COMPUTATIONS OF Z. COLBURN. 
9 
IV. 
Remarks and Elucidations of the Methods of Computation used 
by the American Boy , Zerah Colburn. In a Letter from 
Mr. S. Ellis. 
To Mr. Nicholson. 
SIR, 
T HE communications of the Philosophical Journal show, On numerical 
that many persons have not a notion of any fixed raleTy computations, 
which the calculating boy conducts his arithmetical operations. fhose C perform- 
But I cannot accede to the opinion of those gentlemen who ed by Z. Col- 
suppose that the process is unknown to the most intelligent 0 f ® jurn * 
our great mathematicians. It is probably comprehended by 
them all ; though an explanation of it has not yet been pre- 
sented to the public. The learned and scientific cannot devote 
their days to the developement of subjects merely curious, 
and not possessing any claim to utility. Their pursuits are 
directed to objects of more importance j and the computing 
boy had not to apprehend, that any celebrated mathematician 
would take the trouble to invalidate his pretensions to a rule, 
distinguished only by a novelty of application, but having no 
great novelty of character, and no character of utility. The 
humility of my talents excluding me from all avocations of 
real consequence, I shall endeavour to explain those numerical 
operations which have failed to excite the investigations of the 
more capable and proficient. 
Every one will readily concede to the young calculator his 
just portion of merit. The mental qualities essential to a good 
memory were native and his own ; his original faculties of 
comprehension may have been uncommonly vigorous and 
acute j and the distinguishing habits of his infancy may have 
reflected indications of an intellect peculiarly susceptible of 
that mechanical intelligence, which has been communicated to 
him at this early period of life. The leading facilities to extra- 
ordinary attainments, were, perhaps, spontaneously exhibited ; 
and the singular direction that has been given to his juvenile 
studies, evinces the confidence which was entertained of his 
Intel* 
