Now, since the angle ABD is equal to the angle CBD,
and the right angle BED is also equal to the right angle BFD,
EBD, FBD are two triangles having two angles equal to two angles and one side equal to one side, namely that subtending one of the equal angles, which is BD common to the triangles;
therefore they will also have the remaining sides equal to the remaining sides; [I. 26]
therefore DE is equal to DF.
For the same reason DG is also equal to DF.
Therefore the three straight lines DE, DF, DG are equal to one another;
therefore the circle described with centre D and distance one of the straight lines DE, DF, DG will pass also through the remaining points, and will touch the straight lines AB, BC, CA, because the angles at the points E, F, G are right.
For, if it cuts them, the straight line drawn at right angles to the diameter of the circle from its extremity will be found to fall within the circle: which was proved absurd; [III. 16]
therefore the circle described with centre D and distance one of the straight lines DE, DF, DG will not cut the straight lines AB, BC, CA;
therefore it will touch them, and will be the circle inscribed in the triangle ABC. [IV. Def. 5]
Let it be inscribed, as FGE.
Complete text
Book I