BURCKHARDT, Johann Karl, Ger man astronomer: b. Leipzig, 30 April 1773; d. 22 June 1825. He acquired a fondness for astronomy from the study of the works of Lalande, and made himself master, at the same time, of nearly all the European languages. He wrote a Latin treatise 'On the Combinatory Analytic Method' (Leipzig 1794). He then studied practical astronomy with Baron von Zach at the latter's observatory on the Seeberg, near Gotha, and assisted his patron, from 1795 97, in observing the right ascension of the stars. Von Zach recommended him to Lalande, at Paris, who received him at his house 15 Dec. 1797. Here he distinguished himself by the cal culation of the orbits of comets; participated in all the labors of Lalande and those of his nephew, Lefrancois Lalande; took an active part in the observatory of the Ecole Militaire; and translated the first two volumes of La place's (Mecanique Celeste) into German (Ber lin 1800-02). Being appointed adjunct astrono mer by the board of longitude, he received let ters of naturalization as a French citizen 20 Dec. 1799. His important treatise on the comet
of 1770, which had not been visible for nearly 30 years, although, according to the calculations of its orbit, it should have returned every five or six, was rewarded with a gold medal by the Institute in 1800. This treatise, which proposed some improvements in Dr. Obler's mode of cal culation, is contained in the (Memoires de l'Institut> for 1806. During this year he was made a member of the department of physical and mathematical sciences in the Academy; in 1818 was made a member of the board of lon gitude; and, after Lalande's death, astronomer in the observatory of the Ecole Militaire. In 1814 and 1816 he published in French, at Paris, to Assist in Astronomical Calculations.' He also wrote some treatises in Von Zach's Ephemerides.'