Pictures that Paint Themselves

Friedrich Ferdinand Rptnge (1791 1867) writes as follows in his book /wr Farhen-( hemi.e, Musterbilder jur Freunde des Schonen und zum Gebranch fdr Zeichnen Maler, Verzierer und Zcugdrncker  

In this way eveiy little picture is associated with a history of its origins, experienced according to chemical law, and one could write about each a small treatise, discussing therein the peculiar chemical behavior of each substance and achieving much clearer distinctions than is possible with the usual mixing and disseciing methods in chemical lectures. Chemical facts already discussed, and those yet to be discussed, which so quickly disappear in a so-called chemical experiment, lie spellbound here before us, the equivalent of a true-to-life map of some specific reg ion of chemistry. 

dedicated his book to His Majesty Friedrich Vilhelm IV, who wrote the following letter of thanks  

Title page of tlic book by Priedrirh Ferdinand Range, Zur Farben-Chemie, Musterbilder fur Frennde dcs Schonen und zum Uehraucb jiir Zeichner, Muter, Verzicrer and ZtMgdrHcker.  

A further 4 dropping flasks are filled with blue, red, yellow and green food colorings. 

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