1893, when he removed to Yonkers, Westchester county, where he became associated with his friend, Leonard Jacobi (who is individually mentioned elsewhere), in the organization of the Nepera Chemical Company, whose history has been one of marked and merited success. At a later date Albert G. C. Hahn, M.S., became identified with the enterprise, and the three gentlemen mentioned constitute the official corps of the company, — Mr. Jacobi being president, Dr. Baekeland, secretary, and Mr. Hahn, treasurer. The fine manufactory of the company is largely devoted to the production of photographic papers, the manufacture and the final manipulation of which are based on original and improved methods, — the result of the critical investigation and practical experimenting on the part of the subject of this review, who devotes his time and attention to laboratory and scientific work having a bearing on the continuous improvement of the processes of manufacture and the bringing out of new and valuable products. Mr. Jacobi devotes his attention more particularly to the commercial department of the enterprise, promoting and expanding its interests in every possible direction, while Mr. Hahn superintends the general work of manufacturing. The company has not satisfied itself with the limited trade derived from this continent, but has established a large export business, there being hardly a civilized country in which the products of the factory are not to be found. The leading product is the celebrated " Velox " paper, whose superiority over all other photographic papers manufactured either in this country or abroad cannot be doubted. It is hardly in the province of this article to enter into details in regard to Velox paper, but it is certainly demanded that a brief mention of the same be made, since it represents the practical outcome of careful study and work on the part of Dr. Baekeland.
In a little brochure issued by the company the superior claims of "Velox " are presented in a very attractive way, and from the introductory paragraph we make the following extracts:
Ordinary processes of printing, toning and fixing are slow, dirty and uncertain. They require sunshine, patience, persistent attention; unpleasant, uncertain and expensive chemical processes,— in other words, time and outlay. A process which is quick, simple, certain and independent of sunlight, increases the profits of the professional and the pleasure of the amateur. Velox paper does not require sunlight, complex chemical processes or time. It prints by sunlight, daylight, gaslight, or any light as fast as frames can be filled. It requires no toning and no long and tedious chemical manipulation. It is clean, easy, simple and certain. Velox paper conquers technical difficulties due to imperfect methods, and thereby gives sole prominence to the artistic element,— that which makes photography an art instead of a handicraft.
In short, the mere fact that the paper is susceptible to the influence of slow light is sufficient to cause it to supplant all papers hitherto used,— the uncertainty of printing, owing to unfavorable light, having seriously handicapped all professional photographists who have had recourse to the ordinary types of photographic paper. But superadded to this point of great superiority justly claimed for Velox are others of almost equal importance to the artist. The simple method employed in bringing the prints into condition for final mounting is such that the entire processes of printing, toning and fixing may be accomplished in less time, and with no complicated chemical combinations, than any one of the three portions of the work would require with the ordinary aristo or albumen papers. Again, the full values of the delicate chiaroscuro of the negative are preserved with even greater fidelity than in the albumen paper, which has in this regard always surpassed the more modern aristo products, while the Velox insures practical permanency in every, print made thereon, — there is no fading or disintegration. More need not be said in regard to the result of the labors of Dr. Baekeland along this particular line.
We have already referred to the marriage of Dr. Baekeland to Miss Swarts, and in conclusion we may note that to them three children have been born: The first child was born in Belgium after the return of the Doctor to that country after his first visit to the United States, the death of the first-born occurring in Yonkers, after his removal here. In this city were born his son, George Washington Baekeland, and his little daughter, Nina, both of whom lend brightness and cheer to the attractive home, which is a center of refined hospitality.
FURMAN, JOHN M., A. M.
John M. Furman, A. M. , principal of the Irving Institute, in Tarrytown, New York, is recognized as an educator of high standing. During the eight years of his connection with the well-known institution just mentioned he has abundantly proven his genius and special aptitude in the noble field of endeavor which he has chosen to be his life work. Year by year he has found it necessary to increase the facilities of the institute, the patronage of which is perceptibly gaining, and one of his aims being to provide the pupils entrusted to his care with every educational appliance and advantage possible and practicable.
Forty-five years ago the Irving Institute was founded, and each year since then it has sent representatives to the leading colleges and educational institutions of this country. The various buildings of the schools, erected expressly for the purposes of the institute, are well lighted and heated with modern methods and all the conveniences of this enlightened age add to the comfort and well-being of the pupils. The buildings are situated in the outskirts of Tarrytown, on high ground, and the beauty of the surrounding country and the healthfulness of the location are among the favorable features. A gymnasium, erected in 1898, is equipped for thorough physical exercise and development, and is under the direction of a competent instructor.
The fortunate students of Irving Institute are considered as members of the principal's household, and particular pains is taken that only boys and youths of good family and moral training be admitted here. Excellent discipline, sufficiently lenient, yet firm and judicious, is maintained, and incorrigible pupils are not permitted to remain in the school. In every respect the institute sustains its well-earned reputation of being a model school for boys, as thousands of testimonials from leading families of this and other states have voluntarily testified. The able corps of instructors in the various branches of learning are headed by the genial and popular gentleman whose name stands at the beginning of this review. With an elective system of studies to cover the admission requirements of all colleges, all of the benefits of individual and class training are to be found here. Recently a new building, containing a library and sixteen additional students' rooms, has been added. The main building is large and cheerful, and the grounds afford splendid opportunities for all kinds of out-door sports.
John M. Furman was born in Schenectady, New York, September 30, 1866. He received his preparatory education at his native place, and in 1889 graduated from Union College. In 1892 the degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon him by his alma mater. His high standing and scholarship led to his being tendered the position of principal of the public schools of Cambridge, New York, which position he held for two years. In 1891 he became principal of Irving Institute. Here he has ample scope for his financial ability as well as his skill as a teacher and manager, and in each of these departments of power he has met the requirements and added fresh laurels to his name. Parents and pupils alike attest his worth and popularity, and few indeed possess in greater degree the knowledge of the successful management of growing boys. The influences of a refined Christian home surround the pupils, and every effort is made to inculcate in them upright principles and high standards of action, which will be their mainsprings of conduct throughout years to come.
WASHBURN BROTHERS.
These well-known contractors and builders of Peekskill, New York, have been successfully engaged in business for the past eighteen years, and on all sides are seen many notable examples of their skill. The firm is composed of Harvey M. and Silas W. Washburn, and during the busy season they often employ as many as thirty men. Thoroughly reliable in all things, the quality of their work is a convincing test of their personal worth, and in business circles they occupy an enviable position.
These brothers are sons of Henry S. and Margaret (Green) Washburn, in whose family were five children, all still living, namely: Harvey M.
