch focus
lens by one of a shorter focus, such as eight, ten, or twelve
inches working at equally large or proportionate apertures as
the other?" This, too, can be done, but it must form the
subject of another article.
LOCAL REDUCTION OF NEGATIVES.
Our remarks on tliis subject at the close of an article on
" Exposure and Density " a fortnight ago have elicited some
correspondence to which we take this opportunity of replying
generally. One suggestion is made to the effect that local
treatment during development, or, in other words, development
by means of a brush, is preferable to any after-manipulation ;
while other correspondents recount their want of success with
the methods we mentioned for the latter purpose.
With regard to the first suggestion, we must say without
hesitation that we cannot agree with the writer. Valuable as
brush development may be, and undoubtedly is, under certain
conditions and circumstances, we consider it totally unsuited
for the special class of oases to which we alluded. Where a
small portion of a negative is found to suffer from under-
exposure and to be backward in development or weak in detail,
it is admissible to wash off the developer and to reapply it to
the defective portion witli a brush or other similar means. But
where only a small part of the image is fully or over-exposed,
aud the remainder probably regains the full strength of the
developer, as in the case of a feebly lighted interior, the use of
the brush becomes in the highest degree inconvenient,, if not
impossible.
Besides, the use of the brush in this manner requires the
greatest judgment and a high degree of skill in order to ensure
success, and to apply these adequately in the dim light of the
dark room and upon an unfixed negative is to still further
handicap the chance of securing a satisfactory result. Where
the task before the operator is merely to coax out a little more
detail in a shadow, or to strengthen that which already exists,
to improve, in fact, a negative the major portion of which is
already tolerably satisfactory, it may be undertaken at any rate
witliout the risk of doing any great harm ; but under any
other conditions it is scarcely jjossible to hope to achieve any
great success.
With the after-treatment, however, the case is altered, for
not only is it possible with the fixed negative to judge pretty
accurately the amount of modification necessary, but the
operator is able to perform the work in a careful and leisurely
manner and in a good light ; and further, if he be so inclined, he
may study the efiFect produced as the work proceeds by means-
of trial prints, and so avoid overdoing the treatment.
We strongly suspect that the latter is the rock upon whicb
most of the unsuccessful workers have come to grief, for, unless
carefully performed, the process of reduction may end in more-
harm than good. The effect produced upon the image is, to
the eye, comparatively slight after a considerable amount of
work, though when it comes to printing — and this is especially
the case in the half-shades — the result is not unfrequently
startling, showing itself in dark patches or blotches as if the-
image in places had been almost eaten away. For instance, in
dealing with the over-exposed window of an interior which, if
very dense from over-exposure or " halation " naturally requires-
a good deal of working, the tendency generally is to so en-
croach upon the contiguous portions that, when the window
itself is reduced to proper printing strength, it is found in-
the positive to be surrounded by a dark halo that produces-
an even worse effect than the original.
The beginner in this stylo of dodging should always bear in
mind the necessity of proceeding slowly and carefully, remember-
ing that, though insufficient treatment at the first attempt
can always be supplemented, over-reduction is quite beyond
remedy. Therefore the first counsel we would give is to apply
only a little work at fii-st, and then very carefully study the-
eflfect, or, better still, try a print. In this manner, not only is-
excessive reduction generally guarded against, but any
irregularity or inequality of the work can be detected before-
it has gone too far. Such irregularity is most likely to-
occur in such cases as that we have quoted. Where a good
deal of work has to be applied to a restricted area, for it i&
difficult to avoid encroaching upon the surrounding parts more-
or less, and these will show the reduction proportionately more
without requiring it, than the denser portion to which it is-
desired to confine it. The best means of minimising this
danger will be noted in connexion with the different processes
as we proceed.
The first plan we shall speak of, because the one most
generally employed, though not the oldest in a chronological
sense, is one of which Mr. W. Brooks was, if not the introducer,
at least one of the earliest exponents. This consists in rub-
bing' down the over-dense portions with alcohol, applied by
means of a tuft or pad of cotton-wool or similar material,.
Some operators prefer to use the bare finger, and, in the case-
of the fair sex, we dare say the soft skin and delicate touch
would answer every purpose ; but for ourselves, though not
specially " homy-handed," we prefer the artificial rubber.
The first point of importance is the strength of the alcohol,
which should be as free from water as possible in order to avoid
swelling or softening of the gelatine film, which will inevitably
occur if a weak sample be used. Ordinary methylated spirit
of fairly good quality is generally of specific gravity about "82 7,
and this answers quite well, though how the new " mineralised "
spirit will behave when applied to this purpose we are unable
to say from actual trial. The presence of the small proportion
of mineral naphtha is, however, not likely to greatly affect the
result. The rectified spirit of the pharmacopoeia is too weak
to be safely used ; therefore, if methylated spirit of the right
strength cannot be obtained, it will be better to employ pure
alcohol of not higher strength than -820. Before commencing
the reduction it is, of course, absolutely necessary to see that
the film is perfectly dry, to ensure which condition it is well to
warm the negative, and allow it to cool again just before use.
lu applying the spirit, the cotton-wool or other material,,
9MMikir 16. IflOB ]
THK BRITISH JOURNAyL OF PH0T0G11APH\.
803
■which sbonld also be carefully dried, must be well satumted,
bat not sufficiently to allow a great quantity of the liquid to
flow over the film in rubbing. What is wanted is just sufficient
to comfortably lubricate the surface and allow the rubber to
move smoothly. When this is attended to, and aqueous mois-
ture is not present, considerable pressure may be applied
without danger of injury to the film; but it is preferable not
to me too much force, bat to proceed gradually. The character
-of the redaction to be effected will also modify to some extent
the method of friction, broad, gentle strokes being required for
a wide expanse of sky or general lowering of density, and
shorter, sharper strokes where the space to be worked upon is
-more limited.
The moat difficult sabjecta to treat are portraits, so far at
least as the face is concerned, for, if t<>o heavy pressure be
Applied or too much work done, the deposit wiU be rendered
tnosparent, and the high lijjrhts degraded in the print, a result
b«ng produced similar to that obtaine<l by exposing the picture
to light after it leaves the printing frame. In cases of harsh
«ontrast in portraiture, it is a good plan to employ an artist's
chamois leather stump, though it requires some little practice
to handle it Bucceasfully. This is useful also in softening' the
lights of drapery and for similar purposes, though for portraits
generally we prefer the process that will be next described,
with powdered (Mimice instead of spirit
Very often the sky of a landaoi^ n^ative will show traces
-of clouds, which are, however, too dense to print out with the
landscape nnkas some means be sdopt«d of shading the latter.
In such iustsnoes the alcoholic method of reduction answers
admirably, the rubber being applied with long, sweeping
strokes, following rather closely the sky-line. Where the
objects outlined against the sky are <li8tant and softened by
•tmosjihere, it will be the better plan not approach too closely
-tn the line, but to leave a narrow margin of sky untouched, or
.•?arly so, or the outline of sky and landscape may be partially
iost. In the oaee of near objects, cuttiug the sky-line with
eoBsideniUe coDtrast, whether tress, buildings, or other objects,
the opposite treatment may be followed, the redueticm being
«Uowed to extend slightly over the boundary and into the
landscape, though not sufficiently to do more than soften the
•l^-linc.
When the desired effect hss been obtained, the whole surface
-of the negative should be flooded with spirit, und gently
-washed over with a broad camel's-hair brush or loose tuft of
eottOD-wool, in ocdsr to remove the surface traces of the local
friolion.
An older, and for some purposes a better, method of pro-
cedure depends upon the use of finely powdered pumice-stone,
cnttle-fish bone, or other abrasive applied to the dry film, in-
stead of alcohol. This plan was introduced to the world some
'v>arB ago at a meeting of the Photographic Club by Mr. F.
:^ber, of Sheffield, and caused some surprise by its novelty.
Many who tried it at the time fiuled signally, but probably
from two causes — fint, want of care in seeing that the film
was dry at the time of use|; and, secondly, the use of too coarse
aa abrasive.
For this process it is even more necessary than in the former
that the film should be perfectly dry, otherwise it is either
badly scratctttd by the powder or else the latter adheres to it
or beoomes embedded in it The same result occurs with films
from whidt the fijcing salt has not been thoroughly eliminated ;
henoe, before proceeding to apply the powder process, it is well
to soak the negative in water for a few minutes, then gently
clean its surface with a tuft of wet cotton-wool and redry
it, finishing off with heat to ensure the entire absence of
moisture.
Whatever the powder employed may bo, it is difficult to
obtain it in ordinary commerce in a sufficiently fine state of
comminution. The powdered pumice obtainable at the chemists'
is too gritty, and utterly unfit for use in its crude state ; but,
if a small quantity of it be carefully worked in a glass or other
mortar for a few minutes, and then sifted through fine muslin,
it will assume the form of an almost impalpable powder, with-
out, however, losing its abrasive power. This is the condition
in which to use it ; and, though on first trial it may seem to
produce little or no effect, it will be found on persevering that
its action is far greater than at first appears. This should be
applied with the bare finger with firm but gentle pressure, the
finger being sensitive enough to detect instantly any coarse or
gritty particles which might cause damage to the film. The
method of application is otherwise much the same as in the
case of alcohol, though we think the effect is superior, especi-
ally in the case of portraiture and similar delicate work. It
has the additional advantiige of leaving the surface of the film
in an admirable condition for retouching, if that be necessary.
For fine work the chamois leather stump may be used, as in
the case of spirit, though it scarcely behaves so efficiently, as
tlie powder s'eems to bury itself in the leather and lose its
cutting power. As a substitute we prefer to use the fine " ink
eraser " sold in the form of sticks by Faber & Co. and others.
This, if worked to a fine point, answers splendidly on the dry
films, being both fine and hard, and very delicate work may be
done by its aid.
With regard to chemical methods of reduction, though we
have had no practical experience of it for local purposes, we
are informed that very good work can be done with the mixed
solution of hypo and ferridcyanido of potassium. One method
of using it is to thicken the solution with gum or glycerine,
and apply it in that state to the parts to be reduced, softening
or vignetting the edges by means of the brush. The action
rei]uires to be closely watched, and the plate plunged into a
vessel of water provided for the purpose the instant the effect
is obtained.
Another operator holds the negative in an inclined position
in a fiat dish containing a very weak solution of the same
ingredients, having at the same time by his side a vessel of
water into which to dip the plate. Repeated washes of the
reducing solution are applied with the brush, alternated with
dips into the water until the necessary reduction has taken
place. This plan is more especially suited for skies or other
broad expanses of subject, but may be combined with the fore-
going for general work.
For totally eliminating portions of a picture, or for clearing
the skies of transparencies, nothing answers better than a solu-
tion of cupric chloride of moderate strength, and thickened
with gum or glycerine. This quickly converts the silver
iMsge into chloride, and a dip into the fixing bath as rapidly
remoresff.
THE EXCISE AND METHYLATED SPIRIT.
It will be remembered that, a few months back, we explained
the procedure to be gone through in order to obtain methy-
lated spirit of the old kind — that is, free from mineral naphtha
• — provided the purchaser took as a minimum quantity five
gallons at a time. Also that bonds, as security that the spirit
804
THE BRIT SII JOUINAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY,
[DecemW 16, 1892
was not used for illegal purjioses, were no longer necessary
Since then, however, a further concession has been made by
the Excise department, so that smaller consumers — such as
amateur photographers — may now purchase as little as a
j,'allon at a time. This fact has recently been brought before
one of the metropolitan Societies, but it is one of such
interest to most workers on a small scale that it should receive
greater prominence than is given it in the necessarily brief
reports of society meetings.
The form still to be gone through is similar to that given on
page 561, ante. In the case, say, of the metropolis, a written
application is sent to the Excise Department, Inland Revenue,
Someraet House, for a licence or permit. In due course, a re-
presentative will call on the applicant and learn the pui-pose
for which the spirit is wanted, the probable consumption per
annum, where it will be stored, and, presumably, to ascertain
that it is not likely to be employed for illicit purposes, Ac,
also to know the quantity that would be purchased at a time.
In a few days, the applicant will be furnished by the Depart-
ment' with the requisite permit and blank forms of " Requi-
sitions for Methylated Spirit." One of these is filled up and
forwarded to the nearest methylator, who will then supply the
quantity specified. In the case of Mr. Medland, who brought
the subject before the London and Provincial Association, this
wa.s fixed at one gallon. For all this no charge whatever is
made. It must be fully understood that the spii-it can only
be had direct from a methylator, as the ordinary licensed
dealer is not permitted to supply unnaphthalised spirit under
any conditions whatever.
It will now be seen that the new regulation as to methy-
lating, which did for a time cause some inconvenience, is now
really not such a serious one to experimentalists and small
workers as at one time it was thought it would prove. In
fact, the authorities evidently are prepared to deal liberally
with those who require the spirit for legitimate purposes. This
is no more than we suspected would be the case when writing
on the subject last year when the fresh regulation was first
made. While on the topic, we will say a little more on the
subject of methylated spirit.
Most experimentalists are aware that spirit methylated
under the new regulation is quite unfitted for several photo-
graphic purposes, as, indeed, it is for many others for which
the old kind can be employed. Furthermore, alcohol contain-
ing even wood naphtha alone cannot be used in some processes,
as the presence of the latter would be fatal to the result. In
this respect some of our Continental neighbours possess advan-
tages over us, inasmuch as, under certain conditions, they
have the privilege of obtaining duty-free spirit without the
addition of wood naphtha, but having as a substitute a small
proportion of other material.
For many years alcohol was sold duty-free as methylated
spirit, provided it contained ten per cent, of wood naphtha.
Eventually it was found that such spirit, nauseous as it was
rendered by the naphtha, was, diluted with water, being largely
used as a potable spirit ; also that it was being used as an
adulterant of duty-paid spirits, and consequently, it is said,
the revenue was thereby being defrauded to a considerable
extent. It was this that led to the introduction of the
regulation according to which, in addition to the ten per cent,
of wood naphtha, three-eighths of one per cent, by volume of
mineral naphtha has now to be added. Now, this small pro-
portion of mineral naphtha would not be harmful for most
purposies for which the spirit is employed in photography if it
were one of the refined variety. But the naphtha has to
receive the approval of the Excise authorities, and they insist
on the crude article being used, as no other will fulfil the
desired end. The same applies to the wood naphtha. That,,
too, must be approved of by them ; and this will not be the
case unless it be in a very crude form. So rigid are the
authorities on this subject that the methylating always has to
be done under the supervision of the exciseman, and (the stock
of naphthas are kept under his seal.
When methylated spirit was first allowed to be sold, now
many years ago, it could be obtained of a much better ([uality
than now. Then, so long as the spirit contained the prescribed
proportion of naphtha, the authorities were not so very par-
ticular as to the kind used ; hence they permitted a somewhat
highly rectified pyroxilic spirit to be employed, if desirable.
They also allowed a methylated absolute alcohol having a
specific gravity of about -805, containing a somewhat highly
rectified naphtha to be sold. As, liowever, it was soon found
that these superior kinds of spirit were being used for purposes
for which the authorities never intended — -manufacture of
tinctures and the like — a fresh regulation was made by which
their sale was prohibited.
Reference was made just now to the fact that some countriea
possess great advantages over England in the matter of methy-
lated spirit — Germany, for e.xample. There the methylated
spirit contains but five per cent, of wood naphtha, instead of
ten, as the law requires in this country. The use of a mom
highly rectified naphtha is also permitted. Indeed, we have
seen some samples of German methylated spirit that, if it
could be obtained here, would doubtless be largely used by
unscrupulous persons as an adulterant of potable spirits and
other illicit purposes. In Germany also, for some purposes in
which wood naphtha would be prejudicial — such as in the
manufacture of some coloured varnishes, percussion caps, ifec.
spirit is allowed to be sold " methylated " with half per cent,
of turpentine and a quarter per cent, of animal oil. Such a
spirit would be very advantageous for many purposes if per-
mitted here.
What a Telescope may Do. — From the performances of
tlie Lick Telescope we are able to form some idea of the possibilities
of instrumental discovery. This powerful equatorial will not properly
divide a double star when the individual stars of the compound
subtend an arc of a tenth of a second ; hence, to show a star of "
magnitude, an object-glass with a diameter seven times as larore as
the Lick Telescope would be needed. Further, granted a star of the
first magnitude, with a photosphere similar in brightness to our sun^
we are told that ten times the Lick diameter would be required.
The Mew Big- Telescope.— Professor G. E. Ilale, Director
of the Yerkes Observatory of the University of Chicago, has recently
published authentic particulars of the new telescope which is la
surpass all existing instruments. A decision is shortly to be made,
the conditions being that the new telescope is to he the biggest in the
world. The learned Professor states that probably from forty to
forty-five inches will be the limit of the aperture. At present there
exists a pair of forty-inch discs ready made, " but it is not altogether
certain that they will he considered large enough by the libera>
donor."
Optical Xiantern Dlagranis. — An excellent method of
rapidly drawing diagrams for the lantern consists in using an ordinary
blacldead pencil upon a surface, to v.-liich is given a tooth by the use-
of ground glass. A recent invention, however, contains the germ o.
DecembeT 16, 1802]
THE BKITISH JOUKNAL UF FHOTO(iRA.PHY.
805
tn idea, which may erentuallr prove to gire a still better method, hy
obviating th« necMsity of frequent sharpening of the pencil. Acting
upon a discovery of Major von Sillich, of Meinini^>n, who found that
a pencil made of metallic aluminium gave a legible mark on a slnte, a
Oerman firm are about to put in the market a pencil made upon the
lin>-s thus indicated. They are five millimetres thick and fourteen
long, and for the purpoee we snggeet ahould, we feel sure, be
thnroughly effective.
Chanfinr Big' Xi«nB«B.— When a camera objective exceeds
thre« or four inches in diameter it is, as every photographer knows,
no ineoonderable taak to take it from the camera and replace it by
another of aonMwhat similar size. What, then, must the task be
when the lens ia a yard in diameter, and heavy enough of itself to
taak the power of several men to lift ? We have a very interesting
answer to this query from the pen of Profes«>r Barnard, who gives us
soma detsila of hia experience with the great Califoroian instrument
joit Tefened to. When micrometric work only is in hand, five
minalaa ioffioe to prepMe this instrument ; but, when photography is
to be imdertAkan, ten minates are needed. This difference is caused
by the need of the correcting lens being placed in ntu to allow for
the difference between visual and actinic foci. When the spectroscope
b to be naed, half an hoar is needed to get the prisoas in due working
ofder.
\ ttaa Button" on a Xiarg'e Scale.— This quotation
■ io hackneyed as to be familiar in our m'mths a.i household words,
bat the lataat aogjcestion b on such a gigantic scale as almost to take
one's breath awmy. Already detaiU of the obwrvatory proper that
win be needed for the new Chicago telescope are being made public,
and foiemoat in interest to photographers among these are those to
which thu erpreaaion will apply. To return to our camera simile, the
diffieolty of manipulating those of lar<«> size is, as we know, very
great, and to scrutinise that portion of image situated at the top of
the groond glass b very difficult. With a camera a dozen or two
yards long, it b evident that theae difficulties would be increased a
thoosaodfoM. When " lilting " (for that is the exact equivalent of
the " declination "), a ladder b raqaired, and, as thb needs moving to
foDow the ataia as they appear to recede, special contrivances, in the
Aape of " observing chairs," are nswL I^t in the propoaed new
teleaeope thb diiSealty will be oviatad : " Preaa the button," and the
whole large floor of the obaervatory will shift its place, and, with
tbo obaarrer standing at the telsaeope upon it, move up or down,
rerol?*, kc, till be b brought into tlsB exact position with regard to
the inftntment that b moat oonvenient to him.
Scientific Principles Applied to Vegative Waah-
tMg, — " Place the negativaa under a tap and alk}w the water to run
for aome time;* audi b the almoet luiivenially adopted recommenda-
Bat, as a matter of fact, we have in previous articles shown
of the disadvantage* of the proces«, which is by no means the
iinple flatter that it at first sight appears. Before the Royal
Aieiety a paper was recently read which has a very distinct bearing
n thb subject. The rapidity of flow and other conditions governing
; tie mixing of two liqnkb when one of them enteral the other with aome
velocity was under cooilderatioo. We need not refer to the detaib of
the paper further than to say that one of the liquids was made
cdoorcd, in cider to show the actual commingling, its extent, and
pecaliaritiea. The actoal deductions diawn are all that are needed
for our inetruction, and they were as follows : — " The tendency to
iMlabQity iocraaaw as the velocity of the Ii({uid, the radiuii of the
tabe * (in onr cue the " tap "O, " and the coefficient of xlidini? friction
iaOMM, but diminiaha* a* the viaeosity increases. The tendency to
iaaUbQity increaaea a* the wave-length of the dbturbanca increases,"
Tbia lugnage may perbap* be oouidered ultra-acientilic : but* the
>lifiealty disappears when we find that " instability " means practi-
cally the teodency of the fiquida to mix. It must not be forgotten
also that the qoMtioo of oamoae plays an important part in the
elimination of soluble salts out of the film.
PHOTOGRAPHING STAINED-GLASS WINDOWS.
Fob many years the photographing of stained-glass windows was
looked upon by glass-stainers and others as an operation which seldom
yielded satisfactory results.
The introduction of isochromatic plates, however, has placed in the
hands of photographers a new power, and now, with proper arrange-
ments and precautions against halation, very excellent results are
obtained.
At the outset, work of this kind requires a considerable amount of
forethought. On no account should it be undertaken without first
studying well all the troubles and ditHculties to be met with— indeed,
perhaps there is no class of photograpliy in which it is so necessary to
visit beforehand the scene of operations, so as to judjre of the various
colours to be dealt with and to arrange for numerous other items, as
when undertaldng stained-glass work ; for it very frequently happens
that in many cases the windows are in sucli situations as to render the
placing of a camera in a suitable position to copy them a work of the
greatest difficulty, and, notwithstanding the benefit of a swing-back
10 the camera, it frequently happens that special arrangements in the
way of rigging up a platform require to be made. In some cases the
front of a back or side gallery will be found to lend themselves to the
work, but there are instances in which difficulties will be met with
that require special arrangements for the standpoint of the camera.
Another trouble will be found in the shape of some pulpit or chandelier
interrupting the view and so spoiling the design of the window, and
in many cases this will be found so aggravated as to be almost insur-
mountable. In some instances, however, I have overcome the pre-
sence of chandeliers by working from a point just at their side, for it
b seldom practicable to have them removed just for the occasion. This
kind of dilficultjr often taxes the skill and patience of an operator to
a very great extent. In cases where special platforms have to be
fitted up, they should be very rigid in their character— nothing in the
shape of a makeshift arrangement ought for a moment to be enter-
tained, for when such is employed the attempt will certainly end in
failure, if indeed not actual accident or damage to life, limb, or ap-
paratus. Photographers are not chimney-sweeps or steeple-jacks, and,
when working on platforms specially erected, they should have the
utmost confidence in the stability of the structure ; for in this work,
if it is worth doing, it is worth doing well. The erection of a suitable
platform to work from need not cost an exorbitant sum — such can
generally be put together by practical workmen for the occasion in a
few hours, and as easily removed.
I have also known cases where more than ordinary difficulties were
met with in the way of a chandelier, that thu operation of photo-
graphing the window had to be delayed until a period of cleansing and
lenovation came round. When such takes place in a church or other
edifice, then comes the photographer's opportunity: at such times,
chandeliers are almost sure to be aealt with, and in riany instances are
taken down for cleaning.
Once in possession, however, of a suitable standpoint to work from,
an operator has certainly overcome a great difficiilty, and, in a sense,
mar be sud to be master of the situation.
I have said that this work should never be undertaken without a
considerable amount of forethought. This is especially necessary in
the matter of becoming acquainted with the various colours to be
photographed, as well as carefully studying the proper time of day to
make the exposure, for in the matter of lighting much will depend in
the way of success. Hardly two windows will be found to require
the same time of day. As to the selection of diffused or sunlight for
the work, I have been forced from experience to decide that sunlight
is far and away ahead of diffused light for this work. For interiors,
doubtless diffused light b par excellence the proper mode of lightu^
to employ, but the work we are considering must not be classed with
interior work: it stands upon a different footing entirely. In
nearly all stained-glass windows there will be found portions of
deep ruby and orange-coloured glass,and these portions are just about
as nne specimens of non-actinic colours as it is possible to acquire,
^uite recently I have come across a sample of this ruby, which, to
my. nuBdr^vas very instructive, and I took the opportunity, when
photographing the window which contained it, to expose, alongside
of an isochromatic plate, an ordinary bromide plate. In the case of
the latter, notwithstanding that an exposure of one hour and a half
was given with a stop equal to about /■■i'2, I failed, on development
of the plate, to get any results from this particular specimen of glass.
Of course, with the isochromatic pUte remployed, the result was
quite different, but I was so impressed with the results in this case
tnat I afterwards made a point of specially inouiring from the glass-
stainers who erected the window what particular kind of glass, thb
was. I learned it was ruby flashed on a yellow glass. Now, 1 men-
tion thb just with a view of showing how necessary it b to employ
806
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF rHOTOGRAPHY.
[December IC, 1892
the greatest possible amount of illuraination, so as to impress even a
colour-sensitive plate. SuDlig:ht in such instances is absolutely neces-
sary. Doubtless there are many other instances in which windows do
no't contain such non-actinic specimens of glass where a bright diffused
light will yield good results, but for cases where such non-actinic
colours have to be dealt with diffused light is out of the question.
In selecting sunlight for the work, such time of the day must be
selected when the sun is not shining direct into the window, but
when such is illuminated bv the sun throwing oblique rays upon the
glass; this may be from eitter side, Another precaution very neces-
sary is the selection of such a time as when the sun is not too far to
the side, so as to throw any surface light on the inside of the window,
or, in other words, the darker the interior of the edifice is the better
results will be obtained. A previous inspection of the building when
the sun is shining will enable an operator to know to a minute or so
just when it clears the front of the window, and when such takes
place, in my opinion, that is the best time to e.xpose.
As to the proper plates to use, an intelligent worker nowadays would
never dream for a moment of undertaking such work without the aid
of colour-sensitive plates. If there are still any sceptics who do not
believe in the undoubted advantage of isochromatic over ordinary
bromide plates for such work, all I can say is, tbey have yet something
to learn. With the plates I have mentioned I have obtained most
excellent results from windows where the predominating colours were
from pale yellow down through orange and oUve-green to deep ruby,
each and all of which are well represented in the negative, and this
without the aid of any screen to the lens. Under similar conditions
an ordinary bromide plate was absolutely useless.
An operator, who for the first time undertakes this work, say, with
the view of exposing a 12 x 10 plate on a fair-sized window, will very
likely get a staggerer when he comes to view the image for the first
time on his ground glass. If he is at any distance from the window,
«ven with a lens of twenty-two-inch focus, he will feel somewhat
disappointed at the smallness of his image; therefore long-focus lenses
are frequently a necessity, and should be provided. I have done this
kind of work with symmetrical and single lenses, and, notwithstanding
all that is urged against the latter being used for architectural subjects,
I decidedly prefer to use them at all times, even for this work.
In my opinion another important point is the using of as large a
stop as possible when exposing the plate. Some workers may imagine
that equally good, if not better results could be obtained by using a
very small stop, and giving a proportionately longer exposure, but
here we have just a case in point, where the utmost amount of light
ought to be conveyed to the plate. My experience clearly shows that
the larger the stop the more harmonious the results. Nor is the
reason far to seek. When it is considered that we are dealina: with
non-actinic colours it is at once apparent that to cut off the illumina-
tion is wrong in principle. Some of my best results have been obtained
with an exposure of about fifteen minutes, whilst with the lens stopped
further down, and giving under exactly otherwise similar condi-
tions an exposure of over an hour, I failed to get anything like the
same range of tints represented in the negative.
I have often been questioned about the best way to prevent halation.
From time to time we hear and read of ingenious devices for preventing
this trouble, and quite recently I have had shown to me what some con-
sidered wonderful results when photographing interiors — results in
which halation was reduced to a minimum by the employment of a new
plate, said to be proof against halation ; but so long as I can photo-
graph stained-glass windows with the aid of isochromatic plates that
yield me colour, correct impressions, and which do not show the
faintest sign of halation or dispersion of light, I cannot see the
economy of using a plate the cost of which is so far in excess of the
other or isochromatic plate.
Without entering into the theory of halation, or what on strictly
theoretical grounds ought to be the proper substance in so far as its
refractive index, being similar to that of the glass plate is concerned,
I may just state that in my practice I am never troubled with hala-
tion, and I am certain, were the readers of The British Journal
OF Photography to adopt the good old plan of coating the back of
their isochromatic plates (when doing any work likely to show hala-
tion) with a. cream made by dissolving asphaltum in benzole, we would
hear less about this evil.
Whenever it falls to my lot to have to undertake work of the
kind I light my pipe and go in search of a common tar barrel, they
are not diiBcult to find in most large towns, and a small lump is
always to be had lying about. In a suitable bottle small portions
are placed and common benzole poured on till the asphaltum is dis-
solved, and it assumes the consistency of a thick cream. The night
Kefdre the plates are required they are subjected to a coating on the
back, and then I place over the asphaltum when somewhat set a
sheet of brown paper and press this on to the coating of tar. The
cells are filled after an hour or two and the plates are ready for
exposure.
Some workers have objected to the use of asphaltum oa account of
it being messy and somewhat difficult to remove before development,
but with me I never bother about removing it before development ; I
invariably remove it after the plate is developed and fixed, and
finally washed. The removal never gives me a thought, nor does its
presence on the plate duriii^ development in any way affect the
success or prove injurious. There may be other methods of pre-
venting halation, but I can confidently recommend the one 1 have
described. Wiien used in conjunction with isochromatic plates it is
entirely absent. T. N. Ahmspronq.
♦
CONTINENTAL NOTES AND NEWS.
Kiepce, not Oagruerre. — A proposal to erect a new monu- J
ment to Daguerre in his native vilhige of Brie-sur-5Iarae has moved I
M. Leon Vidal, the editor of Le Moniteur, to remark that, but for
Niepce, there would have been no Daguerre — photographically speak-
ing, of course. Niepce was really the inventor of photography.
Daguerre contributed his brick to the edifice, no doubt ; but it is often
forgotten that, without Niepce, photography would not have been
known, and that in that case Daguerre would not have been the
inventor of the Daguerreotype. Niepce was the real father of photo-
graphy. It is an error to suppose also that Daguerre discovered the
development of the latent image, inasmuch as a latent image existed
in the bitumen process, being developed by dissolution of the unaltered
bitumen. Development of the image on silvered copper was a
different species of reaction, upon which modern .negative processes
are based ; and, without attempting to minimise the importance of
this discovery of Daguerre, M. Vidal concludes by pointing out that
he followed Niepce. M. Vidal does service in the cause of historical
truth by once more insisting on the relative positions occupied by
these two men in the field of photographic discovery. Undoubtedly
a great deal of the credit which belongs to Niepce is often given to
Daguerre.
Converting' Blue Prints into Black Prints.— The
Revue de Chimie Industrielle says that the prints should be first passed
through water acidulated with nitric acid, and thence into —
Carbonate of soda , 50 grammes,
Water 1 litre.
In this the picture is changed to an orange tone, when it is removed
and placed in —
Gallic acid -50 grammes,
Water 1 litre,
being subsequently washed in waier acidulated with HCl.
Recovering- Fog-g-ed Plates.— In order to render plates
which have been accidentally fogged, or have by mistake received two
exposures, or are known to have been over-exposed, in a tit condition
to be used again, M. Kossignol recommends their immersion in a bath
consisting of —
Bromine water 60 c.c.
Tincture of iodine 20 „
Distilled water 1 litre.
After immersion for two or three minutes, the plate is washed and
dried. M. Rossignol says that, if the plate has only been partially
exposed, it should be exposed to lamplight in order to make the fog
impression uniform.
An Xntenslfier for Gelatine OTeg-atlves. — In the
Deutsche Photoi/raphen Zeituny, M. Kirclioff gives the following
formula for an intensifier. To a solution consisting of —
Bichloride of mercury 10 grammes,
Water 800 c.c,
twenty-five grammes of iodide of potassium are added until the red
precipitate is dissolved, one gramme of hypo being then introduced.
For use, the solution is diluted with its own volume of water, and
1
««mlMrie,I8e2]
TUK RRTTISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
807
intenaificatioii is «nowed to proceed UDtfl the shadows of the negative
•I* of % jeltowiab-greeD. The intensification ia not apparent until the
netfatiTe is dry.
rrlnting- on SUk and other rabrios. — Apropos of M
Villains recently publishad method of photo-dyeing, Mona. A. D.
LavToff writK* to the Paris PhotoffrapAe, detailing his method of
printini; on atlk, cotton, Sx. Hepraparas the foltowing mixture : —
Tartaric acid 1 gramme.
Coounon augar 10 grammee.
BoiGng water 100 cc
This is boiled for a minute, and '9 grammes of horax added, the
mixture left for six hoars, the cUtar liquid decanted, 4 grammes of
common salt added, and the solution filt«red. The fabric is coated
with the solutioo, and Vhen dry is aaositised, dried, printed, toned,
&fc,aaiuaaL
Tbe Colour of the Sky. — According to a eontempwary,
v. A. Crova has made a series of leaearches on the diffusion of fight
Vy the sky, and ha* come to the following conclusions : — The blue
eoloor of the aky reaches its maximum intensity in December,
January, March, and the minimum in July, August, and November.
The maziauiia efliMk Aypaatt in the morning, and the minimum at the
tiaw of the gmatl keatof the day. The intensity of the blue colour
ia at ita maximum in winter, and at ita minimum in summer.
THE AMIDOL SBVELOPEB.
A rzw experimenta oondncted with this new developing aeent
danoiMtratM that it is to have an important place in the many
intlofiaf rhmAnU now before the public, and to poaseas some
peeidiuitMi that wj identify it with the wet-pUte developer.
A sample ovnoB of the chemical waa sent to me from England. I
found it to nwiiihlii aooMwhat hydroquinooe crystals in shape, but
darinr, aiiBilar to tbe oolonr of steel. The directions sent with the
pa^aoe explained that it was idviaaUe to dissolve the sodium sulphite
nrat, uen the amidoL Accordio^y the following proportions were
carried oat : —
Water 8 ounces.
Sodium sotphite (crysUk), Merck's C.P. . . 800 giaios.
Amidol K) „
The water used waa from an arteaian well. The above forms the
stock solation, and u too powerfnl ofdinarily. It must be diluted by
tloee tinea its bulk with water. Half an ounce of the above ia added
to coe and a half ouaoss of water to form a normal developer. When
freshly mixed it ia colooileM, Eke watt-r, and gradually becomes
yellow, and later a dark yellow. The first batch of stock solution
that waa mixed became milky and turbid after an hour, and in
the eooiee of five houra quite a precipitate settled at the bottom of
the graduate, which was dried on bktting paper and had the colour
of ^eel. Thia precipitate did not seem to weaken the developing
power of the developer ; hot it waa not what one would expect. I am
ouBiiuued it mnat have been due to the water, which probably con-
tained some Hme. However, the developer mixed as described was
smiied over an II x 14 abeet of EMtman's slow bromide paper, which
bad been liberally exposed to dayB^t behind a cardboanl drawing,
and to the aatoniahment of aH, daVeloMd up in about five seconds to
fall density. The blacks were of a delicate, velvety colour, while the
whites were remarkably clear and free from any sort of veil or stain.
Sheet after sheet was rapidly developed in tlvs same solution (eight
oanc<«) untH the eighth or ninth, when it b>-gan to work slower, and
the blacks were not as brilliant. Rut a dozen good bromide prints
of 11 X 14 were obtained with only twenty grains of amidol. It
•pwrently made no difference whether a long or short expoeure
Md haea given; the development began as rapidly and acted
Mifaimly on everv portion of tbe film that ha<I b^ expoeed to the
VmbSaf to secure, if possible, a solution thnt would show no
pweiyiUte, a second batch of tbt- stock solution was prepared a»
ahore with the exception that distillpvt water was substituted for tbe
artanaa wdl water. An ahsolutdy colourless solution was the
naalU There was no precipitate, an^l after standing in a graduate
eoieieJ by a aheet of gltfs for twenty-four hours, the colour became
a faint yellow, which became slightly deeper in two or three days.
The experiment showed conclusively that rain or distilled water
should be used. With six grains of amidol in this distilled water
developer, I developed in a short time one dozen 3j x 4 films, one
after the other (time and shutter exposures), and obtained very clear
negatives, even though in some cases the film was in the developer
for twenty minutes. I ne.xt tried a fresh solution, of similar strength
to the foregoing, on two Cramer isochromatic rapid plates, having-
had quick shutter exposures. After pouring on the developer, the
image rapidly appeared in three or four seconds, and in three minutes
the negative had reached ample density and was done. A second
plate came up nearly as rapid : both were eicellent, clear negative?.
The solution, after development, was saved. It was clear (with the
exception of particles of film that had become detached during de-
velopment), and was used the next day in developing half a dozen
4x0 bromide prints.
The marked difference amidol has over other developing agents, is
that it ia quite soluble in cold water, can only be used with neutral
sodium sulphite, in place of an alkali, and refuses to develop in an
alkaline solution. It is distinctly an acid developing agent, and whea
rightly understood will he a great help in the production of line
negatives and lantern slides. To test the developing power of
amidol by itself, a solution was made by dissolving twenty grains in
four ounces of water. This was poured on by a properly timed pfete
and kept on for over five minutes. In that time no trace of an image
appeared. Next, ten grains of carbonate of potash were added, and!
the development continued for three or four minutes more, but
still no sign of an image appeared. The potash turned the solntion
from a colourlesa one to a deep handsome red. Having no sulphite of
soda at hand,^he experiment was not carried further.
At another time a separate solution of chemically pure neutral
80<lium sulphite in distilled water was made (strength 100 grains to-
the ounce), also a separate solution of amidol (twenty grains tc two-
ounce of distilled water, equivalent to ten grains to the ounce). One-
half of the amidol was taken (one ounce), to which was added half
an ounce of distilled water. The ounce and a half pure amido!
developer waa then poured over a shutter-exposed isochromatic plhte ;
after live minutes no trace of an image appeared. Testing the
solution with blue litmus paper showed that it was acid. Next the
experiment of adding to this apparently inert developer, a drachm at a
time, and by half drachms, the sodium sulphite solution mentioned
above was undertaken. First a drachm was siuled after three rainutas;
there was no sign of an image. Then two hnlf-drachms went in ; soon
tbe image began to appear--developed out slowly, similar to plates in
eikonogen weak in an alkali. Tbe negative had good density and was
finished in six or eight minutes. The solation waa now tested with
blue litmus paper, and showed an acid reaction, though not as »troDg-
as before the sulphite was added. Thus it was found that twenty-
five grains of sodium sulphite to seven grains of amidol are necessary
to set up a developing action, and that the addition of so much more
(100 grains of sulphite to ten of amidol, ns given in the formula)
accounts for the rapidity with which a slightly diluted solution of
that kind acts. Tne sodium sulphite may he regarded as the
accelerator in tbe admidol developer — the same as the alkali car-
bonate of potaab or ammonia Is in the eiko or pyro developer. With
the ounce and three-quarters of solution five 4 x .5 and two lantern
slide-plates were developed, all being of extreme brilliancy and
clearness : the high lights of the slides were clear glass. Tbe colour
of the developer was light yellow. On testing the standard solution
(100 grains of sulphite to ten of amidol) with blue litmus pnper there
was apparently no change, showing, we think, thnt it requires that
amount of sulphite to counterbalance the acidity ol the amidol.
The other portion of the plain amidol solution changed very soon —
in three-quarters of an hour — from being colourlfss to a deep red, but
kept clear. At tliis writing it has not been tested aa to its developing
power when compared with a fresh solution, but it is likely that it
will be as effective.
Amidol is ver^- nearly as soluble in distilled water as pyro : hence
it may be advisable to keep it in its crrstal state until ready to use,
then to mix np a small quantity and add gradually enough sodium
snlphite (which may be kept in a stock solution) to produce a de-
veloping action. By varying the proportions of two, rapidity of
development is to be regulated as well as tbe density of the ininge,
while the tendency of the developer to veil the unacted upon
portions of the film during prolonged development, is reducid to s
minimum, and whether over-timed or under-timed, plates will come
out always clear and brilliant. No bromide need be added if tho
proportion of sodiam sulphite is lessened.
It will seem strange to many to consider sulphite as an accelerato.-
in this developer, when heretofore it has been regarded as a retarder ;
806
THE BRiriSM JODKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[December 16, 1892
but when its action has been so clearly demonstrated, as outlined in
the foregoing described experiments, there is no doubt about its
function. Besides being an accelerator, it also serves to retard the
supposed oxidation of the amidol.
The addition of sulphurous acid would probably be beneficial, as it
■would aid in preserving the developer, when standing, from oxidisa-
tion and keep it clear for a long time. The use of acid sulphites, it
seems, is also allowable. The description in the patent curiously
confirms the experiments 1 have mentioned as to the accelerating
action of the sodium sulphite, and it may be possible by different
modifications or additions to secure different colours or tones to
negatives or positives. F. C. Beach.
THE SIZE OF STOP TO USE.
[American Joamil of Photography.]
So much has been written about " sharpness versus softness," and the
like, that some apology is necessary for even referring to the subject
again, and I should not do so but that, having expressed pretty
decided views on the subject some three years or so ago, and having,
after continual study of the subject -ince, had reason to modify these
views considerably, I wish to have ,in opportunity of restating my
opinion.
The views that I expressed when I wrote last on the subject were
briefly that, in the case of a landscape, the principal object ought to
be sharp, or nearly so, according to the taste of the artist, all reason-
ing tending to show that it ought to be as sharp as the best optical
instruments could make it, but that objects nearer to or farther from
the camera than this ought to be less sharp. My reasoning was that
as, if in nature we look on what is the principal object of the land-
scape, objects nearer or farther look " out of focus, we ought to try
to reproduce this effect in the negative.
Shabpness of the Principai, Object.
In the Crat place as to the sharpness of the principal object. I
atn more inclined than ever to think that, in most cases at least,
this ought to be as sharp as it can be made in the negative. I say
in the negative, because I admit that a charming effect is produced
by the softening or slight loss of definition that results from repro-
ducing from a negative by certain processes. Thus, to me, the soft^
ness that there is in most pictures produced by intaglio copperplate
photo-en^aving is a totally different thing from the effect got by
printing m silver, even on matt-surface paper or in platinotvpe, from
an ill-defined negative. The one effect is beautiful, the other,
generally at least, is not. It seems to me that those whose taste leads
them to avoid absolute sharpness in any part of a picture would find
it best to get the softness they want in the after-process of printing
rather than in the negative, t Mr. George Davison has described
various ways of producing such softness from a negative in which the
definition is quite sharp.
Even if it is decided to get softness or slight want of definition in
all planes of a negative, it is to be borne in mind that this softness
may differ in quality. Thus the softness got by admitting an appre-
ciable quantity of spherical aberration is quite different from that got
by putting the whole of the picture a little out of focus. The softness
got by admittmg a little spherical aberration is of a much more
pleasing kind than that got by putting the image out of focus. The
reason is that, in the former case the image may hi said- to consist of
one of perfect definition ; in the latter case there is nothing but lack
of definition. It is for this reason that I have often stated that an
optical desideratum is a landscape lens with an adiustment, whereby
a larffe quantity of spherical aberration can be introduced at will, so
that what softness is wanted may be introduced even when a small
stop has to be used on account of nearness of foreground objects.
The Doctbinb does not Hold Good.
_ Now, as to making the principal object the sharpest (strictly speak-
ing, the most nearly sharp) in the picture, whether or not it be made
absolutely sharp, I am afraid this is a doctrine that does not hold
good. In the first place, many pictures have no principal object, or
no object of which it can be said with any degree of confidence that
It IS the principal object. Much more important, however, is the
foUowmg fact : If there be any object in the foreground, the least
conspicuous, even if it is not an object of particular interest, and if
any more distant object be made sharper than this, the tffect is dis-
tinctly bad. In other words, it is necessary to focus for 1h« nsirest
object that is in the least conspicuous, apart from whether it ba the
principal object or not, and it very seldom is the principal object.
Should the Distance be Out op Focus ?
Now as to whether the rest of the view should be put distinctly
out of focus or not. There can be only one object in putting the
more distant parts of the landscape out of focus, and that is, to give
an impression of distance, the thing in which photography most
commonly fails. The question is. Does this leaving out of focus give
the impression of distance, or does it not ? 1 have no hesitation in
answering that there arexases where it dop«, and that there are ca.ses
where it does not, but where the only effect of leaving the distance
out of focus is a totally unnatural one. If this be granted, the natural
question is. In what cases is it of advantage to leave the distance out
of focus, in what cases should it be sharply focussed ? To this, I am
sorry to say, I can give no answer farther than that continual
observation and experiment will educate the eye to be able to tell
whether or not the idea of distance will or will not, in a particular
case, be given by the use of a large stop. By experiment I mean the
taking of two or more negatives of the same subject with stops of
different sizes, no adjustment of focus being made between the
exposures, and comparmg the resulting pictures. This is a thing I
strongly advise to those who wish to study this matter, which is of
the utmost importance to landscape photographers. It may be asked.
Why take negatives ? the effect can be seen on the ground glass.
There may be some gifted enough to tell exactly what the print from
a negative will look like by examining the image on the ground
glass, but I think they are very few. The difficulty arises from the
want of light, except when a very large stop is used, and from the
fact that it is all but impossible, as a rule, to see the imag3 on the
ground glass as a whole.
There is one thing I incline to state, although with some diffidence.
It is that, when the impression of distance is really rendered in any
other way, as by the correct representation of atmospheric haze, there
is no necessity to add an out-of-focus effect, and it is generally a
mistake to do so.
Different Planks in Relation to Focus.
There is another difficulty about leaving the distance out of focus.
We have not the power of controlling to what extent the different
planes .shall be out of focus. The relative want of sharpness is purely
a function of the distance. Thus, suppose we have a well-marked
foreground, an object at a considerably greater distance that is dis-
tinctly the " principal object," and a " distance." The foreground, as
has been stated above, must be made at least as sharp as any other
part of the picture. The principal object may, perhaps, be made a
little less sharp, but that is all. It may be desirable in this case to
leave the distance quite appreciably out of focus, but this is generally
impossible. If the " principal object " be several times farther away
than the foreground, and the latter be focussed for, there will be no
appreciable difference in sharpness between the principal object and
the distance. There are some cases where the difficulty may be got
over by focussing for a plane between the foreground and the principal
object, but they are exceptional.
The Foreground.
Talking of foreground induces me to express the opinion that very
few photographers seem to appreciate the importance of foreground—
or perhaps they are debarred from making the best use of foreground
by the extreme difficulty of treating it. I mean here, foreground
quite close to the camera. We have only to look at the work of any
good landscape painter to see what a power there is in foreground at
quite a short distance — what an amount of relief it is capable of
giving to a picture. Such foreground does not need to consist of
important objects. A stem or a branch of tree, a bit of a road, a few
agricultural implements, or a little foliage will do.
There are several difficulties in the case of rendering such fore-
grounds by photography. One is that of focus. This is especially
felt in the case of large work, and where long-focus lenses are used.
There is a certain class of photographer that is continually laughing
at the/-32 man. Of course, a man who makes a habit of using/-32,
or any particular stop, in all cases, deserves to be laughed at ; but, if
due attention be paid to foreground, I have no hesitation in saying
that it is often necessary to use a stop much less than/-32 to get the
foreground and the rest of the picture even fairly into focus. This
brings another difficulty, namely, prolonged exposure, and, as the most
appropriate foregrounds for the work under discussion very often
consist of foliage, which is very seldom still, the difficulty becomes
serious. There is still one difficulty more, and that arises from the
tendency that photography has to render such near foregrounds as I
have been writing of too dark. This can often be got over by appro-
priate selection, in other cases by skilful manipulation of the lens
cap. Only in some stereoscopic work, done at the time that the
stereoscope was so much used that the masters of landscape photo-
graphy produced pictures of it, have 1 seen foregrounds treated as I
here describe.
DMeraber 10, 1893]
THE BRrriSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRA.PHY.
Bbkadth or ErrxcT and Suppbbssiox of Dstau/.
It aeenu to me that muny of tho«e who have no part of a photo-
graph tharp fall into a certain error. Thej state that the defect of
ordinary pooto^raphs u the want of " brMdlh/ There is no doubt
tber are ri^ht liere, but they seem to ffo farther. They appear to
think that if definition be suppresMd by naring no part of a picture
in sharp focus, breadth will result. Bat will it ? la the firit place,
i« " breadth of effect " obtained by artists by supprenin^ detail ? To
• certain extent it is, but I thinli it is effected more by emphasising
salient points. But, even so far as the detail goes, I cannot see that
leaving th<- picture out of focus suppresses this detail. It only con-
fuses it, and, in some cases at least, makes it more conspicuous than it
otherwise would be.
How to get " breadth of effect " is certainly the great problem for
photogiaplMTS. Beyond selection of subject and occasional manipula-
tion of the expoMue, so that one part of the subject gets more than
another, I can sm nothing to be done but to " dcdge " the negative in
printing, sometimes by shading one put of it for ^art of the exposure,
sometiniM by working with poicil aiid stamp on tissue paper stretched
on tha back of it. And I believe the paxists, who are just those who
moat reenmise the lack of " breadth " in photographs, consider this
ptaetiee iUegitimate.
Howwer this may be, I wish to impreas on landscape photographers
that the very highest judgment can be exercised in deciding (1) what
plaoe of a subjeet shall be focuwed for, (2) what stop shall be used,
indeed, the diSeTCaeeaof affect that can be produced by varying these
two factor* aknw am so great, that it ooght, I think, to entitle photo-
graphy to rank as a high art. W. K. BintTON.
ON THE MKTHOD OP EXAMINATION OF PHOTOGBAPHIC
LENSES AT THE KEW OBSERVATORY.'
17. ntmmimatiom af the FieU. The jtfum imUeaU llu rtlatire iiUemsUt
at dif treat forU af the flait.
With C.I. Stop 5o. WIU CL Slop So.
At the centra 100 : Ditto 100
At iaabaa from the eentia : DMo
At iadMa from tfaa eeotre : Ditto
The intensity of illnmination of the field is always greatest near the
axis of the lana, and falls off more or Ism rapidly towards the edge* of
the plala. Th* less should therefore be aiamined with the view of aaeer-
taini^ if tUa inaiiaality of illaminatioa i* greater than that which ex-
tinrimn* show* rniut be tolerated nadir given eirenmatance*. The
■nplnysd for oendnedDg lUo test is shown in Fig. 33, the
; doTJaad by Coplrfn AJmaj. Thar* is a fixed lamp, L, the
poaitioo of which is not ehaoged daring th* observations ; F represents a
paper sofam, placed in that position in order to give a practically nniform
soon* of H^t : O 1* th* teas, which is fixed in a frame, not shown in the
skshih. nvolviag apoo th* pivot N ; by means of a suitable adjustment
Ihb axis, N, i* mad* to paas through the nodal point of emergene* of the
1«ns. At S th«M i* a sheet of cardboard with a small hole in the centre
at H, and this sown, bole and all, is eovered with thin white paper on
the lid* aw»y trooi th* Una ; th* distance between H and N is always
mad* aqoal to th* prindpal foeal length of the l«ns ; the bar D is made
to CMI a Shadow taw th« movahte lamp M on th* paper jnst over the
mTM.
hole in the cardboard; thus, in this shfidow, the paper, is illuminated
entirely by transmitted light from the lens, whilst the paper round it is
illuminated entirely by the light of the movable lamp.
An observation is made in the following manner: — The lens is first
placed in inch a position that its axis passes through the hole H ; the
lamp M is then moved backwarks or forwards until the transmitted
illumination of the paper at H is made to match as nearly as possible the
reflected illumination of the paper round it ; the distance between S and
M is then noted. The lens is now placed in the position shown in fig. 23,
where AB represents the length of the diagonal of the plate for which the
lens is being examined, and where the angle ip is half the angle of the
field under examination. The balance of light is readjusted by a move-
ment of the lamp, and the distance ] MS is read oS a second time. By
finding the inverse ratio of the square of these two readings, we thus
obtain the ratio between the illuminations at P and H, the lens being in
the position shown in the sketch, and the object being supposed to be
equally illuminated in both oases. But what is wanted is the ratio
between the illumination on the plate at P and A ; this is found with
perfect accuracy by multiplying the ratio of the illumination at P and H,
as above obtained from the observations, by cos' (/>, and this result is that
which is entered in the Certificate of Examination. The relative illumina-
tion of the centre and of any part of the field can, of course, be obtained
in this manner, in the above jnstance the comer of the plate being the
point chosen.
This test may with advantage be made with the largest stop supplied,
and also with the stop which has been shown, under test No. 13, to give
good definition over the whole plate.
It omnot, however, bi denied that there are objection? to this methol
of examination. The fact that the illumination of the plate is not uni-
form is due to several causes : — (1) The amount of light which passes
through any aperture evidently diminishes with the obliquity. (2) With
lenses not free from distortion, the effective aperture itself varies with the
angle of incidence. (3) The amount of reflection from the surfaces of the
lenses, and consequently th? amount of transmitted light, varies with the
angle of incidence. The method of observation above described may be
said to fully take into account these three causes of variability in
intensity. Then again (4) the light falling on the plate varies inversely
as th* square of its distance from the nodal point, and also (5) with the
obliqnity with which the rays strike the plate. As far as these two latter
considerations alone are concerned, it is evident, therefore, that the
illnmination on the plate varies as the third power of the angle incidence,
and also that by multiplying the result obtained on the screen at H by
eoe* f we obtain the required result on the plate at A. Thus the record
in the certificate includes all these first five causes of irregularity of
illumination. But there are other causes whicli are not correctly repre-
sented in this method of examination. In lenses not freo from distortion
the nodal point of emergenoe varies in position with the angle of in-
cidence, and, as the pivot N does not shiftpts position with refer-
ence to tie objective during the observation, the condition of
illumination of the photographic plate cannot be accurately repre-
sented. This is probably a trifling cause of inaccuracy, but one
soinewhat serious sonroe of error remains to be mentioned. The
method of examination does allow for (fi) the variation of illuminal
tion due to the different amount of glass throu'.;h » hioh the oblique
pencils have to travel ; but, as the observation U made by eye, no
allowance can be made for the fact (7) that the actinic rays may
be affected in this manner out of all proportion to the apparent
variations produced in the visible rays.
The method of examination adopted at Eew assumen that the
light transmitted through the paper, as well as that reflected from
the paper, varies in amount with the intensity of the incident light
Captain Abney informs me that his experiments prove this to be
the case. But in making the observation the eye should be
placed in the same position daring both readings ; for wejhave no
reason to snppose the transmitted and reflected Ughts vary in the
same way with the angle of vision. .
It ii i»pu<Bble to suppose tlint the screen F will be illuminated with
perfect i^alarity, even near its centre, and this must be a source of
error, though probably a negligible one. When the axis of the lens
passes through H the rays which are brought to a focus at that point
will be parallel to each other as they enter the lens ; but when the axis
of the lens is inclined this cannot be the case, for H will no longer be on the
principal focal surface ; the screen F should therefore be brought as near
the lens as possible, as by that means the part of the screen from which the
light comes will be more nearly identical in the two cases. The lamp L
should, moreover, be placed as far from the screen as practicable, so as
to make the illumination as uniform as possible. With lenses in which
the nodal points are some distance apart, the part of the screen from
810
THE BKITISH JOURNAL, OF PHOTOGHAPHY.
[December 16, 1892
which the light comes will vary considerably with the inoUnation of the
axis, and considerable errors might be introdoced by nneven illumination
o( the screen.
In deciding on the quality of a lens as regards the illumination of the
field, this test should be considered in connexion with test No. 10, nndcr
which heading are given the angles of the cones of illumination. With
regard to the normal use of any lens, except perhaps such as are specially
designed for portraiture, certainly the whole of the smallest stop, and, as
a rule, the whole of the largest normal stop, should be visible from the
whole of the plate ; for if the plate extends much beyond the limits of the
inner cone (outside which the aperture begins to be eclipsed), the falling
off of density near the edges of the plate will be a serious defect in the
photograph. When considering the part of the field lying within this
inner cone, it is to be noted that, the wider the angle which the lens
covers, tiie greater is the inconvenience caused by the diminished density
near the margin ; if the stop is in front of or behind all the lenses, the
intensity of illumination of different parts of the plate can be shown in
this case to vaiy approximately as the fpurth power of the cosine of the
angular distance from the axis of the lens, and in cases where the stop
is between two lenses, the limits of variation will bo tlie third and fourth
powers of the cosine of the angle. The following table is therefore
inserted to give an approximate idea of the decrease of illumination as we
recede from the axis of the objective, the truth lying theoretically some-
where between the two limits here given : —
0°
Cos' ^.
1-00
Cos*^
1-00
5
0-99
. 0-98
10
0-9t>
0-94
15
0-90
. 0-87
20
0-83
0-78
25
0-74
0-67
30
0-65
0-56
35
0-55
0-45
40
0-45
0-35
45
035
025
Eminent lens-makers have spoken of the illumination produced by
their lenses as being uniform from the centre to the margin, but onr
experience is that the decrease is even more rapid than here indicated.
The above table shows how very objectionable is the use of wide-angle
lenses, whenever they can possibly be avoided. It shows, moreover,
that the theoretical exposure for different] stops should be materially
modified according to the angle which the lens covers ; for intance,
taking the last column to represent the truth, it would be right, even
though the stops in the two oases had the same C.I. number, to give half
as much exposure again with a 90° objective as with one only covering 40°,
in order to get the same mean exposure over the whole plate.
In connexion with this test, it may be mentioned that the most serious
omission in the Kew examination is, that there is nothing to show the
actinic transparency of the glass. A slight yellow tinge in the lenses,
which would not be noticed by the eye, might yet be sufScient to seriously
affect the rapidity of the objective. But no test eould be devised to in-
vestigate this point which did not introduce photographic methods, and,
as already stated, the consideration of expense put such operations out
of consideration for the present. I should like, it possible, to have intro-
duced some test which would have at the same time indicated the actual
rapidity of the lens, and also the actual falling off of density towards the
margin of the photograph ; with the aid of photography this would not
have been difficult, and a plan of this kind would have been adopted, but
for the cost. This subject is, however, still under consideration by
Captain Abney. Leonard D.uiw:N, Major R.E.
JIE. A. B. DBESSER ON " ENLARGING."
Before the Blackheath Camera Club, on November 29, >Ir. A. E. Dresser
gave a lecture on Enlarging, in the course of which he said that enlarged
prints might be obtained from small negatives either by putting the nega-
tive in the camera and projecting the image through the camera and lens on
to a sheet of bromide paper, or by fixing the negative in the window and
taking a positive from it on paper in a large camera, this being the
method he used himself and recommended as being productive of the
best results. All his own enlargements were made by daylight, as he
considered this more satisfactory than any artificial illu'minant, the
success of an enlargement depending greatly upon the brilliancy of the
Ught. He explained that stopping down the lens does not increase the
definition for enlarging purposes, though it may sometimes appear to do
80. When a stop is used, the exposure is diminished, and, therefore, the
print, when developed, may have greater contrasts than one given the
same exposure with full aperture, thus giving an effect which sometime^
is mistaken for sharper definition.
With regard to exposure, to enlarge from a quarter-plate negative of
fair density up to 12 x 10 on an ordinary fine day, with stop /-16, he
would give from three to four minutes' exposure, or with a thin
negative, about two minutes. He considered iron to be the best
developer for bromide paper, although, as he generally toned his
prints with uranium, he had given up using it, on account of the diffi-
culty of completely eliminating the iron from the print. The slightest
trace of iron will cause blue stains in the toning.
The developers he recommended were eikonogen and amidol, and he
gave the following formulie : —
Eihmogen Developer.
Eikonogen 1 ounce.
Soda sulphite 4 ounces.
Potass, carb 1 ounce.
Soda carb 1^ ounces.
Water 30 „
No bromide being necessary. It is advisable to dilute this developer witB
half water until you become accustomed to its action.
Amidol Developtr.
A.
Amidol 1 ounce.
Potassium metabisulphite 1 „
Water lo ounces.
B, a saturated solution of either washing soda or potassium carbonate ;
C, a ten per cent, solution of potassium bromide.
For use take A, 1 drachm ; B, 1 drachm ; 0, 5 drops ; and water, 1
ounce.
Prints should not be cleared until after fixing, to avoid carrying any
acid into the hypo bath.
When very rough paper is used it should be well soaked in water before
developing, but this paper should only be used for suitable subjects.
If the print appears to come up too rapidly, from over-exposure, pour
off the developer, and turn print upside down in a dish of water and
leave it to develop by itself ; it will rapidly gain density without fogging.
In the case of a negative in which any portions are either weak or over
dense, it is better to try to counteract these deficiencies by dodging during
the exposure than by trusting to local development or reduction.
' I
THE OPTICAL LANTERN AND HOW TO USE IT. '
The Rev. W. H. K. Soames gave a discourse on this subject on De-
cember 8 before the Blackheath Camera Club.
In speaking of the source of light, the lecturer explained the advan-
tages of the mixed jet over the blow-through jet. The jet being nearer
the lime, and giving a smaller point of light, better definition is obtained.
There is no flame, and very little heat from it, and it uses considerably
less hydrogen. With the blow-through jet coal gas can be used, but
hydrogen gives a better light when it can be obtained.
When using these gases, the bottle valves must be turned on full, and
the governors allowed to take the pressure. The supply being regulated
by the valves to the jets, care must be taken to see that these valves arO'
closed before turning on the gas at the bottles.
He pointed out that when a short-focus objective is changed for one of
long focus, the condenser must also be changed to get a good result. To
explain this, he showed the different effects and sizes of discs produced
with different lenses.
In lighting the lantern the hydrogen must be turned on and lighted
first, and then the oxygen turned on slowly, and both gases regulated
until a perfect light is obtained. The lime should be turned every two oa
three minutes, or else with the mixed jet the flame will double back front
the small pit formed in the lime and crack the condenser ; it wiU not do
this with the blow-through jet, but the flame from the hydrogen may
fork out and set fire to the lantern. With short-focus lenses the light
must be nearer the condenser than for long-focus lenses ; but with either
lens, if it is too near, a dark mark will appear on the disc ; the light
should be moved laterally or vertically until this mark is exactly central,
and then drawn back from the condenser until the mark entirely dis-
appears.
After the lecture a number of slides were shown, the disc being thrown
npon a blue distempered wall with excellent effect.
RETOUCHING BY ELECTRICITY.
We have already alluded to an electric retouching apparatus of German
inception and manufacture, which is now being employed in America
and on the Continent, and a considerable degree of interest has been
manifested in this country as to its nature and probable value in
retouching.
By the kindness of Mr. C. A. Rudowsky, 3 Guildhall-chambers, E.G.,
we have been permitted to examine one which he bos just imported in
Dewmber 16, 189-2]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
811
pancil U bM in the hand, and u manipolated in the nsnal way ; bat the
n^atire, when placed on the eaMl with the nppei end resting upon a
order to hare it» valne tested by expert retouchers in this ooontry. The I daylight portraiture. Briefly described, the apparatus is as follows :' —
Forty ferrotypes, in sheaths, are held in a receptacle placed on top of the
camera, and when the sitter is focussed a lever adjustment places one
plate in position, the exposure is made by means of a flashlight, and by
two simple movements the plate is conveyed to the developing tank,
where it is subjected to the action of the developer, fixer, and wash water
actuated by three separate pneumatic balls.
The exposure required at night is about two seconds with six to eight
grains of magnesium blown through a spirit flame. A strong hydro-
quinone developer is used, the rapidity of its action depending on the
temperature. At this time of the year, in an ordinary room, less than a
minute suflices to develop a picture. The presence of a small quantity
of hypo in the developer acts, according to Mr. Nievsky, as a restrainer,
the developer required being a very powerful one for such quick work, and
a much brighter image being obtained|by the mixture. Some sixty or
seventy plates (size about IJ x 1 J) are developed in one solution.
We have been present on^two occasions when Mr. Nievsky has taken
the portraits of members of (societies with the Simplex (as it is called),
and canj,speak as to the nature of the results, which, of the kind, are
excellent. The portraits are delivered washed, dried, and mounted in
two or three minutes.
padded l«d^ of the ^parstni, ia snbjeetad tokteriesof rapid vibrationB by
which wh*t would otbarwiie be an nnbcokan penoilUne is now interpreted
bj a etippie o( (pMlei or leas graonlarity, the eoaiaeneM of the atipple
*<iittg delainfaMd by the adjnatmant of a screw. The eat shows the
apparatiu ad^tadlto an ordinaiy ratouahiBg deak.
It is '•i"'«""l that tlia miT^*''"g tt the skin is most easily aooom-
pliahad, and ««en larger tftam, wfaieh in ocdinary cireamstanaes have to
be eoT««d tram the back, an aaiily aad qnieUy tetooched with this
appaiatas; and that it is a great fanprorement apon any electric
Taloaehiag appantna that ha* baen introdaced before, as the retoucher
b«a is net fn*'"-''^ by the eamBi, and only the negative vibrates.
tJdng an appaistss thne orfoor hoar* a day, one enmnt i* mffieient for
mart than a year; while two etBraala, wfaieh are used alternately, will
laatywn. With lam* plate* two MncxMat* combined are nsed. The
fiio* i* eailaialj r«a*onaW« vioagb. befag only 8«<.
A COMBINED LANTERN MA8E AND BIN'DEB.
Tn BhMkMan Photographie Company, o( Sorrey-row, are introdacing a
funWrtr' laatMna mask and biadar, wfaieh ihoold gnatly facilitate the
E of laalm *lid**« and be oonvaaiaat in othar
I
In aOMt. it nnarin- of a eonpU ol maaks joined togathar. 1ib» edge*
beiac l*(t Ira* and aoatad with mucilage. All than that temains to do is
to pfaaa th* did* and eorar glas* in poaitioa a* oaoal, and samre them by
■iiiiitwiiH mi paating down the gnmoMd edges. The idea is a happy
ana, and ndnea* tha tcoofal* a< niflii"f''t aUd** to the minimam. The
unal variatj hi th* shape* of th* maak opantaig* are aTaOable.
raBBOTTFB POBTBAITUBE BT FLASHLIGHT.
Km. L. HtSTnnr baa reeantly been demonstrating, with great moee**. a
aimpl* metiiod of taking portraits at night on ferrotype gelatine plates.
Til* lyatem b sami-aatomatio, being, we believe, aiialogous to, if not
idmtiaal with, that laid ondar oontribotion daring the last sammer (or
THE " HOLBOBN " HINGED-SPBING PBINTING FEAME.
Qxo. HonoHTos & Sok (89, High Holborn, W.C.) have sent us a
sample of a printing frame they are making, the peculiarity of which
Uea in the springs l)y which pressure is produced. These are so bent that
each one bears in two places on the pressure board, and is hinged at one
end so as to fold over directly upon the pressure board, the loose end
then being fastened in a simple manner, as shown in the cut.
A THOUSAND CANDLE-POWEE ILLUMINATOE.
As an aid to the feeble daylight prevailing in winter, magnesium may be
employed with excellent effect in obtaining portraits. liut flash-lamps,
although exceedingly osefol in numerous cases, are not well adapted for
an exposure of several seconds daring a dull day. We have seen good
effects in lighting obtained by reversing, in a sense, the usual conditions
nnder which the sitter is illuminated, employing the daylight to lighten
the shadow side, the predominating light being obtained by magnesium ;
and while there is any daylight at all worthy of the name, the sitter will
not b« disturbed by the artificial light.
su
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[December 16, 1892
To aid in thin desideratum, Messrs. Perken, Son, & Bayment have
introduced a continuous photo-exposure illuminator, shown in the cut,
in which magnesium powder, blown through a spirit flame, causes a
continuity of light that is highly actinic. The large rubber reservoir by
which the pressure is maintained is kept inflated by the smaller one. The
reservoir is of such dimensions as to contain a considerable quantity of
magnesium. It is claimed that this illuminator possesses features of
diflerenoe from other magnesium lamps of the continuous order.
©ur tBTiitorial JJTatle.
The American Annual of Photoghaphy.
We are favoured by Mr. Jonathan Fallowfield with a copy of this
■well-known annual issued by the Scovill & Adams Company, New
York. Got up in the style for which this annual has acquired a high
reputation, with its jjood paper and bold typography, it is further
enriched by several mcely executed process-block illustrations. The
contributed articles are of the usual variegated character, and embrace
the topics of current interest. Mr. C. W. Canfield continues from a
former issue his interesting notes on the portraits of Daguerre. Mr.
Jerome Harrison describes a camera called the " Henry Clay," made
by the Scovill & Adams Company. M. Duchochois condemns
simultaneous toning and fixing ; the Rev. G. M. Searle contributes a
suggestive article on taking stereoscopic negatives with the aid of a
prism ; Dr. Clarence C. Woodman an equally excellent one on
" Detective Camera Focussing." These together with many others make
an excellent book of photographic reading matter. We may, perhaps,
be permitted to take exception to an article by G. C. Rhoderick, jun.,
in which he recommends the making of " stereoscopic " views by
mounting side by side two identically similar prints obtained from the
same negative. This writer seems to forget that to produce a stereo-
scopic picture two dissimilar views of the subject must be employed.
Despite this there is so much that is sound and good in the Annual
that it may be well passed over. The work sells at 2a. in paper covers,
and As. bound.
RECENT PATENTS.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS.
No. 21,886. — "Improvements in Photographic Cameras." E. H. P.
Hu.MPHEETS. — Dated yaoember 30, 1892.
No. 21,896. — " Improvements in Photographic Lens Mounts." T. Craw-
ford. — Dated November 30, 1892.
No. 21,946. — "An Improvement in Photographic Cameras and Dark Slitles
for Same." L. S. Zachahiaskn. — Dated December 1, 1892.
No. 21,947. — " Improvements in Photographic Cameras." F. Bbauchahf.
-Dated December 1, 1892.
No. 21,975. — " Improvements in connexion with Photographic Cameras.'
C. Shaw and J. BVR!i.— Dated December 1, 1892.
No. 22,018. — " Improved Means of Focussing in Photographic Cameras,
.sucli as ' Detective ' Cameras." A. L. Adam.s and B. Foulkes-Wixks. —
Dated December 1, 1892.
No. 22,158. — " Improvements in or Connected with Pliotographic Apparatus."
Communicated Ijy S. Hirschfekler ami L. Daiinhauser. W. P. Thompson". —
Dated December 3, 1892.
No. 22,171. — " Improvements"in Stands or Supports for PhotographicCameras
or other Object.-^." J. K Thornton and E. Pickakd. — Dated December
3, 1892.
No. 22,198. — "Improved Means of Securing the Entire Coloured Surface of
Hand-coloured Pliotographs to Glass." G. Watson. — Daied December 3,
1892.
No. 22,525. — "An Improvement in Photograpliic Printing Frames." A. T.
Nbwinoton. — Datetl Decemlier 8, 1892.
No. 22,532. — "Improvements in Shutters for Photographic Cameras." G. D.
HvoHEH.— Dated Deaanber 8, 1892.
No. 22,576. — "The Employment of Diamido-dioxybenzol in combination
with Sulpliides of the Alkalies for Developing the Latent Image in Layers
containing Halogen Silver for Photographic Purposes." J. Hauff. — Daied
December 8, 1892.
No. 22,633. — "An Improved Dish or Case for use in Photographic Develop-
ment or other Proces.s." Complete specification. H. Ravnke. — Dated De-
cember 9, 1892.
No. 22,671. — "Improvements in Coin-freed or Coin-operating Photographic
Apparatus." B. J. Edwards. — Dated Deeemf>er9, 1892.
SPECIFICATIONS PUBLISHED.
1891.
No. 21,381.— "Photographic Sensitive Plate.<." Sandell.
No. 21,716. — "Photographic Apparatu.s." K & P. FaAMCK-VAtBBr.
1892.
No. 625.— "Roll-holders for Photographic Films." Communicated by
Brownell. Boui.t.
No. 3486.—" Magic Lantern, Slides," &c. Ebskinr & Taylor.
No. 941. — "PhotographicCameras." Jekfrky &; Wishabt.
No. 15,985. — "Teaching Ocular Dioptrics." Communicateil by \'itali.
Lakk.
An iMrBOVBMKNT IN THE MANUFACTURE OF SENSITIVK Pl\TES JOB
PHOTOOBAPHIC PuBPO.SKi.
No. 21,381. John Tyack Sandell, 10, Pall Mall, London, S.W.—
Novemlxr 19, 1892.
My invention relates to an imjirovement in the manufacture of sensitive
gelatine plates for photographic negatives, and it ha.s for its object to diminish
the liability to halation and solarisation (or reversal of the image) which are
incidental to photographic plates as now made when subjected to a com-
paratively slight exce.ss of exposure.
By emjiloymg plates made according to my invention, it is possible to pro-
duce photographs in which all the details of subjects presenting strong contrasts
of light and shade are perfectly brought out. ' For example, the interiors of
churches and the like, where the windows and other apertures are illuminated
by a strong external light, are exceedingly prone to halation and solari.sation of
those brilliantly illuminated portions, coupled with insutlicient exposure of the
less strongly illuminated parts of the subject ; but by my invention these
defects are avoided, as a much greater latitude in the duration of exposure is
admissible without injury to the resulting negative, by reason of the fact that,
owing to the comjiound .structure and differential sensibility of the improved
plate, what would be over-expos\ire in the case of an ordinary plate of similar
rapidity is compen.sated, as hereafter described.
My invention consists in coating the plate, substantially as hereinafter set
forth, with two or more snperpose<l coatings or layers of gelatine emulsion,
having different degrees of sensibility to actinic light, so that different portions
of the picture which are in strong contrast as reganls strength of ilhunination
will be photographed virtually upon layers or strata of different degrees of
sensitiveness, the effect produced iii>on the haloid silver salt or salts of the less
sensitive stratum thus compensating for the deficiency of intensity due to over-
exposure of the corresponding ))ortion of the more sensitive stratum. The
coating which is first applied to the jilate, and which constitutes the under-
neath or rearmost stratum, should possess the least degree of sensitivene.'is, and
the front or uppermost one should possess this quality in the highest degree,
the intermediate layer or layers (in the case of more than two) i>rogressing in
regular gradation between the two extreme degrees of sensitiveness. The pre-
vention of halation is due to the gre.iter opacity and lesser sensibility of the
lowermost stratum, which has the effect of absorbing, and so obstructing the
transmission of the most powerful rays of liglit to, and their reflection from,
the surface of the support upon which the layer is applied.
The gelatine emulsions composing the different layers or strata would contain
any of the usualhaloid salts of silver commonly employed. For instance, the
first or undeiTieath coating or stratum may be compcsed of an ordinary
brondde of silver emulsion, the next may also be of bromide, or it may 1« of
bromo-iodide, or chloro-bromo-iodide of silver emtdsion, or all the coatings may
be composed of an emulsion of the same haloid salt, but in any cxse the
second and subsequent coatings will be of progressively increasing degrees
of sensitiveness, such difference of sensitiveness being obtained in the
preliminary preparation of the emulsion by subjecting it to heat, or treating
it with alkali in the ordinary way of treating emulsions for the purpose of
increasing their sensitiveness to light. Similarly, as reganls the third and
subsequent coatings (that is to say, if more than two are used), they would be
of successively greater degrees of sensitiveness [iroduced in the same manner by
heating or treating with alkali. Generally, two coatings would afford .strata
of sufficiently different degrees of sensitiveness to meet the ordinary require-
ments of any kind of landscape work, whilst three coatings are preferable for
the majority of interiors.
It is, of course, to be understood that each coating is to be allowed to
thoroughly set and dry before another is applied.
In order to ensure the most satisfactory results in working this process, it is
e.ssential that the different strata, although varying in .sensitivene.ss to light,
should he perfectly uniform in respect to tlie quality of hardness, and the con-
sequent liability to shrinkage in drying. To attain this essential uniforndty,
it is important "to observe that the gelatine from which the different enmlsions
are jirepared should be of the same make and quality ; the different emulsions
should be prejiared as nearly as possible at the same time ; should be sub-
jected to smiilar and contemporaneous treatment during "ripening," and
should be hardened to equal extents by the addition of alum or chrome alum
in the usual way, so that (save in respect of the differences in preliminary
treatment by cookiug, or with alkali, upon which their respective sensitive-
ness to light depends), the different emulsions to be superposed will be .is
nearly as possible alike in their jmrely physical qualities.
In the manufacture of a doubly coated plate for general purposes, I prefer
for the undermost layer, or that next the glass, an enudsion prepared by the
boiling method, of great fineness of grain, which is more amenable to develop-
ment than the more sensitive upper coating. The .sensitiveness of this under-
most film should be about from fifteen to eighteen on what is known as
Wamerke's sensitometer, and the percentage composition of the dried film, as
calculated from the formula adopted, is —
Gelatine 68-3 parts.
Bromide of silver 29*33 ,,
Iodide of silver 1*1 ,,
Bromide of pota.ssiuni '27 part.
Chrome alum 1 ,,
and these quantities in ounces would represent the solid matter contained i
770 ounces of fluid emulsion made up to that quantity with alcohol, thirty fluid
ounces, and water.
The emulsion for the upper layer consists, preferably, of a mixture of one
December lU, 1892]
THE BRITISH JODKNAL. OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
813
put of a boiled amolaioii nude by oieuis of the i-cntrifugal separator which is
louiid to hare greater opacity, and i< conneqaently less prone to halation, and
twojparta of emoUioa made by what ii known as the ammonia method. These
cmufeu hsTe the name cofflposition as that of the uuderinost layer except
that tkay eootain only -33 part iodide of silver, and hare the greatet degree of
I iiilliiiilliw which it ia poaaible to obtain at the present t^me and by the
pi mint —thnda.
The OBdannoat fllm or layer of a trebly-ooateil plate is composed preferably
of aa •moLdoo prepared by heat alooe and brooght to a 8ensitivene.'<s repre-
sented by Arc on the Wamerke aensitoaieter. In composition it tvsembles the
pierionsly-diacribed emulsion*, except that iodiile of silver is omitted from,
and citric acU one part added to, the formnla alrea>Ir given. The upper layer
of a trebly-eoatad plate woald be the same as described for the upper layer of
a doably-eoated plate, and the intermediate layer of the trebly-coated plate
would be tJw same a* ihe ondarmojit layer of the iloably-coated plate.
Haiiag now partiealuiy deerrihed and aHertaioed the nature of the said
inrtatiaii and in what nanaertbe wnM b to be performed, 1 declare that what
I claim is — L The piepantion of senaitiTa photosraphic platee having two or
mon sapuyoead coating or layen of gelatine emulsion which poasesa in regular
giadntian nem the nBdennoet to the uppaimoat coating or layer, progreastvely
IiMmaaad dagnaa of aaoaitiTaiia*a to Ui^t. aabatanUally as and for the par-
poaas dasnribad. 2: In the mannbetan « aansitive photographic platee, the
comMnatka of two or mon snperpoaad eaatiagt or layen or gelatine emulsion
poaaaaaiag in ranlar gradation from the nndermoat to the uppermost coating
or layer ptogiteaUaly Incrtxtd degreea of aeaattiveneM to light, ao aa thereby to
I the i&bOity to aoiarisation ami halatioo, as sjieeified.
^^rettngsf of Jbociette^^j.
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK.
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*Bdaftea-saaaal,rbat^trsat.K 0.
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Knc-M«ad.8oatkaaa.
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PHOTOGRAPHIC 80CICTY OF GREAT BRITAIN.
I'lcaaant U. the PnaUaal (tiapUin W. de W. Aboey) in the cbair.
It waa aaaooncad that tba Hackney aad ChelUnham Pbotofcraphic Sodatiaa
had faaan admitted to aOllation of the Sodaty.
The fcOowiBf aerantaan gantlanien wne alactad members of the SooJetr :—
XesHi. ¥niaan, C. P. OuaUne, J. A. Sladair. Wm. Taylor (Laioaatrri, O. E.
Fraaklia, W. Karauu, Lieutenant O. A. Braidey, lliarlea F. Trable,
A. Pomphray, Chptaia W. A. Gala, R R Thwaile, Birt Acres, E. C.
HerUlat, H. A. CkaiMnan, George Ifaaoa (Olaagow). A. F. Howll, and H. A.
Hui I iaou.
PHOTiiGiurHic Lk(i TMroro at Ksw.
Major Lkoxakd DaBwui, K.E., M.P., read a paper on this subject [This
will appear in a fUar* nomber.] Heobnrred tlutt be lia<l already written one
axiMnative paper fcr the Boyal Society [sea The Bkitisb Joih.nal ok I^oto-
aaaniT, eaial wblab left him little new to lay, so that he was obligai! to repeat
in aahaliuaa maah that ha had said before, dwelling, however, with more force
<m the Bfactlcal aide of the qocation. At the conclusion of the paper,
Mr. W. E. Uibk.vham said it was very desirable to have .'•och an institntion
aa that at Kew, aad ha hoped it wonld |>at an end to some wrong notions
wMafc nhetegnphwa had ehariahad ao long, particularlyonaaa to certain lenaaa
aad tbair "daplh of fceaa," Ha hoped that in futare tbar woold not ice
aliaiWaaiwia of laaaaa haviac greater depth of fncns ilian othais. Aa to the
term " waarii^eJbetiaaly anployeil " tadisi inguiah narrow, mediam, andwide-
aagla laaaai^ he thoogbt, aa " effectively " meant a certain amount of defini-
tkm, th* t«« ihaakl aota praparly be " dettning alfectively " with regard to a
cartaiB tlMdwl. ^*^ ■■'«*— that wm latlaftelnry for one subject waa not so
tor aMtkar; It waa aiawUaiad pnjndieial by aome photographen. As to
photagnpbat* aot ndnf a Urgtr stop than that for which the lens waa tcated,
many people preferred a picture which was darker towards the margin than at
the centre ; and he did not think that it was ilesirable to define any point
beyond which a negative should be considered inferior as regards equality of
illamiiiation. For the sake of enl.irgements, it was desirable to .ascertain the
focal length accurately. Adverting to the battle of the standards, he said tliat
lest it should be supposed that the Congress International standards had beea
universally accepted, lie would point out that he considered the decision of the
Photographic Convention as valuable as that of the Paris Congress on the
subject
Mr. T. R. Dallmbveb gathered that the Kew authorities had some little
trouble about having lenses sent to them with a " supposed " covering power ;
but he thought that if they at Kew would simply take the lens sent iis though
they knew nothing about it, say what it would cover with various stops down
to a low intensity and mention the circles of illuminations at those apertures, an
ordinary photographer would be able to judge of the capabilities of the lens,
and whether it would fulfil its purpose. With regard to the C. I. system, he
waa much in favour of it Major Darwin would, no doubt, agree that it would
be an advantage to have the circles of illumination with the full stop and a
small stop, ana if both were mentioned it might be useful. Flare spot was a
point of great importance. With a large number of concave surfaces towards
the plate, reHcctions were re-reflected. "Definition" might be settled in a
more definite manner by referring to the question of sep-arating power.
Actinism might be put to a practical test with the focimeter. The practical test
as to how a lens performs at the margins of the field was one that fell to
opticians themselves, and he should like to see it acknowledged by the Kew
authorities by a method of testing. It was not wanted with absolutely sym-
metrical lenses, but great skill was required with unsynimetrical lenses.
Mr. J. R. GoTZ suggested that tests should be applied to fixed diaphragms
between lenses in order to ascertain whether the apertures they represented
were correct.
Mr. Hugo (of Kew), who has the practical work of lens.testing in h.and,
found that in testing lenses two or three times the results were very accurate.
Mr. H. Chapman Jonks asked whether simple inspection was considered
sufficient test for flare spot I He found that it showed more clearly with small
apertures than with large ones. He had recently been using two lenses with
smaller stom than hitherto, and they both gave flare spot The stops were so
small that ne could hardly .see the ima^
In replying on the discusxion, Ma|or Darwin said the Kew Committee
would consider the suggestions made. With regard to Mr. Debenliani's
eriticisni on the term, "effectively defining." the case might be met by the
nmiasioii of the word effectively. Respecting the same gentleman's remarks as
to people who might prefer a picture which fell ofl' in density at the edges, he
(M^or Darwin) thought most people would jirefer an evenly-illuminated field;
The test for flare sjiot onght to be done by means of photography, but it was
impossible to introduce photographic tests at Kew. They did it aa well as
they could, and kept a sharp look out for fiare spot with small stops. As to
Mr. Dallmayer's remarks with reganl to the diH'erent sizes of plates a lens
wonld ooTer, they woidd receive attention. Tliey, however, could not get a
good teat object for a separatiBg .system. They niust at Kew test on near and
amall objeeta on account of the atmosphere. 1 n conclusion he said it would
have been dilflcnlt to get the testing system to perfection without the assist-
ance of Mr. Hugo.
Mr. Francis Galton, F.RS., the Chairman of the Kew Committee, said
that the instrument worked chvmingly. They had enlisted the services of
competent people.
The Pbksidknt, in moving « vote of thanks to Major Darwin, suggested that
the Kew Committee should do what the Science and Art Dj^jartment did with
papers that did not obtain a certain percentage of marks. Ba<l lenses should
m charged a double fee, and that might prevent a great deal of useless work.
It was often not worth while to go mto all the descriptions, for there were
certain lenses on the market actually not worth the testing fee. As to the
C. I. sTstem, aa a delegate of the Society, he was instructed to opposed it, and
he did ; Imt ha hated the metrical system, and would not even think in it.
He alwava spoke in feet, incbaa, and gnina, and he hoped it would give people
a great deal of trouble In reading his papers ; so that he agreed with both
M^or Darwin and Mr. Debenham, He thought the Kew method of te.sting
satisfactory for oblique pencils.
The meeting then terrainatetL
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
DlcBMBEii 8.— Mr. R. Beckett in the chair.
Meaiini. H. E. Farmer, W. F. Slater, and C. H. Oakden were unanimously
elected members.
FKRnnrvPK Ph<>t<)OBai-hy by Flashmoht.
Mr. L. Nievsky gave a deronustration of ferrotype photography by flashlight,
employing for the 'purpose plates and apparatus of his own preparation and
invaatJon. Forty ferrotype pUtes which are coatetl with a gelatine emulsion
are contained in sheaths and held in a tin box, from which they are bo<Iily
trausfetred to a pUte box placed on top of the camera proper. When the
Bitted ka« been focussed, by means of a lever movement a plate is placed m
|iiiiiliii«. aaillii ez)>oaiire given to a magiiesiuiii flashlight (the lamp being
aecureil in iuxtai>o»ition to the camera). The exjiosed plate is then released
and dropped into a small Unk, and by the iiressure of three rubber bulbs the
developer, the fixing solution, auil the wash water, are successively applied to
it The time of development is largely influenced by the temperature of the
solution, thirty to forty seconds being sufficient in summer. Mr. Nievsky uses
a bydrotpiinone develojier which, on this occasion, containeil a small propor-
tion of hyjio. Several successful pictures of membera were taken.
Actios ok Sea Water on Photographic Apparatus.
Mr. P. Everitt showed a dark slide (of Messrs. Watson's manufacture)
which, with a camera anil other slides, had l)een several months under water.
The |artic<Uar slide shown seemeil, on the whole, little the worse for the
immeraion. The shutters of the slide were considerably bulged with moisture
«I4
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOaRAPHY.
[December 16, 1892
when Mr. Everitt obtained the apparatus, but they had sinoe dried out quite
Mr. A. Haddon would like to know the composition of the varnish with
which the dide had been varnished. It had apparently resisted the acUon ol
aea water for several months, and might be uhcIuI to photographers.
Questions.
The following question from the box was read : " In what form is uraniiim
depositeil when used for toning bromide prints?" The answer given was,
■*' Ferrocyanide of uranium."
Question No. 2: "In the preparation of stereograms tor the stereoscope,
should the distance of separation determined be the measure between two
similar points in the foreground of the picture or between two similar
iioints in the distance? In Chadwick's Manual it states that in all
measurements it is the foreground only which must be taken into account, and
the distance takes care of itself. The questioner finds it impossible to reconcile
this with the theory set forth on p. 13 of the same work."
The member who had put the question said that it appeared to him that
the seiiaration of the distant points would have to be greater if two objects in
the foreground were to be separated, say, two and a half inches. He had always
found it more satisfactory to measure jioints in the distance.
Mr. W. E. Debejiham agreed, and also thought that stereoscopes should have
» lateral movement of the lenses, so that slight differences in the mounting
might l)e overcome.
Question No. 3 : " Is a lantern slide a picture ? "
Answer : " As much a picture as any other photograph."
North Middlesex Photographic Society.— December 2, the President
'■(Mr. J. \V. Marchant) in the chair.— The meeting was chiefly engaged in the
nomination of officers for election at the annual general meeting, and other
formal business. A discussion took place upon the Exhibition, and unanimous
approval was expressed at the Judges' action in enhancing the value of the
certificates by reducing the number of awards to five, as the exhibits to which
they were awarded were remarkably in advance of the others. It was announced
that the first of a series of class meetings for the instruction of beginners in
technical matters would be held in the first week in the new year. The subject
had been under consideration by the Council for some time, and it had been
arranged that the lessons should be confined to simple technical matters,
and that the work shouhl be done by the pupils under the instruction
of one of the other members. A limited number of non-members of the
Society who are beginners in photography will be welcome at these classes.
Application should be made to the Secretary.
Hackney Photogrraphic Society.— December 5, Mr. K. Beckett in the chair-
— Tlie Hon. Sec. announced that the next meeting would be set ajiart for
demonstration by Mr. Walter E. Woodbury, on lantern slides, &c., by i>rinting
out.
South London Photographic Society. — December 5, 1892, the President
•(Mr. F. W. Edwards) in the chair. — A demonstration of enlarging in cresco
fylma was given by Messrs. Hill, the method of using which has already
ipijeared in these columns. At the conclusion of the demonstration, in answer
to questions, Messrs. Hill stated that the process could not be successfully
worked with a negative which had been previously varnished. Pyro-developed
negatives were not so suitable as those developed with hydroquinone, rodinal,
or amidol, the clearing solutions containing alinii, used with p,\T0, having a
retarding action on their solution. They claimed that the process did not pro-
duce distortion, and in support of this contention an enlargement of the interior
of a church was produced, in which the lines were absolutely straight. En-
largements revealed detail whicli was not visible in the original negative, and a
suggestion was made that this property might be made use of in revealing the
structure of objects photographed by the means of photo-micrography.
Bolton Photographic Society.— December 6. — Mr. C. K. Dalton (the
Secretary) read the annual report of the Council. This set forth that the
members numbered eighty-one. and they had had one oi the most successful
years in the history of the Society. Tlie Council regretted that the proposed
" survey " of the town had not l)eeu actively followed up, but the question
would again be brought up in 1893. The report was unanimously adopted.
Uverpool Amateur Photographic Association. — December 8. — From the
report of the retiring Hon. Secretary, Mr. F. B. lUin^wortli, it appeared that
the Association had, during the jiast year, taken the handsome and commodi-
ous premises which were now occupied. The new rooms were opened in June
last, ami, although the subscrijition had been raised in order to provide
improved accommodation, the membership had increased, and there were on
the rolls at the end of the year 309 members. Mr. A. J. Cleaver was elected
'President in the room of Mr. Wm. Tomkinson. Mr. J. H. Welch was
appointed Hon. Secretary, and Mr. P. H. Phillips re-elected Hon. Treasurer.
The Council were also ajipointed. Subsecpiently the President announced the
list of the Association awards in the Annual Competitive E.xhibitiou of prints
and Slides. They were as follows : — Prints (half-plate and under), silver
medal, Mr. G. A. Carruthers; bronze medal, Mr. F.'K. Glazebrook ; com-
mended, Mr. T. B. Sutton. Over half-plate, silver medal, Mr. T. F. Lloyd ;
bronze medal, Mr. C. A. Timniins ; commended, Mr. H. Holt. Two enlarge-
ments, silver medal, Mr. T. B. Sutton ; bronze medal, Mr. C. A. Timmins.
. Stereo slides, bronze medal, Mr. W. S. Ellsworth. Hand camera work, bronze
medal, Mr. J. W. Swindon. Exhibits by those who had never won a Society's
medal, bronze medal, Mr. G. A. Carruthers, commended, Mr. A. C. Batty.
President's prize, lady members, three prints. Miss Kose Collier ; commended,
Mrs. Marriott. Lantern slides, silver medal, Mr. H. Holt : bronze medal, Mr.
J. H. Welch.
Kochester Naturalists' Club (Photographic Section).- December 6, Annual
General Meeting, Mr. C. Bird in the chair. — The following were elected otticers
for the season 1892-3 • — Chairman : Mr. C. Bird, B.A., F.G.S. — Vice Chair-
man: Mr. J. Whitfield. — Committee: Messrs. J. C. Boon, J. Hepworth, J. S.
Hewitt, P. J. Neate, T. F. Tannahill, M.B.iC.M., D.P.H., and R. Watts.— //..«.
Secretary : J. L. Allen, Clover House, Chatham. It was arranged to have
the meetin;;s iluring the winter fortnightly on Tuesday evenings at 8.15 p.in.
The first meeting was fixed for I)eceniber"20, when Mr. J. C. Boon promised
to read a paper on Wet-plate Process, and to illustrate same.
Kotherham Photographic Society.— Dr. Baldwin (President) in the cli.Tir.
— The results of the Society's annual (members') competition were annouiiciil
as under: — Class A, six untouched negatives (President's prizes), 1 ; 11. C.
Hemndngway, 2 ; G. T. M. Kaekstraw. Class B, three untouched negatins
and three prints therefrom taken during the Society's excursion, 1, ll. ('.
Hemmingway. Class C (for those who have not taken a Society's prize), lour
untouched negatives, 1, John Clarke. Four ])rints, 1, W. H. She))herd. 'I'his
class did not fill, but the Council decided that the awards should be given. CI;i>s
D, six contact prints, 1, H. C. Hemmingway. Mr. W. Mason was not l:ir
behind. Class E, six lantern sUdes, 1, E. Isle Hubbard. — Mr. Richard K.< in-
of Derby was the Judge, and he sent some useful and kindly word^ f
criticism. A vote of thanks was jiassed to Mr. Keene lor his services. Tl.e
Annual Exhibition was fixed for February 7 and 8.
Edinburgh Fhotograpbic Society.— December 7. Mr. Alexander Ayton
(V. P.) occupied the chair. — The first public business was the exposition by Dr.
Drinkwater of samples of various methods of toning chloride and bromide of
silver prints. The platino-toned prints showed full mastery of the systeii],
and might compare favourably witli jilatinum prints themselves. Tlie broiiiici>s
were toned to various tints more pleasing than the common blue, grey, cold
colours or that style of printing, 'rhe Chairman, in sumndng up the remarks
made on the Doctor's exjiosition, called upon the members to make and keep
notes of their experimental work for the Society's use, and more especially so
with the latest introduced gelatino-chloriile jiapers, which he tlioughtwere rapidly
taking the place of, if not superseding, albumenised pajiers for silver printing.
Mr. iiaddow then brought before the Society one of Dallmeyer's t.lu-
photo lenses, and in explainuig its jiarts and uses said that the principle v.;„s
applicable to any ordinary compound photo lens, the addition making it more
nearly an example of the Galilean method of construction. He stateil that
for distant objects this fonn was decidedly preferable to the ordinary lens, as,
although it reduced the angle of projected image, it at the same time enlarged
it on the plate from five to ten times, roughly speaking; but the proportion
being due to the added negative lens, wliich could be varied at will, keeping to
the principle, the size of image for distant objects was, to a large extent, at the
command of the operator, combined with his knowledge of the instrument
and its powers of adaptability. Mr. Haildow handed rouml two views which
he Iiad taken aliout a week ago of a jiortion of the central tower of Fettes
College, the distance as the crow Hies being nearly a mile, the luies of the
mason work and tlie divisions of the slating being quite distinct. Discussion
on this paper was postponed till next monthly meeting.
Dundee and East of Scotland Photographic Association.- December 1,
Lantern Evening. — Amongst the slides exliibited by members, one created a
good deal of interest The slide was from a landscape negative (a highland
loch and fine clouds) by Mr. D. Ireland, and made on one of the new rapid
lantern jilates of the Paget Company developed with amidol. The slide had
been under-exposed, and, coming up very slowly, was left for a long time in the
developer. On the plate being fixed, it was found that the high lights —
namely, the clouds — had developeil a fine rosy-pink, and the water of the
loch was slightly tinged, the whole giving a very fine sunset effect.
THE SOUTH LONDON PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY'S
EXHIBITION.
To the Editor.
Sib, — I notice a letter in your issue of December 9 referring to the late
Exhibition in South Loudon, and signed by one covering his identity
under the pseudonym of " Young Member." At least one statement is
made in this letter contrary to fact. The jurors did not " have in their
hands catalogues which give the number and name of exhibitor
clearly set forth," nor did we ever see any catalogue until the awards
were all made on the merits of the pictures. In fact, this very circum-
stance caused us considerable trouble, because we found that awards had
gone where the conditions did not allow them to go in several cases, and
we had to rearrange our list of winners in order to meet the conditions
laid down in the prospectus, awards in several cases going to those who
had already got others.
I do not think the system of hanging the frames was the best, as,
among other things, it caused much extra trouble to the jurors ; but this
is merely matter of opiuion, and the system adopted had certainly some
good points ; but I do protest against statements made without proper
inquiry into their truth, especially when they are insinuations against
the good faith of executive and jurors, and I do further protest against
such ungentlemanly allusions as appear in this letter of ' ' Young Member "
to the " stature and physique " of Judges at an exhibition. I can tell
you and your readers that Judges have a sufficiently rough time during
and after some exhibitions (I allude to mental, not bodily, hardship),
without ofiensive and inconsequent gibes about their physique. It is
about time thit all anonymous criticism of Judges' awards should be
suppressed ; such criticisms are seldom unbiassed, and are often made
scaffolds for purely personal abuse. — I am, yours, &c.,
Andrew Prinole.
CromweU Home, JSexley Heath, S.E., December 10, 1892.
DMWiber 16.1800]
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHS.
To the EDnoR.
Sn,— In yom oarrent issue roa published s letter signed "7oang
Member," which contains an insinuation whioh I cannot let pass without
a proleal The Joilgea never hod the catalogue in their hands while
judging, and, (orthermore, the names of tha sncceasfol exhibitors became
known to thai onlj after their awards had been commnnioated to the
Hon. 8*m*taij.
Althongh I narer have felt anything bot scorn for persons who, as in
this mm, make aoeh inaimiations nndw an aoonymoas aignatnre, I must,
newrthalwa, eiBfwn my gratification at " Young Member's " remarks
eoneaming tlte Jndgea' " good statore and fine phTsiqae."
Our good ■tatnre and fln« phTsiqae, however, did not prevent as from
groping aboat on the floor and examining the exhibits he allndes to. — I
am, joura, Ac, F. P. Cembbano, jxnf.
10, Camtridgegardeni, Riclmond HOI, Swrey, Dtcember <J, 18'J2.
To the EDiToa.
Sib, — I only propose to refer to two points in the letter signed " Yonng
Kember " in joor last iaaoe, as it de^ mainly with matters which are
not of genval pablic intenst, but soch as should be dealt with by ttie
Committe* of tLs Sooietj.
Wban the Jndgia OMno to tha Exhibition, I famished them only with
paitiealan of tba ■naam classes and tlie numbers of the pictures
enleied tor eompetition in each of them, and with this information they
proaeeded with their wotk. It was not until after the judging had been
completed and the awards signed that eopies of the oatalogoe were
handed to the Jodgee.
With ntoaaee to the showing <A lantern slides, no distinction was
made liut»w any o< the eompetitan, and if any of the pietnree remained
on the lesieB longer than others, the delay aroee simply from the time
oeeopied in finding and handing up to we operator the next rets, the
adjostment of the lime, and matters of that kind. — I am, yours, &a.,
Dtetmbtr U, ISn. OliS. H. Oixnait, Hon Seerttnnj.
[Tha wnter of tba Utter signed " A Young .Memher " assured us
that by pnHlafcmg it a (arour would be conferred upon a large
number oif i^^i"!*"!* ol the Society, and that the Socie^ in general
wottld baaefit thsrabr. He also stated that he would be willing to
give his name and aodreas later if found advisable. Possibly, in view
of the ttei that two of the judges state dearly that his insinuation as
to their having judged with the assistance of the catalogue is un-
fonndad, be mil, wDen aeknowledgiog the corr(«tion next week,
rede I— hia pmaiae. — Es.]
IBOCOaBAFHY IN SOUTH APUICA.
To the Ennoa.
Sia.— HsBie lr« weeks ego there was a paragraph in one of the papers
statina tiiat thasa ware oiily " four good pootographara " in South Africa.
AtUia ptssant tiaa there are /o«r yood oses in Cape Town, and several
othos of a lower grade. You will also And good photographers in Port
KUsabelh, Kiaaberiey, East London, Johannesburg, and all other towns
of any sixe, sad in sooe plaoas the competition is as keen as in EngUnd.
OrahamstowD, with a popolatioa of lets than ten Ihoosaad, has shout
half a dosea, and yon can scaroely find a village that baa a popolatioa of
over Ave hundred that has not got a photographer, or aiss is visited by
the one (ram the nearest town or village at regular intervals.
There are also plenty ol amataors out here. There are five in this
town, and yet this town (or village) has only a population of about a
fthoaeaad wfaitsa*
Any oaa wishing to know the nnmbar of photographers out here can
ftod out bx ralstiiag to the Ar<nu Animal, which can always be seen at
the oOeee of the steamship companies,— I am, yours, itc,
B. STSrmx Hiu.
Bsa^srl Wttt, SotUh AJriea, Sortmbtr 90, 1803.
VOLXTVETBIC TESTING OF ALKALINE HALOIDS.
To the EctTOS.
Sn,— In answer to F. C. Green I would say that Abney's statement
( Inttruetim iit Vhotografihij, p. 4) that the Iit;ht affects only an " in-
flnitvly imall proportion " of the sensitive compound gives one reason
wlqt, in the volamstrie testing of bromide by means of silver, daylight
need not be avoided. *«!*'*>««»■ reason is the shortnees o( time required
for tha tset. In gmvimalrie dsissminations of luUoids by msans of silvsr
aitraitt «r of silvsr hf mwm of oomnum salt, care shonld be taken not
to iiwIniM the tast in dlraat smiUght.— I am, yours, tte.,
Dtttmktr 9, ISW. J. H, Patxx, F.LC.
>
rCGITTVE IMAGES ON CELLULOID FILMS.
To the EnrroB.
ggi, Undsc foor " Am1r^^m" Notes " in your issue of December 9, Dr.
Charles L. MtWoeO, speaking oi celluloid films, refers to some of Ameri-
oui manufacture being untrustworthy, and among other faults says,.
" They seemed to lose their image unless developed immediately after
exposure." I have recently had a most striking example of' this failure
of films.
A gentleman recently returned from the West Coast of Africa asked ma
to develop a number of films he had exposed during some months of
travel there. Before doing so I exposed a few (whioh he had brought
home unused) in the studio for the purpose of testing the developer, Ac,
and they gave bold, vigorous negatives, clear and full of detail, while those
exposed in Africa, although more carefully developed, gave only the moat
vague and ghost-like images, ijuite evidently the loss of power in the
latent image. The pictures, thus practically lost were of great interest.
In view of the many advantages of films for work during travel, it would
be well if the cause of this failure was made known, so that precautions
might be made against it. — I am, yours, &c. P. Hobsburoe, Jun.
131, Princetttreet, Edinburgh, December 9, 1892.
DIPPING-BATH DEVELOPMENT.
To the Editob.
Sa, — I am pleased to see in the last issue of The Bbitisb Journal of-
PiioTooRAPBT some of the advantages of dipping-bath development men-
tioned. The dishes generally in use for the purpose bring such a larg^
surface of the developer into contact with the air that its energy is
wasted, and very many have to use sulphite as a preservative, a thing I
strongly object to, preferring to use successions of fresh developers.
I have long been wishing that a dipping bath suitable for one, or for a
few negatives at a time, were introduced, but, so far, have not succeeded'
in hesSring of one. The obvious advantages are numerous, ii olading
(with a glass bath) the viewing of the negative by transmitted light with-
out removing it from the dish, also that the negative can be left to itself
to work up for a long period without rocking. Perhaps some provider of
photographic ma^rials would give the matter consideration. — I am,,
yours, itc, Louis Meldon.
Dublin, December 10, 1892.
Wkht Lokdoh Photooraphio SocixrT.— December 20, Techuical Social
Meeting.
Photooraphic Clur— December 21, Amidol and Other New Developers..
28, Monthly Lantern Meeting.
Bhixtor aud Clapham Cakkra Cua— December 20, /* Si>ain with a
Camera, by Mr. F. P. Cembrano, jon. Public evening ; invitation tickets from
Hon. Sec
WKan happy to bear of the enngemeut of Miss Cnthariiie Weed liivrneii, of
New York, to Mr. H. Snowden Ward. Miss Barnes will still continue her
editorship of the American Amateur and her other litenirj- work.
Thb next ordinary meeting of the Photographic .Society will take place on
J&naarj' 10, 1893, when Mr. John Spiller will read a paper on two new de-
veloper*, and Mr. U. Chapman Jones a paper on X Chemical Study of Mer-
curial Jnttm^/ieation, There will lie no Technical Meeting t^is month.
Thb Cleveland Camera Club will hold nn exhibition .-ind cmversazione at the
Co-operative Hall, Corporatiou-r<>ad, .Middlesbrough, on Wednesday, February
1, 1£93, when six meuula, three silver, and three bronze, will be olTered for
competition in the following citssts. Jlembers only : 1. Set ol six photo-
gnphs (mounted on one mount). Open to all : 2. Single photographs (any
subject). 3. Uint«ru shdes, seta of six. Apjihcatiou for entry forms shouM
be made to the Hon. Sec, Mr. J. J. Hallam, 11 Amber-street, Saltburn-by-the
Sea.
anotoeris to OTorrcsponiicntg.
*,* CommunieeUionM rtUUing to Adverluemente and general business affairs
nmut bt euUrttted to "Hbxby Obkshwooo k Co.," 2, I'ork-slreet, Covent
Oonbn, London.
J. P. (Wimlionie).— Mr. H. N. King's offer was undoubtedly a genuine one.
KR^fBST E\8snT. — Pat the case in the hands of the Superintendent of Police
in the town where the man lived.
V. PKTKBitox (Nottingham). —Fluoride of silver i« not employed in photography,
although its projierties nre known.
.Viuxuura (Siirbitoii).— Tlie specifleation may be obtained at tlic Patent
Oflice for ei^tpcncv when published.
C. W. Fkntox.— If you continue to apply the ammonia solution to the piC"
dpitate (which is silver oxide), it will disnolve.
U. Hkwsos axd Otbbiw.— TliBuks for the Im|>erial Portrait Association ch>
cular. We are tired of denouncing the scheme.
S. Ysincxs. — Several formnUe for varnishes that are suitable for gelatine
negatives are given in the Almanac, to which please refer.
B. H- T. — To prevent the glass stopper from ogain sticking in the bottle, clean
it thoroughly and apply a little vaseline. Very little will suffice.
L. GlusoN. — Y'ou will see that we have some remarks on bnisb development
in a leading article this week. Thanks for the information on the other
subject
816
THE BRITISH JOaRNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH VT.
[DecenjDer 16, 1892
*'AN Old Haud," who writes ns a letter Apmpos our article of last week on
'■ Kicent Exliiliitions," has, with the characteristic carelessness of "old hands,"
omitted both his name and address.
Sbvekal corri'spordents have sent us spotty prints, for the causes of which
we must refer them to previous answers given in this column. Spots in
prints have apparently once more assumed the dimensions of an epidemic.
J. Bbikk. — The thinner sample of tinfoil sent is too thin iind very full of holes.
The kind usually employed is of an intermetliate thickness Iwtween the two
samples. Any operative chemist will Ije able to supply what you require.
C. Rains. — As carbon tissue is now supplied in small quantities, sensitised
and in the ]iroper condition for use. yo\i will <lo better, as a beginner, to
purchase it in that state than to sensitise it yourself. .Where a certain
degree of proficiency has been acquired, then by all means sensitise it
for yourself.
Nixon.— If the previous picture has stained the opal glass so that it cannot be
cleaned, even with cyanide of potassium, the only way to remove the stain is
to grinil it out with emery powder or fine graining sand. Whether the value
of the glass, now that it is so cheap, will repay for this trouble depends u]ion
the value put upon time.
B. Symington.— If the jihotogravure is copyright, it would lie legal jiiracy to
copy any portion of it as a lantern slide, even were it only to illu.strate a
lecture on art. Tt is just possible, if you fully exjilain to the holders of the
copyright the purpose for which the copy is wanted, they may accord you
pernnssioD. Better write to the publishers.
B. W. says: " I have a pair of old stereoscopic portrait lenses and they 1»th
give equally as sharp images on the focussing screen, but in the negative one
image, the left, is always much sharper th.an the other. Can you account
for this i" — Yes. The reason probably is that in one lens the chemical and
visual foci are coincident and in the other they are not.
West. — The arrangement shown in the sketch will answer very well for en-
larging, but there will be a great loss of light, that is, an unnecessary
quantity of magnesium will be required, owing to the length of focus of the
condensing lenses. If they were half the focal length or a little less, they
would answer the same end and economise magnesium.
T. Bkais. — The precise position of the stop is not of vital consequence in your
lens. The nearer it is to the lens, the greater will be the area of illumiua-
tion, accompanied, probably, by a falling off in the definition at the margin.
If this be so to any considerable e.ttent, you can easily remove the stop to
the position it occupied previous to its being sent for repairs.
D. McPhebson.— It would certainly be bad policy, if nothing else, to exhibit
a collection of portraits that have been rejected by sitters, however good the
photographs may be, in a window or show-case. We can quite sympathise
with photographers in the matter of the fastidiousness of sitters, but the
step suggested would be very unwise from, at least, a business point of
view.
Geo. S. Chase. — A method of making nitrate of ammonia which is much re-
conmiended consists in mixing a saturated solution of sulphate of ammonia
with a saturated solution of nitrate of strontia. Sulphate of strontia falls
as a precipitate, the nitrate of ammonia remaining in solution. The pre-
cipitated sulphate of strontia is reconvertible into the nitrate by means of
dilute nitric acid.
H. B. says : "Your corres]iondent, ' Devonshire,' will find what he wants in
the Almanac for 1892, page 572 : ' An Imperishable Mountant,' by the Rev.
J. Carter Browne, D.D. I send you a photograph I have just printed, with
particulars at the back of lens, formula, &c. How do you think amidol has
answered as developer ? " — The print sent by our correspondent is a truly
excellent one, definition, exposure, printing, &c., being faultless.
Amateitr (Warwick) writes : — " In formula;, water, sixteen ounces, and water,
one pint, are often written ; are not the two synonymous ? Is not a iiound
of water and a pint of water the same quantity ? That being the case, why
this confusion in writing quantities?" — Our correspondent is under a mis-
concejition, a jiound of water and a pint of water are not the same ; the
former is sixteen ounces and the latter twenty, or a pound and a quarter.
"W. S. B. — If the premises were taken on a repairing lease, the landlord cannot
he ex|>ected to do .iny repairs to tlie studio, any more than he is to any other
part of the building. The fact that the studio was "slop-built" does not
matter. The tenant ought to have s.atisfied himself as to the condition of
the premises at the time he agreed to take them. Having signed the lease,
we expect he will have to abide by its conditions, whatever they may be.
J. A. Biggs. — Place the two large lenses much closer together than shown in
the drawing, and both witli their flat sides next the light. Let the carrier
for the negative be nearer tlie condenser, and use a ground glass or opal only
if the illumination of the negative is unequal. The lamp will have to be
placed a considerable distance from the condenser, this distance being ascer-
tained by seeing that the cone of light passes through the enlarging lens in
front.
B. Morris writes : "I find a difficulty in keeping bromide paper Hat and even
while enlarging, particularly when it has been kept in a warm room. Would
there be any injury to the resulting picture in the matter of sharpness or in
other ways if the paper were pressed in contact with the board with a sheet
of glass?" — Practically, there would be no loss of sharpness or other
deterioration by adopting the method suggested. The glass must be perfectly
clean, free from scratches, air-bells, and other defects ; otherwise they would
be rendered in the picture.
A. J. say5.: ',' I am much troubled by a difficulty in mounting. I have tried
starch and dextrine, and find that, whilst most of the pictures adhere well,
some, of them will always leave the mounts a little at the edges, and will
come off more still when burnished. Could you suggest what is likely to be
the cause ? " — It is pretty obvious that the mountant is not evenly applied.
The edges are not sufficiently coated with the cement. It is necessary that
a good coating of the cement, whatever it may be, is applied to the extreme
edge of the print, or the trouble complained of is sure to be experienced.
NOKi. B. Kfnealy says: "May 1 venture to ask if any of your readers can
help me out of a difficulty ? I have been trying for months to make some
collodion drj' plates (not emulsion), but have hitherto failed. I shall be glad
to hear from any one who has practically worked the process, and, as a suc-
cessful result will mean a good deal to me, I shall not be ungrateful. My
plates have always lacked evenness and densitjr, and 1 must have a very
lilack and white result" — Our correspondent evidently refers to collodion
preservative processes, of which he will find everj' particular in former
volumes of this Journai, and its Almanacs.
B. J. BuBBiDGE.— A four-and-a-quarter-iuch condenser is not large enough to
illuminate a quarter-plate negative, hence the cause of the dark corners in
the picture. Tlie defect is not due to the lens or to the light as sunni-sed,
but simply beiause the condenser is not large enough for the work. For en-
larging, to secure even illumination, the condenser must not lie less in
diameter than the diagonal of the negative to be enlarged. That, in the case
of the quarter-plate size, is nearly five and a half inches. For perfect
illumination, taking marginal imperfections and the mounting into considera-
tion, a six-inch condenser is preferable to the size mentioned.
F. K. G. writes : " Herewith I beg to enclose cabinet photograpli on P. 0. P.,
on which you will observe a number of faint dark spots which appear when
put through the hot burnisher. It is not impossible that these marks are on
before burnishing, but the heat probably makes them more visible. I have
had quite a dozen this last fortnight, and would be gl.^d to find the cause of
tliem. It does not come from the negative, as good prints are got from same
negative. The prints are never allowed to rest in fixing bath." — The spots
appear to be due to imperfect fixation. Probably air-bells attach themselves
to the surface of the paper, and thus prevent the free action of the " hypo "
at tho.se parts. There is little (piestion th.-it the spots are present before the
burnishing, but they are rendered more manifest by the operation. The
burnishing is certainly not the cause of the defects.
Mr. Jonathan Fallowkield has been appointed London wholesale agent
for WockI's Washer Company.
We have received the new catalogue of the Thornton Pickard Manufacturing
Comjiany, which contains particulars of several new items, including the snap-
shot shutter, a new safety blind, a new dark-slide recorder, the improved focal
plane shutter, &c The illustrations of pictures taken with this and the
"Instantaneous and Time" shutter are capital testimonials of the efficiency
of those instruments. This little catalogue contains m.any hints of use to
shutter-users.
The Woolwich Polytechnic Photographic Society will hold an exhibition of
photographs and ap]iaratus in the Large Hall, Woolwich Polytechnic, on
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, February 16, 17, and 18, 1893. The Judges
are Messrs. F. P. Cembrano, A. R. Dresser, and A. Pringle ; and the following
are the sections : — 1. (For members only). Prints, any subject by any process.
2. (For members only). Lantern slides, best set of six, any subject. 3. Open to
all amateurs, any subject by any process. 4. Open to amateurs who have
never received an award in open exhibition. 5. Lantern slides, open to all
amateurs, best set of six. 6. Hand camera work, set of four prints taken with
camera held in the hand, not on ;i tripod (enl.argements debarred). A gold
medal, presented by the Right Hmi. the Earl of Carrick will be presented for
the best picture in the Exhibition, and silver and bronze medals and certificates
in all classes, will be placed at the discretion of the Judges.
FORTHCOMING EXHIBITIONS.
1893.
February 1 *Cleveland Camera Club. Hon. Seoretai-}-, J. J. Hallam,
11, Amber-street, Saltburn-by-the-Sea.
,, 7,8 Rotherh,am Photographic Society. Hon. Secretary, H. C.
Hemingway, Rotherham.
„ 16-18 *Woolwieh Polytechnic Photographic Society. Hon.
Secretarv, W. Dawes, 145, Chesnut-road, Plum-stead,
S.E.
,, 18 Holborn Camera Club. Hon. Secretary, F. J. Cobb,
100 High Holborn, E.C.
March 1, 2 *Fillebrook Atheuieum Photographic Society. Hon.
Secretary, Joseph W. Spurgeon, 1 Drayton Villas.
Leytonstone, Essex.
April 17-29 *Photographic Society of Philadelphia. Hon. Secretary,
R. S. Redfield, 1601, Callowhill-street, Philadelphia.
U.S.A.
* Signifies that there are open classes.
OONTBNTB,
Paok
OUB ISC') ALMANAC 801
A TELESCOPIC FOCUSSING FINDER .. 801
LOCAL REDUCTION OF NEGATIVES .. S02
THE EXCISE AND METHYLATED
SPIRIT 803
PHOTOGRAPHING STAINED • GLASS
WINDOWS. By T. N. ARMSTRONG.. 805
CONTINENTAL NOTES AND NEWS .... 806
THE AMIDOL DEVELOPER. By F. C.
BEACH 807
THE SIZE OF STOP TO USE. By W. K.
BURTON 808
ON THE METHOD OF EXAMINATION
OF PHOTOGRAPHIC LENSES AT
THE KEW OBSERVATORY. By
LEONABD DABWIN 809
PAflS
810
MR. A. R. DRESSER ON " ENLARG-
ING "
THE OPTICAL LANTERN AND HOW
TO USE IT 810
RETOUCHING BY ELECTRICITY HID
A COMBINED LANTERN MASK AND
BINDER Sll
FERROTYPE PORTRAITURE. By
FLASHLIGHT 811
THE 'HOLBORN" HINGED - SPRING
PRINTING FRAME 811
A THOUSAND CANDLE-POWER ILLU-
MINATOR ""
OI'R EDITORIAL TABLE
RECENT PATENTS
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES
CORRESPONDENCE su
ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS 815
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1703. Vol. XXXIX.— DECEMBER 23, 1892.
A TELESCOPIC FOCUSSING FINDER.— II.*
Tire problem now to be solved — and it is happily one of extreme
simplicitj — is the application of the telescopic focnsser to a
camera in which more than one lens is to be used.
We have aaid that the object-glaaa of the telescope should be
identical in (bens with that of the photographic lens employed.
Seein)^ this is to be the caae, it foBowB that the object-glass in
qoeetion mast have a variable foeoK This was foreseen at the
time the appliance was first made and publicly shown. To
th« oviginsl one we had independent object-glasses adapted,
tbtm being raapactrrely of eighteen, fifteen, and twelve inches
haaa, fo smt the photographic lenses attached to a particular
aunan; bnt a much less costly alternative presented itself.
This was to have only two objeotglnssee for the telescope,
these betag worked in conjunction.
On* WM fixed at the end of the kody in the usual manner
in a screwed cell. The other was RJmilarly attached to a
Aort bit of tabe, which was made to travel easily from end to
«nd of the main tube. By means of a longitudinal slot in the
body and a prejeetiug button, tUa inner lens waa oqiabie of
being mn from eoa end to tb« atber, either close up against
the ponary or fixed object-glaaa, or comparatively near to the
eyepiece end.
Now, according to the distance that one of these object-
w ■ ftwn the other, so does the focus vary. If eadi of
were of twenty-four inehea Ibens, then, when placed oloee
her, the ooabinad fcona woold be twelve inches — that is,
tf wa ooold Boppoae than to bo tafiniteBimally thin. What
wa have to note in this inatnoe ia, that the farther they are
aapanted flmm each ether th* loi^ar beoomss the focus.
The determinatjon of this ia atboted by a rule which we
qnofea horn what wa haw* aiaawbeia written. It is : " Having
anartainad tbe fcens ti eaeh of the object-glasses, multiply the
**— ^ <■• *•■• by tha ather, and divide this product by the
*■"■ rfbn* added logetlier, leaa the diatanea ef aaparation.
The quotient is the fbeoa aongfat far."
Fiwtt tlus it will ba aaan haw eaay it is, having a eombina-
tkm atqactJTe in the toiaaoope, to alter its effective ibous
*> ■■!T*'"f •ilhin rsaaonable limits that may bo desired.
am^om taM Ae primary focus of the telescopic objective is
twenty inches, and that a sopplementary lena set in the
raining or adjnstable short tabe is twelw inehaa, and it was
dsriiad that tbe eombnied Ibeos dionld be efghtiodiea, so as to
^rik • mmtn lane of Aat itooni, then by the foregoing rule it
waaU aaiulj anflee that Iktf be separated two inches, for —
240
20 X 18. —L^ . 8 inohesL
in which tbe foci, when added together, give, minus two inches
<thoae of separation), 30, the divisor for 240 (the product of
• CoaehuM from pais 802.
multiplication of the foci), giving eight inches as the equivalent
focus desired.
The same result may be arrived at by " trial and error," a
system which some photographers may prefer to adopt. In
any case, when the focus of the telescope ia, by moving the
rmming'piece of tube round, to assimilate to that of any of the
variety of lenses that it is intended to use with a pai-ticular
camera, let an index mark be made on the outer tube to cor-
respond with a like mark on the button, and by this means one
will be able to play with the original telescopic focus to any
extent.
We would. not for a moment recommend this system for
adoption, when a telescope is to be employed as such, for giving
the acme of definition ; for in such a case, and for such a pur-
pose, it should be leftjin ite native entirety ; but, for the pur-
pose now being advocated, it will answer exceedingly well. Nay,
we find that, at a pinch, an uncorrected or single-glass lena, if
edged down, may be mode to subserve the purpose of the
necessarily more expensive achromatic lens in the running or
adjusting tube.
In conclusion, note that the shortest focus is obtained by
placing the objectives close together; by separating'them, the
focus is lengthened.
FIXING AND FIXING AGENTS.
Thb operation of "fixing" negatives or prints is too often
regarded as one that requires little or no care beyond that
involved in ensuring the complete removal of the unaltered
silver salts — in other words, the sensitive material that has not
been reduced either by the direct action of light or by the
developer. Beyond this, which in itself is not a difficult
matter, there are certain precautions to be observetl in regard
to the removal of the fixing salt itself, as well as of the pro-
ducts formed in the process ; but these are well understood,
and there, so far as the majority of workers are concerned,
the matter ends. But there are other points to which it may
be well to call attention.
The term itself has been objected to as a misnomer, since the
removal of the unreduced haloids in no way afiects the image
already formed, or should not do if proper treatment is
adopted ; but, since age has sanctified it, we may still continue
to employ it, and to consider as fixing agents any salts that are
capable of dissolving iodide, bromide, or chloride of silver
without materially acting upon the reduced metal forming the
image.
At the present day sodium hyposulphite or thiosulphate
reigns almost supreme as the fixing agent both for negatives
and prints, but many other substances have been employed
at various periods. In veiy early times iodide of potassium,
chloride of sodium, and ammonia were used, according as the
818
THE BRITISH JODENAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[Decemoer 23, 1892
sensitive material was iodide or chloride of silver, until " hypo "
was found to be a better and more energetic solvent. Then
cyanide of potassium came into use with collodion, and became
the almost universal fixing agent for both negatives and posi-
tives. Later on, the alkaline sulphocyanides were proposed in
place of hypo for fixing albumen prints, and in comparatively
recent years chloride and sulphite of sodium have been put
forward for the same purpose.
The merits and demerits of these various agents will be
better understood if we consider for a moment what takes place
in the process of fixing, or at least a portion of what occurs.
The silver haloid in the course of removal is converted into a
soluble double salt, in which condition it is particularly liable
to act upon any organic matter with which it may be in contact,
as, for instance, collodion, gelatine, albumen, or paper, one or
other of which must necessarily be present in negatives or
prints. The longer the fixing process lasts, the greater is the
danger arising from this cause, hence the desirability of using a
solvent that will remove the unaltered haloids as quickly as
possible.
Few of our readers, we imagine, are unaware that, though
paper or linen moistened with a solution of nitrate of silver may
remain colourless for a time, it will eventually blacken without
exposure to light ; but perhaps it is not so well known that
chloride or bromide of silver, dissolved in any of the fixing solu-
tions mentioned above, will produce a similar, if not identical,
result. Allow, for instance, a few drops of fixing solution
from a print or negative to fall upon a sheet of white blotting-
paper or linen, and in a few days or weeks an indelible stain
will be the result, varying in intensity with the state of con-
centration of the solution, so far as concerns the quantity of
silver it contains. If the paper or linen be at once washed in
plenty of water, or'before discolouration occurs be treated with a
fresh solution of hypo, the stain will not appear, or, if it should,
virill be far less apparent, its intensity depending upon the
thoroughness of the washing or the length of time the fixing
solution is allowed to act.
In the case of a solution possessing comparatively little
solvent action upon the haloid, it is clear that the negative or
print will be subjected to the action of the soluble silver salt
for a considerable time, and, what is worse, in the case of such
salts as iodide of potassium or chloride of sodium, the dilution
caused by washing is liable to throw down some of the silver
in a more or less insoluble form. To avoid eventual discolouration
with such fixing agents, it becomes, therefore necessary to em-
ploy a considerable volume of concentrated solution, which, added
to the inconveniences of their tardy action, places them practi-
cally out of competition with hypo. The same fact prevails, as
is well known, even with hypo, though, owing to the much
greater solvent action of the latter, it is not so much felt ; for
if from using too weak a solution, not allowing it to act long
enough, or attempting to fix too many prints or negatives in a
given quantity, its strength be over-taxed, the inevitable result
will be ultimate discolouration from formation of the unstable
double salt.
The introduction of the sulphocyanides some quarter of a
century back as fixing agents for silver prints was expected to
do away with the trouble arising from fading and sulphuration
of hypo fixing]; but, unfortunately, the innovation did not prove
a success, for the reason, as alleged at the time, that, though
the unaltered chloride of silver might be removed, the albu-
menate was not. At any rate, the sulphocyanides have never
been generally adopted. Similar objections were made to the
use of chloride of sodium and sulphite of sodium when, a few
years ago, it was proposed to substitute those salts for the
hyposulphite, and, though we have in our possession some
gelatino-chloride prints fixed with chloride of sodium several
years ago which still retain their pristine brightness, there can
be little doubt as to the immeasurable superiority of hypo,
cither for albumen or gelatine prints or films.
Cyanide of potassium, the once all but universal fixing
agent for negatives, owes its replacement by hypo to other
causes. In the first place, it is a powerful solvent of metallic
silver, and therefore exercises an injurious action upon the
developed image. In the days of wet collodion, when the
sensitive film consisted mainly of iodide of silver, the ready
solubility of the latter rendered it possible to use a solution of
so low a strength as to have practically no injurious effect upon
the image ; while, for glass positives or ferrotypes, a slight
action upon the metallic deposit had a distinct advantage in
clearing the shadows. But, upon the introduction of simply
bromised collodion, and subsequently of gelatino-bromide films,
the superior solvent power of hypo for silver bromide, and the
absence of any injurious action upon the image, threw cyanide
of potassium altogether out of use.
There cannot be the shadow of a doubt that at the present
day hypo is not only the best, but the only practical, fixing
agent we have either for negatives or prints, however much it
may be objected to on the score of some of its properties. It
has been pointed out over and over again in tliese and other
columns that much of the blame supposed to attach to
hypo is really due to its misuse, and that, though the want of
want of permanence alleged against silver prints generally has
been laid to its charge, the fact still remains that many prints
are still in existence without any symptoms of fading that were
fixed with hypo thirty or forty years ago. Albumen, it is true
has had a share of the blame cast upon it as helping towards, the
want of permanence, but it is questionable whether the greater
danger does not exist at the present day in connexion with
gelatine.
The rapid discolouration or yellowing of so many gelatine
prints both developed and direct is, no doubt, much of it due
to imperfect fixation or insufficient washing ; but at least some
of it may, we think, be charged to over-fixing, or allowing the
prints to remain too long in the hypo solution, especially when
a considerable number are treated in the same quantity of
solution. In such cases the fixing bath becomes converted
into, practically, a solution of silver capable of forming art
organic compound with the gelatine, and this, in the absence
of a sufficiency of hyposulphite to retain it in the soluble con-
dition, remains to cause the gradual discolouration of the print,
although it may not be immediately apparent.
We know that, if a sheet of clear gelatine be soaked for a
short time in a solution of silver nitrate, no amount of simple
washing will suffice to prevent the subsequent discolouration of
the gelatine, even if kept in the dark, while exposure to light
will bring about the rapid reduction of the organic compound.
If such be the case with a perfectly soluble salt like the nitrate,
how much more likely is it to happen with the double hypo-
sulphite formed in the fixing bath under the circumstances
mentioned, prone as it is to decomposition into insoluble
compounds.
The matter is easily tested by immersing a gelatine print, or,
better still, a leaf of plain gelatine, in a perfectly colourless
fixing bath well charged with silver, and, after a very thorough
washing, allowing it to dry. In the course of a short time the
December 23. 1893]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
819
gelatine will be found to have acquired a decided tint, readily
apparent when oompared with a similar leaf untreated. If a
p<)rtioa of the gelatine be immersed in fresh hjpo before the
final washing, the part so dipped will remain unchanged, or
show a much slighter colouration, on keeping. A print or
negative left for a few hours in the fixing bath will acquire a
distinctlj, and sometimes a very marked, yellow colour, although
the bath itself may be quite colourless, especially if several
prints have been already passed through it.
The importanee of using a fresh bath and plenty of it cannot
be too strongly urged upon all producers of gelatine prints, and
also of not allowing them to remain too long a time in the
solution. As an additional safeguard, the practice of finishing
off in a second and clean solution is one that can be recom-
mended.
DIFFUSED LIGHT.
Thd mbject, which embraoes issaes of the highest importance
in photographic technics, has recently been treated very defi-
nitely, and from an exact standpoint, in a paper by Dr. W. E.
Sumpner, read before the Physical Society. We purpose
drawing upon the facts and data he then brought forward, but
will first briefly survey the field covered by the subject The
paper has a more particular reference to indoor or otherwise
reatricted illuminations, hence a mere reference will suffice for
that diffusion of light which plays so important a part in the
Tarious effects seen in nature, according to the extent and
the direction of those media — clouds, atmosphere, and spacious
reflecting areas generally — whose action makes or mars the
pooibility of pictorial treatment.
The first effects that would naturally present themselves to
the investigator would be those met with in studio work. And
very largely will they be seen to act The light enters the
■todio throngh a given area of glass, but a little consideration
will show that of the light entering such area a very small
fraction only falls direct upon the sitter and the portion of his
Borronndings that ultimately appear in the picture. What,
then, becomes of the rest t It is partly absorbed, partly re-
flected and diffused, a portion of the latter amount being again
reeaiTed by the sitter. Here, m pastntit, it may be remarked, is
Man the advantage of electric lighting for portrait studies. When
•oitably used, almost the whole of the acting light is directed
upon the sitter. The rest of the studio is in darkness, and so
small a portion of the air has rays of light passing through it,
that even on a foggy day, witli fog in the studio, presentable
portraits may be taken, when all-round daylight illumination
would give worthless reeulta.
Returning now to what may be termed the secondary light —
the portion not radiating directly Ufwn the sitter — we find a
portion utilised and a portion wasted. It is almost a truism to
say that, for the sitters' comfort and the quality of the
negatives taken, all light not thrown upon the subject is worse
than useless. Then we have to consider surfaces specially con-
trived— acreena erected for the purpose of diffusing light The
light from a particular direction is considered too strong; it can
be diffused by interposing a temporary screen of some trans-
lucent woven material, of tracing paper or cloth, by coating
the glaaa with a diSiisant, or, finally, by glazing with " ground
I^Mm." The respective ^uea of these subetances have never
bcMi giran to the world, bat Dr. Sumpncr's paper gives many
audi data We have to consider non-utilised light — light that
enten the windowa of a studio, but is of little or no value for
the sitter's requirements. If the value of a diflFuser is known,
a suitably selected one may be placed in the path of the useless
rays, and cause them to be diffused, a portion of them being
thrown upon the sitter.
White or pale-coloured screens are employed as subsidiary
illuminants, by reason of their dift'using properties, and, if the
actual value of the various possible surfaces were known, it would
not be difficult so to devise a screen that the maximum diffusion
with the minimum incident illumination could be obtained.
Turning next to the dark room, it is quite evident that, when
the popular coloured papers or cloths are made use of to give
the proper colour to the light, there is not five per cent, of it
used for lighting up the plate ; by far the major portion is
diffused, and lightens up the room itself; but, as far as regards the
plate, one-fifth or one-tenth of the light (and concomitant heat)
would illuminate the developing dish equally well, if the laws
governing the diffusion of light were understood and their
teachings utilised. The effects of difl'iision, again, may be noticed
from the walls of the room. Thus, of the light from the lamp
or gas, there will be plenty of diffused illumination from the
walls of the room. The particular illumination of a negative,
for example, will depend upon its distance from the source of
light, and whether or no a light-diffuser intervenes. If a
pigment which only reflected red light could be found, and the
walls and ceiling of a dark room were painted with it, there
would be monochromatic diffusion, and a naked gas flame might
be safely employed if an opaque object were interposed in the
path of the rays from it to any uncovered sensitive plates.
If we next take into consideration the printing-room and its
accessory aids, we shall find diffusion playing an all-important,
but completely ignored, part, leaving out of question diffused
skylight, for few printers use direct sunlight. There will be
seen tissue paper to diffuse, cotton-wool to diffuse, vignetting
glasses, cardboard, or other perforated screens, and many
similar contrivances, all to take advantage of light so treated.
But in all cases the treatment is empirical It must often be
so ; but occasionally exactness would be a boon. The direc-
tion in which to look for this is indicated itt Dr. Sumpner's
paper, fuller details of which will be abstracted for a
succeeding article.
»
A Hew Style of Portrait Wanted. — A coi-respondent,
writing anent the depression of trado amongst professional por-
traitists, aoggeats that a new style of portrait should be introduced
which amateurs could not produce. lie says that " if such a thing
were done, and it took, the trade would revive, and would then be
entirely in the hands of the profession." The idea of a new style in
portraiture is excellent, but the writer omits to say, or even to hint at,
what kind of picture there is, or ever will be, that is beyond the scope
of an amateur to produce. We await information on the point.
The nXagrnealnm Zilght. — The application of powdered
magnesium as a source of light for photographic purposes is by no
means such a modern invention as some seem to suppose. So far
back as ISOo it was used ; and in that year Mr. II. Larkin obtained a
paceul fOif lamp for its combustion. The lamp answered well, and
we wars presmit when some very good portraits were taken by its aid.
In this lamp the powder, mixed with a certain proportion of fine
sand, was made to pass through the flame of a spirit lamp, or one of
gas, which ensured its combustion. The chief reason why the lamp
was not much used was the then prohibitive price of magnesium.
A Xew Application of Pbotogrrapby.— According to
one of our contemporaries, whose special spheru is dress and fashion,
some West-end milliners are sending out to their customers photo-
820
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF rHOTOGRAJHY.
[December 23, 1892
^aphs of bonnets and hate of the latest design, from which they can
select. The suggestion is made that, in preference to this system, the
ladies should send their portraits to the milliners, and allow them to
use their judgment as to the chapeau and trimmings that would best
suit the face. The idea certainly bears the stamp of novelty. We
should certainly advise the milliners, in using their judgment, to err
on the fflde of supplying the article quite in unison with the youth-
fulness of the " highly " retouched photographs of some middle-aged
ladies, tlian otherwise, or it may not give satisfaction. But there,
the fashionable modiste requires no "tips" from photographers on
this subject.
Stained Prints. — Apropos of the subject of spots of a
mysterious nature that seem to make their appearance periodically,
there are certain stains that may be said to do the same. These, too,
may be attributed to the season, and they are not confined alone
to albumen prints, but extend also to gelatino-chloride printing-out
paper. In a sense tliey may be classed as " spots," though stains
would be a more appropriate term. When an albumen print is trans-
ferred from a solution of one temperature to that of another, it is
often noticed that air bells will adhere very tenaciously to it ; conse-
quently the surface is for a time protected. If this occurs in the
toning bath, stains or unequal toning will occur ; if in the fixing bath,
uneven action of the hypo, resulting in yellow spots. To some kinds
of gelatino-chloride paper air bells seem to adhere more tenaciously
than to albumen paper ; hence they must be guarded against. There
is another cause of stains which has often been pointed out, and is
well known to experienced workers, namely, the slow action of the
fixing agent at a reduced temperature, and that a longer time for
fixation is necessary. But this has been so frequently dwelt upon
that it need not be further alluded to.
Spots. — The spot epidemic appears to have set in with unusual
severity this winter, if we may form an opinion from the number of
letters received on the subject during the last two months or so. It
has been noticed for many years past that " mysterious spots " on
silver prints are more prolific during cold weather than at other times.
On previous occasions we have directed attention to the fact that
an often unsuspected cause of spots is floating particles of pernicious
matter in the atmosphere in the form of dust. In winter, when the
work-rooms are artificially heated, the atmosphere becomes very dry ;
consequently, when the floors are swept, considerable dust — which is
generally composed in great measure of the chemicals in daily use —
is raised, the finer particles of which take a long time to settle, and,
if they alight on wet or damp prints, which are usually in course of
drying or mounting in the ear part of the day, when the cleaning is
done, they will have their effect. A particle of hypo, bichloride of
mercury, &c., settling on a moist print, would eventually cause a spot.
The sulphurous dust, too, from a coke stove also has a very pernicious
effect, and is sometimes a prolific source of spots. By way of experi-
ment, we have allowed some to settle on a moist print, with the result
that in a few days it was covered with spots very similar in appear-
ance to some of those on prints that have recently been sent us.
Sale of Poisons. — Dealers in photographic materials need be
cautious just now as to the selling of some of the chemicals used in
the art. According to the Pharmacy Act, some of them can only be
Tended ty duly certified pharmaceutical chemists. The Pharma-
ceutical Society is very jealous of any one trespassing on its domains —
the chemist's and druggist's business — and at present, as it is occa-
sionally, it is active in prosecutions. Last week it proceeded against
some grocers for penalties for selling a bottle of proprietary medicine
— Dr. Collis Browne's chlorodyne — because it was said to contain
opium, one of the poisons scheduled in the Act. The decision was in
favour of the Society, but it is to be appealed against on technical
grounds. The Judge, in his summing up, is reported to have said :
" It seemed to him almost too clear for argument that a poison, how-
ever mixed up with other things, did not cease to be a poison." No
one who has the slightest acquaintance with it will fail to be
amused at Judge Bateman's idea of chemistry. Fortunately, there
are only a few of the chemicals used in photography that are named
in the schedule, amongst which may be mentioned bichloride of
mercury and cyanide of potassium. These it is illegal for any one
but a fully qualified pharmaceutical chemist to sell, and then only
when certain formalities are gone through both by purchaser and
seller. Of tliis there is no question. Wholesale dealers may, how-
ever, sell these, and other materials, in wholesale quantities without
hindrance. Hence there is less difficulty in obtaining a few pounds
than an ounce or two of some things.
ELECTRICAL ACTION IN DEVELOPMENT.
In a recently published number of L' Amateur Photographe, Mods.
L. Mathet describes some experiences of electrical action in the de-
velopment of celluloid films. He noticed in developing some films
of his own preparation a phosphorescence-like appearance on the sur^
face of the negative ; a phenomenon which also appeared when he
repeated the experiment with reliable films of commercial manufac-
ture. The circumstances under which the phenomenon appeared in
the latter case were as follows : — The films were developed in an
ordinary vulcanite dish, with pyro-soda. While flowing the developer
to and fro over the film he clearly noticed, he says, a phosphorescent
gleam upon its surface. When development was complete the
developer was removed, the film allowed to adhere to the bottom of
the tray, and flooded with the wash water, when the mysterious light
became even more apparent. The negative, when fixed, was slightly
veiled. Substituting a hydroquinone developer for the pyro-soda with
other exposed films, the same " phosphorescence " appeared, and subse-
quent slight fogging also supervened.
M. Mathet regards these experiences as confirming the conclu»
sions of Colonel Waterhouse (see the last volume of this Joubnal)
that an electro -chemical action is producible during development ; but
in M. Mathet's case this action is made apparent by the nature of the
support. That gentleman, however, points out, what, of course, is
tolerably well known, that celluloid is a bad conductor of electricity.
When talced glass is coated with a solution of celluloid in amyl
acetate and the dried film is stripped, a shower of small electric sparks
is evolved between the detached film and the glass at the moment of
separation. The pelUcle, however, retains its electrical properties.
In coating large surfaces of roDable celluloid films M. Mathet points
out a fact which we remarked upon some years ago, although the
statement encountered the dubiety of an experienced dry-plate maker,
that this non-conducting property of the celluloid may lead to the
fogging of the superposed emulsion, the entire surface being fogged,
and the discharge becoming visible on development. M. Mathet is
inclined to think that the same phenomenon is the cause of the
several small stars with which some of his film negatives were dis-
figured. He quotes the case of a commercial film which, upoa
development, showed a dark spot around which were formed certain
regularly defined luminous radiations that he also sets down to the
same cause.
M. Mathet states that if the celluloid film be coated while on a
metallic surface, instead of a glass plate, as is generally used, sparks
are produced if the film is forcibly moved in contact with the metal,
and especially if the air be dry, while they may be avoided if the
atmosphere be humid and care be taken to remove the pellicle care-
fully, and placed in contact with some inert material. Such facts are
no doubt thoroughly known and understood by commercial manu-
facturers of celluloid films. The interesting point in M. Mathet's
communication lies in what he regards as a confirmation from his
own experiences, that, as Colonel Waterhouse and others have already
discovered, an electrical action is produced in development. It should,
however, be pointed out that in Colonel Waterhouse's experiments, if
we remember aright, no sparks of electricity were visible.
JOTTINGS.
I AM glad to observe, from the reports lately published in your
columns, that the Photographers' Benevolent Association, under its
new Hon. Secretary, Mr. Snowden Ward, gives promise of entering
upon a career of greater usefulness than it has hitherto enjoyed. The
times are hard, and so soon as it becomes known amongst indigent
Deeemlier 23, 1893]
THE BRITISH JOCJKNAL OF PHOTOaRAPHY.
821
photographers and aasUtanta that the BeneTolent U anxious to extend
a h^^lpipg hand to those in need of it, I have no doubt that it will
iccei«« nnaMRMM Applications for aid. But, alas! bow many of those
who Mek its assistance in the hour of trouble can allege the inexpen-
iire qualification of membership as a claim upon its consideration ?
Very few, I fear. The improvidence of actors is notorious, but, to
jadg« by the paltry manner in which the Benevolent Association is
■npported by photographers, the latter are formidable rivals of the
histrioDS. Surely it is time that each individual photojjfrapher in the
country laada an effort to remove this sti^rma from his profession.
Come, gMrtleman ! A modest half-crown is sufficient to make you
memben of an Aaanciation to which one day you may be glad to turn
for a " lift," mad the name and addreas of the Hon. Secretary is, Mr.
H. Snowdm Ward, Memorial Buildings, E.C.
Ramo started these Jottings in a benerolent mood, and recognising
that we have arrived at the so-called festive season of the year, I
suppose I most bottle up for future use several choice growls which
I had intended venting in this column just now. Never mind ; I will
keep them for next month — the Month of Growls, when the rent and
the ntes and the taxes and other impositions to which the inoffensive
citiaan is Gable fall doe. Still, I can't resist the temptation of mildly
lemonxtrating with all concerned in the production of the new volume
of Tm BBmsn JoritxAi. PHoroo&XPnic Alma..vac, for having
made the book so big. If it were not that the pictures were so nice,
the articles so practical, and the sdvertisementa so interesting, I don't
think I could forgiTe Messrs. Greenwood the piece of inexplicable
phUanthmpy of selling for a shilling what is honestly worth five.
When Mitrsnhiy's New Zealander eoases over to sketch the nuns of
St. Paul'« from London Bridge, he will not improbably find a huge
object in his line of sight which will prevent him seang the dome.
That object will, at its present rate of progression, be Tbb Brttish
JonuiAL Peotookaphic AxiCAKAC of, say, aj>. 2000.
Nat, good " ImtnatorB," lam r'-^*'"- •'■■champion of ''sdentific
•xpsrts " ss Judges of photograph i ' ' . '<, nor of the other variety
which seeks to apo in the camera uii- wn.i'Ht eccentricities of Jemmy
WUsller. Isimply wanted to know why it is that "scientific experts"
ate now so vehemently objected to by oertain persons as Judges, while
for mote yeus than yon or I may care to count, their awards woe
cheerfully accepted, and (mark this!) intrigued and bagged for. As
you cannot, I will answer my own qnestion. It is all on account of
—not EBz»— but of the revolt of a reputable Society against privilege,
impartinrnoe, and faTOoritism (ttfe this Joi-bkal of December 11,
18BI, pp.708,9). In those two pages you may find the /o)u e< orijro of
the lofty eootempt for "scientific experts" and of the Photographic
Hisiialj al Gnat Britain which has since been the parrot cry of a
handful of egotistical and disappointed photographers.
1 AM an old member of the FVttQgraphlc Society of Great Britain,
and I trast the time will nerer come when I shall see it go under, or
merged into any new-fangled musbnxim -growth brought into
ephMMcal azistenoe by cliquism and self-seekers. The roll call of
tlia Soda^ it one that bears comparison in weight of artistic and
—'*■■"*■ nowUdga with any other photographic society in the
wnld, and thongh up to a reoeat period that Society has been
Imliiiiil to rsgard somnolence and dignity as eanvertible terms, I
think erafy impartial man wiB feel assured from its recent renaissance,
that whatever ground it may have lost will be recovered, and that
before long it will have rsaaerted its right to be considered in esteem,
as wan as in title, M« Photographic Society of Great Britain. I hope,
aa I believe, that I shall not see the day when it will be otherwise.
Such bting the case, good " Immature," your thrtist at the Editor
d thia JotruTAL for suggesting that the Society shonld appoint a
ooaoittsa to deal with the Exhibition and Medal Qnestion smacks
hatk of ptejadiee and of the preeoeiona effrontery of youth. To call
the Soeb^ "dead" and aa "abstraction '' is a juvenile exaggenOion at
which those who know anything about the Society just now will
smile. Again, the same writer, in falling foul of some remarks in
the article on " Recent Eihibitions," seems to be rather disappointed
that it did not settle the whole vexed question te everybody's
entire satisfaction within the space of about a column. His own
remarks, by the way, are singularly deficient of suggestions, practicable
or otherwise. Destructive criticism, you see, is so much easier than
the constructive variety. As to the whole question of exhibitions and
the awards : I am not much interestedpn it ; but for the sake of im-
partiality I should think it would be wiser if Judges and exhibitors
had less to say in the matter than is the case.
What is this projected new photographic society about which these
mysterious paragraphs are appearing in the photographic press just
now ? Surely the originators, whoever they may be, might commu-
nicate a few details to a wondering and mystified public. As I see
some prominence is to be p-iven to the usual club comforts, I suppose
the promoters are jealous uf that admirable body the Camera Club,
and are seeking to run a cheaper show on beer-and-billiard lines, with
a little photography thrown in as a sort of clarifying raison-d'Hre. I
myself don't think there is any room for a new club, or institute, or
society, or whatever this affair is likely to be called. London is well
supplied enough with photographic societies as it is, without increasing
the number. Far better let the promoters join existing institutions,
and seek to strengthen them, rather than court contumely by
bringing a new body to life which must be foredoomed to an early
and ignominious demise. But, at any rate, why all this secrecy ?
A RKCBNT correspondent was told that iridescent markings round
the edges of gelatine plates are due to the plates being old or stale.
Not always. I once had a few dozen plates direct from a maker
which had only been made ten days, and they gave about as fine a
sample of iridescent marking as I had ever seen.
Lbt me, in concluding my "Jottings" for the year, wish all my
readers — whether they be among the " flayed " or the " unttayed " — a
merry Christmas and a happy New Year, in the most humane and
agreeable meaning of the term. Cosmos.
♦
NOTES ON THE NEW AMIDOL AND METOL DEVELOPERS.
[ Jonmal of the Photofprmphio Sooletj of Indyu)
I LATSLY received small supplies of these new developers, and, though
I have not been able to examine them fully, the following short notes
may be of interest.
Amidol appears in small crystals, with a peculiar grey, silvery
appearance. It is readUy soluble in water, but the solution quickly
disieolours in the air. It is only slightly soluble in alcohol, the solution
turning a pale yellow colour. It is a form of di-amido-pbenol with the
formula C,II, ,j..tj \j. Ferric chloride turns the solution a deep
crimson. Bichromate of potash turns it a brownish red, and a
precipitate is formed in standing. Bromine water turns it red, the
colour fading very much on standing. Potash permanganate turns it
a deep crimson, becoming brown and muddy after a time. Alkalies
turn the solution green. With carbonate of lithia and ammonia the
green colour darkened, and then gradually became a bright yellow,
which afterwards darkened. I have not noticed any fluorescence in
the solutions after development, as is the case with many of the
new dry-plate developers.
The peculiarity of amidol as a developer is that it can be used with-
out alkali ; by itself it is only a very weak developer ; with alkalies it
gives weak images, very liable to stain ; but in solution of 5 parts in
1000Lotw«ter, with 50 to 100 parts of sodium sulphite, it becomes a
very energetic developer, giving good density and detail with very
short exposures. According to Dr. Eder, the addition of sodium
sulphite increases its activity, and the ordinary proportion may be
doubled.
The formula recommended by the maker is—
Amidol 20
Sodium sulphite 200
Water 1000
Dilated with from 2 to 3 parts of water.
This, when freshly made up, is an excellent and powerful developer
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[December 23, 1892
The solutions, however, whether concentrated or dilute, darken and
lose their efficiency and developing power. I think I have found
what may be a remedy for this.
During the year I have been making observations of the behaviour
of various developers when electrolysed in a voltameter with platinum
or eilver electrodes, and one of the earliest experiments with amidol
was to test it in the voltameter with platinum electrodes, passing the
current from two pint bichromate bottle cells through a solution
made up as for developing. The E.M.F. of the two cells was about
4 volts, Dut was reducea to about 1'5 volts when passing through the
solution in the voltameter. In twenty minutes 1'4 c.c. of hydrogen
■were given ofif from the cathode, which is rather below the average
of other developers with the same battery. The anode became
surrounded by a dense, deep yellow solution, but otherwise tbe liquid
in the oxygen tube did not change colour. The cathode had a
tendency to Keep coated with bubbles of hydrogen, but the colour of
the solution in the hydrogen tube was unchanged. At the conclusion
of the experiment, the solution, which was slightly yellow, was put
away in a bottle ; and it was observed that, whereas some of the
same developer which had been used and put away and also the stock
solution became very much discoloured, this electrolysed solution
remained quite clear and colourless. Moreover, whereas the dilute
■ordinary developer which had been kept six days was found to have
-entirely lost all power of developing, the electrolysed solution (A)
which had been kept for four days was found to work with even
somewhat more vigour than a fresh solution. Not only so, it retained
its freedom from colour and its developing powers for some time
longer, even after use, as noted further on.
In a second trial some discoloured stock developer was taken and
diluted with three parts of water, and then electrolysed in the same
voltameter with the current from 4 gravity Daniell cells. The strong
solution had a deep orange-red colour, but on adding water it took a
claret colour. The E.M.F. of the battery was about 4'4 volts, which
was reduced in the voltameter to about 3'7 volts, the current being
12 milUampSres, with a galvanometer resistance of 100 ohms. In
this case the evolution of hydrogen was much brisker. In 10 minutes
1'2 c.c. of hydrogen were given off, in 20 minutes 2'6 c.c, and in
30 minutes 4'1 c.c. The solution in the hydrogen tube became quite
decolourised, while that in the oxygen tube gradually took an orange
colour. The colour of the solution generally remained of a claret
colour; and when the tubes had been removed, the current was
allowed to pass directly through the solution, and gas was given off
fairly freely at both electrodes. At the conclusion of the experiment
this solution was also bottled off, and gradually took a pale orange
colour. It was used for developing nine days after electrolysis, and
showed very strong developing powers. With a Steinheil anti-
planet lens 7 J inches focus at about /-lO, and two turns of a Thornton-
Pickard shutter, a Wratten instantaneous plate was found to be
greatly over-exposed ; but a good negative was obtained when the
aperture was reduced to about f-15, and the tension of the shutter
increased to three turns. It was found, however, that the still older
solution (A), electrolysed with the bichromate battery about three
weeks previously, which had much less colour, had still stronger
developing powers, i.e., it gave a denser image. On the other hand,
a fresh normal solution at 1 to 3, made from a discoloured stock
solution that had been kept for about ten days (B), gave only very
weak images under the same conditions of exposure, &c., even with a
preliminary treatment of the plate with a saturated solution of
carbonate of lithia.
There seems, therefore, no doubt of the beneficial effect of the
electrolysing treatment, not only in increasing developing power, but
in conferring keeping properties, and thereby greatly adding to the
value of amidol as a developer, though it remains to be seen how the
treatment can best bo applied. I am not sufficiently acquainted with
the chemistry of these new amido-phenol compounds to be able to say
what the effect of the electrolysing action is, or what new and
more permanent compound is produced. It would seem that there
is some reducing action brought about with the evolution of
hydrogen.
As it seemed desirable to ascertain whether there was any distinct
relation between the developing power of these two developers (A)
and (B), and the amount of hydrogen given off under electrolysis,
they were electrolysed under as nearly as possible similar conditions,
vrith a current from 4 gravityiDaniell cells passing through the
voltameter, platinum electrodes being used as before. The old elec-
trolysed solution (A), with a current through the voltameter, of 325
to 2'8 volts and about 35 milUampSres, gave off in 20 minutes 5 c.c. of
hydrogen. The old stock solution, diluted with three parts of water,
freshly mixed, as (B) was highly coloured and with the same battery,
gave off in 20 mmutes 4-4 c.c. of hydrogen ; the E. M. F. through the
voltameter being 3-25 to 3 volts, and the current 30 to 30 m.a., the
resistance of the galvanometer being 10 ohms.
In the present stage of these voltametric experiments it would be
premature to say that the strength of a developer varies in proportion
to the amount of hydrogen given off by electrolysis; but in one case
it was very markedly so with Edward's pyro-potash developer and a
commercial pyro and ammonia developer. The current from 2-pint
bichromate cells being passed through them for 20 minutes ; with the
former 2'3 c.c. of hydrogen were given off ; while with the latter
only '55 c.c. were given off in the same time. The pyro-potash acted
as a good developer, while the pyro and ammonia only yielded very
faint images under the same conditions. The difficulty in carrying out
experiments of this kind is to ensure similar conditions throughout, so
that the results may be truly comparable. I hope, however, to bring
forward this subject more fully at some future time after further
experiment.
As far as I have been able to try amidol it certainly seems to have
advantages, when used under the best conditions, of securing density
and detail with a minimum of exposure, and will be useful for instan-
taneous work, interiors, and other poorly illuminated subjects. In
usin^ it, it will probably be best to add it dry to a solution of sodium
sulphite at 10 per cent., just as required for immediate use, using more
sulphite, if necessary, to increase the power of the developer.
Metol appears to be a salt (said to be hydrochlorate) of mono-
methyl-para-amido-meta-kresol. It is a white powder, quite soluble
in water, the solution remaining colourless for an hour or so, but
slowly turning yellow and brown. It is not very soluble in alcohol.
Alkalies (ammonia and lithia carbonate) darken the watery solution
to a deep maroon brown. Acids (sulphuric, nitric, and citric) show
no visible change. Bromine water produces a pink tinge. With
ferric perchloride the solution was only slightly yellow. Potassium
bichromate darkens the solution immediately, and gives a muddy
brown precipitate. Potassium permanganate gives a purple colour
turning brown. The metol solution reduces nitrate of silver in solu-
tion very quickly in the form of a bright metallic powder, some silver
being also deposited on the sides of the containing vessel. At first
the deposit remains in suspension in the solution. Acetic acid does
not prevent this reduction. The solution in both cases had a brownish
pink tinge after precipitation of the silver. In some of these reactions
peculiar odours were noticed, in some cases like phosphorus, in others,
a faint floral smell, and in others, again, a druggy smell, something
like jalap. Metol has the advantage over amidol that its solution
with sulphite of soda remains perfectly colourless, and shows little
tendency to change even in a half filled bottle, though it slowly takes
a yellowish tinge. The mixed developer after use takes a pale yellow
colour with a strong blue fluorescence.
With lithium carbonate I find it a very good developer, though not
quite so powerful as amidol. With soda carbonate rather more
density was obtainable, but I have not yet been able to give it a fair
trial. Metol seems likely to produce good reversals with the thio-
carbamides in dilute solution with a large proportion of alkali, and on
the whole promises to be more generally useful than amidol. I hope
to be able to report further about it next month.
Colonel J . Watebhousb,
Assistant Surveyor-General of India.
ON SILVER HEMISULPHATE.
(American Journal of Science.)
The existence of those substances which I described some years ago
under the name of photosalts of silver,* necessarily implied the ex-
istence of the hemihaloids of silver also, as these latter entered into
the composition of the photosalts. Similar inferences, though less
definite, had long been drawn from the action of light on silver haloids.
Two of these, the chloride and bromide, lost by the action of light
their complete solubiUty in ammonia without becoming completely
soluble in nitric acid. Evidently there was indicated an intermediate
compound between the normal haloids and metallic silver. During
the last ten or twelve years I have devoted much time to the attempt
to isolate these lower compounds of silver, and to gain some certain
knowledge as to the hemioxide, whose existence seemed almost a
necessary inference from that of the hemihaloids. Some eight years
ago I obtained a substance having all the properties which one would
be disposed to ascribe to Ag„Cl, and a large number of analyses made
seemed to confirm the view. I hesitated, however, to publish a
description of it, not feeling entirely certain that it might not be a
mixture, as to which a concordance of the proportions found of Ag
and CI with theory gives no sufiicient information. Since then M.
• See Bbitish Journal of Photography, pp. 330, 345, 472, 486, Vol. xxxiv.
December 23, 1892]
THE BRrnSH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH y.
823
Gaotz has described • gubchloride obtmined by acting on silver hemi-
fluoride with phoephoms pentachloride and a bemioxide derived from
it Up to the preaeot time no combination of silver bemioxide with
an oxTadd haa been known.
Sdi^ a oomfaioation I have been able to obtaia as a double salt of
hemisalpbate and normal sulphate containing one molecule of each.
Tha new salt has a light bright brown colour, and exhibits a stability
wliidi, in view of its composition, is something remarkable. It has
DO tendency either to oxidation or to reduction. Nitric acid, unless
very ativag, has bat little action apon it. Acid of 1'42 poured over
it in large exeew, and let stand for aeTeral days, gradually dissolves it
completdr, bdt the same acid dilated with two or three times its
Tolnme of water, has so little action that it forms a convenient means
of poiification. On the other hand, ferrous sulphate, which instantly
redncet argentic sulphate, has no action whatever on the new sub-
stance, even with several days' contact Hot, strong sulphuric acid
has DO action. It might alinost be expected that under its influence
the argentoos salt would gradoally take up oxygen and be converted
into argentic sulphate. But a specimen which was covered with a
large ezceaa of ondiloted sulphuric acid in a flask, and was kept under
boUiag water for ten hoars, was not altered thereby. Another strong
proof of its stability is foood in its resistance to beat.
The application of beat prodooee a somewhat curious succession of
eokMDB. The terra ootta or warm brown shade of the moist substance
changes by drying above 100* to pale hlac, at 165^-170° it becomes
greyish, at a somewhat higher temperature, yellowish green. Con-
■ideiably below red beat It aoqaires a fine ruby red colour. In
eooBnff, this red darkens almost to black, then becomes lighter again,
and when cold the cofear is light olive-green. The chsjiges are
rspeatud aa often as the sabstance is h<.>ated and cooled. No sul-
jdiarie acid rapoon are disengaged even at a low red heat.
It was mentioned in a nrevioas paper that when silver nitrate is
reduced by solntions of phosphorus or hypophoepborous acid, or by
aridited solutioaa of their alkaliiiw salts, transient colourations were
pwdaced tbat seemed to suggert the presence of some form of
aDotiDpic ailTer. Since that paper was puUisbed this reaction has
baeB taken np for further study. It soon appeared that when the
silver sah was treated with a solotion of alkaline hypophospbite,
acidified with sulphuric add^ the raedt obtained was entirely different
froa that which presented itseU nader any other circumstances. It
becaase daw that solpburic acid did not act solely br setting free the
bypovhamlMnas add, but also acted on the silver with formation of a
doable sulphate.
A rsnukable though limited analogy here presents itself between
the sabetanoe just described and the pn'otosalts of silver. The silver
hemlhaViida are my naataUe sabauooes, but acquire stability by
oaitiDg with the noraial haloids. la the same way the hemisnlphate,
which is not known to be capable of separate existence, becomes
pnfeetly ttabb by nniao with the normal sulphate. The Emitation
to thia analogr liea ia the fact that the tast-nentioned combination
oeears in deftuta propovtioDs, which does not seem to be the case with
tha halogen compounds.
The new substanea, than, ia formed by the joint action of sulphuric
and hypophaafhonMa add on a silrer salt Hypophoepborous add
haa but little action on dver snlphi^ abeadr precipitated, but it is
difleient whan the silver sulphate is formed in preaenoe of hypo-
phoayhorous add.
Several silver salts may be used. I have at different times em-
ptoyed the nitrate, phosphate, and carbonate. The latter is perhape
the btat, because tne action with the nitrate is too rapid, and with
the phoaphata too slow, and for other reasons.
A wdghed quantity of silver nitrate is precipitated with an excess
of alkaline carbonate and washed. The carbonate, as well as all other
rsagMta enq>ioyed, must be afaaolutely free from cbkirides, otherwise
tha pwdnet becotnea rontaminsteH with silver ehbride which cannot
be naovad. The silver carbonate is tlien treated with a solution of
afciliiia hypophospbite addifled with sulphuric add. All the alkaline
hnmopboapbite of commerce contains much more than a trace of
eUpada: thia is beat got rid of by adding to its solution a little
wrir't"' of sihrar nitrate, stirring wall at intervals, letting stand for
twenty -four hours, and filtering. This filtrate, with addition of
anlpburic add, is to be poured over the moist sUver carbonate, and
eaHtaatly stirred. The reaction is complete in twenty or twenty-five
minntaa. when a bldsh-blaek film of reanoed nlver b^na to form on
the sorfaoe. Further action is then cut short by neutralising the
Squid with alkaline carbonate. The predpitate is next to be washed
aavaral tiaaa by dacantation. Very pore distilled water is, of course,
naeoad thrM^hontB
ConTMUsnt pripurtions are : forty gianiaMa silver nitrate predpi-
talad with emaa of alkaline carbon^ Of sodium bypophosphite,
100 grammes, dissolved in 650 c.c. of water, are treated with a little
silver nitrate, and after standing and filtering, four c.c. of sulphuric
acid are to be added and the liquid poured over the silver carbonate.
After a few minutes, six c.c. more of sulphuric acid, diluted with a
little water, are added by degrees. With this second quantity of
sulphuric acid the characteristic reddish-brown colour of the substance
first appears.
This process may be varied by precipitating with disodic phosphate
(which must be perfectly free from chloride) instead of alkaline
carbonate. The action is much slower, about twenty-four hours being
needed. Silver nitrate itself may be used, but the action is too rapid
and the product is less in quantity.
The crude product obtained in either way is to be purified with
nitric acid. Acid of r43 is diluted with three times its volume of
water, and of this dilute acid a quantity is taken about double in
volume to that of the precipitate and of the water left after decanting
closely. After a time some effervescence tak&i place, but the mixture
does not become warm. After standing for three or four hours over
the precipitate, it is to be poured off and the precipitate washed.
This treatment with acid is applied three times : the first removes a
good deal of silver, the second a little, the third a trace. Each time
the add is left three or four hours in contact. The product is then
washed by pouring on it a large quantity of boiling water. This is
repeated four or five times, each time (except the first) pladng
the vessel in a water bath kept at 100° C. for several hours.
The product is either dried in the air or (for analysis) at 100° C. It
forms a bright brown substance, permanent in the air, changing to
violet when kept for some time at 1(50° C. It has the peculiarity
that when water is poured on it, it makes a sharp hissing noise. This
takes place with the air-dried substance as well as that dried at
higher temperatures, and as much with the former as with the latter.
The subetance after purification has about one-half the weight of
the silver nitrate taken.
These proportions and this mode of operating are those that I have
found to give the best result. But the substance is formed under a
great variety of conditions. It seems impossible to bring a silver
salt in contact with alkaline bypophosphite acidified with sulphuric
acid without producing more or less of it. Its presence is often com-
pletely obscured by reduced silver. But a mass that looks perfectly
black and might be supposed to contain nothing but metallic silver
will leave, when treated with nitric acid, a bright brown residue of
the double sulphate. We have here, as before, an analogy with the
photosalts. For it will often happen that a blackish mass, containing
metallic silver, and mixed or combined silver chlorides, will, when
treated with nitric add, resolve itself into bright pnrple or rose-
coloured photo-chloride. M. Carkt Lea,
[To be continued.) $
HOW TO MAKE DRAWINGS FOR PROCESS BLOCKS.
Wbiui the subject of preparing photo-Iitho and photo-zinco plates
for printing from, and of making process blocks of every kind, has for
some years received great attention, comparatively uttle has been
written upon the sister art of making drawings suitable for being
interpreted by these prooeaaes.
And yet this art is one of high importance, and it is becoming
more and more practised every day. All the cheap, and some of the
more expend ve, periodicals have their illustrations made by process
work ; and even the high-dass monthly magazines, which not long
since spent enormous sums upon the preparation of their wood
engravings, have at length found it expedient to avail themselves ot
the great resources of photography. Speaking for myself, I have not
during the past year made a single drawing that has been engraved
by the old and still admirable process on wood, but all of them have
been done by reproduction on zinc, both in lines and in washes, the
one to imitate ordinary woodcuts, and the other that of fine wash
drawings in half-tones.
For-ft long time the Americans held, in public estimation, the
supremacy in delicacy of tone in work of the latter class, as witness,
for instance, the magazines of the Harper's class; but since the intro-
duction of process work and the grated screen, with a like quality of
paper and good printing, the English magazines can now not only
qmte hold their own against such powerful competitors, but in some
instances, perhaps rare aa yet, can even surpass them.
But what I aim at present is to give in tnis article a few hints and
directions how to convert a photograph into a line drawing which,
when made into a printing block by process work, will yield print*
which cannot be distmguished from an expensive wood engraving.
One must, of course, possess the ability to draw at least to some
824
THE BRinSH JOOKiNAl. OF PHOTOGRA.PHY.
[December 23, 1892
extent, and above all things he must have a faculty for tracing with
accuracy, else will he be in danger of losing the likeness and expres-
sion when drawing a portrait. The hair, drapery, and general sur-
roundings are of comparative unimportance, and a clever artist will
convey much of these by a few touches. If one examines the portraits
of public men that are prepared for newspaper illustration, ho will
not fail to notice how much is left to the imagination to supply, while
at the same time the characteristic features of the original are readily
recognisable. In landscape work this is of less consequence ; what is
here necessary is to preserve the salient features of a scene without
crowding too much into the sketch, and omitting or altering whatever
is detrimental to artistic effect, such as badly placed trees or cattle.
There are two ways by which photographs may be converted into
line drawings. The first is by special printing, taking care that it is
not toned with gold in the usual way, but only fixed. Instead of
albumenised paper, it is far better to use plain salted paper, a quantity
of which may be prepared at one time, as it will keep good for a loug
period. This may be done by immersing it in water containing
common salt dissolved in it in the proportion of about half an ounce
to the pint. Some use chloride of ammonium instead of salt, but
there does not appear to be much difference in the result. It should
then be hung up to dry, and when quite dry placed in a portfolio for
further use. To sensitise this paper, a sheet should be laid upon a
piece of flat board or glass, and brushed or sponged over with a forty-
five grains to the ounce solution of nitrate ot sUver in distilled water.
There must be no metal about the brush, if such be employed in
applying the silver. A few drops poured at the upper end of the
sheet, which must in this case be held in a sloping direction, can be
spread evenly by means of a glass rod ; but, if a dozen sheets are to
be sensitised at a time, it is better to pour the silver into a flat, square
dish, and float the paper, smoother side down, on it for about two
minutes, and then hang it up to dry. This must be done either in a
room liaving deep yellow blinds, or in the evening by candle light.
The paper is printed in the ordinary photographic printing frame
until it is very dark, and the print is then washed in two changes of
water, and fixed in hyposulphite of soda, one ounce to six of water.
This will greatly reduce the vigour of the print. It should remain in
this eight or ten minutes, and then be well washed in water. When
dry it should be flattened by a smoothing iron, and then pasted by
the comers to a Bristol board for convenience in handling. It is now
ready for being drawn upon.
The ink for drawing is of the highest importance ; and, as this
applies to every system of process work, it is well to say a few words
about it. It must be waterproof, and have such a degree of blackness
that the faintest touch of a crow quill or a camel's-hair pencil will tell
in the after-operations. That which is preferred by many process
artists is the finest quality of Indian ink rubbed up in water to perfect
smoothness. The water should be pure and made warm. The dish
in which this is done ought to be heated until it feels unpleasant
when the hack of the hand is pressed against it. I have said that the
water should be pure, but it shovdd also be saturated before warming
with bichromate of potash, which, as every photographer knows, will
render the ink insoluble after drying. If liquid Indian ink, which is
sold by artist's colourmen ready in a fluid form, is used, the bichromate
^ould be added to it. When drawing with ink made in the manner
directed it is the delicate, fine lines that require attention. They must
be firm and black, or of a brownish-black colour— which does not
matter. The stronger lines take care of themselves. For myself, I
prefer Stephens' ebony stain, which can be got in sixpenny or shilling
bottles.
The next thing is the selection of a suitable pen (for I will suppose
that the draughtsman in making his first attempts uses a pen instead
of a hair pencil). Joseph Gillott makes a variety of artists' pens,
•uitable for every class of work. If this is to be very fine, his No. 280
will serve the purpose. His crow quill No. 659 is also recommended
by a high authority. A bolder pen may be used if the photograph is
of large size and has to be eventually reduced to a fourth or sixth of
its dimensions, for, as I shall afterwards show, many process blocks
are from drawings which, for freedom of handling, are made more
than four times the size actually required. But at present I am
supposing that the finished block is of the same size as the drawing.
I prefer for all-round work Mitchell's P pen, which I find is very easy
to work with.
In drawing over the photograph cabinet size, which I will assume
to be the head and bust of a gentleman, attention must be paid that
nothing is omitted, and the direction of the lines must be studied from
a good engraving.
The drawing being finished, the next thing is to discharge the
photograph which has served as a base for the tracing. Having
unfastened it from the Bristol board to which it was attached by the
comers, and ascertained that it is quite dry, place the photograph in
the daylight for a few minutes if the light has not had access to it
during the drawing. This renders the ink quite insoluble. Next
immerse it in a saturated solution of corrosive sublimate (bichloride
of mercury), which in a very few minutes will be found to have acted
on the photograph with such power as to have caused it to disappear
entirely, leaving only your drawing visible. Chemists tells us that the
photograph is not reaUy dissolved away, but is only bleached the same
colour as the paper. But it has disappeared from view. The drawing
is now washed in pure water which is free from any alkali.
Comparison must now be made between the pen-and-ink drawing
and another photograph of the subject, which should be taken as a
reference. A beginner in this art will possibly discover that he has
omitted some important feature, not observed while the photograph
still remained upon the paper, but this can only arise from careless-
ness, and will probably not occur a second time. He may, perhaps,
also discover that, from a like cause, he has altered the likeness or
expression ; but much of this latter is capable of being remedied by
the application of Chinese white to stop out offending lines, and re-
touching them with black ink.
A .second way by which photographs may be converted into line
drawings is by superposing on the photograph a sheet of thin woven
paper, which has been rendered temporarily transparent by brushing
it over with benzole in which Canada balsam is dissolved, and making
a tracing precisely in the way previously described. This tracing
paper should be attached to the photograph by the upper end. It
has this advantage over the other, that it enables you to judge of
your progress by inserting a sheet of white paper between the photo-
graph and the tracing, so that an examination can be made at as
frequent intervals as you desire. When the tracing has been accom-
plisned, the paper is restored to its original white state by a fresh
application of pure benzole, which dissolves out the Canada balsam.
Castor oil, wax, and a number of other substances may be applied to
paper to render it temporarily transparent, methylated alcohol, or any
other solvent of the substance employed, serving to restore the purity
of the paper. A. J. Gough.
♦
WOBK WITH A HAND CAMEEA.
Befobe the last meeting of the Putney Photographic Society Mr. Henry
Crouch deputised for Mr. Dresser on this subject from notes supplied by
the latter gentleman, and supplemented by his own experiences.
Mr. Crouch said that there could be httle doubt but that the
" ordinary " cameras were being gradually superseded by the hand
camera, and that sooner or later the former would be a thing of the past.
There were several reasons why this should be so, but the two chief were
the improvements in the hand cameras and that plates were now made
of such greatly increased sensitiveness that suflicient exposure could be
obtained for snap-shots even in wliat would quite recently have been con-
sidered too dull a light. With regard to the cameras, every year showed
a marked alteration for the better. Attention had been successfully given
to the lens, shutter, and changing mechanism, and extra movements had
been added, such as focussing, rising front, and swing-back. Hand
cameras might be divided, broadly, into two classes, viz. , magazine and
those where the ordinary dark slides were used. Each system possessed
advantages peculiar to itself, and it was a matter of individual opinion or
special requirements wliich determined the question which camera was
the most suitable. No camera should be expected to meet all wants.
Some people desired to do very quick work ; to them a magazine camera
would offer advantages. Others wished to get the best results under
varying conditions ; for such the double backs or roll- holder would be
preferable. For all-round work he had personally no preference, but
thought that good and artistic work could be done with any good
magazine or double-back camera, if workers would only take the trouble
to make themselves acquainted with the mechanism and the extent and
limitations of the power of their camera. Mr. Dresser had sucoesefnlly
worked the reliable film, and this method had the great advantage of
compactness, lightness, and ease of changing ; but it would appear, from
general practice of average workers, that these advantages were not
unfrequently considered to be more than counterbalanced by the sub-
sequent trouble and uncertainty in development, &c.
Mr. Crouch then proceeded to deal in detail with the main parts of the
hand camera, commencing with the lens. He said that, in hand cameras,
the mistake was often made of using an inferior lens ; in fact, one that
no serious photographer would dream of placuig on his ordinary camera.
This was all the more inexplicable, when it must be obvious tliat the con-
ditions of successful work with a hand camera were far more difficult,
and required higher optical qualities in the lens than were generally found
necessary in ordinary work. In order to obtain a suitable extent of view,
and to be able to take in objects fairly near as well as at a distance, it
was necessary that the lens should be of a comparatively short focus.
For a quarter-plate, Mr. Dresser used, by preference, one of four and a
quarter inches focus. Mr. Crouch personally preferred one ot about five
inches, but it might be laid down as a rule that the focus should be
a3,18M]
TaE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
825
fcetnean (oar and t, quarter inches and five and three qoarter inches, and
certainly not more than six isobes ; if more than six inches, the chief
objects within twen^-Sw feat or tllirty feet woald be put of proportion to
the pbte, ami iiiw'iiwiifiil phu<unilfhy of street scenes and snbjects in any
hot wy opiB newt -would be extremely difficult. As regarded apertare,
be had mml» Ibbmi working M/i, but they were not to be recommended,
czoept to the meet expert workers, who woald only oae them at this
apertoie with the greeiest djerniiniiiatiflo ; /-8 was, generally speaking,
the ImbsM ^lartaie at wbidi acy lens woald work satisfactorily, as re-
gards evesBDC power and depth of (ocas, and, as a rule, a smaller stop
f**^"*!* be MM SpoHible, so that, when the principal object is in foons,
the (taragroond, a* well as the distaiioe, may be fairly sharp. As a large
apertare nqniied very much more judgment and experience in working
than did a modvate one, of, say, /-ll or /-16, he recommended beginners
to iiiwimsiiiw «Ml til* ■maQer, and only by slow dapeee, and after care-
fol atadjr ot mmltm, to lix laasa it. A rapid reetihnear lens was by no
meaaa oaeaMafj, aad He. Crooeh aaid that, for landscape, and, indeed,
for aaarly all aabjjaeta eteept arohitaetare, a good single lens was prefer-
•td«, a* It Dsdaobtadly gave piotorea of greater brilliancy. This result
was. be thought, to a great extent doe to the fact that the diaphragm was
placed in front of the leas, and tbiii i li— a larger quantity of light could
enter than was poaatble when the dte|^aagm was placed between the
combinations, as in lenses of the r^Mwatilii type. The single lens
had also the advantage of being eoniiiBably cheaper, a really good one
being about tke saHVfsaaa aa »aafid laaWliiisar o< ooasparatively inferior
<|aality. As a firaiidtaaBla^ waa the fint oooaideratioa in hand-camera
work, be strongly a^^ *"V *■* *l^ daaired to do good woric to see
that his camera «■• Mat trift aa good a leas as be ooold afford to pro-
Tide. As regarded AbUmi, ttiere waa as ataieat endless variety in the
narkst. He tboa|^ a good ooa aiieall work with oertainty at from
OM-two-hondradtk totaa saaoada. aad Aa beat plaoe (or it was near the
Aaphngm, or iaBadhMy in fra*t a> Aa plate, the latter being,
thaovrtieally, more eoneet ; bat, after aaaiAil eompariaoo of results, he
had eome to the aoododon that thara -aaa practically little or no differ.
•Dee, bat as the shatlw working near tka flaphragm eoold be more com-
pactly arranged, aad had ae*«ral olhar ataMlagea, he ptetered it, on the
vfaola, la other loa^ It waa naaaaaaiy that all parte ot the abutter
ahoald ba vary alHa^ aada. ao aa «o be able to reaiat the vary oon-
•idanbk atains dka to a bi^ qiaad. aad it should be aa aiinple as
pnaailila. aa as to ha aaaSsaMd 1^ souUl particles of dost and other
Ticisaitodea, whieh ha bad known to seriously interfere with delicate
iiiaiiliaiiiaiiis at dM MMiaal laaiBaDt. tot occasional work, Ur. Crouch
adviaed a 11 mil !■■■ amaita, bst lor thoaa with leisnre, and in constant
oraeliea. bottar work woirfd ba peariUa witfa the power ot altering the
ioeas; this woald, howarer, prdbaUy mean many (ailiirea, nntilthey were
•Mo to
^aati
iadga dh<ai>eaa qoiekly and eoneetly.
dMMo, aad qaiia
He bad found flnden a
lodovilkaMlhaaa: bv pn
aaaart that, ia a vary Ami
Maoay to gst the sobjeal
bemiaaad. Aatatha
tor tar eUaali. ha held it higber.
; of gnat
hevaartored to
Mary pro-
would not
hadUaotthiak
IT oaa aaattlaD waoid meat aU aqpiraasato; lae aaar ohieeta, ha
balditmboBtofldto. ahaaHaor laatfcaa the.
Id tUa oaoaaxiM he
aa a vary di^t tiae or {all o(
Aa hoiabt ot the oamara aarsnl
m, wiooat fladara,he eUiaied to
irf* graalto apaad aod aaaa, aad
I laaa taoafalo ia haapiM Haaa paralM aad lr«B. Thtoa van now ao
ly good platoa aad dS IkMiTwc^ ba ImUtooa to aMtoJlie aae or
when alow exposona wan givsa. Hia adTioe was. HaTing (ooad a^od
' aad Ot platsa eg dlma. aad aattabto ika Jogi r. attok to
Haai^rilil In il iiiiiil m mm at
oaly mil lias hamlsidlh otm
The
bad tooDd a riaiag froat
Ao Ikoot waa ai|iiivalaDS to
iDAasL OriagliMaMDafatethia
be abU to gat ia soMtly what ha
wiA
loe-
be added
tUi vOM Bot Msl iHiffnTttirtiy
lofpotaaaiaipareaDoatillthepUtobagBBtolav. Some
I woald ataad op to ooa drachm per ounce, and others woald not
ataod aoT addtttoa.
It would thoa bo aaan that a stroag doTaloper should not be used to
until the image is (airly oat,
fnoBofo.
work, aad lantern didaa,
from aoe-tenth to one-hundredth at a
start with. Bagia with a aonaal darelcper
■■d Aaa ataaaiihaa UDtU the plate wiU laaa
VtotaaaastuI haMar daiilupai for gaaar
Bodinal 1 part.
Water 20 parts.
Shonld there be any diflScnlty in getting density, the developer should be
poured off and hydroqninone used.
He, however, thought that the best developer for snap-shots would be
found in amidol, but was unable to say so definitely, having had only
two chances to try it. However, on those occasions he had obtained
marvellous detail and density, using the following formula: —
No. 1.
Amidol 1 ounce.
Metabisulphite of potassium 1 „
Water 10 onnoes.
No. 2, saturated solution of potassium ; No. 3, ten per cent, eolation of
potassinm bromide.
For use take. No. 1, 1 drachm ; No. 2, 1 drachm ; No. 3, 5 drops ;
water 1 oonce.
Should exposure have been very rapid, leave out No. 3 ; if necessary to
increase density, add twenty to forty drops more ot No. 2. The image
would flash up at once, but the plate would not fog unless very much
over-exposed. In cases of over-exposure, more bromide should be used,
but developer should not be weakened by the addition of more water.
-♦ •
PHOTOOBAPHY IN SCOTLAND.
[Abstnot of tho President's Address to tlie Glasgow Photographic Aasociation.]
I orrEK think that, were Daguerre or Talbot to come back amongst us
and to appear before the Qlasgow Photographic Association, it would take
as all oar time to give them a respectable audience— respectable, that is,
BO far as numbers are concerned. Now, this is not as it should be.
Surely a little enthusiasm should be forthcoming from the votaries of an
art which has already accomplished so much in the past, and which bids
fair to accomplish still more, and that in the near future. I know of no
art which is better calculated to awaken enthusiasm than that of photo-
graphy, and surely the members of the Glasgow Photographic Association
will not be that exception which goes to prove the rule by a total apathy
and indifference. The indifference of Glasgow — and here I refer to the
amateur photographic element no less tlian to the professional — was very
wtU shown in the poor representation which Glasgow made at the
Edinburgh ConTeution held in Jaly. Including myself, there were only
five members of the two Glasgow Associations present. These five
" good man and true " are all members of this Association, and only one
has die distinguished honour of being a member of our contemporary ;
so that, practically, it amounts to this, that the Glasgow amateur photo-
giapbar was oonspioaons by his absence. Photography surely is a thing
vastly superior to eliqae work and to an annual division of medals. The
true enthusiasts of the art will be (mind interesting themselves more with
the conquests gained and the immense strides year by year our art is
making, than with tba aeqaiaition of metal trophie' or parchment
aaaidii.
Speaking of the Conveation reminds me that the next meeting is to be
held in I'lymoath, and the Glasgow Photographic Aasociation bos the
honour of providing the Convention with its future President. Mr.
Oaorge Mason, the President-elect, one of our members of Council, will
wactfaily fill the post. Applying the rule of three, if five Glasgow men
go to £dlnbargb, forty miles off, how many will be found next summer
^■i^ aoath, say, 800 miles. This commdrum may be made to replace the
•• aigfiBg w«cd " mamislitlaii now declared illegal. Our best congratnla-
tfittf aaa aiiiilwad. I aai aara, 1^ one aad all to Mr. Mason in hW capacity
of President of the Photographic Convention ot the United Kingdom.
There have been now six Presidents in all, three of whom are
Scotchmen— Taylor, Pringle, and Ust, though not by any means least,
Mason.
No startling photographic discoveries have been brought forward durmg
our summer rocess. The iotnidaaliaa of Ae dorelofiar amidol is, perhaps,
the leatore of greatest interest I do not know its true chemical com-
posttioB ; it is preanmed to be what is known as amido-phenol. Here is
the aybatoDoe m qoeation : It is closely aUied to the developer rodinal,
faaA boiag' derivBthcs o( phenol, better known as carbolic acid, the true
chemical name o( rodinal Wig para-amido-phenol. It is almost too soon
to uaak ot Ha adaptability (or negative work, bat, for tran.sparency
pkauteajU t)y>ws a Tsry pleasing blaok deposit very similar to rodinal.
I haTeaMeuae of it myself in this direction, and will show, by means of
the lantata, one or two slidea produced by its means. It is invariably
employed along with sodium sulphite. Since writing foregoing I find, at
page 748 o( Tax BBrrisn Jocnxu. Photooiuphic Ai-m.4nac, the details of
paMnt speiiiflinliiiii are given by J. Haaff, Feuerbach.
In ooanadca with what will come before us thin season, I shonld have
mentiaaad&t I have a promise from Mr. F. £. Ives, of Philadelphia, that
I f*"" have at an early date an opportunity of showing to members what
has been aaoomplished in the way of colour reproduction by Ives'
method.
Another interesting night might be had with an arrangement of
showing photographic transparencies in relief on the screen, a method
having been discovered by Mr. J. Anderton, of Birmingham.
826
THE BKITISH JOUJEUSAL OP PHOTOGRAPH"?.
[December 23, 1892
An advance in printing paper is the employment of what are known as
printing-oat papers, where gelatine replaces the now more or less dis-
carded albumen. Gelatino-chloride paper, as it was formerly known,
■will certainly rnn albumen chloride very hard. The ease with which a
highly enamelled surface can be obtained is one of its distinct advantages.
Perhaps some of our professional friends will give a demonstration dnring
the session and state their experiences. Wk. LAua, Jcn., F.C.S.
A CONVENIENT ENLARGING APPARATUS.
With a view to the photographer becoming his own enlarger, Messrs.
Perken, Son, & Rayment have introduced an enlarging apparatus which
fulfils the requirement in a singularly perfect manner. Its configuration
is shown in the engraving.
It is adapted for enlarging either by daylight or artificial light. For
the latter, there is an illuminating chamber at the rear, containing two
KETOUCHINU WITH THE INCANDESCENT LIGHT.
[Photographic Times.]
Thk dark weather and Christmas busy times are on us, and poor-
light nights and mornings, together with occnsional days of leaden
sky, force the retoucher to concentrate effort, and make hay while the
sun shines.
The terrible havoc which overworked or abused eyes play with
the general health of men and women, is well known to physicians
and oculists ; and this abuse and overwork at this time of the year i8
not only frequent, but the rule. To a humanitarian, the wicked
waste of human life spent at the retouching desk is appalling and
utterly inexcusable.
Fortunately the progress of invention has made ready to our hands
an apparatus whicn mitigates this extra waste, and, perhaps, would
prevent it altogether if universally used. I refer to the incandescent
electric light. No retouching stand, at this time of the year, should
be without it; the cost is insignificant for both apparatus and current.
oil lamps, by which the opal, or ground glass plate behind the negative
is uniformly and well lighted. For the former, this chamber is removed,
and the end of the apparatus directed against the sky ; hence this instru-
ment may be used either by day or by night. The adjustments provide
for any portion of the negative, from the corner to the centre, being
brought opposite to the lens. The several moving parts have each a rack
and pinion, so that they can be relatively adjusted one to the other. The
baseboard is likewise furnished with a screw, which goes from end to
end. When all the adjustments have been made, each movable part can
be securely clamped. We think very highly of this apparatus, as it so
well fulfils the requirement of enabling a professional photographer to
make an enlargement himself when time does not admit of his sending it
to the professional enlarger. The reader will already have deduced from
the above that reductions from large negatives can be as easily effected as
enlargements from small ones.
THAUMATEOPIC EVOLUTION.
Under the title of An Electrical Wonder, there is now open in 425, Strand
an exhibition of several of the renowned photographs of Herr Anschutz
of animals in motion. They are seen in apparent actual motion, each
subject being composed of a series photographed in rapid succession, and
then shown while in rapid rotation by the well-knovm instrument known
as the thaumatrope, the phenakistiscope, the wheel of life, or the zoopraxi-
scope. The present one, however, has been specially constructed to be
illuminated by electricity. As these instruments have all been, at some
period, described in these pages, nothing need here be said concerning
the principle involved in their construction and the application of the
persistence of vision. Tlie attitudes assumed by men in jumping or
horses in movement are most admirably displayed, and, judging from the
great interest that was displayed over a year ago in the witnessing of
similar animals in motion, shown by Mr. E. Muybridge before some of
the learned societies, we can recommend a visit to those of Anschutz, in
the certainty of the spectator being both amused and interested. Mr. A.
Scbwarz is the agent in this country for Anschutz's clever productions.
while the steady light which it gives is a great relief to the wearied
eyes struggling in vain to see with the aid of a mirror as reflector.
In my own practice I use a twenty-five candle-power lamp, and
have a lot of slack wire so that I can place the light where I please ;
ordinarily it rests at one side of my retouching desk, ready to be
moved at a moment's notice to its place, directly in front of the hole
where I work, and about six inches away from it. A ground glass
stands close in front, and another half-way between it and the nega-
tive, and the regular ground glass of the stand makes three thicknesses
of that commodity. Although there is a little glare, I don't find il
annoying. The whole is adjusted in a minute, and there is no loss o\
time. This glare can be avoided by using a thirty-two candle-powei
lamp, and placing it a little to one side, so that it is not directly ir
front ; diffusing with a piece of ground glass close to the globe, anc
surrounding on all sides by white reflectors, gives an easy and agree'
able light.
By interposing a plate flowed with collodion containing a littlf
aniline violet, a good deal of the yellowness is avoided, and a soft
easy, slightly greenish-coloured light results, which is pleasanter tc
many than the yellow of all small artificial lights.
The superiority of the incandescent light lies in its comparativ(
freedom from heat and consequent danger of fire ; its ease of applica
tion, for the lamp takes up so little room that it need not be movec
from the stand ; but most of all it is steady and constant, there beinf
absolutely no flicker to weary the eyes, such as makes gaslight unbear
able and kerosene lamps wearying. I have several times during th(
past two years worked all day with the light as described, and founc
myself little if any more tired than with daylight, and the work is o1
a more uniform character than is the case where negatives are re
touched in a poor afternoon light, every negative retouched by tht
incandescent being fully up to the standard. R. W. Haebison.
We had the pleasure of a call the other day from Mr. Peter Mawdsley
who is on a brief visit to this country from his adopted home at Rochester
N. Y. Mr. Mawdsley had a great deaf of interesting information to impart ii
regard to photography ' ' on the other side. "
December 23, 1803]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH! .
827
©ur i2tiitorial Catlr.
UxMBS. CAsrrr Sc Nkux hare sent us t Mmple of their " Lk^htDiiig
PlatM," 130* (Hniter & Driffield). They aie exceedingly rapid, and,
allied with high aenaitireneas, poaaeaa the good qualities of a nrst-class
plate.
Tbx Arbcrutz Tachtbcope.
At th« present moment, when the Anachotx Electric Tachyscope, the
wooders of which are derelopahle by dropiunfr the omnipotent penny
into the ioeTitaUe alot, seems likely to fina public farour, it may not
be anaafe to aaaome that the Tachysoope itself (which i« in the hands
of the Blackfriara Company, of 'Surrey-row) will achieve renewed
Hceeis. It coosiata, as most of our readers know, of a series of re-
dactions of instantaneous photographs of men and animals in rarious
ooosecutive attitudes, so to sp^k, which are printed on strips of
psper. Tbesa, when placed in a revolTing circular receptacle, and
Tiewed through small slits, convey a perfect impression of motion.
Much amusement, and no little instruction, can be obtained from the
Tachyscope, which should be highly appreciated at this time of the
" Pbotoobaphb at thx Paix Mall ExHiBmox."
Tk« Phetotnpkie PobBsUac Cuaiyay. lift >kaftatbai7.«reaae, W.O.
ALTBoroH somawbat late in appearanea, we are glad to welcome
this publication. It oonasta of seTaral plate and other reproductions
at pictures shown at the Photographic Society's Exhibition which
the Editor, Mr. Charles W. Hastings — who aim writes an appreciative
notice of the photographs — has selected for illustration. The tones
af some of the " WoodburygTamras" an perhaps not the most
nitable that could hare been selected for the subjects, but with this
BSMDtion the collection ia rerr good. Mr. W. Bedford's Noncich
^It0ien, Mr. Benham'a Limu, Mr. Borchatfs Loif Letter, Mr. Byrne's
A Chteian '--'i Vfr Vtnma^* jMe^ford, Oblonel Oale's EaU Country
Qaay, Mr 'p't That, Mr. Stereoi^ Coinu and Begonitu, and
Mr. Taglial . . : iintited Otiett are aiwrig the pictures reproduced
in plate form, while there are sereral half-tone illustrations in the
text of equal merit. The work is a aoet artistic untrenir of a
ibie ExhibitioiL,
RECENT PATENTS.
▲PPUOATIOIIS FOR PATENTS.
Na 2S,0I0.— " InpfomaeDti ia ClaBja or lUsti for Photographic Ouncru
Md atksr lasttasMBto rimOarly sappettsd." T. R Ralstos. — Dated
14. 18K.
No. 2S,I0«.— " ryirtafaU Chambw sad Apeawln ia eooMxioB tfaarairith for
Fkolagnphis pvpessa." T. 0, D'Aras, uel tm Lcms.— Dotei Dtetmber 16,
UR:
Ke. 3>,aa>.— " UajMiKSBisBti b Plata or FOBi-hoUiagChaiigiiiit Banks or
aSda far PbotofrapUc CkoMnML" T. AjimtlK-lMiUdDtemltT 18, 1892.
Vol a>.2Sl.— "Aa lamrsaMt ia Pbotogiapbie bralsfana." 7. W.
MHiDAan^— OsM thttmtw \% ^BM.
K& aS,SB&-"TlM Oordoa FMtahk OpUaal Laatcn." J. TBomcR.—
'DmUd December 17, IMS.
Ma g.2781— " Imuiwuieuto fat BIwttsts far Photographic Camswi." 0. D.
- • - ■ 17, 1892.
99. 1190.
BPBCmCATION PUBLISHED.
1892.
-"PbetagnphkOnsna." Hawki»s.
<A
PATXNTS COHPLITED.
n oa aaLATi.io to Roix-BouNna roa PBorooRAPaic Piuts.
bjr Frank A. Bowndt, Roehestsr, Ooootx of Monroe,
8Ut» «r New York, United tKatM of Amarica. )
la.<S& Atran) Jcurs Bottlt, 1LI.M.K., 82S,.Higfa Holbora, XiddlsHZ.
ITemmber 13, 1802L
VWM piassai iavmtioa r«Ut«s to the iUnxarrying and fsediog dsviees of roll-
beldsra far photogtapbic fllm, and ha« for it* obj«ct to improre particaUrly
istiao aad a|Mratioa at the mtaiariog and amating lieviees for
I of the fssilllH dsvioca after a ccrtaia qtiantitjr comti-
^ aiiiusaia bss bsa vooad forward or into « poiUion
k Wopsssd in'thetMa.^
ns aariag aqr ha slls|itsil to be mliad to tba back of a photographic
■era of aay danrad eoaatovetioB, aod nuy ba divided into two longitudioal
compartments by means of a partition, to which is secured a film support or
table having at one edge an antifriction roller, while the other edge is rounded
so that the film may be moved from one compartment over the table or support
aad back to the other without undue friction, and may be held, while the
exposure is being made, perfectly flat upon the support.
The flexible photographic film may be wound upon spools supported in
bearings in boxes or receptacles adapted to be inserted into the compartments
in the holder casing, and the outer end of the casing is closed by a cover plate
secured in position by means of a screw adapted to be operated from the
exterior of the casing, and engaging a nut secured to the partition piece, or
other suitable fastening devices could be employed. The boxes containing the
tilia spools are provided at one comer with a slit or opening for the passage of
the film into and out of the boxes. The ends of the spools are provided with
slots or the entrance of ribs or projections on the winding and measuring
devices, as will be hereafter explained.
The film-winding or feeding devices consist, in the present instance, of an
arbour joumalled m the casing end, and having on its inner end a rib or ]iro-
jection arranged to enter the corresponding groove in the end of the spool, and
provided on its outer end with an operating handle, and secured in place by a
plate, and also provided with the usual ratchet mechanism for jireventing the
reverse movement of arbour. Arranged at the corresponding end of the other
longitndiual compartment in the casing is an arbour joumalled in a plate and
provided on its inner end with a rib or flange arranged to enter the slot in the
end of the spool located in the compartment. It will be understood that the
receptacle containing the spool of unexposed film is inserted in one compart-
ment, and the end of the spool engaged with its appropriate arbour, and the
film extended over the support and attached by any suitable means to the
roller in the receptacle in the other compartment, which roller is engaged with
the key or handle, so that the revolution of the arbour can be seen from the
exterior of the holder.
In practice I make the breadth of the support approximately equal to the cir-
cumference of the spool when containing half its normal quantity of film, so that
each revolution of the supply spool will indicate that approximately the quantity
of film necessary for a single exporore has been moved forwanl over the support ;
therefore, if the supply spool is arrested and the film is marked at the edge of the
support at each revolution of the supply spool, the operator will iint be in any
ilanger of winding fosward more than the amount of film necessary' for a single
exposure, and he will be enabled, by means of the designating mark, to readily
sever the fllm into the separate exposures. Upon the outer side of the plate is
arranged a locking detent or lever secured to an arbour joumalled in the plate,
and extending around a collar secured to the arbour, the latter having on its
outer end a milled head. The collar is provided with a recess, and the locking
detent with a projection adapted to enter the said recess and arrest the rotation
of the arbour and spool At the forward or free end of the detent is a screw or
pin extending through a slot in the plate, and operated upon by a spring,
which, in turn, is coiled around a screw, its outer end passing through a lug
secured to the under side of the plate. The tendency of this spring is to move
the detent in a direction to cause the engagement of the projection with the re-
cess, and if this projection rested normally on the periphery of the collar the
engagement would be effected and the supply spool arrested at each revolution ;
bat, when the operator desired to release the locking mechanism in order to
wind forward another exposure of film, the projection would immediately drop
back into the recess and prevent the winding operation unless some means
were provided for holding it ont of engagement after being disengaged from the
collar. In order to provide for this, and to hold the detent out ofengagement
until just before another revolution of the spool is made, I provide a retaining
dog pivoted to the under side of the plate and provided with a slight notch,
adapted to engage the pin on the end of the detent A spring u passed around
a ecraw, one end engaging a flange on a pawl and pressing the letter toward
the arbour in a direction to cause the engagement of the notch with the pin.
Arranged upon the arbour is another pin, adapted, when the arbour is rotated,
to engage the retaining dog and move it in a direction to disengage the
former pin and permit the projection on the lever to rest upon the collar.
Joumalled loosely upon the arbour is a ratchet counter disc having upon
its (aoe next the plate a series of figures indicating the number of exposures
and visible one at a time through an aperture in the plate. This disc is
prevented frinn backward rotation by the end of the spring which engages with
It, constitnting a pawl, and upon the pin attached to the detent is pivoted a
pawl which ia held in engagement with the wheel by a spring which engages
with its heel beyond its pivot, ami also moves the detent into engagement
with the collar, so that, when tht- lever is moved by its operating handle in a
direction to disengage the projection from the collar, the counter disc or
ratchet wheel will be moved, one tooth showing another number through the
aperture, and when the projection on the lever drops into the notch the pawl
will move over the ratchet and engage the next succeeding tooth.
In order that the Sim may be properly marked after each exposure, so that
it may be severed into separate negatives, I locate at one end of the film-
snppOTt a small pivoted lever, having on its inner end a pin or projection
adapted to perforate the fllm from the back when the lever is moved on its
pivot, and extend the outer end of said lever through a perforation in the
end of a link jiivoted to the end of a lever rigiiUy secured to an arbour, the
OUJIUIUUB Mng such that, when the locking iletent is thrown into engagement
by its •firiag,,t«flarrest the spool ami the arbour rotated, the lever is turned
on its pivot and the pin passed through the film, marking the latter at the
It will be understood that the lever may be pivoted at its middle, causing
the iiiirking to take place when the spool is arresteil, or the location of the
pivot could be so changed that by the release of the detent the marker could
bt' caused to operate.
Tlie n|it<ration of the device will now be readily understood. A receptacle
conutining a full spool of film, preferably having pieces of black paper secured
to the eniU of the film, one of which is attached to the spool, and the other
extending out through a slot in the receptjicle, ia pl.iced in its chamber, anil
the slot in the end of the spool is engaged with the rib on the arbour, and
another receptacle having an empty spool therein is placed in the other
chamber in the holder, the slot ia its spool engaging with the rib of the wind-
828
THE BRITISH JODKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHS.
.December 23, 1893
ing arbour. A piece of pajier being secured to this spool or roller is extendeil
through a slot in the receptacle, le<T over the film support, ami connecteci with
the piece on the supply spool, then the cover plate is sunireil in position, and
the mnding arbour is turned until an exposure of film is drawn over the film
support, the movement necessary for this being determined by the length of
the paper on the outer end of the film on the supply siwol. The film is now
exposed in the camera in the usual manner, and it is assumed that the film
spool was arrested when the first exposure was wound forward by the move-
ment of the locking detent. At the same time the notch of the retaining dog
engages the pin and holds the detent so that it will not immediately drop back
into engagement with the notch in the collar. Then the winding arbour is
turned, and a new exposure of film wound forward, and just before the rota-
tion of the supply spool is completed the pin on the arbour engages the
retaining dog and moves it into position, allowing the projection to rest on
the periphery of the collar, so that on the continued movement of the film and
the rotation of the supply spool the iirojection will drop into its notch and
arrest the movement of the spool, after which the film can be stretched or
strained slightly so as to cause it to lie flat on the support, the backward
movement being prevented by the pawL
Wlien the detent is moved to release the spool, the pawl engaging the
counter disc turns the latter one tooth, and displays the next succeeding
number through the aperture in the plate, indicating the number of exposures,
and enabling the operator to readily determine how many are left, the
numbers on the counter disc corresponding to the number of exposures con-
tained in a full spool.
When the arbour is engaged by the detent, the film-marking device will be
operated from the latter in the manner previously described.
While it is not necessary, I prefer to employ "the milled head on the supply
spool, so that, if necessary, the operator may move the spool slightly to put
the film under tension by rotating the spool backward in the event of its
becoming loose from any cause. While it is desirable to provide a disc having
a notch engaged by the detent, this is not essential, as a single tooth or pro-
jection would perform the function of the side of the notch from which the
arbour moves, that could be engaged at the proper time by the projection or
its equivalent.
This locl-.ing and counting device is cheap, readily applied, and has been
found in practice admirably adapted for the purpose, and the measuring of the
film into exposures by the rotation of the supjdy spool is found to answer all
practical purposes, though, of course, where large rolls of film are employed,
it is preferable to use a measuring roller, operated by the film. It will be
understooil that this invention could be as well applieil to the measuring roll
of roll -holders of the ordinary or any prefen'ed construction.
The details may be varied without departing from the spirit of the invention.
lMPRO\'BMENTS IK MaOIO LaNTERN SLIDES AND IN SUBSTITDTES FOR STAINED
Glass.
No. 3486. Henry Ebskine and Charles Taylor, 63, North Frederick-street
Glasgow, Lanarkshire. — November 12, 1892.
Our invention relates to improvements in magic lantern slides, and consi-sts in
making the slide of mica. The mica is first treated with a solution of collodion
and ether, or purified isinglass, or fish glue, or silicate of soda, or transparent
varnish, or size, or any of these solutions, or any combination of the same, or
any transparent solution giving a transparent surface on the mica, and the
drawings, designs, pictures, or words, are printed thereou in black ink, or
black ink and transparent colours, or any colours, by hand or machine, letter-
press printing, lithography, photography, photo-lithography, collotype, zinco-
typ*i photogravure, or any other cognate manner of producing printing or
transferring any drawing, picture, or design, to be used as a magic lantern
slide.
We might .also substitute mica for stained-glass purposes, in which case it is
treated, and the designs are painted or printed in a numner similar to the
slides.
It is to be understood that the mica may be used without being first treated
with any of the solutions already described.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said
invention, and in what maimer the same is to be performed, we declare that
Tf hat we claim is : — 1. Making magic lantern slides of udca in the manner sub-
stantially as described. 2. Treating ndca so that it can be used as a substitute
for stained glass, substantially as described.
Improvements in and connected with Photographic Cameras.
No. 941. Alexander Jeffrey and Georok Wishart, 140, West Nile-street,
Glasgow, Lanarkshire. — Nmember 19, 1892.
This invention comprises various improvements in photographic cameras and
their accessories, which by means of them are rendered more convenient and
satisfactory in use, whilst other advantages are also secured.
An improved camera, as made with some of the imjirovements, comprises a
main frame fitted to receive the pliotographic plate or dark slide containing it,
and having attached to it a pyramidal bellows, the sjualler end of which has
fixed to it a small bo.ard or lens frame, having the lens holder secured to it.
The lens frame is jointed at the middles of its ends to small metal bars, each of
which has one end jointed to what is termed the baseboard, and this base-
board is hinged to the main frame. The other ends of the small bars have
fixed in them pins fitted to slide in slots in side bars, jointed to the main frame
at the comers of the side opposite to that at which the baseboard is hinged.
With this construction the lens frame can be moved inwards with the bellows
close up to the main frame, or it can be drawn out to a suitable focussing
distance, and in the latter position is held firm by the pins in the small Ijars
engaging in notches in the side bars. The baseboard may be made of wood,
in which case it is made of a U-shape instead of with a central hole ; or instead
of such a board there may be substituted a pair of slotted side bars like those
on the other side. Adjustable stops are provided to detenuine the precise anglg
to which the baseboanl is to be ojiened, these consisting of round-headed screws-
in the frame and adjustable tlat-headed screws in the baseboard. Tlie small
bars immediately carrying the lens frame are jointed to jilates which are
adjustable on the baseboard or side bars for the purpose of regulating the
focal distance ; and instead of jiennauently fixed pins on the ends of the small
bars there may be button-headed screws by means of which the small bars can
be clamped in desired positions on the side bars. The attachment of the side
bars to the main frame may also be made adjustable.
The main frame is made with the usual groove to receive the dark slide ; and
when the dark slide is made for two plates, light is prevented from entering
between the two parts by a rib of rubber or other suitable flexible material
fixed in a groove in one part, and entering a groove in the other part, when
the two parts are closed together.
Instead of the ordinary dark slide, we in some cases use a dark slide made
of i)aper or other suitable thin material, and made just large enough to hold a
single plate. This slide is made with a back and a front part, the bottom and
side etlges of the back part being doubled over and cemented at the comers to
form grooves to receive the plate and the front part, which last is made with
an extension or flap at its outer end, by means of winch it is taken hold of to
be drawn out for exposure when in the camera. A stop is provided to prevent
the movable ])art being drawn out too far. A c-amera may be made with
slide-grooves suitable for the new dark slide, in which case the camera can be
made smaller for a given size of plate ; or an adapter frame may be provided to
fit in the grooves of a camera of ordinary size, this adapter frame being made
with grooves for receiving the new dark slide.
Tlie new dark slide is made black, or otherwise impervious to actinic light.
The cost of such slides will be very small, and sensitive plates may be p\it up'
in them at once by those who prepare such plates, and who can have their
advertisements printed on the outsides of the slides.
Improvements in and relating to Photographic Apparatus,
No. 21,716. Emile Fbanck-Valery and PaulFrank-Valery, 42, Boulevard
Bonne Nouvelle, Paris, France. — November 19, 1892.
This invention relates to a photographic apparatus having exteriorly the form-
of a leather case snch as is carried by tourists on the shoulder-belt for contain-
ing their binocular or ojjera glass.
The improved apparatus comi)rises a box which serves as a base for the same
and contains the ol)ject-glass, shutter, and focussing device. Upon this bo.x.
are hinged the two sides of a leather case interiorly provided with a sheet of
copper which is adapted to their shape, and serves to strengthen them. When
the sides are put together they are held in the first place by a clasp similar to
the ordinary clasps for albums, and in the second place by a leather cover,
which does not differ from those used for binocular or opera-glass cases.
To further strengthen the aforesaid two sides and prevent the bending of
the same, they are each provided interiorly with a mounting ; these two
mountings having articulated to them two pairs of compasses which serve to
keep the sides ai)art when they are opened.
The mountings have a hinge at their upper part, and carry two flexible bands
of hardened steel, united by a third band of the same thickness, and placed at
the same height as they.
These two bands have their other extremities united by a cross piece pro-
vided with velvet, l)ut the latter is separated from the bands by small wedges,
which keep it at the necessary distance from them for the passages of the
frame.
The said two bands serve also for carrying pieces of fabric which form the
camera obscura and are fixed at their other edges upon the .said box and the
two movable sides. Tlie apparatus is carried by a .shoulder belt traversing
guides and attached to buckles.
One of the said buckles is attached to the cover for the focussing device, so
that for using the latter it is sufficient to move away the belt with the hand in
order to open the cover and look through the said device.
The shutter is simply of a sheet of metal pierced with a hole and fixed to a
spring rod connected by a coril to a small exterior knob. For putting the
shutter ready for action this knob, and by it the shutter plate, is pulled until
a spring bolt enters a notcli formed in the above-mentioned spring rod. For
disengaging the shutter a pressure is exerted upon a knob provided for the
purpose.
As this apparatus is also provided at its cover with a handle, it may also be
carried in the hand.
When the case of this jihotographic apparatus is closed, the aforesaid bands
are bent in the interior of the said case, and the compasses are closed. In this
position nothing shows on the outside that the device is anything but a
binocular or opera-glass case, the shoulder belt covering even the joint formed
by the sides when they are placed together.
For using the apparatus, it is sufficient to remove first its cover, and then
the clasp. Under the action of the bands forming sjirings the two sides are
caused to move asunder, and when the compasses have been adjusted by passing
with tlie hand into the interior of the chamber, the apparatus is quite open, the
bands being under tension and ready to receive the frame.
This frame which may be of any suitable construction with a screen or
otherwise, must have on three of its edges a groove so as to fit exactly upon
the three bauds. The said frame, with the screen below, is slid upon the two
bands, and bears with its rear extremity against the third band, upon which it
will fit.
As the cross piece is covered with velvet or the like, the screen can be
operated without fear of light passing into the interior of the chamber.
Although the improved case employed is adapted for a photographic
apparatus, it may serve for the reception of a binocular or opera glass.
For this purpose two cushions are arranged at the top of the box hereinbefore
mentioned. The binocular or opera glass is preferably covered with a leather
b,ag so that it shall not be injured by the metallic parts of the case, and that
the tourist shall be able to cjirry it easily with him without the photographic
apparatus.
Dee««l>er 23, 1893]
THE BRrriSfl JODKNAL OF PHOTOGRAl'Hy.
829
iHeettngd of Jboctetteg.
MKBTINGS OF SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK.
Durttmiiim-
Dtceabrr :
xflMWr-
Biiaiashaa Pheta Boeia^
UnM&itaiBr ■
PbcrotVMtiat.
Olab Boom, Cokmaade Hotel.
SO. Greitt UaMeU^rt., BloonubiUT.
XM, liuft«tKet, Haokney.
Spcingfldd Barrmda, Laocuter.
IS, CoartitiitioiMtreet. Lath.
Oartnl behu^ Art OaUerr.
•, Oaoa^tnat, Paiilaf-
I Mmi , BoktitrMt. wurington.
. Bo]r.Lit.*ScIiut.,T*moe-waUn.
: BkakChamb«n,Hufr»Te>.itieet.
AadntoB't BoteL nMt.«trMt. K.O.
Tlw aiaiiio. U, OuMdfMraide.
iMlitiitagBlaakport.
oM-nad, W.O.
OkmiiagCnm rwd
Ibdiuka' Hull, Halifax.
I n. Pwmwat atiaat, Hull.
nii^f-baiUiaaa, ■bari»atont.
Clwmpiaa HoU, IS, AUetwata-ak.
Th» Lyoeua, UaioMtnat.Oldbaiii.
rtkUetUajatrntt ittart.Croydon.
"Th* Palace,"
Tiabj Hstal, gwinna
71. PrapaaMlna*, HaU.
LOXDO!* AKD PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
K 16,— Mr. Tho^ Bedding in the chair.
Kr. B. CkOd Mn «iw«l«t*4 a BaBbar.
A illanwiioa tone Man ■■ to tb* qnalitka of ug^tiirei ridded br commercial
Una, Mr. J. A. Sbidalrihoviax Um nagBtivaa wUch were generally considered
Mr. Oou ahe««l •
IMtan. and Mkad te tb*
■nkiap mi^t haf*
kavii^ waU-d«laed marking! of a pictarial
H «•• logpaUd hj Mr. DwbmxMam that the
1^ ttaoa JiafMT employed in packing ; Mr.
DUa, hovcm, taid that tb* piataa wtn aadladftice to tmca.
Tba wmaiadT of tka avaaiag wm darotod to
an exhibition of lantern
Rai
ekaOTll
Ilodaoa
Mr
, ■odalT.— DMnB<>arI8, Mr. P. Howbtna pradding
aroaad a plate which had Imn ywrj badly ftained ancl
hail daared of iridewene* by >'armer'> radncar. Mr. Wire
- Saah-lisbt warii b* had dona ««b tba nia of a Todd-Porret
i:. Bwrkett pMaid Hrnnd a pbotonfth of hhimlf which had been
hIL-bt by Mb, Hkmkr «U & aoabia«l apparatit. Mr. A.
pbotomnk b* kwl takao of a apark from the Wimshurtt
ilw CMOTaaa handed itiaad a hmken lantern >liile which
t aikad for opiaioaa M to how to repair it. Mr. Dear
•i^m to ciMMt flatedaM OS to it, taai, nmoTing the
m it br coBlaet ta Wtofl lifbt Mr. K. Beckett
Major Brvao^i de«ip> nf a hand camera wax
't. It waa nada br Hi. Park, of Kingaland.
-)« or relMMildeT coald be and, extanding
tnmt, ke. Mr. HodaoD
in tba taUad, hot by
lly ivpatiad. Mr. Waller
le B^rt print out laDtam-aUdea and
n print npaU, awl ba ahowad oaa tba
aj Btja upwartia, IWim laatam ux*
^taftilty printed in ordinary quarter^
1 hy laoklu| thioagh ooe itdai
laotcm lUdta, aa otbarwiw
Ti .lliliii. The laetorcr then
Ordinary toning
■ y miut b«i a little
; ' rasatts next
ng-baok, fWag
r. He had a t
.Vii^)«aty'i< jnbilaa eaiabr
»1 tb* art of b«ahaai.:
«]<■;;, iatndaoad tba axbibitor to the >
Tbaaariaaof l"
T a. of
7ueen
, : Klenta
Antwerp; and the ttabits of
ioln, a vic*-praaident of the
' highly appvadatad hia
r.' apecially adallid.
Otak.— Laatam Ni||i< it in the chair. It waa
that Mr. U. K. WbttalMad n»' 'reUrial ilutiee. — The
•lid**: Mtan. Maelaan ! . rb^n, Uarlen, Sladden,
Mr. Xa«r«a alao axbibitad :: cUon of prints, mainly
>te»at»aii<—«. TlMBazta«*tii M on January 2. when
«• What it mam Ikt tml /inmHi " ^<t ap*a*d by tb*
ban bar* iatimat' oadroeatoTBtloM
aad wiB nkow prteta ia Olaalcati' -looa.
WliiriWMiilnil aad Vataral HUtory Olnb (PbotogTapUo
.),— Decwnbcr f<, Laatera Eraning, Society of ArtJi' loan .wriea of
ilidta.— Tt* PMMMI (Mr. LoT«tt)i«ad a abort paper, which after
riefly reviewing the history of the city, was devoted to an accoimt of the •
World's Fair to be held in 1893. The slides included views of the city and the
principal public buildings, .sketches of the Kxhibition buildings and grounds-
with photographs of them, from which, as they were almost finished, a good'
idea was obtained of the general appearance which the Exhibition would present
when o))ened.
Qreenwlcb Pbotograpbic Society.— December 7, Rev. Brooke Lambert im
the chair. — Mr. T. E. Freshwater read a paper on Photography among the
Burs (see next nnmbei). At its conclusion, in reply to a query from the Chair-
man, Mr. Freshwater said he did not think that modem methods of apiculture
hail at present affected the evolution of the bee. Replying to a further ques-
tion, the lecturer pointed out that if not interfered with the bee is enabled to
withdraw its sting by a corkscrew-like motion ; but, if not allowed time for
that after-insertion, the sting was usually left embedded in the wound. At the
conclusion of Mr. Freshwater's lecture, a vote of thanks was passed to him.
The Chairman announced that the Society's next meeting would take place in
that building (Physical Lecture Hall, Royal Naval College) on Wednesday,
January 4, 1893, at 8 p.m., when Mr. E. J. Wall would give a demonstration i
in Jsttchromatic Pkott^aphy,
D*rby Photographic Society. — December 13, A lecture and demonstration'
on the Platinottjpe Prnress, was given by Mr. S. G. B. WOLLASTON. Mr. R.
Keene occupied the chair, and there was a large attendance. — In speaking of
the treatment of platinotyjie paper, the lecturer emphasised the great import-
ance of keeping it well stored and absolutely free from damp. With regard to
development he might safely say that the hot-b.ith process was doomed, and
was fast becoming superseded by the cold-bath method of development, which
hod been greatly improved of recent years, and pos.sessed many points in
auperiority over its predecessor, which photographers had not been slow to
recognise. Among other advantages mentioned were, that at any stage of the
procea* development may be entirely stopped. It may also be retarded or
localised, and over-exposure completely rectilled by the aid of glycerine.
These advantages, coupled with the results, which are highly artistic, pLiced
this process in a foremost position amongst photographic sensitised papers.
The lecturer illnatreted his remarks with practical demonstrations of the results
which can be obtained by the many ililTerent methods of treatment.
Brechin Photographic Asaociatloii. — For the past year this Association lias
been engaged preparing slides to illustrate linen-manufacture. The.se are now
completeii, and on Wednesday evening, December 14, Mr. D. H. Saunders,
Dona**, gave a lecture entitle)!. Linen and its Prwluction, in the City Hall.
The leotnra was illostnted by .seventy slides prejiared by the niumbers of the
Association, and was listened to by an audience of nearly one thousand persons.
The lecturer waa thoroughly at home in his subject, and slides of the processes
of bygone days, sncb as the spinning and Pirn wheels, hand looms, &;c., gave
him au opportunity of referring to the iiost history' of linen-manufacture iu
Scotland, with all its romantic incidents. The slides were considered to be
most admirable illustrations of the processes, and the positions of the people at
work very natural.
Olasgow Photographic Society.— December 15, Mr. William Lang, jun.,
F.C.S., Presiilent, m the chair. — Mr. Lang delivered hia presidential address
(tee page 825). Dr. I'aul Jeserich's paper. Photography ami its aid in the
Deteelion of Crime, with lantern illustrations foUowed. Mr. John Stuart
showed a aeries of Zeiss lenses made of tlie new Jena glass. The Tachyscope,
an iastrnment showing phases of motion by means of photography, was shown
to members.
Photographic Society of PhlladelphU.— November 9, the President (Mr.
Joseph II I: rr.iv... in the chair. — It was also announced that the President
had sf)) Ilowiug Commiteee to conduct the Sixth Annual Plioto-
griphic i ji<lcr agreement with theSocietyof Amateur Photographers
of New York and the Boston Camera Club : Robert S. Rodfleld, John G.
Bullock, Charles R. I'ancoast, Charles L. Mitchell, M.D., and Edmund
Stirling. The exhibition will be hel<l April 17-29, 1893, in the galleries of
the Pennsylvania Academy of Pine Arts, and every effort will M made to
make it the most interesting and successful of the series yet held. A niunber
of photographic noraltiea ware shown by Mr. Morris Eaiie, among which wera
celluloid tmys of special oonstmction and made in various colours, a trans-
parent tray with a well at one end to bold the developer when tray was raised'
to examine the negative through the bottom. Dr. Mitchell showed negatives-
made under similar conditions with the Ross concentric lens and lioss portable'
lens, which afforded an opportunity for studying the comparative advantages
of the two lenses for different classes of work.
HwtOKll*lotQCla<y of Japaa.— November 4, y f '''t'ert in the chair.
— .Mr. Tanaka showed some results of experiments > Tliey were not
quiteperfeet, bat ware ramarkableas the results of I;: i- inthisdiflicult
branch of photo-mechanical work, the more eapecially on Mr. Tanaka hail worked
entirely from written instructions. After trying various more or leita complicated
formnUe, he bad settled on the following :— Bichromate of ammonium, 1
gramme ; pore gelatine, 6 grammes ; water, 70 cc. He had fouml an admixture
of isiligtaB, eren in small quantitisa, the reverse of an advantage. Messrs. W.|K.
Burton »"■' F- Aafto showed the results of experiments in ortliochromatic work..
They had set themselves the task of getting photographs showing a ViriUiant
pun snaristi a Mght but darkish blue, and a pure clirome yellow, in their true
nine. If these coold be shown truly, all other colours could. They had
succeedetl beat with a miztnre of eosine and cyanine. Eosine was a strong
sensitiiier for the yellow and the green, cyanine for the red and the orange.
The following formula was used : — Cyanine ^oIution, 1 part in 1000, 1 part ;
eosine solution, 1 part in 1000, 1 part ; ammonia 10 percent, solution, 4 parts ;.
water (distilled), 14 parts. The plates were bstheil for two ndnutes and dried.
Of course such plates need the extremeet care in working. A yellow screen was
used with plate-glass sides, enclosing a quarter of an inch thickness of the follow-
ing solution :— Picric acid, 1 part ; water, 500 parts. The intense but very light
yellow colour of a picric aciif aolution seemed particularly well suited to ortho-
chromatisation. With a denser solution than that mentioned it was possible
880
THE BRIT SH JOUKNAL, OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[December 23, 1892
to •verdo the orthochromatisation. The exposure needed was ten times that
with the same plate untreated, but without any yellow screen. Mr. J. Favre-
Brandtsentapaperonft'nAofe/'Aotoyra/iAy (see next number), along with samples
of the work done and of the pinholes used. It wa.s agree<i that these samples
were remarkably good. In fact, in some respects they were better than photo-
graphs taken with a lens, showing a pleasing softness. The exposures had been
from one to about five minutes. The unusual excellence of these results was
probably due to the great care witli which the pinholes were prepared. They
were in thin plates of nickel, were perfectly circular, in each case of the exact
diameter that would give the finest definition with the focal length used, and
the edges were delicately bevelled. Mr. Kajima Sebi showed a hand camera in
the form of an opera glass. The arrangement, on the whole, was ingenious, but
samples of work done by the camera were much under-exposed. The lens
working at about one-sixteenth was far too slow for this kind of work, especially
as the shutter was one that gave a bad coefficient of light. Further, there
was no means of adjusting the focus. Mr. T. Kiyokawa presented the Society
with a bottle of " retouching solution." This was to be applied to the plates
whilst still wet, after fixing and washing. It was evidently an aqueous solution.
Mr. Tanaka was asked to take the bottle with him, to try the solutions, and to
report to the next meeting.
Corre<E{|ioniiencr*
ObrrMiwnilmti ihoutd nmr wriU on both ndu of tlu poptr.
LOCAL EEDUCTION OF NEGATIVES.
To the Editob.
Sir, — ^Tonr article in last issue on " Local Eeduction of Negatives "
interested me, aa I have had some experience iu that way, and I am
pleased to be able to give you a little " tip " as to the best material to use
as an " accelerator " for the " rubbing-down " process.
Where only slight and delicate reduction is required, plain alcohol
applied on a soft and flat pad is quite sufficient and better than the appli-
cation of any assisting material, but it is too tedious to employ where a
considerable amount of density or space has to be reduced, as in the case
of a sky in a large landscape negative. I have tried finest ground and
sifted cuttlefish and pumice-stone powders, but they are too coarse in
grain, and more frequently result in scratches, which are almost hopeless
to repair afterwards, and the remedy is worse than the disease ; but, if
you will experiment with precipitated cJialk, I think you will find it ad-
mirable. There is great cutting power in it without any tendency to
seratch, if the powder is kept ctu-efully free from extraneous dust or grit
whilst in use.
The rubbing pad (for small work wash-leather is best, and for larger
surfaces an old silk pocket-handkerchief or the softest undressed muslin)
should be fairly thick and flat, and as large in surface as the space to
operate on will permit. It should be kept well soaked with the alcohol,
and lightly touched on the powder occasionally so as to take up a small
portion of it, and applied lightly to the plate in ever-varying circular
sweeps, crossing each other to avoid unevenness in reduction. It is sur-
prising what a quantity of " mud " is raised from the deposit of silver,
but this can be readily removed when the work is completed by a good
wash with clean muslin and alcohol, and the gelatine surface is left in
quite a highly polished condition, too smooth, in fact, to have any tooth
for the retouching pencil without some application of " medium " for that
purpose. The process is somewhat like planing a surface of wood, the
denser portions of the dry film stand up higher than the halftones and
shadows, and if the rubbing pad is kept as flat as possible these pro-
tuberances get the cutting action of the rubber, whilst the lower surfaces
are slid over and missed, and therefore the reduction takes place more on
the extreme high lights than any other part of the film.
It appears to be better for use than liquid reduction by chemical means,
because, in such case, the solvent action is more marked upon the delicate
deposits of shade detail and half-tones, and the picture suffers in
" tonality " when applied all over the surface, and it is most difficult to
confine Uquid reducers to any particular parts of the surface. Person-
ally, I should be glad to know of any process by which skies in landscape
work could be held back from gaining too much density whilst developing.
" Prevention is better than cure " in such matters, and some solution
which would prevent agnition of undue density without stopping general
development would be very convenient to apply to skies with a soft brush
whilst the remainder of the plate is progressing to the desired density
before fixing.
If you, or any readers of this, can give the hint, it would be acceptable
to— Yours, &c., Geobge B.^xkaet.
December 19, 1892.
»
ORDINARY METHYLATED SPIEITS.
To the Editor.
Sir, — It may be interesting to some of your readers to know how to
procure ordinary methylated spirit— i.e., the" old kind, without the addi-
tion of mineral naphtha. [I therefore briefly sum up the correspondence,
Ac, with tlie authorities.
November 23.— Wrote to the Inland Bevenue Office for a permit.
November 26 — Reply received, stating that the subject of my letter
would be brought under the consideration of the Commissioners without
delay.
November 30. — Received a visit from the district supervisor, who asked
three questions, viz.— 1. Where did I intend using the spirit? Answer-
On the pretmaea. 2. For what purpose ? vlwicer— Making emulsion.
3. How much should I require annually ? Answer — As small a quantity
as one gallon. The supervisor stated that five gallons was tbe minimum,
but possibly the Commissioners might allow me to have one gallon at a
time.
December C. — Received a permit for five gallons annually " for use in
the preparation of emulsion for lantern slides."
December 7. — Wrote asking if I could have the five gallons, say one
gallon at a time.
December 10. — Supervisor called with a book containing eight requisi-
tions, stating that he should call on me four times a year to look at the
book and see the amount of spirit in stock. Wrote once more to the
Commissioners, asking if they would allow me to have one gallon at a
time.
December 17. Received the Board's ultimatum, stating that ordinary
methylated spirits cannot legally be obtained in quantities less than five
gallons, and they were not prepared to recommend a change in the law
relative to this minimum.
They further stated that their authority to receive such spirit remains
in force so long as the authorised person occupies the same set of
premises, and continues to use the spirit for the authorised purpose
only.— I am, yours, &c. Lewis Medland.
Kimberleij, North Finchley, December 19, 1892.
AMIDOL FOE LANTERN TRANSPARENCIES.
To the Editor.
Sir, — I have read with much interest an article by Mr. H. E. Davis in
your Almanac on " Amidol for Lantern Transparencies," but would like
to ask the author if the formula for No. 116 is correct. It stands thus : —
Amidol 1 part.
Metabisulphite of potash ....„ 3 parts.
Water to CO ,,
Take of this half an'ounee and add —
Bromide ammonium (ten per cent, solution) 1 ounce.
Carbonate Potassium ,, „ J „
Water to 3 ounces.
Is not the amount of bromide ammonium too great, as it means about
5 ; 1 ? — I am, yours, *c., E. Healy.
10, Endymion-terrace, Finsbnry Park, N., December 19.
PHOTOGRAPHY IN SOUTH AFRICA.
To the Editor.
Sir, — In your issue of the Slst of October, just received, appears a
letter headed " Photography in South Africa."
I presume from the contents that Mr. Ellerbeck lives in Johannesburg
and perhaps imagines that Johannesburg is South Africa. At any rate,
some of his statements are misleading when made under such a heading.
There are a great number of amateurs throughout the colony, indeed,
considering the white population, I think their number is quite as large
in proportion as in most of the provincial towns of England.
Two or three statements I must take special exception to, viz., "Then
is very little beautiful scenery here," "Every one is confoundedly lazy,'
and " Detective cameras are never seen." To take the last first. I am
sure I am within the marl^ when I say there are at least fifty hano
cameras in frequent use in Cape Town. There are also a number in
Kimberley, Port Elizabeth, Graliamstown, Bang William's Town, Queens-
town, and East London to my own personal knowledge ; and in all thesf
towns (except, perhaps, the last two named, of which I am not quit€
sure) there are photographic clubs, whose membership consists almost
entirely of amateurs.
I fancy a reference to our Ilford friends as to the number of quartei
plates used in the Colony would confirm my statements.
Our Club album here and my own collection of views from diUerenl
parts of the Colony completely refutes the statement as to there beinj
very little beautiful scenery.
I am not personally acquainted with Johannesburg, so it may possiblj
be true of that portion of the Transvaal.
It may also be true that people are " confoundedly lazy " there. I an
not in a position to confirm or deny it ; certainly it is not true of th(
larger business towns in the Colony.
Neither does the statement as to scarcity of water affect the towni
mentioned above, as they all have a very efficient water supply.
Then, as to the "cold winter days," my own experience of winter it
the Colony (east and west) for some eighteen years has been that ii
corresponds with a very mild English spring, and, with the exception oJ
Deoember 23, 1883]
THK BRITISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH Y.
831
Eimberley and tome of th« more northern Tillages, we rarely get snow,
except on the topa of the higher moontain ranges, and snch a thing as
ice (excepting manniactnred) is a rare enriosity. — I am, yonrs, &e.,
Hon. Secbztast, Cape Town Photographic Club.
THE BENEVOLENT.
To the Bditob.
Sn, — I mmIom • brief report of the last meeting of the Benevolent
Commitiaa, and ihaU esteem it a favoar if yon will give me space to make
a speeia] appeal for snbeeriptions before the end »/' the year. I regret that,
in — "x**"!; uw osoal applications to old ■nbecribers, I made the mistake
(eaaily poiiriMo to a new hand) of stating that oar financial year ended
on FMcoaiT 88, 1893 ; out, tbongh the annnal meeting is held about that
time, I Sad that the balanea-aliMt ia made np to December 31.
The Awoiiiatinw has baaa very well (opportad lately by the larger snb-
teiiTiwa and donon. bat wa hope to have a great many more of the
dnallar amnal sabMriptions (Dinimom, half-a-crown). The money spent
in relief iriD probably prove to be leM than last winter ; bat there is every
pnaspaek of eenairhrtable calls daring the next few months, which will, of
coaiM, not eooM into the next balanee-sheet The diminution in the
relief paid in 1893 ariaea from two eanaea : (1) From the fact that in the
fint tniae nwtha of the year tbeia ware no applications (thongh the
latter h^ of the aeaaon is genoaUy tba bosiest), and ('J) from the fact
that the CommittM haa been able to Sad wcrk instead of money for some
of Um moat \*tt^n^ eaaea In the praaant laHon.
I hope to taeah* a general and generooa response while the Christmas
good-will wanna the breaata of yoor readers. — I am, yoars, Ac,
H. SsowpES Wabo, Hon. See.
ilmorial llaU, E.C., Dtcamhtr 19, 1899.
FILLEBBOOK ATHEN.EUM PHOTOGIUPHIC EXHIBITION.
To tht EntTO*.
Sor— Will yoa kindly allow ma throogh year colomns to say, in reply
to appUealiona already raeaivad, that entry forma and rolea of above
ExmbmavillbaiaadyvaqrabMrtly? In the meantime it may be of interest
to mentiaa that Meaan. F. P. Cembrano, Jan., Walter L. Colls, and John
A. Hodgea have kindly promiaed to ael as Jadgea ; alao that there will
be no distinctioo made between amaieaia and professionals, nor any
division iato claases, exoapting a chaBipinn class tor previooaly medalled
exhibits.— I am, yoora, Ac, ioarn W. Brraacoii, i/un. Sre.
Dngttm-raU, I^tomtUme, Emti, Ihttmbtr, 17, 1893.
£xr|)ange <!ro(umn.
.* St Jtmft it wtait for intn ting frfitmfn i^Apparaliu i» Ikiteolmmn;
M mmt wBl tt inmrlil mUsss $ht mtkU wmnlid it d^gmittlg ilmted. Those
miUs tfttjfil rt w'r rsfiw'r—safi as "— frtfaf natfTW mU iJurtftn undtnland
autmmmfflttiri
wtth two ibrlss for ixi rsMSfa sad \»n*.—AMx*m,
». la oakaMe for I5xU tUw Boa ud thirteen
B. J. Laataa, 7, Para* Bin-raxl. 8.K.
ftn dasea UxIO haBd.<na4 imtm) opal platM (aot ssBritiMd) (or
AiHim. 1. Rsiv, 1. rwdstiiet, BrM-nmi, MsiiiilmHi.
TTsalsi. sbaMjlli iir i fciili iilsli tnirlil'i ■■■iii fii miTiiiIsi nut |ill rliif
W. Savsotos, », riluf itust.
I wtsli >ls»s vtaw Ism, in>atla» lUmt, or ««>» saaaia-
tw. far a amd kmnUtmr.-AMtmt, W. B. Bum, AflaajTUb. Katiib^aad,
_ Taa Bamaa Jovbsai, or Paovoeatniv, IM to UN. also ■*• toIuh*^
■abeokl, at tb* PXctfrmrkit .Vnn, (or baskarsaads or aeesMoria*.— AddrvM,
J. Avans. M. Ma^otd Hill, X.
1 r rgi aaw hMms |tasa aad lulaitisili, ia in pisMS, la (ood eoadltloQ, for
•sfataat. 4BialM>Ac. pertnM, •kert-fora* hM of (ood aako.— AddraM, O. W.
•xebaaffs po«t>c»itaBp eameia with nine
■aisatii, PhotofiapiMr, Onat Ti
Waalwl iMtsMB roU hoUw, 81x6)
~ ha tmmwn wlU l«f Iwm, ar rayM laortliasM' 1ms,
, r. Ktat, g, FSrsiil si. WimHsi.
ITaalsd s ■holi aiala iiiatilils laasis wtth all ■iii^mIs. Iims iiiiiaJw ami llim
la nahaais lor a Int^aaas Whedsr k WOmb'i k>ck>titch famOr
ts* itadia, aad Tas Bamsa JoaaSAi. or PaoToaatrar, thiM jmn, UtO-lSH to
at— I Mae (aB ia asrfwt, aoed uuadlUsa), (or 11 x 10 eatdoor mi. aad aas or
CiedsMMasMaik-Addraaa. B. Kaaaaa, 1«, Elaf'a-rawl. Baadbw.
■rftoaae isr the Mewlaai— Taa Bsmaa JovwiAt, Faoro-
a far ikm, Vm, aad ltr>l>iH|rial>li Sem Tmr-hcak lor lga«>
l«M.aMf>i yhfa|ia>l| daaaii,aw7BfadtwVB»»f«» Bi«»a«M«f,br
mlcaaMaa; IfanwMta aad ChrmUk aad Pnnihtf P»«ctof>.-Adtoas,
laixav, U, Park.«aad, BfaAlwia.
UM.
Barr
B.taaixav,
West Loxdon Photographic Society. — December 27, Lantern.
Photographic Club.— December 28, Monthly Lantern Meeting. January 4,
Collodio-chloride Printing.
. nMk. James Downby, Photographer, South Shields, has been placed on the
magistracy of that borough.
Pctnby Photographic Society. —January 9, Mr. Gotz on Toning Gelatino-
chloride Paper, lecture and demonstration at eight p.m. at the Gymnasium,
Charlwood-road.
In reference to recent correspondence on the subject in our pages, we are
informed that Mr. Shapoor N. Bhedwar, of Bombay, has withdraivn his
resignation of membership of the Photographic Society of Great Britain.
Chicago Exhibition.— The Royal Commission for the Chicago Exhibitioa
are arranging for a series of introductions to the different sections of the
Catalogue of the British Section. Captain Abney will deal with the subject of
" Photography." The general introduction to the Catalogue will be written
by Sir Henry Trueman Wood, the Secretary to the Royal Commission.—
AthenoMm.
For the purpose of presenting the meilals and diplomas awarded by the J udges
in the photographic competition held in connexion with the recent Stanley
Show at the Agricultural tiall, the Stanley Cycling Club are giving an invitation
"Bohemian Musical Evening," at which ladies will be present, and will talse
place at the Wortley Hall, Seven Sisters-road, N., on Monday, January 9. In
addition to the musical part of the programme the slides received in the com-
petition will be shown in tlie lantern, and other interesting and amusing items.
are being arranged. Admission will be by tickets, which can be obtamed by
application to Mr. Herbert Smith, 29, Finsbury-pavement, or Mr. William
Goddard, the Hon. Secretary of the SUnley C. C, 261, Seven Sisters-road, N.
Photoobaphers' DiNNKii IN Shkffield.— The first social gathering of pro-
fessional photographers in Sheffield took pkce December 16. The chair was
oconpied by Mr. J. J. Sadler (Holmes, Sadler, & Holmes, Manchester), and
Mr. Maclver, of Leeds, was in the vice-chair. One of the objects of the
assembly was to signalise the establishment of a studio in the town (at the
new /n<i«i>«n(i«n(.Offlces) by Mr. Crosby, of Rotherham. He was highly
spoken of by the Chairman, Mr. Maclver, and Edison, and the latter, in the
coarse of his remarks, said he had gone np to Mr. Crosby's studio in the
elevator, and foand himself almost "shot into" the sitter's chair a few seconds
after being in Fargate. Mr. Edison also spoke of the labours of the Chairman
in the foruiation of the National Association of Professional Photographers.
Mr. Crosby, in tendering thanks, said it had always been his endeavour to
raise the status of his profession.
Tbk Besxvolent.— Meeting of committee held December 14, Mr. W. Bedford
in the chair. An application for a loan of lU. to pay arrears of rent and re<leem
lensa liom pawn was considered. The Secretary had corresponded with the
applicant, who said he could not give references, and, as the case seemed very
urgent, had made a preliminary advance of 2/. on security of pawn tickets.
The oomniondence was carefully considered, the Secretary s action was con-
firmed, and be was instructed to redeem and forward the lenses, holding two
pawn tickets for other goods as security, and to report to the applicant that the
Beoevoleot could not grant farther assistance without references. An applica-
tion was read from a crippled photographer who had been previously assisted
by the Association, and who now applied for a grant to redeem from i>awn a
lutam bonsbt for him by the Associatiou two years ago, which was bis sole
means of sobsistence. Aii accident during the summer wa» the cause of his
again getting into peconiaiy straits. The sum asked for, 'ii., was granted as a
loan. The SeoretSkiy reported that an application for immediate relief had been
made to him at the office of the Association by a man evidently a photographer,
who stated that be wa* penniless and ill, and was walking from London to his
home in the provinces, ovsr a hundred miles away. The Secretary had offered
him a good meal and to pay his railway fare, an offer which he accepted with
great profession of gntitude when he tnought the money was going to be given
him, bat r^ected with scorn and anger when he found that the Secretary
ioteoded to personally purchase the ticket and see him into the train. The
resicnation of Hr. H. D. Atkinson, whose removal f^om London prevented his
ooDtinoing on the committee, was aooepted with regret, and Mr. R. Child
Bayley was elected in his place. Six new members were elected.
AmUAnoM of PHoroaRAraic Sociries, Meeting of Delegates, December
18, Mr. W. Bedford (l%otograpbic Society of Great Bntain) in the .hair.- Two
more Societies, the Haclawy Photographic Society, and the Cbeltenhanr
Araatoor Photographic Society, were announced as having become affiliated.
Mr. Marchant (North Middlesex Photographic Society) brought forward the
report of the sab-committee appointed to make recommendations with regard to
the lectures on photogravure. The report contained a suggestion that a charge
of one shilling lor the cooise be made to members of affiliated Societies, and Ave
shniings to outsiders, and that the secretaries of the various Societies should
sscartatn as nearly as possible how many of their members were likely to attend,
so that arrangements oonld bsCmade accordingly. Owing to circumstances that
had ^l^■a^l^nll1 since the report wss drawn np, the matter was referred back to
the oommitteg-wbo were instructed to arrange if possible to hold the lectures
in tbramft'oT Febrnaiy, Friday being suggested aa the most convenient day
and one iddeh woald not dash with many photographic meetings. It was
propoeed by Hr. Steele (Leeds Photographic Society), seconded by Mr, Mackie
(North London Photographic Society), and carried, that the whole <iuestion of
the lectbres should now be left in the hands of the sub-committee to carry the
nutter throagh. Hr. Steele (Leeds Photographic Society) and Mr. Walker
(Leeds Photographic Society) gave particulars of a lecture on photogravure
delivered in Leeds ; the former also suggested that it .should l>e strongly urged
upon the various Societies that they should prot-ide a set of lantern slides for
circolation. His Society hsd taken the lead in this matter, although hostile
critics bad styled them fossilised, and he was rather surprised that some of the
yonnger Societies had not taken the matter up. He trusted that no oppor-
tanitliw woold be lost of appealing to the secretaries to bring this matter up.
THE BRITISH JODRNAt, OP PHOT0ORA.PHV.
pkManitar 3^ lfl02
fllnfiftoersf to CorrraponUettts.
AU matter* far the taU portion of thii Jodrhal, including (puritii Jnr
"Amvoen" and " Kxehange*," mutt he addraued to ''Thk Editob,"
% York-street, C't/vent Garden, l/mdon. Inattenlimi to this eruuret delay.
MoiuUte taita iff eommunieatione unleu name and addreu cf writer are
*, Commwnieationt relating to AdneriUemenlt and general bueineu affairi
mutt be addreued to "Hkjcbt OmaamooD k Co.," 2, York-street, Covent
Sisrdtn, London.
A. B. 0. — See leading article, p, 49 of prenent volume.
C. H. OAKonr.— Beeeived. Thank*. We huve had no fttrther commiiBica-
tlon.
P. A. T.— Tonr tronUe In like that of many othern jnirt now. Bee aab-lcailcni
on the mibject in the preitent indue. 8o far a« we can aee, tboe will meet
jom caM.
J. H. AiWLY, of '426, London-road, Lowfieldg, JghefBeld, dealree to com-
nianicat« with Mr, Noel B. Kenealy, who laet week wrote n» concerning
collodion prenervatire proceaM*.
(E. A. Shibakb.— Procure the Autotype Jlfanual (the Autotype Company, 74,
New Oxforil-Ktreet) and study the numerouH articles tliat have appeared
In thia JouuvAi, on carlwn printing.
J. NlCHOr.Boi«.— After applying French chalk to the glaiM In the umial way,
coat It with collodion, imniomo in a diiili of water to remove the ether and
alcohol, and then aqneegee down the wet print.
J. HliOTKn.— The gletiH can be coloured >,y vamiidiing It with negative vamiih
in which a unitanle colour liax l«en dwtiolvcil. A large proportion of tiic
conl-tar coIoiirH are noluble in alcohol. Any of thenc will serve the purpoiie.
Pvno.— Whether vou would have a legal rerrjedy would, in onr opinion,
depend upmi the nature of the correspondent: that paused before the
despatch of the tclcgrara. On such meagre UtUa am that which you supply
It is impossible for us to advice you.
■A- Y. E.— If space will allow, do not have the studio ten than thirty feet
long. Thin will i)ermit of full-length portraits to be taken in tolerably good
pampective. A provision mav also, with advantage, be made for taking the
camera outside, at the end, when groups have to be taken.
W. Ar-nBHT.— Tn ninking up n solution of nitrate of silver, distilled water
should always be um«1. The milkincss you Hjit^ak of is caused by the sodium
chloride in the water reacting with the silver nitrate to form a precipitate of
silver chloride. Procure a manual of elementary ohemistrj-.
J. KlUK.— 1. Unless the paper is HoIIingworth's make, we do not know whose
It is. Any dealer in artists' materials will, however, supply it to order. Or,
if a f(W reams at a time can ho taken, it may be obtained through some of
the wholesale stationers. '<;. Tliere is a shoi) nrar the bottom of Pleet-strcet
where we have seen the things exhibited for sale.
Juno writes : "Some say that prints ought to Im washed for twelve hours at
least, others say they can Im equally as well washed in three or four hours
Which is right?"— All will (lepend ujwn the "washing." With proper
treatment a print (!an be as perfectly freed from hypo, provided it is (wrfectly
iixe<I, in an hour or less, as It lan lie with twenty-four hours' merely soakina
with an occasional rlumge of water.
II. T. HcoTT nsks what prospect a good photographer and retoiicherwoiild have
in Australia /—Australia Is a large iilaee ; but, so far as our knowledge goes
and that obtained from conespoiulcnts, nil the large towns are well supplied
with jihotogra)ihers, and competition is as ke-^n there, both as regards
(puility ami price, as it Is here. Perhaps some reader may be able to supnlv
more dellnite information than this.
Jam. Maiwiiam — 1. The .losign of the studio would do very well, but the
ridge should wrUinly not Iw lower; indeed, it would be better if a foot
higher, and it miglit. with advantage be six inches iiiglier at the eaves. 2
Uk! lenses of the hmi nameil liave an excelhuit reputation. 3. You will
.end instructions for luaking a ciimera bellows in an article on the subject bv
Mr. J. T. Haokett in a recent volume of the Almanac.
S. W. .;. writes : " I wInIi to take the meat of one of the hounds here the week after
next. Of course I shall use a hand camera. Can you tell me what plates to
use, and what spue,d to set the shutter at ? Its <iuiekcst rate is one-hundredth
of a second. --Tliis is a quaaUon impossible to answer. The only advice
we can offer at this season is, Use the ouiokest plates obtainable that suit
your working, and adjust the speed of the shutter to the light, whatever it
may Impiieii to tsi at tlie time.
Bbaiiohami' writes :-" Will you infonn me if you think that by advertiainir
ill your paiH.r IcouM get a situation in a photograj.hlc establishment.
I may
want to
as soon as
Where, in rctun. for services rendered, I could be taught retouching,
montioii that I am an amateur photographer (age forty-one), and
SS..!'hl„";"''^ w'"'"i "",','1:?','","".,"^ '", '•"">"'«•'"' ''"«<""'"' myself as .
K winf7,^'I ■• °"'' '■','"■' *''*' "'""' '" " P™«'>'li'y of a photographer
TBlneln" ^. '' necefleary tuition in exchange for equivalent
"'b!l'/Tf''tT'"'-~" '"/■'"''" I' ™«<'i- of agreement between party and party :
• k ,,itr "e'"";™* '," """ « too ono-si,le.|, it will not ludJ goo.l iu a Court
o iviiiity. We should say that an agreement to the effe.'.t tlmt an operator
?, , n,!^"*''i """""' "^ '"■' ""'I'loyw ^^as not to enter the service of another
.hotograplier, or comnioiice business on his own account in Scotland or the
border counties wpu d certainly not be valid in a Court of Law. Kuch ai"
.consult a solHt '" ''*^°°"''""=*' '° P"'"'P* '" "■>« »"■ '"o counties. Better
A. R. Hperckb. — There in noiUsg in Tonr comroaoieatioo bat what ia -
known. Celluloid is a highly electrical nibitaiice when dry. The ti;
factoren of the material are fully aware of (U*.
Zkmo.— Evidently yon are a novice, and an aot fiiUy cogniaant of what a
ficatlons are requisite in an operator for a photographic atndia The ms
fact that yon are " fully up to developing all the &diog make* of plates, < '
haw taken excellent portraiu in the garden," will not avaO moch in a]
trait studio, except as an apprentice, or, perfaapa, aa an improver,
principal qualifications are ligliting, poirinK, and, above all, tact with sit
thioga only gained by experience. 'Technical school oertificateK, aa a m&H
of feet, are looked npon very lightly indeed by practiod photognphen wh
engaging aailjrtants.
Lwc — 1. A very considerable majority of the lantern lenaee in nae are defective'
in r^rd to flatneae of field, hut this we are happy to say i» not the case with
all of them. Several oiAicians have devoted sjjecial attention to this defect,
with the result that excellent definition at the sides as well as in the centre
can now be obtained. A goorl doublet or reetilmear conirtrncted for camera
use would certainly answer for projecting, but it wouhl not transmit so much
light as a properly constructed lantern objective. 2. Nine inches focus would
be suitable for your purpose. 3. A camera lens would not be likely to
snffer from the light or beat.
T. A. Shaw.— This correspondent says : "In burnishing my prints, one side
always has a much higher polish than the other. This would seem to indi-
cate that the pressnre on one end of the bar is greater than on the other. But,
as there Is only one central screw to adjust the bar, what can be done ?"—
Tlie only way we can see is to do away with the central adjustment, and
have two others fitted near the ends of the burnishing bar. If the burnisher
is a small one, perhaps the didiculty nuiy be met by passing the print
through the machine several times, reversing it each time so that both
sides in turn get the greater pressure.
SICCATIK writes : " 1 am troubled very much with the damp attacking every
thing I have in the studio, in spite of the heating stove. I am aware that a
wooden building is not equal to a stone-built one for resisting the action of
the atmosphere. 1 don't want to use the waterproof felting, on account of the
objectionable smell of tar it gives off; but is there not some other suitablenon-
c^nducting material or solution that could be applied in the inside of the
buiMIng? 1 shall feel much obliged if you can helji me in this matter." —
Tlie waterproof felting should be applied outsitle the building, it would
an«wer its purpose better there, and then there would be no objectionable
smell within. Or the outside can be covered with .sheet zinc. Another war
would Vie to line the studio witli wof)d, allowing a few inches between the
inner and outer walls, and ftlling the intervening space with sawdust. Of
course, in this case, the outer walls must be rendered perfectly waterproof
or the end sought will not be .secured.
Hacinry Photographic Society.— Arrangements for January, 1893 :— AU
meetings at 206, Mare-street. 3, Smoking Concert. Members willing to add
to harmony of evening, please communicate with J. Vining, 60, Kenninghall-
road, N.K ; or, Hon. Secretary. Mr. Penny has kindly promised use of
piano. 10, Some Conlrihutories In Arlislic Effect, by Mr. A. Horsley-Hinton
17, Lantern Slide Colouring, by Mr. S. J. Beckett. 24, A Day in the Zoo
(Lantern Night) by Mr. Lewis Medland. 31, Trait^jarencies by th^ Carbon
Process, by Mr. W. K Delienham.
FORTHCOMING EXHIBITIONS.
1893.
February 1 «Cleveland Camera Clul). Hon. Secretary, J. J. HaUam,
11, Amber-street, Saltburn-by-the-.Sea.
)t 7,8 Rotherham Photographic .Society. Hon. Secretary, H. C.
Hemingway, Rotherham.
„ 16-18 "Woolwich Polytechnic Photographic Society. Hon.
Kecretar}-, W. Dawes, 145, (Jhesiiut-road, Plumstead.
H.E.
» 18 Holbom Camera Club. Hon. Secretary, F. J. Cobb,
100 High llolbom, E.C.
March 1, 2 •Fillebrook Athenffium Photographic Society. Hon.
Secretary, Joseph W. Spurgeou, 1 Drayton Villas,
Leytonstone, Essex.
April 17-29 *PhotogTaiihic Society of Philadelphia. Hon. Secretarj-,
R. S. EedUeld, 1601, CallowhUl-street, Philadelphia,
U.S.A. '
* Signiiies that there are open classes.
OONTBNTS,
Piax
A TELESCOPIC FOCUSSINO FINDEB.—
II 817
KIXINO AND KIXINO AGENTS S17
DIFFlIHKn LIGHT 819
KI.KO I'lllOAL ACTION IN DRVELOP-
MENT D4I)
.TOTTINOS. llv COSMOS '.'.'.'.'.'. 820
NOTES l)N THK NEW AMIDOL AND
Mhl'OL IiEVKI.Dl'EllS. By COLONEL
.1. WATEHH0I1SE aai
"« S'LVEIl UEMI8ULPHATE. By
M. CABKV LKA 8M
HOW TO MAKE UllAWINOa FOB I'KO-
CESS BLOCKS. By A. J. OOUOH eS3
Paos
... ««
By
WORK WITH A HAND CAMEBA .
PHOTOGRAPHY IN SCOTLANb.
WM. LANO. .Tiis., F.C.8 _
A CONVENIENT ENLARGING APPA-
lUTlIS 820
thaiimathoi'ic evolution sas
BKTOrCHINO WITH THE INCANDES-
CENT LIGHT. By K. W. HABRI80N.. SIS
Oun EDITOltlAL TABLE 827
RECENT PATENTS 8>7
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES SB)
corhespondenoe sn
BXCHANGE COLl'MN 881
ANSWERS TO COURE3P0NDKNT8 SSi
THE BRITISH
JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
No. 1704. Vol. XXXIX.— DECEMBER 30, 1892.
INDIA TINTING OF PH<JT(X;RAPHS,
It is wtumwhiag t« vh*t extant the mind and judgment ara
1 byva^l* phjamtl ■giiciiii. We look st an outdoor
' throoffa glMMa«f trwiooa eolonn ; thmugh red, and wc
iastinctiTelj feel the heat of Calcutta, with its copper sky :
blnea of certain fbmm of tint tmneport us to the Arctic
ivgkNM or at the lamt to winter in oor own land ; grceii to luo^m-
Ught, aDd so Cortk timai^ the ■■niinenble ahades of colours
nov pndnMd. Sprinf^ ■rnninw, aotumn, heat and cold are
alike mggmltA bj meh agvieiea.
.\s fai nature, ao wiA the OTaiBJiation of photographa and
r«intingfl. The late Sam Boogb ooold paiut winter aoenaa ao
wannly, that while aaow laj ererywhere around one almost fak
impdM, eiren in ehiUj December, to throw off one's ooat and
gB ontaide to partake in «aeh paatiuiea as were suggested by
ilie eompoaition.
Take up a photograph ofalmeifc any kind and obaerve the
eftet on Um jodgmant of faitsrposiBg glasses of varioua colours
bstweaa it and the sjn. Jn*t sack a similar effect is produced
«Q ths ohaarrer by atatning th» photogn4>h itaelf, a fact of
wUeh alhwnsnisswandothsrp^sparentofseMitiTe paper seem
to be w«n aware, aa witness the rgae-tinte<l or pesrl-tint«rl pliers
uow iaoaauasresL
Ws sooM yean sines indicated the means by which photo-
^f^ha Bsay be immenariy iaptoTed by having a suitable
tests impsitsd to ths pnpsr aftsr tfaey are finished, so far as the
msra photognphie o|Mtatioos an oaooened. U, provious to
bdag drisd alter washing; ths pcinte an immened for a few
miBotss fai water in wiueh a few dropa of any of the rouline
'Ijrea have bsso dissi^Md, Jndaoo's dres for inatanoe, they will
bs found to hnve aoqoind an area and beautiful tint that will
be more or less permanent, that ia, if they be not such colours
aa will MsBsh tinder protnetad sxposure to sunshine. It was
in this way that aoiae asnaatioaal and greatly adiaired moou-
li^ Tiswa of Venioe, still to be seen in the shop windows of
printssUscB, wen produced, the white nuMobeams tipping the
wavea and forming the high lights on some of the buildings
being blfshad oat by jndkioas tooches of a pen dipped in a
dflotsd asid, by whisli tbs eok>ar vt the «niltns ia discharged.
ItydneUoris or other acids aarra either to diKharge the dyed
aoloiir ahogsthsr, ss in the foamaticsi 'of a moon, or to lower
the tOBS when by an error of judgment thia kaa been too pro-
nonncad. The degne o( dflution is the factor by which the
rsdasiioo of the tint ia dstemined.
Ws have not foond any of the aniline dyea produce quite
xuoh a food India tint on a photognph as can be imparted by
a atapls sqnaoBS iafuaion of oofliM. Thia, as our lady renders
•re awsnb farms the means by which 'J>f lace is created out of
I lie uo«er I'ruductiuis of tbs* niutviiitl, ao<l wc sere aware of
one geutleman, Mr. Weir Brown, who has been employing it
of late with much success. "
In such trials as we have made in India tinting, we have
tried both coffee and tea infusions with nearly equal success,
the strength of these being about such as that adopted in cer-
tain drj'-collodion processes of a past period. But the balance
of advantage seems to lie in favour of the former both in tone
anil in principle. The tannin in tea is not perhaps great, stiU
we know that it reacts upon certain silver salts. This will be
realised when we state that we have repeatedly developed
negatives by its agency, and hence an application of such a
potent agent to a silver photograph would certainly be a risky
proceeding. Coffee infusion, on the other hand, would possess
no harmful action ; we at any rate have not found it to do so.
CHANGING BOXES V£JiSU.S DAKK SLIDES.
.\LTHOL'<iH the necessity for sto]>piug outdoor work altogether
during the winter months does net exist now aa formerly iu
the old dry-collodion times, still the shortness of the days
leaves at the disposal of most amateurs a good deal of leisure
that during summer would be devoted to printing or other
purposes. This period of enforced idleness can'^cai-cely be used
to bett^ purpose than for reviewing t))e past and preparing for
the coming season.
The prominent feature of the past two or three seasons has
been the almost universal adoption of the hand camera, and,
though the number of these instruments is still on the increase,
there are not wanting sig^ of an inclination to return to the
use of the stand, and to larger nizes ; but, iu reverting to the
use of the older form of instrument, the recollection of some
of the conveniences of the hand camera will remain, and it is
probable tliat the style < 'f the ordinary camera will ere long
undergo considerable modification from the introduction of
many of the ingeuiiities of the smaller instrumeut. In no
direction is this more likely to occur tlian in the method of
carrying, storing, and changing the plates or films.
The double dark slide has for very many years maintained
the premier position aa the means for the purpose, but there
is little use in attempting to deny the inconvenience that
ariaes from the bulky character of separate slides, or the care
that is neoeasary to keep them in working order and to
prevent their admitting light to the sensitive films. So
delicate is their construction that each hinge and stiuttcr is
a source of constant anxiety, and, considering tiie i< nocking
about that the average slides have to imdergo, it speaks
volumes for the skill of the manufacturer that their lives are
not much shorter sn I the ajci<luuts niiitii mure numerous than
iLfj are. A Set of double klidcj too, f r a duzcu jilut'.s, inore-
834
THE BRITISH JOURNAL, OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[December 30, 1892
over, costs, it of the best construction, a considerable sum, as
much as, indeed, or more than, the camera.
The dark slide, either single or double, is, of course, an
absolute necessity in some form or other, and, where only one
or two plates have to be exposed, or where a dark room is
available for changing, it is undoubtedly the best moans.
But for out-door purposes generally, and especially when
travelling, the inconvenience of a large number of separate
slides is felt, aud we may go back to the very earliest days
of photogi'aphy upon glass before we find the first attempt, in
the form of a " changing box," to dispense with them. Pre-
vious to the changing box, however, in the old wax-paper days,
the sheets of sensitive paper wore frequently carried in a single
slide, pressed against a piece of plate glass, a changing arrange-
ment, usually in the form of a bag, into which the slide and
tlie ojierator's hands could be passed, enabling the front sheet
to be removed to the back after each exposure.
This forms, perhaps, the acme of primitiveness in changing,
•and with more or less modification may form, as in fact it does,
the principle upon which really useful methods may be based.
In its earliest application to glass plates, a single dark slide
and an ordinary light plate box were employed in conjunction
with the changing bag ; aud, as we look back many years to
the use of such an arrangement, we arc not cognisant of any
feeling of inconvenience in its application.
The first changing box proper, that is to say, one which
enabled the changing to be done without the aid of the bag,
consisted of a grooved plate box with a hinged flap lid sliding
in guides. In the hinged portion, which folded flat against the
side of the box when not in use, w^as a slot provided with pro-
jecting jaws, into which the dark slide could be fixed, the end
of the slide so attached being also provided with a corre-
sponding slot, which was closed by a sliding strip of hard wood
or bi-ass. In use the slide was connected with the jaws of the
changing box, and the folding lid was then slid into position
over any particular gi-oove, a simple metal catch falling into
notches retaining it in place, so that the two slots accurately
coincided, and allowed the plates to be passed into or out of the
box as desired.
This, when well made, proved a useful and efficient con-
trivance, but its simplicity placed it within the capacity of
inferior workmen, with the result that it was too frequently
found unsatisfactory, besides which the loose flap was a
nuisance, and unless great care was. observed the lid was
liable to slide off altogether at unexpected times. The first
improvement was made by Ottewill, w'ho replaced the flap lid
by a double one, sliding in two parallel grooves one beneath
the other. The upper half of the lid carried the jaws, which
were closed when not in use by the under lid, which was kept
in position by a spring catch. When the latter was loosened,
and the under lid drawn out to its fullest extent, the slot of
the jaws was found to be open and in position for the first
plate, the two portions of the lid being then firmly clamped in
their new position, and capable of sliding together so as to
bring the jaws over each groove in succession. An index and
pointer at the side of the lid indicated the number of the plate
with which tlie slide was in connexion, and a lever catch,
worked by the thumb of the operator, ensured its stopping in
exactly the right place. In many of Ottewill's changing slides
the inconvenient sliding strip by which the slot was opened
and closed was replaced by one which folded back into a recess
in the woodwork of the slide upon turning a button or lever
fixed outside.
The next great improvement was the automatic changing
box of American origin, first introduced into this country about
1874 by Hare. In all previous changing boxes it had been
necessary to close the lid of the box before detaching the
dark slide, and this of course involved the necessity of going
through the sliding operation twice for each plate, with the
consequent chance of forgetting the number of the plate last
exjjosed. In the automatic changing box, by an ingenious
an-angement, the act of sliding the plateholder or " back " into
the jaws causes the slot in the lid to open, the slide itself then
preventing the access of light ; similarly, when the slide is
detached, the first movement causes the sliding plate to close
the slot before the slide itself has commenced to uncover the
outer opening, and so the working of the instrument, so far
at least as the opening and closing are concerned, becomes
automatic. The slide itself is opened atid closed by means of
a spring catch operating upon the back which is hinged, and
on being released springs back a little from the plate, relieving
the latter of pressure and opening the slot to allow it free
passage.
The value of these improvements is found in the fact that,
when a plate is withdrawn from the box, the sliding lid may
be allowed to remain in position until the plate is returned,
and thus no uncertainty need arise as to its going into the
right gi-oove. In fact, there is no necessity to close the box
until the whole of its contents have been exposed, for from its
construction it may be carried as easily, and with as little
danger of accident, when fully open or when closed, this
result being attained by utilising a flexible sliding lid working
into the inside of the box instead of the hinged flap or double
lids of previous changing boxes.
Such were up to comparatively recenth- the only principal
methods of carrying plates for exposure in the field. The
introduction of hand cameras has added a large number of more
or less ingenious methods of storing and changing glass plates,
while the advent of flexible films has still further augmented
the list. Some at least of the newer systems could no doubt,
with little modification, be adapted to other than hand-camera
purposes if manufacturers and the more mechanically inclined
among amateurs would lead the way. It is very certain that
so far, at least, none of the existing methods of carrying and
changing either plates or films has proved to possess such
advantages as to place it clearly in front of the rest, and hence
it is that we still have the choice of various specially designed
storage reservoirs forming part of the camera, detached
changing boxes and roll-holders, as well as the old favourite
double slide.
The faults of the latter have been, as already stated, their
bulk and costliness, in addition to the great care always
requisite in order to avoid light leakage. As far as concerns
the expense there is absolutely no remedy, since, owing to the
extremely delicate workmanship, the cost of a slide of best
quality to carry two plates is nearly as great as that of a
changing box for six times the number ; whereas, in the case of
the latter, at a comparatively trifling addition to the original
price, the box may be made to hold double or treble the
number of plates or films. Of course, when glass is in question,
the capacity of the changing box is in a measure limited by
the weight of the contents, but with films this is not so, at least
to the same extent ; and a storage box for cut or reliable films
may be easily made to carry fifty or sixty exposures without
exceeding in bulk and weight the old changing box for a dozen
plates and considerably under in those respects double slides.
December 30, 1S93]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
835
The double slide to" can, unfortunately, not be made much
more compact or lighter than it has hitherto been, owiu" to
the fact that the greater portion of its thickness, and con-
sequently its bulk and weijtht, are devoted to the shutters,
rather than to space occupied by the plates. If that space
be reduced to the utmost limit or entirely ignored, it is
scarcely possible to bring the thickness of the slide below half
an inch, and then the cost, owing to the necessity for finer
work, would in all probability be enhanced rather than lowered-
The future outlook would therefore seem to be in the direction
of changing boxes.
The objections formerly brought to bear against these were
their liability to break down or " stick " at awkward times,
and the great risk of accidents from forgetting the number of
the pUte in use, and the consequent running it into the wrong
groove. We can only say, after an experience of thirty years
with changing boxes of various kinds, that we have not had
half a dozen accidents from the causes named, and, when they
did occur they were directly due to carelessness. If the plates
are of the proper size and thickness, as well as properly cut
—and, what is of greater importance, if they are put through
the changing operation before leaving home — all dan^'er ceases
from that direction, and if a memorandum be systematically
made of each plate directly it is either removed from, or re-
turned to, the box, not much of a loophole remains for forget-
fulnen.
Bat even the latter danger disappears entirely if the system
of grooved boxes be dispensed with, as has been done success-
fidly, and, in place of it, the plan adopte<I of a )k>x with two
openingB, one for taking out the plate, the f>thtr for rctunung
it after expoaurc. These two openings can be intelligibly
marked, and, in addition, can be so arranged that it is only
poasible for the plate to pMB one imy ,- and, if in addition an
amiigement be adopted for stoppint; the exit when the last
plate has been expoacd, it is difticult to see how any mistake
can occur.
This ia no fancy picture of an impossibility, but the actual
principle of more than one cimnging box we have seen in use,
some of which wc may describe in detail on another occasion.
A SIMPLE METHOD OF PRODUCING EXAMKLLED
PRINTS.
Altiiouoh there is, unquestionably, a growing taste amongst
the public, the same na there is with the more artistic photo-
graphent, for matt and rough-surface-paper pictures, still there is
a great demand for those with a highly glazed surfucc, and that
too Dotwithstuiding that they have so frcipieiitly, of late years,
been decried oa garish and only tit t<> adorn sweetmeat boxes
and the like. This fact is evidenced by the large number of
prints mounted in optical contact with glass " opalines " that
are prodace<l and which command such a ready sale, as well as
the constant demand for enamelled portraits ; also by the
iidditional fact, tliat with the gelatiuo-chloride printing-oQt
paper it is very general to 8i|ueegee the face of the print in
contact with a glas>> or other f>oli8hed surface, in order to still
further enhance the gloss on the pictures.
Seeing that enamelled pictures are still being largely called
for, and. Judging' I'v the present taxte of no inconsiderable sec-
tion of the public, arc likely to be for some time to come, it is
well to consider whether the present method of producing
them is the best, namely, that by enamelling a silver print
with gdatiae and collodion I We think it may Ije conceded
that it is not. The operations are troublesome, and occupy
considerable time from the beginning to the finish, while, after
all, but a more or less fugitive result is obtained. It has often
been a surprise to us that a much less troublesome, and more
expeditious, method of producing enamelled pictures has so long
been neglected, particularly when it is considered that the
results obtained are unquestionably permanent — a condition
that cannot be claimed for any other process by which
enamelled prints are made. We allude, of course, to the
carbon process.
This process, now that ready-sensitised tissue is a regular
article of commerce, is the simplest and at the same time the
most expeditious system of making highly enamelled pictures.
All that has to be done is to develop the exposed tissue on a
collodionised ghiss plate, squeegee on the transfer paper, and
allow to dry. When it is stripped off, there is the finished
print, with all the highly glazed surface of a silver print
enamelled with a film of collodion and gelatine in the usual
way. Toning and long washing are dispensed with, and the
pictures can be obtained in a great variety of colours, according
to the tissue employed. Furthennore, by the system of
developing on the yielding, yet, as it were, cementing film of
collodion, the softer and more delicate half-tints are secured in
greater jjprfection than in, perhaps, any other form of cai'bon
work. Indeed, this particular system of working may be con-
siflered iis a refinement of carbon printing.
.\s the carbon process is now so generally understood, it
would be superfluous to say much on the subject ; still, it may
be well to give one or two practical hints on that phase of it
now under considei-atiou, because the plan of developing on a
collodion film, to secure the highly enamelled surface, has not
received a very large share of attention during the past few
years. A glass plate is thoroughly cleaned, and then treated
with French chalk in the customary manner. It is then coated
with enamel collodion, such as that employed for silver prints.
.\fter the collodion is well set, the plate is immersed in cold
water until the solvents are washed away. When the greasi-
uess has disappeared, the film is ready tf receive the exposed
print, or prints— for each plate may be largo enough to hold
several. This is desirable when working ou a commercial scale,
as it takes no longer to develop half a dozen impressions than
it does one. The exposed prints are soaked in water in tlio
usual way, and then laid in position, face downward, on the
wet collodion film. A piece i>f indianibber cloth is then placeil
over the whole, and the squeegee applied, as in other method-
of working. The plate is then placed between blotting-papi i
for a short time. The pictures are next develoj)ed with wain
water and alumed. Indeed, these operatious difter in no wise
from the ordinary routine now so well known to every novice ii
carI)on printing.
When using ordinary glass as a temporary support, a littli
diliiculty may be experience<l at first in judging of the develop
mcnt, as the picture, at this stage, is viewed by transmitted
whereas, when finished, it will be seen by reflected, light. Bu
"WltlTvery little experience this difficulty will disappear. How
ever, the effect in the finished result can always be judgo
with certainty by putting a piece of white paper behind th
glass and looking at the image by reflected light. In place <
plain glass, ])olished opal may be employed. This does awfi
with the difficulty just alluded to ; but the glass is more ei
pensive, and possesses no advantage, after a little experiem
has been gained with the other. When the pictures have bee
alumed and rinsed, the plate may be allowed to dry, or tlj
8sa
THE BRITISH JOOKiNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
tniusfer paper may be attached at once. When the latter is
done, too much pressure should not be applied with the
squeegee, as it might " squasli " the image, which is still tender.
If the pi-ints require any spotting, they must be allowed to
dry. The spotting is then done on the cai-bon film, with tube
oil colours, thinned with rectified turpentine, vhich will diy in
a very short time.
As soon as tlie transfer pajier is attached the pictures
become analogous to ordinary silver prints, after they are
squeegeed on to the gelatined collodion, as regards the mount-
ing and finishing, and this may be conducted in precisely tlie
same manner to secure the highest gloss. Witli regard to tlic
mounting, some prefer, after the buck of the transfer paper has
become surface-dry, to apply a second or even a third sheet of
it. Then, when the pictures are stripped off, they may be
trimmed and attached direct to tlie mounts, with glue applied
at the edges, without fear of disturbing the brilliancy of the
surface. If the prints show any tendency to leave the glass
before they are perfectly dry, it is a good plan to put a few
letter-clips round the edges of tLe plates to secure them. The
best kind to use are those known as '■ bull-dog " clips, which
may now be had with jaws six inches long. One of these on
each edge will be sufficient even with large plates.
December 30, 1892
with interest, and it is merely enough now to refer to them. They
will be found described in the cliapter on " Thermography," in the
treatise on Lif//it, by Robert Hunt, reprinted from the Ejici/cloixpdia
Metiopoiitana (18o3).
Arborescent Photographs — .Some of the most beautiful
effects to be found in nature's handiwork are those so plentiful this
present season, the arborescent forms of frozen moisture on window
panes. Some exquisite photooiraphs have been taken of them and
utilised m various ways. On one occasion a Christmas caid was made
up by one of our readers with such a picture as a basis ; on another a
pattern designer was able to onmment a damask tablecloth by
adopting its forms and so on. Lately, however, interest lias been
formed in yet another manifestation of the freezing of water. The
pages of our contemporary, Knture, contain a number of letters-
showing how interesting and beautiful are the forms produced by
frozen wind, wlietlier the thick slush of the roadside puddle or the
pinguid ooze tbat distinguishes the footpaths in a wet, dirty season.
The photograplier in search of novel effects may evidently with
advantage find here fresli field for enterprise.
Kon-photog-raphic Z<atent Xmag-es.— It is now a long
time since the question as to the " mechanical or cliemical '' nature of
the latent image was considered worthy of discussion, though the
older of our readers will remember many severe discussions on the
subject; but at the Pliysical Society a little time Mgo another old,
much-argued topic was revived in the shape of an account of a series
of original investigations on "Breatli Figures"—?".?., visible images
produced on glass when it was breathed upon after certain previous
treatment. The paper was by Mr. ^^^ B. Croft, and described his
success in repeating results described by Professor Karsten, of Berlin,
fifty years ago. The effects Mr. Croft obtained were as singular as
interesting. Briefly stated, they consisted in placing a coin or coins
on sheets of scrupulously cleaned glass, passing a powerful electric
current through glass and coin, the whole previously covered with tin-
foil, and observing how the glass acted when breathed upon. No
change was visible under the microscope, but when either side is
breathed upon a clear frosted picture of that side of the coin tliat
faced it is seen upon the surface of the glass. Without any electricity,
similar " breath figures " were produced when " stars and crosses of
paper are placed for a few hours beneath a plate ot glass." Writino-
on paper, done some hours before the experiment, will similarly re-
produce itself, as also if an ivory style is passed with slight pressure.
Later on in his paper he alludes to the well-known case, a o-lass,
which has for some years lain over a framed picture, carefuUv pro-
tected from the entry of dust, showing a distinct representation of the
picture below it. " Possibly,'' Mr. Croft says, " light and heat have
^v jsened dust particles, and these have been drawn up to the glass by
the electricity made in rubbing the outer side to clean it." These are
a few of the leading points of the paper, the whole of which may be
seen. in Nafm-c, December i'2. But we would desire to point out
what, as evidenced by the scant bibliography appended to tlie article,
that after Moser (referred to therein) had piiwished his investigations'
(they appeared in the Juurnal of the Academy of Sciences of Paris for
July 18, 1842), wherein similar effects were described in e.vtenm, and
the claim advanced that they were due to the action of latent h"-ht
stored in the impressing object, Mr. Robert Hunt took the subject up,
and e.xpenmented largely. The effect of this experiment was to con-
vince himself that Moser's theory was an erroneous one, for he obtained
analogous effects when he used electricity in a manner very similar to
-Mr. Croft. But he did not content himself with breath figures ; he
deposited mercury on metalUc plates, and so secured an absolutely
permanent image. The multitude of experiments that this inde-
iatigable e.xperimenter made on this one subject alone are fraught
A New Kode of Silver Plating-.— A new method of
electro-depositing a silver alloy has been patented, and experimental
plant to prove its value has been in action for some considerable time,.
and 30 favourable are the results considered that a Company is now
being floated to work it. To photographers it possesses a double
interest. It utilises the well-known metal cadmium, and it promises-
to supply a coating cheaper, harder, more durable, and less liable to
tarnish than the usual electro-silver coating. We need only allude to
the rollers and plates of photograpliic rolling presses to point out the
value of such a method if all that is promised for it be fulfilled.
-Many photographers start usmg such presses, but we should Uke to
know how many of them find it convenient to have the rollers and
plates recoated when they are found in course of time to be worn
away? The ordinary electrically deposited silver is so soft that a
very little friction suffices to abrade and wear away a considerabla
thickness. A coating thick, strong, and little tamishable will be a.
boon, and we should predict a great success for the " Areas- Platino-
Company." '"
Sum Arabic — Mr. W. V. Hewlett writes to Xafure from
Paliiatua, New Zealand: " Can you inform me what is now sold in
England as gum arable ': I used to be able to buy a soluble o-um :
what I get now is the same in appearance, but it will not dissolve!
It swells up, truly, but will not form a homogeneous filterable solu-
tion. It would be a great boon to small buyers if such things were
sold under their proper names. Am I right in supposing that smce
the Soudan trouble gum arable has disappeared from commerce ?"
Captain Abney in America — We understand that Captain
W. de A\ . Abney, P.K.8., has been invited to represent the Royal
Society on the occasion of the loOth anniversary of the American
Philosophical Society in May 1893.
The Darkening- of Silver Chloride.— In the December
number of the American Journal of Science Mr. Carey Lea, in the
course of some notes on silver chlorides states thai fused silver
chloride, poured into petroleum and placed in the sunliglit without
removing it from the liquid, is instantly darkened. From this it
appears that the presence of oxygen or moisture is not essential to the
darkening of silver chloride in light. The chlorine may be taken up
by some other substance.
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC MIRAGE.
MoNS. Gaston Tissandieb treats, in a recent number of the Parts
Photof/raphe, of this singular photographic phenomenon, which he has
studied for several years. The instances he gives of its occurrence are
extremely curious, the first being supplied by M. Paul Roy, professor
at the Lycee in Algiers. M. Roy stated that at an elevation of 2-JU-
DacemVe 90, 189-2]
TBE BMTiSH JODKNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
837
matrea, where then was b »Iigfat nust due to the heat of the sun (the
time being 8 A.M.), he took a portrait of his son with the full aperture
of the lena, (riTing a second's expoeare.' With a cl*r atmosphere,
M. Key said that this would have been far too much exposure, one-
twentieth of a second sufficing. The lad was seated quite clear of any
.•h'unintemipted light fnD upon him, the background being
isn^ trees and bushes. A slight current of air showed,
l\ ': "<Ai:._- at the background of trees, that the mist was in motion.
W i;.n M Koy derekiped the plate he was extremely surprised to
jee his own portrait, in the attitude in which he was when making the
ezpoeoiv, behind the picture of his son, and having a somewhat
alhooette^fike appesranee. Onr eeteemed contemporary reproduces
the photograph. M. Roy further obeenes that the image of him-
s«lf vMB not well defined, as of ooniae be was not motionless at the
time of the exposure, and he also states that he made other attempts
to repeat the axpariment, but without success.
In the foicg«inff case, the image of the operatcn', as M. Tissandier
obserres. is dearly visible. That gentleman compares the picture to
a "spirit photograph," of the kind obtained by double exposure.
Here, bowerer, there is no suspidon of cheating, and hence he con-
dndes that the image of the operator was reflected on to the thin
curtain of misti behind the sitter. He also takes occasion to remark
that it i« well known that shadows are occasionally cast on fog, and
«iinaises that, in this case, the shadow of M. Roy, tliough truly cast
on the mist, was not Tisihie to the naked eye, although sufficiently
sensible as to inpreH a fdata by the aid of a lens.
In a second ease, M. Tissandier allodes to a photograph, taken by
Mons. C. Le CorbeiDer, of the atatns of Darid, on the Place Michael-
Anado, at Floieooe, with the image of the statue and its pedestal
showing in the donds. The pbotagra]di was taken one af t«moon at
the end of .A.pril, after a Tioknt rBi»*torm ; the sky was doudy, the
pictme bad three seeosds' expomre, and .M. Le Corbdller states that,
at the momeat of expoeing, the cloud image was inTisiUe to him.
31. Tissandier considers that there i« a strong anafcgy between the
explanatioD attaching both to the hitter and the former cases of mirage
photogtaplu ; hut he withholds any definite ofunion as to the actual
cum of the phaBOOMnon, wiady hinting that it U well to be guarded
agaiaat mare iBiMiwM and defeda b oneV apparatus.
Altar nfertiiv to the ease of the transparent figure shown in a
Tiew o( tha llli—layn to whieh our contemporary, the Journal oj
the n*tafrtpUe Son'ty of /mlM,Teon>tly deroted a large illustration
—a phenomenon which gare soaa of our Indian friends considerable
tnoble to aceoont for— BI. Tteaa£er oondodesby regarding a photo-
graph by Dr. Bernard aa offering a phenomenon anak>gons to the fore-
going. Thii ]«cture (which is re|in)duoed) b that of an hotel, the
windows of which are redaeted on the grwud in front of it. Tb.-
windows, however, are not " toRMd nond " as regards top and bottom ,
as should be the case in a direct re6ectk)a.
A photograph of a eV»ck, with its own reflection "In space," was
alio sent to M. Tissandier. who hesitateii to say whether this and the
foregting pheaooMna are cansed i>y doable impresHons, or by mirage.
He, howeTsr, seams indined to regard the photographic mirage aa
playing a part in the production of such doable images as the fir^t
one here cited. The abore fads are as interesting as they are curious,
and aight be worth studying.
in being able to judge of the progress the plate is making in the way
of density by the manner in which the imago comes along, and can
soon tell "whether the exposure has been about right. ,
A vei-y important point, doubtless, is the getting of satisfactory
gradations and suitable densities in the negatives. Over-density is
as fatal to success as too little, for with the former much delicate
detail is apt to be buried. Aa intelligent worker, however, will be
able to guard against errors in this respect once he has had a little
experience in the use of isochromatic plates. In my practice I find a
developer weak in pyro gives most harmonious results. The follow-
ing is a good formula : —
^First and foremost, use plenty of developing solution. This should
never be stinted, and for, say, a twelve by ten plate at least twelve
ounces ought to be used in a dish but very little larger than will hold
the plate. I mix —
PHOTOORAPHIXO STAINED-GLASS WINDOWS.
II.
Is a pivtioas artide on this subject I rpferred to the costing of the
ba^ of the platsa with asphaltum as a preventive of halation, and
iiaiiitinasil Ast in ay praetioe I found it more convenient to remove
j,^,^ tfUr derelopaaent rather than previous to the plate being
daraloped, thus aroiding the chance ot fingering and soiling the plate
in thada^ room.
TUa tiaffcipg Mag oo tlie glass dde of the pfaite, and not being re-
aovad usawoM to daralopasent, o( eourse prerents an operator from
bitag aba to jodga of the density of his plate during development by
yt^itg thro«wh tha film against the bght, as in ordinary practice
with nwViH*? plateo ; bat this need not in any way deter a worker
from adopting this mode of developing, for the image can be seen
Mfldently well by looking down on the plate a« the development
mjcced*, and any one after n little experience will have no difficulty
Cold water 12 ounces.
Sulphite of soda 2 „
Dry pyro 20 grains.
This is flooded over the plate, and wliile on the negative I place in
the developing cup half an otmce each of saturated solutions of car-
bonate of soda and potash. The pyro solution is then replaced in the
cup, and the whole reapplied. The image generally comes along in
beautiful gradations, and when the shadows begin to veil over
development should be stopped, the rest of the operations being con-
ducted just as in ordinarj- cases, a solution of bromide being at hand if
development rushes up too soon.
After the plates are fixed and well washed, the asphaltum is easily
removed by scraping off with a blimt^edged knife.
A very important item when developing or using isochromatic
plates in an/form is the guarding of the plate from ruby or other
light during development. I firmly believe one-halt of the failures in
the working of these admirable plates is due to want of proner pre-
cautions in this respect. After a good many trials I am mcUned to
think that the safest light to use is two thicknesses of deep orange
with an intermediate sheet of deep green glass, but even with this
the film should be shielded by a cardboard over the develoning dish
during development, and the procrress watched at intervals. To a
worker accustomed to taking Hbeities with ordinary plates, doubtless
this at first will prove irksome, hut the extra precautions are more
than repaid bv the marvellous results obtained.
I have said'that for exposure sunlight, in most cases, is the best to
employ. Nevertheless, circumstances will transpire in which it will
be found, owing to the situation of the window being placed with a
northern a.spect, that it is impossible to take advantage of sunlight for
making the exposure. The work in sucli cases must then be done with
the best diffused light obtainable. Another troublesome circumstance
often met with it when working by diffused 5ght is the unequal
illumination of the window from its close proximity to some building
which intercepts the sky line. The result of thU is seen in the top
portion of the window being very much better lighted than the
bottom. When this trouble is met with, the image should be care-
fully noted on the ground glass of the camera, and a thread line run
acTMS about the focal length of the lens in front of the camera just
at the height where excessive illumination from the top of the window
begins to fall off. This thread is fastened to some convement supports
on either side of the camera, and serves as a guide to an operator for
shielding off the light by wafting up and down a piece of dark card-
board at intervaU. By this means a more equal Ulummation of the
plate is obtained. . • ^ i
The unvdling of stained-glass windows is generally a most interest-
ine ceremony, and one that U not idways performed by means of
davlight. In cases when- it U desired to bring together large
audiences, such as a congregation, to witness the unveUing of, say, a
memorial window in some sacred edifice, it sometimes happens that
the congrt-gation can only be got together as a body after business
hour., or at nightfaU; hence a system of unveihng by means of arti-
fidal light has come to be adopted, and, so far as the dlummation of
ajidnd»w, for all practical purposes of inspection, for the time being,
U concerned, the idea is a good one and works very well. The plan
is to ere<-t a platform at a convenient distance, facing the wmdow,
outside the building, so that a pair of powerful mixing jets can throw
a disc of limelight over the window, the interior being darkened. An
enthusiastic amateur friend of mine on a recent occasion was quite
exuberant over the idea of being able to attend with his camera in
the front of a gallery on this occasion, imagimng he would succeed.
I told him it would bo useless, and so Uie result proved.
Perhaps of aU the various colonic met with m .stained-glass
windows an operator will he most puz: 1 d to account for the varying
behaviour of hU plates to the effect of :tiby colours, even m one and
838
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[December 30, 1892
he same window. I once met with a case where for a long time I
could not understand how I tailed to get equal results from the ruby
portions of a window, the colours of which, so far as the eye could
' ludge, seemed to be identically the same. This was most noticeable
in a case where tlie centre figure, witli its surrounding, was extended
over the mulUons into oUier windows alongside. The ruby in the
centre panel came out well represented on development, but the
side panels showed a distinct baldness when compared with the
centre. On inquiry at the glass-stainer's, and showing a proof print
from the negative obtained, I was met with a laugh, and informed
that there were several kinds of ruby glass, and that doubtless the
shading-off so admirably represented on the window was obtained by
using a special sample of ruby-coloured glass specially prepared to
obtain gradations of tints whereby a fine plastic effect is obtained. I
was soon deeply interested in these different samples of ruby-coloured
glass, and in a few minutes had three distinct samples placed before
me tlie colom-ing of which it was almost impossible to detect any
difference in. A close inspection, however, divulged the fact that
they were entirely different. No. 1 was flashed ruby on yellow;
No. 2, ruby on blue ; No. 3, ruby on white ; and these samples were
not evenly flashed, it being very desirous at times to get variations,
such as high lights on a drapery, by means of these thin portions ;
and in many instances where these graduated portions could not be
worked in or utilised the practice of etching was adopted. I soon
found out how I had been puzzled over the samples of ruby.
Blues, again, sometimes give curious results. In cases where the
colours verge into a peacock tint, a good impression will be obtained
without the use of any yellow screen ; but in cases where the blues
are of an ultramarine tint a yellow screen will be required. Different
workers have their own particular fancy for using these yellow
screens, some preferring them behind and some between the combina-
tion of the lenses; but I like best to employ a perfectly fiat sheet of
glass, one surface of which is flashed canary colour, up against the
sensitive plate. Allowance must be made for this in focussing, but
in practice sharp results are obtained quite easily with them.
Yellow screens, however, in my opinion, should he used with
caution, for they often do more harm than good where a variety of
colours is being dealt with. T. N. ARsrsTBONa.
^ ■
ON SILVER HEMISULPHATE.*
All the specimens of this new substance contain a little phosphoric
acid which cannot be removed. Reckoned as phosphoric anhydride
it amounts to a little over two per cent. Three determinations gave
respectively, 2-30 ; 2-09 ; 2-18, mean 219.
It is apparently united vrith silver, and this silver phosphate is
united so firmly with the double sulphate that it cannot be detached.
If it were not so united it would be dissolved in the nitric acid with
which the substance is three times treated if it were normal phosphate,
and if it were hemiphospliate it would be converted (if in a free state)
to normal phosphate and dissolved.
Another attempt to remove this phosphate was made by heating
the substance with sulphuric add to 100° C. for ten hours, followed
by copious treatment with boiling distilled water to wash out the sul-
phate which it was hoped would be formed at the expense of the
phosphate. It seems difficult to believe that a silver phosphate could
resist tliis treatment, but a quantitative determination showed that
the proportion of phosphoric anhydride is not even diminished by it.
Other modes of formation than those described here were e.\peri-
mented on with the view of obtaining the substance free from
phosphate, but without good result.
It is possible that the silver phosphate may be combined in definite
proportions, and the approach to uniformity of composition somewhat
favours this idea. But such a view would require the assumption of
a large, perhaps too large, a molecule.
Analyses,
A. Material prepared from silver carbonate and dried at 100° C.
(1) (2) Mean.
Ag 76' 13 70-7.5 76-44
0 3-29 3--'9
P.,0, 2-30 209 3-19
SO,-. 1619 16-47 16-33
Water 1-78 1-78
99-69
100-03
Determinations.
A percent. Fj3^ 80, O
'l 78-59 3-93
1 78-45 3-69
77-16 3-61
( 75-43 218 16-61 3-29
\ 75-46 3-25
1 75-35 1-77
Mean 76-74 Mean 3-.55
The determinations of phosphoric and of sulphuric anhydride
placed opposite the silver determinations to which they belong. The'
oxygen determinations are distinct.
The most reasonable interpretation of these results is that we have
to do with a double sulphate of silver hemioxide and protoxide in
which a portion of sulphuric acid is replaced by phosphoric. The
proportion of phosphoric acid seems to be nearly constant, three
concordant analyses having given 209, 2-30, and 2-18, with a mean of
2 19, These proportions may be expressed by the formula : —
7(Ag,S03Ag„S03lLO) + Ag,rO,Ag,PO,.
The comparison of this formula with results obtained is as follows : —
Calculated. Found (Mean).
Ag 76-78 76-44
SOj 1.5-67 16-33
P„0, 1-98 2-19
O' . 3-80 .-{•29
H„0 1-76 1-78
B. Material prepared by various other methods considered less
j-eliable.
* C'onrluded from page 82S.
100-00
100 03
This large molecule results from the relatively small proportion of
PoOj, and although the figures obtained for phosphoric anhydride are
very concordant, it perhaps is better to consider the substance as a
double sulphate in which part of the sulphuric acid is liable to he-
substituted by phosphoric. If the silver phosphate is taken as ad-
ventitious, the formula becomes simply Ag4S04.'Vg2SOjH..(-».
Decompositions. — The action of alkaline hydroxides is confirmatory
of the above conclusions, and also offers further proof of the great
stability of the substance.
When the double salt is placed in contact with excess of dilute
sodium hydroxide it blackens, being converted into a mixture of the
hemioxide which is intensely black, and the normal oxide. This
decomposition, however, takes place much more slowly than with the
salts of the protoxide, so that (unless heat has been applied), if after
ten or fifteen minutes the alkali is poured off and tlie oxides are
dissolved with dilute nitric or sulphuric acid, a considerable residue is
found of the red-brown double salt which had escaped decomposi-
tion.
With continued treatment with sodium hydroxide (that obtained
from metallic sodium was used as being absolutely free from chlorine),
the decomposition is complete.
The oxide thus precipitated -vVas thoroughly dried at 160" — 170^ C,
weighed and ignited. Fi?e determinations of oxygen from various
specimens gave 4-73; 4-6;>, and again 4'24 ; 419; 4-17 per cent, of
oxygen respectively. A salt with the constitution already described
should yield one molecule each of hemioxide and of normal oxide,
and this mixed oxide should contain 4-C8 per cent, of oxygen. We
have then: —
Mean of 5 Calcniated.
Determinations.
Oxygen per cent 4-.'59
4-68
The double salt is more readily decomposed by h;-drochloric and
hydrobromic acid, or even by alkaline chlorides or bromides. Under
their action it instantly blackens. That part of the silver that exists
in the form of hemisulphate is converted into black hemichloride or
bemibromide. The extreme instability of these hemihaloids causes
them spontaneously to i-esolve themt^elves into metal and nornuil
haloid. They rarely remain nji hemiiiiiLId for more tliiisi au iiuur ur
two, and often for much less time. The change is often quite sudden,
and is easily observed by the alteration of colour, the black of the
heuiihaloid passing into the metallic gray colour belonging to a
mixture of normal haloid with metallic silver. The hemibromide
seems to be little less unstable than the hemichloride.
Tnis instability does not render an analysis impossible, since both
the products of the change are insoluble ; but renders it somewhat
more difficult, as the freshly-formed silver haloid tends to run through
a filter. Sometimes, indeed, it seems as if traces of the silver chloride
Decem1)er SO, 1893]
THE BRITISH JOUKIVAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY
839
were far a few moments soluble in water with a yellow colouration.
The appewaaee of thia yellow colour in the water ia apt to be the first
indication of the splitting up of the hemichloride.
Two analysee were made, one of material obtained hr actinfi; on the
brown salt with dilute hydrochloric acid; this contained 81'79 per
cent, of the silrer. One by decomposing it with sodium chloride ;
this giree SI'S:! per cent. A substance naving the formula already
giren should, by conTer»ion into chloride, give a mixture in which
two-thirds of the silver should exist as hemichloride, and one-third as
DOimal chloride. We hare then
r-Foand-t
1 2
Mm.
Calcnlaix
g per cent.
- eiTO 81-03
81-86
82-35
s nsoh sufficient close to afford a confirmation of the constitution
asaumad.
When the brown salt is decomposed with dilute hydrobromic acid or
an alkafine bromide, a rorres|ion(ling remit is obtained. By treatment
with hydnbromic acid a mixed bromide resulted, which proved to
contain 'i'. iX> per cent, of silrer.
A general conaideration of all the reactions which I have obtained
miiiiil to indicate that the action of sulphuric acid and sodium
hypophospbite on silver carbonate does not lead directly to the pro-
duction of tb<> double salt which I have deecribed, but that the hemi-
salt is produced in eicess, often in large excess ; that the nitric acid
oxidises this exeess, being able to attack the /rn hemisalt, but not
that portion which b combined with protoaalt and so rendered stable.
It follows that, whatever has been the original relative proportion
between the two salts, the nitric treatment leaves ahvavs one molecule
of each. If it were poanble to control the formation, it is not improb-
able that a par* hemisolphate might to obtained. But the action of
the hypophosphite tends so strongly to carry the reaction still further,
that reduced silver appean, and in removing this with nitric acid the
doable salt iwolts. A confirmation of this is found in the fact that
the treatment with nitric add much reduces the deep term-cotta
colour of the original product. If thia difficulty can be overcome, we
mav yet obtain hemisalt isolated.
-fhere is reason to anppose that muaarous other compoonds of silver
hemtoxide with oiyacias may exist. These compounds cannot be
obtained by acting oa the normal salta with sodium hypophosphite or
with hTpophospmiraas add, but it appears probable that they may
be yrfAiaced wnen the normal salts are formed in the presence of
sodium hyponhoephita. If to the last-named salt we add a solution
of a salt capaol* of precipitating ulver nitrate, and then further add
silrer nitrate, we obtain pnK;ipitates which, after standing some hours
with frequent stirring, appear to contain compounds of silver hemi-
oxide. But these products do not resist the action of nitric acid;
consequently there appears to be no means of purifying them and of
deciding with certainty as to their nature.
When sodium citrate and hypophosphite are dissolved together,
and a little silrer nitrate added to get rid of chlorides, then after
standing and filtering more silver nitrate is added, a precipitate is
obtained which, after a time, appear* to contain alver hemicitrate in
an impure form. When a littM of thb precipitate is put into much
water containing a trace of ammonia (five or su drops to 100 ex.), a
fiaeraee-rMi h^lution reealts.
Most oxysalts of silver are darkened by light In a paper published
in this Journal for July, 1887, 1 mentioned that films of these salts
exposed to light and then treated with dilute hydrochloric or hydro-
bromic acid appeared to be converted into hemichloride or hemi-
bromide, and argued therefrom oxyacid bemisalts of silver must
eiist, and be formed by action of li|^t on normal salts. I believe
that I have been able to prove the existwiwi of a hemisulphate with a
strong probability that many other bemisalts may be formed both by
the action of light and also by purely chemical means. It is possible
that at sonM future time we may suooeed in obtstning some of these
' I in a state of purity. XI. Camy Lba.
S
KXHIBITIONS AND JUIWES.
I BATB aMDtionad the Photographic Society of Qreat Britain as un-
|MetioMbly the beat Society totske up a question of this importance.
ow,pnsamin|r that to the PtuMogTaphic Society of Oreat Britain
aM abeadT affiliated the following societies— (Jarl isle, Newcastle,
Snnderlaod and Darlington, Liverpool and Maix:bester, Birmingham,
Nottingham, Laicaster, Derby, Nortbaapton, Qloucester, Bristol and
Cardiff, Ipswich, Norwich and Yarmouth, and Tunbridge Wflls — we
have the nucieua of a national photographic union. £^ach of thew
societies should hold an exhibition yeax]j, private or open. The open
exhibitions might be arranged somewhat as follows : —
1893. London, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich, Notts, Derby,
Bristol, Northampton.
1894. London, Liverpool, Birmingham, Carlisle, Sunderland,
Gloucester, Ipswich.
189.5. London, Manchester, Newcastle, Yarmouth, Cardiff,
Leicester, Darlington, and Tunbridge Wells.
1896. London, Liverpool and Birmingham, Norwich, Notts,
Derby, Bristol, and Northampton.
This gives us an open exhibition every year in London, every two
years at Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, and Birmingham ; every
three vears at the remainder. The dates of these open shows to be
fixed by the secretaries after consultation, but in such a maimer as
to avoid a plethora of exhibitions at one and the same time. Private
shows to DC in the hands of the individual societies, but open
exhibitions to bo under combined management. The profits, if any,
to go to a central fund ; any losses — and these should be anticipated
— to be made good from the same source.
Medals of various values might be given in this way. A new
picture may be shown, but no matter what its excellence it receives a
first-grade medal; this enables it to compte at next showing with
other.s of like standing it possibly here receives a second-grade medal,
which entitles it to compete for a third-grade award, by which time
the competition would be one of giants, and a fourth-grade National
Union medal and diploma, difiicuTt of achievement to the insatiable
competitor, might U- added a championship prize for the best picture
of the year. The pictures of the fourth grade, or sufficiently good
duplicates, to become the property of the National Photographic
Union, and would go to make one of a series which would form the
backbone (not for compedtion) of any local exhibition, where not
previously exjubited, finally reaching its well-earned repose on the
walls or in the portfolios at headquarters.
At first right this might appear hard on the eminent photographer,
that, in fact, just as in Association football certain leading clubs are
exempt from the aualifying stages for the Association Cup, these
eminent men should be allowed some licence. Be this how it may, we
know for certain that some of these eminent men are very uneven
workers and are not above showing pictures far below their
capabilities.
With regard also to the question of one man sweeping the board,
the ride should be that one medal only be given for one picture, but a
certificate of entry to a higher class might be given for others shown.
Then how should we deal with the " one-picture man ? " Simply in
the highest grades confining them to men who have achieved a certain
number of successes.
Who is to do all this ju Iging ? This is a difficult problem indeed
at first sight ; but, when we look into it, it is clear that in the earliest
stages the operation would be merely a " weeding out " of certain
work, and tnat the competition proper would not begin until the
higher stages were reached. Marks would have to be given each
pictun>, and the process would necessitate some time and much pains.
It is possible, of course, to do the judging ecimomically, and in most
exhibitions it might be advisable for a small local committee to
undert^e the work, but undoubtedly one Judge sent down from the
headquarters to adjudicate and rept)rt would \te likely to give most
satisfaction. He would be able to report on the work individually
and collectively.
With resrard to such Judges, it may be asked, where are they to be
found ? But surely this can be answered. There are highly
intelligent and well-informed members of the profes-nion, successful in
buainets, of high standing, liberal, sympathetic views, and able to
express their opinions. Some are still in business, but probably are
not so tied to the studio but they would be able and willing to adjudi-
cate. A few, perhap.«, have retired from active work, but with their
interest in the welfare of photography unabatfd. These doubtless
would be willing to take a journey north, south, east, or west. The
work should not be done for nothing, and a fee (as liberal as possible)
ahonldbe fixed and paid by the central authorities.
Auciiases, except lantern slides, might be a>iolishiHi. There is a
great Twiety in photographs, from the merely topographical to the
studies, more or lesi perfect, represeniing Komn idea or story. Now,
unquestionably the^mre must take the palm, and ii U probable that,
measured by gradrs, specimens of this claw only would live through
the grades requisite to achieve the highe-t point of excellence. -It is
clear that a pure landscape or bit of architecture w. uld need to be
transcendently beautiful to achieve ttie like dixtinctioo, and, even
with regard to the figure studies, how many niimTous degrees of
excellence there are ! Of the larg« number of admirablx studies, how
few linger in one's memory as do Robinson's Cam/ling and Sawyer's
MiionUght and Ticilight pictures! 1 mmtion thci* merely out of
840
THU BRITISH JOCJBNAL. OF PHOTOGRAPH ST.
December 30, 1892
considerations of space, not that I forffet others ; but it is easy to see
that our beat exponents of photojfrapbic possibilities would always be
found on the top rung of the ladder.
I throw out these brief suggestions in the hope that others will
take up the subject. By judicious kickin<r on the part of some of our
forward men, we may land the ball safely into goal. J. Pike.
SPECTACLES AND MAGNIFIERS FOR PHOTOGRAPHEKS.
The interesting editorial article on "Magnifiers for Retouchers,"
opens up a subject not only of pr.ictical importance, but also of great
moment to photographers, as regards the preservation of eyesight.
The power of vision varies so much, not only individually, but also
in each eye, and if there is a distinct variation in focus, refraction, or
muscular accommodation, then each eye should be separately suited.
I have, in the course of a long period of sight-testing, found some
curious differences in the two eyes. One eye, for instance, being long-
sighted, the other, short : while on several occasions I have found that
all the work is being done by one eye, and the patients were not
aware of the fact until I proved it to them. The optometers, con-
structed on l)r. Smee's principle, are invaluable for sight^testing,
because with it, not only can the focus of each eye be found, but the
amount of accommodation registered. It also detects errors of re-
fraction, such as astigmatism, hypermatropia, or over-sightedness, and
also weak sights, which have little or no muscular accommodation.
A normal eye, having a certain range of vision on the scale, it is
easy, with a properly constructed instrument, to interpose lenses in
front of the patient while looking tlirough the standard eye lens of
same, in order to lengthen or shorten the focus of the eye, the re-
quired amount to correct the short or long-sightedness as the case
may be.
Even with this perfect arrangement something more is required in
cases of astigmatism, and Dr. T« -edy invented a simple arrangement
for detecting the presence of it, unl by means of a frame of lenses, all
rotating by the turning of a key "V head attached to a pinion moving
a rack running the whole length of the frame, finding the necessary
correction. These lenses, rotating in the cells, are cylindrical in form,
and have the property of elongating the object looked at through
them, the degree of elongation depending on the radius of the cylinder.
A great number of persons are affected by astigmatism, and often
without knowing it; and from the fact of never having known what
it was to see properli/ they had no idea of their deficiency. Now,
how can we find out if we have normal or perfect sight? First of all
we must try each eye separately on small typo and figures such as one
gets in Bradshaw or the ABC Railway Guide, holding the book ten
to fourteen inches from the eye ; then, by looking at fine lines radia-
ting from a central point, see if each line is divided from tJie next, and
looks equally black and sharp. The best distance to be noted for both
eyes, and also the range of distinct vision, from the nearest to the
farthest.
If a magnifjring lens is at liand, use that on the fine lines, and,
should astigmatism be present to an appreciable extent, it will be
found that there will be a different focus required for vertical lines to
that which is required for liorizontal.
In my own case, I see horizontal lines, and those near the horizontal,
sharply much nearer Ihan I see the vertical and those near to it. In
fact, with a lens six or seven inches in focus, on looking at a number
of parallel lines, drawn about une-sixteenth of an inch apart, I see
them sharply (when holding the magnifier at the same distance from
the eye) at a difference of about three-eighths of an inch, the distance
from paper to lens being three inches in one case (horizontal) and
three and three-eighths in the other (vertical).
Nearly everybody has a master eye — that is, are either right-eyed or
left-eyed. By this is meant that one eye is the active agent in
defining and giving the best impression of sight, while the other acts
by sympathy. If, for instance, I ci' icentrate my two eyes on a
definite object, with something intervi ing in the true line of sight of
same, I shall find that, on closing i:m master eye, the object has
moved considerably ; but, if the pa* ive eye is closed, the object
remains in the same position in relation to the intervening object —
say one's finger against a gasliglit at a far distance. Now, with regard
to near objects when using a magnifier. If one has so trained the eye
most employed to ignore the impression from the other, they can
naturally see the object magnified without distress, and keep the
second eye open. This is constantly done by microscopists and
astronomers when using the microscope or telescope, because it is
••a^ier to the si<rhtto workin this way. There is, however, a limit
beyond which one cannot do this in comfort, unci if, !■■ particularly
apparent when using magnifiers over two and a half inches diameter.
although I find I can, with an effort, use one of three inches. If one
makes an ink dot on the lens when in focus with print at a part near
the centre, when a certain letter is covered with one eye open, it will
be found a second ink mark will have to be made nearly an inch
away in order to cover the same object. This represents the differ-
ence (or the angle) of convergence of the two eyes. If a lens of four
inches diameter or over is employed, then, tho focus being longer,
the angle is more acute, and the eyes can properly converge to the
object when looking through the lens.
I was interested to try the effect of two double convex lenses of
eight inches focus used as a pair of spectacles, instead of the magnifier,
as suggested by the editor, and in a frame where the centres could be
altered at will. I found with the optical axis the same as one's eye-
width tliat the confusion was considerable when in focus, and, in fact,
the separation of the two impressions of the object considerable.
Even at the narrowest it could not be made to give a single image in
my own case without considerable muscular effort, so I can quite
think that any one peculiar or weak-sighted, ^vith little muscular
accommodation or natural adjustment of the eyes, could not manage
with deep lenses. I found after getting a focus and seeing the object
sharply, tho image of it, seen by one eye, would slowly travel along,
and be separated from half to one inch from the other image.
Magnifiers are very often made of too short a focus for the diameter,
and consequently have considerable distortion. It is far better t,
use a lens of moderate power that does not disturb the true form than
see the object large and indistinct or distorted. Try tho lens on
straight lines, or on a square that is just included in the field of the
magnifier, and if the former are curved or tho latter not rectangular,
do not use it, but have a compound lens made of twu lenses to give
the focus required. There is no doubt that in many simplerof every-
day matters of optics a great deal of carelessness is at time shown,
and consequently that precious organ of sight, "the eye," seriously
affected. G.R.Bakbk.
i
THE JUDGES AT WORK.
Whenever a gathering of coynoscenti is commenced for the purpose
of apportioning praise, two initial stumbling-blocks present them-
selves. In the first place, all the members are not sufficiently known
to each other to .act in concert with such instant and reasonably per-
fect precision as they should ; and, secondly, it generally happens that
none of them are very clear as to the exact conditions under which
they are to distribute their awards.
I particularly want these two points fully recognised, because they
lend additional support to those modifications in the regulations of
judging hitherto followed at the Pall Mall Exhibition below sug-
gested.
Before comirfg to this, I would say that the Judges, having been in
good time appointed, should each be furnished with a printed schedule,
clearly setting forth that which each one is called upon to criticise,
and should also receive a suitably drawn-up form on which he can
register his opinions.
And now we arrive at the chief alteration which seems to be called
for, ie., that in the future the ju(%ing shall cease to be conmltii;e,\tat
shall instead be strictly indicidual and isolated.
The advantages of this change are manifold. To begin with, its adop-
tion ensures there will no longer be any chance that medals are bestowed
by means of a kind of " give-and-take " procedure, which, amiable
enough in its intention, encourages the glorification of the personal
preferences of individuals rather than giving due weight to the aggre-
gate opinion of the whole Committee ; nor would there continue to
be any risk of the Judges indulging in the undignified but very
human practice of " follow my leader. '
In most assemblies, and particularly restricted ones, there is to be
found one man palpably taller than the rest^ — one whose obiter dictum
has almost the force of law, and is in itself powerful enough to pre-
vent the formation of any independent judgment.
Even when no such master-mind is present his place is usually
usurped by the man of self-assertion, who, probably, comparatively
deficient in critical ability, nevertheless imposes his views upon his
reluctant but pliable fellows. Besides the inherent objectionability of
this, it is distinctly to be deprecated, because the Society does not
intend that such a practice shotild obtain. If the Society is well
satisfied that the judgment of one man shall prevail, let it nominate
the Judge, and legalise the judgment: but, if it be of opinion that it is
not well for the great and extending diversities of expression in photo-
graphic art to be at the mercy of one person, however distinguished,
then must the consultive form of judging be for ever swept away.
Whatever the size or material of the che.«s-board, the pawns
thereju mo,e jii-t the satni', and eacW onj of us may readily frum his
Ueeember 30, 1803]
THE BiaXISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHl.
841
•own in«ybe humble and limited experienoes in coiuiultiTe judgiDg
opiiM what i« lilcel; to happen in even the most ** high and mighty "
gmllasT when this system pn-Taib : and, although the nett result may
not ahrkTB be the indiacriminate launching of medals, we know from
recent o<»iinMW that even the opposite extieme can be considerably
hnithil to the canae of photography, eapedally when the ruthless
withholding of Tewards breaks au implied promuie or a prescriptive
expectation.
In order that isolated judging may be feasible, it becomes necessary
to employ what is known as the mnrk $yttfiii.
Without stopping to elaborate a description of this, let me shortly
indicate by an example how it might be used.
There are, say, two i or some lar^r number) of Judgjes, A and B, for
** landscape photography," each of whom separately inspects all the
pictoiea. A awards to each exhibit aooording to merit, marks up to
ten (or anr other fixed maximum found mo<t convenient) for artietic
iptahty. B, for purely tivknical quaUty, awards a like number (or, if
so arranged, a Urger or smaller propovtion of marks).
I am perfectly aware that there are some theoretical objections to
the mark system, and also a few puerile practical ones, but they are
jiooe of them insuperable if the code adopted be carefully considered.
Anyhow, if some small inconveniences, or i!<)me fanciful shortcomings,
remain, such are far outweighed by the fact that the air is cleared
from suspicion, or corruption, or undue friendliness. It would be
worth far aon snious sacrifices than are likely to ensue if the result
be to plam the jadiriog for all time far above reproadi.
Yet another good thing would follow the independent system, and
that is the diwouiMentent of works which are grossly ^fective in
techaiqne or thtemnf " rmd and enfty of erenr draiehm " of art.
Tlait tik ta not tit^^ for I can personally tetttify. In past years
photognyiMn af nmloobted capacity aod pwition have taken very
seriooa iimbtagc becaose Judges, no doubt .>wayed by their inberent
k>ve of the beautiful, have ciren BMdals for prinu which, although
boaati^ of limner-like attnontes, ws«e painfully noticeable for faulty
or Ml^^pBt t^T*"'ti"t On the other hand, quite a number of pro-
dnetiana whieh show mat perfection in the latter respect have, in
spite of their attsr disregard of the cardinal canons of art, been
'•mgled oat for diatinetioo, to the exceeding scandal of those who
claim for pbotograi^ue nictares a neat kinship with painting.
OOe wholesome corollary of the adaption of the mark system is
that doing f> inralve* a more precise da»ti&cation of exhibits than is
now the case. Although clasifieatioo is at present discouraged, yet,
my opinion, it were well that the executive of the Photo^aphic
Society of Great Britain should adopt in order to m.aintain, or rather
increase, the prestige which should belong to the chief photc.praphic
'• fountain of honour."
The sugcrestions made are, of course, but rougli-and-ready jottings
of a few reforms most urgently called for ; and, if adopted, no doubt
certain further complimentaiy alterations of a minor character ■will
be needful. Thus the attainment of an absolute as well as a relative
merit will have to be provided for before a picture or other exhibit
shall receive a medal, and other subsidiary details considered which
oflfer no insurmountable difficulty. On the contrary, if the members
of the parent Society approve the principle of tlie scheme I have
lightly outlined, they may rest assured that the subordinate machinery
can easily be so fashioned as to work smoothly and efficiently.
Hectoh Maci,kan,'F.O.S.
newrthtlaw, a ndinientary kind of groaping together of exhibits is
made, tf coly in the minda' eye of toe Jadg«>.<i : for it is in practice
found to be impoasibfe to compare productions which are lai^Iy
dissimilar in mttif and handfing, exoapt that they are photographs,
there is but little in commoo between. My, Sterens's flower pietores,
Birt Acre's Sioiy «/ a Cloud, and Biirch<^t's Loce Litter: and so
with portratU ^mre, cattle stodiea, as* pieot-H, lantera slides, and the
jeet.
It is, after all, bat a small strp, bot none the leas imporUnt, to do
oficiaBy what is at prssent acrompKshed in an iU-regulated and
informal fashion ; even if the mark syatam be not adopted, the befote-
meotioned change would be wall as leading t« more ease in judging ;
br ianoMiig apoa the exhibitor the task I'f notifying upon what
gitmnd Us exhiht seeks for distinction, theJudgrs are saved much
irkaoma and neallsd-f or drudgery. Yet another bene6t which should
follow tha nark syatam is that medals would be competitive awards,
and not, aa aow, givaa without limit, and sometimes without stint.
On the chief wall of the last Exhibition were no leas than four
aepainta aeiiaa of lawdarapia, all truly charming and finished tender-
lings of oar iaiaad aoaoaiy; either set is doubtlessly worthy of receiv-
ing a medal in tha abaenoe of the other three. Bat why a medal
«ach all round? (hie set must anrely have been better than the
othen ; in « . why should the inferior be bracketed with the
supeiior^ 1 ly duty to indicate which of the before-men-
tioaed quartette deserved to be placed primtu inter pure* : but, what-
ever the cost, it should have certainly been incumbent upon the Judges
to do so. Of course, under the present regulations, periiaps it was
nut merely politic, but also right and proper, for to much munificence
in the distribution of reward* ; but, althougli a more_ thrifty courw of
action would have rnsulte*! in much poignant disappointment, jt
woaU also have indooed great future stnving, and much instant ap-
predatlon in the valoa ofthe Pall .Mall medsl.
In cooelasion, be it said that not the 1<'»^' ""■'•■'' "f ''"> "v«fi>m I
advMBlsiatJmt tbeperaonaliti*^ of tho<e f :»^rts
*n tiged !■>» eolwrnaa of figures ; and th im-
pusdMl to !!■■• o**"* frieild — or, for the matter of that, one's
inuuiy sboaW same use else's eM-inmrrr come out fimt on the list
(.f boAoar. Soeh, added to what I have writton in the two previoun |
jvliclet of Ais series, enbodv the main remedial roeaKures which, in
HOW A FAMOUS ANIMAL PHOTOGRAPHER WORKS.
Mb. Charles Reid's New Studio at Wishaw.
A oOBBESPONbEKT Writes : A few days ago I had much pleasure in
paying a visit to the gentle, genial Mr. Charles Reid at Wishaw. The
man you all know — at least, by reputation and his work — for Reid's
artistic studies of animal life are known and appreciated as far and wide
as photography is known. In his own field he stands unequalled, and
his productions are admired by all. For uiauy years I have enjoyed
the plea^are of Mr. Beid's friendship, and have often felt that bis extreme
modesty tends to do an injustice to himself ; be seems to dread placing
himself in a prominent position, so that only by bis works do you know
him.
During this visit he explained to me how he first started photography,
and also how he began to take his first " artist's study pictures."
Away back in 18S4, in a small village]beyond Aberdeen, Mr. Reid kept
a post-oilicc. so yon may safely say he was a man of letters. At this
place a friend came to visit hlui, and with him he brou};ht along a
quarter- plate camera and lens. For tliree or four weeks Mr. Reid and
his friend went in for the making of positive pictures, producing many
failures, bat some successes. Mr. Reid got quits enamoured of the work,
and great was his surprise when Ids friend, who saw how much ho was
taken with it. proposed to leave him the apparatus, which be did ; and
from that timi heihas been a full-fledged photographer, so that he may
be numbered amongst the early workers. From the north he came to
Wishaw, eighteen years ago. He began to take " artist study '' pictures
as soon as he got settled in Wishaw. In relating to me his early
experiences, he said,: —
"Amongst the very first study piotnres I made I took them down to
Mr. Ueorge Mason, Glasgow, to ask his advic;, aa< to Hce what he
thought of them, and to see whether he'thonght a trade could be done
in them if the idea was earned out. The enthusiastic manner in which
these first productions were received, and the encouragement given me
by Mr. Mason as to there being a big future in it, was one of the principal
causes that led me to prosecute this branch of my business which has
proved so snocessfol, and I always think of that meeting with Mr. Mason
with great pleasure."
The first lens he used in the animal picture work was a 2i' Dallmcyer,
bat he soon renounced this portrait combination for a 3k Dallmeyer.
Mr. Iteid tor bis purpose found it rather slow, and now be necs a Dall-
meyer rapid reotilmear whole-plate. Seven-by-five pictures were what
ha first produced, but^now he takes them up to whole-plate.
He uses a Newman's shutter. When he^got it first he fonnd that t)ie
travelling plate, that rises and falls in the diaphragm slot, vibrated so
much when working that it was useless for bis purpose. He, to obviate
this detect, had two rings fitted round the lens with adjusting screws, sfc
that they could be bound tight. These are fitted close up to the moving
plate, and from tliese rings be has little brass supports standing up, so
that by this means he gets the plate to travel quite smoothly and free
from lihrsf^
His exposores vary from a fourth' of a second up to two seconds; bat,
after all his varied experieooea, he says that he inclines to stop down,
and give longer expoenres whenever such a thing is possible. Out of
many exposures on a subject, he is well content it he gets one or two suc-
cessful ones. For development he uses pyro and ammonia. He has tried
most of all the round of •• best developers " that flood the market, but he
returns to his old love with more satisfaction and pleasure than ever after
such trials. He brought me a tray filled with medals, but, as he usually
takes medals wherever he shows, it would be superfluous to enumerate
them.
He showed me some examples of hij Uter work, whic'.i were vc y
84-:
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[December 30, lJS92
charming. One of these was a lioness on the back of a pony, taken in
the open in Rostock's menagerie. In the middle of the operation Mr.
Reid was rather starUed by the sitter jumping down from the pony's
back and trying to escape, but the brute was recaptured and made to
sit again. He must have had a lively time of it when taking that picture,
but he was at least rewarded by obtaining a good one. 1 saw a very
attractive study, fully exposed and quite sharp, of M<ny Imd a Little
Lamb. The Mary was a baby, and the lamb's wool was white as snow.
I saw horses and foals photographed to perfection ; cows in fields, and
cooling waters ; poultry ; birds of every feather, from the woolly chick to
the graceful swan.
The new studio just built by Mr. Eeid is a stone edifice of an attractive
nature, forming the comer of two streets. It is two stories high. The
studio is on the upper floor. Before starting to construct it, Mr. Heid had
visited many of the best recognised places, and from each adopted those
parts that suited his ideas, and the success of the finished result shows
what might be attained by one who goes about with open eyes in search
of the best points for his puiTOse.
The studio has a ridge roof, with a north light. The ridge is two feet
off the centre, thus giving a greater slope on the north side, the slope
coming down to within six feet of the floor, making an incline of twelve
•feet. The side of the studio from the floor to the lower edge of the roof
is only six feet, with three feet of glass in the upper part, the lower
portion being fitted with shelving for plants and flowers, with a graceful
drapery underneath, behmd which run the hot-water pipes for heating the
place. The studio is forty-three feet long by sixteen feet wide.
The fittings and decorations are quite up to date. The curtains on
roof for arranging the light are made of an art muslin festooned, and
.produce a very pleasing effect, being of a pale cream colour, with a faint
Japanese pattern showing all through them. There is also a set of green
blinds, fitted with spring rollers, for the purpose of giving increased
variety of light effects. At the further end of the studio from that at
which he takes his usual sitters are two real windows, and these Mr.
Keid 1ms utilised into a new style of background. The walls have been
decorated so as to bring in the windows as part of the picture, thus
forming an effect by which " at home " pictures can be produced with
easy arrangement, and little trouble to the operator.
The studio is furnished with the newest appliances. Notable amongst
these are the new American background stand, so favourably noticed at
the last Convention, and Morgan's new patent shaded background.
The dark room is twelve feet square. The hght is arranged by two
frames, one of ruby and the other of yellow glass, with a sliding door over
the top for dayhght. The coloured glass is situated eighteen inche
within the plane of the daylight pane, Mr. Eeid finding this arrange-s
ment ever so much more safe to work by than when the coloured glass is
placed close to the source of light.
The show-room is decorated with considerable taste, the fireplace being
finished in encoaatic tile, with an overmantel of artistic design, the
windows being all filled in with stained glass, with plain places arranged
here and there in the design for the fitting in of transparencies executed
in carbon, and some in silver from Mr. Eeid's own negatives. The hall
door is also finished after this same design. The furnishing of the
dressing-rooms is carefully studied for the comfort of clients.
As can be well tmderstood, the negatives in such a business are kept
with great care and perfect order, so that, when any special subject is
wanted from amongst the thousands in stock, it can be had and handled
at once. The printing is all done under glass. The house in which it is
done is a lean-to, with sloping roof of hammered corrugated glass, which
gives considerable diffusion of light.
Mr. Eeid also does a considerable part of his own training. There is
. a department set aside for that branch.
The portrait business is large and important, and, with the assistance
of his two sons, the management is efficiently undertaken. Lantern
transparencies are also a growing business with him. Many examples
of this class of work, of a very high grade, we saw when there.
He makes all his transparencies by the wet-collodion process, which
he prefers. He has tried every brand of dry plates, but has failed to get
results to please him, the collodion being the only process that gives
results to meet his desires. He develops with iron, and tones with gold.
The quantity of gold is not of so much consequence, for if excessive
they tone at once, and when weak they just take the longer time.
Mr. Eeid is called much from home. Agricultural and horse shows of
every description, all over England and Scotland, request his presence
with his camera ; and, in spite of refusing many, his time is pretty well
taken up with those that he accepts, and from such sources he brings
home quite a wealth of pictures.
We often hear artists sneer at the productions of the photographer.
They do allow that from a photograph they may get a suggestion or two
to fill in some part of their compositions ; but, as a whole, they are value-
less, and never could take the place of studies from nature. In contra-
dicting these assertions, Mr. Eeid was saying that the quantity of oil
paintings produced from his subjects was many, and, as can be believed,
annoyed him very much. He was going down Leith Walk a short time
ago, when he saw two oil paintmgs in an art-store window, line for line
from his photographs ; and that was just one of many such cases.
A large publisher asked [the .liberty to reproduce one of his pictures
in a book that he was publishing. The liberty was granted willingly,
hut what was Mr. Eeid's astonishment to find in the book when he saw
it instead of one six pictures, copied with just the slightest alterations to
make them different. So broadcast is this piracy, that he has serious
thoughts of registering all his negatives as he produces them, to protect
himself tor the future.
PINHOLE PHOTOGRAPHY IN JAPAN,
[Photofraphio Society of Japan.]
Attention has been called many times to the quality of photographs that
can be obtained in a darkened chamber, or camera, without special optical
apparatus— simply by means oE a small hole in a very thin plate.
Amateur photographers can make pictures, pretty large in size, of
landscapes, and even of monuments, without being obliged to buy lenses
costing from SIO to $300.
No doubt, to reproduce plans and engravings, it is necessary to use
the famous lenses of Boss, Dallmeyer, Beck, Hermagis, Franoais, Nadar,
and others. But we wish to perceive, when we examine a photograph ,
the particular effect which is produced on a more or less near-sighted eye
by its entire surroundings, when it looks at nature from a little distance.
It seems to us that, suppressing the lens, and replacing it by a pinhole,
gives more artistic results as far as regards monuments, or landscapes
without moving figures.
" Nevertheless, far from us," says an English journal, " is the idea of
crying down the photographic lens which has, in the last year, attained so
great perfection; for in the greater number of cases these instruments
are, and will remain, indispensable ; " but leaving out the instantaneous
photograph, which has such charm for the amateur, and the portrait,
the speciality of the professional, let us confine our ambition to obtain-
ing, in as artistic a manner as possible, either landscapes or copies of
monuments, and of these latter there are certainly no lack in Japan.
M. Meheux says that the most suitable hole is round, and drilled in a
plate of copper or sheet brass of r,. millimetre in thickness; it is necessary
that the borders show no burr, and are bevelled, forming a cone.
Captain Colson has remarked that, although the depth of focus is un-
limited, the greatest sharpness of definition for each size of hole is found
at a determined distance, and he has succeeded in finding the proper
focal distances for different diameters of holes. He has thus found that
The best definition for a hole vii milUmetre is at 11 centimetres.
„ ,, ,, i'' >> <• 2^ "
„ „ „ i'' .' >' ^^ >'
„ „ .. '■■■ " " ** "
It may be mentioned that the size of the object to be reproduced is
proportional to the distance from the apparatus, and to the distance from
the hole to the sensitive surface.
It follows from this rule that, after having taken, for example, one
view of an entire cathedral with a focal length of twenty centimetres, say,
with the ,'j millimetre diameter of hole, if we wish to have the details of
the gateway without moving from our place, it is sufficient to lengthen
the focus to forty-four centimetres and to use the i% milUmetre hole.
We may further remark that the Stenope— the name given to the above-
mentioned plates— easily includes an angle of 100 degrees, or even more,
without at all deforming architectural lines, and without destroying the
perspective, which is far from being the case with even the most perfect
wide-angle lens.
The length of exposure presents much less difficulty than with lenses ;
except we expose enormously beyond the proper time, it is nearly impos-
sible to over-expose ; we can always obtain a good negative by developing
inteUigently.
Nevertheless, if one must have a general approximate rule, we may
gay, as a general proposition, that the time of exposure is at least twenty-
five times longer with the t\ mm. hole than with a lens fooussed upon
the same view, and provided with a medium diaphragm; fifty times longer
with the T*, mm. hole; 100 times longer with the •[% mm. hole; 200 times
Dmmber 90, 1603]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PKOfOGRAPHY.
843
longer with the i'( iiun. hole ; it being well understood that we use the
focal i^^ngtlia oonospondiog to these holes.
Bat m tma modify these times of expoetue without over-exposing the
platf On the whole, this depends Tei7 much on the plates, the developer,
•ad the aetinie power of the light Experience will be the best guide for
every class of pictoie. Just the same as in nature, the sun has here
great inflneace on the clearness of the view, more than it has when using
lenses.
To sum up the advantages of using the Stenope : —
(1) Ifoce artistie definition than with a lens.
(2) Cnlimited depth of focus.
(3) Perfect penpeetiTe for lines in architecture.
j-i) 3fathematieal exactness in the scale of plans.
(3) The angle of view can include as much as 170 degrees.
J. Fatbb Bbamct.
HINTS ON THE USE OF MAGNESIUM.
Bsrou the Sooth London Photogimphic Society on December 19 (the
Pieeident, Mr. F. W. Edwards, in £e chair), Mr. John Bmrgeas, F.C.S.,
intimated that there were one oi two points of diflicalty with regard to
his new pioesae ol eolonr printing iriueh he desired to dear up before
deeeribing the proeesa before the Society, and therefore postponed his
paper on the subject, and substituted for it, " Hints on the Use of Mag-
oesinm." He said there was a great charm about the use of that sub-
stance, as it wisMwl peteons to take portraits of their friends at home
witli their oaoal samoidings, and thsgr were in no way dependent upon
the weather in oanyii^ oot their inteatians. He had for many y^s
used magnaaiiun la^riy tor eopying puipoaes, and his method of bnrning
it waa vary simple. SoiBeient msgi'^'*'^"" ribbon was taken to produce
the reqnirsd amount of illumination and cut into lengths— the greater
the nomber, the leas time it took to bom. The lengths were fastened
together at one end with cotton, and the whole inserted in a glass tube.
Ob the outside o( the tube a cork or piece of wood was tittted for con-
iwienfi) of »"«'^"g the same. A spirit lamp wa« then placed on the
topef t&e bMk et the aamera. and after the persons to be photographed
were aitangad, axtd Uia ftdjoatmeota ot the camera carried oat, the lamp
lighted. n>e glaas tabs was then taken, and one end plaoed close to the
lighted lamp, while the lengths of magneaium were poshed forward from
the ofpoaite end by msani of a taper or something of that kind into
the flaaMa «f"«*'^ the magpeaiam to ignite and bum as it was pushed
forward*
Ik* Isetaier Mpoasd two platea lo lUastrate hU i«roBsas. which were
afterwards developed and handed fooad for the members' inspection.
Varioos methods of nriag magnaaiaai powder wen described, and for
illomiaating a lania 9*m thelsctnrar eonsiderad that waa more osefnl
than the ribbon, provided the powder was mixed with chlorate of potash.
Some patsoaa obleelad to the nse of the latter by reason of iu explosive
. bot it two parta of eaator sugar waa added to one part of
loipBlaah, and afMrwarda mixed with the amount of magnesium
to pntaa Iha iiialied aaioaat ol light, on homing it would be found to
M mM^, aad hnd the merit of biiag naa.«sp)osive.
Tfcu uJttan iboaU b* boaad ia a tin saacer or other similar utensil.
A simple matliod of ignitiag the above mixture waa to
.joantiiy of solpharie aoid on a glass rod, and allow it to drop on the
powder, which wvnld eaaae it lo boist into flame. Magneainm prodoced
the moat aetiaie Ugfat kaowa.
lie InMitfHy waa iaeraaaad by eonanming in ozygan gas. The fumes
aiW^ Ina the eoMbnalion eould be abeorbed by paaaing them through
a solatlon of hydrate of aoda. *
♦ •
MLLXIFLB COATED OB MULTIPLE FILM PLATES.
[AtatfMl •( a CiMwaaissllua to Iks Wsat Kmt Amttmr Fboto«nphio 8aei«t7.)
Tas TaaoBX or Hautiox.
Am to the eaaae of halatioa, the Hist paraon lo lay down any law on this
sobject waa Captain Abney, and the theory first advanced by him baa
stood the teat of time, and come to be aniversally aoeepted as the primary
caose of iriM la known as halation. The theory is briefly this— that the
rays of Ugbt faosn tlie brightly lit portion o( the picture penetrate the film
whieh aopporia the aansitiva salt, and paaaing tliroogb the glass plate ore
laJaulad from ita iiiader sorfaee baek oa to the film, and a moment's
thoogfat will show Uutt the tbieker the sheet of idass the greater will be
the abarrotioo ol the reflected image from the oiiginol, and conse<|aently
the greater its inlerfereoes with it. Though many attempts have been
maoa to oversome or lo minimise this reflection, such as grinding one or
both sarfacaa of the glass plate, or backing the plate with either a dead
•arfaee or ooe with the same refractive index as the glass, and of noo-
astinie eoieor, only the latter can be said to have been adopted, and
•either lo be satisfactory, for altboogh the dead surface will abeorb all
the light rays which reach it, it obvionilv cannot affect those which are
refl«ctsd from the beck surface of the glass, and the only advantage
that padkiag baa over placing a sheet of black paper behind the plate is
that by it op'iesi eootact is obtained.
Bubton's Expeeiments.
Some ten years ago Mr. W. K. Burton made and Rave to the photo-
graphic world the results of some experiments in which he placed below
the sensitive film a non-actinic one of gelatine, containing chromate of
silver, which could be fixed out with hypo, leaving a clear printing nega-
tive. This was found to be fairly efficient, but so awkward to work
as to be impracticable for general use.
I believe that the experiment has been tried of coating a plate with a
very rapid but poor emulsion, exposing in the usual way, and then
coating the plate with a thick emulsion, which it was supposed would be
aSected sympathetically by the exposed portions of the under film, and
yield on development a good image. Who made the experiment, and
what the result was, I do not know and cannot say, but venture to think
that the process would prove considerably more awkward to work than
that of Mr. Burton.
Double Coatisg.
It having been found that very little light penetrated an ordinary
coated gelatine film during a moderate exposure, it was thought that it
the film were thickened the chances of halation would be very materially
reduced. This theory proved substantially correct, but the thick film
presented diificulties and disadvantages. There was the expense of
making so thick a film rich, and if it were poor — i.e., if the same amount
of silver tliat would be contained by an ordinary film were spread
over the greater thickness — then an insufficient number of particles
of the sensitive salt (that is, only those near the surface) would be
affected to give a good result. This difficulty, however, has been got
over by Mr. Sandell, who liit on the plan of coating the plate twice — a
process heretofore considered impossible — first with a slow emulsion and
then with a rapid one, his contention being that while the shadows were
properly exposed on the upper film, the high lights woiUd solarise it, and,
penetrating to the lower, correctly expose that, and if the exposure were
then increased, the high lights would entirely reverse the top film, con-
verting it into « positive, and the greater the over-exposure the denser
the positive would become, counteracting in- its effects the fuller exposure
of the under film ; meanwhile, if the shadows were not very dark, tliey
would, as they lessened the pluck of the " embryo " image of the upper
film, form an under-exposed, and therefore plucky, one on the lower, and
the weaker the one became the stronger would become the other, and the
two together form a good negative.
Thus, on a correcUy exposed plate, with heavy contrasts in it (and it is
for this kind of view that the Sandell plate is meant), there would be on
the upper film shadows with the correct exposure and high lights solarised,
and on the film beneath clear unaffected film below the correctly exposed
shadows, and correctly exposed film below the solarised high lights ; and,
in the case of the " psendo " over-exposed plate, the shadows would be
rendered by a negative lacking in contrast above and one with violent
contrasts iMneath, and the high lights by a positive above and a dense
negative beneath ; the combination of the two images in e.ich case giving
as a result a properly balanced negative of more or less density according
to the amount of exposure the plate has received. In all cases little oir
no light would go beyond the second layer of gelatine, and. therefore,
none could be reflected from the back of the glass and cause halation.
DoriiLE Coated Phtes in Practice.
This, then, being the theory of the Sandell plates — the only multiple
film plates at present in the market — it now remains to be seen what they
will do in practice, and I must be egotistical enough to commence with a
description of my own experiments, but only because I am the best
acquainted with thtiu. They may be interesting to some here, because
made by one who knew nothing, and consequently committed every
passible error of exposure, i.e., ol giving too little, too much, and what
proved more fatal than either — singular though it may sound— a mean
between the two.
On starting for my holiday this summer I determined to take a dozen
ordinary SandcUs with me, just to see what I could do with them. As I
only got the plates the very day I started North, I was unable to make a
single test exposure before starting, so had only the verbal advice of our
accomplished president, Mr. Pringle, to go upon, and this I completely
misunderstood, with the result that I went away under the belief that the
correct way to treat the plate was to grossly — i.e., many times — over-ex-
pose it, BO as to reverse the top film, which was afterwards to be got rid
of by stripping. As a result of the misunderstanding I managed to
secure nine good negatives out of my dozen plates, and might have had
ten, but for losing one tlu-oagh stripping when I ought to have redueed..
TbieHt tfRst be admitted, speaks very well for the plates. As a basis for
my exposure I took what 1 considere<l a full exposure for a Thomas
thickly coated landscape plate, and multipUed that by ten to make sure-
of over-exposing.
The first view I took was from a hill-path looking bock over the town.
below towards the mist-covered hills beyond ; a bright morning sun
shining over my shoulder was clearing the mist from the mountain peaks
of the Trossochs, and the whole landscape was yet hazy. I considered
that a T.C.L. would have stood half a second at .f'-16, so I gave five
seconds. On development the upper film darkened all over at once, and
development was continued for about three-quarters of an hour, when the
image was distinctly and evenly visible on the back of the plate. I fixed,
and then stripped the top film off, and found a fully exposed negative on.
844
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRA.l'HY.
[December 30, 1892
the lower. The second plate, which was an identically similar, though
not the Bame view, but with only 7A sec. at./'-22, I treated likewise, but
found the image on the lower film too under-exposed to be any good, but
the plate would probably have been saved had I reduced instead of
stripping. As there wore no great contrasts in either of these views, they
-were merely a test for length of exposure, and as such I will refer to them
later on. As another test for length of exposure, I exposed two plates,
a " Cyclist" and a Sandell, on the same subject — a group of old tomb-
stones lying flat— under precisely the same conditions, giving the Intter
as many minutes as the former seconds — in each case one half, or a
comparative ratio of 60 to 1. Between the two results you will see there
is little to choose ; the Sandell is the denser of the two, has more detail
in the shadows, but is somewhat stained with the reducer. Three other
views had dark foregrounds, a mountain distance, and clouds ; in one the
eun was in front of the camera, and shining between fir trees on either
side of the picture, throwing their trunks into deep shadow ; between
them was a distant mountain peak, Ben Vhorlich, some eight miles
off, and brightly lit clouds — in each case the clouds print well, and
in this one the detail in the trunks of the fir-trees is not lo.st. This, I
think, shows the plates' capacity for rendering contrasts.
Two other views of the same kind I unfortunately lost through giving
an exposure too much for the upper film, yet insufficient to penetrate it
— which seems the only thing fatal to a Sandell. Yet I believe that, had
development been either proceeded with more cautiously or carried
further, say, after stripping off the upper film, a printable negative might
have been obtained.
Still, two others, which I exposed in a deep glen — one in which I believe
a camera bad never been before — with exposures that I considered suffi-
cient to penetrate to the lower film, gave fully exposed, but good, images on
the upper, which did not require reduction. All the plates were developed
with Thomas's new developer, "Cyclol," which, I am told, is a mixture
of hydroquinone and eikonogen, and, with the exception of the two I lost
and the two mentioned as taken in the glen, development was pushed till
the image appeared well marked on the back, and reduced to the required
density with ferricyanide of potassium and hypo.
"Expose i'ok the Shadows."
The old wet-collodion rule of "expose for the shadows, and let the high
lights take care of themselves," seems to apply well — give the exposure
that Tou think would best render the shadows on a plate of moderate
rapidity ; the high lights will then accommodate themselves somewhere in
the " substrata," the great point to bear in mind being that if more
exposure be given than the shadows will stand on the top film, then a
<ire(it deal more must be given or the plate will be lost, by which is meant
that, if X represent the correct exposure, then 2a; or 3x will mean a flat
and what would ordinarily be termed a hopelessly over-exposed plate, but
if oOx to lOO.r be given, then there is every chance of securing a good
image if development only be carried far enough.
The ijuestion mil doubtless be asked, how is it possible to tell which
films have been affected by the exposure, and by what symptoms can
development be regulated ? This is not so difficult a matter as would at
first appear. As with all other plates it is best to commence cautiously,
and with a developing solution of moderate strength ; if the shadows
remain fairly clear it is safe to conclude that the plate has not
been overexposed, and development should be carried on the same as
with an ordinary plate, judging of the density by the appearance of the
surface of the film, and by transmitted light, for nothing will show on
the back of the plate except perhaps some very brightly lit portion —
which should do so. If, however, the top film completely fogs over, the
plate has been over-exposed, and development must then be continued
for about half an hour, or until the image shows plainly on the back of
the plate ; by transmitted light it will then appear perfectly opaque.
The plate is then, in either case, fixed in the usual manner, care being
taken that it is thoroughly fixed. The correctly exposed plate now
presents the appearance of an ordinary negative, but the other is still
opaque, and must be reduced, or if before fixing the image appeared
evenly all over the back of the plate, the upper film may be stripped off
— that is, if the operator feels competent to do so sucoessfnlly^for it will
have received such an excess of exposure as to yield a complete negative
on the lower film, and render the top one superfluous. But stripping is
risky work, and its only advantage is that it obviates the danger of re-
duction stains.
" Thk Scale of Dessities."
.\ prominent theorist, Mr. Lyonel Clark, has suggested that a possible
failing in the plate's action would be a break in the scale of densities, by
which is meant that the upper film might be of the rapidity to correctly
render the shadows and the lower the high lights, but the half-tones
would act on both films and produce an area of undue density ; this,
however, is only a theoretical failing, for, as a matter of fact, half-tones
are rendered with great beauty. Mr. Lyonel Clark further suggested
that, to overcome this failing, a plate might be coated with a succession
of films, each more rapid than the one below it, but this would, on the
face of it, be useless, for no light would reach the lower films at all.
At a recent meeting of the Camera Club, Captain Abney described a
modification of the Sandell plate to be used for spectrum photography, in
which the upper film is isochromatic ; the action, however, remaining to
al! intents and purposes unaltered.
The blue or chemical rays solarise the upper film, and are rendered by
the lower, while the rod rays act on the isochromatic film only, leaving
the other untouched.
The scale rendering of plates thus coated is said by Captain Abney to be
exceedingly good, and if by multiple coating a plate can be produced that
will render by one exposure all the different colour grades of the solar
spectrum in their due gradation of tone, and not only those which are
visible, but also the ultra-violet and ultra-red rays which are quite
invisible to the eye, it must be admitted that the multiple film plate is a
step in the right direction, and that by its invention Mr. Sandell has
added one more stepping-stone to those by which we photographers hope
to cross the flood of difficulties that flows between as and the certain
production of an ideal negative. Greoor Gb.int.
PROGRESS IN PHOTOGRAPHY— A CRITICAL INQUIRY.
[Glasgow Photographic Asgoeiatiou.]
I.N connexion with the late Exhibition of the Photograpliic Society ol
Great Britain it is announced that " the Council have determined to
endeavour to obtain yearly such a selection from the pictures of the
exhibition as shall show the progress of the art from year to year."
This resolution opens up a very interesting question, viz., Is there a
regular progressive movement in photogi-aphy? Is the general work shown
in exhibitions now better than that exhibited one, two, or three decades
ago, and if so, in what direction is the improvement manifested ? Is it
the general mass of the work which is supposed to have reached a higher
level, or can it be shown that the best results of to-day are superior to the
finest photographic pictures of ten, twenty, or thirty years ago? The
resolution I have read certainly infers that there is a continual pro
gression, and in the pride of our time and of our own work we are apt tc
endorse the opinion without giving it much consideration. I propose ir
this paper to discuss the question in as fair a spirit as possible and see
where it leads us. It will be necessary for this purpose to define photo
graphy, for it is a very wide term, and spreads its ever-widening wingi
over a vast number of operations and variety of results. It is oftei
called an art-science, and, in a sense, correctly so, but we require a mucl
fuller definition. There is an art photography and a science photography
These are closely associated with each other, and without the one wi
could never have had the other ; but they are separate arts, of differen
natures, and must not be confounded. This distinction is not suffioientl;
appreciated. Any one conducting photographic operations is termed i
photographer, and to the lay mind a photographer is as distinct a genu:
as a baker or a bricklayer, only varying in comparative ability. It wil
be found, however, that science and art will not mix readily, and we neei
not be surprised at this when we consider how vastly different are tin
essential principles which govern each. From the beginning of ou
civilisation science generally has been unmistakably progressive, and it i
natural that it should be so. Nature is governed by exact forces whicl
act and react npon each other by certain definite laws, and these ari
giadually being evolved by our scientific thinkers. Certain effects ari
remarked and noted, until by combined observation they are accepted a
absolute facts. In course of time further experiments are made am
fresh discoveries result.
Chemistky anii Optics.
As ip science generally so in photographic chemistry and optics ; tli
original discoveries of Baptista Porta have been expanded and conipre
hended until now lenses of wonderful precision may be obtained fo
every department of photographic work. In the same way Sir Humphre;
Davy's experiments on the action of light on various chemicals have beei
so fully developed that there is now an indefinite and ever-increasin
number of methods by which the image gathered by the lens may be heli
and reproduced. No one will deny that there is progress in the directioi
of scientific photography, and there are many departments of photo
graphic work which do not make any pretension beyond that of beini
scientifically useful. In this sense alone photography has been of ines
timable service to the astronomer, the naturalist, and the engineei
and year by year these scientific workers are finding the means at thei
command more complete and useful. However, only a very small pel
centage of the specimens shown at exhibitions belong to any of thes
scientific classes, but are shown as pictures possessing more or less meri
as works of art. Has the progress in this direction been as steady as i
the purely scientific ?
" The Late Exhibitiok."
Glancing over the various critiques of the late Exhibition of th
Society of Great Britain, it will be noted that the Daily Chronicle says c
the collection " that it is of greater merit than that of any previou
year." The Daibj Kens considers that " the level of artistic attainmen
December 30, 1802]
Tat BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPH V,
845
k well maintained." The Murniiiii Adrtrtiter says " there is a gener a
' tepnrrenient to be noticed in the majont>- of the piettires ; " while the
NMiubni, wbieh pre&eea itn remarks by the statement that those who
imetiM pbotogiapby are nsnally artists, maintains ■> that the work is o[
a hi^KT standard than that of any previons year." The Time*, how-
cTer. eoBiiden " it difficalt to award to the Exhibition nnqoalified
praise," and the St. Juma't <ituetie is Tety severe in its criticism indeed.
The CAPAaxY of Abt and Abti.stic Feeling.
Not having seen the F.xhibition, I have no intention of discussing its
merits or demerit8,bat simply wish to bring the fact forciblyjbeforeyou that
there is a difference of opinion on the matter. Meanwhile, let us
examine the nature and capacity of art or artistic feeling, and note
whcr- in !; diites from that of idenee. The latter we have seen to
be tTo^i cssiTe and accimialatiTe, one generation continuing the work of
their faUiers, adding, as it were, fresh pages to the book of knowledge.
In art, le: it be pietodal, poetical, or miBiaal, we Knd qnite a different
mate of iiialters. Men are bom with a certain capacity for appreciating
tha; wbieh is beantifnl in form and cokmr, and natures which have this
ttcolty stzan^ dereloped have from time iumiemorial experienced a
derixe to Hftoiaat, in some way, that which in form or colour has
fasfinared them. These reproductions may be to others absolutely un-
intelligible, hot are perfectly understood by natores of similar disposi-
tion or tempenunent of their own time and all subsequent periods.
Stones may be eat with more ease now than they were 2000 years ago,
bat the forms gipi'ssacid then were appreciated and enjoyed from the
same •taodpoint by those who produced them as they are by ourselves
to-da.T. It is passible that, owin;; to the spread of culture, there is a
great«. iroportion of tlie |>eopU' of to-day capable of appreciating their
tfortb and enjoying their beanties — although thi-; ia problematical— but
in any ease the pbasure derived is precisely the same. And, with all our
more favoorable elicuuislanees. the best products of these times cannot
be ezoelled. rarely rTraDed, in onr own highly civilised and cultured nine-
teenth eentmy. So, in pelnting, the artist lias no longer to grind his
own eoloors or prepare his own canvases or brushes ; he has probably
better wsterisli ; bat with all the best examples of the centuries before
him to (tody, he can hardly even hope to rivid the work of the giants of
hu yrof'-sssoB in past tinea. Hs eaanot, like the scientist, begin
where tbey left off, but amst begin on precisely the same level. He
mist learn (ram the same open book of natore from which tbey learned.
and his work can only laaeh the leral of his own mental capacity.
" Aumarr Abt CsBrB»v«-aBLi:."'
The dMorative art, of what we are plaaaetl to term oar mde Celtic (ore-
(ftthsn, prodoeed in the seeond, third, and f>>urth eentnries of this era,
and oiBplifled in the Ionic eiosssa and the brooehee, sword-hilts, Ae.,
which art to be seen in our masenm't. are stiU a wonder to us, and cannot
be twrfaimti either lor their parity of art or delicacy of workmanship by
oar tftista of to-itf. And so on— I might eontinae to maltiply instances.
Homer still staodl alone and few men dream of eclipsing Shakespeare.
Bat while thtis tndcavoarinf to >how that a man most pnsseii the greatest
innate aitialie fawttntt to prodaee the grandest artistie work. I do
not wish yon lor a mowant to think that I depreciate stody and effort.
The most poweiftil ilienMIss mnul be trained, and can only be fully
dereloped ij stodTing closely the best work that hex gone before, and by
earnest and eoastaol application ; but what I aay is this, that a man can
only appreciate or prodooe artistic work to the extent of bis own trainsd
•rtiiiic instinct. In photographic art th« same masoning holds good.
The dcvelopneot of pioeessis may give the exponent of the art toiler and
mote variad l—ans of eipissstnu. bat osless he feels some beaaty to
express no aasanat of iwisntWIi; tniaiBg or kaowlodge will enable him to
make a work of art.
■ PBOTooBAfnT REvoLtmoRncD IX THE Lai.t Tex Yeahs."
I'nriog the last decade photo^i^hy has been almost revolutionised
by the introdnction of the extremely sensitive gelatine dry plate.
The tffea of this has been twofold. It has attracted thousands of —
aeay I calllthem— worken? who boqr^that by pnrehaaiog an outfit JpoUing
a string and pressing a batton, and carrying throogh several simple
rhrwisal opetattcns, thsy will baeono photographers and pradnoe pictnres-
TTiey had so fartantioa d laUag aay great trouble witli the matter, nor
hey, but m a carelasi hap-haxard style they prodooe moltitadas of
■.i wbieh they show to their friends, with the apology that they are
amalanni, and bare not mndi time to spare, Ae. The ease with
b last i|MiiHHss of this carclasa work can be turned' out has donbt-
<loae nradl to dsgrsde photography, and evpeeially map-shot pboto-
'I'Ij/p IB the rysa of the pnblie, bot on the other hand the ialroduction
•f Uicee almnely (ensitive dry plates has put a new and as yet a com- '
paratively unknown power in the possession of capable men, especially
in landscape work. I say especially in landscape work because there are
examples of portraiture done many years ago by the older processes which
have never been surpassed. In the wet coUodion process and in the stiU
older calotype process, which required an exposure of several minutes in
strong sunlight, there was sufficient resource to enable exceptionaUy clever
men to produce portraits which for surface likeness and portrayal of
character might ahnost be pronounced perfect. The strong lighting of
the direct sunshine seems to show more of the real man than the softly-
lighted ixjrtrait of his skin which is now so much in favour. I believe it
is quite possible in photography to pro<luce the ideal portrait which
Tennyson so beautifully describes : —
"As when a painter, poring on a face,
Divinely thro' all liindranoe Hnds the man
Behind it, and so paints him that his face,
The shape and colour of a mind and life,
Lives for his children, ever at its best
And fullest "
In some respects it is a pity that the old calotype method has gone
entirely out of use, for it certainly possessed some qualities which belong
to no other process. By its means it was possible to obtain a strength
and breadth in the shadows, combined with an exquisite softness in the
semitones and high-lights, which cannot be equalled, so far as I know,
by any of the processes in use to-day. The process certainly had some
strong points, and these were fully taken advantage of by a fellow-
countryman of onrs— D. 0. Hill, U.S.A.— who, during the years 1843 to
1845, prodDce<l a series of hundreds of portraits, which artists, from Sir
Frederick Leighton downwards, declare to be among the finest specimens
of photographic work. I have here two volumes of these portraits, which
I am proud to po^^ess, and which have been shown to you before ; but,
as I can look over them with fresh pleasure and benefit every week, I
make no apology for showing them to you again. These portraits bear
the true stamp of the power of the worker, that of his own individuality.
As experts can certify the unsigned works of the masters of painting, so
these can be recognised as the product of one mind.
Tliis is only one example. We have had other great portrait photo-
graphers, whose comparative merits it is not now my object to discuss.
Mrs. Cameron, for instance, of whose portraits of Tennyson we are at
present hearing a great deal, and who lived and worked in the days of
wet collodion, did splendid work, which also bears her own personal im-
print stamped in the picture, whether it be on the mount or not.
'* Method."
Tlie method is a comparative trifle to the artist ; so long as it is
capable of adecinately expressing his feeling, he is content. But while
theee slower methods were sufHcient for the capable portraitist to express
himself more or less fully, the more rapid process has enabled the land-
scape photographer to work in a manner which was before impossible.
The poetry of the swaying reed, the rippling water, and the rolling
cloud, is no longer beyond his effort, while in the snapping of a hand
camera at a moving figure there may be more scope for artistic composi-
tion than in the most careful posing, and the possibility of obtaining a
perfect result is certainly much greater. The simplicity of the working
of modem methods has, as I have already said, attracted an enormous
number of disciples, with this good result, that, among the multitude
whose work is beneath consideration, there is bound to be a certain pro-
portion of highly capable men, who, but for the simplicity of the mani-
palation, wonld never have tonched photography at all, and, if the general
work shown in oar exhibitions is improving, I attribute it partly to the
fact that a greater number of capable men are taking part in them, men.
of artistic feeling and training.
Indeed, the manipulation has now become so simple — thanks to the
scientific workers- that, with a few lessons and several weeks' experience,
there is no reason why any oiie,'with an artistic knowledge and an adap-
tive disposition, need not make as ^rfect pictures as a photographer of
many years' standing.
I liaiu SMl^rark done, within four works of the purchase of a camera,
by a gentleman who before then knew absolutely nothing of the manipu-
lation of photograpliy, which would stand in the front rank of any of our
exbibitions, and his success did not greatly surprise me. For twenty
years it had been his delight and his profession to study form and com-
position, and to express them in other forms of art work. The technical
manipulation is nothing compared with the knowledge of what goes to
make a picture. The tme artist will make use of the methods whicli
the scientist has prepared for him, utterly indifferent as to the action of
the chemicals ; he will use tlie materials which serve most fully to ex-
press bis feeling. Art has been defined as " Nature seen through a teni
I
846
THE BKITISn JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[December 30,
perament," and I think there is a great deal of truth in the definition.
It is a truth vrhioli ia very often forgotten, or not sufficiently understood,
by scientific minds. The eye to them ia simply a lens, the retina an
exact and precise mirror. They make no allowance for the quality and
temperament of the brain behind the retina. The impression the artist
endeavours to repreduce is that which his brain sees on the retina, or so
mnch of it as is of interest to him, and it is this selection of his work
which stamps it as his own, and makes it different from that of another.
If two artists of equal capacity happen to be attracted by the same piece
of landscape, and from exactly the same point make a drawing of it, the
results, while of equal merit, will be perfectly different. So it ought to
be, to a certain extent, with photographers who study to reproduce their
own individual expression. What I mean is very well expressed in the
sonnet which appeared on the title-page of the (jcdii, the organ of the
Pre-Baphaelite Brotherhood : —
" When whoso merely hath a little thought
Will plainly think tlie thought that is in liiin —
Not imagining another's bright or dim.
Not mangling with new words what others taught :
Wlien whoso speaks, from having either sought
Or only found — will speak, not just to skim
A shallow surface with words made anil trim,
But in that very speech the matter brought.
J^e not too keen to cry, ' So tliis is all !
A thing I might myself have thought as well,
But woidd not say it, for it was not worth ! '
But ask, ' Is this truth V for 'tis still to tell
That, be the theme a point or the whole earth,
Trutli is a circle ]ierfect, great or small."
Even in the copying of paintings it is possible for the personal element
of the reproducer to appear in his work. I shall quote from an article by
Mr. Horace Townsend, on the exhibition of Mr. Hollyer's work at the
Dudley Gallery, which seems to me to have been written with considerable
insight and judgment.
In addition to the speed and simplicity of the gelatine dry plates, there is
another quality which has enabled landscape photography to progress,
and that is the more correct rendering of tone in small detached portions
of light. lu collodion plates every littfe spot of lighter shade had a
tendency to become a sparkling white, and the effect destroyed all feeling
of atmosphere and breadth which the picture might otherwise have
possessed. Thanks to the gelatine plate, therefore, I consider that artistic
landscape photography has progressed much during the last decade, and
that the results produced by the best workers of to-day are superior to
those of twenty years ago.
I have not taken, into account the printing processes in this review of
the progress of photography because, while there have been quite a
number of delightful methods recently discovered, there has been from
comparatively early times a variety of processes suitable for artistic
expression, and while there is now a greater number to choose from they
have not to any extent extended the possibilitj- of artistic work. But for
the lack of permanency of the plain paper silver printing, nothing could
be finer, while carbon printing, which must now be considered an old
process, is capable of such a variety of treatment that almost any result
whatever may be produced by it.
The great matter, as I have already said, is to know how to use the
methods when we have them.
Few men attain distinction in more than one department of work, and
it will be generally admitted that the scientific capacity and the artistic
temperament are seldom found in the same individual to any extent.
One scientific man of considerable eminence is reported to have said that
photography would be a delightful pursuit if it were not for the pictures,
and I have heard several camerists say a fervid Amen to the opinion.
They are wise men who can analyse themselves to this extent ; they
would be paragons if they took it to heart and refrained from sending
their pictorial results to exhibitions. Their sphere of work, a most im-
portant one, is to perfect the materials, that others need not trouble
themselves about the matter.
It seems evident, then, that for a photographer whose aim is to make
pictures, the training should be artistic, not chemical. Let him study the
works of the accepted masters in regard to tone and composition, balance
of light and shade, and execution. Let liim study to discover wherein
lies the beauty of these pictures, and then he will see nature with fuller
eyes, and it will be his aim to reproduce the new beauties disclosed to
him, and not merely to obtain a permanent image of the reflection on a
soulless mirror. " Faultily faultless, icily regular, splendidly null, dead
perfection, no more." To sum up the result of this investigation I would
say that the science of photography has been a constant progression, with
the natural resuU that the increased facilities have enabled men of eqra
capacity to express themselves more fully, and thus to produce fini
work. Scores of men now practise photography for every unit who d
so a very few years ago, and there are, consequently, more good worke
than formerly, and more good work to show ; but the progress has be<
intermittent, and while the science of photography will continue stcadi
to progress in the future, the art will rise aiid fall as the men of mo
than ordinary power and genius are bom and die away.
J. Ckak. a :. .
MntUxQ^ of SoctetteS,
MEETINGS OF SOCIETIES FOR NEXT WEEK.
Date of Meeting.
NBme of Society.
January 2 Camera Club ,
„ 2 Dundee Amatenr ,..,
„ 2 Peterborough
„ 2 Richmond
„ 2 Sonth London
„ 2 Stereoscopic Club
„ 3 Bii'mingbam Photo. Society ..
,, -i Bolton Photo. Society
„ ;J Brixton and Clapham
n Exeter
„ 3 Hackney
,, 3 Herefordshire
„ 3 Keigbley and District
,, 3 Lewes
,» 3 North London
„ 3 Oxford Photo. Society
,, 3 Paisley
,» 3 Rochester
„ 3 Rotherham
„ 3 Sheffield Photo. Society
3 York
„ 4 Edinburgh Photo. Society
,, ^ Photographic Club
,, -l Southport
,, ■* South&ea
4 j Wallasey
„ 5 Birmingham Photo. Soc. (An.),
,, 5 1 Camera Club
„ 5 1 Dundee and East of Scotland .,
Place of Meeting.
Glasgow Photo. Association..
Glossop Dale
Hull
Leeds Photo. Society
London and Provincial
Oldham
I Tunbridge Wells (Annual)
" ! Brighton and Snpsejc
Cardiff
Croydon Microscopical
Holborn
Leamineton
Maidstone ,
HuU
Charing Cross-road, W.C.
Asso. Studio* Netbergate, Dund
Museum, Minster Precincts.
Greyhound Hotel, Richmond.
Hanover Hall, Hanover-park, S,
Brookhmds Hotel, Brooklands.
Club Room, Coloun.ide Hotel.
10, Rnshton-street, Bolton.
376, Coldharbour-lane, Brixton,
City Chamber.^, Gaudy-st., Kxet
206, Mare-street, Hackney.
Mansion House, Hereford.
Meclianics' Institute. Xortb-stH
Fitzroy Librarv, Hich-st., L^'w*
Wellington Hall, Islington, N,
Society's Rooms, loti. High-stre«
9, Gauze- street, Pai-lev.
Mathematical School, Rochesta:
5, Frederick-street, Rothfrham.
Masonic Hall, Snrrey-street.
Victoria Hall, Go*"lraiu;L'atu, Yo
38, Castle-street, Edinburgh.
Anderton's Hotel, Fleet-street.K
The Studio, 15, Citnibridge-arca
3, KiiiR-'s-road, South-ea.
Kuremont Institute, Egremont.
Club Room, Coloniiiide Hotel.
Charing CroFs-road. W.C.
Lamb's Hotel, Dundee.
Philoso. Soc. Rooms, 207, Bath-
71, Prospect-street, Hull.
Mechanics' Institute, Leeds.
Champion Hotel, 15, Aldersgate
The Lyceum, Union-st., Oldban
Mechanics* Inst., Tunbridge Wc
Public HalljGeorge-street, Croyi
Trinity Church Room, Morton-!
"The Palace," Maid.acout:.
71, Pro.>5pect-.street, Hn!l.
LONDON AND PROVINCIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION.
Decembeu 22.~Mr. A. Mackie in the chaiv.
Mr. A. Cowan i-liowed two transparencies he exposed in accordance witli 1
Hurter & Drillield method of speed deteniiinatiou, one of them being twen
two times faster than the other. The exposure was equalised by placing ■
frames at different distances from tlie illuminant, and the resulting in^
.showed as practically equal.
Mr. E. W. ParftU i^howed sevenil outdoor ])Oi-trait studies, taken with 1
front combination of a cabinet portrait lens, the focus of the former l^e:
eighteen inches.
A discussion arose as to a statement that witli some developers the ima^
during development, appeared at the back of the plate as a positive, and w
others as ajiegative.
The CHAiR>rAN remarked that he had always failed to reduce all the sil"
in a plate by any method of development
Mr. P. EvERiTT thought it might be done with ferrous oxalate.
^Ir. T. E. Freshwater sliowed photographs of the Himitlayas, taken w
both ordinary and isochromatic plates, sent him by a gentleman who a
<idered that tlie latter plates did not give any advanlSge in the result
photograpJis.
Messrs. Debenha.\[ and BnLAS, however, pointed out that there was a decid
superiority in the results as given by the isochromatic plates.
Mr. Peter Mawdslbv was present at the meeting'-, and, in the lourse o:
ffW remarks as to tlie state of photography ia America, said he tliought th
in regard to original research, American photograpliers were a lonm way bchi
the Englibli. Americans were great believers in the virtues of develop!
formula'.
Mr, P. EvERiTT, as the delegate of the Association on the Affiliation Co
mitteee of the Piiotographic Society of Great Britain, gave details of \
progres.s of the sclieme, an«l gave it as his opinion that that scheme was wort
of support, as he thouglit great beueHts were likely to result from the propoi
'* technical albums" which the Aftiliation Committee were endeavouring
establish.
r);e Association decided to join in the latter move:7ieDt.
December 00, 189-2]
THE BRrriSH JOURNAL OK PHOTOGRAPHY.
847
BmckiWT PkotognpUc Soetoty.— Decemlier 20, Mr. R. Beckett in the
cbur. — The Hon. .Sei-ictary nude an appeal for Toluntary tinancial assistance
for Mr. Weir, a Brof—ioml photORrapoer, wbOM cause had been taken up by
I'kvtefivpkf, wVid WW lemoded to. Some giiniined labels (numbered)
Were shown and tppivni. of, made by Vevers. The Hon. Secbktaev an-
that th« 8ad(t7 had become affiliated to tlie Photographic Society of
t.iin. Thi« was heartily received. Mr. W. L. Barker and Mr. Wire
haii'.-> :oiuk1 woric done on nget print-ont oials and plates respectivelr.
bir r- - ilt-i being obtained. Mr. Cross >hoveI .i negative which had black
Btark ^ .^ it. n» CHAnuiA>' nid these were due to metallic contamination
wbi Mr. Craatboiufat waa the case. Mr. Hmlson showed a taper holder,
mark' . in inelM*, wliich he naed for bnming magnesium ribbon. By this
metho-i be eoaH mark off exactly the qnantityof rilibon he wished to nse.
Mr. Facet (of Mr. C. A. Rudowiky's) then showed and expUined tlie working
of thrrr electrical rctoachinc afiparatns. The vibration caused by the elec-
tiiplingoTer tne fllm which ttdlitated the retonching. Owing
r • nraper negntiTe the fnll valae conld not tie ej<timate<I, but
..be tariea. Mr. ftget ihowed a tUslilamp Mr. Rudowsky was
out, in which the pevdarwu blown througli upward.i, and a' con-
p~nre of twelve seconds eonld, at will, be obtained. After this,
I aaraaraaeiee on mica were peaMd roau<L They were not yet
-owmg tUltf to their U^ price — but there was a great advan-
M> Toy tUa, they coold euily be printe<l from eitlier side.
I'-^ion. Mr. Fkget taid they wonlil not chi|^
?raphlc Sodtty.— Deecmber 12.— Tlie following gentlemen
!« Society for the eaauing year i—Presidml : Mr.
' t H. Jacob. U..\.. MJ)., and Mr^ S. A.
■ '■ " \tkinaon.— 7/o/<. Aitronan • Mr.
A'. Thornton. — Hoil. Seeretarie*:
—Mr. GoDFBET BncGLEY intro-
t y, first deacribing the oompoeition of
aooooat of their Ughtnees and small
■■'-•-*. bnide* the advantage in not
hi* remarks applied to the East-
ilc. His experience had been
ativce. He also bod some
r< with telegraph-wire-like
L'aniiea for which he could
' E«j>tniau Company, was
! "onie of the complainU,
^ were certainly very
n all ca.ics of defects
. Licb was corroborated
vements were lieing made,
P'>"ible.
■ ". -Deceml)eraO. Mr.
>n on the Wet-Plate
!'■ ..x' • iiii>rr i>ir<lal for the best print,
<o ^ . bourlwod of Rochester.
on ■
r
L-
V, ,
T. t
M.
Iriil.i
Corrrtfpoturencre
IV (hrrsapeniMts ikeaU mmt wf«s •■ MJk Mm tf Us fsysr.
THE NEW METHYIiATED SPIBIT.
To the EorToa.
8i»,— 8«elag yoor ramarka in the Ai.wtMaf jnit intiad on the abaonce
«( a» data with raepact to the eOaet of mineralised methylated spirit in
■riktua emaMaa, I alvmia lil(« to lay that, so far as I bare tried it, it
<Naa not appear to have any harmfnl eOtet whatever, and that it is qaite
Impoaeible to diatingoiah betweaa plataa eoatad with emalaion oontaining
mineraUaed mixit. raetifiad apirit, or vitbont spirit entirely.
Id p(«of flf this I made tlie loUowiog experiment, which may be o(
inlcreat to aoma el yoor taadera. An ordinary bromo-iodide emnlaion
waa prepared. boOad for twantr minotaa. and washed aa naoal. To two
ovneee o( thia amalaion one diaehm o( notified apirit waa added. To
anotber two OBDoea (from aame batch) waa added one draefam of
miaeraliaed apirit. Platea ooatcd with thaaa t"i''*~". and expoaed
ooa imaediataly altar tlie other, and derelopad ia the aame diab, are
tdeatical in eve^^ raapeol.
I eoeloae two platea tor yoor inapaaUon. It voald perfaapa be aa well
to add that the above aaaWoa la of avatyroboat eharaeter and rather
alow, and eapaUa of withatanding aooe Toagb naage. Whether the
preeence of mineraliaed apirit In a delieate, oltxa-rapid emnlsioo, pre-
pared with alkali, woald be a* harmlaaa, I cannot say, bat with the
above the elleot ie nil.—l am, yoan, ite., Taoa. Haddoce.
27. Chapel-4tTttt, Ltifk, Laiuathire, Deeember 33, 1693.
" AN INDIAN 8TCDI0."
To tkt EorroB.
Sib.— Ia tha Joutmu. which reaehed me to-day I see a letter fat>m Mr.
B W. RoUaaoa lagarding Mr. Bhadwar'a pietoree o< the RiU o) Inilia-
■if a Pmrwei Pnt»l, and gtring Ms reaaona why they did not appear at
reeeot EaUUtioa of the Oreat Britain Boeiety.
w, I waa with Mr. lihedwar (or over one hoar, during which time I
ered my impression that the pietoree ia qneetion bad been rent liome
for the principal Exhibition of the year. Mr. Bhedwar certainly made
no remarks to lead one to suppose that he entertained such very
unfriendly feelings towards the parent society as Mr. Bobinson puts into
his month.
The quarrel over the Exhibition of last year was originally a very petty
one, and I am bound to say that from what I read in the several
JooBNiLs, I rather sympathised with those who left the society, but since
then the continually recurring sneers and rude remarks have gone far to
alter my opinion, and I am rather inclined now to congratulate the
society on the clearance, — I am, yours, *e., Youb Cobbespondent.
December 7, 1892.
♦
To the Editob.
Snt, — I find from your remarks on Mr. E. W. Eobinson's letter in your
JoDBSAL of the 18th nit., that you have been at pains to draw from your
correspondent a reply conflicting with the statement made by the author
of " An Indian Studio." The real facts how the latter contributor got at
this information would set all your doubts to rest, and save my friend,
Mr. K. W. Bobinson, from any further trouble re the question of exclusion
of my .V<ifer from the Pall Mall this year. There is no doubt that at
first the Naier was intended for the Pall MaU Exhibition. When this
series was completed, some art critics of local newspapers took a very
favourable notice of them, upon which they were sent to some distin-
guished personages, such as H.E. the Viceroy, and H.H. the Gaikwar, to
be seen. At that time a note at foot of the pictures in pencil was affixed
to the effect, " Specially done for Pall Mall Exhibition, London." Some
how or otlier, when these pictures were returned, the above remark was
not erased but allowed to remain as it stood. In all truth, this remark
must have been read while inspecting the pictures in question by the
author of " An Indian Studio " when he came to have an interview with
me. But it was very long before the visit of this gentleman that I had
retiuested my friend and agent, Mr. K. W. Kobinson, to withhold my
work from the Palf Mall Exhibition upon certain grounds of my own.
Before I conclude, I hope this explanation would sufficiently exonerate
Mr. B. W. Bobinson from any wrong imputations that might have come
to be alleged against him. — I am, yours, ic, Sbatoob N. Bhedwak.
[This correapondence here terminates. — Ed.]
DIPPING-BATH DEVELOPMENT.
To the Editob.
Sib, — With reference to Mr. Meldon's letter on tlie above subject in
your laat iaaue, I should like to refer yon to a paper on " An Apparatus
for the Development of Photographic Plates without the Use of a Dark
Boom," poblished in the Journul of the Society of Chemical Jmlmtry for
January, 1891.
I there deacribed an apparatus of the dipping-bath form, capable of
containing several plates, and which has the advantages referred to by
Mr. Meldon. The bath is not in the market, hut as it ia not patented,
any manufacturer is at liberty to introduce it. I encloa/ a copy of the
paper.— I am. yours, <tc. Alexasdeu Watt.
Lirtrpool, December 19, 1892.
LOCAL EEDUCTION.
To the Editob.
Sn, — On reading your article on " Local Bcduction of Negatives " in
laat week's Joi-rnil, I was rather surprised that yon made no mention of
the alum and citric acid clearing solution. I have on various occasions
tried the methods you mention, but, if you will pardon my saying so, I do
not think one of them, for general usefulness, can " hold a candle " to
my favourite. Space will not permit me to mention half the mis-
cellaneous subjeeta that I have successfully treated by local applica-
tion of the clearing aolntion, such as bringing out the buried inscription
on an over-developed tombstone or such like subject, reducing the density
of windows and other objecta in interiors which happen by contrast to be
too praoounced, or improving sky or water in landscape.
Bot it is in portraiture that it excels, for by its means a big ear, or
protariiog bp, high cheek-bone, bald head above a sunburnt face, or (in
case of a lady in evening dress) the white neck below a sunburnt face, may
all be made to lose their undue prominence and be brought into harmony.
And, tprtby.J^have even, by applying it only to what should have been
the shadow aide, made passable things of negatives that would otherwise
Itave bean oseleas owing to their flatness and want of effect ; in fact, there
ia a very wide scope for any one with a little artistic skill, particularly if
Bceoatomed to use the brush. The reason, no doubt, many have failed is
that they have attempted these things upon a wet surface, and any great
amount of snccess in that way is utterly impossible for obvious reasons.
Some may be led to remark that this method is all very well for nega-
tives of a high colour, but that with so-called colourless negatives it is
uaelesa. But I would ask any one to try such a negative, and to follow
your recommendation, and get a print off before being quite sure that
the printing quality has not been changed ; for, after trying hundreds of
Taiion* kinds, I have found that in almost every case they are amenable
848
THE BRITISH JODKNAL OF rflOTOGRAPHy.
[December 30, 1892
to treatment if they have not already been throagb the clearing solu-
tion.
One word as to method of procedure. I perform this operation in
<laylight, having the solution in a white porcelain dish, and water in
another dish, in case it is needed. I use an old t^able brush — one that is
just too far gone for spotting prints does very well — and, dipping this
into the solution, I touch very carefully the parts to be reduced. If the
action is slow, I lay the negative across tlie dish, and proceed to treat
another in the same way, just watching to keep the places moist until
the desired effect is attained. I then slip the negative into the dish, and
flow the solution once or twice over it, which is qmte sufficient to remove
all traces of the local treatment. I then get it washed as quickly as
possible. Of course, if any further local treatment is found to be neces-
sary after the surface has become wet, tlie negative will need to be dried
before repeating the process. — I am, yours, Ac, T. S.
December 20, 1892.
Enstotrsf to (ZTorrespontjents.
■*,* Communicatinns relating to Adverlishnenti and general hcsiness affairs
must he addressed to"HENKy Grkexwood & Co.," 2, Yorh-sircct, Vovmt
Garden, London.
'T. H. DE PiEFFE.— Receiveil.
C H. Young. — We note your remarks.
Herts. — We did not refciin the address.
■ tJRATSTONE iJiBD. — The slide is e.\cellent, and comes out very well on the
.screen.
S. W. — The scratches on the prints arecause<l by particles of grit on the surface
at the time of burnishing.
"Beauchamp" is requested to communicate with Mr. H. Wilkinson, Chiirth-
green Studio, Hariiendeii, Herts.
'AV. Daviy. — The only manufacturers of celluloid in this country that we know
of are the British Xylonite Company, Homerton, E.
A. Thurston. — Bleacliing the image witli bromine water and redeveloping does
not by anj- means confer as nuicli density as bleaching with mercury and
darkening with ammonia.
'C A. SCHMELUT. — The best hypo eliminator is water. Tlie action of the so-
called " hypo eliminators " lias so often been described, and their disadvan-
tages pointed out, that we can only refer you to back volumes.
A. Laruance. — It would certainly be a waste of time to clean off the spoilt
negatives with the idea the makers of the plates will purchase the glass for
reeoating. It is more than doubtful if they would accept it as a gift.
•<?. WiLTOX. — We cannot recoiumend a gas stove of the form and size named
for heating a studio of such dimensions. A good large coke stove, or even
two, would be necessary to render the building at all comfortable in weather
such as that we are now having.
E. J. M. — The object-glass (or glasses if more than one) for a focussing finder
should be achromatised. For an eyepiece, the most convenient is the non-
inverting one in ordinary pocket or terrestrial telescopes, although we have
used the Ramsden eyejiiece with success.
■Warden.— 1. Unless the slides are larger than the usual size— three and a
quarter inches — there will be no advantage in a Hve-inch condenser. On the
contrary, it will involve a loss of light. 2. Amidol will answer. 3. For
bromide enlargements the ferrous oxalate is the developer most used by pro-
fessionals.
KoNALD. — A studio eighteen feet long and ten feet wide is not at all adapted
to taking groups in — that is if the number included in the groH]is e-xoeed two
or three persons. Equal illumination over the whole of the figures will not
be obtained, and only very wide-angle lenses could be used, and these would
give violent jierspective.
-NovoCASTRiEN.sis. — The negatives ceitainly appear to have been under-
exposed ; but we should like to know the temperature of your developing
solution before pronouncing any decided opinion. Chemicid action, as we
have often pointed out, is accelerated or retarded by the rise or fall in the
temperature of solutions.
W. Reskeb. — You are rightly informed that the argentometer is not an
accurate register of the strength of the sensitising bath ; but, within certam
luuits, it is sufticieutly reliable for all practical purposes — that is, providing
the bath contains no other salt than nitrate of silver, and that obtained by
double decomposition from the paper.
■ J. Marshall. — You are only one of a vast number whose eyes are dissimilar
in focus. We civnnot tender you any .advice in the matter, nor can we ofler
an opinion as to the ability of the firm mentioned to treat the case. As you
can see to retouch sufficiently well without spectacles, it would be better to
do without them until conqielled to wear them.
A. R. — The cause of the cold and. inky-like tones in the pieces of enlargements
sent is under-exiiosure and forced development. The remedy is simply a
longer exposure. In some of the examples the exi>osnre given might well
have been doubled, or even tripled, without fear <if its being overdone.
Instead of working by set rules, try and profit by experience.
• J. B. CouRy says : " I am about to take out a provisional sjiecification of a
patent for an inqirovement in connexion with photography. Can you tell me
iC, when a provisional siiecitication has been accepted by the Patent Office,
^ 1 can, without invalid.-iting that protection, describe niyinvention to a firm
who are likely to i.urcli.-ise it .' "—Yes, that U one of the chief objects of a
j.rovi.-i ji,;il sjucitijution.
0. Cartkb. — Nothing can now be done with the Daguerreotype but wiLshing it
in a weak solution of cyanide of potassitim, giving preferential treatment •
the end most stained. We warn you, however, that unless you are expert
such work the portrait may become obliterated entirely. A delic.i
Daguerreotype cannot stand the evidently coarse treatment to which this Of
has been subjected, judging from your letter.
A. R. C. wishes to try making bunit-in enamels, and asks "where the pi'oper
kind of furnace and muffles are to be obtained ' " — Doulton & Son, Lambeth,
supply all kinds of furnaces and muffles. Fletcher & Sons also supjily very
convenient furnaces for the purpose in which gas is the source of heat. For
working on a small scale, a furnace of this description will prove niorc con-
venient than one consuming coke or charcoal,
A. M. JI. — The figures represent the spherical alierration of the individual
lenses, neglecting thickness and worketl out to the first approximation. '
the figures given be multiplied by *', they will give the difference in fociLs -
the central and marginal rays where ?/ is the distance of the marginal ray
from centre, and /'the reciprocal of the focus.
*,* "Editorial Table," and several other commimicatio,
over, ill our ne.cL
West London Photogbai-hic Society. — January
Meeting.
unavoidabbj luUl
Technical .Social
Collodio-CtUoridt Printing. 11, Jlefti-
AssociATroN. — January
12, Ordinary Meeting.
Photogkai'Hic Club. — January 4
hers' Open Night.
London and PRo^nNCUL Photographic
E.rposun-s, to be opened by Mr. A. Cowan.
Monthly Lantern Night.
The inaugural meetuig of the Harringay Photographic Society will be he; :
on Thursday, January 5, at tlie Endyniiou Restaurant, adjoijdng Harringc.y
Park Station, Midland Railway, commencing at eight o'clock, when Mr. Dudley
Towers will take the chau-. For further particulars, apply to Mr. C. Kritli.
8, Cavendish-road, N.
Hemery's AIedai.lion GROUrs.— Messrs. Marion & Co., of Soho-square, ar,-
introducing seven different arrangements of l-Iemeiy's medallions for i".
traiture. Each medallion group has its appropriate set of masks for ni.akii;-,
the negative, .also the masks and discs for printing. Mr. Hemery has adopte'l
the novelty with gratifying results, and Messrs. Marion r.uticipate that it
will be welcomed by photographers generally. The cost is comparatively small.
The Durham City Camera Club will hold an exhibition of members' work h;
the Shakespeare Hall, North-road, Durham, on Tuesday, February 14, 18i':i.
The following classes are open only to amateur members of the Club : — (ienei ,il
(landscape, architecture, &c). — Set of six direct prints, 5x4 and unde'-.
mounted on one mount. General (landscape, architecture, &c.). — Set of thr.
direct prints, half-plate and above. Portraiture or group. — Set of three dir.
prints, any size. One enlargement print from original negative to accompai.
exhibit. Set of four lantern slides. The following class is open to all : Set m
six lantern slides. In this class a silver and bronze medal, given by the Mayor
of Durham, will be at the disposal of the Judges. The Hon. Secretary is Mr.
R. Hauxwell, The Avenue, Durham.
FORTHCOMING EXHIBITIONS.
1893.
February 1 'Cleveland Camera Club. Hon. Secretarj-, J. J. Hallaiu,
11, Amber-street, Saltburu-by-the-Sea.
„ 7,8 Rotherham Photographic Society. Hon. Secretary, H. r.
Hemingway, Rotherham.
„ 14 Durh.am City Camera Club. Hon. Secretary, R, Haux-
well, The Avenue, Durham.
,, 16-18 *Woolwich Polytechnic Photographic Society. Hon.
Secretar\-, \V. Dawes, 145, cTiesnut-road, I'lumstead,
S.E.
,, 18 Holbom Camera Club. Hon. Secretarv, F. J. Cobb,
100 High Holbom, E.O.
March 1, 2 *FilIebrook Athenreum Photographic Society. Hon.
Secretary, Joseph W. Spurgeon, 1 Dr.ayton \'ilhis,
Leytonstone, Essex.
April 17-29 'Photographic Society of Philadelphia. Hon. Secretary,
R. S. Redfield, 1601, Callowhill-street, Philadelphia.
U.S.A.
* Signifies that there are open classes.
OONTBKTS,
Fagx
INDIA TINTING OF PHOTOGRAPHS .. saj
CHANGING IlOXKS VEllSVS DARK
SLIDES 8S.1
A SIMPLE MKTHOD OF PRODUCING
ENAMELLED PKINTS Si",
THE PHOTOGRAPHIC MIRAGE KK
PHirroORAPHINO STAINED • GLASS
WINDOWS.— 11. Ev T. N. AliMSTKONG K)7
ON SILVER HEMISILPHAIE. hy
M. CAREY LEA 8.HS
EXHIUITIONS AND JUDGES. Hv .L
I'lKK '..... R"ll
SI'KcrvCl.ES AND MAiiNIKIHIlS 1'....
Pii..T.>o..AP.ii::is. L'y u. II. UAiii!;(i sjj
THE .irl«}ES AT WORK. By HECTOR
MACLEAN, F.G.S
HOW A KAMIIUS ANIMAL PHOTO-
GKAl'HEU WORKS
PINHOLE PHOTOGRAPHY IN .JAPAN.
l!v ,1. KAVBK URANDT
HINTS ON THE USE OF MAGNESIUM.
MULTIPLE COATED OR MlLTIl'I.E
1-ILM PLATES. Hv C.UEGOK GRANT
PROGRESS IN PHOTOGRAPHY — A
CRITICAL INQUIRY. By J. CRAIG
ANNAN
MKKUNOS OF SOCIETIES
lOllR-^SI'O.NDF.NCK
ANSWERS TU COBRLSPONDENTS
MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT
To THE " British Journal of Photography."]
{^October 7, 1892
THE LANTERN RECORD.
CONTENTS.
turn
«oinioa OA* voa somntc las-
THaa nrmTAiminm
LAiTTSBa aom urn bews
rwoawmaa oB Ftaanwr bt o- a.
UkBTU!! OOXDKXSKBS. By W. L
•CBADWICX
tABTWUI tUDH at BSStJCnOS.
at. r.
LAaraax iLiBca or aaai
^at^Tna n^raa roa uurraaa-
■uvc wtmM. «r •■ <■ habbu ....
omuiatTiaa ni
Paos
noTuaaa .. e
DOnSLB LAM-
6
Tm lansaa ckazb » vboto-
OBAPHIO SOCIKTUa «
BtaiNO LiaTEBas raoif photo-
aaAPHio BOCTTiag t
LAanax pixtcbks t
BaaamLAKTaaa PATSHTS «
ooaaaapoapaiiaa •
liAataaa Botaa AID qrsaiaa a
COlOfON GAS FOR DOMESTIC LANTERN
ENTERTAINMENTS.
Vkbt nameroaa imieed ■ the olaai who, desirous of giving a
quiet p«rlour entertaininent to a few friends, eschew the illu-
mination of the lantern by the three or four-wick petroleum lamp
on the one hand, with its often unpleasant smell and its un-
temittingly required attention, and, on the other, the oxy-
l^ydrogen limelight, which does not always lend itself to an
imprompta exhibition.
To such the use of common domestic gas would prove a boon,
provided that it gave such an intensity of illumination as
would equal, or even nearly equal, the oil lamp, and enable a
disc of six or seven feet in diameter to be produced. As to the
fiuilitiea implied in the emplojment of house gas for this
porpoae there can only be oa« ofrinion. The lantern is mounted
on its stand, the tubing is coonaoted with the gas bracket, and
all is ready.
The poverty of gas as a maaiM of lighting is the paramount
drawback to its being used ; bat, when by such means as those
about to be deseiibed it is enriched, then does it serve the
puipoee very well, as we have had fre<|uent occasion to determine.
Fint of all, concerning the burner to be employed. Every
connoisseur in gas lighting is aware that there are now several
in the market by which the maximum light capable of being
given by gas is obtained, but unfortunately the form of the flame
is not loitable for the purpose now under oonsideratioa
After trying argand burners of various dimensions, we give
pnftrsBee to a pair of small-sised fishtail burners placed one in
fSront of the other and separated from each other to the
extent of about an inch. They must have their flat sides of
the flame towards each other, care being taken that the flames
do not oome into contact A special feature consists in there
being a reservoir placed over the flames in such a manner as
to heat the reservoir slightly in order to vaporise a supply of
hydrocarboo placed therein. We have tried several of the
hydrocarbons, such as oil of turpentine, naphtha, kc., with
enccjses, tm the gas, which must be made to pass through this
reservoir, becomes so enriched as in some cases almost to dazzle
the eye.
But the best of all the substainees is one known in commerc^
as albocarbon, which sells at a few peace per pound. In our
lantern burner there is a tap by which the proportion of
the vapour to be mixed with the gas can be regulated to a
great nicety, the correct adjustment being that at which the
flame gives no smoke, which would be the case were the
carbon in excess. When once adjusted, no further attention
is required.
The increase in the luminosity caused by this is so great,
that if the albo-carbon tap be closed, and the gas from the
mains alone be allowed to pass, the disc on the screen is
instantly repdered comparatively dark.
Of course this is not recommended as a substitute for the
lime light, when there is a large audience and the best effects
possible are desired to be attained ; but it forms a convenient
means of utilising common gas under the circumstances already
mentioned, viz., when an impromptu entertainment is desired
to be given to a few friends assembled in one's parlour, and
when it is not considered expedient to offend the olfactories
by the usual four-wick petroleum lamp or to induce a soup^on
of danger by the introduction of oxygen, whether stored in a
bag or compressed in a bottla
LANTERN NOTES AND NEWS.
Wa understand that at the recently opened Trafalgar Square
Theatre it is proposed to utilise the optical lantern for projecting
pictures upon the drop scene between the acts.
Wa should be glad if Secretaries of Societies would send us the
dates of their lantern evening for inclusion among our fixtures, as
well as particulars of lantern-slide competitions which may he in
progress.
Lantbkn entertainments in and around London do not exdte
anjrthing like the interest among the general public which is the
case with similar exhibitions given in many of the large provincial
towns, and the reason for this we do not hesitate to set down as the
failure on the part of photographic sodeties to undertake such entertain-
ments on a sufficiently extensive scale, and to give them the necessary
publicity beforehand. Among the London societies are some of the
most surv^aaf ul makers of slides, and we are sure that with a little
energy and enterprise it would be possible for several of them to
organize lantern entertainments at which the outside public, for a
moderate admission fee, would attend in numbers suffidently large
to make the venture remunerative.
♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
CoirvKBSiNO recently on this subject with Mr. George Mason, he
informed us that the series of lantern lectures which has lately been
delivered at the Glasgow Institute of Fine Arts by well-known photo-
graphers attracted uniformly good audiences — as much as £20 and
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[Supplement, October 7, 1892
£30 being taken for admission on some evenings. The series was
well advertised beforehand, and was almost exclusively patronised by
the general public. The subjects chosen were of interest to popular
KodiBDces, Mr. Mason himself, as we remarked in The JotraNAi,
iMt week, treating of Mary Quem of Scots ; Her Palaces and
Pritons. The outside public, as a rule, gets comparatively few oppor-
tunities of observing to what a pitch of excellence and beauty the
production of lantern slides by amateur workers has been brought.
#' « ■ # * ♦
At the meeting of the Manchester Society on September 8 Mr.
Alan Gamett introduced a substitute for the lime cyUnder, to be used
for the oxyhydrogen light. It was composed of a preparation of
magnesLi, in the form of a small disc (about the size of a sixpence);
A platinum pin in the edge enabled it to be fixed in a suitable holder
on the ordinary lime pin. Mr. Gamett stated he used it with a blow-
through jet ; with a mixed jet it did not give as good a light, the
reason of which he could not explain. When the light was once
adjusted, no further attention was required, and the disc was un-
affected by the ordinary atmospheric moisture when not in use,
qualities which were of great advantage over limes. As far as Mr.
Gamett could at present tell, the substitute was fairly durable, and
each disc would last a considerable time. A rough trial was made in
the lantern with the new disc against lime, a blow-through jet being
used, and, as well as could be judged, the lights were equal, some
being inclined to award the new %ht superiority in purity. We
believe it was proved years ago that, under proper circumstances, a more
brilliant light could be obtained with the magnesium disc than with
the ordinary lime. Decidedly its imperviousness to atmospheric
influences is a quality in its favour.
• » • * *
An annual exhibition at which lantern novelties could be fully
lepresented is still a desideratum. At the present Photographic
Society's Exhibition in Pall Mall only one lantern is shown, and this
notwithstanding the fact that the opening of the exhibition is practi-
cally contemporaneous with the opening of the lantern season. Why
is this ? It is hoped that in the new premises, which it is stated
the Society vidll next year occupy for the purpose of its annual exhibi-
tion, a separate apartment will be reserved for apparatus, among which
there will be a good display of lanterns and accessories. According
to the present system, the apparatus has necessarily to play an abso-
lutely unimportant part.
*****
Fob those who, whether from choice or necessity, have to make
oxygen for themselves instead of obtaining it compressed in cylinders
as 80 many now do, the proportions for an oxygen mixture, given a
few years since by Mr. E. Holland, will be found to possess certain
advantages. It consists of —
Chlorate of potash 8 parts.
Oxide of manganese 2 „
Common salt 1^ „
This, when in the retort, responds quickly to the variation of the heat
applied, and yields a large proportion of gas.
♦
PROGRESS OR FASHION ?
How much of the present design in optical lanterns and projection appa-
ratus is due to progress or influenced by fashion ?
This is a question that may well be asked in the first number of a
Lantern Supplement ; and, on looking back with an experience in the
lantern world of more than a quarter of a century, it seems to me the
answer may very fairly be said to be the greatest share is "Progress."
The marked difference of late has been in the gravitation of the special
designs, or those possessing most originality, to either extreme, viz., " The
Giant" or " The Pigmy."
The large objectives (now recognised and admitted, after much ques-
tion and adverse criticism, to be superior for long distant projection)
necessitated modified apparatus, for the weight of the fronts, when
extended to get the correct focus, needed supports, hence the greatest
departure in design of dissolving view apparatus, as carried out for Sir
l>avid Solomon, which followed the appearance of the Triple Back, the
" Docwra," and the " Perfect " Triple lanterns. Miniature lanterns haTe>
been to the fore, and various designs have been placed on the market to
secure efficiency when working, and yet be convenient for personal car-
riage. Notably the lanterns with fronts to reverse and pack inside the
body ; while those which slide in the body (the outcome of suggestions of
Mr. Andrew Pringle) prove to be practical as well as portable.
Camera bellows fronted lanterns are becoming popular, and here we
have a revival of a very early type of lantern, and one which in America
has been in use for years. From the same country came the demand for
large-size front lenses, and, when one or two popular lecturers (notably
Mr. French and Mr. Snazelle) exhibited what could be done on a large
scale at the Crystal Palace, and elsewhere, our own representative lec-
turers followed suit.
The developments of apparatus in this country (as is usual when once
the requirements are made known) have been marvellous, and it is only
necessary to look at the Almanacs and Year Books to see what great
alterations (and probably advancements) have been made in lanterns
during the past few years. The perfection of detail follows as a matter of
course as long as users of apparatus will purchase and so encourage
makers to invent or improve.
Simple apparatus of the old order can no doubt produce good results
in the hands of operators who have manipulative skill and possess the
necessary coolness ; but there are so many who cannot help getting excited
when in the presence of an audience, and these find the modifications a
great boon. For instance, what is more disconcerting than for an acci.
dental touch of the back of the jets to upset the centering of the light,
and for the|operator to see the disc on the screen partly obliterated ? The
improved supports and clamping pieces to jets or vertical rack work
makes this sort of contretemps an impossibility. So again with the ad-
justments to fronts of biunial and triple lanterns. The new designs have
originated because the old were " tried and found wanting " at times.
With the extended use of the electric light, greater attention has been
paid to projection apparatus, and, a'though most of the improvements
follow on the lines of apparatus in use twenty-five years ago, certain
departures have produced in the result a polariscope and a microscope
that can be distinctly stated to be a decided " progress."
Thanks to the experimental and practical work of the Rev. P. R.
Sleeman, Professor Sylvanus Thompson, Mr. Lewis Wright, Sir David
Salomons and others, results can now be obtained when illustrating
the phenomena of polarised hght of almost equal excellence and certainly
with most of the practical value of that obtained by the late Mr. Spottis-
woode, who had the unique advantage of a magnificent polarising prism
of Nicol's form. Wlien Iceland spar became so scarce in large size of
necessary purity, a substitute had to be found, and the elbow polariscope,
with its polarising bundle of glass, not being so convenient as the direct
working form, the arrangement of making the artificial glass prism was
tried, and after that the double reflecting polariser used. This permits
of rays entering and leaving the polariser in a horizontal plane, and
gives sufficient light for all optical experiments in connexion with
polarised light. With the microscope, the improved objectives, complete
set of condensers for the various powers, parallelising lens, and convenient
adjustments to all the necessary portions of the apparatus show in the
result a distinct advance on the " Duboscq " projection microscope and
others of that class, while the simple instrument with its one snbstage
condenser for using with the objectives of the table microscope gives
results in advance of the tube form of microscope of old, with its uncor-
rected powers, besides being more convenient to use.
The condensed-gas system, with automatic regulation, has almost en-
tirely shelved the gas bags, while the cheapening of oxygen by patent
and other processes has done away with the necessity and trouble of
making one's own oxygen gas. The high pressure that can be safely
used has given a power that has been avaUed of in making mixed gas-jets
to give a higher illuminating power ; and here, again, is progress, for
" light, more light " is the requirement of demonstrators using projection
apparatus. The " Focus " incandescent lamp of 100-candle power is a
capital illuminant for those who have the electric current laid on in
their houses, and when one thinks of the great trouble it was to produce an
electric light in the old days we have here a distinct advance and a saving
of labour, for, by simply switching on the current when once the con-
nexions are made, a nice disc of moderate size can be produced, and
photographs projected on the screen large enough for any number of
friends in a drawing-room to see the detail properly. This, without the
drawbacks inseparable from paraffin-lamp illumination.
To sum up, no doubt there is a certain amount of fashion in the siza
and design of lanterns, and the form of accessory apparatus, but the
improved capabilities of same point to the fact that " progress " has.
not been slumbering. G. B. Bakeb.
garment, October 7, 1802]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
3
LINTEBN CONDENSERS.
[Stenodsopic CHab.]
Wbzx • beam o( ptnllel light, A A (Fig. 1), falli npon a eonvez lena,
he xt,jt will be bent towards the centre and made to converge approii-
matelj to one point /, which is called the principal foou. II, on the
t buid, • diT«rging beam ol light proeeeded from a point at /, the
nyt aooU batiaead back— that is to ny, they woold, after leaving the
leH oo the other lida, proceed parallel to A A.
If the point of light be brought nearer to the lene than the principal
focTU/, ai ihonrn at A (Fig. 3), the lena would have too much work to
ris. 2.
I lo fend the rayi parallel, and they woold proceed from the lens
•tQl divergent ai B B, thoogh not ae mneh divergent ai before they entered
the lena.
When the point of light ii oouide the toeni, at at A (Fig. 3), the rays
«B tlw otiMT ride ct the lena will meet at some point B (approximately),
«nd if the point of Kibt be moved lo B ttie tv« would meet at A ; so we
Fm. S.
«M that A and B are reelpioeal. and are called the eonjogate foci, one
hkviac a dialiaat rdatioo to the other. As the point of Ught A (Fig. 3)
•draneaa tewarda/, the eaajagatc B will move away from the lens on the
«(lMr ride, hot not in the same proportiooa as A advances, tor the longer
foaoi ahntye aKrvaa man tufiHf than the shorter. Ii we aasnme the
Itaa to be >-ia. toeu, tlM CMtjagalae A and B being eqoal, will be 13-in.
Apart or 6-ia. fton the lens on eaeh side.
In Ti$. 4 we have eanaed the point of light A to be bronght nearer to
4ha Um than is shown in Rg. 8, let ns say to 4in. The eonjogate B
Fio. 4.
hM moved farther away from the lens — to 12-in. (4-in. and 12-in. being
tlM «*la|ataa of a 3-in. loene lens), and if we move the point of
HgM A riiB nearer to /, say to 8J-in., the conjugate B will be fonnd
at 31-in. oD Um other ride, and so on as A appnacbea the lens, B
recedes, tintil at length, when the point of light arrived at/, parallel rays
wonld be produced as shown in Fig. 1.
Tbx Fosctions ot a. Laktebn Condenses.
Now, let na see how these few renuurks apply to a lantern condenser.
One important function in a condenser is to collect as much light as
possible, and in passing it through the slide, the rays now forming the
pictoie must converge to a point somewhere fn front, and that somewhere
is in or about the centre of the objective in use — that is to say, the
objective must be at B (Fig. 3), or at B (Fig. 4).
When a lantern and screen have been assigned to their respective
places, there is only one position for the objective in use to make the
picture focus on the screen, and as the conjugate B must meet in the
objective, and, as has been shown, this conjugate has another conjugate
A, which is the point of light, it is quite clear that the focus of the
objective defines the position of the light.
If, then, the condenser be 3-in. focns and the objective 12-in. (or such
as would require the conjugate B at 12-in.), then the point of light
most be at 4-in. from the lens, as shown in Fig. 4 ; but it an objective of
6-in. focns be applied, the light must be moved back to 6-in., as shown in
Fig. 3.
Now, the law that " diverging light varies in intensity inversely as the
eqoare of the distance," shows clearly that by moving the light back
from 4-in. to 6-in. we have lost about one-half of it, and demonstrates
the fact that whatever be the focus of a condenser best suited to a long-
focus objective, it cannot possibly be near so good — as a light-collector —
as a shorter-focus condenser would be when shorter-focus objectives are
employed.
There is a limit to the shortness of focus for a Ismtem condenser, on
aoeoont of the, heat given off by the incandescent lime, and when this
limit has been reached (or use with a short-focus objective, the condenser
must inevitably break if an objective of longer focus be employed.
Double Condensers.
Single lenses, such as are shown tor simplicity in explanation at
Figs. 1 to 4, are never need as lantern condensers for two good reasons,
firstly, they would be too thick to stand the heat given oS with the light ;
and, secondly, they suffer from a defect known as spherical aberration,
of which we shall have something to say presently.
A biconvex lens of 3-in. focns and 4i-in. diameter wonld be about 2-in
thick, and would not stand the heat for many minutes.
Now, let ns see what two lenses will do.
Fio. 5.
In Fig. a we have two plano-convex lenses, under similar conditions as
explained in reference to Fig. 1 ; divergent light from a point A immerges
prikctieally parallel, and parallel light falling upon the second lens is con-
veyed to B ; here we have very nearly the same conditions as at Fig. 3 ;
bnt these two lenses, which are each 6-in. focns, are only half the thick-
ness, ooDseqnently they are less liable to fractnre by heat. If we place
the point of light near to /, the rays immerging wonld diverge (see Fig. 2),
and these diverging rays, falling upon the second lens, would converge to
the coDJiigate B> ; but these lenses, being of equal diameters, the second
lens wonld not take np all the diverging rays from the first lens, the
marginal rays woold be thrown into the monnt, and therefore lost, as
shown in Fig. 6.
Fia. 6.
Where, for a pair of 6-in. focns plano-convex lenses, A B' represents
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRU'HY.
[Supplement, October 7, 189
the coDJagstes of the second lens at 12-in. each ; C C^ the conjagates of
the pair of lenses, viz., 6-in. on each side; B B' the 12-in. and 4-in. con-
jugates of the pair of lenses, and demonstrates the fact that of a 4-in.
diameter front lens only S^-in. of its diametar is utilised when the 13-in.
objeotive is employed.
TbIPLE C0!n>EN8EBS.
If we introduce a third lens, which should be of long foei and conse-
quently Tsry thin, we should be able to get the light within the distance
of say 2-in, ; this would diverge the rays, and the middle lens would
receive the diverging rays and pass them on practically parallel to the
last lens, which would converge to the conjugate B', as shown at Fig. 7.
Fio. 7.
The advantage, then, is that we get a thin lens of suitable focus
and diameter close up to the light, and with such a combination as shown
at Fig. 7 light may be collected and utilised up to an angle of 95°, which
is not possible with any single or double condenser.
Very early in this communication it was said that rays converged
approximately to one point ; for, as a matter of fact, no single lens having
spherical surfaces has the power to converge rays abiolutely to one point,
80 that it is not possible by any single lens to obtain an exact focus.
Sir John Herschel has shown that the spherical aberration may be
reduced to one-fourth of that of a single lens in its very best form, by
means of two plano-convex lenses having their convex surfaces towards
each other, and their radii as 1 to 2-3.
But it was DoUond who, over one hundred years ago, first laid down
the principle that spherical aberration of single lenses is proportional to
the cube of half the angle of the transmitted rays. But, says DoUond,
" if two glasses be so proportioned and situated that the refraction be
equally divided, then they will each produce a refraction equal to half
the required angle, and therefore the refraction, being in proportion to
the cube of half the angle taken twice, will be but a fourth part of that
which is in the proportion to the cube of the whole angle, because the
cube of one is but the eighth part of the cube of two, and so the aberra-
tion where the two glasses are rightly proportioned is but the fourth of
what must inevitably be when the whole is performed by only one lens."
Now, by the same reasoning, where the refraction is divided between
three lenses, the aberration will be found to be but a ninth of what
would be produced by a single lens, because three times the cube of one
is but one-ninth of the cube of three.
To those who have followed what has now been said, the advantages of
a triple condenser for lantern purposes must be manifest.
The condenser which we now introduce to your notice is a triple com-
bination, constructed on the lines here advanced, though the foci of the
lenses mentioned to illustrate oar remarks are not necessarily those we
have adopted.
No reference had been made to the density or quality of glass, or to the
various forms of condensers, and some other matters, with a desire not
to make this communication too technical.
W. I. Chadwick.
LANTERN SLIDES BY EEDUCTION.
[Holbom Camera Club.]
Wb are fast approaching a period when most of us will be looking back
upon our summer's work ; for the sunshine is leaving us, and the days
are getting perceptibly shorter, and so we have to slacken speed, so to
speak, giving us time to look back upon the path we have come.
We shall be turning out our negatives of '92, not with a view to print-
ing, for this we have been doing for some time past. No 1 This time we
have sometliing else in our mind. We are thinking of lantern-slide
making, and to that end we shall be reviewing them, good, bad, and in-
different.
We have looked them all over, and made our selection. Negatives
brilliant and full of pluck, sharp and vigorous ; one or two, perhaps, of
the indifferent class — in other respects, perhaps, acknowledged failures ?
but we have selected them, for there is a small portion including, most
likely (if the subject be landscape), distance and middle distance or, in
any case, a piece that is interesting, and from which we can get a good
lantern slide by contact. We remember discovering this during their
development, and how it had consoled us, to a certain extent, for our
great disappointment at the general result. It was this that gave them
their ticket for the fixing bath, and thus they were spared from the dust-
heap and oblivion.
Why is thb Beddction Method Neolecikd?
But, I would ask, how many are there who never made lantern slides
but by this one method of contact in the printing frame, regardless of
what there is in the negative besides the small piece which is taken to
make a picture by itself ? Why is it that so many amateurs who take
up this most engrossing branch of photography never get any further
than this stage ? It cannot be that all their pictures require this very
extensive trimming. I am not now referring so much to quarter-plate
workers as to those who work in the larger sizes, for, obviously, the
quarter-plate better lends itself to be used for the making of lantern shdei
by this means without, perhaps, serious loss of subject. Although even
here, in many cases the compulsory cutting down of the picture is any-
thing but an improvement, to say the least of it, especially if care hag
been taken in the selection of the subject and to get it properly on the
plate. In such a case, to do the picture justice, a reduction must
be made.
Why is it, I say, that this reduction is not more practised ? Why
should we not see your work on the white sheet without this mutilation 7
Let us see it as it is hong in the frames around your room ?
The Appabatds Eeqoired.
I have not spoken disparagingly of the contact method, neither is it
my intention to do so, for it is a very convenient and useful method,
which does not require my demonstrating. I simply protest against its
indiscriminate application. The excuse for this is generally, " Oh ! it's
such a trouble to reduce ;" and the idea prevails with some that special
apparatus is required. Now, it is my purpose this evening to prove that
this is not the case, and I will endeavour to explain to you how lantern
slides may be made by reduction from large negatives without any
difficulty whatever, without any special apparatus beyond a deal board
and two strips of wood. What I am about to describe to you now is no
novelty, neither do I claim any originality for it ; but it is a simple and,
at the same time, practical arrangement. Assuming that your camera
and lens are of half-plate size, and that the negatives to be reduced are
of similar size, it will be best to have our board about nine inches wide,
and for length three to four feet will be ample for all our requirements,
the two strips of wood about the same length.
First of all, we set the camera up on one end of the board, then
measuring the distance from board to centre of lens aperature, we mark
same off upon a strip of wood or cardboard, which can be temporarily
tacked on to the centre of the other, and so that it stands up vertically in
front of camera. This done, we now take a printing frame, and having
removed both back and springs, place in a spoiled negative, on which
draw diagonal . lines from corner to corner, so as to mark the centre ;
fasten this in with a drawing pin top and bottom. Now, we have to
secure our frame on the end of the board with open side facing the
camera, so that the centre corresponds with the mark on the piece of
stick. There are two ways of doing this : either by placing a block of
wood underneath, and screwing from beneath the board, or by screwing
the frame between two upright pieces which can be secured to the edges
of the board ; either method will allow of hinges to be used, so that the
frame can be shut down when out of use, but this is not essential to the
efficiency of the apparatus.
Having done this, it will be well to test, by focussing in the camera, as
to squareness and centering ; this is best done by placing the apparatus,
for that I will now call it, in a similar position to that which it will
occupy when in use, viz., at a window, so that there is nothing to ob-
struct a clear view of the sky when looking through camera with negative
removed. When found correct, take a lantern-cover glass, and, using it as
a guide, mark off its dimensions on the centre of the focussing screen ;
now shift the camera up or down the board until a full view of the negative
in frame is included in this space ; then screw a strip of wood across the
board at the back, and close up the camera ; this will form a register, and
keep it in position when the board is sloped (as it will most likely be, to
get a clear view of the sky) ; similar strips or blocks should be fastened
down either side to prevent shifting sideways. All that has to be done
now is to secure the long strips of wood to the top of the frame — one at '
Sappfemuit, October?, 1892.]
THE BRITISH JOtlRNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
•ach oocacr— 10 that the other ends rest on top of the camera at either aide,
■od Umm ean be joioed by a strip aeroaa ; then cover over with a foons-
Bag aloth, which can be secured by drawing-pina andemeath, and now
jron ha.tt a Mrriceable reducing apparatos, and all you require is a lantern-
plate earriec for your dark slides, which can be booght for a few pence,
or a qnartai-pUta carrier, if yon have one, can with very little ingenuity
be adi^tod. j. p. Stbtbns.
LANTERN SUDES OF BEES.
Mb. R. a. H. Obixbhaw writes m follows in the SritisA Bee
Joninuit : —
A few nights ago I had the pririlege of spending an hour or two at
a prirate »ianct — a dark sconce it wm, too, excepting as regards light
reflected from the screen. To have the opportunity of seong original
photographs mounted as lantern slides and projected by the limelight
lantern — photogf^bi taken in Africa, America, and in almost every
eoantry in Eoiope, the whole of them from beginning to end being
the handiwork (^ the exhibitor*— waa a rare treat indeed, and only
to be equalled by the honour of having Mr. Cowan himself at the
lantern, a work entailing more laboor and fatigue than appears at
firrt sight Well, it wae only one mart proof of the love and self-
secriflee he has for be*-keeping and all that intereeta the bee-keeper.
To tay that thia exhibition of son pictures from Nature heraelf was
suTpaswfd by a priTate view ol the whole of the magnificent series of
lantern sBdea oo beaa and bee-cultore jnat issued by Messrs. Newton
ii Co., would be to say falsely ; botspsiaking as a practical bee-keeper,
who tries as much as poanble to be au courant with the latest
diseoreiiss in the craft, I can fairly say that the whole fraternity are
Boeh indebted to the firm named for their enterprise and foreeight in
offering t« the bee keepers of the world such a magnificent mite of
educational items. Tbey are truly cosmopolitan snd speak their tale
through the eye, requiring no Unguaga of explanation to the apiarist,
and very little I ween to evao thoae who " do not know a bee from a
bull's Tot."
As artistic productioaa, real worha of art, I most first speak of
Mr. Freshwater, whatever else he is, is an artist, for he has
1 in giTing w pieturm oat of such prosaic materials as the
of a baa maalar. There is a balance and a grouping
togather, hsiidsa an aeqaaintance with chiaroscuro, telling of some*
thing beyond mere photography. The series of thirty-seven slides
foeoi what appears to me a perfect edncational code of bee-keeping.
Tha wonder is, indeed, how we have managed winter evening
lecturing so long without snch neosaaary aids. One thing ought not
to remain nnaaid. The physiognoiny of Mr. W. Bronghton Carr
ssems destined to be handed down to posterity in these pictnres, as
the actoal maoipalator from whom the photographer has taken his
sahjaets, the practical bo-operations dapi^ed being direct photographs
taken at Mr. Carr's apiary in Kent. In saying this, it will betaken for
giaalad that in tba baa wetk pietarad there is reliable evidence of
tha workmmt. I tiwt Meanaw Nawton will sse the advisability of
advertising these baaatifol alidae for tha benefit of leetorers.
OBLATINE PLATES FOB LAHTERN-BLIDE WOBK.
(Loadoa tad Piiiilsihl PkiSacnfUo Aiirirttoa 1
la ^ta of the taeili^y of maaipolatioa and sxoeUsoes ol result claimed
for eoUodio-fatcmide by many of iU adhaceots, it does not require that
ana should bs aa asocmpJishsd prophet to pradiet that eighty par sent, of
the slides made and ahcnni at matiiopolilan and provineial societies dur-
ing the eoming laBtam iiasoa wiU bs aa gelatiae plates. For, while
adiritting that a laatsia sUds made oa a ooUodao-bromide plate by in
sescmplishsd worker ia tUs pieesss is jnatty lagaidad among lantemiits
aa tha aeate of parfsetiaa, yet when oae somas to eoasidsr eritieally ths
lUdsa eenssionally shown at aodstiss* meetings by avsrage workers in
eoUodio-lnmids, and aoatiast Ihsm with ths tlidsa of the avsrage worker
ia sslatiaa. it most, I think, be aoaoaded that the advantage is with the
latter. Again, there is a eonveaiaaaa and certainty about a gelatine plate
that is rath* abasnt (ram a eollodio-bromida plate ; ths film is not so
Usbla to abraaiaa in ooalast priatiag, aor anything like so prone to slide
afl the glaaa lata the davalopiag sink, as is tba wiekad wont of my ooUo-
dioB fibaa wbaa aa aapaeially fiaa aUda is bdng davdoped. The deve-
lopment of a gelatine plate, also, is a process which the larger number of
lantern-slide makers are sufficiently familiar with to prevent a feeling of
strangeness when undertaking it. And, to sum up in favour of gelatine
for lantern work, it would, I think, require rather an astute person to
distinguish on the screen betweed a first-class gelatine slide and one on
collodio-bromide.
When it comes to the home preparation of the plates, a point with
which this paper has more particularly to deal, the advantage in sim-
plicity of process and certainty of result is, in my experience, unques-
tionably on the side of gelatine. I have prepared many batches of collo-
dion emulsion, some of them of very good quality, but could never depend
on always attaining the same standard of excellence, and I believe my
experience is also that of other workers. In gelatine emulsion making
this uncertainty has never presented itself to me provided an approved
formula has been adhered to, and the necessary manipulations carefully
earned out.
The Pbepabatiom or tee Plates.
The formula which has given me the most satisfactory result is, with
slight modifications, due to Professor Burton, and was selected, after
trying several others, because of the good_range of colour that could bs
obtained with it. It is —
L
Nelson's No. 1 gelatine 80 grains.
Ammonium bromide 210 „
Sodium chloride 50 „
Hydrochloric acid 5 minims.
Water (distilled) Bounces.
2.
Silver nitrate 400 grains.
Water (distilled) 2 ounces.
8.
Hard gelatine (Heinrich's) 400 grains.
Emulsification is performed with the No. 1 and No. 2 solutions, at a
temperature of 130° Fabr., and after the silver solution has been added
vary slowly to the bromised|gelatine during its vigorous agitation, the jar is
set on one side for a short time, when No. 3 is added, having previously
been thoroughly well soaked in distilled water. As soon as the last
added gelatine is perfectly dissolved in the emulsion, the jar may be im-
mersed in cold water, to set the contents quickly. It is necessary for
success in lantern emulsions to work with solutions as cool as possible,
and avoid any tendency to cook. The emulsion, if properly made, should
show ruby by transmitted light, and will be in an extremely fine state of
division.
After the emulsion has set quite firmly, it has to b« washed, and this
is sooomplished by squeezing it through a piece of moderately coarse
"scrim" Into distilled water. Some emulsion workers have rather
questioned the necessity for using distilled water in washing emulsion,
and it may not be so desirable in ordinary negative emulsion, but a care-
ful comparison between slides made from emulsions washed in tap Emd
distilled waters leaves me in no doubt as to the advisability of using dis-
tilled water in every instance.
Having left the squeezed emulsion to soak for a short time in the vessel
of distilled water, it is squeezed again through the canvas into a fresh lot
of distilled water, and again left to soak for a short time. Half-a-dozen
sqneeses, and as many aoaldngs between are, I find, sufficient to com-
pletely remove the bye-products from the small batch of emulsion that
the above quantities will make. I consider there is more eflicaoy in re-
peatedly squeezing an emulsion than in the long washing so often advo-
cated, and by adopting the above mode of washing it is possible, in a long
evening, to make an emulsion, wash and filter it, and coat the plates. It
is not neoessrry to coat the plate thickly ; indeed, rather the opposite is
preferable. ^
DSVXIAFHENI AND VaBIXTT Or ToMES. B
With places prepared in the manner just described, a good variety of ^
tonesli obtainable, from quite a warm chocolate to perfect black, and the
nlsamnsi of the plate, ii carefully made, is perfect. The developer with
which warm tones are readiest obtained is made up from ten per cent,
solutions of sulpho-pyrogallol, ammonium bromide, ammonium car-
bonate, and ammonium hydrate respectively. As an example I may
give:—
Sulpho-pyrogallol 3 grains.
Ammonium bromide 3 „
„ carbonate 6 „
„ hydrate 3 minims.
Distilled water 2 ounces.
e
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[Supplement, October 7, 1892
A great variety of tones may be got by varying the exposure and the
iqaantities of the above ingredients.
The fixing bath is not an unimportant factor in proonring excellence
in a lantern slide, for however clean the slide may be when it leaves the
■developer, if the fixing bath be even slightly discoloured, the purity of the
■lide is sure to be depreciated. The formula I use myself is :—
Chrome alum ~ ^ part.
Potassium meta-bisnlphite 6 parts.
Sodium thiosulphate 40 ,,
Water 160 »
This bath is an attractive green colour when made up, and retains its
.clearness imtil it commences to be saturated with silver, but it has
4away8 appeared to me unwise to continue using a ^fixing bath after it
has commenced to show signs of saturation, and I strongly advise the
aae of two fixing baths in lantern-slide as in negative work. An aoid
bath before the final washing removes any sospicion of st^.
iNTENBII'iaATIOll.
The intensification of lantern slides is a point deserving of more atten-
tion than I think it has hitherto received. With coUodio-bromide it is a
frequent practice to leave a fully exposed slide under-developed and gain
the requisite density by silver intensification. Slides prepared in this
manner are of the highest excellence. That gelatine slides have not been
treated in the same manner is due, I feel sure, to the uncertainty of in-
tensification. My first essays in this direction'were with a modification
of Mr. Wellington's sulphocyanide of silver intensifier, in which sulpho-
bydroquinone and sodium carbonate replaced the pyrogallo and am-
monium hydrate. The process of intensification was a very ilow one,
hut the resulting elides were of high quality, perfectly clear in the high
.lights, and the original colour maintained unaltered. This intensifier
was discarded, however, when it was found that an ordinary wet-plate
formula gave equally good results in a more expeditions manner. The
formula here given is one used for collodio-bromide plates and has
answered perfectly in my hands for gelatine work : —
SUver nitrate 2 parts.
Citric acid 1 part.
Nitric acid 1 >,
Water (distilled) 16 parts.
Two or three minims of this silver solution are added to a drachm of
ihe ordinary ten per cent, solution of sulpho-pyrogallol, and the solution
poured on and oS the plate as in wet-plate redevelopment. When silver
intensification fails with a gelatine plate, it is usually because of insuffi-
cient washing, and one reason for the success I have met with in the
silver intensification of gelatine slides is due, perhaps, to the extreme
thinness of the film, which favours the more perfect elimination of the
fixing salt. Full exposure, moderate development, and silver intensifi-
cation is the procedure I would suggest in making lantern slides.
In conclusion, I would like to assure intending emulsionists that they
wiU find the preparation of a batch of emulsion,^sufficient for a gross or
two of lantern plates, a much simpler matter than the text-books make it
appear, and the additional ^interest it gives slide-making is ample
remuneration for surmounting the initial difficulties of the process.
GioBoi T. Hassii.
♦
STEREOSCOPIC SCREEN PICTURES.
Mb. John Anoebtok supplies the' following further particulars of his inven-
tion for stereoscopic lantern projection : —
To obtain the effect of solidity, an ordinary biunial lantern is used,
and a stereo transparency being divided, one picture is placed in the top,
and the other in the bottom lantern. To obtain stereoscopic effect from
the enlarged images projected upon the screen, one picture only must be
permitted to reach the right eye, and the other the left eye of the ob-
server, and to effect this purpose the inventor places before the lenses of
each objective a polariser of simple construction. The image thus pro-
jected upon the screen appears to t)ie unassisted eye to differ in no respect
from an ordinary one ; but, if it be looked at through a Nichol's prism or
other analyser, the picture will be seen to appear and disappear as the
analyser is revolved. If [each polariser be placed in its lantern in the
same position, the two pictures upon the screen appear and disappear at
the same time ; but, if they be placed at right angles to each other, one
will be clear and distinct when the other has disappeared, and, if the
analyser be turned through a quarter of a revolution, the latter appears
and the former disappears. It is therefore obvious that , if each eye of
the observer be supplied with an analyser, each fixed at a right angle to
the other, one picture will fall upon the right eye, and the other upon the
left, and, as the pictures are superposed upon the screen, no lens or prism
is required.
Theoretically, light is lost by refraction, but, practically, it need not be
considered, for, with a very moderate quantity of gases consumed, a well-
illnminated picture, ten feet square, is obtained. A special screen is used,
having a surface that will not destroy the polarisation of the pictures, and
the polariser is so constructed that the definition does not suffer to any
appreciable extent. The little analysers, or eyeglasses, take a form
similar to that of a very small opera-glass, the tubes of which they are
formed being one inch in length and one inch in diameter, and the total
weight is under two ounces. Each pair has a convenient handle attached,
so tiiat they can be held for any length of time without occasioning the
slightest inconvenience or fatigue.
The effect of the partial superposition of two dissimilar pictures is, of
course, to give a picture blurred with double outlines ; but the instant
the little glasses are raised to the eyes the picture becomes a well-defined
and perfectly stereoscopic one. Special slides are not required. Any
negative taken by a stereoscopic camera that is sufficiently sharp to bear
the necessary enlargment can have lantern slides made from it, and
these can be coloured if desired.
The lanterns are exceedingly simple to use, for, having been turned on,
they need no further attention. The operator has, therefore, nothing
more to do than change his elides and approximately superpose them.
In one instant the polarisers can be withdrawn, and the lanterns used for
all the other purposes for which a biunial is required, and, upon the other
hand, the polarisers can be instantly placed in position for stereoscopic
effects. Messrs. R. Field & Co., 142, Suffolk-street, Birmingham, are
the sole makers.
OVERHEATING IN DOUBLE LANTERNS.
Im a double lantern where one is placed above the other, as in American
lanterns, the difficulty has been to so arrange the ventilation as to
prevent the overheating of the upper lantern and yet have it very com-
pact, and comparatively light-tight.
Mr. Charles Beseler, of New York, has devised a simple yet ingenious
way of protecting the heat outlets arranged around the top and sides of
the casing, by peculiar shaped angle plates, so formed as to direct the
escaping heat and reflected light rearward. Any extraneous light is thus
prevented from striking the ceiling, the screen, or emerging from the
side to the annoyance of the operator. A sheet of asbestos felting ii
placed between the two lanterns, but does not affect the easy ventilation
of the lower one. The light-tight casing is movable on the rods, and,
when the lantern is set up, is drawn back, which exposes the condenser
and places it outside of the easing, thereby preventing it from sweating
or becoming overheated. There are simple but convenient adjustments
of the lime carrier, and jets and extra flange rings are provided for the
quick replacing of lenses of different foci, according to the size of picture
desired. A bellows in front of the slide-carrier prevents the escape of
light.
THE LANTERN CRAZE M PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETIES.
To our mind it is decidedly a step in the downward direction when
so many of our photographic societies become imbued with the ruling
desire to convert everything into a lantern exhibition.
For illustrative purposes, says Anthony's Bulletin, especially when
used in connexion with a lecture, the lantern has no superior, or even
equal. To outsiders and the general pubUc a lantern exhibition has
many attractions, and, when used to excite a healthy interest in the
doings of a photographic society, it is undoubtedly of much benefit.
To such an employment of it we would offer not the sUghtest objection
or criticism. But, alas ! few are the cases where the task once acquired
remains limited within reasonable bounds.
No other phase of the photographic mania seems to take such absolute
possession of its devotees. Once a lantern-slide fiend and everything else
is dropped — prints, negatives, everything is judged by the sole standard
of " Will it make a good slide ? " If so, it is enthusiastically received, and
permission is at once craved to copy it. If unsuitable, by reason of some
particular quality, which a hundred chances to one is that which makes
it especially valuable in your eyes, it is cast aside with a superficial glance,
and the lantern fiend goes on with his never-ending search for something
to make a slide from. Books, illustrated articles, a few insignificant
3J X 4J bits out of large negatives — nothing, in fact, ia secure from his
ravages. And to what end ?
Sapplemant, October 7, 19BS]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
Withoat donbt, this penistenc; hms regnlted in a great improvement
•nd perfection of plates, and derelopeis for transparencies, and, so far aa
it goes, bai in this way been of benefit to the fraternity at large.
Bat it ia eiaimed that glides are far more permanent than the mnch-
>bM«d and eTaneicent silver prinL Try a platinum, or bromide, or
Carbaa, or a hnndred other prints, and compare their permanency with
your boasted slide*. Hoteorer, let a few of those self-same slides fall
on the floor, or coma in contact with the Tigoroos daeting of a lately im-
ported and qnarantined domestic. If one oat of a dozen Burvives, yon
are fortunate indeed.
MoreoT«r, at it* best, a deTelopment of this kind is a mechanical one,
pan and simpi* — • mere reproductive process, beantifol in many in-
■Unme. it i« trae, bat neither more nor 1«h than this.
Far different is it to the tentative and carefnl development of some
cherished exposure which you have waited weeks to obtain, and exercised
all yoor skill to have perfect in every detail Eagerly y'oa watch it come
np, laintljr at firat, then gathering strength and detail. Has the ligbtiTig
been as good as yoa wished for? Has the wished-for prominence of a
certain objeet beui destroyed by an nnaoitable backgroond ? By some
h^py chance did yoa catch that fleecy elond bank in the east, and can
yon keep from loaing it in the density of yoor sky ? A bondred questions
rise, and wUfa them yoor hopea. At last it is developed, and you have
yoor perfect iicgattte. Bach a beaotj t Sorely it was worth trying and
wtitiBg tor, and the akiU and miwiww that yon have gained as the
y««n bsve gone by are something to be pcood of— to glory in.
Yoa hMteo to contribote a print of it to the Clnb Album, and perhapa
at soma tntara day yoa have the pleasore of seeing some obscure Uttle
eoraer of it poceeaaed ot certain peenliar qualities, thrown upon the
■ereen ; and a feaUng of longing for the rest of it, and indignation at the
man who tbna rathleaaly disaeeted yoor masterpiece, arises in yoor
Hot satisAed with this mild spaeiM o( " rubbing it in," yoa find that
tbe lateUigcnt opentor baa hopelaaaly sandwiched it in between a
laaameot-hoose aeeae and tfa* SerMBth Bagiment marrhing down Fifth
▲Twne.
And just bare va have another gnimble to make, the hetero-
gaBaooa jomhliag lofrtbar of any nombar of '^■— «'""«'• sabjects that
osaalty nliarMwIiia • ao-callad lantaca exhibition.
If any d oa iMd the good tortona to fossess a slide ot that andent
ceUe Noah's Ark, it woald asdoabtedly ba placed between " Our President
Ooning Aroand Iha Comar " and that waU-known diminutive Kegro study
of " Who's a DamoenU? " followed by the inevitable ck^-dcanre ot the
evening— an jmpnaaiMf rsodering of die two Hognanot lovers, or plain
^mrrit*" " Bpooaa," aa oar country cooains would term them, were it
nottorthaixttfla.
To ratora, hovarai, work of this Und is unworthy the sarioas attention
of onr sodetiaa.
Whj aet tnatltnti cumpatitiva raaMrahaa as well aa competitive print
aiWWtliim I<al iiwtilii aobiaeta worthy of investigation and diaeassion
ba prcpsaad, and Iha lainban invited to eompete in an investigation of
Sonly a medal for marked piograaa fat photognnphic seience, not me.
ehanieal skill, would b« of f ar mora vahie to the owner, and be tar more
to hia credit than a prise tor the beat conpoaition of nobody's choice or
saaabo^T'* Impnaaihla oAar.
Ot eoarsa aD of na barconr bobUaa. Soma prefer the picture side of
photography, some the general invaatigkting side, and some the strictly
ehMBieal aqwet of oar art
Ts aaah «• woald aay. Do some good systematic work, which, when
doaa, woald ba of valne to oor fellow olob-mambers, and not serve solely
aaaa aaaaaaat to ear alboms.
Do not aiovd out the baantital— thaia an anoagh hard, stem realitiea to
lile ; bat do crowd out that deaoltory faahion d oMddng axpoanna at
aandom and baeauss it looked rather pretty on tbe findar.
If yoa an faitareated in iacea and ^nwa, don't displ^ it by innumerable
greope. moat of them badly oompoaed, and remarkable chiefly for their
Xika down yoor band camera and frequent the highways and byways
of Iba iity. Make yoor expoaoiaa on subjects possessed of aetion, illos-
tr»tia( aoaie [»»**»■<»«■ trait or characteristic
The UriioB aortfaig Iha mbbiah on the city dumps ; taking hia noonday
meal ; iHrtiirVit the eooteata of an ash barrel, or sporting the gorgeons
onUom ef the straet-elaaaing department in a meeeiaful effort not to
keep the street dean.
FoUow hiai ia his varioos moods and ooeupations ; stody the women
aarrying heavy budens on their heads, and walking with that peculiar
■■it w aharaalMMia of tham as a race.
Record them in their holiday attire ; visit the " Bend " and the Italian
quarters, tmd jot down a photographic impression of a motley crowd.
Note the children from their early api)earance in tight bMidageSj.
which completely envelop them, through their gradual development as
street gamins, boot-blacks, and fruit vendors, and you will have a set of
pictures valuable and interesting, recording manners and customs in the
only satisfactory way known to modern seience.
Through their art we have learned the customs of many a bygone
people, and our own some day will be recorded in a similar manner.
Extend your investigations through the various nationalities, classing
each nation by itself, and you will find an added interest to your work,
and a field that is almost limitless.
Do you want something more scientific ? Try upon a certain brand of
plates the effect that different colours have ; place them side by side and
in contrast, making equal exposures, and you will have learned much as
to what not to try. Do this systematically, and then compare it with
results obtained in the same way from the same subjects, but with tbe
interposition of various colour screens.
Do yon know exactly the difference in effect that yonr different stops
give? Mathematically you know the difference in exposure, but have yoa
ever tried the same length of exposure on a given subject, with a given
light, substituting successively one stop for another till you have used
them all ? Try it once, and carefully compare the results. Then try the
same subject with each stop, giving it the proper exposure ; each time
vary your subject, and by the time you have finished you will have learned
more of stops and their effect than yon ever dreamt of before.
Test your developers in a similar way. Vary their proportions, and
try them on equal-length exposures of the same object. Keep your
negatives and label them, and you will find few people to whom they are
not of interest. .
This is what we mean by systematic work. Work that has some
object in it, and which, when performed, is something more than
pretty. You have learned by it ; your friends can also benefit by
seeing yoar'reealts in a way that volumes could not bring home to-
them.
Photography is worthy of being something more than a plaything ; our
clubs of being something else than print and slide collections, often of
doubtful merit, and always without definite aim or object. Photography
doesn't need such encouragement. It has got far beyond that. But
it does need honest, painstaking, and, above all, systematic work, to keep
it from degenerating into a mere plaything.
HIBINO LANTERNS FROM PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETIES.
AoooBDmo to the Club and Dark-room bye-laws of the BurylPhotographic
and Arts Club, which we have just received, membfrs of the Lantern
Committee who may desire to hire the Society's lantern can do so, the
obarge for the lantern, ten-feet screen, cylinder, SiC, and one lime, being
2(, for one night, and 1*. for each of the two following nights used ;
extra limes will be charged for. If it is desired to use oil with the lamps ,
the obarge shall be 1<. 6<f. for the first night used, and half-price the two
following nights. Charge for the use of cylinder or screen 6(i. each per
night. No member shall have the use ot the lantern, &o., for more than
two soocessive nights, except on tbe written permission of the Secretajy.
The following is the list of apparatus of the Club for hire : — Single
lantern, complete with condenser, lens, carrier, blow-through jet, india-
rubber tubing, Ac. Four-wick oil lamp for the above. Ten-feet oxygen
cylinder with coupling and key. Duplex oxygen regulator. Changing
tent Two magnesium wire reflectors. Ten-feet square screen with
frame, in bag. Twenty-feet square screen with frame.
It appears to us that the example here set by the Bury Society might
profitably be taken advantage of by other societies, who would thus have
an opportunity — which ia often much needed — for extending their sphere
of osetnlnnsa
LANTERN FIXTURES.
Lastbbn Niohts at the Photoobaphio ExmBITION.
Dnamo the course of the Exliibition there will be displays by means of
the Optical Lantern, every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday evening,
as below :— Monday, October 10, elides by Mr. W. England ; Wednesday,
October H, by Mr. T. M. Brownrigg ; Saturday, October 15, by Mr. H.
Little; Monday, October 17, by Members of the Photographic Club;
Wednesday, October 19, by Members of the Manchester Photographic
Society; Saturday, October 22, by Members of the Newcastle Photo-
graphic Society ; Monday, October 24, by Mr. A. R. Dresser, from photo-
^,
8
THE BKITI8H JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
Supplem«nt, October 7, 1892]
graphs at the " WUd West Show ; " Wednesday, October 26, by Member!
of the Convention ; Saturday, October 39, by Members of the Birmingham
Photographic Society ; Monday, October 31, by Mr. E. O. Lee ; Wednes-
day, November 2, Mr. E. G. Lee, Amatenr Photographers' Field Club ;
Saturday, November 6, by Mr. Biehard Eeene ; Monday, November 7, to
be annoonced later on ; Wednesday, November 9, by Mr. B. O. Wilkinson.
The management of the Photographic Society's lantern is as usoal in
the experienced hands of Mr. B. B. Beard.
-October 10. Lantern Society. — American Slides.
„ 11. Hackney Photographic Society.
„ 18. Birmingham Photographic Society. — Prize Slides.
„ 20. London and Provincial Photographic Association
Lantern Night and Competition Slides.
„ 25. Birmingham Photographic Society. — Lantern-slide Making,
First
RECENT LANTERN PATENTS.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS.
No. 16,474. — "Improvements in Magic Lanterns." W. Watsom and F.
Houaa.— Dated Septembtr 14, 1892.
THE DANGERS OF OXYGEN-MAKING.
To tha Editob.
Bib,— Seeing yonr notice that you will devote a special supplement to
the Lantern and its working, perhaps my experience may be interesting
to yonr readers, and may serve as a warning to all who make their own
oxygen gas. Experience, I regret to say, that has left me broken down
in heal£ and spirit, and with marks that I shall take to the grave, all
through a chemist's blunder. Being asked to illominata some Tableaux
Tivants by the aid of the Lantern, I sent to a photographic firm of
chemists for six pounds of oxygen mixture, viz., four parts chlorate
potash, two parts black oxide of manganese. The parcel came by parcel
post, labelled oxygen mixture. I weighed out one and three-quarter pounds
of the mixture, put it into the retort (a safety one), placed the retort on
a small fire in my studio, and in lees than one minute a fearful explosion
occurred. The roof and side of my studio were blown to pieces, sMn and
flesh were burned off my left hand from the finger tips to the elbow ; my
right also. My face and throat were one mass of cuts, and my eyes were
BO terribly injured that the doctor thought I would be blind for liie. The
retort was made bits of, and twisted in all shapes. The bars of the fire
grate were blown in all directions, and some entered in the cement wall
opposite (eleven feet) to the depth of half-an-inch. The report was heard
at a great distance. How I escaped Providence alone knows. I think I
must have been in a stooping position, otherwise very likely I would not
be alive to pen this letter.
After the explosion, blind and bleeding as I was, I made for one of the
doors (there were two), and I succeeded in gaining the open air. A few
seconds more and I am sure I should have been suffocated. The feeling was
something fearful. The fumes given off were like so many sharp knives
cutting the throat inside. I was quite exhausted the moment I reached
the door, smd fell.
I shall not dwell on my sufferings for the past three months ; but to
give you an idea, I was eleven stone weight, and when weighed by a high
medical authori^, to whom I went to consult about my health four we^s
after the explosion, I only weighed eight stone eleven pounds. I had to
undergo two operations for my eyes, and my right eye, I greatly fear,
will never be the same again.
After the explosion I got the mixture analysed. I have four and a
quarter pounds of it still. And what do you think this photographic firm
of chemists sent me to make oxygen gas from ? They sent me a mixture
of chlorate of potash and sulphide of antimony, not a trace of manganese.
I do not mention the name of the firm as I am bringing an action
against them, and my only reason for writing these particulars is that
you may warn your readers to be careful if they make their own oxygen
gas to get the proper mixture, and not get a powerful explosive, as in my
case, which has left marks on me that I shall take to the grave.
Any further particulars I can give you you are welcome to.
Should you wish to inquire about the explosion, the police here can
give you aJI information, as they were on the scene ten minutes after the
occurrence, and, I believe, made a note of everything, and also the con-
dition I was in.
Sincerely hoping that this letter may be the means of preventing similar
accidents, and a warning to all. — I am, yours truly,
Thos. B. Walshe.
P.S. — 1 have all the pieces of the retort, bars of grate, <fto., and shall
<be glad to send you a photograph of them should yoa wish it.
Jiosscarbery, co. Cork, Ireland. Oct. 1, 1892.
[We should be pleased to see the photograph, — Ed.]
REFLECTORS— GASOLINE.
To the Editob.
Sib, — I shall be glad if you will tell me about the use of reflectors to
throw the light from the lime when used with its back to the condensers
and placed in the focus of the mirror. This is, of course, an unusual
method, but has, I fancy, some advantages over the usual method.
Further, I would ask for account of experiences with gasoline in an
ordinary saturator. — I am, yours, &c., Haslembbe.
SepUmbtr 26, 1892.
Hametn §Lt^it% anti (Queries.
1
0, B. B. (York). — The size of American lantern slides is 4 x 3 J.
SiMPLBTON. — You have not been misled. A whitewashed wall answers
admirably as a screen.
" SCPPLKMENT." — We shall doubtless, have an article on the subject in
the November supplement.
A. 3. — Yes; amidol answers excellently for lantern slides. We have
seen some charming slides developed with it.
V. E. MooBE. — No ; few people make their own oxygen nowadays. See
a letter on (he subject in another column.
Intentob. — Send us a description and drawing of the lantern, and we
shall then be the better able to judge of its " novelty."
S. Pbel. — Mr. Chadwick states the advantages of triple condensers in
the course of his paper in another part of the Sdpfi.ement.
F. FoTTEB asks for the names of makers of " adjustable lantern stands."
— Any lantern-dealer would be able to supply yoa with what you
require.
Disc. — The length of the hall being twenty-five feet, you would require
an objective of six inches focus in order to produce a disc of twelve
feet in diameter.
Imquibeb. — Messrs, Archer have one of their lanterns in the present
exhibition of the Photographic Society at Pall Mall. By paying a visit
to the Exhibition you would be able to examine it at your leisure.
B. Oliveb. — The whiter the screen the better. If it is so discoloured as
to degrade the lights of the picture, you had better have it repainted.
Messrs. J. Avery & Co., of Great Portland-street, will undertake the
matter.
ScBEEK. — Ton are in error. Lantern slides on celluloid films may take
the place of glass slides. Of course some sort of special carrier is
necessary, Euid such a one is, we believe, to be obtained of Mr. J. D,
England.
Mb. Alfbsd Undebhill, of 32, Clarendon-road, West Croydon, has
sent us his supplementary list of lantern slides for 1892-93. It includes
many new series, and gives particulars of the various departments of
Mr. Underhill's business, which embraces designing and drawing, slide
colouring, &c.
To test a lantern objective tor flatness of covering power, Mr. G. C.
Norton employs a square of muslin netting mounted between two plates
of glass three and a quarter inches square. This answers better than a
photographic transparency in which there is often a falling off in definition
towards the edges.
Fob the purpose of making tracings on glass of photographs to serve
for lantern illustrations, Mr. Thomas Haddow, of Maitland- street,
Edinburgh, has sent us a sample of an opaque black ink which flows
freely from the pen. For extempore purposes during lectures this
possesses certain advantages over writing ink, especially as regards
opacity.
At a recent meeting of the Port Elizabeth Photographic Society, he
development of a plate was shown on the screen by means of the lantern,
and aroused very great interest among those present. This was stated to
be the first occasion on which such an experiment was .conducted in the
town.
Catalooues EicEivED. — Messrs. G. W. Wilson & Co., Aberdeen. This
gives particulars of several additions to Messrs. Wilson's well-known
series of slides. — Messrs. F. York & Son, 67, Lancaster-road, Netting
Hill, W. In this supplementary list Messrs. York also include many
novelties.
MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT
To THE " British Journal of Photography."]
\Noveviber it, 1892
THE LANTERN RECORD.
CONTENTS.
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SOME DISADVANTAGES OF COMPRESSED
HYDROGEN,
Ix mottt of the oircamstanoee under which laatern entertain-
meiiU ftTO given a lupply of honae gu is usually available, and
thun the proTiskm of oompwed hydrogen is unneoeasaty.
Oooukm, of eoune, often ariaea when a domeatio Buuroe does
not oxkt, ao tliat reoonne must be had to the assistance of the
oompnaMf. For this purpoee both piiro hydrogen and the
oarfoarretted variaty are at oommand.
The advantagoa of pore hydngan over the commoner form
of gM are not on the whole of a very marked nature as regards
the quality of the illnmiuation given, which combined with the
uiilitional expense have sufficed to restrict its uses to a limited
doKTOo. Its purity, however, relieves it from one of the draw-
backs of the ordinary gaa, to whieh we are now about to advert,
■o that it is undoubtedly more reliable and agreeable to work.
Pure hydrogen, again, ao fair as we can ascertain, undergoes no
chemical altaration, even though it bo gitSbred to remain in the
' T an aboonnal period. As much, however, according
uion of aevanl experieoood lantornistK with whom we
have been in communication on the •mlijcot, cannot be said of
the ordinary hydrogen gaa. The use of this witliiu a reasonable
period after the cylinder has left the compressers, say a few
waaka, entails no oonTenienoe ; but, if a period of months
through unavoidable oaiwea be aUowc<l to elapse before tho
gas is required, the most unpleasant eflfeota result in the
working of the lantern.
An incruaUtion oolleots at the extremity of the hydrogen
tube, whieh again is projected in tho shape of dark flaky
frat;mcnU upon tho lime, thus reducing the light t<> a con-
dir.iii of low illumiiuiting power ami intonaif "incy,
whicli Li not restored to iu normal degroo of li „ ^ until
\hf t.'asea are turned off and the offcuding fragments removed
from the tube and the lime. Under «uoh oiroumstanoee as
thaao, it can well be imagined that an audience would be rather
incominoded, and the operator chagriued, at tho momentary
failurai
Tba cause of this has been ascribed to some species of
chemical riitioa taking place between the hydrogen and the
cylinder after a certain length of time, whereby minute frag-
menta of oxidised metal are bold in suspcnsiou in the gas, and
subsequently converted into appreciable atoms, with the result
described. How far this is correct we are unable to say.
Perhaps those familiar with the comprossion of liydrogeii can
throw some light on the matter. Pending such au oluoidation,
however, tho obvious course for the lautoraist to take is to,
where possible, use freshly compressed hydrogen in preference
to that which may have been in tho cylinder for, say, mouths.] I
LANTERN NOTES AND NEWS.
DuaiNO the Stanley Show of Cycles, 4c., which is to be held at
the .\gricultur^ Hall from November 18 to -26, there will be photo-
cycle lantern entertainments, including the following subjects : —
"Tho Evolution of the Cycle," with illustrations of all types of
machines, from the Dandy Horse to tlie present-day Cycle ; " From
Ditton to Ripley in Thirty Minutes;" "The Great North Road,"
from London to York; "Cycling Celebrities;" "Our Cycling,
Campj;" "The Path;" "Celebrated Starts and Finishes." The
Hon. Lecturer will be Mr. Qeorjfe Lacy Hillier, of the Stanley
Cycling Club.
♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
At the meeting of the Lantern Society on October 24, Commander
Gladstone, the Hon. Secretary, showed a lantern of his own design,
which, from the description given, appears to have many points of
novelty about it. In its construction aluminium wa? used wherever
practicable, and, instead of the metal-lined mahogany body, there was
a cloth curtain lined with asbestos; the oond^ser mounted in
aluminium was held between two thin plates of the same motal, and
the glide carrier was held rigidly in position by means of an aluminium
plat<i and two screws. The lens was mounted in a plain aluminium
tube, and was carried by a small saddle, moving along the front board
by means of a rack and pinion, and connected to the lantern body by
a small camera bellows. For packing away, the whole thing folded
up, and together with all the necessary fittings and two regulators
stowed away in a box 18xl2x6i in. The total weight, including
the box and regulators, was about twenty-one pounds, the corre-
sponding weight of the lantern which it has superseded being thirty-
eight pounds. The space for the jot was practically the same as in an
orfinary lantern, so that any jet, or an oil lamp, could be used with it.
• • • • •
Th« Lantern Evenings of the Photographic Society of Great
Dntain have been, we gather, very popular this year. On tho occasion
when the slides contribntod by the Photographic Club were exhibited
we wore pleased to notice a large and interested audience, who ap-
"nrai«d to be highly delighted at the remarkably good qualities of the
OhiVselWiM, as well as with the terse humour of Mr. F. A. Bridge,
who " described " them. Whatever else its critics may find fault with,
the management of the lantern at the Society's meetings is difficult to
"cel- .....
By the way, we may take this opportunity of reminding our
readers that the Lantern Entertainment at the Photographic Society's
Exhibition, in lud of the Photographers' Benevolent Association, takes
place (by permission of the Council), at the Gallery, Pall Mall, on
Friday evening, November 4th. Tickets, price sixpence each,
10
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRA.PHY.
[Supplement, November, 4, 1892
may be obtained of Mr. Snowden Ward, the Hon. Secretary,
Memorial Buildings, E.C., or of any member of the Committee of the
Benevolent Association.
• • • • •
Fob the evening in question a large number of tickets have
already been issued, and doubtless sold, apropos of which a friend (and
one, moreover, who, to our knowledge, has been a supporter of the
Association for many years) has suggested that the benefit might in
future be so arranged as to extend over three or four evenings instead
of only one. The reason for this ia that many hundreds of tickets are
apparently being issued for one evening, and the room at Tall Mall
lias not anything like the accommodation necessary in case a large
percentage of tidcet-holders should put in an appearance.
• • • • •
Sin. F. P. Cbmubano, whose ability as an exponent of archi-
tectural photography is a matter of common recognition, laid stress
the other evening, when speaking on tlie subject before the Photo-
graphic Society, on the value of the optical lantern for giving enlarged
pictures of architectural subjects. Further, he dwelt upon the advan-
tage of a large screen over a small one for showing off the slides to
better advantage. We do not know whether the lantern is in
requisition for this purpose by the professors of architecture at the
various colleges and universities ; but it can easily be seen how useful
it would be in the lecture theatre, especially for acquainting the
student with delicate details of architectural style on a convenient
scale, which, as a rule, are only to be studied in comparatively
minute drawings.
« • • • •
Thb lantern was put to a somewhat novel use at the last meeting
of the London and Provincial Association. A theory of Robert Hunt
that red light overpowers or rather neutralises to some extent the
actinic influence of white light on a sensitive surface having been
recently quoted, it was suggested that the matter might very easily
be put to experimental proof by means of the lantern. Accordingly,
at the meeting in question, the experiment was tried in the following
manner : — From the upper chamber of the biunial lantern three kinds
of red light were projected on to a sensitive plate, affixed to a black-
board, the white light, much stopped down, emanating from the lower
lantern. Three exposures were made, and the net results of the
experiment went to negative the assumption- that red light, such as is
used for dark-room illumination, had any neutrahsing effect on the
white light.
• * * # *
A PRACTICAL class ou Lantern Slides and Lantern Work (by the
dry-plate, wet-collodion, and collodion-emulsion processes) will be
conducted by Mr. Charles W. Gamble, at the Polytechnic Institute,
309, Regent-street, on Wednesday evenings, commencing November
16, at eight p.m. This class includes copying illusti'ations from
books, enlarging and reducing negatives, the use of the optical
lantern, and all manipulative work connected with the lantern.
*****
A BEAUTirtTL and instructive lecture experiment, illustrative of
the conditions of the heated atmosphere which give rise to the mirage,
is described by MM. .1. Mact5 de L(5pinay and A. Perot, in their
" Etude du Mirage," which appears in the Annates de Chimie et de
Physique. Water is poured into a long rectangular trough with glass
slides, and covered with a layer of alcohol about '2 cm. thick, con-
taining a trace of fluorescence. After a few hours, during which the
alcohol diffuses slowly through the water, a flat beam of light is sent
through the mixture at a very slight inclination to the horizon.
Under these conditions a kind of garland of light is seen to traverse
the liquid, due to a series of curvilinear deflections or " mirages " in
the less highly refractive water below and total reflections at the
upper surface of the alcohol.
A NOTE ON COLOURING LANTERN SLIDES.
The long winter evenings offer many opportunities for making lantern
slides, when there is little else to photographically occupy the time,
unless, it may be, printing and enlarging by artificial light in its
various phases. But, to the greater number of amateurs, large work
does not offer the attractions that work which can be performed in a
limited space generally does. The ruling household powers, more
often than not, look with anything but favour on the so-called
" slopping about and making messes" entailed by working either largo
plates or paper. Consequently, lantern work (the " mess " being re-
duced to a minimum) is better tolerated.
There is, however, somewhat of monotony in plain slides, that may
be occasionally varied with advantage. I allude to colouring. Im-
primis, a badly coloured slide is, perhaps, one of the most offensivi'
lands of pictures that can be made ; the large scale on which it in
shown emphasises its shortcomings, and it has, without doubt, u
commonplace, vulgar effect. Most per.sons unacquainted with tim
process of slide painting imagine that to do so well requires very
considerable artistic ability and mastery over the material, even when
the ordinary transparent colours are used. A certain amount of skill
is required that may be too much for those not accustomed to water-
colour painting. In the alternative method I now propose, such a very
small modicum of painting ability is required that most of those who
can take a photograph would be, with a little practice, equal to it,
and obtain results that, considering the little trouble required, are
decidedly satisfactory.
Procure an assortment of J udson's liquid dyes of suitable tints, a
small quantity of spirits of wine, not methylated, and some camel-hair
pencils, small paper stumps, and a piece of glass to do duty as a desk.
I may here say it is of no use trying to mix the dyes like other colour
in order to make certain tints, for one colour seems to destroy the other
instead of forming a tint midway between the two. The dyes must
therefore be used alone, diluted more or less with spirits of wine, and
one tint allowed to dry before another is applied. The principal
difficulty ia in avoiding the thickening of colour at the edges of the
stroke, but with a little practice this is easily overcome. Begin with
the most delicate tints first, in a landscape the sky and water, finishing
with the more pronounced colours. A drop or two of a suitably
coloured dye being put into a small saucer, add sufficient spirit to
dilute it to the proper tint, having at hand a little plain spirit into
which the brush can be dipped as occasion may require ; owing to the
volatile nature of the medium, promptitude must be used to avoid
waste, or the different tints may be kept diluted in small bottles.
Supposing we desire to tint a moonlight scene with good clouds, and
bright reflections on the water ; a cottage with the windows illumi-
nated ; or lanterns hanging to the rigging of ships. Firstly : take a
small stump, dip it into a solution of wax in benzole, or suitable
greasy matter, going over all parts carefully that have to remain
colourless. The windows and lanterns having been tinted yellow or
red, let these be waxed also ; the slide then may be bodily immersed
in weak greenish blue dye ; blot off the edges, and dry. This will be
probably all that is required to complete the picture. With a day-
light view, tint the sky pale blue, softening off the colour towards the
horizon with plain spirit, then carefully go over the landscape with
suitable tints, always putting on the lightest and most delicate first,
and drying before the application of the darker greens, &c. It is best
to use but little colour, slightly tinted pictures having the best effect
on the screen. Simple as this process is, excellent results may be obtained
with little practice. Some colours are apt to dry duller than others.
When this is the case a little gelatine solution poured over will restore
the brilliance, care being taken to avoid dust in drying.
E. DUNMOKK.
LA.NTERN MEMS.
Lamtbrnists will do well to remember that hydrogen cylinders must now
have left-handed threads to the valves in order to be filled by the gas-
compressing companies, and those who have not already had the change
made will do well to have it done at once. Also their regulators for
hydrogen to be made left-handed instead of right-banded as formerly.
* * » if » *
Cylindsbs containing hydrogen that baa been laying by since last
season should be tested, as the gas is liable to be impure, and, if so, will
clog the jet in use, a chemical action taking place from the impurities of
the carburetted hydrogen acting on the steel of cylinder. The best way
is to fix tubing to jet and light up, putting on a lime as usual.
T«» limes after a little use appear quite red or discoloured when
impure hydrogen is used, and when this is so it is better to let the gas
escape in the air, and send the cylinder up to be cleansed and refilled, a
special mention being made of the fact when forwarding the cylinder
to the optician.
♦ **♦••
The samples of compressed hydrogen I have had occasion to nae and
Sopplement, XoTember 4, 1892]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OP PHOTOGRAPHY.
11
Me Uated dariiig the lait six monttu, have been of much purer quality
than it nsed to be, and aaems quite equal to being kept six months or so.
• •■•*•
TuPLi ooodanien are being taken up generally b; the trade, and no
doubt will be loand useful for many porpoaea of projection. One form
at leatt is mad* to separate so that the back lens can be removed, and a
long-focus eoadJemwr ia then aTailable for long-focna lenses.
• •••••
WaiTHn double or triple, the condenser must be of such a focus as
will be suitable for the objectiTS employed, and in practice one that is
perfect lor very short- focus front lenses, say of four and a half or five
ioehes focus, or for microscope projection, will not be suitable for long-
foeos objeetiTaa of ten, twelve, or fourteen inches focus without separation
or modificatiaa d the combination.
• ■•••«
PaoTicmM |)swss for eondmaen have been applied for years past in
order to sav* the back l«iu from getting broken vhen the light has to be
very near the Mme to get the eorreot focus ; but, if I have read correctly
an advertiMinent that appealed lately, a patent has been applied tor
for this applkatinti of a protecting glass to a condenser. Should it be so,
it rtands to naaoD that tha patent cMmot be valid.
• • • • • a
" CcT-orv " disanlTem. " eut-oSs " to jets, and screw-down valve taps to
jets, are beeoBiag popular, and seem to be appreciated. There is no doubt
about the eowvanianee of the former and its economy, while the latter
are invaluable for regulating the supply of gas with the new high-preaaure
mixing jets, and, if fitted in the ping of the stop-cocks with lever hattJi—
as well, they answer a double purpoee, via., for fine regulation, and as a
••cut-off."
• • • • •
la naiiig mised-gas jets, the bye-paaa tap on oxygen side of disaolver
must alwayi be turned off. Popping at jet is sometimes oaoaed by this
being tamed on, aoetdcntally or otherwiae.
Umnnar.u, IgnM, eat oat of metri and artieukted, will shortly be
plaoed on tke aaikeC I saw iinwHy some very cleverly made and
arranged aHaplee, in whiab aobjeeti lapneenting Oladstone chopping
a tree, Gladatooeaad Saliabory wreetllig. Ally Sloper rising from behind
a table, bowfai(, end opaniBg and dorias the mouth aa if speaking. The
irmieweiila wan ao oatarsl that one aooU almost suppose the muscles of
the anas and la«s U the wrestler* aetiiaUy moved, and, with the vrood-
chopper, the aie not oaily rieee and Ids, bat the body movea forward and
op aad down. Being opaque, the figans will be projected on the aereen
aa ailhoiMttae.
• • • • •
La*aT joinle, tnm indiarabber flatting kioae or periabed, are far more
frequent than aoans anppose. It ie wise every now and then to cut an
iaeh cc eo off the and wliere it has ««l to t>M atretelied aise, and ao get a
new portion ol the robber lor the eomisiion. With aompreaaed gas, ths
tabes ahoold be fastened on with atiiog, wire, or, belter stQl, a " grip "
eli^
• • • • •
Fbom striking an average, I find that for a two hours' entertainment
with a bisnial lantsra. the amoont of gas used when employing beet
I ii sffSB iert ol bydrofaa and six feet o< oxygen.
Tn old idea ol the biow-throogh jet being the only " safety " one is
nodoally fatting exploded, for, with the gasss eompresssd in separate
eyiindafs (and fitted with automatic ragolatoci) the better Unds of mixed-
f(a< jets can not only be need with perieet satlstyi but with grMter con-
venience, and will give fifty par eent. more light. This form of limelight
is adeplaWe tor ass in a very small space, aad la, of course, quite inde-
pendent ot any gaa-ftttiags, wideh is in itself a great saving of time when
ia a strange place. O, B. Baub.
80ME NEW FEATCBS8 U* COKNEXION WITH LIMEUOHT
LKCTUBUtO.
Tn brilliant roaaaea which attended tlie course ol lectures given in oon-
aexion with the Olaagow Photographic Exhibition held last year bad,
dodbtlees, mneh to do in the way of indtiog the Council of the Fine Art
lastMols in Olaagow to load cA sfain this ssaaon with a five weeks'
coarse ol Isiituias given nighty, wommenoing September 1 and ending
Oetoberai
Thia Mona aBbnaed thiity-lbree lectures, and, with the exception of
four, all the engagements were filled by amateurs, many of whom must
have gone to considerable expense and trouble in getting up their lectures
on new subjects especially for tbia occasion ; and it must have been highly
gratifying, not only to the Council of the Institute, but also to the Glasgow
public, to find that, with one single exception (where the lecturer waa
confined to his bed through illness), the original programme was carried
out almost in its entirety.
It is interesting to notice some of the features of this undertaking, and
which, doubtless, helped in no small degree to bring about the success
which attended it.
First and foremost must be noticed the very attractive programme
which the Council offered to the public. It was as follows: —
Sept. lit, Thurt.— "The Waterways ot HoUand." Mr. George E.
Thompson.
2nd, Fri.—" The Volcanic Eitel and the Moselle." Mr. George E.
Thompson.
3rd, Sa(. — " Eambles along the Riviera." Mr. George E. Thompson.
5(A, Mon. — " The South End ot Arran, from Brodick Bay to Benan
Head." Mr. William Lang, jun, F.C.S.
6tA, Tius. — " Hogarthian Humour." Bailie John Ure Primrose.
1th, Wed.—" My Trip to India, via Suez." Major F. W. Allen.
8tA, Thurt.—" Trip to London and Brighton." Mr. T. N. Armstrong.
9fft, FH.—'^ Greenland's Icy Mountains." Mr. John W. M'Call.
lOth, Sat.—" Ireland and the Irish." Mr. John W. M'Call.
12th, Mon. — " Some Characteristics of Scottish Scenery." Professor
John Young, M.D.
IZth, Tuet. — "Sir Walter's Land" {with song accompaniment). Mr.
George G. Napier.
14(A, Wed. — " Italian Highways and Byways." Mr. Frederick Clibbom.
15(A, Thurt. — " Normandy." Mr. Frederick Clibbom.
Idth, Fri. — ■* Among the Austrian Alps and the Carpathian Hills."
Pastor Qeyer.
nth, Sat.— " Glasgow in Ye Olden Time." Eev. Thomas Somer-
ville, M.A.
19th, Mon. — " Brunswick and its Museum." Mr. James Paton, F.L.S.
20th, Tuet. — " A Trip to Norway " {icith costumes and music). Mr.
W. 0. Tait.
21»t, IK<;4— "To Obor-Ammergan and Back in 1890." Mr. W.
Lamond Howie.
2ind, Thurt. — "Mary, Queen of Scots." Mr. George Mason.
23rd, Fri " Days at the Coast." Mr. A. Lindsay Miller.
24tA, Sat.—" Edmburgh in 1826 " {with mutic). Bev. William Brown-
lie, M.A.
26th, Mon.—" Guernsey and Sark." Mr. Bobert Walker.
27«A, Tuei.—" My Visit to the Holy Land." Mr. T. D. Stookdale.
2»th, Wed.— "Di. Johnson in Scotland." Mr. Thomas Eennie.
29«A, Thurt.—" Past and Present." Mr. F. H. Newbery.
sot*, Fri. — "Iceland." Professor Mavor.
Oct. Ut, Sat.—" The Gold and Diamond Fields of Bouth Africa " (with
mutical aeeompaniment). Mr. D. S. Salmond.
8rd, Mon.—" Scotland." Dr. Colville.
ith, Tuet.—" A Caravan Tour." Mr. T. N. Armstrong.
5th, Wed. — " Our Great Composers and their Local Surroundings "
{vith musical accompaniment). Mr. James Aitken.
6th, Thurt. — " Marvellous Melbourne." Professor Wallace.
1th, Fri. — "Fashion in Dress." Mr. James Muir.
Blh, Sat. — " Landscape in Art." Mr. James Paterson, B.S.W.
It irill he observed that the above programme embraces very many
new subjects, and further, in several cases, included some special features
not generally hitherto combined with limelight lecturing. This was speci-
ally noticeable in the Norway lecture, when not only a very interesting
series of pictures were shown by Mr. Tait, but he also introduced some
of the native costumes, and likewise, with the aid of his lady friends,
gave the large audience examples of Norwegian songs and instrumental
music The fair lady friends, who appeared in costume, gave a peculiarly
piquant and bright effect to the whole lecture, which was greatly appre-
ciated by the large audience. Then, again, in the lecture on Our Great
Musical Composers, the rendering of the vtuious examples ot our great
masters was exquisitely given by a quartette party, who assisted Mr.
AitlHtKiiAo small degree to make what would have otherwise been a
bald lecture more than interesting by the introduction of such high-class
music so perfectly rendered.
In numerous other instances, as will be seen from the programme,
music formed a very interesting item, going as it did, hand in hand with M
good pictures and instructive information. f
In compiling such a programme, extending over five weeks, and which
embraced no less than twenty-eight different gentlemen as lecturers, only
two of whom, it may be said, were not locally connected, the Council
doubtless had some trouble in the way of overcoming numerous scruples
on the part gf those who were not provided with lantern transparencies
to illualrate their lectures ; but even this was not permitted to stand in
l2
1*E BRITISH: JOURNAL OF PHOTOGllAPHY.
[Supplement, November 4, 1892
Ihe way of the rendering of what was known to be a good subject, and in
all oases where lantern slides were not on hand the Council at once set
abont providing snch for the occasion, and it was only by such action
that many of the interesting subjects were arranged. Nothing was per-
mitted to stand in the way of the scheme being made attractive. To this
bold step doubtless must be attributed much of the success in compiling
such a varied and interesting programme.
In scrutinising the list of lectures, we find that, out of the total of
thirty-three delivered, exactly twenty of them were specially got up for
this Course — a proof, if any were needed, of the enthusiastic spirit which
animated those who took the undertaking in hand. Specially noticeable
among the list of new productions must be noticed Sir Walter's Land,
by Mr. Napier, and Mary Qiieen of Scots, by Mr George Mason. These
gentlemen for months past must have been occupied in personally visiting
)Uid photographing the many interesting places in connexion with their
subjects. Mr. Mason has succeeded in putting together an entirely new
set of pictures, very many of which, such as Queen Mary's [relics, are
of more than ordinary interest, not only to the antiquarian, but also to
the general public — a collection which, indeed, it will be impossible to
dnpUcate, hence its value. I have said that in many cases where the
lecturers were not provided with lantern slides to illustrate a subject that
it was known they were competent to handle well, the Council of the
Institute provided such for them. In this action they not only acted
liberally, but set a good and wholesome example to those who hold the
stupid opinion that every lecturer ought to show only his own slides, or,
at least, such from his own negatives. Were such an absurd doctrine to
become invariably the rule, there would be an almost insuperable barrier
raised to the production of some of the best subjects by the very best men.
True, in one or two cases, the audience were treated to the gratuitous
information that all the pictures shown were taken by the speaker for the
time being, but such information failed to elicit any expression of ap-
proval on the part of the audience, and perhaps in a few cases, had such
individuals substituted professional slides for their amateurish produc-
tions, the result would have been better. The opinion in Glasgow is
decidedly gaining ground that all lecturers should strive to obtain the
Very best slides to illustrate their subject, no matter who takes them
be they professional or amateur, and when such comes to be generally,
followed, the result wiU be apparent by a very much higher degree of ex-
cellence in the pictures thrown upon the screen, and an entire absence
of the ludicrous sight too often witnessed of seeing a gelatine slide melt
before the audience. Many gentlemen who are able scholars and lec-
turers are not conversant with slide-making, therefore why should they
be debarred by such a ridiculous idea? Others, again, who are able slide-
tnakers cannot utter ten sentences on a platform before they give way at
the knees.
When the idea of organising such a lengthy programme was first
mooted, there were not wanting plenty of quidnuncs who shook their
pates, " It would never do,'' "Par too many lectures," "Public would
get tired of it," and many other similar expressions of disapproval;
but the public did not tire of it, and the attendance increased steadily
till the end, when only one feeling was expressed, and that was one of
regret that such an intellectual source of amusement was to close.
The limelight arrangements were of the most perfect kind, and in
the hands of Mr. More not a single hitch occurred from first to last.
Visitors were much puzzled to understand how Mr. More took his cue
from the various lecturers so as to change each picture with such un-
erring precision, there being no sign or sound noticeable; and yet, at
the exact moment, the desired change was made with the utmost
certainty.
Some very funny opinions were expressed as to how this excellent
mode of working was accomplished. One well-known face in photographic
circles declared that Mr. More, for the time being, was an animated pin-
cushion, and that by some means or other a needle was thrust into a
fleshy part of his body when he was to change a slide. Others watched
night after night in the fond hope of being able to solve the mystery. All
were disappointed.
The method adopted is the joint invention of the subscriber and Mr.
More, and is absolutely silent and certain in its action ; in fact, being
Almost staftlingly novel in its working when rapid changes have to be made.
The ridiculous practice of using a crick-crick or Castanet will never be
Been in Glasgow again where first class lectures are given, and it is quite
Within the range of possibility, that before long the same action, which has
now been introduced for the iurst time at these lectures, may be so ex-
tended as to permit of the lecturer actually changing his own pictures on
the screen by the mere touch of a tiny button placed on the reading-desk.
It is more than likely that the Fine Art Institute will arrange for a
Bimilar course next year. T. N. Arhstbono.
SOME BECENT NOVELTIES IN LANTEEN APPARATUS.
CoNCDRBBNTLY with the Commencement of the season, Mr. J. H. Steward,
of 406 Strand, is introducing various novelties connected with the lantern
and its accessories. Among these is a single lantern suitable for large
halls, &o. Its distinguishing feature is that it is fitted with a solid tube
of large diameter, which is made a suitable length for the focus of th^
three-inch diameter lenses, with which the lantern is fitted, any further
adjustmen being made by the rack and pinion jacket. If lenses of
shorter focus are used, they are mounted complete in tubes of suitable
length so that they push home to their focus.
c
a
HI
N.:^
EA bellows fronted lantern of the same firm has been designed to do all
the regular work of an optical lantern for projection, and also to answer
the purpose of a photographic enlarging lantern.
Mr. Steward is also introducing Mr. Gambler Bolton's portable lec-
turers' reading-desk, for enabling a lecturer to see the pictures shown on
Sa^iament, Norember 4, 1892]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
13
tbB meai wbea hia bMk U tamed to it. The stand is composed of
bnia tubing made taleooopio with olampe, and the three legs form a
tripod at the fasae of this pillar, and pack inside the pillar for travelling.
Tbis minor attachment, with ball and socket fittings, is to show the
Iceturar withoat turning his head what pietare is on the screen. H shows
the pnhr eloaed ap with the tripod lega inside; I shows the ieak
folded ap.
Id the ■■ doable plog " dinolyer the gMes pass throagh separate plugs
from the snpply pipes 0 and H, and then divide so as to condnot the gas
to the two lanterns. The amoant of b}«-pass for the hydrogen flame is
ngnlatad to a niea^ hj the mmwi and lockiog-nati attached to the
elhov-pieea on the plate at the ri^ tad left of the plug-box, while a tap
pennili tt the es^gm b7»-paas benig ngnlaled if desired. The tape on
the MHP^ fipee ean be partiaDy or wboUj tamed off, and thoa the
I or Jala majr be kept Jnat buniae or at ooee pat oat.
fiiinM t s niij
a rapid inspection of the varied stock of lanterns and accessories, the
famous lantern slide library, in which Mr. Tyler has gathered together
possibly as large and diversified a collection of slides aa are to be found
in London or elsewhere ; the stacks of gas bottles, charged and uncharged,
the number of which the amateur, and maybe the professional lanterniat,
has no conception — in short, to witness the several branches of such a
business as this in active operation, it is impossible to withhold the
conviction, that whatever the fate of other divisions of photography may
be during the present season, the section associated with the optica
lantern is, especially at the present moment, undoubtedly in " full
swing."
Among his latest novelties Mr. Tyler enumerates an electric lantern,
such as, we believe, has been employed for projecting a picture of twenty-
four feet in diameter on the drop-curtain of the recently opened Trafalgar
Square Theatre. In appearance it resembles an ordinary single lantern,
but it is asbestos lined, and the illuminant is an electric arc light. The
focussing adjustment is actuated by a lever, which reaches from tlie
objective to the rear of the lantern.
The features of the Heliosoopic lantern, which, we gather, is in con-
siderable re<iuest, are that it burns parafiin or any mineral oil, while the
limelight can also be used with it. The body is of Russian iron, and it
has soUd brass fronts. It is fitted with Stock's lamp, and it is claimed
that the objective employed is possessed of great flatness of field. Of the
neatness and portability of the Helioscope there is no question.
Mr. Tyler showed us a very handsome single lantern intended for use
in a neighbouring church, incidentally to which we had opportunities of
observing to what an enormous extent the lantern figures in modern
church work, by an inspection of his order-sheets for a couple of days.
Undoubtedly a very respectable volume on the civilising influences of the
optical lantern ibight be compiled.
Abcbzb * SoHS, of Liverpool, are fitting their Ideal single
lantern, which we noticed on the occasion of its introduction last year,
with a new form of their Ideal dissolver. This is now made in a stronger
form, while the fan is made to clear the lens a little more effectively.
"The lantern leuoo 1m> WMBMBflad I " Tbeae were the worda that
■oanded in our ean, baoiag fron the lipe ot Mr. Walter Tyler, on the
ocoaaioa of a neent viaH to Ua aaiabliatamcnt in the Waterloo Bridge-
nad. Iiontai. Rot only waa thia italeiMDt (ally bone oat by a earaoi;
iaapecMoo of Iba aelivitjr which appaand to pftraO among what may be
lanaed Ibe panly afainiatntive aaelioaa o( hia boihuaa, bat it neeiTed,
I tcmhrmaUca is other dapartrntBla. Indeed, after
OPTICAL PEOJECTION.
[Rojal lostitation Ijeataro.]
Tbx intention of tliia lecture is to give a general survey of
the subject of Optical Projection, which now takes its
position in science, and to present examples of what may
be done by thia method. It would be difficult to deter-
mine which aabject claims a first place. Some scientists
Bay the microscope should have the preference, while others
take a different view. For my own part, I thmk the mioro-
aeope and polarisoope stand foremost, on account of the
facility with which these branches of science may be
pursued for the benefit of a large number, without multi-
plying expensive apparatus ; also because of the convenience
in saving the eyes from undue strain. Indeed, to many
persons, looking at objects in the table microscope is little
rihort of a painful operation, and consequently the study
of small objects becomes to them impossible. The pro-
jection method immediately brings the required relief.
For general instruction, projection methods are in-
valaable, such as, for instance, showing diagrams, photo-
graphs, and other slides, upon the screen ; as well as for
spectrum analysis. In fact, the subjects which can be
illastrated by means of optical projection are innumerable ;
but time will allow me to present only a few examples, and
I trust that, when I approach the end of my lecture, my
view of the importance of this subject will be held in equal
estimation by you.
^.■— ^-^ Probably the only people in the world that benefit by
r" the experience of their predecessors are those who pursue
the study of science. They are free from the accusation of
robbing the brains of other men, when they take up
methods or apparatus already known and improve npon
them or employ them for their own work. In such cases, however, it is
alwaya understood that honour should be given where honour is due, and
accordingly I have no wish to represent to you any piece of apparatus
aa of my own devising, which in reality belongs to another.
Few men have had a larger experience, and attained greater success in
optical projection, than has Mr. Lewis Wright, who has embodied in his
moat recent forms of apparatus all that was good in designs existing unti
u
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGItAPHY.
[Supplement, I^ovember 4, 189:2
hU time. I have, therefore, started from his models, makiog snoh
modifications as I thought to be desirable. Mr. Wright does not appear
— if I may say so — to have had much experience mth the electric arc light
as a radiant, and I found, at a very early stage, that great difliculties had
to be encountered when this light was used, chiefly because the radiant
approaches more nearly to what theory requires. That which was easy
with the limelight became almost impossible with the arc lamp, and these
difficulties had to be conquered.
Many scientific men are dissatisfied with the projection mioroscope, on
the ground that very high magnification does not give that resolution and
that sharpness which is found in the usual methods of observation. This
want I fully admit At the same time it is scarcely right to condemn
a particular method because you try to apply it to an unsuitable purpose.
Hundreds of thousands of subjects may be shown with the projection
microscope with far greater profit to the student than was possible in the
old way. The very fact that the professor can place his pointer upon any
part of the picture on the screen is invaluable to the students. I
shall, therefore, attempt to show you only a series of microscopical
subjects suitable £»r projection, and shall not employ very high magnifi-
cation.
In regard to some substances very high powers may be used with
advantage, but much time would be lost in getting them into the field
and focussing them upon the screen. These, consequently, I omit, so
that a large number of subjects may be illustrated.
It is fair to state that most of the apparatus used to-night has been
constructed by Messrs. Newton, of Fleet-street, and the luminous pointer
by Messrs. Steward, of the Strand. The arc lamp is a Brockie's
projector. Messrs. Baker, Watson, and others have also come to my
assistance.
I will flrst show, on the screen, a picture of the lantern carrying its
various apparatus; and then a few systems of lenses, which may be
employed for the projection microscope, as well as a diagram of the
microscope itself.
Sub-stage condensers and objectives are, as a rule, made to suit the
table microscope. When projecting, by means of an objective alone, in
consequence of the screen distance being very great — or, in other words,
the microscope tube being exceedingly long as compared with the table
instrument — the objective has to be approached very close to the slide ; in
fact, with the higher powers, closer than the cover-glass will allow. This
olose-working distance renders necessary special sub-stage condensers, and
in many cases a special one is required for every screen distance with
each objective. This requisite would seem to be a complete stumbling-
block to microscope projection work. With the limelight the difficultias
do not enter in the same degree as with the arc light, and as we are now
dealing with the latter, further reference need not be made to the oxy-
hydrogen light. There are two ways of surmounting the difficulty ; one
by the use of plano-concave lenses, introduced in such a way as to be
equivalent to greatly lengthening the focus of the objective on the screen
side, while it enables, as a consequence, the objective to be slightly further
removed from the slide, i.e., giving what is termed a greater working
distance. The objection to this method is that, even when these plano-
concave lenses are corrected, the result, though 'greatly improved, is not
perfect. The second way, which is a perfect one, is that of introducing
an eyepiece. In both these methods, that the best results may be obtained
the objective is made to occupy a position not very ^different from that
which it would do if employed on the table microscope.
In the eyepiece method almost the exact conditions can be complied
with for which the objective was made. I propose, therefore, to show the
subjects by the eyepiece method. The otJy objectives which will be used
are: (1) Zeiss's 35 millimetre projection objective, the sub-stage condenser,
4 inches focal length, placed a considerable distance from the slide ; (2)
Newton's 1-inch projection objective, the sub-stage condenser as in the
first case ; and (3) Zeiss's J-inch achromatic objective, the sub-stage con-
denser being Professor Abba's three-lens condenser with the front lens
removed. In all three cases the eyepieces used are Zeiss Huyghen's
No. 2 and No. 3.
In each instance I will mention the magnification in diameters, as well
as the number of times when reckoned by area, for the appreciation of
those who estimate by area; and I will also give the size to which a
penny postage stamp would be increased, supposing it to be made of
indiarubber, and stretchable to any extent in all directions. In presenting
these figures I do not pretend that they are absolutely correct, but as
they have been ascertained under conditions similar to those now existing
the errors will not be very great.
In consequence of the field not being quite flat, and the sections having
A certain thickness, although extremely thin in most cases, the whole of
the object cannot be in focus upon the screen at the same time. By
shifting the focussing screw shghtly all parts may be brought into focus
successively. So-called greater depth of focus is obtained by using an
increased working distance ; and for projection work over-correction for
flatness can alone give a sharp picture all over with very considerable depth
of focus ; the difficulty of over-correction being that, unless extreme care
is taken, certain forms of distortion may be introduced. By stopping
down the objective greater flatness of field may be secured, but at the
expense of light. There is thus a choice of difficulties, and the least one
should be taken.
Turning now to the polariscope. Polarised light teaches us a great
deal concerning the structure of matter ; it is also a means of confirming
the undulatory theory of light. This subject is so large that no attempt
can be made to give oven a general idea of the field it covers, and the
experiments, which will be shown in the polariscope, may be taken
simply as a few illustrations of the subject and nothing more ; but they
will, at any rate, be suggestive of the large field to which this method
of analysis can be applied. A vast amount of mathematical proof can
be illustrated graphically by various experiments with polarised light. I
will show on the screen a diagram of the polariscope. (Shown.)
With reference to showing the spectrum. The method of projecting a
spectrum, I think, is new, as I have not seen it described anywhere. It
gives practically a direct spectrum with an ordinary prism, without turn-
ing the lantern round to an angle with the screen ; and here is a diagram
of the method.
The details of the apparatus, as well as those of the methods of working
1 have modified in almost every instance, for five reasons ; — (1) That
more certain results may be ensured ; (2) that rapidity may be obtained ;
(3) that only one operator may be needed ; (4) that, as far as possible, all
parts of the apparatus may be interchangeable; and (5) that loose screws
and pieces may be dispensed with.
There were then shown by projection a number of slides illustrating
various microscopic optical systems, and a number of microscopic slides,
followed by a series of general polariscopic pr ojections, some of them to
illustrate the strains existing in many forms of matter ; also a spectrum
by a oarbon-disulphide prism, in conjunction with a reflecting prism and
with a mirror, which, apart from any other result, demonstrates that the
loss of light with a reflecting prism is less than with an ordinary glass
mirror. Slides and other projections were also thrown upon the screen.
The details are as follows :^
The Microscope.^Scveen distance, 21 feet. First 35 milUmetres Zeiss
projection objective, d-inch sub-stage condenser, Zeiss Huyghen's eyepiece
2 ; 500 diameters = 250,CMX) times = penny stamp stretched to cover about
147 square yards. Subjects shown : proboscis of blowfly ; permanent
molar displacing milk-tooth (kitten) ; human scalp, vertical ; human
scalp, surface ; fossil ammonites and belemnite. Second, 1-inch Newton
projection objective, 4-inch sub-stage condenser, Zeiss Huyghen's eye-
piece 2; 1000 diameters = l,0p0,000 times = stamp stretched to about 588
square yards. Objects shown : proboscis of blowfly ; foot of a caterpillar ;
section of human skin, showing the sweat ducts ; phylloxera vastatrix of
the vine. Third, 1-inoh Newton's projection objective, 4-inch sub-stage
condenser, Zeiss Huyghen's eyepiece 3 ; 1300 diameters = 1 ,690,000 times
— stamp stretched to about one-fifth of an acre. Slides shown : proboscis
of blowfly ; wings of bee (showing booklets and ridge) ; sting of bee
(showing the two stings, sheath, and poison sack) ; sting of wasp (showing
same as last slide) ; eye of beetle (showing the facets). Fourth, J-inch
Zeiss's achromatic objective ; Abbe's 3-Iens sub-stage condenser, with top
lens removed; Zeiss Huyghen's eyepiece 3; 4500 diameters = 20,250,000
times = stamp extended to nearly 2i acres. Slides shown: proboscis of
blowfly ; hair of reindeer (showing cell structure) ; hair of Indian bat
(showing the peculiar funnel-like structure) ; sting of bee (showing the
barbs) ; foot of spider ; stage of the micrometer (the closest hnes ruled to
thousandth of an inch, which measure 4J inches apart under this magnifi-
cation) ; a wave length :[^j7nr-'°ch, therefore, on screen measures about
J -inch.
The Polariscope. — Shown with parallel light ; plain glass ; glass under
pressure ; chilled glass (round, oval, and waved peripheries) ; Prince
Hubert's drop (broken in the field) ; horn ; selenites (over-lapped) ; butter-
fly (selenite); bunch of grapes (selenite); bi-quartz, with J- wave plate (the
J-wave plate in this experiment produces the same effect upon the
bi-quartz as if a column, 20 centimetres long, of a 7i per cent, solution of
cane sugar were placed between the polarising niool and the bi-quartB
(the analyser has to be rotated about 10°j ; a piece of sappliire to show
asterism. Shown with convergent light ; hemitrope (cut in a plane, not
at right angles to the axis) ; ruby ; topaz ; grape sugar (diabetic) ; cane
sugar ; quartz ; superposed right and left-handed quartz (spirals) ; calcite
Soppkamt, NoTcmbw 4, 1889] THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
15
and pbenkkita niperposed (ihowing trftnaition from negatire to positive
erriul, imrr'nc thioagh the apopholite sta^).
Th4 SoHHteope.—'Stm fonn of apparataa for showing solids, and con-
lisUng of two reSeoting priami and suitable projecting lens«s. With-
this inatnunent were ahown :— Barton's button, the works of a watch, a
eoin.
Speetmm Am^ffii. — Speetrum thrown by means of a dianlphide prism
combined with • reilaetiTa prism ; the result being that a good spectrum
ia thrown upon the aereen direct without taming the lantern. There
were shown :— The qieetniin ; abaorptioo bands of chloroph;!!, &c. ;
effects produced by p>whic the light through coloured gelatine films.
Prottetio* cf Slida. — Deeompoaition of water ; expansion of a wire by
means ol best ; eomblDation of colours to form white light ; varions
dia;;rams, eoknred photographs ol a workshop, Jic. As an extra experi-
ment then was shown, in the polariaoope, with a convergent light,
MitaeiierliMh'i esptriment (illustrating tb« changes which take place in
selenita nndar the influence of beat).
There are but few who would disagree with me in the opinion that the
Biicrowopia world, as regards its design and ita moleeolar structure, is
qaita as wonderful aa the great works aroond us seen with the unaided
eye. A nuffnilying ifiam of low power opens up a world tar hkrger than
that which w« are aeamtnmed to see. At the present time, even with the
mo«t perfect apparatus that aziite, onlj a imall portion of the universe is
known to na.
Sdentifle rttkb^abonld be porsned by all in a greater or leas degree. It
teaehaa men iaportant lesaons than the most impraarive diaeoarae ever
preaebed. Daring the inveatigation ot what ia generally termed the
inriaible world, men sboold at timee paoae to relleet, and aak themselves
such qoeatione aa thee* : What ia the meaning of, and to what end is,
creation? Is it all mere ohanea? Wen such wonderful designs and
propeftiea awatad at the beginning ? Waa there in matter at the begin-
ning an iabarant, or Implanted, power of development ? Simple as theae
questions may seem, man in the lleah wiU never be able to find the true
anjwer*. The estraordinaiy deaign and itmetare which have exiated in
the vaaeai world for williani ot year*, or poasibly in all past time, and
even at tfao pnaant day known to ao taw, demonstate at least that the
creat Power ha« bestowed Iba •ama oan i^on what appear to oa the most
insigniBaant pcrtJona of eraaHnn. aa npoa what we think are the greatest
works in the universe. Tbaaa aOeot iWBiiiii must sorely influence the
mind, and set it thinking ol tba ■opanntoral and of oar dutiea during
Ufe.
It may now wiib truth be said that ioienoe gives na means, aneb aa
never betdra arirted, ot appraoiatlng the greatness ot the Supreme Spirit,
by enabling oa to mi fraab obapten m Iha book of nature.
Bu Davo L. Suomoks.
ADVAMTAORS 07 A KATIONAL LAMTimi 80CIETT.
lAmtritm Amatnr n»lfrmp),fr.]
1% the workinga ot tbe Hwwinan lAolem Slide Intarebange tbert baa
developed a desire among amalanii not belonging to olnba to enjoy some
of tba advantaffM ol Iba Inlarobanga, it being soggaated that they have
the privileta of p^iag a atipiibaad aaaoont lor tbe nae of sets ot slides ;
bat, aa tba preasnt tntarobangs ia a eonlijuisllni'i ot elobs, there is no
piovWon lor tba naa of ita aUdaa by lodifUaal amateort.
We Ibink It a bMtam woUttj, watlniMl In ebaraotsr, waa organised,
havl^ aertaia oanina lor tba atoring of seta of slidsa, lanterns, and
itereana, arranged with anilably prapand laetoree, that eoold be loaned
fitf a Moderale ram to mambera, a moat Intereeting branch of photo-
graphy woold be popolarised. It woold enable many amateurs, who only
wish to give Uniem eotertalamanta at long intervala, to aeoore tbe nae ot
a first nlaw apparatus at a small sum, and avoid the eipenaa naeaaaary
in prnhatlng a good lantern and its aooonpanying equipmanta. Booh
a soeietT woold have the best appaiatas for oil or gaa, and make a point
to aaa that it waa always in good otdar. In addition to the apparatus
there would aventoally be a Ibie varied ooPeetion of alidea to draw upon,
as it aoold be mada a eondition ot mambHabip that eaeh member would
be reqniied to f omiah a esrtain nomber of sUdee eaeb year.
We aball be pleased to bear froaa oar leaders intoeated in alide wjrk
on tbia wbjirit We believe eaeb a soeiety would beoome very usetoL
A eimitar o^gMrisation in London, ** Tba Lantern Soeiety ot London,"
has eent to dia Amerioan Lantern Blida Intarebange one of the best sets
of BngUab alidaa aw seen bare. Tbara, mambera ot tbe Soeiety having
Mta of elite lOHi tben to tba Booisty lor the use of other members, and
are anHtlad to tba oaa el olh« Mta hebwiging to tbe Society. A member
loaning a private collection of slides has the privilege of withdrawing it
at any time from the Society by giving a month's notice. Members who
do not contribute or donate slides to the Society are obliged to pay
twelve cents for each dozen, or part of a dozen, they borrow for exhibi-
tion purposes, and fines are provided for in case a set of slides ia kept
beyond a certain time. The special object of the Society is to acquire
suitable apparatus, for the purpose of giving exhibitions of general and
scientific interest ; to offer awards for the development of the optical
lantern and apparatus pertaining thereto ; to impart instruction in tbe
use of the lantern and its apparatus ; to secure for its members special
advantages in the purchase and loan of apparatus and slides ; to originate
a large and comprehensive loan collection of lantern slides illustrative o£
art, science, and kindred subjects, such collection to be placed at the dis-
posal of every member of tbe Society ; to provide means of intercommu-
nication between members for the promotion of the interchange of private
collections of slides ; to collect and impart to such members as desire it
information as to the means of obtaining permission to photograph in
the various publio museums and collections.
Special branches of photographic work undoubtedly demand special
organizations to thoroughly promote them, and for this reason a lantern
society would appropriately meet tbe wants of those interested in slide-
making and lantern work.
RECENT LANTERN PATENTS.
APPUCA'nONS FOR PATENTS.
No. 19,121.—" Improvements in Optical lanterns." A, J. Josis and S. J,
Levj.— Dalai Oct^,p, 1892.
mprov
Yflier^l
1
No. 19,314. — " Improvements In Screens for Hagic Lanteros or Optical
lanterns.'' W. Marshaw OaUd October 27, 1892.
PATENT COMPLETED.
Tmprovrmknts tn Boxss or Casks for Maqio La.vtern.s.
No. 14,995. Hkrbkrt Chari.ks Newton, 3, Fleet-street, London, K.C.
—September 'M, 1892.
It is nsoal for the makers of optical lanterns to provide a box or case in which
the lantern can be traosported from place to place, which case is employed as
a utand for the lantern when in use.
The case has generally been arraoged so that one or both sides should let
down to act as a table on which to place the slides, the sides being supported
by tapcK or chains.
Bat this has been found inconvenient, as the table takes np too much space
and prevents free aoces* to tbe lantern, and the chains or tapes are in the way
when exhibiting, besides which, if both sidci! are let down, the framework of
case has to be stronger and heavier than is absolutely necessar)-.
It has also been found desirable to have a tUting-board, w that the lantern
may be more or less tilted without moving and wedeing up the case ; but the
sdiliUon of a tilting-boanl adds weight to the caw, which is undesirable.
Now, the object of the present invention is so to oonstruct a case for optical
lanterns that the above leqnirements will be provided for, and, at tbe same
time, the weight will be reduced to tbe minimum.
The claims are :— 1. A box or case for optical lanterns, constructed and
arTmnged inbstantiaUy as described. 2. In a box or case for optical lanterns,
sdspnng one side to form a shelf supported at or about half the height of the
box in guides, a^ psrt of tbe other side to form a tiltin^'board, as described.
35icf)anac OTolumn.
Wanted, laatem screen and stretcher about twelve feet, also mechanical slides in
exchange for good bomisher and large printing frame. — Address, W. CoLEa,
80, Queen's-road, Watford.
<ttorresponticnre.
THE PUaiTT OP OXYGEN.
To the Editor.
1
Sn, — ^As an old subscriber and occasional contributor during the last
thirty years, I beg to oongratulato you on your enterprising movement,
re " Lantern " issue in connexion with The BniTisn Journal op Photo-
oBAPBY, and I feel sure It will bo greatly appreciated by your numerous
readers.
Now there is an important matter in connexion with the " Lantern "
whiob I should like to place before your readers at the early part of the
coming winter season, viz., tbe purity of oxygen as supplied by the
different companies in cylinders, in comparison with home-made gas, bj^
the process usually adopted with chlorato potash and manganese.
w
THE BRITISH JOUKNAL OF PHOTOGRAl'HY.
[Supplement, November 4, 1892
•■■:-. i'>'?- • : — ' —
As an old hand, and much experience, I must say I rarely get so good
a light with the gas supplied in cylinders as I do with the old method
and gas bag, not that the bag lias anything to do with it. I find that, if
the gas is kept (cylinders), it rapidly deteriorates, and is httle moro tlian
atmospheric air ; il tliat is so, undoubtedly it will be the same if stored
in the company's gasometers, which will account for the gas not being
always of the same quality.
Last evening (as an instance), I used a twenty-foot cylmder of oxygen
which had been used on two previous occasions, filled about two monthsago ;
the light was very poor ; this was nothing new, as I have experienced the
same result before; there was plenty of pressure, and gases carefully
adjusted ; a six-foot bag was filled from the cylinder, after the use of it was
over, before sending it to be refilled. I offer no explanation myself, but
hope this communication will be the means of calling attention to the
matter, and useful discussion be the result.
The above applies chiefly to the blow-through jet. As yet there are
no reports of burst cylinders, I think, but as there is certainly a change
takes place in the quality of the gas when kept long in the cylinder, may
there not be a corrosive influence at work, which will eventually weaken
the cylinder ?
I was very sorry to see the report in " Lantern " issue of the retort
accident, which the simplest of precautions would have prevented.
Trusting' the different companies will not think I am disparaging their
gas, as I am only opening the matter for disoussion, as an interesting
subject.— I am, youis, &c., Fbedbriok Bailey.
October 20, 1892.
THE CHAEITABLE LANTEBN ENTERTAINMENT SOCIETY.
To the Editor.
Sir, The above Society, the objects of which are to provide free
lantern entertainments to charities and hospitals, has now been formed,
and we shall be pleased to secure the names of gentlemen wishing to join.
We shall be grateful for any help, also gifts of any apparatus and
aides.— We are, yours, &a., B. Foulkes Winks, I o„,..,.rjc,,
F. Simmons, j
y. M. C. A., 182, Aldersgate-atrcet, E. C.
itantcrti i^otes anli dhntim.
Amos. — Yes; oxygen is "poisonous" in so far as by itself it will not
support life.
T. E. P. (Kensington). — This correspondent asks us for particulars of the
National Lantern Society. We never heard of such an organization.
F. Bromiiead (Clifton). — Messrs. George Gill & Sons, of 13 Warwick
Lane, E.G., are now the proprietors of Messrs. Mason & Payne's
opaque lantern screens.
G. T. R. — The total elimination of the smell of oil lamps is difficult to
accomplish. In Stock'.s and others, however, it is so minimised as to
be not very noticeable.
Tnos. B. Walshe. — Our correspondent sends us a photograph of the
remains of the oxygen retort which, as described by himself last month,
exploded with such unpleasant consequences.
S. Walks. — Commander Gladstone, at the last meeting of the Lantern
Society, exhibited a lantern of which several parts were constructed of
aluminium. See a reference to the subject under Lantern Notes aiid
News.
V. Nixon (Portsea). — Undoubtedly; there are lanterns in the market
which can be used for either " optical projection or for enlarging."
They are usually made with bellows fronts in order to serve the double
purpose.
Novice (Heme Hill). — No; it is not our intention to inaugurate lantern-
slide competitions in connexion with this SuprLEMENT. Such and
similar competitions fall more appropriately within the sphere of
photographic societies.
A. Wills (Colcliester). — The principal objection to the use of a lens of
the rapid doublet type as a lantern objective is that, working as it does
at (for the purpose) the comparatively small aperture of /-8, it would
cut off too much light.
HvDRooEN. — No, we do not think any very appreciable advantage accrues
in practice from the use of pure hydrogen. Common house gas contains
one or more hydro-carbons, upon which its power of illumination
depends to a large extent.
E. C. BicH. — The Brin Company, we believe, submit their oylmders to a
periodical test. Although we have not the exact data by us, this test
imphes a degree of pressure such as the cylinders are not likely to bo
subjected to when charged with oxygen for use.
J. E. EiDDALL says : " Kindly inform mo, through the medium of your
paper, as to whether a gas incandescent light would be suitable for ai^
ordinary optical oil lantern, as limelight is too expensive and com-
plicated."— Yes ; but the flame should not be too large,
Operatoe says : " Is a blow-through jet likely to work well with the
oxygen tube recessed three-eighths of an inch ? It is then above the
hydrogen inlet. The hydrogen aperture is three-sixteenths of att
inch." — We see no objeotion to such a form of blow-through jet.
Bi-CoNCA7B. — From the fact that the image on the screen is only
oritioally sharp in the centre, while the remainder is slightly fuzzy,
it is apparent that the lens suffers from roundness of field. This is
not, as you seem to fancy, the same thing as inferior covering power.
W. Baye. — The smell which you say is " insuiJerahle " may possibly be
obviated by attending to the directions given by Mr. Frank Howard at
page 670 of the Journal for October Xi. That method is simply never
to leave any oil in the reservoir or wicks when the lantern is not
in use.
Lanterna (Maldon, Essex).— The light given by Mr. E. J. Humphery'a
magnesio-oxygen [lamp would scarcely be suitable for projection
purposes ; and clearly the enormous quantity of powder it would
consume in the course of an hour or so puts it out of court on the
score of expense.
Questioner (Erith). — Any of the hand cameras extant will serve your
purpose but proourmg negatives for making lantern slides from ; but if,
to quote your question, you " want a hand camera which takes films of
the size of lantern plates," then is that condition fulfilled in the
" Frona " hand camera of Messrs. Beck, which takes films 3J x 3J.
James Syme writes : "la the aero-carbon light, which I saw mentioned
several times m the British Journal oi' Photooraphy last winter,
being used as a lantern ilhiminant ? " — We do not know, but from
what we saw of it, and from the opinion generally expressed of it
it is possible that it would form a good substitute for the limelight.
LANTERN FIXTURES.
November 7. South London Photographic Society.
„ 7. Richmond Photographic Society.
„ 8. Birmingham Photographic Society.
,, 10. Hexham Photographic Society. — Lantern Evening.
,, 11. Newcastle Photographic Society.— Exhibition of Slides by
Eminent Photographers.
„ 16. Manchester Photographic Society.
„ _ 17. London and Provincial Photographic Association.
„ 18. Preston Photographic Society. — Prize Slides.
„ 21. Richmond Photographic Society. — Different Lantern Slide
Processes, Mr. Andrew Pringle.
„ 21. Croydon Camera Club.
,, 23. Coventry Photographic Society .^Prize Slides.
,, 24. Louth Photographic Society.
„ 26. Hackney Photographic Society.
„ 29. Birmingham Photographic Society. — Lantern Slide Making ,
Mr. E. Howard Jacques,
„ 30. Photographic Club,
MoNS. F. M. Richard, of Paris, who recently exhibited the Photo-
Jumelle before the members of the London and Provincial Photographic
Association, desires us to notice the circumstance that the Chairman of
the meeting in question (Mr. W. E. Debenham) thought the size of the
plates or films used in the Photo Jumelle (see page 084, Biutish Journal
OF Phoiography for October 21) suitable for lantern slides. We here-
with accede to M. Richard's request.
j MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT
To THE " British Journal of Photography."]
\_December 2, 1892.
THE LANTERN RECORD.
CONTBNTS.
THB uunsas m rsoTooBAPBio
braomtBATioin n
LAraw Bons A>i> wm n
Uirncsa tiAVta n coixoDtoa
ASP OKLATUIB. Bf W. Il BOLTOB ■«
uurmn Mna. a? o. >. bakbb.... u
UXTEMM SBOW* AT HOMX. %j
■DWABB OUBHOBB ••
aaCBBTIABnBB BOTSUIBB
tBB RSnjSCTOB WITH THE PBO-
JBCTIOM MICBOSCOPK. Bj O. B.
BOCKTOH B
■UU. PBI81I8 FOB LIXBUaHT
lOLABnooFBS. Br w. LXAOa s
k BKW BTHBB BATVBATOB. Br B.
rCBT.H H
tlABS liAOIC LAXTBBII M
Ijt!m!R<< grBBiBS u
I ' IXTDBB8 M
IHE LANTERN IN PHOTOGRAPHIC DEMONSTRA-
TIONS.
TiUT Um optical lantern commaudii a growing popularity
among photograpben is a trite enough phrase, which we should
Rcamly care to employ here, did it not enable us to contrast
the extent of ita uses in societies and among individuals for the
projection of lantern slides of purely pictorial interest, with the
comparatiTe desuetude under whieh it rests for the purposes of
coDTeying information of a more practical nature. It is true
that as an illustrative aid maoh advantage is taken of the
lautem, but tbia is chiefly in a subjective rather than an
olijective manner. In addition to itii utility for entertainment
I'uqjoMK, it ia, of coune, often employed as a means of
imparting information on photographic matters, although not
K> frequently as one might.
Many points of practical photographic interest about which
a great deal ia aaid at Society meetings might possibly be
braoght hone more dearly and tbroibly to an audience by being
obieotively ahovn in Um lantarn. No subject in photography
is more diarniMnd than the dsrelopment of the photographic
image in ito various aapeet& Thoae aipecta — such, for
eiample, «s the appearances of over or underezpoaure — might
ooooeivably be illostrated m the lantern with especial
advantage to beginners and young photographers, and, may be,
to older onca, for it is univereally admitted that a brief object
\nman is infinitely more calcnkted to impart reliable know-
ledga to the student than a gnat <leal of verbal exposition
nnaeoonpaniad by a praotioal demonstration.
Demalopinsat on Um lereea is an old experiment, but an
alway* interatmg one, and frwa ita uccaaionally cropping up
here and there among the Societies we can also conjecture that
it is of an instructive kind. A oorrea|Mndent writes us this
week asking bow the experiment ia conducted, and, in the hope
that the information may be of service to other beginners, we
include it in this articlei No operation is more easily
■anaged. Upon the stage of the Untcm a trough of suitable
sias is placed, having in contact with its side nearer to the
illominant, a sheet of non-actinic ruby glaaa, the effect of this
being to project a red diM npon the screen. The previously
expend plate is then plaoed in the trough, the developing
•oIntioD introduced tbarsin, and the ruby glass withdrawn
when dcTelopinent eonunenoea.
The conditions commonly laid down for the successful prose-
cution of the experiment are : (1), A chloride plate, inasmuch as
one of bromide is usually too opaque ; (2), correct exposure ;
(3), the ferroua-oxalate developer, which presents a non-aotinic
medium to the illuminant. Possibly, however, a selected thin
bromide plate might serve, and other developers besides iron
under suitable circumstances, be available. Hence, not
merely the normal development and growth of the image, but the
phenomena of under or over-exposure, surface fog, the control of
different developers in various degrees of dilution over detail,
density, and rapidity of development ; the effect of bromide ;
the processes of fixing, reduction, and intensification ; paper
development, and other photographic operatious, might be
objectively demonstrated to large audiences in this way. It
has also been suggested that the actual retouching of the
negative should, by means of a suitable optical system, be
shown on the screen. To this point, however, we may possibly
advert on another occasion.
Considering the ease with which lantern slides may be made
now, it is also permissible to suggest that this method may
supersede the old plan of showing diagrams, iScc, in illustration
of a paper, and that in other respects the lantern may supplant
the time-honoured blackboard in many emergencies where it
is desired to instruct as well as to inform a photographic
audience.
^
LANTERN NOTES AND NEWS.
Two months ago we stated that the lantern was to be employed at
the new Trafalgar-iiquare Theatre for projectinji^ pictures upon a plain
act-drop between the acts. It seems that the idea w&i put into use
on Satiirdaj evening last, but scarcely in the manner we had antici-
pated. A theatrical contemporary remarks thnt " the management
preaeoted a number of advertisements on a white sheet, which took
the place of the ordinary curtain, but the marked disapproval with
which this intrusion was received will, no doubt, result in its discon-
tinuance. With the newspapers and the public hoardings at the
service of advertisers, to aay nothing of the programme of the Tra-
falgar-square Theatre, Mr. Levenston may be recommended to let the
advertisement-curtain drop.'' The employment of the drup-curtain for
the display of painted advertisements is a devics that is tolerated in
very small music halls, &c., in London and the country, a fact which
may have induced the Trafalgar Square management to conceive the
error that the audience of a firslxslass West-end place of amuse-
-ment would put up with the same kind of thing. We are doubtful
wfaethet^eople want to do anything but gossip and look about them
between the acts of a play, and we are therefore not over-confident
that optical projections at the theatre are worth troubling about on
the part of managers.
t • • • •
A PABAORAPH recently appeared in one of the newspapers imply-
ing that the lantern industry is suffering from depression just now.
Like other items of technical news which one reals in the daily press,
it is not above suspicion on the score of reliability. Daring the last
18
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAJ'HY.
[Supplement, December 2, 18
few weeks we have had opportunities of leaminf;; from many of those
concerned in the lantern trade that the state of business with them
is of a satisfactory nature, a condition of things which, in all pro-
bability, is fairly typical of lanterniana just now.
» * # * *
A FBW weeks back a Committee was formed in one of the London
parishes with the view of organizing suitable entertainments for the
inmates of the local workhouse, and now we observe that the members
of one of the South London Photographic Societies have commenced
a series of lantern nights free to the public. To our thinking the one
idea connects itself with the other. This and other Societies might
now and then well get up an occasional lantern evening for the
delectation of the poor people in the workhouses, and we throw out
the hint in the hope that it will be taken advantage of. Such a kindly
act, we are sure, would be welcomed in the right spirit by many
Boards of Guardians.
♦ * * ♦ ♦
Otm readers will remember that about a year ago two gas ex-
plosions in connexion with the lantern occurred, one at Ilkeston and
one at a well-known London photographic society. In the latter
case it was thought by many that the explosion was due to the
employment on the oxygen cylinder of a gauge into which oil had
gained admission, and we were informed that in consequence of this it
was resolved to discontinue the use of gauges and to purchase a
balance. Thejbalance was duly bought, but, if we are rightly advised,
has never been used. In connexion with the use of gauges, it is
interesting to note some remarks on the subject by Mr. 0. F. Buden-
berg at a recent meeting of the Liverpool Amateur Association. That
gentleman said that there was no occasion for the least risk of danger
in the use of a gauge so long as the user took care to ascertain that
he got a well-made article. He stated that, while inferior gauge-
tubes were made out of ordinary drawn steel tubing roughly finished,
the reliable instruments were made from pressed octagonal steel bars
bored, and afterwards carefully turned, and polished inside and out-
side. By fixing one of each kind of instrument upon a pressure-
pump, he showed that the first was strained and rendered unreliable
by being submitted to the ordinary pressure, and would easily have
burst if the pressure had been slightly increased; but the second,
after a pressure of several tons, returned to its original position
without showing a fraction of displacement. Mr. Budeuberg then
referred to explosions which had been caused by turning the full force
of oxygen into a gauge in which traces of oil remained. The intense
heat generated by the sudden rush of gas rapidly consumed the oil,
and an explosion was the result. This action was shown by placing
a piece of wood in a brass tube, which was attached to a cylinder
charged with air. When the valve was suddenly opened the rush of
air ignited the wood. The best gauges, the lecturer explained,
were now made with a check, to prevent this sudden inrush of gas,
so that, even if they were charged with inflammable oil, an explosion
could not result. The latter statement should go far to dispel
whatever fears have grown up as to the assumed dangers in using
pressure gauges.
« • « « *
Thr Hackney Society is apparently fated to have trouble left
behind from its exhibitions. Last year the Judges had to take action
with regard to certain remarks passed on them in a now extinct
publication ; this year there is talk of litigation over the withdrawal
of a medal awarded for a certain set of lantern slides, which, although
not supposed to have received an award before, are alleged to have
previously obtained a medal elsewhere, liumour also says that
trouble is likely to occur in reference to the bona fides of a certain set
of hand-camera pictures which were shewn.
LANTERN SLIDES IN COLLODION AND GELATINE.
A COUPLE of years ago, had I been asked to express an opinion on
the relative values of coUodion and gelatine plates for lantern-sKde
purposes, I should have unhesitatingly given it in favour of the
former, but the improvements made since then in commercial gelatine
antem plates, as well, perhaps, as an increased amount of care in
their use, have made the question a far more difficult one to solve in
an oS-hand manner. Undoubtedly collodion has some advantages,
more especially in the direction of variety of tone and absolute clear-
ness of lights ; that is to say, these qualities are attainable with less
trouble than is the case with gelatine, though nowadays, in moderately
careful hands, the latter plates are little, if at all, behind their rivals
in this respect, while their extra rapidity places them far in front.
Possibly, if contact printing were the invariable rule, the slower
collodion plates would enjoy a greater popularity, for, even with artificial
light, the average exposure necessary is not inconveniently long ; but,
even when quarter-plate negatives alono are employed, it very fre-
quently happens that slight reduction of the image is essential in
order to include just the right n mount of subject to produce the best
results. Then, except with daylight, and that of fairly good quality,
the camera exposure becomes too protracted to render the collodion
processes available for amateurs' use, as their work must generally be
performed in the evening.
Much has been written on the weak points of gelatine for trans-
parency work and on the precautions to be taken in order to avoid
them or to reduce them to a minimum; but many of the chief defects
have already been removed by the manufacturers, who, by the intro-
duction of special plates of a less rapid character than those intended
for negative work, have been able to greatly improve their qualities
for the work in question. The high temperature or other conditions
requisite in the production of a highly sensitive emulsion being no
longer necessary, it is easy to prepare films that will develop entirely
free from the slight veil that too often marks even the best of rapid
plates, and which, though quite immaterial in a negative, is out of
place in a lantern slide. Greater care, too, in the prevention of the
formation of insoluble salts of lime in the emulsion during its pre-
paration, has now left the onus almost entirely on the user of the
plates of turning out results scarcely, if at all, inferior in brilliancy
and clearness to the be.st collodion work.
Still, some little extra care is expected at the hands of the producer
of lantern slides if he hopes to emulate collodion results, but it is not
of a very serious character. It consists chiefly, as in the preparation
of the emulsion, in avoiding any treatment that may tend to precipi-
tate lime salts from the water used in development and washing.
The most obvious way out of the difficulty is to use nothing but dis-
tilled water — a plan, however, wliich, I fear, is impracticable in the
great majority of cases, while it is almost equally hopeless, especially
in large towns, to rely upon a constant supply of rain or soft water.
Much may, however, be done in mitigating the trouble, even with
the hardest water, by avoiding the conditions which chiefly lead to
such precipitation. The water, for instance, used for the first wasliing
of the plates after development, as well as for mixing the developer,
may be artificially softened by any of [the well-known methods, the
simplest of which is to add a few drops of ammonia, and then allow
the insoluble matters to subside ; and if the softened water can be
boiled after this treatment, or before subsidence, so much the better.
When ammonia, carbonate of soda, or potash, is added to a " hard "
water containing lime or barium salts in solution, a precipitate is
pretty certain to be formed, so that, in washing a plate after develop-
ment with ordinary tap water, the alkali remaining in and on the
film is calculated to produce this result, and, what is worse, the pre-
cipitate occurs in as well as on its surface. From the surface it may
be removed by simple mechanical means, but it is not so easily got
out of the gelatine again by the application of solvents, and this is an
instance where prevention is decidedly better than cure. Citric and
oxalic acids, too, tend towards the formation of insoluble compounds
with both lime and barium, wliich are constantly present in hard
water ; therefore cleaning solutions containing these acids are to be
avoided. Hydrochloric and nitric acids are free from this tendency,
and should therefore be preferred, but it is better still to refrain alto-
gether from the use of the ordinary clearing solutions containing
alum.
Wherever sodium sulphite is employed, as it is in most modem
developing formulae, the image will be, or ought to be, tree from stain,
so that a clearing solution, in the ordinarily accepted meaning of the
term, is unnecessary. But, as a safeguard against the formation of
insoluble salts by the action of the spent developer, the plate should
Sap>pleineat,pec8inl)er 2, 1692]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
19
he fint of an immeraed in water rendered very slightly add with
• ither hydrochloric or nitric acid ; two or three minims of the ordinary
i: rniuercial acid to each ounce of water will suffice to neutralise the
.'Ukili remainingr without ezerriaing any injurious action upon either
:.':'■ image or the geUtine film itaelf. After this treatment, hoiled or
^•'fteised water may be used with aafety, or, if absolutely necessary,
tiidiaary tap wat«r ; bat in the last case the plate should pass through
two or thne cbaoges of acidified water before final washing and
iixing.
There is not much danger in the nae of tap water after fixing, but
before drying the film it should be carefully and gently rubbed with
a weU-moistened toft of cotton wool, or, better still, with a pad of
aoft chamois leather thoroughly saturated. The latter forms a soft
Telrety robber with which it is almost impossible to injure the
gelatine sorfaoe, while it suffices to nmoTe any sediment that may
be mechanically attached to the film. A single trial of this plan
upon a portion only of a plate dereloped in the ordinary way and
waahed with common tap water will show, after drying, how neces-
sary the treatment is. Finally, after drying the transparency it
■ihnuld b« warmed and again polished, this time with a perfectly
(Irv pad of cotton wool or waahleathar Bghtly but firmly applied.
With thaae slight precautions, whioh take more time to describe
than to carry oat, the lights of a galatine transparency will be as
dear aa tlioae ct the beat collodion, provided, of course, the same care
has been eieieiasd in the pieparatioB of the plates. It may be, how-
erer, that from iMBe eanae or another eawleasniMi on the part of the
plate-maker or of the naer, that a aUgkt reil (till shows itself in or on
tli" film, or such may arise from the gelatine itself being not per-
f' c-ly transparent. Moat of thoae who bare erer practised emulsion-
making will hare noticed that with many samples of sheet gelatine
there is a dusty appearance on the dry aheeU which disappears when
th' .'"I>\tine ia wetted but reappean on the dried film. The only
r"iii'"l\ III s«di eaaes is to vamiah the transparency, a practice which
is tabooed by many opeiatoia, thoa^ I can see bo Talid reasooa for
their objection if the operatioB ia eanfnlly performed. The objection
to ramiahtni; seems to have taken ita rise fn>m the fact that, under
certain oonditiooa, the image on a giilirine plate— and for that mstter
en a eoDodion pbta also poaseasea a entain amount of relief which
is farther aeeeotaaiMi by the application of any of the ordinary
<{aK-k-setting spirituous Tamiahea, with thi' reauk that a sort of ridge
u formed wharsrer a shadow cats aharply against a light, and con-
aaqneatly the ■*T**i^*'— ia interfered with when the picture is thrown
OB tne screen.
But this feanit only occor* in the case al a gelatine plate when
its drying haa heea hastaoed by the appUeation of heat or alcohol,
and fteqoently in collodion plataa,iriMD the image has been dereloped
or iBteiMifiad with ailrer. Erea then the evil only becomes appre-
dahb whan a thick ramiah is employed, such aa is necesaary for the
piotactioa of a negatira film. Fat the porpoae of destroying the
iliglrt rail on » traaapaieagy w« only require an extnnidy thin film
of gwn or rerin, whidt acts in much the wme manner upon the veil
as aO or wax upon a paper negative, and any ordinary negmtire
ramish of good quality, diluted three or foar timea with afcoboi, will
answer fairly w«;i. But a plain solution of dielke ia to be preferred,
aa girii^ a harder and man ereo eoat Bleadied lac forms the
lightaat-eolooied raniih, bat it ia Uahle, if not of good quality, when
fiiat diawlrad to loae ita tranapaiencgr afterwards, for which reason a
raally good aaasple of orange Uc ia piefarable, as, though iu cofenr
in sot^ioa may appear rafy dark, it it sean^ly, if at all, noticeable
on the giaai Anodier nselU ramiah ia made by dissolving celluloid
in acetate of anyl. Theae should not be applird until the trans-
parency is perfectly dry, and in using the spirit Tarnish the plate
ahonld be thoroogUy warmed— but not made hot, or ridges may be
tomad— and kept warm natil the ramish has completely set or eren
dried.
Aaother naef al ramiah of an aqnaoas nature is made by boiling
Are parte of bleached lac and one part of borax in twenty parte of
water mMil the lac ia dimolred ; the solution is then filtered and set
aaide for some days, until a line sediment settles oat of it and leares
it perfectly bright, when the dear portion is decanted for use. This
is applied to the trantpnnoey by pouring it on to the latter on a
levelling stand after drying, using a cameVs-hair brush or a strip of
paper to lead it over the surface. Allow it to soak for a few minutes,
when the dry gelatine will absorb a certain quantity, and, after
pouring off the surplus as closely as possible, further absorption will
take place, and the surface of the film will assume a beautifully
smooth and even appearance, which remains after it has become
thoroughly dry. This Tarnish, after once drying, forms a perfect pro-
tection against moisture, but has a tendency to crack at a very high
temperature.
A second aqueous solution condsts fflmply of diluted albumen, but
its preparation requires some little care. Take the white of an
ordinary-sized egg, measuring, say, a fluid ounce, add six minims of
strong ammonia, and stir well for two or three miautes. Then add
gradually five ounces of distilled water, and mix the whole very
thoroughly by vigorous stirring, not by beating or shaking. The result
will be a rather cloudy solution containing a quantity trf flocculent
and stringy matter, which, however, is removed by filtration, leaving the
liquid perfectly clear and bright. If the mixture be beaten or shaken,
a part of the insoluble matter will be broken up into so fine a state
of division as to pass through the filter and leave an opalescent solu-
tion, which is what we have to avoid. This is applied in the same man-
ner as the preceding, and is free from the tendency to crack at a high
temperature. It is needless to say that the transparency must be
perfectly free from dust before applying the varnish, and must be
protected until dry.
Collodion transparencies also suffer occasionally from a species of
opalescence arimng from a different cause, and differing from fog or
veil arising from development. Unsuitable pyroxyline is to blame in
thi4 instance, t^e collodion, although perfectly transparent and bright,
drying with a more or less opalescent appearance that detracts from
the brightness of the image. This, like the opalescence arising from
lime in the gelatine film, disappears when the image is wetted or var-
nished, and may be remedied by the application of any of the pre-
parations already described. The two first are applied to the di-y
film with the same precautions as in the case of gelatine plates, and
the remaining two are better sppUed before drying when the pores of
the film are still open, by pouring on and off two or three times until
the protective solution has thoroughly displaced the water remaining
on the surface. The plate is then reared on edge to drain and dry.
If these simple precautions be Attended to, not only will the lights of
the transparencies produced approach more closely to the description
of "clear glass," but there will be fewer complaints against the plates
and thdr makers. W. B. Bolton.
LAV'TERN MEMS.
DuaoLmo taps should be periodically tested, to see that the plugs have
not worked loose, for defective dissolvers, either in construction or from
working loose, are a far more common cause of pops than generally
thought
• ••*••
Ox several oooasions what was supposed to be fanlty jets fitted to bi-
nnial lanterns turned out to be the failure of dissolvcr. If any doubt,
reverse the connecting tubes from the dissolver, so that the supply is
different. Then light up again and dissolve. If the plug is dry, the gas
win sometimes find its way from one side to the other.
• ••••*
Ir tubes are taken otT at any time, bear in mind that, with the star
shape six-way dissolvers, the opposite corner tubes diagnnally are con-
neoted to the same jet. For instance, the top right-hand tube, say, for
hydrogen, and bottom left for oxygen to the one jet, and bottom right-
hand (Hy.) and top left-hand (Ox.) to the other jet. The central tube
faeiiig the supply in each case, hydrogen on the right and oxygen on the
lefk or aa i^rked on the taps of stopoooks on crois tubes or by-passes.
• ••»••
CcaTAis shutters for rolling up effects are often made in one piece, and
then not cut, so that there is a proper interval between the opening and
iwttom of shutter. The effect on the screen from this is that a broad
interval of black (or white) shows between the curtain and picture, or
between the one picture being rolled up and the other that ia being
revealed. This is obviated by having an adjusting slide to shorten or
lengthen the interval mentioned according to the focus of objectives
employed and the angle of the fronts.
20
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY. [Supplement, December 2, 1892
Ik the higher class of biunial and triple lanterns, this arrangement,
instead of being a strip of metal adjusting by slotted pieces and screw
heads, is an entire supplemental slide, and is controlled from the top of
shutter by a milled head adjusting screw. This same slide draws right
up so as to reveal the entire opening in front of condenser and behind
the sUde in the stage, and thus permits of the curtain shutter re-
maining in the lantern all the time.
FouB-L«60Bi) stands for lanterns are taking the place of three, and are
much Uked because they are firmer, do not spread out so far, and so do
not occupy so much room as the tripod, besides which, are not so likely to
be capsized from an accidental touch or kick. A steady stand for
apparatus goes a long way towards the satisfactory exhibition of slides,
for nothing is worse than pictures on the dance.
»»•»♦*
Oxygen gas is to be produced by electricity from atmospheric air, and
I hear that one firm, having an amount of power running to waste, con-
template putting gas so made on the market. The cost is mentioned at a
remarkably small figure for production, but the transit in bulk to London
and the larger cities and centres, as well as distribution in marketable
quantities after the compression in cylinders, will represent the chief
outlay ; but, including all this, the price per cubic foot is computed at a
lower figure than any oxygen gas at present supplied. As regards purityi
it is supposed to be all that can be desired.
If operators would label their cylinders they would not get astray as
they sometimes now do ; and besides, if a leather label is used, and a
card marked each time the gas is used, and the duration of use stated,
they will have a fair idea of the remaining contents without gauging.
♦ •••»»
With the greater knowledge possessed now by pressure gauge makers,
the absence of oil from fittings, safety checks, ventilating doors, &c.,
pressure gauges can be used without fear, and no operator need start an
exhibtion without knowing he has enough gas, especially as gauges can
now be had from 15». upwards, or scales used for weighing.
******
I HEARD of an " old hand " operating the other evening for one of the
popular lecturers of the day, and although questioned as to quantity of gas,
and pooh-poohing the suggestion that there did not seem to be enough
gas for the lecture (after setting up and trying lantern for discs, &c.) the
light faUed within half-a-dozen pictures of the conclusion of lecture.
**«**♦
AiTOJiATio regulators are, to my mind, preferable without stop-cocks
to the outlets, for, if too severe a strain is put upon the valves or bellows
from any cause, the indiarubber connexion to the jet would give before
the works or cover of regulator did. The number of regulators used
during the past three years, and with so few failures, have established
their success, and if treated with reasonable care should have a long life.
»«****
The valves of gas cylinders should never be opened with a rush, and, if
the screw is difficult to turn, call attention to the same when sending the
cylinder to be refilled, and have it eased. If obliged to use a cylinder with
very tight or jammed-up screw, don't make the gauge or regulator
connexion gas-tight until the cylinder valve is opened a little. Then in
ease of a rush of gas, it will harmlessly escape around the connexions-
The regulator or gauge can then be tightened up.
*«***•
The nut around screw valve of cylinder sometimes gets loose. It should
be tightened up with a wrench on receiving it back from the compressor
or optician, and periodically examined to see if it is quite tight by trying if
the nut will screw up tighter. O. B. Baeeb.
LANTERN SHOWS AT HOME.
Thbbb s no disputing that the exhibition of pictures by the aid of
the optical lantern is not only one of the most amusing and interesting,
but at the same time popular, methods of making an agreeable
varati in , o the usual occupation of social gatherings — especially now
that 80 many dabble in photography, and turn out work more or less
creditable, so that they are able to bring back pictorial records of
places they have visited, and by the aid of the optical lantern renew
their acquaintance, to their own gratification and that of their
friends. However, with the best intentions, many experience t
difficulty in making the lantern projection the success it would be in
skilled hands, even when supplied with the most irreproachabla
appliances ; and it is to these that the following article may be of
some assistance.
We will presume that the lantern and slides are good, the difficulty
being to get satisfactory pictures on the screen. The usual faults are
unevenness of lighting and definition, unsymmetrical forms, archi-
tectural subjects anything but upright, variations of the intensity of
the light, badly burning wicks filling the room with smoke and blacks,
with an offensive odour, and a general irregularity in the show any-
thing but satisfactory to either audience or operator.
In getting up a lantern exhibition at a private house, the first con-
sideration is the apartment to be used for it. The chief difference
between a private and public show of this kind is the size of the
image thrown on the screen, and consequently of the screen itself;
also the distance from which it is viewed. We find when we do not
use sufficient care in levelling a photographic camera the upright
lines in the subject are distorted ; the same rule holds good with the
lantern, unless we have it and the surface on which the image is
projected at right angles with each other, a similar distortion takes
place. It is therefore a primary and invariable rule that the screen
and projected picture must be at right angles with each other, or the
parallelism of straight lines will be destroyed. The height of the
lantern should be equal to the centre of the screen on which the
pictures are thrown, and well clear of the heads of the audience. If
much lower than the centre, the lantern must be inclined upwards,
and the screen also tilted forward at top to correspond.
For a display in an ordinarj- dwelling-house, there is seldom much
difficulty in fixing the lantern at a proper altitude. There are two
methods of showing the pictures, one on an opaque screen and the
other on a semi-transparent one. When the projections are of small
size — say, not exceeding four feet — the latter method is much to be
preferred, as the brilliancy of the picture is greatly enhanced, little or
no light being absorbed by the screen. But, supposing we require a
disc twelve feet or more in diameter, the opaque screen is best.
Now, about the room. The greater number of houses have two
rooms separated by folding doors, which is an excellent arrangement
for a lantern show through a semi-transparent screen. To utilise
them, the doors must be thrown fully open, curtains draped artistically
on each side — a valance at top improves the effect — and the centre
part filled with a fine linen sheet stretched tightly, and free as
possible from seams and defects ; if joins are unavoidable, they should
run horizontally in preference to vertically, as the sky shows the least
markings, and by the horizontal arrangement the seams are in a great
measure hidden by the subject, or at least but little noticeable. In
lieu of a sheet, tracing paper stretched on a light frame forms an
excellent screen. The chief drawback to its use is its liability to
damage and its somewhat restricted size, for it is almost impossible to
join tracing paper satisfactorily. Tracing paper at least four feet in
width is readily procurable, and thus permits of a pretty-sized picture
being thrown on it for an apartment of somewhat limited area.
Setting aside the matter of size, the material possesses all the qualities
required for a good semi-transparent screen.
A picture six or eight feet in diameter is sufficient for most home
shows, and it may be borne in mird the smaller the picture the brighter
the image ; on this account the smaller image on the tracing paper
screen more than makes up in brilliance and quality for the larger
one seen on a reflecting surface.
Supposing we have to use a linen or other sheet, it must be care-
fully stretched and tacked over the doorway, beginning the tacking
along the top and seeing that it hangs quite evenly, stretching the
sheet gently from nail to nail. Now tack the two lower comers,
then one side, the tacks being about six inches apart. In fastening
the other side great care must be exercised not to stretch the material
to form puckers and ridges, and it is probable that the two lower
corners first fastened will now require a little attention ; a few tacks
along the floor will complete the screen. Wetting it all over with
water, applied with a syringe or sponge, will improve the transparency
and remove creases, and also increase the tautness of the strain,
making it smooth as a drumhead. A bucket of clean water and a
syringe may be kept in readiness, to wet the screen occasionally
during the exhibition.
If only one large room is available, the sheet is best carefully hung
at one end. Of course, transparency in this case is an objection, the
whiter and more solid the appearance the better, so that as much
light is reflected from it as possible. If the screen is buried, a port-
able frame is usually sent, to which it is attached by tapes, sewn at
intervals along its edges.
In most private houses bare walls are unsuitable from a
lanternist's point of view, when a room can be had with white-
Suppiement, December 2, liOf-J]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
21
waahed [or rerj pale-eotoured walk, the necessity for any other screen
m done away with, the walls themselves supplying the beet of
■nrflaces, abaorhing a mioimum amooot of light. It goes without
aa^n; uw aorface should be free from aay projection whatever, pegs,
naila^ or marking
The sereen being provided, the position of the lantern miist be next
attended to. It ia best placed at a height about equal to the centre
uf the screen and caref nOy levelled, its distance from the screen 4eteT-
mining the axe of the picture, the nearer the screen the smaller the
ima^, and nee rertd. Some lantern exhibitors alter the distance
dunng the show if a transmitted pictore is shown, and the apparatus
anall and handy ; but a fixed poeitioais nearly always best, and more
oonreoient in ererr way. The lantom being placed, it is lighted up
and the proper adjustments made between the condenser and the
baraer, so that a clearly illuminated diac is thrown on the screen. If
we find that wavy, dark, cre«cent-ahaped marks appear, it indicates
that the hffht and screen are not ia the proper place with regard to
each other, or that the li^ht is too large. The proper adjustment
beiog efiectad, a test alide is inaerted, and carefully focussed. This
dide geaoaB^ oonaiata of printed matter covering the whole of the
due : the definition of the edgea shoaU be equal to the centre, which
in printed matter is easily detemuaad, more so than by any other
kind of sKde, although a good diatom dide runs it very cloee.
If it ia an oil lamp, with aeveral wicks, much depends on trimming
them properly, botb as to the qoaality and quality of the light.
There m eoD»«lerable art required to properly trim a lamp ; simple aa
it aeeow, it is a tin* jud mm that the wicks should be accurately and
MMMtUj trimmed ; the least projection from them, as little bita of
cotton aoC properly cut off, will make the lamp smoke, or the wicks,
althotwh lerel, being higher on one tide than the other, will do the
same tniM if turned up to their full working height. It is a good plan
to hVB tana a ahort time and then rab on the charred portion with
a pieee of toft paper, leaving no bita aticking about the burner. Any
■epect in this remiect will make itaelf apparent before the lantern
baa been long uaed by disasTeeable odours, and probably a shower of
blarkv Tbe condenser wiO be dimmed, and the pictoiee restrained
in brillianCT. Ia addition to the wkki receiving proper attention,
all oil ahonld be carefully wiped off tbe outaide of the lamp, aa when
heated an uiiplaasant smeU will be eToWed. A good oil lantern
properljr •ttended to will give a mof* pleasant li^t for small pictures
than the Ha«lig^t, let alooe the rimfleity of working.
Oeipoiiad gas in eyliadan is oertaiaiy to be preferred if the screen
ia Inge and t£a hntam a aoHndenkk distance from it. There is,
howerver, a eertaia amoaat of riik aBleaa used with great cam and
liiiiBegieitliiii. and by some one thoroughly acquainted with the
mamftamtH of the mneHght. Accidents will oeeaaionally happen
with the aoet experienced, frum drcnnuttancea that seem to be alto-
cedMr bejond eontrol, and therefore, for home displaya, a good oil
Ump is preferable, and will afford evpry satisfaction. It must be
borne in mind that atidee meant for um in an oil lantern must be
thinner than if designed for the Kmelight, the penetration of the two
Ighti being so very different ; a abda that woaU be perfect in denMty
for the Umsiight w«mld be mnddj end thick with an oil lamp, and
Ika IntMH dboald ba lighted a fittle time before the exhibition
I in Older to warm it all cooally, aa in cold weather, when
— I are generally raven, moMtare will condense on the lens or
d interfere wiUk the dbplay. This equalisation of tem-
Mfatare iVpHce to the riklea thswrnlwa, which, if placed cold in the
lantem, will be almost obliterated on the screen by condensed moia-
turs, which will take a little time to evaporate, not only spoiling the
effect, but unplsaaantly hindering the exhibition. The slides should be
plaoed in a warm room, or before a fire, if they arebrought out in a
moeh cooler temperature than that they will be exhibited in, in order
to jmvant tUa.
To save troable, all slides mar be conveniently marked with two
white spots on the top margin of the front, readily seen in the sub-
dued Hjprt of the mom, which at once indieatea the proper way of
insertiag them in the lantem and pmrwts the mistue of showing
a pictnra wrong aide op or oatwards withont them having to perform
that shining-np and twisti^-aboat examination that often fails to
mntrt the parpoee. AD sfies to be shown are beet arranged by
daylight in their proper order and nosition, especially if a lecture or
description is attached, to be read br aome one unfamiliar with the
aHdaa themaelvce. or it may happen that a view of a cathedral, with a
prncMwun, may be deeeribed aa a groop of niggen on the beach, or
soMdhiag equally inappropriate.
Mwieli a capital addition to aay lantem ahow, and keepa the
whole tUag going as it were, and if the tunea chosen chime in, as it
B, with t£e picture, if adds rooHderably to tbe effect. In this
' 1 1 wonid tnggeet that amatann shouU spend a little time
m stringing together a history of their slides, that they could read oflE
during the exhibition. We have most of us heard with what diffi-
culty the simplest description is often given when it has not been
prepared beforehand. Many points are forgotten that would add
considerable value if known; in fact, a very uninteresting picture
pictorially might represent something of the most intense interest if
we only knew, when we were looking at it, what it was.
Edwabd Dunmorb.
RECENT LANTERN NOVELTIES.
The " LoTBiAS " Opticai, Lantebn.
This lantem, which has been introduced by Mr. A. H. Baird, of 15
Lothian-street, Edinburgh, may be used for either oil or limelight. The
body is made of polished mahogany, and the inside comers are iron-
bound to prevent warping with heat. There are two panelled doors, with
brass-bound, neutral-tinted sight holes, and a curtain behind to prevent
stray light from affecting the eyes of the audience. The stage is open at
the top, and can aooommodate any size or style of framed slide. The
objective is mounted in a special jacket fitting, so that another lens o
different focus can be inserted without unscrewing. The bellows front
haa a draw of from 5 to 14 inches, this varying length admitting of tbe
use o( an objective of any focal length. The bellows can be taken out
aa shown in the out, to enable the lecturer to demonstrate in tbe lantem
many experiments in physics which cannot well he seen under ordinary
conditioDS by a large audience.
The Combination Lantebn Slide Coves Quae and Spot Bindeb.
Maaaas. W. Bdtcheb iI: Son, of Blackheath, have introduced these cover
upon which strips of binding are attached so that the slide may
be plaeed in tiht and bound up quickly.
1 makers of Untera slides.
The idea should be welcome to
23
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
[Supplement, December 2, 1892
Mb. W. Tmab, of Waterloo-roail, is issninpt a lantern objective which is
characterised by excellent flatness of field and covering power.
The Paget Prize Plate Company have two series of lantern plates on the
market— the rapid, which give black tones with short exposures ; and the
slow, which give a variety of tones from black to red. We have tried the
plates, and find them to give admirable results. The display of slides
which the Company had on view at the recent Hackney Exhibition was
of remarkable excellence as regards clearness, brilliancy, and diversity
of tone. A new printing-out lantern plate is among tlie Company's
imminent novelties.
Mes-srs. Nkwton & Co., of 3, Fleet-street, have just issued a new catalogue
of science lanterns, magic.lanterns, dissolving-view apparatus, and lantern
sUdes. In its pages are contained illustrated descriptions of numerous
single oil lanterns, limelight lanterns, binnials and triples, microscope
attachments, and the numerous accessories of the ordinary lantern, while
a section of the work is devoted to science lanterns pure and simple,
with projection apparatus, microscopes, polariscopes, &c., for scientific
demonstrations. Among these are included triple rotating electric
lanterns ; and in the work will also be found lists of objects for the
polariscope, and a large and comprehensive general list of paintings,
views, and figure subjects. The catalogue, with two supplements, is a
complete guide to purchasers of lantern apparatus, from the simplest
to tiie most up-to-date scientific kinds.
A Triple Eotatino Electric Lantern.
We have had the opportunity of inspecting one of these lanterns, which
are a speciality of Messrs. Newton & Co. As will be seen, the body
of the lantern is cylindrical, and it is mounted on four brass pillars
and mahogany stand. It can be arranged for use with any arc lamp.
The base is fitted with a traversing table, which has screw motions
travelling in gun-metal dovetails. This admits of the arc light being
centred and kept absolutely central during use. The traversing table
is made of polished gun-metal and steel, and steady motions in every
direction are obtained by the large milled heads. The arc light is kept in
its position, and the body of the lantern is rotated by means of the
liandles bringing each front in turn opposite the fixed light, thus obviating
the necessity of constant adjustments, and enabling any front to be used
at a moment's notice without delay or trouble. A check action is
provided to ensure exact centreing. The lantern body is furnished with
hree doors and sight boles, so that whichever optical system may be in
use, there is always a door immediately behind the lamp, and a dark -glass
sight hole in front, through which the arc may be observed. There are
three fronts, each carrying an optical system, placed at angles of 120
degrees to each other, and the rotating movement brings up each as
desired in front of the fixed light. One of these fronts is fitted with a
4| in. double condenser for parallel beam work, and with diaphragm and
sUt fronts. A second front carries also a 4J in. condenser with slide
stage and double achromatic objective for exhibiting ordinary slides and
diagrams. Either of these fronts will carry, if desired, a polariscope,
a Wright's' optical front, a small parallel-beam nozzle, or a vertical
attachment. The third front is fitted with an electric microscope and
micro-polariscope. All the fronts are detachable and interchangeable.
The lantern can be used for the lime as well as the electric light. We
understand that this form of lantern is in considerable use by scientific
institutions, for which it seems eminently well adapted. In perfection
and completeness of detail it is undoubtedly a fine instrument.
THE REFLECTOR WITH THE PROJECTION MICROSCOPE.
[^NatuTe."]
The lantern is now used for so many purposes — scientific, photo-
graphic, and recreative — that any improvement in its construction
will be acceptable. When we look into this instrument whilst at
work, we must be disappointed at the large quantity of light lost by
reflection and by dispersion^light which ought to go to the illumina-
tion of the screen. In the ordinary form of the lantern, three lenses
of dense glass are employed as condensers. Each of these six sur-
faces reflects and scatters the light, and the glass itself is absorbent
of its rays.
The dioptric construction of the projection lantern has been well
worked out by Messrs. Wright, Newton, Salomons, and others, but
the catoptric principle, which would eliminate almost entirely these
disadvantages, has been scarcely at aU studied.
Although my experiments have been made solely with the limelight
in various forms, the following remarks may equally apply to light
given by the electric arc :—
If a reflector be used instead of the ordinary condensers, it is ob-
vious that the position of the lime cylinder must be reversed. This
will present no difficulty, for the tube holding the Jet can be bent inio
a helical form. ' The dark image of the lime cylinder also will have
no more practical disadvantage than is experienced by a like image
formed by the small plane speculum of the Newtonian telescope.
As to the mirror itself, although a parabolic form is the most cor-
rect, a spherical surface will be sufficient for mere illuminating pur-
poses, and thus expense may be spared in the grinding of the more
difficult curve. A speculum of from five to seven inches diameter,
having a radial curvation of from two and a half to three inches, will
grasp a large quantity of light, much more than that obtainable from
the five-inch condenser usually employed.
Silver deposited by one of the various reducing processes on the
surface of a clear glass lens will have many advantages over a metal
mirror. The front surface will give perhaps the finest definition, but
by silvering the back part of a spherical glass film, or that of a ground
lens, the brilliant surface will remain untarnished for an indefinite
time, and the whitish bloom formed by slow volatilisation of the in-
candescent lime is easily removed. This silver film adheres with
remarkable tenacity, and it wUl bear a great deal of heat without
blistering or becoming detached.
I have had considerable success in constructing such mirrors from
the large ornamental glass spheres blown in Germany, and silvered
within by Liebig's process, viz., with milk, sugar, and ammonio-nitrate
of silver. A glass sphere of ten or eleven inches in diameter may
he easily cut into eight or nine mirrors by a red-hot iron, and this
without disturbing the silvering, which will require only gentle
friction with a pad of cotton impregnated with a trifle of rouge to
brighten it. Thus, at the cost of a few shillings, eight or more mirrors
can be made, and also provision be made against possible accidents of
cracking by heat.
The light radiant is so placed that the secondary focus is inter-
cepted by a plano-concave lens of dense glass, as has been happily
proposed by Mr. L. Wright. The convergent rays from the speculum
are thus made into a parallel beam, which must be deprived of its
beat by an alum trough, for the light and heat at the substage con-
denser is very great.
Convergence, I find, is usefully promoted by a plano-convex lens of
about eight inches focus, placed two or three inches before the above-
noted plano-concave lens. In all other respects the arrangements are
like those of the usual modern projection microscope.
S upplement, I>«oember 2, 1893]
THE BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
23
1 have pietty eonatantly lued the ether-oxygen saturator, &nd I
coiuidei it to be perfectly safe, if ordinary precautions be taken. The
oxjrgen, oo(Dpreae«d in cylinders, is much recommended, as there can
be DO miztuie of vapour, except at the right place. The U-shaped
boriioatal aatorator, plugged with Bannel, must be well charged with
ether, or with the beat gaaolene, and care should be taken, before
beginning or ending an exhibition, to shut oS the oxygen tap before
clodiag the ether tMf. This will prevent the harmless " snap " from
the mixture in the small chamber at the joining of the gas tunes. If
a disc more than eight feet be required for the microscope, it will be
well to use hydrogen gas instead of ether, since the calibre of the jet
cannot in the ether light very well exceed one-fourteenth of an inch.
Aa an extra aecurity, I pack the mixing chamber with asbestos
fibie, iiMMiliiiiml with glycerine; but, M before urged, the oxygen
moat leave the saturator, saturated.
^To eoaote the coincidence of the foci of the reflector with the
optical axis of the microscope, it will be well to place three adjusting
screws in a triangle behind the mirr<^r, and this last may have both a
small vertical and horizontal movement.
I claim for this catoptric arrangetnent a larger grasp of light than
can be got from ordinary Wnses, and thi* may be effected also at a
•mall outlay. Fur the amateur oonatrnetor the plan wUl afford many
■iliiiiitnin O. R. BrcKTON.
»
SMALL PRISMS FOR LIM£U9HT TOLARI800PES.
Mr object this evening is to demonstrate how f sr the lantern microscope
can be depended upon for exhibiting th* phenomena of p<)larised light.
The maxioHin aue objects prvivided fur tbe ordinary polariscope
rea<;h up to one and three-quarter inches, and for these an aperture
of about three inches has been considend n«cv:»ary, and Nicol prisms,
or substitute* for them, having aiaikr internal dimensions, weire
generally.r
beffan to be realised that this was a fact, and at the present day small
analysing prisms are adopted in all polariscopes.
Well, I think the time has arrived for us to begin to think that large
polarising prisms are just as useless in proportion as large analysers
have been found to be, for then we shall the sooner begin to realise
thefact.
However desirable larger blocks of Iceland spar may be, either as
a commercial article or for prisms, or anything else, we know that
the natural supply of the mineral has become practically exhausted,
and even now a one-inch prism is a precious article. So, as it is a
maxim in philosophy that if we cannot bring things up to our mind
we must carry our mind down to the level of things as they are,
I can console myself by showing that a prism of one-inch field will
exhibit the maximum size objects sufficiently well to answer every
practicable purpose.
Of course, I shall be fully prepared for some opposition from
prejudiced individuals and others commercially interested. Changing
from a large to a small prism for analyser was but a small affair,
involving no slight alterations in the construction of the instruments,
that nothinff was affected except the reduced price of the prism ; but
when it can be shown that with a small lantern microscope having
suitable prisms of, say, one-inch or one-and-a-quarter-inch field results
can be produced to equal those obtained by the most elaborate instru-
ments, costing 30/. to 100/., the case is somewhat different.
Independent of its own cost, a large prism determines in the main
the style and cost of the whole instrument, and, as I have said, this
large size and elaboration is totally unnecessary, a sheer waste of
money and of no benefit to any one but those who are commercially
interested.
With the elbow polariscope, a large field is indispensable. The
glass plate formini; the polariser must be from four to five inches
long, by reason of the polarixiug angle. A less size would not cover
the une-and-three-quarteHnch objects, and on account of its form and
size, it must of necessity be ungainly in use. I may here refer to a
circumstance which occurred the other day as an illustration of this.
A Uf|S rtlim with thrss-iaeb Odd.
B. Siuail pTMiii witliooa-iaeh flald.
C Ita;> iMMitiK throofh laift priam.
D. 1U7« |«»-iDg throogh Hnall prima.
SBS having only two incbf«, and even so nnall as one
. <U»d • •
Of
and a kalf &di, fletd bsw tieeo
that these somII siasa oooM not
With tite lantern mieroacope, pri
haw been supplied, bat tbrn w*
•how
but it has been supposed
thr maiimum »ize objects.
.'.y three-quarter-inch field
1 only fur shuwing micro-
aeowc oibjeet*,'and the iaatniMnt a* a pulariscope was not intended
to (e wed fur larger objaeia.
Let OS BOW inquire if tbe Ui)^ size, such as three inches, is at all
SonvT'-ry r>-Iia>>U- aatborities have Msnred me that they are not,
an! 'iiit pri>ni< ' f .ne end m half-inch 6eld are quite sulficient ; and
DOW I go a stmi further, aiid maintain that, with a one-and-a-quarter,
■ _^ S Ld.ij 11 ^L. - jj 1-- J \i*!.i.*i.;.
even • one incfc field, all that is needed can be done. With this
il size tbe loss of light is very spnnciable, and the dimension
eovewd is very Httk Isw Uian with the three-inch prism, if med m the
rifia ic«y.
In days gone by it was customarr to ose large prisms, not only for
polarisen, but also for analyser*. I can remember a friend of mine
wli . poaMssed a three-inch Nicol p<i]ariser ezpiesaing bis regret that
be hM not also a three-inch analyser, as tbe one be was then naing
ha<l only a two-inch field. Soon after this, however, it b«gan to 1*
tht/it'ikt that an analyser of balf-indi field gave just about as good
nsuiu as «ton of the laigert diwewioiis. As tinte passed on, it
E. CoDcavi \m%, iliiiiinishiDK the ver^ency of the ny» m as
1 the prism.
the object.
to paiw them in tbe greatmtouantity through the jirism.
Sub-coiideiiserconctntratiDK toe rajPN uiKin (i,
A weU-known scientist of Manchester, possessing one of these
elbow polariscopes, took it to an optician to be fitted to a new
lantern. " No," said the optician ; " do not use this obsolete instru-
ment, but let us take the analyser out of it and use it as a polariser."
This was done, and as the prism had a full one-inch field, better
results were obtMned by it, and an analyser of half-inch field, than
had ever been obtained, or could ever be obtained, by the elbow
polariscope in any way.
The appended diagram, drawn to scale, shows the rival prisms and
their arrangement.
The rsy.f pass convergently through the large prism, and do not
require a" sub-condenier before passing through large objects ; but
with a small prism a sub-condenser is required because so many rays
lotre it divergently. A large lantern condenser is not required with
the laige'pfftm, as nearly all the rays outside the three-inch field are
cut off or do not enter the prism. It cannot be used further than
shown from the condenser, as that would cause the converging cone
to be too small to fill the object, or to enter the objective in the best
conilitions for evenly illuminating the screen.
Some writers represent the concave lens E as passing the rays
through the small prism in lines parallel with its sides, and accordingly
call the lens a "parallelising" lens; but, having field lenses of all
foci from nine to twenty-two inches, and found none which, wherever
«
24
THE BKITISH JOURNAL OF PHOTOGRAl'HY.
[Supplement, Decemlwr, 2, 1892
placed or however used, were capable of passing the rays in any such
like manner through the prism, I consider the designation misleading,
and I do not use it. I do not even pretend that I have correctly re-
presented the rays just as they pass tnrough the lenses and the prism,
but the diagram gives a sufficiently accurate idea of the path of the
beam to show how it is to be managed when an object has to be
illuminated which is larger than the field of the prism, and if the
beam is properly managed there is not much to choose at between the
illumination obtained by the different prisms, nor the size of objects
that may be covered by them.
With the small crystals used in the polariscope, whether uni-axial
or bi-axial, shown either by narrow angle or very wide-angle rays,
there is no reason why the smaller polarising prism should not bear
the palm, seeing that the crystals are so small, and require every
advantage in the arrangement for transmitting rays through a very
small aperture.
By using a Nicol polariser in the way I have advocated some pre-
caution must be taken against injury to it by transmitted heat, and
an aliun trough or a water trough does this most effectively. The
concave lens undoubtedly affords some protection to the prism, but it
may be said to show how small is its effect that I know of three
Nicol prisms that have been ruined by heat passing through them
where the alum or water trough has inadvertently been omitted. In
one of these cases the balsam was blown up into bubbles, and in the
other two cases the ends were " frosted " so as to require repolishing.
I confess that a Nicol prism, large or small, is a delicate thing to
use in a lantern ; it is also costly, whatever be its size. Then those
who prefer something less expensive may use polarising bundles (glass
plates) with transmitted light, and when placed in the posterior part
of the microscope and used Just in the same way as the prism, very
good results may be obtained by them. I have not unfrequently
during an exhibition substituted a bundle for a Nicol, with so little
alteration in the result that only an expert could have discovered the
difference. Still, the prism gives the most beautiful results, which,
for richness and splendour of colour, surpasses everything else in the
range of optical science. W. Leach.
♦
A NEW ETHEE SATUKATOE.
A riBM in business at Melbourne, Australia, have just placed on the
market a patent saturator for ether that is a great advance on any
apparatus yet introduced, being exceedingly well got up, portable, and
comprises a three-way saturation in the one tube.
It has been used for many public entertainments with complete success,
the light being simply perfect, and quite free from snapping and hissing,
troubles ^v•ith which all users of the ether light are, unfortunately, only
too conversant. This is attributed to the perfect saturation of the oxygen
gas.
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With two barrels so many troubles occurred that the inventors tried
what benefit would accrue from the addition of a third barrel, and were
gratified at the wonderful success of the extra saturation of the gas ; but
the apparatus was bulky, so further thought was given to the subject,
the outcome being the single barrel with triple saturators. It will be
diiKcult to improve on this.
The following will explain the drawing : — A is a brass tube, fifteen
inches long by three and a half. B is the inlet pipe, D connects with
bag or cylinder, C to oxygen tap of jet, E delivery tap of saturated gas
connecting with H lap of jet. The oxygen from bag or cylinder enters
the saturator at F, passes to the bottom of the tube and returns by G,
and finally down the outside compartment H to the tap K.
E. PUBTON.
♦
PEAES' MAGIC LANTEEN.
Os behalf of Mr. Henry Glave, draper, of Oxford-street, W., Mr.
Warmington, Q.C., applied, on October 14, to Mr. Justice Kekewich, m
the Chancery Division of the High Court, for an injunction to restrain
Messrs. Pears from exhibiting on their premises, opposite those of the
plaintiff, magic-lantern pictures or other devices so as to cause crowds to
collect and obstruct the highway in front of plaintiff's premises, and to
prevent the access of plaintiff's customers to his shop. The learned
counsel put in a series of affidavits showing that for some time defendants
had exhibited during the evening, from about six to nine or ten o'clock, a
series of pictures, some of them movable, from their windows, leading to
the assemblage 'of crowds who filled the pavements and highway, and
blocked the approach to plaintiff's shop, besides causing him annoyance
by theur cheering at intervals and general noise. Sir E. Webster, Q.C.
(with him Mr. Bcnshaw, Q.C), appearing for the defendants, said they
had used these pictures for some four or five years. There was no
evidence of crowds until recently, nor was complaint made until search-
lights were turned on to obliterate the pictures. As the case would have
to be tried, he was willing, on behalf of the defendants, to give an under-
taking (which he understood plaintiff's counsel was willing to accept) to
exhibit only one picture, instead of a series, until the plaintiff's shop was
shut, leaving the movable pictures, whicli it seemed, sometimes moved
the risible faculties of the spectators, till the latter part of the evening,
the costs of this motion being costs in the action, which must be left to be
tried. Mr. Justice Kekewich said that was a fair offer. Of the law in the
case he had no doubt, but the question to be decided was one of fact.
Hantern (©uerics.
W. Tkimmee.— The suggestion to substitute petroleum ether for snlphurio
ether in the saturator emanated, we believe, from Mr. F. E. Ives.
St. Elmo (Bath). — We do not know what you mean by " lantern shield,"
unless it be a species of shield, attached to a jet, for exposing only a
part of the lime to the Ught. Such shields, no doubt, can be obtained
to order, but we do not think they are much used. Heat the lime
gradually, and the necessity for them disappears.
Doubtful. — Yes; a photograph on paper, if mounted between two
glasses, can, at a push, be utilised for projection purposes.
P. Allen (Brixton). —The warm tones you admire may be produced by
using a slow lantern plate, giving long exposure, and developing with
pyro and ammonium carbonate.
W. B. Cornell writes, suggesting the employment of the optical lantern
for projecting ne^atwes of line subjects, such as plans, &c. , where an
enlarged copy is required, which could then be traced by hand.
A. French. — We cannot say if it is the invariable custom of competition
lantern slides to be judged on the screen. If it is, then some of the
judges at recent exhibitions have held offices which have been no
sinecures.
W. M. FiTT (Hanley). — We cannot accept the task you are anxious to
impose upon us. Doubtless by looking through the catalogues of the
various lantern dealers you may be able to light on particulars of a
" complete lantern fit-up for a guinea or so for exhibition purposes."
Jet. — The blow-through form of jet is probably more used than any
other, and is on the whole the simplest for a beginner to employ with
compressed gases.
E. Fenner Several lanterns are, we believe, fitted with a simple piece
of mechanism for enabUng the lime to be turned without opening the
lantern.
Querist. — Oxygen is said to vary in illuminating power according to the
method of its preparation : thus many believe the gas made from potash
chl orate to be superior to other kinds.
B. Sc. (London). — Possibly Mr. Lewis Wright's book on Optical Projection
would be useful to you in affording hints as to the employment of the
lantern for projection in scientific experiments.
L. Simpson asks: "As I have an oil lantern, and am also a beginner
in the black art, would you please tell me how I should proceed to show
dry plate development on a screen. Can it be done so as not to fog
the plate ? " — See article on first page of the Supplement.
LANTERN FIXTURES.
December 5. Eichmond Camera Club.
,, 6. Hackney Photographic Society. —Members' Lantern Night.
„ 13. Hackney Photographic Society. — Print-out Lantern Platet,
d-c, Mr. Walter E. Woodbury.
,, 15. London and Provincial Photographic Association.
„ 15. Oxford Photographic Society.
„ 19. Croydon Camera Club.
„ 20. Hackney Photographic Society. — Colouring Lantern Slides^
Mr. S. J. Beckett.
„ 21. Manchester Photographic Society.
„ 28. Photographic Club.
Mr. F. V. A. Lloyd, of 5, South John-street, Liverpool, has sent u»
his catalogue of lantern requisites and slides, of which it contains useful
particulars.
IPn^G SECT. »UP 1 g 1980
TR
1
B8
V.39
Eogin.
British journal of
photography
PIEASE DO NOT REMOVE
CARDS OR SUPS FROM THIS POCKET
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO UBRARY
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