N. de Martino; Euclidis - Elementa Geometriae - 1737

Important eighteenth-century edition of Euclid – Elements of Geometry

Elegant and rare Neapolitan edition of 1737 of Euclid's Elements, in the scholarly revision by Nicolai de Martino, a testimony of primary importance in the diffusion of classical mathematical knowledge in the modern era.

The work presents the first six books of Elementorum Euclidis, an indispensable foundation of geometry and of the entire Western scientific thought. The text, in Latin, is organized according to the rigorous Euclidean method—definitions, axioms, propositions and demonstrations—and is accompanied by numerous geometric figures engraved in the text, of remarkable clarity of exposition.

Volume aimed at academic teaching and specialized study, it reflects the high level of Neapolitan mathematical culture in the eighteenth century, making it today an exemplar of great historical and collecting interest.


(cm 16.5 × 10); pp. 372. Frontispiece typographic with editorial mark. Contemporary parchment binding, with signs of use and old restorations to the spine (missing); interior overall well preserved, small tear on p. 127, with normal browning and traces of time. Complete copy.

Edition not common of a fundamental text in the history of science, destined for collectors of antique books, the history of mathematics, and European scientific culture.