Sir: In regard to the use of bromide bases with collodion, I am prepared to show that I had it in successful use in the month of April, 1853; and if the circumstances require legal proof of the same, it will be furnished, though at some expense of time and money to me; and as the question is only between the public and myself, I trust the office will see fit to grant me a patent for the same. James A. Cutting. Hon. Chas. Mason, Commissioner of Patents. * * * * * United States Patent Office, April 19, 1854. Sir: In your letter of the 17th, you say that, if necessary, proof can be given that you had in successful use, in the month of April, 1853, collodion prepared with a bromide oasis. On referring to the "Journal of the Photographic Society," of London, No. 6 (June, 1853), page 70, you will see that Sir John Herschel used bromide for the same purpose previous to the year 1840. Ammonia, in various combinations, has long been in use for the preparation of sensitive collodions. [_See_ Report of the British Association, 1850, p. 150, "Journal of the Photographic Society" No. 9, 1853, p. 116.] F. M. Lyndes' process and compositions show that he has used iodine, bromide, and chloride of ammonium; and Count de Montegon, in the same journal, No. 2, April, 1853; page 24, for his fifth composition of collodion, used liquid ammonia. These are all regarded as equivalents for your compositions covered by the fourth claim; if, however, there is a difference, you are at liberty to show in what it consists; and the examination is accordingly postponed to await your action. Yours, &c., C. Mason, Commissioner. J. A. Cutting (care of C. G. Page), Washington, D. C. * * * * * Washington, June 21, 1854. Sir: In reply to your communications of the 19th instant, and April 17th, 1854, I propose to modify my claims as follows, to wit: After the first clause of the claim, nineteenth line, ending with the words "set forth," add as follows: "I do not claim the use of alcohol as a _desiccating agent_, but limit my claim to its special use and purpose, as herein stated." Erase the fourth clause of the claim, commencing on the twenty-sixth line, and ending with the words "set forth" on the thirtieth line.