- 458
[J. NAPIER] MANUSCRIPT MANUAL CONCERNING THE USE OF NAPIER'S BONES, PRESUMABLY GERMANY, LATE 17TH TO 18TH CENTURIES
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Manuscript instructional manual, in German, concerning the use of Napier's bones
entitled "Unterricht wie man des Neperi rechenstäblein gebrauchen soll", with a few deletions ...Dise zehen täfelein deren iedes mit seiner Zahl auff der linken Seiten anfangt, als. A mit. 1. B. mit. 2. C. mit. 3. D. mit. 4. und so fortan: müssen nachfolgender gestellt zu bereittet warden... small 4to (193 x 142mm.), 18 leaves, one folding, numerous diagrams in text, two loose, engraved illustrations of Napier's bones ("Pro quadrata"; "Pro Cubica") in pocket on lower pastedown, modern green quarter morocco, gilt lettering to spine, no place or date [late 17th-18th centuries]
Provenance
Robert B. Honeyman (1897-1987), sale in these rooms, 2 May 1979, lot 1221
Literature
Tomash & Williams N12
Condition
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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This closely-written instructional manuscript does not provide a translation of Napier's seminal 1617 publication, the Rabdologiae, but rather an explanation of how to use the bones, two engraved examples of which ("Pro quadrata"; "Pro Cubica") are contained loose with the lot.