_The Collodion Process._--Absence from London has prevented my seeing your
Numbers regularly; but in one for December I see MR. ARCHER has used my
name in connexion with the collodion process. He states that he called
several times, and made me familiar with the process; by which he would
lead persons to suppose that he taught me in fact to take pictures. Now I
beg most distinctly to state that this is incorrect. MR. ARCHER made, it is
true, several attempts in my glass room to take a picture, but totally
failed. And why? Because he attempted to follow out the process as he
himself had published it. From that time I worked it out by myself,
assisted by hints from Mr. Fry, who at the time I allude to was a
successful manipulator, and had produced and exhibited many beautiful
pictures, and at whose suggestion I commenced it in the first instance.
There is also another portion of MR. ARCHER'S letter incorrect; but as this
relates to the sale of collodion, I will let it pass, trusting, as you have
given insertion to his, you will not refuse space for mine.