NEWSPAPER OBITUARY NOTICES OF FERGUSON'S DEATH.

“On Saturday Morning, died at Ms house in Bolt Court, Fleet Street, of a lingering illness, the justly celebrated Mr. James Ferguson, Lecturer in Natural Philosophy and Astronomy, one of the greatest geniuses in Mechanics that ever appeared in this or any other country, as his several publications abundantly testify,—in addition to the above, with a very sagacious mind, and the most engaging and primitive simplicity of manners, he possessed an uncommon share of good nature and humility. His whole deportment was indeed highly becoming of what he professed himself to be—a sincere believer in the Christian faith—so that it may be justly said of him ‘that he was an Israelite indeed in whom there was no guile.’”—The New Morning Post and General Advertiser, London, Monday, November 18th, 1776.

The Caledonian Mercury, of date Edinburgh, November 20th, 1776, has precisely the same announcement; as also many other newspapers during this month.

“On Saturday morning, about 6 o'clock, died at his house in Bolt Court, Fleet Street, Mr. James Ferguson the Astronomer. Mr. Ferguson was more than 66 years of age; and though generally thought to be in distressed circumstances, has bequeathed to different legatees above £5000.”—The Gazetteer and New Daily Advertiser, London, Mondav. 18th November, 1776.

1776.—“Died on November 16th, Mr. James Ferguson, Lecturer in Natural Philosophy and Astronomy, an excellent mechanic, and no bad miniature painter, at his house in Bolt Court, Fleet Street. He was a man who, by mere force of genius, made considerable progress in mathematical arts and sciences, wrote several useful works, and both projected and executed a great number of ingenious instruments and machines.”