XIV PREFACE. 



way to the general theory of probabilities, and, perhaps, 

 from thence to the pursuit of other branches of science. 

 There are strong instances in favour of such a suppo- 

 sition. Many persons in this country have begun by 

 the common studies of an accountant, have been led to 

 an elementary knowledge of algebra and to the use of 

 logarithms by seeing the value of such information in 

 their particular pursuit, and have ended by becoming, 

 in many cases well informed, and in some instances 

 eminent, mathematicians. 



Nothing is of more importance, as a help in holding 

 out every bait by which students may be drawn to the 

 exact sciences, than the co-operation of the universities ; 

 which, though they do not possess much power of intro- 

 ducing subjects into general study, yet have great influ- 

 ence in the settlement of the manner in which those 

 things shall be learned, the advantages of which have 

 been, or may be, felt by the community at large. If 

 ever it should happen that a particular branch of know- 

 ledge becomes in request, it would be of much advan- 

 tage if those institutions would forthwith appropriate and 

 liberalise it; to do which nothing more would be neces- 

 sary than to promote the study of it among their aspir- 

 ants to distinction. The consequence would be, that it 

 would find a place in the elementary works which so 

 frequently appear; and not only a place, but its place; 

 that is, in proper connection with other branches of 

 learning, and treated by methods which would preserve 

 that connection. Those who begin to study it in their 

 younger days for professional purposes would be led to 

 the method which bore the sanction of the universities, 

 and not unfrequently to the pursuit of other subjects 

 immediately connected with it. 



