Jean Leurechon

French scholar

Also known as: Henry van Etten

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June 30, 2026

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Jean Leurechon was a French Jesuit who published Récréations mathématiques in 1624 under the pseudonym van Etten. This book was a collection of mathematical recreations and was very popular, going through at least 30 editions before 1700. Although largely based on the work of Claude-Gaspar Bachet de Méziriac, Leurechon's book also contained some original material and served as a model for later collections of mathematical puzzles. The book was translated into English in 1633 and was influential in popularizing mathematical recreations.1

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Pioneers and imitators
In 1624 a French Jesuit, Jean Leurechon, writing under the pen name of van Etten, published Récréations mathématiques. This volume struck the popular fancy, passing through at least 30 editions before 1700, despite the fact that it was based largely on the work of Bachet, from whom he took the…
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In 1624 a French Jesuit, Jean Leurechon, writing under the pen name of van Etten, published Récréations mathématiques. This volume struck the popular fancy, passing through at least 30 editions before 1700, despite the fact that it was based largely on the work of Bachet, from whom he took the…
Read More