From The Rev. Jevon J. Muschamp Perry, M.A., F.R.A.S.
St. Paul’s Vicarage, Alnwick,
August 8th, 1880.
My Dear Sir,—You have indeed surpassed yourself, and your performance is better than your promise. The mirror arrived safely yesterday, and when I unpacked it I was exceedingly pleased with its surface and general appearance, but of course that was a small matter. I waited till night to test it on a close double.
I first tried it on ε Boötis, and although the night was very bad the definition it gave of the two stars with 450 and full aperture was admirable, considering the night. After waiting a long time for clouds to clear away, I turned the tube on that exceedingly difficult test, δ Cygni. I consider this star to be one of the severest tests for any telescope, reflector, or refractor of any aperture in the whole heavens. The performance of the mirror upon it, with the full aperture, was simply MAGNIFICENT, the small close companion standing out clearly, well separated from its bright primary, although the night was not good. I hardly thought it possible that the fine 18 inch mirror could be excelled. I am bound to confess that you have excelled it.
To say that I am extremely grateful to you is a very poor expression of my feelings. I am pleased and delighted beyond measure with the super-excellent 18-1/4 in. mirror you have sent me. Clouds put an end to my work last night, but I have no doubt that in the future every night’s observations will only accumulate proofs of the exquisite perfection of your handiwork.
Very faithfully yours,
(Signed.)
Mr. G. Calver.