Born in 1746 in Dumfries, Scotland, not much is known about Dr. James Dinwiddie's early life. He graduated from university in 1778 in Edinburgh. In 1779 he began writing his series of "Queries and Hints", which were scientific journals covering a wide variety of subjects. He also began a series of lectures on various scientific topics starting in 1781. He traveled around various parts of the United Kingdom giving these lectures. In 1792 he was invited to join Lord Macartney's embassy to China, as an "experimentalist" and "mechanic". He was to perform several scientific experiments and demonstrate various apparatus for the imperial court. As the embassy left on the return voyage to Britain, Dr. Dinwiddie asked to be left behind in India. He continued to give scientific lectures in India, and was appointed Professor of Mathematics, Natural Philosophy, and Chemistry at the College of Fort William.

James Dinwiddie left Calcutta in Sept., 1806, and returned to England in April 1807. It appears he was a resident of London, with occasional trips to Edinburgh and Dumfries, until his death in 1815. During this period he continued to lecture and write in his scientific journals. He was an active member of the Royal Institution.

This material presents a fascinating example of the scientific mind of the late 18th/early 19th centuries. It includes correspondence with other scientists and inventors of the time. Dr. Dinwiddie's journals give an interesting account of his life and travels. Included in this material are the papers of W.J. Proudfoot, James Dinwiddie's grandson, and include his journals and a biography of his father (and Dinwiddie's son-in law) James Proudfoot.