PREFACE THE object of this book is to afford recreation for an idle hour and to excite the interest of young students in further mathematical inquiries. The topics discussed have therefore been selected with a view toward interesting students and mathematical amateurs, rather than experts and professors. The Table of Contents is logically arranged with respect to chapters; but it will be found that within the latter, the topics are subject to no regular law or order. Some of these are long, others short; some are serious, others are frivolous; some are logical, others are absurd. It is feared that many things which might have been included have been omitted, and that still others which should have been omitted, have been included. The indulgence of readers is craved for this seeming lack of consistency and it is submitted in extenuation that the very character of the subject, partaking as it does somewhat of the nature of the curio collection, renders a more orderly treatment practically impossible. The subject matter has been collected from many and divers sources and it is hoped that in spite of the complex nature of the work, the selection will appeal to the readers to whom it is addressed. December, 1916. H. E. L. iii 369855 |