The Young Mathematician's Guide; Being a Plain and Easy Introduction to the Mathematicks, John Ward, 1728
John Ward's The Young Mathematician's Guide was a successful early eighteenth-century mathematical textbook, intended to provide students and practical readers with an accessible grounding in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, conic sections and the mathematics of infinites. First published in 1707, it went through numerous editions and became one of the better-known English mathematical manuals of its period. Ward (c.1648-1729), a mathematician and teacher in London, placed particular emphasis on clear explanations and worked examples, combining theoretical mathematics with subjects of practical commercial importance. This fifth edition of 1728 was corrected by the author and augmented with newly calculated tables of compound interest at five per cent.
The Young Mathematician's Guide; Being a Plain and Easy Introduction to the Mathematicks, in Five Parts; Viz. Arithmetick; Algebra; The Elements of Geometry; Conick Sections; The Arithmetick of Infinioes. By John Ward. The Fifth Edition, carefully Corrected; and New Tables of Compound Interest at Five per Cent. Calculated, and Added by the Author.
Printed for A. Bettesworth and F. Fayram, London, 1728. Fifth Edition.
An attractive hardback volume in contemporary panelled calf with blind embossed designs and the initials 'D.M.R. to both boards. The spine with raised bands and a burgundy morocco title label. Covers with age-related wear and some small losses to leather at extremities. A lucky survivor - the top of the upper board and approximately the first 100 pages have a scalloped burn indentation to the top edge, principally affecting the topmost page titles and generally not the main text. The book however survived this ordeal and the after-effects create an interesting taking point!
Endpapers cracked at inner hinges, but all soundly bound. The blank endpapers have contemporary ink doodles and inscribed names. Text pages are generally clear and legible with expected age-toning. Occasional scattered spotting, soiled area, and the odd owner's ink mark. With mathematical diagrams and tables.
Text in English.
(vii) + 456pp. Missing portrait frontispiece.
Weight approximately 494g.
Dimensions: Approximately 198mm high x 135mm wide x 35mm deep.