1849.] On preparing Facsimiles of Coins, fyc. 977 



its surface ; while none of them is so expeditious as the one I now 

 describe, by means of which fac-similes of an extensive cabinet of 

 medals may be obtained in a few hours. 



The waxen matrices thus prepared may, with proper precaution, be 

 kept an indefinite time, or transmitted to any distance for the final 

 process, that is, the revival of the medal by electrotype deposit. When 

 this is to be done, a little more powdered plumbago should be brushed to 

 and fro upon the mould with a rather stiff painting brush, and then well 

 cleaned away. This serves to restore the continuity of the conducting 

 surface where it may be broken by the impression; a circumstance 

 very likely to occur where the legend is in high relief. A hot wire being 

 now passed round the edge of the matrix to destroy the electric connec- 

 tion with the metallic support, renders the mould fit for placing in the 

 depositing trough, where the process is completed in the usual way. 



I had the honor to submit to the Society specimens of electrotype 

 fac-similes prepared in this manner about two years ago. It is obvious 

 however that this process is applicable to many other objects and 

 purposes besides the copying of coins. Wood-cuts and other engrav- 

 ings in relief may be multiplied in the same manner ; and even stereo- 

 type plates of letter-press may be similarly prepared with the utmost 

 facility. All that is requisite is to expose a prepared surface of wax 

 laid upon the type-forms to gentle pressure, and submit the impression 

 thus obtained to the action of the electrotype. I have the honor to 

 lay before the Society a specimen of this mode of stereotyping, being 

 a page from the Veda, prepared by the indulgent permission of the 

 Rev. J. Thomas of the Baptist Mission Press. This first attempt, 

 made now more than a year ago, sufficiently testifies the ready 

 practicability of the process. I had occasion about the same time, 

 in reply to some questions from my esteemed correspondent, the 

 Rev. Dr. GutzlafF of Hong Kong, regarding the application of stereotype 

 to Chinese printing, to recommend this process to his consideration 

 as one eminently adapted to the special case of copying wooden 

 blocks. I have not yet heard the result of his experiments, but have 

 no doubt of their eventual success. 



It now only remains to describe the method of taking paper fac- 

 similes of inscriptions. The ordinary mode of doing this by inking 

 the surface, either with common or printing ink, has the disadvantage 



