TO: INTERNET:R.Cavallari@agora.stm.it, INTERNET:R.Cavallari@agora.stm.it
Re: re-epidermotype
In answer to the speculation on epidermotypes, I found this interesting paper in
the agony column of the Cosmetic Surgeons Review.
"The negative on skin in sunlight technique does lead to a photograph in burnt
and unburnt skin in. for some people, shades of pink and dark pink. The contrast
does tend to decrease, however, with the proportion of original melanin.
An alternative process which the auto-destruct school of photographers have
tried with some success, is the overall body picture which has the distinct
advantage that the whole of the skin area is affected by the technique.
An unseen advantage which will appeal to those with a conceptual bent, is that
subcutaneous tissues and internal organs will play their part in the
auto-destruct mechanism. If the end failure rate is low, male researchers may
find that the effects will pass on from generation to generation.
But, usually, the archival effects will not be of great interest to
conservationists.
One must first prepare a bath, a bath is useful here, of deionised ossein
carefully selected from BSE sources. A 15 % gel is made up to a temperature just
above blood heat. Immerse oneself fully in this bath. Remember that the normal
methods of egress for the waste products in this process are not available.
Have a 10 % solution of formadehyde or chrome alum mixed in an alternative
bath, ( en suite facilities are an advantage ). Warning: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ADD
THE CHROME ALUM TO THE FIRST BATH WHILE YOU ARE IN IT AS THE RESULTS WILL BE
UNFORTUNATE AND PRECLUDE THE REST OF THE EXPERIMENT.
Transfer oneself from the first bath to the second as quickly as possible. The
use of gloves or tongs in this experiment is not recommended. Allow to soak for
twenty minutes but if one feels light headed, continue to the next stage.
Dry quickly. Assistants with hair dryers or fan heaters will be helpful here.
Prepare a third bath of Gloy in which the subject should again be immersed and
then removed and sprinkled ligjhtly with an appropriate pigment. Some recommend
funereal shades of black or purple.
Prepare a fourth bath with a saturated solution of ammonium dichromate. Holiday
Inns might help with the baths but extra charges may be incurred, which, if the
management has any sense, will be demanded before the start of the process.
Immerse oneself in the fourth bath. Help may be needed as movement will be
restricted.
Dry in a warm dark place.
In subdued light, a chapel of rest may be suitable, apply negatives and suitable
materials for photograms over the whole body area, which you apply where, will
depend upon the flatness of the areas available.
Have an assistant prepare a record player with a reinforced turntable so that
when you are dry you may stand in full noon sun on the turntable and revolve for
ten minutes.
Development is in a 50 % solution of calamine lotion.
If the experiment is fully successful you will not need to concern yourself with
public reaction."
Terry King