Is a 16th Century Copy of Euclid's Elements a Rare Find?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the rarity and value of a claimed 16th century copy of Euclid's "Elements." Participants explore the implications of its age, authenticity, and market value, with a focus on its significance as a collectible item rather than a mathematical resource.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in purchasing a 16th century copy of Euclid's "Elements" but seeks clarification on its rarity.
  • Another participant questions the price of $50 Canadian, suggesting it seems low for such an old book.
  • A participant humorously claims to have multiple copies but later admits to having none, indicating a playful tone in the discussion.
  • Some participants speculate that the book may actually be from the 1700s, raising doubts about its authenticity.
  • There are conflicting statements regarding the age of the book, with one participant asserting that all 16th century books came to us from the 1700s, while another questions this claim.
  • A participant suggests that if the book seems like a steal, it could be a treasure, a fraud, or a stolen book, emphasizing the risks involved in the purchase.
  • There is confusion about the historical classification of centuries, with participants joking about the mix-up between the 1700s and the 18th century.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the rarity or value of the book. Multiple competing views exist regarding its authenticity, age, and the implications of its price.

Contextual Notes

Some statements rely on assumptions about the book's provenance and the definitions of centuries, which remain unresolved. The discussion includes humor and playful banter, which may affect the seriousness of the claims made.

Treadstone 71
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17th Century Copy of "Elements"

I found an actual 16th century (or so the seller claims, but it matches up with what I've read about, i.e., only 6 books translated, plus 11-12. etc.) copy of a translation of Euclid's "Elements". I'm very tempted to buy it, but I want to know if it's rare. This is as a collection item only, as I realize that mathematically it really makes no difference whether I have this copy of Dover's recent edition (which I do).

*EDIT* Typo, 16th century.
 
Last edited:
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Depends how much you are paying.

May I ask how much?
 
rare? HA! I've got 6 copies myself.
I'm sorry I lied to make myself look impressive. I don't have 6 copies only 4.
Okay I don't have any copies. I've never had any copies and the oldest book I've ever owned was a used paperback from 1967.
 
50$ Canadian.
 
Dont buy it...a book from the 1500's for 50 bucks? Smells very wrong.
 
Actually it's from the 1700's. It does smell wrong, in many ways.
 
That's pretty cheap.

Sounds like a reprint.
 
The 1825 printed editions are selling for $250-$300.

What information do you have from this book?
 
a 16th century book from the 1700s, that is extremely rare.
 
  • #10
All 16th century books came to us from the 1700s.
 
  • #11
rachmaninoff said:
All 16th century books came to us from the 1700s.
They did? What about the ones from the 1500's? :wink:
 
  • #12
They sat idly in the 1700's for over almost a hundred years.
 
  • #13
all 16th century century books came through the 1700s but they were 200 years old when they were there.
 
  • #14
A real rarity would be a book from the Library of Alexandria.

I wouldn't want to be the student who forget to return it!
 
  • #15
truthfully though. If this sounds like a steal it can only be one of three things a treasure, a fraud or a stolen book. two out of three choices are bad for you. If you knew anything about old books you might be able to make an intelligent choice but you don't.
All that being said $50 bucks is two hours worth of work, I screwed around longer than that today. Wait, $50 Canadian, make that one hours work. Go for it.
 
  • #16
Wait a minute, if it's from the 1700's, then it's actually from the 18th century... or the other way around.

God damn it, I hate history and the calendar.
 
  • #17
Treadstone 71 said:
Wait a minute, if it's from the 1700's, then it's actually from the 18th century... or the other way around.

God damn it, I hate history and the calendar.
Welcome to the 19th century
 
  • #18
tribdog said:
Welcome to the 19th century

I'm going to celebrate like it's 999.
 

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