BERNOULLI, Jacob (1654-1705).  - photo 1
BERNOULLI, Jacob (1654-1705).  - photo 2
BERNOULLI, Jacob (1654-1705).  - photo 3

BERNOULLI, Jacob (1654-1705). 

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£ 16 380
Auction dateClassic
13.07.2022 10:30UTC +01:00
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CHRISTIE'S
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United Kingdom, London
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ID 794545
Lot 131 | BERNOULLI, Jacob (1654-1705). 
BERNOULLI, Jacob (1654-1705). 

Ars conjectandi. Edited by Nicolaus Bernoulli (1687-1759). Basel: Thurneisen brothers, 1713.

First edition of the ‘first significant book on probability theory’ (Norman). Ars conjectandi deals with the theory of combinations, gives concrete examples on the expectation of profit in games, and considers probability from a philosophical perspective. The appendix, written in French, explains the various strategies of real tennis, jeu de paume, and the probabilities of winning in different situations. Bernoulli discusses players of uneven strength, games of two versus one, and other permutations of the game. Bernoulli’s important work ‘set forth the fundamental principles of the calculus of probabilities and contained the first suggestion that the theory could extend beyond the boundaries of mathematics to apply to civic, moral and economic affairs’ (ibid). This copy has distinguished 18th-century Irish provenance, having belonged to the mathematician Matthew Young and scientist Richard Kirwan. Dibner 110; Grolier/Horblit 12; Norman 216; PMM 179.



Quarto (202 x 159mm). With the errata and blank leaf, 2 folding printed tables, one folding woodcut plate (faint soiling on title). Contemporary vellum over stiff boards, traces of manuscript title to spine. Provenance: ?Johann Crispin (erased inscription on title) – Matthew Young (1750-1800, eminent Irish mathematician and Professor of Natural and Experimental Philosophy at Trinity College, Dublin 1786-1799; inscription on title) – Richard Kirwan (1733-1812, Irish scientist and President of the Royal Irish Academy 1799-1812; inscription on title dated 1777) – later pencil annotation on p.96.





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