E.E. Barnard discovered IC 4684 photographically in Jul 1905 using the 10-inch Bruce telescope at Mt. Wilson. In describing the region surrounding M8 (see AN 4239), he mentions "There is a conspicuous, small nebula or nebulous star in the position 1860.0 18h 0m 35s± -23° 26'±." His position is close north of the double star mentioned in my observation.

400/500mm - 17.5" (7/24/95): very difficult reflection nebula surrounding a mag 9.5 star with a faint very close companion, appears ~2' diameter. Located east of a breathtakingly rich Milky Way stream of stars. Verified only by comparison with similar nearby stars and probably would not have suspected otherwise due to location in rich field with patches of unresolved haze.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb