John Herschel discovered NGC 4518 = h1322 on 27 Dec 1827 and recorded "F; S; R; bM; 20"." His position corresponds with CGCG 042-149 = PGC 41674 (double system with a fainter companion close south). Karl Reinmuth noted CGCG 042-149, as well as several fainter companions, in his description of NGC 4518 based on a Heidelberg plate: "..eF neb sp 1.4'..."

400/500mm - 17.5" (3/24/90): very faint, small, elongated NW-SE, bright core. Located to the west of a N-S line joining mag 6.9 SAO 119466 12' SSE and mag 7.7 SAO 119465 7' NNE. NGC 4526 lies 17' SE.

600/800mm - 24" (5/20/17): at 375x; fairly faint, fairly small, elongated 3:2 N-S, ~25"x18", gradually increases to a small bright core and stellar nucleus. Located 16' NW of NGC 4526 and 6.6' SSW of mag 7.6 HD 109270.

Forms a close pair with NGC 4518B = CGCG 042-149 1.1' SSW. The companion appeared very faint, very small, 15"x10" SW-NE.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb