APS Members Bibliography

James Ferguson (297)

Election date: 1770

James Ferguson (25 April 1710–16 November 1776) was a lecturer, scientist, artist, inventor, and a member of the American Philosophical Society via his 1770 election. Born in the county of Banffshire, Scotland, he was the second child of Elspeth Lobban and John Ferguson. An autodidact, James taught himself to read and gained an early understanding of mechanics by observing the workings of his father’s farm tools. As a young man, James drifted in his employment from shepherding to farming to clock-making and maintenance before deciding to pursue a career as an artist. After discovering that an apprenticeship in oil painting would be tedious and costly, he decided to focus on limning—painting miniature portraits. However, he remained curious about the natural world and its mechanics, dabbling in globe-making, medicine, and teaching mathematics. After marrying Isabella Wilson in 1739, James’s intellectual interests turned to astronomy. His inventions in this field included the “astronomical rotula,” a cardboard device used for tracking the positions of the sun and moon, and the “trajectorium lunare,” with which he could demonstrate the moon’s trajectory relative to the sun. He performed demonstrations with this second invention during a series of lectures he conducted from his place of residence. These lectures became popular, as did James’s published work, because of his talent for explaining scientific concepts in simple enough terms to be understood by the general public. In 1761, based on the merits of his writings and public teachings, the king awarded him a pension of fifty pounds per year and, in 1763, he became a fellow of the Royal Society. James had a troubled family life: he legally separated from his wife in 1773 and his oldest daughter, Agnes, disappeared and was never found. After his illness and death in 1776, it was revealed that James had amassed a small fortune through savvy and secret investments. (DNB)

Member(s): James Ferguson

297.001

... Beschreibung einer Zurüstung welche die anziehende Kraft der Erde gegen die Gewitterwolke und die Nützlichkeit der Blitzableiter sinnlich beweist, nebst einer Kupfertafel und einer Beschreibung verschiedener nützlichen Maschinen, aus Herrn Fergusons

Creator(s):

Kirchhoff, Nicolaus Anton Johann, 1725-1800 (Author) | Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Contributor)

Publication:

Hamburg und Berlin: Friedrich Nicolai, 1781.

Subjects:

Electricity. | Early works to 1850. | Lightning conductors.

Record Source:

APS

Editions:

1x 1781 (Hamburg und Berlin)

Editions Note:

One edition.

Holding Note: APS holds one copy. View Holding

Member(s): James Ferguson

297.002

Analysis of a course of lectures, on mechanics, pneumatics, hydrostatics, and astronomy,

Creator(s):

Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Author)

Publication:

London: printed for the author, [1761]

Subjects:

Astronomy. | Mechanics. | Optics -- Early works to 1800. | Physics -- Early works to 1800.

Record Source:

ESTC

APS Subjects:

Astronomy | Electricity

Editions:

1x 1761 (London), 1x 1763 (Bristol), 2x 1765 (London), 3x 1767 (London), 1x 1768 (Edinburgh), 1x 1769 (London), 1x 1770 (London), 1x 1771 (London), 1x 1774 (London), 1x 1776 (London)

Editions Note:

At least thirteen editions: one in 1761 (London), one in 1763 (Bristol), two in 1765 (London), three in 1767 (London), one in 1768 (Edinburgh), one in 1769 (London), one in 1770 (London), one in 1771 (London), one in 1774 (London), and one in 1776 (London).

Holding Note: APS holds one copy, published in London in 1776. View Holding

Member(s): James Ferguson

297.003

The art of drawing in perspective made easy to those who have no previous knowledge of the mathematics.

Creator(s):

Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Author)

Publication:

London: printed for W. Strahan;and T. Cadell in the Strand, [1775]

Subjects:

Perspective -- Early works to 1800.

Record Source:

ESTC

APS Subjects:

Mathematics

Editions:

1x 1775 (London), 1x 1778 (London), 1x 1802 (Edinburgh), 1x 1820 (London)

Editions Note:

Four editions: one in 1775 (London), one in 1778 (London), one in 1802 (Edinburgh), and one in 1820 (London).

Holding Note: APS does not own this text. Help the APS acquire this item.

Member(s): James Ferguson

297.004

Astronomical tables and precepts, for calculating the true times of new and full moons, and shewing the method of projecting eclipses, from the creation of the world to A.D. 7800 : to which is prefixed, a short theory of the solar and lunar motions.

Creator(s):

Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Author)

Publication:

London: printed for the author, [1763]

Subjects:

Moon -- Tables -- Early works to 1800. | Solar system -- Early works to 1800. | Astronomy -- Early works to 1800. | Eclipses -- Early works to 1800.

Record Source:

ESTC

APS Subjects:

Astronomy

Editions:

1x 1763 (London)

Editions Note:

One edition.

Holding Note: APS does not own this text. Help the APS acquire this item.

Member(s): James Ferguson

297.005

Astronomy explained upon Sir Isaac Newton's principles, and made easy to those who have not studied mathematics.

Creator(s):

Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Author)

Publication:

London: printed for, and sold by the author, at the Globe, opposite Cecil-Street in the Strand, [1756]

Subjects:

Astronomy -- Early works to 1800. | Solar system -- Early works to 1800.

Record Source:

ESTC

APS Subjects:

Astronomy

Editions:

1x 1756 (London), 1x 1757 (London), 1x 1764 (London), 1x 1770 (London), 1x 1771 (Strengnäs [Sweden), 1x 1772 (London), 1x 1773 (London), 1x 1778 (London), 1x 1782 (Berlin), 1x 1785 (Berlin), 2x 1785 (London, Berlin), 1x 1794 (London), 1x 1790 (London), 1x 1799 (London), 1x 1806 (Philadelphia), 1x 1809 (Philadelphia), 1x 1811 (Edinburgh), 1x 1817 (Philadelphia), 1x 1821 (Edinburgh), 1x 1829 (Barcelona), 1x 1833 (Calcutta), 1x 1841 (Edinburg), 1x 1846 (Calcutta)

Editions Note:

At least twenty-four editions: one in 1756 (London), one in 1757 (London), one in 1764 (London), one in 1770 (London), one in 1771 (Strengnäs [Sweden), one in 1772 (London), one in 1773 (London), one in 1778 (London), one in 1782 (Berlin), one in 1785 (Berlin), two in 1785 (London, Berlin), one in 1794 (London), one in 1790 (London), one in 1799 (London), one in 1806 (Philadelphia), one in 1809 (Philadelphia), one in 1811 (Edinburgh), one in 1817 (Philadelphia), one in 1821 (Edinburgh), one in 1829 (Barcelona), one in 1833 (Calcutta), one in 1841 (Edinburg), and one in 1846 (Calcutta).

Holding Note: APS holds three copies: a 1757 copy, an 1806 copy with the autograph: "Patterson", and an 1817.

Member(s): James Ferguson

297.006

An easy introduction to mechanics, geometry, plane trigonometry, measuring heights and distances, optics, astronomy.

Creator(s):

Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Author) | Ryland, John, 1723-1792 (Contributor)

Publication:

London: Printed for Edward and Charles Dilly, in the Poultry, 1768.

Subjects:

Record Source:

APS Subjects:

Mathematics | Astronomy | Engineering

Editions:

1x 1768 (London), 1x 1772 (London)

Editions Note:

Two editions in London: one in 1768 and one in 1772. Actually by James Ferguson. "This short treatise was drawn up ... by a judicious friend ... I am not at liberty to mention his name ..."--Preface, signed John Ryland. Cf. Dict. Nat. Biog., and ESTC T101219.

Holding Note: APS does not own this text. Help the APS acquire this item.

Member(s): James Ferguson

297.007

A brief description of the solar system: to which is subjoined, an astronmical account of the year of our Saviour's crucifixion.

Creator(s):

Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Author)

Publication:

Norwich: printed by W. Chase, for the author, [1753]

Subjects:

Solar system -- Early works to 1800.

Record Source:

ESTC

APS Subjects:

Astronomy

Editions:

1x 1753 (Norwich), 1x 1775 (Bristol), 1x 1797 (London?)

Editions Note:

Three editions: one in 1753 (Norwich), one in 1775 (Bristol), and one in 1797 (London?).

Holding Note: APS does not own this text. Help the APS acquire this item.

Member(s): James Ferguson

297.008

The description and use of a new machine, called the mechanical paradox.

Creator(s):

Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Author)

Publication:

London: printed for the author : and sold by A. Millar, Bookseller in the Strand, [1764]

Subjects:

Paradox -- Early works to 1800.

Record Source:

ESTC

Editions:

1x 1764 (London)

Editions Note:

One edition.

Holding Note: APS does not own this text. Help the APS acquire this item.

Member(s): James Ferguson

297.009

The description and use of the astronomical rotula : shewing the change and age of the moon, the motions and places of the sun, moon, and nodes in the ecliptic : with the times and phases of all the solar and lunar eclipses.

Creator(s):

Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Author)

Publication:

London: printed in the year, 1760.

Record Source:

ESTC

APS Subjects:

Astronomy

Editions:

1x 1760 (London), 1x 1775 (London)

Editions Note:

Two editions, both in London: one in 1760 and one in 1775.

Holding Note: APS does not own this text. Help the APS acquire this item.

Member(s): James Ferguson

297.010

Descrizione d'un orologio con tre sole ruote e due rocchetti inventato da B. Franklin e descritto da G. Ferguson.

Creator(s):

Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Author)

Publication:

Milano, 1775.

Record Source:

APS

Editions:

1x 1775 (Milano)

Editions Note:

One edition.

Holding Note: View Holding

Member(s): James Ferguson

297.011

A dissertation upon the phænomena of the harvest moon : also, the description and use of a new four-wheel'd orrery, and an essay upon the moon's turning round her own axis.

Creator(s):

Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Author)

Publication:

London: printed for the author, and sold by J. Nourse, and by S. Paterson, 1747.

Subjects:

Astronomy -- Early works to 1800. | Astronomical models. | Moon -- Rotation.

Record Source:

ESTC

APS Subjects:

Astronomy

Editions:

1x 1747 (London)

Editions Note:

One edition.

Holding Note: APS does not own this text. Help the APS acquire this item.

Member(s): James Ferguson

297.012

Lectures on select subjects in mechanics, hydrostatics, pneumatics, and optics : with the use of the globes, the art of dialing, and the calculation of the mean times of new and full moons and eclipses.

Creator(s):

Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Author)

Publication:

London: printed for A. Millar in the Strand, [1760]

Subjects:

Globes. | Sundials. | Eclipses. | Optics -- Early works to 1800. | Mechanics.

Record Source:

ESTC

APS Subjects:

Mathematics | Astronomy | Engineering

Editions:

1x 1760 (London), 1x 1764 (London), 1x 1772 (London), 1x 1773 (London), 1x 1776 (London), 1x 1784 (London), 1x 1790 (London), 1x 1793 (London), 1x 1799 (London), 1x 1805 (Edinburgh), 2x 1806 (Edinburgh, Philadelphia), 1x 1814 (Philadelphia), 1x 1823 (Edinburgh), 1x 1825 (London), 1x 1837 (London), 1x 1839 (London), 1x 1843 (London)

Editions Note:

At least eighteen editions: one in 1760 (London), one in 1764 (London), one in 1772 (London), one in 1773 (London), one in 1776 (London), one in 1784 (London), one in 1790 (London), one in 1793 (London), one in 1799 (London), one in 1805 (Edinburgh), two in 1806 (Edinburgh, Philadelphia), one in 1814 (Philadelphia), one in 1823 (Edinburgh), one in 1825 (London), one in 1837 (London), one in 1839 (London), and one in 1843 (London).

Holding Note: a 1772 with the autograph of Benjamin Vaughan which was presented by the descendants of Benjamin Vaughan through Mrs. George Gibson in 1991,a 1784, an 1806

Member(s): James Ferguson

297.013

An idea of the material universe, deduced from a survey of the solar system.

Creator(s):

Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Author)

Publication:

London: printed for the author, [1754]

Subjects:

Astronomy -- Early works to 1800.

Record Source:

ESTC

APS Subjects:

Astronomy

Editions:

1x 1754 (London)

Editions Note:

One edition.

Holding Note: APS holds one copy, which bears the autograph: E. Cane [?] View Holding

Member(s): James Ferguson

297.014

An introduction to electricity : in six sections : I. of electricity in general : II. a description of the electrical machine : III. a description of the apparatus (belonging to the machine) for making electrical experiments : IV. how to know if the machine be in good order for performing the experiment, and how to put it in order if it be not : V. how to make the electrical experiments, and to preserve buildings from damage by lightning. VI. medical electricity : anatomy to the University of Cambridge.

Creator(s):

Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Author)

Publication:

London: printed for W. Strahan, and T. Cadell, (successor to Mr. Millar,) in the Strand, [1770]

Subjects:

Electricity -- Early works to 1850.

Record Source:

ESTC

APS Subjects:

Electricity

Editions:

1x 1770 (London), 1x 1775 (London), 2x 1778 (London, Firenze [Florence]), 1x 1825 (London)

Editions Note:

Five editions: one in 1770 (London), one in 1775 (London), two in 1778 (London, Firenze [Florence]), one in 1825 (London).

Holding Note: APS holds one copy of the 1770 edition. View Holding

Member(s): James Ferguson

297.015

A letter to the Rev. Mr. John Kennedy, in answer to his examination of Mr. Ferguson's remarks (inserted in the Critical Review for May, 1763) upon Mr. Kennedy's System of Astronomical Chronology.

Creator(s):

Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Author)

Publication:

London: [s.n].], [1763]

Subjects:

Chronology -- Early works to 1800.

Record Source:

ESTC

APS Subjects:

Astronomy

Editions:

1x 1763 (London)

Editions Note:

One edition.

Holding Note: APS does not own this text. Help the APS acquire this item.

Member(s): James Ferguson

297.016

A plain method of determining the parallax of Venus, by her transit over the sun : and from thence, by analogy, the parallex and distance of the sun, and of all the rest of the planets.

Creator(s):

Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Author)

Publication:

London: printed for, and sold by the author, in Red-Lion-Court, opposite Serjeant's Inn, Fleet-Street : and also by Mr. Millar, Bookseller in the Strand : Mr. Nairne, optician near the Royal-Exchange : and Mr. Watkins, optician, 1761.

Subjects:

Venus (Planet) -- Transit -- 1761. | Parallax -- Sun -- Early works to 1800.

Record Source:

ESTC

APS Subjects:

Astronomy

Editions:

1x 1761 (London)

Editions Note:

One edition.

Holding Note: APS holds one copy. View Holding

Member(s): James Ferguson

297.017

Select mechanical exercises : shewing how to construct different clocks, orreries, and sun-dials, on plain and easy principles : with several miscellaneous articles : and new tables, I. for expeditiously computing the time of any new or full moon within the 6imits of 6000 years before and after the 18th century : II. for graduating and examining the usual lines on the sector, plain scale, and gunter : illustrated with copper-plates : to which is prefixed, a short account of the life of the author.

Creator(s):

Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Author)

Publication:

London: printed for W. Strahan;and T. Cadell, in the Strand, [1773]

Subjects:

Sundials. | Industrial arts. | Clocks and watches.

Record Source:

ESTC

APS Subjects:

Astronomy

Editions:

1x 1773 (London), 1x 1778 (London), 1x 1790 (London)

Editions Note:

Three London editions: one in 1773, one in 1778, and one in 1790.

Holding Note: APS holds one copy of the 1790 edition, which includes references to Benjamin Franklin. View Holding

Member(s): James Ferguson

297.018

A short account of the life of James Ferguson : written by himself.

Creator(s):

Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Author)

Publication:

London, Hunt and Clarke, 1826.

Record Source:

LCP

Editions:

1x 1826 (London), 1x 1830 (London)

Editions Note:

Two editions, both in London: one in 1826 and one in 1830.

Holding Note: APS does not own this text. Help the APS acquire this item.

Member(s): James Ferguson

297.019

Tables and tracts, relative to several arts and sciences.

Creator(s):

Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Author)

Publication:

London: printed for A. Millar and T. Cadell, in The Strand, [1767]

Subjects:

Astronomy -- Early works to 1800. | Science -- Early works to 1800.

Record Source:

ESTC

APS Subjects:

Astronomy

Editions:

1x 1767 (London), 1x 1771 (London)

Editions Note:

Two editions, both in London: one in 1767 and one in 1771.

Holding Note: APS holds one copy of the 1767 edition which contains the autograph: Geo. Baillie and the bookplate of George Baillie. View Holding

Member(s): James Ferguson

297.020

A treatise on the use of the globes.

Creator(s):

Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Author) | Cary, John, approximately 1754-1835 (Contributor)

Publication:

London: Printed for J. Cary, 1812.

Record Source:

APS Subjects:

Astronomy

Editions:

1x 1812 (London), 1x 1828 (London)

Editions Note:

Two editions, both in London: one in 1812 and one in 1828.

Holding Note: APS does not own this text. Help the APS acquire this item.

Member(s): James Ferguson

297.021

Two letters to the Rev. Mr. John Kennedy, containing an account of many mistakes in the astronomical part of his scripture chronology : and his abusive treatment of astronomical authors.

Creator(s):

Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Author)

Publication:

London: printed for T. Cadell in the Strand, [1775]

Record Source:

ESTC

APS Subjects:

Astronomy

Editions:

1x 1775 (London)

Editions Note:

One edition.

Holding Note: APS does not own this text. Help the APS acquire this item.

Member(s): James Ferguson

297.022

The use of a new orrery, made and described by James Ferguson.

Creator(s):

Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Author)

Publication:

London: printed for the author, [1746]

Subjects:

Astronomical models. | Astronomy -- Early works to 1800.

Record Source:

ESTC

APS Subjects:

Astronomy

Editions:

1x 1746 (London)

Editions Note:

One edition.

Holding Note: APS holds one copy. View Holding

Member(s): James Ferguson

297.023

The young gentleman and lady's astronomy, familiarly explained in ten dialogues between Neander and Eudosia.

Creator(s):

Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Author)

Publication:

London: printed for A. Millar and T. Cadell, in The Strand, [1768]

Subjects:

Globes -- Juvenile literature. | Astronomy -- Early works to 1800. | Astronomy -- Juvenile literature.

Record Source:

ESTC

References:

Shaw-Shoemaker 8436 | Shaw-Shoemaker 15009 | Shaw-Shoemaker 25419 | Shaw-Shoemaker 40821 | Shaw-Shoemaker 47975

APS Subjects:

Astronomy

Editions:

2x 1768 (London, Dublin), 1x 1769 (London), 2x 1771 (Leipzig, Amsterdam), 1x 1772 (London), 1x 1778 (Dublin), 1x 1779 (London), 1x 1790 (London), 1x 1792 (Dublin), 1x 1804 (Glasgow), 1x 1805 (Philadelphia), 2x 1808 (Philadelphia, Dublin), 1x 1812 (Philadelphia), 1x 1817 ([Philadelphia]), 1x 1819 (Philadelphia), 2x 1827 (Paris), 1x 1833 (Kalkatā [Calcutta])

Editions Note:

Nineteen editions: two in 1768 (London, Dublin), one in 1769 (London), one in 1771 (Leipzig), one in 1772 (London), one in 1778 (Dublin), one in 1779 (London), one in 1790 (London), one in 1792 (Dublin), one in 1804 (Glasgow), one in 1805 (Philadelphia), two in 1808 (Philadelphia, Dublin), one in 1812 (Philadelphia), one in 1817 ([Philadelphia]), one in 1819 (Philadelphia), two in 1827 (Paris), and one in 1833 (Kalkatā [Calcutta]).

Holding Note: APS holds one 1769 edition with the bookplate: Minto. View Holding

Member(s): James Ferguson | Member(s): Robert Patterson Sr.

406.003

Astronomy explained upon Sir Isaac Newton's principles, and made easy to those who have not studied mathematics : to which are added, A plain method of finding the distances of all the planets from the sun by the transit of Venus over the sun's disc in the year 1761, [with] an account of Mr. Horrox's observation of the transit of Venus in the year 1639, and of the distances of all the planets from the sun as deduced from observations of the transit in the year 1761.

Creator(s):

Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Author) | Patterson, Robert, 1743-1824 (Contributor and Editor)

Publication:

Philadelphia: Mathew Carey: For sale by John Conrad & Co. [and 10 others], 1806.

Subjects:

Astronomy -- Early works to 1800.

Record Source:

LCP

References:

Shaw-Shoemaker 10405 | Shaw-Shoemaker 17504 | Shaw-Shoemaker 17505

APS Subjects:

Astronomy | Physics

Editions:

1x 1806 (Philadelphia), 2x 1809 (Philadelphia), 1x 1817 (Philadelphia)

Editions Note:

Four editions: one in 1806, two in 1809, and one in 1817.

Holding Note: APS does not own this text. Help the APS acquire this item.

Member(s): James Ferguson | Member(s): Robert Patterson Sr.

406.006

Ferguson’s lectures on select subjects : in mechanics, hydrostatics, hydraulics, pneumatics, optics, geography, astronomy, and dialling.

Creator(s):

Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Author) | Brewster, David, 1781-1868 (Contributor and Editor) | Patterson, Robert, 1743-1824 (Contributor and Editor)

Publication:

Philadelphia: Mathew Carey, 1806.

Subjects:

Mechanics. | Optics. | Globes. | Sundials. | Eclipses.

Record Source:

LCP

References:

Shaw-Shoemaker 10033 | Shaw-Shoemaker 10406 | Shaw-Shoemaker 31470

APS Subjects:

Physics

Editions:

1x 1806 (Philadelphia), 1x 1806 (Edinburgh), 1x 1814 (Philadelphia)

Editions Note:

Some ten editions appeared in London prior to Patterson's additions and editing. Three editions: one in 1806 (Philadelphia), one in 1806 (Edinburgh), and one in 1814 (Philadelphia).

Holding Note: APS does not own this text. Help the APS acquire this item.

Member(s): James Ferguson | Member(s): Robert Patterson Sr.

406.038

Plates illustrating a new edition of Ferguson's lectures : on mechanics, hydrostatics, hydraulics, pneumatics, optics, geography, astronomy, and dialling

Creator(s):

Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Author) | Brewster, David, Sir, 1781-1868 (Contributor and Editor) | Patterson, Robert, 1743-1824 (Contributor and Editor)

Publication:

Philadelphia: M. Carey, 1806.

Subjects:

Mechanics -- Early works to 1800. | Optics -- Early works to 1800.

Record Source:

LCP

References:

Shaw-Shoemaker 10033

APS Subjects:

Physics

Editions:

1x 1806 (Philadelphia), 1x 1814 (Philadelphia)

Editions Note:

Two editions: one in 1806 and one in 1814. This separate issue of plates appears also as Ferguson's lectures.

Holding Note: APS does not own this text. Help the APS acquire this item.

Member(s): William Herschel | Member(s): James Ferguson

442.028

A new geographical, commercial, and historical grammar, and present state of the several empires and kingdoms of the world : containing I. the distances, figures, and revolutions of the celestial bodies ... : to with is added, I.A geographical index ... II. A table of coins of all the different nations ... III. A chronological table of remarkable events ....

Creator(s):

Philosophical Society of Edinburgh (Corporate Author) | Herschel, William, Sir, 1738-1822 (Author) | Guthrie, William, 1708-1770 (Author) | Ferguson, James, 1710-1776 (Author) | Knox, John, 1720-1790 (Author)

Publication:

Edinburgh: Printed for Alexander Kincaid, and sold by all the Booksellers, 1792.

Subjects:

Geography -- Early works to 1800.

Record Source:

Editions:

2x 1792 (Edinburgh), 1x 1794 (London), 1x 1796 (London), 1x 1799 (Montrose), 1x 1801 (London), 1x 1800 (London), 1x 1805 (London).

Editions Note:

Eight editions: Two in 1792 (Edinburgh), one in 1794 (London), one in 1796 (London), one in 1799 (Montrose), one in 1801 (London), one in 1800 (London), one in 1805 (London).

Holding Note: APS does not own this text. Help the APS acquire this item.