A Station Favorable to the Pursuits of Science: Primary Materials in the History of Mathematics at the United States Military Academy
A Station Favorable to the Pursuits of Science: Primary Materials in the History of Mathematics at the United States Military Academy

Author: Joe Albree

Publisher: American Mathematical Soc.

Published: 2000

Total Pages: 286

ISBN-13: 0821820591

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This book reveals the rich collection of mathematical works located at the nation's first military school, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. It outlines the relevant history of the Academy, discusses the mathematics department and curriculum, and describes the development of the library during the nineteenth century. A major part of this book is an annotated catalog of the more than 1300 works published between 1496 and 1915 found in the West Point library. Mathematics and its instruction greatly influenced the development of the Academy, the technological growth of America's army, and the standards of the military profession. These events, in turn, were crucial to the overall development of mathematics, mechanics, and engineering during the nineteenth century in the United States. Three individuals played a prominent role in this chronicle: Sylvanus Thayer, Charles Davies, and Albert Church. Listed are rare and historically valuable works in a broad range of mathematical subjects. The collection clearly shows the strong European influence on the early Academy. Also listed are numerous textbooks by West Point faculty and graduates; significant contributions were made by these writers to algebra, geometry, calculus, descriptive geometry, mechanics, surveying, and mathematics education. This book provides an important resource for the general audience as well as for those in pursuit of more scholarly information. It contains many interesting photographs and valuable details about the West Point collection. It is a must-have for anyone interested in mathematical books and collections.

Illustrated Catalogue of Drawing Instruments
Illustrated Catalogue of Drawing Instruments

Author: John Lyles

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2019-12-20

Total Pages: 142

ISBN-13: 1931626472

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Originally developed in 1993 for an auction of an Architect's private collection of over 1,500 drawing instruments and calculators; this extensive book is one of a few comprehensive references available for comparative study of these instruments. The original collection was assembled over a twelve year period from sources in the US and Europe. Each instrument is listed in a scientific format for comparative evaluation and identification. An abbreviations table supports this approach. Profusely illustrated with 113 color photos and 61 highly organized text pages. The Subject Index has over 400 individual references dissecting this impressive collective of instruments from the 18th C. thru the mid 20th century. Instruments are categorized by Maker, Country, Period of Manufacture and function. Different instrument makers and suppliers are referenced to over 300 individual items. The four page Table of Contents provides a logical and extremely useful subjective summary of the catalog contents so that whatever the instrument or drawing tool, its location can be easily found. The photographs were taken with the idea of showing these important instruments in a comparative array. Researchers and collectors will find this a valuable resource. These instruments represent a most prolific period of time in our history of invention and advancements in technology. Computers are the new tools which demand a new pace of design and documentation.... They leave behind the centuries of drawing instruments that were the connection from the hand to the paper.

The Correspondence of Henry D. Thoreau
The Correspondence of Henry D. Thoreau

Author: Henry David Thoreau

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2018-11-13

Total Pages: 719

ISBN-13: 0691189021

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This is the second volume in the first full-scale scholarly edition of Thoreau’s correspondence in more than half a century. When completed, the edition’s three volumes will include every extant letter written or received by Thoreau—in all, almost 650 letters, roughly 150 more than in any previous edition, including dozens that have never before been published. Correspondence 2 contains 246 letters, 124 written by Thoreau and 122 written to him. Sixty-three are collected here for the first time; of these, forty-three have never before been published. During the period covered by this volume, Thoreau wrote the works that form the foundation of his modern reputation. A number of letters reveal the circumstances surrounding the publication of A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers in May 1849 and Walden in August 1854, as well as the essays “Resistance to Civil Government” (1849; now known as “Civil Disobedience”) and “Slavery in Massachusetts” (1854), and two series, “An Excursion to Canada” (1853) and “Cape Cod” (1855). Writing and lecturing brought Thoreau a small group of devoted fans, most notably Daniel Ricketson, an independently wealthy Quaker and abolitionist who became a faithful correspondent. The most significant body of letters in the volume are those Thoreau wrote to Harrison Gray Otis Blake, a friend and disciple who elicited intense and complex discussions of the philosophical, ethical, and moral issues Thoreau explored throughout his life. Following every letter, annotations identify correspondents, individuals mentioned, and books quoted, and describe events to which the letters refer. A historical introduction characterizes the letters and connects them with the events of Thoreau’s life, a textual introduction lays out the editorial principles and procedures followed, and a general introduction discusses the history of the publication of Thoreau’s correspondence. Proper names, publications, events, and ideas found in both the letters and the annotations are included in the index, which provides full access to the contents of the volume.

A Source Book for Rule Collectors with Rule Concordance and Value Guide
A Source Book for Rule Collectors with Rule Concordance and Value Guide

Author: Phil Stanley

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2021-12-15

Total Pages: 337

ISBN-13: 149306472X

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Rule collectors rejoice! In A Source Book for Rule Collectors with Rule Concordance and Value Guide, Philip Stanley has crafted a masterfully comprehensive illustrated reference guide to the history, uses, and values of measuring instruments. ASource Book for Rule Collectors includes reprints of the best articles from the past 100 years dealing with rules and measurement; extensive coverage of the materials, construction, graduations and uses of rules; a detailed table of the European measures used before the metric system, for identifying rules by size and county of origin; a thorough cataloging of rule accessories; and a complete bibliography of reprints, articles, books, and publications dealing with measuring instruments. The included Rule Concordance and Value Guide gives complete information for identifying and comparing all rules by all major American makers; estimates for each rule’s value based on condition and maker; extensive information on rule value, including condition, selling environment, and charisma. This book is an essential reference. Rule enthusiasts will find the combination a pleasure to read. Mr. Stanley’s breadth of knowledge and his regard for the rules he discusses are apparent throughout. For the antique tool dealer, rule collector, and student of the history of technology, this book is essential.