FELICIANO, LIBRO DI ARITHMETICA, VENICE, 1526

FIRST EDITION, 4to (210 x 145mm.), title within woodcut border, woodcut diagrams, early manuscript annotations in Italian, later vellum, some slight soiling

unidentified inkstamp on title (two animals on hind legs drinking from a cup); title-page inscription: Inscrip Catal. Sac. Eliz.ⁱ C.ⁱ 1703, and shelfmark: G I-45; bought from Martayan Lan, New York, 1990; Erwin Tomash, booklabel

Edit16 18697; Hoock & Jeannin F3.4; Riccardi ii, 21; Sander 2687; Smith, Rara arithmetica, p.146; Tomash & Williams F30; USTC 828971 (as 1527); Arturo Gallozzi, "Francesco Feliciano De Scolari (1470–1542)" in Distinguished Figures in Descriptive Geometry and Its Applications for Mechanism Science: From the Middle Ages to the 17th Century, edited by Michela Cigola (2016), pp.53-75

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."

The title "Scala gramaldelli" is symbolic, referring to the ladder needed to climb the tower of mathematics, and key (grimaldello) to unlock the highest chamber at the top; both implements are depicted on the title-page. The author was a private teacher of arithmetic in Verona and expert surveyor. He divides this work in three parts: the first two are aimed at merchants, and deal with commercial transactions, roots and algebra (Regola della cosa); the third is for land surveyors, and devoted to practical geometry and problems of measurement. Here Feliciano provides the first printed explanation of the use of the surveyor's cross (squadro agrimensorio). Eleven editions are recorded by Riccardi, the last dated 1692; “Few books had greater influence on the subsequent teaching of elementary mathematics” (Smith).