KIRKBY, Rev. John.
The Doctrine of Ultimators. Containing a New Acquisition to Mathematical Literature, naturally resulting from the consideration of an equation, as reducible from its variable to its ultimate state: or, a discovery of the true and genuine foundation of what has hitherto mistakenly prevailed under the improper names of Fluxions and the Differential Calculus. By means of which we now have that apex of all mathematical science entirely rescued from the blind and ungeometrical method of deduction…
London: Printed for J. Hodges,... .1748
4to, 2 leaves, pp. v–viii, 3 leaves, pp. 146. Contemporary mottled calf, very neatly rebacked and tips of corners repaired. A little foxing and minor browning, otherwise a good copy. From the Kenney Collection, with their book label.
SOLE EDITION. Kirkby, a vicar originally from Cumberland, became tutor to Edward Gibbon in Putney. Unfortunately he lost the post by omitting the name of King George in the morning prayers, thus irritating his patron (DNB, unaware of the existence of the present book in listing Kirkby’s publications. According to Wallis, the DNB confuses this author with his namesake of St. John’s, Cambridge). Guicciardini, The development of Newtonian calculus in Britain, p. 161 (listed among the works on the foundations of calculus). Wallis, Biobibliography, p. 206.
£900.00
In stock
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