Sir David Gill. 
207 
including the director. In 1907 there were, besides the director, a staff of 
thirty-two persons, of whom twelve were ladies. This in some degree 
indicates the growth of the Cape Observatory during Gill's management 
of it. It is, however, when we consider the range of work undertaken, 
and brought to completion, during this period that we obtain a reasonable 
judgment of the advance made. No doubt, in the realm of science a 
man's achievement must to a very large extent be limited by his instru- 
mental equipment, and very probably Gill's predecessors, Fallows, 
Henderson, Maclear, and Stone, had to make their ambitions keep step 
with the practical possibilities the Cape Observatory afforded in their day. 
That these men were able to accomplish what they did in the direction of 
advancing fundamental astronomy is indeed greatly to their credit. With 
imperfect instruments Henderson was able to winnow from out his 
meridian observations of Alpha Centauri a parallax for that star : this 
important determination was again certified to by Maclear. The latter 
astronomer also was able to determine with considerable accuracy the 
parallax of the moon, and in geodetic work he contributed to our 
knowledge by verifying Lacaille's arc of meridian. 
But these were isolated ventures : brief departures from the routine 
work necessitated by a limited staff and poor instruments. The early 
Cape astronomers would fain travel far, but could not, and no one can 
read the tale of how^ Fallows and Henderson, Maclear and Stone chafed 
under the yoke of circumstance without feeling a great respect for their 
capacity and determination, as also a deep regret for their many 
disappointments. 
Yet one would have welcomed at times a more combative spirit : had 
they chafed less and worried others more, the history of the Cape 
Observatory during its earlier years would have been different. David 
Gill had woven into the very fibre of his soul the true Scotch pertinacity 
and pugnaciousness. When he lacked equipment he rested not day nor 
night till he got it. His love for science made him bold, or importunate, 
or winning in dealing with those who could aid it. He had, moreover, the 
power of being able to pass on his enthusiasm to others, to infect them 
with his own buoyant optimism. 
His tireless energies also kept things moving ; kept his observatory 
constantly before the thoughts of men. He never let his workers or his 
world rest. No sooner was one great labour complete, some herculean 
task finished, than forthwith he took up another. And in this way an 
impression of efficiency was created which greatly helped his claims and 
appeals for support. 
Gill had in a marked degree the power of rapid and sustained 
concentration. Forthwith he brought every faculty to bear on the new 
inquiry. It was not a gradual moving along a twilight road, groping his 
