The Classics Collection

The Mathematics Library owns a small but fine collection of mathematical books of the 18th - 20th century, that they call "classics collection". Among them are books of famous scientists like d'Alembert, Fermat, Christian Frey Herr von Wolff and Carl Friedrich Gauss.

The books are listed in the library catalog and can be used in our reading rooms. For questions, please feel free to contact us!

In 2005, with the help of third-party funds, the library asked for an expert opinion, that identified the need for restoration of these books and that included a concept for conservation measures as well as book care measures.

We are very pleased that these important steps have been taken so far and now hope for your interest in these books. Your donation would enable further restorations. The goal is to preserve the classics collection for future generations. The average costs for a restoration is 200 euros. For books from the 19th century, it can sometimes be cheaper to purchase a well-preserved copy from an antiquarian bookshop, than to restore a very damaged copy. We would like to follow both paths to protect and conserve this small but interesting collection with your help. Every donation, no matter how big it is, is much appreciated. If you want to support us, please send your donation to:

If you have questions concerning this or in general, please contact us. We greatly appreciate your personal commitment to the Mathematics Library.