The Newtonian System of Philosophy; Explained by Familiar Objects in an Entertaining Manner, for the Use of Young Ladies and Gentlemen. Illustrated with Copperplates and Cuts. A New Improved Edition with Many Alterations and Additions, to explain the late new Philosophical Discoveries, &c., &c. By a Teacher of Philadelphia

Philadelphia: Published by Jacob Johnson, 1803. First American Edition . Hardcover. Good. 16mo - over 5¾ - 6¾" tall. 16mo. 137, [3] pages. Hardcover bound in original full brown leather. The binding shows wear and bumping but is sound with rubbed but secure hinges. Headcap of the spine is chipped. Small wormhole near the foot of the spine. Complete with endpapers and illustrated with 5 full-page copperplate engravings (collates complete) as well as several smaller text woodcuts. Early owner's signature on the recto of the frontis reads, "Solomon Mordecai / Warrenton [North Carolina] Jan.y. 1st 1804." Another early signature for "Jos. Mordecai" is at the top of the title page. The Mordecai family was an important Jewish family in eastern North Carolina in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Jacob Mordecai founded the Warrenton Female Academy in 1809 and was assisted by his son Solomon and several daughters. This title was first published in 1761 by John Newbery in England (thought to have actually be written by Oliver Goldsmith) under the pseudonym of Tom Telescope. It was a science book written for youth. This is the First American edition. The Second American edition of 1808 is much more common. The "Teacher of Philadelphia" referred to on the title page is believed to have been Robert Patterson, Professor of Mathematics at the University of Pennsylvania. This is a decent, sturdy copy of a rare and important edition.