Gaze at works of astronomer in new display

A DISPLAY of some of the inventions and possessions of astronomer James Ferguson is to go on show at the National Library of Scotland, to celebrate the 300th anniversary of his birth.

The collection includes Ferguson's books, notebooks and drawings, as well as examples of his devices.

One of the highlights is a miniature globe of the Earth, dating back to 1750 and measuring just three inches in circumference.

Other highlights include a tidal clock Ferguson produced in 1764, and a map of the world which he marked up to show where the 1769 transit of Venus would be visible.

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.

The display opened yesterday, and will run until Wednesday, 28 April.