166 PROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY 



own resources. He did not, therefore, seek those inquu-ies which could 

 only be accomplished by long, intricate, and profound mathematical 

 compulations, but preferred those which were merely dependent upon 

 the thorough discipline of the senses. He consequently availed himself 

 less of the remarkable capacity of his instrument for delicate and re- 

 fined measurements, than of its exquisite optical qualities. But when 

 observations were required which must be passed over to the computer, 

 his skill was not wanting to the occasion. Thus, in conjunction with 

 Major Graham, he made that choice series of observations from which 

 the latitude of the Observatory was determined. His observations, and 

 those made under his administration, upon the nebulte of Orion and 

 Andromeda ; the interesting discoveries as to their revolution and pe- 

 culiar configuration ; the researches into the physical aspects of the 

 different planets, and especially those upon the Saturnian system ; and 

 the remarkable discoveries of the larger ring and of the fluid constitution 

 of the ring, and of the eighth satellite, — need only be named. They 

 are known to all ; they have passed into the text-books of astronomy, 

 and our children's children will be familiar with the name of Bond. 



" Permit me, Sir, to embody my high estimation of Mr. Bond in the 

 following Resolutions : — 



" Resolved, That, as Fellows of the American Academy of Arts and 

 Sciences, we are grateful for the long and valuable services of William 

 Cranch Bond, who has proved that an American mechanic can accom- 

 plish one of the highest positions in science, and whose astronomical 

 discoveries have illustrated his country and his Observatory, and stamped 

 his own name honorably and indelibly upon the records of history. 



" Resolved, That in the simplicity and sincerity of his Christian life, 

 which, purifying his spiritual atmosphere from all influences which 

 might disturb observation, imparted that serenity and tranquillity which 

 charmed his friends, and was manifest in the modesty, neatness, and 

 integrity of his various communications to the public, he was an exam- 

 ple which we grieve to have lost. 



" Resolved, That a copy of these Resolutions be communicated to his 

 family, with the expression of the profound sympathy of the Academy 

 in their great and sudden bereavement. 



" Resolved, That copies of these Resolutions be transmitted to the 

 different learned and scientific societies of which Professor Bond was 

 a member." 



J 



