446 Scientific Intelligence. 
2. Biela’s Comet.—In our last number, we gave a short notice of the 
discovery of this comet. It was seen at Rome by M. De Vico, on the 
26th of November, the earliest observation of which we have received 
any account. It was observed at the same place, Nov. 28th, 29th, and 
Dec. Ist. 
The comet was seen at Berlin for the first time, Nov. 28th, and again 
on the 29th, but so faint that Prof. Encke could with difficulty satisfy 
himself of its existence. Its place differed about six minutes of arc from 
the ephemeris of Santini, a coincidence quite satisfactory, considering 
that the comet had not been seen for fourteen years. 
The comet was seen at Cambridge, Eng., on the Ist of December, 
and again on the 3d. It was observed at London by Mr. Hind, Decem- 
ber 19th and 20th; and on the 2lst, Dr. Galle, at Berlin, was able to 
observe it with illuminated lines. 
On the 2nd of January, M. Struve writes from Pulkova, that he had 
not been able to see the comet, and on account of its small elevation 
above the horizon, had given it up entirely for this return. 
The most remarkable circumstance attending this return of Biela’s 
comet, is that it has been attended by a companion like a secondary 
comet. This secondary comet has been remarkable for its changes of 
brilliancy and of distance from Biela. On the 29th of December,* the 
companion was merely a faint nebulous spot, barely distinguishable ; 
but from this time it increased in brightness faster than Biela. On the 
13th of January, it was estimated to have one fourth the intensity of 
Biela, and one eighth the magnitude. On the 16th of February, it was 
estimated to be equal to Biela as to magnitude, and to have one third 
more intensity. Two" days afterwards, Biela was estimated to exceed 
Eietnaoe uence 
* According to observations made at this date by Messrs. Bradley and Herrick 
at Yale College, with the refractor of five inches aperture, the angle of position of 
the line joining the main comet and its companion (the latter being then a dim neb- 
ulous spot N. preceding, and causing the appearance of a tail in that direction) was 
then about 310°, reckoning N. f.S. This angle was obtained by means of inde- 
pendent diag fthe field of view by each, which gave results differing but five 
degrees. It is of course liable to considerable error. ‘The moon at this time was 
absent, and the sky very favorable for observation. 
On the nights of March 30 and 31, an attempt was made by the same observers to 
ascertain the distance between the comet and its companion. The latter was 
barely within the limit of visibility, and could be detected only by occasional 
glimpses. By means of a diagram of the field, the angular distance of the centres 
H., Apr. 16, to be 53s. preceding, and 1’ 50’ South of the latter star, the register- 
ed place of which is R. A. 9h. 7m. 59.22s.; S. dec. 12° 22' 9”, 
