Re: Catatype process

Domenick Mirando (DOMM@delphi.com)
Thu, 14 Nov 1996 11:02:34 -0500 (EST)

>Has anyone heard of the catatype process? An article in The Camera,
>December 1904 says "Photographic reproduction without light," based on
>"chemical phenomenon known as catalysis," in this case the "decomposition
>of hydrogen peroxide into water and free oxygen ... by presence of finely
>divided silver, or better platinum." Manganese sulfate developer, among
>others, etc. etc.

Catatypy, according to "Henley's Twentieth Century Home Workshop Formulas,
Recipes & Processes", published in 1914, was the name given to the "new"
copying process by Professor Ostwald and Dr. O. Gros of Leipsic University.

"Pour dioxide of hydrogen over the negative, lay in contact a piece of paper,
sized or unsized, on for a few seconds. The paper receives the latent image
with the dioxide of hydrogen being destroyed. From a single application several
prints can be made. The latent ivisable image is made visable through a
reducing oxydizing action."

"When the paper which has been in contact with the negative is drawn through
a solution of ferrous oxide, the protoxide is transformed into oxide by the
peroxide, hence a yellow positive picture, consisting of iron oxide. The
The results can be changed into other compounds. With the use of pigments,
in conjunction with a glue solution, the action is as follows:
In the place where the picture is, the layer with the pigment becomes
insoluable and all the other dyestuffs can be washed off with water."

---Dom