Not to mention most cyanotype formulas in the "etc"... In short, Rempel
is (apparently, I haven't heard of this book before this) blowing off
virtually every non-silver process.
I have to wonder on what basis Remple is making such pronouncements.
The current intrepretation of liability laws certainly seems caprious
these days, but as someone who has used dichromates for over 20 years,
I can't help but feel that they are perfectly safe to use *if* one
understands and uses the necessary precautions. In other words,
reading the above makes me wonder to what extent should we be allowed
to take responsibility for our own actions. I guess Stemple thinks "not
at all."
OTOH, I can really appreciate the uncertainty and desire for caution
that someone like Stemple has. I left out formulas for thiourea based
toners in my book on black and white printing because my personal
experience with thiourea was limited and I had read quite a bit about
its toxic nature. I just didn't want to appear to recommend something I
wasn't personally comfortable with.
Still, telling photographers not to use dichromates.... Wait until
he hears that silver nitrate is dangerous :-)
Carson Graves
carson@ileaf.com
> It might be worth considering whether dichromates are really necessary for
> contrast control in kallitype. These books should give you pause for
> thought and if you decide to persist with any process involving anything
> nasty you have an obligation to be aware of the hazards and take
> appropriate precautions.
>
> Philip Jackson
> pjackson@nla.gov.au
>
>
>