William Herschel discovered NGC 4412 = H II-34 = h1257 on 23 Feb 1784 (sweep 158) and noted "vF, pS. Seems to be resolveable and resembles the former [NGC 4409 = NGC 4420]." His position is 30 sec of RA east of UGC 7536, the only nearby galaxy. JH made two observations, calling it "; L; R; vgbM" on sweep 238 and measured an accurate RA.

400/500mm - 17.5" (2/28/87): fairly faint, moderately large, slightly elongated N-S, weak concentration at center to a small brighter core.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb