Two fine engraved frontis. ports. & 45 folding engraved plates. Four vols. Large thick 4to, orig. blueish grey boards (extremities a little worn), uncut, orig. printed labels on spines (flaked). Paris: H. Agasse, 1799-1802.

Second edition, improved and greatly enlarged, of the first classical history of mathematics which is today still indispensable as it contains much information not found elsewhere. This history, which was first published in 1758, is considered to be the author’s masterpiece. Not only does Montucla provide a comprehensive history of the development of mathematical ideas, but he also includes mechanics, physics, probability, astronomy, music, mathematical geography, and navigation. More