The Chemistry of Paints and Painting

Abstract

THE facts that this is a fourth edition, and that the author has been before the world for more than fifty years as a student of the subject on which he writes, are sufficient reasons for welcoming it with respect. But the volume itself fully justifies its existence, and it is difficult, if not impossible, to suggest any change in it that would better fit it to serve the purpose for which it was originally issued. The temptation to use a material that facilitates or immediately improves one's work without due regard to its lasting qualities is always very strong, and especially is this the case with those who are so absorbed in the study and practice of pictorial art, that the scientific aspect of their work becomes distasteful to them. But it is not right to accept ignorantly the opinion of the salesman, however honest he may be, or to trust to a few superficial experiments made by one's self or one's friends. The author deals with painting grounds, vehicles, varnishes, pigments, methods, and results, giving just such details concerning them as the artist wishes, or ought to wish, to know.