The Tuttles of Harvard College Observatory: 1850-1862

Today it is difficult to imagine the degree of human effort that nineteenth-century astronomy required. Before the advent of photographic techniques and mechanical calculators, visual astrometry of stellar and solar system objects relied upon the quality of the observerÕs observational and computational skills as much upon his tolerance of harsh observing conditions. In the 1850s, the new Harvard College Observatory was about to become AmericaÕs premier centre for astronomy. With meagre funding Harvard would need quality skilled labour and fascinated patrons. The arrival of a few great comets, and two brothers named Tuttle, would amply fill that need.