The Pythagorean Triangle, or The Science of Numbers.
London: John Hogg & Co., 1875. First Edition. Hardcover. Octavo. xxiv + 238pp (+ iipp). Original decorated brown cloth with gilt titling to spine and upper board, gily design and black stamping to front cover. Original black endpapers. The first edition of this important work on number and what is now known as "Sacred Geometry", by George Oliver (1782–1867), an English cleric, Freemason, and topographer who wrote extensively on Theology and Freemasonry. The work was quite influential, and Mme. Blavatsky, is said to have made considerable use of it when writing "The Secret Doctrine." Contents: Publisher's Note; Preface; Introduction: The Pythagorean Triangle Explained, with a Dissertation on the Peculiarities of Masonic Number; Chapter I: The Monad or Point Discussed as the Origin of All Calculation; Chapter II: The Duad or Line Exemplified; Chapter III: Illustration of the Triad or Superfice; Chapter IV: Progressive Generation of the Tetrad or Solid, Representing Fire; Chapter V: Geometrical Application of the Pentad or Pyramid, Representing Water; Chapter VI: Infinite Divisibility of the Hexad or Double Triangle, Representing Earth; Chapter VII Remarkable Properties of the Heptad; Chapter VIII Mysterious References of the Ogdoad or Cube, Representing Air; Chapter IX: Ancient Superstitions Attached to the Ennead or Triple Triangle; Chapter X: Perfect Nature of the Decad or Circle, and the Application of the Dodecaedron as a Representation of the System of the Universe. Head and tail of spine and corners of boards bruised and lightly rubbed, front cloth hinge and edges lightly rubbed, small owner's name stamp on half-title page. Edges dusty with a few tiny flecks. Overall a tight, clean, VG+ copy and rare thus. Item #69909
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