Daguerreotype

I learnt a new word today. ^_^

Daguerreotype was the first successful (according to Wikipedia, anyway) photographic process. The detailed captured is just incredible as can be seen in these digital restorations of plates taken around the Cinninnati area in the mid 1800s.

The development process was nasty, though. You passed the exposed plates over heated mercury! What risks won't people take to get the perfect shot...