Lacock Abbey, Chippenham
14 Sept. 1841
Sir,
When I was at Falmouth lately, Mr Hunt <1> put your letter into my hands. Your failure may perhaps arise from some of the following causes: not using enough of acetic acid, which should have a pungent odour: using a sponge instead of a brush: using impure iodide of potassium. Mr Hunt assures me that this substance is often sold so far from genuine as to contain ⅔ of its weight of carbonate of potash. Many gentlemen have difficulties, but I have not found it possible to ascertain the cause by letter. All these difficulties disappear by a little practice.
Mr Hunt informed me that he succeeded upon the first trial, from my printed description only. I have the pleasure to enclose a few specimens as requested & am sir
Your most obedt servt
W.H.F. Talbot
J.W. Gutch Esq
Somerset Place
Stoke
Devonport
36 Portland Place <2>
London
Notes:
1. Robert Hunt (1807–1887), scientist & photographic historian.
2. Readdressed in another hand.