* * * * * THE PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE: WHAT IT IS. [Footnote: A communication to the Sheffield Photographic Society in the _British Journal of Photography_.] It is quite possible that in the remarks I propose making this evening in connection with the photographic art I may mention topics and some details which are familiar to many present; but as chemistry and optical and physical phenomena enter largely into the theory and practice of photography, the field is so extensive there is always something interesting and suggestive even in the rudiments, especially to those who are commencing their studies. Although this paper may be considered an introductory one, I do not wish to load it with any historical account, or describe the early methods of producing a light picture, but shall at once take for my subject, "The Photographic Image: What It Is," and under this heading I must restrict myself to the collodion and silver or wet process, leaving gelatine dry plates, collodio-chloride, platinum, carbontype, and the numerous other types which are springing up in all directions for future consideration. Now, in an ordinary pencil, pen and ink, or sepia sketch we have a deposit of a dark, non-reflecting substance, which gives the outline of a figure on a lighter background. The different gradations of shade are acquired by a more or less deposit of lead, ink, or sepia. In photography--at least in the ordinary silver process--the image is formed by a deposition of metallic silver or organic oxide in a minute state of division, either on glass, paper, or other suitable material. This is brought about by the action of light and certain reagents. Light has long been recognized as a motive power comparable with heat or electricity. Its action upon the skin, fading of colors, and effect on the growth of vegetable and animal organisms are well known; and, although the exact molecular change in many instances is not clearly understood, yet certain salts of silver, iron, the alkaline bichromates, and some organic materials--as bitumen and gelatine--have been pretty well worked out.