S. D. H.
New York, February 1st, 1857.
PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION.
The object of this little Manual is to present, in as plain, clear and concise a manner as possible, the practice of a Collodion Process. This beautiful acquisition to a "sun-pencilling" was first given to the public by Mr. Frederick Scott Archer, an English gentleman, who alone is entitled to the credit, and deserves the esteem of every lover and practitioner of the Art, for his liberality in giving it to the world.
The Process here presented has never before appeared in print, and has been practised with the most eminent success by those who have been enabled to adopt it.
All reference to the various systems or methods of manipulation, by the thousands of practitioners, has been excluded, and one Process given. I conceived that this was the better plan to adopt, thus leaving the mind of the learner free from confusion, and pointing out one course, which, if carefully followed, will produce good and pleasing results.
I have also presented a list of all Patents upon the Collodion Process; this will give all an opportunity of choosing their own course in regard to the respect they may conceive to be due to such Patent Rights.