12th Mar, 2025 10:00
The Fine Collectors Sale
(Mathematics). Georgian Era Arithmetic Workbook. England, c. 1800-1820
(Mathematics). Georgian Era Arithmetic Workbook. England, c. 1800-1820.
84-leaf blank book (200 x 165 mm). Original tan half skiver, waste paper marbled boards. Manuscript equations, notes, and calligraphic illustrations in coloured ink filling all 168 pages. Overwriting in a separate hand, dated 1820, on some pages. Spine rolled, boards worn, occasional smudges and spots to contents. Very good condition.
A substantial early 19th-century arithmetic workbook featuring several calligraphic headings with animal designs in coloured ink.
The workbook contains lessons and exercises in advanced arithmetic, focusing on multiplication, division, and the conversion of quantities. Its content is strongly mercantile in nature, with problems such as "In 552 common pounds of silk how many great pounds?"; "If I give 1£ 1s 8d for 3 lbs of coffee, what must be given for 29 lbs & 1 oz?"; and "What is the half rent of 547 acres of land at 15s 6d per acre per annum?"
In addition to arithmetic exercises, some pages feature overwriting in a different hand, with entries dated 1820. These appear to be records of sales of wood and wooden goods, adding an element of practical application to the volume. Such workbooks provide fascinating insight into the mathematical education and commercial practices of the Georgian period.
(Mathematics). Georgian Era Arithmetic Workbook. England, c. 1800-1820.
84-leaf blank book (200 x 165 mm). Original tan half skiver, waste paper marbled boards. Manuscript equations, notes, and calligraphic illustrations in coloured ink filling all 168 pages. Overwriting in a separate hand, dated 1820, on some pages. Spine rolled, boards worn, occasional smudges and spots to contents. Very good condition.
A substantial early 19th-century arithmetic workbook featuring several calligraphic headings with animal designs in coloured ink.
The workbook contains lessons and exercises in advanced arithmetic, focusing on multiplication, division, and the conversion of quantities. Its content is strongly mercantile in nature, with problems such as "In 552 common pounds of silk how many great pounds?"; "If I give 1£ 1s 8d for 3 lbs of coffee, what must be given for 29 lbs & 1 oz?"; and "What is the half rent of 547 acres of land at 15s 6d per acre per annum?"
In addition to arithmetic exercises, some pages feature overwriting in a different hand, with entries dated 1820. These appear to be records of sales of wood and wooden goods, adding an element of practical application to the volume. Such workbooks provide fascinating insight into the mathematical education and commercial practices of the Georgian period.
Auction: The Fine Collectors Sale, 12th Mar, 2025
