THE SCHOLAR'S ARITHMETIC: OR, FEDERAL ACCOUNTANT

Leominster, Massachusetts: Adams & Wilder, 1802. Good plus.. Second revised edition of one of the most popular mathematical textbooks in the early United States, with extensive contemporary figuring. "Judged by the number of editions produced, [THE SCHOLAR'S ARITHMETIC] attained second place in popularity among the arithmetics published in America in the period from 1800 to 1825," says historian Louis C. Karpinski (133). He further notes that, though Daniel Adams included blanks under the problems for readers to do their own sums, "thrifty New Englanders continued to use" the text, even after past pupils filled them with figuring (Karpinski, 134). This copy is a prime example of a student using all the space afforded to them to work out the solutions to copious math problems. One can only hope they were rewarded with a good grade for their stylish handwriting, as the very least; this cataloguer cannot speak to the accuracy of their sums. Quarto. 8.75'' x 5''. Original sheepskin-backed marbled boards. Various charts throughout. 216 pages, collated complete. Contemporary ownership inscription to front flyleaf, "Isaac Farley his / property bought January 12 / 1804 of Leonard Whiting price 5/3 / the twentieth year of his age." Contemporary owner name to verso of title page, "Thomas J Dons / Book." Extensive contemporary mathematical notation. Binding variously scuffed, with edgewear and loss of marbled paper to rear. Front hinge carefully reinforced, a couple subtle repairs to verso of front flyleaf; two fly leaves renewed, one to front and one to rear. Leaves with some soiling and scattered foxing. Sound overall.