Note 23 — Chapter III · LIFE AFTER HER BROTHER’S MARRIAGE.

The cost of this fine instrument, which had been ordered by the King of Spain as long before as January, 1796, was £3150. The Prince of Canino paid £2310 for a ten and a seven-foot telescope from the same indefatigable hands. But although the pecuniary profit was great, it is not surprising that Miss Herschel should bemoan the “making and selling of telescopes” as unworthy of the enormous amount of time and labour which must be withdrawn from the study of astronomy; and it is evident that the fatigue and exhaustion from polishing mirrors told seriously upon Sir William’s health.