[EUCLID]. PROCLUS DIADOCHUS (412-485). In primum Euclidis elementorum librum commentarium … libri III. Translated by F. Barozzi. Padua: G. Perachino, 1560.

[EUCLID]. PROCLUS DIADOCHUS (412-485). In primum Euclidis elementorum librum commentarium … libri III. Translated by F. Barozzi. Padua: G. Perachino, 1560.

First edition in Latin of Proclus's important commentary on the first book of Euclid: 'the earliest contribution to the history of mathematics' (DSB). It was translated into Latin by Francesco Barozzi, a humanist, mathematician and astronomer. His translation provides a text substantially more complete and correct than the editio princeps, printed at Basel in 1533, since it is based on superior manuscripts. Barozzi finished the translation at the age of only 22, having already lectured on Sacrobosco's Sphaera at the University of Padua in 1559. He went on to translate the work of Hero and Archimedes and write a Cosmographia, but was condemned as a sorcerer by the Inquisition in 1587 for having caused torrential rainstorms in his native Crete (DSB I, p.468). Adams P-2138; Brunet IV, 895; Mortimer, Italian 403; Riccardi I, 82.

Folio (305 x 203mm). Woodcut device with Hermes and Athena on title, full-page portrait of the translator on verso within a wide border of grotesques, woodcut diagrams (last leaf soiled and with repairs, occasional waterstaining). Contemporary Italian vellum, gilt morocco lettering-piece to spine (endpapers renewed, lightly soiled). Provenance: early marginalia to the first few pages.

Special Notice

No VAT on hammer price or buyer's premium.