3-017-218 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Meeting of the British Association at Birmingham - photography by aid of the Magnesium Light - a sketch at the soirée at the Townhall, 1865. 'The company,...numbering more than 2000, were entertained with the view of a large collection of microscopes, stereoscopes, and other optical instruments, besides various specimens of manufacturing ingenuity, models of the original steam-engine of Watt, and several cases of quartz and rare metals. Photographing by the magnesium light, and the consequent production of that class of miniatures called pistolgrams, was a source of some amusement, and attracted large groups around the place of operation. The hall was well lighted and ventilated; and although it required the exercise of considerable tact to thread a way through the assemblage in any given direction, the crowding was not excessive'. From "Illustrated London News", 1865.