S.A. - Elementorum Geometria Libri IV - 1850
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Selected by Ilaria Colombo
Specialist in old books, specialising in theological disputes since 1999.
Estimate € 500 - € 1,000
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Description from the seller
COLOR TO EXPLAIN SPACE: AN FASCINATING SCIENTIFIC MANUSCRIPT
Numerous watercolor geometric drawings in the text, some full-page, using colors to highlight figures, angles, proportions, and sections.
Fascinating late 19th-century manuscript titled “Elementorum geometria libri IV,” witness to the European teaching tradition in transmitting the foundations of classical geometry. Written in black ink on paper and enriched with numerous watercolor drawings—some full-page—the volume combines mathematical rigor and graphic elegance. Likely intended for teaching or advanced study, it represents an interesting document of late 19th-century scientific culture, when Euclidean geometry still formed the core of academic training.
MARKET VALUE
Scientific manuscripts with original graphical apparatus, especially if accompanied by good-quality watercolor drawings, are sought after by collectors of the history of science and teaching. A specimen like this typically falls within a range of 900 to 1,500 euros, with variations tied to the quality of the drawings, completeness, and condition.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION AND CONDITION
Manuscript on high-quality laid paper, late 19th century. 218 numbered pages (dimensions 268 x 182 mm). Text in black ink, orderly and legible. Numerous watercolor geometric drawings in the text, some full-page, with colors used to highlight figures, angles, proportions, and sections. Contemporary marbled paper boards; simple spine. Some browning and signs of use compatible with the manuscript and didactic nature of the volume. In period manuscripts there can be small imperfections not always noted in the description. Pp. (2); 6nn; 218; 2nn; (2).
FULL TITLE AND AUTHOR
Elementorum geometria libri IV.
S.L, late 19th century.
S.A.
CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
The Latin title directly echoes the Euclidean tradition and the book-by-book organization typical of classical manuals. In the 19th century geometry was a central discipline in scientific and technical training, and manuscripts of this type could be destined for secondary schools, seminaries, or technical institutes.
The presence of watercolor drawings suggests a careful explanatory aim: color facilitates the distinction between planes, sections, polygons, and solids, making the volume an effective didactic tool. The manuscript testifies to the persistence of Latin in academic titles and the importance attributed to graphical presentation in transmitting mathematical knowledge.
PRINTING HISTORY AND CIRCULATION
As this is not a printed work but a manuscript, the copy is presumably unique. It may have been prepared as a course notebook, private manual, or calligraphic copy for a student. Further paleographic and content studies could help identify its place of production and any relation to contemporary school curricula.
BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES
Barbin, Evelyne, “History of Teaching Geometry,” in Handbook on the History of Mathematics Education, Springer, 2014, for the role of Euclidean geometry in modern school training.
Boi, Luciano (ed.), 1830–1930: A Century of Geometry, Springer, for the context of geometry’s transformation in the 19th century and the persistence of the Euclidean model in European mathematical culture.
Preveraud, Thomas, studies on the didactics of Euclidean geometry in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly on its formative role in schools and higher education paths.
Handbook on the History of Mathematics Education, Springer, general reference work for the history of mathematical teaching and the school transmission of geometry.
References to 19th-century notebooks and school manuscripts kept in institutional collections, useful for typological comparisons with didactic geometry manuscripts.
Oxford History of Science Museum, collections of scientific and mathematical manuscripts, for the material context of didactic and practical manuscripts from the modern and contemporary ages.
For the overall picture of 19th-century geometry and its epistemological value: Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, “Nineteenth Century Geometry.”
Seller's Story
Luxury Books: Your Go-To Guide for Nabbing Literary Treasures!
Embarking on the thrilling journey of collecting rare and timeless printed works? Here's your snappy rundown, "The Collector's Cheat Sheet," to ensure you're not just flipping pages but stacking up the value:
1. Edition and Rarity: Rarity is the name of the game. First editions, limited printings, and books flaunting unique features like eye-catching illustrations or mind-blowing bindings? Consider them the VIPs of the collector's world.
2. Condition & Dimension: Picture this – a book in mint condition, untouched by the woes of wear and tear. Now, flip the script: wear, foxing, discoloration – they're the villains here. And don't forget to size up the dimensions, because a book's size matters in the collector's universe.
3. Authenticity: In a world of replicas and forgeries, verifying a book's authenticity is your superhero move. Expert examination and authentication – your trusty sidekicks in this quest.
4. Provenance: Who owned it before you? If the book has hobnobbed with famous figures or danced through historical events, its value skyrockets. Every book has a story, but some have blockbuster tales.
5. Demand and Market Trends: Think of book values as the stock market of the literary world. Stay savvy on collector trends and market shifts to ride the waves of value.
6. Subject Matter: Some topics are like fine wine – they get better with time. Dive into subjects with a timeless appeal or ride the wave of emerging cultural and historical relevance.
7. Binding and Design: Beauty is more than skin deep. Intricate bindings, stunning covers, and illustrations – these are the accessories that make a book runway-ready in the collector's eyes.
8. Association Copies: Books with a personal touch – whether it's a connection to the author or a famous personality – elevate the historical vibes. A book with a backstory? Count us in.
9. Investment Potential: Passion is the engine, but some collectors eye future returns. Keep in mind, though, that the book market can be as unpredictable as a plot twist.
10. Expert Advice: New to the game? Don't play solo. Seek wisdom from the book gurus, hit up book fairs, and join collector communities. We at Luxury Books are the Yodas of the rare book galaxy, helping you build collections that scream sophistication and cultural clout.
Because collecting rare books isn't just about dollar signs – it's a journey of preserving heritage and embracing literary treasures. Happy collecting!
Translated by Google TranslateCOLOR TO EXPLAIN SPACE: AN FASCINATING SCIENTIFIC MANUSCRIPT
Numerous watercolor geometric drawings in the text, some full-page, using colors to highlight figures, angles, proportions, and sections.
Fascinating late 19th-century manuscript titled “Elementorum geometria libri IV,” witness to the European teaching tradition in transmitting the foundations of classical geometry. Written in black ink on paper and enriched with numerous watercolor drawings—some full-page—the volume combines mathematical rigor and graphic elegance. Likely intended for teaching or advanced study, it represents an interesting document of late 19th-century scientific culture, when Euclidean geometry still formed the core of academic training.
MARKET VALUE
Scientific manuscripts with original graphical apparatus, especially if accompanied by good-quality watercolor drawings, are sought after by collectors of the history of science and teaching. A specimen like this typically falls within a range of 900 to 1,500 euros, with variations tied to the quality of the drawings, completeness, and condition.
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION AND CONDITION
Manuscript on high-quality laid paper, late 19th century. 218 numbered pages (dimensions 268 x 182 mm). Text in black ink, orderly and legible. Numerous watercolor geometric drawings in the text, some full-page, with colors used to highlight figures, angles, proportions, and sections. Contemporary marbled paper boards; simple spine. Some browning and signs of use compatible with the manuscript and didactic nature of the volume. In period manuscripts there can be small imperfections not always noted in the description. Pp. (2); 6nn; 218; 2nn; (2).
FULL TITLE AND AUTHOR
Elementorum geometria libri IV.
S.L, late 19th century.
S.A.
CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
The Latin title directly echoes the Euclidean tradition and the book-by-book organization typical of classical manuals. In the 19th century geometry was a central discipline in scientific and technical training, and manuscripts of this type could be destined for secondary schools, seminaries, or technical institutes.
The presence of watercolor drawings suggests a careful explanatory aim: color facilitates the distinction between planes, sections, polygons, and solids, making the volume an effective didactic tool. The manuscript testifies to the persistence of Latin in academic titles and the importance attributed to graphical presentation in transmitting mathematical knowledge.
PRINTING HISTORY AND CIRCULATION
As this is not a printed work but a manuscript, the copy is presumably unique. It may have been prepared as a course notebook, private manual, or calligraphic copy for a student. Further paleographic and content studies could help identify its place of production and any relation to contemporary school curricula.
BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES
Barbin, Evelyne, “History of Teaching Geometry,” in Handbook on the History of Mathematics Education, Springer, 2014, for the role of Euclidean geometry in modern school training.
Boi, Luciano (ed.), 1830–1930: A Century of Geometry, Springer, for the context of geometry’s transformation in the 19th century and the persistence of the Euclidean model in European mathematical culture.
Preveraud, Thomas, studies on the didactics of Euclidean geometry in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly on its formative role in schools and higher education paths.
Handbook on the History of Mathematics Education, Springer, general reference work for the history of mathematical teaching and the school transmission of geometry.
References to 19th-century notebooks and school manuscripts kept in institutional collections, useful for typological comparisons with didactic geometry manuscripts.
Oxford History of Science Museum, collections of scientific and mathematical manuscripts, for the material context of didactic and practical manuscripts from the modern and contemporary ages.
For the overall picture of 19th-century geometry and its epistemological value: Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, “Nineteenth Century Geometry.”
Seller's Story
Luxury Books: Your Go-To Guide for Nabbing Literary Treasures!
Embarking on the thrilling journey of collecting rare and timeless printed works? Here's your snappy rundown, "The Collector's Cheat Sheet," to ensure you're not just flipping pages but stacking up the value:
1. Edition and Rarity: Rarity is the name of the game. First editions, limited printings, and books flaunting unique features like eye-catching illustrations or mind-blowing bindings? Consider them the VIPs of the collector's world.
2. Condition & Dimension: Picture this – a book in mint condition, untouched by the woes of wear and tear. Now, flip the script: wear, foxing, discoloration – they're the villains here. And don't forget to size up the dimensions, because a book's size matters in the collector's universe.
3. Authenticity: In a world of replicas and forgeries, verifying a book's authenticity is your superhero move. Expert examination and authentication – your trusty sidekicks in this quest.
4. Provenance: Who owned it before you? If the book has hobnobbed with famous figures or danced through historical events, its value skyrockets. Every book has a story, but some have blockbuster tales.
5. Demand and Market Trends: Think of book values as the stock market of the literary world. Stay savvy on collector trends and market shifts to ride the waves of value.
6. Subject Matter: Some topics are like fine wine – they get better with time. Dive into subjects with a timeless appeal or ride the wave of emerging cultural and historical relevance.
7. Binding and Design: Beauty is more than skin deep. Intricate bindings, stunning covers, and illustrations – these are the accessories that make a book runway-ready in the collector's eyes.
8. Association Copies: Books with a personal touch – whether it's a connection to the author or a famous personality – elevate the historical vibes. A book with a backstory? Count us in.
9. Investment Potential: Passion is the engine, but some collectors eye future returns. Keep in mind, though, that the book market can be as unpredictable as a plot twist.
10. Expert Advice: New to the game? Don't play solo. Seek wisdom from the book gurus, hit up book fairs, and join collector communities. We at Luxury Books are the Yodas of the rare book galaxy, helping you build collections that scream sophistication and cultural clout.
Because collecting rare books isn't just about dollar signs – it's a journey of preserving heritage and embracing literary treasures. Happy collecting!
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Number of books
1
Author/ Illustrator
S.A.
Book title
Elementorum Geometria Libri IV
Subject
Mathematics
Condition
Good
Language
Latin
Publication year oldest item
1850
Original language
Yes
Binding/ Material
Hardback
Extras
Hand coloured illustrations
Height
272 mm
Number of pages
230
Width
187 mm
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