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

ELIJAH, GAON OF VILNA.

Menachem Mann-Simcha Zimel

Vilna and Horodna

1833

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

Vinograd, Vilna 278; Vinograd, Gr’a 862.

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).