Re: Pyro info from 1923

dmilton@csus.edu
Sat, 25 Oct 1997 07:00:33 -0700

Thank godness for modern medicine. We now know that pyro, metol and a few
other chemicals can potentially kill, or at the very least fry a few
organs. Pyro (as well as other developers) require GLOVES. Tray
processing requires big 'ol GLOVES. I'll check out the book. I need a
good laugh.

David P. Milton

>In "The Principles of Pictorial Photography" by John Wallace Gillies
>published by
>Falk Publishing Co., Inc. 1923 used as a Supplementary Text in New York
>Institute of Photography on page 109, whilst dealing with formulae on Pyro it
>states:-
>
> "Many workers will object to this developer on the ground that it stains
>the fingers.
>This is not so. If the fingers are dipped in water before immersing them in
>the developer, frequently rinsed as development proceeds, and then afterward
>held in the Acid Hypo for a few seconds there will be no stain. If, on the
>other hand, the fingers should become stained, it may be removed with little
>trouble. A concentrated solution of Permanganate of Potash is at hand, and
>also a small bottle of concentrated Sulphuric Acid. These make a splendid
>reducer and so serve two purposes. Taking a teaspoon of the Permanganate
>Solution and adding enough water until a very deep port wine colored solution
>results, then add eight or ten drops of Sulfuric Acid. The fingers are
>washed in this, become stained with the Permanganate, and are then dipped in
>the Hypo bath, the stain vanishing away. If trouble is experienced increase
>the strength of the Pemanganate Solution. The acid must be used or it will
>not work."
> I, personally, would not recommend trying this but I think the
>book is very inspiring in many other ways especially as several of the 9 X
>12 reproductions are blow ups from 16mm cine frames. Has anyone else come
>across this old book gem?............or anything similar?
> Photo graphist John Grocott (London UK)
>