Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1860 edition. Excerpt: ... you, and of uncompleted designs. Let me assure you that I would not trespass for a moment upon this most valuable time; and I could not wish you to devote to an individual that which is of value to mankind. You have already done more for me than my wildest imagination could have led me to expect, and I ask no more. Hoping this will find you recovered from your late indisposition, I have the honor to remain your greatly indebted and devoted humble friend, &c. No. m A PROPOSED CHANGE IN THE METHOD OF PRINTING. To The Editor Of The. Sm: --In recently pursuing a course of studies on Optics, it occurred to me that an important improvement might be made in the present mode of printing, which I feel an irresistible desire to communicate to you, and (if you think my thoughts on this subject worthy the honor) through your columns to the publie. The idea I have to offer has, no doubt, risen in the minds of many besides myself, therefore all the claim I can make to originality is simply to say that I never saw it in print, or heard it expressed by any individual. My idea is briefly this: --We may improve the present mode of printing by reversing it; instead of printing black letters on a white ground, print white letters on a black ground. As it may not be at once apparent why this should constitute an improvement, I will attempt an explanation. My argument is based on the principles of light and vision, as expounded by optical writers. These gentlemen tell us that white light (as emitted from the sun) is composed of seven different colors; and they account for the different coldrs possessed by the various objects which surround us, on the principle that these objects have the property of absorbing some of the colors of light, and reflecting others..