READE, JOSEPH BANCROFT Born at Leeds, 18o1 ; died at Bishopsbourne, 187o. Chemist, microscopist and photographic experimentalist and discoverer. He was the first to employ " hypo " as a fixing agent (x837), and tannin as an accelerator ; he was also the first to produce a negative on paper by means of gallic acid and silver nitrate (1837). He was the first to take photomicrographs with the solar micro scope, and these he called " solar mezzotints." Photography has unique advantages as a means of producing graphic records of persons, places, and things, for future reference. In spite of the enthusiasm and industry of several associations, the work of securing permanent records is still far from being attacked with systematic completeness, and it is highly desir able that some effective co-ordination of work and control of the results should be instituted. Meanwhile, it would he well if every possible opportunity were seized of making photographic records of any worthy subject, making careful notes of necessary data for future reference. The best view-points and lighting should be con sidered, and the resulting prints should he made in some permanent process, such as platinum or double-transfer carbon. The work can only be
done adequately when the record maker has a knowledge of what is desirable for his attention, and this knowledge is frequently most easily acquired by local workers. Hence the need for a widely distributed army of capable photo graphers with an interest in record work.
Attention should be devoted first of all to old buildings and their details when there is any likelihood of their near disappearance ; to objects of antiquity or historical interest ; to natural scenery about to vanish before the builder ; to interesting local customs and ceremonies ; to obsolete forms of dress and equipment ; in short, to anything interesting that is not likely to be seen by future generations and of which pictorial record will be of value. The results should be entrusted only to the custody of those who appreciate their value and will assure their preservation.