An Elementary Treatise on Solid Geometry (Classic Reprint)

A clear, problem‑driven guide to planes, lines, and curved surfaces.

This edition presents foundational ideas in solid geometry with practical explanations and worked examples. It covers core topics such as planes, lines, conicoids, and a thorough look at surfaces of second degree, including their generating lines and plane sections. The book builds a solid base for students and self‑learners who want to understand the geometry of three‑dimensional figures through hands‑on problems and clear reasoning.

Inside you’ll find structured coverage of planes and straight lines, then a deep dive into conicoids and their properties. The text guides you through tangent planes, polar planes, and enveloping surfaces, with emphasis on how different surfaces interact and what that means for problem solving. There are practical examples and exercises that reinforce concepts as you progress.

• Foundational techniques for working with planes, lines, and their intersections
• In‑depth treatment of conicoids, including generating lines and central sections
• Methods for analyzing plane sections, tangents, and reciprocal relationships
• Worked examples and problems to build confidence in geometric reasoning

Ideal for students building a geometric toolkit, as well as readers who want a rigorous, example‑driven introduction to three‑dimensional geometry.

Charles E. Smith is Professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and Director of Cardiothoracic and Trauma Anesthesia, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA.