University of Virginia Library

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, the course of Algebra,
commenced in the preceding class, is completed, and 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 Leveling, 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.

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' or
Davies' 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, Davies' Analytical
Geometry, Young's Differential Calculus, and Young's Integral
Calculus. For the class of Mixed Mathematics, Pratt's Mechanical
Philosophy.

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.