Also called melainotype and ferrotype. Negative image produced on a thin iron plate, viewed as a positive due to a coating of black Japan varnish. Invented by Hamilton Smith, a chemistry professor at Kenyon College in Ohio, in 1854, and patented in 1856 by Peter Neff, one of Professor Smith's students. The greatest boon to the tintype business was created by the Civil War as thousands of young soldiers had their likeness taken before heading into battle.