“William Emerson (1701-1782), an English amateur scientist who spent most of his life in seclusion at Hurworth in Durhamshire, Emerson was mainly interested in mathematics, astronomy, physics, and medicine. He is known for his so-called “Emerson Paradox”... the Mechanics was very popular and went through several editions. It deals with the general laws of motion, descent of bodies, centers of gravity, mechanical powers, comparative strength of timber and its failure, forces of engines and their motion, as well as friction, hydrostatics, and pneumatics. The volume also poses the Emerson Paradox...”—Roberts & Trent.
Robert & Trent, Bibliotheca Mechanica, pp. 101-02.