researches. Again: it will not be very intelligible to them to be
informed that, in 1822, he communicated to the Royal Society of
Edinburgh a paper "On the Absorption of Light by Coloured Media", in
which he enunciated a new method of measuring the dispersion of
transparent bodies by stopping the green, yellow, and most refrangible
red rays, and thus rendering visible the rays situated rigorously at the
end of the spectrum. But they will understand that these results could
have been attained only by the most assiduous industry and the most
unflinching perseverance. And it is on account of this industry and
this perseverance that we recommend Herschel as an example to our
readers. They may not make the same progress in science, or achieve the
same reputation. It is not necessary they should. Humble work is not
less honourable, if it be done conscientiously, and with a sincere
desire to do the best that it is in our power to do.

An interesting feature in the younger Herschel's character was his
loving care for his father's fame. He was ever most anxious that the
full measure of his services to science should be recognized and
appreciated. Thus, in 1823, he writes to his aunt:--


"I have been long threatening to send you a long letter, but
have always been prevented by circumstances and want of leisure
from executing my intention. The truth is, I have been so much
occupied with astronomy of late, that I have had little time
for anything else--the reduction of those double stars, and the
necessity it has put me under of looking over the journals,
reviews, &c, for information on what has already been done, and
in many cases of re-casting up my father's measures, swallows
up a great deal of time and labour. But I have the satisfaction