I believe in _small_ classes. I instruct them
separately, first in the use of the meridian instrument, and
next in that of the equatorial. They obtain the time for the
college by meridian passage of stars; they use the equatorial
just as far as they can do with very insufficient mechanism. We
work wholly on planets, and they are taught to find a planet at
any hour of the day, to make drawings of what they see, and to
determine positions of planets and satellites. With the clock
and chronograph they determine difference of right ascension of
objects by the electric mode of recording. They make, sometimes,
very accurate drawings, and they learn to know the satellites of
Saturn (Titan, Rhea, etc.) by their different physiognomy, as
they would persons. They have sometimes measured diameters.
If you add to your observatory a meridian instrument, I should
advise a small one. _Size_ is not so important as people
generally suppose. Nicety and accuracy are what is needed in all
scientific work; startling effects by large telescopes and high
powers are too suggestive of sensational advertisement.
The relation between herself and her pupils was quite remarkable--it was
very cordial and intimate; she spoke of them always as her "girls," but
at the same time she required their very best work, and was intolerant
of shirking, or of an ambition to do what nature never intended the girl
in question to do.
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