The History and Practice of the Art of PhotographySnelling, Henry Hunt
History
The History and Practice of the Art of Photography
Snelling, Henry Hunt
Daguerreotype; Photography
The latter is imported by Mr. E. Anthony, 205 Broadway, New York, and
is decidedly the best article for the purpose. One bottle simply
dissolved in a quart of water will make a very strong solution, and
gives a richness to the picture impossible to be obtained from the
chloride of gold. The process is precisely similar to that described
below for chloride of gold, taking care to cease the moment the bubbles
are well defined over the surface of the plate. Many Daguerreotypists,
after a superficial trial, discard the hyposulphite of gold as
inferior; but I have no hesitation in asserting that the fault lies
with themselves; for in every case within my knowledge, where its use
has been persisted in until the correct method has been ascertained and
the nature of the gilding has become familiar, it is always preferred.
In illustration of this fact I will relate an anecdote:
A gentleman to whom it had been recommended, purchased a bottle, and
after making one or two trials of it, wrote to his correspondent--"Send
me two bottles of chloride of gold, for I want no more of the
hyposulphite; it is good for nothing." A few weeks after he sent for
three bottles of the condemned article, confessing that he had found
fault unnecessarily; for, that since he had become familiar to its use,
he must acknowledge its superiority, and would use no other gilding.
The Solution of Chloride of Gold is prepared by dissolving in a pint of
distilled water, fifteen grains of chrystalized chloride of gold. This
solution will be of a yellow tint. In another pint of distilled water
dissolve fifty-five grains of hyposulphite of soda; pour gradually, in
very small quantities, the gold into the hyposulphite of soda, stirring
the solution at intervals; when finished the mixture should be nearly
colorless.
Place the plate on its stand, or hold it in the plyers, in a perfectly
horizontal position--silver surface upward--having previously slightly
turned up the edges, so that it may hold the solution. Wet the surface
with alcohol, letting any superfluous quantity drain off. The alcohol
is of no farther use than to facilitate the flowing of the gold mixture
over the surface. Now pour on, carefully, as much of the preparation
of gold as will remain on the plate. The under part of the plate is
then to be heated as uniformly as possible with the spirit lamp; small
bubbles will arise, and the appearance of the portrait or view very
sensibly improved. The process must not be carried too far, but as
soon as the bubbles disappear the lamp should be removed, and the plate
immersed in distilled water, and dried as before directed.
7th. COLORING THE PICTURE.--I very much doubt the propriety of coloring
the daguerreotypes, as I am of opinion, that they are little, if any,
improved by the operation, at least as it is now generally practised.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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