(1) Elements of Algebra (2) John Napier and the Invention of Logarithms, 1614 (3) An Elementary Treatise on the Calculus for Engineering Students (4) Constructive Text-book of Practical Mathematics (5) Arithmetische Selbstständigkeit der europäischen Kultur

Abstract

(1) THE teaching of algebra is still in the experimental stage, and is likely so to remain for many years to come. There are extremists in each camp. There are those who feel that no real progress can be made until considerable manipulative skill has been acquired, and those who hold that the real educational value consists in the absorption of certain general ideas which are largely independent of algebraic drill. The authors of this volume claim to steer a middle course. How far they have succeeded in solving the puzzling problem with which educationists are faced to-day can only be decided by trial. Certainly there are many good features in their book, which is based on the formula rather than the problem. But until an actual trial is made of their methods, it is impossible to pronounce with any certainty on the merits of their scheme, for the ramifications, affecting as they do the whole scheme of education of the nonspecialist, are particularly intricate. We shall look forward with interest to the second volume.

(1) Elements of Algebra.

By G. St. L. Carson Prof. D. E. Smith. Part i., pp. v + 346. (London and Boston: Ginn and Co., 1914.) Price 3s.

(2) John Napier and the Invention of Logarithms, 1614.

A lecture by Prof. E. W. Hobson. Pp. 48. (Cambridge University Press, 1914.) Price 1s. 6d. net.

(3) An Elementary Treatise on the Calculus for Engineering Students.

With numerous examples and problems worked out. By J. Graham. Fourth Edition. Pp. xi + 355. (London: E. and F. N. Spon, Ltd., 1914.) Price 5s. net.

(4) Constructive Text-book of Practical Mathematics.

By H. W. Marsh. Vol. iv.: Technical Trigonometry. Pp. x + 232. (New York: J. Wiley and Sons. Inc.; London: Chapman and Hall, Ltd., 1914.) Price 6s. 6d. net.

(5) Arithmetische Selbstständigkeit der europäischen Kultur.

Ein Beitrag zur Kulturgeschichte von Prof. N. Bubnow. Aus dem Russischen bersetzt von Prof. J. Lezius. Pp. viii + 285. (Berlin: R. Friedlnder und Sohn 1914.) Price 10s.