NATIONAL LIBRARY OF SCOTLAND CELEBRATES SCOTTISH SCIENTIST AND ASTRONOMER
To celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of James Ferguson (1710-1776), the National Library of Scotland is showcasing a fascinating display of the Banffshire-born astronomer and scientist’s inventions and possessions. The display will run from today (Thursday, March 18) until Wednesday, April 28.
Completely self-educated, Ferguson’s interest in astronomy and mechanics began as a child and continued throughout his life.
He was popular both as a lecturer and an author of scientific books thanks to his simple explanations, ingenious diagrams and the ground-breaking mechanical inventions which he created to help illustrate his public science lectures. The collection includes Ferguson’s books, notebooks and drawings, as well as examples of these devices.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is a wonderful miniature globe of the Earth, one of several which Ferguson made, dating back to 1750 and measuring just 3 inches in circumference.
Ferguson’s first major publication, "Astronomy, Explained upon Sir Isaac Newton's Principles And Made Easy To Those Who Have Not Studied Mathematics" shows how he helped to popularise science amongst the general public as early as 1756.
Other highlights of the exhibition include the ‘Rotula showing Jupiter’s annual or progressive Motion from AD 1769 to AD 1801’, which is a series of paper discs with scales showing astronomical and calendar information; a tidal clock Ferguson produced in 1764; and a map of the world which Ferguson marked up to show where the 1769 transit of Venus would be visible.
Some interesting items on loan from the National Museums of Scotland will also be on show, including the Paradox Orrery, designed by Ferguson, which illustrates the phenomenon of the seasons and the orbit of the moon around the Earth.
There is also a 19th century reproduction of Ferguson’s pyrometer, which shows the expansion of different metals when heated.
Martyn Wade, National Librarian, said: “In recent months visitors have been flooding through the doors to experience the treasures we have had on display. This James Ferguson exhibition is particularly fitting as we approach both Ferguson’s anniversary and the Edinburgh International Science Festival as it offers an insight into the innovative discoveries and creations made by a self-taught genius who helped to popularise science.”
The Ferguson display coincides with the Edinburgh International Science Festival which takes place from 3 -17 April.
Please visit www.nls.uk for a list of exhibitions currently on display at the library.
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