Description:
This book provides a critical edition, translation, and study of the version of Euclid's treatise made by Thābit ibn Qurra, which is the earliest Arabic version that we have in its entirety. This monograph study examines the conceptual differences between the Greek and Arabic versions of the treatise, beginning with a discussion of the concept of "given" as it was developed by Greek mathematicians. This is followed by a short account of the various medieval versions of the text and a discussion of the manuscripts used in this volume. Finally, the Arabic text and an English translation are provided, followed by a critical commentary.
Review Quotes: "Euclid's Elements can be called a household name even among educated laypersons. ... This volume contains a critical edition and an English translation of this treatise as well as a commentary on its more than 90 propositions. To fully appreciate it readers should have a firm knowledge of Greek and medieval Islamic mathematics ... . It will therefore be an interesting addition to the literature primarily for experts." (C. Baxa, Monatshefte für Mathematik, Vol. 201 (3), July, 2023)