William Herschel discovered NGC 4104 = H II-370 = h1086 on 11 Apr 1785 (sweep 396) and noted "pB, cL, mb towards the nf side." His position (CH's reduction) is 20 sec of time too far west. JH made a total of 6 observations, so pinned down the position.

400/500mm - 17.5" (3/20/93): moderately bright, moderately large, elongated 3:2 SW-NE, 1.8'x1.2', broad concentration. Forms a close pair with MCG +05-29-015 = PGC 38387, 3.0' SW of center. The companion appeared faint, small, round, broad weak concentration.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb