Lot 934
  • 934

VENN, DIAGRAMMATIC...REPRESENTATION OF PROPOSITIONS AND REASONINGS, 1880; CATALOGUE OF A COLLECTION, 1889 (2 WORKS)

Estimate
400 - 600 GBP
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Description

  • Two works, by or relating to Venn, comprising:
i. On the diagrammatic and mechanical representation of propositions and reasonings. [in:] The London, Edinburgh and Dublin Philosphical Magazine, and Journal of Science. Fifth Series. Vol. X, No. LIX, July 1880, pp.1-18. London: Taylor and Francis, 1880, 8vo, bound with other issues in volume X, later blue cloth, new endpapers, (bought from Chaucer Head, Presteigne, 2002), [T&W V9]ii. Catalogue of a collection of books on logic presented to the library. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1889, 8vo, (book label of Alan Wright, Romsey, Hampshire; bought from Roger Gaskell, Warboys, 1993, Catalogue 6, item 92), [T&W V8]

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when 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."

Catalogue Note

THE PAPER IN WHICH VENN FIRST PROPOSES HIS INTERSECTING CIRCLES (subsequently known as the 'Venn diagram') AS A WAY OF EXTENDING THE LOGIC OF DIAGRAMS OF EULER TO COMPLEX LOGICAL PROBLEMS. This method of representing logical situations visually in geometrical form allow great versatility and functionality, and has become ubiquitous in many fields of modern life, whether illustrating set relationships in computer science, theoretical physics, medicine, creative writing and business strategy, or teaching elementary logical concepts to young students. The second item in the lot attests to the fact that Venn was also a collector and scholar on the history of logic. For Venn’s large research library described here, rich in antiquarian works, donated to his Cambridge College (Gonville and Caius), see Terry Boswell, "A note on John Venn as a collector and bibliographer of works on logic" in History and Philosophy of Logic 16 (1995), pp.121-125.