Ayil Meshulash [mathematics - especially, the properties of triangles and the rules of astronomy and algebra]. Edited by Samuel ben Joseph of Luknick.
AUCTION 30 |
Tuesday, September 20th,
2005 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Books and Manuscripts
Lot 125
ELIJAH, GAON OF VILNA
Ayil Meshulash [mathematics - especially, the properties of triangles and the rules of astronomy and algebra]. Edited by Samuel ben Joseph of Luknick.
Vilna and Horadna: Menachem Mann-Simcha Zimel 1833
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
PRICE REALIZED $1,600
Book of Mathematics by the Preeminent Talmudist of His Day. In this work the Gaon of Vilna drew on his extensive knowledge of mathematics and the natural sciences. He viewed such knowledge as an aid to Torah study and disapproved of the lack of interest in secular sciences that was widespread among Talmudic scholars of the time. The title is a play on the words in Genesis 15:9, “a ram of three years.” (In Hebrew, “meshulash” is also the word for triangle). The book bears the encomia (haskamoth) of the Chief Justice of Vilna, R. Abele Posweller and R. Jacob Moses of Slonim, grandson of the Gaon