Maclaurin | A treatise of fluxions, Edinburgh, 1742, contemporary calf, 2 volumes

Maclaurin, Colin

A treatise of fluxions. In two books. Edinburgh: T.W. and T. Ruddimans, 1742

2 volumes, 4to (222 x 173mm.), half-title in first volume, 25+16 folding engraved plates, contemporary panelled calf, spines gilt in compartments with later red morocco lettering-pieces, bindings rubbed and slightly stained

FIRST EDITION of Maclaurin's description of Newton's methods of the calculus. "A letter published in the year 1734, under the title of The Analyst, first gave occasion to the ensuing Treatise..." (preface, p.i); as a result of George Berkeley's criticism of Newton's methods, Maclaurin wrote what has since been described as "the earliest logical and systematic publication of the Newtonian methods" (DSB VIII, p.610).

LITERATURE:

ESTC T93640; Norman 1408

PROVENANCE:

J.E. Letterstedt, signature on flyleaf (probably Jacob Letterstedt, 1796-1862, Swedish businessman who settled in Cape Town and a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences); Nils Ljungzell (1885-1964, Swedish engineer and shipbuilder), bookplate and signature