the book introduces readers to the context in which photography emerged, highlighting the scientific and experimental foundations laid down by early alchemists and chemists. Werge emphasizes that no previous history of photography has engaged with the subject in a reminiscence format and indicates his intention to chronologically organize the discoveries and advancements in this field. He touches on key figures and processes, illustrating the slow journey to permanent image capture through light's interaction with chemical compounds, leading to the groundbreaking works of pioneers like Thomas Wedgwood and Joseph Nicéphore Niépce, before eventually moving towards the art's commercialization. Overall, it sets the stage for a detailed exploration of photography's rich and complex history. (This is an automatically generated summary.)