GWJ [Gibbs Walker Jordan]
The Observations of Newton Concering the Inflections of Light; Accompanied by other observations differing from his and appearing to lead to a change of his Theory of Light and Colours, Printed for T. Cabell, Jun. and W. Davies, Strand, 1799. 8vo, half calf over marbled boards, spine gilt in compartments with contrasting morocco lettering-piece in one, yellow edges; pp. [4 (title, verso blank, dedication, verso blank)], [1]-134; nine pages of plates, letterpress tables to text. Rare scientific text on light, drawing on observations to question elements of Newton's Observations. Jordan believed that he had discovered the "principles of all the phaenomena of light; and not of light alone, but also of heat and of electricity, and the relations which exist between these." From these he believed he had found many wonderful discoveries about the nature of the universe. Unfortunately, "Busied in the cares of life" he did not find the occasion to undertake the work of literary composition. This work at least, he completed and although he feared self-deception in his observations, "Upon the faith, however, of these same Observations, some expectation may be formed, and some credit claimed."