Royal Observatory Greenwich
1851 May 3

Dear Sir

I have not seen the detailed account of the Sandwich Island Eclipse Observation. Could you give me reference to it? – My The account appears to be French, my French books come to me rather irregularly, and in consequence I frequently miss some things in them.

In regard to the observation of the coming eclipse, it is totally impossible for one person to make true systematic sets of observations: although he may make one set tolerably systematic, and may indulge in hasty looks at the others. Could you not contemplate this course for yourself? Organize a brigade of Talbotypists or Daguerréotypistes, and distribute to Christiania (North), Gottenborg [sic] (Central), Grimstadt, [Cirnbrishamn?], or Helsingborg, (South). The last named place is so near to the southern boundary as to be somewhat in danger of losing absolute totality.

As to the course to be pursued with a number of cameras, I should be disposed rather to open them in succession than at once. But so many practical considerations must enter into this determination that I entirely submit it to you.

But whether you intend to observe the eclipse or not, I wish much that you could be induced to give so much attention to the process as to make it practicable for some observers. I do not suppose that you can make it practicable for all observers, but probably you might for persons who have dabbled a little in photogenic operations.

The [first?] copy of the suggestions accompanies this.

I am, dear Sir, Faithfully yours
G B Airy

Henry Fox Talbot Esq^re
&c &c