From a Photograph: Authenticity, Science and the Periodical Press, 1870-1890

From a Photograph explores the authenticity and value of photographs in the early scientific periodical press, examining how the perceived veracity of a photograph, its use as scientific evidence, and the technologies developed for printing it were intimately connected. Three case studies investigate different uses of photography in print, including pigeons to transport microphotographs during the Franco-Prussian War, the debate surrounding the development of instantaneous photography, and the photographs taken of the Transit of Venus in 1874.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Throughout its early history, photography faced significant challenges regarding its authenticity and validity as a representation of reality. The question of how truthful a photograph can be and whether the reproduction of a photograph affects its value as authentic emerged as central concerns. In order to explore these issues, From a Photograph delves into the context of the early scientific periodical press, examining how the perceived veracity of a photograph, its use as scientific evidence, and the technologies developed for printing it were intricately intertwined.

Before the widespread adoption of photomechanical printing processes in the 1890s, scientific periodicals were unable to reproduce photographs directly. Instead, they resorted to including these photographic images as engravings, labeled as "from a photograph." This approach introduced a human intermediary, leading to the possibility of error and misinterpretation. Instead of merely interpreting photographs in the context of where or how they were taken, this book emphasizes the significance of understanding how photographs are reproduced. It explores and compares the value of photography as authentic proof in both popular and scientific publications during a period of significant technological developments and a growing readership.

Three case studies are presented to investigate diverse uses of photography in print. The first case study explores the use of pigeons during the Franco-Prussian War to transport microphotographs, highlighting the innovative methods employed to overcome the limitations of traditional printing techniques. The second case study delves into the controversy surrounding the development of instantaneous photography, examining the debates and controversies that surrounded this groundbreaking technology. The third case study focuses on the photographs taken of the Transit of Venus in 1874, which were unseen by the human eye but captured on camera and made accessible to the public through periodical publications.

By addressing a largely overlooked area of photographic history, From a Photograph makes a substantial contribution to this interdisciplinary field. It offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between photography, print culture, and scientific inquiry during the early scientific period. Historians of photography, print culture, and science will find this book of interest, as it sheds light on the historical developments and debates that shaped the perception and use of photography in the past.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032220154