ary to success. Among the number in the United States, was
Alexander S. Wolcott (since deceased) and myself; both of this city.
On the morning of the 6th day of October, 1839, I took to A. Wolcott's
residence, a full description of Daguerre's discovery, he being at the
time engaged in the department of Mechanical Dentistry, on some work
requiring his immediate attention, the work being promised at 2 P.M.
that day; having, therefore, no opportunity to read the description for
himself (a thing he was accustomed to do at all times, when
investigating any subject). I read to him the paper, and proposed to
him that if he would plan a camera (a matter he was fully acquainted
with, both theoretically and practically), I would obtain the materials
as specified by Daguerre. This being agreed to, I departed for the
purpose, and on my return to his shop, he handed me the sketch of a
camera box, without at all explaining in what manner the lens was to be
mounted. This I also undertook to procure. After 2, P.M., he had more
leisure, when he proceeded to complete the camera, introducing for that
purpose a reflector in the back of the box, and also to affix a plate
holder on the inside, with a slide to obtain the focus on the plate,
prepared after the manner of Daguerre. While Mr. Wolcott was engaged
with the camera, I busied myself in polishing the silver plate, or
rather silver plated copper; but ere reaching the end preparatory to
iodizing, I found I had nearly or quite removed the silver surface from
off the plate, and that being the best piece of sliver-plated copper to
be found, the first remedy at hand that suggested itself, was a
burnisher, and a few strips were quickly burnished and polished.
Meantime, the camera being finished, Mr. Wolcott, after reading for
himself Daguerre's method of iodizing, prepared two plates, and placing
them in the camera, guessed at the required time they should remain
exposed to the action of the light; after mercurializing each in turn,
and removing the iodized surface with a solution of common salt two
successful impressions were obtained, each unlike the other!
Considerable surprise was excited by this result, for each plate was
managed precisely like the other. On referring to Daguerre, no
explanation was found for this strange result; time, however, revealed
to us that one picture was positive, and the other negative. On this
subject I shall have much to say during the progress of the wo