CHAUVET, INSTRUCTION ET USAGE DU COSMOMETRE, PARIS: HENRY THIERRY, 1585

i. Instruction et usage du cosmometre, ou instrument universel pour les dimensions, tant geometriques que optiques, astronomiques & geographiques. [T&W C77; USTC 29201]ii. La practique universelle de geometrie ... contenant l'explication de son cosmometre & de tous instrumens geometriques, avec les figures & demonstrations tres-utiles & necessaires pour l'intelligence d'iceux. [T&W C79; USTC 30329]iii. La practique universelle de arpenterie, contenant l'explication de parfaictment mesurer, arpenter, toiser, aulner & prendre le plant de la superfice de tous corps & figures de telles formes qu'ils soient. [T&W C80; USTC 29200] Paris: Henri Thierry, 1585, 3 parts in one volume, 4to (220 x 168mm.), woodcut diagrams in text, woodcut head-pieces and initials, old vellum, red morocco-backed folding box, minor spotting or staining, lacking 3 strings, slightly rubbed

Picques, signature on first title; Arnaud de Vitry d'Avaucourt (1926-2012), sale in these rooms 10-11 April 2002, lot 131, £4800, Erwin Tomash

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"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."

Chauvet, who came from the Champagne, was professor of mathematics in Paris. This tripartite work is essentially concerned with trigonometry and surveying and meant as a practical manual, but was never reprinted unlike his Methodiques instititions de la vraye et parfaite arithmetique, also first published in 1585, which proved popular and long-lasting, going through some twelve editions by 1671. These tracts are rare. The British Library and the BNF catalogues treat these three items as separate works, although, as here, in those copies they are bound together.