ORIGINS OF MODERNITY

mathematics

Euclid
Euclidis Megarensis mathematici clarissimi Elementorum geometricorum, lib. XV
Basileæ : Apud Iohannem Hervagium, 1537.

Euclid's Elements represents the high watermark of Greek mathematics and was one of the foundational texts in the development of mathematics in the early modern period. It was first printed in 1482. This early edition of 1537 is displayed here as a representative of Classical learning which influenced the development of modern thought. Thomas Hobbes claimed that reading Euclid's Elements inspired him to take up philosophy.