Select Mechanical Exercises: Shewing how to construct different clocks, orreries, and sun-dials, on plain and easy principles. The third edition.

Ferguson, James

Published by Printed for A. Strahan, London, 1790

About this Item

8vo, pp. [xii], xliii, [i], 272 + 9 folding plates. Contemporary marbled calf, spine divided by gilt rules, red morocco label, edges sprinkled blue. Some light spotting and soiling, fore-edges of several plates more soiled and chipped, one or two small repairs. Binding rather rubbed, extremities a bit worn, joints cracked, front hinge relined. Ownership inscription of Andrew Pollock (1804) to flyleaf, and pencilled inscription of Thomas Bunyan to half-title and title-page. The second posthumous edition (first 1773, reprinted 1778) of this practical guide to mechanical construction of scientific and horological instruments. James Ferguson (1710-1776), Scottish natural philosopher and inventor, published numerous works simplifying complex scientific and engineering concepts, usually paired with accomplished diagrams from his own drawings; they remained in practical use well into the nineteenth century. ESTC N21211.

Seller Inventory # 4139

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Select Mechanical Exercises: Shewing how to construct different clocks, orreries, and sun-dials, on plain and easy principles. The third edition.
• Publisher: Printed for A. Strahan, London
• Publication Date: 1790
• Binding: Hardcover
• Seller catalogs:
  • Science