Hello,

This message was originally for Tony Trattles with regard to his research on John Trattles, but it seems that there might be other people on this board who would be interested in the topic as well.

I am a history professor at the University of Washington, researching a new project on color blindness in British workers. I have become fascinated by the case of John Trattles and his difficulties with the Board of Trade. From my point of view, the episode is a particularly interesting episode of government and medical or scientific authority versus an individual mariner.

Thus far, my research has been limited to "official" sources - mostly Parliamentary debates or reports in _The Times_. But I am certain that these sources do not reveal the whole story, and I am hoping that someone here might know of a way to fill in Trattles' own interpretations. At the least, I would be delighted to interview anyone who has family recollections about this case.

I have tried to reach Mr. Tony Trattles at tratts36@hotmail.com but the email keeps bouncing back to me. Is there a new address, or other people on this list interested in this topic?

I would be happy to share more details of my research. Thanks to all of you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes,
Jordanna Bailkin
History Department
University of Washington

bailkin@u.washington.edu