Euclid as a Text-book

Abstract

THE suggestion of Mr. Levett with regard to the formation of an Association for securing a general reform in the teaching of geometry, is worthy of being at once carried out. Such an association would show how general amongst teachers is the dissatisfaction with the ancient methods, and might lead to more uniformity of practice by securing a free public discussion of the best methods and most suitable terms. There are abundant materials available as the basis of discussion, and no doubt the aid of the most distinguished geometers would be easily secured by the Association, so as to bring about a decision on controvertible points. Several English text-books are already in existence, and there are many good features as well as many defects in all of them. Excellent series of lectures have lately been given on the subject in London and Cambridge, and some of the lecturers have printed very full notes for the use of their students. The syllabuses of Mr. Clifford, and Professor Hirst, are very suggestive.