 | Catalogue of the University of Virginia |  |
III—Mathematics.
PROFESSOR BLEDSOE.
ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR, EDWARD B. SMITH.
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 Levelling, Navigation, and Descriptive Geometry,
Shades, 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, Courtenay's Differential and
Integral Calculus. For the class of Mixed Mathematics,
Bartlett's Analytical Mechanics, Newton's Principia, and
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.
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