Descartes / Rabuel - Géométrie de M. Descartes - 1730

DESCARTES - FIRST POSTHUMOUS EDITION OF THE GEOMETRY COMMENTED BY RABUEL First edition, published posthumously in 1730, of the only work by the mathematician Claude Rabuel, entirely devoted to Descartes’ Géométrie. An important document of the eighteenth-century reception of Cartesian geometry, enriched with 23 large folded plates engraved with hundreds of diagrams, curves, conic sections and geometric constructions. The volume preserves the contemporary full leather binding with a richly gilded spine. Of particular interest is also the provenance, evidenced by the ex-libris of the Bibliothèque du Château de Mouchy-Noailles, dated 1847, and those of W. H. Ingrams. A scientific work with strong visual presence and significant importance in the history of mathematics. ABSTRACT The Commentaries on the Géométrie of M. Descartes constitute a systematic and didactic exposition of Cartesian geometry. Rabuel analyzes and clarifies Descartes’ procedures, developing the relationship between algebra and geometry and illustrating graphically the construction and solution of problems. The work addresses equations, proportions, algebraic curves, parabolas, hyperbolas, ellipses, intersections, tangents, and numerous geometric problems. The 23 folded plates, densely engraved with hundreds of numbered figures, are an essential part of the explanatory apparatus. Published the year after the author’s death, the volume represents the first edition of Rabuel’s only work. WHY TO BUY A particularly interesting copy for the combination of first edition, Descartes, mathematics, scientific illustration, and aristocratic provenance. The 23 plates off text offer a spectacular graphic apparatus, with hundreds of geometric constructions directly linked to the explanation of Cartesian work. The posthumous publication and the fact that it is Rabuel’s sole book further heighten its bibliographic interest. Also notable is the presence of the nineteenth-century ex-libris of the Bibliothèque du Château de Mouchy-Noailles, prestigious library of the de Noailles family, together with the ex-libris of W. H. Ingrams. It also retains its seventeenth-century binding decorated in gold. MARKET VALUE For a complete example of the 1730 first edition, in contemporary binding with documented provenance, an indicative commercial assessment can be around €900-1,200. The condition is positively influenced by the first edition, the direct link to Descartes, the 23 plates, the original binding, and the ex-libris. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION AND CONDITION Contemporary full brown calf leather binding, five spine bands with gold title and compartments decorated with gilded floral tools; colored edges. Marble flyleaves. Sturdy binding with some abrasions; gilding. Text in French, with algebraic formulas and numerous geometric indications in the text. 23 copper-engraved folded plates, numbered, containing hundreds of geometric figures and diagrams; several plates bear the engraver Daudet. Two illustrations reproduced on modern paper. Present the final leaf with approval, privilege and license of the Jesuit order. Interior with some foxing and physiological browning and occasional stains. On the front pastedown ex-libris “Bibliothèque du Château de Mouchy-Noailles, 1847” and ex-libris of W. H. Ingrams. In old books, with a centuries-long history, some imperfections may be present, not always noted in the description. This listing contains AI Visualizations. Refer to the original photographs to verify the book’s actual condition. The images are an integral part of the description. Pp. (2), 8nn; 590; 2nn; (2). FULL TITLE AND AUTHOR Commentaires sur la Géométrie de M. Descartes. Lyon, chez Marcellin Duplain, 1730. Claude Rabuel. CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE René Descartes’ Géométrie, appearing in 1637 as one of the appendices to the Discours de la méthode, marked a fundamental turning point in the history of mathematics, establishing a new relationship between algebra and geometry. The possibility of representing curves through equations and addressing geometric problems with algebraic tools constituted one of the foundations of future analytic geometry. Almost a century later, Rabuel elaborated this extensive commentary with didactic aims, seeking to make Descartes’ often extremely concise procedures more accessible. The work also testifies that in the early eighteenth century Cartesian mathematics had already entered European scientific teaching, even within Jesuit colleges. BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF THE AUTHOR Claude Rabuel (1669-1729) was a French mathematician and Jesuit priest. Professor at the famous Collège de la Trinité in Lyon, he devoted a significant part of his activity to teaching mathematics and studying Cartesian geometry. His Commentaries on the Géométrie de M. Descartes constitute his only published work and appeared posthumously in 1730, shortly after his death. In the volume Rabuel sought to clarify Descartes’ procedures through broader explanations, numerous examples, and a vast apparatus of geometric figures. PRINTING HISTORY AND CIRCULATION This Lyon 1730 edition is the first edition of the Commentaries and was published posthumously by Marcellin Duplain. The title page specifies Rabuel’s membership in the Society of Jesus, and the work was published with ecclesiastical approval and royal privilege. The volume is characterized by an especially extensive iconographic apparatus: the 23 folded plates visually translate the mathematical steps of the text and constitute a true atlas of Cartesian geometry. In several cases the plates bear the inscription “Gravé par Daudet.” The final apparatus includes ecclesiastical approvals and a printing privilege, important elements for verifying the bibliographic completeness of the copy. BIBLIOGRAPHY AND REFERENCES Bibliographies of works related to René Descartes and the dissemination of Cartesian geometry; catalogs of eighteenth-century French mathematics; catalogs of Jesuit works; bibliographies of scientific editions published in Lyon in the early eighteenth century; catalogs of early editions by Claude Rabuel and the publishing output of Marcellin Duplain.

Stima:€550

Vedi tutti gli oggetti diCatawikioLibri, Mappe & Manoscritti