198 MEMOIR OF ENCKE. 



How higlily soever, tliercfore, I may appreciate the honor of the proposal made 

 to me, I am under the necessity of declining its acceptance." 



We learn from a note by Gauss that the ducal government had taken the 

 occasion of tliis call to increase the salary, and also to confer upon Enche the 

 title of professor. Two years later he was named vice-director, and in 1822 

 director of the observatory. 



In the last named year Walbeck died in Abo. Encke, though widely solic- 

 ited to propose for the vacant place, could not be induced to comply, though 

 here again the opportunity of greatly bettering his circumstances was presented 

 to him. The grounds of his refusal were freely communicated to Besscl, and 

 among them we find his recently contracted marriage : he was unwilling to 

 transport his young wife to so northern a latitude. 



Not the less did the discomforts and inconveniences of the residence at the 

 observatory continue to be sensibly felt. During storms it was impossible to 

 leave the building- or have access to the city. Even with moderate winds the 

 stroke of the pendulum clock could not be heard, and thus the observations 

 were rendered difficult. Particularly annoying to Encke was the loss of the 

 library, which belonged partly to Zach and partly to Lindenau, and which, in 

 1822, was withdrawn by both owners. At last, however, the prospect of a 

 favorable change offered itself. Tralles, till then secretary of the physico- 

 wathematical class of our Academy, had died in 1822. Gauss was nominated 

 as his successor, but at the close of 1824, after long negotiations, peremptorily 

 declined the offer. At the same time Bode took his discharge, and it thus 

 became practicable to unite with the above named place that of director of the 

 academical observatory. 



Bessel wrote to Encke, February 16, 1825, that this place had been offered 

 to him, but that he had unconditionally declined, because he could not leave his 

 own observatory. He had named Encke as the only one suited for it. The 

 academy had approved of the proposition, and committed to him the negotiation 

 respecting it. He goes on to say : " You will see what rare fruits will proceed 

 from our co-operation. I know your modest}^, and feared that you might not 

 deem yourself qualified. To any such olyection I oppose the firm conviction 

 that you, and you alone, are fully qualified for the position ; and I expect you 

 on this point to believe me rather than yourself, which, in view of your modesty, 

 cannot be so very difficult." 



Encke answered that he hoped indeed that he was competent to the continu- 

 ance of the journal (Jahrhucli) and the execution of astronomical calculations, 

 though he must absolutely decline if the demands went any further. Bessel, 

 who was just setting out on a journey to Berlin, wrote, March 20 : "I will 

 make inquir}' about ever^-thing, and when I learn that your wishes in regard to 

 the definite occupation can be complied with, and if a suitable provision be stipu- 

 lated, I shall, in your name, say yes. Do not be startled at this libert}^ which 

 I am taking. You can limit it by a letter which will reach me at Berlin." 



Such a letter accordingly came, but it contained no decided refusal, and hence 

 Bessel could write in reply : " You have not forbidden the agreeement, so I now 

 hold you fast ; you are now one of us." 



The election which ensued in the academy was confirmed by the higher 

 authorities, and Encke was named, June 21, member of the academy, secretary 

 of the class, and director of the observatory. The ducal mi)iistry, at the head 

 of which Lindenau then stood, soon after accorded him a discharge from his 

 previous situation, adding that '■'■ it dismissed so distinguished an official with 

 regret, and only not to be a hindrance to his prospects in life." 



Encke arrived at Berlin, October 11, 1825. He soon felt himself on a level 

 with the duties devolved on him, and found, complete satisfaction in their dis- 

 charge. He was not bound to make reports to the university, but he voluntarily 

 adopted the practice the following year. By the philosoplncal faculty of the 

 university the honorary diploma of doctor was conferred on him, September 11, 



