330 Dr. Herschei/s Astronomical Observations 
power was applied only with a view to ascertain whether the 
object existed as nebula or as star ; for had the suspicion of 
its existence not been accompanied with the expectation of its 
being a nebula, it could never have been attempted to be 
verified.* 
III. 270 is “ A very faint extremely small stellar nebula ; 
“ 240 verified it with difficulty, and considerable attention, the 
cc night being uncommonly clear.” 
When difficulty is mentioned, it is always to be under- 
stood that a considerable time as well as attention w’as re- 
quired in the examination before a decisive opinion could be 
formed. -f 
III. 7 is “ A nebulous star, but doubtful of the nebulosity. 
“ With 240 the same doubtful appearance continues.” Fig. 42. 
With this object the doubt which remained could only relate 
to the nature of it; for being at first sight taken to be a ne- 
bulous star, its existence could not be a subject for examination ; 
but the unresolved doubt, whether an object is a nebula or 
a star, must certainly be allowed to be as great a proof of 
identity as we can possibly expect to see. 
35. Concluding Remarks .. 
The total dissimilitude between the appearance of a diffusion 
of the nebulous matter and of a star, is so striking, that an idea 
of the conversion of the one into the other can hardly occur 
to any one who has not before him the result of the critical 
* See Second assortment, containing five stellar nebnlce verified with difficulty. 
III. 115, 2iz, 219, 262, 270. 
f See Third assortment, containing four objects that could net be verified. III. 7, 
176, 263, 293, 
