"The improvement to which you refer is denominated "The Crayon
Daguerreotype." This invention made by Mr. J. A. Whipple, is the only
improvement in Daguerreotyping, I believe, for which Letters Patent for
the United States were ever issued. The pictures produced by this
process--which is of the simplest description imaginable--have the
appearance and effect of very fine "Crayon Drawings," from which the
improvement takes its name. Some of our most distinguished artists
have given it their unqualified admiration. Among them, our Mezzotinto
Engravers, especially John Sartain, Esq., who, from his rich
embellishments to most of the leading Magazines and Annuals of the
country, as well as from the celebrity of the superb Magazine which
bears his name, is so well known and so well qualified to judge of its
merits. As an auxiliary to the artist, in furnishing heads to the
Magazines, or other works, it is invaluable; the great object which it
accomplishes being to give a finer effect and more distinct expression
to all the features--the whole power of the instrument being directed
to, and confined to the head."
"The late hour at which this subject has been brought to our notice
prevents so full a description as we would otherwise have been glad to
furnish. The New England States have been disposed of; negotiations
for any of the others can be made through M. A. Root, 140 Chestnut
street, Philadelphia."
"A series of beautiful portraits are about being prepared by the
"Crayton Process" for the express purpose of being placed on the
exhibition at the "Art Union," when amateurs, artists, and the public
generally will have an opportunity of witnessing its effect. We are
especially gratified with this striking improvement, from the
advantages which it promises to the Daguerrean art."
"It is admirably designed to excite a new interest on the subject
through the community, and in this way--and from its tendency to render
the art more generally useful, and to elevate and distinguish it--to
make it to all a matter of more general importance."
"Yours respectfully,
"M. A. ROOT."
In our second edition, we hope--with Mr. Root's permission--to lay the
whole process before the public, although our artists must bear in mind
that Mr. Root's patent secures to him the exclusive right of its
application.