University of Virginia Library

SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICS.

Prof. Venable.

This School embraces two distinct departments or courses:

• 1. Pure Mathematics.

• 2. Mixed Mathematics.

Pure Mathematics.

In the course of Pure Mathematics there are three classes, Junior,
Intermediate, and Senior.

Junior Class.—Theory of Arithmetical Operations and Notation,
Algebra, Geometry and Geometrical Conic Sections, with discussions
of the Ancient Geometrical Analysis, the Theory of Transversals, and
other subjects of Modern Geometry. The preparation desirable for
this class is the thorough study of Arithmetic, of Algebra through
Equations of the Second Degree, and of the first four books of Legendre
or Euclid.

Intermediate Class.—Plane and Spherical Trigonometry with Applications,
Analytical Geometry of two Dimensions, the Theory of
Equations, and Elements of Descriptive Geometry.

Senior Class.—Analytical Geometry of three Dimensions, the Differential
and Integral Calculus with applications to the Theory of
Probabilities, and the Determination of Mean Values and Centres of
Gravity, and the Calculus of Variations. Lectures are given to this
class on the History of Mathematics, and on some points in Controversial
Mathematics, with brief discussions of the elements of Tri-linear
Coördinates, of the Theory of Determinants, the Theory of
Complex Functions, and of the principles of the Method of Quaternions.

Text Books—Junior Class—Venable's Higher Arithmetic, Todhunter's
Algebra, Legendre's Geometry. For reference and examples.
Pott's Euclid.

Intermediate Class.—Snowball's Trigonometry, Law's Logarithms,
Puckle's Conic Sections (Analytical Geometry), Church's
Descriptive Geometry. For reference, Todhunter's Theory of Equations.

Senior Class.—Aldis' Solid Geometry, Courtney's Calculus, Todhunter's
Differential and Integral Calculus.

In the Junior Class there are three lectures each week: in the Intermediate
Class, two lectures each week: in the Senior Class, three
lectures each week.

Mixed Mathematics.

This course is designed for those students who may desire to prosecute
their studies beyond the limits of the Pure Mathematics. It
embraces Applications of the Differential and Integral Calculus to
selected portions of Mechanics, Physics, and Physical Astronomy.
There is one class in the Mixed Mathematics.

In the Class of Mixed Mathematics there are two lectures each
week.

The instruction in each class in the School of Mathematics 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 each 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.

In the course of these lectures notes will be given on the methods
of instruction in Mathematics for the benefit of those students, who
desire to become teachers in this department of study.

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