TALBOT6958

Harley S^{t 1}
May 16/54

My dear Sir

I am quite ready to sign an affidavit to the effect that I believe you to have been the inventor of the Kalotype process ² as described by you – ie. the subsequent excitement by Gallic acid – and of a great many other excellent things – but as regards the Collodium ³ – until I know more precisely what part in that process you do claim as inventor I must reserve my conclusion

Au reste ⁴ I have not followed much of late years the developments of the several improvements – many of them very effective ones having been altogether distracted from scientific or any similar pursuits by the duties of my office ⁵ which for the last 2 years have been all-absorbing.

I remain Dear sir Yours Tr^y
JFW Herschel