A First Book in Algebra by Wallace C. Boyden

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A First Book in Algebra by Wallace C. Boyden

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By Charlotte Girard Posted on Nov 15, 2025

In Category - Historical Fiction

Authors: Boyden, Wallace C. (Wallace Clarke), 1858-1937 Published By : Boyden, Wallace C. (Wallace Clarke), 1858-1937

Book Language: English

Okay, hear me out. I know what you're thinking: an algebra textbook from 1890? But trust me, this isn't your dusty old schoolbook. 'A First Book in Algebra' by Wallace C. Boyden is a quiet little time capsule. It's not about a plot twist or a villain. The mystery is how a book designed to teach basic math can feel so different from anything we use today. It's the story of how we used to think about learning. The conflict is between the simple, almost gentle way it explains things and our modern, fast-paced world. Picking it up is like having a conversation with a very patient, clear-headed teacher from over a century ago. It's strangely calming and makes you wonder what we've lost in how we teach.

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_Reasons for annulling the pretended Assembly at_ Linlithgow, 1608. _Reasons for annulling the pretended Assembly at_ Glasgow, 1610. _Reasons for annulling the pretended Assembly at_ Aberdene, 1616. _The nullitie of the pretended Assembly at_ Saint Andrews, 1617. _Reasons for annulling the pretended Assembly, holden at_ Perth, 1618. Act. Sess. 13. December 5. 1638. _Against the unlawfull oaths of intrants._ Act. Sess. 14. December 6. 1638. _Condemning the Service-book, Book of Canons, Book of Ordination, and the high Commission._ _Sentence of deposition and excommunication against Mr._ John Spottiswood, _pretended Archbishop of St._ Andrews; _Mr._ Patrik Lindsay, _pretended Archbishop of_ Glasgow: _Mr._ David Lindsay, _pretended Bishop of_ Edinburgh: _Mr._ Thomas Sidserfe, _pretended Bishop of_ Galloway: _Mr._ John Maxwell, _pretended Bishop of_ Rosse: _Mr._ Walter Whyt-foord, _pretended Bishop of_ Brechen. _Sentence of deposition and excommunication, against_ Mr. Adam Ballantyne, _pretended Bishop of_ Aberdeen, _and Mr. James Wedderburn pretended Bishop of_ Dumblane. _Sentence of deposition against Master_ John Guthry, _pretended Bishop of_ Murray: _Mr._ John Grahame, _pretended Bishop of_ Orknay, _Mr._ James Fairlie, _pretended Bishop of_ Lismoir: _Mr._ Neil Cambell, _pretended Bishop of_ Isles. _Sentence of deposition against Maister_ Alexander Lindsay _pretended Bishop of_ Dunkell. _Sentence of deposition against Master_ John Abernethie _pretended Bishop of_ Cathnes. Act of the Assembly at _Glasgow_, Sess. 16. December 8. 1638. _Declaring Episcopacie to have been abjured by the Confession of Faith_, 1580. _And to be removed out of this Kirk._ Act. Sess. 17. December 10. 1638. _The Assembly at_ Glasgow, _declaring the five Articles of_ Perth _to have been abjured and to bee removed._ Act. Sess. 21. December 17. 1638. Act. Sess. 23, 24. December 17. 18. Act Sess. 14. December 18. 1638. Act. Sess. 25. December 19. 1638. _Against the civil places and power of Kirk-men._ Act Sess. 26. December 20. 1638. Act. Sess. 26. December 20. 1638. Act Sess. 26. December 20. 1638. Act Sess. 26. December 20. Act Sess. 26. December 20. 1638. _Concerning the subscribing the confession of Faith lately subscribed by his Majesties Commissioner, and urged to be subscribed by others._ Act. Sess. 26. December 20. 1638. _Concerning yearly generall Assemblies._ _Ordaining an humble supplication to be sent to the Kings Majestie._ The General Assembly, At Edinburgh, 1639. Sess. 8. August 17. 1639. _Master_ George Grahame _his renouncing and abjuring of Episcopacie._ Sess. 8. August 17. 1639. _Act containing the Causes and Remedie of the by-gone Evils of this Kirk._ Sess. 18. Aug. 26. 1639. _Act approving an old Register of the Generall Assembly._ Act Sess. 19. August 27. 1639. _Act approving the deposition of the Ministers by the Committees._ Act Sess. 20. Aug. 28. 1639. _Act anent receiving of deposed Ministers._ Act Sess. 21. August 29. 1639. _Act anent the keeping of the Lords Day._ Act Sess. 22. Aug. 29. 1639. _a Meridie._ _Articles and Overtures approved by the Assembly._ Sess. 23. August 30. 1639. _The Supplication of the General Assembly to the Kings Majesties Commissioner, concerning the Book, called_, The large Declaration. _The Supplication of the Assembly to His Majesties High Commissioner, and the Lords of secret Councell._ _The Act of the Lords of Councel at_ Edinburgh, August 30. 1639. _containing the_ Answer _of the preceding_ Supplication. _The Kings Majesties Commissioners Declarations._ _Like as his Majesties Commissioner, read and gave in the Declaration following, of his consent to the Act of the Assembly_ 17. August, _anent the causes of our by gone evils._ _Like as His Majesties Commissioner, read and gave in the Declaration following:_ _Act ordaining the subscription of the Confession of Faith and Covenant, with the Assemblies Declaration._ _Act anent Appellations._ _Act anent advising with Synods and Presbyteries...

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Continue Reading Full Book

Let's be clear from the start: this is a textbook. There's no protagonist, no dramatic climax. 'A First Book in Algebra' is exactly what it says on the cover—a beginner's guide to the subject, first published in 1890. Wallace C. Boyden walks the reader through the fundamentals: from simple equations and factoring to more complex topics like quadratic equations. It's a step-by-step manual, methodical and thorough.

Why You Should Read It

This is where it gets interesting. Reading Boyden's book feels like sitting in a one-room schoolhouse. The tone is direct and encouraging, without any flashy graphics or gimmicks. It assumes intelligence and a willingness to work. There's a quiet dignity in its approach that's almost absent from modern education. It's not trying to entertain you; it's trying to equip you. You get a real sense of what was considered essential knowledge for a young person over a hundred years ago.

Final Verdict

This book isn't for someone looking for a page-turning novel. It's a niche pick, but a fascinating one. It's perfect for history buffs, educators curious about pedagogical roots, or anyone who enjoys holding a piece of intellectual history in their hands. If you've ever complained that "they don't teach things the way they used to," here's your chance to see exactly how they did. It's a humble, insightful look back at the foundation of learning.

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