Observations of Nebulæ at Arcetri ¹

Abstract

M. TEMPEL observes under difficulties. The Arcetri Observatory possesses, it is true, two fine refractors by Amici, one of 11, the other of 9$\frac{1}{3}$ inches aperture; but neither is, properly speaking, available for astronomical use. The smaller is rudely set up on an open and uneven terrace, exposed to every gust of wind, and, at the most, serves to display the wonders of the heavens to curious visitors. Amici I. is duly ensconced in a revolving dome, but clockwork motion is wanting; the circles, both of declination and right ascension, are (strange as it may seem) undivided; and when the necessarily somewhat unwieldy instrument is, with infinite pains and without so much as the aid of a handle, pointed towards the object sought, there is actually no means of clamping it in the position so laboriously arrived at! That M. Tempel, under circumstances so discouraging to him and disgraceful to the responsible authorities, should have executed a number of valuable drawings of nebulæ, should have re-observed many such objects neglected, or even believed to have disappeared, since the elder Herschel's time, besides discovering a good proportion of new ones, gives astonishing proof of his keenness, zeal, and accuracy. All the more, nevertheless, there is reason to regret that qualities so rare should be employed at such cruel disadvantage for want of the judicious expenditure of a couple of thousand francs.