Two items for today. . .

On this day (July 8) in the year 1854, the following advertisement 
appeared in the "Boston Daily Evening Transcript":
- - - - - - - - -

DAGUERREOTYPES.  Likenesses that the proprietor
is not ashamed to show his patrons before they are
paid for, are taken at prices which defy competition
at Chase's Daguerrian Establishment, 173 Washing-
ton street.

* * * * * * * * *

The following article appeared in the July issue of the monthly 
periodical, "American Phrenological Journal. A Repository of Science, 
Literature, General Intelligence" (New York) Vol. 24, No. 1 (July 1856) 
pp. 1-2. The article is accompanied by three wood-engravings portraits; 
one portrait is of Rev. Henry Ward Beecher and one is of Fanny 
Forrester.


      W R I T T E N   D E S C R I P T I O N S ,
                FROM DAGUERREOTYPES.

   MANY of our friends who reside at a considerable distance from us, 
desire to obtain, for themselves or friends, full Written Descriptions 
of Character.  They cannot afford to come to the city to procure at our 
hands a professional examination, yet they are very anxious to obtain a 
true analysis of their characterss.  To do this, they send us their 
Daguerreotype likenesses; but sometimes these are so taken that it is 
very difficult for us to deduce the character.  We introduce several 
portraits, with suggestions as to the proper positions requisite for 
purposes of phrenological examination.
   This, the best wood-cut of the distinguished preacher that has ever 
been made, is from a Photograph by Lawrence.  In this we get the spirit 
and expression of the man; an index of that bold enthusiasm, that 
clearness and power of thought, that insight of character, that playful 
humor, power of illustration and exuberance of language, for which he 
is so much noted.
   The position of this engraving presents the entire sidehead, 
forehead, and tophead, but it should be turned a little more, to bring 
into view more perfectly the top and back parts of the head.  Persons 
procuring Daguerreotypes to submit to us for examination, should have 
them taken in a three-quarter view, as follows:
   This engraving is in the right position, not only for the purposes 
of phrenological examination, but also as a portrait to keep.  That 
position which shows all the forms of head and face most perfectly 
should be regarded as the best likeness to satisfy affection as well as 
science.
   Some send us a direct front view.  If they do this, it would be well 
to have, also, a profile, or side view taken, and send both in a single 
case.  The three quarter view, however, if properly taken, will answer 
all purposes.  The side of the head at which the hair is parted, should 
be presented to the instrument, unlike that of Mr. Beecher, and the 
hair should be laid as smoothly to the head as may be.  We refer the 
reader to the portrait of Mr. Blanchard, page 5, and, with the 
exception that the hair is parted on the wrong side, the position is 
good.
   Likenesses may be sent to our address by mail, from any post-office, 
and returned with the written description to the owner, by the same 
mode of conveyance, in a short time.  Our TERMS for a full written 
character, including pre-payment of postage on the return package, is 
FOUR DOLLARS, which may be transmitted with the likeness.


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Posted for your enjoyment.     Gary W. Ewer     
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07-08-98