made upon others. The Latin _Benediction_ is given with the thumb and
the first two fingers open; the third and fourth fingers remaining closed.
This arrangement of the the fingers is symbolical of the Trinity: the three
open fingers signifying the three divine persons, and the two closed
fingers being emblematic of the two natures of Christ.

The Greek benediction is given with the forefinger entirely open; the
middle finger slightly bent, the thumb crossed upon the third finger, and
the little finger bent.

In the present day, however, in the Latin Church, a person making on
himself the sign of the cross, employs the right hand entirely open,
instead of three fingers only. And as it has been thought desirable to make
a distinction between the benediction given by a bishop and a priest,
bishops reserved to themselves the right of blessing with three fingers;
and priests give the benediction with the hand entirely open. {462}

J. C. B. will find this subject fully treated in Didron's _Christian
Iconography_, Bohn's edition, pp. 405. 412.; and an illustration of the
Latin benediction at p. 205., and the Greek benediction at p. 176.

CEYREP.

* * * * *

PHOTOGRAPHIC NOTES AND QUERIES.

_New Developing Fluid._--DR. DIAMOND has reported very favourably of the
developing fluid, which I spoke of in "N. & Q." of March 12 as "being
simple, inexpensive, and keeping good a length of time." In accordance with
what I then stated, I herewith give the readers of "N. & Q." the benefit of
it, and leave them to form their own opinion of its value after trying it:

Protosulphate of iron 12 grs.
Nitrate of lead 8 grs.
Water 10 drs.
Acetic acid 1/2 dr.

Dissolve the protosulphate of iron in the water; then throw in the nitrate
of lead in powder; stir with glass rod until it is dissolved; keep stirring
while pouring in the acetic acid, and for a few minutes afterwards. Let the
precipitate subside, then filter. I have used nothing else for positives on
glass since I discovered the preparation. I have not tried it for
developing in the wax-paper or other paper process. The liquid is
colourless as water when first made. By long keeping it will change colour,
but throws down no deposit, nor loses its properties. If those gentlemen
who try it would give their opinions of it, I should be obliged.

J. L. SISSON.

Edingthorpe Rectory.

[Since this