Il8 CARNEGIE INSTITUTION 



one will naturally profit by the experience which has been gained in 

 the meantime. For example, the personal equation for magnitude 

 should not be simpty determined in an incidental way, but directly 

 eliminated. Further, the zero-stars should be observed not merely 

 at the beginning and end of the zones, but thej' should be regularly 

 distributed throughout the zones, in such a manner that they should 

 be observ^ed at average intervals of about ten minutes. 



For the next most important works I consider points 2 and 3 to 

 have the preference [point 2, determination of stellar parallax ; point 

 3, determination of the velocity of stars in the line of sight] . 



As to the question of choice of a suitable site, I am unfortunately 

 unable to make any definite recommendation. The precision, and 

 consequently the value, of astronomical observ^ations is dependent in 

 so large a measure upon the condition of the atmosphere, that, in the 

 choice of site, regard for the best possible conditions of atmosphere 

 must be the controlling factor, especially when an observing station 

 is to be established for a few years only. If the question turns on 

 the establishment of a permanent observatory, then, by all means, 

 proximity to some center of ci\dlization is also to be considered. 



Furthermore, I can but agree in the most complete conviction 

 with the proposition for a great astrophysical observatory especially 

 for solar investigation. The onlj^ scientifically correct and at the 

 same time practical way to attain the beginnings of knowledge as to 

 the nature of the fixed stars is, in the first place, through most exact 

 investigation of the star nearest to us, the sun, concerning whose 

 constitution so many obscure problems prevail. 



I hope that the Committee maj- be successful in making the 

 large resources of the Carnegie Institution useful for astronomical 

 investigation in the manner proposed. 



[^From Director H. Seeliger, of the Royal Observatory , Munich, Presi- 

 de7it of the Astro7tomische Gesellschaft .'\ 



[Translation.] 



Munich, August^, igoj. 

 The establishment of a new observatory in the southern hemi- 

 sphere, with a large provision for instruments, must be regarded as 

 a desideratum for astronomy. The opinions of astronomers will not 

 differ in this respect, and it would be quite unnecessary to prove this 

 in detail, especially since the Statement which you have been good 



