IN the multitude of counsellors there is said to be wisdom. This may be
true enough in the abstract, but in its special applications it may
sometimes lead to bewilderment, more particularly if the counsel of one
of the “multitude” be diametrically opposed to that of another
counsellor.
In looking over the pages of your useful Year-Book and ALMANAC I find
that Mr. Brooks has something to say in behalf of a process that has of
late received some rude words and rough treatment at the hands of the
Editors and others, the process to which I refer being the toning of
transparencies by means of mercury. As Mr. Brooks has issued a great
number of photo-crayons toned with this agent, it would appear that he
felt somewhat uneasy at the prospects of their fading; but he says—“I
now feel quite decided that, if the picture be protected by a good
varnish, fading will not ensue when a picture is thoroughly toned with
mercury.”
Let not Mr. Brooks nor any one else lay this flattering unction to his
soul. If varnish be the ægis which is trusted to ward off the
destructive effects of fading from the picture, I warn those interested
from putting any trust in it; for I have in my possession several of
such pictures varnished in the most faultless manner, with varnish of
unexceptionable quality, which have faded away into almost invisibility.
Now, as these transparencies have been prepared by myself as well as by
photographers of recognised high position, including the introducer of
the photo-crayon, I believe that I am warranted in assuming that every
requisite care has been taken both in the toning and the washing.
I am aware that it has been said that heat is an all-important element
in the destruction of a mercury-toned glass picture, and that from this
cause the lantern pictures are peculiarly liable to fade, whereas those
not subjected to heat will stand. I regret to be compelled to shatter
the prop that is raised from this basis to support the stability of the
photo-crayon; for in a series of two dozen mercury-toned lantern
pictures, purchased not much over two years ago, several which have
never been in the lantern or exposed to heat in any way have faded into
worthlessness.
I think, therefore, from what I have said, the truth of which the
Editors will attest—seeing that I send them herewith several
specimens—there is only one lesson to be drawn, and it is this:—Above
all things, as you value your reputation, avoid the use of mercury for
toning either lantern transparencies or photo-crayon pictures _à la_
Sarony.