Fonds comprises the personal papers of James Dinwiddie, which include lecture notes, scientific journals, notebooks, manuscript, early experiments for 1774, correspondence, personal journals and also some records from the Royal Institution for 1808-1814. His papers also include the journals of W.J. Proudfoot and a biography of his father (and Dinwiddie's son-in-law), James Proudfoot.
James Dinwiddie wrote this introductory lecture on January 19, 1792. He discusses knowledge, existence, and sensation and quotes Rene Descartes (Cogito ergo sum).
These notes written by James Dinwiddie focus on topics in mechanics such as gravity, momentum, compound engines, and Ferguson's machine as well as matter, magnetism, electric shock, and capillary action in the introductory section.
This introductory lecture written by James Dinwiddie discusses natural philosophy. Dinwiddie draws on past philosophers including Rene Descartes, Plato, and John Locke to describe Nature and man's relationship with her.
These notes written by James Dinwiddie examine a number of topics in physics including light, motion, matter, hydraulics, and hydrostatics as well as a treatise on Nature from the points of view of philosophy, art, and theology.
These lecture notes written by James Dinwiddie ca. 1793 focus on architecture. Dinwiddie mentions building practices for arches, bridges, and porticos.
In this journal begun May 17, 1796 while in Calcutta, James Dinwiddie summarizes extracts from reports on a range of topics. He notes observations on "Dr. Black's Analysis of the Iceland waters" and "Extract from the report of the Committee for improving the manufacture of powder at Bombay" as well as others. This file consists of one journal.
These notes written by James Dinwiddie focus on experiments involving air; he documents his procedures as well as the results. Dinwiddie includes a hand-drawn diagram of various scientific apparatus at the front of the notes.
These notes written by James Dinwiddie in 1801 outline a course in experimental philosophy. The lecture topics include matter, space, gravity, engines, projectiles, and pendula.
These notes written by James Dinwiddie concern "Elementary Bodys [sic]". Dinwiddie briefly discusses chemical compositions in one set of notes. In the second set, he discusses motion and the necessity of experimentation in understanding nature.
This journal by James Dinwiddie written ca. 1774 has a list of philosophical queries as well as a list of materials. This file consists of one journal.
This journal by James Dinwiddie written in 1777 lists a number of experiments related to electricity and electrical phenomena. This file consists of one journal.
This sous-fond contains journals written by James Dinwiddie in which he recorded his early experiments. Written circa 1774, the journals contain observations on air and balloons and electricity as well as philosophical queries.
These notes written by James Dinwiddie focus on matter. The notes are split into three sections; the first deals with the properties of matter including various propositions. The second discusses the perserverance of matter or what happens when forces are applied. The final section deals with the powers of matter and involves inertia and resistance.
Citation: Hahn, Phil. Matthew and Albert de Mylius. Description of a Planetarium, or Astronomical Machine: which exhibits the most remarkable phaenomena, motions, and revolutions of the universe. 1791
These notes written by James Dinwiddie cover several topics including aquaducts, astronomy, and Roman history. In the astronomy notes, Dinwiddie mentions the seasons, the nautical almanac, the equinoxes, and the sun's gravity. This file consists of thirteen pages of notes.
James Dinwiddie records his observations on China in this notebook. He makes several notes about geography, animal life, and various customs. This file consists of one notebook.
This notebook kept by James Dinwiddie between October 3, 1792 and August 31, 1793 contains observations from a chronometer recorded during his journey from London to China. The file consists of 19 pages of notes.
In this scientific journal, James Dinwiddie discusses various topics in chemistry including the effects of fire, water, acids, and bases on mixtures. He also notes the properties of different types of air such as fixed air, nitrous air, and inflammable air. This file consists of one journal.
This scientific journal by James Dinwiddie focuses on navigation by stars which is demonstrated through a series of calculations. This file consists of one journal.
This document sent to James Dinwiddie from the Royal Institution outlines a by-law passed June 18, 1814 allowing associate members to use A.R.I. as a postnomial. This file consists of two printed pages.
This document from the Royal Institution ca. 1814 is a balloting list for the positions of president, treasurer, and secretary. This file consists of one printed page.
These lecture notes written by James Dinwiddie discuss a number of topics related to the military including fortifications, ballistics, redoubts, and the Macedonian Phalanx. Dinwiddie mentions various materials for building fortifications, armour, and weapons. He also records the arrangement of the Macedonian Phalanx.
In this scientific journal, James Dinwiddie focuses on astronomy. He discusses the solar system, sunspots, comets, and the moon. This file consists of one journal.
This series of notes written by James Dinwiddie focuses on astronomy. Dinwiddie discusses the properties of the moon and outlines the lunar cycle as well as the phenomenon of comets. He provides a list of well known astronomers and their publications including Isaac Newton, Rene Descartes, Johannes Kepler, Socrates, Nicolas Copernicus, Otto Guernicke, Galileo, Ptolemy, and Edmond Halley.