Mathematical Treasure: Euclid's Elements in Spanish

Los Seis Libros Primeros dela Geometria de Euclides (1576) is the first printed edition of Euclid's Elements to appear in Spain. It contained only the first six books of the Elements and was translated and edited by Rodrigo de Zamorano (born in 1542). Rodrigo identifies himself as an astrologist, mathematician, and cosmographer to the King, employed in the Casa de la Contratacion (House of Trade) in Seville. It was not until 1739 that a complete edition of Euclid was published in Spain.

The Geometria is dedicated to Philip II, then King of Spain.

The images above are used through the courtesy of the Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

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