Chapter V: Introduction (3)

A preparation sympathetic to the sun's rays having been rubbed over the part they are intended to illumine, the rays are concentrated there by means of an attracting and concentrating instrument. Another solution is then thrown rapidly on the part illumined in order to fix the rays permanently. A brush was used at first; but, in spite of all care, this left its deep shadow, which greatly marred the effect. Even now much care is necessary, and the solution must be thrown from the side with considerable address, so that the sun's rays may not be intercepted. This solution serves also to fix the rest of the colours. The picture is painted on a fine material like linen, of great durability.

This art of using the sun's rays was much used on the paintings in my summer palace. The brilliant sunlight of the outer world thrown on the principal figures produced a greater effect in the subdued light of the internal city.

XVIII.

THE PICTURES.

"Let pictures speak to the eye, to the ear, to the taste, to the
heart, to the head, to the concentrated light of the soul, to the
imagination as well as to the understanding. If they do not rouse
good aspirations, cast them into the fathomless ravine, there to
perish, a fitting food for the poisonous fungi that cover its
sides."

Among the pictures to which I refer is a series representing the following subjects:--

I. FOUNDING OF THE SCHOOLS.
II. THE OPENING OF THE AMUSEMENT GALLERY.
III. MAN.
IV. WOMAN.
V. MARRIED LIFE.
VI. FLOCKS AND HEEDS.
VII. THE ALLMANYUKA.
VIII. THE STAR INSTRUMENT.
IX. NAVIGATION BEFORE AND SINCE MY REIGN.
X. CONSUMPTION OF THE VITALITY.
XI. MADNESS.
XII. THE EXPOSITION OF THE NEW DOCTRINES.
XIII. THE REBELS.
XIV. THE MOUNTAIN SUPPORTER.
XV. INVENTION OF THE LEAF INSTRUMENT.
XVI. SUN-POWER AND ITS APPLICATION TO MANUFACTURES,
AND FOR HEALTH PURPOSES.
XVII. OPENING OF THE ELECTRIC THEATRE.
XVIII. INVENTION OF THE INFANTS' EXERCISING
MACHINES.
XIX. THE INSTALLATION OF THE CHARACTER-DIVERS
AND PRECEPTORS, IN PRESENCE OF THE
TWELVE KINGS.
XX. THE VALLEY OF THE ROCKS.
XXI. THE CONSUMMATION.