The Elements of Universal Mathematics, or Algebra: to which is added, a specimen of a commentary on Sir Isaac Newton's Useful Arithmetic.. This item is unavailable.The Elements of Universal Mathematics, or Algebra: to which is added, a specimen of a commentary on Sir Isaac Newton's Useful Arithmetic.

8vo. iv, 187, [1] pp. 4 folding plates, decorative headpieces. Original gilt-stamped calf, modern red leather gilt-stamped spine label, raised bands; spine mended, rubbed. Ownership stamp of "P.G." Very good. RARE. First edition in English; first printed in Leiden in 1727, as Matheseos universalis elementa. "This work, translated into Dutch (1728) and English (1752 [sic]), is of didactic rather than original merit, but it was significant for its invitation to mathematicians to elucidate systematically Newton's Universal Arithmetick, which 'sGravesande exemplified by his own explanation of two passages from Newton's book. 'sGravesande found the lighthearted treatment of infinitesimals and the infinite in Bernard de Fontenelle's Elemens de la geometrie de l'infini (Paris, 1727) unacceptable, and he maintained his objections in the Journal litteraire against Fontenelle's rejoinder (1730)." — DSB V, p. 510. REFERENCES: ESTC no.: T187811; not in Babson.