^10 Biographical Memoir of Sir William Herschel. 
came, under Dr HerscheFs direction, a machine which support- 
ed the astronomer himself, and which mechanical energy was re- 
quisite even to move. There was no continuity, in short, be- 
tween his inventions and discoveries, and those of preceding as- 
tronomers. He adventured upon a flight, which left them at an 
immeasurable distance, and he penetrated into regions, where the 
ablest of his successors will have some difficulty in following 
him. 
The History of Dr HerscheFs Discoveries, therefore, must 
possess a high interest even for those who are not profoundly 
versed in astronomy ; while it may be studied with peculiar 
advantage by the young philosopher, who aspires to the re- 
nown which now dignifies his venerable name. 
Sir William Herschel was born in Hanover, on the 15th 
November 1738. His father, who was a musician, dedicated 
his five sons to the same profession. William, who was the 
second, was placed, at the early age of fourteen, in the band of 
the Hanoverian Foot Guards ; but looking forward to a better 
sphere for the exercise of his talents, he resolved to seek his for- 
tune in England, where he arrived about the end of the year 
1757. After encountering the usual difficulties which mark 
the early career of genius, the Earl of Darlington engaged 
him to superintend the instruction of a military band, which 
Me was then forming in the county of Durham. In this situa- 
tion he formed many useful connections ; and when his en- 
gagement with Lord Darlington was completed, he established 
himself, as a teacher of music, in the neighbourhood of Leeds, 
Pontrefact and Doncaster, where he met with much success, and 
conducted the public concerts and oratorios in these towns. 
In the year 1766 he was appointed organist at Halifax, but 
he soon afterwards received a more lucrative situation of the 
same kind in the Octagon Chapel at Bath. Here his musical 
talents were fully appreciated ; and as a private teacher of music, 
and a director of the public concerts, he enjoyed an income con- 
siderably above his wants. 
Enthusiastically devoted as he was to his profession, his ar- 
dent mind had long been applying itself to still higher pursuits. 
He had acquired, by his own industry, a considerable know- 
