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PREFATORY NOTE

statements in works whose titles might suggest something different, are usually so characterized.

The chronological arrangement, according to the date of publication, followed by an alphabetical list of authors, renders the Bibliography of service for ready reference and checking.

Except in the case of those in Russian all titles of books, periodicals and articles, are given in the original language. For Russian publications it was thought best to employ a transliteration, namely that used in the British Museum; English or French translations are also given. Since the name of Bobynin is well established in mathematical literature, the form Bobuinin, which is in accordance with the above mentioned transliteration, has not been employed.

In assembling the material I have been greatly aided by the cordial assistance of scholars in different countries, but especially of certain ones in libraries of Rome, in the Preussische Staats-Bibliothek, Berlin, and in the British Museum. Among others, Professor T. Eric Peet, of the University of Liverpool, directed my attention to five titles of importance for my inquiry. Through the great courtesy of the late Doctor Georg Valentin, six titles were obtained from his extraordinary mathematical bibliography, 1462-1899. I am also indebted for four titles to the late Doctor Gustaf Enestrom, of Stockholm, who was always so generous with his wonderful knowledge of mathematical history and bibliography. My friend Doctor Manning has rendered valuable help with some notes, particularly in connection with papers by Sylvester and Möller.

In conclusion, reference may be given to two unpublished documents. In the National-Bibliothek, Vienna, there is a large Greek papyrus (no. Gr. 19996) which appears to be of geometrical content. It was found at Soknopaiu Nesos (Dimeh), in the Fayûm, and, according to the writing, dates from about the fourth century of the Christian era. This papyrus has not yet been translated.

The British Museum possesses a second mathematical work in hieratic script, which may some day still further extend our knowledge of Egyptian mathematics. It is a leather roll, numbered 10250, and, so far as the Museum records suggest, it was acquired in 1864 along with the Rhind mathematical papyrus, and hence may also have been purchased by Rhind at Luxor in 1858. It is about 10½ inches wide and probably not more than 20 inches long. On account of its brittle nature this roll has never been opened during the more than sixty years that it has been in the Museum’s possession. A distinguished