Solid arithmetic foundations with practical, old‑school clarity
This revised edition presents essential arithmetic skills for school use, including a new chapter on decimal coinage. It combines clear explanations with ample, graded practice to build accuracy and confidence in computation.
Originally authored by John William Colenso, this edition adds notes, examination papers, and accessible guidance on the metric system of weights and measures. It focuses on the core operations—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—along with fractions, decimals, and proportional reasoning. A helpful appendix explains the metric system while acknowledging historical government guidelines and their changes over time.
The book is organized to support steady, independent practice for students and straightforward teaching support for instructors. It emphasizes arithmetic as a habit formed through regular work, with concrete examples and progressively challenging material.
- Structured lessons on elementary and compound arithmetic, including decimals and fractions
- Practical examples and end‑of‑chapter exercises to reinforce rules and methods
- Notes on measurement systems, plus examination papers for assessment
- Contextual guidance suited to classroom use and independent study
Ideal for learners seeking a solid, historically grounded arithmetic foundation and for educators planning methodical, hands‑on instruction.
John William Colenso was consecrated the first Bishop of Natal on 30th November 1853 and died at Bishopstowe in 1883. The publication of this Commentary on Romans in 1861 sparked a controversy over the legitimate lengths to which the Church could go in accommodating itself to African culture, with major consequences for church and society in South Africa. This remarkable book is now made available again in the hope that Colenso's courageous engagement with African culture may resonate with and inspire contemporary work on enculturation of the gospel.