Page images
PDF
EPUB

attention. In the plan and arrangement of the work, an attempt has been made to adapt it to the natural progress of the mind. It commences with the most simple ideas, or the first principles of the nature and power of numbers-those which are first learned by the child in his earliest years. This is followed by a regular series of Mental Exercises, calculated to attract, interest, and fix the attention of the learner, and lead him gradually forward to a knowledge of the elementary combination of numbers, and qualify him to enter understandingly upon the operations of Written Arithmetic. In this part, no pains have been spared to explain the properties of numbers, or the laws which regulate their combinations, in the most clear and simple manner. By referring to the work, it will be seen that, in each subject, a plain definition is first given; then the most elementary idea is presented to the learner in the form of a question; then follows an introductory analysis; and lastly a general rule is given, in as concise and clear language as the nature of the subject would seem to permit, and a full explanation of the method of operation. The examples, or questions for solution, are of a practical nature, and calculated to assist the pupil in the application of the principles of Arithmetic to the business of life.

The work treats of every subject necessary for practical purposes. It contains likewise numerous rules of a miscellaneous nature, for the solution of questions that have hitherto been solved by an algebraic process, and which, it is hoped, cannot fail to interest the minds of such students as have a fondness for the study of Arithmetic. The article on Fractions has been prepared with great care.

The method of developing the principles of Ratio and Proportion, it is believed, will meet with general approbation. Interest has received that consideration which its importance demands. A new method of extracting roots is introduced; and, as it saves more than half the labor of the old methods, it is respectfully recommended to the attention of teachers. An Appendix has been added to the work, containing expositions and demonstrations of the principles. on which the fundamental rules are based; a plain and practical system of Book-Keeping; and numerous Mercantile Forms, &c. ; besides other useful matter."

MENTAL AND PRACTICAL ARITHMETIC, designed for the use of Academies and Schools. By Charles Davis, author of First Lessons in Algebra, Elements of Surveying, Analytical Geometry, Differential and Integral Calculus, &c. &c. Hartford: A. S. Barnes. 1838. 12mo., pp. 288.

We have carefully examined this volume, and been through the greatest part of it with learners of various capacities. We have found it clear, accurate, and precise. We commend it to our readers, as far better than the greater part,—we cannot say of all, for we have not read all—of the many treatises on this science that have been given to the public for many years, We have in our hands a copy of "First Lessons in Geometry," by the same author. We

hope to be able to give a somewhat extended notice of it, with other treatises on the same subject in our next.

TRUTH MADE SIMPLE; Being the first volume of a System of Theology for Children. Character of God. By Rev. John Todd. 18mo. pp. 424. Northampton: J. H. Butler. 1839.

Mr Todd is a very able writer. This volume we think the best he has written. The topics he has treated in it are presented with remarkable clearness and force. The mind of the child is led gradually upward to all that a child can comprehend of that great subject. Nowhere is the subject degraded by an effort to bring it down. While the views it contains are clear, the impressions it must produce will be quick and lasting. The perpetual variety and sprightliness of the style will attract the young reader, and its solemn earnestness will not be soon forgotten.

The following touching passage is from the preface, addressed to the author's son. Honor to the man who could write it!

You know how busy I am, and how seldom I have even half an hour to be with my children, because my duties are so many and so pressing. Should you live to grow up to be a man, and live,—as I hope you will,—to do good long after my head rests in the grave, you will wonder why your father, with all his professional duties, should ever write books. Let me tell you. Far away from our house, lives an aged widow. She has no children near her. She has no home. She has no money. She has been deprived of her reason ever since I can remember. She does not even know her own children. That aged woman is your father's mother! For the last twelve years, I have had the honor to provide for this afflicted woman, and to do it, I have been obliged to use my pen. For this, I have written books, and every cent of the proceeds have thus been devoted. Nothing else would ever have made me an author,nothing else would ever keep me one. Have I not done right? I charge you, then, my dear child, and I charge every child who reads this book, that if you live, and as long as you live, never fail to be kind, affectionate, and grateful to your mother. And if in her age she needs your aid, give it to her, though you work in a brick-yard, or in a coal-mine, to earn the money. Never let a sorrow dwell in her heart which you can remove, nor a grief which you can soften. Next to your God, let your mother have your love.

[graphic][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed]
[graphic]
[graphic]
« ՆախորդըՇարունակել »