WOLFF, Christian, Freiherr von.

Mathematisches Lexicon, darinnen die in allen Theilen der Mathematick üblichen Kunst-Wörter erkläret, und zur Historie der Mathematischen Wissenschafften dienliche Nachrichten ertheilet.

      Engraved allegorical frontis. & numerous woodcut diagrams in the text. Title printed in red & black. 8 p.l. (incl. frontis.), 1494 cols., [29] leaves of index. 8vo, fine cont. vellum over boards. Leipzig: J.F. Gleditsch, 1716. First edition of this noteworthy and scarce mathematical dictionary by Wolff (1679-1754), the famous mathematician and philosopher who was professor at the University of Halle and an ardent exponent of the philosophical ideas of his friend Leibniz. This is a very complete and comprehensive dictionary of mathematics in the widest sense, including also astronomy, physics, mechanics, architecture, music, etc., etc. There are several quite interesting sections on calculating instruments including the abacus, Napier’s rods, etc. A wonderfully fine and fresh copy from the library of the Solms ducal library at Lich with their early stamp on title. ❧ D.S.B., XIV, pp. 482-84. Smith, History of Mathematics, I, pp. 501-02.