Wonders of Photography

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

H. Garbanati, in an article on this subject in the American Journal of Photography, tells us the following: — " I was recently handed two small pieces of glass, in the center of each was a dark object, about a quarter of an inch square. In the center of the square of one of these, by dint of close and painful examination, I discovered a speck about one-sixteenth of an inch diameter, which bore somewhat the resemblance to a portrait of a head. In the other was also a speck about one-eighth of an inch, and some other very minute specks in the one speck, but which I could not recognize as any particular objects. By holding the first piece of glass up to the light, and looking through a powerful magnifier, I discovered a perfect portrait of about a sixth size, and in the other a group of five equally perfect, of about half size. To what use might not this mode of photographing be put ? In war the most elaborate instructions might be carried in a button or head of a pencil-case ; and the general or secretary of war needs but a magnifying glass to save the use of spies and men from hanging. The whole archives of a nation might be packed away in a snuffbox. Had the art been known in the time of Omar, the destruction of the Alexandrian library would not have been a final loss." i

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American