TALBOT7718

20 Mornington Road
N.W.
Oct 29. 1858.

Dear Sir

Relying on your kind offer of a small plate I have definitely promised a proof with the “news” of this day fortnight (No 10) ¹ It was considered that No 9 would be too soon, and also if left for a fortnight there might be a chance of getting the larger plate finished in time which of course would be better. Can I call anywhere (if the steel plates are prepared in London) and see how the delay occurs. I might hasten the plates a little

Sir J. Herschel’s address is ²
Collingwood
near Hawkhurst
Kent.

I am very pleased to have specimens of your first process of engraving, ³ I think they were very successful at the time, although the new discovery puts them quite in the shade. It would be very interesting to give a print from one of the old plates at the same time with one of the new ones in order to show the great improvement which has taken place. You mention that you will have the plate of the Bridge of Prague altered. I presume you mean the name &^c engraved on it, would it not be advisable to have also a statement to the effect that it was presented with No 10 of the P.N. as an illustration of the process described at page –. It was the intention of Petter & Galpin ⁴ to have such a thing done (with your permission) when the plate came.

Believe me very truly yours
William Crookes

H. F. Talbot Esq^re