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THE LICK OBSERVATORY. | 7 |
| It is not known how the idea of erecting a powerful telescope originated in Mr. Lick's mind, but in 1873 he announced that such was his purpose. He was not a student of astronomy, nor was he especially interested in scientific questions. It appears, however, that he was impressed with the grandeur of astronomical discovery, and that he desired to found an institution whose usefulness to mankind would be perpetual. |
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The section of the deed of trust making provision for the Observatory is as follows: |
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To expend the sum of seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) for the purpose of purchasing land, and constructing and putting up, on such land as shall be designated by the party of the first part, a powerful telescope, superior to and more powerful than any telescope yet made, with all the machinery appertaining thereto and appropriately connected therewith, or that is necessary and convenient to the most powerful telescope now in use, or suited to one more powerful than any yet constructed; and also a suitable observatory connected therewith. The parties of the second part hereto, and their successors, shall, as soon as said telescope and observatory are constructed, convey the land whereupon the same may be situated, and the telescope and observatory and all the machinery and apparatus connected therewith, to the corporation known as the Regents of the University of California; and if, after the construction of said telescope and observatory, there shall remain of said seven hundred thousand dollars in gold coin any surplus, the said parties of the second part shall turn over such surplus to said corporation, to be invested by it in bonds of the United States, or of the City and County of San Francisco, or other good and safe interest-bearing bonds; and the income thereof shall be devoted to the maintenance of said telescope and observatory, and shall be made useful in promoting science; and the said telescope and observatory are to be known as the Lick Astronomical Department of the University of California. |
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Mr. Lick's gift was formally accepted by the Regents of the University on December 7, 1875. |
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The Board of Trustees charged with the duty of executing the trust was composed of Messrs. R. S. Floyd, William Sherman, E. B. Mastick, Charles M. Plum, and George Schoenwald. |
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The importance of selecting a suitable site for the Observa- |
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