Elements of Algebra

’ISEMENT TO THE THIRD EDITION. HAVING prefixed my name to the present edition of Euler’s Algebra, it may be proper to give some account of the Translation; which I shall do with the greater pleasure, because it furnishes a favorable opportunity of associating my own labors, with those of my distinguished pupil, and most excellent friend, the late FRANCIS HORNER, M. P. When first placed under my tuition, at the critical and interesting age of seventeen, he soon discovered uncommon powers of intellect, and the most ardent thirst for knowledge, united with a docility of temper, and a sweetness of disposition, which rendered instruction, indeed, a “delightful task.” His diligence and attention were such, as to require the frequent interposition of some rational amusement, in order to prevent the intenseness of his application from injuring a constitution, which, though not delicate, had never been robust. Perceiving that the natural tendency of his mind led to the exercise of reason, rather than to the indulgence of fancy;—that he was particularly interested in discussing the merits of some specious theory, in exposing fallacies, and in forming legitimate inductions, from any premises, that were a 2