Lot 458
  • 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
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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."

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.