304 Gallowgate Street
Glasgow. 2d Feby 1852
H. Fox Talbot Esqre
London
Sir
Having for nearly two years suffered much from Lowness of Spirits and nervous diseases of the Heart. I have endeavoured to mitigate my Complaint by employing my leisure moments in studying Photography under the daily improvements it presents itself –
I was much pleased & gratified in reading your communication to the Athenaeum in December last as to an improved method of taking Pictures & Portraits on Glass
Should my Health improve a little, I propose getting the necessary apparatus & experimenting on this art during the summer. but before doing so, there are some explanations as to this last mode which I would feel obliged by your furnishing me.
I shall state them in the order you give the details – 1, 2 3 &c
2º you say “To an aqueous Solution of Nitrate of silver add a considerable quantity of Alchohol [sic] &c what are the relative proportions of the one ounce mentioned. are the water & alchohol equal or how
5. “To an aqueous solution of proto Iodide of Iron” what are the proportions of this solution
6 “Into the Iodide thus prepared & modified the plate is dipped” in what way is the plate dipped is it Horizontal or perpendicular is both sides coverd [sic] with the Solution if not how is this avoided
7th “A solution is made of Nitrate of Silver containing about 70 grains to 1 oz of water to three parts of this add two of accetic [sic] acid” will it not do to add three parts of accetic aid to the oz of water & nitrate
8th “The Plate is withdrawn from the Camera in order to bring out the Image it is dipped in a solution &c”
what is the time generally required for a plate thus prepared to remain in the Camera. & is the plate dipped vertically or Horizontally if so how is the side on which there is no image protected. would a narrow Bar say ½ wide [sic] & the length & Depth of plate not be best for this part of the work
9 “Having washed the Plate with water it is now placed in a solution of Hyposulphate of soda &c”
9 [sic] is the plate washed by dipping in a bason [sic] of distilled water or pouring it over it or how. what is the strength of the fixing solution of Hyposulphate of soda –
I have taken to [sic] much liberty & put you to too much trouble in even reading this long string of questions. but your uniform readiness in giving the Public your discoverys [sic] & improvements, lead me to hope, you will favourably consider & also be Kind enough to answer my perhaps unnecessary questions
Wishing you every success ( in your) in your many Laborious and interesting & useful enquiries –
I Remain with Respect yours Truly Hugh Henderson
NB unable to find your address I have taken the liberty of [illegible] HH