_James Wilson, M.D._--In 1761 James Wilson, M.D., published in two
volumes, octavo, a reprint of the mathematical tracts of his then
deceased friend Benjamin Robins. To them he added an appendix containing
a dissertation on the controversy about the invention of fluxions, which
dissertation is very little cited. He makes various statements on his
own authority, describing himself as having been the friend of Brook
Taylor and of Dr. Pemberton. Among other things he furnishes something
which might be cited in answer to my query in Vol. v., p. 103.,
affirming that _all_ Collins's papers fell into Jones's _possession_
about the year 1708. Dr. Wilson and Martin Folkes were joint executors
of Robins, as the former states. Query, who was James Wilson, M.D.? What
was his probable age in 1712? What means exist for forming an opinion as
to his judgment and veracity, over and above his publications as
aforesaid?