First notions of logic (preparatory to the study of geometry)

A clear, modest guide written for students stepping into formal reasoning, this work introduces the essential habits of inference that underpin mathematics and the sciences. Its author, a 19th‑century professor of mathematics, frames logic as a separate discipline that checks the structure of arguments rather than the truth of the facts they contain. By keeping the treatment concise, the text serves as a practical companion for anyone beginning the study of Euclid or similar rigorous subjects.

Readers will find the basics of logical form explained through everyday examples, such as translating “All men will die” into a universal statement and showing how conclusions follow if premises are true. The book walks through the reduction of complex sentences to simple affirmative or negative propositions, emphasizing careful analysis over rhetorical flair. It encourages learners to pursue logic further, promising a solid foundation for clearer thinking in any field.