excerpt from the book..The lectures, essays, and other matter contained in these pages havebeen discovered recently in a well-worn desk which was formerly theproperty of a Lady Professor of Girtham College; and as they containsome original thoughts and investigations, they have been consideredworthy of publication.How they came into the possession of the present writer it is not hisintention to disclose; but inasmuch as they seemed to his unscientificmind to contain some important discoveries which might be useful to theworld, he determined to investigate thoroughly the contents of themysterious desk, and make the public acquainted with its profoundtreasures. He found some documents which did not refer exactly to thesubject of 'Polemical Mathematics;' but knowing the truth of the Hindooproverb, 'The words of the wise are precious, and never to bedisregarded,' and feeling sure that this Lady Professor of GirthamCollege was entitled to that appellation, he ventured to include them inthis volume, and felt confident that in so doing he would be carryingout the intention of the Authoress, had she expressed any wishes on thesubject. In fact, as he valued the interests of the State and his ownpeace of mind, he dared not withhold any particle of that which heconceived would confer a lasting benefit on mankind.