Workbook of sophisticated mathematics by a textile factory scion, with allegorical animal illustrations.

£2,750 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

mathematics for Victorian entrepreneurs A charming nineteenth-century mathematics workbook focused on unusually sophisticated entrepreneurial calculations, completed by the son of a Yorkshire textile magnate. The engraved title of this volume gives the publisher as J.S. Publishing Stationery Co. of Otley, locating the manuscript to the Yorkshire area, and the pencilled ownership inscription reads, 'John Horsfall, Sept 26 - 1870'. This was most likely the second son of John Horsfall of Halifax (1823-1886). Horsfall was a 'classic Victorian entrepreneur' who originally trained as a plumber but entered the textile trade when he realised the opportunities offered by steam-powered mills. In 1863 he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, woollen manufacturer James Clay, and they founded their first mill in Luddenden Foot. Horsfall married in 1855 and had six children; John William was the second son and would go on to manage the company from 1905 to 1922. The firm is still in business as a manufacturer of textiles for the airline industry, including British Airways and Qantas (John Horsfall website). John William Horsfall's position in a manufacturing family explains the contents of this 106-page manuscript, which would only be relevant to a child expected to become an economic leader. Some of the mathematics are typical of education at the period, such as fractions, simple interest, monetary calculations, and algebraic problem solving in terms of the quantities and prices o

• Binding: Hardcover

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