University of Virginia Library

III.—MATHEMATICS.

PROFESSOR COURTENAY.

In this school there are four classes.

Of these, the Junior commences with the theory of Arithmetic,
the student being supposed to have rendered himself practically
familiar with its various rules before entering the University.
The elements of Algebra are then taught, and after the first difficulties
are mastered, the subjects of Algebra and Synthetic
Geometry are pursued simultaneously.

In the second or Intermediate Class, after completing the
course of Algebra, commenced in the preceding class, there are
taught successively the theory of Plane and Spherical Trigonometry,
with the application of the former to the measurement of
heights and distances, and of the latter to Nautical Astronomy,
the theory and practice of Land Surveying and Levelling, Navigation,

and Descriptive Geometry, with its applications to Spherical
Projections, Shadows, and Perspective.

The Senior Class begins with the subject of Analytical Geometry,
and subsequently studies the Differential Calculus, concluding
the course of Pure Mathematics with the Integral Calculus.

There is also a class of Mixed Mathematics, designed exclusively
for such of the more advanced students as may desire to
study the subjects taught therein.

The course embraces the mathematical investigation of the
general laws of equilibrium and motion, both of solids and fluids,
with a variety of applications, especially to Physical Astronomy.

It consists chiefly of selections from the works of Poisson,
Francœur, Pontecoulant, and others.

The instruction in each class is conveyed partly by lectures, and
partly by the systematic study of approved text-books, the student
being assisted by full and frequent explanations from the Professor,
and being constantly subjected to rigid examinations. The progress
of the student in every class is also tested by his being
required to perform written exercises, in which the principles
acquired are applied to the solution of particular problems.

The text-books used are: for the Junior Class, Lacroix's Arithmetic,
Davies' Bourdon's Algebra, and Legendre's Geometry.
For the Intermediate Class, Bourdon's Algebra, Legendre's Geometry
and Trigonometry, Davies' Surveying, and Descriptive
Geometry. For the Senior Class, Davics' Analytical Geometry,
Young's Differential Calculus, and Young's Integral Calculus.

Any student entering the school has the privilege of attending
all or any of the classes, as he may elect, and if prepared to enter
an advanced class, may often find it highly advantageous to
review his previous studies by an attendance on a lower class also.