PHOTOGRAPHIC CORRESPONDENCE.
Tent for Collodion Purposes.—Some time ago, I saw in "N. & Q." a slight notice of a tent for the collodion process: I think it is called "Francis' Collodion Tent." Would you, or some of your photographic correspondents, oblige me by giving a short description of this tent, or any other form, so that I may be able to operate with collodion in the open air?
I am of an opinion, with a portable tent, so that we could expose paper in a damp state, the process might be done nearly as quick as collodion. All that need be done for a paper negative, would be to expose and develop; it can be fixed at home. But after being developed, it should be well washed and dried.
James O. Clazey.
Multiplying Negatives and Collodion on Paper.—As I am desirous of printing a large quantity of copies of a glass negative in my possession, I shall be obliged by any hints as to the best method of multiplying such negative, so as to guard against an accident from breakage.
I should also feel obliged for any hints upon the use of collodion applied to glass, paper intervening; so that the paper may be afterwards removed from the glass, and used as a negative. I have heard of much success in this way, but am at a loss to know the best mode of operation.
M. N. S.
Photographic Copies of Ancient Manuscripts.—Might not photography be well employed in making facsimiles of valuable, rare, and especially of unique ancient manuscripts? If copies of such manuscripts could be multiplied at a moderate price, there are many proprietors of libraries would be glad to enrich them by what, for all purposes of reference, would answer equally well with the originals.
A.
[This subject, which has already been touched upon in our columns, has not yet received the attention it deserves. We have now before us a photographic copy of a folio page of a MS. of the fourteenth or fifteenth century, on which are inscribed a number of charters; and, although the copy is reduced so as to be but about 2 inches high and 1½ broad, it is perfectly legible; and the whole of the contractions are as distinct as if the original vellum was before us.]
Fox Talbot's Patents.—Would the Editor of "N. & Q." have the kindness to inform A. B. whether a photograph (portrait), taken from a black cutting made by an amateur, and inserted in a published work, would infringe on Mr. F. Talbot's patent? Also, whether collodion portraits come within his patent, as it was understood it could only apply to the paper process? (The cutting would be taken on albumenised paper.)
A. B. would also be glad to know where Towgood of St. Neot's positive paper can be procured, and the price?
A. B.
Mr. Fox Talbot having thrown open the whole of his patents,—with the exception of the taking of portraits for sale, on which it is understood that gentleman claims a royalty which may, in some cases, be considered a prohibition,—I should be glad to know under which of Mr. Talbot's patents such royalty can be enforced, and when the patent in question expires?
H. H.
Antiquarian Photographic Society.—We believe that most of the difficulties which have stood in the way of the organisation of this Society have at length been got over; and that we shall, in the course of a week or two, be enabled to state full particulars of its rules, arrangements, &c. Our readers are aware that its main object is the interchange of photographs among the members; each contributing as many copies of his own work as there are members of the Society, and receiving in exchange as many different photographs, Thus, if the Society is limited to twenty-five or fifty members, each member will have to furnish twenty-five or fifty copies, as the case may be, of the photograph he presents to the Society; and, in return, will receive one photograph from each of his fellow members. The difficulty, or rather trouble of printing, must necessarily limit the number of members; and as a consequence will, we doubt not, lead to the formation of many similar associations.