FERMAT, Pierre de (1601-1665). Varia opera mathematica. Edited by Clement-Samuel de Fermat. Toulouse: Jean Pech, 1679.

Rare first edition containing most of Fermat’s major contributions to mathematics and with the author's portrait, not present in most copies. Blenheim Palace copy. This work is the foundation of number theory, the discovery (along with Pascal) of probability theory, the discovery (along with Descartes) of analytical geometry, the discovery of differential calculus (before either Newton or Leibniz were born), and his method of maxima and minima. The work also includes his correspondence with Pascal, Mersenne, Gassendi, Wallis, and Digby.

Fermat, the greatest mathematician of the seventeenth century, was shy of publicity and reluctant to communicate his findings. As a result, his discoveries lay comparatively unappreciated until the nineteenth century, at which time they catalyzed the development of modern algebra. This copy contains Horblit's 2nd state of the title (with woodcut ornament) and his first state of leaves â2 and ê2 (with engraved vignettes). The portrait of the author (not present in the Norman, Horblit or Honeyman copies) is present and this is a handsome, large and unpressed copy. Dibner Heralds of Science 108; Grolier/Horblit 30; Norman 778.

Folio (344 x 220mm). Engraved portrait of author by Jacques de Poilly (1623-1693), woodcut initial on title, 2 engraved head-pieces, woodcut initials and head- and tail-pieces, 5 engraved plates (minor spotting and creasing, lacks blank 2D2, some minor browning). Contemporary mottled sheep, spine gilt (spine and extremities expertly restored). Provenance: there is a manuscript correction to the text on the penultimate line of p.67, likely an editorial correction done in the printer's shop. – Sunderland Library, Blenheim Palace (bookplate for their sale, Puttick and Simpson, April 17-27 1882, lot 4493, recording purchase by:) – Bernard Quaritch – Royal Society of Edinburgh (inkstamp).