652 THANSACTIONS OF THE 



Mr. Fisher made drawings and gave remarks, showing his full 

 science on the subject. 



Mr. Waterman was called out repeatedly to comment on the 

 drawings and views of others, leaving no doubt of his ability as a 

 steam engineer of close study and experience. 



Mr. Tillman was pleased with the automatic cut-off, which be- 

 ing operated by the engine itself, could not act otherwise than 

 correctly, far more so than any engineer could do. 



The Club adjourned. H. MEIGS, Secretary. 



February 10, 1858. 



Present — Messrs. President Pell, Stetson, Waterman, Cohen, 

 Fisher, Butler, Larned, Tillman, Jos. Dixon and Mr. Cleveland, 

 of Jersey City, Jordan L. Mott, of Mottville, Veeder, Munson, 

 D. Smith, of the Times, and others — twenty-three members. 



Mr. Joseph Dixon, of Jersey City, read a paper upon Photo- 

 graphy : 



Ever since the great discovery, by M. Daguerre, the inventive 

 genius of the world has labored unremittingly, and with varied 

 success, in subduing the difficulties, simplifying the processes, of 

 working and extending this wonderful art to the various useful 

 purposes cf life. 



The mathematician and mechanic, have united their efforts in 

 the production of optical and mechanical apparatus; while the 

 magic hand of the chemist has furnished the means of rendering 

 the light drawn pictures of nature, real and substantial things of 

 life; "as tangible to feeling as to sight." 



Do we read a description of cities of far distant countries; of 

 the ruins of Balbec; of Palmyra; of the pyramids of Egypt; 

 of the ruins of Pompeii. Almost instantaneously the wand of 

 the photographer waves over the scenes, and we behold, not a 

 mere picture, a sketch by the hand of the most skillful draughts- 

 man, but we have before us the very impress of the thing itself; 

 every rock, and stone, and grain of sand, each crumbling ruin 

 with all the markings of time; even the very individual leaves 

 of the creeping ivy, are placed on exhibition. The living inhabi- 

 tants of every clime and place, with all their peculiarities and 

 domestic habits, once summoned by this powerful talisman must 



