Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1888-06-30
THE LICK OBSERVATORY.

The formal transfer of the Lick Observa-
tory to the State University Regents was
made on Wednesday at Berkeley. 1t was
the last event in the first period of one OF
the greatest works of modern times and
marks the completion of an undertaking
! of unreasonable Importance to general
science, and astronomical research in par
ticular 1t marks, in fact, as Professor
LeConte so happily said, an epoch in the
history of the State University and of
science of utmost Importance.
We may well inquire if behind the
great works of men there is not power
impelling them, of which they them
selves are not cognizant. James Lick was
not an astronomer; he had only vague
curiosity concerning the science While
in Brazil this curiosity was accidentally
stimulated and the idea then fastened
upon his mind that telescope might be
built that would enlarge the study of
astronomy and make new and important
revelations of the starry heavens. But
there was nothing in the mans character,
habits or known thought TO indicate that
he had any true conception of such work,
or how it was to be brought about, or if
indeed it were possible, or that he real
lied just how large telescope was to effect
great results. He may have reasoned that
If small instrument would make certain
revelations, one Of greater power would
disclose greater ones. But this IS not in
every sense true, for the increase of the
power is not, for all purposes in astronomy,
the greatest aid to research. However,
twenty years later, when Mr. Lick had
communed with men of pract tai and
scientific experience in telescopy, he
gained new ideas concerning astronomical
progress. He had not abandoned his spec
ulatlons concerning great instrument,
and wealth falling to his lot he directed
that the construction of an instrument
more powerful than any then known should
be entered upon. Still we do not think
that it has been shown that he looked for
ward with broad intelligence to the real
possibilities of such an instrument. He
laid down 10 details of construction; he
had one special idea that the possession of
great wealth enabled him to crafty, to
wit: the construction of ~ telescope of
greater power than any yet made" He
did not indicate that he had any definite
end III view beyond the setting up of an
instrument that should belittle all others
and by reason of its power aid astronomical
study. Had he been clearer in mind as to
what the world ofscience needed, he would
unquestionably have made larger provis-
ion for the equipping of the observatory
and have secured it more liberal support
than it can have by his bequest.
Still, when all this is said, it remains
that James Lick was the instrument for
accomplishing a great work, and of con-
tributing means TO astronomical research
that entities his name to be forever inter
laced with the history of astronomy and
the most advanced schemes of education.
It may be that we do him an injustice, and
that in his soul this eccentric and reserved
old man saw clearly and fully realized the
great usefulness of his gift, and that he
was doing that for science which would
advance it so greatly upon the path of
progress that countless generations after
him would bless him for his benefaction.
Be that as it may, the observatory his
thought and means erected, has now been
given over to the care of the State of his
adoption. Upon the summit of Mt Ham
ilton lie his bones, beneath the great
dome where swings the monster instru-
ment his fancy pictured and his resolute
will made possible. 1t is fitting burial
place for the man, and the splendid OBJ
seryatory fitting monument to his