BARREME, LIVRE D'ARITHMETIQUE, [PARIS], 1688, MANUSCRIPT ON PAPER, CONTEMPORARY RED MOROCCO GILT

Folio (375 x 243mm.), manuscript on paper, 93ff., comprising title-page, 89 numbered leaves, two leaves of table, final leaf blank, contemporary French red morocco gilt with fleurs-de-lys stamped at corners of inner panel and lettered "Arithmetique" on both covers, spine gilt in compartment with fleurs-de-lys, gilt edges, modern folding buckram box, a few leaves somewhat stained, lower half of fol. 3 excised, a few small repairs to binding

Jean Louis Migne, manuscript note on verso of flyleaf, "Vue et aprouvé par moi Jean Louis Migne l'an de la vrai lumiere" with signature; bought from Thomas-Scheler, Paris, 1989

Tomash & Williams B105

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."

Gabriel Barrême (1663-1711), the son of the mathematician François Barrême (see lots 43-48), became royal Arithmetician and later royal censor. He had two of his father's works republished in 1689 with his corrections and additions, Le Livre des comptes faits and Le Livre facile pour apprendre l'aritmétique de soy-mesme et sans maistre. This manuscript by a professional scribe, written for G.D. Moreau, the secretary to Monsieur Voisin, contains much of the same material as his father's works, including the four basic operations, the rule of three, fractions, and problems involving the calculation of interest.