First edition, small folio, title page printed in red and black, with three unconstructed volvelle wheels (in facsimile?) laid in; with contemporary inscription on front fly leaf: "Joannes Terrentus ex dono D. Jac. Alealini anno 2 ad [symbol for Sagittarius] Paris," and a modern note [in Gingerich's hand] stating that the inscription above was from the son of Viete's secretary; bound in full contemporary limp parchment, (old stamp and ink shelf numbers to title page; sewing becoming loose, first signature almost detached); 10 3/4 x 7 3/4 in.
Lawyer, mathematician, and royal code-breaker, Viète proved his prowess with numbers and logic by orders of magnitude. In this work, he points out errors and inconsistencies in calculations made by the Pope's scientist, Clavius, who was attempting to sort out the details of calendar reform from Julian to Gregorian.
This title has only one auction result, when Professor Gingerich purchased this copy from Swann in 1994.
Ex libris Professor, Astronomer, Historian & Bibliophile Owen Gingerich.
