Lectures on select subjects in mechanics, hydrostatics, hydraulics, pneumatics, and optics. . .
London: Printed for J.F. and C. Rivington, T. Longman, et al. 1790. 8vo. [xiv], 396, [6], 48 pp. Seventh edition. Including directions to binder and a page of publisher’s advertisements. With 36 folding engraved plates by Ferguson and numerous text tables. Full calf, spine worn and front joint loose; interior very good with only the occasional stain, loss to margin of the final leaf of the supplement. Many of the plates have minor repairs where the edges have been torn. With the bookplate of J. Drecker on the pastedown and Arnold Thackray on the front free end paper. Item #14756
Seventh edition of Ferguson’s valuable lectures, for many years a standard work on the mechanical sciences. Ferguson (1710-1776), astronomer, instrument-maker and accomplished public lecturer, was a great proponent of Newtonian philosophy. He published several technical papers on eclipses, celestial globes and horological instruments. “His models of the solar system were classics of engineering designs whose accuracy far surpassed anything previously available” (DSB IV, p. 565). Included in this work is the supplement, containing additional plates not found in the first edition.
Price: $500.00