Abstract
IN Mr. Morgan's “Introductory Mathematics” the view of the author is that as soon as a boy knows decimal and vulgar fractions he should begin a mixed course of elementary practical mathematics comprising algebra, geometry, and squared-paper work, developed as a yvhole in mutual dependence, leading up through the manipulation of formulae to the solution, of problems involving simultaneous simple equations and giving a knowledge of the fundamental facts of geometry with a training in practical applications such-as the plotting of graphs and of figures to scale, and the finding of simple areas and volumes. This scheme, ignoring the old water-tight compartment system, is a good one. The chapters on algebra arid geometry usually alternate, and the work progresses on natural and easy lines, with illustrations of every-day interest. The author might with advantage have carried the idea still further and have brought in computations from quantitative experimental work in the laboratory, involving the use of the balance and measuring flask, and perhaps an investigation of the action of forces at a point. There are some minor defects, such as an occasional lack of precision in a statement, bad perspective in several of the figures, the use of a graph to give a forecast of population fifty years hence, &c. But the treatment of the subject as a whole is very satisfactory; there is a good collection of exercises, and' the book is well suited to its purpose.
Introductory Mathematics.
By R. B. Morgan. Pp. vi + 151. (London: Blackie and Son, Ltd., 1905.) Price 2s.
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Introductory Mathematics . Nature 72, 101 (1905). https://doi.org/10.1038/072101c0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/072101c0