Elements of Algebra

ADVERTISEMENT. v lation at first, without any eulogium on his character and talents, while living, of course; but he modestly, though, at the same time, resolutely opposed it, saying that whatever merit or emolument might be attached to the work, it belonged to me. The same proposal was made to him, on publishing the second edition*; but he still persisted in his former determination. From the pleasure and instruction which he received from Euler's Algebra, it was natural for him to wish to know something more of the life and character of that profound mathematician. Having therefore in some measure satisfied his curiosity, and collected the necessary materials, by consulting the ordinary sources of information, I advised him, by way of literary exercise, to draw up a biographical Memoir on the subject. He readily complied with my wishes; and this may be considered as one of his earliest productions. Its merits would do credit, in my opinion, to any writer; and therefore in appreciating them, the reader will not deem any apology necessary on account of the author's youth. I have been led into this short detail of circumstances, first, because I disdain the contemptible vanity of shining in what may be thought borrowed plumes, and because I feel a melancholy pleasure in speaking of my highly valued, and * The care of correcting the press for this edition was entrusted to Mr. P. Barlow, being engaged myself, at that time, in the laborious employment of editing the Bible.