Today's item starts with a variant of the familiar phrase "Secure the 
shadow 'ere the substance fade." I posed this question on PhotoHst 
without success, allow me to question all 160 of you. What is the source 
of this oft-used phrase?  It is quoted in Levi Hill's 1850 "Treatise on 
Daguerreotype" (Part II, page 73) as being from Shakespeare. Electronic 
searches indicate that it isn't. I recall once reading a discussion of 
the source, but cannot for the life of me find the article again. Anyone 
knowledgeable on this one?

On this day (September 15) in the year 1841, the following advertisement 
appeared in the "Springfield Gazette" (Vol. 10, No.37):
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  "Catch the shadow ere its substance fades."
D a g u e r r e o t y p e   M i n i a t u r e s ,
             AT MASONIC HALL,
          FOR A SHORT TIME ONLY.
           PRICE REDUCED TO $3.
THE Subscriber having spent much time
    and money in perfecting himself in
the Photographic Art, and practiced success-
fully in various places, now offers his serv-
ices to the citizens of Springfield and its vi-
cinity, for a short time, at Masonic Hall.  He
is in possession of all those important im-
provements in the art which have been re-
cently made, combined with others of his
own invention, and flatters himself that his
skill in the business will recommend him to
their favor.  Likenesses, taken in a few mo-
ments, without the aid of a strong light,
which, by the old method, was liable to dis-
tort the features.  To those who are unac-
quainted with this art, it may perhaps be
well to say, that it gives a lasting and perfect
delineation of the features, drawn by the
pencil of light, the hand of Nature, more
striking and accurate than can possibly be
obtained in any other way.  The Subscriber
has reduced his price to the lowest possible
limits consistent with safety to himself, and
as low as can possibly be obtained else-
where, while his style of workmanship he is
willing to compare with any in the country.
Price of a single portrait Three Dollars.--
For a group of two--Five Dollars.  Satis-
faction warranted.  Scenery, Buildings, Paint-
ings, Busts, &c. beautifully copied.  Ins-
truction given upon reasonable terms  The
public are respectfully invited to call.
                                     C. FAXON.
   Springfield Sept. 14.                Tf37.

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Posted for your enjoyment.      Gary W. Ewer       
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09-15-96