Sepher HaMispar [treatise on Algebra]

MIZRACHI, ELIJAH

Gershom Soncino

Constantinople

1533-34

FIRST EDITION. Title within historiated border including centaur-archer and hare. Initial letters of text within floriated vignettes. Manuscript mathematical notations along margins. Hebrew signature of Matithia ben Abraham Segre on title.

Vinograd, Const. 150; Yaari, Const. 116; St. Cat. Bod. 4965, 2 (liber rarus)

Elijah Mizrachi (c.1450-1526), a native of Constantinople, was a member of the old Romaniot community that preceded the influx of exiles from Spain. In 1498 he became the foremost rabbinical authority not only in Constantinople but effectively throughout the entire Ottoman Empire. Mizrachi achieved rabbinic authority due to his Responsa, although he is more particularly renowned due to his super-commentary to Rashi, known simply as “The Mizrachi” (Venice, 1527). See EJ, Vol. XII, cols. 182-4.