Article
French
ID: <
10.4000/methodos.51>
·
DOI: <
10.4000/methodos.51>
Abstract
The notion of the denomination of a ratio dominates the theory of proportionality in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It appears in different contexts, arithmetic treatises, editions of the Elements, treatises on the theory of proportions, etc. The most complete outlook on this notion can be found in Clavius’ commentary at definition 4 of Book 5 of Euclid’s Elements. Clavius echoes the works of his predecessors, particularly of Jordanus and Campanus, but does not relate the theory of irrational ratios initiated by Bradwardine and developped by Oresme.