Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1895-12-05
Concerning Photography.

Concerning Photography.
Some one has reckoned this art al
an uneXplainablc surgeo-magical proc
ess,a transferring to plate or paper ofal
infinitely thin film from the face of thu
I subject.
| Ridiculous as this conceit is, it MICH
be accepted by some as readily as any
other theory that is offered and woulc
not seem greater marvel than some
OF the real achievements of the modern
electrical wizards. The wonder point
of the art is the catching, on the sensi-
tive film. Of the sharp image formed by
the lenses of the camera. After the eX.
poSure of the plate to the image, the
film does not show the slightest change,
but the different gradations of LIGHT in
the image have caused certain moditi-
cations in the constitution of the film.
varying according to the force of LIGHT
each one carries, and when the plate
comes in contact with certain chemi-
Gals in solution these oradations are
made visible, and a negative is born.
1t is supposed that the action of the
light on the silver salts OF the coating
is the first step toward the oxidation
OF the silver, and the development
usually pyrogallic acid and its aids
completes the operation. In making
the emulsion for coating the plates,
iodide and bromide of potassium are
dissolved in water and mixed with a
solution of nitrate of silver. The do
nestle tranquility of the two families
of the so-called inaminate elements is
at once upset. Nitric acid, possessing
great force and being utterly destitute
of principle and having a stronger lik-
ing for potassium than Tor silver, leaves
the latter and proceeds to drive ont
iodine and bromine from their combi-
nations with potassium, forming new
soluble salt-nitrate OF potash, which
is washed out and thrown away during
the process--a tit punishment for their
unfaithfnlness to their former mates
while the iodine and bromine and sill
yer, being forsaken by their partners,
form a new partncrship-iodide and
bromide of silver-the base of the
lightning plates, thus achieving the
highest honors. a body is given to
these salts by mixing with pure white
oelatine. The salts are insoluble, but
in state of very fine division, forming
a milky white liquid when mixed with
gelatine and water. The plates are
coated with the mixture and dried.
These operations are carried on in the
dark or in a weak, ruby light. This is
only an outline OF the procedure. There
are critical stages in the process, re-
curing the greatest care, such as only
those who have had course in expert
mental chemistry would be likely to
practice.
There are several companies in this
country engaged in making the plates
and their combination serves to keep
prices far above the fairprotit standard.
Many photographers have attempted
their manufacture but have given it up
for lack of success. ii. l.. Bixby, the
Chelsea photographer, was lucky
enough to notice a new process by an
English amateur (of the class that has
studied out and perfected the dry plate
dea). He tried the plan, and after
some necessary changes in the formula,
ne made Il success of it and has used
only his own plates since then. Their
cost is only one-fitth that Of the com
nercial plates, and this is one secret Of
his low prices, though his large range
md low rents are important aids. As
% the causes of his success rs pho
.oorapher there are certain vital points,
earned by long experience, that he |
loes not propose to make common
at present. While he is con-
;cious that he cannot please all cana
here are some he cannot afford to
please. as he works for the pay yet his
especially during the last hard
ines year, has been very gratifying.
lis price list is a popular one, not one
n a hundred complaining of it. He uses
he best collodion paper, costing twice
IS much and being fur more durable
han some other kinds in common use.
He has a most excellent class of pa
rons. His confidence in human hon
sty is sometimes badly shaken by
ncounters with members Of the sponge
draped in silk and
his balance is quickly
cstored by the recollections Of the
aroely prevailing devotion to live
onor among his customers. lie Is at
Jhelsea village Thursdays and Satur-
avs; at South Royalton, Tuesdays at
0 $50 u. m. at Brookiield-Pond VII
lce-Wednesdays at II 4. m, and at
one on Chelsea West Hill on Mon
avs and Fridays, which are his print
no DAYS, and usually very busy ones.
large fraction Of his orders are from
Id negatives, which number nearly
. .la,,.,,J He Is said to he