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.