THE following pages contain an account of the development of the study of mathematics in the university of Cambridge, and the means by which proficiency in that study was at various times tested. The general arrangement is as follows.

The first seven chapters are devoted to an enumeration of the more eminent Cambridge mathematicians, arranged chronologically. I have in general contented myself with mentioning the subject-matter of their more important works, and indicating the methods of exposition which they adopted, but I have not attempted to give a detailed analysis of their writings. These chapters necessarily partake somewhat of the nature of an index. A few remarks on the general characteristics of each period are given in the introductory paragraphs of the chapter devoted to it; and possibly for many readers this will supply all the information that is wanted.

The following chapters deal with the manner in which at different times mathematics was taught, and the means by which proficiency in the study was tested. The table of contents will shew how they are arranged. Some knowledge of the constitution, organization and general history of the university is, in my opinion, essential to any who would understand the way in which mathematics was introduced into the university curriculum, and its relation to other departments of study. I have therefore added in chapter xi. (as a sort of appendix) a very brief sketch of the general history of the university for any of my readers who may not be acquainted with the larger works which deal with that subject.