long engaged in the science of which it treats, as well as your
knowledge of the sciences generally; as well as your regard for candor.
To you, therefore, I leave the decision whether or no I have
accomplished my purpose, and produced a work which may not only
be of practical benefit to the Daguerrean artist, but of general
interest to the reading public, and your decision will influence
me in offering it for, or withholding it from, publication.

If it meets your approbation, I would most respectfully ask permission
to dedicate it to you, subscribing myself,
With esteem,
Ever truly yours,
HENRY H. SNELLING


New York, February 1st, 1849.
Mr. H. H. SNELLING.

Dear Sir--Your note of January 27th, requesting permission
to dedicate to me your "History and Practice of Photography,"
I esteem a high compliment, particularly since I have read
the manuscript of your work.

Such a treatise has long been needed, and the manner in which you have handled
the subject will make the book as interesting to the reading public as it
is valuable to the Daguerrean artist, or the amateur dabbler in Photography.
I have read nearly all of the many works upon this art that have emanated
from the London and Paris presses, and I think the reader will find in yours
the pith of them all, with much practical and useful information that I
do not remember to have seen communicated elsewhere.