Mathematical Treasure: Leadbeater’s The Gentleman and Tradesman’s Compleat Assistant

Author(s):

Frank J. Swetz (The Pennsylvania State University)

During the 18th century, the British common folk were introduced to a variety of mathematical references. For example, “Ready Reckoners” were mostly easily-cited mathematical tables computed for specific applications. Some such works also included relevant instructions for making computations. The Gentleman and Tradesman’s Compleat Assistant, published by J. Leadbeater in 1768, was one of these. The second printing of 1769 is shown. A quote from Scripture dedicates the frontispiece.

Frontispiece from Leadbeater’s The Gentleman and Tradesman’s Compleat Assistant (1769).

The title page is more informative:

Title page from Leadbeater’s The Gentleman and Tradesman’s Compleat Assistant (1769).

In his opening statements, the author advises the study of arithmetic.

Page 1 from Leadbeater’s The Gentleman and Tradesman’s Compleat Assistant (1769).

A discussion on “squaring” and “square root”:

Page 200 from Leadbeater's The Gentleman and Tradesman’s Compleat Assistant (1769). Page 201 from Leadbeater's The Gentleman and Tradesman’s Compleat Assistant (1769).

Diagrams illustrating the construction and use of “perpendiculars”:

Page 210 from Leadbeater's The Gentleman and Tradesman’s Compleat Assistant (1769).

The full text is available to be viewed and read in the HathiTrust Archive.

Index to Mathematical Treasures

Frank J. Swetz (The Pennsylvania State University), "Mathematical Treasure: Leadbeater’s The Gentleman and Tradesman’s Compleat Assistant," Convergence (December 2020)

Convergence

Tags:

History of Mathematics