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The Royal Society: Science in the Making

Index of class numbers of nebulae by observed by William Herschel, compiled by John Frederick William Herschel

Reference number: MS/344/4

Date: 1863

Description

Listing of 2,500 nebulae and other astronomical objects observed by William Herschel, organised to relate classification numbers to general catalogue numbers as they were published in three catalogues within the Royal Society's Philosophical Transactions between 1786 and 1802. Five columns of data per page .

Inscribed on the front cover: 'General Index of the 2500 Nebulae of Sir W. Herschel shewing the "General Number" or Number in the Series of Register Sheets corresponding to the Classes and Numbers under which they occur in the Philosophical Transaction'. Endorsed 'Received October 16 1863. Drawn up by Sir John Herschel'.

This document is referred to in Sir John Herschel's explanation of Herschel family manuscripts on nebulae. See pp.6-7 of 'Catalogue of nebulae and clusters of stars', by John Frederick William Herschel, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, v.154 (1864) pp.1-137. 'In presenting to the Royal Society this Catalogue, it will be accompanied by the following series of records and documents...3rd. A general index of the 2508 nebulae in classes and numbers, to find the "general number" of each, to facilitate reference to the register sheets. (This index was drawn up my myself).'

Reference number
MS/344/4
Earliest possible date
1863
Physical description
On paper, blue paper cover.
Page extent
22 pages.
Format
Manuscript

Creator name

Sir William Herschel

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Citation

Sir William Herschel, Index of class numbers of nebulae by observed by William Herschel, compiled by John Frederick William Herschel, 1863, MS/344/4, The Royal Society Archives, London, https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/ms_344_4/index-of-class-numbers-of-nebulae-by-observed-by-william-herschel-compiled-by-john-frederick-william-herschel, accessed on 09 July 2025

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  • Manuscripts General

    Science in the Making presents selected items from the 'Manuscripts General' series, notably astronomical observations, investigations of discrete topics, and indices and registers of papers read before the Royal Society.

    Dates: 1551 - 1951

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