Dear Mr Talbot,
I thank you very much for the Photoglyphic Engravings you have been so kind as to send me. It is a great step in Art, and I have no doubt that you will be able to apply it to Book illustration.
At the Installation of Lord Brougham <1> as Chancellor of our University we intend to create a few Doctors of Laws, selected from the most eminent men of Science. I was deputed to enquire if you could come to Edinr on that day to receive the Degree. <2> We have requested Sir B. Brodie, <3> Murchison <4> and Whewell <5> to do us this honour.
I have unfortunately missed Mrs Clark <6> when I called upon her. I called again today with the view of letting her know that you might possibly be in Edinr on the 18th May, but she was not at home. I shall, however, write to her this Evening.
At the public Graduation of Students today for the Degree of A.M <7>. Principal Forbes <8> delivered an excellent Address. He is in tolerable health, tho' an Invalid, as I fear he must always be.
I am, Ever Most Truly yrs
D Brewster
View Bank Trinity
Edinr
April 25th 1860
[envelope, annotated by WHFT "Sir D Brewster":]
Henry Fox Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Wilts
Notes:
1. Henry Peter Brougham, Baron of Brougham & Voux (1778-1868), Lord Chancellor.
2. Talbot declined on this occasion, but was eventually persuaded to accept the degree in 1863. See Doc. No: 08676.
3. Sir Benjamin Collins Brodie the younger (1817-1880), chemist.
4. Sir Roderick Impey Murchison, 1st Baronet Murchison (1792-1871), geologist.
5. Rev William Whewell (1794-1866), Master of Trinity College, Cambridge, Professor and natural philosopher.
6. Matilda Caroline Gilchrist-Clark, 'Tilly', née Talbot (1839-1927), WHFT's 3rd daughter, who was in Edinburgh in April 1860 - see Doc. No: 08084.
7. Artium Magister, i.e. Master of Arts.
8. Prof James David Forbes (1809-1868), Scottish scientist, who had become Principal of the University of St Andrews in succession to Brewster. He appears to have suffered from tuberculosis.