The Young MathematicianÕs Guide. Being a plain and easie Introduction to the Mathematicks. In Five Parts. Viz. I. Arithmetic.II. Algebra.III. The Elements of GeometryÉ.V. Conick-Sections.V. The Arithmetic of InfinitiesÉ.With an Appendix of Practical Gauging.

Ward, John.

Published by London: Printed by Edw. Midwinter, for John Taylor. 1707.

About this Item

The title-page of describes John Ward (1648/9 Ð ca. 1730) as a former ÒChief Surveyor and Gauger-General in the Excise,Ó and the title-page of the 1719 edition notes that he was a ÒProfessor of Mathematicks in the City of Chester.Ó The first indication of WardÕs career in print is a 1695 broadsheet that advertised his beginner course in mathematics. Ward promised that his students Òin a Month or Six Weeks, may know more inÊArithmetickÊandÊGeometry, by help of thisÊAnalytics, than Ôtis possible he shouldÊEverÊcomprehend by any other Method.Ó The course was intended for boys of about twelve or thirteen years old. WardÕs first major publication was The Compendium of Algebra (1695), probably produced as a textbook for the course. The 1698 reprint of the work identifies him as a Òteacher of the mathematicks, at the Globe i[n] Fleet street.Ó Octavo. [viii], 451, [1, errata] pp. With an engraved frontisportrait by Vander Gucht. Text supplemented with numerous tables, equations, and diagrams throughout. Finely bound in contemporary green morocco paneled in gilt. Gilt spine expertly rebacked to style with red morocco spine label. All edges gilt. Marbled endpapers with contemporary bookplate of Yorkshire gentleman Ellerker Bradshaw of Risby and modern bookplate of computer pioneer and book collector Erwin Tomash (1921-2012). BradshawÕs signature and inscription, dated 1707, to preliminary blank. Some light wear and toning at top edge. Still, a fine copy, remarkably clean and fresh throughout, First edition of Òa mathematical bestseller in Georgian England and IrelandÉ [It] was attractive not only to school boys trying to learn mathematics for the first time, but alsoÉ to adult readers eager to have an easy, portable mathematical compendium in the vernacular.Ó The work went through twelve printings in London, Dublin printings, and a French translation. Ward dedicates the present work to Sir John Wentworth of North ElmÕs Hall in West Yorkshire, who not only encouraged the publication of the work but actually read WardÕs manuscript. Ward also includes a laudation from two famous Newtonian mathematicians, Joseph Raphson (fl. 1689Ð1712), and Humphrey Ditton (1675Ð1714), which strongly suggests WardÕs connections with the rising Newtonian movement within the Royal Society. Ellerker Bradshaw of Risby (1680 Ð 1742) was MP for Beverly in 1727-9. BradshawÕs inscription on the preliminary blank notes, in Latin, that he received the book from a friend. The fine morocco binding also indicates that it was a gift, possibly from the author or the dedicatee. Seller Inventory # 17152

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Young MathematicianÕs Guide. Being a ...

Publisher: London: Printed by Edw. Midwinter, for John Taylor. 1707.

Binding: Hardcover