_The Calotype Process._--I have made any first essay in the calotype
process, following DR. DIAMOND'S directions given in "N. & Q.," and using
Turner's paper, as recommended by him. My success has been quite as great
as I could expect as a novice, and satisfies me that any defects are due to
my own want of skill, and not to any fault in the directions given. I wish,
however, to ask a question as to iodizing the paper. DR. DIAMOND says, lay
the paper on the solution; then _immediately_ remove it, and lay on the dry
side on blotting-paper, &c. Now I find, if I remove immediately, the whole
sheet of paper curls up into a roll, and is quite unmanageable. I want to
know, therefore, whether there is any objection to allowing the paper to
remain on the iodizing solution until it lies flat on it, so that on
removal it will not curl, and may be easily and conveniently laid on the
dry side to pass the glass rod over it. As soon as the paper is floated on
the solution (I speak of Turner's) it has a great tendency to curl, and
takes some time before the expansion of both surfaces becoming equal allows
it to lie quite flat on the liquid. May this operation be performed by the
glass rod, without floating at all?
Photographers, like myself, at a distance from practical instruction, are
so much obliged for plain and simple directions such as those given by DR.
DIAMOND, which are the result of experience, that I am sure he will not
mind being troubled with a few inquiries relative to them.