142 
application of the different metals and their combinations 
for the purposes of the arts. I think this will prove an 
important enquiry, exceedingly useful in its application, 
and not without interest as an appendage to your more 
elaborate investigation on the strength of the metals. 
I made several attempts at an introductory paragraph 
for the forthcoming report ; but as it was with the experi- 
ments, so it was with the introduction. I was short of the 
correspondence, and had to abandon an almost hopeless case 
for want of material to go on with. If I can assist you on 
my return this day week, I shall have great pleasure in 
doing so, particularly as we shall have 8 or 10 days before 
the meeting. 
I have given up all hopes of being able to attend at 
Bristol. I trust you will go and be present at the meeting, 
and I hope your sister’s health will permit of your absence 
for that period of time. I am already a week behind time. 
I must apply myself to business immediately on my return, 
and abandon all thoughts of absence for some time to come. 
Anticipating the pleasure of seeing you in a few days, 
I am, my dear Sir, in haste, 
Ever faithfully yours, 
W. Fairbairn. 
To Eaton Hodgkinson, Esq., 
Windsor Bridge, 
Manchester. 
London, April 24th, 1838. 
Eaton Hodgkinson, Esq. 
My dear Sir, 
I was so pestered for time and had so much to do 
before leaving Manchester that I left some matters on 
which I intended to consult you untouched. I am glad you 
are making such good progress with the pillar experiments. 
Now that you are fairly embarked, I am desirous you 
should see them to a conclusion upon terms that ensure 
