Ormond Stone discovered NGC 3638 = L II-435 in 1886 and logged "mag 15.8, 0.4' dia, 2 star 10m following." His position is 0.6 min of RA east of MCG -01-29-007 = PGC 34688 and his description matches two mag 12 stars 3'-4' northeast and southeast.

400/500mm - 17.5" (5/4/02): faint, fairly small, elongated 2:1 NW-SE, 1.2'x0.6', brighter along the major axis. With averted vision, there are hints of longer extensions. Forms the western vertex of a right triangle with two mag 12 stars 3.4' E and 4.3' NE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb