This book by Gaspar Schott was born at Bad Königshofen In Grabfeld and at the age of 19 joined the Society of Jesus, and as a Jesuit seminarian in 1629 studied philosophy (and in that context, mathematics) at the University of Würzburg. In 1652 he went to work as an assistant to his old mathematics teacher, Fr. Athanasius Kircher, who had, amongst other things, invented a mechanical embodiment of Napier’s Rods which he called the “Cistula”. This large book published by Schott in 1668 covers many topics of mathematics and science, and in particular gives a detailed explanation of the use of both Napier’s Rods and the Cistula.
For the formal description of this book:
“SCHOTT, Gaspard (1608–66). “Organum mathematicum libris IX explicatum”. Wurzberg: J. A. Endter and Wolfgang, MDCLXVIII (1668). RARE mathematical work showing utilization of theory from fortifications to music, arithmetic to geometry. Collates: Illustrated frontis with portrait of Joanne Casparum, Title leaf in red and black, [31], 1–858, [9] Index and Errata. Lacks a portrait of Charles Joseph Archduke. Numerous folding tables and in text illustrations. No additional plates except frontis. Leather binding with elaborate gilted spine. Wear and rubbing. Short area of loss of leather on front board. Internally Very Good. Mild wear throughout, few leaves with marginal tears/worming, and a few folding plates with tears. Measures 6.5 x 8.5.”
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