Sunday, 22 June 2025

The Observatory in Paris in 1870

 Nature 3rd Feb 1870

It is no secret that the present regime at the Observatory of Paris has been rather more autocratic than could be patiently endured, even in a country subjected to eighteen years of personal government. Matters have at length reached a crisis, and the Minister of Public Instruction is placed in the awkward position of having to dismiss from the public service one of the most eminent of modern astronomers or accept the resignation of the whole of the rest of the staff of the Observatory.

 

Nature 10th Feb 1870

We referred last week to the situation at the Paris Observatory. The action of the French Government has been of the promptest and M Le Verrier is no longer Director. This step indicates very clearly – too clearly, we fear – the strength of the case put before the Minister of Public Instruction, in the memorial, of which a copy has been sent to us. This document, which is signed by all the ‘chefs de service’ -Villarcceau, Marie-Davy, Wolf, and Loewy – and the ‘astronomers adjoints’ without exception, discusses all points connected with the administration of the Observatory, scientific an otherwise. It is to be sincerely hoped that M. le Verrier may be able yet to do service to astronomy, in some other capacity, some position where his great talents alone will be called into play. His is a name that will never die, let us hope it is but momentarily eclipsed. 

 

      

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