_Splitting Paper for Photographic Purposes._--If the real and practical
mode of effecting this were disclosed, it would be (in many cases) a
valuable aid to the photographer. I have had many negative calotypes ruined
by red stains on the back (but not affecting the impressed side of the
paper); which, could the paper {62} have been split, would in all
probability have been available, and printed well.
I was sorry to see in "N. & Q" (Vol. iii., p. 604.) an article under this
head which went the round of the papers several months ago. Anything more
impracticable and ridiculously absurd than the directions there given can
hardly be imagined: "cylinders of amber!" or "cylinders of _metallic_
amalgam!!" "excited in the usual manner," &c. I presume _electrical_
excitation is intended. Though, how cylinders of _metal_ are to receive
electrical _excitation_, and to have sufficient attractive power over a
sheet of paper as to rend it asunder, would be a problem which I believe
even a Faraday could not solve: neither would excited glass cylinders
effect the object any better; or if they could, it would be erecting a
wheel to break a fly upon.
The whole proposition must originally have been a hoax: in fact, we live in
a day when the masses of the people are easily induced to believe that
_electricity_ can _do everything_.
Another, and far more feasible plan has been proposed ("N. & Q.," Vol.
viii., p. 413.), viz. to paste the paper to be split between two pieces of
calico or linen; and when perfectly dry, part them. One half, it is said,
will adhere to each piece of the linen, and may afterwards be obtained or
set free from the linen by soaking.
I have tried this with partial, but not satisfactory success. It will be
remembered that the _results_ of the _true_ process were some years ago
exhibited before a scientific company (I think at the Royal Institution),
when a page of the _London Illustrated News_ was first exhibited in its
usual condition, printed on both sides; and was then taken to an adjoining
apartment, and in a short time (perhaps a quarter of an hour) re-exhibited
to the company split into two laminæ, each being perfect. Neither the
_pasting_ plan, nor the electrical gammon, could have effected this. I hope
some of your readers (they are a legion) will confer on photographers the
favour of informing them of this art.