Accompanying this telescope (Image 1), which is dated 1758, is a handwritten sheet entitled "Directions for James Short's Reflecting Telescope". This is an almost word for word copy of a published instruction sheet, and even incorporates the changes made by Short to his own copy.
The handwriting is similar to Short's, and some details of the copy suggest that he wrote it himself; for example, the instructions for observations have been expanded:
Printed sheet:
"and looking thro' the small Hole in the End of the Eye-piece, if the Image appear[s] distinct it is well"
Handwritten sheet:
"& looking thro' the small Hole in the End of the Eye Piece, you must turn about the Long Rod one Way or the other till you see the Image distinct."
The first quotation is underlined, which suggests that Short wanted to change the brief instruction, and the expansion in the handwritten sheet could well be such an alteration. It is likely that the instructions were handwritten by Short to give to the telescope's owner (Image 2).
The instrument itself is an example of Short's standard reflecting telescope. From his distinctive numbering system we can tell that it was the 958th telescope that he had made.
