[PT 1814 p. ,
reprinted in Scientific Papers, Vol. 2 p. 537]
[WH 1814]
Jan. 13, 1806. Large 10 feet. "The 79th of the Connoiss.
[M 79 = NGC 1904] is a cluster of stars of a globular construction, and
certainly extremely rich. Towards the centre the stars are extremely
compressed, and even a good way from it. With 171 the diameter is a little
less than 1/3 of the field, and with 220 a little more; the field of one
being 9'0", and of the other 8'0", a mean of both gives the diameter of the
cluster 2'50", but I suppose that the lowness of the situation prevents my
seeing the tiny scattered stars, so that this cluster is probably larger than
it appears." (*)
(*) The large 10 feet telescope is in a considerable degree subject to the
obstructions arising from change of temperature, and tarnish; but as it can
be directed to any part of the heavensin a few minutes, and is easily
prepared for observation, it becomes a very useful instrument when the
clearness of the atmosphere is interrupted by flying clouds; ot when the
place of an object is not visible in the finder, or night glass, is to be
ascertained.
[PT 1818 p. ,
reprinted in Scientific Papers, Vol. 2, p. 601]
The 79th of the Connoissance. [M 79 = NGC 1904]
"1783, 7 feet telescope. With 57 nebulous, with 86 strong suspicion of its
being stars."
"1799, 10 feet telescope. 300 shows the stars of it with difficulty."
"1784, 20 feet telescope. A beautiful cluster of stars, nearly 3 minutes in
diameter."
"1806, large 10 feet telescope. A globulat cluster, the stars of which are
extremely compressed in the middle; with 171 and 220 the diameter is 2 '50",
but the lowness of the situation probably prevents my seeing the whole of
its extent."
By the observation of the 10 feet telescope the profundity of this cluster
is of the 344th order.