Pyro-Metol Negative Developer

[GoodOldNorm]

Just bought a wonderful book called Stereo Photography by K.C.M Symons 1957. Here is a formula that is in the book. Looks like the inspiration for Pyrocat hd or Prescysol.
It states that it is a non-staining developer, I have not tried it yet as I have plenty of developer I need to use before I mix this one. Keeping the ingredients seperate will give it a long shelf-life.

Pyro-Metol Developer

A. Metol 7.5g
Sodium bisulphite or Potassium metabisulphite 7.5g
Pyro 30g
Potassium bromide 4.2g
Water to make 1 ltr

B. Sodium sulphite (anhy) 150g
Water to 1 ltr

C. Sodium carbonate (anhy) 75g
Water to 1ltr

To use take 1 part each of A, B and C to 13 parts water
10 mins. @ 18c

Have fun, please post your findings if you try it.

[Lostlabours]

Ilford had a Pyro Metol dveloper ID-4 which is a pre-WWII formula, and there's a Phenidone Pyro version of this in a Patent.

The formula above is quite different as it's not a staining developer due to the larger quantity of Sulphite.

Most companies published Metol Pyro formulae and I have some from the 1890's :D

Ian