A Brief Course in the Calculus

Abstract

THIS is a new publication of an American book, and deals with both the differential and the integral calculus. Following the more recent English treatises on the same subject, the author begins with an introduction on graphs, in which he confines himself to the simplest cases of the usual functions. The value of such an introduction would, perhaps, be enhanced if the reader were shown how to draw quickly even rough graphs of such functions as x2 + x + 1, (x2 -1)/(x + 2), &c., indeed, of rational functions. The point of view of the author may be obtained from his own words (p. 27):—“The above examples represent loci whose asymptotes are easily determined by inspection. For other cases, particularly where the asymptotes are inclined to the axes, advanced treatises on the Calculus must be consulted.” A Brief Course in the Calculus. By W. Cain. Pp. x+280. (London: Blackie and Son, Ltd., 1909.) Price 6s. net.