TALBOT6487

Dear M^r Talbot,

I regret much that I was unable to see Colonel Reed before I left London on Saturday last. – I went to Woolwich on Friday and had no doubt I should find him. I was surprised, however, to learn that he was resident in London, and being obliged to leave London early on Saturday, I could not possibly obtain an interview with him.

Mr Henneman ¹ had informed me of the strange conduct of the French ² in calling the Talbotype, Daguerreotype sur Papier. I am quite sure that the Royal Commissioners ³ will not take any step in the matter, nor do I think it w^d be desirable that they should. I think however, that Sir John Herschel ⁴ and myself as individual members of Class X ⁵ before which all Photographs come for examination might properly, & without being considered officious, take up the subject and communicate our opinion in a Note wh^h could be sent to the Academy of Sciences ⁶ & widely circulated. If Sir John should decline I have no objections to act with any other person in the matter. If you adopt this view of the matter you should draw up a Note such as you would desire to be circulated.

You do not stand alone under this form of persecution. Almost every person who has invented or discovered, has been similarly annoyed.

I am Ever Most Truly yrs
D Brewster

Leamington ⁷Beauchamp Terrace
Oct^r 23^d 1851

P.S. I shall be at S^t Andrews in a Week