For he constructed elements egregiously, and rendered many particulars more universal. His prodigious output reflects the fullblown phase of neoplatonist exegesis, which had departed from the plotinian version. Reproduced below is the text of chapter iv of proclus s commentary on euclid, translated by thomas taylor. Procluss commentary on the first book of euclids elements is by far the biggest extant source for the history of greek mathematics. Proclus, commentary on the first book of euclid s elements. The implication of this seems to be that a geometer both does and does not know geometrical truths. For those wanting an english translation, see morrows translation in proclus, commentary on the first book of euclid s elements, princeton university press, 1970. For readers inclined more toward mathematics than philosophy, the most exciting passages are probably to be found in proclus comments on prop. A primary source for the history and philosophy of mathematics, proclus treatise contains much priceless information about the mathematics and mathematicians of. A commentary on the first book of euclid s elements proclus. In fact, proclus commentary on the elements is still in print today. To which are added a history of the restoration of platonic theology by the latter platonists, and a translation from the greek of proclus s theological elements, volume 1 ebook written by proclus. The content of the elements was proclus of alexandria 485 b.
Pdf geometrical first principles in proclus commentary on. After mentioning two students of plato, proclus writes. Proclus project gutenberg selfpublishing ebooks read. This commentary is one of the most valuable sources we have for the history of ancient mathematics, and its platonic account of the status of mathematical objects was influential. Trn, isbn 0691020906, isbn 9780691020907, brand new, free shipping in the us the description for this book, proclus. The first is quite general, but the second actually addresses euclid s elements. The elements of geometrie of the most auncient philosopher euclide of megara 1570 from the english printing collection in the rare book and special collection division at the library of congress. Pdf geometrical first principles in proclus commentary. In his commentary on euclid, proclus says both that the first principle of geometry are selfevident and that they are hypotheses received from the single, highest, unhypothetical science, which is probably dialectic. Commentary on the first book of euclidean elements, will be presented. The philosophical and mathematical commentaries of proclus on the. A commentary on the first book of euclids elements 9780691020907. Proclus commentary on the first book of euclids elements is doubtlessly the longest and most intellectually complex ancient text in the philosophy of math.
His commentary is one of the two main sources of information as to the history of greek geometry which we possess, the other being the collection of pappus heath, page 29. May 06, 2009 the philosophical and mathematical commentaries of proclus. Unique in antiquity, the elements has often been regarded as his most important work. Proclus commentary on the first book of euclid s elements.
A commentary on the first book of euclids elements proclus. In proclus penetrating exposition of euclids methods and principles, the only one of its kind extant, we are afforded a unique vantage point. Proclus 412485 was head of the athenian school of neoplatonism shortly before paganism was suppressed by the byzantine emperor justinian. Proclus commentary on book i of euclids elements is almost certainly a written version of lectures which he presented to students and associates in athens in the midfifth century. A commentary on the first book of euclid s elements, paperback by morrow, glenn r.
A commentary on the first book of euclid s elements, will be forthcoming. Stanford libraries official online search tool for books, media. Born in constantinople, his greek parents came from the upper class. Proclus commentary on the first book of euclids elements is doubtlessly the longest and most intellectually complex ancient text in the philosophy of math ematics that has been preserved. Book i is one of the two main sources of information as to the history of greek geometry which we possess, the other being the collection of pappus. Proclus commentary on the first book of euclids elements. In proclus penetrating exposition of euclids methods and principles, the only one of its kind extant, we are afforded a unique vantage point for understanding the structure and strength of the euclidean system.
The philosophical and mathematical commentaries of proclus on. Indeed, much of what is known or conjectured is based on what proclus says. To which are added, a history of the restoration of platonic theology, by the latter platonists. Proclus s most popular book is the elements of theology. A commentary on the first book of euclids elements. With a translation of that portion of book i missing from ms leiden or. A commentary on the first book of euclid s elements by proclus, ca. A commentary on the first book of euclid s elements princeton paperbacks new e.
A commentary on the first book of euclid s elements by. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading proclus. The philosophical and mathematical commentaries of proclus. The first book of euclids elements, with a commentary based. A commentary on the first book of euclid s elements book. In his commentary on euclid, proclus says both that the first principle of geometry are selfevident and that they are hypotheses received from the single, highest, unhypo thetical science, which is probably dialectic. The first book of euclid s elements, with a commentary based principally upon that of proclus diadochus. Proclus also wrote an influential commentary on the first book of euclids elements of.
Stanford libraries official online search tool for books, media, journals, databases. Of proclus, on the first book of euclid s elements. Librarything is a cataloging and social networking site for booklovers. A commentary on the first book of euclids elements by proclus. Proclus is also noted for his commentaries on plato, not all of which have survived. Geometrical first principles in proclus commentary on the. It is well known that the commentary of proclus on eucl. A commentary on the first book of euclids elements, will be forthcoming. Proclus wrote an extensive commentary on book i of euclid s elements. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders.
A commentary on the first book of euclid s elements kindle edition by proclus, morrow, glenn r download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. Book i starts with the definitions, postulates and common notions, and then states and proves the propositions. Procli diadochi in primum euclidis elementorum librum. The commentaries of proclus on the timaeus of plato v1 by. Besides, they relate that euclid was asked by ptolomy sic, whether there was any shorter way to the attainment of geometry than by his elementary institution, and that he answered, there was no other royal path which led to. A commentary on the first book of euclid s elements. This is the first english translation of proclus commentary on plato. Proclus also wrote an influential commentary on the first book of euclid s elements of geometry. A commentary on the first book of euclid s elements proclus the description for this book, proclus. In proclus penetrating exposition of euclids methods and principles, the only one of its kind extant, we are afforded a unique vantage point for understanding the structure and strength of the. This is the first english translation of proclus commentary on platos. A commentary on the first book of euclids elements on. Proclus s commentary on the first book of euclid s elements is by far the biggest extant source for the history of greek mathematics.
The first book of euclids elements, with a commentary. Different again is his elements of theology, containing propositions and proofs in the geometric mode associated with euclid. The philosophical and mathematical commentaries of proclus on the first book of euclid s elements. A commentary on the first book of euclid s elements 9780691020907 by proclus and a great selection of similar new, used and collectible books available now at great prices. Click to read more about a commentary on the first book of euclid s elements by proclus. Proclus commentary on the first book of euclids elements in. Proclus has 95 books on goodreads with 1574 ratings.
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