ABSTRACT
In 1671, Jacob completed his master’s degree in philosophy , having put off most of his further studies of mathematics until he had completed that crucial degree. He had satisfi ed his father by engaging in the expected debates, demonstrating beyond a doubt that he was an informed and articulate scholar of philosophy. e next step was to study theology in order to complete his licentiate in theology, the qualifying course of study for a Reformed minister. However, he had taken the time to fi nd Commandinus’ Latin translation of Pappus ’ work, the Collection, in the university library, and now he was ready to tackle it in what spare moments he could fi nd.
