Mathematics.- Ursinus (Benjamin) Cursus Mathematici Practici...continens Illustr. & Generosi Dn. Dn. Johannis Neperi Baronis Merchistonii &c. Scoti. Trigonometriam Logarithmicam, 'vol. 1' [all published], diagrams and tables, Colln an der Spree [now Berlin], Martin Guth, 1618, bound with Keckermann (Bartholomew) Commentarius ad systema logicum majus posthumous, Berlin, Martin Guth, 1619 and Timpler (Clemens) Opticae systema methodicum per theoremata et problemata selecta, Hanover, Petrum Antonium, 1617, together 3 works in 1, ink inscriptions to pastedown and endpaper, browning, contemporary vellum, upper joint cracked but holding, toned, 8vo.

*** First edition of the work that introduced logarithms to continental Europe, containing excepts from John Napier. Ursinus had been introduced to Napier’s work, and by his close association and collaboration with Johannes Kepler, it was through this very work that in ‘a happy calamity’ as Kepler called it, that Kepler became aware of Napier’s logarithms, a discovery that enabled him to complete his great Rudolphine Tables (1627). A fascinating sammelband volume of 3 works, with two rare philosophical works in addition.

Provenance: from the library of Patrick Hume, 1st Earl of Marchmont (1641-1724), Scottish Presbyterian statesman and a supporter of William of Orange [engraved armorial bookplate].