E.E. Barnard discovered IC 4691 visually on 12 May 1888 with the 12-inch refractor at Lick Observatory. He noted "Found another nebula [besides IC 2193], vS, F. Another faint nebula suspected 15' +/- p this." Two nights later he added "with high power it appears to have one or two faint stars involved. It is irregular in form and brightness. The nebula suspected 15' +/- p[receding] it not verified but still suspected." The second nebula probably refers to IC 4688. The discovery was apparently communicated directly to Dreyer.

600/800mm - 24" (7/15/15): faint, small, round, 15" diameter. A mag 15 star is attached on the northeast side. IC 4688 lies 11' SW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb