The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-06-09
EgssIL vi. ? /, 8 Second e Ls.:

- sohs III eCOmctfy, III the oruef OF olmson .
and -Piaytsirs editions, adapted 70 the use Of ad-
yanced learners and private students, by d. McCur-
dy, author Of the "Chau Of Geometry" and First
Lessons" Collins, Brother q Co., 254 Pearl street,
New York, publishers.
These works are designed 10 extend and facilitate
me study OF geometry in the schools. The chart
eAhlolls the diagrams Of six books Of Euclid, plane
trigonometry, and the quadrauTe Of The circle on
large scale, mounted in two parts as a map. The
book called First Lessons contains the entire text
win references 10 the proofs used in the demonsIra
IONS; and the book first above mentioned contains
me demonstrations complete, and is equivalent TO
Playfair's Euclid.
The chart and first lessons present these elements
IN the only form in which they can be made gen
eral basis of school instruction; and such they ought
to be, because they enter into all the affairs Of men
either as coadjutor of every useful art or as
model OF reasoning on every subject Of human
knowledge. The plan here proposed will restrain
the skliul geometer, when he would run too far in
advance OF his pupils; and the less proficient will
find IN II no more than be reduced to practice
namely, the readings and Rotations OF the PROPOSE
tons, which any reader may perform, and which
are 10 be illustrated by drawing the appropriate d.
asrams on states or in the sand.
Ia the Grecian schools geometry preceded arith-
meue and that with greatpropnety for, next TO the
arts Of reading and writing, which are but new
modes Of receiving instruction, those properties OF
things which are the first subjects of observation
and experiment claim the first consideration. But
magnitude, figure, and motion are the most imposing
properties Of things and geometry presents these in
miniature, acts upon them in their natural forms
and dimensions, so that they furnish the most suit
able exercise for the juvenile mind. Geometry Is
called higher department oflearnng only for want
ef the proper distinction between the elements and
their application.
In sllusion to the peculiarties of the book first
.kE II
is believed TO contain all the elements and il affords
no room for diluting the subject. The order OF Eu
elld has been preserved, because II has never been
eAcelled; but the Tepeutlons which swell other
editions, perpex the learner, and defeat the end
are here obylsted by the plan Of previous reel
tations. The demonstrations Of the nth book have
been smplihed exceedingly, not by the substitution
Of symbols for words, but by new definition Of
ito, and slight seratio in the method Of compound
ing ratios. Nevertheless care has been taken to intro
duce nothing which could not be directly employed
IN drawing out the properties of proportlonals ae-
cordlng TO the rigor Of the EuclIdian geometry.
The change consists in fixing definitely the value Of
ratio according TO It's general use in the mahemst.
les.
There is a solemn voice In the natural truths o {
geometry which calls upon school officers princi-
pals and teachers TO SOW the Seed SC tier il broad
cast over this national husbandry; that voice 10
tremulous with the fears and hopes Of the future
harvest. There Ia hand hich points to the per.
durable maxim, Whats ever a man Sows that
shall he also reap" lfa nation SOW the seed Of er.
ror its enclosure shah be neglected. and It's patls
untehnedi lfIhe seed of truths as contained in &c
omeuy, the laws OF nature in all her departments
will be respected, and the blessings Of wise popu-
lar government will endure as long as the sun and
moon.
Hundreds Of intelligent citizens have seen the
Chart Of Geometry and book " First Lessons, and
accord to the system thir unqualified appreciation.
April 30-eo7t