['Yale Law School', 'Yale Medical School'] before 1882

This photographic print of Yale Law and Medical Schools is from a book, "Yale and the City of Elms". The images were captured by James Notman, a prominent photographer in the 19th century known for his meticulous approach to capturing architectural details and civic scenes. Notman's images, carefully printed on the pages, present a specific view of institutional power and prestige. Each photograph stands as a testament to skilled labor, from the making of photographic chemicals and the operation of large-format cameras, to the labor that went into the construction of these buildings. Photography in Notman’s time wasn't just about pointing and shooting. It required a deep understanding of chemistry, optics, and printing techniques, skills honed through apprenticeship and years of practice. The very act of documenting these institutions, and embedding them in a mass-produced book, speaks to the growing power of photography as a tool of record, a tool for shaping public perception, and of mass communication.