350 Mr. C. Dresser, on the [Feb. 20, 



Germany, in experiments on tanning skins ; and it therefore sug- 

 gested itself that the chromic acid set free might, in re-acting on 

 part of the gelatine, liberate an oxide of chromium, which, when 

 combined with the rest of the gelatine, would form a species of arti- 

 ficial leather ; thus rationally accounting for the comparative inso- 

 lubility of the altered and tawny coloured portions of the jelly. 

 The subject, however, requires and deserves a more thorough in- 

 vestigation. 



M. Poitevin, of Paris, has applied the gelatine and bichromate 

 of potash process to lithographic stone, and his results, placed on 

 the table, would well bear a comparison with those obtained by the 

 other methods described in this division. 



The speaker, in conclusion, expressed his opinion that these 

 engraving processes would greatly advance the art of photography 

 itself, particularly in its applications to the delineation of coloured 

 objects, in which it is still very imperfect, although some progress 

 has been made. 



[T. A. M.] 



WEEKLY EVENING MEETING, 



Friday, February 20. 



Rev. John Barlow, M.A. F.R.S. Vice-President and Secretary, 

 in the Chair. 



Christopher Dresser, Esq. 

 On the Relation of Science and Ornamental Art, 



The subject was introduced by a brief reference to the fact, that 

 ornamental art is a necessity of man's nature ; after which, one 

 or two instances were brought forward in which science has directly 

 aided ornamental art. 



Chemistry was referred to as supplying many pigments ; pho- 

 tography, as furnishing fac-similes of the choicest works of art of 

 all ages ; and " Nature Printing," as presenting the ornamentist 

 with the flora of the entire world, which may be remodelled by 

 him into aesthetic ornaments.* 



After advancing these instances in which science has aided 

 ornamental art, the object of the following remarks was set forth 



* A new process of " Nature-Printing " was here brought forward, and its 

 supposed merits pointed out. 



