78 Royal Astronomical Society, 



masters. Every observation is scrupulously discussed, and its results 

 drawn out in the most concise and serviceable form. His processes 

 are fully explained ; his formula; of reduction carefully chosen ; no 

 labour is evaded ; and no circumstance which can affect the accuracy 

 of the final result is passed unnoticed. Nor is the manner in which 

 his results are set forth and communicated inferior to the skill dis- 

 played in deducing them. His descriptions of instruments, methods, 

 and details of practice, are stamped by a simplicity, neatness, and 

 precision, which show at once the correctness of his taste and his 

 mastery over his subject. His introductions to the Edinburgh ob- 

 servations may be cited as admirable specimens of astronomical 

 writing. Nothing, indeed, is more remarkable in all his composi- 

 tions than good taste, and the entire absence of every trace of exag- 

 geration of his own merits or affectation of singularity. Discerning 

 clearly his object, he pursues it in a direct undeviating course ; never 

 stepping aside for the sake of display, yet skilfully availing himself 

 of every means of reaching it, which science had placed at his dis- 

 posal. To represent him as profoundly skilled in the higher de- 

 partments of physical astronomy would be to make a pretension, 

 from which the modesty of his nature would have recoiled ; but he 

 had a sufficiently accurate knowledge of the analytical processes by 

 which the phsenomena of the universe are deduced from, or connected 

 with, the theory of gravitation, to appreciate correctly their bearings 

 on the practical branches, to which he directed his attention. To 

 a very considerable knowledge of mathematics he added great powers 

 of calculation — powers which he never abused ; for though less liable 

 than most men to make mistakes, he, in no case, allowed himself to 

 dispense with the most scrupulous revision of his work. One of his 

 most distinguishing qualities was sound judgment. He never at- 

 tempted any thing to which his powers were not fully equal ; and, 

 as a consequence of this, whatever he did he did well. 



Few men have been more conversant with the modern history of 

 astronomy, especially that branch of it with which he was more im- 

 mediately connected. It may be said-, without any exaggeration, 

 that he knew, and could name the author of every invention or con- 

 trivance, whether mathematical or mechanical, bearing on his pro- 

 fessional duties. 



In his private character, and the relations of domestic life, Mr, 

 Henderson was distinguished by great warmth of affection and ami- 

 ability of disposition. Naturally modest and retiring he shrunk from 

 the most distant contact with obtrusiveness and ostentation ; but he 

 knew well enough his position, and was by no means deficient in 

 spirit to defend it. His disposition was cheerful and social ; and 

 when released from official duties he took great pleasure in the so- 

 ciety of his friends, to whom he was endeared by the worth of his 

 character, the unafi'ected simplicity of his manners, his kind-hearted 

 benevolence, and enthusiastic admiration of whatever is noble and 

 excellent. His reputation for astronomical knowledge, and his rea- 

 diness to assist in its promotion, involved him in an extensive cor- 

 respondence ; but, however occupied he might be, when reference 



