In offering this work to my fellow teachers, a word of explanation is due.
The book was undertaken some years ago when the writer felt the want of a text-book adapted to the needs of students taking the general first year course in college. As the work has slowly progressed several text-books of very similar aim have appeared, and it must be admitted that the call is not so imperative now as formerly; and yet it is hoped that the treatment here presented may meet some still existing demand and so justify its existence.