New Grand Observatory for the Russian Empire* 79 



the building, and the purchase of instruments 5 for this specific 

 purpose. Accordingly, it was occupied, in the first place, with 

 the regulations of the observatory, the design of which were to 

 refer to the three following purposes : 



1st, To supply the means of making regularly, and as per- 

 fectly as possible, the observations required for the wants of 

 astronomy as a science. 



2d, To make such relative observations as might be required 

 for the accomplishment of geographical enterprises, whether in 

 the interior of the empire, or for foreign voyages. And, 



3d, To do all that was possible for improving practical astro- 

 nomy, in its applications both to geography and navigation. 



The commission next proceeded to determine what apparatus 

 was necessary for the purposes of the observatory, and the for- 

 mal attendance which would be required for carrying on the 

 observations ; and, finally, the accommodation the building must 

 supply, in relation both to the science and economy. Moreover, 

 having made a fresh examination of the neighbourhood of St 

 Petersburg, they were quite satisfied that the height of Pul- 

 kowa, already pointed out by the Emperor himself, was the most 

 eligible situation. In December the Emperor commanded the 

 plans of the commission to be printed, and charged MM. Briiloff 

 and Thon, architects, members of the Academy of Beaux- Arts, 

 each to present a plan of the observatory, agreeably to the in- 

 structions of the commission. The two plans were submitted to 

 the commission at the end of February 1834, when it deter- 

 mined to accept that of M. Briiloff, and requested him to sub- 

 ject it to some further revisal, that it might in every respect an- 

 swer their views. Finally, this plan having been presented by 

 M. Struve to the Emperor, was approved by him in all parti- 

 culars, and M. Briiloff was charged with its execution. The 

 propositions of the commission, relative to the purchase of the 

 instruments, were also approved of, and the ground intended 

 for the establishment, on the heights of Pulkowa, was made 

 over to the Academy. The Emperor then verbally charged Mr 

 Struve, to visit, during the approaching summer, Munich, 

 Hamburgh, Altona, to have formal communication with the ce- 

 lebrated artists of these towns, respecting the instruments ; he 

 was even authorized to extend his journey to Paris, London, 



