Notes

Abstract

THE U.S. Government have just shown in a handsome manner their appreciation of the services rendered by Dr. Henry Draper in connection with the U. S. observation of the recent Transit of Venus, by presenting him with a gold medal made at the U.S. Mint at Philadelphia. On the obverse is the motto, from Virgil, “Famam extendere iactis hoc virtutis opus est,” and in the centre a figure of the heliostat which was used by Dr. Draper in training the photographers. On the reverse is the inscription, “Veneris in sole spectandae curatores, R, P. F. S. Henrico Draper, M.D., Dec. viii. MDCCCLXXIV.” The phrase around the edge of the reverse, “Decori decus addit avito,” conveys a tribute of praise to the literary and scientific attainments of Dr. Draper, sen. The Transit Commission have also sent Dr. Draper a handsomely bound set of resolutions illuminated in mediseval style, with a telescope, camera, &c. We are sure all scientific men will join in congratulating Dr. Draper on his well-deserved honour, and at the same time the U.S. Government on their enlightenment in thus acknowledging the glory which the triumphs of pure science have shed upon a nation; they have set a striking example to our own and other European Governments.