in a Library IX. Fac-simile of an Old Printed Page X. The Haystack XI. Copy of a Lithographic Print XII. The Bridge of Orléans Part 3 XIII. Queen's College, Oxford: Entrance Gateway XIV. The Ladder XV. Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire Part 4 XVI. Cloisters of Lacock Abbey XVII. Bust of Patroclus XVIII. Gate of Christchurch Part 5 XIX. The Tower of Lacock Abbey XX. Lace XXI. The Martyrs' Monument Part 6 XXII. Westminster Abbey XXIII. Hagar in the Desert XXIV. A Fruit Piece Text Each plate is accompanied by a short text which describes the scene and the photographic processes involved in obtaining it. Talbot emphasized the practical implications of his images (for instance, "The whole cabinet of a Virtuoso and collector of old China might be depicted on paper in little more time than it would take him to make a written inventory describing it in the usual way."), but he also recognized their artistic value ("The chief object of the present work is to place on record some of the early beginnings of a new art, before the period, which we trust is approaching, of its being brought to maturity by the aid of British talent.") Due to the novelty of the subject, Talbot needed to point out some things that seem obvious today; for instance, "Groups of figures take no longer time to obtain than single figures would require, since the Camera depicts them all at once, however numerous they may be." He also speculated about such questions as (among others) whether photographs would stand up as evidence in court and whether a camera could be made to record ultraviolet light. At the beginning of the book, Talbot included an incomplete history of his development of the calotype, titled "Brief Historical Sketch of the Invention of the Art." The history ends rather abruptly, and though Talbot expressed his intention to complete it at a later date, he never did. Editions About 40 "substantially complete" copies of the original 1844-1846 edition still exist. At least two facsimile editions have been issued: New York: Da Capo Press, 1969. New York: Hans P. Kraus, Jr., 1989. Bath: Monmouth Calotype 1989 External links References Photographic collections and books Photography in the United Kingdom 1844 books 1846 books Unfinished books