Tsitsianov Mathematics Book
Краткое математическое изъяснение землемерия межевого
(eng. “A brief mathematical explanation of land surveying”)
***
Typography of the Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, 1757.
***
An extremely rare, beautiful copy of a very early Russian science book: 1757. One of the first books on science was authorized by the Russian Orthodox church.
***
About the author:
Prince Dmitry Pavlovich Tsitsianov was a distinguished writer who hailed from an esteemed family of princes, the Tsitsi-shvili, who held rule over Kartalinia. His father, Prince Paata (Pavel Zakharyevich) Tsitsianov, made a significant move in 1725 by leaving Georgia for Russia, accompanying the Kartalian and Kakhetian king Vakhtang. Embracing Russian citizenship, he became the captain of the Georgian hussar regiment.
Prince Dmitry Pavlovich Tsitsianov was born in 1723. In 1739, he commenced his education attending lectures at the Academy of Sciences, where he delved into various subjects, such as experimental physics, natural science, morality, mathematical geography, German, and Russian. On October 23, 1739, he joined the Land Gentry Cadet Corps to further his studies and pursue real-world applications of the sciences. After completing his cadet training on February 10, 1742, he entered the service of the State Military Collegium, where he focused on mastering the Russian clerical style.
In 1742, by decree of the Senate, Tsitsianov and his fellow cadets were examined at the Academy of Sciences, earning praise from professors Kraft, Winsheim, Geixius, and Gellert for his remarkable progress in all sciences and languages.
Throughout his career, Tsitsianov served in various official capacities, including being a collegiate assessor in 1761, and working in the Survey Office from 1767 to 1774. He later became a member of the College of Justice, and on January 11, 1801, while holding the position of prosecutor of the Main Salt Office, he was appointed as a state councilor.
The exact date of Tsitsianov’s death remains unknown. However, his legacy lives on through his writings and translations, which include the following works:
1) “Краткое математическое изъяснение землемерия межевого” (eng. A brief mathematical explanation of land surveying), published in St. Petersburg in 1757, accompanied by 8 plates of figures.
2) “История короля Генриха Великого, сочинение Гердцена Перефикса” (eng. History of King Henry the Great), a translation from French in collaboration with Andrei Nilov, presented in two parts and published in Tambov between 1789 and 1790. This work was originally authored by Herdzen Perefix.
3) “Завещание статского советника князя Дмитрия Павловича Цицианова детям своим, последуемое эпитафиею” (eng. Testament of State Councilor Prince Dmitry Pavlovich Tsitsianov to his children, followed by an epitaph), published in St. Petersburg in 1786.
***
Pp: 1 l. with engraved frontispiece, [16], 112, [8], 8 l. with 18 engravings. Complete copy.
Dimensions: 19,2 x 13 cm.
Binding: Original leather binding. Despite some minor defects on the spine, some tiny wormholes, and minimal traces of handling – a nice binding in nice condition.
Condition: An exceptionally beautiful, nice, and clean copy with some very minor imperfections. Nice, extensive handwritten ink annotations from the period on the flyleaf and backside of the frontispiece. Short, a few words, marginal ink annotation on page 82. A few very tiny wormholes on the first a few leaves.
***
For item condition and details see the scans. More photos are available on demand.
EMS shipping is included in the price, and courier service is available on request. If you have any additional questions feel free to contact us.
