[July 1852. The original letter transcribed below is undated. However, it was published in The Times, no. 21193, 13 August 1852; repeated in the Imperial Journal of Art, Science, Mechanics and Engineering, 1852, pp. 720-721; and published retrospectively in The Photographic Journal, 15 December 1862, p. 193. Talbot's response, Doc. No: 06668, was published with this in The TImes.]
Dear Sir,
In addressing to you this letter, we believe that we speak the sentiments of many persons eminent for their love of science and art.
The art of Photography upon paper, of which you are the Inventor, has arrived at such a degree of perfection, that it must soon become of national importance; and we are anxious, that as the art itself originated in England, it should also receive its further perfection and developement [sic] in this Country.
At present, however, although England continues to take the lead in some branches of the Art, yet in others the French are unquestionably making more rapid progress than we are.–
It is very desirable that we should not be left behind by the Nations of the Continent, in the improvements and development of a purely British invention – And as you are the possessor of a patent right in this invention, which will continue for some years, and which may perhaps be renewed, we beg to call your attention to the subject, and to enquire whether it may not be possible for you, by making some alteration in the exercise of your patent rights, to obviate most of the difficulties which now appear to hinder the progress of the Art in England.–
Many of the finest applications of the invention will probably require the co-operation of men of science and skilful artists.
But it is evident the more freely they can use the resources of the art, the more it is that their efforts will be attended with eminent success.
As we feel no doubt that some judicious alteration would give great satisfaction, and be the means of rapidly improving this beautiful Art, we beg to make this friendly communication to you in the full confidence that you will receive it in the same spirit, the improvement of Art and Science being our common object.
Rosse
C. L. Eastlake
to H. Fox Talbot, Esqr, F.R.S. &c