History of Mathematics

Category: History of Mathematics

Image of a dragon within concentric circles printed with numbers.

Dragons in the Astronomicum Caesareum

July 18, 2025

In 1540, humanist polymath, mathematician, astronomer, and cartographer, professor, and printer, Peter Apian (1495-1552) published one of the most lavishly illustrated scientific books ever printed. Dedicated to German Emperor Charles V and Ferdinand I, King of Bohemia, the Astronomicum Caesareum (Imperial Astronomy) contains 21 volvelles and 58 hand-colored woodcuts that involve some of the most spectacular dragons in the Rare Book and Special Collections Division.

Posted in: 16th Century, Astronomy, Famous Printers, History of Mathematics, History of Science, History of the Book, Illustrated Book

Image of a copper plate engraving depicting an angle sitting with her head in her hands next to a strange shape. A banner above reads: MELENCOLIA I

Art and Math: The Unusual Shape in Melencolia I

December 14, 2023

Posted by: Marianna Stell

The Library of Congress has several important works by the printmaker, painter, and art theorist, Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528), including his famous engraving, Melencolia I (1514), and his Treatise on Measurement (1525).

Posted in: 16th Century, Fine Prints, History of Mathematics, History of Science, Illustrated Book, Manuscript and Letterpress (Hand Press)