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.
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.
When _Distilled Water_ can 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 Water_ generally contains carbonic acid, carbonate of lime, and
chloride of calcium.
_Spring Water_ contains 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 one
_filter_ the water for use _often_ and freely and we will guarantee that
_success_ will 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 from some 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.
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.
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.
Muriate of Ammonia--_sal-ammoniac._--This is used by _few_ to bleach
Daguerreotype impressions, and relieve them of the "_blues_;" should,
however, the plates be _well_ cleaned 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 the _blues_. 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 it operate with pleasing success; but repeat
that _few_ only 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 an _insoluble residue_ it 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 the _bleaching solution_. Occasionally it
contains lead, iron, and copper. The presence of sulphuric acid may be
detected by means of a diluted solution of _chloride_ of 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 diluted _sulphuric acid_, or a few drops of a
solution of _sulphate 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 a
_brownish_ color, it indicates the presence of charcoal, or empyreumatic
oil; such sal-ammoniac is good for some purposes, but wholly unfit for
_chemical purposes_.
When sal-ammoniac leaves a non-volatile residue, it may contain _sulphate
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.
* * * * *
BROMIDE OF SILVER.
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 yielded 0.0688 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.=
=HILLOTYPE.=
Since the announcement of the Hillotype, 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 those correctly 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 a _very 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 have _every_ tint 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 on _other causes_. Well polished plates, however, are
preferable for other reasons. It is _essential_ that 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 the _yellow_, 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 the
_chrome yellow_ which 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 to _claim_ in 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 is _unalterably_ fixed to avoid _monopoly_,
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.
* * * * *
[Hand] We 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. We _bow_, and _thank you!_
May you never get in a "Fog."
* * * * *
[Hand] T. 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.
* * * * *
[Hand] Mr. J. E. Mayall of London, has promised us an article on
"Photographing on Glass." This will appear as soon as received.
* * * * *
[Hand] Our old and learned friend Mr. Finley of Canandaigua, promised us a
communication. Where is it?
* * * * *
[Hand] Removal.--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
the _Insley 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._
* * * * *
Our Daguerreotypes.
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._
* * * * *
Gurney has 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.
* * * * *
Thompson of 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 for Meade & Brother of this
city, is about to establish himself in Albany. We wish Mr. B. success.
* * * * *