Photographic Amusements, Ninth Edition: Including A Description of a Number of Novel Effects Obtainable with the Camera

"Photographic Amusements, Ninth Edition" by Walter E. Woodbury is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The work explores novelty photographic techniques and curious effects achievable with a camera, catering to both amateur photographers and those interested in creative photographic experiments. As the title suggests, it serves as a guide to fun and inventive uses of photography beyond standard practices. The opening of the book establishes that it is not an instructional manual for mastering photography but rather a collection of entertaining and unusual photographic tricks. The introduction outlines that the author aims to showcase innovative photographic effects, with an emphasis on creativity and experimentation rather than technical detail. The text details various methods, including using mirrors to create multiple images and techniques for producing unique portraits, such as "statuette portraits" and "spirit photography," all of which set the stage for an exploration of the whimsical possibilities within the realm of photography.