NIÈPCE Joseph Nicèp-
hore 1765-1833

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He invented together with his brother the "pyreolohore", an engine, wich they patented in 1807 and vain tried to market. In 1813 Nièpce became interested in lithography. He tried to take a picture with hiscamera obscura by sensitizing a sheet of paper with silver chloride solution and then place it on the plate in order to expose it. Therefore he received a negativ picture with reverted image. Therefore he tried new things.In 1822 he made a contact copy of a coppar plate (which first was made transparent with varnish) on a platewith light sensitive layer of Syrian asphalt. After exposing the parts of layer which had not seen any light of day and hardened it could be dissolved. With etching only those parts were attached and- after the removal of all asphalt the plate could be colored and pressed. The method is now knowns as Helio engraving.

Nièpce also become a pioneer for the photo mechanic reprduction technology. If the asphalt picture on the metal is exposed to an etching liquid, then the asphalt protects those underlying parts against attack while on the other hand the blank metal parts are being etched. Through this we get depressions in the plate wich can later be filled with color and plate can then be printed like a usual copper plate. The printing method is the same today.

By helping their mutual supplier, Charles Chevalier, an optician in Paris, Nièpce and Daguerre came in contact with each other through letters. Nièpce was on the alert while Daguerre was curious. They met in 1827 when Nièpce passed thrugh Paris on his way to London. During his visit in England Nièpce tried to present his invention to the English scientific academy wich, however, refused to have anything to do with him.

Nièpce was depressed upon his return to France. His brother died insane and the fortune had gone down considerably due to the cost of the research project. Because of this he accepted a temporary contract with Daguerre in 1829. Nièpce contributed with his invention, Daguerre with his improvments of the camera, with his talent and skill. Niepce died in 1833 and his son,, Isidore, who represented the interests of the family, signed the definite contract on the 13th of July 1837. At that time the invention was called Daguerreotypie. Niépe´s name was not mentioned when Arago on the 19th of August 1839 officially annonced the invention which had been bought by the French government for 6,000 franc yearly payment to Daguerre and 4,000 franc ti Isidore Niépce.