The photographs made of parts to be operated on should be made as near as the normal size, for obvious reasons of accuracy and measurement.
This can be done by comparing the size of the part to the picture found on the ground glass.
Cameras that do not permit of ground-glass focusing are useless as well as uncertain. Time exposures are necessary for the best results.
Dark backgrounds should be used to get the sharp outlines by contrast. Too much light on the parts, such as direct sunshine, is undesirable, as it makes the parts appear flat and lifeless; therefore a muslin screen is of great value to graduate the intensity of the light, and if this is not at hand, a sheet of paper will answer the same purpose.
In printing make note of the depth of color of the parts most desired to be shown, varying with the different parts of the face. Look to contrast, and in pathological cases have the diseased area printed so that it will stand out forcibly as compared to the fellow organ in health or the normal tissue beyond its border.
To protect photographic records, they should be properly bound in book fashion to avoid scratching, rubbing, or breaking. This not only implies neatness and thoroughness on the part of the surgeon, but also permits of ready reference at all times.
An index to the contents of such a book is a desirable adjunct.