20 Mornington Road
N.W.
May 13. 1859.
Dear Sir
Allow me to beg the favour of your acceptance of a copy of the first volume of the "Photographic News" which I have forwarded to your address at Laycock. I have consulted with Mr Brooker about the copper plate of the Tuileries and he gives it as decidedly his opinion that the plate would print 6000 or in fact any number of good impressions provided the precaution were taken of resteeling after each 1000 proofs were pulled. In this way there would be no danger of a break down, and perhaps if the proofs from the new plates were found not to equal the old copper one you will not object to our trying with this one provided we engage to issue only first rate copies. I should really be much obliged if you would favour me with a few more plates in the stages of progress you name as I completely fail at laying the etching ground; otherwise I think I could manage very well. Do you think the method of laying this ground which was described in the "News" for May 6th (p. 103) would be a good plan. it <sic> reads well. I have not yet been able to procure any positives which I could feel satisfied with, and the little time I have lately had for such experiments must be my excuse for the delay. I will however set about them at once.
I have a very perfect (although small) positive of the moon. I will forward it to you today by rail, as perhaps you might like to try how it comes out, and I should be pleased to know also how it will do. The margin of the glass on which the "Moon" is requires rendering opaque.
Believe me very truly yours
William Crookes.
H. F. Talbot Esqre