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.