Mathematical Treasure: Late 17th Century Spanish Geometry

Antonio Hugo Omerique (1634-1698) was a Spanish mathematician who published several books on geometry and trigonometry. His Analysis geometrica of 1698 was devoted to solving geometric problems analytically. The title page promised “new and true methods for resolving geometric problems.” His work was cited and admired by Isaac Newton. Omerique’s theories were considered precursors in the development of analytic geometry. The following images were obtained through the cooperation of the Hispanic Society of America.

The frontispiece of the book appears to be more “political” than mathematical in nature.

The first page of the text discusses constructions within a semi-circle involving the dropping of a perpendicular onto the diameter.

The text is heavily annotated with comments and diagrams written in ink. A note inside the cover of this edition indicates the annotations were made by “an Englishman.” They were written in a fine hand, in a formal manner by an obviously mathematically knowledgeable person. The were then were bound into the book, and provide an interesting historical feature.

These images are obtained through the cooperation of the Hispanic Society of America Museum and Library.

Index to Mathematical Treasures