I knew
too little of the real heavens to be able to point out every
object so as to find it again without losing too much time
by consulting the Atlas. But all these troubles were removed
when I knew my brother to be at no great distance, making
observations with his various instruments on double stars,
planets, and the like; and I could have his assistance
immediately when I found a nebula, or cluster of stars, of
which I intended to give a catalogue. I had the comfort to
see," she continues, "that my brother was satisfied with my
endeavours to assist him when he wanted another person either
to run to the clocks, write down a memorandum, fetch and carry
instruments, or measure the ground with poles,--of which
something of the kind every moment would occur."
The conscientious care and assiduous industry with which Herschel made
his measurements of the diameter of the Georgium Sidus (now called
Uranus), and his interesting observations of other planets, of double
stars with their coloured light, of cometary and nebulous appearances,
were truly remarkable; as may be seen by the various papers which
he wrote at this time for the Royal Society.
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