TAKING PHOTOGRAPHIC VIEWS AND PORTRAITS IN THE OPEN AIB, BY MEANS OF VERTIBLE MACHINERY ATTACHED TO A CUBICAL BOX, BY WHICH THE CHANGES ARE SEEN, AND THE LIGHT AND THE TIME OF EXPOSURE REGULATED
Year: 1854

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Frederick East, of Warminster, in the County of
Wilts, Assistant Master in the Warminster Grammar School, for the
Invention of "TAKING PHOTOGRAPHIC VIEWS AND PORTRAITS IN THE OPEN
AIB, BY MEANS OF VERTIBLE MACHINERY ATTACHED TO A CUBICAL BOX, BY
WHICH THE CHANGES ARE SEEN, AND THE LIGHT AND THE TIME OF EXPOSURE
REGULATED."
Sealed the 27th June 1854, and dated the 15th May 1854.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said Frederick East at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition and Declaration, on
the 15th May 1854, pursuant to the 9th section of the Patent Law
Amendment Act, 1852.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, FREDERICK
EAST, of Warminster, in the County of Wilts, Assistant Master in the
Warminster Grammar School, send greeting.
WHEREAS I am in possession of an Invention for "TAKING PHOTOGRAPHIC
VIEWS AND PORTRAITS IN THE OPEN AIR, BY MEANS OF VERTIBLE MACHINERY
ATTACHED TO A CUBICAL BOX, BY WHICH THE CHANGES ARE SEEN, AND THE LIGHT
AND THE TIME OF EXPOSURE REGULATED," and have petitioned Her Majesty to
grant unto me, my executors, administrators, and assigns, Her Royal Letters
Patent for-the-same, and have made solemn declaration that I verily believe
myself to be the true and first Inventor thereof:

page_text: NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Frederick East, do hereby declare that
the following Complete Specification, under my hand and seal, fully describes
and ascertains the nature of my said Invention, and the manner in which the
same is to be performed (viz³) :-
The nature of my said Invention consists, first, in a cubical box (or camera)
called the camara chora (Figure 1), whose side measures from one quarter to
three quarters more than the length of the plate upon which the picture is taken,
and it contains within this space a chest. (Figure 5) removable at pleasure, and
everything that is required for taking, developing, fixing, washing, and drying
from half a dozen to six dozen views or portraits in the open air, without
removing from the spot to a retiring room, yet possessing all its advantages of
seeing the different changes, without its dangers of staining the fingers and of
spoiling the clothes of the operator with the solutions.
Secondly, the chest, (Fig:-5,) which fits into the camera, contains within it
two water baths (c and d), for washing the pictures; a rack (b), for drying
them and for carrying the plates; a bottle case (a), for collodion and other
solutions; a drawer (e), for reserves, papers, cloths, &c. &c. When this chest
is taken out the camera is ready for use."
++
Thirdly, the stand (Fig. 7) is made so as to close-ör fold up. It is fitted to
the bottom of the camera, out of sight, when not in use; when extended (a)
it.forms a tripod stand. It is made of a number of thin pieces of wood with
ferrules in the centres, and at the ends these pieces are riveted together, so as
to form three legs when drawn out and three thin squares when closed up (b).
These squares fold under each other (c) into a frame fixed round the bottom of
the camera, and are thus out of sight.
Fourthly, the inner fittings of the camera are (1), the diverting bath (Fig. 2,
j, k, and Fig. 1, g, h). This. bath is made of metal, gutta percha, or other
substance. One side of it is a perforated cylinder: it turns on the axis of this
cylinder out of the way when not in use, and is moved by one of the keys or
knobs (Fig. 4, m.) before mentioned. When turned down, the liquid or exciting
solution it contains runs out of the cylinder (Fig. 2, k) into the bath (Fig. 2, j),
which is then under the plate, to be excited ready to receive it from the holder
(Fig. 2, 1, and Fig. 1, e), which, on being turned by its outward key or knob
(Fig. 1, n), immerses the plate under the liquid. (2), the developing apparatus,
consists of a flexible case (Fig. 2, f. and Fig. 1, j), containing the developing
fluid: This case is compressed by a screw or pinion, which is turned by its
outward key or knob (Fig. 2, 0), and thus forces some of the liquid it contains
through a small pipe (Fig. 2, d,) into a meter or small measure (Fig. 2, b,) fixed
in the wood work of the camera near to the plate, so as to fall conveniently over

page_text: it when turned down by its key or knob (Fig. 2, p); then the fluid it contains
runs over the plate and developes the picture. (3), the developing tray. (Fig. 1,
i, i, i,) is a thin plate of metal (or other substance) with a wire attached to one
of its sides; the other end of this wire passes through the side of the camera,
where it is held by its handle (Fig. 1, 0); it may be moved in every direction
to spread the fluid all over the plate. A semicircle of brass (Fig. 4, n,) is
attached to the outside of the camera, through, which the wire also passes;
this allows the tray to move more freely inside the camera. The tray is also
provided with two. teeth (or pins), which by passing through two openings
(Fig. 1, f), (on a certain movement of the tray by the hand) remove the plate
from the holder, and cause it to fall into the tray. (4), the fixing apparatus,
consists of a flexible case (Fig. 1, K.), and a meter (Fig. 2, a), with the use of
the developing tray; the process of fixing is the same as that for developing,
just described. (5), the focussing apparatus. This consists of (first) a small
plate of iron (Fig. 3, K) (or other metal) toothed on one of its edges to fit the
pinions, by which it is moved backwards and forwards in a groove called the
traverse (Fig. 3, t, t), fixed in the wood work on one side of the camera from
the front the back: To this plate of iron is fixed the plate holder (Fig. 2;1;"
and Fig. 3, i), carrying the plate (or sheet) upon which the focus is to be taken
to certain points, called stations (Fig. 3, q, q, q), in the traverse. These stations'
are furnished with keys (or knobs) outside, (Fig. 14, h, i, j, k,) and (Fig. 3,
ef, g, h,) for the purpose of turning the holder and its plate (or sheet) to.
obtain a better focus upon it; these keys are furnished with an index for
noting the focus. (Second), a socket, fastened to the outside of the camera,
containing within it a girdle or half zone of brass (or other substance),
(Fig. 1, p.) into which the mounted lens is to be fitted; it moves vertically
upon its axis, and is turned by a pinion and key (or knob) worked by the hand.
(Third), a set of four cidolon valves (Fig. 6, B, S, W, Y.) (or light regu-
lators), made of gelatine, glass, or other transparent.substance. of different
colours, called respectively the guard valve or white opifer (W), the yellow
paractin valve Y), the blue opifer (B), and the scarlet paractin valve (S);
also three diaphrams (Fig. 6, a, c, d,) and a paraphon (or shutter) (Fig. 6, e).
These cight are placed within the mounting of the lens, and are turned by
pinions and wires moved by keys or knobs (Fig. 6, g, h, i, &c.), fixed round the
head of the mounting. The focussing is observed through a tube called the
orifice tube (Fig. 4, 0), which is screwed, when required, to the outside of
the camera, where a hole is provided with a valve to exclude the light. This
Valve is turned-by-its-key or knob-(Fig. 4, 7.)
Fifth, the monitor (or time beater), Fig. 8.
-
This little instrument is made

page_text: chiefly of brass; it is fixed in a corner inside the camera (Fig. 1, s,) and is
wound up and regulated by its keys (or knobs) outside the camera (Fig. 1, S, S).
It consists of a circular main spring between two drums (Fig. 8, f). The
spring turns the inner drum, which is toothed round its lower circumference (ƒ);
this turns the other wheels. It is regulated by a fly wheel (h). One wheel is
furnished with clastic points (e), which act upon two or more vibrating wires
of different tones (a, b, c, d); these strike the time when required. A small
dial (g) is also fixed outside the camera, furnished with an index turned by one
of the wheels (g); this marks the time for exciting the plate. There is also
a connection from the fly wheel of the monitor to the key of the paraphon valve
in the mounting of the lens (i), and Fig. 7, m, n,) easily disconnected and re-
connected at pleasure. When this valve is open the monitor strikes, and on
closing the valve it stops; thus the exact time of exposure is also ascertained.
Sixth, the outer fittings of the camera consist of, first, the lunette (Fig. 4,
C.) (or peep-hole), to look into the camera. This is made somewhat similar to
an opera glass. It consists of two tubes tapering upwards; they have concave
eye pieces bordered with caoutchouc to fit round the eyes of the operator. These
tubes are open throughout, they contain no glasses, they are moveable, and are
regulated by an adjusting screw (Fig. 4, p,) so as to fit the eyes of different
persons; a valve to exclude the light when the instrument is not in use is also
attached. This is turned by its. key. (or knob) (Fig. 4, 7). Second, the
diaphane or window (Fig. 4, b), made of horn, gelatine, or other transparent
substance, of different colours, (orange, crimson, and black,) to admit various
rays of light, that the operator may choose such rays as will not injure the
peculiar solution with which he is working. This also is furnished with a valve
(or shutter), to exclude the light when not in use. (Sundries), the camera is
carried by a handle (Fig. 4, a), fixed on the top, which shuts into the lid when
not-in use. A small-tap-(Fig. 3, r,) is also fixed to the bottom of the camera,
to draw off the droppings from the developing tray; it is furnished with a
small-bag (Fig. 3, p,) and (Fig. 7, 7), water-tight, removable at pleasure.
Locks and keys with various other fastenings complete the camara chora.
TO WORK THE INSTRUMENT IN THE FIELD.
To prepare the Camera.-1st, turn the stand key (Fig. 7, K,) and the three
*legs will appear; draw them out, and fix them by turning the bar keys (Fig. 7,
d, e, f); second, open the camera, take out the chest, open it and hook it in the
place provided) to the bottom of the camera; 3rd, take out the waste bag
(Fig. 7, 1) and (Fig. 3, p), put its ring round the head of the tap (Fig. 3, 1,)
and open the tap.

page_text: То prepare the Plate. Take out a coated plate, or take out a plate and
coat it with collodion or other solution from the bottle case (Fig. 5, a), or take
out a sheet of prepared paper and fix it to the paper plate with the balsam or
other solution from the bottle case (Fig. 5, a), and place either of these or any
other prepared plate in the lip of the plate holder (Fig. 1, c,) and (Fig. 3, i).
To take the Focus and excite the Plate.-1st method for a short focus, by
using the index key. Take off the cap of the lens, look through the orifice
tube (Fig. 4, 0), open its valve by turning the key (Fig. 4, 1); if the object be
high, turn up the range (Fig. 1, p.) by moving the key (Fig. 7, p); if it be low,
turn the range down. Now adjust the plate to the object by turning the index
key (Fig. 4, h); note the number indicated on the scale, and set the focus by
the ordinary means (the screw and pinion of the lens); turn down the para-
phon (Fig. 6, e); place the trail of the monitor in the grip of its key (Fig. 7,
m.) Now turn down the diverting bath (Fig. 2, j, k), and push it under the
plate; submerge the plate by turning the key (Fig. 1, n, Fig. 2, n, Fig. 4, h,)
and excite it; note the number indicated on the dial of the monitor, raise the
plate from the bath, turn the index key to the number you noted on the scale;
now turn up the bath (Fig. 2, j, k), and the plate is ready to take the picture.
2nd method for a short focus, by using the paractin valves, one or both
(Fig. 6, S or Y). Turn down the bath (Fig. 2, j, K,) and push it; submerge
the plate as before; look at the dial of the monitor; when the plate is excited,.
turn it up, and turn up the bath; now turn down one of the paractin valves
and one of the diaphrams (if required); open the paraphon valve (Fig. 6, e);
look through the orifice tube (Fig. 4, o), get the focus as before directed, close
the paraphon (Fig. 6, e), fix the trail of the monitor on its key (Fig. 7, m),
and turn up the paractin valve (Fig. 6, S or Y). The plate is now ready to
take the picture.
To take the Focus and excite the Plate.-1st method for a long focus, by
using the index and traverse. Open the paraphon (Fig. 6, e), look through.
the orifice tube (Fig. 4, 0), turn the traverse keys (Fig. 4, d, e, f, g.) till you
bring the plate to the station (or distance) required, take the focus as before
directed, bring back the plate to the bath station (Fig. 4, d.) (the first station),
close the paraphon, turn down the bath (Fig. 2, j, k), submerge the plate and
excite it, raise it out of the bath, turn the bath up, bring back the plate to
the station where you obtained the focus upon it, turn the index to the number
you noted, and the plate is ready to take the picture.
2nd method for a long focus, by using the traverse and a paractin valve.
Turn down the bath (Fig. 2, j,k), submerge the plate and excite it, turn down
one of the paractin valves (Fig. 6, S and Y,) and one of the diaphrams. (Fig. 6,

page_text: a, c, d,) (if required), open the paraphon (Fig. 6, e), look through the orifice
tube (Fig. 4, o,) and get the focus, as before directed, by using the traverse
(Fig. 3, t, t, t, t), the range (Fig. 1,,p), and the index (Fig. 4, i, j, or. k,) (if
required) now close the paraphon and turn up the paractin valve; the plate
is then ready to take the picture.
To take the Picture.-1st, if the atmosphere be fine and clear, turn down
one of the diaphrams (Fig. 6, a, c, d), put the trail of the monitor. in the grip
of the paraphon key (Fig. 7, m, n), open the paraphon (Fig. 6, e), count the
strokes of the monitor (Fig. 8,) (as many as your solution may require), then
close the paraphon (by its key, Fig. 7, n); the picture is taken.
2nd, if the atmosphere be tinted with unfavorable rays, turn down the
guard valve (or white opifer) (Fig. 6, W,) and a diaphram (Fig. 6, a, c, d,)
(if required), then open the paraphon (Fig. 6, e), count the time by the monitor
(Fig. 8), and close the paraphon; the picture is taken.
3rd, if the atmosphere be dull or hazy, turn down the blue opifer (Fig. 6, B),
then open the paraphon valve by turning its key (Fig. 7, n,) and count the
strokes of the monitor (Fig. 8), close the paraphon, and the picture is
taken.
.
To develop the Picture.-Arrange the diaphane (Fig. 4, 6), by turning on
one or more of the colored palettes (to suit your solution), then let in the
light, now look through the lunette (Fig. 4, c), open its valve by means of its
key (Fig. 4, r), turn the plate down to the developing tray (Fig. 1, 2), or hold
the tray handle (Fig. 4, q, and Fig. 1, 0,) by your left hand, move it towards
you about a quarter of an inch, then turn the plate holder, and the plate will
drop from the holder into the tray (Fig. 1, i). Now fill the meter (Fig. 2, 6),
by turning the developing key (Fig. 2, 0,) and (Fig. 1, q), turn down the.
meter (by means of its key, Fig. 2, p.) and the developing fluid will run over
the plate; turn up the meter, spread the fluid. by moving the-tray, and the
picture will be seen developing.
To fix-the-Picture.-Keep-your-eyes-in-the-lunette (Fig-4,-c),-fill-the-
meter (Fig. 2, a,) by turning the fixing key (Fig. 1, r), turn down the meter by
its key (Fig. 2, m,) and the fixing fluid will run over the picture, spread the
fluid by moving the tray by its handle (Fig. 1, o,) and (Fig. 4, 9), and you will
see the picture fixing.
To wash the Picture.-Open the camera, take out the picture, drop it into
the washing bath (Fig. 5, d) (the right hand bath in the chest), move it up and
down with the dipper, take it out and drop it into the rinsing bath (Fig. 5, c,)
(on the left side of the chest.
To dry the Picture. Take it out of the rinsing bath, let it drain a little,

page_text: then place it in the rack (Fig. 5, b, b,) (in the centre of the chest), open the
drawer under it (Fig. 5, e,) for a draught, and the picture will dry.
To close the Camera.-Unhook the waste bag (Fig. 7, 1,) and (Fig. 3, p),
pour out the contents, shut the tap (Fig. 3, r), unhook the chest (Fig. 5), shut
it up, put it in the camera, lock the camera, hold it by its handle (Fig. 7, 0),
turn the bar keys (Fig. 7, d, e, f,) and the legs will hang loose, fold them
under the camera till you hear the snap of each leg as it fastens; all is now
ready to leave the field in search of another view or another subject.
In witness whereof, I, the said Frederick East, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty-ninth day of April, in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and fifty-four.
Witness,
WILLIAM HENRY TAYLER, Chemist,
Warminster.
FREDERICK EAST. (L.S.)

page_text: a. The landlo
The Diaphane or Window
6. The Lunette
defg. The Traverse key's
high. The Indan hays
Thokkey of the Orifica Valvo
mu. The key of the Divating Bath
7. Asemucirdo of metal to cover the
slit in which the roief the tray move
p. The adjusting screw of the Tundto
o The Orifice Tubo
y.
The Handle of the Tray.
T. The key of the Lunette Vatro, }
(the top city)
sta The Bar Key