William Herschel discovered NGC 6181 = H II-753 on 28 Apr 1788 (sweep 835) and recorded "pF, pS, mbM, vlE." There is nothing at his position but 40 sec of RA west and 3' north is UGC 10439 (only fairly bright galaxy around). A second observation on 24 May 1791 (sweep 1007) is accurate.

200/250mm - 8" (4/24/82): fairly faint, elongated N-S, bright core.

400/500mm - 17.5" fairly bright, moderately large, elongated N-S, gradually increases to a small bright core, mottled appearance, brighter along the major axis. There is a hint of arm structure at the north and south ends.

Notes by Steve Gottlieb