The doctrine of fluxions : not only explaining the elements thereof, but also its application and use in the several parts of mathematics and natural philosophy.

William Emerson

J. Bettenham: and sold by W. Innys, 1757

Second edition. xvi, 432, [2] p., 102 folding plates, errata. Fine modern 3/4 leather over marbled boards, raised bands, black leather spine label, gilt rule. Minor toning, marginal soiling, tanning to title page. Errata page trimmed close.

Emerson's first book. Emerson was an important supporter of Newtonian mathematics. From the preface: "To say anything in praise of the Method of Fluxions, or of its dignity and rank among the mathematical sciences, would be as needless as to describe the excellency of bright sunshine above the twinkling light of stars; since anyone who is acquainted with the sciences will allow it to be a method of calculation incomparably superior to all other methods that ever were known or found out; and beyond which nothing further is to be hoped or expected. It lens its aid and assistance to all the other mathematical sciences, and that in their greatest wants and distresses: It opens and discovers to us the secrets and recesses of Nature, which have always before been locked up in obscurity and darkness. To this all the noble and valuable discoveries of the last and present age are entirely owing: And by this method Sir Isaac Newton, the worthy inventor, determined and settled the system of the whole visible World." 

A fun aside. Emerson turned down FRS, stating: "It is a damned hard thing that a man should burn so many farthing candles as I have done, and then have to pay so much a year for the honour of F.R.S. after his name. When a man becomes eminent, he has to pay quarterly for it. This is the way ingenuity is rewarded in England. Damn them and their F.R.S. too."