John Dovaston's astronomical notebook contains observations on the transits of Venus and Mercury, 1761-1799; the eclipse of the moon, July 1776; and the comet of August 1797; as well as more general notes on stellar positions, astronomical instruments, calendars, and the measurement of latitude and longitude. The volume is illustrated, and includes copies of two letters received from his fellow amateur astronomer, Waldron Hill.

Dovaston's interest in astrology is suggested by his detailed notes on casting a horoscope ("The Manner of Erecting a scheme or figure of the Heavens"), as well as by the presence of nativities for his son (1782) and for William Dovaston (1765). The chart for Dovaston's son includes interpretative notes, the other is tipped in to the end of the volume without additional comment. William Dovaston is of unknown relationship to John.

The volume is bound in half leather over marbled paper boards, with a note by Dovaston dated 1764, indicated that he had had it bound for 2 shillings. J.F.M. Dovaston's elaborate bookplate is pasted on the inside front cover.