14.6

//Source(s): "Antiques" column by Ralph and Terry Kovel Austin American Statesman May 12, 1996//
 * Dead medium: the Dubroni instant camera**
 * From: bruces@well.com (Bruce Sterling)**

page G 26 "'Instant' Camera from 1864 When Dr. Edwin H. Land announced the 'instant' camera in 1947, many people proclaimed that the Polaroid Land camera was the first instant camera. It was the first camera to use a paper roll to produce pictures right after they were taken, but there were earlier inventors who were able to make other types of 'instant' pictures. "W.H.F. Talbot suggested a daguerreotype camera in 1839 with extra parts to hold mercury. The mercury was vaporized to develop the image almsot as soon as the picture was taken. One camera in 1855 had a built-in 'darkroom' so the photographer could reach inside to develop the photographic plates. "The first successful instant camera was patented in England in 1864 by G. J. Bourdin. It was called the 'Dubroni.' The developing fluids were put into the camera back with a small tube. The Dubroni was made in at least five sizes. "It is very rare. A complete camera with the entire developing kit would sell at auction for $10,000 to $15,000."