CIRCLE-SQUARING THEORIES, 2 WORKS

i. De Morgan, Augustus (1806-1871). A budget of paradoxes. London: Longmans, Green & Co., 1872, 8vo, first edition, original purple cloth, (bought from Eric Korn, London, 1987), [T&W D33], binding worn, spottedii. Myers, William Alexander. The quadrature of the circle, the square root of two, and the right-angled triangle. Cincinnati: Wilstach, Baldwin & Co, 1873, 8vo, first edition, original reddish-brown cloth, (bought from Kenneth Karmiole, Santa Monica, 1992), [T&W M153], slight spotting, covers stained

"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The logician Augustus de Morgan's A Budget of Paradoxes (published posthumously by his widow in 1872) collects a series of articles originally published in The Athenæum. It probably did more than any other work at the time to debunk the very popular, but ultimately highly illogical and fruitless activity among amateur mathematicians, of attempting to square the circle using only a compass and a straight edge.