Recent Arithmetics

Abstract

MOST persons engaged in tuition have often this critical question proposed to them, “Whose arithmetic do you recommend?” and as almost every teacher of mathematics fancies he has something new or varied to say on the subjects he has long taught, many rush into print, and thus submit their claims to consideration to a wider circle than that they have hitherto addressed. “As many arithmetics as teachers of the science,” is perhaps as true a doctrine as that which applies to men and their opinions, certainly the writing of treatises on the subject has not of late years got into disfavour with the body referred to, and a second edition of Dc Morgan's Arithmetical Books, would show a considerable increase in number of authors if brought down to the present date. Every year sends forth a heap of candidates for the public favour. On the whole perhaps arithmetic has been very fairly treated; most of the treatises that have come under our own eyes have possessed something to recommend them. We have grouped together for our present consideration some of the most recent works on the science. Without doubt the first book on our list is entitled to the place of honour; it is, we think, the best work that has appeared for some years, the only work claiming to be ranked on the same high platform with it, being the “Arithmetic Theoretical and Practical,” by W. H Girdlestone, M.A. (Rivingtons, 1870): the two have much in common. In this treatise the leading propositions are discussed and reasoned out in a lucid and accurate manner; the fundamental principles are clearly stated, and there is a valuable collection of examination papers for the student to try his powers upon. The writer is a disciple of De Morgan, to whom, as well as to other eminent writers on Arithmetic, he, acknowledges his indebtedness. The book is quitg up to approved modern standards, as it gives contracted methods of work, and treats of the metric system, and of the application of per-centages. It needs no further commendation, and after stating that it is a good Practical work, we advise a student in want of a good treatise, to get this, and make it part and parcel of his mental furniture. The “get-up” of the book, its external dress, its inner garniture, is not merely neat but positively elegant, and possibly indicates the high interest the author takes in the subject upon which he has written so well.

Arithmetic in Theory and Practice.

By J. Brook-Smith (Macmillan, 1872.)

A Treatise on Arithmetic.

By J. Hamblin Smith (University Press, Cambridge, 1872.)

Figures made easy.

A First Arithmetic Book. By Lewis Hensley. (Clarendon Press Series, Oxford, 1872.)

Notes on Arithmetic and Algebra.

By the Rev. S. E. Williams (Cambridge: J. Hall and Son, 1872.)