The ferrotype and how to make it - The Grian Press

PUBLISHERS' PREFACE.
We do not feel that we have any apology to make to the
profession for the publication of this work; on the contrary,
onr only regret is that we did not undertake it a year or
two ago. For the past ten years, so much attention has
been given to the Photograph, that the merits of the Ferrotype
have been ignored as far as possible. Books have
been issued one after another devoted to the negative, and
printing and toning; and cameras, printing frames, and
apparatus have been constructed especially to aid in pro-
ducing the paper picture. Nearly all effort and thought
has run in this one direction.
About three years ago we observed many signs of dissat-
isfaction with the Photograph. In spite of all declarations
that it would not fade, nearly all that were made for the
public soon lost their value as a likeness or a work of art.
The people began to want something better and more permanent,
and we found in our orders a strong and increas-
ing demand for Ferrotype goods. Manufacturers of appa-
ratus found it was for their interest to improve the Multi-
plying Camera. New styles and designs of mounting cards
have been introduced. Dealers have found it difficult to keep
sufficient stock to supply the demand. As an evidence
of the amount now in use, we received atone house, but a
short time ago, nearly two tons of plates in one shipment,
and we are selling at this time about as many goods for the
Ferrotype as for the Photograph.
With such a state of affairs, it is apparent to all that a
book of instruction on this subject is greatly needed, and
we claim to be the first who proposed publishing such a
(viij