American Hand Book of the Daguerreotype by Samuel D. Humphrey
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Gregory Walker, Austin, Texas, >> American Hand Book of the Daguerreotype by Samuel D. Humphrey
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The greater number of operators, with whose practice I am familiar,
use, for polishing plates, prepared tripoli, imported from France,
or Browne's rotten-stone. The former of these articles is
very objectionable, inasmuch as there is no positive certainty of being
enabled to procure or make the article of uniform grit--the nature
of the substance rendering, it impossible to reduce it to varying degrees
of evenness, by the well known process of washing, for that purpose,
and the burning of rotten-stone changes its chemical nature somewhat,
at the same time rendering, this invaluable article harsh and gritty.
And especially, no reliance can be placed upon burned rotten stone
if purchased from those who do not give very great attention and care
to its preparation; and the same remarks apply to rouge.
The best article for polishing Daguerreotype plates is
rotten-stone, such as can be procured in any town, prepared after
the following manner: Procure, say half a dozen wide-mouthed bottles,
of suitable dimensions, numbering each from one to six.
Put into No. 1 about half a pound of rotten-stone. and nearly fill
the bottle with water. Then, with a proper stick or spatule,
mix well the rotten-stone and water; after which, let No. 1 rest for,
say one minute, then carefully pour off into bottle No. 2
(or, what would be better, draw off by a syphon) as much of the
floating particles of rotten-stone as is suspended in the water.
Again fill bottle No. 1 with water, agitate it as before,
and decant it to bottle No. 2, care being taken to draw off
only the suspended particles of rotten-stone.
When a sufficient quantity of washings from bottle No. 1 is collected into
bottle No. 2, a similar process must be gone through. as above stated,
for No. 1; the difference being in the care required, and in the time
allowed between the stirring or mixing the rotten-stone and water.
The floating particles of rotten-stone, after four minutes' subsiding, will be
found fine enough for the finest Daguerreotype polishing required.
A quantity of such washings may be collected in a large bottle,
and allowed to stand a few hours, when all the rotten-stone will
have settled. The water may be poured off and the rotten-stone put
into an evaporating dish, and while being dried, must be constantly
stirred to obtain an impalpable powder.
Further washings may in like manner be resorted to for finer
qualities of rotten-stone. In my practice, I have used
the articles at two and four minutes' settling, and occasionally
have prepared it after standing for eight minutes.
So fine a quality as this, however, is seldom required.
In using, rotten-stone, I mix with it, for polishing,
fine olive oil, until I obtain a thin paste--and the best of all
methods for polishing (well planished) Daguerreotype plates,
is one like that used for glass by lens polishers; that is,
by using a disc or buff-wheel, and having, a suitable holder
by which to secure the plate, and then by pressing the plate
against the revolving buff, well saturated with the mixed
oil and rotten-stone, a very good surface is obtained.
A quantity of plates may be prepared in this way, and all
the adhering oil, etc., may be removed by a clean hand,
or lathe buff, after which each plate must be heated to the point
necessary to burn off the remaining oil great care being required
not to overheat the plate. A very slight excess of temperature
will at once destroy all the polish previously obtained.
The test for ascertaining the right temperature is at hand;
the adhering oil will be driven from the plate in the form
of smoke when the right temperature is reached. The moment
the smoke ceases to rise from the plate, the heat must he removed,
and the plate quickly cooled upon a piece of iron.
A quantity of plates thus prepared may be kept on hand for
any required time, and the labor of one minute, with a lathe
or hand-buff with dry charcoal, or rather, prepared lampblack,
will perfectly polish the surface ready for indexing, etc.
This lampblack also requires some care in preparing.
Take a small-size crucible, properly temper it by a slow fire,
that it may not be cracked after which, fill it with common lampblack,
cover it over with a piece of soap-stone, and again replace it
in the fire. Build a good hard coal fire around it continue the heat
for two or three hours, being careful not to raise the cover
till the crucible be quite cold. Pulverize when using it.
It is very desirable to keep this lampblack dry and warm.
Some operators use much rouge I would recommend the above in preference;
but those who feel that they cannot dispense with the use of rouge,
had better try a large addition of prepared lampblack to a small
one of rouge, as this latter article, unless great pains
be taken in its preparation, will adhere and work itself into
the body of the surface, so that it cannot be removed therefrom;
and I have seen many specimens of Daguerreotype very much
injured in effect from this rouge tint disseminated throughout
their shaded features, at the same time that the whole
general effect of such pictures is that of a want of life.
It is true that with the use of rouge a very high degree of polish
may be obtained, but probably not higher than can be produced
with many other substances of a less objectionable nature.
From the announcement of the discovery by Daguerre to the beginning
of the year 1840, I am not aware of any attempt to lessen the time for
the action of an image, or an impression, other than that of the reflecting
camera invented by Mr. Wolcott. Early, however, in 1840, Mr. Wolcott
was desirous to be enabled to further shorten the time for a sitting,
and having some knowledge of bromine and its action, by request,
Dr. Chilton prepared a small quantity; but Mr. Wolcott did not succeed
very well with it, he having invariably used too much in combination with
iodine to produce that sensitive coating now well known to the profession.
Professor Morse, of this city, Dr. Goddard, of Philadelphia, and others,
in the years 1840 and 1841, were acquainted with the use of bromine.
N. Griffing, of this city, or myself, used with tolerable success,
iodine in large excess to nitric acid and water; and, subsequently, to nitro
muriatic acid (which reacted and formed a peculiar chloride of iodine);
this latter combination proved to be preferable to simple iodine,
at the same time somewhat more sensitive, and was used by me in this city up
to the time of my leaving for London (October 1, 1840). On arriving in London,
I instituted a series of experiments in the various chemical combinations,
solely with the view to be enabled to obtain more speedily a portrait
than it was practicable to do with any known chemicals at that date.
The high latitude, and the winter season of the year rendering but a
feeble light at best, the greater the necessity for a more sensitive
chemical preparation to the shortening the time for a sitting.
Near the beginning of the year 1841, I discovered and practically applied,
chloride of iodine to great advantage, and, as far as memory serves me,
I believe the first used in this country was some made and shipped, Messrs.
Harnden & Co., from London, to Mr. Wolcott, in New York.
About the same time, Mr. John Goddard, of London (who was associated
with myself), discovered a rather valuable combination of chemicals,
consisting of a mixture of iodine, bromine, iodus, and iodic acid,
and a proper combination of those bodies gave an action somewhat
more sensitive than chloride of iodine--but the "high lights"
of the portraits would become solarized or overdone, more frequently
with this combination than with the chloride of iodine.
Throughout the year 1841, I used, with great success, chloride of iodine,
applied as one coating--occasionally in conjunction with Mr. Wolcott,
attempting the use of iodine, bromine, and chlorine, and at times
with more or less success. The difficulty of exactly combining,
the three elements above mentioned, in order to produce a certainty
of result with harmony of effect, was the work of many months,
with great labor and study, the slightest modification requiring
a long, series of practical experiments, a single change consuming,
frequently, an entire day in instituting comparisons, etc., etc.
Early in the year, 1842, I discovered a combination of chemicals
(now known in London as "Wolcott's Mixture," in hermetically sealed bulbs)
of exceeding uniform character, very sensitive to the action of light,
and specimens produced in 1842-3, with this combination, will bear
comparison with the best specimens produced at this late date.
About the same time, I discovered that however much overdone a
Daguerreotype might be, the means were at hand to save or redeem it.
It has long, since been known to operators, that if a plate be
exposed to light after being coated, unless it be again coated,
a clear and distinct picture could not be obtained upon the same plate
without first repolishing and recoating the same, care being taken
that no light fall upon the prepared surface. To prevent solarization,
coat a plate as usual, expose to the action of light any required time
(according to circumstances), say from quarter to one half more
time than would be required in the ordinary method of procedure;
observe, before putting the plate in the mercury box, place it over
the vapor of iodine, bromine, or chlorine, etc. (carefully excluding
the light), for a very brief period, great care being required to have
the selected vapor very much diluted with air, in order to success.
Many experiments will be required ere arriving at satisfactory results.
Specimens now unknown to general operators, for harmony of effect,
have been, and may again be produced by the method pointed out above.
I have found the best general effect, and the most certain result
to follow from the use of the vapor of chlorine--but this requires
more than ordinary care. I would, therefore, recommend the use
of iodine. Thus: to a few grains of iodine, add an ounce of warm
water (which will become tinged with iodine); when cold, to half a pint
of pure water in a new and clean coating box, put, of the above,
fifty drops; stir and mix well this small quantity of iodine
in with the water; in ten minutes this box will be ready for use.
Great care and judgment will be required in the application of this
vapor to the plate; if the plate remain over the vapor too long.
the developed picture will have a faint and misty appearance;
if not exposed long enough, the "high light" will be solarized.
I have great hope of the ultimate use of this process, as it is
the only means yet discovered to be enabled to secure specimens
of extremes of light and shade, yet producing harmony of effect;
and I would call the attention of the profession to the fact,
that a plate may be exposed to the action of light for any length of time
(a thousand times longer than required to act for the lesser quantity
of mercury to deposit itself, or that amount necessary to form a perfect
specimen), and be restored by the application of any of the vapors
above mentioned, remarking that for extremes for solarization,
denser vapors will be required. Much remains to be done with this
discovery to the application of the Daguerreotype.
HUMPHREY'S JOURNAL OF THE DAGUERREOTYPE & PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS.
The above-named publication is well known as the best and most
valuable one devoted to the Photographic Science in this country.
Humphrey's Journal made its appearance November 1st, 1850, and consequently
is the first and oldest serial offered to the Photographic world.
The art of producing Portraits and Landscapes by means of Light,
has recently taken a new and enlivening impulse, which will
in all probability lead to important and interesting results.
No practical Daguerreotypist, Photographer, or amateur,
should be without the means at hand for securing all of
the information upon this subject. Each should be ready to
receive and apply the improvements as they may be developed.
In order to accomplish this, it is a matter of great importance
to the Practitioner or Experimenter that he should have
a reliable medium through which he can obtain information.
In what source can the inquirer better place his confidence than
in a regular Journal, whose editor is literally a practical person,
and familiar with the manipulations necessary for producing
Portraits upon "Daguerreotype Plates," and upon glass and paper?
Such is the conductor of Humphrey's Journal.
This Journal is published once every two weeks, and contains all
the improvements relating to the Art, and is the only American
Journal whose editor is practically acquainted with the process
for producing Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, and Photographs.
The first No. of Vol. X. is dated May 1st, 1858. The terms
(Two Dollars per annum) are trifling compared with the vast
amount of information furnished.
AMBROTYPES.--Humphrey's Journal contains everything novel which appears upon
this subject, and has already presented more new, important, and original
matter than can be found in any other place.
Many are the letters we have received during the term of the last volume,
in which the writer has stated that a single number of Humphrey's Journal has
contained information of more value to him than "several times the amount
paid for the entire volume."
Our resources have grown up around us, and our facilities for procuring,
as well as distributing, all such facts and improvements as will benefit
as well as instruct all who have the progress of the Art at heart,
are as ample as they can well be made.
The future volumes will be abundantly furnished with original
writings from persons of standing in the scientific world;
and the practical Photographer will here find a full account
of such improvements as may from time to time develop themselves.
From the editor's long practical experience in the Heliographic Science,
he will be enabled to present the subject in a plain, clear,
and concise manner.
Read what the Editors say of Humphrey's Journal:--
"We have received a copy of a valuable Journal (Humphrey's) published
in New York, which has reached the 18th number of Vol. VI.....We now
have the pleasure of quoting from our trans-atlantic coadjutor."--
Liverpool Photographic Jour.
"Humphrey's Journal is practical as well as scientific in character."--
American Journal of Science and Arts.
"It treats the subject knowingly and with force."--New York Tribune.
"It is both a popular and interesting publication."--Mechanics' Magazine.
"It is highly useful to all who practice 'shadow catching.'"--
Ohio State Journal.
"The work is neatly gotten up, and contains many interesting
varieties in this new field of science."--Times.
"It should be hailed and encouraged, not only by Daguerreotypists themselves,
but by every lover of Science and Art."--The Democrat.
"We cannot too strongly urge all artists, and those persons
who feel an interest in the Heliographic Arts and Sciences,
to take a copy of the work."--Sentinel.
"It is indicative of talent worthy of the important Art it is designed
to elevate."--American.
"This Art is entitled to its own organ, which could not have fallen into
better hands than those of the editor of 'Humphrey's Journal.'"--Transcript.
"It is a scientific work of interest and usefulness."--
Star of the North.
"This Journal answers many points heretofore regarded as inexplicable."--
Hudson River Chronicle.
"It is rich with interest."--North American.
"It contains all the 'Improvements.'"--Delta.
"It teaches us how to take our own portraits."--Bee.
"It will cultivate a taste for Daguerreotypes."--Commercial Advertiser.
"It should be in the hands of all."--Reveille.
"It is the Daguerreotypist's friend."--London News.
"It should be found in every library."--Evening Journal.
From some of our Subscribers
"Humphrey's Journal has been the means of saving much time and money,
for by its instruction I have been enabled to produce some of the finest
Paper Pictures I have ever seen." W. P.
"Don't fail to send me the Journal, for I would not be
without it for five times the amount of subscription.
It is the only publication I can depend upon." A. G. R.
"Your treatment of the humbugs and humbugging members of the profession,
is of the most valuable importance to us practical Daguerreans. Go on.
God speed! Here is the amount for the renewal of my subscription."
E. F. S.
"How can any Operator offord to be without it?"
L. L. H.
"Here are five dollars: send me Humphrey's Journal to this amount.
I will not be without it." M. S.
"It is my best friend." J. E. W.
We might quote like commendatory extracts enough to more than ten
times fill this page.
Humphrey's Journal contains 16 octavo pages of reading matter.
TERMS.
One copy per annum, in advance . . . . . . $2 00
Three copies, do. do. . . . . . . $5 00
Six copies, do. do. . . . . . . $9 00
The thousands who read it cannot be induced to remain without it.
All who desire to keep up with the improvements should subscribe
for a copy.
Subscription price Two Dollars per year.
Don't fail to become a subscriber. Address S. D.
HUMPHREY
Office, 37 Lispenard Street, NEW YORK.
THE PRACTICAL MANUAL OF THE COLLODION PROCESS.
BY S. D. HUMPHREY.
THIRD EDITION
This Edition contains all the Improvements in the Art made public
up to the day of publication, and gives complete Practical
Instructions for making Collodion Positives or Ambrotypes,
Collodion Negatives, Printing, etc., etc. The quick, great and
unprecedented sale of the first and second editions demonstrates,
more than the strongest language could possibly do,
the extraordinary and increasing popularity of this work.
The Third Edition contains two hundred and sixteen 12mo.
pages, of a larger size and in smaller type than either
of the preceding editions, and is illustrated with numerous
wood-cuts. It is intended to be the best practical work extant;
substantially bound in cloth, price One Dollar; forwarded by mail
(postage prepaid). Address
S. D. HUMPHREY, New York
A GUIDE TO PHOTOGRAPHY,
Containing simple and concise directions for obtaining Views, Portraits,
etc., by the chemical agency of Light, by W. H. Thornthwaite,
author of "Photogenic Manipulations," etc. Illustrated with numerous
wood-cuts. The Book contains more than one hundred 12mo pages,
bound in board, and is sold at twenty-five cents per copy, or five
copies for one dollar. Address
S. D. HUMPHREY, New York
HOLMES, BOOTH & HAYDENS,
MANUFACTURERS OF
DAGUERREOTYPE CASES,
PLATES, CAMERAS,
MATTINGS, PRESERVERS, ETC., ETC.
MANUFACTURERS AND IMPORTERS OF EVERY VARIETY OF AMBROTYPE,
AND PHOTOGRAPHIC GOODS,
Of the Best and most approved Quality.
ESPECIAL ATTENTION GIVEN T0 THE FURNISHING OF EVERY ARTICLE USED
IN THE PRACTICE OF THE DAGUERREOTYPE
Depot 81 Chambers and 63 Reade St., New York.
Manufactory at Waterbury, Conn.
HOLMES, BOOTH & HAYDENS' CAMERAS
From 1/4 to the Mammoth size. These CAMERAS are of the most superior make,
and all subjected to the most thorough test before being offered for sale.
VIEW CAMERAS, made expressly for taking views: an entirely new article.
DAGUERREOTYPE PLATES, OF EVERY VARIETY. AND WE WOULD CALI.
PARTICULAR. ATTENTION TO THE
Wreath, and H. B. & H. Eagle 40 Plates, AS HAVING NO EQUALS IN THE MARKET.
SOLE AGENTS FOR THE CELEBRATED H. B. AND N. P. FRENCH PLATES.
Always on hand a complete assortment of Ambrotype and Photographic goods.
SOLE AGENTS FOR THE Patent solid glass corner Plate Holders.
All orders will receive prompt attention, and be forwarded with dispatch.
HOLMES, BOOTH & HAYDENS,
81 Chambers, and 63 Reade St.
New York.
SCOVILL MANUFACTURING CO.
MANUFACTURER OF
DAGUERREOTYPE PLATES,
MATTINGS,
PRESERVERS, CASES,
APPARATUS, etc., etc.
Importers and Dealers in every description of Daguerreotype,
Photographic, AND AMBROTYPE GOODS,
The SCOVILL MANUFACTURING COMPANY flatter themselves that an experience
of nearly twenty years in the business and the most extensive
variety of the above Goods in the United States, entitle them
to the continuance of orders for the Domestic and Foreign trade,
which will receive the most careful attention.
Park Building, New York. Entrances--36 Park Row, 4 Beekman,
and 141 Nassau Street.
SCOVILL MANUFACTURING CO.
Would call especial attention to their large variety of
CASES,
Embracing many Fancy Styles made only by themselves, and to which they
are constantly adding New Designs.
Union Cases,
Of all sizes, with Riveted Hinges.
AGENTS FOR THE SALE OF
C. C. HARRISON'S CAMERAS,
with improvements, which we are now prepared to sell at
reduced prices, and warranted to give better satisfaction
than ever before DAGUERREOTYPE PLATES, H. B.--N. P.--
Star and other brands PLATE GLASS,
embracing three-quarters white: Crown and all other varieties.
We would call particular attention to our Black Glass,
made expressly for Ambrotypes.
CHEMICALS,
for the Daguerreotype and Photographic Art.
Iodized and Plain COLLODION. Gun Cotton, etc., etc.
Tagliabue's Collodiometres and Actino-Hydrometres, for
testing Chemicals.
APPARATUS OF EVERY VARIETY.
Gutta Percha, Porcelain, and Glassware of all kinds used in the Art.
A large assortment of Gilt Frames always on hand and made to order.
Ambrotype Shields, with solid corners of a new style.
All orders will meet with prompt attention
SCOVILL MANUFACTURING CO.,
PARK BUILDING
New York
36 Park Row, 4 Beckman, and
141 Nassau Street.
HARDWICH'S PHOTOGRAPHIC CHEMISTRY
AMERICAN EDITION.
A MANUAL of
PHOTOGRAPHIC CHEMISTRY,
INCLUDING THE PRACTICE OF THE COLLODION PROCESS.
BY
T. FREDERICK HARDWICH,
LECTURER ON PHOTOGRAPHY IN KINGS COLLEGE, LONDON;
LATE DEMONSTRATOR OF CHEMISTRY IN KING'S COLLEGE.
Last Edition,
The above is the title of this new and valuable work.
It is too well known to need any further comment in this place.
This volume contains nearly 300 large duodecimo pages.
bound in red cloth, $1.00. Copies to be forwarded by mail,
$1.18, postage pre-paid.
S. D. HUMPHREY,
Photographic
Book Publisher,
37 LISPENARD
STREET, NEW YORK,
N.B. Postage stamps taken.
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