There was also a much larger and finer telescope loaned by the Coast Survey, for which service Mr.Mitchell made observations.
At the time when Maria Mitchell showed a decided taste for the study of astronomy there was no school in the world where she could be taught higher mathematics and astronomy.

Harvard College, at that time, had no telescope better than the one which her father was using, and no observatory except the little octagonal projection to the old mansion in Cambridge occupied by the late Dr.A.P.

Peabody.
However, every one will admit that no school nor institution is better for a child than the home, with an enthusiastic parent for a teacher.
At the time of the annular eclipse of the sun in 1831 the totality was central at Nantucket.

The window was taken out of the parlor on Vestal street, the telescope, the little Dolland, mounted in front of it, and with Maria by his side counting the seconds the father observed the eclipse.

Maria was then twelve years old.
At sixteen Miss Mitchell left Mr.Peirce's school as a pupil, but was retained as assistant teacher; she soon relinquished that position and opened a private school on Traders' Lane.