Second letter from Lionel Smith Beale, regarding printing costs of illustrations

Description

Considers William Sharpey's offer a 'hard bargain' as four plates alone will not be sufficient. Whether the Royal Society 'accepts the proposal or not the 8 plates must be published'. Printing and paper will be £8. If the Society declines, he will cover the costs of printing all plates himself, or 'publish the entire paper as a separate memoir' if the Council thinks the cost too great or the paper not suitable for the Philosophical Transactions. Engraving on copper or wood will not become less expensive, considers it best for the Council to note a sum for plates and 'leave the execution...to the author'. 'Suppose the Council voted me £30 or £40 for my plates, I should gladly add £20 or more and get them done in first rate style and perhaps have them coloured'. The present system keep us...far behind the Germans'. Considers the ability to colour plates may clear up uncertainties and add clarity to work. Considers plates published in 'foreign journals' to be of higher quality then those published by the Royal Society.

Reference number

RR/5/242

Earliest possible date

17 August 1863

Physical description

Letter on paper

Page extent

8 pages

Format

Manuscript