(Newtoniana) — Ferguson, James | A group of three works

(Newtoniana) — Ferguson, James

A collection of three books by the Scottish Astronomer, including the first and the third editions of "one of the earliest and most successful attempts to explain Newtonian ideas in popular terms" (Babson/Macomber). His works also contain detailed engravings of his designs for orreries and other scientific apparatuses.

The group comprises:

Astronomy explained upon Sir Isaac Newton's principles. London: printed for and sold by the author, 1756. First edition, 4to (262 x 200 mm). Folding frontispiece, 13 folding engraved plates; light browning on title and frontispiece, occasional dampstaining, offsetting, and foxing. Contemporary calf; scuffed and worn, upper board detached, rear joint cracked, early ownership signatures.

Astronomy explained upon Sir Isaac Newton's principles. London: A. Millar, 1764. Third edition, 4to (260 x 200 mm). Frontispiece, 17 folding engraved copperplates; some damstaining, browning and foxing. Contemporary calf; worn, front hinge cracked, rebacked, bookplates, early ownership signatures.

Lectures on select subjects in mechanics, hydrostatics, pneumatics and optics. London: W. Strahan, J. and F. Rivington, J. Hinton et al., 1770. Second edition, 8vo (200 x 120 mm). Folding plates; occasional light spotting and offsetting, a few rough edges. Contemporary calf; worn, spine cracked, upper cover detached, rear joint cracked.

PROVENANCE:

Robert S. Dunham (Sotheby's, 11 December 1993, lot 738)