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PROPERTY OF A PRIVATE COLLECTOR
BERNOULLI, Jacob (1654-1705). Ars conjectandi. Edited by Nicolaus Bernoulli (1687-1759). Basel: Thurneisen brothers, 1713.
Details
BERNOULLI, Jacob (1654-1705). Ars conjectandi. Edited by Nicolaus Bernoulli (1687-1759). Basel: Thurneisen brothers, 1713.
The first edition of the "first significant book on probability theory" which "set forth the fundamental principles of the calculus of probabilities and contained the first suggestion that the theory could extend beyond the boundaries of mathematics to apply to civic, moral and economic affairs" (Norman). Ars conjectandi deals with the theory of combinations, gives concrete examples on the expectation of profit in games, and considers probability from a philosophical perspective. The appendix, written in French, explains the various strategies of real tennis, jeu de paume, and the probabilities of winning in different situations. Bernoulli discusses players of uneven strength, games of two versus one, and other permutations of the game. This copy may have belonged to the composer Francesco Conti, author of the oldest known mandolin method book—he was at the time of publication living in Vienna. An attractive copy. Dibner 110; Grolier/Horblit 12; Norman 216; PMM 179.
Quarto (204 x 162mm). With the errata and blank leaf (two gatherings lightly browned). Two folding printed tables; one folding woodcut plate. Contemporary vellum, spine gilt-lettered; custom half morocco box. Provenance: Francesco Conti (perhaps the Italian composer, c.1681/2-1732; neat ownership inscription to title).
The first edition of the "first significant book on probability theory" which "set forth the fundamental principles of the calculus of probabilities and contained the first suggestion that the theory could extend beyond the boundaries of mathematics to apply to civic, moral and economic affairs" (Norman). Ars conjectandi deals with the theory of combinations, gives concrete examples on the expectation of profit in games, and considers probability from a philosophical perspective. The appendix, written in French, explains the various strategies of real tennis, jeu de paume, and the probabilities of winning in different situations. Bernoulli discusses players of uneven strength, games of two versus one, and other permutations of the game. This copy may have belonged to the composer Francesco Conti, author of the oldest known mandolin method book—he was at the time of publication living in Vienna. An attractive copy. Dibner 110; Grolier/Horblit 12; Norman 216; PMM 179.
Quarto (204 x 162mm). With the errata and blank leaf (two gatherings lightly browned). Two folding printed tables; one folding woodcut plate. Contemporary vellum, spine gilt-lettered; custom half morocco box. Provenance: Francesco Conti (perhaps the Italian composer, c.1681/2-1732; neat ownership inscription to title).