380 DOEPAT AND POULKOVA. 



tific abilit}', and to insure permanent stability — from all of -wllicli there will follow 

 the most energetic and best directed activity. These precautions, taken to secure 

 the best use of the money appropriated to scientific research, strike one with the 

 more admiration as existing under a government so autocratic as the Russian. 

 The}' are due not only to the wisdom of the Emperor Alexander II, and espe- 

 cially to Ills brother the Grand Duke Constantine, but also to the diversity of 

 the many interests that had clustered al)Out an astronomical observatory, 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 Avhich might have 

 led many to suspect that he aimed at a legalized astronomical autocracy. Per- 

 haps the name, Cextkal, was unfortunately chosen ; certiuuly 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 i)olitical friends, he endeavored to realize that which would, in its 

 moral beaaty, eclipse the material s})lendor of Poulkova. " This observatory 

 tvill always be a central scientific authority, SO long as it deserves to be 

 SUCH," W'as the sentiment on which Struve rightly desired the prosperity of 

 Poulkova to be based. The interpretation given b^^ 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 meacs over which she has con- 

 trol to the assistance of the other observatories and the furtherance of the labors that they 

 undertake ; and as the central institution it must strive tor the most saccessful co-operation 

 of the different 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." 



This was ^' co-operation — not monopoly." As to the realization of these 

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

 ical institutions, harmoniousl}' co-working under the stimulating influence of 

 EXAMPLE. The progress of each is tlie 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 

 W'ithin. 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 seai'ch for truth lather than fame, and imbued with the spirit 

 of the example of their revered senior. 



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

 discourse was appropriately' based upon the text, '' God is love ; and he that 

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

 spirit as he possessed could ever be admitted within the little social circle that 

 constitutes the isolated scientific society of tlie 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 the munificence of th.e Eiuperor Nicholas I and 

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

 Struve to the observatory of Dorpat in 1813, the inauguration of the observa- 

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

 sequent quarter-ccntmy anniversary celebration in 1864, embrace a space of fifty 

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

 the director, W'e shall find ample testimony to the vigor of the maturity of the 

 observatory. If, turning from the contemplation of its past history, 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 Russiau empire, it may w'ell serve as a 

 study and example to other nations and to other men. _ " 



