471

Frans Van Schooten (1615-1660)

Eerste (-vijfde) Bouck der Mathematische Oeffengen.

Amsterdam: Gerrit van Goedesbergh, 1659-1660
First edition, quarto, 6 parts in one volume with divisional titles; half-title present before general title; illustrated with text diagrams throughout; bound in full contemporary parchment over boards; 8 x 6 in.

Van Schooten was a second-generation Leiden mathematics professor who worked intimately with Cartesian analytic geometry. He was responsible for the Latin translation of Descartes's Géometrie, and for advancing the theory that the principles of geometry could be extended to three-dimensional space. Rembrandt painted portraits of Van Schooten and his wife which are held at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

This particular work also contains Christiaan Huygens's treatise on the theory of probability in games of chance (pages 489-500). Huygens's Van Rekeningh in Spelen Geluck [Calculating Chance in Games of Luck], the first work ever printed on the subject, posits 14 gambling scenarios, instructing the reader on calculating their odds of winning in each. Huygens writes about the odds of winning at dice and other betting games.

  • Condition: A-Z4, Aa-Zz4, Aaa-Qqq4, Rrr2; Aaaa2 (conjugate with Rrr2), Bbbb-Ffff4.

    Please contact us to request a condition report:
    Devon Eastland, Senior Specialist: [email protected]
    Grace Meschery-McCormack, Cataloguer: [email protected]


    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

April 23, 2026 10:30 AM EDT
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000