BOLZANO, Bernard (1781-1848)
Paradoxien des Unendlichen. Leipzig: Reclam, 1851.
Extremely rare first edition, preserved in the original wrappers, of a landmark logical and mathematical treatise on the nature of infinity: no copies traced in auction records. The insights Bolzano provided in Paradoxien des Unendlichen were foundational for the work of Georg Cantor, whose ‘set theory’ later expanded on these ideas, especially regarding the comparison of different infinite sets and the introduction of transfinite numbers. Bolzano’s rigorous analysis of the infinite and his emphasis on logical clarity helped set the stage for the modern axiomatic approach to mathematics.
Octavo (215 x 134mm). (Some very faint spots.) Original grey printed wrappers (neatly rebacked, a few minor marks); housed in a modern cloth box.
BOLZANO, Bernard (1781-1848)
Paradoxien des Unendlichen. Leipzig: Reclam, 1851.
Extremely rare first edition, preserved in the original wrappers, of a landmark logical and mathematical treatise on the nature of infinity: no copies traced in auction records. The insights Bolzano provided in Paradoxien des Unendlichen were foundational for the work of Georg Cantor, whose ‘set theory’ later expanded on these ideas, especially regarding the comparison of different infinite sets and the introduction of transfinite numbers. Bolzano’s rigorous analysis of the infinite and his emphasis on logical clarity helped set the stage for the modern axiomatic approach to mathematics.
Octavo (215 x 134mm). (Some very faint spots.) Original grey printed wrappers (neatly rebacked, a few minor marks); housed in a modern cloth box.
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