FORCADEL, L'ARITHMETICQUE, PARIS, 1556, 2 VOL. BOUND IN ONE, CONTEMPORARY BLINDSTAMPED CALF

FIRST EDITION, 2 volumes (of 3, see footnote) in one, 4to (195 x 143mm.), woodcut device on titles and verso of last leaves, diagrams in text, errata leaf in vol.1 (with device on verso), contemporary blindstamped calf, vol.2 damp-stained in corner at end (last 3 leaves with restoration, affecting a few letters), binding somewhat worn

Pierre de Laporte de Chambéry, inscription on endleaf (on title "Laporte de Pierre"), with annotations in the same hand, some seemingly referring to the owner's own studies "Laporte le f[ai]t plus brief & mieux intelligible..." (f.40v); bought from Martayan Lan, New York, 1993

Tomash & Williams F84, 85; Hoock & Jeannin F12.1, F12.2; Renouard, Cavellat, 97, 98; Smith, Rara arithmetica p.284; USTC 23227, 23228

the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"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."

An arithmetic intended for the advanced student with theoretical interests, written a few years before the author’s appointment as a royal lecturer in the Collège de France, "perhaps the most elaborate French treatise on arithmetic published in the sixteenth century" (Smith). A third volume of this work was published by Guillaume Cavellat in 1557. The son of a merchant, Forcadel wrote and lectured in French because he was not equipped to do otherwise.