"Promiscuous Questions in Vulgar Fractions," with "Promiscuous Examples," and Other Mathematical Delights, Including Pike's Arithmetic, Rule of Three, & c., & c.

America, 19th Century. Early cloth-covered boards; 13.5 x 8.25 inches; approx. pp. 140, completely full with equations handwritten in ink, with calligraphic headings decorated in color. Spine tips chipped, with gatherings exposed; corners and edges of boards a bit scuffed; hinges reinforced. Bright and beautiful text block.

This unique manuscript volume contains complex arithmetic not often seen in student workbooks of the period, such as perpetuities at compound interest, foreign exchange, insurance commission and brokerage, and more -- all of it spectacularly rendered. The simple (or complex) beauties of mathematical equations and arithmetic sequences are heightened here by the wonderful hand that elegantly carries them out. The penmanship is invariably tidy, refined, and frequently quite lovely, and it is remarkable that the hand which so deftly records the numbers and explanatory text is also capable of such variety in the subject headings -- from exacting, almost typographic block Roman letters, to ornate serifs that swirl into a whimsical face -- rendered in multiple, bright colors, and minute detail. Visually striking throughout, a distant look at a full page is as rewarding as the close scrutiny of a single element. And rigorous to boot, addressing vulgar fractions with promiscuous examples (which is so much fun to say), geometrical progression, annuities, ships' tonnage, cubic measure, and rules -- plenty of rules, rules made marvelous.