TALBOT4865

Sir

I noticed two years ago an address delivered by you before the Royal Society ¹ describing your invention, which you denominated the Calotype, almost day by day, since then have I been trying to effect the same as per your directions.

My first and second trials I succeeded in getting clear primrose papers, and very fair transfers, from an ingraving [sic]; since then I have never had a single instance of a delineation free from speckles; and marked with the brush, in the Gall. Nitrate application.

By the Camera it takes me 7 Minutes exposure and 1 minute for a transfer before my object can be brought out, and there each stroke with the Gallo-Nitrate Brush leaves its mark and defaces the picture. –

The A & B mixture in the proportion you give in your address I found with me when mixed spoild [sic] in the space of 2 Minutes or less precipitating a dark powder and the liquid in consequence becomes muddy and discolours the paper giving it a greenish shade.

My first success [as] encouraged me so far to persevere so far in trying to gain a knowledge of this beautifull [sic] art, but my utter ignorance of chimical [sic] changes, and the limited means I possess of gaining that requisite knowledge, as [sic] debar’d me of that success I have so much at heart.

Perceiving in the Mechanics Magazine you have made additional improvements and that you have been at the expence of Patients [sic]² which till lately I was not aware off [sic] I have made bold to ask what remuneration you would require for instruction, to be used solely for private amusement not for sale or in any manner for my own agrandisement [sic]. Waiting your kind reply I beg to subscribe myself

Yours Most Respectfully
M. Suggett^<3>

Manchester
Aug. 9^th 1843.

N.B. Please direct to me at

Mess^rs Gruner Schmidt & C^{o 3}
N^o 1 Loyd Street
Manchester

Henry Fox Talbot Esq^re
Locock [sic] Abbey
Wilts

paid