Russian XVIII century mathematical and methodical books: typology

Aim . To present the study results of the features of the transition stage from a manuscript to a printed book using the example of educational and mathematical literature. The global changes of the present day, associated with the advent of the e-book, initiate an appeal to the experience of the past. The study of the dynamics of the transition stage from a manuscript to a printed book will allow us to understand the essence of the changes taking place today on the basis of historical parallels. This defines the relevance of the study. Methodology and methods . The research is based on the general principle of determinism, that recognises the mutual link and the conditionality of changes, method of historicism that allows to see the logic in the process of historic evolution, based on the comparative method of analysis. The research is based on historical-methodical and historical-contextual approaches. Results. The article provides the first typology of handwritten manuscripts of the transitional period between the manuscript and the printed methodical literature. Typical examples of the phenomena are provided. Research implications . The study determines the subject of research itself and the uncovers the specificities of the mutual influence of manuscripts and printed editions at the present stage. Conclusions . The examined transitional period took a century. Printed editions were perfected, and manuscripts often lost their cultural uniqueness. They stopped being cultural heritage and became handwritten notes. The contents and the methodical techniques in the manuscripts corresponded to the level of their century. Manuscripts continued to exist in the form of lithographic notes well into the XIX century.