Unique, antique manuscript, all written on antique parchment. Two interesting compositions authored at the end of 11th century- early 12th century by Rabbi Abraham bar Hiyya HaNasi of Barcelona (1065-1145).

Rabbi Abraham bar Hiyya was a Torah scholar, mathematician, astronomer and Jewish philosopher in the late 11th and early 12th Centuries. He resided in Barcelona, Spain. The honorary title ‘HaNasi’ – President was bestowed upon him in Hebrew, while in Arabic he was referred to as ‘Zahab-a- Surta’ – meaning ‘Commander of the Guard’.

According to Rabbi Shaul David Luzzatto, the title ‘HaNasi’ was bestowed upon Rabbi Abraham since he was descended from King David. Rabbi Abraham was a scion of Chizkiyah, head of those exiled to Babylonia, whose descendantseventually transplanted to Spain. No clear details of Rabbi Abraham’s life are known. It is likely that Rabbi Abraham lived from 1065-1136, although there are some indications that he lived at least until 1145.

Abraham bar Hiyya played a pivotal role in disseminating Arabic scientific knowledge among Jews and Christians. In this way, he was a major player in the development of science in Europe. He was a bridge between Arabic vast scientific knowledge to the wider Christian world.

He made a great impact not only through his independent compositions in Hebrew, but also in his translations of works in Arabic. Additionally, he co-operated with the Latin translator, Plato of Tivoli.

Abraham bar Hiyya was the first to introduce Arabic algebra to European Christians, enabling important progress in Mathematics. His most monumental book, ‘Treatise on Measurement and Calculation’, is the first European work to include the complete solution of the quadratic equation. This book’s translation to Latin was the basis of Fibonacci’s book ‘Practica Geometriae’, with bar Hiyya’s examples, ideas and conclusion appearing in it.

This 15th Century copy includes two of Abraham bar Hiyya’s compositions.

1: 'Chochmat HaMinyan' – which deals with the wisdom of numbers. This section is complete. It differs greatly from the known versions that appear in other manuscripts. See appended items of examples of new unknown paragraphs on one hand or omitted paragraphs on the other hand. Copies of bar Hiyya’s works are housed in European libraries including in Berlin, Madrid, Moscow, Munich, Oxford and Parma.

Clearly this version differs substantially from published versions.

2: ‘Yesodei HaTevuna Umigdal HaEmuna’-The Foundations of Understanding and the Tower of Faith. Beginning of the book is missing. Its content differs from known versions. The book includes fascinating mathematical illustrations and sketches penned by Avraham bar Hiyya in the 11th Century.

Provenance: The collection of Rabbi Avraham Binyamin Lichtenstein, z"l.

[40] leaves. 3 quires.

Quire 1: 4 sheets.

Quire 2: 7 sheets, [8] leaves. (Missing first leaf of quire).

Quire 3: 7 sheets.

One complete quire possibly missing. Leaves 4-8 are cut on the margins. This was a frequent occurrence in manuscripts where the margins of the parchment were utilized to the maximum.

16 cm. Antique, parchment binding. Excellent condition. Some leaves margins are cut, for using parchment.

For more Information:

HaMazkir, Hebräische Bibliographie, – Moritz Steinschneider, Berlin 1864, Vol. 7, p.84.

See Otzar Hasefer Computerized Database, No. 66793.

See: Mispar website of ETH, Zurich: mispar.ethz.ch which includes all Abraham bar Hiyya’s writings as well as other early Mathematical works.

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