DECOMPOSED BY THE CURRENT OF A GALVANIC BATTERY.
Mr. Matteucci has observed that the black deposit obtained on the cathode, in the electrolysis of this salt, instantaneously becomes white when the current ceases; that it does not occur except when the solution is weak, because from strong solutions, crystalline silver is at once deposited; that if a portion of the deposit, after it has became white, be suspended between the electrodes while the current passes, those portions towards the anode again becomeblack, if the experiment is made in a solution of the nitrate, but not if in mere acid water; it will, however, occur if a mere drop of nitrate is added to the solution, if a plate of a glass is interposed between the electrodes, the phenomenon does not occur; this is attributed to the great reduction of intensity. It is suggested "that the black deposit is formed, of oxide of silver, which is preserved by the passage of the current, and which, when the current ceases, passes immediately to the metallic condition."
OXIDE OF SILVER.
Place pieces of silver in a glass vessel,, and pour on them about equal parts of water and strong nitric acid; the metal will soon dissolve, giving off fumes of nitric oxide. Should the solution have a green hue, which is invariably the case, unless the metal has been obtained fine from the refiners, it indicates the presence of copper, in which case immerse some pieces of copper in the solution, and the nitric acid, by elective affinity, will combine with the copper; and a precipitate of pure silver, in the form of grayish powder, will take place. Throw away the liquid and wash the silver precipitate several times in sulphuric acid and water, and afterwards in water alone. Then re-dissolve it as before, in nitric acid and water; and asolution of pure nitrate of silverwill be obtained. Place this in an evaporating dish, or a saucer, and apply the heat of a spirit-lamp, or place the saucer by the fire-side, till some portion of the liquid is driven off in vapor. Allow the residue to cool, and it will shoot out into long colorless transparent crystals, which arenitrate of silver. They must be handled with care, as they possess the property of staining animal and vegetable substances with an almost indelible black;—fused nitrate of silver being the lunar caustic of surgery, and the main ingredient of marking-ink. Next prepare somelime-water, by stirring lime into water and filtering the solution. As lime is very sparingly soluble in water, requiring, at 60° Fahrenheit, 750 times its weight, it is necessary to make an abundant supply. Place the lime-water in a glass or othervessel, and drop in it a few crystals of nitrate of silver; the colorless solution will instantly assume an unsightly brown hue; and, after remaining quiescent for a time, theoxide of silverwill subside in the form of a dark brown precipitate. The liquid is then poured off, and the precipitate is washed with water. Before throwing away the liquid, fresh lime-water should be added to it; and if the dark hue recurs, the precipitate must be allowed to subside again; if no change takes place, it may be inferred that the silver is all extracted. The oxide of silver should not be dried, but be kept in bottles with water.
CYANIDE OR SIMPLE CYANURET OF POTASSIUM.
Before entering into the preparation of this ingredient, I may mention that theprussiate of potashof commerce has, by many young experimentalists, been mistaken for the above article, because it is often sold, by those unacquainted with chemical technicalities, under the name ofcyanuret of potassium. It is, in chemical parlance, termedferro-cyanuret, from its containing a certain portion of iron; and differs in its properties, very materially, from thesimplesalt. It is of a bright yellow color, and is converted into the colorless, simple cyanuret in the following manner:
Take 4 ounces of the yellow prussiate, break it in small pieces, and well dry it on a plate of iron; then reduce it in a mortar to exceedingly fine powder. Dry and pound in like manner one and a-half oz. of carbonate of potash. Incorporate the two ingredients thoroughly. Place a Hessian crucible in the fire; and when it attains a red heat, throw into it the prepared mixture, and closely cover the crucible. Keep up the heat, and the contents of the crucible will soon fuse; and the fluid mass will become red-hot. After this, immerse in it, from time to time, a hot glass rod; the mass which adheres, is in the early stages of the process brown on cooling; as the heat is continued, it appears yellowish, and finally, colorless and transparent. The operation is then complete: the crucible must be removed; and after its contents have been allowed to settle, the fused mass may be poured off; the greater portion of which consists of thesimple cyanuret of potassium. This salt is very deliquescent, and must therefore be retained in close bottles: it will readily be recognized by its powerful odor,—that noticed in peach blossoms. The mere mention of prussic acid entering largely into its composition, will be sufficient to induce my reader to exercise common caution in handling it.
Having these ingredients prepared, take one pint of pure rain or distilled water; add to it two ounces of the cyanuret of potassium, shake them together occasionally, until the latter is entirely dissolved; and allow the liquid to become clear. Then add a quarter of an ounce of oxide of silver, which will very speedily dissolve; the dissolution may be hastened by heat, and after a short time, a clear transparent solution will be obtained.—Walker.
A new mode of fresco painting, calledStereo-chromie, which has for a long time excited attention among the artists of Germany, has it appears been perfected by a pupil of Kaulbach, in his own studio in Munich. The design is Kaulbach's, and the work was executed under his superintendence. It represents the figure and character of a Prophet, and will be sent to the London Exhibition. 'The figure, grand and majestic as it really is, cannot be expected to convey to the English public anything but a faint idea of the genius and skill of Kaulbach,' but as a specimen of this new and wonderful mode of painting, it will be regarded, by artists, with the greatest curiosity.
Stereo-chromiewas discovered byObergrathvon Fuchs, a distinguished chemist; and is considered by German artists as one of the greatest discoveries of the age. They claim for it great advantage over ordinary fresco and encaustic painting, in its superior durability and the power which it affords the artist of retouching and glazing his picture. The colors are mixed with water, the whole being permanently fixed by occasional sprinklings of water, in which a certain proportion of fluoric-acid (Flassspath saurs) is mixed.
Stereo-chromieis in fact a preserver of the wall on which it is painted, By a certain chemical action of the solution sprinkled over the picture, while in progress, the whole ground on which it is placed, and the picture itself becomes one hard flinty mass, the very colors of which are converted into the hardest stone.
This singular species of painting resists, it is said, every influence of climate; and may be securely used as an external coating for buildings in any part of the globe. Neither is the artist confined to any particular time in executing it, leaving off when he pleases and for any length of time. In these points it is a most important recommendation, which cannot by any means apply to fresco work, nor, except within certain limits, to oil painting. The highest advantage of all, however, is that the same part may be painted over as often as the artist please, which is impossible in fresco; and consequently the most perfect harmony may, by this new mode be preserved throughout the largest possible painting. In fresco the artist is the slave of his materials; here, he is the arbitrary master and to the fullest extent.—Banner of the Union, Pa.
Water intended to aid in conducting chemical experiments, should, so far as possible, be free from all foreign substances. As the Daguerreotype process is one of the most difficult in the range of chemical science, the Daguerreian should have at hand the best that circumstances will admit. We have learned, from experience, the disadvantages attendant on those who travel in the country, from village to village in the practice of the Daguerreotype art.
WhenDistilled Watercan be obtained, it should be used. It must have no smell, taste, or color; it must evaporate without leaving a residue; it must give no precipitates with solutions of nitrate of silver, chloride of barium, superoxalate of potash, caustic alkalies, carbonated alkalies, sulphurated hydrogen, or hydrosulphate of ammonia.
Rain Watergenerally contains carbonic acid, carbonate of lime, and chloride of calcium.
Spring Watercontains the same impurities as rain water, superadded to chloride of sodium, sulphate of lime, carbonate of iron, &c.
River Water.—More free from salts than spring water, but often contains a large quantity of decomposing vegetable and animal matter. This is particularly the case with water taken from the Hudson, from Troy to its mouth; also, the Mississippi, and, in fact, almost all large streams which are navigated.
Lake Water.—All descriptions of stagnant water abound in half-putrified organic remains, as all well know, that the smaller the bulk of liquid, as in the case of the swamp or marsh, the more impure and the more unwholesome it is.
To purify Water.—Much has been said about purifying water for Daguerreotype use. We look upon this, so far as chemical agents are employed, in most instances a loss of both time and money; let every onefilterthe water for useoftenand freely and we will guarantee thatsuccesswill be his reward. We will class water in the following order:—
1, Distilled water; 2, rain water; 3, brook water; 4, well water; 5, spring water; 6, river water: yet the water fromsome of our Western lakes would, we think be fully equal to rain water. We have used the water from Seneca lake, and have found it possessing less animal and vegetable matter, than found in the water from any well which we have been compelled to use.
Isinglass, as it is generally called fish glue, is prepared from the air-bladders of the sturgeon. It is found in commerce under various forms, such as large strings, small strings, and leaves. It is always white, semi-transparent, dry, fibrous, horny, of a faint odor and insipid taste. When a very thin leaf is moved between the eye and the light of the sun, a species of chatoyance is perceived. If macerated in cold water, Isinglass swells and softens; if boiled in water, it dissolves almost without any residue and forms a solution, which, on becoming cool produces a semi-transparent jelly. There are several counterfeits, but all are easily detected.
Papier-Mache.—Pulped paper moulded into forms. It possesses great strength and is a valuable article in the manufacturing of cases for Daguerreotypes. It may be rendered partially water-proof by the addition of sulphate of iron, quicklime, and glue, or white of eggs, to the pulp; and incumbustible by the addition of borax and phosphate of soda. The papier-mache Daguerreotype cases, tea-trays, waiters, snuff-boxes, &c., are prepared by pasting or glueing sheets of paper together, and submitting them to powerful pressure, by which the composition acquires the hardness of a board when dry. Such articles are often inlaid with mother of pearl, and japanned, and are then perfectly water-proof.
Chloride of Calcium.—This is so easily manufactured that any Daguerreotypist can make it with but little difficulty. Saturate dilated muriatic acid, say three pints of water to one of acid; this should be filtered through a sponge and then allowed to stand until all the aquus solution has evaporated and the calcium crystallized. This may be improved by it being placed in a crucible; and fused with a quick fire, then poured out on a flat stone. When cold, it should be broken and put in close bottles. This is much used by Daguerreotypists as it possesses a strong affinity for water; consequently, it is a valuable auxiliary in keeping the iodine dry. It is also much used for drying gases and absorbing water from ethereal and oily liquids, in organic analyses.
Muriate of Ammonia—sal-ammoniac.—This is used byfewto bleach Daguerreotype impressions, and relieve them of the "blues;" should, however, the plates bewellcleaned and the mercury at a proper temperature, there will be no need of this preparation: yet, as a number have requested, we give the following combination, knowing that all Daguerreotypists are troubled more or less with solarized impressions, they may be more particularly with theblues. Make a saturated solution of muriate of ammonia, in pure water, and filter through paper. This reduced with an equal quantity of water before used; when the linen or any portion of the impression is badly solarized, after removing the coating with the hyposulphite solution, thoroughly rinse the plate with water, then pour the bleaching solution over the surface of the impression in the same manner as in gilding.
If the solarization be very deep, apply the lamp beneath and slightly warm the plate, pour suddenly off, and without rinsing, quickly apply the gilding and gild in the usual way. The whole operation must be quickly performed, or the chlorine soon attracts the shade of the picture. There may be instances when this solution may prove of advantage, as, for instance, when black velvet and milk white are wanted in the same impression. We have seen itoperate with pleasing success; but repeat thatfewonly use it, yet as in a single instance it might be of value, we have given it. As much of the muriate of ammonia, in common, is adulterated, we will give a few tests which all can try.
When pure, this salt is totally volatilizable by heat; if a small portion on being heated on a piece of platinum foil over a spirit lamp leaves any fixed residue, it is adulterated. It should dissolve entirely in water; if it leaves aninsoluble residueit is adulterated. The impurities generally found in sal-ammoniac, are sulphate of ammonia, sulphate of soda, chloride of sodium, and chloride of potassium; neither of these are considered injurious in thebleaching solution. Occasionally it contains lead, iron, and copper. The presence of sulphuric acid may be detected by means of a diluted solution ofchlorideof barium, added to a weak solution of muriate of ammonia, in water, this will produce a white precipitate, which is the more copious and dense, the less the liquor is diluted. If it contains lead add to a small portion of it, contained in a test tube, a little dilutedsulphuric acid, or a few drops of a solution ofsulphate of soda(glauber's salt), if the liquid contains lead there will be prevalent a white powder, or precipitate, this powder scarcely dissolves at all in diluted acids, but it dissolves in a solution of caustic of potash:iron, mix a solution of the yellow prussiate of potash with a solution of red prussiate, a few drops of this added to a weak solution of muriate of ammonia will produce a blue precipitate;copper, pour about half an ounce of the liquid in a test tube, and add to it a few drops of liquid ammonia, if copper is present, the liquid will assume a blue color. Sal-ammonia is known by giving out the odor of ammonia when mixed with caustic of potash: when sal-ammonia possesses abrownishcolor, it indicates the presence of charcoal, or empyreumatic oil; such sal-ammoniac is good for some purposes, but wholly unfit forchemical purposes.
When sal-ammoniac leaves a non-volatile residue, it may containsulphate of soda. This is the principal cause of failures with the bleaching solution, as the sulphate of soda has a tendency to blacken rather than bleach Daguerreian impressions. The sulphate of soda as well as the chloride of sodium, is often found in unpurified sal-ammoniac to the amount of ten per cent.
When sal-ammoniac contains much sulphate of ammonia, it fuses and sputters before it sublimes; whereas it otherwise sublimes without fusing. When sal-ammoniac, sublimes without residue, but gives a precipitate when its solution is tested with a solution of chloride of barium, it contains sulphate of ammonia; but when it leaves a non-volatile residue, the precipitate indicates sulphate of soda or sulphate of magnesia.
NATIVE BROMIDE OF SILVER AND ANALYSES.
M. Berthier says, that in the district of Plateros, seventeen leagues from Zacatecas in Mexico, silver ore is found in two different states; first, native silver; and secondly and principally in a state of combination in small olive-green or yellowish crystals, supposed to be chloride, but which he found to be bromide of silver. According to M. Duport, from whom M. Berthier received these specimens, this substance is not rare in Mexico, but occurs frequently in fine cubic and octahedral crystals.
The specimen examined by M. Berthier was from San Onofe. It was compact, of a slightly reddish gray color; fracture uneven; splendent; penetrated with small cavities, some of which were partially filled with a substance of a dull pale yellow color, and which the miners call oxide of lead; other cavities contain very small imperfect crystals; which are brilliant, and of a pale olive green-color, and have the appearance of chloride of silver. This specimen was very rich, for it yielded0.0688 of silver, and contained 0.45 of carbonate of lead, which, intimately mixed with quartz and a little oxide of iron, formed the principal portion of the mass.
M. Berthier has also found this mineral among the silver ores of Huelgoeth, department of Finistère in France. Two specimens were obtained by him: the first of these is described as being porous or scoriform, containing white quartz imbedded in foliated hydrate of iron. On the edges of the foliated iron ore the naked eye could distinguish small cubic grains of a pearl-white color, which had all the characters of chloride of silver.
The second specimen had the appearance of compact oxide of iron, containing here and there milk-white quartz; it was throughout impregnated with chloride of silver, which occasionally appeared in the form of very small brilliant crystals. To analyze this mineral, 10 grammes were first treated with ammonia, and heat to dissolve the chloride of silver, and afterwards by boiling hydrochloric acid to dissolve the oxide of iron; this acid also dissolved a certain portion of lead, which probably was in the state of phosphate. The quartzose residue weighed 32.6 grammes: it contained 0.17 gramme of silver, which must have been in the metallic state: the ammoniacal solution gave by boiling and saturation with nitric acid, 1.84 gramme of chloride of silver, which, supposing it to be pure, contained 1.40 gramme of silver, which, added to 0.17 gramme remaining in the quartz, gives a total of 1.57 gramme; a result which differed so very little from that obtained by essaying, as to prove the absence of bromide of silver, and that this was the case was confirmed by additional experiments.
After this a third specimen was received from Huelgoeth; it was very small, but as rich as the foregoing, and in it there were distinguishable, besides granular cubic crystals of chloride of silver, other grains of an olive-green color, which had exactly the same appearance as the bromide had. Plateros and the following experiments proved the presence of the substance.
Five grammes of the pulverized mineral were boiled in a solution of oxalic acid, until the oxide of iron was perfectly dissolved: the residue weighed about a gramme, and it evidently contained a mixture of canary-yellow and white grains. It was digested in hot solution of ammonia until all the yellow powder disappeared; it required a large quantity of the alkali for this purpose, which would not have been the case to dissolve pure chloride. The solution was gradually saturated with nitric acid, and it was observed that the successive deposits formed had an evident yellow tint, but gradually diminishing in intensity, except the last, which were white. The yellow deposits were collected and examined in the following manner:—A portion was treated with chlorine and æther; the æther became of a yellow color. Another portion was dissolved in ammonia, hydrosulphate of ammonia was added to the solution, and the black precipitate formed was separated, and was found to be pure sulphuret of silver. The liquor was concentrated by exposure to the air, and filtered to separate the sulphur which was deposited; a little potash was then added, and it was evaporated to dryness; acetic acid was added to saturate the excess of potash, and it was again dried.
To determine whether the saline residue contained a bromide, a small portion of it was treated in a tube with pure nitric acid, and a yellow liquid was immediately obtained. Another portion was mixed with peroxide of manganese, and the mixture was placed in a glass tube; a few drops of concentrated sulphuric acid were added, and when gently heated, red vapors were immediately disengaged, and alter some lime there were deposited on the sides of the tube small drops of a red liquid. The existence of bromine was therefore evident,and it was proved that the bromide was unmixed with iodide. Bromide of silver appears to be rare at Huelgoeth; but it may be readily distinguished from the chloride by its greenish or canary-yellow color, which is characteristic of it. It is remarkable that it occurs with the chloride in the same specimens, but without there being an intimate mixture of the two substances.
The Daguerreian Journal.
NEW YORK, MARCH 1, 1851.
Since the announcement of theHillotype, in the last number of the Daguerreian Journal, quite an excitement has prevailed, both in the Daguerreotype and scientific world. The great question has fairly been solved and "natural colors" can be produced and rendered indelible upon the metallic plate. America can safely say she has presented to the world one of the most invaluable discoveries that has ever been imprinted upon the pages of history.
Men profound in their scientific skill and learning, have long and in vain sought for the discovery or invention of some means of securing to the future, the colors of the present. All Europe has been alive to this great desideratum, and many have presumed it an impossibility, while some few persisted, flattered by hope and encouraged by the almost daily announcement of some new discovery or invention, that heretofore had been deemed only as having existence in the dreamy imagination or a perspective future. We hail the discovery of the Hillotype as an epoch bright in the history of science, as well as impregnated with interest to aid in unfolding a volume of investigation which has so long commanded the attention of learned and philosophical minds, as the "colored rays of light."
The subject of reflected light and its colors has long agitated the scientific mind. Much has been said and written; elaborate and laborious "Essays," "Researches" and "Treatises" have penetrated our libraries and proved valuable auxiliaries in pushing the interest of those engaged in furthering agricultural and chemical pursuits. This branch of natural science is regarded as one of the most important, and, at the present moment, it is rendered doubly interesting from the fact of Mr. Hill's discovery. We may look forward for new developments, which will prove no less surprising than that of rendering permanent, on a metallic plate, the variegated beauties of the solar spectrum.
We are, as it were, standing upon an eminence from which we can survey the present, retrospect the past, and almost sketch the bright outline of a coming future. Here lies a field for animated speculation, in which nature's student can satiate his appetite in the study of nature, in a province hitherto unknown and unexplored; he may here realize truths purely sublime, painted in the glowing "colors of nature," and rendered prominent upon the tablet of his memory.
We present the following communication from Mr.Hill, which our readers will peruse with pleasure:
For the Daguerreian Journal.
S. D. Humphrey, Esq.;—Being detained here a day on my way from your city, I relieve myself a little from the tedium of delay, by a few scribblings to your valuable Journal. I will give a few particulars respecting my pictures, &c.
I have now fifty-five specimens. They are all equally perfect. It is quite remarkable that I have never yet made a partial failure. Those impressions which have had too much light, are nearly as strong, sound, brilliant and beautiful as thosecorrectly timed in the camera, being inferior only in having the colors less deep. Even the whites retain their strength. The folds of the linen are always well defined. Blue or solarized linen is unknown in my process, and there is always a strength and clearness in the whites, unattainable by mercury. During the past winter I have several times taken a view in which there is a deep red house, while the ground was covered with snow. For experiment I exposed the plate so long as to reduce the bright red of the house to avery light red, while at the same time, the white snow was developed with a beautiful whiteness.
I have copied several very highly colored French prints. The copies are far superior to the originals, in that, while they haveeverytint of color, they are exceedingly brilliant. This is a characteristic in which I never fail, even with the plates merely cleaned with rotten stone—the brilliancy depending onother causes. Well polished plates, however, are preferable for other reasons. It isessentialthat the plates should be very pure, free from scum? dampness, and organic matter of every kind, and I am experimenting with different substances, in hopes of finding something that will more perfectly cleanse, while it thoroughly polishes. I would be very thankful to any person who might furnish me with valuable hints on this point, as I am convinced that here lies one great cause of uncertainty.
My trouble with theyellow, which you mentioned in the last number of the "Daguerreian Journal," relates only to the homogeneous rays, orange, buff, and all the various shades of yellow come out true except thechrome yellowwhich appears less brilliant. This, however, is thought by distinguished artists, no serious objection.
My late visit to your city was much shorter than I could have wished. I called on a number of Artists, and the cordial manner in which they congratulated me has added much to my kindly feelings towards the fraternity, and strengthened my resolution to give all worthy Daguerreotypists and Artists, my process on terms which I believe will be satisfactory. As far as this is concerned, please say to such their interests are safe in my hands. I met with but one person anyway sceptical, and he is willing to be more fully satisfied when he "sees the pictures," which is very fair I am sure. While it is very cheering to me, in my truly arduous duties, to review the kind congratulations of my brother Artists, the most I am entitled toclaimin an age when almost every announcement is regarded as humbug, is that the Daguerreian world will give me a fair chance to perfect my discovery. A few have seen my pictures, and their expressed opinions agree with mine, viz., that these pictures will astonish the world. I saw in your city, in the hands of Mr. Hite, Artist, some exquisite ivory miniatures. It astonished me that the human hand could paint "the form of the human face divine," in such a mode; but I pleasantly said to the Artist, what I now repeat in all seriousness, that the pictures by my process necessarily exceed in beauty the finest productions of the painter, they being drawn by light and painted by sun-beams.
I have heard several rumors while in the city, in respect to my designs in the disposition of my discovery. Allow me to say, for the information of all concerned, that my purpose isunalterablyfixed to avoidmonopoly, and to take a course which will put the process into general use.
To-morrow I start for my "mountain home," and with my invigorated health and spirit, I hope to resume my toils with a prospect of bringing out my process at an early day.
I remain,fraternally yours,L. L. Hill.
Woodstock, Ulster Co,, N. Y.,March 12, 1851.
HandWe are highly gratified to find many of our fellow Daguerreotypists are cordially welcoming us on by manfully and numerously sending us their names for the Daguerreian Journal for one year. When we commenced our editorial labors we launched our hark upon a sea never before thought safe for regular navigation, but we find only few snags in the way, and these are every day lessened by our close application and the assistance of kind friends. No man knows his friends until they have an opportunity to prove themselves.
With but few exceptions, all who subscribed for the Journal for the first four months have sent us two dollars worth of the "root of all evil," for their subscription for the balance of the year. Webow, andthank you!May you never get in a "Fog."
HandT. Antisell, M. D., has been appointed Professor of Chemistry in the Vermont Medical College, at Woodstock, Vt. He is now fulfilling his professional duties at the above named institution.
HandMr.J. E. Mayallof London, has promised us an article on "Photographing on Glass." This will appear as soon as received.
HandOur old and learned friend Mr.Finleyof Canandaigua, promised us a communication. Where is it?
HandRemoval.—In our last we noticed our removal to No. 252 Broadway; this was the case, but we found on consulting a carpenter in relation to putting in a sky-light, he declared it unsafe. The consequence was, that we at once abandoned the idea, and soon made very satisfactory arrangements with Mr.Insley, the well and favorably known proprietor of theInsley Gallery. Once again we are settled and would be happy to see all who feel an interest in the Daguerreian and Photogenic arts.
The Office of the Daguerreian Journal is at No. 311 Broadway.
We are assured by one in whom we have all confidence, and withal! capable of judging, that there is now in progress a machine for cleaning and buffing plates. This machine is an ingenious and valuable contrivance, and it is said will polish a plate in one-sixth of the time required by any other process. The whole done without handling the plate.We hope so.
Gurneyhas recently taken some of the finest large size Daguerreotypes ever produced. These wonderful specimens are on plates eleven by thirteen inches, called mammoth plates. Such pictures four or five years ago would have filled the world with admiration and surprise. The chemical effect is clear and well worked, thus proving well prepared plates can present large as well as small impressions. It is well worth while for every Daguerreian visiting this city, to look upon these proud specimens of the art.
Thompsonof this city, has just taken the whole of the upper floor of the building occupied by him, and has built two fine sky-lights.
We understand that Mr.H. McBride, operator forMeade & Brotherof this city, is about to establish himself in Albany. We wish Mr. B. success.
Westonof this city, is now producing some of the best Calotypes we have seen. We are happy to see Photographing on paper brought before the public. Daguerreotypists should call and see Mr. W's. specimens, as well also those produced by Messrs. Bertha, Wehnest, Beekman & Brothers,who have been for some time past successfully practising in the art of "Sun Drawing."
A. Morandhas recently made very extensive additions to his former establishment in Chatham street. We now find him lighting his subjects by a large and well arranged sky-light.
S. D. Humphrey, Esq.,
Dear Sir:—I would fain give my testimony in favor of your excellent Journal, which is to the Daguerreian, as a guide to the traveller, and pilot to the untaught mariner. It needs but to meet his eye for him to appreciate its value and secure its aid, while following in his misty pathway.
I have long since learned that "experience is the best teacher," but now since the advent of the Journal, all who would be relieved of difficulties incident to Daguerreian life, may find the cause ofatmospheric troubles—bad light—poor subjects—clouded results, &c., reflected on its pages, and thus, by close application, prevent the many evils which so frequently attend them, and thereby learn that "an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure."
But there are those in the business who do not seem to discover any difference between the profile on the school-boy's slate, and the best "aqua-tinta" engraving.Theynever have any trouble in producingperfectresults ateverysitting, andthatfor the sum of one dollar or fifty cents. No wonder the writer of the article on Daguerreotypes in No. 5 of the Journal, says "Daguerreiansare notartists, nor Daguerreotypes works ofArt, butmere wonders of Nature."
When Daguerreians adopt the motto—"Good pictures and fair prices," they may lay claim to the enviable name of Artist, and not before. The Daguerreian art is the most difficult art to practise withperfectsuccess, that has ever yet been discovered. AperfectDaguerreotype is the result of a series of the most careful, delicate and complicated experiments ever conceived of by the human mind.
I have been considerably amused in perusing the Journal, in reading communications from sources where I am acquainted. They remind me of the old adage—"All is not gold that glitters," for they appear to far better advantage in print, than asArtists. But enough of this. In conclusion, permit me to speak of a method of copying pictures, which, if new to any of your readers, they will find it well worthy of the trial. I find, by placing the picture to be copied where the rays of the sun may fall obliquely upon the plate, all reflection is thrown off, and the image appears in the camera, clear and distinct, even if the original be very faint. It also shortens the time of exposure to from one to five seconds.
Respectfully yours,Jas. Bennett Sykes.
Owego, March 4, 1851.
Note.—We think this is rather sharp firing, but, as it is already met by the "Artists" referred to, we give it. We do likespice, and well seasoned articles, but don't get too personal. A man may have been born in astable, but it is nosign he is a horse. We hope the above from Mr. S. was not prompted by "a spirit of rivalry and animosity," but rather for the good of all, as no doubt it will so prove. Give us apopfrom the other side. [Ed.
Daguerreian Journals Lost.—The following Telegraph Dispatch was received at the Daguerreian Journal Office on the 13th.
"What is the reason of your not sending me my Journals?W. S Gear."
The following was our answer forwarded per mail on the same day.
Daguerreian Journal Office,New York, March 13th, 1851.
Dear Sir:—Your Telegraph Dispatch came to hand. In answer,—I do send a Journal directed to you as often as published. The last was mailed last Friday, i.e.the February 15th number, that being the last out. I find it takes nearly as many to furnish the Post Offices as my subscribers; however, I try it again and send one to-day.
Respectfully,S. D. Humphrey.
W. S. Gear.
We wish that the persons, wishing the Daguerreian Journal would furnish us with their names—("no questions asked") and they can have a copy forwarded,—thereby ourhonestsubscribers would receive their Journal regularly. We do know that we put the Journal in the Post Office—but we don't knowwhyso many of our subscribers do not receive them. There is no doubt but that our Journal is valuable, and should be in the hands of all, yet it is with us as with most brother editors, we are unable to furnish copies gratuitously.
Ammonia should be a perfectly colorless liquid; when concentrated its specific gravity should be 0·9. It must have a pure ammonial odor, and must volatilize without any residue. It must not become troubled when mixed with alcohol, or lime water, otherwise it contains carbonate of ammonia. Neither must it for the same reason, become troubled when tested with a solution of chloride of barium; this is the best test for carbonate of ammonia. Care is to be taken to observe the action of the test on its first addition, for after the mixture has been exposed to the air for a few minutes, a troubling necessarily ensues, because the ammonia abstracts carbonic acid from the atmosphere.
When super-saturated with nitric acid, and tested with a solution ofnitrate of silver, it must give no white precipitate; otherwise it contains sal-ammoniac. It must give no precipitate with a solution of chloride of barium, otherwise it contains sulphuric acid, in which case, the precipitate will be invisible in nitric acid. It must give no precipitate with a solution of oxalic acid or superoxalate of potash; otherwise it contains lime. When saturated with nitric acid and tested with a solution of yellow prussiate of potash, it must give no precipitate; otherwise it contains copper. When mixed with its weight of oil of vitriol, it must not become brown or black; otherwise it contains empyreumatic oil. As it is quite difficult to obtain ammonia entirely free from carbonate of ammonia, or to preserve it in that state, the employment of ammonia containing a small portion of the carbonate is admissible in the practice of the Daguerreotype.
An Army of Subscribers.—It is computed that the regular subscribers to theNew York Sun, standing side by side, and each occupying eighteen inches space, would form a lineseventeen miles, fourteen rods, and three yards long. Standing with arms extended, and occupying six feet each, they would reachsixty-eight miles, fifty-eight rods and one yard, &c. &c.—Sun.
Let us see if we also cannot get up some astonishing statistics: The regular subscribers to theNew York Tribune, standing in single file, each holding fast to the other's coat-tail, would form a line 176 miles, 7 rods and one yard long. Allowing that each could hop, skip and jump the distance of 4 yards, their simultaneous performance of this feat would extend from Cape Horn to Baffins Bay. Supposing they all sneezed at once, the vibration of the air would overthrow the spire of Trinity Church. In reading the 48 columns of our double sheet every morning, the distance travelled by their eyes would reach twice round the earth. There! Is that enough?—Tribune.
Wonder if the Tribune's calculations is made from the actual measurement of the "tail" of the "old white coat?" If so its not fair, for Horace has the advantage over the modern fashion.