the constellation of the Lyre, in its descent towards the sun. The direction of its motion is retrograde.[1] ***** ***** As the appearance of one of these objects is almost become a novelty, I flatter myself that this intelligence will not be uninteresting to astronomers, and therefore hope, sir, you will, with your usual kindness, recommend it to their notice.
I have the honour to be,
With great respect, &c., &c.,
Caroline Herschel.
Two years later the eighth and last comet was discovered, on the 6th of August, 1797. It was the occasion of the following letter:—
MISS HERSCHEL TO SIR JOSEPH BANKS.
August, 17, 1797.
This is not a letter from an astronomer to the President of the Royal Society announcing a comet, but only a few lines from Caroline Herschel to a friend of her brother's, by way of apology for not sending intelligence of that kind immediately where they are due.
I have so little faith in the expedition of messengers of all descriptions that I undertook to be my own, with an intention of stopping in town and write and deliver a letter- ↑ This comet, since known as Encke's, in consequence of that great astronomer having determined its periodicity in 1819 and predicted its triennial return, was discovered, independently, four several times before its identity was recognized, Miss Herschel's observation of it in 1795 being the second in order of time. Additional interest has since attached to it, in consequence of its gradually diminishing period and the views hence suggested on the economy of the solar system.
