Chapter II: Front Matter (2)

If the solarization be very deep, apply the lamp beneath and slightly warm the plate, pour suddenly off, and without rinsing, quickly apply the gilding and gild in the usual way. The whole operation must be quickly performed, or the chlorine soon attracts the shade of the picture. There may be instances when this solution may prove of advantage, as, for instance, when black velvet and milk white are wanted in the same impression. We have seen it operate with pleasing success; but repeat that _few_ only use it, yet as in a single instance it might be of value, we have given it. As much of the muriate of ammonia, in common, is adulterated, we will give a few tests which all can try.

When pure, this salt is totally volatilizable by heat; if a small portion on being heated on a piece of platinum foil over a spirit lamp leaves any fixed residue, it is adulterated. It should dissolve entirely in water; if it leaves an _insoluble residue_ it is adulterated. The impurities generally found in sal-ammoniac, are sulphate of ammonia, sulphate of soda, chloride of sodium, and chloride of potassium; neither of these are considered injurious in the _bleaching solution_. Occasionally it contains lead, iron, and copper. The presence of sulphuric acid may be detected by means of a diluted solution of _chloride_ of barium, added to a weak solution of muriate of ammonia, in water, this will produce a white precipitate, which is the more copious and dense, the less the liquor is diluted. If it contains lead add to a small portion of it, contained in a test tube, a little diluted _sulphuric acid_, or a few drops of a solution of _sulphate of soda_ (glauber's salt), if the liquid contains lead there will be prevalent a white powder, or precipitate, this powder scarcely dissolves at all in diluted acids, but it dissolves in a solution of caustic of potash: _iron_, mix a solution of the yellow prussiate of potash with a solution of red prussiate, a few drops of this added to a weak solution of muriate of ammonia will produce a blue precipitate; _copper_, pour about half an ounce of the liquid in a test tube, and add to it a few drops of liquid ammonia, if copper is present, the liquid will assume a blue color. Sal-ammonia is known by giving out the odor of ammonia when mixed with caustic of potash: when sal-ammonia possesses a _brownish_ color, it indicates the presence of charcoal, or empyreumatic oil; such sal-ammoniac is good for some purposes, but wholly unfit for _chemical purposes_.

When sal-ammoniac leaves a non-volatile residue, it may contain _sulphate of soda_. This is the principal cause of failures with the bleaching solution, as the sulphate of soda has a tendency to blacken rather than bleach Daguerreian impressions. The sulphate of soda as well as the chloride of sodium, is often found in unpurified sal-ammoniac to the amount of ten per cent.

When sal-ammoniac contains much sulphate of ammonia, it fuses and sputters before it sublimes; whereas it otherwise sublimes without fusing. When sal-ammoniac, sublimes without residue, but gives a precipitate when its solution is tested with a solution of chloride of barium, it contains sulphate of ammonia; but when it leaves a non-volatile residue, the precipitate indicates sulphate of soda or sulphate of magnesia.

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BROMIDE OF SILVER.

NATIVE BROMIDE OF SILVER AND ANALYSES.

M. Berthier says, that in the district of Plateros, seventeen leagues from Zacatecas in Mexico, silver ore is found in two different states; first, native silver; and secondly and principally in a state of combination in small olive-green or yellowish crystals, supposed to be chloride, but which he found to be bromide of silver. According to M. Duport, from whom M. Berthier received these specimens, this substance is not rare in Mexico, but occurs frequently in fine cubic and octahedral crystals.

The specimen examined by M. Berthier was from San Onofe. It was compact, of a slightly reddish gray color; fracture uneven; splendent; penetrated with small cavities, some of which were partially filled with a substance of a dull pale yellow color, and which the miners call oxide of lead; other cavities contain very small imperfect crystals; which are brilliant, and of a pale olive green-color, and have the appearance of chloride of silver. This specimen was very rich, for it yielded 0.0688 of silver, and contained 0.45 of carbonate of lead, which, intimately mixed with quartz and a little oxide of iron, formed the principal portion of the mass.

M. Berthier has also found this mineral among the silver ores of Huelgoeth, department of Finistère in France. Two specimens were obtained by him: the first of these is described as being porous or scoriform, containing white quartz imbedded in foliated hydrate of iron. On the edges of the foliated iron ore the naked eye could distinguish small cubic grains of a pearl-white color, which had all the characters of chloride of silver.

The second specimen had the appearance of compact oxide of iron, containing here and there milk-white quartz; it was throughout impregnated with chloride of silver, which occasionally appeared in the form of very small brilliant crystals. To analyze this mineral, 10 grammes were first treated with ammonia, and heat to dissolve the chloride of silver, and afterwards by boiling hydrochloric acid to dissolve the oxide of iron; this acid also dissolved a certain portion of lead, which probably was in the state of phosphate. The quartzose residue weighed 32.6 grammes: it contained 0.17 gramme of silver, which must have been in the metallic state: the ammoniacal solution gave by boiling and saturation with nitric acid, 1.84 gramme of chloride of silver, which, supposing it to be pure, contained 1.40 gramme of silver, which, added to 0.17 gramme remaining in the quartz, gives a total of 1.57 gramme; a result which differed so very little from that obtained by essaying, as to prove the absence of bromide of silver, and that this was the case was confirmed by additional experiments.

After this a third specimen was received from Huelgoeth; it was very small, but as rich as the foregoing, and in it there were distinguishable, besides granular cubic crystals of chloride of silver, other grains of an olive-green color, which had exactly the same appearance as the bromide had. Plateros and the following experiments proved the presence of the substance.

Five grammes of the pulverized mineral were boiled in a solution of oxalic acid, until the oxide of iron was perfectly dissolved: the residue weighed about a gramme, and it evidently contained a mixture of canary-yellow and white grains. It was digested in hot solution of ammonia until all the yellow powder disappeared; it required a large quantity of the alkali for this purpose, which would not have been the case to dissolve pure chloride. The solution was gradually saturated with nitric acid, and it was observed that the successive deposits formed had an evident yellow tint, but gradually diminishing in intensity, except the last, which were white. The yellow deposits were collected and examined in the following manner:--A portion was treated with chlorine and æther; the æther became of a yellow color. Another portion was dissolved in ammonia, hydrosulphate of ammonia was added to the solution, and the black precipitate formed was separated, and was found to be pure sulphuret of silver. The liquor was concentrated by exposure to the air, and filtered to separate the sulphur which was deposited; a little potash was then added, and it was evaporated to dryness; acetic acid was added to saturate the excess of potash, and it was again dried.

To determine whether the saline residue contained a bromide, a small portion of it was treated in a tube with pure nitric acid, and a yellow liquid was immediately obtained. Another portion was mixed with peroxide of manganese, and the mixture was placed in a glass tube; a few drops of concentrated sulphuric acid were added, and when gently heated, red vapors were immediately disengaged, and alter some lime there were deposited on the sides of the tube small drops of a red liquid. The existence of bromine was therefore evident, and it was proved that the bromide was unmixed with iodide. Bromide of silver appears to be rare at Huelgoeth; but it may be readily distinguished from the chloride by its greenish or canary-yellow color, which is characteristic of it. It is remarkable that it occurs with the chloride in the same specimens, but without there being an intimate mixture of the two substances.

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=The Daguerreian Journal.=

=NEW YORK, MARCH 1, 1851.=

=HILLOTYPE.=

Since the announcement of the Hillotype, in the last number of the Daguerreian Journal, quite an excitement has prevailed, both in the Daguerreotype and scientific world. The great question has fairly been solved and "_natural colors_" can be produced and rendered indelible upon the metallic plate. America can safely say she has presented to the world one of the most invaluable discoveries that has ever been imprinted upon the pages of history.

Men profound in their scientific skill and learning, have long and in vain sought for the discovery or invention of some means of securing to the future, the colors of the present. All Europe has been alive to this great desideratum, and many have presumed it an impossibility, while some few persisted, flattered by hope and encouraged by the almost daily announcement of some new discovery or invention, that heretofore had been deemed only as having existence in the dreamy imagination or a perspective future. We hail the discovery of the Hillotype as an epoch bright in the history of science, as well as impregnated with interest to aid in unfolding a volume of investigation which has so long commanded the attention of learned and philosophical minds, as the "_colored rays of light_."

The subject of reflected light and its colors has long agitated the scientific mind. Much has been said and written; elaborate and laborious "Essays," "Researches" and "Treatises" have penetrated our libraries and proved valuable auxiliaries in pushing the interest of those engaged in furthering agricultural and chemical pursuits. This branch of natural science is regarded as one of the most important, and, at the present moment, it is rendered doubly interesting from the fact of Mr. Hill's discovery. We may look forward for new developments, which will prove no less surprising than that of rendering permanent, on a metallic plate, the variegated beauties of the solar spectrum.

We are, as it were, standing upon an eminence from which we can survey the present, retrospect the past, and almost sketch the bright outline of a coming future. Here lies a field for animated speculation, in which nature's student can satiate his appetite in the study of nature, in a province hitherto unknown and unexplored; he may here realize truths purely sublime, painted in the glowing "colors of nature," and rendered prominent upon the tablet of his memory.

We present the following communication from Mr. Hill, which our readers will peruse with pleasure:

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For the Daguerreian Journal.

S. D. Humphrey, Esq.;--Being detained here a day on my way from your city, I relieve myself a little from the tedium of delay, by a few scribblings to your valuable Journal. I will give a few particulars respecting my pictures, &c.

I have now fifty-five specimens. They are all equally perfect. It is quite remarkable that I have never yet made a partial failure. Those impressions which have had too much light, are nearly as strong, sound, brilliant and beautiful as those correctly timed in the camera, being inferior only in having the colors less deep. Even the whites retain their strength. The folds of the linen are always well defined. Blue or solarized linen is unknown in my process, and there is always a strength and clearness in the whites, unattainable by mercury. During the past winter I have several times taken a view in which there is a deep red house, while the ground was covered with snow. For experiment I exposed the plate so long as to reduce the bright red of the house to a _very light red_, while at the same time, the white snow was developed with a beautiful whiteness.

I have copied several very highly colored French prints. The copies are far superior to the originals, in that, while they have _every_ tint of color, they are exceedingly brilliant. This is a characteristic in which I never fail, even with the plates merely cleaned with rotten stone--the brilliancy depending on _other causes_. Well polished plates, however, are preferable for other reasons. It is _essential_ that the plates should be very pure, free from scum? dampness, and organic matter of every kind, and I am experimenting with different substances, in hopes of finding something that will more perfectly cleanse, while it thoroughly polishes. I would be very thankful to any person who might furnish me with valuable hints on this point, as I am convinced that here lies one great cause of uncertainty.

My trouble with the _yellow_, which you mentioned in the last number of the "Daguerreian Journal," relates only to the homogeneous rays, orange, buff, and all the various shades of yellow come out true except the _chrome yellow_ which appears less brilliant. This, however, is thought by distinguished artists, no serious objection.

My late visit to your city was much shorter than I could have wished. I called on a number of Artists, and the cordial manner in which they congratulated me has added much to my kindly feelings towards the fraternity, and strengthened my resolution to give all worthy Daguerreotypists and Artists, my process on terms which I believe will be satisfactory. As far as this is concerned, please say to such their interests are safe in my hands. I met with but one person anyway sceptical, and he is willing to be more fully satisfied when he "sees the pictures," which is very fair I am sure. While it is very cheering to me, in my truly arduous duties, to review the kind congratulations of my brother Artists, the most I am entitled to _claim_ in an age when almost every announcement is regarded as humbug, is that the Daguerreian world will give me a fair chance to perfect my discovery. A few have seen my pictures, and their expressed opinions agree with mine, viz., that these pictures will astonish the world. I saw in your city, in the hands of Mr. Hite, Artist, some exquisite ivory miniatures. It astonished me that the human hand could paint "the form of the human face divine," in such a mode; but I pleasantly said to the Artist, what I now repeat in all seriousness, that the pictures by my process necessarily exceed in beauty the finest productions of the painter, they being drawn by light and painted by sun-beams.

I have heard several rumors while in the city, in respect to my designs in the disposition of my discovery. Allow me to say, for the information of all concerned, that my purpose is _unalterably_ fixed to avoid _monopoly_, and to take a course which will put the process into general use.

To-morrow I start for my "mountain home," and with my invigorated health and spirit, I hope to resume my toils with a prospect of bringing out my process at an early day.

I remain,
fraternally yours,
L. L. Hill.

Woodstock, Ulster Co,, N. Y.,
March 12, 1851.

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[Hand] We are highly gratified to find many of our fellow Daguerreotypists are cordially welcoming us on by manfully and numerously sending us their names for the Daguerreian Journal for one year. When we commenced our editorial labors we launched our hark upon a sea never before thought safe for regular navigation, but we find only few snags in the way, and these are every day lessened by our close application and the assistance of kind friends. No man knows his friends until they have an opportunity to prove themselves.

With but few exceptions, all who subscribed for the Journal for the first four months have sent us two dollars worth of the "root of all evil," for their subscription for the balance of the year. We _bow_, and _thank you!_ May you never get in a "Fog."

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[Hand] T. Antisell, M. D., has been appointed Professor of Chemistry in the Vermont Medical College, at Woodstock, Vt. He is now fulfilling his professional duties at the above named institution.

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[Hand] Mr. J. E. Mayall of London, has promised us an article on "Photographing on Glass." This will appear as soon as received.

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[Hand] Our old and learned friend Mr. Finley of Canandaigua, promised us a communication. Where is it?

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[Hand] Removal.--In our last we noticed our removal to No. 252 Broadway; this was the case, but we found on consulting a carpenter in relation to putting in a sky-light, he declared it unsafe. The consequence was, that we at once abandoned the idea, and soon made very satisfactory arrangements with Mr. Insley, the well and favorably known proprietor of the _Insley Gallery_. Once again we are settled and would be happy to see all who feel an interest in the Daguerreian and Photogenic arts.

_The Office of the Daguerreian Journal is at No. 311 Broadway._

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Our Daguerreotypes.

We are assured by one in whom we have all confidence, and withal! capable of judging, that there is now in progress a machine for cleaning and buffing plates. This machine is an ingenious and valuable contrivance, and it is said will polish a plate in one-sixth of the time required by any other process. The whole done without handling the plate. _We hope so._

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Gurney has recently taken some of the finest large size Daguerreotypes ever produced. These wonderful specimens are on plates eleven by thirteen inches, called mammoth plates. Such pictures four or five years ago would have filled the world with admiration and surprise. The chemical effect is clear and well worked, thus proving well prepared plates can present large as well as small impressions. It is well worth while for every Daguerreian visiting this city, to look upon these proud specimens of the art.

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Thompson of this city, has just taken the whole of the upper floor of the building occupied by him, and has built two fine sky-lights.

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We understand that Mr. H. McBride, operator for Meade & Brother of this city, is about to establish himself in Albany. We wish Mr. B. success.

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Weston of this city, is now producing some of the best Calotypes we have seen. We are happy to see Photographing on paper brought before the public. Daguerreotypists should call and see Mr. W's. specimens, as well also those produced by Messrs. Bertha, Wehnest, Beekman & Brothers, who have been for some time past successfully practising in the art of "Sun Drawing."

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A. Morand has recently made very extensive additions to his former establishment in Chatham street. We now find him lighting his subjects by a large and well arranged sky-light.

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Correspondence.

S. D. Humphrey, Esq.,

Dear Sir:--I would fain give my testimony in favor of your excellent Journal, which is to the Daguerreian, as a guide to the traveller, and pilot to the untaught mariner. It needs but to meet his eye for him to appreciate its value and secure its aid, while following in his misty pathway.

I have long since learned that "experience is the best teacher," but now since the advent of the Journal, all who would be relieved of difficulties incident to Daguerreian life, may find the cause of _atmospheric troubles--bad light--poor subjects--clouded results_, &c., reflected on its pages, and thus, by close application, prevent the many evils which so frequently attend them, and thereby learn that "an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure."

But there are those in the business who do not seem to discover any difference between the profile on the school-boy's slate, and the best "aqua-tinta" engraving. _They_ never have any trouble in producing _perfect_ results at _every_ sitting, and _that_ for the sum of one dollar or fifty cents. No wonder the writer of the article on Daguerreotypes in No. 5 of the Journal, says "_Daguerreians_ are not _artists_, nor Daguerreotypes works of _Art_, but _mere wonders of Nature_."

When Daguerreians adopt the motto--"Good pictures and fair prices," they may lay claim to the enviable name of Artist, and not before. The Daguerreian art is the most difficult art to practise with _perfect_ success, that has ever yet been discovered. A _perfect_ Daguerreotype is the result of a series of the most careful, delicate and complicated experiments ever conceived of by the human mind.

I have been considerably amused in perusing the Journal, in reading communications from sources where I am acquainted. They remind me of the old adage--"All is not gold that glitters," for they appear to far better advantage in print, than as _Artists_. But enough of this. In conclusion, permit me to speak of a method of copying pictures, which, if new to any of your readers, they will find it well worthy of the trial. I find, by placing the picture to be copied where the rays of the sun may fall obliquely upon the plate, all reflection is thrown off, and the image appears in the camera, clear and distinct, even if the original be very faint. It also shortens the time of exposure to from one to five seconds.

Respectfully yours,
Jas. Bennett Sykes.

Owego, March 4, 1851.

Note.--We think this is rather sharp firing, but, as it is already met by the "Artists" referred to, we give it. We do like _spice_, and well seasoned articles, but don't get too personal. A man may have been born in a _stable_, but it is no _sign he is a horse_. We hope the above from Mr. S. was not prompted by "a spirit of rivalry and animosity," but rather for the good of all, as no doubt it will so prove. Give us a _pop_ from the other side. [Ed.

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Daguerreian Journals Lost.--The following Telegraph Dispatch was received at the Daguerreian Journal Office on the 13th.

"What is the reason of your not sending me my Journals? W. S Gear."

The following was our answer forwarded per mail on the same day.

Daguerreian Journal Office,
New York, March 13th, 1851.

Dear Sir:--Your Telegraph Dispatch came to hand. In answer,--I do send a Journal directed to you as often as published. The last was mailed last Friday, i.e. the February 15th number, that being the last out. I find it takes nearly as many to furnish the Post Offices as my subscribers; however, I try it again and send one to-day.

Respectfully,
S. D. Humphrey.
W. S. Gear.

We wish that the persons, wishing the Daguerreian Journal would furnish us with their names--("no questions asked") and they can have a copy forwarded,--thereby our _honest_ subscribers would receive their Journal regularly. We do know that we put the Journal in the Post Office--but we don't know _why_ so many of our subscribers do not receive them. There is no doubt but that our Journal is valuable, and should be in the hands of all, yet it is with us as with most brother editors, we are unable to furnish copies gratuitously.

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AMMONIA.

Ammonia should be a perfectly colorless liquid; when concentrated its specific gravity should be 0·9. It must have a pure ammonial odor, and must volatilize without any residue. It must not become troubled when mixed with alcohol, or lime water, otherwise it contains carbonate of ammonia. Neither must it for the same reason, become troubled when tested with a solution of chloride of barium; this is the best test for carbonate of ammonia. Care is to be taken to observe the action of the test on its first addition, for after the mixture has been exposed to the air for a few minutes, a troubling necessarily ensues, because the ammonia abstracts carbonic acid from the atmosphere.

When super-saturated with nitric acid, and tested with a solution of _nitrate of silver_, it must give no white precipitate; otherwise it contains sal-ammoniac. It must give no precipitate with a solution of chloride of barium, otherwise it contains sulphuric acid, in which case, the precipitate will be invisible in nitric acid. It must give no precipitate with a solution of oxalic acid or superoxalate of potash; otherwise it contains lime. When saturated with nitric acid and tested with a solution of yellow prussiate of potash, it must give no precipitate; otherwise it contains copper. When mixed with its weight of oil of vitriol, it must not become brown or black; otherwise it contains empyreumatic oil. As it is quite difficult to obtain ammonia entirely free from carbonate of ammonia, or to preserve it in that state, the employment of ammonia containing a small portion of the carbonate is admissible in the practice of the Daguerreotype.

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An Army of Subscribers.--It is computed that the regular subscribers to the _New York Sun_, standing side by side, and each occupying eighteen inches space, would form a line _seventeen miles, fourteen rods, and three yards long_. Standing with arms extended, and occupying six feet each, they would reach _sixty-eight miles, fifty-eight rods and one yard_, &c. &c.--_Sun._

Let us see if we also cannot get up some astonishing statistics: The regular subscribers to the _New York Tribune_, standing in single file, each holding fast to the other's coat-tail, would form a line 176 miles, 7 rods and one yard long. Allowing that each could hop, skip and jump the distance of 4 yards, their simultaneous performance of this feat would extend from Cape Horn to Baffins Bay. Supposing they all sneezed at once, the vibration of the air would overthrow the spire of Trinity Church. In reading the 48 columns of our double sheet every morning, the distance travelled by their eyes would reach twice round the earth. There! Is that enough?--_Tribune._

Wonder if the Tribune's calculations is made from the actual measurement of the "tail" of the "old white coat?" If so its not fair, for Horace has the advantage over the modern fashion.

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Strange Announcement.--We see by a Georgia exchange, that some one in that State is taking "Daguerreotypes as low as seventy-five cents." Our Devil says "Barnum is after the _wonder_, and intends having him early this Spring."

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EXAMPLES OF THE DIVISIBILITY OF MATTER.

All that has been written in support of what is termed the "Infinite Divisibility of Matter," has been advanced with an oversight of certain axiomatic principles which immediately decide the question in the negative. Indeed, it would suffice to say that there can be no such thing as a division of matter into an infinite number of parts simply because there can be no such thing as an infinite number of any thing. Number is essentially finite, and although, in imagination, it can be extended indefinitely, it never can be positively infinite, at any period of futurity, from the very fact that we can always conceive of its being extended still farther. Even as an ideal extension of parts, it has always a beginning and an end, at any given time we may assume for measuring it, and is, therefore, never infinite in itself at any time. In this respect it differs essentially from infinite space, which having no parts, is positively infinite at all times. Number is a convenient instrument wherewith to obtain an idea of infinite space, or of infinite duration, on account of its capacity for endless extension or continuation; and it is because we can ideally extend and continue it forever, without even approximating to a measurement of space and duration, that we discover the latter to be absolutely infinite, and number to be absolutely finite. We discover that between the capacity for endless extension and endless extension itself, there is a manifest and decided difference. Under any circumstances, therefore, the term infinite, as applied to the divisibility of matter, is unphilosophical and improper. All the matter in the universe is finite, and if it were to be doubled, or quatrilliontupled, every instant of time, to all eternity, it would never become infinitely extended. And, by the same rule, it can never become infinitely subdivided.

If, however, by the term "infinite divisibility," as applied to matter, is merely meant its capacity for interminable subdivision, then the question resolves itself either into one of speculative fancy or of practical fact. If the former, then it must be admitted that, by an effort of the imagination, we can conceive of such a divisibility beyond any assignable limits. But if we regard the question as a practical one, it immediately becomes too absurd for serious attention, since it is evident that human power, limited in all things, must be so in producing artificial subdivisions of matter. However unlimited, therefore, the capacity of matter may be for divisibility, that of human beings, in relation to it, must be narrow indeed. When chemists, therefore, and other philosophers, speak of the divisibility of the present ultimate atoms of matter, they must, however unconsciously, regard them in relation to human ability, and thus far the question may become one of experiment. But the question as to whether matter can actually be subdivided indefinitely and without end, is one readily answered in the negative, by the known inability of mankind to continue an endless experiment of this kind. The whole question therefore, concerning the illimitable divisibility of matter, which has been discussed from the earliest period of science to the present day, is frivolous, fruitless, and irrational.

As matter now exists, not only its ultimate atoms, but even its constituent molecules, are as inconceivably minute, as its aggregations are vast. Taking an exemplification, from organic matter, we find that a single drop of a strong solution of indigo, in which at least 500,000 parts are rendered distinctly visible by the microscope, colors 1,000 cubic inches of water, and as this quantity of water is at least half a million of times greater than the drop of indigo solution, the particles of indigo must be smaller than 2,500,000,000,000, the twenty-five hundred millionth part of a cubic inch. If we dissolve a particle of silver, of 0.01 of a cubic _line_, in size, in nitric acid, it will render distinctly milky 500 cubic inches of a clear solution of common salt; and, consequently, the magnitude of each particle of silver thus divided and diffused, must be somewhat less than the billionth part of a cubic _line!_ So great a number as a billion being but imperfectly conceivable, it may render the idea of this minute division more distinct, by stating that to count a single billion of seconds, by a watch, every day and night without ceasing, would require 31,675 years. In gilding silver wire, it is found, by calculation, that a grain of gold is spread over 1,400 square inches; and as, when examined by a microscope, the gold upon the thousandth part of a linear inch is distinctly visible, it is demonstrated that gold may be divided into particles of at least the billionth, 400 millionth, of a square inch in size, and retain the color and all other characteristics of a California prize. If a grain of copper be dissolved in nitric acid, and then in water of ammonia, it will give a decidedly violet color to 392 cubic inches of water; and, therefore, if there was but one particle of copper in each portion of the water of the size of a grain of sand, of which one million make a cubic inch, it would show that the original grain of copper had become divided into 392 particles.

This extreme tenuity of matter, however, is far surpassed in some examples which may be adduced from organic sources. It is upon authentic record that an Irish girl has spun linen yarn, of which one pound was 1,432 English miles in length, and of which, therefore, 17 pounds and 13 ounces would have girt this world; and yet less than the 127 millionth part of this thread would have been distinctly visible, and must have contained other filaments still finer, each of which must have been composed of an indefinite number of smaller particles, themselves, in all probability of complex organization, and containing certainly, minuter atoms of carbon, besides those of gaseous matter.

If we employ the microscope, far greater wonders of divisibility than these appear, even in the complex organization of animal life. Ehrenberg has shown that tripoli, a mineral much used in the arts, is entirely composed of the siliceous shells of the microscopic animalcula, known as infusiorials, and that a single cubic inch of it contains at least _forty-one thousand millions_ of these shells!--about fifty times as many individuals as there are of human beings on the globe. Yet each of these minute animals lived and fed; had digestive and circulative systems, with blood possessing globules as large, probably, in proportion, as those of ours, besides nerves of sensation and inclination, with brains belonging to them, together with muscles and every other mechanical apparatus for the extremely active locomotion and propagation which they so interestingly exhibit. And every new improvement in the microscope reveals new races of animals, apparently created for their own enjoyment, and of which millions heaped on millions, would be utterly invisible to the unaided eye.--These facts prove that things are great and small only by comparison with each other, and not in relation to infinity, with which no comparison can be instituted. And they prove, moreover, that vain, boastful, and bigoted man, is not the sole object of creation, nor of the profound benevolence, contrivance and design, with which it is universally replete.--_Art's Echo._

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IRON--ITS NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL COMBINATIONS WITH CARBON.

The question is often asked, what constitutes the difference between wrought iron, cast iron and steel?

Cast Iron, when viewed under favorable circumstances, by the help of a microscope will be found to be a mechanical aggregation of molecules of _iron and carbon_; and the relative position of these particles may be illustrated by a pile of cannon balls as usually arranged in navy yards, each alternate ball being iron and carbon (charcoal).

If a mass of cast iron be heated until softened, and then _puddled_ (squeezed), the carbon will be forced to the surface, and will there combine with the oxygen of the atmosphere, forming carbonic acid or carbonic oxide gases, and thus pass off. When all the carbon has been parted with, the mass is called Wrought Iron, and may then be welded, when at proper heat, but cannot be melted--_the hottest blast furnace will not melt wrought iron_. Wrought iron at red heat combines rapidly with oxygen, and becomes oxide of iron--thus a joint of stove-pipe thrown into a furnace will never melt, but by contact with atmosphere will change into oxide of iron, and thus be practically lost. This operation is technically called _burning_. If a piece of wrought iron be surrounded by carbon (charcoal) finely pulverized, and the whole enclosed in a sheet iron vessel to exclude the air, and this placed for a sufficient length of time in a furnace constructed for the purpose, the iron will imbibe an atomic quantity of carbon, and become Steel. This process is called _cementation_, and steel so made can be melted as readily as cast iron.

Thus it will be seen that both cast iron and steel are combinations of iron and carbon, and in the same proportions, but not in the same state of combination. In cast iron, the carbon and iron are a mere _mechanical combination_, while in steel the iron and carbon are combined _chemically_.--Wrought iron, when pure, is free from carbon, and its ductility, toughness, &c., are due to the absence of carbon, sulphur, phosphorus, and other substances, with which it is occasionally pervaded.

The French chemists are experimenting, and occasionally succeeding by accident, in causing heated iron to take the carbon from carbonic acid and other gases containing carbon, and thus becoming steel more rapidly, and at less cost, than when made by the process of cementation. Mr. Dixon, of Jersey City, has succeeded in making steel direct from the Adirondack iron ore, while Peter Cooper, Esq., Mr. Dickinson, and others, are manufacturing wrought iron direct from the iron ores of New-Jersey without first forming the pig or cast iron, and of course at less expense, as the saving of fuel is very great.

The process of _case-hardening_, or changing the immediate surface of iron utensils into steel, is readily performed by covering their surfaces with such organic substances as contain carbon as a constituent, and then subjecting them to high heat for short spaces of time--thus the roller of a paper or sugar mill may be case-hardened by a coating of prussiate of potash, or of leather chips, and then subject the whole to high heat, excluded from atmospheric influences. By this process the gelatine and other constituents of the leather are reduced to carbon, and this enters the surface particles of the iron, converting them into steel. Many hypotheses are offered for this action, and among others, that "_the ultimate particles of matter are always in motion_," admitting the ingress of particles travelling in smaller orbits between them. The friends of this hypothesis offer as proof, that a fresh cast sash-weight when broken is a gray mass, while one taken from an old building, and broken, is beautifully crystalline, from the centre to the outside, like speculum metal. A freshly drawn piece of tin pipe when suddenly bent opposite the ear gives no crackling sound, and if broken has no crystalline structure, but if left at rest for one hour it has both. Barbers often tell us that razors get tired of shaving, but if laid by for thirty days they will then shave well. By microscopic examination it is found that the _tired razor_, from long stropping by the same hand and in the same directions, has the ultimate particles or fibres of its surface or edge all arranged in one direction, like the edge of a piece of cut velvet; but after a month's rest, these fibres re-arrange themselves heterogeneously, crossing each other and presenting a saw-like edge, each fibre supporting its fellow, and hence cutting the beard, instead of being forced down flat without cutting, as when laid by. These and many other instances are offered by the friends of the hypothesis named, to prove that the ultimate particles of matter are always in motion, and they say that in the process of welding, the absolute momentum of the hammer causes an entanglement of orbits of motion, and hence a re-arrangement, as in one piece; indeed, in the cold state, a leaf of gold laid on a polished surface of steel, and stricken smartly with a hammer, will have its particles forced into the steel so as to permanently gild it at the point of contact.

The oxidation of metals is equally curious, and the length of time necessary for the formation of an infinitesimal coating of oxide is less than the one-thousandth of a second. This fact may be readily proved: a clean surface of steel, free from oxide, when brought in contact with mercury (quicksilver) will amalgamate, but if the least oxide be upon the surface no such effect will take place. Prepare a trough containing quicksilver, and place a bar of steel above it, and within one inch or less of the surface of the quicksilver--break this bar with a smart blow from a hammer, so that the blow which breaks it shall at the same time force the broken ends into the quicksilver, and although the time occupied by the ends in passing through one inch of atmosphere before reaching the surface of the quicksilver will be immeasurably short, still they will be so oxidized as not to amalgamate with the mercury; if, however, the bar of steel be confined at its ends below the surface of the quicksilver, and then be broken _upwards_, by a lever applied to its centre, the ends of the broken bar will be beautifully amalgamated before reaching the atmosphere above. The reason for the success of the last named experiment is doubtless due to the absence of oxide of iron, when broken beneath the surface of the mercury. J. J. MAPES.

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New Weigh-lock at Albany.--A writer in the _Courier and Enquirer_ gives a description of the great weigh-lock that has just been erected at Albany, for the purpose of ascertaining the tonnage of canal boats.

Heretofore long and vexatious delays have been the result, while now, a boat is brought into the lock, and in a time which would have scarcely sufficed in other days to have ascertained the weight of a small parcel, the unerring register on the beam, has registered its weight, and the record is on the books of the office. The weigh-lock is directly on the side of, and attached to the large canal, and is adapted to the use of such boats as shall hereafter be built, when the locks throughout the entire length of the canal shall be of the uniform enlarged size.

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Daguerreotyping in London.--In a recent letter from J. E. Mayall, dated London, February 11th, he writes in his postscript:--"While I write this letter we have the gas lighted in the streets--1 o'clock P.M., and I write by gas-light."

We must confess that the Daguerreotypists are in the "Fog" enough in this country, but if "Old Sol" should get blocked up at that early hour, we don't know what would become of our "Foggy" Daguerreotypists here.

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The ground side of the "Ground Glass" should face the lenses.

* * * * *

Mercury baths should always be kept covered with some porous wood, in order that the mercurial vapors cannot escape in the room.

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QUICK STUFFS.

We have endeavored to guard against giving useless receipts, thereby saving our Daguerreotypes a tax which would prove in most instances of no benefit. As many have requested us to publish a variety of receipts for Quicks. We give them with but little comment. We will number each combination:

No. 1. Take pure rain or distilled water, one quart filtered through paper into a bottle having a ground glass stopper, and add one and a half ounces of chloride of iodine for warm weather, or little less for cold weather. The reason of this is obvious, from the fact that during the warm summer day, the bromine is far more volatile than in a winter day. To the above add one ounce of best American bromine, and shake well. Now, with care, to prevent, as far as possible, the escape of gas, add, drop by drop, thirty drops of aqua ammonia, shaking well the mixture at each drop.

It is necessary that caution be observed, and not add more at a time than three drops of the aqua ammonia, as otherwise it evolves too much heat.

_Use._ Put in the box one part quick to eight parts water. Coat to dark yellow over dry iodine, and change to a deep rosed color over the Quick; recoat over iodine one-tenth.

No. 2. Lime water, one quart; chloride iodine, one ounce; add three-fourths of an ounce of bromine--shake well.

_Use._ Put in box one part quick to six water; coat to bright yellow over iodine; to rose over the quick, and recoat one-fourth.

No. 3. Take rain or distilled water, one quart; add pulverized alum until it is a little sour to the taste; and a small piece, say one half inch square, of magnesia,--Filter through paper, and add chloride of iodine, one half ounce; bromine sufficient to take it up, which is a little less than half an ounce.

_Use._ One part quick to six parts water; coat over iodine to a soft yellow, nearly, but not quite bordering on a rose; over the quick to a dark purple or steel; recoat from one-sixth to one-tenth.

The above works slow, but with a good light and proper management it can be made to produce as good impression as any combination known, yet it is not so easily managed as No. 1.

No. 4. Rain or distilled water, one gallon; bromine, one and a half drachm; sulphuric acid, two and a half drachms; hydrochloric acid,[C] two drachms.--Shake well as each is added in the above order.

[C] This acid dissolves glass with great rapidity. It is purchased in
leaden bottles. A single drop on the skin would make a sore difficult
to heal. Daguerreotypists should bear in mind that the accelerating
chemicals used in the Daguerreian art, are of the most volatile
substance, and more difficult to experiment with than all other in the
range of chemical science. When hydrofluoric acid is to be measured,
the graduated glass should be partly filled with the mixture to which
you intend adding it.

_Use._ To one ounce water, add from fifteen to thirty drops quick; coat over an incipient rose; over quick, nearly change the color to fair rose; recoat about one-third or one-fourth as long as at first coating. The coating box should be charged strong enough to change the plate in from _one_ to _four seconds_. One advantage this mixture possesses, it will work in one-half the time required for any of the foregoing combinations. One very serious objection to its use is, it cannot, without great care, be made to work with certainty; and another objection is, it will not last long, as the box will require to be replenished after having coated from _eight_ to _fourteen_ plates. The older, however, this mixture is, the more certain in its operation. We have one gallon which has been made _two years_.

No. 5. _Dry Quick._ We have already given this preparation in a former number of this Journal.

No. 6. _Acidulated Quick._ Water, one pint: bromine, ten drops; chloride of iodine, forty drops; nitro-muriatic acid, one-fourth ounce; sulphuric acid, two drops.

_Use._ One part quick to ten parts water; coat over iodine to orange; over quick to rose red; recoat one-fourth.

There are thousands of different combinations and agents employed, and, after all, let every Daguerreian make up his mind to first _become acquainted_ with some _good_ combination of bromine and iodine, there will be less complaining of _Quicks_.

_Money received since our last Number._

W. A.; M. R.; F. S. H.; J. W. O.; S. B. D.; H. O. N.; T. O.;
J. H. F.; S. B. B.; M. P. B.; A. B.; J. H. V.; W. A. J.; J. E. M.;
M. M.; H. H. L.; J. W. H.; S. N. R.; N. E. S.; R. B. A.; H. S. B.;
D. C.; T. C. D.; C. H. G.--each $2. G. & B.; D. McD.; S. P.;
M. S. U.; C. T. M.; S. S.; W. R. R.; S. B. jr.; E. N. H.; C. W. T.;
J. M.; S. H.; N. C.; C. M. H.; J. B.; J. B. R.; W. O. G.; N. P. S.;
L. O.; A. T.; W. S. W.; N. E. R.; D. G. K.; L. Q. V.; H. K.; Y. M.;
A. G.; U. B.; D. A. N.; V. T.; W. O. O. V.--each $3. S. B. & CO.;
M. & B.; P. C.; T. C. D.; S. & S.; H. & M.; M. W. N.; G. D. A.;
J. S.; A. T. W.; M. A. H.--each $5. N. E. S.; T. C. D.--each $10.
M. S. $15. B. F. $34.

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ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

W. O. R., Mo., Mr. R. writes--"Will you have the kindness to inform me of any new process for preparing phosphate of iron. I make the request more particularly to obtain a process by one Mr. Routh, who I understand has a new process."

The preparation referred to by Mr. R., was read before the London Medical Society, January 11, 1851, by Dr. Routh, at which time he exhibited specimens of phosphate of iron made by dissolving the ordinary phosphate in meta-phosphoric acid, and by then evaporating to degrees. It has been found that this form of iron is exceedingly useful in cases where iron is desired.

W. B. N., Mexico--Mr. N. says--"Will some of your subscribers give, through your Journal, a practical and first-rate process for producing Calotypes?"

We hope some of our "subscribers" will furnish the same.

H. B. T., Ohio.--Mr. T. says--"Will you give a ready and easy method of detecting chlorine? I find in a former number of your valuable Journal, that you have been making experiments with this gas. I have had remarkable success with this gas, although not a practical Daguerreotypist."

Mr. J. will find 'this gas' is readily distinguished from other gases by its color, odor, and bleaching properties. Probably the most simple method of detecting free chloride is to hold a rod dipped in aqua ammonia over it, when white fumes will be formed.

Will Mr. J. have the kindness to forward to us his experiments--we would like much to lay them before our readers.

A Stock Dealer, in one of the Southern States, writes--"What articles of stock will be less needed by artists, provided Mr. Hill's process proves true, of producing pictures with all the 'colors of nature?'"

_Colors and brushes!_

J. W. S , Mich.--We forwarded the article you ordered, and enclosed the balance in the package. The view camera you had better order soon, as it will be some time before Mr. Harrison can get it ready, he having so many orders now on hand. You had better have one of Lewis's _new_ Camera boxes.

T. J. C., Va.--We cannot recommend the articles you speak of; they involve only an old vague principle, and are only worthy the person having them in charge.

A. G. L., Pa.--The money received and forwarded to Europe--your plan may work, but it looks a little too "opaque." You will find by heating an iron plate, and applying it to your apparatus, will facilitate the operation much. Chapman has the exclusive right to the patent.

E. W., Miss.--See page 24, Daguerreian Journal.

R. M. H., Ala.--You will find "Silliman's Journal" a great aid and valuable work, published the first day of every second month, price $5 per year. New Haven, Conn.

See answer to L. I. G., page 187.

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NOTICE OF NEW PUBLICATION.

The New York Register of Medicine and Pharmacy, published semi-monthly and edited by Dr. C. D. Griswold.

This valuable Medical Journal is fast making its way into the medical ranks with marked energy. Its age is about the same as ours, and we are happy to see that with us it is prosperous; every number is received and read with pleasure. We find the following pithy notice in the Register, which is only one of many from the cute pen of the Editor, who it seems has 'cut up' as well as received a "New Dido." "We were presented with the first number of the "New Dido" by the publisher, and from the title, at first supposed that it might be in some way connected with the medical profession, inasmuch as some 'pranks' in a medical way have been 'cut up' in poetry, but in looking it over, we find that a couple of 'chaps' have started off for a drive, although what they are 'driving at,' the author has not yet disclosed. We think it likely enough they may "turn out" students, for they are evidently after subjects, which no doubt will be brought to light in the next number."--Good, Dr., that is worth the Dollar for the subscription.

We have also received the 15th of March number, which has a fine likeness of Dr. John W. Francis.

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=ADVERTISEMENTS.=

=HILL'S=

TREATISE ON DAGUERREOTYPE.

TWO VOLS. IN ONE.

The whole Art made easy, _and all the recent improvements revealed_. Containing also--The Process for Galvanizing Plates, and the whole Art of Electrotype; the Reproduction of Daguerre's Images by Tithonotype; an account of Calotype Paper, and other methods of Photogenic Drawing &c. By L. L. Hill, Westkill, Greene Co., N. Y.

CONTENTS.

History of Photography; Theory of the Process; Description of Apparatus; Account of Stock, such as Plates, Cases, Chemicals, and other articles to be purchased forming a complete Daguerreian Directory; Recipes, a large number; Polishing Plates; Coating the Plate; Camera; Mercury; Gilding; Coloring; Calotype, Tithonotype, &c.

The above is but a partial outline of the subjects treated in this work. Nothing is omitted which is necessary to render any person of the requisite judgment and taste "a workman that need not be ashamed," The _Recipes_ have cost the author more than $500, and no pains or expense have been spared to render the work a complete Manual of Daguerreotype.

TESTIMONIALS.

The following extracts from a large number of highly flattering Testimonials from distinguished Artists and others: