The General Theory of Equations, which is often embraced in a volume by itself, is necessarily briefly treated. All the essential points, however, receive attention, and are, it is believed, rendered sufficiently intelligible. This part of the work may not always be required for the purposes of recitation, and undoubtedly will not be so used, in many cases, yet it will be found of great value for occasional reference. Recurring Equations, Binomial Equations, Cardan's Rule for solving Cubic Equations, and other methods seldom called into use by the practical algebraist, have been put in the form of an Appendix. The valuable works of Lefebure de Fourcy, Reynaud, Mayer and Choquet, and Todhunter, have been freely consulted; but whatever material these have furnished has been assimilated in language and style. Many eminent teachers have kindly furnished hints and suggestions which have been of great service. But more than a general acknowledgment is due to H. B. Maglathlin, A. M. The greater part of the editorial labor of this volume has been performed by him; and he, therefore, must share largely the credit of whatever merit it may possess. BRADFORD, MASS., Sept. 1, 1864. |