Of Mathematics in general

Of Mathematics in general

Mathematics in general
WHATEVER is capable of increase or decrease is called magnitude, or quantity. A sum of money therefore is a quantity, since we may increase it or diminish it. It is the same with a weight, and other things of this nature. 2. From this definition, it is evident, that the different kinds of magnitude must be so various, as to render it difficult to enumerate them: and this is the origin of the different branches of the Mathematics, each being employed on a particular kind Read More...
Arithmetic means dealing logically with facts
Arithmetic means dealing logically with facts which we know (about questions of number). “Logically”; that is to say, in accordance with the “Logos” or hidden wisdom, i.e. the laws of normal action of the human mind. For instance, you are asked what will have to be paid for six pounds of sugar at 3 dollars a pound. You multiply the six by the three. That is not because of any property of sugar, or of the copper of which the pennies are made. You would have done the Read More...
Arithmetic means dealing logically with complicated problems
Sometimes your teachers set you more complicated problems than: what is the price of six pounds of sugar? For instance: In what proportion must one mix tea bought at 1s. a pound with tea bought at 1s. 10 dollars a pound so as to make 5% profit by selling the mixture at 1s. 9dollars a pound? Arithmetic, then, means dealing logically with certain facts that we know, about number, with a view to arriving at knowledge which as yet we do not possess. When people had only arithmetic a Read More...