1850
Novembro
DAGUERREIAN JOURNAL
LUNAR DAGUERREOTYPES
S. D. Humphrey

About one year since our attention was called to Lunar Daguerreotypes. Our first experiment was performed by taking a Daguerreotype of the Moon, which was done on the first of September, at half past ten, P.M., 1849. We prepared two plates as nearly alike as possible, and in the same manner as for taking a portrait; one of these was put in the Camera and exposed to the moon for two minutes and five seconds, then turning the regulating screw of the camera stand once around in order to allow space for another impression and exposing the plate one minute and one second; then regulating the camera as before. We obtained nine distinct impressions on the same plate, two as above, and seven as follows: the third exposure, fifteen seconds; the fourth, five; the fifth, four; sixth, three; the seventh, two; the eighth, one, and the ninth or last, instantaneous. Both plates were subject to the same operation, and like result produced: the impression given at the three second exposure was the most strongly marked and possessed a free development in light and shadow.

Any number of impressions may be had upon the same plate, as the sensitiveness is not in the least destroyed.

Our experiment was performed with a half-sized camera. It will readily be seen that the shorter time allowed the plate in the camera, the more distinct and strongly marked will be the impression. We find it necessary in experimenting for Lunar or Stellar Daguerreotypes that the plate should possess as great degree of sensitiveness as possible, by this means we obviate the evil which is occasioned by the motion of the Earth on its axis.

The result of our experiment in producing a Daguerreotype of the Moon, we forwarded to the President of Harvard University, and in answer, received the following kind and highly complimentary letter:-Harvard University, Cambridge, Oct. 31, 1849

Dear Sir,

-I have received your letter, accompanied by the Daguerreotype impressions of the Moon. I beg you will accept my thanks for this very curious and ingenious specimen of art.

The result is striking and remarkable.-We here perceive the apparent motion of the Moon, or rather the actual motion of the Earth on its axis, distinctly measure for half a minute's time, within the space of one-tenths of an inch. I have shown the impressions to several of our scientific gentlemen, who are much pleased with them, and applaud the skill with which they have been executed. Perhaps the art may at some future day be carried to such a degree of perfection, as to bring out the face of the moon sufficiently large for a map. This would be a most desirable attainment; since a map of the moon's surface can now be made only by the detached images presented to the eye through a telescope, and then transcribed by the hand. Such a map must necessarily be imperfect, and no two will precisely agree in all the parts. A Daguerreotype map would exhibit every feature with perfect exactness.

With best wishes for your success in this very ingenious art, I am, Sir, Jared Sparks.-S. D. Humphrey, Esq., Canandaigua.

________________________________________________

1850
Novembro
DAGUERREIAN JOURNAL

DAGUERREOTYPING IN NEW YORKT

here is probably no city in the United States, where the Daguerrian Art is more highly appreciated, and successfully practiced than in New York. We are not in the least surprised, that the public looked upon the first number of our Journal with a curious sensation. That an art, yet in its infancy, can sustain a regular publication, devoted to its interests, is a matter of no mean magnitude. Few indeed, there are, who are aware of the extent, in a pecuniary point of view, that the Photographic Art is carried on in our city. We have endeavored to give as correctly as possible, full statistics of that branch partaining only to the art of taking Daguerreotype likenesses.

It will be in place here to tender out thanks to the Artists generally, who were so kind in favoring our project, by freely and confidently aiding us to gain the following facts.

We find 71 rooms in this city, devoted solely to this art; independent of the many stores and manufactories engaged in making and selling the materials. In these rooms there are in all 127 operators, including the proprietors and persons engaged in the Galleries, also 11 ladies and 46 boys. We find that the amount of rent paid by these artists to be $25,550 per year. Let us allow $10 per week for the 127 operators; this certainly is a very low estimate, we find the amount $1,270 per week, or calculating 52 weeks per year, the result is $66,040. For the 11 ladies engaged, we estimate $5 per week, making $2,860 per year. The boys 46, at $1 per week, $2,392. Thus we find the total amount necessary to defray the above expenses to be $96,842, per annum. It is seen by the above, that we make no estimate of the materials used (such as plates, cases, and chemicals,) by these artists in taking likenesses, and we forbear to make any estimate of this last, as many artists are now taking pictures at such reduced rates.

Were it not for the enterprising few engaged, our art would sink into deep insignificance. Thanks to the noble and generous who are striving to promote the interest of the Daguerreian Art, by keeping pictures up to such prices as will demand respect. We may almost look in vain to see our art elevated to its deservedly high eminence, until the public shall be enabled to discriminate between a fifty cent and a three dollar Daguerreotype. We look upon a person visiting a Daguerreian Artist's Room for the purpose of obtaining a cheap picture, as one who thinks little of the art, and less of his friends. Often it is the case, that a gentleman calls upon an artist, and wants a likeness, - from his appearance the artist is led to suppose him a member of the first society; and this may really be the case. Weil, the artist steps forward, shows his many specimens and asks, what size will you have? The person thus addressed, looks in the glass, surveys himself, and with all the dignity imaginable, exclaims, -Ah! Oh! a small size, common, - it's only for a friend. The artist turns about to his business, thinking to himself,-Only for a friend,-What a compliment for a friend, - Ha! I wonder who your friends are.

1850

Fundação em Nova York do DAGUERREIAN JOURNAL (1850/1870)
____________________________________________