Brief Description of the Algebra of Relatives.

PEIRCE, C. S. [Charles Sanders].

Verlag: [Privately published] [1882], [Baltimore], 1882

Beschreibung

[1]-6 pages. Quarto, 9¼" x 11¾". First Edition Offprint (Ketner P00220).The Rare Private Printing of Brief Description of the Algebra of Relatives.The Brief Description of the Algebra of Relatives, was privately printed by Peirce in 1882, but distributed to very few people. That year, while teaching a short course in the logic of relatives at Johns Hopkins University, he heard from his students some details of a course on universal multiple algebra being taught by another mathematician, James Joseph Sylvester. "Peirce was convinced that Sylvester's universal algebra was only a case, or interpretation, of his own logic of relatives, and he decided to write out his system in a way that would demonstrate this relationship. He especially wanted to present his logic of relatives in a manner that would interest Sylvester." Once again, Peirce's lack of hubris and his ever-challenged social skills resulted in just the opposite. Sylvester was offended by this new, short paper and suggested that Peirce withhold publication of it until his own course was at least finished. This made no sense to Peirce who could not understand, as he said in a letter, why Sylvester "seem to be vexed with me." He went on to have the paper printed at his own expense (in a small, but unknown quantity), but checked with Daniel Coit Gilman, the President of Johns Hopkins University, before distributing it and was advised to "keep back the issue." Peirce did so grudgingly, circulating very few copies to close friends (while peevishly noting in his diary "Sylvester is a cad"). Schroeder, for one, did receive a copy, but when attempting to cite the paper years later, had to write to Peirce asking him where the piece had been published (this is not indicated on the copy although it was surely Baltimore). (See Writings of Charles S. Peirce: 1879-1884, Indiana University Press, 1989, pp. lii-liv.) Original privately printed light green cover with some browning and one minor chip to the top center front cover and another to the rear wrapper the lower left corner. Otherwise a fine copy of this piece privately printed by Peirce. ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 806

Bibliografische Details

Titel: Brief Description of the Algebra of ...

Verlag: [Privately published] [1882], [Baltimore]

Erscheinungsdatum: 1882

Auflage: FIRST EDITION OFFPRINT.