Directorium generale uranometricum in quo trigonometriae logarithmicae fundamenta

Lot 154
28.01.2025 10:00UTC -05:00
Classic
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUSA, New York
ID 1360870
Lot 154 | Directorium generale uranometricum in quo trigonometriae logarithmicae fundamenta
Estimate value
$ 2 500 – 3 500
CAVALIERI, Buonaventura (1598-1647). Directorium generale uranometricum in quo trigonometriae logarithmicae fundamenta. [And:] Tabula trigonometrica logarithmica. Bologna: Nicolo Tebaldini, 1632.

First edition of Cavalieri's first publication. This was the work "that introduced logarithms into Italy, but as it was in Latin, that honor is often given to the author’s later works written in Italian. Besides introducing logarithms, the work deals with spherical triangles, and Cavalieri introduces a new formula for calculating the area of a spherical triangle" (Tomash). The first part introduces the concept of logarithms, and proceeds with detailed examples of their use in astronomy, geometry, perspective, architecture, mechanics, geography, etc. Cavalieri particularly emphasizes their utility in making astronomical calculations. The second part contains extensive logarithmic and trigonometric tables derived from Napier and Briggs.

Cavalieri studied mathematics under Galileo’s friend Benedetto Castelli in Pisa; later he secured the chair of mathematics at the University of Bologna in part through the intercession of Galileo, who wrote a letter of recommendation in which he praised Cavalieri’s mathematical skills, and writing that "few, if any, since Archimedes, have delved as far and as deep into the science of geometry." Cavalieri became one of Galileo’s most important disciples and advocates; he was one of the first Bolognan professors to teach the Copernican theory, and made major contributions to optics, astronomy, and mathematics, particularly to a systematic method of indivisibles that was an important precursor of the calculus. Cinti 91; Riccardi I 332; Tomash and Williams C48.

Two parts in one, quarto (226 x 158mm). Woodcut diagrams in text, large folding table at end (title repaired at inner margin, some faint dampstaining, some gatherings toned). Contemporary limp vellum, lettered in ink on spine (lacking ties, closed split across spine panel).
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
20 Rockefeller Plaza
10020 New York
USA
Preview
14.01.2025 – 28.01.2025
Phone +1 212 636 2000
Fax +1 212 636 4930
Email
Conditions of purchaseConditions of purchase
Shipping Postal service
Courier service
pickup by yourself
Payment methods Wire Transfer
Business hoursBusiness hours
Mo 09:30 – 17:00   
Tu 09:30 – 17:00   
We 09:30 – 17:00   
Th 09:30 – 17:00   
Fr 09:30 – 17:00   
Sa closed
Su closed

Related terms