It is well known that if the size of an object be ascertained, the distance of a lens from that object, and the size of the image depicted in a camera by that lens, a very simple calculation will give the focus of the lens. In compound lenses the matter is complicated by the relative foci of its constituents and their distance apart; but these items, in an ordinary photographic objective, would so slightly affect the result that for all practical purposes they may be ignored. What we propose to do--what we have indeed done--is to make two of these terms constant in connection with a diagram, here given, so that a mere inspection may indicate, with its aid, the focus of a lens. All that is required in making use of it is to plant the camera perfectly upright, and place in front of it, at exactly fifteen feet from the center of the lens, a two foot rule, also perfectly upright and with its center the same height from the floor as the lens, and then, after focusing accurately with as large a diaphragm as will give sharpness, to note the size of the image and refer it to the diagram. The focus of the lens employed will be marked under the line corresponding to the size of the image of the rule on the ground glass. As our object is to minimize time and trouble to the utmost, we may make a suggestion or two as to carrying out the measuring. It will be obvious that any object exactly two feet in length, rightly placed, will answer quite as well as a "two-foot," which we selected as being about as common a standard of length and as likely to be handy for use as any. The pattern in a wall paper, a mark in a brick wall, a studio background, or a couple of drawing pins pressed into a door, so long as two feet exactly are indicated, will answer equally well. And, further, as to the actual mode of measuring the image on the ground glass (we may say that there is not the slightest need to take a negative), it will perhaps be found the readiest method to turn the glass the ground side outward, when two pencil marks may be made with complete accuracy to register the length of the image, which can then be compared with the diagram. Whatever plan is adopted, if the distance be measured exactly between lens and rule, the result will give the focus with exactitude sufficient for any practical purpose.--_Br. Jour. of Photo_. [Illustration] * * * * * THE HISTORY OF THE PIANOFORTE. [Footnote: A paper recently read before the Society of Arts, London.] By A. J. HIPKINS.