Life of James Ferguson, F. R. S.

By James Ferguson and Anonymous

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1108021263
• ISBN13: 9781108021265
• Release Date: October 2010
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Length: 530 Pages
• Weight: 1.47 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.5" x 8.5"