James Ferguson F:R:S

Book Description

London: Printed for Robert Stewart, No. 15 Millman street, Bedford Row, Dec. 7, 1776. Mezzotint. State ii/ii, with engraved inscription. In excellent condition with the exception of being trimmed on the plate mark. Image slightly rubbed in places. Image size: 13 x 10 inches. 14 x 10 inches. A rich impression of this outstanding portrait of James Ferguson, the astronomer whose writings made the complex world of scientific theory available to the general public. James Ferguson was one of the first writers on elementary science, and a talented inventor and astronomer. Ferguson worked in a myriad of different professions before he was able to dedicate himself to scientific study; he was a shepherd, a milliner, a farmer, and lastly, a portrait painter. During the twenty-six years that Ferguson worked as a painter, he religiously followed his scientific studies and inventions. In 1748, he dedicated himself to a career as a popular scientific writer and teacher, and it is in this role, that Ferguson became one of the best known scientific minds. Ferguson's success as a writer and teacher, lay in his clarity; he brought the complex theories of advanced science to the layman in his ingenious writing and impassioned lectures. In his quest to make the world of science accessible to the general public, Ferguson invented amazing machines and didactic mechanisms with which to visually demonstrate the basic principles of scientific study. His most admired work, entitled 'Astronomy explained on Sir Isaac Newton's Principles' was so in demand that it remained in print for over fifty-five years. Ferguson's was one of the first writers to bring the world of science to a public thirsty for knowledge, his passion inspired generations of amateur scientists and his inventions helped people visualize the cerebral theories of advanced science. In Townsend's distinguished portrait, Ferguson is shown holding a celestial globe, the tool of his trade and a symbol of his academic accomplishments. (DNB) Chaloner Smith, British Mezzotinto Portraits 5 state not described; Russell, English Mezzotint Portraits, and their States iii/iii O'Donoghue, Catalogue of Engraved British Portraits... in the British Museum 2, Lennox-Boyd & Stogdon state ii/iii

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