326 ADDKESS ON PRESENTING THE GOLD MEDAL OF THE [43 



has consequently detected a considerable number of these objects among 



the smaller stars. Two of these I will mention, which are at opposite 



extremities of the scale, and which seem to imply the operation of totally 

 different causes. 



The first is that remarkable new star in Ophiuchus which Mr Hind 

 noticed on the 27th of April, 1848, as being of the 6th magnitude, and 

 occurring in a spot where he was certain no star even of the 9 10th 

 magnitude had been visible three weeks before. After attaining to the 

 4- -5th magnitude, so as to be conspicuous to the naked eye, it gradually 

 faded away, and at present it is only of the llth magnitude. 



The other star to which I will refer appears to vary in a similar way 

 to Algol, Its period, according to Argelander, is about 9 d ll^ h , but for 

 9 days of this time it shines as a star of the 8th magnitude, then suddenly 

 descends to the 10 llth, and as quickly returns again to the 8th. 



Variations of this latter kind appear to be most naturally accounted 

 for by the periodical interposition of an opaque body in its revolution about 

 the star, but those of the kind first mentioned seem to mock all our 

 attempts at explanation. 



In recording these discoveries, it is doubly gratifying to recollect that 

 they emanate from an observatory founded and maintained by a private 

 individual out of pure love of the science and zeal for its advancement. 

 Of the judgment which Mr Bishop has shewn in the selection of his 

 observers, and the choice of objects of observation, there can be no better 

 proof than is afforded by the admirable double-star observations of Mr Dawes 

 and the planetary discoveries of which we have just been speaking. 

 Mr Bishop may well feel proud in the consciousness that his observatory 

 has been the means of contributing so largely to science, and has thus 

 become known wherever astronomy is cultivated. 



Another subject of congratulation is the manner in which Mr Hind's 

 services to science have been recognised by the Government of the country. 

 It is sometimes asked, whether the progress of science is best promoted 

 by private or by public means; but the truth is, that there is no such 

 opposition between these modes of advancing it as is implied in the form 

 of the question. In a country where the dignity of science, and the benefits 

 which it confers, are properly estimated, both Government and people will 

 harmoniously co-operate in its support, and each will easily find its appro- 



