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History of Mathematics

Guide to materials about the history and teaching of mathematics held by The Bancroft Library.

Theodore P. Hill Collection

The Theodore P. Hill Collection consists of American mathematical works, predominantly textbooks for grade school and high school students, published prior to 1901. It includes multiple editions of some works and several progressive series as well as influential works featuring pedagogical innovations such as Byrne’s colorful pictorial presentation of Euclid.

Image of page 48 of Byrne's Euclid Book 1 Prop XLVII

 

 

The first six books of the elements of Euclid, in which coloured diagrams and symbols are used instead of letters for the greater ease of learners.
London: William Pickering, 1847.
Z239.2 .C47 1847b
https://search.library.berkeley.edu/permalink/01UCS_BER/1thfj9n/alma991008569929706532

Sample Titles from the Collection

Here are some examples of textbooks in The Bancroft Library collection:

 

Bartolache, José Ignacio, 1739-1790. 

Lecciones matematicas

Mexico: Impreso con las licencias necesarias en la Imprenta de La Bibliotéca Mexicána, puente del Esp. Santo, su precio tres reales, MDCCLXIX [1769]

x F1225.4.B13

https://search.library.berkeley.edu/permalink/01UCS_BER/1thfj9n/alma991027693709706532

 

Pike, Nicolas, 1743-1819.

A new and complete system of arithmetic : composed for the use of the citizens of the United States . Newbury-port: Printed and sold by John Mycall, MDCCLXXXVIII [1788]

QA101 .P55 1788

https://search.library.berkeley.edu/permalink/01UCS_BER/op3pcd/alma991015592589706532

 

Lacroix, S. F. (Silvestre François), 1765-1843. 

Traité élémentaire de calcul différentiel et de calcul intégral.

Paris: Courcier, 1806

QA303 .L14 1806

2. éd., rev. et corr.

https://search.library.berkeley.edu/permalink/01UCS_BER/1thfj9n/alma991012515299706532

 

Colburn, Warren, 1793-1833.

First lessons in arithmetic on the plan of Pestalozzi : with some improvements.

Boston: Cummings and Hilliard, 1822.

QA101 .C6815 1822  

2d. ed.

https://search.library.berkeley.edu/permalink/01UCS_BER/op3pcd/alma991047135739706532

 

Beecher, Catharine Esther, 1800-1878.

Arithmetic simplified : prepared for the use of primary schools, female seminaries, and high schools : in three parts ....

Hartford: D.F. Robinson & co., 1833.

QA101 .B4 1833 

2nd ed.

https://search.library.berkeley.edu/permalink/01UCS_BER/op3pcd/alma991047136689706532

 

Davies, Charles, 1798-1876.

The common school arithmetic : prepared for the use of academies and common schools in the United States, and also for the use of the young gentlemen who may be preparing to enter the military academy at West Point.

Albany, N.Y.: O. Steel, 1834.

 t QA101 .D228 1834b   

https://search.library.berkeley.edu/permalink/01UCS_BER/op3pcd/alma991047307819706532