Life of James Ferguson, F. R. S.
In a Brief Autobiographical Account, and Further Extended Memoir

The life of the Scottish astronomer and inventor, James Ferguson (1710–1776), with detailed accounts of his work.

Ebenezer Henderson (Edited by), James Ferguson (Author)

9781108021265, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 19 August 2010

530 pages, 107 b/w illus. 1 map
21.6 x 14 x 3 cm, 0.67 kg

James Ferguson (1710–1776) was a Scottish self-taught astronomer, instrument maker and artist. Of humble background, he became a highly successful lecturer on experimental philosophy and science. He became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1763, received a royal pension, and is particularly remembered as an inventor and improver of astronomical and other scientific apparatus. These include a new type of orrery, clocks, and his astronomical rotula. His lectures and books were noted for their clear explanations for a general audience, and Astronomy Explained upon Sir Isaac Newton's Principles and Made Easy for Those Who Have Not Studied Mathematics (1756) was a bestseller. This autobiographical memoir, expanded by Ebenezer Henderson in 1867, also contains a full description of Ferguson's principal inventions, with many illustrations.

1. Ferguson's autobiographical memoir, from 'Select mechanical exercises', 1710 to 1773
2. Extended memoir, 1743 to 1776
Appendix
Index.

Subject Areas: Solar system: the Sun & planets [PGS]