William Herschel discovered NGC 4233 = H II-496 = h1161 on 28 Dec 1785 (sweep 498) and simply noted "F". Despite the sparce description, his position falls on the north side of the galaxy. JH made the single observation "pB; R; vsbM to a small nucleus; 20"."

400/500mm - 17.5" (3/24/90): moderately bright, small, slightly elongated, bright core, high surface brightness. Forms a pair with NGC 4224 13' SW.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb