A Manual of the Collodion Photographic Process - Introduction
Contents
Part 1
Part 2
- Preparation of Collodion Film
- Immersion of Plate in the Bath
- Exposure of the Prepared Plate to the Action of Light
- Development of the Image
- Fixing of the Image
PART III
- The Whitening Process
- The Camera
- Description of the Camera
- Glass Bath
- Photographic Lens
- Summary of Precautions
- Conclusion
Introduction
The power possessed by solar light, and in a less degree by artificial light, in producing chemical change in the various organic and metallic compounds of the earth has been long known, and excited the attention of the most able chemists and philosophers of the day.
For several centuries the darkening effect of the solar rays on chloride of silver has been remarked.
More recently, Sir Humphrey Davy and Mr. Wedgwood turned their attention to this curious subject, and endeavoured, but without success, to apply it to useful purposes.
Since their time, however, and from these small beginnings, a new art has been discovered, beautiful in its results, commanding equally the attention of the artist and the man of science.
The former will avail himself of it for noting down the aspects and changes which are constantly varying the face of Nature, opening to his observation many striking effects of light and shadow, which, without its aid, would altogether escape his observation, or elude the vigilance of his pencil to note down.
The chemical philosopher will find in it a new study and wide field of research open to his view; presenting, in fact, an entirely new branch of chemical inquiry; and he cannot fail to be struck with the great power which a very feeble ray of solar light has, in producing a rapid chemical change in some bodies when presented to its influence; the consideration of which may induce him to devote some por- tion of his time to the investigation of a subject so interesting in its details and marvellous in its effects.
He will also observe how very large a portion of the solar rays, though not absolutely necessary to illuminate and brighten the face of the natural world, are not less essential to our well-being, and are silently working with powerful effect in producing remarkable changes, and - modifying by their influence the most enduring, as well as the most fragile of nature’s productions.
Moreover, it is to be hoped that these investigations, and the increasing interest which the Photographic Art generally is acquiring, will induce the chemical manufacturer to direct his attention to the preparation of chemical products hitherto little in demand, which are now being sought for; and unfortunately, in too many instances, cannot be obtained of sufficient purity, or at such a price, as would warrant their immediate use in the art.
It is an important point to consider, that it is useless for Photographers to endeavour to increase the energy of their sensitive surfaces, when the chemicals required are not manufactured with that purity and exactitude so absolutely necessary to ensure their success.
These remarks are not made from an over-fastidious idea of the importance attached to this branch of the subject, but from a certain conviction that no good results can in future be produced with certainty, unless the manufacture of Photographic chemicals is treated in the laboratory as more worthy the consideration of the operator.
It is to be hoped that some one with ability and zeal will come forward and offer to the photographic world such a certainty of procuring pure chemicals, that this difficulty may not in future retard the progress of the art, or damp the ardour of its votaries.