AN IMPORTANT EARLY COPY OF THE EDITION OF EUCLID'S ELEMENTS BY THE 13TH-CENTURY POLYMATH NASIR AL-DIN AL-TUSI (D.1274), POSSIBLY WITH THE FIRST FEW PAGES BY THE AUTHOR AND APPARENTLY PARTIALLY COMPLETED BY THE YEAR 1280 AD

AN IMPORTANT EARLY COPY OF THE EDITION OF EUCLID'S ELEMENTS BY THE 13TH-CENTURY POLYMATH NASIR AL-DIN AL-TUSI (D.1274), POSSIBLY WITH THE FIRST FEW PAGES BY THE AUTHOR AND APPARENTLY PARTIALLY COMPLETED BY THE YEAR 1280 AD

Arabic manuscript on paper, 100 leaves, 32 lines or fewer to the page in black and brown inks in two or more hands, with text parallel to the shorter side, bound with the text on the back of each folio leading directly to the text on the front of the next, theorems numbered in red ink and also the diagrams, in later binding

18.3 by 12.7cm.

Condition Report:
In fairly good overall condition, the last page with some losses due to worming, some waterstaining at the beginning and end, occasional repairs to the margins, small section has come loose from the binding towards the end, diagrams clear and text generally strong, as viewed.

"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."

Provenance:
Sotheby’s London, 7 October 2009, lot 22.