1868.] Report of the Committee on the Melbourne Telescope. 315 



stellar or nebular spectra ; but they have tried it on solar and electric 

 ones, and consider that it will be very effective, from the solidity of its 

 structure, and its large dispersion combined with a small deviation. 



8. The balance of the grant, which will probably be absorbed by the 

 expense of packing the instrument for removal, was not sufficient to justify 

 the Committee in ordering a photographic apparatus which should be 

 worthy of the telescope ; but some trials have been made with a makeshift 

 affair," which confirm them in their opinion that it is most important to 

 turn to account the photographic power of this magnificent instrument, 

 not only for the moon, but for the planets and the sun. On two or three 

 occasions Castor and the moon were taken with this temporary apparatus : 

 as to the star, its components impressed their images in good measurable 

 disks in times varying from two to eight seconds ; with respect to the 

 .moon, on February 1, when she was seven days old, and the air good, a 

 remarkably hard and sharp picture, full of minute details, was obtained, 

 which exhibits so strongly the great photographic power of the instrument, 

 that they would regard it as a serious loss to science if this was not most 

 fully brought into action. This is the more desirable because lunar and 

 solar photography would utilize a considerable portion of time, during 

 which the observing of nebulae is impossible. After full inquiry, the Com- 

 mittee find that the cost of the necessary apparatus for this work, including 

 a micrometer for measuring distances and positions on the photographs 

 (like that described in the Philosophical Transactions, 1862, p. 373), could 

 be provided for a sum not exceeding 36400 ; and they earnestly hope that 

 so valuable an addition may be made. They have been given to under- 

 stand that the Melbourne Government have resolved on putting a roof 

 over the instrument, but that they think it can be more economically con- 

 structed there than here. In this case it occurs to the Committee that 

 the second form of roof described in Dr. Robinson's letter might be pre- 

 ferable to the more complex one there recommended ; and as it would be 

 less costly, the difference would m.ore than cover the expense of the photo- 

 graphic apparatus. In this hope they have directed Mr. Grubb to prepare 

 a detailed plan of that apparatus and of the second form of roof. The 

 Committee conclude by stating that they have no hesitation in declaring 

 that the instrument is perfectly fit for the work for which it was destined. 

 They therefore consider that Mr. Grubb has fulfilled his contract, and 

 have directed him to lose no time in preparing the necessary cases and 

 packing it for Melbourne. They have also instructed him to ensure it 

 against the risk of fire during its stay. 



The Committee feel bound to say that Mr. Grubb has put a most 

 liberal construction on the terms of his contract ; and after their minute 

 examination of the excellence of the telescope, and the amount and per- 

 fection of the machinery connected with it and its manufacture, they are 

 convinced that Mr. Grubb has been more influenced by the desire of pro- 

 ducing a perfect instrument than by any prospect of pecuniary advantage, 

 and can scarcely realize the possibility of giving so much for the sum 



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