Euclide - Euclidis Elementorum - 1572

Euclid

Euclidis Elementorum libri XV

Pesaro - 1572 -
Camillo Franceschini

(12), 255, (1) c.
Sign: *-2*6 Aa-Zz4 Aaa-Sss4 (Sss4 white).

In folio - 32.5 X 22.5 cm. -

THE MOST INFLUENTIAL MATHEMATICAL TREATISE OF THE RENAISSANCE.

First important edition of the famous Latin translation of the “Elements of Euclid,” curated by Federico Commandino of Urbino and published in Pesaro by Camillo Franceschini, with printing by Jacob Chriegher.

Of remarkable historical significance is Commandino’s translation of the 15 books of Euclid from Greek into Latin, enriched with comments and notes, based on ancient references, particularly those relating to Pappus and Theon.
ADAMS E 984
BRUNET II 1088
GRAESSE II 512
SCHWEIGER I 111
RICCARDI I 362

Contains 865 woodcut geometric diagrams of fundamental importance for understanding the demonstrations.

This first edition of Commandino formed the basis for the majority of subsequent European editions up to the end of the 18th century.

The “Elements” represent the oldest large-scale deductive treatise of mathematics that has reached us.

Based on the works of earlier mathematicians such as Hippocrates of Chios, Eudemus of Cnidi, and Theaetetus, the “Elements” are a collection of definitions, postulates, geometric constructions and theorems with their proofs, ranging from plane and solid Euclidean geometry to elementary number theory and irrationality.
Among these are the Pythagorean theorem, the Thales’ theorem, Euclid’s algorithm for the greatest common divisor, Euclid’s theorem on the infinitude of primes, and the construction of regular polygons and polyhedra.

The “Elements” exerted a great influence on mathematics in the medieval Islamic world and Western Europe, proving fundamental for the development of logic and modern science, an area in which its logical rigor was not surpassed until the 19th century.

Excellent contemporary binding in full rigid parchment, with boards covered by parchment-like paper.
Elegant manuscripts and decorations, probably contemporary, on the sturdy four-ribbed spine.
Excellent conservation.

Very good internal condition as well, with fresh and clean leaves.
There are small professional marginal restorations to the splendid engraved architectural frontispiece, produced by Jacob Crigher.
Excellent typography, enriched by 865 geometric diagrams in woodcut.
Dedication to Prince Federico Maria of Urbino.
Some contemporary sepia-tone pen sketches and drawings by a scholar of the period.
Splendid large historiated initial capitals at the beginning of each book.
Slight marginal dampness on some leaves, including the frontis, the first and last leaves.
Text and engraving nevertheless perfectly readable.
Original flyleaves preserved.

Excellent and important copy, complete and original in all its parts.
BOUND. COMPLETE