232 JEROME CARDAN. 



eighth problem of the sixth book of Euclid, could resolve 

 a question of cube and number equal to the census, under 

 which section is to be ranked the proposition which says, 

 4 Find me four quantities, in continuous proportion, of 

 which the second shall be two, and the first and fourth 

 shall make ten.' I speak in the same way of the others, 

 so that while you wished to show yourself a miracle of 

 science to a bookseller, you have shown yourself a great 

 ignoramus to those who understand such matters ; not 

 that I myself esteem you ignorant, but too presumptuous ; 

 as was Messer Zuanne da Coi, who thinking to get credit 

 for knowing what he did not know, lost credit for know- 

 ing what he did. 



The third point is, that you told the said bookseller 

 that if one of my questions were solved all would be 

 solved, which is most false, and it is a covert insult to say 

 that while thinking to send you six questions, I had sent 

 but one, which would argue in me a great confusion of 

 understanding ; and certainly, if I were cunning, I would 

 wager a hundred scudi upon that matter ; that is to say, 

 that they could not be reduced either into one, or into 

 two, or into three questions. And, indeed, if you will 

 bet them, I will not refuse you, and will come at an ap- 

 pointed time to Venice, and will give bank security 

 here if you will come here, or will give it to you there 

 in Venice if I go thither. This is not mere profession, 



