Beschreibung:

Nasir al-Din al-Tusi, Shahr Usul Ashkal kitab Uqlidis fi ilm al-Hindasa (an exposition on mathematics and geometry taken from Euclid's Elements), in Arabic, decorated manuscript on paper [Early Safavid Persia, first half of the sixteenth century] 162 leaves, apparently complete, single column, 20 lines black nasta'liq influenced by naskh, overlining and some phrases in red, numerous diagrams and tables throughout the text ruled in black and red, catch-words throughout, text-block ruled in red and gold, occasional marginal commentary in red and black, a few outer edges repaired, some light scuffs and small smudges to some sections of text, a few small chips and closed tears to outer edges (rarely affecting text), 195 by 110 mm.; contemporary red morocco boards with flap, ruled in gilt, rebacked and creases repaired, rather scuffed Muhamad ibn Muhamad ibn al-Hasan al-Tusi (1201-1274) was a Persian scholar known for his extensive work on science, physics, mathematics and theology, and is often credited with the invention and identification of trigonometry as an independent division of mathematics. As well as compiling many important works in these fields, he is also known for translating the definitive Arabic editions of Euclid, Ptolemy and Archimedes' works among others. The present text is a translation of Euclid's Elements, focusing on the discussion of mathematical and geometric area, and is illustrated throughout with many detailed diagrams and charts. The earliest known copy of this work dates to the thirteenth century, however, few examples have appeared on the open market in recent decades, and it is considered a uncommon work in manuscript. The last example to appear is the Persian copy dated 1061 AH / 1650 AD, sold in Bonhams, 6 October 2008, lot 15, for £9,600, and perhaps we should add to this the abridgement of the work from Ilkhanid Persia and dated 701 AH / 1301-02 AD, sold in Sotheby's, 26 April 2017, lot 38, for £12,500.