Boethius' De institutione arithmetica

Smithsonian Libraries' 15th century edition of Boethius' De institutione arithmetica is a beautiful copy in Latin complete with diagrams, tables, illustrated lettering, and rubrication. Rubrication is from the latin rubrico to color red, which was added by the scribe of the manuscript. Boethius was a 6th century Roman philosopher who wrote one of the most important texts of the time Consolation of Philosophy. In addition to philosophy, Boethius wrote on other topics including music, geometry, astronomy, and arithmetic. His De institutione arithmetica was part of this body of work meant to pass on the Roman knowledge of the time. Please join us in transcribing this significant item held in the collection of the Dibner Library of the History of Science and Technology. Check this list of resources for help with transcribing the abbreviations and punctuation - and e-mail us to update the list of frequently used abbreviations.