NOVIOMAGUS, DE NUMERIS LIBRI DUO, PARIS, 1539

FIRST EDITION, 8vo (156 x 100mm.), device on title and last leaf, woodcuts in text of finger reckoning, the line abacus etc., a few marginal annotations, modern vellum boards

Robert B. Honeyman (1897-1987), sale in these rooms, 10 November 1980, lot 2351, £170, Erwin Tomash

Tomash & Williams N48; BP16 109199; FB 59243; Hoogendoorn p.165 Bronck04; Smith, Rara arithmetica, p.195; USTC 147593

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, 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."

“The first book discusses the Roman and Greek numerical notations and the finger numerals of Bede and also notes the astrological numerical symbols that were occasionally used in Europe. The part dealing with standard arithmetic describes the use of the table abacus as well as the Hindu-Arabic methods. The second book is devoted to the number theory concepts of Boethius and illustrates figurate numbers, etc.” (Tomash & Williams). The author’s dedication to Professor Andreas Eggerdes of the University of Rostock (29 August 1539) led to his appointment in 1542 as professor of mathematics in Rostock.