Arithmetica Integra

STIFEL, Michael (1487–1567). Arithmetica integra . Preface by Philipp Melanchthon. Nuremberg: Johannes Petreius, 1544. Very rare first edition of Stifel’s summa of mathematics, including the first printed use of the term “exponent” ( exponens ) and an early study of imaginary numbers ( numeri absurdi ). With contemporary Dutch humanist provenance, once believed to be Melancthon’s copy. Stifel abandoned his life as an Augustinian monk in 1522, becoming a friend of Martin Luther’s and gaining notoriety for predicting the Apocalypse on 19 October 1533, before he turned his focus to mathematics, enrolling in courses at the University of Wittenberg at age 54. His magnum opus, Arithmetica integra , seeks to present all current knowledge on mathematics, but Stifel makes several original developments, especially in the field of algebraic symbolism. The only operational signs that he used were + and -, with multiplication implied by the juxtaposition of terms. “Stifel also surpassed his predecessors in the division of general polynomials and extraction of their roots, as well as in computing with irrational numbers” (DSB). It is “one of the most scholarly arithmetics and algebras that came out in Germany in the sixteenth century” (Smith). Adams S-1865; BM/STC German p. 832; Smith, pp. 223-226 (copy with dedication and Melanchthon's preface removed); Stillwell Science 236; Norman 2019. This copy was purchased at Delft early in its history, as recorded by a purchase note on the title-page. The same hand, on the following leaf, copies out a Humanist aphorism: “Labore et vigilantia crescit virtus” [Virtue grows through work and watchfulness]. Another early reader has recorded a list of several contemporary authorities in mathematics, including Girolamo Cardano, Niccolo Tartaglia, Jacques Peletier, Jordanus Nemorarius, Raphael Bombelli and Stifel himself. Philipp Melancton wrote the preface, and American autograph collector William Buell Spragues notes on his label: “The marginal notes in this copy are certainly in the hand writing of Philip Melanchthon.” An early hand has inscribed Melancton’s name on a preliminary leaf. However, we do not believe the marginal notes to belong to Melanchthon. Quarto (192 × 150mm). Woodcut device on title, numerous woodcut diagrams (without Melanchthon's preface leaf, soiled, dampstains). Early vellum over paper boards, yapp edges, edges painted red (without free endleaves, upper board exposed through pastedown, stained).

Estimate:£3,020.8

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