Arthur W McCurdy and his innovative daylight tank for film development
Toronto. Bob Lansdale, our late editor, was a staunch supporter of Canadian technology and innovation. An article in issue 29-3 stated, “… detailed in Photographic Canadiana Vol. 29-3 that the daylight developing machine was patented April 17, 1900 by Arthur McCurdy of Baddeck, Nova Scotia.”
To Bob’s shock and consternation, “The 2009/1 issue of Photographica World arrived with an elaborate article on “Metal developing tanks – a collector’s view.” Author Geoff Preece has spent some 20 years assembling a collection of such tanks to the point he has lost count of how many he possesses (an enviable 50… or is it 60 or 70?).
Preece attributed the first tank to be in 1902 in the UK. The issue was resolved when it was discovered the first tank to the market was in 1902 – two years after McCurdy’s 1900 patent. You can read the full story in issue 35-1 of the journal. More recent members received a DVD that included 35-1. Not a member? It’s easy – follow the steps to the right, or view the MEMBERSHIP menu item above.
