PREFACE.



The object of this little work is to fill a void much complained
of by Daguerreotypists--particularly young beginers.

The author has waited a long time in hopes that some more able pen
would be devoted to the subject, but the wants of the numerous,
and constantly increasing, class, just mentioned, induces him
to wait no longer.

All the English works on the subject--particularly on the practical
application, of Photogenic drawing--are deficient in many minute details,
which are essential to a complete understanding of the art.
Many of their methods of operating are entirely different from,
and much inferior to, those practised in the United States:
their apparatus, also, cannot compare with ours for completeness,
utility or simplicity.

I shall, therefore, confine myself principally--so far as Photogenic
drawing upon metalic plates is concerned--to the methods
practised by the most celebrated and experienced operators,
drawing upon French and English authority only in cases
where I find it essential to the purpose for which I design
my work, namely: furnishing a complete system of Photography;
such an one as will enable any gentleman, or lady, who may wish
to practise the art, for profit or amusement, to do so without