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It is pretty well known that two disjoint circles have 4 different lines that are simultaneously tangent to both circles. There are constructions with ruler and compass available in many books, but I would like to know about the source of this problem and its solution.

I searched in Euclid's elements and didn't find it. I've seen this attributed to Apollonius, but if I understand correctly his original works are mostly lost.

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    $\begingroup$ Apollonius Treatise on conic sections is not lost. Most of it survives and is even available in English translation: stmarys-ca.edu/sites/default/files/attachments/files/… $\endgroup$ Aug 12, 2021 at 1:35
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    $\begingroup$ But the problem you are asking is too simple for Apollonius (and for Euclid too), though it is a very special case of some problems considered by Apollonius. $\endgroup$ Aug 12, 2021 at 1:37

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