paste it on the decanter, and lay it in the sun's rays in such a manner
that the rays may pass through the spaces cut out of the paper and fall
on the surface of the liquor the part of the glass through which the rays
pass will be turned black, while that under the paper remains white;
but particular care must be observed that the bottle be not moved
during the operation."

Had not the alchemists been so intent upon the desire to discover
the far famed philosopher's stone, as to make them unmindful
of the accidental dawnings of more valuable discoveries,
this little experiment in chemistry might have induced them
to prosecute a more thorough search into the principle,
and Photogenic art would not now, as it is, be a new one.

It is even asserted that the Jugglers of India were for many ages
in possession of a secret by which they were enabled, in a brief space,
to copy the likeness of any individual by the action of light.
This fact, if fact it be, may account for the celebrated magic
mirrors said to be possessed by these jugglers, and probable cause
of their power over the people.

However, as early as 1556 the fact was established that a combination
of chloride and silver. called, from its appearance, horn silver,
was blackened by the sun's rays; and in the latter part of the last
century Mrs. Fulhame published an experiment by which a change
of color was effected in the chloride of gold by the agency of light;
and gave it as her opinion that words might be written in this way.
These incidents are considered as the first steps towards the discovery
of the Photogenic art.