AR Pavonis - The Rosetta Stone of the symbiotics

AR Pav is considered with respect to the early history and observations, the light curve, spectroscopic properties, and recent observations. It is suggested that recent observations tend to confirm the validity of the binary model proposed for AR Pav by Thackeray and Hutchings (1974). The secondary appears as an M3 giant showing normal infrared properties. The nature of the hot primary, however, remains uncertain as it appears obscured by an accretion 'shell' both during and outside of eclipse.