Working in the office of the newspaper, rather than his own studio, the daguerreotypist has brought all the occupations of the newspaper office together. The editor is posed with his quill, while the publisher, or perhaps an assistant editor looks on. The staff stands behind them with the objects that identify their trade—the compositor with his tray of type, the printer with his chase. A composing stick, reversed in the image, can be seen at the extreme right, possibly under the copyboy's arm.
 

—Merry A. Foresta, Secrets of the Dark Chamber