SOUTHERN MATHEMATICS.–

24. March 2008 by admin.

SOUTHERN MATHEMATICS.–

General D. H. Hill, who was captured at Roanoke Island, is rather a remarkable character. He has written one or two theological works of some note. He is also a mathematician. The youthful rebels are allowed to regale themselves at school with Hill’s Elements of Algebra, a work which is conceived in the true spirit of a gallant Southron. One would think it rather difficult to give mathematical instruction such a form as to imbue pupils with contempt and hatred for the North. But Hill has attempted the work, and has displayed no little ingenuity in the effort. He has framed problems beginning in the following sytly:

“A Yankee mixes a certain quantity of wooden nutmegs, which cost him one fourth cent apiece, with a quantity of real nutmegs, worth four cents apiece,” etc.

“A Northern railroad is assessed one hundred and twenty thousand dollars damages for contusions and broken limbs caused by a collision of cars.”

“The years in which the Governors of Massachusetts and Connecticut send treasonable messages to their respective legislatures, is expressed by four digits.”

“The field of battle of Buena Vista is six and a half miles from Saitillo. Two Indiana volunteers ran away from the field of battle at the same time.”

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