Elementary Geometry, Practical and Theoretical A New Geometry for Schools

Abstract

EIGHT years ago the writer of this review, when publishing a small book on geometry for the use of pupils of eight or nine years of age, was assured by many friends that the attempt to get rid of Euclid's order and language was a hopeless one, and that, even if it were successful, the foundations of all logical thought in England would be destroyed. Against a strong conservatism it seemed vain to point out that the great developments of modern geometry were made by European mathematicians who were not brought up on Euclid. The question had been tackled before, but with no success. When, however, the British Association and the Mathematical Association appointed committees to grapple with the matter in earnest, the victory of reform was assured. The former body thought it wise to lay down generalities, while the latter went into such minute details as to the course to be pursued by teachers, and the propositions which should be included in school instruction, that it has been possible to embody its recommendations in definite systematic treatises, such as the two excellent works the titles of which are quoted above. Elementary Geometry, Practical and Theoretical. By C. Godfrey A. W. Siddons, Harrow. Pp. xi+355. (Cambridge: University Press, 1903.) Price 3s. 6d. A New Geometry for Schools. By S. Barnard J. M. Child, Technical College, Derby. Pp. xxvi+514. (London: Macmillan and Co., Ltd., 1903.) Price 4s. 6d.