54 Progress of European Science. fJan. 
“‘ Our Grauam is amongst us ; to him we are indebted for the instruments with 
which results thus important have been obtained, and also for the mode of using 
them, through which the maximum of accuracy has been acquired. One of them, 
was made with his own hands, the other under his direction; and it is not too 
much to say, that the disciple has shewn himself worthy of his master. The bene- 
fits which Epwarp TRrouGuHTon has conferred on science are too well known to 
need enumeration. His Majesty the King of Denmark, not insensible to the im- 
portance of science, and feeling that for much of the accuracy to which astronomy 
and navigation have arrived, we are indebted to the genius of our revered member, 
has recently acknowledged his gratitude to him, by the presentation of his gold 
medal, inscribed with the word ‘ Mrriro.’ Never was inscription more appropri- 
ate. May he live long to enjoy this token of respect ! alike honourable to himself 
and to the princely feelings of its royal donor. 
“On looking over the constant as determined by each star, nothing definitive, as 
Mr. RicHARDSON justly observes, can be concluded, as to whether light emitted 
from different stars is propagated to us with different degrees of velocity : the idea 
is not irrational, but its validity future astronomers must determine.” 
Before concluding our imperfect sketch of what have been the labours of astro- 
nomers in Europe, we must not overlook the works of our countrymen in the East. 
The Madras Observatory has been newly modelled, it is true ; but in its olden state, 
under the indefatigable GoLDINGH AM, it was turned to the best purpose, as is proved 
by the creditable volumes published from time to time under great disadvantage 
from the want of a good printing establishment. A volume of the observations in 
1831 is just announced to the public, and we know that they have been reduced and 
arranged with great care by Mr. Tayuor, who, although now commencing a new 
career with more powerful and perfect means at his command, knows how to ap- 
preciate the talents and care of his able predecessor. 
Among the deaths of eminent astronomers noticed at the last annual meeting 
were those of the Rey. F. Fattows, late astronomer at the Cape of Good Hope ; Capt, 
Foster, R.N;—M. Pons of Marlia, and the ABsz Grecorre. Mr. FatLows was 
appointed to the Cape early in 1821, and he reached it in the 12th August. 
‘* His first undertaking was an approximate catalogue of 275 principal stars, pub- 
lished in the Phil. Trans. 1824. From the description of the instruments employ-~ 
ed, it will be seen, that they were of avery humble description, viz. a portable tran- 
sit of only twenty inches focal length, and a very indifferent altitude and azimuth 
instrument by Ramsden, ill divided, and unstable in its adjustments, being indeed 
originally constructed as an equatorial. It is probable that the length of time 
which must necessarily elapse between the design and completion of a first-rate ob- 
servatory, in a foreign station, was not fully taken in to account, either by the 
Government or the astronomer, otherwise the temporary instruments would, doubt- 
less have been of a very different class. The plan of the observatory was received 
by Mr. Faxuows in the latter part of 1825, and he immediately proceeded to carry 
it into effect. A site was selected about three miles from Cape Town, and Mr. Fat- 
Lows lived ina tent on the spot, to determine the lines of the building and to super- 
intend the workmen. The foundations were dug out before the clerk of the works 
arrived to relieve him from this task. 
“Tn the beginning of 1829, the transit and mural circle were fixed in their places, 
and we might now have anticipated a season of enjoyment for the Cape astronomer 
but for some cause hitherto unexplained, the circle to which he had looked forward 
with pride and exultation proved for a long time a source of bitter uneasiness, Some 
