380 DORPAT AND POULKOVA. 



tific ability, and to insure pennancnt stability — from all of wllicli there will follow 

 the most energetic and best directed activity. These precautions, taken to seciu-e 

 the Itcst use of the money approjiriated to scientific research, strike one -with the 

 more admiration as existing- under a govenimcnt so autocratic as the Ilussian. 

 They are due not only to the wisdom of the Emperor x\lexander II, and espe- 

 cially to his brother the Grand Duke Constantiue, but also to the diversity of 

 the many interests that had clustered about an astronomical obsei'vatory, and to 

 the sagacity of Struve and his illustrious successor. 



But if we return to the external scientific relations between Poulkova and 

 the other observatories of Russia, we are still more deeply convinced of Struve's 

 consummate ability, in that he was able to dispel the fears which might have 

 led njany to suspect that he aimed at a legalized asti'onomical autocracy. Per- 

 haps the name. Central, was unfortunately chosen ; certainly it might please 

 a military monarch better than the quiet student. But the experiences of others 

 stood the astronomer in good stead, and, notwithstanding the well-meant sug- 

 gestions of political friends, he endeavored to realize that which would, in its 

 moral beauty, eclipse the material splendor of Poulkova. " This observatory 

 will always be a central scientific authority, so loxg as it deserves to be 

 sucn," was the sentiment on which Struve rightly desired the prosperity of 

 Poulkova to be based. The interpretation given by the Poulkova astronomers 

 to the obnoxious clauses in its former code of laws is found in the following 

 quotation : 



It is allowed to the Central Observatory to apply the g^reater means over which she has con- 

 trol to the assistauce of the other observatories aud the furtherance of the labors that they 

 undertake ; and as the central institution it nmst strive for the most successful co-operation 

 of the diflerent observatories of the empire. To this latter end, however, it possesses no 

 other means than fraternal intercourse. The use of and even the existence of such 

 intercourse must remain entirely dependent upon the estimation in which such is held by the 

 individual directors of other observatories." 



Tills was " co-operation — not monopol^^" As to the realization of these 

 principles, we may now behold an empire dotted with many scientific astronom- 

 ical institutions, harmoniously co-working under the stimulating iniiuence of 

 EXAMPLE. The progress of each is the good of all. 



As we perceive the external, wide-spread, national influence of Poulkova to 

 be pre-eminently beneficial, we are thus prepared for the harmony that exists 

 Avithin. Honor to those whose entire devotion to the solitary studies of the 

 astronomer has enabled them, during many years, to labor amicably together, 

 absorbed in the search for truth latlier than fame, and imbued with the spirit 

 of the example of their revered scjiior. 



On the 23d-llth November 1SG4, Struve quietly passed away. His funeral 

 discourse was appropriately l)ased upon the text, •' God is love ; and he that 

 dvvelleth in love dwelleth in God, and He in him." Only such a charitaldo 

 S[)irit as he possessed could ever be admitted within the little social circle that 

 constitutes the isolated scientific society of the observatory of Poulkova. 



We have followed the history of the Nicholas Central Observatory from its 

 first conception in the mind of Struve to the complete development of the 

 clearly defined ideal through tlie munificence of the Emperor Nicholas I and 

 the liberal patronage of his wortliy successor, Alexander II. The call of 

 Struve to the observatory of Dorpat in ISlo, the inauguration of the observa- 

 tory at Poulkova in 1839, the permanent organization of 1862, and the sub- 

 sequent quarter-century anniversary celebration in 1S64, embrace a space of fifty 

 years. In the history of the past five years, as recorded in the annual reports of 

 the director, we shall find anqjle testimony to the vigor of the maturity of the 

 ol)servatory. If, turning from the contemplation of its past histor}^, one studies 

 Poulkova as it is, there is found on every side that which pleases both the man 

 and the astronomer. An honor to the Russian enq)ire, it may well serve as a 

 study aud example to other nations and to other men. 



