5 Charing Cross

3^rd Nov^r 1840

Sir

Having been confined to my bed for more than a fortnight I could not try y^r galvanometer before this and I did not like to send it off without assertain^g its correctness –

Although the needle be very heavy still in consequence of the agate cap and fine point it is very sensible but sho^d you consider it too finely suspended the point may be a little blunted – The point of suspension is easily elevated or depressed by the milled head screw attached to the pin and situated under the boards

The levelling screws are rather coarse adjustments but as you did not require a refined instrument I consider^d they would suffice

I am truly sorry this galvanometer has been so long in hand but what with waiting to have M^r Faraday’s ^<1> notions respecting the copper ring and my own ill health it has been unavoidable

I remain <illegible deletion> Sir
Your obedient Servant

Francis Watkins

To H. F. Talbot Esq –

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Notes:

1. Prof Michael Faraday (1791–1867), scientist.