Ayil Meshulash [mathematics - especially, the properties of triangles and the rules of astronomy and algebra]. Edited by Samuel ben Joseph of Luknick. FIRST EDITION

ELIJAH, GAON OF VILNA.

Menachem Mann-Simcha Zimel

Vilna and Horodna

1833

. Title within woodcut vine-border. Numerous woodcut mathematical textual diagrams

Vinograd, Vilna 278; Vinograd, Vilna Gaon 862.

Book of Mathematics by the Preeminent Talmudist of His Day . In this work the Gaon of Vilna drew upon 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 approbations of the Chief Dayan of Vilna, R. Abele Posweller, R. Yissachar Ber, Dayan in Vilna and R. Jacob Moses of Slonim, grandson of the Gaon.