Talk:Euclid's Elements

Is there a standard convention regarding whether the book is referred to as "Elements" or as "the Elements"? For instance, would you say, "the first axiomitization of a mathematical theory appeared in Elements", or, "the first axiomitization of a mathematical theory appeared in the Elements"? I suppose you could always call it Euclid's Elements to avoid this distinction, but that seems cumbersome.Barry R. Smith 11:02, 6 April 2008 (CDT)

I don't think you'd ever say "in Elements". That leaves a choice between "in the Elements" & "in The Elements". Peter Jackson 17:06, 6 November 2008 (UTC)

My issue is that I don't see people write "Euclid's the Elements"Barry R. Smith 20:24, 7 November 2008 (UTC)

Yes, that's another form that's never used. So it would be a bit less illogical to say "the Elements" than "the Elements". There are probably other examples of books (& indeed musical & artistic works) that have either definite article or author's name but not both. Peter Jackson 12:16, 11 November 2008 (UTC)