William Herschel discovered NGC 4340 = H II-85 = h1212, along with NGC 4350, on 21 Mar 1784 (sweep 182) and described both as "Two nebula, the following NGC 4350] is the brightest, both S and the last pB." Heinrich d'Arrest measured an accurate position.

400/500mm - 17.5" (5/23/87): moderately bright, almost round, fairly small, small well defined core. Forms a pair with NGC 4350 5.6' ESE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb