Paris: Chez L'Auteur, 1844. First edition. 8vo., [4], errata, 127 pp., [1] folded plate, 4 pp. priced catalogue. Modern cloth over boards with gilt titled leather spine label. A contemporary related article was glued to the reverse of the title page, leaving a moderate stain on the title page as well as the following leaf. There are a few faint spots of foxing, otherwise this is a bright and near fine copy. Item #52085

Charles Chevalier (1804-1859) was the leading French manufacturer of the camera obscura, lenses and optical instruments. In 1826, he furnished Niépce with a camera and lens of his own design for his early experiments in reproducing images through the agency of light. He told Niépce of the similar experiments of Daguerre, for whom he also made lenses and cameras, as well as advised him on his experiments. It is Chevalier who made the introduction which lead to the partnership between Niépce and Daguerre. Further, Chevalier supplied lenses and camera equipment for William Henry Fox Talbot.

Charles Chevalier published his first manual in 1841; it was one of the earliest manuals of the daguerreian process. In this, his second manual, he has expanded upon the daguerreian process with the latest improvements, and now includes the paper processes of Herschel, Talbot, Hunt and Bayard.

Roosens & Salu No. 2852. Bellier de la Chavignerie, Manuel Bibliographie du Photographe Francais, 1863. No. 22.

Price: $2,750.00