296 PROCEEDINGS OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY 



XII. 



RECENT OBSERVATIONS OF VARIABLE STARS. 

 By Edwakd C. Pickeiung. 



Presented March 12, 1884. 



The work of observing variable stars is a branch of astronomical 

 research which can be successfully prosecuted at observatories not 

 provided with the means for undertaking large pieces of routine work. 

 Hence, where these means exist, the observation of variable stars is 

 usually neglected, not from any doubt of its interest or importance, but 

 because it is assumed that attention will be paid to it at institutions less 

 fully equipped, and especially by the numerous amateur observers to 

 whose resources it appears so well adapted. 



But in order to obtain the best results in this line of research, some 

 systematic division of the labor has become important. At present, 

 for want of system, some variable stars are observed with unnecessary 

 frequency, while others of no less interest are completely neglected. 

 A bibliography of the variable stars, which is in course of preparation 

 by Mr. S. C. Chandler, Jr., will exhibit large gaps in the observations 

 of many important objects in the list. lu such cases, the value of the 

 earlier observations is often impaired by the difficulty of connecting 

 them with those recently made. 



In the hope of promoting a more systematic observation of the vari- 

 able stars, a pamphlet upon the subject, and a subsequent circular, have 

 been issued during the past year by the Harvard College Observatory. 

 In response to the recommendations of the pamphlet, a number of 

 observers signified their inclination to undertake the proposed work, 

 some of whom have already reported many valuable observations. 

 It is to be anticipated that their example will be followed by others, 

 so that the frequent renewal of the special lists of stars required by 

 each participant in the work will become inconvenient. Under these 

 circumstances it seems desirable to make a published statement of the 

 present condition of this brancli of scieiitilic inquiry, so that each ob- 

 server may judge for himself what part of the work can be most profit- 

 ably undertaken with the means at his disposal. This advantage would 



