An exceptionally rare poetic rendering of the then new understanding of Newtonian Astronomy and Cosmology with theological and devotional reflections.
This appears to be the only copy extant. It is mentioned as exceptionally scarce, untraced in any library, in Lost Books. American Poetry before 1821 by Roger E. Stoddard of the Harvard Library published in the PBSA, 1982. We locate not a solitary copy in Worldcat or Copac. No copies at auction. Evans 21118
Witter, Joseph. [Formerly of Preston in New-England, now living at Patridgefield; having entered the ninetieth Year of his Age]. Gravity and Motion, A Poem: Setting forth the Sun, as a fixed Body of Light : - The Earth's Revolution round the Sun once a Year : - The Moon's Revolution round the Earth once a Month : - Earth's Distance from the Sun : - Moon's Distance from the Earth : - Earth's Swiftness, shewing a natural Cause for the Production of the Wind, Rain, &c. With many other Curiosities. Norwich. Printed by J. Trumbull and Sold at his Printing-Office, 1788. 16pp.
One source notes the poem was sold at Trumbull's shop, likely without any further distribution, for 4d in 1788. Trumbull also published other local works and histories, including Hubbard's Narrative of the Indian Wars in New England, various almanacks, and indigenous history.
In very early, if not original plain wraps, signed multiple times by Ebenezer Rogers, likely grandson of Daniel Rogers [b.1678], one of the important early citizens of Norwich. He had two sons named Ebenezer, the second being born after the first died in young age. Likely the second Ebenezer's son.
Title is rubbed, turned, with tears and chips, early sewing to tear, first leaf of poem is sewn head to tail with an early 19th century straight pin still in location. Remaining leaves are rather tidy by comparison. All complete. An irreplaceable piece of Americana.
