186

Sarah Allen (b. ca. 1800)

Manuscript Cyphering Book with Quills.

Billerica, Massachusetts, 1818.
Folio format softcover handwritten notebook on laid paper watermarked 1813, consisting of approximately 70 leaves, all but the last 5 inscribed with increasingly complex math problems and exercises with many calculations and scenarios relevant to mercantile pursuits; bound in the original rough paper wrappers with a handy slot sewed inside the front cover to accept 3 quill pens (pens present); 12 x 7 1/2 in.

It is unclear how many young women and girls were instructed in complex mathematics in the United States in the early part of the 19th century. New England make sense for our pupil, and we can confirm this work as American because some exercises include instructions to change federal money to New England and Virginia currency; to change New York and North Carolina currency to Federal money; and so on. This particular book begins with reduction (including troy weights and currency exchange), and then moves on to compound multiplication, compound division, decimal fractions, single rule of three, compound proportion, vulgar fractions, tare & tret, simple interest, compound interest, single & double fellowship, duodecimals, extraction of the square root & cube root, discount, loss & gain, single & double position, barter, and alligation medial. A few scraps of paper are inserted with equations, one that also bears Sarah's first name.

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April 23, 2026 10:30 AM EDT
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