STEVIN, MEMOIRES MATHEMATIQUES, LEIDEN, 1608, CONTEMPORARY VELLUM

4 parts in one volume, folio (310 x 197mm.), woodcut device of Stevin on title-page, woodcut device of the printer on other titles, woodcut initials and tailpieces, woodcut diagrams (that on C2 in part 3 with 3 folding slips pasted on), contemporary vellum, some browning

L. Cundier, early inscription on title-pages, i.e. Louis Cundier (died in Aix-en-Provence, 1681), geometer and engraver

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Stevin's substantial work was originally written in Dutch and translated into both Latin (by Willibrord Snell) and French. Stevin's mathematical lessons to Prince Maurice of Orange form the basis of this text, which encompasses cosmography and geography (part 1), geometry (part 2), perspective (part 3), and the final section (part 5) details double-entry bookkeeping with examples of ledgers. Presumably part 4 (on statics) was never translated into French, though it is present in the Dutch and Latin editions. All versions are rare. This copy has an additional bifolium at the end (quire S) which contains "Annotation de l'autheur" on pp.107-108 and a blank leaf.