bridge, Massachusetts, and represents the less technical subjects discussed in a series of lectures which I gave in 1929 as Exchange Professor from Harvard University to Carleton, Knox, and Pomona Colleges. The rather extended emphasis on the work of some of the pioneers will, it is hoped, introduce a human touch to the romance of astronomical science, though the treatment of the characters can hardly be con- sidered biographical. Acknowledgment is due to Mr. Josef Johnson for reading the manuscript and proof, and to other col- leagues for many helpful suggestions. To my wife, Florence Brigham Stetson, I owe more than can here be expressed, not only for attending to many details in- cluding the preparation of the index, but for the in- spiration and encouragement which has made the writing a pleasure. For permission to quote from Alfred Noyes' Watchers of the Sky ( 1922). I am indebted to the F. A. Stokes Company, Publishers, New York. HARLAN TRUE STETSON. PERKINS OBSERVATORY, DELAWARE, OHIO. October, 1930. -viii- |