Short Cuts in Figures by A. Frederick Collins
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Published in 1908, 'Short Cuts in Figures' is exactly what it sounds like: a practical guide to doing arithmetic faster and smarter. Author A. Frederick Collins, a prolific writer on science and technology for everyday people, compiles a treasure trove of mental math techniques. He walks you through clever methods for quick multiplication, division, and handling fractions—all designed to be done without paper, relying on pattern recognition and simplification.
The Story
There's no fictional plot here, but there is a clear narrative: it's you versus the numbers, and this book is your cheat code. Collins presents each 'short cut' as a neat little puzzle to solve. He starts with the basics and builds up to more complex calculations, teaching you how to break seemingly hard problems into easy, manageable steps you can perform in your head. The 'story' is the journey of unlocking a more intuitive and confident way to handle everyday math.
Why You Should Read It
This book is a joy for two big reasons. First, the techniques genuinely work and feel like magic tricks. There's a real satisfaction in multiplying 96 by 104 in seconds. Second, and more importantly, it's a fascinating look at historical literacy. This was a book for clerks, shopkeepers, and students—a tool for practical efficiency in a pre-digital world. Reading it connects you to the everyday intellectual toolkit of over a century ago.
Final Verdict
Perfect for curious minds, history lovers, and anyone who wants to build a better relationship with numbers. It’s not a dry manual; it's a collection of intellectual party tricks from a bygone era. If you enjoy 'life hack' videos or popular science, you'll get a kick out of this original source material. Just be warned: you might start showing off your new mental math skills at the dinner table.
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