1715 ARITHMETICA DEMONSTRADA THEORICO-PRACTICA, CORACHÁN, ORIGINAL VELLUM BINDNG

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Express Shipping Worldwide is Free Arithmetica Demonstrada Theorico-Practica para lo Mathematico y Mercantil Juan Bautista Corachán By Juan Bautista Corachán Published by Pablo Campins, Barcelona, 1715 In Spanish The very rare 1715 edition Juan Bautista Corachán or Joan Baptista Coratjà (Valencia, 1661 - 1741), was a mathematician, physicist, astronomer and Spanish scientist. He received his doctorate in Theology from the University of Valencia. He also studied Mathematics, and before the age of twenty published an Ameno and delightful Garden of Mathematics. His curiosity also led him to Astronomy and Physics. He participated in numerous gatherings and academies of his time, for example in the Mathematical Academy that met in the house of the priest Baltasar Íñigo and later in the Palace of the Alcázar, which also attended the novator Tomás Vicente Tosca; He had a great friendship with the Jesuit mathematician and astronomer Jose Zaragoza, expert in comets; in 1696 he obtained the chair of Mathematics of the University of Valencia; From that position he supported the need for a reform of the teaching of science in the old-fashioned Estudi General. He translated the first fragments of Descartes into Spanish and introduced new scientific ideas in the country; in his manuscripts he quotes Copernicus and Tycho Brahe. He wrote a treaty on Hydrometry and acted often as an advisor to the Murs i Valls Factory, the body in charge of the urban drainage works and the channeling of the Guadalaviar River as a defense against floods. He was one of the most outstanding figures among the novatores. He retired in 1720. This volume is a comprehensive Spanish arithmetic manual from the early 18th century that blends theoretical explanations of mathematical principles with hands-on, real-world arithmetic applications, especially focused on commerce, weights, measures, and currency conversion relevant to the period. 1. Purpose and Audience Corachán’s work was intended as a practical arithmetic course for both beginners and merchants (hence “theorico-practica”—theoretical and practical). It aimed to teach readers not only the basic operations of arithmetic but also how to use mathematics in real calculational contexts, such as trade, measurement, and conversion among systems of weights and currencies. This aligns with the tradition of early modern arithmetic textbooks that were meant to be used as instructional manuals for commercial arithmetic and everyday mathematical tasks, similar in intent to works by Pacioli and others in other European languages. 2. Structure and Main Sections Proemiales (Introductory Sections) General notions about numbers, arithmetic operations, and the structure of the book. Introduction to money, weights, and measures, explaining how they are used and compared. Libro I – Logistics of Numbers Covers foundational arithmetic: Counting and representation of numbers. Basic operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division with whole and fractional numbers. Methods for practical calculations relevant for merchants. Libro II – Analogy of Numbers Deals with proportionality and comparative mathematics: Rule of three and compound proportions. Financial problems and proportional reasoning used in trade. Libro III – Analytica of Numbers Root extraction (square and higher roots) and powers. Methods for approximating and solving more complex numeric problems. Libro IV – Progressions and Combinatorics Study of arithmetical and geometric progressions. Introduction to combinatorial problems. More advanced arithmetic linked with practical problem solving. Appendix The appendix broadens the scope beyond pure arithmetic: Recreational mathematics: number guessing games, puzzles, and mathematical entertainments. Geometric calculations, including simple formulas for areas and volumes. Mathematics and music: discussion of musical intervals, ratios, and the mathematical foundations of music theory. 3. Focus on Money, Weights, and Measures One of the distinctive features of the book (highlighted in its long title) is the detailed explanation of coins, weights, and measures. This includes: Systems used by Hebrews, Greeks, and Romans. Those used in the various kingdoms of Spain. Conversion and comparison tables that merchants or scholars could use to translate values from one system to another—an essential tool in an era without standardized international measures. This practical emphasis shows the book’s real-world orientation, useful for trade, taxation, and scholarly comparison alike. 4. Pedagogical Approach Corachán’s method was: Theoretically grounded: He explains why arithmetic rules work, not just how to apply them. Practically oriented: Many examples are drawn from merchants’ needs — e.g., calculating prices, converting currencies, or comparing measures. Illustrative and varied: Problems often have multiple solution methods and detailed explanations, making the text a learning tool, not just a reference. 5. Historical Importance While not as famous as works by Pacioli or later arithmetic textbooks, Corachán’s Arithmetica represents an important Spanish contribution to mathematical education during the transition from Renaissance to early Enlightenment thinking in Spain. Its combination of practical arithmetic for merchants with broader mathematical curiosities reflects the intellectual currents of the time, where mathematics was increasingly seen as both useful and interesting. In the original vellum binding, in 494 pages. There are marks to the covers commensurate with a 300 year old volume. There is some scattered foxing. There are very old signatures/names to both pastedowns. There are no missing, loose, or damaged pages. The block is very good as is the vellum binding. Original and complete. A beautiful volume Measures 21cm x 16cm x 4cm EXPRESS SHIPPING AND HANDLING is Free Worldwide All items are securely and well packed. Thank you for viewing my item.