_The Daguerreotype._--An important, and somewhat surprising discovery has lately been made, in relation to the picture formed by the Camera Obscura. It is found, that the images formed by this instrument are capable of being indelibly fixed on certain surfaces previously prepared for the purpose, so that the picture is rendered permanent. When a Camera is presented to any object or landscape strongly illuminated by the sun, and the prepared ground for receiving the image is adjusted, and a certain time allowed to elapse till the rays of light produce their due effect, in a few minutes or even seconds, a picture of the objects opposite to the lens is indelibly impressed upon the prepared plate, in all the accurate proportions and perspective, which distinguish the images formed in a dark chamber--which representations may be hung up in apartments, along with other paintings and engravings; and will likely retain their beauty and lustre for many years. These are pictures of nature’s own workmanship finished in an extremely short space of time, and with the most exquisite delicacy and accuracy. The effect is evidently owing to certain chemical properties in the rays of light; and opens a new field for experiment and investigation to the philosopher. The only defect in the picture is, that it is not coloured; but, in the progress of experiments on this subject, it is not unlikely that even this object may be accomplished, in which case, we should be able to obtain the most accurate landscapes and representations of all objects, which can possibly be formed. This art or discovery goes by the name of the _Daguerreotype_ from M. Daguerre, a Frenchman, who is supposed to have been the first discoverer, and who received a large premium from the French government for disclosing the process, and making the discovery public. Several improvements and modifications, in reference to the preparation of the plates, have been made since the discovery was first announced, about the beginning of 1839; and the pictures formed on this principle, are frequently distinguished by the name of _Photogenic_ drawings; and are now exhibited at most of our public scientific institutions. This new science or art, has been distinguished by different names. It was first called _Photography_, from two Greek words, signifying _writing by light_: it was afterwards called the art of _Photogenic Drawing_, or drawing produced by light. M. Daguerre gave it the name of _Heliography_, or _writing by the sun_, all which appellatives are derived from the Greek, and are expressive, in some degree, of the nature of the process. We shall, however, make use of the term Daguerreotype, derived from the name of the inventor.