n the result to which they lead. Making such
calculations is called "reducing" the observations. Now in the
previous history of the observatory, the astronomers fell into the
habit of every one not only making his observations in his own way,
but reducing them for himself. Thus it happened that Yarnall had
been making and reducing his observations in his own way, and I,
on alternate nights, had been making and reducing mine in my way,
which was modeled after the Greenwich fashion, and therefore quite
different from his. Now I suddenly found myself face to face with
the problem of putting these two heterogeneous things together so
as to make them look like a homogeneous whole. I was extremely
mortified to see how poor a showing would be made in the eyes of
foreign astronomers. But I could do nothing more than to describe
the work and methods in such a way as to keep in the background the
want of system that characterized them.

Notwithstanding all these drawbacks of the present, the prospect
of future success seemed brilliant. Gilliss had the unlimited
confidence of the Secretary of the Navy, had a family very popular
in Washington society, was enthusiastically devoted to building
up the work of the observatory, and was drawing around him the
best young men that could be found to do that work. He made it a
point that his relations with his scientific subordinates should
be not only official, but of the most friendly social character.
All were constantly invited to his charming family circle. It was
from the occasional talks thus arising that I learned the details
of his plan of work with the coming instrument.

In 1862 Gilliss had the working force increased by the appointment of
four "aides," as they were then called,--a number that was afterwards
reduced to three. This was the beginning of the corps of three
assistant astronomers, which is still maintained. It will be of
interest to know that the first aide was Asaph Hall; but before his
appointment was made, an impediment, which for a time looked serious,
had to be overcome. Gilliss desired that the aide should hold a
good social and family position. The salary being only $1000, this
required that he should not be married. Hall being married, with
a growing family, his appointment was long objected to, and it was
only through much persuasion on the part of Hubbard and myself that
Gilliss was at length induced to withdraw his objections. Among other
e