The Book of Euclid, fundamentals of geometry, by the Greek mathematician Euclid, translated to Hebrew by R. Baruch Schick of Shklow, disciple of the Gaon of Vilna. The Hague, [1780]. First edition.
The Book of Euclid was translated to Hebrew by R. Baruch Schick of Shklow, upon the instruction of the Gaon of Vilna. In his foreword, R. Baruch Schick relates that when he was by the Gaon of Vilna in Tevet 1778, the latter stated that when a person lacks knowledge in sciences, he will lack a hundred times more in his knowledge of Torah, since Torah and sciences are inextricably linked. The Gaon of Vilna therefore asked him to translate scientific works into the Holy Tongue (see a different version of this foreword in a manuscript, item 59).
[4], 51, [1] leaves, [3] folded plates with geometric diagrams. 20 cm. Light-colored, high-quality paper. Overall good condition. Stains. A few tears. Minor marginal worming, not affecting text. Censorship signature and stamp. Old binding. Wear and significant damage to binding. Bookplate.
Vinograd, Thesaurus of the Books of the Vilna Gaon, no. 861.
Provenance: The Yeshayahu Vinograd Collection, Jerusalem.