William Herschel discovered NGC 3683 = H I-246 = h892 on 18 Mar 1790 (sweep 951) and logged "F, pL, iR." His position (CH's reduction) is 17 sec of RA too small. JH noted "E. haze so that I can barely be certain that a nebula exists.", but his position is very accurate!

400/500mm - 17.5" (3/19/88): moderately bright, moderately large, very elongated NW-SE, small bright core. In a low power field with NGC 3674 14' NW and NGC 3683A 21' NE. NGC 3683A was noted as moderately bright and large, oval ~SW-NE, broad concentration. A mag 13 star is off the northeast edge, 1.7' from center.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb