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Mathematical Treasure: The Alfabeto geometrico of Fra A. L.

Author(s): 
Frank J. Swetz (The Pennsylvania State University)

Alfabeto geometrico in due parte diviso is a manuscript glossary for geometry written in 1735 in Venice. The compiler was a priest in the Congregation of B. Pietro of Pisa in the Church of San Sebastiano at Venice. He is known only as Fra A. L. While printed books were certainly available at this time, some individuals preferred to write notes and texts for their own use by consulting standard references.

Title page for a 1735 handwritten glossary of geometry in Italian.

Several pages showing geometrical terms and definitions from Fra A.L’s. manuscript:

"A" terms from a 1735 handwritten glossary of geometry in Italian.

More "A" terms from a 1735 handwritten glossary of geometry in Italian.

"C" terms from a 1735 handwritten glossary of geometry in Italian.

The images above were obtained through the courtesy of the University of Pennsylvania Libraries. The complete item can be viewed via its reference number, Ms. Codex 439, in the Colenda Digital Repository.

Index to Mathematical Treasures

Frank J. Swetz (The Pennsylvania State University), "Mathematical Treasure: The Alfabeto geometrico of Fra A. L.," Convergence (March 2022)