BOLZANO, Bernard (1781-1848). Wissenschaftslehre. Versuch einer aussführlichen und grösstentheils neuen Darstellung der Logik mit steter Rücksicht auf deren disherige Bearbeiter. Sulzbach: J.E. von Seidel, 1837.

First edition of Bolzano’s masterwork on the sciences, the precursor of modern logic theory. Bernard Bolzano was one of the most celebrated polymaths of his time, and his contributions to logic in particular have established his legacy as the greatest logician to work in the time between Leibniz and Frege. After completing his 1810 work Contributions to a better founded presentation of mathematics, Bolzano intended to develop “a complete theory of science,” of which a treatise on logic was to form the cornerstone. From 1820 on, he worked steadily on this new theory in the broader context of epistemology and methodology of science, and his four-volume treatise Wissenschaftslehre eventually appeared in 1837.

"The rise of logical semantics, initiated by Alfred Tarski in the 1930s, has led to a revival of the study of Bolzano's logic in the light of modern logic and of his theory of an ideal language. The resemblance that many of the concepts introduced by Bolzano bear to modern logic has led to the opinion that Bolzano may be considered a true precursor of modern logic" (DSB II pp 273-79). See also “Bernard Bolzano” in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

Four volumes, octavo (209 x 125mm). Half-titles (some toning, a few scattered stains). Contemporary half calf and marbled boards, green parchment labels (extremities a bit worn). Provenance: Alfred Lorentz (dealer label in Vol. I) – Wilhem Beer 1797-1850, a German banker and astronomer (inscription in Vol. I) – Hans L. Merkle, 1913-2000 (Feuerbacher Heide bookplate, Nos. 4345-48).