The Physics of the Developed Photographic Image

Abstract

IN 1921 the Eastman Kodak Co. commenced the publication of monographs on the theory of photo graphy, and this book by Mr. Ross is the fifth of the series. The work will appeal chiefly to astronomers and those interested in astronomy, since it is mainly with the questions of astronomical photography that the author is concerned. It is divided into six chapters which deal with “The Developed Silver Grain,” “Graininess,” “Astronomical Photographic Photo metry,” “Sharpness and Resolving Power,” “The Mutual Action of Adjacent Images,” “Film Distortion and Accuracy of Photographic Registration of Position.” ThroughOut the book the historical development of the subjects treated has been emphasised in a way that makes it easier for the reader with no previous knowledge of the subject to understand the fundamental problems involved. The chapter on graininess, by A. C. Hardy, is exceptionally well written, and should be of interest to all those engaged on problems involving great magnification of photographic negatives, as in cinematography. Chap. ii. contains a vast amount of information on the methods of astronomical photographic photometry, i.e. the method of obtaining the magnitude of a star from its image ts impressed on the plate, and, with the remaining chapters, shows to the reader what a host of pitfalls and difficulties in astro nomical photometry arise owing to the complicated structure of the photographic plate.

The Physics of the Developed Photographic Image.

By F. E. Ross. (Monographs on the Theory of Photography, No. 5.) Pp. 217. (New York: D. Van Nostrand Co.; Rochester, N.Y.: Eastman Kodak Co.; London: Kodak, Ltd., 1924.) n.p.