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326 MAEIA MITCHELL. 1847, she made the discover}' which first brought her name before the public. She was gazing through her glass with her usual quiet intentness, when suddenly she was startled to perceive " an unknown comet, nearly ver- tical above Polaris, about five degrees." At first she could not believe her eyes ; then hoping and doubting, scarcely daring to think that she had really made a dis- covery, she obtained its right ascension and declination. She then told her father, who, two days later, sent the following letter to his friend, Professor Bond of Cam- bridge : Nantucket, 10th mo., 3d, 1847. My dear Friend : — I write now merely to say that Maria discovered a telescopic comet at half-past ten, on the evening of the first instant, at that hour nearly above Polaris five degrees. Last evening it had advanced west- erly ; this evening still further, and nearing the pole. It does not bear, illumination. Maria has obtained its right ascension and declination, and will not suffer me to announce it. Pray tell me whether it is one of Georgi's ; if not whether it has been seen by anybody. Maria sup- poses it may be an old story. If quite convenient just drop a line to her ; it will oblige me much. I expect to leave home in a day or two, and shall be in Boston next week, and I would like to have her hear from you before I can meet you. I hope it will not give thee much trouble amidst thy close engagements. Our regards are to all of you most truly, William Mitchell. The answer to this letter informed them that the comet was indeed a discovery. Meanwhile it had been observed by several other astronomers, including Father da Vico at Rome, and another lady, Madam Runker, at Hamburg ; but Miss Mitchell was able to prove without difficulty that she had been the first to observe it. ' There was another