Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Societies, Astronomy, Publishing, Taxonomy

    Noting the preparation of a directory of stars by the British Association for the Advancement of Science, warns that the reliability of the work is reduced by the observation of 'Northern circumpolar stars' at Oxford, which Punch thinks is a reference to 'the gathering of contributors to Blackwood's Magazine'. With this 'truth', reports that the British Association has asked each star to 'furnish all the necessary information respecting himself', including 'Names and Titles in any Scientific or Learned Bodies [including Arabian and Roman names]', and 'Medical or Surgical Offices held by him [information required by the astrologer 'Zadkiel']'. Points out that addresses for double stars and nebulae 'need only be filled up by one of the firm'.