During the month of May in the year 1852, the following items appeared in "The Photographic Art-Journal." (New York; Vol. 3, No. 5): - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (page 292) THE communication meets our views precisely: Mr. H. H. Snelling--There are two terms used in our art, which, in the progress of improvement, I should like to see entirely abolished. They are the words, "Daguerrean" and "Stock." An artist buying goods enters your store, and says he wishes to purchase stock. The word stock is generally applied to live animals. A lady or gentleman might, with the same propriety, enter Stuart's Dry Good Store or Tiffany, Young and Ellis Jewelry establishment and say they wished to purchase stock. The word Daguerrean, I think, shows very little taste. It is eminently "country" if I may be allowed the expression; you see door-plates, signs, &c. about with H.C.C., Daguerrean, instead of Daguerreotype artist, although I admit that *artist* might, with a great deal of propriety be omitted in some cases, still I think you and others will see my meaning, and it may probably have some effect. Yours, very truly, HENRY. W. MEADE * * * * * * * * The issue also contains a brief biography of the Meade Brothers. (The text is a variant of a "Gleason's Pictorial" article of 12 June, 1852, and is available, with illustration, at: http://www.daguerre.org/resource/texts/meade.html ) Following the biography is this short poem (page 295): FRANKLIN brought down the lightning from the clouds, MORSE bade it act along the trembling wire; The trump of Fame their praises gave aloud, And others with the same high thoughts inspire. DAGUERRE arose--his visionary scheme Was viewed at first with jeers, derision, scorn, Conquered at last by the grand power supreme Of god-like mind--another art was born. In mists the clouds dissolved like morning dew, The world rejoiced to see the victory won; With admiration, wonder, now we view The effect produced by NATURE'S God, the SUN. The mantle from the great inventor flown, With tenfold splendor on his pupils fell! France, England, and America have shown The bright invention has succeeded well. Go on, young brothers, in your great career, With others in the art, joined heart and hand; Be all improvements given with friendly cheer, "DIVIDED ye may fall--UNITED ye must stand!" ---------------------------------------------------------- 05-02-97