Cours de Mathematiques; a l'Usage des Gardes du Pavillon et de la Marine.

Paris:: Ph. -D. Pierres, 1787, 1782, 1787, 1784, 1784, 1781., 1787. 6 volumes. 8vo. xvi, 256; viii, 357, [1]; xii, 488; viii, 432; viii, 479, [1]; [ii], xiv, 319, [1], 98 pp. Title woodcut vignettes, vol. VI with half-title [Traite de Navigation], extensive logarithmic tables, 37 [=7 + 4 + 5 + 11 +10] engraved folding plates (incl. atlas & star maps). Contemporary full calf, gilt-decorated spine, red leather gilt-stamped spine labels; minor wear to spine ends. Near fine, a choice complete set. Bezout was a French mathematician and member of the French Academy of Science who did pioneering work in elimination theory. He is the namesake of Bezout's Theorem, which plays a crucial role in the study of intersection of manifolds in algebraic geometry. While his impact on mathematical research was significant, he played a larger role in the development of mathematical education, as his textbooks dramatically influenced the course of math education in both France and abroad. His works were popular and thus frequently reprinted. "Bezout treated geometry before algebra, observing that beginners were not yet familiar enough with mathematical reasoning to understand the force of algebraic demonstrations, although they did appreciate proofs in geometry. He eschewed frightening terms like 'axiom,' 'theorem,' 'scholium,' and tried to avoid arguments that were too close and detailed. Although criticized occasionally for their lack of rigor, his texts were widely used in France. In the early nineteenth century, they were translated into English for use in American schools; one translator, John Farrar, used them to teach the calculus at Harvard University. The obvious practical orientation, as well as the clarity of exposition, made the books especially attractive in America. These translations considerably influenced the form and content of America mathematical education in the nineteenth century." – DSB II, p. 112. REFERENCES: Jean Polak, Bibliographie Maritime Francaise, 811-812; Poggendorff I, 184. Note: Honeyman had only a Spanish translation in one volume, 1805.