A large, international program of ground-based optical spectroscopy and photometry of the variable Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 5548 undertaken in support of an IUE monitoring campaign is described. This contribution presents the data base and describes the methods used to correct for systematic differences between spectra from different sources. Optical

Three spiral galaxies with warped disks have been observed; NGC 4013, NGC 4565, and NGC 6504. There is a clear wavelength dependence in the warp's curve, the bluest colors presenting greater distortion. These differences cannot be due to extinction. A larger warp in the young population of stars can be clearly and directly appreciated in the NGC

The direct correlation between effective radius Re and corresponding surface brightness mu-e, found for early-type galaxies by Kormendy (1977) and later confirmed by several studies, is reexamined using a homogeneous photometric data base relative to a luminosity-limited sample of 33 E and SO Virgo cluster galaxies. Contrary to previous belief, but

Spectroscopic observations of the dwarf nova IR Gem in the range 4000-7000 A, covering a whole orbital period, are presented. The dates of the observations (February 3-6, 1987) were at the end of the decline from an outburst and the beginning of quiescence. Evidence of phase related variations in H-alpha equivalent width is found, showing a maximum

IAUC 5174 available at Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams. IAUC 5174 available at Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams.

Emission-line and UV continuum observations of the type I Seyfert galaxy NGC 5548 were carried out for a period of 8 months with the IUE satellite. It was found that both the continuum shape and the line ratios of NGC 5548, while being not unusual for type I Seyfert galaxies, are strongly variable. The UV continuum flux and broad emission line