A New Table- Stand for Astronomical Telescopes. 285 



so arranged that their axes radiate from the point p as a centre 

 (see Fig. 2). At this point is a flat knob of brass or wood, 

 about which the stand revolves. It may be put on any part 

 of the table or slate slab, the weight being quite enough to 

 keep it steady. 



The mode of using this stand is as follows : — 

 The little winch handle being applied to the screw the tube 

 is rapidly raised or lowered till the altitude of the star is 

 attained, when it may be removed, and the finger and thumb 

 applied to the milled head. Supposing the star to have been 

 found, a gentle pressure towards the left, at the same time 

 gently turning the screw up or down, will keep it in the centre 

 of the field ; and this is accomplished without fatigue or incon- 

 venience, as the hand or hands rest on the slab. 



This stand is found so steady in practice that the whole 

 weight of the head, reposing on the eyepiece by resting the 

 brow against a little pad, produces no motion or vibration. It 

 has been suggested that some means should be employed to 

 accelerate the motion when a great change of altitude is 

 required. This might be accomplished, but the inventor ven- 

 tures to think that as a telescope of the above dimensions can 

 be raised from the horizontal plane to an altitude of 65° in one 

 minute, it is rapid enough for most purposes. The inclined 

 planes might have a greater gradient, if a still greater degree 

 of elevation were required. 



