Page images
PDF
EPUB

All the truths of Geometry necessary to carry out fully the plan of the present work, are made accessible to the general reader, without departing from the exactness of the geometrical methods. This has been done by omitting the demonstrations altogether, and relying for the impression of each particular truth on a pointed question and an illustration by a diagram. In this way, it is believed that all the important properties of the geometrical figures may be learned in a few weeks; and after these properties are developed in their practical applications, the mind receives a conviction of their truth little short of what is afforded by rigorous demonstration.

The work is divided into seven Books, and each book is subdivided into sections.

In Book I. the properties of the geometrical figures are explained by questions and illustrations.

In Book II. are explained the construction and uses of the various scales, and also the construction of geometrical figures. It is, as its title imports, Practical Geometry.

Book III. treats of Drawing.-Section I., of the Elements of the Art; Section II., of Topographical Drawing; and Section III., of Plan-Drawing.

Book IV. treats of Architecture,-explaining the different orders, both by descriptions and drawings.

Book V. contains the application of the principles of Geometry to the mensuration of surfaces and solids. A separate rule is given for each case, and the whole is illustrated by numerous and appropriate examples.

Book VI. is the application of the preceding parts to Artificers' Work. It contains full explanations of all the scales and measures used by mechanics—the construction of these scales-the uses to which they are applied

-and specific rules for the calculations and computations which are necessary in practical operations.

Book VII. is an introduction to Mechanics. It explains the nature and properties of matter, the laws of motion and equilibrium, and the principles of all the simple machines.

From the above explanations, it will be seen that the work is entirely practical in its objects and character. Many of the examples have been selected from a small work somewhat similar in its object, recently published in Dublin, by the Commissioners of National Education, and some from a small French work of a similar character. Others have been taken from Bonnycastle's Mensuration, and the Library of Useful Knowledge was freely consulted in the preparation of Book VII. A friend, Lt. Richard Smith, also furnished most of the first and second sections of Book III.; and the third section was chiefly taken from an English work.

The author has indulged the hope that the present work, together with his First Lessons in Arithmetic for Beginners, his Arithmetic, Elementary Algebra, and Elementary Geometry, will form an elementary course of mathematical instruction adapted to the wants of Practical men, Academies and the higher grade of schools. WEST POINT, March, 1846.

COURSE OF MATHEMATICS.

DAVIES' FIRST LESSONS IN ARITHMETIC,-For beginners. DAVIES' ARITHMETIC-Designed for the use of academies and schools. KEY TO DAVIES' ARITHMETIC.

DAVIES' ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA ;-Being an introduction to the Science, and forming a connecting link between ARITHMETIC and AL

GEBRA.

KEY TO DAVIES' ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA.

DAVIES' ELEMENTARY GEOMETRY.-This work embraces the elementary principles of Geometry. The reasoning is plain and concise, but at the same time strictly rigorous.

DAVIES' ELEMENTS OF DRAWING AND MENSURATION.Applied to the Mechanic Arts. A book for the instruction and use of Practical Men.

DAVIES' BOURDON'S ALGEBRA,-Being an abridgment of the work of M. Bourdon, with the addition of practical examples.

DAVIES' LEGENDRE'S GEOMETRY AND TRIGONOMETRY,— Being an abridgment of the work of M. Legendre, with the addition of a Treatise on MENSURATION OF PLANES AND SOLIDS, and a Table of LoGARITHMS and LOGARITHMIC SINES.

DAVIES' SURVEYING,-With a description and plates of, the THEODOLITE, COMPASS, PLANE-TABLE, and LEVEL-also, Maps of the ToroGRAPHICAL SIGNS adopted by the Engineer Department—an explanation of the method of surveying the Public Lands, and an Elementary Treatise on NAVIGATION.

DAVIES' ANALYTICAL GEOMETRY,-Embracing the EQUATIONS OF THE POINT AND STRAIGHT LINE of the CONIC SECTIONS-of the LINE AND PLANE IN SPACE-also, the discussion of the GENERAL EQUATION of the second degree, and of SURFACES of the second order.

DAVIES' DESCRIPTIVE GEOMETRY,—With its application to SPHERICAL PROJECTIONS.

DAVIES' SHADOWS AND LINEAR PERSPECTIVE.

DAVIES' DIFFERENTIAL AND INTEGRAL CALCULUS.

(iv)

[blocks in formation]
« PreviousContinue »