FERNEL, Jean

De Proportionibus Libri Duo. Prior, qui de simplici proportione est, & magnitudinum & numerorum tum simplicium tum fractorum rationes edocet: Posterior, ipsas proportiones comparat: earumque rationes colligit

      Title within Colines's fine woodcut "Quadrivium" border & crible initials. 4 p.l., 24 leaves. Folio, attractive antique panelled calf (title a little soiled). Paris: S. de Colines, 1528.pFirst edition of this very rare book; it "is one of the best of the sixteenth-century treatises on the mediaeval proportion. It follows the Boethian treatment, as seen also in the work of Bradwardin."!Smith, Rara Arithmetica, p. 157. "Fernel (1497-1558), before making a name for himself in medicine, was first attracted by the mathematical sciences, as evidenced by his first three publications -- of which this is the third, and all three of which were issued by Simon de Colines: De Proportionibus was preceded by Monalosphaerium, 1527, and Cosmotheoria, 1528. Fernel received his M.D. degree in 1530 and became a very influential physician through his numerous writings; he became physician to Catherine de Medicis, whose barrenness he cured, and eventually was appointed chief physician to King Henri II."!Schreiber 35. Fine unpressed copy. Renouard 117. Sherrington, Fernel, p. 189 (3.C).. First Edition. Hard cover.