Elemens D'Algebre.

CLAIRAUT M. Alexis Claude.

Published by Paris: Chez Les Freres Guerin, a S. Thomas d'Aquin &c., 1746

About this Item

First edition. Octavo (19.5 x 12.5cm). 'In the Elemens d'Algebre, Clairaut endeavoured to follow a pseudo-historical path, or at least a "natural" one. First he deals with elementary problems and appeals to common sense alone. Then, gradually increasing the difficulty, he brings forth the necessity of an algebraic symbolism and technique. Much more scholarly than his geometry, his algebra extends all the way to the solution of fourth-degree equations. It influenced the instructional technique of the ecoles centrales of the Revolution. S.F. Lacroix, who republished and commented upon it, considered Clairaut to be "the first who, in blazing a philosophical path, shed a bright light on the principles of algebra".' - DSB. pp. [2],xvii,[1],314,[22]. With 10 folding letterpress plates. Bound in contemporary mottled calf, the spine in six panels with label, gilt, marbled endpapers. The spine head chipped & the upper board corners lightly bumped, otherwise VG. Ownership inscription of John Berkeley, 1748 to title. [Roller & Goodman I, 231; DSB III, 281; Querard II, 214; Watt 232q; Graesse II, 190; Macclesfield 530]. Seller Inventory # 11515

Bibliographic Details

Title: Elemens D'Algebre.

Publisher: Paris: Chez Les Freres Guerin, a S. Thomas d'Aquin &c.

Publication Date: 1746