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REPORTS FROM THE SECTIONS. 269 
An Apology for the Introduction of the Study of 
Photography in our Schools of Art and Science. 
By Mr. L. Harr. 
[Read before the Literature and Fine Art Section, 23 August, 1878.] 
Among the many splendid and important discoveries that have 
characterized the present century, few have more claims upon our 
sympathy than Photography. While many of these inventions 
have served only a special purpose, or benefited but certain com- 
munities, either industrial, artistic, or scientific, photography has 
placed its services at the disposal of all branches of human know- 
ledge, and to use the words of Dr. Vo el, “ There is scarcely a 
Single field in the universe of visible phenomena where its produe- 
tive influence is not : ny, geology, astronomy, and 
geography, it is the»faithful delineator of their marvels ; in sur- 
gery, sociology, jurisprudence, its services are too well known to be 
dispensed with ; in scientific research it has opened out a new field 
or the investigation of the philosophy of light ; commerce and in- 
dustry alike avail themselves of it, and to art and to art education 
it has become a handmaid and graceful satellite. It is as it were 
& new language, and may be said to be to “form” what printing 
industry, in the dissecting room of the hospital, the astronomer 
observatory, the philosopher’s home, the editor’s table, the artist’s 
studio, public museums, and down in the profound depths of the 
earth, among miners ; but it is in the humbler form of a portrait, 
where one of its greatest influences is felt. Here it makes no dis- 
tinction as to whether it shall adorn castle or cottage, for in all 
the varied grades of fortune is it to be found. Its nev easing 
iam, in memoriam.” This single application 
of photography ought to be sufficient to secure our lasting 
tude. A portrait! What a boon of consolation it has been to 
tions does it not call up—a sister, child, a dear friend, the 
in in its rural beauty, the old home wherein we 
were born. Scenes of home and childhood may “em 
0 
photo. : possessors 
shadow, though the su be id our reach. It is here we 
ore through th 
feel the value of photography, and whilst looking e 
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