JDr. Herschel’s Astronomical Observations 
nebulae. This classification was introduced in my sweeps when 
the objects to be recorded came in so quick a succession that 
I found it expedient to express as much as I could in as few 
words as possible, and by calling a nebula stellar, I intended 
to denote that the object to which I gave this name was, in 
the first place as small, or almost as small, as a star; and in 
the next, that notwithstanding its smallness, and starlike ap- 
pearance, it bore evident marks of not being one of those 
objects which we call stars, and of which I saw many at the 
same time in the telescope. 
The following three collections contain one hundred and 
seventeen stellar nebulae, which have been assorted by their 
brightness, that their comparative condensation might be esti- 
mated according to the different distances at which we may sup- 
pose other nebulae of the same degree of light to be placed.* 
I. 71 is “ A considerably bright, very small, almost stellar 
“ nebula ; the brightness diminishing insensibly and breaking 
<c off pretty abruptly. The whole together is not more than 
“ about 7 or 8" in diameter.” A second observation, made in a 
61 remarkable clear morning, says, that “ the greatest bright- 
's* ness is towards the following side, and that the very faint 
sc nebulosity extends to near a minute.” 
This is probably a condensation of a former nucleus with 
surrounding chevelure. 
I. 268 is “ A very bright, very small, round stellar nebula.” 
Fig. 39. 
This maybe a former planetary nebula in a higher state of 
condensation. 
* See First assortment containing six of the brightest stellar nebula:. I. 71, 268, 
11.1105603. IV. 32, 46. 
