M^r Crookes

Lacock May 27 / 58

D^r Sir

In reply to your letter of yesterday, I have the pleasure to inform you that I have discovered an improved method of photographic engraving, by means of which, common paper photographs can be transferred to the plates of steel copper or zinc and engraved thereon – the impressions are afterwards printed off by a copperplate printer in the usual way – I think it will be very useful, as it is easily managed and seldom fails – O f course, this new art has not yet arrived at any considerable Perfection, but the specimens promise well. Of course engravings, drawings &c. can be multiplied in the same way – As I am making a collection of specimens in different Styles, I shall be happy to copy any good photograph You may like to have tried – Views of architecture, buildings, ruins &c, answer best – If you send me any they sh^d not be larger At present than 7 inches by 5 unless the exterior parts are unimportant, in which case I can easily omit them. They may be smaller in any proportion, down to 2 inches square. They sh^d be positive photographs & possess the following qualities – Very clear definition – strongly printed on good uniform paper – w^ch sh^d be moderately transparent so that when held against <ill.del.> a strong light a very good transparency should be seen. Nothing has yet been decided on the use to be made of the new invention, but I shall be glad to avail myself of Your assistance in some way or other when the thing is a little further advanced.

I remain Yours truly

H. F. Talbot