On the history and degree of certain geometrical approximations

Abstract

§1. Since the former paper on this subject was read, Prof. Cantor has published the second volume of his history of Mathematics. This has necessitated various additions to the paper, which can perhaps be best given as an appendix.On page 413 Prof. Cantor says that the construction of Dürer's pentagon is found in a book called Geometria deutsch, which was lately discovered in the town library at Nürnberg, and gives 1487 as the upper limit to its date. The construction is said to be “mitunverrücktem Zirckel,” the same expression that Schwenter applies to Dürer's solution.