RAMUS, SCHOLARUM MATHEMATICARUM LIBRI UNUS, BASEL, 1569, MODERN HALF PIGSKIN

FIRST EDITION, 4to (241 x 182mm.), woodcut title and illustrations in text, modern half pigskin gilt, marbled boards, new endpapers, occasional marginal dampstaining

Library of the Franciscan Minims, Tyrol, Austria, inscription on title: Ex lib F.F. Mm Ref Bibliothek der P.P. Franciscaner in Hall, and later ink stamps; Reiss & Auvermann, Auktion 47, 7-10 April 1992, lot 1130, Erwin Tomash

Tomash & Williams R10; Smith, Rara arithmetica p.335; USTC 682006; VD16 L534

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."

"This book, consisting of thirty-one chapters, was part of Ramus’ attempt to reform the teaching of mathematics. The first three chapters deal with the history of mathematics, mainly from the time of the Greeks, and were actually published two years previously, in 1567, as Proemium mathematicarum. The next two chapters are a commentary on one of Ramus’ earlier works, Arithmetica (an elementary text on arithmetic), first published in 1555 but with many editions since that date. Chapters 6 to 31 are a commentary on Euclid’s Elements, with Ramus pointing out the useful applications. In a remarkable eight-page preface to this work, Ramus addresses Catherine de' Medici and pleads with her to provide a building for the professors of what came to be called the Collège de France. He indicates that this building is needed so that the professors would no longer have to lecture in the back streets of Paris. He also asks that she follow the lead of her Italian relatives and put her personal library in this new building rather than keeping it in the provinces. Ramus was well aware of the library and the current situation of the queen mother because he had taken shelter with her when, in 1562, his Protestant beliefs caused him to be driven out of Paris" (Tomash & Williams).