FIRST EDITION. 8 vo. Contemp. mottled calf, neatly rebacked with paneled spine. (4), 163, (1) pp. Errata slip mounted on blank verso of preface leaf. Four folding engraved plates. A very good copy. The Scottish mathematician, Matthew Stewart (1717-85; F.R.S., 1764), a student of Robert Simson and Colin Maclaurin, established his reputation ".overnight by the publication of the 'General Theorems'. John Playfair, himself a scientist of distinction, claimed that Stewart's results were 'among the most beautiful, as well as most general propositions known in the whole compass of geometry. The unity which prevails among them is a proof that a single though extensive view guided Mr. Stewart in the discovery of them all'. .Simson's influence is obvious thoughout the work. Several of Stewart's theorems are in fact porisms, although he refrains from calling them by that name." (D.S.B.). Charles Hutton, the 18th century English mathematician, also thought highly of Stewart's treatise. "Including his discussion of the properties of the circle and straight line, treated by transversals and involution." (Sotheran/Zeitlinger, vol.1, no.4601). Stewart succeeded to Maclaurin's chair of mathematics at Edinburgh. F. Cajori, 'Hist. math.', 1919, p.277. W.W.R. Ball, 'Short hist. math.', 1908, p.388. Not in Roller & Goodman.

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Bibliographic Details

Title: Some general theorems of considerable use in the higher parts of Mathematics
Publisher: printed by W. Sands, A. Murray, and J. Cochran; sold by W. Sands, and by J. and P. Knapton
Publication Date: 1746
Binding: Hardcover
Edition: 1st Edition
Condition: Very Good

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The ANTIQUARIAN SCIENTIST (285 Main Road, Westhampton, MA 01027 USA; antiqsci@comcast.net), established in 1976, specializes in rare books in science, medicine, and technology. In addition, we offer antique scientific instruments, and appraisals and collection development in these specialty areas. Thus far we have published forty-two illustrated and annotated catalogues. We also co-published the print journal "Rittenhouse" which is devoted to the history of the scientific instrument enterprise in America. We are members of SNEAB and numerous professional societies relating to books, instruments, and the history of science and medicine. It has always been our policy to provide to our clients professional quality services.

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