British Journal of Photography Almanac Annual Summary of Photographic Inventions and Events in Photographic History/1867
From George Eastman House : Notes On Photographs
Edited by J. Traill Taylor
The year 1866 has been characterized rather by the steady and patient
development of already existing features in photography than by the advent of
anything specially new. Lenses have been modified and improved; chemicals
have been, if possible, rendered purer; formulae and manipulations have been
revised; and the makers of our cameras still maintain their pre-eminence over
those of other countries.
It would be out of place in a handy-book like the present little volume to
review formally the progress of events of the past year, especially as all our
spare space can be occupied by matter of more practical interest. Still, among
the matters of importance that have transpired during the year, tow may be
specially alluded to-the attention that has been bestowed upon the removal of the
last traces of hyposulphite of soda and from paper photographs, thereby securing
their great permanency, and the impetus which is being given to supplementing
the cart portrait by the introduction of a somewhat larger size. Half-plate portraits
were at one time a favourite size, and in some localities were in great demand.
The “cabinet” portrait differs from the standard half-plate only in a very slight
degree. It is hoped that the public will not be slow in appreciating the advantages
of the peculiar size now referred to.
Some names familiar to scientific and local photographic circles have lapsed
from among us during the past year. Among these we may class Professor
Brande, Mr. Parry, Mr. James Ewing, Mr. Alexander Bryson, Mr. Frank Howard,
and others.
Photomicrography, in the hands of Drs. Maddox and Woodward, has arrived
at a high state of perfection; and the subject of the latent image and the
sensitiveness of iodide of silver has received a more than usual share of
attention.
To those interested in the details of the year’s progress we recommend a
careful perusal of the pages of the thirteenth volume of The British Journal of
Photography, which contains a faithful and minute record of the transactions of
the year.