Ozanam's Compleat Course of the Mathematics; Cursus Mathematicus; Or, A Complete Course of the Mathematics, Monsieur Ozanam, London & Oxford, 1712

Three early 18th Century volumes from the noted French mathematician, Jacques Ozanam (1640-1718). He was a French mathematician known for his clear and engaging approach to mathematics. Originally intending to enter the clergy, he shifted his focus to teaching and writing about mathematics, first in Lyon and later in Paris. There, he gained a strong reputation as a tutor and eventually became a member of the Académie des Sciences in 1701.

Ozanam authored numerous works, many of which aimed to make mathematics accessible to a general audience. His most famous book, Récréations mathématiques et physiques (1694), compiled puzzles, tricks, and curiosities that popularized recreational mathematics. Although not known for groundbreaking discoveries, his ability to explain complex ideas in simple terms had a lasting impact. Generous and modest, he died in poverty, but his writings continued to influence mathematicians and educators long after his death.

Ozanam's Compleat Course of the Mathematics, In Five Volumes (we have 3 of the 5 in this set only), comprising;  

Vol. I: Containing a Short treatise of Algebra, and the Elements of Euclid; 

Vol. II: Containing Arithmetick and Trigonometry; With Correct and Useful Tables of Sines, Tangents, and Logarithms; 

Vol. IV: Containing Mechanicks, and Perspective. 

Written in French by Monsieur Ozanam, Professor the Mathematicks in Paris. Now done into English. Vol IV Done into English, and Amended in Several Places, by J.T. Desaguliers of Hart-Hall, Oxon.

Printed for John Nicholson, London, 1712 (Vol. IV also at Oxford). First edition, thus.

A good set overall. Full contemporary calf leather which is rubbed, bumped and heavily worn. Outer joints are cracked at spine and so covers are fragile. Spine with raised bands and tooled gilt decoration, with burgundy morocco labels with gilt titles.

Text pages are nice and clean throughout and text blocks are sound. Endpapers with some offset staining. The illustrated plates present nicely. Over the three volumes there are occasional minor flaws such as a crease or small edge tear, but a very readable and usable set.

Text in English.

Vol I: (iii) Prelims + x + (4) Subscriber's list + 288pp + Plates; 

Vol II: (xxi) + 156pp + Plates + many pages of Tables (unnumbered); 

Vol III: (xxxi) + 185pp + Plates + (vi) + 72pp + Plates + (viii); 

Approximate dimensions: Each volume 197mm x 125mm x 30mm.

Weight: Approximately 1540g (the set - unpacked).