Directly the planetary nature of the newly-discovered body had been
established, the great observatories naturally included this
additional member of the solar system in their working lists, so that
day after day its place was carefully determined. When sufficient
time had elapsed the shape and position of the orbit of the body
became known. Of course, it need hardly be said that observations
applied to the planet itself must necessarily provide a far more
accurate method of determining the path which it follows, than would
be possible to Le Verrier, when all he had to base his calculations
upon was the influence of the planet reflected, so to speak, from
Uranus. It may be noted that the true elements of the planet, when
revealed by direct observation, showed that there was a considerable
discrepancy between the track of the planet which Le Verrier had
announced, and that which the planet was actually found to pursue.
The name of the newly-discovered body had next to be considered. As
the older members of the system were already known by the same names
as great heathen divinities, it was obvious that some similar source
should be invoked for a suggestion as to a name for the most recent
planet. The fact that this body was so remote in the depths of
space, not unnaturally suggested the name "Neptune." Such is
accordingly the accepted designation of that mighty globe which
revolves in the track that at present seems to trace out the
frontiers of our system.
Le Verrier attained so much fame by this discovery, that when, in
1854, Arago's place had to be filled at the head of the great Paris
Observatory, it was universally felt that the discoverer of Neptune
was the suitable man to assume the office which corresponds in France
to that of the Astronomer Royal in England. It was true that the
work of the astronomical mathematician had hitherto been of an
abstract character. His discoveries had been made at his desk and
not in the observatory, and he had no practical acquaintance with the
use of astronomical instruments. However, he threw himself into the
technical duties of the observatory with vigour and determination. He
endeavoured to inspire the officers of the establishment with
enthusiasm for that systematic work which is so necessary for the
accomplishment of useful astronomical research. It must, however, be
admitted that Le Verrier was not gifted with those natural qualities
which would make him adapted for the successful administration of
such an establishment. Unfortunately disputes arose between the
Director and his staff. At last the difficulties of the situation
became so great that the only possible solution was to supersede Le
Verrier, and he was accordingly obliged to retire. He was succeeded
in his high office by another eminent mathematician, M. Delaunay,
only less distinguished than Le Verrier himself.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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